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Ah don't lean on me man, cause you can't afford the ticket
Star Cruises has become the first operator to homeport in Manila, and at the same time as the SuperStar Virgo's first on March 19, Genting Hong Kong has inked a deal to help develop cruise infrastructure in the Philippines.
It is our honor to call Manila SuperStar Virgos new homeport for the next few months. As an important market for Star Cruises and the cruise line brands under Genting Cruise Lines, it is our goal to continue to support the countrys tourism industry here in the Philippines and across the region, said Hui Lim, Executive Director of the Genting Group. We are proud of our long history with the Philippines as Star Cruises was the first major cruise line to recruit Filipinos for our vessels 24 years ago and we developed Resorts World Manila in partnership with Alliance Global Group.
We congratulate Star Cruises for believing in the Philippines, said Secretary Wanda Corazon Tulfo-Teo. Thank you for helping us get closer to our vision as a regional cruise center to serve as homeport and eventually as center for cruise crew training, maintenance services and ship building in the long term.
Genting Cruise Lines signed of the Memorandum Of Understanding with local stakeholders to pioneer and advance the cruise terminals and the overall cruise experience in the Philippines.
As part of Genting Cruise Lines on-going and long term commitment, this marks the beginning of a significant joint effort in creating new opportunities and to further develop best-in-class cruise infrastructures and facilities here in the Philippines added Hui Lim. Together with the support of the Philippine government and the various local agencies, we will continue to work closely to accelerate the growth of the cruise tourism in the Philippines and to maximize its full potential.
The SuperStar Virgo is offering a six-day/five-night cruise program from Manila with stops in Laoag, the capital of Ilocos Norte, Philippines, Kaohsiung, the largest southern port city in Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
Tahiti Tourisme and the Port of Papeete are embarking on an $8 million cruise international cruise terminal project due for completion in 2020. The project is financed by the Port of Papeete.
The terminal will be located in the center of Papeete and will accommodate up to three ships simultaneously and 2,000 turnaround passengers.
According to Paul Sloan, CEO with Tahiti Tourisme, who spoke with Cruise Industry News at a cruise event in Ft. Lauderdale in March, there are no cabotage rules governing Tahiti.
Thus, cruise ships can sail a more varied itinerary among Tahitis 118 islands.
Planned amenities include an aerial walk, luggage room, check-in counters, waiting room, duty free, snack bar/cafe and reservations facilities.
Concurrently, Papeete is planning a $12 million upgrade of its airport which is 3 km from the cruise port.
Airport capacity is presently 2.5 million passengers per year.
Upon completion of the upgrade the airport will be able to accommodate three departures (up to 950 passengers) at the same time.
Everywhere I go around the country, credit union professionals have a lot to say to me about overregulation and the challenges they are facing from too much red tape and too little flexibility. But one of the most pressing issues facing the industry the avalanche of regulation from the CFPB has a simple solution. Change the single-director structure to a five-person commission.
NAFCU has been advocating for this reform for years, and it is more important now than ever before. Right now, the bureaus structure is in legal limbo, making things even more difficult for the overregulated credit union industry.
In October 2016, a three-judge panel in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the bureaus existing structure a single director who could only be removed for cause is unconstitutional. The court did not shut down the bureau, but it gave the president increased power to supervise and remove the director. In the meantime, amid ongoing legal challenges, the CFPBs future is somewhat unclear.
Changing to a five-person commission, as advocated by NAFCU, would create an environment where more voices could weigh in on the bureaus efforts to protect consumers, and it could help avoid more unnecessarily broad regulation that hurts credit unions while doing little to rein in bad actors on Wall Street.
NAFCU staff will continue to advocate for this crucial reform and to monitor other issues on the regulatory front, including the Military Lending Act, field of membership, risk-based capital and cybersecurity. The regulatory landscape is complex, and we know its difficult for community institutions to keep up.
NAFCU is also preparing compliance tips and guidance for credit union professionals planning to attend our upcoming 50th Annual Conference & Solutions Expo in Honolulu, Hawaii, June 13-16. The week will be an excellent opportunity for credit union leaders to gather in one place and discuss the top issues affecting the industry today. Like so many NAFCU events, it will be a great chance to network with other professionals, learn new tricks of the trade and hear the latest on whats happening in Washington.
I hope to see you there but dont wait until June to get in touch with us. NAFCU depends on its members voices to help us provide the best, most effective advocacy around for the credit union industry. Keep us updated on your compliance concerns and challenges, and we will keep doing our part in Washington for you.
Our members are what make us great and we cant wait to see you in Hawaii to celebrate all weve accomplished together.
According to the first-ever S&P Global FinLit Survey, a detailed and comprehensive analysis of worldwide financial literacy by the World Bank, Gallup, and George Washington University, 57% of adults are financially literate. That means that 43% of American people our credit union members and employees- arent.
April is National Financial Capability Month, but, in all honesty, it should probably be retitled How Credit Unions Help Consumers Month. Why? Because this month is committed to giving people the knowledge, tools and products necessary to ensure financial well-being for themselves and their families.
Consider that one of the 7 Credit Union Cooperative Principles is providing education, training, and financial information to staff, members, and the community. Helping members improve their financial well-being is part of our principles, values and DNA as credit unions. And, given the stats cited above, we still have a lot of work to do.
Need more proof? According to a survey conducted by genyplanning, only 40% of adults keep a budget and track their spending. 75% of American families say they live paycheck to paycheck, and more than 25% of American families have no savings at all. Yikes! Additionally, according to Forbes, 56% of Americans admitted to having less than $1,000 combined in their checking and savings account. That same report details that 56% of Americans would need to borrow in order to survive an unplanned event or emergency.
So, in the month of April (and the other 11 months of the year!), think about what you can do as a credit union to help turn these statistics around. While its great to have one month a year dedicated to talking about financial capability and helping our members, this needs to be a discussion all year-round. Member financial capability and well-being should be a constant topic of conversation because were not for profit, not for charity, but for service to our members.
So, what are some ideas that you can do as a credit union to help your members?
One thing your credit union can do is to send your staff through the Enhanced FiCEP Program, a partnership between the Foundation and CUNAs Center for Professional Development. Through this program, credit union leagues and credit unions train staff who are then able to give professional financial counseling and education to help members better handle their financial lives. By having more of your staff as certified financial counselors, your staff can understand what members are going through and be able to respond that meets the members needs and the credit unions. Its a win-win.
Sue Smith, an Enhanced FiCEP graduate said that, Financial counseling is something all credit unions should be offering their members.
Together, as a credit union system, we can be part of the solution to help members improve their financial well-being and capability. And while April is a great month to really focus on these efforts, this is work we can do together all year round because helping members achieve financial freedom is what were all about.
The term echo chamber has taken on a negative connotation recently, connected to Americans habit of reinforcing their own political beliefs by interacting only with kindred spirits. Leave it to an innovative credit union to turn that model on its ear, inviting its community to contribute to a more inclusive chamber.
Visions Federal Credit Union, a $3.9bn, 46-branch institution serving upstate New York and Pennsylvanias Allentown/Bethlehem region, is an active member of Bigs Innovation Club. We used to be a fast follower now we want to be a leader, says Cynthia Schroeder, Visions chief information and innovation officer, with regard to her CUs technology strategy. Were looking for that one big thing to make Visions stand out for ease of use and convenience.
Along with a Visions colleague, Schroeder attended last Junes AXFI Conference in Minneapolis, co-sponsored by Big and OnApproach. Were really heavy into data analytics, and we connected with a lot of new companies that were now looking to partner with, she explains, adding that theyre returning for the 2017 conference 11-14 June. One session that particularly piqued her interest was a hackathon demonstrating how quickly the Amazon Echo could be programmed to perform basic banking functions.
The Independent Community Bankers of America last week set convincing Congress to reexamine the credit union model, including their tax-exempt status, as one of its priorities for 2017.
And the group accused the NCUA of adopting a role as credit union cheerleader rather than regulator.
The credit union model has become outdated, and its charter, purpose and tax-exempt status should be reviewed by Congress, the ICBA said in a policy statement announced at the organizations annual conference in San Antonio. Credit unions were chartered by Congress to enable people of small means with a common bond to pool their resources to meet their basic deposit, savings and borrowing needs.
The organization identified several other priorities, including the types of regulatory changes being advocated by credit unions.
Talking Points:
Gold prices looking to Fed commentary for direction cues
Crude oil prices fell amid risk aversion after G20 meeting
API inventory data may push WTI to test key trend support
Gold prices continued to rise as front-end US Treasury yields declined, touching the lowest level in a month. Not surprisingly, this bolstered the relative appeal of non-interest-bearing assets including the yellow metal. This followed comments from Chicago Fed President Charles Evans. He struck a relatively reserved tone, saying the envisioned 2-3 rate hikes this year. That is bit dovish relative to the status-quo expectation of three increases, which has lost the ability to impress judging by the aftermath of last weeks FOMC meeting.
Comments from US central bank officials remain in focus in the day ahead. Bill Dudley, Esther George and Loretta Mester Presidents of the Feds New York, Kansas City and Cleveland branches, respectively are due to speak. Mester and George tend to lean to the hawkish side of the spectrum while Dudley represents the center ground. He is also a voter on this years FOMC committee. If his remarks sound timid echoing those of Evans gold may extend its advance. A confident, pro-tightening posture may cap gains however.
Crude oil prices fell alongside share prices as expected, with risk appetite soured across financial markets after the communique from a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bank governors over the weekend conspicuously omitted a previously standard opposition to protectionism. The change was reportedly made at the behest of US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. This stoked fears about the threat posed to the international commercial order and thereby global growth by the Trump administration.
Looking ahead, weekly API crude oil inventory data enters the spotlight. Traders supply outlook remains clouded as the OPEC supply cut scheme and swelling swing supply, particularly from the US, vie for influence. The latter appears to be gaining the upper hand: CFTC COT data showed large speculators cut long WTI futures bets by the most in at least 11 years last week. Meanwhile, short exposure grew by the most in nearly five months. Another increase in stockpiles may encourage more of the same, sinking prices.
What do retail traders buy/sell decisions hint about where gold prices are going? Find out here !
GOLD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Gold prices continued to rise as expected, putting the fourth consecutive gain to make for the longest win streak in two months. From here, a daily close above the 38.2% Fibonacci expansionat 1248.58 exposes the 50% level at 1265.23. Alternatively, a reversal back below the 23.6% Fib at 1227.99 opens the door for retest of the 14.6% expansion at 1215.29.
Chart created using TradingView
CRUDE OIL TECHNICAL ANALYSIS Crude oil prices suffered their largest decline in six days but ultimately held within the bounds of a now-familiar range. Near-term support remains at 47.22, the 50% Fibonacci retracement, with a close below that overturning the rising trend set from early August 2016 and targeting the 61.8% level at 45.33. Alternatively, a turn back above the 38.2% Fib at 49.11 exposes the 23.6% retracementat 51.44 anew.
Chart created using TradingView
--- Written by Ilya Spivak, Currency Strategist for DailyFX.com
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1C rise in environmental temperature could account for more than 100,000 new diabetes cases per year in the USA alone
Rising temperatures across the world may be playing a part in the growing numbers of people developing diabetes, suggests research published online in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
Worldwide, the prevalence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly. In 2015, 415 million adults globally had the condition and it is expected that prevalence will rise by almost 55% - up to 642 million cases by 2040.
In the human body, the function of brown adipose tissue (BAT) is to transfer energy from food into heat and previous studies have shown that exposure to cold stimulates BAT, thus leading to modest weight loss and improved insulin action and sensitivity - making a person less likely to develop diabetes.
A team of Dutch researchers from the Leiden University Medical Center led by Professor Patrick Rensen, set out to investigate if global increases in temperature were contributing to the current type 2 diabetes growth by negatively impacting on glucose metabolism via a reduction in BAT activity.
The intention was to assess the association of outdoor temperature with diabetes incidence and prevalence of glucose intolerance, on a countrywide and global scale.
The researchers used data on diabetes incidence amongst adults in 50 states of the USA and three territories (Guam, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands) for the years 1996 to 2009 from the National Diabetes Surveillance System of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Data was also analysed from the World Health Organization's Global Health Observatory online data repository system on country-wise prevalence rates of raised fasting blood glucose and obesity in 190 countries.
In addition, country-wise average annual temperature data was obtained via the Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia in the UK.
The researchers found that on average, per 1C increase in temperature, age-adjusted diabetes incidence increased by 0.314 per 1,000.
Similarly, the worldwide prevalence of glucose intolerance increased by 0.17% per 1C rise in temperature. These associations were the same after obesity was taken into account.
Such findings indicated that the diabetes incidence rate in the USA and prevalence of glucose intolerance worldwide did increase with higher outdoor temperature.
Using their findings, the authors calculated that a 1C rise in environmental temperature could account for more than 100,000 new diabetes cases per year in the USA alone, given a population of nearly 322 million people in 2015.
This was an observational study, so no firm conclusions can be drawn about cause and effect, but the authors analysed longitudinal state-level data for each state separately before pooling the results.
They also found that once they had taken into account important intercountry differences, such as age, sex, income and obesity, this did not materially change the results on the global level.
The study was unable to evaluate the directness of an association between body mass index (BMI) and diabetes incidence or prevalence in its models because continuous data on BMI were not available.
The authors acknowledged that once they adjusted the results to take into account obesity prevalence - which only slightly reduced the association between outdoor temperature and diabetes - other studies could evaluate further any impact that BMI might have on their findings.
The authors conclude: "These findings emphasise the importance of future research into the effects of environmental temperature on glucose metabolism and the onset of diabetes, especially in view of the global rise in temperatures with a new record set for the warmest winter in the USA last year."
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Research: Diabetes incidence and glucose intolerance prevalence increase with higher outdoor temperature
SC quashes Chands appointment as Nepal Police chief
The Supreme Court on Tuesday quashed the Cabinet decision to appoint Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Jaya Bahadur Chand as Inspector General (IG) of Nepal Police.
Colorado could save lives and resources by exploring ways to improve use of primary care for kids with public or no insurance
Aurora, Colo. (March 21, 2017) - New research from Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) argues strongly in favor of the redirection of public funding to invest in improving the use of patient centered medical homes for children with public or no insurance. As defined in Colorado State Statute:
"Infants, children, and adolescents and their families work best with a health care practitioner who knows the family and who develops a partnership of mutual responsibility and trust. Medical care provided through emergency departments, walk-in clinics, and other urgent-care facilities is often more costly and less effective than care given by a physician with prior knowledge of the child and his or her family." Medical homes, according to the recent research, help Colorado kids get the right care, from the right place, right when they need it.
The research was led by James Todd, MD, Jules Amer Chair in Community Pediatrics at Children's Colorado. It found that while the number of children covered by public insurance in Colorado has nearly doubled since 2008, these children are more likely to lack access to consistent primary care than their privately insured counterparts.
The study specifically analyzed 2014-2015 trends in Colorado emergency department (ED) and hospital utilization rates related to children and found that Colorado kids with public or no insurance were 2.4 times more likely to be hospitalized and 4.8 times more likely to visit emergency departments than children with private insurance. Colorado taxpayers could have saved $214,000,000 in Medicaid payments if that care had been delivered in a medical home setting rather than a hospital.
The researchers also determined that families with public or no health insurance appear to utilize primary care, Urgent Care, EDs and hospital care in ways different from those with private insurance. That is, they are more likely to visit EDs for illnesses that can be effectively managed by phone triage or a same/next day primary care visit. In addition, their higher hospitalization rates may be a result of illnesses progressing to a more serious level due to a delay in seeking care.
"The research findings imply that, if publicly insured and uninsured children had access to - and appropriately utilized - a medical home, many emergency department visits could be prevented, resulting in lower costs to public insurers," said Dr. Todd. "This is especially pertinent given the current state of health care because reductions in primary care reimbursement rates locally and possible changes in health care financing nationally will likely do the opposite and further increase emergency department and hospitalization costs."
In order to maximize the suggested benefit of utilizing patient centered medical homes, the researchers recommended three key strategies:
Offering parents easy access to 24/7, pediatric-focused health management information and phone triage support
Providing extended office hours for acute primary care (with affiliated ED/Urgent Care backup)
Ensuring comprehensive, continuous care coordination
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The full report is now available on the Children's Hospital Colorado website.
About Children's Hospital Colorado
Children's Hospital Colorado (Children's Colorado) has defined and delivered pediatric health care excellence for more than 100 years. Founded in 1908, Children's Colorado is a leading pediatric network entirely devoted to the health and well-being of children. Continually acknowledged as one of the nation's outstanding pediatric hospitals by U.S. News & World Report and ranked on its Best Children's Hospitals 2016-17 Honor Roll, Children's Colorado is known for both its nationally and internationally recognized medical, research, education and advocacy programs, as well as comprehensive everyday care for kids throughout Colorado and surrounding states. Children's Colorado is the winner of the 2015 American Hospital Association-McKesson Quest for Quality Prize, and is a 2013-2016 Most Wired hospital according to Hospitals & Health Networks magazine. Children's Colorado also is recognized for excellence in nursing from the American Nurses Credentialing Centers and has been designated a Magnet hospital since 2005. The hospital's family-centered, collaborative approach combines the nation's top pediatric doctors, nurses and researchers to pioneer new approaches to pediatric medicine. With urgent, emergency and specialty care locations throughout Metro Denver and Southern Colorado, including its campus on the Anschutz Medical Campus, Children's Colorado provides a full spectrum of pediatric specialties. For more information, visit http://www.childrenscolorado.org and connect with Children's Colorado on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
Children's Hospital Colorado complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
Smokers treated for breast cancer have much higher risks than non-smokers of developing lung cancer or heart attack as a result of radiotherapy - according to a new study* funded by Cancer Research UK** and published today in the Journal of Clinical Oncology.
The study shows that for non-smokers the long-term risk of death from lung cancer or heart attack - caused by radiation - is only 0.5 percent. But for smokers, this increases to around 5 percent.
These findings are based on a worldwide study by the Early Breast Cancer Trialists' Collaborative Group of the lung and heart radiation doses and risks among 40,781 women with breast cancer in 75 randomised trials of radiotherapy.
Because modern breast cancer radiotherapy techniques have improved and are now better at sparing the lungs and heart than those used in the trials, the researchers also reviewed recent literature so they could take into account how radiotherapy is better targeted today.
Dr Carolyn Taylor, radiation oncologist and lead author from the University of Oxford, said: "For non-smokers, the absolute risk of death from the side effects of modern radiotherapy is only about 0.5 percent, which is much less than the benefit. But for smokers, the risk is about 5 percent, which is comparable with the benefit.
"Stopping smoking at the time of radiotherapy will avoid most of the lung cancer and heart disease risk from radiotherapy, and has many other benefits."
Radiotherapy remains an important treatment for breast cancer and reduces the likelihood of dying from the disease. For most non-smokers or ex-smokers the benefits of radiotherapy will far outweigh any risks. But for some long-term continuing smokers, the risks may be greater than the benefits.
Dr Julie Sharp, Cancer Research UK's head of health information, said: "This research highlights that breast cancer patients who smoke need to be offered help and support in order to try and quit to minimise any risks from their treatment. It's important to remember that modern day radiotherapy techniques have been refined and improved to make sure it is targeted and effective while reducing the risk of side-effects."
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*Taylor, C., et al Estimating the Risks of Breast Cancer Radiotherapy: Evidence From Modern Radiation Doses to the Lungs and Heart and From Previous Randomized Trials Journal of Clinical Oncology (2017)
**The study also received funding from the British Heart Foundation and the UK Medical Research Council.
March 21, 2017 - Chronic lung infections can be devastating for patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), and infection by Burkholderia cenocepacia, one of the most common species found in cystic fibrosis patients, is often antibiotic resistant. In a study published today in Genome Research, scientists sequenced and phenotyped multiple B. cenocepacia isolates from 16 CF patients. They found extensive variation among isolates during chronic lung infection as well as changes in clinically relevant bacterial phenotypes.
"We expected, based on anecdotal observations and single strain reports, that the genome of B. cenocepacia was flexible, but we had no idea of the scope and scale of how promiscuous the gene content and genome architecture would be in a modest-sized patient cohort," said co-corresponding author, Corey Nislow, from University of British Columbia.
The researchers collected 215 isolates from 16 CF patients from the Canadian Burkholderia cepacia Complex Research and Referral Repository (CBCCRRR), with samples spanning a period of 2 to 20 years for each patient. Most patients demonstrated significantly decreased lung function during this time. Using whole genome sequencing, the genetic content of all isolates was profiled and genome assemblies were generated for 11 isolates. "By looking at changes in the genome over time, we were able to see patterns -- common themes that help us to better understand how this particular species evolves in its environment and how CF patients become chronically infected," said study co-corresponding author Joshua Chang Mell, from Drexel University College of Medicine.
Similar to previous studies, the researchers found chromic infection of B. cenocepacia resulted in genome reduction, specifically loss of genes encoding non-essential functions, such as putative virulence genes. Phenotypic changes also occurred in a patient over time, including progressive decreases in motility and acute virulence, and changes in growth and biofilm formation. Although infections originated from a single strain, there was large phenotypic variation from samples taken later from the same patient at the same time, suggesting subsequent diversification within an infection.
While some isolates showed strong positive correlation between traits such as motility and biofilm formation, isolates from another patient showed an inverse correlation, suggesting the genetic architecture of the same trait may be distinct across strains.
Testing for associations between genetic variation and phenotypic differences, researchers identified numerous variants in genes associated with motility and biofilm formation. In addition, the loss of three genes previously associated with biofilm formation was correlated with both reduced motility and biofilm formation phenotypes in B. cenocepacia. The genetic determinants of motility and biofilm phenotypes may be promising targets for anti-virulence drugs.
"The outbreaks of B. cenocepacia in Canada and the UK in the 1990's have been largely contained by introduction of infection control measures, but we believe that, rather than 're-fighting the last war', the insights into which genotypic and phenotypic elements are pathogenic will let the B. cenocepacia community be proactive in responding to the next outbreak when it arrives," Nislow said.
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Researchers from the University of British Colombia and Drexel University College of Medicine contributed to this work. The study was funded by the National Institutes of Health, Genome BC, NASA, Cystic Fibrosis Canada, and The UBC Faculty of Pharmacy.
Media Contacts: The authors are available for more information by contacting: Heather Amos, UBC Public Affairs (heather.amos@ubc.ca; +1-604-822-3213 [office]; +1-604-828-3867 [cell]) or Drexel University Communications (lingeno@drexel.edu; +1-215-895-2614; +1-610-717-2777 [cell]).
Interested reporters may obtain copies of the manuscript via email from Dana Macciola, Administrate Assistant, Genome Research (macciol@cshl.edu; +1-516-422-4012).
About the article: The manuscript will be published online ahead of print on 21 March 2017. Its full citation is as follows: Lee AH-Y, Flibotte S, Sinha S, Paiero A, Ehrlich RL, Balashov S, Ehrlich GD, Zlosnik JEA, Mell JC, Nislow C. 2017. Phenotypic diversity and genotypic flexibility of Burkholderia cenocepacia during long-term chronic infection of cystic fibrosis lungs. Genome Res doi: 10.1101/gr.213363.116
About Genome Research: Launched in 1995, Genome Research is an international, continuously published, peer-reviewed journal that focuses on research that provides novel insights into the genome biology of all organisms, including advances in genomic medicine. Among the topics considered by the journal are genome structure and function, comparative genomics, molecular evolution, genome-scale quantitative and population genetics, proteomics, epigenomics, and systems biology. The journal also features exciting gene discoveries and reports of cutting-edge computational biology and high-throughput methodologies.
About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press is an internationally renowned publisher of books, journals, and electronic media, located on Long Island, New York. Since 1933, it has furthered the advance and spread of scientific knowledge in all areas of genetics and molecular biology, including cancer biology, plant science, bioinformatics, and neurobiology. The Press is a division of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, an innovator in life science research and the education of scientists, students, and the public. For more information, visit our website at http://cshlpress.org/
Genome Research issues press releases to highlight significant research studies that are published in the journal.
NEW YORK, NY (March 21, 2017)--New findings suggest that American adults who survive deliberate self-harm are at increased risk of suicide in the first year after such an event, indicating a need to direct clinical interventions in the critical 12 months following such episodes. The suicide risk is greatest in the month immediately following a self-harm attempt using a firearm, according to a study from researchers at Columbia University Medical Center (CUMC), New York Psychiatric Institute, and colleagues.
Results of the study were published today in American Journal of Psychiatry.
"This study supports our hypothesis that use of a firearm or other violent self-harm methods greatly increases the risk of suicide, especially in the short term," said Mark Olfson, MD, MPH, professor of psychiatry at CUMC and senior author of the report.
Using Medicaid data from 45 states during 2001-2007, the researchers sought to determine the 1-year risk of repeated self-harm and suicide in 61,297 people who had been clinically diagnosed with deliberate self-harm . The data were linked to the National Death Index, which provides information about dates and cause of death. The researchers analyzed a variety of possible risk factors, such as demographic characteristics, recent treatment for common mental disorders, and both the setting and method of self-harm. Firearm-related self-harm was of particular interest, since the rate of suicide from firearms is eight times greater in the U.S. than in other high-income countries.
Nearly 20 percent--mostly older, white people who had been recently treated for a mental disorder such as depression or alcohol use disorder--repeated nonfatal self-harm during the follow-up period. The 1-year suicide rate in adults with deliberate self-harm was 37 times higher than in the general population. In this group, males were twice as likely to complete suicide than females; older, white adults had triple the suicide risk than younger, non-white adults.
Two-thirds of suicides during initial self-harm episodes were caused by violent methods, with over 40 percent related to firearms. The risk of suicide was approximately 10 times greater in the first month after an initial episode of self-harm using a violent method compared with the following 11 months.
"The patterns seen in this study suggest that clinical efforts should focus on ensuring the safety of individuals who survive deliberate self-harm during the first few months after such attempts--particularly when a violent method such as a firearm has been used," said Dr. Olfson. "For these patients, clinicians should strongly consider inpatient admission, intensive supervision, and interventions targeting underlying mental disorders to reduce suicide risk. In addition, clinicians can encourage family members to install trigger locks or temporarily store firearms outside the patient's home."
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The study, titled "Suicide Following Deliberate Self-Harm," was published in the American Journal of Psychiatry on March 21, 2017. The authors are Mark Olfson, MD, MPH, Melanie Wall, PhD, Shuai Wang, PhD, Stephen Crystal, PhD, Tobias Gerhard, PhD, and Carlos Blanco, M.D., PhD.
Dr. Wang is an employee of Quartet Health. Dr. Gerhard has received research grant funding from Bristol-Myers Squibb. He serves on an external safety review committee for a Merck study, and has provided expert consultation to law firms on behalf of Roche and Pfizer. The additional authors report no financial conflicts of interest.
The study was supported by grant R01 MH107452 from National Institute of Mental Health, and grant U19 HS021112 from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.
Columbia University Department of Psychiatry
Columbia Psychiatry holds the top ranking among the psychiatry departments in the nation and has contributed greatly to the understanding and treatment of brain disorders. Co-located at the New York State Psychiatric Institute on the NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia University Medical Center campus in Washington Heights, the department enjoys a rich and productive collaborative relationship with physicians in various disciplines at Columbia University's College of Physicians and Surgeons. Columbia Psychiatry is home to distinguished clinicians and researchers noted for their clinical and research advances in the diagnosis and treatment of depression, suicide, schizophrenia, bipolar and anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorders, and childhood psychiatric disorders.
Columbia University Medical Center provides international leadership in basic, preclinical, and clinical research; medical and health sciences education; and patient care. The medical center trains future leaders and includes the dedicated work of many physicians, scientists, public health professionals, dentists, and nurses at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the Mailman School of Public Health, the College of Dental Medicine, the School of Nursing, the biomedical departments of the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, and allied research centers and institutions. Columbia University Medical Center is home to the largest medical research enterprise in New York City and State and one of the largest faculty medical practices in the Northeast. The campus that Columbia University Medical Center shares with its hospital partner, NewYork-Presbyterian, is now called the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. For more information, visit cumc.columbia.edu
LOS ALAMOS, New Mexico, March 21, 2017--A new computer simulation helps explain the existence of puzzling supermassive black holes observed in the early universe. The simulation is based on a computer code used to understand the coupling of radiation and certain materials.
"Supermassive black holes have a speed limit that governs how fast and how large they can grow," said Joseph Smidt of the Theoretical Design Division at Los Alamos National Laboratory, "The relatively recent discovery of supermassive black holes in the early development of the universe raised a fundamental question, how did they get so big so fast?"
Using computer codes developed at Los Alamos for modeling the interaction of matter and radiation related to the Lab's stockpile stewardship mission, Smidt and colleagues created a simulation of collapsing stars that resulted in supermassive black holes forming in less time than expected, cosmologically speaking, in the first billion years of the universe.
"It turns out that while supermassive black holes have a growth speed limit, certain types of massive stars do not," said Smidt. "We asked, what if we could find a place where stars could grow much faster, perhaps to the size of many thousands of suns; could they form supermassive black holes in less time?"
A video about the discovery is available here.
It turns out the Los Alamos computer model not only confirms the possibility of speedy supermassive black hole formation, but also fits many other phenomena of black holes that are routinely observed by astrophysicists. The research shows that the simulated supermassive black holes are also interacting with galaxies in the same way that is observed in nature, including star formation rates, galaxy density profiles, and thermal and ionization rates in gasses.
"This was largely unexpected," said Smidt. "I thought this idea of growing a massive star in a special configuration and forming a black hole with the right kind of masses was something we could approximate, but to see the black hole inducing star formation and driving the dynamics in ways that we've observed in nature was really icing on the cake."
A key mission area at Los Alamos National Laboratory is understanding how radiation interacts with certain materials. Because supermassive black holes produce huge quantities of hot radiation, their behavior helps test computer codes designed to model the coupling of radiation and matter. The codes are used, along with large- and small-scale experiments, to assure the safety, security, and effectiveness of the U.S. nuclear deterrent.
"We've gotten to a point at Los Alamos," said Smidt, "with the computer codes we're using, the physics understanding, and the supercomputing facilities, that we can do detailed calculations that replicate some of the forces driving the evolution of the Universe."
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Research paper available at https://arxiv.org/pdf/1703.00449.pdf
About Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory, a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security, is operated by Los Alamos National Security, LLC, a team composed of Bechtel National, the University of California, BWXT Government Group, and URS, an AECOM company, for the Department of Energy's National Nuclear Security Administration.
Los Alamos enhances national security by ensuring the safety and reliability of the U.S. nuclear stockpile, developing technologies to reduce threats from weapons of mass destruction, and solving problems related to energy, environment, infrastructure, health, and global security concerns.
Boulder, Colo., USA: A new field guide in conjunction with GSA's Southeastern Section meeting offers seven field guides that explore the diverse geology of Virginia from its Appalachian highlands to the Atlantic shore. The guides cover an array of topics ranging from cave and karst development in the Valley and Ridge to the exceptional fossil localities at the Carmel Church Quarry and the cliffs near Stratford Hall to Precambrian rocks in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Three guides focus on the Paleozoic to Proterozoic tectonic history of the Blue Ridge and Piedmont provinces, two guides discuss the stratigraphy and fossil assemblages preserved in Cenozoic deposits on the Atlantic Coastal Plain, and one guide examines Paleozoic stratigraphy and cave formation in western Virginia.
The final guide explores the relationship between the geology of the Fall Zone and the Civil War during the Petersburg Campaign in 1864-1865. During the siege of Petersburg, both armies took advantage of the unconsolidated Cenozoic sediments of the Coastal Plain to engage in a then-new style of combat--trench warfare.
Volume editors Christopher M. Bailey, College of William & Mary, and Shelley Jaye, Northern Virginia Community College, believe that this field guide volume "neatly illustrates Virginia's geological diversity."
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Individual copies of the volume may be purchased through The Geological Society of America online store, http://rock.geosociety.org/Store/detail.aspx?id=FLD047, or by contacting GSA Sales and Service, gsaservice@geosociety.org.
Book editors of earth science journals/publications may request a review copy by contacting April Leo, aleo@geosociety.org.
From the Blue Ridge to the Beach: Geological Field Excursions across Virginia
edited by Christopher M. Bailey and Shelley Jaye
Geological Society of America Field Guide 47
FLD047, 174 p., $52.00, GSA member price $36.00
ISBN 978-0-8137-0047-2
View the table of contents: http://rock.geosociety.org/store/TOC/FLD047.pdf
http://www.geosociety.org
The Genetics Society of America (GSA) is pleased to announce that Jonathan Hodgkin, PhD is the 2017 recipient of the Edward Novitski Prize in recognition of his extraordinary creativity and intellectual ingenuity in solving significant problems in genetics research. Hodgkin uncovered the sex determination pathway in Caenorhabditis elegans, an important and widely used model for animal development and genetics. His innovations and contributions to genetic analysis, including the use of suppressor screens and epistasis analyses, helped advance the field in many ways. Hodgkin is a Professor in the Department of Biochemistry at the University of Oxford.
"Jonathan Hodgkin is a major innovator in C. elegans genetics and has tirelessly served the model organism community for decades," says Eric Haag, PhD (University of Maryland). When Hodgkin began working in the 1970s, the main model for sex determination was the mammalian XY system. Unlike mammals, most C. elegans individuals are hermaphrodites and males are rare. These males have an X0 genotype, and typically result from chromosomal nondisjunction events during meiosis. Hodgkin was the first to perform screens to find mutations that turned XX hermaphrodites into males. From this beginning, he used elegant genetic studies to identify important components of the C. elegans sex determination pathway. He inferred the order of genes in the pathway and their modes of regulation using epistasis analyses, a powerful tool that was quickly adopted by other researchers.
"Jonathan's work on sexual fate specification demonstrated to model organism researchers the power of genetic analysis to dissect biological processes and helped to define principles in sex determination that we now take for granted," says Tim Schedl, PhD (Washington University of St. Louis). Hodgkin's work uncovering and manipulating the pathway in C. elegans helped reveal the amazing flexibility of genetic sex determination, which is achieved by mechanisms unique to different animal groups.
Hodgkin led the field in several other areas in addition to his work on sex determination. He expanded the number and use of informational suppressor mutants in C. elegans, which are able to act on many genes. He also introduced the use of collections of wild C. elegans to study naturally occurring genetic variation, paving the way for SNP mapping and QTL analysis, as well as studies of hybrid incompatibilities between worm species.
The Novitski Prize recognizes a single experimental accomplishment or a body of work in which an exceptional level of creativity and intellectual ingenuity that has been used to design and execute scientific experiments to solve a difficult problem in genetics. It recognizes the beautiful and intellectually ingenious experimental design and execution involved in genetics scientific discovery. The Prize, established by the Novitski family and GSA, honors the memory of Edward Novitski (1918-2006), a Drosophila geneticist and lifelong GSA member who specialized in chromosome mechanics and elucidating meiosis through the construction of modified chromosomes.
The Prize will be presented to Hodgkin at the 21st International C. elegans Conference, which will be held June 21-25 at the University of California, Los Angeles.
To learn more about the GSA awards, and to view a list of previous recipients, please see http://www.genetics-gsa.org/awards.
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Alexandria, Va., USA - Today, the International and American Associations for Dental Research (IADR/AADR) published a systemic analysis in the Journal of Dental Research. Authored by Wagner Marcenes, King's College London Dental Institute, England, UK, "Global Burden of Oral Conditions in 1990-2015: A Systemic Analysis" examines data to assess progress toward the Federation Dental International (FDI), World Health Organization (WHO) and IADR Oral Health Goals of reducing the level of oral diseases and minimizing their impact by 2020.
Due to demographic changes, including population growth and aging, the cumulative burden of oral conditions dramatically increased between 1990 and 2015. The number of people with untreated oral conditions rose from 2.5 billion in 1990 to 3.5 billion in 2015, with a 64 percent increase in disability-adjusted life year (DALYs) due to oral conditions throughout the world. Despite some challenges with current measurement methodologies for oral diseases, measurable specific oral health goals should be developed to advance global public health.
Marcenes and his team of researchers concluded that oral health did not improve in the 25 year time period studied, and that oral conditions remained a major and growing global public health challenge in 2015. While the age-standardized prevalence of oral conditions remained relatively stable between 1990 and 2015, population growth and aging have led to a dramatic increase in the burden of untreated oral conditions throughout the world. Greater efforts, and potentially different approaches, are needed if international oral health goals are to be achieved by 2020.
In an invited perspective article titled "The Global Burden of Oral Diseases--Research and Public Health Significance" by Bruce A. Dye, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, Dye states "it is now evident that oral disorders are highly prevalent and a dental epidemiologic transition is underway at the global level. The sizeable burden of oral disorders (measured as DALYs) and its socioeconomic impact makes it an important global public health issue. Improving our understanding of the contribution of behavioral and physiological risk factors, social and economic determinants, and health delivery systems have to oral health and wellbeing at the population-level may not be an easy task, but untangling this complex web will help reduce disease burden and enhance life."
"Although numerous scientific discoveries and advancements have been achieved to combat and prevent oral health conditions, as a community we know that further efforts are required toward improving oral health worldwide and reducing the global burden of oral diseases," said oral health expert and AADR President-elect Raul Garcia. "I thank Dr. Wagner Marcenes for his continued research on the global burden of oral caries and Dr. Bruce A. Dye for providing additional insight."
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A companion podcast is also available, featuring an interview with Wagner Marcenes and Raul Garcia, moderated by JDR Associate Editor Jessica Lee. Please visit http://journals.sagepub.com/home/JDR to access the study, perspective article and podcast, or contact Ingrid L. Thomas at ithomas@iadr.org for PDFs of the manuscripts.
About the Journal of Dental Research
The IADR/AADR Journal of Dental Research, the journal for dental, oral and craniofacial research, is a multidisciplinary journal dedicated to the dissemination of new knowledge in all sciences relevant to dentistry and the oral cavity and associated structures in health and disease.
About the International and American Associations for Dental Research
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) is a nonprofit organization with nearly 11,000 individual members worldwide, dedicated to: (1) advancing research and increasing knowledge for the improvement of oral health worldwide, (2) supporting and representing the oral health research community, and (3) facilitating the communication and application of research findings. To learn more, visit http://www.iadr.org. The American Association for Dental Research (AADR) is the largest Division of IADR, with more than 3,500 members in the United States. To learn more, visit http://www.aadr.org. IADR/AADR jointly own and publish through SAGE Publishing Journal of Dental Research and JDR Clinical & Translational Research.
Chemists from Russia and Switzerland created biosafe luminescent nanoparticles for imaging tumors and blood vessels damaged by heart attack or stroke. The particles are made of hafnium oxide that is allowed for intravenous injection, and doped with ions of rare earth metals. The scientists hope that the development will give an alternative to toxic quantum dots and help imaging deep tissues without harming a human body. The study appeared in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.
The scientists from ITMO University in Saint Petersburg and ETH Zurich are inspired by the goal to safely visualizing cancer tumors and damaged blood vessels in a heart and a brain. The developed nanoparticles can emit a visible light under the ultraviolet and blue excitation that will allow one to use them as a contrast agent when taking pictures of internal tissues.
The imaging of organs is not illustrative without suitable markers, however, all optically active substances used today for this purpose have significant drawbacks. Thus, organic agents do not show universality and rapidly disintegrate in the body. But semiconductor nanoparticles called quantum dots are very toxic. They have unique luminescent properties, but because of their hazardous effect on a living organism, these particles can be used only in vitro.
According to ITMO scientists, they developed markers, which are free from these drawbacks and can replace quantum dots in the future. The new nanoparticles are composed of hafnium oxide doped of rare earth ions, particularly europium and terbium. They provide high luminescent properties of the particles while hafnium oxide acts as a transparent matrix that protects their biosafety and keeps them shining.
Hafnium oxide is bioinert; in 2015, FDA included this substance in a list of oxides that are approved for invasive use. Some forms of iron and aluminum oxides are also allowed for intravenous injection. But unlike hafnium, they absorb too much light and weaken luminescence.
In addition, hafnium and rare earth metals have atoms that are close in size, so chemists managed to keep the crystal oxide structure arranged when replacing a part of hafnium ions with rare earths. This allowed the scientists to give the required optical properties to the nanoparticles, as well as to prevent them from sedimentation in biological fluids of neutral pH.
The Sedimentation of particles can accumulate and block blood vessels. "We could not cover nanoparticles with a stabilizer, because it would reduce the quantum yield," tells Aleksandra Furasova, the first author of the paper and research fellow at the International Laboratory "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies" (SCAMT) of ITMO University. "That is why we doped hafnium oxide with rare earth metal ions. Firstly, they charged surface of the particles that stabilized the latter in biological fluids. Secondly, introducing different rare earths, we learned to shift the luminescence spectrum. For example, particles with terbium emit the green region, but particles with europium - in red. Such adjusting will be useful for solving specific tasks."
As known, rare earth elements have a definite level of toxicity. So the researchers checked if it could prevent using the doped nanoparticles. The chemists added large amounts of the particles to the samples of blood plasma and the medium with cultivated cells. It turned out that the particles are stable in blood and do not change their consistency and due to the ability of rare earth ions to be strongly bounded in oxide, they do not harm cells.
Anna Fakhardo, a SCAMT researcher, adds: "For three days, we watched the life cycle of cultivated lung fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells and noticed no toxic effects caused by neither pure nor doped nanoparticles of hafnium oxide. That is, they can be potentially applied in medicine."
In the future, the scientists are going to use nanoparticles of hafnium oxide not only for imaging, but for tumor therapy. Under X-rays, atoms of hafnium and rare earth metals like all heavy elements ionize water molecules around that turn into so-called free radicals and begin to kill neighboring cells. This method of cancer treatment is applied by specific foreign companies and cannot compete with chemotherapy in price, but it is supposed to be more harmless because it allows one to treat tumors, even in the brain, locally.
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Reference:
Aleksandra D. Furasova, Anna F. Fakhardo, Valentin A. Milichko, Elena Tervoort, Markus Niederberger, Vladimir V. Vinogradov (2017), Synthesis of a rare-earth doped hafnia hydrosol: Towards injectable luminescent nanocolloids, Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927776517301017
ITMO University (Saint Petersburg) is a national research university, the leading Russian university in the field of information and photonic technologies. The university is the alma mater of winners of numerous international programming competitions: ACM ICPC (the only six-time world champions), Google Code Jam, Facebook Hacker Cup, Yandex Algorithm, Russian Code Cup, Topcoder Open etc. Priority research areas: IT, photonic technologies, robotics, quantum communication, translational medicine, urban studies, art&science, and science communication. Starting from 2013, the university has been a member of Project 5-100, which unites top Russian universities to improve their status in the international research and education arena. In 2016 ITMO University became 56th among the world's top universities in Computer Science, according to the Times Higher Education ranking, and scored 3rd among Russian universities in the overall THE ranking.
PISCATAWAY, NJ - People who mix highly caffeinated energy drinks with their alcoholic beverages may be at increased risk for injury, according to a review in the March issue of the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
Researchers at the University of Victoria's Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC), in Canada, searched for peer-reviewed journal articles on the topic of alcohol and energy drinks published from 1981 to 2016 and found 13 that fit their criteria and were able to be analyzed. Of those studies, 10 showed evidence of a link between the use of alcohol mixed with energy drinks (AmED) and an increased risk of injury compared to drinking alcohol only. The study classified injuries as unintentional (such as falls or motor vehicle accidents) and intentional (such as fights or other physical violence).
"The stimulant effects of caffeine mask the result that most people get when they drink," says lead study author Audra Roemer, M.Sc. "Usually when you're drinking alcohol, you get tired and you go home. Energy drinks mask that, so people may underestimate how intoxicated they are, end up staying out later, consume more alcohol, and engage in risky behavior and more hazardous drinking practices."
AmED use is increasingly common across North America, the researchers say, either as premixed drinks sold in liquor stores or by combining the two beverages by hand (Red Bull and vodka is a common example).
Roemer says she became interested in the topic while reading research on the effects of alcohol and cocaine."Cocaine is obviously a strong stimulant, and I was curious about lower level stimulants that are more socially acceptable," she says. "I wondered if they were having a similar impact but to a lesser degree."
Three of the studies looked at whether risk-taking or sensation-seeking tendencies play a role in injuries associated with AmED use.
"We know that these are risk factors for alcohol-related injuries, and some research has suggested that people who have these traits might prefer the awake-drunk state that you get from mixing alcohol and energy drinks," Roemer says. "This could be a population that's at even higher risk for injuries."
The biggest surprise for Roemer and her colleagues was the lack of research in this area, as well as the wide variability in these studies that made it difficult to compare results. Consequently, they were not able to statistically determine the extent of the risk associated with AmED use.
"At the end of the day, we looked at all of the studies, but more research is need to confirm our findings," says Roemer.
Roemer says the current study is the first of three planned articles that they hope to publish on the link between AmED and the risk of injury.
"We're currently running a controlled emergency department study to look at the relationship a little more closely," she says. "Hopefully that will bring more answers. The research we've done so far points to an increased risk of injuries with the use of AmED that could be a serious public health concern. Our hope is to conduct and facilitate future research in order to identify limitations and get a closer look at the topic to see what's really going on."
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(The study was co-authored by Centre for Addictions Research of BC director, Tim Stockwell, Ph.D., and funded by the Canadian Institute of Health Research.)
Roemer, A., & Stockwell, T. (March 2017). Alcohol mixed with energy drinks and risk of injury: A systematic review. Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 78(2), 175-183. doi:10.15288/jsad.2017.78.175
Commentary
Droste, N., & Miller, P. (March 2017). Exploring the use of alcohol with energy drinks: Time for another round? A commentary on Roemer and Stockwell (2017). Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs, 78(2), 184-185. doi:10.15288/jsad.2017.78.184
To arrange an interview with Audra Roemer, M.Sc., please contact Suzanne Ahearne (Media Relations, University of Victoria) at +250-721-6139 or sahearne@uvic.ca.
The Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs is published by the Center of Alcohol Studies at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. It is the oldest substance-related journal published in the United States.
The Centre for Addictions Research of BC (CARBC) is a network of individuals and groups dedicated to the study of substance use and addiction in support of community-wide efforts to promote health and reduce harm. To learn more, visit: http://www.uvic.ca/research/centres/carbc
To learn about education and training opportunities for addiction counselors and others at the Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies, please visit AlcoholStudiesEd.rutgers.edu.
Shifting winds
The results of the elections to five legislative assemblies in India were recently announced.
Organic light-emitting devices and printed electronics can be connected to a socket in the wall by way of a small, inexpensive organic converter, developed in a collaboration between Linkoping University and Umea University.
Printed electronics and organic light-emitting devices now perform at levels sufficient for a number of eco-friendly, energy-efficient applications. Previously the idea has been to drive the organic electronics using solar cells, batteries or wireless transformers, which works well in many cases. But for fixed installations like lighting, signage or UV-blocking windows, it is convenient to use a wall socket. Until now this has not been possible, because the high voltage damages the electronics.
Docent Deyu Tu from LiU's Division of Information Coding has led a project where colleagues at Umea University joined forces to find a solution to this problem. And they have now been able to demonstrate an organic converter that makes it possible to drive organic light-emitting devices with high luminescence, and to charge supercapacitors, both using electricity from an ordinary wall socket.
The converter consists of diode-connected organic thin-film transistors, operated at high voltages up to 325 V, with the capacity to transform high alternating current (AC) to a selected direct current (DC).
"For the first time in the world we have been able to demonstrate an AC/DC converter in organic electronics that functions at voltages above 300 V," says Deyu Tu.
"Our converter paves the way for a wave of flexible, thin, cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for the electronics of the future."
This is a pioneer work of organic AC/DC converters, a first stage to prove the concept of organic power electronics. To be used in real products, the power conversion efficiency needs to be improved.
"We have initiated the follow-up work to deal with this issue", says Deyu Tu.
The results have been published in two journals - Organic Electronics and ECS Transactions - and have generated so much interest that Deyu Tu has been invited to speak at major conferences in China and Japan.
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The project has received financial support from the Swedish Foundation for Strategic Research.
Christian Larsen, Robert Forchheimer, Ludvig Edman, Deyu Tu, Design, fabrication and application of organic power converters: Driving light-emitting electrochemical cells from the AC mains, Organic Electronics http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.orgel.2017.02.036
Vahid Keshmiri, Christian Larsen, Ludvig Edman, Robert Forchheimer, Deyu Tu, A Current Supply with Single Organic Thin-Film Transistor for Charging Supercapacitors, ECS Transactions, 75 (10) 217-222 (2016). http://dx.doi.org/10.1149/07510.0217ecst
Contact: Research fellow Deyu Tu, deyu.tu@liu.se, +46 13 28 58 51
CAMBRIDGE, MA -- Medical devices implanted in the body for drug delivery, sensing, or tissue regeneration usually come under fire from the host's immune system. Defense cells work to isolate material they consider foreign to the body, building up a wall of dense scar tissue around the devices, which eventually become unable to perform their functions.
Researchers at MIT and Boston Children's Hospital have identified a signaling molecule that is key to this process of "fibrosis," and they have shown that blocking the molecule prevents the scar tissue from forming. The findings, reported in the March 20 issue of Nature Materials, could help scientists extend the lifespan of many types of implantable medical devices.
"This gives us a better understanding of the biology behind fibrosis and potentially a way to modulate that response to prevent the formation of scar tissue around implants," says Daniel Anderson, an associate professor in MIT's Department of Chemical Engineering, a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), an affiliate at Boston Children's Hospital, and the senior author of the study.
The paper's lead author is Koch Institute and JDRF postdoc Joshua Doloff.
Preventing fibrosis
Anderson's lab has been working for several years on an implantable device that could mimic the function of the pancreas, potentially offering a long-term treatment for diabetes patients. The device encapsulates insulin-producing islet cells within a material called alginate, a polysaccharide naturally found in algae. Alginate provokes a lesser immune response than human-made materials such as metal, but it still induces fibrosis.
To investigate how fibrosis happens, the MIT team systematically knocked out different components of the immune system in mice. They found that cells called macrophages are necessary for fibrosis to occur, and that when those cells are missing, scar tissue does not form around implanted devices.
The researchers then identified a signaling molecule that appears to help macrophage precursors known as monocytes differentiate into mature macrophages, which then initiate fibrosis. They also discovered that if they blocked the cell surface receptors for this molecule, known as CSF1, they could prevent implant-induced fibrosis from occurring.
Importantly, this interference did not stop macrophages from carrying out other critical functions.
"We show that you preserve many other important immune functions, including wound healing and phagocytosis, but you lose this fibrotic cascade," Doloff says. "We're preventing the macrophages from toggling into an activated warning state where they sound the alarm for this massive immune response to show up."
In this study, the researchers showed that blocking CSF1 receptors prevented fibrosis not only with alginate but also ceramic and a plastic called polystyrene.
"It's generalizable to many different types of biomaterials, and hopefully will also be generalizable to many platforms for different purposes," Doloff says.
Targeted approach
Other implantable devices whose functions can be disrupted by fibrosis include glucose sensors for diabetics, pacemakers, and any other devices that need to interact with surrounding tissue.
Currently, Doloff and postdoc Shady Farah, who is also a co-author on the Nature Materials study, are working on ways to deliver the CSF1R-blocking drug along with various types of implantable devices. This targeted approach holds the potential to be safer than another strategy that some researchers have tried, which is widespread suppression of the immune system.
"If you use a broad-spectrum drug, you may be getting rid of cell types that are important for reducing fibrosis or even for other vital immune functions in the body -- wound healing or fighting off parasites, bacteria or viral infections," Doloff says.
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Other authors of the paper include Robert Langer, the David H. Koch Institute Professor at MIT and a research associate at Boston Children's Hospital, who says that "one of the things that is particularly exciting to me is that this is one of the first studies to really examine the fundamentals of how the immune system interacts with implantable biomaterials."
The research was funded by JDRF, the Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, the National Institutes of Health, and the Tayebati Family Foundation.
The concentration of six unsaturated fatty acids in key brain regions are associated with Alzheimer disease (AD) cognitive symptoms and neuropathology, according to a study publishing in PLOS Medicine. Cristina Legido-Quigley of King's College London, UK, Madhav Thambisetty of National Institute on Aging, USA, and colleagues performed a nontargeted metabolic profiling study comparing the concentration of 100 structurally distinct fatty acid metabolites in brain tissue samples from older individuals enrolled in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The participants all had cognitive assessments in the year before death and detailed neuropathological assessments on autopsy. The participants fell into three groups: 14 people with healthy brains, 15 with the neuropathological proteins tau or amyloid in their brains but who didn't show memory problems, and 14 with AD. The metabolite levels were measured in samples from brain regions vulnerable to AD pathology (middle frontal and inferior temporal gyri) as well as those from a region resistant to AD pathology (cerebellum).
The researchers found that the levels of six unsaturated fatty acids (UFAs) (linoleic acid, linolenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, oleic acid, and arachidonic acid) in the vulnerable brain regions were associated with AD.
As this study is observational, it is not clear whether dysregulation of UFA drives AD pathology or is a response to it. The authors also note that this is a small study due to limited availability of tissue samples with longitudinal cognitive assessments and detailed neuropathological assessments at death, and that in nontargeted metabolomics approaches like this one, not all metabolite features can be assigned identities. Thus, larger studies are needed to confirm the findings and may identify other metabolites associated with AD. Still, the authors conclude that this "work suggests that dysregulation of UFA's metabolism plays a role in driving AD pathology and that these results provide further evidence for the metabolic basis of AD pathogenesis."
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This research article appears in the PLOS Medicine Special Issue on Dementia, publishing each week throughout March.
Research Article
Funding:
The research leading to these results has received support from the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking (http://www.imi.europa.eu/) under European Medical Information Framework grant agreement no. 115372, resources of which are composed of financial contribution from the European Union's Seventh Framework Programme (FP7/2007-2013) and European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Association companies' in kind contribution for SGS and CLQ. This work has been supported by a grant to AAE from the Libyan Cultural attache of Libyan embassy. This research was supported in part by the Intramural Research Program of the NIH, National Institute on Aging for MT and YA. 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.
Citation:
Snowden SG, Ebshiana AA, Hye A, An Y, Pletnikova O, O'Brien R, et al. (2017) Association between fatty acid metabolism in the brain and Alzheimer disease neuropathology and cognitive performance: A nontargeted metabolomic study. PLoS Med 14(3): e1002266. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002266
Author Affiliations:
Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
Division of Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
Department of Neurology, Duke University Medical School, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
Clinical and Translational Neuroscience Unit, Laboratory of Behavioural Neuroscience, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
IN YOUR COVERAGE PLEASE USE THIS URL TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE FREELY AVAILABLE PAPER:
http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002266
Contact:
Cristina Legido-Quigley
King's College London
Institute of Pharmaceutical Science
Stamford Street
London, SE1 9NH
UNITED KINGDOM
cristina.legido_quigley@kcl.ac.uk
Madhav Thambisetty
National Institute on Aging
Baltimore, MD
UNITED STATES
thambisettym@mail.nih.gov
A risk score derived from genetic data may be able to estimate an individual's risk of Alzheimer disease at a particular age, according to research published in PLOS Medicine. The polygenic hazard score (PHS) was developed by Rahul Desikan, of the University of California, San Francisco, USA, and colleagues, using genotype data from three large cohorts (totaling over 70,000 individuals) of patients with Alzheimer Disease (AD) and normal elderly individuals.
Desikan and colleagues identified genetic variants associated with Alzheimer disease using genotype data from the International Genomics of Alzheimer's Project (17,008 AD cases and 37,154 controls), and then used the identified variants to derive the PHS with data on 6,409 AD patients and 9,386 older controls from Phase 1 of the Alzheimer's Disease Genetics Consortium (ADGC). By combining population-based incidence rates and the genotype-derived PHS for each individual, the researchers derived estimates of instantaneous risk for developing AD, based on genotype and age. The PHS was then tested in independent cohorts from ADGC Phase 2, National Institute on Aging Alzheimer's Disease Center, and Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (20,680 total participants). Those with the highest PHS had an earlier expected age of AD onset by up to 10 years, and were several times more likely to develop AD than individuals with the lowest PHS. In the independent cohorts, the PHS predicted age of AD onset, and progression from normal aging to AD, and higher risk scores were associated with neuropathology and biomarkers of AD neurodegeneration.
The authors note that an accurate PHS would be useful for clinical planning and management of AD, and for enriching populations for clinical trials. However, they caution that additional prospective validation in more diverse community-based cohorts is necessary before the PHS can be utilized for broad clinical use.
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This research article appears in the PLOS Medicine Special Issue on Dementia, publishing each week throughout March.
Research Article
Funding:
This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH-AG046374, K01AG049152, R01MH100351), National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center Junior Investigator Award (RSD), Radiological Society of North America Resident/Fellow Award (RSD), Foundation of the American Society of Neuroradiology Alzheimer's Imaging Grant (RSD), the Research Council of Norway (#213837, #225989, #223273, #237250/EU JPND), the South East Norway Health Authority (2013-123), Norwegian Health Association, and the KG Jebsen Foundation. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.
Competing Interests:
I have read the journal's policy and the authors of this manuscript have the following competing interests: JBB served on advisory boards for Elan, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Avanir, Novartis, Genentech, and Eli Lilly and holds stock options in CorTechs Labs, Inc. and Human Longevity, Inc. AMD is a founder of and holds equity in CorTechs Labs, Inc., and serves on its Scientific Advisory Board. He is also a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Human Longevity, Inc. (HLI), and receives research funding from General Electric Healthcare (GEHC). The terms of these arrangements have been reviewed and approved by the University of California, San Diego in accordance with its conflict of interest policies. AG served on or have served on in the last 3 years the scientific advisory boards of the following companies: Denali Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics and AbbVie. BM served as guest editor on PLOS Medicine's Special Issue on Dementia.
Citation:
Desikan RS, Fan CC, Wang Y, Schork AJ, Cabral HJ, Cupples LA, et al. (2017) Genetic assessment of age-associated Alzheimer disease risk: Development and validation of a polygenic hazard score. PLoS Med 14(3): e1002258. doi:10.1371/journal.pmed.1002258
Author Affiliations:
Neuroradiology Section, Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
Department of Cognitive Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Institute for Biological Psychiatry, Sankt Hans Psychiatric Hospital, Roskilde, Denmark
National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center, Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
Department of Psychiatry, Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, United States of America Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco, California, United States of America
John P. Hussman Institute for Human Genomics, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, United States of America
Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
Institute for Computational Biology, Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
Department of Medicine (Biomedical Genetics), Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Department of Biostatistics, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Department of Epidemiology, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Department of Neurology, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
Taub Institute on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
Gertrude H. Sergievsky Center, Columbia University, New York, New York, United States of America
Department of Molecular Neuroscience, UCL Institute of Neurology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
Department of Genetics and Genomic Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, United States of America
Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States of America
IN YOUR COVERAGE PLEASE USE THIS URL TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE FREELY AVAILABLE PAPER:
http://journals.plos.org/plosmedicine/article?id=10.1371/journal.pmed.1002258
A new species of terrestrial crab has been found to climb trees on the eastern coast of Hong Kong. All specimens spotted during the survey have been collected at a height of approximately 1.5 - 1.8 m, walking on the bark of the branches at ebbing and low tides. The species is described in the open access journal ZooKeys.
Among the crab's characteristic traits are squarish predominantly dark brown carapace, very long legs and orange chelipeds. The species is less than a centimetre long, with the studied specimens measuring between 8 and 9 millimetres, irrespective of their sex. However, the chelipeds of the males appear stout, while in females they are distinctly more slender.
The scientists who found the new species (Haberma tingkok), Dr. Stefano Cannicci, the Swire Institute of Marine Science at the University of Hong Kong, and Dr. Peter Ng, National University of Singapore, have placed the new species in a small genus, which now contains merely three species. In fact, Dr. Peter Ng has been involved in the discovery of all of them. He also led the team that established the genus 15 years ago, having collected a small previously undescribed species of mangrove crab from Singapore.
The discovery of the tiny crustacean once again proves how little is known about the diversity of these crabs in Hong Kong. Furthermore, the mangroves that make for the habitat of the new species are under severe impact by both pollution and land reclamation, which underlines the urgent need for their conservation.
Earlier this year, Dr. Peter Ng teamed up with Dr. Jose Christopher Mendoza to describe another new species of crab, collected from the rubble at the island of Guam and named after two of the main characters in J. K. Rowling's Harry Potter fantasy series.
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Original source:
Cannicci S, Ng PLK (2017) A new species of micro-mangrove crab of the genus Haberma Ng & Schubart, 2002 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from Hong Kong. ZooKeys 662: 67-78. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.662.11908
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Doctors may soon be able to detect and monitor a patient's cancer with a simple blood test, reducing or eliminating the need for more invasive procedures, according to Purdue University research.
W. Andy Tao, a professor of biochemistry and member of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, and colleagues identified a series of proteins in blood plasma that, when elevated, signify that the patient has cancer. Their findings were published in the early edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Tao's work was done with samples from breast cancer patients, but it is possible the method could work for any type of cancer and other types of diseases. The work relies on analysis of microvesicles and exosomes in blood plasma.
Protein phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group to a protein can lead to cancer cell formation. So phosphorylated proteins, known as phosphoproteins, have been seen as prime candidates for cancer biomarkers. Until now, however, scientists weren't sure identification of phosphoproteins in blood was possible because the liver releases phosphatase into the bloodstream, which dephosphorylates proteins.
"There are so many types of cancer, even multiple forms for different types of cancer, that finding biomarkers has been discouraging," Tao said. "This is definitely a breakthrough, showing the feasibility of using phosphoproteins in blood for detecting and monitoring diseases."
Tao and his colleagues found nearly 2,400 phosphoproteins in a blood sample and identified 144 that were significantly elevated in cancer patients. The study compared 1-milliliter blood samples from 30 breast cancer patients with six healthy controls.
The researchers used centrifuges to separate plasma from red blood cells, and high-speed and ultra-high-speed centrifuges to further separate microvesicles and exosomes. Those particles, which are released from cells and enter the bloodstream, may play a role in intercellular communication and are thought to be involved in metastasis, spreading cancer from one place to another in the body. They also encapsulate phosphoproteins, which Tao's team identified using mass spectrometry.
"Extracellular vesicles, which include exosomes and microvesicles, are membrane-encapsulated. They are stable, which is important," Tao said. "The samples we used were 5 years old, and we were still able to identify phosphoproteins, suggesting this is a viable method for identifying disease biomarkers."
A simple blood test for cancer would be far less invasive than scopes or biopsies that remove tissue. A doctor could also regularly test a cancer patient's blood to understand the effectiveness of treatment and monitor patients after treatment to see if the cancer is returning.
"There is currently almost no way to monitor patients after treatment," Tao said. "Doctors have to wait until cancer comes back."
Timothy Ratliff, director of the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, said the findings are promising for early detection of cancer.
"The vesicles and exosomes are present and released by all cancers, so it could be that there are general patterns for cancer tissues, but it's more likely that Andy will develop patterns associated with different cancers. It's really exciting," Ratliff said. "Early detection in cancer is key and has been shown to clearly reduce the death rate associated with the disease."
Tao plans to analyze increased levels of phosphoproteins in various types of cancer to determine whether there are patterns that would signify the type of cancer a patient has. His company, Tymora Analytical, is also developing technology that would allow doctors to insert blood samples onto a cartridge and analyze phosphoproteins present, eliminating the need for ultra-high-speed centrifuges that aren't practical in clinical settings.
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The National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and the Purdue University Center for Cancer Research supported Tao's research.
Contact: Shari Finnell, 317-201-2345, sfinnell@purdue.edu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - As children, we learned about our solar system's planets by certain characteristics -- Jupiter is the largest, Saturn has rings, Mercury is closest to the sun. Mars is red, but it's possible that one of our closest neighbors also had rings at one point and may have them again someday.
That's the theory put forth by Purdue University scientists, whose findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience. David Minton, assistant professor of Earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, and Andrew Hesselbrock, a doctoral student in physics and astronomy, developed a model that suggests that debris that was pushed into space from an asteroid or other body slamming into Mars around 4.3 billion years ago and alternates between becoming a planetary ring and clumping up to form a moon.
A theory exists that Mars' large North Polar Basin or Borealis Basin, which covers about 40 percent of the planet in its northern hemisphere, was created by that impact, sending debris into space.
"That large impact would have blasted enough material off the surface of Mars to form a ring," Hesselbrock said. Hesselbrock and Minton's model suggests that as the ring formed and the debris slowly moved away from the planet and spread out, it began to clump and eventually formed a moon. Over time, Mars' gravitational pull would have pulled that moon toward the planet until it reached the Roche limit, the distance within which the planet's tidal forces will break apart a celestial body that is held together only by gravity.
Phobos, one of Mars' moons, is getting closer to the planet. According to the model, Phobos will break apart upon reaching the Roche limit and become a set of rings in roughly 70 million years. Depending on where the Roche limit is, Minton and Hesselbrock believe this cycle may have repeated between three and seven times over billions of years. Each time a moon broke apart and reformed from the resulting ring, its successor moon would be five times smaller than the last, according to the model, and debris would have rained down on the planet, possibly explaining enigmatic sedimentary deposits found near Mars' equator.
"You could have had kilometer-thick piles of moon sediment raining down on Mars in the early parts of the planet's history, and there are enigmatic sedimentary deposits on Mars with no explanation as to how they got there," Minton said. "And now it's possible to study that material."
Other theories suggest that the impact with Mars that created the North Polar Basin led to the formation of Phobos 4.3 billion years ago, but Minton said it's unlikely the moon could have lasted all that time. Also, Phobos would have had to form far from Mars and would have had to cross through the resonance of Deimos, the outer of Mars' two moons. Resonance occurs when two moons exert gravitational influence on each other in a repeated periodic basis, as major moons of Jupiter do. By passing through its resonance, Phobos would have altered Deimos' orbit. But Deimos' orbit is within one degree of Mars' equator, suggesting it has had no effect on Phobos.
"Not much has happened to Deimos' orbit since it formed," Minton said. "Phobos passing through these resonances would have changed that."
Richard Zurek of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, is the project scientist for NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, whose gravity mapping provided support for the hypothesis that the northern lowlands were formed by a massive impact.
"This research highlights even more ways that major impacts can affect a planetary body," he said.
Minton and Hesselbrock will now focus their work on either the dynamics of the first set of rings that formed or the materials that have rained down on Mars from disintegration of moons.
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NASA funded this study.
A world-first grass-roots guide for doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals will give them a much-needed common language to deal with the growing number of natural and man-made disasters worldwide
A world-first grass-roots guide for doctors, nurses, paramedics and other health professionals will give them a much-needed common language to deal with the growing number of natural and man-made disasters worldwide.
Edited by Professor Gerry FitzGerald, from QUT's School of Public Health, and launched yesterday by Rob Cameron Acting Director General of Emergency Management Australia, Disaster Health Management: a primer for students and practitioners covers events including Cyclone Yasi, the US Ebola outbreak, Victoria's bushfires, Iceland's 2010 volcano eruption, Tokyo's Sarin nerve gas attack and the 2010 Haiti earthquake.
"Whether it's fires, floods, earthquakes, tsunami, volcanic eruptions, influenza outbreaks, terrorist attacks or industrial accidents; there is always a disaster somewhere in the world," said Professor FitzGerald.
"Disaster health management is an emerging but rapidly growing field focusing on health problems caused by disasters throughout the continuum of prevention, preparation, response and recovery.
"There are plenty of research-based texts out there but none present a common language and consistent approach to the principles and practices involved in disaster health management.
"What, for example, is a disaster? The International Red Cross defines it as a sudden, calamitous event that seriously disrupts the functioning of a community or society and causes human, material, and economic or environmental losses that exceed the community's or society's ability to cope using its own resources.
"Our book features the work of 54 authors from across the world and provides new players in disaster health with an overview of the core principles and practice underpinning disaster health management throughout the continuum of getting ready, responding and recovering."
Acting Director-General of Emergency Management Australia Rob Cameron welcomed the book as a vital addition to the disaster management field.
"We must learn from past events and ensure that we as a community are as prepared and resilient as we can be, and it's though collaborations such as this book that we are able to apply lessons from the past towards mitigating the effects of future disasters," Mr Cameron said.
Professor Fitzgerald said emergency and disaster management was such a broad field of activity and people, covering areas including clinical care, management and scientific research.
"It is often difficult for people from diverse professional backgrounds to understand the complexity of this field and the concepts and principles," he said.
"The aim of this text is to craft a common language that students and practitioners from different professional fields may use to gain a common understanding of the principles and practice of disaster management; at least in Australia but hopefully around the world."
The book outlines definitions for the language of disaster; words like risk, risk management, mass casualty, resilience, hazard, protection and vulnerability. To emphasize its message, a range of case studies of past disasters in Australia and overseas are used.
"It's interesting to look at Hobart's Tasman Bridge disaster of 1975. As well causing the death of 12 people, around 40,000 people were cut off from the city's hospitals, schools, businesses and government offices. It took 34 months for the Tasman Bridge to be reopened so the disaster actually hastened the development of commercial and public facilities in the eastern suburbs of the city," Professor FitzGerald said.
"Fast forward to 2011 and Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi in Queensland and you discover the emergency response directly led to the establishment of the Asbestos Working Group which in turn has improved responses to public health risks associated with future disasters.
"Ultimately the text demonstrates how leadership can make a difference in building a community's resilience before, during and after a disaster."
Disaster Health Management: a primer for students and practitioners is published by Routledge and as well as Professor FitzGerald its editors were Mike Tarrant, Peter Aitken and Marie Frederiksen.
It's available at the QUT Bookshops or via Routledge online and profits from the sale of the text will be donated to Medecins Sans Frontieres.
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QUT is part of a national collaborative group of five major Australian universities that form the ATN (Australian Technology Network of Universities).
Media contact:
Amanda Weaver, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, amanda.weaver@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
Recent advances in the fight against type 2 diabetes (T2D) result from a pan-European collaborative project, called IMIDIA, in which the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is closely involved since 2010. SIB was in charge of both coordinating the large amount of patients' data (acting as Data Coordination Centre, DCC) as well as analysing the data to find biomarkers for early detection of the disease. The major findings of the research include the discovery of molecules, which could serve as biomarkers to detect the disease up to nine years before its diagnosis. These results have been collated in two publications marking the successful completion of the IMIDIA project - a public-private partnership of the Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI) - led by Bernard Thorens of the University of Lausanne (UNIL).
SIB, through its Vital-IT and Swiss-Prot groups, has since been selected as DCC in two additional IMI projects to fight diabetes, and is becoming a partner of reference for bioinformatics in European health-related programmes.
Of mice and men - and diabetes: two studies reveal new markers of T2D
While therapeutic options exist to treat diabetes, none exist to prevent or cure the disease. This prompted researchers to try to: 1) understand the molecular dysfunctions underlying the disease and 2) identify circulating biomarkers that could predict a person's susceptibility to T2D.
In a first study, coordinated by senior author Mark Ibberson of SIB's Vital-IT group and published in Molecular Metabolism, the team identified a key gene associated with T2D. Using a network analysis that integrated transcriptomic and phenotypic data, the gene Elovl2 appeared to be related to insulin secretion in mice. The finding was confirmed in human pancreatic beta-cell lines, i.e. cells resembling those affected in T2D.
In a parallel study, led by Bernard Thorens (UNIL) with Leonore Wigger of SIB's Vital-IT group as lead author and published in Cell Reports, researchers identified several lipids as potential early biomarkers for T2D. A preliminary mouse lipidomics study, including many lipid classes, was followed by a targeted analysis on two human cohorts, originating from Switzerland (CoLAUS) and France (DESIR). One particular lipid class, the dihydroceramides, was consistently elevated in the groups of study participants that were progressing towards diabetes, up to nine years before diagnosis
"So far the work on diabetes has been conducted both on human and mouse, but it has rarely been mixed in such a big effort and in such a comprehensive manner" points out Ioannis Xenarios, SIB's Vital-IT Group Leader.
These studies brought together academic teams, pharmaceutical companies and a Small to Medium Enterprise (SME). Furthermore, the results, obtained from large-scale experiments on mice, were cross-validated using human patients' cohorts made available in the context of the Innovative Medicines Initiative for Diabetes (IMIDIA) project. The findings therefore highlight the instrumental role of public-private partnerships, such as the IMI - Europe's largest public- private initiative - in enabling such advances and improve public health.
SIB, a Swiss competence centre for bioinformatics and health data
Beyond these scientific findings and their potential clinical applications, SIB's role in IMIDIA demonstrates the unique value and capabilities of the Institute as a competence center in the context of large-scale health-data projects.
Indeed, such projects are facing major challenges such as: making the patient's data interoperable, whilst respecting their security; designing innovative modeling approaches to analyse the data; supporting these analyses with appropriate computing power; relating the findings to curated databases.
SIB gathers under a single roof bioinformatics know-how, high-performance computing (e.g. the Vital-IT group) as well as leading biocuration expertise (e.g. the Swiss-Prot group, which maintains the most widely used protein information resource in the world). The IMIDIA project in particular relied on the SwissLipids knowledgebase, developed by Swiss-Prot in collaboration with the Swiss Initiative in Systems Biology (SystemsX.ch). This comprehensive library of over 300,000 known and theoretically possible lipid structures is enriched with expert-curated information on lipid metabolism, protein interactions and occurrence in organelles, cells, tissues and organs.
In addition to its data science expertise, SIB's unique position at the public and private interface enables it to seamlessly join forces with academic and industry partners to accelerate research and convert it into benefits for human health.
Since its implication in the IMIDIA project, SIB's role as an enabler in the life science field, both in data curation and bioinformatics, has led to its selection as DCC for follow-up projects: RHAPSODY and BEAt-DKD. While IMIDIA and RHAPSODY, both led by Bernard Thorens at the University of Lausanne, focus on the identification of new biomarkers for T2D, BEAt-DKD focuses on finding biomarkers of the Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD), the leading cause of renal failure, which affects up to 1 in 4 people suffering from diabetes. SIB is the only Swiss representative in the latter project.
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About SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
The SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is an academic not-for-profit organization. Its mission is to lead and coordinate the field of bioinformatics in Switzerland. Its data science experts join forces to advance biological and medical research and enhance health by (i) providing the national and international life science community with a state-of-the-art bioinformatics infrastructure, including resources, expertise and services; (ii) federating world-class researchers and delivering training in bioinformatics. It includes some 65 world-class research and service groups and some 800 scientists in the fields of genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, evolution, population genetics, systems biology, structural biology, biophysics and clinical bioinformatics. http://www.sib.swiss
MEDIA CONTACT
SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics
Marie Dangles
Head of Communications
+41 21 692 40 75
marie.dangles@sib.swiss
Maia Berman
Communications Manager
+41 21 692 40 54
maia.berman@sib.swiss
References:
1. Cruciani-Guglielmacci C et al. Molecular phenotyping of multiple mouse strains under metabolic challenge uncovers a role for Elovl2 in glucose-induced insulin secretion. Molecular Metabolism 2017; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.molmet.2017.01.009
2. Wigger L et al. Plasma dihydroceramides are diabetes susceptibility biomarker candidates in mice and humans. Cell Reports 2017;18: 2269 - 2279; http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2017.02.019
3. SIB Virtual seminar - Mark Ibberson, Vital-IT - Systems Biology, Networks and Diabetes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PztYJ3lALVc
4. Past press release on RHAPSODY project: http://www.sib.swiss/about-us/news/news-2016/961-rhapsody-a-european-symphony-for-personalized-health-of-diabetes
The project "Improving beta-cell function and identification of diagnostic biomarkers for treatment monitoring in diabetes (IMIDIA)" has received support from the Innovative Medicines Initiative Joint Undertaking under grant agreement n 115005, resources of which are composed of financial contribution from European Union's Seventh Framework programme (FP7/2007-2013) and EFPIA companies' in kind contribution.
This press release reflects only the author's views and neither IMI nor the European Commission is liable for any use that may be made of the information contained
UML asks govt to bring plan to break deadlock
The CPN-UML, which earlier in the day reiterated its stance that the government should focus on local polls set for May 14 rather than constitution amendment, later on Monday demanded that the government come up with a final proposal that could ensure Madhes-based parties participation in the elections.
Gun violence resulted in initial hospitalization costs of more than $6.6 billion nationwide from 2006 through 2014 -- an average of $734.6 million per year, according to a study by researchers at the Stanford School of Medicine.
In an analysis of data from 267,265 patients who were admitted for firearm-related injuries during the nine-year period, the researchers reported that the $6.6 billion figure is only a fraction of the total hospital costs incurred by gunshot wounds: It does not include costs of emergency room visits -- medical costs for patients who are treated and released or those who are treated but die before admission -- or hospital readmissions.
The study will be published online March 21 in the American Journal of Public Health. The lead author is medical student Sarabeth Spitzer. The senior author is Thomas Weiser, MD, associate professor of surgery.
"There is a high cost for these injuries, especially because they are preventable," Spitzer said. The study included hospitalization costs of shooting injuries that were self-inflicted, unintentional or due to assault.
At Stanford, 10 percent of trauma patients are admitted with gunshot or knife wounds -- a small but important proportion of the patient population, Weiser said.
Little research on gun violence
Despite the scale of the problem, there exists surprisingly little research on gun violence from a public health perspective. This is, in part, due to a measure Congress passed in 1996 that restricts federal funding for firearms research, Spitzer said.
Past studies have looked into the total costs of firearm injuries -- medical as well as social -- but most have focused either on particular states or within narrow time ranges. Analyzing data from 2012, a Mother Jones investigation estimated that the annual cost of gun violence in America exceeds $229 billion, as much as $3.4 billion of which includes emergency services, police investigations and long-term medical- and mental-health care costs. The actual costs of hospital visits are difficult to tease out from these figures, and it is unclear who actually ends up paying for them.
"Firearm injuries are tied to one of the most controversial political issues in the country, so it is important for all sides to have access to fact-based research," Spitzer said. "Cost information can be especially helpful when making health policy decisions."
The Stanford team set out to estimate the national medical costs of firearm injuries over a nine-year period by using publicly available data in the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, the largest database in the United States, which houses information from about 8 million hospital discharges each year. The researchers picked patients who were admitted for firearm-related injuries and analyzed the severity of their wounds, the cost of their care, where they were hospitalized and how they paid for the hospitalizations.
Government bears large share of cost
Spitzer and her colleagues interrogated the data to address two primary questions: What were the total medical costs when gunshot victims were first hospitalized, and where did the financial burden of medical care fall?
The team found that the government bears about 40 percent of the total costs. "It's a very high financial burden," Spitzer said.
The researchers found that victims paid for hospital costs through Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance or out of their pockets. Patients were overwhelmingly male, and there was a correlation between their insurance status and how they sustained their injuries. For example, shootings of young and poor individuals insured by Medicaid comprised two-thirds of firearm injuries, and they were most often victims of assault. In contrast, older Medicare-insured patients were more likely to suffer from self-inflicted gunshot wounds.
The study captures costs for a very limited experience because the costs of firearm injuries continue in many different ways, Spitzer said. "There's a cost if you're readmitted, there's long-term rehab, and a lot of these patients end up needing long-term health care," she said, adding that she and her colleagues will next systematically analyze costs of hospital readmissions.
"It's amazing that we don't know as much about the medical costs of firearm injuries," said David Hemenway, director of the Harvard Injury Control Center, who was not involved in the study. "[This study] highlights that this is just the tip of the iceberg."
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Other Stanford co-authors of the study are Kristan Staudenmayer, MD, associate professor of surgery; David Spain, MD, professor of surgery; and research scientist Lakshika Tennakoon.
The research was supported by the Stanford Medical Scholars Fellowship Program.
The Stanford University School of Medicine consistently ranks among the nation's top medical schools, integrating research, medical education, patient care and community service. For more news about the school, please visit http://med.stanford.edu/school.html. The medical school is part of Stanford Medicine, which includes Stanford Health Care and Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford. For information about all three, please visit http://med.stanford.edu.
Print media contact: Tracie White at (650) 723-7628 (traciew@stanford.edu)
Broadcast media contact: Margarita Gallardo at (650) 723-7897 (mjgallardo@stanford.edu)
Televised direct-to-consumer advertising for testosterone therapies increased across U.S. metropolitan areas between 2009 and 2013, and exposure to these ads was associated with greater testosterone testing, new use of testosterone therapies, and use without recent testing, according to a study published by JAMA.
Testosterone therapies were originally approved to treat hypogonadism (a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough testosterone) resulting from the disruption of the pituitary-hypothalamus-gonadal axis. Now many men take or are prescribed testosterone for age-related reduced testosterone levels or nonspecific symptoms without pathological hypogonadism.
Testosterone initiation increased substantially in the United States from 2000 to 2013, especially among men without clear indications. Direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) also increased during this time.
J. Bradley Layton, Ph.D., of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and colleagues examined associations between televised DTCA and testosterone testing and initiation in 75 designated market areas (DMAs) in the United States. Monthly testosterone advertising ratings were linked to DMA-level testosterone use data from 2009-2013 derived from commercial insurance claims.
Associations between DTCA and testosterone testing, initiation, and initiation without recent baseline tests were estimated. Initiation of testosterone gels, patches, injections, or implants was defined as pharmacy dispensing or in-office receipt identified through procedure codes of testosterone following six months without prior testosterone receipt.
Of 17,228,599 commercially insured men in the 75 DMAs, 1,007,990 (average age, 50 years) had new serum testosterone tests and 283,317 (average age, 52 years) initiated testosterone treatment. Advertising intensity varied by geographic region and time, with the highest intensity seen in the southeastern United States and with months ranging from no ad exposures to an average of 13.6 exposures per household. Nonbranded advertisements were common prior to 2012, with branded advertisements becoming more common during and after 2012. Each household advertisement exposure was associated with a monthly increase in rates of new testosterone testing, initiation, and initiation without a recent test.
"Although the average increase in testosterone rates associated with a single ad exposure was less than 1 percent, advertisements were widespread and frequent during the study period; with cumulative ad exposures of close to 200 in some DMAs, DTCA was associated with substantial overall increases in testosterone testing and initiation," the authors write.
"While other studies have demonstrated associations between DTCA and increasing medication use, this study demonstrates increases in potentially inappropriate use and increasing initiation during a time when most testosterone use was of questionable value for age-related testosterone decreases without strong evidence of benefit," the researchers write. "This study complements many others that suggest the contribution that DTCA may make in the early adoption of recently approved treatments whose risk-benefit profile may be quite unclear."
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(doi:10.1001/jama.2016.21041; the study is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website)
Editor's Note: Please see the articles for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, funding and support, etc.
Related material: The editorial, "Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Androgen Replacement Therapy," by Richard L. Kravitz, M.D., M.S.P.H., of the University of California, Davis, also is available at the For The Media website.
To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2016.21041
Patients with septic shock admitted to hospitals affected by the 2011 shortage of the drug norepinephrine had a higher risk of in-hospital death, according to a study published online by JAMA. The study is being released to coincide with its presentation at the 37th International Symposium on Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine.
Drug shortages are an increasing problem, but their effect on patient care and outcomes has rarely been reported. In February 2011, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a severe nationwide shortage of norepinephrine caused by production interruptions at three drug manufacturers that persisted until February 2012.
Norepinephrine is recommended as the first-line vasopressor (a drug that constricts [narrows] blood vessels, increasing blood pressure) for treatment of hypotension (abnormally low blood pressure) due to septic shock.
Hannah Wunsch, M.D., M.Sc., of Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, and colleagues assessed changes to patient care and outcomes associated with the 2011 shortage of norepinephrine. The study included 26 U.S. hospitals with a baseline rate of norepinephrine use of at least 60 percent for patients with septic shock. The study group included adults with septic shock admitted to study hospitals between July 2008 and June 2013 (n = 27,835). Hospital-level norepinephrine shortage was defined as any quarterly (3-month) interval in 2011 during which the hospital rate of norepinephrine use decreased by more than 20 percent from baseline.
Among the patients with septic shock in hospitals that demonstrated at least one quarter of norepinephrine shortage in 2011, norepinephrine use declined from 77 percent of patients before the shortage to a low of 56 percent in the second quarter of 2011; phenylephrine was the most frequently used alternative vasopressor during this time.
Compared with hospital admission with septic shock during quarters of normal use, hospital admission during quarters of shortage was associated with an increased rate of in-hospital mortality (9,283 of 25,874 patients [35.9 percent] vs 777 of 1,961 patients [39.6 percent], respectively; absolute risk increase = 3.7 percent).
The authors write that several factors may explain the observed associations between norepinephrine shortage and increased patient mortality, including that other specific vasopressors selected to replace norepinephrine may result in worse outcomes for patients with septic shock, and that observable decreases in norepinephrine use in the setting of shortage may be a marker of related unmeasured factors that affected patient outcomes, such as the absence of a dedicated shortage pharmacist to optimize distribution of limited supplies, delayed administration of vasopressors, or lack of clinician familiarity with dosing of alternative vasopressor agents.
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(doi:10.1001/jama.2017.2841; the study is available pre-embargo at the For the Media website)
Editor's Note: This study was supported by funds from the Herbert and Florence Irving Scholars Program at Columbia University. Please see the article for additional information, including other authors, author contributions and affiliations, financial disclosures, etc.
Related material: The editorial, "National Shortages of Generic Sterile Injectable Drugs," by Julie M. Donohue, Ph.D., of the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health, and Derek C. Angus, M.D., M.P.H., of the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, and Associate Editor, JAMA, also is available at the For The Media website.
To place an electronic embedded link to this study in your story This link will be live at the embargo time: http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/10.1001/jama.2017.2841
-- Despite worldwide progress since the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC) came into effect in 2005, not all key demand-reduction measures have been fully implemented at the same pace, but doing so could reduce tobacco use even further.
The global tobacco control treaty has increased the adoption of tobacco reduction measures around the world, which has led to a 2.5% reduction in global smoking rates, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health.
The treaty obligates the 180 countries committed to it to implement strong evidence-based policies, including five key measures: high tobacco taxes, smoke-free public spaces, warning labels, comprehensive advertising bans, and support for stop smoking services. [1]
The study - conducted by a team of researchers from the International Tobacco Control Policy Evaluation Project, based at the University of Waterloo in Canada and the World Health Organization in Geneva - noted that although progress in combatting the global tobacco epidemic has been substantial, this progress has fallen short of the pace of global tobacco control action called for by the treaty.
One of the authors, Dr Geoffrey Fong, from the University of Waterloo, Canada, said: "The study provides strong evidence that the FCTC has led to a significant increase in the implementation of tobacco control measures. Further, the study shows that the objectives of the WHO-FCTC in reducing tobacco use can be met through adoption of key demand-reduction measures at their highest level and strong implementation of these measures. The WHO-FCTC has been a success in reducing tobacco use in countries that engaged in strong implementation and saw their smoking rates decline - at a level much greater than those countries that did not." [2]
The study analysed WHO data from 126 countries (116 parties and 10 non-parties), tracking strong implementation of the five key demand-reduction measures from 2007 to 2014, and examining the association between the number of measures fully implemented and country's smoking rates from 2005 to 2015.
Those countries fully implementing more of these measures experienced significantly greater reductions in smoking rates. Overall, each additional measure implemented at the highest level was associated with a reduction in smoking rates of 1.57 percentage points, which corresponds to 7.1% fewer smokers in 2015, relative to the number of smokers in 2005.
On average, smoking rates across the 126 countries went down from 24.7% in 2005 to 22.2% in 2015 - a reduction of 2.5%. However, the trends varied across countries, with smoking rates decreasing in 90 countries, increasing in 24 and remaining the same in 12 countries.
For example, from 2007 to 2014 countries in Northern Europe and South America implemented a significant number of key demand-reduction policies and experienced large reductions in smoking prevalence (7.1% and 6.8%, respectively) between 2005 and 2015. Meanwhile, countries in the African region introduced very few of these policies and experienced increases in smoking rates (3.4% in Western Africa, 12.6% in Middle Africa and 4.6% in Northern Africa).
The most frequently implemented measure by 2014 was smoke-free public places (28%, 35 of 126 countries implemented the measure, 28 of which did so between 2007 and 2014), which reduce smoking-related disease and death by protecting people from second-hand smoke and also encourage smokers to quit. The least frequently implemented measure was advertising bans (13% of countries, 16 of 126, 12 of which did so between 2007 and 2014), which have been shown to reduce the number of people starting smoking, especially among young people.
By 2014, support for stop smoking services had been adopted by 16% of countries (20 of 126) and a quarter (25.4%, 32 of 126) had implemented health warnings on cigarette packaging. A fifth of countries (22.2%, 28 of 126) had implemented high taxation on tobacco - the most effective measure for reducing smoking, especially in low- and middle-income countries where smokers are more price-sensitive.
Since the treaty came into force, a number of countries have made dramatic advances in their efforts to reduce tobacco use, including some low- and middle-income countries. Panama introduced a complete smoke-free policy and a complete ban on advertising, promotion and sponsorship in 2008, and established a strong quit assistance program in 2009. Nepal introduced a complete smoking ban and a complete tobacco marketing ban. More recently, it also introduced the world's largest pack warnings, taking up 90% of the front and back of the pack, with strong graphic images of the harms caused by cigarettes.
"While the progress of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control has been remarkable, there are still far too many countries where domestication of the treaty and its implementation has fallen short," said Dr Fong. "One important cause of this is the tobacco industry's influence, particularly in low- and middle-income countries." [2]
According to WHO, tobacco use causes nearly six million deaths a year globally. It also poses a huge burden on the global economy through healthcare and lost productivity costs of more than US$1 trillion each year.
The study was not a fully global analysis as only 65% of countries could provide the data needed for the study, but it did include countries from all income classification levels, WHO regions and UN sub-regions.
As the study is observational the lower smoking rates could be influenced by other factors. The researchers were unable to account for how well enforced the policies were, meaning their impact could be underestimated if taking into account countries where the measure was not actually implemented properly. In addition, as many countries implement tobacco control policies together or shortly after one another, it is difficult to distinguish which measures have the largest overall impact.
"The data did not allow a detailed analysis of the impact of individual policies," said Dr Fong. "Thus, there is a need for other studies that are specifically designed to evaluate the impact of all the WHO-FCTC policies and not just the key demand-reduction measures. Such studies can provide guidance to countries about what policies may offer the greatest benefits, and can support the strong emphasis that the WHO-FCTC Conference of the Parties is placing on mobilizing efforts to accelerate and strength the implementation of the treaty." [2]
Writing in a linked Comment, Dr Kenneth E. Warner, University of Michigan School of Public Health, USA, said: "No study can do it all. The present undertaking is remarkably ambitious, examining, as it does, five distinct policy areas in well over 100 countries over a period spanning a decade. The authors deserve ample credit for reinforcing, with solid empirical evidence, the core message in the FCTC: tobacco control policy matters. The authors cite evidence that the FCTC has accelerated implementation of tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship bans, smoke-free laws, and pack warning labels. Let us hope that this study increases adoption of all of the core evidence-based demand-reduction policy interventions, especially including raising taxes, the highly effective intervention that has lagged in terms of adoption."
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NOTES TO EDITORS
The study was funded by Health Canada, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and the Canadian Cancer Society. It was conducted by scientists from the University of Waterloo, University of Buffalo, the World Health Organisation and the Ontario Institute of Cancer Research.
[1] The study only counts the measures that have been fully implemented - for instance, to fully implement a smoke-free policy, countries must make all hospitals, schools, universities, government offices, indoor workplaces, restaurants, cafes, bars and public transport smoke-free, while to meet the standard for taxation, countries must ensure that taxes make up 75% or more of the price of a packet of cigarettes (see Figure 1).
[2] Quote direct from author and cannot be found in the text of the Article.
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WASHINGTON (March 21, 2017) - Children who are bystanders to a bullying incident are more likely to intervene if their parents have given them advice to intervene and less likely to intervene if their parents tell them to "stay out of it," according to a new study published in the Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, a journal of the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. The study suggests that culturally-consistent family components may enhance and promote the success of school-based anti-bullying efforts.
"Bullying is a serious problem for children, schools, and families. Our research suggests that parents have the power to address this problem through the advice they give their children at home. Nearly all children are involved in bullying situations as bystanders even if they are not a bully or a victim, so it is important that parents talk with their children about ways they can intervene if they witness someone being bullied," said Stevie Grassetti, PhD, Post-Doctoral Researcher at the University of Delaware, and lead author of the study. "Bystander children play a powerful role in stopping bullying."
An estimated 10 percent of children are victims of bullying, and many anti-bullying programs are aimed at encouraging bystanders to intervene. Researchers found a link between parents' advice to children and children's specific behaviors when they witness bullying take place at school. For instance, parents' advice to their children to help and comfort victims, significantly predicted children intervening. Furthermore, when children's parents told them to ignore bullying incidents, they were not only less likely to intervene on behalf of victims, but were actually more likely to join in the bullying.
The study took place in fourth and fifth grade classes of nine elementary schools with diverse populations in an urban/suburban school district in a mid-Atlantic state. Data were collected at school and at home as part of a larger study on the effectiveness of a school-based bullying prevention program. In the classroom setting, 1,440 children reported on their classmates' specific behaviors during bullying incidents. At home, 106 pairs of caregivers and children were presented with five hypothetical bullying examples, and then parents were asked to explain to their children how they should respond if they witnessed the situation take place.
Previous research has examined family factors associated with children becoming bullies or victims of bullying, but little has been known about parental influence on children who are bystanders to bullying. Researchers said these results broaden the understanding of how best to engage children who may be able to intervene in ways that parents and teachers are not able to and make a real impact on the bullying problem.
"Parents and school personnel should work together to make sure that children are receiving consistent messages on how to stop and prevent bullying. We now know that parental advice given at home could be very relevant to children's behavior with peers at school during bullying incidents," said Grassetti.
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Grassetti, et al. "Caregivers' Advice and Children's Bystander Behaviors During Bullying Incidents." Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. Web (March 20, 2016).
The Journal of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (JCCAP) is the official journal for the Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (Division 53), American Psychological Association, published in collaboration with Taylor & Francis. It publishes original contributions on the following topics: (a) the development and evaluation of assessment and intervention techniques for use with clinical child and adolescent populations; (b) the development and maintenance of clinical child and adolescent problems; (c) cross-cultural and sociodemographic issues that have a clear bearing on clinical child and adolescent psychology in terms of theory, research, or practice; and (d) training and professional practice in clinical child and adolescent psychology, as well as child advocacy.
The Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (SCCAP) leads the advancement and practice of evidence-based therapies based on psychological science. The society promotes scientific inquiry, training, professional practice and public policy reform as a means of improving the welfare and mental health of children, youth and families. As a section of the American Psychological Association, its members include nearly 3,000 clinical child and adolescent psychologists, trainees and other mental health professionals. More information on the Society for Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology is available at http://www.clinicalchildpsychology.org. Information on the evidence-based approaches to treat life stressors and mental disorders in children and adolescents is available at http://www.effectivechildtherapy.org.
Using a satnav to get to your destination 'switches off' parts of the brain that would otherwise be used to simulate different routes, reveals new UCL research
Using a satnav to get to your destination 'switches off' parts of the brain that would otherwise be used to simulate different routes, reveals new UCL research.
The study, published in Nature Communications and funded by Wellcome, involved 24 volunteers navigating a simulation of Soho in central London while undergoing brain scans. The researchers investigated activity in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in memory and navigation, and the prefrontal cortex which is involved in planning and decision-making. They also mapped the labyrinth of London's streets to understand how these brain regions reacted to them.
When volunteers navigated manually, their hippocampus and prefrontal cortex had spikes of activity when volunteers entered new streets. This brain activity was greater when the number of options to choose from increased, but no additional activity was detected when people followed satnav instructions.
"Entering a junction such as Seven Dials in London, where seven streets meet, would enhance activity in the hippocampus, whereas a dead-end would drive down its activity. If you are having a hard time navigating the mass of streets in a city, you are likely putting high demands on your hippocampus and prefrontal cortex," explains senior author Dr Hugo Spiers (UCL Experimental Psychology). "Our results fit with models in which the hippocampus simulates journeys on future possible paths while the prefrontal cortex helps us to plan which ones will get us to our destination. When we have technology telling us which way to go, however, these parts of the brain simply don't respond to the street network. In that sense our brain has switched off its interest in the streets around us."
Previous UCL research has shown that the hippocampi of London taxi drivers expand as they learn 'the Knowledge', memorising the streets and landmarks of central London. The latest study suggests that drivers who follow satnav directions do not engage their hippocampus, likely limiting any learning of the city street network.
The team have also analysed the street networks of major cities around the world to visualise how easy they may be to navigate. With its complex network of small streets, London appears to be particularly taxing on the hippocampus. By contrast, much less mental effort may be needed to navigate Manhattan in New York. With its grid layout, at most junctions you can only go straight, left or right.
Senior author Dr Hugo Spiers is now on secondment as Director of Science at The Centric Lab, a consultancy and research organisation in London that uses neuroscience to inform building and city design.
"The next step for our lab will be working with smart tech companies, developers, and architects to help design spaces that are easier to navigate and increase wellbeing," says Dr Spiers. "Our new findings allow us to look at the layout of a city or building and consider how the memory systems of the brain may likely react. For example, we could look at the layouts of care homes and hospitals to identify areas that might be particularly challenging for people with dementia and help to make them easier to navigate. Similarly, we could design new buildings that are dementia-friendly from the outset."
Dr Amir-Homayoun Javadi who led the brain imaging analysis at UCL and now works at the University of Kent, says: "Understanding how the environment affects our brain is important. My research group is now exploring how physical and cognitive activity affect brain activity in a positive way. Satnavs clearly have their uses and their limitations."
Dr Beatrix Emo, who led the city street analysis at UCL and now works at ETH Zurich, says: "Linking the structure of cities to behaviour has been around since the 1980s, but this is the first study to reveal the impact of that structure on the brain."
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The research was conducted at UCL with a collaboration between scientists and architecture experts from UCL, the University of Kent, ETH Zurich, the German Centre for Neurodegenerative Diseases, the University of Hertfordshire and the University of Bahrain. This work was supported by Wellcome, the James S. McDonnell Foundation and the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. Dr Spiers' secondment at the Centric Lab is funded by the Medical Research Council.
Scientists from the University of Liverpool are seeking to answer unsolved questions about Earth's core and mantle with a major research project supported by the Leverhulme Trust.
They will use their expertise in palaeomagnetism - that is finding the record of Earth's magnetic field which has been preserved in rocks -to add to our understanding of the Earth's deep interior.
Currently geophysics can provide 3D images all the way down to the centre of the Earth, 6370 km beneath our feet, but this is only for a snapshot in time: today. By contrast, geology provides records of dynamic processes over the last 3.5 billion years but only at Earth's surface.
This research project will generate new measurements of the magnetic field's strength and direction at crucial time periods through extensive fieldwork conducted in eight countries which will be used to compare against numerical simulations of Earth's magnetic field generated under conditions predicted under different Earth evolution scenarios with various rates of planetary cooling and diverse styles of mantle convection.
Palaeomagnetist, Professor Andy Biggin, who is leading this research project, said: "It is vital that we obtain a clear picture of Earth's internal evolution because it underpins our capacity to understand surface processes, utilise natural resources, and predict and mitigate against geohazards that threaten our safety.
The researchers hope the results of this project will provide new insight into some of the longstanding earth science questions including: what is the role of the deep mantle in plate tectonics; how fast is Earth's core cooling down and what does this mean for the geological lifespan of the planet?; does Earth's magnetic field have a 200 million year "heartbeat" linked to violent mantle processes that affect the evolution of life at the surface?; is the anomalously weak patch of magnetic field we see over the south Atlantic today a "one-off" or is it a recurring feature caused by unusual conditions in the lowermost mantle at this place?
Over its 4,500 million year history, Earth, the largest of the terrestrial planets, has undergone considerable evolution in terms of its internal mass distribution, temperature, and composition.
This evolution shapes its surface and determines the conditions under which life flourishes. It builds mountain ranges and ocean basins, produces earthquakes and volcanoes, and generates a magnetic field that extends far out to space and shields us against harmful solar wind radiation.
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A study published March 21, 2017 in the journal Science summarizes the types of surface changes observed during the two years that the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft spent investigating comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko. Notable differences are seen before and after the comet's most active period -- perihelion -- when it reached its closest point to the Sun along its orbit.
"Monitoring the comet continuously as it traversed the inner solar system gave us an unprecedented insight not only into how comets change when they travel close to the Sun, but also how fast these changes take place," said Mohamed El-Maarry, a comet researcher at the University of Colorado, Boulder and the lead author of the study.
The changes are linked to different geological processes: weathering and erosion, sublimation of water ice, and mechanical stresses arising from the comet's spin.
"Comet landscapes are fascinating. They are sculpted by slow erosion and dramatic outbursts," said Dennis Bodewits, an assistant research scientist in astronomy at the University of Maryland who is a co-author of the study. "One of the key points of this paper is that the observed changes are small and relatively subtle. Features such as large holes suggest that more violent activity is infrequent on the time scale of an orbital period."
Weathering occurs all over the comet, where consolidated materials are weakened--such as by heating and cooling cycles on daily or seasonal timescales--causing their fragmentation. Combined with heating of subsurface ices that lead to outflows of gas, this can ultimately result in the sudden collapse of cliff walls, the evidence of which is apparent in several locations on the comet.
A completely different process is thought to be responsible for a 500-meter-long fracture spotted in August 2014 that runs through the comet's neck in the Anuket region. This fracture was found to have extended by about 30 meters by December 2014. This is linked to the comet's increasing spin rate in the lead up to perihelion. Furthermore, in images taken in June 2016, a new 150 to 300-meter-long fracture was identified parallel to the original fracture.
Close to the fractures, a four-meter-wide boulder moved by about 15 meters, as determined by comparing images taken in March 2015 and June 2016. It is not clear whether the fracture extension and movement of the boulder are related to each other or caused by different processes.
A substantially larger boulder, some 30 meters wide and weighing 12,800 tons, was found to have moved an impressive 140 meters in the Khonsu region, on the larger of the two comet lobes.
It is thought that the boulder moved during the perihelion period, as several outburst events were detected close to its original position. The movement could have been triggered in one of two ways: either a large amount of underlying material eroded away, allowing the boulder to roll downslope, or a forceful outburst could have directly lifted the boulder to the new location.
Erosion caused by the sublimation of material, and deposition of dust falling from outbursts, are also thought to be responsible for sculpting the landscape in different ways. For example, scarps in several smooth plains have been observed to retreat by tens of meters and at a rate of up to a few meters per day around perihelion.
"Scarp retreats were observed before on Comet Tempel 1, inferred by comparing images taken during flybys of the comet by NASA's Deep Impact in 2005, and Stardust-NExT in 2011," said El-Maarry. "What we were able to do with Rosetta was to monitor similar changes continuously, and at a higher resolution. Our observations additionally tell us that scarp retreat seems to be a common process on comets, specifically in smooth-looking deposits."
Furthermore, in the smooth plains of the Imhotep region, previously hidden circular features and small boulders have been exposed by the removal of material. In one location, a depth of about three meters had been removed, most likely through the sublimation of underlying ices.
Changes were also noted in the comet's smooth neck region, near distinctive ripples that were likened to Earth's sand dunes when they were first identified. Close monitoring of the ripple formations showed this location to also display expanding circular features in the soft material that reached diameters of 100 meters in less than three months. They subsequently faded away to give rise to new sets of ripples.
The researchers speculate that the repeated development of these unique features at the same spot must be linked to the curved structure of the neck region directing the flow of sublimating gas in a particular way.
Another type of change is the development of honeycomb-like features noticed in the dusty terrains of the Ma'at region on the comet's small lobe in the northern hemisphere, marked by an increase in surface roughness in the six months leading up to perihelion.
Similar to other seasonal changes, these features faded substantially after perihelion, presumably as a result of resurfacing by the deposition of new particles ejected from the southern hemisphere during this active period.
"This documentation of changes over time was a key goal of Rosetta's mission, and shows the surface of comets as geologically active, on both seasonal and short transient timescales," said Matt Taylor, Rosetta project scientist for the European Space Agency.
The scientists also note that although many small-scale localized changes have occurred, there were no major shape-changing events that significantly altered the comet's overall appearance. Ground-based observations over the last few decades suggest similar levels of activity during each perihelion, so the researchers think that the major landforms seen during Rosetta's mission were sculpted during a different orbital configuration.
"At UMD, we use telescopes such as Swift and Spitzer to look at the activity of comets as they approach the Sun for the first time," said Michael A'Hearn, a Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of astronomy at UMD and a co-author on the study. A'Hearn also served as principal investigator on the Deep Impact mission. "We know that such comets are indeed very active. But Rosetta allowed us to see in great detail what this activity did to the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko."
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This release is adapted from text supplied by the European Space Agency.
The research paper, "Surface changes on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko suggest a more active past," Mohamed El-Maarry et al., was published March 21, 2017 in the journal Science.
The Rosetta mission is operated by the European Space Agency with national agencies funding the instrumentation and scientific activities. University of Maryland participation in the OSIRIS camera team is funded by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Contract # 1267923) and a Gauss Professorship from the Gottingen Academy of Sciences (to Michael A'Hearn). The content of this article does not necessarily reflect the views of these organizations.
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The College of Computer, Mathematical, and Natural Sciences at the University of Maryland educates more than 7,000 future scientific leaders in its undergraduate and graduate programs each year. The college's 10 departments and more than a dozen interdisciplinary research centers foster scientific discovery with annual sponsored research funding exceeding $150 million.
Work by a trio of University of Queensland researchers and their teams to help save tropical habitats has prompted government policy changes in Malaysia, Indonesia and around the world.
The researchers' work advancing natural resource management knowledge in the tropics has won them Malaysia's 2016 Mahathir Science Award, which was announced today.
Professor Hugh Possingham, Professor Kerrie Wilson and Dr Erik Meijaard from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Environmental Decisions (CEED) are the first research group - rather than an individual -- to win the award.
CEED director Professor Wilson said she and her colleagues had led extensive research in environmental decision science, specifically its application in Borneo but also in other tropical regions.
"The research group is the driving force behind Borneo Futures, a research network of 350 collaborating scientists who use social, economic and ecological data to improve natural resource management decision-making on Borneo," Professor Wilson said.
"Our research and related media stories have contributed to tangible policy change in both Malaysia and Indonesia.
"Examples include the modelling of orangutan population trends, which resulted in the listing of the Borneo orangutan as critically endangered, and new policies and plans on protecting the species, "Dr Meijaard added.
"Indonesia's new policies on fire prevention and peat management also were influenced by our group's research," he said.
Professor Wilson emphasized that the success of the group owed much to the development of Marxan, a conservation planning software tool which has helped managers, policy-makers and non-government organisations make better decisions about natural resource management.
"Marxan is now used by more than 6,000 users worldwide and is referred to in thousands of scientific papers, books and reports," she said.
"We are grateful to the Mahathir Science Foundation and to the support from the Indonesian and Malaysian governments who have incorporated elements of our research findings into their decision-making, seeking to balance economic development and social and environmental costs" said Professor Wilson.
The CEED group was announced as winner of the Mahathir prize followed a stringent vetting and shortlisting process by Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) Fellows, and by an International Advisory Panel.
The Mahathir Science Award recognises scientists, institutions or organisations worldwide for tropical research that has an impact on the well-being of society.
Award categories are in the fields of Tropical Agriculture, Tropical Architecture and Engineering, Tropical Medicine and Tropical Natural Resources.
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Mutation in IFT88 causes birth defects in mouse models; the same gene affects human face and skull development, though more research is needed
A group of researchers has found that three siblings born with cleft lip and palate share a common gene mutation associated with the birth defect.
The gene intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88) ensures transportation antennae (cilia) on embryonic cells travel to the right place, enabling the development of cartilage, bone and smooth muscle in the face and skull.
"Finding this birth defect in every single child in a family is like catching lightning in a bottle because it allowed us to pinpoint the gene mutation that is probably responsible," said Yang Chai, senior author of the study and director of the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. "Our finding that the gene IFT88 is involved in cleft lip and palate is unlikely to be mere coincidence."
However, because this study involved only three children, Chai said more investigation is needed to find a causal relationship.
The study -- a collaborative effort between the Ostrow School of Dentistry, the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Children's Hospital Los Angeles and the nonprofit Operation Smile -- was published in the journal Human Molecular Genetics in January.
Operation Smile, an international nonprofit that provides free facial surgeries in developing countries, found and provided support to three siblings -- two boys and a girl -- in Mexico who were born with cleft lip and palate. Their mother did not have the congenital disorder, but their father did. Surgeons at CHLA repaired the orofacial abnormality.
In America, cleft lip and palate is the most common birth defect, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An estimated 7,000 children are born with cleft lip and palate every year.
"Although most people are not familiar with cleft lip and palate, it is a common congenital anomaly that impacts survival, feeding, speech and has long-term implications if not repaired early and correctly," said Pedro Sanchez, a co-author of the study, a medical geneticist at CHLA and an assistant professor of clinical pathology and pediatrics at the Keck School of Medicine. "It occurs in approximately 1 in 1000 live births.
"Understanding the underlying causes of craniofacial disorders can one day lead to an intervention that can reduce the severity of this birth defect, thereby lessening the social, emotional and financial burden that these families face."
Genome sequencing locates a key gene mutation
Researchers went through 32,061 unique gene variations to identify IFT88.
"If someone carries this mutation, they may have a higher chance of giving birth to children with cleft lip and palate," said Chai, associate dean of the Ostrow School. "Doctors can provide consultations to these patients before they give birth, so parents can have surgery lined up and seek out proper care for their newborns."
The study of IFT88 may eventually have far-reaching implications. Other congenital diseases tied to a genetic disorder of cilia on embryonic cells include retinal degeneration, hearing defects, polydactyly (extra fingers or toes at birth) and brain malformations.
Animal model supports genome sequencing data
Genome-wide association studies usually use the data of hundreds or thousands of patients to identify a gene mutation, yet it is still an association study.
"In our study, however, the animal model and the human mutation match," Chai said. "In the animal model, there is no doubt. We have shown that 100 percent of the mice who have a single mutation in IFT88 have cleft lip and palate."
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Hua Tian, Jifan Feng, Jingyuan Li, Thach-Vu Ho, Yuan Yuan, Yang Liu, Frederick Brindopke, Jane Figueiredo, William Magee III and Pedro Sanchez contributed to the study, which was supported by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research and the National Institutes of Health.
UML rigid on its stance on charter amendment
The main opposition CPN-UML has reiterated its stance that the government should focus on the local level polls, rather than the constitution amendment bill, which had nothing to do with the May 14 vote.
A team of scientists has discovered that a law controlling the bizarre behavior of black holes out in space--is also true for cold helium atoms that can be studied in laboratories.
"It's called an entanglement area law," says Adrian Del Maestro, a physicist at the University of Vermont who co-led the research. That this law appears at both the vast scale of outer space and at the tiny scale of atoms, "is weird," Del Maestro says, "and it points to a deeper understanding of reality."
The new study was published March 13 in the journal Nature Physics--and it may be a step toward a long-sought quantum theory of gravity and new advances in quantum computing.
AT THE SURFACE
In the 1970s, famed physicists Stephen Hawking and Jacob Bekenstein discovered something strange about black holes. They calculated that when matter falls into one of these bottomless holes in space, the amount of information it gobbles up--what scientists call its entropy--increases only as fast as its surface area increases, not its volume. This would be like measuring how many files there are in a filing cabinet based on the surface area of the drawer rather than how deep the drawer is. As with many aspects of modern physics, check your common sense at the door.
"We have found the same type of law is obeyed for quantum information in superfluid helium," says Del Maestro. To make their discovery, UVM's Del Maestro and three colleagues from the University of Waterloo in Canada first created an exact simulation of the physics of extremely cold helium after it transforms from a gas into a form of matter called a superfluid: below about two degrees Kelvin, helium atoms--exhibiting the dual wave/particle nature that Max Planck and others discovered--become glopped together such that the individual atoms cannot be described independent from each other. Instead, they form a cooperative dance that the scientists call quantum entangled.
Using two supercomputers, the scientists explored the interactions of sixty-four helium atoms in a superfluid. They found that the amount of entangled quantum information shared between two regions of a container--a sphere of the helium partitioned off from the larger container--was determined by the surface area of the sphere and not its volume. Like a holograph, it seems that a three-dimensional volume of space is entirely encoded on its two-dimensional surface. Just like a black hole.
This idea had been guessed at from a principle in physics called "locality" but had never been observed before in an experiment. By using a complete numerical simulation of all the attributes of helium, the scientists were, for the first time ever, able to demonstrate the existence of the entanglement area law in a real quantum liquid.
"Superfluid helium could become an important resource--the fuel--for a new generation of quantum computers," says Del Maestro, whose work is supported by the National Science Foundation. But to make use of its huge information processing potential, he says, "we have to understand more deeply how it works."
SPOOKY NEIGHBORHOODS
In the 1920s, Albert Einstein famously--and skeptically--referred to entanglement as "spooky action at a distance." Since that time, entanglement has been demonstrated as real by numerous laboratory and theoretical experiments. Instead of defying the universe's maximum speed limit--the speed of light--what entanglement increasingly seems to show is that our human macro-scale understanding of distance, and time itself, may be illusory. A pair of entangled particles may have a quantum communication, seeming to "know" each others' state instantly across miles. But this intuition mixes up our classical view of reality with a deeper quantum reality in which a form of information--entanglement entropy--is "delocalized," spread out in a system, with millions of possible states, or "superpositions," that only become fixed by the action of measuring. (Consider Schrodinger's cat--both dead and alive.)
"Entanglement is non-classical information shared between parts of a quantum state," notes Del Maestro. It's "the characteristic trait of quantum mechanics that is most foreign to our classical reality."
Being able to understand, let alone control, quantum entanglement in complex systems with many particles has proven difficult. The observation of an entanglement area law in this new experiment points toward quantum liquids, like superfluid helium, as a possible medium for starting to master entanglement. For example, the new study reveals that the density of the superfluid helium regulates the amount of entanglement. That suggests that laboratory experiments and, eventually, quantum computers could manipulate the density of a quantum liquid as a "possible knob," Del Maestro says, for regulating entanglement.
HUNTING GRAVITY
And this new research has implications for some fundamental problems in physics. So far, the study of gravity has largely defied efforts to bring it under the umbrella of quantum mechanics, but theorists continue to look for connections. "Our classical theory of gravity relies on knowing exactly the shape or geometry of space-time," Del Maestro says, but quantum mechanics requires uncertainty about this shape. A piece of the bridge between these may be formed by this new study's contribution to the "holographic principle": the exotic contention that the entire 3-D universe might be understood as two-dimensional information--whether a gargantuan black hole or microscopic puddle of superfluid helium.
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CLARION, Pa. Grazing enthusiasts packed into the Northwest Pennsylvania Grazing Conference March 16 as it celebrated 20 years.
This years agenda brought in experts from Idaho, North Dakota and Ohio, and nearly 350 participants attended to hear keynote speaker Jim Gerrish, author and owner of American GrazingLands Services in May, Idaho.
In the last 20 years, the major difference in pasture management has been soil health, Gerrish said. With advanced science, we now know what is going on below the ground, more residual, more biodiversity. We always knew these things were good, but couldnt explain everything, now we can.
Intensively manage
Gerrish discussed the myth that intensive grazing is about cows grazing more vigorously.
Cows intensively graze by nature, only people can intensively manage. It is the management we are intensifying, not the grazing, said Gerrish
Gerrish, author of Kick the Hay Habit; A Practical Guide to Year-Around Grazing and Management-intensive Grazing: The Grassroots of Grass Farming, discussed optimizing solar energy.
It is about managing the resources of space and time, getting the most out of your pastures. Sunlight hitting bare dirt is a missed opportunity, he said.
Overgrazing is caused by failure to mange time, Gerrish said. He shared the three cardinal sins of grazing; starting too early, grazing too short and coming back too soon.
In most grazing operations, decreasing inputs is hard to do, said Gerrish.
The goal should be to is increase efficiency like going to a daily rotation and managing pastures to get optimal nutrition and tonnage, he said.
Moving
When to move cows is a decision based on space and time. If you have a better feed source to move to, it is time to move, advised Gerrish.
Gerrish promotes grazing pastures at Phase 2, which isnt an arbitrary height, but depends on the plant. When the plants solar panel is at its prime for photosynthesis and it has a positive carbohydrate balance, that is Phase 2.
During this stage, the structural fiber or indigestible fiber in the plant allows the cows to leave more of the plant standing.
Water
Perennial pastures get more water into the soil than anything else, and healthy pastures and soils have perennial roots deep into the soil. Focus on getting more production out of every inch of water, said Gerrish.
Each season, you hone your skills and try to move toward that ideal target, he said.
Reflecting on the western Pennsylvania landscape, Gerrish believes the biggest challenge to grazing is mud, the downside of water.
The days of the ground freezing and staying frozen have gone, said Gerrish. Ranking snow, ice, mud, drought; mud is by far the hardest to deal with.
Marketing
Aaron and Melissa Miller, Kinsman, Ohio, operate a grassfed and pastured livestock farm for direct-to-market sales, including restaurants. And, as Aaron says, they are in the business of taste.
It is about a consistent taste and the appearance on their plate.
The Millers have finished medium-framed cattle such as Angus, Shorthorn and Herefords, among other grassfed livestock, since 1999.
They talked to the crowd about the three ways they sell beef: custom cut, direct to consumer and wholesale.
Direct to consumer is where we see our highest return, but it also has the most inspection needs and takes the most marketing effort and time, Melissa said.
One tip they emphasized is selling the whole animal, and finding ways to make money on each part, even the bones.
Bone broth is huge right now; people are drinking it for the collagens and because of various health kicks.
The Millers process 60-70 cows per year, buying them between 400-600 pounds and feeding them out on grass and hay.
When asked about finishing weight, Aaron shared that it doesnt matter. They dont finish the cattle to certain weight, but rather on fat content. They butcher when the cattle are finished the right degree for the animals frame.
The growth potential for grassfed beef and other livestock is huge, said Melissa.
The medical community is going to drive this business in the next few years, she added. People are starting to figure out you are what you eat.
Hay
The Millers feed hay for much of the winter, but Gerrish told the audience to kick the hay habit if you are really in the livestock business.
Technology has made making hay too easy, said Gerrish, but dont get sucked in. A half-ton bale of hay has $30 of nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus in it, 80 percent of the soils nutrients are harvested and moved off the land in the hay.
Once you add repair and maintenance, fuel, labor, and equipment depreciation, you have a lot of money in a bale of hay. He says it takes 600 cows to justify owning any modern hay equipment.
It is more important to stop making hay than to stop feeding hay, he said. East of the Plains, most years, you can buy quality hay at below production costs. Dont let that sucker selling be you.
The Headwaters Resources and Development Council will be post additional resources from the conference at www.headwaterspa.org.
Nearly 200 police officers, volunteers and staff from partner agencies teamed up last night in a major operation to tackle rural crime.
Operation Checkpoint ran from 5pm on Wednesday 8 March to the early hours of Thursday 9 March.
It is the largest rural policing operation of its kind in the country.
North Yorkshire Police worked alongside five other forces Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire and Northumbria by co-ordinating intelligence-led deployments, along with static vehicle checkpoints and visits to vulnerable premises.
Intelligence shows that organised crime groups from across the north of England are involved in thefts, burglaries, handling stolen property and targeting rural areas.
These criminals use their extensive knowledge of the road networks across the region in an attempt to avoid detection.
In North Yorkshire, police arrested six people three on suspicion of poaching, one for breach of a restraining order, and two on suspicion of burglary. A suspected stolen hydraulic breaker and a combi boiler, worth a total of 3,500, were seized.
The three suspected poachers, aged 15, 29 and 41, were arrested near East Harlsey in Hambleton at about 6.30pm. They have been released on bail as enquiries continue. A silver Subaru Legacy was seized three dogs were also seized, and taken to a secure location.
'Illegal activity will not be tolerated'
In total, the operation saw 97 vehicles stopped for checks across the Cleveland, Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire, North Yorkshire and Northumbria areas.
North Yorkshire Police officers were joined by 17 local Rural Watch volunteers, who gave up their own time to assist the police operation.
Inspector Jon Grainge, of North Yorkshire Polices Rural Taskforce said: Operation Checkpoint sends a clear message to criminals using road networks to target our rural communities that their illegal activity will not be tolerated. By working very closely with colleagues across the region, we can clamp down on criminals wherever they are from, and wherever they are going.
Cleveland Polices Rural Crime Reduction Co-ordinator Paul Payne added: I would like to thank all those who took part in last night's operation and for their continued support in tackling organised criminal gangs, and those who blight the lives of those living in our rural communities.
A cross-county police initiative has been launched to close legal loopholes against dot attacks on livestock.
With the lambing season underway, five police Forces (North Yorkshire, Sussex, North Wales, Hertfordshire and Devon and Cornwall) are to take part in the new initiative that could lead to a tightening up of the law against dog attacks on livestock.
Injury to livestock can cost farmers and livestock owners thousands of pounds, but police and countryside campaigners are concerned that there may be gaps in the current laws that make it more difficult to deal with the issue effectively.
This week (21 March 2017) five rural police Forces have joined up with Sheepwatch UK and the Animal Health and Welfare Board for England to launch a special initiative aimed at gathering more information about dog attacks on livestock, and the power of the police to deal with them.
The Forces will look at how livestock attacks are reported, recorded and handled, to assess whether the law needs to be changed or updated.
Definition of livestock
Chief Constable Dave Jones of North Yorkshire Police, who is the national policing lead for rural and wildlife crime, explains: Our experience of dealing with dog attacks suggests that there are some areas of the current legislation that could be improved.
For example, the definition of livestock doesnt cover all the types of animals that we know can be affected. In some cases, the police cant legally seize a dog that has been involved in an attack, which makes it difficult to prevent the same thing happening again.
And whilst livestock damage can be extremely costly for the animals owner, the maximum fine under law is relatively low and can be disproportionate to the loss. We believe that there may be scope for the law to be tightened up, but we need hard evidence to confirm it.
Through the initiative we have launched this week, five rural Forces will start to gather more details about dog attacks on livestock so that, if the evidence supports it, we can present a clear case for a change in the law.
Evidence at House of Lords
The dog attack evidence initiative was launched today (21 March) with an event at the House of Lords in Westminster.
Representatives from the police, together with farming and livestock associations, discussed the issue of livestock worrying and dog control with MPs from the All Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare.
MPs heard that the initiative will last approximately six months with an initial report expected in September.
Meanwhile, police are calling for dog owners to be responsible when out in the countryside and keep their pets on a leash around livestock.
Farmers are urged to report any incident of dog worrying by calling the police on 101.
The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has said Brazilian meat imports into Europe should be blocked, following allegations of corruption and the sale of sub-standard meat from Brazil.
Brazil, the worlds biggest exporter of red meat, is at the centre of international attention due to a widespread beef scandal that could seriously damage the countrys reputable sector.
UFU president Barclay Bell said he is 'shocked' that Brazilian meat processors allegedly sold the meat, some of which was treated with carcinogenic products.
He said: It's disturbing to hear that this been happening for some time and that processors may have bribed government officials to secure hygiene certificates for this meat, said Mr Bell.
'Immediate ban'
The UFU president said this went against everything farmers in the UK work to achieve, in terms of producing meat to the highest quality standards.
This underlines the importance of consumers putting their trust in food sourced from farms in the UK, produced to world-leading quality and traceability standards, said, Mr Bell. He added that the response by the EU should be an immediate trade ban, to protect consumers while investigations continue.
These claims emerged as trade discussions take place between the EU and the Mercosur countries of South America.
The UFU says that with the UK seeking post-Brexit trade deals, reports of meat being sold on the back of bribes underline the need for protection from imports produced to standards far below UK and EU standards.
It is of critical importance that politicians in Belfast, London and Brussels raise with trade officials the concerns of the farming industry has about these reports from Brazil. We cannot accept that our industry, or consumers, are put at risk by imports from countries where serious allegations have been made of fraud and corruption in their food industry, warned Mr Bell.
Retailer Lidl has today (21 March) committed to support British food and farming by signing up to the NFU's Back British Farming Charter.
The National Farmers' Union (NFU) has welcomed the commitment by Lidl UK, which has more than 630 stores across Britain.
The charter, launched in 2013, is at the centre of the NFUs Back British Farming campaign that calls on a commitment from retailers, the food manufacturing industry, consumers and politicians to put farming at the heart of food production policies.
Lidl joins the likes of Co-op, Marks and Spencers, Aldi and Morrisons, who have also signed the pledge to help the British farming industry.
Christian Hartnagel, Lidl UK CEO, commented: Our goal for the future is to continue to put best practice in sustainability firmly at the heart of the business, and supporting growth in the British farming sector is another crucial step in fulfilling that ambition.
To ensure that we can always offer our customers the freshest, highest quality products at the best prices, it is imperative that we continue to support the British farming industry and further cultivate the strong relationships that we have with our suppliers.
Commitment to British
NFU President Meurig Raymond said farmers will be 'delighted' that Lidl has pledged its support.
He said:We are delighted that Lidl UK has pledged its support to the NFUs Back British Farming Charter, highlighting a commitment to the future of the British farming industry.
Independent surveys carried out by the NFU over the years, show that 86 per cent of shoppers want to buy more British food. Todays pledge by Lidl UK shows customers that it is committed to providing high quality products which are associated with British agriculture.
Our farmers and growers invest huge amounts of time, effort and resource to produce quality food which complies with leading animal health and welfare and environmental standards. To produce more food, farmers and growers need the support of retailers like Lidl UK to allow them to do their job. Our charter calls for a commitment to put British farming at the heart of food production policies and decision making.
For every 1 invested in farming, it gives 7.40 back to the nation. British farming is the bedrock of the nations food and drink industry - the largest manufacturing sector in the UK worth 108 billion and providing jobs for nearly 4 million people.
The importance of forestry, and the need for continued Government support through Brexit and beyond, has been recognised in an Efra Select Committee report released today (21 March).
The report, entitled Forestry in England: Seeing the wood for the trees, provides recommendations to the Government on how to improve the UK forestry sector through these turbulent times.
Key recommendations include streamlining the administration of the forestry Countryside Stewardship Scheme. This is currently administered by three organisations - the RPA, Natural England, and the Forestry Commission.
The report says that the dual benefits of forestry and agriculture must be recognised in creating a post-Brexit land use policy.
The report emphasises that the Government should provide certainty on how it will fill the gap in forestry research funding after the UK leaves the European Union.
Importance of forestry
The CLA, which represents landowners, farmers and rural businesses across England and Wales, has welcomed the report, calling it an important reminder of the contribution of forestry to the UK landscape, environment and economy.
Mike Seville, Forestry Adviser at the CLA, has said: Forestry is an important feature of our landscapes. It makes a vital contribution to our economy, and plays a critical role in meeting our environmental objectives.
We can do better to ensure we have enough well managed and profitable forestry in the UK, and we are pleased the Committee has agreed with us that Brexit is an opportunity to guarantee that supporting it, alongside agriculture, is a policy priority.
We are pleased to see that the Committee has added its voice to ours in calling for the streamlining of funding bodies for forestry, and that it has recognised the importance of forestry to the economy and environment, as on a level with agriculture. We support the Committees view that a single administrative body would be better able to ensure that woodland across England is managed to the UK Forestry Standard.
12% woodland cover by 2060
Mike Tustin, chartered forester with John Clegg & Co, Strutt & Parkers independent forestry arm, said the committee is 'right to raise questions' whether the ambition to achieve 12% woodland cover by 2060 is achievable.
He said: We are supportive of the target, but in reality there is no chance of success at current levels of support or with current levels of management bureaucracy.
Mr Tustin also called the Countryside Stewardship Scheme 'overly-bureaucratic': We have also been saying for some time that the Countryside Stewardship Scheme is overly-bureaucratic when it comes to woodland creation.
It is all too apparent when completing an application that the authors of the scheme do not understand forestry and technical issues connected with planting. For example, the industry faces a shortfall in softwood availability from around 2030, yet the Countryside Stewardship Scheme only allows 25% of the area to be planted with conifers and there is no allowance for the specification of planting conifers within the scheme.
The report also talks about bringing under-managed woodlands back into management. However, the report makes no reference to the fact that the paperwork required to legally manage woodland is dealt with by the Forestry Commission with less staff than ever before and as a result massive delays are arising in the processing of felling licenses etc. This process is also more often than not hijacked by government-funded organisations that nearly always respond late and often with negative comments to seemingly any proposal.
NFU Mutual, the UKs leading rural insurer, is significantly increasing the Mutual Bonus given to its members after benign weather and a strong investment performance helped deliver profits of over 1bn in 2016.
Farmers with NFU Mutual will benefit from a substantial increase this year in the discount they receive when they renew.
Helped by stable weather conditions for most of the year, the insurer made an underwriting profit of 151m.
In a very good year for stock markets and commercial property, NFU Mutual made substantial investment gains and overall investment assets under management by the Group increased by 2.5bn in 2016 to 18.8 bn.
Sharing success
Lindsay Sinclair, Group Chief Executive, said: Because were a mutual, running our business in the long term interest of our members, well be sharing our financial success with our members.
All our General Insurance customers around a million people with farms, businesses, homes and cars insured with us will see a significant increase in our Mutual Bonus payment, which comes in the form of a discount off renewal premiums.
Both our insurance and investment activities performed very well in 2016. The very solid results for both the General Insurance and Life sides of the business have put us in a great position to continue to build on our financial strength during a period of ongoing uncertainty in the current market.
NFU Mutuals strong financial position continued to be underpinned by its prudent management of costs, claims handling, pricing and risk selection. All of which resulted in a combined operating ratio, a measure used by insurance companies to indicate how well they perform in daily operations, of 88.3%.
The new rates for Mutual Bonus will be announced later in 2017 and will come into effect from July. The Bonus will be paid as a percentage of renewal premiums.
The importance of a fair deal for British farmers post-Brexit was discussed when shadow Defra secretary Sue Hayman met NFU president Meurig Raymond.
Workington MP Sue Hayman was appointed the new Shadow Defra secretary only in February, but Mr Raymond said he was keen to meet her to explain some of the most pressing issues.
The meeting focused on the NFU's work, calls were made on the government to prepare for Brexit and develop a new domestic policy.
"Wirth her responsibility for agricultural policy, it is vital that Ms Hayman not only appreciates but fully understands the consequences of a fair deal and outcome for British farmers post-Brexit, so we are working with politicians of all parties to ensure that this happens," said Mr Raymond.
"We thanked her for her support during the serious flooding in her constituency in Cumbria, and talked about how we can work with the opposition to get government action around the key asks in our Flooding Manifesto.
"Some of our most productive and highest value agricultural land lies in floodplains or coastal regions, vulnerable to flooding, and deserves to be protected.
"So we are pressing the government and its agencies to develop long-term strategic plans to mitigate future flood risk."
This meeting is part on an ongoing strategy of minister briefings, which builds on the relationships the NFU has with MPs and keeps farming at the top of the political and policy maker's agenda.
The discussion was concluded with Ms Hayman and Mr Raymond being offered a visit to an arable farm for her and the shadow team, so they can see first-hand the problems farmers face.
Ms Hayman has also held the posts of Shadow Minister (Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Opposition Whip in her 12 years as an MP. She is also a Cumbrian county councillor and community relations consultant.
A farmer from Sussex will have to pay out more than 20,000 after risking the spread of a notifiable disease by illegally moving cattle.
David Butler admitted four counts of unlicensed movement of cattle between holdings along the East-West Sussex border after animals in his herd were identified as being at risk of carrying bovine tuberculosis.
He also admitted failing to isolate at-risk animals as required by notices issued by the governments Animal and Plant Health Agency and failing to cleanse and disinfect his dairy farm in order to restrict the spread of disease.
The defendant, trading as FJ Butler & Sons from Heaven Farm, Danehill, between Uckfield and Haywards Heath, pleaded guilty to one additional charge of animal neglect through inadequate feeding.
In a hearing at Brighton Magistrates Court yesterday (20 March), the 59-year-old was fined 11,250 and ordered to pay court costs of 9,300 and a victim surcharge of 112.50.
The court heard Butler had moved cattle without a licence between farms in East Sussex a high-risk area for bovine TB and West Sussex, where the risk is classed as low.
He had ignored an official warning about non-compliance with TB legislation issued in 2015 by East Sussex Trading Standards, which brought the prosecution against him.
'Havoc upon farming community'
Cllr Chris Dowling, East Sussex County Council lead member for community services, said: Bovine tuberculosis is a disease which can wreak havoc upon the farming community.
As a member of a long-established farming family, Mr Butler knows that farmers in high-risk areas face extra costs due to the more stringent testing of cattle they have to do.
If the disease develops, it can also cause untold stress and worry for other farmers who may end up having to send many of their animals to slaughter.
By flagrantly breaching laws designed to contain TB and prevent its spread, Mr Butler acted incredibly irresponsibly and put the livelihoods of other farmers at risk.
In high-risk areas such as East Sussex, cattle farmers are required to carry out annual tests to determine if any of their cattle are reactor animals those which a blood test reveals are at risk of developing TB.
Farms where reactors are present are required to isolate those animals from the rest of the herd, and need to obtain a licence to transport any of their cattle.
Sixteen out of Wales' 22 councils have now banned the use of sky lanterns on their land.
After discussions with RSPCA Cymru, Torfaen County Borough Council has become the latest to ban lanterns that can kill or harm animals.
The councils yet to impose a ban are Flintshire, Wrexham, Anglesey, Newport, Merthyr Tydfil and Swansea.
'Fantastic news'
Paul Smith, RSPCA Cymrus public affairs manager, said: "Its fantastic news that Torfaen council has become the latest local authority to ban sky lanterns, and RSPCA Cymru was pleased to work closely with them to help achieve this.
"An outright ban on sky lanterns, which can cause injury, suffering, and death to animals, remains our primary objective. Wed love to see the Welsh Government bringing forward proposals to achieve that in Wales."
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Anthony Hunt, said: "For some time we have recognised the dangers associated with the use of sky lanterns.
"We have responded to the growing expectation for local authorities to ban the release of sky lanterns and massed balloons from council owned land and have asked our school governing bodies to adopt this policy."
Livestock risk
The RSPCA said over 200,000 sky lanterns (also known as Chinese lanterns) are sold in the UK each year. They can be eaten by animals or cause entanglement or entrapment which can have fatal consequences.
The Farmers Union of Wales has also urged the public to remember the distress fireworks and sky lanterns can cause to livestock.
"We further urge people not to use sky lanterns, which have been banned by [a lot of councils] in Wales, as they pose significant dangers to livestock and are, of course, a considerable fire safety risk, added Mr Griffiths.
Bird flu: Poultry in England must now be housed indoors
TransCanada (TRP -0.10%) has now grown its dividend for 17 straight years. Even better, the company has accelerated the rate of growth in recent years and plans to continue growing its payout at that accelerated rate through 2020. While the company's guidance doesn't currently extend past that year, its backlog of growth projects certainly does. Furthermore, thanks to some recent news, it's becoming increasingly likely that the company will move forward on two big projects and continue growing the payout well into next decade.
Drilling down into the backlog
TransCanada currently has 23 billion Canadian dollars of commercially secured near-term projects in its backlog. Most are natural gas pipeline projects, including CA$5.7 billion in its home country of Canada, $7.1 billion in the U.S., and $2.5 billion in Mexico. The company also has several billion dollars of liquids pipelines and power projects in development.
These are very high-return projects, which should fuel 8% to 10% compound annual dividend growth through 2020, with the growing likelihood that future increases will come in toward the high end of that range. That's quite an acceleration from the 5% compound annual growth rate the company had delivered from 2010 through 2015, which was the year it put its accelerated growth plan into motion.
In addition to those near-term projects, the company has CA$45 billion of longer-term projects farther down the line, including four transformational projects. While there is some uncertainty surrounding these projects, TransCanada recently received some good news on two of them, which is taking the company a little bit closer to moving forward on those projects in the future.
Baby steps forward
The most recent piece of good news came this week when TransCanada announced that it was seeking approval to build the North Montney Mainline Project in northeast British Columbia. The company has already secured new 20-year commercial contracts with 11 shippers for 1.5 billion cubic feet per day of capacity. With those contracts in hand, the company is one step closer to moving forward with the construction of this CA$1.4 billion project, which could start as early as next year, and enter service in phases over a two-year period beginning in early 2019.
That said, what's noteworthy about this project is that it comes with a catch. One of the conditions to proceed with the project is a positive final investment decision on the Pacific Northwest LNG Project. That CA$36 billion project won approval from the Canadian government late last year, though its developer, Malaysian liquefied natural gas (LNG) giant Petronas, has yet to give it the green light. However, the fact that TransCanada is seeking approval for the North Montney Mainline Project suggests that Petronas might be getting closer to making a positive decision.
That favorable decision would then likely trigger the go-ahead of an even larger project for TransCanada: Prince Rupert Gas Transmission. That proposed CA$5 billion project would move gas from the North Montney Mainline Project to the coast of British Colombia in support of the Petronas project. While Petronas is still reviewing the project, it had hoped to start exporting gas to Asia by early next decade, which would put Prince Rupert's in-service date around that time, assuming a final go-ahead comes soon.
Meanwhile, TransCanada also recently received some good news on another West Coast LNG project after Royal Dutch Shell (RDS.A) (RDS.B) said that it still sees its LNG Canada project as a viable opportunity to bring Canadian gas to the global LNG market. That announcement by Shell came on the heels of its decision to cancel another Canadian LNG project at Prince Rupert, which will likely put Enbridge's (ENB -1.13%) recently acquired Westcoast Connector Gas Transmission project on ice. Enbridge's loss, however, appears to be TransCanada's gain, because it secured the rights to build the CA$4.8 billion Costal GasLink Pipeline project, which would move gas from the Montney region to Shell's LNG Canada project.
Investor takeaway
While neither LNG Canada nor the Pacific Northwest LNG Project has received positive final investment decisions just yet, there is growing cause for optimism that both Shell and Petronas will eventually build these projects. Those approvals would trigger more than $10 billion of growth projects for TransCanada, which would give the company the visibility it needs to extend its dividend growth forecast well into the next decade.
If you're a precious-metals investor, you've no doubt heard of silver-mining stocks Coeur Mining Inc. (CDE 0.88%) and Tahoe Resources Inc. (NYSE: TAHO) right now. Both stocks look delectably attractive, with Coeur shedding almost 36% and Tahoe nearly 45% in the past six months, as of this writing.
Both Coeur and Tahoe have kicked off their 2017 financial year on a strong note in terms of operational performances and are aggressively expanding their businesses. I'd consider now a great entry point; and if I were to choose one of the stocks, I'd go with Coeur despite Tahoe's solid numbers and dividends. Here's why.
Coeur Mining: stupendous turnaround in 2016
President and CEO Mitchell J. Krebs perfectly summed up 2016 for Coeur Mining during the company's last earnings call when he said that "2016 marked a key inflection point for Coeur." Coeur has, indeed, stepped into 2017 on solid footing, having achieved record silver equivalent production of 36.3 million ounces in 2016. Not one to rest on its laurels, Coeur aims to take its production to yet another level next year as it ramps up its primary mine at Palmarejo, Mexico. Coeur is also guarding its position as the largest primary silver producer in the United States.
Palmarejo's expansion is perfectly timed -- and it isn't just about silver. Just last year, Coeur struck a new agreement with precious-metals streaming and royalty company Franco Nevada Corp. (FNV -1.64%), wherein Franco-Nevada will buy 50% of the gold produced at Palmarejo at a cash price of $800 an ounce, almost twice what it paid Coeur under the old agreement. So Palmarejo should boost Coeur's cash flows substantially going forward.
Meanwhile, Coeur cut its cost of sales by almost 15% last year despite higher revenue. More importantly, a focus on higher-grade metal in recent years has helped Coeur bring down its all-in-sustaining cost substantially: Its AISC came in at only about $16.08 per silver equivalent ounce in 2016, compared with $19.93 per ounce in 2013. Thanks to rising production and lower costs, Coeur ended 2016 with adjusted net profits (excluding impairment charges) of $47.8 million, versus an adjusted net loss of $103.6 million in 2015.
That's not all. Coeur also cut down its total debt by more than half in 2016, using proceeds from non-core asset sales and stock issue, even encouraging Moody's to upgrade the miner's debt ratings last September. Granted, a stock issue dilutes shareholders' capital, but it isn't uncommon for precious-metals miners to tap capital markets for funds.
Can a company do any better to attract investors' attention? Maybe not, but there's one important area where Coeur disappoints: dividends. Unlike Tahoe, which pays a monthly dividend and boasts a current yield of 3.3%, Coeur doesn't pay a dividend at all. And that isn't the only impressive thing about Tahoe.
Tahoe Resources: a young, growing miner
While Coeur's history dates to 1928, Tahoe was incorporated in 2009. In fact, Tahoe's primary mine Escobal in Guatemala -- also the world's third largest silver mine -- commenced production only about three years ago. Does that make you wary about investing in Tahoe? Well, it might be a young company, but Tahoe has a solid team backing it up.
Here's an interesting tidbit: Tahoe was founded by former Goldcorp Inc. (GG) CEO Kevin McArthur, and several members on Tahoe's current board of directors and management teams were with Goldcorp at some point. In fact, Goldcorp even owned a substantial stake in Tahoe until about 2015, and it was from Goldcorp that Tahoe bought the Escobal silver deposit. Tahoe CEO Ron Clayton also brings with him several years of mining experience with companies such as Hecla Mining and Stillwater Mining.
You wouldn't expect such a competent management to disappoint. Thankfully, it doesn't. In 2016, Tahoe made huge strides as it started operations at the Shahuindo gold mine in Peru and acquired Lake Shore Gold in Ontario, taking its number of mines in operation to five. 2016 was, in fact, a significant year for Tahoe for several reasons, including:
Record silver and gold production.
An all-time-low AISC of $8.06 per ounce of silver on a by-product basis. AISC for gold came in at $943 per ounce.
Record operating cash flow and positive free cash flow.
Tahoe's prospects look even brighter as it aims to increase its gold production by nearly 36% at the midpoint from 2016 levels by 2019.
With capital expenditures also expected to taper by then, Tahoe should be able to generate strong cash flows in coming years to support, and even raise, its dividends. Tahoe has been paying a consistent monthly dividend of $0.02 per share since December 2014.
Foolish bottom line: Tahoe is great, but...
Tahoe Resources looks promising, but it faces big risks at its key place of operation: Guatemala. Put simply, the country has a history of political and social unrest. While things have been quiet lately, Tahoe may face hurdles obtaining or retaining licenses and raising funds later. That's a huge threat, as Tahoe is a relatively young company with a lot at stake in Escobal. Coeur, on the other hand, operates in relatively safer zones. And that, combined with the potential that Palmarejo holds, makes Coeur a better bet for now.
Five years ago, Delta Air Lines (DAL 1.30%) and Alaska Air (ALK -0.49%) had what seemed to be a successful partnership focused on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Alaska Air had a large domestic hub there, while Delta operated a handful of international routes to key business markets in Asia. Thanks to a code-share agreement between the two carriers, travelers could seamlessly connect between Alaska's domestic network and Delta's international flights.
Since then, these one-time partners have become huge rivals. Delta has more than quadrupled its flight schedule in Seattle since 2012. On Monday, Delta announced its latest expansion move: Beginning in June, it will fly three times a day from Seattle to Chicago.
Delta expands again
Delta's new Chicago flights will begin on June 19. They will fill in one of the last big gaps in the carrier's Seattle route network. By this summer, Delta Air Lines will serve each of the top 10 destinations from Seattle and 17 of the top 20.
This is Delta's second Seattle route expansion of 2017. Back in January, the company announced that it would begin seven new routes from Seattle over the year, serving Austin; Eugene, Ore.; Lihue, Hawaii; Milwaukee, Nashville, Raleigh-Durham, N.C.; and Redmond, Ore..
All eight of Delta's new routes in Seattle are served by Alaska Air today. Taken together, they will bring Delta up to 163 peak day departures in Seattle this summer. That's still well behind Alaska Air, which has nearly 300 daily departures there -- but Delta has been catching up gradually.
Creating more gate space in Seattle
There are two big reasons Delta Air Lines is beefing up its presence in Seattle later this year. The first is simply that it can.
For the past few years, Delta and other airlines have faced severe gate constraints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This situation can largely be attributed to Delta's rapid growth there, as well as Alaska Air's competitive response. The airport has started to build more gates, but they won't be ready for years. In the short run, the construction is forcing airlines to work with even fewer gates.
However, Delta began work last year on a small project to convert four gates designed for big widebodies into six gates for smaller planes. The new gates should be ready for the summer, which is allowing Delta to keep growing in Seattle this year.
The Delta-Alaska Airlines partnership is coming to an end
The second reason behind Delta's upcoming expansion in Seattle is that its partnership with Alaska Air will soon end for good. Last December, the two airlines announced that they would discontinue their code-share and frequent flier reciprocity agreements, effective May 1.
Alaska and Delta will maintain their interline agreement, which allows travel agents to book itineraries that connect between the two carriers, with Alaska and Delta taking responsibility for transferring checked bags to one another. Nevertheless, it will become incrementally harder to buy tickets for connecting travel between Alaska Air and Delta Air Lines.
In this context, Delta had a strong incentive to beef up its service in Seattle as soon as possible. Furthermore, by operating its own flights from Seattle to these eight cities, it will be able to optimize the flight schedules to maximize connecting opportunities.
Alaska Air investors shouldn't worry too much
For the past several years, Alaska Air has had to fight off round after round of expansion by Delta. The good news for investors is that Delta Air Lines has already entered most of the top markets from Seattle years ago, so its 2017 growth plans aren't likely to affect Alaska very much.
Indeed, Alaska's management has noted in the past two earnings calls that overall competitive capacity growth in its markets is slowing dramatically this year.
Furthermore, the current capacity constraints at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport mean that it will be hard for Delta or anyone else to grow very much in the next two or three years. Alaska Air is on track to benefit from higher unit revenue as demand catches up with the past few years of supply increases at its hometown airport.
Haiti - FLASH : Attempted assassination of Jean-Bertrand Aristide
Yesterday at around 2:00 in the afternoon, the motorcade of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, framed by two police forces vehicles (PNH and CIMO), was the subject of shooting, whose the origin is unknown. The aggression occurred at the bottom of Lalue (between Piyay Market & former Chatelain Tour), while Aristide was returning from his hearing as a witness before the investigating judge Jean Wilner Morin, in the context of the money laundering case that involves the former Commissioner of Police, Jean Anthony Nazaire https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20384-haiti-justice-once-again-aristide-did-not-appear-in-court.html
"shots were fired directly at the vehicle in which President Aristide was," said Ira Kurzban, a lawyer from Miami who represents Aristide, there was visible blood on the front right bumper and headlight of the vehicle, adding "Thank God no one was killed [...]"
"Aristide is unscathed, but a security guard was injured and at least one Lavalas sympathizer," said a member of the board of Famni Lavalas.
Me Mario Joseph another of Aristide's lawyers equates this aggression with an "assassination attempt" of the former President.
Judge Poyo of the Croix des Missions, made a report of bloodstains on the car of the former President.
Violent demonstrations by Aristide supporters took place in the streets of Port-au-Prince after news of their leader's assassination attempt and stone throws and clashes with police officers were reported.
SL/ HaitiLibre
This article is reviewed by a team of registered dietitians and medical doctors with extensive, practical clinical and public health experience.
All articles are produced independently. When you click our links for purchasing products, we earn an affiliate commission. Learn more about how we earn revenue by reading our advertise disclaimer.
Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin An enjoyable experience with the noteworthy cit rus
Its a reasonably price ($30 each container)
Utilized science-based ingredients Future Kind+ Vegan Prenatal Multivitamin Vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO
Can use for preconception, pregnancy & lactation
Contains Iron, Folate, Omega-3, and more Beli Prenatal Multivitamin Can be used by both men and women
Gluten-free, allergen-free, soy-free, and non-GMO
30-day money-back guarantee first month 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL
A prenatal vitamin is a processed supplement that contains all of the recommended minerals and vitamins to ensure a healthy pregnancy. The levels of both minerals and vitamins are appropriate for those trying to conceive, those who are pregnant, and those who are breastfeeding.
Each prenatal vitamin contains a dose of essential nutrients, including folic acid or folate, choline, iron, Vitamin D, and calcium. Its almost impossible to find all these nutrients in the levels needed from a single diet; thats why a prenatal vitamin is more than necessary.
As with all multivitamins, prenatal supplements come in different forms, including liquids, gummies, soft gels, and capsules. Each type has its good side and its bad side. Gummies, for instance, have a good taste and are easier to ingest, but theyre iron deficient.
A high-quality OTC (over-the-counter) supplement could be equally effective as a prescription alternative based on your average nutritional requirements. Its advisable for women to try out different supplements before settling for the one that doesnt have adverse effects like constipation or nausea.
When Do You Need Prenatal Vitamins? The best time to start incorporating prenatal supplements is before conception for all women of childbearing age, not on birth control. The folate content greatly lowers the risks of neural tube conditions such as spina bifida. A fetuss neural tube develops into the spinal cord and the brain within the first month of pregnancy. Spine formation in the womb occurs even before you notice youre expectant. Thus, folate is essential for the babys neural tube development. Thats why most specialists recommend that you start taking supplements as soon as you notice youre pregnant. Others will recommend that you begin consumption at least a month or two before pregnancy. A study[1] from 2016 showed that a whopping 45 percent of pregnancies within the US are unintended. Taking prenatal vitamins at least three months before pregnancy will prevent a host of problems such as preterm labor, congenital defects, miscarriages, and so on. Keep taking prenatal vitamins post-delivery, more specifically when breastfeeding. You dont need to take prenatal vitamins if youre not expectant and youre on birth control.
When To Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins?
If youre pregnant, its not too late to start taking prenatal vitamins. However, its strongly recommended that you begin taking prenatal vitamins the moment you find out youre expecting to provide important vitamins for good nutrition for a healthy pregnancy.
Pregnant women require a relatively higher amount of vitamins and minerals as they support their developing fetus.
Theres no specific time of day for taking prenatal vitamins. When you remember to take your vitamins, simply do it without fail.
Your body will still absorb all the nutrients from the supplements regardless of when you take them. However, for optimum absorption with the least side effects, take it with a meal[2].
The Line Up At A Glance
The 8 Best Prenatal Vitamins for Pregnancy
Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin See Ritual Prenatal Multivitamin Reviews For those who obsess about how clean and potent their supplements are, this vegan prenatal multivitamin from Ritual is one of the best options. Promotes brain health via these key nutrients: folate, choline, and Omega-3 DHA
Vegan, gluten-free, non-GMO
Promotes bone support through its Magnesium, K2, and D3 content
Fairly easy to digest, and swallow
Zero synthetic ingredients Extravagantly expensive compared to most other brands
Theyre a subscription service, meaning that you need to wait until the next month if your supply runs out. Ritual supplements were established by Katerina Schneider. It began with a couple of dietary supplements and later on expanded to incorporate vitamins for kids, teens, women, and men. With Ritual prenatal vitamins, youre assured of almost-instant results. This is due to the highest quality of traceable ingredients in each capsule. Theyre regarded as traceable because the manufacturers can share their suppliers, the kinds of nutrient forms they use, the dosages, and other important information you may want to know. Ritual Vitamins are void of all nine allergens. Theyre also 100% vegan and gluten-free.
Beli Prenatal Multivitamin 15% Off Coupon: HEALTHCANAL See Beli Reviews Both men and women can benefit from Beli prenatal vitamins. It can be used before, during, and after pregnancy and are gentle on the stomach. Overwhelming positive online reviews
Free shipping within the US
Both men and women can benefit from pre-and post-natal vitamins
Keto-friendly, gluten-free, allergen-free, soy-free, vegan, and non-GMO
30-day money-back guarantee on the first months purchase Do not ship outside the US
Can only be bought via the brands online store Beli vitamin supplements may help improve fertility, embryo development, and the formation of the babys central nervous system in women. The Belibaby pills are designed to be easily digestible and have a minty smell to keep new moms from feeling nauseated. High-quality iron, methylation folate, B vitamins, and TRAACS minerals are all included. All of these substances are good for your stomach. Choline, essential for a babys brain and spinal cord development, is the key element in Belibaby womens formula. Folate, magnesium, iron, and zinc are among the other components. The flagship ingredient in the Belibaby for Men mix is shilajit, an adaptogen demonstrated to boost sperm count and overall sperm quality. Zinc, vitamin D, vitamin E, and folate are among the nutrients found in this keto-friendly, gluten-free, allergen-free, vegan, non-GMO vitamin.
Care/of Prenatal See Care/of Reviews Care/Of Prenatal gives you special capsules complete with 22 key nutrients that will benefit you and your unborn baby. Promotes easy digestion with its organic yeast content and unique design
Highly convenient services
Fairly convenient services
Each capsule contains a naturally occurring folate, e.g., methylfolate Their health claims may be [3] unreliable or misleading
unreliable or misleading Inaccurate shipping and orders Care/Of is a splendid option for ladies who want a personalized nutrient plan. Prior to gaining access to their services, Care/Of will present you with a fun and relatively interactive quiz that theyll use to draft vitamin pill packs specifically for you. Unlike other prenatal vitamins, Care/Of gives you special capsules complete with 22 key nutrients that will benefit you and your unborn baby. Trustpilot gives Care/Of an impressive 4.6 out of 5 stars. The moment you place an order of Care/Of Vitamins, you get 30 days worth of supplements. Care/Of understands that their products are not scientifically proven, and they try to be as open as possible about it to their customers.
Persona Prenatal Vitamin See Persona Reviews The Persona Prenatal Vitamin is designed to cater to all your health needs. The organic ginger content helps to relieve your nausea. Certified nutritionists are always on call to answer your queries
The organic ginger content helps to relieve your nausea
Zero animal testing
Gluten-free, non-GMO
Programs are 100% customizable
Zero artificial colors and chemical-based fillers No third-party testing
Eight Better Business[4] Bureau Complaints in the past three years Persona was established in 2016 and had an exceptional 4.3 out of 5 stars rating on TrustPilot. The Persona vitamin pack is designed to cater to all your health needs. The team behind this extraordinary supplement is strongly determined to promote good health and well-being for anyone who uses their products. Persona is founded on four core values: Education, Care, Personalization, and Transparency. Persona Nutrition frees you from the stress and confusion that comes with buying prenatal vitamins. They do the research, the sourcing, the packaging and oversee the delivery to your doorstep. The best part about their packaging is how personal they are. They may include a handwritten note along with other heartwarming gestures. Mama Bird AM/PM Prenatal Multi+ See Best Nest Wellness Reviews Mama Bird AM/PM Prenatal Multi+ contains a high vitamin concentration and is the best organic, vegan-friendly prenatal vitamin. Extensively researched
Extremely easy to digest
Attractive scent
No discernible taste
Contains a high vitamin concentration Considerably expensive compared to most other brands Youve probably bumped into this brand plenty of times in the supermarket or pharmacy. Mama Bird is the best organic, vegan-friendly prenatal vitamin alternative for consumers who dont want anything fancy or costly. Mama Bird Prenatal Multi+ contains an impressive variety of pro-vegan nutrients in a single dosage. Its composed of ingredients such as calcium, iodine, iron, zinc, choline, and a wide host of vitamins, including Vitamin A, B12, D, and D3. When nutrients are in the right amounts, prenatal multivitamins are essential for a healthy baby and mom. The rich blend of probiotics, pregnancy-friendly botanicals, and digestive enzymes set it aside from the rest. All these work together to alleviate nausea symptoms. Another reason to buy a bottle of Mama Bird is its methyl folate content. Its a type of folic acid in naturally occurring form and of higher bioavailability (7x that of folic acid[5]) than synthetic folic acid. It is packed in dosages of 600 mcg in each pill. Garden of Life Prenatal Multi Shop Amazon See Garden of Life Reviews Garden Of Life Prenatal Multi can prevent nausea and is perfect for ladies with diet restrictions or allergies. Superb list of ingredients (folate, Vitamin D3, C, K, Zinc, Calcium, etc.)
Offers 30-day money-back guarantee
Prevents nausea with a special combination of peppermint and ginger
Zero artificial preservatives
Excellent customer support
Exceptional taste You need to take a gummy thrice a day, which may be a problem to remember
Fairly expensive Garden of life contains a total of 27 whole-food ingredients. Each nutrient is fully vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free. This prenatal vitamin is perfect for ladies with diet restrictions or allergies. Garden of Life is great, but it still lacks some vital vitamins (e.g., choline) that are common among other prenatal vitamins. This makes it crucial for the pregnant woman to continue with a balanced diet full of calcium-rich foods if she chooses this daily prenatal vitamin. Each bottle of Garden of Life Raw Prenatal contains 180 gummies. You dont have to worry about consuming Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs) or toxins since all the ingredients are certified organic. Garden of Lifes prenatal formula is perfect for ladies who are trying to conceive or breastfeed their newborn. Garden of Life doesnt cause that annoying stomach upset thats associated with most other varieties. Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin Shop Amazon See Nature Made Reviews Nature Made Prenatal Multivitamin contains a wide variety of vitamins, incorporates DHA and other high-quality ingredients. Widely available in most grocery shops
Contains zero preservatives, flavors, and artificial colors
Reasonably priced
Wide variety of vitamins
Easy to swallow
Attractive packaging Only available in most parts of the US Nature-made is one of the best prenatal vitamins with Docosahexaenoic Acid( DHA). Its a fairly affordable brand that incorporates DHA (a type of healthy fat found in salmon, cod, and other types of fish) with a host of other essential ingredients like iron, folic acid, and all the eight B vitamins, as well as the fat-soluble vitamins. This unique combination of high-quality ingredients works together to give the best in terms of prenatal care. If you pass up seafood meals often for fear of throwing up or fear of feeling nauseous, Nature Made Prenatal is just for you. A single bottle contains 90 soft gels, which are fully packed with high folic acid and the recommended 200 milligrams of DHA. The high DHA content helps in brain development. Their simple form also makes them easy to swallow and digest. Whats more, they dont have the same fishy taste as most prenatal vitamins with DHA. Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin Shop Amazon See Pink Stork Reviews Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamin is a liquid prenatal supplement that contains high-quality ingredients. Also, it can help with nausea. High-quality ingredients
Helps with nausea and morning sickness
Non-GMO and gluten-friendly
Vegan-friendly
Tested by third-party labs The rich iron content gives it a metallic taste And finally, we have Pink Stork. If youre not so much into tablet prenatal, try out a liquid prenatal supplement instead. What better option than Pink Stork? You can consume it on its own, or you could add it to a juice or soft drink. We recommend the latter since it has a fairly strong taste when taken on its own. Similar to all the ingredients on this list, Pink Stork offers all the critical nutrients needed for a healthy pregnancy. In fact, it promises the complete daily requirements of the most essential nutrients. Pink Stork is vegan-friendly, gluten-free, and non-GMO. The brand claims the iron content in this supplement is non-constipating.
How To Choose The Best Prenatal Pills?
Ingredients
This should be the first and most important feature to look out for when purchasing prenatal vitamins. Seek out a prenatal vitamin that contains iron (18 milligrams) and folic acid of approximately 600 and 800 micrograms.
The RDA (Recommended Dietary Allowance) for iron for expectant mothers stands at 27 milligrams. Youre more likely to meet your needs faster if you take iron-rich foods and supplement them with a high-quality prenatal vitamin.
Types of Pills
Prenatal vitamins come in four forms: liquids, gummies, capsules, and tablets. Be clear on the dosage before deciding which ones best for you. Keep in mind that the one you pick will be the only kind you take for the whole month.
Its important to note that gummies (and other vitamins) dont often include all the critical elements that are needed to see you through your pregnancy. That means you need to go for liquid or tablet prenatal vitamins for the full effect.
Third-Party Testing
Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has zero control over vitamin content, its difficult to determine the accuracy of the ingredients promoted by different companies.
One of the best ways to ensure the prenatal vitamins youve purchased are worth your buck is to check if the firm conducts third-party testing.
Third-party verification assurances show that a company is sure of its doses and contents. They shouldnt mind if further research is done on them in such a case.
Cost
Most ladies might go for a highly-priced supplement with the assurance that theyre spending on a high-quality product. Unfortunately, thats not always the case.
Sometimes, generic brands are just as good as popular kinds. If you really have to go for the costly kinds, ensure you have insurance that will cater to the hefty costs.
What Ingredients Are Included in Prenatal Vitamins?
Iron
Iron is critical for the healthy development of the fetus and the placenta. It also helps in multiplying the number of red blood cells in the mother. Expectant mothers should take approximately 30 milligrams[6] per day of iron supplements to stave off iron-deficiency anemia.
Folic Acid
Folic acid plays a critical role in the development of the fetus brain and spinal cord, and it also helps to keep it safe from neural tube defectsthe CDC advocates for the consumption of 400 micrograms[7] of folic acid among expectant women. Folic acid is also necessary for the formation of healthy red blood cells and for the prevention of anemia.
By taking methylated folate, you may bypass the enzymatic defect in processing folic acid and thus avoid associated birth defects and have a better pregnancy outcome.
Methylated folate is the natural form of folate found in foods, whereas folic acid is synthetic, and both forms are found in prenatal nutrients.
Vitamin D and Calcium
These two ingredients are essential in the formation of the fetus skeleton. Pregnant and lactating women should have about 800 milligrams[8] of calcium per day for healthy bone development.
This amount should satisfy the needs of 50% of this population. The National Academy of Sciences recommends 1,000 mg of calcium per day for pregnant or lactating women.
Pregnant or lactating women should get 600 IUs[9] or 15 micrograms of Vitamin D per day.
Iodine
Iodine aids in the functioning and development of the thyroid gland, and iodine deficiency may trigger hyperthyroidism in the baby or the mother. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should take[10] daily doses of iodine ranging between 220 and 290 mcg.
Zinc
A zinc deficiency often leads to slow growth, and a healthy supply of this nutrient aids in the normal development of your baby and increases its birth weight.
Pregnant moms need 11 mg, and breastfeeding moms need 12 mg of zinc per day to protect the fetus or infants cognitive, physical, and immune development.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A ensures normal eye development, and a deficiency of this nutrient often leads to night blindness. Pregnant women must consume at least 770 mcg of Vitamin A every day.
Other compounds to consider in a prenatal vitamin include Vitamin B12, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and omega-3 fatty acids. Your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN) should advise you on the way forward and recommend a suitable vitamin preparation.
Final Thought
Taking prenatal vitamins may increase[11] fertility and boost egg quality. There are a lot to learn about them and huge decisions to make, but picking a quality prenatal vitamin should be your topmost priority.
Prenatal supplements should in no way replace a healthy diet. They only ensure that you and the unborn baby are getting that extra vitamin boost for conventional growth and development. If youre not sure what prenatal vitamin you should take, stay in constant communication with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Should I Start Taking Prenatal Vitamins? As soon as you confirm your pregnancy. Since the first few weeks are critical for your fetuss development and well-being, you need to supplement your diet with prenatal vitamins for all-around nutrition. It is wise for all women of childbearing age to take a prenatal multivitamin if they are not on birth control. What Time Should I Take Prenatal Vitamins? Theres no specific time for taking prenatal vitamins. Take them whenever you feel its convenient. If you get regular rounds of morning sickness, take the vitamins after a meal or later in the day. For optimum absorption and minimal side effects, however, take it with a meal. What are the Benefits of Prenatal Vitamins? Whether or not you eat healthily, prenatal vitamins should be an integral part of your diet. They help you to stay well-nourished and ensure the well-being of your growing fetus. Its worth noting that its still important to eat healthily and mindfully throughout the course of your pregnancy. How Should You Consume Prenatal Vitamins? Prenatal vitamins come in various forms and sizes. If you take the tablet form and you get stomach distress from it, try chewable or liquid supplements instead. However, since gummies are significantly deficient in iron, a vital nutrient, you may need additional supplementation.
Human trafficking is one of the most dreaded crime against humanity. Now police and government should immediately take strong steps against perpetrators of the crime ! Editor, Hindujagruti
An Indian woman rescued from sex slavery in Saudi Arabia was brought back to her hometown in Gujarat on Sunday amid concerns traffickers are widening their net to new parts of India.
Two agents one in Gujarat and another in Mumbai have been arrested and the search is on for more agents, officials said.
The woman, 35, had flown to Dubai about a year ago on the promise of a housemaids job and a monthly salary of about Rs 40,000.
She was, however, sold to another employer in the Saudi capital Riyadh where she was repeatedly raped and abused, a state minister said. She is currently recuperating at a public hospital in the western state of Gujarat.
Campaigners said most trafficking cases to the Gulf region have so far been from southern Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and rarely from other parts of the country.
It is presumed that most cases of trafficking to the Gulf are from southern states. We are finding names of more agents in Gujarat from those arrested, Bhupendrasinh Chudasama, education minister in Gujarat told the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
Police have launched a major investigation. We will alert other states too if we find links to them.
Chudasama had alerted government officials and the police to the case after he read about the womans plight in The Times of India newspaper.
While police teams from Gujarat and Mumbai swooped on agents who had lured the woman to Dubai, an Indian politician with business interests in Saudi Arabia Thopali Sriniwas contacted the Indian embassy there.
This was the second case of a Gujarat woman that he helped return to her homeland in less than a month.
Of an estimated six million Indian migrants in the six Gulf states of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Oman, domestic workers are among the most exploited, campaigners say.
Housemaids are treated like cattle here. This woman didnt even know where she was when I asked her location. She kept crying to be saved. India should ban sending housemaids to the Gulf, Sriniwas said.
In the womans hometown of Dholka, officials are dealing with what they said is their first case of human trafficking.
We have information that there could be more women who have been trafficked to the Gulf nations. This is a new development for us, said Rituraj Desai, deputy in the Dholka district office.
Source : MSN
Mumbai : In more trouble for NRI televangelist Dr Zakir Naik, the National Investigating Agency (NIA) is likely to question him after his close accomplishes revealed how he operated the accounts of his NGO Islamic Research Foundation for terror-related activities.
Meanwhile, Atif Muzzafar, a terror case accused arrested by the NIA, had also reportedly confessed that he was inspired by Naiks hate speeches.
According to News18.com, Atif Muzzafar had told the NIA that the Kanpur train blast was the result of Zakir Naiks hate speeches.
Naiks aides had revealed before the NIA how he used his NGO for hawala transactions.
He had transferred crores from his overseas account using his sister and wifes Indian accounts, they had disclosed.
Naik has been on-the-run since terror blasts in Dhaka, and his properties worth crores of Rupees may be attached if he doesnt appear before the NIA for questioning.
Of Naiks 21 properties, 13 are in Mumbais Mazgaon area. The largest property is 18000-sq yard agriculture land in Raigad district.
NIA has issued another notice to controversial Islamic preacher asking him to appear before it for questioning on March 30.
The NIA, which claims that it has enough proof against the Islamic preacher, is now expected to send summons to Zakir Naik for questioning him on charges of spreading communal hatred and inciting terror acts through his speeches.
Dr Naik, who is under scanner over alleged terror-related activities, had recently refuted all such allegations and claimed that he is instead a messenger of peace.
Breaking his silence on a wide range of allegations made against IRF and the Peace TV owned by him, Naik said on Thursday that he is not a terrorist but someone who spreads the message of peace.
Naik was reacting to the Centres five-year ban against his organisation the Islamic Research Foundation and freezing of its accounts.
In an interview with Malay daily Sinar Harian at its Karangkraf office in Shah Alam, the 50-year-old founder of the IRF chief said, I have never done a rebellion or conducted terrorist acts against humans all my life. I only deliver a message of peace to people.
There are certain quarters who do not want peace in this world. So, they make baseless allegations against me, he added.
Speaking on five-year ban on his organisation IRF and prosecution on terrorism charges, Naik said, I ask the Indian government to prosecute me in an international court or in Malaysia.
The reactions from Naik came in the backdrop of the Delhi high Court dismissing his plea and ruling that the Centres decision to ban IRF was taken to safeguard sovereignty of India.
While delivering its order, the Delhi HC said, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sufficient material for imposing the ban.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) had earlier summoned Zakir Naik to appear before it on March 14 in connection with the ongoing probe.
Naik, IRF, IRF Educational Trust and others have been booed by the NIA under the stringent Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, criminal conspiracy (120-B) and Section 153 A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony.
Source : Zee News
While advances in technology have improved the workplace by increasing productivity, these advances have also become a double-edged sword. Employees no longer need to be physically in their work location in order to send an email, attend a telephone conference or complete an assignment. All of these activities can be conducted remotely from smartphones, tablets or laptops. Since employees can easily communicate from all of these devices at any time or place, they are potentially working late in the evening or on weekends when they may be technically off the clock, working way beyond the typical or required hours for the work week. In the US this can expose to employers to various claims, including wage and hour violations and distracted driving lawsuits, not to mention overworked employees who are burned out, stressed and sleep-deprived. French Employees Gain Right to Disconnect Recognizing this conundrum for employees, France enacted a law that became effective January 1, 2017, that in principle gives employees the right to disconnect from work-related technology outside working hours. This right is not exactly defined in the law, but implies that employees are entitled to cease contact with work through computer-based technology outside of working hours, for example, by not reading or responding to work-related emails. This right is implemented through the negotiation and consultation at the level of in...
Incorporating PTO, resource scheduling and time tracking The contract is signed! Congratulations. Now, to assign the appropriate team to complete this project. It will take 3 months and most of the work will be in the last 2 weeks. You know you have qualified and available in-house resources but how do you identify the best team? This scenario plays out every single day at offices just like yours. Resource scheduling can be as simple as an Excel Spreadsheet; however, if scheduling isnt integrated with other office workforce management tools, you are blind to who is actually available and quite often, you are not optimizing your staffs skills or their availability. So if your current resource scheduling system doesnt talk to the PTO system, you will try to assign projects to Debbie when she is planning to take her kids to Disneyland. This can be avoided when the systems are integrated, rules are established and notifications are available. Resource Scheduling First, youll want to define the materials and staff support needed for the project. Do you need someone who is ISO9001 trained? Is this something a junior project manager could handle or is senior expertise required? How many hours and during what time periods have you budgeted support? Managers will need a tool where they can dynamically qualify and assign their teams. PTO When a PTO management tool is integrated with the rest of a workforce managem...
If hiring is hard, that makes international hiring next to impossible? It doesnt have to be. Join Beyond, the Career Network, for a world tour of the trends and best practices that will put your company on the path to global hiring domination.
Who is Beyond? Were the Career Network that helps growing companies turn focused professionals into killer new hires. We also happen to be the exclusive international partner for The Network, a global alliance of top job boards in over 130 countries. Its a role that puts Beyond in the uniquely awesome position to see international hiring first-hand, from the job boards that serve international candidates every day and use their insight and expertise to help US companies hire locally around the globe.
Heres an example workers in the UK could be required to give anywhere from 1 to 12 weeks notice when leaving their current position. For the average person, thats an interesting fact. But a US company hiring in the UK, its a critical piece of information that can impact your time to fill a position.
In the one-hour webinar, Global Consolidation: Is It Right for Your Company? Beyonds team of international recruitment experts will take a look at key considerations when hiring internationally and share how a consolidated strategy can simplify your global recruitment and save your organization some serious recruitment dollars.
Well explore how to:
Identify budgets and hiring plans per country
Manage language barriers, currency and conversion issues, and other regulatory roadblocks
Research local markets to maximize ROI
Understand individual employment landscapes in various countries
Manage and monitor the ROI of executing a global recruitment strategy
Streamline the migration from a local to a global recruitment strategy
By registering for this webcast you will receive email communications and notifications from the sponsor(s).
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 Geovanny Vicente Romero | (TeleSur) |
Taking a look at Latin America can provide some low-budget guidance on making a difference with less.
During the week of March 12, 2017, the Trump administration revealed details about its national budget proposals. Among the significant changes observed in this budget proposal were reducing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency spending by US$2.6 billion or one third for a 2018 budget of US$5.7 billion that would result in 3,200 fewer jobs.
How can this budget be best spent? Lets take a look at Latin America.
Latin America has the largest reserves of arable land on the planet, which find itself threatened by the main challenges of climate change. These effects are taking shape in different ways, from the negative impacts on agricultural lands to the reemergence of diseases that were thought to be eradicated.
The Latin American region has an enormous potential to offer global solutions to agricultural challenges given the vast size of its land mass. In other words, Latin America can guarantee the food security of the world, since it is home to one third of the worlds freshwater resources and one quarter of the worlds farmable lands. Furthermore, Latin America exports more food products, on a net-basis, than any other region in the world.
The following countries offer examples from Latin America on how to mitigate climate changes effects by implementing environmental policies combined with the humanitarian desire to reduce these effects.
Colombia
Committed to achieving peace, Colombia has combined the post-conflict process with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia, or FARC, to include initiatives focused on sustainable growth and rural development to generate work opportunities. The launch of this national project, called Colombia 2030: A Sustainable and Peaceful Future, includes a 15-year trajectory with financing of US$1.9 billion.
The Sustainable Colombia Initiative was launched at the Climate Change Summit in Paris-COP21 two years ago. The project intends to deal with elements that are accelerating climate change, development of rural lands, sustainability and social inequality that has resulted from years of conflict. The Inter-American Development Bank has been supporting the project by providing grants totaling US$1.5 million, focusing on strengthening the international climate change agenda, conservation and biodiversity as well as the formulation of a pipeline of investment projects and program coordination assistance.
In 2013, Colombia committed to eliminating deforestation in the Amazon by 2020, representing 40 percent of its territory. As a means to achieve this goal, Colombia extended its National Park Natural Sierra de Chiribiquete by almost 3 million hectares, an area the size of Belgium.
Costa Rica
This small Central American country takes advantage of its rains for hydroelectric power generation and continues to work so that its energy matrix is completely derived from clean sources with zero carbon emissions by 2021. Thus, Costa Rica is close to becoming the first country in Latin America to be carbon neutral through use of renewable energy.
Moreover, the country has created a national system of carbon neutrality certificates to reduce and offset its carbon emissions, in addition to a carbon-neutral certification standard that 65 companies have adopted to help achieve the countrys goals.
Mexico
After the Conference of Parties or COP 21 in Paris, Mexico introduced a new policy on clean energy its Energy Transition Law, which includes a clean energy target up until 2024 to meet its ultimate goals of 35 percent clean energy. Mexico has set forth its short-term goals in the countrys Special Climate Change Program between 2014 and 2018 to reduce the vulnerability of Mexicos population, protect fragile ecosystems, increase environmental services, and improve infrastructure to address climate change.
Mexico already is the first developing country to pass a law on climate change with the adoption of the General Law on Climate Change in 2012. Under this law, Mexico established a Climate Change Fund and created a National Climate Change Strategy. Similarly, Mexico instituted a National Emissions Registry.
Chile
In 2014, Chile introduced a carbon tax of US$5 per metric ton. This tax came after Chiles Office of Climate Change began developing its Low Emissions Capacity Building Program in 2012. Chile has successfully concluded the second phase of a research project MAPS-Chile that proposes analyzing emissions until the years 2020, 2030, and 2050. Chiles greatest advancement thus far is its contribution to climate change research through its various research centers that the country has established to study the effects of climate change.
Guatemala
Guatemala has implemented an ambitious energy policy aimed at generating 80 percent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by the year 2030. Guatemala has strengthened its legal framework, approving its Climate Change Law in 2013. In the countrys Intended National Determined Contribution, Guatemala has committed to reduce emissions by 11.2 percent. Guatemalas forestry law that was passed in 2015 is an important measure against deforestation in the country.
The most important lesson gleaned from these five Latin American countries is not the amount of sheer investment poured into large climate change development projects, but rather the political will of these nations to confront one of todays universal challenges. Even with the current proposed budget cuts of the EPA, the United States of America has considerable resources available to continue the progress it has made to address the effects of climate change.
Taking a look at Latin America can provide some low-budget guidance on making a difference with less.
Geovanny Vicente Romero is the founder of the Dominican Republic Center of Public Policy, Leadership and Development (CPDL-RD). He is a political analyst and lecturer based in Washington, D.C. Reach him on Twitter @geovannyvicentr
Via TeleSur
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Related video added by Juan Cole:
CGTN: Innovating Energy
The Atlantic | (Video Report) |
Donald Trump is an unprecedentedly wealthy president, who owns or licenses his name to buildings, casinos, and luxury hotels around the world. An ethics watchdog group has already brought a lawsuit against him for violating the Constitutions Emoluments Clause, which prohibits government officials from receiving gifts from foreign states. Trump has taken few steps to distance himself from his organization, and foreign governments could use the Presidents business interests as bargaining chips to influence his policymaking. Atlantic writer Jeremy Venook has been monitoring the Presidents growing list of conflicts of interests since November 2016, and breaks down some of the most alarming ones in this video.
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Mustafa Habib | Baghdad | (Niqash.org)
While Iraqs pro-government forces battle on in Mosul, extremists are heading back to other provinces. Locals say the number of attacks keep rising and that something needs to be done before it is too late.
In the town of Baiji in central-northern Iraq, a senior police commander has been recording attacks by extremists almost every day.
Before, extremist attacks were more rare, the police chief, Saad al-Azzawi, told NIQASH. But over the past few weeks, the numbers have increased in a very frightening way. Our city was cleared of extremists from ISIL two years ago and they rarely came back. But things have changed recently. The extremists keep carrying out these hit-and-run attacks. Last month we recorded 40 of them.
Al-Azzawi and his men inform the government in Baghdad of the attacks. But it seems little attention is paid to them: After all, all eyes are on the northern city of Mosul where pro-government forces are battling to clear the extremist group known as the Islamic State [group] out of that city.
The army has turned its back on this dangerous area. Reinforcements are needed.
Last week, over 20 locals were killed after suicide bombers attacked a wedding in Hajaj village. It was the deadliest attack in the area for months.
Al-Azzawi can only wonder at the governments indifference. The government is so engaged in Mosul that terrorists are infiltrating back into other cities, he complains. Urgent steps need to be taken to prevent them from regrouping.
It has been about 20 months since ISIL, or the IS group was expelled from the area around here, including from the major city of Tikrit and other parts of Salahaddin province. And those displaced from Salahaddin are slowly beginning to return home to try and start normal lives again. But the area still has major security problems.
Most of these stem from the mountainous Makhoul area near Baiji this range of hills extends from Diyala in the east, into the north of Salahaddin. Its well known as a hiding place for ISIL fighters and despite dozens of military operations against them here, they have managed to retain control of the backwoods area.
Hundreds of IS fighters have started arriving in this mountain area from Mosul, says Akram al-Aboudi, a senior member of one of Iraqs volunteer militias. This is thanks to the siege of Mosul by pro-government forces. We are very well aware that the IS group is back in this area. We also know they are still weak. Thats why they are using these hit-and-run tactics, usually with less than ten men. Then they disappear like ghosts.
Al-Aboudi says he has lost a number of his brothers in arms, after they were deployed to the areas next to the Makhoul mountains, in order to prevent the extremist fighters from getting closer to local towns and villages. This is why he is particularly critical of the governments focus on Mosul only and wants reinforcements sent.
The army has turned its back on this dangerous area, he declares. They should have listened to the volunteer forces who said that we needed to clear out the remnants of the IS group, before going onto Mosul.
Another major problem for the security situation in Salahaddin has to do with the various military and non-military forces who are supposed to be keeping the province safe from the extremists. There are four groups in play: The Iraqi army, the local police, tribal groups and the Shiite Muslim volunteer militias, who recently took on a more formal role in Iraq.
One official, who commented on condition of anonymity, told NIQASH that this was causing chaos. The local council has been trying to coordinate all the forces for months now, the official said. They want to unite everyone under one command. But it hasnt happened. Instead each force acts independently of all the others and in some cases, they dont even coordinate with the local council, whose legal right it actually is to administrate this area.
Similar problems are being faced by locals in neighbouring Diyala province. Last week extremists managed to get into the Atheem area in Diyala for the first time in about three years, to launch a number of hit-and-run attacks on checkpoints on the provincial border with Salahaddin.
In a rugged area called Mtaibijh, between the two provinces, dozens of extremist fighters have been gathering for the past few weeks, according to a local politician, Uday al-Khadran. The IS fighters who fled Diyala, Kirkuk and Salahaddin during battles a few months ago all found refuge in Mtaibijh.
The place has become a training camp and a place where car bombs are being manufactured, al-Khadran notes. More recently the IS group has been using drones to monitor the positions of the security forces from there. The Iraqi government has got to move quickly to stop them, he concluded.
The Iraqi government has stepped away from the political controversy around Hawija, preferring to focus instead on the operations in Mosul.
Many locals believe that when the Iraqi government moved military forces out of Diyala and further north to assist in the battle for Mosul, the extremists saw their chance. One of the first provinces to see the back of the IS group, Diyala had had good security for a long time. But this changed when the battle for Mosul began.
Last Thursday the Shiite Muslim ex-volunteer militias announced that they would be creating a new force to fill the security vacuum. At the same time though, the IS group continues to send attackers to military checkpoints and dozens of soldiers are being killed or wounded.
Much of this can be attributed back to the town of Hawija, which lies south of Kirkuk, on the Makhoul range.
The mostly Sunni-Muslim populated town has been controlled by the IS group since the middle of 2014. It was the site of ongoing Sunni Muslim anti-government protests that were halted violently by the Iraqi army in early 2013, resulting in as many as 50 deaths. The IS group found a lot of support here when they first arrived over two years ago and it remains an important base for them.
Many analysts said that it was all important to push the IS group out of Hawija before the battle to take back Mosul could start. But political problems have prevented this the Iraqi government and Iraqi Kurdish authorities as well as other participants couldnt come to any kind of agreement as to how their separate forces should conduct the battle.
The Shiite Muslim groups want to be part of the fighting for the sake of Shiite Muslim-majority villages in the area. However the Iraqi Kurdish military doesnt like that idea because they fear the militias will stay there after the fighting is over and it is a little too close to terrain they believe belongs to them. Local Sunni tribal fighters in the area are not strong enough to do the job by themselves and the Iraqi government appears to have stepped away from the political controversy, preferring to focus instead on the operations in Mosul.
Everyone knows the risk that Hawija presents and the government needs to act on this, not just for the sake of Salahaddin and Diyala, but for the sake of the thousands of people trapped there, Ahmad Abdullah al-Jibouri, the governor of Salahaddin, told NIQASH. Every day our security forces meet families who have managed to escape Hawija. There is a humanitarian tragedy unfolding there.
Via Niqash.org
Related video added by Juan Cole:
France 24: Caught in the crossfire: The human cost of the battle for Mosul
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H. Patricia Hynes | (Informed Comment) |
What is Cuba like? Since visiting there recently, I have been asked this question hundreds of times and learned that every third person harbors a desire to visit there.
Yes, there are iconic 57 Chevrolets, some in mint condition for taking tourists around Havana. But most 1950s Russian and American cars there would not pass emissions and safety inspections here (although this may change as the Trump administration takes a wrecking ball to the US EPA). There are no traffic jams in this city of 2.2 million people because most Cubans take buses, ride bikes, use pedicabs and walk. Music especially Afro Cuban and salsa is everywhere: in hotels, small clubs, plazas, flowing from opened windows. So no need to go in search of it; it finds you.
Cubans love books, we were told. Sure enough, there were many bookstores in Havana. Could their love of books stem from a public education system that is free through university and medical school, the most democratic educational system in the Americas? Within two years after the 1959 revolution, Cubas aggressive literacy program, which placed special focus on women, Afro-Cubans and rural people, raised the literacy rate from 60 percent to 96 percent. It now stands at 100 percent. (By contrast, 32 million adults in the U.S. are considered illiterate, reflecting the fact that our country invests much less of our GDP in education than does Cuba). Every morning, just after 7:00 the streets are filled with children in school uniforms walking, being biked and, in the case of the small rural towns like Boca de Camarioca where we stayed, being brought in horse-drawn carriages to their schools.
In Havana we met with two key womens organizations, the Federation of Cuban Women and the National Union of Cuban Women Lawyers. They described their programs on violence against women in the primary and secondary schools and have a profound understanding of prostitution and the sexual exploitation of women. Their feminist magazines one for girls and one for women reach hundreds of thousands of readers.
Cuba is a poor country, with the average monthly salary of teachers being $40, and no evident signs of consumerism no shopping malls, luxury goods, cheap fast food places or billboard advertising. Despite its poverty, it has the lowest malnutrition rate in the Americas. Nowhere did I see homeless people sleeping in parks, doorways or under bridges nor people begging as I saw daily during the years that I worked in Boston. Boston, with a quarter of Havanas population, had nearly 8,000 homeless men, women and children in 2016, with a 25 percent increase in homeless families since 2015.
The U.S. embargo of Cuba, more accurately called a bloqueo or blockade by Cubans, began in 1960 with the intent to deny money and supplies to the country; to decrease wages; and to bring about hunger, desperation and the overthrow of the [Castro] government, according to a State Department memo. And, yes, there is a sense of the country locked in the 1950s, with housing and colonial buildings desperately in need of repair, extremely crowded buses, shortages of consumer goods, and poor air quality in Havana. Years of material deprivation, amazingly, have not dampened the warmth, affection and welcome that everyone who visits Cuba speaks of, a richness in the Cuban spirit sustained, possibly, by their more equal society.
In the past few years, the Cuban government under Raul Castro has allowed small private enterprises to open. Families are renting rooms and offering meals to tourists, in what are called casas particulares. These and other small microenterprises are flourishing and raising incomes and standards of living across the island.
One hallmark of Cubas achievements is its free health care system, recognized as one of the best in the world, as well as the primary care it provides in poor communities throughout the world. In meeting with health care providers, we learned of their emphasis on disease prevention and the countrys policy that every community, no matter how remote, has a primary care facility. With its commitment to health care as a human right, Cuba has achieved higher life expectancy and a lower infant mortality rate than the United States, these being key indicators of the overall health of the countrys people.
Like many colonial-era countries, Cubas wealth was built on the African slave trade and slave labor. One factor that may contribute to their overall health achievements is that the social and economic integration of black and white Cubans an intentional goal since their revolution is more advanced than that of many countries, including (and especially) our own. In 2015 black and Hispanic households in the United States had on average one-tenth the money and property of white households.
Last year President Obama made a trip to Cuba, after much closed door negotiation facilitated at times by the Vatican and consultation with wealthy Miami Cuban-American businessmen. Some of them joined him in Havana, being flown there on the private jet of a Cuban American healthcare billionaire.
Obamas intentions appear honorable opening up Cubas economy with private enterprise to raise the standard of living, release of political prisoners and free elections. Yet there is a fatal irony in these objectives for Cuba. Our free national elections are determined by money the biggest spenders win; and our Executive Branch is now littered with people in the top 1 percent of income. We have the largest prison system in the world, with a disproportionate number of African Americans unjustly incarcerated, and have never yet, as a society, come to terms with structural racism, our segregated cities and segregated urban schools. Even with the Affordable Care Act, medical expenses are the biggest cause of bankruptcies while executives in the health care industry become multi-millionaires.
Realistically, most U.S. people would not choose to live in Cuba: we have more individual freedoms and no shortages of consumer items, if you can afford them. I do remember, however, a sign scrawled on a wall in the city of Matanzas (the former center of the African slave trade) that speaks to the island countrys social aspirations: la dignidad no se vende, dignity is not for sale.
Pat Hynes, a retired professor of environmental health from Boston University School of Public Health, directs the Traprock Center for Peace and Justice.
Related video added by Juan Cole:
BBC News: What is life like in Cuba after Fidel Castro? BBC News
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. ("Sabina") or (the "Company") (TSX:SBB) reports the financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016.
"Much was accomplished in 2016," said Bruce McLeod, the Company's President& CEO. "Although we received a set-back from the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB"), we understand and support the NIRB's desire for a high level of confidence in our proposals for the Back River Project ("Project"). We are happy to be back in the process and believe that our recently submitted Final Environmental Impact Statement Addendum ("FEIS Addendum") presents additional mitigation, information and plans that will address NIRB's concerns. In 2016, we also continued optimization and trade off studies which we believe could positively impact the Project economics. On the exploration front, a new discovery at Convergence and the successes at our Hivogani and Kogoyok targets continued to demonstrate the opportunities for new discoveries and extended mine life at Back River. Other geological programs completed during the year enabled us to plan a high impact drilling campaign for 2017 with our recently raised flow-through financing. 2017 has started out positively and we look forward to continued support for the Back River Project from all stakeholders as we work through the process."
2016 Highlights:
The Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $39.9 million at December 31, 2016.
On June 15, 2016, the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB") recommended to the Minister that the Back River Project ("Project') not proceed to the next phase of permitting at this time. On July 20, 2016, the Company submitted a detailed response to the NIRB report to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada ("INAC") requesting that the Minister reject the NIRB recommendation or send the Project back to NIRB for further review.
In July, 2016, the Company completed a series of meetings in communities in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Following these meetings, the Company continued to receive broad positive support for the Project from community members, hamlet councils, advisory committees, and Inuit organizations (including the Kitikmeot Inuit Association ("KIA")).
Subsequent to the year end, on January 12, 2017, the INAC Minister, with the agreement of other responsible ministers, decided that the Project should be returned to the NIRB for further consideration. On January 24, 2017, the NIRB provided guidance to all parties on the scope and process of further review of the Project. On February 16, 2017, the Company submitted its required FEIS Addendum and NIRB provided confirmation of concordance with the guidelines and a schedule for the process on February 23, 2017. The FEIS Addendum is currently in the technical review process and NIRB has advised that they expect to issue their recommendation in July 2017.
During the year, the Company completed approximately 2,700 meters of drilling on three targets at the Goose property: Kogoyok, Hivogani and Convergence. A new discovery was made at the Convergence target where assays of 3.84 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au over 3.70 meters were returned. Encouraging results also continued at the Kogoyok target, where gold mineralization was intersected in drilling with visible gold identified in multiple rock units over a broad area. Drilling at the Hivogani target continued to expand the host area and further characterized the new mineralization styles.
On May 25, 2016, the Company announced preliminary metallurgical optimization test results on its Back River gold project from a program to assess potential metallurgical improvements including a coarser grind, long leach resonance time and flotation followed by fine grinding of concentrates. The results from the first round of test work have been positive with recoveries for three of four composite samples from the main deposits showing a potential to increase gold recoveries. Initial desktop studies have indicated that changing to a flotation circuit could have positive impacts on both capital and operating expenditures. Further flotation test work on this opportunity is ongoing.
On May 20, 2016, the Company completed a bought deal financing of 19,790,750 common shares at $1.63 per common share for total gross proceeds of approximately $32.3 million. The Underwriters received a cash commission of 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the financing.
On March 31, 2016, Sabina announced the appointment of Ms. Anna Stylianides to the Company's board of directors. Ms. Stylianides has 25 years of experience in the global capital markets and currently also serves as a director of Entree Gold Inc., Altius Minerals Corp. and Eco Oro Minerals.
A long-term strategic review on the Company's Wishbone property in Nunavut, resulted in a total write down of $7.1 million for certain non-core mineral claims on the property ($5.2 million in Q3, 2016 and $1.9 million in Q4, 2016). While the core mineral claims on the Wishbone property remain long-term exploration opportunities, the Company's immediate focus is on the Back River deposits and exploration opportunities proximal to existing resources.
Subsequent to the year end, on February 28, 2017, the Company completed a bought deal private placement flow-through financing of 3,470,000 flow-through common shares at a price of $1.75 per share for total gross proceeds of approximately $6.1 million. The total gross proceeds from the financing must be used to incur Canadian exploration expenditures as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada) by December 31, 2018. The Underwriters received a cash commission of 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the financing.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $6.1 million or $0.03 per share.
Financial Results
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $2.0 million, favourable by $2.7 million compared to the same period of 2015. The difference quarter-over-quarter was largely the result lower stock-based payments and write-downs of mineral properties. In Q4 2016, the Company recorded a write-down of $1.9 million on its the Wishbone mineral properties. In Q4 2015, the Company recorded a write-down of $4.0 million on certain non-core Wishbone mineral claims.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $6.1 million, favourable by $3.5 million compared to the same period of 2015. The difference was largely the result of realized gains of $1.3 million on the sale of a portion of its investments in 2016 compared to an impairment loss of $2.0 million on its investments recorded in 2015.
For the full December 31, 2016 yearend financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis, please see the Company website at www.sabinagoldsilver.com or on SEDAR.
Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.
Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is a well-financed, emerging precious metals company with district scale, world class undeveloped assets in one of the world's newest, politically stable mining jurisdictions: Nunavut, Canada.
In September, 2015, Sabina released a Feasibility Study on its 100% owned Back River Gold Project which presents a project that has been designed on a fit-for purpose basis, with the potential to produce ~200,000 ounces a year for ~11 years with a rapid payback of 2.9 years. At a US$1,150 gold price and a 0.80 exchange rate, the Study delivers a potential after tax internal rate of return of approximately 24.2% with an initial CAPEX of $415 million.
In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on Glencore's Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett River's silver production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and 12.5% of all silver produced thereafter.
The Company had approximately C$39.9 million at December 31, 2016 and has budgeted $8.5 million as its base budget for 2017. The base budget delivers the completion of the environmental assessment process; advancement of Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement and land tenure negotiations with the KIA; completion of basic engineering and project execution plan; and, completion of a mapping, rock and till sampling and geophysical exploration field program. In addition, the Company has planned certain discretionary activities, including an exploration drilling program, completion of the water license review process and commencement of detailed engineering and project financing. Depending on the timing and success of the permitting process, total expenditures could range up to approximately $31 million in 2017
All news releases and further information can be found on the Company's website at www.sabinagoldsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All technical reports have been filed on www.sedar.com.
BRIDGEWATER, NOVA SCOTIA--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Silver Spruce Resources Inc. ("Silver Spruce" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:SSE)(FRANKFURT:S6Q) is pleased to announce it has entered a Purchase Agreement with Cedar Forrest, LLC (the "Vendor") to acquire 100% ownership of 70.84 acres of patented claims covering the past-producing Kay Mine, located in Yavapai county, Arizona, roughly 50 miles north of Phoenix. The Kay Copper Company and others produced Au-Ag-Cu-Pb-Zn ore on the property intermittently from 1916 until 1956. Exploration conducted from 1972 to 1982 by Exxon Minerals Company, a subsidiary of Exxon Petroleum, indicates that substantial additional mineralization exists down dip and potentially along strike from the previously producing mineral deposits.
Known mineralization occurs in two zones of massive sulfide, the North and South Zones, extending from the surface to at least 2100 feet in depth. Mineralization is open at depth. A November 1982 internal Exxon Minerals Company report by M. L. Fellows stated that the deposit contains a resource of "Proven and Probable ore" with a tonnage of 6.4 million short tons grading an estimated 2.2% copper, 3.03% zinc, 1.6 ounces per ton silver and 0.082 ounces per ton gold. The estimate was made using assay data from historic mine level plans and Exxon drill hole intercepts. Exxon's use of the word "ore" is not to be construed in the strict sense.. After examining mine assay level plans and Exxon drill hold data, Silver Spruce has concluded that "Indicated Mineral Resource" is the appropriate term for Exxon's historical estimate. Additional drilling is needed to verify this estimate. The Qualified Person for Silver Spruce has not conducted sufficient work to definitively classify Exxon's resource estimate to be compliant with NI-43-101 resource definitions. The issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. Exxon also reported the deposits to be open down dip, with significant additional potential for the discovery of new deposits.
"We are excited to have this opportunity to purchase, explore and develop resources at the Kay Mine property, located near Black Canyon City, Arizona, a very mining supportive community. We intend to apply geophysical methods that did not yet exist in the early 1980's and to drill the Historic Estimate outlined by Exxon," stated Karl J. Boltz, President and CEO.
Kay Mine History
The Kay Mine was discovered prior to 1900 and was mined on a small scale up to 1916, producing some 700 tons of ore, 470 tons of which ran 9.1% copper, 1.06 ounces per ton silver and 0.072 ounces per ton gold. It was during this period that the No. 1 shaft was sunk. The major underground development of the mine took place between 1918 and 1923 when the No.1 shaft was deepened and the 1200 foot vertical No. 4 shaft (with an internal winze to 1500 feet) was sunk and several thousand feet of development drifts were driven, but no ore was shipped. The property was acquired for back taxes in the late 1940's. It was leased in 1949 by the Black Canyon Copper Corporation which shipped 1,000 tons of high grade ore that year.
In 1950, Shattuck-Denn Mining Company and New Jersey Zinc dewatered and rehabilitated the number 4 shaft and conducted surface and underground exploration until 1952. This was the first time since 1929 that the mine was dewatered and made accessible. During this time, 1,571 tons of ore were shipped from underground workings and from dump material, the total averaging 5.67% Cu, 0.98 ounces per ton Ag and 0.059 ounces per ton Au.
In 1955, Republic Metals Company shipped a few hundred tons from above the 350' level in the number 4 shaft. About this time a cave-in destroyed the pump station and the mine was allowed to flood. The underground workings have been inaccessible ever since and no underground production or development has been done since then. Only about 4,000 tons of ore was documented to have been produced at the Kay Mine property, largely due to the intermittent production in between periods of litigation.
The property was acquired in 1972 by Exxon Minerals Company. Between 1972 and 1982 Exxon conducted an extensive exploration program consisting of geologic mapping, sampling, ground and airborne geophysics and drilling. Exxon drilled 23 core and rotary holes totaling 26,554 feet. Exxon expended roughly $1,500,000 during this time.
Terms of Purchase
Upon execution of the Purchase Agreement to acquire 100% interest in the patented claims, free of any royalties, Silver Spruce has paid a non-refundable deposit of US $50,000 to the Vendor.
The Company will pay US $450,000 cash to the Vendor within 75 days.
The Vendor will carry a two-year, 6%, convertible debenture for the principle amount of US $477,000 which is the balance of the total purchase price.
The interest on the debenture will be paid monthly, and the principle may be converted into common shares of the Company at an exercise price of CAD $0.225 per common share, at any time during the term of the debenture.
This acquisition is subject to Exchange acceptance.
A finder's fee will be paid to a party that is Arm's Length to Silver Spruce and to the Vendor, subject to TSXVSE approval.
The Finder is Rift Exploration LLC, and will be paid 7.5% of the purchase price, paid in common shares of the Company.
Due Diligence
The Company has rapidly and efficiently conducted due diligence activities on the project, since January 30, 2017. These activities included a site visit, an appraisal of the fee simple surface land value, a fee simple surface title opinion, an extensive mining title search and analysis of the mining rights held with the patented claims titles and a legal opinion of the mineral title rights by a prominent mining attorney in Arizona.
Qualified Person
Mr. Leonard J. Karr, professional geologist and a Qualified Person, under TSX guidelines, is the author of the Company's NI 43-101 report on the Pino de Plata project, dated 7 July 2015, and is responsible for the technical content of this press release.
About Silver Spruce Resources Inc.
Silver Spruce Resources Inc. is a well-positioned Canadian junior exploration company pursuing development of the Pino De Plata and the Encino De Oro epithermal silver/ base metal/ gold projects located in the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental region of western Chihuahua State in Mexico. Silver Spruce also retains a portfolio of uranium and rare earth element properties in Labrador.
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Lumina Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: LUM) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated a 12,000m infill diamond drill program at its 100% owned Cangrejos Gold-Copper Project ("Cangrejos") in the El Oro Province of Southern Ecuador.
The 12,000m program is in addition to the prior 3,540m of drilling completed in 2015. The new drilling will infill a large part of the Inferred mineral resources and is anticipated to upgrade them to the Indicated mineral resources category. Necessary permits for drilling have been obtained and drill pads and access roads have been prepared. The current infill drilling program will consist of 35 holes and will be completed with a Hydrocore 2000 diamond drill rig that has been contracted from Hubbard Drilling, based in Cuenca, Ecuador.
About Lumina Gold
Lumina Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: LUM) is a Vancouver Canada based precious and base metals exploration and development company focused on gold and copper projects in Ecuador. The Company's Cangrejos Gold-Copper project is located in El Oro Province, SW Ecuador, and its Condor Gold-Copper project is located in Zamora-Chinchipe Province, SE Ecuador. The Company also holds a large and highly prospective land package in Ecuador consisting of 131,161 hectares. The Company has an experienced management team with a successful track record of advancing and monetizing exploration projects. Going forward, the Company intends to continue to identify, acquire and advance mineral exploration properties that have large scale potential.
Further details are available on the Company's website at https://luminagold.com/.
Vancouver, British Columbia / TheNewswire / March 21 2017 - Centenera Mining Corporation ("Centenera" or the "Company") - (TSXV: CT, OTCQB: CTMIF), reports that it has received positive assay results from initial surface sampling at the Company's El Penon Gold Project (the "Project" or "El Penon") defining anomalous geochemistry over approximately 10km strike length and defining 4 targets for follow-up exploration. The El Penon Project is located within the Argentinian Precordillera in San Juan Province and the exploration program is based on a Nevada (Carlin-type) exploration analog. The prospective Precordillera is in a typical basin-and-range setting similar to Nevada but despite potential host rocks and a favourable structural setting, the area is underexplored for Carlin-type deposits.
Details of Results at El Penon
Results from 110 stream sediment samples and 26 rock chip samples have been received. In total, 35 of the 100 stream sediment samples (31.8%) are considered anomalous (Figure 1A). Two samples assayed with grades of 2.3 g/t (2,300ppb) gold and 2.21 g/t (2,219ppb) gold, which is exceptionally high for stream sediment samples and suggests a proximal gold source, whether at surface or below surface. In addition to the gold anomalies there are coincident multi-element gold pathfinder anomalies, which consist of silver, arsenic, antimony and thallium, all of which are gridded with gold to create signature "gold factor" anomalies (Figure 1B). These elements typically enter residual stream sediments upon oxidation and weathering of gold mineralization and related hydrothermal alteration. Given that the dirty limestone of the San Juan Formation is a potential host rock and that the structural setting is favourable, the multi-element gold pathfinder anomalies identified through the current work supports the interpretation of a potential Carlin-type exploration target. Rock sampling returned no anomalous results, supporting the interpretation that the primary source of gold mineralization may be below surface and that anomalies are coincident with the important structural features that control mineralization.
Future Work at El Penon
This initial work has highlighted anomalous surface geochemistry over approximately 10km strike length and identified 4 target areas for follow-up exploration (Figure 2). The Marble Canyon and K-Zone targets are strongest in terms of multi-element support and are likely associated with the most intense hydrothermal alteration. The Project is at a much earlier stage than the Company's flagship Huachi copper-gold project, but forms an important part of the Company's project pipeline. The Company anticipates that the next step in exploring El Penon will be to undertake detailed mapping, aiming to define drill targets. Detailed mapping will focus on understanding the structural setting and defining potential drill targets.
About El Penon
The Project was first explored in 2004, when the Project was acquired by Committee Bay Resources ("CBR") and work continued sporadically through to 2006. The exploration program was based on a Nevada (Carlin-type) exploration analog. The prospective Precordillera is in a typical basin-and-range setting similar to Nevada and is underlain by a sequence of predominantly "dirty limestone" or calcareous argillite, arenite and debris flow which are thrust over more massive, micritic limestone.
Figure 1. A. (left) Plan view of El Penon geology with stream sediment sample locations classified by gold (Au) assay results. B. (right) Plan view of El Penon with gridded Gold Factor values with stream sediment sample gold assay results superimposed.
Figure 2. Target areas for follow-up exploration
QA/QC
Stream sediment samples and rock chip samples from the surface sampling referred to herein were collected under the supervision of Company geologists in accordance with standard industry practice. Samples were dispatched via commercial transport to the SGS laboratory in Callao, Peru, an ISO 9001:2000 accredited laboratory, for analysis. Quality assurance and quality control procedures include systematic laboratory insertion of blanks, standards, and duplicates.
Qualified Person
Tyler Caswell, P.Geo., the Company's Exploration Manager and a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis of this news release, and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Caswell is not independent of the Company, as he is an employee and holds incentive stock options.
KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN)(OTCQX:IVPAF) Executive Chairman Robert Friedland and Chief Executive Officer Lars-Eric Johansson announced today that a new step-out hole - drilled 5.4 kilometres west of the present boundary of Kakula's current Inferred Resources - intersected a relatively shallow, 16.3-metre zone of typical Kakula-style, chalcocite-rich copper mineralization similar to holes drilled in the centre of the high-grade Kakula Deposit on the company's Tier One Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project.
The DD1124 discovery hole is 3.8 kilometres west of the current limit of Kakula drilling and 4.1 kilometres west of the last drill hole with returned assays - DD1093 - that was announced on January 23 this year.
The target area where DD1124 was drilled - now named Kakula West - was selected by the Kamoa-Kakula geological team at the intersection of the axis of the interpreted Kakula trend with a southwesterly-northeasterly-trending antiform (the Kakula West antiform). DD1124 intersected 16.3 metres of visually moderate-strong chalcocite copper mineralization, similar to the mineralization encountered within the core of the chalcocite-rich Kakula Deposit, beginning at a downhole depth of 422.2 metres (410 metres below surface), which included a 4.0-metre zone of strong-to-very-strong mineralization beginning at a downhole depth of 432.4 metres (see Figure 1). Assays for DD1124 are expected in approximately two weeks. Up to five rigs are being mobilized to fast-track the drilling at the Kakula West discovery.
Hole DD1124 now has extended the length of the Kakula mineralized trend to approximately 10.1 kilometres (see figures 2 and 3), essentially doubling the previously estimated strike length of 5.5 kilometres contained in Ivanhoe's January 23, 2017 news release. The continuing success also means that the discovery has grown to become six kilometres longer than the deposit's 4.1-kilometre strike length that was used in calculating the initial Kakula resource estimate in October 2016.
The Kakula Discovery remains open along a westerly-southeasterly strike (see Figure 2). Importantly, the chalcocite-rich zone of mineralization in DD1124 was intersected at a depth of approximately 400 metres, indicating that the Kakula mineralized zone extends significantly closer toward the surface in the area around the new discovery hole (see Figure 4).
The Kamoa-Kakula Project, a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining and the DRC government, is near the mining centre of Kolwezi on the Central African Copperbelt in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
"In the mining exploration business, the very idea that a crew would drill a step-out hole almost four kilometres away from the last known mineralization is virtually unheard of," Mr. Friedland said.
"Nonetheless, our geologists and independent advisors have become so confident in the proven consistency of Kakula's chalcocite-rich mineralization that they expected we would find more thick, near-surface, Kakula-style mineralization in the vicinity of where it actually was discovered. The remarkable success with DD1124 is further validation of our team's judgment and expertise."
Mr. Friedland added: "Bear in mind that the Kakula Discovery now is vastly larger and more important than it was last year when Kamoa-Kakula was independently ranked among the 10 largest copper deposits in the world. In fact, the resource estimate that we announced for Kakula last October only covers approximately 40% of the presently defined 10.1-kilometre strike length of Kakula's mineralized trend."
Expanded exploration program now testing Kamoa-Kakula grass-roots targets
Ongoing studies have highlighted numerous Kakula-style targets to the west and east of the Kakula Dome and elsewhere in the 400-square-kilometre Kamoa-Kakula Project Area. The Kakula West target was the first of these to be tested.
"The Kamoa-Kakula exploration team is continuing to enhance its understanding of the unique geological controls influencing the project's very-high-grade copper mineralization," Mr. Friedland said.
In response to the ongoing exploration success, Ivanhoe Mines and Zijin Mining have accelerated the Kamoa-Kakula exploration program with the mobilization of additional contractor drill rigs that has expanded the available fleet to 14 rigs.
As shown in Figure 4, the Kakula Deposit is a gently-dipping blanket of thick, chalcocite-rich copper mineralization. Initial mine development is planned to focus on the flat, near-surface mineralized section (highlighted in the inset) which, along the deposit's axis, has mineralized zones ranging between 7.1 and 11.7 metres thick and grading between 8.11% and 10.35% copper, at a 3% copper cut-off.
Qualified Person and Quality Control and Assurance
The scientific and technical information in this release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines' Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, and a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release.
Ivanhoe Mines maintains a comprehensive chain of custody and QA-QC program on assays from its Kamoa-Kakula Project. Half-sawn core is processed at Kamoa-Kakula's on-site preparation laboratory and prepared samples then are shipped by secure courier to Bureau Veritas Minerals (BVM) Laboratories in Australia, an ISO17025-accredited facility. Copper assays are determined at BVM by mixed-acid digestion with ICP finish. Industry-standard certified reference materials and blanks are inserted into the sample stream prior to dispatch to BVM. For detailed information about assay methods and data verification measures used to support the scientific and technical information, please refer to the January 2017 technical report on the Kamoa-Kakula Project titled "Kakula 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment" on the SEDAR profile of Ivanhoe Mines at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com.
About Ivanhoe Mines
Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its three principal projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Mine development at the Platreef platinum-palladium-gold-nickel-copper discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; mine development and exploration at the Kamoa-Kakula copper project on the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC; and upgrading at the historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-silver-germanium mine, also on the DRC's Copperbelt. For details, visit www.ivanhoemines.com.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Mundoro Capital Inc. (TSX VENTURE:MUN) (www.mundoro.com) ("Mundoro" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its previously announced 600 meter drill program at the Company's Borsko Jezero license ("Borsko") has been extended by up to 2220 meters. Borsko is one of the four licenses being sole funded by JOGMEC as part of the JOGMEC-Mundoro option agreement announced in August 2016. Borsko is located directly west of the Serbian state-operated producing mines, RTB Group's Bor copper porphyry mine and the Veliki Krivelj copper-gold porphyry mine, all located in the central portion of the Timok Magmatic Complex ("Timok").
HIGHLIGHTS
The drill program at Borsko, which began in early February, was designed to test one of the six high priority targets generated by systematic exploration completed by Mundoro in 2016 and defined various copper-gold targets.
The drilling program announced in February to test Target 1 with one 600 m drill hole, BJ-06, was extended to 821.6 m due to observations in the drill core.
JOGMEC and Mundoro have determined to extend the program by up to 2000 m in order to further test Target 1 with one drill hole up to 1,300 m and test Target 2 with one drill hole up to 700 m. These drill meterages are estimates and may change depending on observations during drilling.
The first drill hole, BJ-06, has been sampled and assay results are pending from the assay lab.
Mundoro holds approximately $5 mln in cash as of December 31, 2016 and is debt free
Teo Dechev, CEO & President of Mundoro commented, "We are encouraged by the alteration and mineralization we are seeing in the drill core thus far at the Borsko license and, along with our partner JOGMEC, believe that these targets merit further drill testing as part of the Year I work program. In addition to our drilling at Borsko we look forward to the Year II exploration program at Zeleznik later this year as part of the US$1.5 million spend under Year II of the JOGMEC option agreement."
Borsko Drill Program
Overview
The Borsko drill program is now testing the first two of six targets generated by the 2016 field program (Figure 1 - Location of Borsko Drill Targets). In Q2-2016 Mundoro carried out a soil sampling program over the central portion of the license to follow up on high copper-gold stream sediment anomalies which could not be explained by previous prospecting and rock sampling. The soil sampling results returned significant copper-gold anomalies which remain open to the north and south. Follow-up field work revealed association of some of the soil anomalies with altered dike contacts, discrete quartz stockwork veinlets and fine grained sulphides related to fault-fracture zones. In the second half of 2016, the Company conducted ground magnetic and CSAMT geophysics surveys, as well as completed limited trenching over certain soil anomalies.
Update
Under this drill program which began in early February 2017, the Company completed one diamond drill hole with a total depth of 821.6 m, on Target 1 which was collared on a copper soil anomaly coincident with an argillic altered andesite dyke mapped on surface and a strong resistivity geophysical anomaly. The originally projected depth for BJ-06 of 600 m was designed to cut across the interpreted north-northwest trending mineralised structure which was also highlighted by anomalous stream sediment and rock sampling as well as interpreted ground magnetic geophysical lineament. Based on visual evaluation of the drill core, the Company and JOGMEC made the decision to extend the hole by 221.6 meters to a total down hole depth of 821.6 m.
Drill hole BJ-06, has been sampled and assay results are pending from the assay lab. The drill hole cut through a package of slightly chloritized volcanic agglomerate to 585 m before entering argillic alteration containing disseminated pyrite increasing at depth. At 612m the drill hole entered pervasively silicified andesite volcanics containing semi-massive pyrite, vuggy silica and breccia zones and drilled through it for 153 m before transitioning to argillic altered partly brecciated volcanics with disseminated to semi-massive pyrite. The drill hole BJ-06 was terminated at 821.6 m in argillic altered volcanics containing disseminated pyrite, anhydrite veins and native sulphur.
Drill hole BJ-06, which tested one of the newly generated drill targets at Borsko successfully demonstrated that a potentially mineralised system exists under cover. Follow up drilling, analysis and interpretation is necessary to assess the viability of this discovery.
The extended drill program aims to further test Target 1 with a follow up drill hole up to 1300 m as well as drill test Target 2 (Figure 1 - Location of Borsko Drill Targets) with one drill hole with a projected depth of 700 m. Target 2 is approximately 2.3 km southeast of Target 1 and was generated based on a soil geochemistry anomaly coincident with mapped and interpreted structural features and coincident with a large circular magnetic low anomaly and IP anomaly. These drill meterages are estimates and may change depending on observations during drilling.
Geology of Borsko License Area
The Borsko license is located in the Timok Magmatic Complex which is one of the most prolific metallogenic domains in the Tethyan Belt. The geological units in this license area consist of Upper Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary successions, predominantly andesite and pyroclastics. Generally considered the most prospective geological units, the Phase 1 hornblende porphyry andesite occupies the easternmost boundaries of the Borsko license and dips moderately to southwest under the pyroclastic rocks of the second phase.
Next Steps
The Company expects to complete the extended drilling program in March 2017 and to release the results around the end of April 2017.
Mundoro is in the process of finalizing the work program with JOGMEC for Year II under the JOGMEC-Mundoro option agreement. This work program is anticipated to begin in April 2017.
Qualified Person
Technical information contained in this Press Release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. G. Magaranov, P. Geo., Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.
Sampling and Analysis
All rock samples are assayed using 50-gram fire assay with atomic absorption finish and ME-MS61 by ALS Romania prepared by ALS Bor, Serbia. Quality Assurance and quality control procedures include the systematic insertion of standards and duplicates into the sample streams. Field duplicate samples are taken every 25 samples and standards and blanks are inserted after every 20th sample. All data collected in the field and assay results from the laboratories are routinely verified and entered in an Access database.
Soil samples were collected from "B" horizon of the soil media by hand digging a hole from 0.1 to 0.5m. Material of ~500 grams was collected, sealed and send directly to the ALS laboratory in Bor. Samples were dried at <60C/140F, sieve sample to -180 micron (80 mesh) and assayed using 30gram fire assay with atomic absorption finish and ME-MS41L - 51 elements by aqua regia acid digestion and a combination of ICP-MS and ICP-AES.
About Mundoro Capital Inc.
Mundoro is a Canadian mineral exploration and development public company focused on building value for its shareholders through directly investing in mineral projects that have the ability to generate future returns for shareholders. The Company currently holds a diverse portfolio of projects in two European countries as well as an investment in a producing gold mine in Bulgaria and a feasibility stage gold project in China. The Company holds eight 100% owned projects in Serbia, the four Timok North Projects are in option to JOGMEC, and the four Timok South Projects are being advanced by Mundoro. Mundoro's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "MUN".
VANCOUVER, March 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Mawson Resources Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) announces the mobilization of a fifth drill rig to the Rajapalot gold project in Finland. The objectives of the winter drill program were to extend known gold mineralization, discover new gold mineralized sites beneath gold-bearing boulders and outcrop, and to better define the extent and prospectivity of the large hydrothermal system. The winter drill program is now 60% complete and the results achieved so far have encouraged the mobilization of a fifth rig to the Rajapalot project.
Key Points:
Four diamond drill rigs and one base-of-till ("BOT") rig are now operational at site;
Thirty-two holes have been completed to date, totalling 5,950 metres of diamond drill core. Assay results from 8 holes have been reported, while results are pending for an additional 24 completed holes. A further 25 diamond drill holes are planned to be drilled before the completion of the winter program;
The BOT rig has completed 1,533 holes for 6,304 metres (average depth 4.3 metres) at Rajapalot (Kairamaat 2-3) and further east at Raja. A further 300 holes are planned this winter. A total of 1,235 holes have been reported, defining numerous new gold anomalous areas. The BOT rig is now infilling gold anomalous areas defined by 150 metres spaced grid drilling, on 10-20 metres spaced lines.
Mr. Hudson, Chairman and CEO, states, "A fifth drill rig has now been mobilized to site, based on early program success, which includes the discovery of two high-grade gold zones at Palokas with greater than 100 gold gram x metre intercepts (News Release 21 Feb 2017); the delineation by BOT drilling of broad gold anomalies across the property (News Release 9 Feb 2017); and the discovery of a new style of gold-bearing alteration comprising magnetite-pyrrhotite-biotite-chlorite at South Rajapalot, in a broad zone extending 900m along strike (News Release 6 Mar 2017). We look forward to releasing further results as they become available."
Technical and Environmental Background
The qualified person for Mawson's Finnish projects, Dr. Nick Cook, President for Mawson and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining Metallurgy has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.
About Mawson Resources Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, PINKSHEETS:MWSNF)
Mawson Resources Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with a focus on the flagship Rompas and Rajapalot gold projects in Finland.
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Anfield Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: ARY) (OTCQB: ANLDF) (FRANKFURT:0AD) ("Anfield" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that it has engaged BRS, Inc. ("BRS"), an engineering firm, to prepare a series of NI 43-101 compliant technical reports for a number of Anfield's 24 Wyoming uranium projects (the "Projects"). The Company views resource delineation as the first phase of Anfield's Wyoming uranium asset advancement. The Projects are located in the Black Hills, Powder River Basin, Great Divide Basin, Laramie Basin, Shirley Basin and Wind River Basin areas of Wyoming.
Further to its news release of September 14, 2016, as a part of the Wyoming Project acquisition, Anfield acquired a database containing historic resource estimates that identify significant potential for further development. This includes drilling and geologic work done by Uranium One of 575 drill holes totaling approximately 395,000 feet of drilling. In addition to the Uranium One database, Anfield previously acquired a historic database of geological information pertaining to the acquired Projects and of surrounding properties. The Company, in conjunction with BRS, is carefully analyzing the current and historic data to identify and prioritize the data to generate NI 43-101 technical reports for Anfield's acquired Projects.
Corey Dias, Anfield's CEO, stated, "We are delighted to begin the initial phase of our work on these Projects in order to both identify and delineate uranium resources. Importantly, many of these Projects are in areas of Wyoming in which a number of uranium producers have already established ISR production bases. Moreover, Anfield signed a Resin Processing Agreement with Uranium One in late 2016 whereby Anfield can process up to 500,000 pounds of uranium per year at Uranium One's Irigaray Central Processing Plant
Uranium analysts are now noting that the uranium market is at an inflexion point where prices are bound to rise sharply in 2017. With depressed prices, mine production is being cut while uranium demand is steadily increasing in Asia and elsewhere. And long-term contracts are rolling-off with significant uncovered demand being forecast. These market dynamics converges with Anfield's strategy of acquiring quality assets and proceeding with disciplined, staged development. We are confident that developing these properties will facilitate the execution of our Company strategy and will be a significant step towards becoming a top-tier U.S. uranium company."
About BRS
BRS, Inc. is an engineering and geology consulting corporation with expertise in mining and mineral exploration. Of particular note, it specializes in Uranium exploration, mineral resource evaluation, mine design, feasibility, mine operations, and reclamation. It has completed numerous Uranium projects including technical reports and feasibility studies for underground, open pit, ISR, and conventional Uranium mills. Representative projects include technical reports and due diligence for project financing for conventional uranium projects including the Sheep Mountain and the JAB-RD open pit in Wyoming, the Cibola Project in New Mexico, the Coles Hill, Virginia open pit and underground mine, and numerous ISR uranium projects in Wyoming and Paraguay.
Douglas L. Beahm, P.E., P.G., the principal engineer at BRS, is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 with 40 years of professional and managerial experience. Mr. Beahm has a proven track record in a variety of mining and mine reclamation projects including surface and underground mining, heap leach recovery, ISR, and uranium mill tailings projects. Mr. Beahm's experience includes coal, precious metals, and industrial minerals, but his emphasis throughout his career has been on uranium.
About Anfield
Anfield is an energy metals exploration, development and near-term production company that is committed to becoming a top-tier energy-related fuels supplier by creating value through sustainable, efficient growth in its energy metals assets. Anfield is a publicly-traded corporation listed on the TSX-Venture Exchange (ARY-V), the OTCQB Marketplace (ANLDF) and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (0AD). Anfield is focused on two production centres, as summarized below:
Arizona/Colorado/Utah - Shootaring Canyon Mill
The key asset in Anfield's existing portfolio is the Shootaring Canyon Mill in Garfield County, Utah. The Shootaring Canyon Mill is strategically located within one of the historically most prolific uranium production areas in the United States, and is one of only three licensed uranium mills in the United States.
Anfield's uranium assets consist of conventional mining claims and state leases in southeastern Utah, Colorado and Arizona, targeting areas where past uranium mining or prospecting occurred. Anfield's conventional uranium assets include the Velvet-Wood Project, the Frank M Uranium Project, as well as the Findlay Tank breccia pipe. All conventional uranium assets are situated within a 125-mile radius of the Shootaring Mill.
Wyoming - Irigaray ISR Processing Plant (Resin Processing Agreement)
Anfield has also signed a Resin Processing Agreement with Uranium One wherein Anfield would process up to 500,000 pounds per annum of its mined material at Uranium One's Irigaray processing plant in Wyoming. In addition, should Anfield sign a uranium sales contract with a utility, the Company can both buy and borrow uranium from Uranium One in order to fulfill some or all of its utility contract.
Anfield's ISR mining projects are located in the Black Hills, Powder River Basin, Great Divide Basin, Laramie Basin, Shirley Basin and Wind River Basin areas in Wyoming.
By Yoon Sung-won
Korea should diversify trade channels in Asia and boost non-governmental diplomatic activities to cut the China risk from its the economic sector, according to trade experts here.
The experts said Beijing's recent retaliatory actions against the Korean government's plan to introduce a Terminal High Altitude Air Defense (THAAD) system here is a warning to Korea to reduce its trade dependency on China.
"The Chinese market is indeed important. But now we have to diversify trade partners. The dependency on China has been too high," Korean-American Association (KAA) Chairman Park Jin said during a group discussion session hosted by The Korea Times in Seoul, March 10. "India is growing fast and Russia, which has the world's largest resource base, is right on top of us. Why not consider a free trade agreement with Japan? Southeast Asia is the largest construction business market worldwide."
Park stressed China's latest retaliatory actions have revealed its true face after rapid improvements in Sino-Korean relations over the last two decades.
"Utilitarianism has become the key in international relations. We need to think about national interests through hardheaded approaches," he said. "As China escalates economic pressure, it is an opportunity for Korea to reinforce internal stability."
Besides Park, Trade Vice Minister Woo Tae-hee, Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade (KIET) President Yu Byung-gyu and Shin Seung-kwan, the president of Institute for International Trade (IIT) of Korea International Trade Association, participated in the group discussion.
The experts said Korea should coolly seek common ground rather than extreme responses like beginning a suit with the World Trade Organization.
"We may face a temporary shock once the missile defense system is deployed," Shin said. "But China will regain its composure and come to think more about relations. I don't think the tension will last for years."
The vice minister also said, "We don't need to overreact. We should act calmly to protect our interests."
Yu said Korean businesses should take extra care to meet China's social growth.
"Public perceptions of safety and social issues are also improving in China. So Korean enterprises should be more prudent about the safety of products and services they provide in China and about protection of intellectual property rights," the KIET president said. "Consequences will return like a boomerang unless the businesses change from the careless past."
According to the vice minister, 19 out of 28 cosmetics items that China discontinued customs clearance for last November were Korean products, mostly made by small businesses. Part of the reasons for discontinuing customs clearance was the lack of a sanitary inspection certificate on the items, Woo said.
Yu also pointed out Korea should end its internal dispute over national security and effectively deal with international issues in one voice.
"Chinese news media repeatedly broadcasts Korea's internal disputes over the THAAD issue," he said. "It is important to make a consistent argument."
Shin concurred.
"I agree the key is domestic division. China can tap into the division and make aggressive moves," the IIT president said. "We need to meet the Chinese government for talks and set the cause (for reconciliation)."
The diplomatic relationship between Korea and China marked its 25th anniversary this year. The experts said the two countries should build even more beneficial relations.
"The Sino-Korean relationship is bigger than the THAAD issue," Park said. "Public diplomacy activities by the Chinese people, media and academia are important to establish an extensive partnership."
Yu said, "It is more about the public sector than central politics. We need to boost the so-called grassroots trade diplomacy from now on."
By Yoon Ja-young
Electronic ID card
The Korea Minting, Security Printing & ID Card Operating Corp. (KOMSCO) has begun supplying national electronic identification (e-ID) cards to Kyrgyzstan, the company's first exports of such cards.
"Korea has been exporting its advanced systems such as electronic government (e-government). The export of the e-ID cards is meaningful since we have been diversifying our export items," KOMSCO CEO Kim Hwa-dong said at a delivery ceremony held at the company's plant in Daejeon, Monday.
KOMSCO won the Kyrgyzstan government's $10 million contract to supply 3 million e-ID cards and related systems in September 2016. The adoption of the e-ID card is part of the Central Asian country's plan to build a resident registration system as well as set up an e-government.
Following the first shipment of 200,000 e-ID cards starting Monday, KOMSCO will deliver 3 million by the end of August. Kyrgyzstanis will be renewing their current national ID cards from next month, and the new cards will be used for identifying voters for the presidential election in November.
Korea has the infrastructure ready to adopt the e-ID card system, but hasn't done so because it has yet to reach social consensus on the issue.
"We have technology that is recognized as the top in the world, but the lack of reference was our only weakness. As we started exports to Kyrgyzstan, the weakness will be overcome," Kim added.
The global e-ID market is estimated to be around 3 trillion won, and private companies from France and Germany have dominated most of the market. Kim said that KOMSCO succeeded in overcoming the entry barrier.
The e-ID cards exported to Kyrgyzstan have an integrated circuit chip on the front that contains personal information such as nationality and fingerprint, as well as a barcode on the back that makes it easy to get the information with a reader. The card also features security features such as a hologram, color-shifting ink, micro letters, ultraviolet ink and multiple laser images.
KOMSCO has been trying to export its e-ID technology for the past 10 years, with the goal of becoming one of the global top five minting and security printing companies.
It has focused on globalization as its main driver for growth and has tried to export diverse items such as banknotes, banknote paper, e-passports, coins and cotton pulp.
KOMSCO has also been expanding its overseas markets, and exports to Central and Southeast Asian countries as well as Europe and Africa. Most recently, KOMSCO started exporting e-passports to a Southeast Asian country, on top of winning an order to export coins to a Middle Eastern country this year and next year. It did not disclose details, though.
It aims at achieving $70 million in exports this year.
By Yi Whan-woo
Joseph Yun
The top U.S. negotiator of the six-party talks on North Korea's denuclearization arrived in Seoul, Monday, to coordinate policies on Pyongyang's nuclear threats, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
It said Joseph Yun, U.S. Special Representative for North Korea Policy, is scheduled to meet Kim Hong-kyun, his counterpart and special representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs, Wednesday.
Yun and Kim will likely discuss in depth how to bolster cooperation in pressing North Korea in line with the outcome of the foreign ministerial talks between the two allies in Seoul, March 17.
Yun is also likely to brief Kim about U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to China March 18 to 19.
"Yun may talk about the latest mood in China concerning North Korea and share thoughts on how to capitalize on China regarding sanctions on Pyongyang," a foreign ministry official said.
Other topics likely to be on the agenda are countermeasures toward North Korea's ballistic missile program and raising international awareness of Pyongyang's growing threats using chemical weapons following the assassination of the North Korean ruler's estranged half-brother Kim Jong-nam in Malaysia, Feb. 13 using VX nerve agent.
Yun and Kim previously met in Washington, D.C., at a three-way meeting with Japan's top nuclear negotiator and Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau Director-General Kenji Kanasugi on Feb. 27.
By John Redmond
Paschal Donohoe, Ireland's minister for public expenditure and reform, highlighted a mutually beneficial trade and investment partnership between his country and Korea during a breakfast meeting at the Millennium Hilton in Seoul, March 14.
He addressed over 40 businesspeople during the meeting organized by the Irish-Korean Business Network.
As a gateway to over 500 million people in the EU market, many of the world's most successful global businesses have chosen Ireland as their strategic base in Europe.
Today, Ireland is home to nine of the top 10 software companies, all of the top 10 internet companies and nine of the top 10 global pharmaceutical companies.
Minister Donohoe visited Seoul on the occasion of St. Patrick's Day, Ireland's national holiday.
"Ireland is an ideal partner for trade and investment. We offer a prime investment destination with an excellent infrastructure, a highly skilled multilingual workforce, support for research and development and a competitive tax regime," he said.
During his two-day visit, he launched the Ireland-Korea Cuisine and Cultural Exchange, a food-focused event supported by Bord Bia (the Irish Food Board) and the Korea Food Foundation at the Korean Cuisine Cultural Center.
In addition, the minister attended a high-level breakfast event with financial service sector executives arranged by IDA, Ireland's investment promotion organization.
He also addressed the annual St. Patrick's Day reception, where over 200 dignitaries from the Irish community, Korean business, government, diplomatic, and academic communities were present, and attended a wreath laying ceremony at the memorial to the Irish who died in the Korean War.
Since the Korea-EU Free Trade Agreement took effect in 2011, there has been a 71 percent increase in trade between Korea and Ireland and bilateral trade in services has increased by 90 percent to 680 million euro.
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National Retail Properties is a REIT focused on retail-oriented properties across the United States. The company invests in high-quality retail properties subject to long-term leases that generate stable, consistent, predictable income. The company laid claim to 3,305 properties enclosing 33.8 million square feet of space in 48 states leased to 380 tenants engaged in 37 trades as of October 2022.
National Retail Properties was formed in 1984 as Golden Corral Realty Corporation. The company was intended as a means for employees to invest in Golden Corral but it soon took on a life of its own. The company split from its parent in 1993 and then became a REIT in 1998. Since then a number of mergers and acquisitions resulted in the company that is traded today.
National Retail Properties seeks to generate returns for shareholders through capital appreciation and dividends and is one of the most stable dividend payers in the REIT universe. The company made its 33rd consecutive distribution increase in 2022 ranking it 3rd on the list of REITs with sustained annual dividend increases. In regard to all publicly listed companies, there are less than 90 which have increased their payout for as many years or more as National Retail Properties. The compound annual growth rate runs in the range of 4% to 5%.
National Retail Properties is not limited in scope to the type of business it will lease to. The top four sectors occupying its space, however, are convenience stores, automotive-related, full-service, and limited-service restaurants which command a lions share of retail dollars. These segments made up nearly 49% of the portfolio in 2022 with no tenant making up more than 5% of the total income.
The top three tenants at the time are 7-11, Mister Car Wash, and Camping World followed by L.A. Fitness, GPM Investments (convenience), and Dave & Busters. The firm's average lease runs in the range of 10.6 years and occupancy runs high and above 99%. Properties are all single-occupier and leased on a net basis. Most properties are leased on a triple-net basis which means National Retail Properties is insulated from taxes, maintenance, and insurance costs. Other notable tenants include Yum! Brands and Wendys.
National Retail Properties uses leverage to enhance its returns. The companys debt ratio is low however and its debt carries an investment-grade rating from Standard & Poors and Moodys.
The White Sox are engaged in extension talks with young shortstop Tim Anderson, according to MLB.coms Scott Merkin (via Twitter).
Just how far along the sides are isnt clear at this time, though Anderson has been out of action for what the team has labeled personal reasons. A team source would neither confirm nor deny the discussions with Colleen Kane of the Chicago Tribune (via Twitter), but did note that no announcement is expected today.
Anderson, 23, hasnt even yet reached a full year of MLB service time. He picked up 115 days on the active roster in 2016, which means hes on track to reach arbitration eligibility in 2020 and qualify for free agency in 2023.
Long considered a quality prospect, Anderson provided a strong debut season last year. Over 431 plate appearances, he posted a .283/.306/.432 batting line with nine home runs and ten stolen bases. He also delivered 22 doubles and six triples in his first go at the big leagues.
Anderson also showed stellar glovework at short, racking up well-above-average ratings from both UZR and DRS despite recording 14 errors. That sets a solid floor moving forward, though it remains to be seen just how much offense Anderson will deliver over the long haul.
The big question with Andersons bat is whether he can improve upon (or overcome) his rather ugly plate discipline marks. In 2016, he recorded a 27.1% strikeout rate while walking in just 3.0% of his plate appearances. That continued a long history of less-than-ideal K/BB rates in the minors.
Further, though he has long run a lofty batting average on balls in play in the minors, Andersons .375 BABIP seems likely to regress. Just three qualifying hitters posted higher marks last year. It remains to be seen, too, whether Anderson can continue the power boost he showed in 2016; his 13 dingers between the majors and highest level of the minors were easily a personal best, and his .149 isolated slugging mark also outpaced his typical levels.
That said, there are perhaps some reasons to believe Anderson can continue to grow as a hitter. The former first-round pick and consensus top-100 prospect certainly has the pedigree, and its promising that he was able to produce in the majors despite a fairly aggressive promotion up the ladder. Plus, he might add yet more value on the bases, as he did swiped 49 bags in 125 games at Double-A in 2015.
Prospective terms arent yet known. Its rare to see extensions occur at this early stage of a players career, and no player with less than a year of service has scored more than $20MM guaranteed. Thats how much Chris Archer took home in the spring of 2014; hes just one of four such players to score a long-term deal since Evan Longorias six-year, $17.5MM pact back in 2008.
Giants lefty Will Smith is headed for an MRI after leaving todays outing with pain in his pitching elbow, manager Bruce Bochy told reporters including Alex Pavlovic of CSN Bay Area (Twitter link).
This isnt the first time that Smith has dealt with elbow problems this spring. In fact, its not the first time that he required an MRI this spring, though the first one did come back clean. Smith missed quite a bit of time last year, though that occurred due to a knee injury.
Still, the fact that Smith is again dealing with discomfort isnt a great sign. And as Pavlovic notes, it make it rather unlikely that the southpaw reliever will be ready for Opening Day, as his prior issue delayed his progression. In fact, todays appearance was just his second of the spring.
San Francisco added Smith at last years trade deadline, giving up righty Phil Bickford and catcher Andrew Susac to control Smith through 2019 via arbitration. The club is paying him $2.5MM this year; Smith earned $1.475MM in 2015 as a Super Two.
Upon joining the Giants, Smith threw 18 1/3 innings of 2.95 ERA ball with 12.8 K/9 and 4.4 BB/9. He has largely produced quality results ever since a poor rookie stint as a starter. Over the course of the 2016 campaign, though, Smith averaged just 91.9 mph with his four-seamer, about a mile and a half below his prior two seasons. He also dipped to an 11.5% swinging-strike rate after posting a career-best 15.2% rate in the prior year.
While a setback at this time is obviously disappointing, there is a clear glimmer of hope here. Smith reported only similar discomfort to what he had experienced previously, and didnt experience a pop. (Via Henry Schulman of the San Francisco Chronicle; Twitter links.) The lefty says he hopes its just a continuation of that prior issue, adding that hes trying not to panic.
For the Giants, there also now seems likely to be an extra spot open in the Opening Day bullpen. According to Pavlovic, its likely that Josh Osich and Steven Okert would both take roster spots, though he adds that Ty Blach could also shift to the pen. Other possible competitors include Michael Roth and Kraig Sitton, notes Pavlovic, while veteran minor-league signee Matt Reynolds is also in camp.
Ghanaian movie actor and formal parliamentary aspirant, Abraham Kofi Davis known in the industry as Salinko has expressed his disappointment in the leadership of the movie industry about the way the leadership have handled the ban on celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages.
According to Oboy Salinko who spoke OGEE of SeancityGh, the leadership have been loose and adamant to the Food and Drugs Authority to place a ban on celebrities advertising for alcoholic beverages without taking any proper redress of the matter.
He however said that the leadership should have pushed for proper legal interpretations of the ban.
"Food and Drugs Authority is an institution and the movie industry is also a big fraternity. Why should our leaders keep quiet on the ban placed on celebrities for not advertising alcoholic beverages? We should not sit down for one institution to stop us from doing our work. If care is not taken, another institution may even ban us from filmmaking and that will be our end. In fact, we used to make a lot of money from those adverts.
We all pay taxes to the government including other responsibilities.
If their main reason for banning us from making alcoholic adverts is for making children not copy those acts, then let me tell you that the children know a lot than even we the adults."
The Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had explained that the ban on celebrities from advertising alcoholic beverages is an adherence to a World Health Organization (WHO) policy.
According to the Authority, the ban is part of efforts to ensure that minors are protected from being lured into alcoholism.
Gospel musician Ernest Opoku has denied ever using black magic in his music career.
His denial follows a video that went viral recently with a self-acclaimed prophetess warning Mr Opoku to stop using charms.
In an interview with Hit FMs Franky 5 on This Is Gospel, the musician refuted claims of using charms and accused the woman of peddling falsehood.
You cant just sit down and make baseless allegations about someone while it is not true.
"I do not use any charms; I do not know where to even consult fetish priests. I want the whole world to know all that what the woman said are lies, he added.
Mr Opoku emphatically stated that he did not know the woman and has never spoken or been in contact with her before.
According to him, he had tried to contact the woman via social media so they could meet but has not received any reply yet.
I do not know who she is or where she is from, I replied her on Facebook but she is yet to reply. What I want is to meet her one on one so she shows me where I got my black magic from and also to reveal to me the fetish priest I consulted.
Ernest Opoku urged his fans to disregard the unidentified womans utterances because she was hungry for fame and wants to ride on his back.
The musician who is currently in New York is hopeful he would win the Male Vocalist of the Year award at this years Ghana Music Awards.
One of the founders and leader of the Osibisa Group, Teddy Osei, has advised young Ghanaian musicians to be creative enough to draw attention to their work so as to increase their earnings.
Speaking at a seminar dubbed 'Going Global With Your Music: The Osibisa Experience', held at the University of Education, Winneba and the University of Cape Coast (UCC), the leader of the Osibisa Group charged musicians to develop their musical career to enable them to compete with those on the international music scene.
He also suggested that musicians in the country need to educate themselves in order to become counted among professional musicians in the near future.
Teddy Osei stated that education gave him more information on what he needed to do as a practising musician to meet the challenges ahead. He pointed out that when musicians are well educated, they can communicate and understand one another better, adding that a good educational background would give them the opportunity to understand various contracts they sign with event organisers and their executive producers.
He stressed that one of the main ingredients for the success of Osibisa is their dedication to creativity and innovation, reiterating that with their strong cultural background, it was relatively easier for them to fuse music with the various influences they had been exposed to.
On his part, Bessa Simons advised the musicians to remain committed to their culture while exploring global influences to be able to create music that has a universal appeal.
By George Clifford Owusu
Today, Peace Forum for the 1st Annual Commemoration of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) was held in Seoul, Capital City of South Korea.
In dynamic turmoil and changes of North and South Korea, Korean hope to make a peace and dream of the unification of North and South.
The representative religious leaders of South Korea took part in the event and were in support of world wide peace movement with HWPL.
As a mentalic leaders in the country, they deeply considered also the role of religion and said that it should be gathered to make a peace.
Through the event, they hope to support DPCW together.
The President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, left Ghana on Sunday, March 19, 2017, to attend the 5th edition of the Africa CEO Forum, which is taking place in Geneva, Switzerland.
The Forum will bring together CEOs of the largest African and international companies, political decision makers from more than 40 African countries and investors on the continent.
A statement released by the Director of Communications Eugene Arhin said the president will also hold meetings with Mr. Michael Sidibe, Executive Director of UNAIDS; the Swiss Minister for Economic Affairs, Johann Schneider-Ammann; and with the Ghanaian community in Geneva.
The President will return home on Thursday, March 23, 2017.
Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com
21.03.2017 LISTEN
The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has disqualified seven candidates who have declared their intention to contest for various positions in the association.
Notable among them are Mr Lloyd Evans, former business Editor of the Daily Graphic and Mac Kwame, a Lecturer. They were disqualified because they failed to meet the requirement under Article 47 (b) (iii) which states that All members aspiring for executive positions at the National and Regional levels must be members in good standing, at least ninety (90) days before the elections.
A statement released by Ben Assorow, election Committee Chairman said: the records available to the committee indicate that Mr Evans paid his membership dues covering 2015 on 5th December 2016, and that for 2016 on 14th February, 2017. In view of these, Mr Evans is also caught by the 90-day rule and therefore disqualified.
Records available to the Committee indicate that by the 20th February 2017, Mr Mac-Kwame had also not paid his membership dues for two years. In view of these, Mr Mac-Kwame is caught by the 90-day rule and therefore disqualified.
The committee also noted that some of the candidates in the regions have also been disqualified for infringing upon the constitution of the association. They are Mr Amponsah Moses Ohene (Tema), Mr Zambaga Rufai Samini (Western Region), Mr Ampem Darko-Koranteng (Eastern Region), Mr Anthony Goode Jnr (Brong Ahafo), Mr Kingsley Nana A. Buadu (Central Region), Mr Jones Anlima (Volta Region), and Mr Mc-Anthony Dagyenga (Eastern Region).
Meanwhile a renowned media consultant, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, is contesting the position of Organizing Secretary in the upcoming Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) elections, slated for 31st March this year.
Dwumfour, a former General Manager of Atinka FM, is the only private journalist and media practitioner vying for a position in the upcoming elections, which have always been dominated by members of the state media since the formation of the association. He was among several candidates vetted on Monday, 13th March 2017 by the Elections Committee, chaired by Mr. Ben Assorow.
The media guru cum businessman believes that it is about time media persons in the private sector were given the chance to serve on the GJA. There is the perception that the GJA leadership has been dominated and fronted by the state media for far too long, and that many journalists working with the private media feel alienated.
Mr. Dwumfour, who has worked with several media houses including The Independent Newspaper, freelance journalist with the Insight and Daily Guide, Managing Editor of Ghanaian Analyst Newspaper and who has worked with Atinka FM as the former General Manage,r as well as the Board Secretary of JAM Media Group, currently known as Atinka Media Village, operators of Atinka FM in Accra, Agyenkwa FM in Kumasi, Ahotor FM in Takoradi and Atinka TV, believes that he has what it takes to make the GJA more vibrant and appealing when voted for as the Organising Secretary.
Aside his vast media experience, Albert Kwabena Dwumfour, popularly known as Asaase by his GIMPA mates and colleagues, believes he can use his wide connections as an entrepreneur and businessman to deepen the corporate relationship between the GJA and other entities.
He brings on board vibrant leadership, service with humility, and is also a team player. His core objective for this contest is to bridge the gap between the state and private media, by representing the voice of the private media, which is now dominating the media industry in Ghana.
He also brings on board his dynamic organising skills where his passion lies most, rich media experience and experience from the world of business and entrepreneurs.
Kwabena Dwumfour is, however, committed to making the GJA more proactive and vibrant by helping create new programmes at the national and regional levels that will intend bring journalists across the length and breadth of this country together.
The former student leader of GIMPA and National Union of Ghana Students (NUGS) is strongly making the case that the private media must be allowed to serve on the GJA, to make it more inclusive and national in character.
The Banda Traditional Council, after a general meeting, unanimously concluded that the person or group of persons behind the xenophobic threat notices should, as a matter of urgency, render an unqualified apology, else incur the wrath of the gods of the land.
Speaking to the media after the general meeting, the President of the Council, Osabarima Okokyeredom Kwadwo Sito, said the person(s) has less than a week to openly render an unqualified apology to the people of the Banda Traditional area, otherwise, calamity would befall him or her, together with his/her entire family.
According to Nana Sito, the gods and deities of Banda land have been consulted, and all necessary rites performed for them to deal mercilessly with whoever was involved in the xenophobic threat notices that have tarnished the image of the Banda and its natives worldwide.
He said the chiefs and people of Banda are peace-loving people, who have been living together with all manner of persons, regardless of where one comes from; so why should some faceless cowards try to bring the name of Banda into disrepute due to their selfish and parochial intents.
Osabarima Kwadwo Sito emphasised that the chiefs and people of Banda Ahenkro believe in God Almighty, the gods and other deities of the Banda Traditional area to deal with the perpetrators of the disgraceful xenophobic threat cruelly, if they failed to show up with an apology.
He said the alleged xenophobic threat has cost the area a lot, as most of the workers who are not natives of Banda have vacated their respective posts to their various towns, due to fear and panic.
Nana Sito used that occasion to appeal to the security agencies to do thorough investigations to apprehend those behind the threat, while ensuring that the security within the area has been tightened to protect the workers in the area. He appealed to the workers who have fled the Banda town to return, since there is peace and calm in the area.
Before that, the Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister led the entire Regional Security Council (REGSEC) to Banda to ascertain the situation on the ground, as there were reports that some non-indigenes working in the area had fled for the safety of their lives.
At the Banda Health Center, which, according to reports, has a total of 18 staff, only three workers are left a Physician Technician, a Ward Assistant and a labourer the Banda D/A JHS, which has six teachers, including the Headmistress, had only the Headmistress left in the school, while the situation at the Banda R/C Primary and JHS was no different, as the teachers had left to their respective hometowns due to the threat.
The Brong-Ahafo Regional Minister, Kwaku Asomah-Cheremeh, gave the assurance of the commitment of the REGSEC to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to book.
Mr. Asomah-Cheremeh appealed to workers who have fled the Banda town to return, since their security is highly assured.
From Michael Boateng, Banda-Ahenkro
Some fifteen world-class standard medical facilities have been showcased at the maiden edition of the Dubai-Africa Partnership for Better Health Roadshow in Accra.
The two-day event, which opened on Monday March 20, 2017, at the plush Kempinski Hotel in Accra, seeks to avail to Ghanaians the excellent medical services offered in Dubai.
The event, sponsored by the Neuro Spinal Hospital also based in Dubai, with Emirates as a partner, is under the auspices of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), in association with Dubai Health Experience (DXH).
The roadshow, which was largely created to target Africa, has already taken place in Nigeria.
It will then continue to East Africa, visiting Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Nairobi in Kenya; Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, and end in Morocco, North Africa.
Themed around building strategic partnerships and the exploration of a range of services that Dubai-based health and medical providers have to offer, the Dubai-Africa Partnership for Better Health Roadshow 2017, will be supporting Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), medical centres, and private hospitals from primarily specialty areas such as Cosmetic Surgery, Paediatrics, Orthopaedics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Cardiology, General Diagnostics and Neurosurgery.
Renowned for its firm grip on tourism, Dubai is ready to showcase the capability of its medical sector to the world through the roadshow.
At the opening of the Roadshow in Accra, reps from the fifteen health facilities, offered details of their services to health sector workers, some members of the general public as well as government officials.
Speaking to citifmonline.com, Nishoo Ghosh, a Principal Administrative Officer, Medical Tourism Council Dubai, said aside the business focus of the initiative, this also gives Ghana an opportunity to look at future collaborations which will benefit the citizens of Ghana. We are going to share knowledge in expertise she noted.
Also speaking to Citifmonline.com, International Patients Liaison Officer of the Neuro Spinal Hospital, the main sponsors of the roadshow, Mohamed Zidane, said his Hospital and many others in Dubai provide the best of healthcare services at realistic prices than what pertains in India, United States or Europe.
We are in Dubai and for the past few years we have been trying to improve and increase medical tourism in the world since Dubai is one of the top tourism destinations in the world. We are really happy to participate in this event in Africa, especially in Accra to let people know what services we are proving with the experts we have from all around the world. The complex surgeries in spine, orthopaedic surgery, neurosurgery, and brain surgery are being provided in very high standards in Dubai.
International Patients Liaison Officer for Neuro Spinal Hospital, Mohamed Zidane.
Neuro Spinal Hospital doesn't work focus on profit, the doctors are really operating on very high standards and we have a technology that is only available in our hospital in Middle East. Of course it's a good opportunity here in Africa to attract people who are looking for good treatment and healing.
He thus urged Ghanaians seeking utmost quality care in the most serene environment from highly skilled medical professionals, to opt for Dubai, which is also shorter and less economical in terms of travel cost.
I am sure that we are more affordable if you Europe, America or any western country. You know Dubai is not a cheap country like India or Thailand, but we still can offer service in the same quality, same level of Europe and even it could be much better in affordable price although Dubai is not a cheap country.
You need to consider the flight. Maybe you need to travel many hours to America, but Dubai is a little bit closer and in a strategic location. You don't have to stay for long to get treatment, you can finish your treatment and follow up after few months according to the treatment required, accommodation, staying away from your family and many other factors; you need to consider all that as a cost.
He said they are also focused on organising international conferences that seeks to impact health professionals in other places and that Ghana also stands to benefit from such initiatives going forward.
We are thinking if we can organise these medical educational events also in Ghana to get everybody on board including the doctors and surgeons. So it's not only going to be business and the kind of medical tourism we are doing now.
Aside the main sponsor, the Neuro Spinal Hospital, the other fourteen (14) health facilities in Dubai participating in the roadshow include, Iranian Hospital, Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres, Emirates Hospitals Group, Prime Hospital, Exeter Medical Centre for Bone and Joint Health, Al Zahra Private Hospital and Thumbay Hospital.
The rest are Faki IVF Fertility Center, Al Garhoud Private Hospital Zulekha Hospitals and Bella Rama Medical & Aesthetic Surgery Center, Burjeel Hospital for Advanced Surgery, Bourn Hall Fertility Centre and Cocoona.
By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The National Youth League of the Convention People's Party (CPP), have reiterated their claims that the existence of the party is being threatened by the party's chairman, Professor Edmund Delle.
According to them, the pitiful state of the party was as a result of the kind of leadership provided by the chairman.
In a statement signed by the secretary of the youth league of the party, Hardi Yakubu, it described Mr. Delle's leadership as illegitimate.
The youth contended that, Professor Delle was not democratically elected, neither was he elected by popular acclamation in accordance with Article 93 (e) of the party's constitution.
You will recall that at the Sunyani Congress in September 2015, he, Edmund Delle contested for the Chairmanship unopposed. Owing to this, he was declared Chairman and Leader without any process to validate his leadership. The process of making him Chairman was irregular and unconstitutional. He did not get the mandate of the people.
Not even a popular acclamation was done in the case of Prof Delle. Members therefore did not get the opportunity to accept his Chairmanship and for that matter did not give him their mandate. Prof. Delle has no legitimacy, constitutionally. An illegitimate leader has no interest in the growth of the organization he purports to lead. This explains why the party is where it is today.
It further called on members of the party to rescue it.
If we the members do not save the party, it will die a death. This is why I call on you to rise up and rescue the party, it said.
The Convention People's Party (CPP), Ghana's oldest existing political party has in the last few decades failed to make significant impact on Ghana's political terrain following the death of its founder and first president of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
The party has seen some of its key members breaking away to form different political parties, further weakening its hold in Ghana's politics.
Previous merger talks between the CPP and other political parties that share the 'Nkrumahist' ideas have failed to materialize.
The party's performance in the last two elections have been abysmal with many blaming its chairman and 2016 flagbearer, Dr. Kobina Ivor Greenstreet for the outcome, having allegedly done the bidding of a bigger political party.
Meanwhile, the party is considering a proposal for merger with the Progressive People's Party (PPP), which was founded by Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom; a break-away member of the party and former flagbearer, with the hope of boosting its chances in subsequent elections.
By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor
21.03.2017 LISTEN
The Editor of pr0-NDC newspaper, the Informer, Andy Kankam, has said that some persons who were around former President John Mahama while in power, are responsible for his historic election defeat.
According to him, these individuals prevented people from constructively criticizing the president while in office, hence giving the impression to the president that all was well with his party and the country.
There appears to be brewing tension within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the party's 2016 election defeat, with some persons being accused of misappropriating funds meant for campaign activities hence the historic loss.
A recent newspaper publication suggested that, the former President, John Mahama, has threatened to publish the names of people who received various sums of money from him for campaign activities. But speaking on Eyewitness News, the Editor of the pro-NDC newspaper said I see this as very unhealthy for the image of the former president [John Mahama] and his wife [Lordina Mahama], if what the paper has published is true.
According to him, the president must channel any concern he has about events that led to the party's loss to the Prof. Kwesi Botchwey-led committee which has been constituted to embark on a fact-finding mission to identify the cause of NDC's defeat in the 2016 elections.
If the former president has any issue, as a leader, I think that he should have channeled this to the committee, Andy Kankam said.
He lamented that, after stating that the president must not be deceived into thinking he would win the 2016 election by an overwhelming majority; some close allies to the presidency targeted and victimized him.
If the president was allowed to be told the truth about the realities on the ground, this thing wouldn't have happened. He would have continued to be the president of Ghana. But some people around him would not tell him the truth, he said.
'Future of NDC'
Andy Kankam said the NDC can only make a significant impression in the next election in 2020 if it eschews hypocrisy and wholly address its shortcomings.
Unless he [Mahama] is not prepared to come in 2020. If NDC will bounce back in 2020, this is the time we must let him [Mahama] know that this praise singing, this hypocrisy and when you are telling the truth, people run to him [Mahama] and tell him you don't like him you see what has happened? He [Mahama] is now naked This is the time the NDC must allow people to offer constructive critics.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama has said that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will bounce back.
In a social media update, the former president said the cause of the party's loss was multifaceted but called for calm among supporters.
The NDC will bounce back!! Cause of our loss is multifaceted. We need calm nerves & hard work to strengthen the base of party. #JMLegacy, John Mahama said.
John Mahama lost in his bid to remain president for another 4-year term.
He was defeated by the New Patriotic Party's Nana Akufo-Addo who had unsuccessfully contested to be president on two previous occasions.
Nana Akufo-Addo polled 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85 percent of valid votes cast, against John Dramani Mahama's 4,731,277 votes. Many described the victory as historic, since no incumbent president in Ghana's recent history had lost by such margin.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), subsequently formed a 13-member committee, chaired by Professor Kwesi Botchwey to investigate the cause of the party's defeat in the December 7 polls.
By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor
The United State House Intelligence Committee chairman has said it is hard to believe that U.S.-based Turkish cleric is behind the military coup attempt last summer, questioning Turkey as a reliable ally.
I find that hard to believe, David Nunes told Chris Wallace from Fox News when asked if cleric Fethullah Gulen is the architect of the coup attempt against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey.
Mr. Nunes added that the government of Mr. Erdogan is becoming very authoritarian and that Ankara, as a NATO ally, is becoming more and more worrisome in terms of actually being a reliable ally.
Mr. Nunes noted that he has not seen the evidence that Mr. Gulen was involved in the coup attempt and that he does not know if the U.S. is going to extradite somebody like that.
He added that if there was an evidence linking Mr. Gulen to the coup attempt in Turkey, that would be a different issue.
The GOP intel chairman reminded that relations between the U.S. and Turkey are strained and it is becoming even more complicated as we try to get ISIS out of Iraq and Syria.
The Turkish government has failed to convince Germany's BND foreign intelligence agency that U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen was behind last summer's failed coup in Turkey, the BND head told a German magazine.
Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and the Turkish government accuse Gulen of orchestrating Turkey's failed coup on July 15 in which more than 240 people were killed when rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, warplanes and helicopters, attacking parliament and attempting to overthrow the government..
"Turkey has tried to convince us of that at every level but so far it has not succeeded," BND head Bruno Kahl said in an interview with news magazine Der Spiegel published on Saturday.
Bruno Kahl, new President of the German Federal Intelligence Agency (BND), speaks during his inauguration at the Chancellery in Berlin, Germany, July 6, 2016. Bundesregierung/Guido Bergmann
Erdogan and the Turkish government want the United States to extradite Gulen, who denies involvement in the coup attempt.
Asked whether the Gulen movement was extreme Islamist or terrorist, Kahl said it was a "civil association that aims to provide further religious and secular education".
Kahl also said he did not think the Turkish government was behind the coup, saying: "The coup attempt was not initiated by the government. Before July 15 the government had already started a big purge so parts of the military thought they should do a coup quickly before it hit them too."
Kahl also warned of an increasing Russian threat to Germany and Europe, saying: "Russia has doubled its fighting strength on the western border ... you can't see all of that as a defense against the West."
He said Russia could influence a federal election in Germany on Sept. 24: "We must at least expect that it can happen."
U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia conducted cyber attacks on Democrats in an effort to influence the 2016 U.S. presidential election on Republican Donald Trump's behalf. Russia has denied this.
21.03.2017 LISTEN
Would rather according to Oxford Dictionaries is used to indicate ones preference in a particular matter:
WUN-NAM: Can we use my car?
NASARA: I would rather use my car.
In the above conversation, NASARA prefers using her car to that of WUN-NAM.
Note that, the main verb is in the base/infinitive form when the subject in both clauses are same.
a. I would rather SPEAK the truth than please you with lies.
b. Dr Azindoo would rather REMAIN a scholar than a politician.
c. The youth of Dagbon would rather RALLY behind peace than violence now.
However, the main verb assumes the simple past and past perfect, when the subjects are different.
SIMPLE PAST:
d. I would rather you WENT to the principal yourself.
e. I would rather she WORE hijab.
f. We would rather the government INCLUDED second year students in the free SHS policy.
It must be noted that, the main verb in the simple past expresses present/future tense and not past.
PAST PERFECT:
g. Mummy would rather I HAD STUDIED medicine.
h. We would rather he HAD APPOINTED more youth in to the government.
The past perfect from the above rather expresses past tense.
Nevertheless, this sentence cant be correct in the eyes of people like Mohammed Marzuk Abubakr.
i. The people of Yendi would NOT rather accept an Accra-Northerner as MCE.
Instead,
j. The people of Yendi would rather NOT accept an Accra-Northerner as MCE.
Note the use of the negative word NOT.
Allah knows best.
Salifu Abdul-Latif(English Teacher)
Rhema Int. J.h.s.
Yendi
This is dedicated to my daddies - Afa Abdallah Awal (YENDI HOSPITAL) and Mr Iddrisu Chipura (DIRECTOR OF GES, NORTH GONJA DISTRICT).
GENEVA, Switzerland, 20 March 2017,-/African Media Agency (AMA)/-Mohammed Dewji, Group CEO of MeTL (Mohammed Entreprise Tanzania Limited) takes home the prestigious CEO OF THE YEAR award and Anta Babacar Ngom Bathily of Sedima wins the award for YOUNG CEO OF THE YEAR.
Mohammed Dewji beats off competition from business heavyweights across the continent to take home one of the biggest awards in Africa's private sector at a gala dinner on the first day of the Africa CEO Forum. In his speech, Mr. Dewji thanked the organisers and jurors saying he was "humbled and honoured for this fantastic recognition". Mr. Dewji also thanked John Magufuli, Tanzania's President for his relentless fight against corruption.
Anta Babacar Ngom Bathily was crowned 'Young CEO of the Year' for her remarkable leadership skills as Executive Director of Sedima, Senegal's leading agribusiness group. Created at last year's Forum, the award recognises a promising young African business leader under 45 years old. Receiving the award, Ms. Ngom Bathily dedicated her award to "all women and young women" as well as to her father, who was present at the ceremony.
Egypt-based Elsewedy Electric received the AFRICAN COMPANY OF THE YEAR award, presented to a representative of the Group CEO Ahmed Elsewedy who said that as an African company, Elsewedy "has an obligation to take part in the development and in bringing the right technology to solve Africa's challenges". This award is given to the African company that demonstrated a remarkable expansion on the continent in 2016.
The award for AFRICAN BANK OF THE YEAR went to Morocco's leading Attijariwafa Bank, ranked Africa's fourth largest bank with over 7 million clients and more than 16,000 employees in 24 countries. The bank's CEO Mohamed El Kettani received the prize from Amir Ben Yahmed, Founder and President of the Africa CEO Forum.
The PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTOR OF THE YEAR award was given to AfricInvest, a Tunisia-based firm dedicated to the international expansion of French SMEs in Africa. The award presentation was done by Emna Kharouf, Managing Partner at Deloitte Conseil Tunisie.
German insurer Allianz and Portuguese company Mota-Engil, who together have been operating in Africa for over two decades, were the joint winners of this year's INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION OF THE YEAR award. The award was presented by Michael Rheinnegger, Managing Partner of Rainbow Limited to representatives from both corporations.
21.03.2017 LISTEN
The March 8, 2017, crisis in Ile Ife between the host Yoruba community and the settler Hausa community that led to the unfortunate loss of lives on both sides has further exposed the delicate nature of our union as a nation and the need to find urgent solutions to these crises which have bedeviled our nation like never before under the current administration of president Muhammadu Buhari.
The regularity and severity of these avoidable and preventable crises from Agatu and other communities in Benue State to the Nimbo community in Enugu State, Ndi Okereke Abam and Ozu Item communities in Abia State, several other communities in Nasarawa State, Ekiti State, Ondo State, Delta State, Southern Kaduna among many others are most worrisome.
From community to community and state to state, the response of the federal government to these killing sprees has been unbelievably drab and uninspiring. For example, the Southern Kaduna killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen continued for so long with so much flagrance and impunity to the extent that that part of the state became an ocean of blood and a field of wanton destruction.
No minister visited the place to commiserate with them or even assure the victims that the culprits would be brought to book. When Nigerians got so worried about the silence of the federal government on such a critical matter of extreme criminality, the lame excuse a listless presidential spokesman in the person of Femi Adeshina could give was that the state government was handling the matter and there was no need for the president to interfere. This gave the murderous Fulani herdsmen the audacity to continue their killing of innocent Nigerians with much braggadocio.
In fact, they even received a reward from the little Emperor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El Rufai, who took the infamous step of diligently seeking out the killers in far away countries and compensated them. It took much pressure mounted on the federal government by the people, including local and international organizations, before any concrete steps were taken to reduce the frequency of carnage in that area.
Many have said that the reason why the federal government and the state government were slow in acting on the Southern Kaduna matter was because the aggressors are of the same Fulani stock as the governor and the president. Whether this assertion is right or wrong is left for observers to judge.
And as if to confirm this, no sooner had the Ile Ife Crisis ended than two federal ministers in the persons of Abdulrahman Dambazau (interior), and Geofrey Onyeama (foreign affairs), visited the scene of the crisis, and the police, swung swiftly into action, arrested, investigated and are ready to charge the purported culprits to court in record time.
The summary of the Ile Ife crisis is that the Yoruba stood up to the Hausa/Fulani and inflicted terrible damage on them, so enormous they would never have bargained for such, or ever saw it coming.
Could this have been behind the swift reaction of law enforcement agents to the crisis, the type of swift reaction that was not seen in Agatu, Lafia, Nimbo, Ozu Item, Southern Kaduna or any other place?
Could this be the reason why high-powered delegation of the federal government led by two very senior and prominent ministers visited the scene soon after? Which minister has visited Agatu till date? Which one has visited Abia, Nasarawa or Enugu to commiserate with the people over their unfortunate losses in the hands of the ever marauding Fulani herdsmen? Usually the victims in these areas are left unattended to until they begin to protest before any ear is given them.
The best Dambazau did on Agatu was a press release made on March 14, 2016, by his press secretary urging the then IG of police to arrest the perpetrators of the dastardly killings there; yet, the killings have continued. It took the protracted absence of Buhari from the country for Osinbajo to do something sane by visiting the people of Southern Kaduna over the crisis that had engulfed the area.
One can only imagine what would have happened if the Delta monarch that was kidnapped and killed by suspected Fulani herdsmen a little over a year ago was a northern monarch. Hell would have let loose and many Deltans would have been arrested and prosecuted by the police the Ile Ife style. In fact, lives and properties would have been destroyed by northern youths who would go all out unhindered to carry out reprisal attacks. But what happened to the mans killers? Nothing!
Although some Nigerians have read ethnic and religious meanings into these bizarre developments, it is actually beyond that! My interpretation of the actions, reactions, and inactions of government and its officials to these crises is that it is only expected.
A situation where a multiethnic and multi-religious nation like Nigeria has its minister of defence, minister of interior (who oversees the customs, civil defence, prisons and immigration), minister of justice and attorney-general, national security adviser, heads of the army, police, DSS, customs, immigration, prisons, civil defence are all muslims from the north, it is only expected that events take the turn they have taken under the current administration even in critical security matters.
When Sister Eunice, the woman evangelist was hacked down by suspected Islamic fanatics in Kubwa, Abuja, sometime ago, our police became handicapped in getting the killers. When the septuagenarian Mrs Bridget Agbahime was hacked down in the open in a Kano market, the suspected killers who were eventually apprehended were let off the hook simply on the advice of an official of the same Kano State government that had vowed to bring her killers to book, yet, federal agencies looked on as if Mrs Agbahimes life did not matter, as if she had no family!
So when federal government and security agents reacted so swiftly the way they did in Ile Ife, many have said it is because their kinsmen were worse off in the crisis, something that came to them as a rude shock. It was so bad that one of the Hausa/Fulani settlers wrote on a slate in manageable grammar: This is the true Life. Ife has finished US 8-3-17.
Rather than look for scapegoats to assuage their kinsmen whose stock in trade has since become to embark on the costly expedition of conquest in faraway lands, the Dambazaus of this country should school them on how to carry on their businesses within the limits of good neighbourliness, respect for their host communities and humility. One can only hope that they have learnt their lessons that it is foolhardy to mistake the tiny tail of a rattlesnake for a worm, or the meekness of an elephant for weakness.
The yeyerity (which is the mischievous reduction of serious matters to comedy) of our government and security agents as they continue to apply double standards in the discharge of their duties as evidenced from above is legendary. It is time for Nigerians to begin to speak up against selective application of our laws to issues based on some mundane considerations that only end up dragging us centuries backwards. It is the continued glorification of such yeyerity that has made the restructuring of the country more imperative now than ever before.
We can only delay, but we can never run away from doing the right thing!
[email protected] ; Twitter: @stjudendukwe
Perhaps they didnt see it coming or they did but ignored the warning sighs. Or maybe it was too late for them to outrun nature. The monstrous storm that hit Kintampo and its environs on Sunday 19 March had caused a mighty tree nearby or on the hill to lose its grip--- killing 18 visitors at the quintessential waterfalls.
Amid the grief that has gripped the community parents and loved ones of the victims are still at a lost as to why such a tragedy could claim the lives of their sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, cousins, brothers and sisters and friends who were supposed to return home or to their respective schools after the days trip.
It is really painful for your child to go to an excursion only to hear that a tragedy like this has happened to them. It is a great loss to the family and the country as a whole, Madam Catherine Abelema Afeiku Minister of Tourism Arts and Culture expressed her sympathy for the bereaved family.
Her statement was contained in a release issued on Monday in Accra a day after the tragedy.
There had been outpouring of condolences and sympathies from across the country. Kwaku Asoma-Cheremeh the Brong Ahafo regional minister has expressed his condolences the bereaved families too.
Ever since the falls was discovered, something like this has never happened before which make sit painful. The whole of Brong Ahafo is bereaved with the great tragedy that has befallen them, he said. The Kintampo waterfalls which used to be called Sanders Falls during the colonial era is located on the Pumpum rivera tributary of the Black Volta about four(4) kilometres (2.5 miles) north of Kintampo Municipality.
It all happened at 4:30pm GMT local time----the afternoon the storm stormed the Kintampo Waterfalls. The afternoon the mighty tree c(name not yet known) couldnt stand on her feet but fell on students, visitors, teenagers, youngster, males, females and future leaders who were believed to be swimming in the waterfalls. Some of them could have become engineers, scientists, policy makers, nurses, security personnel etc. but fate decided their fate and fate had it.
The dead are believed to be mostly students from the Wenchi Methodist Senior High School who were on an excursion to the well-known waterfall at the time. The Kintampo police said 18 students are dead 15 of them from Wenchi Methodist Senior High School and three from University of Energy and Natural Resources. Police had also confirmed that 30 others had been injured and receiving treatment at the towns municipal hospital. Seven out of the number had severe injuries, while 11 with minor injuries.
In the meantime, victims relatives are said to be shuttling between the Holy Family Hospital in Techiman and Kintampo Government Hospital to identify the bodies of their loved ones.
It took a combined team of police and personnel from the Ghana National Fire Service and some people from the community to embark on the rescue mission and the search for the dead, according to the Kintampo police.
We did our best to rescue the victims; however we had a very tough time doing so. Assistant Divisional Officer Grade One Adu Kumi told a local radio station. It was difficult for us because the tree that fell was so huge, but with help of some residents in the area we were able to cut the tree to retrieve the bodies.
ADO1 Kumi cautioned the general public to take their personal safety seriously saying All of us should take our personal safety seriously.
So far information given suggests the disaster struck as a result of the rainstorm.
But what might have caused the huge tree to fall was it just the rainstorm?
Do officials at the site have any knowledge whether this was caused by a runoff or erosion?
Are there any indications that trees in the area are vulnerable to falling?
And if so what does this mean to tourists and visitors to the ideal site?
Do they follow weather reports what are the precautionary measures put in place?
Meanwhile, the Kintampo North Municipal Security Council has temporarily closed the Kintampo Waterfalls to public use following the Sundays accident. The move was first to allow for a combine team of security personnel to retrieve bodies that were still trapped under the tree and also to ensure that the place is safe for tourists who visit the area.
Chief Superintendent Desmond Owusu Boampong of the Kintampo Divisional Police Commander says the command will not disclose when exactly the place will be open for operations. There was need for general assessment to be carried out at the place and also put in place measures to avert future occurrence he said.
In another unusual twist to the disaster the authorities of the Wenchi Methodist Senior High School is reported to have revealed that KTWF was not part of the itinerary of students who had embarked on the excursion. The arrangement was for them to travel to the Mole National Park in the Northern region. The local media failed to name the headmaster of the school whos purported to have made this startling revelation.
So, if KTWF wasnt the planned destination for the excursion why then was the sudden diversion or change?
According to media reports the headmaster of the school said he was yet to be briefed on why those leading the excursion made up of 63 people including a driver and some teachers decided to veer off the arranged plans which resulted in the death of the students.
I should think someone or a group of persons must be held accountable. Investigations must be carried out as quickly as possible to ascertain the facts or otherwise of the allegation that the students were scheduled to visit Mole Park and not KTWF. Im also of the view that anybody or group of persons found culpable must face the full rigours of the law.
The KTWF or Kintampo Waterfalls disaster reminds me of the Servol ferry accident. On April 16 2014 MV Sewol ferry capsized while carrying 476 people mostly secondary school students from Danwon High school killing 295 most of them students. There were 172 survivors and 9 missing.
On May 15, 2014 the captain of the ship and three crew members were charged with murder while other members of the crew were indicted for abandoning the ferry. An arrest warrant was also issued fur the owner of the ship. The captain was given life sentence, chief engineer 10 years, 12 years for 13 other crew members.
Indeed 18 students had perished .They must have run hard for their lives, they must have taken cover and they must have ducked very low for safety yet their efforts werent enough to save their precious souls. And Kintampo has done it again---- the ancient town that swallowed nearly 70 lives through motor accident one year ago.
The Artisanal and Small Scale Mining Africa-Network (ASMAN) has lauded the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Hon. Peter Amewu for the launch of the project -Multilateral Mining Integration Project (MMIP) which seeks to sanitize the small scale mining arena.
This Project will be a holistic approach to combat illegal mining and relies on more than just militants and combat actions in mining communities. In fact, MMIP combines Legislations Enforcement Civil Integration and Technical Approach (LECITA) as a sustainable and structured but regimental conjoint concept which will encompass multi stakeholders, the Minister stated.
The Executive Director of ASMAN, Nii Adjetey-Kofi notes that even though activities in the mining sector in Ghana are declining as indicated by Hon. Minister, the international community has this year focused to concretize ECOWAS ASM Regional Forums. The Artisanal Gold Council (AGC) organized "Reducing Mercury Use and Release from Artisanal and Small-Scale Gold Mining in Sub-Saharan Africa" in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso in February, 2017; and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) also organized Regional Workshop on Best Practices for the Sustainable Development of Small-Scale Mining in relation with Large-Scale Mining in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire in March 2017 respectively. Furthermore the Minerals and Energy for Development Alliance (MEfDA), an Australian Government initiative would be organizing Investing in West African mining for sustainable Regional Development in Accra, Ghana this April, 2017. Ghana will be fully represented at such forums; from the academia (UMaT); the regulatory bodies (Minerals Commission and Environmental Protection Agency); the ASM Operators (Ghana National Association of Small Scale Miners); and civil society (ASMAN and Friends of Nations); which fulfills concerns as quoted President Nana Akufo-Addo during State of Nation Address (SONA 2017).
"Ghana should always take its membership of ECOWAS seriously,
as its viability advances our national interest"
Nii Adjetey-Kofi believes the small scale mining sector interest would best be served through the creation of this Multilateral Mining Integration Project (MMIP); to give attention to the sector concerns as well as focus on policy that will be embedded into a broader rural development strategy to contribute towards Ghanas poverty reduction efforts as enshrined in the Action plan of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV).
ASMAN is proposing a more extensive stakeholder consultation regarding the introduction of technology in ASM monitoring like fixing tracking devices on the earth-moving excavators and the use of drones to monitor river bodies. This position is informed by our belief that though these are interesting practical suggestions worth considering, the use of drones might help but not yield the expected results. This is notwithstanding the readiness of the Chinese government to support Ghana with the technology to combat the illegal mining menace as articulated by Mr Jiang Zhouteng, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana.
ASMAN also supports the introduction of plant pool for the small scale miners as stated in the MMIP project proposals. This proposal, though not new as it has been attempted over the years by successive governments, will still need political will to succeed. This plant pool support would eliminate the middlemen/gold diggers in the sector and effectively enhance the introduction of the tracking device on the excavators.
ASMAN surrounding this initiative also supports Government taking a more consultative approach to the regulation and sustainable development of the Artisanal, Small & Medium Scale Mining Industry in Ghana.
21.03.2017 LISTEN
Retired Colonel Hameed Ali, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, is a proud and stubborn man. His disdain for others and insufferable arrogance is not only vexatious to the spirit but also downright nauseating.
Someone should remind him that the Holy Bible says "the Lord resists the proud and exalts the humble". Another should tell him that, according to Greek mythology, nemesis always follows hubris. If he doubts that he should find out what happened to a character called Icarus.
Clearly this obnoxious and canterkerous little man needs to be brought down a peg or two and pulled off his high horse.
I say this because I cannot but wonder how any reasonable, right-thinking and responsible person can refuse to wear the uniform of an agency that he heads and leads.
This is especially so when the Nigerian Senate has, for the second time, asked him to do so when appearing before them.
The first time he apologised and promised to do so and the second time he stubbornly refused and was consequently and appropiately thrown out of the Senate Chamber.
There may be no law in our statute books that constrains or compels him to wear his uniform but humility, good manners, morality, wisdom, custom and decency most certainly do.
How does he and those that support him expect those working under him in the Nigerian
Customs Service to feel when he refuses to wear their uniform?
Is he not indirectly telling them that he is superior to them and that he is too good for them? This is a sevice that they have dedicated their lives and careers to. I wonder how that affects their morale?
And in any case what signal is he sending to the Nigerian people and to the rest of the world? Such a thing has never happened before and the truth is that such open and obvious contempt being displayed by a senior government official and the head of a paramilitary organisation and government parastatal towards his underlings and the agency that he heads is rarely seen.
Ali has contempt for his Minister who he is meant to report to. He has contempt for the government agency that he purportedly leads. He has contempt for the people that work under him in that agency.
He has contempt for the Nigerian Senate. He has contempt for the government that he serves and finally he has contempt for the Nigerian people.
By his open defiance what he is really saying is the following:
"You people just don't get it. I belong to the small circle of those who OWN Nigeria and you people and your customs, rules, regulations, practices, conventions and norms do not matter".
He is saying,
"You are nothing before us and you can shout and scream as much as you like. At the end of the day, whether you like it or not, we are in power, we were born to rule and we OWN you all so just shut up and sit down!"
That is his mindset and it is simply appauling. And with him this has always been the case. If anyone doubts that they should find out a little more about his antecedents and what he stands for. They should find out about his history and record in and outside of the military.
They should do the research and find out what he did as Military Governor of Kaduna state during the regime of General Sani Abacha and later Sec. Gen. of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
They should read the derogatory and incendiary statements he made about the south, the Middle Belt and all those that opposed the agenda of the ACF at the time.
To say that he was arrogant, overbearing, racist and tribalist and that he is a bigot would be an understatement.
And worst still he is a total and complete creation of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was his Chief of Staff during numerous presidential campaigns and the President loves him as if he were his own son.
That, together with a streak of sadism, explains Ali's sheer impudence and supreme confidence on this and so many other issue.
He is reported to have said that he will not wear the customs uniform because he is a retired officer of the Nigerian Army and the only uniform he will ever wear again is the military one.
Does this man have a brain?
One wonders what infantile nonsense this is? What misplaced arrogance and childish verbiage? What absurd and good old fashioned gobbledygook? I really don't know whether to laugh or cry.
If Ali was not prepared to honor and respect the conventions and norms of the Nigerian Customs Service why did he accept the job?
Since when did things degenerate to this level in our country? Has Nigeria turned into a land of misfits, comedians and Tolkien-like orcs and goblins or are we still a nation of serious-minded and sensible human beings and precious souls?
Are we a giant army barracks where only senior military officers and commanders are respected or a sovereign and independent nation-state where the will of the people holds sway at all times and in all matters.
Are we a zoo that is populated by wild animals and ravenous beasts or a land of honorable men and respected mortals?
Does Ali not know that military rule ended in Nigeria 18 years ago in 1999 and that the Nigerian people are not interested in it EVER coming back or of being reminded about its traumatising and barbaric excesses?
Does he, like a small handful of other hard-line, ultra-conservative, core northern retired army officers, see Nigeria as nothing but a vassal state and subjugated colony that was conquered by his forefathers, elders, leaders, mentors and seniors in the military after the "northern officers revenge coup" of January 29th 1966?
If this is the case then he is still living in the distant past and he is certainly in urgent need of psychiatric attention. He also needs a series of powerful all-night prayer sessions for deliverance from the malevolent demons that control him.
His attitude and disposition certainly throws up a lot of questions? Amongst them are as follows:
Firstly does Nigeria live for the military or does the military live for Nigeria?
Secondly if he had come from the southern or Middle Belt zone of the country would he have dared to pull this stunt and, if so, would he have got away with it?
If he had not been from the core north and a member of the President's inner circle of untouchables would Buhari have tolerated his irresponsible behaviour and his sheer indiscipline.
If he had not been Buhari's soul-mate and kinsman would the President have endorsed his not so subtle refusal to bow before civilian institutions and to submit to civilian authority.
In any case who the hell does Ali really think he is? Does he believe that he is the reincarnation of Usman Dan Fodio of the Fulani Caliphate or the living manifestation of Salahudeen Yusuf of Egypt and Syria?
He was retired as a colonel in the military many years ago and there was nothing that was particularly distinguished about his career. He was certainly not a blue-blooded, swashbuckling, gallant, courageous, good-looking, principled and polo-playing Col. Abubakar 'Dangiwa' Umar.
And neither can he compare himself to the great Major-General Hananiya who retired as a Major-General in the Nigerian Army and yet who proudly wore the uniform of the Federal Road Safety Commision after being appointed as the head of that agency?
Whatever misplaced, vain and inconceivable notions that he has ought to be kept to himself and if I had been his Minister I would have insisted that he not only wore his uniform to all official functions and meetings but also during office hours.
.
The man is really very strange. He has what I would describe as the "Cassius look". Like the character Cassius in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' he is lean, mean, spartan, silent, hungry and dangerous. This is a cold man with a dark soul: a man that is as hard as nails and who finds it difficult to smile.
He is what the British refer to as a "strange fish". He is reticent, reclusive, nocturnal, limited in knowledge, stunted in intelligence, very thuggish and, worst of all, he sees and says "AREWA" before anything else.
My friend and brother, Oloye Yinka Odumakin, the spokesman of Afenifere and a leading columnist and writer in Nigeria, wrote the following as part of his contribution to the debate. He said,
"Ali answers to the Comptroller General of Customs title. He lives in the official residence. He takes the pay. He uses the official cars and takes ALL the privileges of the office. But he rejects ONLY the uniform!"
This is a pertinent observation. Odumakin has hit the nail on the head.
In his own contribution Bashorun Akin Osuntokun, one of the most respected and courageous columnists in the country and a formidable historian and veteran politician, said:
"One problem of our people is exasperating political naivety and lack of strategic thinking. This Ali man was the most truculent secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum. His recent behavior is a typical manifestation of the northern hegemony syndrome hence a strategic enemy of our vision of an egalitarian Nigeria. And here is an opportunity to advance this objective - and what do we do with it?"
How right Osuntokun is. And for the benefit of those that are defending Ali on the specious grounds that the law does not compel him to wear the uniform he went on to ask:
"Is there any law that says we must rise when the President enters a gathering? Or is there any law that says we must play the National Anthem at official functions?"
Osuntokun's point is well served and well taken. These are pertinent questions that he has asked. Both he and Odumakin have done justice to the matter.
Their words appropiately and adequately reflect the sheer arrogance and impunity of Hameed Ali and the ignorance and naivety of those that are encouraging, defending and supporting him.
Osuntokun's earlier point particularly reflects the fact that there is a terrible weakness and a lack of fortitude and courage coupled with a deep and grave affliction buried deep in the souls of those that truly crave for a just and egalitarian society in Nigeria yet who, when they see a man like Ali beating his chest like an alpha male gorilla, either openly support him in his scandalous tomfoolery or they remain silent in awe and trepidation of him.
Nothing is more shocking and disappointing than the disposition and behaviour of such people, many of whom ought to know better.
Essentially the problem here is that many that have been turned into slaves in our country do not even know that they are slaves anymore because they have gotten used to it and they see it as the norm. This, surely, is the worse form of bondage and servitude.
Permit me to share an example of such a twisted and warped mindset and disposition with you here.
During the American civil war you actually had some black slaves fighting for the southern Confederate forces of Dixie despite the fact that those same forces were fighting to perpetuate the institution of slavery.
That is how I view those that constantly support and encourage the arrogant hegemonist monsters that live amongst us and those who cannot comprehend the damage that they are doing to our collective cause and pysche by doing so.
That is how I see those that are quick to endorse and applaud the shameful challenge and affront of Hameed Ali to the Senate and to the Nigerian people.
They are the tragedy of Nigeria and without their support conflicted personalities like Ali would not get away with the kind of things that they are getting away with.
May the Lord deliver us from power-mad and arrogant men who attempt to play God, whose time is short and whose clock is ticking fast. Shalom.
Residents of Ejura in the Ashanti Region are demanding immediate action from police to stop armed robbery incidents in the area.
According to the Concerned Youth of Ejura, recent armed robbery cases there, some of which have led to the shooting of policemen have left residents in fear. The group says the residents have additionally lost confidence in the police.
We find the situation so strange and outrageous and therefore wish to state our disappointment in the Ghana Police in Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipal for their inability to arrest the situation, Convener of the group King Saddique said in a press release.
They are worried that government workers like doctors, nurses, teachers and others posted to serve have threatened to leave.
"So, just imagine a community without these essential service providers. Who is going to teach our children if these teachers leave? How would the health care system in the municipality be should Doctors and Nurses leave?" the worried residents quizzed.
They are therefore calling on the President as well as others leaders in the area to deal with the issue.
Below is the full statement from the group
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE CONCERNED YOUTH OF EJURA ON THE SECURITY SITUATION IN EJURA/SEKYEDUMASE MUNICIPAL.
On behalf of the entire people of Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipality, we the CONCERNED YOUTH OF EJURA have observed the increasing occurrence of armed robbery within the municipality on some key roads, namely; Mampong -Ejura, Aframso-Sekyedumase, Ejura-Nkoranza, Ejura-Kyekyekura and Ejura-Atebubu/Amantin road.
On Friday, January 22 , 2016, a gang of armed robbers attacked and robbed travelers on the Atebubu-Ejura highway precisely at a town called Hianwawu. They shot and killed a policeman, General Corporal Alexander Cheremeh during the robbery. The robbers carrying guns and other deadly weapons blocked the highway and succeeded in robbing travelers on two (2) commercial mini_buses of their cash and other valuables.
The deceased policeman who was in uniform was travelling from Yeji to Kumasi. And again, on Thursday, January, 28 2016, at around 8.30 am, a 207 Benz bus carrying market men and women to the market was also attacked and robbed .The driver of the said 207 bus popularly known as (ASSIF) was shot dead.
Moreover, on Monday, 23rd May 2016, a similar armed robbery incident occurred on the Ejura-Nkoranza road where the driver of the 304 Benz bus who was popularly known (Cocoa-wura) was shot by these notorious armed robbers. The driver (cocoa-wura) died at spot and passengers on board were also robbed of their cash and other valuables.
Just last week on Monday 27th February, another armed robbery incident occurred where a taxi and Benz 207 vehicle were stopped, attacked and robbed. A police officer by name Inspector Ofori Asiedu was shot in the chest and is currently in a critical condition and receiving treatment at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) in Kumasi but, the driver of the 207 vehicle popularly known as (kwadwo-mate) who was shot, died on the spot and several other passengers sustained injuries.
We find the situation so strange and outrageous and therefore wish to state our disappointment in the Ghana Police in Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipal for their inability to arrest the situation. We know per the Ghana Police Act 1970 (Act 350), the police is supposed to
To Protect life and Property To Prevent and Detect Crime To Apprehend and Prosecute offenders
But, the begging question is: what are the Ghana Police in EJURA under Superintendent Anthony Appiah been doing to save us from the hands of these criminals? So if the police who are supposed to protect our lives are sleeping on their jobs, what should we the ordinary citizens do?
Even though we are aware of police personnel and logistics in combating crime not being enough in the municipality, but we are also reliably informed and are also aware of the continuous support the Police service receives from the citizens, Banks, owners of fuel station continuously support the service, the Municipal Assembly and most especially the Ejura Traditional Council which has been very supportive in servicing vehicles that belong to the police service and has recently donated a bullion vehicle for the police to enhance their work. So, what has gone wrong, that armed robbery still goes on within the following major roads: Ejura-Sekyedumase, Ejura -Nkoranza, Ejura-Atebubu/Amantin highway?
The influx of criminals within the Municipality is alarming and the police in Ejura are well aware of areas in our municipality where hard drugs such as cocaine are sold in the municipality. But, yet, not a single swoop has been made by the police.
Some of these criminals live within our community but we do not understand why the police are not arresting and prosecuting them appropriately? We ask again: What strategy has the Ejura Police put in place to curb this situation?
The seeming silence of the police in Ejura/Sekyedumase has resulted in the citizenry not having confidence in them any longer. Our lives are always in danger. We live in constant fear and panic. Residents now have to go to bed as early as 7:00 pm. And now, nobody wants to use Ejura as a transit point after 7:00 pm to travel to towns including Nkoranza and Yeji because of the rate at which armed robbers terrorise passengers. In some cases, suspects arrested by community volunteers are released by the police without any due diligence.
The negative effects of this insecurity in the municipality are as follows:
Government workers posted here to serve, for example, Doctors, Nurses, Teachers and others have threatened to leave. So, just imagine a community without these essential service providers. Who is going to teach our children if these teachers leave? How would the health care system in the municipality be should Doctors and Nurses leave? How about those working at the municipal assembly, should they leave just as a result of these armed robbers? Our local economy has also been largely affected since market men and women who come to trade at the EJURA and SEKYEDUMASE market have also found alternative market areas such as Techiman, just because of the armed robbery cases that keep on occurring. The effect this insecurity has brought unto the local economy is very unpleasant.
We are therefore calling on the President of our Country, H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Interior Minister, Inspector General of Police, Ashanti Regional Police Commander, Ashanti Regional Minister, Member of Parliament for Ejura/Sekyedumase, acting Municipal Chief Executive and Nananom from the EJURA and SEKYEDUMASE traditional council to as a matter of urgency come together and find lasting solution to the armed robbery menace that is gradually crippling the development of EJURA/SEKYEDUMASE MUNICIPAL.
We are also calling on the citizenry to be vigilante and report cases of armed robbery as when they get any information for prompt action to be taken
We would, therefore, like to suggest the following:
There should be a major shakeup in the Ejura Police Service. Police officers that have served here for over five (5) years should be transferred A divisional status should be given to Ejura/Sekeydumase Municipal Police reinforcement should be intensified on our roads More Police post should be built along the roads To Nananom, MP, Zongo Chiefs, Pastors, Imams, and the Assembly Authorities, Community watchdog committees popularly known as Volunteers should be reactivated and fully support them to help combat crimes in the municipality. More vehicles and other logistics should be brought to help Patrol activities The National Highway patrol team and that from the police headquarters in Kumasi should be made to rotate on the major roads these armed robbery cases usually occur. More police personnel should be deployed from the regional command in Kumasi to beef up security in Ejura/Sekyedumase Politicians, Chiefs, Opinion leaders should not interfere in the work of the Police going forward. They must allow the police to work professionally Drones should be brought to enhance monitoring activities of these criminals in the bushes A military Camp should be built in the municipality to clamp down on these notorious armed robbers.
These and much more we believe if worked on would bring a lasting solution to the armed robbery menace.
If in some few weeks time, we do not see any action been taken to arrest this problem, nobody should blame us if something untoward happens.
Thank you.
GOD BLESS US ALL, BLESS EJURA/SEKYEDUMASE MUNICIPAL AND BLESS OUR HOMELAND GHANA!!!
Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Initially, I tried not to scribble anything on this unprecedented appointment being made by H.E Nana Akufo Addo, a historic humongous and overly bloated appointment that has gained both national and international attention. My silence was to avoid a situation of writing with emotions on the issue but the temptations have been irresistible and I must break my virginity on this matter.
First of all, the 1992 constitution of Ghana mandates the president to appoint ministers of state as well as deputy ministers. In fact, the constitution is not explicitly clear on the number of ministers of state and deputy ministers to appoint. Article 78 clause 2 stipulates "the president shall appoint such ministers of state as may be necessary for the efficient running of the state".
I am sure, it is this constitutional provision that the NPP government is manipulating by appointing the record breaking 110 ministers. In my view, common sense should have informed the president that, the humongous number appointed is a profound burden to the public purse which they seek to protect. It is not necessary and it is never a guarantee to running an efficient government.
Per my little understanding, efficiency is about using limited resources to produce more desirable results and not more desirable resources for more results. There is nothing like efficiency in putting incalculable level of burden on the purse of the ordinary Ghanaian. Again, we are being told the economy is broke so how can the economy take care of these numbers? You see how they have exposed their own lies that they inherited a broken economy from the NDC? Hahahaha so soon!!
Let me borrow the words of the Minority Leader of Parliament, Hon Haruna Idrisu " competence is not measured by size." I see it very ridiculous for anybody to think that appointing more will make the government competent. Then why don't we appoint all Ghanaians, pay them huge emoluments, buy them luxurious cars, provide them security, give them accommodation, to make our country the most vibrant economy in the world? Common sense should tell you that appointment is made considering the size of the economy, pressing emerging development predicaments as well as expertise. All over the world, countries have relatively endorsed lean government as the most efficient. May be the NPP is living in another world.
All the answers and justifications ensuing this controversy from government have been lame, nonsensical and unconvincingly irritating. I am exceedingly dumfounded, hearing the NPP communication machinery trying to defend this incongruity. May be they are only demonstrating patriotism to NPP than Ghana, the country they seek to develop. It is very pathetic! What is more annoying is that, the NPP communication machinery bastardized the NDC government under John Dramani Mahama when he appointed less than ninety ministers. Was it based on personal hatred? Let me refresh your memory.
http://kessbenfm.com/flash-back-mahama-govt-size-horribly-disappointing-nana-akomea/
What makes it justifiable today to appointed 110 and probably still counting ministers? That is the level at which double standard, hypocrisy and personal hatred has reached in Ghanaian politics where people employ dirty propaganda tools to deceive the electorate for political power and then try to play smart on the intelligence of the very people that voted for them. It is interesting indeed!!
It has been clear so far that the appointments are rewards to party cronies and friends who sacrificed and worked for the NPP to win power. It is also clear that it is all about *job for the boys* even after the NPP footsoldiers chased out and ceased jobs from some public servants. Why has the president succumbed to the demands and interest of party loyalists to the detriment of mother Ghana?
I don't know whether the NPP is pretending to know or they are being clueless and ignorant that this mere distribution of political appointments to party appendages is being received with public opprobrium and ample public outcry, questioning the sensibility, honesty and confidence of government. I consider the appointment as a first test and the NPP government have failed but that is just a lesson to us all.
This singular act of gargantuan power expansionism, has the propensity to catapult corruption to unimaginable proportions. I say this because, when the size of government is too large, it increases the bureaucracy in governance, creating gabs and loopholes for corruption to escalate. So many needless portfolios in public administration only hype corruption and other forms of crimes in public administration. Yes!! That is the situation we are going to see in the days ahead and you have people still defending this conduit of corruption?
The unnecessary duplication of roles in the NPP government are very obvious and people who have objective spectacles can vividly see the harm it has started causing. There is currently a confusion of duties at the presidency. In some of the appointment letters, you see the signature of the secretary to the president, in others you see that of the communication director and then the president himself. No wonder some appointments were reversed. Check this publication out.
http://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/Appointment-scandal-hits-Flagstaff-House-518346
In all these brouhaha, I think my good friend, the minister of information, Hon Hamid Mustafa, should kindly resign. When Ghanaians needed an explanation surrounding the unprecedented appointment, he was there panting and sweating and ended up giving insulting answers to discerning Ghanaians by saying that the NPP did not promise Ghanaians of lean government. I refer you to this publication.
http://mobile.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/NPP-never-promised-a-lean-government-Hamid-500659
I thought he was such a good communicator to handle that ministry but he loss my respect. It took the old man, the president himself to run to GBC to defend the issue only to end up embarrassing himself with uninspiring and unintelligent answers. Why should the government communication machinery be that porous and weak, to put the president in this pathetic situation? Where lies the competence of the NPP? I see absolute incompetence, dishonesty, incapability and incoherence in the NPP government so far. The serial callers of the NPP are rather doing better discussion on this issue than what the incapable information minister and his confused boss are doing on same issues.
We cannot allow the NPP to ruin this country by sinking the economy through party aggrandizement. We won't accept it!
I am a citizen and cannot keep mute while you gamble with the development of this country for personal gains. We shall point out the ills. They can choose not to listen but let nobody undermine the role of public discourse in any democratic dispensation.
Shall be back........
Denis Andaban
[email protected]
I use this medium to congratulate you for resuming duty after your return from the short sojourn to the United Kingdom for rest and medical attention. Each day you were away was remembered with events that recounted your high spirit for Nigerians and their high expectations from you. You hosted many prominent Nigerians in London. You called many prominent Nigerians inquiring about situations and encouraged those who nearly lost faith in your leadership. You rejoiced with those who had fortunes by additional age and birth and condoled with those who lost beloved ones. You talked with the presumed greatest man on earth, the President of the United States of America, Donald Trump and also the King of Morocco, Muhammad VI. These are the ones I can recall. Your trip from January 19 to March 10 2017 was, I can surmise, a technical maneuver to know those who wish you and the country good and vice versa.
God has always saved you. He will continue to be with you as you remain on the path of development, justice and fairness. Surely, it is He who gives life and terminates it whenever He wishes. The sicknesses associated with the hot seat in Aso Rock villa can be cured. And a strong believer that you are, you are aware that God tempts much more those He loves more. And Nigeria, being the most complex society in the world where crimes had thrived in elevated proportion, you must expect greater challenges. Fighting evil has never been a childs play.
In your absence, some things changed in such ways that ardent supporters of your administration began to think that certain groups in Nigeria are feeling neglected and ignored. Some distractions which were heaped up before your journey by some groups and the stiff oppositions by strong individuals suddenly came to a halt. Nearly all the civil disturbances, save the Kaduna political brouhaha, frizzled out. This was quite an indication that the some strong media outfits played double. Religious groups and entities that used to exaggerate matters; groups and personalities who used to gloat at every misfortune in the country suddenly became calm. Politicians who used to manipulate every happening and attach religious undertone to it suddenly discovered love for the government because you were not there.
Killings across Nigeria, though mitigated, were not given religious colorations. Those who were press-friendly in turning every major event in Nigeria in religious direction seemed to have gone into hiding. Kidnappers had brief holidays. Destruction of oil facilities in the Niger Delta were hardly heard of. It was like the militants had declared a ceasefire. The arms ad ammunitions recently surrendered by the militants of the Niger Delta are amazing. The warlords of the delta seemed freer than ever before. Biafra agitators seemed to be heaving sign of relief especially as their presumed leader, Kalu Ndubuisi, was cleared of six of the many charges slammed against him. Yet, he seems to be swimming across alone. The Boko Haram terrorists, despite concerted efforts, are still killing our soldiers and citizens. Each time we hear that those behind the dreadful group are known, but no single prominent sponsor has been apprehended or even publicized. From time to time, a list of the wanted terrorists is published; no list of sponsors has ever been made public. They are not ghosts, anyway.
Many citizens showed their sincere love and solidarity. The hypocrisy and false loyalty from others were exposed. The minutiae in governance became more intriguing as party loyalists were divided between the macabre and the opportunists. Mankind is a composite of funny creatures, indeed. The higgledy-piggledy combustion of warring interests depicted existence of more terrible blocks of cabals. Now that you are back, they will reposition to make governance more difficult and the masses more miserable.
Nonetheless, one thing that was evident was the miracle of the prayers which patriots offered for you. At least, your supporters did well in this regard in every state of the federation. As a president of the masses, empowerment of the masses should be the primary focus as you settle down to work. You have seen and heard all that transpired in your absence. A spectator often sees better than a player on the field. But as a believer, ensure thorough verification before judgment and therapeutic measures.
Justice and fairness in the administration of Nigeria which you are instituting are great challenges. I urge you to carry every component of the Nigerian state along in the constitution of your full-fledged government when appointing Nigerians into boards of federal agencies and parastatals. If you can muster the political will to break the jinx, I enlist that those neglected ethno-religious minorities feature prominently in your government. This will be to the glory of God and in the interest of equity, fairness and humanity. You can do it.
Muhammad Ajah is an advocate of humanity, peace and good governance in Abuja. E-mail [email protected]
We the members of the UNITED NDC have been following with keen interest the exploits of Mr. Kofi Adams, undoubtedly one of the experienced comrades in the national executive committee and his recent posture on who best fit the position of the next flag bearer of the party after the December 7th polls.
We wish to put on records that his position on the fact that Mr. John Dramani Mahama is the best candidate for the NDC in 2020, is not only premature but divisive.
As a national organiser of our party we wish to remind him of his role as a leader and must remain as neutral as possible till the party elects a new leader at congress, at a later date to be determined by the same body of which he is part.
It is on records that, the party has a 13-man committee led by professor Kwasi Botwey, as to the reasons for the land slide defeat of the party in the last elections, in the face of massive developments.
With the committees work in progress it is unclear why the haste by Mr. Kofi Adams to move from one media house to the other, trying to force a candidate on the NDC. This is not worrying but unfortunate of a national executive of his caliber.
We wish to remind him of the fact that he has a mandate as a national executive. And in his capacity as the national organizer, we expect him to lead the crusade of the rebuilding towards a more formidable NDC prepared for battle come 2020 and not to act as the spokes person for the Mahama or the campaign coordinator he was for the 2016 elections that failed to win back power.
He needs not to be reminded that he will be breeding grounds for chaos should other executives at the national level like the chairman, general secretary, youth organizer and the rest, down to the various constituencies also begin to speak as he did on Kassapa fm, GHone and other media houses of their preferred choice of candidate going into 2020.
If it is about what he feels, that is completely and entirely his opinion and we respect it. But he can do so by resigning his position to champion that ambition.
Responsibly on his part as a national organiser and respectfully on our part as members of the great NDC party, we wish to remind him once again, how passionate we are with the regrouping and reorganization of our dear party and to make it battle ready and attractive to Ghanaians come 2020.
Against this backdrop, we will not tolerate any single individual or a group, with a selfish interest or ambition, to ruin the unity of the party.
We believe strongly that at this position in our political history, NDC must be allowed to pass the test without fail.
For this reason, it is our prayer that any candidate interested in leading the party will be treated fairly when nominations open in the near future.
This is the only surety that the winner in our future congress will have support of the entire NDC.
We therefore call on Kofi Adams once again to concentrate on the rest of his mandate as the national organiser of the party and not to allow the media to use him to foil our progress by answering questions on who best fit the position of a flag bearer.
We also call on the national chairman, his team and the national counsel of elders to issue a statement calling on Mr. Kofi Adams as a matter of urgency to desist from such utterances, as his current posture is a treat to rebuilding process and a strong NDC for 2020.
Signed
1. Nii Erric Lamptey (convenor)
2. David Kumi
3. Yaotsey Ndorkutsu
4. Mark Anthony
5. Samed Dakora
Contacts:0547991080, 0243551769
Long live NDC
Long live Ghana.
A cross-section of the participants at the training session
21.03.2017 LISTEN
The Customs Division of the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) says it will soon introduce the Pre-Arrival Assessment Reporting System (PAARS) for importers to boost government's revenue this year.
PAARS, developed by GRA's Customs Division with technical support from West Blue Ghana Limited, implementers of the Ghana Single Window Project, becomes operational by the first week of April this year.
It would allow importers to enter detailed descriptions of the items they are bringing into Ghana in order to save time and help boost government's revenue.
This was made known on Monday in Accra at a PAARS enhancement training sessions organized by GRA and West Blue and held at the Ghana Institute of Freight Forwarders (GIFF) for some importers.
The training sessions, also held in other parts of the country, are designed to equip users on the new functionalities introduced on the PAARS.
A recent review of the system highlighted a flaw in the way GCMS was processing the valuation data being transmitted.
With the supervision of Customs and Ministry of Finance, this has been resolved and revenue collection is expected to improve.
The GRA total tax revenue target for 2017 is estimated at GH34 billion.
Revenue Assistant Grade III, Obideabah Hector, who was one of the resource persons for the training exercise, told the media that the new system has incorporated the standard nature of packaging items from World Customs Organization (WCO).
The PAARS, he said, was currently on the trial stage and when introduced shall help to block revenue leakages.
By Melvin Tarlue
Evelyn Fatou Tall, Adjei Sowah (second right) with other dignitaries and participants at the event
Board Chairman of African Management Services Company (AMSCO), Evelyn Fatou Tall, says skills gap is stifling the growth of businesses on the African continent.
Ms. Tall disclosed this while speaking at a business conference organized by AMSCO recently in Accra under the theme: Business Transforming Africa Conference: Inspiring Innovation for Growth.
The conference was aimed at providing an enabling environment for private and public businesses, including small enterprises, to access captains in the human resources industry in order to bridge the gap between human capital and business growth.
She indicated that African governments have maintained prudent macro-economic policies and strengthened financial institutions.
They also continue to undertake reforms to transform their economies structurally, according to her.
However, such efforts are often limited as far as human capital development for small, medium and large enterprises is concerned, she said.
We strongly believe that human capital development is the missing key to inspire innovation for real growth, she lamented.
Ms. Tall therefore called on African states to consider increasing investments in the development of human capital on the continent.
There is no doubt that we need people driven transformation to be innovative and remain competitive, she said, adding that it's incumbent upon us to strengthen our businesses and the economic environment to make it easier for private investment to flourish.
Managing Director of Damian Carl Capital, a banking consultancy firm, Nilla Selormey, said addressing the skills gap would require African leaders looking overseas to educate Africans living in the diaspora.
She explained that from the experiences of Ghana's Finance Minister and Founder of Databank, Ken Ofori-Atta and Patrick Awuah, Founder of the Ashesi University, among others, it shows that engaging Africans living overseas with technical knowledge shall help promote economic growth on the continent.
Mayor of Accra, Mohammed Adjei Sowah, in a statement on behalf of the Greater Accra Regional Minister, Ishmael Ashietey, agreed to the calls for skills training in Ghana and Africa.
Innovation catalyses growth and there cannot be any innovation if our people lack the required skills.
We need a productive labour force for the economy to grow, he said, noting that government will continue to work closely with organizations such as AMSCO to implement projects supporting the SME sector in order to increase job creation which shall in turn reduce poverty by significant levels.
AMSCO is a pan-African private sector development group that provides bespoke human capital development solutions.
It operates in 29 African countries, trains about 2,000 people and supports an average of 85,000 jobs annually.
By Melvin Tarlue
21.03.2017 LISTEN
Yesterday, over fifty persons protested in front of the office of the Amnesty International in Abuja, Nigeria. Sources at the office said that the protesters were shouting "Amnesty International We no go gree.". A few of them were holding placards and big banners with inscriptions that say: "No to Amnesty International" Leave our country, AI is worse than Boko Haram, Leave Nigeria alone. We know your mission here. AI has recently released reports on the alleged human rights violations by the Nigerian military and other security agencies in the country.
These reports angered the authorities in Nigeria and they are now using various means to discredit AI. A source said that the security agencies were upset over their alleged role in the killing of the members of Shiites in Kaduna and the Biafran agitators in the South east. In a statement , the military attributed the report of the Amnesty International to meddling in local politics and security issues. They claimed that AI was engaging in activities that were "inimical to national interest, cohesion and unity".
In reaction, security agencies are sponsoringgroups that are staging protests against AI and its activities in Nigeria as is the case today. They have also launched vicious media attacks, and used facelessnon governmental organisations, to undermine and discredit the work of Amnesty international.
Nigerian authorities should desist from this cheap and irresponsible blackmail and rise up to their duty of protecting the human rights of its citizens. It must be recalled that the current government come into power on the platform of change and relied on the information that was provided by international non governmental organisations such as Amnesty International in highlighting the poor management by the previous government of the insurgency in Northern Nigeria, the kidnapping of the Chibok girls and military operations. It is unfortunate that the same government is sponsoring, aiding and abetting vicious attacks, intimidation and smear campaigns to undermine the human rights work of Amnesty International.
The government should rather use all civilized means to respond or refute the reports and claims of AI and take effective measures to address the alleged human rights violations by the security agencies.
Last Sunday evening the nation did not hear good news. This is how news about death is reported in Akan. It is a decent rendition of what we found ourselves in when the disturbing Kintampo Waterfall story broke on Sunday.
A story about 20 young persons students in a senior high school dying instantly after a tree uprooted by a windstorm trapped them is one which should break the heart of a nation, and it did.
Although a national day of mourning has not been declared, the occurrence has touched our hearts and pushed us to mourn as a people with one destiny.
We can imagine the extra pain families of the bereaved are enduring at this time. At the time that they heard the news about the tragedy the confusion that enveloped them was beyond description.
Then eventually, the moment of truth dawned on them when names of the deceased students were relayed to them. As for coming face-to-face with the remains of their sons and daughters, those were moments we should all pray not to ever witness.
Heartbreaking, shattering and enough to kill those with heart conditions, are some of the descriptions of the realities of the scene staring the parents when they saw the mortal remains of their sons and daughters in the morgue.
They left for school but unknown to their parents, it was the last time they would set eyes on them alive. This life my compatriots, hmm!
Their deaths were occasioned by a force majeure and therefore beyond our comprehension, try as we can to determine why it happened. We are but mortals, mere creatures of the Creator so fragile that tragedies of the one under review can define our last moments in the ephemeral world.
We are pained by the death of these young persons, in whom so much investment by both the state and their parents has gone into preparing for their future leadership roles. Consider how like the lights of candles, they have been put off by wind.
We join the parents, the headmaster and his staff, including the friends of the deceased at the Wenchi Senior High School, in grieving the death of the 20 students. We salute Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia for joining his compatriots in commiserating with the bereaved families and giving comfort to the pained.
His visit and the one he paid to the scene of the accident, including the pouring of grief by other Ghanaians, have gone a long way in assuring the bereaved families that they are not alone in their melancholic moments.
Vice President said it all when he interacted with the students of the Wenchi Senior High School and told them that there are certain happenings in life which are beyond our comprehension.
Unfortunately, a certain Kintampo chief, instead of joining his compatriots in mourning the dead and giving comfort to the bereaved families, is rather basking in partisan politics in a rather crude manner.
Such chiefs are unworthy of the deference persons holding their positions deserve. We are mourning and would simply ignore his political ranting as he reminisces the days of cheap money coming to him from the seat of government. No more so as a new dawn of civility in governance is in place in Ghana, courtesy the demand of most Ghanaians.
Final-year students of the Navrongo Senior High School (SHS) in the Upper East Region, who were sacked from the school for misconduct, have been given another opportunity to come back to the school after they re-applied.
On Tuesday, March 14, 2017, the school's authorities, with the backing of the Kassena-Nankana Municipal Directorate of the Ghana Education Service (GES), sacked over 300 final-year students from the school after they misbehaved.
With the exception of the school prefects, no final student was allowed to stay on campus to learn.
Some students, who spoke to DAILY GUIDE on their 'first' day on campus, said it was a bad experience.
We were supposed to be on campus learning, but because of what happened, we had to search for accommodation outside campus. Even the food to eat to be able to go round for shelter or even learn was a problem. It will affect many students who are preparing for WASSCE. If I had known that life outside campus would be difficult, I would have begged to be allowed to also stay like the prefects. I am sure in our absence they had our masters to teach them, as for us, we couldnt even learn, a male student said.
The final-year students are returning to the school after news broke that some five affected female students had been raped by boys in a village where they had gone to settle temporarily.
There were also reports that one of the female students, who could not withstand the abuse, had attempted to commit suicide but was saved by some colleagues.
School authorities could not confirm the rape cases, because the students were not on campus, but gave assurance that they would conduct thorough investigation.
Others believe reports of rape and suicide were fabricated by some of students to win the sympathy of the school's authorities and Kassena-Nankana Municipal Directorate of the GES.
From: Ebo Bruce-Quansah, Navrongo
An Accra High Court has found former Executive Secretary of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), Akrasi Sarpong guilty of contempt, after he condemned the court for granting bail to drug suspects in an ongoing case.
Mr. Akrasi Sarpong openly disagreed with the court after it granted bail to one Chief Sunny Ikechukwu Benjy Eke, a 53- year-old businessman, and his alleged accomplice, James Eleke Chukwu, 47, a second-hand clothes dealer in Accra who were accused of smuggling cocaine into the country.
The businessman was arrested and remanded in 2013 for allegedly attempting to smuggle 281,604 grammes of liquid cocaine with a street value of over $12.5 million into the country.
The drugs are said to have been concealed in a 40-footer container filled with 1,946 boxes of shampoo imported from Bolivia in South America, to Ghana.
But the NACOB boss, unhappy with the bail, is quoted as having said that the terms of the bail were very unfortunate because Chief Eke was known to have jumped bail in Brazil.
The lawyers for the accused, therefore proceeded to cite the former NACOB boss for contempt.
The presiding judge, Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden, delivering his ruling said Mr. Sarpongs comments were meant to derogate the authority of the court that granted bail to the suspects.
For his punishment, hes to sign a bond to be of good behaviour, or serve a two-month jail term if he fails to do so.
A reporter of the Daily Graphic who published the said interview from Mr. Akrasi Sarpong, was also charged for contempt and fined Ghc5,000.
By: Fred Djabanor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
State-owned ambulance conveying victims of the Kintampo Waterfalls disaster to Konfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, was involved in car crash, killing the driver in the process.
The ambulance with registration number GV 375-12 was carrying the victims in critical condition to the hospital when the accident occurred at a farming community called Gwenewoho.
Eyewitnesses told mynewsgh.com that the accident occurred Tuesday morning around 4am.
According to them, the Ambulance driver attempted to overtake a vehicle in front of him but unfortunately he hit a stationary vehicle in front of him and another vehicle behind him smashed the ambulance against the stationary car.
It would be recalled that a large tree fell down at the Kintampo waterfalls on Sunday, killing about 18 people and leaving over 30 others injured.
The injured were receiving treatment at the Kintampo and Techiman General Hospitals.
However, those in critical condition were being transferred to the Konfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the ambulance, which was involved in the Tuesday dawn accident.
Many of the dead of the Waterfalls were presumed to be students of the Wenchi Methodist Secondary School who were at the falls on an excursion.
It is believed that a storm caused the huge tree to drop from the top of the waterfalls down on the revelers swimming below.
-Mynewsgh
Lawyers for the Abelemkpe Branch Manager of Marwako, Jihad Chaaban, are skeptical about the substance the man is accused of dipping the face of Evelyn Boakye, an employee of the facility, into a couple of weeks ago.
In the view of Augustine Asafo Adjei, counsel for Chaaban, the substance Evelyn's face was allegedly dipped into for which the accused person has been dragged before the Abeka District Court was a sauce but not raw pepper.
He said the material, being a mixture of garlic, pepper, onions, ginger and tomatoes cannot be described as pepper.
For hours of cross-examination which was bedeviled by a lot of objections from the court and the prosecution, led by Chief Inspector H.A. Hanson, the lawyer was emphatic that the content in the blender as at the time of the incident was not pepper.
Augustine claimed that it's never the practice of the eatery to blend the said ingredients together, adding, What you were blending were large slices of onions.
But Evelyn denied the claims of the lawyer, insisting that all the said ingredients were blended together.
She said the accused dipped her face into the pepper, contrary to the claims of the lawyer that looking at the blender, it was impossible for her face to enter its flask.
Further cross-examination of Jihad, who is before the court for assault, continues tomorrow.
The accused, 26, is reported to have dipped the head of Evelyn into blended pepper on February 26, 2017.
According to Chief Inspector H.A. Hanson, the accused offensively conducted himself when he angrily called the complainant a prostitute.
Jihad is facing an additional charge of intentionally and unlawfully causing harm to Evelyn.
[email protected]
By Jeffrey De-Graft Johnson
The Half Assini magistrate court in the Western Region has granted GH500,000 bail to Gideon Konibah, the Jomoro Constituency Chairman of the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC), and his purported accomplice, with two sureties to be justified for alleged fraud.
Konibah and Augustine Ofori Andoh, Deputy Constituency Secretary of the party, are facing a provisional charge of defrauding under false pretence. Their pleas have not been taken and would reappear on Wednesday, April 12.
Prosecuting, Detective Sergeant Richard Amoah said from June to August last year, the accused persons collected GH87,000 from 13 fishermen in the area under the pretext of supplying them with outboard motors but failed to do so.
He said when the accused persons could not provide the motors, the victims made frantic efforts to retrieve their monies but without success and therefore, lodged a complaint with the police, leading to their arrests.
And so they were given some time to refund the money but they could not get the fishermen's money back hence, their arrest, a source indicated.
DAILY GUIDE has gathered that the two leading members of the Jomoro NDC were placed in police custody over the alleged fraud.
The District Chief Fisherman, Emmanuel Odwiri, confirmed the story in an interview with journalists at Half-Assini on Friday.
He intimated that the two were arrested after he had lodged an official complaint to the police at Agona Nkwanta in the Ahanta West District.
He stated that the two were picked up by the Agona Nkwanta police who later handed them over to their Half-Assini counterparts for investigations.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi, With Additional Report From GNA
The Deputy General Secretary of the New Patriotic Party has justified the takeover of the Kintampo Waterfall by the Invisible Forces, a vigilante group affiliated to the governing New Patriotic Party.
Nana Obiri Boahene is suggesting the takeover is nothing more than sweet revenge for what happened to him in 2009.
According to him, his company managed the Kintampo Waterfall in 2008 until hoodlums in the NDC forcibly took over the facility in 2009 when the party won elections.
"Those who want to probe further should find out what happened in 2009... NDC activists, NDC hoodlums, NDC sympathisers invaded the place, chased my workers out, beat them up, vandalised the place, broke into offices and they used the police. No police man was able to touch them," he said.
The management of the Kintampo Waterfall has become a subject of debate after 19 people lost their lives under bizarre circumstances on Sunday.
A tree was said to have crushed the revelers, mostly students, who had gone to the Waterfall for an excursion.
Questions have been raised about the competence and the professionalism of the managers of the facility during the incident.
It emerged that the Invisible Forces, a militia group within the NPP had added the Waterfall to the list of assets it took over immediately the NPP won power in 2016.
Without any training and competence in managing a tourist facility critics have blamed the militia group for last Sunday's national disaster.
But Obiri Boahene has mounted a spirited defence for the militia group even though he claims the party did not sanction the takeover.
"We don't know anything about it. The party is not involved. The party has never directed, instigated, encouraged, facilitated any individual to takeover," he said.
"Personally, speaking for myself, and what happened to me in 2009, I don't think there is anything wrong if for one reason or another some NPP sympathisers have taken over in a tit-for-tat affair," he added.
He argued those questioning the competence and professionalism of the Invisible Forces to manage the facility should have done same when the NDC hoodlums took over in 2009.
The Waterfall has however been shut pending further investigations into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
Story by Ghana|Myjoyonline.com|Nathan Gadugah
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) has announced that it has agreed to allocate some space on the streets of Accra to hawkers.
A statement by the Assembly said it has after a meeting with various hawker-groups in the metropolis, agreed to give them space on some major streets to sell.
According to a statement signed by the AMA Public Relations Officer, Numo Blafo, the agreement, dubbed the redline policy was first developed last year but could not be immediately implemented.
It is the hope of the AMA that the hawkers will comport themselves during this period and to report any grievance to the assembly amicable resolution, the statement said.
The Assembly said although it will permit hawking within the metropolis, indiscriminately carrying our the activity will be in of the AMA's Hawkers bye-laws of 2011.
See the full statement below:
The decision by the AMA seem to be contrary to what many expected of the assembly since the hawkers have been partly blamed for causing human and vehicular traffic congestion and littering within the city.
In some parts of the metropolis, hawkers have taken over pavements and extended their activities to the shoulders of the road, making it difficult for commuters and drivers to move with ease.
It is unclear yet how the AMA would address the issue of congestion and poor sanitation having agreed with the hawkers to allow them carry out their activities without interference.
By: Jonas Nyabor/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Follow @jnyabor
Accra, March 21, GNA - President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has assured investors, both domestic and foreign, that neither his government nor his appointees are in office to compete for business opportunities with the private sector.
He said his administration was setting the ground rules on how government and the private sector should work, reiterating that 'the private sector is not going to bring projects only for members of government and their cronies to take over them.
'Our role is to facilitate the business that you are going to do - setting good ground rules and holding you to account to them - and, by that, provide a good framework and environment for you to do your business,' President Akufo-Addo said when interacting with Chief Executive Officers of some of the leading African and international companies at a round-table meeting, on the sidelines of the on-going fifth edition of the Africa CEO Forum in Geneva, Switzerland.
President Akufo-Addo assured the CEOs of the creation of a conducive climate for their businesses to flourish, which will in turn generate jobs and prosperity for Ghanaians, noting, that 'climate' would be guided by the rule of law that would ensure that the sanctity of a genuine contract is respected.
On the issue of contracts, the President indicated that a number of contracts, especially in the energy sector, which were entered into by the previous administration were being reviewed, as most of them involved large sums of money.
He indicated that due process was being followed in the review of those contracts, assuring that 'there is not going to be any witch-hunting. I don't have any problem with legitimate arrangements that were made before I took over. I do, however, have a problem if they were corrupt and if the considerations for the contracts are ones that cannot be justified to the people of Ghana.'
The President added that if by the end of the review, and a contract was found to be dodgy, his government would act on it.
In dealing with corruption, the President indicated that 'a new office of Special Prosecutor, which would be independent of the Executive, would have the mandate to deal with issues of corruption and allegations of corruption against public office holders'.
He indicated that the Office of Special Prosecutor was found in many jurisdictions across the world, and in the next meeting of Parliament, legislation on the office will be brought before the House for its passage.
'There will be special arrangements about how the prosecutor will be appointed, so that his independence from the Executive is maintained, not just in words but concretely, and also in securing the tenure of office. That body will have the remit to deal with issues of corruption, both past and present,' he added.
President Akufo-Addo reassured that whatever was needed to 'clean up the business climate in our country, make it possible for people like you to put your money into Ghana' would be done.
'That has been and will continue to be our prime concern - create an enabling business climate to allow domestic and foreign businesses to flourish,' he added.
GNA
Gender advocate Angela Dwamena Aboagye has said the nature of violence against women in Ghana is becoming more and more brutal.
The disclosure by the Executive Director of Ark Foundation follows a shocking story of how five men defiled and attempted to kill a 14-year-old girl at Nkawkaw in the Eastern region.
The victim's assailants squeezed her neck after the act until she became unconscious and dumped her in a stream. The girl, a school dropout, however, survived but has been left with life-threatening diseases.
Joy News' Ohemeng Tawiah reports that the police have arrested the first suspect a 25-year-old cobbler, Yaw Preko and an ex-convict and a driver's mate, Mohammed Adamu in connection with the case.
A hunt has been launched for three other accomplices whose names have only been given as Awudu, Junior and Safo who are on the run.
Both Adamu and Preko who spoke to Nhyira News few days after they were remanded in police custody narrated their plan to kill the victim and dump her body in the stream.
Meanwhile, police in Nkawkaw are holding two of the perpetrators on charges of conspiracy to commit crime, defilement and attempted murder.
Nkawkaw Divisional Commander, Chief Supt James Sarfo Peprah told Joy News they will not relent until they find the three.
Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM Monday, Mrs Dwamena Aboagye who has condemned the act, called for more preventive education.
She described the incident as "unspeakable and despicable" bemoaning the kind of violence against women lately.
"The violence against women is getting more brutal, not only in Ghana but across the world. The objectification of women's bodies is very real and getting worse," she observed.
Mrs Dwamena Aboagye said it's time to put into place the preventive mechanisms and information on resources where people like the unfortunate victims can go to seek help.
She remarked that sadly, the places to seek relief are no longer in use adding "People don't even know where to go when these things happen to them apart from the police.
Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Abubakar Ibrahim
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA), will commence a demolition exercise to remove structures constructed without permits in the Accra metropolis on Wednesday, March 22, 2017.
The AMA in a statement made mention of unauthorized structures around the Odaw River, Korle Lagoon, Old Fadama among others, and has ordered persons responsible for such structures to remove them immediately.
The AMA reiterated the fact that the construction of structures without permits is also an offence punishable by law.
Also attracting sanctions from the law will be hawkers making a living on footbridges and the underpass of overhead bridges, though the AMA has announced that it has agreed to allocate hawkers some space on the streets of Accra as part of a red line policy.
The AMA ordered such persons to cease these activities noting that, all those who are selling on pavements and roads in the Metropolis are being reminded that their activities are contrary to AMA Street Hawking bye-laws 2011. While those hawking in the middle of the road are breaking the above-mentioned bye-laws as well as the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2008(Act 761) Section 29(2).
Other offences highlighted in the AMA statement were the disposal of refuse and e-waste in waterways and the unauthorized parking of vehicles on pavements and roads.
Find below the full AMA statement
PRESS RELEASE
The Accra Metropolitan Assembly (AMA) wishes to remind the general public especially all those who are putting up structures on government reserved lands such as along the Odaw River, Korle Lagoon, Old Fadama, the East Legon Green Belt, Mensah Guinea, Railway Station (around circle VIP Terminal), the stretch from Avenor to the Sikkens Bridge, Agbogloshie ,Glefe and Chemunaa where structures were removed last year and left fallow to enhance the ongoing dredging project to remove them immediately.
Furthermore, hawkers who have turned footbridges and the under-pass of over-head bridges into trading points are to stop these activities now. All those who are selling on pavements and roads in the Metropolis are being reminded that their activities are contrary to AMA Street Hawking bye-laws 2011. While those hawking in the middle of the road are breaking the above mentioned bye-laws as well as the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act, 2008(Act 761) Section 29(2).
All are again being reminded that it is an offence to dispose of refuse, especially e-waste in water ways.
In addition, the unauthorized parking of vehicles on pavements and roads especially by mechanical shops and car garage owners are to desist from such practices and remove all vehicles either on repairs or abandoned from the shoulders of roads. AMA officials will clamp and tow such vehicles and surcharge the offenders for the cost of removal.
Finally, removal of such structures shall commence from WEDNESDAY MARCH 22, 2017 and they should know that constructing without permit is an offence punishable by law.
NUMO BLAFO III HEAD OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS
By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
A seven-year-old girl, Harriet San-Koffie, has paid a courtesy call on First Lady, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, to thank her for helping save her life.
The girl, accompanied by her family members, opinion leaders, pastor and church elders from Bortiano Ngleshie Amanfrom in Accra, met Mrs Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House Tuesday.
In 2016 the First Lady paid the full cost of a heart surgery for little Harriet who was diagnosed of a hole in heart by physicians.
The wife of the then Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party met Harriet during a visit to the community.
Months later, and with Mrs Akufo-Addo's help, little Harriet successfully went through the operation and she is hearty and healthy.
Her visit was to thank President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's wife for the lifesaving help that has preserved her life.
Harriet's mother, Mercy San-Koffie, with great emotion and bravely withheld tears narrated how her child faced a perilous fate but for the support extended to them by the First Lady.
She said before meeting Mrs Akufo-Addo, they had sought help from some people, but it did not yield any result.
Mrs San-Koffie prayed for God's blessings and wisdom for the First Lady as she helps to transform the lives of needy Ghanaians.
Mrs Akufo-Addo who had her eyes focused on little Harriet thanked God for preserving her life during the operation.
She had one request that Ghanaians should continue to pray for the President as he works to better the lives of the citizens.
Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
Rome (AFP) - The United Nations has approved an emergency loan of $22 million (20.3 million euros) in a bid to prevent another famine in drought and crisis-hit Somalia, its food agency said Tuesday.
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is releasing the funds to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the hope it will help stave off catastrophe in the civil-war wracked country, just five years after the last famine.
Somalia declared a national disaster last month as the number of people going hungry hit three million, with 6.2 million people in total expected to face acute food insecurity over the next three months.
The Rome-based FAO said the funds would go to helping rural communities that have been hit particularly hard, as crops fail, cattle die and wells dry up.
The head of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Stephen O'Brien, said the loan was "part of the efforts to avert a humanitarian catastrophe".
"The loan will bridge a crucial gap and allow FAO to immediately save lives and the livelihoods of farmers and herders until additional funds from donors are received," he said, amid pessimism from meteorologists about the prospect of rain any time soon.
Somalia is among three nations on the verge of famine, along with Yemen and Nigeria.
In South Sudan, 100,000 people are already in famine conditions. In total the disaster threatens the lives of 20 million people.
It is the third famine in the 25 years that Somalia has been embroiled in civil war and anarchy, including one in 2011 which left 260,000 people dead.
Board Chairman of Western Chamber Co-operative Credit Union Limited (WESSCU) has announced its acquisition of a specialised software which gives immediate information on members.
Richard Bentil said the software is to help members to know their financial standings on time and encouraged members and non-members to cultivate the habit of saving to help members and individuals when they require support or are in dire need.
Mr. Bentil also stated that WESSCU is poised to open more branches across the Western Region as there are only two branches operating at the moment.
WESSCU growing steadily from year to year since its inception in 2011 with its assets increasing from GH608, 523.99 in 2015 to GH675,381.27 in 2016 representing an increase of 11%.
"Total savings also grew from GH775, 966, 26 in 2016 as against GH735, 525.80 showing an increase of 5%. Total shares also increased from GHc68, 567.42 last year as against GHc61, 070.09 in 2015 representing an increase of 12%.
"Again, income grew from GH249,132.25 in 2016 as against GH184, 719.00 in 2015 showing an increase of 35%. Loans granted to members rose from GH998,018.94 in 2015 to GH1,064,698.07million in 2016 showing an improved increase of 8%" he disclosed.
This came to light during the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of WESSCU at Elubo in the Western Region on the theme The role of credit unions in community development.
Mr. Bentil also hinted that the Union has assisted some of the members to establish their businesses as well as helped other small and medium enterprises to expand and sustain their businesses.
"We have also assisted our members in purchasing vehicles used for commercial purposes," he said.
He, however, noted that some members who acquired loan facilities do not pay on schedule and encouraged members to constantly repay their loans on time.
"The board and other committee management may not have any option but to take unorthodox means to retrieve locked-up monies from all recalcitrant defaulters if the situation continues Mr. Bentil added.
Western Regional Manager of Credit Union Associations (CUA) Godfred Adanuty, congratulated WESSCU for the improved performance over the previous years
You should know that you are the owners of WESSCU so far as you own shares whatever profit the credit union makes belongs to you as members. Save gradually to get profit on your savings and be able to fall on your money when you need a loan to support your business, he said.
Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Ina -Thalia Quansah
21.03.2017 LISTEN
Accra, March 21, GNA - Seven Great Princess Academy has held a Cultural Day celebration for students as parts of efforts to instill the Ghanaian Cultural in them at the school's Dansoman premises in Accra.
The maiden event saw the students clad in their traditional apparel to display the cultural dances.
The festival was packed with lots of activities which include poetry recitals, display of colourful costumes and make-ups by various traditions.
After the event, a section of the students interviewed expressed excitement and expressed the hope that the event would continue.
The Assistant Director of the School, Yvette Brown said she expected next year's event to be mega.
She thanked the students and the organisers for the commitment to ensure the event was successful.
She said it was time for students to know their culture and such events were the practical ways of making them know their culture and traditions.
Ms Brown said modernity coupled with increasing interest in social media was believed to have corrupted the youth and it behooves educational institutions like Seven Great Princes Academy to lead the way of getting the youth back on track.
The Ga traditional group performers were adjudged the best on the day
The cultural day is a celebration of various tribes, traditions and culture of diverse students from the 10 regions, the African continent and Europe in the school.
GNA
21.03.2017 LISTEN
By Iddi Yire/Caroline Pomeyie, GNA
Accra, March 21, GNA - The Institute for Democratic Governance (IDEG), organised a reflective meeting to deliberate on building inclusive and engaging Governance Issues Forum Network (GIFNet) in cocoa life communities and districts.
Dr. Emmanuel O. Akwetey, the Executive Director of IDEG, said the meeting was to assess the project implementation and define a strategy for building and engaging communities.
He added: 'citizens in the cocoa life communities should not be left out of the development agenda that the government will implement, the communities must be connected to the structure local government for active participation'.
He noted that cocoa communities which produce cocoa for exports and enable the country earn revenue were often neglected for this reason, IDEG has been implementing the Civic Empowerment of Cocoa Communities Project under the Cocoa Life Program.
Dr Akwetey said under the cocoa life program, the Governance Issues Forum (GIF) provides the platform for the training of citizens from the 121 beneficiary communities on governance issues.
IDEG implements the cocoa life program in partnership with World Vision, Abantu for Development, and the Right to Play and it is spread across five districts namely Bia West District; Juaboso District; Ahafo Ano North District; Sekyere East District; and Awutu Senya West District.
The formation of Cocoa Life GIFNet has culminated in some community members lobbying and advocating for their development priorities.
Mr Emmanuel Aboagye, Cocoa Life Project Coordinator from World Vision, said there have been major interventions including the training of 242 community animators and distributing 242 bicycles to them.
He added that through the intervention women groups have been trained in soap making using the cocoa pod in order for them to be able to generate household income.
Mr Isaac Haruna, Project Officer from IDEG also noted some impacts the active engagement of the citizens in the cocoa community have made.
He said the community mobilised themselves and spearheaded the construction of a four unit classroom block in Twabidi Beposo in the Sekyere East District; the construction of borehole for Debiso Senior High School by lobbying and seeking assistance from a philanthropist; and constructing a bridge connecting farmlands and community.
Mrs Anna Berlinda Baidoo, Education director of the Awutu Senya West District, commended the efforts of all GIFNets and suggested that the program looks beyong the five districts and spread across the country.
'The program must cover the whole country, when citizens are frustrated they take it to the media since the gap between the citizens and local governance has not been bridged. The program, which is seeing positive results, should be extended to every district,' she said.
IDEG has, since November 2015 been implement the Civic Empowerment of Cocoa Communities (CECC) under the Cocoa Life Program. GIF is an integral mechanism used for promoting citizens participation in decision-making and development at the local and national level. Individual and organizations that have undergone training in the GIF methodology form the GIF Network. The Cocoa Life GIFNet is currently operating in 59 communities out of 121 communities across the five districts.
GNA
By Regina Benneh, GNA
Kintampo(B/A) March 21, GNA - Vice President Alhaji Mahamudu Bawumia has urged students of the Wenchi Methodist Senior High School not to be traumatised by the death of their colleagues who were crashed by a fallen tree at the Kintampo Water Falls.
He said the tragedy was unfortunate, but there was nothing that could be done but to ask God 'to accept their souls.'
The Vice President was addressing students and staff of the school at Wenchi as part of his visit to kintampo with his entourage to assess the situation and to commiserate with the families of the departed ones.
Dr Bawumia stated that the tragedy had taken a national dimension as it affected the whole country.
He entreated the remaining students to overcome their fear and pains but to remain resolute on their studies.
The Vice President said government would not allow families of the victims to bear the cost alone and would therefore support each family of the deceased with GHE2,000.00 for the organisation of funeral rites and would also give GHE1,000.00 to those on admission to help foot their medical bills.
At Wenchi, the Vice president visited the family of one of the victims, Agartha Tamea, a form two student, where he consoled and donated an undisclosed amount to the family.
Dr Bawumia was accompanied by Mr Albert Kan Dapaah, the Minister of National Security, Mr Ambrose Dery, Minister of Interior, Madam Catherine Ablema Afeku, the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts and Mr Kweku Asomah - Cheremeh, Brong Ahafo Regional Minister.
Nineteen lives were lost involving students of the Wenchi SHS and University of Energy and Natural Resources (UNER) who went to the Falls on Sunday afternoon for educational tour in the North and on their return decided to have a feel of the Falls.
GNA
21.03.2017 LISTEN
Accra March 21, GNA - Mr Akrasi Sarpong, a former Executive Secretary of the Narcotics Control Board (NACOB), and a reporter of the Daily Graphic were on Tuesday convicted for contempt by an Accra High Court.
The NACOB boss was ordered by the Court to sign a bond to be of good behaviour or in default go to jail for two months.
The order came after the court presided over by Mr. Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden had found Mr. Sarpong guilty of contempt.
Mr. Sarpong is said to have registered his displeasure over the grant of bail to Chief Sunny Ikechukwu Benjy Eke, a 53- year-old businessman, and his accomplice, James Eleke Chukwu, a 47year old second-hand clothes dealer based in Accra for allegedly smuggling cocaine into the country.
A reporter of the Daily Graphic who also published the interview of Mr. Sarpong, after the grant of the bail was fined GH5,000.00 by the court after she was also found guilty of contempt.
Eke was picked up by NACOB and remanded in 2013 for attempting to smuggle 281,604 grammes of liquid cocaine valued at $12.5 million into the country.
The said drugs were alleged to have been concealed in a 40-footer container filled with 1,946 boxes of shampoo imported from Bolivia in South America.
However Mr. Sarpong was not enthused with the bail and described the terms of the bail as unfortunate because Eke was known to have jumped bail in Brazil.
Eke's team of lawyers proceeded to the court with a contempt application against the NACOB boss and the publication.
The court in its ruling held that Mr. Sarpong's comments were meant to derogate the authority of the court that granted bail to the suspects.
GNA
Blackmores Ltd [ASX:BKL] and Bellamys Australia Ltd [ASX:BAL] both climbed more than 5% this morning. Blackmores hit a high of $107.99, and Bellamys topped out at $4.04.
While Blackmores is up 3.35% year-to-date, Bellamys is still down more than 40% over the same period.
What happened?
This morning, the Australia Financial Review reported that China had delayed their tough cross-border e-commerce tax indefinitely:
The surprising backdown by Beijing comes ahead of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang arriving in Australia on Wednesday for talks on upgrading the free trade agreement and how to eliminate other non-tariff barriers.
The indefinite delay is a big win for vitamin makers Blackmores and Swisse, which were facing complex new licensing and labelling requirements in China. The backdown should also benefit infant formula makers a2 Milk Company and Bellamys Australia, which have been hurt by uncertainty on how the new regulations would be implemented.
Aussie goods via the cross-border e-commerce platform will now be classified as personal rather than common trade in China.
What now?
I wouldnt rush out to buy Blackmores or Bellamys just yet. The decision to delay the cross-border e-commerce tax will likely increase sales. Yet, will it be enough to justify buying Blackmores and Bellamys at their current price?
China contributed around 7% to Blackmores total revenues in FY16, accounting for $48 million of sales. In the first half of FY17, revenues from China increased to $66 million, making up 19.86% of Blackmores total revenues.
It stands to reason that there is a big opportunity in China for Aussie products that the likes of Blackmores produce. But, to capture this growth, you might have to take a long-term view.
Blackmores is not likely to run up 100%, 200% or even 500% in the next year or two. But, over the next five to 10 years, the stock has a good chance of hitting these figures. As long as Blackmores can keep their profit margin and revenues growth from China in the double-digits, the stock could be a great long-term investment.
And what about Bellamys?
To me, the situation with Bellamys is completely different. Along with profit declines, the company has trouble with management and cannot reliably forecast demand, causing inventory pile up.
It can be a good idea to buy stocks when they are depressed. Yet, when the stock has a reason to fall, usually, its safer to monitor the stock from afar.
Regards,
Harje Ronngard,
Junior Analyst, Money Morning
PS: Its not always easy to find growth among billion-dollar stocks. Unless they can significantly increase earnings, youd be lucky to get double-digit returns. Thats why some investors prefer the smaller end of the market.
Small-cap stocks are a riskier investment. There is no running away from it. But they can potentially grow earnings 10-fold in a short space of time.
Small-cap specialist Sam Volkering has been on the other end of small-caps running up 1,000% or more.
So far in 2017, Sam hasnt recommended a losing stock yet. In his advisory service, Australian Small-Cap Investigator, his top three active investments are up 304.57%, 466.04% and 1,624.49%.
To find out more, click here.
Wedding Day is a daydream for most of us, adolescent ladies since we turn 5. Flowers, gifts, great snow-white princess' attire it is all very significant, yet very different in every culture. Lets look into traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria, as it is quite bright and interesting.
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
Today we are going to talk about the wedding ceremony decorations of the famous Nigerian wedding day as Nigerian culture is considered to be one of the most interesting in the whole world. The wedding decorations in Nigeria differ from area to area. In general, they used to be different before Nigeria got westernized.
One of the most important things during the celebration is wedding hall decoration. It should not be too bright, but still colorful and beautiful. The most couple chooses white and any other color. For example white and red, white and yellow, etc. The light is also important. The couples often add extra lightening to their table, flowers, and others. It is important that wedding decoration and bridesmaids' dresses colors match. Wedding reception decorations are also performed in the same color scheme, however, with some extra addition as paper flowers, beautiful vases, pictures of the couple or huge letters.
Nigerian wedding look
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
READ ALSO: Urhobo traditional attire
Nigerian wedding decoration mostly includes the bright place for newlyweds to sit during the lasting celebration. If the wedded couple is Christian, they decorate the Church aisles in a traditional Christian way. Nonetheless, now more and more Nigerians choose the Western style for their wedding day. So you can find a lot of arches of Westernized, the dresses, and decorations in general. We should also mention the cake, which traditionally has a statue of the couple on the top.
Nigerian wedding flowers
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
If you would like to know what wedding flowers you should choose for your Special Day, you shall be surprised to learn that there are no restrictions on the flower for wedding decoration. Nigeria has never been associated with just one kind of flowers, so we are open to absorb any wedding decoration ideas from other different cultures in this aspect. The way the experts put the flowers into the bouquet can also be different and may even look like some Western Wedding Bouquets.
Nigerian wedding decor
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
Usually, Nigerian brides prefer to wear bright colorful headdresses as their main wedding accessories; this is an ancient tradition theyve kept until today. The numerous ornaments and also prints of these headdresses usually depend on the chosen colors for the wedding decorations. The bride should also wear some special ankle bracelets as well beautiful necklaces. However, the statistics show that nowadays less and less Nigerian brides choose to wear the traditional wedding dress for their wedding day.
Traditional wedding decoration in Nigeria
Yoruba traditional wedding decoration and Igbo traditional wedding decoration are very colorful and interesting too, but they deserve another article!
READ ALSO: 11 amazing wedding pictures you missed last weekend
Source: Legit.ng
- The number of old people's homes in Nigeria is nothing to write home about
- Much attention is not given to the few ones around
- But some children in Nigeria's capital, Abuja are changing this perception
The Amazing Grace Foundation Old People's Home in Kado Estate, Abuja on Friday, March 17, received special visitors.
The students distributing the gifts to the elderly ones
Senior Secondary School 2 students from The Hillside School in Gwarimpa, Abuja visited the septuagenarians and octogenarians bearing gifts of all sorts to cater for their needs and services.
The compassionate students were able to raise the money by themselves through fundraising which finally manifested into thousands of naira, which enabled them to give gifts of all sorts to the home.
READ ALSO: Khaleel Al-Makura allegedly crushes student to death
Students pay visit to old people's home in Abuja
The home received them warmly, and the youngsters spent ample time with the elderly ones. Prayers were made, speeches of thanks and appreciation were given.
The highlight was when the students lined up and presented each elderly person in the home with a gift bag. The elderly people were ecstatic and pleased to receive them and ended up clapping, singing and even dancing to show their joy at the children's generosity.
The elderly ones excited by the students' gesture
The students also made generous gift donations to the foundation aside from individual gifts and even gave a cash gift.
Some of the gifts the students gave the old people's home
READ ALSO: Senate begins investigation of Melaye over alleged certificate scandal
Abdulhakeem Ajijola, the PTA chairman of the school spoke to Legit.ng about his joy over the children's actions. He said: "This gives us hope for the future, that the generation that is coming has much more care than the one we belong to.
''I don't think many of us at this age were doing philanthropic gestures. We have to bear in mind that this children decided what they wanted to do, planned it, came here to do a survey and after the survey, decided on the different components and then went to the market with a budget and achieved it through fund raising and taking their parents.
"So I give glory to God that as a parent, one had lived long enough to see that one's children are maturing into not just successful human being, but good people.
"The SS2's are the first set of the school and even last year, they adopted a local government school in Gwarinpa. They went to the school and saw there was no playground, no furniture, books were scattered so they made some contributions to the school last year. They have been doing similar interventions in the past."
On his part, the foundation director, King Yangnde Madaki Kinang said: "It's exciting for small children like these to recognise that they have elderly people that they can take care of, it's a sign we are going to have a good generation who understand the plight of the elderly and how to take care of them. I want to encourage other schools to do so.
''Here, nobody sponsors this home. We have about 18 rooms who can accommodate people conveniently. We hear cases, we go in and see how we can rehabilitate them. What the children did today is one of the ways we use to finance the home. What they did is a very welcome idea!"
Source: Legit.ng
- The Fulani herdsmen had allegedly killed a farmer who had earlier consistently complained about their activities
- The indigenes of the community engaged in a reprisal attack which left three Fulani herdsmen dead
An attack by Fulani herdsmen on Yakira, a community in Baruten local government area of Kwara state, has left four people dead and many others injured.
The Fulani herdsmen allegedly killed four people in the community
Vanguard reports that the herdsmen were on reprisal following the killing of three of their colleagues in retaliation to the killing of an indigene of the community.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Gunmen storm Benue community, 30 killed
It was learnt that the indigene, whose death allegedly resulted in the killing of the herdsmen, had complained about incessant grazing of cattle on his farm.
He was later found dead in the farm.
Alhaji Musa Buge, the chairman of the transitional implementation committee for the council, has confirmed the killings.
He, however, explained that normalcy had been returned to the area and that arrangements were ongoing to have a security meeting of the council to work out a way to forestall future re-occurrence.
The police public relations officer for the Kwara state command, Ajayi Okasanmi, confirmed the killings but could not give the casualty figure.
READ ALSO: Cattle rustlers, bandits surrender weapons
According to him, the commissioner of police in the state, Olusola Amore, had ordered an investigation into the incident with a view to bringing the culprits to book.
Source: Legit.ng
- The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria has said that Senator Dino Melaye was impeached as the president of the National Association of Geography Students at the institution
- Some classmates of Melaye said he was impeached due to fraud allegations against him
Dino Melaye have said that he was impeached as the president of the National Association of Geography Students over fraud
The Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Kaduna state has said that the controversial senator representing Kogi West Central Dino Melaye was impeached as the president of the National Association of Geography Students at the institution.
Sahara Reporters said Melaye's classmates revealed that the senator was impeached due to fraud allegations against him.
This new development comes after Sahara Reporters, in its report, said Melaye did not graduate from ABU.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Dino Melaye in messy certificate scandal, school says he did not graduate
However, the senator in a series of tweet called out the media to sue him and ABU if there are facts available that he never graduated.
Accusing the media of publishing fake documents, Melaye said he was currently pursing his seventh degree at the university.
SR, you and your fake documents. Im presently a student of ABU pursuing my 7th degree. Go round all the UNIS I attended in digging more.
I cant be cowed. Still waiting for Sahara to indict me. What happened to the foreign account you reported I have. Na una go tire.
READ ALSO: Please sue me if it is true that I did not graduate from Zaria - Dino Melaye reacts
Will not be surprise if Sahara Reporters say Im not a Nigerian. Shame!" Melaye had tweeted.
Also, the information officer at the ABU Zaria Adamu Mohammed told Punch that he had no facts at his disposal that Senator Melaye did not graduate from the university.
Mohammed said he will need some time to find out if the senator truly graduated or not.
READ ALSO: Buhari and Fayoses aides go after Melaye over alleged certificate scandal
ABU has graduated several thousands of students over the years. Dino Melaye is just one student among thousands of the students. So, we have to find out. We have to go to the department to find out the truth about that.
So, by tomorrow morning, I should be able to find out for you. All the administrative officers in that department must have left office by now. Tomorrow by 10am or 11am there about, I should have gotten my facts," Mohammed said.
Source: Legit.ng
Editor's note: The former minister of aviation Femi Fani-Kayode lends his voice to the controversy between the Nigerian Senate and the comptroller general of Nigeria Customs Service Hameed Ali.
He also highlighted unbelievable reasons the customs CG has refused to accept the Nigeria Customs Service uniform.
Hameed Ali on his way to meet with Senators at the National Assembly
Retired Colonel Hameed Ali, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, is a proud and stubborn man. His disdain for others and insufferable arrogance is not only vexatious to the spirit but also downright nauseating.
Someone should remind him that the Holy Bible says "the Lord resists the proud and exalts the humble".
Another should tell him that, according to Greek mythology, nemesis always follows hubris. If he doubts that he should find out what happened to a character called Icarus.
Clearly this obnoxious and cantankerous little man needs to be brought down a peg or two and pulled off his high horse.
I say this because I cannot but wonder how any reasonable, right-thinking and responsible person can refuse to wear the uniform of an agency that he heads and leads.
READ ALSO: Why Hameed Ali may be the last outsider appointed comptroller-general of customs
This is especially so when the Nigerian Senate has, for the second time, asked him to do so when appearing before them.
The first time he apologized and promised to do so and the second time he stubbornly refused and was consequently and appropriately thrown out of the Senate Chamber.
There may be no law in our statute books that constrains or compels him to wear his uniform but humility, good manners, morality, wisdom, custom and decency most certainly do.
How does he and those that support him expect those working under him in the Nigerian Customs Service to feel when he refuses to wear their uniform?
Is he not indirectly telling them that he is superior to them and that he is too good for them? This is a service that they have dedicated their lives and careers to. I wonder how that affects their morale?
And in any case what signal is he sending to the Nigerian people and to the rest of the world?
Such a thing has never happened before and the truth is that such open and obvious contempt being displayed by a senior government official and the head of a paramilitary organisation and government parastatal towards his underlings and the agency that he heads is rarely seen.
Ali has contempt for his Minister who he is meant to report to. He has contempt for the government agency that he purportedly leads. He has contempt for the people that work under him in that agency.
READ ALSO: Why wearing customs uniform will belittle Hameed Ali Retired general
He has contempt for the Nigerian Senate. He has contempt for the government that he serves and finally he has contempt for the Nigerian people.
By his open defiance what he is really saying is the following:
"You people just don't get it. I belong to the small circle of those who OWN Nigeria and you people and your customs, rules, regulations, practices, conventions and norms do not matter".
He is saying, "You are nothing before us and you can shout and scream as much as you like. At the end of the day, whether you like it or not, we are in power, we were born to rule and we OWN you all so just shut up and sit down!"
That is his mindset and it is simply appalling. And with him this has always been the case. If anyone doubts that they should find out a little more about his antecedents and what he stands for. They should find out about his history and record in and outside of the military.
They should do the research and find out what he did as Military Governor of Kaduna state during the regime of General Sani Abacha and later Sec. Gen. of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
They should read the derogatory and incendiary statements he made about the south, the Middle Belt and all those that opposed the agenda of the ACF at the time.
READ ALSO: Senate issues arrest warrant on customs boss Hameed Ali
To say that he was arrogant, overbearing, racist and tribalist and that he is a bigot would be an understatement.
And worst still he is a total and complete creation of President Muhammadu Buhari. He was his Chief of Staff during numerous presidential campaigns and the President loves him as if he were his own son.
That, together with a streak of atrocity, explains Ali's sheer impudence and supreme confidence on this and so many other issue.
He is reported to have said that he will not wear the customs uniform because he is a retired officer of the Nigerian Army and the only uniform he will ever wear again is the military one.
Does this man have a brain?
One wonders what infantile nonsense this is? What misplaced arrogance and childish verbiage? What absurd and good old fashioned gobbledygook? I really don't know whether to laugh or cry.
If Ali was not prepared to honor and respect the conventions and norms of the Nigerian Customs Service why did he accept the job?
Since when did things degenerate to this level in our country? Has Nigeria turned into a land of misfits, comedians and Tolkien-like orcs and goblins or are we still a nation of serious-minded and sensible human beings and precious souls?
Are we a giant army barracks where only senior military officers and commanders are respected or a sovereign and independent nation-state where the will of the people holds sway at all times and in all matters.
Are we a zoo that is populated by wild animals and ravenous beasts or a land of honorable men and respected mortals?
Does Ali not know that military rule ended in Nigeria 18 years ago in 1999 and that the Nigerian people are not interested in it EVER coming back or of being reminded about its traumatizing and barbaric excesses?
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Customs boss Hameed Ali dares Senate, arrives without wearing uniform (Photo)
Does he, like a small handful of other hard-line, ultra-conservative, core northern retired army officers, see Nigeria as nothing but a vassal state and subjugated colony that was conquered by his forefathers, elders, leaders, mentors and seniors in the military after the "northern officers revenge coup" of January 29th 1966?
If this is the case then he is still living in the distant past and he is certainly in urgent need of psychiatric attention. He also needs a series of powerful all-night prayer sessions for deliverance from the malevolent demons that control him.
His attitude and disposition certainly throws up a lot of questions? Amongst them are as follows:
Firstly does Nigeria live for the military or does the military live for Nigeria?
Secondly if he had come from the southern or Middle Belt zone of the country would he have dared to pull this stunt and, if so, would he have got away with it?
If he had not been from the core north and a member of the President's inner circle of untouchables would Buhari have tolerated his irresponsible behaviour and his sheer indiscipline.
If he had not been Buhari's soul-mate and kinsman would the President have endorsed his not so subtle refusal to bow before civilian institutions and to submit to civilian authority.
In any case who the hell does Ali really think he is? Does he believe that he is the reincarnation of Usman Dan Fodio of the Fulani Caliphate or the living manifestation of Salahudeen Yusuf of Egypt and Syria?
He was retired as a colonel in the military many years ago and there was nothing that was particularly distinguished about his career. He was certainly not a blue-blooded, swashbuckling, gallant, courageous, good-looking, principled and polo-playing Col. Abubakar 'Dangiwa' Umar.
And neither can he compare himself to the great Major-General Hananiya who retired as a Major-General in the Nigerian Army and yet who proudly wore the uniform of the Federal Road Safety Commission after being appointed as the head of that agency?
READ ALSO: Will he die if he wears uniform? For daring Senate, Nigerians MERCILESSLY TROLL customs boss
Whatever misplaced, vain and inconceivable notions that he has ought to be kept to himself and if I had been his Minister I would have insisted that he not only wore his uniform to all official functions and meetings but also during office hours.
The man is really very strange. He has what I would describe as the "Cassius look". Like the character Cassius in Shakespeare's 'Julius Caesar' he is lean, mean, spartan, silent, hungry and dangerous. This is a cold man with a dark soul: a man that is as hard as nails and who finds it difficult to smile.
He is what the British refer to as a "strange fish". He is reticent, reclusive, nocturnal, limited in knowledge, stunted in intelligence, very thuggish and, worst of all, he sees and says "AREWA" before anything else.
My friend and brother, Oloye Yinka Odumakin, the spokesman of Afenifere and a leading columnist and writer in Nigeria, wrote the following as part of his contribution to the debate. He said,
"Ali answers to the Comptroller General of Customs title. He lives in the official residence. He takes the pay. He uses the official cars and takes ALL the privileges of the office. But he rejects ONLY the uniform!"
This is a pertinent observation. Odumakin has hit the nail on the head.
In his own contribution Bashorun Akin Osuntokun, one of the most respected and courageous columnists in the country and a formidable historian and veteran politician, said:
"One problem of our people is exasperating political naivety and lack of strategic thinking. This Ali man was the most truculent secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum.
His recent behavior is a typical manifestation of the northern hegemony syndrome hence a strategic enemy of our vision of an egalitarian Nigeria. And here is an opportunity to advance this objective - and what do we do with it?"
How right Osuntokun is. And for the benefit of those that are defending Ali on the specious grounds that the law does not compel him to wear the uniform he went on to ask:
"Is there any law that says we must rise when the President enters a gathering? Or is there any law that says we must play the National Anthem at official functions?"
Osuntokun's point is well served and well taken. These are pertinent questions that he has asked. Both he and Odumakin have done justice to the matter.
Their words appropriately and adequately reflect the sheer arrogance and impunity of Hameed Ali and the ignorance and naivety of those that are encouraging, defending and supporting him.
Osuntokun's earlier point particularly reflects the fact that there is a terrible weakness and a lack of fortitude and courage coupled with a deep and grave affliction buried deep in the souls of those that truly crave for a just and egalitarian society in Nigeria yet who, when they see a man like Ali beating his chest like an alpha male gorilla, either openly support him in his scandalous tomfoolery or they remain silent in awe and trepidation of him.
Nothing is more shocking and disappointing than the disposition and behaviour of such people, many of whom ought to know better.
Essentially the problem here is that many that have been turned into slaves in our country do not even know that they are slaves anymore because they have gotten used to it and they see it as the norm. This, surely, is the worse form of bondage and slavery.
READ ALSO: 4 senators that pleaded with Hameed Ali to wear his uniform (photos)
Permit me to share an example of such a twisted and warped mindset and disposition with you here.
During the American civil war you actually had some black slaves fighting for the southern Confederate forces of Dixie despite the fact that those same forces were fighting to perpetuate the institution of slavery.
That is how I view those that constantly support and encourage the arrogant hegemonist monsters that live amongst us and those who cannot comprehend the damage that they are doing to our collective cause and pysche by doing so.
That is how I see those that are quick to endorse and applaud the shameful challenge and affront of Hameed Ali to the Senate and to the Nigerian people.
They are the tragedy of Nigeria and without their support conflicted personalities like Ali would not get away with the kind of things that they are getting away with.
May the Lord deliver us from power-mad and arrogant men who attempt to play God, whose time is short and whose clock is ticking fast. Shalom.
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Source: Legit.ng
Reports reaching Legit.ng indicate that the body recovered by marine policemen is not that of Dr Allwell Orji who was said to have jumped into the Lagos lagoon on Sunday, March 19.
The spokesperson for the Zone 2 Police Command, SP Dolapo Badmos said, The mother has come to identify the body recovered, but she said the deceased was not her son.
It was reported earlier that the corpse of Allwell Orji, a medical doctor, who jumped into the lagoon on the Third Mainland Bridge had been recovered by marine policemen.
BREAKING: Body of medical doctor who jumped into Lagos lagoon found
A police source speaking to The Punch said that Allwells mother had been contacted to come for the identification of the body.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu speaks after trial in court
The body of the doctor was found at about 11.30am. We want to be double sure and his parent has been called to come and identify the body, the source added.
However the Lagos State Police Command has retracted its statement that the body of Dr. Allwell Orji who jumped into the Lagos lagoon on Sunday evening had been found.
The Lagos State Police Command has retracted its statement that the body of Dr. Orji who jumped into the Lagos lagoon on Sunday had been found.
According to Channels Television, the Lagos state commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni had confirmed the body belongs to the medical doctor.
He said the body was recovered by the Marine Police at the Onikan end of the lagoon.
Dr. Orjis body was found three days after the incident occurred.
Until his death, the deceased worked at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Surulere area of Lagos state.
He was said to be on his way to Victoria Island for a meeting with the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria when the incident happened.
It would be recalled that the deceased on Sunday, March 19, 2017 had asked his driver to stop the vehicle before jumping across the bridge and into the water.
The Lagos State Emergency Agency (LASEMA) in a statement said there was a distress call of a man who parked his grey coloured Nissan SUV about 4.50 pm around Adekunle and jumped into the Lagos lagoon.
The agency said the vehicle and the driver had been taken to Adeniji Adele Police Station for further investigation.
READ ALSO: Man whose picture goes viral after doctor jumps into Lagos Lagoon says he is not the one
UPDATE: Body found not that of medical doctor who jumped into Lagos lagoon
The young doctor had attempted to kill himself four years ago, claiming this was made known by neighbours at the family residence of the victim located on Odunukan street, Ebute-Ejigbo, Yaba area of Lagos.
According to the report, Orji was saved then by neighbours.
Source: Legit.ng
- Senate president Bukola Saraki and his loyalists are said to be planning for the downfall of former Senator Ali Ndume
- Ndume is set to be suspended by the upper house of legislature very soon for reportedly making un-parliamentary statements in the media
- Dino Melaye is said to be at the forefront of the movement for the suspension of the lawmaker representing Borno-south senatorial district
Ndume is accused of making un-parliamenatary commentaries in the media
Daily Sun is reporting that barring any last minute changes, Senators have concluded plans to suspend Ali Ndume from the upper house over what they described as un-parliamentary utterances made by the lawmaker from Borno south.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Body of medical doctor who jumped into Lagos lagoon found
The newspaper reports that plans were made in the camp of the Senate President Bukola Saraki and another senator, who is seen to be neutral, has been approached to move a motion on the floor of the Senate to that effect.
Senators loyal to Saraki are said to already be reaching out to their colleagues who are yet to join the train and multiple sources in the know said Ndumes suspension may happen any time soon.
Chairman of the Federal Capital Territory committee Senator Dino Melaye is believed to be leading the attack on Ndume.
Ndume reportedly incurred the wrath of Saraki and his supporters when he protested the rejection of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Ibrahim Magu by the Senate.
READ ALSO: Late Dr Orji first attempted killing himself 4 years ago - Witneses
Legit.ng recalls that Ndume had accused Saraki of erring by accepting a new report not signed by the Director-General of Department of State Services Lawal Daura.
He also queried Saraki for not reading a similar letter written to the Senate President by an Assistant Comptroller General of Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) on behalf of the Col. Hameed Ali despite accepting the one from the DSS.
Ndume, after the second rejection of Magu, granted several press interviews where he openly criticized Saraki and the entire Senate for rejecting Magu.
Meanwhile, Ndume, on Tuesday, March 21, moved a motion on the floor of the house requesting that allegations of misuse of office and certificate forgery against Saraki and Melaye respectively should be investigated to ensure that there was no abuse of legislative privileges by them.
Ndume moved the motion on order of national importance and the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges is looking into the two allegations and will report back to the house in two weeks.
Source: Legit.ng
Essien Attah, a colleague of the late , Allwell Orji, the medical doctor who allegedly killed himself by jumping into the Lagos lagoon, has provided new insights into the incident.
Orji reportedly ordered his driver to stop the car on the Third Mainland Bridge on Sunday, March 19, alighted from the car and jumped into the lagoon.
Rescue operations are still ongoing to retrieve Orji's corpse from the lagoon
Efforts are being made to retrieve his body. The marine police discovered a body on Tuesday, March 21, but Orjis mother says that is not his son.
Attah, who took to social media to pour out the details complained about many issues hindering the progress of doctors in the country.
Titled AND THE DOCTOR DIED Essien wrote: Dr Orji Allwell was my junior and also a graduate of College of Medicine University of Lagos. Indeed I left the great citadel of learning just when he was learning the rudiments of the profession hence our paths never crossed but if they had, I would have embraced him like a brother and share ward round tales of how we survived the likes of Professor Bode and Professor Odum.
READ ALSO: LASEMA reveals identity of medical doctor who jumped into Lagos Lagoon
But Dr Orji is dead. I heard he jumped off Third Mainland Bridge in an apparent su*cide. What could have pushed the young man to take his own life? What level of frustration can kill the joy of life in an intelligent young man?
Indeed the dark-side of medicine in Nigeria has once again reared its ugly head. A profession that is in the final death throes of extinction has claimed another victim.
The incident has since Sunday thrown many Nigerians into mourning.
Indeed many see doctors as being on top of the food chain hence they carry a heavy burden. Numerous relatives feast on their finances like hungry vultures who keep on coming back for more carion. They can never take no for answer for it is said doctors always have money as if they work in Nigerian Mint.
Besides the retinue of dependents, there is the drop in job satisfaction. The recalcitrant nature of government has left many doctors on half pay, irregular pay or no pay at all. How can a man with a retinue of dependents and a gamut of hungry mouths to feed survive when his small stipend is irregular and subject to political manipulations?
And the frustration only mounts when you see your colleagues who travelled overseas faring far better despite your waning patriotic zeal that Nigeria will be better.
The medical doctor added: This is only the beginning of frustration to harbour such justified thoughts.
Then there is the poor state of affairs in the health sector. Incessant strikes and decaying infrastructure have reduced doctors in Nigeria to a basal level of indignation and anger. It is now easier to squeeze water from stone than ensure the best possible care for patients. The most basic of life saving measures like oxygen and blood transfusion services are fast becoming a luxury and it is only a man of stone who will not feel depressed at the loss of a patient whose life could have been saved. Doctors see the poverty and the helplessness of the common man every day. And when you care for another human being, their problems become your problem as well hence you share in their laughter, sorrow or frustrations.
This is the lot of a Nigerian doctor.
But the worst culprits of them all are fellow doctors. How many colleagues called Dr Orji and asked how he was doing? How many went out of their way to show him love through his time of difficulty? A doctor is not super human. He is flesh and blood. We all need each other.
READ ALSO: Late Dr Orji first attempted killing himself 4 years ago - Witneses
Instead professional rivalry amidst the spectre of consolidating respect and loyalty breeds a medical milieu that is akin to a rat race or the dog eat dog phenomenon in a bid to survive shark infested waters of economic recession and financial stability.
He noted that the younger doctors bemoan the vindictive tendencies of their seniors who train amidst abuse and subjugation while the seniors are angered at the dwindling spectre of respect in the profession.
Hence a tense atmosphere of unequally yoked colleagues is the bane of the medical profession in Nigeria that stokes the embers of sadness, hopelessness and depression.
Dr Orji took it to the extreme but many more doctors are ill motivated and dissatisfied with the system. Those who can, have left while others are in the process of leaving. These are indeed the lucky majority for Nigeria has twice the number of Nigerian trained doctors overseas than the number at home.
And the trend is worsening as even more are jetting out as their future in Nigeria appears ever so bleak.
It is time for doctors to close ranks. Care for one another. Respect your seniors. And seniors stop belittling the younger colleagues. End the rivalry that sees parents eating their young and vice versa. It takes nothing to be kind to one another. Kindness and love are all Dr Orji needed but on his day of need we were all found wanting.
Many a colleague are going through a lot but because of the burden of society, they feel ashamed to speak out. Hence the onus is on us doctors to seek them out and nurture them back to sound mental and physical health. Thats what it means to be your brothers keeper.
Patients should also learn to appreciate their doctor. This is the sole joy of a doctor that no one can take from them. Their service to humanity shouldnt only be rewarded in heaven but a simple thank you can go a long way to making a doctors day. These are the worst of times to be sick in Nigeria and its also the worst of times for health personnel.
I know so many who are without a job and are struggling to survive. Even those with a job are living from hand to mouth.
READ ALSO: UPDATE: Body found not that of medical doctor who jumped into Lagos lagoon
Dont mind the facade of Dr Orjis beautiful Nissan SUV, the man had issues and just a calming word could have averted this tragedy.
Say something nice to someone today. It might make the difference between life and death. Show love to someone today. That may give them a reason to keep on living.
Life is too short to spend it unhappy. Put a smile on someones face today. Dr Orji is no more and the doctor died, oh what a day of sorrow for many have tried but have failed to overcome the sorrow of today. Be an overcomer today. Make yourself happy but its even better when you make someone else happy. It is well.and the doctor died, oh what a pity for a life lost prematurely to the sands of time.
Some Nigerians who reacted, expressed sadness at the way Orji had to take his own life partly because of frustration as stated by Attah.
Source: Legit.ng
- A protesting group has occupied the Abuja office of the Amnesty International
- The group have also started cooking their meals in front of the office, Legit.ng can authoritatively report
- The protesting group were seen cooking noodles in front of Amnesty International's office in Abuja
Protesting group occupies Amnesty International's office in Abuja
A protesting group has occupied the Abuja office of the Amnesty International.
The group have also started cooking their meals - noodles and boiled yam - in front of the office, Legit.ng can authoritatively report.
The group, Global Peace and Life Rescue Initiative (GOPRI) on Tuesday, March 21, said its members will not leave the arena until AI leaves Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Just in: Protesters storm Amnesty office over allegedly faulty reports of Army and Police (photo)
The protesters in their scores commenced the protest on Monday, March 20, after it issued a seven-days ultimatum to AI to leave Nigeria.
A protesting group has occupied the Abuja office of the Amnesty International
The group accused the international organization of fabricating reports to paint the Nigerian government and its military in bad light.
The group who in their thousands were observed cooking noodles said the human rights organization was undermining the security of the Nigerian nation.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: See how gunmen caused rivers of blood to flow in Benue community (Graphic Photos)
Speaking during the second day of the protest, the executive director of GPORI Melvin Ejeh said, the protest which is continuous will continue tomorrow.
The protesting group cooked their launch (noodles) in front of Amnesty International's office
He said the group members will converge at the AI's office again on Wednesday, March 22, until the human rights organization leaves Nigeria.
Ejeh also urged more Nigerians to come out en mass to eject the organization he described as "enemies of Nigeria".
He also decried what he termed as the continuous attempt by AI to portray Nigeria as a country without respect for human rights.
READ ALSO: Dangote drops out of TOP 100 richest in the world, meet 3 richest Nigerians for 2017
He said over the years, Nigerians have watched as the Amnesty International tries to give the country a bad reputation internationally, saying that Nigerians now know the true motive of the organisation.
The group accused the international organization of fabricating reports to paint the Nigerian government and its military in bad light
Meanwhile, the protesters who enjoyed the launched during the protesters carried placards reading
The protesters carried various placards with inscriptions such as "Amnesty leave our country in peace or in pieces," Amnesty international, you freeze when terrorists kill us," "enough is enough" "Amnesty international, we know your mission"
Source: Legit.ng
After he was disgraced by the Senate recently for refusing to wear the uniform of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Hameed Ali, the organisations comptroller-general, has vowed to shun further invitation.
Ali says he would not appear before the Senate as expected because of a legal advice against it
Ali was told to make himself available on Wednesday, March 22, in the official uniform of the customs service when he appeared before the senators last week. He was subsequently walked out of the chamber.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Senate begins investigation of Melaye over alleged certificate scandal
It is learnt that Ali has now written to the Senate again on why he would not appear before them as demanded.
As the letter reached the Senate, a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja further barred Ali from honouring the upper chamber's invitation for Wednesday.
Vanguard reports that the development followed a lawsuit filed at the court by Mohammed Ibrahim, a lawyer.
The report said the writ of summons in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/207/2017, and filed before the court Ibrahim has asked that the status quo be maintained pending the determination of the matter before it.
Ibrahim argues that it was not within the powers of the Senate to dictate to Ali, who was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari, pursuant to the latters powers under sections 5 and 171 of the Constitution, how to conduct himself.
Reports say Ali told the Senate in the new letter that he would not appear based on the advice of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.
He further claimed Malami wrote to him and all the parties involved with his invitation by the Senate to stay action pending the determination of an originating summons filed by Ibrahim.
READ ALSO: Senator Dino Melaye in certificate scandal
Hameed Ali said following the service of the of the summons on him, he sought legal advice and got it from Malami.
Days ago, retired major general and former governor of the defunct Western state, David Jemibewon, said the demand by the Senate that the comptroller-general of Nigeria Customs Service appears before it in service uniform senators was unnecessary.
Jemibewon described Hameed Ali, a retired colonel, as a fine military man who should not belittle himself with customs uniform, Premium Times reports.
The retired general, who once served as the minister of police affairs, said he would have resigned if anyone had compelled him to wear police uniform as a minister.
He said: It would be belittling the position of the uniform of a member of the Armed forces."
Source: Legit.ng
- Senator Dino Melaye insists he graduated from Ahmadu Bello University
- He is involved in a scandal after report surfaced that he left the school before graduation
- The Senate is investigating this claims
Senator Dino Melaye has lashed out at Senator Ali Ndume for asking the Senate to investigate allegations that he did not graduate from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU).
Melaye is involved in a scandal after reports from Sahara Reporters indicated that although he attended ABU, he did not graduate.
READ ALSO: Saraki, Senators move to suspend ex-majority leader Ndume
Ndume who is the former Senate leader at the plenary on Tuesday, March 20 had raised a point of order asking the Senate to investigate the allegation.
Dino Melaye blasts Ndume over certificate scandal
He said: One has to do with the distinguished Senator Bukola Saraki, the Senate President, and it was reported in a paper; I have it here. With your permission, I will want to, after making presentation, lay it down. It says that, Senate on Vengeance After Nigeria Customs seized Senator Sarakis bullet-proof Range Rover Over Fake Documents.
My colleagues that are following events, particularly online, have seen, heard or read the train of abuses on this Senate and the misconception of the fact that we invited the Customs CG based on a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent. But now, we are faced with this and the (Senate) President has been found in this National Assembly.
During the 4th Assembly, Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery; he was investigated and determined. After that, in the 5th Assembly, Bello Masari was accused of certificate forgery (secondary school); it was investigated and was cleared. In the 6th Senate, Dimeji Bankole was accused of not having NYSC certificate; it was investigated and he had to show his NYSC certificate.
Now, that brings me to the second matter. In the National Assembly, here in the Senate of the 4th Assembly, Enwerem was accused and it was also investigated. Wabara was accused of collecting bribe and it was investigated and determined. So, a lot of precedences have been set. Now, the second matter of privilege affects my colleague, Sheikh Dino Melaye, and it is in the Punch of today (Tuesday) on Page 10; I have the newspaper. In Punch, it says, Dino Melaye in first-degree certificate scandal.'
Melaye in response lashed out at Ndume describe g him as a Boko Haram suspect.
He said: I and here to respond to the issue raised by the Boko Haram suspect (and) senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ali Ndume. I want to say, to me, it is a welcome development. Democracy is about investigation and no senator is above investigation. To me, it is a welcome development and it will finally clear the air on all the malicious and vindictive allegations.
To say that I did not graduate from ABU is to say that I am not a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ABU is a very prestigious university in this country and it is not possible for one to be running a masters programme in the university when one did not graduate from a university. I have successfully completed one and I am doing the second one.
A copy of Melaye's result from ABU
I want to announce that this is the eighth degree that I am pursuing. I am also a graduate of University of Abuja, where I did Masters in Policy Analysis. I am a graduate of London School of Economics and Political Science. I am also a graduate of Harvard University. The course I am pursuing now will make it my eighth degree.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Senate begins investigation of Melaye over alleged certificate scandal
He said he would leave the panel except he is asked to come for questioning.
Definitely, in the interest of justice, I will excuse myself from the consideration of this matter except when invited for questioning.
I have my admission letters, results, certificate of discharge from ABU. Not only that, I was the Student Union Government President of ABU. On three occasions, I was the most popular student on campus.
Source: Legit.ng
- Senator Dino Melaye claimed he has a degree from Harvard University
- According to report, the university denied this
- It was reported he only did a one-week course
Harvard has responded to claim by Senator Dino Melaye that he has a degree from the institution.
The Senator is currently facing a scandal after it was reported that he did not graduate from the Ahmadu Bello University as he claimed.
Senator Ali Ndume had raised a point of order asking the Senate to probe the allegation that Melaye did not graduate from ABU has claimed.
READ ALSO: Saraki, Senators move to suspend ex-majority leader Ndume
In response, Melaye had lashed out at the Senator saying not only did he graduate from Abu but claimed he also has a degree from Harvard.
He had said: I and here to respond to the issue raised by the Boko Haram suspect (and) senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Ali Ndume. I want to say, to me, it is a welcome development. Democracy is about investigation and no senator is above investigation. To me, it is a welcome development and it will finally clear the air on all the malicious and vindictive allegations.
To say that I did not graduate from ABU is to say that I am not a senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. ABU is a very prestigious university in this country and it is not possible for one to be running a masters programme in the university when one did not graduate from a university. I have successfully completed one and I am doing the second one.
READ ALSO:: Senate begins investigation of Melaye over alleged certificate scandal
I want to announce that this is the eighth degree that I am pursuing. I am also a graduate of University of Abuja, where I did Masters in Policy Analysis. I am a graduate of London School of Economics and Political Science. I am also a graduate of Harvard University. The course I am pursuing now will make it my eighth degree.
According to Sahar Reporters, Melaye did not get a degree from Harvard but only did a one-week development court in 2016.
"Contrary to claims by @dino_melaye that he acquired academic degree at @Harvard the university said there was nothing like that
"@Harvard's Kennedy School Executive Education said @dino_melaye only attended a professional dev course that lasted 1 week in 2016."
Source: Legit.ng
- The US Supreme Court has passed a law reducing the powers of the President
- On Tuesday, March 21 the court put new restrictions on Presidential powers of appointment
- The law prevents the president from appointing staff for certain top government posts
Donald Trump's refusal to shake Angela Merkel's hand at a recent meeting caused a huge uproar in the United States
On Tuesday, March 21, the U.S. Supreme Court put new restrictions on presidential powers. The law successfully limits a presidents authority to staff certain top government posts.
The case involves appointment to the National Labour Relations Board (NLRB). With a 6-2 margin, the majority upheld an initial ruling by a lower court.
The ruling of the lesser court was that President Barack Obama exceeded his legal authority with his temporary appointment of an NLRB general counsel in 2011.
READ ALSO: Trump's cut to states set to affect Nigerian healthcare, NGOs
Chief Justice John Roberts said that under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, a person would not be able to serve as the acting head of a federal agency once the president nominates him or her to permanently serve in the role.
According to Bloomberg, the appointment for that position requires U.S. Senate confirmation. SW General Inc, a Scottsdale, Arizona-based private ambulance company and a subsidiary of Envision Healthcare Holdings Inc (EVHC.N), had challenged the makeup of the NLRB.
This means that President Donald Trump and future presidents would have less flexibility in filling jobs that require Senate confirmation.
READ ALSO: Donald Trump shares favourite Irish proverb but research shows it is written by Nigerian poet
However, two of those present; Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg disagreed saying: "The court ignored the fact that since the law governing vacancies was adopted in 1998; over 100 people have served in acting roles while the U.S. Senate considered their nominations for permanent jobs."
Meanwhile, Trump and Merkel met at a joint appearance at the White House and the US president completely ignored Merkel's hand.
While the President Trump had earlier greeted the German leader with a handshake upon her arrival at the White House, he appeared to ignore requests to do so as the pair sat together later in front of TV cameras.
Watch a video below of a Nigerian:
Source: Legit.ng
Governor Samuel Ortom has escaped death after his convoy was involved in an accident.
The Benue governor was returning from Zaki Biam when a commercial Carina ll Toyota car slammed into his convoy.
READ ALSO: 4 die as Fulani herdsmen clash with Kwara community
The incident happened on Tuesday, March 21 when the governor was returning from his assessment of the gun attack at International Yam Market in the state.
Although no life was lost, one of the passengers in the car sustained head injury and had to be taken to the hospital on the order of the governor.
Comrade Kris Atsaka who is the chairman of the states National Union Of Journalists was in the convoy and sustained injuries.
Confirming the incident, the chief press secretary to the governor, Terver Akase, said the governor and other members of his entourage were unhurt.
"We give God thanks and praise for His intervention in the minor accident which occurred on our way back from Zaki-Biam this afternoon.
"The incident occurred about 4:30pm between Abakwa and Adi in Buruku local government area", Akase said.
Governor Ortom escapes death as car rams into his convoy
Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari commiserated with the government and people of Benue state on the recent attack on a market in Zaki Biam by unknown gunmen which resulted in the loss of lives.
The President condemned the wicked attack and directs security agencies to begin immediate investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.
On his Facebook page, the president wrote: "I am saddened by the recent attack by gunmen on a market in Zaki Biam, Benue state, and which resulted in the loss of lives. I commiserate with the Government and people of Benue state. I assure that the incident will be investigated, and the perpetrators brought to justice.
See photos of the accident below:
Source: Legit.ng
Alhaji Haruna Usman, the chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), on Tuesday, March 21, accused soldiers of killing 17 herdsmen in Daile Alkariyo village, Jamaa local government area in the southern part of Kaduna state.
According to Usman, the incident occurred on Monday, March 20, revealing that over 40 houses were burnt down by the soldiers during the incident, Leadership reports.
READ ALSO: BREAKING: Senate begins investigation of Melaye over alleged certificate scandal
Miyetti Allah claims that Soldiers killed 17 herdsmen in Southern Kaduna
Usman said: They invited the security personnel to come and intervene in the issue, but when they came, they started killing Fulani. They killed about 17 and burnt about 47 houses.
It is not the indigenes of the area that killed the Fulanis, the military men killed them. So it is the government that kill them and I dont know the reason.
The military men burnt their homes and killed them. In fact one old man, almost 75 years old, was shot on the leg, he has only one leg, they shot the other leg.
Yesterday (on Monday), I called the Garrison Commander to inform him about what was happening, he said he was going to check and contact the Commanding Officer of the area, but we have not spoken since then.
READ ALSO: Allwell Orji's colleague reveals why the medical doctor killed himself
However, Kingsley Umoh, spokesman 1 division of the Nigerian Army, Kaduna, told The Cable that he was not aware of the incident when contacted.
I cant confirm that incident, but I will soon give an update on happenings in southern Kaduna, he said.
Reaction from the spokesman of the Kaduna state police command, Aliyu Usman, was still awaited as at the time of filing this report.
Over 200 people have been killed in the last few months in Southern Kaduna in clashes between herdsmen and largely farming communities.
This has prompted the Kaduna state government to embark on several peace initiatives to help check the violence.
Source: Legit.ng
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PHILADELPHIA Bill Cosby wants potential jurors pre-screened for any bias in his sexual-assault trial that is due to start in June, lawyers for the entertainer said on Monday.
In a motion filed with the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Mr. Cosbys lawyers argued that, because of intense media coverage of the case, many potential jurors have already made up their minds as to whether Mr. Cosby is guilty or not. Therefore, they said, an extra level of scrutiny is warranted before the regular jury-selection process.
Most, if not all, potential jurors have seen some form of media coverage relating to the criminal charges against Mr. Cosby, and those who have already formed opinions about him, his accuser and/or the charges against him cannot be fair and impartial jurors in this case, the document said.
In a typical case, prospective jurors are questioned in the courtroom before trial by both sides to see if they exhibit any signs of bias. In its motion, the defense is asking Judge Steven T. ONeill to also approve a questionnaire that jurors would fill out before any hearings. The questions would include how many media reports on the case a prospective juror has read or seen, and whether he or she has formed an opinion in the case.
Season 1, Episode 6: Social Media and Its Discontents
In 1999, Joss Whedons genre bending, pop feminist masterwork Buffy the Vampire Slayer aired The Zeppo in Season 3. The episode had several of the qualities that made the series an enduring cult hit, with one noticeable difference: It was told from the perspective of a sidekick, Xander Harris (Nicholas Brendon). Giving Xander his own adventure separate from the rest of the cast gave viewers a new prism through which to filter Buffys potent ideas. The Zeppo illustrates how different a show can be when a character that exists in the margins is brought to the center. Watching Sundays episode of The Good Fight, I couldnt help but wonder how different an episode would be if it took on the perspective of one of the black members of the firm. If any character on The Good Fight deserves its very own Zeppo episode, its Barbara.
Unlike Xander, Barbara isnt an ineffectual sidekick. Shes a supremely capable attorney who is a name partner at a powerful black law firm, despite her young age. The actress Erica Tazel plays the role with a strong presence, so Barbaras always noticeable, even when shes not talking. Her frustration with Diane (over the tech mogul Neil Gross) is conveyed through tense expressions, sideways glances and a brief exchange with Boseman. I cant help but think about what happens with Barbara in more private spaces. What are the conversations about office dynamics like when Diane isnt around? How does everyone really feel about Juliuss politics? What is Barbara like outside the walls of the firm that bears her name? On shows in which black stories arent important, there are many black female characters like Barbara: professionally astute enigmas. But stories about black identity refracted through timely concerns are a cornerstone of The Good Fight so far.
In Episode 6, Gross needs the firm to come up with a method in order to cull the alt-right hate speech on two of his websites that is leading companies like Disney to threaten to pull their ads. The entire episode is interspersed with white men in front of brightly colored backgrounds looking directly at the camera and voicing racist, misogynist and often frightening comments. Before slinking off to make time with Colin, Lucca offers a valuable suggestion: an appeal board that would allow members suspended for hate speech a chance to make their case.
The suggestion immediately gets the attention of Felix Staples (John Cameron Mitchell). Felix is a gay, white provocateur who is bombastic, openly racist and downright foolish. He has a notable following as an alt-right leader. He makes disparaging remarks about black people while saying that he actually sleeps with black men. He most likely doesnt believe a lot of what he says, but he delights in the attention. Sound familiar?
These brazen warning shots from the president do enormous damage to public confidence in the F.B.I.s investigation. The credibility of the Justice Department in handling the Russian matter was already deeply compromised after Attorney General Jeff Sessions arrived in the job refusing to recuse himself from any investigation. He was forced to step aside only after it was revealed that, contrary to what he told senators under oath, he had met with the Russian ambassador to Washington twice during the campaign. Even with his recusal, it would still be his deputies and staff directing and managing any potential prosecution which raises serious questions of conflict.
Mitigating this credibility crisis requires appointing an independent prosecutor, who would not take orders from the administration. If Mr. Trumps assertion that there was no collusion between his campaign officials and the Russian government is true, he should want this matter to be fully investigated as quickly and as transparently as possible.
Appointing a special prosecutor would show that Mr. Sessions is willing to have an impartial examination of his actions as a surrogate for Mr. Trump last year which he has assured the public were entirely appropriate.
The decision to bring in a special counsel may fall on Rod Rosenstein, a career federal prosecutor who has been nominated to be deputy attorney general. Lawmakers from both parties should strongly encourage him to make that sensible and necessary decision.
As the F.B.I. investigation continues, a series of overlapping congressional inquiries into Russian activities to influence the election are advancing in a predictably muddled, partisan way. Democrats on the House Intelligence Committee are working to produce a detailed timeline showing all the reported contacts between people close to the Trump campaign and the Russian government during the campaign. Most Republicans want to keep the focus on leaks of classified information.
Heres a good question for Judge Neil Gorsuch, who sat before the Senate Judiciary Committee on Monday for the first day of his confirmation hearings to be a Supreme Court justice: Why are you here?
Theres only one honest answer: I shouldnt be.
Under other circumstances Judge Gorsuch would be a legitimate nominee by a Republican president. The problem is how he got to this point in the first place.
Judge Gorsuch became President Trumps nominee only after Senate Republicans outrageous and unprecedented blockade of Merrick Garland, whom President Barack Obama picked to fill the same seat more than a year ago and who by all rights should long ago have been sitting where Judge Gorsuch is now introducing his family, smiling for the flashbulbs and listening patiently as senators lecture him about the Constitution. But Senate Republicans made sure that would never happen, refusing even to meet with Judge Garland the chief of the federal appeals court in Washington and one of the most widely respected judges in the country let alone give him a hearing or a vote.
On Monday, they mostly acted as though they did nothing wrong and couldnt understand why Democrats were so upset.
INTERNATIONAL
An article in some editions on March 5 about Sinn Feins biggest gains in a snap election for seats in the Northern Ireland Assembly misstated the timing of the election. Voting took place on March 2, a Thursday; it did not occur during a weekend. In addition, the article referred imprecisely to two Sinn Fein officials, Michelle ONeill and Martin McGuinness. They are, respectively, the partys current and former leaders in Northern Ireland, not of Sinn Fein overall. (Gerry Adams is the partys leader.) The article also misstated the month that Mr. McGuinness resigned from that role. It was January, not February. Finally, because of an editing error, the article referred incorrectly to the regions Protestant majority. It has blocked efforts to merge with Ireland; it did not defeat a ballot on the matter.
Because of an editing error, an article on March 13 about Japans struggle with the radioactive waste that remains six years after the meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant referred incorrectly to the discovery of lethal levels of radiation in one of the reactors in January. The radiation was detected with a camera inserted into the reactor, not a robot. Also because of an editing error, a picture caption with the article misidentified the contents of the shipping containers shown. They hold reactor maintenance equipment, not rubble.
An article on Sunday about Indias lack of urgency in tackling air pollution problems misstated, in some editions, the amount of particles that coal-based thermal power plants will be allowed to emit under new standards, scheduled to take effect in December but likely to be postponed. The standard is 30 to 100 milligrams not micrograms per cubic meter.
An article on March 13 about Turkeys sinking relationship with Europe quoted imprecisely from comments by Cengiz Candar, a veteran Turkish columnist and academic, about the detention of members of the third-largest caucus in the Turkish Parliament. He said that along with the caucus leaders, 12 other members of Parliament who belong to the caucus are in prison, not 12 other members of that party.
In 1969, two married couples took off their clothes and jumped into one accommodatingly wide bed. Thus did Paul Mazurskys satirical film Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice claim a little piece of cinematic immortality, while putting a knowing finger on a middle-class American pulse that throbbed with both lust and anxiety about the sexual revolution that was said to be sweeping the country.
Ah, the clumsiness, the tortured soul-searching, the naivete of those heady, experimental times. People today of course are far more at ease with their bodies and their vast potential for erotic self-expression. Why, just look at Paul and George and Michael and Jane, the uneasily swinging spouses of Sarah Ruhls How to Transcend a Happy Marriage, which opened on Monday night at the Mitzi E. Newhouse Theater at Lincoln Center.
Thats right, look. And marvel at how little has changed. The evidence of this idea-inebriated, unsteady comedy from the adventurous author of In the Next Room, or the vibrator play is that when it comes to matters of the heart (and the libido), middle-aged married folks are as scared, curious and confused as ever.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. President Trump, embattled in Washington, traveled here on Monday to deliver a rollicking populist and nationalist appeal, promising to rewrite trade agreements, clamp down on illegal immigration and keep terrorists out of the country all in the service of putting America first.
In a speech ostensibly timed to push the Republican health care law through Congress, Mr. Trump drew deeply on the themes that animated his 2016 campaign, whipping up a rapturous crowd with promises to reopen shuttered coal mines and throw lawless immigrants out of the country.
Mr. Trump promised that health care legislation would undo the disaster of President Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act. But he presented it less as a cornerstone of his legislative agenda than as a necessary prerequisite to finance deep tax cuts.
We have to get this done to do the other, Mr. Trump declared.
For Mr. Trump, who is enduring one of the most difficult stretches of his young presidency, the rally was a chance to bathe in the adulation of a campaign crowd, a sea of people waving placards that said: Buy American. Hire American and Promises Made. Promises Kept.
SHOWS: WASHINGTON, D.C., UNITED STATES (MARCH 20, 2017 ) (UNRESTRICTED POOL- ACCESS ALL) 1. JUDGE NEIL GORSUCH TAKING A SEAT AT THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE 2. ANTI-GORSUCH DEMONSTRATORS WEARING RED SHIRTS READING: #STOPGORSUCH 3. BACK VIEW OF SENATE JUDICIARY CHAIRMAN SENATOR CHARLES GRASSLEY SWEARING IN SUPREME COURT NOMINEE, JUDGE NEIL GORSUCH 4. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH, SAYING: Mr. Chairman, Senator Feinstein, members of the committee, I am honored and I am humbled to be here. 5. WIDE OF JUDICIARY COMMITTEE 6. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH, SAYING: I want to thank Senators Bennett and Gardner and (former solicitor) general Katyal for their kind introductions, reminding us that long before were Democrats or Republicans, we are Americans. Sitting here, Im acutely aware of my own imperfections, but I pledged to each of you and the American people that if I am confirmed, I will do all my powers permit to be a faithful servant of the Constitution and laws of this great nation. Mr. Chairman I could not even attempt to do this without Louise, my wife of more than 20 years. (GORSUCH TURNS TO HIS WIFE) The sacrifices she has made and her open and giving heart, they leave me in awe. I love you so much all will be so much. 7. GORSUCH TURNS AND HUGS HIS WIFE 8. SENATORS LISTENING 9. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH, SAYING: I want to thank my fellow judges across the country. Judging is sometimes a lonely and hard job, but I have seen how these men and women work, how hard they work, with courage and collegiality, independence and integrity. Its their work that helps make real the Constitution and laws of the United States for all of us. 10. WIDE OF HEARING 11. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH, SAYING: But, in the West, we listen to one another, respectfully. We tolerate, we cherish different points of view and we seek consensus whenever we can. My law clerks tell me that 97 percent of those 2,700 cases Ive decided, were decided unanimously and that Ive been in the majority 99 percent of the time. Thats my record and thats how we do things in the West. 12. WIDE OF HEARING 13. (SOUNDBITE) (English) SUPREME COURT NOMINEE NEIL GORSUCH, SAYING: When I put on the robe, Im also reminded that under our constitution, its for this body, the peoples representatives to make new laws, for the executive to ensure those laws are faithfully executed and for neutral and independent judges to apply the law in the peoples disputes. If judges were just secret legislators, declaring not what the law is, but what they would like it to be - the very idea of a government by the people and for the people would be at risk. And those who came before the court, would live in fear, never sure exactly what the law requires of them, except for the judges will. As Alexander Hamilton said, liberty can have nothing to fear from judges who apply the law. But, liberty has everything to fear if judges try to legislate too.
WASHINGTON The headline from Capitol Hill on Monday was bracing: confirmation of a criminal investigation into connections between associates of a sitting president and Russian operatives during a presidential election.
But the response from Republicans was almost as striking: During hours of testimony in which James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director, acknowledged the inquiry, they shrugged off its implications and instead offered a coordinated effort to defend President Trump by demanding a focus on leaks to news organizations.
Throughout the 5-hour hearing before the House Intelligence Committee, as Democrats tried to highlight the criminal investigation, Republicans demanded a renewed focus on how its existence was revealed in news reports months ago.
When Democrats raised the issue of Mr. Trumps Twitter posts accusing former President Barack Obama of wiretapping him and Mr. Comey said the F.B.I. had no information that supports those tweets Republicans railed against leaks.
Certainly, we shouldnt have left. We should never ever have left, Mr. Trump said. A vacuum was created, and we discussed what happened.
Mr. Abadi volunteered little on the matter, which remains a delicate issue in Iraq and, especially, with its neighbor Iran. Asked if he had been briefed on the strategy the Trump administration is working on to defeat the Islamic State, the prime minister said that I havent seen a full plan.
James Jeffrey, a former American ambassador to Baghdad, said the coming destruction of the Islamic State, as a caliphate and fighting force, would make the administration confront difficult questions about how deeply to get involved in Iraqs reconstruction and stabilization, and what additional political reforms might be needed to ensure that the countrys politics do not become a breeding ground for the rise of another militant group.
The main reason were engaging with Iraq is combating ISIS, in the short run, Mr. Jeffrey said in an interview. But underneath that is the question, How are we going to relate to Iraq?
That was also addressed in a letter to Mr. Trump from more than a dozen senators, including Bob Corker, Republican of Tennessee, who leads the Foreign Relations Committee.
Iraqs challenges will not be solved when ISIS is defeated on the battlefield, wrote the senators, who argued that bringing stability to Iraq would require more power-sharing with the Sunnis and progress in resolving tensions with the Kurds. If Prime Minister al-Abadi commits to lead Iraq along these lines, he should have our full support in this endeavor.
Over the past several weeks, Republicans in Congress and members of their staffs have privately complained that Mr. Trumps Twitter comment on March 4 the one where he called Barack Obama sick and suggested that the former president had ordered a tapp on his phone had done more to undermine anything hes done as president because it called into question his seriousness about governing.
The problem, from the perspective of Mr. Trumps beleaguered political fire brigade, is that the president insists on dealing with crises by creating new ones so surrogates, repeating talking points the president himself ignores, say they often feel like human shields.
Within the White House, a number of Mr. Trumps advisers including the press secretary, Sean Spicer, who has himself repeated unsubstantiated claims of British spying on Mr. Trump have told allies that Mr. Trumps Twitter habits are making their jobs harder, said administration officials interviewed over the past week. Mr. Spicer said he has no problem with his bosss tweeting. Its just not true. I have not commented on the tweets to anyone including my wife, he said in an email.
Most politicians, perhaps any other politician, would have backed away from the Russia story, and left the defense to surrogates or unexpected validators like Mike Morrell, the former acting director of the C.I.A., who said last week that there is smoke, but there is no fire at all in the allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.
But this president, a proponent of do-it-yourself crisis communications with boundless self-confidence in his capacity to shape the story, seems determined to hug his Russian hand grenade.
Monday morning began not with praise of Judge Gorsuch or an exhortation of House Republicans to quickly pass a revamped Obamacare repeal but with six protective-crouch tweets about the Russia investigation.
SEOUL, South Korea Park Geun-hye, the now-former president of South Korea who this month was removed from office in a historic court ruling, was questioned at a prosecutors office on Tuesday in connection with allegations of bribery, extortion and abuse of office.
After what was expected to be a long, grueling interrogation of Ms. Park, which could continue past midnight, prosecutors will decide whether they have enough evidence to ask a court to issue a warrant for her arrest. If she is indicted, she will be the first former South Korean president to face trial since two former military dictators were imprisoned on corruption and mutiny charges in the mid-1990s.
I am sorry to trouble the people, Ms. Park told reporters gathered at the entrance of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office. I will respond faithfully to the investigation.
Ms. Park, who was accompanied by lawyers, is the first former South Korean president to be questioned by prosecutors since 2009, when former President Roh Moo-hyun testified about corruption allegations involving his family.
WASHINGTON It was July 2014 when the Syrian defector, using the pseudonym Caesar, last slipped into Washington. Wearing a hood to hide his identity, the defector, a former Syrian police photographer, explained to a congressional committee how he had smuggled photographs out of the country that documented how thousands of Syrians had perished in President Bashar al-Assads prisons.
Caesar had hoped the revelation would spur the Obama administration to take action against Mr. Assad, and he has acknowledged that he was bitterly disappointed when the United States and its allies refrained from intervening.
Undaunted, Caesar and a fellow defector, a relative who identified himself as Sami, have returned to make a fresh appeal to a new commander in chief. Caesar is scheduled to go to the White House this week to urge President Trumps advisers to follow through on a pledge to establish safe zones in Syria and take other steps to assist the Syrian opposition.
We are hopeful that President Trump will do what President Obama refused to do, Sami said. I do not believe the time is too late.
AMSTERDAM She hid Jews?
Aleatha Hinds, 17, ventured a guess about Anne Franks identity as she waited in line for two hours recently to enter the museum devoted to that world-famous diarist, who hid with her family in a secret annex for 25 months during World War II.
No, no, no! replied several friends, all 11th and 12th graders from the St. Charles College high school in Ontario. She was Jewish! they corrected her, in unison.
She was hiding in her fathers factory, said Eric LeBreton, 16. The Nazis were looking for all the Jewish people because Hitler was trying to do genocide.
With attendance swelling to 1.3 million annually, from one million in 2010, the Anne Frank House has begun reckoning with a striking dimension of its popularity: Many of the younger and foreign visitors who flock here nonetheless have little knowledge of the Holocaust and sometimes none about Frank. The museum and some others dedicated to Jewish life are seeking new ways to address a declining understanding of World War II and the genocide that took the lives of six million Jews in Europe, efforts that have increasing relevance as anti-Semitic incidents intensify across parts of Europe and the United States.
Art sales during Asia Week New York reached new heights this year, the organizers said on Tuesday, thanks in large part to one stunningly exuberant evening of sales at Christies.
A 13th-century handscroll, Chen Rongs Six Dragons, with a low estimate of $1.2 million, sold at the Christies auction for $49 million, including buyers premium, on March 15. A bronze wine vessel from the late Shang dynasty with a low estimate of $6 million brought in a winning bid of $37.2 million.
All told, the 29 items sold at the Christies auction, of Important Chinese Art From the Fujita Museum brought in about $263 million, or roughly 10 times more than the low presale estimate forecast by the houses experts.
What just happened? asked Evan Beard, National Art Services Executive at U.S. Trust. A fairly minor de-accession sale becomes one of the most successful auctions of the last few years.
The open-coffin photographs of the mutilated body of Emmett Till, the teenager who was lynched by two white men in Mississippi in 1955, served as a catalyst for the civil rights movement and have remained an open wound in American society since they were first published in Jet magazine and The Chicago Defender at the urging of Tills mother.
The images continuing power, more than 60 years later, to speak about race and violence is being demonstrated once again in protests that have arisen online and at the newly opened Whitney Biennial over the decision of a white artist, Dana Schutz, to make a painting based on the photographs.
An African-American artist, Parker Bright, has conducted peaceful protests in front of the painting since Friday, positioning himself, sometimes with a few other protesters, in front of the work to partly block its view. He has engaged museum visitors in discussions about the painting while wearing a T-shirt with the words Black Death Spectacle on the back. Another protester, Hannah Black, a British-born black artist and writer working in Berlin, has written a letter to the biennials curators, Mia Locks and Christopher Y. Lew, urging that the painting be not only removed from the show but also destroyed.
The subject matter is not Schutzs, Ms. Black wrote in a Facebook message that has been signed by more than 30 other artists she identifies as nonwhite. White free speech and white creative freedom have been founded on the constraint of others, and are not natural rights. The painting must go. She added that contemporary art is a fundamentally white supremacist institution despite all our nice friends.
Wyclef Jean, the hip-hop artist, said he was handcuffed and briefly detained by deputies in Los Angeles on Tuesday after they mistook him for a suspect in a robbery near the studio where he had been working.
In a short video message on Twitter early in the morning, the musician was shown standing in the dark next to a patrol car with his hands behind his back. It was unclear who was shooting video.
L.A., right now, coming from the studio, Mr. Jean said. Yall see the police have handcuffs on me. They just took off my Haitian bandanna. Thats whats going on right now with Wyclef in L.A. right now. The L.A.P.D. have me in cuffs for absolutely nothing.
Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. What do you think of it? What else are you interested in? Let us know: thearts@nytimes.com.
That Arrogant Fellow Looks Familiar
If you ever wonder how the old Stephen Colbert might have reacted to the Trump presidency, youre not alone. Your answer came on Mondays Late Show, as Mr. Colbert revived his arrogant conservative pundit character from The Colbert Report.
Im here because America needs me, that Mr. Colbert told himself. Plus, I wanted to stop you from making an ass of yourself on network TV with your misguided analysis of Trumps budget. He didnt hold back in his tongue-in-cheek support for the president. Here are a couple of his most memorable (and absurd) lines:
Dave Chappelle doesnt shy away from controversy including Bill Cosbys legal troubles in two searing new Netflix specials. And Striking Out, Irelands No. 1 drama, arrives on Acorn TV.
Whats Streaming
DAVE CHAPPELLE: THE AGE OF SPIN on Netflix. Mr. Chappelle has pushed plenty of buttons in stand-up routines about the crime and punishment of famous black men like Michael Jackson, R. Kelly and O. J. Simpson. And he pushes even more in this first of two new comedy specials (the second is Deep in the Heart of Texas), in which he laments the loss of Bill Cosbys cultural legacy without playing down the rape accusations against him. It takes guts to close a show, as he does, with an argument for complexity in our assessment of Mr. Cosby, Jason Zinoman wrote in The New York Times, and Mr. Chappelles daring, his insistence on challenging his audience, his eagerness to go there, is what makes the arrival of these specials such an invigorating and possibly polarizing event.
EDGAR AND LUCY
By Victor Lodato
533 pp. St. Martins Press. $27.99.
Placing a young child at the center of a narrative is a tricky move. Children are, well, childish, full of faulty observations and unreliable conclusions. And then theres the practical matter of motoring a plot along when as in Victor Lodatos new novel, Edgar and Lucy the child in question is an 8-year-old loner who cant remember important phone numbers or, because he has albinism, even go outside without pharmaceutical-grade sunscreen. A novel requires some kind of trouble, and watching a child navigate peril is harder on the heart than observing adult woes. It can feel facile, this ostensible shortcut to empathy, and requires a certain authority to prevent the whole enterprise from tipping into implausibility or soppy sentimentality.
But this is familiar territory for Lodato, who is also a playwright and a poet. His captivating debut novel, Mathilda Savitch, featured the 13-year-old heroine of the title as its fierce, brokenhearted narrator. In Edgar and Lucy, he switches things up a bit. Grief is still the heart of the matter here, but Lodato is working in a broader register that includes other, mostly adult, points of view. Still, he repeats the impressive trick of creating a character so peculiar, vivid and appealing (think of Owen Meany minus the messianic complex) that Edgar becomes this ambitious novels enduring reward.
Having a life meant having a story, the book begins. Even at 8, Edgar knew this. Weighing on the diminutive Edgar is what he doesnt know about his life. He knows but only vaguely, a borrowed memory that his father, Frank, died on a bridge. He knows that his mother, Lucy, has a telltale limp for which Edgar knew no tale. (That echo of a telltale heart is surely intentional: In one of this novels many well-deployed literary allusions, Edgars middle name is Allan.) He is painfully aware that his appearance sets him apart, the preternaturally pale skin, shock of white hair, green eyes and wrists so thin the bones rose like the lurky eyes of an alligator. In movement he was awkward; in stillness he possessed a natural grace, remarkable van Eyck hands, a long neck worthy of Pontormo. But in the mirror all the boy saw was an insect.
On every page, Lodatos prose sings with a robust, openhearted wit, making Edgar and Lucy a delight to read. The books title, a possible nod to Donizettis Lucia di Lammermoor, is a bit of a warning shot that we are in for a tale of operatic shape, littered with madness, mistaken identity, betrayal, ghosts. (When Lucys suitor, a well-meaning butcher, tries to teach Edgar how to cut a tomato with an oversized knife, you can be sure its not going to go as planned.)
In the Quran, Allah creates human beings from clay and (in a parallel genesis) djinn from fire. Therefore as the editors Mahvesh Murad and Jared Shurin suggest in their introduction to a new anthology of djinn-themed short fiction, THE DJINN FALLS IN LOVE: And Other Stories (Solaris, paper, $15.99) djinn reflect humankind not just as mirror-images but almost as a sibling species: We may stem from different materials, they write, but in all the ways that matter we are very much the same. As humans sit around a campfire, pondering their foibles and aspirations amid the dancing of numinous flames and shadows, we may be catching a look into the other world; a glimpse into beings who are like us and not us, made of a smokeless fire that can consume us.
These then are not Disneyfied tales of wish-granting tricksters, but stories of people burning like djinn and djinn as fiery people. The collection ranges widely in style and perspective, making room for the title poem by the Egyptian writer Hermes (translated from Arabic by Robin Moger) as well as poetic prose by the Canadian writer Amal El-Mohtar and a distinctly feminist take on wizards and harem intrigue by the British fantasy writer Claire North. Several stories are set painfully in the present, like Sami Shahs Reap, which involves an American Air Force officer conducting remote surveillance in Pakistan. Others find parallels in secondary worlds, as in K.J. Parkers Message in a Bottle. In a nod to the dance of djinn through different cultures, the editors retain the creatures various translated names: jinn, genie, ifrit and more. This choice highlights the collections range.
Nearly all of the stories are haunting, reflective and firelight-beautiful, but there are standouts. Jamal Mahjoubs Duende 2077 is the most explicitly rebellious simply for its premise, which posits a futuristic Caliphate after the fall of Christian/Western hegemony. Nnedi Okorafors History is gloriously gonzo, following an Ibo-trained African-American sorceress as she gives the performance of her career to an audience of literal gods. And Neil Gaimans Somewhere in America, excerpted from American Gods, comes closest to reflecting the collections theme. In this tale, a painfully lonely foreign businessman, adrift in a frightening land called New York, finds comfort and possible freedom in the arms of a taxi-driving ifrit.
Exquisite and audacious, and highly recommended.
CaitlIn R. Kiernan has long been hailed as one of the pre-eminent authors of weird fiction, and her new novella, AGENTS OF DREAMLAND (Tom Doherty, paper, $11.99), shows why. In this recursive, Lovecraft-inflected police procedural, two agents of the shadowy government group Y pursue the cult leader Drew Standish, whose activities seem to herald a Jonestown-like mass murder. But far more important than whether the killing can be stopped is whether its already too late, since the manhunt coincides with the appearance of a deadly extraterrestrial fungus. The clock is ticking, the Elder Beings have been invoked and possible futures have begun to solidify in ways that spell the end of humanity.
Despite the apocalyptic narrative, this is a character study, focusing on the two agents and layering exposition over their respective quirks. Immacolata Sexton is as intriguing as her name; she sees the future, might not be quite human and happily uses her prescience to intimidate rivals and colleagues. The Signalman initially seems more conventional, yet he struggles against PTSD and fear of infection caused by an encounter with the grotesque fungus. This ultimately makes him more engaging than the flamboyant Immacolata or even the ostensibly charismatic Standish.
No one would describe mountains as easy places. But the dangers documented in Judith Matloffs new book, No Friends but the Mountains, go beyond the expected rough terrain. Matloff, a veteran war correspondent, was curious why so many of the worlds conflicts take place in mountainous regions. To get a better understanding, she traveled to Albania, Mexico and other places. In the first installment of a new interview series, Matloff tells us about the inspiration for the book, what she learned while writing it and more.
When did you first get the idea to write this book?
JUDITH MATLOFF Over three decades as a foreign correspondent, whether I was writing about rebellion or drug cartels or massacres, I invariably found myself in mountains. These assignments required hiking boots and tablets for altitude sickness. Yet I only made the connection between terrain and conflict during the most prosaic moment, at home in flatland Manhattan. I was playing a round of the board game Risk with my 11-year-old son and husband, and that afternoon, as we battled over Afghanistan who hasnt over the centuries? our son, Anton, asked me where people were currently fighting. I marked about two dozen places off the top of my head, and threw in a few more spots that had seen strife over the past century. On a globe that showed elevations, Anton traced the surface with his finger and made notes on a pad, so absorbed that he failed to notice his father rampaging through the Himalayas to take China. Kosovo, Chechnya, Kashmir, Chiapas, Anton recited, among others, checking the altitude key for each. Most occur in mountains. Why?
I decided to find out.
Whats the most surprising thing you learned while writing it?
MATLOFF: That people from mountains spanning the Atlas to the Andes feel an intense affinity with each other. They have even formed a global organization, the World Mountain People Association. No such network exists for desert dwellers or islanders. The WMPA gathers highlanders from 70 countries, who meet on a different slope each year to discuss a shared mountain identity and grievances over flatland chauvinism. The group convinced me that topography plays a role in shaping lifestyle and outlook. A sherpa and a shepherd from the Pyrenees will both describe a deep spiritual connection to the land and similar personality traits: insularity, self-reliance, a gift for improvisation, a suspicion of outsiders.
3. Mr. Trump is trying to continue apace on his agenda, which includes dismantling President Barack Obamas climate legacy.
In an announcement expected soon, Mr. Trump will order the Environmental Protection Agency to withdraw and rewrite a set of Obama-era regulations known as the Clean Power Plan, according to a draft document obtained by The Times.
In six maps, we look at how Americans think about climate change. They overwhelmingly believe that global warming is happening, but fewer are sure that the changes will harm them personally.
Above, Miami Beach, which faces flooding from rising seas.
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Across Europe, neo-fascists are stepping out of the shadows, encouraged by mainstream parties drift to the right.
In Slovakia, they are even taking seats in the Parliament that they aim to replace with strongman rule. Something very dark and very troubling from the past is coming back, a local talk-show host said.
Social scientists say people are most likely to vote for far-right politicians if they live close to diverse areas, but not actually within them. We visited a sleepy Berlin suburb, where the theory appears to hold.
A group of lawyers known for celebrity divorces surprised the legal industry last spring when they announced they would leave the New York law firm led by Marc E. Kasowitz, a longtime lawyer for President Trump, after two decades at the firm.
Now, the lawyers say their departure resulted from an internal dispute over conflicts of interest.
They point to a ruling this month that disqualified the firm, Kasowitz Benson Torres & Friedman, from representing an opponent of the Georgetown Company in a $35 million real estate dispute because the law firm already represented one of Georgetowns principals, Joseph B. Rose, in a divorce case.
In March 2016, Mr. Rose asked a state court to disqualify the Kasowitz firm from representing IAC/InterActiveCorp, Barry Dillers internet conglomerate and Georgetowns opponent.
Eleanor B. Alter, a matrimonial lawyer to celebrities like Robert De Niro and Madonna, represented Mr. Rose, a former chairman of the New York planning commission, in a yearslong divorce proceeding. She now heads the firm Alter, Wolff & Foley, whose lawyers left the Kasowitz firm.
In a matchbox-size studio on the third floor of a building in East Harlem, Paola Mathe unfolds a sienna and black printed scarf. To most observers, the 21-by-70-inch piece of fabric is just a strip of cotton, but for Ms. Mathe, its the cornerstone of her fast-growing label, Fanm Djanm, which means strong woman in Haitian Creole.
Ms. Mathe, born in Petion-Ville, Haiti, and raised in New Jersey, stands 5-foot-10 but often appears taller thanks to the vibrantly patterned wraps she regularly wears around her head. On a recent Sunday afternoon, she wore her simplest black wrap, which she said made her feel regal.
When the self-described dreamer and romantic, who has been praised for making colorful the new black, moved to New York in 2009, she was struck by how often strangers stopped her to ask where she bought her headwraps. Some people emailed her, others reached out on her blog, Finding Paola, and others left comments on Instagram. Id look at them like they were insane, Ms. Mathe said. Like, just go to a fabric place.
But the constant curiosity and compliments about her go-to accessory got her thinking. There wasnt a place you could walk into and say, May I have two headwraps? she said.
LONDON Theresa May may be a politician who keeps her cards close to her chest, but she has always been open about her deep love of fashion.
Wearing leopard-print shoes, tartan checks, leather jackets and stark pieces of statement jewelry, Mrs. May has consistently pushed the boundaries of conventional attire for female politicians. A pioneer for a new age in power dressing, she has long made a point of defying received wisdom that women should simply imitate the suit-centered uniforms of male leaders though tweaked with a slightly brighter color palette. In 2014, when interviewed on the BBC Radio program Desert Island Discs, she declared that her choice of a desert island luxury item would be a lifetime subscription to Vogue.
So it seemed fitting that this month Mrs. May became the first British prime minister to be featured in the American pages of the worlds best-known fashion magazine, taking part in an interview and also a glossy photo shoot by Annie Leibovitz for that magazines April edition.
We are in uncharted waters. The New York Times is one of many venues that has made repeated mention of this.
It started just after President Trumps inauguration. In an article on Feb. 2, for example, the correspondent Julie Hirschfeld Davis reported on Melania Trump and her role in the White House. Quoting Myra Gutin, a professor at Rider University who specializes in first ladies, Ms. Davis wrote, We are in uncharted territory here.
Readers found themselves in the same uncharted territory the following day when, in The Trump Effect: Whats an Investor to Do?, The Timess business columnist Gretchen Morgenson concluded: Investors should also acknowledge that we are in uncharted territory.
Uncharted terrain was old news on March 1 when, in an article about President Trumps Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, the reporter Julie Turkewitz cited a policy expert on the direction of the presidents likely Interior policy: Hes going to be moving into uncharted territory if he does that.
The collection showcases artifacts, culled from various colleagues, that speak to the risks assumed by Times journalists in their pursuit of the news.
Image Walt Barangers Scud missile fragment. Credit... Tony Cenicola/The New York Times
One of the things I wanted to achieve in this was to remind colleagues who are deskbound, or who get to cover stories where their personal safety is not always at risk, that Times journalists around the world sometimes have to put on body armor just to walk out their front door, Mr. Dunlap said. (A bullet-resistant vest weighing 40 pounds is one of the objects on display.)
Mr. Dunlap conceived of the exhibit after William ODonnell, an assistant editor on the picture desk, passed along the camera that photographer Joao Silva was holding when he stepped on a land mine in Kandahar, Afghanistan, in 2010.
Mr. Silva, who was on assignment with The Times when the explosion occurred, lost both of his legs his right leg above the knee, and his left leg below the knee.
The camera body, and its accompanying lens, are badly dented and are shot through with debris; the equipment sat under Mr. ODonnells desk for several years, after being sent to The Times by Walter Reed Medical Center.
Conservatives have long complained that I dont recognize my country anymore. In Trumps America, though, its liberals who see something insufficiently, well, American. Issues once assumed to be settled the desirability of racial tolerance, a general preference for democratic processes now appear, suddenly and ominously, to be up for debate. For many, this has created a sense of rupture, a disconnect between what they had assumed would be happening at this moment in history and what is actually taking place as if the 2016 election shifted the nation into some dystopian reality that was never meant to be.
This, at least, is the feeling reflected in the growing popularity of a word once used to browbeat liberals and leftists. Todays White House, according to Trumps critics, is not only wrongheaded or meanspirited but un-American.
America is a nation of immigrants, Bruce Springsteen declared from a stage in Australia in the wake of Trumps first travel ban. And we find this antidemocratic and fundamentally un-American. When the White House introduced a revised version of the order earlier this month, the newly chosen Democratic National Committee chairman, Tom Perez, warned that this ban on Muslims is just as dangerous and un-American as the last one. Others have invoked the word to assail the presidents name-calling, attacks on judges and contempt for the media. This White House does not seem to value an independent press, CNNs Jake Tapper declared last month. There is a word for that line of thinking. The word is un-American.
This line of attack remains just as popular on the right, and Trump staff members have been quick to use it. On the day after Trumps speech to Congress, Sebastian Gorka, a deputy assistant to the president, called for unwavering support of the presidents initiatives on behalf of immigration crime victims: If you object to that, you are in favor of pain, in favor of tragedy and in favor of chaos, he told one interviewer, and that is un-American. The president himself has joined in, too. The real scandal here is that classified information is illegally given out by intelligence like candy, he tweeted in mid-February, responding to accusations about his campaigns ties to Russia. Very un-American!
Predictably, platforms have long been intoxicating to investors. Theyve also been the subject of rapturous popular business writing. In their 2016 book Matchmakers: The New Economics of Multisided Platforms, the economists David S. Evans and Richard Schmalensee cast the subject in revolutionary terms, calling for a new economics to account for businesses that are transforming economies around the world, making life easier and better for billions of people the sort of broad and ideological claim previously reserved by economists for capitalism as a whole.
Amid the cheerleading, a comprehensive criticism of the platform model has been slow to emerge. Nick Srniceks Platform Capitalism, published in December, tries to situate the rise of platforms in a broader history of capitalism and to project those lessons forward. Srnicek recasts a few features of platform businesses as potentially problematic. Among them is their tendency to metastasize from transaction enablers to, with sufficient success, participation gatekeepers. A food-delivery app like Seamless begins its life with promises of liberation, connecting customers with nearby restaurants, taking care of payments and eliminating phone calls. But in the cities where it has been most successful, its customer base becomes too big to ignore, even for restaurants that struggle to afford its steep commissions. In other industries, the stakes are much higher. An insurgent Airbnb feels as if its enabling new types of transactions between previously unconnected people. A dominant Airbnb might come to resemble something between a superintendent and a landlord for millions, not to mention a force reshaping cities in its image.
Platform companies have themselves hired economists to help conceptualize and manage the economies theyve created. Google, Airbnb, Uber and Amazon have aggressively recruited professors and researchers to help understand what, exactly, they have on their hands, and how to expand, regulate and exploit it. Within a rigidly structured platform like Uber, for which the company sets prices, the economic problems are somewhat akin to those of a command economy: How low can we push the cost of a ride before drivers stop participating? (Quite low, for now.) How do we deal with sudden increases in demand? (Surge pricing, controversially.) How might new drivers be both induced to join the platform and more deeply compelled to stay? (Through the introduction of vehicle-financing programs and short-term loan services.)
Ms. Schanelec, who is linked to the Berlin School of historically conscious, formally inventive filmmakers, is not afraid to challenge the audience. The performances in The Dreamed Path can seem stiff and opaque, and the narrative logic at times verges on the inscrutable. But your patience and attention are rewarded by the emotional resonance and intellectual rigor of this meditation on how the politics of division and unity are refracted in the intimate lives of ordinary people. (A. O. Scott)
PENDULAR Try to imagine a movie that is at once identical to and the complete opposite of La La Land. The result might be something like Julia Murats exacting and poignant portrait of two artists in love and at work. The camera rarely leaves the cavernous industrial space where a sculptor (Rodrigo Bolzan) and a dancer-choreographer (Raquel Karro) have sex, hang out with friends and pursue their creative ambitions. The loft is divided by a masking-tape border on the floor, and the film is concerned above all with the negotiation of boundaries: between the intimacy of a couple and the autonomy of an individual; between art and eros; between labor and leisure.
In some respects, Pendular is about the pursuit of that ever-elusive goal known as work-life balance. What makes it unusual and, despite its slow pace, exciting is the time and attention Ms. Murat devotes to showing her unnamed characters, in particular the female half of the couple, in the midst of actually working. While they arent dance numbers in the usual movie-musical sense, the scenes of a woman in concentrated motion at once transcend the story and provide its emotional core. (A. O. S.)
HAPPINESS UNIVERSITY This teasing French whatsit starts out with a series of stationary, precisely framed sun-kissed images. In one shot, a man strikes a meditative pose alone in a green field. In another, a woman practices yoga, except that when she goes topsy-turvy, the camera goes upside down too. As Happiness University continues, this inverted point of view seems to assume meaning, particularly when an unnamed man mentions that extraterrestrial beings came to our planet.
The directors Kaori Kinoshita and Alain Della Negra coyly avoid answering the questions they stir up: Who are these people? Whats up with E. T.? You have to do some online sleuthing to learn that the setting is a retreat for the Raelian Movement, an actual group that believes aliens created humans. The New Directors website claims that the movie mixes fiction with documentary. (A few actors play roles.) Yet shooting in real locations with nonperformers doesnt make this nonfiction, although here it does make for a glib amusement. (M. D.)
Andrew Napolitano, the senior legal analyst for Fox News, has been temporarily sidelined following his unproved assertion last week that former President Barack Obama had asked for British assistance in spying on Donald J. Trump, a person briefed on the decision said on Monday.
Mr. Napolitano did not appear on Fox on Monday, even though there were two news events that normally would have called for his services: hearings involving the F.B.I. director James B. Comey, and the Supreme Court nominee Neil M. Gorsuch.
Mr. Comeys hearing touched on Judge Napolitanos allegation which both President Trump and his press secretary, Sean Spicer, repeated that British intelligence officers wiretapped Mr. Trump at Mr. Obamas request.
It is not clear how long Mr. Napolitano will be off the air, but his absence from Foxs airwaves on Monday was an indication that the network was not pleased with the unwanted attention focused on his unfounded allegations.
OBIT - JIMMY BRESLIN- #5373 - SCRIPT of cut uploaded to scoop on 9.23.2016 BRESLIN: I always knew from the sports writing, dont go where the others go. Go to the losers dressing room at all times. music TITLE CARD: THE LAST WORD TITLE CARD: JIMMY BRESLIN REPORTER TITLE CARD: animation of signature VO: As columnist, novelist, biographer and raconteur, Jimmy Breslin witnessed and chronicled the American 20th century with an eye for life lived in the lanes of the overlooked, and the unwritten. He also contributed two classic titles to the literature of cosmic ineptitude: The Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight, about a crew of dissolute Brooklyn Mafiosa, and Cant Anybody Here Play This Game? about the 1962 New York Mets. Ultimately Breslins most enduring love was newspapers and he produced pieces that changed journalism. SOUND UP FROM KENNEDY BURIAL In 1963, the funeral of President John F. Kennedy drew reporters from around the world. BRESLIN: Theyre all herded together and they were talking about how Jacqueline Kennedy walked, what Truman looked like at graveside, or the planes overhead. Well forget about it, thats nothing. VO: Breslin found Clifton Pollard - the man who had dug the Presidents grave. BRESLIN:He was getting three dollars and one cent an hour to dig the grave. And// when he was through with it, he//He tried to get back to watch the funeral and they wouldnt let him back.//. Youre looking like a bum, youre a laborer. SOUND UP FROM KENNEDY BURIAL BRESLIN: While they were having the big funeral services he just went over the hill and dug another grave. SOUND UP FROM KENNEDY BURIAL BRESLIN: //I remember, when it was all over, he looked at the grave, they fixed it up late in the evening. And I remember him just saying, its an honor to have done this. FOOTAGE: KENNEDY BURIAL - TAPS. VO: Among journalists, his account of that day became a genre of its own. For years afterwards, editors would send reporters out to stories with instructions to look beyond the obvious, to tell their tale through the gravedigger. VO: Born in 1930 in Queens, New York, Breslin grew up with dreams of the sportswriters life... BRESLIN: We used to get the Long Island Press at home on 101st Avenue where I lived. And Id spread it out //on the living room floor and read it. .Carl Lundquist, that was my favorite writer,// I had a...a candle in my mind to him.// He covered the major league baseball roundup. // He would start with the game of the day and work his way through the schedule. And all I dreamed of was Lundquist in ariding in a Pullman car from St. Louis, then hed go up to Chicago//well the pullman cars were at Sunnyside Yards, we used to go down there and stand on the hill and look at them and dream we were going away in them. //I didnt know that Lundquist was on 42nd Street, and he used to put a different city on top of the story every day, then he took the Long Island Railroad home to Long Island. He never went anyplace. VO: After getting his start on the obituary desk at the Long Island Press, Breslin became a leading figure in what became known as the New Journalism. He and writers like Joan Didion, Tom Wolfe and Pete Hamill brought literary techniques and personal voices to their work. BRESLIN: //youve got to let the people come in and see something. Set a scene. 02:13:30 // You gotta have people talking. Let them hear the people involved talk. SOUND UP FROM CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH VO: In 1965 as the civil rights struggle was reaching an epic climax, Breslin was in Alabama covering a march from Selma to Montgomery for voting rights. At the front of the march was Dr. Martin Luther King. The very last man was Albert Turner, a bricklayer, who wanted to vote. BRESLIN What bothered Albert Turner on this night was the figure on his pay stub. It said that twenty-seven dollars and fifty-two cents had been taken out for income taxes. He looked at the stub and a strange thought ran across his mind. If the government can take $27.52 a week, then it can give back something to Albert Turner, like a vote in an election. //He represented to me everything in the south. People taking a chance to force change that had to be. SOUND UP FROM CIVIL RIGHTS MARCH VO: Breslin traveled widely, always writing to the rhythm of of columnists deadline. He spent the afternoon of June 4, 1968 in Los Angeles, reporting a column about gun violence. That evening, he went to the Ambassador Hotel where Robert F. Kennedy was holding a rally to celebrate winning the Democratic presidential primary in California. Breslin: I walked into the kitchen just as they were breaking from their rally. //And Im in the kitchen and this guy ahholds a gun out at Kennedy and shoots. Nat sound news coverage of shooting Breslin://There was hysteria there, they were screaming and yelling, but they couldnt get the gun out of the fellows hand, I remember that. //All of a sudden they threw him onto the steam table, and ah everybody pushed and I winded up sitting on his legs and Roosevelt Grier just put an arm over him at that end and he couldnt move.// Nat sound news coverage of shooting Breslin: They stamped feet on his hand to get the gun out, and that was that. VO: Shaken by the assassination, Breslin took a break from the news. He wrote his first novel - a best-selling Mafia satire based on his reporting about the Gallo crime family of Brooklyn called The Gang That Couldnt Shoot Straight Nat Sound: Movie Breslin: They had a gang war. There was a war between kidnappings and shootings. ,Tthey kept hitting telephone poles when they shot. Nat Sound: Movie Breslin: They had a lion in the basement....[pop]/t/ook a lion on a leash around Mulberry Street.[pop].. I had to be nuts not to hang out with that act. VO: The movie, which flopped with the critics, featured a very young Robert DeNiro. Breslin: He got $750 dollars a week for that movie. He must get $750 dollars uh, to brush his teeth now. VO: Breslin himself became a performer in 1969, when he officially entered the race for New York City council president on a ticket with fellow writer Norman Mailer, who was running for Mayor. Their campaign featured a plan for the city to secede and become the 51st state. A: //thats a bad idea, isnt it. That we could be all alone here with our money, and living a nice life... VO: Much to the relief of themselves and people who knew them well, neither Mailer nor Breslin were elected. VO: During the summer of 1977, when New York City was hit by a vast power blackout and massive looting, Breslin also was writing about the 44 caliber killer, known Son of Sam, who shot one of his earliest victims just a few block from Breslins house in Queens. BRESLIN: Then some weeks after that, a college student named Virginia Voskerichian is walking from...from the subway on Queens Boulevard down from the station square and //from the bushes jumped a guy with a gun and he held...she got terrified and held a big textbook up to her face and he shot through it and she was dead. VO: After months of terrorizing the city with a spree of shootings that left five people dead, the killer sent JImmy Breslin a letter. BRESLIN: It was printed in big backslash printing, marvelous cadence, hello from the sidewalks of New York and the ants that dwell in the sidewalks and the dried blood in the cracks in the sidewalks of the city// signed Son of Sam. VO: Breslin used his column to plead with the deranged killer, but on July 31st he struck again, this time in Brooklyn, murdering 20-year old Stacy Moskowitz and wounding her boyfriend. The news sent the simmering city into complete panic. SOT Brown=haired woman Getty 176746614: You have to be careful - you have to watch where you go now, how late you stay out.. Ultimately It was a parking ticket issued near the scene of the Moskowitz killing that lead police to a suspect and finally cracked the case. David Berkowitz was sentenced to six consecutive life sentences for the killings. BRESLIN:I never heard from him again except Christmas card from the devil, he sent me. Once or twice. // VO: He might not have been everyones idea of a man of letters but the range of Breslins writing was matched by few in his era. He wrote biographies of Damon Runyon, the chronicler of Prohibition New York, and of Branch Rickey, the Brooklyn Dodger executive who integrated baseball by signing Jackie Robinson. In columns for the Daily News and New York Newsday, he was one of the earliest voices demanding dignified care for people with AIDs. He won the Pulitzer Prize for commentary in 1986 after exposing the use of torture by rogue police officers in Queens. BRESLIN: Its a great thing, though. A newspaper column you just put yourself into it and make sure that people will want to read it the next day, it gives them something. Its a great obligation to the reader. VO: He filed his last regular column on November 2, 2004, and kept working on new books, plays and film projects. When the Times spoke with Breslin in 2007 he was 77 years old and about to release his latest book, The Good Rat about one of his favorite subjects - Mafia families. Q: How do you want to be remembered? 12;33 Audio drop out BRESLIN: What does it matter? Please dont talk about me when Im gone? I mean I dont care what you say or what you do, if Im not here it dont count. MUSIC OUTRO CREDITS 2016 THE NEW YORK TIMES
Three weeks later, Mr. Gonzalez was charged with murder after he stole an ambulance and backed over one of the emergency medical technicians, killing her.
Since 1970, New York law has not let judges consider a persons possible danger to the public in setting bail, but directs them instead to weigh factors affecting the likelihood the person will return to court, like family ties, prior arrest warrants, the weight of the evidence and the potential sentence.
That law was passed as a reform measure to reduce the number of people being held in jail before trial and to counter class and racial biases about who might pose a danger to others. But it set New York apart: more than 40 states have laws directing judges to consider public safety in setting bail.
Court officials said Mr. Gonzalezs case highlights how the law keeps jurists from assessing the risk a defendant might hurt someone if released. It also shows how criminal court judges, who handle dozens of cases each day in crowded courtrooms, often make decisions based on scant information presented to them by public defenders and prosecutors.
There have been several failed attempts in Albany in recent years to change the law to restore the criteria of public safety to a judges decision-making, an idea many public defenders and defense lawyers oppose. This year, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo is pushing a measure that would let judges use a risk-assessment tool a scientific algorithm using data from the arrest records and other sources to determine a defendants danger to the public if released.
Mr. Allen recalled seeing cartoon double features for 11 cents at the Kent when he was young; entry came with a gift, like a comic book or a toy gun. He said the theater was a pleasant addition to the neighborhood, as it was the last place you could see a film before it vanished into movie oblivion.
Some scenes for Mr. Allens 1985 movie The Purple Rose of Cairo were shot at the Kent because it had the look of a theater from the 1930s and, just as important, was available.
Price and convenience are nice draws for a neighborhood movie theater. But so is fresh popcorn.
I swear to you that Ive come in here many times just to get popcorn, Nemo Bussu, 31, said. He said that when his wife, Jacqueline Bussu, 28, was pregnant two years ago, she would send him to the theater for popcorn, which is popped before every showing.
Mr. Bussu, a Midwood native, recalled cutting school and heading to the Kent on numerous occasions during his childhood. I feel at home here, he said.
After Morton Deutsch learned that Lydia Shapiro was sunbathing along the Charles River in Boston when she was supposed to be interviewing subjects for his sociological experiment, he resorted to a conventional means of resolving a workplace dispute: He abruptly fired her.
A little more than a year later, though, he took a more creative and constructive approach to repairing their frayed relationship: They became fully cooperative partners, husband and wife.
I have accused Lydia of marrying me to get even, but she asserts it was pure masochism, Professor Deutsch wryly recalled.
After completing his experiment in graduate school, Professor Deutsch, who died on March 13 in Manhattan at 97, perfected his formula for reconciliation to become a leading expert on conflict resolution and mediation.
Mr. Murray said Mr. Massey had so far been taken advantage of by consultants and had nothing to show for all its spending.
Mr. Massey, who earned millions as a real estate sales executive and until recently lived in Westchester, still has months to go before the Republican primary, should there be one, to hone his message, meet New Yorkers and increase his name recognition.
In an interview on Monday, Mr. Massey pointed to the latest fund-raising figures about $860,000 over two months as a sign that his campaign was resonating with New Yorkers. Theres a groundswell of support for my candidacy; Im feeling that, he said.
He said he had no problem with the level of spending Im all about bringing the best team to the table and said that the campaign so far had been successful.
Ive learned a lot, he said. What would I do differently? The simple answer is nothing.
The most recent filings showed that 95 donors gave Mr. Massey the maximum allowable contribution of $4,950, amounting to more than half his total for the two-month filing period. The forms also showed that a few additions to his stable of Republican consultants, including Harold E. Doley III, the campaigns top African-American aide (paid $15,000), and Michael Fragin, an Orthodox Jewish aide (paid $5,000), both assigned to community outreach.
Mr. Massey also got a boost on Monday: Eric Ulrich, a young and charismatic city councilman who had been considering running for the Republican nomination, bowed out of the race.
Mr. Massey still has a long way to go, though. When he attended the St. Patricks Day parade, he could not walk behind a banner, since they are not permitted for candidates or elected officials. Staff members had to rush ahead to tell the crowd who the businessman was as he stepped up to shake hands.
Preet Bharara, the former United States attorney in Manhattan who was fired this month by the Trump administration, will join the New York University School of Law on April 1 as a distinguished scholar in residence, the school said on Tuesday.
Mr. Bharara, 48, who was abruptly dismissed on March 11 after he refused to tender his resignation to the Trump administration, said in a Twitter post that he was thrilled for this opportunity to continue addressing the issues I so deeply care about criminal and social justice, honest government, national security, civil rights and corporate accountability, to name a few.
Mr. Bharara, a graduate of Harvard and Columbia Law School, served more than seven years as the United States attorney for the Southern District of New York, and was perhaps best known for his successful corruption prosecutions, including those of Sheldon Silver, the former Democratic speaker of the State Assembly, and Dean G. Skelos, the former Republican state senate majority leader. (Both men have appealed their convictions.)
Image Preet Bharara, who served as the United States attorney in Manhattan for more than seven years, was dismissed this month by the Trump administration. Credit... Bryan R. Smith for The New York Times
The law schools dean, Trevor W. Morrison, said students and faculty members would benefit from Mr. Bhararas deep knowledge and experience in criminal justice.
There he is again.
Robert Moses.
Builder of infrastructure. Ravager of neighborhoods. Maker of omelets. Breaker of eggs. Never mind civics texts. The Power Broker, Robert A. Caros biography of Mr. Moses, is the book that still must be read 43 years after it was published to understand how New York really works.
The reputation of Mr. Moses, good and bad, has outlived those of every governor and mayor he nominally served, with the possible exceptions of Mayor Fiorello H. La Guardia, who had the sense to get an airport named after him, and Gov. Nelson A. Rockefeller, whose name speaks for itself.
Mr. Moses rose again from his unquiet grave this week.
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo invoked his ambiguous legacy as he announced $700 million in state financing for the first phase in the replacement of the Sheridan Expressway in the Bronx with a more modest and amenable boulevard, one that no longer cuts adjoining neighbors off from the Bronx River.
Mr. Cuomo said the expressway was one of Mr. Mosess mistakes.
No governor would have dared talk that way when Mr. Moses was in his prime, holding as many as a dozen state and city offices simultaneously, impervious to every attempt to remove or bridle him.
For many in Vietnam, memories of what took place remain vivid. I recently visited Nguyen Thi Do, a former nurse with the National Liberation Front, also known as the Vietcong. After 10 years of wartime service, Ms. Do moved to Qui Nhon, a beachfront city in her home province on Vietnams Central Coast, where she helped administer a fishing company until retiring in 1989. She invited me into her living room with its stylish wooden furnishings, poured two cups of green tea, and shared her story.
When I was 17, National Liberation Front recruiters came to my village, Lo Dieu in the Hoai Nhon District of Binh Dinh Province. People in the region called Lo Dieu, about 130 miles south of Danang, a cradle of revolution because everyone there was so devoted to the cause.
They were enlisting everyone my age, and so on Jan. 1, 1966, I became part of the revolution. I was so young and naive that the only thing I could do to help was to cook meals for officers and wounded soldiers at the military camp in the jungle nearby. The pot was too heavy for me to carry, and when I cooked rice, I had to use a big shovel to stir it. But I did a good job, so my boss decided I was ready to become a nurse.
After a few months of training, I was assigned to the 22nd Regiment. Even though my main job was delivering first aid, I also hauled rice, and sometimes joined battles, fighting just like an actual soldier. No matter who you were, your mission was to be devoted to contributing in every way to the revolution.
To the Editor:
Re Comey Confirms Inquiry on Russia and Trump Allies (front page, March 21):
The whole world is watching. This is far more than a domestic political squabble; the issues at play strike at the very heart of democratic governance, foreign interference in one countrys sovereignty and, underlying all the particulars, whether this administration and this president can ever be trusted.
PAUL BERNISH, CINCINNATI
To the Editor:
In testimony before the House Intelligence Committee on Monday, James B. Comey, the F.B.I. director, stated publicly for the first time that his agency, beginning last July, has been investigating possibly illicit contacts with Russian officials by Donald Trumps campaign.
Why, then, did Mr. Comey decide just weeks before the presidential election to publicly announce details about the F.B.I.s investigation into Hillary Clinton while not mentioning the continuing Trump campaign inquiry?
Surely, possible collusion with Russia with the intent of shaping the outcome of an election is a much more grave matter than finding a new cache of emails on Anthony Weiners laptop one that the American voter had a right to know before voting.
To the Editor:
It was disappointing that in an otherwise fine obituary of the poet Derek Walcott, you dismiss serious acts of sexual harassment that he engaged in (Derek Walcott, 1930-2017: Caribbeans Lyrical Voice and Nobel Laureate, front page, March 18).
You present the incidents merely as allegations that derailed his candidacy for a prestigious honorary poetry professorship. The sole account of the episode comes from Mr. Walcott, who is quoted in a paragraph-long statement describing references to his actions as a low and degrading attempt at character assassination.
In fact, Harvards own account of what happened is entirely different.
While Mr. Walcott was a visiting professor at Harvard, he repeatedly pressed a freshman student to have sex with him. After she refused, he gave her a C. When the student filed a formal complaint, Harvard investigated her allegations and confirmed them and changed her grade to a pass.
The university reprimanded Mr. Walcott for his conduct, and the case led Harvard to adopt its first formal sexual harassment policy.
Judge Neil M. Gorsuch has written little about abortion, and we do not know whether he would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that established abortion as a fundamental right. But he has expressed a position on two related subjects, assisted suicide and euthanasia. In his Oxford dissertation and a later book, he defended the inviolability of human life. He rejected the role of states in granting the terminally ill a right to die and offered a legal framework that could be applied to abortion.
Judge Gorsuch, who is President Trumps nominee to fill the Supreme Court seat vacated by Justice Antonin Scalias death last year, argued in both his dissertation and his book, The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia, that the Constitution requires banning doctor-assisted suicide and euthanasia nationwide, with a few possible exceptions. He asserted that allowing these practices in any state would violate the 14th Amendments guarantee of equal protection. Such a law would treat the lives of different persons quite differently by prohibiting the murder of the healthy while allowing the killing of the sick, he wrote.
Judge Gorsuch has clearly thought long and hard about matters of life and death. Would he extrapolate to abortion his views on assisted suicide or euthanasia? Its not clear. In his dissertation, his limited remarks on Roe are skeptical; he calls its logic a hodgepodge of doctrines and theories and refers to abortion as a nontextual right, meaning it has no basis in the text of the Constitution. However, as Amy Howe of Scotusblog noted recently, he has not ruled on any cases directly involving abortion during his 10 years as an appeals court judge.
But he has had much to say in his writings about human personhood and the inviolability of life, views that are worth exploring. What gives individuals such an inviolable right, he has reasoned, is a status that legal scholars call constitutional personhood, defined by the 14th Amendment. Under that amendment, a state is prohibited from denying any constitutional person life, liberty or property, without due process of law, and cannot deny any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.
But much more needs to be done. Ratcheting up solar to produce approximately 1 percent of global electricity has required a lot of technology and investment. Making solar big enough to matter environmentally would be an even more colossal undertaking. It would require plastering the ground and roofs with billions of solar panels. It would require significantly increasing energy storage, because solar panels crank out electricity only when the sun shines, which is why, today, solar often needs to be backed up by fossil fuels. And it would require adding more transmission lines, because often the places where the sun shines best arent where most people live.
The scale of this challenge makes economic efficiency crucial, as we argue in a report, The New Solar System, released on Tuesday. The policies that have goosed solar have been often unsustainable and sometimes contradictory. One glaring example: With one hand, the United States is trying to make solar cheaper, through tax breaks, and with the other hand its making solar more expensive, through tariffs it has imposed on solar products imported from China, the worlds largest maker and installer of solar panels.
The tariffs are prompting Chinese solar manufacturers to set up factories not in the United States, but in low-cost countries that arent subject to the levies. And the Chinese government has responded with its own tariffs against American-made solar goods. Those tariffs have eroded the United States share in the one part of solar manufacturing polysilicon, the raw material for solar cells in which America once had a significant role.
That solar is now involved in a trade war is a sign of how far it has come. The United States developed the first solar cells in the 1950s and put them into space in the 1960s. Japan and Germany began putting big numbers of solar panels on rooftops in the 1990s. But solar power didnt really advance into a real industry until a decade ago, when China stepped in.
In the mid-2000s, stimulated by hefty solar subsidies in Europe, a handful of entrepreneurs in China started producing inexpensive solar panels, much as had been done in China before with T-shirts and televisions. These entrepreneurs bought equipment from manufacturers in Europe and the United States, built big factories with government subsidies, and got down to business cranking out millions of solar panels for export.
To the Editor:
Re Man Without an ISIS Plan (editorial, March 13):
You rightly identify the absence of a coherent Trump administration policy with respect to ISIS and the broader conflict in the Middle East. But you dont mention that Donald Trump promised, as early as 2015, that he had a foolproof plan for defeating ISIS that he could not reveal.
In spite of having a plan of defeating them quickly and effectively and having total victory, Mr. Trump charged military officers with devising a new strategy. These are the very generals he denigrated by boasting that I know more about ISIS than the generals do.
Is it too cynical to ask how many fighters and noncombatants have died because Mr. Trump has withheld his extremely tough plan not only from the public but also from the American military? Or how much of the refugee crisis, with its threats to the stability of Europe, could have been avoided if the Trump plan, if it actually existed, had been acted upon?
Mr. Trumps claims are part of a pattern of willful deception and distortion that threatens to become normalized unless the press fulfills its obligation to repeatedly call attention to such perversity.
Todays lesson in evading moral responsibility comes to us from the United Nations. The organization says it is terribly concerned about the cholera epidemic in Haiti and wishes to eliminate it. But it has not figured out when and how this is going to happen, and with what money.
The who and why are well known. The United Nations has the duty to end the cholera crisis because the United Nations caused it. The disease was unknown in modern Haiti until peacekeepers, from Nepal, introduced it. They let their raw sewage flow into a river that people use for drinking water. That was in 2010. Cholera has since killed more than 9,000 Haitians and sickened 800,000 others.
The United Nations has spent nearly all that time trying to avoid blame. Only last December did it apologize and promise to make things right. The secretary-general at the time, Ban Ki-moon, promised strenuous efforts, called the New Approach, to eradicate cholera from the country.
That unfinished job has fallen to Mr. Bans successor, Antonio Guterres. The New Approach envisions spending $400 million, but has raised only about $2 million. (Thank you, South Korea, France, Chile, India and Liechtenstein.) The United States, perhaps unsurprisingly, has contributed zero dollars to this effort. Our president is trying to gut international aid, including famine relief, as he lectures other nations about their failures to meet shared obligations.
To the Editor:
Re Official Quits U.N. Post Over Report (news article, March 18):
It was not surprising that President Trump was angered by the explosive new study by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia that likened Israeli occupation practices in Palestine to apartheid. But demanding that the study be withdrawn by the highly respected commission head, Rima Khalaf, led to her resignation, outraging Arabs and others at this blatant suppression of speech.
It is not easy for a United Nations secretary general to withstand serious American pressure, since Washington can slash its contributions to the system and, no less important, curtail the cooperation that is indispensable for him to carry out a host of actions that require the superpowers support.
The exercise of such leverage strikes at the heart of the most elementary United Nations mandate its independence and neutrality but that reality seems particularly unavoidable under the new administration.
SALIM LONE, PRINCETON, N.J.
The writer was a United Nations communications director and spokesman for the United Nations mission in Iraq after the United States-led invasion in 2003.
At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, inside a hearing room across the street from the United States Capitol, James B. Comey, the head of the F.B.I., and Adm. Michael S. Rogers, the head of the National Security Agency, took their seats at a long wooden table.
The House Intelligence Committee had asked them to testify. They had little choice in being there. But they did have a choice about whether to comment on two extraordinarily sensitive matters involving the president and national security: Trump and Russia, and Trump and a wiretap.
On todays episode:
He said it under oath. Mr. Comeys agency is investigating the Trump campaigns ties to Russia, and will pursue it no matter how long that takes. We talk with Matt Apuzzo, who covers the F.B.I. for The New York Times and was watching Mondays hearings.
Typical airline passengers traveling with pets will not be required to use the Ark. At less expense, they can still arrange for their pets transport on their own, by flying them in cargo or in some cases in the airplane cabin of their flight.
Daphna Nachminovitch, senior vice president for cruelty investigations for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, said flying animals in cargo always involved risks no matter who was handling the transportation.
If you are traveling with an animal companion, the safest way to do that is to have the animal travel with you in the cabin, under the seat, if the animal fits, she said. We strongly recommend against flying an animal in cargo. Weve seen so many things go wrong, so many animals lost forever, injured or killed.
If the animal is too large, Ms. Nachminovitch continued, drive if you can, get someone else you trust to drive, see if Amtrak will allow the animal as they sometimes do, or, if you have the funds, rent a private plane.
The Ark advises that all animals be microchipped and registered, said Ms. Schuette, the Arks managing director. She added that microchipping ensured animals safety while in transit and at home.
Pet Oasis maintains communication with the airline or cargo handler transporting an animal to ensure that the airline information affixed on the outside of the animals crate matches all information it receives from its owner, she said.
Ms. Nachminovitch said: If someone has the money to spend on something like the Ark that makes for a safer trip, we are all for it. Its expensive to look after an animal properly and an obligation to safeguard them and assure they are not traumatized or in discomfort.
But in the future, they may develop into far more complex forms, the researchers said, such as a beating human heart connected to a rudimentary brain, all created from stem cells. Such a Sheef might reveal important clues about how nerves control heartbeats. Scientists might be able to use other Sheefs to test out drugs for diseases such as cancer or diabetes.
Whatever else, it is sure to unnerve most of us.
Established guidelines for human embryo research are useless for deciding which Sheefs will be acceptable and which not, Dr. Aach argued. Before scientists get too deeply into making Sheefs, some rules must be put in place.
Dr. Aach and his colleagues urged that certain features be kept off limits: Scientists, for example, should never create a Sheef that feels pain.
Were going to have to get a lot of input from a lot of quarters, Dr. Aach said in an interview. The problems are just too big.
Scientists began grappling with the ethics of lab-raised embryos more than four decades ago.
In 1970, the physiologist Robert G. Edwards and his colleagues at the University of Cambridge announced they had been able to fertilize human eggs with sperm and keep them alive for two days in a petri dish. During that time, the embryos each divided into 16 cells.
Google moved on Tuesday to protect its lucrative advertising business by giving marketers greater control over where their ads appear online, after major clients withdrew spots that were shown next to hate speech and other offensive material.
Google has become a global advertising behemoth, pocketing billions of dollars every year from brands promoting their goods through the companys search engine and on YouTube. But the changes, which will be introduced in the coming weeks, highlight the difficult balance between protecting Googles advertising business while also allowing free speech.
By giving brands more say over where their ads appear, experts say, Google is acknowledging that it has not done enough so far to police the material on its sites.
Recently, we had a number of cases where brands ads appeared on content that was not aligned with their values. For this, we deeply apologize, Philipp Schindler, Googles chief business officer, wrote in a blog post on Tuesday. We know that this is unacceptable to the advertisers and agencies who put their trust in us.
SAN FRANCISCO The United States Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday enacted a new flight restriction. Under the rule, passengers traveling on foreign airlines from eight majority-Muslim countries to the United States are barred from bringing devices larger than cellphones onto the plane. Instead, they have to stow devices like computers and tablets in checked luggage.
Who is affected, why are larger devices banned, and what should you do? Here is what we know so far.
Who is affected?
The new policy affects people flying to the United States from airports in Amman, Jordan; Cairo; Istanbul; Jidda and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; Kuwait City; Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The United Kingdom also announced a similar ban on devices larger than smartphones on certain airlines. The policy applies to flights coming into the U.K. from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Tunisia, Lebanon, Turkey and Jordan.
We liked the goats because theyre such pleasant animals, and they like the attention of people who come in, and of course the baby goats are very cute, she said. We make cheese and buttermilk and yogurt, she said, to make it attractive for people to come and do their shopping here. We do sell the meat as well, and we started with the goats, but we now have chickens and we sell the eggs, and people can pick their own eggs.
The Ridammerhoeve farm is a working farm that sells its products, but most of the others fall under the heading of kinderboerderij, as theyre called in Dutch, or childrens farms, which are petting zoos where visitors can touch goats, sheep, cows, rabbits and guinea pigs and, if theyre more adventurous, pigs and chickens. Thanks to these local farms, my daughter, who has grown up entirely in the city, feels perfectly comfortable around farm animals.
Michele Hutchison, an author of The Happiest Kids in the World, a new book exploring why Unicef in 2013 rated Dutch children highest in the world on measures of happiness, said that many of the ways those children are being raised today may look old-fashioned, but that this is more of a conscious choice by contemporary Dutch parents to resurrect old-fashioned family values: fresh air, nature, unsupervised play.
Dutch kids parents played outside unsupervised when they were young, and now they consciously try to allow their children to do the same, she writes.
When Sonia was big enough to sit upright, my father surprised us with a classic Dutch bakfiets, which makes traveling 30 minutes to the forest, with more than one child, a picnic blanket and basket on board, perfectly doable. And thats where we found ourselves surrounded by all those goats.
Entering the Geitenboerderij Ridammerhoeve, we stopped first at a huge labyrinth made of tall hedges, where Sonia and Matteo disappeared for about a half-hour. Matteos parents and I tracked them by their laughter. After stopping to say hello to an enormous spotted pig rolling in a mud puddle, and waiting while our children climbed through a wooden jungle gym and escaped via the slide, we entered the cavernous goat barn filled with yellow hay, hundreds of goats and a startling, pungent odor. All around us, children were feeding the animals, some with the pellets bought for a coin from a dispenser on the wall, and others were feeding the baby goats with miniature baby bottles full of goat milk.
There was the late-night family dinner we had at a remote waterside pub upon arriving in the Lofoten Islands, a far northern archipelago situated more than 100 miles above the Arctic Circle.
The drive from the airport along winding roads flanked by craggy peaks and water that mirrored the sky was nearly devoid of other cars. On the back deck of the wood-planked pub, two friendly and inebriated local men named Terry and Simon greeted us with bone-crushing handshakes, handed me a juniper berry to chew on and asked us to join them with our young sons, to expose them to drinks.
There was the feeling of time traveling at the amazing Viking Museum in the blink-and-youll-miss-it village of Borg. Anchored by a striking reconstruction of a Viking chieftains long house that was excavated nearby, the museum has a series of buildings connected by outdoor walking paths. It even features two replica ships and their boathouses. Inside the meeting house, a woman in a period costume of a long white gown and apron ladled for me a cup of mead, a boozy drink made from fermented honey and water, while Matt donned chain mail and Felix and Teddy wore metal and leather helmets and swung heavy swords around. On a chilly day punctuated by downpours, we dashed from building to building, re-enacting the sodden life of misery as it was in the 1200s and learning about Norse mythology and the ships that brought the Vikings to inhospitable shores.
And there was something special for each of us to find. For me, there was surfing in the Arctic. (I know: surfing in the Arctic!) Friends in Oslo directed us to Unstad, a minuscule sheep-farming town that has several surf breaks on the Norwegian Sea and hosts an international surf competition every fall. One afternoon there, I wriggled into a six-millimeter neoprene wet suit much thicker than I was accustomed to wearing in San Francisco, making me feel a bit like the Michelin Man and paddled out, nodding as I passed the several guys in the lineup. All of them were cheerful and none looked terribly cold. Truth be told, in the fierce sunlight, the only time I felt any iciness was on my face upon a wipeout. Waiting for the next set of waves to arrive, I looked at the afternoon sky, dabs of clouds across it like chalk-dusted fingerprints. Who could not smile when confronted with this heart-expanding, crazy beauty?
For Matt, there were the craggy mountains, electric-green with velvety moss, and the time to run up and down their lung-busting slopes most every afternoon. There was the absence of people, the wildness. For someone used to being on the clock every day, the slowing down of time was nothing short of magic.
For the boys, there was the powder-white sand beach and the endless views of the fjords, and no one to tell them to hurry up. We stayed in a little wood-shingled house on a bluff above a cove where Felix and Teddy spent entire afternoons digging holes and trenches. They would take turns directing the action and bossing each other around. The tide would come in and fill the cracks, and then the next day they would run back to start the process all over again.
The Congressional Budget Office recently said that around 24 million fewer Americans would have health insurance in 2026 under the Republican repeal plan than if the current law stayed in place.
That loss was bigger than most experts anticipated, and led to a round of predictable laments from congressional Democrats and less predictable ones from Republican senators, including Bill Cassidy of Louisiana and John Thune of South Dakota, who told reporters that the bill needed to be more helpful to low-income people who wanted insurance.
But one piece of context has gone little noticed: The Republican bill would actually result in more people being uninsured than if Obamacare were simply repealed. Getting rid of the major coverage provisions and regulations of Obamacare would cost 23 million Americans their health insurance, according to another recent C.B.O. report. In other words, one million more Americans would have health insurance with a clean repeal than with the Republican replacement plan, according to C.B.O. estimates.
RICHMOND, Va. The Virginia governor has pardoned four former sailors who became known as the Norfolk Four, ending a decades-long fight to clear them of rape and murder convictions based on intimidating police interrogations.
Brian Coy, a spokesman for Gov. Terry McAuliffe, said Tuesday that the governor had granted absolute pardons to the men in the 1997 rape and killing of Michelle Moore-Bosko. DNA evidence linked another man, Omar Ballard, to the crimes. Mr. Ballard, who said he was solely responsible for the attack, is serving a life sentence.
The Norfolk Four were stationed at the Navy base in Norfolk. Their case drew widespread attention when their claims of innocence were backed by dozens of former F.B.I. agents, former prosecutors and the crime novelist John Grisham.
Mr. Trump told Republicans at the meeting that after voting repeatedly to repeal the health care law and campaigning in 2016 on doing so, they had an obligation to back the bill and would lose their majority if they blow it, attendees said.
Despite the days feverish efforts a combination of cajoling, browbeating and horse-trading that recalled Democrats efforts to pass the law in 2010 White House and congressional officials conceded Tuesday that they still lacked the votes to pass the bill. As many as three dozen Republicans remain opposed or unpersuaded, according to one aide with knowledge of the process, who spoke on condition of anonymity to describe internal discussions.
It is not clear whether Mr. Trump would be able to exact a political price from Republicans who opposed the measure; conservative groups including the Club for Growth and Heritage Action for America were lining up against the legislation and pressuring lawmakers to oppose it, raising questions about whether it would be possible to mount a successful primary challenge to defectors. And some Republicans said the political peril would be greater if they supported the health care bill, which they said failed to achieve their goals or those of their constituents.
I think if we do do this, we lose the majority, said Representative Mo Brooks, an Alabama Republican and a member of the Freedom Caucus, who said he remained opposed.
Im asking you a question, please answer the question, Mr. Franken said, as the nominee demurred.
When Judge Gorsuch began to defend his vote again, the senator cut in. Thats absurd, said Mr. Franken, a veteran of Saturday Night Live in a previous life. Now, I had a career in identifying absurdity. And I know it when I see it.
Judge Gorsuch said earlier that the case of the truck driver was one of those that you take home at night. But the law, he argued on Tuesday, was clear: The law said the man is protected and cant be fired if he refuses to operate an unsafe vehicle.
In fact, Judge Gorsuch said, the driver had unhitched his vehicle from the trailing cargo to get to safety in frigid weather. He chose to operate, Judge Gorsuch said, adding, I think by any plain understanding, he operated the vehicle.
The nominee expressed no fondness for this particular law Ive been stuck on a highway in Wyoming in a snowstorm, he noted but said it was his duty to observe it.
Gorsuch talks about dark money.
Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, Democrat of Rhode Island, said shadowy groups had spent millions of dollars in dark money to support Judge Gorsuchs nomination. The senator asked the judge to urge his supporters to disclose what they had spent.
Judge Gorsuch declined, saying that would be a political move. He noted that the Supreme Court had allowed Congress to require disclosure of political spending.
With all respect, the balls in your court, Judge Gorsuch said.
An originalist.
Judge Gorsuch has called himself an originalist, meaning that he tries to interpret the Constitution as it was understood by the people who drafted and ratified it. On Tuesday, he said his approach could keep pace with contemporary realities.
WASHINGTON If President Trump has a secret plan to defeat the Islamic State, as he promised during the presidential campaign, then his international allies in that fight are hoping to get a glimpse of it on Wednesday.
And if Secretary of State Rex W. Tillerson hopes to reverse a growing impression of his own inefficacy in government, he will have no better opportunity than this week.
Diplomats from around the world are set to gather at the State Department on Wednesday for the Trump administrations first meeting of the global coalition to defeat the Islamic State. Although such meetings have occurred regularly for years, this is the first since December 2014 in which representatives from all 68 countries of the coalition are expected to attend.
Nobody wants to miss this meeting, said Julianne Smith, a former Defense Department official and deputy national security adviser to former Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr. Theyre all thinking this would be the opportunity for the administration to let them in on any shift in U.S. policy or strategy.
WASHINGTON Intelligence showing that the Islamic State is developing a bomb hidden in portable electronics spurred the United States and Britain on Tuesday to bar passengers from airports in a total of 10 Muslim-majority countries from carrying laptop computers, iPads and other devices larger than a cellphone aboard direct inbound flights, two senior American counterterrorism officials said.
Two additional American officials said the explosives were designed to be hidden in laptop batteries. All four spoke on condition of anonymity as they were not authorized to publicly discuss the sensitive information.
The Trump administration maintained that the new restrictions did not signal a credible, specific threat of an imminent attack. Officials said the alert reflects concerns that the Islamic State is ready or soon will be to launch new capabilities against the West. Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, declined to address the intelligence during a news media briefing on Tuesday.
Officials said passengers still could carry cellphones and other small devices into the airplanes cabin, while larger items like laptops would have to be stowed with checked luggage.
WASHINGTON Counterintelligence investigation. Wiretapping. Unauthorized disclosures of classified national security secrets.
Those phrases punctuated congressional testimony on Monday when the F.B.I. director, James B. Comey, said for the first time publicly that the bureau was conducting a counterintelligence investigation into whether members of the Trump presidential campaign worked with Russia to influence the 2016 election. Mr. Comeys comments introduced many concepts that most people rarely hear.
The intelligence community has concluded that the Russian government employed a variety of tactics including the hacking and release of Democrats emails to sway the election against Hillary Clinton.
Here are some answers to questions that came out of Mr. Comeys testimony:
What is a counterintelligence investigation?
Unlike a typical criminal investigation into organized crime or drug trafficking, a counterintelligence case is not typically focused on prosecuting someone. It is more spycraft than law enforcement. Every day, teams of F.B.I. agents listen to wiretaps on foreign officials and conduct surveillance on people suspected of being foreign agents in cities around the country. But once they know someone is a spy, they do not necessarily swoop in with handcuffs. In the counterintelligence world, it is often most valuable to watch these people maybe for years and learn whom they talk to, what their mission is and how they operate.
The complaints poured into City Hall in Portland, the scenic city in Maine with cobblestone streets and waterfront parks. Panhandlers were taking over sidewalks, clogging busy intersections and scaring off tourists.
City officials responded in the same manner as their counterparts across the country with force. Starting in 2013, they outlawed begging on street medians, saying it was a public safety issue. After a federal court struck down that law, Portland bulldozed a strip in the middle of a road that had proved popular with beggars.
Despite the aggressive approach, panhandlers did not disappear.
So starting in April, Portland plans to try a new tactic. The city will hire a few panhandlers a day, pay them $10.68 an hour, the citys minimum wage, and assign them to clean parks and public spaces.
The Portland city manager, Jon Jennings, said it was time to think of another solution and believes this one will help everyone. He hopes to eventually be able to convert some of the jobs into full-time work with the city, he said, and Portlands parks will be more beautiful.
Mr. Stone said he decided to leave; Mr. Trump maintained that he fired him.
As an informal adviser, Mr. Stone supported Mr. Trumps plan to focus extensively on immigration at the start of the 2016 campaign, and believed that he could tap into a core group of disaffected Republican voters. He encouraged his engagement with conservative online media, such as Newsmax and, later on, Breitbart. He also advised Mr. Trump to attack Mrs. Clinton over how she dealt with women involved in her husbands extramarital affairs, a line of attack that Mr. Trump embraced. Mr. Trump offered praise for Mr. Stone on the coming Netflix documentary Get Me Roger Stone.
These days he will not discuss how frequently he is in touch with Mr. Trump, or whether he has visited the Oval Office since the inauguration which he attended dressed according to what he described as proper etiquette: a top hat and morning suit. The White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, told reporters in the briefing room on Monday that Mr. Trump and Mr. Stone speak from time to time, and he contended they had not done so recently.
To both his allies and critics, Mr. Stone, a native of Connecticut, presents a contradictory portrait. His name inspired anxiety in a generation of New York political operatives. He has embraced theories that Mr. Trump pushed in the campaign about Senator Ted Cruzs father somehow being tied to the John F. Kennedy assassination. And once a week he guest-hosts on a radio show hosted by Alex Jones, who has a devoted following of Trump voters along with a raft of conspiracy theories of his own.
On Monday, when he devoted most of his show to defending Mr. Stone, Mr. Jones expressed concern that Mr. Stones life was in danger a reference to Mr. Stones claim that he was recently poisoned with polonium as well as the victim of a suspicious hit-and-run broadside car crash last week. Mr. Stone did not let that keep him from an event in Orlando to promote his book the following day.
But Mr. Stone is also a libertarian and strong supporter of gay rights and legalized marijuana who expressed concern in 2016 that Mr. Trumps campaign team didnt try harder to get him to disavow the Ku Klux Klan leader, David Duke. While he has long been an outlier in the political world, he got his real start in national politics with the Reagan campaign in 1979. He is renowned among Republican political professionals for using the internet for years before any mainstream Republicans or activists, according to Tony Fabrizio, a veteran Republican pollster.
And for a time, as a partner in a white-shoe Washington lobbying firm, Mr. Stone was a part of the swamp that Mr. Trump now wants to drain. He worked there with his old friend, Paul Manafort, who was Mr. Trumps campaign chairman. His ties to Russia are now under scrutiny by the F.B.I., but Mr. Manafort denies any suggestion that he colluded with Russian officials or anybody else.
But those establishment days seem far in the past. As scrutiny of him has intensified in recent weeks, Mr. Stone has lashed out more aggressively, sending a series of caustic, obscenity-laced messages on Twitter, several of which he deleted a few hours after posting.
Dont confuse Roger Stone with the character I play, Mr. Stone said with a chuckle in an interview on Sunday, conceding that he has sometimes sent a two-martini tweet.
As education secretary, Ms. DeVos has limited ability to carry out school choice nationwide, at least without action from Congress. But her previous investments as a philanthropist are paying dividends.
In 2013 and 2014, the most recent years for which financial disclosures are available, several organizations associated with Ms. DeVos invested over $7 million in school choice lobbying efforts in states now considering new bills. Americans for Prosperity, the activist group founded by the Koch brothers, and the conservative American Legislative Exchange Council are also pushing private school choice in statehouses across the country.
The number of American students benefiting from private school choice programs now is relatively small. Estimates by EdChoice, the organization founded by Milton Friedman, the University of Chicago economist who first introduced the idea of vouchers, put the number at 446,000 this year, out of a total school-age population of 56 million. (Three million attend public charter schools, which Ms. DeVos also has championed and which generally do not accept vouchers.)
Advocates say that expanding private school choice would allow parents to remove children from public schools that are not meeting their needs, and note that surveys show parents in existing programs have high satisfaction rates. Competition from private schools, they say, can help public schools improve.
A lot of families want to have the choice, Gov. Terry E. Branstad of Iowa said at a rally in January. We want to make sure all those choices are available, and are as affordable as possible.
Traditional school voucher programs, which exist in 15 states and the District of Columbia, allow the government to pay private schools, many of them religious, directly. Tax credit scholarships, like the one that helps pay tuition for Ms. Kakayos daughter, are a newer and growing form of school choice. They allow individuals and corporations to receive credit on their state income taxes for donations to nonprofits that provide tuition aid to students. Iowas program, currently used by 11,000 students, has income limits $73,800 for a family of four and the average scholarship award is only $1,583.
NDJAMENA, Chad After B-2 bombers struck an Islamic State training camp in Libya in January, killing more than 80 militants, American officials privately gloated. On the heels of losing its coastal stronghold in Surt the month before, the Islamic State seemed to be reeling.
But Western and African counterterrorism officials now say that while the twin blows dealt a setback to the terrorist group in Libya once feared as the Islamic States most lethal branch outside Iraq and Syria its leaders are already regrouping, exploiting the chaos and political vacuum gripping the country.
Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, head of the Pentagons Africa Command, told a Senate panel this month that after their expulsion from Surt, many militants from the Islamic State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, were moving to southern Libya.
The instability in Libya and North Africa may be the most significant near-term threat to U.S. and allies interests on the continent, General Waldhauser said. Even with the success of Surt, ISIS-Libya remains a regional threat with intent to target U.S. persons and interests.
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan At least four and possibly as many as 14 members of a militia belonging to the Afghan intelligence agency were killed in a suicide car bombing at their base in the southern province of Helmand, Afghan officials said on Tuesday.
The attack late Monday was in Gereshk district, just outside the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah, which has been largely besieged by Taliban forces for more than a year.
Bashir Ahmad Shakir, the head of the security committee on the Helmand provincial council, said the bomber on Monday had rammed his car, a Toyota Corolla, into the base compound on the main road leading to Lashkar Gah.
The suicide bomber had selected a vehicle that closely resembled another Corolla that the militia had been using, timing his attack when the bases car was away.
BANGKOK The film Beauty and the Beast will open next week in Malaysia despite earlier objections from the countrys Film Censorship Board over a brief scene described as an exclusively gay moment, two major cinema companies said Tuesday.
Walt Disney Studios had refused to cut the scene to appease Malaysian censors. The cinema companies announced they would begin showing the movie on March 30.
Officials from the censorship board could be not reached late Tuesday to explain their apparent reversal.
The boards decision had drawn condemnation internationally and in Malaysia. Among those objecting to it was Tourism Minister Nazri Aziz, who last week called the decision ridiculous.
But the disclosure of her ties to the right-wing school group has undermined that reputation.
Moritomo Gakuen already operates a kindergarten that requires students to recite the Imperial Rescript on Education, a 19th-century royal decree that prescribes that subjects be ever united in loyalty and filial piety and that husbands and wives be harmonious. Its leader, Yasunori Kagoike, has been accused of bigotry against Chinese and Koreans.
In response to questions for Mrs. Abe, the office of the prime minister referred to his comments in Parliament on Friday, when he defended his wife, saying that she had never given money to the school group and that neither of them was involved in selling public land to the proposed school.
Moritomo Gakuen has decided it will not build the school and has been ordered to return the land to the government. Mr. Kagoike is expected to testify in Parliament on Thursday.
Women who want to see more female representation in positions of power say they are even more disappointed by Ms. Inada.
Inada is anti-feminist, said Mari Miura, a professor of political science at Sophia University, pointing to the defense ministers membership in an ultraconservative activist group that believes women belong in the home. She added that Ms. Inada had resisted calls to push legislation that would allow married women to use different surnames from those of their husbands, a cause important to Japanese feminists.
Ms. Miura said Mr. Abe had chosen Ms. Inada because she shared his revisionist view that Japan had been unfairly accused of atrocities in World War II. The women chosen by him are just symbolic or a cosmetic way of conveying womens advancement, Ms. Miura said. And that doesnt really empower women at all.
Chanting emanated from loudspeakers. In hills to the east of the monastery stood clusters of red three-story wooden homes, a traditional design around religious centers in Kham.
Even if the scene around the monastery evoked ancient customs, the town did not. Modern five-story buildings lined the valley walls along the river. Yellow construction cranes loomed above the skyline, a sight typical of cities big and small across China. At night, neon signs glowed.
Katia Buffetrille, a scholar of Tibet at the Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes in Paris, said the sprawl of the town had surprised her when she visited last year. She had last come here three decades earlier.
The monastery was in bad shape in 1985, she said. But the printing press was functioning back then, years after the end of the destructive Cultural Revolution.
The operations of the printing press are today similar to what they were in 1985, Ms. Buffetrille said. Its amazing how many pages they print every day.
That can explain the bad quality of the printing sometimes, she added.
But the traditions endure. On the afternoon I visited, in a monastic building uphill from the printing press, monks held a dharma ceremony, which they do every few weeks. One monk walked around a crowded courtyard sprinkling drops of water on worshipers. Others sat on a dais at the front, reading aloud from scriptures that had been printed by hand next door.
ATHENS Greek counterterrorism officers have uncovered eight parcel bombs resembling those sent last week to the German finance minister in Berlin and to the Paris offices of the International Monetary Fund, a police official said on Tuesday.
The devices were discovered on Monday during a search of the Hellenic Posts main sorting office, north of Athens, according to a police spokesman, Theodoros Chronopoulos. The packages were destined for European countries, he said, calling them similar to the ones sent to the German finance minister, Wolfgang Schauble, and to the I.M.F.s offices.
According to reports in the Greek news media, which Mr. Chronopoulos did not confirm, the packages intercepted at the Athens sorting office were addressed to European Union officials and to multinational companies. The targets reportedly included the leader of the eurozone group of finance ministers, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who coordinates meetings on Greek bailout talks, and an unidentified official of the European Central Bank, one of Greeces three main international creditors.
European Union finance ministers meeting on Tuesday in Brussels to discuss issues including tax policy were made aware of the parcel bombs, but they did not interrupt their talks. Certainly, we are following these developments with concern, Valdis Dombrovskis, a vice president of the European Commission, said.
Left unresolved was whether Northern Ireland would ever be reunited with the predominantly Catholic Irish Republic. The Good Friday Agreement provided that that could happen only with the consent of Northern Ireland, and it made it likely that Ulster and its Protestant majority would remain in perpetuity along with the legacies of killings and religious enmities.
Once banned from entering Britain, Mr. McGuinness won a seat in the House of Commons in London; ran unsuccessfully for the presidency of Ireland in 2011; visited prime ministers several times at 10 Downing Street; met Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama at the White House; and shook hands twice with Queen Elizabeth II.
This is the side of his political life that McGuinness wants the Irish people to remember: the reformed man, the young, hotheaded idealist who learned the error of his ways and forged peace, an achievement that still wins him plaudits from around the world, the British magazine New Statesman said in 2011. To some in Ireland he is a hero a man who stood up for the oppressed, who fought the British. To others, he was, is and will always be a criminal.
James Martin Pacelli McGuinness was born in Derry, Northern Ireland, on May 23, 1950, one of seven children of William and Peggy McGuinness, a Catholic family that shared two bedrooms and an outdoor toilet in the crowded slum of Bogside, a setting for much violence during the Troubles. His father worked in an iron foundry, and his mother in a shirt factory. The parents attended Mass and took communion daily, and they gathered their six sons and daughter nightly for a recitation of the rosary.
The family of a part-time consultant for the C.I.A. who vanished a decade ago in Iran filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against that country, claiming that it had used a campaign of deception and lies to conceal its role in his imprisonment.
The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Washington on behalf of the wife of the missing man, Robert A. Levinson, and their seven children. The action is seeking unspecified damages from Iran for its alleged role in, among other things, inflicting emotional distress on the family of Mr. Levinson, a private investigator who was a former F.B.I. agent.
Other Americans once held by Iran as prisoners have filed lawsuits against the Tehran government, accusing it of hostage-taking, terrorism and torture. But the new action, which was also brought on behalf of Mr. Levinson, is unusual because Iranian officials have insisted since he disappeared that they know nothing about his whereabouts or what happened to him.
A lawyer who represents Mr. Levinsons family called such claims hollow, adding that Iran had long been engaged in a campaign of disinformation about the missing man.
BEIRUT, Lebanon Syrian insurgents seized several government positions on the outskirts of Damascus on Tuesday in the third day of their most ambitious offensive in the capital in years, sending a sharp reminder that the war in Syria is far from over.
Fierce fighting broke out on the northeastern edge of Damascus, as a mix of Islamist rebel groups and hard-line Qaeda-linked jihadists seized an industrial area about a mile from the historic Old City near the heart of the Syrian capital. Rebel offensives erupted in several other parts of the country.
Government forces have been scrambling to repel the attack since it began on Sunday, bringing troops and allied militias from other front lines to hold their territory in Damascus, as government warplanes pummel rebel-held suburbs with scores of strikes. Rebel shells hit the city, wounding 15, and the authorities shut down many of the main roads.
After the government seized the eastern half of Aleppo from rebels last year, it worked hard to create the impression that the war was essentially over. The recent activity, including a series of suicide bombings in Damascus and a rebel attack Thursday on the northern city of Hama, seemed to indicate that the war might be entering a new phase instead.
Americans want to restrict carbon emissions from coal power plants. The White House and Congress may do the opposite.
Percentage of adults per congressional district who support strict CO2 limits on existing coal-fired power plants 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 69% NATIONAL AVERAGE: Wash. Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. Minn. Ore. N.H. Mass. Idaho Wis. S.D. N.Y. Wyo. Mich. R.I. Conn. Pa. Iowa Neb. N.J. Nev. Ohio Md. Ind. Del. Ill. Utah W.Va. Colo. Kan. Calif. Va. Mo. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Ariz. Okla. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. Alaska Fla. Hawaii 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 69% NATIONAL AVERAGE: 20% 40 60 80 69% NATIONAL AVERAGE:
In every congressional district, a majority of adults supports limiting carbon dioxide emissions from existing coal-fired power plants. But many Republicans in Congress (and some Democrats) agree with President Trump, who this week may move to kill an Obama administration plan that would have scaled back the nations greenhouse gas emissions.
Nationally, about seven in 10 Americans support regulating carbon pollution from coal-fired power plants and 75 percent support regulating CO2 as a pollutant more generally. But lawmakers are unlikely to change direction soon.
Bob Inglis, a former Republican congressman from South Carolina, warned that committed activists like the Tea Party can shape politicians approaches to issues like climate change. Those are the ones who can take you out at the next primary, he said. Mr. Inglis lost his primary in 2010 to Trey Gowdy, a Tea Party candidate who attacked his climate views.
Most people think that climate change will harm Americans, but they dont think it will happen to them.
Percentage of adults per county who think Global warming will harm people in the United States 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 Wash. Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. Minn. Ore. N.H. Mass. Idaho Wis. S.D. N.Y. Wyo. Mich. R.I. Conn. Pa. Iowa Neb. N.J. Nev. Ohio Md. Ind. Del. Ill. Utah W.Va. Colo. Kan. Calif. Va. Mo. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Ariz. Okla. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. alaska Fla. Hawaii Global warming will harm me, personally 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 Wash. Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. Minn. Ore. N.H. Mass. Idaho Wis. S.D. N.Y. Wyo. Mich. R.I. Conn. Pa. Iowa Neb. N.J. Nev. Ohio Md. Ind. Del. Ill. Utah W.Va. Colo. Kan. Calif. Va. Mo. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Ariz. Okla. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. alaska Fla. Hawaii 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 Global warming will harm people in the United States Global warming will harm me, personally 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 Global warming will harm people in the United States Global warming will harm me, personally 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 Global warming will harm people in the United States Global warming will harm me, personally
Most people know climate change is happening, and a majority agrees it is harming people in the United States. But most don't believe it will harm them.
Part of this is the problem of risk perception.
Global warming is precisely the kind of threat humans are awful at dealing with: a problem with enormous consequences over the long term, but little that is sharply visible on a personal level in the short term. Humans are hard-wired for quick fight-or-flight reactions in the face of an imminent threat, but not highly motivated to act against slow-moving and somewhat abstract problems, even if the challenges that they pose are ultimately dire.
Texas and Florida are vulnerable to climate change, but residents are split on how much to worry about it.
Percentage of adults per county who are at least somewhat worried about global warming 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 57% STATE AVERAGE: Tallahassee Jacksonville Gainesville Orlando Tampa Fla. Miami 20% 40 60 80 57% STATE AVERAGE: Jacksonville Tallahassee Gainesville Orlando Tampa Fla. Miami
The effects of climate change, including sunny-day flooding, are being felt across Florida. But the state shows a distinct north-south split in the level of concern over global warming, and it is not a simple Democrat-versus-Republican distinction, said State Representative Kristin D. Jacobs, a Democrat. Four southeast Florida counties Miami-Dade, Broward, and Monroe and Palm Beach stand out because of their concerted effort to work on climate issues together and to discuss it in nonpartisan terms.
Percentage of adults per county who are at least somewhat worried about global warming 20% 30 40 50 60 70 80 57% STATE AVERAGE: Dallas Texas El Paso Austin Houston San Antonio 20% 40 60 80 57% STATE AVERAGE: Dallas Texas El Paso Austin Houston San Antonio
South and West Texas, as well as the states Gulf Coast, are more worried about climate change than the rest of the state and politics alone cannot explain it. South Texas favors Democrats, West Texas is decidedly more mixed, and the Gulf Coast in November 2016 was solid Trump territory.
One thing is shared by those disparate parts of the state: They have felt the brunt of shifting weather patterns, including rising temperatures, coastal hurricanes and western droughts so long and severe that some West Texas towns now recycle wastewater for drinking.
The states highest concentrations of Latinos can be found in the south and west, which may also partly explain the difference in climate views. Roberto Suro, a professor of public policy and journalism at the University of Southern California, suggested age as a possible factor. Latinos are a young population with the median age significantly younger than the white population, and younger still than the African-American population, he said, noting that young people have embraced climate science to a greater extent than their elders.
Everybody talks about the weather. But the climate? Only in some places.
Counties where adults discuss global warming at least occasionally CHANGE FROM NATIONAL AVERAGE -7.5% -2.5 +2.5 +7.5 Wash. Me. Mont. N.D. Vt. Minn. Ore. N.H. Mass. Idaho Wis. S.D. N.Y. Wyo. Mich. R.I. Conn. Pa. Iowa Neb. N.J. Nev. Ohio Md. Ind. Del. Ill. Utah W.Va. Colo. Kan. Calif. Va. Mo. Ky. N.C. Tenn. Ariz. Okla. Ark. S.C. N.M. Ga. Ala. Miss. Texas La. Alaska Fla. Hawaii CHANGE FROM NATIONAL AVERAGE -7.5% -2.5 +2.5 +7.5 CHANGE FROM NATIONAL AVERAGE -7.5% -2.5 +2.5 +7.5
Thirty three percent of Americans surveyed said they discuss global warming at least occasionally with friends and family and 31 percent said they never do. But there are distinct regional patterns.
In the West, much of which has been affected by drought and wildfires, residents are more likely to talk about climate change. New England states, and not just the liberals of Massachusetts and Vermont, talk more about the climate, as well, along with coastal South Carolina, which lies in a path many hurricanes have taken.
What about not guilty by reason of insanity?
Insane is different from mentally ill. The legal definition of insanity centers on the inability to comprehend the nature of ones actions, a lack of understanding of right and wrong, or, in some states, a lack of capacity to control ones actions.
The insanity defense is rarely used and even more rarely successful. For example, Andrea Yates was deeply psychotic when she drowned her five children in 2001, believing she was saving them from damnation. But that did not mean she did not understand the consequences of her actions or know they were wrong. At her first trial, the jury rejected her insanity defense.
And when it comes to execution, it is the persons mental state at the time of punishment that matters. No one argued that Alvin Bernard Ford was insane when he killed a police officer in 1974. But he later became obsessed with the Ku Klux Klan and came to believe that family members and prominent politicians were the victims of a prolonged hostage crisis. His case, Ford v. Wainwright, reached the Supreme Court, which ruled in 1986 that an insane person could not be executed.
Three years later, though, a federal judge ruled that Mr. Ford was not insane. He died on death row, of natural causes, in 1991.
Sanity can fluctuate. Robert Dunham, the executive director of the Death Penalty Information Center, argued that one of his former clients, Gary M. Heidnik, was incompetent to be executed (that is, insane) because he believed that the death warrant against him was fake. During a hearing, it was explained that the warrant had been signed by the real governor of Pennsylvania, and Mr. Heidnik accepted that it was legitimate.
While on the stand, he became competent to be executed, Mr. Dunham recalled. He was executed despite the fact that he was stone-cold nuts.
Charlottesville, Va., City Council Monday evening, March 20, 2017, passed a resolution opposing President Donald Trump's budget proposal, which shifts funding to the military from many other programs. The draft resolution brought up for consideration reads as follows. It was passed with a few alterations. The final version should soon be posted online by the City, as should video of the meeting in which it was read aloud and discussed.
Fund Human and Environmental Needs, Not Military Expansion
Whereas President Donald J. Trump has proposed to divert $54 billion from human and environmental spending at home and abroad in order to increase the military budget, bringing military spending to well over 60% of federal discretionary spending; and
Whereas the citizens of Charlottesville already pay $112.62 million in federal taxes for military expenditures, an amount that each year could fund locally: 210 elementary school teacher salaries; 127 new clean energy jobs; 169 infrastructure jobs; 94 supported employment opportunities for returning citizens; 1,073 preschool seats for children in Head Start; medical care for 953 military veterans; 231 college scholarships for CHS graduates; 409 Pell Grants for Charlottesville students; healthcare for 3,468 low-income children; enough wind power to power 8,312 households; healthcare for 1,998 low-income adults; AND solar panels to provide electricity for 5,134 households.
Whereas economists at the University of Massachusetts have documented that military spending is an economic drain rather than a jobs program;[1] and
Whereas our community's human and environmental needs are critical, and our ability to respond to those needs depends on federal funding for education, welfare, public safety, and infrastructure maintenance, transit and environmental protection; and
Whereas the President's proposal would reduce foreign aid and diplomacy, which help to prevent wars and the victimization of people who become refugees in our community, and 121 retired U.S. generals have written a letter opposing these cuts;
Be it therefore resolved that the City Council of Charlottesville, Virginia, urges the United States Congress, and our representative in particular, to reject the proposal to cut funding for human and environmental needs in favor of military budget increases, and in fact to begin moving in the opposite direction, to increase funding for human and environmental needs and reduce the military budget.
1. "The U.S. Employment Effects of Military and Domestic Spending Priorities: 2011 Update," Political Economy Research Institute,
click here
I happened to turn on the Congressional hearings with FBI Director Comey when a Congressman from California named Eric Swalwell was questioning the Director. I was quite stunned by not only how many more connections Trump had with Russia than I was previously aware, but also by just how fearlessly and aggressively this fellow was in hammering Comey with them and the obvious conclusion any objective, sentient being would deduce from them, let alone someone supposedly impartial, conducting an official government investigation into the matter. (An excerpt from the transcript Swalwell's questioning, as well as a video link, are supplied below).
It turns out the Congressman Swalwell has a special interest in this subject, to the degree that he's actually linked his congressional web site to his research on Trump's Russia connection called: Russia: Trump and His Team's Ties.
Here's a bit of a teaser:
"Despite Russia's harmful national interests against the U.S., and its human rights violations around the world, President Trump and his team are directly and indirectly tied to Russia.
Throughout the 2016 presidential election, President Trump not only refused to criticize Russian President Vladimir Putin, but was even friendly and accommodating in his remarks. In his own words, President Trump called President Putin "highly respected." More recently, President Trump put the U.S. on equal moral footing with Russia when responding to Bill O'Reilly's question about Putin being a "killer," saying "We've got a lot of killers... you think our country's so innocent?" This is absolutely false moral equivalence, and unheard of for the President of the United States to insult and demean the country he leads. President Trump has harshly criticized NATO, and exclaimed that only the NATO allies that paid equally to the alliance deserved protection from the United States. Though these remarks were softened by British Prime Minister Theresa May, who claims that President Trump fully supports the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), it's still unclear how supportive he will be of NATO allies like the Baltic states in light of his relationship with Russia. President Trump has also surrounded himself with people who do business with and are sympathetic to Russia. The New York Times reported that members of Trump's 2016 campaign and other Trump associates had frequent contact with senior Russian intelligence officials throughout the campaign. In addition to these questionable communications, here are a few other associates with ties to Moscow: Donald Trump: Not only does his past and current team have ties to Russia, but the President himself also does. He has traveled to Russia extensively, done business there often, and has ties to Russian interests. For example, in 2008 he made a real estate sale to Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev. Trump bought a Palm Beach mansion in 2004 during a bankruptcy sale for $41 million, and less than four years later, without ever having moved in, Trump sold the mansion to Rybolovlev for $95 million." Swalwell then goes on to detail, individually, how each associate of Trump is tied with Russia.
Here is the official transcript of most of Swalwell's line of questioning at the hearing itself (if you'd like to see Swalwell's interrogation of Comey for yourself, just click this link to the video:Swalwell vs. Comey):
SWALWELL: Thank you to our ranking member.
And thank you again to -- to our director and Admiral Rogers. Director, would you agree that the FBI, when it's considering the counterintelligence investigation, views contacts between U.S. persons and say Russia differently than it would view contacts between U.S. persons and the U.K. or France or Germans?
COMEY: Yes, very much so.
SWALWELL: And that's because they're a foreign adversary? COMEY: Correct.
SWALWELL: And so to land on Russia's radar as somebody that they may want to recruit, would you agree that being a businessperson, a prominent business person is something that would be attractive to them?
COMEY: Could be. Might depend upon what industry you're in.
SWALWELL: Could it also -- could also being a politician be something that would be attractive to them?
COMEY: Sure.
SWALWELL: And how about somebody who does business with Russians, would that be attractive to them?
COMEY: Could be. It would depend upon other things as well though.
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The rift between the European Union and Turkey is escalating as President Erdogan has accused the EU countries of persecuting Muslims like Jews were during World War II while the spirit of fascism was running wild on the streets of Europe.
The EU-Turkey rift was sparked on March 11when Turkish foreign minister, Mevlut Cavusoglu, was barred from landing in the Netherlands to attend a rally of Turkish immigrants. About 400,000 people with ties to Turkey live in the Netherlands.
Not surprisingly, Dutch far-right anti-Muslim leader Geert Wilders waded into the debate. "We are in Holland here, not in Turkey, and a Turkish minister has no room here to lobby for somebody like Erdogan, who is a mere dictator," Wilders said.
Addressing a political rally in Istanbul on March 18, President Erdogan launched a scathing attack on European leaders. He was quoted by media as saying : "If they weren't ashamed, they would revive the gas chambers."
About Germany, Erdogan said : "When we call them Nazis they [European politicians] get uncomfortable. They rally together in solidarity. Especially Merkel." "Merkel. She backs [the Netherlands] too. You too are practicing Nazi practices. To whom? To my Turkish brothers and sisters in Germany," the Turkish leader said.
He has also quoted as saying: "They [European states] do not have the urge to hide their intentions and cannot hide the discomfort they feel from Turkey, which is growing stronger."
Earlier President Erdogan has hit out at the Netherlands, by holding them responsible for Europe's worst mass killing since World War II.
Referring to a Dutch battalion of United Nations peacekeepers who failed to halt the slaughter by Bosnian Serb forces of thousands of Muslim men and boys in eastern Bosnia in 1995, Erdogan said: "We know the Netherlands and the Dutch from the Srebrenica massacre. We know how rotten their character is from their massacre of 8,000 Bosnians there."
Turkey orders sanctions against Netherlands
On March 13, Turkey announced a series of political sanctions against the Netherlands over its refusal to allow two Turkish ministers to campaign there. The sanctions include halting high-level political discussions between the two countries and closing Turkish air space to Dutch diplomats.
Deputy prime minister Numan Kurtulmus said the sanctions would apply until the Netherlands takes steps "to redress" the actions Ankara sees as a grave insult. "There is a crisis and a very deep one. We didn't create this crisis or bring it to this stage," he said.
Other sanctions bar the Dutch ambassador entry back into Turkey and advise parliament to withdraw from a Dutch-Turkish friendship group. The announcement came hours after Turkey's foreign ministry formally protested over the treatment of the minister who was not allowed to land in the Netherland.
France and Germany have supported the Netherlands in its dispute with Turkey. French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault called Erdogan's statements about Nazism and fascism "unacceptable" and called on Turkey to abide to the European Conventions on Human Rights.
German Chanc Merkel pledged her "full support and solidarity" to the Dutch, saying the Nazi gibes were "completely unacceptable".
President Erdogan responded angrily. "Shame on you!" he exclaimed during an interview with A Haber television. He renewed accusations that Germany supported "terrorists" battling Turkey and that it backed the "no" campaign in the Turkish referendum, arguing that Berlin did not want to see a strong Turkey.
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How do you sell Hitler books? Put Trump on 'em. ? MobyLives
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With the hullabaloo about Trump and fascism, it is useful to review Hitler's first months in power, to get a sense of a real fascist regime.
Hitler came to power January 30, 1933, Trump on January 20, making easy a chronological comparison of their lead ups to power and their first months in power. The comparison shows how silly and hysterical it is to claim Trump represents fascism.
Hitler did not take power by entering into the primaries of a German version of the Republican Party. In complete contrast to Trump, he built, controlled, and ran under the banner of his own fascist party. Hitler also created an armed thug operation, the Brownshirts, to bully progressive organizations. The Brownshirts numbered 500,000 organized men by late 1932, five times the size of the German army.
Four parties contended in the German elections in the summer of 1932: the Nazis, the National Party, the Social Democrats and the Communists all of which won millions of votes.
During this election, "In Prussia alone between June 1 and 20 there were 461 pitched battles in the streets which cost 82 lives and seriously wounded 400 men." "In July, 38 Nazis and 30 Communists were among the 86 dead." On July 10, 18 were killed, and on July 17, "when the Nazis, under police escort, staged a march through Altona, a working class suburb of Hamburg, 19 persons were shot dead and 285 wounded." [1]
A world of violence and murder between fascists and anti-fascists, just in the space of six weeks, bearing no similarity to the few fistfights and the shutting down of a Trump rally in Chicago during the more than yearlong US electoral season.
On January 30, 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor. Right after, in Prussia, with two-thirds of the German population, the police force was purged and Nazis replaced police chiefs. The police were then ordered not to interfere with the work of the Brownshirts. The February 17, 1933 Nazi police order stated:
"The activities of subversive organizations are " to be combatted with the most drastic methods. Communist terrorist acts are to be proceeded against with all severity, and weapons must be used ruthlessly when necessary. Police officers who in the execution of their duties use their firearms will be supported by us without regard for the effect of their shots...." [2]
Little over two weeks in power, the Brownshirts had been handed the license to bully, beat, even kill leftists and Jews. In contrast, the two week old Trump presidency found its first anti-Muslim executive order blocked by a judge.
Three weeks in power, 50,000 Brownshirts were made part of the police. They began unauthorized arrests, broke into public building and homes and made nightly raids to seize anti-Hitler opponents. Those seized were typically put in newly set up "camps."
On February 24 the Nazis took over the Communist Party headquarters. Communist meetings were banned, their press shut down, and their Reichstag (the German version of the US Congress) deputies arrested. Thus, less than a month in power, the Nazis had beheaded the militant left.
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dead end
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How did we ever get to where we are? Political views aside, one thing seems certain. We have a political neophyte in the White House who has surrounded himself with billionaire cabinet members, some brilliant business minds, but not one adept at or even experienced in the art of governing. His administration has, so far, managed to virtually bankrupt itself of the undersecretaries and knowledgeable career staff so necessary to maintain the basic, everyday function of the departments. Against the most sage advice of our armed forces' top generals and admirals the most ignorant and ideologically misguided of the right wing extremists have somehow convinced a confused administration to completely dismantle the diplomatic or "soft power" aspect of our State Department. Meanwhile, this has left Rex Tillerson, like him or not, a man respected in all corners of the globe as a keen corporate and business mind, reduced to the role of a blathering idiot, barely able to tell reporters where he is destined to travel the next morning.
So far, through the promise of massive deregulation as well as equally massive tax cuts to the wealthiest, the stock market has taken off. However, in the absence of international trade agreements and this administration's current lack of sincere commitment to our closest European and other international allies, who among us is not waiting for the inevitable crash? What is there of substance to back up the market in a country on a suicide mission toward isolationism? Apparently, with the unfortunate passing of the "greatest generation," the survivors of WWII, not only in the U.S., but in Europe, so too have their values begun to die, and with those values their amazing optimism and concern for their fellow man.
Never mind the natural reluctance to welcome what may be perceived as "hordes" of immigrants, many political refugees from "other" cultures or the shocking realization that your job is being permanently replaced by a machine. With the dissolution of the EU, will Europe return to the petty squabbles and never ending, useless wars of previous centuries? Will the past 75 years with the absence of comprehensive world conflict really last? Abandoned by the U.S., will threatened countries turn to the Russians, the Chinese, or to some international corporate crime syndicate?
Just how did we get here? As far as I can see, the problem begins with too much secrecy, an arrogant lack of transparency that still permeates local, state, and especially our federal government and has gripped the media, right and left, like a severe case of macular degeneration or "tunnel vision." Through precious tidbits of information doled out by members of government, reporters break news stories on this or that, but they invariably miss the forest for the trees. They seem to lose interest in the crux of the case, dazzled by the next shiny bauble.
What if I told you that the Don Siegelman case were in some way related to the failure of the TPP attempted trade agreement? Both issues are victims of secrecy. The TPP as well as NAFTA have only minor flaws, but negotiations were done in such relative secrecy because they were not sufficiently "exciting" to the left or the right until the uninformed public was bombarded with BS by politicians instead of information by the wider news media. The Siegelman case, the framing of Alabama Governor Don Siegelman, initiated by Karl Rove, William Canary and a bevy of crooked Alabama federal prosecutors, was duly abetted by Uncle Tom Holder and Aunt Elena Kagan and even John Conyers had to drop his congressional committee's investigation after being blackmailed by Rove. Meanwhile, so many TV "news people," even Chris Matthews and Rachel Maddow, were distracted by the glitter of other gems so much easier to mine! Were they too lazy or were they abdicating responsibility to somehow protect themselves and their network from retaliation by political entities? In the Siegelman case, for instance, much of the heavy research was done by Roger Shuler of "The Legal Schnauzer," apparently with significant potential financial retaliation at the hands of Alabama authorities. I believe that this is a fair question.
From Smirking Chimp
Donald Trump suggested that the Affordable Care Act (ACA or Obamacare) was a clever ruse by our first Black president and his Democratic friends to have a successful health-care system in place for his own presidency, but one that was set up to fail in the first year of the next president's term.
Trump said (on 3/10/2017) that this year "would be a disaster for Obamacare. That's the year it was meant to explode, because Obama won't be here. That's when it was supposed to be, get even worse. As bad as it is now, it'll get even worse."
While most people are rolling their eyes -- why would Obama do that, particularly when everybody expected the next president to be Hillary? -- there's actually a substantial grain of truth to Trump's assertion. He has identified, however, the wrong culprit as the person who poison-pilled Obamacare for 2017.
That distinction would go to Marco Rubio (and his Republican helpers in the Senate). Let's step back to 2015 for the entire story, which is bizarre and fascinating.
When the ACA was rolled out, telling insurance companies that they had to insure anybody who signed up, regardless of previous conditions or sickness, everybody realized that the insurance companies would probably lose money in the first decade or so, until previously-uninsured-but-sick people got into the system, got better, and things evened out.
To get the insurance companies to go along with this danger of losing money, the ACA promised to make them whole for any losses in any of the first decade's years. At the end of each fiscal year, the insurance companies merely had to document their losses, and the government would reimburse them out of ACA funds provided for by the law.
The possibility of their losing money was referred to as the "risk corridor," and the ACA explicitly filled those risk corridors with a guarantee of making the insurance companies, at the very least, whole.
And then something happened. As The New York Times noted on December 9, 2015, "A little-noticed health care provision slipped into a giant spending law last year has tangled up the Obama administration, sent tremors through health insurance markets and rattled confidence in the durability of President Obama's signature health law."
Rubio and a number of other Republicans had succeeded in gutting the risk corridors. The result was that, just in 2015, end-of-fiscal-year risk corridor payments to insurance companies that were supposed to total around $2.9 billion were only reimbursed, according to Rubio himself quoted in the Times, to the tune of around $400 million. Rubio bragged that he'd "saved taxpayers $2.5 billion."
And, indeed, he had. But the insurance companies were thrown into a crisis. And, with Republicans in Congress absolutely refusing to re-fund the risk corridors, that crisis would get worse as time went on, at least over a period of a few years.
So the insurance companies did the only things they could. In (mostly red) states with low incomes and thus poorer health, they simply pulled out of the marketplace altogether. This has left some states with only one single insurer left. In others, they jacked up their prices to make up their losses.
As Robert Pear in the Times noted, Rubio's "plan limiting how much the government can spend to protect insurance companies against financial losses has shown the effectiveness of quiet legislative sabotage."
To add to the political psychodrama, the first hack by Rubio was maintained by Republicans into the 2016 budget, meaning that things got even worse in October, 2016 -- the first month of the federal fiscal year when these cuts hit the worse, and, no coincidence, the month before the presidential election.
Rubio's October Surprise was extraordinarily effective. October 2016 saw an explosion of stories in the news about how health insurance companies were either pulling out of ACA exchanges, or jacking their prices up wildly.
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This nation's eating habits give you an understanding that most Americans that suffer diseases, heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, joint pain, arthritis and more problems--simply eat poorly, exercise very little and follow endless addictive unhealthy choices.
Yet, as their bodies break down, deteriorate and suffer pain, Americans drink, smoke, ingest billions of pain relievers and visit doctors to solve their problems.
"The 300 million pain prescriptions equal a $24 billion market," Koffler of CNBC said. "But it's not a market evenly divided around the globe. Rampant use of opioids in the United States, which represents only 5 percent of the global population, points to a larger divide between affluent nations and the rest of the world when it comes to prescription painkillers."
Look at the American Medical Association's advocacy for chemotherapy. Americans spend $100,000,000,000.00 (billion) on a drug cancer therapy annually that succeeds less than 50 percent of the time in its patients. It poisons the body and destroys a person's immune system as well as his or her liver. (Source: www.sott.net)
A groundbreaking 14-year study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology called "The Contribution of Cytotoxic Chemotherapy to 5-year Survival in Adult Malignancies". Researchers at the Department of Radiation Oncology at the Northern Sydney Cancer Centre studied the 5-year survival rates of chemotherapy on 22 types of cancers in the US and Australia. They studied 154,971 Americans and Australians with cancer, age 20 and older, that were treated with conventional treatments, including chemotherapy. Only 3,306 had survival that could be credited to chemotherapy.
The AMA, instead of featuring nutrition and exercise along with a lean body as a better way toward health and away from cancer, says nothing to its millions of cancer patients about what they eat, how they exercise and the weight of their bodies. The AMA never talks about organic food choices.
Doctors cut cancer out of me in 1995. I faced terrible options. I discovered what I ate gave me a better chance at survival. For anyone who wants to prevent cancer or stop it from returning: Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Patrick Quillin, Ph.D. and CNS. I eat and live by this book for the past two decades.
As to heart attacks, over 1 million a year and 610,000 needless early deaths. Medical doctors don't mind giving you a four-vein bypass graft surgery, but they never speak to you about what you eat. When I became a Cardiac Catheterization Medical Technician at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1971, the first 30 days showed me that I would die in my forties like my father who died at 46 of a heart attack.
I asked the head doctor if I stood any chance of living past 40 years of age. He said, "You are born with a healthy heart"what you inherited are the eating patterns of your parents"so if you follow that pattern, you face a heart attack early in life."
"How can I prevent dying so young like my dad?" I asked Dr. Fierens, head of the department.
He said, "Don't eat anything with a face on it and avoid dairy products, completely."
Within a week, I became a vegetarian, virtually vegan, and chose a lean body as well as exercise daily regimen for the past 46 years. Ironically, my brother John died of a heart attack at 50 because he never listened to me. My other brother suffered a stroke and looks toward death shortly, because he didn't listen, either. Me? At 70, I just skied eight miles into a mountain hut last week at 11,600-feet in the Rocky Mountains and summited a 13,500 foot peak in mid winter.
What does that mean for you? It means you can change your life by changing your eating, exercise and mental choices toward positive outcomes instead of pain, suffering, pills, cancer, diabetes and heart attacks.
Do you think that all those pills you see on TV ads work? What a farce! They wrap themselves in synthetic chemicals. Aren't those "high blood pressure" pills just great? They don't solve anything, but mask the problem and let it grow in your body.
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From Unz Review
Criticizing their thuggery is anti-Semitism?
Paul Wolfowitz, William Kristol, Richard Perle, Douglas Feith, Scooter Libby, John Bolton, Michael Ledeen
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We have a president who is belligerent towards Iran, who is sending "boots on the ground" to fight ISIS, who loves Israel passionately and who is increasing already bloated defense budgets. If one were a neoconservative, what is there not to like, yet neocons in the media and ensconced comfortably in their multitude of think tanks hate Donald Trump. I suspect it comes down to three reasons.
First, it is because Trump knows who was sticking the knife in his back during his campaign in 2016 and he has neither forgiven nor hired them. Nor does he pay any attention to their bleating, denying them the status that they think they deserve because of their self-promoted foreign policy brilliance.
And second, Trump persists in his desire to "do business" with Russia. The predominantly Jewish neocons always imagine the thunder of hooves of approaching Cossacks preparing to engage in pogroms whenever they hear the word Russia. And this is particularly true of Vladimir Putin's regime, which is Holy Russia revived. When not musing over how it is always 1938 and one is in Munich, neocons are nearly as unsettled when they think it is 1905 in Odessa.
The third reason, linked to number two, is that having a plausible and dangerous enemy like Russia on tap keeps the cash flowing from defense industries to the foundations and think tanks that the neocons nest in when they are not running the Pentagon and National Security Council. Follow the money. So it is all about self-interest combined with tribal memory: money, status and a visceral hatred of Russia.
The hatred of Trump runs so deep that a leading neocon Bill Kristol actually tweeted that he would prefer a country run by bureaucrats and special interests rather than the current constitutional arrangement. The neocon vendetta was as well neatly summed up in two recent articles by Max Boot. The first is entitled "Trump knows the Feds are closing in on him" and the second is "WikiLeaks has joined the Trump Administration."
In the former piece Boot asserts that "Trump's recent tweets aren't just conspiratorial gibberish -- they're the erratic ravings of a guilty conscience" and in the latter, that "The anti-American WikiLeaks has become the preferred intelligence service for a conspiracy-addled White House."
Now, who is Max Boot and why should anyone care what he writes? Russian-born, Max entered the United States with his family through a special visa exemption under the 1975 Jackson-Vanik Amendment even though they were not notably persecuted and only had to prove that they were Jewish.
Jackson-Vanik was one of the first public assertions of neoconism, having reportedly been drafted in the office of Senator Henry Jackson by no less than Richard Perle and Ben Wattenberg as a form of affirmative action for Russian Jews. As refugees instead of immigrants, the new arrivals received welfare, health insurance, job placement, English language classes, and the opportunity to apply for U.S. citizenship after only five years. Max went to college at Berkeley and received an M.A. from Yale.
Boot, a foreign policy adviser to Mitt Romney in 2012, networked his way up the neocon ladder, including writing for The Weekly Standard, Commentary, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. He was a member of the neocon incubator Project for a New American Century and now sits on the heavily neocon Council on Foreign Relations. Boot characteristically has never served in the U.S. military but likes war a lot. In 2012 he co-authored "5 Reasons to Intervene in Syria Now." He is a reliable Russia and Putin basher.
Max Boot's articles are smears of Donald Trump from top to bottom. The "closing in" piece calls for establishment of a special counsel to investigate every aspect of the Trump Team/Russian relationship. Along the way, it makes its case to come to that conclusion by accepting every single worst case scenario regarding Trump as true. Yes, per Boot, "Putin was intervening in the presidential election to help Trump." And President Barack Obama could not possibly have "interfered with the lawful workings of the FBI." As is always the case, not one shred of evidence is produced to demonstrate that anyone associated with Donald Trump somehow became a Russian useful idiot, but Boot assumes that the White House is now being run out of the Kremlin.
Max is certainly fun to read but on a more serious note, the National Review is working hard to make us forget about employing the expression "neocon" because it is apparently rarely understood by the people who use the term. Plus its implied meaning is anti-Semitic in nature, something that David Brooks in an article pretty much denying that neocons really exist suggested 13 years ago when he postulated that it was shorthand for "Jewish conservative."
National Review actually searched hard to find a gentile who could write the piece, one Kevin D. Williamson, who is described as a "roving correspondent" for the magazine. His article is entitled "Word Games: The Right Discovers the Deep State." Williamson begins by observing that using "neocon" disparagingly in the post-9/11 context acts either "as a kind of catalyst enabling a political reaction that revived a great many stupid and ugly myths about Jewish bankers orchestrating wars for profit"... or serves as a standby expression for a "Jew with politics I don't like."
Interestingly, I have never heard the "Jewish bankers" theory or disparagement of Jewish "politics" from the many responsible critics who have been dismayed by the aberrant U.S. foreign policy that has evolved since 2001. I don't know how much money Goldman Sachs has made since the World Trade Center went down and that is not really the issue, nor is the fact that Jews overwhelmingly vote Democratic, which is a party that I don't particularly like. Williamson dodges the increasingly held view that America slid into the abyss when Washington declared war on the entire world and invaded Iraq based on a tissue of lies, in large part to benefit Israel, which is what matters and why the enabling role of the neocons is important.
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From Paul Craig Roberts Website
Just as President Putin has stated that governments and media in the West have destroyed Russia's trust in the West, the governments and media in the West have destroyed the trust of their citizens, who have been transformed into serfs to whom government no longer is accountable.
I have stressed in many columns that the absence of trust between nuclear powers is a great threat to all life on earth. Yet the Western governments and media continue to work 24/7 to worsen relations between the US and Russia and the US and China. Those of us who warn of the possible consequences are put on lists of "Russian dupes" and purveyors of "fake news." These lists show the desperation behind the orchestrated "Russian threat." A one thousand billion dollar annual military/security budget is at stake along with American financial and political hegemony.
In brief, greed for money and power are driving the world to destruction.
Greed and power have also driven Americans, indeed all of the Western world, into a more complete police state than George Orwell describes in his book, 1984.
Judge Andrew p. Napolitano describes the extraordinary spy capability of the US government and the ease with which it can be used against even the President of the United States. Napolitano's article appeared on LewRockwell.com, InformationClearingHouse.info, and antiwar.com. The Antiwar article has a link to the response from the UK's GCHQ, which has full access to NSA's digital collection of all electronic communications of Americans, to Napolitano's suggestion that Obama could have used the British to avoid leaving US fingerprints on his spying activities against Trump.
The British Government Communications Headquarters dismissed Napolitano's suggestion as "nonsense, utterly ridiculous and should be ignored." In other words, the GCHQ did not deny that it has access to every electronic communication made by Americans, including the President of the US. Instead, GCHQ tried to impugn Napolitano's credibility. Keep in mind that it was British intelligence that permitted Prime Minister Tony Blair to lie to the British Parliament in behalf of the George W. Bush regime's orchestrated case for invading Iraq.
When you read Napolitano's account of the completeness with which Americans have lost all privacy, you will understand that the US Constitution is erased, like the Confederate States of America and its battle flag. Our privacy is not only erased by government but also by private corporations. Those Americans so insouciant as to respond to the fact that they are spied upon by saying, "I'm doing nothing wrong, so I have nothing to fear," should read the statement below from the American Civil Liberties Union:
"Last year we won strong internet privacy rules. The Federal Communications Commission introduced protections that require companies like Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon to get your permission before they sell your private information to the highest bidder. "Now some politicians are caving to industry pressure. The Senate introduced a resolution to overturn this important FCC rule -- and if passed by Congress, the FCC would be blocked from issuing similar rules in the future. "Add your name to tell the Senate you don't want companies selling your data without your permission. "For years, internet service providers have been trying to find ways to collect, use, and sell the sensitive data they collect from you -- every website you visit, the times you log into and out of your online accounts, and even your location. These companies collect data that can paint an intimate picture of your religious practices, sexual activities, health problems, and more. "Who are the buyers? Advertisers, big-data brokers, and even government and law enforcement agencies. "Protecting privacy is also about stopping discrimination. Retailers can offer different online prices based on customers' locations, sometimes giving worse deals to residents of low-income neighborhoods where there are fewer stores to compete with online prices. "Tell the Senate to keep common sense online privacy protections in place. "We've been on the front lines of the long fight to restrict what profiteers can do with the sensitive data they sweep up from your online activity. "Help put the pressure on politicians to keep crucial FCC rules in place."
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New York City columnist Jimmy Breslin, 1930-2017
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There only was and only will be one Jimmy Breslin, and after his death last Sunday at 88, he is no more.
Funny, cranky and sometimes boorish, Breslin was a working class journalist who cared about the working class and the under and un-employed class and who, despite achieving wealth and pinnacles of journalistic success, from a Pulitzer and a Polk award to movie options and best-selling novels, never forgot his roots.
How many journalists have your read in a major newspaper or magazine, or heard bloviating on the air, young or old, who've had the courage and fortitude to do as Breslin did in his old age: finding a refrigerator box and setting himself up in the dead of winter on a heating grate on a New York City sidewalk alongside a bunch of other homeless people so he could write with real understanding about how they live? That was some column, and provided a jolting wake-up to New Yorkers who walk by those boxes every day, usually without a thought to who's huddled inside them.
How many have had the courage to call out the likes of Hillary Clinton when she was a carpetbagger running for Senate from New York State, for having "blood on her hands" as she waved to the crowds?
How many have shared his outrage at learning how much money the Standard Oil Company paid to have a marketing company develop a new name and logo for the company, changing Esso to Exxon (that was one of the funniest of his columns I ever read, full of extraneous Xs whose value he placed at something like a million dollars per keystroke after learning what Exxon had paid a naming firm for its new corporate logo).
I'm pretty sure the answer to all these questions is the same: none.
Breslin did all that and much, much more.
But the problem isn't, as most obit writers have been saying, that there aren't journalists out there who have Breslin's sensibility and sensitivity to wrongdoing, if not perhaps his unique gift for getting close to people who don't normally open up to a reporter. There are. It isn't that there aren't journalists out there who are actually writing the kinds of incisive and eye-opening pieces that Breslin spent his life writing. There are. It isn't even that there aren't journalists with a similar literary talent. There are.
The problem is that there are no longer any newspapers whose publishers and senior editors are willing to run such gritty Establishment-demolishing and icon-attacking pieces in their columns and on their opinion pages.
Years ago, newspapers ran columns by the likes of Breslin, Anthony Lewis, Pete Hamill, Mike Royko, Molly Ivens and Joe Bageant -- columns that could leave the reader fuming, racing for pen and paper or typewriter to knock off an angry letter to the paper or to a Congressperson, columns that would have you running to a friend or a spouse to read it aloud to them, columns that simply made you think about something or some people you hadn't though of before. No more. It's the rare column in a mainstream news outlet these days that can elicit outrage, make the blood boil, or even bring a tear to the eye.
Jimmy Breslin wrote those kinds of columns because he felt them, chased them down, and was able to write them, day in and day out, right through 2004, and even later, after a brief hiatus, into 2011/12, and he was able to do it because there were papers like the New York Post, the Daily News and Newsday, that let him do it.
Now newspapers are dumbed down, homogenized and busy seeking a higher-income, perhaps in the publishers' minds more easily offended, or jaded, demographic, so they don't want the old-style rabble-rousing columnists ruffling feathers and playing Charles Dickens.
Of course you can find those writers. They're all over the internet. You'll find them here at ThisCantBeHappening, at sites like Consortium News, Z Magazine, Counterpunch, Oped News and other sites. The problem is you have to go looking for them. The beauty of the old newspapers with their columnists like Jimmy Breslin was that everyone was confronted by a Breslin or a Royko or an Ivens when they opened their daily paper. Their columnists were in your face. You couldn't avoid them. And that made a huge difference. Jimmy Breslin busted up a corrupt Democratic Party machine with his column. Most newspapers required an investigative team and a series of page one articles to accomplish something like that.. My late friend John Hess did the same kind of thing at the New York Times and later as a columnist for a local TV station and on Democracy Now! to the New York State nursing home industry.
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This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.
U.S. Marines are, for the first time, deploying to Syria (with more to come). There's talk of an "enduring" U.S. military presence in Iraq, while additional U.S. troops are being dispatched to neighboring Kuwait with an eye to the wars in both Iraq and Syria. Yemen has been battered by a veritable blitz of drone strikes and other air attacks. Afghanistan seems to be in line for an increase in American forces. The new president has just restored to the CIA the power to use drones to strike more or less anywhere on the "world battlefield," recently a Pentagon prerogative, and is evidently easing restrictions on the Pentagon's use of drones as well. U.S. military commanders are slated to get more leeway to make decisions locally and the very definition of what qualifies as a "battlefield" looks like it's about to change (which will mean even less attention to "collateral damage" or civilian casualties). President Trump may soon designate various areas outside more or less official American war zones -- since the U.S. Congress no longer declares war, they can't truly be official -- as "temporary areas of active hostility." That will grant U.S. commanders greater leeway in launching attacks on terror groups in places like Somalia. In fact, this already seems to have happened in Yemen, according to the New York Times, opening the way for a disastrous Special Operations Forces raid there that caused the death of a Navy SEAL and possibly nine Yemeni children (the youngest three months old), while evidently accomplishing next to nothing.
In other words, in the early months of the Trump era, U.S. wars and conflicts across the Greater Middle East are being expanded and escalated. This isn't exactly a new process, and isn't yet at the level of either the failed Iraqi Surge of 2007 or the failed Afghan one of 2010. Still, you might think that the almost instant failure of that Yemen raid would have rung a few familiar warning bells in Washington when it comes to escalating America's wars in the region. If so, you would evidently be oh-so-wrong. The history of the last 15 years tells us that in Washington such setbacks couldn't matter less. At the moment, the generals who have headed down these very paths before are evidently recommending to an eager new president that it's the height of wisdom to head down them again.
As TomDispatchregular Andrew Bacevich, author of America's War for the Greater Middle East, points out today, this is now business as usual in militarized Washington in the twenty-first century. It's so much the law of the land that the Pentagon has developed the perfect language for masking, perhaps to itself as much as others, just how dismally familiar this process actually is. Tom
Prepare, Pursue, Prevail!
Onward and Upward with U.S. Central Command
By Andrew J. Bacevich By way of explaining his eight failed marriages, the American bandleader Artie Shaw once remarked, "I am an incurable optimist." In reality, Artie was an incurable narcissist. Utterly devoid of self-awareness, he never looked back, only forward. So, too, with the incurable optimists who manage present-day American wars. What matters is not past mistakes but future opportunities. This describes the view of General Joseph Votel, current head of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Since its creation in 1983, CENTCOM has emerged as the ne plus ultra of the Pentagon's several regional commands, the place where the action is always hot and heavy. Votel is the latest in a long train of four-star generals to preside over that action. The title of this essay (exclamation point included) captures in a single phrase the "strategic approach" that Votel has devised for CENTCOM. That approach, according to the command's website, is "proactive in nature and endeavors to set in motion tangible actions in a purposeful, consistent, and continuous manner." This strategic approach forms but one element in General Votel's multifaceted (if murky) "command narrative," which he promulgated last year upon taking the helm at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida. Other components include a "culture," a "vision," a "mission," and "priorities." CENTCOM's culture emphasizes "persistent excellence," as the command "strives to understand and help others to comprehend, with granularity and clarity, the complexities of our region." The vision, indistinguishable from the mission except perhaps for those possessing advanced degrees in hermeneutics, seeks to provide "a more stable and prosperous region with increasingly effective governance, improved security, and trans-regional cooperation." Toward that estimable end, CENTCOM's priorities include forging partnerships with other nations "based upon shared values," "actively counter[ing] the malign influence" of hostile regimes, and "degrading and defeating violent extremist organizations and their networks." At present, CENTCOM is busily implementing the several components of Votel's command narrative across an "area of responsibility" (AOR) consisting of 20 nations, among them Iran, Iraq, Syria, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. As the CENTCOM website puts it, without batting a digital eyelash, that AOR "spans more than 4 million square miles and is populated by more than 550 million people from 22 ethnic groups, speaking 18 languages with hundreds of dialects and confessing multiple religions which transect national borders." According to the Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms, an AOR is the "geographical area associated with a combatant command within which a geographic combatant commander has authority to plan and conduct operations." Yet this anodyne definition fails to capture the spirit of the enterprise in which General Votel is engaged. One imagines that there must be another Department of Defense Dictionary, kept under lock-and-key in the Pentagon, that dispenses with the bland language and penchant for deceptive euphemisms. That dictionary would define an AOR as "a vast expanse within which the United States seeks to impose order without exercising sovereignty." An AOR combines aspects of colony, protectorate, and contested imperial frontier. In that sense, the term represents the latest incarnation of the informal empire that American elites have pursued in various forms ever since U.S. forces "liberated" Cuba in 1898. To say that a military officer presiding over an AOR plans and conducts operations is a bit like saying that Jeff Bezos sells books. It's a small truth that evades a larger one. To command CENTCOM is to function as a proconsul, to inhabit as a co-equal the rarified realm of kings, presidents, and prime ministers. CENTCOM commanders shape the future of their AOR -- or at least fancy that they do. Sustaining expectations of shaping the future requires a suitably accommodating version of the past. For CENTCOM, history is a record of events selected and arranged to demonstrate progress. By testifying to the achievements of previous CENTCOM commanders, history thereby validates Votel's own efforts to carry on their work. Not for nothing, therefore, does the command's website include this highly sanitized account of its recent past: "In the wake of 9-11, the international community found Saddam Hussein's continued lack of cooperation with United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions regarding weapons of mass destruction unacceptable. Hussein's continued recalcitrance led the UNSC to authorize the use of force by a U.S.-led coalition. Operation Iraqi Freedom began 19 March 2003.
"Following the defeat of both the Taliban regime in Afghanistan (9 November 2001) and Saddam Hussein's government in Iraq (8 April 2003), CENTCOM has continued to provide security to the new freely-elected governments in those countries, conducting counterinsurgency operations and assisting host nation security forces to provide for their own defense."
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In jolly old England, Robin Hood stole from the rich to give to the poor.
In modern-day America, greedy government goons steal from the innocent to give to the corrupt under court-sanctioned and legislature-sanctioned schemes called civil asset forfeiture. In fact, according to The Washington Post, "law enforcement took more stuff from people than burglars did."
This is how the American police state continues to get rich: by stealing from the citizenry.
Here's how the whole ugly business works in a nutshell.
First, government agents (usually the police) use a broad array of tactics to profile, identify, target and arrange to encounter (in a traffic stop, on a train, in an airport, in public, or on private property) those individuals who might be traveling with a significant amount of cash or possess property of value. Second, these government agents--empowered by the courts and the legislatures--seize private property (cash, jewelry, cars, homes and other valuables) they "suspect" may be connected to criminal activity.
Then--and here's the kicker--whether or not any crime is actually proven to have taken place, without any charges being levied against the property owner, or any real due process afforded the unlucky victim, the property is forfeited to the government, which often divvies it up with the local police who helped with the initial seizure.
It's a new, twisted form of guilt by association.
Only it's not the citizenry being accused of wrongdoing, just their money.
What this adds up to is a paradigm in which Americans no longer have to be guilty to be stripped of their property, rights and liberties. All you have to be is in possession of something the government wants.
Motorists have been particularly vulnerable to this modern-day form of highway robbery.
For instance, police stole $201,000 in cash from Lisa Leonard because the money--which Leonard planned to use to buy a house for her son--was being transported on a public highway also used by drug traffickers.
Police stole $22,000 in cash from Jerome Chennault--which he planned to use as the down payment on a home--simply because a drug dog had alerted police to its presence in his car.
Police stole $6,000 in cash from Jennifer Boatright and Ron Henderson and threatened to turn their young children over to Child Protective Services if they resisted.
Tenaha, Texas, is a particular hotbed of highway forfeiture activity, so much so that police officers keep pre-signed, pre-notarized documents on hand so they can fill in what property they are seizing.
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From Paul Craig Roberts Website
March 20, 2017: Listening today to the broadcast of testimony by FBI Director Comey and National Security Agency Director Admiral Michael Rogers before the House Intelligence Committee (an oxymoron) made it clear that the Democrats, Comey, and Rogers intend conflict with Russia.
The Republicans, for the most part, were interested to know how security leaks targeted at Trump Republicans came from meetings at which only the CIA Director, NSA Director, and FBI director were present. Of course, they did not get an answer, which shows how powerless congressional oversight committees are. Comey repeatedly said that he could not tell the committee anything, because it would confirm that a press leak was true. But, he said, speaking generally and of no specific leak, most leaks come from "someone who heard something" and passes it on to the media, which also explains the inaccuracy of some leaks. In other words, don't blame us.
The Democrats were out in force to demonize Russia, Putin, and everyone, especially Trump Republicans, who speaks to a Russian even if the person is still a private citizen, as was Gen. Flynn when he recommended to the Russian ambassador that Russia not respond in kind to President Obama's expulsion of Russian diplomats over Christmas. The Democrats bestowed yet another demonic title on Putin. In addition to being "the new Hitler," a "thug," and a "Mafia don," today Putin became a "tarantula in the center of the spy web."
The Democrats' position was that Flynn, by discouraging a Russian tit for tat, had interfered with the Obama regime's policy of worsening relations between the US and Russia. Some Democrats saw this as treason. Others saw it as proof that Flynn and Trump are in Putin's pocket, and still others see it as even worse.
The Democrats were also very concerned about lobbyists, if they be Republican, working for Russian interests, including Tillerson, the Secretary of State. The fact that every country employs lobbyists and that the lobbyists don't always register as foreign agents, such as Israel's lobbyists, or if news reports at the time were correct, neocon Richard Perle who represented Turkey in Washington.
Democrats were also after Gen. Flynn for saying that he had not received money from the Russian government. Flynn received a fee for attending the 10th Anniversary celebration of RT in Moscow. Is RT, a news organization, the Russian government? Its budget is supported by the Russian government, but how does this differ from the US government's support of the budgets of National Public Radio, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Voice of America? Does this mean that everyone who gives an interview to NPR, Radio Liberty, and VOA is an American agent in the pocket of the US president? If you attend a function of one of these organizations, does it make you an "American agent/dupe"? Will there be a list of these people?
What the Democrats tried to do today was to criminalize everyone who works for better relations between the US and Russia. To be for peace between the nuclear powers is to be a Russian agent and to be put on a list. The Democrats insisted that Russia was an enemy out to get us, and the Democrats had no difficulty getting Comey and Rogers, both Obama appointees, to agree.
Comey and Rogers said that Russia was the main threat to the US, was working against our interests, and intends to harm us. Harming us includes opposing US hegemony and unilateralism. In other words, if the Russian government acts in the interests of Russia, the Russian government is harming the US. From the testimony it clearly emerged that any kind of opposition to anything Washington does is against American interests.
Both Comey and Rogers declared, falsely, that Russia had invaded Ukraine and seized Crimea by force. If Comey and Rogers are so poorly informed that they believe this, they are unfit for office. Crimea has been a part of Russia for 300 years. The population is almost entirely Russian. When the Soviet Union collapsed and Washington broke it apart, the Ukraine became independent for the first time in history. Crimea, which had been transferred by Khrushchev in 1954 from the Russian Soviet Socialist Republic to the Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic, was included in the transfer on the condition that Russia had a long term lease on the naval base in Crimea.
When Washington's coup overthrew the democratically elected government in Ukraine, the Russian populations in Crimea, and in the new republics of Luhansk and Donetsk, were attacked and threatened by the neo-nazi elements in eastern Ukraine that had fought for Hitler against the Soviet Union. The populations of these areas voted overwhelmingly to reunite with Russia, from whence they had come. The votes were fair and open. As Crimea is the Russian Navy's Black Sea base, Crimea was already occupied by Russian forces. For Comey and Rogers to call this an "invasion" displays either ignorance or a lack of integrity.
Indeed, the lack of integrity of the FBI, NSA, CIA, and Obama regime is evidenced by the sustained campaign of lies, distortions, and targeted "news leaks," that is, stories planted on the presstitutes by the intelligence services about Russian interference in the presidential election. It is all about protecting the massive military/security budget and powers. Trump threatened both the budget and the power when he declared that his policy would be to normalize relations with Russia. If relations are normalized, the carefully orchestrated "Russian threat" disappears. The intelligence services are not willing for this to happen. The US intelligence services prefer the risk of nuclear Armageddon to a budget cut.
The Democrats are probably not sufficiently intelligent to understand that they are fanning the flames of war between nuclear powers. The Democrats are desperate to find someone on whom to pin their loss of the election. Moreover, by pinning it on a conspiracy between Trump and Putin, they hope to remove Trump from office. Although Pence, who is a Russophobe, is acceptable to the military/security complex, the Democrats have hopes of clearing out Pence as well, as his election resulted from the alleged conspiracy, and reinstalling themselves in the White House.
Americans need to understand that the political competition between the Democrats and Republicans is over which party gets to collect the money for being the prostitute for the One Percent. Traditionally, the party in the White House gets most of the money, so that is where both parties want to be.
Michael Morell, a supporter of Hillary Clinton and President Obama's last CIA director in an acting capacity, who was slated to become CIA director under Hillary, said, "On the question of the Trump campaign conspiring with the Russians, there is smoke, but there is no fire, at all. There's no little campfire, there's no little candle, there's no spark. And there's a lot of people looking for it."
Morell does believe that it was the Russians who hacked Hillary's incriminating emails but not in collusion with Trump, although the evidence is that they were a leak from inside the Democratic National Committee by disaffected supporters of Bernie Sanders.
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From Empire Burlesque
To mark the anniversary of the onset of the launching of the horrific war crime against Iraq, I'm reprinting a piece I wrote a month after the invasion. The question examined here is still being asked of our leaders; and regardless of party or ideology -- or even Nobel Peace Prizes -- they all keep giving the same answer.
The Karamazov Question
Variation on a theme by Dostoevsky
"They have put too high a price on harmony; we can't afford to pay so much for admission. And therefore I return my ticket."
Ivan Karamazov, The Brothers Karamazov, Book Five, Chapter Four: "Rebellion."
A man appeared in the doorway of the Oval Office. He wasn't noticed at first in the bustle around the desk of the president, where George W. Bush was preparing to announce to the world that the "decapitation raid" he had launched on Baghdad a few hours before was in fact the beginning of his long-planned, much-anticipated invasion of Iraq.
A woman fussed with the president's hair, which had been freshly cut for the television appearance. A make-up artist dabbed delicate touches of rouge on the president's cheeks. Another attendant fluttered in briefly to adjust the president's tie, which, like the $6,000 suit the president was wearing, had arrived that morning from a Chicago couturier. As for the president's $900 designer shoes -- which, as a recent news story had pointed out playfully, were not only made by the same Italian craftsman who supplied Saddam Hussein with footwear, but were also the same size and make as those ordered by the Iraqi dictator -- they had been carefully polished earlier by yet another aide, even though they would of course be out of sight during the broadcast.
In addition to all of this activity, the president's political advisers and speechwriters were also making last-minute adjustments to the brief speech, while giving the president pointers about his delivery: "Keep your gaze and your voice steady. Project firmness of purpose. Confidence, calmness, character. And short phrases, lightly punched. Don't worry, the breaks and stresses will be marked on the teleprompter."
It's little wonder that no one saw the man as he advanced slowly to the center of the room. He stood there silently, until the sense of his presence crept up on the others. One by one, they turned to look at him, this unauthorized figure, this living breach of protocol. He was, in almost every sense, non-descript. He wore a plain suit of indeterminate color; his features and his skin betrayed no particular race. He had no badge, no papers; how had he come to be here, where nothing is allowed that is not licensed by power?
Then, more astonishing, they saw his companion: a two-year-old girl standing by his side. A mass of tousled hair framed her face; a plain red dress covered her thin body. She too was silent, but not as still as the man. Instead, she turned her head this way and that, her eyes wide with curiosity, drawn especially by the bright television lights that shone on the president.
A Marine guard reached for his holster, but the man raised his hand, gently, and the guard's movement was arrested. The aides and attendants stepped back, then stood rooted, as if stupefied, their ranks forming a path from the man at the room's center to the president's desk. The president, brilliant in the light, alone retained the freedom to move and speak. "Who are you?" he asked, rising from his chair. "What do you want?"
The man put his hand tenderly on the back of the girl's head and came forward with her. "I have a question for you, and an opportunity," the man replied. "I've heard it said that you are righteous, and wish to do good for the world."
"I am," said the president. "I wish only to do God's will, as He in His wisdom reveals it to me. In His will is the whole good of the world. What is your question, what is your opportunity? Be quick; I have mighty business at hand."
The man nodded. "If tonight you could guarantee the good of the world -- peace and freedom, democracy and prosperity, now and forever; if tonight, you could relieve the suffering of all those who labor under tyranny and persecution, all those who groan in poverty and disease; if tonight, you could redeem the anguish of creation, past and future, now and forever; if tonight, you could guarantee such a universal reconciliation, by the simple expedient of taking this" -- here the man suddenly produced a black pistol and held it out to the president -- "and putting a bullet through the brain of this little one here, just her, no one else: would you do it? That is my question, this is your opportunity."
With firmness of purpose, the president grasped the pistol and walked around the desk. With confidence, calmness, and steady hand, he pressed the barrel to the girl's head and pulled the trigger. Her eyes, which had grown even wider with her smile at the approach of the nicely dressed man and his rosy cheeks, went black with blood in the instant shattering of her skull. Her body spun round from the force of the shot -- once, twice, three times in all -- then fell, her mutilated head flailing wildly, in a heap on the floor of the Oval Office.
At that moment, the man faded, like a dream, into nothingness. The aides and attendants, unfrozen, stepped back into their tasks. The room was again a whirl of activity, like a hive. The president -- the dematerialized gun no longer in his hand -- strode confidently back to his chair. He winked at a nearby aide and pumped his fist: "Feel good!" he exulted.
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From Reader Supported News
Donald Trump and Sebastian Gorka.
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Sebastian Gorka is one of those cases. He is President Donald Trump's deputy assistant for counterterrorism, the National Security Council's "Terrorism Czar." He is also, apparently, a sworn member of Hungary's neo-Nazi Vitezi Rend, or "Order of Heroes," a group that the State Department says was "under the direction of the Nazi Government of Germany during World War II" and which continues to be neo-Nazi in its orientation. Gorka only became an American citizen in 2012, and membership should have disqualified him not only from citizenship, but even from entering the United States in the first place.
A Jewish newspaper, The Forward, initially broke the news of Gorka's membership in Vitezi Rend. It said that the group's own leaders confirm that Gorka took a "lifelong oath of loyalty." Gorka has ignored multiple email requests for comment. Bruce Einhorn, a retired immigration judge and current professor of nationality law at Pepperdine University, told The Forward that Gorka's "silence speaks volumes." Einhorn continued that Gorka's "failure to disclose a material fact," his membership in a racist organization that promotes violence, could undermine the validity of both his immigration status and his claim to U.S. citizenship. No statute of limitations exists for such a violation.
To make matters even more revolting, according to The Forward, men who have sworn allegiance to the Vitezi Rend are permitted to take a lowercase "v" as a middle initial and as a secret symbol of brotherhood. Gorka used the "v," signing his name in both his 2008 doctoral thesis and in his testimony before Congress in 2011, as "Sebastian L. v. Gorka."
Americans have put up with a lot of nonsense during Donald Trump's first 60 days in the White House. His first National Security Adviser, Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, lasted only 30 days because of his previously undisclosed conversations with Russian diplomats. Trump seemingly can't stop himself from tweeting treasonous allegations against former President Barack Obama. And even Republican members of the House and Senate Intelligence Committees have said publicly that much of what the president says is simply untrue.
But let's not lose sight of the more immediate issue here. Gorka is a monster. He has to be stopped. In the not-too-distant past, when Bill Clinton's first two choices for Attorney General disclosed that they had inadvertently hired illegal aliens to work in their homes, the press went crazy, the public demanded a head, and the nominees withdrew from the process.
Have we become so desensitized to scandal that we're now willing to have an avowed neo-Nazi in charge of American counter-terrorist operations? Are we so politicized in this country that one side cries foul when the other side points out that the likes of Gorka shouldn't have a seat in the White House Situation Room? What has become of our country? We can't blame everything on 9/11.
Trump could do the right thing here by firing Gorka posthaste and calling for an investigation. He won't. It's up to the rest of us. We have to put our foot down on this. A Nazi is, by definition, the enemy of the United States and the enemy of the American way of life. We can't let this stand. Gorka has to go.
Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News.
FBI Director James Comey and NSA Director Mike Rogers testifying before House Intel Committee, March 20, 2017
In case you missed it, there's a video and transcript of FBI Director James Comey and NSA Director Admiral Michael S. Rogers testifying as "witnesses" before the House Intelligence Committee hearing on "Russia's active interference campaign waged against our 2016 presidential election." [1]
To say this whole hearing is beyond the pale is an understatement. Unsubstantiated allegations and assertions aplenty. Verifiable, factual evidence? Zero.
Here's the tell tale sign of this McCarthyesque hearing as told by Admiral Rogers regarding the intelligence "community's assessment on assessing Russian activities and intentions in the recent U.S. elections".
"We stand by it as issued. There is no change in our confidence level on the assessment. Of course, the specifics of this assessment need to remain classified to protect the sensitive sources and methods...there are some issues I cannot discuss." But here's the kicker, "I want to assure the committee we take very seriously that obligation to protect US persons privacy". No specific "issues can be discussed and besides it's all classified. Basically it's trust us.
This from the agency that lies as a given. An agency that has utter contempt for the Constitution its members swore to uphold and in particular the 4th Amendment "against unreasonable searches and seizures." An agency that is conducting unlawful electronic surveillance-thank you Edward Snowden- against everyone in the world-much of data mining without justifiable cause of any illegal acts committed- including everyone in the US and all of it conveniently stored in the $1.5 billion Data Center in Bluffdale, Utah.
Well so much for the NSA taking seriously its "obligation to protect US persons privacy".
If this is not Orwellian "Doublespeak" I don't know what is. Lies are presented as the truth and the truth-if it's allowed to come out at all-is a lie.
"Official" Washington has descended into a political abyss where a maze of unsubstantiated accusations are trumpeted as the facts but can't be disclosed because they're classified.
Read the transcript or see the video. It is a sad commentary on where we are in this country. Any country be it Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, actually any country witnessing the travesty of a Committee hearing conducted within the supposed "peoples" Congress should easily recognize the "Doublespeak" of the "witnesses".
Only fools would trust "official" Washington after seeing this latest extravaganza.
[1] "FBI and NSA Directors: Russia is Our Adversary", Video and Transcript, "Information Clearing House", March 20, 2017
You may know Maltas Azure Window as the backdrop of Daenerys Targaryens wedding to Khal Drogo in Game of Thrones and scenes from Gladiator, but now buzz is arising for a different reason.
On Wednesday, March 8th, due to heavy winds and a tumultuous storm, the limestone landmark collapsed into the sea. In an attempt to protect this natural piece of art, the government established the Azure Window of Malta a no-zone for curious rock climbers in an attempt to prevent erosion, punishable by a fine of 1,500. As it turns out, it was not humans who caused the rock formation to crumble into the sea, but mother nature.
There was a big raging sea beneath the window, Xaghra resident Roger Chessell, who took pictures during the storm, told the Times of Malta. Suddenly, the arch collapsed into the sea with a loud whoomph, throwing up a huge spray. By the time the spray had faded, the stack had gone too. To many of the inhabitants of Malta, this felt to them like a loss of a piece of their identity.
Composed of two layers, upper Coralline limestone and Blue Clay Limestone, a softer, more erodible rock, it was inevitable that the weathered-down window would fall victim to a hard hit by nature. The question is, will Gozos tourism industry take a similarly large hit due to the loss of one of its most photographed features? Minister Anton Refalo has stressed that the island has much more to offer apart from the Azure Window. At the least, the memories will remain in the thousands of photos taken at the site.
Photo by Martin Lopatka, CC BY-SA 2.0
Amanda Allbee is a travel intern for Paste and a freelance writer based out of Athens, Georgia.
Note: This piece is in Paste Quarterly #1, which you can purchase here, along with its accompanying vinyl Paste sampler.
It may sound like a headline from The Onion, but the craziest thing about it is that its true: Local bookseller buys out tech firm next door. Thats how Anne Hollander describes whats happening in Dallas, Texas, where Deep Vellum Books is set to expand into a neighboring space at some point in the next three months. Even crazier is that the bookstore is the successful outgrowth of a relatively new small publishing house.
Were the antithesis of all that doom and gloom, says Hollander, Managing Director of Deep Vellum, about the death of bookstores and literary culture in the United States.
With only 13 titles published last year, Deep Vellum is a far cry from publishing behemoths Hachette, HarperCollins, Macmillan, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Random House (aka the Big Five), which together accounted for 45 percent of all U.S. book sales in 2015, according to Nielsen data. But that number of titles makes it a part of a constellation of small, independent presses who are seeing rosy futures as the Big Five push further and further into producing mega-hits and bestsellersand away from cultivating writers who might need to publish a few books before their sales become representative of their real audience, as Caroline Casey, the Managing Director of Coffee House Press, puts it.
When youre an independent publisher, adds Casey, youre operating under book publishing margins. When youre part of a conglomerate, your expectations of margin are very, very different. And that is limiting for your ability to invest long-term in writers.
Of course, its impossible to talk about book sales without mentioning Amazon, whose annual revenues far surpass that of the biggest publishers combined. But while Amazons dominance of the book market poses an existential threat to both big publishers and Barnes & Noble, it doesnt necessarily mean the same for small presses or even small stores. Even if someone takes a photo of a book in our store and goes out and buys it on Amazon, we are still building a relationship with them, says Hollander. Its not so much about where a customer [buys] any one book. More importantly, theyre more likely to come back into the store.
If this raises your bookstore-loving eyebrow, it shouldnt. Before Amazon became the presence it is now and before the economy tanked, a lot of people were able to run stores without knowing how the business worked, says Casey. Lots of bookstores that are swinging and doing very well now, they understand what they offer the community and they get that theyre a business.
The numbers bear out this assessment. While independent bookstores have dropped from 4,000 in the early 1990s to roughly 2,000 by 2014, independents have made a strong comeback from the financial crash in 2009, taking advantage of the financial woe at Barnes & Noble, which has closed hundreds of stores, and Borders Books, which went belly-up in 2011. In 2016, according to the most recent census data, sales at retail stores were up 3.6 percent from a year earlier.
While everyone has their favorite bookstore closure tear-jerker (my own involves Labyrinth Books in New Haven, Connecticut), its also true that Hollander and everyone else behind Deep Vellum Books are not alone. Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Moon Palace Books in Minneapolis, and Parnassus Books in Nashville have all opened within the last five yearsand all are set to expand.
Independent booksellers are just really enthusiastic about books, says Susannah Lawrence, director of publicity and social media at Akashic Books, a small publisher based in Brooklyn. They want to talk about literature and the way that literature can shape and transform and inform. And they are better at doing that than an Amazon algorithm is.
We sure are scared of guys with bad haircuts these days. Like Donald Trump, Kim Jong-Un alternates between being an apocalyptic menace or a laughing stock depending on the tone of conversation or day of the week. But North Koreas burgeoning nuclear capabilities are making it a little harder to laugh at his middle-parted mane lately. So whats the deal with this newly imminent threat from North Korea? Should we be in panic mode or are we being duped a la Iraq again?
For millennials, its hard to remember a time North Korea wasnt on our radar as at least a somewhat real, somewhat comical threat. We all remember Team America: World Police or at least one news story where Kim Jong-Un or his dad said something crazy. That makes deciding what to make of all the recent alarm bells from Secretary of State Rex Tillerson about potential preemptive strikes even tougher to parse. Why now? Was this sort of stuff on the table before the new guys took over the White House? To some extent at least, apparently it was.
Theres undeniably been an uptick of concerning behavior from the country recently. Last year, the country claimed to conduct a successful hydrogen bomb test, managed to put a satellite into orbit (theyd need to do something similar to get an ICBM to hit its target), developed warheads small enough to fit on top of ballistic missiles and detonated a 10-kiloton nuclear warhead. So far this year alone, they fired off a ballistic missile into the Sea of Japan and, a month later, sent four of the same such missiles into the same Sea over the course of a single day. Within the last couple days, they successfully launched a long-range rocket they claim to be for civil rather than military purposes. The US assesses the rocket could possibly be used to propel a long-range missile but further analysis is needed to see how soon or certainly the country could use it for such purposes.
Theres no doubt things are pretty tense right now and even more so than usual. The language of WMDs, of existential threats to the US are back in common discourse. The main difference between now and then is the question is not about whether Kim Jong-Un has these weapons. He does. Its whether he has the capability to use them in such a way that they threaten the US and/or our allies and whether he would want to exploit that capability. If the answer to those questions is yes, then we can begin asking whether preemptive strikes are advisable or how the United States would respond in the event of an attack. But first, its important to ask how we got here in the first place.
On the one hand, its somewhat consoling North Korea took this long to get where they are. From declaration of intent to the actual testing of nuclear weaponry, it took the United States six years to build such a weapon, Russia seven and China ten with extensive Russian assistance. All of this happened between the years 1939 and 1964.
It took North Korea nearly fifty years to somewhat successfully test a nuclear bomb in 2006. Another ten years were required to ready a bomb yielding 20 kilotons of nuclear energy. To put this even further into perspective, the Fat Man bomb we dropped on Nagasaki in 1945 had the same yield as the latest nuclear technology from North Korea. Obviously, any sort of nuclear attack would be catastrophic but the US, China and Russia all possess nuclear technology yielding thousands of times more nuclear energy and potential deadliness and all of them want to denuclearize North Korea, even if China specifically may be a little softer on the country.
Since the Korean war, Russia, China and the US have all assisted North Korea in developing some nuclear technologies while consistently refusing to provide assistance in developing nuclear weapons. The country signed a Non-Proliferation Treaty in the 80s and pledged to dismantle their nuclear facilities after former President Bill Clinton promised he would give them $4 billion to aid with energy development. It wasnt until 2002 that it was announced theyd been developing nuclear weapons covertly all along and President Bush included them in his axis of evil alongside Iraq and Iran.
In 2005, six nationsJapan, North Korea, South Korea, Russia, China, the United Statesconvened to reach an agreement about denuclearization. The US promised to keep nuclear weapons outside of the Korean peninsula, help develop energy facilities and not attack the nation. South Korea agreed not to seek a nuclear program for itself. North Korea tentatively said they would renounce nuclear weaponry but reserve the right to develop nuclear energy.
The talks became fraught with discord once the US froze funds in a Macao bank allegedly tied to money laundering by North Koreans and North Korea wound up doing their first test of a nuclear bomb. After mounting economic pressures, they returned to the negotiation table and promised theyd denuclearize by 2007. Surprise: they didnt denuclearize by the end of 2007.
After denying weapons inspectors access to their facilities, they tested another nuclear bomb in 2009. Talks resumed and the US said there would be a moratorium on North Korean nuclear weapons development in 2012. Come 2013, Kim Jong-Un said theyd resume tests in hopes of one day attacking the United States and the third nuclear test happens in February of that year. In 2015, the claims start pouring in from North Korean officials that they do have the technology to attack the continental United States and will if provoked. Further testing occurs in 2016 and were about back to now.
Its pretty scary these people managed to get a hold of nukes even when every major power didnt want them to have them. But, as hinted at above, as far as unwanted nuclear programs go, this one still remains fairly unimpressive.
They were screwing up missile launches as recently as last year. Claims of a successful hydrogen-bomb test in January 2016 were disputed by multiple experts in the field, despite the countrys spokesmen saying this very same bomb could wipe out the whole territory of the US at once. On the flip side, the Taepodong-2 rocket could potentially be modified for use as an ICBM that could hit anywhere in the United States. Still, theyve got a ways to go before the threat can realistically be described as existential. Experts differ on when exactly itll become such a problem; the most concerned think it may even be before the end of the year.
As for our own missile defense, we could be better off but were doing pretty well. Despite spending $84 billion on missile defense over the last decade, our Groundbase Midcourse Defense system failed three of four interception tests. Luckily, the most recent test was the successful one. This hasnt stopped the US from vowing theyll shoot down any attempt to use such a missile against the homeland or any of its allies. Despite the failures of the aforementioned GMD system, there are multiple other missile defense systems more likely of fending off an attack. Weve sent our THAAD system to South Korea and its proved far more successful and effective. Our defense is undoubtedly more sophisticated than their offense.
Missile defense aside, all three major powers have are opposed to nuclear weapons proliferating in the Korean peninsula. While China, Russia and the US are all skeptical of each others deeper motives, theyre unified behind the idea Kim Jong-Un is a royal pain in the ass and needs to be dealt with somehow. Should we be wary of a nuke from North Korea? Of course. But it would be absolute suicide for Mr. Middlepart to deploy one. The firepower still lies in the hands of others.
Their closest ally will play a decisive role in whatever ends up happening to handle this situation. China is necessary for North Koreas survival. They are their main trading partner, their big brother, the main reason they havent been totally discarded. Regardless, even China is growing tired of the regime. Its possible this North Korean nuclear scare may wind up being their way of trying to extort some concessions out of the US for more conducive policies toward their own Peoples Republic. The same goes for the US manipulating this situation to their own advantage against China. In the meantime, both major powers are willing and able to work together to curtail Kim Jong-Uns most errant character traits or disastrous misjudgments.
As with so many other events on the world stage right now, the situation with North Korea is doubly frustrating. First as a palpable threat and second as a possible distraction. Theres no doubt the situation should give us all cause for concern. For Gods sake, a prominent North Korean defector says his boss wants to nuke LA even if it means suicide. Who the hell wouldnt be afraid?
But weve all lived through some shit by now, havent we? We all know what its like to be through trumped-up threats, to get caught up in hysteria only to realize it was just one more way to get us looking away from the men behind the curtain. Our superior defense, the unification of disparate power structures against such an attack and Kim Jong-Uns egomania all lead me to believe this may not be quite as pressing a national security concern as were being told. That doesnt stop me from getting anxious over this though. I may be cynical about US foreign policy but Im as freaked out as anyone by rogue nations run by crazy leaders with nuclear weapons.
Thats the problem with history, especially as it leads to war or the ultimate avoidance of conflict. Its really easy to see the con in reverse, the bigger forces behind the Gulf of Tonkin or the invasion of Baghdad, but even the slightest hint of danger is still enough to drive even the most coolheaded among us to rational fear.
Im not going to tell you not to be afraid. Im worried by what North Korea may be able to do and by what the US may do without probable cause. Theres a whole lot we dont know about Kim Jong-Un and his country or what goes on behind closed doors in our own. What I do know is history has taught us to be cognizant of external threats, cynical towards the most powerful among ushint: its not North Korea in this situationand always, always, always skeptical of chubby men with bad hair and character. Its okay to be worried as long as you laugh and question along the way.
This Thursday, the House will vote on the bill to replace Obamacarethe American Health Care Act, aka TrumpCare. As weve documented here and here and here, this is a bad plan that will leave millions uninsured while jacking up premiums, and its met opposition from everywhereeven the far right. Now, likely at Paul Ryans behest, Donald Trump is cracking the whip and actively threatening those right-wingers who still seem to be on the verge of voting no. Per Politico:
Trump warned Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, who has led conservative opposition to the Republican health care plan, that Im gonna come after you if he keeps it up, according to multiple sources.
The sources cautioned that Trump may have been half joking, as one put it. Yet the president did single Meadows out in front of his colleagues, asking the North Carolina Republican to stand up as Trump addressed him.
Haha. Great half-joke, to make a guy stand up for his scolding, and then imply that if he doesnt step in line, youll come after his seat in 2018. Meadows actually went to Mar-a-Lago this past weekend to talk about the ACHA with Trump, but his attempts at flattery in the aftermath were apparently unsuccessful.
Meadowsresponded by complimenting the president on his residence.
Trump countered that I guess it wasnt lovely enough because Meadows is still a no on the bill.
Now, this kind of political bullying isnt unprecedented, and you could even say its fair game. Trump will look like (more of?) a major idiot if his chief legislative priority stalls out in a Republican-controlled House, and now is as good a time for desperation as any. Plus, he knows exactly how to appeal to politicians whose true first priority is saving their seats. The last thing they want is Trump campaigning against them in 2018 (which would be strange, but is not the most implausible he could do, by a long shot).
A flurry of last-minute changes were added to the bill over the past week in order to placate the right-wingers (and a few moderates too), and a wise man would take the bet that Republicans will huddle together under the same miserable umbrella come Thursdayespecially when the alternative is losing face to Democrats and undermining a president who could, with time, make their wildest policy dreams come true.
That said, a few Freedom Caucus members are still hemming and hawing, and undoubtedly holding out for further concessions from Ryan. Still, Trump has managed to convert at least a dozen House members to a yes since last week, and he plans to speak with moderate Republicans todaymany of whom are concerned about the 24 million Americans who will lose health insurance under the plan.
The drama buildsif the ACHA passes on Thursday, it will then proceed to the Senate for possible further amendments and a second vote.
One of the most essential things you should remember if you happen to be the Police Minister of New South Wales is that the community will probably not endorse you doing crimes. Do not do crimes. Just dont. It is not a good look.
Police minister Troy Grant yesterday confessed to a driving offence and asked cops to issue him with an infringement notice after he was caught committing a highly relatable crime: taking a photo of a particularly funny-looking sheep while driving. Weve all been there, Troy.
Specifically, it was a photo of a sheep crammed into the back of a station wagon, which he was foolish enough to post to Twitter:
Lets be real here: there was no plausible deniability here. This is like a Snapchat drivers seat selfie in terms of culpability. Anyone with a pair of eyes can tell you hes driving.
Grant faces a $325 fine and the loss of four demerit points which has gotta sting for a dude who spends a good portion of his time advocating for road safety messages.
He issued a statement to the Daily Telegraph:
Sitting stationary with the engine off at a road works site is no excuse to use a mobile phone. As Police Minister I work hard to promote road safety and work with the police to campaign for better driver behaviour, including most recently for the launch of Operation Westforce. Ive contacted the NSW Police to issue me with any appropriate infringement notice, and I hope my experience can serve as a reminder to others.
Righto. The pics not even that funny dude.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
Photo: Getty Images.
Merit Poker Western 3 Sets New Record
March 21, 2017 Merit Poker
The 2017 Merit Poker Series Western 3 set a new record in its $2,200 Main Event at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino Resort in North Cyprus Feb. 28 through March 9.
With 492 entries in the Main Event and a $905,280 payout, Merit Poker set a new record both with that payout and the $350,000 guaranteed in the $2,200 Main Event. The Western 3 Festival guaranteed $1,000,000, but at the end of the series, the total prize pool payouts exceeded $1,950,000.
Here are some other stunning facts from the payouts:
Event Entries Payout $800 Warm Up Event, $125K GTD 256 $177,974 $1,100 Mix-Max Event, $50K GTD 143 $131,560 $5K High Roller Event, $125K GTD 95 $410,780 $2.200 Main Event, $350K GTD 492 $905,280 $550 Super Satellite to HR, $20K (4 Seats) GTD 132 $64,020 $550 Turbo Bounty-$200 K.O, $15K GTD 54 $26,190 $330 Irish Holdem Event, $10K GTD 60 $16,560
Cash games ran 24/7 with action on a variety of stakes, starting from $2-$5 and up to $100-$200.
The tournament, decorated with a distinctly Western theme, included swinging bar doors in an 18th century cowboy town, complete with specially designed vinyl prints, 3-D dummies, barrels, hay bales, wagon wheels, lassos and country music to revive the Wild West feel.
The Merit Poker team and staff also donned Western-style costumes boots, cowboy hats, checkered shirts, jeans and tasseled leather vests with accessories to really bring the impression home.
Established in 2008, Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino Resort has organized major regional series of poker tournaments since 2009 and has become a well-known fan favorite for poker players in more than 35 countries, including Turkey, Russia, Lebanon, Iran, Israel, Romania, Greece, Germany, Bulgaria, Ukraine and Belarus.
Every five weeks, Merit Poker hosts a tournament series with a guaranteed prize pool over $1,000,000. The guarantee doubles in autumn.
Merit Poker Room has many amenities that other poker rooms dont, namely some of the best professional staff and dealers in the world; 24/7 free food, fruit, desserts and beverages for guests; lots of recreational players and a warm atmosphere; a beach located three minutes away; and the cleanest sunshine and sea five-star hotel with activities to keep its guests busy.
All players and guests are granted the possibility of spending a five-star holiday at the Merit Crystal Cove Hotel & Casino Resort. Those who come to play the Merit Poker events enjoy the tranquility, nature and crystal-clear sea of North Cyprus, alongside the quality of the service provided by Merit.
Because, as Merit stands by, You do not just play poker here; you live through the experience
Sponsor generated content by Merit Poker
Sharelines The total prize pool payouts exceeded $1,950,000 at the 2017 Merit Poker Series Western 3.
After shocking political bombshells, each of the major late night comedians took their own approach to skewering Donald Trump
At the close of a remarkably strange and dramatic day in politics that saw FBI Director James Comey refute the President's wiretapping accusations and confirmed the existence of an investigation of the administration's Russian ties. Now among the many political implications of these actions, the event also opened the door to a treasure trove of comedic material from the wide array of late night comedy hosts. For those of you who went to bed at a reasonable hour last night, here's just a quick rundown of what you missed.
The Late Show
In a surprise move, Stephen Colbert chose to eschew focusing on the FBI hearing and instead went after Trump's budget and its devastating program cuts. Although it's tough to say Colbert actually talked about this subject at all, when he instead passed the mic over to his conservative pundit alter-ego "Stephen Colbert" who proceeded to break down the heartless nature of many of the cuts. Reviving his segment "The Word" (now known as "The Werd" for legal reasons), Colbert continues to double down on his political humor, the abilities that enabled his rise to prominence on The Colbert Report and has allowed him to emerge as the most watched host in late night.
Late Night
Perhaps the most in-depth look at the hearing itself and its implications came from Seth Meyers, who used his traditional "A Close Look" segment to dive into both the President's calamitous meeting with Angela Merkel and the Republican Congress' poor defense of Trump's innocence. Thanks to the increased focus of the almost 10 minute segment, Meyers helps capture all the bizarre facets for those who had not been following it, while using his deadpan sense of humor to try to make the info a bit more tolerable.
The Daily Show
Trevor Noah meanwhile stuck to a more traditional focus on the hearing, pointing out simultaneously the absurdities of Trump's live tweeting having an impact on the hearing itself as well as the fact he was supposed to have Trump Senior Advisor and former Apprentice contestant Omarosa Manigault as a guest before she cancelled last minute. While still not replacing the masterful ranting of his predecessor, Noah still can deliver some incisive political material.
The Late Late Show
Perhaps the most unexpected approach to Trump skewering was taken by James Corden who created a short musical spoof of the Trump administration to the tune of "When I Grow Up" from the musical Matilda. Featuring Corden as Steve Bannon, Comedian and Matilda composer Tim Minchin as Trump, Ben Platt as Sean Spicer, and Abigail Spencer as Kellyanne Conway, the sketch isn't particularly enlightening about any of the administration's recent scandals, but damn if it's not entertaining.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 10:49:01
Advanced Logic Analytics Welcomes Technology Finance Executive to Its Board
Advanced Logic Analytics
Tina Snelling
tina.snelling@advancedlogicanalytics.com
+44(0)2038937573
Advanced Logic Analytics (ALA), a provider of enterprise wide big data and analytics solutions for financial markets firms, is pleased to announce the appointment of Giovanni Loria to the companys board as non-executive director.
Giovanni has been serving as VP & CFO Global Strategic Finance at Computer Science Corporation (CSC) where in recent years he was responsible for the operational and financial transformation of the Xchanging acquisition and the Global Business Services Division. In his roles, he has been instrumental in supporting the firms global divisional leaders in the execution of company plans, strategies and M&A activity.
Prior to joining CSC, Giovanni held senior management roles at global multi-billion corporations, including Cisco, Dell, and Alcatel-Lucent.
Giovanni has extraordinary technology and business expertise, and we are delighted that he is joining our board, said Pim Dale, CEO, ALA. As well as the insights that come from being part of established global firms, he also has vast experience with fast-emerging startups, and will play an important role as we continue to grow.
ALA OneLogic was developed to provide advanced big data and sophisticated analytics capabilities for financial markets firms requiring powerful mining, processing, managing and analysis of their information assets and external data sources, in one optimised platform.
I'm delighted to join this visionary team during a time of evolution within the financial markets said Giovanni. ALAs big data and advanced analytics technology will provide the foundation for tremendous advancements in the application of business insight, helping financial firms draw unlimited benefits, and I look forward to contributing to ALAs future direction and growth.
The potential of our big data analytics platform is vast. I can think of no one better than Giovanni to contribute to that potential, said Nick Ellis, managing director at ALA. With plans to grow the business globally, the wealth of knowledge and experience Giovanni brings to ALA will help advance our mission and we look forward to working with him over the coming years.
Giovanni has been instrumental in turning strategies into operational results for global firms spanning more than two decades. Known for his prioritisation and execution, he has managed organisational change, increased operational effectiveness, and accelerated business growth in sectors such as telecommunication, Internet-networking, IT and business process outsourcing.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703210057
Giovanni Loria joins @ALAOneLogic board #CFO #technology #financialservices #investment http://www.advancedlogicanalytics.com/news/ala-welcomes-technology-finance-executive-giovanni-loria-to-its-board
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 09:56:01
More than 450 thought leaders in the inclusive finance ecosystem will gather over two days to drive collective and positive change for greater financial inclusion across the region
Advancing Financial Inclusion in a Digital Age: Asia Pacific Financial Inclusion Summit Kicks Off in Hanoi, Vietnam
Citi Hong Kong
Avis Kong, 2868-8989
Corporate Affairs
avis.kong@citi.com
The Asia Pacific Financial Inclusion Summit 2017 opened in Hanoi today, bringing together over 450 key stakeholders, thought leaders and practitioners to further the financial inclusion agenda in the region.
Now in its second year, the Summit is organized by the Citi Foundation and the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC) in partnership with the Banking with the Poor Network and The Economist Group. This year the State Bank of Vietnam is Official Host of the Summit.
Themed Advancing Financial Inclusion in a Digital Age, the Summit will explore the opportunities and challenges of the next generation of financial inclusion, and showcase the latest technology and innovations in financial products and services for the unbanked and underserved.
Michelle Curry, CEO of FDC called the impact of the digital age on financial inclusion arguably the greatest financial reform of our time and added that it was both encouraging and inspiring to see such dedication to the reform evidenced by the large number of attendees at this sellout Summit.
Madam Nguyen Thi Hong, Deputy Governor of the State Bank of Vietnam, spoke about the future of financial inclusion in her keynote address today.
More organizations are offering new financial products and services that change the form and nature of the market and are shaping the future of financial inclusion. This rapid change presents challenges in terms of management, monitoring and risk of information and system security. Therefore, it is critical to harmonize the goals of financial innovation, integration and consumer protection to maximize the benefits of financial inclusion, said Madam Hong.
Despite great progress made over the past decades in financial inclusion worldwide, some two billion adults remain unbanked, more than half of which are in Asia Pacific.
The inclusive finance ecosystem is evolving to include not only financial service providers, both banks and non-banks, but new players, like mobile money providers and e-money operators, to name a few, said Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation and Director of Corporate Citizenship at Citi.
What we will explore at this years Summit, is the need to balance new innovative technological advances and creative partnerships with policy that will continue to not only help drive financial inclusion for low-income populations but also protect vulnerable populations, she added.
Over the next two days, delegates will debate issues, share case-studies, analyze trends and explore opportunities to drive collective action. The Summits delegates include prominent organizations including the Vietnam Bank of Social Policies, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, Ford Foundation, MicroSave, Cullinan Group, Friend of Womens World Banking, The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor, World Bank Group, United Nations, Grameen Capital, ACCESS Development Services, Visa, bKash, MasterCard and Yale University.
Members of the media can access b-roll interview footage with key speakers (refer to Appendix 1 for list of available interviews) throughout the two days by clicking on the following Digital News Agency (DNA) link http://www.digitalnewsagency.com/stories/10665-adv. Please note that you will need to sign up and log-in to the DNA platform to download footage.
For ongoing updates from the Summit, follow @Citi and @FDCAsiaPac on Twitter or #FinInclusionSummit to join the conversation. Video footage and photos from the event will also be available on the Summit Gallery page at http://www.fininclusionsummit.org/gallery/
About the State Bank of Vietnam
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) is a ministerial agency of the Government - the Central Bank of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The operations of the SBV aim at stabilizing the value of Vietnamese currency, ensuring safe and sound banking operations and the system of credit institutions, ensuring safety and efficiency of national payment system, and contributing to socio economic development under the socialist orientation. For more information, visit www.sbv.gov.vn.
About Citi
Citi, the leading global bank, has approximately 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 160 countries and jurisdictions. Citi provides consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, transaction services, and wealth management.
Additional information may be found at www.citigroup.com | Twitter: @Citi | YouTube: www.youtube.com/citi | Blog: http://blog.citigroup.com | Facebook: www.facebook.com/citi | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/citi
About Citi Foundation
The Citi Foundation works to promote economic progress and improve the lives of people in low-income communities around the world. We invest in efforts that increase financial inclusion, catalyze job opportunities for youth, and reimagine approaches to building economically vibrant cities. The Citi Foundations More than Philanthropy approach leverages the enormous expertise of Citi and its people to fulfill our mission and drive thought leadership and innovation. For more information, visit www.citifoundation.com.
About the Foundation for Development Cooperation (FDC)
The Foundation for Development Cooperation is an independent Australian foundation committed to building prosperity in developing countries in the Asia Pacific region by pursuing initiatives that reduce poverty and promote equitable growth. We achieve this by defining and delivering development initiatives that are market-based and innovative, drawing on the collective skills, knowledge and resources of organisations from across the public, private, NGO and academic sectors. For more information, visit http://www.fdc.org.au.
Appendix 1 List of Key Speaker Interviews Available on Digital News Agency (DNA) Platform
Madam Nguyen Thi Hong, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Vietnam
Natasha Ansell, Citi Country Officer for Citi Vietnam
Brandee McHale, President of the Citi Foundation, and Director of Corporate Citizenship at Citi
Gregory Chen, Head Policy, The Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)
Dean Karlan, Professor of Economics, Yale University; President and Founder, Innovations for Poverty Action (IPA)
Shameran Abed, Head of Microfinance, BRAC; Chairman, bKash
Philip Course, Managing Director, Cullinan Group
Pia Roman, Director, Inclusive Finance Advocacy Office and Concurrent Head, Financial Consumer Protection Department, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas
Vijayalakshmi Das, Chief Executive Officer, Friends of Womens World Banking (FWWB), India
Manoj Sharma, Managing Director Asia, Microsave
Graham Macmillan, Senior Program Officer, Inclusive Economies, Ford Foundation
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703210057
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 10:28:01
Now being used to support SOS Children's Villages International in 134 countries worldwide
Reduces response time to emergency relief delivery
Improves organization of emergency dispatch
- Atos, a global leader in digital transformation, today announces an innovative emergency services system app - Emergency Roster (ERoster) - which is currently being used by SOS Children's Villages International, a non-governmental child welfare umbrella organization. SOS Children's Villages International unites the work of all SOS associations in 134 countries and territories across the world. The ERoster app is used by the organization's internal Global Emergency Response network to improve the organization and dispatch of aid workers and to deliver faster on-site emergency relief.
Armed conflicts, natural disasters and medical emergencies such as epidemics require rapid intervention in order to save lives, alleviate distress and provide protection for vulnerable children and their families - but also to lay the foundation for long-term and durable rehabilitation, reconstruction as well as stable growth and long term development. The increasing number of emergencies, which are becoming more and more complex due to different causes and parties involved, bring new challenges in the implementation of effective emergency measures. SOS Children's Villages' own Emergency Response Network helps to ensure that the organization is prepared for rapid and effective assistance in any emergency.
ERoster: Improved organization, reduced response time
Atos worked with the Global Emergency Response Unit at SOS Children's Villages in Austria to develop the Emergency Roster (ERoster), an emergency services system, which is used to identify, manage and select qualified emergency experts worldwide. In the event of an emergency, workers are dispatched and this supports local SOS member associations in the planning and implementation of emergency measures.
Andreas Papp, International Director Emergency Response from SOS-Children's Villages International, said "In humanitarian disasters the protection and well-being of vulnerable children and families is a key priority for us."
In case of emergency, experts with differing abilities and skills are selected and sent to the emergency location ideally within 72 hours. The ERoster app enables fast and efficient access to personal data and skills (such as experience in the field of emergency response, languages, experiences in the affected country or region, logistics, medical care or additional trainings) as well as the availability of each worker in order to optimize the selection process. The deployed emergency personnel and the flow of information between the member associations and the umbrella organization are coordinated via an SOS internal platform. By using ERoster, SOS Children's Villages can react faster and more effectively to emergencies. The app enables more efficient staff management increasing transparency and cost savings.
The Emergency Roster (ERoster) app was implemented in less than seven months. Since mid-2016 the app has been in successfully operation at SOS-Children's Villages International and first aid assignments have been effectively coordinated. Currently, around 50 emergency aid workers from various SOS member associations worldwide are managed through the system. The goal is to further increase this figure.
###
About Atos
Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is a leader in digital transformation with circa 100,000 employees in 72 countries and pro forma annual revenue of circa 12 billion. Serving a global client base, the Group is the European leader in Big Data, Cybersecurity, Digital Workplace and provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, the Group supports the digital transformation of its clients across different business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications, and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and is listed on the Euronext Paris market. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline.
About SOS Children's Villages
SOS Children's Villages is the largest non-governmental organisation, whose main objective is to help children who have lost parental care, and families at risk. It is committed to ensuring that every child grows up in a loving, caring and safe home. The Organization was founded in 1949 in Innsbruck and Imst, includes more than 2,300 programmes and more than one million children and adults in 134 countries and territories. For more information - www.sos-childrensvillages.org
Press contact:
Laura Fau | laura.fau@atos.net | +33 6 73 64 04 18 | @laurajanefau
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: ATOS via Globenewswire
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 01:22:09
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for BitRush Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - BitRush Corp. (CSE:BRH). has issued a press release with the following headline:BitRush Corp. Provides Corporate UpdateTo 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 BitRush 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/BitRush Corp.Source: BitRush Corp. (CSE: BRH, ISIN: CA09173X1096, WKN: A140AE)Date: March 20, 2017Time: 8:22 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of BitRush 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: 2017-03-21 01:42:11
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for BitRush Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Toronto, Ontario (FSCWire) - BitRush Corp. (CSE:BRH). has issued a press release with the following headline:Correcting and Replacing: BitRush Corp. Provides Corporate UpdateTo 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 BitRush 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/BitRush Corp.Source: BitRush Corp. (CSE: BRH, ISIN: CA09173X1096, WKN: A140AE)Date: March 20, 2017Time: 8:42 PM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of BitRush 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.)
Elevators And Escalators Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:36:33
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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@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2417 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.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.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2417 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 Corporation
Flue Gas Desulfurization System Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:39:02
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International awareness of environmental concerns has been increasing in recent years resulted in the stringent environmental regulations regarding sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission in the many countries. Flue Gas Desulfurization System (FGDS) is a set of technologies which works to remove sulfur dioxide (SO2) from exhausted gases from the emission of the sulfur dioxide emitting processes. Basically, the flue gases are removed using a variety of reagents such as caustic, lime, fly-ash, magnesium oxide, soda ash, sea water, limestone, ammonia and double alkali. The flue gas desulfurization system efficiency is based on the reagents and the type of the technology used to desulfurize the Sulfur dioxide (SO2). The FGDS are available in size range from 5 MW to more than 2000 MW capacity.Flue Gas Desulfurization System Market Drivers and RestraintsThe global FGDS market is expected to show a rapid market growth over the forecast period. The sulfur dioxide is responsible for the acid rain formation, the stringent government regulations to protect the environment have been implemented in many countries to limit and control the emission of the flue gas which is the major factor driving the global FGDS market. The increasing number of energy power plants to meet the rising demand of power needs more FGDS systems which drive the growth of the global FGDS market. The increasing industrialization and set up of chemical, iron and steel and cement manufacturing plants boost the demand of the FGDS which drives the growth of the global FGDS market.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2419 However, the alternative methods used to remove the sulfur dioxide (SO2) from the flue gases after combustion such as Catalytic hydro desulfurization and fluidized bed combustion methods may hamper the use of FGDS system and restrain the growth of the global FGDS market.Flue Gas Desulfurization System Market SegmentationOn the basis of type, theglobal FGDS market is segmented as follows:Wet flue gas desulfurizerDry flue gas desulfurizerSemi dry desulfurizerOn the basis of applications, theglobal FGDS market is segmented as follows:Power generationChemicalIron and steelCement manufacturingOthersFlue Gas Desulfurization System Market Region Wise OutlookThe global FGDS market is segmented into the seven regions: North America, Latin America, Western Europe, and Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and Middle East and Africa (MEA). The North America region has contributed the leading share to the global FDGS market in terms of revenue due to higher demand of the FGDS from the power generation industry and chemical, iron industry. The Western Europe has also contributed the significant shares to the global FGDS market followed by North America. APEJ region is the most lucrative market, followed by the Eastern Europe and expected to register the descent growth to the global FGDS market due to the rising industrialization, manufacturing and processing units of the industries such as power generation, coal, steel and cement. Japan and Eastern Europe are contributed descent growth to the global FGDS market. The MEA and Latin America are at a nascent stage and expected to show a moderate growth for the forecast period. Overall, the global FGDS fabric market is expected to register a significant growth rate over the forecast period 2016 to 2026.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2419 Flue Gas Desulfurization System Market Key PlayersSome of the key players in the FGDS market are as follows:Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises, Inc.Marsulex Environmental TechnologiesFLSmidth & Co. A/SThermax LimitedSiemens AGClyde Bergemann Power GroupBurns & McdonnellAlstom SAMitsubishi Electric Corporation, Ltd.Hamon Corporation
E-Compass Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:43:18
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E-compass is an electronic compass which uses a magnetometer and an accelerometer. The global e-compass market is expected to have significant growth rate, attributed to high demand for minerals across the globe. North America and Western Europe have significant revenue share in the global e-compass market, attributed to high demand for advanced wearable devices and high per capita income in the region over the forecast period.Global E-Compass Market Dynamics:The growth of the global e-compass market is driven by growing adoption of e-compass in consumer electronics including wearable, tablets, and smartphones. The macroeconomic factors responsible for the growth of global e-compass market include rapid rate of urbanization, rising disposable income, changing lifestyle, and growing economies. The major restraining factor for global e-compass market is the dominance of GPS technology in advanced consumer electronics and automotive products. The factor trending the demand for global e-compass market include the use of e-compass sensors based on magneto-resistive technology. The company providing the lepidolite have significantly high opportunity in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa owing to the significant demand for consumer electronics in the regions.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2424 Global E-Compass Market Segmentation:The global e-compass market is segmented on the basis of the axis, application, technology, and region. On the basis of axis, the global e-compass market is segmented as 1&2 axis, 3 axis, 6 axis, and 9 axis, wherein 1&2 Axis have significant revenue share in global e-compass market and is expected to have substantial growth rate. On the basis of application, the e-compass market is segmented as consumer electronics, automotive, aerospace, defense, marine, and surveying. Among the application segment, consumer electronics segment contribute for the significant revenue share over the forecast period in the global e-compass market. On the basis of technology, the global e-compass market is segmented as fluxgate, magneto-resistive, and Hall Effect, wherein fluxgate have significant revenue share in global e-compass market, whereas magneto-resistive is expected to have substantial growth rate.Based on axis, the global e-compass market is segmented into:1&2 Axis3 Axis6 Axis9 AxisBased on application, the global e-compass market is segmented into:Consumer ElectronicsAutomotiveAerospaceDefenseMarineSurveyingBased on technology, the global e-compass market is segmented into:FluxgateMagneto-resistiveHall EffectGlobal E-Compass Market Regional Outlook:Based on the geographies, the global e-compass market is fragmented into seven regions -- North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific except Japan, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the regions, Asia-Pacific except Japan accounts for a significant share of the global e-compass market with a substantial CAGR as majority of consumer electronics manufacturer are based in Asia Pacific particularly in China. The North America region accounts for significant share in the global e-compass market with significant growth rate, owing to rising adoption of advanced wearable devices in aerospace across the region. Western Europe revenue share is followed by North America region in the global e-compass market, attributed to increasing demand for directional sensors in consumer electronics market. Eastern Europe and Japan also accounts for significant value share in the global e-compass market. The developing economy such as Middle East Africa and Latin America have a substantial growth in the global e-compass market, owing to consumer electronics in the region. Overall, the outlook for the global e-compass market will have a positive growth over the forecast period.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2424 Global E-Compass Market Player:Few players in the global e-compass market include Honeywell International, ST Microelectronics, TrueNorth Technologies, Bosch Sensortec, PNI Sensors Corporation, InvenSense, Inc., Aichi Steel, STMicroelectronics, MagnaChip Semiconductor, MEMSIC, Oceanserver Technologies, mCube Inc., Asahi Kasei Microdevices Corporation, Invensense Inc., and NXP Semiconductors N.V.
Electrically Conductive Coating Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:44:02
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Electrically conductive coating is coating used to prevent the accumulation of static electric charges for reducing surface resistance. The global electrically conductive coatingmarket is expected to have significant growth rate, attributed to growing consumer electronic display market. Asia-Pacific except Japan has substantial growth in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket, attributed to the growing demand for consumer electronics due to rapidly growing population and per capita income in the region, especially in China and India.Global Electrically Conductive Coating Market Dynamics:The growth of the global electrically conductive coatingmarket is driven by growing solar sector and high demand for electrically conductive coating from consumer electronic displays. Macroeconomic factors such as rising per capita income, rapid rate of urbanization, and employment rate as well as the rapid rate of industrialization driving the global electrically conductive coatingmarket. Growing semiconductor and consumer electronics industries also fueling the demand of global electrically conductive coatingmarket. Whereas environmental regulations for the emissions of HAPs (hazardous air pollutants) and VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and initial capital equipment cost is hampering the global electrically conductive coatingmarket particularly in emerging economies such as Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America. Some other factors trending the global electrically conductive coatingmarket include high demand for consumer electronic devices such as mobiles, laptops, tablets, and LCD televisions. The company providing the electrically conductive coatinghave significantly high opportunity in regions such as Asia-Pacific, Middle East & Africa, and Latin America attributed to the significantly growing industrial economy. The electrically conductive coatingmarket also has a significant opportunity in the North America and Western Europe region, attributed to growing consumer electronic industry in the region.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2425 Global Electrically Conductive Coating Market Segmentation:The global electrically conductive coatingmarket is segmented on the basis of raw material, end-user, and region. On the basis of raw material, the global electrically conductive coatingmarket is segmented as polyesters, epoxy, polyurethanes, acrylics, and others, wherein epoxy have significant revenue share and are expected to have substantial growth rate. On the basis of end-user, the electrically conductive coatingmarket is segmented as solar industry, bioscience, consumer electronic displays, aerospace, automotive, and others. Among the end-user segment, consumer electronic displays segment contribute for the significant revenue share and is expected to grow at a significant rate over the forecast period in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket.Based on raw material, the global electrically conductive coatingmarket is segmented into:PolyestersEpoxyPolyurethanesAcrylicsOthersBased on end-use, the global electrically conductive coatingmarket is segmented into:Solar IndustryBioscienceConsumer Electronic DisplaysAerospaceAutomotiveOthersGlobal Electrically Conductive Coating Market Regional Outlook:Based on the geographies, the global electrically conductive coatingmarket is fragmented into seven regions -- North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific except Japan, Japan, and the Middle East & Africa. Among the regions, North America accounts for a significant share of the global electrically conductive coatingmarket in terms of value, attributed to rising employment rate and rising disposable income. Western Europe revenue share is followed by North America region in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket, whereas the growth of the electrically conductive coatingmarket is relatively low than other regions as the consumer electronic market is saturated in the region. The Asia-Pacific except Japan region accounts for significantly high volume share in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket with significant growth rate, owing to the rapid growth of consumer electronics industry in the region particularly in countries such as India and China. Eastern Europe and Japan also accounts for significant value share in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket. The developing economy such as Middle East Africa and Latin America have a substantial growth in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket, owing to substantially growing electronic and semiconductor industry in the region. Overall, the outlook for the global electrically conductive coatingmarket will have a positive growth over the forecast period.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2425 Global Electrically Conductive Coating Market Player:Few players in the global electrically conductive coatingmarket include Akzo Nobel N.V., Creative Materials Inc., Axalta Coating Systems, Henkel AG & Company, and The PPG Industries Inc.
Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Fruit Concentrate Puree Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 2016-2026"report to their offering.
Fruit Concentrate Puree Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 07:27:22
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The Exotic Fruit segment will retain its dominance in the global fruit concentrate puree market during 2016 2026The Exotic Fruit segment in the global fruit concentrate puree market is estimated to be valued at more than US$ 400 Mn in 2017, which is estimated to increase at a CAGR of 5.7% over the forecast period to reach more than US$ 700 Mn by the end of 2026. The Exotic Fruit concentrate puree market is anticipated to record absolute $ opportunity of US$ 274.34 Mn between 2016 and 2026. The Exotic Fruit segment is expected to expand at a CAGR of 3.8% in terms of volume over the forecast period.Rising demand for baby products containing exotic fruits is likely to create robust growth in the Exotic Fruit segmentThe rise in demand for baby food is expected to drive the growth of the Exotic Fruit segment during the forecasted period. Sales of instant baby foods is on the rise due to the fast paced life of modern day parents. The people living in urban areas dont have enough time to prepare food at home and thus tend to buy instant baby food products to fulfil the basic requirements of their infants. As most of the baby food products consist of exotic fruits such as banana, apple, melon and mango, there is a significantly high demand in the global market. Baby food products containing the puree of exotic fruits have a better taste and are most preferred by children, which in turn multiplies the sale of exotic fruit purees in the global fruit concentrate puree market. Exotic fruits are relatively cheaper than orchard or berry fruits. Consequently, various manufacturers are focussed towards providing puree concentrate made of exotic fruits. This factor is expected to create a positive impact on the Exotic Fruit segment.Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-102 Fruit juices are commonly prepared from juice concentrate. However, several juice manufacturers have now started using puree concentrate in fruit juices to give a smooth blend and to increase the thickness. Many types of puree concentrate especially the purees made from exotic fruits like apple puree concentrate is used in almost all the juices. Moreover, a large proportion of fibrous matter is naturally found in exotic fruits, which leads to an increasing demand for and growth of the Exotic Fruit segment in the global fruit concentrate puree market.Many companies in North America and Europe are launching smoothies and juice products prepared from exotic fruit puree concentrate in powder form with added minerals and nutrients. These companies are selling their products directly to end-users/customers for direct consumption. Also, application across various food and beverage products is likely to increase the volume and value growth of the Exotic Fruit segment in the global fruit concentrate puree market. The rising use of puree concentrate made from exotic fruits as a sweetener in snacks and baby products is also creating robust growth in the Exotic Fruit segment.global fruit concentrate puree marketPerformance of the Exotic Fruit segment across the different regional fruit concentrate puree marketsThe tomato puree concentrate segment is expected to remain the dominant segment in terms of both value and volume in the North America, Western Europe, and MEA fruit concentrate puree markets. In Latin America, the banana puree concentrate segment is expected to dominate in terms of both value and volume from 2015 to 2026. In Eastern Europe, the pineapple puree concentrate segment is anticipated to remain the dominant segment in terms of value from 2015 to 2026. While in the APEJ fruit concentrate puree market, the mango puree concentrate segment is expected to dominate in terms of value throughout the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-102
High-Performance Insulation Materials Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:40:42
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Insulation is defined as a complete barrier to transfer of heat through walls, floor and ceilings by trapping it into small cavities that helps in maintaining indoor temperature, save energy costs, and creates a healthier & comfortable living environment. Smaller the cavities, better performance of insulation material which leads to an effective thermal barrier. Insulation materials have some important properties namely low thermal conductivity, density, thickness of insulation, surface emissivity and thermal bridging which exhibits product effectiveness. These properties enhance the function and performance of insulating materials. High-performance insulation material depends on the type of raw material used, process takes place during manufacturing and skilled labor force. Aerogel is a type of raw material used to manufacture insulation materials which are 1,000 times less dense than a glass and are environmentally benign. High-performance insulation material delivers 40 times more insulation that the fiberglass and can be used at -200 C to 650 C temperature without flammable.High-Performance Insulation Materials Market:Drivers and RestraintsHigh-performance insulation materials market are witnessing maximum growth owing to increasing demand for specialized products, new product development, high durability and appropriate thickness of the material. Moreover, increasing use of extruded polystyrene and polyurethane insulation materials which are 90% less harmful to earths ozone layer, and rising environmental concern are some of the other factors that increase the growth of high-performance insulation material market in near future.However, the risk of flammability with insulated materials, foam products that contain CFC are relatively detrimental to the environment and high cost of production are a major barrier to the high-performance insulation materials market.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2421 High-Performance Insulation Materials Market:SegmentationThe high-performance insulation materials market has been classified on the basis of product type, raw material, and application.Based on product type, the high-performance insulation materials market is segmented into the following:Insulating BricksCalcium Silicate BlocksInsulation MattressesBased on raw material, the high -performance insulation materials market is segmented into the following:Ceramic FiberVermiculiteAerogelGlass BubblesOthers (Fiber Glass, Foams)Based on application, the high-performance insulation materials market is segmented into the following:ConstructionOil and GasTransportationAutomotiveIndustrialPower generatorsOthersHigh-Performance Insulation Materials Market:Market Segmentation OverviewHigh-performance insulation materials market witnessed substantial growth owing to low thermal conductivity, sound absorption, water repellency and thermal shock resistance properties of insulation materials. By material type, aerogel is anticipated to hold the major share in the high-performance insulation materials market owing to its properties such as light weight, tensile strength, thermal insulation, superior fire resistance, easy installation, high compressive strength and low density. Ceramic fiber insulating materials include substances such as blankets, modules, boards, and papers are extensively used which is expected to boost the global high-=performance insulation materials market in near future. Based on the application type, when high-performance insulation materials are used for an industrial purpose they help in allocating the heat consistently, diminish the overall noise, vibrations and energy consumption which will enhance the growth of the market during the forecast period.High-Performance Insulation Materials Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on the geographic region, High-Performance Insulation Materialsmarketis segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia=Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific dominates the High=Performance Insulation Materials marketfollowed by Europe, Japan and North America owing to high infrastructural investment and availability of insulation material suppliers. Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa hold huge potential and shows substantial growth in terms of wide acceptance of new technologyowing to increase in the consumption of oil & gas and rising manufacturing facilities in these regions which will further boost the demand for insulating materials to reduce greenhouse effect, global warming, and less energy consumption.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2421 High-Performance Insulation Materials Market:Key PlayersSome players of high-performance insulation materialsmarket are as follows:Aspen Aerogels, Inc.Morgan Advanced MaterialsIsolite Insulating Products Co., Ltd.The 3M CompanyUnifrax LLCNano High-Tech Co., LtdCabot CorporationAlison hi-tech company LtdIbiden Co. Ltd.Shandong Luyang Share Co., Ltd
In-Home Senior Care Franchises Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:41:28
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Every person who is born must eventually grow old at some point. Considering how busy we have all become, it can often seem that life passes us by in a blur. When we do age, though, we usually have only one wish to live out the rest of our years in safety and comfort. Most of us would also like to live in our own homes if we can make that choice. That is where the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market comes into play. In-home senior care is a perfect fit for the franchising model since it is highly regulated, systems-oriented and highly personal. It enables franchise owners to develop strong ties with both their clients and the community at large. The long-term prospects of the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market are very bright indeed.In-Home Senior Care Franchises Market DriversAn ageing population in the west will be the main driver of the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market. The Baby Boomer generation born immediately following World War II are expected to demand greater medical care and attention. Elderly care in the U.S alone is expected to be worth more than $300 billion in 2016. There is also a major shift towards ageing in place. Most adults like living in the comfort & privacy of their own homes for as long as is possible. Even after they cross the age of 65, people prefer living on their own or with family members rather than in an old-age home. The In-Home Senior Care Franchises market is also expected to get a boost from improving technology. Assistance & safety monitoring equipment has taken a dramatic leap in recent times driven by advances in sensory networks, bio-sensing, robotics, cloud computing and telecommunications. Another factor boosting the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market is the high revenue. In-home senior care requires very low initial investment and the earning opportunities are immense. Franchise owners are likely to earn more than independent providers improving the attractiveness of the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2422 In-Home Senior Care Franchises Market RestraintsOne of the biggest constraints in the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market is that of cost. In-home care facilities can cost anywhere from $3000 to $6000 a month. This makes it prohibitively expensive even for those families that are insured by insurance companies since they will almost certainly not cover the entire expense. The second challenge is a lack of trained professionals. It can be very difficult for in-home senior care franchises to find qualified nurses, staff or medical professionals to assist their patients. The demand for these individuals is anticipated to be much more than the supply in the years ahead. The third barrier to the growth of the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market is a lack of regulation in the industry. While it might be comforting to think of home health aides as certified professionals, the truth is that they have usually gone through a small training program for the company which hires them. There is no standardisation leading to great confusion about what these individuals are able and unable to do. One more challenge is the intense competition in the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market. This is a 24/7, 365 days a year business which requires franchisees to always be on call. Incumbent companies may offer additional benefits for holding on to their clients, making it difficult for newcomers to the field.In-Home Senior Care Franchises Market Key RegionsThe global In-Home Senior Care Franchises market is divided into North America, E.U, Asia, MENA and the rest of the world. North America is the largest market followed by the E.U. A large geriatric population, technological improvements and government reimbursement for health care are the primary reasons that it is dominant. Asia led by China, Japan and Korea are anticipated to outpace Europe in this decade due to their economic heft and a greater focus on domestic healthcare. Companies would be well advised to focus on the Asian In-Home Senior Care Franchises market for their future growth prospects.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2422 In-Home Senior Care Franchises Market Key Market PlayersSome companies in the In-Home Senior Care Franchises market are BrightStar, Synergy HomeCare & Right at Home.
Organic Milk Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 06:35:40
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The organic milk market encompasses all milk and milk products derived from animals that are fed organic feed that is devoid of any animal by-products, have access to fresh pastures, and are not treated with any synthetic hormones or antibiotics. The term organic only refers to the process in which the milk is prepared and has no relation to the end-product nutrient profile. The market for organic milk is expected to grow at a rapid pace with the mainstreaming of natural and organic foods.Market Dynamics of Organic Milk MarketSimilar to all organic foods, the demand for organic milk is closely tied to the increasing consumer preference for naturally and organically grown products. This positive view of organics is due to several factors such as the perception of anything organic as healthy and pure, increasing care for environment and concern for farm animals. All these factors are crucial for the acceptance of organic milk products, thereby leading to the popularity of labels such as grass-fed and pasture-raised.Price is an important constraining factor for organic milk market as organic milk is almost thrice as costly as regular milk. This high difference limits the scope of the market only to urban and high-aware consumers.Request Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2416 The consumer shift towards organic dairy products is also influenced by the large scale food adulteration scandals that have occurred recently. For instance, the 2008 Chinese milk scandal wherein a large number of children were hospitalized due to an excessive amount of melamine in the milk and infant formulas, has led to a great number of regulations, import restrictions and price fluctuations in the market. Events such as these have increased consumer interest in what the animal is fed, how it is raised and processing methods.The regulatory aspects of the organic milk market are mostly centered on the use of the organic label. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) requires that apart from the use of organic feed, cows should have access to fresh grass and spend at least four months a year grazing in pastures. The crucial aspect of organic milk market is a lack of use of synthetic hormones such as rBGH, a growth hormone given to almost 30% of the dairy cows in the US. These ingredients are considered very negatively by most consumers.Market Segmentation of Organic Milk MarketThe organic milk market is segmented on the basis of application, packaging type, distribution channel, and geography.On the basis of application, the organic milk market is segmented as milk, dairy products and milk-based beverages and others. The majority of organic milk is consumed directly in the form of boiled milk, coffee, tea, and in cooking certain dishes at home. The use of organic milk is particularly increasing in households with kids due to extra concerns about food safety and health. The dairy products segment is further segmented into butter, cheese, desserts, and others. The dairy products segment is expected to gain market share with the growing consumer interest in healthy indulgent foods. Further these products are used in some bakery and confectionery good like milk toffies, bars and cakes and cookies.On the basis of packaging type, the market can be segmented into pouches, cartons, bottles, and cans. The use of any specific packaging type depends on the end-purpose and use. For instance, pouches offer a relatively cheap way and easy way to pack milk and are therefore very popular in emerging nations such as India. Cartons are an important packaging type in terms of the longer shelf life and convenience. Bottles can be of both glass and plastic and are heavily used for packing milk and beverages. Cans are mainly used to transport heavy loads of organic milk and in the case of many dairy products.On the basis of distribution channels, the market is segmented into hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience and grocery stores, specialty stores, the internet and direct selling. The use of internet limited in the case of organic milk market as the products are easily perishable. Hypermarkets and supermarkets occupy the dominant market share mainly because a significant number of organic products are concentrated in large stores. Direct selling in the form of home deliveries is also an important and growing distribution channel because such delivery systems usually source the organic milk from local sources thereby ensuring freshness and quality.Request For TOC@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-2416 Regional Outlook of Organic Milk MarketThe United States occupies the dominant market share in the organic milk market. The increasing consumer awareness about natural consumer goods and increase in the incidence of lifestyle conditions such as obesity. Europe is another very important region in the organic milk market due to the high-income levels, easy product accessibility and strict regulations against synthetic food ingredients. U.K is a major consumer of organic milk and also houses many producers and suppliers. Despite occupying small market share at the current time period, the organic milk market is expected to grow at a significant level in emerging nations such as India and Brazil. This is due to the increasing awareness levels and fears of food adulteration among consumers.Key Market Players in Organic Milk MarketSome of the key players in the organic milk market include Danone (WhiteWave Foods Company), Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited, Organic Valley, OMSCo (Organic Milk Suppliers Cooperative), Dairy Farmers of America Inc., Agropur Dairy Cooperative, Arla Foods Amba, Donegal Investment Group plc. , etc. among the others.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 09:04:01
Excellent high fidelity sound recording thanks to three microphones
Philips Launches Brand-New Music Audio Recorder
Speech Processing Solutions
Christina Angerer
christina.angerer@speech.com
Tel: +43 1605 291 488
www.philips.com/dictation
Speech Processing Solutions, the world number 1 for professional dictation solutions, has launched a new audio recorder. The Philips VoiceTracer audio recorder DVT7500 has been specially developed for music recordings. Amongst its innovative features, it offers three high-quality microphones, an XLR and line-in connector, as well as 16GB of internal storage space.
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703210051
Philips Digital Voice Tracer (Photo: Business Wire)
Perfect recording device for music enthusiasts
The new device is perfectly suitable for hobby musicians, composers, song writers and music students alike. Stefan, guitarist in the Austrian band Stan Green, explains: Its a must have! Its great for being spontaneous when composing songs. Whenever I have an idea for a new tune, I play it on my guitar and record it with the VoiceTracer. When I meet the rest of the band later, I let them listen to it and we can work on the song from there.
High-fidelity sound without compromises
The new audio recorder features three high-quality microphones and can record PCM (WAV) and MP3 files at up to 24 bit/96 kHz sampling rate, promising crystal-clear sound quality. The device comes with an included XLR and line-in connectors, meaning musicians can easily plug in their e-guitar or keyboard and record directly, even from multiple sources at once. The input volume can also be manually adjusted using a dial on the side of the device. This gives users greater control over their recordings and helps minimize background noises.
Easy to use and intuitive recorder
The Philips VoiceTracer for music has a large color display and conveniently placed buttons. Dr. Thomas Brauner explains: We made sure the new Philips VoiceTracer for music recordings is easy and intuitive to use, so musicians can focus on the playing their instrument and not waste any time. The high-capacity Li-polymer battery offers extra-long battery life and the microSD card slot gives them virtually unlimited storage space. The device also has a tripod thread, allowing musicians to position the device into the perfect distance from the instrument.
Best audio quality in any recording situation
The Philips VoiceTracers are also the ideal consumer products for capturing notes, conversations, lectures, interviews and meetings. The audio recorder for notes (DVT2710) comes with an included speech recognition software, Dragon NaturallySpeaking from Nuance. Dr. Brauner goes on to explain: You speak up to seven times quicker than you type. With the included software you can quickly turn your voice into text and the software is extremely reliable. It can achieve up to 99% accuracy.
For more information, please visit Philips product page: www.philips.com/dictation
About Speech Processing Solutions
Speech Processing Solutions is the global leader in professional dictation solutions. The company was founded in 1954 in Austria as a Philips subsidiary, and has been a driving force for innovative speech-to-text solutions for 60 years. The company developed ground-breaking products such as the mobile Philips SpeechAir, the Philips Pocket Memo voice recorder, the Philips SpeechMike Premium USB dictation [..] and the Philips Dictation Recorder app for smartphones, thus meeting its demands for excellence and superior quality. Thanks to the newest innovation, Philips SpeechLive, dictations and recordings will become faster and easier than ever before with cloud-based workflow services. Speech Processing Solution's perfectly tailored offers and products help professionals save time and resources and maximize efficiency.
Connect with Speech Processing Solutions on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/philipsvoicetracer
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Twitter @speech_com: http://www.twitter.com/speech_com
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LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/speech-processi
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703210051
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 05:03:27
Share Happiness! Pocky Announces the Number of Happiness Shared on the First Ever Global Pocky Day "SMILE COUNTER campaign"
Press Contact:
Ezaki Glico
Public Relations
koho-hodo@glico.co.jp
In commemoration of Pocky day on November 11, Japanese food manufacturer Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. (Osaka, Japan) launched the Pocky day SMILE COUNTER campaign on last November, calling participants to collect smiles. The campaign was activated in Japan, China, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Malaysia where Pocky, one of the most popular Japanese chocolate biscuits celebrating its 50th anniversary, is widely enjoyed.
Today, Glico has announced the number of total smiles collected through the campaign. SMILE COUNTER has collected 447651 smiles!
With the brand message of Share happiness! Pocky encourages people to share happiness and yumminess with their family and friends. Pocky day 2016 was Pockys first attempt to bring that brand message outside of Japan. Pocky day SMILE COUNTER was created not just to collect smiles but to get the world to understand how simple and fun it is to share happiness!
This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703200050
SMILE COUNTER campaign (Graphic: Business Wire)
The official website for Pocky day SMILE COUNTER campaign had a SMILE COUNTER which counts the total number of smile photos in real time on the participants Facebook (in China Weibo) collected over the course of the campaign.
There were events to enjoy SMILE COUNTER and to celebrate the first global Pocky day in several countries which attracted many people.
Pockys first step to introduce Pocky day to the world was successful. The brand will continue its effort to engage with the people around the world with the universal concept of Share happiness!
November 11th is Pocky and Pretz day in Japan
Ezaki Glico celebrated November 11 as Pocky and Pretz day in Japan which has been certified by the Japan Anniversary Association. Pocky is a signature stick-shaped chocolate biscuit. Because its shape resembles the number 1, Pocky and Pretz day started on November 11, Heisei 11 (Japanese era name 1999), on an auspicious day when the number 1 aligned 6 times. The campaign is held every year during the autumn outing season to express gratitude to our customers.
About Pocky
Pocky - also known as Mikado in Europe was developed when the idea was suggested of coating the already popular Pretz pretzel-like stick snack treat with chocolate. At first, the sticks were manually dipped leaving an uncoated portion at one end so that they could be held without having to worry about the fingertips becoming soiled. As demand increased, however, manual processing could no longer keep up. As a result, the innovation and creativity of engineers was fired up to develop a "Glico-Original" manufacturing plant.
Pocky in the World - 500 Million boxes in 30 Countries!
Glico is expanding its business rapidly in the world, especially in the ASEAN regions. Pocky is the forerunner and the core of this growth. With 500 million boxes sold in about 30 countries, Pocky is now becoming a brand loved by the world.
About Ezaki Glico
Ever since the launch in 1922 of the nutritious, fortified Glico caramel in its distinctive red box, the business activities of Ezaki Glico Co., Ltd. adhered to the corporate philosophy of "Enhancing Public Health Through Food." Upon the 70th anniversary of the Glico Group in 1992, this same spirit and dedication was incorporated into the revised corporate philosophy of "A Wholesome Life in the Best of Taste."
Glico caramel the company's first product incorporates the innovative creativeness of Mr. Ri-ichi Ezaki, the company's founder. Ever since the beginning, the entire staff has likewise been heartily dedicated to further enhancing people's health and quality of life. This has led to the expansion of business lines beyond confectionery to include ice cream products, processed foods, desserts, milk products, baby formula, food ingredients, and raw materials for cosmetic and health products.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703200050
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 13:32:01
VANCOUVER, B.C., March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SYH) (OTCQB:SYHBF) (Frankfurt:SC1P) (the "Company"), is pleased to announce it will be expanding its current diamond drill program at its flagship Moore Uranium Project from 4,500m to 5,500m based off of the early success of the program. The drilling program will now consist of 15-17 holes ranging in depth from 200m to 500m. The current drill program is under budget and is progressing quickly and smoothly. The Company is currently drill testing the new discovery area called the Maverick East zone located 100 metres E-NE and along strike of the Main Maverick Zone lens. The Company will also be drill testing targets to the west (Maverick West), south (Maverick South) and further east (Goose Zone) of the Main Maverick Zone.
Moore Uranium Project Claims Map:
http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/MooreLakeRegionalTenure.jpg
Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour Resources, states: "The preliminary results from early in this first phase of drilling at Moore have far exceeded our expectations and have prompted us to expand the drill program to 5,500m. The presence of high grade uranium in several holes as well as the discovery of a new, high grade mineralized lens along strike from the Main Maverick Zone is very exciting. The target areas in and around the Maverick Zone are relatively shallow and continue to provide strong discovery potential as we look to value-add the project using a systematic and proven exploration methodology."
Moore Project Phase 1 Drill Program Update:
Skyharbour previously announced the results of the first five drill holes in this first phase of drilling at the Moore Uranium Project with high levels of radioactivity and uranium mineralization encountered in three of them. Drill holes ML-199 and ML-200 tested gaps and the margins of the Main Maverick lens and ML-202 was drilled as a 75 metre step-out hole E-NE from the eastern margin of the Main Maverick Zone. Skyharbour's technical team believes drill hole ML-202 represents the discovery of a new high-grade mineralized lens on the property.
Moore Uranium Project Maverick Corridor Drilling:
Hole ML-199 intersected a broad zone of intensely faulted and desilicified sandstone and the Athabasca unconformity was interpreted at 269.6 metres depth. A combined geochemical and grade equivalent for the hole returned 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres from 261.6 to 267.5 metres including geochemical assays of 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres from 264.0 to 265.5 metres downhole.
Hole ML-200 intersected uranium mineralization straddling the unconformity at 274.4 metres. The downhole probe returned a grade equivalent of 1.71% eU 3 O 8 over 7.2 metres from 269.1 to 276.3 metres including 3.3% eU 3 O 8 over 4.6 metres from 269.2 to 273.8 metres. The latter interval corresponds with spectrometer values ranging from 1,100 to 29,400 cps. Final geochemical assays are still pending for the hole.
Hole ML-202 intersected uranium mineralization straddling the unconformity and extending into the clay-replaced and altered, weakly graphitic pelitic and granitic basement rocks. Downhole probing identified a 10.7 metre mineralized interval from 266.6 to 277.3 metres that returned 1.4% eU 3 O 8 . This includes 2.1% eU 3 O 8 over 6.5 metres, which includes a higher grade zone of 5.6% eU 3 O 8 over 1.8 metres from 274.2 to 275.7 metres downhole. Core recovery within this mineralized zone was relatively good and geochemical assays are pending at this time. This hole potentially represents the discovery of a new high grade mineralized lens on the property.
Moore Uranium Project Overview:
In June 2016, Skyharbour secured an option to acquire Denison Mine's Moore Lake project, on the southeastern side of the Athabasca Basin, in northern Saskatchewan. The project consists of 12 contiguous claims totaling 35,705 hectares located 42 kilometres northeast of the Key Lake mill, approx. 20 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project, and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River mine. Unconformity style uranium mineralization was discovered on the Moore Lake project at the Maverick Zone in April 2001. Historical drilling highlights include 4.03% e U 3 O 8 over 10 metres (including 1.4 metres at 20% e U 3 O 8 ) starting at a depth of 265 metres in hole ML-61. In addition to the Maverick Zone, the project hosts other mineralized targets with strong discovery potential which the Company plans to test with future drill programs. The project is accessible via winter and ice roads which simplifies logistics and lowers costs.
Moore Lake Uranium Project Geophysics Map:
http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/MooreLake-Basic-geo-revamp.jpg
The majority of this first phase of drilling will test and look to expand the Maverick Zone with targets both in the underlying basement rock as well as along strike of the known high grade Main Maverick mineralized lens. Additionally, drill holes will test the 527 Zone which is located along the Maverick structural corridor approx. 500 metres east of the main Maverick mineralized lens.
This phase of diamond drilling will also test drill targets along the extensions of the Maverick structural corridor and on extensive northeast trending graphitic structural zones located north of the main Maverick mineralized lens. These targets have been identified following a review of previous exploration and include drill targets identified by prior programs that have yet to be followed up on.
Qualified Person:
The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Richard Kusmirski, P.Geo., M.Sc., Skyharbour's Head Technical Advisor and a Director, as well as a Qualified Person.
About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:
Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium and thorium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with five drill-ready projects. In July 2016, Skyharbour acquired an option from Denison Mines to acquire 100% of the Moore Uranium Project which is located 20 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River mine. Moore is an advanced stage uranium exploration property with a high grade uranium zone known as the Maverick Zone with drill results including 21% U3O8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Skyharbour recently signed an option agreement with AREVA Resources Canada whereby AREVA can earn in 70% on the Company's Preston Project through $8 million in project consideration. Preston is a large, geologically prospective property proximal to Fission Uranium's Triple R deposit as well as NexGen Energy's Arrow deposit. The Company also owns a 100% interest in the Falcon Point Uranium Project on the eastern perimeter of the Basin which hosts an NI 43-101 inferred resource totaling 7.0 million pounds of U3O8 at 0.03% and 5.3 million pounds of ThO2 at 0.023%. The project also hosts a high grade surface showing with up to 68% U3O8 in grab samples from a massive pitchblende vein, the source of which has yet to be discovered. The Company's 100% owned Mann Lake Uranium project on the east side of the Basin is strategically located adjacent to the Mann Lake Joint Venture operated by Cameco, where high-grade uranium mineralization was recently discovered. Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.
Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:
http://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/SYH_Landpackage_2014.jpg
To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SYH) visit the Company's website at www.skyharbourltd.com.
SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.
"Jordan Trimble"
Jordan Trimble
President and CEO
For further information contact myself or:
Nick Findler
Corporate Development and Communications
Skyharbour Resources Ltd.
Telephone: 604-687-3850
Toll Free: 800-567-8181
Facsimile: 604-687-3119
Email: info@skyharbourltd.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: Skyharbour Resources Ltd via Globenewswire
Social Employee Recognition Systems Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 07:49:30
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Large enterprise segment is anticipated to witness significant revenue growth during the projected periodRevenue contribution from the large enterprise segment is anticipated to increase significantly over the estimated period. The segment is expected to witness good revenue growth due to the growing usage of cloud-based internet applications at the organisational level. The large enterprise segment is estimated to be valued at more than US$ 3,000 Mn in 2017 and is projected to reach more than US$ 10,000 Mn by 2026 end. The large enterprise segment is anticipated to register a CAGR of 15.0% between 2016 and 2026. The large enterprise segment is likely to create incremental opportunity of more than US$ 10,000 Mn between 2016 and 2026. It is projected to be the most attractive segment in the global social employee recognition systems market during the period of assessment.Integration of business technologies with enterprise social networking platforms will help support enterprise segment growth over the forecast periodVarious social media platforms have been witnessing increasing adoption across organisations globally in the recent past. Platforms such as Twitter and LinkedIn, which are primarily used by business professionals and companies to interact and connect with internal teams, are also used to recognise employee efforts and engage with employees apart from engaging in promotional and marketing activities. Companies also advertise new product launches and details regarding product discounts etc., new strategies and plans for future growth of the company on these platforms in order to drive sales and increase brand loyalty online. Companies also connect with their business partners via these portals and platforms on a real-time basis. Thus, increasing usage of social media platforms is creating a positive impact on the enterprise segment.Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-2302 Continuous increase in the involvement of senior management in employee recognition is driving the growth of the enterprise segment at a slow but steady pace currently. Some companies have seen improved and stronger growth owing to the involvement of senior management in employee recognition activities and programmes. Social employee recognition solutions can also be app-based due to which, senior management can actively participate from any location and recognise and reward the efforts made by employees and teams with the help of social networking web apps in their smartphones. Moreover, these social employee recognition solutions also help employees communicate with their respective teams and seniors informally, which increases the productivity of employees.Another factor that is likely to create robust development in the enterprise segment is the creation of internal marketing teams. Many companies have started creating internal marketing teams to inform employees about the social employee engagement programmes so that employees are aware of how to use social media-based recognition systems, how to post information on these platforms and how to earn points online. Creation of an internal marketing ecosystem can help in the planning of monthly activities, monthly goals and awards without any bias. The task of the internal marketing team is to establish a link between employees and the senior management, introduce new employees to social employee recognition programmes, and engage all levels of employees within the programme.social employee recognition systems marketLarge enterprise segment is anticipated to register significantly higher CAGR by revenue over the forecast period across the globeSend An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-2302 The large enterprise segment is projected to be the most attractive segment in the North America social employee recognition systems market during the estimated period. By 2017, the large enterprise segment is estimated to be valued at more than US$ 900 Mn and is predicted to remain the dominant segment throughout the forecast period in North America. In Latin America, the large enterprise segment is projected to register a relatively higher CAGR of 10.6% over the assessment period. The segment is likely to be attractive in the APEJ social employee recognition systems market during the projected period. In Japan, the large enterprise segment is estimated to be valued close to US$ 300 Mn and is expected to remain dominant throughout the forecast period.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 10:03:01
Powered by Google(TM) Android Wear 2.0 and Qualcomm Snapdragon(TM) Wear 2100
ZUG, Switzerland, March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Gc joins forces with the recognised Google technology and Qualcomm Snapdragon(TM) Wear 2100 processor for the next-generation wearables, as one of the first watches running Android 2.0, Google's latest operation system.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e7e2badf-fe26-4f7d-9cc2-a4efea77a964
http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8ad63174-c0ec-44b8-951e-7872b6250811
Gc Connect with Android 2.0 enables the user to use a wide range of new functions from an advanced fitness tracking, downloading the favourite apps directly from the Google Play Store on the watch, to an improved messaging with updated input methods (handwriting recognition, keyboard, smart reply, 3p IMEs) powered by Google's machine learning technology. Additionally, users can reply to messages, set reminders, or ask for directions by holding the power button or saying "Ok Google."
The Qualcomm Snapdragon(TM) Wear 2100 processor, especially designed for Android Wear watches, includes an always-on connectivity with low power usage for a long battery life.
Gc Connect for men: Based upon its Gc Structura style, the smooth polished calibrated ceramic bezel frames the customized textured digital dial designs with three complication counters, ranging from sporty carbon fibre to elegant classic sunray offering hundreds of personalised combinations with interchangeable bracelet/straps, sumptuous high-tech ceramic with rose gold (PVD) link bracelet, a classic croco-embossed leather strap or a soft sporty embossed silicone band.
Gc Connect for ladies: Based on Gc Structura Lady silhouette, available in two-tone steel and rose gold or all rose gold (PVD) case, offering hundreds of fashionable personalised options through the combination of interchangeable straps/bracelets: stylish in croco-embossed leather, sporty in soft silicone, elegant in two-tone link bracelet, with glamorous textured digital dials, including sparkling diamond effect, python print and mother-of-pearl make for a truly outstanding look.
Stay connected in Style with the Gc Connect - the Smartest of Luxuries
Gc is a Swiss precision brand whose signature "Smart Luxury" stands for the brand's commitment to provide quality timepieces and luxury products for men and women through the choice of their materials and design, all at a surprisingly accessible price point. Gc watches are produced and distributed by Sequel AG, a Timex Group company. headquartered in Zug, Switzerland.
Android, Android Wear, Google, Google Play, Google Play logo and other marks are trademarks of Google Inc.Android Wear requires a phone running Android 4.3+ or iOS 9+. Supported features may vary between platforms. Visit g.co/wearcheck on your Android phone or IPhones to see if your device is compatible.
Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. is a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated. 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 products and brand names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.
Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear is a product of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.
Contact: Gc-Media@sequel-ag.com
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: Sequel AG via Globenewswire
Surgical Stapling Devices Market
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 07:32:53
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Two U.S. based companies are likely to dominate the global surgical stapling devices market in terms of market shareIn 2015, two leading U.S based companies Johnson and Johnson and Medtronic plc held around 80% share of the global surgical stapling devices market. Although the global surgical stapling devices market is not very niche, other vendors are scattered and focus only on certain countries for the expansion of their business. For instance, vendors in the global surgical stapling devices market are focussing on India and a few other countries in the Asia Pacific region except China and Japan to explore hitherto untapped markets for expanding their business. One such vendor is India based surgical stapling devices company Meril Life Sciences Pvt. Ltd., which exports around 90% of its surgical stapling devices along with its other products to the MEA region.Rising prevalence of obesity and a geriatric population requiring surgical procedures anticipated to fuel the growth of the global surgical stapling devices marketA sedentary lifestyle leads to higher BMI, as a result, a large number of people are opting for bariatric surgeries. This is a major factor driving adoption of surgical stapling devices over conventional suturing. The increasing prevalence of obesity drives the incidence of bariatric surgeries. Moreover, healthcare professionals, especially in developed regions, are increasingly inclined towards the adoption of surgical stapling devices for bariatric surgeries, which is creating a positive impact on the global surgical stapling devices market. Another factor driving the growth of the global surgical stapling devices market is an increasing geriatric population across the globe. This population is expected to drive demand for surgical stapling devices due to increasing number of surgeries performed for the prevention of various diseases related to old age.Request Free Report Sample@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-867 Surgical stapling devices are preferred over conventional suturing devices during laparoscopic surgeries, as suturing becomes difficult when a surgeon is operating on the 3-dimensional plane while concentrating on the 2-dimensional plane. Surgeons get the required accuracy and precision while operating with surgical stapling devices. This factor is fuelling the growth of the global surgical stapling devices market. Besides, reusable surgical stapling devices are preferred by the procurement team of hospitals as it labelled under the category of green products, resulting in considerably less impact on the environment, compared to plastic single-use disposable surgical stapling devices. These products can be easily cleaned and sterilised by standard hospital processes, commonly used for all other stainless steel surgical instruments, thereby creating robust development in the global surgical stapling devices market. Though suturing is considered to be a gold standard in wound closures, stapling devices yield similar and comparable results involving less time to complete the process. Hence the use of stapling devices yields similar results to that of the suturing process with less time required to heal the wound.Regional overview of the global surgical stapling devices marketThe global surgical stapling devices market revenue is expected to increase at a CAGR of 7.6% over the forecast period. In terms of revenue, Powered Surgical Stapling Devices segment is projected to remain dominant among product types. This segment is expected to further gain traction, owing to increasing demand for advanced technology. The North America surgical stapling devices market accounted for the largest revenue share of a little more than 30% in 2015. Increasing geriatric population and growing demand for advanced medical technology in the U.S. present key growth opportunities for manufacturers of surgical stapling devices. The APEJ surgical stapling devices market is slated to register a CAGR of 8.6% over the forecast period due to rising healthcare awareness and demand for advanced medical technology.Send An Enquiry@ http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-867 Remarkable development in the global surgical stapling devices marketOne of the key players operating in the global surgical stapling devices market Dextera Surgical Inc. collaborated with Intuitive Surgical in August 2016 for research and development of new robotic stapler products. The U.S. based Dextera Surgical Inc. is a core surgical stapling manufacturing company whose key product is surgical stapling devices. In September 2016, the company introduced micro cutter technology at the annual meeting of the German Society for Thoracic Surgery. This new technology will decrease the pain of cancer patients by reducing the invasiveness of lung surgery. The effectiveness of this technology does not stop here. Micro cutter technology has the potential to improve recovery time after lung surgery. In October 2016, just a month after introducing the micro cutter technology, Dextera Surgical Inc. signed an exclusive agreement with B.Braun Surgicals S.A. for the distribution of its micro cutters in Spain.
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 13:29:01
Fisher BioServices CryoHub to co-locate with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult manufacturing centre for seamless supply chain management and to accelerate cell and gene therapy production
Thermo Fisher Scientific and the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult Collaborate to Optimise Advanced Therapy Supply Chain
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Marcia K. Goff, +1 508-902-7041
marcia.goff@thermofisher.com
or
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Con Franklin, +44 (0)20 3727 1000
con.franklin@fticonsulting.com
To help address the challenges surrounding supply chain management for cell and gene therapy around the globe, Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, today announced a collaboration with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) to provide developers with both the manufacturing capability and distribution, logistics, and storage capacity needed to create a seamless supply chain to accelerate cell and gene therapy development and commercialsation.
As part of the collaboration, Fisher BioServices will expand its CryoHub solution by co-locating it with Catapults new large-scale cell and gene therapy manufacturing centre based in Stevenage, U.K., due for completion in summer 2017. Combining the two offers centralised manufacturing, storage, distribution and logisitics, resulting in a seamless supply chain.
The U.K. is becoming a cluster for cell and gene therapy commercialisation and the CGT Catapult is at the forefront of this evolution, said David Meadows, vice president and general manager, Fisher BioServices. The co-location of our CryoHub with the CGT Catapult will support collaborators within the manufacturing centre and the broader U.K. community. Combined with our existing capabilities in Asia and the US, it enables us to more easily support our customers global trials as they develop and commercialise their therapies.
The CryoHub is a complete cryogenic storage, distribution and logistics solution consisting of configurable, modular components. Each module can be outfitted to meet the specific needs of a clinical trial, regardless of volume or geographic location. The CryoHub solution can accommodate early phase trials where only a few shipments are received, stored, and eventually distributed, as well as large-scale operations where many shipments are received and processed daily. This flexibility, combined with the close proximity to the CGT Catapults manufacturing centre, enables advanced therapy developers to conduct clinical trials across multiple geographies and provide patients around the world with access to life changing therapies.
"The U.K. has a thriving life sciences sector. Government has made a commitment to advanced therapies through the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and the highly anticipated manufacturing centre opening later this year. When I visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in San Diego, I experienced firsthand the global impact of the company on life sciences enterprise. This new investment in a CryoHub will be a strong complement to the role of the CGT Catapult, enhancing the attraction for U.K. and international companies to develop, manufacture, and export their cell and gene therapy products from the U.K., said Greg Hands MP, Minister of State for Trade and Investment.
Delivering successful industry-led trials in this innovative area of research is dependent on creating a robust and reliable supply chain of their most vital ingredients, the cells themselves, said Keith Thompson, chief executive officer of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. This collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific is supporting our goal to build a world-class cell and gene therapy manufacturing cluster in the U.K. that will underpin clinical studies and ultimately early commercial supply. It reflects our mission to build the U.K.s position as a world leader in the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies, and creating a centre which transforms frontier-pushing science into medicines for patients.
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $18 billion and more than 55,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the U.K. cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation. With more than 120 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, we work with our partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. We offer leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. We aim to make the U.K. the most compelling and logical choice for U.K. and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. Regenerative medicine is one of the U.K. governments eight great technologies that support U.K. science strengths and business capabilities. The Cell Therapy Catapult works with Innovate U.K. For more information go to ct.catapult.org.uk or visit www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.
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PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 15:11:08
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Thunder Mountain Gold Inc.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Boise, Idaho (FSCWire) - Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. (TSX Venture:THM). has issued a press release with the following headline:Thunder Mountain Gold Appoints Mr. Paul Beckman to its BoardTo 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 Thunder Mountain Gold Inc., 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/Thunder Mountain Gold Inc.Source: Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. (TSX Venture: THM, OTCQB: THMG, WKN: 633529, ISIN: US8860431084)Date: March 21, 2017Time: 10:11 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. 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: 2017-03-21 03:02:01
Order from GECI GROUP for Taiwan Central Weather Bureau
Worlds largest class antenna delivers wide area observation with range of 400 km
Microwave transistor realizes high level observation capabilities of Typhoon Alley
Toshiba to Supply Taiwan with World's Largest Class S-Band Weather Radar System
Press Contact:
Toshiba Corporation
Hirokazu Tsukimoto and Seiji Ishibashi, +81-3-3457-2100
PR & IR Division
media.relations@toshiba.co.jp
Toshiba Corporation (TOKYO:6502) today announced that it will contribute to better understanding of weather conditions in Taiwan by providing the Taiwan Central Weather Bureau with an S-band weather radar system with an antenna in the worlds largest class, for installation in Chigu district, Tainan city. The system, to be delivered by Toshiba with High Bound Co., Ltd, a Taiwanese engineering company, under an order received from GECI GROUP (GECI), Spanish system integration and high-technology company, will have a range of approx. 400km, and will support high resolution imaging of precipitation and wind velocity, essential for accurate, pinpoint weather forecasting. Toshiba, High Bound and GECI will deliver the system in 2019.
The western Pacific, long known as Typhoon Alley, is home to some of the worlds strongest tropical cyclones, including the strongest ever recorded, Typhoon Tip. Taiwan is regularly hit by typhoons, such as Nepartak, which made landfall in July 2016, causing extensive damage and claiming three lives. As a mountainous island where torrential rains can quickly result in landslides and flooding, Taiwan must be constantly ready to deal with the risk of such disasters, and deployment of Toshibas S-band radar will make a major contribution to the islands state of readiness.
The radar system adopts dual polarization and Toshibas state-of-the-art microwave transistors to deliver wide area observation, and achieves high level observation capabilities and accuracy. The system also integrates several redundant microwave transistors to maintain operation if some cease operation. Toshiba received the order following GECIs technical review and price evaluating.
Masaki Haruyama, Vice President of the Defense & Electronic Systems Div. in Toshibas Infrastructure Systems & Solutions Company said, We are very pleased to have received our first order for a weather radar system for Taiwan. We are confident the system will contribute to advancing weather observation capabilities and the provision of timely, reliable forecasts.
In addition to S-band weather radars for wide-area observations, Toshiba also develops and delivers X-band dual polarization transportable Doppler weather radar systems for more localized monitoring. The company is focused on expanding sales of these systems in countries where severe weather is a source of concern and disaster prevention systems are needed, including India and Southeast Asia region.
About Toshiba
Toshiba Corporation, a Fortune Global 500 company, channels world-class capabilities in advanced electronic and electrical product and systems into three focus business fields: Energy that sustains everyday life, that is cleaner and safer; Infrastructure that sustains quality of life; and Storage that sustains the advanced information society. Guided by the principles of The Basic Commitment of the Toshiba Group, Committed to People, Committed to the Future, Toshiba promotes global operations and is contributing to the realization of a world where generations to come can live better lives.
Founded in Tokyo in 1875, todays Toshiba is at the heart of a global network of 551 consolidated companies employing 188,000 people worldwide, with annual sales surpassing 5.6 trillion yen (US$50 billion). (As of March 31, 2016.)
To find out more about Toshiba, visit www.toshiba.co.jp/index.htm
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/201703200050
PR-Inside.com: 2017-03-21 14:30:08
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FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for Flexible Solutions International Inc--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Victoria, British Columbia (FSCWire) - Flexible Solutions International Inc (NYSE MKT:FSI). has issued a press release with the following headline:WaterSavr" Technology Trial in California Yields a 45% Savings.To 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 Flexible Solutions International Inc, 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/Flexible Solutions International IncSource: Flexible Solutions International Inc (NYSE MKT: FSI, FWB: FXT, ISIN: US33938T1043, WKN: 541522)Date: March 21, 2017Time: 9:30 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of Flexible Solutions International Inc 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.)
Northeastern Illinois University to be honored by Polish American Association at Annual Gala in June 2017 By: AND Agency CHICAGO - March 20, 2017 - PRLog --
The PAA is the region's only human services organization providing comprehensive bilingual and bicultural services to the Polish community and others in need. Each year at its Annual Gala, the PAA honors an individual or institution that demonstrates leadership and exerts a transformative influence in the Polish American community. The Annual Gala is intended to raise awareness of its community programs, the needs of its service recipients, and to spotlight the noteworthy work of others who also serve PAA constituents. This year's event will take place at the JW Marriott in downtown Chicago.
"We are excited to present this Award to one of the PAA's most forward-thinking and innovative partners," PAA Board Chair Adam Kamieniak said. "Northeastern's embrace of newcomers, appreciation of divergent perspectives, and focus on preparing for a lifetime of service and engagement mirror the immigrant's journey from seeking a more meaningful life, to living a complete life."
Interim President Richard Helldobler will accept the award on behalf of Northeastern's students, faculty, alumni and board of directors.
"The Polish American Association has played a critical role in serving the Chicago area's Polish community for almost 100 years, and we are truly honored to receive this award from such an organization," Helldobler said.
Northeastern has a long history of working with the Polish American community through scholarships, student exchanges, and academic and cultural events. It is also home to the European and Polish Center for Academic Exchange and Research (PEACER), which promotes international and intercultural ventures and partnerships with three major Polish universities.
Please join us as we celebrate Northeastern's continued role in educating and integrating each new aspiring wave of immigrants into the fabric of the region.
Reservations for the Annual Gala are limited. Registration is available online at
Media Contact
Mina Gerrall
***@polish.org
773-427-6308 Mina Gerrall773-427-6308 End -- The Polish American Association (PAA) is pleased to announce its selection of Northeastern Illinois University as its 2017 Honoree and Award recipient. The award will be presented during the Polish American Association's Annual Gala on June 24.The PAA is the region's only human services organization providing comprehensive bilingual and bicultural services to the Polish community and others in need. Each year at its Annual Gala, the PAA honors an individual or institution that demonstrates leadership and exerts a transformative influence in the Polish American community. The Annual Gala is intended to raise awareness of its community programs, the needs of its service recipients, and to spotlight the noteworthy work of others who also serve PAA constituents. This year's event will take place at the JW Marriott in downtown Chicago."We are excited to present this Award to one of the PAA's most forward-thinking and innovative partners," PAA Board Chair Adam Kamieniak said. "Northeastern's embrace of newcomers, appreciation of divergent perspectives, and focus on preparing for a lifetime of service and engagement mirror the immigrant's journey from seeking a more meaningful life, to living a complete life."Interim President Richard Helldobler will accept the award on behalf of Northeastern's students, faculty, alumni and board of directors."The Polish American Association has played a critical role in serving the Chicago area's Polish community for almost 100 years, and we are truly honored to receive this award from such an organization,"Helldobler said.Northeastern has a long history of working with the Polish American community through scholarships, student exchanges, and academic and cultural events. It is also home to the European and Polish Center for Academic Exchange and Research (PEACER), which promotes international and intercultural ventures and partnerships with three major Polish universities.Please join us as we celebrate Northeastern's continued role in educating and integrating each new aspiring wave of immigrants into the fabric of the region.Reservations for the Annual Gala are limited. Registration is available online at polish.org or via email at gala2017@polish.org Email : ***@polish.org Tags : Paa , Northeastern , Chicago , Nonforprofit , Polish , Jwmarriott , Kamieniak , Helldobler Industry : Education , Non-profit Location : Chicago - Illinois - United States Subject : Awards Disclaimer Report Abuse Account Phone Number
By: First Coast Manufacturers Association
Contact
Les Loggins Marketing
***@gmail.com Les Loggins Marketing
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-- In order to protect future jobs and to continue the bolstering of the local economy through the recruitment of manufacturing, the First Coast Manufacturers Association (FCMA) has joined Governor Rick Scott's campaign to prevent the elimination of Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida by the Florida Legislature.Both Enterprise Florida and Visit Florida are state agencies that use state funds to promote tourism and business relocation to the state. The Florida House of Representatives have voted to eliminate both agencies in the current legislative session.According to the Governor's office, 56,130 jobs have been created in Duval County since 2010 as a result of Enterprise Florida efforts. In addition, over 82 million tourists visited Duval and Nassau counties in 2015; with direct spending resulting in $1.8 billion economic impact."You only have to look at the jobs being brought to the area by Amazon, the jobs created by Johnson & Johnson VisionCare's expansion, and the new jobs from General Electric to see how critical Enterprise Florida is to Northeast Florida," explained Lake Ray, president of FCMA."It is important that we remind our Legislative Delegation that jobs are the key to the growth of the First Coast, that in turn, benefits our economy, our schools and our quality of life."The First Coast Manufacturers Association is a non-profit trade association serving Northeast Florida. There are over 1,500 manufacturing companies on the First Coast, supplying over 30,000 jobs and generating nearly 15% of the total gross regional product. Additional media information on FCMA is available at www.fcmaweb.com.
By: Griffith Realty
voiceterpro_logo small
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-- Consumers in Brighton, MI and the surrounding communities who want to buy, sell or rent a home can now start the process by simply asking the Voiceter Pro Real Estate Skill for Amazon Alexa-powered devices to help.Griffith Realty is now the exclusive provider of the Real Estate skill in Brighton, Howell, Hartland, Pinckney, Hamburg, Fowlerville, Whitmore Lake, South Lyon, Milford, Fenton, and many other communities in Livingston, Oakland and Washtenaw counties."We are pleased that Griffith Realty will be joining the family of forward-thinking real estate professionals powered by Voiceter Pro," said Miguel Berger, CEO of Voiceter Pro. "With millions of artificial intelligence devices in smart homes across the country, the future of real estate property search will be voice driven and Scott Griffith is bringing that future to consumers today.""With the Real Estate Skill, we will be able to meet our clients where they live and provide a higher level of customer service as we help them with their housing needs," said Griffith, president of Griffith Realty.Voiceter Pro's Real Estate Skill is free for consumers and easy to use on their Amazon Echo, Echo Dot or Tap. Home buyers simply ask Alexa to open Real Estate and Voiceter Pro's conversational search will guide them through a search for their desired home. The search process includes questions about the desired location, number of bedrooms and more. Users can make a cursory search based on a just a few parameters or search based several detailed home features.Real Estate will verbally report the top three matches and then send an email with complete listing details for all results. Home sellers and renters can also utilize Real Estate to help them with their housing needs.Voiceter Pro, LLC., based on Albany, NY and Oakland, CA, is the conversational search company that will bring companies and consumers together through meaningful conversations with Amazon's Alexa. Starting with its flagship product, the Real Estate Skill for Amazon Alexa-powered devices, Voiceter Pro will revolutionize AI-assisted searches in all markets. This search tool has applicability in any business model that requires consumers to filter through product choices to arrive at the product or service that meets their needs. View the demo at www.voiceterpro.com.For more information, contact:Miguel Berger, CEOVoiceter Pro518-542-5586miguel@voiceterpro.comScott Griffith, PresidentGriffith Realty810-227-1016 x 208scott@griffithrealty.com
US is the world's largest market for power tools followed by China. China despite being the second largest market for power tools is the largest manufacturer of the same
Power-Tools-Market- Industry Analysis
Contact
Beige Market Intelligence
***@beigemarketintelligence.com Beige Market Intelligence
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-- Beige Market Intelligence has announced the publication of its latest report with title Global Power Tools Market Strategic Assessment and Forecast 2017-2022.The exclusive market research report, which consists of 124 pages of in-depth information about the worldwide power tools market, has identified the major growth driving factors and emerging trends of the market.The analysts at Beige Market Intelligence say, "US is the world's largest market for power tools driven by high degree of mechanization, better availability of range and awareness, followed by China. China despite being the second largest market for power tools is the largest manufacturer of the same, exporting 80% of the output to other geographies."The analysts have provided the detailed market size both in revenue and sales for each segment of global power tools market in the market research report. Furthermore, an in-depth analysis of global power tools market in the key geographies have been provided in the report.View Report Details: http://www.beigemarketintelligence.com/ reports/research- r... The demand for power tools in US is driven by high awareness over the advantages over conventional tools, better product availability and extensive reach of innovative products. The same is also further reinforced by a well-connected and evolved electric grid, product development with emphasis on energy-efficiency and sustainability and well-connected retail footprint.Factors Driving The Household Power Tools Market Demand in USA pointwise description of the factors have been provided in the report. Few of them are given below: Availability of a range of sophisticated power tools that pose significant advantage over hand tools. Expensive cost of household services wherein individuals prefer to address basic fixes all by themselves. So prevalent is the DIY in the country that almost 6 in 10 households report possessing at least three power tools High awareness among the consumer base over the functionality and range of power tools.Factors Driving The Industrial Power Tools Market Demand in USA pointwise description of the factors have been provided in the report. Few of them are given below: Automotive industry is one of the largest consumer of power tools. Manufacturing 12.1 million vehicles in 2015, the country has consistently delivered an increasing automotive output since 2010 and is the world's second largest automotive manufacturer just behind China. The need for safety, security, and convenience has propelled individuals to increasingly seek sophisticated automation solutions well within home and beyond. This has posed a demand for appliances and interactive hardware all of which requires precision in their construction. This has laid a demand for the use of power tools in manufacture and fabrication of the same,Request a Free Sample: http://www.beigemarketintelligence.com/ contactus/request- ... China stands unique in the power tool market for the fact that 80% of the worldwide power tool output is sourced from the country, with vendors increasingly trying to leverage its manufacturing process and cheaper factors of production. Hand tool usage still stand prominent in the country on account of cheaper costs and easier availability as better alternatives to power tools for most of the household jobs. One key driver for the adoption of power tools in the country is the rapid scaling of electric grids and consistent availability of power for key manufacturing end uses.For Detailed Market Size and Sales Forecast, Order A ReportAbout Beige Market Intelligence:Beige Market Intelligence is 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 analysed and smartly presented, but is completely customized based on the client's 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.
Ascend Partnerships Solutions ropes in Lgorithm Solutions as the technology powering their customer interactions
By: Ascend Partnerships Solutions
Call Center Solutions
Contact
Ascend Partnerships Solutions
Lgorithm Solutions
***@lgorithmsolutions.com Ascend Partnerships SolutionsLgorithm Solutions
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-- Lgorithm Solutions becomes the contact center technology partner of choice for delivering high-value customer experience at Ascend Partnerships Solutions. The BPO was looking for an Inbound /outbound solution provider to enhance their customer satisfaction and their customer reach program.As a leading BPO Ascend partnership solutions were looking for stable, flexible and easily customizable solution with ready RAD tools. Due to the blended blueprints of the requirement, the solution had to be easily scalable and capable of regurgitating data and records on a historical and real-time environment.JomsLicuanan, General Manager at ASCEND PARTNERSHIPS SOLUTIONS Inc. - "We were looking for a dynamic and robust technology platform that would primarily stable and allow us to customize our process real time. It would also have to automate the entire process so that we could improve employee efficiency. Parameters as required by our process."After evaluating various other business aspects which included scalability and ease of integration, the BPO zeroed in on Lgorithm SolutionsAdding further, he said "Lgorithm Solutions enabled us to improve our operational strategy to deliver a significant increase in our business productivity. The key advantage was the solution's capability of automation and their friendly easily approachable Support team.The firm now attain a lot of benefits from the IVR and wait for time notification features of the solution which provides the flexibility in their current operations. The Lgorithm Solutions solution also services internal functions such as marketing, payment confirmation, and payment reminder documentation.Lgorithm Solutions is built on latest solution architecture, leveraging this enterprise can easily enable process automation and real-time customizations. Lgorithm Solutions is feature-rich contact center software equipped with high-end features and capabilities, which empowers companies to manage their business resources and enhance productivity effectively.Ascend Partnership Solutions holds great opportunities for us at Lgorithm, with them on board, we can fortify and expand our foothold in International BPO companies in the Philippines " says Mr. Nitender Rao, Director, Lgorithm Solutions Philippines.Ascend Partnerships Solutions is one of the fast growing BPO companies and supporting a diversified range of customers like Australia, Philippines, UK, and the US.Lgorithm is a leading provider of Contact Center Software in the Philippines. Lgorithm's customers are benefited with dedicated 24/7 on-site support and award winning products based on innovative methodologiesFor more information about Lgorithm solutions, Please Visit www.lgorithmsolutions.com for details or call +63 9173126202, +63-9055238110, Landline: (02)5033155
By: RelyMD
Contact
Lindsay Priester, Rountree Communications
***@rickrountree.com Lindsay Priester, Rountree Communications
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-- RelyMD, North Carolina's only independent telehealth service, is partnering with Well Care Home Health, a provider of highly specialized home healthcare services to 40 counties in the state. Beginning March 1, all Well Care employees and their dependents who utilize the company's medical plan will have access to RelyMD as an alternative to urgent care or after-hours visits for non-emergency injuries and illnesses. Each visit with RelyMD will come at reduced rate of $10 for Well Care employees.RelyMD provides statewide virtual health services 24/7/365 with access to board-certified emergency medicine physicians. This web and mobile-based approach allows adult and pediatric patients to quickly obtain high-quality medical care via an internet connection and web browser or app on a smartphone or tablet with one of RelyMD's 100 Triangle-based physicians."RelyMD was founded and is staffed by a group of board-certified emergency room physicians so we understand how busy the lives of healthcare workers can be and how hectic their schedules can get," said Dr. Bobby Park, director of virtual healthcare for RelyMD. "We're excited to partner with another North Carolina-based healthcare group in Well Care Home Health to provide them with a convenient time- and cost-effective alternative to emergency rooms and urgent care facilities. Our goal is to make life a little bit easier for these busy working professionals.""Well Care is excited to partner with RelyMD to offer virtual medical care to our team members and their dependents enrolled in the company's medical plan 24/7/365," said Wanda Coley, chief operating officer. "RelyMD's innovative approach to bringing medicine where the patient is offers efficiencies to healthcare without compromising quality. Our staff can seek healthcare wherever they are, avoiding wait times in emergency room, urgent care and physician office settings. We anticipate this service will decrease the amount of missed time from work and enhance our current benefit offerings."For more information on RelyMD, visit www.relymd.com
Aroma Bravo's dedication to providing organic coffee makes it one of the most favorite brands by serious coffee lovers online.
Contact
Charles C Harmon Co LLC
***@gmail.com Charles C Harmon Co LLC
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-- As the second most traded commodity in the global scene, coffee naturally has a very high demand from countries over all the world. Countless brands are available to suit every customer's taste, but sometimes the safety and quality of the coffee beans are sacrificed for profit. Many products are widely available without guarantee if the beans used are indeed safe and free from pesticide use. This has prompted many coffee aficionados to find responsible brands that offer certified organic coffee beans.One of the organic brands preferred by coffee lovers online is Aroma Bravo. Based in Carson City, Nevada, this coffee and tea company is still relatively new to the market but its dedication to providing organic coffee has caught the attention of serious coffee aficionados on Amazon.com."Making great coffee starts with using the right beans. We source 100% organic non-gmo Arabica beans from various farms in Marcala, Honduras. This is where some of the world's best coffee beans are grown, so we specifically chose this region for our coffee products," says an official from Aroma Bravo Coffee and Tea.He adds, "We know how important it is for coffee enthusiasts to find true organic coffee beans so we also made the effort to get certification from the USDA. All of our products are certified organic and safe for consumption, so our customers can enjoy their coffee with ease of mind."With an emphasis on quality and sustainability, the brand sees to it that the organic Honduran farmers who cultivate the beans are compensated well through a profit-sharing system. This means that customers are actually contributing to needy causes whenever they buy a bag of Marcala Honduras Coffee.Aroma Bravo currently offers organic light roast, medium dark roast, and French roast coffees online. Aficionados who are particular about their coffee can get more information at https://www.amazon.com/ review/RU45I97KMJ3H4/ ref=cm_cr_rdp... Aroma Bravo offers USDA certified organic coffee from Honduras. Highly recommended for its smooth and well-balanced flavor, Aroma Bravo Coffee is a must-have for serious coffee lovers.
Aiming to ramp up business in a market it regards as crucial, Imagine Communications has appointed Anas Hantash as director of sales for the MENA region.
Taking over from Paul Wallis, who has led the region since 2014, Hantash brings over 12 years of extensive technical, sales and business development experience to the role. He was previously deputy director for the Middle East and Africa at Imagine, where he was a key player behind several major broadcast projects in the region. Before joining Imagine, he held senior broadcast engineering and operations roles in the Arab Media Group (AMG) and National Broadcast Centre (NBC) Group.The MENA region is a crucial market for Imagine Communications, one where we are continuously involved in major projects, said Imagine EMEA vice president Mathias Eckert. As he hands over the reins to Anas, Id like to thank Paul for the tremendous work he has accomplished in positioning Imagine Communications as a technology leader during a time of seismic change, which saw traditional proprietary broadcast models move towards IP, software-defined, virtualised worlds ... I look forward to supporting [Hantash] in his endeavour to help inject traditional operations with the flexibility needed to meet the rapidly evolving consumption requirements fuelled by changing consumer appetite for content on the go and on any device.To keep pace with the demands of the Middle East broadcast market, Imagine Communications is reshaping its regional office and will be hiring sales, pre-sales and solutions architects during 2017.
Ever since the Cameron-led austerity programme, Welsh broadcasters and politicians have criticised the UK Governments funding for Welsh channels, but now S4C is set to enjoy a 10 million cash injection.
The UK Government has approved the loan for the relocation of S4Cs headquarters to Carmarthen, which will create more than 800 jobs in the local area. It asserts that the cash will also mean that technical facilities can be shared with the BBC in Cardiff, reducing the S4Cs overhead costs and increasing its creative pool of talent. It also quotes an independent economic assessment by the University of Wales claiming that the move will also deliver an estimated 11 million boost to the local Carmarthen economy.
S4C will also receive funding of 350,000, enabling, says the Government, the broadcaster to carry out a significant upgrade on its technical and IT equipment. This it adds will ensure that the channel is up-to-date, will continue to reach global audiences and remains relevant in an increasingly competitive broadcasting market.
The loan will be repaid by S4C to DCMS over an indeterminate period and will be used by S4C for two specific purposes: to contribute towards the costs of technical equipment associated with S4Cs proposed move to shared broadcasting services with BBC Cymru in their new headquarters in Cardiff in 2019 and also to provide a bridging facility to enable S4Cs advance rent payment to the University of Wales, Trinity St David for the lease at Yr Egin in 2018 until S4Cs current headquarters in Llanishen are sold.
We are making Britain a country that works for all, and are committed to securing the future of Welsh language broadcasting, said Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). S4C has a proud history of showcasing some of the best of British talent and catering to Welsh-speaking audiences around the world.
Breaking The Ice
Whether shooting Moscow street scenes from a chauffeured car, or writing home about their experiences, U.S. Army Major Martin Manhoff and his wife Jan were piecing together an intimate, vivid portrait of life behind the Iron Curtain in the early 1950s.
Martin's official duties as assistant army attache at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow were to serve as a liaison to Soviet military contacts. In all likelihood, however, he was also there to gather intelligence and peer into the vast changes going on in the U.S.S.R. as it emerged from the devastation of World War II and the Cold War deepened.
The large collection of color photographs and 16 mm film he shot reveals the rapid development of Soviet infrastructure. Martin's images clearly show the construction of the Stalinist skyscrapers known as the "Seven Sisters," and other projects intended to symbolize the U.S.S.R.'s emergence as a superpower.
But they also stand on their own artistically, evidence of an eye drawn to streetscapes, skylines, and people's everyday lives, not to mention the pageantry intrinsic to communist rule.
India has shifted to BS6 emission norms and dealerships with unsold BS4 units cannot register them as new
Amid the ongoing COVID-19 crisis, Indias automotive industry has shifted to the stringent BS6 emission norms. The pandemic hit the country at the same time when dealerships were working hard to clear off unsold BS4 stock ahead of the initially-proposed deadline, April 1. As showrooms remained closed as part of the nationwide lockdown protocol, FADA (Federation of Automotive Dealers Associations) had approached the Supreme Court to seek a convenient relaxation to the deadline.
However, the apex country extended the deadline only by 10 days post the second stage of lockdown on a conditional basis. Under this, dealerships were allowed to sell only 10% of their BS4 stock. On several occasions in the past couple of months, concerned authorities have neglected the auto industry even though OEMs supported the government in the fight against COVID-19, through donations and equipment supply.
Indias largest car manufacturer, Maruti Suzuki was one of the first to start shifting to BS6. Though the company had stopped producing BS4 cars months ago, they still registered a loss of Rs 125 crore. Marutis CFO, Ajay Seth revealed that the company has written off this loss of BS4 inventory post the March 2020 quarter results were announced. The amount accounts for BS4 car parts lying with dealers as well as the company.
Maruti Suzuki was one of the first brands in the country to commence a rapid transition to BS6 emission norms. In the process, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL) has ditched all its diesel powertrains for a petrol-only portfolio. For instance, the previous diesel-only Vitara Brezza subcompact crossover comes only in a 1.5 petrol avatar now.
Since April 2019, Maruti Suzuki has sold over 8 lakh BS6 units. Prior to the lockdown, dealerships were offering compelling discounts for BS4 models in comparison to BS6 counterparts. While BS6 update for most cars came alongside a facelift or mild-life refresh, certain products proved to be arguably better in their phased-out BS4 format.
As per guidelines, car dealerships of all OEMs, with unsold BS4 stock (regardless of vehicle category) had three options: (1) register and sell them as used products, (2) consult parent OEM for a buyback policy or (3) send the units for scrappage following recommended guidelines. Out of these, option (2) seemed the most feasible as manufacturers could consider the products as a development or test platform. Of course, it would be efficient enough to diminish losses.
Apart from Maruti Suzuki, several automakers operating in the country are expected to share their losses on BS4 units. With online sales platforms becoming part of the new normals, the Indian automotive industry is heading to a new direction read more details.
Using a technique that avoids the use of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for a stem cell transplant, physicians at the University of Illinois Hospital & Health Sciences System have documented the first cure of an adult patient with congenital dyserythropoietic anemia. CDA is a rare blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells, causing progressive organ damage and early death.
The transplant technique is unique, because it allows a donor's cells to gradually take over a patient's bone marrow without using toxic agents to eliminate a patient's cells prior to the transplant.
Dr. Damiano Rondelli, the Michael Reese Professor of Hematology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, says the protocol can be used even in patients with a long history of disease and some organ damage because of the minimal use of chemotherapy.
"For many adult patients with a blood disorder, treatment options have been limited because they are often not sick enough to qualify for a risky procedure, or they are too sick to tolerate the toxic drugs used alongside a standard transplant," said Rondelli, who is also division chief of hematology and oncology and director of the stem cell transplant program at UI Health.
"This procedure gives some adults the option of a stem cell transplant which was not previously available."
For more than 30 years, Northbrook, Illinois, resident David Levy's only course of treatment for CDA was regular blood transfusions to ensure his organs and tissues received enough oxygen. Levy was 24 when the pain became so severe he had to withdraw from graduate school.
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"I spent the following years doing nothing -- no work, no school, no social contact -- because all I could focus on was managing my pain and getting my health back on track," Levy said.
By age 32, Levy required transfusions every two to three weeks; had lost his spleen; had an enlarged liver; and was suffering severely from fatigue, heart palpitations and iron poisoning, a side effect of regular blood transfusions.
"It was bad," Levy said. "I had been through enough pain. I was angry and depressed, and I wanted a cure. That's why I started emailing Dr. Rondelli."
Rondelli says that because of Levy's range of illnesses and inability to tolerate chemotherapy and radiation, several institutions had denied him the possibility of a stem cell transplant. UI Health's advances in curing sickle cell patients opened up a new possibility. Rondelli performed Levy's transplant in 2014.
"The transplant was hard, and I had some complications, but I am back to normal now," said Levy, now 35. "I still have some pain and some lingering issues from the years my condition was not properly managed, but I can be independent now. That is the most important thing to me."
Levy is finishing his doctorate in psychology and running group therapy sessions at a behavioral health hospital.
Rondelli says the potential of this approach to stem cell transplantation is very promising.
"The use of this transplant protocol may represent a safe therapeutic strategy to treat adult patients with many types of congenital anemias -- perhaps the only possible cure," Rondelli said.
This case report is published in a letter to the editor in the journal Bone Marrow Transplantation.
Prion diseases are scary, incurable and fatal. They first gained notoriety when cows became infected by prion proteins and, in turn, infected people. Fervor surrounding mad cow disease resulted in the U.S. banning imports of beef from the European Union for 15 years.
New research led by Michigan State University and published in the current issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, offers hope by showing how we might prevent prions from aggregating or growing into deadly diseases. The results also show that an antihistamine, astemizole, proved effective in reducing prion aggregation.
Lisa Lapidus, MSU professor of physics and astronomy, has pioneered a laser technique to advance her medical discoveries. The two-laser approach measures the speed at which proteins rearrange before beginning to clump, or aggregate -- the critical beginning of many neurodegenerative diseases.
"While prion's transmission method is quite unusual, the process of protein clumping is quite common in a number of diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease," said Lapidus, who published the paper with Kinshuk Raj Srivastava, former postdoctoral fellow at MSU. "We've discovered that there is a 'dangerous middle range,' a speed that individual proteins rearrange in which clumping happens fastest. We were also able to find a way to bump the proteins out of the danger zone and reduce the chances of clumping from happening."
Bumping proteins out of the danger zone could help advance research on prion diseases, such as fatal familial insomnia and kuru in humans, mad cow disease, and chronic wasting disease in deer.
What these prion diseases have in common, the team discovered, is the key speed changer of pH. Using the protein from a hamster, a mammal with a history of suffering from prion diseases, the team found that prion-related protein chains reconfigure slowly at neutral pH, thus avoiding the sticky middle speeds.
However, at low pH, the scientists found the protein rearranged in the dangerous middle range, confirming that prions thrived and grew when pH levels were low. To further prove this middle regime is really dangerous, they compared the speed of hamster at low pH to rabbit, an animal that doesn't get prion disease. Rabbit prion was much faster than hamster.
"If rearrangement is fast, when two chains come into contact, they can rearrange rapidly enough to avoid making interactions that lead to clumping," Lapidus said. "When moving slow, neither chains will have sticky patches exposed. But when the rearrangements are happening at the same speed as the random collisions between two proteins, then clumping can occur more quickly."
Taking the research one step further, Lapidus and her team decided to see if any drugs could move hamster prions out of this danger zone. Lapidus proved that astemizole is effective in speeding up protein self-interactions even further and preventing prion clumping.
Astemizole was once used to treat allergies, but it was pulled from the market due to rare but sometimes fatal side effects. The antihistamine, however, also has shown promise in some Alzheimer's research.
This research didn't directly examine disease transmission, but future research could tackle this and help understand how proteins rearranging in the danger zone can be recruited by an existing clump of protein.
While this research is years away from medical trials, it at least makes prion diseases a little less scary.
We live in a three-dimensional world, but everything we see is first recorded on our retinas in only two dimensions.
So how does the brain represent 3-D information? In a new study, researchers for the first time have shown how different parts of the brain represent an object's location in depth compared to its 2-D location.
Researchers at The Ohio State University had volunteers view simple images with 3-D glasses while they were in a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. The fMRI showed what was happening in the participants' brains while they looked at the three-dimensional images.
The results showed that as an image first enters our visual cortex, the brain mostly codes the two dimensional location. But as the processing continues, the emphasis shifts to decoding the depth information as well.
"As we move to later and later visual areas, the representations care more and more about depth in addition to 2-D location. It's as if the representations are being gradually inflated from flat to 3-D," said Julie Golomb, senior author of the study and assistant professor of psychology at Ohio State.
"The results are surprising because a lot of people assumed we might find depth information in early visual areas. What we found is that even though there might be individual neurons that have some depth information, they don't seem to be organized into any map or pattern for 3-D space perception."
Golomb said many scientists have investigated where and how the brain decodes two-dimensional information. Others had looked at how the brain perceives depth. Researchers have found that depth information must be inferred in our brain by comparing the slightly different views from the two eyes (what is called binocular disparity) or from other visual cues.
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But this is the first study to directly compare both 2-D and depth information at one time to see how 3-D representations (2-D plus depth) emerge and interact in the brain, she said.
The study was led by Nonie Finlayson, a former postdoctoral researcher at Ohio State, who is now at University College London. Golomb and Xiaoli Zhang, a graduate student at Ohio State, are the other co-authors. The study was published recently in the journal NeuroImage.
Participants in the study viewed a screen in the fMRI while wearing 3-D glasses. They were told to focus on a dot in the middle of the screen. While they were watching the dot, objects would appear in different peripheral locations: to the left, right, top, or bottom of the dot (horizontal and vertical dimensions). Each object would also appear to be at a different depth relative to the dot: behind or in front (visible to participants wearing the 3-D glasses).
The fMRI data allowed the researchers to see what was happening in the brains of the participants when the various objects appeared on the screen. In this way, the scientists could compare how activity patterns in the visual cortex differed when participants saw objects in different locations.
"The pattern of activity we saw in the early visual cortex allowed us to tell if someone was seeing an object that was to the left, right, above or below the fixation dot," Golomb said. "But we couldn't tell from the early visual cortex if they were seeing something in front of or behind the dot.
"In the later areas of visual cortex, there was a bit less information about the objects' two dimensional locations. But the tradeoff was that we could also decode what position they were perceiving in depth."
Golomb said future studies will look to more closely quantify and model the nature of three-dimensional visual representations in the brain.
"This is an important step in understanding how we perceive our rich three-dimensional environment," she said.
Organic light-emitting devices and printed electronics can be connected to a socket in the wall by way of a small, inexpensive organic converter, developed in a collaboration between Linkoping University and Umea University.
Printed electronics and organic light-emitting devices now perform at levels sufficient for a number of eco-friendly, energy-efficient applications. Previously the idea has been to drive the organic electronics using solar cells, batteries or wireless transformers, which works well in many cases. But for fixed installations like lighting, signage or UV-blocking windows, it is convenient to use a wall socket. Until now this has not been possible, because the high voltage damages the electronics.
Docent Deyu Tu from LiU's Division of Information Coding has led a project where colleagues at Umea University joined forces to find a solution to this problem. And they have now been able to demonstrate an organic converter that makes it possible to drive organic light-emitting devices with high luminescence, and to charge supercapacitors, both using electricity from an ordinary wall socket.
The converter consists of diode-connected organic thin-film transistors, operated at high voltages up to 325 V, with the capacity to transform high alternating current (AC) to a selected direct current (DC).
"For the first time in the world we have been able to demonstrate an AC/DC converter in organic electronics that functions at voltages above 300 V," says Deyu Tu.
"Our converter paves the way for a wave of flexible, thin, cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for the electronics of the future."
This is a pioneer work of organic AC/DC converters, a first stage to prove the concept of organic power electronics. To be used in real products, the power conversion efficiency needs to be improved.
"We have initiated the follow-up work to deal with this issue," says Deyu Tu.
The results have been published in two journals -- Organic Electronics and ECS Transactions -- and have generated so much interest that Deyu Tu has been invited to speak at major conferences in China and Japan.
Researchers from the University of Amsterdam (UvA) and the University of Brasilia (Brazil) have determined the age of the formation of the Amazon River at 9.4 to 9 million years ago (Ma) with data that convincingly refutes substantial younger estimates. Their results are published as early view in the journal Global and Planetary Change.
The study comprised geochemical and palynological analyses of sediments from a hydrocarbon exploration borehole, situated offshore of Brazil, that reached more than 4.5 kilometers below sea level.
The results show a distinct change in sediment composition and plant residual matter during the late Miocene (9.4 to 9 Ma). This represents a switch in river source area from the tropical lowlands to the high Andes, which is diagnostic of the onset of the transcontinental Amazon River. The new data contradict younger estimates (c. 2.6 Ma) that have been proposed in recent literature and postdates estimates from an earlier study of this borehole by about 1 to 1.5 million years.
Sediments record evolutionary history
'We were able to narrow down the age of onset of the Amazon River because we sampled the transition interval in a classical section of the Amazon submarine fan, where the sediments transported by this river are deposited and as a result accurately record its evolutionary history. We applied high resolution analytical techniques not previously performed in the region', says professor Farid Chemale, senior author from the University of Brasilia (now at Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, Sao Leopoldo).
The study also gives novel insights into overall changes in plant composition in the Amazon drainage basin. Particularly, the rise in grass remains suggests that mountain uplift and Quaternary climatic changes strongly affected the landscape and probably opened up new habitats for grass colonization.
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Dramatic changes
'The changes detected in the sediment record lead to the tantalizing question of whether the Amazon region might have changed dramatically during Plio-Pleistocene global cooling', says Dr Carina Hoorn, lead author and researcher at the UvA's Institute for Biodiversity and Ecosystem Dynamics. 'Our new data confirm an old age for the Amazon River and also point at an expansion of grasslands during the Pleistocene that was not known before. Further research on land and at sea may give further answers but will require investment in both continental and marine drilling.'
Largest drainage basin of all rivers
The Amazon River contributes a fifth of the total fresh water supply to the global oceans and has the largest drainage basin of all rivers around the world. The onset of the river is a defining moment in the reorganization of the paleogeography of South America, forming both a bridge and a divider for biota in the Amazon landscape.
The history of the Amazon River and its drainage basin are hard to unravel, as the continental record is scarce and fragmented. The marine record is more complete, yet is equally difficult to access. Sediment aprons in the proximity of major rivers often hold continuous records of terrestrial material accumulated by the river over time. These records provide a unique insight into the historic climate, geography and biome evolution of the land.
Clim-Amazon project
The research was carried out in the context of the Clim-Amazon project, a joint Brazilian-European scientific initiative for climate and geodynamic research on the Amazon River Basin sediment and is supported by the EU (European Union) through the FP7 (Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological Development).
"Technophobes" -- people who fear robots, artificial intelligence and new technology that they don't understand -- are much more likely to be afraid of losing their jobs due to technology and to suffer anxiety-related mental health issues, a Baylor University researcher says.
More than a third of those in the study fit its definition of "technophobe" and are more fearful of automation that could lead to job displacement than they are of potentially threatening or dangerous circumstances such as romantic rejection, public speaking and police brutality, the study found.
"If you're afraid of losing your job to a robot, you're not alone," said researcher Paul McClure, a sociologist in Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences. "This is a real concern among a substantial portion of the American population. They are not simply a subgroup of generally fearful people."
Previous research has found that employees with little job security suffer from poorer mental health and that unemployment and job insecurity are often linked to heart disease and mortality rates.
McClure's study found that:
37 percent fit the definition of a "technophobe" -- someone who is either afraid or very afraid of such automation as robots in the workforce, decision-making robots, technology they don't understand, artificial intelligence and people trusting artificial intelligence to do work.
Those in historically marginalized groups -- women, non-whites and the less educated -- report being most fearful of technology.
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Technophobes are three times more likely to be fearful of unemployment when compared to others, and nearly three times more likely to fear not having enough money in the future.
Technophobes have 95 percent greater odds of not being able to stop or control worrying when compared to others, and 76 percent greater odds of feeling as if something awful might happen.
The study -- "'You're Fired,' Says the Robot: The Rise of Automation in the Workplace, Technophobes, and Fears of Unemployment" -- is published in Social Science Computer Review, a peer-reviewed publication in its 35th year.
Billionaire and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban tweeted recently that "Automation is going to cause unemployment and we need to prepare for it." And Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates made headlines when he called for a tax on robots -- to be paid by their owners or makers -- to compensate for losses due to automation and to help fund retraining so workers can transition to other fields.
For his study, McClure used data from Wave 2 of The Chapman Survey of American Fears, an annual national random survey. In it, 1,541 respondents were asked about their fears and worries about politics, crime, natural and human-made disasters, technology, mental health and unemployment.
They also were asked about their anxieties, worries, sleep patterns, restlessness, inability to relax, susceptibility to irritation and feelings of dread.
Anxiety about job loss to automation is nothing new, McClure said, noting that 19th-century textile workers in England destroyed new machines to protest against employers who used inventions that allowed for faster and cheaper labor by less-skilled workers. But some researchers in economics caution that the impact of robotics and artificial intelligence in the next several years will be much more rapid than job displacement of the past -- particularly for those with routine job responsibilities. Those potentially could span the blue- and white-collar divide, from truck drivers and warehouse workers to loan officers and paralegals, rather than manual laborers in non-routine jobs or workers in creative fields, McClure said.
While technology visionaries contend that new markets with new job opportunities have emerged and that developing countries will benefit economically, "many people in the United States suspect that technology will not deliver widespread financial security, nor will it be a panacea for the world's underprivileged," McClure said. "People in certain occupations may legitimately fear losing their jobs to robots and software that can work for cheaper and for longer hours than any human." While a transformation would most likely be gradual, it could trigger a major social unrest among those who are displaced from their jobs, McClure said. "Anticipating the individual and social outcomes is a matter worth pursuing," McClure said. "If these fears are misplaced, more research needs to be done to dispel technophobia as a legitimate social concern. "Regardless of whether technology might lead to certain people's jobs becoming obsolete, the fear itself is real."
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Last March, Maybelle arrived at the Gentle Barn in Tennessee, a sanctuary for rescued farm animals, after spending eight years as a dairy cow. At the sanctuary, Maybelle would never have to produce milk for humans again - instead she'd get to spend her days grazing and sleeping and enjoying the sunshine. But from the moment Maybelle arrived at the sanctuary, she was incredibly unhappy - and at first, no one could figure out why.
The Gentle Barn
"She was just crying and crying," Andrea Burritt, manager of the Gentle Barn's Tennessee location, told The Dodo. "She would just pace the pasture constantly, and she wouldn't stop crying." Burritt had only seen one other cow act like this before - a cow who'd been separated from her baby. But Burritt and the other sanctuary staffers didn't think Maybelle had a calf. Yet Maybelle kept crying - and insisting.
The Gentle Barn
"It was awful," Burritt said. "She was pleading with us. She would look you right in the eye, and just scream. You knew something was wrong, and it was just hard trying to figure out how we could help and what we could do." A Mennonite family used to own Maybelle, and they didn't have a phone, so the sanctuary staff couldn't call and ask about a possible calf. Jay Weiner, the sanctuary's cofounder, ended up driving back to the farm with a trailer, just in case Maybelle did have a baby. When Weiner arrived at the farm, and explained the situation to the farmer, the farmer pointed out Miles, a 9-month-old calf. Not just any baby - Maybelle's baby.
Miles, Maybelle's baby | The Gentle Barn
Miles had lived in a separate pasture from Maybelle at the farm, but they'd always been able to see and hear each other, according to Burritt. The Mennonite family had willingly given Maybelle to the Gentle Barn to pay her back for all her years of service to them, and they quickly agreed that Miles could go to the sanctuary as well. Weiner loaded Miles onto the trailer and drove him to the sanctuary to be reunited with his mom. Burritt and the other sanctuary staff were over the moon when they heard. "We ran to Maybelle and told her, 'We have your baby, we have your baby,'" Burritt said. "And she just stood at the corner of the pasture until she saw that trailer come. Then she started chasing the trailer across the pasture up to the top."
Dodo Shows Foster Diaries Guy Falls In Love With His Little Meatball Of A Foster Dog
Maybelle standing near the road at the corner of the pasture | The Gentle Barn
As Weiner drove up to the pasture, Maybelle and Miles had already started calling to each other. A when Miles emerged from the trailer, he ran straight for his mom.
Maybelle and Miles reunited | The Gentle Barn
"They knew it was each other immediately," Burritt said. "She checked him over to make sure he was okay, and then they walked off together."
The Gentle Barn
Maybelle and Miles spent the rest of the day enjoying each other's company.
The Gentle Barn
"They just stayed together," Burritt said. "Maybelle finally calmed down - she hadn't eaten much since she'd been there, so they wandered off and they grazed together. Then later that evening, we brought them in, and we kept them always together."
The Gentle Barn
"We put them in the same stall so they could be together and just groom each other," Burritt added.
The Gentle Barn
But Miles wasn't the only baby Maybelle got to keep - as it turned out, Maybelle was pregnant when she arrived at the sanctuary. Last September, Maybelle gave birth to a female calf named Eclipse.
Maybelle, Miles and Eclipse | The Gentle Barn
Miles couldn't be happier being a big brother. "They groom each other and they play with each other," Burritt said. "It's very sweet. But Eclipse is still smaller, so Miles is very gentle with her."
The Gentle Barn
"Eclipse constantly watches Miles, and he teaches her how to play and how to be goofy," Burritt said. "They like to knock wheelbarrows together and just run around the pastures as fast as they can. They're just like two little kids who love to play."
Maybelle, Miles and Eclipse - when Eclipse has grown up | The Gentle Barn
For Burritt, as well as the rest of the sanctuary staff, there is no better feeling than seeing this family of three enjoy life together.
The Gentle Barn
"It's what we want for them," Burritt said. "We're working really hard to create a more gentle world, where moms can raise their babies, no matter what species they are, and so their families can stay together - always - just like we do. It's the greatest gift we can give them, and we're just happy to be part of it, and to have a place where they can do that and be safe."
The Gentle Barn
Bebe Stores Inc., a womens apparel chain with locations across the U.S. and Canada, is planning to shut its stores and seek a turnaround as an online brand, according to people familiar with the situation.
The company is trying to close the locations without filing for bankruptcy, said the people, who asked not to be identified because the efforts arent public. However, Chapter 11 may be required if enough landlords arent willing to negotiate, they said.
The company, known for selling trendy going-out apparel to young women, has been operating about 170 boutique and outlet stores.
Bebe would become the latest retailer to shed brick-and-mortar stores and hitch its fortunes to e-commerce. Kenneth Cole Productions said in November that it would close almost all of its locations, concentrating instead on its online, international and wholesale businesses. A consumer shift to the Internet has contributed to several retail bankruptcies this year, including those of HHGregg Inc., Gordmans Stores Inc. and RadioShack.
Unlike many retailers, Bebe has no significant debt. But the company has lost about $200 million (U.S.) over the past four years, and negotiating with landlords to get out of leases may prove difficult. The retailer didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.
Manny Mashouf, who founded the company in San Francisco in 1976, owned 57 per cent of its stock as of Jan. 26. He remains chairman and chief executive officer of the company, which touts its apparel as fashion for the confident, sexy, modern woman.
Mashouf, now in his late 70s, created the brand as a twist on Shakespeares To be or not to be.
Last year, Bebe sold half of its brand to Bluestar Alliance to develop a wholesale licensing business, a move that helped raise cash.
The stock has fallen more than 80 per cent over the past two years, though it began to rebound last month. It had been up 26 per cent in 2017 through Mondays close.
The company, now based in the San Francisco suburb of Brisbane, focuses on womens apparel and accessories.
Bebe already announced some store closures for the current year. It said in February that it would be shuttering as many as 25 locations in fiscal 2017, reducing square footage by about 16 per cent.
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Budget day. Astute in the photo-op department, Finance Minister Bill Morneau will be sporting his ethically-sourced, made-in-Mexico Poppy Barley lace-ups. Poppy Barley is Edmonton based, so the finance minister gets a gold star for supporting Canadian business. The custom shoe company was founded by sisters Justine and Kendall Barber, so two gold stars for championing women entrepreneurs. And Poppy Barley is transparent in its supply chain, so lets give the finance minister full marks for ingenuity.
How successful Morneau will be in selling his innovation agenda, however, is a different order of business.
This time last year the finance ministers Growing the Middle Class budget highlighted a four-year, $800-million commitment to support innovation networks and clusters as part of that agenda. This support will catalyze private sector dynamism, generate greater value from public investments in innovation and enable the pursuit of ambitious initiatives that bring a critical mass of stakeholders together and connect their ideas to the marketplace.
The clusters idea seems to surface time and again, with Silicon Valley as the standard bearer and other agglomerations of complementary talents Wall Street, Bay Street, Hollywood, Italian leather manufacture cited as laying further evidence as to how they can work.
But can they be created or even nurtured by public policy?
I put that question to Hal Wolman, research professor at George Washington Universitys Institute of Public Policy. Heres what Wolman has to say, via email: There is near unanimous agreement that a cluster cannot be created where the basis of the cluster doesnt already exist. If the economy already has a cluster that has shown a competitive advantage, then perhaps policy can enhance that cluster, though the best way of doing that is through the application of pretty traditional economic development policies.
Wolman is the co-author, along with Diana Hincapie, of Clusters and Cluster-Based Development Policy, published in the Economic Development Quarterly. Cluster theory, the authors write, rests on the supposition that co-location, or geographic proximity, will spur economic growth both through lower input costs and the facilitation of knowledge spillovers that boost innovation and productivity.
Some months ago, a reader wrote to remind me of Michael Porters work in this area. In 1998, Porter, a professor of business administration at the Harvard Business School, came up with the clusters term, which he defined as critical masses in one place of unusual competitive success in particular fields.
Porter wrote of independent yet interconnected companies along with institutions, including universities, think tanks and trade associations. The advantages? Efficiency, effectiveness, flexibility and an ongoing ability to innovate with the focus on improved productivity.
Governments, Porter concluded, have a key role to play in fostering clusters, specifically through such inputs as an educated work force and infrastructure improvements. But, he added, most clusters form independently of government action and sometimes in spite of it . . . To justify cluster development efforts, some seeds of a cluster should have already passed a market test.
Wolman and Hincapie wondered whether clusters was just an easier way of talking about the less felicitous but long known agglomeration economies and whether the new terminology was just old wine in new bottles.
What the authors found is that clusters are a complex and elusive concept and that different kinds of clusters are or can be susceptible to different types of interventions. Whats missing is the empirical evidence to support the thesis that the positive effects of clustering will necessarily be more than modest. Research cited by the authors raises the possibility that clustering may not lead to high local productivity and wages, but instead that high local productivity and wages may lead to clustering.
Is specialization the key? Or does diversification ignite healthier growth? Does clustering necessarily lead to income growth and higher employment, as some researchers conclude, or is the relative strength of the cluster industry specific?
The weeds get a little dense here. For our purposes the central question is this: what is the rationale for cluster-based economic development policy?
Its important to note that the empirical evidence supporting such government policy is so thin as to be irrelevant. There are many case studies of specific cluster-based initiatives, most of which focus on the processes through which cluster-based policy is applied or operates, Wolman and Hincapie write. Very few actually undertake systematic evaluation of outcomes.
The authors wonder whether its even realistic for policymakers to identify emerging clusters that, theoretically, can be made more effective. Critics say that such a strategy runs the risk of the old picking winners industrial strategy of yore. So the finance minister will be on the hook to not only identify the governments chosen cluster or clusters, but specifically state what goals are targeted and make the case for how, specifically, financial injections from the government or partnerships with academic institutions will improve the chances of meeting stated economic development objectives.
I wasnt able to connect with Hal Wolman for an interview. It makes good sense to think of an economy, not as a set of individual industries, as has traditionally been the case, but as a series of clusters, each of which consists of an inter-related set of industries that includes suppliers and distributors as well as occupational groups, he says via email. But heres the caveat: Cluster policy works more as a mode of analysis than as policy prescription that is likely to deliver the silver bullet.
jenwells@thestar.ca
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You should know a couple of things before we embark on a recap of Sesame Streets surprisingly vicious takedowns of Donald Trump, which span three decades leading up to his political rise.
First: Trump is most often depicted as a grouch unpleasant monsters who base their culture and economy around garbage. So when Donald Grump appears in a 2005 episode as a badly toupeed muppet whose name equals trash, thats not necessarily an insult.
The other thing is that Trump, as president of the United States, wants to end public television funding that created Sesame Street, more often known for lessons on counting and sharing than biting satire.
There are only three known episodes in which the character Grump appears, each time playing the villain in a moral allegory.
Whenever Grump visits Sesame Street, chaos is not far behind.
We know of nothing to suggest any link between these skits and Trumps budget proposal. He is not the first president to desire the elimination of public broadcasting funds. And because the show now airs on HBO, Trumps plan is unlikely to destroy Sesame Street, as Grump tried so hard to do.
1. Grump cons a muppet into signing a draconian contract
Like Trump, Grumps ambitions started out big and got huge. He first appears in an episode in the late 1980s: a grouch in a tacky fedora, knocking on Oscars iconic trash can to offer a deal.
Grumps the name. Ronald Grump, he says. Im a builder.
That was Trumps fame then, too. The original Trump Tower in New York had opened a few years earlier.
Grump shows Oscar a colour rendering of six trash cans stacked on top of each other.
Grump Tower, he says, giving the u a faux-European pronunciation. Its a duplex can-dominium.
Oscar is intrigued. His friend Maria is horrified.
We dont want that monstrosity on this spot!
But Grump entices Oscar to sign a contract, essentially bribing him with a free room in the tower and three bags of trash.
In the next scene, the dented trash can that generations of children had grown up watching is gone. A shabby stack of Grump cans stands in place of Oscars old home.
Isnt it tony? Oscar brags from the top of the tower.
But then Grump notices the grouchs worm and elephant friends living below.
Get em out! he snaps. No pets in the contract.
Trump, too, had his tenant issues. In the 1970s, the New York Times notes, the Justice Department sued him and his father for allegedly refusing to rent to black people. The developers settled with the government, admitting no guilt.
A few years later, as the Atlantic recounted, renters accused Trump of cutting off their heat and water and using other intimidation tactics to kick them out of a building. Trump sued them for $150 million.
2. Sesame Street gets politically woke
Real estate tycoon Ronald Grump has announced plans to demolish Sesame Street and create a lavish new Grump Tower, a dire Barbara Walters announced in 1994, at the beginning of the shows 25th anniversary special.
It had been years since Grump last showed his face on the block. Now he was played by Joe Pesci, trying to pitch a crowd on his plan to build a combination tower, restaurant and theme park. Historic Sesame Street would be turned into a luxury boutique in the lobby.
Trust me, you wont miss all this, Grump says, then flies into a rage at the first sign of dissent.
I tried to be nice to you people! You got two weeks. Pack up and leave.
Over the course of the special, Grump physically intimidates Benny Rabbit and sort of hits on a reporter played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The Muppets try to win him over. With clip montages. But the memory of a little girl kissing Kermit the Frog after being taught to count leaves the Grump deeply and profoundly disgusted.
If theres one thing I despise, its cheap sentiment, he says.
Finally, Big Bird recalls Sesame Streets greatness and leads all the residents in a march down Sesame Street to stop Grump. They find him once again trying to con Oscar into moving out of his trash can. Grump Towers would-be tenants refuse to mingle with grouches.
In a deus-ex-machina twist that baffled at least one critic, Oscar reveals that his can is government property, and so Trump cant force him out.
This neighbourhood does not deserve a Grump Tower anyway, Grump says. Then he joins all the Muppets in a celebratory song to end the episode, because thats just how childrens TV sometimes works.
3. Grump pits the Muppets against each other. And someone sort of gets deported.
More than 10 years went by after the special. In the real world, Trump made his first flirtations with politics and began honing his public image as the severe host of Celebrity Apprentice.
In 2005, his likeness returned to Sesame Street as Donald Grump: a grouch again, but now in an orange wig and famous among Muppets for his reality show and spectacular wealth.
With a great rumble, Grump popped out of a can atop a table strewn with Grump-branded trash.
The Muppets chanted: Grump! Grump! Grump!
Im the trashiest, Im the grouchiest Grump, he sang.
And then, as he always did, Grump sowed division on Sesame Street.
The contest narrowed to a matchup between Elmo, Oscar and his girlfriend, Grundgetta. But the latter two spent all their time arguing with each other about the prize.
Elmo worked the hardest and won all the events. In a fit of cruelty, Grump cut him anyway.
He chose as his apprentices the two other grouches. Because, he explained, they were caustic and ineffective at their jobs.
Ive got a reputation to think of, Grump said.
Sesame Streets parent company has not yet responded to questions about Grumps origins, and whether he might return during the Trump administration.
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LOS ANGELESRoman Polanskis attorney implored a judge Monday to signal how the fugitive director would be sentenced if he returned to Los Angeles to resolve his long-running underage sex abuse case.
Superior Court Judge Scott Gordon heard arguments in the four-decade-old case but gave no immediate indication of how he would rule, saying he would issue a written order.
Polanskis lawyer, Harland Braun, said he was trying to find a solution for a unique case, while a prosecutor said the Oscar winner was trying to get special treatment and dictate how the case proceeds from afar.
Read more:Roman Polanski to preside over French film awards
Deputy District Attorney Michele Hanisee said Polanski needed to appear in court to resolve the charges and urged the judge to reject what she called an attempt to give a wealthy celebrity different treatment than any other fugitive.
The hearing was the first time in seven years that a Los Angeles judge has considered Polanskis case, which dates to 1977. He was accused of plying a 13-year-old girl with champagne and part of a sedative pill, then raping her at actor Jack Nicholsons house.
Polanski pleaded guilty to unlawful sex with a minor but fled Los Angeles on the eve of sentencing in 1978. Since then, his movements have been restricted to France, Poland and Switzerland.
The victim has said she forgives the Rosemarys Baby director and believes the case should end.
Polanski, 83, has long contended that he is the victim of judicial misconduct because a now-deceased judge who handled the case suggested in private remarks that he would renege on a plea bargain and sentencing agreement. It called for no more time behind bars for the director after he spent 42 days in a prison undergoing a diagnostic screening.
Braun says Polanski has already served his sentence, in a part due to 335 days he spent in jail and under house arrest during a failed extradition effort from Switzerland in 2010.
The defence attorney pointed to statements by the original lawyers on the case saying the deceased judge had gone back on the sentence he initially promised the director. Braun said he was trying to get an assurance that the original agreement would be honoured, either from the judge or prosecutors.
Hanisee refused, and Gordon did not indicate how he would respond. The judge directed several pointed questions about the facts and evidence to Braun during the hearing, and the prosecutor said she thought Brauns calculations about how much time Polanski has served were incorrect.
Braun tried several strategies before and during the hearing but ultimately abandoned an effort to unseal 2010 testimony from the original prosecutor. He said the various approaches aimed to get enough of an assurance for Polanski to return to the United States, hopefully without the need to arrest the director.
This is a unique case, and Im trying to fashion a unique solution to resolve the case, Braun said.
Hanisee blamed Polanski for its strange procedural history.
This case is 40 years old because the defendant fled, she said.
Braun has given a lengthy recitation of allegations of past judicial misconduct in his court filings but said Monday he did not want to litigate those issues.
Youve ventured very far into those things you dont want to get into, Gordon told Braun, smiling.
The judge said that if Polanski wanted to address those allegations in court, it would seem that he would need to personally appear.
Polanski won an Academy Award for best director for his 2002 film The Pianist and was nominated for 1974s Chinatown and 1979s Tess.
This story corrects Roman Polanski's flight from the U.S. to 1978.
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OTTAWABetty Kennedy, once one of Canadas best-known television personalities, has died. She was 91.
The veteran journalist and broadcaster was for decades one of the countrys most recognized voices and faces.
For 27 years, she hosted the Betty Kennedy Show on Torontos CFRB radio, where she is credited with interviewing some 25,000 guests, from former prime minister Pierre Trudeau to actress Debbie Reynolds.
And for 33 years, she was the lone female panellist on CBCs Front Page Challenge.
Kennedys life was a series of firsts and extraordinary twists on which books and documentaries were based.
As a teenager she marched up to the editors desk at the Ottawa Citizen and declared, I can do anything a boy can do! The man laughed and then let her do everything a boy would have done - fetch coffee and sandwiches for the reporters. After writing obituaries and photo cutlines as her apprenticeship, she was awarded her own beat and soon walked into radio and television with the instincts of an inquisitive print journalist.
Kennedy fought long and hard to become one of the first women journalists allowed into China after the great revolution.
She was inducted into both the Canadian Broadcasting Hall of Fame and the Canadian News Hall of Fame and was named an officer of the Order of Canada.
She also served a brief stint as a senator, appointed to Canadas upper house by then-prime minister Jean Chretien in June 2000. She retired in January 2001 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 75.
Canadian politician Bob Rae said he got to know her well over many years and that she was a model of integrity.
She was an icon of Canadian journalism. Her interviews were marked by deep research and strong personal interest I always felt like it was a gentle but tough examination, he wrote in an email to The Star.
The CBCs Peter Mansbridge recalled how Kennedy made him feel at ease as a young reporter.
When I first met Betty Kennedy I was a young reporter working for The National. She was a network star because of Front Page Challenge and her work in Toronto on CFRB, Mansbridge said in a statement. But she immediately treated me as an equal and made me feel totally at ease. She was always classy and elegant in the way she went about her business and was adored by her fans. Broadcasting and journalism lost a leading lady with her passing.
Kennedy wrote two books: Gerhard: A Love Story, about her first husband who died in 1975, and Hurricane Hazel.
She married G. Allan Burton, head of Simpsons department stores, in 1976. He died in 2003.
In a 1986 interview with the Star, Wally Crouter, long-time host of CFRBs morning show, called Kennedy, the best interviewer on the air. Betty is the one person who listens. She has warmth and empathy.
Charles Templeton, who appeared with Kennedy as a panelist on Front Page Challenge, echoed Crouters words. He described her as unquestionably one of the best interviewers in the country.
She is always able to ask the most difficult and pointed questions but without giving offence. Though there is a gentle and calm air about her, there is steel underneath.
Templeton recalled the controversial 1969 episode of Front Page Challenge when Gordon Sinclair asked champion swimmer Elaine Tanner about swimming during menstruation. Betty never blinked, Templeton said.
Kennedy attributed her success to the fact that she avoids being overly judgmental and gives the people being interviewed a chance to present their case.
Said Kennedy in a 1982 interview with the Star, I think Ill be remembered for my common-sense approach to things.
Kennedy is survived by sons Mark, Shawn and DArcy Kennedy and daughter Tracy Brown.
With files from Toronto Star archives
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Hari Krishnan does not choose titles capriciously. Krishnan, the Toronto-based award-winning dancer/choreographer, founder of performing company inDANCE, is playing with layered meanings in naming his latest full-length work Holy Cow(s)!
Although born and raised in Singapore, Krishnans heritage is Indian, so the title references the sacred place of the cow, giver of life, in Hindu culture. But, of course, holy cow has long been used in the English-speaking world as a secular, even slightly profane exclamation of surprise. As for the parenthetical plural, Krishnan is drawing attention to a number of cultural cliches and stereotypical assumptions people tend to make about him and which his new work is determined to subvert.
Krishnan recalls the apparent shock of a colleague when he ordered a beef burger at a fast food joint. Then there was the audience member who came up to Krishnan after he had performed a solo, Tiger by the Tail, at the prestigious Jacobs Pillow dance festival last summer. The piece contained a slow section. Looking at Krishnan and jumping to conclusions, the audience member commented: You must know yoga.
According to Krishnan, he often endures such ridiculous if non-malevolent cultural prejudices.
Krishnan would prefer people to look beyond the stereotypes, beyond what he calls such false binaries as East/West, white/coloured, masculine/feminine, tradition/modernity.
Says Krishnan: Im brown. Im a beef-eating Hindu from Singapore and Im proudly gay. Im not a tourism poster.
Conducting an interview with the amiable, eloquent Krishnan is a bit like getting a lecture; perhaps not surprising since he commutes weekly to Middletown, Conn., where Krishnan is an associate professor of dance at Wesleyan University.
Basically, you ask a simple question such as, Tell me about your new work, and off Professor Krishnan goes, filling the allotted time with a carefully argued description and analysis, referring to typed notes when needed. Meanwhile, the humble scribe du jour scribbles like mad to get even half of it down on paper.
This might suggest an overintellectual approach to dancemaking with the lurking threat that the work itself will be deadly dull. Quite the opposite. Krishnans dances, whether full-on Bharatanatyam hes won a coveted Bessie award in New York for his own performance of this Indian classical form or a contemporary hybrid of styles is consistently exuberant, physically dynamic and often more than a little bit naughty.
I take pride in being able to laugh at myself, says Krishnan.
Holy Cow(s)!, with a cast of two women and five men, is unusual in that while most of the choreography is Krishnans it also includes three solos, each made for him by an outside choreographer and expressing very different movement esthetics. The original intent was for Krishnan to perform these himself but a knee injury put paid to that. With the concurrence of American choreographers Sean Curry and David Brick and Vancouvers Jay Hirabayashi, Krishnan has now distributed these among three of the casts men.
Watching a studio run-through of Holy Cow(s)!, it is clear Krishnan relishes the opportunity to explode any number of assumptions audiences might make about a choreographer of South Asian descent. The movement vocabulary at times references, even parodies, classical Indian dance but it also embraces a whole range of cultural forms. It pokes fun at the stereotypes of beguiling female and chest-thumping machismo. It is sensual to the point of overt eroticism. Krishnan even manages to work in some thinly veiled political criticism, alerting us to the dangerous bigotry that the current climate has unlocked.
Says Krishnan: My mission is to slaughter every one of these holy cows.
Holy Cow(s)! is at Harbourfront Centre Theatre, 235 Queens Quay W., March 23-25; harbourfrontcentre.com or 416-973-4000.
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The controversy over Chrystia Freelands family background can be confounding.
No, our foreign minister isnt answerable for her Ukrainian-born grandfather, who edited a propaganda outlet for the Nazis in occupied Krakow.
Yes, the Russians are playing a dirty game of demonization by spreading incriminating stories about her distant family background. Guilt by association plays well in Russias online world.
Closer to home the smear tactic hasnt gained traction. Canadian commentators have stated the obvious that whatever the supposed sins of the grandfather, they shall not be visited upon our foreign minister, whose integrity is beyond reproach.
But before we dismiss it all as disinformation, we need to deconstruct it not to determine Freelands fitness to serve in cabinet. No, the point is to avoid the fatal error of historical complacency, which remains a quintessentially Canadian character flaw.
More at thestar.com:
War is hell and Chrystia Freeland has nothing to be ashamed of: Paul Wells
Chrystia Freeland and the Russian disinformation bogeyman: Walkom
Domestic reaction has ranged from the now reflexive cry of fake news to various columns decrying anyone who dares judge her grandfathers wartime choices so many decades ago. But the insistence that Canadians are in no position to judge Michael Chomiaks wartime decisions from a distance is indefensible.
Not to judge is itself a judgment.
That the latest accusations emanate from Russias propaganda machinery doesnt disqualify them even if the timing is entirely tactical. In truth, the original source of information is Freelands family research.
In the 1990s her uncle, University of Alberta historian John-Paul Himka, wrote about Chomiaks role as chief editor of Krakivski Visti. His scholarly article, Krakivski Visti and the Jews, 1943, described the newspapers pro-Hitler, anti-Jewish content.
Chomiak had been a young journalist in Lviv (then in Poland, now part of Ukraine). When the Soviets and Nazis partitioned Poland in 1939, he opted to go west to Krakow, under German rule, where he took up the task of promoting Ukrainian identity while disseminating anti-Semitic propaganda using printing presses confiscated from a newspaper whose Jewish owner perished in a death camp.
As a Ukrainian nationalist, Chomiak chose the Nazis over the Soviets as the lesser of two evils.
But Canada too made a choice, allying itself with the Soviets against the Nazis.
The Edmonton Journals Paula Simons has noted that Chomiak never signed or wrote any articles. He merely oversaw and enabled the propaganda organ.
A recurring theme among Canadian commentators is that we dare not judge Chomiak, who was perhaps naive, or merely the victim of circumstance. And yet we know the vital role of propaganda as a prerequisite to genocide, whether in Nazi-era Europe or contemporary Rwanda.
That doesnt mean Freelands grandfather had blood on his hands. He wasnt a guard in a death camp. He may not have known what he was getting into or how to get out of it.
And yet one columnist belittled the idea of trying to distinguish between Ukrainian patriots and Nazi collaborators as boring ephemera. Another cautioned, its easy to condemn Chomiaks choices. In a war zone, squeezed between Hitler and Stalin, things werent so simple.
The fog of war is always with us. But that does not allow us take the path of least resistance forever.
We are right to be wary of Russian disinformation tactics, but wrong to assume the information is inevitably erroneous. Russias carefully timed leaks of all those Clinton campaign emails during the U.S. presidential election did great damage, but the correspondence itself was authentic.
A free society should not fall for such smear tactics. We should call it out but without closing our eyes to the context, or the contents. For an open society cannot deny historical realities, nor minimize them as the ambiguity of morality.
As a former journalist, Freeland understands that distinction. Thats why she supported her uncles efforts to study and publish on this difficult chapter in her late grandfathers past, as her office so aptly put it to the Globe and Mail.
Some have reproached Freeland for seeming evasive when answering reporters questions this month. But why judge her harshly for reacting defensively when confronted with family questions?
That she didnt deliver crisp press lines about her own lineage seems only human. For her its not just historical or political; its personal.
All Canadians can agree Freeland has nothing to apologize for. But that doesnt require us to make excuses for her grandfather.
It is one thing to reserve judgment until the facts are in. But endless indecision masks indifference, be it in Krakow or Crimea.
We must all be mindful of history, not minimize it. That is precisely what empowers Freeland as a strong and clear Canadian voice confronting Russian abuses in Crimea and all of Ukraine.
Martin Regg Cohns political column appears Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. mcohn@thestar.ca , Twitter: @reggcohn
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A group of Canadian researchers say they have, for the first time, successfully raised wasps that will be used this summer as a weapon against an insect that is ravaging forests.
Natural Resources Canada decided to rear their own wasps, named Tetrastichus planipennisi, in order to increase their number in an escalating battle with the destructive emerald ash borer beetle that has killed millions of ash trees in Canada and the U.S.
Since 2013, the federal organization had been importing the wasps from their counterparts at the United States Forest Service in Brighton, Mich., and releasing them in 12 areas in Ontario and Quebec, said Krista Ryall, the lead researcher on the project.
Were hoping to raise about 10,000 for this summer, Ryall said. That will be enough to do five or six more sites across Ontario and Quebec.
The wasps are part of a bio-control program out of a laboratory in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. and the only large scale attempt to manage the emerald ash borer, Ryall said.
It is a targeted approach, she said.
The female wasp will seek out trees infested with larvae of the emerald ash borer and lay 50 to 60 eggs on the larvae itself. The wasps larvae then feasts on the emerald ash borer larvae.
The wasps will eat and kill the larvae and then you get more wasps coming out instead of the emerald ash borer, Ryall said. Over time the wasp population builds up and we hope that they will help kill a fair number of emerald ash borer out there.
The wasps then fly out, breed, lay more eggs and die within a month of taking flight. The cycle repeats a few times during the summer, Ryall said.
The wasps, which are native to China, have no effect on humans or other organisms, according to American research, she said.
Read more:
Emerald ash borer could decimate the urban forest
Time to celebrate and protect Torontos trees: Editorial
The emerald ash borer, a beetle native to Asia, was first detected in Canada in Windsor in 2002 and by 2007 it had spread to Toronto, according to Natural Resources Canada research.
The spread is a major concern, Ryall said. Were finding that 99 per cent of ash trees are killed within five-to-seven years of emerald ash borer getting into an area and causing extensive mortality.
The beetle has continued its slow spread east and north and entered western Quebec in 2008 and reached Montreal by 2011.
It was also detected in Thunder Bay, Ont., last summer, Ryall said,
About 60,000 wasps targeting the emerald ash borer have been released so far, Ryall said, noting that the successful Canadian breeding program means Natural Resources will be able to ramp up the numbers needed to try to save ash trees.
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The Toronto Board of Health is asking council to ban the sale or distribution of caffeinated energy drinks on city-owned property or facilities, including recreation centres, parks, stadiums, public squares and right-of-ways.
After stakeholder consultations, Toronto Public Health was recommending an incremental approach to raising public awareness about the potentially negative effects of mixing caffeine and alcohol, particularly with young people.
Toronto Public Health reviewed the evidence and found no compelling reason to deviate from the current precautionary public health approach that encourages limits in (caffeinated energy drink) consumption, acting medical officer of health Dr. Barbara Yaffe wrote in a report.
The report noted Health Canada approves all caffeinated energy drinks (CEDs) that are sold or marketed in Canada.
But visiting Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker introduced a motion at Mondays health board meeting recommending council not permit the sale, marketing, promotion or sampling of CEDs in any city-owned property or facility.
Councillor Mike Layton said while he agreed with that motions intent, he had concerns about pre-existing contractual obligations between energy drink companies and events held on city property, such as Exhibition Place which plays host to the CNE and Honda Indy Toronto.
Layton scrambled to introduce an amendment to the motion so it would conform with the Municipal Alcohol Policy, exempting the ban from Exhibition Place, civic theatres, community centres and Yonge-Dundas Square.
The Canadian Beverage Association said given the rigour of the consultations, it was unexpected the recommendations would be altered.
Council is expected to vote on the recommendation at its meeting next week.
Also Monday, the health board unanimously endorsed the Toronto Overdose Action Plan that received wide praise from members of the citys harm-reduction community.
Its a critical step forward, and it is a sign that this city treats overdose seriously, said Councillor Joe Cressy, who chaired Mondays meeting at city hall.
The dramatic rise in overdose deaths in Toronto and across the country has been declared an urgent public health crisis.
Cressy said at long last, drug addiction is being treated as a public health issue, reflected by both the tone and tenor of the debate that people say lets get on with it, he said.
Absent from the vote was Councillor Christin Carmichael Greb, who abruptly quit the health board during Mondays meeting without explanation and before any voting took place.
Her departure left Cressy scrambling to maintain quorum for the votes on CEDs and the overdose strategy.
Cressy said he was notified that a resignation had taken place but refused to speculate on the circumstances, and whether it might have related to the overdose report.
Last summer, Carmichael Greb was one of three councillors who voted against supervised injection sites for intravenous drug users. They are scheduled to open later his year.
She did not respond to the Stars request for comment.
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Lawyers for Bombardier and Metrolinx will face off in a University Ave. courtroom Tuesday morning in a hearing over the fate of the two parties troubled $770-million light rail vehicle contract.
In a high-stakes legal battle pitting the iconic Canadian rail manufacturer against the provinces regional transit agency, Metrolinx is accusing Bombardier of exposing it to massive financial consequences and reputational damage by allegedly defaulting on the order for 182 LRVs.
Bombardier claims the company has addressed its production problems and will be able supply the new fleet in time for Metrolinx to open LRT lines on Eglinton Ave. and Finch Ave. West as planned.
The company is seeking an injunction to prevent Metrolinx from terminating the contract. Bombardier says if the application isnt granted the company will suffer irreparable harm to its finances, international reputation and employees.
In a factum filed to support its case, the company alleges that Metrolinx is attempting to get out of the deal because the agency no longer needs all the vehicles it agreed to buy. Metrolinx rejects the claim in a factum of its own. Neither document has been tested in court.
Central to Bombardiers argument is that under former mayor Rob Ford, city council threw the LRV deal into disarray by cancelling the Scarborough LRT. The line would have replaced the existing Scarborough RT and been operated with 48 of the cars from the Bombardier order.
The other lines the trains would serve were the Eglinton Crosstown, Finch West and Sheppard East projects. All four were part of the David Miller-era Transit city plan.
Metrolinx placed the order for 182 cars in June 2010, but Bombardier alleges the deal became shrouded in uncertainty just five months later when Ford won the mayoral election.
Mayor Rob Ford was elected after promising to scrap the plans for light rail transit in Scarborough and to replace that line with a subway Consequently, in 2011 and 2012, the future of the Transit City plan was in doubt due to political debate, Bombardiers factum states.
According to Bombardier, Metrolinx was so concerned about whether the LRT projects would survive that in 2011 the agency said it expected to reduce the number of LRVs it would buy.
But in March 2012, council appeared to resurrect Transit City when councillors defied Ford and voted to build an LRT instead of a subway on Sheppard. According to Bombardier, by the end of 2012 the province had agreed to a new schedule for vehicles for the opening of four lines.
However, things changed again less than a year later when council altered course and in July 2013 voted to build a subway extension to replace the Scarborough RT. The subway project was supported by Metrolinxs masters in the provincial Liberal government.
This decision created a financial and political dilemma for (Metrolinx), Bombardiers factum states. The company claims that Metrolinx didnt want to pay for vehicles it didnt need, but also didnt want to have to compensate Bombardier for removing them from the order.
In its factum the company claims the 48 vehicles were valued at $220 million to $230 million.
Although the city was expected to pick up the sunk costs associated with cancelling the LRT, Bombardier alleges that Metrolinx was very concerned that it would have its own gas plants scandal on its hands, a reference to the controversy over cancelled power plants that engulfed the Liberal government around that time.
In its filing, Metrolinx dismisses Bombardiers claims about the surplus Scarborough vehicles as untrue and a red herring.
Mark Ciavarro, a project director at Metrolinx, testified ahead of the hearing that the agency could make use of all of the LRVs it ordered.
According to Ciavarro, Metrolinx had discussions with the city to add the vehicles to the TTCs streetcar order, which had also been placed with Bombardier.
Ciavarro also said Metrolinx could use the LRVs on future light rail lines in Hamilton, Mississauga or proposed extensions of the Eglinton Crosstown. So there were a number of places where those vehicles could go, he said.
Metrolinx alleges that it should be allowed to terminate the contract because despite countless reassurances there has been no demonstrated improvement in Bombardiers quality or manufacturing.
The agency points to the fact that the first two pilot LRVs were scheduled to be completed by early 2015 but Bombardier has yet to deliver.
The agency says it faces the prospect of massive financial losses if it is forced to persist in its failed contractual relationship with Bombardier.
Thats because Metrolinx is responsible for paying damages to the consortium building the Crosstown line if the vehicles are late. Metrolinx claims those damages could be as high as $500,000 per day, while Bombardier is only liable to pay Metrolinx $1,500 a day for each LRV thats delayed.
The Crosstown and Finch lines are scheduled to open in 2021, and Metrolinx says it should be allowed to terminate the Bombardier order so that it can find another supplier in time.
Metrolinx claims its within its legal rights to cancel the contract, but even if it wasnt, it would be better for the courts to award monetary damages to Bombardier than to force the two parties together in an unhappy commercial marriage that has already soured.
Bombardier has claimed that the first pilot vehicle was ready for testing last fall, but Metrolinx refused to perform the certification tests. On Monday, Bombardier issued a press release that said the second pilot was on its way from its factory in Thunder Bay to its facility in Kingston for testing.
These actions clearly demonstrate that Bombardier is fully capable of delivering the LRVs, Bombardiers project manager said in the statement.
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More funding for legal aid. More judge-alone murder trials. More judges period.
These are just some of the suggestions that have been thrown around by lawyers in the wake of the Supreme Court of Canadas landmark 2016 ruling, R v. Jordan, which set strict timelines to bring an accused person to trial.
The majority on the court called out a culture of complacency, saying all players in the Canadian justice system must find ways to speed up the process, to protect the rights of the accused and to satisfy the public that justice is being done promptly and fairly.
Real change will require the efforts and co-ordination of all participants in the criminal justice system, the majority of the courts judges wrote in Jordan.
In Ontario, real change has so far meant appointing 13 new provincial court judges and 32 new prosecutors, among other developments. Its led Attorney General Yasir Naqvi to ask his federal counterpart, Jody Wilson-Raybould, to think about scrapping preliminary inquiries in most cases, and to immediately fill the 11 judicial vacancies in the understaffed Superior Court.
PART 2: Scrapping prelims 'not going to solve' problem of court delays
But criminal defence lawyers are quick to point out that many of these ideas particularly the controversial move to abolish preliminary inquiries are nothing more than short-term, and in some cases short-sighted, fixes that dont get to the root causes of delay. Theyve complained about being kept in the dark on reforms the provincial government is planning, and some of have said they would be more than willing to share their ideas with Naqvi.
Criminal defence lawyers have always been, to some extent, the black sheep of the criminal justice system. We are like the opinionated uncle that you know you have to invite to family gatherings from time to time, but if you can avoid it you will because it will just make it less comfortable to push your own agenda, said lawyer Michael Lacy, a vice-president with the Criminal Lawyers Association. We get in the way.
He acknowledged there have been examples of criminal defence lawyers clogging up the courts with unreasonable conduct, but we are significant stakeholders in the administration of justice.
Naqvi told the Star in an interview that he and officials from his ministry meet with the criminal defence bar regularly.
The Jordan decision is real, it has been a game changer. That is why we have worked very hard to get the appropriate response with appropriate consultation, he said.
Criminal Lawyers Association president Anthony Moustacalis has said he and Naqvi met soon after the announcement about prelims, and said Naqvi agreed to keep an open mind.
After the Jordan ruling, lawyers have circulated their own ideas to improve the system. The Canadian Bar Association has joined in by publishing a top 10 list of recommendations.
As you can see from my blog that was widely circulated among justice system participants, I have stated 13 reasons that could vastly change the efficiency of the system, said Toronto criminal defence lawyer Sean Robichaud.
Yet I have not been contacted by any member of government to discuss these possibilities and how it could improve the system. I suspect that similar efforts to contribute by the defence are met with the same silence.
Among Robichauds suggestions: extend court operating hours, including on weekends; ensure clients who are in jail pending trial are brought to court on time; reduce the need to rely on paper, a notorious feature of the court system; allow lawyers to adjourn matters electronically, rather than show up to court for most of the day only for the matter to take less than a minute to be heard.
Hes also urging Crown attorneys to consent to judge-alone trials in homicide cases when requested by the defence.
Almost invariably, that request is denied, Robichaud writes in his blog, meaning the trial will instead be heard by judge and jury. Judge-alone cases are far more efficient and quick than jury trials . . . This is a very easy fix that will have profound benefits for court delay all without sacrificing fairness or justice.
For one thing, no jury would mean no jury selection, which can sometimes take weeks.
Its a balancing of how many resources we can devote and what we can really afford, said Ottawa criminal defence lawyer Anne London-Weinstein, who supports the idea of judge-alone trials when requested by the defence.
We may not be able to afford all of the procedures that were relying on now, and we should look at whether we can hang on to jury trials going forward if we cant justify it in terms of how much time they take.
The Canadian Bar Association is pushing for alternatives to prosecuting minor offences and for the repeal of federal legislation around mandatory minimum sentences, which the organization said prevents negotiated resolutions, meaning more matters go to trial.
As a way to avoid bringing weak cases into the system, the association is also calling for Crowns to adopt the standard used by the prosecution in B.C. on whether to pursue charges, which is whether there is a substantial likelihood of conviction. In Ontario, for example, the test is whether there is a reasonable prospect of conviction, a lower standard.
And then theres legal aid, which has been a contentious topic in Ontario, even more so post-Jordan.
At the end of their judgment, where the majority wrote about the kind of changes Jordan will likely elicit, the judges said: Legal Aid has a role to play in securing the participation of experienced defence counsel, particularly for long, complex trials.
Naqvi said the government has made historic investments in legal aid to increase access to services, and will continue to add money.
But the low-income cut-off for an individual with no dependants to qualify for legal aid is $13,000, which critics say does not adequately reflect the face of poverty in Ontario and is leaving many individuals unrepresented in court, which in turn clogs the system. A previously planned six per cent increase to the eligibility threshold takes effect April 1.
A veteran judge of the Superior Court called out the low-income cut-off in a ruling last year, when he stayed drug charges against an accused man until the province picked up the tab for a lawyer.
It should be obvious to any outside observer that the income thresholds being used by Legal Aid Ontario do not bear any reasonable relationship to what constitutes poverty in this country, wrote Justice Ian Nordheimer, saying that Statistics Canada calculates the low-income cut-off for a single person living in a metropolitan area as closer to $25,000.
One thing all parties agree on in terms of resources is the need for more judges. Naqvi said the number of judges he appointed to the Ontario court of justice, which handles less serious crimes and most family matters, was exactly the number requested by Chief Justice Lise Maisonneuve.
But appointing judges to Superior Court, which handles the most serious crimes such as murder, as well as all civil matters, is a federal responsibility.
Yet Ottawa has failed to quickly fill a near record-level number of judicial vacancies in superior courts across the country. There are 11 vacancies in the Ontario Superior Court, and four at the Court of Appeal, the provinces top court.
The 17 judicial advisory committees which screen applicants for federally-appointed judgeships was left vacant for months, as the Liberals looked to revamp them to make the committees more diverse and transparent.
In late January, Wilson-Raybould announced appointments to seven of the committees, including two that cover Ontario, and said they would immediately begin reviewing judicial applications and create a short list of candidates.
Ontario commends the federal government for the steps it has taken to restructure its judicial appointments approach, Naqvi wrote to Wilson-Raybould in February.
That said, Ontario is currently losing hundreds of hours of judicial time every month due to lingering vacancies on the Superior Court bench. In affected regions of our province, this is having a material impact on our ability to meet the Jordan challenge. We therefore request that you, as Minister of Justice, move as expeditiously as possible to fill these positions.
And while Naqvi may have appointed enough provincial court judges, he didnt appoint nearly enough Crown attorneys when he announced the hiring of 32 new prosecutors last year, said Kate Matthews, president of the Ontario Crown Attorneys Association.
There was also no announcement of support staff in Ontario, she said, adding Crowns are already overburdened and spend most of their days in court, and cant get to other work or find time to speak with the defence.
Alberta and Quebec both added support staff and that is important because a lot of the reason for trial delay in our view is that cases are far more complicated, theres far more disclosure, the nature of the disclosure is much more complicated, and a lot of the work that needs to be done is by admin. staff.
Matthews said a massive part of the delay in the court system is related to disclosure the Crowns obligation to turn over its evidence to the defence. While Crowns generally get the blame from judges when delayed disclosure leads to a case being tossed, Matthews said its difficult to turn over evidence then the Crowns themselves are still waiting for it to come from police.
We feel there has been a downloading of responsibility from police to Crowns with respect to organization and vetting of disclosure, she said, with the Crown attorney having to find the time to sift through all the material, which can include a massive amount of paper, in-car camera footage and hard drives.
All things considered, the Jordan decision should not have come as such a shock to governments, say Crown attorneys and defence lawyers, some of whom have long pushed for the reforms that are only now being given more attention.
This isnt like Jordan dropped out of the sky and nobody saw it coming, Matthews said. This has been an issue brewing for a long time, and to the extent the provincial governments didnt react right away, even that is a bit distressing. All this shows is theres no proactive approach to justice. Its all reactive.
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Warning: this article includes graphic details.
A Barrie dermatologist who argued he could not possibly have rubbed his penis against his female patients because it was covered by his large belly has been found guilty of a number of allegations at Ontarios medical regulator.
The five-member panel of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontarios discipline committee found that Dr. Rodion Andrew Kunynetz sexually abused one patient by touching her breasts under her bra without clinical justification for doing so.
He was also found guilty of disgraceful, dishonourable or unprofessional conduct by failing to give two patients proper warning or explanation for removing some of their clothes.
But its the conduct that involved the doctors genital area and the contact, if any, that it had with female patients that was the primary focus of the discipline committees 47-page decision made public Tuesday. A number of patients testified that Kunynetz rubbed his penis against their legs during examinations, an allegation that Kunynetz argued was physically impossible.
Kunynetz denied all allegations before the panel. His lawyer, Matthew Sammon, told the Star they are reviewing the committees decision.
We note, from our preliminary review of the decision, that the committee has dismissed most of the allegations of sexual abuse against Dr. Kunynetz, he wrote in an email. The committee found that the college had not proven the allegations of sexual abuse with respect to alleged contact between Dr. Kunynetzs genitalia and patients legs.
He said they are analyzing the one sexual abuse finding the committee did make, and whether an appeal will be initiated.
The committee explained that Kunynetz underwent two examinations with urology experts one hired by the defence, the other by the college to chemically induce erections in Kunynetz and then simulate patient examinations to determine if indeed his penis could be felt against a patients leg.
After conflicting results from the two experts and after consulting photographic evidence from one of the procedures, the committee could only conclude that the impossibility of contact between the doctors penis and a patients skin (through clothing) was not established.
Penis questions aside, the committee did state, based on the evidence, that there had been contact between the patients and that part of Dr. Kunynetzs lower abdomen at the level of his pelvis, and that the patients were distressed by this. That part is known as an abdominal panniculus, or abdominal fat pad as the committee put it.
The panel found this contact to be professional misconduct because it was not accompanied by any form of warning, apology or excuse.
Kunynetz had already been suspended from practicing since October 2015. He is facing 11 criminal counts of sexual assault and one count of gross indecency, the Barrie courthouse confirmed Tuesday.
His criminal lawyer, David Humphrey, said the charges relate to 11 patients. The case is currently at the preliminary inquiry stage.
The discipline hearing heard from a number of witnesses over 38 days that stretched across the first half of last year. The patients identities are covered by a publication ban.
In the case of Patient C, she testified Kunynetz pressed his penis against the side of her leg when she was sitting on the side of the examination table.
She testified that she felt he was starting to get an erection and she could not wait until the appointment was over, the panel, chaired by Dr. Peeter Poldre, wrote. She felt it was disgusting and degrading.
Patient D testified that when she was sitting on the examination table, Kunynetz pushed his hips against her thigh, and in doing so, she felt his penis against her thigh some inches above her knee. It was her perception that his penis was semi-erect. She testified it was very forceful and could not have been accidental, according to the decision.
She described the movement as gyrating.
The college also called what are known as similar fact witnesses patients with similar allegations, but who were not the focus of the case against Kunynetz.
When asked how she knew it was a penis rubbing up against her, one of those witnesses, Patient SC, testified: Im a woman of almost 70 years; I know what a penis is and what it feels like. I have no doubt at all that it was a penis.
For the defence, Dr. Sidney Radomski, head of urology at Toronto Western hospital, injected Kunynetz with a triple mixture of drugs to induce an erection and then had the doctor, wearing his underwear, conduct a simulated examination on him while sitting on the examination table.
The simulated examination took place when the penis was flaccid and after the arrival of the erection. Dr. Radomski concluded that it would not have been possible for Dr. Kunynetz to have rubbed his genitalia, flaccid or erect, against the patients, according to the decision.
On cross-examination, he admitted other factors, such as how Kunynetzs body was positioned, could have affected his conclusions.
Then came Dr. Gerald Brock, expert for the college, professor of surgery at Western University and specialist in erectile dysfunction. His examination of Kunynetz, where he also injected drugs to cause an erection, was observed by a college investigator and a lawyer representing the defence, whose job was to take pictures.
Brock also acted as the mock patient in the simulated examinations, which he conducted at three different examination table heights.
When Dr. Brock sat on the examination table, he was able to feel Dr. Kunynetzs penis when Dr. Kunynetz was standing and moving forward towards him, the committee wrote. He was also able to visualize the penis. Dr. Brock testified that he was able to feel the penis at all three table heights.
A penalty hearing in the case will now be scheduled.
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More schools have joined the growing list of organizations that have cancelled class trips to the U.S. amid travel restrictions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trumps government.
A school at Ryerson University and the Greater Essex County school board joined the Girl Guides who announced last week that they would be suspending their trips to the U.S.
Permanent residents of Canada who are citizens from one of six Muslim-majority countries Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen can be denied entry to the U.S. under revised travel restrictions that went into effect last Thursday.
We didnt want to risk our students not being allowed entry into the U.S., said Christopher De Sousa, director of the School of Urban and Regional Planning. We did not want to put them in a position to have to opt out of a U.S. trip for fear that they would not be let in.
The School of Urban and Regional Planning has made the difficult decision to constrain their field trips to Canadian destinations in 2017, De Sousa wrote in a Feb. 17 email.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are an essential part of Ryerson, De Sousa said.
Usually about 130 students visit the U.S. every year, but this year the School will visit the Canadian cities of Ottawa, Montreal, Quebec, Vancouver, Victoria as well as Sweden/Denmark and Ecuador, he said.
The Greater Essex County District School Board is reviewing its field trip policy and about 100 students were part of the trips that were cancelled, said Clara Howitt, Essex County District School Board Superintendent of Education. The district typically has approximately 20- 25 trips to the U.S. every year.
The district cancelled a handful of trips bound for the U.S., she said. One trip in particular was planned for Washington during the time of a social justice rally whereby a half million people were expected to be there for the protest. We did not feel it was safe to have staff and students in Washington during the planned protest.
While the Ottawa-Carleton District School Board has not cancelled any trips to the U.S. so far, a letter was sent out to parents and students telling them they could opt out of trips if they so choose.
Other school districts have not cancelled trips but continue to monitor the situation.
At this point in time, no trips to the U.S. have been cancelled as a result of changes at the border, however were continuing to closely monitor the situation as it develops, said Ryan Bird, spokesperson for the Toronto District School Board.
Meanwhile, a growing list of professors has called for an academic boycott of international conferences held in the U.S. The list features several professors from Canadian universities.
While the National Council of Canadian Muslims has not put out an advisory against travelling to the U.S., it remains deeply concerned about reports that some Canadian Muslims are being arbitrarily barred from entering the United States based on the fact that they identify as Muslim, Ihsaan Gardee, executive director of the National Council of Canadian Muslims, said in a statement.
Note March 22, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version.
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They have witnessed deaths, were hurt and sometimes recruited to fight in wars. If they managed to flee, the scars stay with them.
Stranded in unbearable living conditions in refugee camps, with the perpetual uncertainty of finding permanent homes, some of them harm themselves, try to take their own lives or use drugs to escape their misery.
Thats the picture three recent reports by international aid groups have painted of the grim reality faced by refugee children fleeing war and unrest around the world.
Child refugees are more likely to have higher levels of behavioural or emotional problems, including aggression and other affective disorders, said a report released by Save the Children last week, titled A Tide of Self-harm and Depression, which focused on those stranded on the Greek islands.
They become more likely to turn to negative coping strategies. These could include harming their own bodies, drug and alcohol abuse. For some this may lead to attempting suicide. It is important to recognize that self-harm is a way of expressing difficult feelings when children and adolescents become numb and desensitized over time due to unbearable situations.
Based on interviews with staff and refugee families on five Greek islands, home to some 13,200 asylum-seekers hoping to enter Europe, the Save the Children report documented incidents of self-harm in children as young as 9. Mothers reported finding self-inflicted scars on their childrens hands.
Some children as young as 12 have attempted suicide, and in one case filmed the event, the report said.
Unaccompanied children also live in 24-hour survival mode and sleep in shifts to try to stay safe. Many lone children have also disappeared and left the island with smugglers or by themselves.
Save the Childrens field teams are seeing an alarming deterioration in childrens mental health and fear that a generation of young boys and girls are developing long-term issues such as major depression, separation anxiety, over-anxiety and post-traumatic stress, said Andreas Ring, humanitarian representative for Save the Children in Greece.
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. If conditions remain unchanged, we could end up with a generation of numb children who think violence is normal.
A UNICEF report declared 2016 as the worst year for Syrias children, reporting 652 were killed almost half in or near their schools. More than 860 were recruited to fight in the war, used as guards and suicide bombers.
It estimated nearly six million Syrian children now depend on humanitarian assistance, with almost half forced to flee their homes. Some children have been displaced up to seven times before reaching safety. More than 2.3 million Syrian children now live as refugees in Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq.
Coping mechanisms are eroding fast and families are taking extreme measures just to be able to survive, said the 12-page report released last week by the United Nations childrens agency. Child labour, early marriage and child recruitment are on the rise.
Another report released last week, by Doctors Without Borders (MSF), found a marked deterioration in peoples mental health and blamed it on the year-old pact between the European Union and Turkey that blocked the flow of asylum-seekers into Europe. The report was not specific to children.
MSF psychologists saw a 2.5-fold increase in the percentage of patients with symptoms of anxiety and depression, and a threefold increase in the percentage of patients with post-traumatic stress disorder over the year, said the report.
Symptoms of psychosis also increased, all of which coincides with our teams seeing more patients with severe trauma, and more cases of self-harm and more suicide attempts.
Save the Children is calling on the EU to reopen its doors to asylum-seekers and on Greece to end the detention of child refugees and migrants. It also demands that authorities allocate special funding for mental health and psychosocial support programming for refugees.
In additional to an immediate political solution to the conflict, UNICEF said civilian infrastructure such as schools, playgrounds, clinics, hospitals and water facilities should be in place for the children in need.
Nothing justifies atrocities committed against children in a war that is not of their making, UNICEF concluded in its report.
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There were four times more asylum claimants arriving at land border crossings than at airports in the first two months of 2017, new Canadian data show.
In January and February, a total of 525 air travellers 400 in Ontario, 90 in Quebec, 35 in British Columbia and nine in Alberta sought asylum upon arrival at airports, said the Canada Border Services Agency.
By contrast, 2,145 people crossed at official land border ports of entry and made refugee claims during the same period, including 1,085 in Quebec, 905 in Ontario, 80 in Manitoba, and 35 each in Alberta and British Columbia.
In addition to the migrants who made it through the border either legally or illegally and later filed what are known as inland claims, Canada received claims from a total of 5,520 refugees in the two months a 48 per cent increase from the same period a year ago. The numbers of claimants arriving at land border crossings and airports for the same period of 2016 were not immediately available.
Read more:Nearly half of Canadians support deporting people who are in Canada illegally, poll finds
Given Canadas geographical isolation and the popularity of the United States as a destination for migrants, experts say, Ottawa historically received more refugees by air than at land borders.
However, from 2013 to 2016, with tightening air travel restrictions, claims at airport arrivals have been surpassed by claims made at land ports of entry from the U.S. by a one-to-two ratio.
Experts say the sudden rise in land border claims can be attributed to the anti-immigrant and xenophobic policies of U.S. President Donald Trumps administration as well as Canadas full implementation of the new electronic travel authorization, or eTA, a screening mechanism that applies also to visa-exempt air passengers.
(The) airport was the easiest way, but because of the visa requirements, it is becoming more difficult to travel here by air than by land, and it is easier to get a visa to the U.S. than to Canada, said Janet Dench of the Canadian Council for Refugees.
Dench said that in years past, the council received monthly statistics from the Immigration Department on asylum claims, before the former Conservative government stopped providing the information in 2010.
Dench cautioned that it is hard to make out any trend and explain the surge in land border claims based on two months of statistics because there could be other factors at play.
It could be just a question of resource availability. The inland office may have fewer resources and cant give out as many appointments to take in asylum claims, Dench explained.
The airport claims can go up and down depending on weather and changes to visa requirements.
The number of refugee claimants arriving in Canada hit rock bottom at 10,370 in 2013, the year after the Conservative government revamped the asylum system to expedite processing of claims, reduce health care for refugees and deport failed claimants quicker.
Since then it has crept up and reached 23,895 in 2016, a year after the Liberal government came into power and adopted a more friendly approach toward immigrants and refugees.
Osgoode Hall Law School professor Sean Rehaag believed asylum trends have much to do with the political climate in refugee receiving countries.
Claims made in Canada dropped after 2012 with the language of the government to get tough on asylum-seekers. People understood the reception in Canada was not going to be as welcoming as in the past, said Rehaag, who specializes in immigration and refugee law.
The general climate in the U.S. under the Trump administration makes certain group of people feel not welcomed there. It is not surprising they are coming to Canada to make claims.
While Canadas 2017 asylum claimants could easily reach 33,000 if the upward trend continues, Rehaag said that would still be under the peak of 40,000 in the early 2000s.
We are not at an unusually high level. Comparing to many countries, we have had far fewer asylum seekers. Turkey and Jordan are taking in millions of refugees, said Rehaag.
When we talk about the increasing numbers of refugees crossing the border, we do need to keep the broader context in mind.
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A veteran businessman who hasnt been shy about criticizing the Ontario government over hydro costs and other issues is taking a $340,000-a-year job as the provinces first chief investment officer, the Star has learned.
Allan ODette, president and chief executive of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce for five years, assumes the post next month to provide one-stop shopping for new businesses coming to Ontario or planning to expand globally.
In the past, those companies would have had to make dozens of calls, Economic Development Minister Brad Duguid said Monday. He in many ways will be a fixer.
ODette will head the new Ontario Investment Office, which has a staff of 125 and is tasked with helping companies navigate their way through various government ministries and solving problems that can get in the way of deals.
I think I can make a bigger difference in this role, said ODette, who acknowledged he is taking a material pay cut and will draw on his experience as an entrepreneur and executive.
That includes more than two decades in the biotech and biopharmaceutical industries and Canadian Exposure, a flavoured water company he founded, later exporting to the Middle East, Africa and the United States.
I found out first hand how hard it is to take a startup and scale it to go global, said ODette, who eventually sold the company and has been on several international trade missions during his time with the Chamber of Commerce, which represents 60,000 businesses.
Duguid said other jurisdictions, including Mexico, have set up similar one-stop concierge shops to help businesses, making it important for Ontario to follow suit.
The world is changing fast. We needed someone in the business community with excellent connections, both domestically and abroad, Duguid told the Star.
I was really looking for someone whos a straight shooter, the minister added, noting the constructive criticism the Chamber of Commerce has levelled at the government on pensions, energy, mining and other issues under ODette. He tells it like it is.
The Chamber of Commerce recently issued a report challenging the government over high electricity costs and other issues, warning that only a minority of (chamber members) believe that a number of major government policies and initiatives will have a positive impact on their organization.
ODette said he has been steadfastly non-partisan at the chamber and that his new appointment is not a political one.
I worked as close with the current Liberal government as I did with the two opposition parties, he told the Star, describing the Ontario economy as diverse and well positioned.
We need to tell our story. What I will bring to this is a collaborative approach. Ive always tried to bring people together to get their interests aligned.
That will mean working with federal, local and other national governments.
Particularly in the Trump era, with the U.S. embarking on a more protectionist approach in terms of international trade, we have to be more proactive to help people understand the richness of our economy, ODette said.
That includes everything from a competitive corporate tax rate, research and development subsidies to a skilled labour force, a universal health-care system and high-quality universities and colleges.
There is a matrix of conditions that makes Ontario attractive, ODette said.
Duguid defended the salary ODette will earn in the job about $6,500 weekly saying the government tried to recruit at a lower pay level but wasnt attracting the calibre of applicants it needed.
This is about value for money, he said.
Ontarios unemployment rate was 6.2 per cent in February, its lowest since October 2007 and marking the seventh straight month of job growth.
The Progressive Conservatives and New Democrats have complained, however, that the youth unemployment rate remains too high and that many Ontarians are still struggling to make ends meet, often working two or more jobs at low wages.
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ATHENS, GREECEPolice in Greece have discovered and neutralized eight parcel bombs, addressed to European Union finance officials and businesses in various European countries, at a postal sorting office near Athens.
The discovery Monday came after letter bombs were sent last week to the German Finance Ministry and the Paris office of the International Monetary Fund, where a small explosion injured a member of staff.
Read more:France on alert after school shooting, letter bomb attack
The Greek militant group, Conspiracy Cells of Fire, claimed responsibility for the German attack, describing it as part of a campaign of violence by international anarchist groups.
No one was hurt Monday when the parcels were discovered. Police gave no further details, but said the parcels had been falsely labelled as being sent from academic institutions.
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BRUSSELSOnce Britain decides to trigger divorce proceedings next week, the 27 other European Union nations will be taking a month to decide on the negotiating framework to achieve the best-possible split-up for the bloc.
They will hold a special Brexit summit on April 29 to draw up guidelines for the negotiations to follow. EU Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday that the aim will be to do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU, Tusk said.
Once the summit is over, it might take another few weeks for legal and institutional processes before the negotiations can start in earnest, perhaps in the middle of May. The talks themselves should be over by March 2019.
Beyond Tusk, other EU nations are also increasingly starting to think about how to protect EU interests in the face of the British rupture.
It cannot be like it was before, otherwise it would be a waste of time to have a Brexit. There will be consequences, said French finance minister Michel Sapin.
Read more:
Britain to trigger Brexit process on March 29
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It promises to be a legal and political battle royal between Britain, the worlds No. 5 economy, and the EU, a vast single market of 500 million people. If both sides agree, the negotiating deadline can be extended.
Tusk said Tuesday that Brexit guidelines will aim to give citizens, companies and all member states certainty and clarity on how the talks will go.
Britain which is excluded from the summit announced Monday it will formally trigger negotiations to exit the EU on March 29. That is expected to create two years uncertainty for all sides because no member state has ever walked away from the bloc.
The EU insists Britain needs to fully disentangle itself from the bloc before negotiating new relations, while London hopes the two can go hand in hand to speed up proceedings.
Sapin doesnt hold out many chances for Britains view to prevail.
First will be the divorce report, and as in every divorce there could be questions of money. Indeed, it will mainly be about questions of money, he said at an EU meeting of finance ministers.
Then, secondly, once weve got an idea of the burden of separating, it will be a question of examining the conditions for maintaining relations between Britain and the European Union.
Britons voted in a June referendum to leave the EU after more than 40 years of membership.
Tusk stressed again how unfortunate he thought it was for Britain to leave, but said that the first task now was to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and member states that will be negatively affected by Brexit, as well as our important partners and friends around the world.
The summit will give EU negotiator Michel Barnier a framework to deal with the British side. Tusk is expected to make his proposals for the guidelines before the end of the month.
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PARISAn investigation into parliamentary jobs arranged by French presidential candidate Francois Fillon has been extended to new suspicions of fraud and forgery.
A judicial official said Tuesday that prosecutors have allowed judges investigating whether jobs given by Fillon to his wife Penelope were real to extend their probe to allegations of aggravated fraud, forgery and use of forgeries.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Read more: Francois Fillon charged in job probe
Le Monde newspaper reported that investigators suspect the couple of forging documents after Penelopes alleged fake jobs were first reported in late January in order to prove she actually worked for her husband and that her salary was justified.
Fillon has denied wrongdoing and vowed to keep campaigning for Frances two-round, April-May presidential election despite being handed preliminary charges.
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CHARLESTON, S.C.During a night of vodka, cocaine, marijuana and video games, Joey Meek listened as a childhood buddy confided that he hated blacks so much he was going to kill them at a Charleston church.
Meek said he thought his friend was all talk until a week later, when news broke of a deadly shooting rampage at Emanuel AME church. But instead of calling authorities, Meek talked another friend out of going to police and giving them Dylan Roofs name. And then he lied to the FBI about his conversation with Roof.
For those crimes, Meek, 22, was sentenced Tuesday to more than two years in prison.
The punishment was handed down by the federal judge who presided at Roofs trial, which ended in January with the avowed white supremacist sentenced to death for massacring nine black people as they bowed their heads in prayer during a Wednesday night Bible study session on June 17, 2015.
Read more:
Dylann Roof sentenced to death for Charleston church slayings
Charleston shooter Dylann Roof says nothing wrong with me psychologically
Unlike Roof, Meek showed remorse for his crimes.
Im really, really sorry. A lot of beautiful lives were taken, he said, reading from a statement.
He cried as he told the judge he fears retribution behind bars: I dont know if Ill make it out of prison alive. Im scared.
U.S. District Judge Richard Gergels 27-month prison term was the minimum punishment under federal sentencing guidelines. The government wanted a stiffer sentence to make an example out of Meek and because he could have stopped the massacre.
None of the victims family members spoke in court, and they had no comment for reporters.
In a deal with prosecutors, Meek pleaded guilty to concealment of a crime and lying to the FBI.
Meek was not charged for failing to tell police about the impending attack, since that is not a crime under federal law. Instead, he was prosecuted for stopping a friend immediately after the slaughter from calling the police to report Roof as a suspect.
The judge said Meeks actions delayed Roofs capture for hours, during which Roof easily could have massacred more people somewhere else.
If Meek had just gone in his bedroom and cried and regretted not reporting, he would have committed no federal crime, Gergel said.
Meek and Roof, also 22, met in middle school, drifted apart during their high school years and then reconnected months before the shooting. Meek is the only person with whom Roof is known to have shared his murderous plans.
Meek told the FBI that he didnt report the conversation or call police even after hearing about the shootings in Charleston because he was on probation for burglary and was worried he would get in more trouble.
He also said he was so scared after hearing about the massacre that he wondered if he needed to get a gun to protect himself from Roof.
Joey sincerely hopes that anyone who has a friend who is talking about hurting someone will take it seriously, learn from his mistake and notify the proper authorities immediately, his attorney Deborah Barbier said outside court.
Meek sent each victims family a handwritten letter of apology, pointing out qualities he admired about their loved one. He ended each letter the same way: I ask for your forgiveness, but I dont expect it.
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In U.S. President Donald Trumps oft-changing world order, Roger J. Stone Jr., the one-time political consultant and full-time provocateur, has been one of the few constants a loyalist and self-proclaimed dirty trickster who nurtured the dream of a presidential run by the developer-turned-television-star for 30 years.
But two months into the Trump presidency, Stone, known for his pinstripe suits, the Nixon tattoo spanning his shoulder blades and decades of outlandish statements, is under investigation for what would be his dirtiest trick colluding with the Russians to defeat Hillary Clinton and put his friend in the White House.
At a hearing of the House Intelligence Committee Monday, Democrats pressed James B. Comey, director of the FBI, for information on Stone. Asked by Rep. Adam B. Schiff if he was familiar with Stone, Comey replied tersely, Generally, yes, before saying he could not discuss any specific person.
Stone, 64, is the best known of the Trump associates under scrutiny as part of an FBI investigation into Russian interference in the election. John D. Podesta, the Clinton campaign chairman whose hacked emails were released by WikiLeaks, accused him in October of having advance warning of the hacks, which the intelligence community has concluded were orchestrated by Russia.
Trust me, it will soon (be) the Podestas time in the barrel, Stone had mused on Twitter before Podestas emails were released.
When Schiff asked Comey at the House hearing how Stone could have known that Podestas emails were going to be released, the FBI director again refused to answer. Thats not something I can comment on, Comey replied.
Stone has denied advance knowledge of the hacks or any involvement with the Russians. But his public statements have given investigators a focal point to consider.
Before the Podesta emails were released, Stone said in a speech that he had communicated with Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder whom he has defended for years and that he had a large trove of material on the Clintons that he would publish shortly before the election. He has acknowledged having communicated over Twitter with the online persona Guccifer 2.0, who U.S. officials believe is a front for Russian intelligence officials. And there was the Podesta tweet.
Stone has said the timeline of his benign contacts with Guccifer 2.0 who may or not be a Russian asset, he insisted disprove claims of collusion. His communication with Assange, Stone has said, was through an intermediary and was perfectly legal. The Podesta tweet, Stone said, referred to information in an article Stone wrote that was published two months later, not any emails.
Now under scrutiny by both FBI and Senate investigators, Stone has hired two lawyers to represent him. But in an interview, Stone maintained that this was a scandal with no evidence.
There is still not an iota of proof that anyone on the Trump campaign colluded with the Russians, said Stone, who met Trump through their mutual mentor, the McCarthy-era fixer and lawyer Roy M. Cohn.
Stone learned from Cohn that all press is good press, and to hit back, hard and often, and he is doing just that.
His recent book, The Making of the President 2016, is part paean to Trump and part pushback against the claims related to Russia. While promoting the book, Stone has said he believes his communications were monitored by the government, and he supports Trumps contention that there must have been surveillance of him as a candidate.
His own writings mirror, and perhaps feed into, Trumps belief that there is a broad intelligence community effort to undermine the current White House. He tweeted in protest of smears that he wanted to respond to during Mondays hearing.
Few people go as far back with Trump as Stone. Over the years, he was by Trumps side as he toyed with running for president and then, in 2015, finally decided to do it. Still, Stone seems to prefer the role of outside adviser in a relationship that has had ups and downs. It was the role he played in 2016 after he left Trumps campaign over what Stone said was a fight about its direction.
Stone said he decided to leave; Trump maintained that he fired him.
As an informal adviser, Stone supported Trumps plan to focus extensively on immigration at the start of the 2016 campaign and believed that he could tap into a core group of disaffected Republican voters. He encouraged his engagement with conservative online media, such as Newsmax and, later on, Breitbart. He also advised Trump to attack Clinton over how she dealt with women involved in her husbands extramarital affairs, a line of attack that Trump embraced. Trump offered praise for Stone on the coming Netflix documentary Get Me Roger Stone.
As scrutiny has intensified in recent weeks, Stone has lashed out more aggressively, sending a series of caustic, obscenity-laced messages on Twitter, several of which he deleted a few hours after posting.
Dont confuse Roger Stone with the character I play, Stone said with a chuckle in an interview Sunday, conceding he has sometimes sent a two-martini tweet.
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MCLEAN, VA.The rejection of a sewage permit in rural Virginia has made unlikely allies of the Trump administration and the American Civil Liberties Union, which both allege that a county board discriminated against Muslims trying to build a new mosque.
A federal judge in Charlottesville is scheduled to hear pretrial arguments Wednesday in the lawsuit, which was launched in December by the Obama administration against Culpeper County, about 70 miles southwest of the nations capital.
The Trump administration is moving forward with the lawsuit, to the surprise of some who have been critical of Trump for anti-Muslim rhetoric and his proposed travel ban directed at half a dozen Muslim-majority countries. Indeed, the ACLU has accused Trump of anti-Muslim bias in legal briefs opposing the travel ban.
We were curious as to what would happen to the case, acknowledged Leslie Mehta, legal director for the ACLUs Virginia chapter, which has filed a brief in support of the federal lawsuit.
Read the latest news on U.S. President Donald Trump
But she said shes happy the Trump administration is continuing to enforce the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, or RLUIPA, which enables private parties or the federal government to sue if they believe a local government is manipulating land-use policy to discriminate based on religion.
Justice Department spokeswoman Nicole Navas said the agency continues to enforce RLUIPA vigorously as they have since its enactment in September 2000.
The Culpeper dispute began in April, when the county board of supervisors voted 4-3 to deny a pump-and-haul sewage permit to the Islamic Center of Culpeper, which needs the permit to construct a mosque.
Read more: Anti-Muslim fury greets proposals for U.S. mosques
The supervisors who opposed the permit say it was strictly a land-use decision. Bill Chase, the supervisor who made the motion to deny the mosque its permit, said the notion that he and other supervisors were swayed by anti-Muslim sentiment is bull----.
Nobody even talked to me about the mosque, Chase said.
The Justice Department lawsuit cites emails that supervisors wrote stating they were receiving comments opposed to the mosque based on religion. It also notes that the board has granted permits like the one sought by the mosque dozens of times in the past.
Many Culpeper County residents expressed religious animus in opposing the ICCs request for the permit, the Justice Department wrote in a memo last month. The publics religious animus may be imputed to the Board.
Earlier this month, the Islamic centre filed its own lawsuit against the county, using the same law but advancing slightly different legal arguments, so that the mosque can move forward if the Trump administration reverses course.
But Johnathan Smith with Oakland, California-based Muslim advocates, which is representing the mosque, said he expects the DOJ to move ahead with its case.
There is a very long, bipartisan tradition in the Civil Rights Division of addressing cases of religious discrimination, said Smith, who used to work in that division.
The last 10 lawsuits filed by the feds, going back to 2011, have all been filed on behalf of Muslim worshippers. As recently as last month, the government reached a settlement with the city of Sterling Heights, Michigan, allowing for construction of a mosque on city property.
Nationally, the law has been a powerful tool for vindicating the rights of religious minorities, said Daniel Mach, director of the ACLUs Program on Freedom of Religion and Belief.
Often, the very fact that the feds investigate a case will prompt a settlement, Mach said, though statistics show that settlements are less likely in cases involving mosques.
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WASHINGTONThe White House is distancing itself from two former senior members of Donald Trumps team amid an FBI investigation into possible connections between Trump associates and Russia.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Monday referred to Trumps former national security adviser, Michael Flynn, as a volunteer of the campaign. And he said Paul Manafort, who ran Trumps campaign for months, played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time.
And so to start to look at some individual that was there for a short period of time or, separately, individuals who really didnt play any role in the campaign and to suggest that those are the basis for anything is a bit ridiculous, he said.
Spicer wrongly claimed that Manafort was brought onto Trumps campaign sometime in June and by the middle of August he was no longer with the campaign. In fact, Manafort was hired in late March as Trumps convention manager, and was promoted to campaign chairman in May. He resigned from the campaigns top post in mid-August, amid an onslaught of negative press having to do with his past work for foreign governments, including pro-Russian Ukrainian leaders.
Manafort issued a statement Monday defending himself against suggestions he played a part in Russias efforts to interfere with the U.S. presidential campaign. He said he had no role or involvement in the cyber hack of the Democratic National Committee and disclosure of stolen emails.
Flynn, meanwhile, was one of the presidents closest advisers throughout the campaign and the transition, frequently travelling on his plane. He was named national security adviser, but resigned from the White House last month after he was found to have misled senior members of the administration about his contacts with Russias top diplomat to the U.S.
During a congressional hearing Monday examining Russian meddling in the 2016 election and possible connections between Moscow and Trumps aides, FBI Director James Comey was asked about various campaign advisers and staffers, including Carter Page, whom Trump once named as one of his foreign policy advisers. Comey generally declined to talk about specific staffers.
In a letter to the Senate intelligence committee, Page, who has emerged as a key figure in the controversy surrounding Trump associates connections to Russia, cast himself as a regular presence in Trump Tower, where the campaign was headquartered.
I have frequently dined in Trump Grill, had lunch in Trump Cafe, had coffee meetings in the Starbucks at Trump Tower, attended events and spent many hours in campaign headquarters on the fifth floor last year, Page wrote. It is unclear whether that is true. After the campaign, Trumps lawyers sent Page at least two cease and desist letters.
Spicer described Page and other individuals mentioned during the hearing as hangers-oner on the campaign.
Those people, the greatest amount of interaction that they had with the campaign was the campaign apparently sending them a series of cease and desists, he said.
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SINJAR, IRAQRelatives collapsed in grief as the coffin of an 18-year-old Yazidi fighter was carried to a small temple at the base of Mount Sinjar.
Salam Mukhaibirs death this month, along with four other Yazidi fighters, marked the latest dark turn for an Iraqi minority sect that has suffered genocide at the hands of Daesh, also known as ISIS.
But the men were not killed fighting the militants. They died in clashes with Kurdish peshmerga forces when long-simmering rivalries erupted.
Daesh overran the town of Sinjar and its surroundings 21/2 years ago, executing thousands of Yazidi men, whom it considers apostates. Thousands of women who were kidnapped to be used as sex slaves and their children remain missing.
Read more:
Refugees cheer Canadian promise to welcome Yazidis
How a Tory MP passed her motion to recognize Yazidi assault as genocide
But the fierce infighting among forces ostensibly meant to be battling the militants now threatens to set back efforts to recapture more land and rebuild areas reduced to rubble.
The conflagration presents a challenge for the United States, which plays a role supporting both Kurdish factions involvedproviding military assistance to them, or their affiliates, in the fight against Daesh. It also marks a bleak bellwether for the prospects of peace after territory is finally won back from Daesh. In neighbouring Syria, U.S. troops have already been diverted to prevent warring between rival forces they support.
At a strategic crossroads between Syria, Turkey and Iraq, the traditional Yazidi heartland has become a flash point for Kurdish political rivalries, fuelled by the wider competing interests of Turkey, Iran and the Iraqi government in Baghdad.
We feel like a toy in the hands of the politicians, Khalaf Bahri, a Yazidi religious sheikh, said before performing the burial rites for the young man, whose body was carried to a cemetery on the mountainside. Yazidis are wounded and still bleeding. We still have our sisters and daughters and wives in the hands of Islamic State, but now this.
The slain Yazidi fighters belonged to the Sinjar Resistance Units, a local force affiliated with the military wing of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a separatist group from neighbouring Turkey. The United States has been providing arms to a coalition of forces over the border in Syria led by another PKK affiliate. Some fighters with the Yazidi group carried U.S.-made M-16 rifles. They said the firearms were captured from Daesh militants or purchased on the black market.
On the other side of the confrontation was the Rojava Peshmerga, largely Syrian Kurds under the command of Kurdistans regional government, which the U.S.-led coalition is also supporting in its fight against Daesh. They fled to Iraq at the beginning of Syrias civil war and have been blocked from returning home.
Both sides accuse the other of shooting first.
Kurdish President Masoud Barzani has repeatedly asked the PKK to leave Iraq. But many Yazidis credit the group with saving them when peshmerga forces charged with protecting them abandoned their posts with little fight during Daeshs onslaught in 2014.
Tens of thousands of Yazidis became trapped atop Mount Sinjar as they sought refuge there. Those who did not make it ended up as Daesh captives or were killed and thrown into one of the dozens of mass graves that surround the mountain.
The plight of those stuck on the mountain and surrounded by militants sparked the first aerial bombardment in Iraq by the U.S.-led coalition against Daesh fighters. But it was the PKK and its Syrian affiliate that fought to open a land route to allow Yazidis to escape on foot.
Since then, the PKK has put down roots, opening schools and training Yazidi fighters. Pictures of Abdullah Ocalan, the groups figurehead, are ubiquitous in the area. A shrine on the mountainside, illuminated at night, is dedicated to more than 200 fighters from the PKK and aligned factions who died fighting here.
To Kurdistans semi-autonomous government in northern Iraq, Sinjar is an integral part of its territory. The Iraqi government disputes that claim. Many Yazidis consider themselves ethnically Kurdish.
After Kurdish forces recaptured the town a year and a half ago, Barzani said in a triumphant speech from the mountainside that the Kurdish flag would be the only one to fly there. Since then, his party has expanded its influence, but the PKK has stayed put.
We are vulnerable and in a weak position, so whoever gives us a piece of bread, a house, a weaponpeople will take it, said Bahri, the Yazidi sheikh at the funeral, who is aligned with Yazidi-PKK forces. Our leaders have sold themselves for money.
We have been betrayed
As the rival sides vie for influence, thousands of Yazidis who took up arms against Daesh have also joined the peshmerga.
The clashes in recent weeks have sent thousands of Yazidi families that had returned to villages fleeing once more, some back to the mountain that provided them sanctuary in 2014.
Were poor; weve been through genocide, said Gowri Mitchka, who was putting up tents with 20 members of her extended family. We dont want to be a part of this. We need help.
Two days after the clashes this month, the peshmergariding atop bulldozerscreated large earthen barriers between the two sides, and soldiers restricted traffic along the road. The other side was also building defences.
This isnt a front line, said Maj. Gen. Bahjat Taymis, a peshmerga commander, as he sat on a rooftop at his base, looking out toward the PKK positions on the other side. We have no borders here; this is all Kurdistan.
But it had the signs of a front line, with armoured vehicles lined up behind the berms.
Taymis said the Rojava Peshmerga had been on a mission to cut off smuggling routes, and fighters were setting up a base on the edge of the village of Khana Sour when they were surrounded. Reinforcements sent in were then fired upon, he added.
The PKK said the fighting began after two of its fighters were shot dead as they tried to block the advancing convoy. The five Yazidis died in those clashes, according to PKK and Yazidi commanders.
Shesho and PKK commanders said the decision to deploy a foreign force was a deliberate provocation. Kurdistans government contends that it can deploy forces in its territory as it wishes.
Turkey considers the PKK a terrorist group and has said it will not let Sinjar become a new Qandil, referring to the mountain range in northern Iraq that has become a hideout for PKK forces waging attacks against the Turkish state.
Others say the Sinjar Resistance Units are also influenced by outside forces, through their close relationship with the PKK and links to the Iraqi governments popular mobilization forces, which are dominated by Iranian-backed militias.
We will not accept a Turkish agenda or an Iranian agenda. Turkey and Iran are trying to pull Sinjar into a regional conflict, and Sinjar will not accept it, said Mahama Khalil, the mayor of Sinjar, who belongs to the same party as Kurdistans president. He added that the PKK should leave.
But for the Iraqi government, the PKK presence in Sinjar provides a counterbalance to Kurdistans ruling party and Yazidi fighters said Baghdad paid their wages until late last year.
While the infighting continues, little has been done to rebuild SinjarKurdish officials say they cannot begin until the PKK leavesand areas nearby are still under Daesh control.
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March 21 is the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, as named by the United Nations. The day commemorates the lives that were lost during the fight for democracy and an end to apartheid in South Africa. On March 21,1960 police shot and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa, who were protesting against the apartheid laws.
For far too long, race has defined ones opportunity in the workplace.
Racial discrimination extends into the far reaches of the work world: racialized workers are often not considered for jobs or promotions, and they are much more frequently employed in insecure, low-waged jobs with few protections or opportunities for advancement despite comparable education, experience and skills.
We know that women, for example, are overrepresented in the 20 lowest-paid occupations, including cashiers, restaurant servers, food counter attendants and child care providers. The reality for female racialized workers is undeniably more stark.
Insecure work is at the core of racial inequality in Ontario.
Although workers of colour have slightly higher levels of labour market participation, they tend to experience higher levels of unemployment, be overrepresented in low-end occupations, and earn a lower income than non-racialized Canadians. These inequitable labour market experiences in turn lead to higher poverty rates, higher health risks, lower quality housing, and greater contact with the justice system.
As a group, Canadians of colour earn 81 cents for every dollar paid to non-racialized Canadians. This wage gap is even wider for indigenous and workers of colour that are female, have accessibility issues, and/or are recent newcomers to Canada.
This racialized wage differential is reflective of the unequal opportunity afforded to indigenous workers and workers of colour in accessing well paying, secure jobs. It is therefore imperative that the government leverage the opportunity of the Changing Workplaces Review to apply an equity lens on employment conditions in Ontario and make meaningful changes to the Employment Standards Act and the Labour Relations Act in order to create decent work for all Ontarians.
For example, there must be an end to the proliferation of temp agency work in this province, where racialized workers are overrepresented. All workers must also have fair scheduling, equal pay and working conditions for the same work. There are over 85 exemptions to the Employment Standards Act, leaving workers without protections that are sorely needed, in jobs ranging from agriculture work to technology services.
The Labour Relations Act must also make it easier to join and keep a union. Racialized workers have a 30 per cent lower unionization rate that non-racialized workers, and the statistics are similar for recent immigrants compared to the rest of the population.
Unions are a key tool that workers have in order to make changes to their conditions at work and their lives outside of work too. Without the meaningful ability to organize into a union, workers are left without a voice on the job.
Unionization is especially important for precarious workers and low-wage workers. It empowers workers to enforce their basic rights under the Employment Standards Act by providing much needed resources and support. It also is key to improved wages, better working conditions, and the availability of benefits beyond minimum standards.
In addition to updating the employment and labour laws in Ontario, the government must also introduce effective employment equity legislation to ensure all Ontarians have fair and equitable opportunities in the labour market. Strong legislative measures are needed to mandate employers to remove employment barriers, establish transparent human resource policies and practices, and cultivate a culture of equity and inclusion in all Ontario workplaces.
In the coming months, the government must have the courage to act. We encourage all Ontarians to stand up against racism and discrimination by demanding that the Changing Workplaces Review, and resulting legislation, takes on inequality in the labour market.
With recommendations expected in the spring, now is the time to make sure that through the Changing Workplaces Review, fair employment and labour laws are in place so that all workers are treated fairly particularly racialized workers who the laws are currently failing to protect.
Ontario has a historic opportunity to improve the work lives of racialized Ontarians by raising the bar for all workers and giving more of them the right to collective bargaining.
Modernizing the laws are not just an issue of fairness, it is a fundamental issue of racial justice and equity for Ontarians. Besides, our economy prospers when more workers have access to decent jobs and make decent income.
It is time for our government to stand up for racialized Ontarians, to set regulations that will improve conditions for everyone, and in making those changes, improve the work prospects for racialized workers across our province.
Avvy Go is the clinic director at the Metro Toronto Chinese and Southeast Asian Legal Clinic and a member of the steering committee for the Colour of Poverty, Colour of Change. Chris Buckley is the president of the Ontario Federation of Labour. The Ontario Federation of Labour is Canadas largest labour federation, representing 54 unions and one million workers.
Note March 22, 2017: This article was edited from a previous version.
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There was a time when senates were filled with noble and ancient Romans. A mere sniff of immorality or impropriety and the veins were opened and death made an entrance. Such self-slaughter is not the done thing any more than goodness and I would never wish any harm on a Canadian senator, even when they act appallingly.
And Don Meredith himself admits that his having a sexual relationship with a teenager was egregious. That a former senior police officer has described it as grooming, that Meredith has obfuscated, and that his lawyer argued outrageously that his client was a victim of racism only makes it all the worse.
But there is another aspect to all of this. Meredith is a Christian pastor. His doctorate may be enormously questionable and his theology baffling, but the man is still a cleric and what has escaped many is that as well as playing the race card he has played the faith card. He spoke of asking forgiveness, moral failing and grave error all trigger phrases within the Christian world.
First, he is confusing forgiveness with innocence. Forgiveness is a wonderful thing, but it first requires that the wrongdoer be truly sorry and not attempt to blame others or try to hold on to a lucrative job. Second, and more important, is that this is precisely the language repeatedly used by Christians when they are caught behaving badly.
Numerous Roman Catholic priests in North America and Europe raped young children, mostly little boys but girls too, and only asked for forgiveness when they were found out. While they were sodomizing 10-year-olds and telling them that if they reported what was going on they and their families would burn in hell, forgiveness just didnt come into it.
In case we think the Roman Catholic Church has mended its ways and that Pope Francis is a model of the new church, he has recently reduced sanctions on a number of pedophile clergy, and sentenced some of them to prayer as punishment. He argues that, The Gospel message of mercy is ultimately a source of powerful healing and of grace.
Well, yes it is, but crimes have been committed and its the victims who matter. Remember, this comes after generations of denial and of hiding perpetrators.
Consider the case of Father Mauro Inzoli, for example, known as Don Mercedes because of his extravagant lifestyle. He sexually abused children and was defrocked in 2012. In 2014 Francis restored him to the priesthood, explaining that, No misery is so profound, no sin so terrible that mercy cannot be applied and urged Inzoli to enter a life of humility. The following year the wretched man took part in wait for it a church conference on the family.
Back in the 1980s the incredibly influential televangelist Jimmy Swaggart was exposed as a regular, chronic user of prostitutes. Once he was caught he addressed 8,000 congregants and myriad people on television, and announced in tears, Oh, I have sinned against you, and I beg your forgiveness. My sin was done in secret, and God has said to me I will do what I do before the whole world. He retired briefly but was soon back in the pulpit.
Theres usually a large dollop of hypocrisy thrown in for good measure. Jimmy Swaggart had earlier condemned disgraced fellow televangelist Jim Bakker as, a cancer on the body of Christ.
Then there was Scottish Cardinal Keith OBrien, one of the leaders of the campaign against gay rights and equal marriage. He was revealed not only as someone who had repeatedly made sexual advances to younger priests but had also used the confessional to groom them for sex. He was eventually removed but the Vaticans line was that this was for, the purpose of spiritual renewal, prayer and penance. Notice those good old religious euphemisms again.
While Christians should be the first to be honest, open and direct they are often the very last to be so. Its as though they assume that believing in God is some sort of get-out-of-jail-free card, and that faith in Jesus is a leniency ticket. On the contrary: if anything, they should know better and be held to higher standards. As a Christian it breaks my heart, as a general observer, it disgusts me.
Michael Corens most recent book is Epiphany: A Christians Change of Heart & Mind over Same-Sex Marriage. mcoren@sympatico.ca
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One purpose of the national inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women, which is set to begin hearings in May, is to provide some catharsis, and ultimately, a long-overdue sense of justice to victims families. This, of course, assumes that family members, who have been waiting for years, will finally be given a chance to speak.
Yet in the seven months since it was created the inquiry has struggled to identify victims family members. It currently knows fewer than 100. For this, the inquirys commissioners blame the government, and vice versa. With little time before testimony begins, both parties should put finger-pointing aside and work quickly and cooperatively to prepare.
The inquirys task is both profoundly complex and vitally important. Its commissioners have been called upon to identify the roots of the longstanding epidemic of violence against indigenous women; to recommend concrete proposals to curb this violence and seek justice for victims and their families; and to advise governments on how best to honour the many who have gone missing or been killed over the past three and a half decades.
Advocates have been calling for this probe for more than a decade. And the Liberal government at first seemed to understand the urgency, imposing a tight deadline: a preliminary report is to be issued in November of this year, followed by a final document in December 2018.
Yet since Ottawas initial announcement, the inquirys progress has been painfully slow and its work, such as it is, troublingly shambolic. Not until September 2016, nearly a year after it was promised, was the inquiry finally formed, before going silent until its first news conference in February of this year. Now, with testimony set to begin, it seems that its database of potential witnesses is sorely lacking, as the Globe and Mail revealed this week.
That the inquirys list of family members contains only 90 names is shocking. The number of indigenous women who have gone missing or been murdered since 1980 is estimated to be between 1,200 and 4,000. Moreover, many of their names are part of the public record. Several non-profit groups and news organizations have maintained lists. How, then, has the inquiry collected so few names over seven months?
According to the commissioners, the trouble is that the government has refused to share with them the contact information of those who came forward to participate in its pre-inquiry engagement. The government, for its part, plausibly says it cant hand over information that was provided on the condition of anonymity. But theres confusion. Some people who participated in the engagement did so believing that their information would automatically be passed on to the inquiry.
Commissioners, meanwhile, say they know many victims names, but in some cases lack contact information and, more generally, prefer not to approach family members, and thus risk re-traumatizing them. Instead, they hope families will come to them.
Forget fault here; this is not good enough. Family members are already expressing concern that they wont have an opportunity to speak and many have no idea of what steps to take.
The government, if it hasnt done so already, should reach out to those who previously volunteered and ask if they want to be contacted by the inquiry. And the inquiry should start using the resources at its disposal. It is stunning, for instance, that the Native Womens Association of Canada, which has long studied this issue, has apparently not been contacted by commissioners.
The inquiry should be working with its partners, including non-profit groups and indigenous chiefs, to ensure that those who want to speak can. The success of this vital and overdue work depends on it.
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Re: Subway, LRT, SRT? What we know about transit in Scarborough, March 15
Subway, LRT, SRT? What we know about transit in Scarborough, March 15
The debate over the future of transit in Scarborough actually has less to do with what Scarborough needs now than what Toronto will need in the longer term.
What we know about Toronto is that it is densely populated and continuing to grow. And, we know that this growth in population is unsustainable. Toronto needs a dramatic shift of population, which will only happen if there is a major modal shift to transit.
The LRT may cost fewer dollars, but it is the wrong technology to manage unsustainable population density. The longer-term solution is to build the Scarborough subway as it is in your vested interest to do so.
Sandra Yard, Scarborough
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When Colleen Rabies youngest daughter starts Grade 2 next fall, she could be walking through the doors of her third new public school in four years.
Rabie is struggling to get her head around that possibility in the wake of controversial plans to erect a 35-storey tower next to John Fisher Public School near Yonge and Eglinton.
The situation means distressed parents like Rabie are threatening to pull their children from the French immersion school because of safety concerns and the chance it will be moved to another site 6 kilometres away. It also has the Toronto District School Board scrambling to find alternative spots in neighbourhood schools.
The problem is most schools dont have room for kids who leave John Fisher, which has 500 students.
In the boards long-term planning, it was never anticipated that we could have a mass exodus from one of the schools, says trustee Gerri Gershon, who calls it a unique situation.
In an attempt to manage the ripple effect, she and trustee Shelley Laskin are proposing a motion at a TDSB board meeting this week for a special process to decide where to place students, many of whom could end up out of their catchment areas.
Its a real dilemma, says Gershon. The local schools are full and some of them are over-capacity. We will do our absolute best to accommodate parents where we can, but we have a school system to run and we cannot overcrowd the schools or overcrowd the classrooms.
Eglinton Avenue Public School stands to be the most affected as the English-language home school for 200 kids currently at John Fisher.
While its unclear how many students might leave John Fisher, many parents like Rabie have already approached the home schools their kids would normally return to.
Families who want to continue French immersion face two possibilities: staying at John Fishers current site if a TDSB risk assessment expected in the next few weeks finds construction can be done safely or a relocation to the site of Vaughan Road Academy, which will close in June and is about 6 kilometres away.
Were between a rock and hard place, with no way out, says Rabie, who says keeping her two daughters at a neighbourhood school is a priority but is alarmed at having them in class next to a massive construction zone.
Her daughters, 9 and 6, followed the usual path to French immersion, attending junior kindergarten at their home school, Eglinton Avenue, and moving to John Fisher the following year to start French.
With Eglinton already over-capacity, theres a good chance the girls will end up in a school out of the area next year, a situation Rabie says is unfair to families and upsetting and disruptive to children.
If passed, the motion by Gershon and Laskin could also open the door for a similar process of placing students outside catchment areas in other parts of the city where development is outpacing school spaces available to residents.
If this motion goes through, this means not only our families, but every other one in the TDSB could be affected permanently as the chance of retraction or a time limit on this motion is extremely low, says Rabie.
The highrise apartment project steps away from John Fisher was approved by the Ontario Municipal Board last year. It has been the subject of heated debate sparked by parents concern about how a crane, heavy equipment, traffic, noise, vibrations and air quality will affect safety and learning.
The developer, KG Group, insists relocating the students during the construction process isnt necessary because safety is our number one priority.
About 200 parents and students staged a protest outside the school earlier this month, with many holding signs saying Stop the Tower. They were joined by Mayor John Tory, local city councillors Jaye Robinson and Josh Matlow, and trustee Gershon.
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "sent a very clear signal that the policy of strategic patience is over" as it concerns North Korea during his trip to Asia last week, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said today.
Tillerson visited Beijing during his preliminary visit to the region for discussions dominated by concerns regarding Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
Spring break season offers happy prospects for U.S. college students seeking to unwind from long winters spent studying, and for Mexican beach resorts hoping to pull in tourist dollars with cheap travel deals.
But there's an extra element at stake for resorts along the Mayan Riviera this year. In January, two multi-victim shootings occurred in Cancun, including one at the state prosecutor's office.
In general, Cancun has escaped the drug-related violence that has plagued the rest of the country. But the shootings raised the possibility that Cancun could become a victim, just as Acapulco has.
That one-time haven of Hollywood celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor suffered so many gang-related attacks in recent years that it is now effectively off limits to tourists and even State Department personnel. "Personal travel to the state of Guerrero, including Acapulco, is prohibited for U.S. government personnel," the State Department says in its latest warning on Mexico, issued in December.
But in one potentially good sign for Cancun, earlier this month Grupo Aeroportuario del Sureste (ASR) , which operates Cancun and several other airports in southeast Mexico, reported international passenger traffic rose 4.9% from the previous February to 1,358,164.
And judging by reports of U.S. kids shouting "build the wall," on a local cruise, there are still plenty of Ugly Americans showing up.
Here's a map showing (in red) which Mexican states currently have travel advisories in place from the U.S. State Department.
In addition, U.S. government officials' movements are restricted in nearly 40% of Mexico's states, including all four bordering Texas. The State Department has also imposed overnight curfews on U.S. personnel in several states. And in many others, travel is restricted to daylight hours, along major highways only.
In Ciudad Juarez, across the Rio Grande river border from El Paso, Tex., the warnings extend to street-by-street guidance. "U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling after dark west of Eje. Juan Gabriel and south of Boulevard Zaragoza. Defer non-essential travel to the areas southeast of Boulevard Independencia and the Valle de Juarez region," the guidance for Chihuahua state says.
In Coahuila state, which also borders Texas: "Violence and criminal activity, including homicide, armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping, extortion, and sexual assault, pose significant and continuing security concerns," according to the State Department warning.
Tamaulipas, the state across the border from Brownsville, Texas has seen local and state governance effectively disappear, according to the warning, "The number of reported kidnappings in Tamaulipas is among the highest in Mexico. State and municipal law enforcement capacity is limited to nonexistent in many parts of Tamaulipas. Violent criminal activity occurs more frequently along the northern border," the document said.
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Alphabet Inc's (GOOGL) Google said Tuesday that it intends to go on a hiring spree to combat extremist content after an outcry from British advertisers against the world's biggest technology company.
Google said it will also increase safeguards for advertisers allowing them to choose what content their ads appear alongside following complaints from British firms about the proliferation of extremist content on the company's platforms, including YouTube.
Bluechip U.K. companies including Tesco (TSCDY) and Sainsbury's (JSAIY) have pulled advertising from Google after it was revealed that their ads were being shown alongside videos from Britain's far right English Defence League and the Ku Klux Klan.
Marks & Spencer (MAKSY) , McDonald's (MCD) , L'Oreal (LRLCY) , HSBC (HSBC) , Lloyds (LYG) and Volkswagen's (VLKAY) Audi are also among the companies that have pulled advertising in the U.K.
Britain is the second largest market for Google after the U.S., generating $7.8 billion primarily from advertising in 2016.
In the coming days and months Google will change its default setting for ads "so that they show on content that meets a higher level of brand safety and excludes potentially objectionable content that advertisers may prefer not to advertise against," Google Chief Business Officer Philipp Schindler said in a statement on Tuesday.
It will also introduce new account-level controls that makes it easier for advertisers to exclude specific sites and channels. "In addition, we'll introduce new controls to make it easier for brands to exclude higher risk content and fine-tune where they want their ads to appear," Schindler said.
The company will also offer more transparency and visibility to advertisers and agencies on where their ads are running, offering video-level reporting.
Starting from today, he added, Google will take a tougher stance on hateful, offensive and derogatory content and remove ads more effectively from content that is attacking or harassing people based on their race, religion, gender of similar categories.
The company will also hire "significant numbers of people" to review questionable content and also use artificial intelligence to identify such content.
(Alphabet is a core holding in Jim Cramer's charitable trust Action Alerts PLUS. See all of his holding with a free trial here.)
Tesla (TSLA) , and all makers of electric cars, take note. BMW AG aims to sell worldwide 100,000 of its electric cars, dubbed the BMW i3, this year, up from some 40,000 sold last year.
In 2016, electric vehicles accounted for 2.6% of BMW's sales, but the Munich-basedauto maker expects that number to shoot up over the next decade as the electric and plug-in car markets heat up.
CEO Harald Krueger said Tuesday at an annual press conference that the company expects electrics and plug-in hybrids at BMW to account for between 15% and 25% of its sales by 2025. "This means the electrification of all BMW Group brands and model series," he said. "Our goal is sustainable mobility."
Tesla far and away dominated the electric car market in the U.S. last year, according to Clean Technica. It captured nearly a third of it with its Models S and X combined, whereas BMW's i3 ranked at 5%. The other comers were the Chevy Volt (made by General Motors (GM) ), the Ford (F) Fusion Energi and the Nissan Leaf with market shares of 17%, 11% and 10%, respectively. The Ford C-Max Energi accounted for 6% of the U.S. electric car market.
According to Kelley Blue Book, Tesla's sales from 2010 to the end of February this year tallies a 37% market share, while BMW's is 8%. Year to date as of the end of February, Tesla has sold 4,200 vehicles compared to BMW's 700.
BMW has made steady progress in the space by introducing new models. By the end of 2016, according to a company spokesman who contacted TheStreet Tuesday by email, "the company had six plug-in hybrid models on the global market, plus one model for China. The new BMW 5 Series has also been available as a plug-in hybrid version since March."
More electric cars are sold in China than anywhere else, according to Electrek: last year, the country more than doubled its fleet of electrics to over 600,000more than that in the U.S. and all the European countries combined.
Come this summer, BMW plans to introduce its first Mini plug-in hybrid, called the Countryman. Next year, it will debut the i8 Roadster (seen below). "With our strategy, we have decided that the fully electric drivetrain will be integrated into our core brands, with an all-electric Mini in 2019, and an all-electric BMW X3 in 2020," wrote the spokesman. In addition, the company said that soon, range will no longer be a differentiating factor between electric- and fuel-based cars.
BMW will give customers the choice of which drivetrains they want, which may be guided by regulations of particular markets.
BMW also plans to maintain control of its parts. It produces its own electric drivetrains, power electronics and battery cells. The company has a network of 31 locations in 14 countries, including a plant in Spartanburg, S.C., its largest. Under construction is a new plant in Mexico. Krueger was among the business leaders who accompanied German Chancellor Angela Merkel to the White House last week to meet with President Donald Trump, and he reportedly spoke with the president about plans for the Mexican factory.
While it will take a while for BMW to catch up with the California-based Tesla, it's about to hit the American auto maker in its own backyard. Some 100 extra BMW i3s will be crusing the LA streets this spring as part of the LAPD fleet dedicated to community policing and other police business; they won't be used for patrolling or car chases.
With Tesla's stock up an electric 21% this year amid optimism it will be able to produce 500,000 electric cars a year in 2018, the last thing CEO Elon Musk needs is a hungry luxury car competitor such as BMW breathing down its neck. Wall Street probably doesn't want that, either.
Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.
Editors' pick: Originally published March 22.
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Britain is preparing to ban laptops and electronic devices on UK-bound flights from various Middle-Eastern countries, sources told The Telegraph.
The move follows a similar ban by the the U.S. Department of Homeland Security on Monday stating that extremists are attempting "innovative methods" to bring down jets amid concerns that bombs will be hidden in laptops.
The action by the U.S. will affect flights by nine airlines from eight countries in the Middle East including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Egypt.
Goldman Sachs (GS) will move hundreds of its employees from London before a Brexit deal is struck, CEO of Goldman Sachs International Richard Gnodde told CNBC today.
"We are going to start to execute on those contingency plans," Gnodde stated. "For this first period, this is really the period as we put in place contingency plans, this is in the hundreds of people as opposed to anything greater than that."
He declined to comment which locations they might transition to, although he stated that the firm had banking licenses in France and Germany, and offices in several European cities.
"In the next 18 months we will upgrade those facilities, we will be taking extra space in a number of them, and we will be increasing headcount and capability and infrastructure around those facilities," he added.
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Coram Clinical Trials Inc. 99.72%/Aetna Inc. .28%, CVS Care Concierge LLC, CVS Caremark Advanced Technology Pharmacy L.L.C., CVS Caremark Indemnity Ltd., CVS Caremark Part D Services L.L.C., CVS Caremark TN SUTA LLC, CVS Foreign Inc., CVS Gilbert 3272 L.L.C., CVS Health Applications LLC, CVS Health Solutions LLC, CVS Health Ventures Fund GP LLC, CVS Health Ventures Fund LP, CVS Health Ventures Management LLC, CVS Indiana L.L.C., CVS International L.L.C., CVS Kidney Care Advanced Technologies LLC, CVS Kidney Care Health Services LLC, CVS Kidney Care Home Dialysis LLC, CVS Kidney Care LLC, CVS Management Support LLC, CVS Manchester NH L.L.C., CVS Media Exchange LLC, CVS Michigan L.L.C., CVS Orlando FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS PA Distribution L.L.C., CVS PR Center Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., CVS Pharmacy Overseas Online LLC, CVS RS Arizona L.L.C., CVS Rx Services Inc., CVS SC Distribution L.L.C., CVS Shaw Holdings Inc., CVS Shaw Holdings Inc. Coram Clinical Trials Inc. 99.72%/Aetna Inc. .28%, CVS State Capital L.L.C., CVS TN Distribution L.L.C., CVS Transportation L.L.C., CVS Vero FL Distribution L.L.C., CVS-SHC Kidney Care Home Dialysis of Austin LLC, CVS-SHC Kidney Care Home Dialysis of Los Angeles LLC, CVS-SHC Kidney Care Home Dialysis of Philadelphia LLC, CVS-SHC Renal Holdings LLC, Campos Medical Pharmacy LLC, Canal Place LLC, Care Pharmaceutical Services LP, CareCenter Pharmacy L.L.C., Carefree Insurance Services Inc., Caremark Arizona Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Arizona Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark California Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Florida Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Florida Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Hawaii Mail Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Hawaii Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark IPA L.L.C., Caremark Illinois Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Illinois Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Irving Resource Center LLC, Caremark Kansas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark L.L.C., Caremark Logistics LLC, Caremark Louisiana Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Maryland Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Massachusetts Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Michigan Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Minnesota Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark New Jersey Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark North Carolina Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ohio Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Pennsylvania Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark PhC L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico L.L.C., Caremark Puerto Rico Specialty Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Redlands Pharmacy L.L.C., Caremark Repack LLC, Caremark Rx L.L.C., Caremark Tennessee Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Mail Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Texas Specialty Pharmacy LLC, Caremark Ulysses Holding Corp., Caremark Washington Specialty Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Alabama Mail Pharmacy LLC, CaremarkPCS Health L.L.C., CaremarkPCS L.L.C., Central Rx Services LLC, Cofinity Inc., Compscript LLC, Connecticut CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Continental Life Insurance Company of Brentwood Tennessee, Continuing Care Rx LLC, Coram Alternate Site Services Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc., Coram Clinical Trials Inc. CVS Pharmacy Inc. 75%/Aetna Life Insurance Company 25%, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Alabama, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater D.C., Coram Healthcare Corporation of Greater New York, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Indiana, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Massachusetts, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Mississippi, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Nevada, Coram Healthcare Corporation of North Texas, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Northern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern California, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Southern Florida, Coram Healthcare Corporation of Utah, Coram LLC, Coram Rx LLC, Coram Specialty Infusion, Coram Specialty Infusion Services L.L.C., Coventry Consumer Advantage Inc., Coventry Health Care National Accounts Inc., Coventry Health Care National Network Inc., Coventry Health Care of Illinois Inc., Coventry Health Care of Kansas Inc., Coventry Health Care of Missouri Inc., Coventry Health Care of Nebraska Inc., Coventry Health Care of Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Care of West Virginia Inc., Coventry Health Plan of Florida Inc., Coventry Health and Life Insurance Company, Coventry HealthCare Management Corporation, Coventry Prescription Management Services Inc., Coventry Transplant Network Inc., Credentials Inc., D & R Pharmaceutical Services LLC, D.A.W. 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Ltd., Health Data & Management Solutions Inc., Health Re Inc., Health and Human Resource Center Inc., HealthAssurance Pennsylvania Inc., Highland Park CVS L.L.C., Holiday CVS L.L.C., Home Care Pharmacy LLC, Home Pharmacy Services LLC, Hook-SupeRx L.L.C., Horizon Behavioral Services LLC, Idaho CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., IlliniCare Health, Indian Health Organisation Private Limited, Innovation Health Holdings LLC, Innovation Health Insurance Company, Innovation Health Plan Inc., Interlock Pharmacy Systems LLC, Iowa CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., JHC Acquisition LLC, Kansas CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Kentucky CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., LCPS Acquisition LLC, Langsam Health Services LLC, Lo-Med Prescription Services LLC, Lobos Acquisition LLC, Longs Drug Stores, Longs Drug Stores California L.L.C., Louisiana CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., MHHP Acquisition Company LLC, MHNet Specialty Services LLC, MHNet of Florida Inc., Main Street Pharmacy L.L.C., Managed Care Coordinators Inc., Managed Healthcare LLC, Martin Health Services 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Healthcare of Ohio LLC, NCS Healthcare of South Carolina LLC, NCS Healthcare of Tennessee LLC, NCS Healthcare of Wisconsin LLC, NIV Acquisition LLC, Navarro Discount Pharmacy, Nebraska CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., NeighborCare Pharmacy Services LLC, NeighborCare of Indiana LLC, NeighborCare of Virginia LLC, New Jersey CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Niagara Re Inc., North Carolina CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., North Shore Pharmacy Services LLC, NovoLogix LLC, OCR Services LLC, Ocean Acquisition Sub L.L.C., Ohio CVS Stores L.L.C., Oklahoma CVS Pharmacy L.L.C., Omnicare, Omnicare Indiana Partnership Holding Company LLC, Omnicare LLC, Omnicare LLC Aetna Inc 0.28%/CVS Cabot Holdings Inc. 49.86%/CVS Shaw Holdings Inc. 49.86%, Omnicare Pharmacies of Pennsylvania West LLC, Omnicare Pharmacies of the Great Plains Holding LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy and Supply Services LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of Tennessee LLC, Omnicare Pharmacy of the Midwest LLC, Omnicare Property Management LLC, Omnicare of Nebraska LLC, Omnicare of Nevada 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Militants launched 60 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine in ATO area in Donbas over the past day.
This is reported by the ATO press center.
In Mariupol direction, the enemy used heavy machine guns, grenade launchers, 152mm and 122mm artillery and antiaircraft mount to shell Ukrainian positions near Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk). ATO troops outside Pavlopol (30 km northeast of Mariupol), Hnutove (19km north-west of Mariupol) and Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) came under heavy machine gun fire.
In Donetsk direction, militants fired at Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk), using grenade launchers, machine guns and tank. Terrorists also used grenade launchers of various systems and machine guns to shell ATO troops near Kamyanka (62km south of Donetsk) and Luhanske (59km north-east of Donetsk).
In Luhansk direction, Russian mercenaries launched two attacks on Ukrainian positions outside Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) and Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), using 120mm mortars.
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The increase in the minimum wage from January 1 has already resulted in filling the Pension Fund's budget by more than 30% ahead of the plan, which will ensure a reduction in its deficit.
Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this on ICTV on Monday.
The reforms, which we've approved since January 1, including [reforms] regarding wages, have already filled the budget of the Pension Fund More by more than 30% ahead of the plan. This means that we've started moving towards the decrease in the Pension Fund's deficit, the Prime Minister said.
He also stressed that the Government in 2017 will propose a pension reform that will be fair and will raise pensions in Ukraine.
"Each of you who are retired, you'll see how it will influence your pensions, and I assure you that for the majority of Ukrainian citizens this will lead to an increase in pensions," the prime minister stressed.
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The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) welcomes the European Parliament resolution Ukrainian political prisoners in Russian and situation in Crimea, which was approved by the European Parliament last week, UWC President Eugene Czolij. Stated has said.
The Ukrainian World Congress notes the timeliness of the Resolution Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia and situation in Crimea, which once again testifies to the significant support of the European Parliament for the Ukrainian people in the fight against the imperialist actions of the Russian Federation that threaten peace and security in the world, stated Eugene Czolij.
A reminder that the document was prepared on the basis of proposals submitted by five largest political groups of the EU legislative body and was supported by the overwhelming majority of MPs last week.
Apart from the support for Ukraine, the resolution also cites facts on the widespread crimes of the Russian occupying authorities and demands the release of unlawfully detained in Crimea and the Russian Federation Ukrainian political prisoners and an end to all further persecution.
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Reenactors prepare to fire a battalion gun at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown in Virginia. The museum focuses on the ordinary people who were part of the war. ( Christina Barron/ The Washington Post)
The Revolutionary War made heroes of men such as George Washington and Patrick Henry. But thousands of people youve never heard of also risked their lives for freedom. A new museum in Yorktown, Virginia, tells the stories of these ordinary people in the hope that you come away with a deeper understanding of the causes and the costs of the war.
Why does the individual want to fight for liberty? asked Peter Armstrong, senior director at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. What we really wanted to do was the story of those individuals and the heroic stories attached to them.
The museum, whose grand opening celebration begins Thursday, replaces the 40-year-old Yorktown Victory Center. The centers focus had been the 1781 patriot victory that put an end to seven years of fighting. The new museum, combined with a military encampment outside, takes a much broader look at the Revolutionary War.
The exhibit begins with Liberty Fever, a movie set 40 years after the revolution. In it, a traveling theater group uses a shadow puppet show, called a crankie, to tell war stories. There are stories of unusual alliances. One features Billy Flora, a free black man who, with white soldiers, helped kick the British out of Virginia in 1775 at the Battle of Great Bridge. And there are stories of families divided. Isabella Ferguson warns her husband not to join his brother in the British Army. I am a rebel. My brothers are rebels. And the dog Trip is a rebel, too, Ferguson declares, with the Wheaten terrier at her side. (Fergusons husband didnt join up.)
You can learn more about Flora, Trip and others who lived through the war as you wander through five galleries, which include the prewar period through the postwar struggles of a new nation.
Lauren Monark works in the farmhouse at the museum. (Christina Barron/The Washington Post)
There are elements you might expect a statue of George Washington, weapons and a 1776 copy of the Declaration of Independence. But several short films and interactive elements make the experience come alive.
One interactive is a large touch screen that allows visitors to listen to stories from 20 people and Trip the dog about how the war affected them. Another area features a video game in which you can pick sides and strategies in Revolutionary War battles and then see whether your side wins.
The film not to be missed is The Seige of Yorktown, a nine-minute movie that transports you to the battlefield. You can feel the wind and the vibrations as cannons fire. Smoke appears, the seats shake and the air smells of gunpowder as the story unfolds on a 180-degree screen.
But if you really want to play the part of soldier, the action is outside at the re-created Continental Army
A, 18th-century gorget with silver bear symbol can be seen at the museum. It was probably a symbolic gift to ensure good diplomatic or trade relationships with an Iroquois leader. (Double Image Studio/American Recolution Museum at Yorktown)
encampment.
The area, which was taking shape on a recent visit, is both educational and fun. Historic reenactor Sally Stook sized up visitor recruits, telling them to smile so she could check their teeth.
What would missing teeth or bleeding gums be a sign of? Stook asked.
Scurvy, someone called out, naming one of the illnesses that would make you an undesirable candidate for the Continental Army. After a promise of money and land to those who would sign up, Stook showed the new soldiers their tiny six-person tents and the spot on the ground where they would cook meals.
Trainees can also learn to march on the drill field and help ready a battalion gun, which is fired several times each day.
If soldier life isnt for you, head to the re-created 18th-century farm next to the camp and learn how civilians fared.
Walking through the area and talking to the reenactors help explain the demands and sacrifices of the war. But the takeaway is hopeful. The patriots did, after all, win the war. And as curator Tom Davidson said, what began as 13 colonies fight for independence became something larger.
America became the beacon on the hill for people seeking opportunity, he said.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service listed the rusty patched bumblebee on the endangered species list. (Richard Hatfield/Reuters)
The rusty patched bumblebee on Tuesday became the first officially endangered bee species in the continental United States, overcoming objections from some business interests and a last-minute delay ordered by the Trump administration.
One of many bee types that have suffered steep population declines, the rusty patched has disappeared from about 90 percent of its range in the past 20 years. It previously was common across the East Coast and much of the Midwest, where it played a crucial role as a pollinator of crops and wild plants.
Its listing as an endangered species means the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will come up with a plan for returning the bee to a healthy and secure condition, the U.S. Department of Interior said. We will work with stakeholders to ensure collaborative conservation among landowners, farmers, industry and developers in the areas where the species is native.
The Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, which asked the government to consider the matter, said it was thrilled to see one of North Americas most endangered species receive the protection it needs.
Now that the Fish and Wildlife Service has listed the rusty patched bumblebee as endangered, it stands a chance of surviving the many threats it faces, said Sarina Jepsen, the groups director of endangered species.
Scientists say disease, pesticide exposure, habitat loss and climate change are among possible reasons for the decline of the bee, named for the rusty reddish patch on the backs of workers and males. Most of the grasslands and tallgrass prairies where they once thrived have been converted to farms or urban areas.
The bees endangered listing, approved by the service shortly before President Barack Obama left office, had been scheduled to take effect February 10. But the Trump administration, which has pledged to have fewer federal regulations, said it would postpone the listing until Tuesday. Some environmental groups had feared it would be canceled altogether.
Six business organizations asked the government earlier this month to push back the effective date to January 11. The groups, including the American Petroleum Institute and the National Association of Home Builders, said the Obama administration had acted too quickly and didnt consider how the designation would affect human activities.
Once the listing decision takes effect, virtually every industry operating within the species range from agriculture and crop production to residential and commercial development, from energy production and distribution to manufacturing, will be profoundly affected, the petition said.
Too little is known about the bees underground nesting and hibernation sites for developers to determine whether their work would do harm, the industry groups said.
The Fish and Wildlife Service posted information on its website about how to determine whether an area being considered for development is likely to host rusty patched bumblebees and ways to meet requirements for protecting them.
The law prohibits killing, harassing or otherwise harming listed animals, although people can obtain permits that excuse limited takings of endangered species as a result of doing things that otherwise are legal.
Congressional candidate Damian Kidd, a Utah Republican, speaks at a town hall meeting on March 15 at the Provo City Library, two days before the first of his two fundraisers with D.C. residents. (Isaac Hale/ Daily Herald)
The little-known Utah Republican hoping to unseat Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R) is hunting for campaign cash thousands of miles from his home base among the most unlikely of supporters: District residents.
Damian Kidds quest for help in Washington got off to an awkward start late last week when he flew east to hold a meet-and-greet with District residents in Virginia.
The candidate apologized for the geographic inconvenience as guests on Friday night trickled into a meeting room at Arlingtons Key Bridge Marriott, where the refreshments consisted of water dispensed from a cooler.
This is what we could find on St. Patricks Day, said Kidd, 41, a personal-injury lawyer in Provo. Were going to make the best out of what we have here.
His visitors, about 18 or so by nights end, appeared to know far less about him and his conservative beliefs than they do about Chaffetz, the five-term congressman whose involvement in District affairs has triggered widespread scorn in the city.
Kidd speaks at the Provo City Library. (Isaac Hale/Daily Herald)
[Drain the swamp? No, Chaffetz said, just move it out of D.C. ]
Indeed, the event seemed more like a group-therapy session as guests vented about the Utah incumbent who says he wants to move federal agencies out of D.C. and whose most recent challenge to the citys autonomy was to lead a campaign to nullify an assisted-suicide law the D.C. Council had passed.
Im insulted that someone in Utah is going to overturn laws we pass, said Santiago Testa, a Realtor who resides in the District. I mean, were the nations capital have some respect.
[Chaffetz is becoming the D.C. boogeyman]
Behind Testa, Micah Lubens, 29, who lives in the Eckington neighborhood and works in marketing, derided Chaffetzs well-known practice of sleeping on a cot in his Capitol office when hes in Washington and traveling to Chinatown to eat at an outlet of Five Guys, a fast-food burger chain.
Its an attitude, Lubens said. Its like, Im working here but I dont really want to live here.
A few feet away, Kimberly Rosenfield, 30, a book editor who lives in Petworth, counted herself among those who protest what she describes as Chaffetzs overreach by calling his office every day to complain about the potholes in her neighborhood.
I absolutely hate Jason Chaffetz, she said. I want to see if Damian is willing to leave D.C. alone.
On that score, Kidd did not disappoint, reassuring those he met that he sees no need to interfere in District affairs and that hes happy to provide help getting this meddler off their backs.
Not all of his answers were well-received, such as when Bo Shuff, a D.C. statehood activist, asked whether he supports the Districts quest to become a state.
We have people standing around here listening, Kidd said, motioning toward a reporter and declining to comment. The scope of what Im doing is Jason Chaffetz and what hes doing with his meddling.
After Kidd walked away, Shuff said the candidates statehood answer made it easier for him to decide whether to make a campaign donation.
No, he said.
Kidd declined to say how much money he has raised to challenge Chaffetz, who has won all of his reelection campaigns by landslides in the overwhelmingly Republican district.
Evan McMullin, who ran for president as an independent, has said hes considering a challenge to Chaffetz in 2018. Kathryn Allen, a physician running as a Democrat, says she has pulled in more than $400,000 for her campaign.
[Chaffetz faces a new opponent: A D.C. PAC designed to defeat him]
Kidd had hoped to meet with Del. Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.) on Friday but he said the meeting was canceled because she got delayed. He also had planned to drop in on Utahs congressional delegation only to learn that the members had gone home for the weekend.
Kidd, who in college attended George Washington University before transferring to Brigham Young University in Provo, said his weekend in the District would include a visit to Mount Vernon and a couple of other stops.
Whats that museum were going to? he asked an aide, who said it was an Air and Space Museum exhibition at Dulles airport.
On Saturday, Kidd planned to attend a second meet-and-greet at the north Michigan Park home of Danielle Taylor, 33, who said she expected about a dozen guests. After learning of his candidacy, Taylor said that she wrote Kidd an email and that within less than an hour he wrote back.
She said she planned to give him $200. Lubens gave $100.
Dave Steadman, 36, a fundraiser for a private school who lives in Dupont Circle, said he was unsure about his own willingness to contribute. He attended Kidds Friday event, he said, because he has been more politically engaged since Novembers election.
Maybe its my Trump-induced anxiety disorder everything is elevated now, he said.
But whether he can support a Republican even one challenging Chaffetz is an open question.
As guests began leaving Kidds event, Steadman, a Democrat, approached the candidate, saying that they no doubt disagreed on many issues.
Thats okay, Kidd said.
Then Steadman learned that Kidd had voted for President Trump.
What should matter to you is that Im appalled by Chaffetz, Kidd said.
Would you vote for Trump again? Steadman asked.
I dont know, the jurys still out, Kidd replied.
Then he added, Please dont encapsulate who I am based on who I voted for, a request that Steadman found challenging to oblige.
It did not impress me, he said of Kidds choice as he walked to his car a few minutes later. Thats not cool.
WASHINGTON, DC - A Vote Here arrow, in three languages, point the way toward the polling station during the Districts 2016 primary election. (Keith Lane/For The Washington Post)
The District would permanently shift its primary elections to late June ending years of struggle by city officials to comply with federal requirements for mailing ballots to voters overseas under legislation D.C. Council member Charles Allen (D-Ward 6) plans to introduce Tuesday.
Allens bill would establish the third Tuesday in June as D.C.s primary election date, beginning in 2018 a closely watched election year in which the primary campaign will likely decide a number of high-profile citywide races, including the next mayoral contest.
The legislation is meant to put an end to a protracted period in which city officials have shuffled the primary across the calendar to avoid breaking federal law, which requires that general-election ballots be sent to overseas voters at least 45 days before election day.
We have kind of created this seesaw effect, Allen said. I think its a good thing for the voters, and for democracy, to have a little bit of predictability.
According to the citys existing election laws, the primary is supposed to be held the first Tuesday in September. Under that timeline, the D.C. Board of Elections has struggled to meet the deadline for mailing ballots to military and overseas voters.
D.C. Board of Elections Chairman D. Michael Bennett said a September primary did not leave enough time to finalize the primary results a process that includes certifying the election results, counting provisional ballots and allowing for recounts or legal challenges before printing and mailing a general-election ballot to voters abroad.
For us to actually get there, and get it done in time to comply with the law, then wed have to cut a lot of different things short, Bennett said. You actually start to not throw due process out the window but get pretty close.
For the past six years, city officials have set ad hoc primary dates to stay ahead of the curve. Primary voters went to the polls the first Tuesday in April in 2012 and 2014, and the second Tuesday in June in 2016.
Allen said he settled on the third Tuesday in June as a suitable date for the primary because it comes before July and August when many Washingtonians leave town and allows for heavy campaigning during the spring rather than in the winter.
By contrast, a primary election earlier in the year would force candidates to campaign during the coldest months potentially a disadvantage for challengers who depend on door-to-door campaigning to reach voters.
Its really hard to be able to talk to voters... in the dead of winter, Allen said.
Allen, chairman of the councils judiciary committee, said he planned to introduce the legislation at the councils Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday. It is not yet clear whether the bill will face opposition.
A former D.C. elementary school teacher who was arrested last month on charges that he sexually abused three of his students was the subject of a previous investigation into his interactions with children, according to school and police officials.
Manuel Fernandez, 35, who taught at Latin American Montessori Bilingual (LAMB) Public Charter School, has been held in D.C. jail since he was arrested Feb. 24 on three charges of child sex abuse.
[Teacher at D.C. charter school arrested on child sex abuse charges]
Police spokesman Dustin Sternbeck said this week that detectives have interviewed more potential victims but that no additional charges have been filed. One family told The Washington Post that their child was inappropriately touched while a student at the school in 2015, which the parents learned only in February.
Fernandez has been banned from the schools campus in Northeast Washington since the allegations came to light, and in February he was fired from his teaching position, according to officials at LAMB, one of the Districts most highly regarded charter schools.
The charges he faces stem from alleged sexual assault reported by three of his 8-year-old students, two girls and a boy. They said Fernandez touched them inappropriately in the classroom or at recess, sometimes while giving a hug, according to charging documents.
Both girls said Fernandez touched them over their clothing, and one said Fernandez told her he had crush on her, according to the documents. The boy told investigators the teacher touched him on top of and underneath his clothes. The inappropriate touching occurred from August 2016 to February, according to police.
Bernard Grimm, the teachers attorney, said that his client is working with prosecutors to try to resolve this. A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for Wednesday morning.
Fernandez had worked at LAMB since 2012, according to school officials. He was previously investigated by D.C. police in 2015, according to police and school officials. Police said that the investigation was closed without any charges and that there was no evidence that a crime occurred.
LAMB, which also has a campus in Northwest, enrolled about 375 students in preschool through fifth grade last school year.
In response to a Washington Post inquiry about LAMBs decision to continue Fernandezs employment after the 2015 investigation, school officials provided a letter sent to parents Tuesday morning.
The letter, signed by the chairman of LAMBs board, Barrie Lynn Tapia, disclosed the previous investigation and explained that it resulted in no charges and that Fernandez was placed on administrative leave while the probe took place.
The board authorized an investigation into Fernandezs conduct after he returned from leave in 2015, according to the letter, and hired an outside legal expert to review the schools policies, procedures, protocols and training.
As a school, we commit to sharing as much information when we can, without compromising the current criminal matter, the letter said. We take our responsibility for safeguarding students as seriously as we take our duty to provide them a quality education.
The earlier investigation was triggered by an anonymous complainant who saw a teacher take two students into the basement at LAMB, according to a police report filed in January 2015. A law enforcement official with knowledge of the investigation confirmed that Fernandez was the teacher in the report.
The complainant went to check on the students after 20 minutes and found the two students and the teacher still in the basement with the door locked, according to the 2015 report.
When confronted they had facial expressions as if they were caught doing something wrong, the complainant told police, according to the report.
The police report did not say anything about the teachers explanation of the incident.
Chickahominy Indian Chief Stephen Adkins stands in the tribal cemetery in Providence Forge, Va. Behind him is the tribal community center. (Timothy C. Wright/For The Washington Post)
On Tuesday, the 400th anniversary of the burial of Pocahontas, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) will reintroduce a bill that would grant federal recognition to six Virginia Indian tribes that were among the first to greet English settlers in 1607.
The proposed law faces hurdles, but if approved, the change in status would make available federal funds for housing, education and medical care to the Chickahominy, the Eastern Chickahominy, the Upper Mattaponi, the Rappahannock, the Monacan and the Nansemond tribes. It would also, its sponsors say, help right a long-standing wrong.
Four hundred years after the death of Pocahontas, our country continues to do a disservice to her descendants by failing to recognize the major role Virginias tribes have played in American history and the fabric of our nation, Kaine and Warner said in a joint statement. These six tribes have treaties that predated the United States, but because of this historical quirk and the systematic destruction of their records, they have been denied federal recognition and the services that come along with it. Congress can fix this injustice by passing our bill and granting these tribes the federal recognition they deserve.
A House version of the bill was introduced in February by a bipartisan slate of Virginia lawmakers.
The news release from Kaine and Warner noted that Upper Mattaponi Assistant Chief Ken Adams, Chickahominy Chief Stephen Adkins and Rappahannock Chief Anne Richardson are in England this week taking part in events commemorating Pocahontas, including a plaque-dedication ceremony Tuesday at the church where she is buried.
Two years ago, the Pamunkey became Virginias first indigenous tribe to receive federal recognition. The Pamunkey, who claim Pocahontas as their own, were granted recognition through the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs following a lengthy on-again, off-again process that began more than three decades earlier. The Pamunkey are one of 566 American Indian and Alaska Native tribal entities recognized by the federal government.
[A renowned Virginia Indian tribe finally wins federal recognition]
One of the many difficulties facing Virginias Indian tribes in their quest for recognition is a gap in record keeping that was created by a state law, the Racial Integrity Act of 1924. That act required that births in the state be registered as either white or colored with no option available for Indian.
That legislation was vigorously enforced by Walter Plecker, a white supremacist and eugenicist who served as registrar of the states Bureau of Vital Statistics for 35 years. It codified the one-drop rule that anyone born with even one drop of nonwhite blood would be considered colored or black. Births recorded as Indian became almost nonexistent, resulting in what historians have described as a paper genocide of Indian tribes.
[How a long-dead white supremacist still threatens the future of Virginias Indian tribes]
Kaine and Warner are hoping that the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017, which has passed the House in two previous sessions but was never brought for a vote on the Senate floor, will not drag on for as long as the Pamunkey effort did. A key element of the bill is that it prohibits the tribes from operating casinos or gambling operations, making it less likely to be opposed by the powerful casino and gambling lobby.
An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified Ken Adams as the chief of the Upper Mattaponi tribe. He is the assistant chief.
THE DISTRICT
Man held after bomb threat at White House
A Virginia man arrested after falsely reporting that his car trunk contained a bomb at a Secret Service checkpoint outside the White House was ordered to undergo a mental competency examination and remain jailed until a hearing Thursday.
Sean Patrick Keoughan, 29, of Roanoke faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted of making a false bomb threat Saturday night, U.S. Magistrate Judge Robin M. Meriweather of the District said at Keoughans first court appearance Monday.
An arrest affidavit filed with the court charges:
At about 11:05 p.m. Saturday at a checkpoint at 15th and E streets NW, Keoughan pulled up in a black Chevrolet Impala and said he was carrying a bomb and, later, an asteroid in a canvas bag in the trunk; that he had been directed to test the checkpoint by President Trump; and that he was in telepathic communication with Trump, the Secret Service and the Delta Force military unit through a system called Think Talk.
Spencer S. Hsu
Man pleads not guilty to unlawful entry
A man who was spotted Saturday in a prohibited area on the sidewalk in front of the White House North Lawn and who police said was yelling nonsensical statements was ordered released from D.C. jail on Monday after he pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court to misdemeanor unlawful entry.
William Rawlinson, 58, of Silver Spring was ordered to return to court on April 12.
Police say Rawlinson was behind an auxiliary security barrier in front of the fence that encloses the White House grounds.
According to charging documents, Rawlinson gave authorities consent to search his vehicle, which was at the intersection of 15th and I streets NW. Authorities said no unusual items were found in the search.
Keith Alexander
MARYLAND
Police: Man found in house killed self, dog
Police identified a 61-year-old man whose body was in a Rockville home that exploded last week and announced that the manner of his death was suicide.
Authorities said Steven Martin Beck shot himself in his Ashley Drive home. Fire officials were called to the house shortly before 1 a.m. Friday for an explosion. The following day, investigators found Becks body in the basement.
Montgomery County police said an autopsy was performed, that the medical examiner ruled the manner of Becks death to be suicide that and the cause of death was a gunshot wound.
A dog was also found near Becks body, authorities said. The dogs death was determined to be caused by a gunshot wound, according a department news release.
Victoria St. Martin
Public comment sought in Pr. Georges
Prince Georges County officials unveiled a Web page Monday that allows residents to track meetings of the newly launched Vehicle Use Review Board and submit public comment via an online submission page.
The three-member board is reviewing county rules for providing vehicle and gas benefits and stipends to council members and their top two administrative officials. Residents can find the Web page at:
Arelis R. Hernandez
Student stabbed at high school
A student at a Temple Hills high school was stabbed Monday morning, according to Prince Georges County police.
The incident occurred during a Crossland High School class that was being held outside, police spokesman Tyler Hunter said. The student got into an argument with a former student, and it escalated into the stabbing, police said.
Police identified the former student as Nathaniel Coates, 18, of Temple Hills. A weapon was recovered, police said. He has been charged with first-degree assault, according to authorities.
The student who was stabbed was taken to a hospital with injuries that did not appear to be life-threatening, police said.
Lynh Bui
White House press secretary Sean Spicer landed Maryland in the middle of the nations emotionally charged debate over immigration policy Tuesday, decrying the rape of a Rockville High School student, allegedly by two undocumented immigrants, and urging state and local officials to reexamine laws and procedures to reduce the likelihood of such an incident happening again.
The president recognizes that education is a state-run and a local-run issue, but I think it is cause for concern what happened there, Spicer said in response to a reporters question about the case. And I think the city should look at its policies, and I think that this is something authorities are going to have to look at.
Spicer called the rape of the 14-year-old girl in a boys bathroom on Thursday shocking, disturbing, horrific and whatever other words that someone can think of. He also characterized the victim as an immigrant who had come to this country legally. But Montgomery County officials said she had no immigrant status of any kind.
The two suspects, Henry Sanchez-Milian, 18, and Jose O. Montano, 17, who was charged as an adult, are being held without bail. Montgomery Schools Superintendent Jack Smith told reporters that both suspects had been in a special program for non-English speakers at the high school and not in classes with the victim.
Smith pushed back hard against questions about whether the rape case should affect local efforts to comply with federal law, which guarantees a free public education to any child living in the United States, regardless of citizenship status.
Henry Sanchez-Milian, 18, is charged with the rape of a 14-year-old Rockville High School student. (Montgomery County Police)
Its totally inappropriate to suggest that were going to deny a 14-year-old, a 16-year-old, an 18-year-old an education because of a horrible thing that happened in our schools last Thursday, Smith said. Some have tried to make this into a question and issue of immigration . . . but we serve every student who walks through our doors.
The incident is also affecting the political debate in Annapolis, where Gov. Larry Hogan (R) has vowed to veto legislation that would limit the ability of state and local officials to cooperate with federal immigration agents in enforcing the nations immigration laws. The Trust Act passed the House on Monday and is awaiting action in the Senate.
In a Facebook post Tuesday, Hogan called on Montgomery to fully cooperate with all federal authorities during the investigation of this heinous crime.
The public has a right to know how something this tragic and unacceptable was allowed to transpire in a public school, Hogan wrote.
The comments incensed Montgomery officials, who said they already have a policy of cooperating with federal authorities in any serious criminal case. They accused Hogan of stoking public fears of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants.
What hes feeding into is this Trump energy against immigrants in a manner that I think is totally irresponsible, said Montgomery County Council President Roger Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda). It has inflamed what was already a tinderbox.
The suspects were unknown to county law enforcement before the rape and have no known gang connections, officials said, adding that the assault occurred in a remote area of the school.
There was nothing that could have come to the attention of our local authorities where they could have acted, said County Executive Isiah Leggett (D).
Montgomery police are barred from asking about national origin during traffic stops or other activity. Immigration status comes into play only if a person enters the county correctional system. All prisoners fingerprints are placed in a database that federal authorities can use. If they identify someone who is in the country illegally, they can issue a detainer a request that the county hold the prisoner until he or she can be placed in federal custody.
Since 2014, Montgomery has honored detainers when they involve those who have committed serious crimes or if they come with a federal court order or a warrant containing probable cause. The Trust Act bill being debated in Annapolis would codify those procedures into state law.
State Sen. Victor R. Ramirez (D-Prince Georges), the lead Senate sponsor, said the legislation is intended to protect the vast majority of undocumented immigrants, who are law-abiding after arriving in this country, not those who commit heinous crimes. We all should take in consideration the hard-working Maryland residents who . . . have children, have ties to the community and dont have a criminal record, he said.
The bill passed the House 83 to 55, two votes short of the minimum needed to override a gubernatorial veto. The Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee is expected to vote on both the House and Senate versions this week.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) said the bill is reasonable, and he accused Hogan of misinterpreting what the statute would do.
The state of Maryland is not going to become a sanctuary state, Miller said. But what it does say is that if you are on your way to church, on your way to court, if you are walking down the street, people shouldnt come up to you randomly and ask you what your name is or where you live solely for the purposes of seeking to deport you.
Parents in Montgomery have reacted to the rape with alarm. Many came to Rockville High on Tuesday night for a meeting with local officials. The session was closed to reporters. Patricia Spigner, who lives in Gaithersburg and has three grown children, came to the school to protest what had happened.She held a poster that said Safety not sanctuary!
Its just gotten to the point where illegals are more protected than our own children, she said.
At the news conference earlier in the day, Smith noted that there are nearly 160,000 students in the school system and said that this horrible incident shouldnt change anyones mind that schools are safe for our students. He said the district was reviewing every single aspect of its safety plans and will make sure any gaps are closed.
Josh Hicks contributed to this report.
The Maryland Senate gave preliminary approval Tuesday to a bill that would allow bail for criminal defendants even if they cannot afford to pay, potentially undoing a recent decision by the states highest court and setting the stage for a battle with the more liberal House of Delegates and members of the states Legislative Black Caucus.
After a prolonged debate, the Senate voted to advance the measure despite objections from Attorney General Brian E. Frosh (D) and advocates who say the legislation will lead to more poor defendants remaining in jail because they cant afford to post bond.
The Maryland Court of Appeals issued a rule change last month that required judges to impose the least onerous conditions when setting bail for a defendant who is not considered a danger or a flight risk.
Also Tuesday, after a short but lively debate, the Senate delayed action on another bill that is certain to lead to a showdown with Gov. Larry Hogan (R) over redistricting changes.
Democratic legislative leaders have backed a bill that would try to set up a Mid-Atlantic regional compact with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and North Carolina on redrawing congressional districts.
Maryland Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. overseas a Senate session in 2016 in Annapolis. (Jonathan Newton/The Washington Post)
On Monday, a House committee voted against Hogans redistricting proposal, which would have created a nonpartisan commission to determine the boundaries for the states congressional and legislative districts.
Sen. Craig J. Zucker (Montgomery), the lead sponsor of the Democratic bill, said redistricting is a national problem that has not been addressed on a federal level. The bill attempts to address it on a regional one, he said, adding: This presents an opportunity for Maryland to take the lead.
The bill is contingent on the other states enacting similar legislation and would become void if the compact is not created by 2032. It is an attempt to circumvent political opposition to the idea of lawmakers in a heavily Democratic state, like Maryland, giving up control over redistricting while lawmakers in neighboring, Republican-majority states are allowed to keep that power.
Congressional redistricting is a national problem that deserves a national solution, Senate President Thomas V. Mike Miller Jr. (D-Calvert) said. However, when the federal government fails to lead, it is our responsibility to take the charge.
U.S. House Minority Whip Steny H. Hoyer (D-Md.) said in an interview that he supports the concept of the bill being pushed by Democratic state lawmakers, calling it a step in the right direction but not as far as it ought to go.
Hoyer favors a bill pending in Congress that would institute a bipartisan redistricting commission in every state. An identical bill did not advance in the previous session and has yet to get a hearing this year.
Now let me make it clear, I am a serial gerrymanderer, Hoyer said. As long as North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Florida, Texas, other states that I could name, pursue partisan redistricting, theres no reason to expect that those of us who are in Democratic states wont do so as well. But what we ought to have is a national mandate that redistricting is to be done in a fair, balanced way through nonpartisan commissions.
State Senate Minority Leader J.B. Jennings (R-Baltimore County) called Zuckers bill a joke and asked why Democrats are kicking the can down the road until other states do something.
Its our state. Its our lines, Jennings said. Why cant we just fix our problem right here in Maryland?
A spokeswoman for the governor said the Democratic bill was a political ploy designed to give the appearance of supporting redistricting reform while ensuring that it never actually happens.
On the bail bill, the Senate rejected several amendments that would have kept the rule set by the Court of Appeals in place. The court issued the rule change after Frosh raised questions about whether the states use of cash bail was constitutional.
Sen. Robert A. Zirkin (D-Baltimore County) said the legislation, sponsored by Sen. C. Anthony Muse (D-Prince Georges), gives discretion back to individual judges, allowing them to issue bail when they think it is appropriate.
Frosh and members of the Legislative Black Caucus had been pushing the legislature not to take action on any bail legislation this year and let the courts decision remain in place.
Last week, Del. Curtis S. Anderson (D-Baltimore), the House sponsor of the bail bill, withdrew his version of the Senate legislation after talking to court officials and deciding that lawmakers should wait and assess the impact of the rule change over the coming year.
In other action, the Senate gave initial approval to a bill that would prohibit school districts from suspending and expelling 4-year-olds. The measure would also limit other young students in kindergarten through second grade from receiving similar discipline.
Opponents of the bill argued that the measure will tie the hands of local districts; its supporters said young students should not be suspended or expelled unless they pose an imminent threat.
More than 2,200 students in that age group were suspended or expelled last year, many because they were disruptive or disrespectful.
Jenna Portnoy and Josh Hicks contributed to this report.
Kathleen Matthews is the interim chair of the Maryland Democratic Party. (Kate Patterson/For The Washington Post)
The Maryland Democratic Party on Monday announced the first two forums in what it said would be a series of events featuring candidates for state party chair.
For the moment, the only confirmed candidate is the interim chair. Former Marriott executive and 8th District congressional candidate Kathleen Matthews was elected to the post by the partys executive committee on March 1. Former Montgomery County Council member Valerie Ervin appears to be testing the waters; on Crowdpac, a crowdfunding site, she is listed as a potential candidate. Ervin had charged that Matthewss election, which came with the blessing of the states senior Democrats, lacked transparency.
All 24 central committee delegations 23 counties plus Baltimore City will meet on May 6 in Greenbelt to elect a chair. Mondays announcement also included filing deadlines and other rules that will govern the election.
Our goal is to have an open, inclusive and transparent election process for our next chair that reflects our partys demographic and geographic diversity, party parliamentarian Greg Pecoraro said in a statement. Pecoraro is leading a committee overseeing the election.
Bruce Poole, a former member of the House of Delegates, stepped down earlier this month after two years as chair.
The first forum will be April 1 at the Young Democrats of Maryland convention in Largo. The second is scheduled for April 29 after the Western Maryland Democratic Summit in Rocky Gap.
Marylands House of Delegates on Monday passed legislation that would strictly limit the ability of local police to cooperate with federal immigration agents and bar pharmaceutical companies from drastically raising prices for essential drugs.
The Democratic-controlled House also passed measures that prohibit housing discrimination against individuals who use public assistance and restrict use of the far-left lane on any highway for the purpose of passing slower vehicles.
The votes came as the House was working through its first of two lengthy floor sessions for crossover day, the date by which legislation must pass out of at least one chamber to have a reasonable shot at reaching the governors desk.
A House committee rejected a proposal from Gov. Larry Hogan (R) that would require independent commissions rather than state officials to draw voting districts in Maryland, a measure intended to prevent partisan gerrymandering.
The Senate did not schedule a Monday floor vote for the legislation, which means the bill probably will die for a second straight year, despite strong public support for redistricting reform and a vocal public push by the governor.
The immigration measure, known as the Trust Act, would bar local law enforcement agencies from aiding federal immigration-enforcement efforts except in cases involving judicial warrants.
Frederick and Harford counties, which have agreements to collaborate extensively with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would be exempt from the restrictions.
The House rejected an amendment from Minority Leader Nicholaus R. Kipke (R-Anne Arundel) that would have allowed exceptions for individuals who are suspected of terrorism, espionage or posing a danger to national security.
We are handicapping the state of Marylands ability to protect our citizens from the worst violent criminals who may be in our country illegally, Kipke said.
Del. Carlo Sanchez (D-Prince Georges) argued against the amendment, saying immigration agents should have no problem going to a federal judge and getting a judicial warrant for any undocumented immigrant who poses a serious threat to the public.
Hogan promised to veto the bill, calling it outrageously irresponsible and saying it would endanger citizens.
The price-gouging bill allows the attorney generals office to take legal action if his office determines that a drug company has raised the price of a drug by an unconscionable amount, defined in part as an increase that is excessive and not justified by the cost of producing the drug or cost of appropriate expansion of access to the drug.
The housing legislation would ban landlords and real estate agents from refusing to rent or sell units based on an individuals source of income. The goal is to prevent discrimination against those who rely on public-assistance, including federal housing vouchers and disability payments.
Lawmakers voted down an amendment from House Minority Whip Kathy Szeliga (R-Baltimore County) that would have exempted jurisdictions that have rejected similar legislation at the local level. She noted that Baltimore County, which has a Democratic-majority council, voted 6 to 1 against such a measure.
Our council has had a very healthy debate on this issue, and the people of the county spoke it was a very, very active issue, Szeliga said.
Democratic lawmakers argued that jurisdictions should not be able to exclude themselves from anti-discrimination laws, which in this case are designed to make sure neighborhoods are not economically segregated.
This is a deconcentration of poverty, said Del. Marvin E. Holmes Jr. (D-Prince Georges).
The traffic legislation would designate the far-left lane on any roadway with at least two lanes in one direction and a speed limit of at least 55 mph for passing purposes only. Fines would range from $75 to $250, depending on the number of offenses. Exceptions would apply for drivers using the far-left lane to exit or turn left, and when congestion had slowed the pace of traffic to at least 10 mph below the speed limit.
The Senate, which like the House met Monday night, took its first look at Hogans $43.5 billion budget, which now includes $112.3 million in spending that the governor planned to cut.
The Senate spent an hour debating a controversial bill that could overturn a recent decision by the Maryland Court of Appeals to eliminate bail for defendants who cannot afford to pay it.
The bail-bond industry has lobbied intensely for the measure, which would overhaul the bail system and would allow only those charged with misdemeanors to be released on personal recognizance.
Last week, the Legislative Black Caucus voted 18 to 13 to encourage the House and Senate judicial committees to take no action on bail-reform measures this year. The Senate panel moved the bill to the Senate floor Friday afternoon, and the full Senate delayed action until Monday night.
The caucuss legislative review committee decided late Monday afternoon to rescind the full caucuss earlier vote and be ready to act on the bill if it makes it out of the Senate and is considered in the House Judicial Proceedings Committee.
It would be irresponsible for us as a Legislative Black Caucus not to do anything, said caucus chair Del. Cheryl Glenn (D-Baltimore). We dont want the court rule to be rolled back at all.
The Senate also debated a bill that would bar expulsions of pre-kindergarten students and limit suspensions and expulsions of students in kindergarten through second grade. There were more than 2,200 students in that age group who were suspended and expelled last year.
Sen. William C. Smith Jr. (D-Montgomery) said the measure is a step toward shutting down what is known as the school-to-prison pipeline, the practice of pushing children out of school and toward the juvenile justice system.
You cant suspend or expel for petty behavior or because a child is disruptive, Smith said. The bill says a student would have to pose an imminent threat.
Nicole Adams, of Gaithersburg, Md., with her cat, Bob. Nicole has launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to raise $30,000 to buy ads in a Metro subway station that show photos of cats. She thinks it would make a nice change from the typical ads in Metro stations. She was inspired by a similar effort in London. ( Nicole Adams/Family photo)
Do you have a cat? Do you love your cat? Prove it. For $3,000, you might be able to get a poster-size photo of your cat put up in a Metro station for the amusement of thousands of commuters.
Thats the top reward in a newly launched Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign that aims to replace typical subway advertising with awww-idnt-he-cute felines.
The Citizens Advertising Takeover Service Washington, D.C. (C.A.T.S., for short) is hoping to raise $30,000 by May 4.
The main goal is to take over the station with just cats, instead of your everyday ads you see on the Metro, said Nicole Adams, who is organizing the effort.
Nicole was inspired by Glimpse, a guerrilla marketing group in London that pioneered the cats-not-ads concept. The English C.A.T.S. garnered international coverage in September when cat photos filled the Clapham Common Tube station.
[Londons Tube subway has been taken over by cats, including one from Virginia]
Its expensive to take over an entire Metro station. Texas A&M spent $150,000 last year for a five-week station domination campaign at Metro Center. Nicole thinks that for $30,000, she could get a portion of a large station or an entire small station, maybe Cleveland Park, in honor of Ollie, the National Zoos bobcat.
The English effort had a message: Crass consumerism cant improve your life. Nicole doesnt sound quite so subversive.
Im not trying to tell people how to live their lives, but its like, Wow, this can happen here. People could just stop and slow down, she said.
Slow down and see the felines.
[A little bit of Aggieland has taken over Metro Center this month]
Nicole has teamed with the Animal Welfare League of Montgomery County and Charm City Animal Rescue and, if the campaign is successful, it will include photos of cats from those shelters.
Nicole has nothing against dogs Everybody loves dogs, she said but dogs dont have that captivatingly inscrutable quality cats possess.
People understand dogs, but people dont understand cats, she said. You see cats doing silly things, youre like Really? My cat surprises me every single day, and Ive had him for six years.
That would be Bob, an orange tabby fond of cuddling. Bob is part of a menagerie that includes a hamster named Eliza, a white hamster named Jon Snow and a ball python named Mr. Fluffles.
I live in a zoo, but I love it, said Nicole, a mother of two who lives in Gaithersburg, Md., and works for a commercial real estate company. When Im having a really bad day, Ill watch cat videos just to get what I need to take a break.
The Kickstarter campaign go to kickstarter.com and search for DC Kitties runs until May 4. Lesser rewards include
T-shirts that say I Cant Keep Calm. C.A.T.S. Are Taking Over Metro! and Show Me Your Kitties.
In an email from London, Glimpses James Turner wrote: Were delighted to see this idea spreading across the world, and we wish the D.C. takeover the best of luck. We know of at least two other cities who are planning something similar, too: L.A. and Cape Town.
Who knows where this could end up? Maybe in the future our kids will wonder why it took us so long to replace all advertising with cats.
Dog bag afternoon
Cats poop in a litter box. Dogs poop, well, everywhere. Thats why dog owners should carry bags and pick it up.
One dog walker who didnt is the subject of a manhunt in Tenleytown. A homeowners security camera caught the guy blithely walking away after one of the two pooches he was walking dropped a load in the front yard of a home on Brandywine Street NW.
Marcello Muzzatti posted a 20-second video on the neighborhood message group with the subject line Your Dog Sh*t on my Lawn.
The topic was sure to rile folks up. Some thought the video was Big Brotherish. Others thought it was hilarious.
Said Marcello: When the dog poop thread comes out in our listserv, oh my god, its Here we go, lets get some popcorn and start reading the comments.
The poop scofflaw was pretty gutsy. Marcello is a retired D.C. cop, and a decommissioned Rye Brook, N.Y., police car sits in his driveway. Marcello bought it at auction to strip it and flip it.
The video has gone semi-viral, and Marcellos been featured on Channels 5 and 9 and on the DCist and Prince of Petworth blogs.
Im actually starting to feel bad for this guy, Marcello said. I hope he just comes forward and apologizes.
Twitter: @johnkelly
For previous columns, visit washingtonpost.com/johnkelly.
John Herbers, a reporter based in the South for a wire service and later the New York Times, who wrote with urgency about church burnings and bombings during the civil rights struggle and who later covered politics and urban affairs from Washington, died March 17 at a retirement community in the District. He was 93.
The cause was degenerative brain disease, said a daughter, Anne Rosen.
Mr. Herbers, born in Tennessee, came from a home where African Americans were viewed as inferior and were meant to be a serving class to white people, Gene Roberts and Hank Klibanoff wrote in The Race Beat, a Pulitzer Prize-winning book on the media and civil rights. As a journalism student at Emory University in Atlanta, Mr. Herbers encountered other influences that caused him to reexamine his parentss value system.
He began his journalism career in 1949 in Greenwood, Miss., and within a few years was Mississippi bureau chief for the United Press wire service. Based in the capital city of Jackson, Mr. Herbers often reported on stories about race relations ignored by rival the Associated Press owned by member newspapers who in many cases supported the status quo, Klibanoff said in an interview.
He added that Mr. Herberss low-key, low-pulse, slow-speaking manner belied his courage in the face of community hostility even threats toward journalists who wrote about black people in any dignified way.
John Herbers in 2013. (Bill OLeary/The Washington Post)
In 1954, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its Brown v. Board of Education decision outlawing racial segregation in public schools, and pockets of resistance to school desegregation and other civil rights measures began to surface across the South.
Mr. Herbers had, perhaps, the earliest story on violent efforts to defy the court ruling, reporting in early September of 1954 that cells of vigilantes were quietly forming in the Mississippi Delta to oppose school desegregation, Roberts and Klibanoff wrote.
In 1955, 14-year-old black Chicagoan Emmett Till was lynched in Mississippi for allegedly whistling at a white woman, and Mr. Herbers covered the all-white jurys decision to acquit the two white defendants.
He continued as a correspondent for what became the United Press International wire service until joining the Times in 1963. From his base at the papers Atlanta bureau, he wrote about the 1963 bombing of the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Ala., that killed four black girls, the murder of three civil rights workers in Philadelphia, Miss., in 1964 and the 1965 voting rights march in Selma, Ala.
Eventually moving to the Washington bureau, Mr. Herbers reported on enforcement of newly enacted civil rights legislation; protests against the Vietnam War; the assassination of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy (D-N.Y.) in 1968; the Watergate political scandal and the resignation of President Richard M. Nixon in 1974; and the White House of President Gerald R. Ford. He retired from the Times in 1987.
John Norton Herbers was born in Memphis on Nov. 4, 1923. His father ran small country stores in Tennessee and Mississippi, and his mother was a part-time music teacher.
He served in the Army in the Pacific during World War II and graduated in 1949 from Emory. He was a Nieman fellow at Harvard in the early 1960s.
After retiring from the Times, Mr. Herbers was a visiting instructor at Princeton University and the University of Maryland.
He wrote four books, The Lost Priority: What Happened to the Civil Rights Movement in America? (1970); The Black Dilemma (1973), about the civil rights movement; No Thank You, Mr. President (1976), about his unhappy stint covering the Ford White House; and The New Heartland: Americas Flight Beyond the Suburbs and How It Is Changing Our Future (1986).
His wife of 64 years, the former Mary Elizabeth Betty Wood, died Feb. 5. Survivors include four daughters, Claudia Slate of Lakeland, Fla., Mary Herbers of Derwood, Md., Anne Rosen of Washington, and Jill Herbers of New York City; a sister; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
MARYLAND
Pr. Georges man is charged in slaying
A man arrested in the slaying of an 18-year-old woman had argued with her before shooting her, according to Prince Georges County police.
Darell Alfred, 33, of Capitol Heights, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Shamica Briggs, 18, of Springdale, police said Tuesday.
Officers were called to the 10000 block of Yellowwood Lane in Springdale at about 2:35 a.m. Feb. 25 and found Briggs suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, police said. Authorities pronounced her dead on the scene.
Alfred is being held in Prince Georges County jail without bond.
Lynh Bui
Baltimore firebomb
suspect surrenders
A man wanted in connection with the throwing of two firebombs into a Baltimore townhouse over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of two people has been arrested and charged, police said.
Baltimore police had called Antonio Wright Public Enemy No. 1. He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder and other charges associated with arson and attempted murder, police said.
Wright turned himself into detectives without incident on Monday, police said. The Baltimore Sun said Wright, 26, surrendered but maintained his innocence in a live-streamed Facebook video as he was being handcuffed and taken into custody.
The firebombing happened Saturday, when two molotov cocktails were thrown into a three-story home. Authorities said two teenagers Shi-heem Sholto, 19, and Tyrone James, 17, died in the incident. Six other people, including a 4-year-old girl, were injured.
Dana Hedgpeth
Md. Democrats set
forums for party chair
The Maryland Democratic Party has announced the first two forums in what it said will be a series of events featuring candidates for state party chair.
For now, the only confirmed candidate is the interim chair. Former Marriott executive and 8th District congressional candidate Kathleen Matthews was elected to the post by the partys executive committee on March 1.
Former Montgomery County Council member Valerie Ervin appears to be testing the waters; on Crowdpac, a crowdfunding site, she is listed as a potential candidate. Ervin has charged that Matthewss election, which came with the blessing of the states senior Democrats, lacked transparency.
The first forum will be April 1 at the Young Democrats of Maryland convention in Largo. The second is scheduled for April 29 after the Western Maryland Democratic Summit in Rocky Gap.
All 24 central committee delegations 23 counties plus Baltimore City will meet on May 6 in Greenbelt to elect a chair. Mondays announcement also included filing deadlines and other rules that will govern the election.
Bill Turque
THE REGION
Metro police seek
person of interest
Metro Transit Police are looking for a person of interest in an alleged sexual battery on the Orange Line last week.
Metro said the incident occurred near Courthouse station about 5:30 p.m. March 13, as a train traveled toward New Carrollton.
A woman reported that when she sat down next to a man on the train, he began touching her buttocks, according to a Metro Transit Police incident report.
The woman asked would you stop that? and shifted away in her seat, the report said.
After the man the touched her buttocks again, the woman stood up and walked to the center of the rail car. He soon exited the train and fled, the report said. Those with information on the case were asked to call 301-955-5000 or text MyMTPD.
Faiz Siddiqui
A Howard University student has been ordered held in jail on charges that he kidnapped a fellow student this past weekend after a drug deal went awry, according to authorities.
In addition to being charged with kidnapping, the suspect, Adam Murray, 24, faces charges of possessing a firearm during a crime of violence and possession with intent to distribute drugs. He has a preliminary hearing scheduled for Thursday.
An arrest affidavit says that police searched the home Murray rented just off the Northwest Washington campus in the 200 block of Elm Street NW and found amphetamines, 22 pounds of marijuana, a shotgun, a semiautomatic handgun and 48 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition.
A spokeswoman for Howard University referred questions about the case to D.C. police. The University is aware of the incident and is investigating this matter accordingly, said Crystal Brown, a university vice president and chief communications officer.
Murrays attorney, Samuel A. Bogash, questioned several aspects of the police account and said the four-page arrest affidavit appears to be internally inconsistent such as saying investigators found a .38-caliber gun and .40-caliber bullets. Noting that five people live in the house and that others visit, he asked how police could tie the drugs and guns to his client.
Bogash also said that the complainant herself appears to have set up this drug deal that went bad. She doesnt have clean hands. The lawyer questioned the idea that she had been held against her will.
Bogash said his client has no criminal record and has been barred from campus. D.C. police were called to the house at least seven times since 2014 for burglaries, break-ins and a party in which a woman passed out outside after using synthetic marijuana, according to police reports.
The single-family house is owned by Aprille J. Ericsson, an adjunct professor in the universitys engineering department who served on Howards Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2010.
In an interview Monday, before the detailed police affidavit was made public, Ericsson said she regarded Murray as a nice young man who paid his rent on time. Hes a good kid, she said. Its a sad situation. Ericsson did not respond to an interview request on Tuesday.
D.C. police said in the affidavit that the incident began Thursday when Murray met up with a female student who had a friend who wanted marijuana. The female student arranged a meeting.
Murray drove the student to a parking lot and gave her marijuana to sell, the affidavit says. The student returned and told Murray that she had been robbed of the drugs, according to the affidavit. Murray did not believe her and took her to the house, where, the affidavit says, she wasnt free to leave until he was paid the $800 for the marijuana.
Police said the student initially did not feel threatened, thinking they would come to some understanding. The next day, police said, a friend of the female students came by to make sure the student was safe. Authorities said that person was free to leave.
The witness stayed with the [student] . . . acting like a buffer to keep the situation from getting out of control, the affidavit says. Later, the student told police that she became increasingly scared as the defendant continued to indicated to her that she was not free to leave until the situation was handled. At one point, police said, Murray told the student she could pay half of what the drugs were worth, or $400.
The students friend told police she saw guns in the house and that the suspect continued to sell drugs to other people.
Police went to the house about 10:20 p.m. Saturday.
Noting that the alleged drug deal was allegedly set up and carried out by the woman who later said she was held captive, Bogash said, I just want to know more about her. He said the affidavit does not say the woman was threatened but that she felt threatened. Whatever fear she expressed was subjective, the attorney said.
It took 45 seconds for three men to break into a gun store in Chantilly, Va., and steal 35 semiautomatic handguns, local authorities said. When they were arrested on a tip a week later, only one gun was recovered.
Federal prosecutors in Alexandria charged Preston G. Holmes, 23; Matthew D. Jones, 23; and Daniel L. Quarles, 19, on Monday with conspiracy and theft of firearms from a federally licensed dealer. In 10 days, prosecutors say, the trio targeted three gun stores in Virginia.
It always baffles us anytime anyone wants to steal a firearm, said Scott Wall, a manager at the Chantilly store, 50 West Armory. The consequences are so severe. They are all marked with serial numbers and tracked, he said, so selling a stolen gun to a pawn shop or gun shop is impossible. Anyone who buys a stolen gun on the street, he added, could be stopped and caught by a police officer.
If convicted, each defendant could go to prison for up to 10 years.
The 50 West Armory store has been open for a year and a half and had never been burglarized before, Wall said. The store already had a pretty robust security system, and police nearly caught the thieves in the act on March 11, he said. He added that shop employees are reviewing what they can do to make things safer.
The handguns were the weapons closest to the door, Wall said, and the least expensive.
Three days after breaking into 50 West Armory, authorities said, the thieves targeted two gun stores in Fredericksburg, Va.
A.S.H. Tactical keeps all its firearms in a safe after hours. According to an affidavit from an agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, when the burglars broke in just after 5 a.m. on March 14, they were able to steal about $100 to $150 out of a cash box.
According to the affidavit, the trio then moved on to nearby SSG Tactical, where security footage showed they were unable to penetrate a cage door and fled.
The three suspects traveled in a U-Haul utility van and wore UGG-style shoes, the agent said.
A concerned citizen told authorities that the burglars were living at 77 H St. NW in Washington and had been keeping the rented U-Haul in the apartment buildings garage, the affidavit said. According to the tipster, most of the firearms had been sold. After tracking the van and the suspects for several days, authorities say they searched the apartment and found a plastic bin filled with shoes and broken glass.
A cooperating suspect then told agents that the three suspects had moved, according to the affidavit. At Quarless residence in District Heights, Md., investigators said they found one of the guns stolen from 50 West Armory. Where Holmes was staying in Alexandria, they said they found the clothing and more shoes seen in security footage of the burglaries. However, the affidavit reports that no other weapons were recovered.
More than 30 weapons were stolen from a gun store in Rockville, Md., earlier this month, police said. It was not clear whether there was a connection to the Virginia cases.
An attorney for Jones declined to comment. Attorneys for Holmes and Quarles could not be immediately reached.
A man was shot with an arrow Sunday after a dispute in Virginia Beach, Va., the police there said.
Police in Virginia Beach said the mans injuries were not life-threatening.
They said preliminary investigation indicated that the incident stemmed from what they described as a previous altercation between the victim and several other individuals.
Authorities were called around 8 p.m. about a man shot with an arrow while driving, the police said. He was taken to a hospital for treatment, they said.
In a statement issued Monday, they said the case remained under investigation.
A Virginia television station described the victim as an 18-year-old high school student. The station, WAVY 10, in the Hampton Roads area, said he told a reporter by telephone from the hospital that the arrow was fired from a crossbow. He said he was hit when he shielded his girlfriend.
If it would have missed me, it would have hit my girlfriend, he told the station in a recorded interview.
He said the arrow left wounds on his back and chest and protruded from his body as he drove in search of help.
A woman told the station in a recorded interview that her husband saw something sticking out of the victims body as he was placed in an ambulance.
A man was stabbed in the head along a Washington bike path Tuesday afternoon, police said, suffering life-threatening wounds.
The attack happened about 2:30 p.m. along a bike path in Kenilworth Park in Northeast Washington. U.S. Park Police said they received a call for a reported assault.
When officers arrived, they found a man suffering from multiple stab wounds, including one to the head, said Sgt. Anna Rose, a spokeswoman with the U.S. Park Police. He was flown in a medevac helicopter to a hospital with life-threatening wounds, she said.
Rose said that only a vague description of a black male suspect was given. She said officers searched the area for two hours with a K-9 unit and did not find the suspect.
The investigation is continuing, she said.
Ballou High School sophomore Malek Dayvon Mercer died in June 2015. A District man who fatally shot the 15-year-old youth was acquitted of first-degree murder after he argued during trial that he fired in self-defense. (Courtesy of Sharon Becks)
A District man who fatally shot a 15-year-old youth was acquitted of first-degree murder after he argued during trial that he fired in self-defense after the victim pulled a gun.
The D.C. Superior Court jury, however, could not reach a verdict on a second-degree murder charge and their deliberations ended Monday. Prosecutors will have to decide whether to retry the defendant, 24-year-old Derryck Anjuan Decuir, on that charge.
Prosecutors argued that Decuir was out in the early hours of June 16, 2015, when he spotted Ballou High School sophomore Malek Dayvon Mercer. They said Decuir decided to rob Malek, who was wearing a red Versace belt and expensive Air Force 1 sneakers, and the crime turned deadly. Authorities said Malek was targeted for his belt and sneakers.
As prosecutors prepared for the late February trial, the case seemed an easy one. At least two witnesses had identified Decuir as the shooter. And, after his arrest, Decuir was caught on jail video urging two friends to see about his Stephen Curry jersey and his dog, both of which he said he kept in his back yard. Authorities quickly figured out that he was referring to the Ruger P85 9mm pistol used to kill Malek.
But one day after the trial began, the government learned new details from a key witness, information that would cause its case to crumble, prosecutors said. That witness, a friend of Maleks, testified that Malek was carrying a shotgun in a backpack the night he was killed.
The testimony bolstered Decuirs defense. Decuir, who took the witness stand, admitted carrying the pistol in his waistband but told the jury he had it for protection, his attorney said. He said he did not set out to rob Malek, but simply walked by him because he wanted to relieve himself in some nearby trees.
Decuir told jurors that as he passed the teen, Malek reached into his bag and pulled out the shotgun, defense attorneys said. They said Decuir testified that he shot Malek once out of fear.
[Teens designer belt caught eye of a would-be robber in fatal robbery, prosecutors say]
A young woman who dated Maleks friend testified that she was with both young men that night. She said she had watched her boyfriend put a large shotgun in Maleks backpack.
At the shooting scene, the backpack was found with clothes inside. Decuirs attorneys with the Districts Public Defender Service theorized that Maleks friend took the gun that had been in the bag and hid it. Prosecutors argued there was no evidence of that.
Following a two-week trial, the jury returned a partial verdict Wednesday, acquitting Decuir of first-degree murder and on the charges associated with robbery. The jury found Decuir guilty of carrying a pistol without a license, obstruction of justice and tampering with evidence.
Jurors were not able to reach a unanimous verdict on the charge of second-degree murder while armed. A judge ruled a mistrial on that count.
In an interview after the trial, one juror said some people on the jury believed that if Malek had a gun, Decuir may have been afraid he would be shot.
Prosecutors and Decuirs attorneys will return on April 3, at which point prosecutors will decide whether to retry Decuir for second-degree murder. Decuir will remain in the D.C. jail until his next hearing.
Outside the courtroom, Jeffrey Nestler, one of the prosecutors, hugged Maleks mother, Sharon Becks, and whispered to her, Im sorry.
Becks has repeatedly said her son never carried a gun. Becks and her mother, Sandra Jones, Maleks grandmother, watched most of the trial. Jones said she and her daughter were frustrated.
We just wanted a verdict, Jones said.
Sentence was imposed Friday in Arlington in an 18-year-old murder case that led investigators to Guatemala in their search for the suspect, authorities said.
Ludvin Estrada, 41, was sentenced to 45 years in prison in the 1999 killing of Eva Veliz, 27, in the Radnor/Fort Myer Heights neighborhood of Arlington, the police said.
The police said the victims body was found May 11, 1999, at about 4:30 p.m. in the trunk of a vehicle parked in the 1300 block of N. Pierce Street.
Veliz and Estrada had been out dancing the evening before and were seen leaving together at 2:45 a.m. on the day Veliz died, the police said.
At some point, the police said, an argument broke out and the victim was strangled in what Deputy Police Chief Daniel J. Murray called a senseless act of domestic violence.
Estrada immediately fled to Guatemala, the police said.
A warrant was issued, but efforts to find him in Guatemala were unsuccessful, according to police.
About five years ago, the case was assigned to the police cold case unit. Additional evidence was found from the crime scene and from laboratory results that confirmed the suspects involvement, the police said.
In addition to Arlington police, the State Department, the Justice Department and the U.S. Marshals Service took part in the effort to investigate the matter and to bring the suspect back to the United States, authorities said. Law enforcement in Guatemala was also credited with a role.
The suspect was extradited to this country last September.
The sentence was imposed in Arlington Circuit Court by Judge Daniel Fiore. It was the maximum permitted by a plea agreement, the police said.
In a statement issued Monday, the sentence was described by Arlington commonwealths attorney Theo Stamos as the culmination of years of dogged work and perseverance.
The case was never a whodunit, but the suspects flight made the investigation much more complex, Stamos said.
She gave particular credit to police detective Rosa Ortiz, who never, ever forgot about our victim.
One of the two suspects accused of raping a 14-year-old student at Rockville High School was picked up by a U.S. Border Patrol agent in Texas seven months ago, determined to have illegally entered the country, and issued a notice to appear in immigration court, federal officials said Monday.
The suspect, Henry Sanchez-Milian, 18, arrived in Montgomery County around that same period, according to records filed at Montgomery County District Court. He was placed in ninth grade at Rockville High School, as was the other suspect, Jose O. Montano, 17, according to a court hearing last week.
Montano has been charged as an adult in the case.
Montano is accused of pushing the 14-year-old student into a boys bathroom during school hours Thursday morning and then forcing her into a stall as she tried to hold on to a sink, according to police affidavits filed in court. Inside the stall, he and Sanchez-Milian, whose name also is spelled as Sanchez in court records, took turns attacking the girl, according to court records.
Both teenagers have been charged with one count of first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sex offense. The crimes carry possible sentences of life in prison.
Henry E. Sanchez-Milian (N/A/Montgomery County Police)
The suspects accounts of the events have not yet been presented in public filings.
Montgomery Schools Superintendent Jack Smith said Monday the allegations are horrible and unacceptable.
As part of a broader effort to review security measures, schools officials said Rockville High School staff were taking steps to more closely monitor hall passes and students coming in and out of class.
I was immediately sick and disgusted about the reports of what happened at Rockville High, County Executive Isiah Leggett (D) said Monday. This should not happen. Period.
Leggett said the two suspects had no previous involvement in the countys criminal-justice system. He said that if the suspects are convicted, he would cooperate fully with federal immigration officials to have them deported after serving any imposed prison sentences.
The suspects immigration status is a topic of high interest for residents in Montgomery County and, as news of the case spreads nationally, people in other states.
Available records at Montgomery County District Court show that Sanchez-Milian was born in Guatemala and lived there until he was 17.
In August 2016, Henry Sanchez-Milian was encountered by a border patrol agent in Rio Valley Grande, Texas, who determined the individual had unlawfully entered the United States from Mexico, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement spokesman Matthew Bourke said in a statement. Sanchez-Milian was issued a notice to appear in front of an immigration judge, which is currently waiting to be scheduled.
Sanchez-Milian arrived in Montgomery County seven months ago, according to Montgomery County court records. After his arrest last week, ICE officials requested a detainer be placed on him at the county jail, meaning they are interested in possible future deportation proceedings.
ICE officials declined to comment on whether they have requested a detainer for Montano, saying they could not discuss his case because he is a juvenile. According to court records, Montano was born in El Salvador, lived there for 16 years and also arrived in Montgomery County seven months ago.
Bill Turque contributed to this report.
Two women were shot and seriously wounded Monday night in Northeast Washington, authorities said.
The shooting occurred about 8:40 p.m. in the 4200 block of Blaine Street, said Officer Sean Hickman, a D.C. police spokesman.
Both women were described as conscious and breathing after the shooting. One was taken to a hospital from the scene, he said. The other arrived at a hospital on her own, he said.
The shooting apparently occurred outdoors. The site is about a block south of Benning Road, and about a half mile east of the Anacostia Freeway.
No information was available about the circumstances.
Britain joined the United States on Tuesday in barring passengers traveling from airports in several Muslim-majority countries from bringing laptops, tablets and other portable electronic devices on board with them when they fly.
The U.K. ban applies to six countries, while the U.S. ban covers 10 airports in eight Muslim-majority countries.
Fliers can still travel with these items, but they must be packed in their checked baggage on U.S.- and U.K.-bound flights from airports across the countries, including busy hubs in Istanbul, Dubai and Doha, Qatar.
The British ban also includes some cellphones and is expected to apply to all airports in the six nations. The countries included in the British ban are Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. restrictions were prompted by a growing concern within the government that terrorists who have long sought to develop hard-to-detect bombs hidden inside electronic devices may have put renewed effort into that work, according to people familiar with the matter, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk about it. U.S. officials have been discussing whether to issue new security restrictions for some flights for the past two weeks, they said.
Officials have said that in 2014, U.S. authorities were increasingly worried that suspected bombmaker Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri, who was allegedly instrumental to al-Qaedas Yemen branch in several bomb plots, might be helping terrorists in Syria develop new, harder-to-detect explosive devices.
[Al-Qaeda bombmaker Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri has tried to attack the U.S. three times, officials say]
John Pistole, a former senior FBI official who also led the Transportation Security Administration during the Obama administration, said Asiri is a major concern for U.S. counterterrorism officials.
To my knowledge, hes still out there, and he shares his recipes with a number of people, Pistole said. Restrictions like those announced this week, he said, are a way of trying to be as tailored as much as possible to reduce the risk.
Pistole, now president of Anderson University in Indiana, said aviation security officials are particularly concerned about explosive devices built with non-metallic materials, because most of the worlds airports lack the screening measures to detect such bombs.
New limitations on carry-on items are both an actual physical deterrent and an overall deterrent so the bad guys see this and say, Theyre onto us. Thats a win for the good guys, Pistole said, because then you have time to push the terrorists off to another location, another time, another type of attack. It gives law enforcement and security services more opportunity to identify and disrupt plots.
So why not ban electronic devices from planes entirely? People familiar with the discussions said the restrictions were designed to defeat the particular type of threat that is of greatest concern: the possibility that terrorists could smuggle explosives inside electronics and manually detonate them once on a plane. In the case of the underwear bomber plot of 2009, for example, the would-be attacker had to mix two chemicals to create the explosive once he was on board the airliner.
(Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)
Federal officials initially described the ban as indefinite. But David Lapan, a spokesman for the Department of Homeland Security, said the directive runs until Oct. 14 and could be extended for another year should the evaluation of the threat remain the same.
[Second federal judge blocks revised Trump travel ban]
James Norton, who was a ranking official at the Department of Homeland Security when a ban on liquids went into effect just over a decade ago, said a sudden change such as this signals a significant threat.
It seems fairly urgent, said Norton, who now runs a homeland security consulting firm. My initial reaction is this is based on some sort of information that the intelligence community came across as a whole. They are trying to address it working with the airlines and the countries directly, trying to implement some sort of a plan.
The ban on liquids was implemented Aug. 10, 2006, after British and U.S. intelligence uncovered a plot to simultaneously blow up as many as 10 U.S.-bound passenger jets with liquid explosives hidden in carry-on luggage. Authorities arrested 24 suspects that day and launched new security measures that snarled air traffic. Travelers had to undergo special inspections after drinks and most other liquids and gels were banned as carry-on items (later rules allowed small amounts of liquids and gels, but with tight restrictions).
That happened overnight based on a bunch of arrests on an incredible threat, Norton said. This weeks new rules suggest an urgency to bar devices from U.S.-bound aircraft from those specific countries.
Evidence can be anything, Norton said. It is hard to know until they make some sort of announcement in terms of why they are doing this why they picked those countries and those flights. My guess is, just like with the liquid ban, that they came across a potential threat.
The decision to announce the British ban was made during a meeting on aviation security measures Tuesday by British Prime Minister Theresa May, who had chaired similar meetings over the past few weeks. British authorities said they contacted U.S. officials before the announcement.
Its unclear when the British ban will take effect. The affected airlines have already been informed, and we expect the measures to be in place in the next couple of days, a government spokesman said. He added that six British and eight foreign carriers will be affected.
[Travel groups say they support enhanced security measures but want to hear justification for electronics ban]
A spokesman for the prime ministers office said the measures were based on the same intelligence the U.S. relies on.
British terrorism experts were baffled by the move, however, and said the differing specifics of the American and British bans seemed contradictory, especially in regard to the selection of countries. The U.S. ban includes airports from several nations that are not affected by the British restrictions.
This may be linked to the Trump administrations emphasis on displaying an abundance of caution when addressing the threat of terrorism to the U.S., regardless of the potential impact this may have on relations with partners and allies, said Daniel Falkiner, a London-based security analyst.
In contrast, the U.K. has very close political and security ties with the gulf states, for example, which may mean London is more content than Washington is with the security protocols at major regional hubs like Dubai, Falkiner said.
Lapan, the DHS spokesman, said it would be up to British officials to explain why they included flights from countries not covered by the U.S. ban.
Outside of intel or threat assessments, governments make decisions on various factors affecting their countries and residents, Lapan said via email.
Security experts also said it would be extremely unusual for the British government to announce such extensive restrictions affecting flights from locales favored by British tourists, such as Tunisia and Egypt without the emergence of new details in recent weeks.
But another U.S. security expert questioned how the ban was implemented.
Why should I feel safer if the laptop is stowed in the belly of the plane and the perpetrator can use his iPhone to set if off? asked a senior official with an international travel organization. Im not personally privy to what [information] the TSA or DHS has, but I just dont get it.
The official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because he works in the industry, said the logistics of enforcing the ban will be daunting, particularly in instances where passengers take connecting flights elsewhere in the world before boarding a plane bound for the United States.
Youve got to wonder, if somebodys connecting and doesnt have access to his checked bag to put his laptop in, what does he do? the official asked. I guess people will figure out that if youre connecting in Casablanca, youd better have your laptop in your checked bag.
Some civil rights activists raised concerns about the intelligence behind the ban.
The administration hasnt provided a security rationale that makes sense for this measure targeting travelers from airports in Muslim-majority countries, said Hina Shamsi, director of the ACLUs National Security Project. Given the administrations already poor track record, this policy sends a signal of discriminatory targeting and must be heavily scrutinized.
Under the restrictions, travelers to the United States from 10 mostly Middle Eastern airports will be required to put all personal electronic devices larger than a cellphone or smartphone in their checked baggage. U.S. airlines are not affected by the ban because none offer direct U.S.-bound flights from the affected airports.
Ten airports in eight countries Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are affected. Officials said the airports were selected based on the current threat picture.
Officials said airlines will have 96 hours to comply with the restrictions. Carriers that fail to do so risk losing their authorization to operate in the United States.
The airports are: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Jordan, Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Egypt, Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) in Turkey, King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) and King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait International Airport (KWI) in Kuwait, Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) in Morocco, Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Qatar, and Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in the United Arab Emirates.
Officials said the change will affect passengers who travel on about 50 daily flights. Neither the U.S. nor British ban includes crew members.
Turkeys transport minister, Ahmet Arslan, criticized the ban, telling reporters in Ankara that it was not beneficial for passengers and that Turkey already has stringent security measures in place, according to Turkeys semiofficial Anadolu news agency. He added that Turkish officials had spoken about the regulations with their American counterparts and were discussing whether the Trump administration should step back.
The ban was first made public Monday afternoon not by administration officials but in a tweet sent by Royal Jordanian Airlines. Initially, U.S. officials declined to comment on the report, saying only that they would provide an update when appropriate. The official announcement came early Tuesday.
U.S. officials began outlining the new rules to carriers Sunday.
The International Air Transport Association, which represents international carriers, issued a statement Tuesday saying a number of airlines had been contacted by the TSA in regard to the new U.S. restrictions.
IATA is working with its members and the TSA to achieve greater clarity on required actions, the statement said. The group asked travelers going through the affected airports to add extra time to their travels.
Safety and security is the top priority of everyone involved in aviation, the statement said. Airlines comply with government requirements and they can do this most effectively when measures are well coordinated.
Barrett and Lazo reported from Washington. Lori Aratani, Ashley Halsey and Carol Morello in Washington and Zeynep Karatas in Istanbul contributed to this report.
The Republican Party of Virginia is demanding that Attorney General Mark R. Herring apologize for holding a town hall meeting at a terror-linked mosque in Northern Virginia.
Herring (D), who is running for reelection, made an appearance Friday at Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center in Falls Church along with immigration attorneys and experts to discuss the Trump administrations travel ban.
Herring is one of several attorneys general challenging the ban, which would block travel to the United States by citizens of several Muslim-majority countries. Dar Al-Hijrahs 20,000 congregants hail from more than two dozen countries, including Libya, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Iran.
As attorney general, Im here to defend and protect the rights and civil liberties of all Virginians, including minority communities, no matter what you look like, what your background is, Herring said at the meeting, according to his spokesman, Michael Kelly.
While Attorney General Herring is actively working to reassure Virginia Muslims and other minority communities that they are safe and welcome, the RPV is sending dangerous messages that only embolden those who want to harm or harass religious minorities, Kelly said.
The Falls Church mosque, one of the largest in the country, has been the target of several threats, including one last month.
Republican officials, who have made appearances at other mosques, said they objected to this specific house of worship because of its controversial past.
A former imam, Anwar al-Awlaki, went on to become an al-Qaeda leader in Yemen, where he was killed in a U.S. drone strike in 2011. Two of the Sept. 11, 2001, hijackers attended the mosque, as did Maj. Nidal M. Hasan, who killed 13 people in a shooting rampage at Fort Hood, Tex.
The Republican Party of Virginia does not object to politicians visiting mosques, in fact our own Chairman visited a Muslim house of worship quite recently, John Findlay, executive director of the state GOP, said in a statement. However, the Party does object to Mark Herring holding an event at a center with an extensive and well-documented history with anti-American terrorists.
[Anwar al-Aulaquis death reopens wounds for Dal al-Hijrah mosque in Falls Church]
Colin Christopher, the mosques deputy director of government affairs, accused party officials of extremism of another sort.
The extremists within the Republican Party in Virginia seem to have taken over and more moderate minds have receded in the current political climate, he said.
Christopher said the two hijackers worshiped there only a few times. He also said that Awlaki did not become radicalized until he left Virginia for Yemen.
FBI officials have spoken several times with the congregation, including recently.
If we were some terrorist mosque, I doubt the FBI would be coming and standing with us, he said. There has been no Muslim community that has been scrutinized more than Dar Al-Hijrah, so if theres any dirt on us, its going to come out.
Findlay questioned whether the mosques ties to radicals were truly in the past. He pointed to a comment that Imam Shaker Elsayed made at a prayer service in October 2011, when he acknowledged Awlakis death and said that he would face Allahs judgment.
He said that those who killed Awlaki need to equally prepare for that moment when they also will be judged by Allah, The Washington Post reported at the time.
Mark Herring needs to state whether he agrees or disagrees with the current Imam who said, [US forces that kill terrorists] need to equally prepare for that moment when they also will be judged by Allah, the partys statement said.
The Virginia GOP also criticized the Council on American-Islamic Relations, which took part in the town hall event. The partys statement described CAIR as a Hamas-linked group.
CAIR, an Islamic civil liberties advocacy group, has never been charged with criminal activity. Ibrahim Hooper, CAIRs national communications director, called the allegation a scurrilous smear campaign.
Its part of being the nations most prominent, active American Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, he said. We get it every day, particularly from the right wing of the political spectrum.
MS-13 graffiti marks a highway bridge in Springfield, Va.,near where police found the body of 15-year-old Damaris Alexandra Reyes Rivas on Feb. 11. (Michael Miller/TWP)
With gang recruitment increasing inside Fairfax County Public Schools, assaults and other types of violent crimes have also been on the rise in every police district in the county, police officials told the County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.
Regionally, incidents of illegal sales of guns and drugs in addition to sex trafficking have also increased.
Unfortunately, we see ourselves as reactive to the problem, Police Chief Edwin C. Roessler Jr. said at a public safety committee meeting that focused on a resurgence of violent activity by the transnational Mara Salvatrucha gang, better known as MS-13.
Fairfax police said teenagers from the county have been involved in several of the seven gang-related killings that have occurred in Northern Virginia in recent months.
Detectives are still investigating whether two bodies found early this month in Holmes Run Park are linked to gang activity. They have already concluded that the Central American gang was behind the death of a 15-year-old Maryland girl found at a Springfield industrial park.
Supervisor Penelope A. Gross (D-Mason), whose district includes the Holmes Run Park site where the two bodies were recently found, argued Tuesday for more urgency in county efforts to expand social-service programs geared toward at-risk youths.
She characterized as lackadaisical gang-prevention efforts put into place after a surge in gang violence in the wealthy county during the late 1990s.
We should be angry about this, Gross said, her voice rising. In the whole community.
Figuring out which youths are involved in gangs is getting to be a tougher chore, Jay Lanham, director of the Northern Virginia Regional Gang Task Force, told the supervisors.
Few teenagers affiliated with MS-13 wear identifying colors or hang out in the same spots the way previous generations of gangs did, Lanham said. Most of them communicate with one another on social-media websites, where the bulk of the recruiting occurs.
They are advertising on social media; they are posting on Facebook regularly, Lanham said. Theyre using a lot of these social apps to do this, and its very difficult to follow, and its difficult to stop it.
The hearing exposed a current of resentment over changing demographics in the county of 1.1 million residents, which in recent years has become more Latino and Asian.
Supervisor Pat Herrity (R-Springfield) blamed the gang problem on the arrival in Fairfax County Public Schools of unaccompanied minors from Central America, many of whom came to the United States illegally after fleeing violence in El Salvador, Guatemala or elsewhere.
Under federal law, the school system is required to accept such students.
Weve had about 1,500 undocumented minor children in our school system over the last couple of years, so this problem really shouldnt be too surprising, Herrity said. A lot of these children cant read or write in their own language. It puts a huge burden on our school system. It puts a huge burden on our police department and our communities.
Other supervisors said they want to be careful not to tap into fears over ramped-up federal immigration enforcement efforts, which advocates and police say can inhibit cooperation with police on gang-related crimes.
We know we have a lot of native-born kids who are being recruited into gangs, said Supervisor John C. Cook (R-Braddock).
We dont want to be overreacting to something we see in the newspapers. But we certainly want to make sure that when it comes to kids in our schools that were giving them good alternatives so that were counteracting the bad influences.
ARKANSAS
Bill requiring photo ID for voting is passed
Arkansas lawmakers approved a measure Monday requiring voters to show photo identification before casting a ballot, sending to the governors desk a requirement that was struck down as unconstitutional more than two years ago.
The House, which had already approved a previous version of the legislation, signed off on changes added by the Senate that allow voters without identification to cast a provisional ballot if they sign a sworn statement.
The Arkansas legislature enacted a similar law in 2013, but the measure was struck by the state Supreme Court the following year. The bill was aimed at addressing the argument by some justices that the restriction needed two-thirds legislative approval.
The legislation is one of two efforts by lawmakers to revive the voter-ID requirement. This month, they voted to put a proposed constitutional amendment imposing the requirement on next years ballot.
Four of the justices who struck down the 2013 law are no longer on the court, and one of the new justices is a former Republican state legislator. The three justices who noted that the 2013 law didnt get the two-thirds vote needed to change voter registration requirements remain on the court.
Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) has said that he generally supports voter identification, but a spokesman said he was reviewing the legislation approved Monday and had not decided whether he would sign it into law.
Associated Press
MINNESOTA
Police are praised for protests peaceful end
A federal review released Monday of an 18-day standoff outside a Minneapolis police station after the fatal shooting of a black man in 2015 found problems with the citys coordination and communication but praised officers for their professionalism and the peaceful end to the protest.
The Justice Departments Office of Community Oriented Policing Services conducted the review at the citys request after the shooting of 24-year-old Jamar Clark on Nov. 15, 2015. His death in a confrontation with two white officers sparked an occupation outside the station on the citys north side and other protests that were largely peaceful, although one on Nov. 18 included skirmishes between officers and demonstrators.
Some witnesses told police that Clark was handcuffed at the time, but an investigation by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found the officers were unsuccessful in handcuffing Clark, and he was shot after one of the officers shouted that Clark had his hand on the officers gun.
Associated Press
COLORADO
Progress made against wildfire near Boulder
Hundreds of residents were allowed to return to their homes in the foothills just outside Boulder on Monday as firefighters made progress against a wildfire possibly sparked by transient campers in the area.
The fire spread to about 70 acres, but firefighters were close to fully containing it Monday by building lines to stop it from spreading. Winds were forecast to be a bit lighter than when the fire broke out on Sunday but are still likely to be a factor, especially in the afternoon.
The fire started in the Sunshine Canyon area, which is dotted with expensive homes and rustic mountain residences. Residents of 426 homes were ordered to evacuate and people who live in more than 800 others were told to be ready to leave if conditions worsened.
Associated Press
SOUTH CAROLINA
27-month sentence for friend of Dylann Roof
The only person with whom Dylann Roof shared his racist plot to massacre parishioners at a historic black church in Charleston was sentenced Tuesday to more than two years in prison for hampering the investigation and lying to the FBI.
Im really, really sorry. A lot of beautiful lives were taken, Joey Meek, 22, told the court. He began to cry as he added: I dont know if Ill make it out of prison alive. Im scared.
Meek was handed 27 months behind bars by the same federal judge who presided over Roofs trial, which ended in January with the avowed white supremacist being sentenced to death for killing nine people at Charlestons Emanuel AME church.
U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel said he hoped the sentence would serve as a deterrent to anyone who learns of something so serious and fails to come forward. Meek faced 27 to 33 months in prison.
No family members of the victims spoke at the sentencing.
Meek said Roof, 22, shared his murderous plan during a night at Meeks house as they drank vodka, snorted cocaine, smoked marijuana and played video games. Authorities said that was about a week before the June 17, 2015, killings.
Meek later struck a deal with prosecutors, agreeing to plead guilty to failure to report a crime and lying to authorities.
He was not sentenced for failing to go to the police before the attack. Instead, authorities said, Meek broke the law when he stopped a friend in the hours immediately after the attack from calling the police to report Roof as a suspect.
Associated Press
PENNSYLVANIA
Phila. DA indicted on bribery charges
Philadelphias top prosecutor was charged Tuesday with taking more than $100,000 in luxury gifts, Caribbean trips and cash, often in exchange for official favors that included help with a court case, according to a bribery and extortion indictment unsealed Tuesday.
The indictment caps a nearly two-year investigation into Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williamss financial affairs. Williams, a Democrat and career prosecutor who makes $175,000 in the top job, has said he ran into financial trouble after a divorce and while paying private school tuition for his daughters.
The indictment described gifts that included trips he took with his then-girlfriend to a Dominican Republic resort, where they stayed in a presidential suite; a custom $3,400 sofa; and a used Jaguar convertible, with insurance coverage to match.
In exchange, authorities said, Williams offered to help a friends friend seek a reduced jail sentence in a criminal case. They also said he took $7,000 for helping a business owner friend meet with an airport police official in an attempt to avoid enhanced screening when returning from foreign trips.
Williams, 50, the citys first black district attorney, announced last month he would not run for a third term this year.
Williams was expected to surrender and be arraigned on the charges Wednesday, a spokesman said.
Associated Press
States report vandalism against Dakota Access pipeline: Authorities in South Dakota and Iowa on Tuesday confirmed incidents of vandalism against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in which someone burned a hole through an empty section of pipe. Texas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners reported the incidents in court documents filed Monday. The $3.8 billion pipeline runs 1,200 miles through the Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois.
Arkansas separates King, Lee holidays: Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) signed legislation Tuesday ending the states practice of commemorating Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on the same holiday as slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. The new law will remove Lee from the state holiday that honors King on the third Monday in January. The Civil War general will instead be honored with a memorial day, not a state holiday, on the second Saturday in October. Alabama and Mississippi are now the only states that have joint Lee-King state holidays.
From news services
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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While some federal grant money has reached Pikeville, Ky., the small town of Melvin, to the south, has seen better days. President Trumps budget proposal would eliminate funding that helps some rural communities offer job training and pursue community development, cuts that are running into opposition from Republican lawmakers. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
Chad Trador was, like many people here, a onetime coal miner struggling to find work. He, his three children and his wife had stayed afloat in a tough economy for years, but after he was laid off from his job managing a convenience store, the unemployment epidemic in this region appeared to have finally reached him, too.
The best opportunities I had were another convenience store, maybe as a clerk, making minimum wage, said Trador, 43, reflecting on last year. And then I heard that radio ad.
The intensive 33-week job training program being advertised TechHire Eastern Kentucky promised to teach him computer coding from scratch. It would even pay him decent money while he learned. Trador signed up, and he is on track to complete the training in April, when he will emerge with a job as an Apple iOS developer.
Like many such programs and infrastructure projects here in Eastern Kentucky and across Appalachia, the job training course has the federal governments fingerprints all over it. The Appalachian Regional Commission, an independent federal agency, helped jump-start it last year with a multiagency $2.75 million grant to a state organization that developed it.
But after decades of work, the commissions future is in doubt, with the Trump administrations 2018 budget proposal threatening to eliminate funding for the commissions and other rural development endeavors. Voters in this part of the country, which overwhelmingly supports President Trump, could be disproportionately affected if that happens.
[If youre a poor person in America, Trumps budget is not for you]
Trador, who voted for Trump, said the cuts are a bad idea. The job training programs funding is secure for several more years, but the absence of further investment, he said, would exacerbate the regions deep poverty.
I think its horrible. I think that maybe there are some things that dont need to be funded, but dont cut things that are working like the Appalachian Regional Commission and the work that theyve done, Trador said.
Chad Trador, with his dog Tinker Bell, is a former coal miner from Hagerhill, Ky., who has benefited from a federally funded program teaching him how to write computer code. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
As a political statement, Trumps budget proposal delighted many small-government conservatives, whose long-held wish for a more focused, less-wasteful government appeared ready to be fulfilled. As a practical political matter, though, the proposed budgets cuts to pocketbook programs such as this one have few friends in Congress, where members political stock often rises and falls based on what they can do for constituents. The result will likely be a final federal budget that bears little resemblance to the one Trump proposed.
In a statement last week, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) said he would not allow any cuts to the Appalachian Regional Commission, pitting the powerful Republican against a Trump budget priority and opening the door for fellow GOP lawmakers to do the same. U.S. House Appropriations Committee Chairman Harold Rogers (R-Ky.) said he understands that Congress and the White House have a responsibility to reduce the deficit. But he worries that cuts to such programs could hurt his Eastern Kentucky district.
I am disappointed that many of the reductions and eliminations proposed in the presidents skinny budget are draconian, careless and counterproductive, said Rogers, who was first elected in 1981 and is Kentuckys longest-serving member of Congress.
[From the archives: Sen. Mitch McConnells earmark power credited for revitalizing Louisville]
Because so much of the Appalachian commissions budget $146 million in 2016 goes toward infrastructure projects, many of the people living in communities that have benefited from the funding are unaware of its impact. The federal funding often goes toward repairing essential services rural towns cannot afford on their own, such as fixing broken sewer systems and revitalizing community centers.
(Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)
Wendy Collins, smoking a cigarette outside a dollar store in rural Frenchburg, Ky., grew frustrated when she heard about the recommended cuts to Appalachian development. In recent years, using a community development block grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and a commission grant, Frenchburg has received a combined $1 million to develop a senior citizens center and a regional meal-assistance kitchen.
HUDs community development grants also would disappear with Trumps proposed budget.
Really? Wow. So now what? Collins said. The government shouldnt take it away. This place is below the poverty level. There is nothing here, and people need something to stay out of drugs.
Collins, 45, who draws disability benefits, became emotional as she spoke about her own involvement with drugs; she estimates she has known about 30 people who have died from opioid abuse. A Trump supporter, Collins said she could not vote for him because she has a felony drug conviction. She thinks Trump should visit the area to see the impact of his budget for himself.
This community has nothing, she said. It needs help.
The offices of a shuttered coal operation are abandoned in Hi Hat, Ky. Hi Hat was originally called Fred but was renamed in 1943 for the Hi Hat Elkhorn Mining Co. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
A former coal mine operation sits idle near Hazard, Ky. The people of rural Kentucky are hopeful that Trump will help bring coal jobs back to the area. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
But some of Trumps supporters in the region appear willing to accept development funding cuts because they believe Trumps broader agenda will help revitalize the region. The president has promised he will bring the coal economy back to life by cutting industry regulations, though experts have largely dismissed the effect such actions would have on jobs.
As we speak, we are preparing new executive actions to save our coal industry and to save our wonderful coal miners from continuing to be put out of work, Trump told a crowd in Louisville on Monday. The miners are coming back.
The locker room of a shuttered coal operation sits abandoned in Hi Hat. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
David Conn, 49, of West Liberty, Ky., said he is hopeful Trump can deliver. Conn, a coal miner, said that the regions problems hinge on the loss of coal jobs. He doesnt think that will be fixed with federal funding.
Its not Trumps fault if the moneys not there. Somebodys got to say enough is enough, Conn said. People on low income that may be abusing medication . . . sometimes a lines got to be drawn. I still stand behind him with that.
West Liberty last year benefited from more than $250,000 in Appalachian Regional Commission funding, which went into improvements to the areas water infrastructure.
[Trump budget asks for $6 billion in HUD cuts, drops development grants]
Johnny Kouns, of rural Inez, Ky., voted for Trump and remains confident that the president can help redevelop the Appalachian economy. Kouns, 59, worked in coal fields until 2010. When the industry began to contract, he had to take an early retirement.
I think hes doing pretty well considering what he had to take on, he said. But its not all going to bloom overnight. Theres a lot of work to be done, and theres a lot of things coming at him.
The federal government, through the Appalachian commission, provided funding for the Roy F. Collier Community Center in town to expand its programing with the Dream Discovery Center. The center will promote science and technology education.
Many in the region share the view that coal can be revitalized, and while Trador agreed that perhaps some coal jobs could be brought back, he said the region needs to diversify its economy. He said programs such as his job training which served an initial class of 50, of which about 35 continued on after the boot camp phase can be scaled outward over time.
The town of Inez received $392,000 in federal funding this year to expand the Roy F. Collier Community Center to include the Dream Discovery Center. Federal grant money often goes toward infrastructure projects, and many of the people living in communities that receive the grants often are unaware of their impact. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
I think coal can be part of this, but I dont think coal is the end solution, he said. Thats a finite thing. As long as we have the Internet, we can work anywhere.
Some voters here conflate federal funding of assistance programs such as food stamps with those that fund infrastructure and community development. Shane Estes, 43, of Elliott County, grew cynical when asked about the cuts. He said the money would not make a difference in the area anyway because the culture has been too polluted with drugs. Estes, who voted for Trump, said that some employers in the area have stopped drug-testing workers because that would mean they could not hire anyone. And he takes issue with people using food assistance dollars on junk food.
But what about spending on infrastructure?
Not here, he said. Its going to get worse around here. Its not going to get no better. I dont think Trump can change this; I dont think anything can.
Many community leaders who have worked with the grants fear that cuts to federal funding could stymie revitalization.
Danielle King purchased an abandoned building empty since 1997 in downtown Mount Sterling seven years ago. She restored it and turned it into a once-a-week bakery. (Shes an internal medicine doctor by trade and has since hired employees to keep the bakery open most of the week. Weve created jobs!) She has become an advocate for revitalizing the entire downtown as a member of the town council, to significant effect. Walking through Mount Sterling, King spoke excitedly as she pointed to several new shops that have joined hers on the street.
The only thing that was downtown was banks and lawyers, she said, pointing around. And this used to be all liquor and bars.
Danielle King is the owner of the Spoonful of Sugar bakery and coffee shop in Mount Sterling, Ky. King purchased and restored an abandoned building seven years ago for her shop and was part of the downtowns revitalization efforts. If it wasnt for grants, you would not be able to build and progress in a small town," she said. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
Mount Sterling has been successful in cleaning up its main street. And it has benefited greatly from federal dollars: There are apartments for the elderly and disabled funded with HUD housing grants, and a $1 million grant in 2010 helped clean up a blighted neighborhood to the north, which had become a center for crime and drug activity.
About a mile away, Valerie Scott checked on the newly installed gym floor at the Dubois Community Center, which she and a community board have helped revitalize through commission and community development grant money to serve a largely African American community in the surrounding neighborhood. She said Dubois closed several years ago because of structural problems that rendered it unsafe, leaving the neighborhood without a place to gather.
That was pretty hard for our community because it was utilized a whole lot. Were a black community, very small but very strong in this area, Scott said. This is a very historical area. We wanted to revitalize it and get it back open.
Valerie Scott, right, with her daughter Jazz, 15, tours the unfinished basement at the Dubois Community Center in Mount Sterling, Ky. The center is being revitalized through Appalachian Regional Commission grants and other funding. Scott said she fears that with federal budget cuts, the basement, which she hopes will be an area for classrooms, might not get finished. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
Below the main floor, another level remains stripped and dilapidated. Scott hopes another grant might allow the downstairs to become an educational space.
King is eager to accelerate the success Mount Sterling has seen. She was reluctant to comment on Trump or the budget cuts, but she said that rather than eliminating grants, the government should be more active when communities have a plan to move forward.
When youre in a big city, its like the money just rolls in. Everybody gets a piece of the pie. But when youre a smaller place, they dont look at you as viable so they dont want to waste money on you, she said. They dont see our needs; they dont live here.
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL
U.S. boycotts debate on Israel, Palestinians
The United States on Monday boycotted a session of the Human Rights Council focusing on Palestinian areas, saying the regular review shows a long-standing bias against Israel that threatens the credibility of the body.
Israel is the only country that faces an examination of its rights record at each of the councils three annual sessions under a standing agenda item on Palestine and other occupied Arab territories.
The U.S. ambassador to the United Nations criticized that Israel was the only country on the calendar of the 47-member, U.N.-supported body.
It is not Syria, where the regime has systematically slaughtered and tortured its own people, Nikki Haley said in a statement. It is not Iran, where public hangings are a regular occurrence. It is not North Korea, where the regime uses forced-labor camps to crush its people into submission. It is Israel, the only democracy in the Middle East.
The boycott comes as the Trump administration contemplates ending U.S. participation at the council.
Associated Press
SYRIA
Army retakes areas in capital seized by rebels
Syrian government forces on Monday regained control of parts of Damascus that were attacked and captured by rebels and militants the previous day, with dozens killed on both sides, the military and an activist group said.
The surprise rebel incursion, in which fighters sneaked into the city through hidden tunnels and set off car bombs, was the most serious infiltration in years into President Bashar al-Assads seat of power.
The Levant Liberation Committee, a coalition of militant groups led by al-Qaedas branch in Syria, and the independent Failaq al-Rahman faction spearheaded the blitz.
Sundays incursion into Damascus was the most serious since 2012, when rebels captured several neighborhoods in the capital before being pushed back.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said 26 soldiers and pro-government gunmen were killed in the clashes, as well as 21 rebels.
Associated Press
NORTH KOREA
Officials dismiss threat of U.S. military action
North Korea said Monday that it is not frightened by U.S. threats of possible preemptive military action to halt its nuclear and missile buildup.
A spokesman for North Koreas Foreign Ministry slammed Secretary of State Rex Tillersons recent talk of tougher sanctions, more pressure and possible military action, and said the North would not be deterred in its nuclear program.
The nuclear force of [North Korea] is the treasured sword of justice and the most reliable war deterrence to defend the socialist motherland and the life of its people, the official Korean Central News Agency quoted the spokesman as saying.
Tillerson recently visited Japan, South Korea and China on a trip that focused on North Koreas nuclear program, and he signaled a tougher strategy that left open the possibility of preemptive military action.
He also described the past 20 years of U.S. policy toward North Korea as a failure and vowed a comprehensive policy review under President Trump.
Associated Press
Prominent activist reportedly arrested in UAE: Rights groups said a prominent activist in the United Arab Emirates has been detained. Amnesty International said Ahmed Mansoor was detained after an overnight raid of his apartment by security officials, who also confiscated electronic devices. Mansoor received the prestigious Martin Ennals Award last year for bringing attention to arbitrary arrests, concerns of torture and issues around the independence of the judiciary in the UAE.
Pakistan to reopen border with Afghanistan: Pakistans prime minister has ordered the reopening of his countrys border with Afghanistan, ending a protracted closure that has cost businesses on both sides millions of dollars and deepened bilateral tensions. Pakistan had closed the border in mid-February after deadly attacks that it blamed on militants hiding in Afghanistan.
Baghdad blast kills at least 23: A suicide car bombing in a commercial section of Baghdad killed at least 23 people and wounded 45, officials said. No one asserted responsibility for the attack, but the Islamic State militant group has been behind previous blasts in the city.
From news services
TURKEY
Erdogan allies to stop stumping in Germany
Turkish leaders will hold no further campaign rallies in Germany before Turkeys April 16 referendum, organizers said Tuesday, after an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said they were not welcome.
The announcement by the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) underscored a sharp deterioration in relations between NATO allies Germany and Turkey ahead of the referendum on boosting the powers of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
We will not organize any further events with Turkish government officials before the referendum, UETD President Zafer Sirakaya told Germanys Wirtschaftswoche magazine.
In Turkey, an official with Erdogans Justice and Development Party said it would still carry out some referendum propaganda activities in Europe this week but would focus its efforts domestically starting next week. About 1.4 million Turkish citizens living in Germany are eligible to vote in the referendum.
Bilateral tensions have surged over campaign appearances by Turkish officials seeking to drum up support for the vote. Erdogan accused Germany of using Nazi tactics after local officials, citing security concerns, canceled rallies by Turkish ministers in Germany. Merkel protested the rhetoric, but Erdogan has repeated the message in speech after speech, including one on Tuesday.
Enough is enough, Volker Bouffier, vice chairman of Merkels party, said Tuesday. Mr. Erdogan and his government are not welcome in our country.
Reuters
INDIA
Court gives two rivers same rights as a human
Two of Indias most iconic rivers, considered sacred by nearly a billion Hindus in the country, have been given the status of living entities to save them from further harm caused by widespread pollution.
The high court in the northern state of Uttarakhand ruled this week that the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers be accorded the status of living human entities, meaning that if anyone harms or pollutes either river, the law would view it as no different from harming a person.
The judges cited the example of New Zealands Whanganui River, revered by the indigenous Maori people. The Whanganui was declared a living entity with full legal rights by New Zealands government last week.
The Uttarakhand court appointed three officials to act as legal custodians responsible for conserving and protecting the two rivers and their tributaries.
The case came up in court after officials complained that the governments of Uttarakhand and the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh were not cooperating with federal efforts to set up a panel to protect the Ganges.
Associated Press
BRAZIL
Temer: Meat scandal is an embarrassment
Brazils president said Tuesday that a scandal over the sale of expired meat is an economic embarrassment, and Hong Kong joined several countries in suspending some meat imports from the South American nation.
President Michel Temer sought to play down the scandal, however, calling it a fuss and noting that only three of the more than 4,000 meatpacking plants in Brazil have been forced to close.
Still, he acknowledged that it has caused an economic embarrassment for the country as he spoke to a conference organized by the Council of the Americas.
The European Union, mainland China and Chile have halted some meat imports from Brazil, a major blow to its struggling economy.
On Tuesday, Hong Kongs Center for Food Safety announced that it would temporarily suspend imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry from Brazil.
Brazilian investigators charge that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. Police also allege that the appearance and smell of expired meats was improved by using chemicals and cheaper products.
Associated Press
Jordan court blocks blast suspects extradition to U.S.: Jordans top court has blocked the extradition of a Jordanian woman who faces U.S. charges in a 2001 blast in Jerusalem that killed 15 people, including two Americans. State media reported that Jordans Court of Cassation upheld a lower-court decision on grounds that Jordan and the United States do not have an extradition treaty. U.S. prosecutors allege that Ahlam al-Tamimi accompanied the suicide bomber and ordered him to detonate the explosives. Tamimi was imprisoned in Israel but released to Jordan in a 2011 prisoner swap.
From news services
Michael J. Green, senior vice president for Asia at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and associate professor at Georgetown University, is author of By More Than Providence: Grand Strategy and American Power in the Asia Pacific Since 1783.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised eyebrows with several of his statements in Asia last week, but in general he struck the right tone even if it requires a bit of historical and policy context to understand why. Heres a report card on the secretarys trip:
Mutual respect and win-win solutions. In Beijing, Tillerson parroted the Chinese when he said that U.S.-China relations should be built on nonconfrontation, no conflict, mutual respect and always searching for win-win solutions. As a general rule, it is not a good idea for senior U.S. officials to repeat such Chinese formulations nearly word for word, since they will be interpreted in China based on the official narrative of the Communist Party. But this was a minor mistake compared with the Obama administrations 2013 embrace of Chinese President Xi Jinpings proposal for a new model of great power relations between Beijing and Washington. That six-character Chinese phrase cast the United States and China as the two powers that should decide the future of Asia, implicitly downgrading U.S. allies and partners such as Japan and India to second-tier status. In contrast, Tillersons use of mundane Chinese Foreign Ministry rhetoric described a bilateral process and did not place China in a privileged position over democratic U.S. allies. Still, in the future, the secretary will want to find his own words to characterize relations with China, which as he pointed out in other parts of his public remarks are highly competitive but do hold the potential for greater cooperation.
All options are on the table with North Korea. Tillerson also took a bit of heat for this statement at his Seoul news conference Friday. But this is exactly the warning that a Hillary Clinton or Jeb Bush administration would probably be sending right now. Over the past year, Pyongyang has raced toward its goal of fielding an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of striking the continental United States with a nuclear warhead. It has deployed hundreds of missiles capable of reaching Japan, South Korea and U.S. bases on Guam and showed a willingness to employ biological or chemical weapons when it allegedly ordered the assassination of Kim Jong Uns half brother in Malaysia using VX nerve agent. The United States is unlikely to choose a preemptive military strike, but it is critical at this moment to reiterate long-standing U.S. policy toward North Korea: that all options, including military and even nuclear options, will be considered, as necessary, to deter attacks on our homeland or allies.
Tillerson was also right to state that 20 years of diplomacy with North Korea has failed, particularly after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi declared two weeks ago that the United States and North Korea were like two accelerating trains coming toward each other and proposed a new diplomatic approach based on a U.S. freeze of military exercises in exchange for a North Korean freeze of missile tests. This was a ludicrous proposal on several levels not least because of the alleged moral equivalency between the United States and North Korea and Chinas own effort to bow out of the problem. Tillerson minced no words in putting Beijing on notice that China needs to step up.
Japan and nuclear weapons. In an interview with the Independent Journal Review, Tillerson hinted that, in light of North Koreas repeated missile tests, Japan might need to develop nuclear weapons down the road. If the intent was to pressure China to exert greater pressure on Pyongyang, then waving the nuclear Japan warning will not work. It would be much more effective simply to demonstrate that North Korean actions are enhancing strategic trust and solidarity with U.S. allies a geopolitical trend that can help shake Beijing out of its complacency on North Korea. In any case, the answer was ambiguous enough that it will have little impact on China, North Korea or Japan for now.
Overall, Tillerson sent the message he needed in order to gain some traction on North Korea. The confusion that has emerged over his intentions has more to do with the Trump administration as a whole than with his own performance. President Trump vowed as a candidate to make unpredictability a hallmark of his foreign policy, and he has shifted positions on fundamental questions, such as whether the United States will defend allies or maintain the one-China commitment that the past six presidents made the basis for U.S.-China relations. Tillerson hit the right tone, but U.S. foreign policy needs an effective chorus backing him up in Washington.
President Trumps America First budget is headlined by its big hike in military spending, which Trump touts as one of the largest increases in national defense spending in American history. The buildup is paid for by cuts in civilian programs, including savage cuts to the State Department, U.N. programs, foreign aid and the Environmental Protection Agency and anything related to climate change. In fulfilling his campaign pledge to throw money at the Pentagon, Trump is undermining his oft-promised America First foreign policy.
Trumps budget document misleadingly claims that the militarys depletion under President Obama is our foremost challenge. In fact, the United States already spends nearly 40 percent of all the money spent globally on defense and more than the next 12 highest military spenders combined. (The hawkish GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona complained that Trumps budget calls for only a 3 percent increase over Barack Obamas last budget.) Yet on top of the billions already being poured into the military, Trump wants to add 60,000 active-duty soldiers to the Army, 78 ships and submarines to the Navy, 12,000 Marines, 1,200 active Air Force fighter planes, plus enhanced missile defense, cyber-capabilities and more.
The president mistakes the problem. The military is stressed not because we spend too little but because it is asked to do too much. Trumps budget is paying for a military that is tasked with policing the world with a bigger Navy, more expeditionary forces and more attack aircraft. This global reach is reflected in Trumps early foreign policy moves continuing the buildup in Eastern Europe, sustaining the longest war in Afghanistan, apparent mission creep in Yemen and Syria, threatening military action against North Korea and more.
On the campaign trail, Trump lacerated the failures of the foreign policy establishment. He criticized endless wars that we never win, expressed skepticism about regime change, suggested better relations with Russia could lead to cooperation against the Islamic State, called NATO obsolete, and questioned our commitments to Japan and South Korea. But now, as each week goes by, inertia governs. The allies have been reassured; the endless wars without victory continued. Trump has pushed the allies to bear more of the burden, but his military expansion will reduce their motivation to do so.
A true America First policy would build up diplomacy rather than military forces. Wed cut back on policing the world and seek to mediate and help settle disputes. Wed end the pointless war in Afghanistan and reduce our presence in the Middle Easts agonies. Wed seek to revive nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation efforts with the Russians and cool the drive toward a new cold war. Wed work with China to help enforce freedom of the seas in the South China Sea rather than launching a buildup to assert our right to bear that burden alone. All of this would suggest augmenting, not reducing, our investment in diplomacy. Wed want to support U.N. peacekeeping and development efforts more, so that we would no longer dispatch forces to more than 100 nations across the world every year.
Ironically, it is military officers familiar with the horrors of war who understand the importance of diplomacy and foreign aid; 120 retired general and admirals warned Congress against cuts to the State Department and foreign affairs budget. They cited Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, who said while he headed U.S. Central Command, If you dont fully fund the State Department, then I need to buy more ammunition.
Trump rails about the $6 trillion squandered in failed wars in the Middle East, enough to rebuild the United States many times over. Instead, to pay for a military able to police the world, Trumps budget would slash funding for science, for health research, for innovation and for education, from preschool to work-study programs and more. Some of the cuts to infant nutrition, home heating, and rural and urban development are simply cruel. Cuts in research are simply stupid reducing investment in Americas economic future to pay for its overstretched military. And an America First policy would be investing more, not less, in renewable energy, in energy efficiency and in meeting the costs of the damage already caused by climate change.
Trump has promised to make the U.S. armed forces so big, so powerful, so strong, that nobody absolutely nobody is gonna mess with us. But the question is whether we will continue to mess with them. A military that can go anywhere and do anything is called on constantly to go somewhere and do something. The problem with endless wars without victory is that they must be ended without victory. The challenge for a true America First policy is to reduce the lives and resources squandered across the globe in order to rebuild at home. Trumps budget submission omitted plans for his promised rebuilding of U.S. infrastructure. Clearly the military buildup took priority. And that buildup along with the doubling down on current policies in Europe, the Middle East, Korea and the South China Sea suggests that once more the bipartisan consensus of the United States as the indispensable nation on duty across the world will betray the promise to rebuild our country.
Read more from Katrina vanden Heuvels archive or follow her on Twitter.
It is a story oft-repeated and, at first, quite moving. It is the story of Marty Bannon, father of the White House chief strategist, Stephen K. Bannon, and how he lost much of his nest egg when the financial system cratered in 2008. He had worked for AT&T for 50 years, buying the stock when it was as safe as gold (only gold paid no dividend) and was now watching it go south at such an alarming rate that he decided to sell it. In a flash, the system turned on Marty and a lifetime of savings was gone. For his son Steve, it was an unforgettable lesson. It made him the revolutionary he is today.
The story reappeared last week in the Wall Street Journal. The only net worth my father had beside his tiny little house was that AT&T stock, Steve Bannon was quoted as saying. And nobody is held accountable? All these firms get bailed out. Theres no equity taken from anybody. Theres no one in jail.
That day, that October day when Marty Bannon panicked and took Jim Cramers advice from the TV and sold his AT&T stock, was when Steve Bannon had an epiphany: Everything since then has come from there, he said.
[The American presidency is shrinking before the worlds eyes]
This could be Sen. Bernie Sanders speaking. This could be the indignant writers of the 2015 movie The Big Short, which ended by noting that almost no one went to jail for the giant scam. I also think of New York City cab drivers, many of them immigrants, who leveraged themselves for three generations to buy a cab and now have had their investment gutted by Uber. This is the human cost of disruption, which, if you dont happen to be poor and drive a cab, is supposedly a wonderful thing.
(Erin Patrick O'Connor/The Washington Post)
At some point in the Steve Bannon story I started wondering: If his father got fleeced, if nobody [was] held accountable, how can the remedy be less regulation? If Wall Street picked his old mans pocket, why has President Trump appointed tycoon after tycoon who think the fairest tax is none at all and, in some cases, got immensely rich by collapsing companies and squeezing employees?
Where is the Trump appointee who cares about Bannons father? Why dont they go down the halls of the White House to reassure Bannon and tell him it will never happen again? Why dont they name an executive action after his father: The Martin Bannon, You Will Never Lose Your Nest Egg Act of 2017? The government will see to it.
Maybe Steve Bannon is right. Maybe someone should have gone to jail for selling junk wrapped in the American Dream to people who only wanted to buy a home like his fathers. But that would have taken some new laws. As it happened, the reason almost no one went to jail is that no laws were broken. Sometimes theres frustration, because the things that have happened dont rise to the level of criminal conduct, Preet Bharara, the just-fired U.S. attorney for Manhattan, said back in 2014. People are being jerks and stupid and greedy and negligent, but you cant pin a criminal case on them.
But the Trump administration is not for new laws and tighter regulation. It wants to roll back the Dodd-Frank financial reform, which, among other things, created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, whose name tells you all you need to know about its purpose. The president wants to hack nearly one-third out of the Environmental Protection Agencys budget, and he appointed an administrator, Scott Pruitt, who hates the very agency hes supposed to run.
[Joe Manchin: My party must get away from Washington Democrats overreaching philosophy]
Why cut the EPA budget? Is our water too pure? Is the air too clean? Shall we go back to where we once were? Look what Volkswagen did. It cheated on emissions standards and allegedly lied about it until the EPA outed it. Shall we leave these matters to the private sector?
Let them breathe nitrogen oxides.
I have heard too many people in business and finance complain about excessive regulation not to think there is something of a problem there. Maybe Dodd-Frank is too burdensome. Maybe class-action suits need to be limited. Maybe Obamacare really was a fiasco. Maybe. Maybe. Maybe.
But Bannons administrative state boogeyman is not what flattened his fathers nest egg. It was not excessive regulation that fleeced his father or, for that matter, changed AT&T from Ma Bell into just another business behemoth. Go home, Steve. You need to think.
Read more from Richard Cohens archive.
A HOUSE Intelligence Committee hearing Monday produced the remarkable spectacle of FBI Director James B. Comey publicly testifying that there was no information that supports tweets by President Trump alleging wiretapping of his New York headquarters on the order of President Barack Obama. It saw National Security Agency Director Michael S. Rogers agree with the British government that it was utterly ridiculous for the White House to suggest that such surveillance had been undertaken by Britains signals agency. And it produced official confirmation by Mr. Comey that the agency is investigating Russias interference in the U.S. presidential election, including possible coordination with members of the Trump campaign.
Youd think that all of this would be of surpassing concern for Republican members of Congress. The president who leads their party has been officially reported to have made false statements alleging criminal activity by his predecessor. Whats more, his campaign is under scrutiny for possible cooperation with a dedicated and dangerous U.S. adversary in order to subvert American democracy.
Yet to listen to Republican members of the Intelligence Committee, the most pressing problem to arise from Russias intervention and the FBIs investigation of it is that reports of contacts between Russias ambassador and Mr. Trumps designated national security adviser were leaked to The Post. The priority of Chairman Devin Nunes (Calif.) and other Republican members, judging from their statements, is not fully uncovering Russias actions but finding and punishing those who allowed the public to learn about them.
Mr. Nunes and Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) could not have been more zealous in their outrage over the exposure of Michael Flynn, who was forced to resign as national security adviser after reports in The Post exposed his lies about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Mr. Flynn accepted nearly $68,000 in payments from Russian companies, including the state propaganda outlet, before advocating greater cooperation with Moscow during his brief White House stint. Yet Mr. Nunes and Mr. Gowdy would have it that hunting down the sources for the disclosure that Mr. Flynn discussed the lifting of U.S. sanctions with Mr. Kislyak is more urgent than learning the full extent of the contacts he and other Trump aides had with Moscow.
The Republicans seem to be slavishly following the cues of the president, who, while failing to retract his accusation against Mr. Obama, is seeking to direct attention elsewhere. The real story that Congress, the FBI and all others should be looking into is the leaking of Classified information, he tweeted Monday morning. Such a diversion, like anything else that distracts attention from Vladimir Putins support for his election, would be to Mr. Trumps advantage.
Congressional Republicans ought to consider larger national interests. Russias intervention in the election was not incidental and haphazard, but part of a concerted campaign to disrupt Western democracy. Mr. Putin is even now attempting to interfere in ongoing election campaigns in France and Germany. Given Mr. Trumps refusal to acknowledge the threat, it is essential that Congress discover the truth about Russias activities, take steps to defend against similar intrusions in the future and help allies protect themselves.
The first useful step would be to fully inform the public. Instead, Mr. Nunes and his followers appear bent on silencing anyone who would do so.
Correction: An earlier version of this column misspelled the name of Rep. Thomas J. Rooney (R-Fla.). This version has been corrected.
This would be a good time to do something about the red menace of Vladimir Putins Russia. Instead, were talking about the Red Raiders of Texas Tech.
FBI Director James B. Comey, testifying Monday about his agencys investigation into Russias attempt to tilt the 2016 election to Donald Trump, explained why it was a fairly easy judgment that Trump was Putins favored candidate: Putin hated Secretary Clinton so much that the flip side of that coin was he had a clear preference for the person running against the person he hated so much.
But Rep. K. Michael Conaway (R-Tex.), a senior member of the House Intelligence Committee, was having none of it. Yeah, that logic might work on Saturday afternoon when my wifes Red Raiders are playing the Texas Longhorns. Conaway doubted such reasoning all the rest of the time.
So, Putin wanted Hillary Clinton to lose but didnt want Trump? Maybe he was for Gary Johnson?
Comey tried to be patient. Whoever the Red Raiders are playing, you want the Red Raiders to win, he explained. By definition, you want their opponent to lose.
Conaway was fourth and long. He scrambled to formulate another question, then punted: Well, let me finish up then.
[Does the FBIs trail lead to Russia?]
Comeys testimony confirmed what was widely suspected: The FBI is investigating whether the presidents campaign colluded with a powerful American adversary in an attempt to swing the election. But instead of being shaken from complacency and uniting to make sure this never happens again, the Republican majority on the House Intelligence Committee mounted a reflexive defense of Trump.
The partisan response made it plain that there will be no serious congressional investigation of the Russia election outrage, nor any major repercussions for Russia. We were attacked by Russia about this there is no doubt and were too paralyzed by politics to respond.
Trump, whose claim that President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower was dismissed by Comey on Monday, continued to fire his weapons of mass distraction Monday morning, tweeting about ties between Clinton and Russia and claiming the real story is who leaked classified information.
This is to be expected from Trump. The disheartening part was that most Republicans on the panel, which is supposed to investigate Trump, instead slavishly echoed his excuses.
Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.) underscored that there was no evidence that Russia cyber actors changed vote tallies. (There was also no allegation that they had.) He also pronounced himself extremely concerned about the widespread illegal leaks (much more so than the potentially illegal actions that the leaks exposed).
Reading from Trumps cue card, Nunes asked Comey to regard as serious the alleged Clinton campaign ties to Russia. In one exchange that sounded more sandbox than hearing room, Nunes asserted that its ridiculous for anyone to say that the Russians prefer Republicans over Democrats. The chairman urged Comey to tell his investigators not to believe that somehow the Republican Party watered down its platform on Russia.
Rep. Thomas J. Rooney (R-Fla.) pronounced himself concerned about the unmasking of Gen. Flynns identity, which denied him the constitutional protections that we all enjoy. (The unmasking of the former Trump national security adviser was in the service of demonstrating that he spoke falsely about his contacts with Russia.)
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.), who led a multiyear Benghazi investigation packed with innuendo and damaging leaks, repeatedly denounced the felonious dissemination of secrets, supposedly by the Obama administration, and the hearsay that is impugning the Trump team.
[No, Republicans, the real story is not the leaks]
Comey may have handed Trump the presidency with his announcement just before the election that he was reopening the Clinton email investigation. But he redeemed himself somewhat Monday with a lyrical defense of our wonderful, often messy, but free and fair democratic system. Said Comey: When theres something from a foreign state to disrupt that, its very serious. It threatens what is America.
The Russians, Comey warned, will be back to disrupt future elections. And one of the lessons they may draw from this is that they were successful because they introduced chaos and division and discord and sowed doubt about the nature of this amazing country of ours and our democratic process.
The chairman seemed more concerned about the political threat. Nunes told Comey flatly that we dont have any evidence of wrongdoing by Trump and his associates and asked the FBI director to hurry the investigation. There is a big gray cloud that you have put over people who have very important work to do to lead this country, Nunes said.
But the FBI director didnt put the cloud there. The Russians did. And if Nunes would consider country before party, hed recognize that the cloud isnt over Trumps White House; its over all of us.
Twitter: @Milbank
Read more from Dana Milbanks archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
It is difficult to overestimate the geopolitical risks of this moment or the (both disturbed and eager) global scrutiny now being given to the American president.
Aggression is growing along the westward reach of Russian influence and the southern boundary of Chinese influence. Intercontinental nuclear capacity may soon be in the hands of a mental pubescent in North Korea. In the Middle East, a hostile alliance of Russia and Shiite powers is ascendant; radical Sunnis have a territorial foothold and inspire strikes in Western cities; Americas traditional Sunni friends and allies feel devalued or abandoned; perhaps 500,000 Syrians are dead and millions of refugees suffer in conditions that incubate anger. Cyberterrorism and cyberespionage are exploiting and weaponizing our own technological dependence. Add to this a massive famine in East Africa, threatening the lives of 20 million people, and the picture of chaos is complete until the next crisis breaks.
It is in this context that the diplomatic bloopers reel of the past few days has been played the casual association of British intelligence with alleged surveillance at Trump Tower; the presidential tweets undermining Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his Asia trip; and the rude and childish treatment given the German chancellor. When President Trump and Angela Merkel sat together in the Oval Office, we were seeing the leader of the free world and that guy pouting in public.
[Is this the end of Americas role as a defender of freedom?]
Every new administration has a shakeout period. But this assumes an ability to learn from mistakes. And this would require admitting mistakes. The spectacle of an American president blaming a Fox News commentator for a major diplomatic incident was another milestone in the miniaturization of the presidency.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel meets with President Trump. (Saul Loeb/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)
An interested foreigner (friend or foe) must be a student of Trumps temperament, which is just as bad as advertised. He is inexperienced, uninformed, easily provoked and supremely confident in his own judgment. His advantage is the choice of some serious, experienced advisers, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and deputy national security adviser Dina Powell. But success in their jobs depends on Trumps listening skills.
Mere incompetence would be bad enough. But foreigners trying to understand the United States must now study (of all things) the intellectual influences of White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon. His vision of a Western alliance of ethno-nationalist, right-wing populists against globalists, multiculturalists, Islamists and (fill in the blank with your preferred minority) is the administrations most vivid and rhetorically ascendant foreign policy viewpoint. How does this affect the alliances of the previous dispensation? That is the background against which Trumps peevishness is being viewed.
Foreigners see a president who has blamed his predecessor, in banana-republic style, of a serious crime, for which FBI Director James B. Comey testified Monday there is no evidence. They see an administration whose campaign activities are being actively investigated by the executive branch and Congress. If close Trump associates are directly connected to Russian hacking, foreigners will see the president engulfed in an impeachment crisis the only constitutional mechanism that would remove the taint of larceny from the 2016 election.
And foreigners are seeing politics, not national security, in the drivers seat of the administration. Tillerson was given the job of secretary of state, then denied his choice of deputy for political reasons, then ordered to make a 28 percent cut in the budget for diplomacy and development. Never mind that Tillerson has been left a diminished figure. Never mind that stability operations in Somalia and northern Nigeria the recruiting grounds of Islamist terrorism would likely be eliminated under the Trump budget. Never mind that programs to prevent famines would be slashed.
[A year ago we declared ISIS genocidal. Why are its victims still waiting for aid?]
When asked if he was worried about cutting these programs during a famine, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney responded: The president said specifically hundreds of times . . . Im going to spend less money on people overseas and more money on people back home. And thats exactly what were doing with this budget. The benighted cruelty of such a statement assuming that the only way to help Americans is to let foreign children die is remarkable, and typical.
The sum total? Foreigners see a Darwinian, nationalist framework for American foreign policy; a diminished commitment to global engagement; a brewing scandal that could distract and cripple the administration; and a president who often conducts his affairs with peevish ignorance.
Some will look at this spectacle and live in fear; others may see a golden opportunity.
Read more from Michael Gersons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook .
The uncertain future of Obamacare isnt just wreaking havoc for insurers, hospitals and other companies in the health-care ecosystem.
Its paralyzing the lives of millions of regular Americans, too.
These are people who have made major, hard-to-reverse life decisions contingent on the health-care system we have today including a functioning individual insurance market and the subsidies to make those individual insurance plans affordable.
I spoke recently with about a dozen Americans from around the country who worry the rug is about to be pulled from under them. Some are old and some young; some quit jobs so they could care for family members; some retired early; others left corporate America to launch their own start-ups.
One thing they have in common: They believe politicians dont appreciate how much anxiety the Obamacare-repeal debate is causing their families.
(Bastien Inzaurralde,Sarah Parnass,Jenny Starrs/The Washington Post)
This includes Kathy Tomasic, age 57. Last summer Tomasic left her job with the county of San Diego a job with health insurance to care for her son, Alec. Its a decision she says she never could have made without Obamacare.
Alec is something of a child prodigy; he enrolled at the University of California at Berkeley last fall at 15 to study physics. He also, however, has a rare autoimmune disorder called mastocytosis, which lands him in hospitals several times a year.
Back in San Diego, Alecs 27-year-old brother, Nelson, helped care for Alec so that Mom could work. When Alec was accepted into college, the family decided it was time to let Nelson live his own life. Tomasic left her job and moved with Alec to Berkeley, which offered her a flexible, part-time position without benefits.
The key to this family decision: Tomasic could get insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchanges. She qualifies for subsidies that leave her paying about $300 in monthly premiums, a price that just barely fits into her familys tight budget.
People shouldnt have to plan life choices around whether or not theyll get health care, but thats the way it is, she said.
Now shes panicking about what will happen if, as Republicans propose, insurers can jack up premiums for older enrollees. Would she be able to get a job that offers benefits at her age? If she did, could she hold onto it, given the frequency of Alecs health crises?
Tomasic introduced me to her brother-in-law, Christopher Huntley, who says the law changed the course of his life, too.
Huntley used to be the director of internal audit for a gambling company, but was laid off in 2014 at 58.
At that age, youre kidding yourself if you think youre driving your career, says Huntley, who lives in Gurnee, Ill. Its not that easy to be jumping around in the job market. Companies see people my age as very expensive. They can get a couple of 30-year-olds for much less.
He had some savings, and he decided he would retire early and buy insurance on the exchanges. His premiums have risen a lot since then, from about $350 per month to $881 today. Nonetheless, hes grateful the law exists and is fearful of what may happen to his premiums under Trumpcare, which would allow insurers to charge people his age more.
Now 61 and out of the workforce for three years, hes even more pessimistic that hed be able to find a job that offers health benefits.
Then there are people like Kamil Choudhury.
Choudhury, 32, is on the younger end of the Obamacare enrollees I interviewed. Hes an entrepreneur developing a futures exchange for cloud computing called LevelCompute. He acknowledges hes not exactly a sob story; he has an electrical-engineering degree from Princeton University, and he worked for a decade at major banks. But with a baby at home when he resigned from his banking job in 2015 and a second child born this month, he says the ACA was crucial to his ability to launch a new company.
I would never have decided to leave corporate America to work on this full time without the ACA as a backstop, for sure said Choudhury, who lives in Los Angeles. Theres no way my family could have taken the risk of a prolonged R&D cycle for a venture like this.
Choudhury is taking the kind of risk that conservative politicians usually celebrate. But hes also the kind of person who could be tethered to a big, traditional firm in the absence of a law Republicans have demonized.
These Americans are wary of losing Obamacare not because theyre lazy or selfish or spend too much money on iPhones. Theyre wary because the law gave them the flexibility to make choices in their, and their familys, best interest and theyre bracing for what comes next.
The March 17 front page featured a photograph of President Trump standing in front of and mimicking a portrait of George Washington while welcoming Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny and his wife, Fionnuala, in a pre-St. Patricks Day luncheon. Below the photo was the article Presidents words threaten to trip up his policies.
A once-reviled group of immigrants, the Irish were being celebrated in the United States that day. The adjacent article told of Mr. Trumps efforts to denigrate a different group of immigrants, Muslims.
Washington, late in his second term, sent a diplomat to establish a treaty between the United States and Tripoli. The treaty declared that the United States is not in any sense founded on the Christian religion . . . and has not in itself no character of enmity against the laws, religion or tranquility of Musselmen . . . [and] that no pretext arising from religious opinions shall ever (emphasis added) produce an interruption of harmony existing between the two countries.
Our first president got it; our 45th, not so much.
Greg Versen, Harrisonburg, Va.
The J. Edgar Hoover Building serves as the headquarters for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington. (Brendan Smialowski/Agence France-Presse via Getty Images)
Jeff C. McKay, a member of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, argued in his March 17 letter, The FBI building belongs in Virginia, that the FBI headquarters should be built in Springfield. His letter was a response to Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker IIIs March 12 Local Opinions essay, which claimed the FBI building should be in his county. Theyre both wrong. The FBI belongs in the District.
Federal planning officials prefer that the FBI be located near a Metro stop. In the suburbs, that means a choice location for private development that would pay taxes; the FBI would not pay taxes to the suburban jurisdictions, which are competing for a loss.
A developer buys expensive suburban land, builds the FBI building and expensively demolishes the concrete D.C. FBI building to obtain the site.
A vacant lot behind the Government Publishing Office on North Capitol Street NW could accommodate an FBI building. G Street on its southern border could be a controlled-access street. The building could achieve 50-foot standoffs, requiring some hardening of the exposed exterior walls to satisfy security.
The GPO is near a Metro stop, a Circulator stop and Union Station, making it easily accessible. There, the FBI could more simply and efficiently serve our legislative and executive branches without contributing to suburban congestion coming into the District.
Keeping the FBI on federal land in the District would be a good deal for the government, taxpayers, the winning developer and the competing suburban jurisdictions.
Arthur Cotton Moore, Washington
The FBI is investigating whether persons involved with President Trumps campaign collaborated with Russian officials to help Trump win the election. Let that sink in for a moment. Then take a deep breath, exhale and try to imagine where this might lead.
FBI Director James B. Comey confirmed Monday what we suspected: an active probe of Russias election meddling, which includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russias efforts.
Hours earlier, Trump had fired up his Twitter account in a vain attempt to make the whole thing go away. He began his tweet by saying, The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign.
That was a lie, perhaps designed to reassure the presidents loyal supporters, perhaps to salve his own bruised ego. The Democrats didnt make up anything. The intelligence community has reached the conclusion that the Russian government actively tried to meddle in the election initially, perhaps, to weaken confidence in our political process, but later to boost Trumps chances of winning.
[Republicans read Trumps cue cards on Russia and wiretapping]
To this end, according to the intelligence assessment, the Russians hacked into the Internet communications of prominent Democrats and party institutions including the Democratic National Committee and orchestrated a series of leaks timed to do maximum political damage to Hillary Clinton.
It is bad enough to have to wonder whether Trumps narrow margin of victory might have resulted from a boost provided by Russian President Vladimir Putin. It is much worse to think that anyone connected with the Trump campaign might have known about this interference by an adversarial foreign power and failed to sound the alarm or, perhaps, even collaborated in the dark operation.
Trump pretends this is all sour grapes over Clintons loss, but its not; she didnt win, and Democrats have moved on. Its about what Comey called a Russian attempt to undermine our democracy by helping one candidate at the expense of another.
Trump also tries to change the subject by making wild and unsupported allegations, such as his ridiculous charge that then-President Barack Obama ordered wiretapping of Trump Tower during the campaign. Comey and National Security Agency Director Michael S. Rogers both testified they had no information to support Trumps claim.
Comey added that no president could unilaterally order such surveillance. And Rogers flatly denied the Trump administrations absurd fallback claim that Obama somehow arranged for British intelligence to do the snooping for him.
Throughout the hearing, Republicans sought to focus on leaks of classified information that found their way onto the front pages of The Post and the New York Times. At one point, Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) pressed Comey on whether a journalist who published such material wasnt guilty of committing a felony. Comey didnt bite, apparently disinclined to threaten reporters with long prison terms.
The real issue, of course, is the information itself. Michael Flynn had to resign as Trumps national security adviser after it was revealed that he had lied about his conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. Despite what he told Congress during his confirmation hearing, Attorney General Jeff Sessions had meetings with Kislyak, as did several other Trump campaign advisers. There are numerous allegations of other contacts, which have yet to be discounted or confirmed.
[No, Republicans, the real story is not the leaks]
Meanwhile, Trumps rhetoric about Putin and Russia has been anomalously gentle. He does not hesitate to blast German Chancellor Angela Merkel, a staunch ally, for not spending enough on defense; he goes out of his way to bash our neighbor Mexico; and he even managed to get into a needless row with the prime minister of Australia. Yet he has consistently conveyed his admiration for Putins leadership and expressed a desire for a warmer U.S.-Russia relationship.
An FBI investigation, it seems to me, would necessarily have to look into the presidents business relationships with Russians tied to the Putin regime. In 2008, Donald Trump Jr. said publicly that Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of our assets and that we see a lot of money pouring in from Russia. The president now denies significant business involvement with Russians. Which is true?
If the FBI trains scrutiny on such Trump campaign figures as Paul Manafort and Roger Stone, what will they find? And why does the subject of Russia so reliably send Trump into a Twitter rage?
This trail may lead somewhere or it may lead nowhere. But now it will be followed to the end.
Read more from Eugene Robinsons archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook. You can also join him Tuesdays at 1 p.m. for a live Q&A.
In a 6-to-2 ruling, the Supreme Court on Tuesday limited the presidents ability to put certain high-level officials in positions in an acting capacity while awaiting confirmation by the Senate. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday made it more difficult for the president to quickly fill vacant top government jobs in a case centered on the appointment powers of the executive.
In a 6-to-2 ruling, the court limited the presidents ability to put certain high-level officials in positions in an acting capacity while awaiting confirmation by the Senate.
The court was reviewing the scope of a federal law intended to prevent presidents from temporarily slipping someone into a top position to circumvent the Senates process for reviewing an appointment to the permanent post.
The majority rejected the governments view that the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 applied only to people serving in the role of first assistant and not to other officials. The statute, the court said, prohibits anyone who has been nominated to lead a federal agency from performing the job in an acting capacity, according to the majority opinion written by Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr.
During oral arguments in November over an appointment to the National Labor Relations Board, the Obama administration pointed out that three presidents had made more than 100 appointments under the governments interpretation of the law.
[Supreme Court considers rules surrounding the president's picks for top jobs ]
Roberts rejected the significance of the statistics, noting those nominations accounted for less than 2 percent of the thousands of positions the Senate has considered. Just because Congress has not objected, Roberts wrote, did not make the governments reading of the law correct.
Congresss failure to speak up does not fairly imply that it has acquiesced in the boards interpretation, Roberts wrote.
Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Ruth Bader Ginsburg disagreed, finding that the law was not intended to tie the hands of the president from temporarily appointing senior government officials and also nominating them to the permanent position.
The court gives the provision a broader reach than the text can bear with no support from the history of, or practice under, the [law], Sotomayor wrote in her dissent that Ginsburg joined.
The Trump administration appears to have taken note of the dispute even before the opinion was issued Tuesday. Since his nomination to the solicitor generals post, Noel Francisco has been serving as a senior adviser to the Justice Departments associate attorney general. Another attorney, Jeffrey B. Wall, was named acting solicitor general.
The case dates to June 2010 when President Obama tapped Lafe Solomon to serve temporarily as acting general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board, the agency that enforces labor laws.
The law says that the first assistant to the position could take over on a temporary basis, but that such a person cannot serve both as acting and the nominee unless he or she has served for 90 days as first assistant.
Solomon had not served as the first assistant to the position, and Obama nominated him to the job permanently.
A company against which the board had issued an unfair-labor-practice ruling sued, saying Solomon lacked authority to issue the ruling because the law prevented him from being both the acting general counsel and the nominee. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit agreed with the Arizona-based ambulance company, SW General Inc.,
As for Solomon, the Senate twice refused to confirm him, and the position eventually went to someone else.
The Supreme Court noted in its opinion Tuesday that the president could have appointed another person to serve temporarily in Solomons place, but did not.
Man detained due to fabricated evidence can sue police
In a second opinion issued Tuesday, the court allowed a lawsuit to go forward against members of a suburban Illinois police department.
Elijah Manuel was detained in 2011 for nearly seven weeks after police falsely asserted he was carrying the illegal drug ecstasy in a vitamin bottle. Officers dragged Manuel from his car, called him a racial slur and kicked and punched him on the ground.
In a 6-to-2 opinion, the court said Manuel could sue the City of Joliet, Ill., and police officers over his pretrial detention, and that his confinement on made-up evidence violated Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable seizures.
The Fourth Amendment fits Manuels claim, as hand in glove, according to the majority opinion written by Justice Elena Kagan.
The ruling sends the case back to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit.
Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr., joined by Justice Clarence Thomas, dissented, writing that the majority stretches the concept of seizure much too far.
The cases are National Labor Relations Board v. SW General Inc. and Manuel v. City of Joliet, Ill.
Robert Barnes contributed to this report.
There was once a time before the investigations, before the sexual abuse conviction when rich and famous men loved to hang around with Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire money manager who loved to party.
They visited his mansion in Palm Beach, Fla. They flew on his jet to join him at his private estate on the Caribbean island of Little Saint James. They even joked about his taste in younger women.
President Trump called Epstein a terrific guy back in 2002, saying that hes a lot of fun to be with. It is even said that he likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.
Now, Trump is on the witness list in a Florida court battle over how federal prosecutors handled allegations that Epstein, 64, sexually abused more than 40 minor girls, most of them between the ages of 13 and 17. The lawsuit questions why Trumps nominee for labor secretary, former Miami U.S. attorney Alexander Acosta, whose Senate confirmation hearing began Wednesday morning, cut a non-prosecution deal with Epstein a decade ago rather than pursuing a federal indictment that Acostas staff had advocated.
[Read the non-prosecution deal Acosta made with Epstein]
(Thomas Johnson/The Washington Post)
Although Epsteins friends and visitors once included past and future presidents, rock stars, and some of the countrys richest men, he is no longer a social magnet. Epstein pleaded guilty to a Florida state charge of felony solicitation of underage girls in 2008 and served a 13-month jail sentence. Politicians who had accepted his donations, including former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson and former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, have scurried to give them back. (Harvard University kept a $6.5 million gift, saying it was funding important research in mathematics.)
But Epsteins unusually light punishment he was facing up to a life sentence had he been convicted on federal charges has raised questions about how Acosta handled the case.
Former Palm Beach police chief Michael Reiter, whose department conducted the initial investigation into Epsteins behavior, said in a civil lawsuit deposition that Epstein got off easy.
That wasnt an appropriate resolution of this matter, Reiter said, arguing that the charges leveled against Epstein were very minor, compared with what the facts called for. In a letter to parents of Epsteins victims, Reiter said justice had not been served.
Prosecutors in Acostas Miami office who had joined the FBI in the investigation concluded, according to documents produced by the U.S. attorneys office, that Epstein, working through several female assistants, would recruit underage females to travel to his home in Palm Beach to engage in lewd conduct in exchange for money Some went there as much as 100 times or more. Some of the womens conduct was limited to performing a topless or nude massage while Mr. Epstein masturbated himself. For other women, the conduct escalated to full sexual intercourse.
Epstein has a near-legendary reputation in New York financial circles as a money manager who made many millions for his clients. Although he never graduated from college, he taught advanced math at the Dalton School, one of the citys top private schools, and went on to be a successful trader at Bear Stearns before starting his own firm, J. Epstein& Co., which managed the finances of clients who had a minimum of $1 billion in assets.
Federal prosecutors detailed their findings in an 82-page prosecution memo and a 53-page indictment, but Epstein was never indicted. In 2007, Acosta signed a non-prosecution deal in which he agreed not to pursue federal charges against Epstein or four women who the government said procured girls for him. In exchange, Epstein agreed to plead guilty to a solicitation charge in state court, accept a 13-month sentence, register as a sex offender and pay restitution to the victims identified in the federal investigation.
This agreement will not be made part of any public record, the deal between Epstein and Acosta says. The document was unsealed by a federal judge in a civil lawsuit in 2015.
Reiter said in the 2009 deposition that federal prosecutors in Miami told him that typically these kinds of cases with one victim would end up in a ten-year sentence. Reiter said he was surprised not only by the decision to pull back from prosecuting the case, but also by the light sentence and liberal privileges granted to Epstein during his jail term.
During Wednesdays confirmation hearing Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) pressed Acosta about the plea agreement reached with Epstein.
Acosta told the committee that the case started at the state level before the Department of Justice decided to get involved. He said the original charge debated would not have led to any jail time and that based on the evidence, prosecutors decided to go with a deal where Epstein would have to register as a sex offender and agree to a two-year prison sentence.
His testimony Wednesday reflected Acostas explanation of his decision in a To whom it may concern letter that he released to news organizations three years after the decision: The bottom line is this: Mr. Jeffrey Epstein, a billionaire, served time in jail and is now a registered sex offender. He has been required to pay his victims restitution, though restitution clearly cannot compensate for the crime. Acosta wrote that the case against Epstein grew stronger over the years because more victims spoke out after Epstein was convicted.
Acosta is Trumps second nominee to be secretary of labor; the first, Andrew Puzder, withdrew last month after Senate Republicans questioned his past employment of an undocumented housekeeper. Support for Acosta seems strong, as some Democrats and union leaders have joined with Senate Republicans in praising the nominee, who has been confirmed for federal positions three times in the past.
In the 2011 letter explaining his decision in the Epstein case, Acosta said he backed off from pressing charges after a year-long assault on the prosecution and the prosecutors by an army of legal superstars who represented Epstein, including Harvard Law professor Alan Dershowitz; Kenneth Starr, who as independent counsel led the investigation that brought about President Bill Clintons impeachment; and some of the nations most prominent defense attorneys, such as Roy Black, Gerald Lefcourt and Jay Lefkowitz.
The defense strategy was not limited to legal issues, Acosta wrote. Defense counsel investigated individual prosecutors and their families, looking for personal peccadilloes that may provide a basis for disqualification.
Dershowitz said in an interview that no such effort to rattle the prosecutors ever took place. Thats just dead wrong, he said. I would never participate in anything of that kind. Of course we investigated the witnesses but not Acostas deputies. Thats absurd.
Acostas intention was to indict, and he fought hard and tried to get the best deal he could, Dershowitz said. We outlawyered him. Epstein did not return a call seeking comment.
Conchita Sarnoff, the author of TrafficKing, a book on the Epstein case, said in an interview that Acosta told her a few years after his decision not to prosecute that he felt incapable of going up against those eight powerful attorneys. He felt his career was at stake.
In his letter about the decision, Acosta, who has been dean of the law school at Florida International University since 2009, acknowledged that some prosecutors felt that we should just go to trial, and at times I felt that frustration myself. He also complained that Epstein received highly unusual treatment while in jail, including being allowed to serve much of his sentence in the county jail rather than a state prison, and being permitted to leave the jail six days a week to work at home before returning to jail to sleep.
The treatment that he received while in state custody undermined the purpose of a jail sentence, Acosta said.
Dershowitz said Acosta was very anxious to prosecute Epstein, but we persuaded them that they didnt have enough evidence of interstate transportation of the underage girls to warrant federal charges.
But Reiter, the former police chief, said the FBI had evidence from flight logs or something that an underage victim was transported on an aircraft of Mr. Epstein.
Some may feel that the prosecution should have been tougher, Acosta wrote. Evidence that has come to light since 2007 may encourage that view. But the prosecutor argued that his offices investigation allowed state prosecutors to strengthen their charges against Epstein. And Acosta said that those who disagree with his decision are not the ones who at the time reviewed the evidence available for trial and assessed the likelihood of success.
The deal Acosta made with Epstein precluded any new federal prosecution based on offenses he may have committed between 2001 and 2007, but in Florida, Trump is on the witness list in a civil case in which two attorneys accuse federal prosecutors of having deceived Epsteins victims by failing to inform them that they would not charge Epstein.
Lawyers for the women argue that they had a right under the federal Crime Victims Rights Act to know about Acostas deal with Epstein. They say Acosta sought to keep the deal under wraps to avoid the intense public criticism that would have resulted from allowing a politically-connected billionaire to escape from federal prosecution.
Although Trump and Bill Clinton flew on Epsteins plane and visited his homes, neither president has been accused of taking part in the sexual misdeeds. But lawyers for Epsteins victims say Trump nonetheless may have useful information. Trump banned Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago Club in Palm Beach because Epstein sexually assaulted an underage girl at the club, Bradley Edwards, an attorney who represents three of the young women, said in court documents.
Lawyers involved with the various Epstein cases said there is virtually no chance that the president will be required to testify in a matter in which both sides agree his involvement was tangential.
Trump and Clinton are both among the dozens of names that appeared in a black book of Epsteins phone contacts that his houseman, Alfredo Rodriguez, obtained. Rodriguez, who died in 2015, was convicted of obstruction of justice in 2010 after he tried to sell the book for $50,000 to lawyers representing Epsteins victims. In the book, Rodriguez circled the names of contacts he said were involved in sexual misbehavior at Epsteins properties. There were no circles around the names of Trump, Clinton or other boldfaced names such as former Israeli prime minister Ehud Barak, former British prime minister Tony Blair, and celebrities Mick Jagger, Michael Jackson, David Frost and Jimmy Buffett.
Rodriguez spent 18 months in prison, five months longer than Epstein served in jail.
Epstein has continued to move among his homes in New York City, where he owns one of the largest private residences in Manhattan, Palm Beach and the Caribbean.
Judge Neil Gorsuch stressed his independence and defended the integrity of the federal judiciary Tuesday as the Senate hearings on his Supreme Court nomination turned on the search for his judicial philosophy and what one senator called the elephant in the room President Trump.
From the first question from a friendly Republican to a grilling by a Democrat hours later, Gorsuch was called upon on the second day of what is expected to be four days of hearings to assert his impartiality and reassure senators that he would not be swayed by political pressure if he wins confirmation, which appeared even more likely after his marathon session.
Gorsuch reiterated in public what he had told many senators in private that he is offended by attacks like the ones leveled by President Trump against federal judges who have ruled in the past year in cases involving him.
When anyone criticizes the honesty or the integrity or the motives of a federal judge, I find that disheartening. I find that demoralizing because I know the truth, Gorsuch told Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.).
Anyone including the president of the United States? Blumenthal asked, who had made the elephant-in-the-room comment.
Anyone is anyone, Gorsuch said.
Gorsuch declined, however, to comment specifically on Trumps various criticisms of federal judges, including an Indiana-born judge of Mexican descent who handled a federal lawsuit involving an online university bearing Trumps name and the so-called judge who ruled against the presidents first attempt to ban travelers from Muslim-dominant countries from entering the United States.
Ive gone as far as I can go ethically, Gorsuch told Blumenthal.
It was a dramatic moment in a day that for the most part lacked color. Gorsuch refused to be pinned down on most of the issues that Democrats raised: his allegiance to Roe v. Wade, his views on money in politics, the reach of the Second Amendment.
He portrayed what Democrats saw as controversial rulings in his 10 years on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit in Denver as authentic attempts to interpret the laws that Congress writes.
If we got it wrong, Im very sorry, but we did our level best, he said about a decision criticized by Sen. Richard J. Durbin (D-Ill.), but added: It was affirmed by the Supreme Court.
Sen. Al Franken (D-Minn.) questioned Gorsuchs ruling in what has become a celebrated case of a trucker who was fired after unhitching his trailer in subzero weather and driving away in search of warmth and safety. Gorsuch was the lone dissenter in saying a federal law did not protect the driver, but Franken said the judge could have ruled that a strict interpretation of the law would lead to an absurd result.
1 of 46 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad Photos from the confirmation hearing of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch View Photos President Trumps nominee appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Caption President Trumps nominee appears before the Senate Judiciary Committee. March 22, 2017 Judge Neil Gorsuch arrives for the third day of his confirmation hearing. Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.
I had a career in identifying absurdity, and I know it when I see it, Franken said.
Republican senators did little more than set up Gorsuch, 49, to display an encyclopedic knowledge of the Constitution and Supreme Court precedent, and to allow him to stress his roots as an outdoorsy Westerner.
Whats the largest trout youve ever caught? asked Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.).
Gorsuch will be at the witness table again Wednesday as well as the fourth and final day of hearings scheduled for Thursday.
Gorsuch seemed happy at the outset of the hearing to take what even he called the softball question offered by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa) about whether he would have any trouble ruling against Trump, the man who nominated him.
I have no difficulty ruling against or for any party other than based on what the law and the facts of a particular case require, Gorsuch told the panel. And Im heartened by the support I have received from people who recognize that theres no such thing as a Republican judge or a Democratic judge we just have judges in this country.
My personal views . . . I leave those at home, he added later.
The Columbia-Oxford-Harvard graduate employed a homespun tone gosh, golly and nope punctuated his answers. Corny dad jokes fell flat, especially with the Democratic senators.
They pressed him on abortion, gun rights, privacy and the protracted 2000 presidential campaign recount. As other Supreme Court nominees have, Gorsuch explained that it would be improper to give his views on cases that might come before him or to grade decisions made in the past.
He had a tense encounter with Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), who sparred with him on issues of campaign finance and dark money, including a $10 million campaign by the group Judicial Crisis Network to advocate for Gorsuchs confirmation.
Whitehouse said the groups donors do not have to be disclosed, and he wondered what they saw in Gorsuch that would warrant such an expenditure.
Youd have to ask them, Gorsuch said.
I cant because I dont know who they are, Whitehouse shot back.
Democrats questioned him about his work at former president George W. Bushs Justice Department and whether hed rule against Trumps travel ban.
Gorsuch declined to express his views on Trumps move to ban travelers from several Muslim-majority countries because thats an issue that is currently being litigated actively.
When Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.) mentioned that a Republican lawmaker recently suggested that Gorsuch would uphold Trumps ban if it came before the court, Gorsuch snapped: Senator, he has no idea how Id rule in that case.
[Gorsuch promises independence from Trump and steals Democrats line of attack]
Other senators quizzed Gorsuch about several of Trumps past statements. During the presidential campaign last year, Trump said that he would nominate people to the Supreme Court who would overrule Roe v. Wade and return decisions on abortion to the states.
Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.) asked Gorsuch whether Trump had asked him to do that during his interview before his nomination.
Senator, I would have walked out the door, Gorsuch replied. In questioning later, Gorsuch said Trump did mention abortion being a divisive issue but then moved to other topics.
It was at least the second time senators had pressed Gorsuch on what Trump had said he was looking for in a Supreme Court justice. Gorsuch said he does not believe in litmus tests and was never questioned about them.
Each senator was allotted up to 30 minutes to question Gorsuch during the first round of questions. A second round, scheduled to begin Wednesday morning, gives senators an additional 20 minutes to quiz the nominee.
The committees top Democrat, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), asked about Gorsuchs work on issues involving enhanced interrogation of suspected terrorist detainees while he served in Bushs Justice Department.
Even though the issue has been in the news during the past week, Gorsuch said he did not remember a document released last week in which he was preparing talking points for the then-attorney general. Yes, is handwritten next to a typed question: Have the aggressive interrogation techniques employed by the Admin yielded any valuable intelligence?
[Senate Democrats want more information about Gorsuchs role at DOJ]
Feinstein said she would supply Gorsuch with the documents for future questioning. In general, Gorsuch portrayed himself as a facilitator rather than a policymaker during his 14 months at the Justice Department in 2005 and 2006.
I was a lawyer for a client, he said.
Feinstein asked about Gorsuchs role in designing a signing statement for Bush on a detainee treatment law; she characterized it as indicating that the president did not feel bound by the law he had just signed.
I certainly never would have counseled anyone not to obey the law, Gorsuch responded.
Gorsuch also forcefully rejected claims by one of his former law school students that he had suggested that women take advantage of maternity leave policies by not telling the truth in job interviews about their plans to have families. Democrats had seized on the accusations when they surfaced Sunday and vowed to ask Gorsuch about them.
When Durbin asked about the topic, Gorsuch explained that he has taught ethics classes at the University of Colorado Law School for several years. Based on his years of teaching young law students, he said that employers in the corporate world, particularly law firms, continue to treat women poorly and often ask inappropriate questions in job interviews that are used to weed out female applicants who plan to have children.
Republicans intend to move quickly on confirming Gorsuch. Those on the Judiciary Committee hope to refer him to the full Senate on April 3 so that he can be confirmed before Easter.
But Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) warned Republicans on Tuesday that his party would attempt to slow down consideration of Gorsuch because Republicans last year blocked then-President Barack Obamas attempts to fill the vacancy created by Justice Antonin Scalias death, and because Trumps presidential campaign is the subject of an ongoing FBI investigation.
Schumer said it seemed unseemly to be moving forward so fast on confirming a Supreme Court justice with a lifetime appointment due to the looming FBI investigation, which could potentially last for months or years.
You can bet that if the shoe was on the other foot and a Democratic president was under investigation by the FBI that Republicans would be howling at the moon about filling a Supreme Court seat in such circumstances, Schumer added.
Sean Sullivan contributed to this report.
Read more at PowerPost
President Trump spent Tuesday selling the Republican health-care overhaul to skeptical House members, warning his party that failure would endanger his legislative agenda and their own political careers.
But more than two dozen GOP lawmakers remained firmly opposed to the legislation amid the high-stakes persuasion campaign led by Trump and House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) more than enough to block the bill ahead of a planned Thursday vote.
House passage would represent a powerful, if symbolic, achievement for both men and failure would send leaders back to the drawing board on a key issue that Trump and congressional Republicans promised voters they would address. Even if the House approves the package, the legislation faces an uphill battle in the Senate.
The holdouts are mainly hard-line conservatives who believe that the bill, known as the American Health Care Act, does not do nearly enough to undo the Affordable Care Act passed by Democrats in 2010. But they also include moderates who fear that the bill will imperil their constituents and their partys prospects at the ballot box.
In a morning address to a closed-door meeting of House Republicans, Trump used both charm and admonishment as he made his case, reassuring skittish members that they would gain seats in Congress if the bill passed.
He singled out Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, which has led the right-wing opposition to the bill.
Im gonna come after you, but I know I wont have to, because I know youll vote yes, Trump said, according to several lawmakers who attended the meeting. Honestly, a loss is not acceptable, folks.
Trumps remarks which Meadows said he took as good-natured ribbing reflected his mounting urgency to secure a major legislative victory in the early months of his presidency and fulfill a central campaign promise by repealing the signature domestic achievement of President Barack Obama. Passing a health-care measure is key to unlocking momentum for the presidents other legislative priorities, such as tax reform and infrastructure spending.
He wants to get this bill done, said Sen. David Perdue (R-Ga.), a Trump ally. I dont hear that as a threat. Its a statement of reality.
In interviews, more than two dozen lawmakers said they were either firmly opposed to the bill or leaning toward voting against it. Ryan can lose only 21 members of his party for the bill to succeed, as no Democrats have pledged to support the package.
Several Republicans privately said Tuesday that the Thursday vote could be postponed if leaders are unable to secure enough firm votes for passage beforehand.
One top Republican not authorized to speak about the whipping process said the leadership remained confident that it would collect enough support but was weighing scheduling options.
View Graphic Whats next for the Obamacare replacement bill
The White House is engaged, the leadership is engaged, everyone is working together, the Republican said. But this is the House GOP, and you cant assume that its going to go perfect. You leave options, meaning a vote on Friday or even the weekend.
A second Republican, also not authorized to discuss internal deliberations, said others in the leadership orbit were eager to bring the bill to the floor, even if the count is narrow, because they would like opponents to take ownership of their position and the consequences of what it would mean for the president.
Addressing reporters Tuesday, Ryan played down the possibility that the bill could fail Thursday and argued that conservatives should be pleased that many of their demands will probably be in the legislation. Adding further changes, he said, could jeopardize the legislations chances in the Senate.
If you get 85 percent of what you want, thats pretty darn good, he said. We dont want to put something in this bill that the Senate is telling us is fatal.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) sounded a cautiously optimistic note Tuesday, promising that the Senate would forge ahead with plans for votes on the measure if it passed the House first.
If the House passes something, I will bring it up, McConnell said. Well try to move it across the floor next week.
On Tuesday afternoon, Trump hosted more than a dozen members of the Tuesday Group, a moderate House faction, in the Oval Office for a lower-key lobbying session that involved the president asking each person to relay their concerns about the bill.
On Friday, a similar meeting helped Trump win converts among members of the Republican Study Committee, a key conservative bloc. But on Tuesday, he found more resistance.
Going into the White House meeting, Rep. Leonard Lance (R-N.J.) described himself as a strong lean no, citing a variety of concerns. My views are based on fundamentals in the legislation, he said. I dont see the lower premiums in this bill.
After the meeting, he said his views had hardened: Im a no, he told reporters.
The meeting came less than 24 hours after GOP leaders released changes to the bill that they believe are sufficient to win a House majority.
Many of the changes were made to placate conservatives, including giving states the option to take a fixed Medicaid block grant and to impose work requirements on childless, able-bodied adults covered under the program. Others responded to broader concerns about the sufficiency of the tax credits offered to help Americans purchase insurance.
One revision was more narrowly targeted added at the behest of a group of Upstate New York Republicans who wanted to end their states practice of commandeering local tax revenue to fund state Medicaid benefits.
That compounded the concerns of Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-N.Y.), a Tuesday Group member who represents parts of New York City that would be hurt by the change.
I have four hospital systems in my district; they are my biggest employers, he said. All of them have grave concerns about how they are going to survive if this gets passed.
After the White House session, Donovan said he welcomed the meeting with Trump but had not reached a final decision: Well know on Thursday. Some of these things have to be addressed.
One surprising holdout was Rep. Lou Barletta (R-Pa.), who was among the first House members to endorse Trump and has emerged as one of his most stalwart backers. But he is a hard-liner on illegal immigration and cited the issue Tuesday in opposing the bill.
The tax credits offered under the GOP plan, he said, could be claimed by individuals who are not lawfully in this country and eligible to receive them.
I would have a hard time explaining to families in the 11th District . . . why they should be helping to pay for the health expenses of someone who broke the law to get here and has no right to those federal dollars, he said.
But it was Trumps warning to Meadows that sent the sharpest message Tuesday. He was kidding around I think, said Rep. Harold Rogers (R-Ky.), a bill supporter.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said later in the day: Mark Meadows is a longtime, early supporter of the president. He had some fun at his expense this morning during the conference meeting.
Asked whether Trump believed that Republicans who opposed the bill would be damaged at the ballot box, Spicer answered: I think theyll probably pay a price at home.
Spicer explained that statement was not a threat but a political reality.
Meadows told reporters that he had a sincere and deep friendship with Trump and appreciated the many hours of negotiation that were involved in the package. But he remained firmly against the bill absent major changes that Trump and Ryan have now ruled out.
This is not a personality decision; this is a policy decision, Meadows said. It wont lower premiums, and until it does, Im going to be a no, even if it sends me home.
The Freedom Caucus has not taken a formal position to oppose the bill, but it appeared Tuesday that the bulk of the caucuss roughly three dozen members stood ready to vote it down.
Two caucus members who said they could support the bill Rep. David Schweikert (R-Ariz.) and Rep. H. Morgan Griffith (R-Va.) both serve on the committees that wrote it.
The others insisted that the Freedom Caucus would hold fast. I personally know of more than 21 House members who are pretty strong nos, said Rep. Rod Blum (R-Iowa). So when [GOP leaders] say theyve got the numbers, they dont have the numbers.
Blum said he was not concerned by Trumps implied threat that he could face an electoral challenge next year if he opposed the bill: Trump won his northeastern Iowa district by three points, but Blum won it by eight points.
I outperformed the president, so Im not worried about that, he said. They know who I am, and they know that I care about them, and they know Ill stand up to my own leadership. Ill stand up to the president of the United States, Ill stand up for what I think is right.
[Whom to trust on health-care reform? Trump supporters put their faith in him.]
David Nakamura, Juliet Eilperin and David Weigel contributed to this report.
Read more at PowerPost
He is a convicted Holocaust denier but also the patriarch of the party that could soon triumph in Frances presidential election.
These days, Jean-Marie Le Pen, now 88, struggles to walk. But his ideology is on the move: In a once unimaginable scenario, the National Front the party he co-founded in 1972 and passed on to his daughter, Marine, in 2011 could win nearly 40 percent of the vote in the French election this spring, possibly even more. Regardless of the outcome, he says, the battle is already won.
As populist fervor soars in Europe and the United States, politicians and analysts have struggled to explain what has been labeled a dramatic new challenge to the established order. But the National Front is anything but new, and the populist proposals that draw headlines today returning to the nation-state, expelling immigrants and limiting globalization are things Le Pen has preached for decades. Now, people are listening.
After all, they can say, Le Pen was right, he said recently, reclining on a divan in Montretout, the 11-room mansion he owns in this leafy Paris suburb. Public opinion the voters, the citizens has realized that the ideas we defend are not extremist, as our adversaries say, but that they conform to the truth.
But conforming to the truth has never quite been the mission of Jean-Marie Le Pen, and this, analysts say, is precisely the power of the revolution he started in the 1970s. He may be a godfather of Europes radical and populist right, but for many, his principal contribution to political life has been the establishment of an alternate reality where facts are always fluid.
(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)
He is a precursor of post-truth, of alternative facts, of fake news, said Michel Wieviorka, an expert on the history of Le Pens party and the author of The National Front: Between Extremism, Populism and Democracy. That is his project.
[As Frances far-right National Front rises, memory of its past fades]
For decades, Le Pen was dogged by allegations that he had tortured Arabs as a young lieutenant in Frances 1954-1962 war against its breakaway colony Algeria. He still vigorously denies the accusations, despite testimony by several people who said they were his victims.
Most notoriously, he has also been accused of what experts call soft-core denial of the Holocaust, the darkest chapter in the history of modern Europe. French authorities willingly collaborated in the Nazi genocide and assisted in deporting some 76,000 Jews to their deaths in concentration camps.
In 1987, Le Pen, speaking in an interview, referred to the gas chambers as a detail in the history of World War II. In 1996, he told a news conference in Germany: If you take a 1,000-page book on World War II, the concentration camps take up only two pages and the gas chambers 10 to 15 lines. This is what one calls a detail.
Since then, he has been convicted of Holocaust denial in French courts and fined tens of thousands of euros penalties that have failed to discourage him from repeating the idea that the systematic extermination of 6 million Jews and others was somehow a trivial affair.
Such an insistence reflects more than simple ignorance of history, experts say.
He knows the full significance of what happened, said Deborah Lipstadt, a historian at Emory University and an expect on Holocaust denial. Its a way of saying, Those Jews are always complaining. Its a way of spreading hostility, animosity and prejudice. Thats why I call it anti-Semitism.
Unlike most of Europes current far-right leaders, Le Pen experienced World War II as a teenager. For decades after the war, French leaders played down or denied the extent of their countrys complicity with the Nazis. Eventually they apologized but Le Pen never did. Before founding the National Front, he ran a record label that produced albums heralding Nazi war marches and celebrating the poetry of French intellectuals who had collaborated with the Germans.
These days, Le Pen makes no secret of his admiration of President Trump, although he says he has no contact with his administration.
If I were Marine Le Pen, he said, I would run exactly the same campaign as Trump, showing the rejection of the establishment, which I believe is majoritarian in France.
In the interview in his study at Montretout which in French means showing all Le Pen said he has never regretted calling the gas chambers a detail. He then proceeded to mock the outrage he has elicited over the years.
I regret the persecution of which I was the object, unjustly, he said.
When someone criticizes, I say, how would you say it otherwise? What can we say? Is there a truth?
This line of defense, for Lipstadt, symbolizes the threat posed by deniers.
This is what Holocaust deniers are trying to do: They take a lie and dress it up as an opinion to be debated, she said. But there are objective facts. Not everything is open to debate.
[European Parliament lifts Marine Le Pens immunity for tweeting gruesome images of violence]
When National Front voters go to the polls, they will vote for Marine Le Pen, not for Jean-Marie Le Pen. And the younger Le Pen, 48, has run a campaign that has largely sought to erase her father from the partys public image.
According to the narrative circulated by Marine Le Pen and her aides, she severed ties with her father after April 2015, when he gave an interview in Rivarol, an extreme right-wing journal, once again calling the gas chambers a minor detail in the history of World War II and defending Philippe Petain, the leader of Frances Vichy government, which collaborated with the Nazis between 1940 and 1942. Jean-Marie Le Pen suddenly found himself expelled from his own party.
Marine Le Pen could not be reached for comment.
But a National Front official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, insisted that Marine Le Pens party is not at all the party her father created and nurtured on the political fringe for decades. The National Front of Marine Le Pen is not a movement that rejects the Shoah or recycles Mr. Le Pens ambiguity on the question, the official said, using an alternate term for the Holocaust.
[France asks, can an anti-Semitic tweet ever be considered a mockery of anti-Semitism?]
In recent days, however, Benoit Loeuillet, a regional National Front official in the South of France, was exposed on camera, in a documentary on the party, denying the Holocaust in starker terms than those used publicly by Jean-Marie Le Pen.
I dont think there were that many deaths. There werent 6 million, he was quoted as saying. There werent mass murders as its been said.
Loeuillet was summarily dismissed from the party, but critics pointed out that he was fired only when his words were made public.
Jewish groups have also accused Marine Le Pens campaign of a subtle anti-Semitism, pointing to statements such as her insistence that French Jews should not be allowed to simultaneously hold Israeli citizenship and her condemnation of her principal political opponent, former investment banker Emmanuel Macron, as an emissary of the Rothschild bank and international finance echoing anti-Semitic propaganda that has tied major financial groups to Jews.
For his part, Jean-Marie Le Pen does not see such a fundamental difference between his daughters vision and his own.
I think shes loyal first of all to herself, he said with a chuckle. But objectively, I believe shes more or less faithful to the line I defended and that I followed in all cases.
In recent years, Marine Le Pen has stopped at nothing to repudiate her father and his world.
Montretout, its not my story, she told reporters in January 2015 of the family estate in St. Cloud, where she spent nearly 30 years, from childhood through adulthood.
But the aging warden of Montretout a mansion in a gated community outside Paris, decorated with statues of Joan of Arc and a fireplace panel depicting the head of Jesus is still paying many of her campaign expenses.
Despite the current candidates talk of an estrangement from her father, the political lending firm he controls, Cotelec, akin to a super PAC, lent her 6 million euros this year when a Russian bank withdrew on its pledge.
Speaking about his daughters attempts to de-demonize their party and thus hide his imprint the patriarch laughed.
The biggest objection to this strategy was that she implicitly admitted that I was the devil, he said. When in fact I resemble an angel.
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Martin McGuinness, an Irishman whose tactics of armed resistance and then political conciliation made him a hero to nationalists in Northern Ireland, where he fought to end British rule, negotiated a sweeping peace treaty and climbed to the top of the provinces political system, died March 21 in Derry, Northern Ireland. He was 66.
An announcement of Mr. McGuinnesss death by his political party, Sinn Fein, did not cite a specific cause.
Mr. McGuinness had been hospitalized in late February for amyloidosis, British and Irish newspapers reported. The disease causes an abnormal protein to build up in the heart and other organs, and it was one reason Mr. McGuinness resigned Jan. 9 from his post as deputy first minister, one of Northern Irelands two top political positions.
Mr. McGuinness was an equally stabilizing and polarizing force in Northern Ireland politics, where he had served as deputy first minister since 2007. The position is part of a power-sharing agreement that splits the British provinces executive branch between two long-warring factions: Catholic nationalists who seek to unite the north with its sovereign counterpart to the south, the Republic of Ireland, and Protestant loyalists who believe Northern Ireland ought to remain a part of Britain.
A former butchers apprentice, Mr. McGuinness was known for many years as a leading figure in the outlawed militant Irish Republican Army, which waged a nearly three-decade bombing campaign and guerrilla war against British authorities it viewed as illegal occupiers. More than 3,600 people were killed and thousands more were injured during the conflict.
But it was as a statesman, not a gunman, that Mr. McGuinness helped bring an end to the conflict known as the Troubles. Working as lead negotiator for Sinn Fein, the IRAs political arm, he helped forge the Good Friday Agreement of April 1998, which established Northern Irelands current political system and called for the IRA to set aside its weapons.
[From the archives: Historic promise of peace for N. Ireland (1998)]
British Prime Minister Theresa May said in a statement that while she could not condone the path he took earlier in life, he went on to make a historic contribution to the search for peace.
While we certainly didnt always see eye-to-eye even in later years, as deputy First Minister for nearly a decade, he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross community power sharing in Northern Ireland, the statement said.
President Bill Clinton was among those issuing statements expressing sorrow. Queen Elizabeth II said she would send a private message to Mr. McGuinnesss widow.
Mr. McGuinness was inspired, he said, by the South African activist and president Nelson Mandela, a hero to Catholics in Northern Ireland who believed that Mandelas struggle (and eventual victory) against apartheid mirrored their own battle against anti-Catholic discrimination.
Before Mandela came out of prison he stretched out his hand in friendship to a people who had been arrogant, who had neglected the blacks, and who had been very narrow-minded, Mr. McGuinness told the New York Times in 1994, shortly after the IRA announced a cease-fire that set Northern Ireland down the path toward peace. We have got to do the same.
Britains Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands in 2012 with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness watched by First Minister Peter Robinson, center, at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast. (Paul Faith/Associated Press)
Mr. McGuinness had served two stints in prison as an IRA member, once after being found with a car filled with 250 pounds of explosives and 5,000 rounds of ammunition. That tough-guy reputation allowed him to sell the peace deal to party members who resisted any agreement that did not include independence from Britain.
Separately, a willingness to compromise on domestic issues allowed him to find common ground with political partners who had once branded him a terrorist and whom his own militant group had sometimes nearly killed.
When Mr. McGuinness was swept into Northern Irelands executive office in 2007, after five years in which the Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended over power-sharing disputes, he was joined by a former enemy with a reputation for bigotry and obstinacy.
[From the archives: A timeline for the Troubles]
Yet Mr. McGuinness and Ian Paisley, a former Protestant minister who had refused to negotiate with Sinn Fein during the Good Friday peace process, soon became known as the chuckle brothers for their unexpectedly warm relations.
These two had been complete enemies and wouldnt have gone near each other, but they made a good team, said Brian Walker, an emeritus professor of Irish politics at Queens University Belfast. McGuinness and Paisley helped make the system work, he added, noting that they presided at a time when Britain was parceling out additional political powers to Northern Ireland and demonstrated that a power-sharing form of government could succeed.
Mr. McGuinnesss relationships with his subsequent executive partners were less amiable, in large part because of his IRA background. Arlene Foster, his most recent partner as first minister, had ridden as a teenager aboard a school bus that was bombed by the IRA. Her father, a member of Northern Irelands British-aligned police force, had been shot in the head by an IRA member but survived.
Still, he seemed to yearn for the kind of Mandela-handshake moment he had spoken of years before. During Queen Elizabeth IIs first visit to Belfast, in 2012, he became perhaps the first former IRA leader to shake hands with Britains head of state. One of the queens cousins, Lord Louis Mountbatten, had been killed by the IRA in 1979 when his fishing boat was blown up .
In a speech the next day, Mr. McGuinness told Britains Parliament that the handshake was in a very pointed, deliberate and symbolic way offering the hand of friendship to loyalist supporters of the queen.
Dialogue has replaced conflict, he said. Respect has replaced mistrust. What I want to see develop now and in the time ahead is a relationship based on equality and respect between our two islands for the first time in our history.
James Martin Pacelli McGuinness was born May 23, 1950, in the Catholic Bogside neighborhood of Londonderry or Derry, as it is known to Irish nationalists. His father worked at an iron foundry, and his mother was a homemaker.
He studied with the Christian Brothers, a religious order with republican political leanings, before leaving school at 15. He became radicalized, he later said, when he encountered anti-Catholic sentiment while looking for a job and saw police and soldiers violent response to Catholic protesters marching for civil rights.
Mr. McGuinness was a part-time rebel, throwing rocks at soldiers and police officers after getting off work, before joining the IRAs Derry Brigade about 1970. He rose quickly through the ranks, attracting attention for his boyish looks and pointed justifications for force against the British.
Ours is an offensive role, he told the Times in 1972. No one likes to kill. I dont. But were at war. These people are invaders.
Mr. McGuinness was the Derry Brigades second-in-command on Jan. 30, 1972, when 13 civilians were shot and killed by British soldiers during a civil rights march in Derry. (A 14th person later died of wounds.) The incident became known as Bloody Sunday.
Soldiers blamed the IRA for the deaths, saying armed members of the group instigated the violence. A government inquiry later found that the marchers were unarmed and the shootings were unjustified. In testimony Mr. McGuinness gave in 2002, he called the incident the worst day that I had ever experienced in my life.
In the year of the Derry incident, he traveled to London with a group that included Gerry Adams, another young republican leader and the future president of Sinn Fein, for secret meetings with Britains secretary of state for Northern Ireland. Mr. McGuinness was 22, and it was his first foray in peace talks.
He married Bernadette Canning in 1974. Besides his wife, survivors include four children.
According to news accounts, Mr. McGuinness remained active in the IRA through the 1980s, maintaining a high-level role similar to that of chief of staff. He did not publicly acknowledge membership in the group until 2001, and he insisted that he had left the IRA in 1974 to focus on politics through Sinn Fein.
Mr. McGuinness was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly in 1982, during a four-year period in which Britain unsuccessfully attempted to restore representative government to the province, and was elected to the British House of Commons in 1997. He served in Parliament through 2013 without once taking his seat: As party policy, Sinn Fein members abstain from participating in British political institutions.
Mr. McGuinness was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly following the passage of the Good Friday Agreement and served for several years as education minister, an appointed cabinet position.
Until his death, he remained optimistic about Irish unification and an advocate of politics as a means of peaceful revolution.
I believe a united Ireland is inevitable. Absolutely, he told Britains Guardian newspaper. But I believe it can only happen by peaceful and democratic means.
This video image provided on March 21 by the Syrian militant group Ahrar al-Sham shows flames rising from trucks during a battle between rebel fighters and Syrian government forces, in an eastern neighborhood of Damascus. (Ahrar al-Sham, via AP)
An unexpected rebel push on Damascus has brought Syrias civil war to the heart of its capital for the first time in years, spreading panic among residents and serving as a reminder that the conflict is far from over.
Streets emptied and many shops and schools were closed for a third day Tuesday as battles raged on the eastern edge of the city, where the rebels launched their surprise assault over the weekend. Mortar shells crashed into residential neighborhoods, jets streaked overhead, and the rattle of gunfire plunged Damascus back onto the front lines of a war that has raged since 2011.
The rebel offensive seems unlikely to lead to any sustained advances into President Bashar al-Assads most vital and best-defended stronghold. Loyalist forces scrambled troops from other areas to defend the capital and appeared to have halted the rebel advance just beyond Abbassiyeen Square, a major gateway just a few miles from the historic Old City of Damascus.
[Syrias war isnt stopping for Trump]
The fighting marked the first time since 2012 that rebel forces have advanced so close to the center of Damascus, highlighting the continuing fragility of Assads hold on power despite nearly a year and a half of steady gains aided by Russias military intervention that appeared to have sealed the outcome of the war.
Syrian civil defense volunteers, known as the White Helmets, extinguish a fire reportedly caused by airstrikes in the rebel-controlled town of Hamouria, on the outskirts of the capital, Damascus, on March 21. (Amer Almohibany/AFP/Getty Images)
It is now becoming clear that although the rebels lack the capacity to topple Assad, Assads forces also lack the capacity to defeat the rebels, said Andrew J. Tabler of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.
This doesnt mean the regime is going to be defeated. But their forces are just too thin, he said. They stand in one place, they contract in another, they shift forces to another, and this has been going on for years.
The offensive called into question the viability of Russian-led efforts to stabilize the country by securing a negotiated settlement, a goal that remains as elusive as Assads repeated vows to regain control of the entire country. Stalled peace talks are due to resume in Geneva on Thursday, but the upsurge in fighting cast further doubt on the chances for progress.
The United States has dropped out of the diplomacy pending a decision by the Trump administration on its Syria policy, leaving peace efforts adrift.
[Mounting claims of civilian deaths after U.S. targets al-Qaeda in Syria]
A Russian-sponsored cease-fire that took hold in December was already fraying badly, and is now in shreds. The Damascus offensive was preceded by days of intense government airstrikes, aided by Russian warplanes, in the northern province of Idlib, the rebels biggest remaining stronghold, according to activists and residents. Dozens of civilians have been killed in the strikes, reviving fears that the government is planning an onslaught there on the scale of the massive assault that killed thousands last year in the city of Aleppo.
Government forces had been steadily advancing into the shrinking enclaves of rebel-held territory surrounding the capital, despite the cease-fire. The immediate goal of the rebel offensive was to defend a besieged foothold in the suburb of Qaboun, which was at risk of being overrun, and link it with Jobar, a bigger enclave on the eastern edge of the city, rebel commanders said.
More broadly, the assault is also intended to pressure Russia to make the Assad government observe the cease-fire, said Wael Olwan, a spokesman for Faylaq al-Rahman, the main rebel group participating in the offensive. By adopting the strategy of defense by offense, hopefully we will force Russia to force the regime to commit to the cease-fire agreement, he said.
[U.S. Marines arrive in Syria to join fight for Raqqa]
There was no immediate sign that the strategy was working. New airstrikes were launched late Tuesday against the city of Idlib by Russian warplanes, according to activists in the area, although that could not be independently confirmed.
Rebel leaders see Russia, now the main power broker in Syria, as trying to push them into a peace deal that would help Assad reclaim all of Syria.
The problem is Russias double standards, Olwan said. While the Russian foreign minister talks about a political solution, their military bases on the ground are doing the opposite. They are taking part in strikes that contradict what they are saying about a political solution.
The rebels also remain hamstrung by factional disputes, said Aron Lund, a fellow with the Century Foundation. The moderate Faylaq al-Rahman teamed up with units of the more extreme Tahrir al-Sham to launch the Damascus assault. But the biggest Damascus faction, Jaish al-Islam, is a fierce rival of the group that led the offensive and has not joined the fighting just one example of how splits have thwarted the rebels throughout the six-year-old crisis.
Were the rebels to unite, that could mean real trouble for the government, Lund said. There is still a lot of fight left in the insurgency. But only if the government somehow cracks from within or screws up in the most spectacular fashion will they have a chance to break out and challenge Assads hold on the capital.
Zakaria Zakaria in Istanbul and Heba Habib in Stockholm contributed to this report.
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Fawzi Ibrahim, a Palestinian farmer, waited two months for the Israeli army to give him access to his wheat fields this year. He had only two days to try to plow and plant 50 acres of wheat, under the guard of Israeli army soldiers. The Israeli settlement of Esh Kodesh is behind him on the hill, and settlers watch from the road. (Anne-Marie OConnor/For The Washington Post)
Palestinian farmer Fawzi Ibrahim is proud of his heirloom corn, whose kernels ripen in iridescent shades of red, blue and gold like jewels.
But what makes it priceless are the obstacles he faces to grow his crops.
Small farmers struggle worldwide. But international experts say Palestinian farmers face disabling odds in the 60 percent of the West Bank that is under full Israeli control and is home to some 400,000 Jewish settlers.
As settler agricultural start-ups get prioritized access to water, export markets and development rights, the Israeli occupation is roiling the centuries-old pastoral life of Palestinian farmers, experts say, adding fuel to a conflict in which land is a trigger.
For years, Israeli settlers have chased Ibrahims tractor, threatened him, yelled at his Israeli soldier escorts, tried to burn his fields and warned that letting him farm would risk bloodshed, according to the Israeli group Rabbis for Human Rights.
Muhammad Muqbil, a Palestinian father of nine and grandfather of 38, says he has had his olive trees stolen by settlers. He needs help from Rabbis for Human Rights to get access to his land. (Anne-Marie OConnor/For The Washington Post)
Ibrahim must coordinate with the Israeli army because his land is in a security zone abutting Israeli outposts, the group said. But he and his lawyer waited eight weeks for permission to plant 50 acres of winter wheat in just two days, under the guard of two jeeploads of Israeli soldiers. A human rights worker and Israeli settlers looked on.
Ibrahim said he fears he will suffer thousands of dollars in farming losses again this year.
Theyre making us poor, he said.
[Netanyahu thinks a state-minus is enough for the Palestinians ]
A recent U.N. report said the Israeli occupation has set off a continuous process of de-agriculturization in the Israeli-controlled West Bank, depriving the Palestinian economy of potential agriculture revenue of $700 million, by World Bank estimates, as Israeli settlers bar Palestinians from crops, grazing lands and springs.
The World Food Program is providing food assistance to 75,000 Palestinians in Area C, according to local spokesman Raphael du Boispean.
A December report by the Israeli human rights group BTselem said Israeli settlements have overtaken a half-million acres of former Palestinian lands in Israel-controlled Area C, which was placed under full Israeli control in 1990s accords. BTselem said 200,000 to 300,000 Palestinians live in Area C.
What the Israeli settlers are doing in those areas is a disaster, said Avshalom Vilan, executive director of Israels powerful Farmers Federation, a mainstream private farmers group. Theyre stealing from the lives of their Palestinian neighbors, and making their lives impossible.
Its in Israels interest for Palestinian farmers to work their land peacefully, Vilan said. We will all pay for this.
Yishai Fleisher, the international spokesman of the Jewish settlement in Hebron, said that life will be much easier for Palestinian farmers under a one-state solution, in which minorities are incorporated into the state of Israel.
Jews live in the settlements because they are the heartlands of the Bible and Jewish history, Fleisher said. Many of us are also in the settlements to thwart the two-state solution, because we think its wrong, unjust and dangerous.
[Trump picks a supporter of West Bank settlements for ambassador to Israel]
Spokesmen for the Israeli settlers Yesha Council, the Agriculture Ministry and the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined to comment.
Israels Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories Unit, or COGAT, said 5 percent of Palestinian fields adjacent to Israeli villages in the West Bank require Israeli permission and escorts to ensure that their work goes undisturbed . . . while implementing their right to cultivate their land.
COGAT said it provided 600 such escorts in 2016 for the Palestinian olive harvest, a target of Israeli settler attacks.
The Rand Corp. said settler attacks quadrupled from 2006 to 2014 and are an important trigger of Palestinian retribution.
A 2013 World Bank report said the agriculture contribution to the Palestinian economy declined by more than half in Area C in the past two decades, with Palestinians losing access to water and land, and less than 1 percent of land designated for Palestinian construction.
Meanwhile, Israeli settlement agriculture rose 35 percent, by World Bank estimates, with growing exports to Europe and Russia.
COGAT said Israelis provide training to Palestinian farmers and operators of a German-financed wastewater treatment plant, and oversaw the shipping of 113,000 tons of Palestinian produce outside the West Bank in 2016 a tiny fraction, said Palestinian Authority official Marwan Durzi, of the export potential of 2.6 million tons of Palestinian agriculture.
Durzi said settler appropriation of springs forces Palestinian villagers to drastically reduce village herds, while Israeli authorities deny Palestinians permits for wells and cisterns and demolish nonpermitted irrigation.
Since most Palestinian families in Area C live partly on farming, its crippling, Durzi said.
Ibrahim was a scion of a prosperous family in the 1980s, when Israelis took 2,000 acres of family farmland and olive groves in the West Bank, ending his agronomy studies at Texas A&M University.
Israeli rights groups helped him recover 100 acres.
Ibrahim watches subsidized Israeli agriculture start-ups flourish on land he claims at Shvut Rachel, a Jewish outpost founded in the name of Rachela Druck, a settler killed in a 1991 Palestinian attack on a bus. Shvut Rachels most famous onetime resident, Jack Teitel, was convicted in 2013 for killing two Palestinians.
Alleged Hamas militants shot Israeli student Malachy Rosenfeld on the highway as he traveled through the area in 2015 just a few miles from Ibrahims land.
In January, Israeli authorities indicted four Israeli settlers who lived on a hilltop near Ibrahims fields in Geulat Zion once home to an Israeli accused of the 2015 firebomb killing of a Palestinian mother, father and baby in nearby Duma after Israeli undercover police allegedly caught them going after Palestinian farmers with stones and truncheons.
Settlers do what their government wants them to do, Ibrahim said. They want them to take the land.
Ibrahim said his family once farmed alfalfa and barley on land seized for vineyards by the Esh Kodesh outpost, which has Israeli-supplied water.
But Aaron Katsof, an Esh Kodesh vintner, insisted that there was nothing here.
An Israeli court ordered a settler to clear his vineyards off a parcel of Ibrahims land by December 2015, and though the settler finally moved this year, he was convicted of kidnapping and beating a Palestinian shepherd, and Ibrahim says he is still afraid to reclaim the land.
Ibrahim remembers the days when younger Palestinians waited for the harvest to marry, and patriarchs lived well from the land.
To Ibrahims generation, he said, land is life.
Diabetes has forced him to rely on a cane, but Ibrahim said he is determined to end his days as a farmer.
If I leave, theyll take the land, he said. Then Ill have nothing.
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The sister of Salam Mukhaibir collapses as her brothers body arrives at a Yazidi temple near Iraqs Mount Sinjar. The 18-year-old was killed in clashes against peshmerga forces in Khana Sour. (Alice Martins/For The Washington Post)
Relatives collapsed in grief as the coffin of an 18-year-old Yazidi fighter was carried to a small temple at the base of Mount Sinjar.
Salam Mukhaibirs death this month, along with four other Yazidi fighters, marked the latest dark turn for an Iraqi minority sect that has suffered genocide at the hands of the Islamic State.
But the men were not killed fighting the militants. They died in clashes with Kurdish peshmerga forces when long-simmering rivalries erupted.
The Islamic State overran the town of Sinjar and its surroundings 2 years ago, executing thousands of Yazidi men, whom it considers apostates. Thousands of women who were kidnapped to be used as sex slaves and their children remain missing.
But the fierce infighting among forces ostensibly meant to be battling the militants now threatens to set back efforts to recapture more land and rebuild areas reduced to rubble.
The conflagration presents a challenge for the United States, which plays a role supporting both Kurdish factions involved providing military assistance to them, or their affiliates, in the fight against the Islamic State. It also marks a bleak bellwether for the prospects of peace after territory is finally won back from the Islamic State. In neighboring Syria, U.S. troops have already been diverted to prevent warring between rival forces they support.
At a strategic crossroads between Syria, Turkey and Iraq, the traditional Yazidi heartland has become a flash point for Kurdish political rivalries, fueled by the wider competing interests of Turkey, Iran and the Iraqi government in Baghdad.
We feel like a toy in the hands of the politicians, Khalaf Bahri, a Yazidi religious sheikh, said before performing the burial rites for the young man, whose body was carried to a cemetery on the mountainside. Yazidis are wounded and still bleeding. We still have our sisters and daughters and wives in the hands of Islamic State, but now this.
The body of Salam Mukhaibir is carried by relatives. He was buried in a cemetery on the mountainside. (Alice Martins/For The Washington Post)
The slain Yazidi fighters belonged to the Sinjar Resistance Units, a local force affiliated with the military wing of the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, a separatist group from neighboring Turkey. The United States has been providing arms to a coalition of forces over the border in Syria led by another PKK affiliate. Some fighters with the Yazidi group carried U.S.-made M-16 rifles. They said the firearms were captured from Islamic State militants or purchased on the black market.
On the other side of the confrontation was the Rojava Peshmerga, largely Syrian Kurds under the command of Kurdistans regional government, which the U.S.-led coalition is also supporting in its fight against the Islamic State. They fled to Iraq at the beginning of Syrias civil war and have been blocked from returning home.
Both sides accuse the other of shooting first.
Kurdish President Masoud Barzani has repeatedly asked the PKK to leave Iraq. But many Yazidis credit the group with saving them when peshmerga forces charged with protecting them abandoned their posts with little fight during the Islamic States onslaught in 2014.
Tens of thousands of Yazidis became trapped atop Mount Sinjar as they sought refuge there. Those who did not make it ended up as Islamic State captives or were killed and thrown into one of the dozens of mass graves that surround the mountain.
The plight of those stuck on the mountain and surrounded by militants sparked the first aerial bombardment in Iraq by the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State fighters. But it was the PKK and its Syrian affiliate that fought to open a land route to allow Yazidis to escape on foot.
Since then, the PKK has put down roots, opening schools and training Yazidi fighters. Pictures of Abdullah Ocalan, the groups figurehead, are ubiquitous in the area. A shrine on the mountainside, illuminated at night, is dedicated to more than 200 fighters from the PKK and aligned factions who died fighting here.
To Kurdistans semiautonomous government in northern Iraq, Sinjar is an integral part of its territory. The Iraqi government disputes that claim. Many Yazidis consider themselves ethnically Kurdish.
After Kurdish forces recaptured the town a year and a half ago, Barzani said in a triumphant speech from the mountainside that the Kurdish flag would be the only one to fly there. Since then, his party has expanded its influence, but the PKK has stayed put.
We are vulnerable and in a weak position, so whoever gives us a piece of bread, a house, a weapon people will take it, said Bahri, the Yazidi sheikh at the funeral, who is aligned with Yazidi-PKK forces. Our leaders have sold themselves for money.
We have been betrayed
As the rival sides vie for influence, thousands of Yazidis who took up arms against the Islamic State have also joined the peshmerga.
Hayder Shesho, who heads a force of Yazidi fighters, is integrating 1,000 of them into peshmerga ranks.
Shesho said he has decided to merge his forces with the peshmerga because it was the only open door. He said he was arrested in 2015 in what he describes as an attempt to pressure him.
Yes, we have been betrayed by them. Yes, we have been abandoned by them, he said of the Kurdish regional governments ruling party. But we are Kurds.
He said the U.S.-led coalition should take responsibility and unite Yazidis, calling for international forces to protect them. No one represents the Yazidis, he lamented.
The clashes in recent weeks have sent thousands of Yazidi families that had returned to villages fleeing once more, some back to the mountain that provided them sanctuary in 2014.
Were poor; weve been through genocide, said Gowri Mitchka, who was putting up tents with 20 members of her extended family. We dont want to be a part of this. We need help.
Farther up the road, on the winding track that leads over the mountain, someone has spray-painted words that echo the sentiments of many here: Yazidism unites us, the parties divide us.
Gowri Mitchka, in white, and her relatives set up a tent in Sinjar after fleeing clashes in Khana Sour. (Alice Martins/For The Washington Post)
Two days after the clashes this month, the peshmerga riding atop bulldozers created large earthen barriers between the two sides, and soldiers restricted traffic along the road. The other side was also building defenses.
Maj. Gen. Bahjat Taymis, a peshmerga commander, said the fighting started when Rojava Peshmerga were on a mission to cut off smuggling routes. The fighters were setting up a base on the edge of the village of Khana Sour when they were surrounded, and reinforcements that were sent in were then fired upon, he added.
The PKK said the fighting began after two of its fighters were shot dead as they tried to block the advancing peshmerga convoy. The five Yazidis died in those clashes, according to PKK and Yazidi commanders.
Shesho and PKK commanders said the decision to deploy a foreign force the largely Syrian Rojava Peshmerga was a deliberate provocation. Kurdistans government contends that it can deploy forces in its territory as it wishes.
A female member of the YBS, a PKK-affiliated Yazidi armed group, surveys the scene in Khana Sour. (Alice Martins/For The Washington Post)
Circumventing the barriers between the two sides involves navigating dirt tracks at the foot of the mountain. On the other side, Yazidi fighters set up new mortar positions. But instead of pointing at the Islamic State militants, they were angled toward peshmerga.
First, we will try and solve this through dialogue, but if not we will fight them, because its the will of the people, said Zardasht Shingali, a 30-year-old commander with the group. They are distracting us from fighting the Islamic State.
He said the opponents were not real peshmerga but thugs.
We consider Sinjar part of Kurdistan, and we have no problem with the peshmerga, he said. But these people are gangsters, working on a Turkish agenda.
Turkey considers the PKK a terrorist group and has said it will not let Sinjar become a new Qandil, referring to the mountain range in northern Iraq that has become a hideout for PKK forces waging attacks against the Turkish state.
Others say the Sinjar Resistance Units are also influenced by outside forces, through their close relationship with the PKK and links to the Iraqi governments popular mobilization forces, which are dominated by Iranian-backed militias.
We will not accept a Turkish agenda or an Iranian agenda. Turkey and Iran are trying to pull Sinjar into a regional conflict, and Sinjar will not accept it, said Mahama Khalil, the mayor of Sinjar, who belongs to the same party as Kurdistans president. He added that the PKK should leave.
But for the Iraqi government, the PKK presence in Sinjar provides a counterbalance to Kurdistans ruling party and Yazidi fighters said Baghdad paid their wages until late last year.
Sinjar, Iraq, remains severely damaged and deserted 16 months after Islamic State militants were pushed out. (Alice Martins/For The Washington Post)
Blurred lines
Commanders with the Sinjar Resistance Units insist that they are independent and receive support only from their community. However, lines distinguishing it from the PKK are blurred, and Turkish and Iranian Kurds are among their ranks.
One 35-year-old Kurdish Iranian manning a checkpoint said he was moved from the PKKs military wing to the Yazidi force about 15 months ago. A 17-year-old fighter with the group also said he was from Iran.
Agit Civiyan, a commander for the PKKs military wing in Sinjar, said some fighters were integrated into the Yazidi ranks for training and education purposes. He said the PKK was ready to leave when no longer needed, but that the Yazidis still required protection.
While the infighting continues, little has been done to rebuild Sinjar Kurdish officials say they cannot begin until the PKK leaves and areas nearby are still under Islamic State control.
On the mountain, Jamil Khalaf said he was tired of all sides.
We blame them all, he said. They dont care about anyone else. Why are they fighting each other when they should be liberating our villages?
His family has been living in a tent on the mountain for 2 years because their village, Tal Azair, is still under Islamic State control. Two of his children died when the familys tent caught fire, and his wifes face and arms are scarred from burns. Her sisters husband was killed when the militants advanced on the village.
We dont want these people fighting on our land, he said. But we have no power. Its inevitable.
Read more:
ISIS dumped bodies in a desert sinkhole. It may be years before we know the full scale of the killings.
Away from Iraqs front lines, the Islamic State is creeping back in
Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Aaso Ameen Shwan contributed to this report.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said Monday after a meeting at the White House that there are better ways for the United States to help beat back the Islamic State than sending combat troops.
Though Abadi praised the Trump administration as being willing to become more engaged in the fight against Islamist militants in Iraq and Syria, he warned that sending sizable numbers of troops would not defeat them. The United States has stepped up the deployment of ground troops to Syria, and elsewhere in the region, as the Iraqi army moves deeper into Mosul and a complex array of forces prepares for an offensive on the Islamic States de facto capital of Raqqa in Syria.
We have to be careful, Abadi said at the U.S. Institute of Peace, where he spoke shortly after talking with President Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other senior U.S. officials. Committing troops is one thing. Fighting terrorism is another thing. You dont defeat terrorism by fighting it militarily. There are better ways.
Echoing themes that were common from State Department officials during the Obama administration, Abadi said governments and militaries succeed only if they win the trust and support of the civilian population through measures such as anti-corruption reforms and good governance.
We have to bring back trust in the way we govern, he said. It will be a sad day for all of us if people believe a dictatorship is better than democracy. Because if democracy doesnt protect them, doesnt provide for them, if there is corruption . . . I think we failed.
Abadi is among officials from 68 countries in Washington this week for a meeting of the U.S.-led global coalition to fight the jihadist group in Syria and Iraq. Abadi, who came to Washington seeking more financial aid and assistance in rebuilding ruined cities, said the White House has assured Iraq that it will get more support than the Obama administration offered.
We have been given assurances support will not only continue but will accelerate until we complete the task, he said after predicting that the Iraqi army is in the last stage of pushing Islamic State militants out of Mosul, a city of more than 1 million people that has been a key Islamic State stronghold.
Just before meeting with Abadi in the Cabinet Room at the White House, Trump praised Iraqi soldiers for their advances in Mosul against the jihadists, who are also known by the acronym ISIS.
Mosul is moving along, he said. We will figure something out. I mean, we have to get rid of ISIS. Were going to get rid of ISIS.
Abadi showed flashes of humor that seemed to poke gentle fun at Trump.
While posing for photos in the Oval Office, a reporters question about Trumps reaction to testimony in Congress undercutting his assertion that Trump Tower in New York was wiretapped on President Barack Obamas orders prompted Abadi to grab Trumps arm and reassure him jokingly, We had nothing to do with the wiretap.
And at the end of his moderated talk at the Institute of Peace, Abadi appeared to draw a parallel between Iraqs sectarian divisions and the border between the United States and Mexico.
When he was asked whether he supported a semiautonomous region for minorities in northern Iraq, Abadi said he preferred a more inclusive society.
I dont think you protect yourself by having to partition yourself from your neighbors, he said. We have to build bridges with others, and work with others, to be more secure. Otherwise, you build walls.
After a momentary pause in the audience of about 100 people, the room burst into laughter.
China's President Xi Jinping, left, meets Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on March 19. (Thomas Peter/Reuters)
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Russia next month, a week after a NATO summit meeting he is skipping, State Department officials said Monday.
Tillersons trip to Moscow, right after he flies to Italy for a meeting of ministers from the Group of Seven countries, comes at a time when the Kremlins alleged cyberattacks during the presidential campaign and meetings with several Trump campaign officials are being scrutinized by the FBI and Congress.
The White House appears to be trying to tackle the controversy head on by dispatching Tillerson, who conducted oil negotiations with Russia when he headed ExxonMobil and was awarded a presidential medal of friendship by Russian President Vladimir Putin. Often, U.S. and Russian diplomats meet in a third country, so they do not convey the impression either is catering to the other.
Tillerson has been notably absent from several meetings with foreign leaders, causing some critics to question whether he has much influence over foreign policy in the Trump administration. His visit to Moscow, which was first reported by Reuters, could help dispel that impression.
State Department officials would not confirm that the reason Tillerson will skip the meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels on April 5 and 6 is because he will be attending President Trumps meeting with visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping at Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida. Tillerson met with Xi last weekend in Beijing to discuss the growing threat from North Koreas nuclear ambitions.
Hinting that Tillerson will be present when Xi talks with Trump, a State Department official said Tillerson told Xi he hoped they would meet again very soon.
Tillerson would normally be expected to attend the meeting at NATO headquarters in Brussels with European foreign ministers.
But officials said Tillerson did not consider it imperative to go because he will meet about two dozen of the same foreign ministers in Washington on Wednesday for a summit on combating the Islamic State in Syria and Iraq.
And he talked with many of them at a meeting in Bonn, Germany, last month.
Tom Shannon, the undersecretary of state for political affairs who is the No. 2 diplomat in the absence of a deputy secretary, will represent the United States at the NATO meeting.
The State Department would give no details Tuesday about a planned trip by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to Moscow next month, but the visit appears to be a stand-in for any immediate meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Tillerson, who drew skepticism from Democrats and some Republicans for his ties to Russia and Putin when he headed the oil giant ExxonMobil, will be the first high-level Trump administration emissary to go to Moscow.
The trip could provide insight into how the Trump administration will approach Russia, even as the FBI says it is investigating the Kremlins intervention in the 2016 election and possible coordination between the Trump campaign and officials in Moscow.
[FBI director confirms probe of possible coordination between Kremlin and Trump campaign]
A U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss Tillersons upcoming travel had said Monday that Tillerson would make the trip in mid-April. The same official confirmed that Tillerson would skip a meeting among foreign ministers of NATO member countries the previous week in Italy. Tillerson is expected to attend Trumps meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida instead.
On Tuesday, U.S. officials said there might be an attempt to reschedule the NATO meeting so Tillerson can attend.
Although Tillerson has already met with his Russian counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, on the sidelines of a diplomatic meeting in Germany, doing so on Russian soil sends a different message in both countries. Many meetings among U.S. and Russian diplomats have taken place in third countries to avoid the appearance that one side is bowing to the other.
State Department spokesman Mark Toner declined to discuss the trip Tuesday. A White House spokesman did not respond to questions about the timing and agenda for the trip or the political thinking behind it.
The Kremlin said in February that a one-on-one meeting between Trump and Putin might be possible before the two attend the Group of 20 summit meeting in Germany in July. That will be the first time they are scheduled to be in the same place at the same time.
Slovenia, where first lady Melania Trump was born, has offered to host a separate meeting between the two leaders.
Putin said in February that Russia was waiting for the United States to decide how to approach any meetings.
Both Trump and Putin have said that they want to try to improve relations that sank to a new diplomatic low during the Obama administration. Until recent weeks, U.S.-Russia ties had appeared to be on the mend, with Putin welcoming Trumps election and inauguration and Trump calling the Russian leader very smart.
The honeymoon now appears over, following the U.S. intelligence communitys conclusion that Russia attempted to influence the outcome of the presidential election in Trumps favor. The Kremlins actions and any contacts it might have had with Trump campaign officials are separately being investigated by Congress and the FBI.
[Full transcript: FBI director Comey testifies on Russian interference in the election]
Trump campaign adviser Michael Flynn, an advocate for improved relations with Moscow, was forced to resign as White House national security adviser over the nature of his conversations with Russias ambassador to the United States.
Russia denies involvement in the hacking of the Democratic National Committee and leading Democrats, as well as providing that politically damaging material to the anti-secrecy group WikiLeaks during the campaign.
Putin had hoped that the Trump administration would quickly lift U.S. financial sanctions levied over Russias annexation of the Ukrainian region of Crimea, but Tillerson and other U.S. officials have poured cold water on that.
Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort talks to reporters on the floor of the Republican National Convention in July. (Matt Rourke/Associated Press)
A Ukrainian lawmaker released new financial documents Tuesday allegedly showing that a former campaign chairman for President Trump laundered payments from the party of a disgraced ex-leader of Ukraine using offshore accounts in Belize and Kyrgyzstan.
The new documents, if legitimate, stem from business ties between the Trump aide, Paul Manafort, and the party of former Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, who enjoyed Moscows backing while he was in power. He has been in hiding in Russia since being overthrown by pro-Western protesters in 2014, and is wanted in Ukraine on corruption charges.
The latest documents were released just hours after the House Intelligence Committee questioned FBI Director James B. Comey about possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Moscow. The hearing that also touched on Manaforts work for Yanukovychs party in Ukraine.
Comey declined to say whether the FBI is coordinating with Ukraine on an investigation of the alleged payments to Manafort.
[Inside Trump adviser Manaforts world of politics and global financial dealmaking]
(Bastien Inzaurralde/The Washington Post)
Manafort, who worked for Yanukovychs Party of Regions for nearly a decade, resigned from Trumps campaign in August after his name surfaced in connection with secret payments totaling $12.7 million by Yanukovychs party. Manafort has denied receiving those, listed in the partys black ledger.
Serhiy Leshchenko, a lawmaker and journalist, released a copy of an invoice on letterhead from Manaforts consulting company, based in Alexandria, Va., dated Oct. 14, 2009, to a Belize-based company for $750,000 for the sale of 501 computers.
On the same day, Manaforts name is listed next to a $750,000 entry in the black ledger, which was considered a party slush fund. The list was found at the party headquarters in the turmoil after Ukraines 2014 revolution. The ledger entries about Manafort were released by the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, a government law enforcement agency, last August.
Leshchenko alleges that Manafort falsified an invoice to the Belize company to legitimize the $750,000 payment to himself.
I have found during this investigation that [Manafort] used offshore jurisdictions and falsified invoices to get money from the corrupt Ukrainian leader, Leshchenko said during a news conference in downtown Kiev, where he provided a copy of the invoice to journalists.
[If Moscow tried to influence the U.S. election, things arent going as planned]
He said he received the invoices and other documents in January from the new tenants of Manaforts former offices in downtown Kiev. The documents were left behind in a safe, he said, adding that Manaforts signature and his company seal were proof that the documents were authentic.
Leshchenko said he was not aware of any formal Ukrainian investigation of the documents. He declined to comment on whether he had discussed the documents with U.S. law enforcement agencies.
Nazar Kholodnytskyi, a deputy prosecutor general of Ukraine whose department specializes in corruption cases, said in an interview on Tuesday that the documents hadnt been confirmed by law enforcement or, to his knowledge, submitted for examination. There is an ongoing investigation into the black ledgers, he said, but Manafort was not a target of that investigation.
[As White House seeks distance, former campaign manager faces new allegations]
Manafort has previously accused Leshchenko of blackmailing him by threatening to release harmful information about his financial relationship with Yanukovych. That correspondence between Leshchenko and Manaforts daughter was released in February as the result of a purported cyberhack. Leshchenko has called the exchange a forgery.
Manafort was involved in crafting the political strategy that brought Yanukovych to power after a crushing defeat in the 2004 elections. Yanukovychs party has been accused of ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly through wealthy oligarchs from the countrys east with interests in both Russia and Ukraine.
Read more:
The web of relationships between Team Trump and Russia
Paul Manaforts complicated ties to Ukraine, explained
Amid Russia scrutiny, Trump associates received Ukraine policy proposal
Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news
Prosecutors questioned South Koreas impeached president, Park Geun-hye, for 14 hours Tuesday over a corruption scandal that led to her dismissal from office this month.
It was the first time she had answered any questions relating to the scandal, which has roiled South Korea for nearly six months and ensnared the head of Samsung, two former presidential aides, a prominent prosecutor and the head of the national pension fund, the worlds third largest.
After arriving at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors Office on Tuesday morning in a convoy fit for a president, Park made a six-second statement her first public remarks since being impeached March 10.
I deeply apologize to the people, she told waiting reporters, striking a tone that contrasted sharply with her earlier defiance. I will fully cooperate with the investigation.
Now that she is out of office, Park, 65, has lost her immunity from prosecution and could face criminal charges, including abuse of power and coercing donations.
Parks appearance at the prosecutors office started with a 10-minute cup of tea with a senior prosecutor. When the questioning began, the former president was cooperative and answered questions, although she declined to allow the session to be recorded, the prosecutors office said.
The session lasted until close to midnight. Park was then allowed to go home after reviewing documents about the questioning. Prosecutors did not indicate when they might call her again.
About 2,000 police officers were deployed outside the prosecutors office to guard against unrest. Although rival factions demonstrated with supporters calling for Parks impeachment to be overturned and opponents demanding her arrest there were no reports of violence.
Now, the question is whether the prosecution will arrest her or not, the JoongAng Ilbo, one of South Koreas biggest newspapers, wrote in an editorial published Wednesday. Given her status as former president, the prosecution will wrestle with the question. Most people want her arrest as no one is above the law.
Preparations are now underway for a snap election, scheduled for May 9, to replace Park. Moon Jae-in, a progressive politician who lost to Park in 2012, has a strong lead; polls show his support at 36 percent.
Conservatives are in disarray. Parks ruling party split in two after her suspension, and the caretaker prime minister, thought to be the center-right factions best shot at maintaining the presidency, has declined to run.
[ South Korean president removed from office over corruption scandal ]
Park, South Koreas first female president, also became its first to be impeached after the countrys Constitutional Court unanimously concluded that she had continuously violated the law during her four years in office.
The court found that the president had helped her friend Choi Soon-sil extract bribes from South Korean conglomerates and had personally asked major corporations for donations. She leaked confidential documents to Choi, tried to cover up her wrongdoing, then lied about it, the court said.
The justices also chastised Park for refusing to speak to special prosecutors investigating the case and for declining to appear before the Constitutional Court to answer questions.
In a damning 101-page report delivered before the impeachment decision, special prosecutors identified 13 charges that could be brought against Park, including abuse of power, receiving bribes and leaking confidential government information.
Park has remained defiant even after her impeachment. Upon returning to her home in southern Seoul last weekend, she said in a statement read by a spokesman, Though it may take time, I believe the truth will eventually prevail.
[ South Korean prosecutors say president colluded in corruption ]
The case revolves around Parks relationship with Choi, a lifelong friend who held no official position and had no security clearance but wielded enormous influence over her.
Prosecutors found that Park and Choi had exchanged 573 phone calls in a six-month period between April and October 2016, when the scandal broke on cellphones registered under other peoples names. By contrast, Parks former chief of staff has said he often went several weeks without talking to or seeing the president.
Choi is accused of scheming to extract $70 million in bribes from big business including $37 million from Samsung in return for granting favorable treatment to the corporate giants. Prosecutors say they have evidence that Park colluded with Choi in the scheme.
The special prosecutors have indicted 30 people in connection with the scandal, including business leaders, presidential aides and prosecutors. Lee Jae-yong, the de facto leader of Samsung, has been detained and is on trial on charges including bribery, embezzlement and perjury.
Both he and Choi have strongly denied wrongdoing, as has the former president.
Read more
After impeachment, South Korea may reset relations with China, North Korea
South Koreans celebrate presidents impeachment
Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Like Washington Post World on Facebook and stay updated on foreign news]
President Donald Trumps March 15 visit to Nashville attracted long lines of supporters together with some 2,500 demonstrators protesting the presidents attacks on health care, education and immigrants.
In a campaign-style event, Trump spoke at the citys Municipal Auditorium for about 40 minutes. He spent little time on the issues that had been advertised as the main topics of his remarks, repeal of Obamacare and school vouchers, and instead focused on the pseudo-populist, nationalist rhetoric that dominated his election bid and inaugural address.
Trump pledged peace through strength and reiterated his pledge to build a border wall between the US and Mexico. We subscribe to two simple rules, he declared, Hire American and buy American.
Earlier in the day he brought the same economic nationalist message to a group of United Auto Workers officials and autoworkers at a decommissioned auto plant outside of Detroit. UAW President Dennis Williams demonstrated his support for Trumps anti-foreigner and corporatist program by sitting next to the president and alongside US auto CEOs in a panel discussion prior to Trumps Michigan speech.
In Nashville, the president resumed his attack on the courts, denouncing a Hawaii federal judge for temporarily blocking his second anti-Muslim travel ban. A judge has just blocked our executive order on travel and refugees coming in to our country from certain countries, he said. This ruling makes us look weak, which we no longer are. Trump added, Its time for us to embrace our glorious national destiny.
Citing his economic nationalism and calls for protective tariffs, Trump sought to cast himself in the mold of the seventh US president, Andrew Jackson (1829-1837), a Democrat and slave owner from Tennessee. Jackson was a reactionary figure who represented the Southern slaveocracy in alliance with certain commercial interests and corrupt big city political machines in the North. He presented himself as a populist man of the people in order to conceal the reactionary interests he defended and attract support from disaffected farmers, artisans and workers.
Security was tight for those entering the aging auditorium in Nashville. Outside, blocking James Robertson Parkway and denying vehicular access to the auditorium entrance, was a line of city dump trucks. The line to get into the auditorium at one point stretched for a mile, and many people were unable to obtain entry to the 8,500 capacity building.
Inside the auditorium there was a scattering of protests, which were quickly suppressed and the protesters removed. Joining the line in the frigid weather were an estimated 2,500 protesters. While voicing a desire for change, many also expressed discouragement and fear about the direction of the political situation.
The World Socialist Web Site spoke to demonstrators.
Fred, an Air Force veteran, said he was making the effort to protest Trumps visit so that his children and grandchildren would know what is going on. He said, They need to know that he is a man who stands for everything I am against.
When asked about the need for a working class party, Fred did not hesitate. Absolutely, he said. We need to listen to our own heads and not the politicians. We are letting them run our country, not only the Republicans, but the Democrats, too! Id vote for the Green Party if they were strong.
Sylvia is a hairstylist preparing to retire. She said the plan to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) would violate everything Trump had promised. I was hoping he would be a good guy, she said. I was hoping for that, but I was wrong. It looks like seniors are going to be paying.
Sylvia added that because of her opposition to Trump, she had lost friends and loved ones who had supported him. But I couldnt keep quiet, she added. If everybody would think whats best for the country, she said, a third party would be possible.
Sheila, who worked in IT and then nursing, said Trumps election was unprecedented. What is happening is nothing like anything that has happened before, she told the WSWS.
Norman said he joined the protest to send a simple message to Trump. I wanted him to know that not everybody loves him like he thinks they do. He agreed that the needs of working people were not being met by either of the two parties. I dont know if a third party will ever make it in this country, but I agree that both parties, Republican and Democratic, have ignored the working class.
Kay is an art teacher who works in an elementary school and with disabled adults. She said she was pessimistic about the future and thought the Democratic and Republican parties were no real options. The two party system is a flawed system, she said, adding that she voted for Hillary Clinton. It was a dire moment and she was the only one who could stop him, she stated, but it wasnt very pretty to watch.
After her daughter was arrested for underage drinking, one mom felt thankful. (Photo: Getty Images)
Following her daughters arrest for underage drinking on a beach during spring break, a mother has reached out to the Florida police department who did the handcuffing to say a heartfelt thank you.
In this day, cops are getting a bad rap. So, I wanted to say thank you, an unidentified mom wrote to the Walton County Sheriff department in DeFuniak Springs, Fla., which shared her words on the police departments Facebook page. Yesterday, my daughter was one of the thousands of spoiled spring breakers living it up on the beach. She got arrested for underage drinking. She was holding a can of beer on the beach. A stupid move that I warned her about before she left, but Im just her mother, so in one ear and out the other. The arrest scared the HELL out of her and Im hoping she learned her lesson.
In the letter, posted on Mar. 16 which was then shared more than 730 times and elicited nearly 3,000 responses, she continued, The reason that I am sending this is that every officer that I talked to or that I could hear in the background talking to her was so nice! Firm, but nice. Im sure each one was rolling their eyes when my daughter said Can you talk to my mom? but each and every officer was respectful and assured me she would get back to her house safely.
The mom, who was hundreds of miles away, found it very reassuring. I know you all have to deal with this on a daily basis, which must be completely annoying and Im very sorry my daughter added to your workload yesterday, she wrote. They say you always have one child that makes you go grey early and she is mine! Thank you for saving me a few more grey hairs last night.
Walton County Sheriff public information officer Corey Dobridnia tells Yahoo Beauty that the department was very happy to receive the thanks.
Kudos to the mom, because its not every day you get compliments. We love it, Dobridnia says. These guys are working overtime on spring break. She adds that the arresting officer, Dep. Wesley Barnhill, was super-stoked about the feedback.
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Our policy is if youre caught drinking underage, youre arrested, youre booked, and youre driven to jail, Dobridnia explains. We are within 50 miles of [spring break HQ] Panama City, and we dont want this to get out of control, so thats been our policy forever This is a very family-oriented beach. Were not out to embarrass the kids, we just want to teach them a valuable lesson.
Its that aim that seemed to most please the mom who wrote the letter as well as many of the hundreds of Facebook commenters who had something to say about it.
I applaud you for making your child be held accountable for what she has done! It is the hardest thing we can do for our near adult children! wrote one woman. Noted another, Now that is a good & smart Mom & I hope her daughter has learned her lesson! Great work for all our Walton Co. deputies!! You are appreciated!
Another said, Loved the letter. So nice to hear a mother be honest about their wild child and not to blame anyone but her for making a bad choice.
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Following the assassination of President William McKinley in 1901 the third sitting U.S. president to be assassinated Congress directed the Secret Service to protect the president of the United States. Presidential families are also guaranteed round-the-clock protection, regardless of expense or destination.
So how much does it cost taxpayers to protect the Trump family? Lets just say the numbers are huuuuge.
Between the election and the inauguration, it cost New York City $24 million to secure Trump Tower. While the president spends time in Washington, D.C., security for Melania and Barron Trump for the time they stay in New York City costs nearly $200,000 per day.
Since taking office on Jan. 20, President Trump has retreated to his Palm Beach estate five times. According to the Washington Post, a weekend at Mar-a-Lago costs $2 million per visit, but that doesnt include the local tax dollars spent by the Palm Beach County Sheriffs Office to protect Trump, which equals nearly $1 million per visit.
And then theres the private security for Eric Trumps business trip to Uruguay for the Trump Organization a personal trip that didnt involve governance that totaled $100,000.
By contrast, Judicial Watch estimated Obama-related travel expenses totaled nearly $97 million during his entire eight years in office. President Trump is on track to cost taxpayers hundreds of millions more.
Take a look inside Donald Trumps Mar-a-Lago: the new winter White House:
Or, take a look inside Donald Trumps $100 million penthouse:
Read more from Yahoo Celebrity:
Photo credit: Getty
From Esquire
I am not a career diplomat, nor do I often play one in this shebeen. But I do know two things: a) don't poke North Korea with a stick just to see what will happen, and b) don't piss off an important ally based on something you heard someone say on the Fox News Channel. I believe John Quincy Adams once wrote both these rules down in his diary back in 1819.
Seriously, can't anyone here play this game?
First, we have Rex Tillerson's first foray overseas in which he apparently decided to confront the world's most crazily paranoid regime by feeding its insanity from the top of the menu. From Business Insider:
He even refused to rule out having Japan and South Korea develop their own nuclear weapons in an interview with Fox News. In March 2016, before North Korea's nuclear testing had quite reached the fever pitch it's at today, Trump proposed allowing South Korea and Japan to develop their own nukes to protect themselves. The proposal was widely panned by nuclear-proliferation experts. But Tillerson now stresses that all options are on the table for dealing with North Korea, and that could include more countries building nuclear weapons. "But it's a pure fantasy for Rex Tillerson to demand that North Korea denuclearize before allowing or agreeing to talks" with Pyongyang, Kimball added, also providing a thorough timeline of diplomatic attempts to curb the rogue nation's nuclear program. Tillerson, who traveled to Asia without the customary press corps, has raised many questions over the US's intentions in South Korea but provided few answers.
What does Tillerson-or his boss-imagine will happen if South Korea and Japan muscle up to nukes? Let's ask the Chinese, who already have them. The Chinese also know better than we do how completely nutty the leadership in Pyongyang is so, naturally, the thing to do is to go over there and start mucking around with both feet and hope everybody understands what you're doing better than you do.
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Which brings us to the fiasco back in Washington, when Sean Spicer tried to hang the president*'s clumsy attempt to finger his predecessor for wiretapping Trump Tower on British intelligence based on something Fox News dingbat Judge Andrew Napolitano said on television. This, naturally, frosted the British, who have been doing this intelligence thing since before Francis Walsingham went hunting Jesuits. From CNN:
At a Thursday press briefing, Spicer read out allegations originally made on Tuesday on Fox News by legal analyst Andrew Napolitano, that the UK intelligence agency GCHQ -- the equivalent of the US National Security Agency -- had spied on Trump. "Judge Andrew Napolitano made the following statement, quote, 'Three intelligence sources have informed Fox News that President Obama went outside the chain of command (to spy on Trump). He didn't use the NSA, he didn't use the CIA ... he used GCHQ,'" Spicer told journalists. The strong language from Downing Street -- which followed a similar, rare statement from the UK intelligence agency GCHQ -- indicated that the British government was furious that the US had made such an incendiary allegation.
Which prompted this remarkable statement from the rarefied air at the highest level of British spookdom:
"Recent allegations made by media commentator Judge Andrew Napolitano about GCHQ being asked to conduct 'wire tapping' against the then President Elect are nonsense. They are utterly ridiculous and should be ignored."
Holy hell, is this moronic. Why is Spicer still employed? Melissa McCarthy's career doesn't need that much of a boost.
This is an administration that is putting the country (and the world) in a very difficult position. The only people in it that seem to know what they're doing are the ones that have been put in place to demolish things on purpose. The rest of them demolish things by accident.
Angela Merkel dropped by on Friday to chat with the president*. Run for your life, Angela. We'll get back to you when and if things settle down.
Respond to this post on the Esquire Politics Facebook page.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger is trying to flip the narrative of his ongoing ratings feud with President Donald Trump.
Oh Donald the ratings are in, and you got swamped, the actor and former Governor of California said in a video posted to Twitter Tuesday morning. Wow. Now youre in the thirties?
The video comes on the heels of the latest gallup polls which put Trumps approval rating at just 37% a new low since he took office two months ago. Trump and Schwarzenegger have argued over social media in the past. The Terminator actor took over for Trump on The Apprentice, which subsequently tanked in the ratings. Trump has publicly shamed Schwarzenegger for the shows ratings failure, while the new host has called out the presidents continued involvement as an executive producer on the show as a reason why audiences may have tuned out.
But what do you expect? Schwarzenegger asked in the video. I mean when you take away after school programs for children and meals on wheels for the poor people, thats not what you call making America great again. Come on.
He added, I mean, who is advising you? Let me give you some advice: go to a middle school the Hart Middle School, right in Washington, six miles away from the White House.
Finally, Schwarzenegger concluded with an offer: Ill take you there, so you can see the fantastic work that theyre doing for these children. Lets do it, huh?
The president, who is typically not shy on Twitter, has yet to respond.
Watch Schwarzeneggers video below:
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The U.S. News Short List, separate from our overall rankings, is a regular series that magnifies individual data points in hopes of providing students and parents a way to find which undergraduate or graduate programs excel or have room to grow in specific areas. Be sure to explore The Short List: College, The Short List: Grad School and The Short List: Online Programs to find data that matter to you in your college or grad school search.
For aspiring J.D. students, scoring high on the LSAT may be challenging. But it's also critical for getting into a reputable law school, U.S. News data show.
Among the 197 ranked law schools that provided these data to U.S. News in an annual survey, the median LSAT score for full-time students entering in fall 2016 was an average of 155. The LSAT, administered worldwide four times each year by the Law School Admission Council, is scored on a scale from 120 to 180.
[Discover how to make the most of untimed LSAT practice.]
However, among the 12 schools that top the list, including ties, the average figure was higher: 170.
The Ivy League Yale University in Connecticut, which ranks No. 1 in the U.S. News 2018 Best Law Schools rankings, had the highest median LSAT score -- 173 -- for full-time students starting in fall 2016.
In fact, 11 of the 12 law schools on the list rank in the top 10; the exception is No. 18, Washington University in St. Louis, with a median LSAT score of 168.
[Learn to overcome emotions for LSAT success.]
Overall, the ranked law school with the lowest median LSAT score was the Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School, at 142.
Below is a list of the 12 schools with the highest median LSAT score for full-time students who started in fall 2016. Unranked schools, which did not meet certain criteria required by U.S. News to be numerically ranked, were not considered for this report.
Don't see your school in the top 12? Access the U.S. News Law School Compass to find LSAT data, complete rankings and much more. School officials can access historical data and rankings, including of peer institutions, via U.S. News Academic Insights.
U.S. News surveyed 203 schools for our 2016 survey of law programs. Schools self-reported myriad data regarding their academic programs and the makeup of their student body, among other areas, making U.S. News' data the most accurate and detailed collection of college facts and figures of its kind. While U.S. News uses much of this survey data to rank schools for our annual Best Law Schools rankings, the data can also be useful when examined on a smaller scale. U.S. News will now produce lists of data, separate from the overall rankings, meant to provide students and parents a means to find which schools excel, or have room to grow, in specific areas that are important to them. While the data come from the schools themselves, these lists are not related to, and have no influence over, U.S. News' rankings of Best Colleges, Best Graduate Schools or Best Online Programs. The LSAT data above are correct as of March 21, 2017.
Jordan Friedman is an online education editor at U.S. News. You can follow him on Twitter or email him at jfriedman@usnews.com.
Searching for life on other planets is a complicated science. Its not like a NASA probe is going to take a photo of another planets surface and see aliens walking around. We have to look for more subtle details, like the marks extraterrestrial organisms would have left behind. So what do scientists look for when they investigate other planets?
Maybe because of this bias were completely missing a life form right under our galactic noses that breathes hydrogen sulfide, for example or doesnt breathe at all. But we know what conditions have to exist on Earth for all the creatures here to survive, so we look for those things on other planets. They include oxygen for the aliens to breathe, water to sustain them and a Goldilocks-type temperature that is not too hot and not too cold.
Thats where the idea of a habitable zone comes in: Its the area around a star where orbiting Earth-like planets are at the right distance for their surfaces to have liquid water. Any closer and the water would boil into gas; any farther and it would freeze into ice.
Liquid water is essential to all life on Earth, and so the definition of a habitable zone is based on the hypothesis that extraterrestrial life would share this requirement, Encyclopaedia Britannica points out.
It might not just be arrogance to assume alien life would need the same conditions to thrive as we do. Famous astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has explained that three of the most common elements in the universe carbon, oxygen and hydrogen are essential for life on Earth.
Aliens need not look like us to resemble us in more fundamental ways, he says. You can bet that if life is found on another planet, it will be made of a similar mix of elements. Conversely, if life on Earth were composed primarily of, for example, molybdenum, bismuth, and plutonium, then we would have excellent reason to suspect that we were something special in the universe.
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trappist-illustration
Photo: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Volcanoes
If a planet is not in a habitable zone, volcanoes could be crucial. Researchers from Cornell University recently suggested that volcanic eruption could warm the planet enough to support life.
Fossils
Life leaves behind evidence of its existence. In the case of tiny fossils recently discovered in Canada, they are likely whats left of bacteria that lived in hydrothermal vents underwater in the early days of Earth, possibly more than 4 billion years ago. Some of the earliest, most primitive life on Earth may have lived in those vents, and because they share features with environmental conditions on Mars in the past, the fossil discovery may point scientists in a fruitful direction as they search for evidence of life on the Red Planet.
A message
The SETI Institute listens and looks for signals from intelligent extraterrestrial life forms. If life on other planets at a reasonable distance from Earth only consists of microorganisms, chances are they will not be sending us messages. But in case there are technically sophisticated beings out there, SETI is on the lookout for radio and light evidence of them.
See also:
Evolution in Action: Fish Jumping Onto Land Like Our Distant Ancestors
Ancient Cranium Tells Us How Humans and Neanderthals Evolved
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) The former personnel director for one of Alabama's largest public school districts has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges.
A statement from prosecutors says 40-year-old Brett William Kirkham of Tuscaloosa pleaded guilty Monday to one count of enticing a minor and one count of possessing child pornography.
Kirkham is a one-time human resources director for Jefferson County schools in Birmingham. He is also a former principal at Hueytown Middle School.
A plea agreement in federal court means prosecutors could drop charges against Kirkham in state court, where the educator faces charges of having sex with a student in two counties.
Records show Kirkham was once the student's principal at the school.
Kirkham faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, but a judge hasn't yet scheduled a sentencing date.
WASHINGTON (AP) Reality is catching up with President Donald Trump.
Hours after Trump dismissed reports that his campaign associates were being scrutinized for colluding with Russia as "fake news," FBI Director James Comey confirmed the investigation is real.
The FBI chief also repeatedly insisted there was no evidence to back up Trump's explosive claim that his predecessor wiretapped his New York skyscraper.
And Adm. Michael Rogers, head of the National Security Agency, knocked down a report about Britain helping President Barack Obama with the alleged surveillance, although the White House had pointed to the report to try to bolster Trump's case.
Taken together, the disclosures in Monday's lengthy House intelligence committee hearing amounted to an extraordinary undercutting of a president, whose headline-grabbing accusations and Twitter-friendly attacks crumbled quickly under the weight of sworn congressional testimony from some of the nation's top security officials.
Many of Trump's most ardent supporters are unlikely to be swayed by Monday's spectacle. Still, Trump's credibility and his standing as a reliable ally for his fellow Republicans in Congress are less assured. Even if his advisers are ultimately cleared in the Russia probe, as the White House insists they will be, the investigation could loom over Trump's presidency for months or even years, distracting from the ambitious domestic agenda he's vowed to enact.
That reality was abundantly clear Monday. Most cable news channels carried Comey' and Rogers' five hours of testimony live instead of the first congressional hearing for Neil Gorsuch, Trump's widely praised nominee for the Supreme Court. The Russia hearings came as Trump tried to give a hard sell to Republicans wary of his health care package, a legislative gamble with long-lasting implications for Trump's relationship with his own party.
The president's political position was already shaky heading into the hearing, the first of several public sessions the House and Senate intelligence committees are expected to hold. His approval rating has tumbled to 39 percent, according to a new Gallup poll, down 6 points from a week earlier.
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Trump has long been shadowed by questions about his ties to Russia, given his friendly posture toward Moscow and his advisers' curious web of ties to Russia. The White House insists the campaign did not coordinate with Russia on the hacking of Democratic groups during the election and dismisses the swirling controversy as little more than a political witch hunt.
Yet Monday's hearings left the White House scrambling for cover, though there was little to be found.
Spokesman Sean Spicer launched into a series of confounding arguments during his daily briefing. He touted statements from lawmakers and former Obama administration officials saying they had seen no evidence of collusion between Trump associates and Russia. But he dismissed nearly identical statements from some of those same officials about Trump's wiretapping allegations, saying it was too early in the investigations to draw any conclusions.
In one particularly eyebrow-raising moment, Spicer resorted to claiming one associate, Paul Manafort, had a "very limited role" in the 2016 election. In fact, Manafort was hired in March as Trump's convention manager and promoted to campaign chairman in May. Spicer also described foreign policy adviser Michael Flynn as simply a "volunteer." Flynn traveled frequently with the president, delivered a high-profile speech at the Republican National Convention and served as his first national security adviser.
Both Manafort and Flynn were fired by Trump after revelations about their connections to Russia.
Manafort left the campaign in August, when news reports about his business ties to pro-Moscow Ukrainian oligarchs became a political liability. Flynn was fired in February for misleading top officials about his contacts with Russia's ambassador to the United States.
Both Manafort and Flynn are among the Trump associates under scrutiny for possible contacts with Russia during the election. The Senate intelligence committee has also asked Roger Stone, a longtime Trump adviser, and Carter Page, an investment banker who briefly advised the campaign on foreign policy, to retain documents related to its inquiry.
The White House, with the backing of some Republican lawmakers, says the real controversy is how the investigation into Trump's advisers became public. They argue the focus of the probe should be ferreting out who leaked classified information.
Trump tried to go on offense in the middle of the hearing, launching a series of tweets from his official White House account, including one that appeared to blame the Obama administration for leaking details of Flynn's contacts with the Russian envoy. Another tweet incorrectly said Comey and Rogers told lawmakers that Russia "did not influence" the electoral process.
In a moment of real-time fact-checking, the FBI director made clear that was not a declaration he had made.
"We don't have any information on that subject," he said.
__
Editors' Note: Julie Pace has covered the White House and politics for The Associated Press since 2007. Follow her at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC
An AP News Analysis
HELENA, Mont. (AP) Montana filed three tax liens to collect about $15,000 in back taxes against the Democrat running for the state's only congressional seat, which the political newcomer blamed on health problems that nearly led to his financial ruin.
Popular musician Rob Quist and Republican candidate Greg Gianforte are locked in a heated race to fill the remainder of the term for Ryan Zinke, who stepped down to join President Donald Trump Cabinet as Interior secretary. A Democrat has not held Montana's U.S. House seat in 20 years.
A May 25 special election is drawing outside attention, with a Republican political action committee pledging to spend $700,000 to support Gianforte, a technology entrepreneur who faced a tax lien of his own more than 20 years ago that emerged last fall in his failed bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock.
The liens against Quist and his wife, Bonni, were issued in 2015 and cover the 2007, 2011 and 2012 tax years, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. He settled the debt with the Department of Revenue last May.
In an interview Monday, Quist blamed a history of medical issues dating back two decades and costing tens of thousands of dollars in expenses. It started with a botched gallbladder surgery, which led to other related medical problems, he said.
"It's not a case of me not being able to manage my finances. I was doing just fine until I had this health issue," Quist said.
"Quite frankly, this is the kind of stuff that happens to everyday Montanans," he said, pledging to release his income taxes to the AP.
In response to queries about the liens against Quist, Democratic operatives pointed to a $3,600 tax lien issued in 1993 in New Jersey against Gianforte.
Gianforte spokesman Shane Scanlon said that debt was paid about three months later. He declined to comment on Quist's financial issues.
Quist has previously alluded to his personal travails with the health care system and having to do without adequate insurance, which has become a central talking point in his bid for Congress.
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During his address at the Montana Democratic Party's annual dinner Saturday, he said he understood "personally what it's like to worry about mounting health care bills."
Quist said he sought to address his family's financial tailspin by trying to sell a portion of his ranch, but a dispute with a bank blocked the sale. Quist said he recently sued the bank and will use a pending settlement to fend off a collection agency seeking about $10,000 because of a defaulted bank loan.
Quist became an immediate Democratic front-runner when former Gov. Brian Schweitzer endorsed him. Democrats seemed drawn to Quist's persona as a soft-spoken political outsider.
But some rank-and-file party members said they knew little about Quist, and some prominent Democrats have privately groused that Quist had not been properly vetted.
Quist said he was expecting his financial woes to come to light but did not expect them to become a central issue in the campaign.
"There is not anybody who's not going to have something in their background that people aren't going to cast dispersions on," he said.
Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday mocked President Donald Trumps low approval ratings and challenged him to go to a Washington D.C. middle school to see after-school programs in action, after they were placed on the chopping block in the Presidents proposed budget.
Oh, Donald, the ratings are in, and you got swamped, Schwarzenegger said in a video Tuesday. Wow. Now youre in the thirties?
But what do you expect? he added. I mean, when you take away after-school programs from children and Meals on Wheels from the poor people, thats not what you call making America great again.'
The video is the latest addition to an ongoing feud between the two men. Trump regularly criticized the ratings of The New Celebrity Apprentice after Schwarzenegger took over as host earlier this year. The actor and former governor of California recently stepped down from the show after one season, prompting Trump to taunt him for pathetic ratings.
Let me give you some advice, Schwarzenegger said Tuesday. Go to a middle school, to Hart Middle School right in Washington, six miles away from the White House. Ill take you there, so you can see the fantastic work that theyre doing for these children.
Schwarzenegger founded After-School All-Stars, a program that serves thousands of low-income students in 15 cities across the country, including at Hart Middle School. Trumps proposed budget includes a $1.2 billion cut to after-school and summer programs. Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney said last week that theres no evidence after-school programs benefit student performance, but research says otherwise.
The ongoing feud between Donald Trump and Arnold Schwarzenegger doesn't look like it's going to end anytime soon.
On Tuesday morning, everyone's favourite predator-slayer shared a Twitter video directly addressing the president.
SEE ALSO: Trump slams Arnold Schwarzenegger in one last parting tweet to end weird 'Apprentice' feud
"Oh, Donald the ratings are in, and you got swamped," says Schwarzenegger in the clip below. "Wow. Now you're in the thirties?"
"But what do you expect? I mean when you take away after school programs for children and meals on wheels for the poor people, that's not what you call 'making America great again'. Come on!"
"I mean, who is advising you?" Schwarzenegger continues. "Let me give you some advice: go to a middle school the Hart Middle School, right in Washington, six miles away from the White House.
"I'll take you there, so you can see the fantastic work that they're doing for these children. Let's do it, huh?"
Schwarzenegger tagged Trump in the tweet, and posted a link to After-School All-Stars an organization he founded with the aim of co-ordinating programs for low income school children.
Obviously Schwarzenegger is trying to promote his organisation with the tweet, but we'd be surprised if Trump doesn't take the bait.
If there's one that the current president loves, it's a good o'l celebrity Twitter feud.
Hong Kong (AFP) - Hong Kong will see a creative surge as Art Basel comes to town, but there's a push for a more permanent change to the visual landscape of the city better known for its business hustle than its art scene.
Asia's largest art fair unveils its first preview Tuesday and has boosted Hong Kong's artistic credentials since it first launched in the city four years ago.
A vibrant, wide-ranging "art week" of free exhibitions and events has grown up around the fair.
But for the rest of the year some feel the city puts too much emphasis on selling, rather than viewing, with the focus on commercial galleries rather than publicly accessible shows.
Hong Kong currently lacks a world class art museum, and marquee exhibitions rarely make a stop in the southern Chinese city.
"Everything is about the (commercial) galleries -- everything is about it being expensive and if you can afford it," said Nadia Cuvelier, 22, who works in event production and grew up in Hong Kong.
"There's a couple of walls and a few murals, but it's so contained."
Freelance photographer Jaffa Ho, in his 50s, agrees.
"Seeing more art would be better -- Hong Kong would have more culture and innovation, more joy and an atmosphere of creativity," he told AFP.
- Red tape -
The highest profile public art show to come to Hong Kong in recent years was British sculptor Antony Gormley's internationally renowned Event Horizon, a touring outdoor exhibition of shadowy, life-size male figures which were scattered around the city, some perched on its towering rooftops.
It was a landmark show and a big hit with the public, but organisers say Hong Kong needs to reduce the red tape.
While it does have a specific arts body, the Hong Kong Arts Development Council (HKADC), observers say a more efficient approach to holding public exhibitions is needed.
It took six months to receive approval for the Gormley show and one statue required multiple applications to several government departments, Hong Kong-based coordinator Levina Li-Cadman told AFP.
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She likened the procedure to applying for a full building extension. Cities like London and New York have their own public art departments to streamline the process, she added.
Hong Kong art commentators say authorities are too cautious, for both political and practical reasons.
With concern growing in the semi-autonomous city that Beijing is tightening its grip, artists installed a digital light display running down Hong Kong's tallest building in 2016.
It counted down the seconds to 2047 -- the year the handover agreement between Britain and China guaranteeing the city's freedoms comes to an end.
That installation was removed by the HKADC which said it "demonstrated disrespect".
The display coincided with a highly charged three-day trip to Hong Kong by top Chinese official Zhang Dejiang.
Authorities are also hesitant about the physical challenges of installing art in the densely packed city, says art pundit John Batten.
"The approach to public art is sort of like: okay it has to be safe, second it can't get in the way," he told AFP.
Batten hopes the city's new contemporary art gallery M+, which is due to open in 2019 but has been mired in delays and controversy, will be a significant public art offering.
But, he says, Hong Kong also needs to change on a deeper level, including embracing more spontaneous street art and even decorative storefronts to improve the visual palette.
- Artistic endeavour -
Sky-high real estate costs can make it hard to find space for publicly accessible art and some private sector companies are now stepping into the breach, keen to burnish their own creative credentials.
One of the top shows coming to Hong Kong during Art Basel is a collection of early paintings and drawings by the late Iraqi-born British architect Zaha Hadid to be housed at ArtisTree -- a huge space for visual and performing arts which is part of a commercial complex owned by property developer Swire.
A large-scale installation by German multimedia artist Julius Popp, in which a curtain of water droplets forms different words, will also be on show at Swire's Pacific Place mall as it says it wants to help incorporate art into everyday life.
The Hadid exhibition is being brought to Hong Kong by London's Serpentine Galleries, whose chief executive Yana Peel says collaboration between public and private sectors is key to improving the "political and physical" space for art and ideas to thrive.
"It's about partnerships -- not just private, not just public -- making sure that every actor in this production really champions the kind of environment which values creative and artistic endeavour," she told AFP.
Jerusalem (AFP) - An Australian government probe has found no evidence taxpayer money was misused by the World Vision NGO in the Gaza Strip, after Israel alleged millions of dollars were diverted to Hamas.
In August 2016, Israel accused World Vision's Gaza head Mohammed al-Halabi of siphoning off millions of dollars per year to the Islamist group which rules the Palestinian enclave, claims the NGO said it had seen no evidence for.
Australia had given millions of dollars to the charity's work in the Palestinian territories in previous years and immediately suspended its funding for their Gaza programmes, with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) announcing a review.
"The review uncovered nothing to suggest any diversion of government funds," DFAT said in a statement sent to AFP on Tuesday.
Halabi's court case is ongoing but his lawyers have accused the prosecution of refusing to hand over much of the evidence.
World Vision itself is also conducting an independent review of its operations to determine whether any graft occurred.
DFAT said funding to World Vision's programmes would remain frozen pending the result of the probe and Halabi's trial.
Tim Costello, chief advocate for World Vision Australia, said he was "very pleased and very relieved" at the findings.
"Our own ongoing audit has not uncovered any diversion of funds," he told AFP, though he stressed it would not be finalised until the summer.
"For DFAT to say there was no diversion of funds is very welcome."
A spokesman for Israel's foreign ministry declined to comment, saying it preferred to allow the trial to play out.
MINSK, Belarus (AP) Belarus' president said Tuesday that about 20 militants have been arrested for seeking to fuel unrest in the ex-Soviet nation, a statement that comes amid mounting social protests.
Alexander Lukashenko said the militants were preparing an "armed provocation," adding that they had undergone training in neighboring Ukraine and received money from EU members Poland and Lithuania.
"There are people who want to destabilize the situation in the country," he said. "They need to raise a mutiny. Their dream is to destroy the government and oust the president."
The Belarusian leader didn't name those involved or describe any details of their alleged plot, but on Monday he claimed that Western intelligence agencies were using a "fifth column" inside the country to cause unrest and threaten the stability of his regime.
Belarus has faced its largest street protests in years, with thousands rallying against a new labor law that obliges citizens to pay the equivalent of $250 if they work less than half the year and do not register with state labor exchanges. The law angered many in the nation of 10 million stuck in a two-year recession.
Earlier this month, Lukashenko suspended collection of the fee, but his move has failed to end the protests, which have included calls for his resignation.
Denis Melyantsov of the Belarusian Institute for Strategic Studies, a Minsk-based think-tank, said Lukashenko's statement was intended to quell the demonstrations by casting them as part of a foreign conspiracy.
"The goal is to discredit protests and keep people from joining them," he said. "The authorities want to show that the protests are rooted in foreign interference, not public discontent."
Lukashenko, a former state farm director, has ruled the nation with an iron hand since 1994, maintaining rigid state controls over most of the economy and relentlessly stifling dissent. He has relied on cheap energy and other subsidies and loans provided by Belarus' main sponsor and ally, Russia, but his relations with the Kremlin have recently grown strained amid business disputes.
Lukashenko has flirted with the West in an apparent bid to persuade the Kremlin to make concessions. However, the recent arrests of dozens of opposition activists in response to protests would make any rapprochement with the West unlikely.
By Andrei Makhovsky MINSK (Reuters) - Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday a "fifth column" was plotting to overthrow him with the help of foreign-backed fighters, days before a planned street protest in Minsk against a new tax. Lukashenko, who has ruled ex-Soviet Belarus with an iron hand for 23 years, is grappling with unrest over a plan to force the unemployed or those in part-time work to pay $250 a year - widely referred to in Belarus as a "tax on social parasites". The president said security forces had recently detained "a couple dozen of fighters" who were being used by foreign parties to stage uprisings and were being trained in camps in Ukraine with money funneled through Poland and Lithuania. "There are some people bent on blowing up the situation in the country. I call them the fifth column. They are not an opposition. They want to stage a rebellion in the country," state agency Belta quoted Lukashenko as saying. "Their dream is to topple the government and overthrow the president." Lukashenko has sought to improve ties with the West against the backdrop of cooling relations with ex-Soviet master Russia. He has pardoned several political prisoners, spurring the European Union to lift sanctions against a country once described by the United States as "Europe's last dictatorship". The president briefly introduced the tax before shelving it in response to protests. It has now been postponed until the end of the year but protests have continued, with the next one scheduled to take place in the capital on Saturday. Independent analysts said the Lukashenko's announcement was designed to scare people off protest action. "This rhetoric is for domestic consumption. The purpose is to discredit the protests and prevent people from taking part," said Denis Melyantsov at the Belarussian Institute for Strategic Studies. Belarus has been in recession since 2015 and the protesters, many of them older people though still below pensionable age, say there is no work for them. "The authorities are preparing to use force, and this requires justifications," said Andrei Yahorau, head of the Center for European Transformation think-tank. "They need an enemy. The government wants to show that the reason for the protests is external interference rather than popular discontent." (Editing by Matthias Williams and Mark Heinrich)
Singapore now has a third bike-sharing company in just a few months.
One of China's largest bike-sharing firms, Mobike launched here on Tuesday, adding to the growing list of bike-sharing companies that have mushroomed.
SEE ALSO: Ofo, one of China's most aggressive bike-sharing firms, expands globally
Like many of its competitors, the bikes are stationless, so users are meant to just leave them on the side of the street and walk away when they're done.
But this convenience has led to issues like theft and even vandalism in countries like China, with many hogging the bikes by locking them in their private compounds.
Mobike, which deals with this issue in China on a daily basis, seems confident that its bikes' smarts will help it counter the problem.
"We have the technology advantage," said Florian Bohnert, Head of International Expansion of Mobike.
Every Mobike is equipped with GPS and cellular data, allowing the company to monitor each one 24/7.
"Because the bike is connected in real-time, we can check the health status of each bike whether its opened or locked, if it's being ridden, or if there's a defect. We can remotely shut the bike down," Bohnert said.
Users just need to scan the QR code in their phone to unlock the bike
Image: Ng Yi Shu/Mashable
The bike's GPS even tracks altitude, so if someone steals a bike and takes it upstairs, Mobike will know. And they've sent staff members to knock on doors before to get bikes back.
The company declined to reveal how many bikes it has currently launched around Singapore.
Mobike requires a $35 deposit for each bike, with each trip costing $0.35 every 30 minutes. It's being touted as a promotional launch price, but Bohnert declined to say when that would end.
Mobike says that these issues have been addressed, even though some of these bikes look like a familiar shade of orange
Image: SILENT HILL/IMAGINECHINA
But how does the company expect to turn a profit with such low costs?
"We've partnered with Foxconn, which has helped us ramp up our annual production capacity to 10 million bikes, so [this leads to] economies of scale," he said.
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Image: Ng Yi Shu/Mashable
"Our bikes also require minimal maintenance. The solar panel powers the lock, the body is full aluminium so it doesn't rust, the tyres are airless so they're puncture free all these help keep costs down."
Singapore is the first city outside China that the company has launched in, though it adds that it has plans to bring bikes to more cities around the world.
"We can't say which cities we're planning on expanding to," said Bohnert. "But we want to help solve problems like traffic congestion and pollution, so [there are a number of cities] we believe could use our solution."
Tech pioneer Bill Gates has kept his crown as the worlds richest person, while U.S. President Donald Trump dropped more than 200 spots on the list of the worlds richest billionaires compiled by Forbes magazine.
With an estimated $86 billion wealth, the Microsoft msft co-founder and philanthropist has held the top spot for four consecutive years, Forbes reports. Though he pledged to give away 99% of his wealth, Berkshire Hathaway brk.a chief Warren Buffett followed close on his heels with an estimated fortune of $75.6 billion.
The top ten, dominated by Americans in the tech industry, also included Amazon founder Jeff Bezos in third, Facebooks fb Mark Zuckerberg at the fifth spot and Oracle oclcf co-founder Larry Ellison at number seven.
For more on Bill Gates, watch Fortunes video:
Meanwhile, property mogul-turned-President Donald Trump took a dive in the ranking, slipping 220 spots to number 544 with an estimated $3.5 billion-$1 billion down from last year. Forbes blamed the losses on sluggishness in the Manhattan real estate market.
The United States boasted the most billionaires on the list with 565, beating Chinas 319 and Germanys 114.
This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
Rio de Janeiro (AFP) - In the midst of a rotten meat scandal threatening one of Brazil's biggest industries, the three government scientists showed little concern at a pile of minced beef on a lab tray.
"That looks pretty good," said Roberta Ribeiro, coordinator at Rio de Janeiro's Municipal Public Health Laboratory, as she peered at the reddish mound of meat.
Ribeiro said inspectors have opened a blitz on meat vendors across Rio in response to allegations that major meatpacking companies were falsifying health certificates and masking bad meat for export.
"With all the news in the media, with everything that's happened, we've decided to intensify our operation," Ribeiro said.
But the scientists, who work at a high-tech facility startlingly in contrast to the rundown Rio neighborhood outside, don't expect to find much of a problem.
Brazilian food production hygiene "is good. I think generally it's not a concern... so when there's a police operation like this it becomes a scandal," Ribeiro said.
Asked if the revelations had given her second thoughts about eating Brazilian produced meat or going to the country's beloved churrascaria barbecue restaurants, the 34-year-old, who wore a white coat and hairnet, laughed.
"I'm a carnivore."
- 'Foreign bodies' -
Police allege that giant meatpackers BRF and other companies exported meat that had been certified by inspectors who had been bribed to pass rotten or altered products. Practices allegedly included increasing profits by mixing meat with cardboard.
The Rio lab, armed with a 3D imager and other complex gadgets, tests food sold locally, not for export, but the mission is the same.
"We're looking for foreign bodies and whether the product was altered, or masked with an illegal substance," Ribeiro said.
Common tricks used to pass off old meat as new include adding dye to give it a more red look.
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The goal for inspectors now, Ribeiro says, to reassure the public.
But she agrees with President Michel Temer's insistence that the bad meat sales are an exception to the rule, and that consumers should not be overly worried.
"We have more or less 4,850 processing plants. Only three of them have been closed and there will be inquiries into 18 or 19," Temer said Monday. Brazil's agribusiness cannot be discredited because of "a small group."
In fact, scientists at the Rio lab aren't even sure meat is a particularly bad offender when it comes to health hazards. When not after meat, they probe everything from milk to eggs and water.
"I think fish is the biggest problem area because it deteriorates very quickly," said Ribeiro's colleague Julia Simoes, 31, mentioning the city's open air fish markets where produce sits sweltering under the tropical sun.
"Fish is great but it also has a lot of contaminants," Ribeiro said. "People say just eat a lot of vegetables but I don't agree. There's 'agritox.' Do you control the water, the soil?"
Simoes tried to think of something on the menu that's guaranteed to be clean. She couldn't.
"Really, food presents a risk," Simoes said.
Brasilia (AFP) - Salmonella steaks? Carcinogenic chemicals? Lying labels?
Brazil, the world's biggest beef and poultry exporter, has been hit by stomach-churning allegations of corrupt practices in its meat industry.
Police have halted exports by 21 meat processers suspected of bribing inspectors to issue them bogus health certificates for rotten meat.
Here's what we know -- and what we don't -- about the scandal.
- Carcinogenic substances -
The drama erupted Friday when police announced they had dismantled a network of corrupt health inspectors and meatpacking plants.
One of the most eye-popping allegations came in a press conference by police investigator Mauricio Moscardi Grillo, who said some meat processing plants had been using "carcinogenic products" to mask rotten meat.
So what were these products?
One of them was sorbic acid, according to agriculture ministry inspector Daniel Gouveia Teixeira, who described it as "a decontaminating agent to reduce bacterial contamination and hide odors and other characteristics of rotten meat."
But the agriculture ministry insists that sorbic acid and the other products in question are in fact common preservatives that are safe if used in the quantities allowed by law.
- False labels -
One processing plant switched out the labels on expired meat to change the expiration dates, according to investigators.
Police released a summary of a conversation between an investigator and the plant's owner in which the latter showed "no surprise" at the labels being switched on an entire shipment of pork, or the reprocessing of months-old meat for use in other food products.
- Salmonella -
Investigators also found salmonella bacteria in products exported from one plant owned by the major multinational group BRF.
Police described a wire-tapped phone call in which a BRF executive confirmed that European health inspectors had found traces of salmonella, which can cause food poisoning, in four impounded containers of meat.
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BRF said in a statement that it fully complied with regulations and that the type of salmonella found in the shipments was actually allowed under EU rules.
- Cardboard chicken? -
Another shocking allegation is that BRF mixed chicken with cardboard, as one employee appeared to say in another intercepted phone call.
But that claim is false, the government and the company now say.
"There is no form of cardboard in BRF products. There was a huge misunderstanding in the federal police's interpretation of the recording," the company said.
The employee "was talking about the product's packaging, not its contents," it added.
Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi himself called the allegation "insanity."
- Where's the beef? -
So which countries import Brazilian meat?
Brazil exported $5.9 billion of chicken and $4.3 billion of beef last year -- more than any other country.
Two top customers, China and Hong Kong, have banned meat imports from Brazil.
Chile, the sixth-largest importer of Brazilian beef, has also issued a ban.
Other major importers of Brazilian beef include Egypt, Russia, Iran, Italy and the Netherlands.
Top chicken importers include Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and South Korea.
By Jeremy Gaunt LONDON (Reuters) - Singapore remains the world's most expensive city to live in, a study showed on Tuesday, with two Japanese cities -- Tokyo and Osaka -- returning to the top 10 thanks to the strengthening of the yen. Almaty in Kazakhstan was the least expensive, followed by Lagos in recession-hit Nigeria. Only one U.S. city, New York, made the top 10 in the Economist Intelligence Unit's twice-yearly "Worldwide Cost of Living" survey. It came in ninth, dropping two places on a slightly weaker dollar but still far higher than its No. 46 slot just five years ago. Los Angeles, in 11th place, just missed the top tier. Europe was represented in the top 10 by four cities -- Zurich at three, Geneva and Paris at seventh equal, and Copenhagen tied with New York at nine. The study bases its calculation on the price of at least 160 products and services including food, drink, clothing, household supplies and personal care items among others, converted to U.S. dollars. So a one kilo loaf of bread costs (US)$3.55 in Singapore and a bottle of table wine $23.68. In Paris, they were $6.81 and $10.35, respectively. In Almaty, it was 90 cents for the bread and $5.15 for the wine. "Cheap but not always cheerful," the survey said of some of least expensive cities, which also included Bangalore in India, Karachi in Pakistan, and Algeria's Algiers. The survey said the trend in the latest report was for a resurgence of Asian cities. With Singapore on top, Hong Kong (second), Tokyo (fourth), Osaka (fifth) and Seoul (sixth) in South Korea also making it, the top 10 was 50 percent Asian. But the steady devaluation of the renminbi, or yuan, resulted in Chinas urban centers moving down the ranking by between five and 16 places each, it said. The survey warned that numerous difficulties faced the world economy in the year ahead and that made it difficult to predict how its findings would change. On the economic front, shifts in the price of oil and other commodities were likely to impact prices, but also could trigger further austerity, causing a slow down in consumer spending in some places. Equally, big political unknowns such as Britain leaving the European Union and U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies could weigh. "The capacity for economic shocks and currency swings can make a location very expensive or very cheap very quickly," it concluded. (Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
Photo credit: Yuengling
From Delish
If you're anything like me, you've imagined butterbeer not as the sugary cream soda served at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter theme park, but as a warm cup of melted buttery ice cream with whipped cream on top.
Photo credit: Yuengling
Well, now Yuengling's Ice Cream has introduced just that with its brand-new Butterbeer ice cream, a mix of buttercream and butterscotch with butterscotch swirl. Yum.
Butterbeer, just in case you were wondering, is a drink from the world of Harry Potter. J.K. Rowling told Bon Appetit magazine that she imagines "it to taste a little bit like less-sickly butterscotch."
Either way, David Yuengling, president of Yuengling's Ice Cream, said that he hopes the company has made Rowling proud with its new flavor. "We are always looking for ways to inspire our fans and spark creativity," he said in a press release. "Whether it's our flavor names and descriptions or the recipes themselves-we're in the business of having fun."
The pint can be found at local supermarket chains for $3.69 - $3.99.
Bottoms up!
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By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Storing defibrillators at coffee shops and banks with automated teller (ATM) machines might help bystanders provide faster emergency aid to patients having a cardiac arrest, a Canadian study suggests. Thats because these places are often located near where patients typically experience cardiac arrest, and they may be open around the clock, researchers conclude in the journal Circulation. Plus, bystanders who have no idea where to look for whats known as an automated external defibrillator (AED) can probably easily find the nearest bank or chain coffee shop like Tim Hortons or Starbucks. They generally have good geographic coverage, are typically located in high-traffic areas, and have strong brand recognition, said senior study author Timothy Chan, director of the Center for Healthcare Engineering at the University of Toronto. If you ask someone on the street where the closest AED is, they probably wouldn't know, Chan said by email. But I'm pretty sure they could point out the closest coffee shop or ATM because they go there regularly. 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 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. Even though these devices are already in the community, researchers wanted to see if they might place defibrillators in different locations to make them easier to find and more quickly available to patients in need. For the study, Chan and colleagues examined data on the location of 2,654 cardiac arrests that happened in various community locations around Toronto from 2007 to 2015. Then, they mapped out locations of 41 types of businesses to see how many establishments were situated within 100 meters (328.08 ft) of a cardiac arrest and what hours these places were open. Over the entire Toronto region studied, the greatest number of cardiac arrests happened near Tim Hortons, a fast food restaurant chain known for its coffee and donuts. During the study period, there were 286 cardiac arrests within 100 meters of a Tim Hortons. For downtown Toronto, Starbucks ranked first, with 110 cardiac arrests occurring nearby one of these coffee shops. All but two of the top 10 most common spots near a cardiac arrest in the downtown area were either a coffee shop or an ATM machine from one of the largest Canadian banks. One limitation of the study is it focused on businesses that may be specific to Toronto and not exist in other cities, the authors note. The majority of cardiac arrests occur in a hospital, not in the community, so defibrillator locations at places like banks or coffee shops would not impact the majority of patients, researchers also point out. Even when defibrillators are available in the community, it can still be crucial for a bystander to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), said Dr. Richard Page, a public health researcher at the University of Wisconsin in Madison. The first step in any cardiac arrest is to employ CPR, and now, with hands-only techniques, this procedure is so simple that it can be taught over the phone by the 911 operator, Page, coauthor of an accompanying editorial, said by email. Defibrillators with clear instructions may not be that hard to use once people find them, but theres a potential to delay lifesaving care while bystanders search for one. The likelihood of survival from cardiac arrest diminishes up to 10 percent for every minute where AED placement is delayed, so response must be immediate, Page said. I am a strong advocate for placement of AEDs throughout public locations, just as we have fire extinguishers, Page said. That being said, this paper focused on specific, common sites that are spread throughout a municipal area and might allow greater impact on sudden cardiac arrest in proportion to the number of defibrillators employed and the costs undertaken. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2nwyBtp and http://bit.ly/2n3ZnXs Circulation, online March 20, 2017.
The Daily Beast
GettyAnti-Russia activists and former Russian lawmakers opposed to Russian President Vladimir Putin have been gathering in Poland in recent days to discuss what removing Putin from power would look like nearly nine months into his war in Ukraine.Some of the scenarios the anti-Russia group discussed include Russians staging a civil war, taking up arms, and killing Putin, according to Euractiv.A guerrilla fight may be the only way to take down Putin, said opposition activist Viacheslav Maltsev. T
(Reuters) - Canada suspended meat imports from two Brazilian plants under investigation in a meatpacking scandal, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency said on Tuesday, becoming the latest buyer to distance itself from the world's top beef and poultry exporter. The food inspection agency said both plants were approved to export meat to Canada but neither had done so for six months. Other nations, including China, Hong Kong, Mexico, Japan and Switzerland, have also curtailed meat imports from Brazil after a probe into corruption by health inspectors and the alleged sale of rotten products. (Reporting by Rod Nickel in Winnipeg; Writing by Tom Polansek; Editing by Peter Cooney)
The first serious foreign-policy crisis to confront U.S. President Donald Trumps administration has emerged on the Korean Peninsula. Tensions have been compounded by Pyongyangs alleged assassination in Malaysia of North Korean leader Kim Jong Uns half-brother Kim Jong Nam, its firing of four short-range missiles into the ocean near Japan, the U.S. deployment to South Korea of a missile defense system strongly opposed by Beijing, and most recently the impeachment and removal from office of South Korean President Park Geun-hye.
These destabilizing events are occurring as North Korea steadily moves toward the deployment of nuclear-armed ballistic missiles capable of striking not only South Korea and Japan but also U.S. territory. This eventuality has been deemed unacceptable by countless observers, including Trump, and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson raised the possibility of U.S. preemptive action against Pyongyang during a recent trip to Asia. Yet despite such apparent resolve, Washington, Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and at times Moscow have thus far been entirely unsuccessful in their multi-decade efforts to entice, threaten, or cajole Pyongyang into abandoning its nuclear weapons program.
Rather than retread past failures, its time for the United States and China to cooperate in starting over. Both sides have to recognize the reality, if not the legitimacy, of each others fears about North Korea and make concessions that indicate their good faith in eventually moving toward a peaceful, unified peninsula acceptable to both sides that is to say, a Korean Peninsula that is united and neutral. This would risk alienating South Korea and Japan, but its the only way to clear the path for China to exert its full influence against its neighbor, forcing Pyongyang to confront a true choice between extreme isolation and likely collapse on one hand and assured security, albeit absent any nuclear arsenal, on the other.
The only thing preventing China and the United States from presenting such a clear choice to North Korea is lingering but unnecessary contradictions in their strategic calculations. The Chinese leadership is deeply suspicious of Washingtons ultimate objectives and sees North Korea as an essential buffer against a future unified peninsula with U.S. forces deployed along Chinas border. This is deeply reminiscent of the unacceptable situation confronting Beijing before its entrance into the Korean War in 1950. The United States, in turn, believes that Beijing will never place denuclearization of the peninsula above potential instability and hence will tolerate a nuclear-armed Pyongyang, if the alternative were a unified peninsula under U.S. influence.
Any negotiation between Beijing and Washington about Pyongyang should thus involve an open discussion about a unified Korea that would be amenable to both sides.
The concept of such a future Korea dialogue is unlikely to be floated in the Korea policy review the Trump administration is reportedly undertaking. Most of the ideas publicly discussed by various Trump supporters are revised versions of past practices, including more sanctions, more enticements, or some combination of the two. Those few new ideas that have been floated include more concerted U.S. threats or enticements directed at Beijing in an effort to get it to solve the problem by pressuring Pyongyang and preemptive strikes on Pyongyangs nuclear facilities. But the former is unlikely to earn Chinas consent, and the latter might precipitate a full-blown war on the peninsula. Tillersons remarks while in Asia, including a declaration that that former President Barack Obamas policy of strategic patience had ended, suggest that such dangerous options are now more actively under consideration.
If both sides want to avoid the terrifying risks these options would entail, they need to agree to serious compromises. On the American side, this must include the possibility of a U.S. withdrawal of all combat forces from the peninsula, an end to the U.S.-South Korean command, and the indefinite suspension of all joint military exercises and deployments, including the THAAD missile defense system. Beijing, for its part, must be prepared to indefinitely suspend all economic interactions with Pyongyang, provide clear and binding security assurances to a unified Korea (including a commitment never to employ force against it in an unprovoked manner), and eventually end its military security treaty with Pyongyang.
Such components of a future Korea dialogue would remain initially and for some time as just dialogue, serving primarily as a means of eliminating Chinese and U.S. fears and concerns about the future status of the peninsula while creating a strong point of leverage against Pyongyang.
Both Seoul and Tokyo, already worried by the rise of Chinese power and the shakiness of security guarantees under a volatile Trump administration, will be concerned by such a dialogue. To address this, Washington and Beijing would need to credibly reassure them that they would be fully consulted during the process and that no movement toward actual unification would occur without their formal approval and involvement.
The very existence of a Sino-American dialogue on a unified Korea would doubtless place enormous pressure on Pyongyang, facing the prospect of total isolation.
However, to be effective, it must also be combined with an alternative way out in the form of positive incentives, as part of an incremental, quid pro quo normalization process. These could include a peace treaty, rather than the long-standing cease-fire left over from the end of the Korean War; diplomatic recognition; the ending of all existing sanctions; economic assistance; and the partial withdrawal of U.S. forces from the peninsula. Such actions would occur only in response to drawdowns in North Korean conventional forces, the gradual opening of its economy, and the capping and eventual dismantlement of Pyongyangs nuclear weapons program.
These incentives, along with the threat of entrance into serious talks on Koreas future, would thus present Pyongyang with the choice of either adopting a denuclearization process with staged benefits that include virtually all of its past demands or languishing in isolation from a dialogue that, if implemented, would likely lay the foundation for its eventual demise.
The key to this approach lies primarily with China. While consistently supporting positive incentives toward North Korea, Beijing has resisted talks on Koreas future because of a fear of Pyongyangs reaction and its distrust of the United States. Today, however, Chinas leaders might be much less concerned about upsetting Pyongyang, given their intense and growing dislike of the current North Korean leadership. Chinese President Xi Jinping has purposely avoided meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, and Beijing officials and scholars barely conceal their contempt for a government that continues to reject their advice, defy U.N. resolutions, murder their North Korean supporters, and provoke Seoul and Washington into deploying the intolerable THAAD system. Moreover, and most importantly, they would almost certainly be more willing to run the risk of Pyongyangs ire if the United States could credibly offer the possibility of a unified Korea that permanently removes the American military from Beijings doorstep.
The decidedly unconventional Trump administration might prove capable of providing such credibility and at the same time reassuring Tokyo and Seoul that their interests would be protected. This will require a clear, consistent Asia strategy centered on the creation of a stable region through mutually beneficial long-term arrangements among the major powers, especially regarding hot spots such as Korea. This strategy could draw significantly on Trumps deal-making approach. But it requires the jettisoning of policymaking via impromptu tweets and a clear-headed recognition that Making America Great Again cannot occur on the basis of a quixotic search for permanent U.S. military and economic predominance in Asia without consideration of Chinese security needs.
While this approach would require a clarity of mind, sustained commitment, significant diplomatic (and deal-making!) skills, and some risks, the possibility of a volatile, nuclear North Korea presents far greater dangers for all parties even Pyongyang itself.
Photo Credit: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images
By Dominique Patton BEIJING (Reuters) - China on Tuesday called on Brazil to take stricter safety measures in its food shipments, as Brazilian officials scrambled to limit the fallout from a corruption scandal that led Beijing to suspend meat imports from its top supplier. China this week suspended imports of all Brazilian meat following a scandal in the South American country over the alleged bribery of health officials to allow the sale of tainted meat. "China is concerned by the quality problems of some meat products in Brazil," foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying told reporters. "We hope that the Brazilian side will conduct a thorough investigation of the case...and take more stringent measures to ensure safe and reliable food exports to China." She declined to comment on when the temporary ban on Brazilian meat imports might be lifted. That decision will be made by China's Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ). Senior Brazilian government officials spoke with AQSIQ's vice minister about the issue in a video conference on Tuesday, said a source briefed on the matter. The meeting was the highest level discussion yet between the two nations, underscoring the urgency with which Brazil and China want to avoid further disruption in trade. The source, who asked not to be named because of the sensitivity of the information, did not elaborate on the meeting. AQSIQ did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Brazil is the top supplier of beef to China, accounting for about 31 percent of its imports in the first half of last year. The second supplier, Australia, is still rebuilding its herd after drought and is not seen to be able to meet China's fast-growing demand. The South American country also supplies more than 85 percent of China's poultry meat imports, according to the United States agriculture department. Other major producers, such as the United States and some smaller European markets, are banned from supplying to China due to bird flu outbreaks. (Reporting by Dominique Patton; Editing by Randy Fabi)
BEIJING (Reuters) - The number of violent attacks by "terrorist cells" in China has dropped due to increased security measures, state media reported on Tuesday, however it also cited experts as saying the level of attempted violence remains high. China says it faces a serious threat from violent extremism, particularly in its western region of Xinjiang, where hundreds of people have been killed in recent years in unrest between mostly Muslim ethnic Uighurs and majority Han Chinese. Officials say there is a campaign by separatists there who want to set up an independent state called East Turkestan. However, rights groups doubt the existence of a coherent militant group in Xinjiang and say Uighur anger at repressive Chinese policies is more to blame for the unrest. "Violent attacks involving or orchestrated by terrorist cells" dropped in 2016, the official English-language China Daily newspaper reported, citing data from the Law Institute of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. However, Li Wei, an anti-terrorism expert at the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, told the China Daily: "People should realize that more attacks have been foiled at the planning stage. We haven't seen a significant drop in the number of attempted attacks." The figures were not made available by the academy, the paper said. It said many "terrorist suspects" were born in the 1980s and 1990s, and that many cells were formed among family members. According to the paper, the academy also said the threat of such attacks "might become more serious since overseas terrorist groups now have stronger influence in China and the connection between domestic and foreign terrorist groups has grown deeper". Late last month, Uighurs purportedly fighting with the Islamic State militant group in Iraq released a video threatening China and vowing to shed Chinese blood. Diplomatic sources in Beijing say that violence occurs more regularly in Xinjiang than is reported by authorities. Thousands of Chinese armed police have staged mass parades and rallies in Xinjiang in recent weeks, in what officials have called a "declaration of war" on militants and separatist forces. Along with the show of force, authorities have rolled out tough measures, from helicopter patrols to hefty rewards for tips, and mandatory satellite tracking for some vehicles. (Reporting by Michael Martina; Editing by Paul Tait)
By Yimou Lee YANGON (Reuters) - One of China's biggest state-owned lenders has suspended an account used to fund ethnic rebels fighting government troops in Myanmar, halting an arrangement that could have stoked diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Myanmar. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which clashed with government forces this month, said Agricultural Bank Of China (AgBank) <601288.SS> <1288.HK> was no longer accepting funds into an account it used to receive donations from supporters. Reuters was unable to confirm what prompted AgBank's move. It came after Reuters sent AgBank a list of questions regarding the transactions, which compliance experts said could point to a weakness in controls aimed at stopping the global financial system being used to fund terrorism or facilitate crime. AgBank declined to comment on Reuters' specific questions about the MNDAA account, citing client confidentiality. It said in a statement that it paid high attention to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing work, and "diligently obeyed relevant laws, regulations and regulatory requirements". There is no evidence that Agbank, or other financial entities that handled transactions for the MNDAA, have broken Chinese law. The MNDAA is not designated as a terrorist organisation by any government or transnational body. Still, several compliance experts contacted by Reuters said acceptance of the group's funds could leave the bank exposed to questionable or potentially illegal activities. The MNDAA has refused to disarm or play an active part in Myanmar's peace process, and defence analysts say it continues to acquire weapons. Its leader, Peng Jiasheng, has been identified as a major drugs trafficker by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, according to U.S. diplomatic cables, dated 2009, released by Wikileaks. Yan Zhen Kun, an MNDAA representative who oversees donations for the group, said he was informed by AgBank of the account shutdown at the weekend. "We were told by the bank that we need to finalise some procedures," he told Reuters. "It did not tell us how long this might take." MILITARY PRESSURE The MNDAA attacked troops in northeastern Myanmar this month, sending more than 20,000 people fleeing across the border to China. It said it was responding to "continued military pressure" from the army. Myanmar says it accepts Beijing's assurances it is not supporting the MNDAA. Zaw Htay, director general of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's office, said Myanmar was "fully convinced" by assurances from China's leadership that it was not backing ethnic armed groups on the border. Still, Myanmar had complained to Beijing about low-level Chinese officials it believed were helping the rebels for their own gain, he said. Records on the MNDAA's website show it collected more than half a million dollars over nearly two years after making a "crowdfunding" appeal for donations. Donors either deposited the money directly in an AgBank account or sent it via two mobile payment services - Tencent Holdings' <0700.HK> WeChat Pay and Alipay, part of Ant Financial, which is affiliated with U.S.-listed Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba . Ant Financial declined to comment specifically on Reuters' questions about the MNDAA's use of its Alipay platform, but said it was investing a lot in risk management. "There are a lot of bad actors out there who try to take advantage of these accounts so we've built a pretty good system at detecting those early and then enabling ourselves and our partners to stop transactions," said Douglas Feagin, head of Ant's international strategy. Tencent did not respond to Reuters' emailed requests for comment. REPUTATIONAL RISK Some compliance experts believe the deposits ought to be enough to raise red flags within financial institutions that follow global counter-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering guidelines. Financial contacts with an organisation linked to drug trafficking or the arms trade pose a regulatory and reputational risk to firms even if they have not themselves done anything illegal, experts say. "If I handed this case to an internal committee there is absolutely no way they would do anything other than shut the account down immediately," said an anti-money laundering officer at a global bank. Banks and financial firms in China, as elsewhere, are required by "know-your-customer" rules to check the identity of people or companies using their systems. Compliance experts said global financial firms typically use a number of automated tools to screen for individuals or groups that may even loosely be linked in media coverage or other publicly available information to potential criminal activity, and would view any such connections as a reputational risk. Some bankers working in China said it was very difficult to police cash flowing through their system, given the network was less mature than in the West and criminal and armed groups were increasingly sophisticated. They added that the sheer volume of transactions on mobile platforms made it impossible to monitor them all, so smaller payments were effectively invisible to banks and regulators. DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS Insurgents openly raising tens of thousands of dollars from mainland supporters through Chinese platforms risks straining China's relations with Suu Kyi, who has made ending decades of ethnic war her top priority, according to people who have studied Myanmar's border conflicts. Beijing says it follows a policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries. But some analysts such as Yangon-based Richard Horsey, a former United Nations diplomat in Myanmar, have long suggested China uses ethnically Chinese insurgent groups such as the MNDAA as a means of leverage over the government in Myanmar. In 2015, after another bout of fighting between the MNDAA and government forces, a Myanmar official accused China of meddling in the peace process, which Beijing denied. An MNDAA spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. "Allowing the MNDAA to fundraise in such an open manner within China will inevitably damage relations with Myanmar," Horsey said. The MNDAA says it is fighting for the rights of the Chinese-speaking ethnic Kokang people. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Reuters' emailed request for comment. Beijing called for a ceasefire earlier this month after 30 people were killed in clashes between the MNDAA and troops in the Kokang region. MNDAA has gathered money online since 2015, according to records on its website. It made a crowdfunding plea in mid-January, as it was being increasingly outflanked by the Myanmar military in the hills straddling the border. The plea was ostensibly for money to support refugees from the conflict, but Li Jian Hua, listed on the website as the holder of MNDAA's account with AgBank, told Reuters it was used to sponsor the group's offensive. "The money is not meant for refugees. It's used to support MNDAA," said Li. Since April 2015 - when the blog started publishing disclosures of donations - it has gathered $531,853. (Additional reporting Chyen Yee Lee in SINGAPORE, Wa Lone in YANGON, Engen Tham in Shanghai, Michelle Price in Hong Kong and Shu Zhang in Beijing; Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Alex Richardson)
Chinese President Xi Jinping called Tuesday for peace between Israel and an independent Palestine "as soon as possible" during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, state media reported.
"A peaceful, stable and developing Middle East is the common interest of all parties... China appreciates that the Israeli side will continue to tackle the Israeli-Palestinian issue on the basis of the 'two-state solution'," Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying during their meeting.
""As soon as possible, (I hope) the two countries will live in peace and coexistence."
Netanyahu said Israel was willing to see China play a bigger role in Middle East affairs, according to Xinhua.
The Israeli leader also pitched a comprehensive innovation partnership between the two countries focusing on the development of various technologies.
"We know that you have great scientists, great industrialists, great capabilities, and we think that by working together we can make the future better for our peoples," Israeli media quoted Netanyahu as saying.
Xi said the two countries would push forward with "major cooperation projects" in science and technology, water resources, agriculture, medicine, clean energy, and other fields, according to Xinhua.
The meeting was part of a three-day trip by the Israeli leader marking 25 years of diplomatic relations.
China depends on the volatile Middle East for oil supplies but has long taken a back seat in its disputes.
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.
Netanyahu was accompanied by 90 businesspeople -- the largest Israeli business delegation ever to visit China, according to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.
They met executives from some of China's largest corporations including Internet giants Baidu and Alibaba.
Trade between China and Israel has flourished since diplomatic ties were established.
China's total investment in Israel exceeds six billion dollars, and Israeli-designed technologies are used across the world's second largest economy.
Chris Evans has signed on to star in a drama about the rescue and transport of Ethiopian Jews to Israel in 1981.
In "Red Sea Diving Resort," Evans will play a charming Israeli agent who assembles a ragtag team to help with the exodus on the ground, reports Deadline.
Variety adds that Haley Bennett, who starred in "The Girl on the Train," is also in talks to star alongside Evans.
The film was penned by Gideon Raff who will also direct.
The U.S. government ordered nine airlines from the Middle East and North Africa to indefinitely ban electronic devices on direct flights to the United States from 10 airports. The ban covers almost all types of electronic devices in the cabin, except phones, small cameras, and approved medical devices.
The Department of Homeland Security did not cite any specific credible threat, but said in a statement Tuesday there are reasons to be concerned about terrorist attempts to circumvent aviation security. The record of terrorist attempts to destroy aircraft in flight is longstanding and well-known, the statement read. Terrorist groups are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to target airlines, including smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.
The United Kingdom announced similar travel restrictions Tuesday. We have been in close touch with the Americans to fully understand their position, a British government spokesperson said. Britain ban most electronic devices on inbound flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. We think these steps are necessary and proportionate to allow passengers to travel safely, the spokesperson told reporters.
Its not clear why a longstanding threat to the United States requires action against a handful of international carriers at a limited number of airports. It comes just a month after President Donald Trump pledged to help U.S. airlines compete against government-subsidized carriers in the Persian Gulf, raising questions about whether the ban is more about putative terror risks or trade policy.
DHS cited recent terrorist attacks and attempts, such as the airliner downed in Egypt by a bomb in 2015; an attempted laptop bomb attack in a jet in Somalia in 2016; and armed attacks that year against airports in Brussels and Istanbul. But Brussels is not included in the ban, and its not clear what attacks on airports have to do with consumer electronics inside a planes cabin.
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John Cohen, a former counterterrorism coordinator for DHS, wondered about the timing of the ban, which reportedly was under consideration for several weeks. Is there new intelligence or is this a reaction of new people to what is older intelligence? he told Foreign Policy.
The ban will force passengers to check all electronics larger than a phone, including laptops, tablets, e-readers, and the like. It applies to nine airlines and 10 airports in the region with direct flights to the United States. U.S. airlines are not impacted by the ban, as none make direct flights from these airports.
The new restrictions impact: Egyptair, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, and Turkish Airlines. Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar are three government-subsidized airlines that U.S. carriers have complained about for years.
The affected airports are in: Amman, Jordan; Cairo; Istanbul; Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Kuwait City; Casablanca; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi. None of those countries were among the six Muslim-majority nations included in the Trump administrations most recent travel ban, which was also ostensibly done on security grounds.
The airlines were formally notified early Tuesday morning and have until Saturday to comply. If airlines dont comply, we will work with the FAA to pull their certificate and they will not be allowed to fly to the United States, one senior U.S. official told CNN.
A Saudia spokesperson told FP the Department of Transportation notified the airline of the ban and they would begin enforcing it Wednesday.
David Inserra, a homeland security expert at the Heritage Foundation, said DHS likely is focused on countries where security at airports maybe is not at a level we would like. He added that the countries impacted are largely allies and partners of the United States. They have been selected because there is a lot of travel between those countries and theres an easier way to directly access the United States, he told FP.
Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said he was briefed on the new security measures over the weekend and supported them. These steps are both necessary and proportional to the threat, he said. The global aviation system remains a top target and proper security requires that we continually adapt our defenses.
But some aviation experts still questioned the purported security rationale behind the prohibition. It leaves nearly all airports that serve the United States unaffected; travelers from those Middle Eastern countries could easily catch a connecting flight to the United States from another airport, as the so-called Underwear Bomber Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab did in 2009 when he attempted to attack on a U.S. airliner.
Theres always a risk being too myopic in terms of focusing on the easiest pathway [terrorists] could take to the U.S., said Christian Beckner, a former Senate Homeland Security Committee staffer, now at George Washington University.
Bruce Schneier, a security expert, told the Guardian that the ban didnt make much sense because there are no new technological breakthroughs that make this threat any more serious today.
But Cohen, the former DHS official, said the ban could mean the department had discovered a new construct or bomb-making compound that current screening technologies arent programmed to discover. The list of countries covered in the ban include regions where terrorist bomb-makers with sophisticated technologies have been trying to figure out how to disrupt a U.S.-bound flight for years, he said.
You have to think about this as an ongoing cat-and-mouse game, where bombmakers are studying the technologies that are used in airports to screen carry-on luggage, he said. They are trying to figure out ways to construct devices so screeners cant detect them and they can then get an explosive onto an airplane.
He said sequestering potential explosives in checked baggage, rather than the cabin, wouldnt cause that kind of catastrophic damage if there were a bomb concealed in a small consumer electronic device. In the past, terrorists had to manually activate their bombs on planes, Beckner said something they couldnt easily do if the devices were locked away in cargo holds.
Another anonymous U.S. official told CNN the ban is based on intelligence indicating al Qaeda and other terrorist organizations are nearing the ability to hide explosives that use minimal metal in electronic devices.
Cohen added that while its not unusual for evolving threats to require DHS to require temporary security measures, they usually are enforced with more haste.
Once the decision was made that a threat warranted this type of action we move pretty quickly, he said of his experience implementing similar temporary prohibitions. Its a little bit unusual that youd announce it and say it will be effective in four days.
Some suspected the ban could actually be related to protectionist measures; major U.S. airlines for years have been railing against what they call unfair competition due to government subsidies for Gulf carriers.
Three of the airlines that have been targeted for these measures Emirates, Etihad Airways and Qatar Airways have long been accused by their U.S. competitors of receiving massive effective subsidies from their governments, Henry Farrell a professor at George Washington University, wrote in a Washington Post analysis. Unlike the U.S. security measures, Britains apply to its own airline companies, including British Airways.
The ban was first revealed not by administration officials, but by a Royal Jordanian Airlines tweet that informed passengers of the directive Monday afternoon. The tweet was deleted hours later.
This article was updated at 1:20 p.m. EST to reflect new information on the United Kingdoms new security restrictions.
This article was updated at 2:36 p.m EST to include a quote from Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA).
Photo credit: BRUCE BENNETT/Getty Images
Washington (AFP) - Ministers from the 68-nation US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group meet in Washington Wednesday to hear more about US President Donald Trump's plan to destroy the jihadists' remaining strongholds in Iraq and Syria.
Trump has ordered his generals to craft an accelerated strategy to "eradicate" the group's so-called caliphate, and allied partners are keen to learn more at the day-long ministerial-level discussion.
The meeting at the State Department also allows Trump's discreet secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, to emerge from the shadows and stamp his authority on the diplomatic side of the joint effort.
But Trump's plan to slash 28 percent from the State Department's budget for diplomacy and foreign aid suggests fewer resources for post-conflict stabilization -- a proposal that has raised eyebrows.
European diplomats told AFP they expect Washington to reaffirm its commitment to a longer-term plan to secure the region after a battlefield victory.
- 'Killing Daesh' -
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was in Washington just ahead of the talks, and said victory against IS was within sight if allies stick together.
"We are proving that Daesh can be killed, can be eliminated," Abadi told an invited audience at the US Institute for Peace, using the group's Arabic acronym.
"We shouldn't lose focus, we shouldn't give Daesh a second chance."
Shortly after taking office in late January, Trump gave the Pentagon 30 days to review progress in the anti-IS fight and develop a comprehensive plan to "totally obliterate" the group.
As a candidate Trump frequently bemoaned how long then president Barack Obama was taking to get the job done -- and claimed to have a secret plan to finish IS.
He never offered details and so far has largely stuck with Obama's strategy, which centers on US-led or guided forces carrying out continual surveillance and strikes on jihadist targets, while training and equipping local forces to conduct ground combat and hold seized terrain.
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Trump has made some notable tweaks, including granting commanders broader authority to make battlefield decisions.
Military officers had complained of micromanagement under Obama, but critics worry the military may now lean toward actions with a greater likelihood of civilian deaths, such as a botched January raid in Yemen that killed a Navy SEAL and multiple women and children.
The Pentagon is also investigating allegations that a strike it launched on a suspected Al-Qaeda target near a mosque in northern Syria killed dozens of civilians.
Last month, the Pentagon gave Trump an initial draft of its revised anti-IS plan.
Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said the document would "inform" Wednesday's diplomatic discussions, and feedback from coalition partners would be integrated.
- Heavy casualties -
On October 17 last year, coalition-backed Iraqi troops launched an offensive to retake Mosul from the IS group's so-called caliphate.
By February 19 they had cleared the East bank of the Tigris and had begun to push into jihadist strongholds on the West. They have suffered heavy casualties but continue to progress.
Meanwhile, the jihadists' "capital" in Syria is increasingly isolated, but planning for its recapture has been complicated by the diplomatic and political situation in the country.
The Pentagon is backing an alliance of local Kurdish and Arab militias to take the city, but Turkey has its own rebel force in the region and Russia is backing Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The United States does not want to commit too many of its own troops to the fight -- despite plans to more than double its own 850-strong contingent in the country and add artillery units.
Colin Farrell is attached to play Oliver North in a limited series about the Iran-Contra affair.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the project is in development and is headed to Amazon.
The miniseries will reunite Farrell with Yorgos Lanthimos who also directed "Lobster."
North was a National Security Council staff member. The Iran-Contra affair involved the illegal sale of weapons to Iran to encourage the release of US hostages held in Lebanon. North hatched the second part of the plan to divert proceeds from the arms sales to support the Contra rebel groups in Nicaragua, which was prohibited.
North is a former Fox News host of War Stories with Oliver North.
Paris (AFP) - Landslides are not unique to Earth, researchers revealed on Tuesday.
In 2015, Europe's Rosetta spacecraft witnessed -- and photographed -- a big one on the surface of a comet in deep, dark space, they reported in the journal Nature Astronomy.
The cliffside collapse created about 2,000 tonnes of rubble, 99 percent of which settled at the foot of the precipice.
The rest was ejected in a spectacular jet of dust.
In the first direct evidence for cometary landslides, Rosetta captured before and after images of a wall giving way along a crack 70 metres (230 feet) long and one metre wide on the edge of a cliff named Aswan.
Scientists were alerted to the possible collapse in July 2015 by a large plume of dust ejected from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, which Rosetta was orbiting at the time.
They traced the jet's origins to Aswan.
Five days later, the orbiter's OSIRIS camera observed a "fresh, sharp and bright" edge on the Aswan cliff, where the fracture had been before.
The spot -- six times brighter than the comet's usual, dusty surface -- was the newly-exposed, pristine, icy insides of the comet.
The Rosetta mission had observed several previous outbursts, and hypothesised they may be the result of collapsing cliffs.
But the study documents "the first unambiguous link between an outburst and a cliff collapse on a comet," the team wrote.
Launched in 2004, the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft travelled more than six billion kilometres to reach comet 67P some 400 million kilometres (250 million miles) from Earth.
In November 2014, Rosetta released a tiny robot named Philae onto the comet's surface to further probe the alien body.
The pair's mission was to unravel the mysteries of life by investigating the comet from all angles.
Billions of comets travelling in elliptic orbits around the Sun are believed to be leftovers from the birth of our planetary system some 4.6 billion years ago.
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On 67P, the Rosetta mission uncovered organic molecules, the building blocks of life.
This supported the theory that comets helped spark life on Earth by delivering organic materials when they slammed into our young planet.
Water, on the other hand, was unlikely to have come from comets of 67P's type, the mission concluded.
The head of the FBI publicly challenged U.S. President Donald Trump on Monday, denying the Republican's claim that former president Barack Obama wiretapped his 2016 election campaign and confirming his agency had launched a criminal investigation into any collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia.
FBI Director James Comey told a congressional hearing he had seen no evidence to support a claim by Trump that Obama had wiretapped his campaign headquarters in Manhattan's Trump Tower.
The president created a controversy in early March when he tweeted without giving evidence that Obama had wiretapped the campaign as the businessman took on Democrat Hillary Clinton in the presidential race.
"With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets," Comey told the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee hearing.
The committee is investigating accusations that Russia tried to influence the election mostly by hacking Democratic operatives' emails and releasing embarrassing information. Russia denies the allegations.
Comey confirmed the FBI has been investigating since last July possible Russian government efforts to interfere in the election, including any links between Trump's campaign and Moscow. He said that while the Russian government wanted to hurt Clinton's campaign and help Trump's, intelligence agencies made no judgment on whether the efforts influenced the outcome.
Comey gave no details of the classified investigation and said the fact that it exists does not mean charges will be filed.
U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia tried to help Trump by hacking leading Democrats. Comey said Moscow had long been opposed to Trump's election rival, former secretary of state Clinton.
"I think that was a fairly easy judgment for the (intelligence) community," he said. "Putin hated Secretary Clinton so much that the flip side of that coin was he had a clear preference for the person running against the person he hated so much."
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Asked about Comey, White House spokesman Sean Spicer read a series of quotes from officials - some from the Obama administration - who have said they have seen no signs of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia.
In a tweet before the hearing, Trump wrote: "The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign."
Spicer said he was not aware of any White House official being under investigation by the FBI.
RUSSIAN TIES
Trump has frequently urged better relations with Russia, which has been at odds with the United States in recent years over Moscow's role in Ukraine and the Syrian civil war.
Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the intelligence committee, detailed activities by Trump advisers or associates with ties to Russia, including former election campaign manager Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, who was forced out as Trump's national security adviser after talking to the Russian ambassador and then misrepresenting the conversation to Vice President Mike Pence.
"Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible," Schiff said. "But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated."
Trump's March 4 tweet about wiretapping, which was made without supporting evidence, pulled attention away from the claims of Russian interference in the election. He made the claim two days after Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had met with Russias U.S. ambassador last fall, said he would remove himself from any investigation of Russian interference in the election.
Trump and his advisers have contended in recent weeks that his claims of wiretapping were intended to mean surveillance of the Trump campaign in general but the White House has not provided evidence of surveillance of any kind.
Last week, Trump's spokesman cited a media report that Britain's GCHQ spy agency was behind the surveillance, prompting ridicule in Britain.
The head of the U.S. National Security Agency, Admiral Mike Rogers, told Monday's hearing that the allegation had strained relations with London.
"I think it clearly frustrates a key ally of ours," Rogers said.
Comey warned that Russia would attempt to influence the next U.S. presidential election in 2020 and perhaps the congressional elections next year. "They'll be back in 2020. They may be back in 2018," he said.
The hearing was a rare open congressional intelligence committee hearing and it revealed a stark partisan divide in focus. Majority Republicans concentrated their questions on leaks of classified information - a concern that Trump frequently mentions - and media reports on issues such as contacts between former Trump national security adviser Michael Flynn and Russian officials.
Democrats sought to highlight such links, and shoot down Trumps wiretapping claim.
(By Patricia Zengerle and Warren Strobel; Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu; Writing by Alistair Bell; Editing by Bill Trott)
If mental gymnastics were an Olympic event, yesterdays House Intelligence Committee hearing represented a qualifying round full of strong showings from a large number of competitors both inside and outside the room.
FBI Director James Comey and NSA Director Adm. Mike Rogers came, not to compete, but to shed some light into the governments investigations into Russian attempts to influence the American elections. In doing so, they confirmed some long-suspected, but truly consequential things.
First, Comey confirmed that the Trump campaign is currently under counterintelligence investigation by the FBI, and that this investigation began long before the election. He testified that the government had high confidence by December that the Russians intended to hurt our democracy, hurt her, help him. While he repeatedly refused to address specifics of the investigation or make references to any particular individual, he did say at the end that it is very serious if any Americans colluded with Russia to interfere with the election. This is exactly why an investigation is needed, to get to the bottom of all the allegations swirling in the press.
Second, Comey and Rogers both contradicted President Donald Trumps repeated claims that Trump Tower was wiretapped by the Obama administration. Comey said he had been authorized on behalf of himself and the Department of Justice to reveal that no such wiretap existed. Rogers went further, flatly denying Trumps claims that he was wiretapped by the NSAs British counterpart, the GCHQ, saying no such request had been made nor would be made.
On most other things, Comey refused to answer questions on the investigation, which is likely a bad sign for the Trump administration. But all around town, the competition for best mental gymnast began.
Chairman Devin Nunes
Chairman Nunes (R-Calif.) began strong by insisting that the Obama administration had badly underestimated the Russians in trying to reset the relationship in 2009. As Nunes accused Democrats of allowing the reversion to bad behavior by Russia in 2008, he also deftly vaulted over the obstacle of President Trump and the Trump campaigns abandonment of traditional Republican animosity towards Moscow. As Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) pointed out later in the hearing, Trump criticizes everyone from the cast of Hamilton to John McCain, but never ever says a bad word about Putin and Russia.
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Later, Nunes criticized Rogers for speaking to the transition team about a potential job in the Trump administration, while neglecting to mention that he himself was the head of the presidents national security transition. The stakes were high for Nunes to demonstrate that he could lead an unbiased investigation into the allegations and remain an objective overseer for the intelligence community. Largely, by being a GOP team player, he did little to reassure the spies that he oversees that he would treat their concerns fairly.
After a brief break, Nunes took on one more contortion, when he claimed that the GOP platform wound up stronger after the interference of the Trump campaign. And while he gets technical points for correcting the facts of the matter, its still the case that the Trump campaign staff successfully watered down an amendment that would have adopted a more muscular response to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and seizure of the Crimea.
President Donald Trump
During the hearing, President Trump drew an uneven parallel when he tweeted that Comeys testimony showed that Russians hadnt interfered with the election. But Comey had only testified that there was no indication that the Russians had interfered with the voting machines. He also testified that the Russians had tried to influence public opinion with the hack of the DNC emails and their subsequent disclosure on WikiLeaks, and also tried to access the voter registration files. When confronted with the presidents tweet later in the hearing, Comey again contradicted Trump verifying that he had not testified that the Russians hadnt interfered.
Sean Spicer
During the hearing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer held a briefing to respond to Comeys refutation of Trumps tweet on the election, which came as a response to Comeys testimony refuting Trumps earlier tweet about wiretapping. Spicer maintained that the testimony of Comey and Rogers plus statements of the former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper and the GCHQ all denying Obama administration wiretapping of Trump Tower were insufficient to prove definitively that Trumps allegations had no basis in fact.
He then spun on his axle and claimed that there was no need for further investigation into the allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia. In an amazing leap of logic, he characterized Trumps former campaign manager Paul Manafort as having a very limited role for a very limited amount of time which must have come as a surprise to presidential campaign managers everywhere. He also downplayed Mike Flynns role in the campaign by claiming he was just a volunteer, ignoring the access to highly sensitive information he began to receive through the campaign transition and as the national security advisor.
Trey Gowdy
Trey Gowdy, former chair of the Benghazi committee, grilled Comey repeatedly on leaks of conversations between Flynn and Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak. His concern was so great that he suggested that the renewal of surveillance authorities under Section 702 might be at risk if the leaks were not found and plugged. It is one thing to be concerned about leaks if he had displayed the same concern in his own months and months of a leak-ridden investigation into sensitive intelligence operations in Benghazi. While many members of Congress and civil libertarians are concerned that the FBIs access to 702 authorities are too lax, it is unlikely that Flynns conversations were caught under that program, rather than under a FISA warrant on Kislyak himself.
FBI Director James Comey
Comey repeatedly refused to answer the members questions about the substance of the investigation, saying he did not want to compromise the outcome or reveal too much. But yet, at the same time he was being so circumspect during his investigations of the Trump campaign which he said began in July 2016 he sent a letter to the same members of Congress suggesting that he was reopening the investigation into Hillary Clintons emails based on a laptop found as part of the investigation into Anthony Weiner. This revelation dramatically changed public opinion in the campaign, but ultimately and quickly yielded nothing of substance in the investigation. Surprisingly, none of the members of the committee asked him about this difference.
After todays display of mental gymnastics, the Russian judge would give them all a 10.
Photo credit: ZACH GIBSON/Getty Images
Photo credit: Getty
From Popular Mechanics
For the first time in the 105 years they've ringed D.C.'s tidal basin, the capitol city's lovely cherry blossoms will not reach peak bloom, due to uncharacteristically cold weather. That got us wondering: everyone saw the forecasts-was there anything that could have been done to save the trees? So we talked to Dr. Marvin Pritts, a professor of horticulture at Cornell's School of Integrative Plant Science. He told us about some of the more drastic techniques professional growers use to protect their plants (and the ones you can use, too).
What the Pros Do: Hire Helicopters
On clear, frigid days, soil radiates cold, meaning that ground-level air is cooler than air 30-40 feet up. So some growers hire helicopters to strafe their crops, using their blades to push higher, warmer air down to the plants.
What You Can Do: Pray for Snow
"In a winter like this, the snowstorm is actually a blessing," says Pritts. "Snow has a lot of insulating properties. When you get a layer of snow over the ground, it insulates underneath, and keeps the plants relatively warm, so it's actually very protective. Fruit growers and people with perennial plants love to have snow cover. They would prefer to have it all winter long, if possible." Pritts says the real trouble is when the snow melts, leaving bare ground, and the wind blows through, leaching warmth from the soil.
What the Pros Do: Irrigate in the Cold
Florida orange growers sometimes prepare for a cold snap by spraying their trees with water, so oranges become encrusted with ice overnight. The water's phase change from a higher-energy state liquid water to a lower energy state ice releases energy that can heat the plants.
What You Can Do: Shoot Them with the Hose
You can obviously spray down plants at home, too. The thing to keep in mind is that too much ice will weigh down your plants, making branches brittle. It's a delicate balancing act. Another water-based solution is called the Wall O'Water, a set of plastic tubes you fill with water and ring around your plants. Because water holds heat well, the tubes radiate heat at night.
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What the Pros Do: Don't Worry About It
First of all, most plants flower more than is necessary for the amount of fruit we need. According to Pritts, in a normal season apple growers, for example, will actually remove up to 90% of the buds on a tree, to ensure that the apples that grow are big and delicious. So if cold damage knocks out half the tree's flowers, there's still a bountiful harvest to come. Beyond that, plants have primary, secondary, and tertiary buds. The latter two don't grow if the primary bud is healthy, but if primary buds become cold-damaged, they'll activate and make sure the plant fruits.
What You Can Do: Test Your Plants
If you're not sure how much damage a plant has sustained, there's an easy test: "This time of the year, you can actually just cut a branch off, bring it in, and put it in some water and watch what happens," says Pritts. "If it leafs out and flowers normally, you're ok." There's a harder test, too. On flowering plants, cut through a bud with a razor blade and examine the flowers inside. If they're brown, they're dead.
BONUS! Plant Cold Hardy Crops to Begin With
Buy plants appropriate for your hardiness zone, which is based on the average minimum temperature your region sees in the winter. You can find the map of zones here, courtesy of the US Department of Agriculture. Then keep in mind that warm-season plants shouldn't be sowed until after your area's frost-free day-the day after which, historically speaking, you won't see more freezing until the following winter. You can find the frost-free date for your locality with The Old Farmer's Almanac's search tool.
To hear the entire interview with Dr. Prittsand learn the secrets of undercover cop cars, and the secrets of successfully jumping ropecheck out the newest episode of the Most Useful Podcast Ever on iTunes or by clicking here.
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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) Denmark's top prosecutor says two elderly Danes including one holding a Swedish passport cannot be not be prosecuted because there is no evidence linking them to the mass murder of Jews in Belarus during World War II.
Mohammad Ahsan said Tuesday he found no evidence for active or passive participation in the killings after the Simon Wiesenthal Center appealed a similar decision by Copenhagen prosecutors in November.
In 2015, the center asked Danish police to investigate the case after Denmark's Justice Ministry had turned down a similar request as not their responsibility.
Center head Ephraim Zuroff believed there was a strong case against them because of documents found by Danish historians that said they were in the camp run by the Waffen SS where 1,400 Jews died.
Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, wishes Secretary of State Rex Tillerson would attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels next month.
Multiple outlets reported this week that Tillerson plans to skip a key NATO gathering, which wouldve been his first since joining Trumps Cabinet, in order to attend an expected visit by Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Trumps Mar-a-Lago estate.
But Tillerson reportedly plans to make time in April for meetings with Russia, raising eyebrows as questions continue to swirl about Trump associates ties to the Kremlin during the election. FBI Director James Comey said Monday that his agency was continuing to probe the matter as it looks into Moscows interference in the U.S. election.
Those meetings can be scheduled in better ways, Castro told Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric on Tuesday. I dont think the NATO meeting and the meeting with the Chinese president had to overlap.
To his credit, Castro added, I understand he met with some NATO allies perhaps a few weeks back, at last months G20 conference in Bonn, Germany.
Still, he insisted, I think that that NATO meeting coming up is really critical and he should be there.
House Intelligence Committee member Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-Texas, questions FBI Director James Comey on Monday. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP)
Castro did not, however, comment on Tillersons plans to visit Russia. The Texas Democrat was among the House Intelligence Committee members who questioned Comey on Monday about his Russia probe.
Castro told Couric Tuesday that he considered the FBI directors public confirmation of an ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election significant, and he emphasized his commitment to investigating whether members of Trumps campaign colluded with the Russians.
Though Castro insisted Democrats are not trying to relitigate the results of the election, he said the intention of the investigation is to prevent future attempts by other countries at influencing U.S. elections by making sure that anyone who helped the Russians is held accountable [and] prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Read more from Yahoo News:
By Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's U.S. Supreme Court pick, said on Tuesday he would not hesitate to rule against the president as he vowed independence amid concerns by Democrats he would be beholden to the man who nominated him.
Answering questions from senators during the second day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Gorsuch said Trump never asked him to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion nationwide, saying if the Republican president had done so "I would have walked out the door."
Trump promised during last year's presidential campaign to appoint an anti-abortion justice who would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which many conservatives want reversed.
If confirmed by the Senate as expected, Gorsuch would restore the nine-seat court's conservative majority at a time when Republicans control Congress and the White House. But the conservative federal appeals court judge from Colorado repeatedly said he was beyond politics.
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"When I became a judge, they gave me a gavel not a rubber-stamp," Gorsuch said, adding that no one, including the president, was "above the law."
"A good judge doesn't give a whit about politics or the political implications of his or her decision, (and) decides where the law takes him or her fearlessly," Gorsuch added.
Republicans have praised Gorsuch, 49, as highly qualified for a lifetime appointment as a justice. Democrats, who have slim chances of blocking his nomination, have questioned his suitability, with some portraying him as a judge who favors corporate interests and is insufficiently independent from Trump.
Chuck Grassley, the panel's Republican chairman, asked Gorsuch "whether you'd have any trouble ruling against a president who appointed you."
"That's a softball, Mr. Chairman," Gorsuch said. "I have no difficulty ruling against or for any party, other than based on what the law and facts in the particular case require. And I'm heartened by the support I have received from people who recognize that there's no such thing as a Republican judge or a Democratic judge. We just have judges in this country."
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"I have offered no promises on how I'd rule in any case to anyone. And I don't think it's appropriate for a judge to do so, no matter who's doing the asking," Gorsuch added.
Trump has repeatedly assailed the judiciary both as a candidate and since taking office on Jan. 20. Trump condemned federal judges who have put on hold his two executive orders to ban the entry into the United States of people from several Muslim-majority countries.
In a Twitter post during the hearing on Tuesday, Trump praised Gorsuch as "the kind of judge we need" for the high court.
The seat Gorsuch was nominated to fill has been vacant for 13 months, since the death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia.
Some Democrats have said Republicans "stole" a Supreme Court seat last year when the Senate refused to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama's nominee to replace Scalia, appellate judge Merrick Garland. Under questioning by Democrat Patrick Leahy, Gorsuch called Garland an "outstanding judge," but refused to answer whether Obama's nominee had been treated fairly by Senate Republicans.
'BEGINNING OF THE END'
Gorsuch said Supreme Court precedents deserve respect, even as he sidestepped answering whether he thought a series of contentious cases from the past had been decided correctly, including Roe v. Wade and cases on gun rights, political spending, religious rights and the ruling tipping the 2000 presidential election to Republican George W. Bush.
"I'm not in a position to tell you whether I personally like or dislike a precedent. Thats not relevant to my job," he added.
He also said it would be "beginning of the end" of the independent judiciary if judges had to indicate how they would rule in future cases.
Dianne Feinstein, the committee's senior Democrat, asked Gorsuch whether Roe v. Wade ruling should be considered a "super precedent" because its central holding had been upheld in subsequent cases.
"A good judge will consider it as precedent of the United States Supreme Court worthy of treatment of precedent like any other," Gorsuch said, adding that the ruling has been reaffirmed many times.
Gorsuch hesitated when Feinstein asked him about his work on detainee issues and torture while working in Bush's Justice Department in 2005. She said that in a document showing a set of talking points from November 2005 asking whether aggressive interrogation techniques yielded any valuable information, Gorsuch had written in the margin, "Yes."
She asked Gorsuch what information he had that aggressive interrogation techniques were effective. "I have to see the document, I don't recall," Gorsuch said, his brow furrowed.
Pressing a Democratic concern that Gorsuch favors corporate interests, Feinstein mentioned some of his prior opinions, asking, "How do we have confidence in you that you won't just be for the big corporations, that you will be for the little man?"
Answering a later question from Republican Orrin Hatch, Gorsuch said, "A judge is there to make sure that every person, poor or rich, mighty or meek, gets equal protection of the law."
Grassley said Tuesday's session could last 10 hours, with all the committee members getting to question him.
Grassley has said the committee is likely to vote on Gorsuch's nomination on April 3, with the full Senate vote likely soon after. The hearing could last four days.
Click http://tmsnrt.rs/2nANgEj for graphic on Confirming Gorsuch
(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Additional reporting by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Will Dunham)
By Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch on Tuesday pledged independence from President Donald Trump, bristled at his criticism of the judiciary and said not even the president is above the law amid Democratic concerns he would be beholden to the man who selected him. Answering questions from senators during the second day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Gorsuch said Trump never asked him to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion nationwide, saying if the Republican president had done so "I would have walked out the door." Trump promised during last year's presidential campaign to appoint an anti-abortion justice who would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which many conservatives want reversed. If confirmed by the Senate as expected to fill a 13-month-old vacancy, Gorsuch would restore the nine-seat court's conservative majority at a time when Republicans control Congress and the White House. But the conservative federal appeals court judge from Colorado repeatedly said he was beyond politics. "When I became a judge, they gave me a gavel not a rubber stamp," Gorsuch said. "I am my own man," he added. Trump has assailed the judiciary both as a candidate and since taking office on Jan. 20. He condemned federal judges who have put on hold his two executive orders to ban the entry into the United States of people from several Muslim-majority countries, calling one a "so-called judge" and suggesting that blame for a future terrorist attack should go to the courts. "When anyone criticizes the honesty or integrity or the motives of a federal judge, well I find that disheartening, I find that demoralizing, because I know the truth," Gorsuch said. When Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal asked if that includes Trump, Gorsuch said, "Anyone is anyone." Gorsuch previously made similar remarks in private to senators including Blumenthal, but Trump at the time accused Blumenthal of misrepresenting Gorsuch's comments. Gorsuch's steady, measured performance during the marathon session, marked by a few moments of indignation under Democratic questioning, indicated he was on track for confirmation. Democrats probed Gorsuch on whether he would be willing to hold Trump accountable. Asked by Senator Patrick Leahy whether a president has the power to violate a law on surveillance of Americans, Gorsuch said, "Nobody is above the law in this country, and that includes the president of the United States." Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said if Trump resumes the use of waterboarding, a prohibited form of simulated drowning, on detainees, he "may get impeached." Gorsuch said he would not speculate on whether Trump could be prosecuted if he authorized waterboarding, but repeated, "No man is above the law." Republicans have praised Gorsuch, 49, as highly qualified for a lifetime appointment as a justice. Democrats, who have slim chances of blocking his nomination, have questioned his suitability, with some portraying him as favouring corporate interests and insufficiently independent from Trump. Chuck Grassley, the panel's Republican chairman, asked Gorsuch "whether you'd have any trouble ruling against a president who appointed you." "That's a softball, Mr. Chairman," Gorsuch said. "I have no difficulty ruling against or for any party, other than based on what the law and facts in the particular case require. And I'm heartened by the support I have received from people who recognise that there's no such thing as a Republican judge or a Democratic judge. We just have judges in this country." "I have offered no promises on how I'd rule in any case to anyone. And I don't think it's appropriate for a judge to do so, no matter who's doing the asking," Gorsuch added. Gorsuch refused to offer his opinion of Trump's travel ban, saying it was an ongoing case. When Leahy brought up a Republican lawmaker's suggestion that Gorsuch would uphold Trump's ban, the nominee said "a lot of people say a lot of silly things" and that lawmaker "has no idea how I'd rule." Gorsuch said rulings should be based on the law and not politics, adding, "A good judge doesn't give a whit about politics or the political implications of his or her decision." ANONYMOUS FINANCIAL BACKERS Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse pressed Gorsuch to call for the anonymous financial backers behind the Judicial Crisis Network conservative legal advocacy group's $10 million campaign supporting his nomination to identify themselves, but the nominee refused, saying he would not engage in politics. But Gorsuch added, "Nobody speaks for me." The seat Gorsuch was nominated to fill has been vacant since the February 2016 death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia. Some Democrats have said Republicans "stole" a Supreme Court seat last year when the Senate refused to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama's nominee to replace Scalia, appellate judge Merrick Garland. Questioned by Leahy, Gorsuch called Garland an "outstanding judge," but refused to answer whether Obama's nominee had been treated fairly by Senate Republicans. Gorsuch said Supreme Court precedents deserve respect, even as he sidestepped answering whether he thought a series of contentious cases from the past had been decided correctly, including Roe v. Wade and cases on gun rights, political spending, religious rights and the ruling tipping the 2000 presidential election to Republican George W. Bush. Gorsuch did say that the issue of gay marriage, which the Supreme Court legalized in 2015, is "absolutely settled law." Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer told reporters Gorsuch looked like "he's playing dodge ball," saying the nominee "has bent over backwards to avoid revealing anything." Grassley said Tuesday's session could last 10 hours and the hearing could last four days. Grassley has said the committee is likely to vote on Gorsuch's nomination on April 3. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said the full Senate would vote on confirming Gorsuch before lawmakers' mid-April recess. (Reporting by Lawrence Hurley and Andrew Chung; Additional reporting by Mohammad Zargham and Susan Cornwell; Editing by Will Dunham)
WASHINGTON Senate Democrats are warning Republican leadership that the health care bill moving through Congress would have disastrous consequences for the nations opioid epidemic, again putting the issue at the center of the debate on Capitol Hill.
A group of 20 Democrats sent the letter Tuesday to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky. But the legislations effect on substance abuse treatment has been a bipartisan concern. Four Republican senators previously sent a letter to McConnell, signaling they would oppose an earlier version of the bill because of its impact on Medicaid and the mental health and addiction services the program covers.
Given that lack of insurance coverage and an inability to afford care often result in individuals forgoing substance use disorder treatment, the Democratic senators wrote, this proposal could very literally translate into a death spiral for those with opioid use disorders.
They noted that Medicaid is the largest payer of mental health and substance use disorder care in the country and emphasized the implications for McConnells home state of Kentucky, where they said use of those services had increased exponentially after the state expanded Medicaid through the Affordable Care Act.
The Democratic senators, led by Ed Markey (Mass.), specifically criticized the House Republican bill for eliminating the requirement that Medicaid cover mental health and substance abuse services for people covered under the ACAs expansion. They also pointed to the restructuring of the entire Medicaid programs financing to a capped spending model in the Republican bill.
They used the example of Indianas recent HIV outbreak, which was linked to intravenous drug use and sprung up when now-Vice President Mike Pence was governor, to argue against those spending caps.
Per capita caps, if they had been in place at the time, would have prevented the state from drawing down additional resources from the federal government to help address this outbreak and ensure individuals affected could access the critical care they needed, the Democratic senators wrote.
Lastly, the lawmakers pointed to President Trumps promises to end the opioid crisis by expanding treatment.
The American Health Care Act blatantly breaks this promise, they wrote.
By Katy Migiro NYASHANA, Tanzania (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - As Tanzanian widow Ruth Zacharia raised her right arm to protect her skull from a volley of machete blows, her three attackers sliced through her hand. She fell to the floor; one leg slid into the kitchen fire. "They said: 'We have been sent by our mother because you killed our father so that you could buy that land'," the 63-year-old recalled, fidgeting with her stiff, scarred right hand. "I said: 'I am not a witch'... They started cutting me all over." Thousands of elderly Tanzanian women have been strangled, knifed to death and burned alive over the last two decades after being denounced as witches. "They said that (they) are witches... but it was a hidden agenda," said Athanasio Kweyunga, human rights coordinator for the Magu Poverty Eradication Rehabilitation Centre (MAPERECE), a charity helping elderly people in the area. "The reason is land." Attacks on women denounced as witches, often by hired thugs or vengeful relatives, continue despite efforts by the government, rights groups and charities to crack down on the killings. With rapid population growth, land is being subdivided into smaller parcels with each generation. Tired soils, erratic rains and the costs of modern life leave many families in poverty. Traditionally, widows in Tanzania cannot inherit their husbands' land, but have a right to live out their days on it before it passes on to male relatives. This can create tensions. "They are supposed to bequeath it when they die -- and they don't die," said Helen Kijo-Bisimba, executive director of Tanzania's Legal and Human Rights Centre (LHRC). "That's why we find some old women are being killed by their own children." SUPERSTITION Tanzanians' belief in witchcraft dates back centuries as a way of explaining common misfortunes like death, failed harvests and infertility. In the first six months of 2016, the police recorded 394 witchcraft-related killings in Tanzania, almost equal to the 425 recorded in the whole of 2015, LHRC data shows. Superstition is deep-rooted among farming communities living along the shores of Lake Victoria in northwestern Tanzania, where most of the attacks take place. Women with red eyes are often accused of being witches. But traditional beliefs are often used as a smokescreen, campaigners say, when the main driver of the killings is land. "There are still sporadic incidents," Sihaba Nkinga, the permanent secretary in Tanzania's ministry for the elderly, said in a phone interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation. "The police... haven't got maximum cooperation from members of society where such attacks happen." VULNERABILITY Zacharia's troubles began after she bought an acre of land in 2011 near her home in Tanzania's western Magu District. Another family wanted the land but they were unable to pay for the entire two-acre plot after their father died. So the vendor split it between the two families, who knew each other through the local church. Zacharia planted rice on her portion but the other family's cows trampled it. One night, she woke to see flames outside her window, as petrol had been doused over the tree overhanging her house. Finally, she was attacked. "I went through major suffering," she said, taking a break from reading her Bible. "Because they wanted to kill me, they should just be killed." The perpetrators were arrested in 2014 but were released on bail. Although Tanzanians believe both sexes can be witches, almost all of the victims of attacks are women. "The social vulnerability of women is key," said Edward Miguel, a professor of economics at the University of California at Berkeley, who has studied witchcraft killings in Tanzania. As culture dictates that married women move to their husband's home village, they often become socially isolated and face hostility from in-laws after he dies, he said. Miguel believes that introducing an old age pension for women could safeguard them from attack. "Other household members will have an incentive to keep them alive," he said, pointing to the importance of pensions for sustaining many poor families in South Africa. FAITH Miguel's research found that witch killings during the 1990s peaked during periods of drought and flooding, when food was in short supply and the elderly became a burden. As people interpret reality through the lens of their faith, they believed their attacks on witches caused the improved harvests that followed years of crop failure, he said. "It's really no different than any other religious belief," he said in a Skype interview. "It empowers them in a very uncertain world." Witchdoctors, whose good magic counters the bad magic of witches, have also been widely blamed. The genitals were cut off many elderly 'witches' corpses for use by witchdoctors in good luck charms, said Joseph Mbasha, Tanzanian spokesman for the charity HelpAge. "You can mix them up with herbs so that (the witchdoctor) can cleanse you (of a suspected curse) and you could be lucky," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The region is also notorious for murders of people with albinism, with their body parts also being used in witchdoctors' lucky charms. Although it is proving hard to stop the killings, police in Magu District say they are seeing a downward trend. Murders of elderly people in the district have fallen to less than one a month from one each day a decade ago, said Philipo Mziray, commanding officer at Magu police station, dressed in a khaki uniform and black beret. Rights groups, like MAPERECE, are teaching people about the medical, rather than supernatural, causes of death, such as AIDS and malaria, and the harmful consequences of witchcraft allegations. After a two months in hospital and lengthy physiotherapy, Zacharia now helps her elderly neighbours report abuse and encourages younger people to take care of their parents. "If we keep quiet, the oppression will continue," she said, watching chickens fight over grain in her front yard. "It's better now because people have got knowledge." The International Women's Media Foundation supported Katy Migiro's reporting from Tanzania (Reporting by Katy Migiro @katymigiro; Additional reporting by Kizito Makoye in Dar es Salaam; Editing by Ros Russell; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org to see more stories.)
Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - Shares in German lender Deutsche Bank leapt in Frankfurt trading Tuesday, as news US authorities had closed an investigation into past manipulation of currency markets lent investors confidence in the troubled institution.
Gains for Deutsche shares topped 7.0 percent in the early afternoon, before slipping back to trade at 16.16 euros ($17.61) -- still up 5.33 percent -- just after 1400 GMT.
Buyers' keenness on the Frankfurt bank was undimmed by the other big news of the day -- the start of a 8.0-billion-euro capital increase by Deutsche, which needs cash to fund a far-reaching restructuring and bolster its reserves.
Normally, stock in a firm issuing hundreds of millions of new shares falls as fresh supply weighs on its price, but not this time.
The lender said in its 2016 annual report published Monday that the US Department of Justice (DoJ) "has closed its criminal enquiry 'concerning possible violations of federal criminal law in connection with the foreign exchange markets'".
Global banks have paid out billions in fines for colluding to manipulate foreign exchange markets in recent years, including a settlement of almost $6 billion by Barclays, JP Morgan Chase, Citicorp, UBS, Bank of America and the Royal Bank of Scotland in 2015.
The DoJ's mothballing of its Deutsche probe comes after another US regulator, the Commodities Futures and Trading Commission, dropped its own investigation into the German bank's currency activities in October.
But "other regulatory and law enforcement agency investigations... remain pending," the bank noted in its report.
Deutsche is engaged in a long struggle to free itself from thousands of legal cases worldwide relating to its past conduct, and in December agreed a $7.2-billion deal with the DoJ relating to mortgage-backed securities trading in the run-up to the financial crisis.
At the same time, the bank is attempting a massive restructuring that will see it shift focus from global financial markets to traditional banking for businesses and households in Germany.
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Chief executive John Cryan announced in early March that the lender would raise some 8.0 billion euros of fresh capital to fuel his planned reorganisation and boost the capital cushion which financial firms keep on hand to weather shocks.
Tuesday was the first day of the new stock being issued to existing shareholders.
"The environment seems sufficiently stable for the shares to find buyers among investors," analyst Ingo Frommen of LBBW bank commented. "Nevertheless, there are further tough years of restructuring ahead for Deutsche Bank."
In its annual report, Deutsche said that it expects revenues to remain "broadly flat" this year compared with last, at around 30 billion euros.
Hong Kong (AFP) - Ko Oi-sum's simple village home on the northwestern edge of Hong Kong is surrounded by trees planted by her mother -- she dries the leaves to make tea, espousing their health benefits.
But this ramshackle rural community of narrow alleyways, humble houses and freely roaming cats and dogs, is now under threat.
Residents have been served an eviction notice by the government, asking them to leave by 2018 to make way for a new housing development.
Some politicians say expanding into less populated parts of Hong Kong is essential, with affordable homes hard to find in densely packed urban areas where rents are sky high.
Much of the territory outside the city's main commercial hubs is forest, park land and rural settlements.
But critics say the government's approach benefits a clique of private developers and powerful rural elites, at the expense of the public.
A month after her family received the eviction news, Ko's mother suffered a stroke, which her daughter blames on shock. She passed away a year later, last December.
"My mum was not emotionally prepared," she told AFP.
"She didn't want to live in public housing or a high-rise... She'd put her heart here."
Ko lives in a cluster of three villages known as Wang Chau, home to fireflies, indigenous tree frogs and around 100 households.
The villages are set to be demolished to make way for 4,000 public housing units.
Some residents have been there all their lives, after their parents came over from mainland China in the 1950s.
While most built their own homes, they rent the land their houses stand on from private individuals, mostly indigenous villagers who have now moved away.
Villagers and campaigners believe compensation for the destruction of the site would be to landowners, not to home owners, although the government has said it will make payouts to some residents.
But they say they were not consulted about the project and do not want to give up their communities.
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"My roots are here," said one villager who gave her name as Miss Lam and grew up in Wang Chau.
A water well outside her house was hand-built by her late father.
- 'Swept away like rubbish' -
The government has said relocation is "inevitable" and that it will provide cash or rehousing to eligible residents, without detailing who would qualify.
But villagers blame authorities and local power blocs for hanging them out to dry -- Wang Chau is now peppered with banners decrying corruption and displacement.
The rural areas of Hong Kong are dominated by a political network known as the "kuk", who are represented in the legislature and participate in voting for the city's leader.
Plans for the development of Wang Chau originally targeted a car park and storage facility owned by a rural leader.
But a new scaled back proposal only earmarks villages for destruction, with reports the scheme was changed to avoid confrontation with some "kuk" members.
The government has defended the move, saying it needs more time to consider how to develop the areas now left out of the plan -- which could have yielded 13,000 more flats.
Lawmaker and environment campaigner Eddie Chu argues Hong Kong's land and housing policy reflects "vested interests and organisations".
Chu won the most votes of any candidate in legislative elections last year as the public rallied around the rural redevelopment issue.
He has received death threats since he ran for office and suggests there are links between the government, businesses, the rural elites and criminal "triad" gangs.
Chu says the shadowy system allows developers and rural leaders to wield outsize influence, including over the city's development plans.
Wang Chau villagers have made tearful representations to lawmakers.
"The government only does these backroom negotiations with rural leaders while shutting their ears to the people who actually live here, sweeping us out like rubbish," said one resident, Lo Kuen, speaking in parliament last November.
- 'Don't give up' -
Wang Chau is not the only rural area in the firing line.
Another proposal to develop northeastern stretches of Hong Kong sparked protests which saw demonstrators storm Hong Kong's parliament building.
Those plans would affect 6,000 villagers and include the building of luxury flats.
"Where can we move to when the countryside and farmland have all become government targets for development?" said Becky Au, 31, a farmer who is the third generation of her family to live in the northeastern village of Ma Shi Po.
Wang Chau villager and activist Patrick Cheang, 29, said the government is simply creating a different housing need by displacing rural communities.
As political candidates promise more new homes ahead of a vote for Hong Kong's new leader Sunday, villagers plan further protests to make sure they do not lose their own.
"We don't feel much hope, but don't want to give up so soon either," he said.
Three days after a firebrand Hindu cleric was appointed as chief minister of Indias largest state, eyes were already on the slaughterhouses.
On Saturday, Indias governing party, BJP, appointed Yogi Adityanath, the 44-year-old priest turned politician, to be chief minister of Uttar Pradesh (UP). Adityanath has called for India to be a Hindu nation (according to a recent census, the country is 80 percent Hindu and 14 percent Muslim) and supports the construction of a Hindu temple on the site of a razed 16th-century mosque (which, given that he is now chief minister, may well happen). On Tuesday, just three days after his appointment, it was reported that butchers and meat traders are already concerned about the consequences of Adityanath. Only five slaughterhouses operate in UP legally (slaughtered meat is a point of contention in India, where cows are largely sacred and violence has been carried out against Muslims over suspicion of carrying beef).
Sadanand Dhume, a resident fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, said he wasnt sure whether illegal or all slaughterhouses will be targeted. But either way, its clear that the party is not shying away from a cultural agenda, he said. Irfan Nooruddin of Georgetown University believes the slaughterhouse ban will be put into effect. To be a Christian minority or a Muslim minority is going to be very hard in the state of UP, he told Foreign Policy.
Why would Prime Minister Narendra Modis party, on the heels of its greatest political victory since 2014, which it won largely on Modis political coattails, appoint such a person?
The results of the Uttar Pradesh elections suggested strong consolidation of much of the Hindu vote in the state, Dhume explained, adding, the BJP wants the symbol of that consolidation to be a confrontational figure best known for his animus toward Muslims.
Politics in UP are characterized by three things: personal wealth amassed by corrupt politicians, nepotism within party politics, and disproportionate power of those in the coalition. Because coalitions in power were so narrow, those in it enjoyed tremendous pull, which gave rise to the idea that Muslims had disproportionate political clout, according to Dhume. Further, by choosing a head of a Hindu holy order, BJP is aiming to transcend caste, an idea that Modi put forth during the campaign.
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But so, too, does it signal something else. Since coming to power, Modi has focused on development politics reforms (or promises of reforms) that would develop and strengthen India and its economy.
That doesnt mean Adityanath signals a complete break from BJP politics. I think that this is completely with keeping with the campaign strategy used in UP, and that we should not be surprised, Nooruddin said. However, typically, campaigns aside, Modi and company have put in place more technocratic individuals. The five-time devout MP is not that. And so Adityanaths appointment suggests not that the BJP may be abandoning development politics, but that it will also pursue identity politics.
And that it may be doing so to the detriment of 14 percent of Indias population.
Update, Mar. 21 2017, 3:17 pm ET: This post was updated to include comment from Irfan Nooruddin.
Photo credit: SANJAY KANOJIA/AFP/Getty Images
President Donald Trump is bringing back the National Space Council.
On Tuesday, Vice President Mike Pence announced Trump's plan to re-establish a National Space Council a Bush-era advisory board established to serve as a go-between for the White House and NASA.
SEE ALSO: It's about damn time for NASA astronauts to get health care for life
"In very short order, the president will be taking action to relaunch the National Space Council," Pence said during the signing of a NASA authorization bill.
"...We're going to be bringing together the best and the brightest in NASA and also in the private sector."
This is the first time Trump has mentioned space and NASA in any substantial way since his election.
While he has offhandedly mentioned spaceflight in a few of his speeches and his budget blueprint does outline some of NASA's future the establishment of the space council is the first real news about NASA's future to come out of the administration since Trump moved into the White House in January.
However, this move shouldn't exactly come as a shock.
Trump's campaign plugged the idea of re-establishing the council before the election, and multiple Republican presidents have used this kind of advisory board to their advantage in the past.
It's not yet clear exactly when the council will be established, but Pence will head it up, as other vice presidents have done before him.
Trump holding up an astronaut flight jacket presented to him after the signing.
Image: NASA/Bill Ingalls
It is clear that Trump sees NASA as something of a jobs program, and during the campaign he lamented the loss of NASA jobs in Florida's space coast after the shutdown of the space shuttle program.
"It's a lot of jobs, and these are great jobs," Trump said before signing the bill.
Trump also praised some of the high points of the bill, including the health care provision that allows NASA to set up a framework to treat former astronauts for medical issues sustained as a result of spaceflight.
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He also reaffirmed the country's commitment to building the huge Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft which he mistakenly pronounced "Oor-ian" to send NASA deeper into the solar system than ever before.
"We have elected a builder for president and as he said, America once again is to start building and leading to the stars," Pence said.
Trump also joked about fixing our highways on Earth during the signing, echoing a controversial statement he made during the campaign about the need to fix potholes on this planet before thinking about space travel.
What Were Following
Confirm and Deny: During a congressional hearing today, James Comey publicly confirmed that the FBI since late July has been investigating links between the Trump campaign and Russias election interference. Comey also said the bureau had no information to support Trumps baseless claim that he was surveilled by Obamabut in a press briefing later today, Sean Spicer continued to defend his boss, who repeated yesterday that hed been wiretapped.
Judges Testimony: Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch started his Senate confirmation hearings todaysomething his predecessor Merrick Garland never got the chance to do, since Republicans refused to consider him. Gorsuch is facing much less of a fight from Democrats, to the dismay of some advocacy groupsbut the lawmakers lukewarm opposition might reflect that their voting base isnt too worried about Gorsuch joining the court. So what are the views of the would-be justice? His record on antitrust law suggests he wont favor big business as much as his critics fear, but when it comes to religious freedom, his interpretation might favor the powerful.
Recommended: Trump's Warning to Republicans on Obamacare
Meanwhile, Back in the Executive Branch: Trumps approval ratings continue to slip: Only 37 percent of Americans say they like what hes doing, while 57 percent say they dontand the numbers suggest some of his voters have lost faith. The president has tried to follow through with his campaign promise of making America stronger with a budget proposal thats heavy on military spendingan investment that wont necessarily translate into more winning overseas. But the message that arguably won him the election was his anti-immigration rhetorica platform that has a key architect in none other than Kellyanne Conway.
Snapshot
A rescue worker carries a child to safety over a flooded area in Perus Huachipa district on March 17, 2017. After heavy rains, Peru is experiencing its worst flash flooding in decades. More photos here. (Cris Bouroncle / AFP / Getty)
Who Were Talking To
Paul Hill, an education professor, explains why some rural school districts are opting for a four-day week, and why that might not be a good thing for kids.
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Recommended: How Aristotle Created the Computer
Tom Shapiro, a professor of law and sociology, discusses why black families are struggling to close Americas racial wealth gap.
Jenny Hall, an intelligence official, shares what it was like to come out as transgender at the CIA.
Evening Read
Chris Dixon on the origins of computer science:
The history of computers is often told as a history of objects, from the abacus to the Babbage engine up through the code-breaking machines of World War II. In fact, it is better understood as a history of ideas, mainly ideas that emerged from mathematical logic, an obscure and cult-like discipline that first developed in the 19th century. Mathematical logic was pioneered by philosopher-mathematicians, most notably George Boole and Gottlob Frege, who were themselves inspired by Leibnizs dream of a universal concept language, and the ancient logical system of Aristotle.
Keep reading here, as Dixon explains how Aristotles ideas led to the creation of the computer.
What Do You Know?
1. The UNs annual report on global well-being has determined that the worlds happiest country is ____________.
Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.
2. In a recent survey, ____________ percent of workers said that participating in an office March Madness pool made them look forward to going to work more.
Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.
3. Approximately ____________ percent of American kids get health-insurance coverage through Medicaid or the Childrens Health Insurance Program.
Recommended: Can the Country Survive Without a Strong Middle Class?
Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.
Look Back
The first edition of Uncle Toms Cabin was published on this day in 1852, after being serialized in an abolitionist newspaper. In our October 1867 issue, James Parton described the novels impact:
Others talked about slavery; [Harriet Beecher Stowe] made us see it. She showed it to us in its fairest and in its foulest aspect; she revealed its average and ordinary working. There never was a fairer nor a kinder book than Uncle Toms Cabin; for the entire odium of the revelation fell upon the Thing, not upon the unhappy mortals who were born and reared under its shadow. ... The effect of the book was to concentrate wrath upon the system which tortured the slaves body and damned the masters soul. Wonderful magic of genius! The hovels and cotton-fields which this authoress scarcely saw she made all the world see, and see more vividly and more truly than the busy world can ever see remote objects with its own eyes. We are very dull and stupid in what does not immediately concern us, until we are roused and enlightened by such as she.
Read more here on Stowes novel and the international copyright dispute that prompted Partons piece. And go here for how a much uglier side of Uncle Toms legacy persists in pop culture today.
America by Air
Winston Ellis is in the pilots seat:
In this photo I am coming in to land at a remote grass strip called Hollow Top near the Craters of the Moon National Monument in southern Idaho. This area is desert and is surrounded by lava flows as recent as 2000 years ago.
For images of that igneous landscape, watch here. On the other side of the state, Winston snapped a scenic view of Redfish Lakeformed by a series of moraines created by a long gone-glacier, coming down from the Sawtooth Mountains:
Reader Response
Liza Mundythe author of our latest cover story, Why Is Silicon Valley So Awful to Women?joined the TAD group today for a Q&A. One reader wrote:
You mentioned a lot of different methods being used to try to provide a less discriminatory, less hostile workplace: resume filtering without gender listed, unconscious bias training, hiring quotas, warm line avenues to report conflict, etc. Was there anything that stood out to you personally as having enormous potential to make a difference in the field when implemented on a large scale?
Mundy answered:
I continue to think money is a great inducement, in terms of across-the-board bonuses for a workplace that meets diversity-hiring goals. In my experience, a fundamental problem with many diversity efforts is that they inadvertently create this us-versus-them situation in which existing employees, usually white men, feel they are under assault and attack from people who, as they see it, are coming in and taking jobs unfairly. And this generates conversations around lowering the bar, etc. etc., and so much grumbling and resentment and pushback. But when everybody benefits monetarily, then the diversity effort feels more win-win.
Another reader:
One of the things that I have found really fascinating is about how coding and high-level math were womens work in the pink-collar arena for a very long time. Why do you think there is such a dearth of recognition that there were computer girls long before there were computer geeks?
Mundy replied, Because people dont study history, especially in such a future-oriented sector. Shes currently writing a history book herself: Code Girls: The Untold Story of the American Women Code Breakers Who Helped Win World War II. For a short animated history of womens influence in the early tech industry, watch here.
Verbs
Parrots play, scammers repent, Drake drops a playlist, cutbacksll cost ya.
The Atlantic Daily is written by Rosa Inocencio Smith. To contact us, email hello@theatlantic.com.
Read more from The Atlantic:
This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Alexander Cornwell
DUBAI (Reuters) - New U.S.restrictions on passengers carrying electronics on some flights to the United States will be in place initially for nearly seven months before it is reviewed.
An Emirates spokeswoman said on Tuesday the airline understood that "the directive comes into effect on 25 March 2017 and is valid until 14 October 2017."
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokeswoman termed that date "a placeholder for review" of the rule.
The United States will this week restrict passengers travelling from Middle East airports in eight countries from carrying electronic devices larger than a mobile phone on board.
Passengers will instead have to stow larger devices such as tablets and laptops with their checked baggage.
The rule has been imposed because of unspecified security threats.
Earlier, DHS said the procedures would "remain in place until the threat changes" and did not rule out expanding to other airports if circumstances changed.
The restrictions apply to airlines flying direct to the United States from airports in Muslim-majority countries Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco and Qatar.
The airports affected are in Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Morocco; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines also said Tuesday they were subject to the ban. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Royal Jordanian said Monday they were applying the restrictions.
Other Middle East carriers Royal Air Maroc and Kuwait Airways are also expected to be impacted.
The restrictions will not affect any U.S. airline as they do not fly to the ten airports.
(Additional reporting by Victoria Bryan in London, David Shepardson in Washington; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
Meet Emma Watson, a typecast but blessed Hollywood bookworm. Watson recently spoke to the Irish Independent about the legacy of portraying both Hermione Granger and Beauty and the Beast's Belle, both of whom defy the expectations of their peers and seek grand adventure and knowledge.
"I've always said, stuff the engagement ring! Just build me a really big library," said Emma/Hermione/Belle.
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"I just feel really lucky," Watson said in the interview. "For me, Belle was my childhood heroine; [the film] came out two days after I was born. And then, in my early teens, it was about idolizing Hermione. So to be given the chance to play my two childhood idols is probably a very unique and rare experience for an actress."
In the same interview, Watson described Belle as "fearlessly independent-minded, defiant" and a "heroine who went against the crowd." She might as well be describing Hermione Granger, another heroine who's "incredibly curious and learned and does things her own way."
"I think I came out of this with more confidence, with more skills," she added. "And more belief in myself. Because when I came off Potter and decided to go to university, that wasn't a career decision the people I worked with were pleased about. But I kind of I try to stay true to whatever whisper I'm getting from myself and I hope that will see me through. That's all I can do really. Otherwise, if I don't listen to myself, I'd feel a bit lost in it all."
As a UN ambassador, vocal feminist and founder of her own book club, Watson herself is a personification of the character traits she so admires and loves to play on screen.
There are currently no emoji for people who don't identify as male or female but that could change very soon.
Unicode's draft emoji list for new emoji releases contains three gender inclusive emoji, which if approved in their current state could come to most phones by the end of the year.
SEE ALSO: These are the online dating emoji your love life desperately needs
The proposed emoji depict a child, adult and an older person with "gender inclusive visual attributes." According to the proposal, the emoji are "open to interpretation in terms of gender without implying masculine or feminine gender explicitly."
Image: emojipedia
The proposal was put to the Unicode Consortium by Paul D. Hunt, a typeface designer and font developer at Adobe who's also a member of the consortium's emoji subcommittee. His proposal made it to Unicode's "Emoji Version 5.0" list the draft list of new emojis planned for release in mid-2017.
"I proposed the addition of the gender inclusive emoji characters in order to provide better representation for people who want to express themselves in emoji as exactly that: just people," wrote Hunt in a blog post.
"Not everyone identifies as male or female. Some of us identify as a bit of both, or neither, or something else altogether. Regardless of your gender identity, I hope we can all find adequate ways to express ourselves in emoji," Hunt said.
Emoji haven't always been gendered, however. In fact, due to the low resolution displays of mobile phones in the early 2000s, the earliest emoji were actually pretty abstract and gender information was vague and "open to interpretation by the user."
According to Hunt, it was only when Apple introduced the iPhone in 2007 that designers took the opportunity to use the screens' fine resolution to include more visual information in their imagery.
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"One aspect of this added detail was to give explicit gender to many emoji characters that were previously agender or ambiguously gendered in other emoji sets," says Hunt.
So, Apple's police officer and construction worker became men and characters having haircuts and massages became women.
Google sought to bring gender equality to emoji keyboards by advocating two gender options male and female for all emoji that appear as human. But Google conceded that these binary emoji options didn't go far enough.
Jeremy Burge, founder of Emojipedia, wants to see more emoji choices so people feel represented. "While its not possible to include an emoji for every human appearance, Im in favour of seeing more people have choices that represent them!" says Burge.
Hunt hopes to continue adding more gender options in order to "celebrate our unity and our diversity." He says the addition of three gender inclusive people emoji is just a first step. And, it's certainly a big step in the right direction.
An endangered sea turtle that swallowed nearly 1,000 coins died Tuesday morning despite doctors thinking that removing the change from her stomach would save her life.
Read: Endangered Sea Turtle Swallows 915 Coins After Tourists Tossed Spare Change in Pond for Good Luck
Piggy Bank, a 25-year-old sea turtle in Thailand, was given her name after she swallowed more than 11 pounds of coins that tourists had tossed into her tank for good luck and longevity, the Associated Press reported.
It was apparent Piggy Bank was ill in her tank in the southern city of Si Racha when a member of the Navy noticed she was floating motionless in the water. A 3D scan later showed 915 coins in her stomach.
A team of surgeons from Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok operated two weeks ago and were able to remove the spare change from her stomach. Even though they originally believed she was well on her way to recovery, later check ups showed she was suffering from nickel poisoning from the coins, which damaged her immune system, and an intestinal blockage that affected her protein intake.
Read: Did Drunken Vandals Kill One of the World's Rarest Fish?
Doctors performed a second surgery Tuesday morning, but the turtle never woke up from general anesthesia after the procedure.
She at least had the chance to swim freely and eat happily before she passed," Dr. Nantarika Chansue, who led the team of surgeons, told the Associated Press.
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On March 21, 1617, a 21-year-old woman from Virginias Pamunkey tribe died at Gravesend, England. She went by many namesMatoaka, Amonute, and, at her passing, Rebeccabut shes best remembered today as Pocahontas. Her death was unexpected: Pocahontas had arrived in England the previous June and spent months touring the country, celebrated by the press as an Indian princess. Pocahontass tale of trans-Atlantic travel, her marriage to the Englishman John Rolfe, and her alleged conversion to Christianity became part of a compelling cultural narrative that helped promote white colonial interests, especially in the Virginia Company.
Despite the brevity of her life and the mystery surrounding the cause of her death, Pocahontas remains one of the most recognizable Native icons in American culture today. Hollywood movies have portrayed her as royaltyor as Smith referred to her in his 1616 letter to Queen Anne, Lady Pocahontaswhose dramatic act of self-sacrifice saved the lives of Smith and the settlers at Virginias Jamestown colony. This story of romantic heroismthe stuff of legendhas defined Pocahontass image for centuries. Crucially, these early 17th-century descriptions of the young Pamunkey woman established a cultural template for European and white American representations of Native Americans. Whether Pocahontas, or Lewis and Clarks faithful guide Sacagawea, or the quintessential sidekick Tonto, indigenous people have appeared in a variety of cultural productions as mere props in the larger drama of colonialism in North America.
Today, Native portrayals in Hollywood continue to be mediated largely by non-Native writers and filmmakers to widely varying effect, in shows such as Fargo, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, and Longmire and in films like The Revenant, The Ridiculous Six, and The Lone Ranger. But things have begun to change. Over the past generation, Native American creators have found ways to tell their own stories, often by going the independent-cinema route and organizing their own film festivals, including the upcoming Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival in November. And as the festivals title indicates, almost any Native effort to reclaim the cultural image of Americas indigenous peoples must grapple with the 400-year-old legacy of the stubborn Pocahontas myth.
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Many Americans would likely claim familiarity with the life of Pocahontas, despite the absence of evidence to back up some of the more popular details of her tale. For starters, its not clear that Pocahontas ever met Smith, much less saved his life. During the 17th century, Pocahontas was a common name among the Pamunkey, the largest and most powerful community in the once-mighty Powhatan chiefdom. Smith himself didnt mention Pocahontas in his initial accounts of the Powhatan Indians. Not until Pocahontass tour of England did Smith begin romanticizing his encounter with her, which he later elaborated on in his 1624 book, The Generall Historie of Virginia. In this book, Smith, whose credibility has been debated by historians almost from the start, planted the seed of a legend that continues to thrive.
Pocahontas saving the life of Captain John Smith by the New England Chromo. Lith. Co. circa 1870. Library of Congress.
Pocahontas at the court of King James by the artist Richard Rummels. 1907. Library of Congress
While Pocahontas did marry the Virginia colonist Rolfe and gave birth to a son, Thomas, theres no archival evidence that she ever converted to Christianity or was baptized. If Pocahontas did express an interest in Christian values, those expressions were more likely examples of her acting as a diplomat for her people and trying to bind the English to trade networks dominated by the Powhatancontrary to the pure enlightenment narrative peddled by the British press at the time.
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Pocahontass diplomatic engagement with the English came at a time of widespread mistrust and violence in Anglo-Indian relations, something Pocahontas experienced firsthand when the English abducted her in 1613. For the early English settlers, too, the Jamestown colony was a site of privation and extraordinary brutality. The English needed all the help they could get if the colony hoped to not only survive but also to grow its population and financial investments. And so for the Virginia Company, a joint-venture company that founded Jamestown, Pocahontas became the perfect marketing tool.
Her tale became so compelling, in fact, that for a short time in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Pocahontass Pamunkey descendants used her legend as a means of asserting their Native identity. The Pamunkey Players acting troupe, for example, recreated the story of Pocahontas saving John Smith at the 1907 Jamestown Exposition. In 1928, Pamunkey Chief George M. Cook spoke wistfully about Smith being rescued by little Snow Feather, better known as Pocahontas. But by the latter half of the 20th century, the tribe recognized that it had unreflectively embraced a historical narrative popularized by colonizers. As Robert Gray, the tribes current chief, recently told me, the Pamunkey eventually acknowledged that theyd gone too far in perpetuating the Pocahontas myth and finally put it back in the attic.
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Less interested in dispensing with the myth were American film studios, which embraced Pocahontas starting in the earliest days of Hollywood. During the silent era, movies such as Pocahontas (1910) and Pocahontas and John Smith (1924) featured the Indian princess saving and falling in love with the first Englishman she met. Such films portrayed the English settlers in a heroic light while using white actors in red face to represent Native characters, similar to how white performers wore blackface and yellowface to play African American and Asian roles.
During the Cold War, much of the Western genre and adventure films like Captain John Smith and Pocahontas (1953) reinforced images of Native American simplicity and savagery. But few movies in more recent decades have done as much to perpetuate Native American stereotypes than Disneys animated Pocahontas (1995). Like its sequel Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998), Pocahontas is a glib rewriting of a much more complicated reality, notably transforming a child who would have been between 9 and 12 years of age into a Barbie-like object of sexual desire. Its a fantastical tale in which Pocahontas sings and talks with the flora and fauna and falls more deeply in love with Smith before saving him from death at the hands of Powhatan warriors. A similar narrative (minus the singing and animal sidekicks) drives Terrence Malicks acclaimed 2005 film, The New World, suggesting such revisionism still has a place in Hollywood in this century.
A still from Disneys 1995 animated film Pocahontas. Disney
With so few well-known, realistic images of Native people available today, Pocahontas remains stuck as a symbolwhether as an agent of peace or an object of mockery. President Donald Trump, for example, has continued to refer to Senator Elizabeth Warren as Pocahontas in reference to her claims of Cherokee ancestry, with some Native American groups noting his slur-like usage of the name. As the historian Kathleen DuVal told me, the Pocahontas myth has been used by Americans to justify English (and later U.S.) conquest of Virginia and North America. The consequences of that conquest remain evident today, most recently in the thwarted tribal efforts to halt the completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline through sacred land in the Standing Rock Indian Reservation. Reflecting on the shadow of colonialism in the lives of Native Americans, the Cheyenne and Arapaho filmmaker Chris Eyre told me, Pocahontas is alive at Standing Rock.
Given that fewer than 1 percent of Hollywood films feature Native charactersto say nothing of behind-the-camera hiringits no surprise that the singular image of Pocahontas both dominates and endures. Artists like Eyre, whos among the organizers of the Pocahontas Reframed Film Festival, have been working to fix this vacuum of meaningful Native portrayals in American culture. Another festival organizer, the Cree actor and filmmaker Georgina Lightning, told me she saw virtually no indigenous role models in movies or on TV during her childhood, with Natives so often shown in leather and feathers. Her 2008 film Older Than America, which tackled the legacy of boarding schools in Native communities, joins other powerful examples of indigenous storytellingincluding 2001s critically and commercially successful epic drama Atanarjuat: The Fast Runner and the Cree filmmaker Neil Diamonds 2009 documentary Reel Injun.
In the face of Hollywood inaction, festivals like Pocahontas Reframed can do a lot to combat the relative invisibility of indigenous peoples. Joining older efforts such as San Franciscos American Indian Film Festival, Pocahontas Reframed will show Native short and feature-length projects, as well as documentaries; fittingly, it will take place in Richmond, Virginia, near Pocahontass birthplace. As the Pamunkey tribes chief Gray told me, the event is a singular opportunity for Native filmmakers to tell our own story to the world. Eyre, whose films such as Smoke Signals (1998) and Skins (2002) have used all-Native casts and crews, also said he hopes the works screened at Pocahontas Reframed will help weaken Hollywoods current monopoly on Native American representation. For her part, Lightning said she wants the festival to ultimately become the Oscars of Indian Country.
Pocahontas, meanwhile, is being celebratedand rememberedmuch differently across the Atlantic in the English town where she was laid to rest. Throughout 2017, Gravesend is hosting a series of events that frames her story in a Disney-esque, romantic light. Pocahontas was a remarkable young woman, who set out, on a small craft, across storm-tossed seas to promote how despite differences, we can live, function, and adapt for that cause of peace through unity, said Jordan Meade, a councilor in the borough of Gravesham. Native American media have criticized the commemoration for continuing to promote historical inaccuracies. That such a stark divide continues to exist after 400 years suggests theres still work to be done before Pocahontas can be the most famous figure in Native American history without also being the most misunderstood.
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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Ankara (AFP) - Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Tuesday that voting 'yes' in next month's referendum on expanding his powers was the best response to what he called a "fascist and cruel" Europe.
"This Europe, like before World War II, is a racist, fascist, cruel Europe... An anti-Islam and anti-Turkish Europe," Erdogan told a rally in Ankara in his latest onslaught against the European Union.
"Give such a response, that those watching us on the screen, those watching us abroad, our citizens, all of Europe, all of the world can hear this," he told cheering crowds.
The president was speaking ahead of an April 16 vote on whether to approve constitutional changes that will abolish the post of prime minister and could see him stay in power until 2029.
The Turkish government argues the changes are necessary for stability but critics fear it will lead to one-man rule.
Relations have strained between Europe and Turkey -- especially with Netherlands and Germany -- after Turkish ministers were blocked from speaking with citizens during large gatherings for a 'yes' vote.
Ankara repeatedly accused Berlin and The Hague of using "Nazi measures", deeply angering Europe.
On Monday, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus defended the jibes, saying the comments were to ensure Europe "does not fall into the trap of fascism".
Erdogan showed no sign of let-up in his criticism of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, whom he has accused of "supporting terrorists" and of using "Nazi measures".
The president hit out at Merkel's calls for dual Turkish-German national Deniz Yucel, the Turkey correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt, to be freed.
Yucel was jailed last month and is awaiting trial on terror charges.
Erdogan, who accused Yucel of being a "terror agent" and taking refuge with German consular officials for a month, said Merkel had asked for him to be allowed to leave Turkey during her February visit.
"Our judiciary is independent, the decision will be given by the judiciary," Erdogan said he told the German leader.
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The crisis is jeopardising Ankara's decades-long bid to join the bloc.
But Erdogan swatted away such fears, saying the membership process and the 2016 EU-Turkey deal on stopping the flow of migrants into Europe could not be used against Turkey.
"The European Union process, the readmission agreement, this and that, from now on, you can't threaten us with these anymore."
Rome (AFP) - The European Union's six founding members formally approved the Treaty of Rome by signing a string of blank pages at the 1957 ceremony that gave birth to the bloc.
The remarkable footnote to proceedings on what was a landmark day in European history was recalled by veteran British correspondent David Willey in an interview with AFPTV, ahead of Saturday's 60th anniversary of the treaty.
Willey, at the time a 24-year-old rookie reporter, was sent by the Reuters news agency to cover an event in which the British press had little interest.
"I was a junior in the office... they didn't consider it an important story," remembers the now-retired Willey, who went on to be the Rome and Vatican correspondent for the BBC for 35 years.
The treaty that created what was then called the European Economic Community (EEC) was signed on March 25, 1957, by Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and West Germany.
Britain, which had nothing to do with this treaty nor the accord signed the same day to create the European Atomic Energy Community, had little to say on the matter.
"The Times gave one third of a column on page eight," Willey said.
But perhaps the British press was right not to pay too much attention to the signing of what turned out to be empty pages.
- Treaty thrown in bin -
"We found afterwards that the Treaty of Rome, the actual document, had blank pages because the treaty was put together very quickly and the Italians were not very organised, so the actual document they had to fill in afterwards," Willey said.
Albert Breuer, one of the organisers of the signing ceremony, says the same in comments on the EU website: "All we could print in time were the first and last pages of the two thick volumes. Between them, there was nothing but empty pages."
He says the blame lay not with the Italian printers but with the Swiss authorities, who delayed the train that was bringing the documents to Rome, and with the cleaners at the Rome building where the experts were working, who mistook the draft volumes for rubbish and threw them out.
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The treaty was signed in the Horatii and Curiatii hall of the Palazzo dei Conservatori, one of the Renaissance palaces that line the Michelangelo-designed Capitoline Square.
And Willey, 84, can still recall the scene 60 years ago with diplomats sitting under majestic frescoes depicting the epic battle between two sets of triplet warriors.
"Everyone was dressed rather formally, in black suits. There was a lot of speech-making," he said, chuckling at how in those days there was "very little security, very little bureaucracy."
"I just came along and I saw the signing."
Brussels (AFP) - European Union leaders gather in Rome this week to proclaim their "common future" on the bloc's 60th birthday, despite a wave of crises including Britain's looming exit from the bloc.
The 27 leaders will use Saturday's anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome on March 25, 1957, to hail the peace and prosperity they say the project has brought Europe in the aftermath of World War II.
But the ghost at the banquet will be British Prime Minister Theresa May, who instead of joining the party in the splendour of a 16th-century palazzo will be in London preparing to trigger the Brexit divorce just four days later.
From migration and terrorism to populism and the eurozone debt crisis, Brexit is one of a host of existential challenges clouding the birthday celebrations of a union formed to rebuild Europe from the ashes of war.
Perhaps seeking divine inspiration to help with their troubles, the EU leaders will have a special audience with Pope Francis at the Vatican on Friday afternoon.
On Saturday they will gather for a ceremonial meeting in the Hall of the Horatii and Curiatii, in the Palazzo dei Conservatori on the Capitoline Square, the same place where the Treaty of Rome was originally signed.
They will issue a declaration that "Europe is our common future" in a rapidly changing world and set out a roadmap for the next 10 years, before posing for a "family photo".
- 'Challenges for the union' -
But in a sign of the underlying tensions in today's union, there are still last-minute rows over how far the declaration will go in suggesting that EU states can have "different paces and intensity" of cooperation.
EU President Donald Tusk said in his summit invitation letter that Rome would be an "opportunity to celebrate our history together and take stock of sixty years of integration."
He warned of the challenges ahead in a changing geopolitical situation, including an uncertain ally in US President Donald Trump, an aggressive Russia and increasing protectionism.
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Crucial elections this year in France -- where far-right leader Marine Le Pen has been showing strongly in polls -- and Germany are adding to the general sense that Europe is at a turning point.
"It is no secret that the historical moment we are facing requires deeper and more solid reflection on the challenges for the union," Tusk, a former Polish premier, said.
Sixty years ago it was just six countries -- Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, The Netherlands and West Germany -- that joined to form the European Economic Community.
Now called the European Union, it has since expanded to become a political and economic bloc that covers 28 countries with 508 million people, together representing the world's largest economy.
But cracks have appeared in recent years, with its rapid expansion into the former Soviet-dominated east and the problems of managing the single euro currency.
The rise of nationalist and populist parties poses a particular threat to the EU's dream of itself, particularly in Poland, Tusk's homeland.
- 'Advance without excluding' -
The run-up to Rome was marred by a nasty spat between Brussels and the rightwing government in Warsaw, which was furious when EU leaders overrode their objections to give Tusk a new term as president until 2019.
Poland has now warned that it will not accept a "multi-speed" Europe that would leave some countries behind while the Franco-German "engine" of Europe powers ahead.
But Berlin and Paris want to be allowed to cooperate more closely on matters such as defence and the economy, if the EU is to move on from the trauma of Britain's June 2016 vote to become the first country to leave the union.
"In reality, those who fear this multi-speed Europe are afraid of being relegated to the second division," Charles de Marcilly, of the Schuman Foundation think-tank in Brussels, told AFP.
"It will be a difficult balance to advance without excluding and to progress without stigmatising."
For her part, May "sends her very best wishes" to her EU colleagues, the British premier's spokesman said, adding: "The EU 27 are moving in one direction, the British public voted to go in another direction."
Google now has a full-scale advertiser revolt on its hands.
A host of British brands and governmental groups pulled their business from the search giant's platform last week after reports showed that ads were surfacing on YouTube videos from terrorists and hate-mongers.
Several more joined in over the weekend, including three of the UK's largest banks HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland, and Lloyds and British department store Marks & Spencer.
SEE ALSO: Google swears ads will stop showing up in the absolute worst places
The crisis was enough to prompt ad industry analyst Brian Wieser to downgrade parent company Alphabet's stock from "buy" to "hold" on Monday.
He warned that the backlash has the potential to spill out from the UK to the rest of the world.
"We think that the problems which have come to light will have global repercussions as UK marketers potentially adapt their UK policies to other markets and as marketers around the world become more aware of the problem," Wieser wrote in a research note from his firm, Pivotal Research.
As of Monday afternoon, Alphabet stock was only down around a half a percent after trading at an all-time-high price in recent days.
The Royal Bank of Scotland isn't too keen on advertising on offensive videos.
Image: AP/REX/Shutterstock
The ads in question were first uncovered through a series of investigations by The Times of London and The Guardian in recent weeks. The papers found that Google's automated systems were placing ads for major brands on videos of former KKK leader David Duke, Islamic State sympathizers and a homophobic preacher who praised the Orlando nightclub shooting, among other controversial content.
It's unclear whether these mistakes are more common in the UK, or that's simply where they're getting press attention at the moment.
But Google's head of European operations, Matt Brittin, also conceded the global scope of the issue during a public apology at the Advertising Week Europe conference on Monday, according to AdAge's report.
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"This is a good opportunity for me to say sorry, this should not have happened, and we need to do better," Britten said.
Google offered another mea culpa in a blog post last Friday after the British government called a hearing with the company to determine why taxpayer-funded ads were found in such disturbing places.
Neither of the apologies offered much in the way of concrete fixes, beyond a vague promise to figure one out in the coming weeks.
Wieser cited the lack of clear direction as one of the reasons for the downgrade.
"The approach comes across to us as attempting to minimize the problem rather than eliminating it, which is the standard we think that many large brand advertisers expect," he wrote.
You can probably expect to see more hat-in-hand statements from Google this week as its execs face crowds of wary ad professionals at one of the industry's biggest conferences in London.
Google and Facebook currently have duopoly control over the online ads market. Some leading industry figures have recognized that collective force among big brands is the only way to counterbalance that power.
Leading the charge is Marc Pritchard, chief marketing officer at the world's biggest advertiser, Procter & Gamble, who's been outspoken in his criticism of the digital ads model.
"The days of giving digital a pass are over," Pritchard said in a call to arms at an Association of National Advertisers meeting in January. "It's time to grow up. It's time for action."
The boycott in the UK seems to be one of the first instances of advertisers actually following through with that sentiment.
With other long-simmering tensions between marketers and digital platforms now reaching a head including rampant ad fraud, transparency in how ads are sold, and measurement concerns it may be only the beginning.
WATCH: Is ad blocking wrong?
A former guerrilla fighter has won East Timor's presidential election in just one round, an early count indicated Tuesday, in a sign of growing stability for Asia's youngest nation.
With most ballots counted, Francisco Guterres -- known by his nom de guerre "Lu Olo" -- had received over 57 percent of votes cast in Monday's poll, according to election officials.
That is comfortably above the 50 percent plus one vote needed to avoid a run-off and clinch the largely ceremonial post.
"This is what I was expecting, which is Lu Olo won in the first round and that there won't be a run-off," said Mari Alkatiri, secretary-general of the Fretilin party which is led by Guterres.
Guterres's closest rival, Education Minister Antonio de Conceicao, was on 32 percent in a crowded field of eight candidates, said Acilino Manuel Branco, head of the body overseeing the logistics of the election process.
If final results confirm his victory, Guterres will be sworn in as president in May at a challenging time for the tiny half-island nation 15 years after it gained independence following Indonesia's brutal occupation.
Key oil reserves are running dry and the government is struggling to resolve a long-running row with Australia over lucrative energy fields.
It will be the first time since 2002 that a presidential election in the country has been decided in just one round, if the final results due in several days confirm Guterres has won.
As well as Fretilin, the country's second-biggest party, the ex-combatant had the key backing of independence hero Xanana Gusmao and his CNRT, the largest party in East Timor.
Analysts said the unified candidacy and Guterres's strong first-round showing boosted stability for a country repeatedly rocked by outbreaks of violence in its short history.
"A strong vote in favour of a candidate is positive," Damien Kingsbury, an East Timor expert from Australia's Deakin University who was in the country as an election observer, told AFP.
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The vote -- the first presidential election since the departure of United Nations peacekeepers in 2012 -- ran smoothly and there were reports of only low-level and sporadic unrest in the run-up.
While the presidency is largely ceremonial, it can have a key role in keeping the peace between feuding politicians.
Guterres is from a humble family and like many members of East Timor's political class took part in the bloody struggle against Indonesian occupation.
The vote sets the stage for more important parliamentary elections later in the year that will decide the government and the prime minister.
Indonesia moved into East Timor in 1975 after colonial master Portugal withdrew. During the occupation, around 183,000 people died from fighting, starvation or disease.
By Stephanie Nebehay GENEVA (Reuters) - North Korea has nothing to fear from any U.S. move to broaden sanctions aimed at cutting it off from the global financial system and will pursue "acceleration" of its nuclear and missile programs, a North Korean envoy told Reuters on Tuesday. This includes developing a "pre-emptive first strike capability" and an inter-continental ballistic missile (ICBM), said Choe Myong Nam, deputy ambassador at the North Korean mission to the United Nations in Geneva. Reuters, quoting a senior U.S. official in Washington, reported on Monday that the Trump administration is considering sweeping sanctions as part of a broad review of measures to counter North Korea's nuclear and missile threat. (For Monday's story, click http://reut.rs/2n9HZ5a) "I think this is stemming from the visit by the Secretary of State (Rex Tillerson) to Japan, South Korea and China...We of course are not afraid of any act like that," Choe told Reuters. "Even prohibition of the international transactions system, the global financial system, this kind of thing is part of their system that will not frighten us or make any difference." He called existing sanctions "heinous and inhumane". North Korea has been under sanctions for "half a century" but the communist state survives by placing an emphasis on juche or "self-sufficiency", he said. His country wants a forum set up to examine the "legality and legitimacy of the sanctions regime". He denounced joint annual military exercises currently being carried out by the United States and South Korea on the divided peninsula and criticized remarks by Tillerson during his talks with regional allies last week. "All he was talking about is for the United States to take military actions on DPRK," Choe said, using the acronym for the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. North Korea rejects claims by Washington and Seoul that the military drills are defensive. They involve strategic nuclear bombers and a nuclear submarine, Columbus, that recently entered South Korean ports, he said. "In the light of such huge military forces involved in the joint military exercises, we have no other choice but to continue with our full acceleration of the nuclear programs and missile programs. It is because of these hostile activities on the part of the United States and South Korea." PRE-EMPTIVE STRIKE CAPABILITY "We strengthen our national defense capability as well as pre-emptive strike capabilities with nuclear forces as a centerpiece," Choe said. Asked to comment on Choe's remarks, a U.S. State Department spokeswoman, Anna Richey-Allen, called on North Korea "to refrain from provocative actions and inflammatory rhetoric...and to make the strategic choice to fulfill its international obligations and commitments and return to serious talks. Choe declined to give technical details of North Korea's latest rocket engine test on Sunday - seen as a possible prelude to a partial ICBM flight - calling it a great historical event that would lead to "fruitful outcomes". "I can tell you for sure that the inter-continental ballistic rockets of the DPRK will be launched at any time and at any place as decided by our Supreme Leadership," Choe said, recalling leader Kim Jong Un's pledge in a New Year's address. Analysts say North Korea has likely mastered the technology to power the different stages of an ICBM and may show it off soon, but is likely still a long way from being able to hit the mainland United States. "The United States has been talking about launching pre-emptive strikes at North Korea," Choe said. "And we have been prepared to deter, to counter-attack such attacks on the part of the United States. "We would utilize every possible means in our hands and the inter-continental ballistic rocket is one of them." (Reporting by Stephanie Nebehay; additional reporting by David Brunnstrom in Washington; editing by Ralph Boulton and Jonathan Oatis)
By Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Trump administration is considering sweeping sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system as part of a broad review of measures to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threat, a senior U.S. official said on Monday. The sanctions would be part of a multi-pronged approach of increased economic and diplomatic pressure especially on Chinese banks and firms that do the most business with North Korea plus beefed-up defenses by the United States and its South Korean and Japanese allies, according to the administration official familiar with the deliberations. While the long-standing option of pre-emptive military strikes against North Korea is not off the table as reflected by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's warning to Pyongyang during his Asia tour last week - the new administration is giving priority for now to less-risky options. The policy recommendations being assembled by President Donald Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, are expected to reach the president's desk within weeks, possibly before a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in early April, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. North Korea is expected to top the agenda at that meeting. It is not clear how quickly Trump will decide on a course of action, which could be delayed by the slow pace at which the administration is filling key national security jobs. The White House declined comment. Trump met McMaster on Saturday to discuss North Korea and said afterward that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, was "acting very, very badly." The president spoke hours after North Korea boasted of a successful rocket-engine test, which officials and experts think is part of a program aimed at building an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States. 'SECONDARY SANCTIONS' The administration source said U.S. officials, including Tillerson, had privately warned China about broader "secondary sanctions" that would target banks and other companies that do business with North Korea, most of which are Chinese. The move under consideration would mark an escalation of Trump's pressure on China to do more to contain North Korea. It was not clear how Chinese officials responded to those warnings but Beijing has made clear its strong opposition to such moves. In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the situation on the Korean peninsula was at a crossroads and there were two prospects. One, she said, was that the relevant parties could continue to "escalate toward conflict and potential war". "The other choice is that all sides can cool down and jointly pull the Korean nuclear issue back to a path of political and diplomatic resolution," Hua told a daily news briefing on Tuesday. China would strictly and comprehensively implement its duties under the U.N. Security Council resolutions, which meant implementing sanctions but also making efforts to get back to talks, she added. The objective of the U.S. move being considered would be to tighten the screws in the same way that the widening of sanctions - to encompass foreign firms dealing with Iran - was used to pressure Tehran to open negotiations with the West on its suspected nuclear weapons program. That effort ultimately led to a 2015 deal to restrict Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief. For such measures to have any chance to influence the behavior of North Korea, which is already under heavy sanctions, Washington must secure full international cooperation - especially from China, which has shown little appetite for putting such a squeeze on its neighbor. Analysts also have questioned whether such sanctions would be as effective on North Korea as they were on a major oil producer such as Iran, given the isolated nation's limited links to the world financial system. North Korea has relied heavily on illicit trade done via small Chinese banks. So, to be applied successfully, the new measures would have to threaten to bar those banks from the international financial system. Also under consideration are expanded efforts to seize assets of Kim and his family outside North Korea, the official said. MILITARY OPTIONS The military dimension of the review includes a strengthened U.S. presence in the region and deployment of advanced missile defenses, initially in South Korea and possibly in Japan. The U.S. military has begun to install a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, or THAAD, system in South Korea, despite Chinese opposition. Washington is increasingly concerned, however, that the winner of South Korea's May 9 presidential election might backtrack on the deployment and be less supportive of tougher sanctions. Tillerson warned on Friday that Washington had not ruled out military action if the threat from North Korea becomes unacceptable. For now, U.S. officials consider pre-emptive strikes too risky, given the danger of igniting a regional war and causing massive casualties in Japan and South Korea and among tens of thousands of U.S. troops based in both allied countries. Another U.S. government source said Trump could also opt to escalate cyber attacks and other covert action aimed at undermining North Korea's leadership. "These options are not done as stand-alones," the first U.S. official said. "It's going to be some form of 'all of the above,' probably excluding military action." Trump is known to have little patience for foreign policy details, but officials say he seems to have heeded a warning from his predecessor, Barack Obama, that North Korea would be the most urgent international issue he would face. In his North Korea briefings, Trump has asked repeatedly how many nuclear warheads and missiles Pyongyang has, at the same time as demanding to know how much South Korea and Japan are paying for their own defense, one U.S. official said. (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by John Walcott, and Michael Martina in Beijing; Editing by Kieran Murray, Peter Cooney and Nick Macfie)
By Patricia Zengerle and Warren Strobel WASHINGTON (Reuters) - FBI Director James Comey on Monday confirmed for the first time that the bureau is investigating possible ties between Republican Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russia as Moscow sought to influence the 2016 U.S. election. Comey and Admiral Mike Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, made clear that their investigation of Moscow and November's U.S. elections could last for months. Appearing before a congressional panel, Comey also publicly challenged Trump's claim that former President Barack Obama wiretapped his 2016 campaign headquarters in Manhattan's Trump Tower. The two officials spent 5-1/2 hours before the House of Representatives Intelligence Committee in testimony marked by starkly partisan divides between the panel's majority Republicans and Democrats. Comey refused to back away from his claim that Russian President Vladimir Putin did not simply want Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton to lose the election; he wanted Donald Trump to win. Trump created a controversy in early March when he tweeted without giving evidence that Obama had wiretapped his campaign while the businessman competed against Clinton. "With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets," Comey said. Leon Panetta, a former U.S. defense secretary and CIA director during the Obama administration, said in an interview that Trump should "acknowledge that he made a mistake, apologize to President Obama." The committee is one of several in the U.S. Congress investigating whether Russia tried to influence the election, mostly by hacking Democratic operatives' emails and releasing embarrassing information. Russia denies the allegations. Comey confirmed the FBI has been investigating since July possible Russian efforts to interfere in the election, including any cooperation between Trump's campaign and Moscow. He said that while the Russian government wanted to hurt Clinton's campaign and help Trump's, intelligence agencies made no judgment on whether the efforts influenced the outcome. Comey gave no details of the classified investigation and said the fact that it exists does not mean charges would be filed. U.S. intelligence agencies have concluded that Russia tried to help Trump by hacking leading Democrats. PUTIN'S PREFERENCE "I think that was a fairly easy judgment for the (intelligence) community," he said. "Putin hated Secretary Clinton so much that the flip side of that coin was he had a clear preference for the person running against the person he hated so much." Asked about Comey, White House spokesman Sean Spicer read a series of quotes from officials - some from the Obama administration - who have said they have seen no signs of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia. In a tweet before the hearing, Trump wrote: "The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign." Spicer said he was unaware of any White House official being under investigation by the FBI. Trump has frequently urged better relations with Russia, which has been at odds with the United States over Ukraine and the Syrian civil war. Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the intelligence committee, detailed activities by Trump associates with ties to Russia, including former campaign manager Paul Manafort and Michael Flynn, who was forced out as Trump's national security adviser after talking to the Russian ambassador and then misrepresenting the conversation to Vice President Mike Pence. "Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible," Schiff said. "But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated." NO 'PHYSICAL' WIRETAP Trump's March 4 tweet about wiretapping pulled attention away from the claims of Russian election interference. He issued his tweet two days after Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who met with Russia's U.S. ambassador at least twice last year, said he would recuse himself from any investigation of the matter. The White House has contended in recent days that Trump's claim of wiretapping referred to general surveillance of the campaign. The White House has not provided evidence of surveillance of any kind. "Let me be clear: We know there was not a physical wiretap on Trump Tower. However, it's still possible that other surveillance activities were used against President Trump and his associates," said Representative Devin Nunes, the committee's Republican chairman. Last week, Trump's spokesman cited a media report that British intelligence was behind the surveillance, prompting ridicule in London. Rogers said the allegation had strained relations with London. "I think it clearly frustrates a key ally of ours," Rogers said. Comey warned that Russia would attempt to influence the next U.S. presidential election in 2020 and perhaps congressional elections next year. "They'll be back in 2020. They may be back in 2018. And one of the lessons they may draw from this is that they were successful because they introduced chaos and division and discord and sowed doubt about the nature of this amazing country of ours and our democratic process," he said. Clinton's fellow Democrats feel Comey played an inappropriate role in the 2016 presidential contest by issuing a statement shortly before Election Day reviving an investigation of Clinton's use of a private email server. Then, just two days before the election, Comey announced the FBI was sticking by a decision made months earlier that no criminal charges were warranted. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu and Phil Stewart; Writing by Alistair Bell, Patricia Zengerle and Richard Cowan; Editing by Bill Trott and Cynthia Osterman)
One year ago on Wednesday, I was at Brussels Zaventem airport having breakfast in a departure terminal when it became clear that something was terribly wrong. I didnt hear or feel any blast, but suddenly a panicked restaurant worker shouted at everyone to get out. An evacuation order blared over the speaker system, but no one seemed to know what to do. About an hour later we finally filed out of an emergency exit, well aware from our smartphones that we had been caught up in the worst terrorist attack in Belgiums history.
We stood on the tarmac of a loading bay in the chill of the early spring morning, the elderly huddled under airline blankets, parents comforting crying babies, everyone trying to comprehend what had just happened. A man sat on a curb in a bloodied sweatshirt. We could see the shattered windows of the check-in hall, where 16 people had been killed by suicide attackers Ibrahim El Bakraoui and Najim Laachraoui. A murmur passed through the crowd another suicide bombing, 16 more killed by El Bakraouis brother Khalid on the Brussels Metro.
It was what everyone had feared since 130 people died in the Paris attacks the previous November Islamic State (ISIS) terrorist attack had come to Brussels. The final death toll counted 32 victims and the three attackers, while 320 people were injured.
Then the blame game started, with foreign media running stories labeling Belgium a failed state. Attention focused on the division between the French- and Dutch-speaking communities, and the decentralized system of government that resulted in little cohesion in national security. There are, for example, six different police forces in Brussels alone, and this fragmentation was blamed for allowing the ISIS cell to slip through the cracks. The criticism stung, and authorities have fought to defend the reputation of the country.
We have worked very hard to give more legal capacities, more financial capacities and more technological capacities for our security services and for our intelligence services, Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel said in a recent interview with TIME.
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The attacks also raised difficult questions about radicalization. Belgium has seen more foreign fighters per capita travel to ISISs battlefield than any other country in the European Union. Laachraoui had been active with ISIS in Syria, while Ibrahim El Bakraoui was arrested by Turkish authorities attempting to cross into Syria. The Paris and Brussels attacks were planned by the same cell, acting under orders from ISIS in Syria or Iraq. Now the fear is that the foreign fighters will return as ISIS territory falls and pose a threat to Belgium. Homegrown terrorism is also worrying the authorities.
Jessika Soors, head of the counterradicalization team in Vilvoorde, a municipality about 6 miles from Zaventem airport, tells me of one family who had to contend with a double misfortune: their daughter worked in the check-in hall and was struggling to process with what she had seen. Their son, however, was one of an estimated 500 Belgians who traveled to Syria to fight for ISIS: within one family, a victim and a perpetrator, illustrating the challenge for the Belgian authorities of reacting to the attacks without alienating a community.
For Michel, the Prime Minister, it was crucial that the messages he sent in the days and months after the attacks did not exacerbate feelings of exclusion.
I wanted to avoid a double radicalization, he said.
I was convinced that it was not intelligent to create panic in the population, and also to maintain the unity of our citizens, and to avoid the situation where Muslims in general would be in difficulty, he said. I didnt say as [French President] Francois Hollande did that we are at war. Its not a war in Belgium. I chose the words to avoid this dramatization.
Belgium did not see the kind of indiscriminate reaction of some French communities, where the row over the banning of burkinis swimwear adhering to strict Islamic dress codes was seen as a populist backlash against attacks. But the Muslim community has inevitably felt under greater scrutiny. They feel they have to prove even more that they are not terrorists, says Soors.
And while there are communities like Vilvoorde with progressive approaches to deradicalization, people working in the field have seen little evidence of a coordinated program at the national level.
Ive met people from the ministries and they are all looking for solutions, says Nina Noorali, who works with both former combatants and terrorist victims through the International Association for Human Values. So it may look like things are happening, but concretely at grassroots level, I havent seen anything significant.
A year on, many victims are also still struggling. The Belgian government has counted 900 victims in total, encompassing those affected by physical or psychological trauma.
You are left with that very heavy feeling of Why me? Why that very minute? No matter how much counseling you go through, your mind will still bombard you with these questions, says Noorali. One or two people were seriously thinking of committing suicide They could just see darkness.
The injured and grieving have also been frustrated at the slow and complicated process of claiming compensation from insurance companies and the government. Karen Northshield, 31, who remains in the hospital after injuries to her legs, hips and stomach, told the Belgian broadcaster RTBF that she still hasnt been told how long she will be receiving financial support.
My biggest fear is that the day I get out of the hospital, there is no guarantee that I will get funding, she said.
The former U.S. ambassador to Denmark, James P. Cain, lost his son-in-law in the airport bombings. He is now campaigning on behalf of the non-Belgian victims, who are not eligible for all the compensation schemes.
The Prime Minister has met with insurance companies to pressure them to speed up the process of allocating compensation, while a government emergency fund of 1 million has also been distributed among the victims, with individuals able to claim up to 30,000 each. Another initiative to designate people victims of a terror attack and guarantee lifetime funding has been drafted, although this still needs parliamentary approved, and will only be available to Belgian citizens.
On Wednesday, differences will likely be set aside for ceremonies that are planned at the airport, at Maalbeek metro station, and in the heart of the E.U. district, where the Belgian King and Queen will unveil a memorial. Brussels, meanwhile, has largely returned to normal. The threat level remains 3 on a scale of 4, and the army is still deployed on the streets. But like in so many other European cities, people have simply learned to live with it.
Center for Public Integrity investigations involving the opioid crisis, state insurance commissioners, South Sudan, broadband access and offshore corporations have been honored in recent days by prestigious journalism competitions.
The Center was a winner in three categories of the Society of American Business Editors and Writers Best in Business competition, while taking a first place and a second place prize in the Association of Health Care Journalists awards for excellence.
These wins showcased several deep-dive, investigative projects that covered a host of issues, said John Dunbar, the Centers chief executive officer. The awards show its possible to write about complex topics in clear and compelling ways.
In the business journalism contest, the Center was a winner in the international category for smaller publications for Rape, murder, famine and $2.1 million for K Street PR, which detailed how Washington spinmeisters earned huge paychecks to help one of the worlds most murderous governments polish its image on Capitol Hill.
Judges noted that Erin Quinns story was enlivened by featuring a former Sudanese Lost Boy who called the fees received by K Street firms blood money. The piece was edited by Gordon Witkin and John Dunbar.
The Center also won the technology category for smaller publications with Rich people have access to high-speed Internet; many poor people still dont. The multimedia project showed that there is still a deep divide in America regarding access to high-speed Internet connections.
Judges commented that the incredibly informative package was well-researched enlightening and, at times, shocking. The main story was written by Allan Holmes, with data reporting and visualizations by Ben Wieder and Chris Zubak-Skees. A companion video was produced by Eleanor Bell Fox. Gordon Witkin edited the package.
The International Consortium of Investigative Journalists' Panama Papers project took top prize in the banking/finance category for large publications. Judges said the investigation represented exceptional journalism on a topic of international importance.
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The business award marked the Panama Papers projects fifth major American journalism prize. ICIJ was a project of the Center for Public Integrity when the series was written but has since separated.
The contest awarded prizes across 65 categories. Among other winners: Bloomberg News, Fortune and the Wall Street Journal. Honorees will be celebrated on April 29 at the business editors and writers annual convention in Seattle.
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In the health journalism contest, a Center for Public Integrity collaboration with The Associated Press The Politics of Pain was awarded first place in the health policy category. The project investigated the politics behind the ongoing opioid epidemic with a unique look at how drug makers and their allies sought to thwart steps intended to combat opioid abuse.
Center for Public Integrity reporters Liz Essley Whyte and Ben Wieder worked with AP reporters Geoff Mulvihill and Matthew Perrone for 10 months to piece together the series, digging into campaign contributions, lobbying reports, internal company documents and government emails key to understanding the role that politics played in shaping the response to the crisis. The series was edited by APs Kristin Gazlay, Tom Verdin and the Centers Kytja Weir.
Judges said the project was a tour de force and a golden example of exhaustive reporting that was not exhaustive to read because the stories are well-told, edited and organized and tragically important.
Another Center for Public Integrity investigation, on the insurance industrys ties to state regulators, was awarded second place in the business category.
The insurance project, Drink, dinners, junkets and jobs: how the insurance industry courts state commissioners, illustrated the cozy relationships, revolving doors and shady financial connections between regulators and industry, judges said. The piece was written by Michael J. Mishak, with data assistance by Ben Wieder, and edited by Kytja Weir. An abridged version was co-published in the Washington Post, the Hartford Courant and the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
The health care journalists awards recognize the best health reporting across 11 categories. Winners included the Chicago Tribune, the Boston Globe and Spectrum.
The prizes will be presented on April 22 in Orlando during the associations annual conference.
This story is part of Inside Publici. Stories were working on, the impact of our investigations, news about our fundraising efforts, and other issues that shape our work. Click here to read more stories in this topic.
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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 Tsvetelia Tsolova SOFIA (Reuters) - Bulgarian center-right leader Boiko Borisov, hoping to return to government at elections on Sunday, said on Tuesday Bulgaria should work to deepen its integration within the European Union as quickly as possible. The GERB party of Borisov, 57, who has led two center-right governments since 2009, is vying with the leftist Socialists who take a more sympathetic line toward former Soviet masters in Moscow. "Bulgaria's membership of the EU, even if it's not fashionable to talk about it now in Bulgaria, is the best thing to happen to us," Borisov told Reuters in an interview. Bulgaria became an effective transit route into the EU for migrants heading largely from the Middle East and South Asia, a development that aroused great controversy. The EU itself faces trying times with anti-EU parties competing for influence at elections in France and Germany this year. Dutch anti-immigration and anti-EU politician Geert Wilders finished a strong second place in elections this month. Borisov's government resigned in November after its candidate lost the presidential polls to the pro-Russian, Socialist-backed Rumen Radev, and Bulgaria is currently in the hands of a caretaker administration. CORRUPTION The pro-EU and pro-market GERB, has maintained a tiny lead in opinion polls over the Socialists, who favor a bigger role for the state in the economy. But with every fifth Bulgarian yet undecided, the vote is unpredictable and the Balkan country is likely to have another fragile coalition government. Migration has been a focus of tensions with the EU and an issue in domestic politics. Migrant inflows through Bulgaria, which lays on one of the routes to northern Europe, eased significantly last year. But increased tensions between Ankara and the EU, have renewed fears that Turkey back down on a deal that has curbed the flow of migrants from its territory. Bulgaria, a Black Sea nation of 7.2 million people, joined the EU in 2007 but still depends almost entirely on Russia for its energy supplies and Russian tourists are an important source of revenue. It remains under close EU scrutiny on issues of corruption and organized crime that have eaten at his support, now at 29.8 percent compared to 32.7 percent in 2014 elections. "We are heading in the right direction. Now we have to make the utmost effort in combating corruption, in combating smuggling...These are things we can do," he said. Relations with Russia are a sensitive political issue in a country that was closely allied to Moscow through the Cold War. Bulgarians share a similar language and the Cyrillic alphabet with the Russians. The Socialists, built on the former Communist Party, pledge to block any extension of EU sanctions imposed on Russia over its 2014 annexation of Crimea in Ukraine. "We continue to be against the Crimea (annexation), because when borders are changed by force, Bulgaria becomes vulnerable," Borisov said. (This version of the story corrects paragraph six to show that Radev was backed by the Socialist party, not that he was is a member of the party) (Reporting by Tsvetelia Tsolova; editing by Ralph Boulton)
(NEW YORK) Fox News Channel has pulled legal analyst Andrew Napolitano from the air after disavowing his on-air claim that British intelligence officials had helped former President Barack Obama spy on Donald Trump.
A person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was a personnel matter said Napolitano has been benched and wont be appearing on the air in the near future. Fox had no immediate comment Monday.
Napolitanos report last week on Fox & Friends, saying he had three intelligence sources who said Obama went outside the chain of command to watch Trump, provoked an international incident. Britain dismissed the report as nonsense after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer quoted it in a briefing, part of the administrations continued defense of Trumps unproven contention that Obama had wiretapped him at Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign.
FBI Director James Comey, testifying before Congress on Monday, became the latest official to state that no evidence has been found to support Trumps charge.
The president, when asked about the incident, said that all we did was quote a certain very talented legal mind who was the one responsible for saying that on television. I didnt make an opinion on it. You shouldnt be talking to me. You should be talking to Fox.
Foxs Shepard Smith, on the air Friday afternoon, quickly stepped the network away from Napolitanos claim.
Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time, in any way, Smith said.
Napolitano is a senior judicial analyst who has worked at Fox News Channel since 1998, and frequently comments on the Fox Business Network. He was a New Jersey Superior Court judge from 1987 to 1995.
Napolitanos removal from the air was first reported in the Los Angeles Times.
Paris (AFP) - A self-confessed nation of gastronomes, France on Tuesday showcased its famous cuisine by hosting "Good France", a global promotion of its mouthwatering morsels.
Some 2,000 restaurants from Bogota to Wuhan, via Moscow and Kolkata, 71 culinary schools and 150 French embassies are hosting the promotion, a joint initiative by top chef Alain Ducasse and the foreign ministry.
The event, which was first held in 2015 to "pay homage to the excellence of French cuisine," is focusing on training for catering-related industries to promote the French art of eating.
The event gathered international students of the arts of culinary preparation and presentation as the selected restaurants and embassies concocted 1500 innovative "French dinners", for all budgets.
"To speak of French cuisine is to speak of joie de vivre, levity, optimism and pleasure," Ducasse said ahead of the offering, adding such concepts were "central ideas" going to the heart of the French soul.
Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Tuesday that this year's edition of the event prioritised "training in careers related to catering, hotels and tourism," in order to spread the word on the importance of good eating.
Ayrault added that the promotion, inspired by Auguste Escoffier's 1912 Dinners of Epicure project to offer the same menu on the same days in cities across the globe, would "promote gastronomy and thereby France's image as a tourist destination."
Escoffier was a famed chef, restaurateur and writer on all matters relating to haute cuisine who was dubbed the "king of chefs and chef of kings".
Ayrault expressed the hope the promotion would encourage young people "to perpetuate the art of cooking."
Catering students attending the global promotion will be offered internships at French embassies, while in Britain, both French and non-French chefs offered "taste education" sessions at a handful of schools.
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In Paris, six of the capital's most renowned catering schools offered some 6,000 nibbles to tourists visiting the Arc de Triomphe.
Last year's edition de France saw more than 200,000 guests regaled with the finest cuisine in 1,700 restaurants and 150 embassies.
While the dishes served up with be French or French-inspired, the vast majority of the chefs were not.
Organisers said they wanted to send out a message of modernity and excellence, while indicating that the non-French chefs were not required in any sense to "renounce their own culinary tradition" but rather "we propose they marry it with French cuisine."
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - France warned Tuesday that drastic cuts to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo would be tantamount to "playing with fire" as the country faces election turmoil.
"The DRC is at a crossroads," said France's ambassador to the UN, Francois Delattre, ahead of a Security Council meeting on the situation in the vast, resource-rich African country.
France has circulated a draft resolution to renew the mandate of the peacekeeping mission, but is facing scrutiny from the United States which is seeking cuts to UN peace operations.
The DR Congo's first political transition through elections is scheduled to take place before the end of the year but there are fears of widespread violence.
"We should not be playing with fire when it comes to such high stakes," said Delattre.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has asked the council to boost the UN mission, known by its acronym MONUSCO, by up to 320 UN police and to maintain the current number of military troops.
The United Nations has 19,000 soldiers, police and military observers deployed in the DR Congo, its biggest and costliest peacekeeping mission, with an annual budget of $1.2 billion.
Delattre said negotiations were under way on MONUSCO's future mandate and its troop levels.
"Reform to make it more efficient, yes. Reform to break it down, certainly not," he said.
The council is scheduled to vote on renewing MONUSCO's mandate during a meeting on March 29.
- More negotiations -
The United States, by far the biggest financial contributor to UN peacekeeping, is seeking cuts to reduce its share of support for the missions.
This year, the United States will be providing nearly 29 percent of the $7.9 billion budget for UN peacekeeping.
Following the meeting, British Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, who holds the council presidency this month, said there were divergent views on the whether to trim down the mission.
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"There was some support for a reduction in numbers, but also some concern that this year, in particular with elections coming up by the end of the year, is not the moment to reduce in any way the ability of MONUSCO to provide protection of civilians," he said.
Russian charge d'affaires Petr Iliichev agreed there should be fewer UN peacekeepers in the DR Congo but that those who are deployed should be "more agile, more flexible, more mobile" and that the police contingent should be boosted.
Negotiations were expected to continue until the vote next week.
In his report to the council, Guterres said 2017 will be a "crucial year" for the DR Congo as it heads toward elections.
After months of violence, the influential Catholic Church brokered a deal in late December to pave the way for elections, but the agreement has been bogged down in disputes over the appointment of a new prime minister.
Elections would bring an end to the rule of President Joseph Kabila, in power since 2001.
Minnesota Sen. Al Franken recalled his comedic past in a contentious exchange with Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch Tuesday during the judges confirmation hearing.
Franken was questioning Gorsuch on the case of Alphonse Maddin, a trucker who was fired after his trailer broke down in subzero temperatures. Gorsuch concluded in a dissent that it wasnt illegal for the company to fire Maddin for seeking safety, writing that it might be fair to ask whether TransAms decision was a wise or kind one, but its not our job to answer questions like that. Our only task is to decide whether the decision was an illegal one.
The Maddin case had been mentioned by a number of Democratic senators during Mondays hearing, But Franken invoked the story more pointedly and in cinematic detail.
It is absurd to say that this company is in its rights to fire him because he made the choice of possibly dying from freezing to death or causing other people to die possibly by driving an unsafe vehicle, said Franken, whose past work included an extended tenure at Saturday Night Live. Thats absurd. I had a career in identifying absurdity, and I know it when I see it. And it makes me question your judgment.
Franken was referencing the plain meaning rule, in which laws are to be interpreted plainly unless doing so would create an absurd result, in which case judges may depart from the rule.
The Absurdity Doctrine was never brought to the court, said Gorsuch in response, and its usually applied when theres a scriveners error, not when we just disagree with the policy of the statute.
A scriveners error is a minor mistake, like a typo, in a contract that may be corrected with convincing evidence.
Franken attempted to lay out the case and get Gorsuch to state what he would have done in Maddins situation, but Gorsuch declined to answer.
What he does is unhitches it and goes off in the cab and he comes off after he gets warm so he can be there when it gets repaired, Franken continued. He gets fired, and the rest of the judges all go, Thats ridiculous, you cant fire a guy for doing that. There were two safety issues here, the possibility of freezing to death or driving with that rig in a very dangerous way. Which would you have chosen, which would you have done?
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I dont know what I would have, and I dont blame him at all for doing what he did do, said Gorsuch. I empathize with him entirely.
But when pressed, Gorsuch said he didnt really know what he would have done because he wasnt in the mans shoes.
That answer didnt sit well with Franken.
I would have done exactly what he did. Everybody here would have done exactly what he did. And thats an easy answer. I think thats an easy answer; Im not sure why you had difficulty answering that, Franken replied.
Read more from Yahoo News:
By Madjiasra Nako and John Irish N'DJAMENA/PARIS (Reuters) - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen met Chad's President Idriss Deby on Tuesday to discuss the two allies' cooperation in the fight against Islamist militants in Africa. Le Pen, among the frontrunners in the French presidential election, arrived in Chad on Tuesday and is using the two-day visit to meet French troops stationed in Chad and to outline her policies for the continent. "We have of course discussed the cooperation between France and Chad in the fight against terrorism," the National Front party candidate said after the meeting with Deby in Am-Djarass, near the borders with Libya and Sudan. She said they had also discussed Libya, and she again condemned France's role in helping to oust its longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi, which she called "a serious mistake ... with serious consequences." Chad has one of the region's most capable militaries and hosts the headquarters of France's 4,000-strong West African anti-militant operation, known as Barkhane. Le Pen also traveled to Lebanon in February to get a sense of the Syrian crisis. Among her foreign policy objectives Le Pen has called for closer cooperation in Syria with President Bashar al-Assad and a rapprochement with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. She also wants to increase the defense budget to 2 percent of gross domestic product by 2018, up from about 1.78 percent now, and 3 percent by 2022. (Editing by Tim Cocks and Hugh Lawson)
Paris (AFP) - French conservative presidential candidate Francois Fillon's legal problems deepened on Tuesday, with financial prosecutors expanding a probe into payments to his family to suspected "aggravated fraud, forgery and use of forgeries", a judicial source said.
Investigators are probing whether Fillon and his wife Penelope forged documents to try to justify around 700,000 euros ($757,000) she earned for a suspected fake job as a parliamentary assistant, the source said.
The news came as Socialist Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux resigned after revelations that he had hired his two teenage daughters as parliamentary aides, prompting comparisons to Fillon's scandal.
France goes to the polls next month for the first round of a two-stage election to pick the next president. It has been a rollercoaster campaign, with a string of revelations that have knocked Fillon from the top of the opinion polls.
His wife Penelope and two of the couple's children are suspected of holding fake jobs as parliamentary aides for which they were paid around 900,000 euros in total.
- 'Political assassination' -
The conservative presidential candidate denies any wrongdoing, claiming to be the victim of an attempted "political assassination" and questioning the justice system's impartiality.
The widened probe includes documents signed by Penelope Fillon bearing differing calculations of hours worked, the daily Le Monde reported.
Investigators are looking into whether "the calculations constitute forgeries made to justify, after the fact, the wages that were paid," it said.
Penelope Fillon's lawyer Pierre Cornut-Gentille firmly denied any attempt at forgery and denounced what he called a violation of confidentiality during the ongoing investigation.
French lawmakers are allowed to hire family members as assistants, as long as they do real work.
The expenses scandal, and later revelations about lavish gifts from wealthy friends, have bolstered the widespread belief that France's political class is self-serving and out of touch with the citizenry.
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Far-right leader Marine Le Pen and centrist Emmanuel Macron are the two leading candidates in the election, according to opinion polls, with the first round due on April 23 and the run-off vote on May 7.
- Putin meeting -
Fillon sought to shift the focus from his legal woes to his cost-cutting platform in a debate on Monday among the top five presidential candidates.
But on Tuesday he was hit by potentially even more embarrassing revelations.
The Canard Enchaine newspaper reported that Fillon introduced a Lebanese oil pipeline builder -- with whom he signed a $50,000 lobbying contract -- to Russian President Vladimir Putin at a business forum in St. Petersburg in 2015.
"The suspicions of conflict of interest are totally unfounded," Fillon's campaign team told AFP, insisting he had never taken money from Putin or a Russian company.
With one month to go before the first round of elections for a successor to the deeply unpopular Socialist President Francois Hollande -- who is not seeking re-election -- the electorate is particularly disillusioned.
Only 17 percent of those questioned in an Ipsos poll last month gave high marks to France's democratic system.
Le Roux, who resigned Tuesday, also denied wrongdoing but said he did not want the investigation into the contracts -- for which his daughters earned a total of 55,000 euros as parliamentary aides -- to "undermine the work of the government".
Le Roux, 51, had been in the Socialist government just 106 days, having taken over the weighty interior portfolio when Bernard Cazeneuve was elevated to prime minister.
Junior minister for trade, Matthias Fekl, 39, has been named as Le Roux's replacement.
The TMC channel reported late Monday that Le Roux's daughters were still in school when he first hired them, and they continued doing work for him -- paid with taxpayers' money -- when they were at university.
Le Roux told TMC that his daughters had worked for him during their summer holidays.
He has been placed under preliminary investigation.
The writing was on the wall for Le Roux when Cazeneuve, without naming him, said earlier Tuesday that government officials must be "irreproachable".
"Otherwise the authority of the state is weakened," Cazeneuve said at a Paris event.
In a three-and-a-half-hour debate that stretched well past midnight, Frances five major presidential candidates sparred testily on live television Monday, several times lashing out at each other on sharply divisive issues like immigration, extremism and religion.
The campaign, the most unpredictable French presidential race in decades, has thrown up two outsiders as the current front runners: Liberal economist Emmanuel Macron and far-right populist Marine Le Pen. Each are polling at around 26% going into the first-round vote on April 23, and polls suggest that Macron will beat Le Pen in the decisive second round on May 7 to become the new French president a sign that many left- and right-wing voters might band together to stop Le Pen from taking power.
After months of tumultuous politicking that has gripped the country, Le Pen and Macron lobbed withering attacks at one another, each trying to break through their neck-and-neck race.
Read More: The 5 Candidates in the Battle Royale for French President
I just cannot summarize what you are saying, Le Pen said to Macron near midnight in a condescending tone, as the candidates showed increasing fatigue; Macron was caught on camera rubbing his eyes. It is empty, she told him. Every time you speak it is a little bit of that and a little bit of that.
Macron hit back, saying, Unlike you, I want a strong France in Europe.
The debate highlighted just how uncertain Frances election is, just a month before the first vote. After generations in which France has been dominated by the Socialists and conservatives, neither party seems capable of winning.
The whole scenario of this presidential election is completely unprecedented, Thierry Arnaud, political editor of Frances BFM Television, tells TIME by phone after the debate, at around 1 a.m. local time.
Most amazing to many French, Le Pens victory is now not implausible a stark change from previous attempts by her party, the National Front, to win high office in France. I think she can win, Arnaud said. I am not saying it is likely. It is possible.
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Macron, 39, is fighting his first-ever election campaign, and faced intense scrutiny throughout the debate in his first up-close comparison with far more seasoned politicians than himself.
Until recently, the assumed front runner was former Prime Minister Francois Fillon, but he his popularity has crashed after allegations he funneled about $1 million in public funds to family members in no-show jobs. Fillon admitted on stage he had made mistakes.
In the vacuum Fillons woes have left, Macron who was briefly Economy Minister until starting his own political movement last year is trying to use his inexperience to his advantage. I am not a member of the political establishment, he said to those around him, as though the phrase was an insult. I am proud of having been a banker.
Coming across as someone who has much to offer but perhaps much to learn Macron was judged the most convincing of the five candidates by a sampling of 1,157 viewers of Frances BFM Television following the debate.
But Arnaud disagrees. He says he found Macron very weak for the first hour on stage. He needs to do better in the next debates to reassure those who wonder if he is enough of a heavyweight to be president.
Read More: With Francois Fillon in the Gutter, France Can Expect a Battle of Insurgents
Up against Macrons centrist, moderate message is Le Pens fierce, hardline views that have found wide support among voters fed up with Frances tepid economy and insecurity.
In this weeks TIME Magazine, voters said they supported Le Pens National Front party because of its strong protectionism against offshoring jobs, and that they liked her fierce patriotism. I will defend the jobs of the French people, she said on stage in the debate, citing Whirlpool Corp., which announced in January that it was shutting its French production and moving to Poland.
Arnaud says Le Pens campaign strongly appeals to many voters. She is running a very good campaign with a very clear and strong message, he says. And her main opponents all have their weaknesses.
There are deep schisms between the candidates that could have a far-reaching impact: The migrant crisis, fundamentalism and the crackdown on terrorism. Many human-rights groups have criticized Frances state of emergency, which has been in place since the Charlie Hebdo attacks in January 2015, for unfairly targeting French Muslims.
Read More: The Power of Le Pen
There must be respect for freedom of conscience, said far-left candidate Jean-Luc Melenchon. You have a right to be Muslim. Le Pen pounced on that remark, saying, We have Islamic radicalism in our country. If we turn a blind eye it is as if we do not want to see the truth.
Le Pen favors banning Muslim headscarves and yarmulkes in public, and the cover-all burkinis on French beaches an issue that exploded into a fierce debate after the attacks in Nice last July. A few years ago we did not have burkinis on our beaches, she said. I know you, Monsieur Macron, are in favor of that.
With Le Pen consistently in the lead for the first-round vote, other warned that the prospect of her as president could spell disaster for Europe. Fillon said Le Pens plan to end Frances use of the euro, and to reinstate the French franc, would draw our country into economic and social chaos.
Le Pen shot back: Monsieur Fillon, you are fueling peoples fear. That is exactly what people did to Donald Trump.
PARIS (Reuters) - French prosecutors have opened a formal investigation into Fiat Chrysler over allegations that the carmaker cheated in diesel emission tests, a judicial source said on Tuesday. "I can confirm that a judicial investigation has been opened into aggravated cheating," the source said. The source said the Paris prosecutor had opened the investigation on March 15, after the finance ministry's DGCCRF consumer affairs and anti-fraud body had referred the case to the courts. A Fiat spokesman said the company took note of the investigation and reiterated that its diesel vehicles fully comply with emission regulations, as confirmed by the Italian Transport Ministry. The spokesman said the company would continue to collaborate with the authorities on all investigations and was confident the matter would be fully resolved. Following Volkswagen's admission in 2015 of cheating on U.S. diesel emission tests, several European countries launched their own tests on vehicle emissions. They found on-road nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions more than 10 times above regulatory limits - for some GM, Renault and Fiat Chrysler models - and widespread use of devices that reduce exhaust treatment in some conditions. The French test program, overseen by a commission set up by Environment Minister Segolene Royale, has so far led to four carmakers - Volkswagen, Renault, Fiat Chrysler and PSA Group - being referred to prosecutors. Fiat Chrysler vehicles were among those that recorded the highest NOx emissions under non-standard testing regimes designed to detect banned engine software cheats. "The investigation into Fiat is a natural consequence of the Royal commission's findings," said Frederik-Karel Canoy, a Paris-based lawyer who represents a group of Fiat owners pursuing related claims against the carmaker in French courts. (Reporting by Chine Labbe and Laurence Frost; Writing by GV De Clercq; Editing by Greg Mahlich/Ruth Pitchford)
Paris (AFP) - Prosecutors in Paris have called for the case to be dropped against French soldiers facing allegations they raped children in the Central African Republic while on a peacekeeping mission, judicial sources told AFP Tuesday.
What happens next is up to investigating judges in France, but as no one has been charged a trial appears unlikely.
France opened a first probe into the child rape allegations in 2014 concerning French soldiers deployed in Central African Republic to restore security after months of violence between rebels and militia fighters.
The prosecutor believes sexual abuse may have occurred during the 2013-2014 deployment but "differences in the testimonies" meant it was not possible to establish guilt among the French troops, a source close to the case told AFP.
British daily The Guardian first revealed the accusations to the public in April 2015, reporting that six children aged between nine and 13 had said they were abused in a camp for displaced people in CAR's capital Bangui.
Since then, other reports have emerged about troops' alleged involvement in sexual attacks and giving children food and sometimes small amounts of money for sexual services.
Six French soldiers were questioned but none were charged and all denied committing any sexual abuse.
A man wanted by police in Georgia was nabbed after police say they tracked him down using his CVS card.
Cops in Key West say Jamaal Seymour used his rewards card at the pharmacy chain while allegedly on the lam from charges including felony strangulation and aggravated assault with a weapon.
Read: 23-Year-Old Arrested For DWI After Doing Cartwheels During Sobriety Test
According to local reports, Cobb County, Georgia officials contacted police detectives in Key West after determining Seymour could be on the island.
Shortly after, cops say Seymour used his rewards card at the CVS store. That night, detectives say they spotted him.
Read: Woman Arrested for Driving Drunk to Bail Friend Out of Jail: Cops
Seymour allegedly took off running but was quickly arrested, the AP reports.
Seymour was booked on charges of resisting arrest and other counts. He is due to be arraigned in a Key West courtroom on March 20.
Watch: Terrified Girl Calls 911 As Father Drives Drunk: 'Daddy, Stop the Friggin' Car!'
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An 87-year-old woman got the loveliest of surprises when her heartthrob, actor George Clooney, showed up at her assisted living center bearing flowers and a card.
In a photo posted to Facebook, Pat Adams smiles broadly in a white cardigan, her deeply veined hands folded demurely in her lap, as the handsome movie star leans over her, his hand clasped firmly on her shoulder.
George Clooney surprises fan, 87, by turning up at her assisted living home in Reading to wish her happy birthday (via @MalcolmHague) pic.twitter.com/K2a32vUWqX Heart London News (@HeartLondonNews) March 20, 2017
Read: By George, He Is Going to Be a Dad! Clooney and Wife Amal Expecting Twins
The lady in the picture loves George Clooney and mentions every day how she would love to meet him, especially as he lives so near to where I work, wrote Linda Jones, an employee at Sunrise Senior Living in Great Britain, on her social media page.
So letter(s) have been sent, asking would it be possible for her to dream to come true, Jones said. And what was extra special, it was her birthday in the week. He brought a card and a lovely bunch of flowers.
Read: George and Amal Clooney Adopt a Rescue Dog
The Oscar-winning actor showed up unannounced, stunning staff and seniors alike.
Clooney and his human rights attorney wife, Amal, are expecting twins and have been staying at their nearby estate in the English countryside.
The babies, a boy and a girl, are due this summer.
Watch: George Clooney Told Matt Damon He Was Having Twins Two Months Ago
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If ever you needed more proof that George Clooney is a hero among men, just cast your eyes over the photos below.
SEE ALSO: George Clooney visits Scottish sandwich shop staffed by former homeless people
Last week Pat Adams, a resident at Sunrise of Sonning care home in Reading, UK, celebrated her 87th birthday.
Adams had previously taken part in the home's "Wish upon a star" program, which encourages residents to make a wish that staff then attempt to fulfil. Adams wished for a meeting with George Clooney.
Flash-forward to Sunday, and her wish came gloriously true.
Clooney appeared at Sunrise of Sonning with flowers and a card, and spent around 15 minutes chatting with Adams.
Every ladies dream surely ?! Flowers & a card from George Clooney. 87 yr old Pat was the lucky lady after a surprise visit @GMB @piersmorgan pic.twitter.com/HQVo7PYO4H Jonathan Swain (@SwainITV) March 21, 2017
"Pat was both delighted and surprised when George greeted her with a bouquet of flowers and card, and she is still beaming from ear to ear," said a spokesperson for the care home.
"George and his wife live locally, and after receiving a few letters and the Sunrise Community Newsletter, George was inspired to make a visit."
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Best. Birthday. Ever.
Image: sunrise uk
"We are so delighted that Pats wish came true," Divisional Support General Manager at Sunrise Sonning, Malcolm Hague, was quoted as saying in a press release.
"She was absolutely thrilled to meet her great icon, and it was such a lovely surprise to see George greet her with flowers and a card. This was a classy gesture from a wonderful man, and it has brought smiles to everyone at Sunrise of Sonning!
"Huge thank you to George!"
BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany has rejected an unusually high number of requests for arms exports to Turkey in recent months due to mounting concerns about deteriorating human rights in the NATO country, the German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung reported on Tuesday. The report cited an economy ministry written response to a question by leftist lawmaker Jan van Aken, in which the ministry said it had rejected 11 requests for arms exports to Turkey since November. That represented a sharp rise in refusals when compared with the eight rejections recorded in total between 2010 and 2015, according to the newspaper. An economy ministry spokesman could not immediately be reached by telephone. Germany and other European countries have criticized Turkey's crackdown on alleged dissenters in the wake of July's failed coup, and in past weeks expressed concern at planned reforms that would hand Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan greater powers. As relations between the NATO allies sour, Turkey on Sunday accused Germany of supporting the network of a U.S.-based Muslim cleric it blames for last year's aborted putsch. Among the recently rejected requests were products such as handguns, ammunition and parts needed in weapons production, the report said. (Reporting by Michael Nienaber; editing by Richard Lough)
Accra (AFP) - Ghanaian authorities have closed the popular tourist destination of Kintampo Falls after 20 people died in a tree fall tragedy, officials said Monday.
A group of high school and university students were swimming on Sunday afternoon at the picturesque waterfalls in the Brong-Ahafo region, some 450 kilometres (281 miles) by road from the capital Accra, when a massive tree crashed into the water, crushing some to death and injuries scores of others.
Police said an investigation had been launched into the tragedy but that no foul play was suspected.
"The National Disaster Management Organisation and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture have in consultation with the Brong Ahafo Regional Security Council ordered the indefinite closure of the Kintampo waterfalls," tourism minister spokesman Frank Siaw-Otu said in a statement.
The ministry called on the tourism authority to "embark on a comprehensive safety audit of all major tourist attractions in the country."
Accidents ranging from deaths caused by mass flooding to petrol tanker explosions and huge traffic crashes happen sporadically in Ghana because of lax regulations and disregard for rules.
London (AFP) - US investment bank Goldman Sachs said Tuesday that it plans to move jobs from London to elsewhere in Europe over the next 18 months because of Brexit.
Goldman Sachs International chief executive Richard Gnodde told CNBC television that the bank will "hire people inside of Europe itself and there will be some movement" out of London.
He said Goldman would be raising headcount in offices outside Britain by "hundreds" as the country negotiates its exit from the EU.
"We start with a significant European footprint already, we are licensed with banks in Germany and in France," said Gnodde.
"Whatever the outcome, London will remain for us a very significant regional hub and a significant global hub," he added. Goldman employs around 6,000 staff in Britain.
Britain will launch the process of leaving the European Union on March 29, setting a historic and uncharted course to become the first country to withdraw from the bloc.
Nine months after the UK's stunning referendum vote for Brexit, Prime Minister Theresa May's government will finally trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty next week, starting a two-year departure.
HSBC bank has said it would likely switch 1,000 jobs to Paris from London owing to Brexit, while Swiss lender UBS and US peer JP Morgan have indicated that jobs will be moved out of the British capital for the same reason.
Britain's financial sector has long feared the loss of "passporting" rights -- which allow EU member states to trade across national borders. That provides a crucial gateway for companies to access the rest of the bloc.
Facing his sixth hour of questioning by the Senate Judiciary Committee at his Supreme Court confirmation hearing on Tuesday afternoon, Neil Gorsuch seemed to get a little unnerved when he was asked by Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., about his originalist interpretation of the Constitution a document, Klobuchar noted, that refers to the president as male.
When the Constitution refers 30-some-odd times as his or he when describing the president of the United States, you would see that as, Well, back then they actually thought a woman could be president of the United States even though women didnt have a right to vote? Klobuchar asked.
Senator, Im not looking to take us back to quill pens and horses and buggies, Gorsuch said. We live in the 21st century.
Klobuchar then asked the 49-year-old federal judge from Colorado to answer her question.
Of course women could be president of the United States! Gorsuch growled. Im the father of two daughters, and I hope one of them turns out to be president.
Gorsuch testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (Joshua Roberts/Reuters)
Gorsuch is a member of the Federalist Society, a group of conservative and libertarian law scholars who believe in a textualist or originalist interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. The late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, whom Gorsuch was nominated to replace, was a leading member of the group.
The Constitution is no less protective of the peoples liberties than it was 200 years ago, he said.
The exchange wasnt the first time womens rights were raised during Gorsuchs hearing.
Earlier in the day, Gorsuch told Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., that he was never asked by President Trump if he would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case protecting a womans right to an abortion.
No, sir, Gorsuch replied. Senator, I would have walked out the door. Its not what judges do.
Gorsuch, who serves an adjunct professor at the University of Colorado Law School, also dismissed the claim by a former student that he showed a lack of respect for women during a classroom discussion last spring about gender roles in the workplace.
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In a letter to the committee, the student, Jennifer R. Sisk, said Gorsuch had implied that he believes many female job applicants unfairly manipulate companies by hiding plans to begin families.
Via the Associated Press:
Federal law bans employers from making hiring decisions based on a womans plans to start a family. But Sisk, who worked for the Obama administrations Interior Department and Democratic former Sen. Mark Udall of Colorado, said Gorsuch emphasized that employers may legally ask the question and that they do so to protect their companies.
During the hearing, Gorsuch explained that he had asked students if they had endured this inappropriate question.
I am shocked it still happens every year that I get women, not men, raising their hand, Gorsuch said.
Read more from Yahoo News:
WASHINGTON Asked whether it would be legal to apply a religious litmus test to people entering the United States, Judge Neil Gorsuch said Tuesday that he was unable to comment since courts are currently litigating that issue.
Thats an issue thats currently being litigated actively, as you know, Gorsuch responded to Sen. Pat Leahy, D-Vt., declining to answer while taking questions during the Supreme Court nominees second day of Senate hearings.
WATCH LIVE/GET LIVE UPDATES: Neil Gorsuchs Senate confirmation hearing
Gorsuch was referring to President Trumps travel ban, which critics say is a scaled-back version of his campaign promise to temporarily bar all Muslims from entering the U.S. The revised executive order, which has been blocked by a federal judge, blocks visitors from six majority-Muslim countries. Trump has vowed to continue fighting for his travel ban.
Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters)
Leahy then asked Gorsuch whether a blanket religious test for example, that no Jewish people could enter the country would be constitutional.
Senator, we have a free exercise clause that protects the free exercise of religious liberties by all persons in the country, Gorsuch said. He also said it would be illegal for the military to apply a religious test to recruits.
Leahy said he wanted to know more about Gorsuchs views on Trumps travel ban since, as the Vermont senator characterized it, a member of Congress said that confirming Gorsuch would be the best way for the president to uphold his campaign promise to bar Muslims from the U.S. Leahys office told Yahoo News he was referring to Rep. Mo Brooks, R-Ala., who said Trump should get Gorsuch on the Supreme Court before it rules on the travel ban.
Senator, a lot of people say a lot of silly things, Gorsuch replied. He has no idea how Id rule in that case. And senator, Im not going to say anything here that would give anybody any idea how Id rule on any case like that that would come before the Supreme Court.
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He added it would be grossly improper for a judge to preview how he or she would rule on any future case.
Read more from Yahoo News:
Now that were done making nice, heres my question for Judge Neil Gorsuch:
What campaign promises did you make to get this job, and do you intend to keep them?
Its a rude question, akin to throwing a dead cat into a church service. Its disrespectful to Gorsucha judge whom I respect, much as I disagree with much of his philosophy. Its a question that until this year would have been completely out of line in a confirmation hearing.
But today its a question that has to be asked, and its a question that isand will be for yearson the mind of many Americans.
Thats because the Gorsuch nomination comes to the Senate compromised by the crudest sort of bare-knuckle partisan politics; the concerns that fact raises will be important for years to come. The vacancy he will fill was created by an unprecedented Senate power play that denied an elected president his constitutional prerogative; the president who nominated him has made an unprecedented effort to politicize and even attack the courts authority.
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Weve been reading for years that the judicial confirmation process is broken. But lets be clear-eyed. In 2017, the process is broken in a way, and to a degree, it never has been before.
Lets also face this fact: both sides arent responsible for the stain on the Gorsuch nomination. The complete annexation of the Supreme Court to partisanship was engineered by the party, and the president, that has nominated Gorsuch to a seat that previous practice suggests should not have been open for him to occupy.
Most likely, Democrats will ask Gorsuch for his views on important legal and constitutional issues, and Gorsuch will simper daintily and refuse to give any hint because that would compromise his independence.
We are already seeing Republican senators play their part in what then-Professor Elena Kagan once called the vacuity and farce of senatorial confirmation. Ive long believed that the Senate owes the president some deference with regard to his judicial nominees, Utah Republican Senator Orrin Hatch, of the famous straight face, told the committee Monday morning. Something is seriously wrong when the confirmation process for a Supreme Court nominee resembles a campaign for political office.
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Saddle-pal, please.
The reason the committee is meeting today is that Hatch and his colleagues refused to consider any nominee by President Obama after Justice Scalia died more than a year ago. The reason? That the next nominee should in fact be chosen through a campaign for political office.
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Here is Hatch himself, writing on March 16, 2016: Let the American people decide whether they want Hillary Clinton or the Republican nominee to select the next Supreme Court justice. Heres Iowa Republican Senator Charles Grassley, chair of the Judiciary Committee, also last March: The American people shouldnt be denied a voice. Heres Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, speaking before Scalias body had even been moved from the remote Texas ranch where he died: The American people should have a voice in the selection of their next Supreme Court Justice. Therefore, this vacancy should not be filled until we have a new president.
The message is explicit: an associate justiceship of the Court is a partisan office; a future Justice should be chosen by the people; a duly elected president is owed no deference if a hostile opposition controls the confirmation process.
And chosen by the people is also not a metaphor. Candidate Donald Trump put forth an explicit list of candidates from which he promised the voters to pick the next Justice. And on that list was the name of Judge Neil Gorsuch. The release of that listthe injection of specific names into electoral politicsis, as far as I can tell, unprecedented in our politics. Previous presidential candidates have tended to vow to appoint Justices who are like one or another admired judicial figure. Trump went further. He asked the people to vote on specific nominations.
Recommended: What Does Judge Gorsuch Believe?
In other words, Gorsuchs name, by reference to Trumps website, was on the ballot.
On the campaign trail, Trump repeatedly asked the people to vote for him in order to produce certain judicial results.
I am pro-life and I will be appointing pro-life judges, he told the nation in the third presidential debate. Roe v Wade, the 1972 decision legalization abortion, Trump said, would be overturned: If we put another two or perhaps three justices on, that is really what will happen. That will happen automatically in my opinion. Because I am putting pro-life justices on the court. I will say this. It will go back to the states and the states will then make a determination.
That was said by the man who has nominated Gorsuch to the Courtand who, before that, put Gorsuchs name on the ballot.
Of course, Gorsuch himself did nothing before the election to become a political candidate. But when the White House called him to come for an interview, he came. He accepted a nomination doubly taintedby the crude power-play against Garland and by the loud proclamation that a Trump appointee would vote as Trump promised he would.
What was said in that interview?
I dont think Neil Gorsuch bargained with Trump over future votes. Lawyers and judges I admire, and who dont share his conservative stances, support his nomination. I am actually relieved that Trump brought himself to nominate a grown-up to the Court. Gorsuch is about as well as we can expect to do in the next four years, and better than a lot of names Trump could have picked.
We are in a new ballgame, and Gorsuchs patron has proclaimed him a player, not an umpire.
But that doesnt mean the question shouldnt be asked. In fact, it must be asked. This is the first Supreme Court confirmation since Trump and the GOP announced the new rules. Supreme Court justices are now elected partisan officeholdersand the next nominee may not be a Neil Gorsuch. The question about campaign promises must be asked of every nominee from now on.
Thats even truer when the appointing president haswithin the first two months of his termbegun an open war against the Article III judiciary. Trump clearly has no allegiance to the idea of an independent judiciary, and does not hesitate to besmirch and even threaten judges who cross him. Gorsuch is part of Trumps attempt to shape the judiciary; will Gorsuch promise, here and now, to stand up to him? When Trump proclaims a national-security crusade against this months enemy within, Gorsuch will stand up to him or say, I defer?
We heard a lot today about the glories of Colorado. Enough of that, and never mind all the blather about balls and strikes. We are in a new ballgame, and Gorsuchs patron has proclaimed him a player, not an umpire. He should not object to being treated that way.
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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
Gotham from Fox has really taken the Batman origin story and made it its own. Even Alfred Pennyworth (Sean Pertwee), the loyal butler of Bruce Wayne (David Mazouz), is a changed man in the series.
In the show, Alfred is the one responsible for training Bruce before he becomes the Batman. As this happens, Pertwee told The Arts Guild that the city is going to take a nosedive and force Bruce to become the Batman. For the super villains to exist, Gotham has to reach the bottom of the barrel. So phoenix rises from the ashes. Gotham is going to get to a really bad place, he revealed.
READ: Game of Thrones actor joins Gotham as Ras Al Ghul
Due to the citys desperate state, Bruce has no choice but to put on a mask and become the citys caped crusader.
Meanwhile, Mazouz said that his character still has loads to learn from his butler, and when the show returns, the two will get really busy with their training. Bruce is not nearly where he needs to be in order to be on that level of Batman caliber. Hes definitely a trained martial artist at this point, but hes not Batman, he told Comic Book Resources.
Alfreds training involves more than just physical work as Mazouz said that his butler is going to shape him to become a responsible young man. Theres still loads to be taught mentally, physically, emotionally, and the most important thing he needs to be taught are the rules. Theres his guidelines and figuring out what hes going to do, he said.
Bruce almost killed the Joker (Cameron Monaghan) before the winter break, but he chose not to in the end. Executive producer John Stephens told Screener TV that the Joker is actually more psychotic than he was before, so Bruce will have a lot to worry about in the upcoming episodes.
Gotham airs every Monday at 8 p.m. EST on Fox.
Sean Pertwee
Photo: Getty Images/Ben Gabbe
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ATHENS, Greece (AP) Police in Greece were contacting Tuesday the targets of eight parcel bombs addressed to European finance officials and businesses in various European countries, after the devices were discovered and neutralized at a postal sorting office near Athens.
Authorities were not officially releasing information on who the devices were being sent to until those targeted had been informed. The parcels had been falsely labeled as being sent from academic institutions.
One of the devices had been addressed to Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who is caretaker finance minister in the Netherlands until a new Dutch ruling coalition is formed following last week's parliamentary elections, his spokesman Michel Reijns confirmed. Dijsselbloem heads the eurogroup, the meetings of the 19 finance ministers of European countries that share the euro currency.
Monday's discovery came after letter bombs were sent in recent days to the German Finance Ministry and the Paris office of the International Monetary Fund, where a small explosion injured one person.
Police said the devices contained small amounts of explosives that were not capable of causing significant damage.
A Greek militant group, Conspiracy Cells of Fire, claimed responsibility for the German attack, describing it as part of a campaign of violence by international anarchist groups. The group had been behind a 2010 spate of parcel bomb attacks in which they had sent devices to the offices of European politicians, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as foreign embassies in Athens.
Greece has been struggling through a deep financial crisis since late 2009, and is dependent on funds from three international bailouts. The country's finances have been under strict supervision by European institutions and the IMF.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel's military chief said on Tuesday that Hezbollah's military commander in Syria, reported dead last year, was killed by members of his own Lebanese Shiite group.
Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, speaking to a security conference, said intelligence had led Israel to the conclusion and matched previous reports.
Hezbollah itself has said Mustafa Badreddine, who was on a US terror sanctions blacklist and wanted by Israel, was killed in an explosion in May 2016 near Damascus international airport.
A probe had concluded that Sunni Islamist radicals known as "takfiris", who consider Shiites to be heretics, had killed Badreddine, according to Hezbollah.
Eisenkot said Israel "believes that he was killed by his own officers".
"Those findings show to what degree relations between Hezbollah and its patron Iran are tense and complex," he said.
Hezbollah has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria, where Badreddine had led its intervention in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces, which are also backed by Russia and Iran.
The Shiite movement has said Badreddine was killed by artillery bombardment of one of its positions near Damascus airport.
It did not name any specific Islamist group, and there has been no claim of responsibility for the killing.
Badreddine was a key suspect in the 2005 assassination in Beirut of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri.
His predecessor, cousin and brother-in-law Imad Mughniyeh was killed in Damascus in a 2008 bombing that Hezbollah blamed on Israel.
Israel considers Hezbollah among its top threats and fought a devastating 2006 war against it.
Its military believes Hezbollah has between 100,000 and 120,000 short- and medium-range missiles and rockets, as well as several hundred long-range missiles, with the medium-range missiles capable of reaching Tel Aviv.
Israeli military officials have said regularly in recent months that they will respond with heavy force against Lebanon if Hezbollah were to attack from there.
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However, many analysts say the Lebanese militia's involvement in Syria has made another conflict with Israel less likely for now.
While Israel has sought to avoid being dragged into Syria's civil war, it acknowledges carrying out air strikes there to stop deliveries of advanced arms to Hezbollah.
On Friday, Israeli warplanes struck several targets in Syria, drawing retaliatory missile fire in the most serious incident between the two countries since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
Israel also used its Arrow interceptor to destroy what was believed to have been a Russian-made SA 5 missile.
On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria's air defence systems "without the slightest hesitation" if it happened again.
Russian involvement in Syria has complicated Israel's actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held a series of talks on avoiding accidental clashes, and a "hotline" has been set up between the two countries.
However, Russia's foreign ministry on Monday acknowledged it had summoned Israel's ambassador over Friday's air strikes, which were close to Moscow's forces near the historic Syrian city of Palmyra.
WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Supreme Court on Tuesday limited the president's power to temporarily fill vacant government posts while nominations are tied up in partisan political fights.
The 6-2 ruling said a former top lawyer at the National Labor Relations Board had served in violation of a federal law governing such appointments.
Writing for the court, Chief Justice John Roberts said that Lafe Solomon was not allowed to serve as acting general counsel of the agency that enforces labor laws while he was at the same time nominated to fill that role permanently.
At issue is a 1998 law aimed at preventing the president from using temporary appointments to bypass the Senate's advice-and-consent role. The Federal Vacancies Reform Act says a person nominated for a post requiring Senate confirmation can't serve in the same position on a temporary basis.
But the law contains an exception if the nominee served for 90 days as a "first assistant" to the person who previously held the office. The Obama administration said the exception also covered Solomon because he had been a director at a different office at the NLRB.
President Barack Obama named Solomon acting general counsel in June 2010 and he held the office until Nov. 4, 2013. But he never won Senate confirmation because Republicans viewed him as too favorable to labor unions.
Roberts said a close reading of the law's text shows that the exception did not cover Solomon. He rejected the government's argument that a ruling against it would hamstring future presidents and call into question dozens of temporary appointments made over the years.
"This does not mean that the duties of general counsel to the NLRB needed to go unperformed," Roberts said. "The president could have appointed another person to serve as the acting officer in Solomon's place."
Solomon's authority was challenged after an Arizona-based ambulance company was accused of unfair labor practices. The company, SW General, Inc., said the complaint was void because Solomon's tenure was invalid. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with the company.
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Roberts dismissed arguments that historical practice supported the government. Since the law was enacted in 1998, three presidents have nominated 112 people for permanent posts who also were serving as acting officials. There was never any objection from Congress.
Roberts said those 112 nominations "make up less than two percent of the thousands of nomination to positions in executive agencies" that the Senate has considered during that time. He said the Senate either may not have noticed a problem or opted not to reject a candidate just to make a point about the law.
It's the second time in recent years that the presidential appointment process has come under scrutiny by the high court. In 2014, the Supreme Court ruled that Obama's recess appointment of three NLRB members violated the Constitution. That ruling invalidated hundreds of NLRB rulings and forced the agency to reissue those decisions.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, noting that the Senate never objected over the years while more than 100 people served in an acting capacity pending their nomination for a permanent post. She was joined by Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.
Roberts did not explain what the impact of the court's ruling would be on specific decisions made by Solomon or any other official who might have served improperly in an acting role. The appeals court had said it did not expect its decision "to retroactively undermine a host of NLRB decisions."
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This story has been corrected to show that Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote the dissent.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has slowly reemerged as one of President Donald Trumps most staunch opponents after she suffered a shocking electoral upset in the 2016 presidential election. The Democratic candidate has reportedly been mulling over a potential bid for New York City mayor, while strategically interjecting herself into the national conversation surrounding the presidents most controversial developments in his first months in office.
Former campaign aides told International Business Times last month it didnt appear Clinton was prepared to announce a run for elected-office in her home state of New York, though she has been listening to her advisors suggestions to run for arguably the most powerful mayoral office in the world.
Read: Mayor Clinton? Hillary Will Win Election For NYC Mayor Against All Opponents, Polls Show
Meanwhile, Clinton supported calls for a "full investigation" into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia and President Vladimir Putins Kremlin Monday. Her Twitter account retweeted the final tweet in a thread Calif. Rep. Adam Schiff published, writing, "Mr. President, the Russians hacked our election and interfered. No one disputes this now, but you. This is what is called 'fact.'"
RTS11T9G
Photo: Reuters
"The intelligence community concluded the Russians will interfere again," Schiff wrote in the message Clinton retweeted. "This is why full investigation is important to country. Please stop."
Calls for a thorough investigation followed F.B.I. Director James Comeys announcement during his testimony to the House Intelligence Committee his federal agency was investigating the Trump campaign's reported ties to the Kremlin. He and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers were questioned on what their agencies were aware of when it came to alleged Russias cyber attacks on the 2016 presidential election, as well as what was being done to prevent foreign attacks for impacting elections in the future.
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Meanwhile, Clinton announced she'd soon be releasing a new book of quotes inspired by her life and its many obstacles and challenges in the political limelight, including her loss in the latest election.
"These are the words I live by," Clinton said in a statement last month announcing the book deal with publishing house Simon & Schuster. "These quotes have helped me celebrate the good times, laugh at the absurd times, persevere during the hard times and deepen my appreciation of all life has to offer."
It remained unclear whether Clinton will announce another run for public office, though shed need to make the move from her hometown of Chappaqua in upstate New York to the Big Apple by November in order to be put on the citys ballots.
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Authorities have released a stumbling 911 call made by a man charged with shooting his wife to death and then restaging the crime scene.
Dwight Luton, 32, is heard haltingly telling a Florida emergency operator that his 31-year-old wife, Ashley Balius, has had an accident. At times, his voice sounds slurred and he appears to have difficulty explaining what has happened.
Read: Father Kills Daughter in Apparent Murder-Suicide at Shopping Mall
Luton: My wife she had an accident shes in the "
Operator: OK, what happened?
Luton: We just went to the store.
Operator: Tell me what happened with the accident.
Luton: I need an ambulance right now.
Operator: I understand. I need to know what happened so I know what to send. Sir, what happened to her?
"Oh, shes injured, he says, 50 seconds into the call. She got a gunshot wound.
He has been charged with first-degree murder and tampering/fabricating evidence in the March 7 shooting. He is being held without bail and has not entered a plea.
Luton was standing in his Riviera Beach driveway, propping up his wife, who was hanging from the drivers seat of a blue SUV and bleeding profusely, according to a probable cause affidavit filed by police.
He told officers his wife had accidentally shot herself while trying to remove a gun from her purse, officers said.
But surveillance video from several cameras mounted at the front of the house showed Luton reaching inside the vehicle with a handgun and appearing to fire a shot, the affidavit said.
Read: Wife Accused of Killing Husband with Fire Extinguisher told 911 Operator: 'I Kept Beating Him in the Head'
He then wipes down the dashboard area and flings several small items, believed to be brain matter, out of the SUV, the document says. Luton wipes himself down, then makes a call on a cell phone while his wife is slumped behind the wheel, police said.
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The surveillance video shows him walking into the house, carrying a silver handgun by a pinkie finger, the affidavit says. About a minute later, he returns, talking on the cell, and removes his T-shirt and appears to be rendering aid to his wife as officers arrive, according to the document.
Balius, who had been shot in the right ear, died hours later at a nearby hospital, police said.
Luton was arrested after police, armed with a search warrant, viewed security camera footage on the couples home computer.
The couple operated a firearms business and been married less than a year. Luton was arrested last year after Balius reported he hit her in the face, but charges were dropped after she declined to pursue the case, according to court records,
Watch: Hear Mom's Chilling 911 Call After Husband Kills Teen Daughters and Himself
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By Hyunjoo Jin and Se Young Lee SEOUL (Reuters) - Hyundai Motor Co shares gained the most in over five-and-a-half years on Tuesday on speculation that its parent group, controlled by Chairman Chung Mong-koo, will reorganise its ownership structure. Hyundai Motor Group may join Samsung Group and possibly other family-owned conglomerates to adopt a holding company structure as politicians call for reform following a graft scandal involving President Park Geun-hye, analysts said. Samsung Group chief Jay Y. Lee has been on a trial since being arrested for his alleged role in the scandal that led to the removal from office of Park earlier this month. Also on Tuesday was market speculation that U.S. activist hedge fund Elliott Management Corp, which had pressured Samsung Electronics Co Ltd to restructure and boost dividends, may have bought a share in Hyundai Motor, analysts said. But a person familiar with the matter told Reuters, without elaborating, that the rumours were groundless. Hyundai Motor said it does not comment on market speculation. "The company is part of a particularly complex and suboptimal capital and corporate structure, and we see significant value that can be unlocked from restructuring," Goldman Sachs said in a report on Hyundai Motor on Monday. "In contrast to the consensus view that Hyundai Mobis would become the ultimate holding company, we see Hyundai Motor as the nexus for restructuring," the bank said. Hyundai Motor shares ended up 8.6 percent, its biggest daily gain since August 2011. Affiliate Kia Motors Corp rose 3.5 percent and Hyundai Mobis Co Ltd climbed 3.1 percent. Parliament and presidential hopefuls are pushing to empower institutional investors and toughening rules on a holding company structure, which would make it difficult for family members to restructure their groups, analysts said. Hyundai Motor Group has not implemented any major restructuring as Chung, who turned 79 on Sunday, has shown no signs of handing power to his only son Chung Eui-sun. "It is reasonable to think that this is the last chance to reorganize the group. But I am not sure whether this will actually happen because it is up to the chairman to decide," said Ko Tae-bong, an analyst at Hi Investment & Securities. (Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin and Se Young Lee; Additional reporting by Dahee Kim; Editing by Stephen Coates)
The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency says North Koreas uranium enrichment facility has doubled in size in recent years, making it unlikely a diplomatic effort to curb its nuclear program will succeed, the Wall Street Journal reported Monday.
IAEA Director General Yukiya Amano, who helped negotiate the Iran nuclear deal, told the Journal the situation in North Korea is very different, and his agency is worried about the regimes willingness to export its expertise.
The situation is very different. Easy comparisons [to Iran] should be avoided, he told the Journal.
Read: North Korea Tests Possible Intercontinental Ballistic Missile
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson was in Asia in recent days, meeting with officials in South Korea, Japan and China, with North Korea high on the list of issues. He said in an interview with the Independent Journal Review U.S. patience with the North is running thin, and all options are on the table. Tillerson rebuffed a Chinese offer to set up direct talks with Kim Jong Un.
Amano said the North has ramped up plutonium production and uranium enrichment at its Yongbyon nuclear facility, doubling its size. North Korea expelled IAEA weapons inspectors in 2009 and has since conducted a number of underground nuclear tests and fired a series of ballistic missiles. IAEA has been monitoring the Norths progress through satellite imagery.
Read: US Strategic Assets To Feature In South Korean Military Exercises
The North tested a rocket engine Sunday, and the South Korean Defense Ministry said the engine performance showed progress, possibly an effort to develop a new engine, CNN reported. Pyongyang called the test a great leap forward for its rocket program.
All of the indications point to the fact that North Korea is making progress, as they declared, Amano said.
Amano refused to speculate on how many nuclear bombs the North has developed. U.S. and Chinese officials have said the number may be as high as 40.
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North Korea has boasted it is developing a missile that could carry a nuclear warhead to the U.S. West Coast, but South Korea and Japan remain the most likely targets.
Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama all pursued diplomatic agreements with Pyongyang but the North cheated and backtracked on each pact.
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Undocumented immigrants in the United States are fleeing to Canada. But Canadians may not want them, a new survey finds.
Nearly half of Canadians support increasing the deportation of people living in Canada illegally, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll released Monday. The same share said they supported sending migrants that crossed from the United States right back over the border, while just 36 percent said Canada should accept them and let them apply for refugee status.
The popular sentiment could pose a challenge to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who champions a pro-refugee and pro-immigration policy as a stark foil to U.S. President Donald Trump.
Trumps anti-immigrant build a wall rhetoric launched him into the White House, but since getting there, he has faced significant political backlash and legal scrutiny over his policies. The debate is spilling over into Canada, where Trudeau is taking a political hit for keeping his countrys door open to refugees and immigrants. Forty-six percent of poll respondents disagreed with how Trudeau is handling the immigration situation, compared to 37 percent who agreed.
While Canadians are split on Trudeaus policies, the poll clearly shows the national debate over immigration is heating up. Nearly a quarter of Canadians believe immigration control to be a leading national issue, compared to 19 percent in a December poll. And some 40 percent thought accepting those fleeing from the United States could make Canada less safe.
Undocumented immigrants began fleeing to Canada in record numbers amid Trumps political rise. In 2016, 1,222 fled the United States to Quebec alone, a fivefold increase from years past. Those who fled in January and February, after Trump first stepped into the Oval Office, risked frostbite and hypothermia to cross to Canada.
Canadian rights groups pin the blame solely on Donald Trump and his heavy-handed executive orders to crackdown on immigration. Theres no question whats driving them, Paul Caulford, a doctor at the Canadian Centre for Refugee and Immigrant Healthcare outside Toronto, told Public Radio International in February. Virtually every person whos crossed, from pregnant women in the back of trucks to those shepherding their children to safety, have said to us that the United States is no longer a safe country for them to be in.
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While the debate heats up, Canadian authorities insist they are upholding strict immigration standards at the border. Canadian authorities detain all asylum-seekers they find who slip across the border to escape Trumps net. If they are found to be inadmissible without a valid claim, deportation procedures are begun, Dan Brien, a spokesman for Canadian Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale, told Reuters.
Trudeaus Liberal Party wont face elections again until 2019. But experts say border crossings could surge when the weather warms up and Canadas southern neighbor piles tightens the bolts on its immigration crackdown.
Photo credit: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Immigrants are queuing up to get their tattoos removed out of fear that they may be identified because of them and deported out of the country as a result, according to a California-based tattoo removal clinic.
The clinic told local reporters that recently the number of customers visiting them has doubled. Although typically, the stated reason for the removal of a tattoo is to remove the name of a former lover, or to appear more presentable for job interviews, the latest rush has been attributed to fear of deportations under President Donald Trumps latest policies.
The tattoo clinic reportedly said that members of the Latino community fear that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents could profile them and check their immigration status.
A lot of people dont want to be a moving target or even seen as a targetAnd for fear that they might be seen as a certain type of person or judged in any way, people want to get their tattoos removed, Nora Ruiz of the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation said, according to KPIX.
Read: Deportations To Increase As Immigration Judges Go To 3 More States
A related report also suggested that a father of two U.S.-born children was ultimately detained as a result of his tattoos and old speeding tickets.
Since Trumps executive order to crack down on immigrants with criminal offenses living in the country illegally, ICE agents have been detaining hundreds of immigrants through massive raids. Nearly 250 immigrants were arrested and detained in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia earlier this month. The ICE raids also occurred in states such as Arizona, California, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia.
According to some reports, some immigrants are foregoing necessary treatment over fear of being deported. Still others are not availing their food stamps, Washington Post reported.
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A medical helicopter departs after dropping off a patient at the Delta County Memorial Hospital in Delta, Colo. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)
DELTA, Colo. Delta County Memorial Hospital has been around for as long as Ed Sisson can remember. When he was a kid, it was a small, single-story building a few streets off the main downtown strip, with a handful of doctors and a couple of dozen beds, a godsend for patients unable to make the drive of roughly an hour from here to Grand Junction, the largest nearby city.
Now, its in a building twice as large, sitting atop a hill on the east side of town overlooking a sweeping valley on Colorados Western Slope. Many decades later, it continues to be a lifeline for this vast rural area, where doctors and medical facilities are still few and far between for a population that is increasingly older and less affluent.
Sisson, 65, a retired Navy veteran who is now mayor of Delta, volunteers every week in the emergency room at Delta Memorial. A gofer, he helps with paperwork and runs errands for staff when they are overwhelmed, giving him unique insight into its operations.
Working at the hospital for nearly 10 years, he often recognizes familiar faces elderly members of the community who have come to rely on the hospital and its companion clinics as their major source of medical care. And in recent years, he has seen many new ones: younger, mostly poor residents who went for years without adequate care but have been newly insured under the provisions of the Affordable Care Act.
Ive never seen the place busier, he said.
Although doctors have credited the ACA with giving medical care to people who desperately needed it, President Barack Obamas signature health care bill has been a sore subject here, widely reviled by people in this mostly Republican county, where many fiercely adhere to conservative values, including smaller government. Though many now have health care for the first time, and seem to like it, they also resent being told what to do by bureaucrats far removed from their daily lives.
More than two-thirds of voters in Delta County backed Donald Trumps unlikely bid for the presidency by one of the highest margins in the state in part because of his pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. The election came amid complaints of skyrocketing premiums that made the bills mandated health insurance increasingly hard to afford in this part of Colorado. While the bill envisioned a marketplace with robust competition, Delta County residents who signed up for the health exchange had just one provider to choose from in two of the four coverage options last year. At the same time, premiums in the county jumped an average 36 percent, according to the Colorado Division of Insurance one of the highest increases in the state, which saw a large jump in costs.
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A woman waits for a ride after an appointment at Delta County Memorial Hospital. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)
You had Trump saying hes going to replace (Obamacare) with something better, and people who can barely afford to pay the bills liked that, said Sisson, who backed the New York real estate moguls campaign. Who wouldnt go for that?
At the same time, many people here also admit to conflicted feelings about the law. They are pleased that more people are insured, especially in an area where many residents suffer from such chronic conditions as lung disease and diabetes. They are also glad that it has stabilized the once-turbulent finances of Delta Memorial, a hospital considered vital to the region not only for medical but for economic reasons.
In addition to caring for an aging, largely poor population, Delta Memorial, like many other rural hospitals around the country, has been an economic mainstay of the community, providing employment in a town that has struggled to recover from the loss of mining and agricultural jobs. With a staff of more than 600 and an annual payroll of roughly $31 million, the hospital is easily the largest employer in the region. I dont know what we would do without the hospital, Sisson said. I dont know what we would do if they werent here to take care of us. And I dont know what we would do if we were to lose those jobs.
Although Trump frequently said on the campaign trail that he would leave Medicare and Medicaid alone, recent developments have given Sisson and other community leaders cause for concern.
After years of operating on the brink because it treated uninsured residents who were unable to pay their bills, Delta Memorial was able to shore up its finances under the ACA, thanks in large part to a provision in the bill that allowed states to expand Medicaid to grant coverage to millions of low-income adults who could not otherwise afford health care.
Thirty-one states, including Colorado, opted into the plan, where, until 2016, the federal government reimbursed 100 percent of health care costs for those who qualified. Under the ACA, the federal government was scheduled to continue reimbursing those costs at a rate of 90 percent starting this year and beyond, with states making up the rest. An estimated 1.4 million of Colorados 5.5 million residents are covered under the states Medicaid plan. That includes roughly 500,000 people covered under the expansion granted by Obamacare, which extended eligibility to individuals and families with income of 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which is normally set at $11,880 for individuals or $24,330 for a family of four.
A man wheels a woman out of the Delta County Memorial Hospital. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)
But the Medicaid expansion would be eliminated under legislation due to be taken up as early as this week by Congressional Republicans seeking to deliver on their long-stated pledge to repeal Obamacare. The American Health Care Act, endorsed by Trump, would not simply roll back the individual mandate for health coverage, but cut the Medicaid program by $880 billion, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The Medicaid expansion would end by 2020, and, as the bill stands now, the government would replace blanket federal aid with a set amount of spending per person.
While Trump and his GOP colleagues have described this as a chance for states to take direct control of health care and tailor it to their specific needs, critics say it would substantially reduce Medicaid coverage, sending some low-income Americans back into the ranks of the uninsured. And that, in turn, would place a greater burden on hospitals, especially rural providers, which would once again be forced to shoulder the burden of uncompensated care.
We are facing the prospect of potentially seeing some of our funding or reimbursements go away, but the patients would not, said Jason Cleckler, Delta County Memorial Hospitals chief executive officer. People will still show up, but they will show up sicker, because they dont have insurance and havent been receiving preventative care. Cuts dont lead to better access or better treatment. It drives up costs. And the uncertainty for us and any health care provider is: How do we make up for that? It will drive up costs for everybody, and we simply cant afford it.
A study issued last week by the nonpartisan Colorado Health Institute found that Colorado stands to lose upwards of $14 billion in federal funding between 2020 and 2030 if the Medicaid expansion ends. Roughly 600,000 people would lose Medicaid coverage in the same period a group that includes the elderly, blue-collar workers and low-income rural voters, all voting blocks that solidly went for Trump.
According to the Colorado Hospital Association, at least eight hospitals in the state could be at risk of closure almost all in rural areas that backed Trump. On the list is Delta Memorial, where Cleckler described the proposed rollback of Medicaid as potentially devastating for a community that has already lost too much. While the hospital is safe this year, he said, the future is uncertain with any potential cut in Medicaid funds and other financial changes in the rollback of the ACA.
I cant think of anybody who thinks the ACA was perfect, but we cant go back to the way things were, Cleckler said. We just cant afford it.
The threat of losing the hospital has prompted handwringing among Trump supporters here who are torn between wanting to see Obamacare overturned but Medicaid spared. Many cant believe Trump would champion a bill that hurts the very people who so strongly supported his campaign for president. Though few openly admit it, some privately fret that their vote could take away a hospital they desperately need.
In the back of peoples minds, its there, but nobody wants to say it, Sisson said.
Main Street, Delta, Colo. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)
Its easy to see why Trumps message resonated in a place like Delta. Located about an hour southeast of Grand Junction and roughly five hours west of Denver, Delta is exactly the kind of forgotten place the New York billionaire frequently invoked during his insurgent bid for the White House.
Nestled in a rolling valley surrounded by soaring mountains to north, south and east, and picturesque canyons to the west, Delta, like many small towns, has been struggling to survive. Heavily dependent on agriculture, it used to have a milk plant and a sugar-processing facility, but both closed years ago. Coors used to process barley for its beer at a facility just outside town, but it, too, left years ago, consolidating operations elsewhere.
Yet the worst losses have come in the last three years, as Delta County, once the thriving heart of Colorados coal industry, saw two of the states biggest mines shut down, with the loss of more than 1,000 jobs. It was a significant blow for a county of just over 30,000 residents, especially since these were some of the highest-paid jobs in the coal industry. The laid-off miners were earning more than $80,000 a year, well above the countys median income of $33,000 a year. Many left town, while others simply retired. As a result, Delta Countys tax revenues reportedly dropped by nearly 20 percent.
According to Sisson, many residents blamed Obamas war on coal for the mining industrys decline here although the rise of natural gas also played a major role. But Trump, who campaigned in Grand Junction and Durango, south of Delta, in the final weeks of the campaign, still saw an opening. You have Trump come in, promising that hes going to bring coal jobs back, Sisson said. People felt hope again.
In some ways, Delta was a microcosm for nearly all of Trumps leading issues during the campaign. In addition to Obamacare and coal jobs, people here were upset about illegal immigration, which they blamed for an influx of crime and especially drugs. Last year, drug overdoses in Delta County were among the highest in the state, mainly due to a spike in heroin and opioid abuse an epidemic Trump repeatedly mentioned on the campaign trial, vowing to do something about it.
At Delta Memorial, officials were stunned last year to see the number of emergency room visits from patients with mental health and drug issues outpace trauma visits. Suicides in the county are currently at record levels. Cleckler, who got his start in health care as a psychiatric nurse, has made it one of the hospitals chief missions this year to tackle what he describes as a total crisis that he worries could overwhelm the hospital as it faces potential budget cuts under the GOP health care plan. Many mental health patients, he said, tend to have little insurance or no insurance, but they have nowhere else to go, and he said the hospital has a moral responsibility to help them.
An entrance sign leading into Delta, Colo. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)
In the rural environment, theres still a real stigma around dealing with mental health, so we dont have a lot of resources like counselors and clinics. If someone comes to us needing to be stabilized, we dont have a lot of inpatient beds, so they might end up spending four or five days in the ER, which really isnt what the ER is for, but theres nowhere else to send them, Cleckler said. It really falls on us.
The uncertainty around Medicaid funding comes amid larger concerns about the fate of rural hospitals around the country that were already burdened with rising debt associated with the number of the uninsured and other economic factors. Since 2010, 78 rural hospitals around the country have shuttered. And a recent study by the National Rural Health Association found that another 670 rural hospitals roughly one-third of all rural hospitals in the country were at risk of going under. That was even before the latest developments in Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.
In Delta, word that the local hospital might be at risk prompted some nervousness but mostly disbelief among patients who streamed in and out of the facility on a sunny afternoon last week. Many had voted for Trump in November, although some didnt want to believe he was really backing the House GOP bill as presented.
That doesnt sound like him, one woman, a Trump voter, protested.
Indeed, Trump, before clinching the GOP nomination, repeatedly vowed to save entitlement programs, including Medicaid. Save Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security without cuts. Have to do it, the New York billionaire declared in a speech announcing his candidacy at Trump Tower in June 2015.
And he repeatedly trashed not only his Democratic rival, Hillary Clinton, but also establishment Republicans including House Speaker Paul Ryan, telling voters they were looking to slash and knock the hell out of entitlement programs while he would save them. Im not going to cut Social Security like every other Republican, and Im not going to cut Medicare or Medicaid, Trump told the Christian Broadcasting Networks David Brody, a sentiment he reiterated on the campaign trail.
Trump, desperate to deliver on his campaign-trail promises and to lock up a significant political victory, appears to have hedged, aligning with Ryan, who has long argued for combining a health care overhaul and major entitlement reform. Still, pressed on the issue last week on Fox News, Trump insisted he was looking out for his supporters. We will take care of our people, or Im not signing it, he declared.
Its not clear that the bill will make it to Trumps desk as is. Many Republicans in the Senate have raised concerns about the House GOP legislation, including the rollback of the Medicaid expansion on the poor. Among those sounding the alarm: Colorado Sen. Cory Gardner, one of the GOPs leading advocates for a full repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Gardner, who is from rural Colorado, joined moderate Republicans including Maines Susan Collins on a letter earlier this month that questioned whether the Medicaid provision might be going too far.
A man holds his injured wrist outside Delta County Memorial Hospital. (Photo: Holly Bailey/Yahoo News)
In Delta, Cleckler spent the week trying to educate members of the community about what could be at risk for the community in the House GOP bill. And as he had for years, he found confusion among local residents. One man told him he wanted to keep the Affordable Care Act but get rid of Obamacare. I get that a lot, Cleckler said. Obamacare has become such a derogatory term. I think most people dont know what is even in the Affordable Care Act. I dont even know all of the provisions, its such a massive bill.
Outside the front entrance, an older gentleman named Bob walked up clutching his left wrist. A farmer who lives about 20 minutes outside of town, he had aggravated an existing wrist injury while driving cattle back on his ranch. A widower, he lives alone and had struggled to drive his truck into town so a doctor could take a look at it.
He shook his head as he talked about the prospect of having to go farther for care if something were to happen to the hospital. When youre hurt, you cant go that far. You just cant, he said. Not when youre really hurt. Not when youre as old as me.
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The Hague (AFP) - Lawyers for former Bosnian Serb army chief Ratko Mladic accused of war crimes and genocide have called for him to be released from jail so he can be treated for a "life-threatening" illness.
"The medical health of Mr Mladic is very complicated and involves several and even life-threatening conditions," his lawyer wrote in a filing to a UN war crimes tribunal, released Tuesday.
The defence team is asking that Mladic be granted provisional release from a UN detention centre in a seaside suburb of The Hague where he has been held since being transferred to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) in May 2011.
Dubbed the "Butcher of the Balkans," Mladic, 75, is awaiting a verdict in his lengthy trial, one of the last cases before the ICTY, which is due in November.
Prosecutors accuse Mladic of a ruthless campaign of ethnic cleansing to create a Greater Serbia in the 1990s Balkans wars.
He also stands accused of genocide for his role in the killings in Srebrenica, Europe's worst bloodshed since World War II.
Mladic has denied the 11 charges against him, including two of genocide, as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity arising from the cruel 1992-95 Bosnian conflict in which more than 100,000 people were killed and 2.2 million displaced.
It is not the first time that defence lawyers have pressed for Mladic's release. All have so far been unsuccessful.
But according to three Russian doctors quoted in Monday's court filing, Mladic is now in a high risk category and they recommend "an immediate, and thorough clinical and laboratory control" as well as a series of tests.
The exact nature of the illness was redacted from the court filing, but new symptoms suggested he "could have a stroke or a cardiac event that could lead to a fatality."
A message from the Russian embassy in The Hague last month said Moscow had agreed "to accept Mr Mladic for the required treatment."
During closing arguments at his trial in December, Mladic appeared often to be agitated in the courtroom and was reprimanded several times by the presiding judge.
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) Firefighters were investigating the cause of a fire Tuesday that spread from a suburban Kansas City apartment complex that was under construction to nearly two dozen homes.
Overland Park, Kansas, Fire Department spokesman Jason Rhodes said foul play is not suspected of causing the blaze Monday that leveled one large, four-story apartment building and heavily damaging a second at the multimillion-dollar CityPlace development. About 22 nearby homes also were damaged, about a third of them significantly, from the intense heat and the burning debris that rained down, Rhodes said.
More than 100 firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control late Monday evening, and a small contingent continued to monitor hot spots Tuesday. Rhodes said three firefighters were treated for minor injuries, but added that it was a "huge blessing" that none of the injuries were serious.
No damage estimate was immediately available, but Rhodes said the total would be in the millions. "It was unprecedented in our area," Rhodes said.
Rhodes said the 40-person investigation taskforce will have the benefit of talking to construction crews who were working when the fire started in a building that was framed but had no stucco exterior. It then spread to a building that was further along in the construction process. The complex contained at least two other s that were under construction and another that was occupied.
Rhodes said a preliminary cause could be available in the coming week "if the interviews yield answers."
John Ham, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, whose agents are assisting with the investigation, said he had talked to people who had fought fires for 30 or 40 years and "haven't seen anything like this." He added: "I think unfortunately it was the perfect storm."
Derry (United Kingdom) (AFP) - Martin McGuinness, a one-time Irish Republican Army (IRA) commander who later helped negotiate an end to the conflict in Northern Ireland, died on Tuesday aged 66.
Tributes poured in for the former deputy first minister from across the political divide, and just hours after his death, supporters silently escorted his coffin through the streets of his native Derry.
But victims of the paramilitary IRA condemned his role in the British province's bloody past, in which 3,500 people died in more than three decades of violence.
"While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence," Prime Minister Theresa May said.
"In doing so, he made an essential contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace."
McGuinness had resigned from office in January, citing an unspecified serious illness and a breakdown in relations with the rival Democratic Unionist Party with whom he had shared power in Belfast for a decade.
He died in hospital in Derry, according to his official death notice, reportedly from a rare heart condition.
A trained butcher, McGuinness first became involved in politics through the civil rights movement and became the IRA's second-in-command in his home town.
Through the Sinn Fein party, which opposes British rule in Northern Ireland and was long considered the political arm of the IRA, he went on to play a central behind-the-scenes role in an historic 1998 peace deal.
- 'Truth has died' -
Colin Parry, whose 12-year-old son Tim died in an IRA bomb in the English town of Warrington in 1993, told BBC radio that he could not forgive McGuinness but paid tribute to his "desire for peace".
McGuinness was "a brave man, who put himself at some risk" from more hardline republicans, Parry said.
Story continues
But British lawmaker Norman Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was paralysed in the 1984 Brighton bombing by the IRA, said the world was "a sweeter and cleaner place now" without him.
"He was not only a multi-murderer, he was a coward," said Tebbit, adding that McGuinness only became a peacemaker to "save his own skin".
Julie Hambleton, the sister of one of the 21 victims of two IRA bombs in pubs in Birmingham in central England in 1974, said McGuinness had been "selective with the truth" about his time in the IRA.
"With him the truth has died," said Hambleton, who is still campaigning for the perpetrators of the pub bombings to be brought to justice.
- Tribute from Blair -
McGuinness's resignation sparked an election last month in which Sinn Fein made major gains, but the party remains deadlocked in a dispute with the DUP.
If the two sides cannot agree to form a new government, Britain could impose direct rule from London.
Ten years ago in May, McGuinness made history by entering government with his once bitter foe, Ian Paisley of the DUP.
The decision to share power was a key part of the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair, one of the architects of the 1998 peace deal, said he would not have been able to do it without McGuinness.
"We could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future," Blair said in a statement.
In a memorable gesture that would once have been unimaginable, McGuinness shook hands with Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Belfast in 2012.
The monarch was expected to send a private message to McGuinness's widow, Bernadette.
- 'Among the heroes of Ireland' -
McGuinness was born in 1950 in Derry, on the province's northern coast, and grew up in the city when it was riven by sectarian bloodshed.
He was the IRA's second in command at the time of Bloody Sunday in 1972, when British soldiers shot 26 unarmed republican protesters in Derry, killing 13 of them.
He served prison time for IRA-related activities.
McGuinness became Northern Ireland's deputy first minister in 2007 working alongside Paisley.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams called his former colleague a "passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country".
He ended his statement with an Irish quote which translates as: "A faithful soul among the heroes of Ireland".
The funeral will take place on Thursday.
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned on Tuesday he would confront anyone trying to interfere in Iran's May presidential election, in which conservative hardliners will seek to defeat moderate President Hassan Rouhani. Khamenei referred to major street unrest after the disputed 2009 presidential election as an overt attempt to manipulate the outcome, but said there had been other cases of attempted interference including in the 2013 vote won by Rouhani. Khamenei, a hardliner who has the ultimate say on all major foreign and domestic policy in the Islamic Republic, did not specify what attempted tampering occurred in the 2013 election. "I will confront anyone who wants to tamper with the results of the peoples vote. In previous years and previous elections ..., it was the same. Some of it was in front of peoples eyes and they became aware of it. And some of it they were not aware of but I was informed about it," he said in Iranian New Year remarks carried live on state television. "It was revealed in 2009 - they came out and drew battle lines. And in other years in other ways, but in all these years I stood against them and said whatever the results of the election are, they must be carried out." Two of the candidates from the 2009 presidential election, which put hardliner Mahmoud Ahmadinejad into office for a second term despite large protests over alleged vote fraud that shook the Islamic Republic, have been under house arrest since 2011. Mir Hussein Moussavi and Mehdi Karroubi were detained for calling for street protests at the same time that pro-democracy uprisings were convulsing Tunisia and Egypt. In recent weeks, the hardline and moderate political camps in Iran have been gearing up for a showdown in the May 19 vote. Rouhani has called for greater individual freedoms and highlighted the 2015 diplomatic breakthrough reached with world powers, in which Iran curbed its nuclear program in exchange for relief from international sanctions, as a signature achievement. Conservatives hope to stop Rouhani winning a second four-year term but have yet to name their presidential candidate. They have denounced the nuclear pact as a form of capitulation, fearing it could open up Iran to Western political and corporate influence. They have also criticized Rouhanis economic record, including difficulties in rebuilding foreign trade and investment despite the lifting of sanctions. Khamenei has also faulted Iran's economic performance under Rouhani. He said on Tuesday the government could have achieved more in stimulating the economy and cited unemployment as one of Iran's biggest problems. Iran's jobless rate is 12.4 percent, according to state statistics, with about 3.2 million Iranians unemployed out of a total population of 80 million. (Reporting by Babak Dehghanpisheh; editing by Mark Heinrich)
By Patrick Markey MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi government forces attempted to evacuate civilians from Mosul's Islamic State-held Old City on Tuesday so that troops could clear the area, but militant snipers hampered the effort, Iraqi officers said. They said the insurgents were also using civilians as human shields as government units edged towards the al-Nuri Mosque, the focus of recent fighting in the five-month-long campaign to crush Islamic State in the city that was once the de facto capital of their self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate. As many as 600,000 civilians remain in the western sector of Mosul, complicating a battle being fought with artillery and air strikes as well as ground combat. Thousands have escaped in recent days. "Our forces control around 60 percent of the west now," Defence Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told a news conference in eastern Mosul. "It's the Old City now with small streets and it's a hard fight with civilians inside. We are trying to evacuate them. "We are a few hundred metres from the mosque now, we are advancing on al-Nuri. We know it means a lot to Daesh," he said, using an Arab acronym for Islamic State. The capture of the mosque would be a huge symbolic prize as well as strategic gain for the government as it was there where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi declared the caliphate in July 2014 after the militants had captured large areas of Iraq and Syria. Government forces backed by a U.S.-led international coalition retook several cities last year, liberated eastern Mosul in December, and are now closing in on the west, but the militants are putting up fierce resistance from the close-packed houses and narrow streets. Baghdadi and other leaders have fled the city for the hinterlands, where Islamic State remnants may regroup and wage a new phase of insurgency. At the same time, IS forces in the Syrian city of Raqqa are under attack in a parallel conflict. Brigadier General Saad Maan said soldiers had killed nine IS snipers on Tuesday and destroyed a bomb factory. "There are lots of snipers on top of the buildings in the Old City around the al-Nuri Mosque. We need to evacuate the families from inside as they using them as a shield when we are advancing on the mosque," he told the news conference. No precise toll of civilian casualties has been given but a prominent Iraqi politician said last week that the number could be as high as 3,500 dead since the attack on western Mosul started in mid-February. An emergency field hospital set up by the U.S. medical charity Samaritan's Purse says it has treated more than 1,000 patients, many of them women and children, since January. They suffered wounds from gunfire, land mines, mortar rounds, car bombings and booby-traps. Reporters at the frontline on Tuesday said clashes took place around the railway station in some areas troops had held a few days earlier. Troops fired rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machineguns at militants around the station as families ran across streets to avoid snipers "We sitting inside our house and bullets were coming through our door" said one woman fleeing to government lines. U.S. SUPPORT TO INCREASE Saad Maan also said the bodies of a colonel and two other officers who had gone missing during the battle had been found. The colonel had been shot. But he said the men had not been captured by the insurgents. An Interior Ministry official told Reuters on Monday that the insurgents had captured a police colonel and eight other officers after they ran out of ammunition during a skirmish. But a Rapid Response units spokesman denied this when asked for comment on Monday night. The issue is sensitive as Islamic State have a record of torturing, mutilating and killing military and civilian captives, and such an incident could be a blow to troops' morale. The number of displaced people from both sides of Mosul since the start of the offensive has reached 355,000, according to government figures. Some 181,000 had poured out of western Mosul since the start of the operations to retake that side. In Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said he had won assurances of greater U.S. support in the war in talks on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump. But Abadi cautioned that military might alone would not be sufficient. He told a forum in Washington after his meeting with Trump that he had been told U.S. "support will not only continue but will accelerate." "But of course we have to be careful here," he said. "We are not talking about military confrontation as such. Committing troops is one thing, while fighting terrorism is another thing." Abadi, who leads the Shi'ite majority government in Baghdad, said it would be crucial to win over the local population in Sunni-dominated Mosul to achieve lasting peace. He is in Washington this week ahead of a gathering of world leaders of the coalition fighting Islamic State, who as well as waging war in Iraq and Syria have inspired attacks on civilian targets in Europe, Africa and elsewhere that have killed hundreds of people. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad, Writing by Angus MacSwan in Erbil; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Patrick Markey MOSUL, Iraq (Reuters) - Iraqi government forces attempted to evacuate civilians from Mosul's Islamic State-held Old City on Tuesday so that troops could clear the area, but militant snipers hampered the effort, Iraqi officers said. They said the insurgents were also using civilians as human shields as government units edged toward the al-Nuri Mosque, the focus of recent fighting in the five-month-long campaign to crush Islamic State in the city that was once the de facto capital of their self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate. As many as 600,000 civilians remain in the western sector of Mosul, complicating a battle being fought with artillery and air strikes as well as ground combat. Thousands have escaped in recent days. "Our forces control around 60 percent of the west now," Defence Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told a news conference in eastern Mosul. "It's the Old City now with small streets and it's a hard fight with civilians inside. We are trying to evacuate them. "We are a few hundred meters from the mosque now, we are advancing on al-Nuri. We know it means a lot to Daesh," he said, using an Arab acronym for Islamic State. The capture of the mosque would be a huge symbolic prize as well as strategic gain for the government as it was there where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi declared the caliphate in July 2014 after the militants had captured large areas of Iraq and Syria. Government forces backed by a U.S.-led international coalition retook several cities last year, liberated eastern Mosul in December, and are now closing in on the west, but the militants are putting up fierce resistance from the close-packed houses and narrow streets. Baghdadi and other leaders have fled the city for the hinterlands, where Islamic State remnants may regroup and wage a new phase of insurgency. At the same time, IS forces in the Syrian city of Raqqa are under attack in a parallel conflict. Brigadier General Saad Maan said soldiers had killed nine IS snipers on Tuesday and destroyed a bomb factory. "There are lots of snipers on top of the buildings in the Old City around the al-Nuri Mosque. We need to evacuate the families from inside as they using them as a shield when we are advancing on the mosque," he told the news conference. No precise toll of civilian casualties has been given but a prominent Iraqi politician said last week that the number could be as high as 3,500 dead since the attack on western Mosul started in mid-February. An emergency field hospital set up by the U.S. medical charity Samaritan's Purse says it has treated more than 1,000 patients, many of them women and children, since January. They suffered wounds from gunfire, land mines, mortar rounds, car bombings and booby-traps. Reporters at the frontline on Tuesday said clashes took place around the railway station in some areas troops had held a few days earlier. Troops fired rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machine-guns at militants around the station as families ran across streets to avoid snipers "We sitting inside our house and bullets were coming through our door" said one woman fleeing to government lines. U.S. SUPPORT TO INCREASE Saad Maan also said the bodies of a colonel and two other officers who had gone missing during the battle had been found. The colonel had been shot. But he said the men had not been captured by the insurgents. An Interior Ministry official told Reuters on Monday that the insurgents had captured a police colonel and eight other officers after they ran out of ammunition during a skirmish. But a Rapid Response units spokesman denied this when asked for comment on Monday night. The issue is sensitive as Islamic State have a record of torturing, mutilating and killing military and civilian captives, and such an incident could be a blow to troops' morale. The number of displaced people from both sides of Mosul since the start of the offensive has reached 355,000, according to government figures. Some 181,000 had poured out of western Mosul since the start of the operations to retake that side. In Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said he had won assurances of greater U.S. support in the war in talks on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump. But Abadi cautioned that military might alone would not be sufficient. He told a forum in Washington after his meeting with Trump that he had been told U.S. "support will not only continue but will accelerate." "But of course we have to be careful here," he said. "We are not talking about military confrontation as such. Committing troops is one thing, while fighting terrorism is another thing." Abadi, who leads the Shi'ite majority government in Baghdad, said it would be crucial to win over the local population in Sunni-dominated Mosul to achieve lasting peace. He is in Washington this week ahead of a gathering of world leaders of the coalition fighting Islamic State, who as well as waging war in Iraq and Syria have inspired attacks on civilian targets in Europe, Africa and elsewhere that have killed hundreds of people. (This version of the story was refiled to change to west from east in headline) (Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad, Writing by Angus MacSwan in Erbil; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
By Phil Stewart and Steve Holland WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said he won assurances of greater U.S. support in fighting Islamic State militants in talks on Monday with President Donald Trump and top advisers, but cautioned that military might alone would not be sufficient. Abadi's remarks followed his first face-to-face meeting at the White House with Trump, who took office on Jan. 20 pledging a new strategy to defeat the hardline militant group that seized large swaths of Iraq and Syria in 2014. Even before Trump took office, Iraqi forces recaptured a string of major cities from Islamic State, shrank the militant group's finances and significantly stemmed the flow of foreign fighters, all with the support of U.S.-led coalition air strikes and military advisers. Abadi said Trump appeared more enthusiastic about battling Islamist extremists than Barack Obama's administration had been. "I think they're prepared to do more to fight terrorism and be more engaged," Abadi told a forum in Washington hours after his meeting with Trump, adding he had been told U.S. "support will not only continue but will accelerate." "But of course we have to be careful here," Abadi said. "We are not talking about military confrontation as such. Committing troops is one thing, while fighting terrorism is another thing." Abadi, who leads the Shi'ite majority government in Baghdad, said it would be crucial to win over the local population in Sunni-dominated Mosul to achieve lasting peace. A White House statement about the meeting said both Trump and Abadi agreed that "terrorism cannot be defeated by military might alone," and the two leaders called for deepening commercial ties, including in the energy sector. At the forum, Abadi called for more financial contributions from the international community. "We (would) love to see more funds so that we can quickly (regain) prosperity and stabilization in these areas," he said. TOUGH JOB Abadi spoke as Iraqi forces made steady progress in seizing back Mosul, Iraq's second largest city, from Islamic State, which officials expect will become a more classic insurgency once it loses its last major strongholds. In a sign of the threat, a car bomb killed at least 23 people and wounded more than 45 in a mainly Shi'ite southern district, police and medical sources said. There was no claim of responsibility, but Islamic State has carried out similar attacks in Baghdad and other cities as its hold on Mosul weakens. Earlier in the day, as the two men met, Trump told Abadi that he knew his forces were fighting hard. "It's not an easy job," Trump said. "It's a very tough job. Your soldiers are fighting hard. I know Mosul is moving along. ... We will figure something out. "Our main thrust is we have to get rid of ISIS. We're going to get rid of ISIS. It will happen. It's happening right now," Trump added, using an acronym for Islamic State. Asked whether he had seen the Trump administration's plan to wipe out Islamic State, Abadi said: "I haven't seen a full plan. I know there is a plan. I haven't seen it." Abadi is in Washington this week ahead of a gathering of world leaders of a coalition fighting Islamic State. In many ways, his visit comes at a high point for him after successfully appealing to Trump to remove Iraq from a list of countries included in a revamped travel ban. Trump decided this month's revised order temporarily banning the entry of travelers from several Muslim-majority nations would not include Iraq because of its cooperation with the United States. Both the initial Jan. 27 travel ban and the revised version have been blocked by federal courts. Detractors argue the ban discriminated against Muslims in violation of the U.S. Constitution's guarantee of religious freedom. Trump says the measure is necessary for national security to protect the country from terrorist attacks. "I thank you for removing Iraq from the presidential order ... this was a positive response to the Iraqi request that betters the relationship with Iraq and the value of Iraq as far as Iraqi-American relations," Abadi told Trump. (Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy and Eric Beech in Washington and Patrick Markey and John Davison in Iraq; Writing by Phil Stewart; Editing by Peter Cooney and Richard Pullin)
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi visited the White House Monday, and managed to get a jab in to President Donald Trump about his unsubstantiated claims that President Obama had ordered a wiretap on Trump Tower during the 2016 election.
According to a report from a pool reporter, the press asked the President a question about wiretapping, to which he did not respond. But al-Abadi grabbed Trumps arm and joked, we had nothing to do with the wiretap.
Earlier this month, President Trump tweeted his unproven claim about Obama wiretapping him, but provided no proof. Speaking at a Congressional hearing on Russian meddling in the 2016 election Monday, FBI Director James Comey said there is no evidence or intelligence to support these claims. Ranking members of the House and Senate intelligence committees have said the same thing.
Abadis visit to the White House was his first since President Trump was inaugurated two months ago. Trump said the two discussed the U.S. continuing to provide support for the fight against ISIS. The president was also critical of his predecessor, saying the U.S. military should not have withdrawn from Iraq in 2011, and critiquing the Iranian nuclear deal. The visit was largely overshadowed by Comeys hearing.
One of the things I asked him was why did President Obama sign that agreement for Iran because nobody has been able to figure that one out, Trump said. Maybe someday well be able to figure it out.
This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
Marvel's Iron Fist has been getting a lot of attention lately, but probably not the kind that Netflix would want.
The superhero series has attracted controversy for its white savior premise, with many fans decrying the show's cultural appropriation and arguing that an Asian or Asian-American actor should have been cast in the lead role.
Many fans, that is, but not all. One person who's got no patience for that kind of talk is Roy Thomas, the 76-year-old creator of the Iron Fist comic book series. In a new interview, he suggests that critics of Iron Fist just "have too much time on their hands."
SEE ALSO: Danny Rand is a bad person, and 18 other thoughts I had while watching 'Iron Fist'
Inverse recently sat down with Thomas who, it should be noted, is not involved with the Netflix TV series (they discuss his feelings about that in the interview, too). Thomas confided that the conversation about Iron Fist's cultural appropriation makes him "furious."
Oh boy. This is gonna be good.
Us right now.
Image: netflix
Thomas explained:
So ... he knows "Oriental" isn't the right word but went ahead and used it anyway, huh?
Also us right now.
Image: netflix
Thomas went on to argue that Iron Fist "was a character for a comic book at a different time."
It may be true that the concept of Iron Fist was more acceptable in 1974. But that's a good reason for the property's current handlers to update and modernize it. It's not a good excuse for dragging Iron Fist's retrograde racial dynamics into the year 2017.
Us again.
Image: Netflix
Thomas then spent some time scolding people whom he thinks have too much time.
And put forth the argument that, hey, there's no narrative reason that Iron Fist can't be Caucasian.
By that logic, of course there's no reason he couldn't have been Asian (or any other race), either.
But something tells us that's not the point he's trying to make here.
Iraqi government forces are closing in on the historic Grand Mosque in Mosul, close to the heart of the old city, which remains in the grasp of Islamic State (IS). Iraqi helicopter gunships are in action, as are combat aircraft from coalition forces and the Iraqi Army hopes to gain control of the mosque imminently.
This would be a huge symbolic blow to IS. It was in the Grand Mosque that the groups leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, announced the new caliphate in July 2014. He spoke at the first Friday prayers of Ramadan and it marked the start of the peak period of power for IS as it took control of much of north-western Iraq. Since then, though, the intense US-led air war has killed over 50,000 IS supporters, the expansion of the movement has stalled, and the Iraqi Army has retaken substantial territory.
So is the looming loss of the Grand Mosque the beginning of the end for IS or is it just another turning point in a long drawn-out war?
The operation to retake Mosul started in October 2016. Iraqi forces and their allies stormed towards eastern Mosul so quickly that some predicted the whole of the city would be controlled by the Iraqi government by the years end. But the offensive soon met a stalemate, and it was three months before the Iraqi Army reached the banks of the Tigris, which divides eastern from western Mosul.
After a months pause, the assault began on the west of the city and its Grand Mosque. But by then, the elite Iraqi Counter Terror Service (or Golden Division) had sustained serious casualties and there were already fears that Mosul would turn out to be a pyrrhic victory, reducing the one force that the Iraqi government could depend on in any future civil war to a shadow of its former self.
As in eastern Mosul, progress was initially rapid but then descended to a bitter war of attrition, especially as Iraqi forces got closer to the densely packed old city. ISs defensive forces are determined to maximise Iraqi military casualties; in one recent attack, IS used an armoured bulldozer to force its way through a road block before detonating a bomb. The Iraqis in turn are using air power and artillery much more readily, as happened in the new assault on the Grand Mosque, which has led to a sharp rise in civilian casualties.
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Meanwhile, Iraqi and US government sources have offered different assessments of progress: while Iraq said that nearly 60% of western Mosul had been retaken, the US commander, General Joseph Martin, put it at a little over a third. But whatever the truth, the battle for western Mosul is repeating many of the features of the closing stages of the earlier battle for eastern Mosul, with heavy casualties among Iraqs elite forces and even higher civilian casualties.
Down, but not out
IS is preparing for a rather different future. Just as it comes under intense pressure in Mosul, it is unexpectedly opening up new fronts in other parts of Iraq. There are reports of a surge in IS raids around Baiji and Tikrit, both well south of Mosul towards Baghdad. The Baiji police chief reported that until a few weeks ago, IS attacks were rare, but that there have been 40 in the last month alone.
Clearly the group is far from finished in Iraq. The indications are that it has already started the process of going underground, shifting from controlling territory to guerrilla warfare. It will be supported by many Sunnis whove seen the high number of civilian casualties caused by Iraqi government forces. The state is now highly dependent on Shia militias and Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps units both of whom Iraqi Sunnis view with great suspicion.
IS also recently made a show of its strength elsewhere. It claimed responsibility for an attack on a military hospital in Kabul, Afghanistan, which killed 30 people. Sardar Daud Khans Hospital is a major 400-bed Ministry of Defence facility in the diplomatic district of Kabul, close to the US embassy; that its tight security proved inadequate only added to the shock of the attack.
IS has also moved progressively to increase its capacity to stage attacks in the countries of the far enemy, one reason why UK authorities are warning once again that the risk of attacks is very high.
The groups actions outside of Iraq and Syria serve three functions: straightforward retaliation for the groups huge casualties in the air war; proof that the group is still a major force; and perhaps most worrying of all, aiming to stir up anti-Muslim hatred just as the far right gathers steam in Western Europe. Mosul may well be retaken in the coming weeks, but any suggestion that IS is finished is just plain nonsense.
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
The Conversation
Paul Rogers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond the academic appointment above.
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israeli authorities said Tuesday they have arrested a Palestinian employee in Gaza of Turkey's international aid agency TIKA on accusations of diverting its project funds to Hamas.
It was the third such arrest in recent months by Israel, with a UN worker and the Gaza head of Christian charity World Vision having previously been accused of aiding Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip.
Israel's domestic security agency Shin Bet said Muhammad Murtaja, coordinator of the Gaza branch of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), was arrested last month.
It said he had duped TIKA, with the agency run by the office of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim unaware of his activities.
"The investigation showed that Murtaja deceived TIKA by misusing the organisations resources and funds, which were intended for substantial humanitarian projects in the Gaza Strip, by diverting them to Hamas's military wing," Shin Bet said in a statement.
"This fraud was carried out in collusion with the senior ranks of Hamas in Gaza, headed by Ismail Haniya," it added, referring to Hamas's former top leader in Gaza.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said the accusations were false and part of an effort by Israel to "strengthen the blockade on the Gaza Strip" by "terrorising international organisations so that they stop helping Gazans".
Turkish foreign ministry spokesman Huseyin Muftuoglu said "a request for information was sent to the Israeli authorities" and that the presumption of innocence until proven guilty must be respected.
"TIKA will continue, with care and selflessness, to carry out its projects to alleviate the pain being experienced by the whole of the Palestinian people, including in Gaza, as part of the 50-year occupation," since the Jewish state was established, the statement said.
More than two-thirds of Gaza's two million people depend on some form of foreign aid, with the Palestinian enclave hit by three wars against Israel since 2008 and under an Israeli blockade for a decade.
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UN officials have called for the blockade to be lifted, citing deteriorating humanitarian conditions.
Israel says it is needed to stop Hamas from importing weapons or materials that could be used to make them.
Shin Bet alleged Murtaja, around 40, had been active in Hamas's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, since 2009.
"His activity included... military training and exercises, manufacturing weapons and explosive devices and digging terror tunnels," it said.
It also alleged that "Murtajas trip via Israel to receive training from TIKA, which led to his arrest for interrogation, was also intended to allow him to acquire information that would improve the accuracy of Hamas rockets being launched at Israel."
- Shin Bet accuses Turkish NGO -
Separately, Shin Bet accused a Turkish NGO, the Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH), of helping "to directly fund the activities of the Hamas military wing".
Turkey and Israel recently restored diplomatic ties after a six-year rift.
Ties were damaged after Israeli commandos killed 10 Turkish activists aboard a Gaza-bound aid ship in 2010, sparking an unprecedented feud.
IHH organised the bid to break the Israeli blockade.
The rift between the one-time key allies ended in June last year after long-running secret talks.
In September, Israel paid $20 million in compensation and offered an apology over the raid while also granting Turkey permission to send aid to Gaza.
By Yuval Ben-David NETANYA, Israel (Reuters) - The chief of Israel's armed forces said on Tuesday the death last year of the top Hezbollah military commander was an assassination by the Iranian-backed Lebanese group itself. Hezbollah has maintained the commander, Mustafa Badreddine, was killed near Damascus by artillery fire from insurgent groups fighting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. But a war monitoring group said no rebel shelling occurred in the area at that time. "According to (media) reports, he was killed by his superiors, which points to the extent of the cruelty, complexity and tension between Hezbollah and its patron, Iran," Israeli Lieutenant-General Gadi Eisenkot said. "These reports corresponded with the information we have and with our assessment," he said in a speech in central Israel. Al Arabiya news channel said earlier this month that Iran, which like Hezbollah has forces in Syria supporting Assad in its civil war, was unhappy with Badreddine and wanted him removed from the battlefield. Eisenkot did not give any details on the circumstances of Badreddine's death, which was reported in May 2016. A senior Israeli security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters last week that Badreddine and Iran were at odds over "how to wage the Syrian campaign". A meeting was arranged near the Damascus airport, where a Hezbollah security official shot him dead. In Beirut, Mohammed Afif, a Hezbollah spokesman, said Israel's allegations were "lies that do not deserve comment". The U.S. government believed Badreddine, 55, was in charge of Hezbollah's military operations in Syria. He was one of five Hezbollah members indicted by the U.N.-backed Special Tribunal for Lebanon in the 2005 killing of Rafik al-Hariri, one of Lebanon's most prominent Sunni Muslim figures. Hezbollah denied any involvement and said the charges were politically motivated. For years, Badreddine masterminded military operations against Israel from Lebanon and overseas and managed to escape capture by Arab and Western governments. Israel, which fought Hezbollah in a 2006 war and has targeted the group in Syria over alleged arms transfers, had called his death good news but stopped short of claiming responsibility. In a letter, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif extended condolences "for the martyrdom of this great jihadist ... who embodied devotion and vigor and was legendary in his defense of high Islamic goals and his defense of the Lebanese people who resist oppression and terrorism." (Writing by Jeffrey Heller in Jerusalem; Additional reporting by Laila Bassam in Beirut; Editiing by Larry King)
ROME (Reuters) - Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Tuesday that he wants to send a strong message in favor of free trade when he welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders in Italy in May. Italy hosts the annual meeting of seven of the world's biggest industrialized economies (G7) in the town of Taormina in Sicily on May 26-27. It will be Trump's first scheduled trip to Europe. Trump brandished strong protectionist rhetoric during his "America First" election campaign, saying it was necessary to save jobs. He has already pulled out of a key Pacific trade agreement and proposed a new tax on imports, arguing that certain trade relationships need to be reworked to make them fairer for U.S. workers. "It's our hope that the G-7 in Taormina will send a message about the importance of international trade and against every protectionist temptation," Gentiloni said after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Rome. "Japan and Europe must collaborate with the United States to continue to hold high the free-trade flag," Abe said. As well as Japan, Italy and the United States, the G7 comprises Britain, France, Canada and Germany. Gentiloni and Abe also called for a free trade deal to be reached quickly between Japan and the European Union. Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Abe made similar comments after meeting in Germany. After meeting Merkel in Washington last week, Trump said he did not believe in isolationism but that trade policy must be more fair. On Saturday, financial leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies (G20) dropped a long-held pledge to keep global trade free and open, acquiescing to the United States after failing to find a compromise. Gentiloni also said he would push the G7 to favor dialogue over sanctions in its relations with Russia. (Reporting by Steve Scherer Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
The Ivanka Trump brand has had a tumultuous start to 2017, and things do not seem to be getting better. The clothing and accessories brand founded by President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka Trump has been sued by a San Francisco-based retailer over unfair competition, reports said Friday.
According to the class action lawsuit filed by Modern Appealing Clothing in San Francisco Superior Court on Thursday, the company (Ivanka Trump Marks, LLC) was able to gain an unfair advantage over others from Donald J. Trump being the President of the United States and from Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared, working for the President of the United States.
Read: Ivanka Trumps Brand Registers Record Numbers Despite Massive Boycott Call
In February, department store chain Nordstrom announced it was dropping Ivankas brand over concerns regarding poor product sales. A number of other retailers followed suit. However, many say that his mass dropping of the Ivanka Trump brand was a result of the #GrabYourWallet campaign, critical of the new president and his administration.
Trump went on Twitter to defend his daughter, calling out Nordstrom for having acted in an unfair manner. Kellyanne Conway, counselor to the president, went on Fox News and urged people to go buy Ivankas stuff, which earned her a reprimand from the Office of Government Ethics.
The lawsuit says that Ivankas company got boost in sales because of the publicity provided by the president and his counselor.
E-commerce aggregator Lyst backed the boost in sales for the brand and in a report published by Refinery29, the brands sales registered an increase of 346 percent from January to February and an increase of 557 percent in February compared to the same month last year.
The California retailer, in the lawsuit, is also suing the Ivanka Trump brand over conspiracy and asked for temporary and permanent restraining orders barring the company from continuing to compete at an unfair advantage in California. It added, As a result of their unlawful acts, defendants have reaped and continue to reap unfair benefits and illegal profits at the expense of plaintiff MAC and the class it seeks to represent.
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London (AFP) - British author Jane Austen, known the world over for her insightful take on 19th century society, created fake marriage documents with two separate men, archives have revealed.
In her novels, Austen wove tales of heroines navigating the patriarchal customs of the time to find stability and social status through advantageous marriages.
But the author herself never wed.
However, two fake marriage entries, written by Austen herself and announcing her union with two men believed to be imaginary, will soon go on display to mark the bicentenary of her death, the Hampshire Archives announced.
The documents were found in the marriage register in the parish of Steventon, in Hampshire in southeast England, where Austen grew up.
They announce the banns -- a public announcement by the church of imminent nuptials -- between Austen and Henry Fitzwilliam of London and then Edmund Mortimer of Liverpool.
Austen, believed to have been a teenager at the time, was able to access the register because her father was the rector of the parish.
"This unique document uncovers another side to Jane Austen's character," Andrew Gibson, Hampshire's culture spokesman explained on the county's website.
"Jane would have been in her teens when she wrote these fake marriage entries, and some could say it reveals a mischievous side during her younger years," Gibson added.
Austen's six major novels, realistically depicting the life of the British gentry in the Georgian era, have become classics of English literature.
They are taught in schools and are also regularly adapted on screen, especially "Pride and Prejudice" and "Sense and Sensibility."
Born in Steventon, Austen spent her life in Hampshire, where she died in July 1817 at the age of 41.
Events to commemorate the anniversary of her death will take place across Britain this year.
Jared Kushner, President Donald Trumps principal Middle East advisor, embarked on his maiden diplomatic mission even before his father-in-law was inaugurated. His task: get Britain to help scuttle a U.N. Security Council resolution denouncing Israeli settlements.
His outreach was part of a broader effort by the president-elects transition team which included public denunciations of the settlements resolution by Trump, and back-channel lobbying of U.N. diplomats by his not-yet-then-and-now-former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, to derail the resolution vote. It ultimately failed, as the councils 15 members, including Britain, dismissed the Trump teams appeals and voted 14-0, with a U.S. abstention, in favor.
But Kushners intervention provided an early test of the neophytes attempt to wade into a Middle East morass that has bedeviled professional diplomats for decades. It also provided further insights into a rare effort by an incoming administration to press Americas closest ally to break ranks with a sitting American president.
Shortly before the Dec. 23 vote on Israeli settlements, and full month before Trump would take office, Kushner contacted Kim Darroch, Britains ambassador to the United States, who he had met through a friend. Kushner asked Darroch to push back the vote on the resolution until after the inauguration, a White House official told Foreign Policy, a move that would give the new administration the chance to veto it. Kushner argued that the resolution would ease the pressure on the Palestinians to enter peace talks with Israel.
It was a particularly big ask for Britain, which had been pressing for the council to weigh in on the Middle East crisis since 2014. Britains U.N. ambassador, Matthew Rycroft, played a decisive, behind-the-scenes role in helping draft a resolution that could avoid an American veto.
Britain rebuffed Kushners appeal. After the vote, Rycroft defended Britains action, saying, Israeli settlement activity represents a clear and present danger to our shared vision of two states for two people.
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The vote triggered a furious response from the Trump transition team that caught Britains foreign-policy establishment as well as the countrys new prime minister, Theresa May off balance.
President-elect Trump denounced the resolution in a statement, calling it extremely unfair to all Israelis. Reinforcing the point on Twitter, he warned that things will be different at the U.N. after his Jan. 20 inauguration.
Kushner, meanwhile, went to work on the British, applying intense pressure on Darroch to shift gears and align his governments policy more closely with the incoming administration. It would pay off in less than a week, when May in a speech eviscerated then-Secretary of State John Kerry over Israel.
He gave the Brits a tough time because of their vote on the settlements resolution, said a senior Western diplomat.
Asked if Kushner had read British officials the riot act, a White House official said it was hard to imagine the normally reserved man delivering a smackdown. But he was very disappointed, the official said.
Obama administration officials viewed the Trump administrations efforts to block the settlements resolution as a flagrant breach of diplomatic protocol and a violation of the tradition of having one president at a time.
American officials in New York and Washington soon began to notice that Britain was becoming an obstacle on other fronts, delaying action on a U.S.-backed resolution threatening sanctions against Syria for using chemical weapons.
This was starting to happen more and more, recalled one former senior U.S. official, who claimed the British were coordinating with Trumps team. It was a strange experience, it was quite unusual during an American transition to have close allies blatantly tell you they need to consult with the new administration.
Mays government was in a tough spot. With Britain poised to leave Europe, she was keen to shore up the special relationship a centerpiece of British foreign policy since World War II with the incoming administration and secure an early meeting with President Trump. In mid-December, more than a month before the inauguration, her chiefs of staff, Fiona Hill and Nick Timothy, traveled to New York to meet with Trumps advisors.
All it took was one phone call from Kushner to convince the British to take a tougher line, said a senior European source.
May moved quickly to mollify Trump well before he took office, breaking ranks with the outgoing Obama administration, not to mention Britains own European allies, on a range of Middle East fronts.
On Dec. 30, May delivered an extraordinary rebuke of Secretary Kerry. He had called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government the most right-wing in the countrys history and warned that Israels settlement policy was undermining any prospects for the establishment of a Palestinian state.
We do not believe that it is appropriate to attack the composition of the democratically elected government of an ally, May retorted.
The remarks rattled some British diplomats.
The language was aggressive, and people were taken aback. It was not how the Foreign Office would have phrased things, said a former senior British diplomat.
But it was not enough to satisfy the incoming administration.
Kushner was said to be simmering over Mays remarks, which failed to fundamentally alter Londons views on the virtues of the settlements resolution. One diplomat suggested the statement may not have put enough daylight between Britain and the Obama administration. Or maybe hes just always angry, the diplomat said.
Britains foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, paid a Jan. 8 visit to Trump Tower, the president-elects residence and transition headquarters in New York, to smooth things over with Kushner and Steve Bannon.
Trumps advisors were alarmed by French plans to host a high-level Middle East meeting the next week in Paris, which would have reinforced international opposition to settlements. Johnson declined to go to Paris, sending a lower level British official in his place. British officials subsequently blocked the adoption of European Union statements in Brussels and the U.N. Security Council endorsing the Paris communique, which had reinforced international denunciation of Israels settlements.
Thomas Barrack Jr., a Lebanese-American fundraiser and advisor to Trump, praised Kushners role in trying to block the settlements resolution. His instinct of sensing a moment in time in which this president might put his fingerprints on a peaceful solution to decades-old issues was timely and appropriate, he said.
Meanwhile, one critic dismissed Kushners apparent achievement in getting the British to break with the Obama administration as a maiden mini-success.
It was almost inevitable that Theresa May, given her agenda, her priorities, and her domestic political situation, would both have to and want to run to embrace Trump, said Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington.
So, in a sense, getting May to make Trump- and Israel-friendly noises was not hard at all. There was almost no way to fail. I think anyone could have done it, he said.
Obama administration officials, still in office, were irate. For several months, Britain and France had been pressing the United States to join them in presenting a U.N. Security Council resolution sanctioning Syria and the Islamic State for using chemical weapons. Russia had made it clear it would veto the resolution, but for the two Europeans allies it was worth exposing Russias defense of the Syrian regime.
The United States initially balked, fearing a confrontation with Russia might jeopardize Kerrys efforts to negotiate with Moscow a cease-fire in eastern Aleppo. But by December, Aleppo had already fallen, and the Obama administration began pressing for a vote on the chemical weapons resolution. But when they went back to the British, they got a cold shoulder.
I felt like I got the runaround, said the official. I took it to mean the Obama administration was out of juice.
At the same time, the British began to backtrack on another joint initiative with the Obama administration. In December, the Obama administration urged Spain, which held the rotating council presidency, to schedule a meeting with Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed, the U.N. special representative on Yemen. The Spanish declined.
When Sweden took up the presidency in January, the British held up scheduling the meeting until three days after Trumps inauguration.
They were less than subtle about needing to check with the incoming team, said a former U.S. official.
They were just waiting us out, said another former U.S. official.
But in the end, for all the cajoling, Kushner and his colleagues had done little to shake Britains position on Israeli settlements.
The episode underscored the limits of the Trump presidencys power to impose its vision of the Middle East on even its closest allies.
In her first Security Council meeting on the Middle East, Nikki Haley, the new U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, was still fuming over what she characterized as the outrageously biased settlements resolution passed by the council in December.
But Britains U.N. ambassador punched back, making it clear that London had no regrets.
I dont think the Security Council is biased against any country; we are biased in favor of the U.N. charter, Rycroft said. We oppose any country or any action that goes against the U.N. charter.
The settlements resolution, he added, was neither pro nor anti any country. It was anti-settlements, on the grounds that settlements are one of the impediments to bringing peace to the Middle East.
FPs senior national security reporter Dan De Luce contributed to this story.
Photo credit: ANDREW HARRER/Pool/Getty Images
NEW YORK (Reuters) - New Jersey will give up to $1 million in grants to religious institutions and other non-profit groups vulnerable to attacks in the wake of a spate of threats against Jewish organizations around the country, Governor Chris Christie said on Tuesday.
Organizations in nine New Jersey counties will be able to apply to the state's Office of Homeland Security for grants of up to $50,000 each for security equipment if they can show they are "at high risk of terrorist attack," Christie said in his announcement.
Christie, a Republican, cited a bomb threat against a Jewish community center in Cherry Hill, Camden County, last month, one of more than 100 such incidents tallied at Jewish community centers around the United States this year. The threats all turned out to be hoaxes, and at least one man in Missouri has been arrested, accused of making some of the threats.
The new Jersey program is intended to supplement similar federal funding available in the state's 12 other counties.
(Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by James Dalgleish)
NORTH WILDWOOD, N.J. (AP) Authorities in New Jersey rescued a dolphin that found itself in some trouble.
WPVI-TV reports (http://6abc.cm/2nfTJU2) that North Wildwood police noticed several dolphins were stuck on a sandbar Monday afternoon. Officials say two dolphins in the bunch were able to free themselves when the tide came in.
North Wildwood firefighters stepped in to help one dolphin that could not get back out to sea, using a flexible stretcher to carry the mammal into deeper water.
Officials say all the dolphins returned safely to the ocean.
By Kaye Foley
Jessica Chastain is back on the big screen with The Zookeepers Wife. Based on the bestselling book, the drama tells the true story of Polish zookeepers Jan and Antonina Zabinski, who saved over three hundred people from the Nazis by hiding them at the Warsaw Zoo during World War II. The movie comes out March 31.
The two-time Oscar nominee and Golden Globe winner spoke with Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric about the film, her character, how she picks her roles, and women in Hollywood.
Its an incredible story that has been untold until recently, Chastain said. Its a story of this ordinary woman in Warsaw who sacrificed her safety, she sacrificed the safety of her entire family, her children, everything she loved, to save the lives of hundreds of peoplehundreds of Jewsduring World War II.
To prepare for her role, Chastain met the Zabinskis daughter, Teresa, and visited the real Warsaw Zoo as well as Auschwitz the largest Nazi concentration camp complex.
I knew Antonina wouldnt know necessarily what was happening in the camps, but I also knew that the story was bigger than just about one family, Chastain said about visiting Auschwitz. I wanted to be in that space. I wanted to feel the dirt beneath my feet and acknowledge the lives that were lost in that time.
RELATED: How Jessica Chastain picks her roles
In addition to the compelling female-centric story, Chastain also appreciated that The Zookeepers Wife had a number of women working in front of the camera and behind the scenes, including director Niki Caro.
Its incredible to be a part of a film that celebrates a woman in history, Chastain said. Because there have always been women that have been courageous and brave and ambitious and strong and great leaders. I want to do whatever I can to celebrate those women in history and to inspire young girls.
RELATED: Jessica Chastain on whether directing is in her future
Chastain continued, Niki Caro, our director, was a leader in that. She created opportunities on set for other women. She hired the best people for the job, and they just happened to be women, which was phenomenal.
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Sometimes you need an adversary to wake yourself up, said Chastain, who attended the Womens March in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21 with friends and family. She added that shes noticed increased feminist pride among men and women since Donald Trump became president. Now Ive noticed people realizing if one group is being discriminated against, all groups are. And I think that is from having an adversary.
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JOHANNESBURG -- The ground outside Mayor Herman Mashaba's downtown Johannesburg office is shaky. Drills are whizzing and tools are clanging, the rumble of the construction site reverberating through the first citizen's royal blue drapes and into his air-conditioned chambers.
"Would I have built it? Absolutely not," says Mashaba of the gleaming $21 million cylindrical edifice with a golden crown circling its rim. "You know how many houses I could have built? But it's here. I have to live with it."
The new opposition mayor in town might be living with the new council chambers his African National Congress predecessors signed off on, but he's less prepared to tolerate the party's other legacies.
The days of Nelson Mandela's proud and promising ANC, which has run South Africa since the first democratic elections in 1994, have waned. Under President Jacob Zuma, who first took office in 2009, the party has been plagued by internal factional struggles, corruption scandals and troubling inefficiencies and mismanagement in everything from education and policing to sanitation and electricity, making violent protests a regular feature on the country's streets. Johannesburg is no exception.
"We have deep-rooted problems: high unemployment, housing backlogs, massive infrastructure backlogs, a city hijacked by criminal elements and a hostile ANC doing everything possible to collapse my government," says Mashaba. The straight-talking Democratic Alliance mayor has occupied his new digs since September with the support of a loose coalition of opposition parties that unexpectedly snatched power from the ANC, making Johannesburg the fourth of South Africa's eight big cities with DA mayors.
Six months ago, not even a bookie would have taken the odds on Mashaba. The wildly successful 57-year old businessman is a libertarian opposed to minimum wage in a country where 30 percent of the population lives on social grants. But if he can run the city better than the ANC, it could be the tipping point of the 2019 national elections.
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Those elections will decide not just who controls Parliament but who will lead the country's nine provinces. With the DA in power in the Western Cape since 2009, the possibilities of taking the economic powerhouse of Gauteng aren't just fanciful notions of a deluded opposition.
Sure, it's a longshot, but some are now willing to wage their bets.
"The ANC has served their glorious past but the world is changing," says Moeletsi Mbeki, a political analyst and brother of former President Thabo Mbeki. "I think they will lose Gauteng -- and I wouldn't be surprised if they were borderline on the national elections."
But Tim Cohen, the editor of Business Day, the country's most respected daily, isn't so sure that's a possibility -- or that Mashaba's the right man for the job. "The determination he must have had to succeed in business makes me think he won't be a successful politician, especially in a coalition government with a far-left grouping. He's not very compromising."
That far-left grouping is the raucous Economic Freedom Fighters, which is demanding nationalization of banks and mines, and it's key to the success of the coalition governing arrangement. While the DA, still fighting off the perception of being a "white party," has a changing racial profile with 36-year-old Mmusi Maimane at the helm for the past two years, the DA won't be able to garner the kind of black power the EFF has been able to mobilize since it launched in 2013. By the time local elections came around in 2016, they were already able to take an impressive overall 8 percent of the vote, compared to the DA's 27 and the ANC's 54.
Mashaba, a self-described "capitalist crusader," seems to be acutely aware of the fragile alliance he's beholden to.
"Can I operate thinking that I have a blank check? No," he says. "The success of my government is totally dependent on consultation."
So far, so good. The loose coalition has backed Mashaba's drive to root out corruption, setting up a forensic unit which has already identified more than 100 licensing officials involved in fraud, leading to the arrest of 15 with many other individuals and departments under investigation.
But Mashaba -- whose first job in civil service is this one -- will be the first to tell you: "The amount I know about politics is dangerous."
Many would agree -- and they wish he would watch what's coming out of his mouth, including members of his own party.
Since December, Mashaba has been telling anyone who will listen that undocumented migrants aren't welcome in his city, laying the blame for the country's porous borders on national government. His comments play directly into anti-foreigner sentiment which resonates across the economic scale, but particularly with the poor who are left to compete with foreigners -- largely black and from other parts of the continent -- for scarce resources. Mashaba has not only riled up civil rights groups nervous about stirring xenophobia after violence against foreign nationals in 2008 left an estimated 60 people dead, but he's also given the ANC ammunition, leaving the DA to defend their usual position on the moral-high ground.
Mashaba isn't likely to back down. He's on a rule-of-law mission that began the day after the 2014 presidential elections that brought Zuma -- who initially came into office after shrugging off corruption and racketeering charges and has faced all sorts of corruption allegations ever since -- back into power. That's when Mashaba decided to join the DA.
"People were too scared to not vote ANC," he says of those black voters who stayed away from the polls, preferring to stay silent rather than register their vote for anyone other than the party that liberated them. "I wanted to start an awareness, a revolution. Voting for a political party should be on the basis of their policies. I'm not going to vote because they are my friends or they belong to the same race or clan."
In a country where "white monopoly capital" discussions dominate parliamentary discourse and "coconuts" are routinely sneered at, Mashaba has the confidence and power of his skin color, along with his extraordinary apartheid-era black business success. Call him a sellout -- or compare him to Donald Trump because he's a businessman, political outsider and immigration hardliner -- at your peril. Mashaba has the street cred that's the stuff of legend.
He grew up in a township outside Pretoria, the youngest of five children raised by his domestic worker mother. In high school, he was a small-time pot dealer running dice games on street corners. He dropped out of university when it shut down during apartheid protests, and got a job as a salesman for a black haircare company before starting his own brand, Black Like Me.
Mashaba is going to need the sort of unwavering determination it took to succeed against all odds under apartheid to govern the unruly, post-apartheid city of Johannesburg.
Mbeki thinks he's just what South Africa needs.
"The ANC government has been made of high school teachers, freedom fighters and anti-apartheid activists who know how to complain and organize against the powers that be," he says. "What we need now is more Herman Mashabas -- business people who know how to build."
Tanya Pampalone is a Johannesburg-based journalist. You can follow her on Twitter here.
AMMAN, Jordan (AP) Jordan's highest court has blocked the extradition of a Jordanian woman who faces U.S. charges in the 2001 bombing of a Jerusalem pizza restaurant that killed 15 people, including two Americans.
The U.S. indictment against Ahlam al-Tamimi was unsealed last week.
Jordanian state media reported on Tuesday that a day earlier, Jordan's Court of Cassation upheld a lower-court decision on grounds that Jordan and the United States don't have an extradition treaty.
The military's news website Hala Akhbar quoted al-Tamimi as saying she had been confident the Jordanian judiciary "will be fair to me."
U.S. prosecutors allege she accompanied the suicide bomber and ordered him to detonate the explosives.
Al-Tamimi was imprisoned in Israel, but released to Jordan in a 2011 prisoner swap between Israel and the Islamic militant Hamas.
No revelations were expected from Rex Tillersons first trip to China as U.S. Secretary of State; he invited only one journalist to accompany him, and seemed determined that his visit make no news. He nearly succeeded but his repeated use of Chinese phrases earlier rejected by the Obama administration caused a stir in both Chinese and U.S. media. If the visit is remembered, it will be for the Trump administrations adoption of Beijings diplomatic language and style. The tactic cannot have been well considered, and could prove misleading.
In public statements, Tillerson frequently cited Chinese President Xi Jinpings favored prescription for A New Model of Great Power Relations the awkward, controversial trinity of no confrontation or conflict, mutual respect, and win-win solutions. Tillerson then did Xi one better by claiming that the phrase not only could guide bilateral dealings going forward, but had in fact been the defining idea of U.S.-China relations over the past 40 years.
In fact, the New Model dates only to 2013, when Xi formally proposed the phrase at his Sunnylands summit with Barack Obama, and Obama parroted it back to him. After the summit, when Chinas foreign minister elaborated on the New Model by saying it required avoidance of friction, mutual respect, and a joint search for win-win outcomes, Washington balked. Mutual respect was the major stumbling block, as it seemed to imply that both sides should recognize the others core interests. Americans worried that Chinas core interests, which have historically included Tibet, Taiwan, and Xinjiang, were expanding to comprise much of the Western Pacific, where the U.S. too has core interests that conflict with Chinas. RIP, New Model.
Chinese officials continued to use the slogan for years after America dropped it, probably because it was associated with Xis hallowed leadership. Even Xi seemed to have abandoned it by 2016, but now Tillerson has reawakened Chinas hopes. Some American moderates see Tillersons reversal on New Model as an overdue recognition of the need to avoid war with a rising China. Others see a craven kow-tow. It is more likely, however, that Xis slogan was simply used as placeholder language by a Trump administration that does not yet have a China policy. President Trump has not yet convened experts from the diplomatic, military, and intelligence communities to conduct a thorough review of U.S. strategies in East Asia and China. The White House has not had time to conduct the necessary meetings, has not appointed officials who would have to participate in them, and, in any event, does not appear prioritize such work.
At least two questions follow. First, can Xi rely on Tillersons seeming enthusiasm as evidence that Trump is committed to constructive engagement with China, or to building a partnership, as Beijing understands the word? Thats easy: No. Candidate Trumps warnings about Chinas predatory behavior have been too heartfelt, and the economic, strategic, and ideological sources of friction between the United States and China are too deep-seated for anyone to take Tillersons words at face value. His Beijing remarks cant be judged until the Trump administration settles on a China policy over the course of the next year or two, or until a crisis forces the issue earlier.
The second question is how Xis favorite formulation made it into Tillersons talking points nearly verbatim in the first place. Neither Steve Bannon, nor Peter Navarro, nor any of Trumps department secretaries most of whom are either China hawks, China skeptics, or China newcomers seem likely to have recommended its use.
This wholly Chinese phrase was probably one that the Chinese themselves suggested to the administration, either during a visit by one of Beijings emissaries or through the Chinese Embassy, which has its own channels of communication with the Presidents staff. If this analysis is correct, a Chinese spokesman probably made the case that, after a rocky year in the relationship, Trump was more likely to succeed in negotiations if his administration first reassured Xi of his sincerity by publically mouthing the words Xi had been longing to hear. If that was the argument, Tillerson properly performed his role in the jointly choreographed dance that is leading up to the Trump-Xi summit in Mar-a-Lago in April. It would be unfair to call that a kow-tow.
Restricted media coverage, secret consensus, and public platitudes, all in the service of an upcoming summit that we can already declare a success this was diplomacy in the Chinese style. But the Tillerson trip shouldnt be over-analyzed. It wasnt even Act I in the Trump-Xi era of U.S.-China relations. It was the tune up for the overture at most, and while there were false notes, it was not without promise.
Thomas Peter/AFP/Getty Images
(Reuters) - An Australian teenager who was bitten by a crocodile when he jumped into a river in northern Queensland on a dare is now recovering in hospital and looking forward to a date with the British backpacker he was trying to impress. Lee De Paauw, 18, had met Sophie Paterson while drinking at with a group of friends into the early hours of Sunday morning at a backpackers' hostel in Innisfail in northern Queensland. According to local media, De Paauw told Paterson that backpackers were more likely to get eaten by crocodiles than Australians, and was ready to back up his words. Accepting a dare to jump from the wharf into the crocodile-infested Johnstone River, he was grabbed almost immediately by a crocodile. "At that point, I punched it in the snout", De Paauw said from his hospital bed in Cairns. "My second hit, I got it straight in the eye, and then it let go." De Paauw suffered serious injuries to his left arm and underwent surgery at Cairns Hospital. "I think he's very brave to be, you know, in such high spirits after what happened," said Paterson, who said she has agreed to go on a date with De Paauw. "She's beautiful, caring and kind," said De Paauw. Asked to account for his own actions, De Paauw was under no illusions. "Stupidity," De Paauw said, "You know there's crocs there." (Reporting by Reuters Television, Writing by Karishma Singh; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore)
SEOUL, South Korea (AP) South Korea's just-ousted president returned home early Wednesday after being grilled by prosecutors in a long-awaited investigation of corruption allegations that ended her rule and now threaten to put her in jail.
The questioning of Park Geun-hye came 11 days after the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled to dismiss her over suspicions she colluded with a confidante to extort money from businesses and committed other wrongdoings. Her powers had been suspended since she was impeached by parliament in December.
"I am sorry to the people. I will sincerely undergo an investigation," Park told reporters, without elaborating, when she arrived at the prosecutors' office on Tuesday.
It was not clear if Park's brief statement meant she acknowledged the corruption allegations, since she has repeatedly denied any legal wrongdoing. South Korean politicians embroiled in scandals often offer public apologies for causing trouble though they deny any involvement.
Park's questioning lasted 14 hours and ended just before midnight. She spent about seven more hours at the prosecutors' office reviewing their report to check whether they accurately described her testimony.
When she left the prosecutors' office and got into a black sedan waiting for her, Park didn't make any comments to reporters. But when she arrived at her home in southern Seoul, live TV footage showed Park smiling, talking to ruling party lawmakers and giving a nod in gestures of greetings several times for dozens of flag-waving supporters who lined up streets leading up to her residence.
In Park's questioning, prosecutors tried to determine whether to seek an arrest warrant, according to South Korean media. Many other suspects implicated in the scandal have already been arrested, including Park's confidante Choi Soon-sil, some top government officials and Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong.
Prosecutors have previously accused Park of extortion, bribery and abuse of power, which could theoretically carry penalties of up to life imprisonment. But arresting Park would be a delicate matter because it might aggravate a national divide and create a strong conservative backlash ahead of an election in May to choose her successor, some political experts said.
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Park's scandal has roiled South Korea for months, with those opposing and supporting her rule staging massive rallies. After the March 10 Constitutional Court ruling, Park supporters clashed with police, leaving three dead. On Tuesday, hundreds of Park's supporters waited for hours outside the prosecutors' office, holding anti-impeachment signs and the national flag, which has become a symbol of their protest.
Park had immunity while in office and had refused to meet with prosecutors or allow officials to search her presidential compound. After leaving office, she has continued to reject the allegations, saying "I believe the truth will certainly come out."
Park is the first democratically elected leader to be forced out of office in South Korea since democracy replaced dictatorship in the late 1980s.
It was a dramatic fall for Park, the daughter of slain dictator Park Chung-hee who became the country's first female president in early 2013 with the backing of conservatives who remembered her father as a hero who pulled the country up from poverty despite his suppression of civil rights.
Moon Jae-in, a liberal who lost the 2012 presidential election to Park, currently has a commanding lead in opinion surveys for next leader.
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Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this story.
Seoul (AFP) - South Korea's ousted president Park Geun-Hye was interrogated for 14 hours Tuesday about the corruption and abuse of power scandal that brought her down, Yonhap news agency reported.
Park denied all charges during the questioning that ended shortly before midnight, Yonhap said citing sources, adding that prosecutors declined to confirm this.
The nation's first female president, whose dismissal was confirmed by South Korea's top court earlier this month, was expected to leave the prosecutors' office after reviewing her statements made to investigators, Yonhap said.
Park, who was protected by executive privilege while in office, had earlier apologised to the public as she arrived at the prosecutors' office in Seoul, adding: "I will undergo the investigation sincerely."
As a private citizen once again, Park's convoy drove at walking pace through crowds of flag-waving supporters lining the street outside her home -- some of them lying on the pavement to try to block her exit before she left.
Every inch of the journey Tuesday morning was covered live on television, with cameramen trailing the vehicles in cars and on motorcycles and at fixed points along the route.
Questioning by prosecutors is a key step in South Korea's judicial process before a suspect is charged. It can last for many hours, late into the night, and can be repeated if officials deem it necessary.
Park faced two prosecutors and an investigator and was accompanied by one of her lawyers, but standard procedure bars him from interjecting, only allowing consultations during rest breaks -- which could be an issue for her.
The 65-year-old, who grew up in the presidential palace as the daughter of army-backed dictator Park Chung-Hee, had a packed lunch of seaweed rice rolls and sandwiches brought by one of her security guards, Yonhap said.
"She has been cooperating well," the agency quoted a prosecutor as saying.
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The interrogators addressed her as "Madam president", he added, but in the transcript she was referred to as "suspect".
- Secret confidante -
Park faces multiple charges ranging from abuse of power and coercion to bribery. She is the fourth former South Korean leader to be probed or jailed over corruption scandals.
Two former army-backed leaders who served in the 1980s and 1990s -- Chun Doo-Hwan and Roh Tae-Woo -- served prison terms for bribery after they stepped down.
Roh Moo-Hyun, who served from 2003 to 2008, killed himself by jumping off a cliff after being probed by prosecutors over corruption allegations in 2009.
Park has been named as an accomplice to her secret confidante at the heart of the scandal, Choi Soon-Sil.
Choi allegedly used her presidential ties to force firms including Samsung, the world's biggest smartphone maker, to "donate" nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations which she allegedly used for personal gain.
Park is accused of offering governmental favours to the business tycoons who enriched Choi.
The former leader is also accused of letting Choi, who had no official title or security clearance, handle a wide range of state affairs including nomination of top officials or diplomats.
Park also allegedly forced her aides to create a "blacklist" of thousands of artists who had voiced criticism of her, in order to stop offering their projects state subsidies.
Prosecutors have accused her of pressing businesses including Hyundai and steelmaker Posco to award lucrative deals to firms or individuals linked with Choi.
The ex-president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and blamed her friend for abusing their friendship.
Choi is on trial at Seoul Central District Court -- a few hundred metres from the scene of Park's interrogation -- on charges including abuse of power and coercion.
Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong has also been arrested and indicted for bribery and other offences.
Park won the 2012 presidential vote largely thanks to the popularity of her late father among the aged conservative voters who benefited from rapid economic growth under his iron-fisted rule from 1961-1979.
But the scandal sent her once-bulletproof support ratings to record lows.
An election to choose her successor will be held on May 9 with Moon Jae-In, her rival in 2012 and a former leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, leading polls by large margins.
By Kristen Wiig. Photos courtesy of Trulia.
Kristen Wiig has listed her Los Feliz, California, home, giving prospective buyers of the $2.4 million abodeand everyone elsea rare chance to peek inside the comedian and actresss dwellings. To be sure, theres nothing funny about the house, which sits in the coveted enclave of Franklin Hills. The three-bedroom, four-bath property is the picture of contemporary West Coast living with its blended indoor and outdoor spaces.
In between starring in Ghostbusters and The Martian, Wiig no doubt found time to relax on the hillside homes many terraces, which boast panoramic views of Los Angeles as well as a fire pit, barbecue, and outdoor refrigerator. She also likely broke a sweat in the houses steam sauna and cooled off in the pool.
Looking at photos of the modern residence, its easy to see why someone with as high of a profile as Wiig chose the home. It offers plenty of privacy and a Zen vibe, thanks to minimal, matte black fireplaces that come with camouflaged televisions, and bohemian decor touches like Turkish Kilim rugs, Moroccan outdoor lanterns, and sheepskin throws. Not to mention, a Far East statue greets guests as they arrive at the frosted front door.
Take a look at the home below, which Wiig purchased back in 2013, as Trulia reports.
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This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest.
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Russia and the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia have signed a bilateral agreement establishing a Russian military base in northwestern Syria, a YPG spokesman said Monday. The Russian Defense Ministry issued a statement, saying it had no plans for additional bases in Syria but that it had set up a reconciliation center in the area.
The agreement, being described as a first of its kind, also provides for Russia to train YPG fighters, YPG spokesman Redur Xelil.
The agreement, which took effect Monday, is meeting with opposition from Turkey, which said it would not allow a terror region to be established in northern Syria, Reuters reported.
Read: Presidential Palace In Damascus Bombarded
Though the YPG is allied with both the U.S. and Russia against the Islamic State group, Turkey considers the YPG an arm of the Kurdistan Workers Party, which it has labeled a terrorist organization because of its efforts to establish an autonomous Kurdish state.
The YPG-Russia agreement was finalized Sunday, Xelil told Reuters. He said Russian troops already have arrived in the area.
Read: Is US Responsible For Syria Mosque Bombing?
"The Russian presence ... comes in agreement between [the YPG] and the Russian forces operating in Syria in the framework of cooperation against terrorism and to help train our forces on modern warfare and to build a direct point of contact with Russian forces," Xelil said in a written statement.
There are no plans to deploy new Russian military bases on the territory of Syria, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement.
The reconciliation center will separate the Kurds from Turkish-backed fighters, AMN Al-Masdar News reported.
Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told an Ankara news conference both the U.S. and Russia are aware of Turkeys position on the Kurdish fighters. Turkey, with the help of allies within the Free Syrian Army, has been trying to keep the YPG from gaining terrority to create a contiguous Kurdish area along the Syria-Turkey border.
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The YPG is hoping to expand its force by two-thirds to more than 100,000 fighters and form a more traditional army, Xelil said.
Russia has been bolstering the regime of Bashar Assad since 2015, providing air cover for Syrian troops. Though Damascus and the Kurds have been at odds for many years, the Kurds have been largely neutral in the 6-year-old Syrian civil war.
Anti-ISIS forces are planning to begin an assault against Raqqa, the terrorist groups de-facto capital in Syria, with the YPG planning to fight alongside Arab forces.
Pro-government jets it was unclear whether they were Russian jets or Syrian bombed opposition-held areas of Damascus Monday, a day after rebels staged a surprise assault targeting sites in the Old City. Rebel groups allied with former al Qaeda affiliate Jabhat Fateh al-Sham hit government positions east of the capital Sunday but were driven back by nightfall, Al Jazeera reported.
Among the buildings damaged in Mondays assault was one belonging to the Russian Embassy, Syrian state television reported.
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By Laila Kearney NEW YORK (Reuters) - The friendly, and often clumsy, Labrador retriever has retained its long held title as the most popular dog breed in the United States, while the fearless Rottweiler has climbed to its highest ranking in 20 years. The nation's most sought after dogs of 2016 were unveiled in New York City on Tuesday by the American Kennel Club, a purebred dog registry that releases a list of top dog breeds each year. Labrador retrievers, commonly called "labs," have held their slot as the most popular breed for each of the past 26 years, making them the longest reigning leader of the pack. "Labs, they're just great with people; they're great with everyone," said Theresa Viesto, who breeds labs in her hometown of Newtown, Connecticut, and is registered with the Club. "You never hear about a lab getting into a dog fight." Viesto and her 4-year-old yellow lab, Reggie, attended the news conference alongside a roomful of stretching, scratching and wrestling dogs and puppies representing the top ten breeds. Placing second, third and fourth were the German shepherd, golden retriever and English bulldog, respectively. Beagles were fifth most popular while French bulldogs placed sixth. The top six breeds remained the same as in 2015. Poodles were seventh and Rottweilers eighth, each jumping one spot higher than the last lineup. Yorkshire terriers dropped two spots to place ninth and boxers held firm in the tenth spot. While the most popular list is generally a reshuffling of longtime top breeds, Rottweilers have seen a resurgence in popularity recently after falling out of favor in the late 1990s, said Gina DiNardo, the Kennel Club's vice president. It was not clear why Rottweilers were making a comeback - the last time the breed placed at its current level was in 1997 - but a strong economy generally prompts people to seek bigger and costlier dogs, including Rottweilers, DiNardo said. Rottweiler owner Alexandra Niles, from Scotch Plains, New Jersey, said it was the breed's devoted nature that won her heart. "They'll pretty much do anything for you," said Niles, with her hefty 4-year-old Rottweiler, Talos, sprawled out on the floor next to her. "He never leaves my side," Niles said about her companion, adding that he enjoys swimming and "doesn't mind" being dressed up in costumes. The American Kennel Club maintains the country's largest registry of purebred dogs. Once a breed is added to the list of some 200 breeds and varietals currently recognized by the club, it is eligible to compete in the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Perhaps ironically, Westminster has never selected a Labrador retriever as winner in the shows 141-year history. "Hopefully someday they will be," DiNardo said. (Reporting by Laila Kearney; Editing by Daniel Wallis and Marguerita Choy)
CAIRO (AP) The Latest developments related to the U.S. government move to bar passengers in eight Muslim-majority countries from bringing laptops and other electronics onboard direct flights to the United States (all times local):
10:15 p.m.
Jordan's national carrier says it will begin to restrict most electronics equipment, including laptops, on direct flights to the U.S., in line with new rules set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, starting Friday.
Royal Jordanian flies from the Jordanian capital of Amman to New York, Chicago and Detroit.
Homeland Security announced Tuesday that passengers on U.S.-bound flights at 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa will not be permitted to keep electronics bigger than a cellphone in their carry-ons and will have to check them with their luggage.
The airlines have until early Saturday to implement the rules or face being barred from flying to the U.S.
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9:15 p.m.
An official at Beirut's Rafik Hariri Airport says passengers heading to Britain will be prohibited from carrying electronics other than mobile phones as of Saturday.
The official says Middle East Airlines, Lebanon's national carrier, and British Airways will implement the ban as they are the only carriers that fly between Beirut and London.
The official spoke Saturday on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.
There are no direct flights between Beirut and north America.
--Bassem Mroue in Beirut
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6:40 p.m.
Royal Air Maroc says it is analyzing new rules set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security restricting electronics onboard some flights.
The airline, Morocco's national carrier, is one of many affected by the Trump administration's tightening of security measures.
The carrier added in a statement Tuesday that it would further communicate on the "terms and date of entry into force of these new provisions."
The Moroccan government did not formally react Tuesday to the U.S. decision.
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Casablanca airport is a major hub in Africa and Morocco's busiest airport, serving some 8 million passengers a year.
The U.S. government is barring passengers on U.S.-bound flights from eight countries from bringing some devices on board in carry-on bags.
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6:15 p.m.
Britain's government has banned electronic devices in the carry-on bags of passengers traveling to the U.K. from six countries, following closely on a similar ban imposed by the United States.
The government says in a statement that Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting on aviation security earlier Tuesday in which it was agreed that new aviation security measures on all inbound direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
The statement says that Britain has been in touch with the Americans to fully understand their position.
Under the new arrangements, passengers on the flights "will not be allowed to take any phones, laptops or tablets larger than a normal sized mobile or smart phone," into the cabin.
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5:50 p.m.
Turkey's transportation minister says his country is in talks with United States authorities to "stop or soften" the U.S. restriction on electronics for flights bound from Istanbul to the U.S.
Minister Ahmet Arslan objected to the restriction on Tuesday, saying it would reduce both the comfort and number of passengers, the private Dogan news agency reported.
Arslan urged the U.S. to "not confuse Istanbul with other places," saying that Turkish authorities already take every possible security precaution. He added Turkey expects the issue to be resolved in the coming days.
Turkey's main carrier, Turkish Airlines, posted a notice on its website informing passengers to not bring on board "any electronic or electrical devices larger than a cellphone or smartphone (except medical devices)" to flights arriving in U.S. destinations.
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5:15 p.m.
Britain's Department for Transport says it will make an announcement later about electronic devices on airplanes.
The department would not disclose details on the measure expected later Tuesday.
Britain's Sky News and the and BBC report that Britain will announce a ban on carrying devices larger than phones in airplane cabins on flights from some countries.
The U.S. government has moved to bar passengers in eight Muslim-majority countries from bringing laptops and other electronics onboard direct flights to the United States.
Some airlines in the Middle East began notifying passengers early Tuesday that they had instructions to bar passengers from bringing iPads, laptops and other electronic devices on U.S. bound planes.
It was unclear whether Britain's order would mirror that of the U.S.
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4:45 p.m.
Qatar Airways has issued a travel alert to passengers about the new U.S. security guidelines prohibiting them from carrying electronics other than mobile phones onto its U.S.-bound planes.
The government-backed carrier said Tuesday it has "made special arrangements to assist passengers in securing their devices in the aircraft's baggage hold," without elaborating.
Qatar Airways flies to multiple American cities from its hub in Doha, Qatar, including New York, Atlanta, Miami and Chicago.
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4 p.m.
A former Jordanian aviation security official says requiring airline passengers to place most electronics, including laptops, in the cargo hold means "one less headache" for security agencies.
Jamil al-Qsous said Tuesday that he supports a new U.S. regulation that bars passengers on nonstop, U.S.-bound flights from eight countries, most in the Middle East and North Africa, from bringing electronic devices on board in carry-on bags.
Al-Qsous says security measures at Jordan's Queen Alia International Airport are among the most stringent in the region. He says that nonetheless "it's the right decision" to keep most electronics in the cargo hold and have "one less headache to be concerned" about.
He says he believes the U.S. has the right to set the rules for flights landing on its territory.
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3:30 p.m.
EgyptAir says it has received instructions from U.S. authorities to prevent passengers from bringing laptops, iPads, cameras and other electronics on board direct flights from Cairo to the United States.
The state-run carrier said Tuesday that the new instructions received from JFK airport will be applied on its next first direct flight to New York on Friday and that all passengers will be informed in due time.
Before receiving the new ban details, EgyptAir's New York-bound flight departed on Tuesday allowing passengers to take their laptops and other electronics on board in their carry-on luggage.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri was among the passengers on board the New York flight.
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1:15 p.m.
The Mideast's biggest airline is confirming that U.S.-bound passengers will be prevented from carrying electronic gadgets larger than cellphones on its planes.
Dubai-based Emirates said on Tuesday that the ban is based on a security directive from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and that it will take effect on Saturday.
That guidance differs from the information provided by senior Trump administration officials, who have said the ban will be in place as of Tuesday.
Emirates says the new rules apply until October 14 and apply to all U.S.-bound passengers, including those transiting from other departure cities.
Government-backed Emirates flies from Dubai to a dozen U.S. destinations, including New York, Chicago, Washington and Los Angeles.
___ 10:05 a.m. Egyptian officials at the Cairo International Airport say they have not received any instructions on banning passengers from bringing laptops, iPads, cameras and some other electronics on board direct flights to the United States.
The officials say that a New York-bound EgyptAir flight departed on Tuesday and that passengers were allowed to take their laptops and other electronics on board in their carry-on luggage.
Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri was among the passengers on board the New York flight.
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to talk to the media.
Maamoun Youssef in Cairo; ___ 10 a.m. The United Arab Emirates' national carrier says it has not changed its policies regarding electronics in aircraft cabins, suggesting it has not received new directives from American authorities.
Etihad Airways said in a statement on Tuesday that it will continue to work closely with American officials in the U.S. and at its base in Abu Dhabi, the Emirati capital, but for now its "policies have not changed."
It says it will update passengers if travel guidelines are revised.
U.S. border officials stationed in Abu Dhabi carry out passport and customs screenings before passengers board U.S.-bound flights under an existing pre-screening program.
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9:45 a.m.
A spokesman for Royal Jordanian says the airliner has not yet started to enforce a new U.S. regulation that prevents passengers on U.S.-bound flights from eight countries, including Jordan, from bringing laptops and most other electronics in their carry-on luggage.
Basel Kilani has told The Associated Press that the airline is still awaiting formal instructions from the relevant U.S. departments, which could possibly come later on Tuesday.
Kilani says the new rules were not applied to Royal Jordanian's direct flight that already departed on Tuesday from Jordan's capital of Amman to New York.
A Royal Jordanian statement on Twitter late Monday was among the first to reveal the ban. Kilani says the airline later deleted the tweet, preferring to wait for written instructions from the United States.
The reason for the ban was not immediately clear.
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9:35 a.m.
The Middle East's biggest airline says it is not aware of any restrictions on electronics in aircraft cabins on U.S.-bound flights.
Dubai-based Emirates said on Tuesday that it would comply with any new operational or regulatory policies but it so far has "not received any notification of changes to cabin luggage restrictions on U.S. flights."
The government-backed airline operates daily flights from Dubai International Airport to multiple American cities, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington.
Dubai International is the world's busiest airport for international flights. Airport operator Dubai Airports refused to discuss the reported U.S. policy changes. It referred questions to the UAE's civil aviation authority, which did not immediately respond to questions.
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9:10 a.m.
The U.S. government is temporarily barring passengers on certain flights originating in eight Muslim-majority countries from bringing laptops, iPads, cameras and most other electronics in carry-on luggage.
The ban, which seeks to bolster airline security, is to go into effect on Tuesday after the Transportation Security Administration informs the affected airlines.
The ban is indefinite and will affect nine airlines in total.
The reason for the ban was not immediately clear. U.S. security officials would not comment. The ban was revealed Monday in statements from Royal Jordanian Airlines and the official news agency of Saudi Arabia.
A U.S. official told The Associated Press the ban will apply to nonstop flights to the U.S. from 10 international airports serving the cities of Cairo in Egypt; Amman in Jordan; Kuwait City in Kuwait; Casablanca in Morocco; Doha in Qatar; Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; Istanbul in Turkey; and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Martin McGuinness, the former IRA chief of staff turned peace negotiator who stepped down as Northern Irelands deputy first minister just months ago, has died at the age of 66.
His life charted a remarkable transition. From a quiet-mannered butcher's apprentice, he first became a militant committed to violently overthrowing British rule, before working to convince his former comrades to lay down their guns. He became a statesman, crucial in building a tenuous but enduring peace between Northern Ireland's warring communities, divided over whether the province should remain part of the United Kingdom or unite with Ireland.
But some would never forgive him for his role in the conflict, known as the Troubles, in which over 3,500 people were killed and tens of thousands wounded.
McGuinness in his own words:
On his mothers reaction to him joining the IRA:
A few months after I joined she found a belt and beret in my bedroom, and there was a big row. She and my father told me to get out of it, and for the sake of peace I said I would and they calmed down. But now they have to accept it. Theyve seen the British army in action and they know Id no choice.
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McGuinness at age 21, then the officer commanding of the Derry Provisional IRA, as quoted in Nell, by Nell McCafferty, 2004.
On Bloody Sunday, when British soldiers opened fire on a protest march in Derry in 1972, shooting 26 unarmed civilians: *
The worst I ever felt was Bloody Sunday. I wandered about stunned, with people crying and looking for their relatives and I thought of all that guff about honour between soldiers. The British army knew right well we wouldnt fight them with all those thousands of people there, so they came in and murdered the innocent. I used to worry about being killed before that day, but now I dont think about death at all.
McGuinness, as quoted in Nell.
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On his political aims:
I want a United Ireland where everyone has a good job and enough to live on. Id be willing to sweep the roads in my world, and it wouldnt seem like a bad job if they got the same wage as everybody else, but do you not think now that people are just too greedy? Somebody always wants to make a million. Anyway, before you can try, you have to get this country united. Wed make sure that Protestants are fairly treated.
McGuinness, as quoted in Nell.
On convincing the IRA to call a ceasefire:
At the time of the ceasefire I had to go to the IRA and say, Gerry Adams and I believe that it would be a good thing to call a ceasefire. At that time it would have been heresy to an awful lot of Irish republicans, and we had to try to outline for people what we thought would be a process that would see other parties have to respond to what the IRA had done. And, of course, all the parties have responded to what the IRA have done. The DUP wouldnt be in government today were it not that they were convinced that the IRA were serious about the peace process.
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McGuinness, as quoted in Alternative Ulsters: Conversations on Identity, by Mark Carruthers, 2013.
On meeting Queen Elizabeth in 2012:
So, I said to myself, will this encounter assist the peace process and increase peoples understanding of the journey that we all have to travel? Im travelling on a journey to do this; Ive suffered, my friends have suffered, my community has suffered at the hands of the British Armybut Queen Elizabeth has suffered at the hands of the IRA also, and I think it was an important thing to do. Ive been criticized for it by a minority within republicanism who didnt like it and didnt agree with what Id done.
McGuinness, as quoted in Alternative Ulsters: Conversations on Identity.
Others on McGuinness:
Tony Blair's negotiator Jonathan Powell on meeting McGuinness:
A few days after the meeting I got a call from Martin McGuinness asking me to come and meet him in Derry, incognito. He asked me not to tell the securocrats and to come alone. I flew to Aldergrove, took a taxi to Derry and stood on a street corner feeling mildly foolish. After ten minutes or so, two men with shaved heads approached me saying Martin sent us and pushed me into the back of a taxi. They drove me round in circles for an hour until I was completely lost and then ejected me when we arrived in front of a neat modern house on a small estate. I knocked on the door and Martin McGuinness opened it on crutches, making a not very funny joke about kneecapping, the IRAs favoured method of punishment. I spent three hours with him in front of an open fire with tea and sandwiches left by the considerate owner of the house.
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From Talking to Terrorists: How to End Armed Conflicts, by Jonathan Powell
"I value Martin McGuinness as inspiring example of peace and reconciliation. I lost my Dad in Brighton Bomb." [This was a 1984 attempt by the Provisional IRA to kill then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and her cabinet. Five people were killed including Anthony Berry, a Conservative lawmaker.]
Jo Berry, founder of Building Bridge for Peace, a conflict-resolution charity, reacting to news of McGuinness's death on Twitter
My principal thought is that the world is a sweeter and cleaner place a coward, a murderer, what else? He had a significant role because of his cowardice. He knew that the IRA had been penetrated to its highest levels by British intelligence and that before long he would have been arrested and charged with some of the many murders which he personally committed, and so he opted for the cowards way out and said oh, Im a man of peace.
Norman Tebbit, former U.K. minister under Margaret Thatcher whose wife was paralyzed in an IRA bombing, speaking to BBC
Few public figures have made such a journey from violence to peace as Martin McGuinness, and many people will acknowledge the contribution and commitment to the common good which he made in the latter part of his life.
Frank Sellar, Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland
He was a great man in my opinion. ... Martin led the IRA when there was a war but he led the IRA into peace. He genuinely believed in reconciliation even when it made people uncomfortable.
Martin McGuinness never went to war. The war came to him. It came to his streets, it came to his city, it came to his community.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams, speaking to RTE.
* This article originally misstated that 26 unarmed civilians were killed. We regret the error.
Read more from The Atlantic:
This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - - Men who see more ads for low testosterone or "low T" on local television channels may be more likely to seek tests or treatments to boost their levels of the hormone, a U.S. study suggests. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and some men with extremely small amounts of the hormone may be diagnosed with what's known as hypogonadism and prescribed needed testosterone therapy, researchers note in JAMA. Far more men take testosterone than have hypogonadism or clear evidence of a medical problem tied to low hormone levels, however. Many of them may have been convinced to seek unnecessary treatment by ads promoting "low T" as a health problem associated with issues like reduced libido or fatigue, said lead study author Bradley Layton, a public health researcher at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. "The original approval for testosterone intended it to be used only in a very narrow group of men with very clearly-defined diseases which stop the production of testosterone," Layton said by email. "However, much of the use recently has been in men with reduced testosterone levels or some non-specific symptoms like fatigue, loss of muscle mass, reduced libido or lowered mood which may be related to normal aging or other disease conditions," he said. "There is very little evidence that testosterone would benefit men without a clear indication for taking it, and there are still unresolved safety concerns about testosterone that just don't justify widespread treatment of older men with normal age-related reduced testosterone," Layton added. In 2014, U.S. drug regulators raised safety concerns about the potential for testosterone to increase the risk of heart problems. For the current study, researchers examined data on testosterone ad viewership, testosterone testing and prescriptions of the hormone from 2009 to 2013. They looked at insurance claims data for 17.2 million men in 75 distinct television markets nationwide. During the study period, more than 1 million men got new tests for testosterone levels and more than 283,000 initiated testosterone treatment, the study found. Among men who started taking testosterone, 59 percent used gels and 36 percent got injections, while a small minority of them got patches or implants. Prior to 2012, ads for "low T" were the most common type of marketing. Then, after two new products - Axiron and a more concentrated form of Androgel - debuted in 2011, ads for specific products became more common and promotions for "low T" started to decrease. During some months of the study, there were no ads at all, while in other months some men might have seen as many as 14 ads on average. The most concentrated advertising efforts occurred in the Southeast and in the Great Lakes region, the study found. Each additional ad men saw was associated with a 0.6 percent increase in testing as well as a 0.7 percent climb in new prescriptions for testosterone. There was also a 0.8 percent increase in new prescriptions that were not preceded by testing. Although the impact of a single ad was slight, ads were widespread and frequent during the study period and cumulative exposure was close to 200 ads in some markets, the authors note. The study wasn't a controlled experiment designed to prove that ads directly influence whether men get testing or treatment for low testosterone, the researchers caution. They also relied on data for prescriptions, which doesn't necessarily reflect how often men took the drugs. Still, the findings should put consumers on alert to be wary of ads, said Dr. Richard Kravitz, a researcher at the University of California, Davis, and author of an accompanying editorial. "Direct-to-consumer advertising is designed to be persuasive," Kravitz said by email. "Patients can't really avoid this. All they can do is reflect on the fact that ads are designed primarily to increase sales, not inform and educate the public, and they should try to present their symptoms and concerns as objectively as possible to their physician." SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2o13N0q and http://bit.ly/2n4wmLn JAMA, online March 21, 2017.
(DUBLIN) Martin McGuinness, the Irish Republican Army commander who led his underground, paramilitary movement toward reconciliation with Britain, and was Northern Irelands deputy first minister for a decade in a power-sharing government, has died, his Sinn Fein party announced Tuesday on Twitter. He was 66.
The party said he died after a short illness. He suffered from amyloidosis, a rare disease with a strain specific to Irelands northwest. The chemotherapy required to combat the formation of organ-choking protein deposits quickly sapped him of strength and forced him to start missing government appointments.
Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness, Sinn Feins President Gerry Adams said.
He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins said: The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland.
McGuinness transformation as peacemaker was all the more remarkable because, as a senior IRA commander during the years of gravest Catholic-Protestant violence, he insisted that Northern Ireland must be forced out of the United Kingdom against the wishes of Protestants.
Even after the Sinn Fein party the IRAs legal, public face started to run for elections in the 1980s, McGuinness insisted as Sinn Fein deputy leader that armed struggle remained essential.
We dont believe that winning elections and any amount of votes will bring freedom in Ireland, he told a BBC documentary team in 1986. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA that will bring freedom.
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Yet within a few years of making that stubborn vow, McGuinness was exploring the opposite option in covert contacts with British intelligence that led eventually to a truce, inter-party talks and the installation of the IRA icon in the heart of Northern Irelands government.
Irish Times columnist Fintan OToole argued in January 2017 that McGuinness had been a mass killer during his period of membership and leadership the IRA killed 1,781 people, including 644 civilians whose personal amiability has been essential to the peace process. If he were not a ruthless and unrepentant exponent of violence, he would never have become such a key figure in bringing violence to an end.
Unlike his close Adams, McGuinness never hid the fact that he had been a commander of the IRA classed as a terrorist organization by the British, Irish and U.S. governments. Nor could he.
Born May 23, 1950, he joined the breakaway Provisional IRA faction in his native Londonderry simply Derry to Irish nationalists after dropping out of high school and working as an apprentice butcher in the late 1960s. At the time, the Catholic civil rights movement faced increasing conflict with the provinces Protestant government and police.
He rose to become Derrys deputy IRA commander by age 21 as Provo bombs systematically wrecked the city center. Soldiers found it impossible to pass IRA road barricades erected in McGuinness nearby Bogside power base.
McGuinness appeared unmasked at early Provisional IRA press conferences. The BBC filmed him walking through the Bogside discussing how the IRA command structure worked and stressing his concern to minimize civilian casualties, an early sign of public relations savvy.
In 1972, Northern Irelands bloodiest year, McGuinness joined Adams in a six-man IRA delegation flown by the British government to London for secret face-to-face negotiations during a brief truce. Those talks got nowhere and McGuinness went back on the run until his arrest on New Years Eve in the Republic of Ireland near a car loaded with 250 pounds (110 kilograms) of explosives and 4,750 rounds of ammunition.
During one of his two Dublin trials for IRA membership, McGuinness declared from the dock he was a member of the Derry Brigade of the IRA and Im very, very proud of it.
Historians and security analysts agree that McGuinness was promoted to the IRAs ruling army council following his November 1974 parole from prison and would have overseen many of the groups most spectacular and divisive attacks. These included bomb attacks on London tourist spots and the use of human bombs civilian employees like cooks and cleaners at British security installations who were forced to drive car bombs to their places of work and were detonated by remote control before they could raise the alarm.
His central role in the IRA command was underscored when Britain in 1990 opened secret dialogue with the underground group in hopes of securing a cease-fire. An MI6 agent codenamed The Mountain Climber met McGuinness several times as part of wider diplomatic efforts that delivered a 1994 IRA truce and, ultimately, multi-party negotiations on Northern Irelands future and the U.S.-brokered Good Friday peace accord of 1998.
Northern Irelands first power-sharing government, formed in 1999, was led by moderates and afforded only minor roles for Sinn Fein and the most uncompromising Protestant party, Paisleys Democratic Unionists. When Sinn Fein nominated McGuinness to be education minister, many Protestant lawmakers recoiled and insisted they would never accept what one called an IRA godfather overseeing their childrens education.
That first coalition collapsed under the twin weight of Paisley-led obstruction and the IRAs refusal to disarm as the Good Friday pact intended. McGuinness served as the lead liaison with disarmament officials.
After election results vaulted the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein to the top of their communities for the first time, pressure mounted on the IRA to surrender its stockpiled arsenal. This happened in 2005, paving the way for Paisley to bury the hatchet with the group he called the Sinners.
No observer could have foreseen what happened next: a genuine friendship between First Minister Paisley and Deputy First Minister McGuinness. Belfast wits dubbed them The Chuckle Brothers because of their public warmth, an image that quickly eroded Protestant support for Paisley and forced him out as Democratic Unionist chief within the year.
McGuinness maintained more businesslike relations with Paisleys frosty successor, Peter Robinson. Together they met Queen Elizabeth II for a historic 2012 handshake in Belfast and were guests of honor at Windsor Castle two years later. All the while, McGuinness expressed newfound support for the police as they faced attacks from IRA splinter groups a U-turn that exposed McGuinness and his relatives to death threats in their Derry home.
His relations with the newest Democratic Unionist Party leader, Arlene Foster, turned sour with surprising speed. When Foster rebuffed Sinn Feins demands to step aside, McGuinness resigned in January, toppling power-sharing in the process.
Over the last 10 years I have worked with DUP leaders and reached out to unionists on the basis of equality, respect and reconciliation, a frail, weak-voiced McGuinness said as he resigned as deputy first minister. Today is the right time to call a halt to the DUPs arrogance.
McGuinness is survived by his wife, Bernadette, two daughters and two sons.
London (AFP) - Northern Ireland's Martin McGuinness, who died aged 66, was a former paramilitary who became a key behind-the-scenes negotiator for the peace process.
McGuinness, who resigned as Northern Ireland's deputy first minister in January amid ill-health and a breakdown in relations with the rival Democratic Unionist Party (DUP), died during the night of Monday to Tuesday, his Irish nationalist party Sinn Fein said.
He was a commander of the Irish Republican Army (IRA) during its bloody campaign against British rule of the province, in which 3,500 people died in three decades of violence.
But the senior Sinn Fein member also helped negotiate the landmark Good Friday Agreement in 1998 for sharing power with one-time bitter foes the DUP.
The man described as a ruthless commander became a statesman who rubbed shoulders with prime ministers and presidents, as well as Queen Elizabeth II.
He had said recently he hoped in the future to be "an ambassador for peace, unity and reconciliation".
"Reconciliation, I have always believed, is the next vital stage of the peace process," he said.
"My record of reaching out, whether it be to Queen Elizabeth -- and her record of reaching out to me on several occasions -- my visits to the Somme, to Flanders field, have not been reciprocated by the DUP and that is a particular disappointment to me."
In his position as deputy first minister, McGuinness shook hands with the queen, whose authority in Northern Ireland he does not recognise, during her visit there in 2012.
- 'Goodbye and God bless' -
He wished the monarch well in Irish, in a phrase that translates as: "Goodbye and God bless".
McGuinness was born in 1950 in Londonderry in Northern Ireland, and as a teenager became involved in the civil rights movement.
He joined socialists Sinn Fein, now the main Catholic republican party, in 1970.
He became a member of the IRA and had risen to its second-in-command in Derry by the time of "Bloody Sunday", the notorious day on January 30, 1972, when British soldier shot dead 13 unarmed civil rights protesters.
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Although McGuinness escaped detention by the British in Northern Ireland, he was jailed in the Republic of Ireland in 1973 after being caught with 250 pounds (113 kilogrammes) of explosives and nearly 5,000 rounds of ammunition in a car.
At his trial, where he received a six-month sentence, he proudly declared his membership of the IRA, saying: "We have fought against the killing of our people. I am a member of Oglaigh na hEireann (the IRA) and very, very proud of it."
Years later in May 2001, after McGuinness became a politician, he spoke of his membership of the IRA with a level of honesty that few of his Sinn Fein colleagues have matched and which has removed some of the toxicity from his past.
- Peace negotiator -
McGuinness moved into politics relatively early, becoming one of five Sinn Fein members elected to the short-lived Northern Ireland assembly in 1982.
He was involved in secret talks with British officials between 1990 and 1993, and after the IRA ceasefire of 1994, became Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the painstaking talks that led to the Good Friday peace accords.
When a power-sharing government was established in 2007, McGuinness was appointed deputy first minister, working closely with then first minister Ian Paisley, the firebrand Protestant preacher who led the staunchly pro-British DUP.
The two men surprised many by striking up a warm relationship, and McGuinness continued good working ties with Paisley's successor, Peter Robinson.
But he fell out with Robinson's successor Arlene Foster, leading to his resignation in January.
McGuinness had said his ill-health, which required a period of absence from his role, was not the reason he resigned but said he was quitting politics to try to recover.
The BBC said he had died of a rare heart condition.
Sinn Fein refused to appoint a replacement for McGuinness due to a row with the DUP.
That triggered local elections in which Sinn Fein made major gains against the DUP and the two parties are currently deadlocked, meaning that the British government could impose direct rule of Northern Ireland from London.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams paid tribute on Tuesday to his former colleague as a "passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country.
"Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness," he said in a statement.
McGuinness enjoyed fly-fishing, and his condemnation of violence in his soft Derry accent earned him death threats from the paramilitaries he once led.
The father of four has repeatedly condemned attacks by dissident republicans opposed to the peace process, and his outrage at the murder of two British soldiers in Northern Ireland in 2009 was seen as a bold step.
President Donald Trump's intended replacement for late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, Neil Gorsuch, was set to appear Monday for the first day of confirmation hearings in his quest to join the bench. And while he was a controversial choice opposed by some Democrats, he likely had the support of at least one person: his wife.
Gorsuch is married to Marie Louise Gorsuch, a British woman who goes by "Louise," according to the Telegraph. The couple met at Oxford University and wed in 1996. Together, they have two daughters named Emma and Belinda and live in a 3,600-square-foot house in Colorado, according to the Daily Camera.
Read: If Confirmed, Neil Gorsuch To Earn A $249K SCOTUS Salary
The Supreme Court nominee thanked them all in the acknowledgements of his 2006 publication "The Future of Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia," writing that without the trio's "constant love and attention this book would've been finished in half the time" but "life would've been half as fully lived."
The Gorsuch family raises chickens, goats and horses and supports their patriarch, with Louise Gorsuch appearing at her husband's side as he's climbed the ranks through the years. Public documents list Louise Gorsuch as a mother and homemaker, and her husband has been a federal appeals court judge and worked for the Justice Department.
Louise Gorsuch hasn't issued any public statements of her own about her husband's appointment to the Supreme Court, but her parents Neil Gorsuch's father- and mother-in-law have spoken to the British press. Bryan Burletson told the Henley Standard that he was "always a loving and totally supporting boyfriend" who "rapidly became very popular with everyone he met."
Prudence Burletson told the Telegraph she was proud of her son-in-law, though she couldn't help but be worried given the divisive nature of modern American politics.
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"Its a happy occasion, but its also quite terrifying because its going to be vicious," she said. "Theres going to be blood on the carpet, but thats politics I suppose. So Im thrilled, but Im a bit apprehensive."
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HANOVER, Germany (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel demanded again on Monday that Turkey stop comparing German bans on rallies by Turkish officials to Nazi tactics, and said her government reserved the right to block future appearances unless Ankara complied with German law. Berlin is growing increasingly frustrated about Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan repeatedly accusing it of applying "Nazi methods" by banning rallies aimed at drumming up support among Turks in Germany for a referendum that would strengthen the power of his presidency. "My demand that Turkey should stop Nazi comparisons remains in force, with no ifs or buts," Merkel told reporters at the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover. "Unfortunately, we have observed that these comparisons have not stopped, and we will not tolerate that every taboo is broken." Ties between Turkey, Germany and other European countries have deteriorated in recent weeks amid growing tensions over the April referendum vote and concern over an increasingly authoritarian tone from Ankara. Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus on Monday said Turkey was using metaphors about "facism" because it was worried about European countries forgetting their history and falling into the trap of Nazism once again. Merkel said the German foreign ministry had warned Ankara in an "unambiguous" diplomatic communication, or "note verbale", in recent days that Turkish politicians could speak in Germany only if they complied with the country's law, which explicitly bans malicious disparagement of the German government. If laws are violated, "the German government reserves the right to take all necessary measures, including a re-examination of all appearances approved as part of the diplomatic communication," she said. AVERT DAMAGE Merkel's spokeswoman told a regular government news conference that "Nazi comparisons are unacceptable in any form", adding that it was up to Turkey to tone down its rhetoric and avert damage to relations between the two countries. Erdogan had said in a speech in Istanbul on Sunday: "Merkel, now you're applying Nazi methods. Against my brothers who live in Germany, and against my ministers and lawmakers who visit there. Would this suit the ethics of politics? Your mission is not to support terrorist organizations, but to extradite them." Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said Turkey's Nazi comparisons demeaned the memory of those who perished in the Holocaust and distracted from the real threat of growing anti-Semitism and right-wing populism. "The comparisons between the Federal Republic of Germany and National Socialism .... are not only insulting and absolutely wrong, they also diminish the reign of terror of the Nazis," he said in a statement. German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said he worried that the conflict would spill over to ties between citizens of German and Turkish descent. "We belong together. We are one people," he said at an event in Berlin. German lawmakers from across the political spectrum also voiced concern about reports that Turkish consulates had confiscated passports of Turks in Germany. Stephan Mayer, a member of Merkel's conservatives, said it was "not acceptable" for Turkey to pressure its citizens through such measures, and a clear reaction was needed from Berlin. "That is not the way a democratic government treats its citizens," he said. (Reporting by Andreas Rinke in Hanover, Paul Carrel, Hans-Edzard Busemann and Andrea Shalal in Berlin and Ece Toksabay in Ankara,; Writing by Andrea Shalal, editing by Ed Osmond and Ken Ferris)
MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexico has detained a California fugitive wanted in connection with a 2016 homicide near the historic Cannery Row waterfront in Monterey.
Hidalgo state prosecutors say in a statement that the 21-year-old suspect was arrested in Tizayuca, about halfway between the state capital of Pachuca and Mexico City.
It identified him by the initials J.L.M., as is standard practice in Mexico, and said Monday that he had fled California in November. The victim was identified as R.M.
According to KSBW-TV of Monterey, Raul Melendez was shot dead in a Cannery Row parking garage Nov. 23. The station said Jorge Luis Mendoza, an alleged gang member from Salinas, was wanted in the killing.
KSBW quoted local police in December as saying it was the first Cannery Row area homicide since 1991.
Michelle Obama celebrated the first day of spring in the most adorable way by stepping out with the Obama dogs, Bo and Sunny. Late Monday, the former first lady shared a photo of the family pets on her Twitter and Instagram accounts to mark spring equinox.
The photo shows the familys two Portuguese Water Dogs strolling around her Washington D.C. neighborhood.
Look who has a spring in their step! Celebrate the #FirstDayofSpring by grabbing a friend, heading outside, and getting moving, the 53-year-old captioned the photo.
The former first dogs are currently living in a new $4.3 million nine-bedroom mansion in Washingtons Kalorama neighborhood since former President Barack Obama left office in January.
There is a dog park in the middle of our neighborhood and our kids have been dying for Bo and Sunny to come to the dog park, Catherine Merrill Williams, president and publisher of Washingtonian magazine and a neighbor of the Obamas, told People magazine. My son and I ran into one of his press secretaries in Florida two weeks ago, in Fort Lauderdale, and my son said, Could you please tell President Obama to send Bo and Sunny to the dog park in the neighborhood?'
Read: Barack Obama In French Polynesia For Monthlong Stay Without Wife
Just like Michelle and Barack Obama, the two family dogs are also getting used to life out of the White House.
While reports surfaced last week about Barack's plans of staying for a month in French Polynesia, Michelle was seen appearing on an episode of Foxs MasterChef Junior that aired Thursday night.
There has been no report so far on Obama's plans in the French territory in the South Pacific, or whether his family will later join him.
Last week, reports also surfaced that Michelle and Barack's elder daughter Malia Obama had turned down several modeling offers as she continues to intern for Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in New York City. The 18-year-old has currently taken a gap year and will attend Harvard University in the fall.
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President Donald Trump's first months in office have been mired in controversy, following an ongoing F.B.I. investigation into his campaign's ties to Russia, several controversial executive orders and the repealing of dozens of financial and federal regulations former President Barack Obama signed during his tenure in the Oval Office.
Now, it appears the new presidents days leading the country might just be numbered, according to those betting on his potential impeachment at Ladbrokes, a U.K. betting house. The odds of Trumps impeachment have increased from nearly half to a 10/11 chance of happening Monday.
Read: Will Trump Be Removed From Office? Impeachment Trials Only A Matter Of Time After Travel Ban, Democrats Say
Those betting on the presidents political longevity have taken an unprecedented interest in putting their money where their mouths are. People have continued to flood the betting house to place odds on Trumps removal from elected office, Jessica Bridge, a spokesperson for Ladbrokes, told news outlet Inverse on Monday.
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Photo: Reuters
"The money is showing no signs of slowing down," Bridge said Monday. "We've taken five times the amount of bets on him failing to see out his full term than on him doing so."
Bridge noted Trump's odds of impeachment or removal declined somewhat over recent days according to wagers being placed at the betting house, though his chances of completing his full term in Washington, D.C., were still slim to none.
The odds of any president's impeachment relies on the Senate finding a commander in chief guilty for "treason, bribery or other high crimes and misdemeanors," the Constitution has stated. F.B.I. Director James Comey revealed Monday his federal agency was, in fact, conducting an investigation into Trumps ties with Russia, as the issue has taken over most coverage surrounding the new presidents first 100 days in office.
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MotoGP Gets Wings Clipped - Funky Cowlings Unveiled
The trouble surfaced publicly last year when Dani Pedrosa crashed at Circuit of the Americas and hit Andrea Doviziosos Ducati. Neither rider was seriously injured, but Pedrosa was concerned about the safety of the new winglets introduced by Ducati in 2015. "My personal opinion is that we have to put an end to the winglets for safety reasons. In Argentina we saw how Andreas winglet cut Marquezs on-board camera - and that's pretty strong. If it can break that, it could be much worse if it hits a body."
Rossi Sepang Test 2017
Now, with winglets banned for 2017, the search for aerodynamic efficiency on increasingly fast bikes has led to some distinctly different fairing designs. The Movistar Yamaha of nine-time World Champion Valentino Rossi showed at the Sepang tests with what has been dubbed internal winglets with the fairing widened in an attempt to replicate the downforce of winglets.
MotoGP Qatar Test 2017
The most radical change appeared on Doviziosos Ducati at Qatar. Dubbed the Hammerhead fairing, it provoked widespread comments on its porky configuration, but the factory rider had positive things to say. Hondas first foray was seen on Marc Marquez RC213V in Qatar, and was a slightly wider design. Then the Japanese manufacturer came out with a more radical design a little later, with black carbon back on track for the first time since the team launch.
Team Suzuki Ecstars aero-fairing broke cover in Australia during the second test, and was tested by both Andrea Iannone and Alex Rins. The fairing is wider at the front and is another more internal winglet kind of solution. Aprilia also showed up at Phillip Island with a new profile for the front of Aleix Espargaros RS-GP
MotoGP Qatar Test 2017
Moto-aerodynamics remain an evolving science, and wind tunnel tests can only tell manufacturers so much about actual on-track performance. Unlike cars, the leaning ability of motorcycles introduces more variables into the equations affecting lift, drag and laminar flow. And the resulting fairing designs may have little to do with esthetics. That old adage about form following function holds true. At 200-plus mph, the question is not whether or not it looks good, but whether it works.
By Brendan Pierson
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A New York energy investor was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison on Tuesday after he pleaded guilty to engaging in a years-long scheme to avoid more than $45 million in income and other taxes.
Morris Zukerman, a former Morgan Stanley banker who later became chairman of investment firm M.E. Zukerman & Co, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Analisa Torres in Manhattan federal court, according to federal prosecutors. He was also ordered to pay a $10 million fine.
Zukerman, 72, pleaded guilty to tax evasion and obstructing the Internal Revenue Service last June, a month after being indicted following a two-year grand jury investigation. As part of the plea deal, he agreed not to appeal any sentence less than 7-1/4 years.
A lawyer for Zukerman could not immediately be reached for comment.
Zukerman worked at Morgan Stanley from 1972 to 1988 and served as joint head of the investment bank's energy group before launching M.E. Zukerman & Co, which focused on investing in energy, natural resources and agriculture companies.
Prosecutors said Zukerman schemed to evade paying taxes on income earned on the 2008 sale of an oil company he co-owned through an M.E. Zukerman subsidiary with a publicly traded company that resulted in his firm receiving $130 million.
While the company was not named in court papers, around that same time Zukerman's company sold a Texas-based firm called Penreco that was co-owned with ConocoPhillips.
Zukerman then transferred the sale's proceeds to a trust and various corporations, including one from which he directed $50 million be used to buy paintings by European artists from the 15th to 19th centuries, prosecutors said.
Zukerman frequently bought the paintings from galleries that were blocks away from his Manhattan home, but avoided paying New York sales taxes by having them shipped to his corporate addresses in Delaware and New Jersey and then immediately transported them back to New York, prosecutors said.
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Zukerman also claimed $1 million in fraudulent charitable contribution deductions in connection with the purchase of property on Black Island off Maine's coast, prosecutors said.
The case is U.S. v. Zukerman, U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York, No. 16-cr-194.
(Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Additional reporting by Nate Raymond in New York; Editing by Dan Grebler)
A notable absence from Fox News in its recent broadcasts is that of Judge Andrew Napolitano. According to reports, the networks senior judicial analyst has been benched by Fox News after his claims that a British intelligence agency wiretapped Trump Tower for former President Barack Obama.
A regular face on Fox since 1998, Napolitano has been missing from the channel since Thursday but his absence from the networks coverage of Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuchs confirmation hearings at the Capitol Hill could be a cause of concern as he has previously been an important figure in such discussions.
Napolitano has been keeping a low profile on social media since he made the claims Thursday, leading to an escalation of tensions between British foreign surveillance agency, the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), and the White House. Fox News, however, did not respond to questions by the Los Angeles Times about Napolitanos status Monday. The New Jersey judge was also unavailable for comments.
The publication cited people familiar with the matter saying: Napolitano is not expected to be on Fox News Channel any time in the near future. A source from the network also confirmed to CNNMoney that Napolitano had been taken off the air.
President Donald Trump accused Obama of wiretapping him before the election for the first time on March 4. He faced a massive backlash for his unverified claims at the time but Napolitano, last week, said the GCHQ carried out the surveillance on Trump on Obamas orders in 2016. In a column on FoxNews.com, he wrote, By bypassing all American intelligence services, Obama would have had access to what he wanted with no Obama administration fingerprints.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer went on to use Napolitanos remarks to defend Trumps wiretapping claims. He said during a press briefing last week, Judge Andrew Napolitano made the following statement, quote, Three intelligence sources have informed Fox News that President Obama went outside the chain of command.
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While Napolitano, a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame Law School, is being hailed by Trump supporters, Fox News decision to pull him from air can have a damaging effect on the 66-year-old former New Jersey Supreme Court judges reputation.
However, he was praised by President Trump during a press conference last Friday and called a very talented legal mind.
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From Popular Mechanics
U.S. Navy engineers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division recently designed and flew a prototype ramjet missile in just six months. The engineers not only met their deadline, they flew the missile using off-the-shelf equipment, items so inexpensive they were paid for with a credit card. The result is a missile that could join the fleet in 3-4 years.
The United States military is currently in the midst of a major strategic shift. The post 9/11 era has seen the armed services concentrate on fighting insurgencies and anti-terrorism operations. While American involvement in such conflicts will persist for the foreseeable future like it or not, the U.S. must also contend with an increasingly aggressive Russia and China. Deterring conflict with such "near peer" competitors will require smart, fast, highly responsive weapons capable of striking targets at great distances.
One important technology for this goal is ramjet propulsion. First conceived 90 years ago, ramjet propulsion involves using a missile's forward motion to push air into its engine. This pushes oxygen into the combustion chamber where, mixed with fuel, it provides thrust. In theory, this is a simpler technology than the traditional use of a compressor to shovel air into the engine, and can propel objects at speeds of up to Mach 6. In addition to being faster, ramjets can travel three times as far on the same amount of fuel as a standard rocket motor. The result is a missile that gives enemy air defenses less time to react and flies farther than conventional missiles.
The downside to ramjet propulsion is that needs to be fed air in order to work so aircraft or missiles can't use it to take off from a complete stop. Instead, the object being propelled needs a booster, like a rocket motor, to quickly accelerate it to speeds where the ramjet is receiving enough air to take over.
Photo credit: Wikipedia
Engineers at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, California were recently challenged to design and fly a ramjet missile engine in six months. This is a lightning-fast timetable in a world where it takes 20 years to develop a fighter plane. Still, the team was able to get the job done by staying small, buying cheap, and testing often.
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Matt Walker, head of the Airbreathing Propulsion Section at NAWCWD, told Naval Aviation News, "If you have a small team, you can just get together and draw on a whiteboard on the fly and not have to worry about getting the large team involved and buy-in from everyone." This also meant keeping defense contractors, which tend to move slowly and conservatively and with an eye for profit, out of the design process.
Photo credit: Getty
The team needed to find a rocket capable of boosting the ramjet. Instead of developing one on their own, they used a model rocket engine that cost $900. They were even able to buy the parts with a credit card, avoiding the time-consuming defense acquisition process. The ability to simply order an and have it delivered instead of starting up a rocket motor factory made the process even faster, and the low, low cost meant they could afford to test often.
The team also assumed from the outset that their designs would fail, a lot. But it also knew it would learn from each failure and could quickly incorporate lessons learned. By the third launch, they had a working scramjet missile propulsion unit.
The team is continuing to work on their missile project, refining the design to make it more practical. Instead of having the rocket as a booster stage that falls off after acceleration is complete, the team is making the rocket and ramjet share a single body that shares the combustion chamber. The team also believes they could have a working missile for the fleet in 3-4 years.
Source: Naval Aviation News
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(WASHINGTON) Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says he wont weigh in with his personal views on Roe vs. Wade or any other Supreme Court decision in his confirmation hearing.
Gorsuch was asked Tuesday by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley to discuss the case that legalized abortion nationwide. The nominee would only say its a court precedent that has been reaffirmed many times. He gave similar answers to Grassleys questions about other important cases on such subjects as guns and campaign finance.
Gorsuch said if he were to discuss those cases, I would be tipping my hand and suggesting to litigants that I have already made up my mind about cases.
He added: I think thats the beginning of the end of the independent judiciary.
Seoul (AFP) - North Korea's uranium enrichment facility has doubled in size over the last few years, the UN's atomic watchdog chief has warned, as global tensions grow over Pyongyang's burgeoning nuclear weapons programme.
Yukiya Amano, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told the Wall Street Journal that the isolated state's nuclear capacities are being ramped up.
"The situation is very bad... It has gone into a new phase," Amano said, in the report published Monday. "All of the indications point to the fact that North Korea is making progress, as they declared."
International alarm over Pyongyang's military ambitions has risen after a series of missile launches and nuclear tests last year, and earlier this month it fired four rockets in what it described as practice for an attack on United States military bases in Japan.
The North, which also tested a powerful new rocket engine at the weekend to coincide with a trip to Asia by US Secretary State Rex Tillerson, has long coveted a missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.
Pyongyang has rapidly expanded its facilities for enriching uranium and plutonium production in recent years, Amano told the Journal, expressing doubt over the potential for a diplomatic solution.
During his visit to South Korea last week, Tillerson declared Washington would drop the "failed" approach of "strategic patience" with Pyongyang and warned that US military action was possible.
That marked a sharp divergence from China's insistence on a diplomatic approach to its neighbour, which it has long protected.
In January, South Korea said the North had enough plutonium to make 10 nuclear bombs, as well as a "considerable" ability to produce weapons based on highly-enriched uranium.
The North has boosted plutonium supplies by reactivating its once-mothballed nuclear reactor in Yongbyon.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson discussed the possibility of nuclear weapons on the island of Japan in an interview published Saturday, saying "circumstances could evolve" on the Korean peninsula that would require the U.S. to arm its ally with nukes.
"We say all options are on the table, but we cannot predict the future," Tillerson told the Independent Journal Review, the one news outlet allowed to accompany the secretary of state on his six-day Asia trip. "So we do think it's important that everyone in the region has a clear understanding that circumstances could evolve to the point that for mutual deterrence reasons, we might have to consider [a nuclear Japan]."
Read: Japan At War With North Korea? New Spy Satellite Launched To Watch Kim Jong Un
Tillerson's comments came amid regional tension and after North Korea launched a series of missile tests, which included firing three missiles earlier this month that landed within 200 miles of Japan's coastline.
In response, Japan launched a spy satellite Friday to monitor the secretive communist country, which declared it developed a nuclear weapon in 2003. The U.S. has more than 20 military bases in Japan, a country that does not have nuclear capabilities.
While Tillerson opened the possibility of a nuclear Japan in his comments, he emphasized that official U.S. policy is to work towards fewer nuclear weapons in the region, not more.
"Our objective is a denuclearized Korean peninsula. A denuclearized Korean peninsula negates any thought or need for Japan to have nuclear weapons," Tillerson said. "Our objective is to have the regime in North Korea come to a conclusion that the reasons that they have felt they have had to develop nuclear weapons, those reasons are not well-founded."
North Korea continued its aggressive posturing during the final hours of Tillerson's Asia tour, which ended Sunday when he met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing. On Sunday, state-run media in North Korea reported the country's military had successfully tested a high-thrust rocket engine.
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(Reuters) - An Oklahoma state senator charged with hiring a teenage boy as a prostitute intends to resign as a lawmaker by Wednesday, the senator's lawyer said on Tuesday.
The state's top Republicans called on Republican Senator Ralph Shortey, 35, to resign last week after he was charged with three felony counts, including engaging in child prostitution.
Attorney Ed Blau said in a telephone interview he advised Shortey to resign and his client agreed. Shortey, who has served since 2010, has not spoken to media about the incident, and Blau said he had not issued a statement.
Shortey, a gun rights advocate who has campaigned as a champion of family values, was found by police earlier this month in a suburban Oklahoma City motel with the 17-year-old boy, who was not named in court documents.
"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," an arrest affidavit said, adding police also found an opened box of condoms in Shortey's backpack.
Before he was charged by prosecutors, Shortey was sanctioned by the Republican-dominated state Senate last week 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; Editing by Frances Kerry)
Eleven years ago, my family moved to the mecca of natural foods, outdoor adventure and alternative medicine: Boulder, Colorado.
I was working for Whole Foods Market at the time and was "all in" when it came to healthy eating, reducing processed food and buying food that was better for me, my family and the environment.
When my kindergartener asked me to have lunch with her at school, I was excited to join her and see what was being served. That's when my initial expectations were shattered. Lunch was a nutrient-deprived serving of processed French toast sticks, a packet of maple syrup with no real syrup in it and a side of canned pears in a syrupy sauce. I wondered how a teacher could possibly teach nearly 30 kids after a sugar-packed lunch like that.
[See: 10 of the Biggest Health Threats Facing Your Kids This School Year.]
Wanting to take action, I found a small group of community members who had been meeting to try and implement changes to improve school food. A fellow parent activist took me under her wing. She introduced me to the group, inducted me into the committee and tried to show me how diplomacy, instead of outrage, was a more effective approach.
Today at Boulder Valley School District, my kids get to eat scratch-cooked meals made with the best possible ingredients. In every school in the district, they have access to salad bars with homemade dressing. Of course, I could have just packed lunch for my children, but now I know that our entire school community has access to this food.
In 2013, I quit my job at Whole Foods to lead a small nonprofit called the Chef Ann Foundation that was started to help provide school food service teams with the tools, resources and funding they need to move from heat-and-serve, processed food to a cook-from-scratch program.
Four years later, I'm still here and still incredibly passionate about school food reform. CAF works with schools across the country in every state, and one thing I have learned is that Boulder was not the only town with bad school food and an active parent community looking to change that.
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[Read: More Than 100 Healthy School Lunch Ideas That Don't Involve a Sandwich.]
Through my personal experience and in talking with other parents, I learned about how parents can successfully interact with school districts to ensure students are served healthy food. For other parents who want to be proactive, here are some things you can do to encourage school districts to give all kids access to healthier school food:
Get educated. It's important that parents understand what schools are up against when it comes to making changes regarding the food that's served to students. Schools face a host of challenges related to mass food production, U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations and a lack of funding -- based on the federal reimbursement rate for school lunches -- that restrict what they're able to do.
It also helps if you have done your research on the particular food in your district. What kind of food are schools serving? What's being done to ensure kids have access to healthy fare?
Get organized. If a school district is getting loads of individual requests and complaints that are not aligned, then it's hard for them to work toward a solution. Organize a group of concerned community members. Hold meetings and determine what your requests are. Do you want to remove processed food? Do you want your district to consider salad bars? Do you want schools to remove flavored milk? Make your list, research your requests and present a united front.
Take action. Once you've organized your committee and made a unanimous decision about your primary concerns, it's time to find your advocates. Your cause will benefit from finding someone on the school board or in the district administration that is interested in the kind of reform your group is requesting. So put your feelers out. Once you have your advocacy group together, it's time to request a meeting with district administration to make your case.
Each district has its own nuances, but I have talked to enough parents to know that schools face similar challenges as well when it comes to providing quality food. Based on that, CAF has created a parent advocacy toolkit for parents who want to influence their school district's food, but aren't sure where to start. This provides information on school food regulations, sample agendas for committee meetings and tips to address challenges you're likely to face.
[See: 10 Concerns Parents Have About Their Kids' Health.]
As with raising a child, it takes a village to create change. In all, about 30 million kids eat school lunch every day. So if you're passionate about healthy eating and understand how important it is for a child's ability to thrive, just know you can make a significant impact by helping improve the quality of school food.
Mara Fleishman is CEO of the Chef Ann Foundation, which provides school communities with tools, training, resources and funding to make healthier food and redefine lunchroom environments. She joined the foundation to focus on solutions to the school food crisis after nearly 20 years working in natural products, including 12 years with Whole Foods Market, where she served most recently as national director of partnerships.
Parents in a New Jersey school district are displeased with the way slave history is being taught after students completed two racially charged assignments in the last month.
South Mountain Middle School in South Orange came under fire after parent James Davis questioned the schools curriculum when he realized that 5th grade students were making wanted posters for runaway slaves.
In a second alleged incident in the district, a black child was "sold" by white classmates as part of a mock slave auction.
Read: Ben Carson Backtracks on Comparing Slaves to Immigrants: '2 Entirely Different Experiences'
According to Elissa Malespina, a parent who knows Davis and has an 8th grader in the district, Davis went to the superintendent about the poster project but was blown off.
Later, when Davis visited the school and saw the posters he felt uncomfortable with the lack of context attached to them.
The auction posters included wording such as: "Men: aged from 20-26, strong" and "Anne, aged 12 years, a fine house girl," according to reports. Some posters also advertised reward amounts.
I mean it comes down to the curriculum," Malespina told InsideEdition.com. "Nobody is saying that slavery shouldnt be taught. But I believe in teaching it in appropriate way for children to understand and when thats not occurring, there are all problems."
After the first incident, Superintendent John Ramos apologized for the culturally sensitive assignment and the posters were taken down.
"We certainly understand and respect the strong reaction which some parents had to seeing slave auction posters included with other artwork from the assignment," Ramos said in a statement. "We are rethinking the Colonial America Project for next year, and will eliminate the example of a slave auction poster."
Read: Stacey Dash Mocks Black History Month in Awkward Oscars Appearance
Just a few weeks later, however, a project for another 5th grade class in the district angered parents. They reportedly learned there had been a mock slave auction of a black child at Jefferson Elementary School.
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There was a sale of a black child by white children in the classroom, Tracey Jarmon-Woods, the parent of one of the students in the class, told CBSNews, If youre demoralized sold on a block in 2017 it may affect you the rest of your life.
The principal later said in a letter to parents that the impromptu reenactment of a slave auction by students was done while the teacher was out for a medical procedure and a substitute was in charge of the class.
The activity was not part of the curriculum, not part of the teachers assignment, not condoned by the classroom teacher, and not authorized by the district, the statement said.
Read: Cops: Man Charged With Running Sex Slave Ring in His House, Kept Woman Chained To Stripper Pole
Parents, however, are still not pleased and a town meeting will reportedly be held to discuss the issue. A school social worker will speak with 5th graders at Jefferson Elementary on Tuesday, according to reports.
If this was the Holocaust and people said, 'Let's break up into two lines,' people would freak out, Malespina said.
Watch: Teen Upset That School Made Him Change Out Of Slave Costume During 'Decades Day'
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News that Rodrigo Duterte would not, after all, support gay marriage came partway through a lengthy speech during the Philippine Presidents two-day trip to Myanmar, apparently closing the door on a campaign pledge to consider legalizing it.
In an address to Myanmars Filipino community on Sunday, Duterte castigated E.U. lawmakers who last week adopted a resolution condemning the many extrajudicial killings of his drug war. Then, referencing a recent edition of TIME magazine, in which the cover story focuses on changing attitudes to gender identity and sexuality in American culture, he warned of attempts to impose Western values on the Philippines.
There is no he or she that is their culture. Thats only them. That wont work for us. We are Catholics, he said in Filipino, according to a translation by CNN Philippines.
Stating that he had nothing against gay people, Duterte added that his stance on gay marriage was based on the law: There is the civil code. You can only marry a woman for me, and a woman to marry a man. He added in Filipino: That is our law and why should gender enter the picture.
Dutertes comments are likely to disappoint LGBTQ-rights campaigners who were heartened by his campaign trail promise to consider legalizing gay marriage. The Philippine President also previously referred to a slight error in the Bible in that it should say God created Adam, Eve, and the gays.
The Catholic Church wields considerable political influence in the Philippines the only country besides the Vatican where divorce remains illegal. But Dutertes invocation of Catholic values is curious: in January he pushed through church resistance to expand the reach of modern family planning. He has also famously called the Pope a son of a whore.
[CNN Philippines]
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (AP) Authorities say a Binghamton University student from a New York City suburb died in a fall from a balcony at an upstate fraternity house hosting a St. Patrick's Day party.
The Binghamton Police Department on Monday released details of the death of 18-year-old Conor Donnelly, of Pearl River in Rockland County.
Police say Donnelly was drinking at a party held Saturday afternoon at Alpha Sigma Phi, where he was in the process of pledging at the frat.
Officials say the freshman was on a fourth-floor balcony when he tried to climb down to the third floor and fell. Police say his death has been ruled accidental.
Authorities say there's no evidence that hazing played a role in Donnelly's death.
BInghamton University officials have suspended the frat pending the outcome of an investigation.
By Lidia Kelly WARSAW (Reuters) - Poland's defence minister has accused European Council President Donald Tusk of working with Russia's Vladimir Putin to harm Polish interests following the 2010 plane crash that killed President Lech Kaczynski and 95 others. The ministry notified the military department of the National Prosecutor's Office on Monday that it suspected Tusk, who was Polish prime minister at the time, of an "abuse of trust in foreign relations". The move was the latest, and possibly most serious, in an internal political row between Poland's ruling right-wing Law and Justice (PiS) party and rival Tusk. Poland was isolated and rebuffed at an European Union summit earlier this month when Tusk, a centrist, was reappointed as council president over Warsaw's objections. A spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office in Warsaw confirmed it had received the ministry's notification, which effectively accuses Tusk of diplomatic treason. It now has 30 days to decide whether to investigate. Tusk dismissed the accusations as "purely about emotions and obsessions". "This is not a matter of legal or political nature, it is purely about emotions and obsessions," he said in emailed comments. "Therefore, it is not within my competence to comment on cases like this one." The PiS is led by Kaczynski's twin brother Jaroslaw, Poland's most powerful politician and a longstanding opponent of Tusk. Lech Kaczynski died when in a plane carrying a Polish delegation crashed approaching Smolensk Air Base in Russia. He was flying from Warsaw to commemorate the 1940 Katyn massacre of Polish officers by Soviet secret police. Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz told the Gazeta Polska Codziennie daily on Tuesday: "Tusk made an illegal contract with Vladimir Putin to the detriment of Poland and should bear criminal responsibility for that." State news agency PAP quoted the notification as accusing Tusk of agreeing to terms that prevented Poland from playing a full part in investigating the causes of the crash. Macierewicz alleged that Tusk failed to secure from the start an agreement with Moscow "to guarantee the participation of representatives of Poland in all investigative activities on the site", and that this allowed Russia to limit the Polish role. The notification also accused Tusk of failing to take steps that would enforce the return of the Tu-154 plane wreckage to Poland, the notification said. Russia has repeatedly refused Poland's demand to return the Tu-154 wreckage and its black box recorders, citing its own ongoing investigation. BEYOND NEGLIGENCE The notification from the defence ministry covers the period from the plane crash on April 10, 2010 to 2014, when Tusk took up his current post as chairman of EU leaders' summits. The alleged crime carries a sentence of one to 10 years in prison. "It's not about negligence, it is about a criminal offence," Macierewicz said. Polish prosecutors are already conducting several investigations into the Smolensk crash, including a case against a group of public officials also suspected of acting to Poland's detriment in the year after the accident. Tusk has frequently denied any responsibility for the crash, which an earlier official investigation concluded was an accident. The accusation marks a sharp escalation of the conflict between PiS and Tusk, who led the rival Civic Platform party and was prime minister from 2007 to 2014. PiS has already accused him of neglecting the existence of a fraudulent investment scheme when prime minister and selling off too many Polish businesses to foreigners. Civic Platform party hopes Tusk may return to Poland after his EU stint and become its candidate for the next presidential election in 2020. (Writing by Lidia Kelly; Additional reporting by Pawel Sobczak in Warsaw and Gabriela Baczynska and Alastair Macdonald in Brussels; Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
Warsaw (AFP) - Poland's defence minister has accused EU President Donald Tusk of "diplomatic treason" over a probe into the 2010 Polish presidential jet crash in Russia that killed 96 people, national prosecutors said Tuesday.
Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz and many other members of the governing Law and Justice (PiS) party have long insisted the crash was no accident, even though both Polish and Russian investigators found that pilot error, bad weather and poor air-traffic control were to blame.
The then-president Lech Kaczynski -- the twin brother of PiS leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski -- and many senior state officials died when the plane came down in Smolensk, western Russia on April 10, 2010.
Macierewicz claims Tusk, the prime minister at the time, committed treason "in connection with the investigation into the causes and circumstances of the Smolensk crash", a spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office, Ewa Bialik, told AFP.
Treason is punishable by up to 10 years in prison.
The move comes less than two weeks after the PiS government lost a diplomatic campaign to oust Tusk from his current post as European Council president, a move which isolated Warsaw within the EU.
Macierewicz, who believes the crash was the result of a Polish-Russian conspiracy, has notably slammed Tusk for failing to recover the wreckage of the plane from Russia.
He claimed in an interview with the nationalist daily Gazeta Polska Codziennie that Tusk "had reached an illegal agreement with (Russian President) Vladimir Putin to the detriment of Poland."
In November 2016, Polish justice officials began exhuming the remains of the victims to test for traces of explosives or combustion, as the PiS believes a fire may have started on board before the plane went down.
The crash occurred as the presidential delegation was heading to a ceremony in Russia's Katyn forest for thousands of Polish army officers killed by Soviet secret police in 1940 -- a massacre the Kremlin denied until 1990.
LISBON, Portugal (AP) Portugal's government has adopted a long-term plan to improve forest management and help prevent wildfires that scorch thousands of hectares (acres) every summer.
The Cabinet announced a raft of measures after a special meeting Tuesday, including restrictions on eucalyptus, the country's most common and most profitable species but one that's often blamed for stoking blazes.
The government also plans to hire more firefighters and provide them with better equipment. Meanwhile, a simplified and cheaper program of property registration will seek to ascertain which land has no owner and is being neglected.
Statistics show that 35 percent of Portugal is covered by woodland, slightly above the 28-nation European Union average of 31 percent.
The forest industry, especially the production of paper pulp, accounts for around 3 percent of GDP.
President Donald Trump's family is about to get a little larger. The president's third child, Eric, 33, has announced that his wife, Lara, also 33, was pregnant. She is expected to give birth in September, People reported Monday.
The baby, a boy, will be President Trump's ninth grandchild. The expectant couple had been keeping the news secret for months.
Read: Who Are Donald Trump's Grandchildren? Meet Kai Madison, Arabella Kushner And Their 6 Cousins
"Erics dad was so excited that we were worried hed blurt it out at a press conference, Lara Trump, a former television producer, told People. The couple married at Mar-a-Lago, the president's "Southern White House," in 2014.
Trump's son will most certainly benefit from the Trump name and the vast business empire that it represents. His father, Eric, took control of the Trump Organization with the president's oldest son, Donald Jr., and longtime Trump executive Alan Weisselberg, after the President separated himself from the organization that bears his name. The president was criticized at the time for not establishing a blind trust to insulate himself from his organization's business operations.
On Sunday, Eric Trump said the Trump Organization would halt the development of overseas real estate projects.
"In light of politics, weve said hey, listen, were not going to expand anymore internationally. Were not going to do any new international projects. And that was a big piece of what we did," Eric Trump told Fox News.
Trump also denied allegations the Trump Organization has business ties to Russia.
"If we had projects in Russia, you'd have our name on those projects. We're not exactly bashful about hiding our name," Trump said, calling the allegations "a little bit maddening."
While the Trump family has denied business ties to Russia since Donald Trump entered politics, that wasn't always the case. In 2008, Donald Trump Jr. said, "in terms of high-end product influx into the U.S., Russians make up a pretty disproportionate cross-section of a lot of our assets," He added: "We see a lot of money pouring in from Russia."
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Eric Trump's future son will have many older cousins to help teach him how to navigate the public spotlight that follows his famous family. Donald Trump Jr. has five children with wife Vanessa Trump, while Ivanka Trump has three children with husband Jared Kushner.
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ANKARA, Turkey The United States and Turkey are on a collision course in Raqqa, as Turkish officials warn that Washingtons reliance on Kurdish forces to liberate the Islamic States de facto capital would severely damage its relationship with Ankara.
The current U.S. plan to advance on Raqqa depends heavily on the Peoples Protection Units (YPG), a Syrian Kurdish militia that Washington has supported with airstrikes and provided with military equipment. But Turkish officials accuse the group of being just another name for the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK), a group listed as a terror organization by Washington and Ankara that has waged a decades-long guerrilla war against Turkey. They say that the PKK has used YPG-held territory in Syria territory gained in part with the backing of the United States to train their fighters and plan attacks against Turkey.
If [the United States] insists on carrying on this operation with terror organizations, our relations will be harmed that is clear, Prime Minister Binali Yildirim told a group of visiting journalists this month. Because it will show that they value terror organizations more than us.
Turkish officials repeatedly declined to specify the steps they could take if Washington maintains its alliance with the YPG. But if Ankara wanted to, it could throw a sizeable wrench in U.S. strategy in the region for example, by cutting off access to airbases in southern Turkey, from which the United States launches airstrikes in Syria and Iraq, or by deepening its cooperation with Russia.
President Donald Trumps administration is currently engaged in an intense debate over whether to continue supporting Kurdish forces advance on Raqqa, or shift U.S. support to Turkey and its allies. Top American commanders view the Kurds as superior fighters and the only viable option for ousting the Islamic State. They are skeptical of Turkeys competing proposal to exclude the Kurds altogether and let Turkish troops and an Ankara-backed Syrian Arab force retake the ISIS stronghold, with U.S. help.
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Even as the Trump administration weighs its options, the U.S. military is ramping up for the assault, drawing up plans to deploy up to 1,000 more American soldiers to Syria in support of the YPG and allied forces, known collectively as the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which have advanced mere miles from the city. Pentagon officials assess that the roughly 27,000 Kurds in the 50,000-strong SDF are the more effective, experienced fighters.
The SDF is the partner force most capable of acting swiftly to isolate Raqqa, said Defense Department spokesman Eric Pahon.
The White House did not respond to request for comment on their view of the potential diplomatic collision with Turkey.
Pahon said that a majority of the SDF force currently isolating Raqqa are Syrian Arab fighters, including a significant contingent that hail from the area around the city. Nevertheless, he said, its not clear which group will actually liberate the Islamic State stronghold. While that isolation is underway, we will continue to plan for the subsequent phases with our allies and partners, including Turkey, he said. There have been no decisions made on what force will be used to liberate Raqqa.
For Turkey, this is not solely a foreign policy issue. Turkish officials claim that by backing the YPG, the United States is directly undermining their domestic security.
We have evidence that proves a clear connection between the PKK and PYD-YPG establishment in Syria, said Ibrahim Kalin, a foreign policy advisor to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, using the acronym for the Syrian Kurdish party affiliated with the YPG. Some of the suicide bombers in Turkey last year were trained in and came from the region under PYD-YPG rule.
Turkey blamed a February 2016 car bombing in Ankara on a fighter trained in areas under YPG control, and shelled the groups positions in Syria in reprisal. A paper for West Points Combating Terrorism Center published last year also claimed that a PKK offshoot was using YPG-held territory as a key launching pad for attacks in Turkey.
These claims are hotly debated by U.S. officials. The U.S. military maintains that the Syrian Kurdish force is no threat to Turkey. Meanwhile, Pahon said that Washington will continue to support Turkey in its fight against the PKK.
However, other current and former officials have engaged in a long-running debate over the Turkish role in Syria, and the wisdom of relying on the YPG.
Derek Chollet, who served as assistant secretary of defense in President Barack Obamas administration, said that he worked constantly to get the United States and Turkey on the same page but was never able to assuage Ankaras concerns about the YPG.
The U.S. does not share Erdogans view that the Syrian Kurds and PKK are somehow the same, he said. The U.S. sees Syrian Kurds as good partners. But Turkish officials have neuralgia about our cooperation with the Kurds, he said.
Fred Hof, who served as Obamas special envoy for Syria in 2012 after working on the issue for years, gives some credence to Turkish claims. The YPG, he said, is essentially the Syrian affiliate of the PKK. Meanwhile, he faulted the Obama administration for failing to incorporate Ankara into its Syria strategy, saying, there was just not a strong attempt to build a relationship and trust and confidence with Turkey.
But both warn that the Trump administration may not have the luxury of time. As a candidate, Trump criticized the Obama administrations approach to the war against the Islamic State, promising to bomb the hell out of the jihadist group.
If [Trump] were to wait, to pump the breaks on this alternative solution to better satisfy the Turks, it would be tough to explain how this comports with his campaign rhetoric, said Chollet, who advised his campaign rival, Hillary Clinton.
Hof noted that the longer U.S. officials wait to launch the assault on Raqqa, the more time Islamic State leadership has to plot more attacks against the West.
How lucky do we think we are? Hof said. Raqqa is the place where operations in Paris, Brussels, and various parts of Turkey were all planned.
But even if the United States ends up supporting the SDFs assault on Raqqa, the dispute with Turkey could still derail the assault. Turkish troops and their Syrian allies have recently tried to advance on the town of Manbij, west of Raqqa, as the next step in their campaign to push Kurdish forces away from their border. Officials with the Kurdish-led coalition warn that they may need to divert forces away from Raqqa if tensions escalate further with Ankara.
The situation has gotten very complicated, and were on the verge of a fierce war, said Ilham Ahmed, the co-chair of the SDFs political wing. We are still getting support from the Americans, but if the Turkish attacks continue, we wont be able to focus our efforts on Raqqa.
The Kurdish-led forces fight with Turkey has also led them to pursue a tentative rapprochement with Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad. Earlier this month, these groups invited the Syrian government to take control of several villages near the front line with Turkey apparently seeing the Syrian government presence as a potential buffer against a Turkish advance.
We believe that the use of terms such as opposition or regime supporters, despite its importance, it has to be put on the back burner, said Sihanouk Dibo, a senior presidential advisor to the PYD.
On the other side of Syrias battle lines, Abu Waleed, a commander with the Turkish-backed Sultan Mourad brigades, is preparing for the coming war with the Kurdish forces. He speaks warmly of the historic stance Turkey took in favor of the Syrian uprising, saying that it is the only one that is standing with the Free Syrian Army.
Abu Waleed is watching the international politicking avidly, knowing that it could mean the difference between victory and defeat. But however it turns out, he believes that his forces are barreling toward Raqqa, whether Washington likes it or not.
The fight would be easier, he acknowledges, with the United States on his side. He looked back with nostalgia on the days his brigade received U.S. support and expressed confusion over why the partnership ended.
We had a very good team here, the Pentagon team. We stayed together, we ate and drank together, and they saw the suffering of our people here, he said. [Then] they said they wanted to leave we said no problem, and they left and they got a new team that unfortunately didnt join us here, they went to the PKK.
Vladimir Astapkovich/Host Photo Agency via Getty Images
OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) The first day of spring saw temperatures in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas that broke or tied several high-temperature records, including four that were more than a century old.
The National Weather Service said it was 92 degrees in Tulsa and 90 in Harrison, Arkansas, on Monday, tying records set in 1907. And 92-degree readings in Lubbock, Texas, and Lawton, Oklahoma broke records of 90 degrees in Lubbock and 91 in Lawton, both set in 1916.
"We've got a very large ridge of high pressure in the central U.S. ... pulling in dry hot air from the desert southwest," said Jonathan Kurtz, a meteorologist with the weather service in Norman, Oklahoma. "It's a little uncharacteristic for it to be this warm, this early."
Meteorologist Jeff Vitale in Lubbock agreed, saying there is no way to predict what will happen from year to year
"Some years are warm, some years are cool," Vitale said. "It (this year) is an anomalous pattern."
Other records include 92 degrees in Dallas to break the record of 91 set in 1932; 84 degrees in Houston broke the 1980 record of 83; and 85 degrees in Fayetteville, Arkansas, broke the 2011 record of 79 degrees.
Kurtz said residents should be careful in the warm weather, especially since winter just ended, even though it was a warm winter.
"It's not oppressive heat, but it might catch people off guard," Kurtz said. "Some people are not aware that it might be hot for a change."
Kurtz said an approaching low pressure system should provide milder temperatures from mid-week through the weekend, with daytime highs expected in the 60s and 70s by Wednesday, in the 70s and lower 80s on Thursday, and back into the 60s and 70s by Friday and throughout the weekend.
Thunderstorms are also possible Thursday and Friday, Kurtz said, mainly east of the Interstate 35 corridor.
By Susan Cornwell and Yasmeen Abutaleb WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump warned Republican lawmakers on Tuesday that voters could punish them if they do not approve a plan he favors to dismantle Obamacare, as pressure grew on the businessman-turned-politician to win the first major legislative battle of his presidency. In one of the few visits he has made to the U.S. Capitol since taking office two months ago, Trump told fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives they would face "political problems" for opposing the bill that takes apart Obamacare and partially replaces it. "The president was really clear: He laid it on the line for everybody," House Speaker Paul Ryan, the leading proponent of the bill, told reporters. "We made a promise. Now is our time to keep that promise. ... If we don't keep our promise, it will be very hard to manage this." While Republicans control both the House and Senate, the party's leaders face a difficult task in uniting their members behind the healthcare bill, just the first in a series of reforms that Trump has promised, including overhauls of the tax system and business regulations. Wall Street fell sharply on Tuesday as investors worried that Trump may struggle to deliver on his promise of tax cuts, which has propelled the market to record highs in recent months. The S&P 500 and Dow Jones Industrial Average lost over 1 percent in their worst one-day performances since before Trump's election victory on Nov. 8. The S&P financial index sank 2.87 percent, its biggest daily fall since June. You have this back and forth in Congress with the new healthcare plan and you have this belief that if the healthcare plan cant pass, then they cant move on to taxes. Theres this feeling that if things dont get done, then maybe what the market has been anticipating gets held up," said Mark Kepner, managing director at Themis Trading in Chatham, New Jersey. Some conservative lawmakers believe the healthcare bill does not go far enough, while moderate Republicans worry that millions of Americans will be hurt by the dismantling of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature healthcare legislation. Party leaders hope to move the bill to the House floor for debate as early as Thursday. But the administration and House leadership can afford to lose only about 20 votes from Republican ranks or risk the bill failing since Democrats are united against it. Republican Congressman Mark Meadows, chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said the caucus has decided not to vote as a bloc on the bill, meaning Republican leadership could still win votes from some of the group's roughly three dozen members In a tweet, CNBC business news channel listed 26 House Republicans who have said they cannot support the measure. Repealing and replacing Obamacare was one of Trump's main campaign promises and has been a goal of Republicans since it was enacted. Republican Representative Walter Jones said Trump told lawmakers in the closed-door meeting at the Capitol that if the Republican bill does not pass, they would face "political problems." Jones said he thought Trump meant lawmakers could lose their seats. ELECTORAL RISKS While Trump predicted that Republicans could face challenges in primary contests ahead of the 2018 midterm elections if they do not gut Obamacare, there is also danger to them in doing so. If the Republican bill is passed, millions of voters might lose their healthcare coverage. The Congressional Budget Office said last week that 14 million people would forfeit coverage under the House bill over the next year, although that number could change based on the most current version of the legislation. Nancy Nielsen, associate dean for health policy at the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine, said Republican leaders were in a tough spot. "It is a not-so-delicate balancing act, as they have to win over the most conservative House and Senate members without causing an outrageous backlash from voters now or in the next election," Nielsen said. Democrats oppose the Republicans' plan, saying it would hurt the elderly, poor and working families while giving tax cuts to the wealthy. Republican leaders tweaked the bill this week to try to satisfy critics, mainly from their own party. Republican chairmen for two key committees said late Monday they proposed more funding for tax credits, which conservatives have opposed, that would give the Senate flexibility to help older people afford health insurance. Additionally, Obamacare's taxes would be eliminated in 2017 instead of 2018. The amendments also addressed Medicaid, which is the country's largest health insurance program and covers about 70 million people, mostly the poor. The changes would allow states to implement work requirements for certain adults, an idea championed by many conservatives, and to decide how they receive federal funds. Trump, who has not offered Obamacare repeal legislation of his own, did not talk "a whole lot about the healthcare bill except to vote for it," Jones said of the president's trip to Capitol Hill. The Club for Growth, an influential conservative lobby group, said it would spend at least $500,000 for ads on television and digital platforms urging Congress members to defeat the bill. The Senate also will vote on the legislation, and more changes could be made. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that if the House approved a healthcare bill, he would try to bring it to the Senate floor next week. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey, Richard Cowan and David Morgan; Writing by Alistair Bell and Amanda Becker; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis)
(The March 20 story deletes reference to precise sum contributed by denominations and use of titanium bolts) JERUSALEM (Reuters) - A team of scientists and restorers has completed work on the purported site of Jesus's tomb in Jerusalem's Old City, and it will be re-opened to the public on Wednesday. The group has worked for the past nine months at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and focused on the small structure above the burial place, known as the Edicule. Many Christians believe Jesus's body was buried at what became the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The structure needed reinforcement and conservation, including work on drainage network for rainwater and sewage, Antonia Moropoulou, a professor at the National Technical University of Athens, said on Monday. Moropoulou directed the work at the site. The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the church, where tensions often run high over control of its various sectors. Disputes between the dominations have held up restoration work for more than 200 years. Work only began last year after the church was deemed unsafe by Israeli authorities, who have controlled East Jerusalem since its capture in the 1967 Middle East war. Media reports said each denomination had contributed toward the project and Jordan's King Abdullah also made a personal donation, with the work costing around $3.3 million. Moropoulou said extensive work had been carried out on the masonry of the tomb. (Reporting by Ilan Rosenberg, writing by Ori Lewis; Editing by Jeffrey Heller)
By Lisa Fernandez RICHMOND, Calif. (Reuters) - They welded pipes. They drew blueprints. And, of course, they fastened munitions and machine parts together with rivets. Now, seven decades after World War Two ended, a surviving handful of the women who marched into factories and shipyards, redefining workplace gender roles to help keep America's military assembly lines running, were honored on Tuesday in the country's first official National Rosie the Riveter Day. Eleven Rosies, all in their 90s, were feted with speeches and a U.S. Senate resolution at the Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park, which opened in 2000 just north of San Francisco in Richmond, California. "Without these amazing ladies, we wouldn't have won the war," Kelli English, a park interpreter told a news conference on Tuesday. The women wore red, polka-dotted blouses and were treated to the planting of a rose bush at the park's museum in their honor. "Well it's about time," honoree Marian Sousa, 91, said in an interview ahead of the ceremony. "It shows that women are not only capable now, but they were capable then." Sousa, a resident of El Sobrante, California, worked as a "draftsman" creating blueprints for warships at the Kaiser Shipyard during the 1940s. Her sister, Phyllis Gould, 95, and fellow Rosie worker Anna "Mae" Krier, 91, of Levittown, Pennsylvania, led the campaign pushing for a national day of recognition for the last few years. "This is big," Gould said in an interview on Monday. Gould, who worked as a Navy-certified welder at the Kaiser-Richmond shipyards during the war, said it irks her that her slice of history is often overlooked. Krier flew to Washington for a separate but related event attended by Senator Bob Casey, of Pennsylvania, a chief sponsor of the Rosie resolution, and other members of Congress. Facing a labor shortage as many able-bodied males joined the U.S. Armed Forces between 1940 and 1945, America's industrial arsenal turned to women to help fill jobs previously reserved strictly for men to produce ships, planes, munitions and other war supplies. The share of U.S. jobs occupied by women grew from 27 percent to 37 percent during the war years, with nearly one in four married women working outside the home by 1945, according to the National Park Service. It is unclear how many Rosies are still living today. The Senate resolution pays tribute to 16 million women it says worked or volunteered for the U.S. war effort, including many who toiled for the American Red Cross, hospitals, rationing boards and other non-factory settings. The phenomenon was captured in the iconic "We Can Do It!" posters from the era, picturing a determined-looking woman in blue factory togs, her hair swept back in a red scarf, rolling up a sleeve to show off her biceps. Marian Wynn, 91, a former welder now living in Fairfield, California, agreed the honor was long overdue. "I think we deserve it, she said. (Additional reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Leslie Adler and Andrew Hay)
In two months time on May 19, to be exact Iran will hold presidential elections. As things currently stand, odds are that the incumbent, Hassan Rouhani, will win a second term. Though attacked by internal critics on both the right and left, no serious contender has yet stepped forward to challenge his re-election. For U.S. policymakers, two questions naturally arise: Do we have a stake in Rouhanis success and should U.S. policy be tailored to boost his chances or, at the very least, avoid hurting them?
Whether theyd admit it or not, the Obama administrations answers were clear. President Barack Obama saw moderates and hardliners engaged in a meaningful struggle for control of the Islamic Republic. Moderates led by Rouhani were no sweethearts, to be sure. But they understood the imperative of ending sanctions, engaging the world economy, and de-escalating Irans confrontation with America and the West first and foremost by curtailing its nuclear program.
The bottom line for the Obamians? Rouhani and his ilk were people that America could do business with. The prior administration believed there was a clear interest in strengthening them against regime hardliners who were committed to unceasing conflict and nuclear escalation.
From this fundamental premise, a parade of U.S. concessions naturally followed. Permit Iran to keep enriching uranium? Yes. Allow continued R&D on advanced centrifuges? Yes again. Agree that the mullahs shouldnt be compelled to fess up about past efforts to develop nuclear weapons? Naturally no need to embarrass Rouhani and give hardliners a stick to beat him with. Front-load billions of dollars in sanctions relief, including secret deals to pay cash for hostages? Certainly the moderates must show they can deliver real benefits. Take a pass on seriously confronting Irans escalating bid for regional hegemony? An unfortunate, but necessary trade-off. Doing otherwise might give the hardliners an excuse to walk away from the nuclear deal.
Of course, Obamas critics had a much different take on Rouhani and the politics of the Islamic Republic. In their version, factions within the regime butted heads over means, not ends. Rouhani, himself, has been a longstanding, loyal servant of the theocracy. For decades, hes been a leading member of Irans most important national security body; indeed, he served as its leader throughout the 1990s and early 2000s a period marred by terrorist atrocities in Buenos Aires and Saudi Arabia, the assassination of dissidents in Europe, the crushing of student protests at home, and, dont forget, the launch of a full-blown covert effort to acquire nuclear weapons.
Thats the same nuclear program that, by Rouhanis own admission, he saved from international sanction in 2003 and 2004 when serving as the regimes chief negotiator with key European powers. Indeed, prior to his election as president in 2013, Rouhani bragged publicly that hed walked hand in hand with the supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, to deceive the West while advancing Irans mastery of the nuclear fuel cycle. In Rouhanis telling, while agreeing in 2003 to Europes demand that Iran suspend its nuclear program, in reality we did not let that happen. Rejecting the accusation that he was responsible for halting Irans nuclear progress, Rouhani proudly insisted that We were the ones to complete it. We completed the technology. This is how we completed the nuclear enrichment program.
In his 2011 memoir, Rouhani was quite explicit about the playbook that he had used to pull the wool over the Wests eyes. While we were talking to the Europeans in Tehran, he acknowledged, we were installing equipment in Isfahan a key nuclear facility where Iran now converts uranium ore into an enrichable form. By creating a calm environment, we were able to complete the work at Isfahan.
Not for nothing, then, has Rouhani earned the title of the Diplomat Sheikh. Through engagement, soothing rhetoric, and well-timed tactical concessions he succeeded in masterfully hoodwinking Western diplomats to preserve both Irans nuclear program and its economy. With that kind of track record, is it any wonder that suspicion runs high today that Rouhani has done it yet again with 2015s Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) Obamas preferred narrative of moderates vs. hardliners notwithstanding.
The nuclear deals results certainly align with that interpretation. In exchange for a series of temporary restrictions on elements of its nuclear program, the JCPOA legitimized Irans possession of the complete fuel cycle. While waiting for these constraints to lapse, the deal allows Iran to conduct R&D to fill one of the most critical gaps in its nuclear technology the perfection of highly advanced centrifuges (so-called IR-8s) capable of rapidly enriching large quantities of uranium in short order. As the deals various sunset clauses fall away over the next decade and a half, these advanced centrifuges can be deployed in unlimited numbers in a nuclear program of unbounded size and scope.
Beyond the alarming implications for the future of Irans nuclear program, the nuclear deal is littered with other concessions that virtually guarantee that the Islamic Republic will be a far more formidable adversary down the line including large-scale sanctions relief and the eventual lifting of bans on Irans procurement of conventional weapons (in 2020) and nuclear-designed ballistic missile activities (in 2023). Allowed to run its course over the next 10 to 15 years, the JCPOA portends a rather ominous future for anyone who really cares to see: An unreconstructed Islamic Republic boasting not only a highly advanced, industrial-size nuclear infrastructure, but a far richer, more resilient economy; a vastly stronger conventional military; and a ballistic missile arsenal already the largest in the Middle East free to expand even further, including by developing ICBMs capable of delivering a nuclear warhead to the United States.
Of course, all thats in the future. But in the present, the results of Rouhanis diplomatic handiwork have hardly been more promising for the West. Under cover of the JCPOA, Irans non-nuclear aggression has gone into overdrive since 2015. To wit: A dramatic escalation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) interference in Syria and Yemen. More than a dozen tests of nuclear-capable ballistic missiles in defiance of U.N. admonitions. U.S. naval vessels repeatedly put at risk by Iranian speed boats. U.S. sailors taken captive and humiliated on Iranian TV. More dual Iranian-American nationals unjustly imprisoned. And execution rates of dissidents, gays, children, religious and ethnic minorities at their highest level in decades.
Here, then, is the harsh reality of what Rouhanis presidency has actually wrought. This is no moderate mullah struggling against the hardline powers-that-be to achieve some kind of long-term modus vivendi with the Great Satan. On the contrary, this is a long-serving mandarin of a rabidly anti-American theocracy, called upon at a moment of great economic and geopolitical stress to reprise his award-winning role from 2003 by charming the Western barbarians into backing off, buying the Islamic Republic the breathing space it needs to press ahead with its hegemonic ambitions.
From this perspective, the question of Americas stake in Rouhanis reelection takes on a far different cast. If hes not the last best hope for U.S.-Iranian reconciliation that Obamas infamous echo chamber made him out to be, but rather a diplomatic snake charmer deployed by the Supreme Leader and the IRGC to more effectively pursue their revisionist agenda, its hard to see how Rouhanis success actually serves U.S. interests.
On the contrary, to the extent that Rouhanis true mission has been to anesthetize the West to the threat posed by the Islamic Republic and fracture its unity of response, a strong case exists that countering Iran would be made easier by his departure from the political scene. If the concern is with ensuring that the United States and its allies take the necessary steps in a timely manner to protect their interests, probably better to face the wolf itself than the wolf in sheeps clothing.
For the Trump administration, that means at a minimum taking action to demonstrate to the Islamic Republics two most powerful political actors, the Supreme Leader and the IRGC, that their Rouhani ruse is up. His diplomatic fan dance has effectively shielded their expanding aggression from renewed Western political, economic, and military pressure. The Trump team should make clear that that game is now over. At which point, the Supreme Leader and the IRGC may well determine that the utility of Rouhanis presidency has run its course as well.
Operationally, a number of useful initiatives could be taken in advance of Irans elections to underscore such a shift in U.S. policy:
Re-impose sanctions on Khameneis personal business empire. The Execution of Imam Khomeinis Order (aka EIKO) is a giant parastatal directly controlled by the Supreme Leader, estimated to have close to $95 billion in holdings. The JCPOA effectively lifted all sanctions on EIKO, clearing the way for it to engage in billions of dollars of prospective new business ventures and investments. But nothing in the nuclear deal prohibits Washington from reimposing sweeping sanctions on EIKO as a result of Khameneis responsibility for all of Irans non-nuclear transgressions, including its ballistic missile program, support for terrorism, and massive violations of human rights.
Sanction the IRGCs business empire. The IRGC may control as much as 20 percent of Irans economy. That includes hundreds of companies across virtually every major economic sector. Thanks to the JCPOA, billions of dollars in unfrozen assets, oil revenues, and hostage payments have flooded back into Iran, disproportionately benefiting the IRGC and its businesses. Nothing in the nuclear deal bars Washington from targeting the IRGC for its leading role in Irans missile program, support for terrorism, regional aggression, and human rights abuses. If the Trump administration chose to act, the U.S. Treasury, today, has both the authority and the evidence it needs to undertake a mass designation of IRGC-controlled front companies and their managers, striking a decisive blow against the organizations economic and political interests.
Confront IRGC regional aggression. Fearful of jeopardizing the nuclear deal, the Obama administration largely stood aside as the IRGC Qods Force escalated its destabilizing activities across the Middle East from overt military intervention in Syria, Iraq and Yemen to covert interference against U.S. allies like Bahrain and dangerous maneuvers against U.S. ships in the Persian Gulf. In addition to economic sanctions, Washington unilaterally and in cooperation with its local allies should begin seriously raising the political and military costs of the IRGCs bid for regional supremacy.
Cancel the Boeing and Airbus deals. In the JCPOAs aftermath, Iran Air concluded large contracts to purchase close to 200 new civilian airliners from Boeing and Airbus. Rouhani has hailed the deals as a major accomplishment of his nuclear diplomacy, a critical breakthrough that will pave the way for the large-scale return of Western business to Iran. However, Iran Air continues flying to Syria, and suspicions run high that, on behalf of the IRGC, it has ferried weapons and fighters to fuel the Assad regimes war crimes, not to mention Hezbollahs terrorist arsenal. The Trump administration should immediately take action to suspend the Boeing and Airbus contracts pending an intelligence review of Iran Airs activities since the JCPOA was signed, and if the evidence warrants cancel the deal outright.
The Trump administrations message to Khamenei and the IRGC in the lead up to Irans elections should be clear: Rouhanis presidency will no longer serve as a get-out-of-jail-free pass for their escalating aggression. The moderate vs. hardliner narrative that the Islamic Republic so successfully peddled to a credulous West has lost all currency. Contrary to the Obamians most fervent wishes, Rouhani is not the progenitor of the theocracys eventual transformation, but the wily instrument of its survival and regeneration. That was certainly true in 2003 and, unfortunately, true again in 2015. Its now up to President Trump to make sure that we wont be fooled again.
Photo credit: ATTA KENARE/AFP/Getty Images
UPDATE: 5:20 p.m. EDT The United States has ordered airlines from 13 countries to ban all electronic devices except cellphones and medical devices from passenger cabins, the Transportation Safety Administration said Monday.
The new rules ban laptops, iPads, Kindles and cameras larger than a cellphone from cabins. The devices can, however, be transported in checked baggage.
The TSA has not published a full list of affected airlines, but Royal Jordanian issued a statement addressed to its customers. Saudi Arabias Saudia Airlines also is among those affected.
royal jordanian
Photo: Ali Jarekji/Reuters
The TSA advised the airlines of the new policy by email. It gave the airlines 96 hours to comply, the Guardian reported.
The circular did not address the electronic flight bags crewmembers use.
The Guardian said TSA referred queries to the Department of Homeland Security, which declined to comment on the issue.
Original story
Royal Jordanian Airlines is banning all electronic devices from flights to and from the United States, except for cellphones and medical devices. The carrier announced Monday the policy would be effective Tuesday.
There was no immediate explanation for why the airline was taking the action beyond saying it was imposing the ban following instructions from concerned U.S. departments.
Read: Southwest Airlines Settles FAA Lawsuit, To Pay $2.8M In Civil Penalties
The U.S. Transportation Security Administration has a lengthy list of things that are prohibited from being brought onto planes, but electronic devices are not on it. The list includes explosives and flammable items, firearms, food, self-defense items, sharp objects, sporting goods and tools.
Since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, passengers have had to bring all liquids, gels, pastes and creams packed in containers holding no more than 3.4-ounce containers and placed into a see-through, quart-size bag, and passengers have had to take laptops and other electronics out of their carry-ons and in some cases turn them on to prove they are what they purport to be during the preflight screening process.
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In a statement, Royal Jordanian said it would ban all laptops, tablets, cameras, DVD players and electronic games from being taken into the passenger cabin. The devices, however, are allowed in checked baggage.
Read: Budget Airlines Safety Standards Under Fire
Royal Jordanian, the flag carrier for Jordan, flies to New York, Chicago and Detroit.
Travel and Leisure noted concerns have been raised recently about lithium-ion batteries, citing a cellphone battery that caught fire on a Delta Airlines flight From Norfolk, Virginia, to Atlanta, and a passengers headphones that exploded on a flight to Australia from Beijing.
Last year, the Department of Transportation banned the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone because a number of devices caught fire, several on planes. Samsung eventually ended production of the units because the fire hazard is simply too great, said Elliot F. Kaye, chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
Based at Queen Alia International Airport in Amman, Royal Jordanian operates more than 500 flights a week across the globe.
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Syria has been in the throes of a violent Civil War for the past six years one that involves an authoritarian leader, U.S.-supported rebels and radical Islamic groups all fighting each other. And if that's not messy enough, there's Russia.
Never the stranger to controversy, Russia was roundly criticized last year for its month-long bombing of the Syrian capital of Aleppo. The Human Rights Watch said the Russian campaign against Aleppo, which caused several civilian deaths, was a war crime.
But to fully understand why Russia got involved in Syrias war in the first place, its important to understand a bit of history of the two nations relationship.
Read: Who Is Winning In Syria? US To Deploy 1,000 More Troops To Weaken Russian Forces
Cold War Friendship
Lets first rewind about 70 years. In 1946 back when Russia was the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
(USSR) the two countries signed a secret agreement in which the USSR promised Syria to help with the formation of the Syrian Arab Army. At the time, the sides between the Cold War were being formed: It was the West vs. the USSR and its allies and Syria was certainly one of those allies.
Decades later, in 1971, that relationship was reaffirmed when the Soviet Union opened a naval base in the Syrian city of Tartus. This gave the Soviets a stable presence in the Middle East.
In 1980, Syria and the Soviet Union signed a Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation meant to last twenty years. Even after the USSR fell and Russia replaced it, that diplomatic friendship has remained intact.
Read: When Will ISIS End? Syrian Army, Russia Bomb Islamic State In Aleppo As Iraqi Troops Battle For Mosul
Civil War
In 2000, Bashar al-Assad became president of Syria, and he has remained in charge ever since. Over the years, Assad retained popularity with the military, but not with the Syrian people at large.
assad
Photo: Reuters
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So when Syrians rose up in 2011 along with Tunisians, Egyptians and nearby in what was called the Arab Spring to challenge their leader, Assad cracked down. And he cracked down violently. Assad, who has been accused of human rights violations such as inhumane prison conditions and systematic violence, was not willing to give up power easily.
While Iran sent support to the Syrian government, the U.S. began supplying troops to the Syrian rebels hoping to overthrow Assad. But soon after its start, the situation in Syria started getting even more complicated, and the two sides splintered into many more factions.
For one, the Kurds, an ethnic minority in Syria, declared its own mini-state in Syria. And then radical terrorist group the Islamic State, more commonly known as ISIS, got involved. ISIS took parts of Syria and Iraq in 2014, forcing the U.S. to shift its focus to stop radical Islamist groups like ISIS.
Syrian Rebel
Photo: Reuters
Russian Intervention
It seemed like Assad might fall in 2015, thanks to the influx of forces against him, including the U.S.-supported rebels and ISIS. But Russia was still an ally with Syria indeed, Syria was one of Russias few allies left and thats when President Vladimir Putin decided to intervene.
Putin, who has been accused of human rights violations such as imprisoning and killing people who have opposed him, sent in Russian troops to support Assad in September 2015. In the past, Putin explained that Russia intervened in order to help Assad fight ISIS.
Russia Syria US ceasefire deal, Putin Assad
Photo: Getty Images/AFP/Alexey Druzhinin
I asked (Assad), How would you feel if we were to find in Syria an armed opposition, but one that is ready to counter and really fight against terrorism, against ISIS? Putin said in October 2015. How would you feel if we supported their efforts in the fight against terrorism just as we are supporting the Syrian army? (Assad) said, Im fine with that.
But it was significant that Putin chose to fight ISIS by providing support to Assad, while the U.S. tried to defeat ISIS by supporting Syrian rebels. This is because Russia was likely looking to protect its diplomatic ties to Syria but it was also a way for Putin to flaunt his military dominance and say, in effect: 'Nobody tells Russia what to do.'
Weapons Ties
Russia not only had diplomatic advantages to siding with Syrias government, but economic advantages, too.
The Syrian Civil War began in 2011. In the years before that, starting in 2007, Syrian arms imports rose by 580 percent compared to the five years prior and 78 percent of those weapons came from Russia.
After Russia intervened on behalf of the Syrian government in 2015, it saw its arms exports bring in $56 billion.
Aleppo
Photo: Reuters
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MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia's Foreign Ministry declined on Tuesday to confirm or deny reported plans by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to visit Moscow, expressing its surprise at the "regular leak" of information from Washington. Sources told Reuters on Monday Tillerson planned to skip his first meeting of the 28 NATO allies in April in order to stay home for a visit by China's president and then go to Russia. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in response to media requests for confirmation of Tillerson's Moscow visit that the ministry was "not prepared to confirm or deny this information". "But we are certainly surprised by the regular leak of sensitive information from Washington," she said in a post on Facebook. "It's time for U.S. political elites to figure out if 'Russian hackers' have once again got into State Department servers or if the threat to U.S. cyber security has an American origin after all," Zakharova said. Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said later he was unaware of plans by Tillerson to visit Moscow. Skipping the NATO meeting and visiting Moscow could risk feeding a perception that Trump's administration may be prioritizing U.S. dealings with big powers over smaller nations that depend on Washington for security. Tillerson worked with Russia's government for years in his former role as a top executive at Exxon Mobil Corp. He has questioned the wisdom of sanctions against Russia that he said could harm U.S. businesses. (Reporting by Maria Kiselyova; Writing by Alessandra Prentice; Editing by Paul Tait)
UNITED NATIONS (AP) Russia's late U.N. ambassador Vitaly Churkin was remembered Tuesday as "a consummate diplomat" who passionately defended Moscow's positions but later reached out to those who disagreed because he knew that interaction among people was key to solving the world's problems.
At a ceremony in the General Assembly hall, diplomats from the U.N.'s 193 member nations stood silently to honor Churkin, who died suddenly on Feb. 20 the day before his 65th birthday. Then, U.N. leaders and regional representatives paid tribute to him as his wife, Irina, and son, Maxim, watched.
Calling the Russian envoy "a dear friend," Assembly President Peter Thomson said: "To put it simply, in the theater of diplomacy, ambassador Churkin was a giant, a deep and eloquent intellectual with a sharp with and disarmingly approachable manner."
As Russia's U.N. ambassador for nearly 11 years and the longest-serving member on the powerful Security Council, Churkin had a very high profile. But Germany's deputy U.N. ambassador Jurgen Schulz said it was how he carried out the job that made him "a landmark figure" in the halls of the United Nations.
Speaking on behalf of the Western group of nations, Schulz said one of Churkin's "core strengths was his ability to connect with his counterparts at a personal level," even after the most heated debates.
"In the world of diplomacy, there's no greater compliment than to be respected by those with whom one disagrees," Schulz said. "Ambassador Churkin earned this respect from everyone, regardless of policy or political differences."
During his years at the U.N., there were sharp differences especially between Russia and the West, notably over the Syrian conflict, now in its seventh year.
But U.S. Deputy Ambassador Michele Sison echoed Schulz, calling Churkin "a consummate diplomat" and "steadfast advocate for his country's policies" who "was devoted to making the personal connections that make diplomacy work."
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"While we did not always see things the same way, Ambassador Churkin had an eye for identifying compromise and recognized the value of stronger relations between our two countries," Sison said.
Malaysia's deputy ambassador, Kennedy Mayong, speaking on behalf of Asian nations, called Churkin "a towering figure," stressing that "even on issues where positions were miles apart and consensus seemed impossible, Ambassador Churkin was known among colleagues in always wanting to engage in a dialogue, a reflection of a genuine diplomat."
Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he will never forget that it was Churkin as president of the Security Council in October who announced that its 15 members were unanimously recommending him as the next U.N. chief, to succeed Ban Ki-moon on Jan. 1.
Calling Churkin "simultaneously a patriot and an internationalist," Guterres said, "His was an unmistakable voice as witty as he was passionate in defending Russian interests while advocating for a strong United Nations."
Russia's charge d'affaires, Petr Iliichev, said messages of condolence have already filled four volumes at the U.N. mission, but Churkin's death also "shook Russia" and sparked an outpouring of grief from thousands of people who never knew him.
"He was distinguished by a sharp wit, intelligence, deep knowledge and also an unconventional view of problems," Iliichev said. "It was possible not to agree with him, but it was impossible not to pay tribute to his diplomatic talent, his professionalism and his charisma."
"He genuinely strived to ensure that our world became better and saw in the U.N. a key instrument for joint work towards realizing that goal," Iliichev said.
What's the first thing you do upon waking up?
If your answer's brushing your teeth or taking a shower, chances are you're already using a product developed by Givaudan.
The Swiss firm is the world's largest player in the flavour and fragrance industries. It develops scents and flavours across food products as well as household items.
SEE ALSO: Ben and Jerry's bourbon ice cream seems like a dream, but it's real
That means it's probably in the body wash you use, or in that can of soda you're drinking.
The company estimates that the average person comes into contact with a scent it's developed about 10 times a day yet most of us have never heard of it.
That's because it's sworn to secrecy about who its clients are, precisely for the reason we feel somewhat disturbed that there are lab-concocted flavours in our food.
Gilles Halotel, Technical Head of ASEAN at Givaudan, said during a factory tour that people often express concern about lab grown flavours being unnatural.
Scents on a shelf in its Singapore facility.
Image: mashable
He explained that obvious scent is a necessary, and often expected component in food products. "Take chicken stock for example. People expect their food to have a strong chicken taste, and if we had enough chicken livestock around, maybe we wouldn't need stock [products]. We're responding to need."
And globalisation is another force pushing demand for scent makers like Givaudan.
Halotel said the growth of conglomerates like KFC and Starbucks is making consumer palates more homogenous.
"It's not for me to judge whether it's good or bad, but the overall palate is changing" as big companies expand, he said.
People expect consistency in big chains, and they're also demanding things taste or smell a certain way.
At the company's new $5 million facility in Singapore, flavourists experiment with hundreds of components to get to "the one."
They're also working on local flavours like Laksa, so they can distill it into a snack form.
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Laksa is a Singaporean noodle dish which has hints of lemongrass, chilli and coconut. When I tried it in a cracker, I was still amazed how much it tasted like the real thing.
Laksa chips.
Image: mashable
Halotel thinks each country will retain some demand for unique flavours, despite globalisation's march.
Tastes are developed from young based on what you're fed, and that helps perpetuate local tastes, he said.
"I hope food will continue to be diverse. Everyone already uses iPhones and searches on Google if we all eat the same food as well, life will be very boring."
Edinburgh (AFP) - Scotland's nationalist leader warned on Tuesday that it would be "unfair" for the British government to block another independence referendum, as she asked the Scottish parliament to support her plans for a vote.
First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said British Prime Minister Theresa May must not to stand in her way -- as she opened a two-day debate on a referendum rematch.
May has insisted "now is not the time" for another referendum, while the terms of Brexit have yet to be negotiated.
But Sturgeon told Scottish lawmakers: "For the UK Government to stand in the way of Scotland even having a choice would be, in my view, wrong, unfair and utterly unsustainable."
The Scottish parliament is expected endorse Sturgeon's call for a second referendum in a vote on Wednesday, less than three years after Scots rejected independence in a 2014 referendum.
Sturgeon suggested a re-run could be as little as 18 months away, and by spring 2019 at the latest, before Britain has left the European Union.
Scotland voted strongly to stay in the European Union, as did Northern Ireland, but they were outweighed by England and Wales and the national result last year was 52 percent for Brexit.
"We will allow people to make a genuinely informed choice between being taken down a hard Brexit path or becoming an independent country, able to chart our own course," she said.
- 'Voting blind' -
Sturgeon insists she is open to discussion on an alternative timetable "within reason", but said "it will simply not be acceptable for the UK government to stand as a roadblock to the democratically expressed will of this Parliament".
Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson, May's most senior representative in Edinburgh, confirmed the British government's view that "there cannot be a referendum until people know what they're voting for".
"You don't make a decision on leaving the UK by voting blind," she said.
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Sturgeon wants the Scottish Parliament to decide the date, the question, and who will be allow to vote in the referendum.
The SNP does not have an outright majority in the Scottish parliament, but it has already secured the support of the Green party for another independence bid.
Scotland voted against independence by 55 percent in September 2014, but the campaign left the unionist camp politically divided while nationalists flocked to the SNP in droves.
The SNP won all but three Scottish seats in the British parliament in the 2015 general election and Sturgeon was re-elected to the Scottish assembly last May on a pledge to hold another independence vote if Scotland was "dragged out" of the EU against its will.
- Voters sceptical on independence -
Sturgeon is yet to convince a sceptical electorate, with a series of recent polls showing support for independence has barely moved since 2014 -- including a Panelbase poll concluded on Friday which found it stood at 44 percent.
John Curtice, professor of politics at the University of Strathclyde, suggested May's intransigence and the current lack of public support for another referendum may actually work in Sturgeon's favour.
"The 'Yes' side still has considerable ground to make. More time to argue her case might, in truth, be just what Nicola Sturgeon wants," he said.
One of the arguments that helped sway Scottish voters to remain part of Britain in 2014 was the economic uncertainty that would come with independence.
Critics say the situation is now worse, after a fall in oil prices has hit Scotland's energy industry and blown a hole in its public finances.
However, Sturgeon has warned that leaving Europe's single market will causes tens of thousands of job losses in Scotland.
By Chelsea Stone. Photos by: Getty Images.
Though they've traveled the world, Prince William and Duchess Catherine had never made their way to a destination that's just a short flight (or underwater train ride) away from their home in Londonuntil now. The royals recently embarked on their first-ever official trip to Paris since William's mother, Princess Diana, was killed in a car crash there in 1997.
The couple boarded a private jet to Paris following a St. Patrick's Day parade in London and spent the weekend making various public appearances around the French capital. This being more than just a sightseeing tour, the royals met with President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace. Kate and William then paid their respects at Les Invalides, a hospital created in 1670 by King Louis XIV to care for veterans and those injured while fighting for France. The center now also supports victims of the recent terror attacks in France.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge also made sure to take in a Wales vs. France rugby match at the Stade de France while in town, and of course took part in a match of their own with a few young fans, before it was off to the Musee d'Orsay for a fine-arts break. Several works from the museum are set to make an appearance at London's own Tate Britain later in the year.
Finally, the pair attended a black tie reception hosted by Edward Llewellyn, Britain's ambassador to France, at the British Embassy in Parisbut not before posing for a few photo ops, including one in front of the iconic Eiffel Tower. They are tourists, after all.
See William and Kate's tour of the City of Light in the photos below:
Eiffel Tower
With President Francois Hollande at the Elysee Palace
Military Hospital at the Hotel des Invalides
Musee d'Orsay
RBS 6 Nations rugby match between France and Wales at Stade de France
Trocadero Square
British Embassy
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This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest.
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ATLANTABrent Agnew remembers feeling a sense of relief when he left the meeting called to discuss his 6-year-old son Calebs anxiety attacks.
As he and his wife, Jennifer, walked into the parking lot outside the E. E. Butler Center in Gainesville, Georgia, that day in 2006, the two could picture a different future for Caleb.
At the meeting, a special-education teacher had recommended taking the boy out of Martin Elementary School, in a town 10 miles southwest of Gainesville, and placing him in Georgias Network for Educational and Therapeutic Support (GNETS), a statewide system for children with emotional and behavioral disorders.
Agnew, who had worked as an elementary- and middle-school teacher in the same county for six years, trusted that this would be the best way to manage his sons angry outbursts, which included knocking over chairs and desks, and get him back on track in his class work. Both parents figured Caleb would return to his neighborhood elementary school before too long.
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We saw it as a scaffolding until things got bettera short-term, possible solution, Agnew recalled.
Ten years later, the couple sat across a wooden table from Caleb, now 16, a high-school dropout and, as of September, a survivor of a suicide attempt.
Not only did Caleb never return to his local school, but he learned little throughout his elementary-, middle- and high-school yearswhich included hundreds of hours struggling through computer lessons in math, science, and social studies.
His paltry education was much like that of dozens of other children in the GNETS system whose experiences this reporter researched. Aspects of Calebs time in GNETS were echoed by the families interviewed: a sense that they could do nothing to get their children back into local schools once they were in the system and a hopelessness in the face of violence and chaos in the classrooms. Most, but not all, reported an absence of the sort of therapeutic benefit implied by the programs name.
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* * *
There are children like Caleb and his GNETS classmates all over the countrywith diagnoses including ADHD, bipolar disorder, and, increasingly, autism. They are often placed in separate classrooms within public schools and spend large numbers of hours on computers using technology that is not aligned with their specific needs. Georgia has had an entirely separate and separately funded program for children with emotional and behavioral disorders for five decades.
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The Georgia program caught the attention of the Department of Justice (DOJ), which launched an investigation that lasted several years, resulting in a 21-page letter of findings in July 2015, and a lawsuit in August 2016.
According to that lawsuit, the GNETS system violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act, or ADA, both by segregating children with disabilities and by denying them access to an equal education.
The state of Georgia filed a motion to dismiss the lawsuit in October. Students like Caleb continue to languish in GNETS schools while the lawsuit continues its course. The most recent move came on December 9, when the Department of Justice filed a brief opposing the states motion to dismiss. Whether the Trump administration will approach the case differently is unclear.
* * *
The GNETS program is spread across Georgia in 24 locations. Since opening in Athens in 1970, the program has admitted tens of thousands of children, with a range of disabilities, under the umbrella of emotional and behavioral disorders.
The Justice Departments case is the first time that the agency has charged a statewide educational system with violating the ADA, Title II, which guarantees people with disabilities full access to the same public services as the general population. Im confident that whats being created [by this lawsuit] is that the ADA applies to all segregationincluding education, said Alison Barkoff, the advocacy director at the Center for Public Representation, a Massachusetts-based public-interest disability law firm.
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The case has implications for school systems and children with emotional and behavioral disorders across the nation, experts say, pointing to the notion that children with disabilities, given the right kind of in-classroom supports, are capable of learning in a general-education environment and will benefit emotionally and psychologically from being in class with children without disabilities. Whats more, research has shown that integrating children with disabilities into classrooms, when accompanied by adequate teacher and staff training, yields positive academic and social results.
The federal lawsuits first argumentthat the system is segregatedis fairly straightforward and easy to demonstrate: GNETS students spend their days in stand-alone, separate buildings or in separate classrooms within public schools, and have little to no contact with the general student population.
But the second argumentthat GNETS offers an unequal educationis more complex, as it requires discovering what students and teachers are doing in those separate buildings and classrooms. It appears that little grade-level content is being taught, with much teaching relegated to online courses. Whats more, many school days are derailed by violent outbursts from students whose behaviors are not managed according to useful therapies, often resulting in visits by police and even arrests.
A police officer told her that her son would get better services in jail than at her local school.
Because of their disabilities these kids need potent, individualized instruction, but instead theyre receiving one-size-fits-allor what I call one-size-fits-nonecomputerized instruction and coercive behavior controls, or warehousing, said Leslie Lipson, a counsel to the Georgia Advocacy Office, a nonprofit organization and part of a coalition that has sought to integrate GNETS students into the public-school system.
In its July 2015 letter of findings, the DOJ offered its own peek into GNETS classrooms:
Students in the GNETS Program generally do not receive grade-level instruction that meets Georgias State Standards like their peers in general-education classrooms. Rather, particularly at the high-school level, students in the GNETS Program often receive only computer-based instruction.
About two-thirds of the students in the systems population are in middle or high school, according to the state education department, so if the DOJ is correct, most GNETS students are being taught largely by computers.
During a six-month period, I gathered information on the experiences of about 100 families with children in the GNETS system, via interviews with the families and by talking to advocates, attorneys, and educators. The experiences of these families generally matched the DOJ findings. Ironically, many families also said that the assistive technologies designed to help students with disabilities are seldom part of a GNETS education.
Notably, the few parents who spoke positively of the system did so out of a sense that it was the least disagreeable option for their children. One parent at a public meeting said that a police officer told her that her son would get better services in jail than at her local school.
Matt Cardoza, the spokesman for the Georgia Department of Education, repeatedly answered queries about the GNETS system by saying that legal counsel had prohibited any substantive conversation, on the record or off. Specific queries were repeatedly answered with claims that the information was unavailable or would take dozens of hours to obtain. And Wyn Hornbuckle, the deputy director of the DOJs office of public affairs, did not reply to multiple emails seeking a conversation about the GNETS system.
Experts have concluded that, in Georgia and elsewhere, little or no integration with the general-student population, teachers with no specific content-area certification, ineffective treatment of behaviors caused by disabilities, and poor uses of digital technology all add up to negative and unequal educational outcomes for these children.
* * *
Brent, Jennifer, and Caleb lived with these issues for nearly a decade. What makes their experience noteworthy is that both parents were public-school teachers while Caleb was growing up; Jennifer even had a certification in special education. And still they could do nothing to improve their sons education as he got shuttled from one GNETS center to another.
Along the way, with Caleb under doctors care, the Agnews tried a variety of medications to help him with his psychological problems, together with family and individual therapy. Some of this helped.
On a recent winter evening, the three of them sat in their dining room with its picture window looking down a hill to Lake Lanier, a placid contrast to Calebs chaotic childhood. It took the family several hours to unravel how things had gone wrong for their son in school.
The first GNETS center Caleb attended was in the building where E.E. Butler High School, a segregated school in the early 1960s, once stood. Now known as the Alpine Program, it was where 13-year-old Jonathan King, a child diagnosed with ADHD and depression, hanged himself in 2004 after being placed in a windowless seclusion room. That tragedy led the state, six years later, to adopt rules prohibiting such practices and limiting the use of physical restraints to control a childs behavior.
Brent and Jennifer Agnew with their children Caleb, now 16, and Olivia, 9, at the Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, Georgia (Jesse Pratt Lopez)
But as Caleb went through elementary school, he recalled, it became more and more normal to see kids blow up and being restrainedincluding me. His mother stood up from the table and demonstrated how teachers would restrain her son. She stood behind her husband, crossed his arms in front of his chest and pushed his head down on the table.
I remember wailing and squirming around until I got out of energy, Caleb said.
The boy now stands nearly six feet tall, with the frame of a high-school cornerback. But back then, he said, I was a chubby little kid.
At the time, Brent recalled with pride, Caleb was a phenomenal reader, way above grade level. But he struggled with math, and, less so, with science and English. By third grade, he had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. At the start of the school year, the family went to the programs annual Individualized Education Program meeting (or IEP, the cornerstone of special-education planning, designed for families and schools to set goals together). They were determined to get Caleb back in the local public school, with a paraprofessional to help manage his behavior.
But the county and GNETS officials said Caleb wasnt ready and needed to stay at Alpinea refrain the family would hear over and over in the coming years. There was only so hard we could fight, Jennifer recalled. We didnt want to jeopardize our jobs.
By sixth grade, Caleb was at another GNETS center, in the same building where Jennifer attended middle school. By the time Caleb arrived, it was devoid of displays of student achievement in the hallways, or names of teachers on the doors, or visual reminders of teaching and learning. Classrooms were off a hallway with locked doors at both ends.
There, Caleb started using the e2020 computer program most of the day. Developed by a company now called Edgenuity, the platform is available for all K-12 subjects. It looked amazing on paper, Brent recalled. You work at your own pace, get your creditsbut there was no one there to help.
Calebs classroom, like most in the GNETS program, had fewer than 10 students; it had a teacher trained in special education, and one or two paraprofessionals, but no teachers licensed in any academic content areas. Although Caleb took care to point out that he felt most of his teachers cared about him, he said none had really helped him academically. Most of the time, they were putting out fires, he said.
Half the time he would just sit down and listen to music all day, watch movies on Netflix, and sleep, Brent said. They had a new principal nearly every year.
Throughout middle school, he was still great in reading, said Jennifer, but behind in all other subjects. Jennifer had started a three-ring binder notebook when Caleb was in elementary school to keep track of his IEP meetings. Then, she said, when she saw that the GNETS program would not even follow such simple procedures listed in Calebs IEP as allowing him to use a calculator during a math test to reduce his anxiety, she started to give up. We just stopped keeping up with it, she said.
Calebs high school was a two-hour bus ride away, to the Futures Program, another GNETS center located in a building where black students once studied during de jure segregation. (Some studies have suggested that Georgia and other states disproportionate numbers of black, male students in their special-education and emotional- and behavioral-disorder programs have resulted in a new form of racial segregation; according to a GNETS official, in 2014-15, when 37 percent of Georgias K-12 population was black, 51 percent of GNETS students were black and 80 percent were male.)
Like many GNETS centers in rural areas, Futures drew students from a handful of surrounding counties. Caleb spent two more years mostly in front of computers, although students would often lose the Wi-Fi connection throughout the day. Occasionally, a paraprofessional substituted for the teacher; on those days, the students wouldnt even go online. Everybody in class, we did the least possible, Caleb said. We used Pandora to message each other. We watched movies.
And Caleb got arrested several timesfor kicking a door, for punching in a window. Jennifer would get calls at work and have to pick him up. She continued to believe that the program was not following her sons IEP and not helping him succeed behaviorally or academically.
The Agnews pulled Caleb out of GNETS last May. He sat around the house most days, until one day in September when he swallowed 17 Abilify pills.
* * *
Most of the Agnews experiences resemble those of dozens of families with children in GNETS. Parents I interviewed frequently pointed to GNETSs lack of useful behavioral therapy of any kind; underlined unclear or seemingly impossible-to-reach criteria for exiting the system; and described a lack of in-class or take-home work. One parent said she saw no schoolwork from her son for seven months.
Is it just babysitting the child, or is it providing them with stimulation that will help them learn?
Many parentsespecially those with middle-school- and high-school-age childrennoted the lack of teachers trained in specific content areas, the reliance on computers to teach those subjects, and the absence of assistive technology.
Online instruction should be used as a tool, but in GNETS its used to say, We have that content, said Jonathan Zimring, an attorney who has worked in disability law for four decades.
With the use of computers and technology in the [GNETS] classroom, you have to ask, Is it just babysitting the child, or is it providing them with stimulation that will help them learn? said Talley Wells, the director of the Disability Integration Project at Atlanta Legal Aid Society.
A 2010 state audit of the program reached many of the same conclusions. Whats more, wrote the auditors, the system cannot demonstrate that the services provided to a student in the GNETS program have resulted in improvements to behavior or academic performance. The system, the audit noted, did not break out data for students, or centers, or the program as a whole, and instead grouped data for all GNETS students together with data from the local public schools they originally attended.
At that time, the state pledged to maintain program-level files moving forward, in order to more carefully track student academic progress. The current GNETS director, Nakeba Rahming, said the system plans to adopt i-Ready, an online assessment and accountability platform. But the state Education Department wouldnt clarify how i-Ready differs from the program-level files, or if those files had been used to any benefit.
The GNETS program, experts say, has never been able to show its results. Weve asked, Where are your data to show that what youre doing is meaningful and effective? said Zimring.
* * *
Georgia isnt the only state where local school districts place children with emotional and behavioral disorders in programs that achieve little academic progress and rely heavily on computers. Marcie Lipsitt, a Michigan-based special-education advocate whose federal complaints about the use of online instruction have prompted nearly 200 investigations, said that e2020 and similar platforms are very common in so-called emotionally impaired programs.
Sean J. Smith, a researcher at the Center on Online Learning and Students with Disabilities, released a report in January 2016 after evaluating more than a thousand lessons from a range of K-12 online learning platforms used for children with disabilities. The report sought to gauge how the online lessons reached struggling learners. Its conclusion: the platforms were poorly aligned with the specific learning needs of students with disabilities.
Digital technology has been used inefficiently with children with disabilities, Smith said in an interview from his office at the University of Kansas, where he is an associate professor in special education. If youre deficient in a skillsay, mathinstead of providing you instruction, [many online lessons] give you a series of drills and practice exercises. Couple this with the lack of instruction from teachers certified in content areas, he said, and learning suffers.
This state of affairs doesnt just affect students whose disabilities cause them to struggle. It also affects those who are academically advanced, since the teaching and online platforms are not tailored to their needs, either.
Take Kellan Powell, a 12-year-old who loves science and was diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum several years ago. Hes now at Mainstay Academy, his second GNETS program, in Fayetteville, a town about 25 miles south of Atlanta.
Over French fries at a McDonalds near Mainstay, Kellan told me the theoretical physics behind Portal, a video game that involves moving through three-dimensional space, and about how to build a compressed-air rocket. But he described science at school as boring. At school, he uses an online program called MobyMax. The program takes him from one lesson to the next, with questions and vocabulary at the end of each lesson, much like a textbook, he said.
I listen to music without lyrics on my headphones; it helps me concentrate, and the work just keeps coming, he said. Kellan spends pretty much the whole day on the computer, he said, including playing video games during breaks from schoolwork. In the absence of teachers certified to teach science, he does no labs, nor any sort of hands-on work, which he said would definitely be more fun. Still, his best grades are in science and English.
As for assistive technology, parents with children whose disabilities affect their verbal or written communication, for example, have found that certain computer programs or devices that could help with those issues often go unmentioned at IEP meetings and unused in the GNETS program. Again, the result is stunted learning.
The thing about IEPs, said Shannon Des Roches Rosa, an editor at a website called Thinking Persons Guide to Autism, is that even though technically everybodys supposed to be fighting for the students needs, parents, if theyre new to this, dont even know what to fight for, or ask for. And theres never enough [financial] resources [so] the system is only going to do what families push for.
* * *
On September 19, Jennifer drove Caleb 60 miles southwest of Gainesville to Hillside, a residential facility in Atlanta for children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral issues. The plan was for Caleb to stay a month, to help lift him out of the depression that led him to attempt suicide.
Caleb Hacker and his sister, Olivia Agnew, reading music at the Lakewood Baptist Church (Jesse Pratt Lopez)
I hated it at first, being so far from home, Caleb said. But over time, I knew it was the best thing for me.
At Hillside, Caleb took classes appropriate for his grade level, with a key difference from the GNETS program. I had so much help, one-on-one, instead of just telling me to go online and do it, he said. The teacher encouraged him to ask questions and go at his own pace. I had never touched geometry before, and I got a 90 on an analytic-geometry test, he said, beaming. After that, I was getting stuff done [in class]. My self-esteem went, whoom!
Since his return home, Caleb and his family have had to face the reality that the local school district will only admit him to GNETS. He doesnt want to go back to GNETS, but he does want to obtain a high-school diploma. The only choice, they say, is to seek a GED. They talk about college, which Caleb still finds scary.
After listening to Caleb describe his experience at Hillside, Brent leans into the table. This makes me think, What if? Where would he be if he had the support he needed in public school? We will never know.
This article was produced as a project for the National Health Journalism Fellowship, a program of the Center for Health Journalism at the USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism.
This post appears courtesy of The Hechinger Report.
Read more from The Atlantic:
This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
It's always a sunny day when Sesame Street is trolling President Donald Trump. And though you might not realize it, the classic children's show has been poking fun at the business man turned leader of the U.S. for yearssss.
Way before Donald Trump was president, Sesame Street was there, trolling him long before any of us knew what we were in for. The show was ahead of its time, creating parody-inspired characters like Ronald Grump and Donald Grump as early as the 1980s.
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While the nonprofit show is careful not to get too political with its programming, over the years Sesame Street has delivered some epic burns to Donald Trump, and in light of his recent plans to cut PBS funding a network that re-airs Sesame Street episodes even though the show moved to HBO we thought it would be a perfect time to revisit them.
Though Sesame Street receives no direct funding from PBS, the show released a statement explaining that "PBS makes Sesame Street available to all Americans, and thereby continues to play a major role in helping less privileged kids gain access to preschool education that has proven and enduring value."
So now, in all their glory, we present to you the best Sesame Street Trump burns.
Grump Tower, 1988
Back in 1988 the Muppets were already on top of their Trump trolling game, as children tuned in to watch a conniving Ronald Grump build his iconic Grump Tower.
Aside from the extra LOL-worthy wordplay insinuating that the real Trump is grumpy AF, Ronald Grump enlists Oscar the Grouch's help to build the architectural structure entirely out of trashcans. How nice.
Despite Sesame Street pal Maria's disapproval, Grump makes some sketchy promises to get the tower built. Ultimately, though, the deal falls through because it is ~literally~ trash.
Joe Pesci returns as Ronald Grump, 1994
The 1994 return of Ronald Grump was a bit unexpected, seeing as how he magically transformed from a muppet into a human.
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In honor of Sesame Street's 25th anniversary, ABC aired a special entitled: Sesame Street's All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever, which included over fifty guest stars.
If you skip to 1:50, you can watch the introduction of human Ronald Grump, portrayed by a legendary, wig-wearing Joe Pesci. Grump explains his new theme park, Grump World, which would essentially destroy the homes of devastated Sesame Street residents. Eeek.
When the residents push back against Grump's proposed plans, he has a straight-up temper tantrum, leaving them in tears. Classy.
"I tried to be nice to you people! You got two weeks. Pack up and leave," he yells.
Later on, the businessman exclaims, "I am deeply and profoundly disgusted. If theres one thing I despise, its cheap sentiment hugs, kiddie television, cute, furry animals."
What a joy, right?
Grump is not swayed the least bit by the muppets' pleas for compassion, but after Oscar the Grouch reveals that his home (a.k.a., his trashcan) is government property, Trump decides building would be too much of a hassle and gives up his plans.
Grouch Apprentice, 2005
Donald Grump (not to be confused with Ronald Grump) visited our friends on Sesame Street in 2005 for a very important parody of Trump's reality television show, The Apprentice.
The updated Grump character comes complete with a loud personality and poofy orange wig to really solidify the likeness. After proclaiming "his name is on every piece of trash in town," the Sesame Street characters sing a catchy tune about the trashy grouch that will live on for eternity.
Before Donald Grump obnoxiously searches for his Sesame Street "apprentice," he fires Omagrossa from his team. Elmo proves victorious in all of Grumps challenges, but is obviously too helpful and well-mannered to work with Grump, so he winds up yanking Grump's wig off in a very touching ending.
The real Donald Trump has yet to tweet any insults at Sesame Street by our count, but based on the decades between the above sketches, Donald Grump is due for another appearance any day now.
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Long-running children's television show "Sesame Street" is welcoming a new kid to the block - a Muppet with autism called Julia. A redhead who loves to sing and remembers the words to lots of songs, Julia will debut on the show for preschoolers on April 10 after a five-year outreach effort to families and experts on autism, Sesame Workshop said on Monday. "For years, families of children with autism have asked us to address the issue," Dr. Jeanette Betancourt, senior vice president of U.S. social impact at the nonprofit Sesame Workshop, said in a statement. One in 68 American children is currently diagnosed with autism, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an increase of some 119 percent since 2000. Autism is a developmental disorder present from early childhood, characterized by difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people and in using language and abstract concepts Stacey Gordon, the puppeteer who will perform the role of Julia, and Christine Ferraro who wrote her part, both have family members who are on the autism spectrum. "It's important for kids without autism to see what autism can look like," Gordon told the CBS show "60 Minutes" in a preview on Sunday. "Had my son's friends been exposed to his behaviors through something that they had seen on TV before they experienced them in the classroom, they might not have been frightened. They might not have been worried when he cried. They would have known that he plays in a different way and that that's okay," she added. The show will see Julia interact with favorite characters like Big Bird and Elmo but sometimes get overexcited, or flap her hands. The character will be supported with books and videos in both Spanish and English on the sesamestreet.org website and costumed character visits to community events. Since its launch in 1969, "Sesame Street" has tackled issues such as divorce, disability, race and death alongside its role in teaching very young children to read, count and learn colors. "Sesame Street" is seen in either the United States on PBS and HBO, or local TV versions in more than 150 nations and has won multiple awards for its educational content and its message of inclusion. (Reporting by Jill Serjeant; Editing by Jeffrey Benkoe)
Sheryl Sandberg has a new date on her calendar: April 24.
On Tuesday, Facebook's chief operating officer shared on Facebook (where else?) that her new book Option B: Facing Adversity, Building Resilience and Finding Joy is going on sale next month.
SEE ALSO: Sheryl Sandberg's new book 'Option B' explores grief in wake of husband's death
The book, first unveiled by Recode in July, shares Sandberg's personal journey of grief following the death of her husband David Goldberg, who passed away suddenly from a heart condition while they were on vacation in Mexico two years back.
Adam Grant, a professor of management at Wharton and best-selling author of Originals, is also a co-author on the project, incorporating his own research.
"Option B is our attempt to share what weve learned. Part of the book comes from my personal experience and my journals, and part comes from the work Adam and other psychologists have done on resilience," Sandberg wrote on Facebook. "These stories reveal the capacity of the human spirit not only to persevere . . . but to rediscover joy."
Sandberg gained notoriety for her first book, Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead. The book did receive some criticism for not incorporating the stories of single parents. After losing her husband unexpectedly, she apologized.
"I will never experience and understand all of the challenges most single moms face, but I understand a lot more than I did a year ago," Sandberg wrote on Facebook on Mother's Day in 2016.
"Daves death changed me in very profound ways. I learned about the depths of sadness and the brutality of loss," Sandberg said in her commencement address to the class of 2016 at the University of California at Berkeley; the first time spoke publicly about the matter.
The new book is now available for preorder on Amazon.
Recode reported last summer that all proceeds from Sandberg's new book would go to Sandberg's nonprofit organization Lean In.
With Adam Rawnsley
Not long after President Donald Trump took to Twitter to insist that stories about potential ties between his campaign and the Russian government were made up and FAKE NEWS, FBI Director James Comey told Congress on Monday that his investigation into the matter was very, very real.
The affirmation came at the beginning of a contentious 5-hour hearing before the House Intelligence Committee that ended with a criminal investigation hanging over the White House, which began scrambling to portray major figures in Trumps circle now ousted for being less than forthcoming about their contacts with Russian officials as periphery players in the election.
It was an extraordinary moment as the head of the FBI and Adm. Michael Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, together demolished Trumps false claim that he was wiretapped by then President Barack Obama during the campaign, and that the British GCHQ intelligence agency was in on the job. Asked directly if he or anyone else at the NSA had asked the GCHQ to spy on Trump or his team, Rogers replied: No, sir, nor would I.
Last week, the normally tight-lipped British spy agency took the extraordinary step of slapping down White House press secretary Sean Spicers claim of British involvement, calling the accusation utterly ridiculous and a claim that ought to be ignored.
Rogers deputy, Rick Ledgett, told the BBC that any suggestion of spying on Trump Tower is especially stupid. The NSA chief added that while the U.S-U.K relationship is strong enough to survive the controversy, it clearly frustrates a key ally of ours.
Why not? Just hours after the hearing, Reuters reported that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is planning to skip a key NATO summit in Brussels next month in order to stay at Trumps for-profit Mar-a-Lago report in Florida for two days of meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Just after that meeting, Tillerson will head to Moscow. More: A former U.S. official and a former NATO diplomat, both speaking on condition of anonymity, said the alliance offered to change the meeting dates so Tillerson could attend it and the Xi Jinping talks but the State Department had rebuffed the idea. Perhaps, as Tillerson recently said about refusing the take the press along on overseas trips, I personally dont need it.
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Well, heres something. Tillerson will meet with some NATO officials this week in Washington at a summit aimed at pushing the fight against the Islamic State forward, but State Department aides say his interactions will focus solely on the ISIS fight. In all, 68 nations are sending representatives to DC for the talks, including Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, who met with Trump at the White House Monday.
Also, NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg will meet with Defense Secretary Jim Mattis at the Pentagon Tuesday. Mattis traveled to Brussels last month to huddle with NATO allies.
ISIS, Iraq, and Terrorism. Speaking at the United States Institute for Peace afterward, Abadi said that the White House had given assurances that [U.S.] support wont only continue, but will accelerate in the fight. He added that I think this administration wants to be more engaged in fighting terrorism than the Obama administration, which often frustrated the Iraqis by taking weeks or months to make decisions. Abadi did offer a veiled warning, however, that just sending more troops and helicopters isnt the answer. Committing troops is one thing, while fighting terrorism is another thing. You dont defeat terrorism by fighting it militarily. There are better ways.
Heres the new approach to North Korea. The Trump administration is weighing a new round of sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system as part of a broad review of measures to counter Pyongyangs nuclear and missile threat, Reuters reports. As currently envisioned, the sanctions would be part of a multi-pronged approach of increased economic and diplomatic pressure especially on Chinese banks and firms that do the most business with North Korea plus beefed-up defenses by the United States and its South Korean and Japanese allies, according to the administration official familiar with the deliberations.
Welcome to SitRep. Send any tips, thoughts or national security events to paul.mcleary@foreignpolicy.com or via Twitter: @paulmcleary or @arawnsley.
Bots. The FBI in investigating a network of bots linked to Russia that flooded social media with links to pro-Trump stories from far right wing news sites during the 2016 presidential campaign. Two anonymous sources tell McClatchy that the bureau is investigating whether news sites like Breitbart, InfoWars, RT, and others were aware of or colluded with the operators of the bot networks. The FBIs Counterintelligence Division is carrying out the investigation as part of a broader look into Russian involvement in the 2016 campaign.
Training. Its not just the U.S. whose relationship with Syrias Kurdish militants risks provoking Turkish ire. The AP reports that Russias Defense Ministry has embedded ground troops with the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units (YPG) in Syria as part of an effort to monitor a truce between the group and Turkish-backed anti-Islamic State rebels. YPG officials, however, say the Russian troops are providing training for them as a prelude to closer relations with Moscow. Turkey considers the YPG a terrorist organization and has frequently criticized the U.S. for its relationship with YPG fighters in the fight against the Islamic State.
Carry on. The Washington Post reports that the U.S. is now banning passengers traveling from airports in 10 predominately Muslim countries from carrying electronic devices larger than a cell phone in their carry-on luggage. Word of the ban came not from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security but from Royal Jordanian Airlines, which issued a statement on social media noting that certain concerned US departments had ordered the ban. CNN reports that an anonymous U.S. official claims the ban is being driven by intelligence suggesting that al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is capable of building bombs that can slip past metal detectors.
Little help. Syria is once again signaling that it would like Russia to intervene in order to halt Israeli airstrikes on the country. Russia can play a role so that Israel no longer attacks Syria, Syrian President Bashar al Assad told reporters on Monday. Israel has reportedly grown increasingly worried about Syrias transfer of weapons to Hezbollah and Irans ability to use Syria to launch attacks against targets in the north of Israel.
But why though? President Donald Trumps daughter Ivanka is getting a security clearance, a government-issued phone, and an office in the White House. Politico reports that Ivanka will be moving in next door to National Security Council deputy strategic advisor Dina Powell. Its unclear why Ivanka needs a security clearance, particularly given that she will not be a federal employee, or what kind of classified information she would have access to. Ivankas lawyer Jamie Gorelick says Ivanka intends to comply with ethics rules that apply to federal employees nonetheless.
Fuel. The head of the U.N.s International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) tells the Wall Street Journal that North Korea has doubled the size of its uranium enrichment facility in Yongbyon. Director General Yukiya Amano says that the IAEA discovered the expansion via satellite imagery as North Korea booted out the agencys inspectors from the country in 2009. The expansion would allow the North to produce more weapons-grade fuel in addition to its plutonium production facilities in Yongbyon. The situation is very badIt has gone into a new phase, Amano says.
Punchline. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi met with President Donald Trump on Monday and managed to slip in a line towards the end of the meeting. We have nothing to do with the wiretap, he told Trump as reporters filed out, according to NBC News.
Photo Credit: AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP/Getty Images
Describing himself as merely a thankful beggar, Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams sought thousands of dollars in bribes from deep-pocketed donors seeking his help with their legal woes, federal authorities said Tuesday as they unveiled a 23-count indictment charging the two-term Democrat in a sprawling corruption case.
Investigators accused the citys cash-strapped top prosecutor of repeatedly selling his influence and offering to intervene in a case on behalf of one wealthy benefactor. In exchange, they said, Williams accepted luxury trips to foreign locales, a used Jaguar convertible, and other gifts including a $205 Louis Vuitton necktie and a Burberry watch.
When that was not enough to cover the costs of his lush life, Williams allegedly resorted to stealing from his own mother, draining more than $20,000 of Social Security and pension income intended to pay for her nursing home to cover his mortgage and electricity bills.
The alleged misconduct is brazen and wide-ranging, as is the idea that a district attorney would so cavalierly trade on elected office for financial gain, FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Michael Harpster said at an afternoon news conference announcing the charges. The immense authority vested to law enforcement has to be kept in check, and that requires decision-makers and leaders with a steady ethical compass.
The criminal case brought to a head rumors that have dogged Williams for years and put a damning footnote on his eight-year career in office, which began in 2010 with accolades for sweeping changes he promised to implement within the citys justice system, only to be overshadowed more recently by a series of scandals.
As he announced his decision last month to forgo a reelection bid, Williams, 50, apologized for bringing embarrassment and shame to the District Attorneys Office through repeated ethical lapses and vowed to win back the trust of the public and his employees.
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But hours after Tuesdays indictment, Williams offered no indication whether he now intended to resign. His lawyer, Michael Diamondstein, vowed that Williams would fight the charges in court.
Mr. Williams vehemently denies that he ever compromised any investigation, case, or law enforcement function, he said.
Sources familiar with the course of the investigation said Williams rejected a plea deal from prosecutors earlier this week. He spent the day at home with his family, an office spokesman said, and was expected to surrender and be arraigned Wednesday afternoon.
Inside Williams office of 300 prosecutors, the allegations hit like a bomb. In an internal memo, his top deputy, Kathleen Martin, assured the staff that the office was cooperating with the investigation and that no other employees had been accused of wrongdoing.
I understand and appreciate that you may be angry and frustrated with the unwanted spotlight placed upon our office, emotions that you are certainly justified in feeling, she wrote.
Outside, the citys political and legal leaders offered swift condemnation.
Mayor Kenney called Williams alleged actions deeply shameful and a flagrant violation of the law.
"At a time when our citizens trust in government is at an all-time low, it is disheartening to see yet another elected official give the public a reason not to trust us," the mayor said in a statement. "That this comes at the head of our justice system is even more troubling.
Deborah R. Gross, chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association, called for Williams to step aside immediately.
The charges against him cast a shadow on the District Attorneys Office, our legal community, and the entire City of Philadelphia. It truly is an embarrassment," she said.
The case against Williams, which involves charges of honest services fraud and other bribery-related counts, hardly came as a surprise.
Known to frequent cigar bars and the tony Union League, Williams has been open about his financial problems since the FBI and the IRS began poking into his finances two years ago. He has complained of his inability to pay alimony stemming from a 2011 divorce and private-school tuition for his daughters, despite his salary of $175,572 a year.
In January, the Philadelphia Board of Ethics assessed the largest fine in its 10-year history for Williams failure to report for years more than $175,000 in gifts he had accepted including a new roof, luxury vacations, Eagles sidelines passes, and use of a defense attorneys home in Florida.
Williams, as investigators outlined the case Tuesday, was not shy about asking for handouts.
I am merely a thankful beggar and dont want to overstep my bounds in asking, he wrote in one February 2012 text message to a donor in reference to a second planned Caribbean vacation on the donor's tab. He told another in 2013 that he never want[ed] to feel like a drag on your wallet, yet he allegedly returned again and again to seek the mans help in paying for trips to California, Florida, and Las Vegas.
Some of those gifts featured prominently in Tuesdays indictment, including a $3,000 trip Williams took in 2012 with his then-girlfriend to the Dominican Republic, where they stayed in a presidential suite complete with access to a private beach and personal butler.
The excursion was bankrolled by Mohammad N. Ali, a Bucks County businessman who sold old prepaid telephone cards and who, according to the indictment, spared no expense in showering Williams with other gifts, including a $3,212 custom sofa and cash payments of $9,000.
In exchange, prosecutors say, Williams offered to help one of Alis friends who faced criminal charges by drafting a plea deal that would shorten the mans sentence and keep him out of the state prison system.
Prosecutors did not say Tuesday whether Williams ever followed through with his promise. Ali did not respond to requests for comment.
In the future, he told Ali in an August 2012 text message quoted in the indictment, always give me at least a week to help a friend. I have no problem looking at anything.
In other instances, Williams allegedly offered to intervene with other law enforcement offices on behalf of his friends. Ali purportedly sought his help a year later to avoid enhanced TSA screening as he returned to Philadelphia International Airport from trips abroad.
Another donor Michael Weiss, co-owner of Woody's, a well-known Center City gay bar allegedly sought the district attorneys help in untangling a legal mess for another bar he owned in California.
Authorities in that state attempted in 2013 to revoke Weiss liquor license after discovering that he had pleaded guilty to tax fraud charges in three years earlier.
But Williams, according to the indictment, wrote a letter vouching for Weiss and, in an effort to prove his friends upstanding character, appointed him as a special adviser to the District Attorney's Office, complete with a badge and leather carrying case.
Weiss showed his gratitude, prosecutors said Tuesday, by paying for spring-break vacations to Florida and San Diego for Williams and his daughters. He also gave Williams his old 1997 Jaguar XK8 convertible worth $4,160, the indictment says.
Weiss did not return calls for comment Tuesday.
Dude, Williams reportedly texted Weiss. I never want to feel like a drag on your wallet but we are ALWAYS ready for an adventure.
Williams prosecution is being handled by the U.S. Attorneys Office for New Jersey, after Justice Department officials in Philadelphia recused themselves because of their frequent collaboration with the District Attorneys Office.
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(SEOUL) South Koreas just-ousted president said Tuesday she was sorry to the people as she underwent questioning by prosecutors over a corruption scandal that led to her removal from office.
The questioning of Park Geun-hye came 11 days after the Constitutional Court ruled unanimously to dismiss her as president over allegations she colluded with a confidante to extort money from businesses and committed other wrongdoings. Her power had been suspended since she was impeached by parliament in December.
It was a dramatic fall for Park, a daughter of slain dictator Park Chung-hee, who was elected as the countrys first female president in late 2012 amid a wave of support from conservatives who remembered her father as a hero who pulled the country up from poverty despite his suppression of civil rights.
I am sorry to the people. I will sincerely undergo an investigation, Park said when arrived at a Seoul prosecutors office.
She did not elaborate and went inside the building amid a barrage of camera flashes. Prosecutors later said they began questioning Park with her lawyer present.
It was not clear if Parks brief statement meant she acknowledged the corruption allegations, as she has repeatedly denied any legal wrongdoing. South Korean politicians embroiled in scandals often offer public apologies for causing trouble though they deny their involvement.
The questioning of Park was expected to last until late in the evening, and South Korean media reported prosecutors wont likely summon her again after Tuesdays questioning.
Dozens of high-profile figures including some top Park government officials and Samsung heir Lee Jae-yong have already been arrested or indicted in connection with the scandal.
Park could face extortion, bribery and other criminal charges, but it is not known if prosecutors will seek to arrest her anytime soon, especially ahead of an election in May to choose her successor.
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Some experts say there would be a strong backlash from conservatives if Park were to appear on TV dressed in prison garb and handcuffed. Currently, Moon Jae-in, a liberal opposition leader who lost the 2012 election to Park, now has a commanding lead in opinion surveys.
The scandal has roiled and divided South Korea for months, with millions of people taking to the streets and calling for parks ouster in the largest public demonstrations in decades. In recent weeks, pro-Park supporters, mostly elderly conservatives, have staged their own rallies. Three people died in clashes between Parks supporters and the police after the court ruled against her.
Earlier Tuesday, hundreds of Park supporters waited for hours near her Seoul home, holding national flags and chanting her name as thick lines of police officers separated them from a group of reporters. Stepping out of her homes black metal gate, Park did not address to her supporters before getting into a black sedan, which followed a motorcade of police motorcycles to the prosecution office.
Park had immunity while in office and had refused to meet with prosecutors or allow officials to search her presidential compound. She has since expressed defiance toward the allegations, saying I believe the truth will certainly come out.
The March 10 ruling has made Park South Koreas first democratically elected leader to be forced out of office since democracy replaced dictatorship in the late 1980s.
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Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this story.
MADRID, March 21 (Reuters) - Spain's budget minister said on Tuesday he expected the country's deficit for 2016 to be below its target of 4.6 percent.
Spain's 2017 deficit target of 3.1 percent, which it has agreed with Brussels, was demanding but "achievable," Budget Minister Cristobal Montoro told reporters.
Excluding financial aid, Spain's 2016 deficit would be close to 4.3 percent, Montoro said.
(Reporting by Blanca Rodriguez; Writing by Angus Berwick; Editing by Amanda Calvo)
The brother of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapakse denied Tuesday involvement in war-era death squads, blaming the then army chief for an alleged secretive campaign of extrajudicial murders.
Gotabhaya Rajapakse has been accused of giving orders to a shadowy military outfit allegedly involved in murdering journalists and political dissidents during Sri Lanka's long-running civil war.
In testimony filed to court on Monday, former army chief Sarath Fonseka said this death squad was run by military intelligence but took orders from Gotabhaya Rajapakse, a powerful defence secretary during his brother's tenure.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksesaid Fonseka -- who led Sri Lanka's armed forces between December 2005 and July 2009 -- should answer for the excesses carried out by troops under his command.
"I deny any involvement with these killings," Gotabhaya Rajapakse told AFP. "If he (Fonseka) knew there was a secret hit squad, what action did he take as army commander?"
Fonseka led Sri Lankas victorious final offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, but fell out of favour after unsuccessfully challenging Mahinda Rajapakse for the presidency the following year.
The Criminal Investigations Department told the court the death squad was involved in a litany of abuses against the media during Mahinda Rajapakse's presidency, in which 17 journalists and media staff were killed.
Just hours after submitting its report, police arrested a sixth military officer for alleged involvement in the abduction and assault of an editor in 2008. Five others were arrested last month over the same case.
Police also allege the death squad was behind the 2009 murder of prominent newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, whose death sparked an international outcry.
Wickrematunga had accused Gotabhaya Rajapakse of taking kickbacks in arms purchases, including a deal to buy used MiG jet fighters, and was due to testify against him in court when he was killed.
Mahinda Rajapakse and several members of his family are under investigation for large-scale fraud and murder during his presidency, which ended in 2015.
All deny any wrongdoing and in turn accuse the new government of a political vendetta.
New York (AFP) - Tom Hanks and other stars will lead a Facebook "telethon" this month to raise funds for the American Civil Liberties Union, which has become a symbol of resistance to President Donald Trump.
The event, to be filmed on March 31 in New York and live-streamed on the social media site, is also set to feature Tina Fey, Alec Baldwin, Jon Hamm and Amy Poehler, organizers said in a release Tuesday.
Running from 7.00 pm (2300 GMT), it revives the tradition of the telethon -- a televised event that lasts hours or even days in support of a charitable cause.
Since Trump's election in November, the 97-year-old ACLU has become a pillar of resistance to the new administration and a leading defender of fundamental rights across the country.
The organization says it has tripled its membership since the vote to 1.2 million.
It is particularly active on legal matters, in which its lawyers assist victims of Trump's immigration policy.
"Our work in the courts is essential right now to hold off the worst of the abuses," said ACLU executive director Anthony Romero.
"By supporting our work through this telethon, we can fight even harder to defend the rights guaranteed by our Constitution."
Entitled "Stand for Rights: A Benefit for the ACLU," the telethon is being produced by theater production company Friend of a Friend in collaboration with news aggregator The Huffington Post, comedy website Funny or Die and production company Maggie Vision.
AMSTERDAM (AP) -- Two paintings by Vincent van Gogh that were stolen in a smash-and-grab heist more than 14 years ago went back on display Tuesday at the Amsterdam museum dedicated to the Dutch master.
"They're back!" said Van Gogh Museum director Axel Rueger, calling their return one of the "most special days in the history of our museum."
The paintings, the 1882 "View of the Sea at Scheveningen," and 1884-85 work "Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen," were discovered last year by Italian police investigating suspected Italian mobsters for cocaine trafficking.
It wasn't an easy find. The two paintings were wrapped in cotton sheets, stuffed in a box and hidden behind a wall in a toilet, said Gen. Gianluigi D'Alfonso of the Italian financial police, who was on hand at the museum for the ceremonial unveiling.
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The paintings were found in a farmhouse near Naples as Italian police seized 20 million euros ($21.6 million) worth of assets, including villas, apartments and even a small airplane. Investigators contend the assets are linked to two Camorra drug kingpins, Mario Cerrone and Raffaele Imperiale.
"After years shrouded in darkness, they can now shine again," said Jet Bussemaker, the Dutch minister for education, culture and science said as an orange screen slid away to reveal the two paintings behind a glass wall.
One of the two men convicted of stealing the paintings told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that said he originally wanted to steal Van Gogh's world famous "Sunflowers" painting, but it was too well protected.
Another well-known Van Gogh work, "The Potato Eaters," was too big to get through the hole that Octave Durham and his accomplice smashed in the security glass to get into the museum after clambering over a fence and using a ladder to get onto its roof.
Durham, who was sentenced to 3 1 /2 years in prison after being convicted in 2004, told De Telegraaf that the paintings were sold to the mafia after a Dutch criminal who had agreed to buy them was murdered.
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The paintings are now back on display at the museum before being taken to its conservation studio for repair. Experts said they suffered remarkably little damage even as the thieves in 2002 ripped them out of their frames and fled.
"It is not only a miracle that the works have been recovered but it's even more miraculous almost that they are in relatively unharmed condition," Rueger said.
The museum director was on vacation when the call came last year from Italian authorities who believed they had recovered the paintings. He didn't celebrate right away; he'd had calls like this before.
"I was hopeful but also a little hesitant, because over the course of the years we had multiple occasions when people phoned us, contacted us, claiming that they knew something about the whereabouts of the works. And each time it was false, the trace went cold," he said. "The way has been peppered with disappointment."
But museum experts dispatched to Italy to check the authenticity of the works quickly turned Rueger's doubts into delight.
"It was something we had secretly been hoping for, for all those years," he said.
The two small works are not typical of Van Gogh's later and better-known works, but are still vital pieces for the museum's collection, Rueger said.
The Scheveningen seascape, with a fishing boat and rough sea under a typically gray, cloudy Dutch sky, is one of Van Gogh's earliest works. It is the only painting in the museum's collection painted during his time in The Hague. It suffered a missing rectangular chip from the bottom left-hand corner.
The painting of the church in Nuenen portrayed the village where his parents lived.
"He had painted as a gift to his mother, so it's a very personal and emotional connection," Rueger said.
Rueger said the paintings are now back for good at a museum, which is home to dozens of works by Van Gogh, whose paintings fetch millions of dollars on the rare occasions they come up for auction.
"The security, I can assure you, is of Triple-A quality now. So I'm very confident that everything is safe in the museum," he said.
By Joseph Ax
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A student at Columbia University sued the school on Tuesday, claiming officials showed indifference and apathy after she reported two separate incidents of sexual assault on the school's New York City campus in 2015.
The federal lawsuit from Amelia Roskin-Frazee, a member of the undergraduate class of 2019, accuses the Ivy League school of violating Title IX, the U.S. statute that prohibits schools receiving federal funds from engaging in gender discrimination.
A series of high-profile cases in recent years has brought U.S. colleges under heightened scrutiny for how they handle reports of sexual assaults and harassment. Under President Barack Obama, the U.S. Department of Education issued directives aimed at strengthening protections for those who report being victims of such crimes.
In 2014, about two dozen Columbia students filed Title IX complaints with the education department over the elite university's handling of their sexual assault claims. The department has four open cases involving the school and is investigating 229 U.S. colleges overall for Title IX violations related to sexual violence.
That same year, student Emma Sulkowicz began carrying a mattress on her back around campus in protest because her accused rapist, a student named Paul Nungesser, was not disciplined and remained on campus. The act drew national headlines and eventually prompted Nungesser to file his own Title IX lawsuit, claiming the school discriminated against him by allowing Sulkowicz's protest.
Roskin-Frazee said in her suit that she was first attacked on Oct. 5, 2015, when she awoke in her dorm room to find a man raping her.
When she reported the incident to various campus officials, she was told she could go to police but was never advised of her rights under federal law, according to the lawsuit.
In December, Roskin-Frazee was attacked again in her room, according to her lawsuit.
Officials did not open an investigation for months and then failed to interview witnesses or review security card logs for her dormitory, according to the complaint.
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In a statement, university spokesman Robert Hornsby said the school does not comment on specific complaints to protect student privacy.
"None of this diminishes the deep concern we feel about any allegation of assault on our campuses," he said, noting the school has added staff to its gender-based misconduct office, strengthened policies and increased resources for responding to sexual assault.
Reuters does not typically identify victims of sexual assault, but Roskin-Frazee has previously written publicly about her experiences as a rape victim and filed the lawsuit under her own name.
(Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by David Gregorio)
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, Neil Gorsuch, stated repeatedly at his confirmation hearing that "no man is above the law," as senators grilled him on his willingness to take on the nation's commander in chief.
Though he largely steered clear of political landmines, Gorsuch suggested it was "disheartening" and "demoralizing" when Trump dismissed as a "so-called judge" James Robart, who ruled against the White House travel ban in federal court.
The hearing unfolded along partisan lines in the second day of questioning, with Democrats dubious that the silver-haired, 49-year-old judge will protect civil liberties and social progress.
If confirmed, Gorsuch -- a federal appeals judge for the past decade -- would fill the seat left vacant by conservative Antonin Scalia, who died in February 2016 in the middle of the presidential election campaign.
Since that time, the court has been operating with eight justices, and Democrats are still bitter over Republicans' refusal to even consider Barack Obama's nominee.
Pressed by Democratic Senator Patrick Leahy on whether the president could operate with impunity on matters such as national security, torture or surveillance, Gorsuch each time replied, "Senator, no man is above the law."
"Nobody is above the law in this country, and that includes the president of the United States," he added.
When asked if he was a surrogate for Trump or certain interest groups, Gorsuch responded simply, "No."
"I have no difficulty ruling for or against any party, based on what the laws and facts in the particular case require," he said earlier in the hearing.
"I'm heartened by the support I have received from people who recognize that there's no such thing as a Republican judge or Democratic judge. We just have judges in this country."
- 'Out the door' -
Democrats are intent on pushing Gorsuch to expand on his approach to hot-button issues such as abortion, same-sex marriage and the right to bear arms.
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But in keeping with tradition, Gorsuch was steadfast in declining to reveal his personal views on landmark Supreme Court decisions or speculate on how he would rule in certain hypothetical situations, since that would mar his impartiality for deciding future cases.
Progressives in the United States fear that a woman's right to an abortion as guaranteed by the Supreme Court's 1973 Roe v Wade decision will be at risk if Gorsuch is confirmed, tipping the court's balance toward conservatives.
Gorsuch appeared to bristle when Republican Senator Lindsey Graham asked whether Trump had urged him to overturn Roe v Wade when the two met in person after his nomination.
He denied that Trump had ever asked him that, then added: "I would have walked out the door. It's not what judges do."
A Colorado native with an Ivy League education, Gorsuch -- the youngest nominee for a generation -- follows a strict interpretation of the US Constitution known as originalism, and defends so-called traditional family values.
He is known for his ability to write incisive rulings and for his traditionalist views, both of which have fueled comparisons with Scalia.
Trump announced his pick of Gorsuch in late January, just 11 days into his presidency.
But the Republican president has provoked controversy by attacking judges, who are traditionally seen as being outside the realm of politics.
Last month, Trump lashed out at the Seattle-based judge who froze the president's first ban on travelers from seven majority-Muslim countries and all refugees.
Asked about the president's words, Gorsuch said: "when anyone criticizes the honesty or integrity, the motives of a federal judge, I find that disheartening. I find that demoralizing because I know the truth."
Pressed by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal if he included the president in his statement, Gorsuch replied: "Anyone is anyone."
White House spokesman Sean Spicer denied that Gorsuch was referring to Trump, saying in a tweet that "he spoke broadly and never mentioned any person."
- Lifetime appointment -
Some Democrats are demanding a 60-vote threshold for Gorsuch's confirmation, which they have permission to do under Senate rules.
But other Democrats, especially those from states that voted for Trump, may be unwilling to force the issue and Republican majority has expressed confidence that Gorsuch will be confirmed.
With Supreme Court justices serving lifetime appointments, Gorsuch could potentially sit on the high court for three decades or even longer.
The hearings in the Senate Judiciary Committee are set to continue Wednesday.
A hapless Japanese thief has got himself into a sticky spot with police after being arrested for breaking into offices and raiding refrigerators to binge on sweet treats.
Yasuhiro Wakashima, 51, is accused of gobbling down over 250 desserts during more than 40 incidents since 2013 -- with ice cream, chocolate and puddings top of his wish list, Tokyo police said on Tuesday.
The suspect, an unemployed man from the central prefecture of Ishikawa, was dubbed "Sugar" by investigators following his high-cholesterol trail, according to national broadcaster NHK.
Wakashima was caught on surveillance video pilfering fridges across Tokyo and in his home prefecture. Police also used DNA evidence to get their man, who is said to have left crumbs and leftovers at the crime scenes.
In addition to a wanton disregard for calories, the suspect was reportedly suspected of pinching a pair of sandals.
Wakashima, who was shown on television being led away by police with head bowed, has confessed to eating the sweet treats, according to local media, adding he caused almost $50,000 in losses.
By Marina Depetris and John Miller KOELLIKON, Switzerland (Reuters) - Entrepreneurs have high hopes for cannabis in Switzerland, where business has suddenly taken off in recent months, six years after the country legalized low-potency "marijuana-light". Switzerland changed its laws in 2011 to let adults buy and use cannabis with up to 1 percent THC, the chemical compound that produces a high. But its money-making potential seems only to have been discovered late last year, officials said. "It started gradually last year, and then suddenly things went crazy in December 2016 and in 2017," said a spokesman for Switzerland's Customs Agency in Berne, which taxes the trade. The number of retailers registered to sell low-THC cannabis has risen to 140 from just a handful last year, the agency says. It expects revenue of around $25 million on legal sales of $100 million from cannabis in 2017, although the spokesman said the figure could be far higher if the boom continues. KannaSwiss, a wholesaler that supplies shops with organically-grown low-THC cannabis to smoke or take orally, has quadrupled its staff to 20 since last year, but boss Corso Serra di Cassano says the company still can't keep up with orders. The company was founded by two scions of aristocratic families: di Cassano, whose lineage includes an Italian prince beheaded in 1799, and Boris Blatnik, whose sister married into the deposed royal family of Greece. They compare the high from low-potency pot to drinking a couple glasses of wine. "You feel like you should be high, because you have a body high, but your mind is completely clear," said di Cassano, walking among 3,000 plants inside a brightly lit grow room whose electricity bill runs to $15,000 a month. Nearby, dried cannabis with a retail value of roughly $1 million sits in six large plastic barrels, ready for delivery. "We're really seeing the boom in the last month or two," di Cassano said. MIXED USERS Switzerland's experimentation with low-THC cannabis comes as several U.S. states have decriminalized or legalized pot. Europe has a patchwork of laws. The Netherlands is known for coffee shops where the authorities allow sales of small quantities of marijuana. In January, Germany's lower house of parliament passed a law legalizing medical cannabis. Several countries have explored changing the rules to reduce penalties for possession of marijuana or permit strains low in THC. But the Swiss were among the first to make recreational low-potency pot fully legal and tax it. Paul Monot, a founder of Doctor Green's cannabis shop in Geneva, said his store's trade has grown briskly following its December opening, hitting monthly revenue of 50,000 to 100,000 Swiss francs on sales of four to eight kilos. He now has plans to begin marketing products in up to 40 stores. "Our customers are very mixed. It is really not only the stereotype of unemployed joint smokers, wearing backward caps and sneakers," Monot said. "They are from all walks of life: 88-year old people are coming, as well as workers, bankers and lawyers." Carole Rodriguez, a 58-year-old nurse from southern Switzerland, said she visited Doctor Greens to take the edge off her arthritis. "I am going to brew it in a herbal tea, to fight against pains linked to my joints," Rodriguez said. "I'll try to cook it in small biscuits, but I'd rather eat it than smoke it because I am not a smoker." The authorities are still adjusting. Police in Zurich and nearby Schaffhausen still confiscate cannabis when their officers find people using it, arguing it is impossible to discern whether its THC content falls within the legal limit without an expensive test. Geneva police said they were also looking for ways to check whether a batch of cannabis is legal. Barbara Broers, vice-president of the Swiss Society of Addiction Medicine, said there could still be health risks, for example if growers use pest control chemicals. "We don't know what is in it. There are inadequate checks of really what is in the substance," Broers said. KannaSwiss's di Cassano said his company welcomes more rules to improve quality. "The money is great, it's a good thing to do," he said. "But to me, that health aspect, that people are getting a healthy product, is much more important than a quick buck." ($1 = 0.9938 Swiss francs) (Reporting by John Miller, Marina Depetris)
GENEVA (AP) The U.N. envoy for Syria won't be on hand for the resumption of peace talks involving government envoys and a delegation of opposition leaders.
U.N. spokeswoman Alessandra Vellucci says the envoy, Staffan de Mistura, won't be there but his deputy, Ramzy Ramzy, will "engage the parties bilaterally" when talks resume on Thursday in Geneva.
She says de Mistura is traveling to Ankara and Moscow and will join the talks on Friday. Russia and Turkey back rival sides in the talks and in Syria's war.
Vellucci said on Tuesday that the focus of this round will be governance, constitutional issues, elections, and counter-terrorism, security and confidence-building measures.
The two sides haven't met face-to-face in four previous rounds under de Mistura's mediation since early 2016. He has presided over all those rounds.
KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (AP) Taiwan will build its own submarines to get around Beijing's efforts to prevent it from purchasing such craft from overseas and ensure an adequate defense against Chinese threats, President Tsai Ing-wen said Tuesday.
During a visit to the navy's main base in Tsoying, also spelled Zuoying, Tsai oversaw the signing of a memorandum of understanding on the construction of submarines.
"Under the strategic concept of effective and multilayered deterrence, sub-surface combat ability is what Taiwan's defense is most in need of strengthening," Tsai said. "This is a problem that everyone is aware of but which in the past we were never able to resolve."
Taiwan's navy presently has just two combat-ready subs, versions of the Zwaardvis-class subs purchased from the Netherlands in the 1980s in a deal that led to a major diplomatic rift between Bejing and The Hague.
Although George W. Bush's administration had pledged to help Taiwan procure more submarines, the U.S. no longer makes the diesel electric craft that Taiwan needs and has apparently been unable to enlist foreign makers in providing their expertise.
Earlier reports have said Taiwan was seeking eight new submarines, although Tsai gave no details other than to say that sub production would be the "most challenging" aspect of Taiwan's development of an upgraded indigenous defense industry.
The craft will be built through a joint venture between the government's Chungshan Institute of Science and Technology and the formerly state-owned ship maker CSBC Corp.
The announcement comes weeks after Tsai announced a $2.1 billion investment in the production of air force jet trainers to be designed and manufactured on the island.
China has successfully used its diplomatic and economic clout to prevent many overseas military purchases by Taiwan, which Beijing claims as its own territory.
Most of Taiwan's military hardware is either produced domestically or bought from the United States, which is legally bound to ensure Taiwan can defend itself, despite having only unofficial ties with the island.
A Florida school teacher has lost her job after cops allege she was driving under the influence with her young son in the car, assaulted a state trooper and also offered an officer a smooch.
Saryna Parker, who was a science teacher in her probationary period at South Dade Middle School, was pulled over by Florida Highway Patrol on Sunday evening after a motorist told troopers he'd been hit by the 43-year-old's Cadillac.
Watch: Body Cam Video Shows Pro-Football Star Asleep At The Wheel Before DUI Arrest
In a police report, a trooper said Parker "slurred her speech" and had "a strong odor of an unknown alcoholic beverage emitting from her breath" after she was stopped.
After she allegedly claimed she wasn't the driver, cops say Parker tried to leave to use the bathroom, police said. At that point, police handcuffed her before conducting a sobriety test.
While explaining what to do for the test, the trooper said in the report that Parker "touched me on my back and advised: I feel like kissing you."
After allegedly refusing a breathalyzer, Parker was arrested. While in the cruiser, the trooper wrote that she "violently kicked me in the groin with her right leg then continued to kick my right rear passenger side door."
Parker faces multiple charges including DUI and child abuse because police say her 10-year-old son was in the car.
Watch: MMA Fighter Donates 15-Month-Old Son's Organs After He Dies In DUI Hit and Run
Miami-Dade Public Schools have since confirmed Parker was in a probationary period and "will be terminated."
Parker was released on $5,000 bond. Online records do not indicate if she has an attorney.
Watch: Video Emerges of 'Dynasty' Star Linda Evans Getting Arrested for DUI
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Tennessee police are searching for a 15-year-old high school freshman who authorities believe was abducted by her 50-year-old former teacher.
Elizabeth Thomas disappeared on March 13 after a student caught her kissing teacher Tad Cummins in a classroom, CNN reports.
Our efforts to locate her and the man believed to have kidnapped her remain active and ongoing, but to this point have produced no credible sightings or actionable information about their whereabouts, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigations (TBI) said in a release.
Cummins is believed to be armed with two handguns, according to the TBI. An amber alert was activated in Tennessee and Alabama following Thomas disappearance, and investigators were last able to locate her near Decatur, Ala.
The TBI said they had received 450 tips, but no confirmed sightings, which makes investigators think he is purposely keeping Thomas out of the public eye.
The TBI added Cummins to its top 10 most wanted list on March 17.
BANGKOK (Reuters) - Thailands junta leader and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte agreed on Tuesday to strengthen military ties and cooperate against cross-border criminality, including illegal drugs. Duterte has faced criticism over the bloody nature of his campaign against drugs while Thailands junta is under pressure from the West to restore democracy nearly three years after it took power in the name of ending instability. "On the security matters, Thailand and the Philippines are willing to work together in tightening the military ties of both countries as we are concerned about the challenges in addressing terrorism and all forms of transnational crimes, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said after their meeting. Duterte also referred specifically to the campaign against illegal drugs. More than 8,000 people have died since he took office last year and began his own crackdown. As the Philippines chairs the regional meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, Duterte emphasized the need for the bloc to complete the framework of a code of conduct to ensure all parties follow legal and diplomatic processes in settling territorial disputes in the South China Sea. Although the Philippines has moved closer to an accommodation with China over the contested waterway under Duterte, friction remains. The Philippines plans to file a strong protest against China after it announced preparatory work for an environmental monitoring station on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday. China has put missiles and radar on manmade islands in another part of the South China Sea, in which Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam all have claims. Thailand has no territorial claim in the South China Sea, but as one of ASEANs bigger members it is influential within the bloc. (Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa; Editing by Alison Williams)
Actions speak louder than words. And, when photographs of Theresa May and Donald Trump holding hands emerged just days after Trump's inauguration, people on both sides of the Atlantic weren't sure what to make of it.
SEE ALSO: Illustrator perfectly sums up how Brits feel about Theresa May holding Trump's hand
In an interview with Vogue, May has broken her silence on the real reason she and Trump were spotted hand in hand back in January.
"I think he was actually being a gentleman," May told Vogue. Journalist Gaby Wood wrote that May was "laughing off this gesture" as she spoke.
"We were about to walk down a ramp, and he said it might be a bit awkward," May continued. May is the first British prime minister to appear on the cover of American Vogue, and the photos were shot by Annie Leibovitz.
Asked what she made of Trump, May says the pair got along.
"I like to think we got on," said May. "I mean, obviously he has, uh ... it was a stunning election victory, in that hes someone who has not been involved in politics."
Prior to Trump's election, May had stated Trump's "grab them by the pussy" comments were "unacceptable." But, asked if those remarks came up in conversation, May said she'd kept private conversations out of it.
"We dont comment on private conversations that take place. All I would say is, Ive been very clear: Im not afraid to raise issues. And the nature of the relationship is such that we should be able to be frank and open with each other," says May.
Long live the Special Relationship!
Washington (AFP) - US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will skip a NATO meeting in April but travel to Russia the same month, fuelling fears about Washington's commitment to the alliance.
Tillerson will be replaced by his deputy at the Brussels meeting on April 5 and 6, despite Washington's efforts to quash questions about US President Donald Trump's support for NATO and quest for better ties with Moscow.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping is expected to visit Trump at his Florida golf resort in early April, and Tillerson would be expected to attend, but officials did not offer this as an explanation.
Instead, they insisted Tillerson will in any case meet most of the foreign ministers from the 28-nation military alliance at the State Department this week at a conference for the coalition fighting the Islamic State group.
"The United States remains 100 percent committed to NATO. President Trump said this in his very first address to a joint session of Congress. He said our commitment to NATO is unwavering and it remains so," acting State Department spokesman Mark Toner said Tuesday.
"We are trying to work out alternative dates where the secretary could attend a ministerial, but that has to be a decision reached by a consensus and we're mindful of that. So we're trying to work out a compromise here."
Toner said the decision was not unprecedented, and that secretaries of state had missed the April foreign ministers meeting in 2003 and 1999.
In Brussels, the United States will be represented by Tom Shannon, the highest ranking career diplomat left in the State Department from the previous administration and Tillerson's acting deputy.
After almost two months in the job, Tillerson has yet to appoint a deputy or any assistant secretaries, has avoided public and press events and is working with a small inner circle of advisers.
The administration, meanwhile, has been scrambling to reaffirm its commitment to Washington's military alliances -- including NATO -- after Trump called into question their usefulness during the presidential campaign.
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Just last week, after meeting Chancellor Angela Merkel at the White House, Trump took to Twitter to claim that Germany owes "vast sums of money to NATO and the United States," reviving his charge that US allies are not paying their way.
- Exposed flank -
Trump's Defense Secretary James Mattis, a former Marine general, has declared that the United States fully supports NATO, and Tillerson travelled last week to Asia to reaffirm ties with allies Japan and South Korea.
But the United States is by far the North Atlantic alliance's leading partner, and Tillerson's absence from its foreign ministers' meeting will be noted with concern, especially by newer East European members on its exposed east flank.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg was in Washington for meetings at the Pentagon ahead of Wednesday's coalition talks, but he refused to respond to questions on Tillerson's decision.
In Brussels, NATO officials played down the snub.
"All allies are represented at NATO ministerial meetings, which are important regular events. It's up to allies to decide at what level they are represented," one said.
Stoltenberg "will continue his regular contacts with the US administration, which has confirmed its strong commitment to NATO, both in words and in deeds."
But former US officials expressed concern at the message Tillerson is sending.
Ivo Daalder, a former US ambassador to NATO and now president of the Chicago Council think tank, wrote on Twitter that the decision "feeds growing allied doubts about US commitments."
He also dismissed the State Department's attempt to build up this week's anti-IS meeting, saying the April foreign ministers' meeting is crucial preparation for the full NATO summit that Washington "can't miss."
In Brussels, a NATO spokeswoman confirmed that the heads of state summit, which Trump is expected to attend, will go ahead on May 25.
Another former ambassador to NATO, Harvard professor Nicholas Burns, said: "Of course Secretary Tillerson should be at the NATO meeting. We are the leader of NATO and should meet with allies before Russia."
- Bloody uprising -
Under Obama, the United States worked with NATO to shore up support for the pro-western government in Kiev after Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for a bloody uprising in eastern Ukraine.
Combined with economic sanctions, the deployment of more NATO troops from Western members to frontline Eastern allies in the Baltics and Poland was intended to send a signal to Moscow that further intervention would not be tolerated.
But during his successful 2016 presidential campaign, Trump struck a more emollient tone with Moscow, even expressing admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin, while dismissing NATO as "obsolete."
Another day, another alternate ending to Rogue One.
As Disney and Lucasfilm ramp up to the release of the Star Wars standalone movie on digital platforms Friday, we're getting more and more insight into the writing process. Perhaps in a bid to make up for the lack of deleted scenes in that release, these insights include a lot of theoretical ways the movie could have ended.
SEE ALSO: 'Rogue One' plot holes exposed in parody video
So following The One Where Vader Didn't Kick Ass and The One Where Jyn and Cassian Survive in an Escape Pod, here comes The One Where Vader Killed Orson Krennic.
Director Krennic, played with spitting fury and caped glory by Ben Mendelsohn, has almost as tragic a story arc in the movie as the Rebel heroes.
He hopes to gain credit with the Emperor for building the Death Star, only to find that Governor Tarkin has taken over the battle station. Darth Vader almost chokes him over a security breach. Trying to clean up his mess at the tropical records office on Scarif, he runs right into a Rebel assault and to add insult to injury, gets annihilated by the Death Star itself.
Krennic, like Rodney Dangerfield, don't get no respect.
But writers Gary Whitta and Chris Weitz, who took early drafts of the film, told EW that wasn't the end for Krennic in one version of the script. The Director was to be brought back from the dead on Scarif in order to suffer yet more ignominy.
They tore him out of the rubble and they brought him back, Whitta told the magazine. When they [the Empire] are going over the ruins, he somehow survived."
Why bring him back? So that he could choke on his aspirations, courtesy of Darth Vader and his magic strangulation trick. No respect!
This ending was nixed because, in Whitta's words, "it's a bit of a reach." You had to believe that Krennic survived the equivalent of a multiple hydrogen bomb blast which may call back memories of when Indiana Jones did that in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull by hiding in a Frigidaire, leading to the now-common pejorative "nuking the fridge."
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Krennic certainly has plenty of fans who wouldn't mind seeing him rise again but maybe a little earlier in his career.
By Pete Schroeder (Reuters) - The top Democrat on the U.S. Senate Banking Committee told bankers gathered in Washington on Tuesday that his party would not support drastic changes to the Dodd-Frank financial reform law. Sen. Sherrod Brown said he was eager to work on areas of bipartisan agreement, but made clear big changes to Dodd-Frank, created after the 2008 financial crisis, do not fit that bill. "What we will not do is a wholesale rollback of Dodd-Frank," he said at an American Bankers Association conference. "That would be counterproductive... the law is working." Brown argued that significant changes to the 2010 law, which Republicans are seeking, would actually be problematic for the banking industry, even as he expressed a willingness to revisit specific parts of financial rules. "Big changes create uncertainty, which is bad for everyone," he said. Shortly after President Donald Trump was elected, his transition team said it would "dismantle" the Dodd-Frank legislation. As president, Trump has voiced support for efforts by the Republican chair of the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee, Jeb Hensarling, to rewrite the law. He has also directed agencies to review how Dodd-Frank regulations affect banks and other financial services companies. Brown said he would not resist any and all efforts to revisit rules on the financial sector, expressing fondness for the new Republican chairman of the banking panel, Sen. Mike Crapo. "The days of the Senate Banking Committee and its dysfunction and, lets just say less than busy work ethic, I hope is behind us," he said. "We both have a commitment to work on issues we can come together on." On Monday, Crapo and Brown jointly announced they were seeking public input on policy changes that could "foster economic growth." Efforts to relax certain rules, particularly for smaller community banks and credit unions, could be an area of common ground for the two. Crapo took control of the panel from Sen. Richard Shelby in 2017, after the end of Shelby's term as its head. (Reporting by Pete Schroeder; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)
Photo credit: BBC America
From Road & Track
Back in 2010, the BBC decided Top Gear was popular enough in the United States to spin off it's own version of the show specifically for American audiences. The result was Top Gear America, hosted by Adam Ferrara, Rutledge Wood, and Tanner Foust. It lasted six seasons on the History Channel before it was inevitably cancelled. Now it's back, with three all-new hosts.
BBC America announced earlier today it has green-lit a reboot of Top Gear America with eight hour-long episodes that will air later this year. The hosts are everything from a movie star to a pro drag racer.
First up is British automotive journalist Tom Ford. He was a host on U.K. motoring show Fifth Gear from 2007 to 2010, and after that wrote in CAR Magazine as the Road Test Editor. Ford currently writes for Top Gear magazine as a Contributing Editor.
Antron Brown is a professional drag racing driver who currently competes in the NHRA Top Fuel division driving the Matco Tools Toyota car. He previously raced in the NHRA's Pro Stock Motorcycle division, and grew up in New Jersey.
Lastly is film and television star William Fichtner, most famous (at least in the Road & Track offices) for his role as a Bugatti Space ship passenger in the Sc-Fi thriller Elysium.
The new Top Gear test track will be outside Las Vegas at Speed Vegas. If that name sounds familiar, that's because it's the location where two died in a supercar experience just last month. There'll still be a celebrity guest like the British version.
The BBC hasn't given an official date for the show's return.
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Washington (AFP) - The transatlantic bond is "getting stronger," Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told NATO's Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday, the same day the US secretary of state said he will skip a key alliance meeting.
"We have a very strong transatlantic bond," Mattis told NATO's secretary general.
"It's getting stronger, relationships don't stay the same, they are always changing. In this case the bond is getting stronger."
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is missing NATO's meeting of foreign ministers in April, yet will travel to Russia the same month, fueling fears about Washington's commitment to the alliance.
Stoltenberg twice declined to comment when a reporter shouted questions about the message Tillerson's decision will send to NATO.
NATO countries were deeply unsettled by President Donald Trump's fiery campaign rhetoric in which he branded the 28-member alliance as "obsolete."
Trump has moderated his stance since, though has continued to chide some members for not paying a promised 2 percent of GDP into their defense budgets.
Stoltenberg is in Washington to attend a meeting of allies fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
While NATO is not itself part of that coalition, many of its members are and some want NATO to play a broader role.
After speaking with Mattis, Stoltenberg said in a statement that the two of them agreed that NATO has "untapped potential in fighting terrorism by training local forces and building their capacity, as we have done for years in Afghanistan and the Balkans."
Mattis, a retired Marine general who has worked closely with NATO, has been on something of a damage-control mission since Trump took office and traveled to Brussels last month to reassure allies of ongoing US commitment to the mutual defense organization.
"I was very much impressed by the increased unity I found during my visit with you and the resolve of the alliance," Mattis told Stoltenberg.
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"We had all hoped for a better future back 20 years ago and some things haven't turned out the way we wish, so we have to address that reality."
Stoltenberg, who was formerly the Norwegian prime minister, also told Mattis that security in Europe benefits North America too.
"In times of turmoil, in times of uncertainty, the need for strong international institutions like NATO is even greater," Stoltenberg said.
"Stability in Europe is good for all of us. Two world wars and the Cold War have taught us all that peace and stability is important for Europe of course but also North America."
If youre ever sued, I tell my students, the lawyer you want is not the one who thumps the table and assures you that your case is open and shut. No, its the lawyer who sits quietly and then says, We need to get ready, because the other side has a strong caseand then states that case as well as the other side will.
Thats how a lawyer finds a way to win. And thats how to understand an important legal disputefind the best argument for both sides.
That intellectual care has been missing this week in the reaction to the three legal setbacks President Trumps revised travel ban suffered last week. Trump himself immediately blasted the decision by district judge Derrick Watson in Honolulu to temporarily block the ban as an unprecedented judicial overreach, and attacked Watsons motives, telling a screaming rally, You dont think this was done by a judge for political reasons, do you? Trump acolyte Sean Hannity suggested that Watson had been doing weed and blow with none other than Barack Obama.
The intemperate reaction, though, wasnt limited to the Trump circle. David Frum branded Watsons decision as dangerous. Frum added that Watsons approach is so ambitious and so new that it renders it incredible. The Pepperdine law professor Douglas Kmiec tweeted that Watson put politics over law, & diminished both.
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There was intemperance on the other side as well. The liberal warhorse Mark Green, now part of a shadow cabinet monitoring the Trump administration, exulted that every judge says Muslim Travel Ban illegal.
All of these figures would do well to try to see both sides of these cases. Who should win? Well, in a universe where the moral arc actually did curve toward justicethat is, in a world where the courts apply the Constitutions text and history as they should be appliedmy answer is that the ban is unlawful. But looking at existing precedenthow the Constitution and the law has been read over timeit could come out either way. The questions it poses are very new.
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So commentators should be very carefullest they descend to Trumps levelbefore impugning the integrity of any judge who hears the case.
To begin with, every judge has not found either executive order illegal. In fact, depending on whom you include, the judge count is close to even. Two federal district judgesJudge James Robart in Seattle and Judge Leonie M. Brinkema of Northern Virginiarejected the first version of the executive order. Another, Judge Nathaniel Gorton of Boston, refused to block it. Judge Robarts order was appealed to the Ninth Circuit. There it was upheld by a three-judge panel; when the active judges considered setting that panel decision aside, five judges explicitly wrote that the panel decision was wrong.
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For those scoring at home, that makes the score on that first executive order: Administration 6, Challengers 5. And as I wrote last week, Ninth Circuit Judge Jay S. Bybees dissent lays out a cogent argument that this executive order was well within the presidents power. I think the argument wrong, but it cant be dismissed.
As for the contention that Watsons opinion is political: Where is a scintilla of evidence for this? As The New York Times reported last week, Watson, an Obama appointee, is actually an independent whose career has been largely apolitical. Whether advanced by Fox News hosts or professors, a claim that a judge has thrown over law for politics should be supported by evidence or promptly withdrawn.
And heres some evidence against that claim: As of this writing, the score on the redrafted, second version of the executive order is 2-0 against the administration. A few hours after the Hawaii decision, a district judge in Maryland issued a narrower order blocking the same executive order. That judge was Theodore Chuang, whose previous billet was deputy general counsel of the Department of Homeland Security.
The two decisions are not identical. Watson, in Honolulu, found the second executive order a violation of the First Amendments prohibition of establishment of religion. Chuang, instead, found that the order violates an anti-discrimination provision of the Immigration and Nationality Act. That provision forbids discrimination in granting immigrant visas on the basis of race, six, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence. Thus, he upheld the orders limit on granting non-immigrant visas, but ordered the government to process immigrant-visa applications from nationals of the six designated countries without regard to the order.
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Whats important, however, is where the judges agreed: In testing the validity of the second executive order, they both wrote, a court should not close its eyes to what Donald Trump says he is really up to. Since late 2015, when Trump officially promised a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States, Trumpas candidate, as president-elect, and as presidenthas made clear his intention to stop the flow of Muslim entrants to the United States, arguing that their religion makes them disloyal and potentially dangerous. Such explicit statements of a religious purpose are readily discoverable fact[s] that allow the Court to identify the purpose of this government action without regard to judicial psychoanalysis, Chuang wrote; Watson agreed in much the same words.
Heres the new legal issue: Can a federal judge consider a presidents statements about his intentions when considering the meaning of an executive order? Jeffrey Toobin, in The New Yorker, wrote last week that courts should reject the use of Presidential statements altogether. The Muslim ban is either constitutional or its notand Donald Trumps words on the campaign trail dont settle that question one way or the other.
Theres something to that argument. Though both executive orders are signed Donald J. Trump, they are not actually the work of the same Donald J. Trump who stumped the country falsely accusing American Muslims of cheering 9/11. In fact, the order is the product of the entire executive branch. Campaign statements may not be reliable guides to its interpretation.
Toobin in part relies on a forthcoming Texas Law Review article by Kate Shaw of Cardozo Law School in New York. In an email, Shaw disagreed slightly with Toobins conclusion. She said, it is for the most part inappropriate for a court to give legal effect to presidential statements whose goals are political storytelling, civic interpretation, persuasion, and mobilizationnot the articulation of considered legal positions. However, she added, in a subset of cases, a degree of judicial reliance on presidential speech is entirely appropriate. Within that subset, she said, fall cases in which government purpose constitutes an element of a legal test.
Thats what the judges in the cases concerning the second executive order were doingthey were using Trumps statements to determine whether bald religious discrimination was the government purpose behind the travel ban. A long line of cases establishes that, in considering whether legislation is intentionally discriminatory, courts can and should consider statements made by those with the power; its not clear why presidents statements should be treated differently.
Andhere speaking for myselfI think theres a second reason the statements should be considered. The judges are using Trumps words as evidence not only to interpret government purpose but to decide whether the government is even acting in good faith. And that term is important. Why? The major precedent that the executive orders supporters rely on is a 1972 case called Kleindienst v. Mandel. In that case, the Court considered a decision excluding a famous Belgian Marxist intellectual who was invited to speak at an academic conference. The government said it was excluding him not because of his point of view but because he had disobeyed the conditions of an earlier visa. The Court held that judges should not look behind such a decision when the Executive exercises this power negatively on the basis of a facially legitimate and bona fide reason.
Bona fide means good faith. Thats a potential iceberg for the administration. What both judges found is that, on the record before them, Donald Trump has twice now come before the bar of justice and lied through his teeth. Twice now, he has claimed that his orders have nothing to do with prejudice against MuslimsMercy me, no, heaven forfend!while signaling in the broadest terms that these claims are lies.
Its possible to disagree about the relevance of specific statements. The official campaign statement? Well, on the one hand, its official; on the other hand, Trump wasnt president yet. Former New York Mayor Rudolph Giulianis claim that Trump asked him to create a legal form of a Muslim ban? Smoking gun or pathetic claim of relevance by a passed-over windbag?
What about this one? On January 27, 2017, while sitting in the Oval Office with reporters present, President Donald J. Trump signed the first executive order, entitled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.
Then, as Watson writes, President Trump read the title, looked up, and said: We all know what that means.
What evidence of bad faith could be stronger? A hand-lettered sign saying: Ignore me, Im lying?
Could a court look at that statement, in the context of the events of the past two years, and find it irrelevant? I think it could do so only by choosing willful blindness over constitutional duty.
Again, I cast no aspersion on judges who disagree. But I think their argument is wrong even in ordinary times. And at moments like these, judges must be willing to hold accountable a president whose words show willful contempt for the truth, for the courts, and for the Constitution.
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This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
By Susan Cornwell and Yasmeen Abutaleb WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump warned Republican lawmakers on Tuesday that voters could punish them if they do not approve a plan he favours to dismantle Obamacare, as pressure grew on the businessman-turned-politician to win the first major legislative battle of his presidency. In one of the few visits he has made to the U.S. Capitol since taking office two months ago, Trump told fellow Republicans in the House of Representatives they would face "political problems" for opposing the bill that takes apart Obamacare and partially replaces it. "The president was really clear: He laid it on the line for everybody," House Speaker Paul Ryan, the leading proponent of the bill, told reporters. "We made a promise. Now is our time to keep that promise. ... If we don't keep our promise, it will be very hard to manage this." While Republicans control both the House and Senate, the party's leaders face a difficult task in uniting their members behind the healthcare bill, just the first in a series of reforms that Trump has promised, including overhauls of the tax system and business regulations. Wall Street fell sharply on Tuesday as investors worried that Trump may struggle to deliver on his promise of tax cuts, which has propelled the market to record highs in recent months. The S&P 500 <.SPX> and Dow Jones Industrial Average <.DJI> lost over 1 percent in their worst one-day performances since before Trump's election victory on Nov. 8. The S&P financial index <.SPSY> sank 2.87 percent, its biggest daily fall since June. You have this back and forth in Congress with the new healthcare plan and you have this belief that if the healthcare plan cant pass, then they cant move on to taxes. Theres this feeling that if things dont get done, then maybe what the market has been anticipating gets held up," said Mark Kepner, managing director at Themis Trading in Chatham, New Jersey. Some conservative lawmakers believe the healthcare bill does not go far enough, while moderate Republicans worry that millions of Americans will be hurt by the dismantling of the 2010 Affordable Care Act, Democratic former President Barack Obama's signature healthcare legislation. Party leaders hope to move the bill to the House floor for debate as early as Thursday. But the administration and House leadership can afford to lose only about 20 votes from Republican ranks or risk the bill failing since Democrats are united against it. Republican Congressman Mark Meadows, chairman of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said the caucus has decided not to vote as a bloc on the bill, meaning Republican leadership could still win votes from some of the group's roughly three dozen members In a tweet, CNBC business news channel listed 26 House Republicans who have said they cannot support the measure. Repealing and replacing Obamacare was one of Trump's main campaign promises and has been a goal of Republicans since it was enacted. Republican Representative Walter Jones said Trump told lawmakers in the closed-door meeting at the Capitol that if the Republican bill does not pass, they would face "political problems." Jones said he thought Trump meant lawmakers could lose their seats. ELECTORAL RISKS While Trump predicted that Republicans could face challenges in primary contests ahead of the 2018 midterm elections if they do not gut Obamacare, there is also danger to them in doing so. If the Republican bill is passed, millions of voters might lose their healthcare coverage. The Congressional Budget Office said last week that 14 million people would forfeit coverage under the House bill over the next year, although that number could change based on the most current version of the legislation. Nancy Nielsen, associate dean for health policy at the University at Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine, said Republican leaders were in a tough spot. "It is a not-so-delicate balancing act, as they have to win over the most conservative House and Senate members without causing an outrageous backlash from voters now or in the next election," Nielsen said. Democrats oppose the Republicans' plan, saying it would hurt the elderly, poor and working families while giving tax cuts to the wealthy. Republican leaders tweaked the bill this week to try to satisfy critics, mainly from their own party. Republican chairmen for two key committees said late Monday they proposed more funding for tax credits, which conservatives have opposed, that would give the Senate flexibility to help older people afford health insurance. Additionally, Obamacare's taxes would be eliminated in 2017 instead of 2018. The amendments also addressed Medicaid, which is the country's largest health insurance program and covers about 70 million people, mostly the poor. The changes would allow states to implement work requirements for certain adults, an idea championed by many conservatives, and to decide how they receive federal funds. Trump, who has not offered Obamacare repeal legislation of his own, did not talk "a whole lot about the healthcare bill except to vote for it," Jones said of the president's trip to Capitol Hill. The Club for Growth, an influential conservative lobby group, said it would spend at least $500,000 for ads on television and digital platforms urging Congress members to defeat the bill. The Senate also will vote on the legislation, and more changes could be made. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that if the House approved a healthcare bill, he would try to bring it to the Senate floor next week. (Additional reporting by Jeff Mason, Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey, Richard Cowan and David Morgan; Writing by Alistair Bell and Amanda Becker; Editing by Frances Kerry and Jonathan Oatis)
The Trump Administration is banning personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone on flights to the U.S. from 10 overseas airports, the Transportation Security Administration and Department of Homeland Security announced early Tuesday.
The government issued an Emergency Amendment/Security Directive to affected airports and airlines at 3 a.m. Tuesday, giving them 96 hours to ensure compliance. All passenger electronics larger than a smart phone will be required to be placed in checked baggage, the agencies announced. There is no impact on domestic flights or on flights originating from the U.S., officials said.
Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items, a senior Administration official told reporters late Monday.
Officials refused to say whether the announcement was made regarding a specific threat, but indicated it came as part of a broader review of security measures. As a matter of policy we dont publicly discuss intelligence information, the official said.
The United States remains concerned about terrorist groups continued interest in targeting civil aviation, another senior Administration official said.
The ban affects 10 airlines that fly direct service to the U.S. from Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Kuwait.
The airports are Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH). Nine airlines are affected, including Emirates and Etihad.
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The State Department has notified foreign governments of the restrictions, an official said.
The disruptive electronics ban, which will include laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, portable DVD players, and gaming devices larger than a smartphone, is not permanent, but nor is there a date for its expiration. Officials said they regularly reevaluate security concerns and would update the policy if warranted.
Officials pointed to the attempted 2016 downing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, in which a suicide bomber tried to bring down a Somali airliner with what was believed to be a bomb concealed in a laptop. Egyptian officials also revealed in December that traces of explosives were found on the bodies of the passengers of EgyptAir Flight 804, which was downed last year.
Airlines that fly to the U.S. are subject to strict security requirements and must comply with TSA directives.
Officials said they coordinated with the FAA about the placement of additional lithium ion batteries in aircraft cargo holds and determined that the risk of a potential attack outweighed the potential risk of battery firean emerging FAA concern.
News of the ban first emerged on social media Monday in postings from Royal Jordanian Airlines, one of the affected carriers, though it mistakenly suggested that the restrictions would be imposed on flights originating from the U.S.
Notably the restrictions include Abu Dhabi International Airport, where U.S. Customs and Border Protection maintains a preclearance facility for U.S.-bound travelers. Officials said it was included out of an abundance of caution.
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump on Tuesday signed a law that said manned missions to deep space, including to Mars, would be the US space agency's main goal in the decades to come.
According to the text -- adopted by a rare unanimous vote in the Senate and House of Representatives -- NASA will work toward the goal of "a crewed mission to Mars in the 2030s."
The law also highlights the importance of the deep space capsule Orion, which is under development and aims to carry humans further into space than any spaceship ever has.
Orion will be launched atop the "Space Launch System" (SLS), which the space agency has described as the most powerful rocket ever built.
NASA "shall continue the development of the fully integrated Space Launch System, including an upper stage needed to go beyond low-Earth orbit, in order to safely enable human space exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond over the course of the next century," said the text.
This law reaffirms "our national commitment to the core mission of NASA," Trump said, signing the text in the presence of numerous elected officials including former Republican rivals, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida.
He saluted the "heroic role" of US astronauts over the last several decades, and called for continued partnerships between NASA and the private sector in the realm of space exploration.
Trump later wrote on Twitter that he was "honored" to sign the measure. "With this legislation, we support @NASA's scientists, engineers, and astronauts in their pursuit of discovery!" he wrote.
Former president Barack Obama also hailed these industry-government partnerships, and said in October, just months before leaving office, that the United States had "set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America's story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth."
Experts say that sending people to live on the Red Planet, which lies on average some 140 million miles (225 million kilometers) away from Earth, will take immense amounts of technological advances and cash.
Last week, the Trump administration issued a revised travel ban targeting six predominately Muslim countries. Officials dropped Iraq from the list, as well as language that had implied giving special preferences to religious minorities in those regions. And, like the first order, it was blocked, this time by Judge Derrick K. Watson of Hawaii and Judge Theodore D. Chuang of Maryland. Hawaii Attorney General Doug Chin was the first to challenge the revised order, arguing that the ban would hurt the states businesses and colleges.
Chin was right to raise such concerns. The U.S. is now engaged in a global battle for talent-and though it leads in the competition to attract the worlds top scientists and engineers, that lead has been slipping in recent years.
The Trump administrations efforts to reform immigration surely wont help. Combined with a rash of highly publicized hate crimes, like those against Indian engineers outside of Kansas City last month and a Sikh man near Seattle in early March-the ban rebrands the U.S. as an unwelcome mat that will likely dissuade skilled migrants from attending school or taking jobs in a country that is seen as insular, unpredictable, and untrustworthy.
But anyone who visits Americas great research universities can see that science and engineering are global enterprises. My research with doctoral student Natalie Novick reveals that computer science graduate programs in the U.S. typically have about 60% foreign-born students, and electrical engineerings reliance on immigrants is even higher-upwards of 70% foreign-born studying in the U.S. Though China and India contribute the greatest number of students overall, at least one of the states on Trumps list of dangerous states-Iran-is a major contributor of STEM students in the U.S. According to the Institute of International Education, Iranian students are more likely to study STEM fields than students in any other country.
Another area endangered by Trump administration migration policies relates to the financing of higher education. International students are now major contributors who help pay for higher education-and also contribute to local economies through their spending. This is especially true for Americas great public universities, which have seen drastic declines in state funding, so much so that tax revenues now constitute only about 10% of total support. Enrolling more international undergraduates is a way for state universities and colleges to make up for budget shortfalls, as these students usually pay full tuition.
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American universities are participating in a global movement to attract both talented STEM students and international undergraduates in all degrees. And while the U.S. is increasing its overall undergraduate numbers, for several years it has been losing its overall share. For example, the U.S. hosted more than 800,000 international students in 2013, continuing an upward trajectory that had stalled for five years amid tighter U.S. visa restrictions following the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. The next closest competitor was the U.K., at about 350,000. But between 2000 and 2012, the U.S. share of all international tertiary students fell from 23% to 16%. The U.K., Australia, and Canada all gained during that period, as did some other entrants to the competition-Russia, China, and South Korea.
Not surprisingly, the tech sector in general and Silicon Valley in particular are heavily dependent on STEM graduates, as well as temporary foreign workers on H-1B visas. Unlike outsourcing companies like Wipro, Infosys, and Tata, which use H-1B visas to train Indian workers to do American jobs and then move the jobs and workers back to India, large tech companies like Microsoft MSFT, Google GOOG, and Qualcomm QCOM frequently sponsor their H-1B workers for green cards-a clear indicator that the worker is considered valuable to the company.
While the U.S. remains the top destination for talented international students and STEM workers, other popular destinations are closing the gap. Talented people, especially those with software and engineering skills, have options. China and India, for example, have enticed growing numbers of graduates and workers from these countries to return home. Early indications already show that international students are looking beyond the U.S., and American enrollments may face a decline. The University of British Columbia in Vancouver reported that one graduate program received more than 30,000 hits between midnight and 3 a.m. on the night the U.S. elected Trump.
A new survey has found that almost one in three prospective international students has less interest in studying in the U.S. About 69% reported that the main reason was concerns about the U.S. presidential administration, while other major factors seemed linked to the political climate: concerns about travel restrictions, safety, and discrimination. The decline in interest was stronger among Muslim students, but the decline was seen across all nations. Another survey of more than 250 colleges and universities found that nearly 40% reported a decline in applications from international students. Major factors in the declines were concerns about visas and an unwelcoming climate.
Theres a saying that one super-talented developer is worth 20 average ones, and the super-talented have the most options. They seek opportunities, but they may be wary of unwelcoming environments. During the first dot-com boom, Germany sought to entice more Indian engineers to come, but a single, regional politicians pithy line challenging the policy-Kinder statt Inder-or (German) children instead of Indians-created a public relations headache for Germany, and visas went unused. Increasingly, Trumps order may make talented individuals wonder about Americas welcome mat, and ask: What executive order comes next? How much hassle will it be to travel to the U.S.? And with the president stoking foreigner resentment, will I have to fear for my safety?
A president who promised to make America great again may actually cause it to slip behind. National security theatre at our borders and in our visa policies does little to make us safe, and has consequences far beyond those directly affected.
John D. Skrentny is co-director of the Center for Comparative Immigration Studies and professor of sociology at the University of California-San Diego.
This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
Washington (AFP) - President Donald Trump traveled down Pennsylvania Avenue to the US Congress Tuesday, warning fellow Republicans not to oppose his healthcare reforms in a key vote this week.
In a significant flex of presidential muscle, Trump warned House Republicans they will face the electorate's wrath if they do not vote to repeal and replace Obamacare this Thursday.
For years Republicans have promised to overturn Obama's reform, describing it as government overreach, but some lawmakers have balked at their own party's replacement plan.
Trump warned fellow Republicans they could lose their legislative control of Congress if they fail.
"Many of you came in on the pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare," Trump said, according to one source in the room.
"I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018 if you don't get this done." Trump is said to have added: "Honestly, a loss is not acceptable folks."
One House Republican, Chris Collins, said Trump didn't mince words in delivering the message to Republicans that the control of Congress was in the balance.
"The message was, if we don't get this done, we're going to lose the House and the Senate next year. He was that blunt," the New York Republican lawmaker said, referring to the 2018 mid-term elections.
"We deliver on this, then we do tax reform, then we pick up 10 Senate seats next year'," Collins said, recounting Trump's words.
Trump also singled out specific lawmakers who oppose him -- including one-time supporter Mark Meadows -- raising the specter of the president opposing opponents' re-election.
The stakes are also high for Trump himself, with a failure calling his political clout into question, as well as his legislative agenda.
Trump has warned that tax reform -- a goal of many Republicans -- and reforming trade pacts depend on getting healthcare reform done.
Victory would be a major boost for Trump's credibility, proving he can translate deal making in business into deal making in government.
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- With friends like these -
House Speaker Paul Ryan -- one of the bill's architects and chief champions -- has garnered support to repeal Obama's healthcare plan, but there is less consensus about what should replace it.
Ryan indicated he was happy to have Trump's support.
"President Trump was here to do what he does best, and that is to close the deal," said Ryan, in a reference to Trump's reputation as a businessman who drives a hard bargain.
"He is all in, and we are all in to end this Obamacare nightmare," said Ryan, pointing out that repealing the healthcare reform was a promise made by numerous Republicans during the November presidential and congressional elections.
"We made a promise that we would repeal and replace this disastrous law and we are going to keep our word," Ryan said.
Some Republicans complain the replacement plan is too similar to Obamacare, merely reducing health coverage subsidies with refundable tax credits.
Some in the party also have called for changes to a provision in the bill that rolls back the expansion of Medicaid, the health coverage program for the poor and the disabled.
Party leaders made tweaks to the bill late Monday, which they hope will allay concerns enough for the bill to squeak by in Thursday's vote.
If it passes, the Senate is expected to take up the measure in early April. Opposition there is likely to be equally stiff.
Ankara (AFP) - The Turkish foreign ministry on Tuesday said it had called in the German envoy to protest comments by Berlin's foreign intelligence chief expressing scepticism that US-based Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen was behind the July 15 failed coup.
In an interview with Der Spiegel published on Saturday, Bruno Kahl said Ankara had repeatedly tried to convince Berlin that Gulen was behind the coup "but they have not succeeded".
The foreign ministry said in a statement that the German charge d'affaires in Ankara was "invited" to the foreign ministry to hear a protest from Turkey.
The statement said the link between Gulen and the coup was well established and Kahl's comments showed "the mentality behind Germany's tolerant and protective attitude" towards the group.
Gulen denies any links to the coup.
Tensions are running high between Berlin and Ankara after German authorities refused to allow some Turkish ministers to campaign in the country for a 'yes' vote ahead of the April 16 referendum on handing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan an executive presidency.
The dispute has been exacerbated by Erdogan accusing Berlin of behaving like Nazi Germany.
In Dokolo district in Northern Uganda, a 25 year-old man has been stabbed to death following a dispute over a 2GB memory card.
Caesar Okello was stabbed in the neck by his friend Isaac Okabo during a scuffle over a 2GB memory card.
The incident occurred at around 6pm on Saturday in Ageni B, Ageni parish, Okwongodul Sub County in Dokolo district.
Bosco Ogwang the chairman Ageni trading center where the duo had been drinking says the two failed to identify their respective cards leading to a fight.
Ogwang said that during the fight, Okabo pulled a knife from his pocket and stabbed Okello to death.
He later tried to escape but residents overpowered him. He was then handed over to police who are currently detaining him at Aburawak police post.
The DPC of Dokolo Aminsi Kayondo confirmed the incident.
Kayondo said that the police will carry out community policing as one way of combating crime in the community.
Istanbul (AFP) - Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday formally linked the alleged mastermind of the failed July 15 coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen, to the 2007 killing of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink that shook the country.
Istanbul prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Gulen as well as a prominent former prosecutor and three journalists in its probe into the murder.
Gulen, an Islamic preacher residing in exile in the US state of Pennsylvania, is already the subject of multiple arrest warrants related to last year's failed coup which the government has accused him of leading. He denies the charges.
Numerous reports speculated over a possible link between Gulen and the Dink killing after the coup but this is the first time that prosecutors have made a formal connection.
According to the request by prosecutors, the murder of Dink went ahead because of Gulen's influence on the security forces at the time.
Along with Gulen, the warrant targets the former prosecutor Zekeriya Oz who was behind a graft probe of those in the inner circle of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Authorities blamed the probe on Gulen.
Also wanted are journalists Faruk Mercan, Ekrem Dumanli and Adem Yavuz Arslan who wrote for publications sympathetic to Gulen and are now believed to be out of the country.
Dink, a member of Turkey's Armenian minority, was murdered by a teenage gunman on January 19, 2007, near the offices of the Agos newspaper which he founded.
Relations between Turks and Armenians are scarred by the mass killings of the Ottoman Empire's Armenians in Anatolia during the peak of World War I, which Yerevan sees as a genocide, a term Turkey fiercely rejects.
Dink promoted reconciliation between Armenians and Turks, a prospect that remains far off due to the dispute over the 1915 killings and a series of other rows.
Although his assassin, just 17 at the time, was rapidly arrested and sentenced, the trial into the killing still grinds on with Dink's supporters losing confidence on its ability to shed light on the plot.
Turkey meanwhile is strongly pressing for the extradition of Gulen to face trial over his alleged involvement in the coup.
In the latest contact, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag spoke to his US counterpart Jeff Sessions on Tuesday and asked for Gulen's temporary detention, Turkish media said.
Berlin (AFP) - Turkey on Tuesday scrapped all future campaign appearances by its politicians in Germany ahead of April's referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers, amid a heated diplomatic row.
The sudden decision came after three weeks of furious exchanges between Turkey and the European Union over the pro-Erdogan rallies which were banned in some of the bloc's member states.
"All future events that were planned have been cancelled. That is a decision that was made in Ankara," said a Cologne-based spokeswoman for Erdogan's AKP party.
Turkish ministers eager to tap into 1.4 million voters in Germany have sought to campaign in Europe's most populous country to whip up support for a "yes" vote in the April 16 referendum on scrapping the prime minister's post and creating a executive presidency.
However, several were recently rebuffed when German local and state authorities blocked the rallies, citing logistical reasons.
After explicitly saying such campaign appearances were not welcome, The Netherlands simply refused to allow Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's plane landing rights and expelled another envoy who had travelled in by road.
Ankara reacted with fury, with Erdogan accusing Germany and The Netherlands of "Nazi" practices, sparking uproar in Europe.
On Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany could issue a blanket ban against future campaign events by Turkish politicians unless Ankara halted its Nazi insults.
Such comments were "breaking every taboo, without consideration for the suffering of those who were persecuted and murdered" by the Nazis, she said.
Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb separately appealed for calm Tuesday among the Dutch city's sizeable Turkish community, after an unauthorised pro-Turkey demonstration in the port city flared into violence 10 days ago.
"The word is that Turkish officials are calling on European Turks to make their voices heard," he told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper in an interview.
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"Of course, we will never dispute or deny Rotterdam Turks' involvement and loyalty to Turkey. However, what we don't want is that the call disrupts the local community," Aboutaleb said.
- 'Fascist and cruel' -
But Erdogan kept up his attacks, telling a rally in Ankara on Tuesday that a "yes" vote was the best response to what he called a "fascist and cruel" Europe.
"This Europe, like before World War II, is a racist, fascist, cruel Europe... An anti-Islam and anti-Turkish Europe," Erdogan said in his latest onslaught against the European Union.
"Give such a response, that those watching us on the screen, those watching us abroad, our citizens, all of Europe, all of the world can hear this," he told cheering crowds.
Germany has repeatedly said it prizes relations with Turkey, because it is home to three million people of Turkish origin -- a legacy of the "guest worker" ("Gastarbeiter) programme of the 1960s and 1970s.
But relations have been put to the test, especially since a failed coup aimed at ousting Erdogan last July.
Berlin has emerged as a strident critic of Ankara's post-coup crackdown, which has seen more than 100,000 people arrested or dismissed from their posts over alleged links to the plotters or to Kurdish militants.
The NATO partners have also rowed over a German TV comedian's biting satire targeting Erdogan and, more recently, Ankara's detention of a journalist from German daily Die Welt.
Ankara has in turn accused Berlin of harbouring "terrorists" and of failing to respond to requests to hand over suspects from the coup as well as Kurds it believes are members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Turkey on Sunday protested a pro-Kurdish rally in Frankfurt where demonstrators carried symbols of the PKK, which is listed as a terror organisation not just by Turkey but also the EU and the United States.
With a crucial vote on the GOPs Obamacare replacement looming, President Trump and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell warned that Republican legislators who dont support the bill would face electoral consequences. But opponents, including some prominent Republican senators, disagree and public opinion polling, which is running strongly against the bill, is on their side.
I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018 if you dont get this done, said Trump after a Tuesday meeting with Republican legislators, according to multiple sources in the room. The president was on Capitol Hill to lobby for votes for the American Health Care Act, the GOPs Obamacare replacement bill. The House plans to vote on the AHCA Thursday.
The top Republican in the Senate agreed with the president.
I would hate to be a Republican whose vote prevented us from keeping the commitment weve made to the American people for almost 10 years now, said McConnell in an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday. The AP reported that McConnell seemed confident the bill would pass both houses.
I think the American people would be deeply disappointed that we were prevented from keeping our commitment by Republicans who in the end, in effect, voted for the status quo.
Trump and McConnell are focusing for now on the House, where Republicans from both ends of the caucuss political spectrum have come out against the legislation. Many members of the conservative Freedom Caucus object that it keeps some features of Obamacare, while others such as Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen of Florida are opposed because it may lead to a loss of coverage for some constituents. Late Monday, Republicans released a series of proposed revisions meant to make the bill more palatable to both sides, although the concessions were directed mainly at the right.
President Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price arrive on Capitol Hill to rally support for the Republican health care overhaul. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
A recent report from the Congressional Budget Office predicted that 14 million Americans would lose coverage in 2018 if the Affordable Care Act were replaced by the AHCA. The legislation also would substantially raise premiums for older Americans while cutting taxes for the wealthy.
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Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., disagrees with Trump and McConnells assessment. Cotton has been one of the most outspoken GOP critics of the AHCA, pointing to both its contents and the process Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., has used to speed it through the house.
Im afraid that if they vote for this bill, theyre going to put the House majority at risk next year, said Cotton during an interview with ABC News earlier this month. I would say to my friends in the House of Representatives with whom I serve: Do not walk the plank and vote for a bill that cannot pass the Senate and then have to face the consequences of that vote.
The bill as it currently stands faces long odds in the Senate, where Republicans Susan Collins of Maine and Rand Paul of Kentucky have already said they wont vote for it. A number of other GOP senators have expressed concern with various aspects of the AHCA legislation but havent said how they would vote on its current iteration.
Trump and McConnells assertions also conflict with public polling on the AHCA. A Fox News poll earlier this month showed support for the bill at just 34 percent, with 54 percent against, which echoes a PPP poll in which the bill earned just 24 percent approval versus 49 percent disapproval. A recent Pew poll found support for government-ensured health care for all Americans at 60 percent, a high since the passage of Obamacare in 2010. Some have theorized that the unpopularity of the bill is dragging down Trumps approval rating, which hit a low of 37 percent over the weekend.
Guatemala City (AFP) - One of Guatemala's most-feared gangs, Barrio 18, has launched a wave of murderous attacks on police across the country following the storming of a detention center overrun by its jailed members, officials said Tuesday.
Police are on "maximum alert" after at least nine assaults on police stations that have killed three officers and wounded seven, according to Interior Minister Francisco Rivas.
Thirteen suspected gang members have been arrested in the wake of the attacks, and weapons including a grenade launcher, five assault rifles, four pistols and two bulletproof jackets seized, along with several vehicles, he said.
He called the attacks a "reaction by organized crime" to Monday's raid on the detention center.
The storming of the Stage II facility in San Jose de Pinula, just outside Guatemala City, was ordered after dozens of Barrio 18 inmates rioted and killed two guards and took four others hostage.
The building was technically a detention center for juvenile offenders, but many of the nearly 200 males held inside were aged over 18.
Twenty of the tattooed Barrio 18 inmates linked to the guards' murders appeared in court on Tuesday, wearing white t-shirts and with their hands cuffed. Police stood guard behind them.
- President criticized -
President Jimmy Morales had hailed the raid on Monday that freed the four guards.
But that congratulatory message soon turned sour. Hospital officials on Tuesday confirmed that two of the guards had died from their wounds. Of the two others, one was in a critical condition and the other in a stable condition.
Officials said the fatal wounds had been inflicted on the guards by the inmates. But Castillo had said Monday, at the height of the hostage stand-off and before the police raid, that the four guards "are well -- beaten up, but OK."
During the storming of the blue-and-white detention center, journalists outside its barbed wire-topped fence had heard detonations and screams inside the building.
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The deaths, and the subsequent attacks on police, robbed Morales of a relatively successful denouement to the detention center riot.
He and his administration are under considerable public pressure and criticism over the poor conditions and treatment of minors held in government-run facilities.
That is because of a fire in a children's shelter close by the Stage II detention center in the same town less than two weeks ago that killed 40 teenage girls.
The minors being held in the Virgin of the Assumption Safe Home had long complained of mistreatment by staff, including sexual abuse.
There were also suspicions of a prostitution ring, according to the prosecutor's office for human rights.
Although the head of the social welfare ministry responsible for both facilities and several ministry officials were arrested following the March 8 fire, anger is still being directed at Morales in the form of frequent protests.
- Minors face 'true hell' -
The ministry runs five children's homes and four juvenile detention centers across the country, together accounting for around 3,000 minors.
Carmen Aida Ibarra, director of ProJusticia, a non-governmental righths group, said those facilities were "true hell."
Rampant corruption and the non-application of laws and rights meant there was no hope of rehabilitation for children sent to them, she said.
"We are seeing an absence of a protection system for children and adolescents," said Sandra Lopez, head of prevention for another group, Children's Shelter.
The lack of personal attention and tailored programs for the children in shelters accentuated the shortcomings, she said. She called for parents to be educated in how to handle rebellious children.
For the detention centers, she said conditions were unsuitable and inadequate.
Following the Stage II center riot, Morales has called an urgent meeting of lawmakers and justice officials to revise policies regarding children in care of the state.
Guatemala is one of the most dangerous countries in Latin America, prey to Barrio 18 and other gangs. Nearly 60 percent of its 16 million inhabitants live in poverty, according to the World Bank.
By Nick Mafi. Photos by: Getty Images.
On December 7, 2002, two men broke into the Van Gogh museum and stole a pair of paintings by the iconic Dutch artist. Fourteen years laterafter an improbable journey through Italy and back to Hollandthe paintings are finally on public display once more. The works, View of the Sea at Scheveningen (1882) and Congregation Leave the Reformed Church in Nuenen (1884) are from the earlier years of Van Gogh's life as a painter. The Dutch post-impressionist had yet to implement his radical, thick brush strokes. Opting, instead, on refining his detail, as he experimented with the techniques of more popular painters of the day, such as Claude Monet.
The paintings, which miraculously survived with minimal damage, were discovered in Italy last September behind a false wall in a villa that belonged to notorious Mafia family. Although the works are not considered among Van Gogh's more renowned works, such as the Sunflowers series (1888/89) or Starry Night (1889), they are still valued at roughly over $100 million. Their presence on the museums walls, however, have created much excitement for the museum and art-lovers around the world. "They are back," said Van Gogh museum director Axel Rueger ahead of the unveiling of the paintings in a statement, "I never thought I'd be able to say these words."
Today's unveiling of the two paintings will coincide with The Van Gogh Robbery, a 45-minute documentary on Dutch television regarding the actual heist, as well as it's improbably journey back to the Van Gogh Museum. In 2004, Octave Durham was convicted and sentenced to prison for stealing the works of art. Eleven years later, he agreed to work with a Dutch film maker to explain the way in which he, and his accomplice, stole the paintings.
Nevertheless, the two works of art are now back in their proper home, and the public can once more enjoy and learn from Van Gogh's masterful creations. "The children are safely returned now," said Rueger. "They will remain here for many generations to come."
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More: 13 of the Most Fascinating Public Sculptures
This story originally appeared on Architectural Digest.
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By Jonathan Stempel
NEW YORK (Reuters) - A U.S. Air Force officer pleaded guilty on Tuesday to selling stolen high-grade military components without authorization, after peddling night-vision goggles and other gear on eBay, federal prosecutors said.
Zachary Sizemore, 24, of Dayton, Ohio, entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Peggy Kuo in Brooklyn, New York. He faces up to 10 years in prison at his June 29 sentencing.
A federal public defender representing Sizemore did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Prosecutors said Sizemore had been stationed at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio and assigned to safeguard more than $2.9 million of weapons, ammunition and other equipment.
But from July 2013 to November 2016, Sizemore stole gear such as the goggles and mini-thermal monoculars, which form images with thermal or infrared radiation, and sold at least 80 such items through online postings, prosecutors said.
Sizemore's eBay sales included a pair of goggles for $1,713 and a monocular for $3,450. His thefts caused more than $130,000 of losses, prosecutors said.
The defendant was arrested at Wright-Patterson on Nov. 29, less than two weeks after delivering a stolen monocular he had sold unwittingly to an undercover agent, court papers show.
An Air Force spokesman on Tuesday said Sizemore is still assigned to Wright-Patterson.
The case is U.S. v. Sizemore, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 17-cr-00087.
(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Andrew Hay and Leslie Adler)
By David Shepardson and Kylie MacLellan
WASHINGTON/LONDON (Reuters) - The United States and Britain on Tuesday imposed restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on planes coming from certain airports in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and North Africa in response to unspecified security threats.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said passengers traveling from those airports could not bring devices such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras into the main cabin that are larger than a mobile phone. Instead, such items must be in checked baggage.
Britain took similar steps, with a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May saying that there would be curbs on electronic items in the main cabin on flights from six countries in the Middle East.
The moves were prompted by reports that militant groups want to smuggle explosive devices inside electronic gadgets, U.S. officials told reporters on a conference call on Monday.
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"The U.S. government is concerned about terrorists ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years," a U.S. counter-terrorism official said in a statement.
"Our information indicates that terrorist groups efforts to execute an attack against the aviation sector are intensifying."
The airports covered by the U.S. restrictions are in Cairo; Istanbul; Kuwait City; Doha, Qatar; Casablanca, Morocco; Amman, Jordan; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates.
Officials said the decision had nothing to do with President Donald Trump's efforts to impose a travel ban on citizens of six majority-Muslim nations. DHS spokeswoman Gillian Christensen said the government "did not target specific nations. We relied upon evaluated intelligence to determine which airports were affected."
On March 6, Trump signed a revised executive order barring citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from traveling to the United States for 90 days. Two federal judges have halted parts of the ban although Trump has vowed to appeal.
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While Democrats have criticized the Republican Trump's travel ban, Representative Adam Schiff, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence committee said he backed the new precautions.
"These steps are both necessary and proportional to the threat. We know that terrorist organizations want to bring down aircraft and have continued to employ creative ways to try and outsmart detection methods," Schiff said in a statement.
However, human rights group Amnesty International said the restrictions raised "serious concerns that this could be yet more bigotry disguised as policy".
The airports affected by the U.S. electronics rules are served by nine airlines that fly directly from those cities to the United States about 50 times a day, senior government officials said.
AIRLINES ACT TO COMPLY
The carriers - Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways [KA.UL], Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways - have until Friday to heed the new policy, which took effect early on Tuesday and will be in place indefinitely.
Several of the carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Etihad and Qatar, said early on Tuesday that they were quickly moving to comply. Royal Jordanian and Saudi Airlines said on Monday that they were immediately putting the directive into place.
An Emirates spokeswoman said the new security directive would last until Oct. 14. However, Christensen termed that date "a placeholder for review" of the rule.
The policy does not affect any American carriers because none fly directly to the United States from the airports affected, officials said.
A U.S. government source said that while the restrictions arose from multiple reports of security threats, some very recent intelligence had arrived which helped to trigger the timing of the current alert.
Reuters reported Monday that the move had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
U.S. authorities believe there is a threat from plots similar to an incident a year ago in Somalia, where a bomb hidden in a laptop blew a hole in the side of a plane although failed to down it, another source said.
Officials did not explain why the restrictions only apply to travelers arriving in the United States and not for those same flights when they leave from there.
The rules do apply to U.S. citizens traveling on those flights, but not to crew members on those foreign carriers. Homeland Security will allow passengers to use larger approved medical devices.
Britain said its restrictions would apply to direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, and that devices larger than a normal-sized smartphone would have to be placed in the hold.
The British regulations affect British Airways, easyJet, Jet2, Monarch, Thomas Cook, Thomson, Atlas-Global, Pegasus, EgyptAir, Royal Jordanian, Middle East Airlines, Saudia, Turkish Airlines and Tunisair.
"The safety and security of the traveling public is our highest priority. That is why we keep our aviation security under constant review and put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate," a British government spokesman said.
Angela Gittens, director general of airport association ACI World, likened the move to years-long restrictions on liquids aboard planes, which she said also came suddenly, in response to a perceived threat, and caused some disruption.
Airlines will adjust to the electronics policy, she said. "The first few days of something like this are quite problematic, but just as with the liquids ban, it will start to sort itself out."
The Homeland Security Department stepped up security of U.S.-bound flights in July 2014, requiring tougher screening of mobile phones and other electronic devices and requiring them to be powered up before passengers could board flights to America.
(Reporting by David Shepardson in Washington and Kylie MacLellan in London; Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy, Mark Hosenball and Phil Stewart in Washington; Alexander Cornwell in Dubai and Victoria Bryan in London; Writing by Alistair Smout; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Lisa Von Ahn)
(Reuters) - U.S. Congressman Ro Khanna asked the Department of Defense for an investigation into the business practices of aircraft components supplier TransDigm Group Inc, sending the company's shares down as much as 9.7 percent on Tuesday. In a letter dated March 20 to Glenn Fine, the acting inspector general of the U.S. DoD, Khanna requested for a probe into the company "for potential waste, fraud and abuse in the defense industrial base". Khanna, who is a member of the House Armed Services Committee, wrote that recent reports indicate TransDigm may be operating as a "hidden monopolist" and more information must be made available to the public on the company's business practices. (http://bit.ly/2njH3vI) Short-seller Citron Research had issued a critical report on TransDigm in January. Shares of the company which has fallen nearly 4.4 percent since the beginning of the year, touched a one-month low of $214.99 on Tuesday. TransDigm did not immediately respond to a request for comment. (Reporting by Aishwarya Venugopal in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
An employer's views on a particular business school can help or hinder an MBA graduate's chance of getting hired.
While a school's reputation isn't the only thing employers consider when evaluating candidates, it does play a role. "It's definitely part of the mix, if you will," says Natasha Stough, Americas director of campus recruiting for EY, a global professional services firm formerly known as Ernst & Young.
[See photos of the top 20 full-time MBA programs.]
A majority of employers -- 79 percent -- surveyed last fall by the Graduate Management Admission Council said their companies anticipate bringing MBA grads on board in 2017.
U.S. News spoke with recruitment professionals at several different companies that regularly take on MBA grads -- EY, Deloitte and IBM -- about how much of a role a business school's reputation plays in their hiring processes.
Some large companies looking to hire MBA grads have a deeper familiarity with particular MBA programs than just name recognition.
"We absolutely spend a lot of time kind of cultivating relationships with MBA schools," says Mike Schade, vice president of human resources for IBM Global Business Services North America. Schade says this means , among other things, liaising with both career services offices and professors to learn more about the school's curriculum and how well it meets IBM's needs.
Stough says in addition to a school's curriculum, she and her colleagues at EY will consider a business school's admissions criteria to see how well they mesh with the hiring criteria her organization uses.
For instance, Stough says EY tends to look for MBA candidates with four or five years of work experience. So an MBA program that wants its students to have this amount of work experience before enrolling might produce graduates that are a better fit for the company.
[Discover four ways to prepare to impress MBA recruiters.]
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Maribeth Bailey, national managing director of talent acquisition for Deloitte Consulting LLP, expressed a similar sentiment. "I think the school is important," she says. "We expect very high-caliber graduates from top programs because of their rigorous admissions criteria."
Deloitte hires approximately 700 MBAs annually, mainly into its consulting practice.
Adam J. Samples, regional president of Atrium Staffing in New Jersey, says graduates of top-ranked schools tend to see a quicker return on investment for their MBA. That's because these grads are often the ones hired by large companies that will pay higher salaries to freshly minted MBAs.
But several experts agreed that prospective MBA students should consider which business schools are strong not just overall but in the specialty area that they want to study.
"Students should look at the schools with the best reputations and programs for their areas of interest," says Bailey. "That might not be the elite schools."
U.S. News MBA Recruiter Survey Results
U.S. News incorporates recruiter assessment data into its Best Business Schools rankings. Recruiters and other company contacts are asked to rate full-time MBA programs on a scale from 1 ("marginal") to 5 ("outstanding"). These data are collected by Ipsos Public Affairs.
[Discover what employers think of your online MBA degree.]
The three highest-rated schools in the recruiter survey results, which all received an average score of 4.5, are Harvard Business School, the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago . These schools are also the top three in the 2018 U.S. News Best Business Schools rankings.
There were 19 schools, out of a total of 130 included in the survey results, with average recruiter scores of 4 or better.
The state with the most schools appearing in the survey results was New York. Of the 16 Empire State schools included in the results, the Columbia Business School received the highest average score -- 4.1.
The map below shows the top-ranked MBA program in each state and the District of Columbia, based on an average of MBA recruiter survey data collected in 2014, 2015 and 2016. States with fewer than two schools appearing in the survey results were excluded from the map.
RNP denotes a program that is ranked in the bottom quarter of the rank-eligible full-time MBA programs. U.S. News calculate d a rank for the program but has decided not to publish it.
There are two schools shown in Indiana because Indiana University's Kelley School of Business and the University of Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business tied for the highest score -- 3.5 -- among schools in that state.
Searching for a business school? Get our complete rankings of Best Business Schools.
Kelly Mae Ross is an education staff writer at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at kross@usnews.com.
Following a meeting with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim has announced a record $57 billion in financing for Sub-Saharan African countries over the next three fiscal years.
In a statement Kim says the bulk of the financing $45 billion will come from the International Development Association, the World Bank Groups fund for the poorest countries.
The financing for Sub-Saharan Africa also will include an estimated $8 billion in private sector investments from the International Finance Corporation, a private sector arm of the Bank Group, and $4 billion in financing from International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, its non-concessional public sector arm.
Kim adds that 60% of the IDA financing is expected to go to Sub-Saharan Africa, home to more than half of the countries eligible for IDA financing which is available for the period known as IDA18, which runs from July 1, 2017, to June 30, 2020.
(WASHINGTON) U.S. authorities are planning to ban passengers traveling on certain U.S.-bound foreign airline flights from carrying into the cabin larger electronic devices in response to an unspecified terrorism threat, U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday.
The new rule is expected to be announced as early as Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, the officials said, adding that it had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
The source said the rule would cover a dozen foreign airlines flying from about a dozen countries, including some from the Middle East, and would include airlines based in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The officials did not name the other countries.
The officials said no American carriers were affected by the ban, which would apply to devices larger than a cell phone, but did not say why. Passengers would be allowed to carry larger devices in their checked luggage like tablets, laptops and cameras.
Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a tweet on Monday that U.S.-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting Tuesday at the request of U.S. officials, including those that transit through Canada. Passengers can still carry cell phones and approved medical devices.
Al Riyadh newspaper, which is close to the Saudi government, reported that the civil aviation authority had informed airlines flying from the kingdoms (Saudi) airports to U.S. airports of the latest measures from U.S. security agencies in which passengers must store laptops and tablets in checked in baggage.
Al Riyadh quoted a civil aviation authority source as saying that these measures from senior U.S. authorities were relayed to the Saudi interior ministry.
Saudia Airlines confirmed in a tweet that U.S. transportation authorities had barred carrying larger electronic devices in cabin luggage.
The White House declined to comment.
A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, David Lapan, said the agency has no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide an update when appropriate. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly called congressional lawmakers this weekend to notify them of the plan, congressional aides said.
In July 2014, the Homeland Security Department stepped up security of U.S.-bound flights, requiring tougher screening of mobile phones and other electronic devices and requiring them to be powered up before passengers could board flights to the United States. (Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Sandra Maler and Toni Reinhold)
London (AFP) - Several British banks processed nearly $740 million in a multi-billion dollar Russian money-laundering scam, The Guardian newspaper has reported.
According to documents obtained by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project, at least $20 billion was moved out of Russia between 2010 and 2014 in a vast criminal operation called "The Global Laundromat", the paper said Monday.
The scam involved more than 500 people including oligarchs and Russian criminals with links to the government and the domestic intelligence agency, the FSB, it said.
Over that period, British banks including HSBC, Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS), Barclays and Coutts reportedly handled over 1,900 transactions -- out of 70,000 -- worth nearly $740 million , according to the Guardian.
A further 373 operations are believed to have gone through US banks, for a total amount of $63 million.
Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA) said it was "willing to consider any formal request for assistance" in connection with the investigation.
However, it added that while the Laundromat scheme involved companies established in Britain, their bank accounts were held in non-UK jurisdictions so the money did not generally move through its financial system.
"The launderers exploit the distance and legal barriers between the two (jurisdictions), whilst being able to control both the company and the bank accounts either directly or indirectly," NCA said in a statement issued to AFP.
A Barclays bank spokesman stressed that the lender "complies with the rules and regulations in all the jurisdictions in which it operates and has systems and controls in place to mitigate the risk of the bank being used to facilitate financial crime".
HSBC responded to the allegations saying: "The bank has systems and processes in place to identify suspicious activity and report it to the appropriate government authorities.
"This case highlights the need for greater information sharing between the public and private sectors, each of whom holds important information the other does not."
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RBS said it was "committed to combating financial crime and money laundering in line with our regulations and have controls and safeguards in place to identify, assess, monitor and mitigate these risks."
The Guardian said that while all major British banks will face questions over why they did not raise the alarm on suspicious money transfers, they actually only processed money that had already been laundered.
American banks, including CitiBank and Bank of America, are the only ones that raise money-laundering concerns, the paper added.
Kiev (AFP) - An Ukrainian MP alleged Tuesday that the party of ousted president Viktor Yanukovych secretly paid former Trump campaign chief Paul Manafort $750,000 via an offshore shell company.
Sergiy Leshchenko told reporters in Kiev that Yanukovych's party recorded a secret payment of $750,000 to Manafort in 2009 for "political consulting."
Manafort's spokesman told the New York Times Tuesday the claims were "baseless" and should be "summarily dismissed."
Manafort helped Donald Trump secure the Republican nomination but resigned in August as his ties with Russia came under scrutiny.
He previously acted as a public relations advisor to Yanukovych -- now living in self-imposed exile in Russia -- and his Regions Party between 2007 and 2012.
Leshchenko claimed the alleged 2009 payment to Manafort was backed by a "fake invoice and a fake contract" according to which the American supplied computers to a Belize offshore company.
"Of course these were illegal payments," Leshchenko said.
The money was paid from an account opened by a Belize offshore company in Central Asian Kyrgyzstan, Leshchenko said.
"This contract was drawn up just to create a legal basis for Manafort to receive this money in his account in the US," Leshchenko said.
He added that the contract was "signed by Paul Manafort."
"According to my information, this was one of the schemes that the Regions Party used with the aim of laundering money," Leshchenko said.
Manafort's spokesman told the New York Times that Ukrainian anti-corruption officials have "questioned the validity" of the evidence against Manafort.
However, officials have denied this, according to the newspaper.
Leshchenko is an MP in the party of current President Petro Poroshenko and a former investigative journalist who has spent years tracing the Regions Party's payments.
Last year Ukraine released details of secret payments of $12.7 million earmarked for Manafort on behalf of Yanukovych or the Regions Party, although Kiev said it could not be certain that Manafort had ever actually received the money.
As Trump comes under pressure for his aides' alleged links to Russia, The New York Times reported last month that US security agencies intercepted calls to Russian intelligence officials made by Manafort and other advisors during his campaign.
Brussels (AFP) - Negotiations for a mega US-EU trade deal are still alive after they were suspended over elections and public opposition on both sides of the Atlantic, a senior US diplomat said Tuesday.
EU officials had feared US President Donald Trump would abandon the four-year talks for the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) after he withdrew from the Trans-Pacific Partnership.
"I would really take issue with the notion that the TTIP is dead," said Adam Shub, who is running the US mission to the European Union pending Trump's appointment of a new ambassador.
"We are reviewing it. You know the president's position on TPP, but TTIP is not in that category," Shub told the foreign affairs committee in the European parliament.
Most Europeans had assumed that Trump would kill the TTIP deal in the same way he quashed the similar TPP accord with Asia just days after taking office in January.
Tuesday's surprise twist came after the Trump administration ruffled feathers at G20 talks over the weekend by refusing to condemn protectionism in a final statement.
Talks with the EU were put on the "backburner" or "freezer" because of elections on both sides of the Atlantic, Shub said.
"I think it was our perception that, due to the difficulty with the upcoming German election, the Netherlands election, the French election, this was not the best climate to continue a trade negotiation that was perceived in many parts of the public as something very, very different," he added.
"One has to be an optimist," Shub added.
Shub said a clearer position would emerge once the Trump administration appoints a new trade representative to replace Michael Froman, who served under President Barack Obama.
Brussels and Washington had sought to get the TTIP deal through by the time Obama left office but fell short.
New York (AFP) - A US federal judge on Tuesday strictly limited the release of information relating to the trial of Mexican former drug lord Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, citing security reasons.
Judge Brian Cogan also ruled that any foreigner who wants to join Guzman's defense team must receive prior court approval before accessing material linked to the case.
Guzman, 59, is accused of running the Sinaloa criminal syndicate, one of the world's most powerful drug empires.
He escaped twice from prison in Mexico, and has been held in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan since being extradited on January 19.
The man who for years was the world's most wanted drug trafficker has pleaded not guilty to a raft of firearms, drug trafficking and conspiracy charges.
"The risk presented by permitting foreign nationals, whether attorneys, investigators, or others who could be members or associates of the Sinaloa Cartel, to join the defense counsel's team without appropriate vetting is significant, thus, this prior approval requirement is necessary," the judge ruled.
Cogan gave the prosecution 14 days to designate a "firewall attorney" that would vet any foreign member of Guzman's team in order to prevent the presence of a "potential spy in the defense camp."
The judge's order also limits publication of incriminatory material in the trial, because it could connect "testifying witness with this case, suggesting that he is a potential witness or cooperator, thus raising the most serious security concerns."
Guzman is being defended by two attorneys who belong to a non-profit group that defends poor people accused of federal crimes. He wants to access private funds so that he can appoint his own attorneys.
If Guzman stands trial and is convicted, he is likely to spend the rest of his life in a maximum security US prison.
Prosecutors are also seeking to obtain a $14 billion criminal forfeiture order against him.
Guzman's defense attorneys have rejected the judge's limitations, and have asked for improved conditions for their client, who they say has breathing difficulties and is suffering from hallucinations.
As concerns grow over North Korea's nuclear advancement, a high-level Pyongyang diplomat who defected to South Korea last year said the United States must aim to eliminate the Kim Jong Un regime. While talking to the Voice of America on Monday, Thae Yong Ho said the U.S. should continue with its pressure tactics against the reclusive country.
The North Korean leader, who has assisted several missile tests conducted by his regime, has been trying to break the formula of securing a commitment to abandon his nuclear weapons program, Thae said. Since President Donald Trump took office in January, North Korea has fired four ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, in retaliation to the U.S.-South Korea joint military drills.
On Monday, Thae said Kim is urging adversaries to halt their annual joint military drills and lift off the sanctions on North Korea in exchange for a suspension of its nuclear and missile programs.
If we recognize the North as a nuclear state, we are providing clear justification for its nuclear and missile tests and admitting its claim that it is developing a nuclear arsenal as a result of external threats [from the U.S. and South Korea], Thae said. Kim Jong Un will never give up the nuclear program. As long as Kim Jong Uns regime is in place, there is no solution for [the North Korean nuclear issue] and any kind of compromises would only serve Kim.
Read: Japan At War With North Korea? New Spy Satellite Launched To Watch Kim Jong Un
While talking about what he saw as the downfall of Kim's regime, Thae said: North Korea is changing in a way that its people no longer rely on the state and the leader for their survival, but rather on themselves. If this process continues, the country will reach a tipping point where the people begin to stand up for not just their economic rights, but also their political rights.
Tensions between North Korea and the U.S. escalated amid Pyongyang's missile tests and recent reports of activities in its Punggye-ri nuclear test facility.
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On Friday, U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that "strategic patience has ended" and that a military response was on the table against North Korea. Trump also took to his Twitter account to speak out about North Korea, saying that the isolated country was behaving very badly. They have been 'playing' the United States for years. China has done little to help!"
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Washington (AFP) - The United States is poised to ban large electronic devices such as laptops or cameras on board flights from up to a dozen Middle East nations, according to two airlines from the region and media reports.
A tweet from Saudi Airlines and one -- subsequently deleted -- by Royal Jordanian airlines informed their customers of an imminent cabin ban on electronic devices larger than a cellphone.
Royal Jordanian said all such devices -- including laptops, tablets, cameras, DVD players and electronic games -- would need to be checked in under new US government rules coming into force March 21.
Only cell phones and medical devices needed in flight would be excluded from the ban, it said. The tweet was later removed amid suggestions the airline had released the information prematurely.
CNN quoted a US official as saying the ban was believed to be related to a threat posed by Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, or AQAP.
In a statement, the US Department of Homeland Security said: "We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide an update when appropriate."
According to the Financial Times, which cited a US official, the new rules will concern eight Middle Eastern nations, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The Guardian said the edict, distributed in a confidential email from the US Transportation Safety Administration, would affect 13 nations.
The move would mark the latest attempt by President Donald Trump's administration to tighten security at US borders, after its bid to curb travel from a group of Muslim majority nations was twice blocked by the courts.
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(Reuters) - Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday pardoned four U.S. Navy veterans known as the "Norfolk Four," clearing them of high-profile rape and murder convictions based on false confessions following high-pressure police questioning, attorneys said on Tuesday.
McAuliffe, a Democrat, granted full pardons for the four men in the 1997 rape and killing of 18-year-old Michelle Moore-Bosko in Norfolk, attorneys for the ex-sailors said in a statement.
Crime scene and forensic evidence, including DNA, showed that another man, Omar Ballard, committed the crimes. He confessed to the crimes and is serving a double-life sentence.
One of the four men, Eric Wilson, said he and Danial Williams, Joseph Dick and Derek Tice had been haunted by the wrongful convictions for 20 years.
McAuliffe "has given us our lives back with these full pardons," he said in a statement from attorneys Stephen Northup, George Kendall, Desmond Hogan and Donald Salzman. A spokesman for McAuliffe could not be immediately reached for comment.
The "Norfolk Four" were stationed at the Navy base in Norfolk, about 150 miles (240 km) south of Washington. Ten former state attorneys general, jurors in the case and dozens of former FBI agents and other law enforcement officers backed clemency for the four.
The case was featured on television and in magazines that include the New Yorker. Crime novelist John Grisham also wrote then-Virginia Governor Tim Kaine asking for clemency.
Kaine granted Williams, Dick and Tice conditional pardons in 2009, which kept their wrongful convictions in place, and they were freed from prison. Wilson had already been released.
Threatened with the death penalty, the men confessed after high-pressure interrogations. None of the four had a criminal record and no DNA or physical evidence tied them to the crime.
Wilson had been unable to have his claims of innocence heard by a court because of procedural issues. The full pardon was his only way to get relief from his conviction, the statement said.
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U.S. District Judge John Gibney vacated Dick's and Williams' convictions in October 2016. The state dropped all charges against Tice after a federal appeals court ruling in the case in 2011.
The lead homicide detective on the case, Glenn Ford, was convicted in 2010 of lying to the Federal Bureau of Investigation in unrelated cases. He is serving a 12-year federal prison sentence.
(Reporting by Ian Simpson; Editing by James Dalgleish)
Former MMA fighter, Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver's attorneys admitted that he assaulted Christy Mack and her male friend at Mack's Las Vegas residence.
Former Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver popularly known as "War Machine" was found guilty Monday of 29 out of 34 possible charges against him including kidnapping, coercing witnesses, sexual assault and domestic violence. Koppenhaver was on a two-week trial for sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend Christine Mackinday known as Christy Mack and beating her male friend back in August 2014.
The Las Vegas jury handed down the verdict and filed two attempted-murder charges against Koppenhaver and according to the prosecutor, Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney, Jacqueline Bluth he could face life imprisonment, CNN reported.
The brutal sexual assault in August 2014 left Mack with several serious injuries including 10 broken bones, missing teeth, a broken nose, a punctured lung, a fractured rib and a severely ruptured liver. Corey Thomas, her male friend was also injured with a bone fracture and several contusions. Mack testified for two days during the trial and described the incident in details. She said that the 35-year-old former fighter broke into her Las Vegas home and attacked her and her friend. After the incident, Koppenhaver escaped to California, following which the police arrested him there.
"War machine" attempted suicide in jail after his arrest. In a statement he criticized his own attempt.
"A few very nice officers came and spoke to me while I was on suicide watch, made me realize a few things, mostly that I called it quits too early. Never in my life have I been a quitter, and I know that my perseverance is the main quality, which makes me appealing to fans. ... and I'll be the first to say that I bitched out way too prematurely. I'm sorry to all of my loved ones and supporters, this ordeal has just been hell on me," quoted Forbes.
Koppenhaver did not take a stand himself during his trial, however his attorneys admitted that he assaulted the pair at Mack's residence.
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Jay Leiderman, Koppenhaver's attorney also spoke in his defense saying that the former fighter was under the influence of drugs that caused him to get enraged and thus lead to such an unwanted situation. Prosecutors said Leiderman offered a "raging bull" defense saying: "The defense attorney characterized Koppenhaver as a 'raging bull' with brain injuries from his fighting career and emotions inflamed by the use of steroids and non-prescription stimulant and antidepressant drugs that combined could have caused mood swings and violence that Leiderman termed 'roid rage.'"
However, the prosecutors disagreed to Leiderman's claims that Koppenhaver was under the influence of drugs during the time of the attack.
Koppenhaver will be kept behind bars until his sentencing, which is scheduled to take place on June 5 in Las Vegas.
Mack posted a message on her Twitter account after the jury announced the verdict:
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Washington (AFP) - On free trade, globalization and multilateral organizations, the United States has done an about-face on international engagement, calling the vaunted "Washington consensus" into doubt.
During a meeting of G20 finance ministers and central bankers over the weekend in Germany, the new Trump administration blocked the longstanding resolution opposing protectionism and qualified its commitment to the multilateral trade system including the World Trade Organization.
"This is obviously a very significant change," said Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and an expert on trade.
"Donald Trump quite explicitly is the first president in more than 75 or 80 years who has outspokenly said he believes protectionism could make sense for the US."
Since the start of the post-war era, the United States has driven global economic integration, relying on the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, which preceded the WTO, to promote rules-based international trade.
- 'Weakening US leadership' -
But President Donald Trump clinched the White House on a promise to redress the inequity in US trade. He has vowed to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement binding the United States, Mexico and Canada and has spoken of slapping import duties on certain goods.
The chronic US trade deficit stood at $502.2 billion in 2016, widened by deficits with China ($347 billion), Europe ($146.3 billion) and Mexico ($63.2 billion).
Eswar Prasad, a former IMF economist, told AFP the US may regret its recent ideological turn.
"The omission of even a ritualistic paean to free trade in the G20 communique may be a victory for Trump's protectionist agenda, but it comes at the cost of weakening US leadership on global economic issues," said Prasad, a professor of trade policy and economics at Cornell University.
"The US may find itself increasingly isolated on issues such as promoting free trade and tackling climate change as other major economies begin to collaborate more closely with each other in response to US disengagement."
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But others say the United States has less to lose in a trade war than its trading partners, giving it added heft in bargaining.
Mohamed El-Erian, chief economic adviser at the German insurer Allianz SE, said the damages the US suffers from the "America first" policy will be less than the harm inflicted on "many, many other countries."
"As such, others are faced with an unpleasant lose-lose situation in which accepting a bad outcome is better than risking a much worse one," El-Erian wrote in a Bloomberg column on Monday.
Alden said the consequences will depend on the scale and nature of policies that Washington ends up adopting. For the moment, these are just ideas.
"If they involve small changes to NAFTA or trade agreements, if they involve some modestly increased pressure on China... all of those could be benign outcomes potentially consistent with administration philosophy," he said.
- Harder line on international bodies -
"But if they take a much harder line, imposing tariffs on imports or actually walking away from agreements like NAFTA, it would be far more damaging I think to the other countries and the US."
For China and Mexico, the United States is by far the largest export market, so those countries could be the most vulnerable to aggressive policies by Washington.
"I think Europe is less vulnerable and I also think Europe is less of a target," Alden said.
Still, Peter Navarro, director of the White House's National Trade Council, has accused Germany of exploiting the weakness of the euro to swell its trade surpluses.
And while Alden said Navarro is on the "extreme" end of economic views held in the administration, he may be joined by others in hardening US policies toward international organizations.
Two of Trump's nominees for key posts at the Treasury Department -- David Malpass for undersecretary for international affairs, and Adam Lerrick, for undersecretary for international finance -- are known skeptics of the IMF and World Bank, where the United States is the largest shareholder and financial backer.
Photo credit: Facebook/FOX 46 Charlotte
From Redbook
Fact: Toddlers are rambunctious. Another fact: Once they figure out how to escape from the confines of their cribs, all bedtime bets are off.
That's the lesson one New York couple learned when they set up a nanny cam to spy on their twin sons. According to Today, Jonathan Balkin and his wife Susana were first tipped off that something might be amiss with their kids' sleeping schedules when they began hearing "strange noises" coming from the bedroom shared by their 2-year-old twins, Andrew and Ryan. "We heard a whole bunch of giggling, so we started spying on them," Balkin said.
The parents set up a Nest home monitoring system to figure out what trouble the kids were getting up to (or if they were maybe dealing with a Poltergeist-style haunting). What the Balkins wound up seeing was a hilarious soon-to-be viral video of their twins demonstrating some impressive (and adorable) escape artist skills.
The time-lapse nighttime footage (accompanied by appropriately zany circus music) was first posted by Balkin and later shared by FOX 46 Charlotte, amassing over 55 million views on Facebook. The kids don't do anything dangerous they just work off a ton of excess energy, climbing in and out of their side-by-side cribs to arrange and re-arrange pillows and couch cushions, practicing flips and tumbles like they're at a personal after-hours Gymboree class.
The funniest part is watching the boys getting back out of their cribs over and over again to keep playing after their exasperated parents break up the party to tuck them back in and clean up the room - twice. Also when they just take a few breaks from playing to chill on their little sofa and (I'd imagine) have a heart-to-heart about the stresses of modern day toddler-life.
Balkin explained during the family's Monday morning Today show appearance that the twins usually go down for the night between 7:30 and 8:00 p.m. But on this particular night, they kept up their two-man slumber party until well after 10:00. The parents also tried swapping the cribs for beds but said the twins "ended up going in and out all night."
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That's one obvious benefit of having a twin - a live-in BFF to hang out with, 24/7, sleep-deprived parents be damned! Another is the seemingly endless capacity for pulling off amazing twin pranks.
(h/t Mashable)
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WASHINGTON During his campaign last year, President Trump promised to appoint judges who would overturn the court decision legalizing abortion, Roe v. Wade. But how can he be sure which way his nominee, Neil Gorsuch, would vote on such a case?
At his confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Gorsuch said he wasnt asked by Trump how he would rule on abortion, and he would have walked out the door if the president had sought a commitment on the issue. In light of this seeming contradiction, Yahoo News asked White House press secretary Sean Spicer if the president is confident Gorsuch would overturn Roe v. Wade and whether Trump still holds to that as a requirement. Spicer declined to comment directly.
The press secretary cited the list of 21 potential appointees Trump presented during his campaign, which was compiled with the help of conservative organizations. Gorsuch was on the list, and Trump has indicated that any future Supreme Court picks would come from that group as well.
I think the presidents comments speak for themselves. I think the presidents list that hes put out are jurists that both the Federalist Society and [Heritage Foundation] have deemed to be people who interpret the Constitution as originalists, as people who arent looking to legislate from the bench, Spicer said.
Other than citing the presidents past comments, Spicer declined to answer the question about whether Trump is confident Gorsuch would be willing to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. Spicer mentioned that Gorsuchs hearing was still going on during the briefing.
Im not going to take the bait during a live hearing to comment on that, but I appreciate the effort, said Spicer.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Gorsuch whether Trump inquired about his position on Roe v. Wade during the confirmation hearing. Gorsuch said Trump did not ask him about the abortion ruling. Graham pressed the judge about how he would have responded if Trump had questioned him on the case.
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I would have walked out the door. Thats not what judges do, Gorsuch said.
During the hearing, Democratic senators raised questions about whether Gorsuch had undergone an abortion litmus test from Trump. The judge strenuously avoided making any comments that betrayed his opinion on the issue, though he acknowledged that the ruling represents a precedent.
Roe v. Wade was decided in 1973; it is a precedent of the United States Supreme Court, Gorsuch said. It has been reaffirmed; the reliance considerations are important there.
Read more from Yahoo News:
Near the southern tip of Nevada is a ridge politicians have been fighting over for 30 years.
Yucca Mountain was designated the permanent underground storage site for nuclear waste in 1987. It had an ambitious missionto entomb high-level radioactive waste safely for at least 10,000 yearsand a tentative opening date of 1998. But the process of even approving its construction has dragged on through four presidents. In 2011, the Obama administration officially mothballed the project.
Then it was Trumps turn. In a proposed budget last week that otherwise slashes non-defense spending, the Trump administration found $120 million to restart an approval process for Yucca Mountain. The project that former Nevada senator Harry Reid, perhaps its fiercest critic, denounced as dead is back.
Youd have to say the glass is half full for Yucca Mountain, said David Blee, the executive director of the United States Nuclear Infrastructure Council, a consortium of nuclear industry companies that support the project. While not exactly exuberant, its the most optimistic assessment of Yucca Mountain in years.
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Considerable challenges are still head for reviving the project. Assuming Congress approves the $120 million, the federal government faces deeply entrenched opposition in Nevada. The state has filed 218 contentions against the Department of Energys application for the storage site, detailing both technical and legal concerns. Going through the contentions will take an estimated four to five years of hearings and cost the federal government $2 billionall before the shovel even hits the ground.
Nevadas governor and five of its six members of Congress have already come out swinging against the latest attempt to revive Yucca Mountain. Republican, Democrat, independentthere is enormous opposition to Yucca Mountain, said Robert Halstead, executive director of Nevadas Agency for Nuclear Projects.
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* * *
The states objections to Yucca Mountain originate with how it got chosen in the first place. When Reagan signed the Nuclear Waste Policy Act of 1982, the countrys nuclear weapons program had left tons of radioactive waste, and spent fuel from nuclear power plants was also piling up. The law directed the Energy Department to study several sites around the country, but politicians didnt want to pay for the expensive and lengthy technical assessments of all the potential sites. So in 1987, Congress amended the Nuclear Waste Policy Act to designate Yucca Mountain as the one permanent storage site.
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Why Nevada? The three finalist sites were in Texas, Washington, and Nevada. At the time, the speaker of the House represented Texas and the majority leader Washington. The amendment became known as the Screw Nevada Bill. Clearly, the mistake we made in 1987 was jamming it down the throat of the Nevadans, a government official later told Nature.
The Obama administration was a paper exercise.
Nevadans also have safety concerns. The Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the federal agency that approves radioactive-waste storage sites, published a long-delayed report in 2014 deeming Yucca Mountain safe. But critics worry that groundwater in Yucca Mountain could corrode the canisters that store nuclear waste, causing a radioactive leak.
Planning a 10,000-year storage site is bound to be complicated; if built, it would need to last longer than any piece of infrastructure in history. But efforts really sputtered out after Reid became Senate majority leader and Obama took officeboth of whom are opposed to the project. They never had enough votes to outright kill it, despite Reids boasts, because Yucca Mountain was written into law. So they stalled.
A helicopter flies over Yucca Mountain. Department of Energy
The Obama administration was a paper exercise, said Blee. At the end of the day it succeeded in generating a lot of paper but no concrete action. For example, the Energy Department needs a license to build Yucca Mountain from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In 2010, Obamas energy department tried to withdraw its application for Yucca Mountain. The NRC voted 2-2 on whether the department could actually withdraw it, which resolved nothing. Meanwhile, Washington simply stopped funding the offices working on Yucca Mountain. Staff were reassigned, and offices emptied out.
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The Obama administration also appointed a Blue Ribbon Commission on nuclear waste that recommended a consent-based process for finding a new location in a state that was not so vigorously opposed to it. That process never got off the ground.
* * *
Since Obama never undid any laws about nuclear waste, the path for Yucca Mountain is still there. Trumps proposed budget takes a small step forward. If passed, it would provide funding to rehire staff at the Energy Department to get the Yucca Mountain application through.
The House would likely pass such a budget easily. In fact, it has sneaked Yucca Mountain funding into budget bills in the past. There has been a firewall of support in the House for Yucca Mountain, said Blee. Illinois congressman John Shimkus, a strong backer, also plans to introduce legislation solving land- and water-rights issues around Yucca Mountain.
I knew that morning...they would all immediately start fantasizing about, Oh, now we can have Yucca Mountain again!
The Senate is trickier. A sticking point is whether to fund an interim storage project while Yucca Mountain winds its way into existencetheres support in the Senate for it but not the House. In the past, Senators Lamar Alexander and Dianne Feinstein have also introduced bipartisan legislation on nuclear waste issues. With Reid as majority and then minority leader, it never got far. Nuclear industry lobbyists suggested that any pro-Yucca Mountain bill could contain financial incentives for the state of Nevada. (Local Nye County officials, where the facility would be located, support Yucca Mountain because of the jobs it would bring in.)
Once the Energy Department and the NRC have both the budget and staff, they actually need to go through the long-delayed approval process. Here is where Nevadas 218 contentions come in, and the state is gearing up for a fight.
In fact, its been gearing up for a whilesince Reid announced his retirement after an eye injury in 2015. I knew that morning when I heard the news of his decision to retire following the injury that the Yucca Mountains proponents in Washingtonin Congress and in trade groups like the Nuclear Energy Institute, the United States Nuclear Infrastructure Council, and the two professional societies, the American Nuclear Society and the American Physical Societythat they would all immediately start fantasizing about, Oh, now we can have Yucca Mountain again! said Halstead.
An exploratory tunnel dug at the Yucca Mountain site. Department of Energy
The 218 individual contentions run the whole gamut, from volcanic-hazard estimates to corrosion risks to legal concerns about how the government has handled the process. The state is also preparing 30 to 50 new contentions to stop the project.
Assuming that the NRC approves the project, the state will put up more roadblocks. The first thing were going to do is go back court and sue them over the radiation protection standard, said Halstead. Nevada contends that standards the government used to decide that Yucca Mountain are safe are too lax. In a statement responding to Trumps budget, Nevadas attorney general, Adam Laxalt, also said to expect many years of protracted litigation in which we are confident we will ultimately prevail.
If the Energy Department does get its license for Yucca Mountain, it would also need to develop a plan for operating the facility, including a monitoring program to guard against radioactive leaks. Energy Secretary Rick Perry has said he wouldnt rule out Yucca Mountain. On Monday, House members Greg Walden and John Shimkus sent Perry a letter detailing how to move forward on the project.
President Trump himself has made no clear public comments about Yucca Mountain, and its unclear how committed the administration will be in the budget process. One of Nevadas major concerns about the project is tourism. Nuclear waste from all over the country would converge on Yucca Mountain, which is about 100 miles from Las Vegas. Days before Trumps inauguration, the projects critics offered up a new line of attack: Trains hauling nuclear waste would be running near Trump International Hotel Las Vegas.
Read more from The Atlantic:
This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
From Hillary Clintons emails to President Trumps tweets, FBI Director James Comey has been the towering figure at the center of the some of the countrys biggest political controversies, and at 6 feet 8 inches tall, thats both literally and figuratively.
Comey has been the FBI director since 2013, appointed by President Barack Obama, despite being a registered Republican for most of his life.
Before taking over the nations top law enforcement agency, Comey was known as one of the countrys top prosecutors. He took on everyone from the Gambino crime family to terrorists responsible for the 1996 Khobar Towers bombing in Saudi Arabia.
In 2002, he was named U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, a powerful job just vacated by Preet Bharara. Probably his most high profile prosecution came in 2003, when he put Martha Stewart behind bars on multiple charges related to insider trading.
Later that year, President George W. Bush made him deputy attorney general at the height of the war on terror.
Comey would later testify about an incident in 2004 when he stopped then White House counsel Alberto Gonzales and Chief of Staff Andrew Card when, according to Comeys account, they tried to get an ailing Attorney General John Ashcroft to sign off on extending the NSAs wiretapping program. In testimony before Congress years later, Comey said, I was angry. I thought I had just witnessed an effort to take advantage of a very sick man who did not have the powers of the attorney general.
Jumping to 2016, Comey became a part of the presidential political fray when he recommended no criminal charges against Hillary Clinton regarding her use of a private email server but in an unusual public announcement said, There is evidence that they were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information.
Then came Comeys October surprise just days before the election when he wrote a letter to members of Congress saying that the investigation had been reopened because of another investigation into disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner. Comey would soon announce that nothing new was found, but according to the Clinton campaign, the damage had been done, as Clinton campaign manager Robby Mook would describe after the election: I think it is hard to imagine the kind of impact that that letter had.
Trump could decide to oust Comey, but otherwise, his term doesnt expire until 2023. Hes probably going to be at the center of politics for the long haul. So when you hear the name James Comey, at least you can say, Now I get it.
Federal judge Neil Gorsuch starts his testimony in the Senate today and he will face tough questioning on many issues. So why do many experts believe Gorsuch will get a confirmation vote, with a likely approval?
Gorsuchs major challenge, barring any major issues with his testimony this week, will more likely be related to any efforts by the Democrats in the Senate to keep his nomination from getting a full vote by deploying the filibuster.
The filibuster and its related tactic, the cloture vote, require a vote by 60 Senators to let a motion, like Gorsuchs nomination, to get a discussion and a vote by the full Senate.
Filibuster attempts against Supreme Court nominations are rare. To this day, there is a debate that tactics used in 1968 to delay the nomination of Associate Justice Abe Fortas as Chief Justice represented a true filibuster. President Lyndon Johnson withdrew that nomination after it has been approved by the Judiciary Committee but delayed in the Senate.
In three other cases, cloture votes were taken in the Senate about a Supreme Court nominee and all failed, in the cases of William Rehnquist (twice) and Samuel Alito.
And in 2017, the Senates Republican leadership has the option of changing the Senates rules to allow a vote on Gorsuch to proceed to the full floor without a cloture vote by killing the filibuster, using tactics deployed by former Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid in 2013. While the current Majority Leader, Mitch McConnell, is reportedly opposed to killing the filibuster using the nuclear option, President Donald Trump and other GOP leaders have urged the Senate to use that measure, if needed, to get a confirmation vote on the floor, most likely in April.
Barring a cloture vote succeeding and the Republicans not using the nuclear option -- history shows that Gorsuchs odds should be very good, at least for getting a Senate vote.
In every instance since 1945 when the same party controlled the White House and the Senate, that Supreme Court nominee was approved. (There were two nominees in the Lyndon Johnson administration who didnt make it to the voting stage in the Senate.)
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Also since World War II, there have been 38 official nominees for the Supreme Court offered by the President. Eight of those nominations were withdrawn, not voted on or rejected by the Senate. Of the 30 successful confirmations since 1945, 13 of the votes, or about 43 percent, came when the Presidents party didnt control the Senate. This was especially true when the Democrats ran the Senate for long periods during the 1960s and 1970s.
In the case of Gorsuch, with the Republicans controlling the Judiciary Committee and expected to make a positive recommendation of his nomination to the full Senate, it would be extraordinary for a GOP-controlled Senate to reject his appointment to the Court.
The last three Supreme Court nominees to be rejected in a Senate vote were candidates proposed by a Republican President to a Democratic-majority Senate. Richard Nixon saw two nominees, Clement Haynsworth and Harold Carswell, get just 45 yes votes in the Senate (the GOP had 44 Senators at the time). The well-publicized nomination of Robert Bork to the Supreme Court by President Reagan in 1987 saw Bork get just 42 votes in the Senate, when the Republicans had just 45 seats.
The last time a GOP-controlled Senate rejected a Supreme Court nominee from a Republican President was in 1930, when President Herbert Hoovers choice for the Court, John J. Parker, lost in a 41-39 floor vote. Parker was opposed by organized labor and civil rights groups.
The only other Republican nominee for the Court to lose a floor vote in a GOP-controlled Senate was Ebenezer R. Hoar in 1869. Nominated by President Ulysses S. Grant, Hoar was opposed to patronage and didnt support prior GOP efforts to remove Andrew Johnson from office. (Two other Grant nominees also didnt make it to a floor vote.)
Given the high-stakes related to Gorsuchs nomination, a short-handed Court and a politically charged atmosphere in Washington, only a situation involving the filibuster or an unforeseen circumstance would prevent Gorsuch from getting a floor vote.
But there have been a few of those in the history of court nominations. For example, President Andrew Johnsons nomination of Henry Stanbery in 1866 so angered Republicans that they passed a law reducing the number of Justices on the bench, to avoid dealing with Stanbery. And in May 1881, Republican nominee Stanley Matthews was finally confirmed by one vote in a deadlocked Senate where control over the floor shifted due to attendance issues and political infighting. It had tabled Matthews' nomination just months earlier when made by outgoing President Rutherford B. Hayes.
Exercise is one of the healthiest things you can possibly do unless you take it to excess. Erins life is ruled by her compulsion to exercise. She works out eight hours a day and sleeps barely two or three hours a night to make time to run, work out on the elliptical, spin, and hit the gym for weight training.
A few months ago Erin recalled traumatic abuse by a childhood friend, and since then her addiction has spiraled further out of control. Im just scared my bodys going to break down, she shares.
Erin visits Psychotherapist Dr. Erin Foster, who believes that her problems involve more than exercise Erins eating is disordered as well. I dont feel like I have an issue with food, Erin claims, but then she reveals that she had an eating disorder at age 15. Food is also a problem, Dr. Foster tells her.
More with Erin: Is an Intervention Needed?
Its like Im running away from everything else in my life, Erin admits.
Dr. Jorge Rodriguez examines Erin. When it comes time to weigh her, she says, I just dont want to know the number. Erins blood pressure is dangerously high. That kind of concerns me, says Dr. Rodriguez.
Erins muscles are deteriorating from over-exercise. Her white cell count is high, her red blood cells are abnormal, and she may have an enlarged heart. Im so glad you took that test, because otherwise you may have just found this out through an emergency, Dr. Rodriguez tells her.
More with Erin: Find out How This Is Affecting Her Health
Shes dehydrated. She says that if she doesnt work out, she feels sick.
Dr. Rodriguez says, Travis, in the six years that Ive done this show with you, Erin is the most ill person, the sickest person weve had on the show in my opinion.
I just think of myself as so healthy, Erin sobs.
ER Physician Dr. Travis Stork reassures her. We can medically get you to a healthier place. But we cant improve that until we stop the behaviors that have led to that outcome.
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James Huffman from Haven Hills Recovery shares that his first wife, who passed away seven years ago, struggled with an eating disorder. His daughter has also been treated for an eating disorder and is now in remission. He has a very personal connection to eating disorders and founded Haven Hills to treat them. Its very small by design and doesnt feel like a hospital. He offers Erin and her mother, Barbara, 60 days of in-patient treatment to save Erins life.
More with Erin: Is There Any Good News To Share with Her?
Dr. Stork tells Erin, You cant tackle a problem until you acknowledge you have a problem. Without seeking help, you cant do it alone. You are a shining example.
Eating disorders are the deadliest psychological disorders. If you or a loved needs help or resources regarding an eating disorder, contact the National Eating Disorder Association at 1-800-931-2237.
We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on!
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Photo credit: AP
From Town & Country
David Rockefeller was the last of his generation in a famous American family that taught its children that wealth brings great responsibility. Even as children, he and his siblings had to set aside portions of their allowances for charitable giving.
That lesson lasted throughout his life; to mark his 100th birthday in 2015, Rockefeller gave 1,000 acres of land next to a national park to the state of Maine.
Rockefeller died Monday in his sleep at his home in Pocantico Hills at age 101, according to his spokesman, Fraser P. Seitel.
He was the grandson of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller and the youngest of five sons and one daughter born to John D. Rockefeller Jr. He was also the guardian of his family's fortune and head of a sprawling network of family interests, both business and philanthropic, that ranged from environmental conservation to the arts.
Photo credit: Douglas Friedman
Unlike his brothers Nelson, the governor of New York who hungered for the White House and was briefly vice president, and Winthrop, a governor of Arkansas, David Rockefeller wielded power and influence without ever seeking public office. Among his many accomplishments were spurring the project that led to the World Trade Center.
"No individual has contributed more to the commercial and civic life of New York City over a longer period of time than David Rockefeller," said Michael Bloomberg, a former mayor and fellow billionaire. "I have long admired his commitment to the city, which began with a dollar-a-year job working as a secretary to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. During my time in City Hall, he was always there for the city when we called."
Unlike his other brothers, John D. 3rd and Laurance, who shied from the spotlight and were known for philanthropy, David Rockefeller embraced business and traveled and spoke widely as a champion of enlightened capitalism.
[related id='bec6663a-7a9f-4a6e-be18-8f62bcec7080' align='center'][/related]
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"American capitalism has brought more benefits to more people than any other system in any part of the world at any time in history," he said. "The problem is to see that the system is run as efficiently and as honestly as it can be."
Rockefeller graduated from Harvard in 1936 and received a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago in 1940. He served in the Army during World War II, then began climbing the ranks of management at Chase Bank. That bank merged with the Manhattan company in 1955.
He was named Chase Manhattan's president in 1961 and chairman and CEO eight years later. He retired in 1981 at age 65 after a 35-year career.
In his role of business statesman, Rockefeller preached capitalism at home and favored assisting economies abroad on grounds that bringing prosperity to the Third World would create customers for American products.
He parted company with some of his fellow capitalists on income taxes, calling it unseemly to earn a million and then find ways to avoid paying the taxes. He didn't say how much he paid in taxes, and he never spoke publicly about his personal worth. In 2015, Forbes magazine estimated his fortune at $3 billion.
As one of the Rockefeller grandchildren, David belonged to the last generation in which the inherited family billions were concentrated in a few hands. The next generation, known as "the cousins," are more numerous.
Rockefeller was estimated to have met more than 200 rulers in more than 100 countries during his lifetime, and often was treated as if he were a visiting head of state.
Under Rockefeller, Chase - now known as JPMorgan Chase - was the first U.S. bank to open offices in the Soviet Union and China and, in 1974, the first to open an office in Egypt after the Suez crisis of 1956.
In his early travels to South Africa, Rockefeller arranged clandestine meetings with several underground black leaders. "I find it terribly important to get overall impressions beyond those I get from businessmen," he said.
But Rockefeller took a lot of heat for his bank's substantial dealings with South Africa's white separatist regime and for helping the deposed, terminally ill Shah of Iran come to New York for medical treatment in 1979, the move that triggered the 13-month U.S. embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
Rockefeller maintained the family's patronage of the arts, including its long-standing relationship with the Museum of Modern Art, which his mother had been a fervent patron of. His private art collection was once valued at $500 million. The Rockefeller estate at Kykuit, overlooking the Hudson River north of New York City, is the repository of four generations of family history, including Nelson's art and sculpture collection.
One of the major efforts of Rockefeller's later years was directed at restoring family influence in the landmark Rockefeller Center, most of which had been sold in the 1980s to Japanese investors. He eventually organized an investor group to buy back 45 percent of the property.
His philanthropy and other activities earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 1998.
Rockefeller and his wife, the former Margaret McGrath, were married in 1940 and had six children - David Jr., Richard, Abby, Neva, Margaret and Eileen. His wife, an active conservationist, died in 1996.
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Until the new LG G6 and Samsung Galaxy S8 are finally released next month, the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL are the best Android smartphones money can buy. They feature gorgeous iPhone-like styling, the latest available Android experience, cutting-edge specs, and class-leading cameras. But while they might look a bit like Apples iPhones, theres one key feature from the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus that Googles smartphone duo is sorely missing: Water-resistance.
If you want to use those incredible Pixel and Pixel XL cameras underwater, youre in luck because theres a waterproof case on sale on Amazon right now for just $8.
Here are some highlights from the product page:
Armband and Lanyard Design considerate design with a detachable lanyard for hanging around neck freely and an adjustable armband for attaching to arm firmly, dual functions for taking your device along with you
Waterproof Protection Certification of IPX8 (20 meter underwater) Floatable TPU case with dual swivel snap and lock protect your device against water, snow, dust, sand, and dirt for beach, swimming, kayaking, snorkeling etc.
Screen-touch Sensibility Clear and thin windows on both sides allow full touch screen functionality on photography, videography or checking emails at ease, allowing iPhone 7 7 Plus Pressure-Sensitive Home Button with hapic engine to activate your iphone (not allow to recognize Touch ID fingerprints)
Universal Size Universal waterproof pouch fits all smartphones up to 5.7 diagonal size (clear window 80mm X 155mm), including iPhone 7 Plus 6S 6 Plus, iPhone 7 6S 6, iPhone 5 5S 5C SE, Google Pixel XL, Samsung Galaxy S7 S6 Edge S6 S5 S4 S3 Note 5 4 3, LG, HTC, Huawei and other mobile phones
Important Notes 1. Test WaterProof Function before Each Use. 2. For Taking photos underwater, with this dry case, please have the phone on the camera setting first, and USE THE PHONE BUTTON (NOT Screen Touch) to take picture. For example, iPhone series, use the volume button to take picture underwater
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Waterproof Case, 2 Pack F-color Clear Waterproof Pouch Floating Dry Case Bag with Armband Compa: $8.99
Bonus
While youre at it, snag a 3-pack of tempered glass Google Pixel XL screen protectors for just $6.99 with coupon code RI8KD6N6.
[3 Pack] Google Pixel XL Screen Protector Glass, Ace Teah Easy to Install Pixel Tempered Glass: $6.99 (use code RI8KD6N6 by 3/31)
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Comedy legend Dave Chappelle is back, and he wants you to know that he smokes cigarettes? As promised by the streaming giant alongside the release of a recent trailer, two new hour-long stand-up comedy specials starring the one and only Dave Chappelle have just been released on Netflix. The specials mark Chappelles first TV special since he quit his wildly successful Comedy Central show Chappelles Show more than a decade ago in 2006. Does Dave still have it? If youre a Netflix subscriber, youre about to find out.
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Netflixs first two hour-long stand-up specials starring Chappelle were released simultaneously on Tuesday morning. The first, titled The Age of Spin: Dave Chappelle Live at The Hollywood Palladium, was recorded at the comedians first stand-up performance in Los Angeles in roughly a decade. The episodes brief synopsis reads: At his first LA show in 10 years, Chappelle charges straight into the fire with bits on Bill Cosby, O.J. Simpson and his own brushes with controversy.
The second hour-long special, titled Deep in the Heart of Texas: Dave Chappelle Live at Austin City Limits, was recorded in Texas. Heres the synopsis: Chappelle gets real about racially charged run-ins, celebrity scandals and fatherly dilemmas in a searing stand-up set at Austins Moody Theater.
Both of Chappelles hour-long stand-up specials are available to stream beginning immediately on this page on the Netflix website. For those who somehow havent yet seen Netflixs official trailer for the comedy specials, you can watch it right here:
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By Eric Auchard and Toby Sterling FRANKFURT/AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Google and sister company Jigsaw are joining forces to defend election organisers and civic groups against cyber attacks free of charge as the broader tech industry seeks to fend off criticism that it is not doing enough to stop online efforts to distort elections. The growing frequency of politically-motivated online attacks -- from the recent hacking of Twitter accounts by Turkish nationalists to the U.S. Democratic Party's email breach -- has left governments and pro-democracy groups scrambling for ways to thwart hackers and the rising tide of "fake" news. Alphabet Inc subsidiaries Jigsaw and Google are offering a free Protect Your Election package to low-budget organisations. The service to ward off website attacks has already been offered to news organisations for the past year under what is known as Project Shield. Last week Jigsaw, which develops security tools for civic groups, joined up with Google to defend a voter information website that came under cyber attack during the Dutch national election. The KiesKompas and Stemwijzer websites -- used by about half of Dutch voters to see which parties best match their political views -- were knocked out by a deluge of web traffic on March 14, which spilled over into election day. "The attack was not childs play: it was very sophisticated because the attackers kept trying different avenues of attack again and again," said KiesKompas director Willem Blanken. KiesKompas, which rougly translates as ChoiceCompass, enlisted the help of Jigsaw on the evening of March 14, while Stemwijzer, or VoteGuide, signed up NBIP, a non-profit group set up by about 100 Dutch internet and telecoms providers. The election guide services remained out of action on the morning of the vote, but both were successfully restored to service around midday. FAKE NEWS, EXTREMISM The rise of Google and tech rival Facebook was welcomed as a gift to democracy and free speech against autocratic governments. More recently, however, there has been a growing backlash against fake news on social media, which has polarised political debate, and the failure to stop extremist groups using their networks to spread propaganda and find new recruits. Google vowed on Tuesday to police its websites better by ramping up staff numbers and overhauling its policies after several companies deserted the internet giant for failing to keep their adverts off hate-filled videos. A spokesman for Jigsaw said on Tuesday that it plans to offer the Protect Your Election suite free to individuals and organisations involved in forthcoming national votes in France, South Korea and Germany and subsequent elections as they occur. Jigsaw is funded by Alphabet and remains autonomous from Google, though the sister companies work together on larger-scale projects. Project Shield defends against so-called Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks that have plagued the web since about 2000 and which government and commercial experts say have intensified over the past year. Such attacks have targeted not only political parties, but also election monitors and independent news organisations in Myanmar (2010), Malaysia (2013), Ecuador (2015), Mexico (2015-2016), Montenegro (2016) and the Netherlands (2017). Hundreds of companies compete to protect websites from intruders, including Clouldflare, Akamai and Imperva Incapsula. Basic measures are often free and more robust safeguards can cost hundreds of dollars a month. However, sustained high-volume attacks at decisive moments during elections can quickly run up thousands of dollars in bills -- a big stretch for civic groups with minimal funding. BASELINE PROTECTION In addition to Project Shield, Jigsaw is offering Password Alert to ward off attempts to steal Google passwords and Two-Step Verification for an added layer of protection on web and mobile accounts as part of its Protect Your Election toolkit. News websites, human rights websites and election monitoring and information websites are eligible to apply for DDoS protection, the Jigsaw spokesman said. Candidates and campaigns are eligible for the two-password protection tools, but not the free DDoS protection. More details can be found at: https://g.co/protectyourelection This starter set of security tools offer baseline protection but can only go so far in thwarting the dizzying array of political shenanigans that now play out in cyberspace. They could do little, for example, to ward off the hijacking of high-profile Twitter accounts by a Turkish nationalist hacker group that took place as the Dutch voted last week and attracted widespread media attention. These attacks involved hacking into an Amsterdam-based social media analytics company to post anti-Dutch and anti-German messages amid a diplomatic spat with Turkey. Officials at the Dutch election guides said that web traffic on their sites appeared to come from various nations but the identity of the attackers remains a mystery. Several of the officials denied a De Telegraaf report that Turkey was behind the attacks. "Theres just nothing to substantiate that. We simply dont know," KiesKompas director Blanken said. (Editing by David Goodman and Tom Pfeiffer)
In just a little over a week, all the river of Galaxy S8 leaks will finally run dry, as Samsung is set to unveil the handset during an Unpacked press conference scheduled for March 29th. Until then, however, expect to see a daily barrage of Galaxy S8 leaks and rumors mixed with the occasional official Galaxy S8 announcement and new teaser with. Following the numerous leaks weve seen over the past few days, a new press render showing the Galaxy S8 in various colors was posted online, just as Samsung shared a brand new Galaxy S8 clip in its home country of South Korea.
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Well-known smartphone leaker Evan Blass posted an image collage on Twitter that shows the Galaxy S8 from every possible angle. As far as colors go, were looking at the Orchid Gray and Black Sky versions of the phone in the following image.
The press renders highlight Samsungs gorgeous design for the phone. Weve got a massive curved display with narrow bezels, no home button or Samsung logo on the front, and a fingerprint sensor placed on the back next to the camera.
Samsung might not be ready to release any press renders of the phone at this time, but it just posted a new teaser video and poster in Korea.
The poster, featured on The Korea Herald, shows a person standing next to a smartphone-shaped door that opens right into space. The slogan apparently reads Completion and a New Start. The device will deliver never-before-seen experiences, according to the teaser.
Samsungs new 16-second clip matches the poster, and was uploaded on the Samsung Mobile Korea YouTube channel on Monday:
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The unprecedented tech tax offensive by the EU comes on the heels of a bad-tempered trade row between Washington and Brussels (AFP Photo/Justin TALLIS) (AFP/File)
Washington (AFP) - The US Marine Corps has revised its social media guidelines amid a scandal involving the nonconsensual online sharing of nude Marines.
The scandal centers upon the revelation this month that pictures of female Marines in various states of undress had been shared in a secret Facebook group called "Marines United."
Membership of the group was restricted to current and former Marines, but it had as many as 30,000 members before it was taken down.
The pictures, often accompanied by lewd commentary, gave the women's names and units in some cases.
"Marines must never engage in commentary or publish content on social networking platforms or through other forms of communication that harm good order and discipline or that bring discredit upon themselves, their unit, or the Marine Corps," General Robert Neller, the Marine Corps's commandant, wrote in the updated guidelines.
The new guidelines, released last week, stressed that Marines could face criminal prosecution in military courts for bad online behavior.
"In other words, Marines should think twice before engaging in questionable online activities," the guidelines state.
All Marines will now be required to sign a statement showing they have read the guidelines.
"Marines are reminded that their conduct, even off-duty or online, may violate Navy and Marine Corps orders and regulations," the guidelines state.
Other military services are also examining their social media guidelines.
The Army last week warned soldiers that bad online behavior, and turning a blind eye to it, is unacceptable.
Military investigators are examining the Marines United case and might level felony charges against some involved.
Passengers on US-bound flights from 10 Middle-Eastern airports will not be allowed any electronics bigger than a cellphone on the plane, according to an emergency security amendment being rolled out by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) today.
Under the order, portable electronics such as laptops, tablets, e-readers, portable DVD players (which apparently still exist to the extent they concern the TSA), and cameras. Those items can still be taken as checked baggage, although restrictions on checked lithium-ion batteries from the FAA could make that challenging. The restrictions only apply to direct US-bound flights from those countries, not connections through other countries or flights to other destinations.
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The affected airports are:
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM)
Cairo International Airport (CAI)
Ataturk International Airport (IST)
King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED)
King Khalid International Airport (RUH)
Kuwait International Airport (KWI)
Mohammed V Airport (CMN)
Hamad International Airport (DOH)
Dubai International Airport (DXB)
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)
Senior administration officials declined to give specific reasons for the ban, citing only ongoing concerns over a continued interest in targeting civil aviation from terrorist groups.
The ban will obviously make air travel more inconvenient for passengers, as any electronics will need to be checked. It could make life particularly difficult for photographers or anyone else who travels with a large amount of electronics, as FAA rules prohibit carrying any spare batteries in checked baggage.
The affected airports do not correlate exactly with countries listed in the executive order banning travel issued by President Trump. Rather, they include countries such as Saudia Arabia and the UAE that have served as the USs allies in the region, and already have significant security screening procedures in place.
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The particular terror threat that the TSA is worried about was not made clear by officials, but there are two obvious attack possibilities with portable electronics. Either, they could be modified to hide explosive devices in the body of the device; or, alterations could make the lithium-ion batteries prone to catch fire or explode, which could serve as a weapon for a potential attack.
Airlines have been given 96 hours to carry out the changes, and the airlines will be responsible for ensuring the security measures are enforced. Although its clearly possible that the sudden ban could be linked to a specific terror threat, the senior administration officials did not give an end date for the measures.
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The smartphone could be available for preorder as early as next month in South Korea.
Samsung has finally announced its artificial intelligence-based voice assistant, Bixby on Monday. The assistant is expected to be one of the features of the Samsung Galaxy S8, when it is announced on March 29.
Bixby will be our first step on a journey to completely open up new ways of interacting with your phone. At the launch of the Galaxy S8, a subset of preinstalled applications will be Bixby-enabled. This set will continue to expand over time. Our plan is to eventually release a tool (in SDK) to enable third-party developers to make their applications and services Bixby-enabled easily, InJong Rhee, executive vice-president, head of research and development, software and services said in the official press release.
Here are some interesting facts about the new feature:
No Exclusivity
Samsung wont follow Googles strategy of keeping its voice assistant exclusive to one device. While the Google Assistant was exclusive to the companys flagship Pixel devices at launch, Samsung stated in the official press release that it wouldnt keep Bixby exclusive to the Samsung Galaxy S8. In fact, it will be available to all Samsung internet-connected devices, unlike the Google Assistant, which has not come to Android tablets.
Starting with our smartphones, Bixby will be gradually applied to all our appliances. In the future you would be able to control your air conditioner or TV through Bixby. Since Bixby will be implemented in the cloud, as long as a device has an internet connection and simple circuitry to receive voice inputs, it will be able to connect with Bixby. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, we believe Bixby will evolve from a smartphone interface to an interface for your life, the company said in its official press release.
Simply put, Samsung wants to use the Bixby voice assistant, to help create a smart home system in collaboration with the rest of its offerings such as smart washing machines, vacuum cleaners etc.
Read: Bixby Spotted On Italian Retailer's Website
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In-App Functionality
Samsung doesnt want Bixby to be a separate, seldom used feature like S-voice. Instead, the company wants apps to be Bixby enabled. So, when you use the Bixby button to summon the assistant, you will also be able to command apps using the voice assistant. This way, Bixby will be able to do every task normally performed by the app.
Contextualization
Bixby will keep in mind what the tasks you are performing at the time you are using it and then issue context-specific responses.
Evolution
In the press release, Samsung stated that it wants the voice assistant to be natural i.e. rather than relying on the voice assistants built-in functionality, it will use machine learning to evolve according to usage. Samsung hasnt entirely detailed how it plans to do so, but the company has hinted at functionality, which will be intrinsic on whatever tasks you perform on your smartphone. The company says that Bixby will prompt you for extra information, which will then let it participate minimally in the tasks you perform.
Read: S8 Specs Leaked, Bixby Not Mentioned
Samsung has also dismissed earlier rumors that Bixby will not be included in the Samsung Galaxy S8 at launch, although it indicated that the assistant will be improved overtime by regular software updates.
There has been a lot of excitement and speculation about what we will deliver with the launch of the Galaxy S8 later this month, especially due to the advancements in artificial intelligence. We do have a bold vision of revolutionizing the human-to-machine interface, but that vision wont be realized overnight. Ambition takes time.
The Samsung Galaxy S8 will be launched on March 29 at an expected price of $800-899.
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The developer preview of Android O has launched today, giving a lucky (and brave) few an advance look at the next version of Android. It will be some months until we start seeing Android O roll out across all Android devices, but now we at least know what were missing out on.
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Better battery life and performance
Its difficult to wave a magic wand to make everything on a phone run better and for longer, but thats what Google is trying to do with Android O, via the magic of background apps. Google is targeting a few key areas where apps running in the background of your phone are using too much resources to basically do nothing, and making things better.
The video below explains the problem of implicit broadcasts, one of the biggest problems Google is trying to address. Implicit broadcasts are when an app or service on the phone announces an event that might be of interest to other apps or services, for example when your phone reconnects to the internet after a period of lost connectivity. Those broadcasts wake up many dormant apps, and are a large part of the reason your phones battery dies weirdly quickly when you have spotty cell coverage.
The other areas being targeted are background services and location services. Those are both features that developers have started using more recently, and the changes mostly look like theyre designed to optimize and streamline. Its good news for Android users, although it means even more work for developers.
Higher-quality audio
Thanks to a partnership with Sony, Google will be integrating new Bluetooth technologies into Android O that allow for higher-quality wireless music. Given the current trend of axing headphone jacks, anything that makes Bluetooth music better is good news, and Sonys tech is some of the best in the business.
The big feature is LDAC support. LDAC is a proprietary Sony encoding system that promises better, higher-bitrate music transmission over a regular Bluetooth connection. It does require hardware that supports LDAC, which really just means Sony headphones and speakers at this point. But with free integration into Android, theres a good chance that well start seeing more LDAC headphones in the future.
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It also raises a worrying point, which is that we might be at the beginning of a Bluetooth unravelling. Apples newest wireless headphones (like the Airpods) have quick-connection features that dont work on Android devices. If Android devices start supporting proprietary encoding methods that dont work on iOS, its easy to see the currently-universal Bluetooth system devolving into a mess of competing codecs and compatibility, which would be a shame.
Notifications that dont suck
One of my biggest complaints whenever I use an Android phone are the litany of unnecessary notifications. Multiple notifications from the same app are a particularly dumb kind of irritation, so its awesome news that Google is actually fixing this. In Android O, notifications will be grouped together to help bring down the total number of notifications.
Even better, youll be able to choose what kinds of notifications you want. High-priority, low-priority and marketing will all be different options, which is good news because it means I might be able to finally disable Postmates offers about free delivery for good.
Picture-in-picture videos
If youve used the YouTube app on any device in the last year, youll be familiar with picture-in-picture viewing. Basically, it lets you resize a video to a small box in the corner while youre still able to browse around the device. Its ideal for keeping an eye on something while doing something else, so Google is making it possible for videos system-wide.
Keyboard support
Anyone using an Android phone probably wont care about this, but its superb news for Chromebook users. Basically, Google is adding better support for using keyboards to navigate Android apps. In particular, this means things like arrow keys and tab can be used to navigate through Android apps. Ive been using a Chromebook for work lately, and the one thing stopping Android app support from being great is that you cant tab through different fields when filling out forms. This fixes that.
Much better VOIP apps
Buried in the change notes is news about a telecom framework, which will let VOIP apps act like the devices main telephone app. Currently, only the conventional phone app can trigger most of the features associated with voice calls, but this framework will enable any (authorized) app to work as the main phone app.
This is a huge upgrade for anyone who uses a VOIP app over a data plan to make phone calls. For example, Google Hangouts offers free calling to any number in the US or Canada, so I use that to avoid any long-distance fees, or to make much cheaper overseas calls. The telecoms framework should mean more VOIP apps fill out with features, and more people can ditch their carrier-provided number. This is a good thing for customers, and awful news for any cell carriers still making money selling a $20-per-month talk-only plan.
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CHICAGO (AP) A U.S. appeals court issued a scathing, unequivocal ruling Thursday declaring that gay marriage bans in Wisconsin and Indiana violated the U.S. Constitution a decision released a little more than a week after oral arguments from a normally slow and deliberative court.
For Jerry Holten of Snow Lake, it was about time. Holten and his partner, Drew Benson, were married just minutes before a stay was issued June 27 to put on hold a decision by a federal judge that had initially ruled Indianas ban unconstitutional.
I knew justice would prevail. What a great day, Holten said. We thought this would take years.
It might take a while longer as Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller seeks another stay and waits for further appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The unanimous, 40-page decision by a three-judge panel of the U.S. 7th Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago blasted the states justifications for their bans, several times singling out the argument that only marriage between a man and a woman should be allowed because it is simply tradition.
There are bad traditions that are historical realities such as cannibalism, foot-binding, and suttee, and traditions that are neither good nor bad such as trick-or-treating on Halloween, the ruling says. Tradition per se therefore cannot be a lawful ground for discrimination regardless of the age of the tradition.
It also laid into another argument from the states that gays should not be allowed to marry because, on their own, they cant procreate, saying that rationale is so full of holes that it cannot be taken seriously.
Wisconsin Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said he would appeal the ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Same-sex marriage is legal in 19 states and the District of Columbia. Bans that have been overturned in some other states continue to make their way through the courts. Since last year, the vast majority of federal rulings have declared same-sex marriage bans unconstitutional.
The Wisconsin and Indiana cases shifted to Chicago after the states appealed lower court rulings tossing the bans. The 7th Circuit halted those rulings while it considered the cases.
The courts decision wont take effect for at least 21 days, said Camilla Taylor, a lawyer for Lambda Legal who argued on behalf of Wisconsin plaintiffs. That should give the states time to ask the Supreme Court to put it on hold, she said.
Between the bans being struck down and the order reinstating them as the appeals process ran its course, hundreds of gay couple in both states rushed to marry.
Gay couples heralded Thursdays decision.
Its huge, said Johannes Wallmann, whose 2007 marriage in Canada to Keith Borden wasnt recognized by Wisconsin after the couple moved to Madison. This provides clarity for us.
As far as Holten and Benson in Steuben County are concerned, the ruling means their marriage that took place just 30 minutes before the initial ruling was stayed has legitimacy.
Were glad we wont be in limbo anymore, Holten said.
In Indiana, some gathered at an office of the American Civil Liberties Union whose lawyers represented many of the plaintiffs after they received an email from one attorney proclaiming, WE WON!!!
But others were unhappy.
Marriage policy should be about protecting the established needs of children and society, not affirming the variable desires of certain political activists, said Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana.
The decision came unusually fast for the 7th Circuit just nine days after oral arguments suggesting unanimity came easily to the panel. The courts decisions typically take months.
Judge Richard Posner, an appointee of Republican President Ronald Reagan, wrote the opinion for the panel. During oral arguments, it was Posner who fired the toughest questions at the bans defenders, often expressing exasperation at their answers.
The other two judges on the panel were 2009 Barack Obama appointee David Hamilton and 1999 Bill Clinton appointee Ann Claire Williams.
The ruling echoed Posners comments during oral arguments that hate underpinned the bans. Homosexuals are among the most stigmatized, misunderstood, and discriminated-against minorities in the history of the world, the ruling says.
The opinion repeatedly mentions the issue of tradition, noting that some, such as shaking hands, may seem silly but are at least harmless. Thats not the case with gay-marriage bans, the court said.
If no social benefit is conferred by a tradition and it is written into law and it discriminates against a number of people and does them harm beyond just offending them, it is not just a harmless anachronism; it is a violation of the equal protection clause, the opinion says.
A constitutional amendment approved in 2006 by voters banned gay marriage in Wisconsin, while state law prohibited it in Indiana.
One outstanding question is whether the nations highest court will hear arguments on gay marriage.
Supreme Court justices typically take up issues only when lower courts disagree. But in this case, even victors in the lower courts may want the high court to address the question to settle the issue once and for all nationwide.
Herald Republican Editor Mike Marturello contributed to this report.
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore-headquartered Grab launched a trial of its ride-hailing services in Myanmar on Tuesday, aiming to expand to a seventh Southeast Asian country, while rival Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] said it was also looking to enter the market shortly. Grab is working with a small group of taxi drivers in a trial in Yangon, Myanmar's biggest city, and would increase in scale gradually, the company said in a statement. Myanmar would add to Grab's other regional operations in Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam. Its U.S. rival Uber operates worldwide. Uber, in a separate statement the same day, said it was "very pleased with the progress we have made toward a partnership with the government in Yangon and look forward to introducing our ridesharing technology in the country very soon." Expansion into Myanmar comes as authorities work to improve public transport, having for the first time introduced regular bus lines, timetables and salaries for drivers. (Reporting by Aradhana Aravindan; Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore and Christopher Cushing)
Swatch Group CEO, Nick Hayek, recently told Bloomberg that the firm has teams working on an in-house mobile operating system specially designed for smartwatches, expected to launch by 2018 on a Tissot-branded model. The firm's strategy could prove considerably challenging faced with the inherent qualities of Android Wear -- which equips the majority of current smartwatch models -- and the Apple Watch's Watch OS.
With the help of the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), Swatch is hoping to develop an ambitious operating system that better protects user data and which optimizes power use to boost battery life. It will notably work with a recently unveiled miniature Bluetooth 5.0 chip. In the long term, this as-yet-unnamed OS could roll out from smartwatches to other connected devices.
The latest version of Google's Android Wear (2.0) boosts smartwatch functionality by making recent wearables more autonomous. More specifically, applications can now be downloaded directly from a new version of the Google Play Store to the wearable itself, with no need for a smartphone. Ready-to-install applications for wearables include Google Fit, Google Maps, Google Messenger, Google Play Music and Android Pay (compatible countries only), as well as Runkeeper, Runtastic, Uber and more. The update also brings Google Assistant to smartwatches, available in English and German for the time being.
Apple's Watch OS has a particularly intuitive and user-friendly interface, including a range of customizable watch faces and an SMS app that displays emojis and stickers like an iPhone. In its latest version, apps are quicker to launch and users can bust stress with exercises in the Breathe app. Finally, Watch OS lets Apple users unlock their Mac directly via their watch.
Swatch no doubt envisages an initiative on par with Samsung's Tizen, a home-grown mobile operating system notably used in the firm's wearables and smart TVs, rather than Pebble, which also experimented an alternative OS before ultimately being bought by Fitbit.
Here Are the Best #JustAddZebras Memes From John Olivers Green-Screen Stunt
John Olivers Last Week Tonight has spawned yet another meme.
The host closed out Sundays episode of his HBO talk show with a short segment about an initiative in La Paz, Bolivia that uses people dressed up in zebra costumes to help direct traffic and reduce accidents.
Frankly, I have needed this over the past few months. The news has been hard, Oliver said during the segment featuring footage of zebras dancing, hugging children and participating in news interviews.
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If zebras can make Bolivian traffic jams better, what else could they help with? he mused after suggesting that every interview would be made better if one of the people involved were wearing zebra costumes.
Oliver then played clips of a man dressed up as a zebra inserted into the background of Donald Trumps inauguration, Rachel Maddows heavily hyped segment about Trumps tax returns, and even an emotional scene from Manchester by the Sea.
I think its pretty clear, with things in America the way they are now, we need these zebras like never before, he said.
Also Read: John Oliver Rips the Robe Off China's Dalai Lama Drama (Video)
Last Week Tonight followed up the segment by uploading a 23-minute video of the zebra dancing and emoting in front of a green screen. Viewers were encouraged to take the clip and insert the zebra into other stressful events from the news.
See some of the best memes below:
Zebras are taking over the internet today whether you like it or not. #justaddzebras pic.twitter.com/rev7uJrFJu Jacob A. Ware (@JacobAWare) March 20, 2017
Decided to teach myself how to use green screen on iMovie. #JustAddZebras to the meme about the gun-toting son of the racist. pic.twitter.com/6vxFwB5NV0 Mikala Paula (@mikalapaula) March 20, 2017
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KENDALLVILLE The City Council tonight will consider several resolutions related to tax abatements and a proposed downtown streetscape project.
Council members will consider a resolution granting Kraft Heinz Co. a 10-year, sliding-scale tax abatement on approximately $5 million in new equipment for its plant at 151 W. Ohio St.
The company is planning to install a new boiler, new equipment to streamline the marshmallow packaging area and assemblies for the boiler operation.
No new jobs will be created, but 330 jobs will be retained, the business said in its abatement application.
Council members will consider a resolution amending a previous resolution that spells out guidelines for tax abatements for commercial properties in an economic revitalization area. Proposed changes include the minimum number of years and minimum amounts of investment to qualify for an abatement.
A resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application and local match commitment for a proposed $1 million downtown streetscape project will be considered by council members. The city plans to apply to the Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs for a $500,000 matching grant for the project.
The local $500,000 match is made up of $200,000 in Redevelopment Commission funds and a $300,000 bank loan.
Council members will conduct a public hearing on the proposed streetscape project prior to the meeting.
Related to the proposed streetscape project, council members will consider a resolution declaring the downtown business district as a slum or blighted area in need of redevelopment.
The first reading of a proposed ordinance establishing a nonreverting fund to receive revenue for the public-safety income tax is also on the councils agenda.
The City Council meets at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
Being a successful rancher these days takes a lot more work than luck, but it doesnt hurt to have a healthy dose of luck, either.
One of the biggest factors that determines commercial success in the beef business is the quality of bull used to improve the herd, and that is where the money can be made or lost. But how do buyers select their new herd bulls?
Well, it takes a lot of testing.
Chet Adams raises Angus bulls near Firth, Idaho, and he is happy to go into detail regarding the testing that his animals go through prior to their sale.
We do performance testing, ultrasound and DNA testing on all of our bulls, Adams said. We can break out the information on calving weights, yearling size, amount of marbling and a lot of other factors to help generate expected progeny difference. Its just another great tool to improve a herd or any breeding program.
He said a cow would have to produce nine or 10 calves to get the same information that can be gained through DNA testing.
Science has changed our breeding program, he said. Its easier to find weaknesses if you utilize the testing to improve your herd. Buyers can look at the numbers to make their bull selection and enhance the improvement of their herd.
Beef prices overall have been down over the past few years, but bull sales will still see prices that are two to three times the price received for commercial beef cattle. That price is a reflection of the price paid for good breeding to gain quality animals.
If we are doing all this work just to make the same price as a commercial beef producer, we are in the wrong business, Wade Beckman said. Beckman raises Lim-Flex cattle near Roberts, a breed that is primarily grown to produce hybrid vigor.
Historically, we have always had a good sale, Adams said. You cant last long in this business without good-quality animals.
Keith Elkington raises polled Hereford and South Devon cattle near Ammon, Idaho, and he is in agreement.
The bulls better be good for reproduction or they arent any good for me, Elkington said. We do fertility testing, test for trichinosis, bangs everything they need to get the health papers they need to travel.
He said that last year his sale averaged $4,300 a bull when the average meat price was roughly $2,000 for an animal of the same size. This years numbers arent complete yet as he still has some bulls for sale due to poor weather affecting his sale day turnout.
The market average is down all over, but the price has improved in the past few weeks, although it still varies auction by auction, Adams said. Some are down a little, some are the same as last year, some are even a little higher, but good stock always sells well.
The bulls sold in eastern Idaho make their way from sale yard here to many locations throughout the western United States and Canada where they make their mark on the world.
We sell our bulls all over Oregon, Washington, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming, Adams said. We have one customer who has been buying five or six bulls a year from us for 31 years. We have a lot of returning customers who have success with our bulls and that success brings more return business.
Elkington has two bulls that will travel even farther before getting to their new home. They are headed to Canada.
Well end up doing a little more blood work for them, but that is what you have to do, he said.
Adams will be hosting his 48th bull sale this year so he figures he must be doing something right.
People still need good quality bulls to get good beef and good quality bulls always sell well, he said.
WOOSTER, Ohio Tomorrows tires could come from the farm as much as the factory.
Researchers at The Ohio State University have discovered that food waste can partially replace the petroleum-based filler that has been used in manufacturing tires for more than a century. In tests, rubber made with the new fillers exceeds industrial standards for performance, which may ultimately open new applications for rubber.
Katrina Cornish said the technology has the potential to solve three problems it makes the manufacture of rubber products more sustainable, reduces American dependence on foreign oil and keeps waste out of landfills.
Cornish, an Ohio research scholar and endowed chair in biomaterials at The Ohio State University, has spent years cultivating new domestic-rubber sources, including a rubber-producing dandelion. Now she has a patent-pending method for turning eggshells and tomato peels into viable and locally sourced replacements for carbon black, a petroleum-based filler that American companies often purchase from overseas.
About 30 percent of a typical automobile tire is carbon black; its the reason tires appear black. It makes the rubber durable; its cost varies with petroleum prices.
Carbon black is becoming harder to come by, Cornish said.
The tire industry is growing very quickly, and we dont just need more natural rubber, we need more filler too, she said. The number of tires being produced worldwide is going up all the time, so countries are using all the carbon black they can make. Theres no longer a surplus, so we cant just buy some from Russia to make up the difference like we used to. At the same time we need to have more sustainability.
Thats why she and her team are gathering eggshells and other food waste from Ohio food producers.
Were not suggesting that we collect the eggshells from your breakfast, Cornish said. Were going right to the biggest source.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consume nearly 100 billion eggs each year. Half are cracked open in commercial food factories, which pay to have the shells hauled to landfills by the ton. There the mineral-packed shells dont break down.
The second most popular vegetable in the United States the tomato also provides a source of filler, the researchers found. Americans eat 13 million tons of tomatoes per year, most of them canned or otherwise processed. Commercial tomatoes have been bred to grow thick fibrous skins so they can survive being packed and transported long distances. When food companies want to make a product such as tomato sauce, they peel and discard the skin, which isnt easily digestible.
Cindy Barrera, a postdoctoral researcher in Cornishs lab, found in tests that eggshells have porous microstructures that provide larger surface area for contact with the rubber, and give rubber-based materials unusual properties. Tomato peels are highly stable at high temperatures and can also be used to generate material with good performance.
Fillers generally make rubber stronger, but they also make it less flexible, Barrera said. We found that replacing different portions of carbon black with ground eggshells and tomato peels caused synergistic effects for instance, enabling strong rubber to retain flexibility.
Cornish said, We may find that we can pursue many applications that were not possible before with natural rubber.
The new rubber doesnt look black, but rather reddish brown, depending on the amount of eggshell or tomato in it. With doctoral student Tony Ren, Cornish and Barrera are now testing different combinations and looking at ways to add color to the materials.
Current Ohio State doctoral student Jessica Slutzky and former masters student Griffin Michael Bates participated in the research. The university has licensed the patent-pending technology to Cornishs company, EnergyEne, for further development.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Americans consume nearly 100 billion eggs each year. Half are cracked open in commercial food factories, which pay to have the shells hauled to landfills by the ton. There the mineral-packed shells dont break down.
Adam Hady, agriculture agent with UW-Extension in Richland County, will be at the Black River Falls Public Library on Tuesday, March 28 at 6:30 p.m. to present Backyard Chickens. Ideas will be shared for successful backyard chicken coops for egg layers and broiler chickens. Adam has years of experience raising poultry both commercially and with his family's backyard hobby flock. The collaborative effort with UW-Extension Jackson County will be a great opportunity to showcase the Small Animal Project Livestock Auction and share information with members of the public interested in starting a backyard flock.
The event is an extension of Jackson County Reads, a program designed to encourage reading for pleasure and foster dialogue within our community. Community members are encouraged to read the 2017 selection Coop: A Year of Poultry, Pigs and Parenting by Michael Perry. The author tells stories of family, neighbors and life in rural Wisconsin, along with the joys and sorrows that touch all our lives.
The public is invited to a free presentation by Michael Perry on Friday, April 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the Lunda Theater sponsored by the Friends of Black River Falls Public Library. More information is available at the Black River Falls Public Library or on the library website, www.blackriverfallslibrary.org.
Jackson County Emergency Management and Ho-Chunk Emergency Management are co-hosting a National Weather Service (NWS) SKYWARN Severe Weather Spotter Training in Black River Falls, Wis. on Thursday, March 23. The training will be held at the Ho-Chunk Tribal Office Building, W9814 Airport Road, starting at 6:30 p.m.
This two-hour class includes a multimedia presentation and is intended for storm spotters or potential storm spotters and anyone who is interested in learning more about weather. This class is open to the public and free of charge. A review of recent and past severe weather will be included.
The NWS relies heavily on actual storm reports from "spotters", which can include sheriff's departments, local emergency management officials, police and fire departments, amateur radio operators or anyone else that has attended one of these classes. These reports can prompt warnings that save lives a proven fact weve seen many times in our region.
Todd Shea, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the weather service in La Crosse, Wis. organizes the training each year and encourages large groups and active volunteers. Accurate and timely reports of severe weather, by trained individuals, not only helps our office, but can save lives in the local community. We always need more eyes to the sky.
We have had a tremendous response from people who have taken past classes, states Jackson County Emergency Management Coordinator Kristina Page. People have walked away from the class with a much better understanding of severe weather.
Jackson County, as well as other areas of western and central Wisconsin, always needs more ground-truth weather reports to pass along to the National Weather Service. Again, training is Thursday, March 23 near Black River Falls, Wis. starting at 6:30 p.m. Pre-registration is not needed.
Jill Ann Bagniefski, 59, of La Crosse passed away Saturday, March 18, 2017, after a long battle with respiratory ailments.
She was a loving and devoted mother and grandmother. She was born to Frederick Charles and Rita Ann (Gates) Bagniefski, the second of seven children. In her early years, she enjoyed singing and playing guitar and cultivated what would become a life-long passion for creativity. A poet, photographer, metallurgist, graphic designer, painter, sculptor, and potter, Jill was an artist in practice and of heart. She was an adventurer and Rendezvous enthusiast who loved to travel and included her family on her many endeavors.
She graduated from Central High School in 1975, after which time she served as security police in the U.S. Air Force. For many years she worked as a realtor. More recently Jill was able fulfill her dream of returning to nature after restoring her cabin in rural Mindoro. She was slated to graduate from University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2017, with a B.S. in fine arts.
She is survived by her parents; her siblings, Jeffrey Bagniefski, Timothy (Kris) Bagniefski, Teresa (James) Whitaker, Brian (Julie) Bagniefski and Brent (Mark) Bagniefski; her former husband, Kenneth Zakem; her children, Jennifer (Harrison) Hund and Anna (Grant) Zakem; and her beloved grandchildren, Haylee Vejvoda, Charlie Engfer and Jackson Hund. Jills brothers and sisters truly believe she was the most powerful woman in the world. She was preceded in death by maternal and paternal grandparents.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 25, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church. The Rev. Lawrence Berger will officiate. Private family burial will take place at a later date. Friends may call on the family from 4 until 6 p.m. Friday evening, at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse Chapel, 200 West Ave. S. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Jills memory. Online guestbook may be signed at www.schumacher-kish.com.
This is a teachable moment to tell the positive story of U.S. dairy exports, but we need the efforts of everyone in the industry to tell the message.
Since taking over as the U.S. Dairy Export Councils president and CEO last month, Tom Vilsack has crisscrossed the country meeting people and giving speeches. Interest in the former U.S. Agriculture Secretarys perspective has been keen. Exports, imports, free-trade agreements and their impact on the U.S. economy have been in the news, with politicians, activists, journalists and others voicing strong opinions about U.S. trade policy.
To break through the noise, the U.S. dairy industry needs to convey a clear and consistent message, not just on trade policy, but on a host of other issues.
We have to collaborate, Vilsack said at the International Dairy Foods Associations Dairy Forum, held Jan. 29 to Feb. 1 in Orlando, Florida. We have to communicate. We have to cooperate.
Vilsack isnt just referring to the leading dairy organizations.
It is important and necessary for everyone in the supply chain that is impacted and is affected by dairy whether they produce it, process it, package it, transport it, sell it, market it or promote it to speak as best we can with a single unified voice on a variety of issues so that we can impact and affect positive policymaking, Vilsack said.
Help us communicate the dairy industrys positive story by sharing with family, friends, neighbors and elected officials, both offline and online.
Here are seven shareable facts about U.S. dairy exports.
1. U.S. dairy exports create jobs
Most people know American agriculture feeds much of the world. What some dont realize is agricultural exports create thousands of jobs in America. The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that at the farm level, each $1 billion of U.S. dairy exports generates more than 20,000 jobs and almost $3 billion of economic output. At the manufacturing level, USDA calculates that dairy exports support about 3,200 jobs per $1 billion of exports. This past year dairy exports generated more than 110,000 American jobs in dairy farming, manufacturing and related sectors. Thats about equal to the number of employees at Apple.
2. The world needs U.S. dairy exports
Many countries dont have the cows, farms, natural resources, technology and other capabilities required to meet the dairy needs of their own citizens. They must look elsewhere. For many the United States is the best choice. U.S. dairy exports have more than quadrupled in the past 16 years from less than $1 billion in 2000 to nearly $5 billion in 2016.
3. Milk from 1 in 7 U.S. tankers ends in products and ingredients overseas
Fifteen years ago the United States exported about 5 percent of total U.S. milk production. Today the country is nearly three times that level, even as overall U.S. milk production has continued to grow. The milk in 1 out of 7 tankers leaving American farms ends in dairy products and ingredients sold overseas. That makes dairy exports integral to the health of the U.S. dairy industry.
4. Were shipping whey more than milk
Mention U.S. dairy exports to someone unfamiliar with the industry and they probably envision gallons of fluid milk on a cargo container heading to China. While the United States does export some milk with long shelf life to China, most U.S. exports are milk-based products and ingredients. In 2016 U.S. dairy exporters shipped 1.89 million tons of milk powders, whey products, lactose, cheese and butterfat, up 3 percent from 2015.
5. Exports of U.S. dairy ingredients are surging
In 2016 U.S. dairy exports were led by nutritious ingredients like whey protein. Sixty-two percent of the $4.7 billion in U.S. dairy exports this past year were dairy ingredients, with variations of whey. Think of dairy ingredients as the protein-packed food that is used to create all sorts of food all around the world from pancake mix with whey protein and pizza dough with sweet whey powder to protein ice cream. But surveys show most Americans dont even know that whey comes from dairy.
6. U.S. dairy exports can literally make the world taller
Milk provides nutrition for children in countries like Guatemala, Sudan and Vietnam. Since the United States started exporting dairy products in large quantities, child stunting a form of malnutrition has declined 22 percent in developing countries. U.S. dairy exports are literally lifting the stature of children. Many countries see dairy as a key to their nations health. Vietnamese men and women are among the shortest in the world the average man is 5 feet 4 inches and the average woman is 5 feet 1 inch. At the same time Vietnam spends more on health care as a percent of gross domestic product than any country in the region. The government has set a goal to increase average heights by 1 inch to 2 inches by 2020. The primary means for accomplishing that is through increased milk consumption.
7. Mexico is our most important market and job creator
Mexico is not only Americas neighbor to the south. Its the largest importer of U.S. dairy products, buying one-fourth of everything the United States exports. Mexican buyers support about 30,000 American jobs, primarily in rural America. It takes the equivalent of about 1,500 average-sized U.S. dairy farms to supply the volume of milk the United States ships to Mexico in the form of various dairy products. Thats a lot of farm families relying on the continued free flow of U.S. dairy products to Mexico. Since the North American Free Trade Agreement became law in 1994, U.S. dairy exports to Mexico have increased from $250 million to $1.2 billion.
BLACK RIVER FALLS -- Authorities on Sunday arrested a Merrillan woman wanted in the 2015 heroin death of Vernell Pugh.
Harley Est, 24, was arrested in Galesville after authorities spotted her inside a car, according to the La Crosse County Sheriff's Department.
Est is charged in Jackson County Circuit Court with first-degree reckless homicide. Prosecutors argue she injected Pugh with heroin while he was asleep, which contributed to his death, according to the complaint.
Est for weeks taunted authorities, writing that she would turn herself in on the Black River Falls Police Department's Facebook page.
She will appear in court Thursday.
A man arrested with Est, 32-year-old Zachary Wittenberg of La Crosse, faces charges of harboring or aiding a felon.
Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) President Jin Liqun (L) speaks with a guest during the China Development Forum (CDF) 2017 in Beijing, March 19, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
The head of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank voiced support on Monday for globalization, saying that countries can benefit from the process with effective domestic reforms and correct policy choices.
AIIB President Jin Liqun warned that globalization has suffered a setback because of the lack of shared benefits and the polarization of the world's haves and have-nots.
"There is an urgent need to improve global economic governance. This is going to bring about shared benefits and ensure that no country is left behind," Jin said in a speech at the China Development Forum in Beijing. The three-day event ended on Monday.
The AIIB chief said that globalization has enabled many countries to adopt "pro-market measures" and achieve "huge gains" in economic efficiency and prosperity.
"I think we are all winners of globalization. ... I absolutely deny that there are losers," he said, adding that countries that are not doing well in the process need to "fix" their policies to benefit from globalization.
Jin's comments were seen as the latest evidence of China's effort to defend globalization and call for greater policy coordination among governments to foster growth and support free and fair trade.
At their G20 meeting in Germany over the weekend, financial ministers and central bank governors did not mention anti-protectionism or their traditionally strong support for free trade in their statement, which disappointed some observers.
"It is a clear example that the world is losing the support for globalization," said Stephen Roach, a senior fellow at Yale University's Jackson Institute for Global Affairs.
Roach lauded China's call for greater coordination among countries, saying that globalization is not about one country leading or dominating but rather about commitment from a large number of countries.
He said governments should build much more broad-based, responsive and long-term safety nets to fund programs that deal with the costs of globalization.
"I don't think there are any winners (in the trend of anti-globalization). The only winners are the politicians who get power from the backlash," he added.
Lou Jiwei, chairman of the National Council for Social Security Fund and former finance minister, also expressed disappointment with the G20's failure to mention anti-protectionism in the meeting statement.
"Anti-globalization measures cannot stop the trend of globalization. It will only reduce the benefit of the people and undermine the fiscal basis to improve income distribution," Lou told the participants at the China Development Forum.
Paul Romer, chief economist and senior vice-president of the World Bank, said there is no reason to be pessimistic about China's economic prospects amid rising trade protectionism and economic nationalism, since the country survived the shock of the global financial crisis in 2008.
Romer added that China and the United States should try to manage their bilateral economic relations well and keep the consensus in favor of free trade, which he said is in the interest of both sides.
Wisconsins voter turnout in the November presidential election ranked fifth in the nation, the states worst showing in 20 years, and declined the second-most from 2012, according to a new report by Nonprofit VOTE and the U.S. Elections Project.
The report doesnt mention the potential effect of Wisconsins voter ID requirement, but in an interview, report author George Pillsbury noted Wisconsin and Mississippi, which introduced a voter ID requirement in 2014, had the biggest decline in turnout since the previous presidential election, even as national turnout increased.
I think that says something, Pillsbury said. When youre among the two states with the biggest drop in voter turnout, theres something behind that.
Another reason for Wisconsins reduced turnout was distaste for both presidential candidates, particularly among Milwaukees African-American voters, Pillsbury said. Republican Donald Trump received about 2,700 fewer votes than 2012 GOP nominee Mitt Romney, while Democrat Hillary Clinton received almost 239,000 fewer votes than President Barack Obama, with much of the decline coming in Milwaukee.
UW-Madison political science professor Barry Burden noted that while Wisconsin turned out to be a close contest, it received less attention from the presidential candidates than in previous elections Clinton didnt visit the state at all which could be another factor.
High turnout has been maintained by a combination of three factors: a strong culture of civic participation, supportive election laws and competitive elections, said Burden. The participatory culture probably did not change substantially since the last election. The more likely culprits are changes in election laws and the competitiveness of the 2016 campaign.
The study focused on other factors that could be driving increased voter turnout, such as same-day voter registration, all voters receiving a mail-in ballot, nonpartisan redistricting and ranked-choice voting. Pillsbury said it didnt look at voter ID because there are conflicting studies on its impact on voting, something that could clear up over time, and also because Nonprofit VOTE tries to stick to less-partisan issues.
Wisconsins 2011 voter ID law was put on hold until last year due to legal challenges. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear a challenge to the law, leaving an appellate courts ruling upholding the law in place. Republicans supported the law as a safeguard against voter fraud, while Democrats said it discouraged minorities, students and seniors from voting.
Lowest since 2000 election
Wisconsins 70.5 percent turnout among eligible voters was the lowest since the 2000 election, when a 67.6 percent turnout ranked third in the nation. In each of the next three presidential elections the state ranked second nationally as turnout ranged from 74.8 percent in 2004 to 72.4 percent in 2008.
In 1996, the states 58.4 percent turnout ranked 13th. Last years turnout was still higher than presidential contests between 1980 and 1992, when participation ranked between third and fifth nationally.
While Wisconsins participation dipped last year, the national turnout of 60.2 percent was up from 58 percent in 2012, though down from 61.6 percent in 2008. It was the third highest national turnout since the voting age was lowered to 18 in 1971, according to the report.
Minnesota, with 74.8 percent turnout, continued its streak of having the highest participation in the country dating back to 1992. Hawaii, with 43 percent turnout, ranked worst in the country for the fifth straight presidential election.
The report found the 14 states, including Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia that have same-day voter registration had turnout rates seven points higher than states that dont offer that option. Oregon, the first state to implement automatic voter registration when residents renew their drivers licenses, saw the biggest improvement in voter participation since 2012.
The report also found battleground states such as Wisconsin continued to have higher turnout than non-battleground states.
The states with the lowest turnout Hawaii, West Virginia, Texas, Tennessee and Arkansas werent battleground states and ended voter registration three to four weeks before Election Day.
The report recommended ranked-choice voting, in which voters can express support for multiple candidates, as a way to improve voter turnout after Maine became the first state to implement the system. Its turnout improved the second-most from 68.2 percent in 2012 to 72.8 percent last year.
Turnout, as calculated by the U.S. Elections Project, measures the number of ballots divided by the voter-eligible population, a figure that excludes non-citizens and convicted felons in states that prohibit them from voting.
Its good to be home.
New city of Tomah Ambulance Service director Randy Dunford is happy to be back in his hometown and to return to a position he held from 1989 to 1991.
Dunford, a 1978 Tomah High School graduate, got into the ambulance service when he was a member of the Tomah Police Department, which he joined in 1979.
He served on the TPD until 1989, which he left as a sergeant, and transferred to the Ambulance Service.
The key factor in his transfer was the ability to serve and help others, Dunford said.
Its a great group of people people that work in this particular field are very passionate people because they care so much for their patients and helping them through a difficult period. If somebody needs an ambulance, its usually not a happy time in their life, he said. We want to ... make it as best of an experience as possible for them.
After about two years in the Ambulance Service, Dunford returned to the police department, where he remained until 1997, when he became chief of police in New Lisbon.
In 2001, Dunford left to become police chief in Pulaski until his retirement in 2013, for a total of 34 years in law enforcement.
In retirement, Dunford felt a pull back to ambulance.
I missed emergency services law enforcement and emergency services is all under that umbrella, he said. Having been an ambulance director before, I know the basics about that field and managing is managing. ... So, that part of it Im confident that Ill be able to continue the excellence that Tomah expects from that position, and Im still young enough where that kind of challenge is exciting, its fun.
Dunford and wife, Sarah, a 1979 THS graduate, also felt a pull back home, to be close to family.
Its something weve been praying about, ... if it would work to move back here, he said. So far, its just been wonderful. Shes on board with moving back and shes equally as excited to be back here. It was a fairly easy decision to make.
City Administrator Roger Gorius believes Dunford will do well as director.
He was already director of the ambulance service at one time, hes got experience, he knows the town, he knows the city, he said. I think hell be a fine member of our team.
Dunford says its an honor to be selected.
Im sure they had some very, very qualified people, and to be chosen, Im just humbled and grateful and I want to do a good job for the city and the citizens, he said.
Dunford, who began as ambulance director Feb. 27, says hes impressed with the changes the department has made since he left.
Stepping up to the paramedic level in Tomah is just huge, that was just a huge undertaking as far as creating it, he said. I dont think the average person really realizes the amount of work and effort that it took to get us to this level. I commend Jody Allen a great deal for doing that and bringing it here.
Dunfords goal as director is to keep moving the department forward.
I want to create a vision within the department that we can work towards and achieve, he said. Tomahs always been a very pro-active community. Its not a community without its struggles, we all have them, but theyve got a great history of moving in the right direction and doing the right thing.
032017-tj-nws-dunford-ambulance
David James Engel, 65, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at the Bland Bekkedal Center for Hospice Care in Viroqua.
Dave Engel is survived by his wife, Marta W. Engel (nee Weinfeld) of Soldiers Grove; his mother, Mary Roessel Engel, of Bismarck, N.D.; his children, Joshua (Teresa) Engel, Soldiers Grove, Noah (Ximena) Engel, Viroqua, Tobiah Engel, Baltimore and Lilly Engel; Minneapolis; and grandsons, Otto, Yasmani and Rafael.
He is preceded in death by his father, Austin George Engel Jr. of Bismarck.
Dave Engel was born Aug. 9, 1951, in New Haven, Conn. He graduated from Bismarck High School and attended Antioch College in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Dave was a dairy farmer for 30 years and will be remembered for his work as a pioneer and champion of organic and family farmers. Dave was a founding farmer for Organic Valley, where he sold milk for 23 years. Dave helped found and was the executive director of MOSA (Midwest Organic Services Association). He also founded Natures International Certification Services.
Daves sons, Josh and Noah, currently run Driftless Organics, an organic vegetable operation on the home farm.
Dave Engel was well known for his independent spirit and his generosity.
A memorial is scheduled for Dave Engel, from 2 to 6 p.m. Saturday, April 8, at the Sugar Creek Bible Camp, located at 13141 Sugar Creek Bible Camp Road in rural Ferryville. The camp is located off County Hwy. C, about three miles west of State Hwy. 27. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Daves life. The family would like to thank all of the generous community members for their support during this difficult time.
Tuesday, March 21, 2017
An opinion of the North Carolina Court of Appeals affirms a disqualification order based on the witness-advocate rule.
This case presents the question of whether a categorical exception to the applicability of Rule 3.7 of the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct exists in fee collection cases. Harris & Hilton, P.A. (Harris & Hilton) appeals from the trial courts order disqualifying Nelson G. Harris (Mr. Harris) and David N. Hilton (Mr. Hilton) from appearing as trial counsel in this action based on their status as necessary witnesses. Because this Court lacks the authority to create a new exception to Rule 3.7, we affirm the trial courts order.
The story
On 10 June 2015, Harris & Hilton filed the present action in Wake County District Court against James C. Rassette (Defendant) to recover attorneys fees for legal services the firm had allegedly provided to Defendant prior to that date. The complaint asserted that Harris & Hilton was entitled to recover $16,935.69 in unpaid legal fees. On 13 November 2015, Defendant filed an answer in which he asserted various defenses, including an assertion that no contract had ever existed between the parties.
On 10 June 2016, a pre-trial conference was held before the Honorable Debra S. Sasser. During the conference, Judge Sasser expressed a concern about the fact that Harris & Hiltons trial attorneys Mr. Harris and Mr. Hilton were also listed as witnesses who would testify at trial on behalf of Harris & Hilton. After determining that Mr. Harris and Mr. Hilton were, in fact, necessary witnesses who would be testifying regarding disputed issues such as whether a contract had actually been formed, Judge Sasser entered an order on 20 June 2016 disqualifying the two attorneys from representing Harris & Hilton at trial pursuant to Rule 3.7. On 27 June 2016, Harris & Hilton filed a notice of appeal to this Court.
The issue
Harris & Hilton does not dispute the fact that (1) Mr. Harris and Mr. Hilton will both be necessary witnesses at trial; (2) their testimony will encompass material, disputed issues; and (3) none of the three above-quoted exceptions contained within Rule 3.7 are applicable. Nor does it contest the fact that a literal reading of Rule 3.7 supports the trial courts ruling. Instead, it asks this Court to adopt a new exception based on its contention that Rule 3.7 should not be applied in fee collection actions to disqualify counsel from both representing their own firm and testifying on its behalf.
Harris & Hilton argues that permitting a law firms attorney to serve both as trial counsel and as a witness in a fee collection case is no different than allowing litigants to represent themselves pro se. It is true that litigants are permitted under North Carolina law to appear pro se regardless of whether the litigant is an attorney or a layperson. See N.C. Gen. Stat. 1-11 (2015) (A party may appear either in person or by attorney in actions or proceedings in which he is interested.); N.C. Gen. Stat. 84-4 (2015) ([I]t shall be unlawful for any person or association of persons, except active members of the Bar . . . to practice as attorneys-at-law, to appear as attorney or counselor at law in any action or proceeding before any judicial body . . . except in his own behalf as a party thereto[.] (emphasis added)).
However, the present case does not involve the ability of Mr. Harris or Mr. Hilton to represent themselves on a pro se basis. Instead, they seek to represent their law firm a professional corporation in a suit against a third party while simultaneously serving as witnesses on their firms behalf as to disputed issues of fact. It is well established that an entity such as Harris & Hilton is treated differently under North Carolina law than a pro se litigant. See LexisNexis, Div. of Reed Elsevier, Inc. v. Travishan Corp., 155 N.C. App. 205, 209, 573 S.E.2d 547, 549 (2002) (holding that under North Carolina law, a corporation is not permitted to represent itself pro se).
Harris & Hilton also makes a policy argument, contending that the current version of Rule 3.7 is archaic and fails to take into account the disproportionate economic burden on small law firms that are forced to hire outside counsel to litigate fee collection cases. However, in making this argument, Harris & Hilton misunderstands the role of this Court given that it is asking us not to interpret Rule 3.7 but rather to rewrite it a power that we simply do not possess.
Thus
we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion by applying Rule 3.7 as written as opposed to creating a new exception that neither appears within the Rule itself nor has been recognized by North Carolinas appellate courts. Accordingly, we affirm the trial courts disqualification order.
(Mike Frisch)
https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/legal_profession/2017/03/an-opinion-of-the-north-carolina-court-of-appeals-this-case-presents-the-question-of-whether-a-categorical-exception-to-the.html
Environmental activists say plans for a large dam threaten wildlife sanctuaries in Myanmars northern Karen state.
China would finance the proposed Hatgyi dam on Southeast Asias Salween River. The Sinohydro company of China and Thailands Electricity Generating Authority are building the dam.
The Salween is the longest river in Southeast Asia that does not have a major dam. Now, developers want to build seven dams on the main part of the river.
Saw Paul Sein Twa is the executive director of the Karen Environmental and Social Action Network, or KESAN. He says the proposed dam project should be stopped. He says his group needs to study the wildlife in the area.
The dam will flood the area where we have found so many species -- including tigers -- (that) we need to really preserve. We need to do more research (and) survey to find out their status, he said.
Species under threat
Researchers wrote about the sanctuary last month in the Oryx Journal. They studied the area over a period of five years. They found that many tigers, leopards, Asian black bears and elephants live in the wildlife sanctuary area.
The researchers said the Karen people need help in their effort to protect, in their words, one of Southeast Asias last intact rich and diverse ecosystems.
The International Union for the Conservation of Nature says at least 17 of the 31 species found in the area are threatened or in danger of disappearing.
Groups including the World Wide Fund for Nature, zoological associations from Scotland and Europe and Australias Wildlife Asia have supported the five-year study.
Clare Campbell is the director of Wildlife Asia. She said protecting the area from threats like development and poaching requires international help. She told VOA that threats are emerging all the time.
Teams of local Karen people help guard the area. A program to protect the sanctuary against poaching led to the creation of the groups.
Campbell said the anti-poaching teams want to expand the areas they protect.
Political factors
The government of Myanmar has reached cease-fire agreements with several ethnic armies, including the Karen one. And more developers are entering the country, following government reforms and increased political calm.
But the reduction in conflict has led to an increase in attacks on animals. Since 2012, Myanmar has reported an increase in yearly elephant poaching. Officials blame the increase on the demand for animal parts. Demand is especially high in China.
Conservationists fear that Chinas growing influence in Myanmar may cause the Karen leadership to stop supporting the sanctuary.
During recent cease-fire talks, a top Karen rebel visited China. He was the first such leader to do so.
Saw Paul says some experts are worried that the Karen leadership may end their support for the sanctuary, especially since China is backing the dam project.
VOA was unable to talk with Karen officials.
In an effort to stop the government from supporting the Hatgyi dam, the Karen have launched the Karen Wildlife Conservation Initiative, or KWCI.
The KWCI brings together the Karen Forestry Department, KESAN and Wildlife Asia. The group has named an area -- including the place where the dam is to be built -- a Karen cultural and community reserve and wildlife sanctuary.
I'm Ashley Thompson.
Correspondent Ron Corben reported this story from Bangkok. John Smith adapted his reporting into VOA Special English. Mario Ritter was the editor.
We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.
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Words in This Story
sanctuary n. a place where someone or something is protected or given shelter
species n. a group of animals or plants that are similar and can produce young animals or plants
status n. the current state of someone or something
intact adj. not broken or damaged; having every part
diverse adj. made up of people or things that are different from each other
ecosystem n. everything that exists in a particular environment
zoological adj. describing the branch of science that involves the study of animals and animal behavior
poach v. to hunt or fish illegally; to catch or kill an animal illegally
emerge v. to rise or appear from a hidden or unknown place or condition
conservationist n. someone who works to protect animals, plants, and natural resources or to prevent the loss or waste of natural resources; a person who is involved in conservation
The things they'll take: Refugees and their most precious possessions
Hollywood luminary Nicole Kidman is NEUTROGENA Global Brand Ambassador
17 March 2017, Petaling Jaya Worldwide premium skincare brand NEUTROGENA has recently announced Academy Award-winning actress, activist for womens cancer research and Goodwill Ambassador of UN Women, Nicole Kidman as its latest Global Brand Ambassador.According to Cory Price, General Manager of NEUTROGENA at Johnson & Johnson US, Nicole embodies the true spirit of the women that we are committed to everyday. Their passion, strength and focus are what makes NEUTROGENA women so special. Nicole will help us encourage women to embrace their beauty through the lens of skin health and empower women to see whats possible with NEUTROGENA.In Malaysia, NEUTROGENA is known for its wide array of skin health-focused products starting from cleansers, hydration serum and masks to sun protection lotions.We are pleased that a Hollywood big name like Nicole Kidman has become our global brand ambassador. Besides keeping the NEUTROGENA brand top of mind when it comes to beauty, Nicole will serve as an aspiration for our local consumers who appreciate healthy and beautiful skin, said Raghu Krishnan, Country Director, Consumer, Johnson & Johnson Malaysia.Nicole Kidman, Australian actress and NEUTROGENA Ambassador, comments: The world works in mysterious ways! As you probably know, I grew up in Australia where sun protection is everything from the time I was a little girl, my mum taught me to protect my skin from the sun. So looking after the health of my skin is something Ive grown up understanding. But as times passes, Ive realised that, sun protection has become just part of the storyIve learned that your skin needs a lot of attention and support, just like the rest of your body in order to keep it its healthiest.So when I had the opportunity to partner with NEUTROGENA, a brand that has skin health at the core of who they are, it was like the stars were aligning for me.Right now I can honestly say I am loving life more than ever, so my overall health, including the health of my skin is a top priority. Look, the reality is, we all know choosing the right anti-ageing product is trial and error, hit or miss, some things work and some dont. But at this point in my life I am looking for something that simply works, thats why I am really excited to join this passionate and dedicated team. I am also extremely proud to be joining a strong and inspiring group of NEUTROGENA women who are already a part of the family.In January of 2006, Kidman was named, and continues to serve, as Goodwill Ambassador of UN Women, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, whose goals are to foster womens empowerment and gender equality, to raise awareness of the infringement on womens human rights around the world and to end violence against women.She is also an activist in supporting research of womens cancer. Along with her husband, Keith Urban, she helped raise nearly half a million dollars for the Womens Cancer Program, a world-renowned centre for research into the causes, treatment, prevention, and eventual cure of womens cancer.Presently, Kidman can be seen on the big screen in The Weinstein Companys Lion for which she has received Critics Choice, Golden Globe, SAG Awards and Academy Award nominations. She will next be seen in the upcoming films How to Talk to Girls at Parties and The Beguiled and The Killing of a Sacred Deer. On the small screen, Kidman returns to television this month in the limited series Big Little Lies for HBO as well as the second season of Top of The Lake (SundanceTV/BBC Two).Kidman joins NEUTROGENA Brand Ambassadors Rachael Taylor, Jennifer Garner, Kerry Washington, Julie Bowen, Kristen Bell, Eiza Gonzalez, Sandra Echeverria, Hayden Panettiere and Olivia Holt.About NEUTROGENA:NEUTROGENA is a brand of health and beauty care solutions with long-standing heritage founded upon genuine relationships with dermatologist, skin experts and consumers. We are driven with passion to design simple yet extraordinary, high-quality products that are scientifically proven to deliver real results in the most effective and skin friendly way, keeping your skin supple, radiant and healthy. Today, NEUTROGENA Corporation manufactures and markets a line of premium priced skin and hair care products which are distributed in more than 70 countries. NEUTROGENA believes that beauty begins with healthy skin so kick-start your healthy beauty journey with us and discover our range of cleansers, moisturizers, skin care and sun care products at www.facebook.com/myneutrogena
Scandinavia is set to receive a slew of new hotels openings over the coming years. 50 new projects will give the Northern European region an additional key-count of 10,972. The properties will be spread over Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Denmark, with Sweden hosting the lion's share of new hotels, 20 in total. 15 are to be constructed in Norway, 6 in Finland, 5 in Denmark and 4 in Iceland, following the predictable hierarchy of landmass and population.
As would also be expected, the capital cities of these Nordic countries will receive the highest concentration of new openings. Stockholm has the most with 8 new projects to open there, nearly half of all the new openings in the country. TOPHOTELNEWS reported recently on developments in the area and noted that local hotel group Scandic is set to construct many of the new hotels in the region, increasing their already prolific share in the market. Helsinki will see 4 new openings, while 3 new hotels will open in Oslo. 32 of the planned hotels will claim the luxury of a 5-star rating, while the remaining 18 hotels will be in the 4-star category.
13 project will open this year, and the majority of the 17 projects set to open in 2018 are currently under construction, leaving just 4 projects to welcome guests in 2019 and 16 projected openings from 2020 onwards. All in all, the Scandinavian hospitality market will be significantly boosted by the swathe of proposed developments, as the region continues to attract tourists and travelers to its shores to take advantage of the incredible landscapes and unique culture on offer.
Sweden leading in the swathe of proposed hotel developments in Scandinavia Source: TOPHOTELPROJECTS
More information on International Hotel Chains and Hotel Constructions active in Scandinavia can be found on TOPHOTELPROJECTS, the specialized service provider in the exchange of cutting-edge information of hotel construction in the international hospitality industry.
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Farmers have long been using technology to measure yields, monitor plant growth and adjust application rates for seed, fertilizer and pesticides. Those practices are accumulating massive amounts of data referred to as big data.
But how will big data be managed? What information will be available to whom?
Technology frequently fits the category of private but available for a price. How about images of a growing crop or a livestock herd? Is that information private to me and not available to you?
Recently it was suggested that questions involving big data should be categorized as collecting data, sharing or transferring data, and using data. The general question appears to be who can do what with respect to agricultures big data. Who can collect data, who can transfer it to whom and who can use it?
The answers arent clear. Some university professors suggest that federal laws trademark, patent and copyright laws, for example dont fully address questions arising from the emergence of agricultural big data. They suggest that perhaps state trade-secret laws could be applied. They also say that property owners enter into agreements or contracts with others before the information is shared by its owners.
Another recent suggestion has been that state law or perhaps federal law be enacted limiting how often imagery data may be collected, shared and used. But how would such limitations be enforced? Images have been taken from space for decades. The images werent a concern in the past but are drawing more concern now that technology is providing extremely detailed images and more entities can afford to acquire the data.
Various concerns have been voiced as to why big data must be controlled. One concern is that those with access to the data and information can have an advantage in the market over those who dont have it. One characteristic of perfect competition is full and free information. Without it, negotiating power will be out of balance.
Contractually controlling information is one approach and regulatory control is another. Is the more realistic approach to do whatever is possible to assure everyone has access to the data?
The U.S. Department of Agricultures National Agricultural Statistics Service has collected and published data for decades. Likewise the USDAs Economic Research Service has long analyzed that data and published results. The information helps everyone in agriculture understand the state of the industry.
But concerns have been expressed that for the past several decades, less information is available to the public, including producers. To counter that trend, there have been efforts to maintain transparency in agricultural-commodities sectors.
Is a third alternative for agricultural big data to have government do its best to collect and publish the data? Note that this suggestion doesnt mention that government analyze the data. Perhaps data analysis can be, or possibly should be, left for private entrepreneurs to develop services that are of value to others.
But big data is no longer a national issue its a global matter.
A satellite that can provide a detailed scan of a North Dakota field can just as easily scan a field in France.
A Brazilian firm that hires the service of a private satellite firm to scan Brazilian fields can just as easily pay to have U.S. fields scanned. USDA public information can be retrieved just as easily by a Kazakhstan livestock producer as a North Dakota rancher. The information is public on a global scale.
Does the U.S. taxpayer pay the full bill for global data that the USDA makes available to the world? Do countries need to negotiate an agreement to share the cost of gathering global public agricultural information?
Perhaps such negotiations already are occurring and Im unaware of such discussions.
The information age is upon us.
Weve been in the computer age for nearly 35 years, but computers are just tools, no different than a tractor. How we use computer technology to gather, analyze and use information is no longer a question for the future its here today.
Technology frequently fits the category of private but available for a price. How about images of a growing crop or a livestock herd? Is that information private to me and not available to you? A satellite that can provide a detailed scan of a North Dakota field can just as easily scan a field in France. A Brazilian firm that hires the service of a private satellite firm to scan Brazilian fields can just as easily pay to have U.S. fields scanned. USDA public information can be retrieved just as easily by a Kazakhstan livestock producer as a North Dakota rancher. The information is public on a global scale.
The Asian energy companies sitting on the largest hoard of cash outside China are ready to put it to use.
Thailands PTT Exploration & Production Pcl and its parent company have nearly USD11 billion combined in cash and marketable securities, such as bonds and other short-term investments. The explorer is ready to spend from its portion on projects and exploration acreage to rescue declining oil and gas reserves, according to Chief Executive Officer Somporn Vongvuthipornchai.
PTT E&P is eyeing early-life producing assets or projects that are already sanctioned and ready for development, Somporn said in an interview in Bangkok. Its also looking to work with its parent, PTT Pcl, to invest in liquefied natural gas plants, which would help feed the countrys growing demand.
Well have to rely on mergers and acquisitions to maintain our growth, said Somporn. Were looking at opportunities in the few hundred million to $1 billion range.
There was no such hunger when Somporn took the reins of the upstream company in October 2015. Oil prices had already fallen from the $100 a barrel range into the $60s, and he watched as over his first six months they cratered below $30 to hit the lowest in more than a decade.
He kept the company focused on weathering the downturn by cutting costs and investments. Meanwhile, proved reserves have fallen from the equivalent of 1.1 billion barrels of oil in 2009 to 695 million last year. That will last just five years at its current production rate.
They have a relatively short reserves life and its pretty clear theyre going to have to acquire to grow as a company, said Neil Beveridge, an analyst with Sanford C. Bernstein in Hong Kong, who has a neutral rating on the company. Domestic oil and gas production is going to decline over the coming years, so that puts more emphasis on companies like PTT E&P to go overseas and build supply.
Oils crash made deals difficult to close last year because it was hard to agree on long-term values. While the market will remain volatile, Somporn said there is enough of a consensus now for buyers and sellers to find common ground. PTT E&P is using a $50 oil price forecast this year for its investment decisions.
Its a good time to grow while we have this cash with us, he said. The E&P company has $4 billion in cash and marketable securities, which parent PTT accounts in its $10.9 billion. Only Chinas big three oil firms, led by PetroChina Co.s $18 billion pile, have more than that among listed energy companies in Asia, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.
Most of the companys wells are in Thailand and Myanmar, where Somporn is looking first for new supply. Divestitures by oil majors seeking to maintain dividends in a lower revenue environment provide opportunities to find assets, he said.
LNG is another avenue for growth. Parent-company PTT is looking to expand gas imports to meet growing domestic demand fueled by economic expansion, while domestic production is declining and pipeline imports from Myanmar may be redirected to China.
There is an opportunity for us to participate more on the LNG value chain, Wuttikorn Stithit, PTTs executive vice president for natural gas supply and trading, said in a separate interview. Its kind of a natural hedge, because when the price of LNG is high, from the projects we would have some value.
PTT last week announced a higher-than-expected 2016 dividend of 16 baht (46 U.S. cents) per share, signaling an increased focus on capital allocation, according to Mayank Maheshwari, an analyst at Morgan Stanley in Singapore. The companys balance sheet can sustain 20 percent higher dividends in the medium term, Maheshwari said in a note. Supunnabul Suwannakij, Dan Murtaugh, Bloomberg
The exhibition, Where the World Heritage Shines Photography Exhibition of the Historic Centre of Macao, is currently being held at the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre in Lisbon until May 31.
The ongoing exhibition features some 90 photographs of the world heritage listed Historic Center of Macau by local photographer Chan Hin Io.
In recent years, he has been devoted to capturing Macaus customs as well as the citys landscapes, winning several photography awards.
Among his published works are: The Neighbourhood of Macau Documentary Photographs by Chan Hin Io and Memories of the Old Crafts and Trades in Macao, Life in Macao 2012.
According to a statement released by the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), the photographs present the beauty and vitality of Macaus cultural heritage and show the charm of the small city through various angles.
An opening ceremony was held on March 8 and was officiated by the president of the Macao Scientific and Cultural Centre of Portugal, Luis Filipe Barreto and the representative of the president of IC and director of the Macau Archives, Lau Fong.
Over 80 guests were present at the ceremony, including the head of the Culture Section of the Chinese embassy in Portugal, Yang Chunyan and the former governor of Macau, Garcia Leandro.
Jointly organized by the IC and the Macau Scientific and Cultural Centre of the Ministry of Education and Science of Portugal, the exhibition will also be held at the Vila Flor Palace in Guimaraes from June 23 to August 15.
According to the bureau, the exhibition is a manifestation of the friendly cooperation between cultural institutions in Portugal and Macau, and the growing Sino-Portuguese cultural exchange.
Several victims have reported cases of phone fraud in the last few days, a Judiciary Police (PJ) spokesperson said yesterday in a press conference.
The police warned citizens not to trust such scams, asserting that neither the police nor any public department would call citizens to ask them for money.
The warning follows a case over the weekend involving a female casino worker aged around 40, who reportedly received a phone call from the immigration department.
The caller claimed to be involved in a problem regarding safe conduct for a third party and asked the woman to buy a new mobile phone to avoid surveillance, instructing her to contact some numbers which were allegedly those of mainland authorities.
The woman obeyed the caller and transferred RMB312,900 into a mainland bank account. After transferring the money, she suspected fraud and immediately registered a complaint with the PJ.
In another case, a 41-year-old local resident was accused of simulating a crime. He sent his wife a text message, saying that he had borrowed money from a loan shark for gambling but had lost it all. He said he had been kidnapped and that he would be held hostage in a hotel room until his wife transferred the kidnappers HKD90,000.
His wife did not have enough money on hand and only managed to transfer HKD 8,000. Out of fear that the kidnappers would harm the man, she sought help from the police.
In a joint police operation on March 19, a Public Security Police Force (PSP) officer found the man and delivered him to the PJ for further investigation.
When questioned, he revealed that the loan and kidnapping were both false, and that it had all been part of a scam to steal money from his wife so that he could gamble.
The PJ also revealed that they had captured one of the two suspects involved in a high-profile fraud case last November.
The two suspects had allegedly swindled a victim out of HKD30 million to be traded for gaming chips, before vanishing without a trace. They were later identified in CCTV footage from a local hotel.
One of the suspects was caught while entering the territory on March 19. The other suspect remains at large, as does the money.
Woman steals friends diamond ring to fill piggy bank
A 20-year-old woman from mainland China was accused of stealing a diamond ring from her friend while on a trip to Macau. The incident which the Judiciary Police reported on March 17 occurred when the victim, also a woman from the mainland, visited Macau in the company of four friends. After checking into a Cotai hotel, the victim, who was sharing her room with two of her friends, removed her ring when she went to shower, leaving it by the sink. The next day, she realized the ring was missing and filed a complaint with the police. When the case was investigated, the culprit admitted to stealing her friends ring and pawning it for HKD50,000, which she then transferred to her savings account in the mainland via a shop in Taipa. She was sent to the Public Prosecutions Office and accused of theft.
The Philippine Consulate General of Macau honored female entrepreneurs in the region on Sunday, in celebration of International Womens Day.
In the Philippines, honoring women is celebrated throughout the month of March.
In collaboration with the Consulates Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO) and Caritas Macau, Sundays program not only featured success stories of Filipina business owners but offered a variety of activities, such as pampering services, health check-ups and Filipino migrant worker-related services.
Philippine Consul General Lilybeth Deapera hoped that the stories would inspire the Filipino community to aspire to higher goals.
I hope that by honoring them we are able to focus that they are here, and hopefully they will be an inspiration to the other members of the community, especially to the women, she said.
Two of the seven recipients of the Outstanding Women Entrepreneur Awards started in the region as domestic helpers.
Deapera expressed her hope that the stories shared at the event would encourage Filipino workers in the region to change careers, start a business or explore other paths.
Susan Cenon, an accountant in the region for more than a decade, resigned from her job and launched a stationery and souvenir business back in 2009.
Sharing her story with the Times, Cenon said that her fixed deposits in three local banks earned a meager interest at first, which was disappointing.
The bank was earning but I wasnt [] so I decided to quit my job and took the risk, she said.
Cenon is currently managing her trading firm Kara Mart Convenience Store and a salon, Kara Salon.
The entrepreneur also shared that she had difficulties acquiring work permits for her employees, saying their quota applications had been rejected twice.
I can hire Chinese people but the mere fact that their boss will be Filipino, I think theyll be afraid because of the language barrier, she said.
Cenon added that Macau ID holders tend to request higher salaries.
Meanwhile, she is planning to launch another branch of her salon.
There will always be challenges but proper planning and feasibility studies will make [one] succeed. Before I start up with something, my husband and I always sit, take notes and plan.
To aspiring Filipina entrepreneurs, Cenon advised, Dont be afraid and follow your dreams. There is no problem in launching a business but one must know how to handle situations. Purchasing goods in Macau is not that easy.
The entrepreneur encouraged Filipino immigrants to save money whilst working in the territory, so that they can start a business upon returning home.
You will not be here all the time, so you should save money and start something while you have the chance, Cenon advised.
The consulate and POLO have been co-organizing a Leadership and Social Entrepreneurship Program for Filipino migrant workers in Macau.
The program, which is currently in its 50th batch, includes leadership skills training and financial literacy seminars.
Deapera said several participants have launched businesses back home, and some have chosen to stay in the Philippines while remotely managing businesses in Macau.
The most basic [and important] thing is that they were already given the basics of financial literacy. They already have the idea of the proper way of saving and what should be their priorities, she added.
Marco Muller, the renowned former artistic director of the prestigious Venice Film Festival, the International Film Festival of Rome and the First International Film Festival and Awards Macau (IFFAM), will serve as artistic director for a film festival in Northern China.
Spearheaded by Chinese director Jia Zhangke and announced at the China Film Directors Center in Beijing last week, the inaugural Pingyao Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon International Film Festival will be held in Shanxi Province between October 19 and 26.
The festival acknowledges the pivotal work of Ang Lees 2000 classic Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, which won more than 40 awards and became the highest-grossing foreign-language film of all time in the United States, earning USD128 million.
The events organizers describe the Pingyao festival as the countrys first boutique festival, with 40 unique films aired in its debut edition.
Pingyao will mark Mullers return to China after he resigned from his role as IFFAM director in November last year, just weeks before the festivals launch.
The organizing committee of IFFAM explained the resignation as due to ongoing differences of opinion between him and [fellow organizer] Macau Films & Television Productions and Culture Association.
In an interview with the Times, Muller described local organizers as amateurs and did not deny rumors among Macaus filmmaker community that he had been obstructed by city officials who know nothing about film. DB
A documentary concerning a horrific story of abuse faced by an Indonesian domestic worker for eight months was screened on Sunday at the University of Macau (UM).
Erwiana Sulistyaningsihs story, which first appeared in the global media spotlight in 2014, was presented to Indonesian migrant workers in a bid encourage the community to stand up for their rights and dignity.
The 26-year-old was named one of the worlds 100 most influential people by Time magazine in 2014.
The film Erwiana: Justice For All was made by American-Mexican documentary filmmaker Gabriel McKail who is currently based in Hong Kong.
The film has been screened in Jakarta and Hong Kong and made its debut in Macau on Sunday.
McKail, who was present at the event, recalled that he was compelled to produce a documentary film after witnessing instances of domestic workers being mistreated even in public.
I just want people to know that these issues still exist in the migrant community, the independent producer told the press.
McKail, along with members of Indonesian migrant groups in Hong Kong, visited Erwiana in her hometown in Indonesia to document the process of the case that was made against her employer, while migrant groups cooperated with Indonesian authorities.
Erwiana arrived in Hong Kong in 2013 as a young woman intending to save money for her education.
The film not only highlights what Erwiana experienced but also tackles issues that domestic helpers, who were featured in the film, face in their everyday lives.
The exploitation includes taking passports from workers, forcing workers to sleep in the kitchen or toilets without mattresses and only feeding employees meager amounts as little as one to two pieces of bread per meal.
The 90-minute documentary also presents disturbing graphic images of Erwianas injuries.
Forcing a metal tube o a vacuum cleaner inside her mouth, punching her front teeth, which caused a fracture and splashing cold water on her naked body in front of an electric fan during winter were only a few examples of the maltreatment Erwiana experienced at the hands of her Hong Kong employer.
Meanwhile, McKail, who is also a photo-journalist, described how domestic workers in Hong Kong are still experiencing modern day slavery, despite Erwianas story making headlines across the regions media outlets.
He stated that fear and lack of information are two of the main factors preventing workers from complaining about their employers.
I think that they are afraid of losing their jobs because a lot of them have kids they have to put to school, or theyre supporting a family, he explained.
When they stand up and say something against their employer, their employer can easily terminate them, McKail added.
The independent producer also revealed that not only do employers mistreat domestic workers, but so do immigration authorities.
They have every right to be afraid because Ive been to the immigration department and they dont treat them correctly. [] Its fear of a lot of things, he said.
The director noted that he is still hearing stories of his Filipino friends who are not getting paid for two to three months, or are being fed little.
Its like human trafficking, so yes, modern day slavery is very much alive.
McKail noted that he also assists such workers to file cases against abusive employers, yet he revealed that it is discouraged by police authorities.
Ive seen government authorities act in a way that is shocking to me. But its at the point that it just happens every day, McKail lamented.
Ive seen it from police officials, from government officials, everything. And when I try to tell this to employers, theyd say thats not true or the media fakes it.
Meanwhile, Brian Hall, associate professor of psychology at UM, stressed that the research group he is currently leading, Population Research Initiative for Domestic Employees (PRIDE), is conducting a comprehensive assessment for migrant workers in Macau.
PRIDE is working with Indonesian, Filipino and Vietnamese populations to understand the critical health issues faced by these communities.
He hoped that the group would potentially find ways to improve population health through the data they are collecting.
PRIDE is currently trying to collect data from some 400 and 2,000 Indonesian and Filipino domestic helpers respectively.
Co-organized by the Indonesian Migrant Workers Union Macau and UMs PRIDE, the film screening event showcased performances from the Indonesian community, updates regarding the regions labor law and a short discussion with Erwiana through Skype.
Malaysian police said that they are hunting for more North Korean suspects over the killing of the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
National police chief Khalid Abu Bakar said the new suspects are in addition to the seven North Koreans already being sought in last months poisoning of Kim Jong Nam at Kuala Lumpurs airport.
Khalid said the new suspects include an important person, but he declined to give further details.
I do not deny that there are more North Koreans involved in the murder of Kim Jong Nam. We will follow the legal channel to get them, he said. I do not want to say more than that. If I do, they may run [] but we believe there is an important person too.
Malaysian authorities say two women smeared Kims face with the banned VX nerve agent on Feb. 13 at a crowded airport terminal. He died within 20 minutes. The two women, an Indonesian and a Vietnamese, have been charged with murder.
Four of the seven initial North Korean suspects left Malaysia on the same day of the killing. Police have obtained an Interpol red alert notice for the four men, believed to be back in Pyongyang. Police said the other three men are believed to be hiding in the North Korean Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
Relations between Malaysia and North Korea have deteriorated sharply since Kims death, with each expelling the others ambassador.
North Korea 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 others citizens.
Although Malaysia has never directly accused North Korea of being behind the attack, many speculate that it must have orchestrated it.
Experts say the VX nerve agent used to kill Kim was almost certainly produced in a sophisticated state weapons laboratory, and North Korea is widely believed to possess large quantities of chemical weapons. AP
The expanding market for lobsters in China is continuing to grow, with the country setting a new record for the value of its imports of the crustaceans from the United States.
American lobster was almost unheard of in most of China until 2010, when the value of imports grew 250 percent to about USD7.4 million. Last year, China imported more than $108 million in lobsters from America, surpassing the previous high of about $90.2 million in 2014.
Weve opened new markets in Asia, which is booming, said Dave Cousens, president of the Maine Lobstermens Association. Everything is clicking now.
Chinese importers took in more than 14 million pounds of U.S. lobsters last year, which was also a record. The previous high was about 13.1 million pounds the previous year.
Interest in American lobster has grown in other countries in Asia as well, such as South Korea, which grew from less than $5 million in 2010 to nearly $28 million last year. Vietnams imports grew from $142,940 to more than $31 million in that time.
One of the factors spurring the growth of lobsters in China appears to be the growth of the countrys middle class, said Stephanie Nadeau, owner of The Lobster Company, in Arundel, Maine, which is a key player in the export business. American lobsters tend to be less expensive in China than other live seafood, such as spiny lobsters and geoduck clams, she said.
Its kind of an affordable luxury, Nadeau said. One of my customers said our lobsters are one of the cheapest things in the live tanks.
The uptick came in a record year for lobster catch in Maine, where most of Americas lobster catch comes ashore. Fishermen caught more than 130 million pounds of lobster in Maine last year, an all-time record and more than double the 2007 total. Atlantic Canada also has a large lobster fishery and sends the same species of lobster to China.
The Asian market is a key component, said Patrick Keliher, the commissioner of the Maine Department of Marine Resources.
Lobster sales to China do not appear to be slowing down in the new year. America exported more than 1.7 million pounds and $14 million in lobsters to the country in the first month of the year. AP
Brazils government moved to head off a crisis over allegations that meat exporters had bribed inspectors to approve tainted beef for sale and export by summoning ambassadors to reassure them they have nothing to worry about.
President Michel Temer and his agriculture minister met with top diplomats of the European Union, Sweden, Canada and other countries to say slaughterhouses were being properly audited and that Brazilian meat is safe to eat. Temer said he was headed out for a steak afterward and encouraged others to do the same. Separately, China was said to have temporarily suspended beef imports from Brazil.
This is an urgent issue since it has repercussions for us internally and abroad, Temer told reporters. We spoke with embassies so that they could pass the word onto their governments in regards to any concern from the previous days. I invite everyone to go out to a Brazilian steakhouse now.
Temer then dined with 19 ambassadors at a 119 reais (USD39) per person all-you-can-eat steakhouse, sitting between the Chinese and Angolan diplomats.
Federal authorities said that an investigation unveiled Friday showed about 40 companies, including JBS SA and BRF SA, had been involved in illicit activities such as bribing inspectors to approve the sale and export of spoiled meat and adding chemical substances to mask the poor quality. While the companies have denied the allegations, including through full-page ads in Brazils newspapers and spots on TV, their shares have tumbled at a time when both JBS and BRF are trying to access capital markets again.
The European Committee for Health and Food Safety is aware of the investigation and is seeking additional information, according to an emailed statement Sunday. The committee said it hasnt found any irregularities with health certificates related to meat from Brazil since 2015. China and the U.S. have also requested explanations, O Estado de S. Paulo newspaper reported, without saying how it obtained the information.
China temporarily suspended imports from Brazil, according to people who received notice from the countrys quarantine authority. Goods currently at sea or at port will not be able to clear customs, according to one of the people. The China Meat Association is collecting information from individual companies about their purchases from Brazil and any potential losses they may have, Zhao Anli, an official at the groups import and export sub-
branch, said yesterday.
Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said after the meeting Sunday that the issues unearthed by the investigations are not generalized or widespread in the industry, and that authorities are working to ensure the highest quality hygiene and transparency.
Brazils industry is robust and strong but it isnt infallible, he said. Were making sure that whats being produced now is getting the proper inspection.
The presidency said in a statement that of more than 4,000 plants in the country only 21 are being probed, and that 33 of a total 11,000 employees in the industry are under investigation.
Federal police served hundreds of court orders related to the investigation on Friday, including more than 30 detention warrants, in what local media said was the largest police operation in the countrys history. Roney Nogueira dos Santos, a BRF executive, was arrested at Sao Paulos international airport on Saturday after arriving from South Africa. BRF said in an emailed statement that he surrendered to the authorities and is available to give all clarifications needed.
China and Hong Kong, which together are the biggest export market for Brazilian meat, were the destination for about a third of the $5.5 billion of beef shipped from Latin Americas largest economy last year, according to the meat exporters group Abiec.
The European Union is the second-largest market, with 13 percent of the exports. China and Hong Kong are also the biggest Brazilian market for chicken, while the European Union ranks third, according to the Brazilian Association of Animal Protein Abpa. Fabiola Moura, Rachel Gamarski, Bloomberg
Chinas trading partners are bringing the top U.N. food standards official to Beijing in a last-ditch attempt to persuade regulators to scale back plans to require intensive inspections of food imports including such low-risk items as wine and chocolate that Washington and Europe say could disrupt billions of dollars in commerce.
The rule could inflame tensions with the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has promised to raise tariffs on imports from China, and the European Union.
Under the rule, due to take effect as early as October, each consignment of food would require a certificate from a foreign inspector confirming it meets Chinese quality standards. Other countries require such inspections only for meat, dairy and other perishable items.
That alarms suppliers that see China as a growing market for American fruit juice and snack foods, French wine, German chocolate, Italian pasta and Australian orange juice. They complain Beijing already uses safety rules in ways that hamper access for beef and other goods in violation of its market-opening commitments.
It could bring down food imports quite dramatically, said the German ambassador to Beijing, Michael Clauss. It often seems it is more about protecting Chinese producers than about food safety.
The requirement would add unnecessary regulatory complexity at a time when Beijing has promised to reduce regulation, Jake Parker, vice president of China operations for the U.S.-China Business Council, said in an email.
Chinese regulators say closer scrutiny is needed as food imports increase. They say they are willing to consider suggestions about alternatives, but foreign officials say they have yet to make any changes.
China contends the inspections requirement is supported by the Codex Alimentarius, the Food Code of the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization and World Health Organization, according to a person familiar with the discussions. The Codex sets quality standards but other nations say it recommends certificates only for risky products.
The president of the Codex council, Awilo Ochieng Pernet, a Swiss lawyer, will attend an April 6 seminar with Chinese officials in Beijing to explain its standards, according to that person, who asked not to be identified further. Participants plan to propose alternatives such as giving Beijing access to electronic records to track sources of shipments.
Ambassadors from the United States and another government expressed concern in a letter in January to Wang Yang, a deputy premier who oversees farming and commerce.
Officials of the United States, the EU, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Argentina, Chile and other governments sent a similar letter to the Chinese product quality agency, the General Administration for Quality Inspection, Supervision and Quarantine, known as AQSIQ.
EU officials believe requiring health certificates for all products is not scientifically justified, the EU mission in Beijing said in a statement.
The rules would be a burden on foreign suppliers and a waste of the precious control resources that should focus on risky products, it said.
The rules follow an avalanche of scandals over Chinese suppliers caught selling tainted milk and other shoddy or counterfeit food products.
Western officials say the proposed food rules appear meant to shift responsibility away from AQSIQ, which Chinese consumers often blame for safety failures .
In a written statement, AQSIQ told The Associated Press it is talking with more than 30 exporting countries and regions including the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan. The agency said it welcomes suggestions of alternative solutions.
The measures are aimed at promoting the international co-governance of food safety, the agency said. It said that would improve regulators ability to trace imported food and block counterfeits.
We have to assess the food management of areas abroad that export food to China to ensure the food safety of our country, the minister in charge of AQSIQ, Zhi Shuping, said at a March 14 news conference.
Zhi did not refer directly to the inspection requirement but said his agencys activities are in line with international practice.
Beijing already is at odds with the U.S. and Europe over low-
priced exports of steel and aluminum they say are hurting foreign competitors.
In the Trump administrations first trade complaint, a group for American aluminum producers asked March 9 for higher import duties on Chinese-made aluminum foil to counter what it said were improper subsidies.
Clauss, the German ambassador, said the rules should be submitted for WTO review a step that AQSIQ said in its written statement it will take.
We dont see that they really are trying to compromise on this so far, said Clauss. To our knowledge, this doesnt exist anywhere else in the world. Joe McDonald & Gillian Wong, Beijing, AP
Hunters will see fewer hunting opportunities for mule deer does in the fall, but more controlled hunts for elk, particularly cow elk.
Idaho Department of Fish and Game commissioners on March 17 set the hunting seasons for deer, elk, bear, pronghorn, mountain lion and wolf. The rules will be available online and in print in mid-April.
Fish and Game has been monitoring herds this winter and expects the lowest survival of mule deer fawns in 18 years. By mid-March, about 50 percent of the mule deer fawns wearing radio collars have died, and more are expected to die, but doe survival was tracking about 95 percent for that time.
Fish and Games deer and elk coordinator, Craig White, said that in response to winter weather impact on mule deer fawns, antlerless harvest for mule deer will be reduced in 2017 and 2018 hunts.
There will be fewer antlerless and either-sex controlled hunts, and less hunting opportunity for youths to harvest mule deer does in units across most of southern Idaho. Statewide, deer hunters will get about 1,600 fewer controlled hunt deer tags. The decrease in mule deer tags will actually be greater than that. For example, Fish and Game is decreasing either-sex mule deer tags in southern Idaho by 2,045 tags; however, some of that is offset by increased by controlled hunt tags for whitetails.
Elk have fared better, and because previous years mild winters helped grow elk herds, hunters will see added opportunity for cow elk hunting in both controlled hunts and general hunts.
Radio-collar data shows that statewide about 76 percent of calves survived to mid-March and about 98 percent of radio-collared cows were still alive.
Statewide elk populations should be similar to last year, and growing elk herds in certain areas have exceeded Fish and Games population objectives and are causing problems on private lands.
To get back to our objectives, we need to reduce the cow segment of those populations, White said.
Overall, Fish and Game is adding 1,460 more controlled hunt tags for elk, which includes another 375 antlerless elk tags. Its also adding general-season hunting for cow elk in the Weiser River Zone and the Panhandle Zone.
White explained that expanded cow hunting is to reduce herds around private lands, and also to restore longtime cow hunting opportunities in the Panhandle that were reduced years ago to help herds increase.
Similar problems with elk depredation on private lands are occurring in portions of the Salmon Region and in the Pioneer Elk zone, and hunting opportunity has been expanded to address it, as well some controlled deer hunts around agriculture lands.
While some mule deer hunting opportunities have been cut back, White pointed out that most areas north of the Salmon River had a different winter, and white-tailed deer should survive winter in good numbers.
In recent years, whitetails typically account for about 40 to 45 percent of the total deer harvest with mule deer making up the remainder.
Mule deer hunters will face a combination of fewer opportunities to harvest does and fewer young bucks available in the fall. Of last years estimated 39,000 mule deer harvested, about 20 percent, or 8,000, were does.
Because of high winter fawn mortality, hunters can expect fewer two-point and spike bucks next fall, which made up 28 percent of the harvest and 35 percent of the antlered harvest in 2016.
In general, were going to see a lot fewer yearlings in the harvest than weve seen in the last four years, White said.
Fish and Game does not radio-collar bucks in the same numbers as does and fawns, but because mature bucks survive at rates close to that of does, biologists expect many adult bucks will make it through the winter.
Roger Phillips is a spokesman for the Idaho Department of Fish and Game.
ROGERSON A boat infested with an invasive aquatic species was impounded by the Twin Falls County Weed Bureau early this week.
The boat owners spent the winter at quagga mussel-infested Lake Havasu on the Arizona-California border before returning home to Alberta, Canada. Live mussels were found Monday during an inspection on U.S. 93 near the Nevada border.
Every state in the union has infestations of quagga mussels except four Washington, Oregon, Wyoming and Idaho, said Kali Sherrill, county weed superintendent.
Quagga mussels hitch rides on boats and travel from waterway to waterway if undetected.
With no way of controlling the mussels once established, Idaho and Twin Falls County is diligent about keeping them the shellfish out of the state with invasive aquatic species inspection stations.
These check stations are our best defense against infestations, Sherrill said Tuesday. Last year, quagga mussels were found on six boats at the U.S. 93 inspection station. Only one had live mussels and was impounded.
Infestations are devastating, Sherrill said.
Once established in lakes and rivers, the tiny mussels can choke irrigation and hydroelectric plants. Infestations have had a significant impact in ecosystems such as the Great Lakes.
Weed bureau employees who man the inspection station also found another invasive species on the boat an Asian clam, Sherrill said.
The boat was decontaminated Tuesday by the Idaho State Department of Agriculture. The boat will be released to the owners in 30 days.
Sherrill reminds boaters to protect their boats through routine cleaning when leaving any waterway:
Clean. Drain. Dry.
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BUHL The Buhl School District will receive an award for training employees to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse.
The district will receive an award Wednesday from the Idaho Childrens Trust Fund, the group announced. Other recipients are the Boise and Parma school districts.
The Pinwheel Award is given to school districts for their commitment to training all of their staffs on how they can prevent child sexual abuse and how to respond appropriately to disclosures, according to a statement Monday.
Awards will also be presented to a domestic violence program in Pocatello and a recently-retired employee of the Idaho Department of Corrections.
TWIN FALLS The College of Southern Idahos Head Start/Early Head Start program will likely close its Hailey center this summer because of a projected $228,000 budget shortfall.
CSIs board of trustees voted unanimously March 20 to support the proposal, with the closure effective July 1.
But its not set in stone: A Seattle-based regional Head Start office will make a final decision later this spring.
The closure would affect 20 children 70 percent of whom are from low-income families but half already have access to another preschool program.
The Blaine County School District offers preschool on a sliding fee scale meaning parents pay a rate dependent on their income but there are only 80 total slots.
CSI Head Start/Early Head Start director Mancole Fedder told the board the proposal to close the Hailey center gives me pause.
The request Im going to put forward here is not something I want to do, he said.
The local Head Start/Early Head Start policy council also approved the recommendation Thursday.
Head Start offers preschool classes, while Early Head Start is for pregnant women, infants and toddlers up to age 3 in low-income families. Parents must meet federal poverty guidelines.
CSI has received grants to operate the programs since 1999. Fedder told the Times-News on Monday he didnt immediately know how many years the Hailey center has been open.
Trustee Jan Mittleider said she appreciates Fedders empathy and care for low-income children. I think youve made the most sound decision.
Before making a motion to accept the recommendation, Mittleider said: not because we want to, but because of funding challenges.
CSIs Head Start/Early Head Start program is facing a budget challenge for next fiscal year, Fedder said.
He told trustees there are three main factors behind the shortfall: a statewide reallocation of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families money, a projected increase in employee health insurance costs and possible federal cuts.
CSIs program could see $12,000 in federal funding cuts, Fedder said. We could absorb that fairly easily.
But the programs cant absorb all three of the issues combined, he said.
Why the Hailey center? It has been a struggle to find qualified employees, attendance rates are low, some of the children arent low income and about half also receive preschool services already through the Blaine County School District, Fedder said.
Haily is one of 11 Head Start/Early Head Start centers under CSI. Idaho is among only a handful of U.S. states that doesnt fund preschool.
Fedder said he projects health insurance costs for program employees will increase by a total of $134,520.
Also, the Idaho Head Start Association decided to relocate its approximately $1.4 million in yearly TANF money among the states Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
CSI had 27 slots for children paid for using TANF. Under the change, it will lose 15 seats and $82,455.
There wasnt an issue with CSIs program that prompted the decision, Fedder said, but the money was reallocated in the spirit of equality.
Previously, CSI was the biggest recipient among Idahos Head Start/Early Head Start programs.
Fedder told the board he didnt argue with the associations decision. He said he can receive some solace because the money is going to other needy communities to help Head Start children.
As for the Hailey center, the program recently boosted pay by 6 percent, but Fedder said its still not competitive.
A barista in the Wood River Valley would likely make more than Head Start employee.
A lead teacher was hired in January, but left after four days because she couldnt afford child care in the Wood River Valley, Fedder said.
Another reason for choosing Hailey: The school district already offers preschool, although they cant serve all the slots needed, Fedder said.
He said if the Buhl center closed, for example, none of those children would have access to a preschool education.
Of the 20 children served by the Hailey center, half of them are served by both Head Start and the school districts preschool program.
And, six of the 20 are over the federal poverty guidelines used to determine eligibility.
Thats 30 percent of the children much higher than the federal requirement of 10 percent or less.
For the rest of CSIs Head Start/Early Head Start programs, the rate is 4.6 percent.
Also, the Hailey center has the lowest attendance rate among CSIs programs for two years, Fedder said. The rate hovers in the 70s and federal performance standards require 85 percent or higher.
Fedder said he encourages Blaine County proponents to find a way to fill the preschool void.
But, he told the Times-News, it would be a challenge, given the short time frame and need for sustainable funding.
TWIN FALLS The College of Southern Idaho saw a 14 percent boost in its overall headcount this semester because more high schoolers are taking dual credit classes.
CSI sent its official spring semester enrollment numbers March 20 to the Idaho Board of Education.
The college has 3,874 dual-credit students 49 percent of its headcount. Overall, 7,975 students are enrolled.
CSI offers classes to high schoolers across Idaho, allowing teenagers to earn high school and college credits simultaneously.
This semester, dual credit enrollment is up nearly 38 percent compared with the same time last year.
Why the jump? Students pay just $65 per credit about half the cost of regular tuition and have hundreds of classes to choose from, taught either at their high school or via video conference.
Plus, the state is offering more money to help high schoolers pay for college classes.
State legislators boosted funding for Advanced Opportunities programs during the 2016 session. Now, each student has a total of $4,125 available to use from seventh through 12th grades.
Other facts about CSIs enrollment:
12 percent: Drop in the number of students taking classes at CSIs campuses in Twin Falls, Burley, Hailey, Gooding and Idaho Falls. Numbers fell from 3,193 in spring 2016 to 2,856 this spring.
4 percent: Drop in students in CSIs technical programs, from 773 in spring 2016 to 741 this spring.
5 percent: Increase in academic credits largely, due to dual credit.
5.3 percent: Drop in career and technical education credits.
3.3 percent: Increase in the number of full-time students.
BOISE Three people have died in the past four months because of lack of medical care by faith-healing families, including one person on Sunday, Canyon County Sheriff Kieran Donahue told a Senate committee Monday.
By a single vote, the Senate State Affairs Committee moved forward on a bill to make it easier for a court to get involved if a child whose parents believe in faith healing treating with only prayer is at risk of serious injury or death.
The law should apply to everyone equally, regardless of their religion, Donahue said. Donahue favors removing the exemption from prosecution entirely and doesnt think the bill that advanced Monday will do much to change things. He declined to elaborate on Sundays death, saying its still under investigation.
Its an embarrassment to our state that we allow a small minority of people to neglect children to the point that they continue dying needlessly, he said.
The bill doesnt get rid of the exemptions from criminal prosecution, but it removes a line from the civil law that says treatment through prayer or spiritual means alone cannot be considered neglect, making it more likely that a court would act if a case were to be brought to their attention.
It adds language stating Idahos commitment to religious freedom and saying the state should not substantially burden religious freedom 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. And, it says a judge should take the childs wishes into account.
The bill was written by Sen. Dan Johnson, R-Lewiston, who was co-chairman of a group of lawmakers who studied the issue last year. He has said he was trying to find a balance between protecting children and not wanting to turn their parents into criminals for their beliefs.
Everyone who testified was against the bill. Advocates for a stronger law or for repealing the religious exemptions in the criminal code argued it wouldnt do much to protect children.
Im representing the hundreds of children that have perished because of faith healing, said Linda Martin, who grew up in the Followers of Christ Church and has lobbied for years to change the law. Prayer alone is not medical care. The free exercise of religion does not give anyone the right to harm another person.
Members of the Followers of Christ Church, which has been at the center of the debate due to their belief in faith healing and child deaths among its members, called on legislators to protect their freedom of religion and questioned why the Legislature would seek to criminalize their beliefs when plenty of people also die after seeking conventional medical treatment.
Faith is the basis of all Christianity, church member Nathan Kangas said. And it seems odd to me that they have now put man before God. They feel that is a superior way to take care of your children, is medical. ... What kind of a nation or state is that becoming when you go to prison for trusting in God?
The committee voted 5-4 to send the bill on to the full Senate, with Sens. Chuck Winder, R-Boise, Patti Anne Lodge, R-Huston, Michelle Stennett, D-Ketchum, and Cherie Buckner-Webb, D-Boise, opposed.
Most of the senators spoke at length about their votes, with some speaking about their own religious faith and their personal belief in the power of prayer.
We found a way to introduce a bill to offend everybody, said Majority Leader Bart Davis, an Idaho Falls Republican. Which certainly wasnt our target. We werent looking for applause. We were instead looking for something that could be a partial solution and have a chance of passing. Well, this is that bill.
Lodge, whose district includes many members of the Followers, defended them as people and said the media has sensationalized the issue.
They love their children, she said. They have big families, they love them. Their lives are built around their families.
Most states give some exemptions to parents who dont believe in conventional medicine for religious reasons, but Idaho is one of a handful that exempts parents from prosecution if one of their children dies. Debate over whether to change the law started a few years ago after Oregon changed its law and the higher-than-normal number of child deaths among Followers living in Idaho also came to public attention. The Republicans who hold a super-majority in the statehouse have been reluctant to change the law, saying they dont want to infringe on religious freedom.
The bill would still need to go through the House before becoming law, and lawmakers are hoping to adjourn for the year at the end of the week, so if it is going to pass it will likely come to a vote in the Senate soon.
Im representing the hundreds of children that have perished because of faith healing. Prayer alone is not medical care. The free exercise of religion does not give anyone the right to harm another person. Linda Martin, who grew up in the Followers of Christ Church
BOISE Idaho House lawmakers on Monday used Attorney General Lawrence Wasdens budget plan to show their displeasure with the states chief legal officers recent settlement in an abortion lawsuit.
House members voted 40-30 to approve the attorney generals budget, a strikingly narrow vote for a Legislature that typically gives overwhelming support to budget proposals once they are set by committee.
Some Idaho GOP lawmakers have expressed growing disapproval with Wasdens office this year, particularly after he announced reaching a settlement with Planned Parenthood over two laws that sought to ban women from receiving abortion-inducing medication through telemedicine.
If hes not going to defend us 100 percent, then I dont think his budget should be funded 100 percent, said Rep. Greg Chaney, R-Caldwell, who helped lead the budget opposition effort.
However, U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill has already warned the state that the laws banning abortion-related telemedicine appeared to be illegal, and said that if the state failed to repeal them he would issue a ruling officially declaring them unconstitutional. That could create precedent-setting case law.
Wasdens settlement with Planned Parenthood gave the state until the end of the 2017 session to make the repeals. Lawmakers have since passed legislation repealing the laws the Senate voted 28-7 later Monday to repeal the ban which now requires the governors signature. The governor has not said if he is in favor of the proposal.
Some Senate Democrats who objected to the anti-abortion language in the bills preamble and Republicans who would rather fight for the law than accept the settlement joined to vote against it.
Lets make a stand today and show everybody that we do believe in our laws, said Sen. Dan Foreman, R-Moscow.
My office aggressively defended the state to find a medical justification for the statute, contacted numerous experts, and turned over every possible alternative to identify a plausible constitutional defense, Wasden said in a prepared statement. Based upon the legal reality of these efforts, my office negotiated a resolution that provided the Legislature the ability to resolve this case and avoid a court decision.
Mondays House vote was the narrowest funding support Wasden has received since taking office in 2003. Yet lawmakers have been showing their discontent for the past couple of years. Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis held Wasdens budget hostage last year after expressing desire to conduct a systematic change to the office.
As a constitutional officer, Wasden answers to voters and not the governor or Legislature. Lawmakers can limit Wasdens job by either drastically reducing state funding or going to private attorneys for legal counsel. Stripping Wasdens powers requires a constitutional amendment
The attorney generals office represents the state in legal disputes and issues legal advice to state agencies and the Legislature. If lawmakers ignore that advice, which happens regularly, the attorney general is still required to defend and enforce those laws.
TWIN FALLS Twin Falls Countys solid waste transfer station is getting a $1.5 million upgrade.
The Twin Falls County Commission will tour the facility on Wednesday before having a pre-construction meeting for the project.
With the growth that weve seen in Twin Falls County over the last three years, were up almost 30 percent in waste volume, said Josh Bartlome, executive director and CEO of Southern Idaho Solid Waste.
The station can handle 100,000 to 110,000 tons a year, he said, but larger volumes of people coming to the station have increased wait times. The facility will need to expand.
Bartlome will ask commissioners to sign a design-build contract with RSCI. The company will come back to present a preliminary design for the project based on their recommendations.
The commission has set an initial budget of $1.5 million, with the option to increase that up to $2 million if more can be done, Commissioner Terry Kramer said.
Its going to rapidly increase the turnaround time, he said.
The project will be paid for out of an increased tipping fee and reserve funds, but the county will need to plan for a new or expanded station in the next seven to 10 years, Kramer said.
A Saudi Aramco employee sits in his company stand at the Middle East Petrotech, an exhibition and conference for the refining and petrochemical industries, in Manama, Bahrain. [Photo/Agencies]
The world's largest oil producer Saudi Arabian Oil Co, also known as Saudi Aramco, is set to continue beefing up investment in China's integrated downstream to further bolster its presence in the world's second-largest economy, its President and Chief Executive Officer Amin Nasser said.
Aramco is pressing ahead looking for indigenous partners to establish more joint ventures in China for downstream businesses, including refining, chemical, retail and distribution, Nasser told China Daily in Beijing on Monday.
Amin Nasser, president and CEO of Saudi Arabian Oil Co. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Part of the company's plans includes raising the proportion of its crude oil exports to China in the next couple of years, a move Nasser said would help China's energy security. Currently, Aramco's crude exports to China are nearly 15 percent of the nation's total imports.
The strategy at the heart of Aramco's plan is to secure its market share of oil supply by matching the refining capacity with crude exports to China, analysts said.
Kunal Agrawal, a senior Asia-Pacific oil and gas industry analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, said that considering the growing demand in the Asian refinery sector, the Saudis would continue to seek investments in the region in the next few years.
Saudis produce 10 to 11 million barrels of crude a day. Their refining capacity is 3 million barrels at home and will be increased to 3.5 million by 2020, he said.
Agrawal said: "Now if they can secure take-or-pay contracts for refining the remaining 6.5-7.5 million barrels a day in markets abroad, they will have locked down their crude oil supply share forever. After that, the Saudis will be assured that there is end demand for all their oil."
In addition to Aramco, Chinese companies are also eager to reach a consensus on such cooperation, as the output of China's crude oil began to decline last year, said Xi Jiarui, a senior crude industry analyst at the Beijing-based JLC Network Technology Co Ltd, a commodity information provider.
During the visit to China, Nasser signed a memorandum of understanding with Beijing-based China North Industries Group Corp on cooperation over refining.
Aramco has two joint ventures with local firms in Fujian province, one being a venture with Sinopec and another with Exxon Mobil Corp.
With regards to its plan to go public in 2018, predicted to be the largest IPO in the world, Nasser said: "Things are going very well."
More details will be disclosed in the coming months since the process of the initial public offering is under way, he added.
Hearings on Judge Neil Gorsuchs nomination to the Supreme Court begin on Monday. Just in case members of the Senate Judiciary Committee are having trouble coming up with questions, here are a few I would like to see asked.
1. The Supreme Court in its early decades rarely set aside federal laws. It first did so in 1803, and went another 54 years before doing it again. So at least one of the following three things would seem to be true. Either the federal government now enacts a lot more unconstitutional laws; or the justices gained a better understanding of their jobs as the Founding receded into history; or the Court has seized more and more power from the other branches. Which explanation makes the most sense?
2. The 1958 case Cooper v. Aaron marked the first time the Court claimed that its decisions on the meaning of the Constitution themselves count as the supreme law of the land. Was it right? Abraham Lincoln, on the other hand, rejected the idea that the policy of the Government upon vital questions affecting the whole people is to be irrevocably fixed by decisions of the Supreme Court. Was he wrong?
3. Article III, Section 2, of the Constitution says that Congress may make exceptions and regulations to the Supreme Courts appellate jurisdiction. Some people argue that Congress may use that power, and a similar power over the lower federal courts, to shield particular federal laws from judicial review. Do you agree?
4. From the 1820s onward, the Supreme Court has taken the Constitutions grant of power to regulate interstate commerce to mean that the Court should block states when they try to regulate it. In recent years, conservative justices have argued that this negative or dormant commerce clause is an illegitimate judicial inventionand you went out of your way to mention their position in one of your own judicial opinions. Isnt the clause simply an inference from the constitutional text, like the power of judicial review itself?
5. The Courts annual docket has shrunk over time. Has that reduction been good for the rule of law, the separation of powers, federalism, and constitutional government in general?
6. Are there circumstances in which an otherwise constitutionally sound policy might be rendered unsound based on the intent of the officials who established it, as expressed in their public statements and those of their associates?
7. As has been widely reported, you studied at Oxford under John Finnis, author of Natural Law and Natural Rights. Our Declaration of Independence rests its claims of equality and unalienable rights on the laws of Nature and of Natures God. How should principles of natural law inform the work of a judge, particularly when considering a law that may seem to contradict those principles?
8. If a Supreme Court precedent interpreted the Constitution incorrectly, is that sufficient reason to overturn it? That seems to be the position of Justice Clarence Thomas. If he is wrong, what else is necessary to overturn a constitutional precedent?
9. Everyone agrees that it would be improper for a nominee to commit during his confirmation hearings to decide possible future cases in particular ways. Because of that concern, nominees usually get away with refusing to share their views about what the Constitution says about controversial topics. But the Court exercises vast power over American life. When it makes a mistake, what checks are there on it? The constitutional amendment process is difficult by design; were not supposed to ask future judges if they will correct particular mistakes; and even our criticisms of the courts are taken to be threats to judicial independence. So what are we supposed to do?
Other, that is, than voting to confirm you.
Let's start with what we know: There can be little doubt that the Russian government attempted a multipronged operation last year to try to influence our presidential election. All 17 members of the U.S. intelligence community agree on that, and such unanimity on anything from so many government agencies - in the intelligence world or elsewhere - is rare. It is also clear that the goal of the Russians' operation was to increase the likelihood that Donald Trump would be elected. This is not a partisan statement, especially if you look at it from Russian President Vladimir Putin's perspective: Candidate Trump's positions on Russia were very much more favorable to Moscow than were those of his opponent, Hillary Clinton (see also: NATO, Crimea, Eastern Ukraine). Personal antipathy between Putin and Clinton also probably played a role.
What else do we know? We have seen a series of data points linking the Trump campaign to the Russian government before the election. We know Michael Flynn, erstwhile national security adviser and active member of the Trump campaign, visited Moscow at the behest of RT, a Russian media outlet controlled and funded by the Kremlin and notorious for spreading propaganda. We know RT paid for the trip and also compensated Flynn. We know that Flynn sat at the head table with Putin during an RT event. We know there are as yet unproven allegations of connections between Paul Manafort, Trump's former campaign chief, and Russia (possibly via a Russian intelligence officer and a Russian oligarch/organized crime figure). We know there are outstanding questions regarding Trump's personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, as to whether he traveled to Europe for meetings with Russians (which he has denied). And more recently, it has come to light that Trump adviser Roger Stone was in contact with hacker Guccifer 2.0, who claims to have been involved with the breach of Democratic National Committee servers.
The steady drumbeat regarding some kind of contact between the Trump camp and Russia, coupled with the assessment of the IC, has caused Congress to begin investigating. The House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, led by Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., will hold public hearings this week, while various other committees indicate they plan to investigate, as well.
But figuring out the connections between the Russian government and the Trump administration won't be possible if we leave it up to Congress. For such a serious - and politically fraught - matter, we need an independent investigation.
Even if only one of the data points pointing toward contact between the Trump campaign and the Russians is accurate, a serious probe is required. This is not a matter of looking into a misguided policy that was pursued illegally (like Iran/Contra), a possible intelligence failure resulting in thousands of American deaths (the 9/11 attacks) or the gross politicization of intelligence for political means (whether Iraq had weapons of mass destruction before the 2003 U.S. invasion). For the Trump campaign or any of its representatives to be in any way coordinating with the government of Russia during the campaign constitutes a threat to a primary pillar of American democracy: free and fair elections. That Russia meddled in U.S. presidential elections is bad enough; cooperation or collusion between a candidate and a foreign power - particularly Russia, a serious adversary - in an attempt to win would be unprecedented in modern times.
The gravity and inherently political nature of the situation are precisely what make investigation by congressional committees ill-advised. I have seen both the House and Senate committees on intelligence in action during my time working in the CIA's Office of Congressional Affairs. As a longtime intelligence officer and member of the Clandestine Service, I was impressed with the committes' attention to security and secrecy. Members and staffers enjoyed access to incredibly sensitive programs and information, and in some cases the professional staff had a better understanding as to what was going on during briefings than I did. I cannot recall a time during my tenure when either a staffer or a member leaked classified information.
But that's not the issue. The real problem is the politics that are baked into the congressional oversight system. Because members of Congress are involved, party politics inevitably comes into play. Take, for example, the investigation into the CIA's enhanced interrogation techniques, undertaken in 2009 by Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), then chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. The result was a unilateral report issued by the panel's Democrats. Republican members never agreed with how the investigation was run, and they refused to participate. And then there was the controversy over whether Senate staffers had tried to access information the CIA had not cleared for them, the subsequent CIA search of computers used by the staffers to determine this (which the committee believed was an illegal hack) and the ensuing distrust on both sides.
While the "Torture Report" dealt with a sensitive topic involving American values, the possibility of a presidential election corrupted by a foreign power is incredibly more incendiary. At the end of the day, the "Torture Report" decided nothing and caused no change that had not already occurred inside the CIA, and the results of the report remain contested. I doubt if most Americans outside of Washington can recall the results of Feinstein's work or whether anything decisive happened in its wake.
This cannot happen with the investigation into possible Russian ties to the Trump campaign. Allegations of torture quite correctly caused our democracy to take a hard look at what our intelligence services have been asked to do by an administration. But allegations of a candidate cooperating with an adversarial foreign power to win a presidential election strike at the very heart of our system. The seriousness of these allegations means we cannot leave the investigation to any politician who has a vested interest in the outcome, as both Republicans and Democrats do. Members and staffers on the oversight committees simply cannot act in a truly bipartisan fashion. This fact is a product of the hyper-partisanship present in politics right now. At a different time in our history, I might have believed a politician who said, "This issue is critical and needs to be dealt with in a bipartisan fashion." In today's political vocabulary, that translates into, "This issue is critical, and if you are from the opposing party you need to get behind us on this."
Already there is evidence that the investigations by the intelligence oversight committees are becoming political. The issues associated with Flynn are being called "a tangent" by Nunes, even as a better understanding of Flynn's activities while in Russia is critically important. President Trump has made allegations that his campaign was subjected to surveillance last year, and despite there being no evidence of this, Nunes has agreed to include the claims in the investigation, thereby stretching the committee's resources - and, more important, the nation's attention span.
The 9/11 Commission tried to get to the root cause of how thousands of Americans could be killed in the United States by terrorists. Those attacks were horrible, but politically, everyone in power in Washington agreed on who the enemy was and that nothing like the attacks should never happen again. It was, truly, a bipartisan matter. The much more insidious possibility of Trump's cooperation with Russia to win the election should be of the same kind of bipartisan concern, investigated by an independent commission, too. If that doesn't happen, and the results of the oversight committee's work is simply a shoulder shrug, grave damage will have been done to the bedrock of our democracy.
The following editorial appear s on Bloomberg View:
Occasionally President Donald Trump tweets something worthwhile. Such was the case earlier this month when he praised the skills-based immigration systems of Canada and Australia.
Canada, which in 1967 became the first nation to use a points system, grades applicants to its Federal Skilled Worker Program on six factors: work experience, education, language ability, age, arranged employment and a more subjective measure of adaptability. To be eligible for a permanent resident visa, an applicant must accumulate enough points in the various categories to pass.
The result is that about 60 percent of permanent residents admitted to Canada are admitted for economic reasons. (Others are admitted mostly on the basis of family ties or refugee status.) In other words: Canada values high skills, and selects its immigrants accordingly.
Its no mystery why. Studies show that skilled immigrants increase productivity, create jobs and spark entrepreneurship. One-quarter of technology and engineering firms established in the U.S. between 1995 and 2005 had at least one immigrant founder. U.S. immigrants are responsible for a disproportionately high number of international patent applications. Roughly 40 percent of Indian immigrants to the U.S., for example, have a graduate degree, almost four times the rate of native-born Americans.
U.S. immigration law currently values family ties over skills. A points system similar to Canadas would reverse that preference. Republican Sens. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and David Perdue of Georgia have introduced legislation to accomplish such a switch, scaling back family-based migration to the spouses and minor children of U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents.
But the bill would also drastically reduce immigration overall. It would end the 50,000 annual diversity visas, a lottery system that admits immigrants from countries with historically low rates of immigration, and it would cap green cards for refugees at 50,000. Its sponsors aim is to reduce immigration by 50 percent in 10 years to about 540,000 annually.
Recalibrating U.S. immigration policy to prioritize high skills makes sense. Cutting overall immigration levels in half, however, is too a high price to pay. To keep their skills pipeline stocked, both Canada and Australia welcome a higher percentage of immigrants, based on national population, than the U.S. does more than twice as high, in fact.
The question of whether unskilled immigration suppresses wages at the low end of the labor market is much in dispute. Meanwhile, the H-1B program for temporary work visas has been subject to fraud and abuse, and often hurts mid-level U.S. employees, some of whom have trained their own replacements.
By contrast, there is little question of the benefits of highly skilled immigrants. Even if a flood of such immigrants and no one is recommending an open invitation slightly depressed wages for people with PhDs in science and technology, the result would be a gentle corrective to four decades of rising inequality based largely on skills.
Immigration politics remains highly contentious. Trump was elected in part on an anti-immigrant wave, and there is little support for the current system, which affords too little consideration of economic goals. A points system similar to those used in Canada and Australia could rectify that mistake. But if it proves to be a ruse for clamping down on immigration indiscriminately, the U.S. will fall behind in the global competition for talent. You cant score points without the right players.
The Syrian defector who smuggled out tens of thousands of photos of people allegedly tortured to death in Assad regime jails has spoken out in his first TV interview.
In an exclusive interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, the defector, code-named "Caesar," urged US President Donald Trump to stop what he calls the "criminality" taking place in Syria's government-run prisons.
"We have shown the killing and torture of so many of the Syrian people," he said, "and you cannot give back the lives to those that have lost it. But we ask you, out of your humanity, to stop the machinery of death."
"We are asking to all the officials, to all the policy makers, to President Trump's White House, which we are hoping will do the right thing, we beg you to stop the machinery of death in Syria."
Caesar worked as a photographer for the Syrian military police in Damascus. CNN first broke the news of his defection and the trove of photos he smuggled out in a joint exclusive with the Guardian in 2014.
At the time, a team of internationally renowned war crimes prosecutors and forensic experts who analyzed the photos found evidence of "systematic torture and killing" by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Human Rights Watch has since investigated the photos and said they "are confident the Caesar photographs present authentic -- and damning -- evidence of crimes against humanity in Syria."
There are now criminal cases based on Caesar's evidence filed in Spain, Germany, and France, according to Stephen Rapp, former US Ambassador-at-Large for War Crimes.
Caesar tried to get the Obama administration's attention when he testified before Congress in 2014. He's now in Washington again for meetings with members of Congress -- and at the White House -- as the Syrian war enters its seventh year and as the Trump administration conducts its Syria policy review.
"I was horrified, I was terrified every day of the job that I was doing," he said. "I would look at the different horrendous ways that these individuals were slaughtered and tortured to death."
"We saw a lot of things that were made so (that) people would die very slowly under torture or being starved for long periods of time, and these bodies and victims were coming from all of these different intelligence branches," he added.
Caesar says he found himself taking photographs of up to 50 bodies a day, and recounted how he would often picture himself as one of the dead.
But he said he could not "stand by and let this happen" and ended up copying the photos onto flash drives, which he managed to smuggle out of the country.
The Syrian regime has consistently denied allegations of human rights abuses and war crimes.
In an interview with Foreign Affairs magazine in 2015, President Assad called into question the authenticity of the photos, saying: "You can bring photos from anyone and say this is torture. Who took the pictures? Who is he? Nobody knows. There is no verification of any of this evidence, so it's all allegations without evidence."
Rapp recently told Amanpour that the evidence against the Assad regime "is massive and overwhelming far better than they had, frankly, at Nuremberg or in The Hague at the Yugoslavia tribunal or that we had in Africa and in Sierra Leone with Charles Taylor or in Arusha with the genocide trials against the Rwandan leaders."
"This is very strong evidence that would make for a great trial, certainly, if we could organize them at the international level," Rapp added.
by Rey G. Panaligan, Manila Bulletin
The Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Marinduque did not act on the proposal of Governor Carmencita Reyes to secure a loan of $8 million (P400 million) abroad to finance the new environment class suit the province will file against two mining firms based in Canada.
Instead, the council passed a resolution last March 10 that would invite foreign law firms, including Canadas Trudel, Johnston and Lesperance (Trudel), to submit their proposals for the handling of the environment case.
The province is filing a new case against Placer Dome, Inc. and Barrick Gold Corporation for the alleged environmental damage caused by the operation of Marcopper Mining Corporation, particularly in the towns of Boac and Mogpog.
Marcopper Mining was partly owned by Placer Dome. In 2006, Barrick Gold, the largest gold mining firm in the world, acquired the majority shares of Placer Dome. Both mining firms are based in Canada.
Records showed that in 1996 Marcopper Mining was involved in what was described as the largest mining disasters in the Philippines when the drainage tunnel of large pit fractured and discharged toxic mine waste into the river. Residents of several villages were evacuated and agricultural crops were destroyed and farm animals died.
Above photo taken after the session March 10. L to R: Fr. Arvin Madla, former BM Jojo Alvarez, Bishop Junie Maralit, BM Rey Salvacion, BM Gilbert Daquioag, BM John Pelae, BM Mely Aguirre, Cong. Lord Allan Velasco, BM Primo Pamintuan and Vice-Gov. Romulo Bacorro, Jr.
The provincial council was forced to defer action on Governor Reyes recommendation after the residents, led by the Marinduque Council for Environmental Concerns (MaCEC) and the Marinduque Reform Movement (MRM) assailed the proposal as disadvantageous to the province.
The residents were joined in their protest by the church, led by Bishop Junie Maralit; Rep. Lord Allan Velasco; and several municipal and barangay officials.
Bantay-Kaso movement rallyists
The protests led to the organization of a new group called Bantay Kaso, a movement for transparent and accountable disposition in the filing of the environment case.
Reyes proposal was to engage anew the services of American law firm, Diamond McCarthy, and American lawyer Walter Skipp Scott for the hiring of Canadian lawyers to represent Marinduque in the case.
The residents protested the hiring of the American law firm and the plan to secure a loan of $8 million allegedly to finance the legal costs of the litigation.
Records showed that Diamond McCarthy and Scott filed a suit against Placer Dome and Barrick Gold in Nevada in 2005 in behalf of Marinduque for damages caused by the mining disaster in 1996.
But after years of litigation, the Nevada Supreme Court dismissed the case and ruled that the proper venue is either Canada or the Philippines.
King Mohammed VI chaired Monday at the Marchane Royal Palace in Tangiers a ceremony on the new industrial city to be built in the Northern city of Tangiers in partnership with Chinese group HAITE.
Several accords related to the project dubbed Mohammed VI Tangiers Tech City were also signed on this occasion. This new city will boost economic activities in Tangiers and the entire northern region and is the fruit of the royal vision to diversify Moroccos economic partnerships.
The project, to be carried out by Chinese group HAITE, Moroccan BMCE Bank and the Tangiers-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, will create 100,000 jobs and host 200 Chinese companies specialized in cars manufacturing, aerospace industry, aviation spare parts, electronics, textiles, machinery manufacturing, agribusiness and other industries.
The total investment of companies is expected to reach $10 billion over 10 years.
The Mohammed VI Tangier Tech City will be built over 2,000 hectares in its first stage for $1 billion. It will be a new international smart city where industry and innovation respect ecology requirements.
This project shows that Morocco continues to attract foreign investors and gain their trust thanks to the incentives granted to businessmen, the countrys proximity to Europe, its low labor costs and political stability.
HAITE group provides aviation technical services in China and internationally. The company engages in the research, manufacturing, and sale of airborne equipment and aeronautic testing equipment. It also specializes in maintenance of small and middle-sized aeronautic engines; maintenance of aircrafts; and maintenance and testing of airborne electrical, electronic, and mechanical equipment.
Moroccan aeronautic industry is growing rapidly and becoming more and more competitive. Unlike some other countries in the region, Morocco has managed to avoid a big drop in foreign investments since the global financial crisis and the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, partly by marketing itself as an export base for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
It has attracted some big aeronautics investors in recent years, including giant manufacturers Boeing, Bombardier, Eaton Corp The aeronautic industry in Morocco, which employs 11,500 people and achieved last year exports worth $1bn, has been growing at 15 per cent a year.
The aim is to reach 23,000 jobs by 2020, increase exports to $1.6bn per year and increase to 35 per cent the proportion of locally-produced or assembled components.
Russia has sent a message to Israel warning that its in-and-out military operations in Syria will not be tolerated. Following last weeks incident, the Israeli ambassador to Russia was summoned to the Foreign Ministry to informed about Moscows concerns about the airstrikes which struck close to Russian military locations.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said they hope that the military hotline they established with Israel would work more effectively in order to avoid misunderstanding on who is doing what.
President Assad hailed Russias intervention as he noted that Kremlin can play a role so that Israel no longer attacks Syria. Syrias ambassador to the UN, Bashar Jaafari, applauded the conversation between the Russian authorities and the Israeli ambassador. He said president Putin sent a clear message to Tel Aviv stressing that this game is over.
In the latest developments, Damascus has claimed that it has downed an Israeli surveillance drone near the south-eastern province of Quneitra in the Syrian Golan Heights. Israel confirmed that it lost a sky rider drone and announced that it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Pictures of the drone surfaced on social media platforms close to Lebanese-based Hezbollah.
Israel has been able to limit its actions in the Syrian war to carrying out airstrike missions it claims target members of Hezbollah or shipments destined for the group. However, its defense minister Avigdor Lieberman stated that Syrians must understand that they are held responsible for these arms transfers and Israel will do what we have to do if Damascus fails to stop it. He also added that Syrias use of an anti-aircraft missile last week against its aircraft that bombed targets around Palmyra would be met with revengeful actions. The next time the Syrians use their air defense systems against our planes we will destroy them without the slightest hesitation.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo for discussions reportedly centered on the expansion of illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territories and general developments in Palestine ahead of the Arab Summit scheduled to take place at the end of the month in Amman where the Palestinian Cause is always upheld.
The two leaders discussed plans to bolster the significance of the UN Security Council Resolution 2234 which considers the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied territories as illegal. Following the approval of the decision by UN, the Israeli parliament adopted a bill in February retroactively legalizing around 4,000 settler homes built on privately-owned Palestinian land in the occupied West Bank. The bill grants the original inhabitants of those lands financial compensation or alternative land. The decision was condemned by Egypt, describing it as hindering the peace process in the Middle East.
Egypt has been trying to bridge the differences between Palestine and Israel. President Sisi thinks that there is a real opportunity for peace to prevail and his Foreign Affairs Minister Sameh Shoukry said Cairo is committed to supporting a just, comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. President Sisi is planning to discuss the conflict with US President Donald Trump during his visit to the White House in April.
Differences between Israel and the Arab World are often tense ahead of the Summit and Qatar has added its voice to the long standing conflict.
In a speech delivered by its Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Ali Khalfan Al Mansouri, Qatar tagged the Jewish State as an occupying power that is not supportive of the two-state solution. It also pointed out that Tel Aviv continues to blatantly ignore UN resolutions and international laws as well as obstructing a peaceful solution to the conflict by committing crimes against the Palestinian people.
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 World Bank this week pledged to commit a record $57 billion to finance projects in sub-Saharan Africa.
According to the head of the Washington-based lender, about $45 billion of the package will come from the banks International Development association (IDA), the Banks special fund for the poorest nations.
An estimated $8 billion dedicated to private sector investments will come from the International Finance Corporation, and $4 billion from the Banks unit for middle-income nations.
The World Banks chief Jim Yong Kim said, This represents an unprecedented opportunity to change the development trajectory of the countries in the region.
With this commitment, we will work with our clients to substantially expand programs in education, basic health services, clean water and sanitation, agriculture, business climate, infrastructure and institutional reform, he added
In its latest global economic forecast, the World Bank has projected that Sub-Saharan Africa will record GDP growth rate of 2.9% in 2017, up from 1.5% last year.
However, the bank indicated that low commodity prices and weak global trade are expected to continue to create challenging conditions for commodity-exporting countries.
Rwandas opposition leader Frank Habineza this weekend said he would challenge incumbent President Paul Kagame in the August-scheduled presidential election.
Rwandans have voted in a referendum on a constitutional amendment last year to allow President Paul Kagame to seek a third term in office this year.
The leader of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), Frank Habineza was nominated in December by his party to challenge Kagame who threw his hat into the ring in January.
His program includes investing in agriculture, increasing salaries for the security forces and ending political detentions.
President Kagame is praised at home and abroad for bringing about development and economic growth, but his critics accuse him of heavy-handed rule and human rights abuses.
The US and other west allies have urged Kagame to step down in 2017, saying he had an opportunity to set an example for a region in which leaders seem too tempted to view themselves as indispensable to their own countries trajectories.
Kagames Rwanda Patriotic Front, an ethnic Tutsi rebel force, ended the 1994 genocide perpetrated by Hutu extremists and has been in power ever since.
Rwandas first multiparty democratic presidential poll took place in 2003 while the second was held in 2010.
After several months away from public appearance, Algerian state television featured Sunday a video footage of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika with Abdelkader Messahel, the countrys minister for African Union and Arab League Affairs.
The health of the Algerian president has been of concern since he suffered in 2013 a stroke, which confined him to a wheel chair. He has not made any public statements since then.
He rarely appears in public and even his presidential election campaign in 2014 was led by Prime Minister, Abdelmalek Sellal.
The video footage is not likely to calm down concerns as to the Presidents ability to rule.
Last month, German Chancellor Angela Merkels visit to Algiers was cancelled in the last minute because Bouteflika was suffering from acute bronchitis.
A visit by Iranian leader Hassan Rohani scheduled for March 12 was also cancelled and few days later, Bouteflika failed to receive a Spanish delegation.
The opposition continues to claim that there is a power vacuum in the country as they question if the president is fully in charge amid his scheduled periodic medical check-ups abroad.
Meanwhile, some of his supporters go as far as claiming that he would run for a fifth term in office in 2019. Political analyst Rachid Tlemcani warned that it will be difficult to defend such an idea because the situation in the country has become unmanageable due to the presidents health condition.
Six Georgian qvevri wines at Artisan Wine Fair in London
Six Georgian wines were presented alongside some of the most exciting collections of natural and organic wines at an artisan wine fair in London.Georgian wines made in a qvevri a large, amphora-like clay vessel were tasted at the Artisan Wine Fair London, commonly known as RAW WINE, held from March 12-13.The RAW WINE festival annually celebrates some of the best natural wine producers in the world, with this years event featuring more than 150 growers.The Georgian wineries that were presented in the UK festival were Gotsa Wines, Natenadzes Wine Cellar, Papris Veli, Naotari Wines, Tibaani and Gaioz Sopromadze's Cellar.The organiser of the fair was famous wine expert and international master of wine, Isabelle Legeron from France.The guests of the fair had the opportunity to taste qvevri wine, learn the ancient technology of qvevri wine-making, history and culture of Georgia.Georgian winemakers stated that the RAW WINE fair had brought important importers for them within the recent years.This is the third year of my participation in RAW London and each year I feel how the publicity of Georgian wine progresses last year I found two importers at this fair fromDenmark and Switzerland. Yesterday, I was written from Denmark, that my wine is among the best restaurant chains of Michelin class and they bought the gross party. I think, this year I will find importers from California and New York, said one of the participants of the fair, Giorgi Natenadze.Georgia has been participating in the RAW WINE fair since 2012.
Turkey may ban sale of OMV Petrol Ofisi to Dutch Vitol
Turkey can terminate the deal on the sale of OMV Petrol Ofisi to VIP Turkey Enerji AS, a subsidiary of the Dutch Vitol Investment Partnership Ltd, due to the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Ankara and Amsterdam, Turkish media outlets reported.Earlier, OMV, the international integrated oil and gas company based in Vienna, agreed to sell 100 percent of the shares in its wholly owned subsidiary OMV Petrol Ofisi to VIP Turkey Enerji AS.Relevant confirmation must be obtained from Turkeys Energy Market Regulatory Authority and Competition Authority to carry out this operation.It was earlier reported that Austrias OMV was selling its Turkish subsidiary, since, as a part of its strategy, it intends to focus on mining companies and integrated activities on oil refining. In this regard, OMV started selling 100 percent of shares in OMV Petrol Ofisi AS.Azerbaijani state oil company SOCAR, Saudi Aramco, Petromin-C Port and Vitol participated in the final stage of the tender to acquire OMV assets.The diplomatic conflict between Turkey and the Netherlands broke out as the Dutch authorities decided to, for security reasons, prohibit Turkish politicians from delivering a speech in the Netherlands in support of constitutional reform in Turkey.On March 11, the Dutch government first canceled the Turkish foreign minister's flight permit to the Netherlands and then blocked a convoy carrying Turkeys family minister from entering the Turkish consulate in Rotterdam.Protests erupted outside the consulate in Rotterdam, where Dutch police used guard dogs and batons to disperse an aggressive crowd gathering in support of Family Minister Fatma Betul Sayan Kaya.In response, Turkey sent two notes of protest to the Netherlands due to blocking of Turkish ministers visits to the country and ill-treatment of Turkish citizens by the Dutch police.
Opposition summons Energy Minister to Parliament
By Messenger Staff
The parliamentary opposition once again summoned Energy Minister Kakha Kaladze to Parliament to answer questions over the new gas deal between Georgia and Russias energy giant Gazprom, as well as the ministers most recent statement that gas tariffs may increase.A member of the European Georgia opposition Gigi Tsereteli said the consistent refusals of Kaladze to answer the questions could cause an institutional dispute.Kaladze said that gas tariffs may increase. In this situation it is even more interesting what the Russia-Georgia gas deal is. We need answers as to why we will have to pay more for gas in the future, Tsereteli said.The Minister says outside Parliament that the government has nothing to hide over the deal with Russia. If this is true then why he is avoiding coming and responding to our questions? Tsereteli added.In January this year, the Government of Georgia accepted Gazproms demand to receive money instead of natural gas in exchange for Russias gas transit to Armenia via Georgia.Previously, Georgia received 10% of all natural gas that Russia sent to Armenia through Georgia.Last year, Russia raised the same demand; however, the same Georgian Dream Government of Georgia was proud to say they managed to get Russia to provide Georgia with natural gas rather than money, as this was more beneficial for Georgian interests.After the new deal with Gazprom, Georgias Minister of Energy Kakhi Kaladze said Georgia accepted an optimal offer that would never make the country dependent on Russian gas.The Minister refrained from naming a concrete sum that Georgia will receive from Russia, only saying we will get nearly the same result as it was in case of directly receiving natural gas.However, the Deputy Energy Minister said the previous agreement was more beneficial from a financial point of view.Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili also stated the new deal wasnt beneficial and promised the people would receive as many answers as possible without breaching any confidentiality agreements.The deal is interesting for the population of Georgia; the government of Georgia is obliged at least to say what price the country will receive for the gas' transit.The Parliament of Georgia is composed of lawmakers who are elected by the people, and ministers and other government members have certain obligations to respond to questions the people have, as they are supposed to represent the public.
The News in Brief
Azerbaijan Does Not Recognize Abkhazia Polls
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said on March 13 that it does not recognize the so called parliamentary elections, held in Georgias breakaway region of Abkhazia.
The Republic of Azerbaijan does not recognize the so called independence of Abkhazia and consequently, the so called parliamentary elections held in Abkhazia on March 12, 2017 and its results, the MFA statement said.
The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry added that it is necessary to continue negotiations for peaceful resolution of Abkhazia issue in compliance with the norms and principles of international law.
Voters in Abkhazia cast their ballots on March 12 to elect the regions 35-member National Assembly. (civil.ge)
EU denies link between Georgia visa waiver and refugee centers proposal
A member of the European Unions 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. (DF watch)
Recommendations of IDFI on the Open Parliament Georgia Action Plan 2016-2017
The Institute for Development of Freedom of Information (IDFI) as the member of the Open Parliament Georgia Working Group and the Chair of the Permanent Parliamentary Council on Open and Transparent Governance is actively involved in the process of elaboration of the Open Parliament Georgia 2017-2018 Action Plan.
In February 2017, the Institute presented the recommendations on elaboration of the Open Parliament Georgia 2017-2018 Action Plan to the Parliament of Georgia. These recommendations included the following topics:
- Elaboration of Feedback Mechanism for Comments left on Draft Laws;
- Elaboration of a Public Information Module and Simplification of Access to Information on Parliamentary Activities;
- Elaboration of a Public Information Reports Monitoring System;
- Elaboration of a Public Petitions System.
IDFI believes that inclusion of the aforementioned recommendations in the Open Parliament Georgia 2017-2018 Action Plan will increase involvement of the citizens in lawmaking processes, transparency of the legislative authorities and the citizens trust in them. (IDFI)
THE TRUE COST OF ALL THAT 'CHEAP' LAOR THAT DESTROYED AMERICA THE BIG SECRET DEMOCRATS DO NOT WANT YOU TO KNOW: Heather Mac Donald of the Manhattan Institute has testified before a Congressional committee that in 2004, 95% of all outstanding warrants for murder in Los Angeles were for illegal aliens; in 2000, 23% of all Los Angeles County jail inmates were illegal aliens and that in 1995, 60% of Los Angeless largest street gang, the 18th Street gang, were illegal aliens.
After four years of bitter legal battles over Florida redistricting, Republicans in the Florida Senate Tuesday passed a bill that makes new demands on the court in future map wars, and sets new standards about which maps take effect and when.
The bill, SB 352 by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Elkton, passed the Senate 24-14, on a party line vote. It locks maps in place on qualifying day and requires that if a map is challenged 71 days before the primary election, the existing map in force will be the one that applies for the election. If the court orders revised the boundaries after that, the new boundaries will take effect in the next election cycle.
Those changes essentially codify the ruling of Circuit Court Judge Terry Lewis in 2015, but the bill also trods new legal ground by also "encouraging" the court to act as if it were a legislative body. Before resolving a redistricting dispute, the Senate bill wants the court to conduct public hearings, record and maintain public records and accept public submissions of draft maps.
"The courts are now passing law,'' Hutson explained. "All I'm doing is what they encouraged us to do. There are things the public should know, how they're coming to these conclusions so we know where their heads are at."
The proposal is a response to the legal wrangling that snagged the Florida Senate and embarrassed its leaders in the last election cycle. After voters approved the Fair Districts gerrymandering standards in 2010, courts struck down congressional and Senate district maps approved by the Legislature and the grounds that the maps violated the Fair District provisions that prohibited favoring incumbents or political parties.
During debate on the bill last week, Hutson defended that changes as necessary to ensure transparency in the redistricting process and provide certainty for voters and elections supervisors. But Democrats argued that the bill appeared to be intended as retribution against the judicial branch.
Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, D-Miami, offered an amendment to remove the section of the bill that imposes the new legislative standards on the court, saying "it also just doesn't work. I don't know what a court would do with this kind of language."
Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater, argued against the amendment, saying the changes were needed to stop what he considered the "arrogance" of the courts, which ordered lawmakers to keep a record of the redistricting deliberations in order to establish whether they were adhering to the provision that prevents them from "intentionally" favoring incumbents or parties.
@PatriciaMazzei
The conservative Club for Growth wants Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen to hold firm on her opposition to the House GOP healthcare plan.
The group has kicked off a TV and digital ad campaign asking Ros-Lehtinen to vote no. She has already said she will -- but not for the reasons endorsed by the Club for Growth. Ros-Lehtinen says the bill would hurt too many people in her district insured under the Affordable Care Act. The Club considers the legislation, backed by Speaker Paul Ryan, not conservative enough.
The RyanCare bill fails to keep President Trumps promises of interstate competition and health insurance deregulation, Club for Growth President David McIntosh said in a statement. Republicans promised a bill that would stop Obamacares taxes and mandates, and replace them with free-market reforms that will increase health insurance competition and drive down costs. RyanCare fails on those counts and thats why the Club is letting millions of constituents know that their Representative should reject RyanCare.
The $500,000 ad campaign will target Ros-Lehtinen and nine other Republican lawmakers: Leonard Lance of New Jersey, Tom MacArthur of New Jersey, John Katko of New York, Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, Rob Wittman of Virginia, Peter King of New York, Charlie Dent of Pennsylvania, Darrell Issa of California and Don Bacon of Nebraska.
The state panel assigned to review the state Constitution got off to a rocky start Monday as the 37-member commission met for an organizational session in the Florida Senate chambers but delayed adopting rules after several members privately raised questions about whether the proposals diluted the publics input in the process.
The Constitution Revision Committee, which is convened every 20 years and given the power to put proposals directly on the 2018 November ballot, met for just over an hour and reviewed the state ethics laws that apply. But a proposal to have the commission adopt rules drafted by the commission staff in advance of the meeting was indefinitely postponed until after public hearings begin next week in Orange County.
Under the proposal, Chairman Carlos Beruff would be given the power to send a proposal back to a committee after it has been amended in another committee a tool used to effectively kill proposals and it will take a two-thirds vote of the full commission to reverse these rulings.
I am personally looking forward to advancing policies that will help make the future of our state even stronger than it already is, said Beruff, the Manatee County businessman appointed to chair the commission by Gov. Rick Scott.
Beruff said the draft rules create an unprecedented level of transparency and increase public input from Florida citizens but to give members more time for input they would not be voting Monday on the rules.
As happened in 1998, when the commission was last convened, the group will be divided into committees, and those committees will have the power to adopt and amend proposals. But under the draft rules distributed to members last Thursday, Beruff would be given sole discretion over what proposals will be referred to which committee and and proposed amendment to the constitution could not be amended by the full commission.
Everyone is not going to agree, not just on our rules but on everything before this commission, Beruff told the commission. But we will debate and we will reach a conclusion that is best for Florida citizens.
He said they will conduct a separate meeting to vote on the rules some time in the future, likely in Tallahassee, but offered no details. Until then, he said he considers everything is open meetings and open records as far as Im concerned rules or no rules, he said, noting that they are launching a web site and will post everything on the web site immediately.
Barbara Petersen, president of the First Amendment Foundation, asked the commission to amend its proposed rules to bring them into line with existing law regarding open meetings and public records, including a requirement that public records shall be open to personal inspection and copying at reasonable times, instead of allowing records to use a new standard not in law and to require meetings be open when two or more members meet to discuss business.
We should note that the higher standard under Article I applies to every collegial body in Florida except the Florida legislature, and we strongly urge the CRC to adopt the Article I standard rather than the weaker legislative standard, Petersen wrote in a letter to Beruff on Monday.
Arthenia Joyner, former Senate Democratic leader who was appointed to the commission by Florida Supreme Court Justice Jorge Labarga. said she objects to the proposed rules because they give Beruff ultimate power.
There's too many strong, intelligent people in here to have somebody try to exercise absolute control, she said.
She said she will recommend that Beruff appoint a committee to work on the rules because its obvious that the vast majority of the people here did not like what was proposed.
Former Senate President Don Gaetz, R-Niceville, appointed to the commission by Senate President Joe Negron, said he would have voted against the rules and strongly objected to a provision that would have allowed members to cast a vote by being present only by teleconference, and not in person.
Roberto Martinez, a Miami lawyer who was appointed to the commission by Labarga, said he served on the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission and several state boards which prohibited members from discussing business outside of the sunshine and it did not interfere in their ability to conduct business.
Im so used to it, its in my DNA, he said.
Tim Cerio, former general counsel to Scott and a member of the commission, defended the proposed rules as more transparent that the process used in 1998, which imposed no limits on commissioners meeting to discuss proposals and required only that meetings be noticed.
What were doing is going beyond that, he said.
There are other significant departures from the rules adopted by the 1998 Constitution Revision Commission, which succeeded in passing eight of the nine proposals it put before voters. Many on that commission, which included a bipartisan blend of members, attribute the carefully-crafted rules of the commission for helping bring consensus and strengthen the proposals that won voter support.
It puts the responsibility on the committees and the committees have more power to pass stuff and kill stuff, Cerio said.
One important rule that has been proposed to be carried over from 1998 is the requirement that in order for a measure to be put on the November ballot, it must receive a super majority of 22 votes from commission members.
Each of the presiding officers who appointed members of the commission made brief remarks at the Monday meeting. Scott, who appointed Beruff and 14 members of the commission called it a distinct opportunity and everyone will have fun. Labarga said the commission has awesome power and his three appointments were made to bring a balanced perspective and an understanding of the importance of separation of powers.
Negron, R-Stuart, who appointed nine members, said his request to them is just to recognize that our entire system of government is founded on the supremacy of the individual and that all power derives from the people.
House Speaker Richard Corcoran, R-Land OLakes, called the group a statewide all-star team and he encouraged the members to encourage dissent and have robust debate.
If they succeed at that, they will get to fix what still exists in Florida: some serious injustices, he said. When asked to elaborate, Corcoran said he was referring to great injustices robbing children -- sticking them in failure factories by putting them in schools that take that a childs dignity and hope away.
He said if the commission only accomplishes reversing the Florida Supreme Courts 2006 ruling on Bush v. Holmes, it will be a wonderful success. That ruling said the states Opportunity Scholarship program, which allowed students in failing schools to obtain taxpayer-financed vouchers to attend private schools, violated a provision in the state constitution that requires a uniform system of public schools for all students. end print trim
Beruff said he hopes to have at least two rounds of public hearings around the state and possibly a third after they put together the proposed amendments to the ballot.
The commission has scheduled a public hearing in Orange County for March 29, in Miami Dade County on April 6 and in Palm Beach County on April 7 -- all days the Legislature is in session, posing a conflict for several of the legislators on the panel.
A bill moving through the Florida House to implement the August ballot initiative by giving tax breaks to businesses that install solar energy panels is under fire for doing what the utility industry could not do this election cycle - impose impediments to rooftop solar installation.
The bill, HB 1351 by Rep. Ray Rodrigues, was passed unanimously by the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee Tuesday but only after several legislators expressed reservations and members of the solar industry warned that a long list of consumer protections in the bill will actually serve to keep legitimate companies from doing business in Florida.
In addition to authorizing language that prohibits tax assessors from increasing the taxable value of a home or business because of a solar installation, Rodrigues added language he said he modeled off an Arizona law that he says will provide consumer safeguards against bad actors in the solar industry.
He acknowledged that there are no problems with solar industry installations today in Florida but, because removing the tax barriers will result in an uptick in new solar expansion, the time to do it is now rather than waiting until consumers are taken advantage of.
Under the bill, any company that installs rooftop solar would be required to file more than 20 financial disclosures relating to their business practices, calculate a customers energy savings based on future, not past, energy rates, follow new codes and standards and face new imposes penalties for violations.
In addition, the Florida Public Service Commission would have new power to impose new rules related to solar safety and performance, in addition to those already in place under state and federal law.
But members of the solar industry told the committee that safety requirements are already in place, and the Solar Energy Industry Association already requires its members to adhere to best practices and disclosures intended to weed out bad actors and benefit consumers.
This goes way too far, said Jeff Sharkey, lobbyist for Tesla, Solar City and the Energy Freedom Coalition of America. At the end of the day, these are going to be confusing to consumers, potentially provide obstacles, and make it a little more difficult to purchase and install these energy saving devices on their homes.
@PatriciaMazzei
A liberal labor organization has begun a web campaign urging Miami Republican Rep. Carlos Curbelo to oppose the House GOP's healthcare legislation.
UNITE HERE is going after 15 Republicans in moderate districts with its "Don't Tax Our Health Care" campaign, which includes web ads, direct mail, neighborhood canvassing and protests outside lawmakers' offices, according to the organization.
Trumpcare is a disaster for working people,UNITE HERE President D. Taylor said in a statement. It fulfills none of the promises that Trump and the Republicans ran on. Wheres the better coverage at lower costs? How does this rein in out-of-pocket and prescription drug costs? The truth is Trumpcare isnt about fixing the ACA with insurance for everybody that would be much less expensive and much better, as President Trump promised. Its about destroying it with a half a trillion-dollar tax cut for the rich on the backs of the poor, the sick, and the vast majority of Americans who get coverage through work.
Curbelo is getting hit from all sides on the healthcare plan, which is scheduled for a House vote on Thursday. A political committee affiliated with Speaker Paul Ryan is imploring the congressman to back the legislation. Curbelo already voted for it once, on the Ways and Means Committee, but has since noted he has "concerns" after the Congressional Budget Office found millions of Americans would drop or lose insurance coverage.
@PatriciaMazzei
A liberal Latino group has become the latest organization to release ads to pressure Miami Republicans to oppose the House plan to replace the Affordable Care Act.
NCLR Action Fund -- as in the National Council of La Raza -- issued a "call to action" Tuesday asking lawmakers in key districts to vote against the American Health Care Act on Thursday. Among the targeted legislators: Miami Reps. Carlos Curbelo and Mario Diaz-Balart.
"The Affordable Care Act has provided over 4 million Latinos health insurance and millions more have gained greater access to quality health care," NCLRAF's political director, Rafael Collazo, said in a statement. "Latino voters want their federal officials to protect those gains. Voting for the AHCA would be an immense setback for Latinos."
The organization plans radio and digital ads in seven districts with significant Latino populations. The other five districts are represented by Will Hurd of Texas, Mike Coffman of Colorado, Jeff Denham of California, David Valadao of California and Darrell Issa of California.
@MichaelAuslen
The Florida House has put a target on cities and counties that have sanctuary policies protecting undocumented immigrants picked up by police.
Legislation (HB 697) requiring local officials do away with those policies or risk fines and removal from office is moving fast in the chamber. The bill would require police detain people for 48 hours at local taxpayer expense if they receive a request to do so from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. And it would let victims or their families sue elected officials if a crime is committed by an undocumented immigrant in a community where sanctuary laws are in effect.
With porous borders and a lack of internal enforcement, if we simply say that if you can get here you can stay here and we dont care about the legal distinctions, were going to have more and more people coming here illegally and fewer and fewer coming here through the legal immigration system, bill sponsor Rep. Larry Metz, R-Yalaha, said.
The House subcommittee on local, federal and veterans affairs passed his bill on a party line vote Tuesday with nine Republicans in favor, five Democrats opposed. Rep. Mike Miller, R-Winter Park, was not in the room to vote.
The bill must still clear the House Judiciary Committee, and its Senate companion has not yet been put on the agenda for its first hearing.
Not one Republican debated in favor of the bill Tuesday, other than its sponsor, and none of the 27 members of the public and lobbyists who spoke at the meeting expressed support.
Democrats raised concerns that the bill is unconstitutional, immoral and said it was a policy indicative of Donald Trumps America that targets immigrants. Whats more, they said, it advances a stereotype that immigrants are more likely to commit crimes, when studies show the opposite is true.
Rep. Daisy Baez, D-Coral Gables, an Army veteran and hospital executive who immigrated to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at age 12 urged her House colleagues to vote against the bill because immigrants are the spine of this nation.
I achieved the American Dream, I suppose, and if you think this story is unique and beautiful and one of achievement, I have to tell you its not. Its every immigrants story, she said, adding that, I have never felt as vilified as I have now.
But Democrats also rebuked one member of the public, Gail Marie Perry of Plantation, who told the subcommittee that This is one step toward Nazism in the United States.
Republicans beat down a series of amendments offered by Rep. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando, to gut components of the bill.
Smith's amendments would have:
* Required a warrant from a judge before police have to detain someone at ICEs request.
* Exempted state colleges and universities, where undocumented DREAMers are afforded in-state tuition, from the bill.
* Given witnesses and victims of crimes additional protection.
* Funded the detention requirements.
* Cut language allowing the governor to remove local officials from office if they vote against ending sanctuary policies.
Photo: Protester Joan Wynne, center, chants anti-Trump and anti-Gimenez slogans in downtown Miami on Jan. 31 during a protest over Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez's controversial order assuring the Trump administration that Miami-Dade is not functioning as a sanctuary city for illegal immigrants. (AP)
@MichaelAuslen
Puerto Rico Gov. Ricardo Rossello on Friday issued a warning to Gov. Rick Scott: Help Puerto Rico advocate for more federal Medicaid money, or caring for the island's poor could become Florida's problem.
After next year, the feds are expected to send dramatically less Medicaid money to Puerto Rico, which already gets an "inequitable" amount compared to states, Rossello wrote. If there are additional cuts, he said, more Puerto Ricans could flock to the mainland United States, and Florida would be a likely place for them to go.
"If this issue is not addressed by Congress in the very near future, the fallout will be felt not only in Puerto Rico but also in the states because the already high rate of migration of U.S. citizens moving from Puerto Rico to the states will likely increase significantly, affecting Florida in particular," the letter says.
With Congress currently considering a replacement for the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, Rossello says now is the perfect time to act on Puerto Rico's Medicaid problems.
Scott, a former hospital executive and outspoken critic of the ACA, has been involved in putting together and pitching the Republicans' replacement plan.
Similar letters were sent to governors in 12 other states, including Ohio, Texas, New York and California.
@MichaelAuslen
A Central Florida lawmaker is now urging Gov. Rick Scott to suspend the Orlando state attorney who last week said she would not seek the death penalty in any cases, including that of a man accused of the execution-style shooting of a police officer.
On Thursday, Scott removed State Attorney Aramis Ayala from that case and reassigned it to another state attorney, but Ayala challenged the action in a court filing Monday.
Rep. Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs, said in a letter to Scott on Monday that the governor should suspend Ayala from office.
"If she continues to follow through with her promise to not hear current death penalty cases, including six pending cases, justice may be thwarted for additional victims of heinous crimes," Cortes said in a statement accompanying the letter. "I appreciate the Governors swift response thus far. I am confident he will continue to act within the scope of Florida law to ensure that justice is done for Markeith Loyds victims and everyone in the Ninth Circuit."
Loyd is accused of killing Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton, as well as his ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon.
Earlier Monday, Scott left open the possibility of suspending Ayala, but he has not made any moves to do so.
"With regards to that, we're continuing to look at our options," he said in response to reporters' questions.
Scott has authority under the Constitution to suspend Ayala from office but it takes action by the state Senate to remove her. At least one state senator has already indicated he thinks the state attorney should be out of a job: Sen. Jack Latvala, R-Clearwater.
The full text of Cortes' letter is included below:
Dear Governor Scott,
Thank you very much for your quick actions yesterday regarding the issue with our Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney Aramis Ayala. Her decision to not seek the death penalty against Markeith Loyd was against the Legislative intent set forward in Florida Statute 782.04. Your actions have secured this case moving as it should without the personal feelings of a State Attorney being a distraction to all parties involved. However, her other comments in her press conference concern me even further.
I am respectfully requesting from your office an official review of ALL pending death penalty cases in the Ninth Judicial Circuit. I further request that since State Attorney Aramis Ayala has indicated she will not seek the death penalty in all cases, past and present, that you, by executive order, reassign ALL cases to other State Attorneys per Florida Statute 27.14. It is obvious these cases will not be handled in the manner they should by the current State Attorney.
It has come to my attention that as of March 16, 2017, the State Attorneys office has already filed intent not to seek the death penalty on current cases. One current example is The State of Florida vs. Larry D. Perry. Therefore, I am also respectfully asking that you suspend State Attorney Aramis Ayala from her position on the Ninth Judicial Circuit on the basis of Article IV, Section 7 of the Florida Constitution.
I await your response and diligence on this most important manner.
I thank you for your service.
Respectfully,
Bob Cortes
Photo: State Rep. Bob Cortes, R-Altamonte Springs, center, has called for State Attorney Aramis Ayala to be suspended after she publicly said she would not seek the death penalty while in office as the top prosecutor for Orange and Osceola counties. (MICHAEL AUSLEN | Times/Herald)
@PatriciaMazzei
As a member of the House Intelligence Committee, Miami Republican Rep. Ileana Ros-Lehtinen got to question FBI chief James Comey on Monday. But unlike some of her GOP colleagues, she steered clear of any talk about leaks to reporters about FBI investigations -- and focused rather on the investigations themselves, into Russian meddling into the U.S. presidential election.
It was during Ros-Lehtinen's questioning that Comey made the -- perhaps underappreciated -- admission that hackers will probably try to interfere with future elections, too.
"They'll be back in 2020. They may be back in 2018," he conceded, noting that cyber actors may consider their "sowing discord" in the 2016 campaign to have been a success.
"We will follow the facts wherever they lead, on a bipartisan level," Ros-Lehtinen said about the committee's investigation. "And there will be no sacred cows."
A priority for House Speaker Richard Corcoran in this year's legislative session is abolishing Enterprise Florida, the "unreformable" taxpayer-supported program that uses state money to attract private employers that Corcoran calls a total failure.
Clearly Enterprise Florida is no fan of Corcoran. So it may come as a surprise that the agency has repeatedly given legal work to Broad & Cassel, the law firm that employs the House speaker.
Enterprise Florida has done about $235,000 in legal work with Broad & Cassel over the past three years, the agency said. "Enterprise Florida hires legal counsel on a case-by-case basis, depending on a wide range of factors," spokesman Nate Edwards said.
Edwards said the hiring of an outside law firm is a business decision made by EFI's chief operating officer or vice president for administration, not by its board of political appointees, which is chaired by Gov. Rick Scott, who for months has criticized Corcoran and other House members for wanting to destroy an agency that is critical to job creation. In a speech in Pensacola Friday, Corcoran called Enterprise Florida a "pay to play" operation where board members' companies get incentive money.
EFI hired Broad & Cassel's Orlando office for legal issues related to a State Small Business Credit Initiative, a federally-funded program, as well as the deposition of an EFI executive in a case involving a personal bankruptcy of an executive of a firm that received state incentives. Edwards said Broad & Cassel handles accounting and administrative work for the Florida Opportunity Fund and the Florida Development Finance Corp. The fund is sponsored by Enterprise Florida and FDFC is a separate company that leases space from EFI.
Corcoran said in an interview that he had no knowledge of his law firm's work for Enterprise Florida and that the managing partner of the firm's Orlando office, C. David Brown II, is an "old school" attorney who has never raised the legal work or EFI's future with him. "It's an exceptional firm and it's a Florida firm," Corcoran said of Broad & Cassel. "That whole side has zero effect on this side."
EFI's Edwards said the agency and Broad & Cassel have had a relationship for two decades, long before Corcoran joined the firm. Corcoran joined Broad & Cassel's Tampa office in 2011, the year after he was elected, and was recruited by the late Steve Burton, who ran the firm's Tampa office. Corcoran brought with him one client, the Pasco County sheriff's office, and is of counsel, meaning he does not share in the firm's profits. He listed $175,000 in income from the firm on his latest financial disclosure statement.
via @learyreports
Days before the presidential election, Marco Rubio asked a crowd in Punta Gorda, "Can this country afford to have a president under investigation by the FBI?"
"No," the audience shouted.
That comment, captured by the liberal opposition research group American Bridge, was directed at Hillary Clinton. But it has a new meaning Monday as the FBI confirmed it has an ongoing investigation into Russian involvement in the election and possible ties to the Trump associates, which would include Roger Stone.
We have asked for Rubio's reaction to today's House Intelligence Committee hearing and will update if he responds.
--ALEX LEARY, Tampa Bay Times
via @learyreports
WASHINGTON - Some issues transcend partisan politics, so it was not surprising to see Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson next to President Donald Trump this morning for the signing of the NASA Authorization Act. (Republican Sen. Marco Rubio was there too, to the right of Texas Sen. Ted Cruz and cut off in the photo.)
--ALEX LEARY, Tampa Bay Times
Photo credit: Screen capture via @NASASpaceflight
Undeterred by threats that everyone in Florida would face premium hikes, a key Florida Senate committee pressed on and voted unanimously to strip the insurance industry of a tax credit in exchange for a broader tax cut to help more businesses.
Baloney, Sen. Anitere Flores, R-Miami, said after more than a half dozen insurance industry lobbyists warned that cutting their tax break would end up getting passed on to consumers everywhere.
Under Flores plan, the state would get rid of a tax credit created in the 1980s aimed at attracting insurance companies to Florida. In exchange for hiring Florida workers, they would get a tax credit from the state to offset other taxes. Getting rid of that tax cut would mean redirecting almost $300 million in tax cuts into the states budget.
Flores initially wanted the saved money to become a tax break on communications service taxes that people pay on their mobile devices and cable television services. But Sen. Kelli Stargel, R-Lakeland, amended the bill to take the savings from the insurance tax credits and repurpose them to cut sales taxes businesses in Florida pay when they lease commercial space. Stargels idea is to cut the sales tax from 6 percent to 5 percent. Florida is the only state in the nation that charges a commercial lease tax.
Stargel said since the credit was created as an incentive to one industry, she wanted to make sure it was used for another kind of incentive - reducing commercial lease taxes.
Cutting the commercial lease tax has been a big priority for Gov. Rick Scott, who has made it the centerpiece of his tax cutting plan this year.
But the Florida Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Florida, both supporters of Scotts tax cut plan, strongly opposed Flores proposal. Brewster Bevis with AIF said they want commercial leases lower, but not on the backs of another industry.
Paul Sanford, another insurance industry lobbyist, warned that under this bill everyones insurance in the state of Florida is going up to accommodate the $300 million in new premium taxes.
Flores told the committee that the sky-is-falling approach from the industry doesn't work anymore, because even when the Legislature helps the insurance industry they promise rate cuts, but the never come.
"Let me tell you, your insurance rates are going to go up no matter what," Flores said.
The tax cut still has a ways to go. Tuesdays 4-0 vote was the first committee stop for the bill. It still must clear at least one other committee before it can go to the full Senate for debate.
For picture posts from 2010 and earlier, see the Earlier Picture Posts Page
HELENA More than 25 people cited statistics and shared personal stories detailing the benefits of public preschool programs in hopes of getting the House Education Committee to support a bill that died during the last legislative session.
After Gov. Steve Bullocks 2015 legislation to earmark $37 million for public preschool was rejected by Republicans because of budgetary concerns, the governor is again introducing legislation to establish a preschool program, this time appropriating $12 million in the 2019 biennium.
House Bill 563, carried by Kathy Kelker, D-Billings, would establish a public preschool program for the states 4-year-olds. The bill would establish a five-person board to administer the program, including the superintendent of public instruction, the director of the department of health and human services and three members appointed by the governor. To be eligible for the preschool grant program, children would have to be 4 by Sept. 10 of the school year, be enrolled in an approved program and have a family income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The program is not a mandate and would be voluntary for communities and parents to participate.
A preschool must meet the standards established by the board of public education to be considered an approved program. Preschools could be part of an elementary school district, a Head Start program or a private provider with at least a three-star rating determined by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
While this years version asks for significantly less money, the 2019 budget is tighter than last session and some Republicans have already said the money should be directed to more critical projects such as infrastructure. After the hearing on Monday, it was unclear whether testimony on the benefits of preschool convinced the committee to shell out the millions needed to start the program.
The governor spent last week promoting the bill. He hosted Alabamas Early Education Secretary Jeana Ross, who shared the benefits of her states program, which started in 2000. Bullock also held a rally with children, parents and teachers in support of HB563.
When introducing her bill, Kelker made a point to distinguish between child care and quality preschool programs. She said an approved program is taught by a professionally trained adult with an integrated curriculum. Teachers are able to focus on all areas of learning while also playing.
Montana has lagged behind most other states in providing high quality preschool, Kelker said. We are one of five states without a publicly funded preschool option.
While budget constraints have been the focus of this session and state agencies have seen a series of reductions in their budget requests or actual cuts, Kelker said Montana would see a quick return on its investment in public preschool. Multiple proponents handed out national data or findings from their own state programs saying children who complete preschool are less likely to need costly special education services and less likely to utilize public assistance programs or be incarcerated.
On average, for every dollar spent on programs, communities see a benefit of $7 to $9, Kelker said.
Parents and teachers said the advantage to children who attend preschool isnt temporary. Multiple educators said children who come into school with an Individualized Education Program, meaning they are eligible for special education services, are more likely to be able to join general education if theyve attended a quality preschool program.
Siri Smillie, education policy advisor for the governor, said the first five years of a childs life are most critical, with 90 percent of brain development happening during that time. Children who attend preschool show a higher school readiness and are less likely to be chronically absent.
Ahnna Barnett, a kindergarten teacher in Billings, said she is often teaching kids whose parents work multiple jobs or struggle with substance abuse. The only Head Start program is in Billings with a full waiting list, she said.
We dont have the ability to control where these kids come from, Barnett said. We do have the ability to give them an equal playing field.
Rep. Peggy Webb, R-Billings, asked Kelker if the money appropriated per student is enough.
The existing preschool programs already being funded in the state with federal dollars cost $5,347 per pupil, but HB563 appropriates $3,000 per student. The report explaining the cost of the bill says local school districts could have additional costs of up to $2,347, or a total of $4.5 million.
Kelker said the intent of the grant is to support programs or schools that already have existing resources, such as classrooms and supplies. The $3,000 per student would support programs that already exist, she said.
The state is already administering a federal grant that funds 21 preschool providers for 1,119 low-income children.
In closing on her bill, Kelker asked the committee to not worry about national statistics since state programs have already proven to be successful.
Remember, its not child care. Its not babysitting. Its real school that is tailor-made for children who are only 4 years old, she said. It is now proven in our state.
Maddie Smith thinks she'd like to be a cook when she grows up that, or work with heavy machinery.
The 11-year-old is one of 11 middle school girls learning trades over spring break this week with YWCA Missoula's newest program, GRIT! (Girls Representing In Trades), launched in January. The idea is to expose young girls to trades that are typically male-dominated, encouraging them to learn more about each, even if it doesn't lead to a career.
They're learning about everything from welding to bike mechanics, from construction to engineering. They're visiting work sites and local businesses to see each field in action. On Tuesday, they headed to Missoula College's Agricultural Education Center for a lesson in carpentry from women, of course.
Nolee Anderson suited up in her paint-splattered overalls, teaching the girls about different tools drills to saws to clamps in order for each girl to build her project for the day: a wooden stool.
Smith has tried her hand at carpentry before; her grandpa taught her some skills in his garage. But once she heard about the GRIT! camp, she wanted in.
"It just sounded really fun," she said. "I like engineering, math and carpentry, and I've never tried welding before."
So, she thinks her future could go either way: cooking or construction, especially if she got to work with heavy machinery like an excavator.
"Boys do everything. Most jobs are dominated by boys," she said.
***
A study published January in Science found that young boys and girls generally associate intelligence with their own gender. But by 6 and 7 years old, researchers found that "theyre 20 percent to 30 percent less likely to assume this brilliant individual is a woman."
Roe Erin, manager of GUTS! (Girls Using Their Strengths), the Y's leadership and empowerment program for girls, said that sexism embeds itself in subtle ways throughout a girl's life. Just recently, she talked with her mother about a realization from her own childhood.
Her parents bought a bicycle shop, but all of her brothers worked and "got dirty," never Erin or her mother.
Margaret Hoyt's childhood in Maine pushed her beyond traditional gender roles, eventually leading her to work with the GRIT! camp. She's an AmeriCorps VISTA member with Montana Campus Compact.
"My dad taught my sister and I to lobster," Hoyt said. "I was in a male-dominated field in high school, but I realized I could do it just as well. We're all equal out on the water."
GUTS! began 20 years ago in Missoula, with backpacking trips, and empowerment and leadership activities for girls. Erin wants the program to stay relevant, and last year started brainstorming for a new opportunity.
Her research led her to programs across the United States that encourage young girls to explore trades skills, either for careers, hobbies or simply to be self-sufficient in everyday life.
Fourteen teenage girls have also signed up for the high school program, which meets one Saturday a month to learn a different trade. Erin said she's been thrilled with the community support, from business involvement to donations.
"It's not about getting girls into carpentry school," Erin said. "They're not being told to do this. But it gives them more options. They can get their hands dirty, and feel confident and excited.
"I feel like sexism and gender oppression are in the threads of our society, and girls pick that up."
***
Erin recently led a discussion with a group of middle school girls at DeSmet Elementary School, which goes through eighth grade. She handed them a list of jobs, and told them to label each either male, female or both.
Overwhelmingly, the girls labeled trades jobs as male, and service jobs as female.
Why? Erin asked them. Are there certain qualities girls possess that disqualify them from careers in the trades?
No, they realized.
GRIT! is now one of a slew of programs locally and nationwide to tackle the gender disparity in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering and math) and encourage girls to pursue any and all careers. Last fall, a grant from ChickTech, a nonprofit encouraging girls to pursue careers in technology, allowed coding to expand in Missoula County Public Schools.
"I might be an actress," said 10-year-old Lizzie Mills-Low, fiddling with her dust mask and ear plugs. "But if I learn this stuff, I could help build the sets."
The year 2017 portends big changes at Neptune Aviation as the Missoula-based company prepares to phase out its propeller-driven P2V planes and to compete for a new U.S. Forest Service firefighting contract.
The red-tailed BAe-146 jet tankers have been making regular training runs around the Missoula Valley this month in preparation for a forest fire season thats already started in some parts of the country. Neptune has five of its new tankers on wildfire scenes as of Monday, including at a fire outside Boulder, Colorado, that forced the evacuation of nearly 1,000 homes over the weekend.
By June 1, we expect to have 15 flyable aircraft, Neptune CEO Ron Hooper said on Monday. Our P2Vs were made in the 1940s, so theyre about 70 years old. Were going to retire that fleet at the end of this fire season. But some of the pilots are going to be sad to see them go.
The company has contracts to fly eight BAe-146 jets and four P2Vs this year. Thats a reverse of 2016s six older and five new-generation planes. And when the Forest Service releases its Next-Generation 3.0 contracts later this year, Neptune hopes to win work for nine or 10 of its jets.
Details of that contract process havent been made public, Forest Service Office of Fire and Aviation Management spokeswoman Jennifer Jones said on Monday. Notes from a December National Wildfire Coordinating Group meeting estimated the contracts would be available in fall 2017, but some uncertainly revolved around President Donald Trumps proposed Forest Service budget cuts.
While the administrations budget document states that firefighting budgets will be held to 10-year averages, the Department of Agriculture (which oversees the Forest Service) was slated for a $4.7 billion, 21 percent cut.
Outside Neptunes hangar complex at the east end of Missoula International Airport, one of the companys remaining seven P2Vs has already been mothballed in preparation for placement at the airports main entry road. Two more will be kept in flying trim for duty on the airshow circuit, while the remaining four will be offered to new owners after the 2017 season ends.
Those planes currently reside at Neptunes Alamogordo, New Mexico, base, where they're undergoing winter maintenance. Hooper said they could be sent to museums like Missoulas Museum of Mountain Flying or to collectors interested in keeping the rotary-engine warbirds flying.
Meanwhile, the two latest BAe-146 acquisitions were working their way through the remodeling process. A former Bulgaria Air jet has already received its fire retardant tanks and should be completed by the end of the month. The other, from Djibouti-based Daallo Airlines, was having its passenger interior furnishings stripped out.
One advantage of moving to the civilian-built British Aerospace planes compared to Lockheeds submarine-hunting P2Vs was the legal ability to send a non-military aircraft out of the country. Neptune recently recovered one of its BAe-146s after it spent a couple of weeks in Chile fighting forest fires there. Hooper said that countrys mostly private-funded firefighting system was now considering expanding its relatively small government-managed wildfire service to handle large air tankers.
Theres a potential of flying a plane down there again next winter, Hooper said. Were optimistic that may happen. Thats a whole new line of business for us working in South America, Europe or Australia. Were planning to advertise for contracts down there this fall.
Neptune employs 240 people, including 20 in New Mexico and 180 in several locations scattered around Missoula. The remaining 40 flight crews are allowed to live where they want, as they travel with their planes during wildfire contract time.
There are six of us in the fixed-wing industry, Hooper said, referring to Neptunes competitors including 10 Tanker Air, Aero Air LLC, Aero Flite Inc. and Coulson Aircrane. Were not trying to push anybody out, but were being very competitive amongst ourselves. Theres probably room for several of us in the business.
Recently U.S. Sen. Jon Tester introduced a bill to ensure the agreements reached by the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Project will be achieved. This includes developing a 10-year schedule of forest restoration projects.
The really important component is the Monture Creek and Grizzly Basin additions to the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and the North Fork Blackfoot additions to the Scapegoat Wilderness. These areas are outstanding wilderness quality lands that we Montanans must protect for future generations.
The bill does leave out about 6,000 acres of roadless lands on the south edge of the wilderness additions; 2,000 acres are designated for snowmobiling, and about 4,000 acres for mountain biking. However, some compromise exists in all legislation. The most critical wildlands will receive full protection, with current non-conforming uses prohibited.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines should now join Tester in support of wilderness protection. Here in Montana we are truly blessed to still have so much land as God created it. But we have to care for that creation, and we need to leave it unspoiled for our grandchildren, just as our grandparents left it to us. The BCSP legislation is a big step forward to achieve that.
Kirk Thompson,
Stevensville
Greg "Giantfortunes" Gianforte started his congressional campaign, by immediately attacking Rob Quist, with lies; lies left over from his losing campaign!
The Republican Party supports Gianforte with a super political action committee that will spend $700,000 on his campaign. Hmm, wonder what these outsiders from the East expect in return? So scary.
He then said, "I will make Montana great again again!" He did not specifically say what was wrong with Montana. So secret.
U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, phoning in from his secret bunker/abandoned missile silo, supports Gianforte again. Daines will help Gianforte select wealthy people, without expertise, for positions they have no knowledge of. So helpful.
Gianforte pledges to support President Trump's repealing the Affordable Care Act. Gianforte doesn't have to worry about his health care because of his wealth. So cruel.
Gianforte also said he was going to "drain the Montana swamps!" He certainly knows about mud-throwing. I just checked, and there are 44 areas designated as swamps in Montana. Better get started.
Rob Quist is the real deal. He lives and breathes the wonders of Montana, and all of its citizens. He is not for sale. He is for Montanans. He is affable, honest, smart, respectful and sincere.
Will Cowdrey,
Missoula
I am going to vote for Rob Quist in the Montana representative election.
Greg Gianforte lost the governor's election because he was not a decent fit for Montana, as well as not good for the best interests of our state. He is equally unsuited as a federal representative of Montana. He is quick with out-of-state attack ads against Quist which are over the top and insulting to any normal intelligence.
Quist may not have much political experience, but he is a solid Montanan, and will fight for his state (and mine) in Washington, D.C. He is intelligent and wants what is best for the state he lives in and loves. He wants to keep Montana great and economically viable, instead of become some sort of conjured-up standard-bearer for a "liberal agenda."
Gianforte will become another doormat for Donald Trump (in the same way that U.S. Sen. Steve Daines was a doormat for the D.C. Republicans when he was in the House, and is presently a Trump doormat, always "minding his political manners," not causing any trouble for the D.C. Republicans and only giving lip service to the needs of Montana), which our country cannot take much more of, much less Montana. Quist will honestly fight for the Montana he (and I) love, instead of see this position as a good "career move," as I see Gianforte doing.
It will take us long enough to recover as a country (and as a rural state) from the damage the Trump administration will do to us during his tenure. We should not compound our problems by embedding another worthless Republican House of Representatives member, who is setting his sights on following Daines to be another worthless senator.
Michael O'Lear,
Missoula
Daylight saving time in Montana should not be changed as Senate Bill 206 proposes. It will negate one of the greatest benefits we enjoy: long days of light for the precious three months of the year we call summer. Our visitors and tourists count on this advantage for their outdoor activities, and small businesses benefit as well.
Consider this: In August, the last month of summer, sunset would occur at 7:30 p.m. instead of 8:30 p.m. Lets keep the extra hour of daylight at the end of the day as Jeff Koch suggests (letter, March 13). Rural school districts without lights would be impacted in their after-school events.
If you look at a map of North America, you will see only three exceptions to DST: a portion of Saskatchewan, Arizona, and Sonora in Mexico. Do we really want to put our time zone out of sync with our neighbors Idaho, Wyoming, North Dakota and Alberta? If we are going to make a change, it has been suggested that we involve our neighbors as well. I think it is wise to study this issue thoroughly before we make any decision we might regret.
Tell our governor to oppose SB 206 if it reaches his desk.
Kathy Polzin,
Missoula
BILLINGS About half the nations physicians more than 400,000 doctors officially sounded the medical alarm on climate change Wednesday and the effect its having on their patients.
Among the health care providers present for the launch of the Medical Society Consortium on Climate and Health in Washington, D.C., were Hardin physicians Lori and Rob Byron.
Rob Byron, an internist retired from the Indian Health Service who nowadays divides his time between St. Vincent Healthcare in Billings and Bighorn Valley Health Center in Hardin, spoke during the event as part of a six-member panel announcing the new movement.
During his brief remarks, Byron filling in for another presenter whose flight was cancelled by a snowstorm said a marked increase in Montana wildfires has led him to urge his patients suffering such diseases as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to spend more time indoors during summer and early fall months.
Theres an increased likelihood of hospitalization following a flare-up of their diseases, Byron said.
Lori Byron said that physicians followed up their announcement by fanning across Capitol Hill out to lobby congressional staffers.
Congressional aides were impressed with the number of physicians whove joined the consortium, she said. People kind of raised their eyebrows when they heard that number.
Physician groups are taking action to ensure that studies arent immediately shelved, she said. The American Public Health Association has declared 2017 the Year of Climate Change and Health, taking to social media to encourage people to tell their health-related stories.
The voices of Americas medical societies have the potential to help reframe the dialogue putting human health and well-being front and center in the conversation, the consortium states on its website, www.medsocietiesforclimatehealth.org. Many indicated their own personal interest and nearly all indicated they would like to see their societies educate policymakers about these harms and risks.
We have felt this is a public health issue for some time now, Rob Byron said Friday. Doctors and public health workers have been reluctant to speak up, so it was good to be among others who feel this is important.
Almost all of the 11 professional medical societies that are part of the new consortium have very strong statements on climate, he said, but up until now statements have been the extent of it.
The big work is still to come, he said. A lot of people dont see climate change as an important issue, so we hope to stir people to action. Its not about Montana or the U.S., and its not about me or you. This is everybody worldwide, and now is the time to do something before it gets too late.
His wife, a pediatrician, said that parents of children with asthma no longer want their children to be handed an inhaler and told, Take this. They want to get involved politically.
Another consortium presenter, Molly Rauch, policy director for the million-member Moms Clean Air Force, said parents are hungry for the information the consortium can provide them.
We want to know how climate change affects our families, even if there is no prescription you can offer us, she said. By launching this consortium and sharing information with parents, you are providing information we want and helping moms and dads everywhere become better parents.
BILLINGS Warm weather brought flooding to northeastern Montana over the weekend and at least one waterway reached record depths.
Big Muddy Creek near Antelope peaked at 17.84 feet Monday morning. That depth is more than five feet above the flood stage of 12 feet and represents a new flood of record. The streams previous record flood depth was 17.37 feet set on April 14, 1982, said Tanja Fransen, meteorologist at the National Weather Services Glasgow office.
Before the weekend flooding, Big Muddy Creek was between 5 and 7 feet deep. The Poplar River also flooded in Roosevelt County causing, some roads to become covered with water. It rose from about 3.5 feet to a peak of about 15.5 feet at about noon on Saturday.
I always say no two floods are the same, and this has proven me correct, Fransen said.
She said the flooding was caused by a combination of factors. A previous thaw in February resulted in heavy slush on the waterways, and a subsequent cold snap created a thicker layer of ice than the one that preceded the warm-up. Culverts were filled with heavy ice and slush.
The problem was compounded by the high level of soil saturation ahead of the winter. Now that its thawing out, the ground is not absorbing runoff.
Ice on the Poplar River also began breaking up with the recent warm weather. An ice jam formed near Poplar where the river feeds the Missouri River because the latter waterway is still frozen.
Fransen said flooding was reported on several major roadways including Highway 2 in Roosevelt and Valley County, Highway 248 and Highway 13 north of Wolf Point. Conditions improved on the state highways over the weekend but have deteriorated on secondary roads.
Were not totally out of the woods yet, but we should start with some improvement in the next 24 hours, Fransen said.
The village of Bainville sits in a large flat valley formed by an ancient river bed. The town was surrounded by water over the weekend as runoff made its way to the nearby Missouri River, said Dennis Portra, mayor of Bainville.
Portra said the flooding closed roads on the edges of town. Water approached homes as it rose and multiple temporary dikes were constructed to prevent property damage. In one case, high water prevented a family from accessing their home over the weekend. However, the house wasnt threatened by water.
Things have gone pretty well, Portra said We have a tremendous amount of water but I think were going to come out alright.
The soldier cries out in pain, his combat fatigues soaked with blood. Around him, six medics -- an Iraqi, a German and four Americans -- are hard at work. One asks the soldier's name, trying to soothe him, while another cuts off his bloody uniform with scissors; the others are examining his wounds, taking his pulse.
It's another hectic day at this frontline clinic in the village of Albu Saif, just a few minutes from the battle for west Mosul. Over the clamor around the wounded, booms echo from the nearby fighting. Artillery hurtles overhead from Iraqi positions targeting ISIS in the city. An American B-52 circles above, F16s fly over the battle field, and helicopters clatter, firing volleys of missiles into the city.
Ten volunteers from New York City Medics, a humanitarian aid group providing emergency medical care, are set up in an abandoned, bullet-pocked house, working with a team of Iraqis from the Rapid Response Division of the Federal Police. NYC Medics has provided aid in the aftermath of the Nepali earthquake, the Fukushima disaster, the Haitian earthquake, but this is its first war zone.
"In twenty minutes here, we see as much trauma as a lot of places would see in an entire shift, if not in an entire week of work," says Jeff Evans, a physician's assistant from Boulder, Colorado and mountaineer who once guided a blind climber up Mount Everest.
Controlled chaos
Evans cuts the interview short as an ambulance arrives at the clinic; a young man whose face is covered in bandages sitting in the front seat. He springs into action, his relaxed, easy going demeanor gone as he and the rest of the team get to work.
They sit the young man -- clad only in boxer shorts -- in a wheel chair and roll him into the operating theater. The ambulance driver, a soldier in his late teens, explains his comrade was burned by the flames from a suicide car bombing in the Tayaran neighborhood, about two kilometers (or less than a mile and a half) away. The ambulance driver lost a friend in the same bombing. His face twitches in anguish as he recounts what happened.
The medics, meanwhile, unwrap the bandages on the wounded soldier's face. The flames have burned the outer layer of skin off his face, his lower abdomen and his right hand. Occasionally the soldier groans softly, but doesn't flinch.
Here, the focus is on stabilizing patients who have received first aid on the battlefield, before sending them on to a larger field hospital a half hour's drive to the south.
The burned soldier, however, needs to go to a special burns unit in Baghdad.
Kathy Bequary, NYC Medics' country director, calls to request a helicopter for the soldier's onwards journey.
The atmosphere here can best be described as controlled chaos. It's noisy, the medics and translators are scrambling around grabbing syringes and pills, bags of saline solution, jotting down information on clipboards, barking staccato orders hard for the layman to understand.
On the day CNN visited the medics, they only treated one civilian, a little girl with a toothache who had fled Mosul that morning with her family. The days before, however, they had treated multiple civilians, many with gunshot wounds from ISIS snipers. One of the victims was a five-year-old girl shot through the pelvis.
Readjusting to a war zone
When they put the patients into an ambulance and send them on their way, calm returns. The medics lounge on a sofa outside, sip from bottles of water and chat quietly among themselves. For newcomers to a war zone, they've quickly become accustomed to their surroundings.
It wasn't so easy for their friends and family, however.
"My friends were not surprised, my sisters were not surprised, my mom cried, and my dad got mad at me," Bequary recounts in a pause between attending to patients.
Evans also had to overcome the reservations of his 11-year-old son. "My little boy was very much against me coming to do this. He has only known me as a mountaineer, as a climber, going on trips, and he has never had a problem with it. This one, he said, 'don't go dad.' So that was a tough thing for me, to be able to explain to him that this was something I needed to do."
For Evans, as a husband and father, he says the onus is on him to live by example and "to do things to show my son, how important it is to life a selfless life."
A blog that focuses on our unique program that teaches natural horsemanship, heritage breed conservation, soil and water conservation, and even folk, roots, and Americana music. This blog discusses our efforts to prevent the extinction of the Corolla Spanish Mustang. Choctaw Colonial Spanish Horse, Marsh Tacky, and the remnants of the Grand Canyon Colonial Spanish Horse strain.
Colleagues of Cao Hongguo gather at the airport to welcome him back home. CHINA DAILY
Passengers aboard an Ethiopian Airlines jetliner on Saturday helped subdue a man attempting to break into the cockpit as the aircraft flew to Beijing from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.
Aviation Industry Corp of China said on Monday that one of its employees, Cao Hongguo, who was a passenger on board Flight ET604, was the first to restrain the suspect, according to a news release and a video interview of Cao sent to China Daily by the State-owned aviation giant.
More than 200 passengers on the flight have returned safely to Beijing, though they were delayed for several hours as the Boeing 777 had to make a stop at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore, Pakistan. The man was transferred to police at the airport.
Ethiopian Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.
Cao, 37, is a senior project manager at AVIC-INTL Project Engineering Co, a subsidiary of AVIC, who oversees a water supply project in Karimenu, Kenya. He was returning to his home in Henan province to take care of his pregnant wife.
Cao said that about five hours into the flight, one of the crew members rushed into the economy class cabin and called for help. Cao followed the stewardess to the first class cabin and saw a strongly built man fiercely hitting the cockpit door, according to the news release from AVIC.
Cao tried to restrain the man, who struggled against him. Two other passengers and four stewardesses then jumped in to help.
The struggle lasted about 20 minutes with the alleged attacker ending up being tied up using headphone wires, Cao said in the video interview.
The video shows Cao with slight facial injuries.
"I don't think it's a big deal that should be taken as the action of a 'hero'. I didn't think about it at the time. I just took action when I heard someone calling for help," he said.
Kenneth Pellegrino, captain of the ET604, attached a handwritten letter to the news release from AVIC certifying Cao's actions, saying "he was instrumental" in helping handle the incident.
The Missoula-based Washington Companies, a privately held conglomerate of mining and transportation assets founded by billionaire Dennis Washington, has announced it is at a negotiating impasse with a Canadian diamond-mining company over a $1.1 billion purchase bid.
A statement from the Washington Companies on Monday announced that it submitted a proposal to acquire Toronto-based Dominion Diamond for $13.50 a share on Feb. 21, but Dominion has not accepted the offer.
Dominion has ownership interest in two major diamond mines in Canadas Northwest Territories. Along with Montana Rail Link and many other businesses, Washington Companies owns and operates Montana Resources, which is an open-pit copper and molybdenum mine in Butte, one of the largest in North America.
The unsolicited offer, which was made to Dominions board of directors, was for $13.50 per common share in cash. Dominion (NYSE: DDC) was trading on the New York Stock Exchange for $12.20 on Monday afternoon, up from $8.83 at the end of trading last week.
Lawrence Simkins, president of Washington Companies, said in a statement that if the transaction was consummated, it would be in the best interests of Dominion and all its shareholders, customers, employees and communities.
We are disappointed that Dominions board has thus far prevented Washington from moving ahead with its proposal under which shareholders would receive a substantial premium and immediate liquidity, but we remain fully committed to completing this transaction, Simkins said.
However, Dominion said in a statement that Washington Companies has a lack of credibility in the diamond industry and with public company acquisitions.
Based on the presentation received from WashCorps, and by their own admission, the Board confirmed that WashCorps does not have experience in the highly specialized diamond mining and marketing industry, Dominion said. WashCorps also advised that they did not have any unique plans for the business.
"Regardless, the Dominion Board carefully considered the expression of interest, including with the benefit of legal and financial advice. While the Board considered the expression of interest to be opportunistic, and believes that it does not recognize all of the value in the Company under its current business plan, the Board told WashCorps that it was prepared to engage in discussions with them on customary terms, including a customary standstill, and allow WashCorps to conduct extensive due diligence on Dominions unique assets and growth potential in order to improve their expression of interest.
When Washington initially made the offer to Dominion, it said in a letter that it was basing its proposed purchase price on knowledge of (Dominion) from publicly available sources.
Given the Companys recent update on fiscal 2018 guidance and the complexity of Dominions assets, to indicate that diligence is confirmatory based on public records is highly questionable, Dominion responded.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that the stage is set for a public takeover fight.
HELENA After a lengthy debate, with Democrats and Republicans disagreeing on the intent of a Senate bill to prohibit state courts from applying foreign law, the legislation advanced in the House largely along party lines with a 56-44 vote.
Senate Bill 97, carried by Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, doesnt specifically mention Sharia law, but it was the only kind of foreign law mentioned during testimony in both the Senate and House judiciary committees.
Sharia law is the religious governance followed by people practicing Islam. Sharia utilizes religious texts to determine divine will. Its implementation varies across the world, with Saudi Arabia adhering to strict punishments like stoning, while in other countries it is most regularly used in personal law such as marriage and divorce.
Democrats said the bill targets Muslims, while Republicans said it simply reinforces the Montana and U.S. constitutions.
Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, is carrying the bill in the House. He said the legislation isnt intended to target a specific group and instead protects freedom of religion
As far as being determined xenophobic, thats an insult, Tschida said. Im not intolerant. This is not anti-Muslim.
Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, said the discussion of the bill being a religious law was unwarranted.
Weve heard a lot of discussions about this being a religious law and specifically directed at preventing Sharia Law and I just dont read it that way, she said.
But Democrats pointed out extensive testimony from proponents in committee who expressed fears that Muslims would eventually demand Sharia law be used in American courts.
During a hearing in Senate Judiciary, Sandy Bradford, a Helena resident, said Islam is not peaceful and is an enemy to all. Sandy Montgomery, from the Flathead, said the bill was long overdue.
We have allowed legal immigrants, illegal immigrants and now refugees to take advantage of our law and culture to take up their own agendas, Montgomery said. They have no intention to abide by our laws, nor are they interested in assimilating to our culture.
Rep. Ellie Hill Smith, D-Missoula, said the testimony in the House Judiciary committee was also peppered with anti-Muslim bigotry. Since she thinks the bill targets people who practice Islam, she introduced an amendment that specifies a ban on both Sharia Law and the Law of Moses.
In the amendments language, a court would not be able to include the Law of Moses, which bans clothing made of two or more fabrics (Leviticus 19:19), the use of bears in retaliation for mocking the bald (II Kings 2:23-24), or the stoning of gluttons and drunkards (Deuteronomy 21: 18-21).
The courts have said that laws that single out certain religions violate the First Amendment, she said. So with this amendment I think we can show the state of Montana that is not just about Islamic Law.
The amendment failed 82-18.
Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, said the legislation is almost identical to a bill that was struck down in Oklahoma for specifically mentioning Sharia Law. She said Regiers version has the same end result even if it doesnt say Sharia Law.
Lets not forget the roots of this bill, she said. Lets not forget that our children are watching.
The bill has made its way through first the Senate and now the House, with Republicans supporting it. After a final vote in the House on Tuesday, SB97 will go to the governors desk for his signature or veto.
HELENA A legislator from Kalispell has introduced a bill that would ban sanctuary cities in Montana and inflict steep financial punishment for any local governments that violate the law.
Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, introduced House Bill 611 on Monday.
The term sanctuary cities does not have a strict definition. It generally describes places that are welcoming of refugees and illegal immigrants and do not dedicate financial or other resources to enforcing immigration laws and share information about immigration status with the federal government when requested.
If cities choose to do that, this puts some sting to that choice, Skees said Monday. This is an opt-out bill. Cities can opt out to not adopt these policies.
No city, county or local government in Montana has enacted policies concerning citizenship and immigration. Skees said the bill was preventive and not a response to any specific actions in the state.
Under the bill, cities or agencies could not withhold information about a persons citizenship or immigration status and must comply with an immigration detainer request, which is a request by Immigration and Customs officials to hold a person for 48 hours so federal agents can determine whether to take the person into federal custody in an effort to remove them from the country.
The legislation requires the attorney general to monitor state and local government compliance, investigate compliance and take enforcement action against state or local government that violates the law. The attorney general or a state legislator can bring a civil action. A spokesman for the attorney general said Monday his office had not yet seen the bill and could not comment on it.
A city would be fined $10,000 for every five days they are not in compliance with the law.
Cities would also not get their share of property taxes, oil and natural gas production taxes, coal taxes, grants or any money awarded for infrastructure projects. It does allow for the attorney general to let some money flow to counties or towns for law enforcement purposes deemed necessary and does not cut off education funding.
If the city comes into compliance within 14 days they would not be punished.
The bill would give the Department of Justice $50,000 over the next two years out of the state general fund for compliance monitoring, investigation and enforcement
Skees bill also has exceptions for those who come forward after witnessing a crime or are the victim of a criminal offense.
Several human rights groups were quick to condemn Skees bill Monday.
Shahid Haque-Hausrath, a Helena attorney with Border Crossing Law Firm, said cities have good reason to steer clear of enforcing federal immigration laws.
The primary role of state law enforcement is to keep us safe. Time and again, law enforcement officers have opposed these types of bills because in order to do their job, they need the trust of the community. In cities where local police enforce immigration laws, immigrants dont trust law enforcement. They dont report crimes. This results in more criminals out there doing harm in the community.
Rachel Carroll Rivas, co-director Montana Human Rights Network, said the bill would harm Montana towns and cities.
Like so many efforts that are rooted in fear and resentment this policy would only create divisions and foster animosity towards immigrants, who often already feel isolated. This policy hurts our local communities who recognize the importance of trying to create a welcoming community where all people can fully participate.
Sen. David Howard, R-Park City, carried a bill that was vetoed by Gov. Steve Bullock in 2013 that would have done something similar to Skees'. That bill passed the House 60-36 and the Senate 28-21. Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat, also vetoed a ban on sanctuary cities in 2011, saying there wasnt a problem in Montana and calling the bill frivolous.
Skees said his bill mirrors one that will be introduced in Congress by Montanas U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican. He said he expected the bill to pass the House and Senate along partisan lines and be vetoed by Bullock.
I want to put good bills on his desk so Montana knows his position on them, Skees said of the governor.
A spokeswoman for the governor on Monday said Bullock will take a close look at the proposed legislation if it reaches his desk. The governor typically does not comment on bills working through the legislature.
Sanctuary cities came into the spotlight last fall when during his campaign, President Donald Trump called for cutting off funding for sanctuary cities.
Last month a group of activists asked the Bozeman city council enact sanctuary city policies, but the mayor shot that plan down. He did, however, issue a proclamation saying Bozeman was a safe, welcoming and inclusive town.
On Jan. 25 Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to publish a weekly list of detention requests turned down by local jails. On Monday, the list was issued by the first time and included 118 locations and 206 undocumented immigrants. Immigration and Customs officials had asked the jails hold those people on a detainer, but those requests were denied.
HELENA Montana filed three tax liens to collect about $15,000 in back taxes against the Democrat running for the state's only congressional seat, which the political newcomer blamed on health problems that nearly led to his financial ruin.
Popular musician Rob Quist and Republican candidate Greg Gianforte are locked in a heated race to fill the remainder of the term for Ryan Zinke, who stepped down to join President Donald Trump Cabinet as Interior secretary. A Democrat has not held Montana's U.S. House seat in 20 years.
A May 25 special election is drawing outside attention, with a Republican political action committee pledging to spend $700,000 to support Gianforte, a technology entrepreneur who faced a tax lien of his own more than 20 years ago that emerged last fall in his failed bid to unseat Democratic Gov. Steve Bullock.
The liens against Quist and his wife, Bonni, were issued in 2015 and cover the 2007, 2011 and 2012 tax years, according to documents obtained by The Associated Press. He settled the debt with the Department of Revenue last May.
In an interview Monday, Quist blamed a history of medical issues dating back two decades and costing tens of thousands of dollars in expenses. It started with a botched gallbladder surgery, which led to other related medical problems, he said.
"It's not a case of me not being able to manage my finances. I was doing just fine until I had this health issue," Quist said.
"Quite frankly, this is the kind of stuff that happens to everyday Montanans," he said, pledging to release his income taxes to the AP.
In response to queries about the liens against Quist, Democratic operatives pointed to a $3,600 tax lien issued in 1993 in New Jersey against Gianforte.
Gianforte spokesman Shane Scanlon said that debt was paid about three months later. He declined to comment on Quist's financial issues.
Quist has previously alluded to his personal travails with the health care system and having to do without adequate insurance, which has become a central talking point in his bid for Congress.
During his address at the Montana Democratic Party's annual dinner Saturday, he said he understood "personally what it's like to worry about mounting health care bills."
Quist said he sought to address his family's financial tailspin by trying to sell a portion of his ranch, but a dispute with a bank blocked the sale. Quist said he recently sued the bank and will use a pending settlement to fend off a collection agency seeking about $10,000 because of a defaulted bank loan.
Quist became an immediate Democratic front-runner when former Gov. Brian Schweitzer endorsed him. Democrats seemed drawn to Quist's persona as a soft-spoken political outsider.
But some rank-and-file party members said they knew little about Quist, and some prominent Democrats have privately groused that Quist had not been properly vetted.
Quist said he was expecting his financial woes to come to light but did not expect them to become a central issue in the campaign.
"There is not anybody who's not going to have something in their background that people aren't going to cast dispersions on," he said.
Harrington to discuss motor neurons
Melissa Harrington, a neuroscientist at Delaware State University, will talk about the Secret Life of Motor Neurons at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 30, at CBB-102 on the Montana Tech campus, 1300 W. Park.
This talk highlights recent work that is revealing the secret physiology of motor neurons, fundamentally changing our understanding of neurons we thought we knew best.
Harrington is professor of biology and interim associate vice president for research at DSU, and the director of Delawares Center for Neuroscience Research.
Free April computer classes offered
The Butte Public Library will be offering the following free computer classes. Classes are at 11 a.m. each Friday in April at the South Branch (Mall).
Friday, April 7: Computer Basics
Friday, April 14: iPad Basics
Friday, April 21: Intro to Facebook
Friday, April 28: Intro to Smartphones
Registration is required, visit the librarys website or call 406-723-3361.
History book meeting Saturday
WISDOM Descendants of Big Hole Valley pioneers will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 25, at the Wise River Community Building.
Members will discuss categories for the Big Hole Valley History Book.
Firefighters host open house
DEER LODGE The Deer Lodge Fire Department will host an open house at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, at 300 Main St., Deer Lodge, at 300 Main St., Deer Lodge. Residents are asked to stop by and meet the firefighters, see the new equipment and check out the new truck.
On Monday FBI Director James Comey testified before the House Intelligence Committee, publicly confirming for the first time that the bureau is formally exploring the relationship between Donald Trump and Russia, and the role said relationship played in affecting the 2016 US election.
The investigation has been underway since July, Comey confirmed, and is of a criminal nature.
Hours after the hearing, US Rep. Adam Schiff, D-California, joined CNN's Jake Tapper for a live interview, offering his assessment of the day's proceedings.
"I certainly think that an investigation is warranted, I think the FBI is right to investigate this," said Schiff, ranking member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence.
Asked by Tapper if all the proverbial "smoke" suggesting collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign necessarily indicates "fire," Schiff cautioned against relying too heavily on any intelligence reports released so far.
"There certainly wasn't a section of the report that dealt with that," said Schiff, referring specifically to any conclusive evidence of political meddling. Schiff essentially was making the point that all the evidence hasn't yet been revealed.
On the issue of whether the information known to date is strong enough, Schiff reminded Tapper that "circumstantial evidence can be very, very powerful."
As the President of the ASUM, it is my privilege and responsibility to represent over 11,000 students of the University of Montana. Unfortunately, the fight for affordable, accessible higher education for Montanas families is becoming more challenging.
The Legislature has proposed an $11.8 million cut to the Montana University System that our students and our campuses simply cannot afford. Whether you attend UM or Dawson Community College, MSU or Montana Tech, these cuts make higher education less accessible and add to the significant financial burden students and families already face.
An $11.8 million shortfall would likely mean slashing courses and cutting staff and instructors. This will mean added time to graduation and added expense for students before they can earn a degree. It would also result in double-digit tuition increases for every college and university student across Montana. At a time when students are working multiple jobs and graduating with an average of $27,504 in student loan debt, Montana families and students simply cant afford a cut this drastic.
According to the Montana Bureau of Business and Economic Research, every dollar spent on higher education leads to three dollars generated in state tax revenue. Furthermore, over 80 percent of students in our university system will be working and living in Montana a year after graduation. Every single state dollar that goes to higher education is a smart investment in Montanas economic future.
As we look for sensible solutions to balancing the states budget, such a blow to Montanas system of higher education threatens to have an impact that stretches far into the future.
There is another option. Rather than eviscerating the budget for higher education and shifting the cost onto students, our legislators should ensure that we have adequate revenue sources. The Governor has proposed a means to do so by adding a top tax rate for incomes over $500,000 (the top 1 percent of households), which would raise $37 million over the biennium. With this much-needed revenue, we can protect state investments that are critical for our future.
Currently, someone making $18,000 a year pays the same top tax rate as someone making $1 million a year. Continuing to provide big tax breaks for corporations and the super wealthy costs our state millions in lost revenue, and comes at the expense our students, our infrastructure, and our states long-term prosperity.
Keeping tuition affordable is critical to ensuring that Montana students can afford to finish school and achieve their potential. We want to be able to stay in Montana after graduation. We want to be able to contribute to our local economies, to buy a house, to start small businesses, and to contribute to our states success.
In the next 10 years, Montana will face a worker shortage of more than 100,000 workers. The Montana University System supplies our state with trained, quality workers. Montana needs nurses and scientists, educators and accountants, writers and computer programmers. Limiting access to higher education is a step backward that harms Montanas workforce and economy, gives Montana students less opportunity for in-state employment, and narrows the hiring pipeline for Montana businesses.
There are better options. It is not fair to students, families, or our states economy to make deep, debilitating cuts to higher education while the super wealthy and large out-of-state corporations get tax breaks. We hope that the Legislature will seriously consider solutions that bring more revenue into Montana as they contemplate cuts. That is the responsible way to balance our budget.
I urge you to call the House Judiciary Committee at 406-444-4800 before their hearing on Thursday, March 23, at 8 a.m. Ask them to support a fair special election process for Montana by voting yes for SB 305, a bill by Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick (R) of Great Falls. This bill will save Flathead County about $100,000; statewide estimates are up to $1 million in savings.
SB 305 is a bill to establish the special election voting process and to enable vote-by-mail ballots across Montana (including regional drop boxes). It is sensible and prudent to be fiscally wise and support a statewide vote-by-mail process for the special election on May 25th between Rob Quist and Greg Gianforte.
It would be an irresponsible and incongruent decision for the fiscally aware Republican Party to support doing otherwise. Voters can simply mail back their ballots or take them to drop boxes; these are trustworthy and efficient methods to return ballots. County Election Department budgets are already tapped out due to reprinting ballots from the last election.
All Flathead County Commissioners recently endorsed a vote-by-mail resolution for Flathead County. How much will your county save? Please call your county commissioners and ask and then call 406-444-4800 and ask House Judiciary Committee Chair Rep. Alan Doane, and the entire committee, for a Do Pass of SB 305.
Thank you, its the right thing to do save money and make the election process available to all.
Joan Vetter Ehrenberg, Whitefish
Students at Montanas public colleges and universities likely would face at least some tuition increases under current budget negotiations at the Statehouse, lawmakers from southwest Montana said Tuesday.
The lawmakers, including Democrats from Butte and two Republicans from Dillon, were still optimistic Tuesday morning about funding infrastructure projects including roads and bridges before adjourning.
But Rep. Jim Keane, D-Butte, said late Tuesday afternoon that House Republicans planned to introduce a measure that would strip out most bonding projects including a home in Butte for military veterans.
Senate Minority Leader Jon Sesso, D-Butte, noted that the Republican-controlled House restored about half of an initial $23 million cut to higher education in the budget bill it passed and sent to the Senate.
But Sesso, Sen. Edie McClafferty, D-Butte, and Republican Sen. Jeff Welborn of Dillon said they did not foresee the Senate restoring all of the money or higher education avoiding funding reductions this session.
It does not appear that they will escape with no tuition increases, Sesso said in a conference call with The Montana Standard.
I dont know that there is a lot of wiggle room in that, said Welborn. Im not hearing a lot of changes when it gets to the Senate on where it currently stands.
Although fees have been increased at Montanas public colleges and universities, tuition for in-state students has been stable.
Tuition at two-year state colleges has remained flat the past 10 years, has stayed the same eight of the past 10 years at smaller four-year campuses (Montana Tech, University of Montana Western, Montana State University-Northern and MSU Billings) and did not increase in six of the past 10 years at UM in Missoula and MSU in Bozeman, according to the state.
That was all possible because of state appropriation levels set by the Legislature, including those the past four sessions.
I think we have done well, Sesso said, adding that enrollment at some colleges has gone down.
Said Welborn: I think we have done our work the previous few sessions to hold the line (on tuition) and done everything we can to keep it down. I would ask people to take the good with the bad.
Others joining the conference call Tuesday included Keane and fellow Democratic Reps. Amanda Curtis and Ryan Lynch of Butte and Republican Rep. Tom Welch of Dillon.
Hopes were still high for an infrastructure package passing this session after failing the previous two, some of the lawmakers said earlier Tuesday.
Welch said from talking to others, major infrastructure legislation the past two sessions came from top officials and legislative leaders.
This year I think there is more effort to bring more people in from the bottom up, he said. We are really getting input, and I feel fairly optimistic we can do something.
The House is expected to vote on a proposal later this week that would increase the state gasoline tax by 8 cents per gallon. The lions share of the money would go to the Montana Department of Transportation so it can draw down more than $200 million annually in federal highway funds.
A portion would go to the Highway Patrol, and some money would be available to counties and municipalities for road and bridge projects.
It will take at least 51 votes in the House to pass the proposal and as of Tuesday, lawmakers were unsure about its fate. Its passage or defeat will foreshadow whether we can get a lot of things done, Lynch said.
Keane said it was important for citizens to know that all of the gas-tax increase would go to roads and troopers.
None of this goes to the general fund, Keane said. It stays in these areas and I think the public needs to know that.
But Keane said later Tuesday that although the gas-tax proposal was still viable, House Republicans planned to strip out many of the other capital projects that would be bonded. They included a long-sought retirement home in Butte for veterans, he said.
What was left was "luke-warm and milk-toast," he said, and he doubted House Democrats would support it "because it's not even worth it."
Gov. Steve Bullock has proposed other tax increases to shore up the budget, including one on wine. Sesso said a proposed $1.50-per-pack increase on cigarettes was alive in the Senate and it could bring in $40 million to $70 million in additional revenue, much of it for human services programs.
But even if it clears the Senate, chances for it and other revenue enhancements in the House appear dim, Curtis said.
Hope (for those) in our world is dead, Curtis said.
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MUSCATINE For senior citizen who are looking to either downsize their home for something more manageable, it can be a struggle to find affor
MUSCATINE, Iowa Muscatine Sister Cities and Muscatine Kiwanis Club were the first of their national organizations to sign an agreement to collaborate on a local level.
In 2015 the organizations, Sister Cities International and Kiwanis International, made an agreement to work together, said John Dabeet, the president of Muscatine Sister Cities.
The agreement for the two local groups to move forward was signed Tuesday during an event at First Presbyterian Church.
"Sister Cities are very good in certain aspects, Kiwanis are very good in certain aspects," Dabeet said. "Putting them together will make a win/win situation for both sides."
After the decision to collaborate was made nationally, Dabeet met with Clair Penner, who was president of the Muscatine Kiwanis Club at the time, to discuss the agreement.
"It took us more than a year now...to put that together," Dabeet said.
A pamphlet, released by the national organizations, outlines the benefits for both. For Kiwanis members, benefits include the opportunity for international exchange, access to partnerships in 145 countries and connections to new club and event speakers.
For Sister Cities members, benefits include promotion for Sister Cities events and networking, access to Kiwanis members' fundraising expertise and connections with students.
"The strength of each organization," Penner said, will work to everyone's benefit.
Dabeet said the Muscatine chapters hope other chapters will begin making the connection at the local level.
"When you work on the national level, sometimes it doesn't trickle down all the way to locals," Dabeet said.
Penner said he hopes Key Club members, the high school student branch of Kiwanis, will especially be able to benefit from the relationship.
"I think the immediate affect of this resolution will be that we as Sister City in Muscatine offer, basically, the Kiwanis Muscatine, especially the Key Club, the opportunity to travel with us especially when we travel to visit Muscatine Sister Cities," Dabeet said.
Muscatine has sister cities in Argentina, Germany, Japan, Palestine, Poland, Russia, Ukraine and China.
LETTS, Iowa The Louisa-Muscatine Community School District has named a new principal for the elementary school.
New elementary principal
Elementary Principal Doug McBride, who has been with the district for a decade, announced his retirement during a previous meeting. The district embarked on a search for a new principal, and on Monday night, the board approved the hiring of Aimee Wedeking as his replacement.
Discussion: Board Vice President Pam Lee voted no because, she noted, Wedekings salary will be higher than McBrides salary. When McBride announced his retirement, the board passed an early retirement incentive plan that allowed him to retire with benefits. At the time, Lee noted, Superintendent Mike Van Sickle said the plan will allow the district to save money.
Were hiring a great person, but the person is coming in at more money, Lee said.
Van Sickle said the search for a new principal yielded several experienced candidates, making it necessary to offer more money. He said that generally, early retirement plans save money, but not always.
Anytime theres an early retirement that is always a chance (of higher salaries), he said.
Lee said that she relies on the information Van Sickle brings to the board to make decisions.
I look to your expertise," she said. "When you tell me that this will be a money saving measure, and then actually its different, it makes me nervous thats going to happen in the future when Im thinking its one way and its actually another way, she said.
Next steps: The board approved the hiring of the new principal 4-1.
Teacher contract update
The Louisa-Muscatine school district previously negotiated the 2017-18 teacher contract, but wanted to extend that contract to 2018-19 and 2019-20. Negotiations began before the Iowa collective bargaining bill was signed into law, but the board did not vote on the final contract in time. Superintendent Mike Van Sickle said the district sought legal counseling and was told that they could no longer vote on that finalized contract.
Discussion: The teachers previously negotiated salary and health insurance benefits with the district for 2017-18. Van Sickle said the district will create an employee handbook for items other than salary and health insurance to make sure teachers and administrators know what is expected of them.
Next steps: The district will create the handbook and the board will vote on it in a subsequent meeting.
In other business
The L-M school district will hold its kindergarten roundup event, designed to reach families with kindergarten-age children, on April 6 and 7.
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Les emplois a Rennes sont abondants et varies. Il y a quelque chose pour tout le monde. Que vous soyez a la recherche dun emploi []
Les blattes ou cafards (Blatta orientalis) sont des insectes qui appartiennent a la famille des Blattoptera. Ils se caracterisent par leur forme allongee, leurs ailes []
Nominated Member of Parliament Isaac Mwaura has called on Sonko to apologise for calling Peter Kenneth an albino on live television.
The controversial senator was hosted by Hussein Mohammed on Citizen TV on Sunday night when he made the utterances.
Sonko, who nearly missed out on Jubilee nomination after he was denied a certificate of good conduct, used most of his airtime on Sunday to attack his gubernatorial rival going as far as calling him an albino and a criminal.
The albino remark has landed the senator in trouble with Kenyans, including MP Mwaura who is a champion for persons living with albinism.
According to Mwaura, it was uncalled for Sonko to use albinism in derogatory terms in order to settle political scores and he must therefore apologize.
Mike Mbuvi Sonko must in no equivocal terms apologise for demonising and abusing Hon Peter Kenneth using the God-given status of albinism. Its totally uncalled for to use our condition in derogatory terms in order to settle political scores. Mr Sonko should know that persons with albinism are Kenyans too and who have a right to be elected into any office. He should avoid misleading his supporters that Hon Kenneth has albinism. To abuse people because of their skin colour is to go against article 27 of the constitution of which the elected senator of Nairobi swore to uphold and protect, said Mwaura.
He added: Kenyans of mixed race have a right too. Sonko should also tell us of what he thinks of our dear first lady Margaret Kenyatta and even President Barrack Obama.
Meanwhile, Sonko took to twitter on Monday morning to apologise to his followers for his behaviour on tv. He said he was angry because Peter Kenneth called him a hooligan.
kama niliwajamisha intrview ya jana poleni nilikuwa na hasira my opponent aliniita hooligan in public wenzake wakaniita mbwa ndani ya kanisa, wrote Sonko.
This loosely translates to: If I made you angry during my interview yesterday, Im sorry. I was angry. My opponent called me a hooligan in public and his friends called me a dog in church.
Photojournalist and activist Boniface Mwangi has unveiled a new political movement: Ukweli Party.
Mwangi launched the party, whose slogan is Power to the People, on Monday 20 March, and will use it to vie for Starehe MP in August Elections.
Speaking at the partys Kenya House office in Nairobi, Mwangi said, Ukweli Party is a new political Party that brings together citizens who want to live in a Kenya where everyone is empowered to engage politically, to realize their full potential, to prosper economically, and to thrive in a socially cohesive community that celebrates our diversity as a people.
(Ukweli) will ensure peoples voices are echoed in spaces where they have been ignored for too long.
We want a Kenya thats free of corruptionwhere the corrupt belong behind bars. We will eventually ensure that the people who want change are bold enough to take part in creating it.
The party symbol is a sugarcane, which according to Mr Mwangi represents our land, which our forefathers and mothers fought for. It is also symbolic of what we believe every Kenyan should enjoy the sweet taste of freedom and the fruits of their labor.
He said the party will pursue matters of social services, the economy, security and public safety, governance and leadership and ensuring active citizenship.
Our name bears great responsibility and expectations from each one of us, he noted. It is a call to action from all Kenyans from all walks of life, religions, tribes, social strata and gender to take a liberating path of speaking truth to power.
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The International Day of Happiness was declared as March 20, by the General Assembly of the United Nations on June 28, 2012 and was celebrated for the first time in 2013.
Through seminars and educational tips and tools, the aim is to educate and increase public awareness of the benefits of happiness.
The original idea came from the Kingdom of Bhutan in the Himalayan region of Asia.
There, the population is thought by many to be among the happiest in the world due to the holistic approach to life and the amount of importance which is placed on the well being of people and communities, as much as material wealth.
The Founder of Live Happy Magazine, Jeff Olson, who is also the CEO of Nerium International, has been asked by the UN to speak about happiness each year at this time.
He said, Happiness has been proven through academia and research and clinical and brain scans (to be) the precursor to success. But most people have it backwards. They think, If I get my health, my finances or my relationship I will be happy. Its not true! If you just learn how to be happy you become healthier; you have better finances; you have better relationships.
So, if youre a business owner there is no greater thing you can do for your company and your employees than make them happy! They become more productive and you become more successful. So if happiness is a precursor to success, then a happy company is a precursor to a more successful company.
In 2014, Olson was interviewed by Forbes Magazine because he has owned many successful companies throughout his career.
When they asked him what he attributed most to his success he told them most CEOs believe the most important things include understanding their position in the market or their understanding of products or systems or being in the right place at the right time. And although he acknowledged these are important the one thing that made his companies successful was focusing on culture.
Olson said, I believe in people. People come first because people build companies companies dont build people.
The CEO has to own the culture. He or she has to believe everything he does is beneficial to his employees. This attracts like-minded people and repels those who are not. A positive happy culture attracts happy positive people. By its very nature this naturally brings success.
For everyone, the day is a useful reminder that in general, happiness does not necessarily come from buying and consumingor from being famous or glamorous but often from friends, family and emotional well-being.
Internationally, there are many events and in which people may participate. You can find out more at happyacts.org.
With our Dear Leader demonstrating once again his total lack of any finesse in his first meeting with Angela Merkel, I wish to concisely remark that his "America First" proposed budget piling on the dough for the military on the backs of millions of middle income and poor folks across America is appalling.
"Ryancare" cuts and guts MedicAid and other healthcare, and maybe mess with us older Americans on Social Security and Medicare. Hey, the Inuits used to put their elderly on ice floes and cast them adrift, never to be seen again, so why not here?
Please, Dear Leader, put down your Twitter account, learn some manners and diplomacy, while you're at it. Become presidential. Whether you realize it or not, your fan base is shrinking with alarm as they finally come to and realize they are about to go over a cliff.
Stephen Stanton
Napa
Two US defense officials told CNN Monday that the rocket engine North Korea tested Sunday could possibly be used in an eventual intercontinental ballistic missile.
The officials added that it is still not clear whether the engine would require some adjustment to be used in an ICBM, if it can indeed be used that way at all, noting that the Pentagon is still analyzing the test.
Possession of an intercontinental ballistic missile could allow North Korea to threaten the continental United States. ICBM technology is considered difficult to develop, with advanced rocket design being a necessary step.
The engine had been camouflaged under netting prior to the test. There is a major effort underway to keep track of North Korean mobile launchers.
Pyongyang called the test a "great leap forward" for its rocket program after what it termed a successful testing of a new high-thrust engine, state media reported Sunday.
The test measured the thrust power in the combustion chamber, the structural safety and reliability of the engine, and the movement of the turbine pump, the Korean Central News Agency said. The test reportedly took place at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in North Pyongan Province.
"This engine produces enough thrust for the first stage, possibly even the second stage, of a large ICBM," Michael Elleman, the senior fellow for Missile Defense at the International Institute for Strategic Studies told CNN.
Elleman said that the engine appeared "too large" for the ICBM prototypes that North Korea has demonstrated during military parades, but added "we think they could shrink it down and fit it onto either of the prototypes that they have paraded to date."
Separately, the US is not sure whether North Korea's military is capable of miniaturizing a nuclear warhead so that it could be mounted on a rocket, such as an ICBM, though Pyongyang has claimed this capability and US officials have said that they incorporate that ability in their planning assumptions.
Asked about the test, Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis declined to speak on matters of intelligence but said, "We watch North Korea very, very carefully and we're aware of what they're doing."
Davis added that reports of the test "would be consistent with the pattern we've seen with North Korea to continue to develop its ballistic missile program, and it's a program that we have concerns with."
The engine test came on the final day of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's visit to Asia and hours before he was to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing.
Although neither side brought up the subject publicly, Tillerson was expected to raise the prospect of financial penalties on Chinese companies and banks that do business with close ally North Korea.
President Donald Trump said Sunday that he'd "had meetings on North Korea," and, without mentioning North Korean leader Kim Jong Un by name, said, "He is acting very very badly. I will tell you he is acting very badly."
Trump had previously said in a January tweet that Pyongyang would not get a nuclear-armed ICBM, saying, "It won't happen."
CNN's Brian Todd, Steven Jiang, Katie Hunt, Holly Yan, Lionel Lim and Taehoon Lee contributed to this story.
St. Helenan Laura Rafaty has been appointed as executive director of Napa Valley Museum by its board of trustees.
NVM President Ronda Schaer states, The board enthusiastically welcomes Laura to our organization and we look forward to her leadership. After months of an extensive nationwide search, we have found the right person to take the Napa Valley Museum into a successful and long-term future.
Rafaty is known in the Napa Valley as an experienced nonprofit arts leader, producer and writer, and also brings decades of both nonprofit and for-profit business and legal experience to her new position. She said she is very familiar with Yountville and the Museum, having served as Producing Director for the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, from 2013 to 2015.
Rafaty said, Returning to Yountville and to the grounds of the Veterans Home, feels like coming home. The Napa Valley Museum has always represented such an extraordinary resource for our community, and I am excited to work with the Board of Trustees, staff, partner businesses and nonprofits, and our local community of artists and residents, to transition into a more participatory museum for the 21st century. Presenting extraordinary art and Napa Valley history, along with community events, speakers, screenings and performances, provides a means to engage museum visitors in an active way, and to foster collaboration among artists across different media, genres, geography, and generations. I envision the Museum as a cultural hub and gathering place for creativity that will inspire people to visit regularly. And I look forward to expanding the museums excellent educational programs, creating a family tradition of museum membership.
Rafaty combines solid business expertise with marketing flair and an ability to engage the best emerging and established artists. She won praise from arts leaders like Michael Madden, former executive director of the Napa Valley Performing Arts Center at Lincoln Theater, who said, Laura is a rare mix of someone with great creative talent and the operating skills to pull off the impossible. She understands how to balance the needs of a local organization while inspiring people to strive for world-class creative excellence.
Rafaty has lived in St. Helena since 2001. She has served as the first executive director of the Friends of the Cameo Cinema from 2015-2016, and until recently worked with the Napa Valley Opera House as director of Partnerships & Outreach, managing their education and community programming. A Tony-nominated Broadway producer, in 2014 she founded the nonprofit NapaShakes, which has successfully brought the best of Shakespeare from New York and London to the Napa Valleys stages and classrooms.
She won many local fans while writing her Up the Valley column, a three-time winner of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists award for humor, appearing bi-weekly from 2010 to 2014 in the St. Helena Star. She currently serves as the St. Helena representative to the Napa County Arts & Culture Advisory Committee.
Rafaty, an attorney since 1985, practiced law with two major San Francisco law firms and with solo practices in Sausalito and St. Helena. For more than a decade, she ran business operations and international legal affairs for a major global nonprofit based in Palo Alto. And as owner of the St. Helena retailer Pennaluna from 2005 to 2012 she sold, among other things, limited edition and original art by Lowell Herrero, Aaron Foster and Daniel Hale.
Ironically, Rafaty said, I moved to the Napa Valley planning to open an art gallery based on my relationships with New York artists, then took a 15-year-long detour into retail and local nonprofit management. Joining the Museum feels like Ive finally come full circle.
Rafaty succeeds Phil Kohlmetz, who left the museum in 2016 for personal reasons. Rafaty officially assumed her role on March 15. She can be reached at laura@napavalleymuseum.org.
When St. Helena architect David Hanawalt told Habitat for Humanity he could design 10 of the most energy-efficient family homes ever constructed in Michigan, he didnt know they would be tested during one of the states most severe cold spells.
No matter.
After one year, one of the families ended up with a utility bill of less than zero, while the other two had bills of $50. Today, after a few modifications, the houses produce more energy than they use.
If zero-energy homes can be built in snowy Michigan, they can certainly be built in sunny California, said Hanawalt, who designs energy-efficient homes for Lail Design Group (LDG) in St. Helena.
Educated in architecture at UC Berkeley and Columbia University, Hanawalt designed the Depot Neighborhood, a net-zero, affordable housing community in Traverse City, Mich.
The project won an Energy Efficient Building Association award, along with the U.S. Department of Energys Zero Energy Ready Homes (ZERH) Housing Innovation Award in Affordable Housing.
The project will be presented as a case study at the Habitat for Humanity global conference in March in Atlanta. The homes are additionally gaining LEED certification with the first five constructed as LEED platinum.
His goal now is to help low- to moderate-income families realize the financial power of avoiding utility bills.
Hanawalt and his employer, longtime St. Helena architect Jon Lail, hope LDG becomes known among contractors and affordable-housing builders as the go-to regional design firm for energy-efficient homes, from affordable clusters to high-end custom homes.
Hanawalts five-step recipe for building net-zero-energy-use homes is basically the same for any house, in any climate:
- Reduce energy leaks with insulation, sealants and high-performance windows.
- Use energy-efficient mechanical systems, such as heat-pump heating and cooling, energy-transfer ventilation, heat-pump water heating, efficient plumbing fixtures and LED lighting.
- Purchase ENERGYSTAR-rated refrigerators, heating/cooling systems, water heaters, washers, dryers and ceiling fans.
- Install photovoltaic solar panels to offset home energy usage.
- Pay attention to thermostats, lighting, plug loads, energy hog appliances and system maintenance.
Traverse Citys Habitat leaders chose Hanawalt for more than his technical ability, however.
They were also impressed by his passion for helping families get zero-energy homes to generate savings for mortgage payments, healthcare, food and education.
He proved to Habitat that the added cost of energy-efficient systems was less than the financial gain from 30 years without utility bills, coupled with lower taxes, and federal, state and local energy tax credits and deductions.
David was a phenomenal consultant for us, said Wendy Irvin, director of the Traverse City Region of Habitat for Humanity.
We needed to serve families in better ways, but we faced a crisis in finding an affordable solution. David knew his stuff, and we needed his help to convince our board of directors by expressing a vision and the ability to execute it with data, background and perspective.
David has a down-to-earth way of speaking on any level and getting his message across. He educated board members, donors and business professionals, as well as the families who were going to be living in the houses about how it would benefit their personal lives, said Irvin.
He has personality and ability, but also heart and compassion, she said.
Lail said North Bay building contractors have been seeking advice from LDG for decades about home and business construction, but now they are asking more questions about how they can incorporate Hanawalts energy-saving know-how for new buildings and renovations.
More information about the Habitat for Humanity project is available at habitatgtr.org/the-depot-neighborhood/
Tuesday, March 14
0108 Police cited the owner of a barking dog on Doris Court.
1006 Medical aid for a teacher having an allergic reaction on Grayson Avenue.
1557 Report of a suspicious man on Madrona Avenue inquiring about a residents PG&E bill. Police checked the area.
1647 Report of a possible drunk driver near Silverado/Pope.
1716 Two men had been asked to leave a Pope Street mobile home park after several complaints from residents, but they were still there in front of the clubhouse. Police contacted one of the men, who agreed to find his co-workers and leave the park. The company was soliciting residents to ask PG&E to use their company for their gas purchases. They were not PG&E representatives and they were not selling anything.
2058 Police cited a car parked in a red zone on Main Street.
2245 Medical aid on Spring Street.
Wednesday, March 15
1001 A resident reported fraudulent charges on his business debit card after using it at a gas station in Napa.
1302 An anonymous woman came to the police department requesting/demanding to speak to an officer regarding multiple issues involving her safety, privacy and personal well-being in public places downtown. An officer talked to her.
1302 Report of PVC pipe in the roadway near Main Street and Deer Park Road.
1305 During a search of a students room, the schools Student Affairs personnel found drugs (possibly heroin) and paraphernalia. The student was arrested and released with a citation to appear in court.
1711 Non-injury accident on Main Street.
Thursday, March 16
0921 Police stopped a car near Oak/Mitchell. It turned out the driver was trying to learn how to drive a stick shift.
1033 Report of a male employee causing a disturbance and harassing another male employee at a Main Street business. One of the employees wrote a witness statement to police and asked to file a report against the other employee, who was the aggressor.
1111 Medical aid for a woman who fainted and possibly hit her head on Main Street.
1527 Someone broke into a locked mailbox on Spring Mountain Road. A few other mailboxes were also damaged.
Friday, March 17
1022 Non-injury lift assist on Sulphur Springs Avenue.
1536 A Sylvaner Avenue resident said her verbally aggressive neighbor keeps moving trash bins around that have been used to block a driveway and prevent the neighbors from parking in her spot. She said an officer advised her to put the bins there to prevent the neighbor from parking there.
2051 Report of a dog barking nonstop for the last two and half hours on Voorhees Circle. The caller was concerned it might not have food.
Saturday, March 18
0048 Police tried to contact the local owner of a car that was involved in a hit-and-run, after which its occupants had run away on foot.
0556 A German shepherd was found near Valley View/Spring. Its owner was notified.
0741 Police cited a Volvo that was blocking a driveway on Spring Street.
1017 An iPhone 6 was found in a parking lot near Crane Park.
1026 Police received a complaint about loud construction on Adams Street.
1134 A resident sent items away to be fixed, but they were never returned. Police determined it was a civil matter.
1236 Report of six motorcycles going 80 mph on Highway 29 near Zinfandel Lane.
1937 Report of a dog left inside a car with the windows up on Main Street.
2227 A vehicle owner reported their car had been stolen, but police confirmed the car had been towed for expired plates. Police told the owner how to recover it.
Sunday, March 19
0244 Following a traffic stop at Edwards/Hunt, police arrested a 32-year-old Dixon man on suspicion of DUI.
1317 Non-injury lift assist for an elderly man on Sulphur Springs Avenue.
1437 Two younger boys were spotted on the roof of an Adams Street school. Police checked the area.
1456 Non-injury accident on Main Street. A Lexus hit a parked Jeep and flipped onto its roof, but nobody was hurt.
1703 Report of a car swerving on southbound Highway 29.
1807 Report of a drunk driver running a red light at Main/Madrona.
1921 A man reportedly grazed the backside of a woman as he stumbled out of a Main Street business. He was last seen on Charter Oak Avenue. Police eventually found him at the Pope Street bridge.
2212 Report of a possible drunk driver at Highway 29 and Mee Lane. The driver wasnt drunk, but police issued a warning.
Monday, March 20
0358 Report of a man yelling at a Main Street bus stop. Police took him to the police department and then to the emergency room.
0705 Police assisted sheriffs deputies responding to the hospital for an aggressive and hostile patient whod been involved in the previous call.
1332 A caller reported hearing a man and a woman yelling and fighting and the sound of glass breaking on Hunt Avenue. Police took a report.
1409 Child Protective Services asked police to assist with a child abuse investigation involving a 7-year-old child.
1547 Non-injury accident at Main/Dowdell.
On Wednesday, 22 March 2017 and Thursday, 23 March 2017, the North Atlantic Council (NAC) chaired by NATO Deputy Secretary General, Ms. Rose Gottemoeller, will visit Budapest to attend the NATO Transformation Seminar 2017.
On 22 March, Ms. Gottemoeller will address the participants during the opening session of the Seminar.
The Deputy Secretary General will also deliver a speech at the Institute for Foreign Affairs and Trade entitled Adapting to a More Dangerous World, followed by a Q&A session.
Organized every year by the Allied Command Transformation, the NATO Transformation Seminar represents a unique opportunity for the Deputy Secretary General, Permanent Representatives, Chairman of the NATO Military Committee, Military Representatives and Strategic Commanders to discuss the strategic challenges that NATO will likely face over the near to long term. The Seminar will be chaired by the NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT), General Denis Mercier. More details about the event are available at http://www.act.nato.int/nato-transformation-seminar.
Media Advisory
Wednesday 22 March
9.00 10.45 NATO Transformation Seminar opening session. Opening remarks by the NATO Deputy Secretary General, SACT and the Hungarian Defence Minister - Marriott Hotel
Thursday, 23 March
10:45 Deputy Secretary General joint press conference with Minister of Defence and SACT Marriott Hotel
The opening session of the seminar and the joint press conference will be webstreamed live on the NATO website and available on demand on satellite. Still and video material will be available on the NATO website after the event.
Follow the Deputy Secretary General on Twitter (@Gottemoeller). Also follow us at (@NATOPress).
The winning team in the inaugural Southern Illinois University Carbondale Future Business Leaders of American Hospitality Business Challenge is from Marion High School. The team presented Marketing to Millennials: HerrinFesta Italiana. They are, from left, Connor Followell and Blake Horner. (Photo provided)
Marion duo wins FBLA Hospitality Business Challenge
by Andrea Hahn
CARBONDALE, Ill. The Hospitality and Tourism Administration Program, in partnership with the College of Business at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, issued a challenge to Southern Illinois high school members of the Future Business Leaders of America: How would you market to the generation of consumers known as Millennials?
Twelve student teams from three high schools answered. The students, representing Harrisburg, Marion and Murphysboro high schools, were on campus earlier this semester to present their marketing plans for the FBLA Hospitality Business Challenge. The students were to select a region, a cuisine, an event, a destination, preferably in their geographic area, and devise a promotional plan using digital media to market to Millennials.
Here are the top teams:
Winning team: Blake Horner and Connor Followell from Marion High School -- Marketing to Millennials: HerrinFesta Italiana.
Second place: Alexis Daun, Kaitlyn Hill, and Johnna McSparin from Marion High School Marketing to Millennials: The 2017 Eclipse.
Third place: Haley Sullivan and McKenzie Sullivan from Harrisburg High School: The Fieldhouse Promotional Plan.
Sylvia Smith, associate professor, and Nicole Davis, instructor, in the hospitality and tourism administration program, hope to make the event the first step toward building an annual hospitality and tourism-themed marketing challenge. While other FBLA groups partner with universities and businesses, there is nothing hospitality and tourism administration-themed available as a marketing or business challenge in Southern Illinois.
Davis said she expects to make an announcement later this spring about the next FBLA Hospitality Business Challenge.
Regional history fair is Saturday
by Andrea Hahn
CARBONDALE, Ill. Hundreds of high school and junior high school students from across the region will visit Southern Illinois University Carbondale to explain what Taking a Stand in History means to them.
Thats the theme for National History Day, the umbrella under which the Southern Illinois Regional History Fair takes place. This years event is on Saturday, March 25, in the Student Center ballrooms. Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Media Advisory
Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover the Southern Illinois Regional History Fair on March 25. Contact Jonathan Wiesen for participating schools in your target area. He may be reached at jwiesen@siu.edu or at 618/453-7873.
This years fair has a record number of performances, which will be historical scenes or themes acted out by a group of students. Performances are open to the public and begin at 9 a.m. and will continue past noon.
Participating students will come from the area of Illinois south of a line roughly from Madison and Bond counties across to Lawrence and Richland counties. Students with top projects at this event may go on to compete at Illinois History Day in Springfield on May 4. And some of the top projects there will go on to represent Illinois at National History Day in mid-June.
SIU history students contribute to judging the events, giving them a chance to see what topics motivate high school and junior high school students, and how these students approach and grasp the material they use.
The Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum sponsor this statewide event.
Growing up in Oakland, Calif., Thomas Logwood never dreamed he would visit Africa.
But there he was, a 19-year-old UC Santa Cruz student, standing in the South African prison that once held Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela and listening to a former inmate describe his own years of incarceration in the notorious Robben Island penitentiary.
The now-21-year-old Stevenson College student, who will graduate this year with a degree in sociology, said the visit was a life-changing experience and that he owes it all to a Merrill College alum who not only had a dream about giving students a chance to see the real Africa but also believed it was his duty to mentor a new generation.
There were people who believed in me, people who made doors open for me, says Melvin Cox, a 1973 graduate of UC Santa Cruz, whose Focus on Africa class has taken more than a dozen students to the continent over the past two years. They were people who ran the race and, at the end of the lap, handed the baton to my generation. And now its my responsibility to get around the track and make a successful hand-off to the generation that is coming up.
Cox, 65, who lives in Oakland, is a man with a resume that reflects the passions that drive his life. The son of middle-class parents, he graduated from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in communications. He then landed a job as a television director for a minority-focused news show at a public television station in San Mateodespite the fact, he says, he had zero directing experience outside of the classroom.
From there, he worked in public relations and as a substitute teacher. A job as a data analyst at a San Francisco litigation-support firm segued into work as a technical support engineer at a software services company. When he lost his job during the tech bust of 2002 and became a caretaker for his mother, who died at the age of 103, he turned his attention to his twin passions: horses and Africa.
His love of horses, first nurtured when his grandmother gave the 10-year-old riding lessons at a school run by an African American rodeo rider and producer named Thyrl Latting, took him around the world. He visited places like the Heilan International Equestrian Club in China and the Nairobi Polo Club. He also made documentaries about the Badminton Horse Trials in England and the Aachen Horse Show in Germany.
At the same time, he also turned his attention, and camera, to Africa, a continent he first explored in 1987. He became a co-founder of the AFRICAN CONNECTIONS Research and Education Fund.
There is a level of ignorance about Africa that is common in America, Cox says by telephone from his Oakland home. People believe Africa to be this war-torn and disease-wracked continent filled with poor people instead of a place with thriving cities and economic opportunities, he says. He set out to show another side of Africa.
Linking up with Merrill College Provost Elizabeth Abrams and Smith Renaissance Society founder Bill Dickinson, Cox launched the yearlong, independent-study class, Focus on Africa. Some $40,000 was raised from donations to the campus, allowing 11 students to travel to London, Cape Town, and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania in 2015.
The trip, he says, expanded students worlds in ways that are still evolving. We saw things that you dont hear about in this country. We saw the reality in Africa that not everyone is poor, not every situation is hopeless. We saw a reality that is very multiethnic and multicultural.
This spring, the class will examine Kenya and the run-up to its August elections. He also hopes to take five more students to the continent with visits to Ghana, Ethiopia, and Kenya.
This class meets Merrills longstanding commitment to having students know the world around them and experience it, a vision embraced by founding provost Philip Bell and shared by benefactor Charles E. Merrill Jr., said Merrill Provost Abrams in a 2015 article about the class. Im delighted to be able to support students in fulfilling that vision.
A 60-year-old female resident of village Thandi Kassi died when Indian troops resorted to "unprovoked" firing in Kotli district along the LoC.
The protest was also lodged over an incident of cross-border firing on Sunday when two children, aged nine- and 14-years-old, were injured, the Foreign Office said in a statement.
The Indian Deputy High Commissioner was summoned by the Director General (South Asia and Saarc) and handed a dmarche.
Incidents of cross-border firing were reported with frequency in the last months of 2016 as tensions simmered between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue.
Exchanges of fire have been reported sporadically since the new year began.
--IANS ahm/
( 157 Words)
2017-03-21-00:34:08 (IANS)
Ride hailing firm Grab, the main Southeast Asian rival of Uber Technologies Inc, launched services in Myanmar on Tuesday, expanding operations to a seventh country in the region.Grab was working with a small group of taxi drivers in a trial in Yangon, the biggest city, and would scale up gradually, the company said in a statement. Uber is currently unavailable in Yangon.Grab is already operating in Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.The expansion into Myanmar comes as authorities there are trying to improve its public transport system, having for the first time introduced regular bus lines, timetables and salaries for drivers. REUTERS JW PM1338 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1197031.Xml
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday urged member states of the Bimstec regional bloc to fight common security threats such as terrorism, extremism and radicalisation together. He said this when the national security chiefs of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (Bimstec) nations called on him here. The Bimstec comprises Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal. "PM called upon Bimstec member states to come together to counter common security threats such as terrorism, extremism, and radicalisation, and drugs, arms and human trafficking and natural disasters," the Prime Minister's Office tweeted. "PM said Bimstec states should work to address non-traditional security threats, such as in domain of cyber security and in maritime domain," it said. Earlier on Tuesday, in a bid to enhance cooperation in countering security challenges in the Bay of Bengal region, the national security chiefs of the Bimstec countries held their first meeting here. With the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc) regional group increasingly becoming ineffective mainly due to non-cooperation by Pakistan on several issues, India has been giving more importance to the Bimstec regional grouping in recent times. Tuesday's meeting was in pursuance of the decisions taken at the Bimstec Leaders' Retreat held in Goa in October last year on the sidelines of the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) Summit. The meeting on Tuesday was chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and was attended by Major General (Retd.) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, Defence and Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh; Sonam Topgay, Secretary in the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs of Bhutan; Thaung Tun, National Security Advisor of Myanmar; Singha Bahadur Shrestha, Inspector General of Armed Police Force of Nepal; Brig. M.D.U.V Gunatilake, Director of Military Intelligence of Sri Lanka; Vera Urairat, Deputy Secretary General of the National Security Council of Thailand; and Sumith Nakandala, Secretary General of Bimstec. According to the Prime Minister's Office, the national security chiefs appreciated Modi's vision for Bimstec. "They thanked the PM for hosting the first ever meeting of the national security chiefs of the member states in India," it said in a separate tweet. --IANS ab/bg ( 375 Words) 2017-03-21-19:34:08 (IANS)
Indifi Technologies, an enabler for SME funding in India, announced the expansion of its partnership with India Infoline Finance Limited (IIFL). As a part of this partnership expansion, IIFL, broadening its horizons, will extend monetary aid to small businesses across segments that Indifi operates in-travel, hotels and retail. "The partnership has progressed and pivoted into a multi - segment partnership. IIFL is a natural partner to Indifi Technologies as it is one of the most active lenders in the small business space, aligned to our focus on SMEs. IIFL also thrives on its deep understanding of the digital lending ecosystem, which makes this association a mutually benefiting one. We aim to expand this partnership across multiple segments and geographies in the coming months," said Siddharth Mahanot, Co-founder and COO, Indifi Technologies. "As a part of the drive to make finance available for small and medium Indian enterprises through digital mode, India Infoline Finance and Indifi Technologies have taken this pioneering initiative. We believe our partnership will go a long way in bolstering digital finance drive in India and support the government's 'Make in India' program," added Nishant Jasapara, Head, Digital Finance, India Infoline Finance. IIFL is a diversified financial group offering products such as life insurance, mutual funds, tax free bond, home loans and more. Indifi has been associated with IIFL since May 2016 when the partnership was inked. Ever since, over 100 loans have already been sanctioned to customers across different segments like travel and hotels. (ANI)
David Rockefeller arrives at the funeral service for New York socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor at St. Thomas Church in New York, August 17, 2007. [Photo/Agencies]
David Rockefeller, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist who was the last in his generation of world- famous philanthropic families, died Monday at 101.
The life of David Rockefeller also witnessed the Rockefeller Foundation's century-long connection with China that saw investments in China's science, medicine, and higher education.
The Rockefeller family's connection with China date back to 1863, when John D. Rockefeller sold his first kerosene to China and presented his first gift to China missions.
The Rockefeller Foundation entered China in early 20th century when the West was moving toward modern ideals of evidence-based medicine.
The foundation bought the Union Medical School and renamed it the "Peking Union Medical College."
The foundation not just wanted to establish a first-class school of medicine in China. It also introduced the US Johns Hopkins model to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital.
Peking Union Medical College Hospital remains one of the finest hospitals in China today.
Over the course of the 20th century, several hundred Chinese institutions and many thousands of Chinese scholars and practitioners received Rockefeller philanthropic support.
In 1979, the Rockefeller Foundation came to China to reprise its historic roles, bringing resources to rebuild Chinas medical infrastructure and revitalize its life sciences, and to link China with global scientific networks.
New Delhi [India], Mar. 21 (ANI-NewsVoir): Marg, a leading training and consulting firm, today officially announced their partnership with Prosci, the global leader in Change Management Solutions. To serve the needs of organizations, Marg will start offering Prosci services that includes Certification Training, Advisory Services and Enterprises licences in India as an official member of Prosci Global Affiliate Network (GAN). Marg shall initially provide open enrolment Change Management Training Programs across Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. They will also facilitate on-site training and advisory services to corporates. To begin with, the first change management program shall be conducted by them from 25th - 27th April 2017 at The Ritz Carlton, Bangalore. Sudeshna Basu Roy, Co-founder Marg, said, "It's a proud moment for us to be the authorised global affiliate for Prosci. We are delighted to offer the services of Marg and Prosci "Change management" in the business environment of India. This association will allow us to cater to the needs of the target audience throughout India, local as well as global organization." She added, "With this significant partnership, leaders across the country will get an opportunity to effectively demonstrate their role in change of business scenario, leading to a progressive environment contributing towards positive transformation." In order to establish strategic eco-system for the growth of businesses it is mandatory to accommodate a methodology of apt and proactive solutions fulfilling the needs of every enterprise. About Marg: Marg incepted in 2007 presently based out of Bangalore was established in Kolkata. Marg provides a wide spectrum of soft skills training to corporates directly as also by suitable partnerships with International leaders in specific areas. Marg Trainers have varied experience across Manufacturing, FMCG, Services and IT industries. Our PAN India presence ie trainer network in Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and other major cities allows us to provide consistent training to organisations across the country. We are exploring and establishing international training presence in 2017. For more information, please visit http://www.margonline.com/ About Prosci: Founded in 1994, Prosci is the world leader in change management products and benchmarking research. Prosci's tools and methodology - based on best practices research with over 4,500 organizations - are used by more than three-quarters of Fortune 100 companies. The Prosci Methodology has become one of the most widely used approaches to managing the people side of change in business and government. (ANI-NewsVoir)
Now, detecting a mosquito-borne illness will be as easy as clicking a smartphone app - thanks to a team of scientists. Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories developed a smartphone-controlled, battery-operated diagnostic device that weighs under a pound, costs as little as 100 dollars and can detect Zika, dengue and chikungunya within 30 minutes. Testing for these mosquito-borne viruses currently requires a laboratory, and patients can wait days for results. The tests require instruments that are roughly the size of a microwave oven and can cost up to 20,000 dollars. This makes rapid testing unrealistic for limited-resource clinics in developing countries where the viruses are prevalent. Smartphone technology is a key feature of the device. "In addition to creating an app that serves as a simple interface to operate the device, we were able to adapt smartphone camera sensors to replace traditional laboratory sample analysis tools, allowing for unprecedented mobility," chemical engineer and lead author Aashish Priye said. The Sandia team's device is based on the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic method, which eliminates the need to process a biological sample, such as blood or urine, before testing. Conventional viral testing involves transporting a sample to a laboratory, extracting DNA or RNA from it and then multiplying the genetic materials through a process called polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This process involves heating and cooling the sample many times, so that any viral DNA/RNA in the sample is replicated enough to be detected. "We've demonstrated that the chemistry we're using can amplify viral RNA directly from raw, unprocessed samples," said lead author Robert Meagher. "That is the ideal for a point-of-care testing scenario because you don't want to have extra equipment for isolating DNA or RNA." For the Zika project, Meagher's team developed a novel algorithm that allows a smartphone sensor to act as a fluorimeter, detecting QUASR LAMP light signals if they appear. LAMP works so simply that the user need only place the smartphone on top of the LAMP box and open an app. The app turns on the heater to initiate the LAMP reaction. Once the 30-minute testing period is up, the smartphone photographs the sample. The app then employs a novel image analysis algorithm to accurately determine the color and brightness of the glow emitted from the LAMP reaction. This smartphone-based image analysis offers much greater detection certainty than the lab technician's naked eye. The cost of making a LAMP box prototype to test for these viruses depends largely on the cost of the phone selected for use with it. The study is published in the journal Scientific Reports. (ANI)
The apex court had in its last hearing asked the Ghaziabad development authority to deposit Rs. 1,100 crore to the apex court registry for acquiring land from Sahara.
One international real estate company, M.G. Capital holdings had told the apex court three-judge bench, headed by Justice Dipak Misra to purchase the London-based New York Plaza hotel, as the company wanted to purchase Sahara stake in that hotel.
Subrata Roy was sent to Tihar jail on March 4, 2014 for not complying with the apex court's orders in connection with a long dispute with the market regulator SEBI.
The SEBI alleged that Roy allegedly failed to comply with the apex court's order directing him to return the investors' money.
Sahara, once among India's high-profile firms, has in the past made several failed attempts to raise the bail money using its prized overseas hotels that include the Plaza in New York and Grosvenor House in London.
Sahara says it has paid more than 80 percent of the dues to share-holders, but SEBI has disputed that and said the company has not paid more than Rs. 10,000 crores. (ANI)
The Delhi Police have claimed that ample incriminating evidences have been found against the accused and a 5,000 page chargesheet has been prepared containing the names of 50 witnesses.
The Delhi Police have chargesheeted four persons for allegedly gang-raping and committing unnatural sex with an American tourist at a five-star hotel in Connaught Place last year.
The chargesheet against the four accused - Anirudh Singh, a tour guide, Vivek, a hotel employee, Om Prakash, a driver of a tourist bus, and Maqsood Khan, the cleaner of the bus - has been filed in the Patiala House Court. The police had identified the accused with the help of call records available with the hotel.
The complainant had contacted the erstwhile Police Commissioner of Delhi, Alok Verma, on December 3 last year to get the complaint registered.
She has claimed that she was brutalised on March 8 and 9 last year when she had visited India. (ANI)
An FIR was filed against a leading Bengali poet in West Bengal police cyber crime branch accusing Srijato Bandyopadhyay of hurting the sentiments of Hindu by writing a poem on the social media. The FIR was filed by Arnab Sarkar, a resident of Siliguri, the commercial town of north Bengal, yesterday, a day after Mr Bandyopadhyay penned a 12-line poem and posted on Facebook. "The poem has wounded the feelings of each Hindu through the use of distasteful words," Mr Sarkar mentioned in his FIR. Reacting to the FIR, the poet today said that he would continue writing such poems in future. He penned the poem after Yogi Adityanath was sworn-in as the chief minster of Uttar Pradesh.UNI PC AD1318 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0108-1197010.Xml
Nagaland Governor P B Acharya today said the state is making progress on several developmental fronts, but his Government is facing several problems in performing the developmental works. Addressing the Budget session of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, which began today with the Governor's Address today, Mr Acharya said the year began with many eventful incidents like opposition of the Urban Local Bodies elections in the state for opposing by several tribal bodies. The election to the ULB was notified on December 21, 2016, which was opposed by the tribal bodies and groups, leading to the violence in several parts of the state, as a result the Government was compelled to declare the Nagaland Municipal elections as null and void on February 2, this year, keeping in view of the overall situation and the sentiments of the people. The opposition of the ULB elections was on the ground that the 33 per cent reservation for women, which may infringed the Article 371 (A) of the Indian Constitution. He also expressed grief for the loss of two precious lives on January 31 this year and the disruptions in the functioning of the Government offices due to bandhs during the agitation. In his 38-minutes speech, Acharya also said his Government will hold consultation with all stakeholders, the civil societies and the tribal bodies for arriving at consensual approach towards ULB elections and related matters at the right time. Acharya also said recent initiation of fencing on the Indo- Myanmar international border along Pangsha on Noklak sub-division of Tuensang district by the Myanmar Government has caused deep concern in the state. Such a move on the part of Myanmar Government has the potential to adversely affect the free movement regime, besides the traditional social and economic ties that exist between the people in these areas on the both sides of the border. The governor also said his government to support the ongoing political dialogue between the government of India and the NSCN-IM and would continue to strive to work for a final solution to the more than six decades old Naga political issue in a peaceful, inclusive and honourable manner.He also informed that the State government has constituted the "Political affairs Mission," replacing the erstwhile Political affairs Committee, to spearhead the government efforts in this area. UNI AS RN 1356 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0311-1197071.Xml
Hyundai Motor Co shares extended their rally on Tuesday, rising nearly 9 percent on hopes the automaker and its affiliates will be restructured.Market speculation is that activist hedge fund Elliott Management Corp may have bought a share in Hyundai Motor, South Korea's top automaker, analysts said. Elliott did not immediately comment.Hyundai Motor shares rose to their highest level since May 13, 2015.Its affiliates, Kia Motors Corp and Hyundai Mobis Co Ltd, climbed more than 4 percent. REUTERS JW PM1324 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0364-1196985.Xml
Issuing a stern warning against spurious schemes being floated in the name of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' scheme, the central government has advised people against falling into the trap of such frauds. "It has come to our notice that certain unauthorised sites, organisations, NGOs, and individuals are distributing illegal forms in the name of cash incentive under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme," the Union Women and Child Development Ministry said in a statement here on Tuesday. "It is a completely nonexistent thing in the ministry. It appears to us that people are being charged for these forms. The police are investigating the matter," an official from the ministry told IANS. "Even if they are not being charged, people should report to the police. Why should they share any sensitive information about a girl child with anyone, who is running something unauthorised in the name of this scheme," he said. The ministry has taken up this matter with the government authorities of states, namely in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab and Bihar. "However, it has come to our notice that the fraud in the name of BBBP is taking place in Delhi also. The matter has been reported from different parts of Delhi, particularly in Tikri, Bhatti Khurd, Dakshinpuri Extension, Sangam Vihar, Sanjay Colony, Sarita Vihar, Adarsh Nagar and JJ Colony," the statement said. It pointed out that the scheme has no provision for individual cash transfer by the government. It said that the scheme's focus is on issues of women's empowerment over a life cycle continuum. It is not a DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme. "BBBP focuses on challenging mindsets and deep rooted patriarchy in the societal system, strict enforcement of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act that was enacted in 1994 to stop female foeticides and arrest the declining sex ratio in India," the ministry stated. It emphasised that the fraud being perpetuated in name of the scheme is a very serious matter. "If any such incident comes to your knowledge, please report it to the nearest police station and the concerned district collector or district magistrate." The ministry has advised that no personal details should be shared in this regard and no one should subscribe to such "fraudulent scheme". The case has also been referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), keeping in view the public interest and gravity of the matter. --IANS mg/sm/vt ( 415 Words) 2017-03-21-15:12:11 (IANS)
Speaking in support of the Ram Temple row, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Vinay Katiyar on Tuesday asserted that the Supreme Court has made the right assertion and that the UP government should be given time as it was fairly new. "The Supreme Court has made the right assertion and we will move ahead in this regard. We have our government in Uttar Pradesh now and a pessimistic approach will now be initiated.I am confident that this matter will be solved," Katiyar told ANI. He further stated that the new government in Uttar Pradesh should be given time. "I think the new government in Uttar Pradesh should be given time as it has been only two days after they assumed office," said Katiyar. Taking a jibe at BJP national President Amit Shah's friendly talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi he said, who has stopped the opposition from joining hands? "Who has stopped the opposition from joining hands? The BJP president and honourable Prime Minister Modi have been working to accomplish the ideology of 'Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas' for the country's development. I am confident that they will emerge victorious in their mission. We will emerge victorious even in the stated where polls will be held later," said Katiyar. Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court called for an urgent hearing on the Ram Temple issue, it called both the parties to solve the matter amicably. During the hearing, Chief Justice of India (CJI) JS Khehar offered to serve as a mediator, if negotiations broke down. "We have been ready from the start for the construction of both Mandir and Masjid at the site, but the Masjid should be constructed across the river," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy, who is a petitioner in the case, told the media after the hearing. The top court put the ball in the court of the petitioners and the respondents by asking them to sort the matter through negotiations. Swamy sought an urgent hearing into the matter and mentioned to the apex court that the case is pending since last six years, to which the Supreme Court asked Swamy to mention it on or before March 31. The apex court is also hearing the appeals challenging a 2010 Allahabad High Court's decision fixing the exact birth place of Lord Ram at the disputed Ayodhya site. A three-judge Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court had in September 2010 given a unanimous decision that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have the right to worship there. Subsequently, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the High Court's decision soon after. The case has remained in limbo ever since. In his petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, Swamy contended that the pendency of the appeals in the Supreme Court has restricted his fundamental right to worship and enjoy dignity of life under the Constitution. Swamy had earlier claimed that work on the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya could start before the end of this year and expressed confidence that the apex court's verdict would pave the way for construction of the temple. (ANI)
The Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) on Tuesday expressed grave concern over the unabated rise in violence by Jehadi elements in West Bengal, encouraging the anti-national elements by the state government due to its Muslim vote bank politics and declining Hindu population in the state. The resolution stated that, the recent attack and looting of the Kaliyachak Police Station (District Malda) which is just eight km inside the Bangladesh border or burning down of the crime record by the anti-national Jehadi elements and the growing incidents of attack on security forces in the state are posing a serious challenge to national security and law and order. Fatwas inciting violence are openly being issued by fundamentalist Maulavis. Further the resolution also stated that, the Hindus are being attacked by fundamentalist elements at several places including Katwa, Kaligram, Ilambazarand Metiaburuj (Kolkata). Where large numbers of Hindus are being forced to flee from the border areas under the pressure of fundamentalist forces. Also during investigation of Burdwan bomb blasts, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) had found that several terror modules exist across the state and this network of Jehadi extremists is spread on both sides of the border. In the past few years, several incidents of bomb blasts, violence and molestation of women have been reported. In all of this, the worst sufferers of these atrocities on the Hindu society have been the members of the Scheduled Castes. During that time, six people from these communities were killed at Juranpur, Vaishnavnagar, Kharagpur and Mallarpur. Meanwhile, instead of controlling the extremist elements the State Government attempted to completely hide these incidents. While on one hand the State Government is threatening to close down the schools which are instilling the spirit of patriotism, on the other hand it is turning a blind eye towards thousands of institutions like the notorious Simuliamadarsa where Jehadi and fundamentalist training is being imparted. The State Government is also overlooking the attempts to islamise the schools like the pretext of observing Milad-Un-Nabi. The ABPS strongly condemns the extremist violence and the Muslim appeasement policy by the State Government and calls upon the countrymen to create awareness against this Jehadi violence and communal politics of the State Government. It also urges the media to present the prevalent grave situation before the country. The ABPS calls upon the State Government to rise above petty vote bank politics and discharge its constitutional obligations. The ABPS also urges the Union Government to ensure firm action against these anti national Jehadi elements of the state in the interest of national security. (ANI)
Justice Manmohan issued a show cause notice to the Union Home Secretary on the contempt plea filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The court posted the matter for next hearing on July 20.
On March 28, 2014, the court held both the Bhartiya Janata Party and the Congress guilty of receiving foreign funds from Vedanta Group subsidiaries in violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The court on Tuesday asked the government and the Election Commission to act against the two political parties within six months.
Advocate Pranav Sachdeva appearing for ADR told the court that even after the lapse of three years of the court's order, the government had not taken any action.
"Since there has been wilful disobedience on the part of the respondent (government) in compliance with the impugned order, respondent is liable for contempt of the court and contempt proceedings should be initiated against the respondent," said the plea.
The court held that UK-based Vedanta Resources is a foreign company within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1956, and therefore, the firm and its subsidiaries -- Sterlite Industries and Sesa Goa -- are a foreign source as contemplated under the act.
--IANS gt/ksk/vt
( 248 Words)
2017-03-21-16:22:09 (IANS)
Quoting Prime Minister Modi, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar after the BJP's parliamentary party meeting said the GST and its benefits should be discussed at the level of gram panchayats.
Kumar said there will be a massive campaign to popularize the BHIM app among the masses on April 14 to mark the birth anniversary of Bhim Rao Ambedkar.
During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also pulled up the BJP members and asked them to ensure their presence in Parliament.
The Prime Minister asked them to participate in the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign on the BJP's foundation day on April 6. (ANI)
Kenya Medical Practitioners Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPDU) officials, representatives of county governments and other participants join hands to mark the end of the doctors' strike, in Nairobi, capital of Kenya, March 14, 2017. (Xinhua/Allan Mutiso)
NAIROBI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan doctors are celebrating their victory after a 100-day long strike, which paralyzed public health sector, saying despite efforts to divide the striking doctors, the massive public support for the strike led to major gains in favor of the country's public healthcare system.
"We did not cover the entire distance we set out to cover, but we are now firmly on the journey to a better public health sector. Better healthcare for all Kenyans," the Kenya Medical Practitioners, Pharmacists and Dentists Union (KMPPDU) said on Sunday in a thank you note to Kenyans.
The Kenyan doctors embarked on a strike on Dec. 5 2016 to press the government to honor an agreement reached in 2013 for the payment of 70 to 200 percent pay increase. They also sought the improvement of medical facilities and equipment at all state-owned hospitals.
The government initially declined to recognize the agreement, saying it was signed by officials whose tenure in government had expired. Later, the government said the laws were changed and public healthcare responsibilities were transferred to 47 county governments managed by elected governors.
The doctors' strike affected operations of nearly 6,000 state hospitals. The doctors protested the poor medical conditions patients were being subjected to at the state hospitals. They also decried the lack of proper medical equipment and long hours that the patients had to wait to access treatment.
Kenyan health ministry officials initially resisted the implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), a document which spells out the terms of employment for professionals who have joined a labor union, and later agreed to renegotiate the CBA, to be signed by the 47 governors.
In Nairobi, the KMPPDU officials, Ouma Oluga, Secretary-General and Samuel Oroko, Chairman, signed a return to work agreement with the Health Cabinet Secretary Cleopa Mailu, on March 14, to end the doctors' strike after accepting increases in allowances and the conclusion of a new CBA.
Kenyan government officials have reportedly been pressing on with a plan to bring in expatriate doctors from Tanzania to fill a shortage of skilled doctors, according to a statement issued by the Tanzanian government.
The Kenyan government said it would hire 500 expatriate Tanzanian doctors. The Tanzanian government agreed to provide the 500 doctors to help deal with a shortage of doctors at public hospitals.
State House Spokesperson Manoah Esipisu said on Sunday the decision to hire the doctors was approved by the government upon the request by the Council of Governors to reduce the patient-to-doctors ratio in Kenya's 47 counties, which decry the few doctors available.
Meanwhile, the KMPPDU said it has signed a return-to-work agreement with the Kenya's largest referral hospital, after 104 days, to end the strike. The hospital had earlier fired striking doctors.
BUJUMBURA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The corpse of a senior police officer was Monday discovered at Ngagara neighborhood in the Burundian capital Bujumbura, witnesses and the Burundian police spokesman confirmed.
"Charles Ndihokubwayo, a senior police officer who is a trainer at Mitakataka in Bubanza province was found dead today (Monday) morning inside the premises of Ngagara Parish. He had no signs of having been strangled or stabbed or shot," Burundian Police Spokesman Pierre Nkurikiye told Xinhua.
According to him, Charles Ndihokubwayo was last seen alive Sunday afternoon at Kinama -- a neighborhood close to Ngagara -- getting off a car from Mitakataka where he had attended the Sunday mass.
"Investigations have started to identify circumstances in Ndihokubwayo's death," Nkurikiye said. Enditem
LAGOS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria's state-run oil corporation has concluded plans to build independent power plants to boost power supply in the country, an official said Monday.
The power plants, which would be built with Joint Venture Companies, international power companies and Nigerian investors, would be structured after the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas business model, Saidu Mohammed, Chief Operating Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), said in Abuja.
The corporation will generate about 4,000 megawatts of power in the next 10 years to boost power supply in the country, he added, noting that power generation is a big business.
"As at today, NNPC has interest in two power plants, one in Okpai, Delta State and the other in Afam, Rivers State," he added.
"Both were built by joint ventures with Nigerian Agip Oil Company and Shell Petroleum Development Company," he said.
"These two power plants collectively generate up to 1,000 megawatts and they are the most reliable and cheapest source of power to the national grid in Nigeria today," Mohammed said.
Mohammed said in order to make up the 4,000 megawatts, plans were underway to build Okpai Phase 2, Obite and Agura power plants to boost power generation in the country.
He said the corporation had commenced the extension of its major gas pipeline infrastructure on Ajaokuta-Abuja-Kaduna-Kano axis and other robust network to connect various parts of the country.
He said the corporation had developed capabilities in processing, transportation and marketing of gas for export and domestic utilization, adding that the nation's gas resources could change Nigerian economy for the better. Enditem
UNITED NATIONS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations on Monday urged the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) to fully comply with its international obligations while commenting on the latter's test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine over the weekend.
When answering the question about UN Secretary-General's response to the test at the daily news briefing, UN Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq said that "you have seen our basic concern about the situation in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and our concern about the various tests."
"We want ultimately for the DPRK to comply fully with relevant resolutions of the Security Council and it needs to refrain from further provocations and comply with its international obligations."
The DPRK said it had conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine that its leader Kim Jong-un was calling "a revolutionary breakthrough for the country's space program."
Kim attended the test at the Sohae launch site, according to a report on Sunday by the Korean Central News Agency, which said the test was intended to confirm the "new type" engine's thrust power and gauge the reliability of its control system and structural safety.
SKOPJE, March 20 (Xinhua) -- There is no need to hold fresh elections since Macedonia already had the general elections and voters wanted changes by choosing the Social Democratic Union (SDSM), SDSM spokesman Petre Shilegov said Monday.
Macedonia's political stalemate continues as President Gjorge Ivanov still refuses to give SDSM, which holds the majority of parliamentary seats, a mandate to form a government.
Macedonia held snap general elections on Dec. 11, 2016, but no government has been formed yet. The ruling VMRO-DPMNE party secured 51 seats, the SDSM got 49, and the DUI obtained 10 in the 120-seat parliament.
The SDSM and DUI, plus other two smaller ethnic Albanian parties, had secured a majority of 67 votes in parliament.
According to Shilegov, what Macedonia needs now is the constitution of the parliament that would pave the way to the voting of the government.
"SDSM expects that the parliament will be constituted as soon as possible to vote on a new government," Shilegov said.
President Ivanov continued refusing to give SDSM the mandate to form a government, saying that the political platform presented to him by SDSM leader Zoran Zaev threatened the sovereignty of Macedonia.
Ruling party VMRO-DPMNE, led by Nikola Gruevski, has asked for the holding of fresh general elections.
Gruevski said in a TV interview on Sunday evening that his party would present within this week a document outlining a way out of the political crisis.
According to Gruevski, the document will be shared with all the major parties and won't put any political party or ethnic community in a more favorable position.
However, he claimed that the most direct way out was to hold new elections, after the vote on Dec. 11 delivered an inconclusive parliament. Enditem
NAIROBI, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Police in the sprawling Dadaab refugee camp in northern Kenya have intensified an operation aimed at rescuing two teachers who were abducted by Al-Shabaab militants a fortnight ago.
Local police boss Aaron Moriasi told reporters on Monday there are suspicions the kidnapped teachers could be hidden in Dadaab refugee camp.
He revealed that 200 suspects have so far been arrested and will be probed to shed light on the kidnapping of teachers.
"The arrested suspects will be investigated to enable police to obtain more leads to the kidnapping saga," said Moriasi.
Cases of kidnappings linked to Somalia based Al-Shabaab militants are common in north eastern Kenya.
In February, two heavily armed suspected Al-Shabaab militants stormed into a school compound in Dadaab refugee camp but their attempts to abduct a female teacher were foiled. Enditem
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Researchers have found in experiments that neurons within the cerebellum, which literally means "little brain" and is thought to do little more than helping us balance and breathe, respond to and learn to anticipate rewards.
Tucked in the back of the brain and believed mostly just keeping our muscles running smoothly, the cerebellum is believed to be helping control muscles mostly because of what happened when it got injured. While the neurons that make up most of the cerebellum, known as granule cells, account for 80 percent of the neurons in the brain, they only account for about 10 percent of the brain's volume; and with that density, they are difficult to study.
The density means that conventional techniques for recording cell activity don't work well.
In comparison, the cerebellum's larger neighbor, the cerebrum, gets all the attention as the most anterior part of the brain.
"If you have disruption of the cerebellum, the first thing you see is a motor coordination defect," said Liqun Luo, an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a professor of biology at Stanford University and senior author of a paper published Monday in the journal Nature.
Mark Wagner, a postdoctoral fellow in Luo's lab, worked with colleagues initially to study how the cerebellum controls muscles in mice using a new technique that would allow him to record granule cells in real time. He had earned his PhD working with Mark Schnitzer, an investigator at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and an associate professor of biology and of applied physics, who develops pioneering methods for imaging neuronal activity in fruit flies, mice and other living animals.
One method, known as two-photon calcium imaging, had the resolution Wagner needed to study mouse granule cells in action.
To get the mice to move and then to study their motor control, the team gave mice sugar water about a second after they pushed a little lever. While the mice pushed levers and received their rewards, Wagner recorded activity in each mouse's granule cells, expecting to find that activity in those cells would be related to planning and executing arm movements. The results: some granule cells did fire when the animals moved. But other granule cells fired when the mice were waiting for their sugary rewards. And when Wagner sneakily took away their rewards, still other granule cells fired.
"It was actually a side observation, that, wow, they actually respond to reward," Luo was quoted as explaining in a news release from Stanford.
The discovery is something of a revelation, and is believed by the researchers to be a first step toward a much more exciting future for the cerebrum's largely overlooked little brother and one that could open up new avenues of research for neuroscientists interested in the roots of cognition.
"Given what a large fraction of neurons reside in the cerebellum, there's been relatively little progress made in integrating the cerebellum into the bigger picture of how the brain is solving tasks, and a large part of that disconnect has been this assumption that the cerebellum can only be involved in motor tasks," Wagner said. "I hope that this allows us to unify it with studies of more popular brain regions like the cerebral cortex, and we can put them together."
LONDON, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Earthlings will be able to get their closest ever view of the moon this week, and they won't even have to be propelled through space.
A stunning 7-meter wide model of the earth's closest neighbor has been installed in the Great Hall at the University of Bristol in southwest England.
British artist Luke Jerram has created the replica of the moon's lunar surface using detail imagery from the U.S. space agency NASA.
The university revealed Monday the Museum of the Moon artwork, will fill the Great Hall in its iconic Wills Memorial Building to mark the arrival ceremony Wednesday for the university's new Chancellor, Sir Paul Nurse.
The university said the public are invited to marvel at the ethereal sight on March 25 and March 26.
A spokesman at the university said: "The impressive structure features detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At a scale of 1:500,000, each centimeter will represent 5km on the surface of the Earth's largest natural satellite.
Jerram said: "This is an opportunity for the public to have a close encounter with the moon, to study every detail of its surface and to bathe in moonlight. The Great Hall is such an amazing space to present the Museum of the Moon and I'm really grateful for the university's support to present this artwork."
Displaced Iraqis from Mosul arrive at the Hamam al-Alil camp on March 20, 2017, during the government forces ongoing offensive to retake the western parts of the city from Islamic State group fighters. (Xinhua/AFP PHOTO)
UNITED NATIONS, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Humanitarian agencies are bracing for the possibility that an additional 300,000 to 320,000 civilians may flee in coming weeks, deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters here Monday.
The Iraqi government reported that 180,000 civilians had fled western Mosul since mid-February, when military operations to retake the western districts of the Iraqi city began, Haq said at a daily news briefing here.
"Humanitarian agencies are deeply worried that civilians are at grave risk in western Mosul," he said.
Lise Grande, the humanitarian coordinator in Iraq, said that the use of explosives in the densely populated Old City is likely to cause extensive damage. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped, she warned, and they are in terrible danger.
An Iraqi man carries goods from humanitarian aid at Al Ghizlane district as the battle against Islamic State's fighters continues inMosul, Iraq, March 20, 2017. (Xinhua/REUTERS)
The main supply route into western Mosul has been cut since mid-November, Haq said. "Families fleeing the city are reporting that shelves are empty and that the only food available is what they already have at home. Water and electricity supplies have been cut and medicines are running out."
Under the leadership of the Iraqi government, a massive national effort is underway to address the crisis. Civilians fleeing the western districts in the city are being accommodated in 17 camps and emergency sites near the city. The government and partners are rushing to construct and expand 10 of these.
Photo taken on March 19, 2017 shows the general view of Hammam Aleel Camp, Iraq. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
Since Oct. 17, more than 330,000 people have been displaced by the Mosul crisis, more than 70,000 of whom have returned to their homes.
Humanitarian agencies have been working around the clock to provide life-saving support to more than 1.3 million people from eastern and western Mosul including families who have stayed in their homes, and those who have fled.
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 kilometers north of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad, has been under IS control since June 2014, when Iraqi government forces abandoned their weapons and fled, enabling IS militants to take control of parts of Iraq's northern and western regions.
File photo taken on Jan. 20, 2017 shows U.S. President Donald Trump(L, front) is greeted by former U.S. President Barack Obama after delivering his inaugural address during the presidential inauguration ceremony at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C., the United States. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)
WASHINGTON, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The White House on Monday defended President Donald Trump's claim that his predecessor Barack Obama had ordered wiretapping Trump Tower and played down FBI's probe into Russian election meddling.
"There's still a lot of information that needs to be discussed," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said about Trump's wiretapping accusation at his daily press briefing, soon after FBI chief James Comey told a congressional hearing Monday that he had no information supporting the president's wiretapping claim.
"It's clear that nothing has changed," Spicer also commented on Comey's first public confirmation that the Trump campaign has been under FBI investigation since July, stressing that there is no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the election.
FBI "is investigating the alleged Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts." Comey testified at the Capitol Monday morning.
"I cannot say more about what we are doing and whose conduct we are examining." Comey said, citing that the probe is classified and ongoing.
The Russian government has also denied the accusations.
"With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI." Comey told lawmakers.
Ahead of the congressional hearing, Trump tweeted: "James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia, This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!" Clapper is the former national intelligence director.
In another tweet, Trump asked: "What about all of the contact with the Clinton campaign and the Russians? Also, is it true that the DNC would not let the FBI in to look?"
On March 4, Trump claimed in a tweet storm that Obama had Trump Tower wiretapped before his election victory, offering no evidence.
Hours after Trump's tweets, Obama's spokesman said Trump's wiretapping accusation is "simply false."
"There was not a physical wiretap of Trump Tower", Republican Devin Nunes, chairman of U.S. House Select Intelligence Committee, said at the beginning of the hearing on Monday.
"However, it's still possible that other surveillance activities were used against President Trump and his associates," said Nunes.
MINSK, March 20 (Xinhua) -- The joint military exercise West 2017 between Belarus and Russia will be held from September 14 to 20, Belarusian Defense Minister Andrei Ravkov told reporters on Monday.
The Defense Minister informed the scope of this exercise is from the Kola Peninsula direction in the arctic zone to Belarus.
Ravkov said Belarus will furnish seven exercise areas and locations for the regional military forces, which includes the Armed Forces of Belarus and the 1st Tank army of the Russian Western Military District.
"The total number of troops that will be involved in the exercise will not exceed the parameters stipulated by the 2011 Vienna Document, no more than 13,000 personnel," he said.
The minister said Russia plans to send about 3,000 military personnel, about 280 vehicles, up to 25 aircraft and helicopters for the joint exercise in Belarus.
Ravkov said Western partners are interested in sending observers to watch the exercise. "We will send invitations 50 days before the start of the exercise. The needs the Western partners have requested will be met," he added.
MONTEVIDEO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Uruguay's President Tabare Vazquez confirmed Monday that Uruguayan troops, part of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), will finish their assignment this month and return home in April.
"As we had committed, in April, the Uruguayan troops in the peace mission in Haiti, will return to Uruguay," Vazquez told a cabinet meeting on Monday.
He added that "certain tasks remain" such as "packing up the weaponry, the vehicles and prepare materials."
The Uruguayan army contingent is ready "so that when the United Nations has the transport to bring our troops, they will return home. The active exercise of the peace mission will cease at the end of March," said Vazquez.
In December, the Uruguayan parliament had approved an extension until April 15 for the Uruguayan contingent's participation in Minustah, which has been operating for 12 years.
At its peak, Uruguay had up to 1,000 troops participating in the initiative but this currently stands at 200 soldiers.
SANTIAGO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Chilean President Michelle Bachelet announced Monday that two Bolivian soldiers and seven customs officials were arrested on Sunday by Chilean police for allegedly stealing trucks.
In a statement, Bachelet said that "the information is the following: nine people have been detained, they were in Chilean territory committing crimes, they wanted to steal new trucks...and stole one."
"Of these nine people, two were soldiers and the seven others were civilians, Bolivian customs officials," she said, adding that she has had no contact with Bolivia's President Evo Morales or other authorities on the matter.
On Sunday, Morales twitted that "two members of the armed forces and seven customs officials arrested by Chilean police when they were fighting smuggling in Bolivian territory."
He added they were "victims of an injustice" and demanding their "immediate release."
Chile and Bolivia are also involved in territorial disputes.
SEOUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye on Tuesday left for the prosecutors' office to be questioned over the corruption scandal that led to her impeachment and ouster, TV footage showed.
Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye arrives at the prosecutors' office in Seoul, South Korea, March 21, 2017. Park Geun-hye appeared Tuesday in the prosecutors' office to be questioned over an corruption scandal that led to her impeachment earlier this month. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)
SEOUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye appeared Tuesday in the prosecutors' office to be questioned over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment earlier this month.
Park said in front of cameras at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office that she was sorry to people, vowing to face an interrogation faithfully, TV footage showed.
Just leaving a brief message to the public, Park entered the prosecutors' office in southern Seoul.
Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, walked out of her private home in a southern district of Seoul at about 9:17 a.m. local time (0017 GMT), getting into a black sedan and saying nothing to hundreds of supporters outside her home.
The motorcade, carrying Park and security guards, arrived in the office just minutes later.
Park has stayed in her private home since she vacated the presidential Blue House on March 12.
Park will be interrogated by state prosecutors for her alleged involvement in the scandal, which removed her from office after the impeachment was passed in the parliament on Dec. 9. The constitutional court upheld the motion on March 10.
Park became the fourth South Korean former president to be grilled by prosecutors.
During the interrogation that is forecast to last to midnight, prosecutors would focus on Park's alleged involvement in bribery, abuse of power and leakage of state secrets. A total of 13 charges were levied against her.
Park, 65, has been accused of colluding with her decades-long confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the heir apparent of Samsung Group.
The kickbacks are suspected of being offered in return for helping Lee inherit the overall management control of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee, who has been hospitalized after a heart attack almost three years ago.
Park was also identified as an accomplice of Choi in helping solicit tens of millions of U.S. dollars from scores of large business conglomerates to establish two non-profit foundations Choi used for personal gains.
Choi has been charged with meddling in state affairs behind the scenes by receiving government documents on a regular basis delivered by one of Park's former presidential secretaries.
SYDNEY, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Superfine Australian wool can reduce symptoms of eczema, researchers have found.
The study, published by the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute (MCRI) on Tuesday, was the first of its kind globally to challenge the notion that wool is a possible allergen and irritant for eczema patients.
A total of 39 children aged between four weeks and three years old were involved in the trail over a 12-week period where they wore garments made from superfine Merino wool for six weeks before switching to cotton.
Researchers observed that children who switched to wool after wearing cotton the severity of their eczema decreased significantly while the eczema of those who went from wool to cotton worsened considerably.
Woolen clothing has traditionally been considered an irritant that should be avoided by eczema patients despite little evidence to support the claim.
John Su, the study's lead author, said the results would "challenge current practices" when advising on eczema patients wearing wool.
"When comparing with cotton, there are inherent differences in fibre properties, (Merino) wool's greater ability to transfer moisture vapor and heat than other major apparel fibres enable it to maintain a more stable microclimate between the skin and garment," Su said in a media release on Tuesday.
Most of the parents of the children involved in the trial said they enjoyed wearing and also reported less itching and skin clamminess.
Ellyda Stone said her son, Ayden, was one of the participants who enjoyed wearing the wool.
"We noticed that merino wool garments tended to allow for better absorption of moisture, and that this protected Ayden's skin from dryness and improved his eczema," Stone said.
LUSAKA, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Zambia's human rights body on Monday launched an investigation into the death of a soldier who died inside a police cell in Lusaka Saturday.
On Saturday, Flight Sergeant Mark Nchimunya Choongwa, a 34-year-old Zambia soldier, was brutally beaten up by police officers at Wooldlands Police Station in the country's capital Lusaka, after he was detained on a traffic offence.
He died shortly after he was thrown in police custody. There are conflicting reports about the cause of the death.
Some reports said Choongwa was brutally assaulted by the police officers after he was involved in a minor traffic accident, while the police claimed the soldier was beaten by his fellow inmates in cells.
The Zambian Human Rights Commission said it has launched an independent investigation into the matter to establish the truth behind the soldier's death.
"What seems to be in dispute is whether or not he was beaten by either the inmates or the police officers," said Mweelwa Muleya, the human rights body's chief of information.
The human rights body is also investigating another case of a suspect who died after being allegedly tortured by police in central Zambia's Chisamba district in order to compel him to confess to a crime.
The human rights body has since expressed concern over the increased use of torture by police officers on suspects, saying it was a violation of human rights under the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, commonly known as the United Nations Convention against Torture, as well as the Zambian constitution.
WELLINGTON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Rising greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution are pushing New Zealand to its environmental limits, according to an international report out Tuesday.
The report from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) said New Zealanders enjoyed a high environmental quality of life and access to pristine wilderness.
"However, New Zealand's growth model, based largely on exploiting natural resources, is starting to show its environmental limits with increasing greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution," said a statement from OECD environment director Simon Upton.
The country only accounted for a tiny share of global emissions, but the OECD's third Environmental Performance Review of New Zealand found that intensive dairy farming, road transport and industry had pushed up gross greenhouse gas emissions by 23 percent since 1990.
Despite generating 80 percent of its electricity from renewable sources, New Zealand had the second-highest level of emissions per unit of gross domestic product unit in the OECD and the fifth-highest emissions per capita.
"Having largely decarbonised its power generation, New Zealand needs to ensure its climate policies are effective in curbing emissions in all sectors, notably transport and agriculture," said Upton, a former New Zealand environment minister.
"This means strengthening the Emissions Trading Scheme and ensuring sectoral policies are aligned with the need for a low emissions transition."
The report suggested incorporating emissions from agriculture, which accounts for 49 percent of emissions - the highest share in the OECD - into the Emissions Trading Scheme, or developing alternative measures to counter the pressures of farming.
Growth in intensive dairy production had increased the level of nitrogen in soil, surface water and groundwater.
Car ownership in cities was high and many vehicles were old and emissions-intensive.
Environment Minister Nick Smith said the report highlighted New Zealand's green credentials as well as the challenges it faced.
"This environmental report card will help us sharpen our future direction and environmental aspirations, as well as learn from the experiences of other countries," Smith said in a statement.
The opposition Green Party said the report highlighted how New Zealand was on course to miss its climate targets set in the Paris agreement on climate change.
"The New Zealand economy is highly carbon intensive and this can't be sustained if we want to also play our part in addressing climate change," Green Party co-leader James Shaw said in a statement.
SYDNEY, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The streets of Melbourne's CBD have been blockaded by 100 log trucks protesting the impending closure of a major sawmill.
The trucks rolled into the CBD in the early hours of Tuesday where they blocked car and bicycle lanes on Spring Street outside the State Parliament.
Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH) announced in March that the Heyfield timber mill, Australia's largest hardwood mill, would close after the company said a three-year supply deal offered by VicForests would result in losses of 9.2 million U.S. dollars.
The closure would mean 260 employees would lose their jobs, crippling the town of Heyfield, 200 km east of Melbourne, which has a population of 2,000.
Truck driver Adam Lockett said the closure of the mill would have an immeasurable impact on the small town.
"It's only a small town and the mill is the main employment in the town," Lockett told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Tuesday.
"There's dairying and few other things but if the mill closes and the workers move away that'll be it for the town."
"It'll be a ghost town in three or four months."
The mill processes 150,000 cubic meters of timber per year but the new deal put forward by VicForests offered only half that amount.
Daniel Andrews, Victoria's premier, said the Victorian government would consider buying the mill but ASH rejected the proposal, instead opting to move the mill to Tasmania.
Michael O'Connor, national secretary of the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), said the Government should be ensuring there was enough timber for the business to survive.
"The bottom line is a sawmill needs saw logs and if we want to maintain the jobs at Heyfield we've got to get enough saw logs to maintain all those jobs," O'Connor said.
"The first thing the Government has to do is make sure we have decent wood supply, sustainable wood supply and a medium to long term supply agreement."
"The Victorian timber industry is an industry that provides jobs in regional communities these jobs are hard to come by these are jobs that we need to protect and support."
CANBERRA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The private cell phone numbers of almost every Australian federal MP were accidentally published online by a government department, an embarrassing gaffe which cyber security experts have described as dangerous.
According to Fairfax Media, the nation's Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) did not adequately delete the private details of MPs and Senators from the website.
Instead of deleting the data, the phone numbers left on the document in white font; while they're invisible when reading on a screen or document, they could easily be revealed by highlighting or copy and pasting the numbers.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull was one of just a few ministers to not have their cell phone numbers leaked - along with other high-ranking MPs Treasurer Scott Morrison and Attorney-General George Brandis - but Opposition Leader Bill Shorten and other Labor MPs were all affected.
The DPS said the error was the fault of a private contractor, TELCO Management, but it was working to ensure all current and former ministers' private details were now secure.
A spokesperson for the department told Fairfax Media the DPS had offered to issue new cell phone numbers to those who felt vulnerable after the mistake.
"In the most recent report provided by the contractor, it became possible to view the official mobile phone number of parliamentarians and their staff even though they appeared redacted from the published files," the spokesperson said.
"The DPS removed the documents from the APH website shortly after it was alerted to the issue and is working with the contractor to investigate the cause."
"The DPS will work with parliamentarians to address privacy concerns and change mobile numbers if required."
Meanwhile cyber security expert Greg Austin told Fairfax the leak was not good and could provide foreign intelligence agencies with crucial, private information about Australia's government.
"This sort of data can form part of an intelligence picture for foreign intelligence agencies and can be used in a number of ways after that," Austin said.
"Knowing the private phone numbers of these people also helps foreign intelligence agencies form a view of who is talking to who."
The cell phone numbers were reportedly online for more than three months, but have since been deleted.
Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye arrives at the prosecutors' office in Seoul, South Korea, March 21, 2017. Park Geun-hye appeared Tuesday in the prosecutors' office to be questioned over an corruption scandal that led to her impeachment earlier this month. (Xinhua/Lee Sang-ho)
SEOUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye appeared Tuesday in the prosecutors' office to be questioned over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment earlier this month.
Park said in front of cameras at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office that she was sorry to people, vowing to face an interrogation faithfully, TV footage showed.
Just leaving the brief message to the public, the grim-faced Park entered the prosecutors' office in southern Seoul.
Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, walked out of her private home in a southern district of Seoul at about 9:17 a.m. local time (0017 GMT), getting in a black sedan and saying nothing to hundreds of supporters outside her home.
The motorcade, carrying Park and security guards, arrived in the office just minutes later.
Park has stayed in her private home since she vacated the presidential Blue House on March 12. At the time, Park smilingly waved her hands to her supporters who demanded nullification of the impeachment outside the house.
Park will be interrogated by state prosecutors for her alleged involvement in the scandal, which removed her from office after the impeachment was passed in the parliament on Dec. 9. The constitutional court upheld the motion on March 10.
Park became the fourth South Korean former president to be grilled by prosecutors.
Former President Chun Doo-hwan was arrested in December 1995 as he refused to be investigated over his coup in December 1979 and his alleged order of the massacre at a civil uprising against the military junta in May 1980.
Former President Roh Tae-woo was jailed in November 1995 after being convicted of bribery, and late President Roh Moo-hyun committed suicide in May 2009 after being grilled by prosecutors.
The interrogation of Park reportedly started following a 10-minute explanation about how the grilling goes on.
The 10th floor of the prosecutors' office would be sealed off for the interrogation of the former leader. Around 2,000 police officers were deployed around the building, outside which both anti- and pro-Park rallies were being held.
During the grilling that is forecast to last to midnight, prosecutors would focus on Park's alleged involvement in bribery, abuse of power and leakage of state secrets. A total of 13 charges were levied against her.
Park, 65, has been accused of colluding with her decades-long friend Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of U.S. dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the heir apparent of Samsung Group.
The kickbacks are suspected of being offered in return for helping Lee inherit the overall management control of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee who has been hospitalized after a heart attack almost three years.
Park was also identified as an accomplice of Choi in helping solicit tens of millions of U.S. dollars from scores of large business conglomerates to establish two non-profit foundations Choi used for personal gains.
Choi has been charged with meddling in state affairs behind the scenes by receiving government documents on a regular basis delivered by one of Park's former presidential secretaries.
Meanwhile, senior executives and employees at SK Group and Lotte Group had been summoned in the past week for bribery allegations that the country's third- and fifth-largest conglomerates donated millions of U.S. dollars to the Choi-controlled foundations in return for business favors and a presidential pardon.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won was summoned by prosecutors over the weekend. He was specially pardoned by Park in August 2015, one month after one of senior SK executives met face-to-face with then President Park.
Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin had a closed-door meeting with Park in early 2016, and his firm regained a license to operate duty-free shops in downtown Seoul later in the year. Lotte lost the license in November 2015.
PHNOM PENH, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The public in Cambodia has been warned not to eat pork from Vietnam after an outbreak of a serious disease in pig farms across the border, local media reported on Tuesday, citing an official.
The Agriculture Ministry's department of animal health and production is enforcing additional precautionary measures to ensure contaminated pork from Vietnam does not make its way into Cambodia.
Sen Sovann, head of the department of animal health and production, said additional inspections will be conducted along the border as well as at local pig farms to prevent salmonella-infected pork from being imported into Cambodia after reports emerged last week that Vietnam was culling infected pigs.
"For us in Cambodia, this outbreak has yet to happen because I have assigned my officials and provincial officials since Saturday to intervene to monitor the symptoms," he was quoted as saying by the Khmer Times.
"And also, we have to intervene because we are afraid that Vietnam is running out of measures and may export those products to us," he said.
"In Vietnam, they have taken action to curb the bacteria known as salmonella which usually is found in pigs. This kind of bacteria creates high levels of endotoxin and laboratory tests found high levels of endotoxins in the pigs there, so Vietnam destroyed those animals," he added.
Salmonella is a common pathogen which can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever and blood poisoning in humans.
Sam Vitou, the executive director for the Cambodian Center for Study and Development in Agriculture, explained that salmonella was one of the most common bacteria found in pigs, which could in turn infect humans who have eaten pork.
"Basically, humans and pigs have similar organ systems. So when there is a diseased pig, we could also be infected and face serious danger," he was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
"If we don't adequately cook the pork, consumers can be seriously infected."
HANOI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The number of Chinese tourists entering Vietnam via its northern Mong Cai international border gate has gone up sharply in the past two weeks, according to local statistics on Tuesday.
In the past two weeks, each day, Mong Cai border gate in Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh Province has welcomed some 10,000 person-times of Chinese entries, compared to the monthly figure of some 5,000 person-times in the past, Tien Phong (Pioneer) online newspaper reported Tuesday.
Local travel agents attributed the sudden rise to South Korea's deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD).
Vietnam has been selected as an alternative tourist destination instead of South Korea for Chinese tourists.
Most Chinese tourists enter Vietnam via Mong Cai border gate will pay a visit to Quang Ninh's Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO natural heritage site, reported Tien Phong.
Amid sudden hike in Chinese tourist arrivals, domestic travel agents have grasped the opportunity to meet the rising demand.
More tourist ships are dispatched to the bay while restaurants and hotels are making better preparation.
In 2016, Mong Cai border gate alone welcomed around 500,000 visitors, with visa fee collection of roughly 12.5 million U.S. dollars.
In February 2017, the number of Chinese tourists to Vietnam reached 403,663 person-times, up 85 percent year-on-year, said the General Statistics Office.
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LASHKAR GAH, Afghanistan, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A car bombing had killed three pro-government militia and injured eight others in the southern Helmand province, a local official said Tuesday.
According to the official who declined to be named, a suicide bomber detonated his explosive-laden car next to a security checkpoint, known as Sangorian in Gereshk district late Monday night, leaving three dead on the spot and injuring eight others.
Spokesman for Helmand's provincial government Omar Zawak confirmed the incident without giving details on the number of casualties.
An investigation was underway, he said.
The poppy growing Helmand province with Lashkar Gah as its capital 555 km south of Kabul has been the scene of Taliban-led insurgency over the past few years.
WASHINGTON, March 20 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump and Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi on Monday hailed the military cooperation between the two countries and expressed confidence in defeating the Islamic State group.
The two leaders made the remarks as Trump hosted Abadi at the White House to affirm America's support for Iraq in the fight against the IS, the White House said in a statement.
The two leaders agreed to pursue a long-term partnership to "decisively" root out terrorism from Iraq and strengthen the Iraqi military and other key institutions, said the statement.
Recognizing that terrorism cannot be defeated by military might alone, the two leaders also agreed to promote a broad-based political and economic partnership between the two countries.
In the months ahead, U.S. and Iraqi leaders will consult on steps to deepen commercial ties and promote investment, expand collaboration in the energy sector, and seek new opportunities for cultural and educational cooperation.
Monday's meeting comes as Iraqi forces continue to consolidate gains against the IS, particularly in the battle of Mosul, which has been under the IS control since June 2014.
After declaring the liberation of the eastern side of Mosul in late January, Abadi announced the start of an offensive on Feb. 19 to drive extremist militants out of the western side of the IS stronghold.
The meeting between Trump and Abadi also comes two days ahead of a key multinational meeting in Washington on fighting against the IS.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will host foreign ministers and senior officials from 68 nations and international organizations for a detailed discussion of priorities for the efforts against the IS.
by Xinhua writer Liu Hongxia
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China's structural reform has been "really going well" amid rising uncertainties worldwide, said World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva, adding the world needs to think as a community of common destiny.
"In 2016, the world got 2.3 percent growth, very disappointing. More than a third, 35 percent, came from China, and it is particularly remarkable because China is rebalancing its economy," Georgieva told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 2017 China Development Forum, which concluded Monday.
She added that China's economic transformation and rebalancing have been going well, though not without some difficulties, and are moving forward smoothly.
Hailing China's commitment to international cooperation, Georgieva expressed her concern over the anti-globalization sentiment seen in some economies.
"There is no way to turn the clock back. Interdependence is so advanced that trying to roll it back would create unnecessary pain for the world economy," she said, warning that if globalization were reversed, all would lose.
Meanwhile, she said it's important to recognize that the rapidly changing world economy means that, for millions of people, there is anxiety resulting from the loss of what had been their livelihood, and that anxiety has to be addressed.
The Bulgarian economist lauded China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying it's not only an opportunity for China, but also one for countries that are becoming more connected.
"It is only natural that, with the size of the Chinese economy growing, the interconnection of China with the rest of the world growing, China's role in the world would also be growing," said Georgieva, former vice president of the European Commission.
She also hailed China's efforts to reduce taxes for businesses, which she believed would encourage more start-ups and bring more entrepreneurial spirit to China. "It is critical for China to implement reforms that do press the direction of more innovation and entrepreneurship," she said.
Georgieva said China has made "remarkable" achievements in reducing poverty, both within the country and across the border.
As a long-term partner to China, the World Bank has been working with China to precisely target those who need to be lifted out of poverty. "We are now consulting with the Chinese government to institutionalize our partnership in this regard, so as to share the Chinese experience with other countries," she said.
Related:
Spotlight: China's economic structural reforms boost opportunities for global growth
BEIJING, March 15 (Xinhua) -- China will build on the forward momentum and continue its economic structural reforms in 2017, in an effort to provide more opportunities for global growth.
Deepening supply-side structural reforms, aimed at mid- and long-term stable growth, will remain at the center, according to this year's government work report, which sets the GDP growth target for 2017 at around 6.5 percent. Full story
A woman watches meat at a supermarket in Recife, Brazil, on March 20, 2017. Brazil's Agricultural Ministry announced on Monday the temporary suspension of exporting products by some of Brazil's largest meat-packing companies. (Xinhua/Bobby Fabisak/JC Imagem/AGENCIA ESTADO)
RIO DE JANEIRO, March 20 (Xinhua) -- Brazil's Agricultural Ministry announced on Monday the temporary suspension of exporting products by some of Brazil's largest meat-packing companies.
Twenty-one meat-packing companies are being investigated for selling rotten meat. Several countries, including Chile and China, and the European Union have decided to temporarily suspend import of the Brazilian meat products.
Brazilian President Michel Temer said the same day that the problems found in the frozen meat sector, during police raids on Friday, only affected a small part of the sector.
Speaking to a crowd of businessmen at the American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo, Temer admitted that the case could severely impact one of Brazil's main exports.
The operation carried out by police on Friday found that some of Brazil's largest food companies, including the JBS group and Brasil Foods, had committed fraud in order to hide foodstuffs beyond their sell-by date.
On Sunday, in an effort to show his confidence in the meat sector, Temer dined out with a group of ministers and ambassadors at a "churrascaria," a traditional Brazilian meat restaurant in Brasilia.
However, a report by the daily O Estado de Sao Paulo said that the restaurant uses beef imported from Argentina, Uruguay and Australia.
SEOUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Top U.S. nuclear envoy in the six-party talks to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula planned to meet key South Korean presidential contenders during his four-day visit to Seoul.
Joseph Yun, the U.S. special representative of the State Department on the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) policy, met at a restaurant in Seoul Tuesday with South Chungcheong province governor Ahn Hee-jung of the biggest opposition Minjoo Party of South Korea.
An official with Ahn's election campaign office said via text message that Ahn met with Yun for about an hour to exchange views on various issues including the DPRK's nuclear program and the U.S.-South Korea relations.
Ahn is one of the three major Minjoo Party presidential hopefuls together with former Minjoo Party chief Moon Jae-in and Seongnam city mayor Lee Jae-myung.
The U.S. envoy arrived here late Monday after visiting China. Yun, who represents the United States in the six-way dialogue to denuclearize the peninsula, is scheduled to stay in Seoul until Thursday.
The six-party talks, which involve the two Koreas, China, the U.S., Russia and Japan, have been suspended since late 2008.
On Wednesday, the U.S. diplomat will meet with security and diplomacy advisers to Moon, the current frontrunner in recent opinion surveys who lost to former President Park Geun-hye in the 2012 presidential election, according to Yonhap news agency report.
A presidential election is slated to be held on May 9 as the constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Park on March 10. The by-election is required to be held in 60 days after a president is unseated.
Earlier in the day, Park appeared in the prosecutors' office to be questioned over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment and ouster.
Meanwhile, Ahn Cheol-soo of the minor opposition People's Party is considering whether to have a meeting with the U.S. envoy if his schedule is allowed. The software tycoon-turned-politician is a key presidential hopeful of the party.
by Will Koulouris
SYDNEY, March 21 (Xinhua) -- With the official launch of the China-Australia Year of Tourism in February at Sydney's iconic Opera House, Australian tourism chief said here on Tuesday that one of the strongest ties between the two countries lies within the burgeoning tourism market.
John O' Sullivan, managing director of Tourism Australia, sat down with Xinhua this week and outlined the reasons why he believes that the year-long partnership between Australia and China is vitally important.
He said the relationship between China and Australia is so important from a trade perspective, from a geopolitical perspective, and from a tourism perspective.
"This is about the understanding of countries, and the understanding of cultures, and in both countries, tourism is a big business," said the director.
Of the 39 billion Australian dollars (30.03 billion U.S. dollars) that overseas visitors spent in Australia over the past year, visitors from China comprised over 9 billion Australian dollars (6.93 billion dollars) of that spending, with that number set to rise exponentially, as Deloitte figures suggest that Chinese tourist retail spending alone will increase four-fold in the next decade.
Adding to that, the latest data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed that over 1.2 million people made the trip from China to Australia last year, with all evidence suggesting that China will overtake New Zealand as the biggest visitors to Australia, at some point later this year.
"We think in the next 12 months the number of Chinese visitors will outnumber the number of New Zealand visitors to Australia, so they will be our number one market in terms of visitors and also expenditure," O'Sullivan said.
Therefore, it is more than just the number of visitors who come to Australia, according to O'Sullivan, but rather the level of sophistication of the Chinese travellers who visit. The rise of the middle class in China is bringing visitors who are "adventurous" and far more independent.
"I think that's exciting because it gives the Australian industry a real opportunity to tailor their experiences, (and) to tailor their offering to the Chinese consumer," O'Sullivan said.
The tourism chief said he thinks it's great that these connections can be made between the two countries at a "person to person level" and this impact cannot be underestimated when looked at through a broader lens.
"The number of Chinese visitors coming to Australia allows the Australian people to really understand the culture, and to really understand the country," O'Sullivan said.
The robust relationship between China and Australia within tourism is not limited to just the visitors, O'Sullivan contends, but also the vast amounts of capital influx from China into the actual tourism infrastructure, which is pivotal to ensuring the development of the industry within Australia.
"Look at the investment that Chinese companies have made in tourism infrastructure here in Australia. Think about Sunshine Insurance Group who bought Sheraton on the Park," O'Sullivan said.
"The huge investment that Wanda has made, not only in hotels, the Jewel project up on the Gold Coast, but also through Hoyts Cinema, and even some of our event properties."
O'Sullivan also mentioned his "great partners" at China Southern Airlines, who have recently expanded their footprint into every major capital city of Australia, with the aviation industry crucial to driving the growth in Australia's tourism, with a host of other airlines announcing major increases in their flights to and from China in the past year.
With all the increased investment, however, the ensuring strategies should be emphasized not only on what really drives tourism, but also on the relationship between the two countries and between the two peoples.
"Certainly from our point of view, it's really playing to Australia's strengths that we know what resonates (about Australia) in China," O'Sullivan said.
"Our amazing food and wine, and the produce story that sits behind that, our natural beauty as a country."
O'Sullivan said the best knowledge he could share from Australia's successful tourism industry would be to deliver what the visitors really want, within a long term strategic framework.
"It's about finding out what drives a consumer from Australia, New Zealand, and other markets to want to go to China and really playing to those strengths. Because the story is amazing, (and) the hard infrastructure is as good as anywhere in the world," O'Sullivan said.
"Having a unifying strategy for the industry, and then really playing to the strengths of the country against the touch-points of the consumer."
Because, as O'Sullivan said, China is in a great position to capitalize on its unique beauty and splendor, and to further its tourism success during not only the China-Australia Year of Tourism, but well into the future.
"China is an amazing country. During the opening ceremony of the China-Australia Year of Tourism, what astounded me was the imagery that was being put on the screens around the globe," O'Sullivan said.
"It is as diverse and as beautiful as any country in the world, including Australia."
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- More than a year passed since the signing of the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement (ChAFTA). It is increasingly clear that the landmark deal has facilitated bilateral trade and helped underpin bilateral relations.
After entering into force on Dec. 20, 2015, more than 85 percent of Australia's goods exports to China (by value in 2015) now enter duty free or at preferential rates thanks to the agreement, and that percentage is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
Although the value of Australia's exports has declined due to global pressures on key commodities over the past two years, services exports have surged 20 percent. Currently, Australia's education sector ranks third, while tourism exports rank fifth for a combined 26.14-U.S.-billion revenue boon.
In the first three quarters of 2016, as tariffs were cut, the value of Australian exports to China at least doubled for products including fresh cherries, fresh and chilled abalone, and unwrought zinc, according to Steven Ciobo, Australia's minister for trade and investment.
Over the same period, export values of fresh table grapes jumped six-fold to 102 million U.S. dollars, exports of medicaments for therapeutic use grew more than 90 percent to 523 million dollars, according to him.
Milk powder exports grew almost 80 percent to 127 million dollars, bottled wine exports grew more than 40 percent to 309 million dollars, fresh navel orange exports grew 55 percent to 51 million dollars, and fresh cheese exports grew 28 percent to 33 million dollars, Ciobo said.
With the third round of tariff cuts under ChAFTA in place since January 2017, premium Australian products like bottled wine, various pharmaceuticals, nuts, ice cream and seafood face a tariff less than half that paid by major competitors like France, the United States and Canada, he added.
For the Chinese part, China's exports to Australia have grown by 7.9 percent between the 2014/15 and the 2015/16 Australian financial years to account for 18.4 percent of all imported goods, far ahead of second-placed Japan at 13.6 percent, James Laurenceson, deputy director and professor of economics with Australia-China Relations Institute at the University of Technology, Sydney, told Xinhua.
China's outbound direct investment (ODI) into Australia surged 56.1 percent year-on-year to 3.68 billion U.S. dollars in 2016, exceeding the growth rate of the country's overall ODI, according to the Chinese Ministry of Commerce.
A number of Chinese airlines increased direct flights between different Chinese locations and Australian cities, and the number of Chinese tourists to Australia exceeded 1.3 million in 2016, up 17.9 percent year-on-year.
JALALABAD, Afghanistan, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Up to 26 militants loyal to the Islamic State (IS) group had been killed after drones bombed the armed outfit's hideouts in the eastern Afghan province of Nangarhar, a police spokesman of the province said Tuesday.
According to Hazrat Hussain Mashriqwal, a total of the 24 IS fighters were killed in Achin district and two more militants lost their lives in Nazian district after the unmanned planes raided the militants' hideouts on Monday.
The U.S. military stationed in Afghanistan usually conducts drone strikes against militants in the conflict-battered country.
The hardline IS group, which is active in parts of Nangarhar province with Jalalabad as its capital 120 km east of Kabul, is yet to make comment on the report.
COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka is looking to increase international air connectivity to priority markets from the existing 80 flights to 130 flights per day in an effort to boost tourism, a statement said here Tuesday.
With the country's tourism industry recording a positive growth since the end of the island's civil conflict in May 2009, tourism officials say they now hope to have more direct flights, open skies policy, competitive landing and parking fees, incentivising low-cost airlines and smoother immigration and check-in procedures.
Sri Lanka is also hoping, with public and private stakeholders, to create a "Colombo Calendar" of events which tourists can access across multiple channels.
"The main goal is to ensure Sri Lanka doubles its tourism sector earnings from the present $3.5bn in 2016 to $7 bn by 2020," the Tourism Ministry statement said.
Last year, 2.05 million tourists arrived in Sri Lanka with tourism earnings reaching an all time high of 346.98 million US dollars in July of 2016.
India and China have been the leading markets with the most number of tourist arrivals.
Over 270,000 Chinese tourists arrived in Sri Lanka in 2016, with China recording the strongest growth of 26.4 percent compared to the previous year.
This year, Sri Lanka has set a target of 2.5 million tourists.
COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Tuesday appealed for 1 million US dollars in funding to support Sri Lanka during its ongoing drought.
Sri Lanka was currently in the midst of its worst drought in 40 years, with over 1.2 million people, including 365,232 children directly affected and in need of humanitarian assistance, the UNICEF said in a statement.
A report released by UNICEF on World Water Day said that 36 countries across the globe were currently facing extremely high levels of water stress, which occurs when demand for water far exceeds the renewable supply available.
The report said warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, increased floods, droughts and melting ice affect the quality and availability of water as well as sanitation systems.
UNICEF said whilst Sri Lanka was not listed among the 36 countries facing extremely high levels of water stress, Sri Lanka and its children were already experiencing the impact of climate change, with a cycle of climate related disasters resulting in dire consequences for the most vulnerable.
"We know that water emergencies not only endanger lives and limit the availability of safe water essential for health and life - but have multiple knock-on effects such as destroying crops, increasing farmer indebtedness and driving food insecurity," said Tim Sutton, UNICEF Sri Lanka Representative.
"These drastically impact children, especially the most vulnerable. We must take collective action to respond to the ongoing drought, and to ensure that Sri Lanka is ready and prepared for future water challenges, so that children's futures are not jeopardized," Sutton added.
Sutton further said UNICEF was working with the Sri Lankan government and partners to address the immediate water needs of 365,323 children affected by the drought, and to build increased resilience in water supply services, to ensure the most vulnerable are protected from the worst impacts of climate change in Sri Lanka.
"We are calling on our donors to support this vital work," the UNICEF representative said.
DHAKA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Bangladesh's anti-crime elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Tuesday arrested five members of a banned militant outfit in capital Dhaka.
A RAB spokesperson who did not like to be named said the militants are the members of Neo-JMB (an offshoot of the banned militant outfit Jamaatul Mujahideen Bangladesh) blamed for the deadly attack on the Spanish cafe in Dhaka's diplomatic enclave Gulshan on July 1, 2016.
He said the arrests were made during raids in places of capital Dhaka Tuesday.
A mobile text message from RAB said two among the arrested militants are engineers.
It said a stash of religious books and bomb making materials were recovered from their possession.
However, the official said the militants also belonged to the "Tamim Chowdhury-Sarwar Jahan group" of Neo-JMB.
Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-Canadian and Sarwar Jahan, identified as Neo JMB chief who was killed during a police raid on Oct. 8, have been blamed as the masterminds of the brutal attack on the Spanish cafe that left 20 hostages including 18 foreigners dead.
Bangladeshi police have hunted down and killed scores of militants linked to the cafe attack, including Tamim Chowdhury who was killed in a police raid on Aug. 27.
Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome (R) shakes hands with visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi during their meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Michael Tewelde)
ADDIS ABABA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi pledged here on Monday to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
During his meeting with the Ethiopian prime minister, Yang described Ethiopia as China's important cooperative partner in Africa.
China and Ethiopia have always supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, firmly maintaining the common interests of the two countries and developing countries as a whole, Yang said.
China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Johannesburg, Yang said.
Yang added that China is willing to work with Ethiopia to deepen mutual political trust in an all-round way, actively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and intensify the two countries' coordination and collaboration on international and regional affairs.
Yang expressed hope that a healthier Sino-Ethiopian relationship that enjoys faster development will serve as a fine model of Sino-African cooperation and South-South cooperation.
For his part, Hailemariam spoke highly of China's important status in international affairs, expressing appreciation that China has for a long time provided support and assistance for Ethiopia's development.
As a leading African country that has participated in industrial capacity cooperation with China, Ethiopia welcomes more Chinese companies to come to Ethiopia to make investment and open businesses so that Ethiopia and China will achieve mutually beneficial results, said Hailemariam.
On Monday, Yang also met with Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome. Both the Chinese State Councilor and the Ethiopian President spoke highly of the achievement made by China and Ethiopia through mutually beneficial cooperation.
Exchanging views on the situation in Africa and Sino-African relations, Yang and Mulatu agreed that the overall situation in Africa is favorable and getting better and there is a broad prospect for future development.
They also agreed that China and Africa should deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation and actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC summit held in Johannesburg so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of China and Africa.
WELLINGTON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Immigration into New Zealand continued at record levels last month, prompting opposition lawmakers to claim the numbers are unsustainable.
In the year ending February, a net 71,300 migrants arrived in the country, the government statistics agency said Tuesday.
This equalled the previous annual record set in January, according to Statistics New Zealand.
Migrant arrivals numbered 128,800 in the February 2017 year, a new annual record, while migrant departures were 57,500.
"About a third of all migrant arrivals for the year were people coming to New Zealand on work visas," population statistics senior manager Peter Dolan said.
"Just over a quarter of all work-visa migrants were from the United Kingdom and France."
The next largest sources of migrants coming to New Zealand to work were from Germany, Australia, South Africa, and the United States.
The opposition New Zealand First party said the government had ignored advice from the Treasury and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to rein in immigration numbers to "realistic and sustainable" levels.
Ordinary New Zealanders were getting "fed up" with the unsustainable levels of immigration, New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said in a statement.
"They are realizing thousands of migrants, many of whom are low-skilled and desperate to get here, artificially pump up the economy and help create a bogus surplus," Peters said.
More than 91,000 young New Zealanders were jobless and were not in training or education and the numbers had worsened, he said.
Job seekers fill in employment forms during the one-day job fair of campus recruitment by Chinese enterprises in Accra, capital of Ghana, March 18, 2017. (Xinhua/Shi Song)
ACCRA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana in collaboration with Chinese enterprises has hosted a campus recruitment fair for graduates and students, with 230 positions from 35 Chinese enterprises operating in Ghana up for grabs.
Mei meilian, director of the Confucius Institute of the University of Ghana told Xinhua that more than 1,000 applicants attended the fair.
"It is the first attempt by the Confucius Institute to connect the Chinese enterprises and university students as well as the general public," Mei said.
Chai Zhijing, Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, praised the Confucius Institute and authorities at the University for the initiative, and encouraged more such events.
Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana Professor Samuel Kwame Offei said the program complements the efforts that the university is making to bring its students close to industry and opportunities.
"We think that this is a very laudable idea and we are very pleased that the Confucius Institute has decided to organize this fair and we hope that it will be an annual event that they will continue to organize on yearly basis to bring all organizations to the doorstep of our students."
John Jiang, who works with Wynca Sunshine, a Chinese firm dealing in agro-chemical products, said the fair, which was held over the weekend, is a good opportunity to introduce their company and products to Ghanaians and also to attract more talents to work for them.
"The response has been very good. We have received almost 50 CVs," he said.
Jennifer Amoadua Endoo, an officer of Caitec Delta Limited, believes the fair will help her company hire competent people.
"That is basically why we decided to join this program. I think we can get something good out of what is going on today." she said.
File photo taken on July 16, 2015 shows a section of Mombasa Road undergoing beautification in Nairobi, capital of Kenya. (Xinhua/John Okoyo)
NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank has committed 57 billion U.S dollars to development projects in Sub-Saharan Africa in the next three fiscal years, said a press release from the Bretton Woods Institution on Monday.
Jim Yong Kim, World Bank Group President said the funds will support implementation of projects that transforms the livelihoods of communities in the world's second largest continent.
Kim who is currently on a trip to Rwanda and Tanzania to emphasize the World Bank's support for the entire region including Kenya, said the bulk of the financing (45 billion U.S dollars) will come from the International Development Association (IDA), the lender' special fund for the poorest nations.
He said the funds will cover health, education, and infrastructure projects such as expanding water distribution and access to power.
Kim indicated that while much of the estimated 45 billion U.S dollars in IDA financing will be dedicated to country-specific programs, significant amounts will be available through special "windows" to finance regional initiatives and transformative projects, support refugees and their host communities, and help countries in the aftermath of crises.
"This represents an unprecedented opportunity to change the development trajectory of the countries in the region," Kim added.
Expected IDA outcomes include essential health and nutrition services for up to 400 million people, access to improved water sources for up to 45 million, and 5 gigawatts (GW) of additional generation capacity for renewable energy.
The scaled-up IDA financing will build on a portfolio of 448 ongoing projects in Africa totaling to about 50 billion U.S dollars.
Of this, a 1.6 billion U.S dollars financing package is being developed to tackle the imminent famine threat in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The financing for Sub-Saharan Africa also will include an estimated 8 billion U.S dollars in private sector investments from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a private sector arm of the Bank Group, and 4 billion U.S. dollars from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the bank's unit for middle-income nations.
"To support countries' development priorities, scaled-up investments will focus on tackling conflict, fragility, and violence; building resilience to crises including forced displacement, climate change and pandemics, and reducing gender inequality. Efforts will also promote governance and institution building, as well as jobs and economic transformation," Kim said.
The funding is expected to be rolled out from July 1 this year to June 30, 2020.
ISLAMABAD, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A policeman was injured when some unknown militants opened fire at a census team in Pakistan's northwest Charsadda district on Tuesday morning, local Urdu media reported.
Dawn News said that the incident occurred when the census team was working in Mandani area of Charsadda, the district in the country's northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The policemen, accompanying the census officials, shot one of the attackers injured in the retaliatory attack.
The injured militant was later arrested and shifted to some unknown place, but his identity has not been revealed yet.
Pakistan's sixth population and housing census started in two phases on March 15, after a hiatus of 19 years.
The census teams are being provided security by Pakistan Army, police and paramilitary troops including Frontier Constabulary, Frontier Corps and Levies force in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.
The first phase of the census will continue until April 15 and the second phase will start on April 25 and conclude on May 25.
HAVANA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Monday highlighted its support for Cuba's Science and Technology Program for 2018-2019 in the areas of human health, food security and environmental protection.
IAEA Deputy Director General Yang Dazhu, during his visit to Cuba, said that cooperation with Cuba would also focus on comprehensive improvement of the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases.
Concerning food security, Yang said that Cuba plans to strengthen its laboratory capacity to identify and mitigate contaminants in fruits and vegetables for human consumption.
On the health front, he stressed the usefulness of the sterile insect technique to control the population of the Aedes aegypti mosquito and lower the spread of Zika, chikungunya and yellow fever.
Yang said the technology can help ease the public health emergency caused by the Zika virus in the Latin American and Caribbean region.
In addition, the IAEA envoy also addressed Cuba's nuclear safety, saying that the island has followed international recommendations and made progress in nuclear technologies.
Yang arrived in Cuba on Saturday for a week-long stay, during which he will visit several nuclear technology development centers. As part of his visit, Yang met on Monday with Cuban experts at the Agency of Nuclear Energy and Advanced Technologies (AENTA).
Yang assumed his duties as Deputy Director General and Head of the Department of Technical Cooperation on July 1, 2015. He previously served as the agency's Director of the Africa Division from 2012 to 2015 and Director of the Asia and Pacific Division from 2009 to 2012. Enditem
DAMASCUS, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Jihadi rebels unleashed Tuesday their second wave of attack Tuesday on the eastern part of Damascus, a day after the Syrian army foiled their first stage of offensive on the capital, the rebels announced in a statement online.
The jihadi rebels of Failaq al-Rahman and al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front unleashed a second attack early Tuesday from the rebel-held Jobar, toward the factories area on the separation line between the government-controlled areas in eastern Damascus, with the rebel-held ones in the Eastern Ghouta countryside.
The fresh wave of attack started by the explosion of a car bomb, which was the sign of the beginning of the second stage of the rebel attack on eastern Damascus.
The Syrian army was quick to confront the new offensive, particularly that troops and reinforcements are still in that position after succeeding to foil the first wave of attack by the rebels on Sunday, according to a military source.
Syrian warplanes are heavily striking the rebel positions in eastern Damascus as the ground forces succeeded to besiege the the rebel positions in the battle field and currently working on eliminating them, the source added on condition of anonymity.
The state media aired live from the Abbasyieen area which is close to the battles point, to prove false all of the rebel claims of achieving a breakthrough in their battles.
File photo shows a Somali woman and a child at a camp for displaced persons in the outskirts of Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, June 20, 2014. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)
NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc, is to convene an international summit Saturday, to discuss the status of nearly 1 million Somali refugees displaced by two decades of civil strife and prolonged humanitarian crises, organizers said Monday.
Kenyan government, U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and IGAD, said in a statement the Nairobi Summit would "marshal a comprehensive regional approach" to find a lasting solution to the crisis facing the Somali refugees as they prepare to return to their homeland to rebuild their lives.
"Continuing political and the growing security stabilization progress in Somalia, along with growing pressure in host communities, makes this a critical moment to renew the process to find durable solutions for Somali refugees," the organizers of the summit said in a statement.
Aid agencies and government officials say some two million Somali refugees have been displaced, one of the world's most protracted political and humanitarian crises nearing its third decade.
A generation of Somali refugees has never set foot at home and remains at refugee camps in neighboring countries having been born and raised during the protracted civil and humanitarian crises.
UN agencies estimate nearly 1.1 million Somalis are internally displaced inside the Horn of Africa nation and some 900,000 are refugees in neighboring countries -- Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya and Uganda.
Somalia's Federal Government says amongst its key priorities have been to deal with the issue of displaced refugees within the country by providing basic services before moving to refugees in the neighboring countries to stem the potential for conflicts over scarce resources.
However, the Somali government has been decrying its limited ability to provide basic services.
Somalia conducted peaceful elections in February which saw the election of President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, known as Farmajo. The elections followed December's election of Members of Parliament, completing a peaceful transition.
IGAD member states termed the political transition in Somalia a "milestone" in the country's post-conflict transformation, which ushers in an opportunity to begin work on a number of areas.
The agencies involved in the organization of the Summit said the humanitarian crises and the displacement of people should remain a priority for the new government.
NEW YORK, March 21(Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump slipped 220 spots on Forbes 2017 Billionaires List while Bill Gates topped the list for the forth straight year according to the list released on Monday.
Trump has lost 1 billion U.S. dollars, with his worth dropping from 4.5 billion dollars to 3.5 billion dollars. That was enough to see the president fall from the 324th to 554th spot on the list. Forbes pinned his wealth shrinkage on the receding real estate market. Forty percent of Trump's wealth is tied up in Trump Tower and eight other buildings within a short distance of it.
"Midtown Manhattan real estate is down; therefore, so is Donald Trump's fortune," Forbes said.
Trump took issue with Forbes' data in the past, saying it disregards his brand value. In his presidential campaign, Trump acclaimed that he was worth 8.7 billion dollars, then "in excess" of 10 billion dollars in a personal financial disclosure form.
"We do not give any credit for 'brand value' to Trump or Oprah or any other person on our list," Forbes editor Randall Lane told the Washington Post. "We feel a person's brand value is already reflected in income and value of the deals they cut."
Bill Gates still ranked the richest person in the world with an estimated fortune of 86 billion dollars. He was followed by Warrant Buffet, the chief of Berkshire Hathaway, whose wealth is around 75.6 billion dollars.
Amazon founder Jeff Bezos came third, followed by Amancio Ortega from Spanish clothing retailer Zara. Facebook creator Mark Zuckerberg came fifth.
The global billionaire population climbed nearly 13 percent from 1810 to 2043 over the past year. This annual increase is at an all-time high in the 31-year history of the list, Forbes said. The United States had the most billionaires with a number of 565, and China came the second with 319 billionaires.
Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena (R) shakes hands with Chinese State Councilor, Defense Minister Chang Wanquan in Colombo, Sri Lanka, March 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Huang Haimin)
COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Sri Lanka will continue to join hands in promoting development in each other's country and deepen cooperation in all fields, President Maithripala Sirisena and visiting Chinese State Councilor, Defense Minister Chang Wanquan have agreed here.
Chang, who arrived in Colombo Sunday, met with President Sirisena and his Sri Lankan counterpart respectively on Monday.
The president expressed his appreciation for China's consistent assistance for his country in economy, agriculture, science and technology, education, defense and other areas.
He noted that he had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on several occasions and they had reached broad consensus on ways to further promote bilateral relations.
Sri Lanka will energetically follow through joint cooperation projects with China and continue to make great efforts in deepening pragmatic cooperation with China in all fields, he said.
Sri Lanka will, like as usual, steadfastly support China's stance in international and regional affairs as well as on issues of great concern to China, the president said.
Chang noted that the two presidents had agreed to promote the "strategic partnership of cooperation featuring sincere mutual support and long-lasting friendship" between the two countries, when they exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60 years' anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in February.
He conveyed President Xi's greetings to President Sirisena and also expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka's support for China, especially in matters concerning China's core interests.
He noted that Sri Lanka is an important country along the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, saying China would like to work together with Sri Lanka in promoting each other's development so as to benefit their two peoples.
Chang also held talks with Sri Lankan State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene. The two exchanged ideas on promoting relations between their two militaries and pledged to maintain high level contacts, deepen cooperation in all aspects to bring the military ties to a new high.
WELLINGTON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The New Zealand military and government covered up a botched raid by special forces that left six civilians dead and 15 wounded in Afghanistan in 2010, according to a book released Tuesday.
The book, "Hit and Run,' by investigative journalists Nicky Hager and Jon Stephenson, detailed the response of New Zealand's Special Air Service (SAS) to the first New Zealander dying in combat in August 2010.
This included an SAS attack on two isolated villages in Afghanistan's Baghlan province where they mistakenly believed they would find the insurgents who had attacked a New Zealand patrol 19 days earlier in neighboring Bamiyan.
SAS officers commanded and led the attack, supported by U.S. and Afghan forces.
The insurgent group was not there, but at least 21 civilians were killed and injured many of them women and children and the SAS and U.S. forces burned and blew up about a dozen houses, said the book.
The SAS also failed to help the wounded, it claimed.
The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) and government tried to keep the civilian casualties a secret and had repeatedly denied reports of innocents killed in the raids.
Information in the book was given by present and former New Zealand, Afghan and U.S. military personnel and had been cross-checked, while people from the Afghan villages that were raided had also assisted, said the authors.
The authors issued a statement calling for a full and independent inquiry into the actions described in the book, which, if confirmed, would seriously breach international law.
"Whether or not the public agreed with New Zealand sending troops to the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, there is no doubt that what the SAS did was wrong and betrayed the defense force's core values of courage, commitment and integrity," they said.
"All this happened in New Zealand's name, in an operation commanded by New Zealanders, by people whose salaries are paid for by the New Zealand public. Our soldiers' actions, and those of their U.S. allies, alienated locals and led many to join or support the insurgents and was a key factor in the Taliban gaining complete control of the area."
The NZDF issued a statement late Tuesday saying it stood by a statement it made on April 20, 2011.
"As the 2011 statement says, following the operation, allegations of civilian casualties were made. These were investigated by a joint Afghan Ministry of Defense, Ministry of the Interior and International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) assessment team, in accordance with ISAF procedures," it said.
"The investigation concluded that the allegations of civilian casualties were unfounded," it said.
"The NZDF is confident that New Zealand personnel conducted themselves in accordance with the applicable rules of engagement."
LANGKAWI, Malaysia, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The 14th Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA) kicked off on Tuesday, as major defense companies are striving to take a bigger share of the increasing Asian defense market.
Malaysia's Ministry of Defense said 555 exhibitors from 36 countries and regions took part in the five-day exhibition, covering an area of 119,209 square meters, the biggest scale so far. The ministry hopes to attract 40,000 trade visitors and more than 140,000 public visitors.
In total, 101 aircrafts will take part in static display and aerial display, in which aerobatic teams from Russia and South Korea will also put on fabulous airshows. Sixty-one maritime assets, including guided-missile frigates and submarines, also joined the exhibition.
Major defense companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin from the United States, Saab from Sweden and Dassault from France, came to the show with the intention of taking the first mover advantage if Malaysia replaces the MiG-29 fighter jets in its air force with a new model, a plan announced two years ago but is yet to be materialized.
In a keynote speech delivered at the opening ceremony, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said defense expenditure is likely to continue to rise in the region, "given the traditional and non-traditional threats facing this region and beyond."
According to Najib, Malaysia has allocated a total of 26 billion ringgit under the 11th Malaysian Plan (2016-2020) to cover defense, public order and enforcement.
It is also the first year for LIMA to have Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) and Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUV) on display, which include MQ-1 Predator, MQ-8 Fire Scout, Thales Fulmar Mini-UAV, Saab AUV 62AT and the TBN UAV from Ukraine.
HANOI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam is projected to rake in 4.5-5 billion U.S. dollars from exporting shrimp and record an annual average growth of 9.5-12 percent during the 2017-2020 period, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) on Tuesday.
A drafted national action plan for shrimp development through 2025 by MARD targets to turn the shrimp sector into a big industry with sustainable development that is adaptable to climate change and friendly to the environment, reported Vietnam's state-run news agency VNA.
Specifically, in the 2021-2025 period, a hi-tech shrimp industry and large-scale eco-shrimp farming areas will be taken into shape in Vietnam, working towards the goals of 10 billion U.S. dollars in export turnover and an annual average growth of 12-14 percent.
The total area used for brackish water shrimp farming should reach 710,000 hectares with a total output of 850,000 tons of shrimp during the 2017-2020 period. These figures are expected to expand to 750,000 hectares and 1.1 million tons of output in the period from 2020-2025, respectively, said the plan.
Areas will be zoned off for the hi-tech brackish water shrimp raising, concentrating in the country's Mekong Delta and central coastal regions.
To realize these goals, the MARD pledged to improve irrigation and transport systems at large-scale shrimp farming areas, while encouraging small-scale production facilities to join in cooperatives to create large material production areas.
The ministry will invest in research to produce quality breeding shrimps and develop the domestic feed industry while the application of modern technologies in shrimp farming and processing will be encouraged to ensure food safety and foreign customers' demands.
In 2017, Vietnam's shrimp export revenue is expected to go up 9 percent year-on-year to hit 3.4 billion U.S. dollars, said the Vietnam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers.
CHANGSHA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Yu Yuanhui, formerly a senior official from south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, stood trial Tuesday on charges of taking bribes.
Yu was formerly a member of the standing committee of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Party chief of its capital city, Nanning.
The people's procuratorate of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture in central China's Hunan Province alleged that Yu either took advantage of his posts in the region or made use of convenient conditions resulting from his power and status to seek benefits for others in obtaining land, development and construction projects, and in the restitution of land transfer fees.
Prosecutors said Yu accepted bribes worth about 9.01 million yuan (about 1.31 million U.S. dollars) directly or through his family.
Yu made a final statement to the court, in which he pled guilty and expressed remorse.
The court has adjourned to decide the verdict.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC announced in May 2015 that Yu was under investigation for suspected disciplinary and law violations.
MANILA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Despite previous setbacks, the Philippine government and the leftist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) will resume peace negotiations next month, third party facilitator Norway announced Tuesday.
In a statement, Erik Forner, the Norwegian Ambassador to the Philippines, said the fourth round of talks will be held in Noordwijk in the Netherlands on April 2-6.
"This round will focus on issues such as social and economic reforms and a bilateral ceasefire agreement," he said.
Despite the challenges along the way, he said the parties continue to show their commitment to peace.
In early February, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the termination of the peace talks and declared an all-out war against the rebels following the brutal killings of some soldiers allegedly perpetrated by the New People's Army, the armed component of the leftist group.
But through back channeling talks, the government and the NDFP peace panels agreed to go back to the negotiating table.
"Norway will continue to assist the parties as the third party facilitator of the peace process," Forner said.
Since 2001, Norway has been facilitating the talks between the Philippine government and the NDFP, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The leftist rebels have been waging war against the government for 48 years.
COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lanka Navy arrested 10 Indian fishermen for poaching illegally in waters South of Delft Island, in the country's north, on Tuesday, the navy media unit said here.
One Indian fishing trawler was also taken into custody. The arrested fishermen were brought to the Naval Base SLNS Elara and were handed over to the Jaffna Assistant Director of Fisheries for onward legal action.
The arrest came a day after the Sri Lankan Fisheries Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera said that Indian fishermen will continue to be arrested if they poach in Sri Lankan waters.
Quoted in local media reports, Amaraweera said the government was also looking at resolving the Indo-Lanka fishing dispute in a diplomatic manner and talks would be held as scheduled next month.
Fishermen in India's southern state of Tamil Nadu recently issued an ultimatum to Sri Lanka and India, demanding that concrete steps be taken to address the Indo-Lanka fishing dispute, failing which the situation may spiral out of control.
The warning was issued after a Tamil Nadu fisherman was killed earlier this month allegedly by the Sri Lanka Navy.
The Sri Lankan Navy and Foreign Ministry have denied the allegations stating that a shooting incident did not take place.
COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka on Tuesday reiterated it will not allow foreign judges to be involved in the post war transitional justice system.
Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament that while Sri Lanka is open to accept technical advice or observations, it will not invite foreign judges.
The Prime Minister said that Sri Lanka had backed a resolution at the UN Human Rights Council in 2015 as it recognized the efforts of the government to take the post-war reconciliation process forward.
Sri Lanka is to cosponsor a new resolution at the UN Human Rights Council this week which will give Sri Lanka more time to address issues related to the war.
The Sri Lankan military defeated the Tamil Tiger rebels in May 2009 after 30 years of war but it faced allegations of committing human rights abuses during the final stages of the war.
Sri Lanka has since been urged to establish a hybrid court to investigate the human rights abuses but Wickremesinghe asserted the government will not agree to a hybrid system.
He said that the post war transitional justice system will be in line with Sri Lanka's constitution.
Wickremesinghe also said that the government will study a report on Sri Lanka by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and respond accordingly.
The report notes some shortcomings by the government in addressing the war issue.
TIANJIN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Forty-eight red-necked kangaroos from the Netherlands are in quarantine in the port of Tianjin before they move to zoos around China.
Kangaroos, native to Australia, are considered exotic animals in China.
The Tianjin Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Bureau said the kangaroos are subject to 30 days of quarantine at the port, during which they receive health checks for herpes, hepatitis and salmonella.
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China on Tuesday voiced concerns over meat quality problems in Brazil.
On Friday, Brazilian police uncovered a massive meat adulteration scheme involving some of the country's largest meat producers.
According to the police, the adulterated meat was sold in the domestic market as well as exported.
The Chinese government has taken preventive and provisional protection to ensure the safety of Chinese consumers, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying at the daily press briefing.
She stressed China hopes Brazil will conduct a thorough, open and transparent investigation into the case, keep China informed in a timely manner, and take stricter measures to guarantee food exported to China is safe and reliable.
Brazilian President Michel Temer said Monday that the problems found in the frozen meat producers only affected a small part of the industry.
Noting China and Brazil are important trading partners, Hua said China calls for strengthened communication and coordination based on equality and mutual benefit and the proper handling of problems for healthy and stable trade ties.
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday hailed Vice Premier Wang Yang's recent visit to the Philippines as a complete success that will push forward bilateral ties.
The two sides reached consensus on promoting trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism, spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press briefing.
Wang was in the Philippines from March 16 to 19.
During the trip, Wang held talks with the Philippine cabinet's economic management team, attended a ceremony marking the beginning of China-ASEAN Tourism Cooperation Year, and an economic and trade forum.
The two sides signed the Six-Year Development Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and the Philippines.
Calling the Philippines a "friendly neighbor," Hua said that the two countries have the consensus on maintaining neighborly friendship and deepening all-round cooperation.
"China will work with the Philippines to implement the consensus by the two countries' leaders, increase mutual political trust, carry out all-round cooperation to better benefit the two peoples and promote regional peace and development," she said.
JAKARTA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian President Joko Widodo on Tuesday called on related state institutions to intensify measures aimed at improving consumer protection.
Presiding over a special cabinet meeting to discuss consumer protection drive in the country, the president said that lack of knowledge over products have rampantly cost consumers in the country, which sometimes even jeopardized their lives.
"Among those cases were credit card fraud in e-commerce transactions, expired food and medicine, fake medicine, malpractice in medical treatment and transportation safety," the president said.
To resolve the issue, the president pointed out the need to educate more consumers to assure that their rights is well-addressed and protected, which would also eventually spur the nation's economy.
The president said consumer education would be an essential measure to make Indonesian consumers smarter and wiser to spend their money on products they intend to buy.
The measure is considered urgent as Indonesia records considerably low Consumer Trust Index of 30.86 percent compared to that of in Europe countries that have reached 51.31 percent.
"It suggests that Indonesian consumers were still at a low level of knowing the product, not scrutinizing the products like in Europe," he added.
Another indicator showing Indonesian consumers'lack of product knowledge was in the complaint rate. The president said that Indonesian consumers recorded low complaint rate of 4.1 per 1 million population, far lower than in South Korea which records 64.
Public consumption has contributed around 55.94 percent to Indonesia's GDP in the last five years, implying that the largest economy in Southeast Asia region is largely propelled by consumption sector.
ADDIS ABABA -- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi pledged here on Monday to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (R) meets visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi in Addis Ababa March 20, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
During his meeting with the Ethiopian prime minister, Yang described Ethiopia as China's important cooperative partner in Africa.China and Ethiopia have always supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, firmly maintaining the common interests of the two countries and developing countries as a whole, Yang said.China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Johannesburg, Yang said.Yang added that China is willing to work with Ethiopia to deepen mutual political trust in an all-round way, actively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and intensify the two countries' coordination and collaboration on international and regional affairs.Yang expressed hope that a healthier Sino-Ethiopian relationship that enjoys faster development will serve as a fine model of Sino-African cooperation and South-South cooperation.For his part, Hailemariam spoke highly of China's important status in international affairs, expressing appreciation that China has for a long time provided support and assistance for Ethiopia's development.As a leading African country that has participated in industrial capacity cooperation with China, Ethiopia welcomes more Chinese companies to come to Ethiopia to make investment and open businesses so that Ethiopia and China will achieve mutually beneficial results, said Hailemariam.On Monday, Yang also met with Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome. Both the Chinese State Councilor and the Ethiopian President spoke highly of the achievement made by China and Ethiopia through mutually beneficial cooperation.Exchanging views on the situation in Africa and Sino-African relations, Yang and Mulatu agreed that the overall situation in Africa is favorable and getting better and there is a broad prospect for future development.They also agreed that China and Africa should deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation and actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC summit held in Johannesburg so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of China and Africa.
YANGON, March 21(Xinhua) -- Myanmar will start construction of Yangon-Dala cross-river bridge to pave a way from downtown of Yangon to Dala, an underdeveloped small town on the outskirts of the city in April this year, Ministry of Information announced on Tuesday.
Aimed at providing better transportation services and raising the socio-economic status of local residents, the bridge will be built at a cost of 168.174 million U.S. dollars.
The project will be funded with a loan of 137.833 million U.S. dollars from South Korea's Economic Development Cooperation Fund which was agreed between Ministry of Commerce and Korea Eximbank (KEXIM) in 2015.
The project will be completed by the fiscal year 2020-21.
The four-lane bridge will be 1,936 feet (590.1 meters) long, 160 feet high and 823 feet wide. It will link Phonegyi Street in Lanmadaw township with Bo Min Yaung Street in Dala.
It will also feature water pump lines to distribute water from Yangon to Dala as water shortage always occurs in Dala every summer.
JERUSALEM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli woman who joined the Islamic State (IS) forces in Iraq was sentenced by an Israeli court to 50 months in prison on Tuesday.
The woman, Sabrin Zabeidat, 30, is a citizen of Israel from the northern city of Sakhnin.
In 2015, she and her husband, Wissam Zabeidat, 41, had contacted an IS operative through social networks on the internet and later decided to join the Salafi forces in Syria and Iraq, according to her conviction.
About a year later, the couple had traveled to Turkey with their children, who were 3, 6, and 8-year-old at the time. Before crossing into Syria, they swore allegiance to the IS, the court said.
They then moved to Mosul, Iraq, where Wissam received a Kalashnikov rifle and joined the fighting in the area. Sabrin worked as an operator of surveillance cameras in a hospital.
During one of the battles, Wisam was injured in his leg and needed hospital care. In the wake of heavy shelling by U.S. fighter jets in Mosul and pressures by their families to return home, the couple and their children began an eight-month journey to the Turkish-Syrian border.
They tried to infiltrate into Turkey ten times, without success. When they finally managed to infiltrate into Turkey, they were arrested by local police and transferred to Israel in September last year.
Sabrin was convicted of contacting a foreign agent, unlawfully living the country, membership in a forbidden association, and membership in a terror group.
Her lawyer told the Hebrew-language Ynet news website that she might appeal against the verdict. "We think the court gave her a punishment too severe," the lawyer said, adding that Sabrin only wanted to live under the Sharia law and was not accused of harming the security of Israel.
Over the past years, dozens of Arab Israelis were arrested under suspicion that they have gone to Syria, or planned to do so, in order to join the Islamic State.
Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre speaks during the nominating ceremony in Mogadishu, capital of Somalia, March 21, 2017. Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre on Tuesday announced nominees to the cabinet that comprise 26 ministers, 26 deputy ministers, one deputy prime minister and 15 state ministers. (Xinhua/Faisal Isse)
by Hashi
MOGADISHU, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Somali Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khayre on Tuesday announced nominees to the cabinet that comprise 26 ministers, 26 deputy ministers, one deputy prime minister and 15 state ministers.
Khayre urged parliament to speed up vetting and approval of the cabinet nominees to enable them to commence national duties.
Most of the cabinet nominees are veteran lawmakers and envoys whose experience in national and international affairs are expected to aid the new government led by President Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo.
The cabinet will be tasked with implementing an ambitious agenda to rebuild Somalia after decades of civil strife.
JERUSALEM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military chief said Tuesday that Israel will prevent Hezbollah from obtaining advanced weapons, amidst rising tensions on the Syrian border.
Speaking at a security conference outside Tel Aviv, Lt. Gen. Eisenkot addressed the Israeli interests at its northern border, hinting the air force will continue to strike Hezbollah weapon convoys.
Israel Defense Forces "prevent the strengthening of those who should not be strengthened by (the acquisition of) advanced weaponry," he said.
He added that the army "has managed to maintain the Syria border quiet," noting its policy regarding the Syrian civil war was one of "non-intervention alongside preserving our interests."
His words came amidst mounting tensions at the border. On Monday, the army confirmed that Syria launched a ballistic missile toward Israel. The missile was intercepted by the Arrow anti-missile battery over the Jordan Valley.
The anti-aircraft missile was fired by the Syrian military after Israeli fighter jets bombed "targets" in Syria.
The statement was a rare confirmation of Israel's airstrikes in Syria, where Israel has struck dozens of weapons shipments to Hezbollah, a Lebanese group linked to Iran that fights alongside the Syrian army.
Israel's envoy to Russia was summoned for "clarifications," in a move widely interpreted by local media as a message from President Vladimir Putin signaling Israel that its freedom to operate in Syria is over.
GENEVA, March 21 (Xinhua)-- The UN Office of the Special Envoy for Syria (OSE) confirmed Tuesday that all the invitees who participated in last month's peace talks seeking to broker a political end to the six-year Syrian conflict will attend the next round of negotiations slated to kick off later this week.
"The Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, looks forward to the resumption of intra-Syrian talks in Geneva on March 23," OSE said in a statement.
"He notes that all invitees who had already attended the previous round of talks in February 2017 have confirmed their participation," it added.
De Mistura, who is mediating talks between various delegations, is scheduled to travel to Moscow and Ankara in the coming days to carry out further consultations with relevant sides.
The last round of intra-Syrian talks ended earlier this month with the envoy lauding the progress made in nine days of bilateral negotiations which yielded an agenda for future rounds of discussions.
As planned, this entails working on "governance, constitutional issues, elections and counter terrorism, security and confidence building measures," the OSE stated.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (L) holds a welcome ceremony for visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei) Hi, here's what you need to know about China. BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing on Monday, vowing to advance innovation cooperation. Li suggested the two sides to beef up cooperation in areas of basic science, modern agriculture, clean energy and biomedicine. He urged the two sides to speed up negotiation on the establishment of a bilateral free trade area, so as to send out a clear signal of safeguarding free trade. xhne.ws/5QVqU - - - - BEIJING -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has congratulated Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on his party's recent election victory and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to boosting bilateral ties and supporting European integration. In a congratulatory message sent on Sunday, Li said China values the choice of the Dutch people, and will continue to support the process of European integration and the European Union's efforts to achieve unity, stability and prosperity across the continent. On Sino-Dutch relations, the premier said the bilateral relationship now enjoys a sound momentum and Beijing attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the Netherlands. xhne.ws/hUwlP - - - - NANCHANG -- China's largest freshwater lake, Poyang Lake in eastern China's Jiangxi Province, starts a three-month fishing ban at noon Monday. The local government initiated the ban, which lasts from March to June, in 2002 as a move to protect fish during the spawning season. All fishing and related activities that can threaten fish and the lake environment will be banned during the moratorium, according to officials with the provincial fishery administration. xhne.ws/mhrTn - - - - SYDNEY -- With the official launch of the China-Australia Year of Tourism in February at Sydney's iconic Opera House, Australian tourism chief said here on Tuesday that one of the strongest ties between the two countries lies within the burgeoning tourism market. John O' Sullivan, managing director of Tourism Australia, sat down with Xinhua this week and outlined the reasons why he believes that the year-long partnership between Australia and China is vitally important. He said the relationship between China and Australia is so important from a trade perspective, from a geopolitical perspective, and from a tourism perspective. xhne.ws/lJTjW - - - - GENEVA -- Ma Zhaoxu, head of the Chinese mission to the United Nations in Geneva, Monday called upon international community to improve global human rights governance. "In a globalized world, countries are increasingly interconnected in their interests with a shared destiny. However, global challenges pose threats to the well-being of people of all countries," he addressed at a general debate in the 34th Session of the Human Rights Council, on behalf of a cross-regional group of 36 developing countries. He highlighted it is high time to develop and improve global human rights governance, promote healthy and sustainable development of international human rights cause, and pool in our efforts to build a community of shared future for human beings. xhne.ws/AtXhI
JERUSALEM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Tuesday accused a Palestinian worker of a Turkish aid organization in Gaza of funneling humanitarian funds to the Hamas, a militant group that controls the Palestinian enclave.
The Shin Bet security service said in a statement that they arrested Muhammad Murtaja, manager of the Gaza branch of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) organization, a government-run humanitarian aid program.
The Shin Bet said that Murtaja, 40, a resident of Gaza, is suspected of working for the military wing of Hamas.
During an investigation, the Shin Bet "ascertained that Murtaja was recruited by Hamas at the end of 2008," the statement read.
"Beginning in 2009, Murtaja was active in the military wing. His activity included military training, manufacturing weapons and explosive devices and digging terror tunnels. Murtaja even stored weapons, such as hand grenades and guns, in his home," according to the Shin Bet.
TIKA works on behalf of the Turkish government to advance humanitarian projects in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The Shin Bet claims that Murtaja "deceived" TIKA by misusing the organization's funds, which were intended for humanitarian projects in Gaza, by diverting them to Hamas' military wing.
"This fraud was carried out in collusion with the senior ranks of Hamas in Gaza," the Shin Bet said.
Israel has been charging that Hamas operatives have "infiltrated" international aid organizations in the Gaza Strip to funnel money to the Islamist group.
HONG KONG, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The food safety authority of China's Hong Kong said Tuesday that it has banned the import of frozen meat from Brazil as a "precautionary measure" after the Brazilian meat scandal.
"The investigation by the Brazilian authorities is ongoing. The center has therefore decided, as a precautionary measure, to temporarily suspend the import of frozen and chilled meat and poultry meat from Brazil," said a spokesman of the Center for Food Safety (CFS) of Hong Kong's Food and Environmental Hygiene Department.
The Brazilian police uncovered last week a massive meat adulteration scheme involving some of the country's largest meat producers. According to the police, the adulterated meat was sold in the domestic market as well as exported.
Hong Kong's import ban is with an immediate effect, and the CFS has notified the Brazilian authorities about it, the spokesman said, adding that the CFS will also alert the local trade and advise the public to cook meat thoroughly before consumption.
"The CFS will continue to liaise with the Brazilian authorities to obtain detailed information for further assessment. Furthermore, surveillance on meat and poultry meat from Brazil will be enhanced to safeguard food safety and public health," he said.
Under its routine food surveillance program, the CFS has taken during the past three years 17,060 meat samples at import, wholesale and retail levels for chemical and microbiological tests. Among them, there were 36 unsatisfactory samples, all of which were not related to the quality of Brazilian frozen and chilled meat or poultry meat.
"The CFS will continue to closely monitor the case and take appropriate follow-up actions," said the spokesman.
A still image taken from a video uploaded on social media on March 20, 2017, shows fighters, said to be members of Ahrar Al Sham group, holding up their weapons and cheering, said to be in Damascus, Syria. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
JERUSALEM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military chief said Tuesday that Israel will prevent Hezbollah from obtaining advanced weapons, amidst rising tensions on the Syrian border.
Speaking at a security conference outside Tel Aviv, Lt. Gen. Eisenkot addressed the Israeli interests at its northern border, hinting the air force will continue to strike Hezbollah weapon convoys.
Israel Defense Forces "prevent the strengthening of those who should not be strengthened by (the acquisition of) advanced weaponry," he said.
He added that the army "has managed to maintain the Syria border quiet," noting its policy regarding the Syrian civil war was one of "non-intervention alongside preserving our interests."
His words came amidst mounting tensions at the border. On Monday, the army confirmed that Syria launched a ballistic missile toward Israel. The missile was intercepted by the Arrow anti-missile battery over the Jordan Valley.
The anti-aircraft missile was fired by the Syrian military after Israeli fighter jets bombed "targets" in Syria.
The statement was a rare confirmation of Israel's airstrikes in Syria, where Israel has struck dozens of weapons shipments to Hezbollah, a Lebanese group linked to Iran that fights alongside the Syrian army.
Israel's envoy to Russia was summoned for "clarifications," in a move widely interpreted by local media as a message from President Vladimir Putin signaling Israel that its freedom to operate in Syria is over.
A Palestinian man holds a Hamas flag as he inspects a site, which according to the Gaza police, was hit by an Israeli air strike, in Deir El-Balah in the central Gaza Strip March 16, 2017. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
JERUSALEM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Tuesday accused a Palestinian worker of a Turkish aid organization in Gaza of funneling humanitarian funds to the Hamas, a militant group that controls the Palestinian enclave.
The Shin Bet security service said in a statement that they arrested Muhammad Murtaja, manager of the Gaza branch of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) organization, a government-run humanitarian aid program.
The Shin Bet said that Murtaja, 40, a resident of Gaza, is suspected of working for the military wing of Hamas.
During an investigation, the Shin Bet "ascertained that Murtaja was recruited by Hamas at the end of 2008," the statement read.
"Beginning in 2009, Murtaja was active in the military wing. His activity included military training, manufacturing weapons and explosive devices and digging terror tunnels. Murtaja even stored weapons, such as hand grenades and guns, in his home," according to the Shin Bet.
TIKA works on behalf of the Turkish government to advance humanitarian projects in the besieged Gaza Strip.
The Shin Bet claims that Murtaja "deceived" TIKA by misusing the organization's funds, which were intended for humanitarian projects in Gaza, by diverting them to Hamas' military wing.
"This fraud was carried out in collusion with the senior ranks of Hamas in Gaza," the Shin Bet said.
Israel has been charging that Hamas operatives have "infiltrated" international aid organizations in the Gaza Strip to funnel money to the Islamist group.
LONDON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Martin McGuinness, the former Sinn Fein leader whose resignation sparked the recent snap election in Northern Ireland, has died, it was announced Tuesday.
McGuinness, aged 66, was suffering from a rare heart condition and died in hospital.
Until his resignation, he was deputy first minister in the devolved parliament in Belfast.
Sinn Fein's president Gerry Adams paid tribute to McGuinness, saying he had shown great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness.
British Prime Minister Theresa May also paid tribute, saying: "While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence."
"In doing so, he made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace," said May.
"While we certainly didn't always see eye-to-eye even in later years, as deputy first minister for nearly a decade he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross community power sharing in Northern Ireland. He understood both its fragility and its precious significance and played a vital part in helping to find a way through many difficult moments. At the heart of it all was his profound optimism for the future of Northern Ireland -- and I believe we should all hold fast to that optimism today."
Arlene Foster of the Democratic Unionst Party (DUP), who served as First Minister at Stormont until McGuinness's resignation, also paid tribute. It was a row over Foster's handling of a botched heating scheme in Northern Ireland that led to McGuinness quitting his post.
Foster said: "Today's news will come as a shock to many people. First and foremost, Martin McGuinness was a much loved husband, father and grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and the family circle at this very painful time of grief and loss."
In Dublin, Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said McGuinness's passing was a "significant loss, not only to politics in Northern Ireland, but to the wider political landscape on this island and beyond".
Under the peace process formula, the currently suspended Northern Ireland Assembly can only resume if the DUP and Sinn Fein agree to work together. So far no agreement has been reached, risking home rule from Westminster being re-introduced.
WINDHOEK, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Namibia's President Hage Geingob said Tuesday that poverty had continued to wreak havoc in Namibia.
Speaking at the country's independence celebrations in Rundu town, northeast Namibia, Geingob said his government would concentrate on fulfilling the needs of underprivileged and vulnerable groups by bringing relief through the existing and new social relief programs.
The Namibian government has increased the old age grant from 1,100 Namibian dollars (87 U.S. dollars) to 1,200 Namibian dollars this year, an amount which has doubled from 600 Namibian dollars in 2014.
"This initiative has made meaningful impact in reducing poverty levels, not only amongst out senior citizens, but our children as well, since many of our children are under care of senior citizens," he said.
The government is also exploring measures to accelerate industrialization and job creation, as well as rolling out the food bank program.
According a report titled "Namibia Poverty Mapping", released in 2015, Namibia registered a general decline in the incidence of poverty of 11 percentage points over the 2001-2011 period, with national incidence of poverty declining from 37.9 percent to 26.9 percent over this period.
The report stated that an estimated 568,418 people are said to be poor. This indicates 125,277 fewer people living in poverty at the end of this 10-year period than would have been the case if the poverty rate had remained unchanged.
by Robert Manyara
NAKURU, Kenya, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan fishermen alarmed by declining catch in the fresh water bodies have invented novel methods of rearing different types of fish that are considered a delicacy in many communities.
Okoth Odhiambo, a veteran fisherman in Lake Victoria that is located in Western Kenya, and dozens of his peers has adopted floating cages that can accommodate 2,000 young Tilapia fish.
The cages, similar to miniature boats, float in the deeper sections of Lake Victoria and have provided a respite to fishermen grappling with a dwindling catch in Africa's largest fresh water lake.
"There is too much overfishing at the lake that we fear there will be nothing to capture in the future," Odhiambo told Xinhua during a recent interview.
"It is no longer possible to solely depend on the lake for fish because of the ongoing overfishing. We even have some fishermen who have decided to have fishponds to supplement what they capture from the lake," he added.
UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that catches of Nile perch, a most sought-after and exported fish species, has declined due to overfishing after the 2000 peak at 110,000 tonnes but since 2007 stabilized around an average of 45,000 tonnes per year.
John Kabiru, chairperson of Aquaculture Association of Kenya-Nakuru County Chapter, said it was crucial for fishermen and farmers to adopt modern ways of raising fish to wean off overreliance on inland waters.
"These days there are improved, tech-savvy methods of raising fish," said Kabiru.
"We now have modern fish ponds which are suitable for people who want to raise fish on a micro scale. They also very appropriate for adoption among urban farmers who are limited with space," he added.
Kabiru noted that land is no longer a major determinant in raising fish as the modern technologies have made it easier for people to put up the fish species in different customized ponds including tanks.
He said while fisheries and aquaculture sector is significant to Kenya's socio-economic development, and awareness on fish raising technologies is critical to ensure communities maintain their source of income against the collapse of traditional fishing avenues.
Kabiru said climatic changes are a major threat to the fishing communities and thus the need to encourage adoption of alternative means of raising fish.
In February, the remaining waters at Lake Kenyatta, in the coastal Lamu County where about 50,000 people including fishermen and farmers depended on to sustain their economic activities, dried up following a prolonged drought.
While water scarcity is increasingly a challenge in Kenya's fisheries and aquaculture, private sector has been chipping in to provide a better solution.
Farm Africa, an international organization promoting developments in remote parts of Africa, is currently popularizing use of solar-powered pond pump.
According to Solomon Otieno, the organization's marketing officer, the device that utilizes solar power to pump water into a fish pond, is suitable to farmers in arid and semi-arid areas.
"Solar pump enables farmers in dry areas to fill their ponds with water from wells and be able to irrigate their farms with water from the pond," he said.
SINGAPORE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 46 percent of Singaporean employers plan to give salary increments of 3 to 6 percent, recruitment firm Hays released the statistics on Tuesday.
The result draws from more than 3,000 employers who participated in the research and is lower than Hays' last salary review period at 52 percent.
Hays Singapore managing director Lynne Roeder said that while the economic outlook for 2017 is challenging, it is not surprising to see employers taking a moderate approach to salaries.
The poll also found that 8 percent of Singapore's employers plan to grant 6 to 10 percent salary increments for their employees, and 3 percent said they will award over 10 percent pay raise.
Meanwhile, 9 percent said they do not plan to give out any salary increases.
In term of employees' salary expectations, 29 percent of the respondents are expecting an increase of between 3 to 6 percent, while another 20 percent expect to receive an increase of between 6 to 10 percent during their next review.
Another 14 percent said they expect to receive a pay raise of more than 10 percent.
"Respondents in Singapore wanting a salary increase above what employers are planning to award are advised to do their homework and know why their performance merits a larger increase," said Roeder.
SINGAPORE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Singapore is the world's most expensive city for expatriates to live in for the fourth year running, according to the latest findings of the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) Worldwide Cost of Living Survey released on Tuesday.
The survey, which compares the price of over 150 items in 133 cities around the world, found that Singapore was 20 percent more expensive than New York and 5 percent pricier than China's Hong Kong, which lies in second place.
Singapore's unenviable title comes largely because the certification of entitlement system makes running a car there significantly more expensive than anywhere in the world, with clothing prices and utility prices also relatively high. But the Asian hub also offers better value for money in other areas such as grocery shopping, recreation and domestic help.
Jon Copestake, editor of the survey, commented Singapore is reflective of a regional trend, with Asian hubs now making up many of the world's most expensive cities. In addition to China's Hong Kong, Singapore is joined in the top 10 by the Japanese cities of Tokyo and Osaka in 4th and 5th place respectively, and the South Korean capital Seoul in 6th place.
The two Japanese cities in particular have jumped back up the ranking in the last 12 months thanks to a resurgent yen. Only one year ago, Tokyo was in 11th position with a cost of living on a par with that of Shanghai.
Meanwhile, Seoul has seen a steady rise up the rankings over the last decade. Seven years ago it was ranked as low as 50th, but it has moved steadily up as the economy and the Korean won has strengthened and prices have risen in line with incomes.
Conversely, weakening consumer sentiment and falls in the Renminbi's value against the U.S. dollar have seen Chinese cities moving in the opposite direction. Beijing fell 16 places to 47th, while the eight Chinese cities surveyed fell by an average of 11 places each. Shanghai, China's business center, is now ranked 16th overall, down from 11th last year and on a par with the cost of living in the New Zealand cities of Auckland and Wellington.
In fact, Auckland and Wellington were among the fastest risers up the global ranking. Australian cities also became relatively more expensive with Sydney and Melbourne moving up six places each into 14th and 15th place respectively.
Elsewhere in the world, British cities of London and Manchester fell sharply down the ranking into 24th and 51st place respectively due to the impact of uncertainty around the Brexit referendum on the strength of the pound. Lagos in Nigeria and Almaty in Kazakhstan also saw significant falls in the relative cost of living to become the two cheapest cities in the world.
The survey, which has been carried out for more than 30 years, compares more than 400 individual prices across 160 products and services. These include food, drink, clothing, household supplies and personal care items, home rents, transport, utility bills, private schools, domestic help and recreational costs.
by Abdul Haleem, Jawid Omid
KABUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- "The endemic war has destroyed our life, you see, it is more than three decades that the flames of war have been devouring the Afghans and this country. Today my greatest wish is to see ending of the war and restoring lasting peace in Afghanistan," said a jubilant Kabul resident Mohammad Musa.
Attired in new dress and accompanying his family members on the way to Qarga, an artificial lake to enjoy Nawruz or New Year festival in a peaceful environment, Musa, 35 whispered cheerfully that Nawruz is the day to "enjoy" the life.
Nawruz which means new year and falls on March 21 is celebrated in Afghanistan, Iran, central Asian states, parts of Pakistan as the beginning of new year, the year of 1396 in Persian calendar.
Marking Nawruz as celebration of nature's rebirth and first day of spring in new year, according to Afghans, dates back to more than 5,500 years ago and Afghans usually start the year by planting sapling to keep the country green.
Nawruz is a public holiday in Afghanistan during which both the public and private radio and television channels besides airing special programs including music also urge the people to contribute in greening the land.
Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani in his message to congratulate Nawrus also stated that any Afghan citizens should plant at least one sapling to develop greenery in Afghanistan.
Taliban militants fighting the government to regain power had outlawed Nawruz festival as un-Islamic practice during their reign which collapsed in late 2001.
Identically to Taliban and like-minded extremist groups some religious circles are also opposing Nawruz festivities in the conflict-battered Afghanistan.
Like yester years, the war-weary Afghans celebrated Nawruz in Kabul and other cities amid tight security and so far, no untoward incident has been reported. To ensure security during Nawruz festival, the Interior Ministry has deployed police personnel in sensitive areas including shrines and mosques.
The big festival was held in northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif where some half million people, according to locals, had gathered at the historic blue mosque to mark Nawruz, the rebirth of nature and pray collectively for the end of war in Afghanistan.
Here in Kabul, thousands of people from across the country gathered in and around a shrine in Karta-e-Sakhi locality to beg for the end of war and restoring lasting peace in their militancy-riddled country.
"Last year, the year of 1395 was challenging in term of security as thousands of people including civilians had lost their lives in the conflicts and thousands others left the country to escape extreme poverty," a Kabul resident Ramazan Ali, 31, told Xinhua.
"I am hopeful the year of 1396 would be the year of peace, economic development and prosperity in Afghanistan," Ali said with optimism.
"It is a good omen that we are celebrating Nawruz in a peaceful environment today and no security incident has been reported," murmured another Kabul dweller Sayed Bashir, 33.
"Since the herald of Nawruz began with peace, I am hopeful for future and I am sure that the new year, the year of 1396, will be the end of war and returning durable peace in Afghanistan," the joyful Bashir said.
GAZA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip has for long been a masculine community, however a 27-year-old kindergarten teacher Heba Fayez decided to open a cafe for females only, to enable conservative women to have a good time and maintain their privacy.
Men are not allowed in the cafe, where most customers are housewives and even the waitresses are also young women serving soft, cold and hot drinks.
Before the female only cafe was opened it was a billiard hall for men which was cleared several weeks ago.
"The idea of having a special women-only cafe in a conservative society like Gaza came to me several months ago, and when my two other close friends Doa'a and Yasmin shared the dream with me we then had the courage to open the first ever female only cafe in Gaza just two weeks ago," Fayez told Xinhua.
The male percentage in the Gaza Strip's 2 million population is 51 percent, and the female percentage is 49.
In Gaza city, there are so several mixed fancy, middle class and popular cafes.
However, there are conservative husbands and parents who won't let their female relatives frequent them.
"I believe the idea is very good and has helped many women in Gaza who can't enjoy themselves in a mixed cafe to instead come here where they meet their friends, chat and enjoy cold or hot drinks," said Fayez, adding "Shisha, or hukka is not allowed, but we have a billiard table for women to enjoy."
Since the Islamic Hamas's violent takeover of the Gaza Strip in the summer of 2007, following weeks of internal fighting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's security forces, the movement has imposed its strict Islamic code on the populations particularly the female population.
Gazan rights groups had previously stated in different rights reports published in the past few years, that Hamas's Islamic regime in Gaza imposed the Hijab, or the headscarf on schoolgirls and lawyers, prohibited women from smoking hukka alone in public cafes or receive driving lessons without a close family member accompanying them.
The prices in the all- women al-Jalla cafe are quite reasonable, and considerate of the customers' low incomes, Samar al-Rayyes, a 45-year-old woman, a regular cafe customer told Xinhua, adding that "a cup of coffee or tea is 3 Israeli Shekels or less than one U.S. dollar."
Al-Rayyes said her husband doesn't allow her go to regular mixed cafes because he is conservative, adding that now she is very happy that she can at least go out and have a good time with friends and enjoy conversations about various topics related to the Gaza Strip situation which is currently suffering from high poverty and unemployment rates.
She said in the beginning she was surprised when she heard of the women-only cafe, adding that "she told her husband about it and he liked the idea as well, but unfortunately, he can't join me because it is for women only and he doesn't like going to mixed cafes."
Many divorced and unemployed women also frequent the cafe and spend time discussing how they can manage live independently from their ex-husbands and that inaugurating a women-only cafe is a welcome development enabling them to leave their homes and enjoy themselves.
"The aim of opening a women-only cafe is for the numerous Gazan women who can't find privacy anywhere, to come here, meet their friends, and talk about any subject they desire," said Fayez, the cafe owner.
Fayez complained that when she opened the cafe, many social media activists began to slam and criticize the idea itself, some said "those women are violating the original tradition of Gaza community and others said that women go to that cafe to waste time and ignore their children and their husbands."
Um Osama, a 44-year-old mother of five told Xinhua that she learnt of the new women-only cafe from Facebook, adding "When I read the criticism against opening a special cafe for women, I found it a great idea to permit women who are stuck at home all the time to go out and find a place where they can enjoy themselves."
In addition to being controlled by the Islamic Hamas movement and being under a tight Israeli blockade and undergoing three large-scale wars waged by Israel, the Gaza Strip is basically a conservative society, different from the West Bank or Israel's Arab community.
"I decided to go to the cafe to appreciate the privacy, as women do not feel comfortable in restaurants and cafes with a mixed clientele. If a woman laughs or talks loudly, everyone around her notices," said Um Osama, who declined to give her full name.
Fayez and her two friends told Xinhua "We thought of opening this women-only cafe to allow women to enjoy being themselves completely without the fear that they experience in mixed cafes."
SEOUL, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Influenced by South Korea's current plan to deploy Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, South Korea's trade and tourism industries in recent months have been witnessing downturns too bitter to taste for many companies and businesses here.
In a street full of shoe workshops in Seongsu Dong, Seongdong District of Seoul, Park Dong-Hee still remembers how close she had been with her Chinese business partners.
"I started working with those shoe makers in Wenzhou of China four years ago, we had very good cooperation and we became friends," the owner of Sengdong Shoe Company said, showing photos with her Chinese partners in her smart phone.
"We had plans to export South Korean shoes to China and vise versa, but now everything stopped. Why would something like THAAD happen?"
China's market revenue accounted for 30 percent of Park's company income last year. This year's total revenue until now is only 40 percent of the figure in the same period of last year.
"If the situation continues for one year or two, I'm afraid all shoe factories here have no choice but shutdown," She said.
According to the survey conducted on 597 firms in tourism and retail markets by Korea International Trade Association, 56.2 percent of the respondents said their businesses has been negatively affected by China's reaction to THAAD deployment, with 32.9 percent responding that they would feel the influence in the next three months.
In Myeongdong, a tourist attraction full of retail shops and snack stands in downtown Seoul, the shops and vendors are still busy, but the streets are not as hustle and bustle as before.
"The tourists are less than before," a tourist police officer said.
A shop assistant working in Daiso, a retail chain store in Myeongdong, said Chinese buyers often came here in large group to find souvenirs. But now she seldom saw Chinese in group, only local people and some tourists from Japan and Southeast Asia.
"The cashier counter was often full of people in lines, now you don't need to queue up to pay the money," she added.
South Korea's largest duty-free store Lotte Duty Free saw its sales drop 25 percent during March 18 and 19 compared to the same period last year. It once had maintained a hefty growth of 20 percent in this year on an annual basis.
In a press conference held by South Korean presidential candidate and the mayor of Seongnam City Lee Jae-myung, business representatives from Dongdaemun and Myeongdong markets expressed their anxiety about THAAD deployment and asked for halt.
A businessman from Dongdaemun said his market had over 10,000 shops selling clothes. The sharp decrease of Chinese customers worries those shop owners, who had to close their business if the situation doesn't change.
In this conference, Lee Jae-myung said the deployment of THAAD is no use for South Korea's national security. Only the United States benefits from this, both South Korea and China suffer, he added.
Park Dong-Hee plans to find other foreign markets to make up for the loss. She said she is a business person; she doesn't want to talk about politics and doesn't know what THAAD is doing here.
"But South Korea and China are close neighbors; Chinese companies are best partner for their South Korean counterparts. I really hope the two countries can work in harmony and reach a win-win result," she said.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang speaks at the State Council's fifth meeting on clean governance in Beijing, capital of China, March 21, 2017. Wang Qishan, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC), attended the meeting on invitation. Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Gaoli also attended this meeting. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Tuesday called on the country's officials to be clean and diligent in their work.
He also urged more efforts to ensure clean governance and fight corruption.
Li was addressing the the State Council's fifth meeting on clean governance, attended by vice premiers Zhang Gaoli, Wang Yang and Ma Kai.
Wang Qishan, secretary of the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the Communist Party of China (CPC), attended the meeting on invitation.
Praising progress in clean governance and fighting corruption, Li noted that there are still problems requiring stronger measures. He called for further efforts in delegating power, streamlining administration and using Internet to improve government service.
He also said governments at all levels should promote thrift and continue to cut taxes and fees, noting that embezzlement and irregularities in public spending should be investigated and punished.
The premier called for better supervision of state assets, state-owned enterprises and the financial sector, including stricter scrutiny of major outbound investment projects.
Li stressed the importance of compliance with regulations in public biddings and government purchases, and vowed tough punishment of graft in poverty alleviation, social security, affordable housing and medical insurance.
GENEVA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A total of 20,484 migrants and refugees have crossed the Mediterranean Sea to reach Europe so far this year, down from over 160,000 over the same period in 2016, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported Tuesday.
Latest statistics reveal that most of this year's arrivals have been documented on Italian shores (16,248), with the remaining landing in Greece (3,236) and Spain (1,000).
According to IOM, 525 men, women and children have drowned while making the perilous journey since the beginning of the year, slightly fewer than the 553 who died over the same period last year.
Most of 2017's deaths (481) have been recorded on the central Mediterranean route linking North Africa with Italy.
A further 44 fatalities have been documented on western and eastern Mediterranean Sea passages.
A record 5,079 migrants and refugees died last year while crossing the Mediterranean Sea, up from 3,771 fatalities in 2015.
MADRID, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The search for two fishermen who have been missing since Monday afternoon continued on Tuesday near Barcelona, local media reported.
The two fishermen have been identified as 34-year-old Moroccan, Mfeddal Sarghini and 37-year-old Senegalese, Cheikhou Mane.
Tuesday morning saw a rescue boat positioned over the scene of the accident with rescue services using a robot submarine to try and find the two men.
They were on a small fishing boat the El Fairell along with the other two Xavi and Ricard Huguert, when it was hit by a Russian merchant ship Midvolga 2 which was leaving, around a mile and a half from the port of Barcelona on Monday afternoon.
The small fishing boat sank almost immediately, with Xavi and Ricard Huguert rescued by the crew of the Russian ship and taken to hospital. Their condition is reported as "not serious."
Despite being relatively close to the coast, the El Fairell sank in 170 meters of water, which is too deep for divers from Spain's Civil Guard rescue services to reach. It is not known whether the two missing men were trapped inside the boat and whether they were wearing life jackets.
Meanwhile, the Catalan regional government has got into contact with the Russian consulate to analyze the incident.
CAIRO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. transport authorities on Tuesday instructed Egyptian airlines to limit specific electronic devices onboard flights heading to the United States, said the EgyptAir national airline carrier in a statement.
According to the statement, the U.S. transport authorities' instructions require that travellers keep calculators, laptops, tablets, cameras, E-readers, portable DVD players, electronic game units, printers, scanners and similar devices in the hold beneath the plane and never carry them onboard.
"EgyptAir will implement this decision as of March 24 on all flights heading to the United States," said EgyptAir's statement.
U.S. President Donald Trump's administration imposed for security reasons on Tuesday restrictions on carrying electronic devices on planes originating from 10 airports of Muslim-majority, Middle Eastern and North African states to the United States.
BERLIN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Turkish Justice and Development Party(AKP)'s oversea offshoot on Tuesday announced that there would be no more rallies in Germany ahead of Turkey's constitutional referendum.
Duetsch Presse Agentur (DPA) cited Bulent Bilgi, head of the Union of European Turkish Democrats, as saying there would be no further campaign events by Turkish officials, sending a "gesture of goodwill" to Germany before the April 16 public vote.
The vote, if approved, will consolidate and enlarge the power of Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
In recent months, Germany has in its territory blocked several Turkish community gatherings which aimed to summon support for the referendum, straining the already tense ties between Ankara and Berlin.
Erdogan and some Turkish official in turn accused Berlin of "acting like Nazis", while German Chancellor Angela Merkel calling the remarks "absurd."
The relations between Germany and Turkey was on decline since Erdogan foiled the military coup against him in July 2016.
Turkey have been pressuring Germany, where around 1.6 million Turks resided, to extradite the dissidents, especially the military officers. However, Berlin questioned the Ankara's hunt-down and purge overseas, seeing it as violations of human rights.
Last month, a German correspondent of the newspaper "Die Welt", Deniz Yucel, was detained in Istanbul over his reports. Turkish government accused him of "supporting terrorism" despite Berlin's repeated demand for his release.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing, capital of China, March 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Rao Ainmin)
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced in Beijing on Tuesday an innovative comprehensive partnership between both countries.
In their meeting, Xi hailed the progress of bilateral relations since the forging of diplomatic ties 25 years ago, adding their innovation cooperation has facilitated sustained growth of overall relations.
The establishment of this partnership will boost innovation cooperation and bring more benefit to the two peoples, Xi said.
Netanyahu voiced his country's adherence to the one-China policy, urging taking the opportunity of the new partnership to enhance cooperation in areas such as clean energy, agriculture, investment, finance and medical services.
According to a joint statement released on Tuesday, the two countries agree to closer exchanges among young technological personnel, and cooperation in joint labs, a global technology transfer center, innovation parks and an innovative cooperation center.
China and Israel expect closer cooperation in air pollution control, waste management, environmental monitoring, water conservation and purification, as well as hi-tech fields, said the statement.
Xi called on both countries to enhance political communication, synergize development strategies, and strengthen cooperation in key areas such as water resources, agriculture, medical care and clean energy.
"A peaceful, stable and developing Middle East meets the common interests of all parties including China and Israel," Xi said.
The Israel-Palestine issue has long-term and profound impact on the situation in the Middle East, Xi said, adding China appreciates Israel's adoption of the two-state solution.
Netanyahu said Israel admires China's history, achievements and role in the current international community.
Israel hopes to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative, he said, adding that his country expects to see China play greater role in Middle East affairs.
China's top legislator Zhang Dejiang also met with Netanyahu on Tuesday. He said the National People's Congress values its friendly ties with the Israeli parliament.
Chinese Vice Premier Liu Yandong and Netanyahu co-chaired the third meeting of China-Israel Joint Committee on Innovation Cooperation on Tuesday.
Netanyahu is on an official visit to China from March 19 to 22 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang.
THE HAGUE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The official results of the Dutch elections confirmed the rightist liberals VVD's victory over the far-rightist PVV, with VVD winning 33 out of 150 seats in the new parliament and PVV 20 seats, according to the Dutch Electoral Council on Tuesday.
The Christian Democrats CDA and the leftist liberals D66 got 19 seats each, followed by the Socialist Party SP and green leftists GroenLinks with 14 seats each and the Labor PvdA nine, the official results showed.
CAPE TOWN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- President Jacob Zuma on Tuesday led the nation in marking the Human Rights Day, assuring all South Africans of the right to security.
Addressing a rally in King William's Town, Eastern Cape Province, Zuma used the opportunity to alleviate public concerns over high levels of crime in some communities.
"The Constitution says we all have a right to security. We are thus very concerned about the high levels of crime in some communities," Zuma said.
Zuma pledged to build a South Africa that will enshrine the human rights of all, regardless of their class, gender or geographical location.
Such human rights include the right to security which is enshrined in the Constitution and Freedom Charter, Zuma said.
In 1994 when apartheid was brought to an end, the South African government declared March 21 as the Human Rights Day to remember the 69 people who were shot dead by the apartheid police during a peaceful march demanding free movement in Sharpeville, Gauteng Province.
The theme of Human Rights Day this year is Unity in Action in Advancing Human Rights.
Zuma said South Africans must accept that they have a problem of crime and must work together to fight this scourge.
South Africa has seen an unabated surge in crime. According to a survey released by Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) last month, more and more public places in South Africa have been deserted as rampant crime keeps people at home.
According to the survey, more than 40 percent of households headed by whites, Indians/Asians and coloured indicated that they do not go to open spaces or walk alone in parks as a result of fear of crime, with 30.4 percent of African/Black headed households indicating the same.
Housebreaking and home robbery are the most feared types of crime in South Africa, the survey shows.
In the past three weeks, Zuma visited some crime-stricken communities, including Nyanga in Cape Town to hear public complaints.
Communities indicated that they are tired of crime and being abused and bullied by gangs of criminals, Zuma said.
"Indeed, our people should not co-exist with crime. I have also been alerted to the problem of high crime rates in areas such as Lusikisiki and also Mthatha (both in Eastern Cape) where taxi violence has tragically claimed a few lives," Zuma said.
He said police and relevant government departments are attending to these incidents.
"Crime in rural areas does not obtain the high profile as that in urban cities but it is equally traumatic for residents," he said.
Zuma called upon police to act decisively against criminals who terrorize the people.
"We also urge communities to work with the police to create safer communities," he said.
The government is holding anti-crime road shows, during which government officials are visiting communities to provide support and also ascertain what else can be done to eliminate thuggery, gangsterism and bullying by criminals in the country.
"We are following up on issues raised in the communities that we have visited so that people can see a difference in their lives," Zuma said.
BRUSSELS, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The EU-27 leaders will meet on Saturday in Rome for the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome, where the hard discussions on future of the EU will be expected amid divisions on European integration within the bloc.
Leaders of EU members states are due to discuss the White Paper when they gather in Rome, which was unveiled by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker earlier this month.
In the White Paper, Juncker laid out five scenarios for the way forward after Brexit, ranging from carrying on the single market only, so called "multi-speed Europe" to the full integration.
At the Rome summit, leaders are expected to outline a common ground on the EU future. However, the EU-27 is far from reaching a consensus on integration.
The leaders of big four states in the EU27 -- Germany, France, Italy and Spain -- have endorsed the vision of a multi-speed Europe ahead of the summit. While meeting in France to prepare for the Rome summit, they agreed that some EU countries could deepen integration faster than others.
"We should have the courage to allow some countries to move ahead, to advance more quickly than others. Cooperation can be kept open to those that have fallen behind," German Chancellor Angela Merkel said.
The idea of a multi-speed Europe is also backed by Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, or the so-called Benelux, a group of the EU's founding members.
"I prefer a multi-speed able to continue than a Europe that is not able to move", said Luxembourg's Prime Minister Xavier Bettel.
But some governments, especially in the bloc's eastern part, fear this could deepen divisions to their disadvantage.
On a common ground, the the Visegrad Four countries (Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary) have rejected the idea of a two-speed Europe, fearing they will be excluded from deeper integration in the future.
The leaders of four countries stated after their Warsaw meeting, "any form of enhanced cooperation should be open to every member state and should strictly avoid any kind of disintegration of the single market, Schengen area and the European Union itself."
Polish Prime Minister Beata Szydlo said, "We will not agree to division within the EU, because that leads directly to disintegration."
There are divergence between other member states regarding the future cooperation on economy, social, political as well as defense issues.
Finnish Prime Minister Juha Sipila said Finland accepts the various levels of momentum within the EU. "Finland wants the EU to focus on economic growth and security, and to be united and able to function," he told media in Brussels.
Romanian Prime Minister Sorin Grindeanu stressed that the country opposes multi-speed Europe and supports the strengthening of the European project in its current form.
"Europe needed to redefine the current situation and talk about not a Europe of 'multiple speeds' but one of 'multiple options,'" Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras said in an article published by the Greek newspaper.
"All levels of closer cooperation must be open and freely accessible to all member-states," Tsipras noted.
For some European politicians, the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which paved the way for European integration, is expected to be an opportunity to launch a process of "rebirth" of the EU.
During the European Parliament debate last week, European Council President Donald Tusk called the discussions between European leaders "constructive and open."
Tusk confessed he understood why concerns around a "multi-speed" Europe, needed to be discussed. He saw that the scenario, while controversial, would be sobering for people who want to weaken the EU.
"It is my hope that Rome will be a turning point in the reintegration of the Union," he added.
Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni underlined that "Europe cannot stand still."
"I believe that first and foremost this should be an occasion to remind public opinion, to remind fellow citizens in Europe of what has been achieved over the last 60 years," Gentiloni affirmed, "Recalling achievements helps us to think about the future," he insisted.
Gentiloni warned against underestimating the difficulties facing Europe, prioritizing solutions for ongoing economic trouble, the need for solidarity in the face of heavy migratory flows, and a unified front against populist nationalism.
"It has a duty vis-a-vis its own citizens to provide solutions to the challenges and problems that face us," he said.
WINDHOEK, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Namibia celebrated the 27th Independence Day Tuesday with the economy and land issues dominating the debate.
Addressing the nation from Rundu, about 700 kilometers from capital Windhoek, President Hage Geingob said the New Equitable Economic Empowerment Framework the government intends to introduce will come with conditions.
The conditions, Geingob said, are in regards to government tenders.
"Some people are opposed to NEEEF without providing alternative proposals," he said.
The government had to shelve the idea of introducing the framework last year after spirited opposition from various sectors of the society.
The opposition stemmed from one of the proposals in the framework that business should set aside 25 per cent shares to the previously disadvantaged Namibians.
Geingob said as Namibia celebrate the gift of independence, the people must also learn to share the gift of prosperity.
This year's celebrations come after some tribes whose ancestral lands were taken away by the Germans and the South African apartheid regime have upped their calls for the return of the land.
Talking about this issue Tuesday, Geingob said to understand the land issue, people need to interrogate the problem by revisiting history.
He said the willing seller, willing buyer concept Namibia adopted as part of the adherence to Resolution 435 has been slow in satisfying the wishes of the majority of Namibians.
"This means we need to refer back to our Constitution which allows for the expropriation of land with fair compensation and also look at foreign ownership of land, especially absentee land owners," he said.
Foreigners, according to land reform minister Utoni Nujoma in June last year, own 281 farms with a combined 1.3 million hectares.
Nujoma said most of these landowners are absentee landlords, with the Germans topping the list with 129 farms that measure 620,000 hectares.
Absentee South African landlords own 108 farms measuring 400,000 hectares, while Austrians are on third place with a total of seven farms (82,000 hectares).
Geingob further said the government welcomes proposals on how to deal with the issue of ancestral land to reach consensus before proceeding with new measures to address the problem.
"Of course, one question I ask when addressing the land is, who are the owners of Windhoek and the surrounding areas?" he asked.
The San, he said, always feel left out of the discussion on land even though they have more rights over the land than any other group of Namibians.
International travelers arrive at John F. Kennedy international airport in New York City, U.S., February 4, 2017. (REUTERS/Brendan McDermid)
WASHINGTON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Most electronic devices are banned as carry-on items on U.S.-bound non-stop flights departing from 10 airports in eight Middle East and African countries, the U.S. Homeland Security Department announced Tuesday in a statement, citing anti-terrorism concerns.
Effective immediately, passengers will be prohibited from carrying electronic devices larger than a cellphone, including laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, portable DVD players, electronic game units and travel printers or scanners, onto flights directly flying to the United States from 10 airports in Jordan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
These items could be stowed in checked luggage, said the DHS statement, adding that cellphones and medical devices are not included in the ban, which also does not apply to airline crew members.
"Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items," the statement explained the motive behind the ban.
"The affected overseas airports are: Queen Alia International Airport (AMM), Cairo International Airport (CAI), Ataturk International Airport (IST), King Abdul-Aziz International Airport (JED), King Khalid International Airport (RUH), Kuwait International Airport (KWI), Mohammed V Airport (CMN), Hamad International Airport (DOH), Dubai International Airport (DXB), and Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH)", said the statement.
The policy will impact nine airlines, which will have 96 hours to start enforcing the new security protocols and could have their certificate to fly to the U.S. revoked if they do not comply, local media reported, noting that no U.S. air carriers are affected because none of them have non-stop flights from the 10 impacted airports.
The Donald Trump administration did not offer details about how the airports were selected, only saying the decision was based on intelligence and that it was not specific to a country or location.
The Home Security Department also did not signal how long the ban would last or if it would be expanded to other airports, just said that more than 250 airports around the world serve as last points of departure to the United States and the 10 only makes up "a small percentage".
There is no impact on domestic flights in the United States or flights departing the United States. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the United States, according to the statement.
The U.S. government has been concerned about explosives being hidden in electronic devices for some time. Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula has been trying to build bombs with little or no metal in order to evade screening, said local media reports.
YEREVAN, Armenia, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A ceremony was held at the Armenian Foreign Ministry on the initialing of the Armenia-EU Comprehensive and Enhanced Partnership Agreement (CEPA) on Tuesday, announced the press office of the Armenian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Armenian Foreign Minister Edward Nalbandian on Tuesday expressed confidence that the partnership agreement would "open a new page" in the EU-Armenia relations. Nalbandian added that the agreement will be signed this year.
On Feb. 27, during his visit to Brussels, Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan announced the finalization of negotiations with the EU over the comprehensive and enhanced partnership agreement.
Armenia was in negotiations with the EU earlier over an Association Agreement that also included a deep economic aspect involving free trade between the parties.
However, in September of 2013, Armenia made a surprising U-turn by announcing it was seeking membership in the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union instead. The government then explained the move as a need to tighten security ties with Russia.
HO CHI MINH CITY, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's Ho Chi Minh City is improving its business environment to create the best conditions for foreign firms, including those from Singapore, to make productive investments.
Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong made the remark at a meeting with Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who is in an official visit to Vietnam, in the city on Tuesday, Vietnam News Agency reported.
He said Ho Chi Minh City has pioneered in promoting cooperation with Singapore and hoped the country, as the biggest investor in the city, will carry out a major investment project to symbolize their sound cooperative ties.
The official suggested Singapore steps up cooperation and investment in clean food industrial parks, provide technological support for planning management and metro line development.
The southern metropolis wants to receive more assistance from Singapore in improving human resources quality and learn from its experience in urban management and development, and smart city building, he added.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the relations between Vietnam and Singapore have been increasingly reinforced and developed over the past time, illustrated by the strong growth of the 21-year-old Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park.
The presence of over 900 projects invested by Singaporean firms is a vivid demonstration of the country's interest in Ho Chi Minh City, he said, adding that Singapore hopes to conduct more cooperation activities with the city, including the exchange of officials and experience sharing in metropolis management, building and development. Enditem
NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A Kenya doctor trained in China is planning to promote the use of Chinese medicine in Kenya.
Dr Mwamaka Sharifu, who is currently pursuing doctoral studies in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Tongji Medical College of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, told Xinhua in Nairobi that Chinese medicine offers numerous benefits over conventional medicine.
"Chinese medicine tends to focus on the whole person and can promotes long-term well being of the person," Sharifu said during a ceremony where Sino-Africa Firefly Charity donated foodstuffs to victims of a fire that occurred in the Kibera slums.
During the event, Sharifu was appointed as an ambassador of the Sino-Africa Firefly Charity.
"I will use the platform to promote people to people Sino-Africa relations," she added.
Sharifu said that Chinese medicine is even more relevant in Kenya today because it is effective in curing and controlling non-communicable disease whose cases are on increase.
Sharifu, 31, is of Afro-Chinese ancestry.
Over 600 years a Chinese ship sunk off the East Africa coastline close to port of Lamu. Sharifu traces her roots to the Chinese survivors who swam to the shore and married locals.
Her journey to study in China began in 2004, when she finished high school and her parents could not afford to pay her fees to study in university.
"I decided to write a letter to the Chinese embassy in Nairobi for scholarship to study in China," she said.
She left for China in 2005 after receiving a scholarship to study in the Asian nation.
Sharifu completed an undergraduate degree in Chinese medicine in 2012 and her masters three years later in Western and Chinese medicine.
The Kenyan doctor hopes to complete her doctoral studies in 2018 and thereafter relocate to Kenya.
"I hope to work in hospitals and universities from where I will help to increase awareness of the advantages of Chinese medicine," she told Xinhua.
She explained that a number of Kenyan universities have decided to start programs in Chinese medicine. Enditem
NEW DELHI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The armies of India and Nepal had concluded joint military exercises, Defense officials said Tuesday.
The exercises were held in northern Indian state of Uttarakhand.
"A regiment of Indian army and Nepalese army participated in the joint exercise named Surya Kiran - XI," a defense spokesman said.
"The exercises were aimed at training troops in counter insurgency operations and enhancing defence cooperation and military relations between the two countries."
The training was conducted in the hilly areas of Pithoragarh, east of Dehradun city, the capital of Uttarakhand.
Indian defense officials said the joint exercises provided an ideal platform for the personnel of the two armies to share their experiences.
"The training was conducted in the hills adjoining Pithoragarh giving realistic environ to the contingents to practice and rehearse drills," the spokesman said. "Besides training, troops also engaged in other traditional military activities."
On Sunday the armies of India and Oman concluded a similar joint exercise in adjacent Himachal Pradesh.
WARSAW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The percentage of elderly people in Poland is constantly rising, Professor Piotr Szukalski, demography expert from University of Lodz, was quoted as saying.
On Tuesday, Polish Press Agency reported that according to current data, there are over 1.6 million people very advanced in age, which means an eightfold increase in comparison to that in 1950, when this group was only 180,000. Therefore, the eldest people currently constitute 4 percent of the population.
Szukalski believed this is an inevitable process, which is connected with better living conditions and the progress of medicine. The aging process is more severe in Lodzkie, Swietokrzyskie and Podlaskie regions.
The high percentage of the elderly is also a result when young people leave these regions in search for job opportunities. Another vital problem is relatively low child birth rate.
This causes a necessity of providing system and institutional support, including 24/7 professional care facilities and nursery homes. Szukalski emphasized that so far, many care-related problems are solved by family members, but in future, considering the lower birth rate, young people's migration abroad, the elderly might no longer count on this type of care.
A solution to the problem might be the development of advances technologies, providing care, medical and nursing help. It will, however, be a costly solution, which does not also compensate for the lack of intimacy and feeling of loneliness. Enditem
LUSAKA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Cholera has broken out in two districts of northern Zambia, with 70 people hospitalized, the country's Ministry of Health said on Tuesday.
Wezi Kaonga, acting spokesperson in the Ministry of Health, said cholera has broken out in Chiengi and Mpulungu districts although no deaths have been recorded so far.
Twenty-three new cases were reported in Chiengi district, mostly from an illegal fishing camp, over the weekend bringing the cumulative total to 54 while a total of 16 cumulative cases have been recorded in Mpulungu district, he added.
"The ministry has move in to prevent further outbreaks of cholera in the affected areas, and so far no death has been recorded in the treatment centers," he said.
Health promotion campaigns are currently underway in the two districts to alert residents on preventive measures.
Cholera, an infectious disease that afflicts people through drinking water contaminate with cholera bacteria, is common in Zambia, especially during the rainy season due to poor sanitation situations, especially in densely populated areas. Enditem
THE HAGUE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The official results of the Dutch elections confirmed the rightist liberals VVD's victory over the far-rightist PVV, with VVD winning 33 out of 150 seats in the lower house of the parliament and PVV 20 seats, the Dutch Electoral Council announced at a public session on Tuesday.
Jan-Kees Wiebenga, chairman of the Dutch Electoral Council, said that there were no major irregularities during the voting day.
"Of course not anything went well," he said, referring to irregularities in counting in Rotterdam and Den Bosch, a shortage of ballots in Nijmegen, and some voters abroad receiving their call to vote too late.
"For a recount there has to be a strong suspicion that the mistakes could influence the final division of seats. That was not the case," he said.
The VVD of outgoing Prime Minister Mark Rutte became the biggest party in the House of Representatives, ahead of the far-right Party for Freedom PVV that garnered 20 seats.
The Christian Democrats CDA and the leftist liberals D66 got 19 seats each, followed by the Socialist Party SP and green leftists GroenLinks with 14 seats each and the Labor PvdA nine, the official results showed.
Although the VVD remained the biggest party, it lost eight seats compared to the 2012 elections. The junior partner of the outgoing ruling coalition PvdA became the biggest loser with a massive loss of 29 seats compared to the previous elections, while the Socialist Party SP lost one seat.
The green lefties GroenLinks became the biggest winner with a rise of 10 seats from four to 14 seats, while PVV, CDA and D66 gained five, six and seven seats respectively, compared to in 2012.
The other seats went to the smaller parties, with ChristianUnion getting five, Party for Animals five, the party for elderly 50Plus four, Christian party SGP three, immigrant party DENK three, and the far-right populist party Forum voor Democratie two.
The new House of Representatives consists of 54 women and 96 men.
The turnout was 81.9 percent, which means a total of 10,563,456 voters out of the total of 12,893,466 eligible Dutch citizens casting their votes. The turnout was much higher than the turnout of 2012, which ultimately came out at 74.6 percent.
The process of forming a government coalition has started with outgoing Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Edith Schippers being tasked of examining the preferred coalitions by talking to all 13 party leaders that garnered seats in the new parliament.
As winner of the elections, the VVD normally gets the initiative to form a government. VVD leader Mark Rutte expressed his preference for a "stable majority" coalition consisting of the VVD, the Christian Democrats CDA and the leftist liberals D66.
Regarding a fourth party, which is needed to get a majority in the House, Rutte mentioned Socialist Party SP, ChristianUnion ChristenUnie, GreenLeft GroenLinks and Labor PvdA as options. He excluded, just like other mainstream parties, cooperation with the anti-Islam ad anti-Europe party PVV.
It seems Schippers will look at a VVD, D66, CDA and GroenLinks coalition first, as she invited the leaders of these four parties first on Tuesday. She will have to present her first report by Wednesday and according to schedule the report will be discussed on Thursday in the parliament.
After the Brexit vote and Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election, a win for the VVD, instead of the far-right PVV, in Dutch elections, has offered huge relief to other governments across Europe facing a wave of populism.
European leaders sent congratulatory messages and the euro gained as the exit poll results unveiled soon after the voting closed on March 15 and pointed to a clear Rutte victory.
By Denis Elamu
JUBA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The first batch of the much awaited African peacekeeping force with mandate to restore peace in South Sudan will arrive in the country soon, the United Nations peacekeeping chief revealed Tuesday.
The Under Secretary-General for Peacekeeping operations Herve Ladsous told journalists in Juba that the delayed deployment of the protection force was due to hiccups in getting clearance from the government.
"We are sparing no effort to speed up (deployment of protection force). I think I can say that in the next few weeks you will see the first vanguard of the protection force being deployed here in Juba," Ladsous said.
"The deployment of the regional protection force, we are working actively on it. We did lose time because there was a delay in getting clearances and authorization here (in South Sudan)," he added.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) issued Resolution 2304 in August last year, allowing deployment of more than 4,000 troops to beef up the existing 13,000 UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) force.
South Sudan accepted the deployment of the protection force in November 2016 but later reneged in January this year following renewed clashes in the capital between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar who is in exile in South Africa.
The fighting that left about 300 soldiers dead, also spread near to the UN Juba base in which thousands of internally displaced persons are seeking shelter resulting in the death of some three Chinese peacekeepers.
It further spread to once peaceful Equatorial region with the UN warning of ethnic cleansing leading to genocide in the aftermath of heinous atrocities being visited on largely civilians in the remote town of Yei Southwest of the capital.
"The situation in this country remains a source of many concerns an issue that the Secretary General since he came in the UN in January has put among his chief concerns," Ladsous said.
He added the volatile situation remains under the close scrutiny of the UNSC which failed in it's attempts to impose arms embargo on South Sudan.
The outgoing peacekeepers chief said they were very alarmed by the very serious humanitarian situation, and worrisome security issues of fighting that takes place in many parts of the country.
"In this context it's clear that there can't be military solution but political solution," he said.
Ladsous also revealed that President Kiir vowed after the two held meeting in Juba to support the protection force and protect aid workers that have increasingly suffered from restricted movements while reaching out to those faced with famine.
In late February, the UN declared famine in some parts of the country with 100,000 people starving, and 1 million on the brink of starvation and a further 5.5 million in dire need of food assistance caused by more than three years of fighting since December 2013.
"We have faced a number of impediments in terms of freedom of movement, getting clearances, very importantly the humanitarian actors have been severely impeded in their actions on the ground," he said.
"I think South Sudan is one of the countries in the world where we have had humanitarian workers being prevented from doing their work, being killed or injured on their job," he added.
Photo taken on March 21, 2017 shows the donation ceremony in Lusaka, Zambia. Chinese Medical Team working in Zambia on Tuesday donated three sets of tele-medicine equipment aimed at improving health care services in Zambian hospitals. (Xinhua/Peng Lijun)
LUSAKA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Medical Team working in Zambia on Tuesday donated three sets of tele-medicine equipment aimed at improving health care services in Zambian hospitals.
The 18th Chinese Medical Team donated three sets of telemedicine equipment to be installed at three other public hospitals after the success of the first equipment donated at one hospital -- the Levy Mwanawasa Hospital in Lusaka, the country's capital.
Team Leader Dr. Jianjun Guo told Xinhua after the donations of the equipment at the Ministry of Health that the equipment will be installed at the University Teaching Hospital in Lusaka, Livingstone Hospital in the southern part of the country and Ndola Hospital on the Copperbelt Province.
"We established the first telemedicine center at the Levy Mwanawasa Hospital last year which has really worked very well because it has improved collaboration between doctors in China and here in Zambia. Today, we donated three sets of equipment which will be donated to three other hospitals," Guo said.
According to him, the system has helped improve healthcare delivery as doctors from China and Zambia were able to work on complicated cases together through telecast, adding that the establishment of the equipment in all four hospitals in Zambia will also help improve interaction among local health personnel.
The system, he said, has also helped in imparting new medical techniques to Zambian doctors as well as developing academic exchange system between the two countries.
Dr. Jabin Mulwanda, permanent secretary in Zambia's Ministry of Health, said while receiving the equipment that Zambia will forever be grateful to China for its support in various sectors, including the health sector.
China, he said, has supported Zambia in various areas of the health sector such as infrastructure development, training of health personnel and donation of equipment.
The donated equipment will help Zambia modernize its healthcare delivery system, he added.
The 18th Medical Team came to Zambia in April last year and the team leader said a lot has been achieved in this period to help improve healthcare delivery.
As of February this year, the team had conducted 1,216 operations in the four hospitals, anesthetized 1,530 patients, diagnosed 9,495 outpatients and produced 16,754 various reports.
The team has also been conducted free healthcare services in small health care centers and in rural areas during week-ends.
Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha (R) and visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte attend a press conference after their meeting at the Government House in Bangkok, Thailand, March 21, 2017. (Xinhua/Li Mangmang)
BANGKOK, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Thailand and the Philippines pledged here Tuesday to boost military cooperation between the two countries to address security issues like terrorism and illegal drugs.
The pledge was made at a joint press conference after the meeting between Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-Cha and visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
"We stress the need to address traditional and emerging threats to our collective security and stability. This includes transnational crimes such as terrorism and violent extremism, piracy at sea as well as the trafficking of persons and illicit drugs," Duterte told the press.
Thailand, like the Philippines, continues to wrestle with the spread of illegal drugs.
During their meeting, the two leaders also believed that the South China Sea should be a sea of peace, stability and sustainable development" for the sake of the region and its peoples.
The two also witnessed the signing of agreements on tourism, agriculture as well as science and technology aimed at boosting economic growth in their countries.
This is Duterte's first official visit to Thailand.
by Marian Draganov
SOFIA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Five to seven players would enter the Bulgarian parliament after Sunday's elections, and the formation of a government would largely depend on the small parties, a leading political analyst said Tuesday.
Kolyo Kolev, director of Mediana Polling Agency, said in an interview with Xinhua that 28.6 percent of voters would support the Bulgarian Socialist Party (BSP) and 26.6 percent would back the GERB party.
Meanwhile, about 8-9 percent of the ballots will go to the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) and the United Patriots, while Volya party would take some 8.5 percent, Kolev said.
Two other players also had the chance to overcome the four-percent barrier to enter the 240-seat parliament, including the Reformist Bloc-People's Voice coalition and the ABV-Movement 21 coalition, Kolev said.
"Depending on the number of parties in the future parliament, it means 80 to 85 legislators for BSP and GERB, 23-26 for MRF, Patriots and Volya, and 10-11 for the other two parties," Kolev said.
Direct BSP-GERB coalition for now was impossible and any other double coalition was not sufficient, so the formation of the government would be extremely difficult, he said.
For example, GERB should play with the Reformists, and to try to get support from the Patriots and Volya, Kolev said.
However, such a configuration would be very strange as the Reformers have constantly accused Volya of nationalism and populism.
"The things with BSP look pretty much the same way. If ABV enter the parliament, they can easily play together, but it makes 96 votes. If the Patriots are added, the majority is near, but not certain," Kolev said.
The leader of Volya has hinted about a possible partnership with BSP, but the situation is difficult because the Patriots are a coalition of three parties, and one of them may not agree to play with BSP, he said.
Meanwhile, the supporters of BSP and GERB did not want a coalition with MRF, he said.
In this situation, the formation of a government in the next parliament would largely depend on the small parties and compromises that the small parties would make, Kolev said.
"Due to the complicated international situation near the Bulgarian border and the Bulgarian presidency of the European Union (EU) Council in 2018, I think the chance of forming a government in the next parliament exceeds 50 percent but is no more than 60 percent," Kolev said.
In view of the Bulgarian presidency and the tensions in the region, the election of an expert government with a horizon of two years was a possible form of compromise, "but it seems too sensible to happen," Kolev added.
MOGADISHU, March 21 (Xinhua) -- At least 5 people including government soldiers were on Tuesday evening killed and more than 10 others injured after a huge car bomb attack occurred at a checkpoint at National theater near Somali Presidential palace in Mogadishu, an official said.
Spokesman of Benadir regional Administration Abdifitah Omar Halane told reporters that the terrorist militant group of Al-Shabaab carried out the attack and killed government soldiers and civilians around the area.
"At least 5 people were killed in this terrorist attack and more than 10 others injured. Government soldiers, women and children are among the victims. The vehicle was a minibus filled with explosive elements," Halane said.
He added that the government soldiers tried their best to foil and preempt the attack.
A security official who declined his name to be used for the media told Xinhua by phone that he saw 7 people including three government soldiers killed in the attack.
Abdulahi Osman Gure, director of Kulmiye radio, a local F.M station in Mogadishu, said that he saw many dead bodies.
"The explosion was very loud and caused death and injuries. I saw more than five people who died on the spot, and many others including a journalist who were wounded," Gure told reporters in Mogadishu.
Ibrahim Mohamud Azhari, a state radio journalist, told Xinhua that he was very shocked and thought the blast around him.
"I am very shocked when I heard the huge explosion which was deafening, I could not guess how something happened, it was a very terrifying blast," Azhari said.
The car bomb attack also caused mass destruction of the buildings near by.
No group has claimed the responsibility of the latest attack in Mogadishu so far. But it comes hours after the Somali Prime Minister announced his cabinet ministers today.
By Maria Spiliopoulou
ATHENS, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A symbolic anti-racism rally was held in the center of Athens on Tuesday on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination commemorated annually on March 21, as a new survey revealed the increased xenophobia of Greek society.
During a "walk against discriminations" organized with the initiative of the Greek Forum of Migrants, politicians, artists and representatives of various groups confronting racism (LGBT, Roma, migrants, HIV positive, refugees, drug addicts, religious minorities etc.) shouted "no to racism" in front of the Greek parliament.
Among protesters "marching together for a better world" was Maria Giannakaki, Secretary General of Transparency and Human Rights at the Greek Ministry of Justice, conveying the message of the Greek government against racism.
The phobic and racist syndromes are incompatible with the status of an EU member-state, Greek President Prokopis Pavlopoulos said in an e-mailed message for the day.
"We are united. This phenomenon (racism) does not concern only refugees and migrants... We are all here together; united sending the message that in a state committed to the rule of law it is our obligation to defend the weak," Ahmed Moavia, head of the Greek Forum of Migrants, told Xinhua during Tuesday's protest.
"We are all equal, there are no differences. Equality." Sadia from Egypt added.
Anna Perkin joined the march representing the transgender community.
"In the trans community we know well what racism and discrimination is... Starting from our families to the job market, where marginalization is huge, we face many problems on a daily basis... Have you seen several trans people working in the public sector?" she said.
Banners with messages for humanity, equality and solidarity were also raised on Saturday when another 2,000 protesters participated in a similar rally.
Nevertheless, the results of a poll released on Tuesday showed that the fight against prejudice and racism is still long.
Although Greek people have been praised in the past two years for the solidarity they demonstrated facing the refugee-migrant influx in addition to the seven- year debt crisis, the survey revealed widespread xenophobia.
Almost two thirds of Greeks consider migrants a threat on an economic, social and cultural level, according to a survey by the National Center for Social Research (EKKE), Greek national news agency AMNA reported.
The 65 percent of respondents said that migrants were bad for Greece's economy, 59 percent consider that migrants are taking their jobs and 57 percent that cultural life has deteriorated because of migrants, rather than becoming enriched.
MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia continued to be the world's largest oil producer in January for the second consecutive month, official data showed Tuesday.
Russia's daily oil output averaged at about 10.8 million barrels in January, slightly more than 10.5 million barrels in December, according to data released by the Russian Federal State Statistics Service (Rosstat).
Saudi Arabia trailed behind in these two months, with its daily output averaging 9.95 million barrels in January, the data showed.
Saudi Arabia ranked the world's No. 1 oil producer in November, pumping oil at a rate of 10.6 million barrels per day compared to Russia's 10.4 million.
Crude oil accounted for nearly 30 percent of Russia's total exports in January, up from 25 percent in the same period last year, Rosstat data showed.
To shore up persistently weak oil prices, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and 11 non-OPEC producers, including Russia, agreed in November 2016 to trim production by a total of 1.8 million barrels per day.
The reduction deal became effective on Jan. 1, 2017 and runs until July this year. Russia promised to cut its daily oil output by up to 300,000 barrels in a gradual manner.
Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak said last week that he expected Russian companies to reach the reduction target by the end of April.
On Monday, rating firm Moody's raised the outlook for the global integrated oil and gas sector from stable to positive, noting that the production curb will allow producers' operating margins to improve as prices increase.
ACCRA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Ghana made its plans for forest plantation rejuvenation here on Tuesday, putting together an innovative Forest Plantation Investment Forum (FPIF).
The 15-member body is made up of representatives of state and non-state actors in the forestry sector from both local and international organizations.
Inaugurating the forum to commemorate International Day of The Forest 2017, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Forestry Commission, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, urged the 15-member body to do all they could to ensure that the Forestry Commission is well resourced to carry out its intended mandate.
"Following the launch of the 'Forest and Wildlife policy of 2012' and the subsequent launch of the 'Ghana Forest Plantation Strategy: 2016 to 2040' in November 2016, it has become imperative to take concrete steps to actualize the intended actions specified in these strategic documents to ensure the achievements of goals and targets," he explained.
He urged members of the FPIF to keep to their mandate of creating a win-win situation for all stakeholders and the country.
"The FPIF has been charged with two key aims: promote the interests of investors and lead the advocacy effort to create an enabling environment for investments in forest plantations by influencing legal, policy and administrative reforms that will facilitate the achievement of the stated objectives."
The day also coincided with the United Nations' International Day of the Forest, with the CEO lamenting the continued degradation of Ghana's forest cover.
"In spite of the many benefits derived from the forest, the forest and wildlife resources of Ghana continue to face serious threats of degradation due to factors such as illegal logging, illegal mining, unsustainable farming practices, rampant wildfires, poaching, charcoal burning, and collection of fuel wood in commercial quantities, among others," Owusu Afriyie noted.
These activities, he added, resulted in severe climate change patterns, including the drying up of water bodies, depletion of prime timber species such as Odum, mahogany, asafina, and sapele, as well as the destruction of wildlife habitats, loss of soil fertility and low agricultural productivity.
Government and its partners, the CEO said, had embarked upon major interventions such as legislative reforms, law enforcement, restoration of degraded landscapes through the National Forestry Planning Development Program, promotion of woodlot establishment, and sustainable use of land and water resources, among others, to reverse the trend.
Chairman of the Forum, Prof. Dan Ofori of the University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) told Xinhua later in an interview why such a forum is needed.
"It is a fact that government alone cannot do it, and if government cannot do it, then which other stakeholders can? Mainly, it is private sector-led, it's donor-led and NGO-led so this forum enables us to bring all of these people to come together and we can get some important investment into the sector, to grow our forests and plant trees."
"As we said, once our forests are vibrant, we are creating jobs, we are creating sources of funding for the government to be able to do all manner of activities and then it helps everybody," Ofori stated. Enditem
Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov sails in the Barents Sea in 2004. (Xinhua/AP photo)
MOSCOW, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Russia will start to repair its sole aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov later in 2017 and arm it with new equipment, a senior navy official said Tuesday.
"I think the renovation will begin this year," Viktor Bursuk, deputy commander-in-chief of the Russian Navy, was quoted by RIA Novosti news agency as saying.
Bursuk said the aircraft carrier will not undergo major modifications but "new models of equipment" will be installed on the vessel.
Admiral Kuznetsov returned to its home base in February from the Mediterranean, where it participated in an anti-terrorist mission in Syria.
During two months of combat operations, Admiral Kuznetsov's aircraft carried out 420 sorties, but two jets rolled off the deck after the arresting wires broke.
CAPE TOWN, March 21 (Xinhua) -- South Africans marked the Human Rights Day on Tuesday, with both President Jacob Zuma and the opposition Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) calling for the restitution of land.
"As part of our commitment to the restoration of human dignity of our people, we will be taking practical and reasonable measures to return the land to the people," Zuma said at a rally in King William's Town, Eastern Cape to mark the Human Rights Day.
Land is mentioned specifically in the Constitution especially the need for restitution, Zuma said.
"We will use all available instruments necessary in expediting land restitution and respond to land hunger," Zuma said.
South Africa indeed needs liberated minds in order to achieve radical economic transformation, said Zuma.
He said the economy must be unbundled so that white monopoly control can be loosened and the entry of black people is allowed into the mainstream of the South African economy.
The Human Rights Day is observed in the country on March 21 to commemorate the Sharpeville Massacre in 1960, in which 69 people were killed by apartheid police during a march for free movement in Sharpeville, Gauteng Province. In 1994 when apartheid was brought to an end, the South African government declared March 21 as the Human Rights Day.
The EFF also used this year's Human Rights Day to stress the need for land reform.
Human rights will always be incomplete without land, the party said.
The EFF called for expropriation of land without compensation.
"This day is an assertion that until there is justice and equality in relation to land, until the dignity of Black people is restored through access to land, any human rights attained are incomplete," EFF spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said.
The land issue has been a hard nut to crack for the South African government, which has been criticized for failing on its ambitious land reform target of transferring 30 percent of white-owned land to black farmers by 2014.
This was a promised made by the ruling African National Congress when it took power in 1994.
Since 1994, the Department of Rural Development and Land Reform, through the redistribution program, has transferred 4.7 million hectares of land, official figures show.
This is made up of 5,281 projects amounting to 12 billion rand (about 923 million US dollars).
More than 120,000 households have benefitted from the redistribution, the figures show. But this falls far short of the target set by the ANC.
KIGALI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The World Bank Group President Dr. Jim Yong Kim described Rwanda's use of drones to deliver life-saving blood as best example of how governments can tap into latest technologies for benefit of their citizens.
Kim arrived in Kigali on Tuesday for a two-day visit.
He headed to tour Rwanda's drone port project run by U.S. firm Zipline Inc. in Muhanga, southern Rwanda.
In Muhanga, he witnessed demonstration of blood delivery using drones by the Zipline team.
He said the drones could be used to deliver more medical products, including vaccines and other urgently required medicines.
"Using drones to deliver blood is truly a life-saving innovation and a credit to Rwanda's leadership. It'll greatly improve health outcomes," Kim said in a tweet.
After the demonstration he noted that one of the greatest challenges especially in developing countries healthcare systems is that when someone has an emergency requiring urgent attention, it is often difficult to get the supplies where needed.
The drone port project was launched last October. The drones deliver life saving blood to more than 20 health facilities in the western part of the country which were inaccessible by vehicles, according to Rwandan officials.
The use of drones reduced the duration of delivery of blood to about 30 minutes from 4 to 5 hours, officials explained.
Meanwhile, the World Bank Group president affirmed the lender's commitment to support Rwanda's development process in all possible ways.
He said he was very optimistic about the future of Rwanda, despite many obstacles and challenges.
"I am here to say to President Paul Kagame and the Rwandan people that the World Bank Group is ready to help in any way that they can and that we believe in the future of Rwanda and we believe that it will continue to be a model for the entire world," Kim said after touring ICT innovation centre, kLab and Digital Fabrication Lab in Kigali.
He interacted with Rwandan young ICT entrepreneurs.
Kim is expected to address a public lecture at the Kigali Convention Centre on Wednesday and meet Kagame before winding up his visit. Enditem
NAIROBI, March 21 (Xinhua) -- More than 10 senior officials at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport JKIA were grilled over the seizure of rhino horns worth over 700,000 dollars in Vietnam as Interpol joined in the probe on Tuesday.
They include senior managers working for Kenya Airport KAA accused of colluding in the smuggling ring of 119 kilograms of rhino horn stashed in two suitcases.
Detectives from Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCIO) are investigating how the horns were sneaked from Malawi to Nairobi en route to Vietnam via National Carrier Kenya Airways.
The detectives are now probing how the haul managed to pass through the busy airport undetected.
JKIA police station DCIO Julius Mbati is the lead investigator in the latest seizure believed to be involving kingpin involved in elephant and rhino poaching in the Africa.
Mbati is leading a multi-agency team investigating the seizure in analyzing CCTV footage that captures crew members removing tag from the two suitcases and concealing the suitcases.
The multi-agency team will hand over report to the Director of CID Ndegwa Muhoro and inspector General of police Joseph with possible prosecution of the main suspects once investigations are complete.
"The investigation is complex and the government has sought assistance from different agencies including the Interpol to assist in the cross border investigation to unearth the syndicate." He added.
The haul was impounded at Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport last week 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.
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. Enditem
VIENNA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Austrian enterprises increased their spending on research and development (R&D) by over nine percent from 2013 to 2015, to take the total to 6.6 billion euros (7.1 billion U.S. dollars), Statistics Austria revealed on Tuesday.
The preliminary results from the statistics office mean the increase in R&D spending is notably higher than that of economic growth in the country, that increased a nominal 5.4 percent over the same period.
This also took R&D spending from 1.86 percent of GDP in 2013 to 1.94 percent in 2015, and marks almost a doubling of this figure since 1998.
Statistics Austria further revealed that about 4.54 billion euros of the 2015 R&D total came from the "production of goods" sector of the economy.
A further 667 million euros came from public funds, while just over one billion euros came from sources outside of Austria. Enditem
NICOSIA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- A European Commission document warning Cyprus of its economy being in danger of overheating and deviating from from medium-term budgetary objectives has been withdrawn, Finance Minister Harris Georgiades said on Tuesday.
Georgiades told the state television that he told a Eurogroup meeting on Monday in Brussels that the Commission's views about signs of overheating of the economy was a mistaken projection that was based on a wrong methodology.
"The Eurogroup accepted my argument and withdrew its deviation warning and recommendations about the need for corrective measures, such as raising or imposing new taxes," Georgiades said.
"The Eurogroup has initiated the process to change the methodology that led to the assumption that Cyprus's structural balance will turn into a deficit of 1.9 per cent of GDP," he added.
The Cypriot Finance Ministry maintains that the structural deficit will reach only 1.0 per cent of GDP.
Cyprus was pulled back from bankruptcy in a 10-billion-euro bailout in 2013 and returned to economic growth at the endo of 2015, after 12 consecutive quarters of deep depression.
"Applying the European Commission's recommendations would result in stifling growth," said Georgiades.
He added that he made it clear to the Eurogroup meeting that Cyprus "will safeguard the main approach of its policy which is focused on strengthening and guarding growth and concurrently maintaining a balanced budget".
VIENNA, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Austrian Minister of Defense Hans Peter Doskozil on Tuesday expressed skepticism over a potential refugee deal with Libya, which is similar to that was struck with Turkey.
According to an Austria Press Agency report, the minister cited the present political uncertainty as grounds for his view.
He suggested processing centers be established in more stable countries, rather than sending large sums of money to the UN-backed regime in Libya.
The latter just on Monday asked for 800 million euros (865 million U.S. dollars) worth of equipment in order to stem the flow of refugees across the Mediterranean.
Doskozil further renewed calls for increased border protection measures along the Western Balkans migration route that he claimed is still not fully closed.
The Austrian Armed Forces are prepared to assist in this process, with Serbia having already asked for assistance.
Necessary amendments to an act that would allow Austrian troops to engage in border protection efforts in foreign countries still need to be passed. Enditem
ZAGREB, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) must step up its engagement in Southeast Europe so that other countries cannot fill the void, top leaders of Croatia and Sweden agreed on Tuesday.
Swedish Prime Minister Stefan Lofven said that he discussed with visiting Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic the developments in Southeast Europe and they agreed the EU should play a more significant role in the region, according to Croatian News Agency HINA.
Despite Brexit, the EU must step up its engagement, Grabar-Kitarovic said, adding that if the EU did not get involved politically and economically in the region, other countries would fill the void.
She said the ethnic conflicts, Islamic radicalization and the influence of third countries, such as Russia and Turkey, have destabilized Southeast Europe in 2016 and 2017, HINA reported.
The integration of those countries into the EU and NATO was a prerequisite for peace and stability in the region, she added.
Lofven said something must to be done that would make the countries feel they are part of the European plan.
The two officials also discussed the current situation between EU and Turkey, with the latter threatening to withdraw from the migrant agreement it signed with the EU in 2016. The threat apparently came in response to a ban on political rallies in several European cities ahead of Turkey's constitutional referendum.
The EU and Turkey must approach the issue in a sober manner, Lofven said, adding both sides depend on each other and tensions must be defused.
Sweden would continue implementing identity checks at the border, which was introduced last year as a part of a broader European response to the migrant crisis, and the checks would remain in place through May, he added.
Grabar-Kitarovic arrived in Stockholm on Monday for a five-day trip as a return visit to Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia four years ago.
KHARTOUM, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Sudan and Egypt on Tuesday expressed their total rejection for unacceptable insults or offenses to any of the two countries or sisterly peoples.
They expressed such will through a telephone conversation between Sudan's Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour and Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri, according to a statement of Sudan's Foreign Ministry.
The two ministers reiterated the importance of adopting maximum degrees of wisdom in dealing with the irresponsible attempts by some users of social media and media outlets who are tending to harm the strong relations and upper interests of the two countries' peoples.
They further expressed their full appreciation for the culture, history and civilization of each country, reiterating that "the Nile is the life-line which bonds the Sudanese and Egyptians peoples and bolsters their fraternity throughout the ages."
According to the statement, the two ministers agreed to hold the coming round of political consultations in Khartoum, at the level of foreign ministers, during the first half of next April.
SKOPJE, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Visiting European Union (EU) officials Tuesday urged Macedonian political parties to walk out stalemate and form a new government as soon as possible to continue the country's reforms.
EU Commissioner for Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations Johannes Hahn and MEPs Ivo Vajgl, Eduard Kukan and Knut Fleckenstein visited Macedonia Tuesday in a bid to encourage political parties here to find a away to settle the situation and restore normalcy in the country.
The EU officials had separate meetings with the main political leaders, except for the President of Macedonia Gjorge Ivanov who informed earlier the cancellation of the meeting.
During the meetings with the heads of the main political parties here, Hahn and the three MEPs called on political parties in Macedonia to respect the democracy as well as the majority in parliament, local media reported.
On the other hand, they also appealed for not spurring inter-ethnic tensions in Macedonia as such thing would further deepen the deadlock here.
Zoran Zaev, the head of the Social Democratic Union (SDSM), had a press conference Tuesday evening where he declared that the EU officials had requested the acceleration of the process for coming out of the political crisis as according to them each lost day was detrimental to Macedonia.
The messages of the EU Commissioner and MEPs are clear. We must hurry up, Zaev told reporters.
According to Zaev, Hahn and MEPs expressed readiness to speed up Macedonia's EU integration process if the country conducted successful reforms while he pledged to keep directing with utmost care the democratic processes in the country by electing a Parliament Speaker.
In another press conference, the head of the largest ethnic Albanian party, DUI, Ali Ahmeti said that the EU officials requested the finding of ways to find a way out of crisis.
"The European Commissioner and the three MEPs urged institutions to be formed as soon as possible and they also called on political stakeholders to be accountable until successful formation of the institutions in Macedonia," Ahmeti said after his meeting with the EU officials.
Meanwhile, the head of the VMRO-DPMNE Nikola Gruevski refused to make any statement after the meeting with Hahn and other three MEPs, media here reported.
Johannes Hahn wrote earlier in a post on social network that EU path was open for Skopje after last EU Council but clock was ticking.
"Need statesmanship instead of tactics. Economy hurting," Hahn wrote.
The visit of the EU officials was held while thousands of protesters resumed their protest across the country, protesting against the platform presented by the head of SDSM Zoran Zaev who is now waiting to be mandated by the president to form a new government.
Macedonia held snap general elections on Dec. 11, 2016, during which the VMRO-DPMNE party secured 51 seats, the SDSM got 49, and the DUI obtained 10 in the new parliament.
With the most votes, the VMRO-DPMNE was mandated to form a government, but failed the mission within a deadline.
Thus, it's the SDSM's turn to make the attempt after it reached an agreement with ethnic Albanian parties and managed to secure 67 seats.
However, President Ivanov rejected to mandate SDSM leader Zaev to form a new government, claiming Zaev's government would support "a platform undermining Macedonia's sovereignty."
Fraudster gets 4 years jail
Howill Pooran, 29, of Duncan Village, San Fernando was arrested last Thursday and charged with nine counts of fraud. He was released from prison in June 2015 after serving a term of imprisonment for similar offences. On Friday last, Pooran appeared in the San Fernando Magistrates court and was remanded into custody to reappear yesterday.
He pleaded guilty before Senior Magistrate Nanette Forde-John.
Court prosecutor Cleyon Seedan itemised each count which disclosed how Pooran went about fleecing his victims, six of whom are women. The magistrate read to Pooran all nine charges that between 2015 and January this year, he took sums of money from Jennifer Aquiller, Natalie Goodridge, Nixon Elcock, Melinda Dasyne, Zina Vesprey, Jemma Gomez, Gabriel Guerra, Christie Theodore and Zion Millan.
The monies listed in the charges are: $13,500; $12,000; $18,000; $16,500; $3,500, $18,000; $13,500; $3,500 and $4,300. Seedan said all the charges alleged that Pooran took money on the pretext that he will supply his victims with foreign used vehicles. Pooran pleaded guilty and when Magistrate Forde- John asked him why he committed the crimes, he replied, I was in some problems. Cpl Khalil Hosein and PC Brandon Solozano, of Fraud Squad laid the charges. Pooran was sentenced to four years imprisonment on each count but since the sentence was ordered to be served concurrently, actual prison time will be four years.
Pooran has other fraud-related matters pending in other jurisdictions and is expected to make several court appearances in the coming days
Jury shown knives
The State resumed leading evidence and called a police Inspector who testified that when he questioned the accused Anand Babooram, 41, about the killings, Babooram insisted he wanted to see his father.
Babooram is on trial before Justice Althea Alexis-Windsor for killing Ramlochan and her baby boy Ishmael Timothy Ragbir, at the victims home in Solomon Street, Mayaro. Sgt Nizodeen Mohammed who was a Crime Scene Investigator testified that on August 13, 2005 at Ramlochans home, he found a purse and a black coloured knife in a black casing.
He returned with members of the waste disposal unit of the Sangre Grande Regional Corporation and after the cesspit was cleaned, he retrieved a brown handle knife.
He also took possession of a chequered boxer shorts. The two knives and shorts were shown to the jury. A light green-coloured and yellow-patterned pillow case which Mohammed seized, was also shown to the jury. Senior State Attorney Shabanna Shah is leading the prosecutions case.
Attorney Rekha Ramjit, instructed by attorney Gina Ramjohn, is defending Babooram and she cross-examined Mohammed who in answer to some of her questions, said he did not examine Ramlochans house for fingerprints because it did not appear to have been ransacked or tampered with.
He said he also did not lift any fingerprints from the knives.
Inspector Fitzgerald George testified that he recorded two interviews with accused Babooram, but on both occasions he refused to sign the notes. He said that when he confronted Babooram in a room in the Mayaro Police Station about the murders, the accused told him, Right now ah cyah talk. Ah could see meh father first? After I see he, I go see what happen. The trial is continuing
Guard held for beating cop
The suspect of Beach Road is said to have beaten PC Ramkissoon when he and another officer responded to a report of a disturbance in the area. Insp John laid the charge.
According to a police report, at about 6.30 pm on Sunday, PCs Ramkissoon and Ramsewak went to Beach Road, Palo Seco after receiving a report about a man behaving in a violent manner.
It was reported that they met the suspect and while speaking to him, he proceeded to assault Ramkissoon who suffered injuries to both hands including his right thumb.
Ramkissoon was taken to the Siparia Health Facility where he was treated and discharged.
The suspect was expected to appear in court yesterday.
Crowd flocks to see nude body
News that body was seen out at sea broke at 11.30 am, and when Newsday arrived, a crowd had gathered to watch as the nude body was seen floating in the water on its back.
Police who were contacted, in turn called in the TT Coast Guard.
The body was later retrieved by Coast Guard officers and once fished out of the sea, was taken to the Forensic Science Centre where an autopsy will be done to ascertain cause of death, after formal identification is made. Investigations are continuing.
Detained brother, a murder suspect
Police said the murder occurred in Marabella recently where a man was shot and killed.
Detectives from the Homicide Bureau (Region III) were expected to interview the suspect last evening.
Police are yet to determine whether or not the recovered firearm was the weapon used to commit the murder in Marabella.
On Sunday at about 9.20 am, officers led by ASP Mohammed and Insp Don Gajadhar received information and went to an apartment building at the corner of Railway and Tramline Road in Princes Town.
The officers who also included Sgt Ramlogan, PCs Ramkissoon, Mitchell, Smith, Guerra and Mohammed searched the apartment where they recovered a pistol with 15 rounds of ammunition and 235 grammes of marijuana.
They arrested the 24-year-old man and his 26-year-old sister and took them to the Princes Town Police Station.
Up to yesterday the siblings remained in police custody without any charges laid against them. Investigations are continuing.
2 in court for policewomans murder
Browne (K) is charged separately with illegally disposing of a body.
Browne has two former convictions for illegal vending and simple possession of marijuana while his ex-wife has a prior conviction for wounding and a pending case of obstruction. They are to return to court on April 18.
PC Joseph was reported missing on March 9 when she did not appear for work and relatives tried to contact her without success.
Her body was found by a fisherman in the Gulf of Paria on March 16. Cause of death could not be determined by the pathologist.
PC Joseph worked at the Morvant Police Station and was the mother of a four-year-old girl.
At yesterdays hearing, attorney for the two Criston J Williams complained to Chief Magistrate Ayers-Caesar of the conduct of the police involved in the investigation.
He said his instructing attorney Shirvani Ramkissoon wrote to acting Commissioner of Police Stephen Williams and director of the Police Complaints Authority David West.
Williams said his client Kenneth Brown made very damning allegations of unfair interrogation techniques by police. The letter also alleges that police used sleep deprivation on Browne.
Williams said his clients right to an attorney was also breached by police.
He complained that lawyers seeking the interests of the Brownes, including Richard Clark-Wills, Celeste St Louis- Clark Wills, Melissa Mano, Seena Baboolal, Shane Patience and Kirby Joseph were treated with contemptuous behaviour by police.
On Thursday last, Justice Nadia Kangaloo had given the police up to 4 pm yesterday to either charge Browne or release him.
The Brownes were charged late Sunday.
Ramdeen, Prakash hit judge-alone Bill
He spoke at a news briefing at the Opposition Leaders Office in Port-of-Spain, also attended by St Augustine MP Prakash Ramadhar and Naparima MP Rodney Charles.
The Trial by Judge Alone Bill amends the Offences Against the Person (OAP) Act and the Criminal Procedure Act. However, Ramdeen yesterday stuck to his senatorial guns to insist that the law courts had hit the OAP Acts Section 4(A) (6) as unconstitutional and had completely struck down Section 4(A)(7). You cant bring legislation to Parliament that the court has struck down, he said. (The cases were Gilbert Evelyn, 2007 and Mukesh Maharaj, 2009).
While welcoming Attorney General (AG) Faris Al Rawis reported statement that the OAP Act should have been amended to omit the sections rejected by the court, Ramdeen said the AG erred to say the Law Revision Commission should make these changes, as Ramdeen said this is done only by Parliament at the AGs request.
Saying 1,000 inmates are on murder charges, he said the current disposal rate of 19 capital trials a year means it will take 50 years to try all capital charge inmates, as such cases are excluded from the new Bill on preliminary inquiries. Ramdeen also accused the Government of jumping on the bandwagon in signalling support for hanging, in contrast with the former opposition PNMs rejection of the former PP governments Bill on hanging.
He alleged that the removal of preliminary inquiry, trial by jury and magistrates, and addition of plea-bargaining could create a track for agouti to run, benefitting the Governments friends.
Ramadhar asked if it is the AGs intent to fully remove jury trial in place of judge trial, saying the former is a guarantor of the rights of the small man, while the latter can act to protect the interest of elites.
Recalling the AG saying the Bill expands an accuseds choice to opt for either jury or judge trial, Ramadhar wondered if this was merely pretty language used to disguise an intent to abolish jury trial.
Charles said while the Opposition is okay with replacing a pre-trial process with a paper committal, its concern is that vesting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) with a magistrates power to determine if to go to trial or not __ may violate the idea of separation of powers and so be open to a legal challenge.
He also wondered how to improve the detection rate, and how to have speedier trials by having more judges and more courts.
The sixth Cape Town International Animation Festival presented by Animation SA gave students a chance to showcase their work earlier this month.The annual Festival brings South Africans the chance to catch some of the worlds best animated films, as well as masterclasses and workshops with global industry leaders.A highlight is the annual student competition and awards evening, which provides a platform for animation student work in several categories, both team and individual projects. There were 67 entries this year, judged by leaders in the industry.Nickelodeon once again sponsored the prize for two students to do an internship at Nickelodeon in the USA. Creator of the hit animated preschool series Farnaz Esnaashari-Charmatz from the Nickelodeon Animation Studio and Chris Torline, senior marketing and digital director of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa, handed over the award to winners Toni Andrews and Kent Mayne The calibre of entries just gets higher every year, says Shani Campbell, schools coordinator for the Cape Town International Animation Festival. It is also encouraging for the upcoming students to sit in the audience at the awards evening and aspire to great heights by watching their peers before them.An additional award this year was the Draw for Life Most Promising Student award, which was won by Dawood Salie, the prize for which is a Wacom tablet gifted to Draw for Life by DDS and Wacom Europe. Draw for Life was started by Animation SA and PASCAP Trust with the support of The Animation School, Animate Africa and Digital Canvas Academy to find and nurture the skills of talented learners from diverse backgrounds and to help them discover the art of drawing for animation.The full list of winners is:CHARACTER ANIMATION / 1 YEAR STUDENTS Rita Du Plessis at LEARN 3D for PORK HEARTCHARACTER ANIMATION / INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS - TRADITIONAL/TRADIGITAL - Tamlyn Nunes at CITY VARSITY for STREET RATCHARACTER ANIMATION / INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS DIGITAL - Karien Benz at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for PRIMAL INSTINCTSCHARACTER ANIMATION / TEAM PRODUCTION - Depesh Cara, Eduardo Rocha and Dirk Coetzee at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for BEN AND JERRYSTORY / TEAM PRODUCTION - Kelly McCarter at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for HEWNART DIRECTION / TEAM PRODUCTION - Sebastian Kristiansen at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for HEWNLIGHTING / TEAM PRODUCTION - Matthew Levack at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for BEN & JERRYVISUAL FX TEAM PRODUCTION - Matthew Dunwoody at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for NOVABEST PRODUCTION 1st YEAR STUDENTS - Dewald de la Rey at UDACITY for JULIETBEST PRODUCTION / INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS TRADITIONAL/TRADIGITAL - Tamlyn Nunes at CITY VARSITY for STREET RATBEST PRODUCTION / INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS DIGITAL - Karien Benz at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for PRIMAL INSTINCTSBEST TEAM PRODUCTION - Alison Parker and team at THE ANIMATION SCHOOL for BEN & JERRY. The team is Depesh Cara, Dirk Coetzee, Matthew Levack, Thivhusiwi Mamaila, Alison Parker, Eduardo Rocha and Anrich WolmaransThe Chaos Group sponsored annual licensed software to three winners who will be able to choose from a range of world class programmes across Best Visual Effects, Best Lighting, and Best Art Direction.The winners, who were presented with their awards by Stacey Pearson of Touchvision, were Sebastian Kristiansen, Matthew Dunwoody and Matthew Levack.The CTIAF is made possible thanks to generous support from sponsors the National Film and Video Foundation; Wesgro; Animation SA, the French Institute of South Africa, The Embassy of Japan and the Canadian Embassy. CTIAF has also partnered with Nickelodeon and Draw for Life.Visit www.ctiaf.com for information about the Festival.Additionally, via jacarandafm.com 3D animation is a type of animation which uses computer generated images to create animated scenes.Mayne will be interning [as a NICKtern] at Nickelodeon [Animation Studio] after having won in the most promising newcomer category at the Cape Town International Animation Festival
I just want some watermelon from Kent Mayne on Vimeo.
--Ends--
Nick Herringer claps along with a metronome. He draws lines on a big screen, repeating patterns drawn by the computer. He identifies icons of cars when they flash before his eyes. This is the 22-year-olds speech and cognitive therapy, which he has been doing at least twice a week. Every wee
Set to diversify its global economic partners, Morocco partnered with China to build the Mohammed VI Tangiers Tech city as part of efforts to boost industrialization in the country.
King Mohammed VI chaired a ceremony to sign the financing agreement of the $10 billion project which will be funded by Chinese group HAITE (002023.SZ), BMCEs Bank of Africa, and the Moroccan government.
Industry Minister Moulay Hafid El Alamy said in a presentation at the ceremony that the new city will be ready in 10 years. The hub will include multiple industrial zones specializing in sectors including aeronautics, automobiles, telecommunications, renewable energy, and transport equipment, he said.
Speaking on the same occasion, President of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Ilyas EL Omari, said the project will create jobs in the region, promote technology transfer and boost the competitiveness of the Moroccan economy.
For his part, President of HAITE group, Li Biao, underscored the attractiveness of Morocco for Chinese investors, saying that Morocco boasts a stable society and open economy that is well integrated in the international value chain.
Li Biao also highlighted the strategic location of Tangiers at the crossroads between Europe and Africa as well as its developed infrastructure, notably Tangier Med port and associated facilities.
The hub will attract investments from 200 companies totaling an investment worth $10 bln. Upon completion, the city will offer jobs to 100,000 people and will house 300,000 inhabitants on a surface area of 2000 hectares.
Trumps immigration crackdown is supposed to help U.S. citizens. For California farmers, its worsening a desperate labor shortage.
By Natalie Kitroeff and Geoffrey Mohan for the Los Angeles Times, March 17, 2017
[.] The flow of labor began drying up when President Obama tightened the border. Now President Trump is promising to deport more people, raid more companies and build a wall on the southern border. That has made California farms a proving ground for the Trump teams theory that by cutting off the flow of immigrants they will free up more jobs for American-born workers and push up their wages. So far, the results arent encouraging for farmers or domestic workers.
Farmers are being forced to make difficult choices about whether to abandon some of the states hallmark fruits and vegetables, move operations abroad, import workers under a special visa or replace them altogether with machines. Growers who can afford it have already begun raising worker pay well beyond minimum wage. Wages for crop production in California increased by 13% from 2010 to 2015, twice as fast as average pay in the state, according to a Los Angeles Times analysis of data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Today, farmworkers in the state earn about $30,000 a year if they work full time about half the overall average pay in California. Most work fewer hours. Some farmers are even giving laborers benefits normally reserved for white-collar professionals, like 401(k) plans, health insurance, subsidized housing and profit-sharing bonuses. Full-timers at Silverado Farming, for example, get most of those sweeteners, plus 10 paid vacation days, eight paid holidays, and can earn their hourly rate to take English classes.
But the raises and new perks have not tempted native-born Americans to leave their day jobs for the fields. Nine in 10 agriculture workers in California are still foreign born, and more than half are undocumented, according to a federal survey. [.]
The law of supply and demand doesnt stop being true just because youre talking about people, says George Borjas, a Harvard economist and prominent foe of unfettered immigration. [Farmers] have had an almost endless supply of low-skill workers for a long time, and now they are finding it difficult to transition to a situation where they dont.
Borjas believes the ones who reap the rewards of immigration are employers not just farmers, but restaurant owners and well-to-do homeowners who hire landscapers and housekeepers. The people who suffer most are American workers, who contend with more competition for jobs and lower pay.
But Silverado, the farm labor contracting company in Napa, has never had a white, American-born person take an entry-level gig, even after the company increased hourly wages to $4 above the minimum. And Silverado is far from unique.
U.S. workers filled just 2% of a sample of farm labor vacancies advertised in 1996, according to a report published by the Labor Departments office of inspector general. I dont think anybody would dispute that thats roughly the way it is now as well, says Philip Martin, an economist at UC Davis and one of the countrys leading experts on agriculture. [.]
Paul Ryan. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc.
House Republican leaders unveiled changes to the American Health Care Act on Monday night that are meant to secure the bills passage on Thursday, but several conservatives are adamant that they still dont have the votes.
As Vox notes, the managers amendment does not even attempt to fix the core problems with the widely unpopular legislation.
The changes intended to win over the far right include repealing Obamacares tax increases one year earlier, allowing states to add work requirements to Medicaid, and letting states take Medicaid funding as a block grant rather than per capita funding. States that havent already accepted Obamacares Medicaid expansion would not be allowed to do so.
In a concession to anti-abortion groups, people would not be allowed to roll unused tax-credit money into health savings accounts. The groups claimed that as originally written, AHCA could have allowed taxpayer money to fund abortions.
To woo moderates and centrists, another $85 billion is provided to help Americans between the ages of 50 and 64, who would be hit the hardest under the previous version of the bill. The managers amendment accomplishes that by allowing people to deduct more health-care expenses from their income tax, but the Senate is supposed to change that into an increase in tax credits for older people buying insurance in the individual marketplace.
Theres also a provision just for upstate New York Republicans that shifts Medicaid costs from New Yorks counties to the state government. As the Huffington Post notes, Republicans complained about a similar provision in the Affordable Care Act, known as the Cornhusker Kickback, that was included to win a key vote from a Nebraska senator.
While it appears these changes were carefully calculated to secure the 216 GOP votes needed to pass the bill in the House, on Monday night several far-right conservatives said it still wont pass. The roughly 40-member House Freedom Caucus announced on Monday that it isnt voting as a bloc, which is welcome news to GOP leaders, who can only afford to lose 21 House Republican votes.
However, following a meeting of the Freedom Caucus several hours later, Representative Mark Meadows, who chairs the group, said that more than 21 members remain opposed to the bill. Based on what Ive been told is in the managers amendment, and what Ive been told tonight, I dont know that it moves anybody or makes a compelling case from where their previous positions were, Meadows said.
Other members of the Freedom Caucus pinned the blame on House Speaker Paul Ryan, rather than President Trump. The White House has been great to work with. The White House is actually open to negotiations. Its the House leadership thats not open to negotiations, said Representative Raul Labrador. We dont believe that they have 216 votes, in fact we know that they dont have 216 votes. Somebody is telling the White House that the votes are there.
Nothings changed, said Ohio Republican representative Jim Jordan, who co-founded the caucus. Weve still got lots of problems with this bill The presidents a good man, and the White House has been great to work with, but opposition is still strong with our group.
Representative Justin Amash tweeted:
They haven't changed the bill's general framework. They don't have the votes to pass it. They have seriously miscalculated. https://t.co/Rg7myfgrRm Justin Amash (@justinamash) March 21, 2017
President Trump is set to meet with the House Republican Conference on Tuesday. According to the Washington Post, this signals that he and GOP leaders consider the negotiations with large blocs of Republicans complete, and are now trying to persuade individual members.
Having President Trump work on wavering Republicans was always a key part of the GOPs plan to pass AHCA, but publicly at least, his efforts to get the bill passed have seemed rather low-energy. During a rally in Kentucky on Monday night Trump went easy on Senator Rand Paul, one of AHCAs chief opponents, and seemed impatient to get through the health-care vote so he can move on to tax cuts. (Its unclear whether the president knows he could skip Obamacare repeal and move straight to cutting taxes.)
I happen to like a lot Senator Rand Paul. I do. I do. I like him. Good. Hes a good guy. And I look forward to working with him so that we can get this bill passed in some form, Trump said, referring to AHCA. So that we can pass massive tax reform which we cant do until this happens.
Prof Preet. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images
It didnt take long for former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara to get a new job. The former prosecutor, who was fired by the Trump administration earlier this month, will join the New York University School of Law as a distinguished scholar in residence starting April 1. Bharara confirmed the news on Twitter:
This is one way I plan to keep working hard on important issues I care about @nyulaw pic.twitter.com/I0QjREV2Oy Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 21, 2017
Bharara has been a hot commodity since his termination a little more than a week ago. According to The Wall Street Journal, the former prosecutor fielded offers from Columbia and Harvard, as well as some big, white-collar firms. Theres also been speculation that Bharara might insert some drama into the New York political scene, though hes said before he has little interest in running for elected office. The odds of him mounting a very late 2017 Democratic challenge against Bill de Blasio who was cleared in his federal and state investigations about a week after Bhararas ouster are next to none. But the prospect of taking on Governor Andrew Cuomo again, this time in the 2018 statewide race, sure is tantalizing.
One of the nine impacted airports. Photo: Chris McGrath/Getty Images
The next time you take a direct flight from the Middle East to the United States, youre probably going to need to part with your laptop: The Trump administration has barred passengers on U.S.-bound flights from ten airports in eight Muslim-majority nations Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates from carrying (non-medically necessary) electronic devices larger than a smartphone into the cabin of their planes.
The new restriction is not a response to a specific, imminent threat of attack, according to the administration. Rather, the rule was (officially) motivated by a broader concern that various terrorist groups are looking to embed explosives in innocuous-looking electronics. Per the Washington Post:
The officials would not provide details on the threats. One example they cited involved a bomb, possibly hidden in a laptop, that exploded on board a Somali plane going from Mogadishu to Djibouti, not a U.S.-bound flight. However, a person familiar with the security warning said the government has long been concerned about the aspirations of a Syria-based terrorist group to build explosive devices hidden inside electronics in a way that would be hard to detect.
On its face, the directive appears less burdensome and more plausibly motivated by security concerns than the administrations infamous travel bans. If a large tube of toothpaste is too easily weaponized to be allowed on a plane, it seems reasonable that the same would be true of a large electronic device. Plus, the list of impacted countries seems less conveniently arbitrary; unlike the travel bans, the new restriction does not give a pass to U.S. ally (and noted terrorism exporter) Saudi Arabia.
Still, there are some reasons to doubt the Trump administrations good intentions. For one, its not clear that would-be plane bombers need to be so clever about hiding their tools. Per the New York Times:
In a series of 70 undercover tests of airport security screening procedures, conducted in 2015 by the Homeland Security inspector generals office, auditors were able to get fake weapons and explosives past security screeners 95 percent of the time, according to the still-classified report.
(The Transportation Security Administration did adopt enhanced pat-down searches two weeks ago, to try and improve on that 5 percent apprehension rate).
More critically, the new restrictions implications for business travel appear so profound, its hard not to suspect that economic concerns figured into the administrations thinking.
U.S. airlines are not adversely impacted by the electronics ban, since none offer direct U.S.-bound flights from the affected airports. But for precisely that reason, they stand to benefit from the new rule. As Cornell political scientist Tom Pepinsky noted on Twitter:
Long haul ME airlines (Qatar, Emirates, Etihad, Turkish) are of course the main threat to legacy carriers int'l business travel Tom Pepinsky (@TomPepinsky) March 21, 2017
For nearly any int'l destination without direct flights from US (think Jakarta, Nairobi, Islamabad) they are almost always better Tom Pepinsky (@TomPepinsky) March 21, 2017
Faster. Cheaper. Much nicer service. But there is no way a traveler will check a laptop on such flights, esp. business travelers Tom Pepinsky (@TomPepinsky) March 21, 2017
In other words, the Trump administration just made taking a direct flight to the Middle East on a foreign airline much less appealing.
Winners here are US legacy carriers and their European alliance partners. Now have to fly to, say, Istanbul via Frankfurt, London, or Paris Tom Pepinsky (@TomPepinsky) March 21, 2017
Most counterterrorism regulations are cost-benefit propositions: You trade a touch of liberty for a modicum of security. But with this new laptop ban, the administration may see the cost as its own benefit: Trump is making America safe again by encouraging business travelers to buy American.
Texas has seen a slew of new abortion-related bills. Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images
New anti-abortion bills have been making their way into state legislatures across the country including in Arkansas and Oklahoma but in Texas, things are really taking off. Perhaps emboldened by the anti-choice Trump administration, Texas lawmakers have introduced at least three abortion-related bills since December, and the Center for Reproductive Rights is still fighting a rule that the Texas Department of State Health Services introduced last fall.
Whats more, as foretold by the Supreme Courts decision in Whole Womans Health v. Hellerstedt, Texas lawmakers are moving away from so-called TRAP (Targeted Regulation of Abortion Providers) laws and toward laws with more inflammatory language or graphic imagery that target the procedure instead of clinic regulations. During a recent hearing, Texas lawmakers said outright that their bills had nothing to do with womens health a pretense that TRAP laws relied on. So, now that the gloves are off, heres a guide to all the crazy abortion legislation thats been introduced in the Lone Star state.
The Bill: Senate Bill 25
Status: Passed the Senate; will proceed to the House
What it claims to do: SB 25 prevents parents from suing doctors if their baby is born with a birth defect. Senator Brandon Creighton, who introduced the bill, said the bill will promote an environment where the best physicians in America will want to practice medicine in Texas.
What it means for abortion rights: Opponents of the bill worry it will lead doctors to withhold information from parents about a fetuss potential disability. Democratic Senator Jose Rodriguez told the Texas Tribune that the bill seems to be about restricting and further limiting a womans right to exercise her choice about what shes going to do in the case of serious defects to the fetus.
The Bill: Senate Bill 415, the Dismemberment Abortion Ban
Status: Passed the Senate; will proceed to the House
What it claims to do: The bill criminalizes what Senator Charles Perry calls dismemberment abortions, which are really dilation-and-evacuation (or D&E) abortions one of the most common methods of abortion in the second trimester of a pregnancy.
What it means for abortion rights: SB 415 would make one of the safest surgical methods for ending a pregnancy illegal. And as the Texas Observer points out, the practice isnt limited to elective abortion D&E abortions are also performed due to pregnancy complications such as miscarriages. D&E abortions usually occur between 14 and 28 weeks of pregnancy, meaning the bill could expand the states existing 20-week abortion ban.
The Bill: House Bill 948, the Abolition of Abortion in Texas Act
Status: Proposed
What it claims to do: Representative Tony Tinderholt, who introduced the bill, has been pretty straightforward about what it does the Abolition of Abortion in Texas Act seeks to outlaw abortion in the state. In an interview with the Observer, Tinderholt said the bill would force women to be more personally responsible when it comes to sex.
What it means for abortion rights: Exactly what it says: The bill would criminalize abortion in Texas except when a mothers life is at risk due to pregnancy complications. It makes no exception for fetal abnormalities, and women who got abortions could face felony charges; it also instructs Texas officials to ignore any conflicting federal laws. (A University of Texas law professor said theres no doubt whatsoever that HB948 is unconstitutional.)
The Bill: Senate Bill 8, the Pre-Born Protection and Dignity Act
Status: Proposed
What it claims to do: SB 8 would ban what its sponsor, Senator Charles Schwertner, refers to as partial-birth abortion, as well as the sale or donation of fetal remains. At a recent senate hearing, Schwertner argued for the bills necessity by citing bogus videos shot by an anti-abortion group that supposedly showed Planned Parenthood officials selling fetal tissue. (Schwertner, by the way, is the guy who smashed a table to cut off a pro-choice advocate during a hearing last month.)
What it means for abortion rights: As opponents have pointed out, the bill wouldnt do much, even if it passed the type of abortion Schwertner is seeking to restrict was made illegal more than a decade ago, and fetal-tissue sales are pretty nonexistent. The executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas called the bill a solution in search of a problem.
The Bill: Senate Bill 258
Status: Proposed
What it claims to do: Much like the bill Mike Pence got so much flak for in Indiana, SB 258 would require fetal remains resulting from abortion to be cremated or buried. This is the bill Senator Don Huffines was referring to with his dignity of the unborn comment.
What it means for abortion rights: The bill puts yet another obstacle before mothers seeking abortions, as it would require medical providers to give patients a form to select which method (burial or cremation) she prefers. The Texas Department of State Health Services introduced a similar rule last fall that took effect in December, but the rule was blocked by a federal judge in late January.
The Bill: House Bill 1971, the Disabled Preborn Justice Act
Status: Proposed
What it claims to do: Representative Matt Schaefer, who introduced the bill, said it brings needed pro-life changes to three areas of the law. It prohibits women from getting abortions due to fetal abnormalities, and it requires health-care providers to give pregnant women information about care if their fetus has been declared abnormal including information about special support throughout pregnancy, delivery and, depending on severity of diagnosis, up to and after the natural death of the child, according to Schaefers website.
What it means for abortion rights: Under current law, Texas women can get an abortion if (a) the fetus isnt viable and the pregnancy hasnt entered the third trimester, or (b) the fetus has a severe and irreversible abnormality. Schaefers bill would close both loopholes.
The Bill: House Joint Resolution 121, the Life at Conception Provision of the Texas Constitutions Bill of Rights
Status: Proposed
What it claims to do: HJR 121 proposes that the Texas state constitution be amended to guarantee the rights of unborn children. It would expand the definition of citizen of the state to include the phrase: each member of the species homo sapiens at all stages of life, including the moment of fertilization, or other moment at which an individual member of the human species comes into being.
What it means for abortion rights: Basically the amendment would criminalize all abortion in Texas, except in cases of rape or incest or if the life of the mother was in danger.
And those are just the major bills for a full list of legislation, including bills that failed to pass, check out this handy list from Rewire.
Theres a theory that humans are wired to find the most standard features attractive because features that hew to a norm take less work for our brains to process. The more noselike the nose that is, the less it taxes the brain with novelty and variation the better we like it. Its the theory that launched a thousand onscreen look-alikes.
But the first time I saw Alia Shawkat, as Maeby Funke on Arrested Development, she jammed my brain. I mean this in the best, most complimentary way. I was struck by the dark eyes shooting lasers from the freckled baby face, the contrast between her unruly curls and her steely nerves. Shawkat played the first cousin and highly inappropriate love interest of Michael Ceras awkward teenage George Michael Bluth, whose tongue-tied adoration only enhanced her aura of personal power.
Ive never been I always call them clean-haired girls, says Shawkat. Like, blonde girls who wear delicate jewelry and their hair always looks really clean. My hair, no matter how much I wash it, just never looks clean. Growing up, she was always cast as the traditionally pretty girls friend. And thats how I built my sense of humor. Now Im like, Oh, I can still be pretty. Its not one or the other.
When I met Shawkat on a recent Monday afternoon in Silver Lake, she was dressed in a full-sleeved white button-down shirt, looking crisp and elegant despite being slightly hung-over from the night before, when she had been a presenter at the Screen Actors Guild Awards. She hadnt been looking forward to the event it felt frivolous given what else was going on in the world. She went to the ceremony wishing she could go back to LAX, where she had spent Saturday protesting the Muslim ban. Shawkats father is from Baghdad, and politics have always felt personal to her, but never like this, she told me.
Photo: Olivia Bee
Shawkat surprised herself by having a good time at the awards anyway. She wound up talking to people about how to make a difference as artists, and about how being Arab-American was something to be proud of instead of something to be greeted with You can still play white. (Shes hoping to play more Middle Eastern roles.) Onstage, Shawkat skipped the scripted jokes and opened with an Arabic greeting meaning Peace be upon you. She says the awards show was still silly and fun, but it had a new sense of energy and purpose. It was like, Theres no time to waste. I love you. Youre beautiful, she says. Everyones more like, Lets just be ourselves.
Shawkat has spent some time thinking about just what it means to be yourself. Her older brother used to tease her by saying, You think youre so different, doncha? (Everyones different, she remembers thinking.) It got to the point where she developed an aversion to being described that way. Youre different. Youre quirky. You look a little different than everyone else, and youre sassy, she recalls being told. The minute you do something because its a genuine act or choice, and somebody goes, Oh my God, we love it because nobody else has chosen that before; thats crazy! You start to be like, Yeah, I pick cool stuff! Im different! It starts to affect you, being false.
Bottega Veneta black dress in lace cotton viscose with leather details, $9,500 at 650 Madison Ave.; 212-371-5511. Sergio Rossi black suede sandal with multicolor gems, $875 at Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave.; 212-753-4000. Photo: Olivia Bee
After Arrested Development, Shawkat took a break from acting to paint, but in recent years shes returned with a handful of eye-catching supporting parts like the 2015 episode of Broad City where, in a perfect piece of casting, she played the Ilana look-alike whom Ilana hooks up with. In November, she took on her first leading role, playing the heroine in TBSs Search Party. Her character, Dory, is an adrift 20-something who becomes obsessed with tracking down a missing college classmate she barely knew.
Shawkat says that, through Dory, shes exploring larger generational questions about responsibility, self-involvement, and finding yourself by engaging with something larger. The characters are so involved in themselves that they morph their reality, she says. Shes trying to find value in something so badly. Its more important connecting with people and actually listening and understanding and being strong in yourself. Its a show that has a lot to say about the pressure to perform in a certain way, for an audience of equally anxious, insecure followers. To Shawkat, the message is, Yeah, we cant be like that anymore.
Silk dress by Carolina Herrera, $4,490. Photo: Olivia Bee
Dress by Carolina Herrera. Photo: Olivia Bee
Photo: Olivia Bee
Michael Kors Collection black embroidered crepe jacket, $4,995, and embroidered crepe skirt, $4,595, at michaelkors.com. Photo: Olivia Bee
Dolce & Gabbana black silk lace dress with ruffles, $1,895. Photo: Olivia Bee
Photo: Olivia Bee
Styling by Susan Winget; hair by Terri Walker using Oribe Hair Care at Jed Root; makeup by Sandy Ganzer at Forward Artists using NARS.
*This article appears in the March 20, 2017, issue of New York Magazine.
Wilbur Ross, commerce secretary, Ivanka Trump, and Jared Kushner, senior White House adviser, listen to an interpretation during a news conference with President Donald Trump and Angela Merkel, Germanys chancellor. Photo: Bloomberg/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Though Ivanka Trump isnt technically an official government employee, she is acting in an unofficial capacity as an adviser to the presidentand that apparently means shell get her own desk at the White House. She wont be sworn in or get a government salary, but she will resemble a full-time staffer in the White House in other ways, including gaining security clearance for classified information. According to Politico:
The powerful first daughter has secured her own office on the West Wings second floor a space next to senior adviser Dina Powell, who was recently promoted to a position on the National Security Council. She is also in the process of obtaining a security clearance, and is set to receive government-issued communications devices this week.
Ivanka recently made the move to Washington and in the time since, shes taken steps to try to distance herself from her namesake brand and company while declaring that she doesnt intend to take on an official role in the Trump administration. Still, shes drawn the attention of government-ethics watchdogs after she notably sat in on and participated in meetings with the leaders of countries including Japan, Canada, and Germany.
Her lawyer told the Associated Press that she will abide by ethics rules pertaining to government employees even though she wont have an official title. Our view is that the conservative approach is for Ivanka to voluntarily comply with the rules that would apply if she were a government employee, even though she is not, Jamie Gorelick, Ivankas attorney and ethics adviser, told the AP. The White House Counsels Office agrees with that approach.
Via a statement, Ivanka conceded that, there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, but that she will voluntarily follow ethics rules for staffers. That hasnt quelled ethics concerns for everyone, though. Norm Eisen, the former ethics czar under Obama, told Politico that the better thing to do would be to simply make Ivanka an official government employee. It would create some outside accountability, because if she can voluntarily subject herself to the rules, she can voluntarily un-subject herself to the rules, he said.
Photo: Hulu
Sure, the buzz around Hulus The Handmaids Tale is palpable, but the women wearing the storys red robes and white bonnets to the Texas Senate gallery were probably not just cosplaying as their favorite literary character. On Monday, the Texas Senate was making moves on several pieces of legislation that could affect access to abortion. According to the Huffington Post, one of the laws would effectively ban a method of second-trimester abortions. Another would curtail a familys ability to sue for malpractice if the doctor failed to disclose an abnormality in the womb that could lead to a disabled child (reproductive activists fear anti-choice doctors who suspect the parents will elect an abortion might use this as a legal opportunity to remain quiet in these cases).
Many readers have found a renewed relevance in Margaret Atwoods 1985 novel, which has recently found its way to the top of the best-seller list. In The Handmaids Tale women in a dystopian near-future have been stripped of their agency and rights. Some women, including the protagonist, are designated breeders, and are forced to bear children and wear red robes and white bonnets.
The Texan women who wore the outfit to the Senate gallery were ejected for carrying protest signs, which is against the chambers rules.
mte
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yup, only cuz ik ed is seething somewhere, bless.
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EX-ACT-LY!
That's why Ed Sheeran shouldn't have opened his ginger unholy mouth and spoken about only having Adele and Taylor Swift as competition.
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lesser of two evils.
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.God what I would give to see the look on that spoon head bridge troll's face...
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The other side is his face, mate.
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lmao yasssss
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so we go from one "nice guy" to another eh
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karla will break drake's record soon
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*Rita Ora
your Karla stanning is getting in the way of what's most important here. it's clear.
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mte
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What really clear is Glory. Bye
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lol stop
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lmao SEETHE
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lololol
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Lol good.
Now someone better release a record that will stop this Chuckie doll from winning Grammys next year!
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22 songs damn
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Seethe, orange goblin.
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they're both annoying but at least drake isn't offensive to my eyes
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i'm pretty much over drake, but i've always hated ed soooo this pleases me
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awe i think Ed is kinda cute
j/k he's hideous
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Before I finished reading your comment I was all like:
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reminds me of emily gilmore
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1111
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truly the best part of gilmore girls
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i know how to protect you from shrapnel and agent orange, ask me how!
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will she invest in an armoured car after ha traumatic drive-by experience?
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i'm pretty sure she was walking when that happened. the tube was down that day
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someone said she missed the drive-by by a couple of hours
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IT WAS STILL TRAUMATIC FOR HA
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hdu she narrowly escaped with her life
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because rita is in the public eye, she remains a target for thieves so had a security team come in and completely overhaul her personal security."
i like that they have to remind us that she's in the public eye lmao it's just like rita on antm when talking about lit anything
Edited at 2017-03-21 04:17 am (UTC)
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MFTE! SHES SF IMPORTANT!
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This movie seems to be one of Fincher's least-liked, but I actually love it.
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People don't like this movie?!
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Whaaaat, I didn't know Fincher directed this. Where the fuck have I been?
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I forgot bb kstew was in this
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I'd be more afraid of someone sneaking into my home and living in that room, like that video where a woman was living in the cupboard of a Japanese guy and he didn't know
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Me tooooooo. In college my last term I didn't have a roommate in my dorm which was like apartment style. I had a closet I didn't use and never opened, but once in a while I'd open it to make sure someone wasn't living in it lol
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ever think of what would you do if you find someone there?
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omg that's my greatest fear. I check all my cupboards and cabinets that could fit a person regularly and place a lot of shit in front of my crawlspace entrance so that I'd know if someone was moving around in there.
I had finally let go of that fear and then my best friend was staying at her boyfriend's house and found a girl hiding underneath their bathroom sink who was stalking his roommate.
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that sounds very amurikan
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panic prison of flesh tbh!!!!!!!
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not supposed to lol but still..lol. IA tho
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Fuck yes. I'm too paranoid for life. I don't even answer the door when I'm alone. I need a panic apartment.
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I'd build myself a bunker if I could. My mom hates it when I tell her about my fantasy luxury bunker.
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American, right? Y'all are so extra with everything. Stop watching the 24 hour news cycle and quit with the true crime shit. I cannot imagine living in constant 'OMG BUT WHAT IF?!' fear.
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I'd legit be afraid of getting inadvertently trapped in a panic room, I wouldn't step foot in it tbh.
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lol yeah I didn't think she had that much $$$ to spare
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idk she seems to do a lot of stuff even though everyone calls her a nobody and a flop lol
probably makes good money
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If I had the money I would
but also I'd panic about getting trapped in the panic room
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If I were in her place I'd probably do the same. Peace of mind is invaluable.
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makes sense since she was caught up in a traumatic drive by shooting an hr before the shooting happened and all, dangerous stuff
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I need one of these rooms
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I probs would if I could afford it. My dad was gonna install an $8000 tornado room at one point.
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if i had the money, i would not spend that on a panic room. i'd get lessons on how to properly handle/own a firearm and defend myself.
also, i do sleep with a knife in reaching distance.
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you can't own a gun in the UK tho (unless it's signed off for hunting)
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Idk studies show that guns in the house are more likely to be used in violence (against the owner or a partner), an accident, or suicide
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every room I go in is a panic room *rimjob*
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Do you mean "rimshot"?
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imortalize this exchange, pls
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omg
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LOL
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your should ask for permission before giving them out then
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lololol damn, i needed that laugh today, thanks
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I want to be a role model for young girls who are struggling with racism, their looks or skin color.@imaanhammam https://t.co/NtBFT2UDRW pic.twitter.com/aGeQnpS266 Allure (@Allure_magazine) 21 mars 2017
I learned to love my skin too much to fit someone elses script.@Aamito_lagum https://t.co/UgCagjhPUz pic.twitter.com/a4OwrrA1Cl Allure (@Allure_magazine) 21 mars 2017
Its celebrated more now than in the past, just how different Latin women are.@OhDilone https://t.co/labq1R8gWD pic.twitter.com/fmkOsLwXYW Allure (@Allure_magazine) 21 mars 2017
Allure asked 41 women of color to tell us the story of their lives through their skin and skin tone. Because our skin can be both a vulnerability and a defense. But most importantly, it can be a source of celebration.Im half Moroccan, half Egyptian, and I was born in Amsterdam. Im Muslim, and Im super proud of my heritage and of my roots. I want to be a role model for young girls who are struggling with racism or struggling with their looks or with their skin color. I had Naomi Campbell, who I looked up to as a black powerful woman. But there arent many Arabic models, and being an African-Arabic model, Im trying to open doors for more Arabic girls.Growing up in Uganda, I did not fit into the ideal. I was too dark. I was too tall. But I didnt really notice I was black until I came to the U.S. Here Im black, whereas I was just a person in Uganda. [Last year, there was a close-up of Lagums lips on the M.A.C. Instagram feed that triggered racist remarks in the comments section.] It wasnt that big a deal to me haters gonna hate and I was able to brush it off. I posted back, My lips are giving you sleepless nights. I grew up loved by my family. That love enabled me to love what I saw in the mirror. I learned to love my skin too much to fit someone elses script. It is the same love that keeps me safe from comments that would otherwise offend me.I dont think people realize just how much Latinas vary in skin tone. I have Colombian and Dominican friends who are superdark and others who have blonde hair and blue eyes. We are kind of stepping away from thinking this is what someone Latin should look like, with a light skin tone and big butts. Its celebrated more now than in the past, just how different Latin women are. My role model growing up was Selena. I love her music, what she represented, her sexiness. And just being herself. She wasnt trying to conform to something else.I have the most vivid memories of being seven years old and my mom picking me up from my grandmothers house. There were the three of us, a family tree in an ombre of mocha next to the caramel complexion of my mom and light-skinned, freckled me. I remember the sense of belonging, having nothing to do with the color of my skin.""I took an African-American studies class at Northwestern where we explored colorism; it was the first time I could put a name to feeling too light in the black community, too mixed in the white community. For castings, I was labeled ethnically ambiguous. Was I Latina? Sephardic? Exotic Caucasian?Add the freckles to the mix and it created quite the conundrum. To this day, my pet peeve is when my skin tone is changed and my freckles are airbrushed out of a photo shoot.""For all my freckle-faced friends out there, I will share with you something my dad told me when I was younger: A face without freckles is a night without stars."Its important for me [my daughters] to know that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and colors, to celebrate diversity, and point out people who have [a] different tone, or theyre covered in beautiful freckles, or they have tight curls or long waves. All of its beautiful."And what makes someone beautiful is the power of owning who they are and confidence, and being kind, and having compassion. Those types of themes are what I really try to nail into my girls heads, and reiterate over and over again I feel like a drill sergeant sometimes. The only way that any of us are going to advance is if we have a generation of people who arent living with any sort of prejudices about standards of beauty or how we need to fit into a box."Pressures exist, and its on us to make those pressures not seem important to girls. Ive achieved what Ive achieved, and skin color has nothing to do with it in fact, it might have been an asset. I like the color of my skin very much.""Its so primitive that people are judged on the basis of the color of their skin. I mean, its skin. We all have it."I feel a sense of responsibility with young girls everywhere they can achieve anything that they want to do. There are so many girls around the world that are told that they cant live their lives or they cant behave a certain way because theyre girls. You know, we have to fight the fight ourselves. We have to show girl-love to each other. We need to encourage other women instead of knocking each other down.sources : 1
thanks
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only the capital, Liechtenstein
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not the horrific monaco i presume
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mte
I've been to Istanbul, also the eastern part, and I really enjoyed that so I guess Asia is one of my favourite places to visit
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lmao mte, where in europe?
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Rich Americans usually mean France, Italy or Spain when they say "I love Europe"
Scandis get none of the love
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lol i thought she "didn't want to be famous" anymore
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This is honestly even worse than Kendall Jenner's 73 questions
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And here I thought it was way better compared to Kendall's :\
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I thought it was slightly worse than kendall's
I really liked Taylor's 73 questions tbh
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Iirc she listed Tupac as her "spirit animal " and other eye roll worthy shit
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Is this for sure her house? This decor doesn't look like it'd be her style.
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That vogue interview said she's living in an airbnb right now so maybe this is it
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Oh okay, that makes sense
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a number of these i believe are at air b&bs... like emma stone's.
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damn she's so boring
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if you're going to claim that you're tired of fame you should at least TRY to make it believable.
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Her house is gorgeous
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yea they're never cute imo
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I made it 55 seconds and just couldn't...
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Theyre only good if the person is a good actor. I liked nicole kidmans.
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from the still shot I thought it was a raglan baseball top....oop
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okay a lot of these are awkward but this one is SO awkward. she seemed terrified but somehow in a really boring way, and moved like she was walking on stilts or something lol.
and i get the style the pants were going for but they were just hanging off her and looked so unflattering.
the questions also were bad, the answers were all bland, damn this was just a bad one.
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ITA
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Europe is huge and full of different cultures lmao she's gonna have to be a bit more specific
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When Americans say Europe, you know they mean western Europe.
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even Western Europe has a ton of different countries, like which place. I guess they all mean Paris or Italy?
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lol yup. The South and the East don't exist apparently
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Which is funny cause ive seen a lot of europe and the balkan region is by far the best, in every way.
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you know she means paris and london
these people dont go anywhere else
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Her house
And I hate when people who say "I was born in the wrong era", it really irks me tbh because usually they mean decades back
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same and lbr, half the people who say that don't remember the consequences of being what they are (ethnic, educated, female, gay, whatever) in the past.
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Exactly, they don't really take the time to think about it. Just the way people romanticize the past is a dangerous viewpoint imo
Edited at 2017-03-21 09:18 pm (UTC)
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I was born in the wrong era and by that i mean i belong in the year 3000.
Not much has changed but they live under water.
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Ia. The world is the best it's ever been and it will only keep getting better. Except environmental issues, but who knows maybe we'll be able to fix it all in the future.
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meh..
at least there weren't any cringe worthy replies like Bland Lively's answer to "What's your favorite color?" -"There's no such thing because every color informs the others."
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LMAO
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lmao
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I'm gonna watch Blake's now just for that question alone
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christ almighty nobody told me she was a philosopher. david hume who??
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jfc. a simple question turned into that...
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Kesha's amended lawsuit against Dr. Luke gets rejected by judge https://t.co/L4rq3UopDd pic.twitter.com/4mm1cZNciD Hollywood Reporter (@THR) March 21, 2017
New York Supreme
Specifically, Kesha tried to assert that Dr. Luk
Court Justice Shirley Kornreich on Tuesday refused her attempt at amended counterclaims.
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Dr. Luke is suing her for smearing him through allegations of sexual abuse. Kesha initially attempted to escape her contract by claiming a "hate crime," but in April 2016, the judge rejected those claims
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"You can get a divorce from an abusive spouse," began her proposed countersuit. "You can dissolve a partnership if the relationship becomes irreconcilable. The same opportunity to be liberated from the physical, emotional, and financial bondage of a destructive relationship should be available to a recording artist."
-Specifically, Kesha tried to assert that Dr. Luke's company breached contract by refusing to send accounting statements and pay her royalties. . Kesha alleged he wanted to leave her Penniless and that he wouldnt sign off on a new album
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In response, Dr. Luke's lawyers alleged it was Kesha who actually owed 1.3 million in royalties and further, that she failed to provide notice and a thirty-day cure period.Judge Kornreich agrees with Dr. Luke.
- Kornreich also rejects Kesha's attempt to assert that Dr. Luke breached the covenant of good faith and fair dealing. Since the judge has determined that Kesha did not perform under her recording agreement and failed to give notice under her songwriting agreement, the judge says she "cannot maintain a breach of contract claim based on the implied covenant" in those deals.
- The pop star sought declaratory relief declaring that it will be impossible to perform under the deals due to the acrimonious relationship. Kesha cited that Sony's deal with Dr. Luke ends this month and that she'd have no go-between, making her situation worse.
- "It is speculative, not justiciable, whether Sony's contract is ending and whether it will be able to assist after this month," responds the judge. "Furthermore, KMI [Dr. Luke's company] may not choose to exercise its options for future albums after the third is released. Finally, with respect to the Prescription Agreement, signed in November 2008, Gottwald's allegedly abusive behavior was foreseeable."
- Finally, represented by Daniel Petrocelli at O'Melveny & Myers, Kesha boldly attempted to assert the so-called Seven Year Rule on personal service contracts under California law in a New York court.
- "To protect young, newly discovered recording artists from this precise manner of exploitation in quasi-lifetime un-severable professional relationships, California labor law requires all music contracts to end within seven years of execution," stated her proposed counterclaim.
-But this novel effort also fails because Kornreich decides to honor a New York choice-of-law provision in the agreements.
Damn, she can't catch a break. Read the whole thing at the source, not very encouraging. Think she needs better lawyers
-Its yet another setback in her battle against Lukasz
The coal industry may be dying, but the skeletons left behind in the form of abandoned mines can provide new life. The water left behind by the once industrious business is planned to be used by the state of Virginia, in the development of pumped storage hydroelectric power plants.
However, this particular strategy to source water has been receiving some criticism. The bill to support the building of the power plants received nearly unanimous support in both the state Senate and the House of Delegates. However, researchers, coal reclamation experts, and renewable energy advocates alike have voiced concerns, citing that the idea is yet to be proven. Pumped storage facilities do exist elsewhere in Virginia, but using water from abandoned coal mines is an innovation yet to be tested anywhere in the world.
The proposed locations for the new mines are seven counties in the western end of the state. These counties have had many coal mines close recently, and the local economies have suffered as a result. Tax revenues from the mines were used to fund public schools and other government services.
The pumped hydro plants work by utilizing excess energy usually intermittent energy from fluctuating renewable energy sources to pump water uphill, where it is stored at higher elevations in a lake or reservoir. When demand for energy spikes, the water is allowed to flow downhill into a reservoir at a lower elevation, and the energy is recaptured using turbines. Related: Clean Energy Can Bring $10 Trillion Annual Benefits By 2050
These types of facilities are in use around the world. Minnesota is similarly attempting to breathe life into abandoned infrastructure, but in the form of abandoned iron pits. However, assessments have revealed that the presence of iron and water oxidation threatens potential operations at that location. Similar concerns have been raised with regards to the Virginia plan critics continue to say that the coalfield region needs to be more geologically stable for these power plants to work.
Some experts are hopeful, looking at the relatively low level of iron found in the coalmines as support for the project. Moreover, a similar pumped hydro project in Southern California has been recently licensed, and if all goes smoothly there, it would provide a worthy precedent for supporters of the Virginian counterpart.
This proposal is being looked at in conjunction with plans to build wind farms in Virginia these types of storage systems are the battery component necessary to make renewable energy sources feasible. This concern is especially relevant as we approach the summer months where demand for electricity skyrockets, and with an ever-increasing appetite for new renewable energy in Virginia. Indeed, the largest pumped-storage facility in the world happens to be in Virginia, in operation since the 1980s. Related: Can NYC Reach Its Renewable Energy Storage Goals?
Unlike any other types of power plants, pumped hydro plants are free from many of the rules, regulations, and license requirements that traditionally govern the establishment and building process. But despite these benefits that come from the language of the bills in question, the companies that would build these facilities would not do so without extensive research. The biggest issue, then, is cost. A recent series of studies concluded that a 100-MW pumped storage facility would cost approximately $120 million.
The benefits are attractive, however. Hundreds of jobs would be created at the construction site of each new facility, new sources of tax revenue would be found for local economies, and the transition to renewable energy becomes much easier for the state legislative body.
By Michael McDonald of Oilprice.com
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Saudi Arabias king Salman last week invited Beijing to take a more active part in Middle East politics and in response, the Chinese Foreign Ministry said it would be happy to act as mediator between Riyadh and Tehran and this on top of preliminary investment deals with a potential total value of $65 billion.
Just days after king Salmans departure from China, Israels PM Netanyahu headed there, saying that Israel is in high demand, citing recent trips to Washington and Moscow. Ahead of the visit, Chinas Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said it is hoped that Saudi Arabia and Israel will both contribute to peace in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, a Chinese tech company, ZTE, pleaded guilty to charges of violating U.S. sanctions against Iran, by supplying U.S.-made equipment there for the construction of telecommunications networks.
It seems that what China is doing in the Middle East is, put simply, playing the field. It is the worlds second largest consumer of crude oil and its local production is declining. Saudi Arabia, Iran, and Russia are among the top five oil producers in the world. And oil is only the beginning.
China has an ambitious plan to expand its global influence. With the Middle East being the notorious political hot spot that it is, greater Chinese involvement there would only contribute to the expansion plans, especially if Beijing is successful in this involvement.
Related: Deciphering Todays Oil Markets
The picture that is being painted now is pretty colorful: China has close ties with Iran and Russia. Russia, although clearly on Irans side in the regional axis of antagonism, not long ago demonstrated willingness to take part in a nuclear power plant deal with Riyadh, despite a major rivalry between the worlds #1 and #2 oil producers for none other than the Chinese market, among others.
Traditionally, the Middle East has been a playground for Europe, the U.S., and Russia. Now, China is signaling that this is about to change with the blessing of the regional leaders, no less. While Beijing ensures its long-term supply of crude, it is also more likely than not to curb other stakeholders influence in the region, most notably that of the U.S., which might change the dynamics in the Middle East radically.
It is public knowledge that besides Israel, Saudi Arabia is Americas greatest ally in the Middle East. Iran, on the other hand, is a target for Washington. China is aligned with Iran, and now is going for Saudi Arabia as well.
For the Saudis, the forging of closer ties with Beijing is probably a way of adding a major ally against Tehran and defender of Riyadhs interests in the region. For the Chinese, however, this will hardly be the case, and not just because of their stated role as mediator. China simply has its own agenda, which is often at odds with that of Riyadhs other major ally, the U.S. Related: Expert Analysis: The OPEC Cuts May Be Working
Would the U.S. surrender its dominant position as external influence on the Middle East? Thats unlikely. Would it surrender it specifically to China? Thats even harder to believe. Can it stop the shift in spheres of influence? Again, the answer is in the negative there are just too many interests involved and these are to be reckoned with, if for no other reason than because of the nuclear capacity of China and its partners: Russia and Pakistan.
Those three, by the way, are forming yet another axis, according to some sources. Geopolitical tectonic plates are still shifting, and the new landscape may look very different from what we have now in the Middle East.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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Last week, after WTI dipped to $48, it seemed to firm up a bit on assurances from OPEC regarding compliance with its cuts, and a better-than-expected report from the EIA showing a slight drawdown in crude oil inventories also provided a boost to oil prices. Crude closed out the week slightly up from the week before.
But the downside risk to oil prices has not gone away. In fact, with market sentiment starting to falter, a growing number of investors are abandoning their record bullish bets on oil, which could send prices down further.
The threat of a possible liquidation of net-long positions had grown in recent weeks and months, as investors piled into a one-sided bet even though oil market fundamentals were murky at best. As January gave way to February and March, and the bullish bets continued to mount, so did U.S. oil production. The optimism became increasingly hard to justify and the downside risk to prices grew more obvious. This kind of lop-sided positioning tends to correct itself when sentiment becomes too detached from the fundamentals the only question was when that would happen.
Well, it appears to be happening now.
New data shows that hedge funds and other money managers cut their long bets and increased shorts, resulting in the sharpest net-long reduction on record for a single week. "Speculative investors have thrown in the towel it seems. We've got record selling in the week ending March 14 and the bleeding has not stopped yet," Carsten Fritsch, senior commodities analyst at Commerzbank, told Reuters. "The continued increase in U.S. oil rigs adds to the bearish sentiment." Baker Hughes reported another strong increase in the rig count last week, with 14 oil rigs added back into the field. At 631, the oil rig count is now at an 18-month high. Related: Expert Analysis: The OPEC Cuts May Be Working
For the week ending on March 14, hedge funds slashed their net-long positions by a staggering 23 percent, a record decline. That corresponded with a roughly 10 percent fall in oil prices.
"Its sort of a negative feedback loop, where money managers were selling because the price was falling, and the price was falling in part because money managers were selling, Tim Evans, an analyst at Citi Futures Perspective in New York, said in a Bloomberg interview.
U.S. oil production also rose in the latest EIA report, with output now above 9.1 million barrels per day and rising.
Moreover, the market could be exposed to yet another source of rising supply in the near future.
Libya had provided one of the very few sources of bullishness to the market in recent weeks, with violence knocking about 100,000 bpd offline, taking production down to 600,000 bpd. Libyas National Oil Corporation had lost control of its largest oil export terminals Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, and the cutback in exports surprised the market. Libya had previously announced plans to dramatically ramp up production and exports this year, so the unexpected loss of output provided a lift to crude prices. Related: OPEC Favors Production Cut Extensions As Next Meeting Nears
But the disruptions might be temporary. Libyas NOC says it will regain control of the ports and restore output. Exports could restart within 10 days, a board member of the NOC told Bloomberg. More Libyan supply will weigh on the market.
Of course, that will be small potatoes compared to what OPEC decides to do with its deal, which runs through June. Saudi Arabia has sent mixed signals over what it wants and expects, alternating between voicing frustration with laggards not complying and warning the shale industry on the one hand, and voicing optimism about compliance and sending soothing signals to the market regarding an extension on the other.
Expectations over an OPEC extension are all over the map, so there is no use at this point in speculating what might happen. Goldman Sachs default assumption is no extension. At the other end of the spectrum is Deutsche Bank AG, which predicts not only an extension through the end of 2017, but even an extension through the end of 2018. In between are plenty of more nuanced positions, so take your pick.
In the short run, however, oil markets are in danger of sliding. Investors are bailing out of their positions at a rapid pace, which threatens to drag oil down. Unless some positive news emerges in the next few days or weeks, WTI and Brent could lose a few more dollars.
At the same time, the liquidation of the unsustainable build up in net-long positions takes away some of the harshness of the downside risk. Sort of like a safety valve that has relieved some pressure, the reduction in bullish bets means that there will be less of a danger of another sharp correction in prices stemming from speculative moves. Short sellers are using up their firepower right now.
In other words, the mid-$50s appeared to be a stable range for the past few months, but if the market is to trade narrowly and steadily again, a more appropriate range given todays fundamental could arguably be the upper-$40s.
By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com
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Saudi Arabias state oil giant Saudi Aramco is planning to issue around $2 billion worth of bonds as early as the second quarter this year, in its first bond sale ahead of a much-anticipated initial public offering next year, Bloomberg reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the discussions.
Aramco is eyeing the issue of riyal-denominated Islamic bonds, the so-called sukuk, as part of its plans to raise as much as $10 billion in bonds before listing a small portion of the oil giant, currently slated for some time in 2018. The debut sukuk bond could be a private placement with investors, Bloombergs sources said.
Last month reports had it that Aramco had picked HSBC Holdings local unit HSBC Saudi Arabia, as well as Riyad Capital, to advise it on the sale of riyal-denominated Islamic bonds before the end of the first half this year. In addition, NCB Capital Co and Alinma Investment Co were also said to be working on the sukuk sale, which is part of Aramcos plans to generate $10 billion in bond sale proceeds in 2017, according to Bloomberg.
Related: The Oil Price Roller Coaster Is Not Over Yet
As the expected timeline for Aramcos much-hyped IPO is drawing nearer, industry analysts and observers have been attempting to evaluate how much the company is really worth, and whether its total worth is close to the $2 trillion that Saudi officials have been claiming.
International fund managers and institutional investors largely expect Saudi Aramco to be valued at up to $1.5 trillion in the IPO, according to a survey by investment bank EFG Hermes. Some of the other recent attempts at valuing Aramco have placed the companys total worth at somewhere between $400 billion and $1 trillion, according to various assumptions about the tax rate, the cost of capital, its ability to generate cash flow, various oil price projections, and potential political sensitivity for future investors.
By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com
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A pipeline that will carry crude oil from the coast of Myanmar to southwest China is nearing its start as the two countries settle their differences regarding the terms of the oil transport project. Thats according to government sources from Myanmar who spoke to Reuters. The pipeline could turn Myanmars Bay of Bengal coast into a new major oil route.
The 770-km, $1.5-billion pipeline was completed two years ago, but disagreements between Beijing and Naypyitaw delayed the start of deliveries. Now the countries seem amicable again, with China last week blocking a UN statement of concern with regard to a security operation conducted by Myanmar forces in the Rakhine province.
The operation is believed by most of the UN Security Council to be too violent and could include crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing of a Muslim minority in the Asian nation. Myanmars government says the operation was a response to insurgence among the locals. China was backed in its rejection of the statement by Russia.
Since some of the clashes with the Muslim minority are taking place near the Myanmar-China border, the latter is careful not to let it spill over, vocally supporting peace talks. Whats more, these areas are abundant in natural resources, which is one more reason for Beijing to take a more active part in the peace process.
Related: Submerged Platforms To Revolutionize Offshore Oil & Gas
Myanmar is mostly rich in natural gas, which it exports to neighbors Thailand and China. It has some 50 million barrels in estimated oil reserves, but the crude that will feed the 260,000-bpd pipeline will come from overseas. Eventually, the pipeline should reach a capacity of 400,000 barrels per day, which is equal to 5 percent of Chinas daily demand of imported oil.
The crude is to be supplied to PetroChinas brand new Yunnan refinery, where test production is scheduled to start in June.
By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com
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Saudi Arabia has cut crude oil exports by 3.8 percent in January in accordance with the deal the country negotiated between members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, Bloomberg reported today.
The reduction brought Saudi exports down to 7.7 million barrels per day in January, bringing global markets one step forward in reversing the supply glut that has plagued markets for the past two years, according to data from the Joint Organizations Data Initiative.
Total crude output declined to 9.75 million barrels per day the lowest level since February 2015.
The November deal between members of OPEC and eleven NOPEC nations promised 1.8 million barrels per day of cuts in the first half of 2017. So far, Saudi has been lifting the weight of OPEC countries that have cut less than they committed, which boosts the blocs aggregated compliance. The KSA had technically only signed off on cutting production to 10.058 million barrels per day.
No such united front exists amongst NOPEC countries, causing their compliance rate to hang in the 66th percentile.
"This is a strong sign that Saudi Arabia is committed to rebalancing the market," Mohamed Ramady, an independent analyst from the United Kingdom who used to teach economics in Saudi Arabia, told Bloomberg. "Yet, this might not be enough to quicken the recovery process as crude in storage worldwide is still high. They might need to reduce shipments more or extend this beyond June."
Related: Saudi Arabia Tries To Reassure Markets After Oil Price Plunge
The KSA needs market prices to recover before its Saudi Aramco initial public offering, set to take place next year. The $1 trillion-listing would be a big boon to any stock exchange that ends up being its host, though no final decisions regarding the matter have been made. The royal family says the proceeds of the partial sale of the company will be used to diversify the nations economy away from oil and gas.
By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com
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President Trump in the Midst of Crises
21 March, 2017
By Saeed Qureshi
President Donlad Trumps advent in the political arena from an entirely non-political and business background and winning the presidency of the United States is a unique phenomenon. Lately he has owed this brilliant achievement to his Tweeting obsession. Yet strangely he is engulfed in a massive tsunami and colossal plethora of crises, scandals and controversies. Following the oath taking on February 2 this year, he has already stashed away 59 days out of the first 100 day in office. He is left with 49 days from today onwards to set the things rights. Thus, far president Trump has signed 17 executive orders and 12 memoranda some of which are either challenged or repudiated both by the people and the government agencies.
The cardinal truth is that Donald Trump is a sincere person but his temperament is not. He is an economic wizard and mostly he has not been politically correct or earnest. Compromise, conciliations or bending backwards are not part of his political strategy or mindset. He excels and relishes in rebukes, retaliations and spurring non-issues as big issues. Once he takes a stand whether right or wrong, he sticks to it no matter what could be the ground realities and consequences.
Even a novice and nincompoop politician would not antagonize the press and judiciary. Yet he went aggressively in denouncing both the media and the judiciary because they differed with his executive orders and projections. United States is truly a democratic state where press, judiciary and other institutions play their roles honestly and truthfully although in Media there are always pro and anti-establishment views. But that is what is required of the media in any country.
Some of these executive orders have become highly controversial and subject to the scrutiny of the senate and the house. The replacement of Obamacare (known as Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act), is already being opposed on countrywide scale through long marches and even otherwise. Of late there is some compromise demonstrated by president himself and his advisors to retain some provisions of the Obamacare in the original draft of their healthcare plan. The Trump administration is deliberating on replacement of Obamacare with the "World's Greatest Healthcare Plan of 2017". This plan has been sponsored by Pete Sessions; the current chairman of the House Rules Committee. According to Reuters report, Republicans remain deeply divided over their U.S. healthcare overhaul, which is Trump's first major legislative initiative and aims to fulfill his campaign pledge to repeal and replace the healthcare program (known as Obamacare) of his Democratic predecessor, Barack Obama.
The cabinet appointments have become controversial. Trumps National Security Advisor Retired Army Lieutenant General, Michael T. Flynn had to resign for misleading key governments top officials, media and the people about the nature of his telecommunication contacts with the Russian diplomats. Flynn remained as the National Security Advisor just for 24 days which is the shortest in the history of the office.
President Trumps appointed Attorney General Jeff Sessions had to step aside from any existing or future investigations of any matters related in any way to the campaigns for president of the United States. Attorney General Jeff Sessions came under intense scrutiny after reports surfaced that he had contacts with Russian government officials during the 2016 Presidential election. Neil Gorsuch the newly appointed judge on the supreme court panel will have to go through a grueling session tomorrow (at the Capitol Hill for his confirmation hearings)
Trumps tweeted allegation of wiretapping of the Trump Tower against his predecessor Barack Obama should have been a non-issue and could even be baseless as being commonly believed. This allegation has put Trump in a tight corner because it is not a small allegation. It is a manifestation of distrust about his successor president Obama. Apparently, nothing could be far-fetched that this allegation which has already been refuted by FBI and other concerned agencies as hollow of truth. It is being conjectured that president Trump hurled this charge to deflect the public attention from other controversial issues
The downslide of president Trumps package of reforms started with the Immigration Executive Order banning immigrants from 7 Islamic countries which later was reduced to six countries. That put the judiciary and the president face to face with each. Judiciary came to the rescue of the crowds of stranded immigrants on the American airports. Mercifully A federal judge in Seattle James Robart moved to rescue thousands of stranded individuals and families by placing a nationwide block on Trumps week-old executive order. Despite that, president trump intends to fight back in favor of his immigration ban though by making some minor changes.
The other controversial issues that have surfaced are president Trumps personal business relations with Russians especially president Putin. His familys business and the involvement of -president Trump in that is yet another sticking point that might come to fore in due course of time.
Despite transferring his business to his sons and even wife, the questions would be raised if he is still influencing the business in favor of their family and partners. The sex scandals related to president Trump are still on the back burner. But if the affected women pursue such cases there might be another judicial fight to rescue himself from these true or untrue accusations
The most outstanding issue is the hacking of 2016 presidential elections. God forbid if behind the door links of cohorts of the president and even himself are proved then one could imagine the serious consequences emanating from such an outcome. The hacking of the 2016 elections mostly blamed on Russian hackers in favor president Trump is the trickiest issue that could tilt either way.
While wishing president Trump well and his continuation in the prestigious office of the president of United States, one would doubt that all the cases or allegations against him would prove to be false and he can continue with his road map of strengthening America in all respects. In the meantime, let us watch as to what happens to this legal and constitutional battling that might continue for quite some time. Finally, he should not depend too much on tweeting. This is mostly the pastime of the young generation and should not be overly used to convey political matters and decisions, all the more for the president of a mighty country.
The writer is a senior journalist, former editor of Diplomatic Times and a former diplomat. This and other articles by the writer can also be read at his blog www.uprightopinion.com
To unsubscribe or for comments please write us at qureshisaeed50@hotmail.com
India to return at negotiating table with Pakistan: Khawaja Asif
ISLAMABAD: India has decided to return to the negotiating table with Pakistan over its disputed hydropower projects in April, following the intervention of the US and the World Bank. Water and Power Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said on Monday that the two nations would hold three-day secretary-level talks on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, under the aegis of the World Bank, in Washington from April 11.
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day talks between Indus water commissioners from both sides, the minister, who also holds the portfolio for defence, welcomed the Indian decision to resume negotiations under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty on the proposed Pakul Dal, Miyar and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects, disputed by Pakistan.
The US has intervened at the highest level to help both countries resolve the issue. There will be secretary-level talks on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects in Washington on April 11, 12 and 13, he said at a press conference.
Khawaja Asif says US, World Bank helped bring India to the table; admits Kishanganga will affect power generation at Neelum-Jhelum
We are happy that India has finally agreed to resume talks at the commission level. We welcome this decision and the visit of the Indian delegation, he added.
The 10-member Indian delegation currently in Islamabad is led by Indian Indus Water Commissioner P.K. Saxena.
Khawaja Asif said Pakistan would be in a position to protect its rights on Ratle hydroelectric project, adding that the countrys stance had not been negated at any level. He refused to speculate whether or not the water talks could ultimately lead to the resumption of composite dialogue.
We want that India should share the design of the three proposed projects, and if they hurt Pakistans interests, then objections will be raised at the appropriate forum; this is our right. Since the treaty was signed, 116 project inspection visits have been undertaken, he said.
Pakistan has been protesting over the design and construction of the two projects the 330MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project and the 850MW Ratle hydroelectric project in India-held Jammu and Kashmir. Islamabad has been demanding international arbitration through the World Bank the so-called guarantor of the 1960 treaty.
The minister said Pakistan had decided to seek international arbitration following the failure of secretary-level talks on Ratle on July 14-15 in New Delhi.
Pakistan, he said, had objection over the project design. The minister claimed that the World Bank-sponsored International Court of Arbitration had given its verdict in Pakistans favour over the Kishanganga project and Islamabad was now demanding that it be implemented.
A former water and power secretary, however, disagreed. He was of the opinion that Islamabads main objection over the diversion of the river waters by India was not entertained by the International Court of Arbitration because authorities could not establish through evidence its water uses from the Line of Control to Muzaffarabad.
The minister, however, conceded that Kishanganga would affect the generation capacity of the 969MW Neelum-Jhelum Hydropower plant, which is located downstream of the proposed Indian project, by about 10pc.
The minister said the two-day talks on 1,000MW Pakul Dal, 120MW Miyar and 48MW Lower Kalnai projects would be led from the Pakistani side by Mirza Asif Beg, Pakistans Indus Water Commissioner.
He said India had not shared the design of these projects with Pakistan, as required under the treaty, adding that Islamabad had serious reservations over these projects and believed they would give India the capacity to impede water flows to Pakistan.
He said Pakistan always believed the accord was one of the few international treaties capable of resolving serious disputes over water reservoirs through peaceful means and sanctity of the treaty and resolutions of dispute though this was in the interest of the two nations.
In July 2016, a high-level delegation headed by the water and power secretary had visited New Delhi to discuss these projects, but Indias inflexible attitude resulted in their failure to reach a conclusion. After this, Pakistan decided to approach the Permanent Court of Arbitration against India.
Last September, Pakistan approached the World Bank when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatened to revoke the 56-year-old treaty following the Uri attack.
Pakistan to reopen Afghanistan border immediately: Nawaz Sharif
ISLAMABAD/KHYBER AGENCY: Pakistan on Monday ordered the border with Afghanistan to be reopened 'immediately', a month after it was closed amid soaring tensions as Islamabad and Kabul accused one another of providing safe haven for militants.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the two main crossings on the long, porous border be reopened as a gesture of 'goodwill', a statement from his office said.
The crossings - Torkham at the famed Khyber Pass and Chaman in Balochistan province - were closed last month after a wave of militant violence killed 130 people across Pakistan.
The attacks, most of which were claimed by the Islamic State group or the Pakistani Taliban, dented optimism after the country appeared to be making strong gains in its decade-and-a-half long war on militancy. Pakistan's military as well as the civilian government swiftly pointed fingers at Afghanistan, blaming Kabul for harbouring those behind the attacks.
Afghanistan has long accused Pakistan of providing safe haven to the Afghan Taliban, and the claim sparked a diplomatic furore as both countries traded allegations.
The statement from PM Office called for the border to be reopened 'despite' the accusations, citing 'centuries-old' religious, cultural and historic links.
"We hope that Afghan government will take all necessary actions to end the reasons for which this step was taken," Sharif said, adding that lasting peace in Afghanistan was essential to Pakistan's security.
The premier was of the view that the prolonged closure of the Pak-Afghan border was against the interests of the people and economies of the two countries. The two nations are divided by the Durand Line, a 2,400-kilometre frontier drawn by the British in 1896 and disputed by Kabul, which does not officially recognise it as an international border.
Tensions along the frontier have been simmering for months, after hundreds of thousands of Afghan refugees in Pakistan were repatriated last year, with Human Rights Watch accusing Islamabad of coercion, threats and abuse.
Pakistani attempts to control the previously open border and implement customs duties have also sparked complaints from traders used to crossing with impunity. The Pakistani government estimates that undocumented trade on the border exceeds $2.5 billion annually. Despite orders by the prime minister, the Torkham and Chaman crossing points were not formally reopened till the filing of this report.
When contacted, Passport Political Tehsildar of Torkham Shamsul Islam said that the administration had not received any written notification pertaining to reopening of crossing point so far. He further said that the border will be reopened after receipt of formal notification in this regard.
The customs official deployed at the Torkham border while commenting over the PM announcement said they were ready to make clearance of stranded vehicles loaded with export and import commodities on either side of the border just in an hour.
The announcement has brought happiness on the faces of traders, businessmen and people from both sides of the border.
Following the announcement, Afghan Ambassador Dr Omar Zakhilwal said Pakistan had opened the border unconditionally in accordance with the agreement reached in the last week's high-level talks in London.
Britain hosted Pakistan Foreign Affairs Adviser Sartaj Aziz and Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar on Thursday to defuse tensions between the two uneasy neighbours.
"We had pursued implementation process of the agreement on the opening of the border and other important issues over the past three days," he said on his official Facebook account. He did not offer any comment on other issues.
Earlier this month, Pakistan had temporarily opened the border at Torkham and Chaman to allow stranded Afghan nationals to return to their country. The border crossings were opened on March 7 and 8, 'in order to provide an opportunity to those nationals of Afghanistan who had come to Pakistan on valid visas and wish to return to their country', a Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release had stated.
The mathematical (and other) thoughts of a (now retired) math teacher,
The decision by the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mr. John Peter Amewu to re-appoint Mr. Joseph Yaw Aboagye as the Director of Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation of the Minerals Commission has set tongues wagging at both the Ministry and the Commission.
Mr. Aboagye who held the same portfolio prior to May 2014 was seconded to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources following a series of allegations and incidents bordering on integrity and accountability relative to the issuance of mineral titles and licences among others.
Our investigative team has sighted a letter signed by the Chief Director of the Ministry, Prof. Bruce Banoeng-Yakubo dated March 7, 2017 which cites the Minister's directive as the basis for Mr. Aboagye's return to the Minerals Commission.
"I have been directed by the Minister, Hon. John Peter Amewu to inform you of the decision for Mr. Joseph Yaw Aboagye to return to the Minerals Commission as Director, Policy, Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation with immediate effect", emphasized Prof. Banoeng-Yakubo in his letter to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Minerals Commission.
Apparently, upon receipt of the Chief Director's letter conveying the Ministers directive, the Chief Executive Officer of the Minerals Commission, Mr. Tony Aubryn on March 13, 2017, instructed the Senior Estate Officer of the Commission to prepare Room 208 for Mr. Aboagye temporarily.
However, Mr. Aboagye's return to his former post has set tongues wagging at the Ministry, the Commission and among some members of Parliament. Questions are being asked as to the status of the incidents and allegations which informed his secondment to the Ministry in May 2014.
A parliamentary source hinted our investigative team that the Parliamentary Select Committee on Energy and Mining in the last Parliament had some serious challenges with the conduct of Mr. Aboagye; and that those challenges were not unconnected with his secondment from the Minerals Commission to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in 2014.
References were made to a series of allegations and incidents in media publications particularly in the Daily GUIDE and The Ghanaian Observer which have not yet been thoroughly investigated and/or adequately dealt with.
Mr. Aboagye, according to our sources at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources, has had the tendency to project his alleged NPP connections and always believed that his secondment to the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources was politically motivated.
"Mr. Aboagye had always claimed that his secondment to the Ministry was a case of political victimization. And so for him, his return to his former post is a case of political restoration or vindication. The veracity or otherwise of the allegations against him is immaterial in the context of 2016 Election Victory of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)", quipped an official at the Ministry who spoke to our investigative team on condition of strict confidentiality.
In another development, our preliminary checks point to Mr. Aboagye's "business interests" in two mining companies namely Xtra Gold in the Eastern Region and Shanxi Mining in the Upper East Region. Activities and operations of these two companies in and outside their areas of operations are currently on our investigative radar. And the details of our findings would be made available to the public as and when they are ready.
We are also following some critical leads on alleged dealings between Mr. Aboagye and some highly-placed officials at the Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources and the Minerals Commission on one hand and some foreign(mainly Chinese) companies on the other.
Stay tuned.....
Source: New Crusading Guide
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Novartis' Cosentyx is first and only IL-17A inhibitor to potentially modify the course of psoriasis
Details Category: Antibodies Published on Tuesday, 21 March 2017 11:42 Hits: 2066
New data suggests that disease modification with Cosentyx may be achievable for around 20% of patients following one year of treatment[1]
Patients with longer disease duration before treatment with Cosentyx were more likely to relapse, highlighting the potential importance of early treatment with Cosentyx[1]
To further investigate disease modification, Novartis has initiated the STEPIn trial, evaluating Cosentyx in patients with early onset of moderate-to-severe psoriasis[2]
BASEL, Switzerland I March 21, 2017 I Novartis today announced new data suggesting, for the first time, that Cosentyx (secukinumab) may modify the course of moderate-to-severe psoriasis leading to long-term, treatment-free skin clearance[1]. Cosentyx is the first and only IL-17A inhibitor to have reported this potential of disease modification. These data were presented at the 13th Annual Maui Derm for Dermatologists 2017, Maui, Hawaii at which Novartis presented 14 abstracts.
Following one year of treatment with Cosentyx, patients were randomized to either continuous treatment or treatment cessation until relapse. Patients with continuous treatment maintained their high level of response. Among the patients that discontinued treatment, 21% of psoriasis patients maintained skin clearance for up to one year without treatment and 10% maintained skin clearance after two years without treatment[1]. Patients with longer disease duration were more likely to relapse, suggesting that early intervention increases the chance of remaining relapse free[1].
Previous data has shown that Cosentyx, a fully human, specific inhibitor of the IL-17A cytokine, delivers long-lasting clear or almost clear skin (PASI 90 to PASI 100) in up to 80% of patients out to four years[3],[4].
"These results suggest that Cosentyx may go beyond simply treating symptoms and could actually modify the course of psoriasis, and highlights the need for further investigation into early intervention," said Vas Narasimhan, Global Head, Drug Development and Chief Medical Officer, Novartis. "Being able to change the course of disease is the ultimate goal of treatment, which is why we are investing in the STEPIn trial to further understand the disease modifying ability of Cosentyx in psoriasis."
This is the first robust long-term data on psoriasis following treatment discontinuation. These data (from extension study A2302E1) show low scores on the Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) were maintained after treatment discontinuation following one year on Cosentyx (PASI score of 2.9 after 1 year and 1.7 after 2 years off-drug, vs. 20.5 and 19.2 at Baseline)[1]. Additionally, of the 120 patients who were PASI 75 responders and switched to placebo at one year, 21% remained relapse-free after one year and 10% were relapse-free after two years off-treatment[1]. Patients who had a longer disease duration before Cosentyx treatment were more likely to relapse, highlighting the potential importance of early treatment[1]. To further investigate the disease modification potential of Cosentyx, Novartis has initiated the STEPIn trial to assess early intervention with Cosentyx in new-onset disease. The ambition is to identify a novel strategy of treating patients with new-onset moderate-to-severe psoriasis, by providing evidence to inform the use of early treatment[2].
Cosentyx is the only IL-17A inhibitor approved in psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. 80,000 patients have been treated worldwide in the post-marketing setting[5].
About Cosentyx and interleukin-17A (IL-17A)
Launched in January 2015, Cosentyx is a targeted treatment that specifically inhibits the IL-17A cytokine. Cosentyx delivers long-lasting clear skin, with proven sustainability, safety out to four years and convenient once-monthly dosing in a patient-friendly auto injector[6].
Cosentyx is approved in more than 75 countries for the treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, which includes the European Union countries, Japan, Switzerland, Australia, the US and Canada. In Europe, Cosentyx is approved for the first-line systemic treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients[7]. In the US, Cosentyx is approved as a treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy (light therapy)[8].
In addition, Cosentyx is the first IL-17A inhibitor approved in more than 65 countries for the treatment of active AS and PsA, which includes the European Union countries and the US. Cosentyx is also approved for the treatment of PsA and pustular psoriasis in Japan[5].
About A2302E1[1]
A2302E1 is an extension of pivotal phase 3 studies ERASURE and FIXTURE made up of a double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 120 psoriasis patients. After one year of Cosentyx treatment, patients who achieved a PASI 75 response were randomized to receive either Cosentyx 300mg or placebo. During the treatment withdrawal concomitant psoriasis medication was prohibited. Upon relapse placebo patients were retreated with Cosentyx.
About STEPIn[2]
A randomized, multicenter study to evaluate the effect of secukinumab 300 mg s.c. administered during 52 weeks to patients suffering from new-onset moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis as early intervention compared to standard of care treatment with narrow-band UVB. STEPIn aims to demonstrate the benefit of early secukinumab treatment with the ultimate goal of altering the natural course psoriasis with a reduced disease burden and need for treatment.
About psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, non-contagious, autoimmune disease that affects more than 125 million people worldwide[9]. Plaque psoriasis is the most common form of the disease and appears as raised, red patches covered with a silvery white buildup of dead skin cells.
Psoriasis is not simply a cosmetic problem, but a persistent, chronic (long-lasting), and sometimes distressing disease, which can affect even the smallest aspects of people's lives on a daily basis. Up to 30% of patients with psoriasis have, or will develop, PsA[10]. PsA is a condition in which the joints are also affected, causing debilitating symptoms including pain, stiffness and irreversible joint damage[10],[11]. Psoriasis is also associated with other serious health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and depression[8].
About Novartis
Novartis provides innovative healthcare solutions that address the evolving needs of patients and societies. Headquartered in Basel, Switzerland, Novartis offers a diversified portfolio to best meet these needs: innovative medicines, cost-saving generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals and eye care. Novartis has leading positions globally in each of these areas. In 2016, the Group achieved net sales of USD 48.5 billion, while R&D throughout the Group amounted to approximately USD 9.0 billion. Novartis Group companies employ approximately 118,000 full-time-equivalent associates. Novartis products are sold in approximately 155 countries around the world. For more information, please visit http://www.novartis.com.
Novartis is on Twitter. Sign up to follow @Novartis at http://twitter.com/novartis
For Novartis multimedia content, please visit www.novartis.com/news/media-library
For questions about the site or required registration, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
References:
[1] Lebwohl M et al. Long-term psoriasis control following Secukinumab discontinuation indicated disease modification of moderate to severe psoriasis. Presented as a poster presentation at the 13th Annual Maui Derm for Dermatologists 2017. 20-24th March 2017.
[2] Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Study of the Efficacy of Early Intervention With Secukinumab 300 mg s.c. Compared to Narrow-band UVB in Patients With New-onset Moderate to Severe Plaque Psoriasis (STEPIn). In: ClinicalTrials.gov. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US). 2000 - 20170303. Available from: http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03020199 NLM Identifier: NCT03020199.
[3] Blauvelt A et al. Secukinumab is superior to ustekinumab in clearing skin of subjects with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis up to 1 year: Results from the CLEAR study. J Am Acad Dermatol. September 2016. Available from http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2016.08.008 Epub ahead of print.
[4] Kirkham BW et al. Interleukin-17A: a unique pathway in immune-mediated diseases: psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Immunology. 2014; 141:133-142.
[5] Novartis. Data on file. March 2017.
[6] Bissonnette R et al. Secukinumab maintains high levels of efficacy through 4 years of treatments: results from an extension to a phase 3 study (SCULPTURE). Presented as a late breaking abstract at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology 2016. 1st October 2016.
[7] Cosentyx Summary of Product Characteristics. Novartis Europharm Limited. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/index.jsp?curl=pages/medicines/human/medicines/
003729/human_med_001832.jsp&mid=WC0b01ac058001d124. Accessed February 2017.
[8] Cosentyx (secukinumab) [prescribing information]. East Hanover, NJ: Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, 2016.
[9] International Federation of Psoriasis Associations (IFPA) World Psoriasis Day website. "About Psoriasis." Available at: http://www.worldpsoriasisday.com/web/page.aspx?refid=114. Accessed September 2016
[10] National Psoriasis Foundation. Psoriatic disease: about psoriasis. Available at: www.psoriasis.org/about-psoriasis. Accessed February 2017.
[11] Mease PJ, Armstrong AW. Managing patients with psoriatic disease: the diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis. Drugs. 2014; 74:423-441.
SOURCE: Novartis
Hes what makes Pittsburgh go, said Art Rooney II. Hes been one of the spokes of Pittsburgh for the past 30 years or so, and were excited to give him his dues tonight.
Accolades abounded for PNC Executive Vice President and Special Advisor to the Chairman Sy Holzer, honored with the 2017 Chairmans Award for his leadership in education, healthcare, community and charitable endeavors during the March 17 American Ireland Funds Gala at Heinz Field.
Theres no one attending more charity events doing more charity work for more people, added Pittsburgh Penguins CEO David Morehouse, who arrived with his wife, Vanessa.
VIPs including gala chair David Malone and his wife, Nancy, president and CEO of the world-wide Ireland Funds Kieran McLoughlin, County Executive Rich Fitzgerald, Lou and Millie Cestello, Bob Nutting, Frank Coonelly, Jim and Stephanie Rooney, Greta Rooney, and Mardi and Bob Isler enjoyed a special reception featuring a presentation with Huffington Post Global Editorial Director Howard Fineman, also a Pittsburgh native and longtime friend of Holzers.
I love everything about him, Fineman said. When I think of Sy, I think of the most decent, hardworking guy I can think of.
The evening drew 600 guests, raising $735,000 to support programs of peace and reconciliation, arts and culture, education and community development throughout Ireland. It was emceed by KDKAs Larry Richert and featured performances by the Burke Conroy Irish Dancers, The Wild Geese, and Irish Fiddlers Margaret and Michael Kepler.
Stand at the top of the angles stairs in the entry to the Squirrel Hill Library, and you are cantilevered out and over Forbes Avenue, beyond the facades of surrounding buildings. The way the building creases and folds here, you can see outside and back in at the same time.
Go past the free-standing elevator shaft, beneath the exposed ducts, and into the library space, and a tent-like canopy of copper rises on a white steel frame to create a comforting sense of shelter that you can feel, a central gathering space in a library that spreads out a selection of smaller spaces for children and teens, as well as regular visitors to inquire, read, work, meet or relax.
Designed by Arthur Lubetz Associates and completed in 2005, this building is the 7,000-square-foot expansion and renovation of an existing structure from 1972. It is useful and welcoming, but, like much of Lubetzs work, its most prominent features poke at architectural convention in subtle and overt ways.
Lubetz is continually one of Pittsburghs most thoughtful and challenging architects, even as he completes, remarkably, a half century of practice. As a student at Carnegie Tech in the 1960s, he was friends with artists Mel Bochner and George Nama, who became prominent artists. Over the years, he has cited art, philosophy, and, more recently, neurobiology as ways to understand architecture, even as he has insisted that buildings must speak clearly to everyday people. Architecture is a public art and therefore demands of us a language that communicates with this diverse public, he says.
You can find innovative Lubetz ideas in his earliest works mansion-to-condo renovations in Shadyside and some understated forays into subsidized housing further afield. In the early 1980s though, he had a pronounced resurgence creating some of the citys most unsettling and provocative architecture, critic Patricia Lowry wrote at the time.
One notable project is his own office at 357 N. Craig St. This pre-existing auto mechanics shop was utterly transformed by its conversion into the architects studio with additional rentable space. The concrete block building with plenty of salmon-colored stucco walls and teal trim is an exuberant play on basic elements of architecture. Walls stand free beyond any roof covering. A staircase turns upside down and rises to an orphaned, oversized window. Building parts slide past each other in receding layers of space instead of aligning the way you would expect. Inside, the architects studio is a double-height space with an off-scale grid of windows in that continuing salmoncolored wall. There is a building within a building, which functions well to house key offices and conference rooms, while continuing the sense of architectural elements at play rather than rest.
It is still one of Pittsburghs best buildings of the era, notably more complex than the Abrams House by iconic postmodern architect Robert Venturi. Lubetzs work perhaps still nips at the heels of the Giovannitti House, Richard Meiers masterpiece, but its still a real part of the conversation. It is both billboard and sculpture said Architecture magazine when they wrote about it in 1986. Also in the early 1980s, Lubetz made one of his most strident and outlandish buildings, on Dalzell Place in Squirrel Hill. Lubetz was, as always, influenced by avant-garde art, particularly ideas of artists such as Richard Serra and Gordon Matta-Clark, who brought actions of breaking, slicing, sliding, and tearing to their work. Accordingly, on a pleasant medium-sized builders house from around 1910, one in a row of almost-identical structures, the architect designed a huge red slab (now repainted a pinker shade) slicing through the middle of the house and coming out the back. On the interior, a staircase spirals upward through it, and a double-height space enhances the sense of architectural drama. Various holes allow passage from one side of the house to the other. The boldness of the initial idea gives way to greater subtlety. Dalzell Place House clients complained that Post-Gazette critic Donald Miller did not seem to grasp the underlying complexity and philosophical intent of key Lubetz works.
Decades later, drama and paradox hold similar sway in Lubetz projects. In pre-construction models, his Glass Lofts on Penn Avenue looked like another project that might be too outlandish to build. The vivid backward tilt of cubic volumes and the adventurous sprawl of stairs and walkways across and up the hill flout convention, to say nothing of the fluorescent shade of green. The persistent idea of architecture acted upon by vivid physical actions still seems valid here. For the Glass Lofts, though, Lubetz has talked about this work in terms of theories of incompletion, a concept he has researched and taught since the 1990s.
Buildings, he and supporting theorists argue, are at least as interesting under construction and demolition as they are in use. Also, importantly, only use and change allow them to reach their real potential. A few sessions of Lubetzs theory course might help in clarifying his notions of incompletion, but there is no doubt that these energetic and sculptural buildings are meant to defy conventional architecture. My aim is not to persuade, but to encourage people to think, he states.
In 2011, Lubetz merged with Manhattan-based Front Studio, a firm founded and run by his former CMU students Yen Ha and Michi Yanagishita. He now practices as a principal of that firm, no longer Arthur Lubetz Associates. Still, his Sharpsburg Library, completed in 2014 (and featured in Pittsburgh Quarterly that year), is as sculptural and vibrant as any of his older works, and it was recently written about with praise in Architects Newspaper.
With designs on the boards for locations in Polish Hill, the South Side Slopes and Beechview, as well as an outlandishlooking but very serious proposal for a hotel, apartments and cantilevered convention hall for the Andy Warhol Museum, Lubetz, now Front Studio, is as active and engaging as ever.
This blog will focus on political images I have found all around the Internet, though I will intersperse some commentary and quotes that I find interesting.
LAKE GEORGE A Hudson Falls man who is in prison for a gun charge has been arrested for allegedly stealing a gun from a Lake George home in 2015, police said.
Jason T. Stover, 37, was charged with fourth-degree grand larceny, a felony, for the August 2015 theft of a handgun from a home on Cherry Street, police said.
He was believed to have been in the home, which had suffered a fire, when working with a contractor, according to the Warren County Sheriff's Office.
He was arrested in Albany days after the theft, walking on Central Avenue with the handgun tucked into the waistband of his pants, officials said.
Stover, who has a lengthy criminal record, is serving a 3.5-year prison sentence for a criminal possession of a weapon conviction that stemmed from the Albany arrest.
He was arraigned in Lake George Town Court and returned to Orleans Correctional Facility, where he is eligible for parole next year.
QUEENSBURY A second person has been arrested in connection with a drug case that led to the seizure of crack cocaine in the parking lot of a local store, police said.
Michael A. Manor, 35, of New York City, was charged in a grand jury indictment that also named the man who police allege sold crack in the parking lot of Wal-Mart on Quaker Ridge Road in Queensbury.
Manor is accused of assisting Craig A. Webster, 32, of New York City as Webster sold crack cocaine in Queensbury on March 2 and 3, court records show.
Webster was arrested in the store parking lot on March 3, and accused of possessing crack with intent to distribute. A Warren County grand jury last week accused him of selling drugs as well.
Webster faces five felony counts of criminal sale of a controlled substance and criminal possession of a controlled substance, while Manor faces two misdemeanor charges of criminal facilitation.
Webster is being held in Warren County Jail pending further prosecution in Warren County Court. Manor was released pending prosecution.
The case was investigated by the Warren County Sheriff's Office.
It is essential that federal funding to states that expanded Medicaid coverage not be immediately ended under the repeal and replacement of President Obamas health care plan, said U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro.
We need to make sure there is a strong system in place by 2020, when many of these changes take place, she said in a telephone town hall with constituents on Monday evening.
When a caller asked about an estimated 85,000 people that would lose coverage under the replacement plan, Stefanik said about 60,000 of those are covered under the expanded Medicaid coverage currently offered, and keeping that coverage in place temporarily would provide a transition period.
I believe there needs to be a multi-year approach, she said.
Stefanik said she supports amending the original version of the replacement legislation to increase tax credits for those aged 50-64 to offset the cost of health insurance.
Know that I am taking it very seriously, she said.
Stefanik said her main concern is with controlling the cost of health insurance.
My goal is to move in a better direction when it comes to health care, she said.
Stefanik said she has insisted that maternity care be included under the replacement legislation.
She said she voted to redirect federal funding of Planned Parenthood to community health centers because it is a more efficient use of federal funds.
These community health centers provide one-stop shopping for health care, she said.
Stefanik took 16 questions from 21st Congressional District residents during the approximately one-hour conference call.
About 600 people registered in advance to participate, and automated calls were placed Monday evening to another 62,000 residents in the district asking if they wished to participate, said Tom Flanagin, the congresswomans spokesman.
Stefanik said tax reform is necessary to protect jobs in the district, and she is hopeful legislation to transfer administration of agricultural workers visas can be transferred from the Department of Labor to the Department of Agriculture will be included in a new farm bill in 2018.
She said she supports tax credits for solar and wind power, and she supports economically viable solutions to climate change.
She said twice she opposes eliminating federal funding for Meals on Wheels.
QUEENSBURY A Washington County man was jailed Saturday after State Police made a major cocaine seizure that occurred after police stopped a vehicle on the Northway for having excessively tinted windows, authorities said.
Marvin T. Grant, 32, of Butler Road, Granville, was arrested after troopers stopped a car heading north near Exit 19 just after 1:30 p.m., according to State Police.
Police smelled marijuana, and Grant acknowledged that there was a bag of the drug in the back seat of the car, officials said.
A State Police search dog and handler were in the area, and the trooper responded to the scene to have the dog check the perimeter of the vehicle, according to police.
The dog alerted around the front of the vehicle, and when troopers opened the hood, a package was found secured in the engine compartment that contained two large bags of white powder.
Grant tried to run at that point, but troopers caught him within seconds. The powder tested positive for cocaine, and the packages weighed 5.5 ounces, police said. That made it one of the largest cocaine seizures in Warren County in years, since a 2012 case in which police seized over two pounds of the drug in Lake George and Lake Luzerne.
He was charged with two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, including a count that is the states second-weightiest drug charge, misdemeanor resisting arrest and non-criminal unlawful possession of marijuana.
Grant was traveling with a Rutland, Vermont, woman who was not charged. Police believe they had gotten the drugs in New York City, where Grant had been living until recently, and were on their way to Rutland.
He was arraigned and sent to Warren County Jail for lack of bail. The Warren County Sheriffs Office assisted State Police.
While opioids such as heroin have gotten a large amount of attention in recent years as addiction levels have increase, police have also been seeing an increase in cocaine activity.
LAKE GEORGE Village officials want to hold off on any in-depth study of dissolution until they find out if they can get funding to build a new wastewater treatment plant.
I have a feeling it would not be wise to discuss dissolution at this time, particularly with having to bond a new wastewater treatment plant to the tune of $17 million, said Mayor Robert Blais.
The village is trying to obtain outside funding to build a new plant, so the expense does not fall on taxpayers.
The town of Lake George, meanwhile, is looking for outside help in its study of what the costs and savings would be of dissolving the village.
Blais said the Village Board did not take a formal vote at its Monday meeting, but members came to a consensus that they want to hold off on consolidation discussions.
Blais had presented information on why other communities had considered dissolution. Those communities were very small, had financial issues and did not provide a lot of services, according to Blais. The village is small, but it has a $6 million budget, and in the summer its population of 1,000 year-round residents swells to 18,000 to 25,000 people.
The village is not having financial issues. It rated a zero in its fiscal stress score by the state Comptrollers Office, Blais said.
About half of the villages revenues come from fees and outside sources, he said, and it has about $2.5 million in reserve funds.
The biggest reason used for municipal dissolutions is to lower taxes. Village taxpayers are often paying less in taxes than those with similarly assessed property in the town, Blais said.
He presented figures comparing similar properties with similar assessments in the town and village and said town residents are paying more. For example, town residents who live in the Caldwell Sewer District were paying as much as $400 to $500 per year more than village residents, he said. In areas of town where no municipal water or sewer was available, town residents were still paying slightly more, he said.
A large hotel in town pays over $12,000 more in taxes than a village resort of the same value, he said.
Also, trustees did not want to put any money in the budget for an outside consultant. A request for outside assistance would cost $25,000 to $35,000, according to Blais.
The original plan was for Dan Barusch, the towns director of planning and zoning, to review two previous dissolution studies. Barusch already has enough to do, however, according to town Supervisor Dennis Dickinson.
We really need to get somebody who does this as a business, and has done it recently, so we know all the ins and outs, he said.
He is thinking of contacting a firm that has done half a dozen village dissolution studies in New York. Dickinson said one of Gov. Andrew Cuomos pet projects is consolidation, so the town is going to try to pursue grant funding.
Dickinson stressed that the decision to dissolve is the villages alone. But he believes it is prudent for the town to study the issue, so it is not caught off guard.
I want to know what to expect and what to do and how soon we need to do it, he said. Id rather do it now than do it with my pants on fire.
The dissolution issue was studied most recently in 2008. The study concluded town taxes could increase by 9 percent, or $32, while village taxes could go down 24 percent saving nearly $400.
In the short term, the village and town are going to work on consolidating the public works/highway department, one of the few service areas not currently shared.
Dickinson said the town needs a new building for its Department of Public Works. The eight-bay structure is not well insulated and is at the end of its useful life. The town has made some applications for grant funding to put up a joint building with the village and dedicate a portion of the new space for EMS.
Among the services already shared are courts, dog warden, code enforcement, assessor, fire protection and sewer and water. A joint wastewater treatment department is saving the communities more than $50,000 per year, according to Blais.
Marilyn Van Dyke did good work as Queensbury town historian
Bravos to Marilyn Van Dyke, who is retiring after 25 years as Queensbury town historian. In that time, Van Dyke has accomplished much, including the rescue of an 18th-century Quaker burial ground that was on the verge of being dug up for a shopping center. Van Dyke was also one of the founders of the Warren County Historical Society. Although she is retiring, we suspect we will continue to see her involved in efforts to protect local historical sites and promote the rich history of the local region.
Owner of property next to cemetery is blaming the messenger
Boos to Ed Paradis, owner of property next to Browns Cemetery in West Fort Ann, who has claimed he has the best interests of the cemetery at heart and blames The Post-Star for any animosity toward him in the community. Mr. Paradis is entangled in a dispute with the town and with people who use the cemetery, because of the ways he has encroached on the avenues that for years people have used to get into and around the cemetery. Mr. Paradis may have some legitimate points to make, but his refusal to try to reach reasonable accommodations with people who have been using the cemetery in good faith is reprehensible. His attempt to blame the messenger this paper for reporting on his intransigence is a distraction. Its not the reporting on his behavior that is the problem; its his behavior.
Some Warren County workers complain about office being open
Boos to the Warren County workers who complained to the acting county administrator, Kevin Geraghty, about the municipal center opening on Tuesday of last week, which is when a snowstorm hit the area and, over the course of that day and night, dumped about 20 inches of snow here. But early Tuesday morning, the storm did not appear to be shaping up as a big one. By 10 a.m., as it became clear we were going to get pummeled, Geraghty called for the center to be closed. He did the right thing, in both cases. The default position should always be to open the municipal center. If it looks like county workers will be able to navigate the conditions, then they should be required to show up. But if conditions deteriorate to the point where travel is becoming dangerous, as happened Tuesday as the day wore on and the storm intensified, then workers should be sent home.
Rep. Elise Stefanik agrees to telephone town hall
Bravos to our congresswoman, Elise Stefanik, who agreed to a live telephone town hall, held Monday night with constituents. People interested in participating had to pre-register, then could call in to listen to and participate in a discussion about health care legislation. A telephone town hall is a poor replacement for a real live discussion. Conference calls lack the spontaneity and free flow of discussion of an in-person gathering. If Stefaniks handlers didnt like what someone was saying on the phone, they could easily cut the person off. Thats not so easy when youre standing in front of a crowd and speaking with people face to face. Also, a real town hall can be videotaped and televised, so a much larger audience can watch, either while the event is happening or later. But a telephone town hall is a start. It is at least an acknowledgement by Stefanik that this is a critically important issue about which she should be communicating with her constituents.
Nonprofit continues to promote historical importance of region
Bravos to Lakes to Locks Passage, a nonprofit organization with headquarters in Crown Point that promotes the history and communities of the interconnected waterway of the Upper Hudson River, Champlain Canal, Lake George, Lake Champlain, Richelieu River and Chambly Canal. This waterway runs through six New York counties Rensselaer, Saratoga, Washington, Warren, Essex and Clinton and into Quebec. The group is now promoting the relevance to the American Revolution of seven local communities Peru, Ticonderoga, Putnam, Whitehall, Kingsbury, Fort Miller and Schuylerville. The group is going to put up kiosks in the communities that will list points of historical interest in each town. The historical richness of our region is an overlooked resource, particularly as a tourist draw. Some of the most important battles in American history were fought right here.
PLEASE NOTE!
Due to the March 23, 2020 NM DOH Public Health Order, These Event Listings Are Not Accurate!
All non-essential businesses are closed, public gatherings are prohibited!
(One day some of these events will be rescheduled or will resume, but they are not happening now!)
Welcome Guest! You Are Here:
The upstart, millennial-focused news website, which has emerged as a favorite of President Donald Trump's administration for its conservative bent, was the only media organization granted access to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson as he traveled to Asia for his first trip there as the nation's top diplomat.
Media critics were wary of the Trump administration's decision to freeze out a traditional press pool in favor of a sole reporter from IJR, no less, a friendly news outlet. The website had already been scorned for using its newfound White House access to publish what were seen as glowing pieces about the new administration.
The opportunity to shadow Tillerson did little to change that perception. IJR reporter Erin McPike, who was trailing Tillerson, was not filing stories from the road during the week. Nor was she sending real-time updates to colleagues about the secretary's movements. McPike blamed her superiors in a tweet, saying they had told her to focus solely on a profile piece a decision that was reversed later under mounting pressure and allowed her to break some news about his trip and views toward the media.
Back at home, another firestorm erupted when IJR's viral editor, Kyle Becker, published a conspiracy theory about former President Barack Obama. Without evidence, Becker suggested that perhaps there was a connection between Obama's visit to Hawaii and a ruling by a federal judge there that blocked Trump's revised travel ban.
Reporters took notice and ridiculed the baseless report. IJR's congressional reporter, Joe Perticone, resigned. And IJR was forced to retract the report.
In an email obtained by Business Insider, Becker apologized to his colleagues for "showing a lack of judgment." However, while Becker took the fall, he was not the only person to blame, a person familiar with the matter told Business Insider.
IJR's chief content officer, Benny Johnson, had been warned earlier that the story about Obama was an unfounded conspiracy theory, but he assigned it to Becker anyway, this person said.
Alex Skatell, the founder of IJR, told Business Insider in a statement that the incident was under investigation. He said Becker, Johnson, and content editor Becca Lower had been suspended:
"We are committed to an editorial team that includes voices, perspectives and geographies that span the country but equally committed to quality standards in our newsroom. As we've grown we've sought to improve on that front and last month we launched our six person editorial operations team along with enforcement and review for all editorial content. Last week we got it wrong and ultimately deserve all the criticism if we want to be taken seriously. As a result of last week's failure Kyle Becker has been suspended indefinitely as well as his supervisor and Chief Content Officer Benny Johnson and the content editor approving the post Becca Lower. We are reviewing all the details to determine if further action is necessary, this ultimately falls on me to get right and we have to do better in the future."
In conversations with more than a dozen current and former employees, most of whom spoke on the condition of anonymity, several people said the incidents were emblematic of larger problems at IJR. Current and former staffers said the website, chasing clicks, had veered sharply to the right in recent months to feed its conservative base the red meat it desired.
Additionally, these sources characterized Johnson, who declined to comment for this story, as a verbally abusive leader who had flagrantly violated the website's ethics guidelines only to be promoted up the chain. The work environment, they said, has resulted in a swath of talent recently leaving the website for work elsewhere.
We were building something that didnt exist
IJR was founded in 2013 by Skatell, a former Republican operative well-versed in the field of communications. The website is a property under an umbrella organization, the Media Group of America, which also includes IMGE, a Republican consulting firm.
From the beginning, IJR has held a key advantage: access to a large, highly engaged Facebook audience with a keen interest in politics.
Skatell, ahead of the curve years ago, started a string of Facebook pages aimed at attracting people passionate about certain subject matters. Perhaps the largest was Conservative Daily, which quickly amassed followers. (It currently boasts more than 7 million followers.)
At a time when clickbait reigned on Facebook, IJR found great success in packaging conservative news stories with sensational headlines, then posting them to its conservative-oriented Facebook page with a large partisan audience.
The strategy catapulted the website past well-established media organizations to become a top right-leaning news destination. In January 2015, Disrupter Capital invested $1.5 million in Media Group of America to help fuel the website's growth. Soon after, Skatell sought to boost IJR's credibility as a news organization ahead of the 2016 election by making a slew of hires.
First was Johnson, who came aboard in early 2015 as its creative content director. Michelle Jaconi joined the team a few months later from CNN, taking the role of executive editor with the aim of working alongside founding Editor-in-Chief Bubba Atkinson, to streamline operations. Justin Green was brought on board from the Washington Examiner as politics editor, Hunter Schwarz from The Washington Post as a national political reporter, and Kate Bennett from Politico as White House correspondent.
The young team put a unique spin on its news coverage, and by the summer of 2015, the site had made a splash in the world of viral politics partly by filming videos with several presidential candidates. South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham, for instance, destroyed his cellphone on camera, amassing more than 2 million views. Texas Sen. Ted Cruz made "machine-gun bacon," which raked in more than 1.5 million views.
"It was a startup atmosphere," said one former employee. "At peak IJR, it was an exciting place to work. It really felt like we were building something that didn't exist. We were experimenting and trying new things."
The investment in news seemed to slowly pay off in terms of earning respect from the establishment media class. In February 2016, IJR made a sizable leap into the mainstream, hosting a GOP primary debate with ABC News.
Identity crisis
While the website bolstered its news staff and moved to professionalize operations, it struggled to wean itself from its partisan roots. Cracks within the newsroom began to emerge.
The content team, separate from the news team and mostly made up of remote writers and bloggers, continued to churn out aggregated partisan content, aiming to feed what DC staffers, according to sources, had dubbed "the redneck army." IJR's most loyal readers, sources said, weren't as interested in serious, middle-of-the-road pieces written by the news staff in DC, who were sometimes referred to by the remote writers as the "elitist" members of IJR.
"You kind of have these two sides to it," one former staffer said. "There's the public side of who they claim to be: 'We are a place where you can experience the news.' And then you have this other side that is a lot more right-wing."
The pressure to package stories in a way more palatable to the tastes of the website's conservative audience was even felt by some members of the news team who in the early days were beholden to weekly quotas of upwards of 500,000 clicks, according to two people. The attitude is a familiar one for many sites focused on the ever-increasing hyperpartisan nature of political news, as they hold their writers to traffic goals and struggle to find a balance between telling the news and satisfying their audiences.
"I felt ashamed of a lot of the stuff that I had to publish there," said one former staffer. "There's stuff that I had to write at IJR that I wouldn't want my professors to read. Not because it was authored in a bad way, but the way we were covering stories and issues was an embarrassment to political reporting."
The stories produced by the news team, however, adhered to much higher standards compared with those from the viral-content team, sources said. The two sides began to butt heads.
"There kind of came a point where we were like, 'What are we?'" one person said. "Are we this mobile-force independent news organization, or are we just feeding the right-wing beast?"
In one particularly contentious incident, Bennett, the site's White House correspondent, confronted Becker about a post he had written that contained several questionable tweets about Obama. Becker cursed and hurled insults at Bennett in response, two people said.
"She was in tears," one person said.
Multiple sources said Atkinson, then the site's editor in chief, was the glue that held the two camps together. Commanding the respect of each side, he had been working to move the content toward the center, they said.
"Bubba was steering it toward more in the middle of the road. Not this crazy conservative bulls---," said one person. "And I think we were really f---ing close. We almost got there. The clicks the money probably was a deciding factor in why things didn't end up eventually getting there.
"He spent years fighting Alex to try to get this thing in a place where we were respected," this person added. "At the end of the day, he grew tired. He got to the point to where his quality of life was not good. He was fighting every day. He just got worn out."
Atkinson departed IJR for the news website Axios in November, leaving a power vacuum that eventually led to the outlet's right-wing roots being emboldened and gaining control, current and former staffers told Business Insider.
"Bubba was sort of the person that kept the normalcy and the guard up," one person said. "Once that happened, people were just let off their leashes."
You commit the cardinal sin of your craft and youre still allowed to do whatever you want?
Johnson, the 30-year-old DC internet personality who was fired from BuzzFeed in 2014 for plagiarism, seized power after Atkinson's departure. He was promoted earlier this year to his current position, chief content officer.
But Johnson's rise inside the company didn't come without controversy. Skatell's move to empower Johnson perplexed IJR staffers for a host of reasons, many of them said. Staffers said they had doubts about his ethics, professional behavior, leadership style, and vision for the website's editorial direction.
One major concern, sources said, was Johnson's history of plagiarism. In late 2015, new allegations were leveled against Johnson by his colleagues, multiple people familiar with the matter said.
These people said Johnson's colleagues had accused him of plagiarizing part of an article about Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers. The article cited "GOP sources" who said she was a possible candidate to succeed John Boehner as House speaker. Johnson had lifted a portion of the Washington state representative's biography for the story, the sources said.
The content in question was discovered and scrubbed after the story had been published, a person familiar with the matter said. A vague editor's note at the bottom said the story had been updated.
The incident was brought to the attention of Atkinson after the fact, according to a partially redacted screenshot of a Slack conversation obtained by Business Insider.
"Tell me about Benny's plagiarism and why I'm just now hearing about it," Atkinson said in the conversation.
One person said the incident was investigated after Atkinson was alerted, but it was unclear if Johnson ever faced any disciplinary action.
"You commit the cardinal sin of your craft and you're still allowed to do whatever you want? That's a really bad thing," said one person familiar with the matter.
Johnson's treatment of staff left his colleagues seething, many of them told Business Insider.
Johnson who once compared himself to Walt Disney, two people said frequently berated the video team over what was characterized as minuscule details. Multiple sources said Johnson loudly hurled profanity at team members for small mistakes, fostering a distressing work environment. The behavior eventually led to Johnson receiving a formal verbal reprimand from the company's human-resources department in February, a person familiar with the matter said.
"He would have these meltdowns when we would push back or when he didn't get the 'Benny edits.' There was actually a term for it. We would all prepare ourselves for just an awful day," one former staffer said. "It was all a f---ing ego trip is what it was for him."
"He yelled, cried, had meltdowns," another person said. "The whole emotional gamut sort of happened."
Johnson, sources said, also took credit for the successes of the video team, even if they didn't necessarily belong to him. In an email obtained by Business Insider, a member of the video team complained to Skatell about Johnson taking credit in a press release for IJR's series of viral videos with presidential candidates. The person said Johnson had come up with the idea for only the video of Cruz cooking bacon on a rifle.
"Benny calling himself the mastermind behind these videos is frankly insulting to the entire video team, past and present," the person wrote in the email. "All of these videos were a team effort."
The press release was later changed to say that Johnson led the team but was not the sole person responsible for its success.
To many employees, Johnson's taking credit for the success of the video team was particularly bothersome because he was rarely seen in the office. Multiple sources said Johnson took full advantage of IJR's unlimited remote-work policy, often not coming in the office for days at a time. His long absences in part led the company to implement a new attendance policy, one person said. Johnson recently received a formal warning for violating it.
"I understand that you are 'crushing content' or working on breaking news, but unless you have spoken with Alex about working remote and have documented your work location appropriately in Namely, you are expected to be present in the office," Jill Alarcon, director of human resources at IJR, told Johnson in a March 3 email obtained by Business Insider.
Other ethical violations, however, seem to have gone unpunished. For instance, Johnson has taken selfies with politicians and DC power brokers an apparent violation of IJR's ethics guide.
Skatell has pledged to do more to enforce the company's standards.
Get f---ed
In early days of the Trump administration, IJR has been defined by Johnson's work. Most notably, the well-connected Johnson scooped the political world and was first to report that Trump would nominate Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court.
Much of Johnson's other work has attracted scrutiny. Since the dawn of the Trump era, he has written several exceedingly positive pieces about key administration officials.
According to his accounts, Johnson "accidentally ran into VP-elect Mike Pence at the WWII Memorial" then wrote a glowing story about the former Indiana governor's visit to the site on the anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Johnson was tipped off by a "trusted source" about Trump's private-dinner plans and crafted a positive story for the president, while the White House pool reporter had been denied access. And he most recently followed Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke around the city as he shoveled snow and gave tours at a closed Lincoln Memorial.
"It's essentially the perfect storm for the Trump propaganda machine," one former staffer said. "They need to be more likable and what is IJR better known for other than making conservatives likable?
"It's basically becoming a giant native ad for the Trump administration," the person added.
With Johnson at the helm of IJR, success at the website seems to have become largely defined by clicks and access, pushing the website back toward its partisan upbringing, current and former staffers said, and leading several members of both the video and news teams to depart for other opportunities.
As a result, the news team's presence at the company has greatly diminished. At the time of this story's publication, only two news-team members were based in DC: Maegan Vazquez, a deputy news editor, and McPike, the White House correspondent. Simultaneously, one person said, the content team has grown.
"They say they want news to be the front-facing part of the brand and what we are proud of, but at the end of the day, they don't see it as a money driver and put it off to the side," one person said.
Matt Manda, a spokesman for IJR, disputed the assertion the outlet was not prioritizing news, saying in an email that hiring "quality people" takes time.
"Overall we've grown our team in the last year and will be announcing more hires in the weeks to come," Manda said.
But the flurry of positive stories about the Trump administration hasn't gone unnoticed among Johnson's peers in the media. In one instance, Hunter Walker, the White House correspondent for Yahoo News who formerly worked at Business Insider, tweeted a minor critique of Johnson's story on Trump's dinner.
Johnson did not take to Walker's commentary kindly. He wrote the Yahoo News reporter, telling him to "get f---ed," according to an email obtained by Business Insider.
Walker stood by his remarks, even complimenting Johnson for the "good work" he does. He then asked to "make peace over a whiskey."
"I'll make peace when you delete and apologize for a tweet where you blatantly accuse me of colluding with the administration," Johnson replied. "Your completely unfounded assumptions are an insult to me and my byline."
After another exchange, Walker again asked to settle the dispute over a drink, but Johnson wasn't having it.
"No bro, you're f---ing wrong here," he wrote. "What you did was irresponsible and disrespectful."
"Disrespectful would be speaking to you the way you have at me, cursing, flinging insults, and attempting to go complain to my boss," Walker said. "I made some criticism of your story. Let's be grown ups."
"You picked this fight, I can finish it," Johnson said.
"You can finish it without me," Walker replied. "Have a good night."
In a statement, Manda said Johnson's behavior was not appropriate. However, he took issue with Walker's tweet.
"Neither the response nor falsely accusing us of being propaganda for the Trump administration is appropriate," he wrote in an email. "The referenced scoop did not come from the Trump administration, and what the accuser stated was incorrect and inappropriate as well. Baselessly accusing us of being a plant for the Trump administration is false and not okay."
A tough week
The war for the soul of IJR, current and former staffers suggested, seems to be all but over. To them, the previous week's events have proved that the website no longer has the infrastructure to handle serious stories or prevent questionable reports from being published.
"It kind of had two conflicting editorial priorities, and I think we are this point where one has clearly won out over the other," a former staffer said.
One hurdle the outlet will have to overcome, former staffers said, is persuading those who want to do quality journalism to work at the website a task that may not be easy.
"I don't see how they can convince any real journalist to come aboard without offering exorbitant amounts of money," a former employee said.
Jason Howerton, deputy editor at IJR, said "all news outlets make mistakes" and that what was important was "how you respond to those mistakes."
"Alex Skatell took full accountability, owned up to it and took steps to prevent it from happening again. That's what a real leader does," Howerton said in an emailed statement. "That was very reassuring and important to me. We're not perfect. We're a very young company. But I can genuinely say this team is working tirelessly to get a little better every day. We don't just want to win, we want to win in the right way."
Nevertheless, in a Facebook post on Sunday, Skatell seemed to acknowledge the road ahead would be difficult.
"It's been a tough week," he wrote.
The 30-year-old chief executive seemed drained after a week spent helping his team muscle through two major controversies. But he also wrote with a sense of determination.
"I literally had no clue what I was doing when I started IJR but here we are over 4 years later and through all the mistakes and missteps hopefully learning and getting better each and every day," Skatell wrote. "Building a media company is really hard, I try my best in balancing all the pressures but don't always get it right.
"I'm proud of anyone past or present that has taken a chance on us and supports us today," the IJR founder concluded. "I hope over the next 4 years and beyond I can continue to have that chance to fail with some wacky ideas and maybe solve some things along the way."
But for all his deeds and bluster, Escobar was just one member of a clan of traffickers who helped create the Medellin cartel.
And in terms of narco eccentricities, one Medellin capo stands out: Carlos Lehder Rivas.
Born to a German father and Colombian mother in Armenia, a district in west-central Colombia, in 1949, Lehder spent most of his childhood in Colombia.
But after his parents separated, he relocated to New York City when he was 15, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported in 2012.
In the US, he got involved in petty crime, working on the US East Coast and in Canada leading a stolen-car ring and moving marijuana He got picked up for car theft in June 1973 and was sent to federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut. His brief stint in jail would forever alter the US and the world.
George Jung, the now famous drug smuggler and subject of the movie "Blow," was Lehder's cell mate and described the Colombian-American as well mannered and well dressed. As Jung told PBS, even while locked up for minor crimes, Lehder had his mind on a more ambitious criminal enterprise:
"It was like destiny" that Jung and Lehder ended up together at Danbury, Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration, told Business Insider.
Jung and Lehder were released in the late 1970s, but they soon hooked up again, setting up an airborne-smuggling operation that moved cocaine from Colombia to the southeastern US.
As their operation expanded in the late '70s and early '80s, Lehder grew closer to the capos back in Medellin, and in the Caribbean, they looked for a way station for their bustling trafficking business.
He knew that Pablo Escobar had turned him in
Vigil, a DEA official at the time, traveled to Marion to meet Lehder upon his return to the US:
"But we were not going to take a chance on him going back to Colombia and getting into the wind again," Vigil said. "But he definitely, definitely wanted to do Pablo Escobar."
But that's changing fast.
In the past decade, the US has fallen 16 places on the list, one of the biggest drops in the world.
Interestingly, this nosedive toward misery is happening while Americans' per capita GDP is on the rise. This is a stark departure from most of the countries on the list, where having money appears to play a pretty significant role in determining happiness.
So what's driving Americans away from optimism?
According to Jeffrey D. Sachs, one of the authors of the report and a special advisor to the United Nations Secretary General, there are four main problems currently plaguing Americans, all of which he says relate intrinsically to health:
Isolation
Distrust
Corruption
Rising inequality
In other words, "America's crisis is, in short, a social crisis, not an economic crisis," Sachs writes.
The importance of the Lost Letter Experiment
Unfortunately, Sachs says, the vast majority of US policymakers have focused on economic fixes to these problems, such as raising the rates of economic growth. Instead, we may need to look at solutions that are more sociological in nature like making sure people have support networks that encourage them to help others.
In an experiment done to gauge how helpful strangers were toward one another, sociologists in the US and Canada scattered more than 7,000 stamped and addressed envelopes in public urban areas like sidewalks, shopping malls, and phone booths between 2001 and 2011 to see whether people who found them would pick them up and put them in a mailbox. The results of this "Lost Letter Experiment" suggested that during that 10-year period, Americans' helping behavior declined sharply. Amongst Canadians, it rose.
To Sachs, this decline of what he calls "pro-social behavior" is just one indicator of a much larger picture of social collapse in America driven mainly by economic inequality. At the same time, mortality rates amongst middle-aged white Americans are rising, and those deaths have tended to be the result of drug overdose, alcohol poisoning (and diseases related to alcoholism), and suicide.
The agreement was signed in a ceremony at the royal palace in the port city attended by King Mohamed VI.
With an initial investment of $1 billion, "Mohamed VI Tangier Tech City" aims to generate 100,000 jobs, including 90,000 for employees from the Tangiers area.
"Chinese economic operators are looking for competitive platforms and they have chosen Morocco as one of those platforms," Industry Minister Moulay Hafid Elalamy told AFP.
"The project is scheduled to take 10 years" and work will start in the second half of 2017, he said.
It will serve as the North Africa base for Chinese companies operating in the sectors of automobile manufacturing, aeronautics and textiles.
Total investments by companies from China over 10 years will amount to $10 billion, said Li Biao, president of the Chinese group, quoted by Morocco's news agency MAP.
Unique Floral started in 1991. With a humble beginning and the help of God, Unique Floral Center has become a household name in the floral, wedding and events industry servicing millions of clients both in Ghana and abroad.
The company is kicking off its anniversary celebration with an educational activity geared at empowering industry professionals and new comers alike to take their skill in floral artistry and decor to next level.
We are doing this by partnering with internationally acclaimed celebrity Designer Preston Bailey.
The Unique Floral Master Class
The Floral Experience Class is dedicated to gaining experience in the industry. Event decorators and wedding planners who want to upgrade their knowledge in the business could take this class.
The world acclaimed international florist and event designer Preston Bailey, will be sharing with participants his experience and expertise in the decor industry.
For floral designers, event planners who would like to acquire the skills to take their creative business to a new level, Preston Baileys class is perfect for you.
Each course is an extensive event filled with hands-on experiences. You will learn the skills to produce a high-end event and surround yourself with other designers. This master class is the right event for learning and a commitment to raising standards in the industry.
About MRS Akua Ayisa
A leading expert in floral, weddings and event, Mrs Akua Ayisa is a visionary, whose abilities and creativity is known to be ground breaking.
Having been in the industry for the past 25 years, she was among the first to introduce to the Ghanaian Event Industry. She is celebrated for her passion and skills to create exclusive floral ensembles, interior decor pieces, and wedding events to meet client specifications.
Mrs Akua Ayisas clients include personalities from the banking sector, aviation, hotels, government intuitions, as well as celebrities in Ghana and around the world.
About Preston Bailey
Recently named as one of the best wedding designers in the world by Vogue Magazine, Preston Bailey has been globally celebrated for his unique ability to transform ordinary spaces into lush, theatrical environments. This has helped to establish him as the premier event designer for a client roster that includes celebrities, royal families, CEOs and athletes. Since opening his design studio in 1980, Preston has been sought out to create one of a kind, transformative designs that serve as backdrops for some of the most memorable moments of his clients lives.
A designer with a passion for creating designs to be enjoyed by the public as well as his clients, he has created a number of art installations, which featured across the world with showcases in New York, Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Taiwan, and London. He was recently commissioned to do a few installations in Macao. "I love creating something that everyone can enjoy. As an artist, this is important to me," he says. This passion also translated into his tabletop linen collection, a collaborative effort with Nuage Designs.
His dedication to supporting and remaining accessible to the industry initiated the idea for his PB Protege program, a series of specialized master classes that offer mentorship and education to industry professionals at all levels. Additionally,
The author of seven books five of them bestsellershe is often asked to share his
Experience through speaking engagements, seminars, editorial profiles and television
and radio interviews.
Master Class with Preston Bailey (21st April 2017)
The prosecutor, Sgt. Olalekan Adegbite, said Yunusa allegedly broke into Mak Precious Engineering Ltd, Barika, on March 16 at about 6.30 a. m. with the intent to steal.
He told the court that the accused stole some parts of a molding machine valued at N7, 500 belonging to Mr Kunle Majekodunmi, the Manager of the company.
Adegbite alleged that the accused had scaled the fence into the premises, claiming to be searching for disused iron rods.
He said the accused was, however, caught by the security guard on duty.
The offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 413 (1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused pleaded guilty to the charge of breaking into premises, but pleaded innocence of the offence of stealing.
He was, however, remanded in Agodi prison on the orders of the Senior Magistrate, Mrs Patricia Adetuyibi.
In a statement released by the health ministry, it said that they have satisfied all necessary checks and therefore asked that the recruitment exercise resumes.
The honourable minister of health has granted approval for the recruitment of trainees and other health professionals who were granted financial clearance in December 2016 in line with the regional ceilings, the statement said.
READ ALSO: The real causes of suicides in Ghana revealed
The recruitment exercise for the over 8000 health workers was halted in February over concerns regarding the financial clearance.
The Government of Ghana in February suspended the recruitment of over eight thousand (8000) health workers into the various health facilities in the country.
A letter signed by the Minister of Health Kweku Agyeman-Manu gave this directive.
The letter clarified that the suspension was to allow the ministry fix all issues with financial clearance before they are hired.
READ ALSO: Aggrieved nurses picket at MoH over suspended posting
The suspension is not a cancellation but to allow the Ministry of Health to finalise all issues related to financial clearance. Kindly take steps to inform all your officers accordingly. You will be duly informed as soon as the final clearance is granted.
NACOB and the Accra High Court are on a collision course over bail terms granted to a Nigerian drug baron described by the security agencies as a kingpin in the narcotic drug business in West Africa.
The baron, Chief Sunny Ekechukwu Benjy Eke, who had been on remand at the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons since 2013 for attempting to smuggle 281,604 grammes of liquid cocaine with a street value of more than $12.5 million into the country, was granted bail by the Accra High Court last Thursday, June 16, 2016.
But Akrasi Sarpong was unsatisfied with the bail.
He said the terms for the bail were very unfortunate because Chief Eke was known to have jumped bail in Brazil.
He said NACOBs challenge was that the judge, in using his discretion as required by law, should have considered the past record of the suspect, which is public knowledge.
READ ALSO: NACOB denies recruitment reports
He added that the fight against trans-national organised crime was not for the security agencies alone but the whole justice delivery system in the country.
The court, presided over by Justice Charles Edward Ekow Baiden said NACOB boss' comment was meant to undermine the authority of the high court's decision adding that the comments are unacceptable.
Sarpong has been sentenced to sign a bond to be of good behaviour. He was also convicted to serve two months in prison with hard labour.
Background
On February 13, 2013, NACOB seized the largest quantity of cocaine in recent years at the Tema Harbour, estimated to be 200 kilogrammes, with a street value of $12 million.
The drug was concealed in a 40-footer container filled with 1,946 boxes of shampoo imported from Bolivia in South America to Ghana.
The owner, Chief Eke, a 53-year-old Nigerian businessman, was arrested, together with another accomplice, James Elike Chukwu, 47, a second-hand clothes dealer in Accra.
Chief Eke was described by international law enforcement agencies as a notorious drug baron who had been involved in several drug seizures in Brazil and Bolivia.
Akrasi Sarpong's tango with the High court
The bail terms angered top officials of NACOB, as its Executive Secretary, Mr Yaw Akrasi Sarpong, has described the terms as very unfortunate because Chief Eke is known to have jumped bail in Brazil and all the international drug agencies were hard on his tail but could not arrest him until he was arrested in Ghana.
He said the fight against trans-national organised crime was not for the security agencies alone but the whole justice delivery system in the country.
He warned that if the suspect escaped, nobody should blame NACOB because the board would use meagre state resources or property to monitor the suspect as he walks free on the streets of Accra, a situation which he could take advantage of to escape again.
He said the plea of NACOB was that while the Judiciary upheld the 1992 Constitution and the rule of law, there was the need to understand that the characters involved in trans-national organised crime, such as suspect Chief Eke, could undermine democracy, promote impunity of the private sector against the public sector, engender corruption both in the public and the private sectors, as well as give cause for the rise of fake and wrong role models.
According to him, government will await the outcome of the investigation into the cause of the disaster.
Dr. Bawumia who paid a visit to the disaster site on Monday stated that:
We have lost 18 young men and women at the prime of their lives who were in school trying to make a difference to their lives; we have lost them under very tragic circumstances. We will allow the necessary investigations to go on as we see what we can do for the affected families.
Twenty people are now confirmed dead in Sundays accident at Kintampo during which falling trees crashed revellers bathing in the popular Kintampo Falls.
The accident occurred on Sunday March 19 at about 4PM while tourists were still at the falls. A tree from the top of the waterfalls fell onto the sightseers who were swimming.
Officers from the Ghana Fire Service, the Police and Ambulance Service have arrived at the scene to rescue those who have been trapped in the water by the tree.
READ ALSO: NPP to celebrate Jake Obetsebi Lamptey
Those who have been rescued so far have been rushed to the Kintampo Hospital for treatment.
Meanwhile, Meanwhile, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has expressed grave concern about the accident.
Nana Addo consoled the families of the departed souls.
According to eyewitnesses the driver of the ambulance was trying to overtake a vehicle in front of him. However the driver of the ambulance hit a stationary vehicle in front of him and another vehicle behind him smashed the ambulance against the stationary car.
Eighteen (18) people have been confirmed dead in an accident at the popular Kintampo Waterfalls in the Brong Ahafo Region.
The accident occurred on Sunday, March 19 at about 4 PM while tourists were still at the falls. A tree from the top of the waterfalls fell onto the sightseers who were swimming.
READ ALSO: Wenchi Methodist students were to visit Mole not Kintampo Waterfalls
Some injured victims were taken to the hospital for treatment.
The student was attacked by her colleagues.
Authority of the school reported the assault of the female student to the police by some two boys who have accused her of hunting them spiritually.
According to media reports, the attackers invaded the female hostel with a loaded gun and angrily threatened to kill the teenager accused of practising witchcraft.
The attackers were arrested after the parents of the alleged witchcraft together with the school authorities lodged a complaint at the police station.
The parents proceeded and withdrew the girl from the school citing poor security arrangement for students.
The attackers were taken into police custody but were shortly freed without a charge against them.
READ ALSO: High court convicts
The students are living in fear after police released without a charge against the two male students who attacked the girl.
Some students who spoke to Accra-based Starr FM said "We want the police to come and arrest them because as a student we dont know why they get access to the weapon they used to accuse the girl meaning they have a way of doing bad things. The police should grab the students and deal with them."
School authorities are yet to be a briefed by the police.
READ MORE:Mahama prays for Kintampo victims
District education Director, Mr. Asare Johnson said a committee has been set up to investigate the matter.
He also confirmed the concerns of the students but suggested the police did not explain to them why they released the suspects without charging them.
This move, according to the Chamber will help stimulate growth in the rural areas.
The revealed this plan as Ghana joined the world to celebrate International Womens Day today.
READ ALSO: 5 Marketing blunders Ghanaian SMEs make
Ghana adopted the theme Economic empowerment of rural women: A tool for sustainable development in a changing world of work.
Women Organizer for the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dr Regina Degadzor said government must allocate some financial packages for women in SMEs to boost their business.
If government can quote some money for women in SMEs and grassroots women, just something small to support so they can enhance their businesses for their business to grow because we visit women in the regions and all they need is something like Ghc200 t0 Gh500 not up to Ghc1000 just to boost their business .
Royal Jordanian Airlines on Monday tweeted a description of an electronics ban implemented by the US. But the airline deleted the tweet a few hours later.
According to Royal Jordanian's deleted tweet, all electronic devices apart from cellphones and necessary medical equipment must be checked in to the cargo hold with luggage. That includes laptops, cameras, tablets, and DVD players.
The airline indicated that the policy would go into effect on March 21.
These changes are a result of a security concern related to passengers on nonstop flights from some Middle Eastern countries, an unnamed US official told CNN's Jon Ostrower.
According to Ostrower, the directive, which is targeted at certain airports and will last for a limited time only, is in reaction to a threat related to Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
In an emailed statement to Business Insider, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) wrote: "We have no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide an update when appropriate."
The Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) sent a confidential email to airlines on Monday regarding the electronics ban, which is expected to affect carriers from 13 nations, The Guardian's Sam Thielman reported.
According to Thielman, the airlines will have 96 hours to comply with the ban.
Business Insider asked the Middle East's three mega-carriers Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways for comment. Etihad said that it was still sorting through the issue internally and was unable to offer details. Emirates and Qatar Airways said they would share more information once it's available.
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For the first time in nearly seven years, the US government has passed a new long-term vision for NASA's future.
President Donald Trump signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, a bill also known as S.442, into law in the Oval Office on March 21.
The Senate and House had collaborated on the document for months, and it requests a $19.5 billion-a-year budget for the space agency. (NASA received $19.3 billion in 2016, or 0.5% of the total federal budget.)
In an image that Trump tweeted on Tuesday, the president said he's "delighted to sign this bill reaffirming our national commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science, and technology."
However, that core mission is missing something that has been a part of the space agency since its creation: earth science.
End of an atmospheric era?
The 1958 document that formed NASA called upon the new space agency to contribute to the "expansion of human knowledge of phenomena in the atmosphere".
This includes climate research, which Trump and his appointees reject despite of centuries' worth of evidence and an overwhelming scientific consensus in support of conclusions drawn from that data. (Namely, that human activity is helping warm Earth's atmosphere and accelerate changes to its climate.)
As Business Insider's Rafi Letzter has reported, NASA has carried out that mission "with gusto under six Republican administrations and five Democratic ones."
The new law doesn't even mention earth science, which troubles scientists especially considering what the Trump administration laid out in its proposed budget for NASA, released last week.
These four satellites allow scientists to monitor and predict the behavior of Earth's weather, shifting climates, ocean ecosystems, and other vital aspects of our planet. They help save peoples' lives, protect wildlife, and prepare America and other nations for long-term changes.
However, these deep cuts may or may not come to pass.
While S.442 is now a law, a long and complex budgeting process remains before NASA knows what its actual funding levels are for fiscal year 2018, which runs from October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018.
Trump's proposed budget says NASA should receive $19.1 billion per year, or $400 million less than Congress' law calls for. Meanwhile, Trump is receiving pressure from Republican groups to acknowledge and support the science of climate change.
The new roadmap for NASAs future
The law asks NASA to create a plan for getting humans "near or on the surface of Mars in the 2030s."
It also calls on the space agency to continue developing the Space Launch System (SLS) a behemoth rocket and the Orion space capsule in order to eventually go to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
The American Astronomical Society has a convenient breakdown of the $19.5 billion in the bill, including funding for human space exploration, space-station operations, science, and more.
Here are some notable titles, articles, and sections of the 146-page document:
Some have also been accused of dating some married millionaire's in the past.
1. Daniella Okeke
The Nollywood starlet was reported to have been Apostle Johnson Suleman's side chick. According to Sahara Reporters, the Apostle purchased a Mercedes-Benz 450 GL worth $76,000 for her.
According to Sahara Reporters, proof of the allegation was found on a Lagos State government website for vehicle registration.
Apparently, Stephanie Otobo, the estranged lover of the clergyman opened up concerning his affair with the actress at a press conference covered by Sahara Reporters.
2. Iyabo Ojo
A new discovery also revealed that Apostle Johnson Suleman once had a threesome with Nollywood actress, Iyabo Ojo and a lady named Stephanie Ogbonna.
In an Instagram comment posted on Saturday, March 18, 2017, Stephanie gave an explicit detail of her sexual encounter with Suleman at the actress' Lagos residence.
According to Ogbonna, her first meeting with the Omega Fire Ministries overseer was at an airport in Kenya.
Ogbonna alleged their first sexual intercourse, however, happened in Dubai. The apostle also sent another invitation asking her to visit him in Nigeria where they met at Iyabo Ojo's house.
3. Chika Ike
Back in 2011, Chika Ike was linked to Delta State born billionaire politician, Prince Ned Nwoko.
Prince Ned Nwoko is a London trained international lawyer. He runs the biggest law chamber owned by an African in the United Kingdom and has dined with the high and mighty all over the world.
4. Ruth Kadiri
Ruth Kadiri has also been linked to Apostle Suleman. The actress was accused of collecting money from the pastor.
She, however, snapped back at those behind the allegation. The actress who spoke to Saturday beats in a telephone conversation was reported saying,
"Are you people freaking kidding me? I dont understand, where is this whole nonsense coming from? You are calling me over what?
Can you imagine? I dont understand this kind of nonsense; why are they calling me? How would I not get angry? I am here just living my life and you call me from nowhere and you are asking me rubbish question. What sort of rubbish is that? Please I dont want to be rude to you."
5. Angela Okorie
Kemi Olunloyo took a swipe at Nollywood actress, Angela Okorie, when she accused her of getting $11m from the immediate past president of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh.
Ms. Olunloyo lambasted the actress for prostituting in the movie industry, and outside the shores of Nigeria.
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!
Chris is a young MIT/Harvard trained innovative Ed-Tech entrepreneur from Nigeria. His venture, Slatecube, aims at developing young African talents into world class professionals for today's distributed workforce. He's shared this model with the likes of US President Barack Obama, Bill Gates, and across several continents and countries within the last 2 years.
Also included in the programme is a panel discussion based on the theme for the month 'Grinding from Scratch'. The panel will include rising sensation Biodun Salako (also known as SLK) and foremost comedienne Wofai Ifada as they talk about building your business and brand from the ground up.
The Chapter Director, Uwem Uwemakpan and the Co-director, Blessing Abeng promise a great event as always. They also encourage entrepreneurs to come ready to network, rub minds and learn Lessons in Grinding.
Tickets for this event cost only N1000 online. Reserve your seat here - https://paystack.com/pay/Startupgrindlag-ticketTickets at the venue will cost N1,500.
The accused Ayoku, 31, and Bidemi, 37 are facing a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, trespass, breach of peace, malicious damage, and assault.
The prosecutor, Insp. Steven Molo, told the court that the accused committed the offences with others still at large between January and February at Akodoi/Tiye in Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Molo alleged that the accused unlawfully entered a land belonging to three complainants Patrick Okonkwo, Leonard Nwobi and Frank Anyi and maliciously damaged a perimeter fence.
He said the accused also assaulted and injured a policeman, Sgt. Njen Ayang, while performing his official duty.
The accused beat up the policeman, who tried to maintain peace when the accused were destroying the fence.
The offences contravened Sections 52, 171, 337, 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and Section 2 (3) of the Property Law of Lagos State 2016.
The accused, however, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Patrick Adekomaiya, in his ruling, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
The judge, Mr Umar Kagarko, ordered that both men be remanded till March 24 for conclusion of investigations and consideration of bail application.
Baba, 32, of Lokogoma and Iliyasu, 30, of Damagazu village, are facing a one-count charge of abduction.
Both defendants denied the charge and pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Mr Donatus Abah, had told the court that one Issah Abdullahi of Kabusa village, Apo reported the matter at Apo Police Station on March13.
He said that the complainant alleged that on same date, his teenage daughter left the house in the morning to sell pure water and up till 9p.m. she was nowhere to be found.
The complainant strongly suspected the second defendant, Iliyasu, to have abducted her daughter and taken her to Baba of Damagazu village, Apo.
During police investigations, both men denied the allegation, but the said girl is yet to be found till now, he said.
Colonel Hameed Ali has divided opinion of Nigerians with his disdain for the uniform of the service he is heading and even a summon by the Senate of the Federal Republic has done nothing to change his mind.
Read what FFK as Fani-Kayode is fondly called has to say on the ongoing imbroglio:
"Col. Hameed Ali and the Nigerian Senate
Retired Colonel Hameed Ali, the Comptroller General of the Nigerian Customs Service, is a proud and stubborn man. His disdain for others and insufferable arrogance is not only vexatious to the spirit but also downright nauseating.
Someone should remind him that the Holy Bible says 'the Lord resists the proud and exalts the humble'. Another should tell him that, according to Greek mythology, nemesis always follows hubris.
If he doubts that he should find out what happened to a character called Icarus. Clearly, this obnoxious and cantankerous little man needs to be brought down a peg or two and pulled off his high horse.
I say this because I cannot but wonder how any reasonable, right-thinking and responsible person can refuse to wear the uniform of an agency that he heads and leads.
This is especially so when the Nigerian Senate has, for the second time, asked him to do so when appearing before them.
The first time he apologized and promised to do so and the second time he stubbornly refused and was consequently and appropriately thrown out of the Senate Chamber.
There may be no law on our statute books that constrain or compels him to wear his uniform but humility, good manners, morality, wisdom, custom, and decency most certainly do.
How do he and those that support him expect those working under him in the Nigerian Customs Service to feel when he refuses to wear their uniform?
Is he not indirectly telling them that he is superior to them and that he is too good for them? This is a service that they have dedicated their lives and careers to. I wonder how that affects their morale?
And in any case, what signal is he sending to the Nigerian people and to the rest of the world? Such a thing has never happened before and the truth is that such open and obvious contempt being displayed by a senior government official and the head of a paramilitary organization and government parastatal towards his underlings and the agency that he heads is rarely seen.
Ali has contempt for his Minister who he is meant to report to. He has contempt for the government agency that he purportedly leads. He has contempt for the people that work under him in that agency.
He has contempt for the Nigerian Senate. He has contempt for the government that he serves and finally, he has contempt for the Nigerian people.
By his open defiance what he is really saying is the following:
'You people just don't get it. I belong to the small circle of those who OWN Nigeria and you people and your customs, rules, regulations, practices, conventions and norms do not matter'.
He is saying:
'You are nothing before us and you can shout and scream as much as you like. At the end of the day, whether you like it or not, we are in power; we were born to rule and we OWN you all so just shut up and sit down!'
That is his mindset and it is simply appalling. And with him, this has always been the case. If anyone doubts that, they should find out a little more about his antecedents and what he stands for.
They should find out about his history and record in and outside of the military. They should do the research and find out what he did as Military Governor of Kaduna state during the regime of General Sani Abacha and later Sec. Gen. of the Arewa Consultative Forum.
They should read the derogatory and incendiary statements he made about the south, the Middle Belt and all those that opposed the agenda of the ACF at the time.
To say that he was arrogant, overbearing, racist and tribalist and that he is a bigot would be an understatement.
And worst still, he is a total and complete creation of He was his Chief of Staff during numerous presidential campaigns and the President loves him as if he were his own son.
That, together with a streak of sadism, explains Ali's sheer impudence and supreme confidence on this and so many other issues.
He is reported to have said that he will not wear the customs uniform because he is a retired officer of the Nigerian Army and the only uniform he will ever wear again is the military one.
Does this man have a brain?
One wonders what infantile nonsense this is? What misplaced arrogance and childish verbiage? What absurd and good old fashioned gobbledygook? I really don't know whether to laugh or cry.
If Ali was not prepared to honor and respect the conventions and norms of the Nigerian Customs Service, why did he accept the job?
Since when did things degenerate to this level in our country? Has Nigeria turned into a land of misfits, comedians and Tolkien-like orcs and goblins or are we still a nation of serious-minded and sensible human beings and precious souls?
Are we a giant army barracks where only senior military officers and commanders are respected or a sovereign and independent nation-state where the will of the people holds sway at all times and in all matters.
Are we a zoo that is populated by wild animals and ravenous beasts or a land of honorable men and respected mortals?
Does Ali not know that military rule ended in Nigeria 18 years ago in 1999 and that the Nigerian people are not interested in it EVER coming back or of being reminded about its traumatizing and barbaric excesses?
Does he, like a small handful of other hard-line, ultraconservative, core northern retired army officers, see Nigeria as nothing but a vassal state and subjugated colony that was conquered by his forefathers, elders, leaders, mentors and seniors in the military after the 'northern officers revenge coup' of January 29th, 1966?
If this is the case, then he is still living in the distant past and he is certainly in urgent need of psychiatric attention. He also needs a series of powerful all-night prayer sessions for deliverance from the malevolent demons that control him.
His attitude and disposition certainly throw up a lot of questions, amongst them are as follows:
Firstly, does Nigeria live for the military or does the military live for Nigeria?
Secondly, if he had come from the southern or Middle Belt zone of the country, would he have dared to pull this stunt and, if so, would he have got away with it?
If he had not been from the core north and a member of the President's inner circle of untouchables, would Buhari have tolerated his irresponsible behaviour and his sheer indiscipline?
If he had not been Buhari's soul-mate and kinsman, would the President have endorsed his not so subtle refusal to bow before civilian institutions and to submit to civilian authority?
In any case, who the hell does Ali really think he is? Does he believe that he is the reincarnation of of the Fulani Caliphate or the living manifestation of of Egypt and Syria?
He was retired as a colonel in the military many years ago and there was nothing that was particularly distinguished about his career.
He was certainly not a blue-blooded, swashbuckling, gallant, courageous, good-looking, principled and polo-playing .
And neither can he compare himself to the great who retired as a Major-General in the Nigerian Army and yet who proudly wore the uniform of the Federal Road Safety Commission after being appointed as the head of that agency?
Whatever misplaced, vain and inconceivable notions that he has ought to be kept to himself and if I had been his Minister, I would have insisted that he not only wore his uniform to all official functions and meetings but also during office hours.
The man is really very strange. He has what I would describe as the ' look'. Like the character Cassius in he is lean, mean, spartan, silent, hungry and dangerous. This is a cold man with a dark soul: a man that is as hard as nails and who finds it difficult to smile.
He is what the British refer to as a 'strange fish'. He is reticent, reclusive, nocturnal, limited in knowledge, stunted in intelligence, very thuggish and, worst of all, he sees and says 'AREWA' before anything else.
My friend and brother, , the spokesman of Afenifere and a leading columnist and writer in Nigeria, wrote the following as part of his contribution to the debate. He said:
'Ali answers to the Comptroller General of Customs title. He lives in the official residence. He takes the pay. He uses the official cars and takes ALL the privileges of the office. But he rejects ONLY the uniform!'
This is a pertinent observation. Odumakin has hit the nail on the head.
In his own contribution, , one of the most respected and courageous columnists in the country and a formidable historian and veteran politician, said:
'One problem of our people is exasperating political naivety and lack of strategic thinking. This Ali man was the most truculent secretary of Arewa Consultative Forum.
His recent behavior is a typical manifestation of the northern hegemony syndrome hence a strategic enemy of our vision of an egalitarian Nigeria. And here is an opportunity to advance this objective - and what do we do with it?'
How right Osuntokun is. And for the benefit of those that are defending Ali on the specious grounds that the law does not compel him to wear the uniform he went on to ask:
"Is there any law that says we must rise when the President enters a gathering? Or is there any law that says we must play the National Anthem at official functions?'
Osuntokun's point is well served and well taken. These are pertinent questions that he has asked. Both he and Odumakin have done justice to the matter.
Their words appropriately and adequately reflect the sheer arrogance and impunity of Hameed Ali and the ignorance and naivety of those that are encouraging, defending and supporting him.
Osuntokun's earlier point particularly reflects the fact that there is a terrible weakness and a lack of fortitude and courage coupled with a deep and grave affliction buried deep in the souls of those that truly crave for a just and egalitarian society in Nigeria yet who, when they see a man like Ali beating his chest like an alpha male gorilla, either openly support him in his scandalous tomfoolery or they remain silent in awe and trepidation of him.
Nothing is more shocking and disappointing than the disposition and behaviour of such people, many of whom ought to know better.
Essentially the problem here is that many that have been turned into slaves in our country do not even know that they are slaves anymore because they have gotten used to it and they see it as the norm. This, surely, is the worse form of bondage and servitude.
Permit me to share an example of such a twisted and warped mindset and disposition with you here.
During the American civil war, you actually had some black slaves fighting for the southern Confederate forces of Dixie despite the fact that those same forces were fighting to perpetuate the institution of slavery.
That is how I view those that constantly support and encourage the arrogant hegemonist monsters that live amongst us and those who cannot comprehend the damage that they are doing to our collective cause and psyche by doing so.
That is how I see those that are quick to endorse and applaud the shameful challenge and affront of Hameed Ali to the Senate and to the Nigerian people.
They are the tragedy of Nigeria and without their support conflicted personalities like Ali would not get away with the kind of things that they are getting away with.
May the Lord deliver us from power-mad and arrogant men who attempt to play God, whose time is short and whose clock is ticking fast.
In his judgement, the Presiding Judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, who sentenced the convict to death described his act as high level of exceptional wickedness.
Omolaye-Ajileye held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
This is more so, he said, as the convict had corroborated the prosecutions submission that he poisoned Mohammed Kudu Abubakar and Umar Tanko Abubakar after snatching their car.
I hold that after poisoning the two brothers as the accused confessed in his downright criminality, he hit their heads with pestle (Exhibit P7) to hasten their annihilation.
And, in order to avoid any trace of his brutal and inhuman act, the accused buried the dead bodies of Tanko and Mohammed in his compound.
Unfortunate for him, since nothing is hidden under the sky, nemesis caught up with him.
By the application of an unusual but most excellent investigatory dexterity, the Special Anti-Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police, Kogi State, exposed the apparently hidden crime.
By your own word, after poisoning both Tanko and Mohammed and they refused to die, you used a pestle to hit them on their heads. That was a brutal homicide committed with determination and ruthlessness.
The manner you committed it by your own description, make it a high-level exceptional wickedness that it can only be properly marked by death sentence, which is the only sentence I can pass on you, Omolaye-Ajileye ruled.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the convict was charged with robbery and culpable homicide, contrary to and punishable under Sections 298(a) and 221 (a) of the Penal Code to which he pleaded not guilty.
According to the Police First Information Report, the convict committed the offence sometime in January, 2016 at Kungbani Village in the Kogi Local Government Area.
He was said to have robbed Abubakar and his brother, Mohammed of a Toyota Carina E Wagon with registration number Niger: BDA 902 AA and later poisoned, killed and buried them.
After he won the election, one of the first people he chose to help him in the fight was Ibrahim Mustafa Magu, as the acting Chairman of Economic and financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Those who know the astute police officer say Kanuri, Borno State-born Magu is a fearless investigator who can stand up to any duty without caring whose Ox is gored.
In fact, Magu, a University of Maiduguri Accountancy graduate who is also a certified accountant, is a trained financial crimes investigator with a background in forensic accounting, and he also trained at the FBI institute and the London Metropolitan Police institute.
Magu was the head of the EFCCs Economic Governance Unit (EGU) during the tenure of Nuhu Ribadu as the Chairman and gained public attention when he led many high-profile investigations against James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State and the current Senate President Bukola Saraki when he was governor of Kwara State.
To underscore his no-nonsense stance, Magu worked with Ribadu to convict and jail his brother-in-law and former Managing Director of Bank of the North, Shettima Bulama.
So with his intimidating profile, Magu was seen by all as the man who would be able to head the EFCC and rein in corrupt government officials but little did the President and Magu himself know the hurdle that will stand before him when he gets to the Senate for his confirmation.
However, the Senate stunned the nation with the second rejection of the nomination of Magu on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, giving reasons that he had failed an integrity test following a letter it got from the Department of State Services (DSS), and arm of the Presidency.
In rejecting Magu, the said Senate spokesman, Abdullahi Sabi, said:
"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.
In the light of the foregoing, Magu has failed the integrity test and will eventually constitute a liability to the anti-corruption drive of the present administration.
The nomination of Ibrahim Magu is hereby rejected and has been returned to the President for further action."
Though the rejection came to many Nigerians as no surprise, it still beggars the question if Magu stood a chance against the Senators or whether the Presidency took them for granted and did not do the necessary thing to get him to be confirmed.
In an interview with a radio station in Lagos on Saturday, March 18, Senator Magnus Abe stated categorically that Magu himself and the Presidency did not lobby the Senate, a necessary tool in such instances.
But right thinking Nigerians are of the view that there is more than meets the eye in the second rejection of Magu by the Senate which effectively rules him out from being nominated again and ends his tenure as acting EFCC Chairman.
Though the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee on Corruption, Professor Itse Sagay and many prominent Nigerians have continued to say that Magu can continue as the EFCC Chairman whether he is confirmed by the Senate or not, order 131 of the Senate Rules states that:
'Nominations neither confirmed nor rejected during the session or within 21 working days shall be returned by the clerk of the National Assembly to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and shall not again be made to the Senate by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.'
What this means is that the President can no longer present Ibrahim Magu to be confirmed by the Senate. The Senate, however way we want to look at them, is an institution recognized by the constitution of Nigeria and any attempt for the President to impose Magu on them will be a breach of the laws of the land.
Eyewitnesses told Punch that the truck with plate number, Ebonyi XD 520 AKL, killed the student at about 7: 50am, at IMSU Junction, not too far from the varsity campus.
ALSO READ: 4 pupils crushed to death by truck driver
According to the reports, the truck which was heading towards the Okigwe Owerri Expressway, suffered break failure and ran over the student who in panic, had jumped out of the Keke Napep he was traveling in.
The identity of the student is yet to be ascertained.
Confirming the tragic incident, the Ste Police Spokesperson, Andrew Enwerem, said the details were yet to be communicated to him by the traffic unit that evacuated the body of the deceased.
ALSO READ: Female student chased from school over fees beheaded by truck
Punch reports that the IMSU Public Relations Officer, Obi Njoku, told a correspondent on the telephone that the identity of the victim remains unknown, as the University is engrossed in the ongoing examinations.
The distraught mother, Chinyere Orji, believes her son, Dr. Allwell Orji whose remains are still to be rescued by a combined team of officials from the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), the Marine Police and local divers, is not dead and has urged people to stop referring to him as dead.
A relative of the deceased who spoke to newsmen at the family's home at Abule-Ijesha in Yaba, Lagos, said the mother, is a retired banker and staunch Christian, has refused to believe that her son, the first of her three children, is dead, hoping and praying that he would be rescued alive.
"You people dont know what we have been through since yesterday. Please, respect our grief. This is not a case of a grandfather that died and we want to celebrate it.
This whole issue has been difficult for us. The mother is up there, not talking to anyone. Not even us who are very close relatives.
People have been around her since yesterday so that she doesnt do anything drastic. She has yet to accept that he could be dead.
She doesnt even accept peoples sympathies and condolences. As a Christian, shes believing God that a miracle could happen and that her son wont die.
She believes hes just missing and would return alive, the relative said.
After more than 24 hours after Dr. Orji jumped into the lagoon, efforts to recover his body from has proved abortive.
The General Manager of LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, has continued to give an update on the situation, insisting that the body is yet to be retrieved despite the fact that the rescue mission has been expanded beyond the place Orji took the fatal jump.
We are still searching for the body. We have expanded the search to go further than the point it happened. We have told local men around to watch out for any floating body and we have engaged local divers to look around for us.
Patrol boats are in the water going round. We would continue to search for him. The family is traumatized at this point and unwilling to speak on the issue. I want us to respect their wishes, please.
We have established contact with the family and expressed governments sincere wishes to them. We would also go back at a time they feel better because we would like to know what happened so that Lagosians and Nigerians can learn a lesson or two from it. Its an unfortunate situation.
Tribune reports that Adewole filed for a divorce from his wife, Kehinde on account of the regular beating her gets from her almost on a daily basis and urged the court to annul the marriage before she kills him.
When the day is over, my heart beats faster because I dread going home all because there is a tigress waiting to pounce on me, Adewole began tearfully.
The greatest mistake I ever made in my life was marrying my wife. While we were courting, she was as gentle as a dove and presented herself a decent lady, but changed immediately we got married.
The first thing I noticed about her when we got married was her domineering attitude and the fact that she loves to have her way.
Whenever we were discussing or trying to take decisions concerning the home, she would always insist things should be done in her own way.
Initially, we would argue and sometimes keep malice for days, but I learned to overlook things and defer to her on several occasions, the man stated. Gradually, she began to take me for granted and started acting as the head of the home.
She started giving me orders and dictating how I should live and spend each day. She tells me how much I should leave for food, and what time to leave home and return.
When my phone rings, she will either pick my call or listen to my conversation. There was a day I discovered she had gone through my text messages. I challenged her and before I knew it, she slapped me twice.
I went blind for a moment. We fought and she beat the hell out of me. Since then, she has turned me into her punching bag.
Since I wasnt brought up in a home where men beat their wives, I feel reluctant hitting her back anytime she beats me.
She has now capitalized on my reluctance to retaliate. Anytime we fight, she will lock the door, pounce on me and hit me until shes satisfied.
She would sometimes sit on me, punch and bite me and even hit me with dangerous objects. I have gone to the office several times with swollen face or marks on my body.
Im also a regular patient in the hospital where I seek medical attention due to pains and body ache as a result of her assault.
I have become an object of ridicule in the neighborhood while my relatives avoid my home. My lord, please grant me divorce before I die," Adewole narrated.
True to type, Kehinde refused to appear in the court even after several summon and the court president, Chief Ademola Odunade, after listening to the plaintiff, observed that he was fed up with his marriage.
While speaking on the incident to newsmen in Sokoto, Abdulkadir said that the officers were attacked and killed while on duty at the NNPC Mega station, Gusua road, Sokoto.
ALSO READ: Two police officers reportedly killed in shootout with gunmen
He said, The suspected armed robbers came in a vehicle, overpowered the policemen, shot and killed them.
"They made a futile attempt to open the safe of the filling station.
According to him, the armed men are suspected to have aimed the Friday, Saturday and Sunday sales at the filling station.
Abdulkadir added, We will disclose the identities of the policemen killed after duly informing their various families.
Their remains had been deposited at the Usman Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto.
Punch also reports that the CP also confirmed the discovery of a headless body in the city this morning.
According to Abdulkadir, the headless body was reportedly found packaged in a sack and dumped at a refuse site on Maituta road, Sokoto.
ALSO READ: Police superintendent found murdered in car
On the shocking discovery, he said, No arrest was made as at now in the two cases, but we have swung into action to apprehend the fleeing hoodlums and bring them to book.
He said that brushing after taking breakfast helps to remove food particles left in the mouth after eating.
The dentist added that such food particles, if left in the mouth, make bacteria to produce acid which could destroy the teeth over time.
He explained that acid production occurs within seconds of bacteria contact with food particles left in the mouth after meals.
Ijehon further stressed the need for people to brush twice each day in order to fight against acid attacks and generally increase the oral health among them.
He noted that tooth decay occurs when micro-organisms in the mouth act on remnant food substances to produce acid which in turn attack the teeth, thereby causing its decay.
The don, therefore, stressed the need for brushing twice each day using tooth paste that contains fluoride in it for as it makes teeth strong.
People should try to make it a practice to brush their teeth twice daily after breakfast and the last thing at night before going to bed.
This way, food particles in between the teeth will be removed completely.
Lawal is reportedly under investigation by a Senate Ad-hoc Committee over the alleged mismanagement of funds meant for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
According to Daily Post, the chairman of the committee, Senator Shehu Sani said the SGF is expected to shed light on some issues.
The committee, in a letter dated March 15, 2017, and signed by its chairman, said The Senate at its sitting on 4th October, 2016, debated on a motion mounting humanitarian crisis in the north east after which an ad-hoc committee was constituted to among other things.
The committee was to conduct a public hearing in order to ascertain how much has been released to the Presidential Initiative on the North East (PINE) And also to ascertain how these funds have been utilized from inception to date.
The committee was also expected to investigate the diversion of grains and other food items from the Strategic Grain Reserves, NEMA and other sources for the IDPs.
ALSO READ: How SGF allegedly got N200m bribe from contract awarded by him
Consequently, the committee held a three day public hearing between 6th to 8th, December, 2016, even though some of the invited stakeholders refused to attend. In order to give them a fair hearing, the committee has resolved to conduct another public hearing. You are hereby invited once more to the public hearing.
Buhari expressed the sentiment while condemning the recent attacks on villagers in Zaki Biam, Benue state.
The president condemns the wicked attack and directs security agencies to begin immediate investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book, Buhari said via a statement issued his spokesman, Femi Adesina on Tuesday, March 21.
We must condemn inhuman and unnecessary shedding of human blood all over the country. We seem to have lost value for human life, which is sacred. Man is the glory of Gods creation and nobody has the right to unjustly and unlawfully take another persons life in a reckless manner, he added.
Buhari further urged all citizens to learn to live together in peace and brotherhood and not allow little misunderstandings to degenerate into heartless acts capable of straining the bonds of nationhood."
ALSO READ: Buhari advices Nigerians to shun self medication
Buhari also said many individuals who got wealthy dubiously are being honoure dwith academic degrees and different titles.
The President also added that Nigerians no longer see cheating in examination or falsifying certificates as a crime.
According to The Nation Online, Buhari, who was represented by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, said Today the attainment of wealth, power or educational influence is the mark of success which is not necessarily a bad thing except we are no longer concerned with the process of attaining success.
The end it appears today justifies the means which explains why cheating in exams and fake certificates simply do not generate the sort of outrage that such conduct would have generated years ago.
Public servants and many in the private sectors who have unexplanable wealth are celebrated in one form or the other with alumni recognitions, honourary degrees, chieftaincy titles and even higher religious titles.
Often, cheating is with the collusion of parents and teachers. This only reflects the failure of values in our larger society.
Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President made this known in a statement in Abuja.
He said the Egyptian leader also congratulated the Nigerian President on the strides his country had made in the campaign against Boko Haram and other security challenges.
Adesina said President el-Sisi expressed the preparedness of his country to assist in Nigerias quest to overcome her security concerns.
He said the Egyptian leader also expressed the hope that the two countries would continue to partner in other areas of mutual interest.
He said President Adama Barrow of The Gambia had also in a goodwill phone call President Buhari to thank Nigeria for her leading role in his emergence as President of his country, and wished the Nigerian leader well.
ALSO READ: Buhari advices Nigerians to shun self medication
Adeshina said that President Nana Akuffo-Addo of Ghana also called President Buhari to wish him good health and greater bilateral cooperation between the West African countries.
The meetings with Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, were held behind closed doors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Buratai said that he briefed the president on the welfare as well as the general administration of the army.
He said I briefed His Excellency Mr President Commander-In-Chief President Muhammadu Buhari on our operations and the general security situation that the army is involved in terms of defending the territorial integrity of the country and the welfare of the troops, the state of our general administration.
The president is happy with the Nigerian army and the military.
We will continue to do our work as enshrined in the constitution and we equally assured him of our absolute loyalty to ensure that we discharge our constitutional responsibility accordingly.
Similarly, the Chief of Air Staff said that he briefed the president on the operations of the air force in ensuring security and stability in the country.
We are doing everything humanly possible, to ensure that our societies are secured, our communities are stable, so that people can go about pursuing their legitimate aspirations without any fear.
That is the purpose for which the air force is established and that is what we are working to ensure that we do everything humanly possible, to create such an enabling environment," he said.
Ali appeared before the upper legislative chamber on Thursday, March 16, but was walked out because he refused to wear his uniform as demanded by the lawmakers.
The Senate further instructed Ali to appear before it on Wednesday in uniform.
Based on the advice from lawyers and briefing from the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice who is also a party in the suit, I wont be appearing before the Senate tomorrow until the court decides otherwise, he said.
Ali was referring to a suit filed on Monday, March 20, by a lawyer, Mohammed Ibrahim at the Abuja Federal High court which challenged the Senates right to summon the customs boss.
The Senate further called on the federal government to bear the cost of rebuilding houses and businesses destroyed during the clash.
The resolutions were sequel to a motion co-sponsored by Senators Jibrin Barau (Kano north) and Shehu Sani (Kaduna central) on Tuesday, March 21, 2017.
Barau noted that Ile-Ife holds a special place in the consciousness of the Yoruba race as their ancestral home in which other ethnic groups including Hausa have lived and thrived for several decades.
He said: "The fact that the amity could not have been achieved if the people of Ile-Ife were not part of a race that is very accommodating as exemplified by the fact that the immediate past Ooni of Ife, was the closest traditional ruler, friend and ally to the late
"That the Ooni of Ife, since his ascension has demonstrated an uncommon zeal of symbol of unity among the diverse peoples of the country," he added.
The Senate, however, rejected the prayer to visit scenes of the destruction but called on Ibrahim Idris, inspector-general of police, to prevent such re-occurrence of such dispute in Ile-Ife or any other part of the country.
A minute silence was observed in honour of dead victims of the clash.
The motion was adopted after it was put to a voice vote by Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president.
Joseph who spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja said that trendy style could result in serious injuries on the users or other children.
She also said the use of artificial hair accessories on babies or young children could results to injuries on the head in the event of any accident.
A lot of children including babies have been brought to our clinic with serious injuries or skull fracture resulting from fall or when they hit their head because their mothers used beads to beautify their hair''.
The beads sink into their skull that we have to use our equipment to gently remove it or they undergo surgery.
Joseph also added that other kids around such user could be at risk too.
She said some of the kids either swallow or put the beads in their ears or nose when they pick them from the user while playing.
Children are very inquisitive; they play with anything that comes in handy.
So parents need to be very careful and monitor what their children play with or have access to.
It is not just the child that uses beads that sustains injury, other inquisitive children around them while playing could also be attracted to the objects and might even swallow or put it in their ears, nose or mouth.
According to her, some children undergo trauma as well, from the forceful use of hair accessories and hair braid, as they experience pains and cry a lot when applying it to their hair.
Also, Mrs Jane Enejoh, hairstylist and beautician, said the use of hair beads and accessories, even though beautifies the hair, could result in a hair loss and damage.
Most of these accessories, even though it makes hair look more attractive, at the end of the day, it leads to hair loss and more damage than good.
There was an instance when one of my customers had to cut off her five year old daughters hair because her hair was falling off as a result of fixing hair extension.
When you advise some of them against it, they ignore you; I have no choice than to fix the hair after all, I will be paid at the end of the day, she said.
Enejoh advised mothers to allow their toddlers and little children grow their natural hair without adding weaves or extension.
Mrs Blessing Sarki, a mother of four said her 11 months old baby, sustained injury while learning how to walk.
She fell down and we had to take her to the hospital because the bead was embedded inside the scalp, so they had to shave off her hair before removing it and treating the wound, she said.
Sarki stressed the need for hospitals to educate women during antenatal classes on the danger of using hair beads and other accessories that could be hazardous to the user and children generally.
Women shouldnt be all too concern about using accessories to beautify babies hair to look attractive.As long as the baby is clean and well fed, the child will look beautiful, she said.
Mrs Hannatu Musa, a mother of three said she does not use any artificial accessories to adorn her daughters hair as her religion forbids it and her children cry a lot in the process of braiding and applying any accessories.
I have a set of twins, who do not like plaiting, fortunately for them; they have long hair, so there is no need for me to add attachment or any accessories to it.
Moreover, my religion does not allow one to adorn hair with any artificial product.
Meanwhile, Malam Samaila Abdullahi, a jewellery and hair accessories dealer at Garki market said he did not know there was any danger in the use of hair accessories.
A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Malam Ahmad Sajoh, in Yola said the development was in line with Section 190 of the 1999 Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria as amendment.
His Excellency, Gov. has transmitted a letter to the Adamawa State House of Assembly, intimating it of his intention to proceed on two weeks vocation, effective from March 20, 2017.
The House at plenary deliberated and approved the request. The approval was transmitted to His Excellency, the Governor, through the office of the Secretary to the State Government in a letter signed by Clerk of the House.
Orker-Jev, who made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Abuja, said victims were facing difficulties due to the disruption of their sources of livelihood.
He particularly noted that those recently attacked in Buruku were yet to receive any form of support or compensation.
Unfortunately, nobody has been compensated."
For example, last year when this same motion was passed on the floor of the House, NEMA was supposed to go and distribute relief materials and food stuff as a palliative and up till today, they have not done anything.
Orker-Jev, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Rules and Business, noted that the series of attacks, which often occur during planting and harvest, had disrupted agricultural production in the area.
When farmers are supposed to be on their farms, they are in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps nursing wounds of their attacks from the herders."
An average Benue man is proud and will normally not want to abandon his house and seek refuge in an IDPs camp, but these incessant attacks have compelled them to run to IDP camps."
This is seriously affecting farming activities and it is capable of causing massive hunger in the state.
The Corps Commandant, Ibrahim Abdullahi, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Maiduguri on Tuesday.
According to him, the Ready To Use Theraphetic Food (RTUTF) was distributed by some Non Governmental Organisations to nursing mothers in the IDPs camps to tackle malnutrition among children below five years.
They are merchants who normally patronise relief materials donated to IDPs by international organisation. You can imagine that they came from Kano just to exploit the IDPs.
They said this was not the first time they came to buy relief materials from the IDPs.
Normally they have informants who always inform them of any distribution of relief materials in the camps.It is very disheartening how people always take advantage of the victims of violence because of the condition they found themselves.
You will recall that the command had nabbed some culprits who defrauded 9,000 IDPs of the sum of N29 million under the guise of providing rice to them.
The IDPs themselves are not helping matters as they dont pity themselves and their living conditions.
This is meant to help their children who are malnourished, but they prefer to sell the items and come back to say government is not taking care of them.
It will interest you to note that some of the IDPs are merchants.
Many times our officers inform us that whenever foodstuff is distributed in camps, the IDPs always stormed the markets to sell what was given to them.
We are boosting our surveillance in various locations to curb this menace and I assure you that culprits will be prosecuted, said Abdullahi.
However, Hassan Sale, one of the suspects told NAN that they normally buy the fortified food from nursing mothers in the IDPs camp.
I bought this one from Zannari IDPs camp. We usually buy the product at the rate of N30 while we sell at N60 to our customers in Kano.
The Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), for the Police Command in the state, DSP Magaji Majiya, stated this in a statement he signed and issued to journalists in Kano on Monday.
He said the the commands operatives intercepted the drugs on March 15, while on surveillance around Malam Kato square area in Kano metropolis.
The drugs were brought to Kano for sale to unsuspecting persons and drug addicted individuals.
The drugs were classified by Kano State Task Force Officials of the State Ministry of Health as controlled which include diazepam white and yellow tablets, fortwin injection and neomaline.
The substandard drugs are Ibuprofen tabs, Quinine and Coartem, among others all valued at about N33,03 million, Majiya said.
Majiya, who described the suspect as a notorious drug peddlers added he was found in possession of 490 bottles of adulterated intoxicating substance (codeine syrup), valued at N490, 000.
The suspect was arrested on March 19, at about 2200hrs and confessed to being a dealer who sells the products to youths and women in the area.
Majiya further said the suspect would soon be charged to court as soon as investigation was completed.
The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, told newsmen in Abuja that the N429.1 billion was distributed under four distributable sub-heads.
She said The distributable revenue for the month is N258.7 billion. The sum of N6.33 billion was refunded by NNPC; there is a proposed distribution of N60.89 billion from the excess Petroleum Profit Tax.
Also, exchange gains of N40.32 billion is proposed for distribution, therefore, the total revenue distributable for the current month, including VAT of N69.2 billion is N429.1 billion."
Giving reasons for the shortfall in revenue generation for the month, Adeosun attributed it to the continued sabotage of oil pipelines in the Niger-Delta region.
There was revenue increase of 4.06 million dollars in federation export sales due to a rise in crude oil export volume by 0.30 million dollars.
However, average price of crude oil fell from 49.57 dollars to 44.74 dollars per barrel during the period.
Production diminished during the period due largely to leakages in the pipelines arising from sabotage. Also the Force Majeure declared at Forcados and Brass Terminals lingers.
There were also significant decreases in revenues from Petroleum Profit Tax, Companies Income Tax, Import and Excise duties and oil royalty," she added.
The minister said after deducting cost of collections to the revenue generating agencies, the Federal Government got N117.58 billion, states N59.63 billion and local governments N45.98 billion.
In addition, she said N23.1 billion was given to the oil producing states under the 13 per cent derivation principle.
Mohammed stated this on Tuesday after a facility tour of Kaduna airport with newsmen together with the Minister of State, Aviation.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Mohammed travelled with the newsmen by rail from Idu station to Kaduna airport and returned with them in the free bus services provided by the government.
Mohammed said the purpose of the visit to the airport was to allow the newsmen have first hand information and assessment of the arrangement.
He added that arrangements put in place to alleviate the inconveniences caused passengers and airlines were perfect.
According to him, there is no alternative to closing down the airport as it needs a total reconstruction.
No doubt, it has brought about hardship to people but as a government, we have tried to minimize the hardship.
The government has put in place to the best of her ability arrangement that will ensure and guarantee safety, he said.
Mohammed said the successes recorded in diverting flights to Kaduna had shown that Nigerian government could rise to any challenge at any given time.
The minister said the transport arrangement put in place by providing free buses and free train ride to and from Kaduna was a sign of governments commitment to the welfare of Nigerians.
He also commended the security agencies and other government agencies that had ensured smooth and seamless operation within the first two weeks of the operation.
According to him, it happens everywhere in the world and if you are faced with a difficult situation and you have to take the only available option.
We could not continue to operate Abuja airport because of the fear that the runway may fail one day with its dire consequences, he said.
Mohammed said that considering the capacity of Kaduna airport and situation that led to the diversion of flight to Kaduna, the operation had been successful.
He added that the government had done all that it needed to do within a short time, adding that the objective was to ensure seamless operation.
According to him, there is no alternative to closing the airport because what is going on is not maintenance but total rehabilitation of the runway.
ALSO READ: EFCC discovers N49m hidden in bags at Kaduna airport
We came with train we are going to go back by road so that we can have comprehensive experience, he added.
Felix Odika, Comptroller of Immigration at the airport said so far, they had been having seamless operations, adding that there were no hitches.
Specifically, he said that most of the passengers did not have any immigration issues.
He said they have been issuing visa on arrival particularly to businessmen coming into the country based on directive from the headquarters in Abuja.
At the port health desk the head the medical team said they were the final point of call for passengers.
Bukar made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Daura on Tuesday.
He said the center was located in Daura, town being the zonal centre of the zone, adding that the project would be completed before the end of 2017.
Bukar also said the centre comprised different sections such as computer literacy, chemical processing, tailoring and automobile mechanic as well as general skills acquisition department among others.
The lawmaker said when completed, the centre would provide opportunity for thousands of youths of the zone to receive free training in various trades for them to be self reliant.
According to him, the youths will also be provided with capital to establish their businesses at the end of their training.
The Senator, who reiterated his commitment to job creation and poverty reduction, said the centre was part of his zonal out reached project aimed at bringing dividends of democracy to the people.
Ndume said the president should go ahead to stand by his conviction that the Acting Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission committed none of the allegations leveled against him by the DSS.
This is coming after a report by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, cleared Magu of alleged infractions.
The Chairman Senate Committee on Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) further said his support for Magu to continue to head the EFCC was not for personal interest but because of the need to sustain the momentum on the ongoing anti-corruption battle.
Ndume expressed that the rejection of Magu by the Senate was premeditated wondering why the Senate decided to start investigating nominees rather than confirm.
As a Senate, our job is limited only to confirmation of nominees. We are not supposed to investigate anybody. We are not supposed to be a court. The tradition is that if there is a nominee before us, Senators from that state will take a position and that is the first hurdle," he said.
No one should take the law into his hands over the attacks; what we should all do is to report any breach of peace to the law enforcement agencies for necessary action, Ortom said on Monday in Makurdi, during a stakeholders meeting.
He said that he had consistently briefed President Muhammadu Buhari about the activities of herdsmen in the state, and expressed optimism that permanent peace would soon return.
I have intimated the president about the wanton killings and destruction of property in the state.
We have taken some measures and I can assure you that in no distant time, there will be light at the end of the tunnel, he told the stakeholders.
He said that security agents were on the trail of Terwase Agwaza, popularly known as Ghana, who has been accused of killing his aide, Denen Igbana.
We hope to bring him and other criminals in Benue to justice; we shall not rest until we rid the state of all criminal elements, he said.
He promised to execute projects that would create opportunities for Benue people, and revealed that the Federal Government would soon release more money to states.
As soon as the money is released, we shall let you know and seek your input in our quest toward a better Benue, he said.
NAN reports that nine local governments were hit last week, by the attackers that left scores dead, and many others injured.
As part of measures to end the clashes between herdsmen and farmers, Ortom recently sent an anti-grazing executive bill to the Benue House of Assembly.
Sahara Reporters had alleged that Senator Melaye did not graduate from the Department of Geography at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
The platform also alleged that Senate invitation of Customs boss, Hameed Ali was due to his failure to clear Sarakis bulletproof SUV.
Senator Ali Ndume in a point of order on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, called on the Senate to investigate the allegation to correct any 'misconception' against the upper chamber.
He said:
During the week two issues that bother on our privileges came up that has to do with our distinguished senator Bukola Saraki, senate president reported in the paper I have it here and with your permission, I will want to lay it down. The headline says: 'Senate on vengeance after Nigerian customs seize senator Saraki's range rover'.
My colleagues that are following particularly online platforms have seen the reign of abuses on this senate. The misconception of the fact that we invited the customs CG based on basis of a very unpopular policy that affects the people we represent but now we are faced with this and precedence have been formed in this national assembly.
During the 4th assembly Salisu Buhari was accused of certificate forgery, it was investigated and determined. In the 5th assembly, Bello Masari was accused of certificate forgery, he was investigated and cleared.
In the 6th assembly, Dimeji Bankole was accused of not having an NYSC certificate, it was investigated and cleared.
Accordingly, I will appeal that we investigate and our colleagues will be cleared, he added.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, referred the matter to the committee to investigate and report back in four weeks.
ALSO READ:Senator Melaye orders police to chase prostitutes away from Abuja streets
Sheriff also said that he would soon set up a committee to plan the partys national convention.
He made the comments on Monday, March 20, while speaking to journalists in Abuja.
Everywhere in our party, we are working across the board; everybody is working for the party to come back to its position in 1999, he said.
We are for peace and that does not mean that we are afraid of anybody; we will not be relenting. We need our party back in power and we will carry everybody that means well for PDP along.
I assure you that PDP will not be destroyed; PDP is a creation of God and cannot be destroyed by anybody. We are on course and we will go as planned. For everybody that believes that it is not political solution, they are on their own, he added.
The ex-governor reportedly made this known on Monday in Washington DC, United States of America, when he lamented his treatment by his former party, the Peoples Democratic Party despite being a major stakeholder during a dinner.
In a recent report by Punch Newspaper, Kalu reportedly said he gave the PDP its first N500million and supported the election of former President Olusegun Obasanjo with N100million.
He said, All of you know that if the PDP were a company, I ought to own 90 per cent of it because in 1998, I gave the party its first N500m. By then, I wasnt in government. I also gave the presidential candidate, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, over N100m in 1998.
How many Nigerians would have done that? Yet the same government, the same PDP, took my bank, took my airline, took my oil licence to put me out of business entirely because I proposed that I must run for president in 2007; I also opposed the 3rd term, which they are denying today, he reportedly said.
Emerging artist Sowa stays true to his identity, talent and burning desire to triumph on his journey Road to Balmain (Road to Riches).
The rapper lays claim to taking over the music scene starting from the Federal Capital Territory Abuja Nigeria, and springing some surprises along with this Capital movement.
Sowa enlists super wavy producer Smartbeatz for the tape, as he goes in with witty wordplay, flow and convincing delivery.
With lines like Trying to stay on the lane but Im too fly, you dont even know, on the track Dont even know, Sowa has got it coming for real.
Balmain, a Trap infused song sees Sowa wishing on a star for the finer things of life, as Play these games is rich with clever wordplay sitting on a fly Hip Hop beat.
On collaborations, Sowa gets it right with the cats Anatejur, Efe Oraka, Psycho YP, CallHimChris complementing his efforts on the project.
Sowa keeps in touch with his romantic side in Stay that features the female EfeOraka who plays Sowas love interest while also blessing the song with her vocals.
The track Shots fired featuring Psycho YP and CallHimChris is major HipHop track that calls out cyber bullies who pick on people just because they have the privilege of the internet.
The curtain closes with Bless me, Sowa bowing out in appreciation for being able to put to use his gift of music.
Road to Bahrain is a decent effort by Sowa, who is out to make more than a statement of his musical prowess, rolling out this project as sort of an appetizer for whats to come.
Listen up on Soundcloud.
Rating 3.5/5.
Ratings Board
"We know advertisers don't want their ads next to content that doesn't align with their values," Google's chief business officer Philipp Schindler said in a post on the internet giant's blog.
"So starting today, we're taking a tougher stance on hateful, offensive and derogatory content."
The move came a day after an apology by a senior Google executive following the British government and a handful of top firms including Marks and Spencer and HSBC bank pulling their adverts after they appeared alongside extremist content on its internet platforms, particularly its video-sharing site YouTube.
The British arm of Havas, one of the world's top advertising agencies that manages the accounts of numerous leading firms, suspended such advertising last week.
Others to pull the plug, temporarily at least, are the BBC, Guardian newspaper group and McDonalds UK.
The British government put its YouTube advertising on hold on Monday, saying "it is totally unacceptable that taxpayer-funded advertising has appeared next to inappropriate internet content -- and that message was conveyed very clearly to Google."
A Marks and Spencer spokesman said: "In order to ensure brand safety, we are pausing activity across Google platforms whilst the matter is worked through."
The Times reported last week that BBC programmes were promoted alongside videos posted by American white supremacist and former Ku Klux Klan member David Duke as well as videos by Wagdi Ghoneim, an Islamist preacher banned from the UK for inciting hatred.
The newspaper said an analysis it conducted found more than 200 anti-Semitic videos, and that Google failed to remove six of them within the 24-hour period mandated by the EU when it anonymously signalled their presence.
'Hard look' at content
Schindler said in his post that Google "is taking a hard look at our existing community guidelines to determine what content is allowed on" YouTube, and will tighten safeguards to ensure that ads show up only against legitimate creators.
A boycott by firms worried about damaging their image could cause serious harm to Google as advertising makes up the overwhelming majority of the internet giant's revenue.
Unaudited figures from Google's parent company Alphabet indicated that advertising accounted for nearly 86 percent of the company's $26.1 billion in revenues in the final quarter of last year.
Schindler said Google acknowledged that companies have brand guidelines which dictate where and when they want their ads to appear, and that it wants to give them more control to do that.
"In the coming days and months, we're introducing new tools for advertisers to more easily and consistently manage where their ads appear across YouTube and the web," said Schindler.
He pledged Google would hire significant numbers of people and harness its latest developments in artificial intelligence and machine learning to review questionable content for advertising.
Sutton said with over 1.2 million people, including 365,232 children were directly affected and in need of humanitarian assistance.
A report released by UNICEF on World Water Day said that 36 countries across the globe were currently facing extremely high levels of water stress.
According to UNICEF, extremely high levels of water stress normally occur when demand for water far exceeds the renewable supply available.
The report said warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, increased floods, droughts and melting ice affect the quality and availability of water as well as sanitation systems.
UNICEF said whilst Sri Lanka was not listed among the 36 countries facing extremely high levels of water stress, Sri Lanka and its children were already experiencing the impact of climate change.
The agency added that it was cycle with climate related disasters resulting in dire consequences for the most vulnerable.
We know that water emergencies not only endanger lives and limit the availability of safe water essential for health and life."
But have multiple knock-on effects such as destroying crops, increasing farmer indebtedness and driving food insecurity."
These drastically impact children, especially the most vulnerable."
We must take collective action to respond to the ongoing drought, and to ensure that Sri Lanka is ready and prepared for future water challenges, so that childrens futures are not jeopardized, Sutton added.
He further said UNICEF was working with the Sri Lankan government and partners to address the immediate water needs of 365,323 children affected by the drought.
He added that UNICEF was also to build increased resilience in water supply services, to ensure the most vulnerable are protected from the worst impacts of climate change in Sri Lanka.
The proposed new penal code has been sharply criticised, including by Isabel dos Santos, reported to be the richest woman in Africa and the daughter of veteran President Jose Eduardo dos Santos.
Public protests are rare in Angola and can often be targeted by Angola's security forces, but the peaceful march was allowed by authorities.
The draft penal code, currently before parliament, punishes anyone who has an abortion or performs one with up to 10 years in jail.
"The government or lawmakers have no right to decide whether we must have a child or not," Lauranda Gouveia, a marcher, told AFP.
"If this law is passed, women who get pregnant after rape will have the choice of trauma, prison or possible death after a clandestine abortion," added Sizaltia Cutaia, of the local Open Society activism group.
The draft code was strengthened after lobbying by church leaders and has triggered public debate.
Isabel dos Santos this week used her Instagram social media account to denounce the "criminalisation of women".
Dom Manuel Imbamba, spokesman for the Episcopal Conference of Angola, told AFP that it supported the anti-abortion law, saying "life cannot be negotiated or trivialised."
The ruling MPLA party on Thursday said that a vote in parliament next week had been postponed.
The renewed fighting in the capital, which saw rebels and jihadists make their largest incursions in east Damascus in years, came just two days before another round of UN-backed peace talks were set to get underway in Switzerland.
"There was a big blast at dawn, most likely due to a car bomb attack by the rebels against a regime position between the districts of Jobar and Qabun," Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, told AFP.
Syria's air force responded with raids on opposition positions while rebels shelled the Abbasids and Tijara neighbourhoods near Jobar, a few kilometres (miles) from the city centre, said Abdel Rahman.
The official SANA news agency said 12 people were wounded in rebel shelling.
"The Syrian army is facing attempts to advance by terrorist groups... north of Jobar and is surrounding them," it reported.
An AFP journalist in Damascus reported hearing a large explosion at dawn in the city's east followed by non-stop shelling and gunfire.
Plumes of dark smoke could be seen rising from eastern neighbourhoods.
"Our windows and doors rattle with each bombardment," Damascus resident Lamis, 28, told AFP.
"I'm frightened that these armed groups will advance further and I hope they will be stopped soon."
It was the second wave of an assault that began at the weekend and saw rebels and allied jihadists initially score gains in Jobar, even briefly advancing into Abbasid Square -- two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Damascus' Old City -- for the first time in two years.
But forces loyal to President Bashar al-Assad drove them back by nightfall and began a fierce bombing campaign, the Observatory said, before calm was restored on Monday afternoon in eastern Damascus where shops reopened and cars returned to the roads.
Clashes on Sunday and Monday killed at least 72 people, including 38 government force members and 34 rebels and jihadists, according to the Observatory.
Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's rule but has evolved over the years into a complex civil war.
More than 320,000 people have been killed and millions more have been displaced by the conflict.
The deadly unrest came less than two weeks after 40 teenage girls died in a fire at a nearby overcrowded youth shelter.
Pablo Castillo, spokesman for the national police, said one security guard at the Stage II juvenile detention center was killed. A separate police source, who asked not to be named, later told AFP a second guard had died.
"They are still holding four guards," Castillo told AFP.
He said police had taken control of "80 percent" of the facility and negotiations were underway to try to get the guards released.
The Guatemalan prosecutor's office for human rights said about 40 members of the feared Barrio 18 gang had led the revolt Sunday in the Stage II juvenile center.
Fire fighters put out a blaze that had started in part of the facility.
An AFP journalist outside the blue-and-white center saw male detainees, their hair cut short, crowding at barred doors and windows. Armed police patrolled the exterior.
One of the hostage guards spoke with journalists through a window grill.
Alleged maltreatment
The youth inmates were said to be rebelling against maltreatment by guards.
A similar motive was reported in the nearby Virgin of the Assumption shelter, where teenagers had claimed sexual and other abuse by personnel before the deadly March 8 fire. Staff denied the allegations.
That deadly blaze prompted public indignation and numerous protests that have rocked the government of President Jimmy Morales.
Local media reports said the Stage II inmates had made a series of demands, including the return of comrades who had been sent to other centers, better food, and the easing of restrictions on visits.
According to police, one wounded guard at Stage II was released by the inmates early Monday and taken to hospital.
Both the Stage II and Virgin of the Assumption facilities are managed by the social welfare ministry.
Its head, Carlos Rodas, and several of his officials were dismissed and arrested in the wake of the deadly blaze at the shelter early this month.
The Stage II center was the scene of a battle between rival gangs in 2005 which left 14 people dead.
The facility held gang members mixed with other detainees unaffiliated with the gangs, according to Hilda Morales, a deputy prosecutor for human rights.
Vladimir Lopez, one of the senior officials in the social welfare ministry, said there were 56 gang members inside. Although the center was meant to be for minors, only 17 of those gang detainees were aged under 18 and the rest were adults.
The head of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights, Roberto Caldas of Brazil, said during a session being held in Guatemala that the situation for children in the country needed improvement.
The lawyer, a man with dual citizenship identified only as Stanislaw Sz. for legal reasons, pleaded not guilty at the trial held behind closed doors. He can appeal the verdict.
Judge Agnieszka Domanska said the man gave Russia information on Poland's energy sector, in particular regarding a new liquefied natural gas terminal at Swinoujscie on the Baltic coast, according to the Polish news agency PAP.
He notably got hold of a secret report by the national audit chamber NIK on natural gas contracts and the launch last June of the Swinoujscie terminal, which Poland built to ease its dependence on Russian gas.
Poland currently relies on Russia for about forty percent of its gas, with a third coming from domestic sources and 20 percent from central Asia.
Stanislaw Sz. was arrested in October 2014, at the same time as a Polish officer, Zbigniew J., who was sentenced last year to six years in prison by the Warsaw military court for spying for Russia.
DES MOINES The Iowa Legislature has never created a bad tax credit, according to testimony Monday from representatives of business, industry and human services groups.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, who proposed House Study Bill 187 that would reduce tax credits available to Iowa businesses, industries and individuals and eliminate refundability when there is no tax liability heard a not unexpected defense of the $427 million in tax credits offered by the state.
This met my expectations of what was going to happen today, Grassley said after an hour of people supporting the tax credits used by their business or sector of the state economy. Thats why you have to include everything and all of the tax credits to have a comprehensive conversation. I fully expected this.
From the largest to smallest tax credits, speaker after speaker told the subcommittee why their credit deserves to be continued.
The reason lawmakers have created the tax credits is because Iowa has some of the highest marginal corporate tax rates and individual income tax rates in the nation, Jennifer Kingland of the Iowa Taxpayers Association said. That cripples Iowa in efforts to attract business and industry, she said.
Eliminating refundability of credits such as the $69.4 million Research Activities Tax Credit would only compound the problem, she said.
Dave Tierney, government affairs manager for midwest region at Monsanto Co., said the refundable research and development tax credit is one reason the company has several thousand employees at 15 sites around Iowa. Some of those facilities have been in Iowa for years and will remain here. However, many of those employees could do their jobs from anywhere, he said.
It comes down to numbers, Tierney said, explaining the benefits of the tax credit when Iowas tax rates are double those in some other states.
Victoria Daniels of the Iowa Department of Revenue said business and industry would be hurt by eliminating refundable credits, as would low-income recipients of the $71.8 million Earned Income Tax Credit who owe money to the state for child support and other expenses.
Many of the people claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit are working for entry level wages in entry level jobs, added Lana Shope of the Iowa Community Action Association. They tend to spend their money in their community or neighborhood, she said.
Mike Tripletts advice on one of the smallest tax credits, the $100 income tax credit that the 12,000 members of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association two-thirds of them volunteers can claim, was to the point: Leave it alone.
Another problem with the bill is that the credits would be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The credits could be claimed before entities file in the second half of the year, said Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City.
Right now, the bill seems to prioritize big companies and corporations over the individual taxpayer, said Hall, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. I think most citizens would say that if their tax credits are getting pooled in with those of multibillion-dollar, international companies that have a team of attorneys, is that actually fair treatment?
Hall also questioned the purpose of HSB 187.
Setting the tax credit cap at $400 million beginning in July and reducing it by $10 million a year to $370 million would free up about $180 million the bill directs to a sub-account in the Taxpayer Trust Fund, Grassley explained. Nothing in the bill specifies how the funds would be used.
If this bill was brought forward to help the state manage difficult years like the one were currently in, Hall said, why is it diverting tens of millions of dollars into a yet-to-be determined trust fund, some sub-account of the Taxpayer Trust Fund? Thats a major question when you look at the number of dollars that are siphoned off and the fact it doesnt improve the states budget condition.
Hall called it odd that Grassley introduced his bill in the wake of very difficult budget talks in which the state is having to reduce its current year budget by more than $130 million more than previously guessed and it does nothing to help the balance sheet in future years.
His bill was drafted before the Revenue Estimating Conference reduced revenue projections earlier this month, Grassley said, adding, It was not done in reaction to that.
By depositing those untapped tax credit funds in the Taxpayer Trust Fund, Grassley said it would make possible a conversation about broad-based tax reform.
Grassley expects to have at least one more subcommittee meeting on the bill before bringing it to his full committee and said HSB 187 likely will undergo significant changes before getting to the House floor.
If Bettendorf is going to be a premier city, leaders say it's going to need an attractive website to market all of its events and activities.
After Monday night, it will have just that.
Public Information Office Lauran Haldeman said the city's new-look website went live last Wednesday to iron out the wrinkles, but it's full unveiling will come after presenting the changes during Monday's committee-of-the-whole meeting.
"The city's website is not new, but we've updated the look and given it a more user-friendly update," Haldeman said. It's a cleaner look on the splash page and easier to maneuver."
Haldeman said the city's former website maintained its look for four years, but after conversations in different departments and discussions with the City Council, it was time for a change.
"It's not very bright, kind of flat and there's a lot of information on the splash page that makes it hard to navigate through the website," Haldeman said of the former splash page.
A committee of six staff members, including Alderman Scott Naumann, 2nd Ward, was put together last summer to help devise and implement changes.
Besides the aesthetic differences, mobile versions of the site are also now more accessible and user-friendly.
Because the city hasn't yet promoted the changes, Haldeman said it has not received much public feedback, but the comments from staff and the City Council so far have been positive.
One added element to the city's website is Discover Bettendorf.
Public relations special events specialist Denice Enfield said the micro-site was designed around the City Council liking the idea of having a calendar where everyone in the community could submit their events.
"It's a way to serve residents and people coming to the area," Enfield said. "It's a way to promote all the different things we have going on in our area, not just the events hosted by the city."
Together, both sites will tie into Bettendorf's theme and goal of becoming a destination city.
"We want to make residents happy and show there is a lot to do," Enfield said.
PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS: Four Iowa schools have been selected to participate in a pilot a pre-apprenticeship program by the Iowa Governors STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council.
Muscatine, Boone, Spencer and Waukee will share $200,000 from a $1.8 million U.S. Department of Labor ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion grant.
Apprenticeships are seen as part of the solution for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce.
The grant partners Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Department of Corrections, Iowa Department of Education and the STEM Council proposed a Quality Pre-Apprenticeship model within the grant to help secondary students meet the basic qualifications for entry into one or more registered apprenticeship programs in the state.
In their proposals, the schools showed partnerships with local workplace partners as well as efforts for recruiting students in underrepresented groups in STEM.
The partners will be asked to deliver a how-to manual for other schools and partners throughout the state to help them replicate the program.
INTERNET SALES: House Ways and Means subcommittee members were generally in favor of a plan to gather baseline information on internet sales and potential revenue by collecting sales tax on those purchases.
However, Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, said there were far too many references to penalties in House File 460. He also was concerned about language in the bill granting subpoena power to the director of the Department of Revenue.
The Iowa Retail Federation was registered in favor of the bill, but now is undecided and leaning toward opposing because it believes the legislation would be burdensome.
The federation, however, fully supports collecting sales taxes from internet purchases and is lobbying Iowa congressional delegation for federal action.
The subcommittee took no action on the bill but expects to continue the conversation and bring it to the full committee.
HELP FOR WILDFIRE VICTIMS: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey highlighted opportunities Monday for Iowans to support farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by wildfires in Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.
Northey noted that seven people have died and officials have estimated that thousands of cattle have been killed by the fires.
More than 2,300 square miles, much of it agricultural land used for cow/calf production, have burned.
Northey said several Iowa groups are partnering on an online auction to raise funds for victims of the recent wildfires. Also, a list of organizations in affected states accepting donations and supplies can be found at agweb.com/article/as-wildfires-continue-to-blaze-heres-how-you-can-help-naa-drovers-editors/.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Missouri is the Show-me State, and Iowa is the what we do well state. Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, introducing a Missouri college professor visiting the Iowa House to observe its processes.
Times Bureau
CEDAR RAPIDS Cedar Rapids lawyer Tim Semelroth settled a medical malpractice case recently in which a client who went in for spinal surgery had the wrong portion of his spine operated on.
The client suffered significant physical problems that confined him to a bed, put him in a wheelchair and limited the mobility of his hands, Semelroth said.
Adding to his clients problems was the fact he and his family lived in a split-level home, so his disability prevented him from getting up the stairs to the homes second floor, which is where the kitchen and living room were located as well as his childrens bedrooms.
He had to sleep in a hospital bed in his basement, Semelroth said. He was basically a prisoner in the basement of his own home who couldnt interact with his family.
The settlement with the physician allowed his client and his family to move from the split-level house to a ranch-style home where they all could live on the same floor.
But Semelroth worries that a piece of legislation making its way through the statehouse could negatively affect future clients harmed by medical professionals. The bills, SF 465 and HF 487, would cap non-economic damages damages awarded for pain, suffering, physical impairment, inconvenience and mental anguish among others at $250,000 as well as create a certificate of merit, requiring plaintiffs lawyers to submit proof of medical malpractice at the beginning of the case.
The legislation, which passed in the Iowa Senate on Monday afternoon along party lines, is necessary, provider groups argue, to help recruit physicians to this state by lowering the amount of medical liability insurance required. Iowa ranks 42nd when it comes to the number of physicians per capita as well as 51st for the number of emergency-medicine physicians per capita and OB-GYNs per capita.
Iowa is at a competitive disadvantage to surrounding states when it comes to recruiting physicians, said Clare Kelly, chief executive officer of the Iowa Medical Society, which represents 6,600 of the states physicians, residents and medical students, The malpractice climate is one factor that contributes another is low Medicare reimbursement.
The state medical society says the bill is a necessary recruitment tool that will make Iowa more attractive than its Midwestern neighbors, which have lower medical liability premiums due to a combination of non-economic damage caps, limits on contingency fees for attorneys or certificate of merit.
Kelly said Iowa doctors must pay $20,000 annually while those in Nebraska pay $11,000 and in Minnesota pay $12,000.
But trial lawyers believe the bills will reduce accountability for doctors and hospitals.
This bill creates an arbitrary, government-mandated, one-size-fits-all cap on the value of life, it bars available experts from testifying on the victims behalf and it increases the cost of litigation, said the Iowa Association for Justice in a statement. The organization represents 700 trial lawyers across the state.
There is no rationale for this bill, whatsoever. Rates of medical malpractice lawsuits in Iowa have fallen by over 50 percent in the past 15 years, and Iowa doctors pay some of the lowest medical liability premiums in the country.
Senate Republicans say the bill that passed on Monday strikes a balance between the needs of doctors and patients. The original legislation included a provision that would have capped contingency fee arrangements for the plaintiffs attorney at 35 percent this could have made lawyers less likely to pick up these cases, which are expensive to litigate.
An amendment put forth by Sen. Charles Schneider, R-West De Moines, and adopted by the Senate, took out that portion of the bill. Whats more, he said, the bill does not cap economic damages lost wages or hurt potential earnings or punitive damages.
But Senate Democrats say capping damage fees simply will hurt those who need this system the most, especially children and the elderly who do not work and therefore cant collect economic damages.
These are extreme cases, not just a mild mistake but major errors that have disrupted their lives, Sen. Nate Boulton, D-Des Moines, said. Who are we hurting? The real victims of medical negligence. Ask any one of them if theyre winners in this system. What does a win mean in this case? It means your life has been devastated.
Before he took office, Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane identified building a command staff as his first priority.
Lane was given the OK for two chief deputy appointments by the Scott County Board of Supervisors during his first month so that both jail and sworn duties were taken care of. Previously, the department had only one chief deputy.
Now, the county Civil Service Commission has approved Lane' latest designs on implementing more changes by removing the captain's position from the civil division and making the position an appointed third chief deputy to help identify and select the best candidates for leadership.
Lane called the proposal a "change of extremes" because the captain's position was formerly filled by going through the promotion process, which is where some of the issues have stemmed.
"Deputies wanted promotion to be more than just taking a test," Lane said while adding they wanted the opportunity to speak on behalf of themselves to a board.
Regarding the captain's position, Lane said there were three lieutenants who could test for the position. But, one potential candidate has never wanted to be promoted while another was ineligible, giving Lane a list with a choice already made.
The appointment process would give Lane a larger pool to look at because the position could be filled from outside the rank of lieutenant while also looking at those who would not have been eligible under the current system.
At the moment, Lane said six internal candidates came to mind for the position, which he said he would like to fill internally and will serve as a division commander outside of the division pavilion in Eldridge.
Deputy Sheriffs Association representative Sean Thompson, who also is a sheriff's deputy, said the union was split on the proposal.
Thompson said out of the 34 members, 17 wanted the system to remain as is while 10 were in favor of the proposal, three were in favor as long as the appointment was internal and four were neutral.
For those against the proposal, Thompson said the overriding concern was that the position was being taken away from them.
Thompson said many deputies felt they have put in the hard work, taken the tests only to see opportunity for growth possibly gone.
One of the positives about the appointment process, though, is the ability to hold leadership accountable.
Lane said if a promoted person's leadership was weak, he would have to go to through a disciplinary board and prove so, which has been difficult historically.
If the position is appointed, Lane said the person would continue if effective, but if there needs to a change, he could return them to his or her previous rank.
Among union members, this was the main reason for support of Lane's proposal, Thompson said.
"The accountability was the Number 1 issue because we all know of somebody that should not have been promoted," Thompson said.
Lane's proposal still needs to go before the County Board of Supervisors, which will meet on April 4.
From the commission's point of view though, the proposal was well within reason to find the best leadership.
"It makes great sense because there has not been significant changes," Commissioner Randall Siemsen said.
Torrential rains last week in Peru have caused some of the worst and deadly flooding seen there in two decades, yet one Quad-City native has no plans to leave the country.
Daniel Klopp, a 1994 graduate of Pleasant Valley High School, has called the nation on the west coast of South America his full-time residence since 2003.
The 40-year-old lives in a small apartment in the countrys coastal capital of Lima and runs Voices 4 Peru, a nongovernmental organization he founded in 2000 that provides services to low-income children and families.
I feel really responsible, Klopp said Monday night by phone via WhatsApp, a free messaging, voice and video call app for smartphones. We have kids in our school that I started. This is my family.
On Saturday, Peruvian authorities updated the number of dead from the latest flooding and mudslides to 72. Other reports estimate that thousands of homes have been destroyed and tens of thousands of people have been displaced by the storms.
Meanwhile, Lima has been without water service since last week. Klopp said he filled six large cooking pots with water before it was shut off.
He also noted prices of basic needs, such as food and water, have skyrocketed in recent days. The government has acknowledged that prices have shot up some 5 percent because of the flooding.
On Tuesday, Klopp spent $300 in donations to transport 200 gallons of water to an impoverished community in the district of Ventanilla, about 20 miles north of Lima, where Voices 4 Peru is based. Intense rains last week damaged the roof of the organization's community center, which Klopp and others plan to fix this week.
Were doing the best we can with all chaos going on, said Klopp, who serves 300 to 400 people every week. "We're trying to keep morale and spirits up. I think they're scared that the worst is yet to come."
The highly unusual rains in the arid region followed a series of storms that struck hard along Peru's northern coast. The storms are being caused by a warming of the surface waters in the Pacific Ocean and are expected to continue for another two weeks.
Peru's government said 374 people were killed in 1998 during a similar period of massive rains and flooding caused by rains blamed on the El Nino climate pattern.
If additional heavy rains inundate the area, Klopp is worried that a bridge between Lima, his home, and Ventanilla, his work, could fail.
"We could be stuck on either side if that collapsed," said Klopp, who was added to Pleasant Valley High School's "Wall of Fame" for his work in 2010.
Last September, the expatriate visited his father, Calvin, in Davenport and plans to return this spring.
Ill be coming back again well, if I get out in May," he said, calling his father his idol. "He knows I'm a bit stressed."
But despite widespread panic around him, a calm Klopp said he is running steady on adrenaline.
Klopp, who is single, stressed that he is not a radical Christian extremist and that he believes it is his mission to serve others.
I don't think I'm removed from reality; its just life," he said. "If I don't make it, I die trying my best."
(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Bill Bell, a Quad-City native known around the world as 'The Jazz Professor," died Saturday at his home in Oakland, California. He was 80.
Bell grew up in the Watertown neighborhood of East Moline and attended United Township High School and Augustana College. He later studied music at the University of Iowa before moving to California.
Bell spent about 30 years teaching at the College of Alameda in northern California and occasionally taught at Stanford University. He also kept a steady performance schedule. Over the years, he returned to the Quad-Cities several times to teach lessons and to play shows, including as part of the Third Sunday Jazz Matinee and Concert Series, presented by Polyrhythms.
Nate Lawrence, director of the Polyrhythms and fellow Watertown native, said many in the Q-C music community count Bell as a "hero" and "inspiration."
"He was a good friend and mentor; he's one of the reasons we do what we do," Lawrence said. "Growing in Watertown, everybody knew everybody. And everybody wanted to be like him."
Bell last performed in the Quad-Cities in May 2013, Lawrence said.
"He had the respect of professional musicians and was so accomplished," Lawrence said. "And he always came back. This was his community."
In a 2008 interview with the Quad-City Times, Bell said highlights of his career included touring with Carmen MacRae, known as a contemporary to Ella Fitzgerald, as well as playing with the Duke Ellington Band.
Bell also said this of his hometown performances: "It's probably one of the most rewarding experiences I can have. I play for audiences that really know me. They know me not only as a pianist and performer and a musician, they know me as a person. That kind of support is just invaluable."
To Lawrence, Bell's impact on the jazz world, is invaluable, too.
"He was the kind of guy that commanded respect; we're talking about a lion," Lawrence said. "It's a loss for our community."
Across the nation and certainly in Iowa the beverage alcohol industry is changing. The local movement in our state is robust, with a steady increase of new breweries, distilleries and native wineries in virtually every corner. Such growth is driven, in part, by customers seeking unique products and experiences as well as by a Midwestern spirit of entrepreneurship. With the growth of new quality products and unique destinations, this industry is clearly adding to Iowas appeal to tourists. Unfortunately for most of these entrepreneurs, our states liquor laws can be a hindrance.
At the request of the Gov. Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, we convened a 15-member working group of stakeholders in September 2016, to study Iowas alcohol laws to determine what changes could be suggested for legislative consideration. The study group consisted of representatives from every sector of the alcohol beverage industry, each providing meaningful insight and testimony to the challenges we faced. While change can be uncomfortable, we entered into this process with a commitment to not disrupt Iowas three-tier structure of alcohol regulation. This system, part of every states regulatory DNA, establishes three distinct industry sectors: manufacturing, wholesaling and retailing. By design, no individual can dwell in multiple tiers. A manufacturer cannot be a retailer. A retailer cannot be a wholesaler. And so on.
Over time, however, Iowa policy makers have carved exceptions to this system. Such patchwork solutions have created confusion and inequity in the alcoholic beverages industry that we felt needed to be addressed.
House File 521, which has just passed out of the House Ways and Means Committee and is headed toward a House of Representatives vote, corrects many inequities while opening opportunities for growth and success.
But there is much more to do. For us, the next phase is addressing licensing reform and working to strengthen ties between local authorities and the state. We will be working with another group of stakeholders, this time representing local governments, law enforcement, public health experts, retailers and representatives from the prevention community to take an in-depth look at Iowas policies and existing barriers.
One barrier to modernizing Iowas alcohol beverages industry is known by some as the Tied House rule.
A tied house is a situation where the manufacturer of alcohol is also the direct seller of its products to consumers. Before prohibition, tied houses were a scourge on society and were a major factor in the movement to ban alcohol. Our current three tier system of regulation is designed to prevent this vertical integration from reappearing.
But Iowas tied house law is out of sync with todays marketplace. It prevents an individual from having simultaneous ownership interest in a brewpub and a brewery (one is a retailer and the other a manufacturer). It prevents an owner of a winery in California from selling any type of alcohol in a convenience store he owns in Iowa, even though the store would not be selling the California wine.
We understand the danger of vertical integration. But todays alcohol industry is vastly different and, rather than being driven by nefarious manufacturers of alcohol, its being driven by consumers. The purchasing public has shown that it wants greater choice and convenience. One walk through the liquor department of any grocery store should confirm that the diversity and selection of products practically rules out the possibility of any product or manufacturer dominating a market. We need policies that are a more accurate reflection of the industry today, not 1934.
We are not promoting increased consumption of alcohol. Nor are we claiming that the industry does not need regulation or enforcement. Rather, we are stating that, in order to have laws that can be understood and enforced, policy makers must roll up their sleeves to make these laws practical and effective.
The alcohol industry in Iowa has changed and we believe these changes are for the better. Our hope is that our laws can allow for progressive and positive change that promotes opportunity for business while ensuring that our communities continue to be safe and healthy.
Jon Alexander Editorial Page Editor Editorial Page Editor, Quad-City Times Follow Jon Alexander Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today
I'm the Ringo of the trombone section. And that's OK.
About 50 people showed up Sunday to St. John's United Methodist Church in Davenport. They watched the Bettendorf Park Band, of which I'm a member, open its 2017 season with selections from Wagner, Reinke and Sousa.
My horn sat in a barn for 17 years until, last year, I decided to again pick it up. I sit with the second trombones in a section that's littered with talent. Music teachers, long-time musicians and even a city planner anchor the section.
And then, there's me. On a good day, I hit 85 percent of the notes. I'm the one most likely to miss a key change, a glaring mistake that tosses the entire section into momentary chaos. My peers suffer me, though. With each week, more skills come back, fewer mistakes are made.
There's been a lot of talk about the National Endowment for the Arts, targeted for elimination in President Donald Trump's draft budget. Liberals love to point out that NEA's total annual funding, $146 million, would be less than public spending protecting Trump Tower in New York if the first lady stays there the entire year.
A cute jab, for sure, which speaks to twisted priorities. But Trump's proposed beheading of the NEA didn't come from nowhere. It's the ultimate end for an argument, long held by conservative intellectuals, that the government should have no role in arts funding.
Fox News' Tucker Carlson offered a dumbed-down version last week, calling the NEA "in effect, welfare for rich, liberal elites." Public arts funding is the pet project of wealthy coastal urbanites, the argument goes. The oft-ignored fly-over states get nothing from publicly supported arts programs. Tell that to anyone who benefited from "Sesame Street."
Bettendorf Park Band, a not-for-profit entity, is sponsored by the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Every Thursday, about 50 musicians pack into a public space and rehearse. The organization lives on a blend of public support, its endowment and a one-time $15 fee for new members, which gets you the requisite T-shirt. And, every couple months, the band plays free concerts for those who love music.
At the professional level, public support is instrumental for the arts in the Quad-Cities. The Figge Art Museum and Putnam Museum thrive largely due to Davenport's continued funding. Davenport's Adler Theatre is a regular host for the Quad-Cities Symphony.
Last month, I attended a Quad-Cities Symphony performance. I went, in part, because the guest soprano was highly regarded. But, also, I saw that Strauss was on the playbill. Just maybe, I wanted to feel sad, an emotion in which the German composer excelled.
The crowd was respectable. The wine was passable. And the symphony surpassed my expectations. For fleeting moments, all in attendance were removed from the struggles of our own lives. The woman next to me wiped her eyes as a few tears smeared her makeup.
The region's live music scene, in general, punches above its weight. So, too, does its classical arts scene.
And that's because people do care. Some can afford to make big donations. They get their names listed in programs and can claim bragging rights among the monied set.
The rest of us buy tickets and pay taxes. The rest of us donate cash and used instruments to Bettendorf Park Band's "Build a Band" program for aspiring young musicians. The rest of us join government-backed community bands and stumble through particularly quick circus marches.
The rest of us show up and dispel the myth that the arts are only for those "coastal liberal elites."
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.
DES MOINES The political groups and out-of-state donors came through when he needed them often with big bucks but the bulk of the $18.8 million raised by Terry Branstad during his second stint as Iowas governor was contributed by individual Iowans.
The Quad-City Times Des Moines Bureau examined all donations made to Branstads campaign, as recorded by the states Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, during his second run as Iowas governor.
The data covers all donations by individuals and groups made directly to Branstads campaign and spans 2009, when he began to plan for a second run as governor, through 2016.
Branstad is poised to resign as governor in the coming weeks; he has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will assume Branstads position when he resigns.
Branstad, a Republican from Forest City, is the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, in office from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2011 through the present.
He returned to office by defeating incumbent Democratic Gov. Chet Culver in 2010 and fending off challenger Jack Hatch, a Democratic state senator, in 2014.
To fund those campaigns, Branstad raised $18,785,906.08 from 2009 to 2016, and 65 cents on every dollar donated came from individual Iowans. All told, nearly 82 percent of Branstads donations came from individual donors.
The rest came from political action committees representing businesses and issue advocacy groups and from state and local political party organizations. Those groups contributed $3.4 million to Branstad during his second stint.
Gov. Branstads entire professional career has been about service, Jimmy Centers, who formerly worked as Branstads spokesman on campaigns and in the governors office, said in an email. Whether it was in the military, state legislature, governors office and soon as our ambassador to China, the governor has always worked to leave our state and nation better than he found it. The thousands of Iowans who have contributed to the governor over the years clearly recognized and appreciated the governor's steadfast commitment to improving Iowa.
Chief among the donor groups were various tentacles of the Republican Governors Association, which chipped in a total of more than $2 million.
The only other group to donate in six figures to Branstad was the Iowa Health PAC, the political arm of the Iowa Health Care Association, which represents more than 700 Iowa health care facilities that serve the elderly and frail. The group donated more than $166,000 between 2009 and 2016.
Although Iowans accounted for 97 percent of Branstads individual donors during his second run as governor, his biggest individual donor hails from the neighboring state of South Dakota.
Eldon and Regina Roth of Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, donated nearly $267,000 to Branstad during this gubernatorial stint.
The Roths founded Beef Products Inc., a Dakota Dunes-based company that produces lean beef. The company has a plant in South Sioux City, Nebraska, just across the Missouri River from Sioux City. The company also had a plant in Waterloo that closed in 2012.
Their giving to Branstad was more generous even than the $239,000 contributed by Bruce Rastetter, the Iowa agribusiness entrepreneur and Republican mega-donor from Alden.
In 2011, Branstad nominated Rastetter to serve on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the states three public universities. Rastetter was elected board president in 2013.
Denny and Candy Elwell of Ankeny donated more than $231,000 to Branstad. Denny Elwell owns a Des Moines-area real estate development company.
The next top givers to Branstad during his second stint as governor include Mark Falb, a publishing CEO from Dubuque who gave $156,000; Gerald Kirke, the CEO of a gaming company that operates three Iowa casinos, who gave $136,000; and Henry Tippie, an Iowa native and former investor who now lives in Texas and donated $134,000.
Two notable donations to Branstad came from Trump, long before the latter announced his intention to run for president. Trump donated $15,000 to Branstad in September 2013 and $10,000 in June 2014.
Not surprisingly, Iowa was the largest source of campaign income for Branstad: Nearly three-fourths of the money he raised from 2009 through 2016 came from individuals living in and groups based in the state he governs.
More than $2.5 million came from Washington, D.C., most of that coming from political groups based there.
The next most-giving state to Branstad was South Dakota with $490,000, buoyed by the Roths contributions.
Branstad also drew more than $326,000 in donations from Florida and nearly $275,000 from Texas.
Des Moines and its suburbs were the biggest source at the city level for Branstad. Individuals and groups from the state capital and its surrounding suburbs donated $5.2 million to Branstad from 2009 to 2016, more than a fourth of his entire haul.
The most generous city to Branstad outside the Des Moines metro was Dubuque, which historically has been a Democratic stronghold in liberal-leaning eastern Iowa.
The key citys total of nearly $653,000 is boosted by the Iowa Credit Union PAC, which is based there, and big donors such as Falb; Robert and Ruth Ann Kehl, who started riverboat gambling in Dubuque; and publisher Edward Babka. Robert Kehl passed away in 2013 and Babka in 2016.
Sioux City, in conservative western Iowa, and Cedar Rapids, in more liberal eastern Iowa, both were responsible for just more than $445,000 to Branstad during his second stint as governor.
John Gleeson, a construction CEO from Sioux City, contributed more than $103,000, and John Smith, a freight company CEO from Cedar Rapids, contributed nearly $115,000.
Branstad spokesman Ben Hammes said the governors office does not comment on political activity, but he said Branstad is humbled that Iowans have voted to have him serve as governor for more than 22 years.
Some Branstad donors already are giving their financial support to Reynolds, his hand-picked successor, as she prepares to take over for Branstad and, presumably, run for the office in 2018.
Reynolds has more than $1 million in her campaign account, and she raised almost $185,000 in the last three weeks of 2016 after Trump announced his nomination of Branstad.
Rastetter jumped right on board with Reynolds, cutting a $25,000 check to Reynolds after the Branstad announcement. And Kyle Krause, the Waukee-based owner of the Kum & Go gas station franchise, donated $15,000 to Reynolds. Krause donated nearly $103,000 to Branstad during his second run as governor.
The bigger story is the fact that Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds has been able to move quickly to consolidate financial support. In fact, public campaign disclosures show many individuals were contributing significantly to her before Gov. Branstad was named as ambassador, Centers said in the email. She already enjoys strong support across Iowa. Now, with an impressive war chest, she will instantly become a formidable incumbent upon taking the oath of office as governor.
Reynolds also is drawing in some new donors. Jeffrey Feingold of Florida, who founded a dental insurance company, matched Rastetters $25,000 donation after the Branstad announcement. Feingold did not donate to Branstad from 2009 to 2016.
DES MOINES Members of a Senate panel were urged Monday to consider raising the states minimum wage before they take up a House-passed local pre-emption measure that would void pay levels in four counties that are higher than Iowas statewide wage floor.
However, Republicans on the Senate State Government subcommittee voted to press ahead with House File 295, a bill that would immediately bar local governments from usurping state authority in business and employment matters and the sale or marketing of consumer merchandise.
The bill creates uniformity throughout the state when it comes to employment law, whether it be on wages, whether it be on leave or whether it would be on a whole host of hiring practices, said Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, one of two GOP senators who moved the bill to the full committee. What we dont want is what weve seen where certain counties have increased minimum wages.
Opponents to the pre-emption bill, such as Ryan Arnold, senior minister at the First Christian Church in Des Moines, said they worry the bill would carry unintended consequences by rolling back scheduled pay raises for some families fighting to feed their families and stay off public assistance.
I would ask you if it is true that this needs to happen, that you please wait to pass pre-emption until youve raised the minimum wage, said Arnold, who noted that one in five Iowa children face food insecurity.
We in the faith community are doing our best to ensure that no family starves in Iowa, he said. Please, will you join us and raise the minimum wage and bring people out of poverty?
The legislation includes broad pre-emption language that blocks cities and counties from implementing policies that are at odds with state law, including setting minimum wages that exceed the state level of $7.25 an hour. If approved in the Senate and signed by Gov. Terry Branstad, the bill would nullify higher wage floors approved in Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello counties.
Backers say the measure simply clarifies whats in existing Iowa code and counties exceeded their authority by passing minimum wage increases.
Jessica Harder of the Iowa Association of Business & Industry said the bill would avoid a patchwork of county-by-county ordinances related to employment across the state while others worry the current arrangement would create uncompetitive conditions for businesses operating under different standards in different counties.
This bill is flying in the face of local control, countered Lucas Beenken of the Iowa State Association of Counties.
Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, the subcommittee chairman, said there are certain things that the counties need to do and certain things the state needs to do, and those statewide decisions include things like daylight saving time, speed limits, alcohol levels and the statewide minimum wage.
He said the House bill deals with re-establishing statewide legal certainty and uniformity.
There has to be another bill that handles minimum wage, and this is not that bill, he said.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since July 2009. Iowa adopted the same level when the 2007 Legislature passed and Gov. Chet Culver signed legislation increasing the minimum wage to $6.20 in April 2007 and to $7.25 in January 2008.
Branstad is on record as supporting a modest minimum wage increase for Iowa.
PIERRE At the request of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs, Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed Thursday, March 30, as Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Recognition Day, calling on all South Dakotans to recognize the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women who served during the Vietnam War.
Through the establishment of an annual statewide Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans recognition day, South Dakotans can express their appreciation and honor the men and women who served during the Vietnam War, said Larry Zimmerman, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.
In 2006, South Dakota unveiled our memorial honoring these heroes. This combat weary soldier is a tribute to the men and women who served their country at a time when it took as much courage to come home as it did to fight, said Zimmerman.
He said it is important to pause, remember and recognize the bravery of all who served and to do all that you can to help heal the wounds of war.
"Although their service can never be repaid, America must never forget their service," Zimmerman said.
SPRINGFIELD | South Dakota corrections officials say an inmate has died at the Springfield prison.
The Department of Corrections says 62-year-old Dennis Lambert died Sunday at the Mike Durfee State Prison following an illness.
Lambert was serving two consecutive 10-year sentences for sexual contact with a child in Brown County.
An autopsy will be conducted.
BISMARCK, N.D. | The North Dakota Legislature has voted to allow most adults to carry a concealed firearm without a permit, but it's not clear whether the governor will support the move.
The Senate approved the measure 34-13 on Tuesday and the House passed it last month. It would allow people 18 and older to forgo background checks and classes that are now required.
Supporters say the bill promotes constitutional rights and allows protection from criminals. Critics worry it could lead to more shootings as people with less training would be carrying weapons.
Approval of the bill in both the Senate and House generally fell along party lines in the Republican-led Legislature. GOP Gov. Doug Burgum hasn't said whether he would support the measure and sign it into law.
"He hasn't seen the bill and won't make a decision until he receives it," said Mike Nowatzki, a Burgum spokesman.
Sen. Kelly Armstrong, a Republican from Dickinson, said the measure allows law-abiding citizens to exercise their constitutional right to carry a gun.
"Anyone legally allowed to carry a gun, can carry a gun," Armstrong said.
Carrying a hidden firearm without a permit is now a misdemeanor in North Dakota that's punishable by up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,500. Under the measure, someone carrying a concealed weapon would be required to have a valid ID and notify law enforcement of the weapon in incidents such as a traffic stop.
The number of concealed carry permits in North Dakota has more than doubled in the past five years, to 48,700.
North Dakota residents already can get a concealed carry permit by completing an hour-long class and passing an open-book test. The classes cost about $50. An enhanced license, that allows reciprocity with other states, requires firearms training and the open-book test.
Democratic Sen. Carolyn Nelson, of Fargo, said it already is simple to acquire a permit to carry a concealed weapon, and that the measure was not needed.
"If you can read, you can pass the test," she said. "I'm even more scared than I am now."
About a dozen states already have similar laws. The South Dakota Legislature this month approved a similar measure but Republican Gov. Dennis Daugaard vetoed it, saying his state's gun laws are reasonable.
The plans for a downtown gathering space hit a speed bump Monday night, as a proposal to purchase property on the corner of Second and Main streets fell through.
The property is still available to the city, but on different terms. The council was expected to approve the purchase of the lots on the northeast corner of Second and Main from the First National Bank of Chadron for $10,000. Bank President Steve Cleveland withdrew the offer to sell the property, however, saying the banks board has reconsidered and wants to revert to its initial proposal to the city, which called for a property swap.
The bank originally proposed trading its property for part of the citys parking lot to the east of the bank and city hall. Cleveland said that deal is still on the table, and reiterated that the bank is willing to keep the property open for public parking if the trade is made. Barring that, the bank is willing to immediately gift the city with 25 feet of property on the west edge of the lot at Second and Main and sign an agreement to trade the remaining 75 feet to the city at the councils discretion, again for a piece of the parking lot to the east of the bank.
The latter option would allow the city to begin construction on the western edge of the property meant for the downtown gathering space with the downtown revitalization funds currently available to it through a community development block grant. The city has an estimated $95,000 to spend on a public gathering space through its downtown revitalization grant.
The council previously turned down a property swap, wanting to preserve public parking well into the future, and offered to purchase the banks lots instead.
Cleveland said the banks wish to revert to the original proposal was driven, at least in part, due to the amount of snow the city received this winter. Behind on its snow removal, the bank board realized it would not have had enough parking for its employees if it simply sold the property.
Northwest Nebraska Development Corporation Director Deb Cottier urged the city to take a wide view on the issue, saying the development of a downtown gathering space may be worth sacrificing a few parking spaces in the east lot.
It would be a shame to not take this to its conclusion, she said, referring to the time and money already invested in the project.
Mayor John Coates said he hopes to bring the item back for discussion at the first council meeting in April so the city can move forward with its plans. The downtown revitalization grant is due to expire June 6, but the city is seeking an eight-month extension to finish expending the funds.
With a struggling agricultural economy, producers will likely breathe a sigh of relief when they get their property valuations in June.
Ag land will stay mostly level, according to Dawes County Assessor Lindy Coleman. Some grassland will see a slight increase of $5-10 per acre, but dryland and irrigated cropland wont see much movement.
Crow Butte Mines uranium ore valuation will take another steep decline this year, dropping by more than $2.8 million as Cameco continues to await approval of its expansion applications by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Crow Buttes valuation now sits at $10,670,000, after nose diving for six consecutive years as the ore reserves are depleted. In 2011, the mine was valued at $75.9 million.
The uranium mine has applied for three expansion permits, the largest of which is in the Marsland area. That permit request was filed in 2012, while two others North Trend and Three Crows were filed in 2007 and 2010. A filing with the Nuclear Regulatory Commission dated March 15 states that Crow Butte intends to address issues surrounding beta surveys and radon monitoring as requested by the NRC by the end of June. Both issues were identified as part of the mines recent license renewal, for which the NRC imposed conditions on the facility.
The mine also continues to be challenged by low market value, which has never recovered from the nuclear accident in Japan following an earthquake six years ago. Prior to the earthquake, uranium was selling for $73 a pound; it was trading for $23 per pound this week, up from 2016s lows of $18 per pound.
Gord Struthers, director of communications for Cameco, said the company will need to see a resurgence in the market before it moves forward with the development of the expansion sites, though it continues to seek NRC approval. Crow Butte is expected to produce just 100,000 pounds of yellowcake uranium this year, down from nearly 1 million pounds in its busiest years.
Camecos Chief Executive Tim Gizel told Reuters earlier this month that the company is exploring the idea of selling its uranium mines in Wyoming and Nebraska. Struthers confirmed to the Record that the company is assessing the possibility of a sale.
We havent made a decision to sell. Were simply looking at all the assets in our portfolio and trying to determine the best way to proceed.
One area that will see a hike in valuations this year is the residential areas of Chadron south of the railroad tracks.
Total valuation for the county will increase by roughly $32 million. It currently sits at $808,203,425, but may be adjusted later this summer as the board of equalization hears property tax protests.
Anyone with questions regarding property valuations can call or visit with Coleman at her office, where she keeps a list of the sales used to determine valuations. Sometimes a simple review of the records for accuracy can save property owners the time of a formal protest. Valuations will be sent in June, and formal protests will take place in July.
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NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Common Council of the City of Hot Springs, South Dakota, will receive sealed written proposals at the Office of the City Finance Officer in the City Hall, 303 North River, Hot Springs, South Dakota 57747 until 5:00 pm on Monday, April 3, 2017, to cut hay at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport, City of Hot Springs, South Dakota. Proposals will be opened during the regular council meeting on April 3 at 7:10PM
There are approximately 130 acres of hay ground inside the wildlife fence; all hay must be off the Airport property by August 23. Please submit proposal as a percentage of hay to be kept by the City and the percentage of hay to be kept by the service provider. A minimum reserve of a 40/60 split with the City is imposed, with the City receiving 40% of hay cut. Bids must be equal to or greater than this split to be considered. Successful bid responders will have the option to purchase the City share at current market value. Work must be performed to the specifications of the Airport Manager. To view the property, or get additional specifications contact Ed Jensen at (605)745-3555.
Sealed proposals must be plainly marked to identify their contents. No proposal shall be withdrawn after the filing time without written consent of the Hot Springs Common Council for a period of thirty (30) days after the filing time.
The Common Council of the City of Hot Springs, South Dakota, reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, or to waive any formalities or technicalities, and to accept the proposal that is to the advantage of, and in the best interest of, the City of Hot Springs.
Dated March 6, 2017
Misty Summers-Walton
Finance Officer
City of Hot Springs
Published twice at the total approximate cost of $38.32.
Mar. 21, 28
NEWELL | Around 40 people attended the Newell meeting of Governor Dennis Daugaard's "Meth Changes Everything" campaign.
The event on Monday night, March 20, was hosted by the Whatever It Takes Coalition with assistance from the local Lion's Club. WIT Director Sabrina Harmon impaneled a slate of knowledgeable professionals to speak to that topic as well as drug and alcohol abuse.
Participating in the panel discussion were: Butte County Chief Deputy/Coroner Gary Brunner, Kara Graveman with the ABC Coalition of Sturgis, Commander Joe Guttierez of the Juvenile Services Center in Rapid City, Kristi Palmer of the South Dakota National Guard, State Law Enforcement Special Agent (unnamed due to privacy issues), Drug Testing Services Lori Lei and State Trooper Nathan Monger of Faith.
Dominique Charleson of Youth Wise in Spearfish started things off giving a presentation about meth and its effects. She asked several questions of the audience and shared staggering information about the costs to the citizens of South Dakota. One shocking thing Charleson shared was that in 2015, 3.8 percent of students in grades 9-12 in South Dakota admitted to having tried meth.
"A person can become addicted the very first time they try meth," said Charleson.
Joe Guttierez said, "Prevention and education are the number one tools to stop this (abuse)."
Butte County States' Attorney Cassie Wendt said that she has watched the problem grow and was surprised to note that the people abusing meth, especially, are not the homeless or jobless but those who are represented as normal, everyday people who try it once and get hooked.
"It's more of the mainstream population," said Wendt.
A comment about the photos representing meth users that people have seen sparked some comment from several of the panel members. They said that the photos are good representations of the changes in meth users' appearances but Palmer issued a word of caution when working with youth.
"I would say tread very lightly when using pictures because they (youth) might know of someone who uses meth and has not shown drastic changes," said Palmer. "Then they think you are lying when you say that it does change the physical appearance."
The program, which was instituted in 2016 by the Governor, is supplied through the South Dakota Department of Social Service. The goal was to promote prevention and provide education on meth and meth use to youth and adults in 100 communities across South Dakota by May of 2017.
In 2015, there were 2,125 meth-related arrests in South Dakota. That is a 40 percent increase from meth-related arrests in 2014. Trooper Monger was involved in taking down a large meth distribution operation in the Faith area recently.
Kara Graveman, ABC Coalition Director and licensed drug and alcohol counselor shared statistics on what it cost the state of South Dakota for enforcement on alcohol related crimes in the state.
The event also addressed Suicide Prevention and Education opportunities with the True Cost of Alcohol to our County, and Tobacco Prevention information. Graveman's presentation shared the statistic that South Dakota is the number one state for forcible rape cases and most of those cases involved alcohol.
"Of every dollar that we have, only five cents goes to prevention and education. The remaining 95 cents goes to enforcement," said Graveman. "The scary thing is that only 10 percent of the population of South Dakota consumes nearly 80 percent of the alcohol. She gave a little demonstration with 10 people she had picked from the audience, weeding them out with different statistics until she got to the last person representing that 10 percent.
Graveman said 40 to 50 percent of all crimes in South Dakota are alcohol related. Deputy Sheriff Gary Brunner confirmed that and also shared that the 24/7 check-in program has been very successful in helping curtail recidivism.
Harmon shared results of the Newell Youth Risk Survey which was given to students in grades 7 through 12 in November of 2016. More than a quarter of students surveyed in both grades 11 and 12 said they had consumed alcohol in a 30-day period during the survey. More than 68 percent of 10th grade students said they had ridden in a vehicle with a driver who had been drinking or doing drugs and nearly 20 percent of 12th grade students said they had driven a vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Information on the Social Host Law was distributed showing the legal consequences of Social Hosting which includes all locations whether it be a private home, car, boat, pasture, camp site, etc. There were also available pamphlets on many illegal drugs, how to identify if someone is using and the consequences and characteristics of the drugs.
Harmon invited anyone interested to come to the WIT meetings or visit her in her office at the school for more information. Her contact info is: 605-381-9136 and Sabrina.harmon@k12.sd.us.
South Dakota government officials will be allowed to keep their controversial immigrant-investor center alive, at least for now, and have received some rare recognition of the centers successes.
A federal agencys earlier decision to terminate the center was withdrawn last week and remanded for further review. The withdrawal and remand, dated March 15 and submitted to state officials this week, came from the Administrative Appeals Office of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
At issue is the South Dakota Regional Center, which handles foreign investments in South Dakota projects via the federal governments EB-5 program. The program offers permanent residency to immigrants who invest at least $500,000 in a U.S. business project that creates at least 10 jobs. EB-5 is shorthand for the employment-based, fifth-preference visa also called a green card which is awarded to participants who meet program requirements.
In the March 15 decision, the Administrative Appeals Office determined that the positive and negative aspects of the South Dakota Regional Centers operations were not balanced against each other in the earlier termination decision.
This case contains evidence of the diversion of funds away from job-creating activities, as well as evidence of substantial economic activity that created thousands of jobs, the appeals office said. USCIS must consider all relevant factors in determining whether the applicants regional center designation should be terminated or maintained.
For example, the appeals office reported that more than 1,000 individual investors have pumped at least $500,000 each into 32 projects since the inception of the South Dakota Regional Center in 2004. Hundreds of those investors have obtained lawful permanent resident status, the appeals office said.
Yet the appeals office also acknowledged the negative evidence in the case. Much of that stems from the activities of Joop Bollen, whose private company, SDRC Inc., formerly managed the regional centers EB-5 operations through a contract with state government.
In 2013, former state bureaucrat Richard Benda committed suicide while he was under investigation for reportedly diverting state grant money to Bollens company.
Last month, Bollen pleaded guilty to a felony for illegally transferring money out of an EB-5 account that was intended to shield the state from EB-5-related costs and liability. He was sentenced to two years of probation and a $2,000 fine.
In a separate civil matter, the state announced last week that it had reached a settlement to recover about $1.5 million from Bollen's company. The settlement ended two pending lawsuits over the terms of Bollen's former contract with the state.
Issues raised in the various legal proceedings were among the problems that led the USCIS to declare in September 2015 that it intended to terminate the South Dakota Regional Center. State officials had already cut ties with Bollen and had stopped accepting new investments through the center, but they fought to keep the center open, in part for foreign investors whose residency applications were still pending. Because of the complex and novel issues involved in the termination, the USCIS sent its decision to its own Administrative Appeals Office for review.
The appeals office, in its decision, said state officials should share the blame for the regional centers problems. The state, the appeals office said, cannot immunize or absolve itself of responsibility for its management companys wrongdoing simply by the fact that it contracted out its operations to that company.
Tony Venhuizen, chief of staff for Gov. Dennis Daugaard, said the appeals office decision is overall a win for the state.
The decision clearly took many of the states points into consideration and acknowledged the multiple factors that USCIS must consider in making a decision to terminate, Venhuizen wrote in an email to the Journal.
According to Venhuizen, the regional center, which is now under the states operation, is servicing existing investment projects and resolving issues stemming from Bollen's management. About 90 individuals who invested in projects through the center are still awaiting processing of their residency applications, Venhuizen said.
The Journal was not able to reach a USCIS spokeswoman Tuesday to pose questions about the agency's next steps. The appeals office provided no future timeline while remanding the case "for further proceedings consistent with the foregoing opinion and for the entry of a new decision."
What was described as a security event at Rapid City Regional Airport last week forced cancellation of an Allegiant Airlines evening flight from Rapid City to Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona.
Rapid City Regional Airport spokeswoman Toni Broom, citing an ongoing investigation by the Transportation Security Administration, declined to release details on what she described as a security breach prior to the already delayed departure of Allegiant Flight 161 on March 15.
There was an event that occurred. Airport personnel followed all established procedures in the airport security program, she said.
Allegiant offers direct air service between Rapid City, Las Vegas and Phoenix.
The March 15 evening return flight to Arizona had already been delayed because of a mechanical problem when the security issue occurred, Broom said.
Airline officials requested that all passengers for the flight be rescreened, but by then all TSA security workers at the airport had left for the day, she said.
The decision was made to cancel the flight until the next morning, Broom said
Broom did not know how many passengers were delayed because of the incident.
I dont believe it was a full flight," she said. "Fortunately the matter was resolved and the plane took off the next day. There were no arrests and no further incident."
This is the third and final part of a timeline of key events in the life of Larry Lytle of Rapid City.
June 30, 2001: An investigator from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration collects information about Lytles laser devices at the International Congress of Esthetics in Long Beach, Calif.
Aug. 21, 2001: A state judge slaps Lytle with more than $18,000 in damages for filing what the judge deemed were unintelligible and malicious lawsuits against numerous people connected with the revocation of Lytle's dental license in 1998.
December 2001: The FDA conducts an inspection of Lytles home-based business.
Aug. 29, 2002: The FDA sends Lytle a letter informing him that his products are medical devices, and he must obtain marketing clearance or approval before offering them for sale in interstate commerce. He responds in a letter claiming his lasers are veterinary devices.
May 16, 2007: Lytle leaves a voice message on the phone of an FDA investigator. While mistakenly believing that he has terminated the call, Lytle is recorded saying to an unknown person that if the FDA investigator questions him about his laser business, he will tell the investigator that his lasers are for "a veterinary type of thing.
Feb. 25, 2008: The FDA receives a request from Lytle for clearance of two laser devices. The FDA decides on Jan. 30, 2009, to grant clearance to the two devices but only for providing temporary relief of pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hand, which has been diagnosed by a physician or other licenses medical professional.
July 23, 2009: The FDA office in San Francisco receives a complaint from a person who bought a QLaser for $3,000 and followed instructions to put the device directly on the affected area. After putting the device on his eye, the complainant could not see for a few minutes.
May 25-27, 2010: Lytles various laser-related businesses undergo inspections by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
December 2010: Lytle announces a $100,000 gift toward the construction of an events center at his alma mater, Chadron State College, to include a Lytle Family Lecture Hall.
March 3, 2011: The FDA sends a letter to Lytle warning him about his continued violations of federal law in regard to the unapproved marketing of his laser devices.
June 21, 2011: Lytle's divorce from wife Norma Jean Lytle is finalized. Divorce papers say they had been living separately for 13 years.
Nov. 14, 2011: Lytle files a federal lawsuit against FDA employees seeking $5 million for various rights violations. The suit is later dismissed.
March 2012: The FDA Los Angeles office receives a complaint from a woman who says she made a $7,000 down payment on a $12,000 QLaser after a seminar in a Double Tree Hotel in Delmar, Calif. The woman says the device is not delivering the pain relief she was promised.
Sept. 10-13, 2013: The FDA, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service, executes a search warrant on Lytle's business.
Dec. 10, 2013: Lytle files a lawsuit in federal court against federal officials, claiming that he sells his products through a private membership organization and should therefore be exempted from FDA regulation. The suit is later dismissed.
Oct. 21, 2014: The federal government seeks a court-ordered injunction to stop Lytle from manufacturing, selling and distributing QLasers. A judge grants a preliminary injunction on Jan. 14, 2015, and a permanent injunction on Oct. 6, 2015.
Nov. 28, 2014: Lytles son, Kip Lytle, who was involved in the QLaser business, dies of brain cancer.
Oct. 10, 2016: Lytle is honored, along with brother Joe and both their families, with the 2016 Chadron State College Family Tree Award.
Jan. 26, 2017: Lytle, along with his girlfriend Fredretta Eason and distributors Irina Kossovskaia and Ronald D. Weir, are criminally charged for a conspiracy to sell QLasers in violation of a court order against the sale of the devices.
The trial date for the Rapid City man charged with killing his girlfriend in 2015 has been moved from June to September.
Brian Duncan, 61, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of Helen Wright, 60. Her body was discovered in November 2015 at a Rapid City motel, bearing what police say were signs of an assault. Second-degree murder carries a punishment of life in prison.
Because of a prosecution witness or defense counsel's unavailability between June and August, the 7th Circuit Court reset Duncans trial to Sept. 5 to 14. Meanwhile, Duncan has withdrawn his request to exclude from trial statements he made to local police. Instead, he wants to suppress statements he made to law enforcement in Texas, where he was arrested last year.
HOT SPRINGS | Scott Davis is a self-avowed Department of Veterans Affairs whistleblower.
The Atlanta, Ga., man, who works as a spokesman for the VA Health Eligibility Center, has testified before Congress about previous alleged misdeeds within the department.
On March 10, Davis dropped a new allegation against the VA regarding the proposed Hot Springs Member Services Call Center, with his boss, VA Secretary David J. Shulkin.
Davis contends that the call center and promises of 120 new jobs is more ruse than reality. He said it was the VAs way of creating a good news story about what was happening to the Hot Springs VA hospital, and was a way to ease the pain of losing some 300 hospital jobs that will be shifted to Rapid City or elsewhere due to the department's planned reconfiguration of the Black Hills Health Care System.
In a letter to Shulkin dated March 10, Davis explains how the Hot Springs Call Center was supposed to help the Atlanta Health Eligibility Center provide service to veterans seeking VA health care. The Health Eligibility Center helps veterans find care and enroll in VA programs.
He tells Shulkin in the letter that no computer equipment was ordered through the VAs Office of Information and Technology for employees in Hot Springs to use prior to being hired. Call center staff members claim this is an ongoing problem, Davis says, and he wonders how people can do their jobs without computers.
Davis also accuses the VA of mismanaging the project, creating delays in providing the veterans who were hired for the call center with the equipment they need to do their jobs, and he cites the VAs intent to gloss over his concerns.
This incident not only impacts veterans in Hot Springs, it also impacts access to care for veterans throughout the country, Davis wrote. Currently the HEC has a monthly backlog of over 24,000 veteran health care applications, because the enrollment staff is processing phone calls instead of applications.
This is a scandal, but they keep on defending it, Davis said in a phone interview with The Hot Springs Star.
Davis shared documents with The Star to back up his claims. One is a mid-February email exchange between two VA officials sharing their displeasure for how the Hot Springs Call Center lacked computers and how that would affect others.
In the email, Kareem Thomas, a VA spokesman for the Health Eligibility Center in Fort Riley, Kan., tells the center's Director Angel Lawrence about a kinda heated meeting with the Office of Information and Technology.
He says that the Hot Springs Call Center hadnt been approved for production, and that there were no computers a month and a half after the call center was supposed to be operational. Thomas adds that laptops weren't even available for staff members to use.
Two employees of the call center verified these details with The Star on the condition of anonymity to protect their employment.
When Lawrence asked Thomas how Hot Springs Call Center employees are handling not having the right equipment, Thomas said the employees are working with the VAs Talent Management System and performing other tasks that can be done without computers, such as small group work on laptops belonging to others. Not sustainable either, Thomas wrote.
The call center was initially scheduled to open in late December, but ran into delays due to "building modifications, training development, securing IT systems and support," according to VHA Member Services Director of Communications Lorelle C. Cannon.
In early January, Cannon and VHA Member Services Executive Director Matthew Eitutis told The Star that 34 of the planned 120 positions had been filled. Cannon also said Member Services was on target to achieve our hiring goal of up to 120 positions by April 30.
Davis said the issues at the Hot Springs call center affect the entire VA system. The call center was supposed to work with enrollment," Davis said. "This only works when people are taking calls, processing applications and doing enrollments. Theyre not processing applications because they dont have computers. With Hot Springs not up and running, this is creating a 24,000-application backlog across the VA system.
Davis, who has been with the VA for 30 years, called the way the modern VA is run a shame.
To have to fight with the VA to give veterans the benefits theyre entitled to receive, this is why its so hard to work at the VA, he said. We didnt have this mentality in past.
Several VA officials were contacted about Davis' claims. C.B. Alexander, associate director for VA Black Hills Health Care System, referred questions to the VHA headquarters in Washington.
VHA spokeswoman Jill Snyder declined to comment on Davis' claims, and instead referred to a statement issued by Shulkin.
As Secretary Shulkin promised in his confirmation hearing, he is reviewing the decision regarding Black Hills, Snyder wrote in an email. VA is committed to ensuring that the final decision will be based on what best serves the Veterans of Black Hills while doing everything we can to support the local community. Currently, Secretary Shulkin has directed that hiring for the call center continue and our Office of Information and Technology is working to ensure all necessary equipment is available to begin work.
One of the most commonly-held delusions amongst the property-hoarding class is that being a "landlord" makes them some kind of &q...
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Mr. Trumps allies have begun to wonder if his need for self-expression, often on social media, will exceed his instinct for self-preservation, with disastrous results both for the president and for a party whose fate is now tightly tied to his.
The tweets make it much more difficult for us as we try to build a case against these leakers, said Representative Peter T. King, a New York Republican who sits on the Intelligence Committee. We always have to be answering questions about the tweets it puts us on defense all the time when we could be building a case for the president.
And Mr. Trumps fixation on fighting is undermining his credibility at a time when he needs to toggle from go-it-alone executive action to collaborative congressional action on ambitious health care, budget and infrastructure legislation.
I dont always like what the president is saying, the Senate majority leader, Mitch McConnell, told The Washington Examiner last month. I do think he frequently, by wading into other matters, takes attention away from the very substantial things were already accomplishing.
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A Gallup poll released Monday found Mr. Trump with an abysmal 37 percent approval rating; other recent polls place his popularity in the mid-40s, but even that level is among the lowest ever recorded for a president this early in his first term.
Over the past several weeks, Republicans in Congress and members of their staffs have privately complained that Mr. Trumps Twitter comment on March 4 the one where he called Barack Obama sick and suggested that the former president had ordered a tapp on his phone had done more to undermine anything hes done as president because it called into question his seriousness about governing.
The problem, from the perspective of Mr. Trumps beleaguered political fire brigade, is that the president insists on dealing with crises by creating new ones so surrogates, repeating talking points the president himself ignores, say they often feel like human shields.
Within the White House, a number of Mr. Trumps advisers including the press secretary, Sean Spicer, who has himself repeated unsubstantiated claims of British spying on Mr. Trump have told allies that Mr. Trumps Twitter habits are making their jobs harder, said administration officials interviewed over the past week. Mr. Spicer said he has no problem with his bosss tweeting. Its just not true. I have not commented on the tweets to anyone including my wife, he said in an email.
Most politicians, perhaps any other politician, would have backed away from the Russia story, and left the defense to surrogates or unexpected validators like Mike Morrell, the former acting director of the C.I.A., who said last week that there is smoke, but there is no fire at all in the allegations that the Trump campaign colluded with Russia.
But this president, a proponent of do-it-yourself crisis communications with boundless self-confidence in his capacity to shape the story, seems determined to hug his Russian hand grenade.
Monday morning began not with praise of Judge Gorsuch or an exhortation of House Republicans to quickly pass a revamped Obamacare repeal but with six protective-crouch tweets about the Russia investigation.
The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost! Mr. Trump wrote shortly after dawn, using his private Twitter account.
Then, a few minutes later: The real story that Congress, the FBI and all others should be looking into is the leaking of Classified information. Must find leaker now!
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People close to the president say Mr. Trumps Twitter torrent had less to do with fact, strategy or tactic than a sense of persecution bordering on faith: He simply believes that he was bugged in some way, by someone, and that evidence will soon appear to back him up.
Plus he just likes to mix it up. He fired off his ill-fated Saturday tweet complaining of tapps of his phones after railing to aides about how poorly Attorney General Jeff Sessions had responded to reports that he had surreptitiously communicated with the Russians, the way Mr. Trumps former National Security Council adviser, Michael T. Flynn, did.
The president, people close to him have said over the last several weeks, has become increasingly frustrated at his inability to control the narrative of his action-packed presidency, after being able to dominate the political discourse or divert criticism by launching one of his signature Twitter attacks.
I think that maybe I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for Twitter, Mr. Trump told a sympathetic interviewer, Tucker Carlson of Fox News, last week.
Still, theres some evidence that the presidents magic medium is losing its effectiveness, in part because Mr. Trumps Twitter persona seems to have shifted from puckish to paranoid.
Focus groups and polls conducted by two Democratic strategists this month have shown that many voters, even some who support Mr. Trump, have grown weary of his tweets as president. That was also borne out by a Fox News poll last week, showing that a mere 35 percent of Trump voters approve of his Twitter habits, and that only 16 percent of all voters approve of them. Some 32 percent said they wish hed be more careful with his feed.
His tweeting defines him, and not in a good way, said Geoff Garin, a veteran Democratic pollster. Voters not only think Trumps use of Twitter is unpresidential, they also see the tone and content of his tweets as an indication that he is lacking in self-control.
Mr. Comey seemed to tacitly agree.
In midafternoon came a tweet from Mr. Trumps official @potus account: FBI Director Comey refuses to deny he briefed President Obama on calls made by Michael Flynn to Russia.
A dour and disapproving Mr. Comey instantly fact-checked the tweet when it was read out loud to him. No, he said. It was not our intention to say that today.
Guwahati : The sleuths of Assam police Vigilance and Anti Corruption on Monday had arrested a jailor, who demanded bribe from a contractor in middle Assam's Morigaon district.
The arrested jailor of Morigaon district jail was identified as Dhrubajyoti Baruah.
According to the reports, the government official had demended bribe of Rs 10,000 from a contractor named Manas Kumar Nath.
The contractor immediately contacted to the V&AC officials and the sleuths arrested red handed the government official.
(Reporting by Hemanta Kumar Nath)
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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 ...
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An Armenian Genocide memorial will be built in Cologne, Germany.
March 21, 2017, 10:14 Everyone in Germany knows Armenians after Bundestag recognized Armenian Genocide - Serovbe Otapashean
STEPANAKERT, MARCH 21, ARTSAKHPRESS: The city authorities approved the proposal of the Church Board of the Armenian community of Cologne on installing the memorial to the memory of the victims of the Armenian Genocide.
Armenpress had an interview with Chairman of the Diocesan Council of Germanys Primacy Serovbe Otapashean on the memorial and the upcoming commemorative events for April 24.
Mr. Otapashean, why was it decided to build the memorial in that very city and in the cemetery of Bruck, Lehmbacher Weg region?
In around 9-10 cities of Germany, there are memorials, which were blessed by clergy. We have two memorials in Berlin, one of which being in a cemetery, it is dedicated to the memory of the killed Armenians, Greek and Assyrians, meaning this upcoming memorial isnt the first neither the last. The cemetery is very big, a part of it is allocated to us. As we know, there are private areas in Armenian cemeteries in many countries, which are dedicated to the victims of genocide. The goal was that every time Armenians visit this place they remember the victims, and not only Armenians, many Germans will also see the memorial, which will have an engraved writing in Armenian and German.
When is it planned to be erected?
I think it will be erected in one or two months.
Were there pressures on the location of the memorial during the discussions of the decision in the City Council?
Yes, there were, because there were some people (Turks) in the Cologne City Council and organizations cooperating with them, which were acting for the benefit of the Turkish interests, and after all German members of the council, who followed them for some reasons. We shouldnt forget that these processes lasted for around two years, but the majority of the parties were in our favor.
Mr. Otapashean, what would you say about the Armenian community of Germany, namely Cologne? What is the number of Armenians, in what specific areas are they engaged in?
The number of Armenians in Germany is around 50-70 thousand, however I am not sure in the number, because in recent years the number of Armenians arriving from Armenia is big. As for Cologne I can say they are about 8000, but once again Im not that sure, because these numbers change. They are active in many different spheres. There are people who began their own businesses, trading stores, and academicians.
Overall, whats the mood in the country for Armenians after the Armenian Genocide resolution was adopted?
The mood towards Armenians hasnt been bad till now. I live here for almost 50 years and I can say it gets better and better. Initially, in the 1960s, many didnt know the Armenians, rather very few knew Armenians, and in late 1988, that is since the earthquake, there isnt anyone who doesnt know Armenians, namely after the recognition of the Armenian Genocide last year.
April 24 is approaching, what events are planned on that occasion?
April 24 events will be held in all Armenian communities this year, like previously. Meetings will be held, with the participation of members of parties of Germany. Now it is a little difficult to present the programs for all communities.
Two US defense officials told CNN Monday that the rocket engine North Korea tested Sunday could possibly be used in an eventual intercontinental ballistic missile.
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The MOU will act as a guiding document. It puts in place the systems, processes and financial mechanisms to enable the ABG to assume legal responsibility for its own affairs. This, in tum, provides the foundation upon which full autonomy will be achieved.
The signing of the memorandum of understanding has been a long time coming and it is an important step in giving effect to the very clear intent of the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
This is an historic moment and an important step in formalising autonomy arrangements for the people of Bougainville.
I AM pleased to announce the signing of an overarching memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the ABG and the PNG national government on the drawdown of powers in accordance with the Bougainville Peace Agreement.
The MOU will see the establishment of a Joint Technical Working Group to guide the drawdown of powers process. As Vice President, I see the role of the Joint Working Group as being to ensure that the implementation of processes for the transfer of power and functions are conducted in a coordinated manner, consistent with the Bougainville Peace Agreement and Constitutional and Organic Law requirements.
Whilst the signing of the MOU is a great achievement, we must still proceed with caution. The Joint Working Group will need to think strategically about how, and in what ways, to draw down powers to ensure the best benefit for Bougainville and her people.
The Working Group must act responsibly, drawing down powers in a systemic way that ensures we have the administrative, operational and financial capacity to take on roles. At the same time, the ABG must work with the national government to ensure that those powers that are drawn down are appropriately funded, both in the year of transfer and in all future years.
An issue that the Joint Working Group and the ABG in particular will need to consider is longer term financial implications. As Bougainville grows and demands increase on services, we must ensure that we have the financial means to fund those functions that are drawn down.
While recurrent national funding will help us to achieve this, there is a risk that in the longer term base funding will not keep pace with demand, necessitating the need for the ABG to draw on its own internal revenue sources to fund services.
In that context, as a Government, we must continue to consider our revenue raising and taxation capacity and think strategically about how we can fund services in the longer term.
As Vice President, I look forward to seeing the practical benefits that this MOU will provide. Bougainville offers enormous opportunity and I strongly believe that this MOU will cement the autonomy process, placing us firmly on the path to long term success and prosperity.
One of the New York congressmen behind an amendment to force the state to pick up counties' Medicaid costs said the mandate that's been in place for half a century is a "mistake."
U.S. Rep. John Faso appeared on Fred Dicker's Albany radio show Tuesday to defend the measure that he's proposed along with U.S. Rep. Chris Collins, a western New York Republican. The amendment has been added to the Republicans' bill that would repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Cuomo slams GOP proposal in Congress targeting NY Medicaid payments An amendment attached to congressional Republicans' Affordable Care Act repeal bill would pr
The provision has been dubbed the "Buffalo Buyout" because it would exclusively apply to New York. Under the amendment, the state wouldn't receive federal Medicaid reimbursements unless it picks up program expenses for 57 counties excluding New York City.
For Long Island and upstate counties, this would mean they would no longer be required to pay Medicaid costs. The state, due to the federal mandate, would need to cover the payments.
The proposal has been blasted by New York Democrats, including Gov. Andrew Cuomo and Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul.
Cuomo released a statement Monday slamming the amendment and criticizing its sponsors for their "rabid conservative zealotry."
"Congressman Collins and Faso are calling their amendment a 'tax savings plan for the county.' Really it's a deathtrap as there is no way to make up the shortfall," Cuomo said. "The upstate New York and Long Island economy will falter or collapse if the health sector is damaged."
Faso, R-Kinderhook, said Cuomo's assessment is "ridiculous" while noting that the amendment would give the state until 2020 at least 2 1/2 years and three state budget cycles, he said to prepare for the mandate.
"We look at state spending in a whole host of areas and there are plenty of areas that are less important, in my mind, than relieving the burden on average working people in our state," Faso said. "And that's what this amendment does."
When Medicaid was established in 1965, New York decided to fund its share 50 percent by splitting it between the state and local municipalities.
According to Cuomo, the split was 50 percent federal, 25 percent state and 25 percent for counties. The counties' share has decreased in recent years as the state has assumed the growth in Medicaid costs.
Cuomo contends that forcing the state to pick up the entirety of the costs would result in a $2.3 billion loss for New York.
Faso, a former state lawmaker who unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2006, thinks New York can make up the gap from other sources. He singled out the Buffalo Billion program a pledge by Cuomo to provide $1 billion in economic development aid to western New York and hundreds of millions of dollars in tax credits provided to the movie and television industries.
"I'm not saying all of these things are bad," Faso said. "I'm saying the priorities of our state should consider finally eliminating the burden on the property taxpayers and the perfect way to do it is to do what virtually all the other states do. They don't impose the Medicaid burden of their program on the local property taxpayers, and that's what I'm trying to address."
The GOP health care bill will be voted on Thursday. The amendment is viewed as an attempt to secure the support of New York Republicans, some of whom have been undecided on the legislation.
Still fresh from its international premiere in Berlin and edging up on its Australian theatrical release, a series of character teasers have arrived online for Neil Triffett's Emo The Musical.
A major crowd pleaser when it played in both the Melbourne and Berlin festivals, Emo stars Benson Jack Anthony as Ethan - a terminally depressed teenager trying to navigate the politics of a new high school as he's drawn to both the emo kids who share his sense of style and general malaise and a pretty girl from the Christian clique.
We've shared the full trailer for this before and these new teasers are great fun. Check them all out below!
It was back in 2010 that we first came across writer-director Sam Voutas in these pages. An Australian living in China, Sam was poised to release his debut feature at the time - a Mandarin language comedy about a man starting a sex toy shop in Mainland China titled Red Light Revolution - and we knew instantly that we'd found our kind of filmmaker.
Well, Voutas is back now with a second China-set comedy - one that reunites most of the cast and crew from his debut - and will soon be making his world premiere at Tribeca with King Of Peking. Here's how they describe it:
Big Wong and Little Wong are a close knit father-son duo. Together, they travel around as a mobile cinema projecting Hollywood movies for local villagers. When Big Wongs ex-wife demands he start paying spousal support, he realizes he may lose custody of his son. In order to raise enough money to stay together, Big Wong takes up a job as a janitor in an old Beijing movie theater.
When Big Wong happens upon an old DVD recorder in a junk store, he comes up with a business plan that he hopes will make him enough money to maintain custody of Little Wong: creating and selling bootleg DVDs. Together, they secretly run their new business which they name King of Peking out of the basement of the movie theater. As business booms, Little Wong starts to question the moral and ethical implications of their scheme and Big Wong senses that he is slowly losing his sons trust.
A trailer has recently arrived on the scene to spread the word prior to the premiere and - like Voutas' debut - it looks like a charmer through and through. And having had the chance to see the film early [XYZ Films, where I spend most of my working hours, has just signed on to represent it for sales] I can say absolutely that that impression is absolutely accurate. Check out the trailer below!
U.S. Rep. John Katko's forum on the drug epidemic in central New York has been rescheduled.
The public forum was announced last week and scheduled for Thursday, March 23, at Oswego City Hall. But because House Republican leaders are planning to hold votes on legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, Katko, R-Camillus, and other members have been advised to remain in Washington.
Katko's forum will now be held at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 30 in Oswego City Hall's Common Council chambers, 13 W. Oneida St.
The conversation will focus on the impact of opioids and synthetic drugs in central New York. A group of experts are scheduled to appear at the forum, including John and Tina Socci, of Owasco.
The Soccis, who are members of the Heroin Epidemic Action League, lost their son, Christopher, to a heroin overdose in 2013.
"These forums provide an excellent opportunity for individuals who are struggling with addiction and their families to gain information and support from members of our community who work on the front lines every day to combat this epidemic," Katko said in a statement.
The forum will be Katko's first of his second term and the seventh he's held since 2015, according to his office.
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Over Posnerian dissent, Seventh Circuit panel upholds two-year prison term for elderly, ill fraudster | Main | Prez Trump to nominate District Judge Amul Thapar to Sixth Circuit
March 20, 2017
Continued consternation concerning capital charging decision in central Florida
I noted here on Friday the capital kerfuffle that has emerged in central Florida after newly-elected State Attorney Aramis Ayala announced that she would not pursue the death penalty for a cop killer or any other case during. As previously reported, Florida Governor Rick Scott reassigned the cop killer's case to another State Attorney. But now, as this local article reports, today Ayala indicated she might try to contest having the case reassigned:
Orange-Osceola State Attorney Aramis Ayala on Monday said she is not willing to surrender the case of accused cop killer Markeith Loyd. Gov. Rick Scott removed her from the case Thursday, outraged when she said she would not seek the death penalty. He appointed a special prosecutor, Brad King. At a court hearing in Orlando on Monday, Ayala sat one seat away from King, the state attorney for Floridas Fifth Judicial Circuit. What the governor did was unprecedented, she told Orange-Osceola Chief Circuit Judge Frederick Lauten, and overstepped his bounds. She said she may file a legal challenge and asked the judge temporarily to halt the two murder cases involving Loyd while she figures out what to do. Loyd is charged with killing Orlando police Lt. Debra Clayton on Jan. 9 and, several weeks earlier, his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon. Ayala said she at least wants to be part of Loyds prosecution. More than 100 lawyers, including two former Florida Supreme Court justices and Gil Garcetti, who prosecuted celebrity O.J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial, are backing Ayala. They have signed a letter asking Scott to give the case back to her. She is an independently elected official, and Scott is guilty of overreach, they say. In Tallahassee, Scott defended his decision. When asked whether he would consider removing Ayala from office, he said, Well continue to look at our options. Right now Im focused on Markeith Loyd. Asked if he would get involved in other potential death-penalty cases in Orange and Osceola counties, he said, Ill deal with that at the time. On Monday, the assistant finance director at the Seminole County Clerk of Court Office was placed on paid administrative leave after posting Facebook comments saying Ayala should be tarred and feathered if not hung from a tree because she refuses to seek the death penalty. Stan McCullars, author of the post, later deleted it. He could not be reached for comment. His boss, Grant Maloy, said those comments dont reflect my beliefs. Ayala is the first African-American state attorney in Florida and took office Jan. 3, serving Orange and Osceola counties. During her five-month election campaign, she did not state her position on the death penalty.
There are many interesting elements of this battle over prosecutorial discretion, and the intersection of race and gender and southern politics just adds layers to the story. And speaking of race, former prosecutor Chuck Hobbs has this interesting new Hill commentary on these matters which includes these interesting closing observations:
The irony in this is that the Black Lives Matter movement began in earnest after George Zimmerman was acquitted of murdering Trayvon Martin by a Sanford, Florida jury in 2013. A year before his acquittal, Gov. Scott replaced then Sanford State Attorney Norm Wolfinger with Jacksonville State Attorney Angela Corey after Wolfinger dragged his feet for almost 50 days before finally recusing himself. Scott's move back then was applauded by many black lawyers, civil rights activists and concerned citizens who wanted to ensure that the highest charges and attendant punishments would be sought against Zimmerman. Today, Scott is being blasted by some lawyers and activists for meddling in Ayala's use of discretion not to seek the death penalty. Now the key distinction is that Wolfinger recused himself while Ayala did not, one that could lead to a fascinating legal battle where the courts may have to determine whether Scott illegally overreached by replacing Ayala, or whether her refusal to follow his dictates allowed him leave to replace her.
March 20, 2017 at 10:29 PM | Permalink
Comments
Interesting Doug. Let's put some context on this issue.
The District Attorney in Wake County, NC has tried eight capital trials in a row with no death verdict. She has made a public statement after the seventh one indicating she may not try cases capitally anymore. I wonder what she will say now.
The DA in Greensboro has said the same thing.
Under the NC Constitution, it is the responsibility to prosecute criminal cases, not the Governor's. Major separation of powers issue in Florida. The issue in this situation, seems to me, that if the State Attorney had limited her decision to the current case she would have a stronger position, rather than to announce a blanket policy of not trying people for capital murder.
Also, there is another of the many Apprendi issues here. The State Attorney is not saying she will not request a particular sentence to be imposed. She is saying she will not prosecute this defendant for a crime greater than murder simpliciter. If she decides not to prosecute a def for armed robbery and instead tries someone for common law robbery, can the governor trump that decision? No.
Interesting.
bruce
Posted by: bruce cunningham | Mar 21, 2017 6:38:12 AM
"responsibility of the State Attorney" to prosecute criminal cases, not the governor's. sorry
Posted by: bruce cunningham | Mar 21, 2017 6:39:44 AM
In this case, the prosecutor is devaluing black victims. Prosecutorial discretion is an euphemism for personal bias, in this case, racism. The murder victim, Lieutenant Clayton, was a much admired and beloved black police officer. The girlfriend had done nothing to the defendant.
The prosecutor is black and female, as were both victims. It shows how far a little Soros money will impact the lawyer, criminal coddler.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 8:54:38 AM
Bruce. Worthless lawyer gibberish will not disguise your devaluation of black murder victims.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 8:56:28 AM
Interesting--no one seems to be upset about the free speech rights of the government employee.
Posted by: federalist | Mar 21, 2017 9:25:52 AM
Behar a/k/a Supreme Claus, you are always going on about "black murder victims"; yet you incessantly rail against black bastardy. Do you even know any black persons? Have you ever had one in your home?
Posted by: Sarah | Mar 21, 2017 9:47:14 AM
Sarah. Try making a point.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 10:02:06 AM
One criminal justice opinion handed down today. One opinion involving acting officials that might have some application to criminal justice matters. #SCOTUS
Posted by: Joe | Mar 21, 2017 11:34:53 AM
@David
"Prosecutorial discretion is an euphemism for personal bias"
I certainly hope so. It sure would be odd if it were a euphemism for impersonal bias.
Posted by: Daniel | Mar 21, 2017 12:39:13 PM
@Daniel. It is also a euphemism for total lawyer incompetence and idiocy. There is no group in our nation that is stupider than the lawyer profession. Students in Life Skills class, learning to eat with utensils, and to put on shirts on their own, would represent a marked upgrade in decision making if placed on the Supreme Court. They would have 10 times the common sense than the mentally crippled lawyers now controlling it.
Robots running legislative enacted algorithms should be making all prosecutorial decisions. Death penalty, even in absentia, to anyone trying to hack one. As usual, only technology will rescue us from the plague of lawyers besieging this nation. Lawyer prosecutors can be re-hired to roll one into court.
Chess has 37 possible moves. Computers beat all humans long ago. Go, the Chinese board game, has a billion possible moves. Recently, a computer beat the best human Go player. It made a move the champion said no human could have thought of.
Legal decisions are far closer to the limited game of chess, than to the vast game of Go. A computer should even be able to look 10 moves ahead.
If people do not like the outcomes of computerized legal decisions, they have the recourse of electing legislators who will change the algorithms.
Computers making errors should be liable in torts, as should their programmers, as should the legislatures causing damages by their carelessness in writing the algorithm. Due to the nature of sentencing decisions, and the far higher standards of performance of a sentencing computer, the wrongful decisions should be subject to strict liability.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 1:00:56 PM
Behar, a/k/a Supremacy Claus writes "There is no group in our nation that is stupider than the lawyer profession." This is his usual drivel. Hey, you misogynist twit, leave this blog already and check yourself in to the nearest asylum.
Posted by: Sarah | Mar 21, 2017 6:39:15 PM
Sarah. Why are you so upset? Sweetie, try to calm down.
Then, tell the class the fraction of your income that comes from government.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 7:01:41 PM
"More than 100 lawyers, including two former Florida Supreme Court justices and Gil Garcetti, who prosecuted celebrity O.J. Simpson during his 1995 murder trial, are backing Ayala. They have signed a letter asking Scott to give the case back to her. She is an independently elected official, and Scott is guilty of overreach, they say."
None of the lawyers above or here wish to face the subject of the murder victims.
The defendant stood over Lt. Debra Clayton, and blasted her, multiple times. The lawyer is only thinking of his job, his lousy, hateful, morally disgusting job. The standard reply is, the lawyer is defending the constitution, not just this vicious murderer. That canard just makes people really angry by lawyer compounding tawdry, sick rent seeking with lying.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/autopsy-lt-debra-clayton-was-shot-4-times
That was the admired and beloved police lieutenant, a black woman.
She was trying to arrest the defendant in a prolonged manhunt, after he shot his girlfriend, carrying his child, an innocent black baby. She was another beautiful black woman. Her mistake was to open the door. Her brother tried to help her and her terrorized children. He got shot.
http://www.clickorlando.com/news/crime/sheriff-man-bangs-on-door-kills-pregnant-woman-near-pine-hills
I would support visits to the above 100 lawyers by a direct action group of family member of murder victims. There is no talking to people like them. They are defending the rent and have no human feeling. To deter.
Not a single word about the victims, two beautiful and beloved black women, not even from Prof. Berman.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 7:22:00 PM
At first, Ayala stated that she would step aside as it was a legal order, indicating she knew it to be a legal order.
Now, she might challenge it?
Does anyone know under what executive power this was exercized in Fl?
Doug? Anybody?
These crimes were so horrendous, I suspect the overwhelming percentage of voters in that district support the death penalty for those murders and may result in Ayala being a one termer, which she, likely, already realizes.
I hope she doesn't challenge the order so the focus can remain on the innocent victims and not on Ayala.
Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Mar 22, 2017 9:44:26 AM
David:
The only bias here may be the bias for Soros' money and against the death penalty, which are the same, in this case.
Posted by: Dudley Sharp | Mar 22, 2017 9:50:14 AM
Dudley: I have not gotten deeply into the intricacies of Florida law here, though I assume the fine folks in Florida will figure this out for all of us in the coming weeks.
Posted by: Doug B. | Mar 22, 2017 10:34:21 AM
Don't assume that seeking the death penalty is protecting the victims. In this case, that appears to be false. The now-removed prosecutor, not the governor, is watching out for the victims' wishes:
The family of Loyds pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon, have said they agree with Ayala. You have to understand that we want closure. And with closure doesnt mean to be dragged in and out of court with appeals and everything else, Stephanie Dixon, Sades mother, said at a news conference Friday. He will never see the light of day again. If he doesnt die of natural causes, Im quite sure he will be tortured for his hideous crimes.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2017/03/21/floridas-first-black-prosecutor-a-death-penalty-boycotter-defies-gov-rick-scott/
Posted by: Stephen Hardwick | Mar 22, 2017 1:20:15 PM
Questions not being asked.
Why was he streeted?
How did he have a gun?
The answers are, he had the protection of the kawyers profession. It is 100% at fault for the murders if 3 people. If he obtained the gun legally, the check up system should sued.
As to the family if the victims, their frustration with the lawyer obstructed system has no relevance. The obstructionist caused it. The prosecutor represents the oeopke not them.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 22, 2017 4:07:10 PM
Don't just talk about lawyers then. Crazy gonna be crazy, right? Isn't that the bit you're running here?
Posted by: MarK M. | Mar 23, 2017 12:42:19 AM
Mark. As a lawyer, you believe in supernatural powers, future forecasting, mind reading, and the basis of standards of conduct set by a fictitious character. Why fictitious character? So the standards may be objective, of course. You do not even know the real meaning of the central word of the common law, reasonable.
Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Cuckoo. Ding.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 23, 2017 1:36:14 AM
Assuming momentarily that anything you said above makes sense, show me a better system. See, here in the real world, we have to formulate some method of humans living together without the necessity of resorting to mortal combat to resolve disputes. Hence, the current legal system, which allows us to live together outside the state of nature. You, narcissistically claim that you know more than all those who have come before us who brick-by-brick constructed our legal system. Because the human condition itself is complex, by necessity the system created to resolve human disagreements is complex. Such is required of any method which seeks to provide in advance ground rules for resolving disputes. The fact that you may not understand the intricacies of our legal system does not render that system deficient. Further, the fact that you may disagree with that system established over the centuries is interesting--or not--but isn't going to convince anyone that a return to the state of nature is desirable.
Posted by: MarK M. | Mar 23, 2017 2:21:03 PM
Mark. Let's keep this simple. The medicine, the carpentry, the oxcart manufacture, the cathedral building, the communication with quill and parchment. What methodology from 1275 AD would be acceptable to you for conducting actual business in 2017 AD? Why is a legal system 90% from 1275 AD any more acceptable? It comes complete with the appearances, the business model of the Inquisition, and the actual methods of that time.
It is you who does not understand the legal system. You have been indoctrinated, not educated. You are blind to the resemblance of the court to a church, to the bench to an altar, to the robes to prelate garb. You are blind to the Latin. You are blind to the Scholasticist origin of the adversarial system. I am stunned by the way Protestant and Jewish law students and lawyers just accept this Catholic bullshit. Because the take from this Inquisition scam is a $trillion a year, only arrests, brief trials, and summary executions can rid us of these tyrants.
This system has a 90% false negative error rate, and a 20% false positive error rate. Imagine a mechanic who fails to fix 90% of cars. When he does do a repair, he does the wrong repair 20% of the time. Then, he sends you a bill for $trillion, and a man with a gun will help you pay it, if you refuse to do so.
What is the real meaning of the word, reasonable? Why must the reasonable standard come from a fictitious character? Here is a hint, if this character were to be named, it would violate the constitution, and that is why he must remain unnamed.
I would invite you to Friend me on Facebook so I could help you understand things better, however I have been banned yet again, this time after only 2 days back. Facebook is on a long list of litigation planned.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 23, 2017 6:47:40 PM
Your examples answer the question. How is the legal system distinct from all of your examples? Hint: people have not changed since the beginning of recorded history.
Posted by: Mark M. | Mar 24, 2017 12:54:18 AM
Mark. I care about you and your job. I am going to help you, even if you are dragged kicking and screaming. You will thank me later. A statue of me will be in front of ABA headquarters, after you are 5 times more effective, making 4 times your salary, and have 10 times the esteem of the public.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 24, 2017 4:56:31 PM
This criminal coddler should resign immediately. She is totally unfit for her office. She should be shunned and boycotted by all law abiding citizens, including doctors. Drive her from the state of Florida.
https://www.democracynow.org/2017/3/24/floridas_first_black_state_attorney_faces
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 24, 2017 7:54:07 PM
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Gov. Andrew Cuomo's proposal to provide free tuition for students at New York's public colleges and universities should be expanded to include private institutions, Wells College President Jonathan Gibralter said Monday.
Gibralter wrote an open letter to Cuomo that was published on Wells College's Facebook page. He praised the governor's push to establish a tuition-free program in New York he called it "an incredibly good idea" but suggested that it should apply to private colleges, too.
Expanding the program would give students and their families more options and ensure that private colleges aren't "unfairly disadvantaged," Gibralter said.
Cuomo's plan named the Excelsior Scholarship is one of the signature proposals in his executive budget plan. The program would provide free tuition at State University of New York and City University of New York schools for students whose families earn no more than $125,000 annually.
The governor's office said the goal of the program is to make college more affordable for middle-class and low-income families, boost graduation rates and reduce student loan debt.
An estimated 940,000 New York families have college-aged children who could be eligible for the free tuition benefit.
Private colleges have criticized the proposal because of its potential impact on enrollment and jobs. A report released by the Commission on Independent Colleges & Universities in New York said 54,079 fewer students would enroll in private schools if the state implements the Excelsior Scholarship.
Gibralter, who was named Wells College president in 2015, said the school's advertised tuition is $33,000 annually. A vast majority of students 97 percent receive federal aid, grants through the state's Tuition Assistance Program and support from the college. With the financial aid factored in, the cost is reduced to $12,000 a year.
Approximately two-thirds of the students who attend Wells hail from New York state, according to Gibralter. And about half of the student body receives TAP aid worth nearly $700,000 each year.
Gibralter said losing 10 percent of the school's student body between 500 and 600 students enroll at the college each year would be devastating.
He highlighted the growth of Aurora, the Cayuga County village that's home to Wells College, and economic development near the school. He specifically mentioned Pleasant Rowland's investments with the state's support to renovate the Inns of Aurora. Rowland also plans to build a conference center and world-class spa, he said.
"To lose Wells College would devastate this village and all of the economic development that has been invested in it would be truly catastrophic," Gibralter said. "Please don't create a set of unintended consequences that could permanently harm my college and many others like Wells College and wreak havoc with the upstate economy."
Cuomo's office maintains that it's been a strong supporter of private colleges over the years. More than $2.4 billion in aid has been provided to private schools since 2011 the year Cuomo was sworn in as governor. In 2017, the state will provide $400 million to private colleges, including $300 million for tuition assistance.
The governor's office also cited projections that show less than 2 percent of private college students will leave to take advantage of the tuition-free benefit at public institutions, which tend to already have significantly lower tuition costs. (Public college tuition in New York is approximately $6,400 a year. For private college tuition, the average cost is close to $34,000 annually.)
"The Excelsior Scholarship aims to provide the most students in New York with the opportunity to attend college tuition-free and that goal is best accomplished by partnering with SUNY and CUNY," said Abbey Fashouer, a Cuomo spokesperson. "The governor has invested more than $2.4 billion in private schools since 2011, and independent won't agree to cap their exorbitant tuition costs at less than $500 per year for state support."
Despite the governor's firm position, Gibralter is hopeful he'll reconsider.
Before becoming president at Wells College, Gibralter worked in the SUNY system. His last state university position was serving as president of Farmingdale State College on Long Island. As a student, he earned his bachelor's degree at Binghamton University.
He earned his master's degree and doctorate at New York University and Syracuse University two private schools. He attended those schools, he said, because it was his choice.
In Gibralter's view, Cuomo's Excelsior Scholarship program will reduce options for New York students and put private colleges at a competitive disadvantage.
"I hope you will prove to all NY citizens that you want them to have choice and opportunity by expanding TAP to all and allowing this expansion to include private educational institutions in NYS," Gibralter said.
"Capital Jurors in an Era of Death Penalty Decline" | Main | Continued consternation concerning capital charging decision in central Florida
March 20, 2017
Over Posnerian dissent, Seventh Circuit panel upholds two-year prison term for elderly, ill fraudster
A Seventh Circuit panel recently issued an interesting set of opinions discussing federal prison care in the course of rejecting a sentencing appeal in US v. Rothbard, No. 16-3996 (7th Cir. March 17, 2017) (available here). The start of the majority opinion by Chief Judge Wood provides the basics of the case and ruling:
Jeffrey Rothbard pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in connection with his participation in a scheme to defraud companies that were interested in obtaining loans for environmentally friendly upgrades to their facilities. He committed this offense, which yielded more than $200,000 for him, while he was on probation for a felony forgery conviction in Indiana. The district court sentenced him to 24 months imprisonment, despite the fact that Rothbard is an older man with serious health problems and the Probation Office thought that incarceration was not necessary. On appeal, Rothbard urges us to find that his sentence is substantively unreasonable, both because he has stayed out of trouble for nearly three years and because he fears that the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) may be unable to furnish the medication on which his health critically depends. Perhaps, had we been the sentencing judges, we would have accepted his arguments. But the district court here gave sound reasons for its chosen sentence. In addition, both the evidence in the record before the district court, and supplemental information that we requested about BOPs ability to provide appropriate care, satisfy us that the nominal 24-month sentence will not, in reality, spell doom for Rothbard. We therefore affirm the district courts judgment.
Judge Posner dissented from the majority ruling, citing an array of sources to support his contention and concern that BOP might not adequately attend to the defendant's medical needs. His dissent concludes this way:
To conclude, my inclination would be to reverse the judgment of the district court with directions to impose the sentence recommended by the probation service. But I would be content to reverse and remand with instructions that the district judge appoint neutral expert witnesses drawn both from the medical profession and from academic analysis of prison practices and conditions, with particular emphasis on the federal prison system, and that the judge reconsider his sentence in light of evidence presented by these witnesses as well as any witnesses that the government or the defendant may care to call. What is clear is that Jeffrey Rothbard is entitled to a more informed and compassionate judicial response to his physical and mental illnesses than he has received from the district court and this court.
March 20, 2017 at 09:41 PM | Permalink
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Posner is OK. He mentions rent seeking in his book on law and economics.
The defendant stole $200,000. The question today is one of arithmetic. If his medical care will exceed that value over 24 months in prison, then the tax payer is being punished, not the defendant.
Posted by: David Behar | Mar 21, 2017 8:05:15 AM
In NO way is the BOP's Administrative Remedy Process -- a 6-months-plus trip I call the Long, Slow No -- an adequate remedy for the BOP backing out of this medication. Where these medications are essential but denied, inmates can literally die while they are waiting for correctional bureaucrats to push paper. I look forward to the case where I can actually see, and likely challenge, the BOP's actual, provided medical care and outcomes compared to its assurances that it can treat anything, any time, anywhere.
Posted by: Jay Hurst | Mar 21, 2017 9:09:24 AM
La majestueuse egalite des lois, qui interdit au personnes saines comme au malades d'escroquer!
Posted by: Boffin | Mar 21, 2017 8:03:35 PM
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March 20, 2017
Split Louisiana Supreme Court refuses to allow jury to hear about potentially applicable mandatory minimum sentence for habitual offender
I just learned today about an interesting set of opinions handed down last week by the Louisiana Supreme Court in Louisiana v. Guidry, No. 2016-KK-1412 (La. March 15, 2017) (available here). This lengthy local article about the decision, headlined "Jurors shouldn't be told possible mandatory minimums for repeat offenders, La. Supreme Court rules," provides this basic summary of the ruling and its context:
Louisiana jurors should not be told of possible mandatory minimum sentences defendants might face under the state's habitual offender law, because the knowledge could distract from their duty to determine guilt or innocence in a case, the Louisiana Supreme Court said in a split decision issued late Wednesday (March 15). In a 5-2 ruling, the high court said the issue of possible mandatory minimums for repeat defendants "is too far attenuated from the guilt phase of trial to be discussed before a jury," and for a trial judge to allow such disclosure constitutes error. Chief Justice Bernette J. Johnson and Justice John L. Weimer dissented. The decision comes in response to the Orleans Parish case of Corei Guidry, an accused drug dealer whose trial before Criminal District Court Judge Byron C. Williams has been stayed over this issue since last July. Guidry, 29, faces 10 to 50 years if found guilty of possession with the intent to distribute heroin. Should he be convicted of what would be his fourth felony offense, District Attorney Leon Cannizzaro's office would have the post-trial option to file a multiple-offender bill. If Guidry's prior history of three or more felony convictions can be proven at a post-conviction hearing, the judge would be required under state law to impose a mandatory minimum sentence of 50 years to life.
Here is how the majority opinion in this case begins:
The issue presented in this case is whether the trial court may allow a criminal jury to be informed of the possible mandatory minimum sentence faced by the defendant if, after a conviction on the offense being tried, he were to be sentenced under the Habitual Offender Law. For the reasons set forth below, we find the district court erred in denying the States motion in limine, which sought to disallow the defendant from mentioning in argument the mandatory minimum sentence the defendant could be subject to under the Habitual Offender Law should the State seek to enhance his sentence under that law and should the court find the State has proved all of the elements to warrant enhancement of the sentence. We find the issue of the possible mandatory minimum sentences that may be imposed if the defendant is convicted and the State successfully pursues enhancement of the sentence under the Habitual Offender law is too attenuated from the guilt phase of trial to be discussed before a jury, because it shifts the focus of the jury from its duty to determine guilt or innocence to issues regarding sentencing, possibly causing confusion of the issues and inviting the jury to speculate as to why a defendant may be facing such a term of imprisonment. Accordingly, we reverse the district courts ruling.
And here is how the chief dissenting opinion starts:
I respectfully dissent and would deny the writ because the state has shown no abuse of discretion in the trial courts denial of the states motion to prohibit the defense from referencing the possible life sentence that defendant will all but certainly face if convicted and adjudged a habitual offender. It has long been settled that it is within the trial judges discretion, in instances in which a specific punishment is not statutorily mandated, to permit or deny instruction or argument as to sentencing. The majority has accepted the invitation of the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office to establish a new per se rule which will substantially limit trial court discretion to control the information given to the jury. Under this new rule, any reference whether by the court or in argument from the parties to the enhanced sentence a defendant will face if he is convicted and adjudged a habitual offender, will be impermissible, unless perhaps the defendant elects to testify and subject himself to cross-examination about his prior convictions. The trial court has the discretion to permit or prohibit references to sentencing, other than for those sentences automatically mandated by statute, because the trial judge sits in the best position to determine whether the penalty provisions at issue, including those applicable under the Habitual Offender Law, constitute law applicable to the case, of which the jury should be apprised under the circumstances of the particular prosecution. I am unpersuaded that the trial court abused its discretion here by refusing to prohibit the defense from referencing the potential habitual offender sentence, especially in light of the overwhelming evidence that the Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office almost reflexively (through his assistant district attorneys) institutes habitual offender proceedings upon securing the conviction at trial of a defendant with a prior felony. The prosecuting attorneys in Orleans Parish routinely wield the Habitual Offender Law, both during pre-trial plea negotiations and, in the event that tactic fails to yield a guilty plea, after obtaining a conviction at trial, to secure the harsher punishment of even non-violent offenders.
As the start of the dissenting opinion hints, there is a significant back-story to both the substantive and procedural issues surrounding this Louisiana case and the application of the state's Habitual Offender law. Because various opinions in Guidry engage in that back-story in various ways, the full opinion is definitely worth a full read.
March 20, 2017 at 06:13 PM | Permalink
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A tragic event appears to have unfolded in a parking lot outside the Capitola Mall in Santa Cruz County on Sunday afternoon when a father and his seven-year-old daughter were found dead in the family car, both from gunshot wounds in an apparent murder-suicide.
The incident took place at 3:15 p.m. Sunday in Capitola, according to ABC 7, after a family outing to the mall. Capitola Police Chief Terry McManus gave a statement saying that "the family was together in the mall for a period of time," and after the father disappeared with the daughter, the mother called 911 to say that her husband was making suicidal threats from inside the car.
As NBC Bay Area reports, police arrived on the scene and located the car where they found the 36-year-old man and the girl both dead at the scene.
The events leading up to the tragic event remain unclear. According to the Mercury-News, witnesses reported seeing two bodies removed from the black Kia Soul that belonged to the family. And while the girl's age has been reported as both seven and eight-years-old, the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs Office is confirming that she was, in fact, seven.
The Sheriffs Office has identified the deceased man as Carlos Garcia of Watsonville, as KRON 4 reports, and though the girl's name was not being officially released, KSBW spoke to the girl's aunt who identified her as Yaxtel Tapia.
Maria Tapia, writing on behalf of Guadalupe Tapia on this GoFundMe page raising money for funeral expenses, says, "We need help raising money for our beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece and cousin Yaxtel G. Tapia. Money will be used for her funeral arrangements to put our beautiful angel to rest. We hope to raise the money in time to put her to rest and be able to say our last words. The loss of our beloved little girl was very sudden and unexpected. Our family doesn't have the necessary funds at the moment and we would really appreciate the help."
If you are in crisis, text "BAY" to 741741 for free, 24/7, confidential crisis support from Crisis Text Line. And if you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, you or they should call the San Francisco Suicide Prevention crisis line at (415) 781-0500.
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone; remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt; and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional.
Police are seeking a 30-year-old woman after she beat up a teen girl at a San Francisco school.
The assault occurred Friday, at a school on the 500 block of Tompkins Avenue, in Bernal Heights.
As noted by the Chron, "While SFPD officials did not name the school, the only school on the block is Paul Revere Elementary School, which serves students in kindergarten through eighth grade."
Police say that the suspect "came to [the victim's] school and started a verbal altercation." During the confrontation, the suspect punched the girl and pushed her to the ground, "causing injury."
"School staff broke up the fight," according to the SFPD, and the suspects "fled the school in an unknown direction."
The victim was transported to San Francisco General Hospital for treatment of her injuries, which police say are not life-threatening. As of publication time, police has not announced any arrests in this case.
Related: Two Injured In Brawl On Outer Sunset Muni Line
This month marked the end of an era for the Church and Market Safeway, a grocery store previously open to the brave, drunk, strung out, and hungry at all hours of night.
According to Hoodline, March 12 was its last day of 24-hour glory. The store now closes from 1:30 a.m. to 5 a.m. Nothing gold can stay.
In fact, the Church and Market Safeway was on of the last holdouts of its 24-hour ilk: Over the past two months, all but one San Francisco 24-hour Safeway has adjusted its hours to close shop at night. So, RIP also to the 24-hour Ocean Beach Safeway, the 24-hour Marina Safeway, and, long live the 7th Avenue Safeway in the Richmond, which a commenter Cubicle Hostage points out remains 24-hours.
Your fond remembrances in the comments: Here, a Food Inspection report for the Church and Market Safeway, posted to Yelp and presented without comment.
Derek I. via Yelp
Why Are SF Safeways Suddenly Putting Their Booze Behind Bars?
A Muni rider got the fright of her life Monday, when a fellow passenger set her hair on fire.
According to the San Francisco Police Department, the 50-year-old female victim was riding a Muni bus near Eighth and Market Streets at 8 p.m. Monday when the incident occurred.
Police say that a 37-year-old man who was seated behind the victim pulled out a lighter and set the victim's hair on fire, then fled the scene. He was later located, police say, and was arrested on suspicion of aggravated assault.
A quick-thinking friend of the victim extinguished the blaze, police say. Other than the tonsorial indignity, the victim was not injured in the attack.
Related: Man Attacks Muni Driver, Runs Off
In line with the New York State Prevention Agenda and the New York State Comprehensive Cancer Control Plan goal of increasing breast, cervical and colorectal cancer screenings, the New York State Department of Health is working with its Cancer Services Program contractors to promote population-based cancer screening strategies.
As a part of this initiative, the Cayuga County Cancer Services Program administered by the Cayuga County Health Department can assist municipalities, local businesses and agencies to expand or implement new paid time off or flex time policies for cancer screenings. The policy provides employees with time off for obtaining evidence-based preventive cancer screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer without having to use accrued leave or sick time.
Recently, the Cayuga County Cancer Services Program assisted the Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency with its cancer screening benefit policy. In working with this particular agency, the administrative staff explained that there were many reasons why they decided to offer this benefit to their staff. Three of the main reasons they highlighted were:
To reduce employee health risks by allowing employees paid time off from work to obtain preventive cancer screenings, as the policy encourages employees to see a doctor before they develop a serious illness.
The focus is on prevention and encourages healthy behaviors among employees.
An opportunity to add to the benefit package to help retain and attract talented employees.
After the policy was adopted by Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency, an employee of the agency provided the Cayuga County Cancer Services Program with a statement about how beneficial this was to her. "I was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2015. During this time, I used all of my personal time and much of my sick. Giving me the opportunity to have additional time for screenings is an important and wonderful advantage."
Evidence shows that if people are given time off from work to get cancer screenings, they would be more likely to do so. It's important to also note that there is a return on investment for adopting a PTO policy, as a cancer diagnosis is estimated to cost a business more than $1,600 annually per employee in lost productivity.
If your agency, business or municipality is interested in learning more about how we can assist in the implementation or expansion of a cancer screening leave policy, please contact me at (315) 253-1560.
Spring will soon be here, and that means it will be time to mow your yard. Now is a great time to learn about tips to make your yard the best in the neighborhood.
Adam Thoms from Iowa State University Extension will present information on how to improve your yard on Saturday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. He will discuss how to make a better yard, and give tips on how to manage turfgrass for optimum performance during various times of the year.
For instance, cool-season turfgrass commonly used in Iowa and Nebraska will have the greatest growth during the months of March to May. Iowa State University Extension suggests never removing more than one-third of the leaf tissue in one mowing. That means if you have a 2.5-inch-tall yard you should mow every time the yard grows to 3.25-inch tall. Also, try to keep your mower blade sharp so you get a better cut. Returning clippings to the yard will add fertilizer back to the yard for free. Additionally, to avoid compacting the same areas of your yard from the weight of the tires, always try to alternate mowing patterns.
Preemergence herbicides should be applied in the spring once soil temperatures are 55 degrees for three days and nights, or when the forsythia bloom to prevent annual weeds such as crabgrass, goosegrass, prostrate spurge and black medic from germinating. These weeds are all summer annual weeds, which means their life cycle germinates in the spring and they will die with the frost in the fall. These weeds easily can be prevented from ever showing up in a yard with a well-timed preemergence herbicide application. Natural alternatives like corn gluten meal can be applied in mid-April to help prevent germination of weeds and provide some nitrogen fertility if you want to avoid synthetic pesticides.
Preemergence herbicides also come with fertilizers, and can be applied with a spring granular fertility application. The product should contain instructions on rates. If applying a fertility treatment alone, spring applications of one-half to three-quarters of a pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet are the suggested rate to use. A slow release fertilizer will improve turfgrass color over a longer time than a quick release fertilizer. Typically the turfgrass plant needs only nitrogen this time of year so avoid fertility containing phosphorous, as it is unnecessary. Fertilizer applications should go out in April. Again consult the packaging on how to best apply the fertility and if it needs to be watered in or not.
In the fall, fall fertilization is the most important fertilization you can apply to your yard, as the plant takes the fall feeding and stores the nutrients as food reserves for the upcoming growing season. Applications of fertilizer at a rate of 0.75 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet in September and late-October/early-November (after the grass has stopped growing) will help give a better stand of turf the next year. These fertilizations will also help thicken the turf in the yard so that there will be less space for weeds to germinate the next year.
Some fertilizers have a broadleaf herbicide mixed in with them as a combination product. These fertilizers can combine feeding the lawn and weed control in one-step. If using these herbicides, make sure you get a combination product that is labeled for postemergence control of broadleaf weeds and not a preemergence herbicide. Also to increase effectiveness, try to apply the product when the leaves are damp so the herbicide will stick to the foliage and be taken up by the plant.
The fall is also a great time to perform aerification on your yard and improve the health of the turfgrass stand by allowing air to the roots of the turfgrass plants and reducing compaction. Try to carry out any aerification in mid-August through early October. If you have areas in your yard that are weak or you want to seed a yard, the fall is the best time to seed or overseed a yard as well as there is less competition from weeds in the fall.
His presentation will also cover how to improve your turfgrass in the shade and what diseases, insects, and weeds you need to be on the lookout for various times of the year. It will be a month-by-month approach to how to improve your yard and manage it for peak performance.
VERMILLION, S.D. Nick Phelps etched his name into very elite company Monday at the DakotaDome on the University of South Dakota campus.
The Woodbury Central junior, who competes for the combined Kingsley-Pierson/Woodbury Central track team, uncorked a 65-10.5 winning shot put effort during the Class A portion of the Dan Lennon Invitational.
The effort moves Iowas defending Class 2A state shot put champion into third on the states all-time chart.
Phelps, who had a 61-8.25 effort to win the Iowa State Indoor last week, trails only Doug Lane of Cedar Rapids Jefferson (70-11) and Chase Madison of Newton (66-0) on the all-time list.
Phelps was named Lennon boys MVP for his effort, the second Iowan to surpass 64 feet this season as Epworth Western Dubuque senior William Blaser, last years Class 4A state runner-up, had a toss of 64-6 in a meet in late February in Dubuque.
Winning girls MVP honors was Bishop Heelan sophomore Madison Jochum, who won the 400 and ran on three Crusader relays, two firsts and a second.
Jochum broke the 60-second barrier in the open 400 for the first time in her career, clocking a 59.96. She carried the baton on Heelan winning 4x200 and 1,600 medley relays and on a runner-up 4x400 relay.
SIOUX CITY | After reaching its third violation of Iowa's cigarette laws in under a year, the Select Mart at 623 14th St. will have to pull tobacco items from its shelves for 30 days beginning April 3.
The business will also be assessed a $1,500 civil penalty, according to a resolution passed by the City Council Monday.
According to city documents, the violation came Jan. 9 when an underage confidential informant sent by police went into the store to attempt to purchase tobacco. A clerk sold the minor a package of cigarettes and was subsequently cited for selling to an underage person.
The business had accrued two previous violations on March 2 and 25 of last year.
In other business Monday, the council also voted to assess $500 civil penalties against three local businesses for violation of Iowa beer, wine and liquor laws: El Fredo Pizza, 532 W. 19th St.; La Morena Family Restaurant, 1100 Villa Ave.; and Chipotle Mexican Grill, 5101 Sergeant Road.
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City has agreed to pitch in more than $600,000 in tax rebates to help fund Ho-Chunk Inc.'s Virginia Square project.
The City Council on Monday voted 5-0 to approve development and minimum assessment agreements with HCI Real Estate Co. a Ho-Chunk division, for the mixed use downtown development, which includes the renovation of three former industrial buildings and the construction of another building into mixed commercial, retail and residential space.
The total estimate exceeds $25 million. According to the development agreement approved Monday, the total minimum assessment for the commercial portions of the buildings must reach $3.45 million over 10 years.
Ho-Chunk, the economic development corporation for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, is nearing completion on two renovated buildings in the 100 block of Virginia Street. The agreement adds that Ho-Chunk will add additional adjacent property for future development. In December, Ho-Chunk purchased a nearly 50,000-square-foot warehouse at 101 S. Court St. Plans for that building have yet to be announced.
Additionally, there are plans next year to build a fourth building north of 103 Virginia Square. That's the site of a different industrial building that Ho-Chunk earlier demolished.
The city's portion of the agreement will guarantee tax rebates on the new incremental taxes created by the value added to the commercial portion of the buildings, according to a 10-year graduated schedule. That amount is estimated to reach $613,000.
Construction on Virginia Square began in 2015.
At 100 Virginia Square, the three-story, 27,805-square-foot building on the east side of Virginia Street will soon become a ground-level restaurant space and two levels of 10 residential units each. Construction is anticipated to reach completion this spring.
At 103 Virginia Square, a five-story, 88,473-square-foot building on the west side of the street, the first floor will be renovated to an office space and parking garage. the second and third floors will become office space and residential units, and the fourth and fifth floors will become seven two-story condos. Construction is anticipated to conclude at the end of this year.
Construction will begin this spring on 101 Virginia Square, a newly constructed four-story, 73,678-square-foot building. The building will include first-floor retail space and market-rate residential units on the second, third and fourth floors.
Virginia Square is one of three big-ticket projects included in Sioux City's application for $14 million in sales and hotel tax credits from the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Reinvestment District program.
The city is continuing to work toward receiving final approval of its application. Other projects included will be a five-story, 150-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel adjoined to the Sioux City Convention Center and an ag expo and learning center in the city's former stockyards area.
DES MOINES The political groups and out-of-state donors came through when he needed them often with big bucks but the bulk of the $18.8 million raised by Terry Branstad during his second stint as Iowas governor was contributed by individual Iowans.
The Journal Des Moines Bureau examined all donations made to Branstads campaign, as recorded by the states Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, during his second run as Iowas governor.
The data covers all donations by individuals and groups made directly to Branstads campaign and spans 2009, when he began to plan for a second run as governor, through 2016.
Although Iowans accounted for 97 percent of Branstads individual donors during his second run as governor, his biggest individual donors hails from neighboring South Dakota.
Eldon and Regina Roth, co-founders of Beef Products Inc., donated nearly $267,000 to Branstad during this gubernatorial stint.
BPI, headquartered in Dakota Dunes, has a plant in South Sioux City, just across the Missouri River from Sioux City. The company also had a plant in Waterloo, Iowa, that closed in 2012 in the aftermath of a series of news reports and social media postings that cast its Lean Finely Textured Beef in a negative light.
The company, which sustained millions of dollars in lost sales after suppliers and retailers stopped carrying the product, has filed a $1.9 billion defamation suit against ABC News, claiming a series of reports in which the product was repeatedly referred to as "pink slime," caused consumers to mistakenly believe it was unsafe. The civil case is set to go to trial in June in Union County, South Dakota.
In the midst of the unflattering news stories in March 2012, Branstad organized a tour of BPI's South Sioux City plant as a show of support for the company. He was joined by three other governors and a lieutenant governor from states with BPI operations.
Branstad is poised to resign as governor in the coming weeks; he has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will assume Branstads position when he resigns.
Branstad, a Republican from Forest City, is the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, having served as Iowas chief executive from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2011 through the present.
He returned to office by defeating incumbent Democratic Gov. Chet Culver in 2010 and fending off challenger Jack Hatch, a Democratic state senator, in 2014.
To fund those campaigns, Branstad raised $18,785,906.08 from 2009 to 2016, and 65 cents on every dollar donated came from individual Iowans. All told, nearly 82 percent of Branstads donations came from individual donors.
The rest came from political action committees representing businesses and issue advocacy groups and from state and local political party organizations. Those groups contributed $3.4 million to Branstad during his second stint.
Gov. Branstads entire professional career has been about service, Jimmy Centers, who formerly worked as Branstads spokesman on campaigns and in the governors office, said in an email to the bureau. Whether it was in the military, state legislature, governors office and soon as our ambassador to China, the governor has always worked to leave our state and nation better than he found it. The thousands of Iowans who have contributed to the governor over the years clearly recognized and appreciated the governor's steadfast commitment to improving Iowa.
Chief among the donor groups were various tentacles of the Republican Governors Association, which chipped in a total of more than $2 million.
The only other group to donate in six figures to Branstad was the Iowa Health PAC, the political arm of the Iowa Health Care Association, which represents more than 700 Iowa health care facilities that serve the elderly and frail. The group donated more than $166,000 between 2009 and 2016.
As the top individual donors, the Roths' giving was more generous even than the $239,000 contributed by Bruce Rastetter, the Iowa agribusiness entrepreneur and Republican mega-donor from Alden.
In 2011, Branstad nominated Rastetter to serve on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the states three public universities. Rastetter was elected board president in 2013.
Denny and Candy Elwell of Ankeny donated more than $231,000 to Branstad. Denny Elwell owns a Des Moines-area real estate development company.
The next top givers to Branstad during his second stint as governor include Mark Falb, a publishing CEO from Dubuque who gave $156,000; Gerald Kirke, the CEO of a gaming company that operates three Iowa casinos, who gave $136,000; and Henry Tippie, an Iowa native and former investor who now lives in Texas and donated $134,000.
Two notable donations to Branstad came from Trump, long before the latter announced his intention to run for president. Trump donated $15,000 to Branstad in September 2013 and $10,000 in June 2014.
Not surprisingly, Iowa was the largest source of campaign income for Branstad: Nearly three-fourths of the money he raised from 2009 through 2016 came from individuals living in and groups based in the state he governs.
More than $2.5 million came from Washington, D.C., most of that coming from political groups based there.
The next most-giving state to Branstad was South Dakota with $490,000, buoyed by the Roths contributions.
Branstad also drew more than $326,000 in donations from Florida and nearly $275,000 from Texas.
Des Moines and its suburbs were the biggest source at the city level for Branstad. Individuals and groups from the state capital and its surrounding suburbs donated $5.2 million to Branstad from 2009 to 2016, more than a fourth of his entire haul.
The most generous city to Branstad outside the Des Moines metro was Dubuque, which historically has been a Democratic stronghold in liberal-leaning eastern Iowa.
The key citys total of nearly $653,000 is boosted by the Iowa Credit Union PAC, which is based there, and big donors such as Falb; Robert and Ruth Ann Kehl, who started riverboat gambling in Dubuque; and publisher Edward Babka. Robert Kehl passed away in 2013 and Babka in 2016.
Sioux City, in conservative Northwest Iowa, and Cedar Rapids, in more liberal eastern Iowa, both were responsible for just more than $445,000 to Branstad during his second stint as governor.
John Gleeson, who heads Klinger Companies, a Sioux City-based contractor, contributed more than $103,000. John Smith, a freight company CEO from Cedar Rapids, contributed nearly $115,000.
Branstad spokesman Ben Hammes said the governors office does not comment on political activity, but said Branstad is humbled that Iowans have voted him to serve as governor for more than 22 years.
Some Branstad donors already are giving their financial support to Reynolds, his hand-picked successor, as she prepares to take over for Branstad and, presumably, run for re-election in 2018.
Some Branstad donors already are giving their financial support to Reynolds as she prepares to take over for Branstad and, presumably, run for re-election in 2018.
Reynolds has more than $1 million in her campaign account, and she raised almost $185,000 in the last three weeks of 2016 after Trump announced his nomination of Branstad.
Rastetter jumped right on board with Reynolds, cutting a $25,000 check to Reynolds after the Branstad announcement. And Kyle Krause, the Waukee-based owner of the Kum & Go gas station franchise, donated $15,000 to Reynolds. Krause donated nearly $103,000 to Branstad during his second run as governor.
The bigger story is the fact that Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds has been able to move quickly to consolidate financial support. In fact, public campaign disclosures show many individuals were contributing significantly to her before Gov. Branstad was named as ambassador, Centers wrote. She already enjoys strong support across Iowa. Now, with an impressive war chest, she will instantly become a formidable incumbent upon taking the oath of office as governor.
While Branstads top donors, the Roths, did not donate to Reynolds in the immediate wake of Branstads announcement, they did give $50,000 to Reynolds in October of 2015 and $25,000 in June of 2016.
Reynolds also is drawing in some new donors. Jeffrey Feingold of Florida, who founded a dental insurance company, matched Rastetters $25,000 donation after the Branstad announcement. Feingold did not donate to Branstad from 2009 to 2016.
The Journal's Dave Dreeszen contributed to this story.
OMAHA | Water releases from Gavins Point Dam are being increased this week to support the 2017 Missouri River barge navigation season downstream.
After maintaining winter release levels of 17,000 cubic feet per second at the Yankton, South Dakota, dam, the U.S. Army Cops of Engineers will increase releases by 3,000 cfs per day until they reach navigation support levels of 25,000-28,000 cfs.
Flows at Gavins Point above 20,000 cfs will be released through the spillway because scheduled maintenance is limiting the amount of water that can be released through the powerhouse.
The corps announced that water releases also will be increased at Fort Randall Dam at Pickstown, South Dakota.
ORANGE CITY, Iowa | A Hawarden, Iowa, man has pleaded not guilty to physically abusing his child during a six-month period.
Matthew Spaans, 35, entered his written plea Monday in Sioux County District Court to seven counts of child endangerment and seven counts of assault causing bodily injury or mental illness.
He and his wife, Nina Spaans, were arrested in February after the Iowa Department of Human Services received several allegations they had abused the child.
According to court documents, on at least three occasions from September 2016 through February, Matthew Spaans caused injuries to the child with his hands, a clothing dryer and a 56-inch sword, causing severe bruising to the child's head, legs, neck and face. Nina Spaans told the child to make up stories about how the injuries happened and did not protect the child from further abuse, court documents said.
On Feb. 3, the child told a teacher about the abuse, and authorities were notified.
Nina Spaans, 33, has pleaded not guilty to six counts of child endangerment and two counts of assault causing bodily injury or mental illness.
SPIRIT LAKE, Iowa | Spirit Lake authorities have identified the man involved in a standoff with Spirit Lake police Saturday.
Chase Peterson, 23, of Spencer, Iowa, faces charges of false imprisonment, trespassing and two counts of assault while displaying a dangerous weapon.
Police were called to a home in the 600 block of Lake Street at about 1 p.m. Saturday after receiving a report of a male threatening to assault someone with a gun and knife.
When authorities arrived, Peterson fled and barricaded himself inside a home a few blocks away in the 1600 block of Erie Avenue.
The High-risk Entry and Arrest Team was called to assist, and a perimeter was established around the residence.
At 2:20 p.m. Peterson exited the home with his hands up and was arrested without incident.
Diversity: a range of different things (Merriam-Webster). Is there diversity in Cayuga County? Yes. Do the faces and voices of the recovery and treatment community reflect that? That is a harder question to answer. Almost all of the service providers I work with in the community are white. The majority of folks I meet at community meetings and serve on boards with are white. I am white. It seems, from basic observation, that there would be a lack of understanding of the cultural identities of the clients we serve.
Allow me to be frank: All individuals, no matter their background, have biases and prejudices that are determined by their experiences and backgrounds. All. That doesnt mean that all individuals experience hatred, discrimination or fear of others from a different background or experience. It simply means that there are differences that make us uncomfortable because we just dont understand them; we dont have a foundation of knowledge to work from, and thats scary!
There are certainly very few cultural groups on my caseload at any given time, at least those that are openly identified (i.e. they were willing to check a box). But maybe we don't teach individuals that it is a good thing to have culture, that cultural values can save them from modern entitlement and carelessness.
I heard a speaker at a training last year who was indigenous Australian. He examined statistics for us about the absolute lack of behavioral, mental health and substance use disorders before western culture invaded them. He shared passionately how he achieved 11 years of recovery by returning to the values of that native culture: gratefulness, compassion and a return to "Mother Earth" as the primary provider of his needs. Celebrating his culture has saved his life.
When I look at the statistics of admissions to recovery counseling in the last 12 months, the majority are white. Next are black. Almost no one identifies as Asian, Hispanic or Latino, Native American, etc. But residents of Cayuga County are much more diverse than the evidence of who is sitting in the chairs of our outpatient program would suggest.
I also ask: Is there acknowledgement of the diversity among people of the same cultural background? Religion, gender, gender identity, educational level, marital status, socioeconomic status. Outside of racial or ethnic culture, each of these items creates its own culture.
There is significant value in an individual understanding their culture, how they fit into their culture, and if they can use their culture as a component of their recovery.
I have a basic understanding of my heritage on my mother's side. I've felt connected to that. I think I understand my American culture, but then I travel south and wonder how I could possibly fit in. You've been to the South, right? I've travelled to Europe, where I had heard "Americans are hated," but people are people and if we respect one another's culture, we can all get along.
So how does a white woman from central New York help a black man from the Bronx? Learn about his values. Ask questions.
How about a schizoaffective Muslim? Learn about her values. Ask questions.
A Native American who believes in the ritual uses of mood- and mind-altering substances? You guessed it: Ask questions!
It isn't about making my clients join my culture, meet my goals or fit a certain model. My work is about helping each individual client learn the most they can about who they are, what they are looking to accomplish, and reaching their own goals. If each of us worked with this same premise, we could begin to reduce the stigma in our community amongst and toward different cultures.
Reducing the stigma associated with substance use disorder can be moved forward by understanding the recovery community as well. It is a culture of its own! There isnt a secret handshake or a password-protected door at headquarters, but there is a way of interacting, perceiving and engaging in the community at large.
So how do you identify? What part of your experiences and background are the most critical for you to examine and possibly reunite with? The answers will be different for each of us. When we can focus on our own wellness, our own needs for growth and connection, we can stop judging and pushing others in a direction that is not natural for them.
Recovery is possible for all cultures you just have to start identifying with one, and the journey can start there.
SIOUX CITY | A January trial has been scheduled to decide a lawsuit brought by a man who says a Sioux City police officer ran a red light and struck his vehicle, causing injuries resulting in thousands of dollars in medical expenses.
District Judge John Ackerman last week set Larry Russell's lawsuit against officer Nathan Niehus and the city of Sioux City for Jan. 26 in Woodbury County District Court.
Russell sued Niehus and the city for negligence in December, saying that Niehus was at the intersection at Sixth Street and Lewis Boulevard on Jan. 4, 2016, when he began driving north before the light turned green and collided in the intersection with Russell, who was driving south on Lewis Boulevard.
According to the suit, filed by attorney Scott Rhinehart, of Sioux City, Niehus was on duty at the time. Niehus was not in an emergency situation, the suit said, and did not have the lights or siren on his squad car activated at the time of the collision.
Russell sustained injuries that have led to temporary and permanent disability, the lawsuit said.
Russell is seeking damages in excess of $10,000 for past and future medical expenses, lost wages and pain and suffering.
The accident was not investigated by an outside law enforcement agency and Niehus was not issued a traffic citation, according to the lawsuit.
In a response to the lawsuit, filed by Assistant City Attorney Connie Anstey, the city denied that Niehus was not in an emergency situation, but agreed that he did not have his lights or sirens activated at the time of the collision.
The city response said the city neither admits nor denies that Niehus ran a red light because the lawsuit is not clear which stoplight or the direction of the light.
The city agreed that Niehus was not issued a ticket for any traffic violation during the incident.
NORTH SIOUX CITY | Local business owners on Monday told the North Sioux City Council they want more time and information about a potential five-month closure of the Military Road bridge that they fear will cut off many of their customers.
"I would like to all be on the same page and have the same information in writing from both sides," Kimberly Luken, owner of Beano & Sherry's Casino at 200 Military Road in North Sioux City, said. "I would like to come to some sort of happy medium between everybody."
The closure would be part of a proposed multimillion-dollar project that would include resurfacing the road and the 41-year-old bridge going into North Sioux City. Sioux City currently projects the project will begin April 2018 and conclude May 2019. The new deck is expected to extend the bridge's life for 30 to 35 more years.
The project concerns business owners on both sides of the river, with several gaming businesses in North Sioux City saying they fear five months of closure could put them out of business.
The North Sioux City Council took up the issue as a non-voting item Monday, a week before the Sioux City Council plans to discuss several items of the project at its own meeting.
Rick Law, owner of Casino Monaco and VIP Gaming Lounge in North Sioux City, said he wants to see the Sioux City Council wait to make a decision on the project.
"I'd just like to see Sioux City not decide Monday, and not make final determination on this project," Law said. "I'd like there to be a lot more study."
North Sioux City Councilwoman Tammy Reiff said she sympathized with the concerns.
"I think if we can have conversation with the city of Sioux City to just say, 'Can we hang on a little bit?' I am absolutely on board with that," she said. "At the end of the day, it feels like it's coming really fast at us."
Council members and business owners also said they needed to be on the same page with the facts, as some misinformation about the project has spread.
North Sioux City Fire Chief Bill Pappas said he has concerns about response times for ambulances. He said Monday that Siouxland Paramedics currently stations an ambulance in North Sioux City overnight, but he fears that the lack of a bridge to access Sioux City could require them to station somewhere else, affecting response times.
Discussion continued for more than 90 minutes Monday night. Representatives of North Sioux City will attend Monday's Sioux City Council meeting to discuss the project's impact.
"The senator from Kentucky," said John McCain, speaking of his colleague Rand Paul, "is working for Vladimir Putin ... and I do not say that lightly."
What did Sen. Paul do to deserve being called a hireling of Vladimir Putin?
He declined to support McCain's call for a unanimous Senate vote to bring Montenegro into NATO as the 29th member of a Cold War alliance President Trump has called "obsolete."
Bordered by Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Kosovo and Albania, tiny Montenegro has a population roughly that of D.C., and sits on the western coast of the most volatile peninsula in Europe.
What strategic benefit would accrue from having Montenegro as an ally that would justify the risk of our having to go to war should some neighbor breach Montenegro's borders?
Historically, the Balkans have been an incubator of war. In the 19th century, Otto van Bismarck predicted that when the Great War came, it would come out of "some damn fool thing in the Balkans." And so it did when the Austrian archduke was assassinated in Sarajevo June 28, 1914, by Serbian ethnonationalist Gavrilo Princip.
Aflame with ethnic, civil and sectarian war in the 1990s, the western Balkans are again in political turmoil. Milo Djukanovic, the longtime Montenegrin prime minister who resigned on election day in October, claims that he was targeted for assassination by Russia to prevent Montenegro's accession to NATO.
Russia denies it. But on the Senate floor, McCain raged at Rand Paul: "You are achieving the objectives of Vladimir Putin ... trying to dismember this small country which has already been the subject of an attempted coup."
But if Montenegro, awash in corruption and crime, is on the verge of an uprising or coup, why would the U.S. issue a war guarantee that could vault us into a confrontation with Russia -- without a full Senate debate?
The vote that needs explaining here is not Rand Paul's.
It is the votes of those senators who are handing out U.S.-NATO war guarantees to countries most Americans could not find on a map.
Is no one besides Sen. Paul asking the relevant questions here?
What vital U.S. interest is imperiled in who comes to power in Podgorica, Montenegro? Why cannot Europe handle this problem in its own back yard?
Has President Trump given McCain, who wanted President Bush to intervene in a Russia-Georgia war -- over South Ossetia! -- carte blanche to hand out war guarantees to unstable Balkan states?
Did Trump approve the expansion of NATO into all the successor states born of the bloody breakup of Yugoslavia?
Or is McCain hijacking U.S. foreign policy on NATO and Russia?
President Trump should tell the Senate: No more admissions to NATO, no more U.S. war guarantees, unless I have recommended or approved them. Foreign policy is made in the White House, not on the Senate floor.
Indeed, what happened to the foreign policy America voted for -- rapprochement with Russia, an end to U.S. wars in the Middle East, and having rich allies share more of the cost of their own defense?
It is U.S., not NATO defense spending that is rising to more than $50 billion this year. And today we learn the Pentagon has drawn up plans for the insertion of 1,000 more U.S. troops into Syria. While the ISIS caliphate seems doomed, this six-year Syrian war is far from over.
An al-Qaida subsidiary, the Nusra Front, has become the most formidable rebel fighting group. Syria's army, with the backing of Russia, Iran, Hezbollah and Shiite militias from across the Middle East, has carved out most of the territory it needs.
The Turkish army is now in Syria, beside its rebel allies. Their main enemy: Syria's Kurds, who are America's allies.
From our longest war, Afghanistan, comes word from U.S. Gen. John Nicholson that we and our Afghan allies are in a "stalemate" with the Taliban, and he will need a "few thousand" more U.S. troops -- to augment the 8,500 President Obama left behind when he left office.
Some 5,000 U.S. troops are in Iraq, helping to liberate Mosul from ISIS. In Kabul, Baghdad and Damascus, terrorist bombings are a weekly, if not a daily, occurrence.
Then there is the U.S. troop buildup in Poland and the Baltic, the U.S. deployment of a missile defense to South Korea after multiple missile tests in the North, and Russia and China talking of upgrading their nuclear arsenals to counter U.S. missile defenses in Poland, Romania and South Korea.
In and around the waters of the Persian Gulf, United States warships are harassed by Iranian patrol boats, as Tehran test-fires anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles to send the Americans a message: Attack us and it will not be a cakewalk war.
With the death of Communism, the end of the Cold War, and the collapse of the Bushite New World Order, America needs a new grand strategy, built upon the solid foundation of America First.
WASHINGTON -- President Trump might do the world a perverse favor. Voters in Western Europe appear to be looking at what America has brought upon itself and deciding: "We sure as heck don't want to go there."
Thus did the Netherlands slap back the ethno-nationalist far right in its elections last week. The forces of tolerance and openness bent but didn't break. It was a good sign for the year's next two big electoral tests, in France and Germany.
There was always some hype in the commentariat's obsession with Geert Wilders, the viciously anti-Muslim leader whose party managed only 13 percent of the vote in the Dutch elections. He was never going to form the next government and had already begun sagging at the campaign's end.
Still, hold the Champagne. It's troubling that someone as extreme as Wilders (imagine a more malicious version of Trump) would get as many votes as he did.
Moreover, the two big conservative parties, Prime Minister Mark Rutte's People's Party for Freedom and Democracy and the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA), embraced more hostile rhetoric toward the country's large Muslim community to appease backlash voters.
This worked in keeping enough of them away from Wilders, but at the cost of moving the country's political conversation well to the right. According to the latest count, Rutte's party emerged as the leader in the 150-member Parliament with 33 seats, a loss of eight. Wilders won 20, gaining five. The CDA was well-rewarded for its escalating toughness on immigrants with six additional seats, and a new right-wing party, the Forum for Democracy, won two. Overall the right gained five seats. Many Dutch voters opted for what might be called a softer hard line.
On the left, politics was transformed. The election was a disaster for the practical, moderate social democrats of the Labor Party (PvdA). As coalition partners in Rutte's government, Labor endorsed his austerity policies, angering progressive voters.
So while the more left-wing (and out-of-power) Socialist Party lost only one of its 15 seats, the PvdA collapsed to a mere 5.7 percent of the vote, and shed all but nine of its 38 seats. How much of an earthquake is this? Consider that at its most recent peak in 1986, the party secured a third of the vote and 52 seats.
But the bulk of those losses were redistributed to other left and left-liberal parties. (The left, on net, was down seven seats.) The true outsider winner in this election was not Wilders but Jesse Klaver, the leader of the GreenLeft Party whose representation in Parliament more than tripled, from four seats to 14. The left-liberals of the Democrats 66 party also gained ground, up seven seats to 19. And a Turkish breakaway party from Labor, Denk (Dutch for "Think," Turkish for "Equality"), took three.
The Greens' Klaver, just 30, did well by being the most charismatic and uncompromising opponent of Wilders' brand of nationalism. He argued that liberals and the left, not the far right, were the true defenders of Dutch traditions and "the values the Netherlands stands for ... its freedom, its tolerance, its empathy."
If Wilders made identity the issue in this election, urban liberals and progressives countered by insisting on their own definition of what it means to be Dutch -- and, in the case of Denk, by standing up for minority rights. This new politics of self-expression will make life difficult for traditional parties on the left whose stock-in-trade was the bread-and-butter politics of jobs and incomes.
France, which elects a new president in April, and Germany, expected to vote in the fall, could deliver the next blows to the far right.
In France, the old French Socialist Party, like its comrades in the PvdA, is flagging, eclipsed by Emmanuel Macron, a slightly-left-tilting centrist who appeals to urban liberals. He's running ahead of the far right's Marine Le Pen. In Germany, the new leader of the Social Democrats, Martin Schulz, has catapulted his once ailing party into a close race with Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats. That's why Merkel, whose own moderation has looked more attractive in light of Trump, tread carefully when she met with the president on Friday.
If Macron and Schulz were both to win, a moderately social democratic Europe would get another chance. This would be the biggest shock of a year that began with fears of a far right on the march. And Macron and Schulz share something important with Rutte: All three owe a great deal to the negative example of Donald Trump.
SIOUX CITY | Two Sioux City men are facing assault charges after police say one of them hit another man in the head with a full can of beer, knocking him unconscious, Saturday afternoon.
Edgar Zavala, 23, and Jakob Thomas Jaminet, 20, both of Sioux City, were charged Saturday with assault with intent to inflict serious injury and public intoxication. Both are being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $3,000 bond.
According to court documents, around 3:47 p.m., Zavala and Jaminet were drinking in the 1000 block of Jackson Street when they found another man and began bothering him. After the victim told them to leave him alone, documents say Jaminet struck him in the back of the head with a full can of beer.
The victim was knocked unconscious, and further injuries suggest he was assaulted after he was knocked out, documents say. He was transported to the hospital, where he was found missing a chunk of scalp from the back of his head and bleeding, as well as suffering from injuries to his face and mouth, according to the documents.
DES MOINES Members of a Senate panel were urged Monday to consider raising the states minimum wage before they take up a House-passed local pre-emption measure that would void pay levels in four counties that are higher than Iowas statewide wage floor.
However, Republicans on the Senate State Government subcommittee voted to press ahead with House File 295 a bill that would immediately bar local governments from usurping state authority in business and employment matters and the sale or marketing of consumer merchandise.
The bill creates uniformity throughout the state when it comes to employment law, whether it be on wages, whether it be on leave or whether it would be on a whole host of hiring practices, said Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, one of two GOP senators who moved the bill to the full committee. What we dont want is what weve seen where certain counties have increased minimum wages.
However, opponents to the pre-emption bill, like Ryan Arnold, senior minister at the First Christian Church in Des Moines, said they worry the bill would carry unintended consequences by rolling back scheduled pay raises for some families fighting to feed their families and stay off public assistance.
I would ask you if it is true that this needs to happen, that you please wait to pass pre-emption until youve raised the minimum wage, said Arnold, who noted that one in five Iowa children face food insecurity.
We in the faith community are doing our best to ensure that no family starves in Iowa, he added. Please, will you join us and raise the minimum wage and bring people out of poverty?
The legislation includes broad pre-emption language that blocks cities and counties from implementing policies that are at odds with state law, including setting minimum wages that exceed the state level of $7.25 an hour. If signed by Gov. Terry Branstad, H.F. 295 would nullify higher wage floors approved in Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello counties.
Backers say the measure simply clarifies whats in existing Iowa code and counties exceeded their authority by passing minimum wage increases.
Jessica Harder of the Iowa Association of Business & Industry said the bill would avoid a patchwork of county-by-county ordinances related to employment across the state while others worry the current arrangement would create uncompetitive conditions for businesses operating under different standards in different counties.
This bill is flying in the face of local control, countered Lucas Beenken of the Iowa State Association of Counties.
Sen. Randy Feenstra, R-Hull, the subcommittee chairman, said there are certain things that the counties need to do and certain things the state needs to do, and those statewide decisions include things like daylight saving time, speed limits, alcohol levels and the statewide minimum wage.
He said the House bill deals with re-establishing statewide legal certainty and uniformity.
There has to be another bill that handles minimum wage and this is not that bill, he said.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since July 2009. Iowa adopted the same level when the 2007 Legislature passed and Gov. Chet Culver signed legislation increasing the minimum wage to $6.20 in April 2007 and to $7.25 in January 2008.
Branstad is on record as supporting a modest minimum wage increase for Iowa.
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Pedicures are a fixture of our modern society. I have seen the good and the bad that come from pedicures. For some of my patients who cannot reach their feet for various reasons, they are a godsend and I applaud them for the benefits of their foot care. For others, I cringe at the damage done to their feet. I should point out that a pedicurist is trained by New York state law to refer to your friendly, neighborhood podiatrist all at-risk feet. How does a pedicure salon know that your feet are at risk? You must tell them. They are not doctors. They are there to clean your feet, trim your normal-appearing toenails safely and apply polish if desired. They are not there to diagnose or treat your feet.
That being said, there is a particular malady that I see a lot recently, and people may not know what they are looking at. Once nail polish is removed there may be a white, pitted-looking appearance to the nail plates. This pitting is often viewed for several moments before it is soaked and then sanded away, before additional polish is applied. If you are doing this care yourself, it may strike you as odd that you dont remember those spots before the polish went on.
What are those white spots?
Most likely, those are areas of nail imperfections, pits or ridges in your nail plate. When the polish was applied, a small amount of air was trapped in that area. Over time, that air pocket grew, with moisture and a little bit toenail to feast on, to become T. mentagrophytes. This is one of the more common causes of white superficial nail fungus. It is not too dangerous an organism, and often sanding and soaking can work to eradicate this. In some people, these pits become too deep and the fungus is able to penetrate the full thickness of the nail plate, creating a fungus under the keratinized shell. Once under the plate, it can invade in a longitudinal fashion and be protected from any topical antifungal treatments and is resistant to most care besides oral and laser therapies.
How do I care for these areas best?
When the problem is small and you are caring for it yourself, it is best to remove the polish. Sand the area with a disposable emery board. Dispose of this emery board, because you dont want cross-contamination to other areas. Leave this toenail open to the air for several days and apply a topical antifungal cream or liquid to the spotted place. Lastly, before reapplying the next coat of polish, make sure the area is as smooth to visual inspection as possible. If you are set on having another pedicure, then I would suggest removal of the polish at home prior to the planned visit. Then treat the area before going to the pedicure, and then this will pretreat the spot ahead of time.
As a final note, always inform your pedicurist/salon owner of any foot issues. Most important to disclose is diabetes mellitus, as this is one condition that predisposes you to foot ulceration, infection and amputation, and is highly common in the United States population today. If you hold back your medical issues that place your feet at higher risk to the person performing your pedicure, you are placing your own feet in jeopardy. Common issues that affect people and their pedicures are peripheral vascular disease, fungal toenails and diabetes, but others exist, such as immunosuppressed patients and neuropathic patients as well. It goes without saying that anyone with a contagious disease, infection or open wound should not obtain a pedicure, but let it be known that people can sometimes forget their common sense in our modern world of speed and efficiency.
Nektar Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on discovering and developing medicines in areas of unmet medical need in the United States and internationally. The company's products include Bempegaldesleukin, a CD122-preferential interleukin-2 (IL-2) pathway agonist, which is in phase 3 clinical trial to treat metastatic melanoma, renal cell carcinoma, muscle-invasive bladder cancer, squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, and adjuvant melanoma; phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, and urothelial cancer; phase 1/2A clinical trial to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck; phase 1/2 clinical trial for the treatment of solid tumors; and phase 1B clinical trial to treat COVID-19. It is also developing NKTR-358, a cytokine Treg stimulant that is in phase 2 clinical trial for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus and ulcerative colitis, as well as phase 1B clinical trial to treat atopic dermatitis and psoriasis; NKTR-255, an IL-15 receptor agonist, which is in phase 1/2 clinical trial for the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and multiple myeloma, and head and neck cancer and colorectal cancer; and NKTR-262, a toll-like receptor agonist that is in phase 1/2 clinical trial to treat solid tumors, as well as various other drug candidates. The company has collaboration agreements with Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd.; AstraZeneca AB; UCB Pharma S.A.; F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd; Bausch Health Companies Inc.; Pfizer Inc.; Amgen Inc.; UCB Pharma (Biogen); Bristol-Myers Squibb Company; Baxalta Incorporated; Eli Lilly and Company; Merck KGaA; and SFJ Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Nektar Therapeutics was incorporated in 1990 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.
The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.
By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
Thousands walked Fort Lauderdale Beach Sunday to raise money for HIV/AIDS services.
It was a broad base audience, said Imara Canady, Regional Director, Communications and Community Engagement for the AIDS Healthcare Foundation Southern Bureau. It was culturally and racially diverse and this year we had more millennials.
Anthony Cedeno was one of those millennials. Cedeno, a Parkland resident, raised $640 for the Happy Hineys/World AIDS Museum team.
I walked and raised money to get involved in a cause that still needs support, said Cedeno, a communications associate at Our Fund. Even if a vaccine is not developed soon, these funds are still providing resources for people living with HIV and AIDS and those taking measures to prevent it. It feels good to be a part of that.
Kevin Clevenger, team captain for the Poverello Hunger Fighters, was the top overall fundraiser. Clevenger raised $43,000.
I started in November and did 12 fundraisers to reach my goal, said Clevenger, a Fort Lauderdale resident.
The Poverello Center provides food to people living with critical and chronic illnesses. As a team, Poverello raised nearly $75,000.
I walk because I believe no one should go hungry, especially those who need to take their life saving medicine with food to properly absorb, Clevenger said. I also walk to bring awareness to this disease that has taken so many lives.
Fort Lauderdale Beach hosted the walk and music festival now in its 12th year. Participants marched a three mile course late morning on Sunday amid sunny and breezy conditions.
For Will Portalatin, the route was familiar. Portlatin, the president of the board of directors for Latinos Salud, said this was his 10th walk.
For me it is always about remembering, supporting and ending stigma, Portalatin said.
Latinos Salud offers multiple programs designed to provide individuals with skills to prevent HIV infection or to live healthier with HIV. The organization, founded in 2008, was created to provide a safe space to Latino gay guys and their partners.
In my generation we have started to finally feel the acceptance of our community throughout the world, Portalatin said. We are seeing accomplishments and milestones generations prior would have never dreamed wed overcome. It is our responsibility to hand that torch over to the next generation.
Latinos Salud team members wore fluorescent yellow tank tops during the walk and were one of the first teams out of the gate. Leading by example, Portalatin said, shows future generations that taking an active role in awareness, outreach and support can really make a difference and serve as a huge inspiration.
When the final numbers were tallied, $1.4 million was raised by the walk. The money will benefit eight HIV/AIDS service organizations.
Although billed as Floridas AIDS Walk, there was no such recognition of the event by Governor Rick Scott or local representative George Moraitis. Jason King, legislative affairs manager for AHFs southern bureau, said his health care agency is monitoring pending bills in Tallahassee.
Presented by AHF Pharmacy and Wells Fargo, the 2017 Florida AIDS Walk also featured a performance by the funk-dance-rock-pop band DNCE, whose smash hit Cake By The Ocean prompted local bakery Storks to serve cake during the concert.
Click here to view photos from the event on our Facebook page.
Somewhere in the middle of the nippy Atlantic Ocean, a quick little four-hour flight from Boston no less, is where the subtropical volcanic islands of the Azores truly hide out. Magical, mystical green lushness, oversized volcanic craters now reimagined as lakes, steaming natural hot springs that puff out from the earth, blue hydrangeas in the thousands, and more cows than humanswell, thats the Azores for you. Aside from belonging to Portugal for most of their modern lifeminus that Spanish moment in 1580the islands havent received their deserved love. Until now that is.
Aside from the nine islands that make up the archipelago, there are a few small towns with burgeoning dining scenes and some boutique hotels, hot springs, endless adventure activities (think horses, diving, kayaking) and of course one small island, Sao Jorgewith a marvelous coffee plantation. The Azores has been waiting to be taken seriously as a perfect getaway destinationit has everything Europe has, but its just a little easier to navigate, says Luis Nunes, whose family operates coffee farms (and a tourism company) on Sao Jorge. Just a quick hopper plane from the main island (where Ponta Delgado is the capital in case youre wondering)and youve arrived minutes later.
So whats the big deal here? What makes these plantations so marvelous are the difficult to reach Sao Jorge fajas. These are flat lands that are at sea level on the island and are very steepa coffee beans dream haven. These are results from the accumulation of debris, following earthquakes, or lava flows from volcanic eruptions, and their flat and fertile soils, create a very specific microclimate, says Nunes.
Unfortunately, there are no bibliographical references that accurately [date] the introduction of the coffee plantation in Sao Jorge, says Dina Nunes, whose father Manuel is the farmer and owner of the small plantation as well as Cafe Nunes, its sister business. However, there are some experts in the field who have likened the characteristics of the plants [Arabica coffee] to actually have come from Brazil. Around the 17th and 18th century there was a strong emigration of Azoreans to Brazilafter the great earthquake of 1757 that shook, among other islands, the island of Sao Jorge.
So in the late 18th-century transition to the 19th century possibly someone who worked on some coffee farm will have returned from Brazil to Sao Jorge, bringing coffee beans, says Dina Nunes. In the 90s, when the island had no tavern (or coffee shop for that matter), the craft shop located in the faja brewed coffee to captivate the customers coming to buy the famous bedspreads made by the family. By 1997, they had set up a proper cafe.
Sao Jorge, the only [coffee farm] in Europe, says Dina Nunes, boasts all the fundamentals for great coffee production. Nunes explains that the plants grow at a super-low altitude with a climate that is in fact very similar to what Brazil has: We are below 300 meters to almost sea level, with average annual temperatures ranging from 12 degrees Celsius in winter to 25 degrees Celsius in summer, plus a relatively average air humidity, she explains.
The Nunes family bought the land almost 40 years agowith only a small handful of plants. Today, they have 800 coffee plants and in the last year reached a final product of around 770 pounds of beans. We exclusively have Arabica but we are totally biologicalwe do not require any chemicals to fight pests since they just do not exist here, says Dina Nunes. And we also fertilize with the husks, leaves, and the coffee grounds.
The harvest season is between May and the end of Augustthe beans are all picked by hand and dried on a rack for three to four weeks. Nuness grandmother, Elvira Nunes, at age 92, is in charge of making sure all the impurities are removed from the beans. The roasting is done the old-fashioned way: to the fire in an iron frying pan and stirring until desired color is obtained, smiles Dina Nunes.
But as Manuel Nunes will tell you, hes not interested in exporting. If you love coffee and are interested in his little piece of heaven, he suggests that you need to come see it for yourself to believe it. In the summer, he serves around 200 espressos per dayand the customers are always falling in love with what he has on offer. Hes even willing to sell you a small bag of beans. But first, sit down and enjoy an espresso.
Daniel Scheffler is a Sprudge staff writer at large. His work has appeared in T Magazine, Travel And Leisure, Monocle, Playboy, New York Magazine, The New York Times, and Butt. Read more Daniel Scheffler on Sprudge.
Photos courtesy of Azores Getaways.
AUBURN An Auburn man who was scheduled to be sentenced last month for passing counterfeit money in Cayuga County pleaded guilty to another felony Tuesday and was then sentenced to state prison.
Matthew L. Danforth, formerly of 131 E. Genesee St., was arrested last summer for conducting a counterfeit currency scheme with 39-year-old transient Nathan Nolan and using fake cash on at least two occasions.
Danforth was initially charged with two counts of first-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, two counts of first-degree falsifying business records, one count of petit larceny and one count of fifth-degree conspiracy. However, in December 2016, Cayuga County District Attorney Jon Budelmann let the 26-year-old plead guilty to two counts of possessing a forged instrument class C felonies to satisfy the other charges.
At the time of his plea, Danforth admitted to passing around $300 in fake cash at Wal-Mart on Grant Avenue in April 2016. And in exchange for his plea of guilty, Judge Mark Fandrich agreed to sentence Danforth to six months in jail followed by five years probation. He then released Danforth from Cayuga County Jail on his own recognizance.
But on Feb. 7, 2017, Danforth failed to appear at sentencing, so a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.
Then, on Feb. 10, New York State Police arrested Danforth after he posted threatening messages about his ex-girlfriend on Facebook, violating an order of protection. He was charged with first-degree criminal contempt and second-degree aggravated harassment.
In court Tuesday, Danforth admitted to making the public post threatening to kill the mother of his child. He pleaded guilty to criminal contempt, a class E felony.
Fandrich then sentenced Danforth to one to three years in prison on each count. All sentences will run concurrent to one another.
Also in court:
An Auburn man was sentenced to prison Tuesday for committing two burglaries in Cayuga County.
Last month, 43-year-old Travis Breedlove, of 19 Venice St., pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree burglary and one count of third-degree burglary, both felonies.
At the time of his plea, Breedlove admitted to stealing several weapons from a home on Chapman Avenue in October 2016. He also said he stole lottery tickets and tools from Peppers Liquor Store on Genesee Street in November.
Breedlove was initially charged with three felonies second- and third-degree burglary and fourth-degree grand larceny as well as two counts of petit larceny and trespassing. However, the district attorney allowed him to plead guilty to both burglary charges in full satisfaction of the charges.
On Tuesday, Breedlove apologized to the court before sentencing, noting that his crimes stem from a long struggle with substance abuse.
"I have had a substantial problem with addiction my whole life," he said. "When I'm not using, I'm fine. ... I need some help, and just sitting in jail isn't helping."
Judge Fandrich sentenced Breedlove to 3 1/2 years in prison plus 2 1/2 years post-release supervision for second-degree burglary and 1 1/3 to four years in prison for third-degree burglary. Both sentences will run concurrent to one another.
In addition, Breedlove will have to pay more than $9,000 in restitution and surcharges upon his release from prison.
An Auburn woman has admitted to using a credit card she opened under someone else's name.
Tammy Kennedy, 52, of 12 Seymour St., pleaded guilty Tuesday to first-degree identity theft, a class D felony. During her plea, Kennedy said she applied for a credit card using her sister's name without her permission and used that card on several occasions last fall, spending around $1,000.
Kennedy could face up to seven years in prison for the crime, but Judge Fandrich has agreed to sentence her to five years probation. Her sentencing is scheduled for May 16.
On Tuesday, March 21, the Canadian Pari-Mutuel Agency announced that, effective Wednesday, March 22, all Canadian racecourse associations will be required to use the Daily Exchange Rate and not the noon or closing rate as reported for the previous day on a particular webpage.
The contents of the CPMA release appear below in both English and French.
SUBJECT: Bank of Canada Daily Average Exchange Rates
It has come to our attention that there remains some uncertainty regarding the application of the new regulations respecting the identification of the correct Bank of Canada exchange rate for converting foreign currency to Canadian dollars.
Effective Wednesday, March 22, 2017, it is expected that when relying on the rates presented by the Bank Of Canada, that all Canadian race-course associations will use the Daily Exchange Rate (and NOT the noon or closing rate), as reported for the previous day on the following webpage: BoC Daily Average Exchange Rates
This webpage also provides the appropriate rate for converting Canadian dollars into 26 foreign currencies, when Foreign Race Inter-Track Betting.
OBJECT: Banque du Canada des taux de change quotidiens
Il fut porte a notre attention quil demeure une incertitude au sujet de lapplication de la nouvelle reglementation relative a lidentification du taux de change de la Banque du Canada devant etre utilise pour convertir une devise en monnaie canadienne.
A compter du mercredi 22 mars 2017, il est convenu que les associations, lorsquelles se referent au taux de la Banque du Canada, devront utiliser le taux de change quotidien (et NON le taux de midi ou de cloture) tel que rapporte pour le jour precedent a la page suivante: Banque du Canada - Outil de consultation des taux de change quotidiens.
Cette page fournit aussi le taux de change approprie pour convertir la monnaie canadienne en 26 devises pour le pari inter-hippodromes sur course a letranger.
Contact: Liberty Counsel, 407-875-1776, Media@LC.org; Press Kit
HARRISBURG, Penn., March 21, 2017 /Standard Newswire/ -- Today Liberty Counsel presents oral arguments before the federal Court of Appeals in its lawsuit against a Harrisburg ordinance, which created unconstitutional buffer zones that silence pro-life speech on public property and sidewalks around abortion clinics. Liberty Counsel represents Becky Biter and Colleen Reilly, who regularly engaged in peaceful sidewalk counseling. They have been harassed and intimated by clinic staff and the local police since the ordinance passed. This ordinance pushes pro-life counselors sometimes 50 feet to more than 70 feet away and prohibits their freedom of speech. Harry Mihet, Vice President of Legal Affairs for Liberty Counsel, will present the argument.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently overturned similar buffer zones in McCullen v. Coakley. Their unanimous decision establishes a strong precedent in favor of this lawsuit. Liberty Counsel's brief states that "the ordinance has completely abolished free speech in traditional public fora used for the expression of ideas, debate, and protestspecifically, public sidewalks and streets adjacent to health care facilities, including abortion clinics, throughout the City of Harrisburg."
This ordinance clearly discriminates based on the speaker's view. While pretending to be neutral, it allows pro-abortion individuals to speak freely within the buffer zones but bans all pro-life speech on the same public sidewalks outside the Planned Parenthood clinic and the Hillcrest abortion facility.
"Harrisonburg cannot discriminate against pro-life viewpoints. Drafted by Planned Parenthood, this ordinance targets pro-life viewpoints that are protected by the First Amendment," said Mat Staver, Founder and Chairman of Liberty Counsel. "Public sidewalks and parks have always been protected as places where people can gather to participate in the marketplace of ideas. It is a dangerous position for a city to prohibit one viewpoint on human life," Staver concluded.
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.
AUBURN The Finger Lakes Water Hub has expanded from one staff member to two.
Lewis McCaffrey is the latest addition to the state Department of Environmental Conservation's new water quality task force, taking on the role of senior research scientist. He joins Watershed Coordinator Aimee Clinkhammer, who began work at the beginning of the year. McCaffrey introduced himself to members of the Owasco Lake Watershed Management Council on Tuesday morning.
McCaffrey hails from overseas but is now a resident of Marcellus. He'd been working in the United Kingdom before coming to the states about four years ago. His background, he said, is in geology and hydrogeology with a doctorate in water chemistry and health. He studied at the Imperial College London in England and the University of Cape Town in South Africa.
"I really feel like I've won the lottery, getting to work with the DEC on such an important project," McCaffrey said. "I'm delighted to be here."
Prior to working for the DEC, McCaffrey was an adjunct professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry. He also taught at Le Moyne College before he became a visiting professor at Clarkson University's Institute for a Sustainable Environment.
The last five months McCaffrey said he's worked for Cattaraugus County's Environmental Health Services on potable water supplies.
Clinkhammer said she expects the hub to hire another scientist in the coming weeks and a fourth staff member to oversee operations within the next couple of months. The hub was a state initiative announced in October to address water quality issues in the Finger Lakes. Its focus is currently on Owasco Lake after toxins from cyanobacteria blooms were detected in the drinking water last summer.
In other news:
Zachary Odell, director of land protection for the Finger Lakes Land Trust, presented conservation strategies and some of the organization's funding initiatives to council members. Eileen O'Connor, director of the county's environmental health division, said she'd like the council to partner with the land trust in order to get Owasco Lake on its radar.
Odell said it is on the organization's radar, but it is working to figure out how it could fit into the watershed groups "without replicating or duplicating others."
Steve Lynch, executive director of the county's planning and economic development department, said the draft public outreach plans for updating the rules and regulations of the Owasco Lake watershed have been sent to the state for feedback. He said he did not know if the council would get any detailed feedback, but the state had confirmed receipt.
Lynch and O'Connor are moving forward with forming an eight-member steering committee to attend all of the public information meetings that will be held, and work on updating the rules and regulations themselves. That committee is expected to be formed within the next couple of weeks.
The Kelso JCPenney store isnt on the chopping block; the retail chain confirmed Monday it plans to keep its location at Three Rivers Mall open. The news came just weeks after the company announced it would shutter nearly 140 stores nationwide.
On Friday, JCPenney Co. released a list of the 138 stores it plans to close this year; only one Washington-state store is affected, in Snohomish. In Oregon, the chain will shut down locations in Astoria, Grants Pass, La Grande, Pendleton and The Dalles. Most of the affected JCPenney stores will begin a liquidation process April 17.
Worries about the possibility of JCPenney closing in Kelso emerged when the company announced it would close several locations in February in a bid to compete with online retailers.
That the retail giant is keeping its lights on in Kelso likely comes as welcome news for Three Rivers Mall, already coping with the loss of another one of its major anchor tenants, Macys, which is slated to close in the coming weeks.
The store here has been a strong performer for JCPenney historically, but I dont get constant updates on what theyre doing, so I was certainly worried they would be on the table, said Kelso Mayor David Futcher.
Its so much easier to keep an anchor like that than it is to find one. I know the mall manager has done a good job selling those (anchor) spots, Futcher said.
Although the malls anchor stores are only a relatively minimal source of tax revenue for the city, it is an important source of jobs in Kelso, said Brian Butterfield, finance director/city clerk for the city of Kelso.
The exact number of employees in Kelso wasnt available Monday.
JCPenney said several of its brick-and-motor stores play an essential role in its strategy, as many of its customers still prefer to shop in a physical department store. The stores can also reduce shipping costs for many online purchases, the company said.
Yet even with double-digit growth in purchases from jcpenny.com, the retail chain is among many traditional retailers struggling to compete with Amazon and other e-commerce retailers. A recent report from Moodys Investment Services listed 19 traditional retailers that were considered distressed, including Sears, Kmart, Payless, J.Crew and Claires.
A Longview man who allegedly threatened to kill his roommate with a chain Saturday was arrested on suspicion of second-degree attempted murder and felony harassment.
Kelso police originally arrested John Ralph Church, 42, on suspicion of felony harassment and second-degree assault. After reviewing the case, police bumped up the request for an assault charge to a request for second-degree attempted murder charge.
Police responded to calls about a dispute at about 7 a.m. Saturday on the 1000 block of North Third Avenue. Jacob Anderson said Church, his on-and-off again roommate, had chased him and threatened to kill him with a black chain with two hooks on the end. As Anderson spoke with police, he received a call from Church, who was put on speaker phone. A Kelso police officer wrote in his reports that he heard Church threaten to kill Anderson with a chain over the phone, according to police records.
Anderson was not physically hurt in the incident, but he told officers he feared for his life. At one point, while Anderson was running away, he tripped and fell, scraping his elbow. After fleeing the apartment, Anderson flagged down a driver and asked the driver to call police. The driver told police that he saw another man nearby holding a black weapon.
Church admitted to police that he chased Anderson, but said he wasnt holding a weapon. He also said that Anderson had charged at him first.
The two men had been apparently arguing about rent the night before, while Anderson had been oiling his rifle. Anderson said the Saturday dispute started after he heard a rumor that his girlfriend was cheating on him with Church. Andersons girlfriend denied cheating on him and confirmed parts of his story.
After securing a search warrant, Kelso police found a machete in Church's vehicle, along with a chain that measured 4 feet and 8 inches long.
Neither Anderson nor his girlfriend were charged in the incident.
When a client comes into Teniles Hair Design with Makeup by Mandy, the stylists first priority to make them feel comfortable.
The salon, located on Northwest Fifth Avenue in Kelso, is decorated in bright blues and greens. When the sun shines, it shimmers through sheer curtains onto a comfortable waiting area with couches, fluffy rugs and a coffee and tea table.
The salon is staffed by three Kelso High School graduates: Tamara Walker, Mandy Johanson and Rachel Willet. The three have known each other graduating high school in 2000, but the salon just opened in October, when Johanson and Walker joined forces. Willet joined the salon in January.
Walker has always done hair: she had her own solo business, Hair by Tamara, before opening this one. Prior to that, she worked at Trendys Hair Salon in Longview. Walker has also completed additional color training through Wella, a hair care product line with training studios in New York City. Johanson honed her craft at the Lancome beauty counter at Macys, where she sold makeup products and provided makeup services for nearly a decade.
Walker and Willet provide the majority of hair services, from cuts to color treatments and extensions to styling. Johanson does makeup, from full makeovers to makeup classes.
The salon has recently gained attention for giving away free makeovers once a month through its Facebook page. The salon then posts before and after photos of the winners, and the transformations are usually dramatic.
We do separate work, but we quite frequently work as a team, Walker said. And thats some of the best stuff that has left here.
Johanson said that since the shop started advertising the makeovers, more people have called in to make appointments for them, outside of the free drawings. Usually, makeovers will run about $100 about $50 for the makeup and $50 for hair.
Mens haircuts start at $20 and womens hair cuts begin at $30. Those in need of a simple shampoo and style can get one for $20. Color treatment services, like ombre, highlights and bayalage begin at $85 and increase depending on the number of colors and amount of products used.
The salon provides group discounts for four or more clients, as well as military discounts and incentives for clients who refer their friends.
Right now the salon is open Tuesday and Wednesdays and every other Saturday and Sunday. The salon will likely be open Tuesday through Fridays in the near future, Walker said.
Johanson does makeup by appointment and drop ins during business hours.
I do makeup anytime, Johanson said. Ive done it at six in the morning and Ive done it at 9:30- to 10 oclock at night.
She also travels to do makeup, as well. She has several clients participating in this years Miss Washington pageant, which will require her to travel to Olympia in May.
Walker also works outside of the salon often, doing hair styling for editorials and entering competitions.
Her work was featured in an editorial for Inspire magazine in 2011, where she styled the hair for a makeover featured in an editorial spread.
Eventually, you know, Id like to be on one of the top stylist teams and work on coming out with next years trend, Walker said.
For now, all three are working on educating themselves so that they can offer more services for their clients. Bother Walker and Johanson will be traveling to Los Angeles this summer for hair and makeup training sessions, respectively.
I want to be that one where someones like: Oh you want your hair done right? Go to Teniles, Walker said. I want to be the best.
Were just past the halfway mark of a standard legislative session in Olympia. But legislative sessions have been running overtime for the past several yearsand its likely this one will, too. So, no ones really sure how much longer we have to go into the spring or even summer.
The main reason that people expect the session to go long this year is that were still negotiating the details of how were going to add new money to the states K-12 education system, as required by the state supreme courts McCleary decision.
But Ive been spending more of my time recently involved in some of the talks aimed at resolving another state supreme court decision. Last fall, the court issued its decision in the Whatcom County v. Hirst case, which involved a complicated dispute over how different groups can claim water rights in this state.
The court ignored existing state law and made several controversial conclusions in its Hirst decision. (Technically, the decision only applies to the facts involved in the lawsuit. But most legal experts believe the decision will apply broadly around the state.)
First, the court ruled that countieswhich usually issue building permitscannot rely on water-use standards established by the state Department of Ecology when they make permitting decisions. The counties are on their own and are liable for any bad results when they issue building permits.
Second, the court ruled that residential wells, which have traditionally not required a water permit from the state, are not exempt and may require some form of permit. (And, again, counties are liable for specific permitting decisions but, if they issue a building permit that negatively impacts local water tables, theyre liable for damages.)
Third, the court implied without quite saying that one element of permitting residential wells may be attaching meters to those wells.
All three of those conclusions are bad for this part of the state. And any part of the state where a significant number of homes use permit-exempt residential wells. The Hirst decision has basically halted new building residential and commercial in rural areas. In almost six months since the decision was released, some counties have simply stopped issuing new building permits because they are uncertain whether exempt wells are really exempt any more. Other counties are requiring expensive hydrological studies to be completed before theyll issue building permits for even modest houses.
Clearly, the state government needs to take some action and probably pass some legislation that clears up the confusion caused by the Hirst decision. We can do that. But will we? Theres good news and bad news on that front.
The good news is that reasonable people from all over the political spectrum and both sides of the aisle in the Legislature want to fix Hirst. The bad news is that a vocal minority in the Legislature and from Seattle political circles do not.
In the early months of this year, various legislators in Olympia produced bills that in different ways addressed the problems caused by Hirst. Some tried using a short amount of very broad language, others tried using lots of very specific language. Most of these bills got caught in technical issues at the committee review stage in the legislative process and never got to the floor of either chamber.
Right now, were left with one live bill that addresses the confusion caused by the Hirst decision. Senate Bill 5239, sponsored by Sen. Judy Warnick of Moses Lake, rewrites and clarifies state law to defend residential exempt wells and fixes other problems caused by Hirst. SB 5239 has been approved by the state Senate and is waiting for a vote in the state House.
The vocal minority that likes the Hirst decision does not like Warnicks bill. And, so, Gov. Inslees Department of Ecology is shopping around a bill that would confirm much of the Hirst decision but would allow some residential wells, as long as property owners pay a new state fee (in the thousands of dollars) andif the properties being developed are larger than a half acreagree to have their exempt wells metered.
You may have heard talk of a growing rural-urban divide in Washington. If youre looking for an example of that divide, just ask people you know: Should exempt residential wells be metered?
Even if you are hooked up to a city water system, you have an interest in protecting residential exempt wells. Our part of the state relies on them. And restricting their availability will impact real estate markets and property values all around our region. We need a Hirst fix soon. This year.
I support SB 5239 as the best available solution to the problems caused by the Hirst decision. But Im also open to other reasonable suggestions about how we can clear up the confusion that the state supreme court has caused. Unfortunately, suggestions that involve thousands of dollars in permitting fees or metered exempt residential wells are notin my opinionreasonable.
This states statutes and traditions have long held that exempt means exempt. From permits and meters.
PTI
The Cellular Operators Association of India (COAI) on Monday termed the merger of Idea Cellular and Vodafone India as a "bold" move and said the combined stronger entity will be beneficial to both government and consumers of the Indian telecom market. Stating that the merger will be "good" not only from an organisational perspective but from the point of view of consumers and the government, cellular operators' body COAI said it hopes that the amalgamation will get "quick" clearances given the Centre's emphasis on ease of doing business.
"It is a bold move from both the operators... and signals their intention to be long-term players in India. From the government's perspective, it will mean stability in terms of payments because it is a stronger entity that will emerge," COAI director general Rajan Mathews told news agency Press Trust of India. Idea Cellular's board on Monday approved the company's merger with Vodafone India and Vodafone Mobile Services, a move that will create the country's biggest telecom services provider with a customer base of over 394 million.
Vodafone will own 45.1 percent of the combined company after transferring a stake of 4.9 percent to the Aditya Birla group for Rs. 3,900 crore in cash concurrent with completion of the merger. Idea will hold 26 percent of the combined entity while the rest will be owned by public shareholders. "It is good from the industry's and consumers' perspective as it will mean state-of-the-art services and network, both of which need substantial investment, which is not possible with a financially weak entity," he said, adding that the move will allow consumers to be "ultimate beneficiaries".
Mr Mathews hopes that given the government's emphasis on the ease of doing business, the merger would get quick regulatory clearances. "In a merger, the speed of consolidation is the essence of its success. So, we are hoping that there would be no delays or roadblocks and the merger would be cleared quickly," he said. Amid wide expectations that the Vodafone-Idea merger could face a number of regulatory hurdles in terms of hitting the revenue and subscriber market share and spectrum caps in various circles, Mr Mathews said, "No one's interest will be served by spectrum lying idle."
"There will be spectrum cap hurdle. The question is that if the entities have to give back some spectrum, for which they have already made payments, will it be refunded. If it goes back to the kitty, it serves no one's interest. So, we hope that the spectrum cap issues will be looked at reasonably," Mr Mathews said. Mr Mathews further emphasised that the concerns remain on the industry's deteriorating financial health, which is forcing the consolidation wave.
In a statement, COAI reiterated that hyper-competition, rising costs, taxes and tariff war have severely impacted the revenue stream of operators and put "at risk" the financial condition of the industry. "There has been a continuous increase in expenditure due to high costs of spectrum acquisition and a severe financial burden on the industry caused by extremely high and multiple levies and taxes," Mr Mathews said in the statement.
COAI maintained that the ongoing tariff war in the market "may not be sustainable for long". "This has also severely impacted the revenue stream of operators, not just in terms of an increase in cost but in terms of a marked decline in the revenue stream. All these have put the financial condition of this industry at risk and increased the debt to Rs. 4 lakh crore, leading to a severe decline in government revenues from the industry," he said.
The need of the hour is a stable, long term, regulatory and policy environment to ensure financial health of operators and a conducive environment for continued investments, he added. "Earlier, there were 13 operators, as opposed to the present 4-5. Due to the poor financial health of the sector, we are witnessing mergers, acquisition and consolidation of companies like Idea and Vodafone, Aircel with RCom and MTS. Other companies like Videocon and Etisalat have already left the industry because of this hyper-competitive pressure," he explained.
A pick-up truck crashed into a utility pole around 3 p.m. near County House Road and North St. Road in Sennett Monday, causing live wires to drape on top of the truck and across Route 34. Traffic was stopped and rerouted in both directions while crews worked to clear the scene.
Cayuga County 911 dispatchers told The Citizen around 5:30 p.m. that sheriff's officers expected Route 34 to remain closed off until about midnight.
Traffic was being diverted between County House Road and Potter Road. NYSEG was also called to the scene. Dispatchers said officers put in a call to the state Department of Transportation to help with traffic.
Dispatchers said the driver of the truck had been able to exit his vehicle, though he had been trapped for a time. The driver did not sustain any injuries.
PTI
Digital India, which is creating a global buzz with its massive outreach and innovative solutions, has attracted the attention of the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US.
MIT students have invited senior minister Ravi Shankar Prasad for a day-long brainstorming session on 'Digital India' to discuss the progress made by India in digitisation, the challenges that lies ahead and its impact on the socio-economic fabric of the country.
"It is indeed heartening to see that the transformational programs of our government such as Digital India, Skill India, Stand-Up India, Aadhaar etc are generating curiosity among some of the best institutions of the world," the Union IT minister said in a statement issued by organisers of the annual MIT-India Conference.
Prasad is scheduled to deliver the key-note address at the conference in Boston on April 9, said Priyanka Chaturvedi, co-chair of the conference, which will also be attended by Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former deputy chairman of the erstwhile Planning Commission.
"In the same context we will explore innovative ideas and practical solutions adopted by different entities - government, big corporations and emerging start-ups - to empower the country with increased access to digital," said Rakesh Sridhar, another co-chair of the conference. Other major speakers at the conference include filmmakers Anurag Kashyap, Shekhar Kapur, and Sumant Sinha, CEO of ReNew Power.
tech2 News Staff
If nothing else, US President Donald Trump is a prolific tweeter. With over 30,000 tweets to his name, its hard to see him as anything less.
So far, Trumps tweet-machine of choice has been an Android phone, one that hes held onto even after taking over as the President of the United States (Potus). The problem with using an Android phone as Potus is that Android is not actually a very secure operating system, as far as presidents are concerned at least.
If Trump was using a modern Android phone, chances are that the device would still be relatively secure, but no. Trump being Trump, hes been using an ancient Samsung Galaxy S3 since the time he took office. That phone hasnt received software updates in years. Anonymous even published a very simple guide to hacking Trumps phone.
Trumps predecessor Barack Obama used a specially modified iPhone while he was Potus and Trump was expected to do the same. Were not sure why or how Trump was allowed to use his beloved Tweet machine for so long, but whatever the case, it appears that hes finally made the switch.
As The Guardian notes, Trumps Twitter handle has been tweeting from an iPhone app since at least 8 March.
As The Guardian also notes, Trumps aides do tweet from the Presidents handle from time to time as well, but they tend to use iPhones. As such, observers would attribute every tweet made using an Android device to Donald Trump and the rest to his aides. Now that distinction will be less clear.
Of course, its also possible that Trump has, as unthinkable as it may sound, relinquished tweeting rights to his aides.
tech2 News Staff
Google is wishing its users a Happy Nowruz for 2017 with a colourful Google Doodle.
Nowruz or Navroze is celebrated by people of Persian ancestry and marks the new year, as well as the arrival of spring. Nowruz is celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox. The celebration is a secular holiday but is a holds religious significance for Zorastrians, and the day is considered holy in several other faiths. In India, the festival is celebrated by the Parsi community, and the observance can go on for up to two weeks.
Nowruz is the time for spring cleaning and shopping for new clothes. Parsis pay a visit to the fire temple. There are special foods made for the new year celebrations, which can be found in eateries owned by Parsis.
One of the most important parts of the celebrations is an elaborate family dinner according to ancient Iranian customs. The exact moment of the arrival of spring is marked while waiting at the table, and new year gifts are exchanged afterwards.
The Google Doodle shows butterflies flitting around spring time flowers, including hyacinths and tulips, which are often used to decorate the tables during Nowruz. Users of Google Search in Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and India are being served with the Google Doodle for Nowruz 2017.
Kunal Khullar
Xiaomi is not just a smartphone company. We all know that. Apart from smartphones it makes a range of consumer electronics, smart devices, accessories and more. The only issue is, the company only sells them in China.
Now it has managed to get a few products like its range of power banks, earphones, the Mi Air Purifier 2, the Mi Band and so on. But that is not even one fourth of what it sells in China. The company sells a wide range of products in its hometown some of which include the Mi Notebook Air, Mi TV, smart lighting, electric scooter, action cameras, webcams, bags and even appearal.
Time and over, consumers and fans have questioned the company and even me, as to when will they get to buy the Mi TV and other home appliances from Xiaomi.
I had a quick discussion with Jai Mani, Product Manager and Mi India and tried to get some answers. Here is what he said-
"Firstly I am quite thrilled and I feel great when people ask me about all the products. The one product that I get the most queries for is the Mi TV, I think ever since it was launched. We have a wide range over in China and we have something called 'Mi Home' which is an experience store that has all the Mi products under one roof."
So why aren't they coming to India?
"At Xiaomi, quality plays a big role and we don't want to just rush things. We have a certain process where we first list down the demands of the consumers. Then we try to work on procedures and a feasibility plan. Every product is not the same when it comes to deployment. How we sell and offer support for a smartphone is completely different from a TV. Our service support is expanding and we want to make sure we are ready before we commit to launch a product in India."
Will the Mi TV ever come to India?
"The company is trying to get certain things out of the way and I would just say to hold on for a bit."
Hopefully that is a yes, especially after LeEco facing a downfall. Xiaomi could capitalise on its rival's failure and bring a better package for consumers. As for other products, I really hope that it can bring its Mi Notebook Air and the slick looking Mi router.
Tell us what do you want Xiaomi to bring to India that is exclusively selling in China.
IANS
UK-based retail chain Marks and Spencer on Monday became the latest firm to pull its online advertising from Google platforms over fears it is appearing next to extremist content. It follows a UK government decision to remove its adverts from YouTube which is owned by Google after it emerged they had appeared alongside content from supporters of extremist groups, the BBC reported.
RBS, Lloyds and HSBC also announced similar moves over the weekend. Google has said it does not always "get it right" and will improve. The move follows a recent investigation by The Times, London, which found adverts from a range of well-known firms and organisations had appeared alongside content from supporters of extremist groups on the YouTube video site. An ad appearing alongside a video earns the poster about 6 pounds ($8) for every 1,000 clicks it generates, meaning brands may have unwittingly contributed money to extremists.
Last week, ministers summoned Google for talks at the Cabinet Office after imposing a temporary restriction on the government's own adverts, including for military recruitment and blood donation campaigns. Others such as fastfood chain McDonald's, beauty giant L'Oreal and luxury carmaker Audi, as well as the BBC, the Guardian and Channel 4, have suspended their advertising on both Google's search engine and YouTube site. Sky News and Vodafone are also considering suspending their ads.
Sheldon Pinto
The craze for a smart digital voice assistants did not arrive until Apple brought Siri to the iPhone 4S. While Siri was not exactly the ultimate version of a digital assistant (it still isn't) back then, it did, in more ways than one, lay the foundations of what we have come to expect from a voice-based digital assistant today.
So they need to be smart and capable. By that I mean accomplishing certain tasks, checking the weather, booking a cab, do simple calculations and a few other tricks. Oddly even with all the AI brains behind Google's Assistant, it will still not be able get a slightly smarter request completed. So in short, this is all we have come to expect from voice assistants and as you would already know, it is a bit too limited and not so useful.
Personally, I use Siri only to place a call and nothing else. This is because to do something more, I will have to think for a few seconds and frame my sentence correctly so that I know she will understand my request. The odd bit is that she may not, even with all that effort put in. And this is why I rarely end up using Siri, if not at all.
Voice assistants have gone from 'cool' to 'wow' and now to 'boring', because they simply cannot get the things done the way we want them to be done. Which is basically the things we would need an assistant to get done, when we are out of time, or are simply too lazy to lift a finger.
Booking movie tickets is a great example. Need to book one? Here's what you'd normally need to do:
1 Power up your phone
2 Open the third-party boking app
3 Find your movie in the list
4 Find the right seats
5 Confirm your tickets
6 Make the payment
After all this, hope that all of it gets done right and that your internet connection does not give way in between.
A smarter voice assistant, like a real one, should be able to do all of the above and just simply confirm that they have been booked.
And this is exactly what Samsung is aiming for with its recently announced Bixby voice assistant. Bixby is different in the way that it works and different from what we have come to expect from digital voice assistants on smartphones these days. While everyone else is banking on AI and framed sentences to get things done right, Samsung is looking at both AI and app integration, to get more things done than ever before.
InJong Rhee, Executive Vice President, Head of R&D, Software and Services in an official blog post explained how Bixby, is different and how it stands out from the rest.
What Bixby does right
Firstly, the team began with a completely different approach. "Instead of humans learning how the machine interacts with the world (a reflection of the abilities of designers), it is the machine that needs to learn and adapt to us." said the lengthy post.
In short, Bixby, thanks to its brain wired into its recent acquisition Viv will be able to generate programs in milliseconds. In short, it will write a program for every new task thrown at it, as long as the developer supports it.
Which brings us to the second important aspect, deeper integration. We have seen Apple show off a few things, like booking an Uber using Siri, or even sending a WhatsApp message using Siri. But what if I wanted an Uber for 6 friends? Siri would not understand my request.
And this is where Bixby, with Viv's brains, is expected to take those digital assistant standards up a notch (make that two).
Bixby, with help from developers, will need a piece of code to be integrated into developers' apps to make them Bixby compatible. Once compatible, Bixby will be able to literally get anything done within an app. In short, the ticket-booking scenario I mentioned above can be accomplished with a single voice command.
What makes Samsung's Bixby so impressive is that it does not need the user to learn and comply to a fixed syntax for framing queries. A user also need not be limited by the capabilities of his digital assistant either.
You can have a look at the Viv demo below to see how things would pan out.
Impressed?
You should be. Something smarter and more capable after a 5 year gap should be enough to attract hordes of users to Samsung's shiny new Galaxy S8. Yes, the Galaxy S8 will come with Samsung's Bixby and a dedicated Bixby button, which hints at an overlay or a notification-like toast dropdown that will not get in the way of the current task you are working on.
Another detail that just got confirmed is that the S8 smartphone will be a demo platform for things to come, with just the native apps supporting the voice assistant in the flagship smartphone. Once everyone is impressed by its capabilities, it will be up to third-party developers to use the Samsung SDK to make their apps more useful and accessible. It will also make Bixby that much more powerful.
More than just smartphones
And here is where Samsung's pitch for a voice assistant comes in, something that is well thought off and something only its Korean counterpart LG can pull off.
The company has plans to bring Bixby into its entire consumer appliance range as well (Is it goodbye for Google Home and Amazon Alexa?).
And this is where the broader picture begins to appear. Samsung with Bixby integrated into smartphones, appliances and may be even cars (it recently acquired Harman International Industries for $8 billion) could easily take over Apple with a smarter product.
The day and age of the smartphone is quickly coming to an end, in the sense that only specifications and build quality will not make your phone stand out anymore. And with these consumer products running out of steam, software that connects the dots could be Samsung's saviour, not just for smartphones, but everything that they plan to build in the near future.
Google could be a bit tough, given its foray into the autonomous driving space, but yes the possibilities for Bixby for now are indeed endless and could completely change the way we interact with our smartphones.
As for smartphones, Samsung with its Bixby and TouchWiz layer could easily result in a stand-alone fork of Android. Something that works only on Samsung smartphones worldwide and unlike Microsoft's Windows Phone, Samsung has the smartphones sales as proof that things could work out.
PTI
Japanese conglomerate Softbank has appointed its most experienced e-commerce veteran Kabir Mishra to the Board of e-commerce firm Snapdeal to support the company. "Softbank has appointed its most experienced e-commerce veteran Kabir Mishra to the board of Snapdeal to support the company," a source privy to the development told .
This decision comes in the wake of Softbank-backed Online merchant Snapdeal's hoping to hit profitability in the next two years as it undertakes a number of steps, including layoffs and moving away from non-core activities. The company had laid off 500-600 employees across verticals even as Co-Founder Kunal Bahl admitted to making mistake in growing much before it could figure out right economic model.
Kabir has for many years been closely involved in managing Softbank's investment in Alibaba in China, the source said. Kabir has also played an anchor role in managing Softbank s investment in Indonesian e-commerce major Tokopedia and had extensive involvement in South Korean firm Coupang, where Softbank invested USD 1 billion in June 2015, the source added.
Snapdeal, earlier this month, had announced shutting down of its consumer to consumer marketplace Shopo. As part of the revival plan, the company will reorganise into "a lean, focussed and entrepreneurial one" by combining teams, reducing layers, eliminating non-core projects and strengthening focus on profitable growth.
"Sadly, we will also be saying really painful goodbyes to some of our colleagues in this process," Bahl wrote, in an email shot off to his employees, without giving the actual number of layoffs. Snapdeal, which faces intense competition from Amazon and Flipkart, had last reported an employee strength of 8,000.
Bahl and Rohit Bansal also had announced that they will take a 100 per cent salary cut, and also said many senior leaders had "offered to take a significant cut in their compensation." The e-commerce firm today announced the appointment of Jason Kothari as the Chief Executive Officer of its digital payment platform FreeCharge and a commitment to invest an additional USD 20 million in the e-wallet firm.
tech2 News Staff
The host of Good Morning Britain, Piers Morgan informed Stephen Hawking of a previous interview where he had asked the Dalai Lama "what is the meaning of life?" The reply he got was that it was happiness, and then Morgan quizzed Hawking about what he thought was the meaning of life. "I don't know" was the reply that Hawking gave, but he added that it would make him happy to go to space.
Hawking told Morgan that he was under the belief that no one would take him to space, considering the complications involved because of the degenerative medical condition known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Then Hawking revealed that Richard Branson had offered Hawking a seat on board the Virgin Galactic, and Hawking had accepted the offer immediately. Hawking also spoke on sending a nano probe similar to the breakthrough starshot, to the seven earth sized planets discovered by Nasa in orbit around an ultracool dwarf star known as Trappist-1, and the mystery of true love. The entire interview can be seen below, the stuff about going to space starts at 8:40.
Virgin Galactic is in the process of testing its vehicles that takes humans into suborbital flights close to the boundary between the atmosphere of the Earth and Space. The SpaceShipTwo vehicle is a commercial passenger vehicle, with a capacity for seating six passengers apart from the two pilots. SpaceShipTwo is designed to be carried on the WhiteKnightTwo jet to an altitude of 50,000 feet and then release the jet in mid-air. The SpaceShipTwo then goes into space and lands back on the Earth like a conventional aircraft. A single ticket is said to cost around $250,000.
Virgin Galactic is in the process of thoroughly testing its passenger vehicles, following the fatal crash of the SpaceShipTwo in the Mojave desert in 2014, where two pilots were killed. Stephen Hawking has already got a taste of zero gravity on board a freefalling plane. The experience was organised by Zero Gravity Corp, the same company that provides zero gravity flights to train Nasa astronauts for space missions. The plane was equipped with an emergency medical center, and Hawking was accompanied by medical professionals to ensure that the flight would be safe for him. Hawking went through 8 zero gravity dives, instead of the planned 2. At that time itself, he had indicated that he wanted to go to space on board the Virgin Atlantic ships, according to a report in New Scientist.
Elon Musk and his company SpaceX have the support by Nasa for the most ambitious space tourism mission yet. Two unknown individuals have paid an undisclosed sum of money to SpaceX for a spaceflight that will go beyond the orbit of the Moon and return to Earth. The flight is to take place on board the Dragon spacecraft, which is usually used for resupply missions to the International Space Station. SpaceX is conducting preliminary health tests on the tourists, before the training period for manning the spacecraft during its journey. Looks like there are exciting times ahead for space tourism.
PTI
Stephen Hawking lamented today that he may no longer be welcome in America under Donald Trump, as the renowned British physicist asserted that the US President's priority would be to satisfy his electorate who are "neither liberal nor that well-informed". "I would like to visit (the US) again, and to talk to other scientists. But I fear that I may not be welcome," Hawking told ITV News.
"Trump was elected by people who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite in a revolt against globalisation. His priority will be to satisfy his electorate who are neither liberal nor that well-informed," the 75-year-old cosmologist and physicist said. The scientist had previously called the US president a "demagogue", but said although he still admires America, he fears "that I may not be welcome".
Hawking is a recipient of the prestigious US Franklin medal for science and received the presidential medal of freedom from Barack Obama in 2009. The Cambridge scientist said he was particularly concerned about Trump's environment policy. "He should replace Scott Pruitt at the Environment Protection Agency," Hawking said.
"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent. It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for his second term. God forbid," he said.
Talking about Brexit, the scientist, who was opposed to leaving the European Union, said if the referendum must be implemented "it shouldn't be a hard Brexit as the right wing of the Conservative Party want" as it would leave Britain "isolated and inward-looking".
"We should retain as many links as possible with Europe and the rest of the world, particularly China. By remaining in the EU, we would have given ourselves more influence in the world. And we would provide future opportunities for young people," Hawking said. "Leaving Europe threatens Britains status as a world- leader in science and innovation," he argued.
On Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, Hawking said there was not "much chance" of the party winning an election under him. However, Hawking said he will continue to support the party. Hawking also said he will travel into space after Richard Branson offered him a seat on Virgin Galactic.
"My three children have brought me great joy -- and I can tell you what will make me happy, to travel in space," he said. "I thought no one would take me but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic, and I said yes immediately," he added.
hidden
Passengers on some U.S.-bound foreign airline flights will have to check electronic devices larger than a cell phone once U.S. authorities formalize a new ban in response to an unspecified terrorism threat, U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday. The new rule is expected to be announced Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, the officials said, adding that it had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
A source said the rule would cover around eight to 10 foreign airlines. A separate government official confirmed an Associated Press report that the ban will affect 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa. Reuters reported earlier the ban would include airlines based in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The officials did not name the other countries. No American carriers were affected by the ban, the officials said. Passengers would be allowed to carry larger devices such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras in their checked luggage.
CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the ban on electronics on certain airlines was related to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and that some information came from a recent U.S. special forces raid in Yemen. Reuters could not immediately confirm the CNN report, but Reuters has reported the group has planned several foiled bombing attempts on Western-bound airlines. Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a tweet on Monday that U.S.-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting Tuesday at the request of U.S. officials, including those that transit through Canada. Passengers can still carry cell phones and approved medical devices.
Al Riyadh newspaper, which is close to the Saudi government, reported that the civil aviation authority had informed "airlines flying from the kingdom's (Saudi) airports to U.S. airports of the latest measures from U.S. security agencies in which passengers must store laptops and tablets" in checked-in baggage. Al Riyadh quoted a civil aviation authority source as saying that these measures from senior U.S. authorities were relayed to the Saudi interior ministry. Saudia Airlines confirmed in a tweet that U.S. transportation authorities had banned carrying larger electronic devices in cabin luggage.
United Arab Emirates carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways told Reuters on Tuesday they had not been advised of any new restrictions on carrying electronic devices on U.S. flights. CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the ban on electronics on certain airlines was related to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and that some information came from a recent U.S. special forces raid in Yemen. Reuters could not immediately confirm the CNN report, but Reuters has reported the group has planned several foiled bombing attempts on Western-bound airlines.
Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a tweet on Monday that U.S.-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting Tuesday at the request of U.S. officials, including those that transit through Canada. Passengers can still carry cell phones and approved medical devices. Al Riyadh newspaper, which is close to the Saudi government, reported that the civil aviation authority had informed "airlines flying from the kingdom's (Saudi) airports to U.S. airports of the latest measures from U.S. security agencies in which passengers must store laptops and tablets" in checked-in baggage.
Al Riyadh quoted a civil aviation authority source as saying that these measures from senior U.S. authorities were relayed to the Saudi interior ministry. Saudia Airlines confirmed in a tweet that U.S. transportation authorities had banned carrying larger electronic devices in cabin luggage. United Arab Emirates carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways told Reuters on Tuesday they had not been advised of any new restrictions on carrying electronic devices on U.S. flights.
Reuters
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Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy
There were stories, stories of a phantom who lived in the dark tunnels under the City of Flagstaff. But tonight, these stories are forgotten as the elite of Flagstaff gather for a masquerade gala to celebrate the opening of a new opera by Gasbag Leroux.
The wine is flowing. The music of the night fills the air. The stage is covered with flowers waiting for the world famous diva, Carlotta Callas, to perform. But all is not as it seems! Soon death makes an appearance! Its up to Detective Richard Dick to find the killer before the masquerade is over and the killer escapes!
Help catch the culprit at "The Phantom" murder mystery dinner theater fundraiser for Theatrikos Theater, Flagstaffs community theater, and Canyon Moon Theatre, a professional theater based in Sedona. The evening begins at 6 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at The Weatherford Hotel, 23 N. Leroux St. Guests should dress for a masquerade ball.
Tickets are $50 and are available by calling 779-1919 x430. This is a 21 and over event. Murder Mystery Dinner includes the performance and a four-course meal complete with dessert. Drinks, taxes and gratuity not included.
Art show to benefit Victim Witness Services
Together We Will, Northern Arizona, a local social justice organization, will host the Nasty Women Art Exhibition Friday, April 14 from 4-10 p.m. and Saturday, April 15 from 2-5:30 p.m., at the Hive at 2 S. Beaver St., suite 190.
Artists are invited to contribute artwork to be sold during the weekend event, which will also include a series of performances.
This is an opportunity to resist through art, said Cristy Zeller, one of the shows organizers.
Artwork can include any medium, including paintings, photos, drawings, collage, textiles, ceramics, sculpture, furniture, poetry, creative writing, essays, video/film, dance and musical pieces. Submissions are due by April 1.
Activist art activities will be available as well as art by kids for sale, including cards and jewelry. A local food truck will be on-site and a bar available in the Hive.
All proceeds will be donated to Victim Witness Services of Flagstaff. For more information, visit www.naznastywomenexhibition.org.
PHOENIX Tucson's unusual method of electing council members will remain.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday morning rebuffed a bid by a group representing some Republicans to void the system of nominating council members by ward but having them elected at large. The justices gave no reason for their ruling.
Monday's action is the last word in the multi-year bid by the Public Integrity Alliance to have state and federal courts declare that the practice was an unconstitutional violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Attorney Kory Langhofer who represented challengers argued that the system gave some voters more power than others and, in some cases, effectively nullified their votes.
But that contention was most recently rejected by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Tucson's hybrid system for electing members of its city council imposes no constitutionally significant burden on voters rights to vote, the appellate court concluded. And Tucson has advanced a valid, sufficiently important interest to justify its choice of electoral system.
Langhofer told Capitol Media Services the loss is not entirely unexpected.
I think that what happens when you sue the government ... there's a thumb on the scale for the government in litigation, he said.
In some cases, it's not even invisible, Langhofer continued, saying that courts generally start with the premise that a law is constitutional. We're sort of bumping up against that in this case.
And there was something else. Langhofer said federal courts are reticent to impose federal rules on state and local election laws.
But it's not just federal courts: In a 2012 ruling the Arizona Supreme Court threw out a state law which also sought to invalidate Tucson's election system.
At the heart of the latest challenge is that question of some voters nullifying the rights of others.
In the city's six wards, Republicans hold a voter registration edge in one. But all six council members are Democrats.
That reflects the fact that the winners in each ward of each party's political primary then have to run on a city-wide basis. And with more Democrats in Tucson than Republicans, that means the voters in the other five wards can choose the Democrat to represent the sixth, even though more voters in that ward voted for the Republican.
Langhofer argued that system gives the city a nearly unfettered ability to deny the right to vote in the primary election.
The full appellate court did not see it that way.
Ultimately, every voter has an equal opportunity to vote in their own ward's primary every four years and in the general election every two years, Judge Marsha Berzon wrote for the court last year.
As is constitutionally required, then, every voter in Tucson has the same voting power as every other voter in the primary and general city council elections, she wrote. There is no unequal weighting of votes, no discrimination among voters, and no obstruction or impediment to voting.
Had Langhofer won the case it would have changed the Tucson election system for the benefit of Republicans: If council members had to be elected by ward at the general election, that could have given Republicans a better chance of getting one or more members on the city's governing body.
But Langhofer said the Public Integrity Alliance did not pursue the case for partisan reasons.
He said the group has been involved in other election issues, including intra-party issues like when it paid for commercials during the Republican primary attacking incumbent Attorney General Tom Horne. That helped Mark Brnovich win the primary; he ultimately went on to defeat Democrat Felecia Rotellini.
This isn't the first time Republican interests have sought to overturn Tucson's voting system.
In 2009, Sen. Jonathan Paton, at the time a Republican state senator from Tucson, pushed through legislation which would have voided Tucson's modified ward election system.
It also would have barred cities from conducting local elections where the candidates' political affiliations are listed on the ballot. Tucson is the only city with such partisan elections.
That measure was overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2012. The justices said that Tucson, as a charter city, has a right under the Arizona Constitution to decide whether to conduct partisan elections and how to elect council members.
Survivors of the Mau Mau rebellion in Kenya, who are suing the heirs of Empire 1.0: Decline and Fall over the murder, torture, rape and herding into concentration camps that accompanied Britain's oh-so-civilised process of decolonisation, have accused Her Majesty's Government of burying bad news, and even of. As might be expected from a department under the nominal control of the Imperial Haystack, the Ministry for Wogs, Piccaninnies and Fuzzy-Wuzzies has responded with the assertion that the Government is above the law and that anyone who says otherwise is an enemy of democracy. Leafing through Hansard and comparing ministerial assertions with mere facts, especially to the detriment of the former, apparently constitutes a breach of parliamentary privilege and a technically punishable offence. The merits of this argument may or may not be signalled by the fact that it was employed only after the Ministry had failed for eight months to persuade the court against proceeding further on the grounds that the Kenya Emergency was a jolly long time ago and thus no longer a reason to administer Jewish-style punishment beatings.
Hanif was forced to sign cheque for Tk 6.7 lakh: Claims family
Ashkona attack suspect dies after RAB detention: ASK seeks judicial probe
Staff Reporter :
Md Hanif Mridha, an Ashkona attack suspect whom the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) claimed to have died in hospital on Saturday after picking up by the law enforcers on February 27, family sources said.
The 27-year old Hanif Mridha is a resident of Amragachhia village of Amtali upazila in Barguna, was basically a business man.
Family sources claimed that Hanif had been picked up by law enforcers 22 days back and put pressure to sign in checks. But after the Ashkona incident, family members came to know that the law enforcers shown him fresh arrest in connection to the incident.
"The law men forced Hanif to sign several pages of the cheque books of BRAC and Dutch-Bangla banks for a sum of Tk 670,000," they further claimed.
According to the statement of the RAB, Hanif was detained from a bush beside Munmun Kabab shop in Khilkhet at 4:15pm on Friday when he was trying to flee as a RAB vehicle was going past the spot after the city's Ashkona RAB office attack.
Hanif's wife Kulsum Begum on Sunday said that Hanif and his friend Sohel Hossain Mantu went to Barisal to join the religious congregation of Charmonai Pir (religious leader) on 24 February and returned to Dhaka on 27 February by launch. They got down from the launch at Kanchpur bridge in the capital and our family driver Jewel went there with our car to pick them up. But he saw about 7-8 people, who identified themselves as Detective Branch (DB) officials, whisking them off to the car." "While several others got in our car and instructed driver Jewel at gunpoint to run the car to the direction they showed. As our car reached Purbachal, they later dropped him and took away our car after beating our driver," claimed Kulsum. His friend Sohel, who is still missing, has furniture business in the capital's Gulshan-2, according to her.
Hanif, a resident of Amragachhia village of Amtali upazila in Barguna, was involved in transport business, having three buses in the Turag transport service in Dhaka, she claimed.
Hanif's brother Halim Mridha filed a General diary (GD) on March 4 with Siddhirganj Police Station in connection with the incident, she added.
Halim told the reporter that a white-coloured car of RAB-1 and a white-coloured Hiace car came to their Rayerbazar residence around 9:30am on March 15.
"RAB-1's white-car stood at the entry of Shah Ali's lane and the Hiace car was parked in front of the gate of our residence. Four to five people entered our house along with Hanif and told Kulsum in front of other family members, 'Your husband has assisted an unfair act'," claimed victim's brother.
Halim said that the RAB member impersonators later asked his sister-in-law to bring Hanif's cheque books before them. "They forced Hanif to sign several pages of the cheque books of BRAC and Dutch-Bangla banks for an amount of Tk 670,000 in total," he claimed.
Hanif's brother-in-law Rezaul Islam said, "One of the four-to-five people [who visited Hanif's house on 15 March] was in RAB uniform and was carrying arms. The nameplate attached with his uniform read 'Iqbal'.
He said the other members of the team didn't introduce themselves. They went back along with Hanif. "They also took away a motorbike of Pulsar brand which was kept in the house," claimed Rezaul. The family members came to know through television news that someone called Hanif died in Kurmitola Hospital on Friday and then they rushed to the hospital. The family members confirmed the identity of Hanif after Airport police station's inspector (investigation) Ezaz Shafi showed them a photo of the body.
Besides, Sohel's maternal uncle Md Babu said that Sohel, a man from the village of Chhoto Baizraat of Barguna's Taltali, used to live in Jatrabari's Dhalpur in the capital.
Sohel's uncle said his nephew was still missing.
Airport Station Police Inspector Ezaz Shafi said, RAB-1 members picked up Hanif from a bush beside Munmun Kabab shop near Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport at 4:15pm on Friday. According to the death certificate, Hanif died of cardiac arrest, and the body was sent to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) morgue for an autopsy on Saturday, the Inspector said. DMCH sources said the Airport police members brought the body of Hanif Mridha around 5:00am while four vehicles of RAB also accompanied.
Earlier on Friday, a suicide bomber rattled the Ashkona RAB office, killing himself by detonating a bomb.
RAB's Legal and Media Wing director Mufti Mahmud Khan said a young man was trying to enter the camp and when the RAB members challenged him, he detonated the bomb that was strapped to his body.
The blast killed him on the spot and injured two RAB members. RAB-1's Lieutenant Colonel Sarowar Bin Quashem claimed that Hanif was taken to Kurmitola General Hospital after he felt chest pain while he was being taken to RAB office. He was said to have died at the hospital.
Rights body Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) on Monday demanded a judicial enquiry over the death of Hanif Mridha in RAB custody.
The demand came in the backdrop of an allegation made by Hanif's family that he was actually picked up by a group of people claiming to be detectives in Siddhirganj area last month.
"We demand a judicial probe into this matter," said ASK in a press statement signed by its acting executive director Nur Khan. Earlier on Friday, suicide bomber blew himself up near a temporary camp of the RAB in Ashkona Hajj Camp area of the capital in the afternoon. An attacker was killed and two RAB officials have been injured in the incident.
Arrest warrant against Fareast Life Chairman
Staff Reporter :
A Rajbari judicial magistrate court issued an arrest warrant against Nazrul Islam, Chairman of Fareast Life Insurance Company Limited and an officer of its company for not giving insurance claim.
Judicial magistrate Md Samsuzzaman passed the order on March 14 after hearing the complaint. The accused has not yet surrendered to the court. Currently he is on the run.
Sources said, Md Rafiqul Islam Babu, a resident of Rajbari Municipality of Ward number-9, owed TK 25 lakh 20 thousand as insurance claim to the company. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit with the section 418/420 of the Penal Code against the company Chairman and Md Mojammel Hoque, branch co-coordinator of Rajbari for not getting insurance claim appropriately since 19 July 2016. The case number is C/R 173/17.
In his complaint, Rafiqul Islam said, his wife Swapna Parvin died on 28 June in 2015. She had an insurance policy No- 1260000201-3 of TK 12 lakh 60 thousand. But she died 7 months after the inception of the policy.
According to the policy, the inheritance of Swapna is supposed to receive of Tk 25 lakh 20 thousand but the company gave Tk 6 lakh 30 thousand to her inheritance.
The husband of Swapna claimed for the rest of the money to Faridpur servicing cell of the company but the branch office denied paying the dues.
Afterwards, the plaintiff sent legal notices twice for recovery of the money. But the company did not respond to it.
Eventually, the plaintiff filed a case on March 14 against the company chairman and the Faridpur Branch coordinator. The Rajbari judicial magistrate passed the warrant on the same date after verifying all related documents.
Md. Hemayet Ullah, Chief Executive Officer of Fareast Islami Life Insurance Company Limited told the New Nation on Monday that the Rajbari court passed the warrant issue without verifying the documents.
"The magistrate passed the order intentionally. He does not know law. It can not be treated as court. These judges frequently pass such kind of orders," he claimed.
"Civil society men should raise voice against such rules. We have already appointed a lawyer to face the bad order."
Poet Kafi Sheikh being awarded with \'Shamsur Rahman Commemoration\' in poetry at a ceremony held recently at Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata.
Trump admin weighing broad sanctions on North Korea
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks on North Korea accompanied by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
Reuters, Washington :
The Trump administration is considering sweeping sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system as part of a broad review of measures to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threat, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.
The sanctions would be part of a multi-pronged approach of increased economic and diplomatic pressure - especially on Chinese banks and firms that do the most business with North Korea - plus beefed-up defenses by the United States and its South Korean and Japanese allies, according to the administration official familiar with the deliberations.
While the long-standing option of pre-emptive military strikes against North Korea is not off the table - as reflected by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's warning to Pyongyang during his Asia tour last week - the new administration is giving priority for now to less-risky options.
The policy recommendations being assembled by President Donald Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, are expected to reach the president's desk within weeks, possibly before a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in early April, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. North Korea is expected to top the agenda at that meeting.
It is not clear how quickly Trump will decide on a course of action, which could be delayed by the slow pace at which the administration is filling key national security jobs.
The White House declined comment.
Trump met McMaster on Saturday to discuss North Korea and said afterward that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, was "acting very, very badly."
The president spoke hours after North Korea boasted of a successful rocket-engine test, which officials and experts think is part of a program aimed at building an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States.
The administration source said U.S. officials, including Tillerson, had privately warned China about broader "secondary sanctions" that would target banks and other companies that do business with North Korea, most of which are Chinese.
The move under consideration would mark an escalation of Trump's pressure on China to do more to contain North Korea. It was not clear how Chinese officials responded to those warnings but Beijing has made clear its strong opposition to such moves.
The objective would be to tighten the screws in the same way that the widening of sanctions - to encompass foreign firms dealing with Iran - was used to pressure Tehran to open negotiations with the West on its suspected nuclear weapons program. That effort ultimately led to a 2015 deal to restrict Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.
For such measures to have any chance to influence the behavior of North Korea, which is already under heavy sanctions, Washington must secure full international cooperation - especially from China, which has shown little appetite for putting such a squeeze on its neighbor.
Fox pulls Napolitano from air after Trump report
AP, New York :
Fox News Channel has pulled legal analyst Andrew Napolitano from the air after disavowing his on-air claim that British intelligence officials had helped former President Barack Obama spy on Donald Trump.
A person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was a personnel matter said Napolitano has been benched and won't be appearing on the air in the near future. Fox had no immediate comment Monday.
Napolitano's report last week on "Fox & Friends," saying he had three intelligence sources who said Obama went "outside the chain of command" to watch Trump, provoked an international incident. Britain dismissed the report as "nonsense" after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer quoted it in a briefing, part of the administration's continued defense of Trump's unproven contention that Obama had wiretapped him at Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign.
FBI Director James Comey, testifying before Congress on Monday, became the latest official to state that no evidence has been found to support Trump's charge.
The president, when asked about the incident, said that "all we did was quote a certain very talented legal mind who was the one responsible for saying that on television. I didn't make an opinion on it. You shouldn't be talking to me. You should be talking to Fox."
Terrorists crossing borders
Staff Reporter :
Dhaka has warned Delhi of huge terrorists influx into India from Bangladesh.
Bangladesh government has sent a report to the Indian home ministry, warning that over 2,000 Harkat-ul-Jihadi al-Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) had possibly crossed into the Indian side from the Bangladesh border and are hiding in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura, said Times of India on Tuesday.
According to the report, 2016 had witnessed more than three-fold increase over 2015 in infiltration by HuJI and JMB extremists into the border states of West Bengal, Assam and Tripura.
The development assumes significance as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found overseas terror links and the direct role of JMB in the October 2014 Burdwan blast at Khagragarh in which two suspected terrorists were killed.
The report said approximately 2,010 HuJI and JMB operatives had entered the three states.
While nearly 720 men made a safe passage through the Bengal border, the remaining 1,290 are suspected to have entered through Assam and Tripura borders.
Bengal government officials are skeptical about the report, but even if just a close estimate, the number is disturbing as intelligence reports pegged the number of infiltrators in 2014 and 2015 at 800 and 659 respectively.
"We are trying to gather information to confirm the veracity of the report," a senior Bengal home department official said. However, Assam police is concerned about the development.
"There is certainly an increase in terrorist activity because over the last six months, we have arrested 54 JMB operatives," additional director-general of police (SB), Assam, Pallab Bhattcharyya, said.
"We have formed a high-powered committee of top police officers and MLAs to check infiltration. They visit the border regularly and conduct meetings with security forces," he added.
There is also information that JMB secretary Iftadur Rehman entered India on January 12 this year on a fake passport and has established contact with linkmen in Assam and Bengal. He may also visit Delhi, intelligence sources said.
Iftadur's real name is Sajjad Hussain. "Apart from that we also have information that on January 18, a meeting between linkmen from Assam, West Bengal and New Delhi and the top JMB and HuJI leadership took place in the Mymensingh district of Bangladesh," a source said.
According to senior cops, there has been a change in the operational mechanism of these militants post-Khagragarh and this was creating problems in tracking them.
"Previously, there were certain porous districts like Malda, Murshidabad or Nadia through which they came. Now, they are coming through Assam and Tripura and then entering West Bengal. This is easier and safer for them," a senior Bengal police officer said.
"Being a riverine border, it is difficult for security agencies to keep vigil," the officer added.
Meanwhile, Additional Director-General of police (SB) in Assam, Pallab Bhattcharyya, has expressed his concern over the terrorist activities.
He admitted that there has been a rise in terrorist activities over the last six months and that the Assam police had already arrested 54 JMB operatives.
Intelligence sources said a top JMB leader Iftadur Rahman entered India on Jan 12 of this year on a fake passport and has established contact with linkmen in Assam and Bengal. He may also visit Delhi, they added.
PHOENIX State lawmakers voted Monday to trim but not eliminate the right of moving companies to hold a homeowner's goods hostage over a payment dispute.
Without dissent the Senate Committee on Commerce and Public Safety voted to outlaw the sometimes-used practice of telling customers they owe more than the original estimate and then refusing to take them the items off the truck when they arrive at the destination. HB 2145 now goes to the full Senate.
But the vote came only after lawmakers scaled back what already has been approved by the House.
That version stated flatly that a mover has an absolute obligation to deliver the items. That brought concerns from Tony Bradley, president of the Arizona Trucking Association who said it removed any incentive for the customer to pay anything at all after the services have been provided.
We certainly are not here to defend or protect people that use bad business practices, he told lawmakers. We are here ... to ensure that good businesses that are doing it right have the ability to get paid.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew du Mee said the new version is acceptable. He said the bottom line is that state intervention is needed.
Unscrupulous movers will use a lowball estimate in order to get business that couldn't be gotten at the other price, he said. What happens, du Mee said, is that the customer is then told at the end of the move that the actual cost ended up being higher and must be paid.
Consumers are put in a uniquely vulnerable situation when they move in that if a mover has all of their goods on a truck, he said.
That scenario was backed up by Tara Sytsma, who told lawmakers of moving from the Phoenix area last year when she bought her first home in Prescott.
Sytsma said she said she was quoted a rate of $700. But when the movers arrived, she said, they demanded $1,400.
I paid the money because they refused to open the truck, she said. Everything we owned was on there.
The changes approved by the Senate panel on Monday leave the door open for the possibility that the final charges may be more than the estimate, such as if there was more furniture than the customers said would have to be moved.
If that situation occurs, the legislation requires the customer at least what was in the original estimate.
At that point the mover is legally required to off-load all of the items. Any financial dispute then would be settled through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.
If the mover balks when the original estimate is paid, the legislation specifically empowers a police officer to direct the move to unload the goods.
Conversely, if the customer refuses to pay even the original estimate, the mover would be free to drive off with all of the items still in the truck, exercising what is called a carrier's lien on the goods. There would, however, be an obligation on the mover to ensure that no harm comes to the items being held.
That provision drew questions from Sen. Steve Smith, R-Maricopa. He said the legislation lacks specific language about how long a mover has to hold the goods, how much the mover can charge for storage and, ultimately, what happens to the items if no payment is forthcoming.
Chad Olsen, president of Camelback Moving, said members of his industry support the concept.
He said companies do not engage in holding household goods hostage over a legitimate fee dispute.
What I have seen and heard of is a carrier's lien being exploited by a predatory practice where other moving companies, rogue moving companies, will surprise a customer with hidden fees, extra charges, and demand payment while the goods are still on the truck, Olsen testified.
I have heard countless stories where Arizona residents are faced with the choice of having to pay moving costs that are two to three times what were quoted to them or have a moving company literally drive away with everything they own, he continued. This practice is dangerous, it's wrong.
Pressure building for forex investment abroad
Badrul Ahsan :
The central bank has urged the government to be cautious before allowing equity investment abroad by the local companies as it has already received lots of applications for such investments, sources said.
Bangladesh Bank (BB) in a letter to the Ministry of Finance (MoF) said recently that the government should consider a number of factors like foreign currency reserve, FDI inflow, export growth and remittance inflow before permitting capital account convertion.
It said the convertibility can only be considered if adequate foreign currency remains in hand after meeting necessary import cost.
"We have been receiving a good number of applications seeking permission for making equity investment abroad. If all the applications are considered, the pressure on central bank foreign exchange reserve may heighten," a high official of BB told The New Nation on Tuesday preferring anonymity.
"If export earnings show continuous rise, remittance inflow and foreign investment continue to increase for a long period then equity conversion would not make any harm to the country," he added.
Making equity investment abroad for resident Bangladeshis is not open under the existing Foreign Exchange Regulation Act. But under sub-section 6 of section-4 of the Act, the central bank can give permission for capital account transactions to interested businessmen in consultation with the government.
The central bank needs MoF's consent first before permitting anyone to make investment abroad, officials added.
In its letter, the BB mentioned that among the applications, three separate business groups wanted to send US$ 20 million to Malaysia for acquiring two companies there, set-up a garment factory in Haiti for which it needs to send $10.44 million, and establish a bank in Gambia by sending $7.0 million respectively.
"Though the foreign exchange reserve crossed $32 million in Bangladesh quickly, its current growth rate is very slow," the central bank in its letter to the MoF said, adding that import of fuel oil, capital machinery and consumer goods increased significantly in recent months.
Side by side, the global economic crisis has lowered export earnings and remittance inflow, it noted.
The BB said Bangladesh's foreign currency earning is mainly dependent on export earnings and remittance. Though aggregated export earnings shown a positive trend till February this fiscal year, remittance earnings are showing a negative trend.
But because of growing imports and low remittance inflow, the current account has gone to negative territory by around $0.80 billion in February last. With the current foreign currency reserve, import needs for 7/8 months can be met.
The central bank also said until November last year some Tk 2.77 trillion remained idle in the banking system. It further said minimum domestic investment needs to be 32 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP) to attain the optimum growth target of GDP.
However, a senior Finance Ministry official told The New Nation that sending money abroad through unofficial channel has been increasing as capital account is kept non-convertible.
Referring some reports he said in recent years billions of dollars have been siphoned off from the country. He said permission for investments abroad on a limited scale can be given.
When contacted on Tuesday, Executive Director of Policy Research Institute of Bangladesh Dr Ahsan H Mansur said the capital account should have been made convertible when the reserve situation was good.
"Though the foreign exchange reserve growth has slowed down, it has not declined until now," he said suggesting allowing equity investment abroad on a limited scale.
Mansur, however, suggested that the government should tag conditions like employment generations for Bangladeshi nationals in investments abroad.
Fear of losing Saudi labour market
Reza Mahmud :
Fear has been created for losing the country's largest labour market in the Saudi Arabia due to the new condition set by the Kingdom to recruit male and female workers at 75 and 25 per cent ratio.
Sources said, Saudi Arabia has imposed a new condition in last December that it would issue visa for 75 per cent male workers if any agency agreed to send 25 per cent of female labours.
"We are in serious problem about sending female workers abroad. If any female face some sort of difficulties in host countries, critics labeled that as women trafficking," Md. Ruhul Amin Swapan, General Secretary of Bangladesh Association of International Recruiting Agencies (BAIRA) told The New Nation.
On the other hand, he said, the Saudi Arabia imposed
conditions that 25 per cent female labour is a must to get working visas for 75 per cent male workers."
According to government to government agreement between Bangladesh and Saudi Arabia for domestic helps one male labour can get visa after every two female workers. But it was not applicable for the non domestic sectors.
But now the Saudi Arabia has set the conditions. As a result, the recruiting agencies who fails to fulfill the female workers quota, does not get any visa for male labours for that country.
Besides, the country has taken tough stance against the illegal workers staying there. It has given three months time for the illegal foreign workers, including more than one lakh Bangladeshis, to leave the country instead of giving them a chance to be ligalised.
"As a conservative society it is hard to get female workers here to send abroad. In this circumstance, the Saudi Arabia stopped to give visa to male workers. We have repeatedly failed to send our male workers to that country. We are very much anxious about losing our largest manpower market," said, Shariful Islam, an executive of Dynamic Trade Syndicate, a recruiting agency in Dhaka.
BAIRA sources said, Saudi Arabia stopped to recruit Bangladeshi workers from 2008. Before that every year around two lakh of workers were sent to that country. After a long eight years gap, Saudi Arabia had opened its market for Bangladeshi workers in a limited space giving priority to women workers. But due to non-fulfillment of their tougher stance about the female workers' quota, the country stopped giving visas to about 50,000 of male workers in December last.
They said, dates of medical tests of many workers have expired but the Saudi Embassy here is not taking their passports due to the female worker issue. Though thousands of workers have earlier submitted their passports to Saudi Embassy in Dhaka, a very few of them are getting visas.
On the other hand, officials of Saudi embassy said that they failed to collect passports not for the female worker issue but for because of shortage of their manpower.
Some of the recruiting agencies said, there are various problems to collect women workers for foreign countries, though it is not impossible. Moreover, all the recruiting agencies were not given permission to send female workers abroad.
"There are more than 1000 recruiting agencies in the country. But only 350 were given permission to send female workers abroad. So, the rest of the agencies will not be able to send male or female workers to Saudi Arabia," said Managing Director of a recruiting agency preferring anonymity.
"The largest labour market for Bangladeshi workers is now at a stake. The government should take emergency efforts to protect it," he said.
When contacted BAIRA President Benjir Ahmed said, "The female workers issue is very sensitive. Many agencies are ignoring to recruit female workers to avoid harassment as if a false accusation is made by any woman working in the middle eastern countries. As a result, the largest market of thousands of male workers is now at a stake."
Full text of verdict against Hannan, others released
Court Correspondent :
The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court yesterday (Tuesday) released the full text of its verdict on the review petition of Harkat-ul Jihad al Islami (HuJi) chief Mufti Abdul Hannan and his two associates challenging their death sentences.
The Appellate Division upheld the death penalty of three activists of banned militant outfit HuJi on Sunday in a case filed in connection with the grenade attack on the then British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Anwar Choudhury, in 2004. The verdict text will now be sent to the High Court and then to the jail via judicial court in order to execute the verdict.
On 11 February last year, a High Court bench, comprising justice M Enayetur Rahim and justice Amir Hossain, delivered the verdict upholding the death sentence for three
accused- Mufti Abdul Hannan, Sharif Shahedul Alam and Delwar Hossain and life-term imprisonment of two others- Mufti Hannan's brother Mohibullah and Mufti Moinuddin as handed down by the subordinate court.
British envoy Anwar Choudhury and 51 others were injured while three, including two police officials, were killed in the grenade attack at Hazrat Shahjalal (RA) shrine in Sylhet on 21 May 2004.
ICT finalises report against Pak Army officer
Staff Reporter :
For the first time, the probe committee of International Crimes Tribunal [ICT] has concluded the final report against a former Pakistani Army Captain Md Shahidullah for his alleged crimes against humanity during the Liberation War in 1971.
Investigation on three specific allegations against Captain Md Shahidullah, 75, a Bangalee officer who worked for Pakistani Army, has been completed. The report would be placed before the Chief Public Prosecutor of ICT.
Coordinator of the investigation agency of ICT Mohammad Abdul Hannan
claimed this at a press conference in the city's Dhanmondi area on Tuesday. The investigation was conducted by ZM Altafur Rahman that started on October 11, 2015.
"The accused Shahidullah had worked for Pakistani Army during the Liberation War. He used to introduce himself as a Captain. He came to his home district Comilla from West Pakistan in 1971. But he did not return there [West Pakistan]," Abdul Hannan said.
According to the Investigation report, the Pakistani Army Captain was Commander of a Pakistani camp at Daudkandi High School at that time and did not join the Bangladesh Army after the country's independence on December 16, 1971.
Elaborating the crimes, Abdul Hannan further said: "After returning, he set up a camp in Comilla and started detaining and torturing innocent people. At the same time, he had also become involved in abduction, looting, arson, killing and other crimes against humanity."
The three allegations, of which the investigation reports have been finalized, are: 1) Shahidullah had detained a pro-Liberation War physician Habibur Rahman on June 7, 1971. Later, he killed Habibur Rahman after severe torture in a Pakistani Army camp and dumped his body in the Gomti River.
2) On June 16, 1971, Shahidullah along with 40/50 members of Pakistan Army detained and tortured 20 villagers attacking Chengakandi and Golaper Char villages under Uttar Union of Daudkandi.
Shahidullah's gang set fire on five houses after looting all valuables from there. Later, he freed 19 out of 20 detainees, and shot dead the rest one. Later, the body of the victim was dumped in the Gomti River.
3) The members of Pakistan Army guided by Shahidullah had attacked Daudkandi Bazar on July 21 in 1971. They detained a man named Kala Mia from there. Later, they shot and killed Kala Mia behind Tanjina Hospital and dumped the body in a nearby canal.
On August 2, 2016, Shahidullah was arrested from his residence at Golaper Char village under Daudkandi upazilla in Comilla, within hours of issuing an arrest warrant by the ICT-1. The tribunal sent Shahidullah to jail on August 3, 2016 when police produced him before the tribunal.
In fact, the genocide in Bangladesh had began on 26 March 1971 with the launch of Operation Searchlight, as West Pakistan began a military crackdown on the then East Pakistan to suppress calls of the Bangalees for self-determination rights.
As per an estimation, during the nine-month-long war for independence, members of the Pakistani military and supporting Islamist militias from Jamaat-e-Islami killed up to 3,000,000 people and raped between 200,000 and 400,000 Bangladeshi women, in a systematic campaign of genocidal rape.
Many of those killed were the victims of radical religious paramilitary forces formed by the West Pakistani Army, including the Razakars, Al-Shams and Al-Badr forces, according to Wikipedia.
Customs seize Moosa bin Shamsher's car
Members of Bangladesh Army re-excavating and removing the wastes from the lake near the Naval Headquarters in Dhaka Cantonment on Tuesday.
bdnews24.com :
Customs detectives have seized a luxury vehicle from controversial businessperson Moosa bin Shamsher.
The Range Rover was taken away from a house at Dhanmondi following day-long drama, Mainul Khan, head of Customs Intelligence, told bdnews24.com.
Detectives went in search of the luxury SUV after receiving information that it was at Moosa's Gulshan home.
But by then the vehicle was moved, said Mainul.
The 'illegal vehicle' was repainted in an effort to hide it from detectives, he said. Customs have been in a drive to seize illegal, especially luxury vehicles, since last year.
Moosa, chairman of manpower recruiting company DATCO, was told to surrender the vehicle in a notice handed to him at 8am.
The notice prompted him to hide the car, detectives said.
Detectives found out that he was using the car after looking at CCTV footage from his Gulshan-2 house.
But, after not finding it in the house on Tuesday, they decided to trace it, said the customs chief.
"His granddaughter was seen leaving for school in that car. It wasn't brought back amid the customs raid at noon. The granddaughter came home in a different car," he said.
The Range Rover was located at Dhanmondi and seized from a house at Road-6 around 3pm.
The car's document said its body is white. But it had been coloured black, detectives said. It was also registered using false import documents.
End strike at BD Medical to end patients suffering
DOCTORS at Bangladesh Medical College Hospital (BMCH) are evidently causing havoc on patients as they continued strike for the past one-week on trivial issues. We must say there may be conflict in many issues between doctors and their parent body Bangladesh Medical Studies and Research Institute (BMSRI), but shutting the hospital services and denying treatment to patients can't be a remedy for any ongoing crisis. As it appears tension was going on in the hospital for the past three months when some doctors lodged complaints of irregularities to Anti-Corruption Commission against some BMSRI staff. In fact the relation was sore for the past three years and the formal complaint triggered the latest crisis.
News report said teachers and hospital doctors went into strike from March 15 as BMSRI authorities removed a professor from the post of a Research Director and transferred a Medical Officer to their Uttara Hospital. As tension flared up the health Ministry has taken over the investigation from ACC, but the removal of two doctors came as a key issue to call for the work abstention. Meanwhile, patients are paying heavily for the crisis in the hospital for no fault of their own and there is evidently nobody to call for accountability from either side.
We must say who is at fault and not is not our concern; the relevant authorities will take care of it. What seriously bother us is the gross indiscipline and mindless action of the doctors denying treatment to patients in hospital beds or waiting for admission. Meanwhile many admission-seekers from outside the city are running out of cash while indoor patients remained almost unattended except limited emergency services.
It is no doubt a clear professional indiscipline and breach of medical ethics. This profession demands selfless service, not political gambling and showing of muscle power to prevail over the others. We must say our doctors must be more humane and sensible.
Only two weeks ago intern doctors paralyzed the hospital services throughout the country for several days centering the beating of a patient's relative at Bogra Medical College Hospital. Earlier last month rival groups of ruling party affiliated doctors at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Medical University (BSMMU) took their fight in the streets forcing patients to flee as they challenged each other. Such actions are only earning bad name to doctors and adding suffering to patients.
We must say doctors are not like other professionals; they are saviours of patients in critical condition; they can't instantly shut the door of hospitals. In our view the Health Ministry should act quickly to restore discipline in the hospital and BMSRI authorities should also take urgent steps to end the misgivings. It can't go this way.
The Undead Archives
I have finally salvaged my pre-Blogger TDR archives and added them into Blogger. They are almost totally in the form of one giant post for each month. And the formatting strayed from the originals. Sorry. But historians everywhere can rejoice that this treasure trove of my thoughts is restored to the world.
Ahram Online, by Azza Radwan Sedky
When he came to office, millions were hopeful that Barack Obama would deliver on his promises regarding US relations with Arab countries. He failed.
In August 2008, on a cruise ship heading to Alaska, I sat glued to my cabin TV set. Nothing on that luxurious ship could have enticed me to leave that cabin as I watched the Democratic Party candidate, back then, Senator Barack Obama, speak.
He had me captivated, but I was not alone, for Obama always held his audience spellbound, coming across as articulate and genuine.
Early on, his foreign policy pledges were undeniably bonafide. He vowed to disentangle the US from Afghanistan and Iraq, and close Guantanamo; No more Iraqs had gained him many voters. And he became the 44the US president, his being the first black presidency, which exemplified diversity and acknowledgement of the other.
Then he chose Egypts Cairo University as the venue from which to speak to the Muslim world, and again I watched in awe. I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.
The Holy Quran tells us, continued Obama, O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.
No other US president had extended the reconciliatory olive branch of peace in that fashion. It was like a new beginning, and I, like millions, was hopeful that Obama would deliver on his promises.
Today, eight years after Obamas heartening start, we look back and assess his legacy in the Arab world a legacy of failure.
Iraq
Though President Bushs invasion of Iraq remains one of history's most tragic disasters, President Obamas role in the Iraqi war may have surpassed Bushs jaded blunder. In 2011, Obama ordered US combat troops to withdraw from Iraq. Regrettably, they left behind an open playing field for the Islamic State (IS), Al-Nusra Front, and other insurgencies to move in. Not only did Obama forsake the Iraqis but he also renounced the USs role in generating the Iraqi plight.
Iraq, today, remains at the mercy of Islamist militants. And to this Obama comments, The ability of ISIL to not just mass inside of Syria, but then to initiate major land offensives that took Mosul [in Iraq], for example, that was not on my intelligence radar screen."
Syria
Syria will remain the thorn in Obamas legacy in the Arab world. Siding with the opposition against President Bashar Al-Assad seems irrelevant today in the large scheme of things. As the opposition gained momentum, it got infiltrated by militants and factions from across the world.
The ongoing war left Syria with a humanitarian calamity: over 400,00 dead, a devastated wasteland, and the foreboding title of the worlds largest refugee crisis.
President Obama adopted a feint and indecisive role calling the fight against IS long-term. He dithered, leaving the door wide open for a multitude of countries to get involved. Neither Syria nor the Syrians themselves truly mattered.
Robert Ford, who resigned in 2014 as US ambassador to Syria over policy disagreements, said: Im personally sad that after we thought we had learned lessons in places like Sarajevo, Srebrenica and Rwanda, it's in fact very clear that this administration doesn't really care.
Today, a ceasefire in Syria is holding as a Russian-backed truce that the US played no role in takes effect.
Libya
Intervening in Libya and toppling Gaddafi left the country with a vacuum similar to that created in Iraq. President Obama made sure that the intervention was led by a NATO coalition, and in October 2011 NATO pulled out of Libya. This vacuum was immediately seized by IS.
Once Libya was Africas richest state; today Libya is in chaos, torn by civil war, split between Misrata militias on one side and General Khalifa Hiftar on the other.
While Obama was for the change in leadership and saving the lives of innocent Libyans, he never completed the task he initiated. When asked about his failures, Obama responded that failing to prepare for the aftermath of the ousting of the Libyan leader was the worst mistake of his presidency.
Whether in Libya, Iraq, or Syria, IS emerged as the successor after the toppled or targeted regimes left these countries easy prey. Obamas strategy regarding IS failed; it never seemed wilful or deliberate enough, and yet his administration continued its rhetoric on how it was working to degrade and destroy IS.
The repercussions of this stance are felt across the Arab world.
Egypt
An orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful and it must begin now, announced President Obama declaring the end of President Hosni Mubaraks reign.
After Mubarak stepped down, Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton sided with ex-President Morsi, but were never willing to stand with President El-Sisi. As retributive measures, the US withheld F-16 fighter jets, cancelled joint military exercises and, as the final straw, suspended, even if temporarily or partially, $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt.
President Obama had invested much in the Muslim Brotherhood and their leader and he couldnt forgo that investment without a fuss. Muslim Brotherhood members blatantly raised the Rabaa sign in the White House, even after Egypt designated the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group.
President Obama gave President El-Sisi a deliberate snub. Egypt was left to fend for itself against terrorism and economic hardship with the US oblivious to its capacity to assist. Soon Egypt was drawing on other allegiances and partnerships, such as Russia, China and France, in addition to the Gulf States, and maintaining an aloof and distant relationship with the US.
The one and only decision made by President Obama which, at face value, sided with the Arab world came too late and, alas, immediately backfired. On the eve of Obamas leaving office, the US abstained from a UN vote that allowed the UN to demand an end to Israeli settlements. This was followed by a vow from Israeli officials to build thousands of new settlements on occupied Palestinian land in defiance.
President Obama failed miserably in the Arab world, and it is no wonder that Arabs awaited his exit from the Oval Office with anticipation, and are, rightfully or wrongfully, awaiting to see how President Trump handles Obamas legacy in the coming days.
The writer is an academic, political analyst, and author of Cairo Rewind: the First Two Years of Egypt's Revolution, 2011-2013.
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A Devon-based business that has been run by the same family for 50 years is up for sale.
Elliss Bakery, which supplies local restaurants, cafes and colleges in Tavistock, is being sold due to impending retirement.
The terraced premises comprises a double-fronted retail sales shop with a commercial bakery on the ground floor, and preparation and storage rooms on the lower ground floor.
This is a great opportunity to acquire an honest, down-to-earth Devon retail business in a great location and with great potential," said commercial property agent Huntley & Partners, which are selling the business.
Elliss has a good location close to the town centre, said the agent, adding: "As an independent trader of acknowledged quality, it has built a mountain of local goodwill.
A negotiable length lease on Elliss Bakery will be available at 39,950, with a commencing rental of 14,000 per annum. The business has a turnover 127,000 and a net profit of 43,000 per annum.
Newport, Oregon Coast: Whales, Spring Break Fun Collide in Big Way
Published 03/21/2017 at 4:13 AM PDT - Updated 03/21/2017 at 4:14 AM PDT
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection staff
(Newport, Oregon) The central Oregon coast is where spring break and whale watch week collide in an especially engaging way. Newport is host to more whale watch vantage points than any other area, and there are bundles of family-friendly attractions that feature some stellar events. Oregon Coast Aquarium and the Hatfield Marine Science Center offer up special happenings into early April. There's some brilliant culture happening at the Newport Performing Arts Center, and don't forget the SOLVE Beach Cleanup on April 1 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Here are some highlights around Newport:
Saturday, March 25 and Sunday, March 26. Newport Symphony Orchestra with Pianist Alexander Schimpf. Schimpf will perform Mendelssohn, Schumann, Liszt and Berlioz - with Adam Flatt conducting. On Saturday, Flatt will hold a pre-concert talk at 6:45 p.m. Saturday: 7:30 p.m. Sunday: 2 p.m. $25 and $39 plus ticket fees; students $10. Newport Performing Arts Center. 777 W. Olive Street. Newport, Oregon. Newport Performing Arts Center. 541-265-2787. www.coastarts.org.
March 25 31. Spring Whale Watch Week in the Newport Area. Volunteers will be at dozens of high vantage points along the Oregon coast from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m but seven of them are right in the Newport area.
Just north of Newport, in the Depoe Bay area, there are Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewpoint, Whale Watching Center at the Depoe Bay Sea Wall and Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint.
Just outside of Newport are Cape Foulweather and the Devil's Punchbowl State Natural Area. Within Newport are Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Don Davis City Park in Nye Beach. More on Whale Watch Week: 541-765-3407. www.whalespoken.org.
March 25-31. Spring Whale Watch Week at the Hatfield Marine Science Center. The Hatfield features exhibits and learning centered on the Gray whales migrating north along the Oregon coast on their way to their feeding grounds. Admission is free with suggested donation. Hatfield Marine Science Center. 2030 SE Marine Science Drive. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-0100. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/.
Whale Watch Week at Oregon Coast Aquarium. The Aquarium will stay open an extra hour, until 6 p.m., from March 25 to April 2.
Spring break visitors are invited to dive into the world of animal play on Enrichment Day at the Aquarium on March 28.
Guests can also get a whiskery kiss with a seal, attend a dive presentation in the Oregon Kelp Forest Exhibit, or tour the behind the scenes areas. These programs usually sell out and some require advance registration, so visit aquarium.org for details. Families, scout troops and groups of all ages can snooze surrounded by sharks in Passages of the Deep during public sleepover programs offered from March 24 to April 1. Oregon Coast Aquarium. 2820 S.E. Ferry Slip Rd., Newport, Oregon. www.aquarium.org, 541-867-3474.
April 8. Marine Science Day. The Hatfield Marine Science Center will open its doors for a behind-the-scenes peek at the cutting-edge research, education and outreach in marine sciences that makes this marine laboratory unique. Meet researchers from Oregon State University and five government agency partners. Explore with interactive science displays presented by marine scientists and special family-friendly activities by Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Coast Aquarium. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hatfield Marine Science Center. 2030 SE Marine Science Drive. Newport, Oregon. 541-867-0100. http://hmsc.oregonstate.edu/.
For more information on Newports events, attractions and lodging, call the Newport Chamber of Commerce at 800-262-7844. www.discovernewport.com. - Newport Hotels for these events - Where to eat - Map and Virtual Tour
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If you are looking for the new Immoral Minority posts, you should know that they can be found here at our new home Please stop by to get caught up on politics, join the conversations, or simply check out the new digs.
With Anseman on the ballot and Theall apparently off the hook, Perret/Houghtaling move to block The INDs efforts to unseal suits at Thursday hearing in New Orleans.
Candyce Gagnard Perret Photo by Robin May
The Independent took legal action Monday to have two Orleans Parish district judges unseal separate cases in which New Orleans attorney John W. Houghtaling II sought declaratory judgments against his former fiancee, Candyce Gagnard.
Gagnard has since married Lafayette businessman Hunter Perret, whose company, Louisiana Specialty Institute, is under federal investigation for his company's billing practices, multiple lawyers who have been interviewed by the FBI have told The IND on the condition that their names not be published.
Gagnard Perret and is a candidate for the Third Circuit Court of Appeal, along with Vanessa Anseman and Susan Theall.
IND Media attorney Gary McGoffin is directing the effort to unseal the cases, notifying both Houghtaling and Gagnard Perret Monday that motions had been filed. We fax filed the motions to unseal the cases with the two judges Monday morning, McGoffin says.
Houghtaling responded to McGoffin that he intends to oppose any efforts to unseal the two cases, which he originally had requested be sealed shortly after he filed the suits in 2004 and 2006.
Candidate Candyce Gagnard Perret notified The IND Monday via email that she intends to fight the paper's efforts to unseal two cases filed by her former fiance, New Orleans attorney John Houghtaling. Within hours of sending the email, however, she told a group of voters that she was not opposing the paper's action. Click image for larger view.
Gagnard Perret also notified the paper the she will fight the motions. I object to the consideration of unsealing these documents, she wrote in a 3 p.m. email (marked with high importance) to McGoffin from her Perret Group email address. You may serve my local attorney James Williams.
A few hours later, however, the candidate denied that she, too, is seeking to block the papers efforts, according to four sources who heard her speak at a gathering Monday evening. Those sources tell The IND that Gagnard Perret said it is Houghtaling not she who is opposing the papers motions.
McGoffin has not been able to identify her "local attorney James Williams" in the Louisiana State Bar Association membership directory, which lists six different attorneys by the name of James Williams, none of whom are in Lafayette.
On Tuesday, McGoffin was able to confirm a hearing on the the 2006 suit with Judge Piper Griffin at 8:30 a.m. Thursday. A hearing on the 2004 suit before Judge Clare Jupiter is set for 9 a.m. that day.
McGoffins motions cite the Louisiana Constitution, its Public Records law and the seminal case on these issues, Copeland v. Copeland [a divorce case involving Popeyes Fried Chicken founder Al Copeland].
Residents are both public persons in this proceeding as a product of their voluntary actions, the motions read. Candyce Gagnard (Perret) by virtue of her qualifying as a candidate for the Court of Appeal on January 11, 2017. John Houghtaling by virtue of his March 3, 2017 public response contesting the criminal arrest of this then fiance, Candyce Gagnard Perret, in 2004.
The IND is seeking the pleadings (petition, answer, exceptions, motions, oppositions) and the orders or judgments granted, the motions read (view them here and here).
One suit was filed in October 2004, the other in February 2006. On Friday, The IND obtained a copy of a 2005 suit by Houghtaling and his then-girlfriend against Gagnard Perret in which the couple charged that they were being defamed, harassed, threatened and intimidated by Gagnard Perret. They sought an injunction against her to have her cease and desist those alleged acts.
All three suits were filed after Gagnard Perrets June 2004 arrest for public indecency in Seaside, Fla. Public records from the incident reveal that she falsely claimed to the arresting officer that she was an assistant district attorney, a position she has never held.
In the 2005 lawsuit seeking the injunction, Houghtaling stated that he and Gagnard broke off their relationship not long after the Florida arrest.
Gagnard was in practice for herself at that time, according to Houghtaling and records from the Louisiana Secretary of State. Houghtaling told The IND in a March 3 phone interview that Gagnard did not work for his firm (Gauthier, Houghtaling) but that she rented office space from him and did some contract work for the firm.
In October 2004, according to Gagnard Perrets LinkedIn account, she began working as a senior clerk for the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeal in New Orleans. That same month, Houghtaling filed his first suit against Gagnard, one of the two suits the paper is seeking to have unsealed. The 2005 and 2006 suits also coincide with the time her LinkedIn profile says she worked at the Fourth Circuit. The Perret campaign has vouched for the accuracy of Candyce Perrets LinkedIn work timeline.
Vanessa Anseman Photo by Robin May
ANSEMAN STAGES A COMEBACK
Vanessa Anseman is officially a candidate in the special election to fill a vacancy on the Third Circuit Court of Appeal after St. Landry Parish District Attorney Earl Taylors office dropped its challenge to her candidacy at the opening of her appeal Monday.
Assistant District Attorney Donald Richard, who argued successfully before Judge Alonzo Harris in Opelousas last week to have Anseman declared ineligible to run for the seat, told the en bank hearing of the Third Circuit Court of Appeal judges that a note from the Louisiana Supreme Court regarding Ansemans compliance with Mandatory Continuing Legal Education credits made the eligibility issue moot.
On Friday, John Tarlton Olivier, clerk of the Louisiana Supreme Court, distributed a notice recalling the May 1, 2013, Notice of Ineligibility filed against Anseman for failure to meet her MCLE requirements. Olivier wrote for the court:
On May 1, 2013 a Notice of Ineligibility for noncompliance with MCLE requirements was issued certifying you as ineligible to practice law, effective May 31, 2013. You are hereby notified of the recall of that Notice. The courts of this state will be notified accordingly.
This Notice does not affect any other declaration of ineligibility that may have been issued by this Court.
Richard told the eight judges (four judges recused themselves from the hearing) in the Third Circuit Courthouse in Lake Charles that he had asked Olivier to send a copy of the letter to the judges on the panel. If that is a true and accurate letter, then the theory of the states case fails, and Ill move to dismiss the case, Richard said. There is no need to waste any more time on this.
Richard explained that removal of that first certification of ineligibility meant that Anseman became a qualified candidate for the seat shortly after qualifying ended.
Judge Sylvia Cooks of Lafayette acted as the presiding judge after Chief Judge Ulysses Gene Thibodeaux recused himself. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter on bar matters, Cooks declared. The judges moved to recess, but not before Judge Billy Ezell asked Anseman if she had anything to say, or, do you want to quit while youre ahead?
Anseman chose to speak, but only briefly.
The judges adjourned for less than five minutes and returned to announce that based on the Supreme Court Notice they were granting Richards motion to dismiss the case.
On the steps of the courthouse following the decision, Anseman declared that she was pleased with the decision to dismiss the case and vacate Judge Harris decision but lamented the uncertainty the case had created in the minds of voters during the week of early voting.
The court has made clear that I am qualified to run for this position, Anseman told reporters. Make no mistake, this was political. Courts should not be used as a weapon wasting our taxpayers money to politically campaign against me.
Anseman explained that the legal challenge diverted her from her campaign efforts.
While Ive been out of pocket writing briefs, arguing my case in court, Ive been off the campaign trail, Anseman said. Never is that time more important than in an expedited, short-term special election like this one.
Anseman said she was plunging back into campaign mode as soon as she left the courthouse.
In addition to Chief Judge Thibodeaux, other 3rd Circuit judges to recuse themselves from the case were John Saunders and Phyllis Keaty.
Susan Theall Photo by Robin May
**
THEALL OFF THE HOOK?**
Kathleen Allen, head of the Louisiana Ethics Administration, took issue this week with candidate Susan Thealls statements that administration staff provided her 2011 campaign promissory note models that she then used to memorialize loans from a Lafayette businessman to Thealls campaign for the 15th JDC.
Our office doesnt have any model documents of that sort, Allen tells The IND.
Allen had read The IND article published Friday regarding Thealls loans and noted, as did her former mentor R. Gray Sexton, that loans cannot exceed the contribution limits for the office the candidate is seeking.
Theall personally borrowed at least $108,000 from Burton Zaunbrecher during her 2011 campaign. She then turned around and loaned that money to her campaign in her own name. The debt remained on her 2011 campaign account until 2014, when she executed a paper transaction converting the loans to contributions to her campaign in order to close the two campaign accounts.
Allen, however, confirms that there is a statute of limitations on campaign finance violations.
Theres a three-year limit on campaign violations and a one-year limit if its on information contained in a report, she says.
Theall, then, appears to be in the clear with the Campaign Finance Administration, as all of the transactions and reports relating to her 2011 campaign took place during periods that are outside the window where actions could have been brought against her.
It's unclear whether Theall might still face issues with the Code of Judicial Conduct. She was not a judge when she obtained the loans from Zaunbrecher, a former client of hers. As she explained to The IND in interviews at her office last week, Candidates for judge are asked to sign a document saying that they will adhere to Canon 7 of the Code of Judicial Conduct.
That segment of the Code prohibits judges and candidates for judge from directly soliciting campaign contributions. Theall maintains that she did not solicit "contributions," even though the loans were converted to campaign funds shortly after they were made.
[Editor's Note: This story has been edited to reflect that sources tell The IND Hunter Perret's company, LSI, is under federal investigation.]
The retirement of Col. Mike Edmonson, effective Friday, reverberated throughout Louisianas political community last week no matter how expected the announcement was. Now attention and speculation turns to who will become the next superintendent of the Louisiana State Police, a position that brings with it an incredible amount of political leverage.
Gov. John Bel Edwards is said to be on the hunt for an interim superintendent at the moment. Many are urging him to select an interim who will not be interested in pursuing the top job on a permanent basis, which seems to be his preference as well at the moment. In fact, there are a lot of folks whispering in the governors ear and he has no shortage of suggestions to review.
There are some restrictions, though, beginning with a state law that prohibits the governor from conducting an external search: Edmonsons successor, by law, has to come from within State Police and they must be a graduate of the agencys training academy.
Some lawmakers see an opportunity for change at State Police with no figurehead in place and a regular session scheduled to convene on April 10.
There have been informal talks about bills addressing accounting safeguards, term limits, the appointment process and more. Its all part of the typical knee-jerk reaction in Louisiana politics, most of which fades with time, but a part of it could surface in legislative debates soon depending on the mood of lawmakers.
Purpera
The head of a nonpartisan legislative office that digs into the spending of state and local government agencies is warning state lawmakers that he's teetering on the financial edge.
Legislative Auditor Daryl Purpera said Tuesday he's eating into his agency's reserves, even as he continues to shrink staff. And lawmakers diverted $2 million from those reserves last month to help plug a state deficit.
Purpera's message to the Legislative Audit Advisory Council was direct: Cuts are threatening the watchdogs that find waste and fraud as the state is pinching pennies.
He's asking lawmakers to add more state general fund money to his budget next year, so he can stop raiding reserves.
Lawmakers on the council were supportive. They'll consider his proposal in the upcoming legislative session that begins in April.
For the members of People First, self-advocacy is one of the most important tools they have. Members of the group have disabilities, but they also want their voices heard and to have the final say in their personal lives and medical care.
This past Saturday, the Beatrice chapter of People First held a mini-convention focused on self-advocacy techniques as well as a prom at Mosaic in Beatrice. The afternoon was full of classes on how to live as independently as possible, as well as some fun activities.
People First is an organization run by and for people with disabilities. One of their main goals is making sure that if decisions are going to be made for people with disabilities, then people with disabilities have a say in the matter. Several People First members serve on government boards and work within their communities to give people an inside perspective on life with a disability.
With about 40 members of People First from chapters all over Nebraska in attendance, classes included topics like voting, healthy eating, public speaking, sign language, in addition to crafts, music and dance sessions.
We learn how to stand up for ourselves and speak for ourselves, said Renee Harp. This helps me a lot and I really enjoy people first.
Harp, who came to the convention from Grand Island, was named People First Self-Advocate of the Year in 2016. These conventions are a great place for people with disabilities to exchange ideas, she said, as well as a great place to make friends.
One of the events organizers, Lori Broady, said having a mini-conference in Beatrice is a good way to ensure everyone who wants to find out more about self-advocacy has an opportunity to do so. In previous years, she has taken members to the statewide People First convention, but thats a difficult thing to do with limited funding.
We have so many members that it's very expensive, Broady said. We decided to bring a convention to them. We invited some of the folks from Auburn and Kearney and Omaha that have done presentations that I was impressed with.
One of the speakers at the Beatrice conference was Steve Goeking who discussed his own experiences with self-advocacy. Goeking once lived with a host family, and spoke about how important it was to be able to say when he felt uncomfortable there. He really didnt like where he was, and the ability to be honest about that in meetings with his doctors and service providers, he said, changed his life for the better. Hes happy with his current living arrangements, he said, but ideally, hed like more independence in the future.
I've been here nine years and I have a great life, Goeking said. That's my goal, having my own place.
In the Mosaic cafeteria, conference-goers were busy decorating bookmarks with sayings like Dont dis my ability on them. The stamped and stickered bookmarks will be donated to the Beatrice Library for Disability Awareness Month.
It gives a little information about disabilities and where to go to get more information, so that's what we've been doing, said Donna Meyers, who led the craft sessions.
Bob Vanover, president of the Beatrice People First chapter, said he was pleased to see so many people in attendance. Self-advocacy was a big part of the citizenship and voting session he helped to lead.
It's real important, Vanover said. It's good that I can volunteer and help out.
There was a two-hour break after the conference for attendees to get ready for prom in the Mosaic gym. Conference goers headed down dressed to the nines and danced at the party sponsored by Thrivent Financial. Broady applied for a mini-grant from Thrivent, who provided $250 for flowers, crowns for the prom king and queen, as well as pizzas.
It's non-negotiable, Broady said. They want to have a prom. Some of them have never been to a prom, so this is kind of important to them.
Many of the conference attendees live at Mosaic, including Philip Enersen who arrived to the prom wearing new suspenders. Enersen said he was very glad to have events like this that he could attend.
Mosaic is really good and Im very proud of Mosaic, he said. I like this place so much.
With convention-goers doing the Electric Slide on the dancefloor behind her, Broady smiled as she turned to wave at a couple entering the prom hand in hand.
Some of our members said, 'When are we doing this next year'? and we haven't even finished this year's yet, Broady said. So I have a feeling this could happen again.
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Hoi An Vietnam was one of those places that whilst travelling through Vietnam kept coming up time and time again, each person we spoke to seemed to come to the same conclusion, a nice place but actually quite horrible in many ways. Knowing how frustrated we get at being constantly shouted at to buy things, called into every restaurant you pass and not being allowed to walk for 10 minutes without someone wanting you to jump on their motorbike or cycle rickshaw!
Exploring the pastel shades of this crumbling French colonial town: Hoi An Vietnam
A UNESCO listed town the beautiful streets of Hoi An Vietnam are a wonderful example of a South East Asian trading port, here you can wander the streets of this beautifully crumbling town and discover one of the best preserved Vietnamese towns of this era. The pastel shades of yesteryear, the lanterns swaying in the gentle breeze and the glistening cobbled streets that the lights sparkle of. Hoi An in itself is a truly beautiful place to visit, the rivers and canals cutting through the town just add to its mystic and draw, the crumbling aesthetic is as charming as it ever was and if you allow your imagination to run away with itself you could be wandering in a bygone era of Vietnam, before the war, before the hordes, in this maze of mellow yellow streets.
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Discovering the layers of history in Hoi An Vietnam
Built from the 15th to the 19th century Hoi An Vietnam has many layers to the fascinating history it has gone through, here you can clearly see the French influences alongside traditional Vietnamese architecture and Chinese styles. It is a mixing pot for the cultures that have dominated Vietnam and Indochina for years, a port in which to a large extent time has stood still and it had some how managed to weather the mass industrialisation of much of Vietnam and Asia. A time capsule layered with degrees of history, where wooden boats still float down the river, traditional clothing and the quintessential Vietnamese wicker had is adorned my almost everyone and the colour pop and dance off the preserved streets. Sounds like the most wonderful place in the world, it would be if it werent for tourism!
Wandering the lantern lit streets at night
One of the highlights of Hoi An Vietnam is the light show at night, traditional paper lanterns of all colours of the spectrum hang from every possible awing. Walking along the main streets of the town is like stepping into a fairytale, made even more stunning after a light shower turned the ancient cobbled streets into a mirror, doubling the beauty.
Along the river the amazement continues, little paper boats carrying candles light up the waters as they meander through the town, larger and more intricate paper lanterns of dragons and lions line the way too. It really is quite a magical sight and one the town is famous for upon its monthly festivals which now seem to have spread to a daily occurrence. Great for the tourists but again a sign of how something so special has become rather commodified.
A bitter sweet town that left us looking forward to leaving!
In truth Hoi An Vietnam is a lovely place on the surface, if I could float above it, far away from the noise and hassle I would have adored it. To sit back on a bench and take the place in would have been amazing. But for all the time we spent in the area waiting for our visa extension we actually only ventured into the town twice, preferring what is mentioned in the section below!!
Now, as a tourist, despite any of our protests against that title there is no doubt that however much we try, we are just that, whether we also be a traveller too. I do find it a little tiring when people describe themselves as a traveller and not a tourist! So in this vein it might seem again hypercritical to lambast a place because of tourism and at the same time be stood there exploring the place as a tourist/ traveller. But honestly in Vietnam we have found the biggest issue not exactly with the tourists themselves, but with the dark side that they bring out in the locals. Vietnam for us has been a country on contrasts, of amazing and awful, and usually the awful has been a result of the attitude of many locals we have met.
The people who live and work in Hoi An have ruined the place, they hound you as you walk down the street, pushing things in your face to buy, literally grabbing you and trying to drag you in to their shop, shouting money at you, asking for money for you to take a photo of them, often only wearing traditional clothing just to pose! The lanterns on the river are great, apart from the old women hitting you with her stick and forcing a candle into your hand.
You cant just wander the street without someone shouting motorbike or even opium, tailors con people with their deals, tour companies swindle even more people. The potholes are endless and often the locals so aggressive in their pursuit of the riches they see you as that they fail to see how they are turning a lovely place into a zoo than many will just simply avoid in the future, as they may well the whole country as this virus seems to spread to anywhere remotely on the tourist/ traveller map. Which is one more reason getting the bikes and visiting the truly unspoilt areas of the country was really rewarding and offered us a true picture of Vietnam!
Getting out and about exploring rural life in Hoi An: A highlight of this area for us!
Having our motorbikes throughout Vietnam proved to be a deciding factor on whether or not we actually liked the place or not. The main epicentres of tourism were fraught with aggressive selling of tours, scams, price gouging and general coldness towards foreigners unless you had money in your hand. On the other hand get into the countryside, the isolated villages and mountains and people just wanted to wave, say hello and met you. No thoughts of us as just money on wheels, but genuine intrigue and warmth.
Hoi An is a small place and is saturated with all that is bad about visiting Vietnam, but it is also surrounded by beautiful and unspoilt countryside, rice paddies for miles and locals much more open and freindly. Taking our bikes and exploring the surrounding villages, many of which have seen very few western visitors was one of the most rewarding experiences of our time in this region. Look out for a full post about our Jack Tran Eco tour too in which we really got under the skin of local farming, fishing and wartime life here.
Another great day trip from Hoi An is the My Son Champa ruins 50km away.
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BENTON Otha Don Watkins III, the other man law enforcement say was involved in an attempted bank robbery in Cario during which two were killed in May 2014, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday to the four charges he faces.
Watkins, 35, of Cairo, appeared in federal court in Benton for a first appearance and arraignment hearing. During the brief hearing, Watkins entered a plea of not guilty to charges of aiding and abetting an armed bank robbery resulting in death; conspiracy to interfere with commerce by robbery; making a false statement; and being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment charging Watkins alleges he was with James Watts, 32, of Cairo, the day Watts fatally stabbed to death two employees of the Cairo First National Bank and seriously wounded a third despite Watkins previously telling an FBI agent he had last seen Watts days prior.
Watkins, who is Watts' stepbrother, is alleged to have driven Watts to the bank, and communicated with Watts on a two-way radio while Watts attempted to rob the bank. When they were unable to open the bank vault because it was after hours and set on a timer not to open until the next morning, Watts killed Anita Grace, the branch president, and Nita Smith, an employee, and seriously injured a third employee, who survived and called 911, according to details of the case presented by prosecutors at Watts' change of plea hearing this past week.
Watts pleaded guilty Thursday to the charges he faced: attempted bank robbery resulting in death and being a felon in possession of a weapon. Under the terms of his plea deal, Watts will receive a sentence of life in prison. Federal prosecutors have agreed not to request the death penalty at his sentencing hearing scheduled for May 25, as they previously indicated they planned to do if Watts was convicted by a jury.
The superseding indictment charging Watkins was handed down around the time Watts' plea deal was finalized. The charges it leveled against Watts were the same as those he was charged with shortly after the violent attempted robbery on May 15, 2014. A third person, Sharita Tipler, was indicted on a charge of transferring a firearm to a prohibited person.
If convicted of the charge of aiding and abetting an armed robbery resulting in death, Watts could be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. The other charges carry sentences of up to five, 10 and 20 years, plus fines and mandatory supervised release.
George Norwood, assistant U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Illinois, said the government would request for Watts to remain detained should he decide to seek bond. On Thursday, the defense attorney representing Watkins said his client had signed a waiver forgoing his right to a detention hearing, means he agrees to remain in custody at this time without a request for bond.
A pretrial date in Watkins' case was set for May 17, and a trial date for May 30.
CARBONDALE Three A-10 Warthog jets flew in formation thousands of feet above a small gathering of family, military personnel and supporters gathered to pay a final tribute to a 25-year-old fighter pilot and Southern Illinois native who died more than 75 years ago.
The remains of 2nd Lt. Maax C. Hammer Jr. rested in a small bronze urn atop a table centered between the headstones of his parents, mother Ruth Hammer, on the left, and father, Maax C.Hammer Sr., on the right near the middle of Oakland Cemetery in Carbondale.
Hammer's distant cousin, Tripp Alyn, had determined years ago to bring Hammer to this final resting place.
It was more than 75 years ago that Hammer's plane crashed on a familiarization flight in Myanmar then Burma in 1941. He was buried in four other places before he landed at his final, familial resting place. An only child of his parents, the 25-year-old was not married and had no children when he died.
The ceremony Tuesday morning was quiet and solemn, with just a few people who were meaningful to Hammer's trip home, just the way Alyn had wanted. Lining the small gathering were other members of the military, and members of the Patriot Guard, a group of former military men and women and allies who support the families of individuals who are killed while in active service. A rifle salute was performed, and an Army bugler played Taps. A floral wreath stood by the gravesite, sent by the AVG Flying Tigers Association to honor one of their fallen members.
The cousin Alyn had never met had been a pilot with the U.S. Army Air Corps Reserves in the late 1930s, before he resigned in 1941 to join the volunteer Flying Tigers.
In July 1941, Hammer had been recruited by the American Volunteer Group (AVG), later known as the Flying Tigers, allowed to secretly resign (under a presidential order) from the U.S. Army Air Corps, Alyn said. The Flying Tigers were commissioned to help the British and the Chinese defend China and Myanmar, then known as Burma, against the Japanese.
Alyn said Hammer had only been in the country 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.
Alyn and one of his cousins on his father's side, U.S. Army 1st Sgt. Brian Holzmark from Fort Knox, Kentucky, sat in the family viewing section, as did Maj. Eric Taylor, from the Illinois Army National Guard in Marion; Taylor had been charged with caring for Hammer's remains en route to their final burial.
Also in the family viewing section was U.S. Air Force Col. Brad Bridges, and his sons, Will, 7, and Nick, 9, and Ann Norris-Price, a Carbondale woman who completed genealogical work to help Alyn find the whereabouts of Hammer's relatives. She determined that Hammer's mother, father, and his grandparents are all buried in a family plot in Oakland Cemetery.
Norris-Price said she works for the Juli Claussen Search and Genealogical Services, which researches family genealogy and histories. Though not related to the Hammers or Alyn, she noted that her own birth father came from the same part of Germany as did Hammer's grandfather.
At the conclusion of Tuesday morning's service, Alyn said he felt "happily relieved." He thanked the funeral home Walker Funeral Home and the city of Carbondale officials and fire and police departments and the military representatives for helping to make the day special for him and Hammer.
Though the book is finally closed on this fighter pilot, Alyn said support now turns to two other families of WWII-era servicemen, whose bodies were buried alongside Hammer's in Burma, then later moved with his to India and then buried for decades in an Unknown grave in Hawaii.
Services for Peter William Atkinson, who died Oct. 25, 1941, have been set for Saturday, April 8, in Martinsburg, West Virginia. Services for John Dean Armstrong, who died Sept. 8, 1941, have been set for Saturday, June 17, in Hutchinson, Kansas.
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Last week, I experienced the infantilization of the campus for the first time.I run the Center for Free Enterprise at Florida Southern College , where we emphasize that a realistic assessment of the world shows that free enterprise is the best way to help ordinary people. We had scheduled the well-known Manhattan Institute economist Diana Furchtgott-Roth to speak on "The Myth of the Wage Gap." Because of that, a student targeted me for a dressing-down in my office.Her main thrust was that the wage gap between men and women could not possibly be a myth. Everyone knows about this wage difference, she declared, so how could Diana Furchtgott-Roth call it a myth?I encourage social inquiry based on evidence and so explained to the student how modern statistical methods can control for various influences that explain wage differences, such as education levels, area of work, and age. Furchtgott-Roth's argument was that if you apply those controls, the "wage gap" disappears.Our discussion then continued to fashion models who are paid very well, but, declared the student, exploited. After I explained why that conclusion was doubtful, she burst into tears and fled. It seemed her tears were a reaction to facing up to economic inquiry in an area of cherished belief.Why does such infantile behavior surface in colleges populated by intelligent young adults?To those of us who grew up in the 1960s, it's strange. Students back then relished the logical articulation of heterodox ideas, but modern students, like the one mentioned above, often exhibit trauma in the face of intellectual challenge and expect administrators to protect them from conflicting ideas.I think there's an economic explanation for that change. We are looking at a shift in the risk preferences of the academy, especially its students.Economists analyzing risk have long understood that most individuals prefer avoiding a loss compared with taking a gamble to achieve a gain. If faced with an equal chance of gaining or losing $1,000 (actuarially worth $500), most individuals are risk averse and prefer to accept a lesser sum (e.g., $400) to avoid the gamble.An implication of risk aversion is that people will fight to hold on to known levels of wealth, income, and other assets-including intellectual comfort levels. This was ever so, but students are fighting harder than ever to avoid risk of losing faith in their ideas. I think there are several reasons why this has happened.First, higher education has greatly expanded, enrolling many students with lower ability levels compared with those of 50 years ago. In psychological research, lower intelligence is statistically associated with greater risk aversion. Therefore, one explanation for the change in risk aversion is simply that the student body has become, on average, less bright.Second, many college administrators now have more of a commercial focus than those of the past, whose sympathies were usually close to the traditional academy. The new type has a misguided sense of the academy as really being a business (rather than simply needing to be businesslike), which leads to a customer focus that's appropriate to, say, the marketing of vacations, but not to the provision of education.In the new model of administration, there are people who don't understand why we need all this intellectual controversy stuff. They'd rather just keep the kids happy.Recent research from Sweden suggests that college administrators have unusually high aversion to risk. For them, any significant risk of controversy on campus with associated conflict is best avoided. Their attitude communicates in specific and general ways to the student body. A climate of avoiding intellectual conflict builds up over time. Controversial speakers become equally undesirable to students and administrators.Another reason why many students cling to certain ideas is social media, which is increasingly a mechanism for extreme peer-group pressure if not outright bullying. Thus, the psychological loss attached to changing your ideas or in any way deviating from dominant views can be high. Social media also seems to increase risk aversion in relation to exploring ideas.That observation rings true among growing revelations that social media networks edit information streams to align them with the exhibited preferences of users. Social media is thus an efficient medium for reinforcing belief systems via peer-group pressure. It is risky for individuals to change beliefs that have been shaped by "likes" in a public forum and the risk of ostracism through being "unfriended" is painfully high for many students.Perhaps there are other factors contributing to the infantilization of the campus. The big question is what, if anything, we can do about it. Let me advance two ideas.First, the inappropriate emphasis on the university as a business needs to end. When administrators look upon students simply as paying customers who must be kept happy, they lose sight of the very point of higher education, where struggling for knowledge and self-improvement is a complex undertaking. Losing enrolled students from time to time is the price of keeping academic standards high. That loss includes the possibility that some might leave because they feel "unsafe" with controversial ideas swirling around.Second, school officials should become proactive in heading off infantilization. Administrators themselves must understand the importance of controversy and uncomfortable debate in the academy, then provide that message to the student body. It isn't enough to say that criminal damage and intimidation will not be allowed on campus. It is vital to draw students out of the sheltering approach of their earlier schooling and engage them into the world of clashing ideas where theirs will often be judged. It isn't personal. Don't react like a child.Educational leaders must explain to students that civilization depends on freedom of speech. We need everyone's willingness to listen to and rationally respond to different views. Leaders must take every opportunity to reinforce the message that thinking based on evidence and controversy is the normal currency of academic training. Shouting down speakers is not.That message will support wider tolerance and intellectual curiosity, and help students to take an adult approach to the world. If officials at Middlebury College had robustly encouraged this more adult approach, then their students wouldn't have shamefully shouted down Charles Murray when he tried to speak there. My college is not remotely like Middlebury, but all colleges are endangered unless we teach students that different ideas are not risks that must be avoided.
How to find good people
How personality styles effect our leadership and management styles
ow to "catch people doing things right" and retain good employees
How to interview for good work ethic
The only five resources you and your team have
How to deal with underperforming employees
How to be a better teacher-which is what great owners/managers really are
When it is time to be The Boss
Contact: Lentz Stowe
Lentz Stowe Lentz.Stowe@beaufortccc.edu
If you own or manage a small business and you manage other people you have one of the most stressful jobs in the American workplace. First,no one is as committed to the business as you are. You may be working with people of different ages, from different cultures, with family connections they think remove them from responsibility, are stealing from you, or are using the job as a holding pattern until they find something better. Managing people in a small business demands different rules."Managing People in a Small Business," offers a wide range of practical information that helps small business owners and managers to manage more effectively. In the program you will discover:"Managing People In a Small Business," focuses on the fact that management is about getting more done through others, profitably. Click here to register for the class.
I am in Elizabeth City on this fair morning- the day that belongs to anyone with even a bit of Irish blood in their veins has dawned with birds singing. I came on Wednesday night, Brant and Sydney arrived on Thursday. We have been cooking ever since.Jenny has her house decorated with shamrock plants, displays of green glass and gold coins. Lyla has a beautiful little Irish Linen dress on this morning and an Irish fairy costume for later. We are after all, "a bit Irish."A few generations back, Henderson McDuffy Leary and his brother, Enoch settled not too far from Lake Phelps, where my sister, Connie lives today. We claim our heritage and are known to boast about it on occasion, though we laugh at jokes about the irish without malice. True to our nature, we do exhibit a "tribal mentality". If someone crosses one of us, we are every one offended and quite likely to raise a ruckus. I, who do not kill bugs, will start the commotion. Thankfully, this does not happen often, but when it does, it leaves a memorable impression for years-long after, we have forgiven the offender. We do not quarrel amongst ourselves as it seems especially sinful, and besides that, I tell them with my hand over my heart, "I couldn't bear for one of you to speak a word against one another."- and I mean it.We are every bit as sentimental as we are known to be. I cry at the drop of a hat, at things beautiful or the least bit sad. We are a soft hearted lot and because of that we are generous. We have great respect for all of the earth, and consider whatever patch we live on, about sacred. I hardly think such attributes are only found in the Irish, but I have noticed on more than one occasion, they are apt to be true-and I must say so, being it is St. Patricks' Day, after all.The cake is iced at last, and the final loaf of bread is almost done. It is past four and guests arrive at five. I have been in the kitchen, the better part of the day but I have stolen away to the porch several times and noticed the dog tooth violets blooming in the yards up and down the street. The laughing river just smiled today and was as blue as I have ever seen it. Finally, a day came about that was mild enough for one to sit in the open air and watch the sparrows carrying on with their great intentions.We had just finished setting the table, when guests started arriving. Two families had babies and what a refreshing picture it made. They, like the young sparrows, so full of sweet intentions. Mandy, the darling of Pansy and Ivy came with a bouquet of Bells of Ireland and shamrock hydrangea. I had never seen this variety of hydrangea, but now I won't soon forget it. Every petal boasted a perfect little shamrock that looked painted on.Tonight, when I say good night to the world, I will "count my lucky stars" and be grateful to the Hand that placed them. I will be glad for sparrows and dog tooth violets-for kitchens to bake bread in and for little, Irish Linen dresses worn by a fairy, who is just a bit Irish.
From left, Superior Court Judges Todd Burke, Jesse Caldwell III, and Jeffrey Foster hear arguments from lawyers representing Gov. Roy Cooper and the General Assembly in a lawsuit challenging the legislature's power to force confirmation hearings on Cabinet officers. (CJ photo by John Trump)
The separation-of-powers battle between Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper and the Republican-led General Assembly won't end any time soon.A three-judge panel of Superior Court judges ruled Friday that portions of two laws passed during a December special session of the legislature that reorganized aspects of state government were unconstitutional, while a provision allowing the Senate to confirm Cabinet-level officials was fine.A spokeswoman for Senate leader Phil Berger, R-Rockingham, said General Assembly leaders have not decided if they would appeal the ruling or enact new legislation. A spokeswoman for Cooper hinted that the court battles weren't over.The panel comprised Superior Court judges Todd Burke and Jesse Caldwell, both Democrats, and Jeffery Foster, a Republican. They were picked by Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Martin.The judges ruled unanimously that a provision of Senate Bill 4 combining the State Board of Elections and the State Ethics Commission into a single body violated the constitutional separation-of-powers provision. The panel said the elections board's duties were primarily executive in nature and that the provisionOn the other two matters, the judges split. Caldwell and Foster ruled that a provision of House Bill 17 letting the Senate to confirm the governor's Cabinet picks was constitutional under Article III, Section 5. It states,Burke dissented.On the final issue - whether the legislature could reduce the number of political appointees a governor could name from 1,500 to 425 - the judges again split, but this time in a different configuration. Caldwell and Burke ruled the provision a violation of separation of powers. By reducing the number of political appointees, they said,Foster dissented.Shelley Carver, a spokeswoman for Berger, released a statement soon after the decision was published.the statement said.Carver added,Noelle Talley, Cooper's press secretary, suggested the litigation was not over.she said in a statement.
Blood in or on the stool, or in the toilet bowl. Changes in stool shape.
Changes in bowel habits such as increased constipation or diarrhea.
Unexplained weight loss.
Abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting.
Unexplained anemia. Weakness, pale color, shortness of breath.
Schedule a visit with your primary care doctor. He/she will recommend the best screening test based on your overall health and insurance coverage.
In most cases this will be a colonoscopy, which is the preferred colon cancer prevention test. Colonoscopy allows the gastroenterologist to see the entire colon, and in most cases to remove the polyps which can turn into cancer. For most individuals, colonoscopy starts at age 50, and will be repeated every 3-10 years depending on what is found. For higher risk persons, such as those with a personal history of Crohn's disease or a family history of colon cancer, colonoscopy will start at an earlier age, depending on your individual history and risk factors.
In addition, there are also other screening methods available. A new test on the market is Cologuard, which is a test for cancer DNA in your stool. This is covered by Medicare and may be an alternative for those who cannot tolerate a colonoscopy. Another alternative would be fecal immunochemical test (FIT) cards, sent home with you by your doctor. Please talk to your family physician about what is right for you.
Be vigilant of the potential symptoms listed above and schedule a visit with your doctor immediately if symptoms occur.
Encourage your friends and family to do the same.
And as always, quit smoking, reduce diets high in red meat and fats, especially grilled meats. Studies also show that exercise can reduce the potential for colon cancer by 50 percent.
Your likelihood of developing colon cancer is an astounding one in 20, according to the American Cancer Society. But early detection and removal of pre-cancerous polyps can prevent you from joining the more than 140,000 Americans diagnosed with colorectal cancer each year. Most will survive with early detection and proactive treatment.23 million adults - one in of three - between ages 50 and 75 are not being screened or getting recommended testing. Led by the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable, an initiative entitled "80 percent by 2018," has been launched to ensure 80 percent of adults 50 years and older receive regular screenings for colon cancer. Its impact is expected to curb a large percentage of the more than 50,000 deaths resulting from colon cancer each year.Early stage colon cancer seldom exhibits symptoms but these are some warning signals you can look for:March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. Here's what you need to know to keep colon cancer at bay:More than 1 million colon cancer survivors in the United States prove that 90 percent of colon cancer is beatable with early detection. Colonoscopy can be a life-saving test. Stay on the healthy side of life and get screened early.
It was late January when Nancy Swabb found herself wanting to help a family across the Atlantic Ocean, in Cote d'Ivoire -- all because of a photo.
Fire burned two T&D Region houses over the weekend. One blaze damaged a St. Matthews residents home, while the other destroyed an unoccupied dwelling.
American Red Cross volunteers are assisting the St. Matthews resident whose Paradise Court home was damaged by Sunday nights fire.
Jamison Fire Department responded to the blaze. The Red Cross is helping the resident by providing financial assistance for food, clothing, lodging and other essentials, and comfort kits containing personal hygiene items.
In Orangeburg, a home at 1106 Lancaster St. burned around 8 p.m. Sunday.
The fire started at the rear balcony of the home, according to the Orangeburg Department of Public Safety fire report.
A total of 12 ODPS firefighters battled the blaze along with two engine trucks, one ladder truck and one rescue truck.
The Orangeburg County Office of Emergency Services provided a rehabilitation station for firefighters.
The report states that the electricity to the house was on, although it was vacant. The Department of Public Utilities responded to shut off the power supply to the home.
The home was vacant and unsecured, the report states.
The fire caused $40,000 in damage, the report states.
For more information or to make a donation to the Red Cross, visit redcross.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.
South Carolina State University officials hope former students who failed to graduate will be able to earn their degrees through a partnership with the University of Phoenix.
The Bulldog Academic Resumption Covenant Program would allow students to take up to 27 credit hours through the University of Phoenix toward completion of their degrees.
The Bulldog Academic Resumption Covenant Program is an enrollment initiative to reengage former South Carolina State University students who have stepped out and have not returned to the university in over a year by leveraging the consortium agreement we have with the University of Phoenix, said Dr. Learie Luke, S.C. State interim provost and vice president for academic affairs.
S.C. State and the University of Phoenix announced the initiative Monday.
The consortium agreement was approved by S.C. States board of trustees in May of 2016. The recent partnership has been in the making for several months, Luke said.
S.C. State President James Clark said the Bulldog Academic Resumption Covenant Program targets former S.C. State students who stopped out. When we look back over the last five years, we noticed that 2,500 students had stopped out for one reason or another.
The program is open to former students who left school before graduating in the past 10 years.
Many of these former students are fully employed, but need to come back to college and finish their degrees to get to get pay raises, advance in their careers or move on to better jobs, Clark said.
Many are only about 30 credits short of graduation, he said.
These students, though, would love to finish their degrees, he said. To make that possible and accessible to anyone, we thought it was very important that we find a partner who is on the same page as we, a partner that would be looking to the same communities as we but would have infrastructure in place to immediately allow us to ramp up all of those individuals.
Such a partner we found in the University of Phoenix.
The online program would allow access to various courses, he said. There are more than 20 degree programs the students can participate in.
For the first year, S.C. State will offer a 50 percent tuition discount for students in the program pursuing at least 27 credits and the readmission fee will be waived, he said.
This program is consistent with our strategy overall of increasing enrollment, improving retention and improving the graduation rate at South Carolina State, Clark said.
Potential students have already expressed interest and some have begun to sign up, he said.
We look at this as an opportunity to fill a void around how do you introduce an online modality to HBCUs? said Byron Jones, University of Phoenix executive vice president and chief financial officer.
I am an HBCU grad. I recognize an issue around online education for HBCUs and so we said, Are there opportunities to partner with universities that want to be progressive to address that? Jones said.
It is not a cheap endeavor to enter online modality. Utilize what weve developed to your advantage, he said. Our goal is to expand access to education to all students, whether it be adult learners or learners at HBCUs.
With many majority-white institutions offering online courses, a lack of a presence in that area is a disadvantage to HBCUs, Jones said.
This is the reason why we are here. We want to prove to the nation that students at HBCUs can learn online modality just as anywhere else, he said.
The University of Phoenix is a for-profit institution based in Tempe, Arizona, that offers campus and online courses.
Theres no detour around this issue: South Carolina roads and bridges need repair. However, I strongly disagree that the only way to fix our roads is to raid your wallet.
Lets think back a bit. The billions raised by the penny tax over several decades have not fixed education. The tens of millions raised by the cigarette tax have not fixed Medicaid. Likewise, another $600 million taken out of your wallet every year, one dime at a time (per the House legislation), will not fix our roads. Instead, well all be standing here 10 or 20 years from now asking the same sort of questions that we ask of K-12 education and Medicaid: where did all our money go, and why are roads still broken?
I oppose raising your taxes -- period. I cannot support taking the fruits of your labor in the name of fixing our government, as if your hard-earned money is pixie dust that will magically make everything better. Hardworking taxpayers should not have to be punished for the failure of government to use your money wisely in the first place.
We often hear that a state agency cannot operate in 2017 on a 1987 budget (the last time politicians successfully raided your wallet at the gas pump). But how true is this statement? Is SCDOT really operating on the same basis as it was in 1987, or even just a few years ago?
Nope. The state budget contained approximately $1.3 billion for our roads and bridges in fiscal year 2005, when I entered the Senate. The state budget contained $2.2 billion for our infrastructure in the last fiscal year. Were budgeting almost seventy percent more on our roads and bridges now than in 2005. Yet, were told by politicians that this isnt enough.
The politicians tell us that you must pay more because more people live here. But state records indicate that the population has only grown by fifteen percent between 2005 and 2016. Our seventy percent spending growth should have accommodated a fifteen percent population growth. Yet, the politicians still say it is not enough.
They tell us that we have to spend more because South Carolina, as a state, owns more of its road miles than any other state. SCDOT reported 66,239 public road miles in 2005. It reported 76,249 road miles in 2015 (the last year available). Our seventy percent spending growth should have accommodated the maintenance and repair of fifteen percent more road miles, but the politicians still say it is not enough.
The facts make it clear that dumping more money into a broken system is not the solution to our roads problem in South Carolina. The answer lies in how we spend the money, and I support these few, simple changes to our infrastructure spending and governance policies.
We have to remove politics from infrastructure spending, and that means eliminating the politically appointed, and therefore politically motivated, SCDOT Commission in favor of a cabinet agency headed by a gubernatorial appointee.
One person, elected statewide, would be accountable for our roads and bridges. Taxpayers could decide every four years if that person is doing the job and make a change, if they so choose.
We must transfer local roads to local governments, with the requisite funding, and allow local taxpayers to make local decisions through their locally elected officials.
Filling potholes should come before cutting ribbons. We must prioritize, in statute, maintenance and repair over new construction. SCDOT spends far more on new construction than on fixing the existing roads and bridges.
We must abolish the State Transportation Infrastructure Bank. It was created to fund the needed Ravenel Bridge in Charleston. But since then, it has become a piggy bank for politically popular projects that further seep money away from maintenance and repair--and raise our debt! It must go away.
I believe that the adoption of these reforms will make a huge difference in the condition of our roads and bridges. Simply taking more money out of your wallet, without changing anything about the business as usual, wont help us unclog the drain in Columbia.
I oppose perpetuating the status quo, and as your lieutenant governor, I oppose all efforts to raid your wallet.
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
A Barn Preservation Workshop Trio
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance and Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center are pleased to announce their partnership in a series of three barn preservation workshops at Prescott Farm as a part of the enhanced programming the Alliance is offering with its 52 Barns in 52 Weeks initiative. Prescott Farm will begin a major barn preservation project of its two late 19th century barns this spring, making necessary repairs and modifications to provide much- needed program space.
Does your barn, or another you love, need work? Want to learn more about barn history and features? Join us for one or all of these informative workshops to help you find answers and move forward with your project. These workshops will offer participants a great opportunity to be on the job site of an active barn project and be involved in a detailed discussion of the repairs, and barn preservation strategies and stewardship, with barn experts.
In the first workshop of the series (April 15), "Assessing Old Barns: Setting a Game Plan for Repairs," Ian Blackman of Blackman Restoration and Preservation, will lead participants through a condition assessment of the two late 19th century barns at Prescott Farm. Before restoration work begins on an historic structure, an assessment provides critical information on current conditions and helps prioritize repair needs in order to establish a preservation plan. Blackman will explain what to look for while conducting an assessment, what the findings might tell us of the history of the barn, and discuss how to develop a game plan for repairs. Prescott Farm will be starting a complete restoration of its large 1882 barn and attached dairy barn this spring. The workshop will include an overview of the Alliance's barn assessment grant program and the statewide tax incentive program for barns.
During the second workshop (May 13), "Repair and Restoration of Stone Foundations and Stone Walls," Blackman will discuss the dry-laid stone foundation restoration, drainage improvements, and cribbing techniques of this barn project with master stone mason Kevin Fife, Twin Elms Landscape. After a 30 minute break for lunch, Fife will discuss the history and preservation of New England stone walls.
On July 15, the final workshop of the series, "Step-by-Step Profile: 1882 Timber Frame Restoration at Prescott Farm," Blackman will discuss framing styles, joinery, and wood selection for replacement timbers, while demonstrating the repair and restoration of the 1882 frame. Blackman will be repairing sills, sections of first floor framing, and some posts during the project. The workshop will be followed by a discussion of timber framing tools and their sharpening for those interested.
Participants are encouraged to bring photos of their own barns for discussion at the end of each program. Lunch not included, but feel free to bring a picnic to eat at the farm after the programs.
Registration is required for these workshops because of space limitations. For a single workshop: Preservation Alliance or Prescott Farm members - $20; non-members - $25. Participants are encouraged to register for all three workshops at a discounted rate:
Members - $50/Non-members - $65.
Register online at www.nhpreservation.org or call 603-224-2281.
In 2017, the Alliance's 52 Barns in 52 Weeks initiative has a goal of helping at least 52 barn owners across the state with assessment grants, assistance in securing tax relief, and educational workshops to help save their historic barns. Throughout the year, barns and their owners will be showcased by the Preservation Alliance to celebrate good work and offer practical information and inspiration to others. To learn more about the 52 Barns in 52 Weeks initiative, go to nhpreservation.org.
The New Hampshire Preservation Alliance supports and encourages the revitalization and protection of historic buildings and places which strengthens communities and local economies.
More information at www.nhpreservation.org.
Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing environmental education and encouraging preservation of our natural resources.
More information at www.prescottfarm.org.
A Barn Preservation Workshop Trio
Saturday, April 15, May 13, July 15, 9am - 12noon
Prescott Farm, 928 White Oaks Road, Laconia, NH
Registration for one workshop: Member (Preservation Alliance or Prescott Farm) $20; Non-members $25. Registration for the series of three workshops: Member $50; Non-member $65.
Registration required; www.nhpreservation.org or 603-224-2281.
Presented by the New Hampshire Preservation Alliance in partnership with Prescott Farm Environmental Education Center
All workshops take place rain or shine.
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By Trend
Turkey's strategy to boost the country's domestic energy resources continued with Monday's solar tender, but wind energy will be the next step in this strategy, Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak said Monday, Anadolu reported.
Albayrak explained that the Kalyon-Hanwha consortium won the tender bid on Monday for the construction of Turkey's biggest solar power plant in Karapinar in the central Anatolian region at a cost of $0.0699 per kilowatt-hour.
The Minister hailed the project as a day of revolution for Turkey's energy sector, and added that "in the coming months, we will see a similar tender in wind energy."
"This project is a crucial turning point for our strategy. Overall four companies participated in today's tender. Obviously, the result of this revolutionary tender was a testimony to the beginning of a process in which energy will be exported to both Turkey and the region," he said.
Turkey has already begun a strategy to boost the country's domestic energy resources, including coal and renewables. The capacity of local resources in the total energy mix is expected to grow further.
According to the ministry's 2015-2019 Strategic Plan, 32,000 megawatts of production capacity in hydro power is targeted, 10,000 megawatts is aimed for wind, 1,000 megawatts in geothermal, 3,000 megawatts from solar and 700 megawatts from biomass.
Turkey aims to consolidate its position centered among energy-rich countries to reduce its energy import dependence and increase reliance on domestic resources.
By Trend
The march in memory of Food Provider has kicked off in Liberty Square of Yerevan, the capital city of Armenia, news.am website reported.
The march participants demand to relieve Armenias Prosecutor General Artur Davtyan from his office, launch a criminal case against the investigator, who motioned for arresting Sargsyan for the second time, as well as against the judge, who made such a decision.
Artur Sargsyan, died on March 16 at Armenia Medical Center, in capital city Yerevan.
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.
The Sasna Tsrer armed group had taken over a police patrol regiment building in Yerevan, taken hostages, but later surrendered, in July 2016. The violent confrontation, however, had lead to repeated clashes between protesters and police.On July 26, Artur Sargsyan had broken through a police cordon with a vehicle loaded with food, and delivered food to the Sasna Tsrer gunmen.
By Trend
Background radiation of the cargo found on board of an Armenian jet that landed in the Belarussian city of Gomel en route to Bulgaria was 250 times higher than the normal level, Oleg Lyashuk, head of the border control division of the State Border Committee of Belarus, told Sputnik on Monday.
arlier in the day, the State Border Committee of Belarus confirmed to Sputnik that radioactive materials were found aboard an Armenian aircraft.
"On March 19, at 12:30 [09:30 GMT] a transport plane from Armenia arrived in Belarus en route to Bulgaria with a box containing a mark warning about the ionizing radiation on board. The background radiation of the cargo exceeded the normal level by 250 times," Lyashuk said.
The Border committee also said that after the relevant checks the jet was allowed to continue its flight to Bulgaria.
By Trend
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson "sent a very clear signal that our policy of strategic patience is over" with North Korea during his recent visit to China, a White House spokesman said on Monday, Reuters reported.
Spokesman Sean Spicer made the comment at a news briefing in reply to a question about Tillerson's reaction to an announcement by North Korea about its latest rocket-engine test on Sunday.
Tillerson was in Beijing during his first visit to Asia for talks dominated by concern about Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.
By Trend
Syrias authorities are ready to discuss the countrys new constitution but want to know who will take part in the Geneva talks, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Russian journalists on Monday, TASS reported.
"We are ready to discuss anything including the constitution, but we need to see who's going to be in Geneva, are they going to discuss the same paper or not?" he said. "But for us, as a government, our position is very clear: that we are ready to discuss it in details, but we support the headline, of course."
"Yesterday, I think, our representative in the United Nations, Mr. Jaafari, announced that we support the Russian initiatives - different initiatives, not only this one - as headlines, and now we are discussing with the Russians the details, he said.
"The problem is that we went to Astana recently, as you know, the other delegation, the delegation of the militants, didn't join that meeting, they didn't go to Astana, and we all believe that this is the negative influence of the Turks. So, how can we start something concrete if you don't have a partner?"
Alkhabeer Capital, a leading asset manager specialising in alternative investments, said its total operating income for 2016 increased 16 percent to SR207 million ($55.20 million), while net income grew 6 percent to SR71 million ($19.20 million).
The results mark the companys seventh consecutive year of record financial performance, a statement said.
At the end of December 2016, total assets had increased to SR1.61 billion, up 16 percent from the end of the previous year. Shareholders return on equity continued its upward trajectory to reach 8 percent. Total assets under management grew by 10 percent to SR4.4 billion, while the return on investment raised to 12.6 percent.
Alkhabeer Capital chairman Musaad Mohammed Aldrees said: Given the continuing backdrop of economic uncertainty, market volatility and geopolitical tensions, which adversely affected investor sentiment during the year, this constitutes a significant achievement. Based on these results, the Board of Directors will be discussing a proposal of dividend distribution to shareholders, which will mark the fourth consecutive year of dividends to be paid by Alkhabeer Capital, and recognises the unwavering loyalty and support of our shareholders.
Ammar Shata, Alkhabeer Capitals executive director, added: During 2016, we made excellent progress towards implementing our strategy that is focused primarily on alternative investment asset management. Underpinned by our two key pillars, real estate and private equity, the strategy of Alkhabeer Capital is aligned with a selection of key target sectors included in Saudi Arabias 2030 Vision and the National Transformation Plan 2020. These include education, healthcare and religious tourism. Moreover, the strategy addresses the changing risk appetite of investors in todays highly volatile economic environment.
Ahmed Ghouth, Alkhabeer Capitals chief executive officer, also noted: These achievements illustrate the success of our business teams to respond proactively to changing market dynamics and clients needs. As a result of their focused efforts, we achieved a 10 percent increase in client participation in the Companys investment funds, successfully raising a record SR588 million through private placements. We also expanded our client base by 17 percent, including a significant increase in institutional clients such as local investment firms and regional banks; and increased discretionary portfolio management accounts by 28 percent.
Looking ahead, Shata added: We expect 2017 to be another highly challenging and unpredictable year, with the headwinds that rocked the region in 2016 continuing unabated, fueled by ongoing concerns and greater uncertainty. However, based on our solid achievements in 2016 and recent years by our high-caliber teams, we remain cautiously optimistic about the future prospects for Alkhabeer Capital." - TradeArabia News Service
Etisalat Academy, a leading single-source provider of training and development solutions in the Middle East, is currently organising a seminar and workshop on the latest Blockchain technology in Dubai, UAE.
The event which opened today (March 21) will run until March 23, under the theme Blockchain: The Next Disruptive Technology, said a statement from the company.
Blockchain is a technology that allows public and private organisations to make and verify transactions on a network instantaneously without a central authority. More than $1.4 billion has been invested in developing Blockchain in 2016.
Keeping in line with the academys overall objective to provide business and telecom training, the educational event will highlight the current industry and government trends in blockchain technology, it said.
Experts at the event will also focus on importance of this technology in increasing efficiency within an organisation, it added.
The two-day workshop will be followed by a one-day seminar on March 23. Both events target participants from both government and business sectors aiming to build knowledge and raise awareness of Blockchains impact as a future disruptive technology on business and government services.
Today the regions largest organisations are seriously considering the Blockchain technology to improve their existing services, systems and products, by taking advantage of its key features: security, transparency, full life-cycle transaction history, real-time, immutability and cost-efficiency, said Dr Ali Al-Qayedi, Ag general manager of Etisalat Academy.
Our organisation has taken an initiative to conduct this inaugural Blockchain seminar and workshop in a bid to contribute to building capabilities of decision makers as well as IT managers and professionals in the government, finance and business industries empowering them to make the best of the unlimited opportunities this new technology has to offer, especially in terms of increasing efficiency of government services and business transactions and creating new specialised sectors, he added.
The seminar provides senior and mid-level managers a thorough understanding of Blockchain and distributed ledger technologies and the opportunities it offers for innovation in the delivery of government services, and business and financial transactions.
Meanwhile, the workshop entitled Blockchain Distributed APPs (DAPPs) Developer will train participants on developing next-generation Blockchain apps. It provides IT professionals with the core knowledge required to develop DAPPs for the government, business and financial technology (FinTech) on Blockchain and opens up a world of new career opportunities for them to pursue in several industries.
Organised in association with Human Logic, a UAE-based eLearning and software provider, the event is set to address opportunities and challenges related to enterprise applications of Blockchain, distributed ledger and smart contract technology as well as Blockchains potential to transform and revolutionise the way organisations conduct business, it stated. TradeArabia News Service
A bill to increase the number of some hunting licenses for nonresidents would add $147,000 in annual revenue for Fish, Wildlife and Parks, as well as pump money into the coffers of businesses servicing those out-of-staters, proponents argued during a Tuesday hearing.
I dont think the fiscal note reflects the true impact, said by Rep. Kerry White, R-Bozeman, who sponsored House Bill 568.
The bill proposes to guarantee out-of-staters 10 percent of the elk, deer, antelope, mountain lion, or black bear licenses issued for those species. The measure was supported by the Montana Outfitters and Guides Association.
This bill generates significant revenue, said Jean Johnson, MOGAs lobbyist. The nonresident supports that (FWP) agency across the street, with 70 percent of their budget coming from nonresident license sales.
FWP receives no money from the state general fund.
Opposing the measure were representatives from the Montana Wildlife Federation and Montana Bowhunters Association who argued that season setting should be done by the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission, not the Legislature.
Our main concern is that it is taking away authority from the FWP Commission for season setting, thats a dangerous precedent, said Jerry Davis, of the MBA.
Davis and Nick Gevock, conservation director for MWF, also argued that it would take tags away from resident hunters.
I have to advocate for resident hunters and anything that sees a decrease we would be against, Davis said.
Mac Minard, executive director of MOGA, said Montana is in a national market to lure out-of-state hunters and needs every edge it can get to attract those people who may otherwise go to other Western states.
I do not believe this reduces the opportunity for resident hunters, White said. Resident hunters have the ability to go to another area and hunt elk.
Gevock disagreed, saying based on figures he received from FWP that residents could receive 10 fewer coveted elk tags in the Elkhorn Mountains near Helena, which is managed as a trophy elk hunting district.
The bill was amended to remove a section that would have created two archery-only subseasons for nonresident elk hunters in the Missouri River Breaks.
Information at the hearing suggested that out of 17,000 nonresident hunters who visit Montana, less than one-third use an outfitter.
No action was taken on the bill.
Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia has forged an alliance with Industrial Systems Group (ISG), an affiliate of Al Abdulkarim Holding, aimed at exchanging expertise to manufacture un-interrupted power supply (UPS) units in Saudi Arabia.
As part of the agreement, Huawei will provide ISG the technology, materials, manufacturing training and supervision. ISG will establish and manage the manufacturing facility. The UPS units built by ISG will carry their brand and logo, said a statement.
This manufacturing collaboration with Huawei follows the visit of King Salman bin Abdulaziz to China, where Saudi Arabia and China agreed to bolster cooperation in the ICT industry to accelerate deployment of smart city innovation in Saudi Arabia, in line with the kingdoms Vision 2030, said a statement from the company.
Khalid Al Abdulkarim, CEO of Industrial Systems Group, said: As a leading manufacturer and supplier of electrical, telecommunications, electromechanical, instrumentation and process analytical components across numerous industries in the kingdom such as electrical, mining, oil and gas, petrochemical and communication, ISG is committed to helping its customers achieve operational excellence and is constantly looking to manufacture innovative products and solutions to match and exceed customers satisfaction.
Through this collaboration with Huawei, we are able to deliver on our commitment with best-of-breed technology, he added.
Huaweis global industry leadership is attributed to its extensive focus on research and development, and ISG is pleased to be collaborating with an organisation that has R&D in its DNA.
Ramadan Ding, CEO of Huawei Tech Investment Saudi Arabia, said: As a fully registered Saudi company, we are committed to supporting His Majestys vision to transform the kingdom.
By partnering with ISG to manufacturer UPS units in the kingdom, our company is delivering on its long-term commitment to contribute to the countrys digital transformation, he added.
The partnership was signed during the Saudi-China Investment Forum which was held on March 16 to coincide with the Kings visit.
The Saudi-China Investment Forum was organised under the supervision of the Ministry of Commerce and Investment, in cooperation with Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority (SAGIA) and the Council of Saudi Chambers (CSC) with facilitation by Saudi Aramco.
The forum focused on the Kingdoms Vision 2030, the roles that the private sectors of both countries can have in the implementation of that vision, and the Belt and Road Initiative. The programme also included signing ceremonies and agreements between various Saudi and Chinese companies and entities, it stated. TradeArabia News Service
The International Council of Pacific Area Travel Writers Association (PATWA) has recently awarded Turkish Airlines the Best Airline Best Inflight Catering award.
The prestigious award was received by Ahmet Olmustur, chief marketing officer of Turkish Airlines, at ITB Berlin one of the worlds leading travel and trade show.
The award was handed over to Turkish Airlines for its exceptional in-flight catering services. By winning the award, Turkish Airlines has reaffirmed its position as a global leader in onboard catering, a result of the airlines successful joint venture partnership with Turkish DO&CO which has repeatedly won awards for providing Turkish Airlines passengers with the best meals in the sky and its lounges.
Speaking on this occasion Olmustur said: We are honoured to have won the PATWA Award for the- best airline food and beverages. We have always endeavored to provide the best-in-class F&B in-flight options to all our passengers. The PATWA award validates and gives credence to our intent and efforts. This award is a milestone in our journey and we are committed to continually offer the best of In-flight products and services to all our current and future guests.
The PATWA International Awards are accorded to recognise individuals and organizations that have excelled and/or are involved in the promotion of tourism from different sectors of the travel trade such as aviation, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, destinations, government bodies, tourism ministries and other service provider(s) related directly or indirectly to the industry.
A jury comprising of PATWA members, officials and travellers judge the shortlisted names that meet the necessary criteria. The nominees are evaluated on various preset standards with an extensive audit. The award winners are decided at the PATWA international council meeting held annually. - TradeArabia News Service
Salalah Rotana Resort, Oman's largest free-standing five-star hotel, achieved successful performance in 2016, welcoming 200,000 guests to its 400-key waterfront resort.
Serving Omans ever growing tourism market, Salalah Rotana Resorts guest arrivals grew 20 per cent year on year compared to 2015. The resort attributes this growth to its strategic partnership deals with major regional and international tour operators. Its effort complements the governments laudable action to place Oman on the global tourism map by promoting it as a preferred travel destination.
The resort welcomed an astounding number of guests from Europe with Germany at as the main feeder market closely followed by Italy, Poland and Slovakia. While the monsoon season, locally called Khareef with its rains and cooler climate continues to act as a key driver for tourism to Salalah by attracting residents of neighbouring countries from July to September yearly.
Hossam Kamal, general manager of Salalah Rotana Resort, said: 2016 was a game changer as it was our best performing year, yet. We witnessed and increase in guest arrival to the resort and anticipate the same trend throughout 2017."
"Safety and security are determining factors of travellers. Oman has enjoyed stability and maintains strong relations with its neighbours making the sultanate attractive for travel," he added. - TradeArabia News Service
The United States is banning electronic devices such as laptops and tablets from cabin baggage on flights from eight Middle Eastern and North African countries, a BBC report said.
It will reportedly include all large electronic devices such as laptops, tablets cameras, DVD players and electronic games. But mobile phones and smartphones will still be allowed in carry-on luggage.
A US government source told the BBC that the measure would affect nine airlines operating out of 10 airports. US media reported the order was sparked by intelligence gathered overseas, the report said.
The official did not name the airports or the countries but said no American carriers would be affected by the ban.
However, some reports said the ban will apply to nonstop flights serving the cities of Cairo in Egypt; Amman in Jordan; Kuwait City in Kuwait; Casablanca in Morocco; Doha in Qatar; Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; Istanbul in Turkey; and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the UAE.
Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a tweet that US-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting Tuesday at the request of US officials, including those that transit through Canada.
Saudia Airlines confirmed in a tweet that US transportation authorities had barred carrying larger electronic devices in cabin luggage.
It was unclear to what other countries and airlines the ban would apply.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) declined to comment on the issue but is expected to make an announcement on Tuesday.
Last February an aircraft operated by Daallo was damaged by an explosion shortly after take-off from the Somali capital, Mogadishu.
Investigators said a passenger who was sucked out of the plane had been carrying a laptop bomb. The pilot managed to land and the alleged bomber was the only fatality. Had the device gone off at cruising altitude the plane would almost certainly have been destroyed.
The Islamic militant group Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaeda, claimed that it was responsible and the possibility of further such attacks is apparently what is now concerning American spies.
By spending an hour in the dark this Saturday (March 25) on the occasion of Earth Hour 2017, Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Dubai, will join millions around the world to send a powerful message about a brighter future for the planet.
Earth Hour is a worldwide event that encourages individuals, communities, households and businesses to switch off non-essential lights for one designated hour, and will be observed on March 25 from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
In order to create environmental awareness, the external signage and facade lighting will be switched off for an hour, as will the shimmering lobby chandelier lights. The energy consumption per guest room is 0.628 KWH per hour, including television units and lighting. Switching these off for an hour would equal to the saving of energy used to produce approximately 14 gallons of water, the hotel said.
Joining the rooms division is the F&B team, which includes all restaurants - Brothaus, The Backyard, Swim & Tonic and Bayside Restaurant & Terrace. Charming candle lights and table LED lights will replace artificial lighting at these outlets from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm in support of this global initiative. Adding a special touch, The Backyard will serve flaming cocktails at special rates, that will brightly ignite the darkness.
The experts at The Spa have designed a special Earth Hour Package which will be available on March 25 from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm only. Inspired by elements of the earth (Oud sea salt and coffee), this treatment includes a Natus Body Scrub with back and shoulder massage to calm and ground your senses. The 60-minute treatment is priced at Dh395.
Our commitment in environmental protection and conservation resonates through our entire team. We will be taking an energy reading of the full hotel to gauge the energy saved during Earth Hour. We are proud and humbled to be part of this worldwide campaign and will always work towards a brighter future for our planet, says Stephen Meredith, general manager at Steigenberger Hotel Business Bay, Dubai. - TradeArabia News Service
The government of Kuwait is pressing ahead with multiple plans that will see billions of dollars invested in tourism projects and a further $1 billion budget earmarked to promote the Gulf state over the same period.
Plans are in place to establish a Supreme Commission for Tourism to initiate its tourism strategy as the country prepares to showcase at Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2017, which takes place at Dubai World Trade Centre from April 24 to 27.
A number of mega-projects will share the multi-billion dollar development budget, including: Madinat Al Hareer and Silk City, a proposed mega-development in the countrys north; the expansion of Kuwait International Airport, reaching 25 million passenger per year capacity by 2025; and cultural attractions such as Sheikh Saad Al-Abdullah Islamic Centre.
Simon Press, senior exhibition director, ATM, said: Kuwait is evolving into a multifaceted destination with many things to offer both corporate and leisure visitors. The government is making huge investments at a crucial time for the countrys development and, in channeling significant funds into tourism infrastructure, leisure developments and lifestyle destinations, in the long-term Kuwait is telling the world its very much open for business.
According to figures from the World Travel and Tourism Council, travel and tourism investment in Kuwait is set to rise 1.5 per cent per annum over the next 10years.
The latest Colliers International Kuwait Hospitality Market Snapshot, reports 70 per cent of visitors arrived in Kuwait as corporate travellers in 2016, with the countrys leisure industry comprising only 6 per cent of total arrivals. Hotel performance declined 6 per cent overall for the year as a result. Business spending also suffered losses, falling 2.4 per cent over the course of the year, an ATM statement said.
Key hotel performance indicators showed slight declines in 2016 with ADR down 2.3 per cent, RevPAR down 4.8 per cent and occupancy down 2.6 per cent.
Performance is forecast for strong recovery in 2017 with continued growth to 2026, reaching values of KD501.3 million. Leisure travel spending is expected rise by 4.5 per cent per annum to KD1,939.1 million in 2026, following an annual growth rate of 8.7 per cent in 2016.
Press said: Kuwait is actively working to diversify its guest segmentation and that will be important to securing the projected levels of growth over the coming years. We expect to see a corresponding diversification in hotel stock as more leisure, health and wellness tourists discover the countrys unique offerings.
This year, ATM will host a number of exhibitors from Kuwait, including the Ministry of Information Tourism Sector, Holidays Arabia, Kuwait Hotel Owners Association, Kuwait Tourism and Services.
ATM, considered by many industry professionals as a barometer for the Middle East and North Africa tourism sector, witnessed a year-on-year visitor attendance increase of 9 per cent to over 28,500 in 2016, with 2,785 exhibiting companies, signing business deals worth more than $ 2.5 billion over four days.
ATM 2017 will build on its success with the announcement of an additional hall as Reed Travel Exhibitions looks to add to its record-breaking achievements of 2016, the statement said. - TradeArabia News Service
Meet award-winning artisans and buy their products at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village
Billings' 3G's Convenience Stores must pay a 59-year-old Native American man $7,000 after employees there refused to accept his tribal identification card as proof of his age.
Carl High Pine filed a complaint against 3G's after trying to buy a single serving bottle of sparkling wine and was told the store did not accept tribal IDs.
The complaint was filed with the Montana Department of Labor and Industry's Human Rights Bureau in May 2016. On March 17 the bureau gave notice to the parties that 3G's must pay High Pine $7,000 in compensation for the emotional distress of its discriminatory practice.
A lot of tribal members only have their tribal IDs, High Pine told The Gazette on Monday. They could drive hundreds of miles to come to Billings and get turned away, he said.
The store may no longer refuse to accept tribal ID cards unless the ID is either damaged or altered, or is in some other way invalid under Montana law. The stores may only ask for a secondary identification if the tribal ID card shows a photo of the person as a child.
If an ID is a refused, the store must keep a record of the time the ID was refused, and the reasons for the refusal, for up to a year.
On March 15, 2016, High Pine went to the 3G's Convenience Store at 4410 State Ave., and tried to purchase a single serving bottle of wine, according to documents filed with the Human Rights Bureau. High Pine gave the clerk at the store his Northern Cheyenne tribal ID, which was current and not damaged. The clerk said it didn't accept tribal IDs and asked if he had a Montana driver's license.
A woman, who High Pine believed was a supervisor, told him "We don't have to serve you. There's plenty of other stores you can go to."
High Pine used his Montana license to purchase the alcohol, but felt discriminated against. In his complaint to the Human Rights Bureau, he said he "interacted cautiously with the mainstream society in Billings, which was predominantly white, because of his view of the treatment he and his people had received and were still receiving."
About a week later, High Pine took a photo of a sign next to the cash register which said "3G's will not accept these forms of ID for the purchase of alcohol or tobacco," which included "broken or taped ID, expired ID, paper copies, out of state ID, tribal ID, military ID."
Having that sign was like having a sign that said, "No Indians allowed," High Pine said.
3G's store owners Larry Grosulak and Operations Officer Dan Grosulak both attended the discrimination hearing. Both testified the 3G's ID policy was not reflected in the sign, but the sign was meant to help staff refuse an ID. The store's policy is to support its employees when they refuse an ID in order to make sure all purchases are valid.
Dan Grosulak said employees are not trained to refuse tribal IDs.
The employee who refused to accept High Pine's ID did not testify at a January hearing, according to an administrative decision by the bureau.
The stores will have to consult with the Human Rights Bureau to implement a training program in how to respond to tribal IDs.
3G's may no longer display signs stating they reserve the right to refuse tribal IDs, because it is illegal. After High Pine made his complaint, 3G's changed its signs to state the store could ask for a secondary ID if a tribal ID was presented. But that was still illegal, the bureau said.
The bureau urged 3G's to consult with an attorney about the store's policies, procedures, signage and advertising.
Jennifer Perez Cole was an advocate for High Pine and helped him through the complaint process. She is the daughter of former Poplar legislator Margaret Campbell, who sponsored a bill that created a 2007 law requiring businesses to treat tribal IDs like state IDs.
That was 10 years ago, but businesses are still treating tribal IDs like they're not a valid form of ID, Cole said. Because tribal IDs are only issued to tribal members, treating the IDs differently is insulting, Cole said.
We want people to follow the law, Cole said. Cole does this advocacy as a volunteer, helping people navigate the process of filing a complaint to make businesses comply with the law.
A website was set up by the state after the law was passed with more information about Montana tribal IDs.
People may contact the Montana Human Rights Bureau to file a discrimination complaint within 180 days of the date of alleged discrimination by calling either 406-444-2884 or 1-800-542-0807.
Platte Valley Bank was honored for its contributions to the community and local economy. The Wheatland branch financed a Comfort Inn project with a $4.5 million loan guarantee, the release says. After it opened last year, the hotel generated 15 jobs and has become a waypoint for people traveling to and from Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks.
We are extremely excited to be the recipient of the USDA Business Lending Partnership of the Year award. It is a privilege to be recognized for this honor, said Wheatland Community President Keith Geis in the news release. Making loans to our local communities is what we do; we are proud to grow our relationships one loan at a time. We live in a great community and being able to bring new businesses and economic development to our area is an incredible opportunity. We are truly committed to the communities we serve, and to have this recognized on a statewide level is very humbling.
Community baby shower April 8
The Natrona County Prevention Coalition (NCPC) presents the Community Baby Shower from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, April 8, 2017, at the Boys and Girls Club of Central Wyoming, 1701 E. K St. The Community Baby Shower is a free celebration for all things babies and toddlers. All expecting parents and parents of children up to age 3 are invited for giveaways, door prizes, interactive activities, and the opportunity to learn about local community resources.
Founded in 2002, the Mission of NCPC is to prevent substance abuse in our community by promoting healthy and positive choices. NCPC is a collaboration of over 40 members made up from community agencies, businesses, and concerned citizens. NCPC is responsible for conducting and holding multiple substance-free events for the community throughout the year, including: Family Day, Community Baby Shower and First Night. Mercer Family Resource Center is the lead agency for NCPC and acts as the Coalitions fiscal agent.
For more information on the Community Baby Shower, please contact Lisa Brown, family and parenting co-chair, at 265-7366 or lbrown@mercercasper.com.
Blood centers extend hours
United Blood Services is expanding hours at its Casper and Cheyenne donor centers in an effort to make blood donation more convenient for more donors.
The center at 2801 East 2nd Street in Casper will be open six days a week. Closed only on Tuesday, the Casper center will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.
The center at 112 E. 8th Ave. in Cheyenne will be open five days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Blood donations can drop as much as 20 percent during the holidays and winter months, but every two seconds, every day of the year a patient in the U.S. needs a blood transfusion.
Whole blood donors are eligible to give blood every eight weeks and are encouraged to donate at least three times each year to help UBS meet the needs of patients.
Donors can save time and fill out their Fast Track Health History Questionnaire online at unitedbloodservices.org the day of their donation. To donate blood, volunteers must be at least 16 years old (16 and 17-year-old donors need a minor donor permit which is available online) and be in good health.
In addition to its community donor centers in Cheyenne and Casper, UBS operates various blood drives across Wyoming. To make an appointment call 877-827-4376 or go to unitedbloodservices.org.
Disabled vets need volunteer drivers
The Disabled American Veterans need volunteer drivers to take veterans to their medical appointment at the VA hospital in Cheyenne. The volunteer driver will transport them in a VA vehicle. If you are interested, please call the DAV transportation office in Cheyenne at 307-778-7577 for further information.English speakers needed
CHAT, the English Conversation Club at Casper College Adult Learning Center, needs English speakers to meet international community members and help them speak English. Join us for an international potluck in the Werner Technical Center, Rm. 105: March 22, 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.; April 13, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; and May 4, 11 a.m. to noon. For more information, call 268-2230 or email mdugan@caspercollege.edu.
The family of Brian Scott Gamroth was not involved in the decision to prosecute the friend involved in the motorcycle collision that killed the well-known radio host, the familys attorney said Monday.
Montana prosecutors charged William Michael Spicer, the friend who collided with Gamroth, with negligent homicide and speeding last week in connection to Gamroths death. Rich Jamieson, who is representing Gamroths family, clarified in a news release Monday that the radio hosts family was not involved in the decision to prosecute the case.
The recent revelation of criminal charges in Brians accident was news to the community, as it was to the family, a news release from the family states. The family did not ask the State of Montana to pursue these charges and was not involved in the decision to prosecute Mr. Spicer.
Jamieson said in the news release that the family was contacted in regard to the case only after the charges were filed. Since the news about the charges broke, there have been many rumors and misinformation spread about the accident, the charges and those involved, he said.
This sort of speculation and hearsay is NOT fair to Brian, Mr. Spicer, nor their families, Jamieson wrote in the release.
Gamroth died in September in a motorcycle crash near Lewistown, Montana, as he and Spicer returned from a Shriners event in Canada. The two men were trying to pass slower vehicles, but oncoming traffic forced them to swerve back into their lane, and the two motorcyclists collided. Gamroth died at the scene and Spicer was taken to a nearby hospital.
Spicer appeared for his arraignment in Montanas Judith Basin County on March 13, when he pleaded not guilty to both charges.
Additional reporting contributed by the Associated Press.
The gun didnt seem real to Julie Oliver, even as an unknown man held it inches from her face.
She stood between a group of teenagers, including her son, as the man demanded they give up the keys to their car. Oliver pushed the gun away repeatedly and told the man, who police later identified as Doyle Gabbert, to leave, she testified during the first day of Gabberts trial Monday for charges related to the August incident.
As he left, Gabbert had a few last words, she said.
He looked back at me and said, I should have killed you, Oliver testified in court.
Prosecutors charged Gabbert with eight felonies in connection to a series of events that spanned two days in August, including the confrontation, which took place in the east Casper Ridleys parking lot. Police allege that Gabbert shot at a man driving in a car, then later pointed a gun at the group of people in the Ridleys parking lot before running from police, stealing a white minivan, crashing that minivan and attempting to steal a Coca-Cola semi truck.
Gabbert previously pleaded not guilty by reason of mental illness to eight felonies: three counts of aggravated assault, aggravated robbery, theft, attempted theft, unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon and possession of a firearm with unlawful intent.
On Monday, the first day of his bench trial, Gabbert appeared in a white button-down shirt and jeans, his hair buzzed short. He sat quietly during the witnesses testimony, sometimes shaking his head at their version of what happened.
The case began when a man reported being shot at while waiting in his car at the intersection of 11th Street and Payne Avenue, court documents show. Police reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby house, which showed Gabbert shooting a pistol at a car as it drove away. Police identified the shooter as Gabbert because they had been looking for him for a few days.
Two days later, police responded to the parking lot of Ridleys Family Markets on Wyoming Boulevard after it was reported a man pointed a gun at a group of people. Oliver, her teenage son and his friend told police that a man pulled out a gun and demanded the keys to their car after he followed them into the lot. The man left, but police found the car he had been traveling in at the Hobby Lobby parking lot.
Gabbert ran from the vehicle when police approached, throwing down a handgun as he attempted to escape, according to the documents. Gabbert then climbed a fence between the craft store and Hilltop Storage and stole a white minivan from a woman who was unloading belongings into a storage unit, the documents state. Casper police, Natrona County sheriffs deputies, highway patrol troopers and agents from the Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation pursued the van until Gabbert crashed it in an alley, according to the documents.
He then ran from the van and jumped into the front seat of a Coca-Cola semi truck parked at a nearby gas station. Officers then released a police dog, who bit Gabbert on the arm before he was taken into custody.
Gabbert has previously been convicted of aggravated robbery, two counts of aggravated assault and charges related to methamphetamine. Because of his previous convictions, he could face extra prison time if found guilty of the aggravated assault or aggravated robbery charges he faces in his trial this week.
WASHINGTON The Air Force is quietly shrinking its deployed force of land-based nuclear missiles as part of a holdover Obama administration plan to comply with an arms control treaty with Russia. The reductions are nearing completion despite President Donald Trumps argument that the treaty gives Moscow an unfair advantage in nuclear firepower.
The reduction to 400 missiles from 450 is the first for the intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM, force in a decade when the arsenal came down from 500 such weapons. The Air Force says the latest cut in Minuteman 3 missiles will be completed in April, leaving the deployed ICBM arsenal at its smallest size since the early 1960s.
In 2014, President Barack Obamas administration announced the planned ICBM reduction to tailor the overall nuclear force, including bombers and nuclear-armed submarines, to the New START accord that the U.S. and Russia sealed in 2010. Both nations must comply with the treatys limits by February 2018.
The shrinking of the ICBM force runs counter, at least rhetorically, to Trumps belief that the U.S. has fallen behind Russia in nuclear muscle. In December, he tweeted that the U.S. must greatly strengthen and expand its nuclear capability until such time as the world comes to its senses regarding nukes. He has criticized New START as a bad deal.
Its unclear how Trump intends to conduct a nuclear expansion, which critics call unnecessary and a potential drain on funds needed for non-nuclear forces. A long-term plan to replace and modernize the current nuclear force is already underway and will end up costing hundreds of billions of dollars.
As of March 14, the Air Force had 406 Minuteman missiles in launch-ready silos, Maj. Daniel Dubois, an Air Force spokesman, said Friday. In September the number was 417. Dubois said the number will be down to 400 by April. Also as part of the treatys compliance process, the Air Force in January finished converting 41 B-52H bombers to non-nuclear status.
Michaela Dodge, a defense policy analyst at the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, says the U.S. should get out of New START.
There should be a way to reverse those decreases, she said, referring to the 50 Minuteman missiles pulled out of their silos. As long as Russia continues to increase the number of its nuclear warheads under New START, we should not be decreasing.
Russias warheads have surpassed the treaty limit of 1,550, and the U.S. is below the limit. But by next February, neither is expected to be above.
Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association, said Moscow would honor its New START commitment.
Its important for the United States to stay on schedule, he said, arguing that such efforts will help ensure that Russia does the same.
Based on military calculations, Obama declared in 2013 that the U.S. could safely reduce its nuclear force by one-third from New START levels. But negotiations to do so never took place. They seem even unlikelier after Russias military actions in Ukraine and Kremlin rhetoric that U.S. officials have considered reckless and dangerous. However, Trumps suggestions of interest in a grand bargain with Russia, including nuclear reductions, could provide an avenue for fresh talks.
After taking office, Trump ordered a review of nuclear forces, a Pentagon-led process likely to take a year or more. Among the key questions: whether to continue Obamas weapons modernization plan and a possible withdrawal from New START. One element of the modernization plan calls for a new-generation ICBM force that could cost more than $100 billion.
Sticking with New START would not necessarily constrain the U.S. for long. It expires in February 2021 unless both sides agree on an extension. Besides the overall warhead limit, the treaty allows each side a maximum of 700 deployed launchers, including missile silos. Russia and the United States can decide for themselves how their totals are apportioned among the three weapons categories: ICBMs, submarines and bombers.
The 50 underground silos from which the Minuteman missiles are being removed will be kept warm, meaning capable of returning to active use. The missiles are being put in storage. Those decisions came after members of Congress from the ICBM base states North Dakota, Wyoming and Montana pushed for no elimination of silos.
The 400 remaining deployed ICBMs would be the fewest since 1962, according to a history of the force written by Hans Kristensen of the Federation of American Scientists.
A Casper man pleaded guilty to two felony charges Tuesday for sexually assaulting a girl multiple times in 2012.
Forest Vincent Price pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor for touching the girls genitals and forcing her to perform oral sex on him in 2012. At the time of the crimes, the girl was younger than 13 and Price was 32 years old.
As part of the plea deal, prosecutors agreed to dismiss six other similar charges. The defense and prosecuting attorneys recommended that Price be sentenced to between 15 and 20 years in prison for each charge, though the sentences will run simultaneously. The maximum sentence for the charge allowed by law is 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Casper police began investigating Price in October 2015, court documents show. The girl told police that she met Price when he was her fathers roommate.
The girl said she and Price had sex twice and that they had given each other oral sex on multiple occasions, the court documents show.
In an interview with investigators, Price said he knew the girl but denied having sex with her. He agreed to take a polygraph test about the allegations, but when the scheduled time arrived, Price declined to take the test and would not speak with police without his attorney.
Prosecutors originally charged Price with three counts of first-degree sexual abuse of a minor and five counts of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor. Those charges changed as the case proceeded.
Price will be formally sentenced at a later date on the two charges of second-degree sexual assault of a minor.
Gov. Matt Mead vetoed two bills and signed over 150 others into law this year.
Wyoming lawmakers, who met for 40 days from Jan. 10 to March 3, introduced a total of 490 bills, and 218 became laws, according to a Star-Tribune analysis.
During the session, Mead had three days after the Legislature adopts a bill to sign it, it or allow it to become law without any action. But lawmakers adopt many bills in the last days of the session. Once they go home, Mead has 15 days to act on a bill. Saturday was the 15-day deadline.
Each year, Mead exercises line-item vetoes of the budget bill. But its rare for him to veto other legislation. His last veto of a non-spending bill was in 2015, when he rejected a criminal asset forfeiture measure.
Last week, Mead vetoed a bill that would have allowed people to carry weapons into local and state government buildings.
The Republican called the bill murky. He said it stripped local control and held legislative meetings to different standards than others. City and town governments opposed the bill, he wrote in a letter accompanying the veto.
On Friday, the bills sponsor, Rep. Bo Biteman, R-Ranchester, said in a statement he respectfully disagreed with Meads stance on the measure for a number of reasons, including his belief that gun rights are fundamental.
Biteman criticized the organization that represents cities and towns the Wyoming Association of Municipalities as not supportive enough of weapons because it is a member of the National League of Cities.
The National League of Cities supports strict gun control measures such as 30-day waiting periods on all firearm purchases, bans on assault-style weapons, bans on certain types of ammunition and magazines that can hold more than 10 rounds, outlawing the ownership or possession of certain firearms by people under 21 years of age, etc., he said. When it comes to guns, WAM does not share the same constitutional conservative values as most Wyoming folks do.
This year, Mead also vetoed a bill that restricted pharmaceutical companies and others analyzing a persons genetics from revealing personal information, unless the patient consents.
Mead, in a letter accompanying the veto, said he generally supports protecting patient privacy, but a last-minute amendment to the bill could be interpreted to prohibit genetic testing facilities, research facilities and even universities from using a third party to store or back up their genetic testing data.
A third bill he vetoed had to do with removing the requirement of school districts to provide foreign language instruction in kindergarten through second grade.
However, Mead signed a number of controversial measures, including two abortion bills. Until this year, Wyoming hadnt seen any change in abortion laws since the late 1980s.
Rep. Dan Zwonitzer said he thought Mead would veto other bills, too. But Mead this year vetoed only measures that he said would have caused legal problems for the state, Zwonitzer said.
The House this year passed a number of bills on social issues that the Senate would typically have killed. Instead, the bills ended up on Meads desk, said Zwonitzer, who has been a lawmaker since 2005.
I cant remember him vetoing anything for an ideological reason, ever, the Cheyenne Republican said.
Some bills adopted by the Legislature became law without Meads signature.
A bill that allows Wyoming farmers and ranchers to grow industrial hemp for research and experimentation became law without governor picking up a pen. So did a bill that allows people to collect sage grouse eggs and raise them on bird farms.
Zwonitzer sponsored 13 bills, the most bills in 2017. Two passed.
Rep. Eric Barlow was second, sponsoring 12 bills. All became law but three, according to the Star-Tribunes analysis.
But bills sponsored by legislative committees have the best chance of becoming law. For instance, a panel that Zwonitzer co-chairs, the Joint Corporations, Elections and Political Subdivisions, sponsored 22 bills, more than any other committee. Seventeen became law.
Zwonitzer said that the committee began working with stakeholders on the bills over the months before the 2017 session. Members of the House and Senate sit on the joint committee.
You have people in both bodies who have a pretty good understanding of the issues pretty well and why the bills there, he said.
A man has been charged with leaving his roommate seatbelted in a car in the middle of the road after getting into a wreck in 2014.
Jerrad Mangus, 32, appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court Monday for a bond hearing. Mangus is charged with failure to remain at the scene of an accident involving death or injury and negligent vehicular assault. Prosecutors also reserve the right to charge Mangus instead with criminal endangerment.
Yellowstone Justice of the Peace David Carter ordered Mangus held in jail on $25,000 bond. Mangus is living in Wyoming and may return there while trial is pending, Carter said. Mangus may not drink alcohol while pending trial.
On May 29, 2014, a blue Jeep was found flipped on its roof in the middle of Old Highway 10, according to charging documents. A person, now 26 years old, was found unconscious and belted into the passenger side of the car. The driver was not at the scene, according to charging documents.
The passenger was taken to Billings Clinic, where doctors said the person was in a coma, records state.
Mangus and the passenger were roommates, Montana Highway Patrol investigators determined. The evening of the car wreck, Mangus and the roommate had gone to several bars and had bought beer to take home with them. Mangus was driving north on Wold Street west of Laurel, when the car skidded off the road, according to charging documents.
The car went through a barbed wire fence, into a field, and through more barbed wire, before it landed upside down in the middle of Old Highway 10. The crash involved multiple rolls and ripped one of the doors off the vehicle, investigators found.
Mangus told investigators he did not remember the accident. He has a prior conviction for DUI.
The person was hospitalized for about a month and had to be placed on a ventilator, according to charging documents. The person was left partially mentally and physically disabled from injuries sustained in the crash.
The Northern Arapaho Tribe and the Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed Monday to mediation in the lawsuit over whether the BIA illegally awarded federal contracts for services on the Wind River Reservation in central Wyoming.
If the mediation is successful, the settlement could end a legal battle that disrupted government services on the reservation and exposed a rift between the Northern Arapaho Tribes business council and that of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe.
The two tribes share the reservation.
The dispute began in 2014, when the Northern Arapaho left the Joint Business Council, through which the two tribes entered contracts with the federal government. The Eastern Shoshone disputed the move.
[Check out a timeline of the dispute from 2014 to the present]
The Eastern Shoshone argued that the Northern Arapaho did not have the authority to unilaterally dissolve the council, and the BIA continued to enter contracts with the joint council despite the Northern Arapaho no longer participating.
The Northern Arapaho sued, claiming that the BIA was violating its sovereignty by effectively awarding contracts to the Eastern Shoshone that were intended to provide services to both tribes.
The BIA has made several arguments in its defense, including that the lawsuit was unnecessary because it agreed last spring to start negotiating with each tribe separately once it became clear that the Northern Arapaho were unlikely to rejoin the joint council.
The challenged contract renewals were the result of exceptional circumstances, U.S. Justice Department attorneys Mark Freeman and Weili Shaw wrote in an appeal. The BIA will not enter into contracts for shared programs in the future without the consent of both tribes.
But U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris has appeared to favor the Northern Arapaho.
In October, Morris issued a preliminary injunction barring the BIA from entering into contracts for shared services without consulting both tribes.(tncms-asset)d4319fec-94a0-11e6-bd5a-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)
Morris stated at the time that the injunction simply gave legal force to the agencys previous pledge outlined in a letter from the BIAs Wind River superintendent to begin negotiating with both tribes.
The BIA has committed to no legally binding policy that would prevent such approval from happening in the future, Morris wrote.
But in an appeal currently being heard by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in California, the BIA argued that the letter was not written as a legal document and that by converting it to an injunction Morris had made it difficult for the agency to carry out its duties on the reservation.(tncms-asset)8a34c4c2-0035-11e7-8258-00163ec2aa77(/tncms-asset)
BIA attorneys argued that even services intended to benefit only one tribe might impact both due to the nature of a shared reservation, intermarriage among members of each tribe and other factors. For that reason, the lawyers argued, a requirement to consult both tribes for any multi-tribal services could stop the agency from issuing contracts for even simple services without lengthy negotiations.
The risk of further complicating the daily operations of the Wind River BIA office may have compelled Morris to offer the two parties mediation rather than issue a ruling that could have further involved the court in the intricacies of service delivery on the reservation.
Parties are in favor of mediation, Morris wrote in a minute entry following oral arguments on Monday.
The Northern Arapaho and federal government must report back to the court in 30 days.
Meteorologist Jeff Braun of the National Weather Service office in Riverton spoke with the Star-Tribune about Wyoming winds and weather.
Why is Wyoming so windy?
That, Braun says, comes down to location, location, location.
As most Wyomingites probably suspected, the state is in the right spot for factors that make air move fast.
The physical processes that generate weather conditions in the country travel west to east, and they do that far above ground level. To create wind, we have to have high pressure across the Great Basin and lower pressure in the Plains region at the surface level.
Summer winds are usually milder than winter ones; the area sees fewer storm systems in the summer months. Wyoming does have plenty of thunderstorms during that time, though, which can produce high winds. Strong winds from a thunderstorm could arrive up to an hour ahead of the storm itself.
What are the windiest areas of the state?
Some are the mountainous areas. Braun lists the Salt, Wyoming, Absaroka and Beartooth ranges as those that see winds well over 100 mph.
Some of the biggest areas for strong winds in the state are from eastern Sweetwater County through eastern Fremont County, Natrona and Johnson counties and points farther east, Braun said.
The Interstate 80 corridor is also known for wind. Moving air seeks the path of least resistance, so it ends up flowing around the central Rockies and then often over relatively low areas such as Rawlins and Rock Springs.
Another particularly windy spot is Clark, near Cody. Many factors like pressure and topography -- come together there to produce gusts that often exceed 80 mph.
In the Casper area, Wyoming Boulevard (Outer Drive) often sees sustained winds of 30 to 40 mph, with gusts of 70 mph not uncommon from November to April, Braun said.
What kind of wind damage should people watch out for?
Most wind damage happens when gusts hit 70 mph or above, Braun said.
Since the winds have been around a long time, the region has adapted. From a natural standpoint, most of the windiest areas in Wyoming have relatively few big trees. We just dont see a lot of that to begin with, Braun said. Most damage in relatively treeless and open areas happens to manmade structures.
But wind can cause extra damage when its paired with other conditions, Braun said. For example, a small fire started at the Casper landfill in October 2015. It could have smoldered and eventually died without incident. Instead, high winds whipped it into an inferno that eventually claimed 14 homes in rural Evansville and came to be known as the Cole Creek Fire.
Are there similarly windy areas in the nation or world?
Wyoming is not the only place that is buffeted by wind on a regular basis.
Boulder, Colorado, can be particularly gusty, as the Front Range is known for what Braun described as extremely strong downsloping winds coming down off the mountains.
Coastal areas, too, are familiar with gusts. As winds develop over oceans, they speed along with nothing to block them or break them up. Thats why the north and northwestern coasts of Hawaii see such dramatic waves.
Winds pile up the water and bring it there, Braun said.
How are wind chill and temperature related?
To calculate wind chill how a mix of temperature conditions feels meteorologists begin with the ambient temperature, then consider winds, which whisk away heat and moisture from the body, Braun said. Thats known as evaporative cooling, and it means we lose temperature and feel colder much quicker when were in a cold wind.
But winds can have the opposite effect, too. When they come down a mountain, air compresses at the bottom, and that leads to what's called compressional warming. When air is compressed, it becomes warmer.
Braun offered the Cody area as an example. The rest of the state might be seeing temperatures near 10 degrees, but Cody might be as warm as 40 degrees because air is compressing as it flows from the west over and down to the bottom of the mountains.
CHEYENNE Feeding peanut butter kibbles to millions of prairie dogs by flinging the treats from four-wheelers and dropping them from drones could be the next big thing to help a spunky little weasel that almost went extinct.
Slinky with a robber-like black mask across its eyes, the endangered black-footed ferret is a fierce predator. The elusive creature feeds almost exclusively on prairie dogs, rodents that live in vast colonies regularly decimated by plague outbreaks.
The disease keeps threatening the food supply of ferrets bred in captivity and reintroduced on the landscape. Biologists are increasingly optimistic that feeding plague vaccine to prairie dogs can improve the ferrets success rate.
Starting this fall, they hope to ramp up recent plague vaccination experiments to cover as much as 40 square miles of prairie dog colonies in several states in the West.
Were not attempting to eradicate it. That would be very, very difficult at this point. Were just trying to manage it on selected colonies, said Tonie Rocke, who researches animal diseases with the U.S. Geological Surveys National Wildlife Health Center in Madison, Wisconsin.
They plan to treat prairie dog colonies with blueberry-sized vaccine pellets made with peanut butter, using a specially made glorified gumball machine to fling the pellets from all-terrain vehicles. They might also drop pellets from drones to avoid trampling the countryside.
Prairie dogs love it. They gobble it up as fast as they can, said John Emmerich, a retired Wyoming Game and Fish Department deputy director who chairs Black-Footed Ferret Friends, a group working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on the project.
At a rate of 40 to 50 pellets per acre, Emmerich figures they will need 1 million or more pellets for the job. A U.S. Department of Agriculture supply depot in Pocatello, Idaho, that also makes rodent poison for farmers will manufacture the pellets.
Plague, which killed millions of people in medieval Europe, wasnt a problem for prairie dogs until it arrived in the U.S. over a century ago. The disease now routinely cycles through prairie dog colonies across the ferrets 12-state historical range.
Habitat loss to farming and poisoning by ranchers also has taken a toll on prairie dogs and by extension the black-footed ferret, which lives in the rodents burrows. The ferrets were believed extinct until a ranch dog brought home a dead one near Meeteetse in 1981.
Beginning in the 1990s, efforts to breed black-footed ferrets at a facility near Fort Collins, Colorado, and release them into the wild have been successful in the sense that the black-footed ferret is no longer teetering on the brink.
Black-footed ferrets recently have been introduced at the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge near Denver and to the Meeteetse ranch where scientists collected the last known wild ferrets to start the captive-breeding program. Descendants of those ferrets have been reintroduced at 28 sites and eight states, Canada and Mexico.
But plague, which is spread by fleas, remains a threat to the prairie dog colonies where ferrets live, said Fish and Wildlife spokesman Ryan Moehring.
Biologists often treat the colonies with insecticide to combat fleas. Plague vaccine likewise would need to be applied regularly once a year, because prairie dogs typically dont live more than a few years, and new ones are born every year. But the vaccine could require a lot less work, especially if drones are used.
An estimated 300 black-footed ferrets now live in the wild. Getting them off the endangered list would require establishing 3,000 or more breeding adults on half a million acres 780 square miles of prairie-dog colonies, according to Fish and Wildlife.
The vaccine could help put that goal within reach.
Well see as we expand the acreage, and see how it performs, but I think so far the results are promising, Moehring said.
JACKSON Wyoming's Teton County has imposed a weight restriction on nine roads to help ease the damage from snow melt and rain.
Teton County Public Works Director Sean O'Malley said heavy weight on waterlogged roads can cause rutting, cracking and eventually potholes.
O'Malley told the county commissioners Monday morning that his office has already seen damage to some roads. He said the cracked surface collects water, which expands and contracts and begins to create potholes.
The nine roads are under a 40,000-pound gross vehicle weight restriction.
O'Malley said the roads will be opened to full weight 60,000 pounds gross vehicle weight once they dry out.
The American Health Care Act (AHCA) has been released and is winding its way through Congress. It is tied to the Republican Party. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan and President Donald Trump have both claimed that it fulfills the Republican campaign promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
It accomplishes the former, but there are questions about whether it accomplishes the latter, and the Wyoming legislative delegation has been noticeably silent on the subject. I find this curious.
Sen. John Barrasso is a physician turned politician who has spent the last seven years criticizing the ACA. His Second Opinion column on his website regularly excoriates the ACA and points out its deficiencies. For seven years, Barrasso has claimed that his MD credentials uniquely qualify him to criticize the ACA and recommend a better alternative.
Sen. Mike Enzi is an accountant turned politician who has spent the last seven years criticizing the ACA. He regularly points out that as the only accountant in the Senate, he is uniquely qualified to understand the intricacies of health care funding and that the ACA does not pass his sniff test.
Rep. Liz Cheney is new. To Wyoming, I mean. And she is more interested in Americas military posture in the world than in health care, so she gets a pass.
Barrasso and Enzi do not get a pass. For seven years they have brayed about the ACA, but for seven years they have done nothing to either improve its deficiencies or develop a viable replacement. During a choreographed town hall meeting held via telephone last month, Barrasso told one questioner to be patient; the Senate had only had a few weeks to develop an alternative to the ACA.
Wrong, Senator. You had seven years. So did Sen. Enzi.
During those seven years our senators whined about the ACA but did not put their shoulders to the wheel to develop an alternative.
Now we have a Republican replacement for the ACA and our legislators are astonishingly mute. The AHCA, as currently proposed, will let people use the tax credits outside the exchange, which could save people money, said Barrrassos spokesperson.
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, said Enzis spokesperson.
What does that even mean? Neither of our senators addressed the central question: Why is the Republican-sponsored AHCA better than the ACA?
Neither rose to defend the replacement plan. Both, through their spokespeople, used high school debate team wiggle words: as currently proposed and it is only a start to the process.
I have two concerns. First, why are our senators, both of whom have made opposition to the ACA a centerpiece of their platforms, so mute on the Republican sponsored alternative? I would have thought that they would have been at the head of the parade extolling the benefits of the AHCA as the replacement for the ACA. But they arent.
Second, neither Barrasso nor Enzis fingerprints are on the AHCA. I would have expected that a physician and an accountant representing Wyoming would have had an inflated influence on how the AHCA was developed. That doesnt seem to be the case.
Our senators with their unique expertise seem to have been sidelined when the Republican leadership crafted the AHCA. Perhaps, regardless of their original professions and obvious expertise, our senators are still bit players on the national scene. That would be a shame from a state that has been represented by Gayle MacGee, Cliff Hanson and Al Simpson.
But it would also be a tragedy for the families in our state who are struggling, who have been wracked by medical problems precipitated by our uni-industry labor force and our allergy to federal Medicaid assistance. Struggling to get prenatal care. Struggling to get help with preventive care. Struggling to get by.
Barrasso and Enzi were doing their jobs when they criticized the ACA as less than perfect. The legislative branch should challenge the executive branch.
Then they quit doing their jobs. They thought their job was to merely criticize. They were wrong. Their job was to create. They had seven years to create a better health care insurance program but squandered those years whining.
And now we have a limp and inadequate Republican-sponsored replacement for the Affordable Care Act and neither Wyoming senator can muster a positive word for it. Sad.
State lawmakers voted Monday to trim but not eliminate the right of moving companies to hold a homeowners goods hostage over a payment dispute.
Without dissent the Senate Committee on Commerce and Public Safety voted to outlaw the sometimes-used practice of telling customers they owe more than the original estimate and then refusing to take their the items off the truck when they arrive at the destination. HB 2145 now goes to the full Senate.
But the vote came only after lawmakers scaled back what already has been approved by the House.
That version stated flatly that a mover has an absolute obligation to deliver the items. That brought concerns from Tony Bradley, president of the Arizona Trucking Association who said it removed any incentive for the customer to pay anything at all after the services have been provided.
We certainly are not here to defend or protect people that use bad business practices, he told lawmakers. We are here ... to ensure that good businesses that are doing it right have the ability to get paid.
Assistant Attorney General Matthew du Mee said the new version is acceptable. He said the bottom line is that state intervention is needed.
Unscrupulous movers will use a lowball estimate in order to get business that couldnt be gotten at the other price, he said. What happens, du Mee said, is that the customer is then told at the end of the move that the actual cost ended up being higher and must be paid.
Consumers are put in a uniquely vulnerable situation , he said.
That scenario was backed up by Tara Sytsma who told lawmakers of moving from the Phoenix area last year when she bought her first home in Prescott.
Sytsma said she said she was quoted a rate of $700. But when the movers arrived, she said, they demanded $1,400.
I paid the money because they refused to open the truck, she said. Everything we owned was on there.
The changes approved by the Senate panel on Monday leave the door open for the possibility that the final charges may be more than the estimate, such as if there was more furniture than the customers said would have to be moved.
If that situation occurs, the legislation requires the customer pay at least what was in the original estimate.
At that point the mover is legally required to off-load all of the items. Any financial dispute then would be settled through negotiation or, if necessary, litigation.
If the mover balks when the original estimate is paid, the legislation specifically empowers a police officer to direct the mover to unload the goods.
Conversely, if the customer refuses to pay even the original estimate, the mover would be free to drive off with all of the items still in the truck, exercising what is called a carriers lien on the goods. There would, however, be an obligation on the mover to ensure that no harm comes to the items being held.
Chad Olsen, president of Camelback Moving, said members of his industry support the concept.
He said companies do not engage in holding household goods hostage over a legitimate fee dispute.
What I have seen and heard of is a carriers lien being exploited by a predatory practice where other moving companies, rogue moving companies, will surprise a customer with hidden fees, extra charges, and demand payment while the goods are still on the truck, Olsen testified.
We've collected a few front pages from newspapers.com to give you a look at some March 21 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.
Tucsons unusual method of electing council members will remain.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday rebuffed a bid by a group representing some Republicans to void the system of nominating council members by ward but having them elected at-large. The justices gave no reason for their ruling.
Mondays action is the last word in the multi-year bid by the Public Integrity Alliance to have state and federal courts declare that the practice was an unconstitutional violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the U.S. Constitution. Attorney Kory Langhofer, who represented the challengers, argued that the system gave some voters more power than others and, in some cases, effectively nullified their votes.
But that contention was most recently rejected by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Tucsons hybrid system for electing members of its city council imposes no constitutionally significant burden on voters rights to vote, the appellate court concluded. And Tucson has advanced a valid, sufficiently important interest to justify its choice of electoral system.
Langhofer told Capitol Media Services the loss is not entirely unexpected.
I think that what happens when you sue the government ... theres a thumb on the scale for the government in litigation, he said.
In some cases, its not even invisible, Langhofer continued, saying that courts generally start with the premise that a law is constitutional. Were sort of bumping up against that in this case.
Langhofer also said federal courts are reluctant to impose federal rules on state and local election laws.
But its not just federal courts: In a 2012 ruling, the Arizona Supreme Court threw out a state law that also sought to invalidate Tucsons election system.
At the heart of the latest challenge is that question of some voters nullifying the rights of others.
In the citys six wards, Republicans hold a voter registration edge in one. But all six council members are Democrats.
That reflects the fact that the winners in each ward of each partys political primary then have to run on a city-wide basis. And with more Democrats in Tucson than Republicans, that means the voters in the other five wards can choose the Democrat to represent the sixth, even though more voters in that ward voted for the Republican.
Langhofer argued that system gives the city a nearly unfettered ability to deny the right to vote in the primary election.
The full appellate court did not see it that way.
Ultimately, every voter has an equal opportunity to vote in their own wards primary every four years and in the general election every two years, Judge Marsha Berzon wrote for the court last year.
As is constitutionally required, then, every voter in Tucson has the same voting power as every other voter in the primary and general city council elections, she wrote.
There is no unequal weighting of votes, no discrimination among voters, and no obstruction or impediment to voting.
Had Langhofer won the case, it would have changed the Tucson election system for the benefit of Republicans: If council members had to be elected by ward at the general election, that could have given Republicans a better chance of getting one or more members on the citys governing body.
But Langhofer said the Public Integrity Alliance did not pursue the case for partisan reasons.
He said the group has been involved in other election issues, including intra-party issues like when it paid for commercials during the Republican primary attacking incumbent Attorney General Tom Horne. That helped Mark Brnovich win the primary; he ultimately went on to defeat Democrat Felecia Rotellini.
This isnt the first time Republican interests have sought to overturn Tucsons voting system.
In 2009, Sen. Jonathan Paton, at the time a Republican state senator from Tucson, pushed through legislation that would have voided Tucsons modified ward election system.
It also would have barred cities from conducting local elections where the candidates political affiliations are listed on the ballot. Tucson is the only city with such partisan elections.
That measure was overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court in 2012. The justices said that Tucson, as a charter city, has a right under the Arizona Constitution to decide whether to conduct partisan elections and how to elect council members.
A 24-year-old man has been charged with sexually abusing a 3-year-old girl.
Daniel Hunter Flansburg appeared for a bond hearing Monday in Yellowstone County Justice Court. Flansburg is charged with sexual intercourse without consent, though prosecutors are also considering an alternative charge of sexual assault.
Yellowstone County Justice of the Peace David Carter ordered Flansburg to pay a $200,000 bond before being released from jail. Flansburg will also need to be placed on a GPS monitor prior to his release. He may not have any contact with minors while pending trial.
On March 18, Flansburg was seen touching a 3-year-old girl under her underwear, according to a witnesses' statement to police. It is not clear from charging documents how far the sexual contact went.
After being arrested, Flansburg admitted to touching the child, according to court documents. Flansburg was arrested on outstanding warrants from Beaverhead and Cascade counties.
The man charged with shooting two people Saturday, sending both to the hospital, appeared for a bond hearing Monday.
Harold Joseph Smith, 35, appeared in Yellowstone County Justice Court on two felony charges of assault with a weapon.
Yellowstone County Justice of the Peace David Carter ordered Smith held in jail on a $100,000 bond, and required GPS monitoring if he is released.
Smith was arrested Saturday after police were called to a shooting on the West End. At about 6 p.m. on the 2300 block of Avenue C, Smith apparently shot a 35-year-old man and a 23-year-old man after an argument, according to charging documents.
Smith and his girlfriend went to the apartment to pick up the girlfriend's kids. The 35-year-old victim and father of the kids got into an argument with Smith.
Smith's girlfriend had a restraining order in place against the 35-year-old man, charging documents state. The girlfriend had brought the kids to the apartment earlier in the day so the 35-year-old victim could see them on his birthday.
The older victim got into his Chevrolet Avalanche and may have tried to drive toward Smith, before the truck got stuck on a curb. Smith pulled a gun, which was in a holster on his hip, and pointed it at the 35-year-old, according to charging documents. The 23-year-old man, who was with the first victim, punched Smith in the back of the head.
Smith shot the 23-year-old once, and then shot the 35-year-old at least four times, court records stated. The 35-year-old man was shot in the neck and back.
Smith gave the 35-year-old man medical attention after the shooting, according to charging documents. Smith shot the men because he was trying to protect his girlfriend, records state.
OPINION: "Im sure you will see, as I have, that for all the 'God talk' that Christian nationalists throw around, their attitudes and actions are starkly antithetical to the gospel of love and inclusion for all advocated by the Jesus they claim to believe in," writes Rev. Gary Nelson, a former conservative pastor in Payson.
BUTTE A Butte woman was arrested for felony child endangerment and misdemeanor DUI refusal Saturday afternoon after police found her asleep behind the wheel at a stoplight with a child in the back seat.
Police were called to the intersection of George and Harrison at 4:40 p.m. after a report of a car stopped at a stoplight and not moving for at least three cycles.
Police tried to wake the driver and, noticing a 6-year-old boy in the back of the car, shifted the running vehicle from drive to park, and removed the driver, Stephanie Trant, 27, according to the police report.
Trant refused a Breathalyzer test, and a blood sample was taken. Trant was booked for DUI refusal, her third DUI-related arrest, and felony criminal child endangerment.
A relative picked up the boy from the intersection. Trant was still in the Butte jail as of Monday afternoon.
HELENA The Montana Board of Investments has never made a loan like the $10 million a year House Speaker Austin Knudsen is proposing to help pay for the operations of an owner of the Colstrip power plant, the board's executive director said Monday.
Talen Energy is hemorrhaging money as the operator and co-owner of two of the coal-fired plant's four generating units. Those two older units must close by July 2022 under a legal settlement with two environmental organizations, but the closure could come as early as this year if Talen's financial situation doesn't turn around, a company lobbyist told a legislative panel.
"My client, Talen Montana, is losing about $30 million a year that's an average," lobbyist Jon Metropoulos said. "We're trying to find every possible tool to change the economics and continue to operate for five years."
That has prompted state lawmakers to come up with a package of bills meant to stave off economic disaster for the town of Colstrip and soften the blow to the state's treasury that the loss of Colstrip would cause. The package includes Knudsen's proposal to provide $10 million in annual low-interest loans from the state's $1 billion coal tax trust fund.
The loans would be used to prop up Colstrip operations until the 2022 scheduled closure, which would give the state, the community and employees at the plant and the mine that provides it with coal time to prepare. The partial closure of Colstrip would not affect the plant's two newer units, which are co-owned by six companies, including Talen.
Knudsen's bill says the state Board of Investments may make such a loan if it will "prevent the elimination of jobs and provide stability in a community impacted by the operation of a coal-fired generating unit."
However, the board has never made a loan to fund a company's operations before, Executive Director David Ewer said. The board could do so, even to a company that is losing $30 million a year, if the loan meets the board's standards and is secured with some asset, such as property, he said.
"The board has not made working capital loans in the past, but it's still possible that we can examine a request and determine whether a loan is sufficiently credible," Ewer said. "I would fully anticipate that this loan would have to be secured in some manner."
Legislative pressure to prevent or delay the loss of jobs won't prevent the board from making a sound financial decision on whether to loan the money to Talen, Ewer said.
"The board still has a fiduciary obligation," he said. "Is it a loan that we anticipate can be fully repaid under the terms and conditions that the board sets?"
Riverstone Holdings LLC, a private equity firm, bought Talen Energy last year. Metropoulos said the new owners want to keep the plant open until 2022, but it needs to be economically feasible and the $10 million yearly loans may not be enough.
"I cannot say this is the solution. I cannot even say that Talen Montana would actually try to use this particular solution because the lift is large it's $30 million," Metropoulos said. "But this certainly might be one of the ingredients for a successful, positive solution for Talen Montana."
The House Energy and Telecommunications Committee did not take immediate action on the bill.
Montana Gov. Steve Bullock said hes very concerned about deep cuts to government services as prescribed in the state budget passed by the House last week.
Faced with declining taxes from oil, gas, coal and wheat, the state Legislature has crafted a $10 billion budget that is harmful to basic government services, Bullock said. The Democratic governor is hopeful lawmakers will increase taxes in some areas to soften the blow.
I have deep concerns about what that budget is looking like right now, Bullock said during a Billings Rotary Club luncheon. Theres been some pretty severe cuts, and I think unnecessary cuts, that could impact Montanas families, children, seniors and college students.
A 5 percent across-the-board cut to government agencies has clipped $23 million in state funding from the Montana University System. Consequently, tuition is expected to increase about $1,000 for in-state students. Bullock said the cuts will be hard for students and families subsidizing a childs education. Programs for seniors will also be pinched.
They gutted senior long-term care programs that care for the most vulnerable, literally decisions that if we walk out today, wed be saying, All right, were looking at eliminating state funding for hospice programs.'
Bullock has advocated for $280 million in new taxes, or revenue enhancers, as the governor calls them, to soften tax revenue losses from sluggish commodity sectors. The governor suggested, but failed to gain support for, doubling the 27-cent tax on liter bottles of wine. He also supports an increase in gas taxes and would like a sales tax on medical marijuana.
New tax proposals havent done well, though the wine tax has been toned down and rolled into a tax package that includes increased taxes for beer and hard liquor, also.
Bullock said a gas tax increase of 8 cents a gallon could also come into play. The split on the tax would produce 5 cents for federal highways, 2 cents for the state patrol and a penny for local communities. The current gas tax is 27 cents a gallon. The gas tax last increased in 1993.
The governor is still lobbying for a $12 million pre-kinergarten program, which is currently being debated.
Help India!
By Twocircles.net Staff Reporter
Kasargod: Tension prevailed in the district of Kasargod following the brutal murder of an Imam at Choori in Kasargod town. Riyas Moulavi, Imam of the Muhyudheen mosque, was hacked to death by a group of people on Monday night.
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According to reports, Riyas was sleeping in a room inside the mosque and was hacked by a group of unidentified people. When Riyass colleague Abdul Asees Musliyar, who sleeping in another room, tried to come out of his room after hearing the noise, the culprits pelted him with stones.
Following the incident, security forces have been deployed across Kasargod town. Led by North Zone ADGP Rajesh Dewan, the police force has strengthened surveillance in order to avert any kind of unwanted incident.
Following the incident, the IUML called for a Hartal (strike) in Kasargod and demanded a probe into the murder. The party district leader A Abdul Rahman demanded the State Government to appoint a special police president from outside the district, alleging that the police force in the district was working against Muslims.
Former Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a lecture at the prestigious Rhode Island college Brown University yesterday on the subject of international affairs. It was the 94th Ogden memorial lecture (which is a big deal, apparently), and he discussed, amongst other, less interesting things, the topics of Brexit, Vladimir Putin, and, inevitably, the you-know-who He Who Shall Not Be Named President of the United States. 2,400-ish audience members attended the sold-out symposium.
Cameron tackles Trump and making America great again
During his lecture, Cameron talked a little on what its like to be an ex-Prime Minister.
He said that one plus side of no longer being in office is that he doesnt have to listen to recordings of Donald Trumps conversations from his wiretapped office in Trump Tower. Just to be clear, thats a joke, he very quickly clarified in an age where information rockets around social media at the speed of light and the alternative facts-loving President would have an all-caps response trending within moments.
According to a news report of the lecture published in Rhode Island paper The Providence Journal, Cameron also discussed the possibility that the US and the UK are not the kind of superpower they used to be, and have instead become the bad guys (like Anakin Skywalker), because 2016 flipped the script: Trump was elected riding on a wave of ideas like shutting out Muslims and immigrants and walling off the country, and Britain voted to leave the European Union and branch off on its own.
Cameron says that nationalism and isolation in these senses are not the way forward, but rather tolerance is, and were not getting much of that from The Donald.
Cameron made a Berlin Wall comparison
As Trump prepares to build his own Berlin Wall between the US and Mexico (and, as he told Jesse Watters on Watters World on Fox News Channel, theyve got some great designs coming in), Cameron made reference back to its destruction back in 1989.
He said that after Mr. Gorbachev tore down that wall, it felt a bit like all the big arguments were over, and that the need for more democracies, more rule of law, free enterprise, free trade, and NATO became very apparent.
But theyre going out the window very quickly. Trump has banned lobbying, for example, and he says that NATO has become outdated.
His America first policy and our EU leave will put restrictions on international trade. All these values, so clear-cut back then, are rapidly fading. Cameron said that these morals, and also the need to stand up to aggression and to invest in the United Nations, in this day and age, are under debate.
Cameron says that, back in those days, the US and the UK were the guardians of freedom, of tolerance, of equality and, yes, of justice, but now were the ones threatening those things. He had a sly quip at Trump when he said that only when we fight for these ideologies will we truly be great again. He also quotably said, Far from being in retreat, democracy has been on the march. Picture that on a big brass statue of David Cameron in Hyde Park.
David Cameron appeared at Brown University to give a lecture on international affairs. And what better person to do it than the guy whose great idea for a referendum led to the downfall of most of our foreign relations? Of course, NATO came up, and Cameron is a strong supporter of it. US President Donald Trump called it outdated, and now Cameron has responded.
Cameron: We wont make American great by making Eastern Europe weaker again
Trumps NATO comments are among the many things that led Angela Merkel to despise him as she does. Cameron, who Trump once branded a dummy, said that we should treasure NATO, not undermine it. Putting a nice twist on Trumps big campaign slogan, Cameron said, We wont make American great by making Eastern Europe weaker again.
Cameron is apparently a fan of Stop the World - I Want to Get Off, calling it a good movie. Its actually a musical, albeit with a film adaptation, but he was mainly referencing it for the meaning behind its title, saying it is a hopeless philosophy in a shrinking world. He said that the golden rule of Love thy neighbour from the Holy Bible is a powerful moral argument, no matter where our neighbour is, whether at home or the other side of the world, and thats something people need to hear in the age of Trump and Brexit.
The Billings City Council took a wait-and-see attitude Monday toward allowing pot-bellied pigs in city limits, ordering staff to research which zoning ordinances would have to be amended and how other Montana cities have handled the porcine question.
The council will once again take up the pot-bellied pig proposal during its June 19 work session. In the meantime, animal control officers wont cite pig owners for harboring their pet contrary to city ordinance.
The proposal came from the citys Animal Control Board, which acted after being contacted by at least two pot-bellied pig owners who say their animals are clean, loving, potty-trained and smart.
He can jump up on the bed, and he even puts himself to bed, said Catherine Stecher of Billings, whos owned a pot-bellied pig called Pig for about a year. The neighbors have never complained. Theyre more annoyed with barking dogs across the street.
He is extremely social. I brought him to our kids' school, and now they want one, she said. Ive never had anybody say anything bad about our pig.
And as for the swine smell, Its no contest, she said. Dogs are worse.
Stecher gave the council a sample of Pigs oinks, grunts and other sounds.
When he gets scared, he sounds like this, she said, clucking like a chicken. Hell squeal when he wants inside," demonstrating once again. "Its very noticeable, so we let him right in.
There are people who have as intense a relationship with their pet pigs as most of us do with our dogs and cats, said Cara Chamberlain, an Animal Control Board member. Weve had pigs at our meetings, and they were good guests. The animals are unusual, but they mean a lot to a lot of people.
While nobody testified against the proposed ordinance, which would allow one pot-bellied pig up to 125 pounds per household, a few council members said they were opposed at this point.
Im trying to find a way to say yes to this, but I have problems with a blanket ordinance, said Councilman Ryan Sullivan.
Whats next? Miniature goats or horses? asked Larry Brewster. I know people love their pets, but livestock is livestock.
Chris Friedel said those who want to own a pot-bellied pig should go get a farm in the county.
But in the end, six council members said they want to decide on the ordinance after theyve had the opportunity to learn more from City Attorney Brent Brooks, who will perform the requisite zoning and comparable cities research that the council is seeking.
Animal shelter
In other pet-related news, the Yellowstone Valley Animal Shelter presented its $5.3 million plan to renovate and expand the city-owned facility it operates on the citys behalf, at 1735 Monad Road.
Executive Director Chris Anderson said the shelters board of directors isnt looking for the city to pay for the entire project, but I think the city does have some responsibility.
She wants a committee of council members to discuss the proposal with YVAS board members and staff.
We are absolutely bursting at the seams, she told the council, and space problems are so acute that its a potential safety issue, she said.
Anderson said she doesnt yet have an answer for how much the city might contribute for the expansion and renovation.
What we are asking is, how should we continue the partnership? she said. Id like us to come up with a working relationship, financially and contractually. Its a discussion we need to have.
City Administrator Tina Volek told the council that YVAS operates the shelter on a smaller budget than it would take the city to run it. When the contract was most recently renegotiated, city officials recalculated that cost, and its still less expensive to the public, she said. This way, there are far more (animal) adoptions and far fewer animals being euthanized.
Over the years, superstar Salman Khan has made his name in the Bollywood industry. He is one of the most successful and richest actors of the era. It would not be wrong to say that Salman Khan has dozens of movies to his name. He has a huge fan following the world, and fans always wait for his upcoming flicks. After the success of Bajrangi Bhaijaan, Salman says that three of his movies will be released this year. Let us check out the list.
'Tubelight'
Tubelight is not the first project of Salman Khan with Sohail Khan. Both of them play important roles in this movie.
Director of the film is Kabir Khan, and Zhu Zhu is in a leading role. This historical war drama is scheduled to be released on June 26, 2017. Sohail and Salman have worked together on another project "Dabangg," which was a blockbuster. Hopefully, Tubelight will be another entertaining movie of the duo. The story is based on the Sino-Indian war of 1962. Salman has played an Indian man who loves a Chinese girl. Music composer is Pritam, and Shah Rukh Khan is in a cameo role.
'Tiger Zinda Hai'
Recently, Salman wrapped up the shooting of Remo D'Souza's next project Tiger Zinda Hai. For the first time, Khan has played the role of a mature and possessive father. He loves his 13-year-old girl, and wants to give her every comfort.
It is a complete family film, and Salmans fans have high expectations. The movie is expected to release in June 2017. After a long time, Katrina Kaif has worked alongside Salman. Its director is Ali Abbas Zafar. Ali's previous project Sultan received many awards. This films songs and promos reveal that Salman and Katrina have recreated the magic of their previous films including Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya, and others.
'Dabangg 3'
Dabangg 3 is one of the most anticipated films of Salman Khan. Its director Arbaaz Khan has not confirmed if Sonakshi Sinha will be a part of this movie or not. Previously, Sinha worked alongside Salman in Dabangg, and Dabangg 2. Her fans are eager to know who will play the leading role in this movie. Director Arbaaz has neither confirmed nor denied reports of Sonakshi Sinha being part of this film.
It seems that Arbaaz and Salman will not comment on Sonakshis role in this movie. In 2010, Sinha was launched in Bollywood with Dabangg. The actress also worked in Dabangg 2, produced and directed by Arbaaz Khan.
TCTSL Partners with Microsoft for Improved UC
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By Alicia Young
Web Editor By Alicia YoungWeb Editor
Mobile World Congress 2017 proved to be a promising event for unified communications (UC). Tata Communications (News - Alert) Transformation Services Limited (TCTSL), a telco transformation and managed services provider, announced at the event that it has partnered with Microsoft to deliver Network Assessment as a Service (NAaaS) to its channel partners.
With this new partnership, TCTSL will be working with Microsoft channel partners to deliver NAaaS and add-on services for Office 365 built under the Skype (News - Alert) Operations Framework (SOF) in order to encourage digital workspace collaboration. The NAaaS will offer a network assessment framework to speed Office 365 managed services for telcos, which will ultimately improve employee productivity and overall operations. Since UC is all about making communications easier for employees, and thus allowing them to collaborate with the each other no matter where they are, this seems like a win for UC.
Sandeep Bhatnagar , CEO of TCTSL, commented on the importance of this partnership and what it means for employees by saying, It is a business priority for all enterprises to provide consistent and seamless user experience to enhance employee productivity across devices and locationsOur NAaaS services will help Office 365 and Skype for Business providers leverage our years of experience to maximize and deliver the best results on an enterprise customer's network.
With TCTSL providing this service to all of Microsofts (News - Alert) channel partners, were bound to see much more productive employees. Clearly, teaming up with Microsoft has its perks.
Aside from its new partnership with Microsoft, TCTSL also announced at MWC its Digital Transformation Roadmap. Created in partnership with OVUM Consulting, its purpose is to help operators derisk the move from Communication Service Provider (CSP (News - Alert)) to a Digital Service Provider (DSP). Put simply, it will help CSPs identify new revenue sources by listing out priorities for CSP leaders and managers to build their unique transformation roadmap.
This is a good time to be working with TCTSL, as it appears to have a lot to offer. Whether youre a Microsoft channel partner or a CSP looking to start your digital transformation, TCTSL may have the UC capabilities you need.
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Edited by Maurice Nagle
Judge Neil Gorsuch, nominated to the high court by President Trump, personalized his introductory statement to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and the public, by acknowledging and thanking key figures in his life: his wife and two daughters, as well as his extended family members both present and away (at home or deceased). He included his long-time assistant and clerks in his opening statement. He also reminisced about his parents, grandparents and uncle. He expressed love and gratitude to everyone who has played a pivotal role in his life.
Highlights of Gorsuchs opening statement
Judge Gorsuchs introduction was humanized with references to his childhood heroes and mentors, including athletes and judges. Gorsuch displayed emotion when he spoke of his now-deceased uncle Jack, an Episcopal priest, who gave the benediction when Gorsuch took his oath 11 years ago following confirmation to the 10th Circuit Court, Colorado.
While members of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee evoked examples and some politicized the opening during the confirmation hearings, to either accept or reject Gorsuch to take a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court, Gorsuch appeared composed, confident, at times, contemplative, and attentive to the remarks.
Noteworthy points about Gorsuchs background
Passengers on #US-bound international airlines that are departing 10 airports in eight majority-Muslim countries have been prohibited from taking electronic devices onto the plane.
The new #flight restriction that was set in place on Tuesday by Donald Trump's administration and effectively bans people from taking anything larger than a cell phone onto the plane. Laptops, sound systems, and other electronic equipment needs to be put in the baggage hold and collected at the other end.
Preventing terrorist threats
American officials claimed that the new law was not placed in reaction to a threat from terrorists or any other hazard.
It does however illuminate the unanimity among US intelligence officials and experts that terrorist groups, such as #ISIS and the Al Qaeda offshoot in Yemen, are attempting to unlock strategies of smuggling devices onto planes through laptops and other electronic devices.
Hour later, the world was surprised to learn that the #British government announced its own ban on electronic devices on flights.
The #US Department of Homeland Security sought to define restricted items as laptop computers, cameras, travel printers, tablets, cameras and games bigger than a cell phone. The restrictions won't affect aircraft crews, officials told reporters on Monday night, as they that outlined the specifics of the ban.
The policy swiftly went into effect at 3 am Tuesday, and must be adhered to within 96 hours by those airlines flying to America from airports in Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar; Istanbul; Jeddah and Riyadh in Saudi Arabia; Amman, Jordan; Cairo; Kuwait City; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in #United Arab Emirates.
The #ban on electronics applies only to foreign carrier flights, and not to American-owned airlines, which don't provide direct flights from those 10 airports.
Who will be affected?
Around 50 flights daily into the United States will be affected by the ban, with the world's top airport for passenger traffic, #Abu Dhabi, already needing American-bound passengers to go through strict border control screening by US officials before getting into the plane.
The #British ban on onboard electronic equipment impacts both foreign and airlines, including British Airways, the nation's largest airline.
Foreign airlines adhering to the new order will be EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines and Royal Jordanian amongst others, with direct flights to the UK from Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Lebanon, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia being screened and affected.
The last few years has seen numerous #attacks on transportation hubs by extremist groups and this ban has been seen as a response to those incidents. There was the May 2015 bombing of an Egyptian airliner in Egypt, and the attempted taking down of an airline in Somalia last year as well as militarized attacks against airports in Brussels and Istanbul, also in 2016.
Passengers protested at having to fly for many hours without the use of tablets or laptops, something that will affect business travellers the most.
Critics claimed that President Trump was trying to satisfy #right wing extremists in America and that the order will directly affect those working on global capacities as lawyers, journalists, researchers and writers.
terror threats have forced the imposition of a ban on carrying of Electronic Devices by passengers who are going to the United States. This would apply to those who are traveling from eight Middle Eastern and North African countries. The ban was under consideration when the US government came to know of a terror threat several weeks ago and, is now being implemented.
The Independent reports that the ban would be applicable to nonstop flights headed for the United States from 10 airports in eight countries which are believed to include Jordan, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The full details have yet to be announced but American carriers are exempt from the purview of the ban. Details of the new rules are expected to be released at a later date.
The broad outline
The ban will affect 12 airlines and will not be applicable to mobile phones and approved medical devices. These can be carried in the cabin but other electronic devices like laptops, cameras, tablets, DVD players, and games have to go as checked-in luggage.
An analysis of flight schedules from the Middle East and North Africa has identified a dozen non-American airlines from the region that fly to the US. The specific reasons for the imposition of the ban are not known and US officials are tight lipped. This is understandable because of terror threats.
Terrorists can strike at places where one least expects and, airlines are vulnerable this has been seen in the past.
Royal Jordanian Airlines has clarified that exemption is there for medical devices and, all other items would have to go as checked-in luggage. It has added that the ban is based on instructions from the concerned U.S.
departments and will apply to passengers who are departing for the United States.
The effect of this ban
It is obvious that the Trump administration is determined to ensure an America that will not be cowed down by terror threats. It has already tried to ban entry of people from seven Muslim dominated countries. Now, it has banned carrying specific electronic devices as cabin baggage on flights that originate in the Middle East and North African countries. Implementing such precautionary measures would go a long way to ensure a safe America, but it should not alienate the people.
Employees from the Billings Supervalu distribution center donated $15,000 and personal care products to Tumbleweed Monday.
According to a news release from the Supervalu Foundation, Tumbleweeds drop-in center will use the donation to provide access to food and shelter for a daily average of 30 youth and adults aged 10 through 24.
Tumbleweed serves at-risk, runaway, homeless and trafficked youth and their families at no cost. Services include crisis intervention, family mediation, adolescent support groups, parenting courses, aftercare, the drop-in center, case management, emergency shelter and transitional living.
Tumbleweeds crisis counseling and youth services are available 24 hours per day, seven days each week.
Tumbleweed is one of 34 nonprofit organizations in communities across the country where Supervalu employees have given a total of $1 million in donations. The company operates 19 distribution centers in the U.S. The Billings distribution center, which employs about 90 people, is at 1629 King Ave. West.
Mondays donation from the Supervalu Foundation was made on behalf of the companys Billings employees.
So is there a threat on US and UK bound flights from Muslim majority airport hubs? That's what the world was left wondering on Tuesday after conflicting reports by both the US and UK media.
Trump's electronic ban
On Tuesday Donald Trump placed a Ban on electronics bigger than Cell Phones on flights hailing from 10 airports in Muslim-majority countries. The UK surprised the world by following suit. And people are stumped. The public are left wondering whether there was a specific threat or not.
On Monday morning American officials at a briefing to the press said there was no specific threat.
Then on Tuesday afternoon reports started circulating out that suggested there was a threat and these measures were in response to that.
The BBC reported the US ban on electronic devices as a preliminary anti-terrorist precaution. The New York Times reported it as just precautionary.
The ban covers inbound US bound flights on those non-US airlines coming out of 10 airports. Cell phones are not affected.
The British ban, announced only hours later is very similar but applies to different airlines.
As FBI Director James Comey and NSA Director Admiral Michael Rogers were questioned by the members of the #Intelligence House Committee the direction of the questions revealed a not so hidden game of tactics between the Republicans and the Democrats. The former attempting to protect the White House and the latter to play every card for what it was worth.
Controversy
Director Comeys almost immediate statement confirming the existence of investigations into possible collusion between the Trump team and Moscow during the presidential campaign and the subsequent declaration that there was no proof of the Presidents accusation that the Obama Administration had wiretapped Trump Tower during the campaign was not a surprise for the Congressmen of the Committee.
They would have already read the documentation provided by the FBI and the Department of Justice during the weekend on these controversial matters and thus were prepared for their respective lines of questioning.
For the Republican committee members the line was to question the role of those who leaked the information to the Press in recent months. In asking questions about the legality of such behaviour and possible legal consequences the aim was to defend the oval office and to possibly put fear into any member of the Administration harbouring thoughts of leaking information in the future.
On the other hand the Democrats were on the attack against a White House that won an election by what could have been doubtful means and also to undermine the already low popularity of President Donald Trump.
At the same time they wanted to take away from him his fake news reply to any criticism or leak damaging to the Oval Office.
Concerns
Both are legitimate tactics within the interest of the respective political parties but the tactics hide a truth that many do not want to admit.
Leaks have been a normal part of politics around the world for decades.
They have been used against and also by governments to release information, or to discredit foes. Yet there are circumstances when leaks reveal concerns that worry members of any Administration. In these cases the leakers are known as whistleblowers.
Whistleblowers have helped uncover illegal activities both in government agencies and also in private enterprise companies.
These revelations have proved so important that in some countries legislation exists to protect the whistleblowers.
Problems
The problem however is not simply in the identification of who provides the leaks but above all in certifying whether or not a serious problem exists that would not have been addressed without the action of those who leaked information.
The problems revealed by leaks can go from defective products or illegal activities by private enterprise to illegal or unethical activities within government departments that are being covered up by part of the Administration.
While it would be easy to dismiss leakers as being disloyal and criminal as the Republican questioning led the public to believe yesterday, it must also be recognized that if problems did not exist within the agencies that such leaks would not occur.
The number of leaks plaguing the Trump Administration would indicate that there are many within the government departments and offices worried by what they see happening around them.
Such accusations must be investigated. If the accusations are verified then the legal process must takes its course, but if the accusations are proof false or mendacious then those who leak them must also suffer the consequences.
In protecting the Oval Office the Republicans must not forget that the leaks they criticize have so far proven to be true. If this continues the perpetrators have served the country and not acted illegally. This is an unpleasant truth, but one that must be faced.
The hottest story in American politics is the current feud between Donald Trump and the mainstream media. As Trump is increasing his war of words with the press, Hollywood stars are reacting on Twitter.
Hollywood on Trump
On the day that President Donald Trump announced his candidacy for the White House in June 2015, he instantly came under fire for his controversial comments labeling illegal immigrants from Mexico as "rapists" and "murderers." Following the media's criticism, the former host of "The Apprentice" made attacking the press a part of his campaign strategy.
The feud between both sides has only escalated in recent weeks, peaking during a press conference at the White House last week where Trump railed against the alleged "fake news" media. In response, the commander in chief received instant backlash, including from some of the biggest celebrities in Hollywood, which was found across Twitter on February 19.
Better a snowflake than a MUSHROOM: small, dank, sometimes poisonous, thriving in the dark, feeding off shit, with big heads and weak roots. George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) February 19, 2017
"Better a snowflake than a MUSHROOM: small, dank, sometimes poisonous, thriving in the dark, feeding off shit, with big heads and weak roots," actor George Takei wrote on Twitter Sunday morning.
"Trump tweeted that the media is 'the enemy,' talk show host Stephen Colbert tweeted, before adding, "Assuming he meant 'the enema,' given how the media is constantly making him lose his shit."
Trump tweeted that the media is "the enemy." Assuming he meant "the enema," given how the media is constantly making him lose his shit. Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) February 18, 2017
Let us be
enraged about injustice,
but let us not be
destroyed by it.
~ Bayard Rustin ROSIE (@Rosie) February 19, 2017
"Trump rally right now in FL is 'an official Re-Elect Trump 2020 campaign rally.' It is sponsored by and paid for by 'Re-Elect Trump 2020,'" filmmaker Michael Moore tweeted in reference to Donald Trump's re-election rally on Saturday night.
Also chiming in was director Judd Apatow who didn't hold back his criticism of the president after responding to a picture of the former host of "The Apprentice." "He looks like he already gained thirty pounds. And he never exercises. He is not a real forward thinker," Apatow wrote on Twitter, while adding, "Doesn't believe in food science."
He looks like he already gained thirty pounds. And he never exercises. He is not a real forward thinker. Doesn't believe in food science. https://t.co/t36GoDC8bs Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 19, 2017
DT tells another monstrous lie. Misquotes Thomas Jefferson in attempt to discredit press. Majority under siege. GOP patriots fight back!! Rob Reiner (@robreiner) February 18, 2017
Actress and talk show host Rosie O'Donnell quoted the late civil right's activist Bayard Rustin with a social media message of her own.
"Let us be enraged about injustice, but let us not be destroyed by it," she wrote.
Trump rally right now in FL is "an official Re-Elect Trump 2020 campaign rally." It is sponsored by and paid for by "Re-Elect Trump 2020". Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 18, 2017
Trump wants 2 be president til Jan. 2025. He'll be nearly 80. It's his way of saying PRESIDENT FOR LIFE. Not a 1,000yr reich. Just HIS life. Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 18, 2017
Next up
Donald Trump defied the odds and pulled off one of the most shocking upsets in political history with his win over Hillary Clinton last November. With the media's election predictions being off, Trump doesn't appear willing to let them slide anytime soon.
Over the last 24 hours, President Donald Trump has come under fire for falsely citing a terrorist attack in Sweden that never actually happened. After Trump made his remarks, backlash quickly followed, especially from one of his most vocal critics; filmmaker Michael Moore.
Moore on Trump
On Saturday night in Melbourne, Florida, Donald Trump held a re-election rally after just a month into his first term in office. With over 9,000 screaming supporters, the billionaire real estate mogul covered many topics, including bragging about his alleged accomplishments, while blasting the mainstream media as "fake news." While addressing those in attendance, the former host of "The Apprentice" cited an incident that he said took place the previous night in Sweden, which he related to the increase in immigration and refugees into Europe.
"Who would believe this? Sweden!," Trump said, while adding, "They are having problems like they never thought possible." Fact-checkers quickly debunked his claim, which led to Michael Moore taking to his Twitter account on February 19 to voice his grievances.
Every time Trump speaks the networks and papers are OBLIGATED to have an immediate segment called "The Orwell File" or "The Big Lie". https://t.co/NZlsS4gNlh Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 19, 2017
"Every time Trump speaks the networks and papers are OBLIGATED to have an immediate segment called 'The Orwell File' or 'The Big Lie,'" Michael Moore wrote on Twitter Sunday night. Not stopping there, the filmmaker went on to call out supporters of the president for their ignorance, and tendency to believe anything Trump says regardless of its validity.
"Part of Trump's genius w/ this is half his followers (w)ill say 'So he named the wrong country--but his point is correct. Terrorism everywhere!'" Moore pointed out in a follow-up tweet.
Part of Trump's genius w/ this is half his followers'll say "So he named the wrong country--but his point is correct. Terrorism everywhere!" https://t.co/NZlsS4gNlh Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 19, 2017
In his third and final social media message on the matter, Michael Moore continued to rip into the commander in chief.
"The other half will go to their graves always believing Sweden had their own 9/11 last Friday night - and nothing will change their minds," he concluded.
The other half will go to their graves always believing Sweden had their own 9/11 last Friday night - and nothing will change their minds. https://t.co/NZlsS4gNlh Michael Moore (@MMFlint) February 19, 2017
Trump clarifies
After a day of ridicule from the press and his political opponents, Donald Trump was forced to walk back his remarks, taking to social media to deflect blame onto Fox News.
In his Twitter message on the issue in question, the president claimed his remark was in "reference to a story that was broadcast on Fox News concerning immigrants & Sweden." The Fox News segment was broadcast on Friday night, where host Tucker Carlson elaborated on immigration issues in Europe, but made no mention of a terrorist attack.
The United States, today, is rife with racial tension, officer-led shootings, and much more upheaval that could -- or should -- be imagined in modern times. And "Shots Fired," a new show that will debut on Fox on March 22nd, deals with all of these issues and more.
'Shots Fired' will premiere on March 22nd, right before 'Empire'
The husband and wife team of Gina Pryce-Bythewood and Reggie Rock Bythewood created "Shots Fired," which was initially picked up by the network back in December 2015, as a response to all of the violence. The show, which stars Sanaa Lathan in a leading role as Ashe Akino -- an "expert investigator" -- is set in a fictional town in North Carolina.
On February 15, 2017, "Shots Fired" gathered many members of the cast and crew to host a screening of their series in Chicago. Over 200 guests arrived at AMC River East 21 to preview the show, which stars Sanaa Lathan, Stephan James and Mack Wilds. After a pre-event reception, FOX 32 reporter Jake Hamilton greeted the audience followed by a message from Reggie Bythewood delivered by FOX publicist Jessica Wilson. "Shots" cast member Aisha Hinds and executive producer Francie Calfo were on hand to participate in a post-screening Q&A including Northwestern University professor E. Patrick Johnson and moderated by Ebony Magazine managing editor Kathy Chaney.
Because the show is set to premiere right before "Empire," "Shots Fired" is expected to do well in the ratings.
Most interestingly, American audiences will be excited to see Jill Hennessy, who will be playing the role of Alicia Carr, in the series. The Canadian actress and model is best known, and loved, for her performance as ADA Claire Kincaid on the original incarnation of "Law and Order," but she's been largely MIA from TV since then.
In addition to an all-star cast, "Shots Fired" will also have some special guest directors sitting in the chair for the upcoming episodes. Jonathan Demme, best known for his Oscar-winning work on the film "Philadelphia," will be directing the sixth episode of "Shots Fired," though the name of the episode hasn't been announced.
The British government will send a letter to the European Commission on March 29, saying the country intends to leave the European Union.
Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May speaks at the Conservative Party's Spring Forum in Cardiff, Wales, March 17, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
A spokesman for British Prime Minister Theresa May told reporters the letter will trigger Article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon, and a maximum of two years of negotiations on the way to Britain's departure from the EU.
Reporters were told that the UK's permanent representative to the EU, Sir Tim Barrow, had a discussion with representatives from the office of Donald Tusk, the president of the European Commission, in which he informed them about the letter and when it might arrive.
"There will be a letter, she will notify President Tusk in writing, and the prime minister has already confirmed she will give a statement to parliament as well," he said. "More details will be given in due course."
The letter will start an unprecedented process, the outcome of which no one can predict. It was preceded by a referendum in the UK in June, through which voters chose to leave the EU by 52 percent to 48 percent.
May was expected to announce the date on which she would send the letter last week, but she appeared to have been surprised by a call from Nicola Sturgeon, the Scottish first minister, for a referendum on Scottish independence, leading to speculation that May did not wish to appear cavalier about the future of the union.
Tusk is expected to take 48 hours to reply to May with an approximate timetable for negotiations. The first date on the agenda is likely to be an extraordinary summit involving the 27 countries that will remain in the EU. This is likely to take place before summer.
The negotiations will encompass a multitude of issues, including the UK's payment of an exit fee for costs it has already committed itself to. Reports have suggested the fee could be as high as 60 billion euros ($64.5 billion).
Major issues will also include freedom of movement, the rights of EU nationals in the UK and UK nationals in EU member states, Britain's access to the European Single Market, security, and environment co-operation.
At the end of the process, May has said the UK Parliament will have a chance to vote on the Brexit deal, as will all the parliaments of EU member states.
May, who was visiting Swansea on Monday, intended to visit Northern Ireland and Scotland before the formal notification letter is sent, Downing Street said.
The writer is a freelancer for China Daily UK.
This file photo shows that Scotland's First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon (R), greets Britain's new Prime Minister, Theresa May, as she arrives at Bute House in Edinburgh, Scotland, Britain July 15, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]
LONDON - Britain is more divided at home and abroad, the main opposition Labour Party Brexit minister said Monday after the British government announced it would trigger the European Union exit process on Wednesday of next week.
Prime Minister Theresa May's government also faced angry criticism in Scotland with the Scottish Parliament's main Brexit spokesman saying Westminster had not informed him of the March 29 date for the triggering of the Article 50 Brexit process.
Scottish National Party (SNP) politician, Michael Russell, who is leading the Scottish side's Brexit talks with the Westminster government, said he only heard of the date being set from a media report.
The apparent snub to Scotland by Westminster comes when there is increasing tension between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her SNP party, and May's government in London.
The Scottish Parliament will start a debate Tuesday, leading to a vote Wednesday when the Holyrood parliament is expected to back Sturgeon's call for a second independence referendum for Scotland before London concludes its Brexit negotiations with the EU.
A spokesman in Edinburgh for Scotland's First Minister Sturgeon said: "The fact the UK government failed to properly and fully inform all of the devolved administrations on the plans for triggering Article 50 speaks volumes, and totally exposes as empty rhetoric Westminster's language about equal partnership."
In its official response to the announcement, the Labour Party main Brexit spokesman at Westminster, Keir Starmer, said: "Theresa May has repeatedly said that she wants to build a national consensus on Brexit, but it is increasingly clear she has failed to do so. Britain is now more divided at home and isolated abroad."
"It is also extraordinary that the prime minister has failed to provide any certainty about her plans for Brexit or to prepare for the clear dangers of not reaching a deal with the EU. Labour will hold the Prime Minister to account all the way, and argue for a Brexit deal that puts jobs, the economy and living standards first."
Tim Farron, leader at Westminster of the Liberal Democrat Party, said May had "rushed this through without a plan, and without a clue".
"On the day Theresa May is travelling the country claiming she wants to bring the United Kingdom together, she lets it be known she is about to unleash division and bitterness. You can't have a rushed Brexit and a strong, united country," said Farron.
A spokesman at 10 Downing Street said May will personally sign the formal letter on March 29 to European Council President Donald Tusk to inform him she was triggering Article 50. On the same day, May will make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons.
Tusk says he plans an initial response within 48 hours, but it could be several weeks before serious negotiations start between London and Brussels.
The US' rejection of language "to resist all forms of protectionism" in a communique coming out of the G20 meeting in Germany over the weekend has created growing concern over US President Donald Trump's possible trade policy.
Under the insistence of US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, the communique of the G20 finance ministers and central bank governors meeting has for the first time dropped the anti-protectionism language and instead just says "we are working to strengthen the contribution of trade to our economies".
Trump has been known for his anti-globalization and protectionist rhetoric during and after the 2016 presidential race. But his detailed trade policies have yet to be rolled out.
Eswar Prasad, a professor at Cornell University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, said the Trump administration's repudiation of even a ritualistic statement about free trade in the G20 communique shows how the increasingly protectionist US stance could affect the global trading environment.
"The G20 communique may be a symbolic victory for Trump's protectionist agenda, but it comes at the cost of weakening US leadership on global economic issues," he told China Daily on Monday.
Prasad, a former IMF China division chief, believes the US stance is going to have a negative effect on the global trading environment, which could ultimately be to the detriment of the US economy itself.
He said resentment toward the US for straying from what are seen as core principles of the G20 is likely to linger and hurt the ability of the US to constructively influence the global economic policy agenda.
"The US may find itself increasingly isolated on issues such as promoting free trade and tackling climate change as other major economies begin to collaborate more closely with each other in response to US disengagement," Prasad said.
A Reuters report quoted G20 officials who interacted with Mnuchin at the meeting as saying that many opted not to challenge Mnuchin on protectionism language. They instead chose to give him and the new Trump administration some space to refine their trade views in the hopes for moderation by the time Germany hosts a G20 leaders summit in July.
Trump has blamed China, Mexico, Germany and many others for US trade deficits and the loss of manufacturing jobs. He has threatened high tariffs on imports into the US and to punish US companies outsourcing overseas.
Many economists, such as Gary Hufbauer of the Peterson Institute for International Economics, believe that automation and information technology played a large role in the reduction of manufacturing jobs in the US in the past decades. Many believe that the low personal savings rate and excessive spending in the US also are responsible for the trade deficits.
It was the first G20 meeting after Trump took office and the first for Mnuchin with his counterparts. G20 represents the world's 20 largest economies - 19 countries and the European Union.
Mnuchin and US Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen represented the US in meetings Friday and Saturday in Baden-Baden, Germany.
chenweihua@chinadailyusa.com
(China Daily USA 03/21/2017 page2)
The recent suicide of an Asian-American girl, an 11th grader who attended a top-performing high school in the Bay Area, once again saddened an entire community of parents, educators and peers.
Her cause of death, according to school authorities, was intentionally overdosing on antidepressant drugs. "She was determined to kill herself," said a mom surnamed He, whose daughter was a classmate of the girl.
More stunning, said He, is that many of the teenagers at the same school discussed their repeated suicide attempts with counselors, who were made available to provide support to students and staff who may have been distraught after the tragedy.
"My daughter told me that her close friend tried twice or three times the same kind of drugs as the victim did," said He, "but ended up with a narrow escape, probably because the amount was not enough."
He said she was so concerned that her daughter and peers are struggling with "overwhelming levels of anxiety and depression fueled by a lack of meaning, purpose and attachment to something greater than only themselves".
Teen suicide has been a serious social problem and is getting worse, said Xie Gang, a Fremont Unified School District psychologist since 2000.
According to the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide, suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10 to 24 and the second leading cause of death for college-age youth and those age 12 to 18.
Each day in the US, there are about 5,240 suicide attempts by young people in grades 7-12. More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza and chronic lung disease combined.
"Among many reasons that trigger suicide attempts, the pressure for perfection probably is the most devastating," Xie said in 2015 at a seminar on parenting skills for Asian Americans. Xie spoke after a cluster of teen suicides in Palo Alto, California shocked the nation.
Gunn High School in Palo Alto, which was rated the fourth-best STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) school in the nation by US News and World Report, and whose student body is 44 percent Asian American, had absorbed four student suicides over a period of six months in 2015. Three of the four were of Asian origin.
Asian parents tend to emphasize academic success more than any other achievement, said Lisa Xiong, a first-generation immigrant from China.
"We choose to believe that an admission letter to prestigious schools is a ticket to wealth and quality adult lives; thus, tedious work in schools is just a small price for our children to pay for a lifetime of safety and financial security," she said.
That mentality helps explain why the bar for good education is being set higher and the starting line earlier.
"We Asian parents are well known, or notorious, for being 'tiger moms or dads' to push our children to be the best," said Xiong, adding that the end result will inevitably be a tragedy when teens reach their limits and "can't endure any longer".
"Our parenting style needs an immediate transformation if we really want to see a change in our children concerning their mental health, their well-being and their future," said Xiong. "We've sold our children a very narrow definition of success. We parents need to remind ourselves that it doesn't matter what our children do, as long as they are happy doing it."
For He, the secret of parenting is "to make friends with your children and hang out with them regularly".
She routinely checks in on the daily lives of her two teenagers.
"I heard their disappointment, loss, failure, grief, frustration and sadness; I refrained from giving comments and only listen," He said.
Contact the writer at junechang@chinadailyusa.com
(China Daily USA 03/21/2017 page2)
For the second year in a row, the state of Wisconsin is taking its companies to China. This time, they are bringing cranberries and cheese.
China is now Wisconsin's third-largest export destination behind Canada and Mexico. Exports are up nearly 7 percent since 2010, according to statistics from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC).
Currently, the top five export categories from Wisconsin to China are scientific and medical instruments (28 percent), such as X-ray and ultrasound; industrial machinery (20 percent); electrical machinery (10 percent); vehicles and parts (5 percent); and wood products (5 percent).
"I tell our companies: China has opportunity for everyone," said Katy Sinnott, vice-president of international business development at WEDC.
Sinnott worked in Beijing, Shanghai and Hong Kong for two decades before she moved back to her home state to support Wisconsin companies seeking to trade in China.
She is leading a business delegation of five Wisconsin companies and organizations for an eight-day trip to Shanghai, Beijing and Tianjin from March 18-25.
The participants include an automotive-tool maker, a manufacturer of water-treatment chemicals, a third-generation local cheesemaker, an organization representing 40 cranberry growers and an association made up of the freshwater research community.
China's appetite for US dairy products has been growing. The dairy category now is ranked No 9 in Wisconsin's exports to China, rising from $21.8 million in 2015 to $28.8 million in 2016.
Seeing opportunities in the growth of China's middle class, WEDC has encouraged more food and agriculture companies to make trade trips.
Water technology is another focus industry that Wisconsin is promoting to China.
The delegation's first night in China started with a cultural dinner, during which they tasted the famous Shanghai soup dumplings, xiao long bao.
Starting on day two, each company or organization would meet two to three potential partners daily, Sinnott said.
WEDC is holding meetings with chambers of commerce and government agencies to build a stronger relationship and to raise awareness about Wisconsin as a destination for foreign direct investment.
"It feels awesome," Sinnott said over the phone before boarding the plane from Madison to Shanghai on Friday. "I miss the food, the people. I miss China in many ways."
hezijiang@chinadailyusa.com
(China Daily USA 03/21/2017 page2)
Meals on Wheels served 370 homebound senior citizens in Yellowstone County during the last six months of 2016.
Seventy unpaid volunteers delivered hot, nutritious meals five days a week to folks in Billings, Lockwood, Laurel, Huntley and Shepherd. More than 40 percent also got frozen dinners for the weekend. For most Meals on Wheels recipients, that midday delivery is their main meal of the day and only social contact. Volunteers get to know the seniors and report to the MOW coordinator if anything seems amiss, so the family can be contacted. If cases when a senior didnt answer the door, MOW has contacted 911 and found fall victims. Many of these seniors dont have family in the Billings area.
Its so much more important than just the food, said Bea Ann Melichar, executive director of the Adult Resource Alliance in Yellowstone County. Thats why President Trumps budget proposal to slash funding for Meals on Wheels would affect people much more than government spending.
Referring to Meals on Wheels, White House budget director Mick Mulvaney said, government cant spend money on programs just because they sound good and great.
Well, MOW is great. Contrary to Mulvaneys assertion, MOW helps keep homebound seniors healthy at home in some cases delaying or even avoiding the need for assisted living or nursing home care. Yellowstone County MOW coordinates regularly with local hospital discharge planners. Patients cant return home if they cant prepare meals for themselves and dont have someone else to cook for them.
Nationwide, Meals on Wheels serves nearly 1 million meals per day through 5,000 local programs, according to the Associated Press.
Among the 370 Yellowstone County residents who used MOW in the last half of 2016:
250 were women
158 were age 85 or older
121 had incomes at or below poverty level
MOW requests $4 per meal from participants and most pay that if they can, some pay more, Melichar said. But each meal actually costs MOW $8.20 to prepare and deliver.
Yellowstone County MOW funding is cobbled together from several sources: 35 percent from participants, 18 percent from the county voted senior levy, 15 percent from United Way and private fundraising, 15 percent from the federal Older Americans Act, 12 percent from the state and 5 percent from USDA commodity foods.
The status of state funding for Meals on Wheels and other community services for seniors, such as transportation, is uncertain as the Montana Legislature hammers out the biennial budget.
Meals on Wheels runs on a tight budget in Yellowstone County. If any of its funding sources dwindled, this lifeline for seniors could have to reduce the number of people served.
Taking meals away from seniors who cant cook for themselves and cant go out to eat is a blueprint for disaster. Montanans expect their U.S. Sens. Jon Tester and Steve Daines to stand up for their constituents who use Meals on Wheels. Montana expects their senators to defend taxpayers who would foot the bill for extended hospital stays and earlier nursing home admissions if MOW werent available. Cutting meals on Wheels would be both heartless and foolish.
There are two types of legislation: the legislation that only garners media attention and political rhetoric with no end or goal in sight, and legislation that focuses on actually solving problems. As chairman of the Montana House Energy and Technology Committee, I feel it is my duty to reach out to the public and explain some of the overarching problems and poor legislation weve been working to overcome this session.
Net metering has been one of the main energy issues spanning multiple sessions and it has continued to garner an unprecedented amount of attention. After dealing with this issue multiple consecutive sessions, my committee and I have worked to create an actual solution. The big question is, if you receive credits from utilities such as NorthWestern Energy but still use additional power from the power lines, are you paying your fair share of costs that go toward the infrastructure, transportation costs, and other maintenance of the poles and wires?
This shift toward the use of solar energy and the credits for that use is putting a tremendous and unfair cost on the backs of our traditional power users. The only solution to this issue the Legislature would pass would be a political remedy. Instead, I worked with members of both parties to create legislation that directs the Public Service Commission to oversee a cost-shift analysis. This legislation passed the House nearly unanimously. My goal, however politically unpopular, was to get to bring all interests together and get to the bottom of the problem so net metering can expand in the future.
Other legislation would increase the cap of net metering such as HB504, better known as the Solar Jobs and Energy Freedom Act. Great as this legislation sounded, it was written poorly. I know this because I created and supported a very similar piece of legislation last session. For example, the bill unintentionally allowed for a neighborhood net metering customer to be located anywhere in the utility's service territory, which was not at all the intent of neighborhood net metering. This poor legislation also pushed for a 20-fold increase of net metering prior to obtaining an understanding of the additional costs that could burden utility customers.
In order to find the best solution for our communities I compromised. I compromised with the unions, utilities, environmental groups, Republicans, Democrats and Public Service Commission. One simple piece of legislation could solve this entire problem and to get everyone on board, accommodations were made. I didn't want to fight one battle, I wanted to end the war.
As for NorthWestern Energy and your rate increases, my committee and the House of Representatives, voted to pass two bills to better protect ratepayers.
House Bill 475 allows for the PSC to require a rate case with NorthWestern Energy if utility customers are believed to be paying too much. House Bill 193 would require a rate case to first take place in order to allow costs to be passed through to the ratepayers. Legislation like this has not made it out of committee in the last decade, if ever. However, both of these bills are now pending in the Senate.
The House Energy Committee will continue to focus on finding solutions to advocate for our citizens including, but not at all limited to, finding a reasonable and fiscally responsible remedy to keep the Colstrip employees employed as long as possible. I understand how the energy issues this session could impact our communities, and we are working hard to help.
In recent days, the Solar Guy, a Bozeman man who makes his living installing private-solar systems, has shared his views on the legislative demise of House Bill 504, a measure that would have allowed solar developers to directly interconnect large, one-megawatt solar generators to public utilities and demand that the utilities transport their solar power, free of charge, to the solar developers customers throughout Montana.
The Solar Guy claimed that the legislation was defeated because NorthWestern simply doesnt want people to have the freedom to choose private generation by installing solar panels on their homes and small businesses. The Solar Guy and others say the defeat of HB504 is a big setback for net metering, which allows utility customers to install solar facilities and receive a bill credit for the excess electricity they generate.
House Bill 504 went far beyond net metering. It became obvious during the hearing on the bill that the solar industry had not disclosed to legislators what the bill really would have required utilities to do: subsidize the solar industry. Allowing private solar generators to directly interconnect to utilities, and mandating the utilities transport the solar power to their customers across the state, free of charge, is not net metering.
NorthWestern does not object to its customers wanting to generate their own energy as long as those customers dont expect NorthWesterns other customers to subsidize their choice. House Bill 504 would have required NorthWestern to pay 11.5 cents per kilowatt hour for every kilowatt produced by the private solar generators. NorthWestern just signed a contract to buy wind power from an 80-megawatt wind farm at just under 3.8 cents per kilowatt hour. There is no reason for Montana to force its utilities to pay nearly three times as much for energy from a solar generator as for energy from a wind generator other than to subsidize the solar industry at the expense of Montanans.
House Bill 504 died because the solar industrys propaganda machine bumped into the hard truth of real facts.
MISSOULA A decision on whether the U.S. Department of Justice can prosecute a Montana medical marijuana provider is in the hands of a federal judge.
Jesse Walter Campbell, a Bozeman-based provider, is challenging his case based on a 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that upheld a federal regulation and said federal drug enforcement agents cant go after medical marijuana providers who are obeying their state medical marijuana laws.
The problem is that the appeals court didnt address whether the provider has to prove it is in compliance or if prosecutors have to show noncompliance before filing charges.
Monday saw the conclusion of a two-day evidentiary hearing into questions of Campbells compliance. The hearing's first day took place in late February.
U.S. District Court Chief Judge Dana Christensen asked attorneys for the prosecution and defense to file briefs by April 12 giving their final arguments on both the issue of Campbells compliance with the state law and their view on which side needed to bear the burden of proving whether he was obeying the law.
After those briefs are filed, the judge will review them along with the evidence from the hearing before making a decision on if the charges can move forward.
The issue is further clouded by the fact that one of Campbells charges is conspiracy, meaning prosecutors may be able to push forward if they can simply show that he knew and played any role in drug trafficking done by his co-defendants.
Jesse Campbell's brother Charlton Victor Campbell, who owned the property where Montana Buds was located in Bozeman and did marketing work for the company, pleaded guilty earlier this month to a federal charge of conspiracy to manufacture and distribute marijuana in the case. Charlton Campbell, who has a prior felony conviction, had also been a provider until a law change in 2011 made it illegal for any felon to be a provider. He will be sentenced June 16.
Michael James Mason, who is also charged in the case and was a part of the first half of the hearing in February, has since filed a request to change his plea and did not take part in Mondays hearing.
During the February hearing, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent said the agency got a search warrant for Campbells home, which contained his grow operation, based on information from a source who said he routinely bought large quantities of marijuana without a patient card. The agent later said he had never independently verified that the purchases happened.
On Monday, Campbell said he never sold marijuana to that man, and that he only knew him for less than a month, not the half a year prosecutors say the transactions happened over.
The search of Campbells grow operation found 185 marijuana plants, as well as roughly $80,000 in cash and 35 pounds of processed marijuana, according to a second DEA special agent who testified in February.
Campbell said the number of plants was within the state regulations, that he only had 28 ounces of saleable marijuana, and that the rest recovered in the raid was in the process of drying or curing.
DEA agents also found cartridges containing hash oil, which were packaged and labeled with Montana Buds information. Campbell said he was experimenting with trying to make his own hash oil and had purchased empty cartridges from the company because they bought at bulk rates.
He said Monday that once he filled the containers with his own oil, he put them in packaging and labels provided by Montana Buds to be in compliance with state medical marijuana laws, but denied ever getting drugs from the company or doing any transactions involving marijuana with them.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Thaggard asked Campbell why, in his 2016 provider permit application, he checked that he owned the property where his grow operation would be when previously he said he was renting it. Campbell answered that at the time, he was in the process of negotiating buying the home from his mother, and had made a down payment to her.
MISSOULA A second Frenchtown High School student has been interviewed by the Missoula County Sheriff's detective investigating music teacher Troy Bashor, telling the officer Bashor repeatedly touched her in inappropriate ways.
The students mother told the Missoulian the conduct has continued for three school years, even after she alerted school administration two years ago and was told the issue would be taken care of.
My daughter, she just wants to be able to go to class and not have him put his hands on her body, the girls mother said. I cannot tell you how many nights (she) cried, knowing she would have to go back to school and see him.
Last week, another female student was granted a final order of protection against Bashor following an evidence hearing about whether he inappropriately touched her several times during the school year.
Frenchtown Superintendent Randy Cline said Monday that Frenchtown High School Principal Jake Haynes told him that Detective Robert Kennedy had said Jan. 25 no charges would be filed against Bashor.
Although Kennedy was out of the office Monday and Tuesday, Missoula County Sheriffs Office spokeswoman Brenda Bassett said Tuesday he'd told her the criminal investigation is active. It could be referred to the Missoula County Attorneys Office as soon as this week for a decision on whether charges will be filed, she said.
Bassett confirmed that the detective has interviewed two girls in the case.
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Earlier this year, Frenchtown School District conducted a Title IX investigation after the two girls' allegations against Bashor came to their attention. According to a summary of the investigation provided by Cline, Bashor was placed on paid administrative in mid-January during the investigation.
The Sheriff's Office notified the district Jan. 13 that the girl who later was granted the restraining order had filed a complaint against Bashor. That same day, the other girl also came forward, saying Bashor had been having inappropriate and unwanted contact with her, according to the summary report of a Title IX investigation the school conducted.
After interviewing the girls, their parents, and Bashor as well as other teachers and students at the school the district concluded Bashor had texted students and played video games with them using apps on their phones, and had physical contact with them that he shouldn't have.
When interviewed by the school, Bashor said he gives side hugs to his students, including the girls, but said they are always mutual, adding that he regrets doing it, according to the report. He said the texting is always professional and centered on school, although acknowledging that he plays games with some of his students using phone apps.
The investigation summary mentions the claims of more inappropriate physical contact but does not address them. On Friday Cline said the district was unable to substantiate one girl's allegations that Bashor had put his hand up her shirt and down her pants.
Based on his own admissions and the statements of the students filing complaints, as well as several witnesses, Mr. Bashor has broken several professional boundaries with female students, the investigation concluded, specifically citing the hugs, texts and gaming as violations.
The high school principal and assistant principal who conducted the investigation recommended Bashor be put on suspension without pay for three days, with that suspension coming out of Bashors time on administrative leave. He returned from that leave on Jan. 30.
He was absent from the school for another period starting in late February after the girls temporary order of protection banned him from entering Frenchtown High School.
Under the terms of that final order of protection, issued after a hearing in Missoula County Justice Court, Bashor is allowed at the school, but must stay 15 feet away from her at all times.
On Friday, Bashor's attorney Peter Lacny declined to comment on the criminal investigation, and said he and his client had not made a decision on whether to appeal the order of protection.
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The other girls mother said her daughter is in a different grade than the student who was granted the restraining order, and that the two hadnt spent time together until becoming involved in the investigation.
The mother said that two years ago, her daughter told her Bashor was rubbing her back and tickling her belly button at school.
She contacted school administration then, and was told Cline had spoken to Bashor about the incidents. Cline told the Missoulian on Monday that at that point, the girl had only alleged that Bashor made her feel uncomfortable, and that there were no allegations of inappropriate contact.
Cline said he explained the students concern to Bashor, but because there was no complaint filed, the school did not discipline him.
The behavior stopped for awhile, the second girls mother said, but by the next school year Bashor started again.
I feel, honestly, the school protected him and not my daughter, she said.
That girl didnt tell her mother the behavior had started again until December, the mother said. Her mother said the more recent allegations are slightly different than those from two years ago, with Bashor now allegedly pulling her daughter into very tight hugs, grabbing her hand in the hallways, and trying to get her to come to the choir room alone with him.
It seemed like he was singling her out among all the kids, the mother said.
These allegations are also included in the Title IX investigation summary, but are not addressed.
Her daughter eventually went to another teacher, who reported the behavior to the principal, who called the girls mother and said he was forwarding the allegations to law enforcement. The girl told the Missoulian she was interviewed in mid-January by the sheriff's detective investigating Bashor.
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Renowned western art scholar Peter Hassrick will present a lecture entitled "Art in Cody: The Whitney Legacy," for the monthly meeting of the Pahaska Corral of Westerners at the Sunset House Restaurant in Cody, Wyoming.
There is a no-host dinner starting at 6 pm followed by the presentation, which begins around 7 pm. Both the dinner and the presentation are open to the public.
Hassrick is a writer and independent American art scholar who focuses on the American West. He is Director Emeritus and Senior Scholar at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody.
Hassricks presentation will examine how in the first quarter of the 20th century two major forces, William F. Buffalo Bill Cody and Gertrude Vanderbilt Whitney, intersected to create a small town with a major art collection. At the time, both were important patrons of the arts serving as collectors and benefactors. This lecture recounts how and why the two came together with a common cause that led to the establishment of the Whitney Western Art Museum at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
A state health employee who emigrated from Kenya and the principal of Standing Rock Middle School were awarded the 2017 Bush Fellowship grant to help new immigrants and Native American students.
Alice Musumba, who works for the state Department of Health, said she hopes to create a network for immigrants in the Bismarck area to better integrate into their communities.
Principal Tomi Phillips, of Fort Yates, said she hopes to train teachers to better understand culture differences and learning styles of Native American students, as well as bolster the number of Native educators in the state.
They are two of 24 people from North Dakota, South Dakota and Minnesota, selected by the Bush Foundation. The announcement was made on Tuesday. The Bush Fellowship awards up to $100,000 over two years to pursue activities that promote leadership.
More support for immigrants
Musumba is the program director for the North Dakota Department of Health's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, which annually surveys thousands of state residents.
In 2003, Musumba came to Texas from Kenya to be with her husband, Tony. They both worked to complete their advanced degrees. Musumba graduated, and they had their first child and moved to North Dakota.
I came in as an immigrant who didnt just land in a vacuum. I had a support system that helped me integrate into a life in the U.S., yet at the same time allowing me to remain the immigrant that I was, Musumba said.
With the help of some people she had met who lived in the U.S., Musumba said she and her husband quickly became acclimated to the new country. But not every immigrant has that support available, and, in North Dakota, Musumba seeks to fix that.
She plans to use her fellowship grant to look at the inner workings of immigrant groups nationwide that aim to promote integration and community involvement. She aims to bring those concepts back to the Bismarck-Mandan area.
Musumba said her goal is to help immigrants see themselves as contributing members of a society, not as outsiders.
"Because thats how I see myself: I see myself as a North Dakotan, yeah, with a different accent, but a North Dakotan, nonetheless," said Musumba, who is an American citizen along with her husband, Tony, and two children, Theodora, 10, and Terry, 7.
Since moving to Bismarck 10 years ago, the Kenyan community has grown. When she and her husband arrived, they were probably the only two people from Kenya. Now there's 36. Musumba has even started a group called Kenyans in North Dakota, or KIND, which meets four times a year in the Bismarck Public Library.
Depending on the outcome of her research, Musumba said she might use the grant to establish a new organization, informational center or a website for immigrants new to North Dakota, as a place to connect with others, find out where they can buy groceries or find a doctor.
The whole sense of community might be a little difficult to find here if you dont know where to look for it," Musumba said.
Native American education
Tomi Phillips has been the principal at Standing Rock Middle School for 10 years. She began her teaching career at the American Indian Magnet School in Minnesota, then came back to the reservation to teach, eventually moving into administration.
Phillips, an enrolled member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, said she hopes to use her Bush Fellowship grant to train licensed teachers in North Dakota to understand the differences in Native American students, who all too often fall through the cracks.
I think that by looking at our differences and the way we perceive the world if we look more closely at that, (Native) children will understand where our teachers are coming from, and our teachers will better understand where our Native children are coming from," Phillips said.
And current teacher training just touches the surface, Phillips said.
Already she has met with the head of the local tribal college and aims to work with them throughout the fellowship program to strengthen Native education.
My dreams and vision stem from knowing that our students are often misunderstand and many cannot reach their full potential," she said.
In addition, she hopes to get more Native Americans to become teachers in North Dakota by creating a platform for Native American educators to excel in teaching.
Only about 2 percent of full-time educational personnel 272 of 9,761 in North Dakota public schools are Native American, according to 2016-17 school year data from the North Dakota Department of Instruction.
Phillips said she was excited and overwhelmed when she found out she got the fellowship.
I was ecstatic, and then right away my mind started working. OK, now Ive got to come up with the next steps," she said.
As hearings got underway, Rep. David Monson, R-Osnabrock, promised a high fly overview of higher education in North Dakota.
Monson chairs the Education and Environment Section of the House Appropriations Committee.
The flyover became a love fest almost right away, but the love didnt turn into money.
In answer to a question, Kathy Neset, chair of the State Board of Higher Education, said: We support the bill as it is now.
The bill in question results in cuts in funding of as much as 30 percent for the states colleges and universities.
We do believe we will be better. We will be better on the back side of this," Neset said.
For three days earlier this month, committee members heard how the cuts would impact the states 11 colleges and universities. They heard only two requests for more money.
Thomas Mitzel, president of Dickinson State College, suggested a biennial bump would help repair his schools damaged reputation and enrollment the result of a diploma mill scheme that cost an earlier president his job.
Jeffry Volk, president of Moore Engineering of West Fargo, asked for additional considerations on the revenue side, when he testified on North Dakota State Universitys budget.
When those of us in private business seek to balance budgets, we look at both sides of the ledger," he said.
This brought a sharp response from committee member Rep. Roscoe Streyle, R-Minot: Its a reality, he said.
Mark Kennedy, University of North Dakota president, suggested lawmakers should consider tuition increases. A bill doing just that is pending in another committee.
There was quite a lot of discussion of the states challenge grant program, which brought institutions nearly $30 million in state money to match private contributions. Pending legislation caps the match at $4 million for the coming biennium.
With discussion of spending shut down, some committee members gave vent to their frustrations with the higher education system. Lawmakers were cranky that some schools charge online students for on-campus activities.
Were charging people in Europe for our health centers, Rep. Jim Schmidt, R-Huff, said.
Other crankiness arose about teaching loads. Streyle called faculty teaching loads of 11 credit hours ridiculous and suggested they should be 15 or 16 credits at minimum.
Rep. Mark Sanford, R-Grand Forks, who chaired an interim committee that gathered data about the campuses, asked nearly every president about classroom utilization.
Committee members also asked about debt loads for students, background checks for employees and policing on campus.
Most of the presidents discussed the impact of cuts on campuses, including cutting faculty and staff, in almost every case, and the cutting programs in some cases.
Dakota College at Bottineau, the states smallest with an enrollment of about 800 students and a general fund budget of about $8 million. Its reduction amounts to about 12 percent, including 6.9 staff members.
Dickinson State University is hardest hit, with reductions totaling more than 30 percent.
Several of the presidents pleaded for more time to let their campuses know of spending cuts.
HAU GIANG Authorities of the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang on Monday received a delegation from Tata International Vietnam Company Limited to discuss agricultural investment in the province.
Jitendra Manghnani, country manager of the company in Viet Nam, Cambodia and Laos, said that Viet Nam was among the five countries with enormous potential in agriculture. He also hoped his company could invest in Hau Giang province, especially in the field of agricultural mechanisation.
The company is planning to provide free training courses for local farmers and collaborate with cooperatives to introduce technological solutions in agriculture, he added.
At the working session, Truong Canh Tuyen, vice chairman of the provincial Peoples Committee, said that despite infrastructure difficulties, Hau Giang province had many advantages, such as an abundant workforce, to attract investments.
The Government has allowed the province to zone off about 5,200ha of land for hi-tech agriculture. Hau Giang has favourable conditions to implement the large-scale field model, as it has more than 170 agricultural cooperatives.
The province is calling for investment in hi-tech agriculture, he said, adding that it is ready to cooperate with Tata International Vietnam in this field.
According to the provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Hau Giang boasts over 130,000ha of rice and fruit cultivation land and is seeking investment in agricultural products processing. VNS
HA NOI The managing board of at Xanh Real Estate Service & Construction Corporation has approved plans to hike its charter capital to VN3 trillion (US$132 million), and establish a $42 million subsidiary this year.
The capital increase will be carried out in a two-phase payout of stock dividends.
In the first tranche, nearly 32.8 million shares will be issued at the ratio of 13 per cent to pay dividends for business performance in 2016, worth nearly VN329 billion, while the second tranche will offer 14.3 million shares at the ratio of 5 per cent worth VN143 billion.
The company also intends to offer its employees 3 million shares under the Employee Stock Ownership Programme (ESOP) at an estimated price of VN10,000 a share.
Its current charter capital is VN2.53 trillion.
This plan will be presented at the companys 2017 annual shareholders meeting for approval.
at Xanh will also seek the shareholders endorsement for its plan to set up Sai Gon Riverside Investment Co Ltd to develop the SaigonRes Riverside project in Thu uc District, HCM City.
at Xanh Real Estate will contribute 75 per cent of the VN950 billion ($42 million) for the company, while Sai Gon Real Estate Joint Stock Company will throw in the remaining 25 per cent.
Shares of at Xanh Real Estate (coded DXG) has climbed over 50 per cent this year and hit a record high of VN19,600 per share on March 16.
Last Friday, FTSE Vietnam ETF, one of the two major foreign-run exchange-traded funds in Viet Nams securities market, added DXG into its basket in the first-quarter review.
Benefiting by this hike, a group of foreign investors related to Dragon Capital, including Amersham Industries Limited, Grinling International Limited, Vietnam Enterprise Investment Limited and Norges Bank, has offloaded 4.2 million combined DXG shares, thereby reducing their stakes here from 16.22 per cent to 14.56 per cent. VNS
The equitisation of State-owned enterprises has been an attractive target for foreign investors, however, there are still challenges that discourage them from participating in those deals. Photo mobifone
HA NOI The equitisation of State-owned enterprises has been an attractive target for foreign investors, however, there are still challenges that discourage them from participating in those deals.
According to a decision issued by the Prime Minister in late 2016 to classify State-owned enterprises (SOEs) and State-invested enterprises and provide a list of SOEs to be equitised in 2016-20, the State will divest from 137 SOEs, such as Viet Nam Rubber Group and telecommunication group MobiFone.
In recent years, the Vietnamese government has always targeted investors from the United States and Japan for the initial public offerings (IPOs) of SOEs as those investors have strong financial status, professional qualifications and have expressed interest in Viet Nams market.
In addition to making direct investment in Viet Nam, investors from the United States have expressed their interest in purchasing stakes in SOEs through their IPOs, especially leading key industries, Marc Mealy, vice president-policy at the US-ASEAN Business Council, told au tu Chung khoan (Securities Investment) newspaper.
Japanese investors have also paid more attention to Viet Nams securities market. A representative of Capital Partners Vietnam Consultancy Co Ltd (CPVN) member of the Japans Capital Partners Group said demand of Japanese investors for Vietnamese equity assets is rising strongly as they are seeking opportunities in the local market, especially after the benchmark VN Index reached the level of 700 points.
SOE equitisation is one of the top priority matters for the Vietnamese government as successful IPO deals will have a positive impact on the countrys economic growth and assist those firms boost their performances.
However, foreign investors are hesitant to disburse their budget and participate in the Vietnamese securities market for certain reasons.
The CPVN representative said the company often sends market reports and analysis to Japanese investors. However, in those reports, it is evident the government has not improved on some issues.
For example, the issue of the limit for foreign ownership in local companies has not been resolved completely, the quality of information disclosure remains low and foreign investors still have trouble getting access to local companies.
These are the main reasons due to which most Japanese investors are unwilling to make investment in Viet Nams securities market and IPO deals, the representative said.
US investors worry about Viet Nams tax policies, which remain unclear, unpredictable and easy to change, and the taxes which could be imposed on their asset portfolios, Marc Mealy said.
In addition, Viet Nam has not met international standards on accounting and auditing activities, therefore, information disclosed by to-be-equitised firms is unreliable, unclear and not transparent, he added.
Responding to investors worries, Vu Bang, chairman of the State Securities Commission (SSC), said his agency is working with the finance ministry to review and amend tax policies so the securities market can develop further and attract more foreign investors.
The government has committed to bring international accounting and auditing standards into practice to increase the quality of information disclosure among local companies, he said. This would help improve corporate governance, financial management and make the local market more attractive.
For instance, SSC is instructing brokerage companies to declare their 2017 monthly and yearly financial reports on the market value method. However, this method will be first tested among brokerage firms as it could reduce the earnings companies receive and make them suffer unreasonably, Bang said. VNS
In 2016, there were 600 trade promotion programmes organized in southern provinces, including 22 foreign trade and exhibition programmes with turnover of VN300 billion (US$13.33 million), accounting for around 60 per cent of the national turnover. Photo Co.op Mart
HCM CITY Trade promotion has become more and more important because it impacts enterprises product consumption so trade promotion should be improved, an official said.
Trade promotion should be done with long-term vision and focus to target customers, Bui Huy Son, head of the Ministry of Industry and Trades Trade Promotion Department was quoted as saying in the Sai Gon Giai Phong (Liberated Sai Gon) newspaper.
The department will support any locality which can deliver their trade promotion programme for the next three to five years, he added.
Son suggested localities should focus into their key products, such as the Mekong Delta with processed food and agricultural products; or furniture, footwear, garments and textiles in the southeastern region.
We are building one website to link all trade promotion and market information sources for the whole country and we hope to provide more useful information for localities and enterprises, he said.
In 2016, there were 600 trade promotion programmes organized in southern provinces, including 22 foreign trade and exhibition programmes with turnover of VN300 billion (US$13.33 million), accounting for around 60 per cent of the national turnover.
However, trade promotion hasnt got any innovation. The number of programmes has increased but support for enterprises after promotion is low, said Bui Thi Thanh An, head of the Trade Promotion Departments Office in HCM City..
Localities have paid more attention to trade promotion with more money spent for activities but its not enough for large, high-quality programmes, she added.
She revealed that most of provincial enterprises have small and medium sizes and they have limitations in finances, management, market knowledge and trade promotion participation.
Poor-management in trade promotion hasnt created good image for Vietnamese products when they are sold abroad. Some low quality products also appeared in Vietnamese trade promotion programmes, she said.
Market information for enterprises is not updated and information demand and supply for trade promotion havent met with each other, Nguyen Khanh Tung, director of Can Tho Trade, Investment Promotion and Exhibition Centre, said.
Current information given by provincial trade promotion centres is inefficient but information that enterprises receive is limited.
Small expenditure on market research and the limited capacity of provincial trade promotion centres are reasons for the problem, Tung added.
No professional analysis nor links with trade partners were some of the reasons that local enterprises could not work with provincial trade promotion centres.
To improve the situation, trade promotion centres should carefully study markets.
Trade promotion centres should contact and introduce several potential local partners for enterprises to contact in advance, Nguyen Cong Toai, director of Can Thos Industry and Trade Department, said.
Trade promotion centres should work with enterprises to check the quality of products and the opportunities of enterprises before carrying out programmes, he added.
Toai suggested that more responsibility should be given to commercial counselors. VNS
The Ministry of Industry and Trade has denied reports that a rice company had to pay US$20,000 for a rice export licence. Photo baodauthau.vn
HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade has denied reports that a rice company had to pay US$20,000 for a rice export licence.
Late in February, local media reported that Ngo Van Nam, general director of ADC Company Ltd, said at a conference on proposed amendments to a decree on rice exports that it costs no less than $20,000 to obtain a licence.
The ministry decided to set up a team to verify the accuracy of this information, and directed relevant authorities to report to the ministry.
After working with the HCM City-based company and Ngo Van Nam, the ministry said it had not received any request for a rice export licence from ADC Company Ltd.
Ngo Van Nam confirmed that he and his company did not apply for a rice export licence.
He also claimed the media did not accurately report his comments and said he would work with press agencies to explain and clarify the misrepresentation.
A November 4, 2010, Governments Decree 109/2010/N-CP on rice exports was aimed at re-organizing the export business by setting up minimum requirements for long-term investment in rice production and export. The decree required rice exporters to have at least one warehouse with a capacity to store 5,000 tonnes of paddy, and a mill with a minimum capacity of 10 tonnes of paddy per hour.
However, besides the positive effects, implementation of the regulation has revealed some inadequacies. The ministry has proposed to the Prime Minister to amend and supplement the decree.
Within its authority, in January this year, the ministry issued a decision to abolish the regulations on conditions for rice export and business, including a limit of 150 on the number of exporters allowed, regulations on construction investment, warehouses and milling stations. VNS
A pilot program for providing state services to juveniles adjudicated in tribal courts was denied Tuesday by members of the North Dakota House.
Senate Bill 2046, which lawmakers said could be revisited in the next legislative session, failed by a 16-76 vote after a short debate. In contrast, the Senate passed it 45-0 in January.
SB2046 would have allowed the North Dakota Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to enter a memorandum of understanding with any of the states federally recognized tribes for the care, custody and treatment of tribal juveniles adjudicated in tribal courts.
DOCR would have had to report to North Dakota Legislative Management on how the program was working.
Scott Davis, executive director of the North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, said he'd like to see agreements that would allow tribal kids to access state services, including counseling and treatment, since those are "limited" on the reservations.
"These kids are still citizens of the state, and they still should be eligible for these services, regardless of where they live," Davis said.
He indicated he would continue working on the issue during the coming biennium.
HAI PHONG The Peoples Committee of Hai Phong City signed a deal with national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines on Monday to promote the northern port city and its people abroad.
Under the agreement, Vietnam Airlines will support the city in implementing its foreign affairs and tourism promotion plans this year. Hai Phong will join Vietnam Airlines in the carriers promotional booths at international tourism fairs in the Republic of Korea, France and the United Kingdom.
The airline will invite tour operators from Europe and Northeast Asian countries to visit and learn about Hai Phong and its tourism potential, and will promote the citys image through all its marketing channels.
On the other hand, Hai Phong will help the airline develop its business in the city and promote its services to residents.
Last month, Vietnam Airlines also concluded an agreement with the Peoples Committee of Ha Noi to help the city promote its tourism. VNS
HA NOI The Mekong Delta province of ong Thap proudly wears its business-friendliness on its sleeve.
Last year, it surprised the nation with the Chairman Cafe, an establishment in close proximity to the ong Thap Peoples Committee headquarters.
The cafe has become a space where representatives of local businesses can meet regularly with provincial Chairman Nguyen Van Duong, Party Committee Secretary Le Minh Hoan and other key figures to discuss regulatory obstacles and solutions.
It has been hailed as a creative, interactive channel between governmental leaders, policy makers and businessmen, setting a fresh example for government to business interactions.
The province continues to build on its image with a third-place ranking in the latest provincial competitiveness index (PCI) released by the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).
The ranking records major improvement in the provinces market integration, labour quality, business support, information disclosure and improvements in its legal framework.
Several policy chances from the provincial leadership in recent years have been credited with effecting positive changes in the investment and business environment.
The ong Thaps Department of Planning and Investment has issued several incentive policies for investors under its 2016-20 plan, particularly in the agriculture, seafood, and infrastructure structures, as also several light industries.
The policies have included tax breaks on land, import inputs, income tax concessions and low interest loans for both domestic and international investors.
We consider local businesses success as our own, and always try our best to solve any regulatory problem they may encounter here in ong Thap in a timely and efficient manner, to ensure the most favourable conditions for their operation, said provincial Chairman Duong.
Other actions by the provinces leadership include the creation of a public administration centre in October 2016 to resolve bureaucratic procedures with 16 provincial departments.
ong Thap has also promoted the use of social media in addition to their official site to promote information transparency.
In 2016, more than 55 new investors visited ong Thap looking for business opportunities, and the province also recorded significant improvement on the entrepreneur scene.
Just last year, 418 businesses were newly registered in ong Thap with a total capital of VN2.48 trillion (US$111.3 million), a 5.3 per cent increase over 2015.
Additionally, the province also issued investment certificates to 42 projects with total capital of 2.14 trillion, in industrial construction, agriculture and the service sectors.
Although ong Thaps latest spot in the VCCIs ranking is one notch below from second place in 2015, the fact that it has been in the top three for five consecutive years reflects sustained efforts to improve the provinces business and investment environment.
Chairman Duong has stated the administrations intention to continue improving the regulatory environment. VNS
HA NOI Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO) will be officially authorised by the Vietnam Airlines Corporation to operate flights between Ha Noi and ong Hoi city in central Quang Binh province from March 26.
Accordingly, VASCO, a subordinate company of the Vietnam Airlines Corporation, will be responsible for operating all the seven round trips on the Ha Noi-ong Hoi route per week, using the 68-seat ATR-72 aircraft.
The transfer is part of the corporations plan to improve the operational efficiency of its subordinate airlines, Vietnam Airlines, VASCO and Jetstar Pacific Airlines, and expand VASCOs business, thus meeting the increasing demands for travel by passengers.
Vietnam Airlines has so far transferred HCM City-Rach Gia-Phu Quoc, HCM City-Phu Quoc-Can Tho, and Ha Noi ien Bien flights to VASCO.
Air routes between Ha NoiHCM CityTuy Hoa, and HCM CityChu Lai were also transferred to Jetstar Pacific Airlines. VNS
HCM CITY Viet Nams packaging industry continues to expand, driven by growing demand for food and beverages processed and packaged in a modern way, according to experts.
Michael Przytulla of the German Engineering Federation Food Processing and Packaging Machinery Association, said, It is expected that the demand for packaged food will rise by 38 per cent to 5.4 million tonnes by 2020.
Vietnamese consumers were also increasingly focusing on food hygiene and quality, with more opting for packaged products instead of buying goods at open market stalls, he pointed out.
Tran Viet Dung, deputy director of VCCI Exhibition Service, said the increase in exports of seafood, garment and textiles, confectionary and some other products also pushed up demand for packaging.
Packaging plays a vital role in terms of protection, storage and hygienic handling of a product, and a key role in the marketing mix and in defining the character of products, and has a massive impact on sales and purchasing decisions.
"It is vital that brand owners understand its importance to create the right packaging," he told at a press conference held on the opening day of the 2017 Propak Vietnam exhibition.
Paolo Lemma, trade commissioner, Italian Trade Commission, said Viet Nams food industry had an important role in the economy, significantly contributing to GDP and attracting foreign investors.
"The packaging sector is also one of the most rapidly developing industries, and many foreign suppliers and manufacturers have made a foray into the market," he said.
Przytulla said the increasing demand for foodstuff, processed foods and beverages and packaging, the rising number of supermarkets as well as the development of new products and increasing hygiene requirements led to a rising demand for state-of-the-art machinery.
Viet Nam is, to a very large degree, dependent on the import of machinery and equipment.
"In 2015 Viet Nam spent 392 million euros on imports of food processing and packaging machinery, a 10 per cent increase over 2014, with China, Germany, Japan, Italy, and South Korea being the top suppliers.
"Export-oriented manufacturers in Viet Nam favour high-tech solutions to meet international standards and be competitive," he said.
2017 PROPAK Vietnam
Dung said PROPAK Vietnam, a major annual processing and packaging technology exhibition, held in HCM City from March 21 to 23, would provide an outstanding sourcing platform for many industries, enhance business connections and discover new ideas for production line improvement and expansion.
The expo features a wide array of cutting-edge processing and packaging machines, technologies and services for the food and beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, chemicals and other industries.
It has attracted more than 400 exhibitors from 28 countries and territories, including 11 international group pavilions from Germany, China, India, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Italy, BT Tee, general manager of SES Vietnam Exhibition Services, said.
The vast opportunities offered by the event would be enhanced by the joint staging of the first Printech Vietnam, which serves the converting, package printing and labelling sectors, he said.
Conferences and seminars would be held on the sidelines of the expo, including on water quality and management for food processing and improving the quality of rice and rice-based products.
The event at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre, jointly organised by SES Vietnam Exhibition Services and VCCI Exhition Service, is expected to attract more than 7,500 trade visitors. VNS
HA NOI Vietnamese Prof Phan Huy Le has been granted a medal by the Academie des Inscripition et des Belles Lettres (Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres) for his significant contribution to the preservation of Viet Nams historical and cultural heritage and for his devoted social science research.
The medal was given by Prof Micheal Zink from the academy during an award ceremony Monday night at the French Embassy in Ha Noi.
Speaking at the event, Prof Zink praised Prof Le for his discovery of the original draft of the Han-script story poem Luc Van Tien by the 19th century poet Nguyen inh Chieu in the library of the Institute of France in Paris in 2011. Although the draft had been kept there for years, the French had no idea the story poem is considered a treasure of Vietnamese literature.
We would like to do something to recognise the discovery of Prof Phan Huy Le. Alongside unveiling the draft, we would like to give him a medal of the academy, Prof Zink said.
A ceremony to unveil the draft will take place at the Viet Nam National Archive Department in Ha Noi.
Vietnamese Prof Le is an internationally-acclaimed historian who in 2016 received the Ho Chi Minh Award -- the highest State award--for his research. He is an honourary doctor of the Ecole francaise dExtreme-Orient (French School of the Far East).
The 83-year-old historian has also been a member of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles Lettres a French academic association devoted to the humanities, since 2011. VNS
HA NOI President Tran ai Quang welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Reuven Rivlin, at the Presidential Palace in Ha Noi yesterday, saying the visit reflects Israels desire to deepen the friendship and co-operation with Viet Nam.
Viet Nam hopes for the establishment of a Palestinian state co-existing peacefully alongside the State of Israel, he said.
Viet Nam, he said, supports every effort made by the region, the world and the parties concerned to achieve comprehensive, fair, and sustainable solutions, based on international law and UN resolutions, leading to establishing "an independent and sovereign Palestinian State which peacefully co-exists with the State of Israel."
He reiterated Viet Nams unswerving external policy of being a friend and a reliable partner of other countries and striving for peace, independence and development. Viet Nam highly values the development of friendship and co-operation with the Middle East countries, including Israel, and wishes to carry forward the effective and stable Viet Nam-Israel ties for the benefit of the two peoples, and for the sake of peace and friendship in the Middle East, Southeast Asia and the world, he added.
President Rivlin, for his part, said this was his first visit to the country, whose people he admires for their determination to defend national independence and for their peace-loving spirit.
Expressing pleasure with the progress of the co-ordination in trade, agriculture, science-technology and training, the two leaders set economic ties as a focus and science-technology as a priority pillar in the countries future co-operation.
The two leaders agreed to increase two-way trade to US$3 billion in the coming years by accelerating negotiations and the signing of the Viet Nam-Israel Free Trade Agreement (FTA), facilitating trade ties between businesses and localities, and boosting investment in hghi-tech agriculture, human resources training, information technology, electronics, communications, and water treatment.
The Israeli leader committed to assisting Viet Nam in treating and cleaning up soil contaminated with Agent Orange, the deadly defoliant used by American troops in Viet Nam.
Host and guest also discussed ideas to push forward connections in the field of national defence and security, culture, education and tourism.
They agreed to increase the exchange of visits and direct collaboration between ministries, agencies and localities. On regional and global issues of shared concern, the Presidents underscored the important role of co-operation in maintaining peace and stability in the world.
The Vietnamese side reaffirmed its policy of settling disputes, including the East Sea dispute, by peaceful means and with full respect to diplomatic and legal processes in line with the basic principles of international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
After concluding their talks, the leaders met with reporters.
President Quang said both sides lauded the signing of a co-operation agreement on technological innovation, research and development, which will support businesses in the field.
The host welcomed representatives of nearly 30 Israeli firms accompanying Rivlin on his visits to Ha Noi and HCM City, and hoped that a number of partnerships will be reached.
The Israeli leader, for his part, stated that his visit will lay a foundation for new partnerships to improve the living conditions of the two countries people, especially in high-tech agriculture, hi-tech water treatment and purification, education, health care, cyber security, and national defence and security. VNS
Finance Minister inh Tien Dung delivers speech during a debate in the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) about amendments to the Law on Public Debt Management yesterday. Photo danviet.vn
HA NOI The main reason for the rapid rise of Viet Nams public debt is failure to achieve the targeted economic growth rate and the resulting tax collection shortfall, Finance Minister inh Tien Dung said yesterday.
"The 2011-15 GDP growth was only 5.91 per cent whereas the set target was seven per cent, he added.
Although the economic growth rate did not reach the designated target, Viet Nam had to mobilise capital for investment in transport infrastructure, social security and balance its budget in items supported by overseas assistance, he said.
The minister spoke during a debate in the National Assembly Standing Committee (NASC) about amendments to the Law on Public Debt Management.
Dung said after six years of implementation, the law had contributed to mobilising capital to offset State budget overspending, and created investment resources for the economys key sectors through the re-lending of foreign loans by the Government and through Government guarantees for domestic and foreign loans.
But given the countrys international integration and the changes in the legal system, many articles of the law were no longer relevant and need to be adjusted, he said.
The majority of NA deputies agreed on the need to revise the law, and also discussed the scope of public debt and which agency should manage the public debt.
In response to a question raised by Chairwoman of the National Assemblys Justice Committee, Le Thi Nga, on the calculation of public debt and the reason for its rapid increase in recent years, the Minister of Finance blamed weak management.
When questioned about whether the debts of State-owned enterprises should be subject to the Law on Public Debt Management, Dung said the law shouldnt include state-owned companies. The ministry defines public debt as government debt, government-guaranteed debt and local-government debt, as regulated by the current law, he said.
According to Dung, as SOEs are one-member limited company, they have to bear responsibility for the borrowed capital.
"If they fail to pay the debt it would be dissolved in accordance with the law on bankruptcy," he said.
Many NA deputies agreed with Dungs opinion, however, some of them expressed their concern over the consequence of excluding SOE debts.
Nguyen Van Giau, head of NAs External Affairs Comittee, said bad debts of many credit institutions would increase sharply because SOEs were their biggest customers, and many of them were in difficulties.
Whos in charge
Regarding to the tasks and authoritiy of agencies in public debt management, NA deputy chairman Phung Quoc Hien said it was time to debate regulations relating to guarantees and re-borrowing of foreign loans by the Government.
Many corporations could not repay the debt although they were backed by the government, Hien said.
To settle the above-mentioned problem, the Finance and Budget Commitee proposed that the Mininstry of Finance be the sole agency responsible for land and debt payments rather than many agencies currently managing public debts, leading to loose management and the rapid growth of public debt, the committee said.
ao Quang Thu, Deputy Minister of Planning and Investment didnt agree with the committees proposal, saying that the current management mechanism was suitable to the countrys economic and political mechanism and legal system, creating a mutual supervisory mechanism between ministries.
Currently, the debt management is shared by the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the State Bank of Viet Nam.
Deputies suggested that inadequacies in mobilising government loans, re-lending and guarantee conditions should be improved and tightened to ensure the efficiency in the use of capital and ensure debt security in accordance with the policy of the State.
The NASC also debated the revision of the Foreign Trade Management Law.
Foreign trade law
HCM City The HCM Citys Urban Railway Management Board has submitted a plan to the municipal Peoples Committee to link the urban railway system underground with high-rise buildings, apartments and shopping complexes.
The connections will bring huge benefits for the city, investors and local residents, a representative of the management board was quoted as saying in the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper.
HCM Citys Architecture Department said the city had agreed to the proposal to link the urban railway system with underground constructions.
After the city opens its public underground space in Ben Thanh Metro Station and the metro, underground connections will be in high demand, Nguyen inh Hung, deputy director of the Architecture Department, said.
At first, the city will focus on mastering underground public spaces and encourage investors to link their construction with the metro system, he added.
The No 1 metro line from Ben Thanh in District 1 to Suoi Tien in District 9 is the first project of an underground master plan, the first to be built in the country.
HCM City has asked the Prime Minister to agree to the use of ODA to build public underground works beneath Ben Thanh Trade Centre under Le Loi street.
The trade centre will have a length of 515 m and an area of 45,000 sq.m, with a total investment of VN 6.9 trillion (US$302 million).
The trade centre will also be connected to other trade centres and high-rise buildings downtown, especially those on Le Loi and Nguyen Hue streets and around Ben Thanh Market.
At the Ben Thanh metro station, six exits will be built to help receive customers and passengers from roads to the underground space.
The management board said that all eight metro lines should be built as underground stations along with shopping centres, as a way to effectively use capital.
The local government should announce the specific positions of underground metro stations. This will help attract investors willing to build underground trade centres, an official from the management board said.
The city has instructed the Architecture Department to complete the underground master plan. This is one solution to ease traffic congestion, Hung said.
The Architecture Department has excluded underground construction of houses, schools, hospitals, hotels, dormitories, theaters, exhibitions and stores.
"Right now, the master plan for underground space has become urgent. The Department will focus on downtown first, and then expand to the whole city, Hung said.
Meanwhile, the Transport Department plans to build 18 underground parking plots due to lack of land. Construction has begun on four of the lots.
Many investors have suggested building both parking plots and trade centres underground. Most of them plan to use 30 50 per cent of the parking plot areas as sites for shopping centres.
For example, at an underground parking plot in Le Van Tam Park, four floors for parking will be built with 1,260 cars, 2,000 motorbikes, and three underground shopping floors with a total area of 33,000 sq.m. VNS
Hong iep
KON TUM For many people, a loaf of bread costing VN1,300 (US$0.06) may not be worth much, but for poor patients at Kon Tum General Hospital, the free breakfast is much dearer than its cost. No price can be put on the kindheartedness of its donor.
At 5:30 each morning, patients line up quietly in front of the hospital gate to get the free bread donated by an old man, Luu Binh, from the Quyet Thang ward of Kon Tum city in Viet Nams Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands).
Binh, 87, has been carrying out his charity work for at least three years to help impoverished residents in poor health who are hospitalised for long periods.
Binh said he came up with the idea while he was selling steamed peanuts around the hospital, and was himself eating bread for his breakfast everyday.
To have money to buy bread for donation, Binh mobilised all of his family members to steam at least 10kg of peanuts to sell every day. He himself also drove his bicycle around the city to sell the peanuts.
The image of the man sporting a beard and glasses, wearing a small hat and old clothes, riding an old bicycle to all corners of the city to sell peanuts, then coming back to the front gate of the hospital with a basket full of breads, became a familiar one.
A Luan, a man whose wife was a long-time patient at the hospital, said to have bread donated by Binh had made him happier and encouraged him to take care of his wife.
My family is really suffering from hardship but with Binhs breads, I feel like I am more energetic and more hopeful that she (his wife) will survive, said Luan.
Helping people is in his blood. He always helps not only people but also all of family members. We support him all the time too, said Nguyen Thi Mung, Binhs daughter-in-law.
Recalling the start of the donations, Binh said he could only collect a few dozen loaves because he could only earn a small sum of money from selling peanuts. With just a small number of loaves, he would come directly to certain patients and hand them out.
But as time went by the number of loaves grew. He, on the other hand, was not strong enough any more to walk around the hospital. He therefore decided to leave a basket with a note saying free breads at the hospitals gate for the patients to take.
Word of his activity spread and attracted the suppor of everyone who knew him. Binh could thus sell more peanuts and have more money to buy the bread. At the beginning of this year the number of loaves reached 100 a day, bought with a profit of about VN130,000 ($5.7) from selling peanuts.
As the basket has to be filled early in the morning, a couple named Chi who live near the hospital have taken on the task of bringing the bread to the gate.
Binh said he was excited to see the basket full of bread. But he also praised others who jumped in to help by buying his peanuts or donating money to buy the bread. He said many others donate water and other food, putting it in the basket, too.
Tran Anh Dung, Chairman of the Quyet Thang Communes People Committee in Kon Tum Province said the provincial authority respected Binh and praised him as a symbol of kindness and generosity. Dung said the province would soon award him a commendation for his charity work in the commune.
Responding to the officials praise, Binh said he would never stop his charity work as he knew there were still so many poor people to help. - VNS
A NANG The Information System (IS), a company of the FPT Group, will supply information technology infrastructure (IT) for 16 hospitals in a Nang this year.
The move is part of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by the company and the city last week.
As planned, FPTs IS company will help build up databases and software for patients medical files at five hospitals in the first stage in 2017.
The company also provides IT solutions for urban traffic as well as digital maps in management of buses and GPS car tracking.
Following the agreement, FPTs IS will help the city become a beacon for advanced IT applications in e-heath, human resource training in IT, as well as information technology transfer.
According to the Department of Transport, 1,300 buses and 879 trucks have already been fitted with GPS tracking equipment.
a Nang launched its e-Government initiative in 2014 and offered free wireless internet services, with a maximum of 20,000 connections for local residents and tourists at major public spaces and streets across the city.
The central city had provided 1,196 on-line administration procedures, including one-stop shops, residential management, public transport and water supervision through the E-Government system.
Last year, the city and the military-owned telecommunications group Viettel signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for developing a Nang into a smart city in 2020. VNS
Nonprofits often engage in very public activities but many wish to keep their donors private, according to testimony provided Tuesday in support of a bill that would shield such organizations from open records laws.
The case was made to House committee members that donor information should remain private even if the money was received from a public entity.
The types of nonprofits that are sometimes deemed public entities in North Dakota include arts organizations, humane societies, historical societies and domestic violence organizations, said Dana Schaar Jahner, executive director of North Dakota Association of Nonprofit Organizations. We do not believe that personal donor information, such as contact information, tax records and estate plans, should be subject to open records laws.
Sen. Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, primary sponsor of Senate Bill 2195, said at issue is whether public accessibility of donor information might prevent some people from giving to worthy causes and projects.
Nonprofits are the friend of government, Wardner said. It helps the nonprofits to fundraise.
The argument is similar to recent legislative arguments for keeping applicant records for public employee positions confidential: Do open records laws keep some of the best applicants from pursuing such jobs?
Schaar Jahner said passage of the bill would provide protections to donors at all times.
No action was immediately taken Tuesday morning on SB2195. There was no testimony in opposition to the bill, which passed the Senate earlier in the legislative session by a 43-1 vote.
HA NOI A national steering committee will be set up to fix incidents related to cyber security following a newly-approved decision by the Prime Minister.
The decision No 5/2017/Q-Ttg, signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, said the committee would be allowed to direct ministries of information and communication, public security, national defence and relevant agencies to co-operate to solve incidents of cyber attacks immediately.
The information ministry was tasked to be the standing body of the committee. The ministry must decide plans to deal with the incidents, Phuc said.
The decision was issued to fill the space for a national-level steering agency to co-ordinate rescue activities in case of a cyber attack.
Earlier March, websites at Tan Son Nhat Airport in HCM City, Rach Gia Airport in Kien Giang Province and Tuy Hoa Airport in Phu Yen Province were hacked, causing people unable to enter these websites to get information.
Last July, cyber attacks reportedly occurred at Noi Bai and Tan Son Nhat airports. Hackers managed to display pictures and words insulting Viet Nam and the Philippines, regarding the East Sea (South China Sea) dispute, on the information screens in the check-in areas. The official website of Vietnam Airlines was also hacked and replaced by the same pictures.
The incidents raised questions about Viet Nams cyber security preparations. VNS
HA NOI Forty Red Cross staffers from Viet Nam, the Philippines, Cambodia, and Laos are participating in a three-day training programme on Participatory Multi-disaster Risks Mapping, which began on Tuesday.
The training, jointly organised in Ha Noi by Vietnam Red Cross Society and German Red Cross, presents a new, user-friendly risk mapping method called Quantum Geographic Information system (QGIS) to Red Cross staff actively involved in disaster risk management and training in preparedness and response.
The session involves lectures with examples and practical training with exercises so that the attendees acquire the skills, participate and exchange information.
The training programme is one of the key regional-level activities of the 18-month-long Building Urban Resilience in Southeast Asia project, funded by the European Commissions Humanitarian Aid Department (ECHO).
This project supports Red Cross partners in Cambodia, Laos, Viet Nam and the Philippines, in building capacities of National Society staff, government officials, school teachers, school children, Red Cross youth and volunteers, and partners, through a coherent, regional strategy on good practices and using innovative methods. It emphasises gender equality and social inclusion, and includes the poor and the vulnerable such as people with disabilities and older people.
In Viet Nam, the project is being implemented in the coastal city of Quy Nhon in the central Binh inh Province.
The project aims to enhance the capacity of local, sub-national and national government authorities in building an environment of safety and resilience at all levels for multi-hazard risks, said ang Minh Chau, deputy secretary general of Vietnam Red Cross Society..
"By the end of the project, seven targeted schools in five at-risk urban wards of Quy Nhon will have gained the knowledge and capacity to understand risks and to effectively prepare for and respond to disasters (both natural and man-made).
An innovative public awareness and education strategy for disaster risk reduction, targeting specific vulnerable groups, will reinforce positive and safer behaviour, improved preparedness and social change. Local government authorities and the Red Cross will have increased capacity through an innovative QGIS-based preparedness and response mapping methodology, Chau said.
Vietnam Red Cross Society is one of the leading humanitarian groups in the country, with branches in all 63 provinces and cities, down to district and commune levels. It plays a key role in the National Community-based Disaster Risk Management Programme by providing expertise in capacity-building and awareness-raising at national and local levels. VNS
HCM CITY The city police have busted a weapon trading ring in HCM City.
The ring was involved in importing electric guns, scimitars, Japanese-style swords, and grenades from China and sold them online in Viet Nam.
According to the police, it was a large-scale arms trafficking racket in Viet Nam.
Earlier this year, the police had found some accounts on Facebook and other social networking websites selling these types of weapons.
The prices of these weapons ranged from hundreds of ong to millions.
Following investigations, the police said the head of the ring was To Hoang Vu, 29, who had three assistants.
They imported the arms from China and stored them in a house in District 8. They then posted advertisements on social networking websites.
Vu rarely delivered the goods to the customers. He stayed home to get the online orders, the police said.
At 3pm on Monday, the police conducted a raid at Vus house. At the time of arrest, Vu and his three assistants were found to have consumed drugs. Therefore, they did not resist arrest.
After conducting a search of the house, the police recovered 250 scimitars, 37 bayonets, 17 electric guns, and 50 Japanese-style swords and many electric robes.
The police are investigating the case further. VNS
HCM CITY Doctors at Binh Dan Hospital on Monday used a robot to assist in a surgical operation to remove two-thirds of the stomach of a male patient diagnosed with cancer, the first on a patient with cancer surgery.
The 54-year-old patient from the Mekong Delta province of ong Thap was hospitalised due to indigestion after eating and losing two kilos per month over a long period.
Endoscopy results showed that he had cancer at the antral section of the stomach in the third stage.
Dr Hoang Vinh Chuc, head of the hospitals digestive surgery department and leader of the surgical team, said the robots arms were guided by the physicians who viewed the patients stomach via digital screens.
The robot easily removed and separated parts of the tumours, thereby reducing bleeding.
The robot also helped to minimise harm to healthy cells nearby, Chuc said.
As of Monday afternoon, the patient was recovering in the intensive care unit (ICU).
He is expected to recover more quickly than usual because of the reduced amount of bleeding during the operation.
After surgery, the patient will not eat for two or three days and will be fed intravenously. Five days later, he will begin to eat soup and milk. He will also be asked to walk regularly to help the gut operate normally.
Stomach cancer at the antral section of the stomach accounts for 70 per cent of the total number of cases of stomach cancer.
People at a high risk, including those with a family member with stomach cancer or helicobacter pylori infection, should have a stomach endoscopy periodically, Chuc said.
Since last December, the hospital has used robots to assist surgeries on adult patients, with 68 patients benefitting from the technique. VNS
DES MOINES The Senate State Government subcommittee moved ahead Monday on a bill barring local governments from raising the minimum wage.
The bill creates uniformity throughout the state when it comes to employment law, whether it be on wages, whether it be on leave or whether it would be on a whole host of hiring practices, said Sen. Jake Chapman, R-Adel, one of two GOP senators who moved the bill to the full committee. What we dont want is what weve seen where certain counties have increased minimum wages.
However, opponents like Ryan Arnold, senior minister at the First Christian Church in Des Moines, urged the committee to raise the state minimum wage if legislators are going to roll back pay raises already in effect in four counties.
We in the faith community are doing our best to ensure that no family starves in Iowa, Arnold said, noting one in five Iowa children faces food insecurity. Please, will you join us and raise the minimum wage and bring people out of poverty?
The legislation blocks cities and counties from implementing policies at odds with state law, including setting minimum wages that exceed the state level of $7.25 an hour. If signed by Gov. Terry Branstad, it would nullify higher wage floors approved in Johnson, Linn, Polk and Wapello counties.
Medical malpractice
A bill passed the Senate along party lines Monday that would cap at $250,000 medical malpractice damages for pain, suffering, physical impairment, inconvenience and mental anguish.
The bill does not cap economic damages lost wages or hurt potential earnings or punitive damages.
The bill, which moves to the House, would require plaintiffs lawyers to submit proof of medical malpractice at the beginning of the case.
It is necessary, provider groups argue, to help recruit physicians by lowering the cost of liability insurance.
But trial lawyers believe the bills will reduce accountability for doctors and hospitals. They argued medical malpractice lawsuits in Iowa have fallen by over 50 percent in the past 15 years, and Iowa doctors pay some of the lowest medical liability premiums in the country.
Bias lawsuits
The House passed legislation Monday that would shorten the deadline for filing discrimination lawsuits in the state from two years to 90 days.
The Republican-controlled chamber voted 58-39 to pass the bill. It now heads to the GOP-majority Senate.
Under current Iowa law, people have two years to file lawsuits in district court after their discrimination claims are investigated by the Iowa Civil Rights Commission, which oversees such complaints. The proposed 90-day change aligns with federal guidelines.
Kristin Johnson, the ICRC executive director, said the bill will likely not change the number of lawsuits within the state, but could add pressure on complainants who would have to meet a quicker filing deadline.
Daniel Zeno, a legislative liaison for the American Civil Liberties of Iowa, said it will ultimately hurt low-income people who cannot immediately find a lawyer to take their case.
Tax breaks
Iowa has never created a bad tax credit, according to testimony Monday from representatives of business, industry and human services groups.
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, proposed the bill to reduce the $427 million in tax credits offered by the state.
From the largest to smallest tax credits, speaker after speaker told the panel why their credit deserves to be saved.
This met my expectations of what was going to happen today, Grassley said.
Sentencing reform
The House unanimously voted to to modify criminal penalties to reduce the disparity in sentences for possession of crack and powder cocaine and also require anyone convicted of attempted murder of a peace officer to serve 100 percent of a 25-year sentence.
The legislation is tough on crime, but smart on crime, Rep. Rick Olson, D-Des Moines, said before the House voted 97-0 to send the bill to the Senate.
Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, who floor managed the bill, said Iowa prisons are at 114 percent of their capacity, with one in five prisoners serving time for a drug offense.
Rep. Ras Smith, D-Waterloo, said HF 579 doesnt go as far as he would like, but its a great step forward.
Teens death
Gov. Terry Branstad warned Monday probing of state child welfare services could negatively impact a criminal prosecution, but lawmakers fired back saying the GOP governor is trying to deflect criticism and cover up his administrations failings.
I think its terrible to play politics with a tragic death of a teenage girl, Branstad said in reference to Natalie Finn, 16, of West Des Moines, who died from emaciation last October because of the denial of care, according to a coroners report.
Prosecutors have brought criminal charges against Finns mother Nicole Finn, 42, and her ex-husband, Joseph Finn, 46.
Democrats on the Legislatures Government Oversight Committee have been conducting informal hearings looking into the states child welfare system in light of high-profile instances of abused children. But Monday, Sen. Matt McCoy, D-Des Moines, said Iowa Department of Human Services Director Charles Palmer lied about the agencys ability to attend and answer questions Monday.
Toastmasters open house set
WATERLOO -- Waterloo Speechmasters, a local Toastmasters club, will welcome the public to a free open house from noon to 1 p.m. March 30 at the UNI-Center for Urban Education, 800 Sycamore St.
Guests will meet club members and enjoy a demonstration meeting with a prepared speech, impromptu speeches and evaluation speech. There will be a question-and-answer period, and refreshments will be provided.
Toastmasters provides a supportive and positive environment where members have the opportunity to develop their communication and leadership skills. People of all skill levels are welcome. To RSVP or for more information, email the club at waterloospeechmasters@gmail.com or go to waterloospeechmasters.toastmastersclubs.org.
Fish, game club to hold fish fry
BRANDON -- The Lime Creek Fish and Game Club will have their 50th annual fish fry Saturday at the Brandon Community Center.
There will be door prizes of $300, $200 and $100, plus other prizes.
Serving will be from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $9 for adults, $4 for children younger than 12 and preschoolers are free.
The club uses all proceeds from the fish fry for area conservation and community projects.
Church to host movie and talk
WATERLOO -- The Eastside Ministerial Alliance of the Cedar Valley will host a movie and a discussion on The Crucifixion Of Jesus Christ for the next several weeks at Antioch Baptist Church, 426 Sumner St.
The first screening is set for 6 p.m. Wednesday. The entire community is welcome; there is no charge.
Screenings also are planned for March 29 and April 5. Holy Week services begin April 10.
Lions Club sets pancake day
CEDAR FALLS -- The Lions Club will host a Dan Steel Memorial Pancake Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at Peet Junior High, 525 E. Seerley Blvd.
All the pancakes you can eat will be served for $6. Children younger than 8 will cost $3 at the door.
Bring used eyeglasses and hearing aids for donation. The Lions Club has donated more than $400,000 to eye, sight and hearing projects in Iowa and worldwide.
Dance team to host trivia night
WAVERLY -- The award-winning Waverly-Shell Rock Dance Team will host a Trivia Night on Saturday at Waverly-Shell Rock Middle School.
Doors open at 6 p.m., and trivia starts at 6:30. Cost is $10 per person, with teams up to six people. Prizes will be awarded for overall first-, second- and third-place finishers and also for team round winners.
Participants are encouraged to bring their own snacks and nonalcoholic drinks. Childcare will be provided by the dance team on site for $10 per family. Advance registration is recommended. Email jenbuseman10@gmail.com to register.
All proceeds from the event benefit the dance team.
West to hold monthly drive
WATERLOO -- The West High School vocal music department will have its monthly redeemable can drive from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Baltimore Street entrance of the West parking lot.
Students will be outside to remove five-cent refundable glass, plastic and aluminum beverage containers from vehicles. Funds raised each month support the West vocal music department.
A state bill that would allow weapons permit holders to keep guns in their cars while picking up and dropping off children at school is still alive in the legislature.
A bill mandating autism-related services from insurers in North Dakota was defeated Tuesday in the state Senate.
House Bill 1434 failed by a 16-31 vote following lengthy debate on whether or not such a mandate was necessary.
North Dakota is one of only a few states that does not have a state mandate on health insurance providers ensuring coverage for autism spectrum disorder services.
Opponents of the bill said such coverage is already on its way. It was mentioned that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota plans to begin offering such coverage in the future.
On the House side, the bill first failed and then passed the following day when brought back to the floor for reconsideration.
WATERLOO Ryan Wise, Iowas director of education, will visit Waterloo Schools on Friday to have lunch prepared by the state-champion culinary students, tour the districts career center at Central Middle School and visit and Highland Elementary School, 812 Idaho St.
WATERLOO Three members of Americans for Democratic Action Iowa delivered a message to U.S. Sen. Charles Grassleys Waterloo office Monday, asking the Republican to oppose Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.
ADA Iowa, a member of the Why Courts Matter coalition, presented a petition with more than 1,500 signatures asking Grassley and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to oppose Gorsuch over his record of siding with big money.
We feel its very important to have someone who is going to be very independent of the administration, ADA Iowa Field Organizer Chris Schwartz told Grassleys staff. At this point, theres no reason to believe that Neil Gorsuch is going to be that independent voice we need right now.
Grassley is chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which began hearings on the Gorsuch nomination Monday. Grassley addressed concerns about judicial independence in his opening comments.
In recent months, Ive heard that now more than ever we need a justice who is independent and who respects the separation of powers, Grassley said. I dont question the sincerity of those concerns, but some of us have been alarmed by executive overreach and the threat it poses to the separation of powers for quite some time now.
He added Gorsuchs grasp on the separation of powers enlivens his body of work.
Schwartz, however, outlined several issues on which those who signed the petition think Gorsuch would be likely to rule against everyday Iowans. Schwartz pointed to how Gorsuch would rule on the flow of money into elections due to the courts Citizens United decision.
He also cited issues like the environment, womens reproductive health, immigration and whether Gorsuch would be independent of Republican President Donald Trumps administration as concerns continue on his ties to Russia.
Neither Grassley nor Ernst have said they will vote to confirm Gorsuch, but both released statements praising the judge as eminently qualified.
Schwartz noted a hearing was denied former Democratic President Barack Obamas nominee Merrick Garland. The vacancy was prompted by the February 2016 death of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Merrick Garland was definitely a consensus candidate. He was a moderate by every measure, said Schwartz. I understood why it was smart for the country to have someone who is more of a consensus candidate, and that just isnt true of Justice Gorsuch. He has a very, very conservative record.
Supporters are still hoping to add to the 1,657 signatures on the petition at www.changeiowa.org/petitions/oppose-corporate-judge-gorsuch.
Schwartz said other efforts also would continue.
One single action is never enough to change anything, but the cumulative (effort) can help change the dialogue, Schwartz said.
WATERLOO Black Hawk County will seek higher Medicaid reimbursements to help its financially strapped Country View care center.
Members of the county Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Tuesday to authorize $3,000 for Brighton Consulting and the Des Moines-based Davis and Brown law firm to ask the Iowa Legislature and Governors Office for the Medicaid changes.
For the long-term survival of Country View its worth making the presentation, said Country View Administrator Dennis Coleman. If we can get this done being rebased at our cost we should at worst break even.
Country View, one of just two county-owned nursing homes in Iowa, is licensed as a 134-bed nursing home and 34-bed intermediate care facility for intellectually disabled residents.
County and social services officials have been considering major operational changes at Country View, which lost more than $600,000 last year and is on place to deplete its cash reserves sometime in 2017.
Country View currently spends $250 per day on a nursing care bed but is reimbursed $171 through Medicaid. Nine out of 10 residents in the nursing center are Medicaid recipients.
But Coleman believes Country View is different than a traditional nursing home and has more in common with state-owned facilities like the Woodward and Glenwood Resource Centers, which have higher Medicaid reimbursement rates.
We take care of a different clientele than a normal nursing facility, he said. We have a lot of people with psychiatric issues that we care for so we want to get more in line with other facilities which are state owned.
Thats the pitch the consultant and attorneys will be making on the countys behalf in hopes of securing the higher Medicaid rates and getting Country View on a six-month rate adjustment schedule instead of the current two-year evaluation.
Coleman believes it could take up to 90 days for the county to get an answer from the state.
Meanwhile, Country View received good news Monday about the Medicaid reimbursements for the 34-bed ICF/ID Aspen Unit. The reimbursement for those clients will grow from $305 to $342 per day retroactive to September.
Coleman said that will inject a $260,000 boost into Country Views finances for the retroactive payments and should help keep Aspen stable financially moving forward.
DES MOINES The political groups and out-of-state donors came through when he needed them often with big bucks but the bulk of the $18.8 million raised by Terry Branstad during his second stint as Iowas governor was contributed by individual Iowans.
The Lee Des Moines Bureau examined all donations made to Branstads campaign, as recorded by the states Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, during his second run as Iowas governor.
The data covers all donations by individuals and groups made directly to Branstads campaign and spans 2009, when he began to plan for a second run as governor, through 2016.
Branstad is poised to resign as governor in the coming weeks; he has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will assume Branstads position when he resigns.
Branstad, a Republican from Forest City, is the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, having served as Iowas chief executive from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2011 through the present.
He returned to office by defeating incumbent Democratic Gov. Chet Culver in 2010 and fending off challenger Jack Hatch, a Democratic state senator, in 2014.
To fund those campaigns, Branstad raised $18,785,906.08 from 2009 to 2016, and 65 cents on every dollar donated came from individual Iowans. All told, nearly 82 percent of Branstads donations came from individual donors.
The rest came from political action committees representing businesses and issue advocacy groups and from state and local political party organizations. Those groups contributed $3.4 million to Branstad during his second stint.
Gov. Branstads entire professional career has been about service, Jimmy Centers, who formerly worked as Branstads spokesman on campaigns and in the governors office, said in an email to the bureau. Whether it was in the military, state legislature, governors office and soon as our ambassador to China, the governor has always worked to leave our state and nation better than he found it. The thousands of Iowans who have contributed to the governor over the years clearly recognized and appreciated the governors steadfast commitment to improving Iowa.
Chief among the donor groups were various tentacles of the Republican Governors Association, which chipped in a total of more than $2 million.
The only other group to donate in six figures to Branstad was the Iowa Health PAC, the political arm of the Iowa Health Care Association, which represents more than 700 Iowa health care facilities that serve the elderly and frail. The group donated more than $166,000 between 2009 and 2016.
Although Iowans accounted for 97 percent of Branstads individual donors during his second run as governor, his biggest individual donor hails from the neighboring state of South Dakota.
Eldon and Regina Roth of Dakota Dunes, S.D., donated nearly $267,000 to Branstad during this gubernatorial stint.
The Roths founded Beef Products Inc., a Dakota Dunes-based company that produces lean beef. The company has a plant in South Sioux City, Neb., just across the Missouri River from Sioux City. The company also had a plant in Waterloo that closed in 2012.
Their giving to Branstad was more generous even than the $239,000 contributed by Bruce Rastetter, the Iowa agribusiness entrepreneur and Republican mega-donor from Alden.
In 2011, Branstad nominated Rastetter to serve on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the states three public universities. Rastetter was elected board president in 2013.
Denny and Candy Elwell of Ankeny donated more than $231,000 to Branstad. Denny Elwell owns a Des Moines-area real estate development company.
The next top givers to Branstad during his second stint as governor include Mark Falb, a publishing CEO from Dubuque who gave $156,000; Gerald Kirke, the CEO of a gaming company that operates three Iowa casinos, who gave $136,000; and Henry Tippie, an Iowa native and former investor who now lives in Texas and donated $134,000.
Two notable donations to Branstad came from Trump, long before the latter announced his intention to run for president. Trump donated $15,000 to Branstad in September 2013 and $10,000 in June 2014.
Not surprisingly, Iowa was the largest source of campaign income for Branstad: Nearly three-fourths of the money he raised from 2009 through 2016 came from individuals living in and groups based in the state he governs.
More than $2.5 million came from Washington, D.C., most of that coming from political groups based there.
The next most-giving state to Branstad was South Dakota with $490,000, buoyed by the Roths contributions.
Branstad also drew more than $326,000 in donations from Florida and nearly $275,000 from Texas.
Des Moines and its suburbs were the biggest source at the city level for Branstad. Individuals and groups from the state capital and its surrounding suburbs donated $5.2 million to Branstad from 2009 to 2016, more than a fourth of his entire haul.
The most generous city to Branstad outside the Des Moines metro was Dubuque, which historically has been a Democratic stronghold in liberal-leaning eastern Iowa.
The key citys total of nearly $653,000 is boosted by the Iowa Credit Union PAC, which is based there, and big donors such as Falb; Robert and Ruth Ann Kehl, who started riverboat gambling in Dubuque; and publisher Edward Babka. Robert Kehl passed away in 2013 and Babka in 2016.
Sioux City, in conservative western Iowa, and Cedar Rapids, in more liberal eastern Iowa, both were responsible for just more than $445,000 to Branstad during his second stint as governor.
John Gleeson, a construction CEO from Sioux City, contributed more than $103,000, and John Smith, a freight company CEO from Cedar Rapids, contributed nearly $115,000.
Branstad spokesman Ben Hammes said the governors office does not comment on political activity, but said Branstad is humbled that Iowans have voted him to serve as governor for more than 22 years.
Some Branstad donors already are giving their financial support to Reynolds, his hand-picked successor, as she prepares to take over for Branstad and, presumably, run for re-election in 2018.
Reynolds has more than $1 million in her campaign account, and she raised almost $185,000 in the last three weeks of 2016 after Trump announced his nomination of Branstad.
Rastetter jumped right on board with Reynolds, cutting a $25,000 check to Reynolds after the Branstad announcement. And Kyle Krause, the Waukee-based owner of the Kum & Go gas station franchise, donated $15,000 to Reynolds. Krause donated nearly $103,000 to Branstad during his second run as governor.
The bigger story is the fact that Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds has been able to move quickly to consolidate financial support. In fact, public campaign disclosures show many individuals were contributing significantly to her before Gov. Branstad was named as ambassador, Centers wrote. She already enjoys strong support across Iowa. Now, with an impressive war chest, she will instantly become a formidable incumbent upon taking the oath of office as governor.
Reynolds also is drawing in some new donors. Jeffrey Feingold of Florida, who founded a dental insurance company, matched Rastetters $25,000 donation after the Branstad announcement. Feingold did not donate to Branstad from 2009 to 2016.
WATERLOO A push to boost wages and skill levels paid on city construction projects was derailed by a 25-year-old Iowa Supreme Court ruling.
Waterloo City Councilman Tom Lind had proposed a new policy requiring prevailing wages set through the federal Davis-Bacon Act to apply to local construction projects funded by the city.
But Lind ultimately joined the full council Monday in voting unanimously to reject the measure after City Attorney Dave Zellhoefer said it would violate state law.
The Davis-Bacon Act is a federal law adopted in 1931 that requires contractors on federally funded construction projects to pay the prevailing wage rates for skilled laborers as established periodically by the U.S. Department of Labor. The act does not apply on state or locally funded projects in Iowa.
We should be the leader preserving the high standard of living in Waterloo, Lind said. This act develops a productive work force, and its well-known that high-skilled workers provide a quality infrastructure product more than low-wage, low-skill workers.
Lind pointed to the Kimball Avenue reconstruction project as an example of the quality workmanship Davis-Bacon provides.
Were trying to prevent a big contractor from coming to town, using imported labor and I dont mean immigrants, I mean imported from other areas of the country that are low-skilled, low-wage to the detriment of our citizens, he said.
But the policy took heat even before Zellhoefer raised the legal issue.
Jon Mixdorf, president of Cardinal Construction, said requiring prevailing wage rates on all jobs ultimately would boost the price of projects.
What you will find out with Davis-Bacon is the price will go up not just for a nonunion contractor but also for a union contractor because of the amount of paperwork it has to go through, Mixdorf said. If youre trying to save money its not the way to go.
Councilmen Steve Schmitt, Jerome Amos Jr. and Bruce Jacobs also spoke out against the policy.
I think we have the staff to make sure the quality is there regardless of a union wage is paid or not, Jacobs said. It does seem like this probably would drive up the cost of these projects, limiting what we could get done for the taxpayers.
While some states have prevailing wage laws and allow municipalities to adopt their own requirements, Iowa is not among them.
The city of Des Moines adopted an ordinance requiring prevailing wages to be paid on public improvement projects exceeding $25,000 but was sued by the Master Builders of Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court in 1993 said the ordinance conflicted with a state law governing bidding procedures.
They said very succinctly, Its invalid. You cant do that, Zellhoefer said. Right now as it stands today, you cannot have an ordinance for a prevailing wage in the state of Iowa.
Next legislative forum Friday
CEDAR FALLS -- The next Legislative Public Forum for 2017 will be held at 4:30 Friday (coffee at 4 p.m.) at the Area Education Agency 267 Conference Center, 3712 Cedar Heights Drive.
The topic will be the budget and taxes. The public is invited.
Grout to host cemetery walk
WATERLOO - The Grout Museum of History & Science, 503 South St., will host a WWI Spirit Walk 3:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 8 at Fairview Cemetery.
Participants will start at the Grout Museum and take a bus to Fairview Cemetery for a special spirit walk.
Actors will portray World War I veterans buried there including Fred Becker, Fred Hickey, Forest Kirkhart, William Gilpatrick and Harry Marson. A circle of World War I veteran graves is located at the cemetery with a machine gun from the era situated at the center.
Transportation for the Spirit Walk is provided by Exceptional Persons Transportation. Prior registration is required. Admission price for members is $8 and $10 for nonmembers. To register, go to www.gmdistrict.org/WWIWalk.
Questions can be directed to 234-6357.
Lark Brewing becomes certified
WATERLOO -- Lark Brewing Co., located on University Avenue in Waterloo, is now a certified green brewery.
Last week, the Iowa Waste Reduction Center at the University of Northern Iowa announced the brewery has received silver level status as part of their new Iowa Green Brewery Certification.
You'd be hard-pressed to find a person more passionate about making beer in an environmentally responsible way than Sean (Christensen). He and his team have been fantastic to work with, said Joe Bolick, project manager for the certification.
Christensen, captain and co-founder of Lark Brewing Co., officially opened the brewerys doors in October 2016 in the lower level of Becks Taproom Grill at 3295 University Ave. He worked with IWRC staff on the brewerys energy efficiency, water conservation, waste generation/diversion and overall environmental management.
Lark Brewing Co. achieved this certification through implementing a variety of environmental efforts, including the installation of all LED lighting, diverting their spent grain by giving it to farmers for animal feed and other projects.
OSAGE -- A garage and the car inside appear to be a total loss after a fire Monday east of Osage.
The Osage Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 2762 380th St. around 1:10 p.m.
The Mitchell County Sheriff's Office, the Riceville Fire Department, Riceville Rescue and Osage Ambulance provided assistance at the scene.
No one was hurt. Officials weren't sure what caused the fire. The property is owned by Terry Chatfield.
Q: How many Waterloo City Council meetings has Bruce Jacobs missed since being elected?
A: There were 56 regular Waterloo City Council meetings held between Jan. 1, 2016, when Jacobs took office, and March 16, 2017, when this question was received. Official minutes show Jacobs missed only two of those meetings.
Q: The Waterloo Public Library has a banner up that says teen books are on sale for $1. Teens go there to buy $1 teen books, but there are none. Why did the Friends of the Library put up a banner saying this?
A: Library Director Steven Neilsen said the inventory in the Friends Used Book Shop comes exclusively from public donations and materials withdrawn from the library. The shop, staffed and managed by volunteers, raises money for the library. To increase traffic and sales in the shop, specials on certain collections are run on a monthly basis. Apparently, Marchs sale on teen books has proved very successful and left the shelves nearly bare. The volunteer responsible for stocking this collection has been notified and will do her best to bring up additional inventory. The Friends of the Library wish to thank the public for their continued and generous support of the Friends Used Book Shop.
Q: How much is owed to the city of Waterloo for code enforcement tax assessments?
A: The citys June 30, 2016, report from the Black Hawk County Treasurers Office showed the amount for outstanding code enforcement assessments was $244,858. The city has received $28,001 in payments from the county since then. Incidentally, a change in state law eliminates outstanding assessments when a property changes hands.
Q: I read they are increasing taxes 5 percent. Are they also going to increase income eligibility limit for people to get help with their taxes? The limit hasnt been changed for a long time.
A: If the caller is talking about the property tax credits for disabled and senior citizens, the low-income thresholds set by the state of Iowa do increase almost annually. Forms for the credits available on the Iowa Department of Revenue website show the 2016 maximum total household income for a full credit is $11,519, which increased to $11,634 in 2017.
Q: Has the city ever considered building a dike to come off the area by Burton Avenue and go around Fairview Road by the cemetery and meet up on the south side of the cemetery so the Riverfront Stadium wouldnt go under water all the time? Would this be possible?
A: A preliminary study and drawings were done for such a levee but there were problems. The estimated cost was somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.5 million for design and construction of a permanent levee, and the railroad objected to a new road crossing the tracks. Waterloo Leisure Services Director Paul Huting said staff is currently looking into the feasibility of a temporary, removable barrier system such as Aquadam or Hesco barriers. A temporary option would be less expensive and would protect just the stadium and not the parking lot.
Increased setbacks for wind energy turbines were passed Tuesday by House members by a 60-32 vote.
Senate Bill 2313 creates setbacks of 1.1 times the height of a wind turbine from the property line of a nonparticipating landowner as well as three times the height of a turbine from an inhabited rural residence of a nonparticipating landowner.
The bill also establishes an ombudsmen program, overseen through the North Dakota Department of Agriculture, that would allow for the contracting of ombudsmen to provide technical assistance to property owners for restoration and reclamation of land on which wind energy projects are located.
House members added a series of amendments, including allowing local planning and zoning boards to require greater setbacks than required by the state. It also spells out legislative intent for the establishment of the ombudsman program.
The Senate can agree with the amendments or choose to hash out the differences in a conference committee on SB2313.
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A 54-year-old Fargo man is accused of threatening his daughter's ex-husband with a gun on Monday night. James Motl allegedly believed the ex-husband had broken into his daughter's house hours earlier.
Motl is charged with one count of terrorizing, a C felony with a maximum penalty of five years in prison.
According to a police affidavit filed in support of the charges, the victim, a 32-year-old man, said Motl followed him home after work to his residence on the 300 block of South 15th Street. When the victim approached the suspect's car, Motl allegedly rolled down the passenger side window, pointed a handgun at the victim's chest and threatened to kill him.
Earlier Monday, around 5:30 a.m., the ex-wife had reported a burglary at her house, according to police. Sgt. Mark Buschena said the 28-year-old woman told police she woke up to her barking dog and noticed the kitchen light was on. She believed she saw a shadow and hid in the closet to call 911. No suspect was identified at the time.
The victim's father drove in from Fargo due to the reported burglary, according to the affidavit.
During the incident at the car, Motl allegedly told the victim that he would "get to the bottom of this. To that the victim replied, "I hope you do, because you'll realize it wasn't me."
Motl was arrested at his daughter's residence. Police found a .45 caliber pistol on his person, according to the affidavit. He allegedly admitted to pointing the gun.
South Central District Judge David Reich set bond at 10 percent of $10,000. Motl is also ordered to have no contact with the victim.
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 until 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.
-- The Billings (Mont.) Gazette
"We can model which way drug resistance will go and use that to develop better, smarter drugs," Goel said.
HOUSTON, TX, March 21, 2017 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Bacteria may mutate more rapidly in space and scientists theorize patterns of those mutations could help predict how pathogens become resistant to antibiotics. Such predictions could, in turn, be used to develop new drugs to use against those pathogens. Antibiotic resistant pathogens or bacteria is a growing world-wide health concern. The long-term use of many common antibiotics has led to some diseases becoming resistant to drug therapy, which can lead to longer and more complicated illnesses.
A proof-of-concept investigation, Nanobiosym Genes, is sending two strains of Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to the International Space Station. Investigators will compare patterns of their mutations to the same organisms grown on Earth in order to refine computational algorithms that predict mutations leading to antibiotic resistance.
BioServe Space Technologies at the University of Colorado, Boulder integrated this investigation, which is hosted in four BioCells Habitats and BioServe's Space Automated Bioproduct Lab (SABL).
"More than 25 years ago, I had the hypothesis that environment has an effect on how genes mutate and evolve, or express themselves," principal investigator Anita Goel, chairman and scientific director at Nanobiosym Inc in Cambridge, Massachusetts, said. Goel holds a doctorate of philosophy in physics and a doctor of medicine degree. "This investigation allows me to study whether we can make mutations happen by changing the environment. The first step is to understand, everything else being the same, how does microgravity affect the rate and the pattern of mutations? Some data suggest that microgravity speeds up mutations, but we don't know the mechanism of how the environment might play a role."
Data from the investigation can define the mutational spectrum. Combining that with algorithms can improve the ability to predict mutations, including those that lead to drug resistance.
"We can model which way drug resistance will go and use that to develop better, smarter drugs," Goel said. "A bug can mutate in the presence of a drug and become resistant. We're trying to get ahead of that, predict those mutations, and be ready with a drug when they show up."
While this work is starting with infectious diseases, it can potentially be used with anything that has a DNA marker, including cancer.
There are two key steps: first, a tool that analyzes DNA or RNA, and second, algorithms to determine the right therapy for the particular disease. Goel's company, Nanobiosym, has developed a device called Gene-RADAR that conducts the first step.
"In principle, we can provide real-time diagnosis of any disease with an RNA or DNA signature or genetic fingerprint," she said. "Ultimately, we can build tools to decentralize health care delivery on Earth, to diagnose diseases in real time in a village in Africa or your own home, just with a drop of blood or saliva. Right now those tests can take weeks to months. The device fits in your hand, so we also can put it on the space station to do analysis and research."
That real-time analysis has important applications in space. Currently, experiments aboard the space station are brought back to Earth for gene analysis. The device could conduct some analyses in space and send only the data back to Earth. Astronauts could immediately test for DNA life forms in samples collected on Mars, for example, or diagnosis their own infections.
Mutant pathogens in space hardly stand a chance.
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Mar 21, 2017 | By Julia
As part of his recent travels around Asia, the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdulaziz al Saud, has overseen a 10 billion RMB (1.5 billion USD) contract between Chinese 3D printed housing company WinSun and Saudis Al Mobty Contracting Co. The new agreement will see WinSun 3D print 30 million square meters of construction projects on Saudi Arabian land, addressing a national housing crisis that has escalated in the last several years.
Following WinSuns recent deal to 3D print 17 office buildings in Dubai, the Saudi King paid a state visit to Chinese President Xi Jinping from March 15 to March 18. This was the King Salmans first visit to China, where he officiated a memorandum of cooperation between Ma Yi He, WinSuns Chairman of the Board of Directors, and Saudis Al Mobty Contracting Co for more than 10 billion RMB.
Leasing 100 3D printers from WinSun, the Saudi construction company will embark on a large-scale project of 30 million square meters of 3D printed buildings, in what should result in up to 1.5 million affordable new homes for the Saudi population.
WinSun will bring its global, internet-based 3D printing platform to build an online docking of architectural resources in Saudia Arabia. The joint venture aims to carry out localized 3D printing services within the Middle Eastern nation promptly and efficiently.
In an exclusive statement, WinSun representatives say that Al Mobty's decision to use 3D printing technology was a natural one: the reduction of construction waste, savings on material and labor costs, use of eco-friendly printing materials, and a short construction period mean that 3D printed construction is a viable option for Saudi Arabias desert climate, an issue that presents frequent problems for traditional construction methods.
WinSun plans to meet these needs with a new business model for green buildings, to be used in Saudi Arabia but also worldwide. The Chinese construction company will provide equipment rental, brand use, and other assets in order to help partner companies embrace 3D printing building technology as quickly and seamlessly as possible.
With this in mind, WinSuns chairman and vice president participated last week in a Saudi-China Investment Forum at the China Grand Hotel in Beijing, where they met with Saudi royal family members, the Saudi Economic Planning Department, and other ministries. Over 600 entrepreneurs and business leaders between the two countries, including representatives from Huawei, ZTE, and Sany Heavy Industry, were present to discuss strategic cooperations moving forward.
King Salman has commented that he sees great importance in economic and trade cooperations between China and Saudi Arabia, and is very pleased that he was invited to create new opportunities for both nations. He also expressed hope that the two countries will further strengthen exchanges and cooperations to continue pushing development forward.
WinSun has committed to completing 100 packages of 3D printing equipment for delivery to Saudi Arabia in the next six months.
Posted in 3D Printer Company
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Julian Lucas at the New York Review of Books:
Derek Walcott has spent a lifetime learning how to see the Caribbean. The archipelagos history is for him a tale of perspectives in parallax: of the eyes that have beheld the islands, and those with which the islands have beheld the world. The story begins with the willful blindness of colonialism, a misapprehension of the people and the natural environment. In his 1992 Nobel lecture, the poet decried that consoling pity[in] tinted engravings of Antillean forests, with their proper palm trees, ferns, and waterfallsthe prelude to an aesthetic indictment charged with moral force: A century looked at a landscape furious with vegetation in the wrong light and with the wrong eye.
Across his work Walcott has sought a rectification of vision, a way of contending with those who, inverting the crime of Lots wife, sin by refusing to look. The tourist with postcards printed on the insides of his eyelids, the Afrocentrist whose motherland mirage rejects the Creole culture around him, the Naipauline exile who measures his home by the tape of another worldall are heretics in Walcotts universe, which is governed by values similar to those enumerated in St. Lucias motto: The land, the people, the light. Another Life (1973), Walcotts first long poem and the story of his birth as an artist, remembers the exuberance with which the poet and his friend Gregorias (the painter Dunstan St. Omer) devoted themselves to the St. Lucian landscape, swearing that we would never leave the island/until we had put down, in paint, in words/every neglected, self-pitying inlet.
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Donald Jorgensen, a judge who served 29 years and is remembered for his even temperament, died on Sunday in Bismarck. He was 72.
His wife, Caroleene Jorgensen, said he died at home of natural causes.
Jorgensen grew up in Kenmare, the youngest of seven siblings: all girls, aside from him, according to Caroleene Jorgensen. He went to college and law school at the University of North Dakota, graduating in 1970. After nine months in private practice in Mayville, he was drafted and sent to work as an instructor for intelligence officers at Fort Huachuca in Arizona.
After discharge, he, his wife and first son moved to Dickinson, where he worked as a general practice attorney for 10 years.
"He was always a gentleman, worked very hard for his clients, but always a gentleman," said his former law partner, Al Hardy.
From there, he became a county judge in Dickinson. He was elected as a district judge out of Hettinger in 1984. He served there until 1995, when the state courts were re-organized into a unified system, and he transferred to the South Central District, with chambers first in Linton and then in Mandan. He retired in 2014.
"He was very thoughtful, very thorough, a genuinely good and kind judge," said retired South Central District Judge Bob Wefald, who served on the bench with Jorgensen for 12 years. "He was always even-tempered."
Among the high-profile trials that Jorgensen oversaw was the case of Brandon Keller, accused in a shootout with Bismarck Police officers at a trailer park in 2003. During the incident, Officer Steve Lundin was shot and injured, and Keller's friend, Michael Sherman, was shot and killed by current Police Chief Dan Donlin.
"Clearly, there were a lot of emotions involved in that case," said South Central District Judge Cynthia Feland, who prosecuted Keller as a Burleigh County assistant state's attorney. "He did an excellent job of keeping everybody on track."
Jorgensen also presided over the trial of Leland Ash, the Montana man who, in February 1993, shot Kevin Kern in the head while driving from a party in Lemmon, S.D., to Hettinger, then dragged the body through a field and covered it with snow.
"If he were here, he could tell you every detail," Caroleene Jorgensen said. "It was a very unusual thing to have happened down in a small community like that."
On a smaller scale, Bismarck Attorney Tom Dickson recalled that he once tried an estate case, challenging the distribution of money in a will, before Jorgensen in Emmons County. It was so boring, Dickson's co-counsel bailed midway through the trial.
But Jorgensen would adjourn court each day at 4:30 p.m., so the attorneys could use his office phone to check their work messages. It was 1997, and no one had a cell phone.
"It was just very courteous and thoughtful," Dickson said.
After his retirement, Jorgensen became close friends with Chief Justice Gerald VandeWalle. They were members of the same church and monthly bridge club, scheduled to meet Monday night.
VandeWalle recalled that Jorgensen was an active volunteer, driving seniors to their cancer treatments and assisting at the Heritage Center. He loved his grandchildren and was recently woodworking a ship for one of his grandsons.
"It takes a great talent to retire and be happy," he said.
Jorgensen is survived by his wife, Caroleene, children Damon Jorgensen, Heather Campbell and Heidi (Brady) Burgess; and three grandchildren.
A funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, March 23 at Church of Corpus Christi, 1919 N. 2nd St. in Bismarck. Visitation will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, March 22, at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway in Bismarck.
From Phys.Org:
A 20-year demographic study of a large chimpanzee community in Uganda's Kibale National Park has revealed that, under the right ecological conditions, our close primate relatives can lead surprisingly long lives in the wild. The study, published March 19 in the Journal of Human Evolution, establishes an average life expectancy of about 33 years in its sample of 306 chimpanzees, nearly twice as high as that of other chimpanzee communities and within the 27- to 37-year range of life expectancy at birth of human hunter-gatherers. These findings are important for understanding the evolution of chimpanzee and hominin life histories, the researchers argue.
"Our findings show how ecological factors, including variation in food supplies and predation levels, drive variation in life expectancy among wild chimpanzee populations," said Brian Wood, assistant professor of anthropology at Yale University, the study's lead author. "They also inform the study of the evolution of human life history, helping us to imagine the conditions that could have changed mortality rates among our early hominin populations." The Ngogo chimpanzees reside in the center of Kibale National Park, in southwestern Uganda. The directors of the Ngogo Chimpanzee ProjectDavid Watts (Yale), John Mitani (University of Michigan), and Kevin Langergraber (Arizona State University)have monitored births, deaths, immigrations, and emigrations in the unusually large Ngogo chimpanzee community since 1995, producing the largest demographic dataset available for any community of wild chimpanzees. This study reveals that Ngogo chimpanzees have the highest life expectancy on record for any group of wild chimpanzees. Favorable ecological conditions largely account for the Ngogo community's high life expectancy, according to the study. The forest in Ngogo provides a relatively consistent and abundant supply of high-energy and nutritious foods, including easily digestible figs.
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Tulum is a not-so-hidden gem on the Yucatan Peninsulaa popular retreat among Bay Area regulars as well as the international gypset.
But the quintessential bohemian beach townan hour drive from Cancun Airport in the Mexican state of Quintana Rooretains a low-key vibe thanks to its off-the-grid status (there's no flushing the toilet paper and cell service is scarce), commitments to sustainability and wellness, laid-back locals, and the casually cool philosophy that less is always more. Here you'll find none of the selfie-taking, tequila-swilling spring breakers that make nearby Cancun a destination; Tulum is all about yoga, eating right, and master the art of unplugging.
All of this is to say nothing of the fine white sand and crystal clear turquoise waters of the Caribbean coastline, the awe-inspiring ancient Mayan ruins, obsession-worthy eats, seriously stylish stays, spas, and plenty of water sports. It's the kind of quiet paradise that will draw you back again and again.
Where to Stay in Tulum The eco villas at Azulik have all the privacy and romance a couple need. (Courtesy of Azulik) Nomade is among the newest stays along Tulum's main beach, and its boho-chic vibethink moodily lit wind-chime garden and a meditation tent kitted out in Moroccan-style poufs and textilesfeels just right for this devil-may-care destination. Don't miss the day's freshest catch (whole octopus and lobsters!) served hot off the beachside grill to the tune of DJ beatsit may be your most memorable meal in Tulum (no matter what everyone says about Hartwood). //$223$908 per night, KM 10, Carr. Cancun - Tulum, 77880 Tulum, Q.R., Mexico
Casa Malca, named to T+L's 2016 Best New Hotels on the Planet list, sits directly next to Nomade, just before the entrance to Sian Ka'an Biosphere Reserve. According to local legend, the secret villa was built by notoriousdrug smuggler Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Now, it's been dramatically restored with a stunning collection of modern arta sculpture by KAWS greets you in the lobby. Even if you can't afford to stay, cocktails in the Keith Haringwallpapered bar are a must. // $515$840 per night, Km 9.5 Carretera Tulum - Boca Paila Hotel Zamas, set on its own beach at the start of Tulum's main stretch (and run by Bay Area native Susan Bohlken), goes for classic Mayan vibes with a bright palette, tile mosaics, and traditional Mexican fare (huevos rancheros, fish tacos), a departure from the international flavors and health foods that dominate menus elsewhere. Look for Zamas' annual Taste of Tulum Series, which has featured San Francisco restaurateurs Evan and Sarah Rich (Rich Table) and Kris Esqueda (Huxley). // $165$305 per night,Km 5 Carretera Tulum Boca-Paila Ahau Tulum is popular among the bohemian set for its Balinese-style beach huts (starting at $102/night), daily yoga classes, sunrise meditation, superfood-driven food shack Raw Love, and cocktails loaded with fresh tropical fruits. // $102$554 per night, Km 7.8 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila The clothing-optional, adults-only, eco-stay Azulik is an Instagrammer's dreambut not because of the naked people. Think of it as a chic, hedonistic treehouse-meets-art-gallery-meets-Atelier-Crenn (Crenn herself has been a guest). // Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila KM 5, Zona Hotelera For families, the Loft Vanilla at $264.35$1799) has three bedrooms and thoughtful, modern design details. Or, get a taste of old school Tulum at $150$402), an off-the-grid haven with wind- and solar-powered cabanas, shared showers, and hammocks aplenty. Groups of six can rent the tower with 360-degree views, a private bath, and, remarkably, air conditioning. For families, the Loft Vanilla at Cabanas Tulum ) has three bedrooms and thoughtful, modern design details. Or, get a taste of old school Tulum at Coco Tulum ), an off-the-grid haven with wind- and solar-powered cabanas, shared showers, and hammocks aplenty. Groups of six can rent the tower with 360-degree views, a private bath, and, remarkably, air conditioning.
Eat + Drink in Tulum Next to Hartwood, Posada Margherita is a can't-miss meal in Tulum, where perfectly handmade pasta and beachfront views will transport you elsewhere entirely. (Courtesy of Posada Margherita) AT THE BEACH Most where-to-eat-in-Tulum lists begin and end with Hartwood, where Brooklyn expat chef Eric Werner's meals, prepared with the day's freshest bounty from land and sea, are flame-kissed on the central open fire. For his culinary expertise, the waits can be legendary. Peddle over in the morning on your rickety rented bike and pray to the Mayan gods that there aren't already dozens ahead of you. If you don't make the list, arrive by 5pm, drink mezcal in the twinkly garden while you wait. It could take hours, so you'll be forgiven for ordering everything from the roving chalk boardincluding tantalizing ceviches, grilled fish, and succulent steak. // Km 7.6 Carretera Tulum Boca-Paila If eating Italian food on Tulum Beach feels all wrong, then you haven't been to the funky garden-style stay and restaurant that is Posada Margherita, which is, hands down, one of the most pleasurable dining experiences we've had, ever. The homemade pastas are decadent yet light enough to enjoy in your bikini; the fish and shrimp from the grill are simply prepared and taste divine; and the pairings of dry white wine and views guarantee you'll linger over lunch. // Km 4.5 Carretera Tulum Boca-Paila The Real Coconut is a godsend for wellness retreaters with dietary restrictions, but don't let that deter foodies: This restaurant at the posh wellness resort Sanara takes healthy eating to a whole new level. While the menu is all gluten-, dairy-, grain-, and refined-sugar-free, it's definitely not devoid of flavor. Superfoods, luscious plant-based milks, hearty salads, and egg dishes provide the gleeful satisfaction that comes with splurging on a really satisfying brunch. The three-page drinks menu merits several exploratory visits: Marvel over cold-pressed green juices, coconut ice cream smoothies, coffee infused with a healing mushroom blend, turmeric and black pepperspiked bone broth, charcoal lemonade, and organic herbal cocktails (yes, there's booze!) such as Jardin de Mezcal (Mezcal Reposado, cucumber, ginger, fresh cilantro, lime juice, sparkling water). Go in the morning or afternoondinner is not their best. // Km 8.2 Carreterra Tulum Boca-Paila Simplicity is luxury in Tulum, and no meal perfects this fine art as much as a dinner of freshly charred octopus, caught just that morning right off the shore, and rustic sides such as pumpkin served with mint, garlic, and yogurt at Nomade's beachfront grill. You'll sit cross-legged on throw pillows in the sand, chat up your friendly server (who's likely to sit down and stay awhile), sip mezcal with sandia (watermelon juice), and vibe out to live DJ beats. // Km 10 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Regulars to Cancun may be surprised to find a dearth of tacos here, but you will find someand some of the best you'll ever havecoming from refashioned Airstream trailer at Safari. Billed as "campfire food," the kitchen serves up everything from pork pastor to shrimp mole verde between fluffy tortillas, as well as ceviches, yuca truffle fries, and mixologist-approved drinks. // Km 8 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila Regulars to Cancun may be surprised to find a dearth of tacos here, but you will find someand some of the best you'll ever havecoming from refashioned Airstream trailer at. Billed as "campfire food," the kitchen serves up everything from pork pastor to shrimp mole verde between fluffy tortillas, as well as ceviches, yuca truffle fries, and mixologist-approved drinks. // Km 8 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila
FOR DRINKS The best evenings begin with a killer cocktail beneath the disco ball at jungly Gitano(Km 7.5 Tulum Beach Rd. ) and end with tropical drinks and dancing on the beach at Papaya Playa Project (Km 4.5 Carretera Tulum-Boca Paila ) , the sustainable beach club that hosts regular DJs and monthly full-moon parties.
IN TOWN Grab a cab (be sure to agree upon price before you get in) or hop on your rented scooter and zip into puebla for fantastic homestyle Mexican food at El Tacoqueto(Av. Tulum and Acuario Sur); daytime or late-night tacos at Antojitos La Chiapaneca(Av. Tulum between Calle Acuario Nte. and Calle Jupiter Nte.); fresh fish tacos at El Camello Jr.(Carretera Chetumal-Cancun Locales 1 y 2 Lte 3 Mza 40, Centro, Tulum); and magical pork tacos at Taqueria Honario . Mix up your taqueria-style crawl with piles of fresh ceviche at La Barracuda, and Barcelona-style tapas at La Gloria del Tio Pepe. The locals get festive with cool drinks and hot live music at Batey Mojito & Guarapo Bar (Calle Centauro Sur and Andromeda Ote).
Play + Explore With it's powdery white sand and bath-warm water, it's easy to spend all your time at the beach. But don't miss town for its street art and epic cochinita pibil. (Courtesy of luxurycolumnist.com) THE RUINS The Mayan Riviera takes its name from the ancient civilization that once called this its kingdom. The ruins can still be seen everywhere. A 45-minute drive away, Coba emerges from the jungle as if you just discovered it. Climb the 130-foot pyramid and spot tropical birds and howler monkeys. If you're game to make a whole day of it,the famed (and highly touristy) Chichen Itza (about a two-hour drive from Tulum) is home to the Kukulkan Pyramid, one of the seven wonders of the world. Or, the non-committal can rent a scooter at iBike (Av. Coba between Calle Sol Ote. and Calle Gama Ote. ) and zip over to Tulum's eponymous Mayan ruins in about 15 minutes. Here, crumbling remnants of a majestic civilization perch atop oceanfront cliffs. If you're staying at Zamas, ask the concierge to arrange a private tour by boat.
CENOTES + SIAN KA'AN Before your trip to Tulum, everyone will tell you, You have to see the cenotes. While yes, these underwater caves provide stunning otherworldly scenery (stalagmites!) for snorkelers and scuba divers, you really have to do your research firstthere's a cenote at every turn, many overrun with kids and tacky snack bars. Within close proximity to Tulum, Gran Cenote is the most crowded but widely considered to be the most scenic; Cenote Escondido may be a bit more intimateits name literally means "hidden"; or, go further afield to find more secret spots to swim. Thanks to steady coastal Caribbean winds, kite surfing and stand-up paddleboarding are popular activities here. Head over to Mexican Caribbean Kitesurf & Paddlesurf, on the beach in front of Ahau Hotel, to get set up. Also worth exploring is Sian Ka'an, a biological reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The sandy road to Sian Ka'an is awfully bumpy, so leave the scooter behind and book a boat or Jeep tour to check out the area's numerous archeological ruins, preservation projects, and gorgeous views.
More of a city type? Work off your tacos with a leisurely stroll around the Pueblo, which is home to a lovely collection of murals and street art.
This year's champion of the North Dakota State Spelling Bee Competition is keeping it in the family.
Rayne Korsmo, 12, representing Grand Forks County, is the younger brother of the 2012 state spelling bee winner.
The seventh-grader said unlike his brother whose goal was to win he didn't set his sights too high. He intended to at least make it through the first four rounds Monday at the Ramkota Hotel and Conference Center in Bismarck.
His mom, Debbie Korsmo, said, at first, she felt nervous for her son.
"But when he got his goal met it was just gravy," she said.
Rayne survived nearly four hours in the final round, coming out on top when he correctly spelled the word "fibula."
Rayne, feeling confident that he had heard the word before, stood tall at the microphone and spelled the word, letter after letter.
When the judges told him he was the winner, his eyes lit up and he smiled big. A cheer went up in the crowd from his mom.
"I really enjoyed it, actually, but I did not think I would get that far," Rayne said after his win.
Rayne now advances to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington, D.C., from May 28 to June 3.
Rayne's mom home-schools all four of her children, including Ty Korsmo, the 2012 winner, who is now a senior in high school. They all live on a farm in Northwood.
When (Ty) did it, they did not give out trophies, so youve got one-up on your brother, she tells Rayne.
For about an hour each day since January, Rayne said he and his mom practiced lists of words from the Scripps Spelling Bee website; all 1,500 of them.
This was Rayne's third year in the competition, so he said he felt less nervous and more prepared. To change it up this year, his mom threw in a few extra words he didn't know.
He has put some work in, so its good to have it pay off," Debbie Korsmo said.
Rayne edged out second-place finisher Anastasia Swiontek, a LaMoure County eighth-grader, who spelled "vestige" incorrectly. Third place went to seventh-grader Amelie Johnson of Burleigh County and fourth place to fifth-grader Vivian Wilson of Cass County.
Each of North Dakota's 53 counties was allowed to send two students to the state contest. The event is sponsored by the North Dakota Association of County Superintendents, the North Dakota Masonic Foundation and the North Dakota Newspaper Association.
The National Spelling Bee was established in 1925 in collaboration with nine newspapers. Presently, the bee reaches 11 million students, in grades 3 through 8, every year.
Rayne, who likes to read and ride his bike around the farm, said when he gets older he wants to be a Disney imagineer, helping design new rides at Disney World.
Rayne said his goals at the national spelling bee are to have fun and "do the best" he can.
Market Research Reports Industry
Radiant Insights has announced the addition of Construction in Bahrain Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 Market Research report to their database
In real terms, the Bahraini construction industrys output grew by 6.4% in 2016, following an average annual growth of 5.2% during the preceding four years. This increase can be attributed to favorable macroeconomic conditions, improvements in business confidence and consumer demand, and public and private sector investment in infrastructure and residential construction projects, leading to an increase in demand for the Bahraini construction industry. Consequently, in real terms, the construction industrys contribution to the countrys GDP increased from 6.7% in 2012 to 7.0% in 2015.
Download Full Research Report of Bahrain Construction Market @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/construction-in-bahrain-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2021
The construction industry is expected to continue to expand over the forecast period (2017-2021), with investments in infrastructure, residential and energy projects continuing to drive growth.
The focus on the development of transport infrastructure and the construction of affordable housing units will be key growth drivers. The industry growth will also be driven by the Bahrain Economic Vision 2030, under which the government aims to diversify the countrys economy away from oil and support economic growth.
The industrys output value in real terms is expected to rise at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.01% over the forecast period, compared to 5.73% during the review period (2012-2016).
Low oil prices are expected to undermine growth prospects during the early part of the forecast period. However, the governments early efforts to diversify the economy away from oil by focusing on non-oil sectors will create growth opportunities for the construction industry.
Browse All Reports of This Category @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/catalog/construction-industry
Summary
Radiant Insightss Construction in Bahrain, Key Trends and Opportunities to 2021 report provides detailed market analysis, information and insights into the Bahraini construction industry, including:
The Bahraini construction industrys growth prospects by market, project type and construction activity
Analysis of equipment, material and service costs for each project type in Bahrain
Critical insight into the impact of industry trends and issues, and the risks and opportunities they present to participants in the Bahraini construction industry
Profiles of the leading operators in the Bahraini construction industry
Data highlights of the largest construction projects in Bahrain
Request a Free Sample Copy of this Report @ http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/construction-in-bahrain-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2021/request-sample
Scope
This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the construction industry in Bahrain. It provides:
Historical (2012-2016) and forecast (2017-2021) valuations of the construction industry in Bahrain 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 Bahrain
Read more related reports by Radiant Insights:
UK Infrastructure Construction Market
http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/infrastructure-construction-in-the-uk-to-2020-market-forecast
UK Energy and Utilities Infrastructure Construction Market
http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/energy-and-utilities-infrastructure-construction-in-the-uk-to-2020-market-forecast
Key Highlights
The government is focusing on improvements to the countrys infrastructure to boost the performance of non-oil sector. As a result, the countrys non-oil economy is expected to record growth of 2.4% in 2017. According to the Economic Development Board (EDB), the country is currently in the process of implementing infrastructure construction projects with a value of BHD12.0 billion (US$32.0 billion).
Housing supply in Bahrain is relatively low compared to demand, which provides opportunities for residential developers. Accordingly, in a bid to provide affordable housing to meet demand from lower- and middle-income groups, the government set a target of constructing 65,000 social housing units across the country by 2020 under the Government Action Plan.
The government is focusing on the expansion and modernization of airport infrastructure, with an aim to improve airport services and build a world-class aviation infrastructure to meet the expected rises in passenger, cargo and air traffic. Accordingly, the government is developing Bahrain International Airport (BIA) under the Airport Modernisation Programme. In 2016, a joint venture of the Dubai-based Arabtec Construction and Turkeys TAV Construction won a contract to construct a new terminal at BIA.
The Bahraini construction industrys growth will be driven by government plans to increase the share of renewable energy in terms of total energy consumption, and encourage investment in renewable energy infrastructure. Accordingly, the Bahraini cabinet approved the National Plan for Renewable Energy in January 2017, to achieve sustainable development and energy efficiency.
The government is seeking help from foreign investors to improve the countrys infrastructure. In August 2016, the Bahraini government signed seven contracts worth BHD148.5 million (US$395.0 million) with Kuwait and the UAE to carry out housing and infrastructure construction projects in the country.
Media Contact
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Contact Person: Michelle Thoras, Corporate Sales Specialist USA
Email: sales@radiantinsights.com
Phone: (415) 349-0054, Toll Free: 1-888-202-9519
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City: San Francisco
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Website: http://www.radiantinsights.com/research/construction-in-bahrain-key-trends-and-opportunities-to-2021
Becomes a Producer After Madden/Lost Cabin US$10m Closing Payment
Sydney, Mar 22, 2017 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Elk Petroleum Ltd ( ASX:ELK ) ( EKPTF:OTCMKTS ) ("Elk" or the "Company") is pleased to advise that its acquisition of a ~14% working interest in the Madden Gas Field, the Madden Deep Unit Gas Field and the Lost Cabin Gas Plant ("Madden") in Wyoming, USA from subsidiaries of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. ( NYSE:FCX ) ("FCX") has closed. This follows Elk's US$10 million closing payment to FCX, confirmation of receipt of funds by FCX and release of closing documentation by FCX.
- Elk has made US$10 million acquisition closing payment to Freeport-McMoRan
- Acquisition of ~14% Madden/Lost Cabin interest effective as of 1 January 2017
- Elk now a producer with its Madden/Lost Cabin working interest delivering:
o ~70 BCF (~11.6 MMBOE) of Proven 1P Gas Reserves
o January 2017 production of 23.5 MMCF/day (4,175 BOE/day)
o Forecast 2017 positive free cash flow of over US$7 million
- US$5.5 milion balance of acquisition price payable by 15 July 2017 (CST)
US$10m closing payment made, acquisition effective 1 January 2017
Under the final closing agreement announced on 10 March 2017, the parties agreed a revised acquisition price of US$17.5 million for Madden comprising a US$2 million deposit paid by Elk in January 2017, a closing payment of US$10 million to FCX and a final payment of US$5.5 million to FCX by 15 July 2017 (CST). Elk has made the US$10m closing payment to FCX who have advised they are in receipt of the funds and closing documentation has been released. The acquisition is effective as of 1 January 2017.
ELK is now a producer with its ~14% Madden interest delivering January 2017 production of 23.5 MMCF/day (4,175 BOE/day), Proven 1P Gas Reserves of ~70 BCF (~11.6 MMBOE), and forecast 2017 positive free cash flow of over US$7 million.
For full details of the Madden acquisition and funding please refer to Elk's ASX announcements of 4 January 2017 and 10 March 2017.
About Elk Petroleum Limited
Elk Petroleum Limited (ASX:ELK) (OTCMKTS:EKPTF) is an oil and gas company specialising in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), with assets located in one of the richest onshore oil regions of the USA, the Rocky Mountains. Elk's strategy is focused on applying proven EOR technologies to mature oil fields, which significantly de-risks the Companys strategy of finding and exploiting oil field reserves.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem described the U.S. border with Mexico as a war zone last year when she sent dozens of state National Guard troops there. Noem said theyd be on the front lines of stopping drug smugglers and human traffickers. But newly released records from the National Guard show that in their two-month deployment, the South Dakota troops didnt seize any drugs and sometimes went days without encountering any migrants at all. Noem justified the deployment and a widely criticized private donation to fund as a state emergency because of drugs making their way across the southern border to South Dakota. But the records cast doubt on whether the deployment was effective in addressing that.
For Airmen who want to continue serving their country, but can no longer commit to a monthly or annual schedule, the Civil Air Patrol Reserve Assistance Program may be their next career move.
The program, CAPRAP for short, utilizes officer and enlisted Reserve Airmen as liaisons between local CAP squadrons and the Air Force.
The program is operated by Civil Air Patrol-United States Air Force (CAP-USAF), an active-duty unit under 1st Air Force and headquartered at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.
Most CAPRAP Airmen are Participating Individual Ready Reservists (PIRR). PIRRs are category E reservists who participate for points towards retirement only, though they can occasionally earn pay and points by volunteering for certain duties. They must complete 50 points each year to remain eligible for the program; each point equaling four hours of service. While they retain some military benefits, PIRRs are not eligible for TRICARE Reserve Select.
According to Lt. Col. Nathan Healy, the CAP-USAF director of operations, the program is a good way for Reservists to continue serving when they don have the time to do the traditional reserve program. Its particularly appealing to pilots who dont want to remain current in their air frame but still want to serve, he added.
There are also opportunities for Individual Mobilization Augmentees and Traditional Reservists to serve in CAPRAP as an additional duty.
Civil Air Patrol is an all-volunteer organization that serves as a vital link in the homeland defense equation, providing search and rescue, disaster relief, humanitarian services, Air Force support and counter-drug operations. CAP also trains the next generation of aviators through its cadet program, which engages thousands of young people, ages 12 to 21, in aerospace education, leadership, physical fitness and moral leadership training.
According to John Desmarais, the HQ CAP director of operations, in 2016, CAP supported 4,055 missions, flying 91,484 sorties for nearly 105,000 flight hours, 81 percent were flown as Air Force assigned missions. 10,000 hours were flown in support of counterdrug and drug interdiction missions, assisting in locating over $1.5 billion in illegal drugs and 1,957 arrests.
CAP also operates the largest fleet of Cessna aircraft in the world, with over 500 powered aircraft, as well as 50 gliders and three hot air balloons. They also maintain a fleet of about 1,000 ground vehicles.
CAPRAP Airmen are the primary link between the Air Force and CAP and support the program by conducting unit and equipment inspections and operational evaluations, instructing at cadet encampments, and providing general oversight to squadrons within their region.
There are eight geographic regions covering the 50 states, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia, so Reservists regularly serve near their homes. Each region has an active-duty office with a commander, director of operations, senior non-commissioned officer, and one or two civilians, in addition to PIRRs.
Were always looking for people all over the country, said Healy. In CAPRAP you can serve where you live because Civil Air Patrol is all over the country.
Lt. Col. Michael Schwartz, the Regional Reserve Forces Director for the southeast region, joined the program in 2012 after time on active duty and in the Air National Guard. During his five years in the program, he has found it a great way to stay in touch with the Air Force but with the added flexibility he needs. He said CAPRAP reinvigorated his career, allowing him to continue serving as a Reservist, and acted as a sort of re-bluing. He also likes the opportunities it offers him to mentor the next generation, earn points towards his retirement and participate in real-world operations.
While most duty as a category E reservist is points-only, there are opportunities to participate for pay and points. Schwartz said he often supports the CAP-USAF headquarters at Maxwell in pay status and has also spent time working at the 601st Air Operations Center, which is the main interface between the operational Air Force and CAP when real-world needs arise.
He said the program is great for self-starters and that Reservists in the program find areas that are fun and interesting to them.
You dont really hear the grumbling that you hear in other organizations because people pick the things theyre interested in, he said.
Maj. Jacqueline Fleming, Schwartzs counterpart from the Great Lakes region, came to the program in 2014 when she found the demands on her time from the traditional reserve program were too great. Between 2003 and 2011, the C-5 pilot was frequently called upon to defend her country, including a two-year activation for Iraq and a one-year activation for Afghanistan. Fleming, who flies a Boeing 777 as a civilian, said that when the balance between her civilian job, reserve duties and family life needed a reset, her commander recommended CAPRAP.
It was the best decision of my career, she said.
One of the things Fleming enjoys most about CAPRAP is the ability to work with the civilian volunteers who come from all backgrounds and walks of life. The 56,000 CAP volunteers are very professional, prepared and knowledgeable, even though they are unpaid, she said.
The volunteers restore my faith in humanity, especially the cadets. Theyre out there working hard and learning, and when an emergency happens, theyre some of the first ones called, she added.
Some of the responsibilities Fleming has as a regional reserve forces director in her six-state region include speaking at encampments, planning search and rescue exercises, and helping with inspections. She also helps out at CAP-USAF headquarters about every other month to work national-level issues.
While both Schwartz and Fleming hold leadership positions in CAPRAP, the average Airman is there to extend the geographic reach of the regional CAP-USAF commander to the local units. They often attend squadron meetings, inspect vehicles, aircraft, logbooks and facilities, and meet with local and regional CAP leadership to build and strengthen relationships. According to Schwartz, they can also support national-level cadet activities, such as the Glider Academy, the Powered Flight Academy, the Undergraduate Pilot Training Familiarization Course, civil engineer and pararescue jumper orientation courses, and the Cadet Officer School, which is similar to Air Force company grade officer professional military education.
In addition to opportunities to serve in CAPRAP as PIRRs, traditional reservists and Individual Mobilization Augmentees can also participate with a signed letter from their commander authorizing the additional duty. This allows those members to earn extra points towards their retirement without leaving their normal reserve billet.
To learn about CAPRAP openings in their region, Reservists should call their regional CAP-USAF office. Select your region to dial from a mobile device:
Reservists who transfer into the CAPRAP program as PIRRs will begin working with Headquarters Individual Reservist Readiness and Integration Organization (HQ RIO) Detachment 6, Operating Location Hurlburt Field, Florida, which manages the readiness for all CAPRAP PIRRs. HQ RIO is the organization that oversees the entire Individual Reserve program, which includes IMAs and PIRRs. The headquarters is located at Buckley Air Force Base, Colorado, and its seven detachments and eight operating locations are scattered around the globe. To learn more about the Individual Reserve, visit www.arpc.afrc.af.mil/HQRIO.aspx.
The [CAPRAP] program is interesting, diverse, fun and rewarding, said Schwartz. You get to give back to the future and provide much needed oversight in the present.
To learn more about the mission of Civil Air Patrol, visit http://www.gocivilairpatrol.com/. To learn more about CAP-USAF, visit http://www.au.af.mil/au/holmcenter/CAPUSAF/index.asp.
CAP-USAF Regional Office Directory:
Northeast Region, McGuire AFB, New Jersey 609-754-4638
Middle-East Region, Andrews AFB, Maryland 240-857-2266
Southeast Region, Dobbins ARB, Georgia 678-655-9790
Great Lakes Region, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio 937-257-6836
North-Central Region, Minneapolis, Minnesota 952-851-1595
Rocky Mountain Region, Peterson AFB, Colorado 719-556-7681
Southwest Region, JRB Fort Worth, Texas 817-782-6400
Pacific Region, Beale AFB, California 530-634-9521
As per an RTI application filed by activist Anil Galgali with the Kalyan Dombivali Municipal Corporation it has been revealed that the much delayed Kalyan skywalk has been opened for public. The 12.74 crore project was delayed for six years causing inconvenience to the people.
Galgali inquired with KDMC regarding the status of the skywalk and the reason behind its delay. KDMC Deputy Engineer Nemade Bhalchandra informed Galgali that the skywalk was physically opened to public on 31st December 2016. KDMC issued work order to M/s Jai hind Road Contractors on 6th November 2009.
On 31 October 2008 Standing Committee sanctioned an expenditure of Rs 10,75,86,000 which was more than 39 per cent of the actual cost of the project i.e. Rs 7,74,00,000 . After that on 29 September 2015, the committee again had given node for extra funds to the tune of Rs 1,98,71,084 thereby escalating its cost to Rs 12,74,57,084. Since Railway Authority only grants permission to carry work outside of railway track hence the project got delayed further. KDMC extended the deadline eight times and failed to take any action against the contractor.
Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar has urged resident doctors to call off their strike as soon as possible failing which action will be taken against them.
To avert recurring attacks on resident doctors 400 police personnel will be deployed for offering security to doctors in the state from Saturday onwards which will be increased to 700 with effect from April 1. Moreover, alarm system will be installed in the hospitals to avert possibility of attacks against doctors. A cap has also been imposed on the number of visitors meeting patients in the hospital. Meanwhile, Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar has urged resident doctors to call off their strike as soon as possible failing which action will be taken against them. More than 4,000 resident doctors in the states government hospitals stayed away from duty to protest the incidents of attack on their colleagues, affecting the public healthcare system.
Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said, We have taken a decision to enhance the security of resident doctors and they should not worry about their safety and perform their duties to the best of their abilities. Patients are facing severe hardships after doctors had gone on strike.
State Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan said, A committee has been formed to look into the issue of providing security to resident doctors. Around 1,100 police personnel will be deployed outside hospitals. We have taken steps to avert the incidents of attack on resident doctors. The attacks on resident doctors are unfortunate and assailants should not be spared.
Yesterday two police personnel were posted at the hospital but today no personnel was found. We will call off the strike if security to resident doctors is enhanced, said a doctor from Sion hospital on the condition of anonymity.
The issue also came up before the Bombay High Court with an activist filing a petition seeking a direction to the doctors to report to work immediately.
Santosh Andhale, a senior health reporter said, Why is there a rise in incidents of attacks on resident doctors? Patients relatives are many times uneducated and sometimes they attack doctors if they fail to save patients lives. The government must take steps to beef up the security of resident doctors.
At most of the hospitals, some senior resident doctors looked after the daily health check-ups of the patients, an official of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) said.
The emergency services were, however, not affected due to the doctors protest, he added. The doctors did not report to work to protest the two recent incidents one in Dhule and another at the Sion hospital in Mumbai where relatives of patients attacked the respective doctors in-charge.
There are a couple of long-pending demands from the state government, including higher wages and more security at the government hospitals, a senior MARD official said on condition of anonymity.
Both the demands have not been addressed to our satisfaction. Hence, we get attacked frequently and the state authorities fail to address the issue, he added.
Dr Rohit Kumar, a resident doctor at Sion Hospital, was beaten up by the relatives of a patient who died. A compliant was registered in the incident, with the Mumbai police and three accused have been arrested. Dr Rahul Mhamunkar of Dhule Civil Hospital was assaulted by the relatives of a patient after he referred the patient to another facility.
US President Donald Trump has said that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was acting very, very badly, hours after Pyongyang conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine.
He is acting very very badly, Trump said after he held meetings on North Korea with his national security staff at his Florida residence. Trump returned to the White House on Sunday night.
Today, President Donald J Trump held meetings regarding North Korea and China, the White House said in a brief readout of his meetings of the day. It said the President also met with military personnel.
In brief interaction with reporters at Mar-a-Lago, Trump said that over the weekend he held meeting with his officials on North Korea.
North Korea conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine on Saturday at the Sohae launch site, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
It said Kim called the test a great event of historic significance for North Koreas indigenous rocket industry.
In the last few weeks, the Trump administration has ramped up its rhetoric on North Korea.
The US alleges that these tests have been carried out in violation of the UN Security Council resolution.
Trumps remarks came as Secretary of State Rex Tillerson headed back home from a three-nation Japan, South Korea and China trip wherein Pyongyang dominated his deliberations.
The NIA issued a second notice to controversial Islamic preacher Zakir Naik asking him to appear before it on March 30 in a case filed against him under an anti-terror law. A Bhopal blast accused and two others have claimed to be inspired from the preachers speeches on television, in which he used to say against Hindu Gods.
The agency had early this month issued the first summons to him asking him to appear on March 14.
Officials said Mr. Naik has been summoned at the NIAs headquarters in New Delhi.
The notice has been sent to the Mumbai residence of 51-year-old Mr. Naik, who is believed to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after his activities came under scanner following accusations that he had inspired some of the terrorists who attacked a cafe in Dhaka last year.
Naiks Islamic Research Foundation official has received the second notice on Friday. This notice will only add to the list of summons that has been issued to Naik by Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Meanwhile, ED has recorded statement of Naiks sister Nailah Noorani under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Earlier, ED said that properties belonging to Zakir Naik worth Rs. 100 crore in India will be attached soon and process to issue a non-bailable warrant against him will be initiated. Hawala transactions, his sisters role in Rs. 200 crore transaction is being probed.
The physician-turned-preacher has been booked for allegedly promoting enmity between different groups on grounds of religion and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony. Sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) have also been slapped on him.
In the FIR, the NIA alleged that Mr. Naik incited Muslim youths to commit unlawful and terrorist acts, the official said.
The Centre had declared Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), an NGO based at Dongri in south Mumbai, an unlawful organisation under the UAPA.
The Delhi High Court had recently upheld the decision to immediately ban IRF saying the organisation and its president and members were indulging in unlawful activity.
Christine Ferraro: Exactly. Especially once they hit school age, because theyll be in their classrooms.
Lesley Stahl: The chances of a little kid two, three, four years old having some kind of a relationship with another kid with autism is pretty high.
Christine Ferraro has been a writer at Sesame Street for 25 years, during which time the frequency of autism diagnoses has multiplied.
Christine Ferraro: I think the big discussion right at the start was, How do we do this? How do we talk about autism?
NOTE: I've been a Sesame Street fan since I watched the first episode in 1969. My children adored the program until it left PBS to move to HBO for first run episodes. We don't have HBO and it was time to say goodbye when the Surgeon General teamed up with Elmo to promote vaccinations. Preschoolers pick their noses, not their friends. I can promise the parents who think that Sesame Street will make a long term difference that it will not - and I'm sorry to say that. By middle school the gap is a chasm, by high school it's a canyon and after high school, it's another continent. At least for those with moderate to severe autism like my own girls. Boys are affected 4:1 over girls, so I don't understand the female muppet. I do know that Sesame Street has struggled to have female characters - Abby Cadabby was supposed to add to Zoe and Rosita. I hope Julia does indeed help start a conversation, although I'm afraid it will go like this, "Gee, that doesn't look anything like what Chase at school has, Mom...." Kim By Anne Dachel Julia is a Sesame Street character with autism. Big Bird and the other characters on the show are learning how to understand her. Julia is meant to teach children how to get along with someone with the disorder. Julia is proof that autism will never be a crisis for this country. Somehow we're going to have adjust to a significant population that has recognizable symptoms and special needs. From the tone of the discussion on 60 Minutes, we understand that having a child with autism is now normal and acceptable. (The Pfizer ad on this video is a not-to-subtle reminder that pharmaceutical is a controlling influence over what 60 Minutes will cover.) View video here .
Christine Ferraro: Its tricky because autism is not one thing, because it is different for every single person who has autism. There is an expression that goes, If youve met one person with autism, youve met one person with autism.
Sesame Street has always based its characters and content on extensive research. They regularly bring in educators and child psychologists. In the case of Julia, they also worked with autism organizations to decide which characteristics she should have and how best to normalize autism for all children.
...
And of course every Muppet needs a puppeteer. But not every puppeteer has the connection Stacey Gordon does to the role. Gordon is the mother of a son with autism. She traveled all the way from Phoenix to audition for the part.
Lesley Stahl: The idea that there will be a child with autism on Sesame Street
Stacey Gordon: Yeah.
Lesley Stahl: Tell me what that means to you.
Stacey Gordon: It means that our kids are important enough to be seen in society. Having Julia on the show and seeing all of the characters treat her with compassion
Lesley Stahl: And like her.
Stacey Gordon: And like her.
Lesley Stahl: Thats big.
Stacey Gordon: Yeah, its huge.
The truth is, Americas children HAVE TO BE EDUCATED ABOUT AUTISM. Our schools are filled with students on the spectrum. Children today are checked for the signs of autism at well-baby check-ups by their pediatricians. What Leslie Stahl, 60 Minutes, and Sesame Street are doing here is to call for inclusion and acceptance of those with a disorder that wasnt even around fifty years ago when Sesame Street first aired.
While I agreed that this a positive thing for understanding a disability that has become a fact of life for Americas children, no one can explain why we are doing this.
Stahl notes that the frequency of autism diagnoses has multiplied over the last twenty-five years, without telling viewers what the staggering rate really is. If the number of autism diagnoses has risen, does that mean more children actually have the disorder, or are they just diagnosing it more often?
This is clearly a new phenomenon. Were all going to have to learn to live with autism everywhere. Right now, its children and young adults that make up people on the spectrum. Stories about autism training for teachers, doctors, air line personnel, EMTs, librarians and police are regularly in local news coverage across the U.S. Autism-friendly movies and Sensitive Santas are signs of the changes we have to make because we have no choice.
Every April we make a worldwide effort, complete with blue lights, walks, and fundraisers, to convince ourselves that nothing is wrong with having two percent of our children with a disorder that doesnt exist in a comparable rate in middle aged and elderly adults.
While I sincerely hope that children do learn to understand and accept those among them with autism, I worry about the image of autism shown on Sesame. Julia is a sweet little girl with milder symptoms of autism. She can interact with others and she looks like a typical child. Its easy to think that autism isnt really a serious disability. Its easy to believe that kids have always been like this, we just didnt call it autism.
The type of autism that isnt included here is the severe kind where kids have violent meltdowns, seizures, wear helmets, and cant relate to their environment. We wont be seeing those who are non-verbal, still wearing diapers when they head off to school, and in need of constant watching because they could wander into traffic. That side of autism wont be seen on Sesame Street, and those children will be even more marginalized and ignored.
Footnote: We have already seen Sesame Street and the Surgeon General (2015) using Elmo to promote vaccines to four year olds. http://www.ageofautism.com/2015/04/dachel-media-update-the-neurologist-is-a-person-in-your-neighborhood-elmo-hawks-vaccines.html How fitting that this same show should be calling for acceptance for the vaccine-injured generation.
A North Dakota House committee again gave an unfavorable recommendation to controversial casino legislation Monday, but not before lawmakers amended the resolution to allow for privately-owned casinos.
The House Judiciary Committee gave House Concurrent Resolution 3033 a do not pass recommendation in an 11-4 vote. As introduced, it would ask voters whether to amend the state Constitution to allow up to six state-owned casinos away from Native American reservations and the states larger cities.
But the committee approved an amendment submitted by House Majority Leader Al Carlson, R-Fargo, the resolutions primary sponsor, that would allow for up to six privately owned casinos that couldnt be built within 40 miles of a reservation. The amended resolution doesnt include any other location restrictions, but it would require the Legislature to establish licensing regulations, fees and taxation rates for casinos and related operations.
It would also create a Casino Gaming Commission to regulate the industry.
The committee rejected the same amendment last week.
I believe these proposed amendments make it a better bill regardless of what happens, said Rep. Andrew Maragos, R-Minot, who has previously argued the casino question will make it to the ballot through an initiated measure if legislators dont act.
If approved by the Legislature, the proposed constitutional amendment would go before voters in the 2018 general election.
Mondays actions marked another turn in the resolutions short but eventful life. Introduced Feb. 21, but unseen by the public until more than a week later, it faced opposition during a hearing last week from a tribal chairman and charitable gaming officials who worried their revenues would drop.
The House Judiciary Committee debated the resolution and two proposed amendments two days later, ultimately rejecting both changes and giving the bill a do not pass recommendation. It was re-referred to the committee Thursday, setting up Mondays discussion.
House lawmakers agreed three times this month to temporarily extend the deadline for resolutions that contain a constitutional amendment. That House rule, as originally written, says those resolutions must be reported back to the House no later than the 40th legislative day, which was March 6.
The most recent amendment to that rule changes the deadline to the 50th legislative day, which was Monday.
But the resolution would face another procedural hurdle even if it passes the House. A legislative joint rule says a resolution that has passed one chamber may not be sent to the other house for concurrence after the 43rd legislative day, which was March 9.
A motion to suspend that rule in order to accept an unrelated House resolution failed in the Senate Friday.
Senate Majority Leader Rich Wardner, R-Dickinson, said he was unsure whether the chamber will support the casino concept.
Its pretty quiet, he said. Nobodys really talking about it.
North Dakotas insurance commissioner is encouraging residents who face major flooding to be prepared.
The warning from Commissioner Jon Godfread comes ahead of spring flooding, with parts of northeast North Dakota, especially near Grafton, Devils Lake and in Cavalier and Pembina counties, having the highest potential for flooding in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service. Devils Lake is expected to rise 3 to 4 feet, putting nearly 40,000 acres of land at risk. Grafton will likely see major flooding and has a 25 percent chance of seeing a record-setting flood. The Park River in Grafton had a record crest of 16.16 feet in May 2013.
The major flood stage for the river begins at 14.5 feet, which the river should surpass later this spring. Its possible the river could rise as high as 19.7 feet.
Devils Lake, which is expected to see record runoff, could begin to rapidly rise from April into May, averaging a half-foot or more per week before it peaks, possibly above the June 2011 record elevation of 1,454.3 feet, according to the weather service.
The flood risk reduces to the south along the Red River, as there is little to no snow left south of Grand Forks.
Godfread warned residents in a news release that traditional homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. When residents sign up for flood insurance, it takes 30 days to kick in, Godfread said in the release.
I urge all North Dakotans to take the time to learn about how they can better protect themselves and their property from the destruction brought on by a flood, he said, adding it is a critical time of year for consumers to talk to their insurance agent about their policys limits and what other coverage options they have.
Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters and businesses through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration.
The weather service may release an updated flood outlook on Friday.
A 10-ton consignment of snow peas on board a vessel from Guatemala saw the launch of a pilot programme to develop sea-air traffic from Latin America to destinations across the Atlantic as well as in Asia.
The Crowley Maritime ship sailed on January 26 on a course for Miami International Airport (MIA) via Port Everglades.
Customized Brokers, a Crowley subsidiary, partnered with MIA to create the new programme nearly four years in the making which evolved during a lengthy dialogue with US authorities, notably Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Agriculture.
The initial result of this was a permit for the broker to move cargo from Central America through the Port of Miami and Port Everglades for uplift from MIA. In addition, customs has for the first time given its blessing to expedited processing of sea-air cargo.
Ernie Rodriguez, Miami-Dade Aviation Department section chief, who spearheaded the initiative from the airport side, stresses that the new sea-air service offers shippers vastly better transit times.
Transportation from Guatemala to Europe by ocean vessel takes in excess of two weeks, whereas the new mixed mode offers transit times of five to six days.
This means the shipper can do one more rotation of buying and selling. He can go to a weekly cycle, he says.
According to DHL Global Forwarding, sea-air is on average 30%-50% faster than ocean transportation and 30%-50% cheaper than airfreight. The downward pressure on air cargo rates has eroded the cost savings somewhat.
Bob Imbriani, executive vice-president, international at logistics provider Team Worldwide, notes that combining two modes brings in two different sets of charges. Shippers should look at the total cost, he warns.
At this point, the programme is fairly narrowly defined. The permit covers two points of origin Guatemala and Honduras and three commodities: snow peas, broccoli and okra. The idea was to start with relatively straightforward crops that had little risk of pests in the shipments, explains Rodriguez.
He expects both the range of perishables and the geographical reach to extend: We will work on blueberries and cherries from Chile in the near future, he says. I think Chile will be one of the key countries for us.
The authorities are also putting a lid on volumes. The permit allows Customised Brokers to bring up to five containers a week into the system.
However, Rodriguez says that two other brokers recently obtained permits as well, which should boost the volume to 15 containers a week roughly 220 tons of cargo.
Incoming consignments cannot be split but have to move on a single flight. This is one aspect that favours freighters, but more importantly, security rules also dictate that only all-cargo aircraft are in the running for MIAs sea-air throughput at this point.
Shippers at overseas origins are not considered known shippers by the Transportation Security Adminis-tration, and there is no chain of custody to match the requirements in US security regulations for air cargo, Imbriani points out.
This gives Miami an edge over likely competitors in the region, given its main deck connections.
Rodriguez points out that MIA has 14-16 weekly freighter flights to Europe and 17-19 departures a week to Asia. These two regions are seen as the primary destinations for the perishables coming up from Latin America under the programme.
We have four Asian carriers with freighters here. They are ready, says Rodriguez.
Mark Sutch, general manager of cargo marketing and sales at Cathay Pacific, reports that the carrier was waiting for Crowley to finalise some permit issues.
The sea-air concept is not new to the Latin American arena. Traffic has gone through Mexico and some Caribbean points, but they lack cooler facilities, which are vital, Rodriguez says.
DHL has developed some sea-air traffic through Panama, making use of the express divisions regional hub there.
Much of this has been southbound cargo, arriving by ocean vessel from Asia for airfreight connections to Latin America.
A spokesperson for DHLs forwarding arm reports that the company decided not to go ahead with a planned sea-air offering to a customer from the technology sector due to invoicing issues, so it now offers ocean and air services separately.
Team Worldwide has no plans for sea-air: It is something that comes up once in a while. It has some limited function and appeal, comments Imbriani, pointing to the complexity of the concept.
Not surprisingly, Rodriguez is bullish, reporting lively interest both among shippers and carriers. The key is frequency, cost and service, he comments, adding that MIAs fledgling service offers strong benefits both in terms of transit time and cost.
And while most perishables are seasonal, the amount of different types ensures that the programme is viable at the airport on a year-round basis.
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March 21, 2017
Their leaders are in jail, their towns are in ruins and their rights are being suppressed, yet tens of thousands of Turkish Kurds gathered today in a mix of defiance and joy to celebrate Nowruz, the arrival of spring, in their unofficial capital Diyarbakir.
Spurning organizers pleas not to provoke the authorities wrath, many revelers chanted slogans in support of Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) who commands the affection of millions of Kurds across the region. Free Ocalan, martyrs never die, the crowds roared. And in a pointed message to Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, they repeatedly shouted na, Kurdish for no, for how they will be voting in the April 16 referendum on replacing Turkeys parliamentary system with a presidential one.
Recent opinion polls suggest that over 60% of ethnic Kurds will vote against Erdogans bid for what many see as unchecked one-man rule. Naysayers are running neck and neck with the ayes. But pollsters say that the latter were bumped up by Germany and the Netherlands refusal to let Erdogan and his lieutenants campaign on their soil. In a recent survey, 53% of those polled said they would vote in favor, and 47% against. The results do not necessarily reflect voters' choices because many naysayers are afraid to reveal their true colors. Apparently, not the Kurds.
Ahmet Sumbul, the managing editor of the local Mucadele newspaper, told Al-Monitor in a telephone interview, We were stunned by the turnout. With so many party officials in jail, mobilizing a crowd this size seemed unlikely.
One man who sought to enter the square where the celebrations were being held was shot and killed by police who said he was wielding a knife. Sumbul observed, however, that security forces monitoring the rally had mostly behaved with restraint.
In a fiery address, Ahmet Turk, the doyen of Kurdish politics in Turkey who was recently released from prison on health grounds, said, Those who threw Kurdish politicians in jail, those who destroyed Kurdistans cities, I know that one day they will account for this before history. We say no.
Turk called on the government to resume peace talks with Ocalan, who had confirmed their commencement in a recorded speech played to a massive Nowruz rally in Diyarbakir in 2013. The talks included, among other things, amnesty for PKK fighters who had not participated in violence and greater autonomy for the Kurds, who account for around 18% of Turkeys total population. The talks were abruptly shelved in February 2015 just days after government officials and Kurdish lawmakers unveiled a draft road map for peace. Erdogan, a notorious micromanager, claimed he knew nothing about the discussions.
Erdogan was thought to have been unnerved by the Kurds gains in northern Syria and calculated that his bid for an executive presidency would be better served by nationalist votes. A two-year cease-fire with the PKK broke down in July 2015, plunging the mainly Kurdish southeast region back into conflict. Since then, at least 2,623 people including 391 civilians are thought to have been killed, according to a recent International Crisis Group tally.
Turk, 74, is among scores of Kurdish mayors who were dismissed, jailed or both on thinly supported terrorist charges over the past year. Diyarbakirs co-mayors Gultan Kisanak and Firat Anli, who were swept into office with 55% of the vote in 2014, have been in pre-trial detention since Oct. 30, 2016.
The government has seized control of 82 municipalities won by their Democratic Regions Party. Its sister party, the Peoples Democracy Party (HDP), has faced similar troubles. Since the July coup attempt, 5,471 HDP officials have been detained and 1,482 sent to pre-trial detention, the party told Human Rights Watch.
Co-chairs Selahattin Demirtas and Figen Yuksekdag as well as 11 other HDP lawmakers are in prison.
Hugh Williamson, the Europe and Central Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said, The governments crackdown on pro-Kurdish parties is robbing millions of voters of their parliamentary representatives.
But it has failed to steal their spirit, as todays Nowruz festivities showed.
by Wilfred Vaz
KUWAIT, MAR 21, 2017: "Give me an army saying the Rosary and I will conquer the world," said Pope Pius IX. The parishioners of St. Therese of the child Jesus set to pray the rosary as a response to the invitation of the Bishop of the North Arabian Vicariate, Camillo Ballin.
In the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia (AVONA), the year 2017 has been dedicated the Mother Mary, being the centenary of her apparition at Fatima.
Bishop Ballin suggested that the Holy Rosary be recited together by all the families residing in a building, at each respective home, with the statue or picture of Our Lady of Fatima. Lionel Pereira, a parish council member said, "In the past, consecration of nations and parishes to Mary, brought special graces on them. I am certain that the consecration of our vicariate to Our Lady will bring us closer to her in devotion and bring peace and stability to the region of Gulf."
To inaugurate the event of Our Lady of Fatima visiting every home in the parish of the Church of St. Therese of the Child Jesus, a recitation of the Luminous mysteries of the Holy Rosary was organised by the Small Christian Communities (SCC) group on March 18.
The parish council members and also the coordinators of the groups who do not have representation in the parish council participated in the Rosary along with the entire parish. The parish priest gave a brief introduction to the congregation about the programme. Father Francisco Pereira conceptualised and animated the recitation of the Rosary.
The prayer and intentions for each respective mystery were said by Elizabeth D'Souza. The first part of the Our Father and the Hail Mary were recited in five different languages, while the latter part of the Our Father and the Holy Mary were recited in english by the congregation. The different languages represented were Filipino, Malayalam, Konkani, Singhala and Tamil. Annette Pereira, the secretary of the parish pastoral council said, "When we gathered and prayed the rosary, each leading in their own language and all responding in English, I felt privileged, blessed and anointed to be part of the prayerful gathering."
As the recitation of each mystery began, a designated parish council member placed a lighted candle at the statue of Our Lady of Fatima, symbolising the dedication of the parish and the respective groups to Mother Mary.
At the conclusion of the recitation of the five Luminous mysteries, framed pictures of Our Lady of Fatima were given by Father Blany Pinto and Father Ben Barrameda to Anand Sequeira, coordinator SCC group, to the parish council members and to the other representatives. It was a gesture to commence the recitation of the Holy Rosary in the members' respective groups and buildings.
Christopher Rosario, a council member said, "My wife and I attended the rosary. Both of us felt serene, peaceful and reassured of the presence of Mother Mary amongst us." The event concluded with all the parish council members and representatives, along with the priests, going in procession from the church to the courtyard.
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(Turenne PharMedCo)
Montgomery-based Turenne PharMedCo has received approval to be among the first companies in Alabama to use technology to fill prescriptions.
The Alabama Board of Pharmacy has approved Turenne PharMedCo to employ remote dispensing technology and equipment at long-term care facilities.
A spokesman said the technology should be in place later this year at facilities working with the company. The next step will be working with companies to put the technology in place.
Turenne PharMedCo provides pharmacy and medical supplies to post-acute and palliative care providers in the long-term healthcare industry.
Company officials said remote dispensary machines and technology help facilities "safely manage medication inventory and distribution, while increasing security and tracking usage," according to the company.
Supporters of remote dispensaries say the more secure and advanced systems reduce errors and lower costs while saving time.
"New and more streamlined solutions are critical to strengthening our operations and better serving our customers and their residents," Lee Foreman, general manager for Turenne PharMedCo., said in a statement.
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(Auctionbypearce.com)
You've seen tiny homes on HGTV, in newspapers and magazines, and in urban settings where residents are downsizing for a simpler life.
If you've ever thought about owning one yourself, you'll soon have that chance.
More than 20 tiny homes in northwest Alabama are included in a court-ordered auction hosted by Pearce & Associates. The online auction follows the Chapter 7 bankruptcy of Lil' Lodges of Alabama, a manufacturer in Bear Creek.
"Tiny homes appeal to those who are seeking to live simply, more economically, or with minimal impact upon the environment," said Chip Pearce, president of Pearce & Associates. "This auction provides an opportunity for people to obtain one at a great price."
Pearce said the lodge and log-cabin style homes have "a lot of character" and are made with high-quality materials. Buyers should note most of the homes are incomplete, so they would need to finish some of the construction themselves.
The properties are available at warehouses on 674 County Road 65 and 8085 Highway 13, both in Bear Creek. Inspections will be available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 3-4.
For more details or to see photos of the lots, click here. Bidders can also call 205-664-4300 for information.
By Haley Laurence/hlaurence@al.com
As the weather warms up, it's time for adventure. Why not take a road trip to the Shoals area of northwest Alabama?
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
You could make a weekend just out of exploring the Shoals' musical history, but there's a lot more to the area than that. There's art. There's history. And there's lots and lots of food.
*Note: For the sake of brevity, I just focused on the Quad Cities -- Florence, Sheffield, Muscle Shoals and Tuscumbia. There are also plenty of activities in the small towns surrounding these cities.
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Photo courtesy of Art Meripol
You can see where some of the greatest hit records were recorded.
The Muscle Shoals Sound Studio (3614 Jackson Highway, Sheffield) -- named the state's top attraction of 2017 by the Alabama Department of Tourism -- has seen a lot of legends record there over the years. And I mean legends: Aretha Franklin, the Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and Lynyrd Skynyrd are among the artists who've cut songs there.
And you can't forget FAME Studios (603 Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals). Etta James, Otis Redding, Little Richard, Duane Allman and more have recorded at the legendary studios.
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Most people can't say they've eaten dinner in a cave.
Rattlesnake Saloon (1292 Mount Mills Road, Tuscumbia) is one of Alabama's most unique restaurants. When you arrive at the address, you'll ride over to the cave, where'll you dine on burgers and fries and sip brew -- with spectacular surroundings. Read more about Rattlesnake Saloon here.
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The live lion mascots at UNA are pretty historic, too.
You can view the only live lion mascots at a U.S. college campus at the University of North Alabama. You can find Leo III and Una at the George H. Carroll Lion Habitat (Cramer Way, Florence) on campus.
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(Photo by John Dersham/AMLA)
This waterfall is pretty historic.
Coldwater Falls in Spring Park (Spring Park Road, Tuscumbia), according to my colleague Kelly Kazek, "is the largest man-made waterfall of natural stone in the world." You'll definitely want to take a few photos. (Read about that here.)
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You can tour a Frank Lloyd Wright home.
The Stanley Rosenbaum House is the only Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home in the Southeast that's available for public viewings. Take a tour and learn more about the architecture -- and the family -- that inhabited this home. Read more about the Rosenbaum House here.
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Fine dining has a panoramic view of the Tennessee River
The 360 Grille (10 Hightower Place, Florence) offers fine dining and an extensive wine list with the most breathtaking view of the Tennessee River. Read a review of 360 Grille here.
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There's lots of delicious barbecue.
If you're a pork fan, you're in luck. Smokin' on the Boulevard (4080 Florence Blvd., Florence) offers some must-try ribs. Oh, but I can't stop there. Muscle Shoals institution Brooks Barbeque (203 Union Ave, Muscle Shoals) is a member of the Alabama Barbecue Hall of Fame -- and also serves some pretty legit wings. And Bunyan's Barbeque (901 W. College St., Florence) is known across town for the hot, spicy slaw they pile on top of their pork sandwiches and hot dogs.
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
Oh, and don't forget about the river.
With all of the area's rich musical and cultural history, sometimes it's easy to forget: The Tennessee River is right there. Go bass fishing. Try water-skiing. Rent a boat. You don't have to get off the water the entire weekend if you don't want.
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There's a place you can honor the Father of the Blues.
W.C. Handy, the Father of the Blues, was born in Florence. You can honor his legacy by stopping by the W.C. Handy Home and Museum (620 West College St., Florence), his childhood home where you can view his memorabilia.
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There are adorable, old-fashioned soda fountains to grab a snack.
Trowbridge's (316 N. Court St., Florence) has been open for almost 100 years, and is the state's oldest ice cream parlor/sandwich shop -- so you know they serve some absolutely delicious food. The orange-pineapple ice cream was named to one of the "100 dishes to eat in Alabama before you die" by the Alabama Tourism Department. (Read more about that here.)
One other nostalgic shop across the river is The Palace Ice Cream and Sandwich Shop (100 S Main St., Tuscumbia). Order a Harvey milkshake, which consists of thick, gooey chocolate.
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Photo courtesy of Visit Florence Facebook page
You'll find lots of live music.
The Shoals has a stellar musical legacy -- and a fun live music scene. 116 E. Mobile (116 E. Mobile St., Florence), the music venue owned by Single Lock Records, has bands booked most weekends. Nearby Shoals Theatre (123 N Seminary St., Florence) hosts lots of bands and plays. And don't forget the newest music venue on the block: Singin' River Brewery Co., which boasts of plenty of live acts.
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The Alabama Music Hall of Fame is a must for music fans.
Alabama has birthed some of the greatest musicians, so check out the Alabama Music Hall of Fame (617 U.S. 72 W, Tuscumbia). You'll find plenty of exhibits along with personal memorabilia from artists such as Sonny James, Tammy Wynette, Vern Gosdin, Jeanne Pruett and Freddie Hart.
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The Singing River Sculptures are pretty spectacular.
The Shoals area is proud of its rich musical heritage, and you'll see that on full display at the Singing River Sculptures in Sheffield and Muscle Shoals. The 18-20 ft. aluminum statues are pretty impressive, and more are in the works: Two are slated for Tuscumbia and Florence, and a sculpture garden is also planned to look over the Tennessee River.
Read more about those here.
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Oh, and there's plenty of shopping.
Seriously, make sure you put some time for shopping in your schedule: Northwest Alabama is home to internationally-known fashion designers. Venture to gorgeous downtown Florence to shop at Billy Reid's flagship shop (114 N Court St, Florence). Reid's won some pretty prestitious style awards, including the 2012 CFDA Menswear Designer of the Year.
Another must-stop? Alabama Chanin (462 Lane Drive, Florence). The creation of fashion designer Natalie Chanin, Alabama Chanin is a lifestyle and design company that produces 100 percent organic and American- made goods. There's also a cafe that serves up a daily menu full of fresh farm-to-table options.
Watch a video about Alabama Chanin here.
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
You can see the place where Helen Keller was raised.
At Ivy Green (300 N. Commons St. W., Tuscumbia) -- the birthplace of Helen Keller -- you can take a walking tour and see the famous water pump where she made her breakthrough.
Read more about Ivy Green here.
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
The Coon Dog Cemetery is a unique experience.
OK, so I know I said I was going to limit everything to the Quad Cities. But you'd be missing out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity if you didn't take a drive west of Tuscumbia to the Key Underwood Memorial Coon Dog Graveyard (4945 Coondog Cemetery Rd, Cherokee). It's the only type of cemetery of its kind in the world.
Read more about the Coon Dog Cemetery here.
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Contributed by Library of Congress/Carol M. Highsmith
Spring Park is the ultimate kid-friendly destination
So we already know that Spring Park is home to Coldwater Falls. But it should also be on your Shoals bucket list because your kids will have a blast there. There's a large playground, carousel, roller coaster, splash pad and a small train for the kids.
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Kelly Kazek/kkazek@al.com
There's lots of beautiful architecture.
If you love old architecture, you're in luck. Most of the downtowns have historic homes that are just astounding to look at. (Pictured is downtown Tuscumbia.)
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
You can get an incredible cup of coffee.
You'll find plenty of comfortable coffee shops in Florence. Try Rivertown Coffee Co. (117 N. Seminary St., Florence), a mainstay in downtown for 13 years. The hip coffee shop has an excellent latte, of course, but they also have incredible paninis and pastries as well. Another option? Turbo Coffee (310 E. Tennessee St., Florence), which serves coffee, pourovers and smoothies in a sleek atmosphere.
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Facebook photo/City of Tuscumbia
The downtowns are so picturesque.
The Shoals is full of lots of picturesque downtowns with adorable stores and restaurants dotting the streets. Make sure you take time to explore at least one of the areas. (Downtown Tuscumbia is pictured.)
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There's lots of Southern cooking.
While you're exploring, why not get some delicious Southern food? There are plenty of meat-and-three options across the Shoals. Try the daily specials at Claunch Cafe (400 S. Main St., Tuscumbia) for just $6.99. Or venture over to Garden Gate Cafe (two locations: 701 Avalon Ave., Muscle Shoals, and 1917 Florence Blvd., Florence) for some top-notch fried chicken and mac and cheese.
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You can have a relaxing spa day.
Everyone needs a zen day. And the Marriott Hotel & Spa (10 Hightower Place) can provide you that. Their 6,000-square foot facility offers couple's massages, facials, Parraffin hand treatments, steam rooms and more.
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
If you like craft beer, you're in luck.
Oh, the Shoals definitely has some tasty craft beer. Stop in Singin' River Brewing Co. (526 E. College St., Florence) for a flight. Check out their live music schedule, too -- you might find the Shoals' next big act playing the brewery's new music venue. But why not make a night out of it and skip over to Bluewater Brewing Co. (318 S. Royal Ave., Florence) as well -- from comedy shows to acoustic nights, there's usually something happening there.
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There's lots of local history to be learned.
Make sure to make time to visit Florence's new museum. The Florence Indian Mound Museum (1028 South Court Street, Florence) honors some of the Tennessee Valley's first inhabitants. You'll find animal effigy pipes, woven textiles and more.
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There's a thriving art scene.
The Shoals is an area that fosters its art scene. Check out the Kennedy-Douglass Center for the Arts (217 E. Tuscaloosa St., Florence) for exhibits, workshops, lectures and more.
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You can visit one of the area's oldest structures
Pope's Tavern Museum (203 Hermitage Drive, Florence) housed wounded Confederate and Union soldiers during the Civil War. Now you'll find antiques and other local history items in the former tavern.
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Haley Laurence | hlaurence@al.com
Want to read more about the Shoals?
10 reasons Florence is Alabama's next foodie towns
Scenes from Tuscumbia: A look into the cozy small town
Scenes from Sheffield: One of the 'Quad Cities' but with a unique personality
The death of an Alabama record store
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Bob Gathany/bgathany@al.com
Read about Muscle Shoals music
Muscle Shoals (has still) got the Swampers: What music legends' lives are like now
How Muscle Shoals Sound is going back to the future
20 Muscle Shoals music connections that might surprise you
You can buy honey made from the walls of Fame Studios
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Zeppelin Kennedy and Margie Annette Huddleston
(Marion County Jail)
One of two escapees from the Marion County Jail taken into custody this afternoon.
Zeppelin Kennedy was captured about 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at his grandmother's house in Hamilton. His grandmother, 57-year-old Margie Annette Huddleston, was also arrested and charged with aiding and abetting.
The search is ongoing for Corey Dean.
The pair escaped around 1:32 a.m. Friday Dean is a 22-year-old white male who was being held on seven burglary charges, criminal mischief, arson, and discharging firearm into unoccupied dwelling charges. Dean was last seen with gray short-sleeve shirt and gray sweatpants.
At the time of his escape, Kennedy was jailed on 31 counts of possession of pornography and production of pornography with a minor. Authorities today charged him with second-degree escape.
The young men were tracked by Alabama Department of Corrections K-9 Unit along with K-9 units with the Marion County Sheriff's Department throughout the weekend. Sheriff Kevin Williams said Monday investigators are confident they are in the Kennedy area in southern Lamar County.
On Monday, they announced charges against eight people for aiding the fleeing men - five of them in Lamar County, and three of them in Marion County. The sheriff emphasized then that anyone caught aiding or assisting the escapees would be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
"Unfortunately, not everyone believed that, and thought it would be wise to assist the escapees,'' according to a press release issued Tuesday. "Sheriff Williams and I, would like to thank the community for all the tips that have been provided and would ask that you please continue to contact the Marion County Sheriff's Department with any tips on Dean's whereabouts. "
Anyone who sees Dean is asked to call 911 or the Marion County Sheriff's Office at 205-921-7433.
Authorities today announced formal charges against a man accused of killing a Brighton teen in a weekend drive-by shooting.
Kelvin Andre Edwards Jr., 23, is charged with capital murder, said Brighton Police Chief Ray Hubbart. Edwards is charged in the death of 18-year-old Tyshun Tyree Miller.
Officers responded about 6:30 p.m. Saturday to a report of shots fired in the 1400 block of Clay Street. When they arrived on the scene, they found Miller wounded. He was taken to UAB Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The shooting happened while Miller was sitting on a bench with friends. Witnesses said a 15-year-old was nearly struck, but Miller stood in the path of the bullet.
Police were quickly able to identify the suspected shooter, but he remained at large until about 9 p.m. Saturday when he turned himself in to authorities at the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office in the Bessemer Cutoff. He was then taken to the Brighton City Jail. He will now be transferred to the Jefferson County Jail where he will be held without bond.
Hubbart said additional warrants are pending and the investigation is ongoing. More suspects could be arrested, he said.
Miller is Brighton's first homicide this year, and the 36th in all of Jefferson County so far in 2017.
Less than 24 hours after Miller was killed, friends and family held a vigil in his memory.
"You never know- that could have been me. It could have been any of us," friend Tavares Kennedy said.
Miller, who friends called him "Lil T" or "Lil Ta," was sitting outside of this home when he was shot by someone in a vehicle driving past. On Sunday, teddy bears, balloons, and flowers were placed next to the bench where Miller was shot. Candles were arranged to spell the teen's nickname.
Friends said Miller loved to have a good time, and was excited about a job interview he had with The Home Depot just last week. "It's very sad,'' said friend Jaterrius Corbett. "He just liked to crack jokes.... it's very sad."
A Montgomery teenager charged with shooting a girl outside of Robert E. Lee High School last week is now facing additional charges.
Quinterrious Norman, 16, was charged Friday with third-degree burglary and second-degree theft of property. He is also facing charges of first-degree assault, charging a firearm into an occupied vehicle, and certain persons forbidden to possess a pistol in relation to the shooting incident on March 16.
A 15-year-old girl, a student at Robert E. Lee High School, was walking outside the school when she was struck in the neck by a bullet. She was taken to a local hospital and then airlifted to UAB Hospital, where she is now listed in critical but stable condition.
Court documents in the burglary and theft of property charges said Norman broke into a home on March 14 by prying open the back door, causing $100 worth of damage. Once inside, records stated he "rummaged" through the home and stole a .40-caliber handgun Smith & Wesson semi-automatic handgun-- the same gun used in the shooting at Lee High School two days later.
Police said Norman, also a student at the school, was in a vacant lot near the school when he fired multiple shots from a .40-caliber handgun towards the school. The incident happened at approximately 2:49 p.m., when school was letting out for the day.
Bullets also hit an occupied Subaru Forrester. Bullets struck the rear window of the car and exited through the front glass windshield, documents show.
Records stated the stolen gun retails for approximately $349.
Bonds for each of the new charges are set at $15,000 each, bringing his total bond amount to $195,000. He is currently being held in the Montgomery County Detention Facility.
A pregnant woman was rushed to the hospital early Tuesday after she was shot inside her home at one of Birmingham's public housing communities.
The shooting happened before 3 a.m. in the 500 block of 41st Street North at Tom Brown Village. The victim called 911, and was able to tell police who shot her.
She was taken to UAB Hospital with life-threatening injuries and is undergoing surgery. Three children were at home with her when the shooting happened. Police initially contacted DHR to come get the children, but officers were able to get in touch with their grandmother and they are now with her.
Police say the shooting appears to be domestic-related. The suspect is the victim's boyfriend. They know his identity but he is not yet in custody.
As of midday, the victim was listed in stable condition and the unborn baby was OK.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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The areas in orange will have a higher risk of seeing strong to severe storms today. That area has an "enhanced" risk, which means numerous severe storms are possible. (Storm Prediction Center)
This afternoon could be a stormy one across parts of north Alabama.
NOAA's Storm Prediction Center says scattered to numerous severe thunderstorms will be possible today across the northern part of the state as a storm system approaches from the north.
A severe thunderstorm watch was issued Tuesday afternoon for several north Alabama counties: Jackson, Lauderdale, Limestone, Madison, Cherokee and Marshall until 10 p.m. CDT.
2:35pm CDT #SPC_Watch WW 76 SEVERE TSTM AL GA NC SC TN 211930Z - 220300Z, https://t.co/KBQqYZc5OX pic.twitter.com/EDPiRG0AZ7 NWS SPC (@NWSSPC) March 21, 2017
The SPC raised the risk level earlier today across part of north Alabama from "slight" to "enhanced." An enhanced risk means numerous severe storms will be possible.
Another part of north and north-central Alabama has a slight risk, which means scattered severe storms are possible.
A thin strip to the south of that area has a marginal risk, which means severe storms will be possible, but will likely be on the isolated side.
The National Weather Service in Birmingham said that a few strong to severe storms will also be possible in north-central Alabama, mainly along and north of a line from Hackleburg to Anniston.
The main window for storms in that area is from 5 until 10 p.m.
There is no severe weather risk for the rest of central and south Alabama.
The National Weather Service in Huntsville said that strong to severe storms moving through Tennessee could reach the Limestone and Madison areas by 4:45 to 5 p.m.
[315 PM] Quick radar update as storms begin to form along the stalled frontal boundary. Remain weather aware this evening. #HUNwx pic.twitter.com/lP17Iypt6a NWS Huntsville (@NWSHuntsville) March 21, 2017
Hail has also been reported with some storms in Jackson County:
Although this is typically one of the busiest times of the year for tornadoes in Alabama, the tornado threat is expected to be low with this system, according to the National Weather Service.
Instead, the strongest storms could bring large hail and damaging straight-line winds of 60-70 mph.
The National Weather Service in Huntsville said areas along and north of the Tennessee River are expected to have the best chance of seeing the worst weather.
More storms will also be possible into the evening hours as a cold front moves into the area.
Prelim/non-operational satellite data: Here's a look at thunderstorms over western TN and towering cumulus over TN and northern #alwx. pic.twitter.com/8D3O5mbmo6 NWS Birmingham (@NWSBirmingham) March 21, 2017
This won't be the only chance for rain this week. More storms will be possible starting Friday night ahead of another cold front.
Storms could linger into Saturday and Sunday, and yet another front is expected to impact the area on Monday as well.
Madison County Courthouse
(File)
Updated at 9:42 a.m. to add a statement from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice will ask for the immediate release of about 40 recently arrested immigrants during a press conference this morning on the Madison County Courthouse steps.
The Coalition said it is seeking the release of the "Alabama 40," which includes immigrants who were detained this past weekend by federal Homeland Security Investigation officers in Huntsville, Decatur, Athens and Hartselle.
The arrested immigrants are being held in jails in DeKalb, Morgan and Madison counties awaiting transport to regional U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facilities in Louisiana and Ohio, the coalition said in a news release.
"The terrified families of the detainees do not wish to make public statements for fear of retaliation, and most are not willing to come forward for help," the Coalition said in a news release. "Among the arrested were people with no criminal record who were present for a sweep for the specifically targeted. One family reported that their home was broken into forcibly to make the illegal arrest, leaving behind a mother and her two children."
Thomas Byrd, a public affairs officer for ICE, said he couldn't provide specific details about the arrests. Due to privacy considerations, ICE typically doesn't release the names of those arrested, he said.
"ICE focuses its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security," Thomas Byrd, Public Affairs Officer for ICE, said in a statement. "ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy.
"ICE does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately," Byrd's statement continued. "However, as Secretary Kelly has made clear, ICE will no longer exempt classes or categories of removable aliens from potential enforcement."
This morning's press conference will be at 11 a.m.
The Coalition also will host a prayer vigil at the DeKalb County Jail in Fort Payne at 7 p.m.
Morgan County Jail
Morgan County Jail
The removal of $160,000 from the Morgan County Jail inmate food fund has landed Sheriff Ana Franklin a contempt hearing in federal court this week.
Sheriff Ana Franklin
Around the time she loaned money to a now-bankrupt, corrupt used car dealership, Franklin took $160,000 out of the jail's inmate food fund.
Franklin has openly admitted that in 2015 she loaned $150,000 to Priceville Partners, which operated several used car lots in cities across the state. The business eventually shuttered and Franklin was one of several people listed as creditors in a March 2016 bankruptcy filing. The business' co-owner was arrested on accusations of running a theft and scam operation. That co-owner is Greg Steenson, who went to federal prison for an unrelated check kiting scheme in the 90s. Franklin has said she did not know Steenson was a co-owner when she made a loan to the company the year before.
Franklin and the other creditors listed in the $3.2 million bankruptcy lawsuit are not charged with theft crimes associated with the business.
Prosecutors are alleging Steenson was selling stolen vehicles at Priceville Partners -- the dealership to which Franklin made the loan. The vehicles weren't owned by Steenson or the dealership, and clear titles weren't provided for the purchases, according to court records.
But, that criminal case isn't what's bringing Franklin to the federal courthouse in Decatur on Thursday at 9 a.m.
The issue stems from a 2001 federal lawsuit filed by Morgan County Jail inmates about conditions in the facility. The inmates sued the county and then-sheriff Steve Crabbe. A 2009 consent order in the lawsuit has banned sheriffs in Morgan County from using the food funds for any purpose other than providing meals to inmates. Sheriffs of other Alabama counties do not have to adhere to the ruling.
The state pays the county $1.75 per day for each Alabama inmate that's housed in the jail. The county also receives about $3 per meal for each federal inmate housed in Morgan County. The jail, which recently underwent a 450-bed expansion, now has the capacity to house more than 900 inmates.
The Morgan County Jail recently underwent a 450-bed expansion, now allowing the facility to house more than 900 inmates.
The consent decree also gave the Southern Center for Human Rights the authority to inspect financial records of the inmate food money in Morgan County.
In a court filing last month, the Center said Franklin needs to show why she should not be held in contempt for violating the judge's order. The sheriff declined comment for this story, but she previously has said the ruling doesn't apply to her.
The Center, however, said in a motion that Franklin must comply with the consent decree because "public officials are automatically substituted as parties to any case in which their predecessors in office were sued in their official capacity," according to the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.
Former Morgan County Sheriff Greg Bartlett was automatically substituted as a defendant when he took office after Crabbe. Bartlett, who was dubbed "Sheriff Corndog" in 2009, was jailed for pocketing more than $200,000 of the inmate food fund. He was found in contempt of court for making a profit while the inmates weren't properly fed. Inmates testified in federal court that they were fed corndogs twice a day for weeks.
Franklin has told The Decatur Daily the ruling doesn't apply to her and denied a request to release financial records, citing privacy and calling it her personal money.
However, as The Daily reported in 2011, Franklin was advised before taking office that she could not legally use the inmate food money for anything other than feeding the inmates. At the time, the county commission refused to pay Franklin's legal bills for seeking an attorney's opinion on the federal lawsuit and the funds.
The Southern Center for Human Rights in its court motion said Franklin removed $150,000 and $10,000 from the food account on June 5, 2015 by using two cashier's checks.
The motion claims Franklin's attorney in January said the sheriff used the money to invest in a business. The motion does not name the business.
By February, Franklin's attorney changed the story to say the sheriff removed the money due to a "concern about the account nearing the $250,000 FDIC insurance limit," according to court documents.
Franklin refused to show records about what happened with the $160,000, the center said in its motion. But, she provided a document that showed an account named "Ana Woodard Franklin, Food Account" had a $160,000 balance in February. The account is listed under a Hartselle home address.
Blogger lawsuit
Nearly two years after the money was taken from the food account, the withdrawal was first made public by the Morgan County Whistleblower, a blog that has been critical of the sheriff for years. The blog has been involved in its own unrelated lawsuit with Franklin.
Franklin was sued last year by blogger Glenda Lockhart, who runs the Whistleblower. The lawsuit claims Franklin and several deputies used false information to get a warrant to search Lockhart's business and home as part of an investigation into fired jail warden Leon Bradley.
The blog recently obtained and published the cashier's checks that show where Franklin withdrew the $160,000. It also published a deposit slip that showed the used car lot put more than $150,000 in its bank account a few days later. AL.com is not publishing the documents because they include sensitive information, such as account numbers.
Lockhart, who has published a great deal of information about the sheriff on the blog, claims Franklin illegally obtained a warrant to search her home and business.
In October 2016, Franklin fired ex-warden Bradley on accusations that he was leaking law enforcement documents to Lockhart, who published them on the blog. When sheriff's investigators examined Bradley's work email, they found he had been forwarding document to his personal email account, then passing them on to Lockhart, according to the search warrant used to seize computers, files and other items at Lockhart's Falkville business, Straightline Drywall and Acoustical, LLC.
Bradley hasn't been charged with a crime, although Franklin previously told AL.com he was being investigated.
Lockhart claims Franklin illegally gathered information for a search warrant by paying an informant to break-in, hack and steal data from her home and business offices.
The informant, Lockhart's grandson Daniel, said in a sworn statement that he was paid to install keylogger software on his grandmother's computer. The software, he said, was provided by the sheriff's office, according to a transcript from a November 2016 deposition.
Daniel Lockhart said he was approached in August 2016 by sheriff's deputy Sgt. Blake Robinson. Robinson, who worked with Daniel Lockhart at the Falkville Volunteer Fire Department, offered to pay him for gathering information about any sheriff's office employees who were providing information to the blog.
"His goal was to terminate employees feeding the whistleblower information," Lockhart said in the statement. At the time, Lockhart, a 2016 graduate of Falkville High School in Morgan County, was 20 years old.
Lockhart, who was working at his grandmother's business at the time, said he made a copy of a key he borrowed from her so he could get into the property after hours.
In the statement, Lockhart said he took pictures of emails between his grandmother and the ex-warden, as well as correspondence she had with Chris Hendon, an FBI agent. Lockhart said he hacked his grandmother's Gmail account and the blog.
The keylogger software captured his grandmother's passwords, which Daniel Lockhart wrote down and gave to the sheriff's office, he claimed in the statement.
In the statement, Lockhart said he met with Franklin, Robinson and deputy Robert "Bones" Wilson to claim his money. At that meeting, "Bones" handed the sheriff money and she gave $300 to Lockhart, according to the statement.
Lockhart claims he received a $200 payment about a week later from "Bones" in a Lowe's Home Improvement parking lot, according to the statement.
Lockhart said the FBI contacted him and he told the agent details about his dealings with the Sheriff's Office.
"(Franklin) freaked out," Lockhart said in the statement. "She wanted to know everything. Bones freaked out. Blake freaked out. Blake even made a remark if the FBI wants to go to war, they need to come up here on our front steps and we'll go to war."
The FBI called Lockhart while he was in a meeting at Franklin's office, the statement says.
"Bones kept asking me, when the FBI called, he wanted me to call them back, and he was doing that because he knew that I was working with them at that point," Lockhart said in the statement. "He wasn't stupid. Ana Franklin was stupid. She actually thought I was still on her side. But Bones knew that (the FBI) wasn't calling at 11 at night for no reason. They knew I was there."
Lockhart said he was persuaded to help the sheriff's office with the hacking because he was promised his grandmother wasn't a target of the investigation.
"Ana said that nothing would happen to my grandmother," Lockhart said in the statement. "I said 'Well you're going to only get Leon Bradly, right? You're not going to mess with my grandmother.' They said, 'Yes.'"
Glenda Lockhart told AL.com she believes Franklin and the deputies used the "illegally obtained" information gathered by her grandson to convince Morgan County Circuit Judge Glenn Thompson to issue the search warrant.
'She could do this to anyone'
It's often been asked why Glenda Lockhart has used the blog to publish articles critical of Franklin.
The answer to that question also relates to another old lawsuit against the sheriff.
Glenda Lockhart
Glenda Lockhart and her husband Hal sued Franklin after they were arrested in 2011 on charges of obstructing government operations. The charges ultimately were dismissed, and the lawsuit was settled outside the public's eyes.
Lockhart told AL.com part of the lawsuit settlement requires she not discuss any details about financial compensations or other agreements.
The Lockharts said in a deposition that they were wrongfully arrested when the sheriff's office was called to assist with a mentally ill person on the family's property in Hartselle.
AL.com obtained a copy of a transcript from the deposition.
The sheriff's office was called to help when the Lockharts' son, who was mentally ill, gained possession of a gun. The call was made from the son's home on the family property in Falkville, but deputies responded to the Lockhart home, which is located at a different address on the property.
Glenda Lockhart said deputies spent hours at her home, searching the house, property and a garage--instead of assisting with the call at her son's home.
The couple was arrested because they asked deputies not to continue searching the home without a warrant, Lockhart said.
"If this could happen to us, she could do this to anyone," Lockhart told AL.com. "It was really devastating."
Lockhart said she decided to start the blog after the arrest. It was a way, she said, "to be a voice for the people who really feel like they've been done wrong by the sheriff's office."
AL.com will be covering the contempt of court hearing this week.
Mo Brooks
U.S. Mo Brooks, R-Huntsville, addresses about 800 business and community leaders during his annual Washington Update on Monday, March 6, 2017, at the Von Braun Center. (Paul Gattis/pgattis@al.com)
U.S. Rep. Gary Palmer.
Constituents in central and north Alabama are on a list to receive robocalls to encourage Congressmen Mo Brooks and Gary Palmer to support the Republican health care plan.
The American National Network announced last week that it was targeting 30 congressional districts for robocalls to drum up support for the GOP plan that would supplant former President Obama's Affordable Care Act.
Alabama districts on that list are the 5th Congressional District represented by Brooks, R-Huntsville, and the 6th Congressional District represented by Palmer, R-Hoover.
The robocalls encourage constituents to contact their congressman and provides a phone number to their office.
Brooks has been an outspoken opponent of the Republican plan, arguing that it does not go far enough to fully repeal what's more commonly known as Obamacare. A member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, Brooks said the group is standing firm in opposing the bill.
"I like where we are and as you know, I believe this is a really bad bill for the United States of America, and I think we are going to kill it," Brooks told reporters Monday, according to CNN.
Palmer said in a statement to AL.com on Friday that he had decided to support the bill following a meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office.
"Obamacare has been a nightmare for millions of Americans," Corry Bliss, AAN executive director, said in the announcement. "We are calling activists across the country to urge them to call their member of Congress to ensure they do the right thing and stand with President Trump and Speaker Ryan in repealing this failed law.
"The American Health Care Act will lower costs, increase competition, and reduce the deficit, while protecting those with pre-existing conditions. These conservative reforms will make health care truly affordable and patient-centered - that's what all Americans deserve."
The American National Network said it has spent $10 million in more than 75 congressional districts across the country in an advertising campaign to repeal and replace Obamacare.
After eight days of searching for Elizabeth Thomas and Tad Cummins, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has released a new photo of the two, who are subjects of an Amber Alerts in two states.
The photo, released earlier today by TBI, was captured in Cummins' former classroom at Culleoka Unit School, where he was a health sciences teacher and Thomas was a freshman. Cummins, 50, who is wanted for having sexual contact with 15-year-old Thomas, was fired by the Maury County, Tennessee school system the day after the two disappeared.
The photo was captured in January, just days before Cummins' alleged inappropriate contact with Thomas, TBI announced.
This photo, released today by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, shows Elizabeth Thomas and Tad Cummins in his classroom in January. The photo was captured just days before Cummins' alleged inappropriate contact with Thomas, TBI announced.
Cummins and Thomas have been missing since March 13. Amber Alerts issued in Alabama and Tennessee have resulted in more than 650 tips submitted to TBI, but no credible leads have been established.
Thomas last was seen in Columbia, Tennessee when a friend dropped her off at Shoney's restaurant early that morning. Cummins' last known location was Decatur, Alabama later that day.
A letter released Monday shows Thomas and Cummins were caught kissing in his classroom in January. The two were told to stay away from each other, and the teen was removed from Cummins' class, according to documents obtained by WKRN News 2 in Tennessee. The teacher wasn't suspended until the two were caught together in his classroom more than a week later.
Cummins also is being charged with kidnapping of Thomas.
TBI is asking the public to remain vigilant, particularly in remote, secluded areas. With the low number of tips its received, the Bureau believes Cummins is keeping Thomas in places outside the public view. Those places may include campgrounds, large parking lots or garages and parks.
Cummins, who is believed to be armed with multiple guns, may still be driving a silver Nissan Rogue with Tennessee tag 976-ZPT.
Thomas is white with blonde hair and hazel eyes. She is 5 feet 5 inches and weighs 120 pounds. She was last seen wearing a flannel shirt and black leggings.
"Our message to Elizabeth is: We're still coming for you. We're going to do everything in our possibility, everything in our capabilities, to bring you home," Devine said at the news conference that was broadcast on Facebook by AL.com's news partner WHNT-19 Monday afternoon. "Your family wants you here. Your friends want you here."
Cummins is a white male with brown hair and eyes. He is 6 feet and weighs about 200 pounds.
"To Tad, we would say the same thing his wife said Friday," Devine said at the news conference. "You have an opportunity here to do the right thing. Do the right thing, give her up, bring her home."
The Alabama Coalition for Immigrant Justice this morning demanded the release of about 40 immigrants that recently were detained by federal agents.
About 25 people -- some holding "Free the 40" signs -- attended a rally held by the Coalition in front of the Madison County courthouse.
The "Alabama 40" is a group of immigrants who were detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents this past weekend in the Decatur, Athens, Huntsville and Hartselle areas of north Alabama.
Alabama Immigrant Justice Coalition asks for release of 40 arrested immigrants Posted by Ashley Remkus on Tuesday, March 21, 2017
In a statement to AL.com, ICE public affairs officer Thomas Byrd said "ICE focuses its enforcement resources on individuals who pose a threat to national security, public safety and border security.
"ICE conducts targeted immigration enforcement in compliance with federal law and agency policy," the statement continued.
But, Evelin Servin, the Coalition's northern Alabama regional organizer, said this past weekend's arrests and searches were conducted illegally. Agents who took into custody the immigrants did not present warrants signed by judges, Servin said.
"Whether a person has a legal status or not, a warrant signed by a judge has to be used to arrest them," Servin told AL.com. "We're a country of laws."
Byrd said he couldn't comment on the reason the immigrants were detained. Unless a person seeking information about an arrest can provide the name of an arrestee, information cannot be accessed, he said, adding it's not within ICE policy to release names of those who are detained.
Servin said despite the Coalition's efforts to contact ICE about the arrests, it hasn't received a response.
Several people and groups, including the NAACP, local pastors and a family member of a detained immigrant, spoke during the press conference.
Among those was Kathy Deganis, a social worker whose biggest concern is what happens to children of detained or deported immigrants.
"These children are often legal because they were born here," Deganis told AL.com. "If their parents get detained by ICE, they may be taken to a facility in another far away state, but the (Department of Human Resources) will hold hearings about that child's future here."
Deganis said the immigrants' parental rights are taken away when they can't attend the hearings because DHR doesn't know where they are and ICE won't transport the parents to the proceedings.
"They can't even let the children be deported with the parents because they don't know where ICE is holding the parents," Deganis said.
Speaking during the rally, local pastor Ellin Jimmerson, director of the Huntsville Madison County ICE Free Jail Project, encouraged the public to call ICE officials in Louisiana, where the arrested immigrants will be taken. Jimmerson said the public must voice its concerns to help free the "Alabama 40."
"We're all human beings," Servin said. "We can't put ourselves in the shoes of immigrants because we have never been there. Everyone hopes for a better life for their children. These children are being separated from their parents, whether they have legality or not."
The Coalition also is holding a prayer vigil tonight at 7 p.m. outside the DeKalb County Jail in Fort Payne, where many of the detained immigrants are being held.
"Our immigrant families are not animals but human beings," Servin said.
The Alabama State Department of Education is moving forward with plans to test the drinking water in all of the roughly 1,500 pre-K through 12th grade public schools in the state for lead content within the next three years.
The testing is not required by state or federal law, but is intended to ease concerns over contaminated drinking water.
"This is a proactive, precautionary measure to ensure that our drinking water is safe, and we believe it is important for systems to take this action," said Dee Fowler, chief of staff to the state superintendent, in a memorandum to city and county superintendents, providing details on the policy.
The Department has partnered with the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to develop a plan for the water testing that will "minimize the financial impact for most school systems," according to the memo.
Some public water systems around the state have volunteered to collect and test samples at the schools at no additional cost.
"With interest nation-wide in the quality of drinking water, we feel a moral responsibility to proactively test for lead content to ensure the safety of students and employees," ALDSE Director of Facilities Perry Taylor said via email. "Our partner, ADEM, assures the water sources that feed our schools are safe. We want to be sure that drinking water inside our schools meets safe environmental standards.
"As always, the safety and well-being of our students is paramount and we take this charge very seriously."
Lead has been shown to leach into drinking water from pipes, plumbing fixtures and solder, especially when the drinking water contains corrosive agents, as happened in Flint, Mich., in recent years when that city switched its drinking water supply.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, no "safe" level of lead in the blood has been determined for children, meaning it can cause damage even at low concentrations. Lead can affect almost every organ in the body, but the nervous system and particularly children are most susceptible.
"Low blood levels of lead (those below 10 ug/dL) have been associated with reduced IQ and attention span, learning disabilities, poor classroom performance, hyperactivity, behavioral problems, impaired growth, and hearing loss," the EPA says. "Very high lead level (blood lead levels above 70 ug/dL) can cause severe neurological problems such as coma, convulsions, and even death."
ADEM will conduct training sessions with designated employees from each school beginning in April on how to take samples to be sent off for testing. The samples will be sent to private labs for testing. Schools which have had their water tested for lead within the past year will not be required to re-test according to the memo.
Lynn Battle, external affairs chief at ADEM, said in order to get accurate results, testing should be conducted during the warmer months, when lead is more likely to leach out into water. The sampling will begin this spring and continue when schools start back in the fall.
Battle said as many schools as possible will be tested this year, but the project has a three-year timeline.
According to ADEM's master plan for conducting the testing, sampling sites will be based on plumbing fixture type, age, and accessibility to students and staff, with priority given to the faucets most likely to be contaminated and that students regularly drink from. Outdoor faucets or other fixtures that are not routinely used for drinking water are not considered good test sites.
Priority will also be given to the pre-kindergarten and elementary schools because younger children would be more affected by any contamination than older students.
The samples should be taken after the water supply has been unused for at least eight hours, but should not be taken from a source that has gone unused for several weeks, so the testing should be conducted while school is in session.
If elevated levels of lead are detected, the department says the schools should provide appropriate notifications under EPA recommendations. Full test results for the schools will be published under the eFile section of the ADEM web site.
Yesterday, we learned Mountain Brook - specifically 35223 - is Alabama's most expensive zip code. Mountain Brook's pricey real estate isn't enough to earn Jefferson County the title of the most expensive county in the state, however.
That title, according to an analysis by 24/7 Wall Street, goes to another place.
The site's study reviewed median home prices from the National Association of Realtors to determine the county with the most expensive housing market in every state. As a point of reference, the typical home nationwide costs $235,000 with San Francisco County, California the most expensive market with a house there selling for more than $1 million.
The county with the most expensive housing market in Alabama is Shelby County. The median sale price there is $207,684, which equals to an average monthly payment of $914. The median household income in Shelby County is $70,187.
While Shelby County has Alabama's most expensive housing markets, it's one of the most affordable nationally. Only three states -Oklahoma ($172,150), Arkansas ($180,437) and Nebraska ($196,813) had more affordable counties as their priciest areas.
Welcome to Tuesday's Wake Up Call. Let's see what's going on:
Trump drops 200 spots on billionaire list
President Donald Trump is rich but he's not quite as wealthy as he used to be.
Trump moved down 220 spots on Fortune Magazine's list of the world's wealthiest people, leaving him tied with 19 others as the 544th richest person in the world.
Trump's net worth is an estimated $3.5 billion, down $1 billion from a year ago.
The magazine said Trump's falling wealth is due to declines in the midtown Manhattan real estate market. It is estimated Trump spent $66 million of his own money on his presidential campaign and another $25 million to settle lawsuits related to Trump University.
Walmart considering in-store drones
Walmart has obtained a patent for a system that would allow drones to operate inside its stores.
The drones would be used to move products between departments and deliver items to employees or customers at special landing zones.
Walmart is staying quiet on its plans or when it would roll out the drone deliveries.
Biden back in D.C.
Former Vice President Joe Biden will be in Washington D.C. Wednesday to join a Democrat rally to save Obamacare.
Biden will join House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, and other Democrats on the front steps of the Capitol to mark the seventh anniversary of the Affordable Care Act. The event comes one day before the House plans to vote on repealing former President Obama's signature healthcare initiative.
Until tomorrow.
Caleb Atnip, a Huntsville firefighter who inspired the community with his fight against cancer, has died.
Atnip was 26.
In 2015, Atnip was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer. His fellow firefighters in Huntsville held a variety of fundraisers to benefit Atnip and his wife, Savannah. A GoFundMe account in his name was also established.
Atnip chronicled his journey on the Facebook page "Caleb's Cancer Updates."
Shortly after his May 21, 2016 wedding, Atnip wrote the young couple, who were high school sweethearts, had spent their honeymoon in a hospital room at MD Anderson Hospital in Houston.
He'd earlier written:
"One year ago today I found out that I had cancer. This last year has been a whirlwind of surgeries, chemo, doctors visits, trips to Houston, more days in the hospital than I can count and more heartbreak than I could have ever imagined. However, in the darkness God found a way to give me strength, peace and a new purpose for my life. God took what most people believed to mean the end of my life and mean only bad and He redeemed it."
Services for Atnip have not been announced.
Andrew Napolitano, senior judicial analyst for Fox News, has been taken off the air indefinitely over his claims British intelligence wiretapped Trump Towers at the request of former President Obama.
The LA Times reported Napolitano has been off the air since Thursday and is not expected to return any time in the near future.
The move comes after President Trump tweeted that former President Obama had overseen the tapping of pre-election communications at Trump Tower. Despite a lack of evidence that it occurred, Napolitano claimed his sources indicated the British intelligence agency Government Communications Headquarters eavesdropped on Trump and provided transcripts to the Obama administration.
He reiterated the claims in an opinion piece posted on Foxnews.com.
"The (National Security Agency) has given GCHQ full 24/7 access to its computers, so GCHQ -- a foreign intelligence agency that, like the NSA, operates outside our constitutional norms -- has the digital versions of all electronic communications made in America in 2016, including Trump's," Napolitano wrote. "So by bypassing all American intelligence services, Obama would have had access to what he wanted with no Obama administration fingerprints."
British officials have denied the claim and Fox News anchor Shepard Smith later clarified that there was "no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time, in any way."
Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court Judge and visiting professor at Brooklyn Law School, joined Fox Radio in 2006 and later became a fixture on Fox News, where he frequently provides legal analysis.
The Navy has released footage of first-of-its kind testing of Surface to Surface Missile Modules launched off a Littoral Combat Ship.
Three Longbow Hellfire Missiles were fired Feb. 28 from the USS Detroit off the coast of Norfolk, Virginia. The structural fire test marked the first SSMM missile launched from an LCS, as well as the first vertical missile launch from the vessel, the Navy said.
"The testing aboard USS Detroit was an important milestone in advancing LCS capability, not only for the LCS community, but for the entire fleet," said Cmdr. Michael Desmond, Detroit's commanding officer. "As small boat threats proliferate, the SSMM will give our ships added lethality."
The structural test fire is required to determine if the ship and its systems operate satisfactorily after a weapon firing.
The USS Detroit is Freedom-class LCS, manufactured by Lockheed Martin in Wisconsin. The other LCS variant, the Independence, is manufactured by Austal in Mobile.
For the 42,000 seniors that benefit from the Meals on Wheels program across Alabama every year, the expectant knock at the door is often the only visitor they'll receive all day. Most live alone, and the meal that's delivered by a volunteer between 10 and noon is usually the only food they'll eat.
For some seniors, those meals could be about to stop coming.
On Friday, one day after President Donald Trump dropped a budget that contained a 17.9 percent cut to the Department of Health and Human Services, some seniors in Central Alabama asked if that day's meal would be their last, according to a United Way employee that rode with a volunteer delivery driver in Jefferson County.
"They're scared," said Samuetta Nesbitt, Senior Vice President Public Relations and Community Affairs at United Way in Central Alabama. "We have the luxury of waiting to see what's going to happen, the seniors don't. They're home watching TV being concerned about where the next meal will come from."
While Trump's slimmed down budget still needs to be finalized and then pass through the rigors of Congress before becoming law, the administration's intent to strip down community-development and anti-poverty programs to make way for higher defense and anti-immigration spending is clear.
Trump's budget would take $3 billion from the Community Development Block Grant program, which supports a variety of feeding programs, including Meals on Wheels, in states across the country. But in Alabama, where food insecurity among is one of the highest in the country, the cuts could have drastic and possibly deadly consequences.
"Elderly people will either go hungry, end up being hospitalized or moved into nursing homes because they can no longer be independent," said Drew Langoh, President and CEO, United Way of Central Alabama. "That comes at a greater cost to the community and lot of human suffering."
In 2016, Meals on Wheels served more than six million meals to over 42,000 seniors in Alabama, according to the Virginia-based organization. Additionally, 256,000 seniors live alone in the Yellowhammer state and 178,000 are threatened by hunger, and some 350,000 are living in or are near poverty. Across the country, the group provided approximately 219 million meals to 2.4 million seniors in 2016. The program also feeds 500,000 U.S. veterans every year.
A total of six organizations in Alabama are affiliated with the Meals on Wheels program, while a further seven organizations are not affiliated but serve another four million meals to Alabama seniors every year through the state's Elderly Nutrition Program. All 13 organizations receive federal funding that is now threatened under Trump's new budget. United Way in Central Alabama, which is the only United Way that is affiliated with the Meal on Wheels Program, delivers around 800 meals to homes and another 800 meals to a congregate of seniors.
On Thursday, Trump's budget director Mick Mulvaney attempted to give the news of the cuts some spin by saying that Meals on Wheels "is not a federal program."
This is not true. Started under the President Gerald Ford Administration, Meals on Wheels takes most its funding from the Department of Health and Human services, but the funding is then filtered through various state and city programs before Meals on Wheels and other feeding programs gets the funds. The money provides funding for some 5000 groups across the country.
The problem for those groups is that Trump's budget, which seeks to cut $54 billion from certain agencies, is a vague outline of what's to come, making it hard for future planning.
"The problem with a skinny budget is it is lean on details," said Ellie Hollander, President and CEO Meals on Wheels America. "So, while we don't know the exact impact yet, cuts of any kind to these highly successful and leveraged programs would be a devastating blow to our ability to provide much-needed care for millions of vulnerable seniors in America, which in turn saves billions of dollars in reduced healthcare expenses."
But in the south, and particularly rural parts of the south, the cuts could be amplified by high levels of food insecurity, according to Hunger Free America, a non-profit New York-based advocate group that aims to end domestic hunger.
"President Trump's new budget outline is a "bait and switch for rural Americans and would most harm the very people that elected him," said Joel Berg, CEO of Hunger Free America, and author of America We Need to Talk: A Self-Help Book for the Nation. "Trump's promises to aid low-income city residents are as hollow as his promises to aid rural America. He is launching a war on people in poverty. Trump still talks like Robin Hood but his actual policies mostly benefit the modern day Sheriffs of Nottingham - the billionaires and millionaires."
According to a 2015 report from the Department of Agriculture, Alabama ranks in the top five food insecure states with 17.6 of households reporting a lack of food between 2013 and 2015. Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi are the three states with the most food insecure households.
But there is good news. As federal funding for feeding programs is put at risk, the public seems willing to fill the gaps. In the days after Trump's budget was announced, Meals on Wheels received 50 times more donations than the regular daily rate and five times as many volunteers have signed up to deliver meals to those in need.
"The good news is that it has rallied folks around the cause and reminded folks that they can't really take these kinds of services for granted," Patrick Rowan, executive director of Metro Meals on Wheels, said to CNN. "It's reassuring that the public has stepped up."
President Trump signed the $19.5 billion NASA Transition Authorization Act for 2017 that signals major support on Capitol Hill for programs being developed in Alabama. The bill designates the Mission to Mars as NASA's primary long-term space exploration goal.
It also identifies the Space Launch System as the agency's long-term deep space rocket. The rocket is being developed at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville.
U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-Huntsville) is photographed with President Donald J. Trump at the signing of the 2017 NASA Authoritization Act on March 21, 2017. (White House photo)
Trump signed the law in the Oval Office today in a ceremony attended by Alabama lawmakers. Visible in the White House photo were Alabama U.S. Reps. Martha Roby, Mo Brooks and Robert Aderholt; Acting NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot; and U.S. Sens. Luther Strange (R-Ala.) and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who represents the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
"As the congressman from Alabama's Fifth District, representing the Marshall Space Flight Center, I was honored to be invited to the White House for President Trump's signing of the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017," Brooks said in a statement. "This legislation gives NASA the long-term purpose and stability NASA needs to accomplish its robust missions, including the Space Launch System and Orion Spacecraft. In signing this legislation, President Trump demonstrated his strong support for NASA and reaffirmed America's commitment to human spaceflight and the journey to Mars. These programs play into the strengths of the Marshall Space Flight Center and focus on areas in which Marshall has excelled for more than half a century."
The authorization act is the official guidance from Congress on what it wants NASA to do and how much it will authorize spending to reach those goals. It does not provide funding. Funding comes later from the congressional appropriations committees. The $19.5 billion would be an increase from the $19.1 billion Trump has requested for NASA next year.
9mmHornaday.jpg
"SB24 is not a 2nd Amendment bill and NRA should have kept their nose out of it," wrote Alabama Sheriffs Association Executive Director Bobby Timmons in an email to members in March. "I am a lifetime Golden Eagle NRA Member and I resent the past President's involvement in legislation that is none of their business."
Senator Gerald Allen's SB24 would repeal certain restrictions on carrying a firearm without a permit and make other changes favorable to gun owners. To put it mildly, the NRA and the Alabama Sheriffs Association don't see eye-to-eye on the measure.
Timmons took exception that Jim Porter, former National President of the NRA, and Jefferson County Sheriff Mike Hale testified in the Alabama Senate that "a citizen should not have to pay for his/her constitutional right to bear arms." The text of the email suggests that Timmons is a bigger fan of government fees than the rights and privileges of Alabamians. If you want to fish, hunt, drive or marry, Timmons thinks you ought to have a little bureaucracy in your life.
To stir the pot even more, Timmons didn't seem to like Hale using his First Amendment rights either. "The Alabama Sheriffs Association voted openly to be against SB24 and the majority in attendance won," wrote Timmons. "Together, whichever way you voted, should have bonded. What happened?" The clear message from Timmons was that Hale should have kept his mouth shut while the association opposed the bill.
I'm not sure how legislation that deals directly with pistol permits isn't a Second Amendment issue, but I am sure that Timmons's email to Alabama sheriffs wasn't well received when the NRA got wind of it.
Porter responded to Timmons's shot with one of his own, a letter to Timmons dated March 10, 2017. "Your email...suggests that the right to keep and bear arms is just a voluntary privilege provided by the state, and like other privileges, should come with a monetary fee," wrote Porter. "I could not disagree more."
Porter assured Timmons "that NRA's support of Senate Bill 24 will not waiver as this session proceeds." He also asked Timmons to "keep things respectful and courteous."
Porter and Hale might not be popular with the Alabama Sheriffs Association, but you can bet they're heroes to gun enthusiasts and hunters throughout Alabama. I, for one, am glad my sheriff in Jefferson County doesn't look at my Second Amendment exercise as a funding opportunity. I know he's got a tough job keeping our community safe, and I appreciate him putting a premium on my constitutional rights. I'd like to think he's not alone among Alabama's sheriffs.
At a minimum, Alabamians across the state should expect a consistent pistol permit fee limited to the administrative costs of the background check and permit issue. The idea that Alabama burdens a constitutional right unevenly within the state is unacceptable whether we have a permit requirement or not.
In a state where voters support law enforcement as well as the Second Amendment, Alabama legislators are going to have a tough time finding cover after these opening shots on SB24.
Cameron Smith is a regular columnist for AL.com and state programs director for the R Street Institute, a think tank in Washington, D.C.
Jim Porter Letter to Bobby Timmons by David Cameron Smith on Scribd
Email from Alabama Sheriffs Association Executive Director Bobby Timmons by David Cameron Smith on Scribd
Donald Trump
In this Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks on the telephone with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. In the background is a portrait of former President Andrew Jackson which Trump had installed in the first few days of his administration. Jon Meacham, who wrote a 2008 biography of Jackson titled "American Lion," said Trump has echoed Jackson's outsider message to rural America by pledging to be a voice for "forgotten men and women." But he says it's "not the cleanest analogy." (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, File)
(AP file)
Clete Wetli is a liberal political activist living in Huntsville and a regular contributor to AL.com. Email Clete at decaturclete@gmail.com or visit cletewetli. com.
Given the nature of my work in politics and opinion writing, my ten year-old son has always had a slew of questions about how government works and about why people feel so passionately about public policy and politics. Like any father, I've worked hard to teach him values like honesty, respect, diligence, and compassion for those less fortunate.
As an American dad, I want my son to understand civic duty and the proud history the United States of America.
He wanted to watch the presidential campaign with me because he was fascinated to see how and why people disagreed ideologically over policy in such a vehement and adversarial manner. I've done my very best to teach him to form his own opinions and how to separate rhetoric from fact. We spent time researching and studying history.
My boy has grown up looking at the picture on our refrigerator of me and Congressman John Lewis that was taken when I got to spend one cherished day with my hero, the civil rights legend. My son was so excited when he learned about John Lewis and Selma in school. Since then, he's met U.S. Congressman Mo Brooks, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Huntsville City Council President Jennie Robinson, and Alabama House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels. He may not understand all the issues or all the political nuances, but he thinks these folks are heroes, too, because he has seen their commitment to public service.
Then my son watched Trump lie and bully his way into winning the Republican nomination.
During the presidential election, I had to explain that Trump was lying when he purposely mischaracterized illegal immigrants as rapists and murders. I had to explain that all Muslims weren't terrorists and why anti-Semitism was on the rise.
I had to explain why Trump kept saying that Obama wasn't a U.S. citizen. I had to explain why so many women have accused Trump of fondling them and, of course, I had to explain the Access Hollywood tape to my ten year-old son.
Whether it was Trump's claim about not supporting the Iraq War or the thousands of lies he told about his opponent, I was constantly explaining Trump's lies and fabrications to my son. I had to tell him about how the crime rate was actually at historic lows and how the economy had been slowly and methodically recovering. I had to tell him that inner cities weren't all crime-ridden hell holes where everyone ran the risk of being shot.
Like many Americans, I had hoped desperately that once the campaign was over that Trump would embrace some semblance of statesmanship. I hoped that he'd quit his angry juvenile tweets and abandon his predilection for far-fetched conspiracy theories.
Instead, Trump just keeps doubling down against every value and character trait that I've worked so hard to teach my son. Now, I'm having to explain why Trump thinks it's ok to pollute, why Big Bird is about to get laid off, and why millions won't have healthcare.
I have to explain why President Trump made up a story about being "wiretapped" by President Obama. I'm having to explain why suddenly we're talking about Russia constantly and why that matters.
Every day, I'm teaching my son what it means to have character and how his word is his bond. I'm teaching him about facts and science and history. I'm teaching him to respect others and to show compassion. I'm teaching him the value of real work and the consequences of cheating.
I guess in a way it's easier now because I can just say, "Son, don't grow up to be like Trump."
On Monday, Great Britain stood poised to enact Brexit with Her Majestys blessing. UK Prime Minister Theresa May announced that her government would send the letter officially triggering the UKs exit from the European Union, in accordance with Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, on March 29 more than nine months after the British people voted to extract themselves from the global governance institution.
The notification will touch off a two-year-long period of negotiations that will determine the UKs future relationship with the EU its largest single trading partner, responsible for 220 billion, or 44 percent, of its 510 billion in exports and an outright majority of its imports.
Free trade advocates, ranging from MP Daniel Hannan to the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA), suggest the best outcome would be membership in a European free trade union, but not a customs union.
For non-Europeans, these terms can be confusing. Whats the difference?
Free trade union: A free trade union allows member nations to exchange goods across national boundaries without imposing tariffs or other trade barriers. Otherwise, it respects member states freedom to negotiate their own trade policies with outside nations.
Customs union: A customs union allows free trade among member nations but imposes a tariff between its collective membership and those outside. Members of the customs union cannot negotiate their own free trade agreements with nations that do not belong to the union.
The European Free Trade Association (EFTA) is a free trade union, while the European Union is a customs union, as well as a body of supranational governance. While EFTA members may export their goods to the EUs 28 member states tariff-free, they retain the power to enter into free trade agreements whose terms conflict with those negotiated by Brussels.
EU members must adopt all the regulations as passed in Brussels word-for-word, as well as all the rulings of the European Court of Justice, and are required to allow the free movement of populations between EU nations. They must also enforce the Common Customs Tariff (CCT), which taxes imports from non-EU members at potentially steep rates. For instance, the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) sets average tariffs on agricultural products produced outside Europe at 18 percent a policy critics say distorts the economy and hurts consumers. The CAP involves the government in contributing to EU farm subsidies, only a small part of which returns to UK farmers; this money forms part of our EU budget contribution, writes Economists for Free Trade, whose members include former Margaret Thatcher adviser Patrick Minford. However, the key damage to the UK economy from the CAP comes from the massive raising in farmers prices (by some 20 percent according to our and OECD estimates).
Why it matters: UK officials must now negotiate their ongoing relationship with the EU. As such, they must navigate the narrow and contentious territory between preserving their national sovereignty which assures that their policies reflect the will of their citizens, rather than that of EU bureaucrats and maintaining their access to the European market and thus assuring their nations prosperity. Striking the right balance will preserve the deep-seated transatlantic values of representative government and economic opportunity and dynamism.
(Photo credit: UK Home Office. This image has been cropped. CC BY-SA 2.0.)
Last September, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE announced renewed efforts to revive reconciliation between competing Palestinian factions. Referred to as the Arab Quartet, the group seeks to end years of internal political fracture, hoping to unify the ranks of the Fatah movement and end the power struggle between rival parties Fatah and Hamas.
Various attempts to shake the Palestinian political stalemate have come and gone over the past decade but failed to unite the competing groups. This time, however, regional actors have adopted a new approach, attempting to shift the internal Palestinian balance of power away from the current coterie of ineffectual Palestinian leaders.
Amid frictions between the Palestinian leadership and its Arab allies, the Egyptian government has ensured that it maintains an active role in Palestinian affairs. On Monday, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi met with the President of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo ahead of an Arab League summit set for March 29 in Jordan, as well as planned visits by both Abbas and Sisi to Washington, where restarting stalled peace talks will top the agenda of talks with the US administration.
But the relationship is altering as Egypt continue to increase severe pressure on Abbas to introduce reforms aimed at ending internal division and resuming Palestinian-Israeli peace efforts.
OPINION: What should Palestinians expect from 2017?
Geopolitical factors have redefined the priorities of regional actors, who have called for the revival of the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, an agreement that would advance Arab normalisation with Israel. This requires an immediate breakthrough on the Palestinian front in order to re-engage Palestinians and Israelis in peace talks and legitimise an Arab push for comprehensive peace.
Abbas aging circle of loyalists have been largely discredited in the eyes of Arab leaders owing to the PAs failure to achieve internal unification, provide an alternative to the authority of Hamas in Gaza, and stem popular mobilisation against the Israeli military occupation in the West Bank.
It also means pressuring Palestinians into accepting a regionally prescribed settlement that may ignore the Palestinians vital interests in favour of peace.
But it was the Quartets insistence on the return of Mohammed Dahlan, a 55-year-old former head of the Palestinian Authoritys security services in Gaza, to Palestinian political scene that has sparked recent tensions between the PA and its Arab patrons.
In the wake of unprecedented criticism by Abbas of those who underestimate the independence of the Palestinian decision, remarks reportedly directed at Egypt, Egyptian intelligence officials denied entry to Jibril Rjoub, a senior member of Abbas Fatah party who was on his way to attend an Arab League conference on counterterrorism in the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh.
In a broad sense, Egypts actions highlight Arab motivations to raise Dahlans profile in preparation for Abbas departure.
The octogenarian presidents failing health has prompted different camps to begin shoring up support ahead of an anticipated succession struggle, particularly after Abbas dismissed the secretary general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation, and his effective number two, Yasser Abed Rabbo, over links to Dahlan.
But Abbas aging circle of loyalists have been largely discredited in the eyes of Arab leaders owing to the PAs failure to achieve internal unification, provide an alternative to the authority of Hamas in Gaza, and stem popular mobilisation against the Israeli military occupation in the West Bank.
For those with an interest in seeing the Palestinian cause resolved as swiftly as possible, Dahlan, on the other hand, represents the potential to inject new energy into the ossified Fatah movement, helping to rearrange the Palestinian political scene from within. Further, his close ties with the Israeli security establishment have greatly increased his prospects to become a key figure in forging connections between Israel and the Arab world.
A security commander-turned-businessman and seasoned politician, Dahlan was expelled from Fatahs ruling body in 2011 on allegations of plotting to overthrow the president. He has been living in exile in the United Arab Emirates since 2012.
Even before the Quartets initiative, media reports spoke of a joint plan of action to reintroduce Dahlan to the Palestinian territories in a role that would not directly challenge Abbas, but would facilitate his control over key portfolios as well as his rise as a successor to the president.
Dahlans strong links to top PA officials such as Nasser al-Qudwa, Hassan Asfour, Ahmed Qurei and Yasser Abed Rabbo, bolster his stature within the ranks of Fatah, but his limited popularity among Palestinians is considered a point of weakness.
READ MORE: Fatah From liberation movement to West Bank government
It is in this context that Abbas has rejected the Quartets vision to realign Fatahs leadership structure, fearful that the balance in the ongoing succession struggle will be tipped in favour of a bitter rival rather than someone of his own choosing.
To further distance Dahlan and his supporters from any influence on Fatah, Abbas ensured their exclusion from Fatahs seventh general conference, held in November. Moreover, PA security forces cracked down on activists loyal to Dahlan in defiance of the Quartets entreaty to reconcile with the exiled leader.
The Quartet leaders have, meanwhile, remained unperturbed by the PAs reaction to the Arab plan, hedging their bets on a new Palestinian leadership to move the PAs strategic outlook closer to that of Arab governments.
Egypt has not shied away from aiding Dahlan to bolster his credentials, allowing him to host his own initiatives on Palestines future on its territory in recent weeks. The Egyptian government has even moved towards rapprochement with Hamas, Fatahs political opponent, in order to strengthen Dahlans position, unruffled by Abbas surprise visits to its adversaries Turkey and Qatar amid speculation that he was seeking to replace the Egyptian role in mediating in Palestinian affairs.
But more importantly, by closing its doors to PA leaders, Cairo is using its leverage to bypass Abbas, even while Palestinian institutions remain under his singular rule, to prepare for the rise of a new Palestinian leadership, and ultimately break the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations deadlock.
This would create an opportunity to effect warmer peace and closer cooperation with Israeli institutions, in the words of the Egyptian president, amid efforts to widen the circle of peace with Israel to include additional Arab states.
Libyan prime minister asked for rescue and emergency equipment to curb illegal migration across its border into Europe.
Ongoing consultations between the UN-backed government in Tripoli, representatives of the interior ministers of Italy and other eight European countries aim at bolstering an agreement signed in February, when Libya agreed to tackle the smuggling of migrants into Europe.
EU Migration Commissioner, Dimitris Avramopoulos, and interior ministers from Algeria and Tunisia also attended the meeting.
On Monday, during talks with European officials in Rome, Libyan Prime Minister Fayez Serraj asked for 800m euros ($864m) in military, rescue and emergency equipment to curb illegal migration across its border into Europe. Serrajs demands will also include 10 rescue ships, helicopters, ambulances, and motor vehicles, as well as satellite phones and diving equipment, for a total estimate of about $864m.
In 2016, more than 503,700 migrants entered the EU borders illegally, of whom some 364,000 crossed the Mediterranean Sea, according to figures published by the European agency, Frontex. The year of 2016 has become the deadliest on record with 5,096 deaths at sea recorded.
Frontex says that while migrants arriving from the Middle East and Asian countries via the Western Balkans route have sharply declined, while those taking the Central Mediterranean route are steadily increasing.
The EU has already committed about $216m to Libya in financial aid, but Mondays meeting discussed ways to find additional financial resources to meet Tripolis demands. In February, Italy committed to provide military training for the local police forces.
The meetings primary objective aimed to create a permanent high-level contact group in charge of implementing a plan to control North Africas borders and stems the flow of migrants through the Central Mediterranean route into Europe.
The growing instability in Libya has become a matter of concern, especially for Italy, which bears most of the migrants and whose receptive infrastructure is on the verge of collapse. Since the beginning of 2017, some 20,000 migrants have been rescued out at sea by Italys coastguard.
On Sunday, 3,315 were rescued in one day of 25 different operations along the Italian coasts.
Italy and Greece have been pursuing, virtually single-handedly in Europe, a policy of rescue and shelter of illegal migrants in the obliviousness of the EU institutions, and in opposition to neighbouring countries that are rejecting and sealing off their borders to illegal immigration.
In the meantime, Rome has been pursuing a solution to the political stalemate in Libya, in the hope that the UN-backed Libyan Political Agreement (LPA), signed in 2015, would finally take off and help the Tripoli government establish control over its borders and as a result over migrants routes across its territory.
But the deadlock between Tripoli and the Tobruk-based House of Representatives (HoR) is far from over. Under the influence of renegade General Khalifa Haftar, the HoR is refusing to acknowledge the UN-sponsored Government of National Accord(GNA) formed by Serraj, who also heads the Presidential Council.
READ MORE: Can Russia resolve the conflict in Libya?
Supported by Egypt and Russia, Haftar and his Libyan National Army (LNA) have taken control over much of the countrys eastern region. On Saturday, Haftars forces claimed victory against rival armed groups in the southwest of Benghazi, ending weeks of resistance by fighters camped in several tower blocks.
But after the capture of the stronghold, Haftars army exhumed the body of Benghazi Shura Councils leader, Jalal Makhzoum, and put him on public display outside the Saiga Camp. It was an act that reminds of the crimes committed by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), Libyan sources say.
This is a criminal and inhuman act committed by fighters who identified themselves as the Libyan National Army, said the Tripoli-based Presidency Council (PC) in a statement issued on Sunday. The PC called upon all tribes in the east, as well as activists, politicians and media outlets to condemn the act.
The statement condemned Haftars calls for violence and bloodshed in Tripoli, accusing him of seeking to re-establish a dictatorship. We condemn the statements made by the so-called General Command and its leader Khalifa Haftar about his threats to enter Tripoli by force, which could cause bloodshed in the capital.
On Friday, Haftars supporters infiltrated a peaceful protest in Tripoli that demanded an end to the presence of militias in the capital. The protesters on Martyrs Square chanted hate slogans against the city of Misrata and its people, a strong ally of the government in Tripoli.
Haftars territorial gains in Benghazi add to the successful takeover of key oil ports, two of Libyas biggest oil terminals in the so-called Oil Crescent, from the Benghazi Defence Brigades on March 3. The House of Representatives, loyal to Haftar, has said it will no longer share the revenues of the oil sales with the government in Tripoli, thus defying a UN-resolution requiring that Libyan oil be sold by the National Oil Company based in Tripoli.
The consequences for the central government led by Serraj could be catastrophic, as a drop in oil revenues would accelerate the countrys financial collapse.
But Haftar is unlikely to acknowledge the UN-sponsored plan for Libya, as long as Russia will grant him its support. Russia has made a public display of its support for Haftar by inviting him to Moscow and promising to extend a helping hand in the name of the common battle against terrorism.
Moscows involvement in Libya, with security contractors allegedly deployed in the east of the country, has prompted a top US commander to elicit a stronger role by the Trump administration in the North African country.
Russia is trying to exert influence on the ultimate decision of who becomes and what entity becomes in charge of the government inside Libya. Theyre working to influence that decision, Marine General Thomas Waldhauser, head of US Africa Command told the Senate Armed Services Committee.
This is very concerning, said Waldhauser, whose testimony also focused on the economic stalemate that puts many young Africans at risk of being co-opted by terrorist groups, or pushed into the web of human traffickers.
Frontex says that while migrants arriving from the Middle East and Asian countries via the Western Balkans route have sharply declined, those taking the Central Mediterranean route, from Libyan shores to Italy, are steadily increasing.
In 2016, Italy has received some 181,000 migrants, about one-third of the total, witnessing a 20 percent increase, compared to 2015.
Arrivals from West Africa saw a ten-fold increase in comparison to 2010. The majority of these migrants are from Nigeria, Eritrea, Guinea, Ivory Coast and The Gambia.
Most of the migrants arriving in Italy try to move onwards to other EU countries, often resorting to smugglers.
However, by the end of 2016, some 176,000 migrants were still in Italy due primarily to restrictions imposed by neighbouring states at the northern borders, says the UN Refugees Agency.
Irans role as a regional player will be among the key issues as Abadi meets Trump and other US officials in Washington.
Security and economic challenges will be on the agenda as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi sits down with US President Donald Trump and other top officials in Washington this week.
Analysts say that the visit, Abadis first since Trump took office in January, could usher in a new era of relations between Iraq and the United States a situation that has left some Iraqis nervous. The meeting comes as the new US administration works to redefine its goals and interests in Iraq and throughout the region.
I dont think Abadi can predict the new US policy outlines for Iraq, Hisham al-Hashimi, a researcher and counterterrorism expert at the Akkad Center for Future Studies in Baghdad, told Al Jazeera.
There are fears that the new administration wants to limit the power of [the Iranian-backed Shia militias fighting ISIL] and also to cut the hands of Iran in Iraq and the region. Will [Abadi] be part of curtailing Irans influence? He will be held in the middle between two parties.
READ MORE: The Middle East that Obama left behind
Trump has accused Iran of sponsoring terrorism in the region and being a destabilising factor in Iraq. During his presidential campaign, Trump criticised the 2003 war in Iraq and lambasted the Obama administration for allowing Iran to control Iraq.
After the pair met on Monday, Abadis office issued a statement noting that Trump had stressed his continuous support to the Iraqi people in their ongoing fight against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group ( ISIL, also known as ISIS).
The two leaders agreed to continue their partnership in the long run to erase the roots of terrorism in Iraq and to support Iraqs military power and other crucial fields, the statement said, adding that the two countries would also enhance their political and economic partnership.
In addition to his sit-down with Trump, Abadi is due to attend a meeting of foreign ministers and senior leaders of the global coalition to defeat ISIL. The meeting, to be hosted by US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson on Wednesday, will deal with strategies to increase the pressure against ISIL in Iraq and Syria and to bolster humanitarian aid in areas recently retaken from the armed group.
Iraq's future relations with the US will depend on how the Americans decide to counter the Iranians. Are they going counter them politically or economically or militarily? by Yahya al-Kubaisi, Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies
Trump, who has controversially suggested that the US should have kept the oil in Iraq after ousting former President Saddam Hussein, has also trumpeted plans to eradicate ISIL from the face of the earth a pledge that could lead to a larger US troop deployment in Iraq. There are currently fewer than 6,000 American troops in Iraq and Syria.
I think [Trump] will tell the Iraqis he wants to send more ground troops to Syria, Kuwait and Iraq to defeat ISIS. The key question that the Iraqis want to ask is how long these troops will remain on Iraqi soil, Lawrence Korb, a military analyst and a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, told Al Jazeera.
Today, Iraq relies heavily on US political, diplomatic and military backing, but the future of this backing under a Trump administration remains unclear, Korb noted.
The 1991 Gulf war marked the beginning of US military involvement in Iraq, but after the 2003 invasion and the toppling of Saddams regime, relations between Baghdad and Washington changed dramatically. More than 150,000 troops and US officials oversaw the drafting of a new political landscape in Iraq, ostensibly aiming to establish a democracy defended by its own army but instead, Iraq was torn by sectarian strife, creating a fertile breeding ground for ISIL.
When US forces withdrew from Iraq in 2011, they left behind a weak government and a shaky power-sharing deal among Shia, Sunni and Kurdish parties, along with an army of diplomats and hundreds of military contractors at the biggest US embassy in the world. Under the Shia-led government of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, many Sunni residents of Iraq felt targeted and marginalised, leading to waves of protest.
Relations between Iraq and the US suffered another blow in January, when Trump issued a 90-day suspension of visas for nationals of seven Muslim-majority countries, including Iraq. The so-called Muslim ban, which was quickly overturned by a federal judge, was later replaced with a revised ban that excluded Iraq.
Iran, meanwhile, has emerged as the biggest winner in Iraq, consolidating its influence by forming and funding the countrys powerful Shia militias, analysts say.
READ MORE: Iraq Trumps Muslim ban a matter of life and death
Today, as the battle for western Mosul rages on, Abadi has said that ISIL is in its death throes, cornered in Mosul and isolated in Raqqa, the groups self-proclaimed Syrian capital. The global anti-ISIL coalitions main goal, beyond defeating the group militarily, is to destroy its safe havens and funding networks.
While the focus of the Trump administration in Iraq remains vague, senior US officials have suggested that countering the influence of ISIL and Iran are both top priorities, with Defense Secretary James Mattis calling Iran the worlds biggest state sponsor of terrorism.
Although Abadi has said in the past that he intends to curb the influence of Iran and its militias, thats easier said than done, Korb said.
Yahya al-Kubaisi, a consultant and researcher at the Iraqi Center for Strategic Studies, told Al Jazeera that even after ISIL is pushed out of its Mosul stronghold, the role of the US in Iraq will not end, as ISIL will continue to maintain a lethal, if smaller, presence in the country.
Iraqs future relations with the US will depend on how the Americans decide to counter the Iranians. Are they going counter them politically or economically or militarily? Kubaisi asked. The US backs Iraq militarily only to defeat ISIL. If the Abadi government doesnt listen, the Americans have options like supporting the Kurds and promoting Sunni federal regions.
Four hundred years after her death, Native American descendants of Pocahontas reflect on a troubled history and legacy.
New York, United States She is among the best known Native Americans in history, but the modern-day descendants of Pocahontas, who four centuries ago married an English colonist and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean, show little interest in her.
On March 21, ceremonies in the United States and England will mark 400 years since her death. But there will be no event to honour that date on the Pamunkey Indian Reservation in Virginia where her tribespeople now live.
For the Pamunkey tribe, its not a big deal. She doesnt mean a whole lot to us. Her contributions to our way of life didnt really amount to much, says Robert Gray, chief of the 100-person riverside community.
We understand the English and Americans think highly of Pocahontas. We appreciate that it brings an interest to our tribe, but we just sit back and figure: if people want to worship a myth, then let them do it.
The adulation elsewhere is clear. Disneys 1995 movie about the free-spirited beauty won two Oscars and remains a childrens favourite. The arms of her bronze statue at the colonial site, Historic Jamestowne, have been buffed to a shine by thousands of caressing visitors over the years.
A controversial past
Yet, for the Pamunkey, who trace their origins through Pocahontas and her father, Wahunsenacawh, who led some 15,000 Powhatan tribespeople when English ships landed in 1607, the history of the unconventional young peacemaker is troublesome.
This is not just because Pocahontas symbolises a union between native American tribes and colonisers that ultimately left the natives decimated. It is also because she offers a handy way for many white Americans to gloss over a brutal past and an unhappy present.
The anniversary of her death comes as the Standing Rock Sioux tribe is losing a fight to stop the Dakota Access Pipeline from slicing through its reservation, and US President Donald Trump uses the name Pocahontas as a term of abuse.
Raye Zaragoza, a musician descended from Arizonas Akimel Oodham people, wrote a protest song, In The River, to support demonstrators in North Dakota and alert countrymen who, she says, neglect the struggles of Native Americans.
They watch the romanticised Disney movie and dress up like Pocahontas on Halloween, but they dont know the true story behind it or any of the real culture and customs, Zaragoza says.
They think that the abuse, colonisation and genocide against Native Americans are in the past. But it wasnt only 400 years ago; its still happening today.
The fact that scholars, Disney, Trump and the Pamunkey tell different Pocahontas stories is testament to the lack of records about her life. Even her name is elusive she was also known as Matoaka, Amonute and, later, Rebecca.
Her most often-cited story is probably apocryphal. According to anecdote, Pocahontas, aged about 11, saved the life of a captive, John Smith, by placing her head over his as her father, the chief, raised his war club to execute the English colonist.
Scholars note that Smith only penned his romance-tinged version of events years after they happened. In reality, it may have been a stage-managed ruse aimed at adopting Smith and his fellow colonists as tribute-payers in the Powhatan confederacy.
Undisputed facts
But some facts about Pocahontas are not disputed.
Colonists described the youth cart-wheeling outside their fort at Jamestown, living up to her nickname, Pocahontas, the playful one. She was involved in relations between colonists and natives that swung from friendly food-trading to open warfare and kidnapping.
She was kidnapped and held for a year, during which time she converted to Christianity. She took the name Rebecca and married John Rolfe, a tobacco grower, in 1614. They had a son and travelled to England to promote the colony to investors at fancy London soirees.
The only known image of Pocahontas shows her decked out in a trendy lace collar, ostrich feathers and other fineries the poster child of a civilised savage who advertised New World opportunities to everyone from plantation owners to Anglican ministers.
It was short-lived, however. On her way back to Virginia, Pocahontas became ill and died in Gravesend, Kent, in 1617. Back home, the Powhatan confederacy rapidly declined in the 1620s under the onslaught of English colonisation.
For Chief Gray, she is a character to whom many narratives can be attached, though her embrace of a foreign faith and culture that displaced her own people renders her peripheral to Pamunkey culture.
Some people could say she was a victim, a hero, a traitor, says Gray, who was elected chief in June 2015, one month before the tribe won federal recognition. But theres not enough documentation, we just dont know what she was thinking back then.
Her legacy among mainstream Americans is very different. Like the fable of Thanksgiving turkeys, the Disney-fied tale of inter-racial ardour and a harmony between two peoples offers a palatable version of early US history, says scholar James Horn.
Its a fantasy, and very much a white fantasy about two peoples uniting, Horn, a British historian and president and chief officer of the Jamestown Rediscovery Foundation, reflects.
On the other hand, youve got the reality of repeated wars throughout not only the 17th century, but the establishment of a pattern of murders and dispossession in early Virginia that continued all the way down to the 19th century.
By one estimate, the conquest of the Americas wiped out 95 percent of the indigenous population. The guns and swords of Europeans were obvious causes, although smallpox and other bugs that accompanied them probably claimed many more lives.
Legacy of conquest
A legacy of marginalisation lives on in the US today.
Some 5.2 million people 1.7 percent of the US population identified as Native American or Alaska Native, according to the most recent Census Bureau data from 2010. According to Pew Research Centre, one in four of them lived in poverty in 2012.
On the campaign trail in 2016, President Trump tapped in to resentment among some whites that Native Americans unfairly benefit from tax-free petrol, casino-building rights and other breaks from Washington.
The Republican billionaire repeatedly mocked Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warrens claim of Cherokee ancestry by referring to her as Pocahontas while some of his rally crowds erupted in war whoops.
On November 27, President Donald Trump said there was a Pocahontas in the US Congress during a meeting with Native American World War Two veterans in an apparent derogatory reference to Senator Elizabeth Warren.
Since the inauguration, the White House web page on Native Americans has been removed and Trump has signed an executive order to clear the way for the $3.8bn Dakota Access Pipeline to proceed.
While stoking fears of Middle Eastern refugees being terrorists, and of undocumented Mexican immigrants being bad hombres, scholar Jim Rice says Trump also feeds on antipathy towards Native Americans among his mostly-white fan base.
There is a widespread and profound ignorance of Native Americans that often goes so far as to think that there are no legitimately native people left, because they drive cars and have cell phones, Rice, from Tufts University, says.
Many people feel that Native Americans have had centuries to get over it and should no longer have what are often termed as special privileges, but are in fact constitutional or treaty rights.
In England, the Pocahontas story is different once again.
The life-size bronze statue of Pocahontas at St Georges church in Gravesend has had its entry on the national heritage list updated and the British Library hosted a packed day of screenings and debates on March 18.
For British writer Kieran Knowles, whose play, Gravesend, will be read aloud there on the anniversary, the four-century mark is a rare opportunity to spotlight a run-down town of just pound stores and charity shops all the way down, he says.
It is also worth noting that the Pamunkey were not always so aloof about Pocahontas. Chief Gray himself spoke in London about how, in the 19th and 20th centuries, the tribe promoted an already-popular character to ingratiate themselves with mainstream America.
But that has given way to more recent efforts to reinvigorate the language and look back before Pocahontas to revive the pottery, shad fishing, hunting and farming skills that have been lost from 500 years or so ago, Gray explains.
Native Americans rally against Dakota Access Pipeline in DC
By downplaying Pocahontas, the Pamunkey are pushing back on the over-estimation of her importance by non-native people, says Rice.
For him, Pocahontas is an ideal character for the nexus between historical fact, belief and present-day storytelling. Four centuries after her death, it seems that we have not yet exhausted the Pocahontas story trove.
If we knew a little less about her, there wouldnt be enough purchase for us to really talk and think about her so much, Rice says. But if we knew any more about her, we couldnt so readily project our own concerns and preconceptions on to her.
Kurds across the world were celebrating Newroz, the first day of their traditional calendar, on Tuesday. Festivities in Iraqs Kurdish region began the previous evening, marking the start of a public holiday that allows families to come together and celebrate.
The ancient festival marks the first day of spring and the vernal equinox. Akre, a town of around 20,000 people nestled between the mountains of northern Iraq, hosts one of the most popular and visually spectacular celebrations, drawing visitors from throughout the region.
Despite the ongoing war against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group (ISIL, also known as ISIS) in its Mosul stronghold, attendance was high. Families dressed up for the occasion, with men in traditional clothing, modern suits or military uniforms, and women in layers of bright, sequined fabrics.
Fireworks lit up the skies even during the daytime, while at dusk, torchlit processions snaked their way through the mountains. The flames refer to the legend of a blacksmith named Kaveh who defeated an evil king and then set the hillsides ablaze in celebration, while also signifying the light of spring and hopes for a bright future.
Anything thats done in the name of liberty and freedom is just a mythic reflection of the privilege of the few.
Larry Beinhart is a novelist, best known for Wag the Dog.
Paul Ryan wants to destroy Obamacare in the name of freedom. And the bill to destroy it is called the Restoring Americans Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act.
Paul Ryan is the Speaker of the House of Representatives, which means that he is the presiding officer of Congress, leader of the majority, and if Donald Trump has a mortal trip over a tweet and Michael Pence utters some of his regular untruths under oath and is impeached for it, Ryan becomes president. He is regarded by Republicans as one of their leading intellectuals.
Ryans bill has been presumably seven years in preparation. It then gestated for weeks or months in a secret closet.
As soon as it was taken out into the light it became instantly apparent that what it would really do is take healthcare away from millions of people, make it more expensive for those who most need it, and provide tax cuts for the rich.
Even better, from Ryans perspective, his bill mounts attacks on Medicaid and Medicare, public programmes that provide healthcare for at least 35 percent of Americans.
There is nothing weird about Republicans attacking programmes that help ordinary people, that provide for health, education, science, and the arts, or promoting plans to make the rich richer, give corporations more privileges, and protect the powerful from responsibility. Its what their party does.
What is weird is that they do it in the name of freedom.
Fixation on freedom
They love that word. Theres FreedomWorks, which means lower taxes, less regulations, guns for everyone. Liberty University, the segregationist, Baptist, backwards college, ranked by Forbes Magazine number 651 out of 660 colleges in the US.
There are the Religious Freedom Restoration Acts in various states including the one signed into law by Mike Pence when he was governor of Indiana that give people the right to discriminate against gays and lesbians provided they do it the name of Christ. The most conservative members of Congress call themselves the Freedom Caucus.
NewAmerican.com has a scorecard of how congressmen vote, called The Freedom Index. Its a great place to find out what conservatives want to do away with in the name of freedom.
Its a war against the most practical things, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, which sets up air traffic corridors, sets safety standards, and employs air traffic controllers, or the Army Corps of Engineers, which has been building and maintaining canals, dams, hydroelectric facilities, navigable waterways, flood control projects and a great deal more since 1779 when they built fortifications on Bostons Bunker Hill.
INTERACTIVE The Big Picture: The People v America
Its a fight for the freedom to create ill-health by polluting the air and poisoning the water.
Its a fight to let children go hungry.
Its a battle against modernity, in which they want to prevent women from getting contraception or even information about sex.
Its a fight for unlimited income and wealth inequality, by ending the minimum wages and cutting taxes for the rich.
Its even a battle against progress: keep the federal government out of education; prevent community colleges from being tuition free; and no funds for research into science.
All, and always, in the name of freedom.
The ugly truth
The roots run deep. Very deep.
Cries of freedom, and liberty, to colour the battles against modernity and progress and for greater equality could be heard even as the nation was being formed.
Back in the 18th century, Alexander Hamilton, based in the North, wanted a strong central government, investment in infrastructure, a central bank and protectionism so that American industry could develop to compete with Europeans.
At the turn of the century, Thomas Jefferson, based in the South, presented a vision of yeoman farmers. Independent fellows with small plots of land who made just enough for themselves and their families and sat around the fireplace in the evening reading from the Great Books and holding sceptical discussions of the Bible.
He opposed Hamilton, because he said a strong central government would attack the freedoms and liberty of these fine agrarians. Admittedly, Jefferson was a great man, with a fine intellect, who made complex choices.
The Louisiana Purchase the acquisition of territory that would become all or part of 13 new states was as great an expansion of federal power as could be imagined.
And he favoured building roads and canals. To some degree, we need to look to the Jeffersonians, more than Jefferson himself. Yet, the weird seed is right there, in Monticello, his primary plantation.
The shouts, cries, and hollers of liberty, freedom, and states' rights were so loud, frequent and shrill, there is no doubt that people believed them. Yet, the policies were all for the big plantation owners and the preservation of slavery. by
There were yeoman farmers in Virginia, mostly in the land west of the Appalachians. But the constitution of Virginia demanded more than just land ownership to be able to vote.
It demanded a certain property value that couldnt be reached with cheap western land, but could be with the ownership of three or four slaves. The yeoman were effectively excluded from power.
The policies, the actual policies, were never for those small independent fellows. They were for big agribusiness or, in other words, slave owners.
Jefferson owned more than 600 slaves during the course of his life. He said, I consider a [slave] woman who brings a child every two years as more profitable than the best man on the farm.
Jefferson had a long-term relationship with one of the women he owned, Sally Hemings. She was, in all probability, the illegitimate child of his father-in-law and, therefore, half-sister to his legal white wife.
Sally had at least six children with Jefferson. He publicly denied the relationship. Respectable scholars dismissed it on the basis that a man of such high character could not have behaved in such a way. Until 1998, when it was proved by DNA analysis.
Deep-running weirdness
Presidents George Washington, James Madison, James Monroe and Andrew Jackson all owned large numbers of slaves. Washington straddled the ideologies of Hamilton and Jefferson. But the others fell largely into the Jefferson column.
Their language was about liberty and freedom, versus big government and big money. But their actions, the actual policies, were all about maintaining the slave-owning oligarchy.
The argument then over protectionism Hamiltons idea, later called The American System versus free trade, was over developing industry v the Souths slave-based agribusiness.
A national bank with a national currency would have made the federal government stronger. The Southerners were in constant fear that if the nation as a whole grew too strong, it would overcome their particular system. States Rights, became their rallying cry, with arguments that anything else was unconstitutional, an infringement on liberty.
But at base, that was a defence of the slave-owning economy. Jefferson himself was in favour of roads and canals, but his political heirs moved further and further away from national development.
OPINION: The trouble with democracy
With the exception, of course, of expanding the number of slave states. The Southern states opposed public education. They didnt want a middle class which might compete with the oligarchs for political power.
When we hear about Abraham Lincoln, its always about freeing the slaves and preserving the union. But there were other changes almost as dramatic.
When he came into office, the Southerners left. As a result, Lincoln and the new Republican Party, which replaced the Whigs, was able to put through a host of progressive policies: a national bank, a national currency, land grant colleges, the creation of the Agriculture Department and the building of the transcontinental railway.
With the Southerners out of the way, Lincoln transformed a bankrupt, agrarian country into a leading industrial power.
The shouts, cries and hollers, of liberty, freedom and states rights were so loud, frequent, and shrill, there is no doubt that people believed them. Yet, the policies were all for the big plantation owners and the preservation of slavery.
OPINION: All politicians lie but it\s better if not mentioned
The weirdness is that it remains. Ryan, himself, is not of the South, but the heart of his party is. Their chants and key words come right out of the early 19th century cotton fields.
Not for the workers, for the owners. Freedom, liberty, now for the white males. The mythic heirs of the mythic yeoman farmers.
Supposedly threatened by the modernity that in the very recent past gave them power and prosperity, instead of the actual policies that actually took it away from them.
It convinces them to vote to harm themselves. Just as it convinced nearly a million Southern men and boys to fight a war for slavery and for a system that did them more harm than good.
The roots of weirdness run deep.
Larry Beinhart is a novelist, best known for Wag the Dog. Hes also been a journalist, political consultant, a commercial producer and director.
The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
The refugees and migrants were rescued on the Mediterranean route from Libya to Italy in the last few days, IOM says.
More than 6,000 people have been rescued on the central Mediterranean route from Libya to Italy in the last few days, as greater numbers take to the sea in warmer weather, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday.
About 500 refugees and migrants are believed to have drowned so far this year, including 22 deaths just reported by the Libyan coastguard, according to IOM spokesman Joel Millman.
We have yet to complete March, and we are already racing at a pace of arrivals that has exceeded anything weve seen before in the Mediterranean. This is typical of spring, getting very busy, he said.
But its not typical to have the numbers be so high this early and the corresponding deaths that go with it.
Aid to Libya
Italian and European officials said on Monday they were ready to send equipment and economic aid to Libya to help fight traffickers who have thrived in a power vacuum left by the 2011 overthrow of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
So far this year 16,248 migrants have arrived in Italy, up from 13,825 in the same period last year.
However, the overall number of migrants arriving in Europe, and particularly on Greek islands, has dropped substantially since the EU and Turkey agreed to prevent people making the crossing in return for financial and diplomatic incentives.
Across Europe, 160,331 migrants arrived by sea at this time last year compared to an estimated total of 20,484 arrivals so far this year, which includes those reaching Greece and Spain.
US prosecutors allege woman accompanied suicide bomber and ordered him to detonate explosives in Jerusalem pizzeria.
Jordans highest court has blocked the extradition of a Jordanian woman who faces US charges in the 2001 bombing of a Jerusalem pizza restaurant that killed 15 people, including two Americans.
The US indictment against Ahlam al-Tamimi was unsealed last week.
Jordanian state media reported on Tuesday that a day earlier, Jordans Court of Cassation upheld a lower-court decision on grounds that Jordan and the United States do not have an extradition treaty.
The militarys news website Hala Akhbar quoted Tamimi as saying she had been confident the Jordanian judiciary will be fair to me.
US prosecutors allege she accompanied the suicide bomber and ordered him to detonate the explosives.
Tamimi was imprisoned in Israel for 10 years of a 16-year sentence, but released to Jordan in a 2011 prisoner swap between Israel and the Palestinian group, Hamas.
READ MORE: Ahlam Aref Ahmad al-Tamimi on FBIs Most Wanted list
She was convicted by an Israeli court in 2001 of involvement in the attack in Jerusalem carried out by Hamas armed wing that killed 13 Israelis, two Americans, and wounded more than 120 others.
Extradition requests sent by foreign countries to the relevant authorities in Jordan cannot be accepted unless they are based on an enforceable [extradition] treaty or agreement, an unidentified source was quoted as saying by Jordans official Petra news agency.
The US justice department recently requested Tamimis extradition to the US after the FBI put her at the top of its list of wanted terrorists.
Hamas welcomed Mondays court decision. We appreciate Jordans commendable position, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qasim told Anadolu news agency.
We call upon the free people of the world to remember the Palestinian prisoners still languishing in Israeli jails.
In a recent article for the Federalist, Samuel Gregg discusses Pope Franciss recent comments on populism. Pope Francis explicitly denounces populism saying: Populism is evil and ends badly, as the past century shows. However, Gregg points out that many populist sentiments could be attributed to this Pope:
Nor are some of Franciss principal supporters averse to invoking populist language when defending his program for the Catholic Church. Consider, for example, Archbishop Victor Fernandez. The Argentine theologian is close enough to the pope that some phrases that appear in Franciss 2016 apostolic exhortation Amoris Laetitia bear an uncanny resemblance to expressions used in articles penned by Fernandez in 1995, 2001, and 2006. Asked in a 2015 interview whether he considered the pope isolated and surrounded by opponents in the Vatican, Fernandez answered: By no means. The people are with him, not his few adversaries. This pope first filled St. Peters Square with crowds and then began changing the Church. Above all, for this reason he is not isolated. The people sense in him the fragrance of the Gospel, the joy of the Spirit, the closeness of Christ and thus they feel the Church is like their home. The people. Crowds. The people. Such language has very specific meaning in Latin America. When used by figures such as the long-deceased Argentine populist Juan Peron or the more recently departed twenty-first-century socialist Hugo Chavez of Venezuela, the purpose of this phraseology is the same. It is to evoke an almost mystical connection between the leader and the people as they struggle together against oppression. This rhetoric goes hand-in-hand with tendencies to caricature real or perceived opponents. The speeches of Peron and Chavez are full of ad hominem rants against enemies of the people. Francis himself isnt shy about applying labels. Theres even a blog that has compiled his more memorable phrases: rigorists, fundamentalists, Pharisees, intellectual aristocrats, little monsters, self-absorbed promethean neopelagians, to name just a few. The targets range from younger Catholics with a distaste for 1970s liturgy to theologians who insist that coherently preaching the gospel requires a concern for intellectual rigor.
Here, Gregg highlights the influence of Latin American populist terminology on the Argentine Bishop of Rome. While Pope Francis may reject certain forms of populism, he, nonetheless, has concerns for the people. This vision of Pope Francis as a populist comes to greater fruition when you examine current trends in Vatican invitations. Gregg says:
The popes apparent empathy for a type of populism was further underscored when the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences held a conference in April 2016 to mark the 25th anniversary of John Paul IIs encyclical Centesimus Annus. The two heads of states invited to speak were none other than Morales and another left-populist head of state, Ecuadors Rafael Correa. The event was tilted even further in a left-populist direction by the presence of the then-candidate for the Democratic nomination for president of the United States, Sen. Bernie Sanders, who also gave a speech. By contrast, no center-right head of state was present at the meeting, let alone a right-populist such as Frances Le Pen. Her economic program, incidentally, isnt all that different from that of the French Socialist party. She more than matches the Latin American left in denouncing free markets. In many respects, populists of the right and left have more in common than theyre often willing to admit.
Is Pope Francis a believer in some type of Latin American populism? Gregg says that readers should examine two crucial points about populism before developing opinions on the Pope or populism:
The first is that whether its associated with the left or right, and regardless of whether its located in Europe, Latin America, Asia, or North America, populism is a deeply ambiguous phenomenon. Its one thing to critique not-so-elite political and bureaucratic elites who have run out of ideas or whose purpose has become self-perpetuation. Thats a good and often necessary thing. But populism is much better at articulating frustration and generating anger than at producing workable long-term solutions. Thats just as true in Latin America as it is in Europe. This brings me to the second point: the primary political role of Christian leaderslay, clerical, priests, ministers, bishops, or, dare I say, popescannot be that of proto-populist activists.
In his conclusion, Gregg criticizes the fleeting temporal focus of populism and calls Christian leaders to a greater understanding of their Christly duties. They are called to be more than champions of social and political outcries; they are called to be salt and light to the people. He says:
The focus of populists is forever on the immediate. Nor are they especially interested in reasoned discussion about political and economic challenges. Indeed, in a time marked by political short-termism and bombastic emotivism, we dont need more populist tirades, whatever their political flavor, taking up oxygen in the public square, least of all from the pulpit. Dressing this up as prophetic witness doesnt make it any less hyperbolic than a short four-hour lecture from the late Fidel Castro. Yes, Christians do have concrete and non-negotiable responsibilities to care for the poor. But as leaders of a faith that, at least in its orthodox versions, takes reason very seriously, Christians should insist we cannot emote our way through questions of poverty, wealth, and power. That, Im increasingly convinced, is part of what it means for Christians to be salt and light in an age of temporal and alas, it seems, ecclesiastical populism.
Click here to read the full article.
Image: By Edgar Jimenez from Porto, Portugal (Papa rock star) [CC BY-SA 2.0]
will@cvradio.com
Exploring Europe's taste in porn
Published on March 21, 2017
Story by Antoine Vergely Translation by: Emily Spencer
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Porn video streaming platform Pornhub has published its annual report of visitor statistics, laying bare the sexual fantasies of internet users across Europe. Here are the hard facts.
In its annual report, Pornhub has produced a detailed analysis of its traffic and content viewed by its users. It is clear that the global, porn video sharing platform provides videos that satisfy Europeans' sexual fantasies. In 2016, the site recorded 23 billion visitors, with almost 92 billion video views (compared with 87.8 billion in 2015), which equates to 64 million visitors a day around the world. It has been a very busy year for the platform servers, which must stream 99 GB of data per second in order to meet the demands of its users.
European internet users enjoy watching a range of porn. Videos from the 'anal', 'mature', 'milf', 'lesbians' and 'adolescents (18+)' categories are the most viewed on the continent. and are likely to remain classics.
Amateurs, milfs and giantesses
Pornhub's search terms reveal a bit more about Europeans' sexual predilections. A trend that is particularly widespread on the continent is the preference of users to watch 'local' porn. The statistics have shown that on Pornhub, users like to search for videos in which they can understand the language. Oddly enough, this trend is seen across almost all of the countries studied, as though understanding what is being said in porn videos is of prime importance.
Apart from language-specific videos, the three most popular searches in each country show that users of different nationalities vary in what they enjoy, from the most popular on the continent to the most obscure. Mothers are particularly popular on Pornhub, with common searches including: "Mama", "MILF", or "mother-in-law". Italians tend to search for 'footjob' videos, while Portuguese like to watch videos involving 'Brazilians' - maybe, again, because of the Portuguese connection.
As for Malta, size is important - 'giantesses' proving one of the more popular searches.
What do women want?
More disconcerting is the fact that current affairs sometimes influences what Pornhub users search for on the site. Visitors often look for videos that features politicians and celebrities: searches for keywords "Boris Johnson" and "Theresa May" increased by 14,624% and 3423% respectively in the day before the Brexit referendum. In Italy, secretary of state Maria Elena Boschi, former prime minister Matteo Renzi and Mayor of Rome Virginia Raggi, earned their moment of glory on the day of the constitutional referendum.
Worldwide, women represent 26% of the platform's visitors; a 2% increase from 2015. In Europe, they range from 20% of users in Germany to 35% of in Serbia. Their areas of interest focus above all on the relationships between women. Key words "lesbians", "lesbian scissoring" or "threesomes" are the most common search terms.
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Source: Pornhub.
Story by Antoine Vergely
Translated from Sites porno : les fantasmes des Europeens
The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance, Inc. Presents the 7th Annual IGAA Conference from July 6th - 8th The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance, Inc. 7th Annual IGAA Conference is set for July 6th 8th and will feature live performances, sessions, networking opportunities and more. The conference is co-presented by Stellar Award-winning celebrity Gospel Artists Phillip Carter and Earl Bynum.
Contact: Shawn Hay, Publicist, 301-641-0814
BELTSVILLE, Md., March 21, 2017 /
Award-winning celebrity Gospel Artists Phillip Carter and Minister Earl Bynum will be hosting the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference 2017 along with an all-star lineup of speakers which include: Randy Alward, Winston Chaney, Benita Bellamy, Lee Michaels and more. The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference is an opportunity to provide wisdom and expert assistance and support to advance Independent Artists and their ministries. The Conference is a business and music conference that adjusts to the ever-changing needs of the Independent Artist. Therefore, conference sessions change from year to year. Recent conference sessions include Music Distribution, Independent Label Operation, Licensing & Royalties, Structuring Contracts, Marketing, Artist Branding, The REALity of Radio, and Touring Across the U.S. and Abroad, Vocal Master Class, Radio/Marketing/Promotion for Holy Hip Hop Artists, Industry Facts & Myths, and Artwork Fundamentals, Artist Development, Accounting and Tax Tips for the Independent Artist, Worship in a Dry Land, Publicity, and more.
What is the IGAA?
Independent Gospel Artists Alliance, Inc., a U.S. 501 national nonprofit organization, specializes in education, mentorship, and relationship building for artists and musicians with a focus on music entrepreneurship, technology, ministry, and artistry. Formed in 2009 by Award-winning Independent Gospel Artist Phillip Carter, the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance (IGAA) strengthens, motivates, and empowers the independent label owners and independent artists who believe in the power and participation of networking and trade. The IGAA is a leading source of education and mentorship for Gospel, Christian, and Inspirational artists.
Visit website for more confirmed speakers and special event updates, and stay connected via Twitter by following
Share Tweet Contact: Shawn Hay, Publicist, 301-641-0814BELTSVILLE, Md., March 21, 2017 / Christian Newswire / -- The 7th Annual Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference will take place on Thursday, July 6, 2017 to Saturday, July 8, 2017, at Queen's Chapel United Methodist Church -7410 Old Muirkirk Road, Beltsville, Maryland 20705.Award-winning celebrity Gospel Artists Phillip Carter and Minister Earl Bynum will be hosting the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference 2017 along with an all-star lineup of speakers which include: Randy Alward, Winston Chaney, Benita Bellamy, Lee Michaels and more. The Independent Gospel Artists Alliance Conference is an opportunity to provide wisdom and expert assistance and support to advance Independent Artists and their ministries. The Conference is a business and music conference that adjusts to the ever-changing needs of the Independent Artist. Therefore, conference sessions change from year to year. Recent conference sessions include Music Distribution, Independent Label Operation, Licensing & Royalties, Structuring Contracts, Marketing, Artist Branding, The REALity of Radio, and Touring Across the U.S. and Abroad, Vocal Master Class, Radio/Marketing/Promotion for Holy Hip Hop Artists, Industry Facts & Myths, and Artwork Fundamentals, Artist Development, Accounting and Tax Tips for the Independent Artist, Worship in a Dry Land, Publicity, and more.What is the IGAA?Independent Gospel Artists Alliance, Inc., a U.S. 501 national nonprofit organization, specializes in education, mentorship, and relationship building for artists and musicians with a focus on music entrepreneurship, technology, ministry, and artistry. Formed in 2009 by Award-winning Independent Gospel Artist Phillip Carter, the Independent Gospel Artists Alliance (IGAA) strengthens, motivates, and empowers the independent label owners and independent artists who believe in the power and participation of networking and trade. The IGAA is a leading source of education and mentorship for Gospel, Christian, and Inspirational artists.Visit website for more confirmed speakers and special event updates, and stay connected via Twitter by following @indiegospelally and Facebook Indie Gospel Artists Alliance. Please call Phillip at (301) 509-3459 or email: stephanie@indiegospelalliance.com for more information about event. For General and Elite Registration please visit website www.indiegospelalliance.com
"Every Meal An Adventure!" ~ Food & Travel in Asia
Ayah Paul W. Musa
The Advocate General at the Supreme Court Ayah Paul Abine will today Tuesday March 21, 2017 answer present at the Mfoundi High Court in front of the Judge who will decide whether to remand him in custody or release him.
His return to court today comes barely a week after he was heard for the first time since his arrest at the Mfoundi High Court in front of Justice Nke, President of the Court.
For the first time, Ayah and his Lawyers were handed the charges for which he was arrested on January 21, 2017 at his Yaounde residence. The President of the People Action Party is charged with Terrorism, Secession, Propagation of False Information and Rebellion.
During the first closed door court session, his lawyers Barristers Maurice Kamto, Christopher Ndong, Luc Kisob and John Mbufor who applied for Habeas Corpus argued that it was incumbent on the court to release their client.
To them, Ayahs rights and the law have been violated in his arrest and detention saying it was at odds with section 119(4)of the Criminal Procedure Code which prohibits the arrest of people on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excerpt those caught red-handed committing crimes.
Ayah Paul was arrested four days after Barrister Agbor Balla, Manchoi Bibixy and Dr Fontem Neba were apprehended on January 17,2017 same night when internet was disconnected in the two English speaking regions.
By Wilson MUSA
World Water Day Focus on Millennials as Group Aims to Connect Well-drilling with World Evangelism Reach Beyond's 'Fill My Cup' initiative pairs healthcare help with news of the gospel's 'life-giving water'
Contact: Darin Campbell,
512-785-8350;
Press kit
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., March 21, 2017 /Christian Newswire/ -- As millions mark World Water Day on March 22, a Christian organization is pursuing the key group it believes can play a major role in bringing two kinds of life-giving fresh water to those in need millennials.
Photo: As a part of Reach Beyond's holistic approach to ministry, many wells have been strategically placed near radio stations so villagers can hear the gospel when they come to get water. Not only are communities being transformed physically, many have been transformed spiritually.
Missionary group Reach Beyond's "Fill My Cup" project is focused on this passionate, cause-centric group of Christians, believing that their strong social conscience can be channeled into a new wave of support for efforts to bring lasting spiritual change to people thirsty for God.
Founded in 1993, World Water Day brings attention to the plight of the 660 million-plus people living without a safe water supply close to home. As a result, many are forced to devote hours to trekking to distant sources, or waiting for their turn to collect some, and face the health challenges of using contaminated water.
With three decades of helping with clean water systems behind it, Reach Beyond is now seeking to expand its efforts through "Fill My Cup," raising money to drill a clean water well in a part of Africa where people have been resistant to the gospel.
Organizers believe that, as similar efforts have done in other places, the better health project will open doors to share the gospel, and that by demonstrating how such practical projects can become a bridge for evangelismsharing the good news of the "living water" of which Jesus spokemore young Christians will be inspired to rally behind similar programs.
"We admire how so many millennial Christians have a high concern about issues of social justice," said Reach Beyond President Steve Harling. "But they also tend to be less invested in sharing the gospel. We want to help them learn more about how the two can go togethera practical demonstration of Gods care naturally leading to opportunities to share the gospel."
Through its longtime media- and medical-based ministry, Reach Beyond is well aware how much a lack of clean water negatively affects thousands of communities in the developing world, from poor health to the loss of educational opportunities for young people, especially girls. They are often forced to miss school to instead walk long distances to hand-carry home water for cooking and washing.
Over the past few years, Reach Beyond has worked with partners to provide more wells in four countries in Africa as well as in parts of Central Asia, Haiti and Nepal. In 2016 alone, Reach Beyond helped complete 15 clean water projects, in Benin, Ghana, and Ecuador.
"We have been able to use the opportunity of providing life-giving physical water to share about God's great gift of eternal living water," said Harling.
The 60-day "Fill My Cup" campaign focuses on millennials and aims to raise at least $12,000 to fund a well-drilling project in a predominantly Muslim area historically resistant to the gospel. Targeting social media platforms favored by younger people, the campaign launched March 1 to incorporate two important dates on the calendarWorld Water Day (March 22) and World Health Day (April 7).
Donors receive a thank-you gift for their support: a handmade African keychain, a T-shirt bearing the message "Nsupa ye de," which means "Good water is tasty" in the Akan language, or an exclusive signed African-themed print from Reach Beyond staff member and artist Brian Mellema.
"We believe that many young Christians will want to be part of this kind of two-handed presentation of the gospel, when they see how providing practical, physical help in God's name can become a vehicle for sharing the wonderful message of the gospel," said Harling. "By bringing people clean water, we can also introduce them to the source of living water."
For more information, go to www.reachbeyond.org/fillmycup.
Reach Beyond (www.reachbeyond.org) is a media and medical-based evangelical outreach ministry with operations on five continents. It spreads the gospel of Jesus through modern media including radio broadcasts, webcasts, social media and solar-powered radio distribution. It also provides medical services to the needy throughout its network. Today, Reach Beyond, with an annual budget of approximately $19 million and has more than 1,000 staff members in 30 countries.
For more information or to schedule an interview, contact:
Darin Campbell, InChrist Communications dcampbell@inchristcommunications.com, (512) 785-8350
Press kit available at www.inchristcommunications.com/fillmycup
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Me Akere Muna W. MUSA
Barrister Akere Muna, former President of the Cameroon Bar Council has written to the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defense in charge of Gendarmerie informing him that he will not be able to show up on Wednesday March 22,2017,the day he is expected to answer to a summon delivered Monday.
According to reaction from the former Batonier, he will be travelling to South Africa; hence can only be available this Friday. He has insisted that despite calls from some Cameroonians for him to be watchful, he is not afraid of anything because Cameroon is his country and he is ready to take the bulls by the horns.
Read his full reaction:
I have been flooded by calls and messages from many Cameroonians who seemed worried for my safety. I hereby state the facts, as I know them, to avoid any unfounded rumors. On Monday 20th March 2017 at around 15.00 hrs a bailiff dropped at the Muna Foundation, a letter addressed to the President of the Bar Council Batonnier Jackson Ngnie Kamga . He was told that he should take the letter to him he refused and walked away. My staff brought the letter to me, which stated that investigations had commenced against me at the central investigation unit of the Secretariat a la Defence ordinarily known as SED.
In the letter, Batonnier was asked to accompany at 9.00 to the central investigation department on Wednesday March 22, 2017. SED is where the Anglophone lawyers and Anglophone activists have been taken to. I immediately wrote to the Secretary of State informing him that I was delivering a keynote address in Johannesburg on Wednesday March 22nd and that I will be back on Thursday and will ask the Batonnier to accompany me on Friday March 25th.
Today March 21st I boarded a Rwandair Flight 10.05 from Douala and left for Johannesburg. I will defer to the summons and be present on Friday. I understand the worry of many well wishers who are asking me to stay away. Cameroon is my home and I am prepared to face whatever awaits me. Any lawyer who is worth anything cannot sit by in the face of suffering and blatant violation of the basic and fundamental rights of any other human being. By remaining sheep for too long, I am afraid we have turned some people in our government into emboldened wolves. The comfort of my home and my office cannot justify my silence in the face of what we are going through in our country right now.
Come what may!!!
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Akere T. Muna (Of Lincoln's Inn London)
Barrister-at-law
Sanctions Commissioner of the African Development Bank
Chairperson of the International Anti-Corruption Conference
Member, High Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows from Africa
Member, Governing Board, Africa Governance Institute
Former Chairperson, Eminent Persons Panel of the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM)
Former President, Pan-African Lawyers Union
Former Presiding Officer, Economic, Social and Cultural Council of the African Union
By Wilson MUSA
| BY Ricki Green |
The Havas Group has today announced BD Australia has joined the Group to provide shopper marketing expertise and services to complement its burgeoning Havas Village model. The move will bolster the Groups offering for current and future e-commerce, FMCG and retail clients.
Led by managing director Simon Porter and ECD Tom Hoskins, BD Australia is a multi-award winning agency that specialises in integrated retail and shopper marketing, creating ideas to help brands and retailers achieve greater commercial process and sell more products. Their involvement played a role in helping Havas win the creative pitch for Bottlemart and SipnSave last year, and they continue to support other business in the Village including Afterpay.
The BD team uses data analytics in the study of shopper behavioural dynamics and behavioural economics to identify insights to aid smarter decision making. This in turn helps unlock creative ideas that solve business problems, ultimately driving commercial results.
Porter, who has 15 years of agency leadership experience in brand marketing, has worked on leading brands including Sony, Vodafone, Microsoft, adidas and Coca-Cola. He will report into Havas Executive Management Team.
Says Anthony Gregorio, James Wright and Mike Wilson, Havas executive management team: Bringing BD Australia on board provides us with another fantastic asset in the Havas Village. We can now tap directly into their shopper data set and smartly apply those insights to our campaigns. Simon and the team are intelligent, strategic and nimble, always working at speed to find great solutions for their clients. Best of all they are a great bunch of people, adding a new dimension to our offer giving clients access to a truly holistic set of marketing expertises that can deliver on their objectives and requirements.
Says Porter: We believe too few creative agencies in Australia explicitly focus on driving sales and those that do, lack the insight and innovation displayed in leading markets. We aspire to be the leading creative solution for forward-thinking Australian clients looking to sell more product.
Weve been looking for the right partner to elevate our offering in Australia for some time and have now found that natural fit in Havas, augmenting our existing skills with enhanced data, digital, media social, experiential and PR capabilities.
| BY Lynchy |
LINE is a free messaging application that goes beyond basic services by offering stickers, social games, video calls, and other applications connected to their main services.
With the increasing number of internet and smartphone users in Indonesia, it becomes a great opportunity for LINE to expand their market and achieve the target to become the number one smart portal application in Indonesia. Therefore, LINE appoints Redcomm Indonesia as a digital agency partner to help them build a strong digital marketing strategy.
Redcomm is a great Indonesian digital agency to work with. They have a good understanding about the Indonesian target market, especially the millennials segment and the digital landscape itself, said Yuanita Agata, Marketing Manager of LINE Indonesia. Ive worked with Redcomm at my previous company and they are very trusted to deliver a challenging project and consistently delivered great digital campaigns.
Yuwi Anjaya, Business Director of Redcomm Indonesia also expressed the same excitement. We are very pleased and excited to win LINE Indonesia. With this new partnership, we really want to create some truly creative disruptive work, yet accomplishing great business results for LINE Indonesia.
"It doesn't preclude that kids still need to learn how to write a lab report, but not all assessment in science has to be done through the written work. It might be done through writing poetry, it might be done in a play, it could be performing some aspect or drawing or painting or sculpting a response."
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"The codes of corporate governance and behaviour are concealed and all of this takes place behind closed doors and that's why there are relatively safe in what they do," he says as any reporter who has ever tried to track back the failures and deceptions will tell you. The excuse is that it is always "commercial-in-confidence", which is code for "we won't ever tell you anything that could incriminate us".
The Kristoff Connecticut is a new release introduced by Glen Cases Kristoff Cigars in 2016. As the name indicates, this is a cigar that features an Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper. While this would not be the first Connecticut Shade cigar released by the company, it would be the first Kristoff-branded Connecticut Shade cigar released in the Kristoff style namely the rough cut boxes, loose tobacco and pig-tail caps. Recently Ive had the opportunity to smoke the Kristoff Connecticut in the Robusto size. Overall, I found this to be a solid offering in the Kristoff portfolio.
As mentioned, this was not the first Connecticut Shade offering by Kristoff. The Kristoff Brittania Reserve has that honor. The Brittania is a completely different blend than the Kristoff Connecticut as the Brittania features a Honduran Connecticut Shade wrapper over a different blend. The other Connecticut Shade offering was the Kristoff Galerones DR4, which uses an Ecuadorian-grown Connecticut Shade wrapper as well. The Kristoff Connecticut is said to be a reblend of the DR4 cigar. While the DR4 is not completely removed from the companys portfolio, its clear the Kristoff Connecticut is where the company is focusing its efforts.
Without further ado, lets take a closer look at the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto and see what this cigar brings to the table.
Blend Profile
The Kristoff Connecticut also uses a Nicaraguan binder and a filler consisting of four varietals of Dominican Habano
Wrapper: Ecuadorian Shade Grown Connecticut
Binder: Nicaraguan Habano Seed
Filler: Quad Dominican Habano Seed
Country of Origin: Dominican Republic (Charles Fairmorn)
Vitolas Available
The Kristoff Connecticut is available in four sizes. The line is skewed toward larger ring gauges. All four sizes have a 50 or larger ring, and three of the four have a 54 plus ring.
Each of the four sizes are packaged in 20 count boxes.
Robusto: 5 1/2 x 54
Churchill: 7 x 50
Matador: 6 1/2 x 56
6 x 60: 6 x 60
Appearance
The Ecuadorian Connecticut Shade wrapper of the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto has a light brown color with a slightly weathered look to it. There was a slight sheen to the wrapper. The cigar had some thin visible veins and thin visible wrapper seams. The cigar also features a covered foot and a bun-style pig-tail cap.
The band is rugged-looking white paper band again in what I consider to be in the Kristoff style. The band uses a blue-colored font with gold trim. On the center of the band is the text KRISTOFF arranged in the companys signature style. Just below that text is text CONNECTICUT. Above the KRISTOFF text is the text HECHO A MANO DOMINICANA. The band is finished with some gold adornments and the Kristoff logo on the far right.
Preparation for the Cigar Experience
As I normally do with pig-tail caps, I opted to place a straight cut and simultaneously remove the cap and the pig-tail of the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto. Once the cap was removed, I proceeded with the pre-light draw phase. The dry draw delivered a mix of classic wood and cedar notes. Overall this wasnt the most exciting pre-light draw, but since this is not factored into the score, there was no loss of points here. At this point I was ready to light up the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto and see what the smoking phase would have in store.
Flavor Profile
The Kristoff Connecticut Robusto continued with the classic wood and cedar notes from the pre-light draw. The cedar notes delivered a nice combination of sweetness and spice. In the background there were some creamy notes. There also was a very subtle astringent note in the background. Eventually the cedar notes took control as the primary note. The classic wood and cream notes became secondary while the astringent note dissipated. On the retro-hale, I picked up notes of black pepper.
During the second third, the cedar notes remained in the forefront. From time to time, the creamy notes did surface in the forefront. I still detected some classic wood notes in the background. Meanwhile some of the cedar notes made their way into the retro-hale.
By the last third of the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto, the cedar notes still were in the forefront, but now had more of a spicy component. The cream and woody notes were still in the background. This is the way the cigar experience came to a close. The resulting nub was firm to the touch and cool in temperature.
Burn and Draw
Burn-wise, the Kristoff Connecticut performed very well. The cigar maintained a straight burn path from start to finish. There was a slight curvature on the burn line, but this was remedied with some touch-ups. Overall I didnt find this cigar needed an excessive amount of touch-ups. The resulting ash was tight and firm with a salt and pepper color. The burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal.
The draw to the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto also scored nicely. This was a draw that was not too tight, nor too loose. This made the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto a low maintenance cigar to puff on
Strength and Body
When it comes to bolder cigars on terms of strength and body, you dont hear Kristoffs name come up. Quietly Case has built a portfolio with several bold cigars including the GC Signature, Kristoff Criollo Maduro, and the Pistoff Kristoff. The Kristoff Connecticut Toro isnt going to follow in that path, nor is it going to try to redefine what a Connecticut Shade cigar is. It is a cigar that will be on the upper end of mild to medium cigar in terms of strength and body. During the smoking experience, I found both the strength and body to balance each other nicely with neither attribute overshadowing the other.
Final Thoughts
I like how over the past couple of years, Kristoff has gotten back to its roots with the rough cut boxes, loose tobacco packing, and pig-tail caps. It is also great to see a Connecticut Shade offering packaged with what I call the Kristoff Style. The Kristoff Connecticut Robusto delivered is solid. it isnt overly complex, but does the job well. It provides the right amount of creaminess and woody notes I look for in a Connecticut Shade cigar. Not only does it fit the bill for morning smoke with a cup of coffee, but its a nice anytime of the day smoke. Its a cigar Id recommend to any cigar enthusiast. As for me, the Kristoff Connecticut Robusto is a cigar Id reach for again and its worthy of having a fiver in the humidor.
Summary
Burn: Excellent
Draw: Excellent
Complexity: Medium-
Strength: Mild to Medium
Body; Mild to Medium
Finish: Very Good
Rating
Assessment: 3.0-The Fiver
Score: 89
References
News: Kristoff Connecticut Released
Price: $8.50
Source: Purchased
Brand Reference: Kristoff
Photo Credits: Cigar Coop, except where noted.
Neither AT&T nor FirstNet, the US government authority charged with awarding the 25-year contract, have commented on the status of the project, but FirstNets CEO, Mike Poth, welcomed the decision.
We are pleased with the courts decision. This is a positive development for FirstNet and the public safety community. FirstNet intends to move expeditiously to finalise the contract for the nationwide public safety broadband network.
AT&T also commented on the court decision: We are pleased by the courts ruling as it allows FirstNet to select its partner and jump-start the process of delivering Americas first nationwide broadband network dedicated to public safety. We would be honoured to be selected and help fulfil FirstNets important public safety mission.
AT&T is the only remaining bidder for the nationwide contract, after the exclusion of the bid by Rivada Mercury, a joint venture between Irish businessman Declan Ganleys Rivada Networks and vendors including Fujitsu, Nokia, Harris and Black & Veatch.
However Rivada Mercury can still bid for individual states networks. Under the terms of the rules that set up FirstNet, AT&T will have to complete a network plan for each of 50 states and six other territories. Governors of the 56 will then have the opportunity to accept AT&Ts proposals or to build their own radio networks.
The timescale is tight: six months for AT&T to complete the network plan; three months for states and territories to decide whether to opt out; and then a further six months for the opting-out states to design their own networks, which must be compatible with the nationwide network.
Rivada Mercury said it is already working with New Hampshire on an alternative plan for that state should it decide to opt out and is bidding on similar work in other states.
Ganley, co-CEO of Rivada Mercury and chairman of Rivada Networks, said: We want Americas governors to know that Rivadas solution remains available to them even if FirstNet ultimately chooses a different approach.
After the court decision he tweeted: Remember, whoever get the FirstNet Fed contract then must get states to sign up, state by state. Every state has an opt-out right.
According to Ganley, Rivada won the right to design a network for New Hampshire in competition with four other bidders. Alabama, Arizona and Michigan have all sought proposals from rival providers, he said. California is also understood to have requested proposals.
Joe Euteneuer, former CFO of Sprint who is also co-CEO of Rivada Networks, said: We are fully prepared to execute our plan to work with the states to build state-of-the art, dedicated networks for public safety. We applaud New Hampshires recognition of Rivadas experienced management team, technology, and technical expertise and believe many other states will make a similar selection.
Euteneuer is one of a number of former Sprint executives who are part of the Rivada team.
Though FirstNet has not formally announced its decision in favour of AT&T, Euteneuer accepted the decision: FirstNet has made its choice. Now it is time for states to make theirs. Those that stand by idly will be forced into a federal solution that may or may not suit their needs or budgets. We look forward to working with the states to ensure that they receive a network equal to the promise made to public safety when FirstNet was created.
The next step from FirstNet is to hold a board meeting at which it will formally accept AT&Ts bid. According to FirstNets calendar, no board meeting is yet scheduled.
As part of the deal AT&T will get 20MHz of spectrum in the 700MHz band, which it will be able to use when not needed for emergency services for its own commercial operations. AT&T is likely to get $6.5 billion for the FirstNet contract.
In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome!
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When the Toyota Raize came into the picture early this year , it commanded the kind of attention that made you think of it as possibly just ...
Audis engineers are currently working around the clock as the company is getting ready to reveal not one, but at least three new models in the coming months.
These new models include the new A8, the new A6, the new A7 and last but not least the new Q8, Ingolstadts flagship SUV which already has been previewed by two concepts.
The last concept is none other than the Q8 Sport Concept shown in Audis stand at the Geneva Motor Show.
The upcoming Audi Q8 will be wider than the existing Q7 and will feature a lower sloping roofline to better portray its sportier intentions. This is after all Audis answer to the BMW X6 and the Mercedes GLE Coupe.
Based on the updated MLB platform which will also spawn the A8, A7 and A6, the new Q8 is expected to use the companys new 48-volt plug-in hybrid powertrain that combines a 3.0-litre V6 TFSI with a small electric motor. The engine range will include the trick V8 turbodiesel found in the SQ7 as well.
The new Audi Q8 is also going to feature a wealth of tech features, including semi-autonomous driving functions and OLED high-definition displays inside the cabin.
The company is expected to reveal the new Q8 in its full production form in 2018, along with the new A6 and A7. As for the new A8, Audi will finally reveal it this July.
VIDEO
BMWs head of sales and marketing has expressed his doubt about the upcoming Model 3.
While talking with Car&Driver at the Geneva Motor Show, Ian Robertson hinted that the Model 3 will be the biggest competitor to the BMW iNext EV but doesnt seem too concerned about it.
The Model 3 will come, but Im not sure of what volume it will come with, Im not sure of the price point it will come with, and Im not sure how good the car [will be].
Although Robertson isnt yet sold on the Model 3, he did admit that he is very supportive of what Tesla and Elon Musk have done in shaking up the industry.
In many ways, Im very supportive of what Tesla has done . The world needs that sort of new competitor. That isnt to say that were not going to be very competitive with them as well, of coursebut Elon Musk has achieved a lot, and I admire what he has done.
I think that [Musk] is moving from being a startup to being a full-blown company, and hes beginning to understand some of the challenges that brings. Those are the sort of challenges we dont have. We are able to productionize things and move quickly in that regard, Roberston commented.
At this stage, not much is known about the BMW iNext other than the fact that it will be introduced in 2021. BMW says that it will be fully-electric and fully-autonomous and could give t he brand an edge over its competitors.
PHOTO GALLERY
A new rotary-powered Mazda has been on the table for many years, but the Japanese manufacturer could also employ a rotary engine for their first electric vehicle, as a range extender.
Speaking with AutoExpress on the sidelines of the Geneva Motor Show, Mazdas R&D chief, Matsuhiro Tanaka, refused to outright confirm it, but said that its a possibility.
Something like that was in existence, but I cant go into detail. Both performance and economy are possible with rotary. Its very stable and quiet at standard revolutions, so some potential exists for that.
Tanaka didnt go into detail about its size either, but the electrified Mazda is expected to slot somewhere between the sub-compact and compact segments, which means that it could take on cars such as the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf, even if its European launch hasnt been confirmed yet.
A small car is best for an EV, because bigger vehicles get too heavy with bigger batteries, and that doesnt make sense for Mazda Tanaka said. If we put in heavy batteries, we need to do the opposite with the total weight. We are going to develop a new material technology in the future [for this].
As far as its appearance goes, the green Mazda would use the brands latest design language, which can be seen on the new CX-5 and RX Vision Concept. If everything goes as planned, it could be introduced in 2019, as a previous report suggested.
Mazdas range of electrified vehicles will reportedly increase from 2021 with a lineup of PHEVs, which, could benefit from Toyotas expertise in the field, just like the current Japan-only Mazda3 hybrid.
Note: 2014 Mazda Hazumi Concept pictured
PHOTO GALLERY
Alongside unveiling the McLaren 720S at the Geneva Motor Show, the company also premiered its brand-new carbon fiber Monocage II.
As with the original Monocage, this architecture will underpin a plethora of future McLaren models but will no longer be produced by contractor Carbo Tech in Austria. Instead, it will be made at a new facility in England.
While speaking to Car and Driver, McLaren chief executive Mike Flewitt revealed that the new tub is much more flexible than the first iteration and could spawn an extended range of models.
Its going to evolve [and be] lighter and stronger, and theres more opportunity for different forms and different packaging, he said.
Flewitt also suggested that McLaren could add fewer or more seats to its vehicles thanks to the flexibility of the architecture.
Would we go to a two-plus-two or a four-seater? I think I wouldnt rule it out, although it isnt on the plan today. But as the brand grows, maybe. If you look at the 570GT that we launched last year, its a superb GT car. In that segment, maybe theres scope to grow and offer more occupant space.
While previously having confirmed that it is working on an electric hypercar, Flewitt also revealed that a test mule will first be developed to gauge customer interest in such a model. Additionally, McLaren will have to prove that it can make an electric car as exciting as the 720S.
Its not a prototype for a production car at this stage; its literally a mule to develop attributes. Were trying to understand the emotional characteristics of a car like that. We could copy Tesla and build a very fast electric car. Some of the acceleration figures for [the Model S] arent far from a 720S. The key is making a car thats as exciting as a 720S. Thats where the challenge lies.
PHOTO GALLERY
Sounds like a movie title, right? Maybe starring Johnny Depp in the role of an eccentric pirate captain, perhaps? Only its not. Here were referring to a one-of-a-kind supercar that died and was reborn.
Supercar fanatics may recall the Pearl having surfaced nearly a year ago. Its a Pagani Huayra decked out with an array of special features, including an air scoop on the roof, a split rear wing, and an active diffuser, with bodywork in cornflower blue-tinted carbon fiber.
Like most Paganis, it was commissioned by one very discerning customer, for whom the standard Huayra just wouldnt do. But things didnt go as smoothly as the Pearl name would suggest once it left the factory. Only a couple of months after delivery, the supercar crashed and crashed hard in Paris, where it was apparently rear-ended. Either that, or it spun out and hit another vehicle or stationary object butt-first.
All was not lost, apparently, as the car returned to the factory in Modena at the heart of Italys supercar valley where it has now been brought back to good-as-new condition. Or almost, anyway fixing one of these carbon monocoque chassis is no easy feat. But if anyone was up to the task, surely itd be the same technicians who built it in the first place.
Video
No matter which way you cut it, an automobile is a big-ticket item. But that doesnt mean that theirs manufacturer are making big profit margins. Except for Porsche. That companys making money hand over fist.
Just how much money? Bloomberg did the math: the 238,000 vehicles it sold last year and its $4.1-billion operating profit works out to an average of over $17,000 on every car it sells.
In other words, it could nearly buy a new VW Jetta for every vehicle it sells. If the company so chose, it could fill its lot with 238,000 Jettas based solely on its operating profit.
Of course, thats an average. So it likely makes more on, say, a Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid or a 911 Turbo Cabriolet (pictured above) both of which more than double their base models MSRP at nearly $200k than it does on a Macan, which starts at under $50k.
But even that price of admission is higher than those of most of its rivals. About $33k will get you in the door for a Mercedes GLA or CLA, or a base BMW 2 Series or 3 Series. Add to that the extensive options list of which many Porsche customers avail themselves and the prices start climbing even higher.
No wonder, with those profit margins, that Porsche had almost enough cash on hand to buy the entire Volkswagen Group, which by now has grown to become the largest automaker in the world.
Photo Gallery
Photo: Contributed
Students, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and yes, politicians gathered in Vancouver last week for the second annual #BCTECH Summit.
B.C.s technology sector is the biggest it has ever been, with over 106,000 jobs and almost 10,000 companies and counting. The tech sector employs more people than the mining, oil and gas, and forestry sectors combined, and tech jobs pay 75 per cent higher than the average industrial wage in B.C.
If youre looking into a career in tech, there has never been a better time. Besides being a growth industry with great pay, tech skills are transferable. Tech jobs arent limited to high tech; you can find tech and tech workers in manufacturing, mining, and tourism.
So you can work in any industry, anywhere in the world, but heres the best part: you dont have to go anywhere. Kelowna is one of techs hotbeds, home to some 550 tech firms employing about 6,500 people.
In the Okanagan, tech is a billion-dollar industry, and it creates an indirect impact of more than $284 million for businesses supplying them everything from cables to curtains to coffee.
Because tech is a globally competitive industry, were working every day not only to support B.C. and Okanagan tech companies, but to foster continued growth and success.
Thats why we used the second #BCTECH Summit to seize the moment and make sure tech firms have what they need to thrive: ready access to money, markets, ideas, and talent.
Let me just touch on two: money and talent.
Last year, we launched a $100-million venture capital fund to invest in start-ups. Were also ensuring B.C. has globally competitive taxes not just low, but tailored to reward innovation in fields like augmented and virtual reality.
Tech is about ideas. If were already making sure B.C. entices firms with competitive taxes and access to capital, we also have to make sure those firms can tap into a deep, well-educated pool of tech talent.
Thats why were working to incorporate the worlds universal language coding into B.C.s K-12 curriculum across the province. Were also making sure those students have opportunities when they graduate, increasing the number of post-secondary science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) grads by 1,000 per year.
We're also doubling the number of co-op students to 14,000, and investing $400 million in STEM-related physical infrastructure at universities and colleges including $41 million for a new Teaching and Learning Centre at UBCO.
Just as Im only scratching the surface of what were doing to support tech, were only just beginning to realize our potential as a tech hub in Kelowna and B.C.
Just when others turn inward, we will continue to out around the world and find new connections and opportunities.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer
The trial for a man accused of attacking a doctor at the Penticton Regional Hospital is getting underway next week.
Following jury selection on Monday, the trial for Gregory Nield will start on March 28.
Nield is accused of attacking a doctor at PRH on Dec. 5, 2014, which reportedly left the doctor with facial injuries, including a broken jaw. He faces one count of aggravated assault.
Nield, dressed in a blue suit, sat with defence lawyer Stan Tessmer throughout the jury selection process, after a request by Tessmer to bring Nield out of the accused box was approved by the judge.
Potential jurors packed two Supreme Court chambers in the Penticton courthouse on Monday, where potential biases and conflicts were weeded out.
A total of 19 people were stood down from jury duty due to personal or professional acquaintances with the accused, the alleged victim and various witnesses, while four were stood down for hearing issues, six for personal financial issues and nine stood down for scheduling conflicts.
A 12-member jury was eventually selected.
In January, Nield filed a lawsuit against the victim of the attack, alleging he was responsible for the confrontation.
**a previous version of this story indicated that the trial would begin on March 21, instead of the correct date of March 28
Photo: travel-british-columbia.com
A group is looking to curb pollution in Osoyoos Lake with an awareness campaign set to take off next month.
Stickers and banners will be popping up around Osoyoos, encouraging residents and visitors to help protect Osoyoos Lake. Volunteers with the Osoyoos Lake Water Quality Society will be putting the stickers on garbage cans around town on Apr. 1.
"We are committed to protecting and preserving Osoyoos Lake through public education and monitoring the lakes waters in five regions through the summer months, said OLWQS past president Birgit Arnstein. We anticipate that placing the decals on highly visible trash containers in central Osoyoos will help promote awareness about keeping our lake as pristine as possible.
Along with the stickers, "Protect Our Lake" banners will be going up on streetlight poles, with a large banner set to be hung up across Main Street.
The group will also be handing out cards with similar messaging to travel and tourism spots in the South Okanagan.
Photo: Contributed
A man who admitted to stealing multiple high-end bicycles and a car was released on time-served Monday in Penticton court.
Jason Lance pleaded guilty to a list of 10 counts for property theft, possession of narcotics, driving while prohibited and breach of probation, connected to five incidents in Penticton, West Kelowna and Kelowna.
On Oct. 15, 2015, a West Kelowna resident who purchases and salvages ICBC writes-offs called police to report a Pontiac Vibe had been stolen. The resident actually spotted his car, which had unique damage to it, at a gas station and confronted the driver, who identified himself as Lance. He told the man a sob story, about being on hard times and promised to fix the damage to the cars ignition.
The resident told Lance to return the car to the street outside the compound from where it was stolen, but when he returned at the end of the day, the car was not there as promised. The owner then reported it stolen, but it was returned to the compound sometime on Oct. 17.
Twice in Penticton in 2016, Lance was arrested in possession of stolen high-end mountain bikes, methamphetamine and heroin. He was also arrested with break-in tools a third time after fleeing from police when was stopped while riding his bike carrying what officers suspected was stolen property.
Then in Jan. 2017, Lance was found unconscious in the parking lot of Kelowna City Hall at about 2:25 a.m. After being woken up, he was found in possession of narcotics and in breach of his bail conditions and arrested.
With proposed sentences of 14 to 30 days for each offence, the prosecution and defence agreed that Lance was likely to be released following sentencing. He had been in custody for 140 days total, good for 210 days worth of credit.
Justice Gale Sinclair sentenced him to 209 days and released him with one year probation. He declined to include a curfew in his probation conditions as suggested by the crown, because Lance told the court he was going to work in Alberta with his father.
Photo: Peacock's Perch Liquor Store
UPDATE: 4:00 p.m.
The Summerland RCMP say the man has been identified and charges are pending.
"We thank the public for their assistance in helping to identify this liquor store lifter," said Cpl. Richardson.
ORIGINAL: Monday 4:30 p.m.
Peacock's Perch Liquor Store in Summerland managed to catch a shoplifter in the act with a security camera.
At about 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night, a man walked out of the store with a large bottle of booze.
He was wearing a red ball cap and high-visibility work jacket. Employees of the store say they opened a file with the Summerland RCMP immediately and hope someone can identify the man.
A Kelowna man who pleaded guilty to three separate assaults, one of which included a machete, was sentenced to time served on Monday.
The judge called the incidents barbaric and described them as vicious attacks in court on Monday.
Derrick Antoine, 30, has been in custody since Aug. 16 after stabbing his ex-girlfriend in the back at an apartment on Franklyn Road in the early morning.
Upon further investigation, police determined that Antoine was also suspected of being involved in a gruesome machete attack in Rutland's Ben Lee Park eight days prior to the stabbing.
Matt LeBlanc, 22, was kicked, punched and slashed with a machete from under his left eye, across his face, to his earlobe by two men after midnight on Aug. 8. LeBlanc received 30 stitches from the incident.
The second attacker was never located.
When arrested, Antoine provided a fake name saying he was Brayden Cook and maintained a false identity until being brought back to the detachment. He was shown a picture of himself and still denied it was him and had to be identified through fingerprints.
Antoine was told not to contact his ex-girlfriend or possess any weapons after an incident in which he whipped his then common-law partner in the face with a telephone cord in June 28, 2016.
Antoine pleaded guilty to assault causing bodily harm for the machete attack and assault, obstructing a police officer and breach of bail for the Aug. 16 stabbing.
The judge agreed to a joint submission of 10 months.
He has served 217 days in custody and will not serve any additional time and will be on probation for two years. He has no criminal history.
The judge said his tough love childhood came into consideration in the decision. He's from Splatsin First Nation, the southernmost tribe of the Shuswap Nation.
That First Nations' background means that he is not held to the same level of accountability. He is not expected that he has the same tool kit to deal with complex circumstances..., said the judge.
He can now only visit Kelowna to pick up his daughter from her grandparents and return her back home while on probation.
Antoine sat in court in a red long sleeve sweater and said, I want to apologize to the victims and the victims' families, my family and the community for my actions.
He said while in custody he involved himself in as many programs as he could to better himself.
I want to get back into society and get life back together for me and my daughter, he said.
Photo: Alanna Kelly
A jury has been selected for the trial of one of the accused in connection to the death of Roxanne Louie.
One hundred and fifty prospective jurors lined the staircase of the Kelowna Law Courts on Monday at 9 a.m. and spent a long day of deliberations.
Twelve people were selected for the trial, which is expected to last until April 14.
Grace Robotti, 65, is pleading not guilty to second-degree murder in connection to Louie's death and pleading guilty to indignity to a human body and accessory after the fact.
Grace's co-accused, her brother Pier Robotti, 61, already completed his trial earlier this month. However, the verdict is sealed in a publication ban to protect the integrity of the second trial.
Louie was first reported missing after she failed to show up at the Penticton Regional Airport for a flight back to Vancouver in January 2015.
Her body was found in the Naramata area days later following an extensive search.
Louie was a single mother and leaves behind a young son.
The trial was moved to Kelowna last summer.
The accused was concerned he would not get a fair trial in Penticton, as the majority of people in the city are familiar with the case. He also felt threatened by badges worn by Louie supporters with the word "justice" on them.
Widespread sympathy for the victim would create an emotionally charged atmosphere, said the judge.
Photo: Colin Dacre
The City of Penticton may be taking another look at how it manages vehicle parking.
City staff are asking council to support a review of Pentictons current parking plan, first drafted in 2012.
With efforts to revitalize the downtown, increase densification, develop the South Okanagan Event Centre campus, attract festivals and events, pressure on parking is building, reads a report going before city council on Tuesday.
The report estimates the downtown area has lost 250 informal free parking spots in recent years, with another 250 in danger as new developments move ahead and densification increases.
As the review takes place, staff are recommending the city put plans to expand pay parking along Lakeshore Drive on hold. While administration is recommending expansion to the resident-only downtown parking program go ahead, a proposed $30 annual fee that was scheduled to become active in 2017 is on the chopping block.
Nine additional streets near the beach and Main Street were slated to be added to resident only parking zones.
When residents in the affected areas were notified or became aware of the changes, many sent emails or spoke with Council members to express their concerns about the changes, the report to council states, adding that businesses also voiced concerns.
If approved by council, the review of the 2012 parking plan will likely come with further public consultation, with the report leaving the door open to new ideas such as a parkade.
Send us a letter. Got an opinion on this story? Email letters to the editor to [email protected]
We've all heard the jokes about pregnant mothers looking into good schools for their children before they're even out of the womb. The reality is it's starting to get that way for childcare here in Kelowna.
I'm a manager of an after school program located in Glenmore that offers before school care and after school care to the children of the school. In a school of roughly 540 children, I have 130 on my wait list which grows every year. In the past 2 months since kindergarten registration, I have gotten 20 children alone that start next year in either kindergarten or grade one that need care.
I try to be optimistic with parents telling them that there have been instances where we have gone through the wait list quickly, but I do also tell them that it would be wise to get their children on other lists as well as I cannot guarantee care.
The fact is that Glenmore, along with many other parts of Kelowna, are bursting at the seams with children in need of childcare after school hours and there simply aren't enough spaces available. I have children on my list for 2021 and I still can't tell the parents whether or not their child will make it into the program.
We would love to expand our program since we can only offer care to 20 children at a time for our class due to licensing regulations, but there simply isn't the room or means to do so at the moment. This isn't just an issue for after school care alone, but for preschool and child minding camps during school breaks; places fill up quickly and are leaving parents scrambling to get on lists as soon as they start. We're still months away from summer camp registration and already I have a large wait list of children who will need care on top of the children who are already registered into the after school care program who get priority.
Parents please take this letter as advice. It might seem impulsive, but the sooner you get your child on a wait list (and not just one) the less likely you'll be scrambling for childcare when you need it.
Nicolette Fuller
The first shooting schedule of YRFs much anticipated film, Tiger Zinda Hai commenced recently at Austria.
Director Ali Abbas Zafar started the schedule by shooting for a love song, Dil Diyan Gallan composed by Vishal Shekhar. Featuring Salman Khan and Katrina Kaif, the romantic track is shot at exquisite locations in Austria that includes the historic Golden Roof.
Several Hollywood films have been shot at the location that includes two films from the iconic Bond Franchise, Quantum of Solace and Spectre.
The team will soon shoot for a high octane action sequences in the snow Cladded Mountains of Austria that would see Salman Khan being chased by a pack of wolves. Team YRF have constantly promised that this film would raise the bar of action in Bollywood and it seems that they are leaving no stone unturned to fulfil their promise.
The film is set to release in Christmas this year.
After a few hiccups and scheduling issues, Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will finally visit New Delhi from 7-10 April. Hasina was supposed to visit India in December, but the plan was shelved. However, in February, a new plan was firmed up when Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar visited Dhaka. During her visit, India is pushing to sign a comprehensive long-term defence agreement with the important eastern neighbour, and a draft document to take forward the long pending Teesta Water Sharing issue, which Dhaka has been keen on. The two countries are expected to sign at least a dozen MoUs when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sheikh Hasina meet on 8 April. That India accords highest priority to the visit is obvious in the fact that the visiting PM will stay at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
Defence agreement
China delivered two submarines to Bangladesh in November, a move that had unnerved India. Manohar Parikkar, the then-Defence Minister, had promptly gone to Dhaka to take forward the talks on the defence pact.
During the visit, Parrikar had put forth new initiatives to shore up the capacity and capabilities of the Bangladeshi armed forces.
Earlier, during the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping in October, China signed 27 deals with Bangladesh, amounting to around $25 billion. India has also been wary of the Chinese plans to use Bangladeshi ports to house its naval weaponry, including submarines. This had caused a lot of discomfiture in New Delhi.
According to reports, India is looking for a pact which would include training, sale of military hardware and military-to-military cooperation. India may also propose to extend a credit line of $500 million, the first of its kind, for defence cooperation.
India and Bangladesh have seen close cooperation since the Awami League-led government has been in power in Dhaka. The two countries have been closely working together on issues like terrorism, with the government in Dhaka taking proactive steps against terror groups which would take refuge in Bangladesh. When Hasina met Modi in Goa during her visit to attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC summit, the latter had thanked her for condemning the attack in Uri.
However, it is still unclear if Bangladesh is ready for any comprehensive defence agreement with India. Reports in the Bangladeshi press indicate that Hasina's team may be more comfortable with an open-ended Memorandum of Understanding rather than time-bound agreements or treaties. Bangladesh is wary of upsetting the delicate balance between its ties with both India and China, and hence, is looking for a less formal understanding to begin with.
Bangladesh is heavily dependent on the Chinese when it comes to its military needs, and that could give the Indian proposal an advantage in the long run, if Dhaka wants to move away from its single-source dependence.
Bangladesh and China had signed a Defence Agreement in 2002, when the Bangladesh Nationalist Party was in power under Begum Khaleda Zia.
The BNP, currently the main Opposition party in the country, has long complained about the Awami League leadership's proximity to New Delhi. Expectedly, it has opposed any such agreement with India.
New Delhi is, meanwhile, also reportedly pushing for coordinated operations against mutually perceived threats.
Teesta water sharing pact
Even after 18 years of continued dialogue, the two countries have been unable to sign a pact to share the waters of the river Teesta, making things difficult for Prime Minister Hasina at home. The next general elections are due in January 2019.
While it is expected that there will be some forward movement on Teesta water sharing, it is unlikely that any pact on the issue will be signed during Hasina's visit. The talks to seal the treaty have been inconclusive since 2011, largely due to West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's opposition.
It is understood that when Hasina comes to Delhi, the PMO may invite Banerjee to meet the Bangladeshi Prime Minister, and hope that she may soften her stand.
New Delhi may also propose a draft document on the contentious issue, which could be signed at a later stage.
Hasina's visit is one of the most important bilateral visits this year, after the visit of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince on Republic Day. India shares its longest boundary with Bangladesh.
The Center for Digital Education honored three school districts with top honors in its 13th Annual Digital School Districts Survey.The survey generates top-10 rankings for districts that excel in the use of technology to govern the district; communicate with students, parents and the community; or improve district operations. The rankings are based on information gathered from hundreds of participating districts about digital and emerging technologies; data management and safety; and learning and delivery methods.For the second consecutive year, the top three priorities for the districts surveyed are personalized learning; digital content and curriculum; and professional development/skills training for integrating technology in the classroom.Texas Arp Independent School District came out on top in the small student population district category. Less than a decade ago, the rural east Texas district started with 10 Apple 2E computers and was unable to get a contractor to install infrastructure. To move forward, the district joined a consortium of 27 other rural districts, and now Arp has more than 1,500 devices and high bandwidth for a population of just more than 800 students.I was appalled by the old technology, things they would never see once they left school, said Joy Rousseau, IT director at Arp. I wanted them to be able to see devices they would experience in the real world. We challenged the district and didnt accept the fact that we were small, poor and insignificant.The district incorporates blended learning extensively through multi-device viewing with interactive projectors that can connect classrooms throughout the district. The districts science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and career and technical education (CTE) courses include a plasma cutter torch, drones, robots with a camera to check for cracks in a drain pipe, and a solar panel matrix to supply power back to the regional power grid.Many of these changes were hard to come by in a district with 60 percent of its students economically disadvantaged. It was difficult for some veteran teachers to see technology as nothing more than a clunky thing they had to learn to use. To change that attitude, Rousseau and her team offered professional development any time it was convenient for the teacher, whether that was face to face, after school or even during holidays. The district also held surveys and workshops for community members, parents and students.There is no comfort zone in technology. It is truly lifelong learning. Rural schools have an awful time getting outside their norm, said Rousseau. But if you have a team to help you negotiate change, youre not standing at the bottom of the mountain all by yourself.Pennsylvanias Mt. Lebanon School District topped the mid-sized district category. Christopher Stengel, the director of technology, understands the importance of bringing along the community in the decision-making process and helped usher in a future-proof high school.A $109.4 million renovation and new construction project includes zone boxes made with blown-in fiber as a bandwidth-rich network design solution, a move to flatscreen TVs paired with Apple TVs, and the introduction of multifunctional student-centered spaces that promote the 21st-century skills of collaboration, creativity and flexibility.The renovation has led to the creation of a new STEM academy, and teachers across the school report more collaboration opportunities and the use of a variety of devices throughout the school.Were not interested in creating a fake learning bubble that only exists while youre at school, says Stengel. We are BYOT [bring your own technology] and employ many different types of devices. Our technology is authentic. We dont need 30 Macbooks in order for learning to happen. Nope, who has an iPhone?The digital natives in Georgias Houston County School District, winners in the large-size school district category, are so comfortable with technology that Houston became one of the very first districts in the state to administer state online assessments in grades 3 through 8.Houston invested more than $25 million in network infrastructure and classroom technology tools and devices over the last five years. The investment in end-of-grade standardized exams was paid for by a voter-approved one-cent local sales tax.Our kids were excited to take the test online. It actually helped alleviate some of the test stress, said Rose Powell, Houstons director of technology services. Also, the community really appreciates the fact that were preparing our students for the future.Houston uses a Microsoft 365 office system, which allows students access to their school work at any time, enabling collaboration to happen more easily.The district also has enhanced audio/visual streaming that allows teachers to collaborate professionally or to stream live events, including graduation ceremonies. As home to an Air Force base, many of Houstons parents are deployed and unable to attend graduation.Technology not only provides more opportunities for engaging activities and supports teaching and learning, said Powell, but it also bridges gap between school and community.
Germany proposes ridiculous $53M penalty for fake news and hate speech
One German official thinks that fake news and hate speech is so serious it ought to permanently bankrupt virtually anyone who is accused or convicted of either.
As reported by The Associated Press, German Justice Minister Heiko Maas perhaps worried that theres another Adolph Hitler waiting for the right moment to rebirth the Nazi Party via propaganda spread on social media has proposed fines of up to 50 million euros, or about $53 million, for any social networking site that neglects to quickly police and remove anything deemed as hate speech or fake news.
While acknowledging that some social media sites have already begun cracking down on what they have described as hate speech, Maas said the effort isnt satisfactory yet. He said research indicated that Twitter only deletes about one percent of so-called illegal content that is flagged by users; he added that Facebook deletes about 39 percent of said content.
The AP noted further:
The proposal would require companies to provide a round-the-clock service for users to flag illegal content, which would have to be removed by the site within seven days. All copies of the content would also have to be deleted and social media companies would need to publish a quarterly report detailing how they have dealt with such material.
In addition, the proposal instructs social media sites to name someone specifically charged with taking down content and handling speech complaints, and if that person fails to do so quickly or adequately, he or she would then be subject to a personal fine of up to 5 million euros (about $5.3 million). (RELATED: Do College Students Hate Free Speech? Lets Ask Them (Video))
Who would line up to take that job is anyones guess.
Oddly, Maas claimed his proposal would somehow not restrict the free speech protections already enshrined into German law, and it wouldnt establish a truth commission of sorts to root out so-called fake news (which would include The New York Times, the Washington Post, CNN, and others, from time to time).
Always eager to please Left-wing speech cops, Facebook eagerly acquiesced. We have clear rules against hate speech and are working hard to remove such content from our platform, the company said in a statement, in response to the German proposal.
While reasonable people can agree that some speech obviously qualifies as hateful such as derogatory remarks about race, ethnicity, religion, sex and so forth other speech some people have arbitrarily labeled as hate speech simply because they disagree with whats being said.
For instance, on many American college campuses, anything a conservative says is branded as hateful, bigoted and, some would argue, slanderous. President Donald J. Trump cant say a word about enforcing immigration law without being branded a racist. And this reporter has been mislabeled as being hateful simply for taking a political position that liberals dont like.
So, thats what makes hate speech protection measures like this German proposal such a slippery slope: While advocates keep telling us out of one side of their mouths they arent trying to suppress speech, thats usually the end result.
In this era, speech suppression is becoming a real thing and, ironically, it is occurring most rapidly in supposed free speech zones in democratic countries including the United States. In recent months, one survey of college-age Millennials by Yale University found that an incredible 51 percent of students surveyed were okay with their school enacting speech codes that regulate speech for both students and faculty.
Speech codes.
Worse, this generation of high schoolers is also conflicted about the First Amendment, with more than half saying speech should not be allowed if its offensive. (RELATED: Students Arrested For Handing Out Copies Of The Constitution)
But who gets to define what is and is not offensive? Thats the problem, isnt it when you put some person or some entity in charge of deciding what people should and should not be offended by, then you put serious crimps on all speech.
Thats not what our founders intended. In fact, they adopted the First Amendments free-speech clause precisely because they wanted to protect speech some may find offensive.
Maas proposal might seem ridiculous now, but there is no doubt that the trend regarding free speech in Western democracies is one of suppression, not expansion. Frankly, its dangerous.
J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.
Sources:
WND.com
TheBlaze.com
Freedom.news
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COLUMBUS Attending school in a small community didnt afford Amy Tomasevicz the opportunity to formally study art.
It wasnt until she was 10, after her family moved from Guide Rock to Lincoln, when she took her first art class.
It was instant love, Tomasevicz said.
She always had a creative side, and those classes helped nurture her talent. Before she picked up a paintbrush, though, Tomasevicz was letting her imagination run wild on the farm.
When I was 7, I used to go with my dad down to his shop and make milk stools, just do anything hands-on. It was also my job to take out the trash. It was an old silo where wed dump trash and Id always come back with more than I ever took out. I always had that urge to create, she said.
Today, she spends hours making and selling works of art. She has pieces displayed in galleries in Columbus, Seward, Lincoln and Grand Island, and has been featured in shows across Nebraska. Some of her commissioned pieces were sold to buyers as far away as Puerto Rico, Finland and Germany.
Im internationally famous, she said with a laugh.
Sitting at a table near the studio inside her waterside home at Jarecki Lake, Tomasevicz shared early career plans that actually pointed her in a different direction.
When I was in high school, I wanted to be an architectural engineer because I liked art and math. That was back in the 1960s and my counselor told me that was for boys. Women could be teachers, nurses, hairdressers or secretaries, she said.
Instead of pursuing that dream, she decided to follow in her fathers footsteps. He stopped farming and became a math and science teacher. Tomasevicz earned her bachelors and masters degrees in art from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, then went on to teach for 43 years before retiring in 2014.
Her first three years of teaching were in Osceola. After marrying her husband Dennis, they moved to Shelby where she was an educator for 21 years. She also spent two years in Columbus and 17 at David City Aquinas.
Tomasevicz enjoyed the career, especially teaching K-12 because she could build upon what students learned from year to year. Art is an important subject for students to learn, she said.
Sadly, many schools are doing away with elementary art. That is how you evaluate civilization, by their art and their music and their culture. It is not by their math and science so much as their expression of themselves, Tomasevicz said.
She never considered trying to make a living as an artist. Instead, she found time to work on pieces throughout her career as a teacher and mother to two sons, Curt and John.
Most of her work is landscapes, farm animals and people brought to life with pastels and mixed media, though she has experience in many areas because of her teaching background.
Being an art teacher, you have to be able to show (students) how to do all different mediums, she said.
Recently, she started working with pottery. She and a few other artists have their own co-op called The Pottery Place at 2624 23rd St., where they bring their own clay and use a kiln to make vases, pots and other decorative pieces.
Retiring from teaching freed up more time to concentrate on artwork. She said about 75 percent of what she creates is for her, and the other 25 percent is commissioned.
The ones for me are often the ones others like, as well, which is good because then I can sell them, Tomasevicz said.
The first piece she sold was a painting of a carousel for a student art show in high school.
I was one of two people who sold anything that day. I think I got a whopping $7. I babysat for 50 cents an hour so $7 was cha-ching, Tomasevicz said.
Over the years, she has completed a lot of commissioned work for individuals and businesses, including paintings of 10 scenes inside the Northside Cafe in David City and a 15-foot mural that hung in the farmers co-op in Shelby before being moved to the community's senior center.
Most of what she paints reflects what she sees, including scenes from her time spent at The Louvre in France and trips to Turin, Italy, and Vancouver, British Columbia, for the Olympics to see Curt compete on an American bobsled team.
Tomasevicz is also involved in several organizations and takes part in workshops to continue learning and stay up-to-date in the art world.
Even though she has created, exhibited and sold numerous pieces of artwork, Tomasevicz still doesnt view herself as a professional artist.
You look at those people who do it day in and day out every year and that is how they earn their money. They are professionals. Im still more of a hobbyist, she said.
COLUMBUS Sundays high temperature may have seemed like swimsuit weather, but dont put those snow boots away just yet.
Spring got an early jump on its official start with record temperatures reached the day before in Nebraska. Highs in parts of the state hit the mid-90s on Sunday, with Columbus topping out at 82 degrees.
On Monday afternoon, Pawnee Park was buzzing with dog walkers, duck feeders, slide-goers and anglers.
Scott and Cindy Schwalenberg grabbed their fishing poles, bought licenses and christened spring with a trip to the Pawnee Park West pond. Nearby, 4-year-old Elijah Kugler and his 3-year-old sister Kailyn took to the playground.
While the warm temperatures were a nice gesture from Mother Nature, Associate State Climatologist Al Dutcher said we may not be done with the winter weather.
We cant rule winter out yet. Not until the middle of April, he said, adding that a few more hard freezes should be expected.
Snowfall is also in the forecast for late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, although it won't stick around long as the temperature bounces back above freezing during the day.
A warm-up begins Thursday and Friday, when the high temperature is expected to hit 60 degrees, with the wet weather continuing into the weekend and early part of next week.
Winter may have seemed exceptionally mild, but Dutcher said it was only about three degrees warmer than average overall. Still, that's enough to put it among the top-10 warmest winters recorded in Columbus.
People think it was a mild winter, but it wasnt because while there were highs in the 70s, our low temps got below freezing just enough days to keep it a typical winter, Dutcher said.
Columbus only received 11.2 inches of snowfall, a far cry from the previous winter, when a single storm in February dumped 13 inches.
Dutcher said the lack of snowfall can be blamed for a lot of sneezing, even among those without allergies. There's plenty of dust in the air since the ground is drier.
This weeks rainfall should slow down the sneezing," Dutcher said.
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Chef Matt Ayala, inset, will helm a new French restaurant in the financial district. The 5,000-square-foot restaurant is planned for the site at 401 S. Financial Pl. (Erin Hooley / Chicago Tribune)
A sister of French restaurant Cochon Volant is planned in a plaza alongside an office tower in the city's financial district, part of the landlord's efforts to attract office tenants.
The restaurant at 401 S. Financial Place, to be called Taureaux Tavern, Bar and Brasserie, is expected to open in spring 2018, said Caitlin McCarthy, a spokeswoman for restaurant operator WellDone Hospitality Group, which has signed a lease for the space.
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The 5,000-square-foot restaurant also will include a large patio with more than 100 seats in the plaza along the western edge of the 39-story office tower at 440 S. LaSalle St.
WellDone is a partnership of James Beard Award-winning chef Roland Liccioni, whose other restaurants have included Le Francais and Les Nomades, and the founders of OrganicLife, which provides meals to schools.
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WellDone opened Cochon Volant, French for "flying pig," in the Loop's Hyatt Centric hotel in 2015. The Taureaux name, in a nod to trading firms in the area, translates as Bulls Tavern.
Building owner CIM Group, like other office landlords, is seeking unique restaurants, retailers and other amenities, and not just because they represent new sources of revenue.
"Our assignment was to bring in a full-service restaurant with bar, specifically to enhance the building for new office tenants and existing tenants," said broker David Stone, who represented CIM Group in the lease along with John Vance, also a principal at retail brokerage Stone Real Estate. "Having a hip, cool, active restaurant and bar downstairs is a unique way to differentiate your office building."
Taureaux Tavern is expected to have a casual bistro feel similar to Cochon Volant, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night cocktails. Cochon Volant executive chef Matt Ayala will serve the same role at Taureaux Tavern.
WellDone's restaurant concepts also include Dough Bros. and Mixed Greens.
Previously, the building served as the offices of Gardner Rich, the firm led by stock broker Chris Gardner, whose life was the subject of the movie and book "The Pursuit of Happyness," according to Chicago-based real estate brokerage MB Real Estate.
The rags-to-riches story of Gardner, who grew up amid poverty and violence, was played in the 2006 movie by Will Smith. The Chicago-based brokerage had its office in the Financial Place building for more than a decade, according to MB, which manages the property.
The single-story building is along the west side of Four40, the tower CIM bought last year in a deal that valued the property at about $200 million. Four40, known for the Chicago Stock Exchange, includes an unusual mix of uses, including the higher-end French restaurant Everest and boutique Buckingham Hotel on the top floor, the Buckingham Club private club and fitness center on the third floor and a 325-space parking garage underground.
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The restaurant is part of a full redesign of the plaza outside Four40, Stone said.
"The plaza offered a distinct advantage that these guys recognized," Stone said of WellDone. "I don't know of another office site that has a free-standing, one-story building that can become a restaurant."
Los Angeles-based CIM also owns Tribune Tower, which is expected to be redeveloped, and the Block 37 shopping mall and apartment tower.
rori@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @Ryan_Ori
Dominique is recovering with a foster family in Chicago after surgeons removed a parasitic twin that was not fully developed. Dominiques parents and siblings await her return home to the Ivory Coast in West Africa. March 20, 2017. (Advocate Childrens Hospital) (Advocate ChildrenS Hospital/Chicago Tribune)
Advocate Children's Hospital surgeons have successfully operated on a baby from Africa born with two spines and an extra set of legs protruding from her neck.
The Park Ridge hospital announced Tuesday that 10-month-old Dominique from Ivory Coast, or Cote d'Ivoire, in West Africa, is recovering well from the March 8 surgery. The baby already has started sitting up again, and doctors expect she'll be able to live a normal, fully functional life.
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"Her recovery has been amazing," said Nancy Swabb, who is hosting the infant in her Edgebrook neighborhood home during the infant's recovery in the U.S. "Children are so resilient."
Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 7 Nancy Swabb, of Chicago, holds 10-month-old Dominique on March 21, 2017, at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge. The infant from the Ivory Coast was born with four legs and two spines. A March 8 surgery at the hospital removed the parasitic twin that had not fully developed. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune)
Tuesday's news conference highlighted the rare surgery the first of its kind performed at Advocate Children's Hospital while also training a spotlight on a hospital that in the past five years has added about 100 physicians and seeks to boost awareness of its growing capabilities.
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In the Chicago area, many people think of Lurie Children's Hospital in downtown Chicago as the go-to facility for complex pediatric operations. Lurie, for example, has successfully separated three sets of conjoined twins, said Lurie spokeswoman Julie Pesch.
Lurie also attracts many patients from abroad. Last year, Lurie cared for 247 patients from outside the U.S.
Advocate Children's Hospital, with campuses in Park Ridge and Oak Lawn, doesn't attract many patients from abroad and may not be as well-known for complex surgeries, said Dr. Robert Kellogg, one of the five surgeons who operated on Dominique. But he said surgeons at Advocate knew they could help Dominique, whose last name was not released, at her parents' request.
Dominique was born with what's known as a parasitic twin, Kellogg said. The other twin, however, never fully developed. Only the lower half of that twin's body formed, and Dominique was born with that parasitic twin joined to her spine, Kellogg said.
Her recovery has been amazing. Children are so resilient. Nancy Swabb, Dominique's American foster mother
Only a handful of cases like Dominique's, involving a parasitic twin attached at the spine, have ever been documented, he said.
"It's as if the identical twin sort of dove into her body from the back and the only part sticking out were the hips and legs," said Dr. John Ruge, who was part of the surgical team. Doctors feared if the parasitic twin weren't removed, Dominique could become paralyzed. They also worried that her heart and lungs wouldn't be able to keep up with the demands of supporting another half a body.
Doctors had to separate bone, blood vessels and nerves during the six-hour surgery, Kellogg said. "It was very complicated because there were all kinds of different connections between Dominique and the twin," he said. They used some of the parasitic twin's muscles to cover Dominique's spine.
The surgeons removed the parasitic twin's legs, but they left both spines inside Dominique, saying she should be able to live normally with both of them.
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"While it's not something that this hospital has done before, we certainly had the confidence we could plan and perform this surgery and have a good outcome at the end," Kellogg said. "We really do have the capacity to care for these very complicated patients that have a lot of needs."
Advocate Children's Hospital President Mike Farrell said the surgery showcases the hospital's abilities, which have grown since Advocate Health Care, the state's largest hospital system, committed about six years ago to bolstering the children's hospital's offerings.
Nancy Swabb of Chicago is caring for 10-month-old Dominique, a baby born with four legs and two spines from the Ivory Coast, West Africa. Dominique underwent a rare surgery at Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge. (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune) (Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)
Performing a surgery like the one on Dominique helps the hospital continue to grow those capabilities, he said. The hospital performed the surgery for free, as it does in about four to six complex cases a year, Farrell said. The total cost of the surgery has not been calculated, he said.
Allan Baumgarten, an independent health care financial analyst, said such high-profile surgeries can have long-term benefits for a hospital.
"Building a record of doing innovative things, including previously sort of unprecedented kinds of surgeries, does contribute to a favorable image, a favorable reputation for a specialty hospital, and can have some positive marketing value going forward," Baumgarten said.
Lurie CEO Patrick Magoon said in an interview with the Tribune on Tuesday that the breadth and depth of medical talent at Lurie is unmatched in the Chicago area. "If you look at complexity, where you really need an integrated team, what you have (at Lurie) isn't replicated anywhere," Magoon said.
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Dominique came to the hospital via the Ohio-based nonprofit Children's Medical Missions West, which has a relationship with one of the doctors at Advocate Children's Hospital. The organization describes itself as a nonprofit Christian organization that finds free medical care for children who can't necessary get care in their home countries.
The organization also finds host families, such as the Swabbs, to care for children while they're receiving medical care in the U.S. Nancy Swabb said Dominique arrived in the U.S. in early February.
Swabb said she volunteered to host Dominique after seeing a Facebook post featuring a photo of the little girl in her mother's lap. Within two weeks of seeing that Facebook post, Dominique and an escort flew from her home in the city of Abidjan to Chicago, where she met Nancy Swabb, her husband and their two daughters, ages 9 and 15. Baby gear, donated by neighbors, awaited her.
"She took to us immediately," Swabb said. "She was affectionate and sweet, so we knew she must have come from a loving family."
Dominique likely will head home to her mother, father and three older sisters, who've been getting regular updates on the baby's condition, in mid-April, Swabb said. Dominique's parents weren't able to come due to cost, an Advocate Children's Hospital spokeswoman said.
lschencker@chicagotribune.com
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Drones, such as the DJI Phantom 4 pictured here, can be used by community associations for jobs such as inspecting the gutters. (TNS)
When a community association manager needed to know how badly the property's gutters were clogged, Nik Clark had a solution. He launched an unmanned aircraft system, otherwise known as a drone.
It flew above the building's roofline, and Clark and the manager viewed aerial imagery on his smartphone.
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Within minutes she had her answer.
Clark is a partner at Milwaukee-based Superior Reserve Engineering & Consulting, and he frequently uses the company's DJI Phantom drone to inspect building elements.
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"The drone saved her from having to get the maintenance staff or a contractor with a ladder to inspect the gutters," Clark said.
Throughout the association industry, managers, contractors and other service providers increasingly are embracing technology on the job. Many tasks are getting done in less time and with less effort. Associations, in turn, are seeing faster service and often lower costs.
Electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, digital cameras and GPS units have made managers increasingly mobile. Cloud storage allows them to carry thousands of documents, records, photographs and videos in their pockets.
"We used to have to write everything down on paper and go back to the office to enter it all," said Dan Haumann, president at Advocate Property Management, which has locations in Naperville, Lisle and Tinley Park. "Now we can walk around a property and update everything in real time."
In case of an emergency, the manager, staff and contractors can react faster by transmitting text, photos and video to each other before arriving on-site, said Jacqueline Abraham, regional director at Lieberman Management Services in Chicago and Elk Grove Village.
"We are more efficient than we were in past years with all that information at our fingertips," she said.
The next big technology associations may be adopting is electronic voting. To make that happen, boards must have their voting rules in place at least 120 days before an election. Even before that, they have to draft the rules, notify the owners of the pending changes and approve the rules at an open meeting. It all takes time.
"A lot of our associations have adopted rules to start with electronic voting, but they haven't done it yet," Abraham said. "That's our big initiative for 2017."
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"We just did a board training event on what they need to do to get prepared," said Haumann, who added that he challenged managers to each get one association to do its annual meeting with electronic voting.
The ability to vote in the comfort of one's home is expected to increase voter participation, he added.
Engineers, architects and other building specialists have an electronic toolbox of their own. Ground-penetrating radar, similar to an ultrasound machine used in medicine, allows operators to see what is underground or within dense walls. Infrared cameras show temperature changes, which could be indicative of water infiltration. Digital moisture meters measure the moisture content in a material.
Digital imaging maps of surfaces and terrain help illustrate progress reports or make before-and-after comparisons.
"It's all changing so fast, and ... we are finding the tools are much easier to use," said architect Delph Gustitus, principal at BTL Architects in Chicago.
And about those drones don't get too excited just yet. There are limitations and restrictions on their usage. Commercial operators must be certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, and their drones can't be flown higher than 400 feet. That's about 40 stories.
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"It doesn't substitute for physical presence, but it does help you use your resources, so you can decide when to make a physical presence," Clark said.
Despite all the advances, there are some problems best solved by a much-maligned low-tech device: the selfie stick.
"When we don't have access to a wall or can't do a binocular inspection, smartphone cameras are so good," Gustitus said. "We put them on a selfie stick and open the window."
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Many appraisers say that when the appraisal charge is $500 or $800 or $1,000, they're often paid just a fraction of that. The rest is going to an appraisal management company under contract with the lender. (Eric Audras / Getty Images)
WASHINGTON Are you getting fleeced on appraisal charges when you buy a house or refinance? Could you be paying as much as double what the appraiser is receiving for actually doing the work, with the excess going to an undisclosed third party?
Many appraisers say yes. And they're eager to let consumers know that when the appraisal charge is $500 or $800 or $1,000, they're frequently being paid just a fraction of that. The rest is going to an "appraisal management" company under contract with the lender to oversee the appraisal process. Management companies hire the appraiser, negotiate fees, review the appraisal and send it to the lender. Management companies often select appraisers willing to work for relatively low fees. In exchange, they make assignments available to appraisers that they might not otherwise receive.
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Controversy arises when management companies add 35 to 50 percent surcharges or more onto the final bill to the consumer. Federal rules do not require disclosure of the surcharges, nor do regulations in the majority of states. Appraisers say management companies often seek to hide the amount of their add-ons by prohibiting them from attaching their invoices to the appraisal report the consumer receives.
Worst of all, they say, is when the consumer blames the appraiser for the high fee being charged, unaware that much of it is going into a third party's pockets.
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Ryan Lundquist, an appraiser active in the Sacramento, Calif., market, told me about a recent experience: The house he was asked to appraise had complicated features and was difficult to value, requiring a higher-than-typical fee $800. Subsequently he learned that the management company tacked on an extra $345 a 43 percent surcharge hitting the consumer with a $1,145 bill. After the homeowner complained, he learned that the management company said the $1,145 was solely Lundquist's quote, not theirs.
"I was shocked," Lundquist said. "It wasn't honest, it wasn't ethical," plus the borrower was being "gouged." Forty-three percent extra "just seems too much for a middleman service."
Lundquist described his experience in a blog post, which drew dozens of responses by appraisers around the country, mainly critical about management companies' add-ons to consumers' bills.
"I got chewed out by the owner of the house," wrote one. "Yes, I charged $700. But he (the owner) paid $1,700," a $1,000 add-on. "Now that is an excessive fee." Another complained that a management company had "hit (the homeowner's) credit card three times" for the appraisal fee before the work was performed and then tacked on a 45 percent surcharge. The owner "yelled at me" for the rip-off, he said. The appraiser ultimately declined the assignment rather than work for the management company.
Richard Hagar, an appraiser in the Seattle area, said in an email that "I'm still receiving fee 'offers' (from management companies) below $400, while the borrower is being charged $800."
Carl Schneider, a Tulsa, Okla., appraiser, said excessive markups are commonplace, but consumers usually "know nothing about it" because the appraiser is prohibited from revealing the actual fee.
"I resent forcibly being complicit in this fraud," Schneider said. "Why can't they be transparent?
David Doering, a Jefferson City, Mo., appraiser and president of the National Association of Independent Fee Appraisers, said "we often don't know what's being charged to the consumer. We only hear about it when people are angry."
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When asked about fee add-ons and efforts to conceal charges, Mark Schiffman, executive director of the appraisal management companies' national trade group the Real Estate Valuation Advocacy Association declined to discuss pricing, noting that "I am not a party to any (appraisal management company) contracts."
Jeff Eisenshtadt, president and CEO of Title Source, whose TSI Appraisal division is a major management company, said "there's a tremendous amount of value" his industry brings to the table, but "we believe the consumer really should be focused on the bottom line charge for the appraisal," not the split between the appraiser and the management company. Consumers don't care about the individual costs of "the pickles and onions and lettuce" that go into a hamburger, he said, nor should they when it comes to appraisals.
Maybe he's right. But if you care about where your money is going when you pay for an appraisal, ask the lender or the appraiser. Who's getting what? And why?
kenharney@earthlink.net
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Former WMAQ-Ch. 5 news anchor Joan Esposito on Monday placed her six-bedroom, 5,000-square-foot home in Winnetka on the market for $1.935 million.
Esposito, 63, was a top news anchor in Chicago for two decades until leaving NBC 5 in 1999 and starting her own media training firm, J2 Strategic Communications.
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Esposito paid $1.9 million in 2005 for the three-story home. Custom-built by Andrzej Kruszewski and featuring handmade brick, the house has 5 baths, four fireplaces, a second-floor laundry room, an office with built-ins and a kitchen with a six-burner Wolf range, two warming drawers, two Sub-Zero refrigerators, two microwave ovens, an island and a butler's pantry. Other features include a finished lower level with a sixth bedroom, a fireplace, a theater and a wet bar.
"It's an incredibly beautiful custom-built home," said listing agent Sherry Molitor of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices KoenigRubloff. "And it sits on a 190-foot-deep lot. That's deep by Winnetka standards. It's a tremendous property."
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Molitor added that the fact that Esposito's home was not a spec home means that "it is above and beyond most new or newer construction properties." She also touted the home's central location in Winnetka, which is close to downtown Winnetka, the train station, schools and parks.
Molitor said that with her children now out of the house, Esposito plans to move to the city.
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))
Deann and Rick Bayless are pictured in Frontera Grill on March 26, 1987. The restaurant, which opened 30 years ago today, was first reviewed in the Chicago Tribune about a month later. (Chris Walker / Chicago Tribune)
On this day 30 years ago, Rick and Deann Bayless opened Frontera Grill. It's safe to say that Chicago's Mexican-dining scene has never been the same.
Calling it "already one of the best Mexican restaurants around," Paul A. Camp (the Tribune's restaurant critic then) hung two stars on Frontera within a month of its opening. The accolades have only increased since.
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Of course, there will be a big celebration, and of course, the Baylesses being who they are, the celebration will benefit someone else. On April 30, the evening before Chicago hosts the annual James Beard Foundation Awards Gala, Bayless will host a celebrity-chef-studded dinner in the Griffin Court in the Art Institute of Chicago's Modern Wing. Tickets are $500, and proceeds will go to FamilyFarmed and the Frontera Farmer Foundation, two organizations that promote family farming and sustainable food systems.
You can find details and buy tickets at www.frontera30.org.
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In homage to Frontera's big birthday, here's Paul Camp's original review:
This review was originally published April 24, 1987, in the Chicago Tribune.
"They make their own sour cream and a terrific guacamole," Jean Joho, the four-star French chef, raved recently. "It looks like Chicago will finally get a serious Mexican restaurant."
Joho, who heads the kitchen at the Everest Room atop One Financial Place, is in good company. Chicago's foodies have long bemoaned the fact that few, if any, truly authentic, consistently reliable Mexican restaurants exist in the area.
Now they're flocking to the new Frontera Grill. Not only Joho, but also Gordon's Michael Kornick, Amerique's Jennifer Newbury, cookbook author Abby Mandel and a host of other Chicago food luminaries have been seen checking the place out.
The Frontera Grill should satisfy their cravings for authentic Mexican food and at the same time introduce novices to the wide range of regional variations and unexpected complexities of that country's cuisine.
One whiff of the astringent air inside the restaurant singes the senses with scents of smoke, roasted peppers, mole and seasonings mingling sensually to raise expectations about the fare to come. By and large, Frontera Grill, open only five weeks, meets those expectations and sometimes exceeds them.
Run by Rick Bayless and his wife, Deann Groen Bayless, Frontera broke new ground as the first restaurant locally perhaps anywhere opened to coordinate with publication of a new cookbook, "Authentic Mexican: Regional Cooking From the Heart of Mexico," written by the owners.
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If names like Rick and Deann Bayless inspire less than complete confidence in their ability to produce authentic Mexican cuisine, not to worry. Rick Bayless grew up around Mexican food, shuttled for eight years between Los Angeles and Mexico with his wife, and has done his homework. Bayless hosts the public television series "Cooking Mexican," and his book, published by William Morrow last month, is chalking up rave reviews around the country.
After the initial impact of the ambient aroma of the restaurant, diners face several choices. First, those so inclined must decide between the potent gold margarita an excellent elixir of tequila, orange liqueur and lime juice and an unusual white wine margarita variation. Although there is a wine list with some interesting possibilities at reasonable prices, this food almost cries for beer, Coke or margaritas as accompaniment.
The important decisions out of the way, diners then must pick and choose their way through a dinner menu divided into three sections: small dishes, tacos and entrees. This sounds simple, but such specialties as duck breast in green pumpkinseed mole and fish pibil will shake to attention those used to ordinary selections of boring Mexican-American vittles. The best strategy is to approach this restaurant the way many people approach Chinese: Go with a large group, order many different dishes and share.
Start with a selection of the small dishes, either one of your own choosing or one of the two samplers offered on the menu. Two of these small dishes outshine the others the excellent fresh guacamole and the Mexico City-style quesadillas. Unlike the quesadillas at other places around town, Frontera's crescent-shaped corn-flour turnovers resemble dumplings filled with mild melted cheese and flavored with fresh herbs.
The seviche marinated fish with olives, tomato and cilantro that tops the crisp tortillas tasted too much of raw lime on one visit, as if it hadn't had sufficient marinating time for the flavors to blend. On another visit it was excellent. Taquitos filled with chicken recall slender Vietnamese egg rolls in shape and their crisp, flaky texture. Queso fundido lovers will relish Frontera's flavorful melted cheese flecked with chorizo, roasted peppers and onions, served with warm tortillas. The selection of sopes includes small samples of the homemade chorizo sausage, chicken in mole, plantain in sour cream and gaucamole, all on platforms made from masa corn flour.
Those whose experience in Mexican food is limited to Pepe's and Chi-Chi's will be shocked when they order Frontera Grill's tacos. The restaurant offers a choice of skirt steak, pork loin, chicken or duck breast, and catfish for the filling, all grilled over the hardwood fire. These ingredients come with hot tortillas, instead of the common crisp U-shaped shell, and roasted pepper rajas, salsa, frijoles charros (literally "cowboy beans") and guacamole. Diners then build their own tacos with as much or as little of the ingredients as they desire.
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The smoke from the hardwood coals greatly flavors all of the stuffing meats, and the cooks take care not to overcook them, preserving their moisture. Therefore, the tacos al carbon make for some of the best eating on the menu.
No meal at Frontera Grill would be complete without one of the excellent mole dishes. Mole sauce is one of the basics of Mexican cuisine and almost never well-executed in this country. Here the mix of dried chilies, fruits, nuts, seasonings and chocolate turns out exceptionally rich with no hint of bitterness. Try either the seared turkey breast or the chicken-filled enchiladas both with a red mole. Or try the duck breast with green pumpkinseed mole, an unusual-sounding dish of unusual quality.
Other recommended entrees include the super-savory Texas chili, split game hen and carne asada (marinated and grilled beef tenderloin). Chilies rellenos, also offered "until we run out," according to the menu, had already run out on all of my visits, unfortunately.
Only one dish missed the mark by a mile the fresh fish pibil. Red snapper marinated with achiote seasoning and baked in banana leaves had a strong ammoniated smell one night. The problem seems to be with the banana leaves, rather than the fish, but the dish definitely didn't work. Management says it is working on the dish to solve the problem.
Portions are quite generous and prices are reasonable less than $10 per dish, with most of the "small dishes" selling for less than $5. Even so, such intriguing desserts as a somewhat-too-sweet prickly pear flan, rich and wonderful chocolate pecan pie, chocolate-bourbon bread pudding and homemade ice creams tempt beyond all reason to stretch one's limits. A more limited and somewhat less expensive selection of dishes is offered for lunch.
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Service leaves much to be desired at this point. Although well-meaning, servers need more knowledge of the food, and long waits between courses and some confusion over the orders are not unusual. Nevertheless, such impressive accomplishments from such a young restaurant hold out great promise for even better things to come.
Already Frontera Grill is one of the best Mexican restaurants around. It can easily become a great place to eat as it resolves the service problems and perfects all of the dishes.
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Frontera Grill
2 stars
445 N. Clark St.
Price range: Small dishes $1.95-$8.95, tacos al carbon $7.95-$8.95, entrees $7.95-$13.50, desserts $2.50-$3.25, dinner for two of appetizer (small dish), entrees, dessert, tax and tip: $35. Reservations: Accepted for parties of six or more.
Other: No-smoking section.
Arnold Schwarzenegger is trying to flip the narrative of his ongoing ratings feud with President Donald Trump.
"Oh Donald -- the ratings are in, and you got swamped," the actor and former Governor of California said in a video posted to Twitter Tuesday morning. "Wow. Now you're in the thirties?"
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The video comes on the heels of the latest gallup polls which put Trump's approval rating at just 37% -- a new low since he took office two months ago. Trump and Schwarzenegger have argued over social media in the past. The "Terminator" actor took over for Trump on "The Apprentice," which subsequently tanked in the ratings. Trump has publicly shamed Schwarzenegger for the show's ratings failure, while the new host has called out the president's continued involvement as an executive producer on the show as a reason why audiences may have tuned out.
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"But what do you expect?" Schwarzenegger asked in the video. "I mean when you take away after school programs for children and meals on wheels for the poor people, that's not what you call 'making America great again.' Come on."
He added, "I mean, who is advising you? Let me give you some advice: go to a middle school -- the Hart Middle School, right in Washington, six miles away from the White House."
Finally, Schwarzenegger concluded with an offer: "I'll take you there, so you can see the fantastic work that they're doing for these children. Let's do it, huh?"
The president, who is typically not shy on Twitter, has yet to respond.
Watch Schwarzenegger's video below:
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 122 Sophie Turner as Jean Grey, anger management student, in "Dark Phoenix." The film, the latest in the "X-Men" franchise, costars James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender and Jessica Chastain. Read the review. (Twentieth Century Fox)
Blues harmonica musician James Cotton died March 16, 2017 of pneumonia in Austin, Texas. He was 81, according to the announcement by Alligator Records. (Christopher Durst photo)
The blues rarely sounded harder or sharper than when James Cotton brought a harmonica to his lips.
His solos burst with invention, the master telling his story with tremolos and slides, fat vibrato and ferociously bent pitches, an avalanche of thoughts punctuated with silences, so the listener could try to take it all in.
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Admirers called him "Superharp," which was a bit of an understatement. The sheer lung power and technical virtuosity that Cotton brought to bear sometimes made you wonder if his tiny, hand-held instrument could withstand such force.
So Cotton's death last Thursday at age 81 in Austin, Texas, leaves a gaping space in the pantheon of blues harmonica players, not only because of the caliber of his art but because of how subsequent generations revered him.
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"He was one of the most important and influential of the Chicago blues harmonica players," says Chicago blues harpist Billy Branch, who recorded with Cotton, Junior Wells and Carey Bell on the classic album "Harp Attack!"
"He was a mentor, and I consider him one of my teachers," adds Branch. "He was a great musician, a great entertainer and a great bandleader.
"He played really hard."
Cotton combined the unusual dexterity of his playing with the tremendous physicality of his performance manner, in early days doing backflips on stage between harmonica riffs and vocal shouts. Neither gravity nor the harshness of his youth could keep him earthbound.
Born July 1, 1935, in Tunica, Miss., Cotton was the youngest of nine children living "a hard life it was really hard," he told me in 2013. "We didn't have much of nothing. I came up the hard way."
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His first harmonica lesson, if you want to call it that, amounted to his mother blowing into a 15-cent instrument to imitate the sounds of trains and chickens. When he heard legendary harmonica player Sonny Boy Williamson II, the boy realized music was inside the instrument, if you knew how to pull it out, which he quickly taught himself to do.
By age 9 Cotton was an orphan, so his uncle took him to meet Williamson, who apparently was impressed to encounter a child who could play Williamson's solos back to him. Cotton spent the next six years at Williamson's side.
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What did he learn from Williamson?
"How to chase women, how to drink and how to play the blues he was doing all that," Cotton told me. "Anything he played today, I learned it tomorrow. He never said anything. Never said, 'Play like this.'
"I pretty much learned (by observing) Sonny Boy's guidance. He was a genius, in my book."
Williamson certainly had picked a promising protege, for by age 15 Cotton was surviving on his own playing Beale Street in Memphis, and wherever else he could pick up some change. He toiled as an iceman and a truck driver, recorded with Sun Records and toured with Howlin' Wolf in the early 1950s.
From Wolf, "I learned more about the business, booking the band, how to treat a band, how to keep a band," Cotton told me. "I already was playing harmonica about as good as Howlin' Wolf was.
"Then Muddy Waters come through. He heard I was on records. He came looking for me."
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That was enough to get Cotton to come to Chicago in 1954, the rising star spending the next 12 years touring with the legend. Though Waters' Chess recordings until 1958 featured Little Walter on harmonica, Cotton took over and caught everyone's attention with his explosive solo on "Got My Mojo Working" at the Newport Jazz Festival in 1960.
"It was a hot seat for me to fill Walter's seat," Cotton told me, adding that he considered Walter "the greatest harmonica player I ever heard."
By opening for rock attractions such as Janis Joplin, the Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin and Santana in the 1970s, Cotton reached a wider audience than ever before.
Surgery for throat cancer in 1994 mostly silenced his vocals, but he still had his harmonica, which was where it all started.
"My harp is like my wife," he told me. "It won't let me leave."
Still, he growled searing, autobiographical songs in his 2013 album "Cotton Mouth Man" (on Chicago's Alligator Records).
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On the recording's last cut, "Bonnie Blue," Cotton rumbled a succinct version of the story of his life:
"I learned from Sonny Boy
Him and Howlin' Wolf too
Twelve years with Muddy Waters
And I know what I had to do
Father Time has slipped up on me
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Long gone is my youth
I look in the mirror each morning
And I'm staring at the truth."
That's what you heard in Cotton's music, the unvarnished truth, from an artist whose life traced much of the arc of 20th-century blues.
As for Chicago, the adopted hometown he left in 1994 when "I met a sweet little woman from Texas," the place always held deep resonances for him.
"Chicago, what I know, is a good blues city," he said. "It was a blues city when I was there. The best blues musicians then were in Chicago. And there's still a lot of great people there.
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"Chicago is the blues, as far as I'm concerned."
NEA Jazz Masters
Of all the damage that will be done if the National Endowment for the Arts is eliminated, as planned by the Trump administration's proposed budget, at least one blow will fall particularly hard on jazz: the disappearance of the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowship.
The country's highest jazz honor has saluted musicians who don't get a fraction of the recognition they deserve, and since 1982 the prize has gone to such brilliant artists as Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Sonny Rollins, Ornette Coleman, Miles Davis, Ella Fitzgerald, Betty Carter and other giants. Chicagoans such as pianist Ramsey Lewis, saxophonist Von Freeman and Jazz Showcase founder Joe Segal also have been saluted.
Should the unthinkable happen and the NEA vanish, another jazz institution ought to pick up the program, the obvious choice being Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York.
But maybe it won't come to that.
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Howard Reich is a Tribune critic.
hreich@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @howardreich
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Blues harmonica legend James Cotton dead at 81
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On a recent edition of his WXRT radio spot "Lin's Bin," host Lin Brehmer defined what it means to be a classic: "A classic is a survivor. A classic transcends the winds of change. We see its genius in the timelessness of its appeal. There is a measure of comfort in our belief that a classic will resist its age. A classic has nothing to do with truth, but it has something to do with wisdom."
This week, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to Chicago for the 47th time, performing Wednesday through Sunday the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. The company's annual appearance is a Chicago dance tradition, if we ever had one, and a testament to the importance of this predominantly African-American contemporary dance company. Closing every show is Alvin Ailey's masterpiece "Revelations," which premiered in 1960.
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Choreographed on the brink of the civil rights movement in America, "Revelations" was a radical act for its time. Today "Revelations" is a history lesson through dance that evades antiquity, a timeless reminder of how far we've come, and how far we have to go. Technically demanding, choreographically sound and aesthetically magnificent, "Revelations" is the dance version of Rodin's "The Thinker," or Leonardo's "Mona Lisa." It is our "Rent," our "Angels in America" our "Let It Be." It's the closest we get in dance to a permanent exhibit. In a word, it's a classic. And while, admittedly, I often start to complain seeing the same work twice in a season, like most classics, I can (and do) watch this over and over and over, without fatigue.
"I never get tired of doing 'Revelations,'" dancer Solomon Dumas said in an interview with the Tribune. At 28 years old, the Chatham native will perform at home for the first time since joining the main company. He first glimpsed the iconic work 15 years ago and has since watched or danced it a few hundred times.
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"I was immediately able to connect with the piece," said Dumas, who recalled renting videos of the company from Harold Washington Library and learning parts of the piece during AileyCamp, an outreach program that introduces dance to inner-city kids. "It's a period piece," he said, "but it's timeless. For me, performing ('Revelations') is a spiritual experience. The overall theme is triumph, and resilience, and the celebration of life through the lens of the African-American experience."
In her 17 years with the company, dancer Hope Boykin has performed "Revelations" thousands of times. "I believe in all of what 'Revelations' stands for," she said in a phone interview.
"Mr. Ailey was honest enough to let the work come through him and it's my duty to uphold that work. I'm not perfect, but I'm striving to be all of those things I hear every night," said Boykin, referring to familiar gospel hymns like "Fix Me, Jesus" and "Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel" that accompany the dance. "This work is still so relevant," she said. "Audiences are so moved by this work. It has changed people."
Artistic director Robert Battle recognizes the delicate balance between legacy and currency in running a company that is approaching its 60th anniversary. In an interview with the Tribune, Battle said he's broadened the company's repertory during his tenure to incorporate works outside Ailey's typical aesthetic (adopting works like Ohad Naharin's "Minus 16" and Christopher Wheeldon's "After the Rain"). He's learning to get "beyond the awe of the responsibility" as the director of a company that has changed hands only twice founder Ailey hand-picked Judith Jamison to run the company prior to his death in 1989, and Jamison hand-picked Battle as artistic director when she stepped down in 2011.
"It's getting more and more comfortable all the time," said Battle, but he admitted it took some time to find his voice and learn to trust his instincts.
Joining "Revelations" across three unique lineups during the five-day Chicago engagement is "Masekela Language," (1969) a lesser-known Ailey work that draws connections between the South African apartheid and the Chicago race riots of the 1960s, plus two new dances also focused on the African-American experience in United States: the first installment of Kyle Abraham's three-part "Untitled America" and Boykin's "r-Evolution, Dream." Abraham's "Untitled America" examines the criminal justice system and the effects of incarceration on African-American families, while Boykin's "r-Evolution, Dream," her third piece of choreography for the company, was inspired by recordings of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. New versions of Battle's 2008 solo-turned-duet "Ella" and Billy Wilson's 1992 "Winter in Lisbon" are scattered throughout the weekend, too, highlighting jazz legends Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie, each born 100 years ago.
Battle will likely continue to move Ailey forward with smart and socially conscious programming choices, but now or in the future, he may never get away with ending a show without "Revelations." I put a poll out on Facebook, asking why "Revelations" still matters, and the resounding theme across a few dozen responses was, "It just does." "Revelations" represents more than the Ailey dance company. It represents the faith, beauty and complexity of African-American culture. It imbues pain, and humanity and joy. And, for some, it is the best possible representation of how Dance (capital "D") can bring people together.
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"Alvin Ailey wanted dance to be accessible," said Battle. "People find relief in being together and attending the theater, and dance is nonpolarizing. It's abstract enough that (viewers are) not being bombarded, and they can decide what that means to them." The dances on the program this season, he said, are "a reaffirmation that life goes on. I think that that's not necessarily different about this season, but much more profound."
Also worth noting
Chicago Repertory Ballet: "A Symphony for Hope" is artistic director Wade Schaaf's latest work, joined by favorite revivals of his "The Four Seasons" and "Bolero" and Tenley Dorill's "Still Life" for the contemporary ballet company's fifth anniversary. Schaaf's ambitious new ballet highlights soloist Sarah Olson, who will retire from performing this month. 8 p.m. Friday through Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday at the Biograph Theater, 2433 N. Lincoln Ave., $25-35 at www.chicagorepertoryballet.com
Chicago Tap Theatre: In an evening called "Liaison," CTT performs with two European tap companies for a reboot of last season's popular "Time Steps." Per usual, the one-night-only performance is accompanied by live music arranged by music director Kurt Schweitz. 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Athenaeum Theatre, 2936 N. Southport Ave. $23-37 at 773-935-6875 or www.chicagotaptheatre.com
Lauren Warnecke is a freelance critic.
ctc-arts@chicagotribune.com
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Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday
Where: Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway
Tickets: $33-$115 at 312-341-2300 or www.auditoriumtheatre.org
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Make it three out of three Emanuel brothers who have President Donald Trump's ear.
Dr. Zeke Emanuel the older brother of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Hollywood super agent Ari Emanuel, who once represented Trump confabbed with the president in the Oval Office on Monday morning about proposed reforms to Obamacare.
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The oncologist and bioethicist like his brothers, a Democrat played a key role in developing Obamacare but told Inc. he has now met with Trump three times to give his views of how the health care program might be improved.
"I'm an American if I can contribute positively, I'm going to try," he said of his willingness to step across partisan lines to advise the president, who has invited few Democrats to participate in his health care reforms. "I am not going to be manipulated, I'm not going to be abused, but if I can contribute usefully, I'm going to try."
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During a White House press briefing later Monday, White House press secretary Sean Spicer said that Emanuel "has been intimately involved in crafting health care policy since his work on Obamacare." But Emanuel said that was "crazy."
"That, I can assure you, is false," he told Inc. about Spicer's comments. "That is fake news."
Emanuel, who was joined by House Speaker Paul Ryan and Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price at the meeting, said he opposes the Republican health care bill currently under consideration. The president "did talk to me and he did ask me questions and I did respond and I did express my opinions, but I don't know whether that's a good sign or a bad sign," he said.
The fact that Trump sought him out "doesn't mean you've been heard," he added.
But he said, "When you are called upon to contribute to the good of the country, my parents taught me you have to go."
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Emanuel was recently hired by Fox News as a contributor, a step that might have improved his standing with the president, who often tweets about Fox News shows. He did not meet Trump until after the election, he said.
Asked what it was about his family that has led Trump to meet with all three brothers since his November victory, Emanuel joked "We're charming, funny outrageous. ... I can't explain it."
He acknowledged they were "probably" the only three brothers to have all had such meetings with the president, "especially for Democrats."
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While Emanuel refused to entertain a question about which of his siblings has the most clout with Trump, and wouldn't reveal details of his discussion with the president, he said that he does not believe that a compromise over the current health bill being pushed by Ryan can be reached.
But he said he does think "a deal (on health care) is possible."
kjanssen@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @kimjnews
President Donald Trump walks to a meeting with House Republicans to encourage a deal on the American Health Care Act at the Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 21, 2017. (Shawn Thew / EPA)
Republicans should thank Barack Obama. For eight years, he allowed them to pretend as though they cared about the American people.
The former president served as a convenient scapegoat for everything that's wrong with our country, while Republicans in Washington portrayed themselves as the party with all the answers. The only thing stopping them was Obama's veto pen.
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The biggest hoax was that the GOP actually had a sensible replacement for Obamacare.
Now that Obama is no longer around to hold them at bay, we're beginning to see these Washington demagogues for who they really are a party all too willing to give working-class Americans the shaft while looking out for big business and special interests.
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House Speaker Paul Ryan seems more than willing to push through Congress a poorly crafted bill that cuts individual subsidies for people who can't afford to purchase health insurance while giving a tax credit to those who earn more money.
The Republican bill likely to be passed in the House this week would leave 24 million people uninsured over the next 10 years, according to the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. Much of that will occur because the Republicans plan to severely reduce health care subsidies for the poor and working class.
If you are old and poor, you get hit with a double whammy.
Ryan has described it as giving Americans freedom of choice. But what it really amounts to is no choice at all for the most vulnerable Americans.
I'd like to see how Republicans explain that to the more than 6 million people in the states that Trump won who could lose their health care subsidies. According to a report by the Kaiser Family Foundation, some of the states with the highest number of people currently receiving subsidies are Florida, Texas, North Carolina and Georgia all represented by GOP senators and all that went for Trump. That doesn't even include the red states that have expanded Medicaid.
This time around, the GOP is hoping it can hide behind Trump, by quietly standing by as he steps to the forefront and rolls out his list of controversial policies, some of which Republicans have always wanted but were too scared to implement themselves.
The political priorities of Trump and establishment Republicans such as Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell could not be more different. In fact, they probably don't really like each other. It's one of the oddest trios we've seen in modern politics.
Yet Ryan and McConnell appear to have made a pact with Trump to give him what he wants long as he gives them what they want. It's the old Washington adage "you scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" at its finest.
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Ryan is almost giddy over his newfound power. During an interview with Chris Wallace on Fox News Sunday, he had to stop for a moment and take a breath while talking about the opportunities Trump's presidency has afforded Republicans. He could barely contain his excitement over Trump's leadership on the health care bill, calling the president a "great closer." This from a man who endorsed Trump for president but refused to be seen with him on the campaign trail.
How opinions change when politicians need someone to scratch their backs. And Trump appears perfectly willing to offer his hand in order to get his first budget through Congress.
Trump needs Ryan to shepherd through his $1.1 trillion budget proposal, which adds $54 billion to defense spending while cutting the same amount from domestic programs.
Ryan, on the other hand, knows that he cannot accomplish two of his biggest goals making cuts to Social Security and Medicare without Trump's support. During the campaign, Trump insisted that he would never touch the two programs. Now, the president seems to have softened his stance.
McConnell, who gave Trump a tepid endorsement during the campaign, is now acting like he's the guy the Republicans always wanted in the White House. It's sickening to watch McConnell beam when he appears with Trump in public, how he tries to act as though whatever Trump is saying makes sense when it is clear to many that the president has no idea what he's talking about half the time.
McConnell easily agreed to spend billions to help Trump fulfill a campaign promise, even though it is clear that the U.S. shouldn't be spending a dime on that silly Mexican border wall the president wants to build. Trump reportedly is asking for $2.6 billion for the wall
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Ryan acknowledged Sunday that Trump, who's expected to release a spending plan this week, likely will get much of what he's asking for in his budget.
"At the end of the day, I believe we will honor these priorities," he told Wallace.
Because that's what back-scratchers do.
I don't have any sympathy for Trump, but he ought to watch his back. These guys will turn on him as soon as the political winds start blowing the other way.
Once they've gotten what they want from him, Trump will be as worthless to them as a Democratic voter in Mississippi.
dglanton@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter @dahleeng
Community members included Art Ellingsen, in cap, who identified himself a local Tea Party leader, speak at a Monday meeting of ACT for America, which critics view as anti-Muslim. Ellingsen criticized the Southern Poverty Law Center for calling ACT for America a hate group. (Lee V. Gaines / Pioneer Press/Chicago Tribune)
The meeting of a suburban chapter of ACT for America, a group that critics call anti-Muslim, briefly descended into a shouting match Monday evening between those sympathetic to its cause and others who questioned the organization's motives.
The small chapter of ACT for America, which bills itself as the "NRA of national security" fighting to "combat the threat of radical Islam," has met a few times at the Des Plaines Public Library raising controversy before and its Monday meeting drew about 30 people across the political spectrum and at times hostile interactions.
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The meeting included a screening of the 2013 documentary "Honor Diaries," a film about women's rights advocates working to end violence against women in Muslim communities.
Following the screening, one of the organizers, Frances Volpe, said sharia law, a religious law rooted in Islamic tradition, "must never have a chance to melt into the United States Constitution." She added that she "stands in solidarity with our Muslim sisters, and we encourage them to acknowledge and live under the laws of the Constitution of the United States."
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One audience member who spoke, Melanie Schikore, executive director of the nonprofit Interfaith Committee for Detained Immigrants, said if ACT for America truly wants to support Muslim women, its members should involve Muslims in their meetings or support Muslim groups working to end violence against women in their communities.
Otherwise, she said, "it will be construed to others that's not what you're doing."
Of the apparent lack of Muslims in attendance, Volpe responded: "Do you know any? I don't know any."
About 30 people, both critics and sympathizers, attended a meeting in Des Plaines Monday of ACT for America, a group critics call anti-Muslim. (Lee V. Gaines / Pioneer Press)
ACT for America has been called by the Southern Poverty Law Center "far and away the largest grassroots anti-Muslim group in America."
Yet the group has seen growing influence since President Donald Trump's election, and several of his appointees have ties to the group,
When an audience member pointed out Monday that the law center also has called ACT for America an extremist hate group, Volpe asked for a definition of a hate group in response.
A woman who appeared to be sympathetic to the group's cause then shouted, "Will you shut up, fatso?" at the woman questioning Volpe, then threatened to call security on her and questioned the speaker's gender identity.
Volpe encouraged attendees to support proposed federal legislation, dubbed the Resettlement Accountability National Security Act of 2017, that would prohibit the admission of refugees at least until Congress had reviewed the impact on national security and the cost of providing social services to such refugees.
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Art Ellingsen, who spoke at the meeting, said he runs the Arlington Heights chapter of the tea party and "spends many hours a week working with Muslim refugees." He said he is a member of several groups described as "hate groups" by the SPLC, and that the SPLC is an "illegitimate organization that labels groups as hate groups simply because they disagree with the (SPLC) point of view."
"To disagree does not mean you hate," he said.
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The Des Plaines chapter of ACT for America has met sporadically at the library since at least 2014, said library director Holly Sorensen.
Library officials said their policy is to provide meeting space and public access to groups, regardless of their politics, as long as they are educational in nature and do not engage in or promote illegal activities or incite violence.
Even if library officials don't agree with a particular group's agenda, they "believe the First Amendment protects them," Sorensen said.
In 2014, about 80 individuals from the city's Muslim community attended a meeting of the group at the library in protest, she said.
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The documentary screened by the group Monday night focused on about a half-dozen female activists connected to Muslim communities and their advocacy work around ending violence against women in those communities. Several attendees said after the screening that they feared the group was using the film to push an anti-Muslim agenda.
John Pacini, 18, a senior at Maine West High School and a member of a refugee advocacy group at the school, said, "The way they were presenting (the documentary) twisted those ideas in a way that could indirectly cause distress and violence toward Muslims without directly saying something."
Lee V. Gaines is a freelance reporter.
A man talks with Chicago police officers as they secure a shooting scene outside a funeral home in the 3100 block of West Roosevelt Road on the West Side on Dec. 17, 2016. Two people were in police custody in the attack and a 21-year-old man was seriously wounded, officials said. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
June Williams, director of a Gresham neighborhood funeral home, worries about getting shot at work.
In the last two years, Golden Gate Funeral Home has seen several acts of violence, including an instance where a staff driver was shot.
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Williams said she's had to turn over to the police funeral home guest books signed by gang members who were attending funerals of their rivals.
Among grieving families and friends mourning their lost loved ones are revenge-seeking guests that compromise the safety of everyone at the funeral home at 2036 West 79th St., Williams said.
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"Regardless of what caused the death of a loved one, I have mothers and grandmothers that are standing with me. ... We deserve to be safe at a funeral," said Bishop Larry Trotter, senior pastor of the Sweet Holy Spirit Church, 8621 S. Chicago Ave., in the South Chicago neighborhood, where a Tuesday press conference was held calling for legislation to keep violence out of funerals.
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Chicago funeral home directors and activists at the conference said they are working with Sen. Napoleon Harris, D-Harvey, on writing a bill that proposes tougher consequences for offenders who commit crimes involving a weapon at funerals. The bill will mirror the stiffer penalties for certain gun crimes near schools and along designated Safe Passage routes, Trotter said.
In the last year, there have been at least 17 acts of violence at funerals, according to Bishop Tavis Grant of Antioch Network of Churches & Ministries. But churches and funeral homes don't have the means to provide security, he said.
The violence, which Trotter said often stems from unresolved gang-related incidents involving the deceased, is a threat to the bereaved. Along with the shooting at Golden Gate Funeral Home, Williams said a visitor was stabbed at a service while standing at the casket.
But staff members at funeral homes and chapels are also at risk.
"There used to be a code amongst different types of folks," Williams said. "You didn't bother the people at church, and you didn't bother them at a funeral.
"We have to be concerned when men come into the funeral home and we ask them to take off their hat," she said. "Some of the gang members, that's their colors, they don't want to take them off. Or somebody steps on somebody's foot then they're ready to fight."
Sweet Holy Spirit Church spokesman Sean Howard said the proposal is under review this week and is being vetted to become a bill.
Even though she's a high school freshman, the 15-year-old wanted to watch some junior high basketball games with a relative Saturday. Afterward, they had pizza and she stayed over. They went to church Sunday morning.
The girl disappeared shortly after he dropped her back home later Sunday. The next time Reginald King said he saw her, it was on a Facebook Live recording and she was being sexually assaulted by as many as six attackers.
"It was very, very graphic. She's pulled toward the bed," King said of the video, which at one point was drawing about 40 viewers. "To have it put out there like that, publicly. It's not right."
It wasn't until Tuesday morning that the girl was reunited with her mother and taken to a hospital, where she was examined for injuries, he said. She appeared to have a busted lip and puffy cheeks, suggesting she'd been hit in the face, King said.
No charges have been announced, but police spokesman Anthony Guglielmi tweeted Tuesday afternoon that investigators were "making good progress identifying persons of interest in 10th Dist assault. Interviews ongoing but no formal suspects named yet."
Ald. Mike Scott, 24th, said he was told by police that one juvenile was taken into custody. "What I would say is there were more individuals in the video, so I'm sure they're looking for other folks."
He could not comment further about the case.
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King said she started walking through her neighborhood after he dropped her off, heading to a nearby store for a snack. Her mother filed a police report when her daughter didn't come home Sunday. She was finally spotted about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday.
After spending hours canvassing the neighborhood where the girl went missing, King said it's clear to him her tormentors are a part of a group of "thugs" who have terrorized that part of Lawndale.
"It hurts me to my core because I was one of the last people to see her," King said. "I want to make sure this never happens to anybody else's kids, and if that starts with taking down this one group, I'll make that my life's mission.
"If we don't stand up and do anything about it now, who knows if the next kid this happens to, maybe they don't get to come home. Maybe this doesn't get to have a happy ending."
King said a teenager alerted him to the assault on Facebook Live. "This is one of the bravest things I've ever seen a kid do," King said. "There were adults who saw this. None of them had the wherewithal to say, 'Hey, I gotta call someone.' "
Chicago activist Andrew Holmes got the video to police, and the girl's mother was shown screen shots and was able to identify her daughter.
The girl's mother ran into Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson at the 10th District station, and Johnson took an immediate interest in the case, said Guglielmi, the police spokesman.
Johnson "was visibly upset when he saw the pictures of the girl and was dismayed when he learned that people were watching the incident live and no one called police," Guglielmi wrote in an email to the Tribune.
"The superintendent immediately escorted the mother into the district and called the chief of detectives to order a team of investigators to respond to the district immediately."
Police also contacted Facebook and the video was taken down.
The attack was at least the fourth Chicago crime caught on Facebook Live since the end of October.
After one of the previous attacks when a special needs man was tormented and tortured by a group of people the company said it does not allow people "to celebrate or glorify crimes" on its network.
Facebook has a team on call 24 hours a day to respond to reports of inappropriate live videos as they're happening, the company said. A viewer can interrupt a live stream if a violation of Facebook's community standards occurs, and it takes only one report for something to be reviewed.
That means if just one of the 40 or so people who watched the video of the girl being attacked, the video might have come down sooner.
"Live video on Facebook is a new and growing format," the company said in a statement about the technology and its community standards. "We've learned a lot over the past few months, and will continue to make improvements to this experience wherever we can."
But the company also pointed out the benefits of sharing live video of graphic content. "In many instances ... when people share this type of content, they are doing so to condemn violence or raise awareness about it. In that case, the video would be allowed."
The girl's relative said he believes the group who attacked her went to school Monday, and he thinks one or more adults aided in her captivity.
"Obviously there are adults aiding and abetting them because they kids they can't drive, they don't have a house. There are adults perpetuating this, enabling this criminal activity," King said.
He said one of the other painful issues for the family has been the fact that the girl was reported missing in November, which painted her to some as a chronic runaway. That couldn't be further from the truth, he said.
Because she is a good student and a responsible daughter, her mother became worried when she was an hour late getting home last fall, King said. A community alert went out but the girl returned home a short time later.
"That's not her, not even close," King said, saying the girl excelled in grade school and was accepted in one of the better high schools in Chicago. "But tell you what, even if she was, no one human deserves what happened to her. No matter what."
Police described the girl as in "good condition," but King said the attack would be tough for even the strongest of people to handle.
"She has a great family, a wonderful mom, her cousins, her sisters, basketball team sisters. We gonna do our best to make sure she comes out on the other side well and whole," King said. "That she can find enough peace to persevere."
King said he has learned that a group of 35 to 50 teenage boys called the "beam team" have been terrorizing a few blocks of the neighborhood.
"They are basically holding an entire community hostage. I literally saw adults, 60 years old, my elders, my parents' age, cringing in fear," King said. "We were like, 'They're kids,' and they were like, 'No, they shooting people, they killing people, they robbing people.' Over an extended period of time, they making it where kids can't go to the store and get a snack and old people can't come out and sit on the porch and little kids can't play outside.
"As a society we have to ask ourselves, how did it get to the point where young men feel like it's a badge of honor to sexually assault a girl ... to not only do this to a girl, but broadcast it for the world?" King said.
Ald. Scott said he's heard of the "beam team" too.
"I have a young daughter who is 12, who will soon be going to high school and it just made me give pause to the people she associates with because obviously this was someone this young lady knew or felt comfortable with," Scott said. "It makes you want to assess who they're spending time with but at the end of the day, you can't protect them from everything. We pray for the young lady that's involved."
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The Chicago Tribune's Ted Gregory and Jeremy Gorner contributed.
Sonya Rouse, 50, has been missing from Chicago for about a year. (Chicago Police Department)
Chicago police are asking for the public's help in finding a 50-year-old woman missing for about a year.
Sonya Rouse was last seen in March 2016 on the South Side near 75th Street and Champlain Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood, according to a police news release sent late Monday.
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Rouse is diagnosed with bipolar disorder and has emotional issues, according to the release. She could be carrying a purse.
She is described as a black woman who is 5-foot-8 and 160 pounds. She had a blonde curly wig.
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Anyone with information about Rouse's whereabouts is asked to call Area South Special Victims Unit at 312-747-8274.
SPRINGFIELD Former President Barack Obama received a warm reception from his former colleagues in the state legislature when he delivered a speech on the floor of the Illinois House last year, but he didn't get the same support there Tuesday when lawmakers declined to designate his birthday as a state holiday.
Under a new proposal, state facilities and schools would close each year on Aug. 4, Obama's birthday. But opponents said while it might be good to recognize the former president and ex-state lawmaker, people shouldn't get the day off work. The House measure received 54 votes, six votes short of what it needed to be approved and sent to Obama's old stomping grounds in the Illinois Senate.
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Sponsoring Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, used a parliamentary move that will keep the measure alive for another try should she gather enough support. A dozen members of the House didn't vote.
"President Barack Obama, he did great work for the state of Illinois and our country, and I believe we need to do our part in preserving that history," Harper said.
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Republicans raised a variety of concerns, from the economic impact of closing state buildings on holidays to the "inconsistent way" presidents from Illinois are recognized. They noted that Tampico-born Republican Ronald Reagan does not have an Illinois holiday in his honor.
Still, they tried to rise above partisan differences, with several GOP members saying they could support the measure if it was changed from a state holiday to a more informal day of recognition, in which schools and state buildings would stay open. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner's budget office estimates state holidays cost $3.2 million in personnel expenses, with another $16 million in lost productivity.
"The concept you are working on here, giving President Obama a day, I think is deserved. I think it's appropriate, but I have a couple of questions about how we are doing it," said Rep. Steve Andersson, R-Geneva.
Andersson said the state could not afford the budget hit given its current financial crisis, and he said he didn't believe an official holiday was needed to recognize Obama's impact on Illinois. Andersson contended that most state holidays have lost their true meaning, instead becoming a day more celebrated for picnics and barbecues.
Harper said she disagreed, saying "if nothing more, the stores have good sales on President's Day and Washington Day." She also said it is important to formally recognize the nation's first African-American president.
She cited his history as a community organizer in Chicago, saying his holiday could be used to organize various volunteer and community improvement events.
"Personally, to me, he helped me to get motivated, get up in my community and organize my community to be the change that we want to see, and we are seeing right now on the ground," Harper said.
Other state proposals to honor Obama include labeling the stretch of Interstate 55 from the Tri-State Tollway to East St. Louis the "Barack Obama Presidential Expressway." A separate measure would dub the Tri-State the "President Barack Obama Tollway."
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Twitter @moniquegarcia
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner on Tuesday expanded the list of Democrats he says are working against him, adding Mayor Rahm Emanuel to the group he contends is trying to create havoc in Illinois.
The accusation comes as Rauner has spent weeks publicly sparring with Comptroller Susana Mendoza and Attorney General Lisa Madigan over how state employees should be paid, if at all, during the historic budget impasse. Rauner contends the Democrats are working in tandem with longtime House Speaker Michael Madigan , the attorney general's father and the governor's chief political nemesis.
SPRINGFIELD Rauner brought Emanuel into the fray Tuesday, saying the mayor was causing a "crisis" at Chicago Public Schools by demanding the state pick up $215 million in teacher pension costs or the school year could be cut short.
"It seems to be part of a plan orchestrated by Attorney General Madigan, Comptroller Mendoza, Mayor Emanuel, working with the speaker attack, criticize, create crisis. We see it everywhere," Rauner said.
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Asked if he had proof the four were working together, the governor said it doesn't take "a rocket (scientist) to look at what's been going on in recent months."
"They're defending a broken system. They don't want to change the system. They want to force a big tax hike on the people of Illinois with no changes. That's not fair. It's not right. We've got to change our system," Rauner said.
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Mayoral spokesman Matt McGrath responded that Rauner's claim about a crisis manufactured by Democrats is "just further proof that he's lost touch with reality."
"Governor Rauner keeps accusing others of trying to 'create a crisis' when it's painfully clear to everyone else that the entire state of Illinois is already dealing with the crisis of going two-plus years without a budget," McGrath said in an email.
The governor vetoed $215 million in funding for CPS in December because it wasn't tied to broader pension reform. Recent efforts to include that money in a larger budget deal in the Senate have stalled, with Democrats blaming Rauner for interfering in negotiations.
Since then, Democrats have pushed state agency leaders to offer ideas for budget cuts in an effort to put pressure on the governor. Rauner has asked for broad powers to reduce spending if lawmakers don't work with him on a budget. In a series of hearings, agency directors declined to provide details of spending cuts.
Rauner said Tuesday that it doesn't make sense to provide detailed budget cuts if lawmakers would only use those plans to criticize him like they have in the past.
"To publicly lay out the cuts and then have them ignored, like my cut proposals were two years ago and then just vilified in the press it would just be political spin and attacks, and accomplish nothing," he said. "That's not the right thing to do."
Rauner's comments came at a news conference unveiling a new effort to boost the state's cyber security systems, something the governor says is crucial to protect state residents and their information.
Mendoza froze $27 million in funding for technology upgrades last week, arguing the state should prioritize paying for social service agencies over computers. But Rauner contended safety should be the government's number one priority and said these technology upgrades would save the state money down the road.
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"How about if we spend money in ways that saves money in the long term rather than money that's gone, or money that's spent today and actually even costs you more?" Rauner said.
Chicago Tribune's John Byrne contributed from Chicago.
hbemiller@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @haleybemiller
Ald. Edward Burk, shown here during a City Council special session in November,said at a council hearing march 21, 2017, that the gun offender registry numbers defy logic given the high level of gun violence in Chicago. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago aldermen expressed incredulity Tuesday at the low number of registered gun crime and sex offenders in the city, and of the outdated way police administer the programs to keep track of where people convicted of those crimes live.
During a City Council hearing on a proposal to require the Chicago Police Department to better notify residents of offenders on those registries who are living in their midst, police officials said there are now 1,484 registered gun offenders and another 458 people in the city who have been notified they need to register, plus 2,243 registered sex offenders.
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Southwest Side Ald. Edward Burke said the gun offender registry numbers defy logic given the high level of gun violence in Chicago.
"I'm sorry, but I just can't, sitting here, believe that only 2,000 people are required to register as gun offenders," said Burke, 14th.
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Burke is known to take umbrage with the way city programs are run and to call officials on the carpet at the Finance Committee meetings he chairs. On Tuesday, he was in high dudgeon as police from the Criminal Registration Unit talked about the registries.
Police Department Deputy Chief Kathleen Boehmer told aldermen the Police Department only informs Chicago Public Schools headquarters of newly registered sex offenders. They leave it to CPS to notify any schools the registrants live near and urge day care centers and libraries to check the Police Department's sex offender list online. That prompted Burke to decry the lack of oversight in the program.
"Somebody ought to look at this and see what's going on, for God's sake," he said. "Because right now, nobody's do we know that the Chicago Board of Education has sent these notifications to the schools affected? No. Do we know that anyone at the (Chicago Housing Authority) has forwarded notification to appropriate locations? No. Do we know that anyone at Chicago Public Library has sent these to the appropriate locations? No."
But as is often the case, Burke did not call the registry notification ordinance for a vote, instead holding the proposal in committee and telling officers to get a better handle on how the Police Department interacts with other agencies to run the registries.
Boehmer said the department relies on the Illinois Department of Corrections, Cook County state's attorney's office and the Cook County Jail to notify them when people with offenses that require registration hit the street.
That notification comes via carbon copy, according to police Detective Crystal Nix, an archaic method that drew scorn from Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd.
"I was actually thinking it wasn't (carbon copy), I just threw that in there, because nobody really uses carbon copy anymore," Waguespack said. "What we need to do is figure out how we can get an email or a separate type of modern notification from this century about the people that are coming out from each one of those entities."
jebyrne@chicagotribune.com
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Most of the instances that raise questions about potential lobbying violations found in the thousands of pages of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's personal emails center on individuals attempting to influence City Hall and then failing to register as a lobbyist.
In three cases, however, lobbyists who were registered reached out to Emanuel, but did not report their contact with the mayor in quarterly reports to the Chicago Board of Ethics. Under the law, not reporting lobbying activity can carry fines of up to $2,000 for each instance.
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Such interactions are among the 26 instances the Chicago Tribune found where lobbyists, corporate executives and longtime Emanuel associates and campaign donors sought action from or access to the mayor or city officials but did not register as a lobbyist or did not report their contact to the ethics board.
One example is when billionaire casino magnate Neil Bluhm called Deputy Mayor Steve Koch about gambling legislation in Springfield.
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"Spoke to Neil Bluhm. he was calling to make sure we are opposed to table games at the racetracks as he is," Koch wrote in May 2015 to Emanuel and then-City Hall lobbyist Mike Rendina. "I assured he we are adamantly opposed. He is fine Mike no need to call Mayor, you don't have to unless you want to."
The bill, which could have meant a loss of business for Bluhm's Rivers Casino in Des Plaines, didn't pass. Bluhm and family members have contributed more than $290,000 to Emanuel's campaign fund.
"Mr. Bluhm is a registered lobbyist, and we can confirm that the Board of Ethics has reached out to clarify the facts around the city contact in question," Bluhm spokesman Dennis Culloton said. "We are committed to complying with all applicable disclosure requirements of the board."
In another case, veteran political consultant Marilyn Katz sent an April 2015 email to the mayor requesting a meeting or phone call to discuss several topics, including an ordinance that would have required scores of Chicago gas stations to install pumps for so-called E15 fuel, which contains higher levels of ethanol. "With a fund to pay for any costs incurred by any retailer who is eligible there is no downside," she wrote Emanuel.
The Chicago Tribune reviewed over 2,600 pages of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's personal emails, and found 26 instances that could be possible lobbying violations. (Chicago Tribune)
Katz had registered as a lobbyist representing Americans United for Change, which backed the E15 proposal, and earlier in the year reported lobbying aldermen on the issue, but she did not file an "activity report" about contacting the mayor.
Katz said she didn't consider her email to be lobbying because she never met with Emanuel. "He never spoke to me at all about it. . . If you ask someone to talk about something, is that lobbying? You could debate that on the head of a pin."
Cindi Canary, a longtime government reform advocate who helped update the city's ethics laws in 2012, did not review the Katz emails, but said it is generally considered lobbying when an individual emails a city official advocating for an issue and seeking a meeting to discuss it.
In a third case, Jam Productions co-founder Jerry Mickelson wrote to Emanuel in May 2015 about a proposed effort to renovate the shuttered Uptown Theatre, which he owns with a partner.
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Mickelson said he was in talks with the city's infrastructure trust about a $90 million renovation plan and the proposal needed "at least $5 M immediately in order to pay for the renderings and cost analysis...Now is the time to seize this opportunity in order to save this iconic theatre and revitalize a neighborhood."
Mickelson was registered as a lobbyist on behalf of his company that owns the theater, but did not report contacting Emanuel. He did not respond to requests seeking comment.
bruthhart@chicagotribune.com
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New corruption allegations lodged in Ukraine against President Donald Trump's former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, have thrust Manafort back into the forefront of ongoing scrutiny over whether the Trump team coordinated with the Russian government to influence the U.S. election.
The allegations were disclosed Tuesday at a news conference by a Ukrainian lawmaker who said he had obtained documents showing that Manafort had attempted to hide payments he had received from the party of Ukraine's former president, who is living in Russia and wanted on corruption charges in his home country.
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A spokesman for Manafort called the claims "baseless" and said some of the documents released Tuesday appeared to be fabricated because the letterhead and signatures did not match those belonging to Manafort.
The spectacle in Kiev came just hours after FBI Director James Comey confirmed the existence of a federal probe into possible connections between Trump's campaign and the Kremlin.
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Paul Manafort served as campaign chairman for Donald Trump, taking primary control when campaign manager Corey Lewandowski was fired in June 2016. (Matt Rourke / AP)
It also followed an apparent effort by the White House to distance Trump from the man who helped lead his campaign during five critical months into last summer, with White House press secretary Sean Spicer declaring Monday that Manafort had played a "limited role for a very limited amount of time" in the campaign.
Manafort, 67, a longtime lobbyist and Republican strategist, was hired by the Trump campaign in March 2016, a time when Trump was winning primaries but feared he could still lose the nomination if his team failed to properly master arcane convention rules and wrangle votes from Republican delegates. In May, he was named the campaign's chairman.
From the start, there was focus on Manafort's ties to pro-Russian figures, given Trump's repeated calls to forge closer relations to Russian President Vladimir Putin and Russia's emerging role over the summer in seeking to meddle in the U.S. election.
U.S. intelligence officials have said that the Kremlin orchestrated the politically damaging hacks of emails from the Democratic National Committee and Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.
Manafort had done business with Putin-aligned business titans and worked in Ukraine for former president Viktor Yanukovych's political party starting in 2004. Yanukovych fled the country in 2014 amid violent street protests.
The issue of Ukraine's relationship with Russia was a point of contention during the campaign, with Trump expressing openness to consider easing U.S. sanctions on Moscow that had been imposed after Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
Manafort resigned as Trump's campaign chairman in August, after the New York Times reported that his name appeared in a "black ledger" that showed he was paid $12.7 million in secret cash payments from Yanukovych's party. Manafort has denied receiving the payments and said he is the victim of political infighting in Ukraine.
Now, Manafort has come under scrutiny in an FBI investigation into possible foreign corruption involving Ukrainian politics, according to people familiar with the matter. The Ukraine corruption investigation is related to the broader counterintelligence investigation into alleged contacts between Trump campaign officials and Russian officials, these people said.
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But Manafort vehemently denies any involvement in the Russian efforts and has told people close to him that he is eager to testify before congressional committees investigating Moscow's intervention in the election.
In a statement, Manafort said he was the victim of a "blatant attempt to discredit me and the legitimacy of the election of President Trump."
"I had no role or involvement in the cyberattack on the DNC or the subsequent release of information gained from the attack, and I have never spoken with any Russian Government officials or anyone who claimed to have been involved in the attack," he said. "The suggestion that I ever worked in concert with anyone to release hacked emails or sought to undermine the interests of the United States is false. Despite the constant scrutiny and innuendo, there are no facts or evidence supporting these allegations, nor will there be."
The new allegations against Manafort were leveled by Serhiy Leshchenko, a lawmaker and journalist, who on Tuesday released a copy of what he said was an invoice on letterhead from Manafort's consulting company, based in Alexandria, Virginia, dated Oct. 14, 2009, to a Belize-based company for $750,000 for the sale of 501 computers.
On the same day, Manafort's name is listed next to a $750,000 entry in the "black ledger" released by anti-corruption investigators in August. The list was found at the party headquarters in the turmoil after Ukraine's 2014 revolution.
Leshchenko alleged that Manafort falsified an invoice to the Belize company to legitimize the $750,000 payment to himself.
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Nazar Kholodnytskyi, a deputy prosecutor general of Ukraine whose department specializes in corruption cases, said in an interview Tuesday that the documents hadn't been confirmed by law enforcement or, to his knowledge, submitted for examination. There is an ongoing investigation into the black ledgers, he said, but Manafort was not a target of that investigation.
Manafort's spokesman, Jason Maloni, said the new documents released Tuesday appear to be fabricated. "We have seen some of the new documents, and they are not Paul's letterhead or Paul's signature," he said.
Maloni added that Leshchenko's claims should be "summarily dismissed."
Leshchenko's name has emerged separately in a cache of more than 285,000 personal messages apparently stolen from the iPhone of Manafort's daughter, Andrea Manafort, 31, and dumped in February on a website used by cyberhackers.
Maloni said Manafort has confirmed that his daughter's phone was hacked and that some of the texts are authentic, but he has declined to authenticate the entire cache. Maloni said Andrea Manafort declined to comment.
The posted texts show Manafort had received a blackmail email purportedly from Leshchenko in August, threatening to release information about Manafort's work in Ukraine. Leshchenko has said he did not send the email. Maloni said Manafort did not know who was behind the threat but had turned the matter over to his lawyer.
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In her texts, Andrea Manafort dismissed the idea that her father would have taken cash as described in the Ukrainian ledger. "It's just a bunch of hogwash," she wrote a few days after he resigned. "My dad is a lot of things, but he isn't stupid."
But she also apparently expressed deep reservations about his work overseas.
"Don't fool yourself," she wrote to her sister in 2015, according to the posted texts. "The money we have is blood money."
Andrea Manafort also portrayed her father as being at the center of Trump's campaign, texting a friend in April that he was Trump's "right hand man," one posted message said.
"He's super tight w the trumps. All the kids call him all the time," she wrote, according to the messages posted online.
Roth reported from Kiev, Ukraine. Devlin Barrett contributed to this report.
FBI Director James Comey and NSA chief Mike Rogers, right, appear in front of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence at the Longworth House Office Building on Monday in Washington. (Matt McClain / The Washington Post)
On Monday, unsubstantiated claims that President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower during last year's presidential campaign, substantiated claims about Russia's meddling in the U.S. election to help Trump win, and cloudy claims about Trump associates' ties to Russia all came to a head.
FBI Director James B. Comey and National Security Agency Director Mike Rogers testified before the House Intelligence Committee in a rare public hearing about what they know and what they want to know.
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There was no smoking gun from either side's perspective, but we did learn more about what the FBI is investigating and what Republicans and Democrats in Congress want to investigate.
Below are six takeaways from the hearing.
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1. There's no evidence of President Donald Trump's accusation that Obama tapped his phones
Comey quickly confirmed where the last few weeks seemed to have been leading: There is no evidence to back up Trump's claim that Obama ordered wiretapping of his Trump Tower phones.
"I have no information that supports those tweets," Comey said.
Comey's clear-as-day comments make it impossible for Trump to keep saying he was "wiretapped."
FBI Director James B. Comey confirms his agency is investigating possible cooperation between Russia and Trump campaign associates.
But really, the whole wiretapping thing felt like a sidebar in this hearing to the FBI's broader investigation into Russia and any Trump associates' ties. That's in part because most lawmakers feel it IS a sidebar to the real issue: A foreign country interfered in a U.S. election with the intent of undermining the United States' political process.
"The stakes are nothing less than the future of our democracy and liberal democracy," said Rep. Adam B. Schiff, Calif., the top Democrat on the committee.
So let's get into that.
2. The FBI is investigating connections between Trump's campaign associates and the Russian government
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This might seem to be an obvious takeaway. The Washington Post and other news organizations reported this two months ago.
But members of Congress have been extremely frustrated that, until Monday, the FBI has refused to privately acknowledge the existence of an investigation, let alone what it is looking into. (The FBI rarely acknowledges publicly the existence of an ongoing investigation except, in Comey's words, in "unusual circumstances.")
This, apparently, is one of those circumstances. On Monday, Comey told Congress and the world that, yes, the FBI is investigating Russia's meddling in the U.S. election. In addition, it is investigating whether there was any coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia and "whether any crimes were committed."
3. But the FBI is going to be VERY tight-lipped about the investigation
In the next breath, Comey said he is not going to share much else about the investigation other than it exists: "We just cannot do our work well or fairly if we start talking about it while we're doing it."
And he cautioned Congress and the public not too read too much into the FBI's silence about it: "I know speculating is part of human nature, but it really isn't fair to draw conclusions simply because I say that I can't comment."
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A caution Trump himself did not seem to heed in this tweet:
"FBI Director Comey refuses to deny he briefed President Obama on calls made by Michael Flynn to Russia."
Throughout the hearing, Comey would stay true to his word, especially when lawmakers asked about what investigators knew with regard to Trump officials: "I really don't want to get into answering any questions about any U.S. person," he said at one point.
4. Democrats seem pretty sure associates with Trump's campaign colluded with Russia
Here's what we know about Trump's campaign and Russia:
The intelligence community has concluded that Russia meddled in the U.S. election to undermine faith in the democratic process and harm Hillary Clinton's candidacy, in part because Russian President Vladimir Putin blamed then-Secretary of State Clinton for domestic protests against his authority in 2011-2012.
Two members of Trump's inner circle - former national security adviser Michael Flynn and Attorney General Jeff Sessions - have publicly acknowledged that they failed to disclose private conversations with the Russian ambassador to the United States. Flynn lost his job; Sessions agreed to recuse himself from the FBI's investigation into Russian meddling in the U.S. election as a result.
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But meeting with the Russian ambassador to Washington isn't illegal - in fact, you could argue it's part of diplomacy. It's the lack of disclosure that got both men in trouble.
Democrats are suggesting that Russia's involvement in the election and Trump officials' lack of disclosure about their ties to Russia point to something more. In a 15-minute opening statement, Schiff laid out a series of ties between Trump's campaign and Russia, citing former British spy Christopher Steele, who compiled an unverified dossier on Trump and Russia. They included accusations that:
One of Trump's national security advisers during the campaign, Carter Page, has ties to Russia and has praised its president, Vladimir Putin.
Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort had been on the payroll for pro-Russian interests in Ukraine.
Trump officials met with the Russian ambassador to Washington during the Republican National Convention. At that convention, Republicans changed their platform to remove a section that supported giving weapons to Ukraine as it battles Russia for territory.
Former Trump adviser Roger Stone boasted in a speech that he knew of impending WikiLeaks documents related to Hillary Clinton's campaign before they were published.
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Ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., left, questions witnesses as chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., looks on during a House IntelligenceCommittee hearing in Washington on March 20, 2017. (Drew Angerer / Getty Images)
And Flynn and Sessions would go on to avoid disclosing their conversations with the Russian ambassador during or shortly after the campaign.
After spelling all that out, Schiff (rhetorically) asked this:
"Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible. But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated, and that the Russians use the same techniques to corrupt U.S. persons that they employed in Europe and elsewhere. We simply don't know. Not yet. And we owe it to the country to find out."
Comey and Rogers would not comment. But we know what Democrats have concluded.
5. Republicans, meanwhile, want to focus on intelligence leaks to the press
If Democrats' line of questioning focused on alleged Trump ties to Russia, Republicans zeroed in on charges that someone in the intelligence community was leaking these intelligence reports to the media.
Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., stressed that the leaks may have been politically motivated to weaken the Trump administration.
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This has the potential to be a major point of friction between Democrats and Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee as it pursues its own investigation into Russian meddling: Should the committee put more effort into finding out who leaked the information than whether there is any evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia?
6. Intelligence officials still don't think there's any evidence Russia's meddling directly influenced votes
Early on, Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., the committee chairman, asked Rogers and Comey whether they had any evidence that Russia actually changed the vote tallies in key states.
Both men said there is no evidence that Russian meddling actually changed votes, something they also said in a January Senate hearing.
To some degree, the laser focus on vote tallies is a straw man argument, points out The Washington Post's Aaron Blake: It's nearly impossible to hack voting machines, and intelligence reports never implied that happened.
But Republicans like Nunes also can't emphasize enough that Russia's meddling to help Trump win probably did not actually help Trump win. They do this to underscore the legitimacy of his presidency, yes, but also to get Trump to recognize his own legitimacy.
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Trump was originally hesitant to even acknowledge Russian meddling. He since has acknowledged it, but Republicans (and the intelligence community) need his full support to continue to investigate this, wherever it leads.
A House Intelligence Committee hearing on Monday heard two bombshells dropped in testimony.
One, FBI Director James Comey asserted what other national intelligence leaders also have expressed: There is no evidence to back up President Donald Trump's outlandish and slanderous allegation that President Barack Obama ordered a "wiretapping" of Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential race.
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Yet we see lots of defiance and no contrition coming from Team Trump on this matter. We have grown perhaps too accustomed to President Trump's casual attitude toward facts. We should be shocked and dismayed by his eagerness to believe off-the-wall allegations that he has heard on Fox News, as was the case here, yet eagerly disbelieve uncomfortable news from the nation's intelligence agencies.
Two, the bureau is investigating possible cooperation between President Trump's campaign and Russian officials to make Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton lose the election and help Republican nominee Trump win.
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That's a big deal. As Rep. Adam Schiff, a California Democrat and ranking committee member, observed, Russian meddling in our November election would be a serious crime and "one of the most shocking betrayals of our democracy in history."
Yet, we have seen and heard so many shocks to our political norms with the rise of President Trump, who still apparently believes among other fables that he had 1.5 million people at his inauguration ceremony, that we run the risk in this instance of failure to be shocked enough.
Fox News benched its senior judicial analyst Andrew Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge, amid backlash over his unfounded and now-discredited allegations that British intelligence last fall provided then-President Obama wiretapped conversations from Trump Tower, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time, in any way," Fox News anchor Shepard Smith told viewers Friday.
Neither, Comey told Congress, did the FBI. But Comey did confirm long-running media reports that the FBI has been investigating possible coordination by the Trump campaign with dedicated and dangerous Russian adversaries.
Yet Chairman Devin Nunes of California and the Grand Old Party's other members on the Intelligence Committee sounded much less interested in Russia's actions than with exposing the leakers and journalists who enabled us, the public, to learn about those actions.
Compared to the Benghazi investigation, which House Republicans did not want to let go, the Russia mystery is one the GOP doesn't seem to want to touch.
Yet Rep. Schiff, mustering up all the oratorical power he could as a member of the minority party (and hinting at further classified details without disclosing them), delivered a devastating litany of suspicious "coincidences" that, heard together, present a damning portrait of possible collusion.
His nine-minute monologue is worth watching on the web. Among other issues, Schiff speaks of payments on behalf of Russian leader Vladimir Putin to Michael Flynn, who briefly became Trump's national security adviser until disclosure of his conversations with the Russian ambassador and his other Russian ties.
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 25 Russian President Vladimir Putin acknowledged that some "patriotic" individuals may have engaged in hacking in the U.S. election, but continues to deny government involvement. After President Barack Obama announced sanctions on Russian spy agencies and expelled 35 diplomats, Putin declined to immediately retaliate, drawing praise from President-elect Donald Trump. On Jan. 17, 2017, Putin took a parting shot at the Obama administration, accusing it of trying to undermine Trump's election and calling a dossier alleging Russian spy agencies collected compromising material on Trump as "nonsense." After a report that Trump revealed classified information in a May 10 meeting with Russian diplomats, Putin offered to turn over to Congress records of the discussion. In a June 2017 interview with NBC's Megyn Kelly, Putin dismissed as "a load of nonsense" that Russia has damaging information on Trump. After 13 Russians were indicted by the United States in February 2018 for election-meddling, Putin insisted they didn't act on behalf of his government. Putin won re-election as Russian president on March 18, 2018, and received a phone call from Trump, congratulating him on the victory. (Anatoly Maltsev / AP)
There also was a deletion from the Republican Party platform of a section that supports the provision of "lethal defensive weapons" to Ukraine, an action that would be contrary to Russian interests.
Paul Manafort, Trump's campaign manager in midsummer and formerly on the payroll of pro-Russian Ukrainian interests, categorically denies involvement by the Trump campaign in altering the platform. But the Republican Party delegate who offered the language in support of providing defensive weapons to Ukraine said that it was removed at the insistence of the Trump campaign, Schiff pointed out.
Could these and other suspicious events be mere coincidence? Sure, Schiff allowed, but "it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated, and that the Russians used the same techniques to corrupt U.S. persons that they have employed in Europe and elsewhere. We simply don't know, not yet, and we owe it to the country to find out."
Indeed, we do. It has long been known that Russia has interfered in Ukraine's elections and elsewhere, including ours. Whether they changed any votes, which is doubtful, or not, we owe it to ourselves to have serious and thorough investigations, preferably by a special prosecutor, not a political circus. The future of our democracy depends on it.
Clarence Page, a member of the Tribune Editorial Board, blogs at www.chicagotribune.com/pagespage.
cpage@chicagotribune.com
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Twitter @cptime
Related articles:
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"Hidden Figures" was the feel-good movie of 2016. Following the story of the three African-American women who offered massive contributions to NASA during the space race in the 1960s, the film is uplifting and illuminating, and now coming to life in a three-day event co-hosted by the Adler Planetarium and the DuSable Museum of African American History.
The event is taking place to commemorate the newly installed exhibition at the planetarium dedicated to the women of "Hidden Figures." Programming includes two free student screenings of the film at the DuSable Museum on March 22 and 23 at 11 a.m.
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Scene from "Hidden Figures" (Twentieth Century Fox)
At 7:30 p.m. on March 23, a moderated panel led by current STEM leaders will build up to special STEM programming at the planetarium, meant to encourage studentsparticularly young womento pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematic fields. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased on the DuSable Museum's website.
A play, "Black Girls (Can) Fly!", the story of 10-year-old Chicago girl Bessie Mae, will also be performed for participants.
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Get your warm and fuzzies on with these heartwarming and inspiring events, and also, you know, see the award winning film for free. To reserve your spot, email whamilton@dusablemuseum.org.
@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
Doing good in Chicago is more than just picking up trash and bringing cans to a food drive. This week, doing good means encouraging young Chicago girls to go into STEM fields, assisting at a homeless shelter and packing up food for the hungry. Have at it and get that good karma, y'all.
SATURDAY, MARCH 25
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One-day STEM conference with EYH Chicago
University of Chicago
927 E. 57th St.
This event by Expanding Your Horizons aims to encourage middle school girls to explore STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields. Eighty to 100 volunteers are needed for the symposium, from registering students to setting up activities. 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
Become a tutor at Literacy DuPage
Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss St., Downers Grove, Ill. 630-416-6699
Though it's a bit of a trek to the 'burbs, if you can improve someone's future by teaching them the skills they need to succeed, it'll more than pay off. Help families with their foundational English skills, secure jobs and connect with their communities. 9:30 a.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
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SUNDAY, MARCH 26
Community Engagement
Lincoln Park Community Shelter
600 W Fullerton Pkwy. 773-549-6111
This shelter offers services to homeless men and women in the Chicago area and offers individualized counseling to help them get back on their feet. Every Sunday, LPCS offers a community engagement program that allows local volunteers to come in and assist the shelter in its daily goings-on. 1-6 p.m. Register: lpsconline.org
MONDAY, MARCH 27
Box packing with Top Box Foods
2600 W. 35th Pl. 312-527-7890
This non-profit organization works to offer healthy, fresh foods to churches, shelters, senior centers and Chicago Public Schools at discounted prices. A team of 10 is needed every day the week of March 27 to pack boxes of their menu items. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
Be a superhero trainer at Wonder Works Children's Museum
6445 W. North Ave., Oak Park, Ill. 708-383-4815
Spring might not be here quite yet, but spring break is. This children's museum in Oak Park is hosting Superhero Week and needs grown up volunteers all week to guide kids through their trainingfrom working on their physical powers to crafting masks to conceal their identities. 10 a.m.-p.m. Register: volunteermatch.org
Get ready for the sugar high to end all sugar highs. RedEye Big Idea Award winner XO Marshmallow is opening up its first retail location and Chicago's first marshmallow cafe.
Work is already underway on their new home base, but owners Lindzi Shanks and Kathryn Connor will be launching a Kickstarter campaign on April 3 to help them fund their journey to bring their gourmet homemade treats to Rogers Parkon the corner of Sheridan and Lunt, to be exact.
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XO Marshmallow founders Lindzi Shanks and Kathryn Connor. (Handout)
The two are seeking $6,500 in assistance and the Kickstarter campaign will run until Mother's Day on May 15. The shop will be opening its doors in the summer. In addition to their wide array of marshmallow flavorsfrom champagne to salted caramels'mores, crispies and whoopie pies will be on offer, as well as a full service espresso bar to serve up toasted marshmallow lattes.
Contributors to the crowdfunding campaign will have their choice of exclusive marshmallow flavors, like strawberry and hazelnut. Worth it, right?
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After their Big Idea Award win, owners Shanks and Connor partnered with Glazed and Infused to create a Champagne Nutella S'mores doughnut and sold out their pop-up shop over the holiday season.
Follow XO Marshmallow on Twitter for updates on their campaign.
@shelbielbostedt | sbostedt@redeyechicago.com
Gun violence has spread to areas of Aurora unaccustomed to hearing shots fired, although the number of shootings within the city shrank last year, according to police department officials and statistics obtained by the Beacon-News.
For a long time, shootings mostly happened in areas associated with gang or drug activity.
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Lately, they've been less predictable, more likely to be crimes of opportunity, said Aurora police Deputy Chief Keefe Jackson.
"We probably started to see that spread within the last two years," Jackson said. "In 2016, one thing we saw was the shootings were extending out into the far northwest portion of the city and the southeast portion of the city, and unfortunately, there's really no concrete reason for that."
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As residents turn to social media to seek and share information about crime, facts and conjecture spread quickly, contributing to the perception some have that gun violence is escalating, police and city officials said.
Most recently, a triple shooting March 10 that killed two men and injured a third outside an East Side bar had Facebook users arguing about gangs, guns and whether Aurora is safe.
Aurora police data show that in 2016, shots were fired in every ward but the 10th.
Six people were killed by guns in 2016, while another 40 were injured in 33 other shootings, and 86 shootings resulted in property damage or hit nothing, police said.
But the number of shootings dropped 7 percent from the year before, down to 132 firearm discharges from 142 in 2015, according to police.
Though most of Aurora's shootings continue to be connected with gangs or drugs, recent episodes have related less to gang-controlled territory, Jackson said. While police in the past associated certain areas in town with known gang affiliations, that has been changing.
What used to be two "umbrella" groups has splintered into at least five known gangs or subsets Aurora police are focusing on, Jackson said.
Despite their activity in the city, the old gang turfs eroded about six to eight years ago, he said.
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When Jackson worked in the police department's narcotics division for four years, there were known areas where someone could show up with no planning and have a good chance of buying drugs.
Now, most illegal drug transactions are arranged by phone, conducted at whatever location the parties agree upon, Jackson said.
Also, gang confrontations that lead to shootings sometimes start on social media, Jackson said.
In the past, police could concentrate on the gang-controlled or drug-riddled areas.
Now, they're shifting resources, Jackson said. But he added it was nothing they wouldn't naturally do in response to shifts in crime, utilizing principles of intelligence-led policing.
"I wouldn't say that shootings and violent crime are out of control," Jackson said. "A lot of the shootings seem to point to a cluster of gangs or individuals that seem to be more active than others."
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Police have regular in-house meetings between personnel from investigations, the gang unit and patrol, and have increased the sharing of information so they are communicating regularly about certain people they want to focus on who they think are responsible for ongoing violent crime, Jackson said.
Officers are also trying to interact as much as possible with the public, pushing neighborhood groups and collaboration.
It is a difficult task, Jackson said, to explain why there have been shootings in areas that don't traditionally experience them, particularly looking at just one year.
"It could be situational, where they happen to see someone in public and decide to target them," Jackson said.
In Aurora's 5th Ward, where a couple of people were injured in last year's shootings, but most bullets hit only houses or air, Carl Franco is wrapping up his second year as alderman.
When someone gets shot in the 5th Ward, it has a heavy impact on public perception of safety, Franco said.
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While shootings are always concerning when they happen, he said it's mostly criminal-on-criminal activity, and he couldn't recall the last time someone in his ward was hit by a stray bullet meant for someone else.
"I don't remember the last time an innocent person was shot," Franco said. "Something's going to happen sometime, but probably not to you."
That's not to say it never does in Aurora.
Over the summer, a 10-year-old boy was grazed in the head when at least one member of a group yelling gang slogans shot up a cookout in the common area of an East Side apartment complex, then fled in a stolen car.
Since he's been an alderman, Franco has become used to a certain pattern whenever a major crime happens, beginning with an uproar on the internet.
"With social media, everybody gets into a frenzy," Franco said.
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Then the police come out with their report, and people start to calm down, he said.
Franco said social media has led to a feeling that there's more violence than there really is. There can also be a perception that if it hits home, there must be a lot of it, he said.
"If you hear about one (shooting), people wonder what they are not hearing about," Franco said. "It never festers to the good, it only festers to the bad. It does get out of control at times."
Sometimes information gets out through social media almost as soon as officers are arriving on the scene of a crime, Jackson said.
On a recent Saturday, several people uploaded photos and video online related to a police chase through the city after a man accused of shooting his former roommate in the head sped away from the scene, garnering hundreds of shares and comments including speculation about what had happened.
Four of last year's shooting deaths occurred on the East Side, one east of the river but downtown, and one on the West Side.
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Marcus Holland, 36, was shot in the parking lot of the downtown restaurant La Quinta.
Luis Angel Martinez Jr., 26, was shot on the sidewalk in the 400 block of Beach Street.
Martiniano Alvarez, 31, was shot at the Latin America Club on the 100 block of Dearborn.
Andres Ochoa, 31, was outside a family member's third birthday party on the 600 block of High Street when he was shot.
Samuel Smith Jr., 64, was shot at home on the 800 block of Iowa Avenue.
Andrew Dockery, 26, was by a car on the 400 block of Melrose Avenue when he was shot.
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People have been arrested in connection with two of the killings, while police continue to investigate the others.
hleone@tribpub.com
Twitter @hannahmleone
An 18-year-old Aurora man died after he shot himself following an exchange of gunfire with a police officer in Aurora in October 2016. (Hannah Leone/The Beacon-News)
Aurora Police Officer Jason Woolsey was justified in firing his weapon in the direction of Anthony Martell Oct. 4, during a foot chase and gunfire exchange on Aurora's East Side, according to findings from an Illinois State Police investigation reviewed by the State's Attorney's Office.
Martell fatally shot himself in the head after the chase, which stemmed from a "reasonable suspicion" stop on the car he was a passenger in, according to police.
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"It's obvious that any time an incident like this occurs, that it is going to put a tremendous amount of pressure on the officer who was involved," Aurora police spokesman Dan Ferrelli said Monday. "Looking at the big picture, we were beyond confident that the officer was compliant with all procedures and laws. (But) it doesn't make it any easier when he is under a microscope like that."
The agencies conduct independent, thorough reviews, Ferrelli said.
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State police completed their investigation in late February, exonerating Woolsey of any wrongdoing, and passed its ruling on to the State's Attorney's Office for review.
In a letter to Aurora Police Chief Kristen Ziman March 8, Kane County State's Attorney Joseph H. McMahon wrote that the office had reviewed all of the state police investigative reports, videos, photographs and applicable law, and that Woolsey was justified in firing in the direction of Martell after Martell first shot at Woolsey. Martell then tried to enter a home, where residents confronted him.
"Aurora police officers came to the aid of those homeowners and Mr. Martell shot himself with his own gun," according to the letter, signed by McMahon.
Martell's cause of death was ruled a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, and a report made no note of other injuries, said a spokesperson for the DuPage County Coroner's Office, which performed Martell's autopsy Oct. 6.
Martell, 18, was the passenger in a 2003 Chevrolet Impala stopped by an Aurora police officer at 8:41 p.m. Oct. 4 near North Avenue and South Fourth Street, authorities previously told the Beacon-News.
The traffic stop was based on "reasonable suspicion," Ferrelli said Monday. Woolsey was watching a home in that neighborhood, near North and Fourth, because of reports of gang activity and narcotics dealing, when the Impala circled the block twice, which seemed suspicious, Ferrelli said.
The driver, a 36-year-old woman who police described as an acquaintance of Martell, fully cooperated with the initial investigation and was not charged, Aurora police previously said.
When the officer approached the car, he smelled marijuana coming from inside and asked Martell to step out, police said.
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The officer involved, identified as Woolsey in McMahon's letter to Ziman, was 37 years old at the time, had been with the Aurora Police Department for nine years and is assigned to its community-oriented policing unit, according to Aurora police.
As Woolsey was talking with Martell, the younger man ran away westbound on Fourth Street, and the officer ran after him, according to police.
During the chase, Martell turned and fired more than one shot at Woolsey, who returned fire, according to police. Neither struck the other, State Police spokesman Master Sgt. Jason Bradley said.
Minutes later, responding officers found Martell apparently trying to get into a home on the 200 block of South LaSalle Street, according to police. When officers confronted Martell, he shot himself in the head with a handgun, according to police, who also said they found a weapon at the scene.
Several officers witnessed Martell take his own life, Ferrelli said.
Martell was airlifted to a suburban hospital, where he was pronounced dead the following morning.
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Aurora police, as is their standard policy, initiated an internal investigation into the incident and temporarily placed the officer involved on modified duty, although the officer has been back on full duty for several months in the same area he was previously assigned, Ferrelli said.
While it took more than four months for state police to complete their investigation, that timeline involved tracking down many witnesses, as the chase happened in a residential area, Bradley said.
"We don't want any surprises," Bradley said.
hleone@tribpub.com
Twitter @hannahmleone
A federal jury has convicted two businessmen including one from Aurora - on multiple bank fraud charges related to falsifying loan documents to postpone foreclosure on a parcel of land in Aurora worth nearly $2 million.
After an eight-day trial in federal court in Chicago, a jury returned verdicts finding Kevin LeBeau, 55, of Aurora, guilty of three counts of bank fraud and four counts of making false statements to a federally insured bank; and finding Brian Bodie, 66, of Chicago, guilty on three counts of bank fraud and three counts of making false statements to a federally insured bank.
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The maximum sentence for each count is 30 years in prison, and U.S. District Judge Robert W. Gettlemen has not yet scheduled sentencing hearings, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Northern District of Illinois.
Joel R. Levin, acting U.S. attorney for the district, and Michael J. Anderson, special agent in charge of the Chicago office of the FBI, announced the convictions in a news release.
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LeBeau and Bodie orchestrated a fraud scheme involving a $1.9 million loan from Amcore Bank, which in 2004 mortgaged a 10.4-acre property to the pair after they executed a full personal guarantee for the loan, according to the news release.
The property is at 5 S. 947 Deerpath Road on Aurora's West Side, according to court documents.
By fall 2005, the men had failed to make required loan payments, and foreclosure loomed. The men, in an effort to put off foreclosure, submitted fraudulent and fabricated information about the progress of their efforts to develop the property, according to the news release.
Eventually, though, the property foreclosed, and was sold in 2010 at a loss to the bank and several investors who had pledged their own money for the project, according to the news release.
While LeBeau and Bodie told individual investors their money would be used to develop a mixed-use development on the property, the investors became victims of financial crime. The fraud resulted in one couple losing $450,000 and an elderly couple losing $300,000, with the men using some of the elderly couple's money for business expenses and to make bank payments, according to the news release.
Bodie's listed attorney, Paul A. Wagner, did not return a phone message seeking comment Monday.
Gerald J. Collins, who has been representing LeBeau, said the defense was disappointed the men were found guilty.
"That's what the jury found and that's what we have to live with right now," Collins said.
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Collins maintained that the men feel their information was not blatantly false, but was misunderstood by the bank.
Both defendants were born in the Aurora area and LeBeau is a lifelong Aurora resident, Collins said.
The men had not been business partners before but became involved in the development project in 2004, planning to build as many as 260 condominium units on the property, which at one point housed a health club run by LeBeau's uncle, Collins said. Then the economy turned, ruining their dreams, he said. While there were also issues regarding density and nearby wetlands, the men thought those could have been resolved by working with the city, Collins said.
"They firmly believed they were going to make it work, or at least be able to sell the property for a developer who would put the structures up," Collins said.
hleone@tribpub.com
Twitter @hannahmleone
In the home stretch of their case, Kane County prosecutors Tuesday focused on blood, gunshot residue and ballistic evidence tied to the 2014 killing of Rachel Taylor in Aurora.
Forensic scientists from the Illinois State Police took the witness stand to describe findings that included the presence of gunshot residue on Christopher Whetstone's hands shortly after he is accused of fatally shooting Taylor, his one-time girlfriend and mother of the couple's two children, on Charles Street on Jan. 13, 2014. Whetstone has pleaded not guilty.
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The scientific witnesses also indicated Taylor's DNA was found in blood samples taken from a jacket and sweatshirt belonging to Whetstone - clothing neighbors previously testified they saw Whetstone wearing during a dispute with Taylor outside his home not long before she was found face down and wounded in a driveway. The doctor who performed Taylor's autopsy said last week that the 22-year-old woman was shot three times, with bullets causing fatal internal injuries.
Robert Hunton, a state police firearms identification specialist, on Tuesday offered a detailed explanation of his analysis of three bullets and three casings provided to him by Aurora police investigators. Hunton described similar markings on the .22-caliber Remington casings, but said his examination could not determine whether they matched the bullets - two of which were removed from Taylor's body, the third from the driveway scene. He also could not positively identify if, nor exclude whether, the bullets were fired from the same gun.
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Under cross-examination from Assistant Public Defender Jaqueline Leder, one of Whetstone's attorneys, Hunton acknowledged the bullet's brand, characteristics and types of guns in which they are used makes them common in the firearms world. He said testing couldn't eliminate a revolver, rifle or a handgun as the type of gun used to shoot Taylor.
"I don't know what type of firearm fired those cartridges," Hunton said.
The case could be in the jury's hands for deliberations as early as Thursday.
Dan Campana is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News
Don't worry if you couldn't make it to New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Creole Stomp is bringing the spirit of that holiday to the Metropolis Performing Arts Centre on March 25.
They will be performing a mix of contemporary blues, swamp pop and traditional Cajun and zydeco music, led by African Creole and French Creole fiddle master Dennis Stroughmatt.
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Creating that style was a long journey for Stroughmatt who noted that he first became intrigued by French Creole music because he was raised near an old French Creole town along the Wabash.
"When I was a kid, there were a few events, like a 12th night kind of ball and dances. I was always interested," he said. "Later, in my teen years, I started going over to Southwest Illinois to some of the French towns along the Mississippi."
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He became even more attracted to the French Creole sound when he attended college. "I learned about a whole area in Southeast Missouri near the edge of the Ozarks where there are still French-speaking Creoles," Stroughmatt said. Some of the families had come from France, others from Canada.
"I ended up living in the area for three years and learned to speak French," the musician said. That was 27 years ago. After that, he moved to Louisiana where his study of the musical form continued. That's also where he served as a curator at the Vermilionville Cajun and Creole Folklife Museum in Lafayette. Stroughmatt acquired many of his Creole fiddle mentors at that museum. These included Black Allemand, Canray Fontenot, Faren Serrette and Morris Ardoin.
Stroughmatt noted that the French Creole music he absorbed was very different in each of the areas that he lived. "In Illinois, it's very old-timey, it's not like the Cajun music," he said. "Whereas Louisiana music has a lot of African influence and some Spanish influence." He absorbed elements of each style along the way.
"All those years created what I do and who I am," Stroughmatt declared.
Creole Stomp has taken its unique sound across the county. They have performed everywhere from the Las Vegas-Charleston Arts Center to the New Orleans Jazz Festival, the Memphis Beale Street Zydeco Festival and the Philadelphia Folk Festival.
One regular annual gig is at Ron's Cajun Connection in Utica, Ill. "We've been doing what [owner Ron McFarlain] calls the Mardi Gras in July for 16 years," Stroughmatt said. "We set up at the restaurant outside and play for two days. Some of the best Cajun food you'll ever get. It's a great time. We play and we eat, we play and we eat."
There will be a full menu of music only when the group performs at Metropolis. In addition to Stroughmatt, the band consists of Robert Russell (vocals, lead guitar), Greg Bigler (vocals, bass) and Jimmy Willis (vocals and drums). Guest artist CW Riley (scrubboard and vocals) may also be there.
Those musicians combine to make the sound that Creole Stomp proudly report has led to the band being called the Grateful Dead of Creole music.
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Creole Stomp
When: 7:30 p.m. March 25
Where: Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights
Tickets: $30
Information: (847) 577-2121; metropolisarts.com
Individuals seeking three seats on the Willowbrook Village Board in April want to focus on maintaining a fiscally responsible village budget while attracting more development into the village.
The four people on the ballot are incumbents Terrence F. Kelly, Umberto S. Davi and Michael Mistele, and newcomer Daniel Hanuska.
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"Even though there will always be challenges, we are pretty fiscally conservative with what we are doing," Kelly said. "The construction of the Pete's (Fresh Market) grocery store is exciting and we anticipate other future projects going on along Plainfield Road."
Davi wants to focus on the budget.
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"My primary focus is to have a budget that does not diminish village services," Davi said. "At the same time we need to remain fiscally responsible."
Mistele plans to focus on development and fiscal responsibly if elected by voters in April.
"We have a triple AAA bond rating," Mistele said. "Willowbrook does not collect property taxes and we are still able to offer services to the community."
Mistele said his experience as an architect has allowed him to offer up suggestions about the design and construction of the new village center that will open in a year or so.
Daniel Hanuska did not return calls for an interview.
Village President Frank A. Trilla and Clerk Leroy R. Hansen are also up for re-election, but both are running unopposed.
Joseph Ruzich is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press
Meet the candidates
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Terrence Kelly
Age: 71
Education: College of the Holy Cross, Massachusetts; law degree from Fordham University, New York City
Family: Married with eight children
Civic involvement: Two terms of Willowbrook Village Board
Umberto S. Davi
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Age: 66
Education: Western Illinois University; law degree from John Marshall Law School, Chicago
Family: Married with three sons
Civic involvement: six years in Willowbrook Village Board; member, Willowbrook/Burr Ridge Chamber, West Suburban Chamber; charity events with Illinois State Bar Association
Michael Mistele
Age: 58
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Education: Master's degree in architecture from University of Wisconsin
Family: Two sons, three grandchildren
Owner Matt Hackney shows off some of the cupcakes he will feature at Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery in Orland Park. (Smallcakes photo / Handout)
Another specialty baker is coming this week to Orland Park when Smallcakes Cupcakery & Creamery holds its soft opening on Saturday in the Orland Park Crossing shopping center.
For owner Matt Hackney, making the move after 10 years as a commercial banker to cupcake baker was not as hard as it might seem.
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"I always wanted to open my own business," he said. "I gained a lot of experience helping others and about a year ago I started looking for the right business.
"I like to cook and bake recreationally, so a cupcake shop wasn't that big a reach."
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Smallcakes starts with what Hackney calls "jumbo-sized premium cupcakes" fresh-baked daily in about 15 flavors every day along with specialty flavors that change daily. "They are very high-quality cupcakes."
In addition, the shop will have ice cream, ice cream infused cupcake, minicakes and Italian-style hot chocolate. There will even be pupcakes so the family dog can get a treat.
Coffee will be added to the menu shortly, Hackney said. Customers can stay on top of changes and cupcake flavors at the shop's Facebook page, Smallcakes: A Cupcakery & Creamery Orland Park.
Hackney said every shop is run differently. "We have a lot of freedom in how we operate."
His store at 14225 S. 95th Avenue will have tables for customers inside and weather-permitting outside.
Hackney will be the driving force at Smallcakes but he will get help from his wife and father-in-law and additional family members he can call on when needed.
"I hired four employees from outside the family," he said.
The company was founded by Jeff Martin in 2008 with 10 flavors and now has more than 250 locations worldwide. There are eight stores open in Illinois with two coming. Orland shop will be the first in the south suburbs.
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The Orland store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Hackney said a grand opening will take place sometime in early April.
Primal Cut Steakhouse to open
Primal Cut Steakhouse, which has been remodeling the former El Coco Mio at 17344 S. Oak Park Ave. in Tinley Park, has announced on Facebook that barring last-minute setbacks it plans to open Saturday morning.
On its Facebook page, Primal Cut said it would be a casual-attire restaurant and would feature aged steaks that it would cut and age in-house.
Before it became El Coco Mio, the same site had been home to Casablanca's Steakhouse and Bogart's Charhouse.
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Hours are expected to be 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
Ciao closing in Palos Hills
Ciao Ristorante in Palos Hills has announced it will be closing its doors for the final time on April 2.
The restaurant at 10296 S. 78th Avenue announced on Facebook it would be "closing our doors to regular dining the last week of March."
The restaurant also urged customers to use gift cards and gift certificates before it closed.
Calls for comment were not returned.
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Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 17 In this Nov. 25, 2016, file photo, customers shop in a Toys R Us store on Black Friday in Miami. The toy chain has filed for bankruptcy protection, but plans on keeping its stores open. (Alan Diaz / AP)
Pomp Room salon closes
The Pomp Room, a longtime full-service beauty salon in the southwest suburbs, closed its doors for good recently at 6934 S. Wolf Road in Indian Head Park.
Eurofresh closing in Tinley Park
Eurofresh Market, which carried a large selection of ethnic foods and supplies, will be closing at the end of March at 16000 S. Harlem Ave. in the Park Center Plaza in Tinley Park.
The store opened about a decade ago after taking over the space from Cub Foods. In 2011, the store was sold for $3 million by Inland Real Estate Corp. to Piggly Wiggly Midwest LLC, which is a part of the Butera Foods company.
It is no longer affiliated with a Eurofresh store in Palatine.
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Bon A Pit changing again
The Bon A Pit barbecue restaurant at 12200 S. Harlem in Palos Heights is undergoing yet another metamorphosis.
About eight years ago, the restaurant was called Willoughby's before it changed into Bon A Pit.
Bon A Pit closed on March 5 and thanked customers for their support. The owners also announced that the restaurant would be closed for about a month as it segued from barbecue to Greek cuisine. There was no reason given for the closure or transition.
A message on the Bon A Pit Facebook page said gift cards to Bon A Pit would be honored at the new restaurant.
A sign on the door said it would be renamed Kefi Greek Cuisine & Bar and was now hiring for all positions from dishwashers to bartenders.
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Chicago Ridge Mall adds charging stations
Two free charging stations for electric cars, powered by Volta, have been installed in the parking lot of the west entrance of Aldi at Chicago Ridge Mall.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
"We're seeing more and more of our diners, guests and shoppers driving electric cars, and we're thrilled to be able to provide them with free charging stations," Steven Yee, Chicago Ridge Mall general manager, said in a release. "Volta is the largest, free, electric-car charging network in the United States and our installation of two Volta charging stations is another way of thanking our shoppers and visitors."
Based in San Francisco, Volta operates more than 100 free electric-car charging stations in five cities. Volta sets up free charging stations at retail centers at no costs to the hosts.
Balagio now open in Mokena
Balagio Ristorante, an Italian restaurant and banquet hall that has been open in Homewood since 1997, finally opened its second location in Mokena last week.
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The restaurant is in the former Scrementi's restaurant at 9716 W. 191st St. in Mokena's Boulevard shopping center.
Balagio's is open for dinner from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, from 4-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 4-8 p.m. Sunday. The eatery is closed on Monday.
Bob Bong is a freelancer.
Gov.Bruce Rauner previously had a mutually beneficial relationship with Leslie Geissler Munger, whom he appointed comptroller. She was defeated in the November special election by Susana Mendoza. (Abel Uribe / Chicago Tribune)
You may have heard about a recent Paul Simon Public Policy Institute poll that found Gov. Bruce Rauner's job disapproval ratings have almost doubled in the past two years, from 31 percent in March of 2015 to 58 percent this month. According to the poll, Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan's current disapproval rating is 61 percent, about the same as his 63 percent disapproval rating last October. Rauner's disapproval rating last October was 55 percent.
During this long governmental impasse, Madigan has championed the cause of unions and working people against the governor's attempts to take rights and benefits away from them. But the Democrat is actually underwater with union members. According to the Simon poll, 55 percent of respondents who said they belong to a union disapprove of Madigan's job performance, including 38 percent who strongly disapprove. Just 34 percent of union members approve of his job performance, while only 12 percent strongly approve. All this pain and they still don't like him.
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But union members dislike the governor far more. The poll found that 72 percent of union members disapprove of Rauner's job performance, and half of union members strongly disapprove. Only 24 percent approve. On Rauner, anyway, the union message has gotten out.
At the very beginning of this impasse almost two years ago, a top Madigan operative told me the plan was to drag Rauner down to the same polling levels as the House Speaker. They're very nearly there.
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Rauner is polling horribly everywhere 58 percent of suburbanites and 56 percent of Downstaters disapprove of his job performance. Another 62 percent of moderates, 60 percent of independents, 47 percent of born-again Christians, 55 percent of men, 61 percent of women, 56 percent of seniors (age 66-plus), 54 percent of whites, 56 percent of those making over $100,000 a year and 55 percent of non-union members all disapprove of his job performance.
Daily Southtown Twice-weekly News updates from the south suburbs delivered every Monday and Wednesday >
The same day JB Pritzker announced he was forming an exploratory committee to run for governor, the Illinois Republican Party made a wildly unsubstantiated claim that the Democrat was "at the center of (Rod) Blagojevich's criminal scheme to sell Illinois' Senate seat." Like it or not, this is our future.
Barring a dramatic turnaround in his approval ratings, Rauner's only sure path to reelection is to make his opponent look even uglier than he does and he looks pretty darned ugly right now. But he's also got a very expensive ugly stick with which he can bludgeon the other side. He's already deposited $50 million into his campaign bank account and there's plenty more cash where that came from. So, 2018 will not only likely be the most expensive gubernatorial race in history, it'll be the meanest, because now that the governor has opened the door to these sorts of crazy attacks, the other side will undoubtedly respond in-kind.
Rauner has spent tens of millions of dollars muddying up Madigan's image and he'll definitely use this "issue" against whoever his opponent will be. Campaigns are usually referendums on the incumbent, so Rauner will attempt to make Madigan and whoever his alleged puppet gubernatorial candidate is the incumbents while positioning himself as the outsider trying to change things for the better. For the past two years, the whole plan has been to equate "Democrat" with "Madigan" in voters' minds. And it's had some success.
"When is a Democrat going to run a campaign for that 61 percent?" a Democratic operative asked me last week, referring to the obvious opportunity to capitalize on Madigan's 61 percent disapproval rating. To the operative, this is a no-brainer. Run a campaign that criticizes both Rauner and Madigan. After all, even more Democrats disapprove of Madigan's job performance (47 percent) than approve (40 percent), while 27 percent of Democrats strongly disapprove and only a tiny 9 percent strongly approve.
So far, announced Democratic candidate Chris Kennedy has seemed to go out of his way to avoid directly criticizing Madigan. Even Ameya Pawar, the progressive Democratic candidate, hasn't really launched on the guy. Pritzker hasn't granted any serious interviews and hasn't issued any substantive policy statements, so we don't know yet where he'll stand.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Party has not done much of anything to equate "Republican" with "Rauner" in voters' minds. Rauner's numbers were almost as bad last October as they are now, but the Democrats barely mentioned him in their campaigns. It's probably time to start thinking about that.
Rich Miller also publishes Capitol Fax, a daily political newsletter, and CapitolFax.com.
Plote Property Management, LLC plans to repurpose and expand the vacant Wal-Mart site in East Dundee into a multi-tenant building. (Plote Property Management, LLC / HANDOUT)
Plote Property Management, LLC has gotten the OK from East Dundee officials to repurpose and expand the vacant Wal-Mart into a multi-tenant building, despite the objection of one trustee.
Plote anticipates spending about $15 million on the project at 620 Dundee Ave., which includes the construction of two buildings on the existing parking lot area for both commercial and industrial use.
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In order to proceed, the village had to approve rezoning the area for industrial use. Trustee Jeff Lynam's initial motion Monday to table the vote for more discussion failed. The rezoning was then approved 4-1, with Lynam casting the lone dissenting vote.
Ryan Trottier, vice president of land development for Plote Property Management, said the new East Dundee Commerce Park will include tenants similar to Plote's nearby Rock Road Industrial Park.
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Lynam questioned the vacancy rate at the latter park. Plote representatives said it is 97 percent occupied.
Lynam said his struggle with the project comes down to financials. When Wal-Mart left the village for Carpentersville last summer, East Dundee took a hit of about $850,000 annually in various revenues, he said.
"And it's likely we're not going to get it (back) from this project," he said. "It's only been eight months. I think we should put a little bit more effort in trying to replace what we had."
But Aaron Gruen, of the Chicago-based market research firm Gruen Gruen + Associates, said at Monday's meeting the shift to online shopping has impacted retail sales.
"Major retail chains are shutting their doors at a rapid rate because of online shopping," he said.
Officials also reached out to several retailers, including Burlington Coat Factory, Meijer, Hobby Lobby, and Petco with limited response. They did receive some interest from short-lease term uses such as pop-up Halloween costumes and party supplies.
Gruen said retail stores depend on foot traffic and visibility as a primary advantage in attracting customers.
"Customers will go where better and deeper stores, restaurants and services are located," he said. "That's the retail landscape we're facing today."
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Lynam said more than 130,000 cars go through that intersection on a daily basis.
"I think we should put a little bit more effort in trying to replace what we had. It would serve us better," he said.
Plote representatives said the reuse and occupancy of the property will create more than 200 jobs and those employees will likely spend their earnings at the local gas stations, coffee shops and restaurants. The expansion of the site and addition of the two other buildings will also generate more property tax than the parcel does currently, they said.
David Plote of Plote Property Management, LLC, said retail for the site is not being ruled out.
"We're just adding other uses to it," he said. "If the retail market is there it will prove itself out."
Trustee Dan Selep said the project is "an opportunity to fill that space."
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"I'm all for this," he said.
Erin Sauder is a freelance reporter for The Courier-News.
A 16-year-old Chicago teen was arrested about 7:15 p.m. Saturday near Spring Hill Mall for possession a stolen semi-automatic handgun, according to a news release from the West Dundee Police Department.
A West Dundee police officer was on routine patrol when his vehicle was almost struck by a vehicle that went through a stop sign, according to police. The officer initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle and recovered a Sig Sauer 9mm semi-automatic handgun.
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According to police reports, the handgun was reported stolen out of Chicago.
The driver of the vehicle, Jerome Massey, 21, of the 5400 block of South Washington Boulevard, Chicago, was charged with operating an uninsured motor vehicle, no driver's license and obstructing identification, reports stated. He has a court date of April 13 in Elgin.
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The teen, whose name was not disclosed because he is a minor, was taken into custody and charged with several felonies, including possession of a firearm, unlawful use of a weapon-no concealed carry license, unlawful use of a weapon-no FOID card, and unlawful use of a weapon-under 21, police said. He was taken to the Kane County Juvenile Justice Center to await a hearing.
United we stand, divided we fall: What is wrong with the people of the United States? We are supposed to be united. We're not the divided states. Every state has gone off in its own direction. They all want their own agenda.
Stop sanctuary cities: I can't believe that some of the men who are running for the position of mayor of Batavia are considering turning Batavia into a sanctuary city. Are they out of their minds? I believe we should go with the laws of our country and not let each city do what it wants to do.
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Trojan horse: All our elected officials took an oath to uphold the laws of the land and support the Constitution of the United States of America. We are a nation of laws. We are supposed to have separation of church and state. For church officials to ignore our laws is a rebellion. They are committing treason. Anyone who harbors or helps illegal immigrants is guilty of a felony. I would like to see everyone who promotes illegal immigration, especially the people who hire illegal immigrants, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. How is it fair for illegal immigrants to ignore our laws and get sanctuary in churches? How many people have lost their jobs to illegal immigrants? They are our Trojan horse. This is our country. Enforce the laws.
Fix streets instead of downtown area: I'm a resident of East Dundee. We need a few more restaurants, a few more gas stations, and a few more bars to qualify as a Geneva or St. Charles downtown. I think our trustees are outrageous. They all need to go. Our streets in the Terrace are the worst ever. The people of East Dundee need to wake up.
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Follow immigration laws: This is about the Speak Out on real illegal immigrants. When I look in the mirror, I see an American who follows the rules and doesn't ask for handouts. When people came here in the early days, there were no laws to follow but there are now. When my grandparents came here, they had to prove that they could take care of themselves. They had to prove they wouldn't be a burden to our society. There are immigration laws now, and they need to be followed.
Tapping Trump: People are questioning whether President Trump's phones were tapped. How does the Justice Department know that Attorney General Sessions talked to the Russian ambassador by telephone? I know that a lot of warrants are put on a judge's desk. There are so many that he just rubberstamps them. At this point, I don't trust our government as far as I can throw it. I trust businesses even less. I let people have just enough rope to hang themselves. I don't trust Trump's accusations, and I don't believe them either.
Swamp still slimy: President Trump said he would drain the swamp. Instead, he has singlehandedly managed to divide this country. All these slime ball racists seem to think they can crawl out of their holes now. Look what they are doing to the Jewish cemeteries. Whoever said that America wasn't respected when former President Obama was in office? Another country has asked Obama to come over there and be their president. When Trump does something wrong, he just tweets out an outrageous message and hopes people forget about the other matter.
Catholic controversy: Why do we hear the Catholic Church standing up for immigrant sanctuary? It's because their livelihood depends on tuition from Latinos. American youth have fallen away from going to church. Even so, most Catholic Hispanics choose tuition-free public schools for their children.
Demand for equality: To the caller who commented on Black Lives Matter, we understand that all lives matter. But are white people the ones who are being killed at an alarming rate by the police? A lot of it is justified, and a lot of is not justified. When you are a policeman, one unjustifiable homicide is a lot. Some police are not getting the proper training. The United States is not that old of a country. We're still working the kinks out. Blacks are just asking to be treated equally. We must move forward instead of moving backward.
Simpson verdict: To the caller who thought O.J. Simpson committed murder, here's a news flash. He was acquitted in court by our criminal justice system, if you believe in it.
Glove gimmick: This is regarding the caller who said O.J. Simpson definitely murdered his ex-wife and friend. A lawyer's gimmick freed him. Shrunken, blood-soaked leather gloves. Attorney Johnnie Cochran said: If it doesn't fit, you must acquit. Yet Drew Peterson was convicted on far less circumstantial evidence. Our justice system is not infallible. It is reckless.
Show both sides: Like many of my friends, I'm getting tired of all these sob stories in newspapers about these poor illegal immigrants and what will they do now. The fact of the matter is they broke the law coming here. They overstayed their visas. No other country would put up with what we have put up regarding illegal immigration. Why don't they write stories about the costs associated with illegal immigration, the crime, the poverty and the non-educated people who are swamping our schools? One-sided stories day after day are getting ridiculous.
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Editor's note
Speak Out is a reader-generated column of opinions. If you see something you disagree with or think is incorrect, call us at 312-222-2460 or email couriernews@tribpub.com. Please include "speak out" in the subject line.
"Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue has been selected as the One Book, One Highland Park title. (Highland Park Library)
The Highland Park Public Library and the city of Highland Park are inviting residents to share their family's immigration stories as part of this year's One Book, One Highland Park community reading program.
This year's book selection, "Behold the Dreamers" by Imbolo Mbue, tells the story of an undocumented African immigrant living in Harlem with his wife and son, hoping to make a better life and achieve the American dream. The personal stories of immigration shared by Highland Park residents will be displayed in a library exhibit during the month of April.
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"The themes in the One Book title give us the opportunity to highlight the immigration stories in our own city," explained Library Director Jane Conway in a news release. "Not only will the exhibit focus on those who have immigrated here and settled in Highland Park, but it will also illustrate the range of nationalities that make up our community."
To participate in the exhibit, residents can fill out a form at the library, located at 494 Laurel Ave.. Forms are available at the library's check-out desk or at www.hplibrary.org.
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"The city is proud to partner with the library to celebrate our diverse population as we continuously strive to be an inclusive and welcoming community," said Mayor Nancy Rotering in the release. "This collaborative effort encourages all of us to explore our individual heritage, recognize our distinct and shared experiences, and appreciate the many ways in which immigrants contribute to the vibrancy of our hometown."
"Behold the Dreamers" is the 12th title selected for Highland Park's One Book program, which encourages friends and families to read the same book and engage in thoughtful dialogue. Copies of the book are available at the library.
The author, Imbolo Mbue, will appear at the library at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 22 for a conversation with Davis Schneiderman, an English professor at Lake Forest College. Books will be for sale and the event will conclude with a book signing.
A community program on Becoming a Citizen will take place at 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 19. A community relations officer from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services will discuss the naturalization process and services to assist new immigrants.
Other events are planned as well, kicking off with a film screening at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 1 about an Irish family that immigrates to New York looking for a better life. A discussion will be led by Bob Coscarelli, professor emeritus at the College of Lake County.
At 1 p.m. Monday, April 3, book discussion leader Judy Levin will facilitate a group dialogue about Behold the Dreamers. An evening book discussion will be led by Schneiderman at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 20.
Behold the Dreamers explores immigration through the fictional account of the struggles of Jende Jonga, an undocumented African immigrant whose dream of a better life appears within reach when he lands a chauffeur job with a senior executive at Lehman Brothers. While his lawyer navigates the U.S. immigration system on his behalf, Jonga works hard to prove his loyalty and worth to his employer. When Lehman Brothers collapses in 2008, Jonga struggles to maintain his job and his family is forced to reevaluate their future in America.
"Imbolo Mbue, a Cameroonian immigrant and a new U.S. citizen, approaches complex social issues from a unique and powerful perspective," said Rachel Garcia, one of the Highland Park librarians who selected the One Book title. "Immigration, class, and race are all issues that are evolving and redefining what it means to seek and achieve the American Dream."
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For more information, call (847) 432-0216 or visit www.hplibrary.org.
Adam Stolberg is running for a two-year term on the Highland Park City Council. (Campaign photo)
Highland Park City Council candidate Adam Stolberg lists a B.S. in Economics from the University of Illinois among his qualifications on his campaign literature.
Stolberg says he wasn't trying to mislead anyone when he shortened the degree referenced on his list of qualifications, which runs alongside testimonials from prominent supporters including the mayor, a city council member, a Lake County board member and a former state representative.
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Stolberg actually holds a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Illinois' School of Agriculture, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics.
"I am very proud of my degree," Stolberg said Monday. "It is an economics degree."
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Community news site Patch pointed out the discrepancy March 17 in a short article in which Stolberg apologized for what he called an abbreviation or typo, and later made a derogatory comment about the news site.
In a strongly worded news release on Monday, State Rep. Scott Drury (D-Highwood) called on Stolberg to drop out of the three-way contest for a two-year term on the council.
"Providing false information in order to get elected is intolerable and disqualifying," Drury said in the release sent from his campaign address and not his legislative account.
Speaking later by phone, Drury said the number one complaint people have about politicians is a lack of trustworthiness.
"Did the candidate intentionally leave the word (agricultural) off?," Drury asked. "It seems to me that's what happened and that he made the decision not anyone else that there was an advantage to saying economics versus agricultural economics. I have an issue with that."
Stolberg denied the omission was an attempt to hide anything.
"I haven't spoken to Scott so I don't know what his intention was," said Stolberg about the release sent by Drury. "I wish he'd talked to me first. He should have talked to me first."
As of Monday, the biographical information on Stolberg's campaign website had been revised to reflect the degree in Agricultural Economics.
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Stolberg said the school has one of the oldest and most respected programs in commodities, derivatives and options trading.
"When I went to college, that is exactly what I wanted to do post-graduation, and that's what I did," said Stolberg, noting he worked for a time at both the Chicago Board Options Exchange and the Chicago Board of Trade.
City Councilman Anthony Blumberg, a strong Stolberg supporter, said the controversy had not tarnished his view of Stolberg, whom he described as "one of the most impressive people I know."
"I think he represented his degree honestly," Blumberg said. "Whatever the university wants to call it, it's one and the same."
Blumberg said Stolberg has consistently demonstrated honesty and integrity through his work on the Plan and Design Commission and in professional and personal dealings.
Stolberg's opponents in the race, Davis Schneiderman and Laura Saret, took a different view.
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"I'm disappointed that Adam misled the voters," Saret said. "I have tremendous respect for Representative Drury and admire his honesty, integrity, and independence."
Said Schneiderman, "Good government is predicated on public trust, and voters should have confidence that elected officials will act in ways that reflect, and ideally amplify, that trust."
Schneiderman said Stolberg needs to address the issue head-on rather than blame the media.
kberkowitz@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter @KarenABerkowitz
Thomas Cauley, Jr. and Laura LaPlaca have both worked hard for Hinsdale, and want to continue to do so. But after April 4, one of them will no longer be on the Village Board.
LaPlaca, a two-term village trustee, and Cauley are going head-to-head in the election for village president. Cauley is seeking his third four-year term as president.
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Cauley said the village is about halfway through a $90 million, 15-year plan to fix streets and sewers, something he made a priority when first elected president in 2009.
LaPlaca said when she has been campaigning, residents ask her to "please fix the streets."
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"I thought we were fixing the streets," she said, "but apparently not fast enough."
She said the schedule of roadwork might need to be reevaluated.
Cauley said the decision was made to fix a limited number of roads each year with current revenues, rather than borrow millions to fix the village sewers and roads all at once.
He made it a priority to build up the reserves, so the village could afford to maintain its infrastructure on an ongoing basis.
"When I first took office, the village had a reserve balance of 13 percent," Cauley said.
General accounting principles recommend organizations have 25 percent of annual operating expenses in reserve.
"Now, our reserves are closer to 30 percent," Cauley said. "We now spend, on average $8.5 million on our infrastructure each year."
Cauley said the village convinced Land Rover, "our second largest producer of sales tax revenue," to stay in Hinsdale, by moving to the larger, and long vacant GM facility nearby on Ogden.
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LaPlaca noted the village's program to protect trees against the Emerald Ash infestation has slowed the loss of ash trees.
They both said they have high hopes that the parking deck the village will build in partnership with Hinsdale-Clarendon Hills District 181's construction of a new Hinsdale Middle School will alleviate one of the longest ongoing problems in Hinsdale's downtown, a lack of parking.
Cauley was leaning toward the smaller of two designs, which is what the village staff recommended, but LaPlaca urged the board not to vote until more residents and business owners had a chance to voice their opinion. The outcome was the Village Board decided to build the larger, more expensive 189-space deck for an estimated $4.53 million.
Both candidates are fighting the possible widening of the tollway through Hinsdale, which could cost the village park land and sales tax revenue from the oasis.
So why should one person serve three terms as president, LaPlaca asks. If one person thinks he has all the answers, that's a reason not to vote for him, LaPlaca said at a candidate's forum.
"I certainly don't think I am the only person who can do the job," Cauley replied. "But I do think I have done a good job and (it's) a job I enjoy."
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LaPlaca said lack of change brings stagnation. She argued she would bring creative ideas and an open and inclusive approach to addressing village issues.
If Cauley is re-elected, the Village Board would be all men. But both Cauley and LaPlaca said gender is not relevant to serving as village president.
"I wish more women would get involved at the local level," LaPlaca said.
kfornek@pioneerlocal.com
Twitter @kfdoings
A closer look
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Thomas Cauley, Jr.
Age: 61
Profession: Attorney with Sidley Austin LLP for 34 years, specializing in financial litigation. Prior to law school, worked as an accountant for the firm currently known as PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
Education: Accounting degree from University of Notre Dame; law degree from University of Illinois College of Law
Family: Wife, Sharon; three grown children; one granddaughter
Civic involvement: Hinsdale village president since 2009; Hinsdale Village Board member from 2007 to 2009; pro bono legal work with Sidley Austin
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Laura LaPlaca
Age: 60
Profession: Previously practiced corporate law for 10 years with Jenner & Block in Chicago.
Education: Bachelor's degree from Illinois Wesleyan University; law degree from Loyola University College of Law
Family: Husband, Craig Culbertson; five children; two grandchildren
Civic involvement: Hinsdale Village Board member since 2009; member of the Hinsdale Plan Commission from 1997 to 2009, including five years as chairman; involved with the Union Church of Hinsdale and the Community House.
Jose Reyes, of Chicago, at his trial last fall for predatory criminal sexual assault of a child, aggravated kidnapping, and possession and production of child pornography. (Stacey Wescott / Chicago Tribune)
A Chicago man found guilty of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a toddler in Mundelein is scheduled for sentencing April 26, almost six months after his conviction.
Much of the delay was attributed to obtaining official records from the Department of Defense for Jose Reyes, who was honorably discharged from the military after serving in Afghanistan, according to defense attorney Eric Rinehart.
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Rinehart said that information would be used in preparing for the sentencing hearing.
Judge Mark Levitt set the new sentencing date Tuesday in Lake County Circuit Court after a brief discussion with Rinehart and Assistant State's Attorney Eric Kalata. Reyes had initially been scheduled for sentencing Jan. 19.
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Reyes faces 24 to 120 years in prison after being convicted at the end of a bench trial before Levitt last fall of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 3-year-old Mundelein girl.
In announcing the guilty verdict, Levitt said evidence and testimony during the trial of Reyes left no doubt in his mind that Reyes was guilty of the charges against him.
The prosecution's case against Reyes included video of the assault, which was played in court, that police and prosecutors said Reyes took with his cell phone. When announcing his verdict, Levitt said that the video made clear that the "minor child was kidnapped, recorded and sexually assaulted."
Levitt also called the physical evidence against Reyes, such as DNA matches, "abundant," the forensics in the case "pristine" and the Mundelein police investigation that led to Reyes quick, but "more importantly, careful."
Reyes was formally convicted of aggravated kidnapping, predatory criminal sexual assault and possession and production of child pornography following the trial that ran intermittently between Oct. 17 and Oct. 28 of last year. Levitt then announced his verdict Nov. 3.
Reyes opted for a bench trial before Levitt over a jury trial.
Police and prosecutors said Reyes abducted the child from in front of her Mundelein apartment complex on Sept. 30, 2013, took her in his car to another location and sexually assaulted her.
He then returned her to the parking lot of the complex less than an hour later, authorities said.
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Among the witnesses at the trial was one of the girl's sisters, who described the abduction, parts of which were captured on surveillance video.
jrnewton@tribpub.com
Twitter @jimnewton5
Pueblo police investigating second homicide in less than 3 days
The incident marks the 24th homicide in the city of Pueblo this year.
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Chinese Premier Li Keqiang meets with foreign representatives of the China Development Forum (CDF) 2017 in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
China will open its door wider to the outside world, said Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday.
Li made the remarks when meeting with overseas representatives at the China Development Forum (CDF) in Beijing.
China will relax market access in service industries, manufacturing and mining, said Li.
China supports foreign-funded enterprises to list and issue bonds in China and participate in national science and technology programs as well as infrastructure construction, he said.
China will streamline the administrative procedures for foreign investments and create a fair competition environment for all companies registered in China, he said.
He welcomed more foreign companies to invest in China, cooperate with Chinese enterprises and enjoy development opportunities together.
Li said the Chinese economy has achieved steady growth, with continued improvement in its quality and efficiency.
China is making efforts to advance supply side structural reform, seek growth driven by innovation, promote entrepreneurship and the "Internet Plus" plan, and to streamline administration, he said.
China will continue to boost the healthy development of emerging industries and is willing to deepen cooperation with foreign governments and enterprises in this field, said Li.
He hoped that other countries overcome the problems of globalization and properly deal with frictions and divergences through dialogue and consultation.
China will steadfastly advance the liberalization and facilitation of trade and investment, safeguard multilateral trade and support open and transparent regional free trade arrangements, said the premier.
Li answered questions from Stuart Gulliver, the chief executive of the bank HSBC, former U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Lawrence Summers, Apple CEO Tim Cook, Martin Wolf, chief economics commentator for the Financial Times and Columbia University professor Edmund Phelps.
Overseas representatives lauded China's remarkable progress in stabilizing growth and restructuring the economy, as well as China's active role in coping with climate change.
The representatives voiced their willingness of participating in China's reform and opening-up process and expanding their partnerships with China.
The CDF, organized by the Development Research Center of the State Council, is a high-level meeting that gathers leaders from international institutions, academia and companies worldwide. It is usually held after the annual sessions of China's national legislature and political advisory body.
A bird's-eye view of Babusha, a large sand dune on the southern edge of the Tengger desert in Northwest China. [Photo/China Daily]
The government is promoting measures to eradicate desertification, one of the most-pressing problems facing China's western regions, and looking to reclaim vast areas of land. Su Zhou reports from Beijing with Xue Chaohua in Lanzhou. In January, 65-year-old Guo Wangang took over his father's job. His work is of national importance, but he isn't running a giant corporation; instead he is guarding the Babusha Forest Farm in Gulang, a county in the northwestern province of Gansu.
In the 1970s, Babusha, an enormous sand dune on the southern edge of the Tengger desert, gradually encroached south, threatening the county's social and economic development and the livelihoods of the people who lived there.
"Rather than bow down to the desert's advance and become ecological refugees, six local farmers, including my father, Guo Chaoming, decided to plant trees to improve soil absorption and prevent the spread of the desert by fixing the sand in place," said Guo Wangang, who is head of the farm. "They did it all voluntarily, despite the fact that they could not even feed themselves at the time."
After three decades, the combined efforts of two generations have paid off. The desertification of the 75,000-square-meter area has been reversed and Gulang has once again become a vibrant forest farm, where produce is grown and sheltered under a canopy of greenery. The dramatic change has prompted more than 30,000 people from the surrounding areas to settle in the once-threatened county.
Shrinking deserts
The Guo family's story is a microcosm of China's lengthy battle against desertification, often described as "cancer of the Earth". It is the most serious ecological issue facing China, especially in western areas such as Gansu and the Ningxia Hui, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions.
According to the latest survey by the State Forestry Administration, the areas affected by desertification and sandification - where the top soil has been stripped away and replaced by sand - are shrinking.
By the end of 2014, the area of desertified land nationwide had fallen by 12,120 square kilometers to 2.6 million sq km, and the area of sandified land had retreated by 9,902 sq km to 1.7 million sq km.
China has vowed to step up efforts to tackle desertification and land degradation and the government plans to reclaim 100,000 square kilometers of sandified land by 2020.
In recent decades, the country has gained rich experience of combating desertification and is now an international leader in the field.
Shapotou, a district of Zhongwei, a prefecture-level city in Ningxia, first hit the headlines not because of tourism, but as a result of successful innovations in desertification control, said Wang Fuzhong, chairman of the Ningxia Shapotou Tourism Industry Group.
He recalled that many tourists from overseas were eager to visit Shapotou in the 1970s and 80s because it was the birthplace of the now globally renowned "straw checkerboard" technique, in which straw, usually made from wheat or rice stalks, is laid out like a grid across the sand and then partially buried.
"The checkerboards have remarkable properties - acting as windbreaks and helping to keep dunes in place, thus allowing topsoil to form. When a sufficient amount of soil has been established, drought-resistant plants can be grown," he said. Liu Shizeng, director of the Gansu Desert Control Research Institute in Lanzhou, the provincial capital, said China originally adopted anti-desertification measures used in the former Soviet Union, but quickly started exploring its own techniques.
"In addition to improving anti-desertification techniques that were adopted in different geographical circumstances, we also encouraged the control of desertification through the development of local businesses, such as those that plant shrubs and dune plants to fix the sand in place and prevent major shifts. This has encouraged more locals to participate," he said.
According to Tian Zhiguo, deputy head of Pingchun, a county in Gansu, before the development of the dune plant industry, local residents rarely played an active role in tree planting.
"The cost of planting trees in deserts is very high, and once planted, the trees were not allowed to be cut down for sale. So, it made sense for them not to participate," he said. "Now, with plant farms generating profits, the locals are more willing to join the campaign."
National desert parks
Liu said years of research have resulted in the maturation of technologies that enable the large-scale domestic cultivation of wild plants, such as Asian onions. Moreover, homegrown techniques have already provided support to the development of the "sand industry" along the Hexi corridor, a fertile region which provides most of the crops grown in Gansu.
"Another good example is the founding and construction of national desert parks, which provide effective management of deserts and maximize their value," he added.
Since August 2013, the State Forestry Administration has approved 70 pilot projects for national desert parks and has pledged to build 170 by 2020, accounting for 2.4 percent of the estimated area of sandified land that can be reclaimed across the country.
Liu has been dealing with deserts for more than 30 years. At first, he regarded them as essentially dangerous places because they can destroy people's lives and livelihoods.
Now, he has changed his mind: "Just like the ocean, a desert is a natural landscape. Not all of it is dangerous to humans."
Wang Zengji, deputy head of the forestry bureau of Yanchi county in Ningxia, said combating desertification does not equate to "eradicating" deserts.
"Instead, it is the management of desertified land caused by human activities," he said.
On Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will begin a visit to Australia. He is the most senior Chinese official to visit Australia since President Xi Jinping visited in 2014.
The significance of this visit has been highlighted by former Australian ambassador to China Frances Adamson, now secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who noted that this would be the first Australia visit by a Chinese premier in about 11 years.
China is Australia's largest trading partner, both as its largest export market and its largest source of imports. In 2016, the two-way trade reached 150 billion Australian dollars ($115.78 billion). Entering into force at the end of 2015, the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement recently celebrated its first anniversary. Also, this year marks the China-Australia Year of Tourism, a booming sector which saw 2 million visitors travelling between the two countries last year.
However, while the Asia-Pacific remains the most vibrant economic region in the world, ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the Trump administration in the United States have cast shadows on regional stability and prosperity. In particular, Trump's anti-globalization stance and "America First" policy have unsettled trading nations such as Australia by raising the specter of protectionism and even the possibility of an international trade war.
Both common economic interests and regional and global uncertainties have brought Australia and China closer together than ever before, providing Beijing and Canberra with solid foundations for continued and sustained economic cooperation.
So it is widely anticipated that in the leaders' meeting both Premier Li Keqiang and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will spend much time on trade and economic cooperation and development.
Indeed, the complementarity of the two economies goes beyond China's strong demand for Australian resources, which has underpinned a decade-long mining boom in Australia and helped Australia weather the global financial crisis. With China's vision for connectivity in the region and its steadfast support for open and inclusive economic globalization and free trade, along with Australia's increasing need for investment in infrastructure, China-Australian cooperation has plenty of potential left to tap. The Australian government's recent pledge of 2 billion Australian dollars to upgrade the country's Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric complex testifies to this potential convergence of interests. With the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank aiming to support such projects across the region, China's role is crucial to the success of Malcolm Turnbull's performance as "an infrastructure prime minister".
But trade and broader economic cooperation is just one big-ticket item on a long list of common concerns on the leaders' meeting agenda, which will also feature cooperation on energy, education, science and research, innovation, law enforcement and tourism.
Beyond pushing their bilateral trade relationship forward, the two leaders will likely call for redoubling region-wide free trade efforts, especially now that the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement has been officially abandoned by Washington. However, in areas of multilateral trade initiatives and regional security relations, differences continue to exist between Australia and China.
In a meeting with his Australian counterpart in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the need for more mutual trust between the two countries. Premier Li's visit will no doubt help enhance such trust, but Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's recent remarks about China's role in the world highlights that there is still considerable trust deficit among the Australian political elite towards China.
As the first Australian ambassador to China, Stephen FitzGerald has advised, Australian leaders should show the vision and courage to "seek a relationship with China based on friendship, cooperation and mutual trust, comparable with that which we have, or seek, with other major powers". Such vision and courage helped bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap between the two nations during the Cold War, much to each other's long-term benefits. Premier Li's visit presents a great opportunity for the Australian leaders to demonstrate such vision again.
The author is an associate professor of international relations at Deakin University, Australia.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) meets with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, March 19, 2017. (Xinhua/Ju Peng)
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson made his first visit to China since he assumed office last month. He had crucial interactions with top leadership, including a meeting with President Xi Jinping on Sunday in the Great Hall of People.
Earlier, Mr. Tillerson also had separate meetings with Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi and Foreign Minister Wang Yi on Saturday.
The statements, body language and media reports show that Mr. Tillerson's trip was successful as it helped to blunt the recent rhetoric and shift the focus on the challenges confronting the two biggest economies of the world.
The meeting with President Xi was unique opportunity for Mr. Tillerson to get the essence of China's policy and expectations. Xi was quite forthcoming in the conversation and said that two countries needed to increase "strategic trust and mutual understanding."
He also suggested that it was time to review bilateral ties from long-term and strategic perspectives and expand fields of cooperation for win-win outcomes.
President Xi also revealed that he had been in touch with the U.S. counterpart Donald Trump through telephone calls and messages. He called it maintaining "sound communication." His emphasis was to have a system to "address and manage sensitive issues" which can derail the ties.
Xi also extended welcome to President Trump for a visit. Mr. Tillerson responded positively by saying that President Trump valued communication with President Xi and looked forward to meeting Xi and the opportunity for a visit to China.
The atmosphere of the meeting reflected mutual desire to understand each other. The important message from the Secretary of State was that his country wants a relationship based on the principles of "no conflict, no confrontation, mutual respect and win-win cooperation."
I think that the crux of the visit was to move the relationship forward with a new vigor. The message from China was also clear and resounding that friction is not in the interest of anyone and cooperation was need of the hour.
In the delegation level talks, Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that the two sides were in close contact to organize the first ever summit meeting of the two presidents. "We have in-depth discussions on arranging a recent meeting between two presidents and starting relevant preparations," Wang said.
The two sides might have worked on the details and possible agenda points of the summit meeting, which will bring the two presidents together after their first direct conversation on telephone in February when Mr. Trump called the Chinese leader after tension over a call from Taiwanese leader, which spotlighted American ambivalent attitude towards one-China policy. Mr. Tillerson's visit was an assertion that the United States was sticking to the old policy, which was momentarily in jeopardy.
As trade and commercial activities form an integral part of Sino-U.S. ties, Mr. Tillerson should have used the opportunity to discuss the areas of concerns and differences. The two economies had yearly trade worth 579 billion dollars in 2016, roughly accounting for almost a quarter of the world's total trade. China has a surplus of 347 billion dollars, which irks Mr. Trump. But Tillerson avoided publicly discussing trade and currency issues.
Given the huge trade volume between the two countries, none of them is in a position to damage the economic ties. The imbalances and differences can be addressed. Mr. Tillerson, who is the former CEO of ExxonMobil, can understand the importance of economic matters in addition to the finer parts of politics and security.
Another positive aspect of the visit was that bilateral differences were not played up for the gallery. The two sides have conflicting viewpoints on several matters but did not allow them to override the positive side of the relations.
The first visit by the top Trump aide was successful as it was focused on cooperation and future interactions. The trip should have opened new channels for consultation on all matters of concern. The important part is that it has reset the unsettled ties. Now all efforts should be made to make the upcoming summit successful.
Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit:
http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm
Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn.
Flash
U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Director James Comey said on Monday there was no evidence to support U.S. President Donald Trump's claim that his predecessor Barack Obama ordered wiretapping of the Trump Tower in the 2016 election.
"With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets," said Comey at a congressional hearing in Washington.
"And we have looked carefully inside the FBI. The Department of Justice has asked me to share with you that the answer is the same for the Department of Justice and all its components. The Department has no information that supports those tweets," he added.
Meanwhile, Comey confirmed publicly for the first time that the FBI was investigating alleged Russian efforts to meddle in the 2016 U.S. election, including possible links between Moscow and the campaign of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The probe included investigating the "nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," said Comey.
On March 4, Trump claimed in a tweet storm that Obama had wiretapped Trump Tower before his election victory, offering no evidence.
Hours after Trump tweeted, Obama's spokesman said Trump's wiretapping accusation is "simply false".
Speaking at the beginning of the hearing on Monday, Republican lawmaker Devin Nunes, chairman of U.S. House Select Intelligence Committee, also acknowledged that "there was not a physical wiretap of Trump Tower."
"However, it's still possible that other surveillance activities were used against President's Trump and his associates," he said.
Flash
Britain is more divided at home and abroad, the main opposition Labour Party Brexit minister said Monday after the British government announced it would trigger the European Union exit process on Wednesday of next week.
Prime Minister Theresa May's government also faced angry criticism in Scotland with the Scottish Parliament's main Brexit spokesman saying Westminster had not informed him of the March 29 date for the triggering of the Article 50 Brexit process.
Scottish National Party (SNP) politician, Michael Russell, who is leading the Scottish side's Brexit talks with the Westminster government, said he only heard of the date being set from a media report.
The apparent snub to Scotland by Westminster comes when there is increasing tension between First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and her SNP party, and May's government in London.
The Scottish Parliament will start a debate Tuesday, leading to a vote Wednesday when the Holyrood parliament is expected to back Sturgeon's call for a second independence referendum for Scotland before London concludes its Brexit negotiations with the EU.
A spokesman in Edinburgh for Scotland's First Minister Sturgeon said: "The fact the UK government failed to properly and fully inform all of the devolved administrations on the plans for triggering Article 50 speaks volumes, and totally exposes as empty rhetoric Westminster's language about equal partnership."
In its official response to the announcement, the Labour Party main Brexit spokesman at Westminster, Keir Starmer, said: "Theresa May has repeatedly said that she wants to build a national consensus on Brexit, but it is increasingly clear she has failed to do so. Britain is now more divided at home and isolated abroad."
"It is also extraordinary that the prime minister has failed to provide any certainty about her plans for Brexit or to prepare for the clear dangers of not reaching a deal with the EU. Labour will hold the Prime Minister to account all the way, and argue for a Brexit deal that puts jobs, the economy and living standards first."
Tim Farron, leader at Westminster of the Liberal Democrat Party, said May had "rushed this through without a plan, and without a clue".
"On the day Theresa May is travelling the country claiming she wants to bring the United Kingdom together, she lets it be known she is about to unleash division and bitterness. You can't have a rushed Brexit and a strong, united country," said Farron.
A spokesman at 10 Downing Street said May will personally sign the formal letter on March 29 to European Council President Donald Tusk to inform him she was triggering Article 50. On the same day, May will make a statement to MPs in the House of Commons.
Tusk says he plans an initial response within 48 hours, but it could be several weeks before serious negotiations start between London and Brussels.
Flash
The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Monday blasted the U.S. administration for pressurizing Pyongyang with threatening remarks when U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited Asia recently.
Tillerson said Friday at a joint press conference with his South Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se in Seoul that all options were on the table to resolve the Korean Peninsula's nuclear issue, including diplomatic, security and economic measures.
Tillerson said that a so-called "strategic patience" policy toward the DPRK has ended, referring to the U.S. foreign policy in the past decade under which Washington had refrained from having talks with Pyongyang before its sincere efforts at denuclearization.
The top U.S. diplomat indicated a need for tougher U.N. Security Council sanctions on the DPRK's nuclear program and other weapons of mass destruction.
"The DPRK has the will and capability to fully respond to any war the U.S. would like to ignite," said an unnamed spokesman for the DPRK foreign ministry in response to those remarks in a statement released by the state-run news agency KCNA.
"What matters is that neither Obama nor Tillerson knows the reason why the DPRK had to have access to nuclear weapons and why it is dynamically bolstering up the nuclear force," said the spokesman.
He called the nuclear weapons of the DPRK "treasured sword of justice" and the "most reliable war deterrence to defend the socialist motherland and the life of its people."
Tillerson began Wednesday his first three-nation Asian tour that took him to Japan, South Korea and China.
Flash
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn and visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi pledged on Monday to enhance mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn (R) meets with visiting Chinese State Councilor Yang Jiechi (L) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on March 20, 2017. [Photo/Xinhua]
During his meeting with the Ethiopian prime minister, Yang described Ethiopia as China's important cooperative partner in Africa.
China and Ethiopia have always supported each other on issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, firmly maintaining the common interests of the two countries and developing countries as a whole, Yang said.
China stands ready to work with Ethiopia to further implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) summit held in Johannesburg, Yang said.
Yang added that China is willing to work with Ethiopia to deepen mutual political trust in an all-round way, actively promote mutually beneficial cooperation in various fields and intensify the two countries' coordination and collaboration on international and regional affairs.
Yang expressed hope that a healthier Sino-Ethiopian relationship that enjoys faster development will serve as a fine model of Sino-African cooperation and South-South cooperation.
For his part, Hailemariam spoke highly of China's important status in international affairs, expressing appreciation that China has for a long time provided support and assistance for Ethiopia's development.
As a leading African country that has participated in industrial capacity cooperation with China, Ethiopia welcomes more Chinese companies to come to Ethiopia to make investment and open businesses so that Ethiopia and China will achieve mutually beneficial results, said Hailemariam.
On Monday, Yang also met with Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome. Both the Chinese State Councilor and the Ethiopian President spoke highly of the achievement made by China and Ethiopia through mutually beneficial cooperation.
Exchanging views on the situation in Africa and Sino-African relations, Yang and Mulatu agreed that the overall situation in Africa is favorable and getting better and there is a broad prospect for future development.
They also agreed that China and Africa should deepen their mutually beneficial cooperation and actively implement the outcomes of the FOCAC summit held in Johannesburg so as to bring more benefits to the peoples of China and Africa.
Currently on a four-nation tour of Europe, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking the support of European countries in his bid to get the South China Sea disputes on the agenda for the G7 summit, to be held in Italy in May.
Given that neither Japan nor any European countries are directly involved in the maritime disputes in the South China Sea, Abe is showing his desire to meddle in the issue for his own ends.
This is not the first time that Abe has tried to hijack the G7 agenda and sought to internationalize the South China Sea disputes to serve his ulterior political purposes. Abe has been relentlessly pushing to get Japan deeply involved in the South China Sea disputes to justify his country's bigger military presence in the international arena.
Days before Abe embarked on his European tour, it was reported that Japan will dispatch the Izumo-class helicopter carrier, its largest warship, to the South China Sea. The 249-meter vessel is due to make stops in Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Sri Lanka before participating in a joint naval exercise with Indian and US naval vessels in the Indian Ocean in July.
This will be Japan's biggest show of naval force in the region since World War II. For a country that has never sincerely owned up to its militarist past, such an open and high-profile display of force is itself alarming, without mentioning its intended purpose of meddling in the sovereignty disputes to which it is not a party.
Japan's interference comes at a time when the South China Sea disputes have shown clear signs of abating thanks to the recent efforts of the parties directly involved, and when China is negotiating a framework for a code of conduct with Southeast Asian countries, which will pave the way for building peace and stability in the waters.
Abe's meddling in the issue, at this important stage, lays bare his intention of playing up the issue and creating trouble for China. And he will no doubt want to keep hyping up the issue to distract the attention of those at home from the land scandal in which he and his wife have become embroiled.
Yet while it may suit Abe to play up the South China Sea issue, he should be aware the more he does, the more people in the region will not deem Japan to be a responsible country, an image Japan has to establish in the first place if it wants to be treated as a normal country.
KATHMANDU Smart Choice Technologies (SCT) Private Limited, the largest electronic payments network in Nepal, and Himalayan Bank Limited (HBL), a leading commercial bank of the country, plan to issue yuan-based pre-paid UnionPay travel cards.
The SCT is planning to issue debit cards and travel cards with payment facilities of UnionPay while HBL is issuing yuan-based travel cards.
They have targeted the large number of Nepalese doing business with China and people who is keen to study in China as target customers.
The SCT has 52 commercial banks and other financial institutions as members and it is going to issue SCT-UnionPay cobranded chip cards for its member banks enabling the bank customers to use them 160 countries where UPI has presence.
"In the case of China, we are going to issue renminbi-based UnionPay travel cards so that settlement of payment will take place in the Chinese currency," said Rabindra Malla, managing director of SCT. HBL is the settlement bank of SCT. The bank said is working to open a yuan-based settlement account at Bank of China.
According to Malla, they have planned to issue the SCT-UnionPay co-branded cards in May this year. With the partnership with SCT, UnionPay will enable foreigners, particularly Chinese tourists, who visit Nepal to draw necessary cashes through ATM counters of 52 banks and other financial institutions in Nepal.
On the other hand, the HBL said they were in final phase of issuing yuan-based pre-paid travel cards. "We are in the final testing phase of the cards with UnionPay," said Ujjal Rajbhandary, deputy general manager of HBL, who oversees the card-related businesses.
"If things go as per the plan, we should be able to issue renminbi-based cards in the next two months."
HBL is the first Nepalese bank to issue UnionPay cards in Nepal and it has so far issued around 1,000 such cards.
"People still have tendency to carry cashes instead of cards but using UnionPay card in China is very easy," said Rajbhandary.
Premier Li Keqiang leads a meeting of overseas enterprise representatives including Stuart Gulliver, CEO of HSBC (left), and former US Treasury secretary Lawrence Summers, during the China Development Forum in Beijing on Monday. Wu Zhiyi / China Daily
China will open doors wider to investment, overseas enterprises told at forum
China firmly promotes trade liberalization and investment by safeguarding multilateral trade as a main channel for economic growth and by building an open and transparent regional free trade framework, Premier Li Keqiang said on Monday.
The nation's economy has become deeply integrated with the global economy, and the country will further open up to foreign investors, the premier said. In the process of globalization, all countries should use their advantages and tackle trade frictions and differences through dialogue and negotiations, he added.
Li spoke to more than 100 overseas representatives from the world's top enterprises, research institutions, international organizations and media as part of the 2017 China Development Forum in the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. The three-day forum ended on Monday.
The premier took questions from participants such as former US Treasury secretary Lawrence Summers on free trade, market openness, the internet industry and innovative development.
China's doors will open wider to foreign investment by further lowering the access threshold in such sectors as services, manufacturing and mining, Li said. Procedures will be further simplified for overseas applicants who seek to start businesses in China, he added.
All enterprises registered in China will be treated equally, and foreign investors are welcome to start businesses in the country, especially in China's less-developed central and western regions, Li said.
The premier has reiterated the significance of free trade and investment access as protectionism rises amid a sluggish recovery of the world economy since the 2008 financial crisis.
Li has made similar points during domestic tours, such as the China Big Data Industry Summit in Guizhou province in May, as well as on overseas trips, including his visit to the UN headquarters in New York in September and to Latvia, where he attended the fifth leaders' meeting between China and Central and Eastern European Countries in November.
Chen Fengying, a global economy researcher at the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations, said the premier's remarks were a follow-up to what he said in the Government Work Report on March 5. The premier's interaction with overseas representatives could disclose where China will further reform and open up and how it can achieve that while transforming its economy, Chen added.
"His remarks are expected to inject confidence into foreign investors, who now are more interested in cooperating with China than before, when facing rising protectionism and sentiment against globalization," she said.
A man leaves the Standard Chartered bank building in the Central district of Hong Kong. [Photo/Agencies]
Chairman says group betting on further opening up of Chinese financial system
Standard Chartered Plc said on Monday it will increase investments in China this year with a focus on digital banking, wealth management and its renminbi business while seeking to partner up with the Chinese side under the Belt and Road Initiative.
Jose Vinals, chairman of the London-based international banking and financial services company, said that China is a critical market for the bank as the country and the northern Asian region are contributing about 40 percent to the group's total income.
Vinals expressed optimism about long-term economic prospects in China, which remains a strategically important and a top-priority market for the company as it pushes through with its transformation through the cleanup of bad assets, cost reductions and strengthened risk discipline.
The group posted a pre-tax profit of $409 million last year, turning around from a loss of $1.5 billion a year earlier.
Vinals said his bank would continue to bet on the further opening up of the Chinese financial system, the greater role of the renminbi in the global markets, as well as domestic structural reforms with emphasis on quality and efficiency.
"I am very positive on the Chinese economy and aiming at around 6.5 percent growth target for 2017 is very wise," Vinals told China Daily in an interview on the sidelines of the China Development Forum.
Vinals said that the financial risks in China are manageable and need to be continuously managed, adding that it is important for China to reduce the pace of leveraging and to ensure its corporate sector, especially State-owned enterprises, is reformed.
"The important thing is to support growth of the right policy mix, the right structural reforms and also try to diminish excessive growth of credit, particularly credit growth from the shadow banking system, which is the big source of risk," he said.
In the meantime, the bank was actively seeking opportunities to partner with the Chinese government and companies along the Belt and Road Initiative, Vinals added.
Last year, Standard Chartered participated in 40 deals related to the initiative and supported the Chinese government to help develop water power plants in Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to Vinals.
"This is the most important single initiative that exists to support globalization, and it is fostering cross-border integration in terms of infrastructure, cross-border investment and international trade," he said.
Vinals said that Standard Chartered's presence in the countries and regions involved in the Belt and Road Initiativeas well as its understanding of the local markets and the legal environmentcould help mitigate risks in the projects under the initiative.
Shenhua workers install equipment at a coal-to-liquids project in the Ningxia Hui autonomous region. [Photo/China Daily]
Largest mainland producer rides a rebound in prices, upbeat demand
Share prices of China Shenhua Energy Co Ltdthe country's biggest coal producersurged 16.28 percent to close at HK$19.14 ($2.46) in Hong Kong on Monday, outperforming the city's benchmark Hang Seng Index which gained 0.79 percent to 24,502 points, after a major leap in earnings for last year was reported.
The share price takeoff came in the wake of the group reporting on Friday a more than 40 percent increase in its net profit in 2016. China Shenhua also reported that its profit surged at least 50 percent in the first two months of 2017 over the same period of 2016, while estimating the coal price to remain at a reasonable range between 500 to 570 yuan ($72.4 to $82.5) per metric ton in the current year.
The company said that a rebound in the coal price and upbeat demand saw net profit jump 41.1 percent to 24.91 billion yuan in 2016 compared with 2015, while revenue rose 3.4 percent to 183.13 billion yuan. Earnings per share came in at 1.252 yuan.
After weighing the company's abundant cash flow as well as its investment expenditure levels, a special dividend of 2.51 yuan was recommended by the company and a final dividend of 0.46 yuan per share was declared. That took total dividends to 2.97 yuan per share or 59.07 billion yuan for the year.
"Our decision to issue the special dividend is to answer our shareholders' calls for higher dividends and to increase our rewards to shareholders. It's not affected by external factors, such as government or outsiders' proposals," said Shenhua President Ling Wen.
Coal prices in China surged last year, snapping four years of declines, as a result of the government's effort to curb industrial overcapacity. At the end of 2016, the price index of Bohai Bay thermal coal was 593 yuan per ton, up by 222 yuan per ton compared with the beginning of the year.
Against a backdrop of adjustments to demand and the government's actions, Shenhua sees the market gradually being rationalized in 2017.
The companywhich also owns power plants and railroadsset its 2017 coal production and sales volume targets at 298 million tons and 407 million tons, up 2.8 percent and 3.1 percent respectively from the previous year.
Its power output target was set at 214.7 billion kilowatt-hours, down 2.7 percent. Capital expenditure in 2017 was expected to come in at 35 billion yuan.
"We will accelerate the implementation of our clean energy development strategy in 2017, by further renovating 12 coal-fired generators with the total capacity of approximately 7,820 mW, to build a green model for the coal-fired power industry, " Ling said.
Credit Suisse raised its profit forecast for Shenhua for 2017 by 19 percent after the announcement of the better-than-expected results.
Its target share price was raised from HK$14 to HK$15.3 to reflect the higher Qinhuangdao coal price forecast this year.
However, Credit Suisse warned that the spot coal price has peaked, posting downside risk in the second half of the year. As a result it kept the stock on an Underperform rating.
Paul Romer, chief economist of the World Bank. [Photo provided to China Daily]
China's economy is very resilient and there is no need not worry about its current growth slowdown, said Paul Romer, chief economist of the World Bank. He also suggested that China should share its growth experiences with other developing countries to help them emulate its economic success.
Romer praised China's stable economic growth in recent years, which continued despite shocks such as the global financial crisis, as well as the anti-globalization trend following the United Kingdom's vote to leave the European Union and Donald Trump's unexpected victory in the United States' presidential election last year.
"One of the striking successes of the Chinese economy is that even though there have been a number of surprises, its growth rates have been very stable," Romer told China Daily in an exclusive interview on Sunday, on the sidelines of the three-day China Development Forum. "(While) growth turns negative when there are shocks in the rest of the world, the Chinese government makes sure that growth continues."
He attributed China's stable growth to the country's macroeconomic management capacity.
"It's partly because it's very large and it has some tempo," he said. "But (it is) also because China has done a good job in macroeconomic management so that when there's a shock, they are ready to respond and keep the economy working at full capacity and full employment."
China's year-on-year GDP growth slowed to 6.7 percent last year, the slowest in 26 years, down from more than 10 percent in its peak years at the beginning of the 21st century. But Romer explained the country's growth remains "very fast" compared with other countries.
"It has slowed from extremely fast to very fast. You don't have to worry about that; and 6 percent or 6.5 percent is still very significant," he said.
China has set a target of 6.5 percent GDP growth this year. To that end, it has also vowed to accelerate its structural reform, promote innovation and shift more of its attention to developing high technology and advanced manufacturing.
Romer, who is also a senior vice-president at the World Bank, suggested that China should encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and competition to raise the efficiency of its economy. "Competition can reward the most innovative. It's always a good idea to encourage competition," he said.
According to Romer, China should continue to push urbanization to raise people's general well-being and set an example for less-developed countries.
"Urbanization gives people a chance to get a job where they can learn and join the modern economy. That's what we should be studying about the Chinese economy and that's what we should be encouraging other economies to copy," said Romer, who is an economist on catch-up growth in low- and middle-income countries.
China must develop new services and products that address the latest trends in domestic consumer needs, and foster innovation to make manufacturing more efficient to compete with global rivals, the head of a global consulting firm said on Monday.
Even though China's GDP has surged faster than the world's average in the past three decades, the two main forces that have helped to drive this growth are decliningthe constant flow of new workers into the labor force and the massive investments in housing, infrastructure and industrial capacity.
Charles-Edouard Bouee, global chief executive officer of Munich-based consulting firm Roland Berger, said: "Now, not only must the country learn to cope with its aging population as the labor force will soon peakand as well as environmental risksmacroeconomic returns on fixed-asset investments have also fallen."
It takes 60 percent more capital today to produce the same amount of GDP in China than it did from 1990 to 2010, according to the company's research.
Bouee said China must therefore cut overcapacities in traditional industries through Made in China 2025 and supply-side structural reforms.
The supply-side reforms aim to improve the manufacturing and agricultural sectors, public services, environmental protection, the quality and scale of production, and the further opening-up of Chinese markets to foreign investors.
Bouee said: "China also needs to ensure that the current, massive investment in technologies, including the internet, robotics and virtual reality, will be leveraged to the benefit of its industriesby linking those industries to scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs, and by bringing top talent close to the factories."
Sun Fuquan, a researcher at the Beijing-based Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development, said: "Although China has become a big player in free trade and has 110 companies in the Fortune 500 list, including banks and insurance, real estate and energy companies, their influence mostly in in the home market."
However, only a number of them, such as Huawei Technologies Co Ltd, China Railway Rolling Stock Corp and China General Nuclear Power Group, are yet to be known in world markets.
Sun said: "Nowadays Chinese companies need to focus on their advantages, establish brand names, management practices, technologies abroad, or integrate assets and capabilities from foreign companies they have acquired."
BEIJING - China's civil aviation sector posted strong passenger growth despite a decline in cargo transportation in January this year, official data showed Monday.
Air passenger trips in January increased 17.6 percent year on year to 43.9 million, according to the Civil Aviation Administration of China.
The pace was faster than the 11.8-percent growth registered for the whole year of 2016.
Passenger trips made on domestic routes rose 17.4 percent year on year to 38.96 million in January, while those made on international routes surged 19.1 percent to 4.97 million.
In January, air cargo and mail freight topped 565,000 tons in January, decreasing 3.8 percent year on year, affected by waning domestic cargo and mail business.
Domestic air cargo and mail freight declined 5.6 percent in January year on year to 409,000 tons, while international cargo and mail freight increased 0.9 percent in January to 156,000 tons.
BEIJING - China's structural reform has been "really going well" amid rising uncertainties worldwide, said World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva, adding the world needs to think as a community of common destiny.
"In 2016, the world got 2.3 percent growth, very disappointing. More than a third, 35 percent, came from China, and it is particularly remarkable because China is rebalancing its economy," Georgieva told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 2017 China Development Forum, which concluded Monday.
She added that China's economic transformation and rebalancing have been going well, though not without some difficulties, and are moving forward smoothly.
Hailing China's commitment to international cooperation, Georgieva expressed her concern over the anti-globalization sentiment seen in some economies.
"There is no way to turn the clock back. Interdependence is so advanced that trying to roll it back would create unnecessary pain for the world economy," she said, warning that if globalization were reversed, all would lose.
Meanwhile, she said it's important to recognize that the rapidly changing world economy means that, for millions of people, there is anxiety resulting from the loss of what had been their livelihood, and that anxiety has to be addressed.
The Bulgarian economist lauded China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying it's not only an opportunity for China, but also one for countries that are becoming more connected.
"It is only natural that, with the size of the Chinese economy growing, the interconnection of China with the rest of the world growing, China's role in the world would also be growing," said Georgieva, former vice president of the European Commission.
She also hailed China's efforts to reduce taxes for businesses, which she believed would encourage more start-ups and bring more entrepreneurial spirit to China. "It is critical for China to implement reforms that do press the direction of more innovation and entrepreneurship," she said.
Georgieva said China has made "remarkable" achievements in reducing poverty, both within the country and across the border.
As a long-term partner to China, the World Bank has been working with China to precisely target those who need to be lifted out of poverty. "We are now consulting with the Chinese government to institutionalize our partnership in this regard, so as to share the Chinese experience with other countries," she said.
Volkmar Denner, chairman of Robert Bosch GmbH. [Photo provided to China Daily]
The chairman of Robert Bosch GmbH, the German mobility, industry and software conglomerate, said on Monday that his group would develop solutions for all spheres of the internet of things in China amid the country's consumption upgrading boomincluding further investing in new plants this year.
The group said it would open a new joint venture for gasoline engine management systems in Chongqing, an automotive electronics plant in Changzhou, Jiangsu province, a power tools plant in Chengdu, and a thermotechnology joint venture with Guangdong Vanward New Electric Co Ltd, a gas appliance exporter based in Foshan.
Bosch Chairman Volkmar Denner told China Daily in an interview in Beijing that his company would develop connected mobility, smart city and smart home products from a long-term perspective.
"China's growing demand for high value-added products and services, especially for its automobiles, home-related service businesses and manufacturing projects, offers many opportunities," Denner said.
In 2016, Bosch invested around 5.4 billion yuan ($782 million) in China, including establishing a research and development facility in Suzhou and another one in Nanjing.
A colourful Bosch sign is seen before the official opening ceremony of the company's center for research and advance engineering Campus Renningen in Renningen, Germany, October 14, 2015. [Photo/Agencies]
In the connectivity business, Bosch focuses on sensors, software and services. The company has set up a local team for its connectivity businesses in China: the subsidiaries of Bosch Software Innovations, Bosch Sensortec and Bosch Connected Devices and Solutions.
"Bosch is convinced about the long-term potential of the Chinese market and we will continue to invest in China," Denner said.
Bosch's sales increased in its 2016 fiscal year.
According to preliminary figures, sales rose by 3.5 percent to 73.1 billion euros ($78.77 billion). In China, it posted double-digit growth last year, which meant China remained its second-largest market worldwide.
"We see China entering a phase of more balanced and sustainable development, through the transformation of economic development patterns and economic structural reforms," Denner said.
Bosch employs 60,000 people in China. At nine of its manufacturing plants in China, the company runs pilot projects following Germany's Industry 4.0 strategy. Industry 4.0 is a concept that promotes the digitalization of its manufacturing and the initiative is now being hailed as the way forward for manufacturing companies.
The first Chinese Industry 4.0 pilot project in Suzhou started three years ago.
Starting this year, Bosch will export products manufactured at its China facilities to European countries via the China-Europe railway, a new move to participate in the fast development brought about by the Belt and Road Initiative.
According to Bosch, a large number of mobile machines produced by China's original equipment manufacturers are equipped with Bosch's drive and control solutions. They are showing excellent performance.
Bosch is also supporting Chinese OEM customers, including SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co in Indonesia and SAIC Motor Corp Ltd in Thailand, with its mobility solutions to develop their businesses in the markets of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
"Even though the shift by many multinationals is still in the early stages, it will have profound economic implications for both themselves and the Chinese market, because it comes at a time when many developing economies along the initiative are counting on China to develop urbanization and manufacturing projects," said Sun Fuquan, an analyst at the Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development in Beijing.
WELLINGTON Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei announced Tuesday it is making a massive investment in research and development in New Zealand.
The plans included the building of a cloud data center and establishment of innovation labs in Christchurch and Wellington, Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said in a statement.
The company would spend NZ$400 million($281.8 million) over five years on the investments, according to the New Zealand government.
Ren said he had met with New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English on Tuesday to discuss ICT infrastructure and digital transformation.
He also outlined the company's investment plan for New Zealand, including local procurement, research and development, and cloud computing infrastructure initiatives.
"New Zealand's open and fair trade environment, and its emphasis on developing new technology, facilitates our ongoing commitment," Ren said in the statement.
"New Zealand has rich tourism resources, and highly developed agricultural and trade sectors. Digital transformation empowered by advanced ICT technology can enable New Zealand to become better connected with the world, and transform its traditional strengths into driving forces of economic growth."
Huawei would work with local partners to build a New Zealand cloud data center, and would open an innovation lab at Victoria University of Wellington this year.
The lab will focus on the use of big data, and how to maximize the potential of the Internet of Things through future technology such as 5G.
Huawei would also seek new partnerships to establish an innovation lab in Christchurch.
It would also enable 100 New Zealand undergraduate students to travel to China over the next five years to study learn about cutting-edge technology and participate in cultural exchanges.
The company would open a regional office in Wellington, purchase more goods and services locally, and help local businesses integrate into its global supply chain network.
Huawei began its operations in New Zealand in 2005 and has provided much of the technology behind the New Zealand government's ultra-fast broadband initiative.
Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges said the depth of the investment would touch many areas of the economy and open up global opportunities for New Zealand.
"The initiatives that Huawei is committing to will also help strengthen our research and development activity and capability building in the digital and technological world," Bridges said in a statement.
A bird's-eye view of Babusha, a large sand dune on the southern edge of the Tengger desert in Northwest China. [Photo/China Daily]
The government is promoting measures to eradicate desertification, one of the most-pressing problems facing China's western regions, and looking to reclaim vast areas of land. Su Zhou reports from Beijing with Xue Chaohua in Lanzhou.
In January, 65-year-old Guo Wangang took over his father's job. His work is of national importance, but he isn't running a giant corporation; instead he is guarding the Babusha Forest Farm in Gulang, a county in the northwestern province of Gansu.
In the 1970s, Babusha, an enormous sand dune on the southern edge of the Tengger desert, gradually encroached south, threatening the county's social and economic development and the livelihoods of the people who lived there.
"Rather than bow down to the desert's advance and become ecological refugees, six local farmers, including my father, Guo Chaoming, decided to plant trees to improve soil absorption and prevent the spread of the desert by fixing the sand in place," said Guo Wangang, who is head of the farm. "They did it all voluntarily, despite the fact that they could not even feed themselves at the time."
After three decades, the combined efforts of two generations have paid off. The desertification of the 75,000-square-meter area has been reversed and Gulang has once again become a vibrant forest farm, where produce is grown and sheltered under a canopy of greenery. The dramatic change has prompted more than 30,000 people from the surrounding areas to settle in the once-threatened county.
Shrinking deserts
The Guo family's story is a microcosm of China's lengthy battle against desertification, often described as "cancer of the Earth". It is the most serious ecological issue facing China, especially in western areas such as Gansu and the Ningxia Hui, Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions.
According to the latest survey by the State Forestry Administration, the areas affected by desertification and sandification - where the top soil has been stripped away and replaced by sand - are shrinking.
By the end of 2014, the area of desertified land nationwide had fallen by 12,120 square kilometers to 2.6 million sq km, and the area of sandified land had retreated by 9,902 sq km to 1.7 million sq km.
China has vowed to step up efforts to tackle desertification and land degradation and the government plans to reclaim 100,000 square kilometers of sandified land by 2020.
In recent decades, the country has gained rich experience of combating desertification and is now an international leader in the field.
Shapotou, a district of Zhongwei, a prefecture-level city in Ningxia, first hit the headlines not because of tourism, but as a result of successful innovations in desertification control, said Wang Fuzhong, chairman of the Ningxia Shapotou Tourism Industry Group.
He recalled that many tourists from overseas were eager to visit Shapotou in the 1970s and 80s because it was the birthplace of the now globally renowned "straw checkerboard" technique, in which straw, usually made from wheat or rice stalks, is laid out like a grid across the sand and then partially buried.
A new UN Security Council resolution reflects the consensus of the international community by incorporating for the first time the notion of "a community of shared future for mankind", a Foreign Ministry spokeswoman said.
Resolution 2344 (2017), adopted on Friday, extends the mandate for a UN assistance mission in Afghanistan until March 17, 2018. The Security Council stressed "economic and social development in Afghanistan and the region to create a community of shared future for mankind".
When addressing the UN Office at Geneva in January, President Xi Jinping spoke in detail about "building a community of shared future for mankind", an important concept proposed by China.
Commenting on the Security Council's resolution, Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said in Beijing on Monday that China hopes to work with fellow United Nations members to build such a community that features "lasting peace, universal security, shared prosperity, openness, inclusiveness, cleanliness and beauty".
Liu Jieyi, the Chinese permanent representative to the UN, said incorporating the concept shows the important contribution China's ideas and plans have made to global governance.
Xinhua said in a commentary that "the UN's acceptance and incorporation of the Chinese concept into its resolution is of great significance and will have far-reaching influence".
"The concept has shown China's global view and responsibility as a big power, and is bound to leave its mark in international relations," the commentary said.
The Security Council also urged further efforts to strengthen the process of regional economic cooperation, such as the Belt and Road Initiative, to promote sustainable growth and create jobs in Afghanistan and the region.
It urged all stakeholders to "ensure a secure environment" for those initiatives.
This was another example of the Security Council made over the Belt and Road Initiative, Hua said.
Liu, the envoy, said the latest Security Council move is conducive to creating a favorable atmosphere for China to host the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation in Beijing this May so participants can brainstorm on international development.
Xinhua contributed to this story.
wangqingyun@chinadaily.com.cn
Foreign Minister Wang Yi hailed on Monday US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's proposal that the two countries jointly chart the course for bilateral cooperation over the next 50 years.
At the annual China Development Forum in Beijing on Monday, Wang noted Tillerson's proposal, which was raised during the secretary's weekend stay in Beijing. Tillerson was on his first China visit and Wang said the proposal is "motivating".
"China has always viewed the China-US relations for the long term and the nation is willing to advance the relationship with a long-term strategic view," Wang said.
Currently, the two largest economies in the world are each other's largest trade partner and the annual trade volume has been more than 210 times the volume of 1979, when diplomatic ties were forged, Wang said.
In response to concerns of a potential clash between the two countries, Wang said the two countries have seen their interests highly integrated and "a clash, if there were any, would lead to nothing but a lose-lose situation".
Wang said Beijing is confident the two countries will strengthen ties and that two-way cooperation will be further deepened as long as the two sides create more openings for trade deals.
In looking back at the past 45 years, Wang said history shows a relationship in consistent growth despite ups and downs from time to time.
"This is a great trend that has been irreversible," he said.
Wu Xinbo, director of the Center for American Studies at Fudan University in Shanghai, said "the stability of China-US ties is increasing" as the policymakers attach more importance to the relationship as China's standing on the global stage continues to grow.
"They have to be more cautious when tackling disagreements with Beijing," Wu said, adding that the existing mechanisms for two-way communication have helped boost mutual understanding and eliminate risks.
In his speech, Wang said China would press ahead in developing cooperative partnerships with other countries.
China is ready to strengthen strategic communication and deepen cooperation in various fields with key partners such as the US, Russia and the European Union, Wang said.
zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
Speedy pact between China, Israel would benefit both, leaders say
China and Israel agreed to gear up negotiations on a bilateral free trade agreement during talks Monday between Premier Li Keqiang and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing.
The two leaders cited the need to speed up negotiations even as bilateral trade exceeded $11.3 billion last year and Chinese investment in Israel has surpassed $6 billion.
Li said China is ready to gear up the talks and "strive for finishing the negotiation at an early date".
Netanyahu echoed Li's call for speeding up the talks. He said Israel is ready to boost cooperation on innovation and it welcomes Chinese enterprises taking part in Israeli projects.
Li also noted China's free trade negotiations would speed up with the Gulf Cooperation Council, made of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. A clear signal should be sent to the world about safeguarding free trade, Li said.
Li and Netanyahu witnessed the signing of four documents on economy, science, commerce and civil aviation.
The Israeli leader is on his third visit to China through Wednesday.
China is Israel's largest trade partner in Asia and its third largest overall. The two countries embarked on their first round of negotiation on the trade pact in September.
Deng Li, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of West Asian and North African Affairs, said the two leaders have agreed on three tasks in the near future - infrastructure cooperation, free trade and China-Israel cooperation involving third parties.
The two sides are in agreement regarding the infrastructure sector and their agreement to work with third parties would be a boost internationally, Deng said.
In the talks on Monday, both Li and Netanyahu highlighted cooperation in innovation. Li called for deepening collaboration in fields such as basic sciences, modern agriculture, clean energy and biopharmaceuticals.
Wu Yang, Chinese director at the Confucius Institute of Tel Aviv University, observed that what China should learn from Israel is their dedication to sectors of low pollution and high revenue, which helps the country tackle its limited natural resources.
Wu noted that behind Israel's leading role in technological innovation is the huge input of education resources offered by the country to its citizens, and China should further nurture its talents that drive innovation.
zhangyunbi@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese police have arrested a man accused of stealing dozens of fossilized dinosaur eggs, authorities said on Monday.
The man, surnamed Wang, allegedly stole 80 of the eggs from a collector in Tiantai county of East China's Zhejiang province on the night of Jan 9 with the help of three accomplices, according to the Heilongjiang provincial police department.
Wanghad previously visited the collector twice under the pretext of wishing to make a purchase, a police statement said.
The four suspects divided the eggs between them, with Wang taking home 27 of them.
The 27 fossils were recovered by police after they arrested Wang in his hometown in Heilongjiang's Huanan county on March 4, police said.
Wang's three accomplices were also apprehended, according to the statement, which did not say what happened to the rest of the eggs.
Heilongjiang police confirmed on Monday that Wang was in police custody, but refused to confirm the status of other suspects.
China is the country with the most fossilized dinosaur egg discoveries in the world.
The city of Heyuan in Guangdong province set the world record for the largest collection of dinosaur eggs, with nearly 17,000 found in the city since 1996 when a group of children playing on a building site discovered some fossils.
China's "home of longevity" will focus on tapping its health-related resources in the next three years to spur economic growth and contribute to improving the health of Chinese in other areas, officials in the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region said on Monday.
"With rapid economic and social development, health is gaining more attention," said Huang Weijing, vice-chairman of Guangxi.
"Development of the health industry is an urgent requirement to help meet increased demand and improve people's livelihoods."
To boost such development, Guangxi will carry out a three-year plan that includes 388 major projects with a total investment of 212 billion yuan ($30.7 billion), Huang said.
Owing to its natural environment, and clean soil and water, Guangxi has long been regarded as a place of longevity, he said.
The number of cities and counties in Guangxi considered locations of longevity by the Gerontological Society of China has reached 26, accounting for more than one-third of China's total, Huang said.
In Guangxi, there are 123 centenarians for every 1 million permanent population, making it one of China's regions with the most centenarians, he said.
According to the three-year plan, the health industry's output in China is expected to increase by more than 10 percent every year, with the total value of Guangxi's health output reaching 400 billion by 2020, accounting for 16 percent of the regions' GDP and becoming a new pillar industry of the region, according to Han Qingdong, deputy director of the regional development and reform commission.
Projects to be carried out will cover areas such as healthcare and eldercare, healthy food and traditional Chinese medicine, and industries that integrate healthcare and tourism, Han said.
Of the 388 projects, 91 will involve healthcare and eldercare, he said, adding that the regional government will carry out preferential tax policies and provide financial subsidies for investors.
Zeng Fanming, a social welfare official with the civil affairs department of the region, said the government has made significant progress in developing healthcare and eldercare in the past few years. He said that Guangxi had become China's first region to implement pilot plans for reforming eldercare services.
A key measure of the reform is to encourage the development of "migrant eldercare" services in the region, he said.
With a rapidly aging population, China has been focusing on the development of the healthcare and eldercare industries.
More than 90 percent of Chinese will be covered by eldercare insurance by the end of 2020, and more than 95 percent of all Chinese will be covered by basic medical insurance by 2020, according to a national plan released by the central government earlier this month.
The number of people above the age of 60 in China reached 222 million by the end of 2015, accounting for more than 16 percent of the total population. According to a report by the Social Sciences Academic Press in December 2016, the figure will reach its peak over 400 million by the middle of this century.
Four people in charge of a center that cared for vagrants have been placed under "coercive measures" - a legal term that generally means detention - following the suspicious death of a teenager who had spent 45 days at the center in Shaoguan, Guangdong province, the city government said in a statement on Monday.
The cause of death of 15-year-old Lei Wenfeng, who had autism and died at the center in December, is still being investigated, according to the statement.
The local anti-graft authority is also looking into whether officials were involved in the case, as the center was a partly government-funded establishment, the statement said.
The Lianxi center was shut down on March 2 pending further investigation after a special task force established after Lei's death that the center was not authorized to be open.
Lei got lost in Shenzhen in August and ended up in Dongguan, another city in Guangdong about 83 kilometers north of Shenzhen, a week later.
As his left foot was hurt, Lei was treated at a hospital, spending one and a half months at a relief station in Dongguan before being sent to the Lianxi center in October.
After having lived at the center for more than a month, he began to lose his appetite and was sent to hospital again where doctors found he was suffering from typhoid fever. He died in the hospital on Dec 3, eight days before his 16th birthday.
Police had been unable to locate his family since his death, while his father, Lei Hongjian, who comes from Hunan province but lived with Lei Wenfeng in Shenzhen, had also failed to locate his son.
His father was eventually informed by a friend who had access to the provincial relief station system that his son was dead.
According to media reports, Lei Wenfeng was not the only person to have died after staying at the Lianxi center.
The government statement said that an investigation is underway to uncover the number of deaths linked to the center and the causes of the deaths.
Chinese artificial intelligence FineArt beat its Japanese rival DeepZenGo to win the 10th Computer Go UEC Cup on Sunday.
The worldwide computer Go tournament has been held at the University of Electro-Communications (UEC) in Tokyo, Japan annually since 2007. This year's tournament attracted 30 AI players around the world.
FineArt, developed by Chinese internet giant Tencent, participated in the tournament for the first time and won all 11 games it played.
It will next challenge rising Japanese professional player Ryo Ichiriki on March 26 in an official regular competition related to the UEC Cup.
Google's AlphaGo, which beat world-class human player Lee Sedol in March 2016, didn't join the tournament.
About FineArt
Similar to AlphaGo, FineArt uses deep learning to study expert games. It then plays against itself, which is called reinforcement learning, to improve its capability. Games played against human players also contribute to its success.
Developed by a team of 13 AI professionals over the course of a year, FineArt debuted on the Tencent Go website in November 2016. By March 9, 2017, it had played against over 100 renowned human players. It won 388 out of 509 games for a winning percentage of 76.23%. In its 21 matches against China's top player Ke Jie, FineArt obtained 16 victories.
According to the FineArt team, there is no plan currently for the Chinese AI to play against AlphaGo.
The AI technology behind FineArt has a very wide prospect in application, said Tencent Vice President and head of its AI Lab Yao Xing, such as in self-driving vehicles, quantitative finance, complementary medicine, and more.
An aerial view of Shenzhen, Guangdong province. [Photo/CFP]
For Chinese, the coastal city of Shenzhen is nothing short of a miracle.
It was just a small and poor fishing village until 1980, when the central government hand-picked it as China's first special economic zone and offered advantageous economic policies to it. In only three decades, the village evolved into a modern metropolis with a rocketing economy and unceasing innovation.
Now those Chinese cities dreaming to copy Shenzhen's success by obtaining accelerators from national strategies are finding a good opportunity in the country's new urbanization blueprint.
National central city
During this year's two sessions, which concluded last week, many national lawmakers and political advisers advocated for cities in their constituencies to be built into one of the so-called national central cities.
The term was first coined by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development (MOHURD) in 2005 as part of a plan to steer the country's urbanization process. A national central city refers to a city designed to serve functions such as leadership and influence, as well as centralization and distribution in terms of politics, economy and culture.
These cities' interest in the title was no secret. For example, the mayor of Qingdao, Shandong province, reportedly suggested the province "create more conditions to support Qingdao in building a national central city". On the other hand, the mayor of Jinan, the capital city of Shandong, called on provincial support for the city to apply for the title, after Zhengzhou, capital city of Henan province, successfully secured one.
As local officials trying to muster more effort for the competition, China Economic Weekly, a magazine owned by People's Daily, revealed that the total number of national central cities is likely to be fixed at 12.
In the National Urban System Plan composed by the MOHURD in 2010, the government vowed to build 10 global and national central cities, 100 cities with characteristics and 1,000 small and medium-sized cities, as well as 10,000 counties with characteristics.
This file photo taken on February 18, 2001 shows US banker David Rockefeller answering questions during a press conference in Havana. [Photo/VCG]
David Rockefeller, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist who was the last in his generation of world- famous philanthropic families, died Monday at 101.
The life of David Rockefeller also witnessed the Rockefeller Foundation's century-long connection with China that saw investments in China's science, medicine, and higher education.
The Rockefeller family's connection with China date back to 1863, when John D. Rockefeller sold his first kerosene to China and presented his first gift to China missions.
The Rockefeller Foundation entered China in early 20th century when the West was moving toward modern ideals of evidence-based medicine.
The foundation bought the Union Medical School and renamed it the "Peking Union Medical College."
The foundation not just wanted to establish a first-class school of medicine in China. It also introduced the US Johns Hopkins model to the Peking Union Medical College Hospital.
Peking Union Medical College Hospital remains one of the finest hospitals in China today.
Over the course of the 20th century, several hundred Chinese institutions and many thousands of Chinese scholars and practitioners received Rockefeller philanthropic support.
David Rockefeller visited China and met late Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1973. In 1979, the Rockefeller Foundation came to China to reprise its historic roles, bringing resources to rebuild China's medical infrastructure and revitalize its life sciences, and to link China with global scientific networks.
Police in Shenzhen, Guangdong province, have broken up a telecom fraud gang with help from internet security giant Qihoo 360, the local public security department announced on Tuesday.
The gang was allegedly led by a Singaporean surnamed Han, who was born in 1978.
He is accused of hiring two assistants from the Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region and instructing them to steal personal information, such as identity card numbers and bank account details, from users of social media.
One of these assistants, surnamed Chen and born in 1990, is alleged to have acted as the group's chief hacker.
"To ensure Chen could use his technical skills to assist the gang, Han lured him and controlled him with drugs," said a police official, who declined to be named.
The police were first alerted to the gang's presence by a resident of Shenzhen, surnamed He, who reported on Feb 3 that his bank details had been stolen and 53,000 yuan ($7,700) had been taken from his account.
With help from a team of technical analysts from Qihoo 360, officers were able to determine who the perpetrators were and where they were operating from.
"The gang had stolen the victim's ID card number, his bank account details, password and phone number, which they used to access cloud services, login to his account and take the money," the police officer said.
Zhang Bei, vice-president of the company, said they had updated their cloud services once the breach was discovered.
"But such frauds cannot by prevented by the police working alone," he said, suggesting that more internet companies join the fight against scammers.
CHANGSHA -- Yu Yuanhui, formerly a senior official from south China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, stood trial Tuesday on charges of taking bribes.
Yu was formerly a member of the standing committee of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regional Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), and Party chief of its capital city, Nanning.
The people's procuratorate of Xiangxi Tujia and Miao autonomous prefecture in Central China's Hunan province alleged that Yu either took advantage of his posts in the region or made use of convenient conditions resulting from his power and status to seek benefits for others in obtaining land, development and construction projects, and in the restitution of land transfer fees.
Prosecutors said Yu accepted bribes worth about 9.01 million yuan (about $1.31 million) directly or through his family.
Yu made a final statement to the court, in which he pled guilty and expressed remorse.
The court has adjourned to decide the verdict.
The Central Commission for Discipline Inspection of the CPC announced in May 2015 that Yu was under investigation for suspected disciplinary and law violations.
Vice premier's visit to Philippines 'a complete success': FM
Xinhua | Updated: 2017-03-21 19:08
BEIJING -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday hailed Vice Premier Wang Yang's recent visit to the Philippines as a complete success that will push forward bilateral ties.
The two sides reached consensus on promoting trade, investment, infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism, spokesperson Hua Chunying said at a press briefing.
Wang was in the Philippines from March 16 to 19.
During the trip, Wang held talks with the Philippine cabinet's economic management team, attended a ceremony marking the beginning of China-ASEAN Tourism Cooperation Year, and an economic and trade forum.
The two sides signed the Six-Year Development Program for Trade and Economic Cooperation between China and the Philippines.
Calling the Philippines a "friendly neighbor," Hua said that the two countries have the consensus on maintaining neighborly friendship and deepening all-round cooperation.
"China will work with the Philippines to implement the consensus by the two countries' leaders, increase mutual political trust, carry out all-round cooperation to better benefit the two peoples and promote regional peace and development," she said.
Authorities have taken "precautionary and temporary measures" to protect consumer safety against "quality problems that occurred in part of Brazil's meat products", the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.
Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying expressed China's concerns over the quality of Brazilian meat during a news conference in Beijing and urged Brazil to conduct a "thorough investigation" and inform China of the result as soon as possible. This follows raids conducted by Brazilian police on Friday that allegedly found evidence of bribes being paid to allow sub-standard meat be exported.
Hua also requested that Brazil to take tougher measures to ensure the safety and credibility of its food exported to China.
The spokeswoman said she hopes that China and Brazil, major trade partners, will strengthen communication and coordination and solve the problem properly, to maintain healthy and stable development of bilateral trade.
Brazilian police raided the premises of global meatpacking companies JBS SA and BRF SA on Friday, as well as dozens of smaller rivals, in a crackdown on alleged bribing of health officials that could threaten the $12 billion market in annual exports.
The probe, known as "Operation Weak Flesh," found evidence of meatpackers bribing inspectors and politicians to overlook unsanitary practices such as processing rotten meat and shipping exports with traces of salmonella, police said.
Police said there was evidence that meatpackers falsified documentation for exports to Europe, China and the Middle East.
Reuters contributed to this story.
President Xi Jinping meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing on Tuesday. Feng Yongbin / China Daily
China and Israel will both benefit from cooperation, he tells Netanyahu
The establishment of a China-Israel comprehensive innovation partnership will bring more real benefits to the people of both countries, President Xi Jinping said on Tuesday while calling for enhanced cooperation in scientific innovation.
"Israel is a world-renowned innovative country, and at the same time, China is also pushing forward innovation-driven development, so innovation has become the common focus of our two countries. It is also the priority for our cooperation," Xi said while meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing. Netanyahu is making an official visit to China from Sunday to Wednesday.
Noting that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-Israel diplomatic relations, Xi said a comprehensive innovation partnership between the two countries will push forward such cooperation and make use of the two countries' complementary advantages.
The president called for enhancing political communication, strengthening cooperation at all levels and boosting mutual understanding and trust.
The two countries should connect their development strategies, steadily push forward cooperation on major projects under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, and focus on cooperation in such areas as scientific innovation, agriculture, medicine and clean energy, he said.
Netanyahu told Xi, "Your decision to announce a comprehensive innovation partnership between China and Israel is a tremendously important decision, certainly for Israel and, I believe through our cooperation, for China as well."
The Israeli prime minister said his country could be "a perfect partner for China in the development of a variety of technologies to change the way we live, how long we live, how healthy we live, the water we drink, the food, the milk we drink and every area".
Xi, noting that China has close links with the Middle East, said peace and stability in the region are in line with the common interests of all parties, including China and Israel.
The peaceful co-existence of Israel and Palestine can not only benefit the two parties as well as the whole region of Middle East, but also meet the expectations of the international community, Xi said.
Netanyahu said Israel will continue to support the one-China policy.
He also said Israel is willing to play a role in cooperation with China on infrastructure under the Belt and Road Initiative, which Xi proposed in 2013.
Israel would like China to play a bigger role in Middle East affairs, he added.
"We know that you have great scientists, great industries and great capabilities, and we think that by working together, we can make the future better, for both our peoples, but I also think for all of humanity," he added.
"We admire Chinas capabilities, its position on the world stage and its history," Netanyahu said.
China is Israels largest trade partner in Asia and its third-largest overall.
The two countries embarked on their first round of negotiations on a trade pact in September.
More than 100 technology executives have joined Netanyahu on the visit, with meetings planned with Chinese business leaders, according to Reuters.
On Monday, China and Israel also signed a number of agreements for cooperation in the areas of economy, science and technology, commerce and civil aviation.
The eastern city of Hangzhou, which is the base of e-commerce giant Alibaba and was the site for last year's G20 Summit, has shown growing appeal to overseas talent, although Shanghai and Beijing remain the top globalized job markets on the Chinese mainland, according to a report released on Tuesday.
The ratio between overseas Chinese who went to Hangzhou for work last year and those who left the city tops all mainland cities, according to the report, which was based on last year's user data of LinkedIn, a US-based networking website. Hangzhou got a score of 99.25 for this indicator, while Shanghai was given 93.44 and Beijing 77.38.
Hangzhou also ranked third in offering the most desirable job opportunities, following Beijing and Shanghai. LinkedIn defined the Top 50 jobssuch as data engineer and business analystthat are desired by people around the world based on factors including salary, promotion opportunities and job openings.
Wang Di, vice-president of LinkedIn China, believed the rise of Hangzhou in attracting global talent is relevant to the city's overall plan to further internationalize.
Hangzhou's government put forward a plan in July to make the city more international, with a key goal of building it into a business incubation and innovation center based on its advantages in the internet industry.
"The G20 Summit held in September also promoted Hangzhou on the world stage," he said. "The 2022 Asian Games will also be held in the city. So the infrastructure has been, and will be further, upgraded."
However, despite Hangzhou's rapidly rising attraction, Shanghai, Beijing and Shenzhen are still the top three mainland cities in terms of globalized job market.
The report marks the first time that LinkedIn has issued such a ranking of mainland cities regarding globalized job market. Indicators include the population of foreign talentforeign employees as well as Chinese educated overseasenterprises with global networks or business, and the world's most popular job positions.
Shanghai was ranked first in terms of talent and enterprises, the report said. The number of foreign workers in Shanghai was almost double that of Beijing.
LinkedIn also found that a rising number of senior Chinese workers with good education and work experience abroad are returning. While people ages 35 to 45 accounted for about 5 percent of all overseas Chinese who came back to China to work in 2010, the proportion increased to around 13 percent last year.
Liu Qi, who spent more than a decade working at a Wall Street bank, joined Beijing-based Finup Credit, an internet service provider of microfinance, in May last year. "Everybody in a huge bank plays a tiny role, but in a burgeoning company in the prosperous internet finance sector in China, I can have a strong sense of fulfillment," he said.
Seafood-savvy Chinese have shown an increasing appetite for imported lobster, especially through e-commerce purchases, thanks to the growth of middle-class consumers and their pursuit of high-quality lifestyles.
Last year, China imported 14 million pounds of lobster worth $108 million from the United States, a record for value as well as volume, according to The Associated Press.
"We have opened new markets in Asia, which is booming. Everything is clicking now," Dave Cousens, president of the Maine Lobstermen's Association, was quoted by AP as saying.
One of the key factors driving the growth of lobster sales in China is the rapid growth of the nation's middle class, said Stephanie Nadeau, owner of The Lobster Co in Arundel, Maine.
"American lobsters tend to be cheaper in China than other live seafood, such as spiny lobsters and geoduck clams. It's kind of an affordable luxury," she told AP.
Chinese consumers are fond of lobsters and other kinds of shellfish, and those who live inland particularly prefer fresh seafood products, according to a report jointly released by JD.com, one of China's largest e-commerce websites, and the 21st Century Institute of Economy.
JD.com said a majority of consumers are willing to buy fresh products online, and fruits and seafood products are among the most popular categories. Consumers born in the 1970s and 1980s serve as the backbone of online seafood sales, it said.
On JD.com, fresh Boston lobsters weighing 700 to 800 grams sell for 318 yuan ($46). This year, online sales of fresh food products, such as fruits, vegetables and seafood, are expected to reach 153.8 billion yuan in China, a year-on-year growth of about 70 percent, according to data from market research firm iResearch Consulting Group.
Although purchasing lobsters online is highly popular, the sales at some supermarkets in Beijing have seemed lukewarm, with many consumers apparently considering lobster difficult to cook.
At a supermarket in Chaoyang district in Beijing, live US lobsters carry a price tag of 198 yuan per 500 grams; king crabs from Australia sell at the same price.
"Our sales of imported lobsters and seafood products are not very good now," said a salesman at the supermarket who did not give his name.
"For the time being, not many people are buying them, perhaps because they think they are expensive and hard to cook. But when it comes to holidays, we sell more lobsters."
Rather than buying lobsters at supermarkets, some consumers prefer to eat them in restaurants.
"In some restaurants, the price is almost the same, and I can save much time and trouble," said a consumer surnamed Wang.
The retrospective exhibition of Documenta in Beijing retraces the evolution of the art exhibition in Germany. [Photo provided to China Daily]
Documenta, a high-profile contemporary art exhibition held every five years in the German city of Kassel, is now in China.
It presents the biggest retrospective of its shows in a country where the youth are increasingly taking to art appreciation.
It runs through the month.
This year, it is also one of the key activities to mark 45 years of diplomatic relations between China and Germany.
The ongoing show at the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing displays more than 200 artworks that tell the story of Documenta's evolution in the past six decades.
The exhibition is considered as important as the Venice Biennial in Italy and the Sao Paulo Art Biennial in Brazil.
A scene from Disney's Mulan [Photo/Mtime]
Niki Caro, who has been tapped to direct the upcoming Disney live-action reboot of Mulan, said that the new film will not be a musical but a family-friendly and girl-powered martial arts flick.
The revelation has disappointed some fans, as the original animation features well-known songs like Reflection and I'll Make a Man Out of You.
During an interview with ScreenCrush, Caro said as the project has not officially started, she does not have too many details to reveal. However, given the scope of the production and the story, the director did promise the piece will come out a creative extravaganza.
Caro added that to prepare for the film, she and her 9-year-old daughter plan to learn martial arts together.
Since the story of Mulan is set in China, casting of the new film has attracted some attention, amid concerns of the story being whitewashed. The live-action remake will now reportedly feature an all-Asian cast to preserve the cultural accuracy of the tale.
Disney's 1998 animation Mulan was a worldwide hit. It was based on the Chinese folk tale of legendary warrior Hua Mulan from the Northern and Southern Dynasties, or around 1,500 years ago, in Chinese history.
Disguised as a man, she took her ailing father's place in the army and earned high military honors, before retiring to her hometown.
The upcoming Mulan movie is scheduled for a release in November 2018.
Related:
Fans call on Disney 'not to whitewash' Mulan
'Game of Thrones' director may direct Sony's live-action 'Mulan'
Iwan and Manuela Wirth (right) will participate in Art Basel Hong Kong this weekend, presenting works by Phyllida Barlow (left), Mark Bradford and Philip Guston. [Photo/Agencies]
Iwan and Manuela Wirththe art world's power couplehave their hands full with meetings ahead of Art Basel Hong Kong, which begins on Thursday.
They visited the first Gallery Weekend Beijing, held from March 17 to 19, before going to Shanghai where a burgeoning scene has attracted a strong international presence of gallerists, dealers and collectors.
The couple co-founded the Hauser & Wirth gallery in Zurich in 1992 and have expanded their art empire to London, New York, Los Angeles and Somerset.
In 2015, they topped the ArtReview Power 100, the influential annual list of the most powerful personalities in the global art world.
They will celebrate the gallery's 25th anniversary with a carefully curated booth at the upcoming Hong Kong fair. Distinctive areas will be created in the booth to show the works of three artistsPhyllida Barlow, Mark Bradford and Philip Guston.
Restaurants across China join the Gout de France, an event that spreads French culinary traditions around the world at the start of spring. [Photo provided to China Daily]
For Yohan Fatela, the French chef at Heritage restaurant in the Wanda Sofitel, every day is about celebrating his country's cuisine.
But the past week has been more intense than usual. Saturday night his restaurant team hosted Chaine des Rotisseurs, a centuries-old group of gourmands founded in France, with active chapters in Beijing and Shanghai. On Tuesday night, he joins the third annual Gout de France (Good France), along with about 2,000 chefs from five continents who will present a special menu on the spring equinox, widely celebrated as the first day of spring.
In 1912, Auguste Escoffier started Les Diners d'Epicure (Epicurean Dinners): one day, one menu, served in cities around the world, to as many guests as possible. Gout de France, the event's website says, "aims to bring this idea to life by assembling all kinds of restaurants across the globe". The first event, in 2015, was organized to spread French cuisine around the world following its inscription to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
More than 80 schoolchildren took part in a creative art activity themed on water conservation held by the Yantai Children's Palace on March 19 in a bid to celebrate the upcoming World Water Day.
According to the Children's Palace, the event will help school kids better understand the preciousness of water as well as the importance of its conservation.
World Water Day is an annual event celebrated on March 22. The day focuses attention on the importance of fresh water and sustainable management of fresh water resources.
A school girl is wholly absorbed in a creative art activity held by the Yantai Children's Palace on March 19. The event was designed to celebrate the upcoming World Water Day. [Photo/ytcutv.com]
A special exhibition of Weifang kites was held on March 17 at the Shandong Provincial Cultural Center in Jinan, capital city of Shandong, as part of a series of activities demonstrating the province's achievements in promoting and protecting intangible cultural heritages.
More than 100 representative Weifang kites in various styles and different sizes were on display, with Weifang kite makers invited to demonstrate the skill of making and flying kites.
The Weifang kite is a folk craftwork with a long history, well-known for its exquisite design, vivid imagery, voluptuous colors and native characteristics. Kite flying is said to have been invented here 2,400 years ago, and Weifang remains an important center for kite production. In 2006, Weifang kites were named a national intangible cultural heritage.
A giant dragon-shaped kite greets visitors at on March 17 at the Shandong Provincial Cultural Center in Jinan, capital of Shandong province. [Photo by Wang Fucheng/sdpcc.cn]
German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) and French President Francois Hollande exchange a handshake in front of an image showing French President Charles de Gaulle and German Chancellor Konrad Adenauer signing the Elysee treaty at the Chancellery in Berlin during a day of celebrations marking the 50th Anniversary of the Elysee Treaty, Jan 22, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]
On March 25, 1957, Belgium, West Germany, France, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands inked the treaty that established the European Economic Community in an ancient building on Capitoline Hill in Rome.
The document was one that cemented European countries, six at first and now 28, into a single market.
With the United Kingdom officially set to leave the group soon, the leaders of the 27 members will gather in Rome on Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary of the signing of the treaty.
At this critical moment, the European Union is paying special attention to the celebration on Saturday.
And the EU has every reason to celebrate. Many observers say European integration is one of the most significant human undertakings since World War II.
The EU can feel proud of that.
Confucius says a person at 60, will know the truth in all he hears.
Right now, the EU is now at a crossroad and it has launched a massive bottom-up campaign to discuss the union's future. European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker will be finalizing that roadmap in September in the annual state of the union address.
If European leaders are really willing to listen to advice at the age of 60 of the EU, the following has been offered:
First of all, the EU should consider carefully why there have been prolonged wars and violence in neighboring regions, such as West Asia and North Africa.
When China deals with foreign relations, peace in neighboring regions always tops the leadership's agenda. This experience can work as a reference when the EU maps out its foreign policy strategy. Otherwise, if wars and confrontations take place nearby, refugees and war-displaced people, in their millions, will continue to flood in.
It is obvious that some European countries have followed on the heels of the United States in their West Asia and North Africa policies. However, the US is far away, while Europe is next to the regions in question. Therefore, Europe has to accept the consequences of its policies.
In the interests of both Europe and other regions, the EU should not help make war, but make peace in West Asia and North Africa.
Second, the EU must know the boundaries for its integration and geopolitical equilibrium. The current 28 members, consisting of nearly 500 million people, have already formed the world's biggest economy and its eurozone, consisting of 19 countries and 300 million citizens, is equivalent to the US.
It must think deeply about how to deal with relations with Russia, Turkey and other players next to it, instead of expanding further.
And third, the EU must maintain the diversity and vigor of member countries, instead of assimilating them in a single European identity.
It is an illusion to build up a "European Union of the States" because many member states are unwilling to share their sovereignty.
So, it should know the boundaries of its domestic policy and to make the union stronger, it should focus on defense expansion and having one voice on foreign policy, in a proactive and constructive way.
Rome was not built in a day.
But the future of the EU rests in the hands of European leaders when they meet on Saturday in Rome, where the very first chapter of EU history was written.
The author is deputy chief of China Daily European Bureau.
fujing@chinadaily.com.cn
Sydney Opera House in Sydney Nov 11, 2014.[Photo/IC]
On Wednesday, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang will begin a visit to Australia. He is the most senior Chinese official to visit Australia since President Xi Jinping visited in 2014.
The significance of this visit has been highlighted by former Australian ambassador to China Frances Adamson, now secretary of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, who noted that this would be the first Australia visit by a Chinese premier in about 11 years.
China is Australia's largest trading partner, both as its largest export market and its largest source of imports. In 2016, the two-way trade reached 150 billion Australian dollars ($115.78 billion). Entering into force at the end of 2015, the China-Australia Free Trade Agreement recently celebrated its first anniversary. Also, this year marks the China-Australia Year of Tourism, a booming sector which saw 2 million visitors travelling between the two countries last year.
However, while the Asia-Pacific remains the most vibrant economic region in the world, ongoing tensions on the Korean Peninsula and the Trump administration in the United States have cast shadows on regional stability and prosperity. In particular, Trump's anti-globalization stance and "America First" policy have unsettled trading nations such as Australia by raising the specter of protectionism and even the possibility of an international trade war.
Both common economic interests and regional and global uncertainties have brought Australia and China closer together than ever before, providing Beijing and Canberra with solid foundations for continued and sustained economic cooperation.
So it is widely anticipated that in the leaders' meeting both Premier Li Keqiang and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will spend much time on trade and economic cooperation and development.
Indeed, the complementarity of the two economies goes beyond China's strong demand for Australian resources, which has underpinned a decade-long mining boom in Australia and helped Australia weather the global financial crisis. With China's vision for connectivity in the region and its steadfast support for open and inclusive economic globalization and free trade, along with Australia's increasing need for investment in infrastructure, China-Australian cooperation has plenty of potential left to tap. The Australian government's recent pledge of 2 billion Australian dollars to upgrade the country's Snowy Mountains Hydroelectric complex testifies to this potential convergence of interests. With the Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank aiming to support such projects across the region, China's role is crucial to the success of Malcolm Turnbull's performance as "an infrastructure prime minister".
But trade and broader economic cooperation is just one big-ticket item on a long list of common concerns on the leaders' meeting agenda, which will also feature cooperation on energy, education, science and research, innovation, law enforcement and tourism.
Beyond pushing their bilateral trade relationship forward, the two leaders will likely call for redoubling region-wide free trade efforts, especially now that the Trans-Pacific Partnership agreement has been officially abandoned by Washington. However, in areas of multilateral trade initiatives and regional security relations, differences continue to exist between Australia and China.
In a meeting with his Australian counterpart in February, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised the need for more mutual trust between the two countries. Premier Li's visit will no doubt help enhance such trust, but Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop's recent remarks about China's role in the world highlights that there is still considerable trust deficit among the Australian political elite towards China.
As the first Australian ambassador to China, Stephen FitzGerald has advised, Australian leaders should show the vision and courage to "seek a relationship with China based on friendship, cooperation and mutual trust, comparable with that which we have, or seek, with other major powers". Such vision and courage helped bridge the seemingly insurmountable gap between the two nations during the Cold War, much to each other's long-term benefits. Premier Li's visit presents a great opportunity for the Australian leaders to demonstrate such vision again.
The author is an associate professor of international relations at Deakin University, Australia.
Luo Jie
At the insistence of the United States, finance ministers and central bank governors from the world's biggest economies ended a G20 meeting in Germany on Saturday without agreeing on resisting protectionism and supporting free trade.
The usual sentence"We will resist all forms of protectionism"was omitted from their communique.
This marks a step backward and underscores the anti-globalization stance of the Donald Trump administration, which bodes ill for the countries that rely on open markets to maintain growth against the backdrop of the global economy's slow recovery. However, it will not reverse the trend of globalization as the trade in goods already accounts for almost half of the global GDP.
China, which joined the World Trade Organization in 2001, is the biggest victim of trade protectionism, with 119 trade remedy probes totaling $14.3 billion launched against it by 27 countries and regions last year, a jump in value of 76 percent year-on-year, according to China's Ministry of Commerce.
Now it faces even more protectionist policies given the "buy American" rhetoric of Trump and his threat to levy new tariffs on goods from China.
This makes China, the world's largest exporter, a natural opponent of protectionism and defender of free trade. President Xi Jinping described protectionism as "locking oneself in a dark room to avoid danger" in his speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, in January. His assertion that "no one will emerge as a winner in a trade war" is a view shared by the leaders of many countries.
Xi also said that efforts should be made to develop an inclusive economy, in which opportunities and benefits are shared by all to create win-win globalization.
China is working with other nations to fight protectionism. Xi once again expressed China's commitment to free trade ahead of the G20 meeting when speaking by telephone with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and they vowed to fight for free trade and open markets together.
There is still room for optimism, as US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said at the G20 meeting that Washington had no desire to fight "trade wars" with other countries, which will lead to a lose-lose situation for all.
And as a country that has benefited from globalization as it has opened ever wider to the outside world, China will not shut its doors now.
Criminal justice: Felons convicted of serious corruption would be prohibited from seeking shorter sentences, under a third reading of the draft amendment to the Criminal Law. The amendment aims to "safeguard judicial fairness".[Photo/China Daily]
IN SOME AUDI 4S dealerships, different customers are treated differently. For instance, civil servants enjoy a 1 or 2 percent discount. This is a form of corruption, Beijing News commented on Monday:
The original media reports emphasized whether or not such conduct is a form of discrimination. According to the anti-monopoly law in China, it is still hard to tell whether it is improper or not for 4S stores to charge different prices to different groups of customers.
However, what is even more striking is the preferential discounts for civil servants.
Strictly speaking, the preferential treatment in the 4S stores is given not only to officials but also to elite professionals such as listed company employees, professors and doctors. Obviously, these professional groups are carefully selected by the 4S shops and the preferential treatment is meant to encourage them to buy vehicles of the Audi brand.
In sociological and political terms, these elites are classified differently. The Audi 4S shops, however, categorize these customers from a business perspective customized for Chinese society.
But no matter how the preferential price strategy is designed, a special discount for civil servants seems to be a kind of corruption.
The 4S stores are permitted to have their own price strategies, including preferential perks for some customers. But it is problematic if those customers enjoying favorable treatment are civil servants.
There should be a clear line that should not be crossed in the relations between companies and governments. The government makes policies and ensures their implementation, and the companies run their businesses accordingly. No interests should be shared between the two.
CAI MENG/CHINA DAILY
The ratio of career women to housewives in China, compared with many other countries, is high. Therefore, women in China need better protection in terms of maternity leave and other benefits, especially now that the government has allowed all couples to have two children.
But many employers in China are reluctant to grant even the legally binding maternity leave, let alone give women extra leave, in violation of the Law on the Protection of Women's Rights and Interests. In fact, quite a large number of employers, in order to avoid the hassle of having to deal with women's labor rights and maternity benefits in the future, refuse to recruit them in the first place, which is one of the worst forms of gender discrimination.
To effectively protect women's rights, therefore, the government has to take certain factors into consideration while drafting legislation. First, it should encourage the employers to recruit women. For example, the government can offer some tax concessions to the companies whose certain percentage of employees are women.
Second, apart from offering tax concessions, the government's human resources and social security departments should tighten their supervision to ensure the employers are not violating female employees' rights, and take strict punitive action against them if they do so.
Third, female workers should be encouraged to voluntarily registerand timely updatetheir basic information with local government human resources and social security departments, so that if their employers deny them maternity leave, the relevant departments can intervene and penalize the employers. Monitoring and supervision should complement the government's offer of tax concessions to companies whose certain of percentage of staff are women.
Many companies and organizations are reluctant to hire women or assign them important positions because they fear the women's "long" absence from work during advanced pregnancy and nursing periods will cause unnecessary losses. In this context, the government's tax concessions could prompt the employers to change their minds, and recruit more women as staff.
China is losing its demographic advantages, especially because of the fast-rising aging population and the falling number of working-age people. Encouraging women to have two children and thus increasing the working-age population can, in the long run, neutralize this loss. And protecting working women's rights and interests (and offering them some extra benefits) is the best way to encourage them to have two children.
The existing laws to protect the rights and interests of women are principled but not effective. Some clauses are like "toothless tigers" because they don't come with punitive measures. As such, we need foolproof legislation to effectively protect women's rights and interests, and the government should strengthen supervision to ensure the laws are followed both in letter and spirit.
Discrimination against women in workplaces, or any other field for that matter, has no place in modern society. And considering that the sustained growth of the country's economy is related to women's rights and interests, the government should take effective measures to guarantee they are not only protected, but also respected, because only a society that treats women with respect can be a fair society.
The author is a professor of Zhongnan University of Economics and Law.
Representatives from Jiangsu and UK universities exchange ideas at the education conference held in Nanjing over March 14 and 15. [Photo/ec.js.edu.cn]
Jiangsu province stepped up educational relations with the UK at a conference to jointly building up world class universities held in Nanjing over March 14 and 15.
The conference received participation from some 80 officials from the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, the British Council and 21 renowned Jiangsu and UK universities, including Cambridge, Oxford and Nanjing University.
Wang Chengbin, deputy chief of the Jiangsu Provincial Department of Education, briefed the attendees about educational developments in Jiangsu, especially the proposal issued in 2016 to build more high-level universities in the province.
To achieve the proposal, Wang regards in-depth educational cooperation between Jiangsu and UK a necessity to open up talent exchange programs, carry out scientific research and train academic experts and managerial elites.
Wang emphasized building a more integrated platform for talent cultivation, as well calling for government and enterprise support, especially in the fields of smart manufacturing, health care and environmental engineering.
Representatives from the UK also expressed their aspirations for collaboration, sharing their experience and opinions on training talent and scientific innovation. After the conference, they visited key laboratories at Nanjing University, Southeast University and the Nanjing University of Science and Technology to exchange ideas with students and teachers there.
David Rockefeller arrives at the funeral service for New York socialite and philanthropist Brooke Astor at St. Thomas Church in New York, August 17, 2007. [File photo/Agencies]
NEW YORK David Rockefeller was the last of his generation in a famous American family that taught its children that wealth brings great responsibility. Even as children, he and his siblings had to set aside portions of their allowances for charitable giving.
That lesson lasted throughout his life; to mark his 100th birthday in 2015, Rockefeller gave 1,000 acres of land next to a national park to the state of Maine.
Rockefeller died Monday in his sleep at his home in Pocantico Hills at age 101, according to his spokesman, Fraser P. Seitel.
He was the grandson of Standard Oil co-founder John D. Rockefeller and the youngest of five sons and one daughter born to John D. Rockefeller Jr. He was also the guardian of his family's fortune and head of a sprawling network of family interests, both business and philanthropic, that ranged from environmental conservation to the arts.
Unlike his brothers Nelson, the governor of New York who hungered for the White House and was briefly vice president, and Winthrop, a governor of Arkansas, David Rockefeller wielded power and influence without ever seeking public office. Among his many accomplishments were spurring the project that led to the World Trade Center.
"No individual has contributed more to the commercial and civic life of New York City over a longer period of time than David Rockefeller," said Michael Bloomberg, a former mayor and fellow billionaire. "I have long admired his commitment to the city, which began with a dollar-a-year job working as a secretary to Mayor Fiorello La Guardia. During my time in City Hall, he was always there for the city when we called."Unlike his other brothers, John D. 3rd and Laurance, who shied from the spotlight and were known for philanthropy, David Rockefeller embraced business and traveled and spoke widely as a champion of enlightened capitalism.
"American capitalism has brought more benefits to more people than any other system in any part of the world at any time in history," he said. "The problem is to see that the system is run as efficiently and as honestly as it can be."Rockefeller graduated from Harvard in 1936 and received a doctorate in economics from the University of Chicago in 1940. He served in the Army during World War II, then began climbing the ranks of management at Chase Bank. That bank merged with the Manhattan company in 1955.
He was named Chase Manhattan's president in 1961 and chairman and CEO eight years later. He retired in 1981 at age 65 after a 35-year career.
In his role of business statesman, Rockefeller preached capitalism at home and favored assisting economies abroad on grounds that bringing prosperity to the Third World would create customers for American products.
He parted company with some of his fellow capitalists on income taxes, calling it unseemly to earn a million and then find ways to avoid paying the taxes. He didn't say how much he paid in taxes, and he never spoke publicly about his personal worth. In 2015, Forbes magazine estimated his fortune at $3 billion.
As one of the Rockefeller grandchildren, David belonged to the last generation in which the inherited family billions were concentrated in a few hands. The next generation, known as "the cousins," are more numerous.
Rockefeller was estimated to have met more than 200 rulers in more than 100 countries during his lifetime, and often was treated as if he were a visiting head of state.
In addition to the philanthropy that "touched and lifted innumerable lives," Rockefeller's "connections and keen aptitude for issues made him a valuable adviser to presidents of both parties yours truly certainly included," said former President George H.W. Bush. He said Rockefeller was a "wonderful friend" to him and his wife, Barbara.
Under Rockefeller, Chase now known as JPMorgan Chase was the first US bank to open offices in the Soviet Union and China and, in 1974, the first to open an office in Egypt after the Suez crisis of 1956.
In his early travels to South Africa, Rockefeller arranged clandestine meetings with several underground black leaders. "I find it terribly important to get overall impressions beyond those I get from businessmen," he said.
But Rockefeller took a lot of heat for his bank's substantial dealings with South Africa's white separatist regime and for helping the deposed, terminally ill Shah of Iran come to New York for medical treatment in 1979, the move that triggered the 13-month US embassy hostage crisis in Tehran.
Rockefeller maintained the family's patronage of the arts, including its long-standing relationship with the Museum of Modern Art, which his mother had been a fervent patron of. His private art collection was once valued at $500 million. The Rockefeller estate at Kykuit, overlooking the Hudson River north of New York City, is the repository of four generations of family history, including Nelson's art and sculpture collection.
One of the major efforts of Rockefeller's later years was directed at restoring family influence in the landmark Rockefeller Center, most of which had been sold in the 1980s to Japanese investors. He eventually organized an investor group to buy back 45 percent of the property.
His philanthropy and other activities earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor, in 1998.
"Throughout his life he used his fame and fortune to do good here and abroad," former President Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton said in a statement. "His tremendous support of arts and humanities in America gave millions of people in communities across the country the opportunity to experience our great heritage of painting, dance, music, and so much more."Rockefeller and his wife, the former Margaret McGrath, were married in 1940 and had six children David Jr., Richard, Abby, Neva, Margaret and Eileen. His wife, an active conservationist, died in 1996.
Associated Press
South Korea's ousted President Park Geun-hye arrives at a prosecutor's office in Seoul, South Korea, March 21, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
SEOUL - Ousted South Korean President Park Geun-hye appeared Tuesday in the prosecutors' office to be questioned over a corruption scandal that led to her impeachment earlier this month.
Park said in front of cameras at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office that she was sorry to people, vowing to face an interrogation faithfully, TV footage showed.
Just leaving a brief message to the public, Park entered the prosecutors' office in southern Seoul.
Park, dressed in a dark blue coat, walked out of her private home in a southern district of Seoul at about 9:17 am local time (0017 GMT), getting into a black sedan and saying nothing to hundreds of supporters outside her home.
The motorcade, carrying Park and security guards, arrived in the office just minutes later.
Park has stayed in her private home since she vacated the presidential Blue House on March 12.
Park will be interrogated by state prosecutors for her alleged involvement in the scandal, which removed her from office after the impeachment was passed in the parliament on Dec 9. The constitutional court upheld the motion on March 10.
Park became the fourth South Korean former president to be grilled by prosecutors.
During the interrogation that is forecast to last to midnight, prosecutors would focus on Park's alleged involvement in bribery, abuse of power and leakage of state secrets. A total of 13 charges were levied against her.
Park, 65, has been accused of colluding with her decades-long confidante Choi Soon-sil, who is now in custody, to receive tens of millions of US dollars in bribes from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong, the heir apparent of Samsung Group.
The kickbacks are suspected of being offered in return for helping Lee inherit the overall management control of the country's biggest family-controlled conglomerate from his ailing father Chairman Lee Kun-hee, who has been hospitalized after a heart attack almost three years ago.
Park was also identified as an accomplice of Choi in helping solicit tens of millions of U.S. dollars from scores of large business conglomerates to establish two non-profit foundations Choi used for personal gains.
Choi has been charged with meddling in state affairs behind the scenes by receiving government documents on a regular basis delivered by one of Park's former presidential secretaries.
French presidential election candidates (LtoR) Francois Fillon, Emmanuel Macron, Jean-Luc Melenchon, Marine Le Pen and Benoit Hamon, pose before a debate organised by French private TV channel TF1 in Aubervilliers, outside Paris, France, March 20, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
PARIS The two front-runners for the French presidency clashed spectacularly in the campaign's first televised debate between leading candidates Monday night.
All five candidates landed punches during vigorous discussion on the big issues for France: jobs, terrorism, immigration, Europe.
But the faceoff between independent centrist Emmanuel Macron and far-right populist Marine Le Pen provided political theater, even moments of high drama in pitting two opposing visions of France.
Macron's performance, in particular, was being closely watched. One of the big surprises of the election has been the success of the former economics minister's new-look campaign, positioning himself as a centrist alternative to France's traditional left-right politics.
But Le Pen, the anti-immigration, anti-European Union leader of the National Front, was looking for opportunities to pounce. With polls suggesting that she and Macron could be direct rivals in the decisive May 7 runoff of the two-round election, both sought to score points against each other.
As Macron was discussing foreign policy, Le Pen portrayed him as wishy-washy, muttering: "It's empty, completely empty.""We don't know what you want," she said.
Macron proved during the three-hour evening debate that overran and spilled past midnight that he can defend himself. With limited experience of public office, he sought to portray himself as presidential and hard to push around.
Some of the most heated exchanges centered on the place of religion in France and the separation of church and state.
Macron reacted vigorously when Le Pen accused him of being in favor of Muslim swimwear essentially suggesting that her rival isn't really committed to France's secular values and policies.
"I don't need a ventriloquist," he retorted. "When I have something to say, I say it clearly." He, in turn, accused Le Pen of using Islam to divide the French. Le Pen wants all visible religious symbols worn by people, including Muslim headscarves and Jewish kippahs, banned from public.
"The trap you are falling into, Madame Le Pen, with your provocations is to divide society," Macron said.
WASHINGTON - The White House on Monday defended President Donald Trump's claim that his predecessor Barack Obama had ordered wiretapping Trump Tower and played down FBI's probe into Russian election meddling.
"There's still a lot of information that needs to be discussed," White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said about Trump's wiretapping accusation at his daily press briefing, soon after FBI chief James Comey told a congressional hearing Monday that he had no information supporting the president's wiretapping claim.
"It's clear that nothing has changed," Spicer also commented on Comey's first public confirmation that the Trump campaign has been under FBI investigation since July, stressing that there is no evidence of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the election.
FBI "is investigating the alleged Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts." Comey testified at the Capitol Monday morning.
"I cannot say more about what we are doing and whose conduct we are examining." Comey said, citing that the probe is classified and ongoing.
The Russian government has also denied the accusations.
"With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI." Comey told lawmakers.
Ahead of the congressional hearing, Trump tweeted: "James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia, This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it!" Clapper is the former national intelligence director.
In another tweet, Trump asked: "What about all of the contact with the Clinton campaign and the Russians? Also, is it true that the DNC would not let the FBI in to look?"
On March 4, Trump claimed in a tweet storm that Obama had Trump Tower wiretapped before his election victory, offering no evidence.
Hours after Trump's tweets, Obama's spokesman said Trump's wiretapping accusation is "simply false."
"There was not a physical wiretap of Trump Tower", Republican Devin Nunes, chairman of U.S. House Select Intelligence Committee, said at the beginning of the hearing on Monday.
"However, it's still possible that other surveillance activities were used against President Trump and his associates," said Nunes.
BEIJING - China on Monday strongly opposed India's invitation of the Dalai Lama to the International Buddhism Samagam (Convention), urging India to respect China's core interests and avoid "further damage" to bilateral relations.
The Dalai Lama inaugurated the samagam, which was held by India's Ministry of Culture from March 17 to 19, with Mahesh Sharma, minister of state of culture and tourism, according to Indian media. The Dalai Lama also delivered a speech at the convention.
"China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to India's invitation of the Dalai Lama," Hua Chunying, spokesperson for China's Foreign Ministry, said at a press briefing, urging India to see clearly the nature of the Dalai Lama's anti-China separatist activities.
Myanmar's State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi (R) shakes hand with Philippines' President Rodrigo Duterte before their meeting at the Presidential House in Nay Pyi Taw on March 20, 2017. [Photo/VCG]
NAY PYI TAW - Myanmar and the Philippines on Monday signed a memorandum of understanding on food security and agricultural cooperation.
The signing was witnessed by Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw and his visiting Philippine counterpart Rodrigo Roa Duterte following their talks.
The Philippine President, who arrived Nay Pyi Taw Sunday on a two-day state visit to Myanmar, also met State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi.
The pair discussed regional integration in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), enhancing bilateral relation and trade cooperation, providing technical assistance on agriculture and vocational training, Rakhine state issue and humanitarian affairs.
They also discussed cooperation in cracking down on human trafficking, drugs and terrorism.
Duterte donated 300,000 US dollars as humanitarian aid to Rakhine state through Aung San Suu Kyi who is also the chairperson of Central Committee for the Implementation of Peace and Stability in Rakhine state.
The Philippines President also met Myanmar's Commander-In-Chief of Defense Services Senior General Min Aung Hlaing Monday evening.
The Philippines and Myanmar established diplomatic ties in 1956.
Duterte, on an introductory trip in the region after he took office last May, is to proceed to Thailand after Myanmar visit.
Saglana Salchak recently celebrated her fifth birthday. [Photo by Yury Darbaa/Siberian Times]
Most preschoolers struggle to go to school on their own, let alone trek 5 miles (8 kilometers) of snowfield packed with wolves in subzero temperature in Siberia.
However, a four-year-old girl Saglana Salchak in Russia's Tuva republic did just that last month to fetch help for her grandmother. Her heroic move touched souls around the world, but also raised concern about proper parental care and poor local facilities.
Her journey began when she was asked by her grandfather to get help when she found her 60-year-old grandmother motionless. Her grandfather, who is blind, did not realize it was 5 am and pitch dark, reported Siberian Times.
The only thing the girl had was matches, which she took in case she needed to light a fire, and followed the tracks of a horse sled, partly on a frozen river, which she knew led to the neighbor's home 8 kilometers away.
"It was very cold and I was so hungry," she later said. "But I wasn't scared. I just kept walking, walking, walking. And I finally got there."
The medical personnel later discovered that the grandmother had died of a heart attack.
The girl's story soon went viral and won hearts of many. "This four-year-old is amazing. My kids won't even walk to the neighbor's house," said a parent on freerangekids.com. "Hats off to the bravest girl in Siberia!" tweeted Scot uehlinger.
The Tuvans are a Turkic people ethnic group living in southern Siberia. They are historically known as one of the Uriankhai, from the Mongolian designation. As historically cattle-herding nomads, the Tuvan children are better prepared for emergencies than their counterparts living in the cities. They ride horses at a very young age, and can walk farther than normal people. Despite this, local people still worried about her when retrospect the scene. "Tuva has simply filled up with wolves," said Semyon Rubtsov, head of the regional search and rescue group to the Komsomolskaya Pravda newspaper.
A man walks along a bank of the Yenisei river on a frosty winter day outside Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, Russia, January 11, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
Saglana's mother Eleonora Salchak and stepfather live in another part of the region, and the Tuva investigative committee has filed a criminal case against the mother for leaving a minor in danger, reported the Guardian.
"She knew that the elderly lacked the ability to take measures to guarantee the child's safety," it said in a press release. If charged, the mother could face up to a year in prison. The committee said it was also investigating the actions of social policy officials in the girl's district.
Sayana Mongush, an activist and journalist in the regional capital of Kyzyl, told the Guardian that it was shocking Salchak's grandparents didn't have any phone or internet connection, especially since defense minister and Tuva native Sergei Shoigu previously promoted archeological digs at an ancient fortress located in their district.
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Only three days are left for entries to be submitted for the Andrei Stenin International Press Photo Contest organized by Rossiya Segodnya under the patronage of the Commission of the Russian Federation for UNESCO.
The Entries can be sent using the contest website stenincontest.com. All entries must be received before or by March 22 at 11:59 pm Moscow time.
This year, among contestants are young photojournalists from Russia, Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, India, Spain, Italy, Poland, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Australia, France, Syria and many other countries.
The contest has received over 2,000 entries. The Andrei Stenin photo contest is the only Russian competition where young photo correspondents from anywhere in the world can get a real chance to push ahead with their careers.
This year the prizes will amount to over $15,000 (according to the Bank of Russia exchange rate on March 20). Winners will have their works displayed during an international photography tour.
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness smiles during a news conference announcing Michelle O'Neill as his replacement for the upcoming elections, in Belfast, Northern Ireland January 23, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
BELFAST - Martin McGuinness, a former Irish Republican Army commander and deputy first minister ofNorthern Ireland who was a key figure throughout five decades of conflict and peace, has died aged 66, his party, Sinn Fein, saidon Tuesday.
McGuinness, whose journey from street fighter to peacemaker began in the 1970s during Northern Ireland's "Troubles", had bowed out of politics several months earlier than planned in January due to an undisclosed illness.
"Throughout his life Martin showed great determination,dignity and humility, and it was no different during his shortillness," Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams said in a statement.
"He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of hiscountry. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both."
McGuinness abandoned a butcher's apprenticeship in 1970 tojoin the Irish Republican Army in a bloody campaign to end British rule in Northern Ireland. He played a key role in both the start and the end of the province's 30-year sectarian conflict, in which some 3,600 people were killed.
WAR AND PEACE
McGuinness later admitted he was second-in-command inLondonderry on "Bloody Sunday" - the day in 1972 when British troops in the city killed 14 unarmed marchers, ushering in themost intense phase of the Troubles.
Northern Ireland's new first minister Ian Paisley (L) and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in at a ceremony at Stormont, Belfast May 8, 2007. [Photo/Agencies]
In the 1980s, McGuinness emerged alongside Adams as a key architect in the electoral rise of Sinn Fein, the IRA's political ally, and became the party's chief negotiator in peace talks that led to the 1998 peace deal.
McGuinness had been deputy first minister for a decade before quitting in January in protest at First Minister ArleneFoster of the Democratic Unionist Party's (DUP) handling of a controversial green-energy scheme. His resignation led to the collapse of the power-sharing government.
"History will record differing views and opinions on therole Martin McGuinness played throughout the recent and not sorecent past but history will also show that his contribution to the political and peace process was significant," said Foster,who survived an IRA bomb attack on a school bus at the age of17.
"In recent years his contribution helped build the relative peace we now enjoy."
Shortly after his retirement, the party achieved a major electoral breakthrough in elections to the regional assembly,coming within one seat of the Democratic Unionist Party and depriving the pro-British political camp of an overall majority for the first time since the partition of Ireland in 1921.
Irish President Michael D. Higgins said McGuinness played an"immense contribution" to the advancement of peace andreconciliation in Northern Ireland a contribution he said wasrightly recognised across all shades of opinion.
"The world of politics and the people across this islandwill miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process," Higgins said in a statement.
"His death leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill. Mayhe rest in peace."
Britain's Queen Elizabeth shakes hands with Northern Ireland deputy first minister Martin McGuinness, watched by first minister Peter Robinson (C) at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast June 27, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]
Reuters
A British minister has urged the government to get its foot in the door of a lucrative export market by selling chicken feet to China.
Speaking during a debate about the impact on poultry producers of the UK's decision to leave the European Union, George Eustice, minister of state for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, explained to Parliament that one man's trash can be another's treasure.
"It never ceases to amaze me that chicken feet are apparently a delicacy in China and can attract a high value there- far higher than in the UK," Eustice said. "There are real opportunities to create value from parts of the carcass for which there is no market in the UK or, indeed, Europe."
Deep fried or in recipes such as dim sum, chicken feet can be found on the menu in many regions of China. Other parts of the chicken that Brits tend to find unappetizing, such as the gizzards, are also popular among Chinese diners, while chicken breast is viewed by many as the most bland part of the bird.
Around 930 million chickens are slaughtered for meat in the United Kingdom each year. The vast majority of the feet are wasted. This is in contrast to the practices of large poultry exporters, such as the United States, which sold$170 million worth of chicken feet to China in 2015.
The UK exported 291,107 metric tons of fresh and frozen poultry meat in 2015 -three-quarters of which was sent to European nations. Hong Kong was the third-largest market for UK chicken, accounting for 6 percent of exports. UK poultry producers have argued in the past that exporting chicken feet could add as much as 15 percent to a bird's total value.
Previous administrations have attempted to get chicken feet exports to China off the ground. In 2013, former UK environment secretary Owen Paterson made enquiries with Chinese authorities about what British producers would need to do to meet China's stringent regulatory requirements on meat off-cut exports.
The British government announced on Tuesday a cabin-luggage ban on large electronic devices on flights originating from locations in the Middle East and North Africa, following a similar move by the United States.
Turkish Airlines aircrafts are stationed at Ataturk International Airport covered in snow, in Istanbul, Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017. Heavy snow continued to clog roads, shipping traffic in Bosphorus and forced hundreds of flight cancellations in the Turkish metropolis. [Photo/Agencies]
A spokesman for the Prime Minister told reporters that new "necessary, effective and proportionate" security measures will affect passengers on direct flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Passengers will not be able to board a cabin with phones, laptops or tablets that exceed 16 cm in length, 9.3 cm in width, and 1.5 cm in depth.
The UK airlines that will be affected by the ban include: British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson Airways. Foreign carriers that will be affected include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Atlas Global, Egypt Air, Tunisair, Royal Jordanian and Saudia.
The announcement follows on from a similar ban outlined by the United States Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.
The US ban affects nine Middle East and North African carriers from 10 international airports in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.
Passengers destined for the US on certain airlines from these airports - that include one of the worlds busiest, Dubai International Airport - may not bring large electronic devices such as laptops, DVD players and tablets into the cabin.
Passengers are allowed to carry small electronic devices such as phones, though the announcement did not specify dimensions, leaving some to wonder whether large phones or so-called phablets will fall under the ban.
A statement from the US government read: "Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items."
In the statement, the US government cited the downing of a plane in Somalia in 2016 as well as attacks on airports in Brussels and Istanbul and the downing of a Russian aircraft in 2015 after it left Sharm-El-Sheik.
WELLINGTON - Two New Zealand universities will host new government-funded research institutes to bolster understanding of the Asia-Pacific region, Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Paul Goldsmith says.
The Centres of Asia-Pacific Excellence at the University of Auckland and Wellington's Victoria University will specialize in the languages, cultures, politics and economics of countries or groups of countries in the region, says Goldsmith.
Auckland will lead a group of universities in the North Asia center, covering China, Japan and South Korea, while Victoria will lead two centers, one focusing on Southeast Asia and one on Latin America.
"They are an important and strategic investment in New Zealand's future. So much of our trade, tourism and migration is focused on the Asia-Pacific region. It makes sense to deepen our understanding of it," Goldsmith says in a statement.
As well as teaching about and researching the countries, each institute will be mandated to help learners, exporters, and government agencies improve their understanding of the countries and their languages.
"The new CAPEs will provide initiatives and programs of use to small and medium enterprises wanting to grow their understanding of the Asian and Latin American markets," says Goldsmith.
"The centers will also help individuals better prepare to do business and connect with the Asia-Pacific region."
The government allocated the CAPE program NZ$34.5 million ($23.83 million) over four years in last year's budget.
The North Asia and Southeast Asia institutes will use the expertise of the Asia New Zealand Foundation, which welcomed the announcement, saying too many New Zealanders lacked confidence in engaging with Asia.
"For example, we've seen the number of secondary students learning Asian languages drop by a third in the past decade," foundation executive director Simon Draper says in a statement.
"If we are to succeed in Asia, we need to move beyond our current transactional approach, and invest time and resources in understanding what makes Asian countries tick. We need to build sustainable relationships based on an understanding of each other's cultures, histories and economies."
The University of Auckland's existing North Asian centers and institutes include the Confucius Institute, jointly established by the University of Auckland, Fudan University in Shanghai and the Office of Chinese Language Council International, based in Beijing; and the New Zealand Centre at Beijing's Peking University, which was launched in 2007 as a joint initiative of the two universities.
Xinhua
Key speakers at the launch ceremony of CUFE-CNI Green Bond Index Series held at the Central University of Finance and Economics on March 20, 2017. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]
A new Green Bond Index series linking China and Europe has been launched to encourage domestic and foreign investors to choose investment options in Chinese green bonds.
The new index series was launched at a high-level forum titled Chinese Green Finance: Dialogue with the International Market, held at the Central University of Finance and Economics on Monday.
The CUFE-CNI Green Bond Index Series is a joint initiative of the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF), the Central University of Finance and Economics, Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) and the Luxembourg Stock Exchange (LuxSE).
"The Green Bond Index Series will become the benchmark of Chinese green bonds and is characterized by its broad representation of green bonds listed in China and a high-level of transparency," said Shi Yingzhe, head of the green bond lab of IIGF and research leader at the CUFE-CNI green bond index.
Green bonds are a tool to finance eligible green projects, including renewable energy and energy efficiency and water treatment projects.
A consortium of 23 universities in China and Poland was established in Beijing on Tuesday, aiming to boost international cooperation and exchanges.
The Sino-Polish University Consortium was first proposed by Beijing University of Technology, Chongqing Jiaotong University and Opole University of Technology in Poland.
Its goal is to increase educational cooperation between China and central and eastern European countries, in line with the objectives of the Belt and Road Initiative that was first proposed by President Xi Jinping in 2013.
The consortium will contribute to that cooperation, said Zheng Jichun, Party chief of Beijing University of Technology.
It will also work to accelerate Chinese enterprises' strategy of going global by offering intellectual support and services in local languages, laws, technologies, he added.
(Photo : Getty Images. ) Chinas nationalistic tabloid The Global Times on Monday slammed Indian media for taking critical note of United Nation Security Councils open support to Chinas OBORs (One Belt, One Road) project.
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China's nationalistic tabloid The Global Times on Monday slammed the Indian media for taking critical note of United Nation Security Council's open support to China's OBOR's (One Belt, One Road) project. The tabloid warned that New Delhi will have to contend itself by watching China's international reputation grow further if it chooses to stay out of the flagship project.
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"New Delhi cannot prevent the growth of the OBOR's (One Belt, One Road) influence," the nationalistic tabloid quipped. "If India wants to exclude itself from the OBOR at a time when the initiative is receiving widespread support from the global community, India will end up simply watching the rise of China's international reputation."
It appealed the Indian government to stop being oversensitive towards the Kashmir issue and also stop being "habitually vigilant against any possibility of large-scale foreign investment flowing into the region." It further called on New Delhi to learn to distinguish the difference between commercial investment and issues that are truly worthy of fighting for its sovereignty.
The Global Times op-ed chided India that its repeated concerns over the flagship infrastructure project have completely fallen on deaf ears. This is proven, the tabloid claimed, by the fact that China will "host the first OBOR summit in May, with more than 20 government leaders and more than 50 heads of international organizations" set to participate.
It then delivered a very blunt message that if New Delhi can't convince other countries to abandon the flagship project, then better become a participant and derive the massive economic benefits from the project.
United Nation lends Support to OBOR
The United Nation on Friday probably for the first time lent an open support to China's OBOR project. The flagship project found mention in a resolution that was unanimously adopted by the all member nations.
The resolution said that the flagship project was need of the hours as it called all the member nations to "strengthen the process of regional economic cooperation through regional development initiatives such as the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road (the Belt and Road) Initiative."
The UN's public support to China's project did not escape the attention of Indian media, which claimed that that UN's open endorsement of the project mean that India's sovereignty claim over disputed Kashmir region is in real danger.
New Delhi's main bone of contention is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor's (CPEC) passage through disputed Kashmir region. The multi-billion dollar CPEC project is essentially a part of the OBOR, a fundamental reason why India has still signed the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
The Indian government claims that CPEC's passage through Kashmir not only creates a major security threat but also challenges its sovereignty claim over the disputed territory. The Himalayan region of Kashmir has been caught in violent dispute for several decades between India and Pakistan, with both countries staking claim over the Muslim dominated territory.
Although China has never directly interfered in the Kashmir issue but offers diplomatic support to Pakistan on the issue.
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Tagschina, One Belt, One Road Project, India and China, India
(Photo : Getty Images) A stack of scrapped missiles, the South Korean Nike (L, back), the US Hawk (front) and the North Korean Scud (C, back) displayed at a war museum on May 2, 2005 in Seoul, South Korea.
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China has positioned an arsenal of advanced medium-range ballistic missiles at Taiwan as its army heads prepare for "military hard power" and as part of a growing military threat to the island, Taipei's defense minister said on Monday.
China's DF-16 ballistic missiles, which could aim at "pinpoint precision" from 1,500 km away, is capable of targeting Taiwan and has been deployed by the Rocket Force of the People's Liberation Army (PLA).
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According to military experts, the DF-16 is capable of striking the US military bases in Okinawa and has a range of between 1,000 and 1,500 km (600 and 900 miles). The missile could also carry two or more warheads to perform multi-target attacks.
Such shocking revelation was made by Chinese defense minister Feng Shih-kuan a week after Taiwan revealed that its missiles are capable of striking mainland China.
Feng said on Monday that the missiles will strengthen China's "weapons modernization and military hard power." Although the minister did not specify the number and location of missiles to be deployed, Taiwan estimate the figure at 1,500 missiles.
Feng also commented on Taiwan's recent threat, he said: "We are confident in our surveillance to detect any unfriendly action towards us. We have sufficient weaponry to shoot it down outside our territory."
Just last week, Taiwan publicly claimed for the first time that it is capable of launching missiles that will hit China. Ties between Taiwan and China have grown cold after elected president Tsai Ing-wen ended the eight-year rapprochement.
China still considers Taiwan as part of its territory and is willing to bring it back in its fold. This is in spite the fact that the island has been self-governing after the two sides split in a civil war in 1949.
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TagsTaiwan, china, missiles, cruise missiles, South China Sea
(Photo : Getty Images) Aircraft are seen at the Beijing Capital International Airport
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A suicidal male passenger tried to enter the cockpit of an Ethiopian Airlines flight en route to Beijing. The aircraft was carrying more than 200 passengers.
In the middle of the flight, Chinese media reported that the man tried to force open the cockpit door by kicking it and running into it. Although his identity is not yet revealed, witnesses said that he is about 6 feet tall and can speak both English and Chinese, evident on his screams while trying to break down the door.
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When two flight attendants and two passengers failed to stop the man, passenger Cao Guoxiong, a Chinese bodybuilder, stepped in and wrestled the man to the floor. After a while, the Captain came out and helped Cao tie frenzied man's arms and pin him down. Cao sustained minor injuries such as some scratches on his face.
Flight ET604 from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia to Beijing was diverted to the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Pakistan where the man was arrested by police. The plane landed in Beijing at 11pm on Saturday, five hours later than the scheduled arrival. The distraught passenger was reportedly fired from his job recently and was suicidal. He wanted to get into the cockpit, hijack the plane, and crash it.
Cao, who works for the Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) International, sustained scratches on his face. He was warmly welcomed with flowers and cheers by his colleagues when he arrived at the airport and even received a heartfelt thank-you note from the Captain.
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Tagsbodybuilder, Weird News, bizarre, Beijing News, male passenger, hijack in China, plane hijack, attempted hijack
(Photo : Getty Images) A bus driver wears a mask on a polluted evening in Beijing, China.
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A man who was reprimanded for smoking inside the bus stabbed the bus driver on Saturday in Hubei province. In China, smoking inside vehicles are prohibited, and violators will be fined 20 yuan to 50 yuan.
As the bus was approaching a bus stop in Wuhan, Hubei, the unidentified suspect lit up a cigarette, which prompted the bus driver to give him a verbal warning to stop smoking inside the vehicle. The man then went to the front of the bus and assaulted the driver with a knife, Chinese media reported.
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The assailant fled and disappeared to a crowded street. Police held an overnight manhunt for the suspect who was caught the next morning, having breakfeast at a food stall.
The bus driver was immediately taken to the hospital for treatment. He did not sustain critical injuries.
Police said that the suspect has had a criminal record and has been jailed many times for assault.
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Tagsrevenge, bus driver stabbed, smoking, smoking inside the vehicle, bus driver, Weird News, bizarre news, offbeat news
(Photo : Getty Images) An exhibitor holds a fossilised dinosaur egg (450) at the Mayfair Antiques and Fine Art Fair on January 5, 2017 in London, England.
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A man in Northeast China really like dinosaur eggs, so much so that he stole 80 dinosaur eggs, local police said.
The man, who was only identified with his surname Wang, visited a dinosaur egg collector in Zhejiang province, eastern China. He pretended that he was interested to purchase some eggs. Wang and his three accomplices stole 80 fossilized dinosaur eggs on January 9 and flew to Shanghai. The three divided the eggs, with 27 of them going to Wang.
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After months of searching, police received information that Wang returned to his hometown in Huanan County, Heilongjiang on March 4. Police asked Wang's relatives to persuade the dinosaur egg thief to turn himself in. Wang later gave himself up, and the police also caught his three accomplices.
The case is still under investigation, and the value of the dinosaur eggs he stole are still unknown.
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TagsDinosaur Eggs, dinosaur egg thief, fossilized dinosaur egg thief, Weird News, offbeat news
(Photo : Pakistan Navy) Test launch of a Zarb missile in 2016.
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The Pakistan Navy announced another successful test of its Zarb land-based anti-ship guided cruise missile derived from China's C-802 anti-ship missile (AShM).
The test launch took place from an undisclosed coastal location, and saw the Zarb missile successfully strike a moored target out to sea. It's the second known test launch of a Zarb since April 2016.
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Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of Naval Staff of the Pakistan Navy, said the Zarb weapon system "has added a new dimension in the operational reach of the Pakistan Navy."
He noted Zarb will be capable of further supporting the seaward defense of Pakistan by "having the capability of launching long-range anti-ship missiles from land."
The navy claims Zarb is equipped with advanced technology and avionics, allowing it to hit sea-based targets with a high degree of accuracy.
Vice Admiral Khan Hasham bin Saddique, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, commended the Pakistan Navy and the crew members and other officials involved in the trial following the successful launch.
Zarb is likely derived from the C-802, the upgraded export version of the Chinese YJ-8 AShM. The Pakistan Navy operates some 70 C-802s. The weapon is the main missile armament aboard the navy's F-22P Zulfiquar class frigates and Jalalat II class fast attack craft.
The C-802 carries a 165 kg time-delayed semi-armor-piercing, high-explosive warhead out to some 200 km at a speed of Mach 0.9 (1,100 km/h).
The coastal site test in April 2016 occurred in the Arabian Sea and the AShM successfully engaged a surface target. The navy said the test further consolidates Pakistan's capability for seaward defense and contributes towards peace and stability in the region.
Admiral Zakaullah said the operational use of Zarbh was part of the Pakistan Navy's continuous efforts to augment its capabilities. He described the event as a hallmark of the navy's combat preparedness.
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TagsPakistan Navy, Zarb land-based anti-ship guided cruise missile, C-802 anti-ship missile, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Vice Admiral Khan Hasham bin Saddique
(Photo : Indian Army) Two of the Indian Army soldiers killed by the Pakistan Army in 2016.
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The Indian Army reported the deaths of 68 of its men in 15 terror attacks in 2016 along the Line of Control (LoC) with Pakistan and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir.
The army also told the Lok Sabha (the lower house of the Indian Parliament) there were 449 ceasefire violations by Pakistan along the LoC and the international border in Jammu and Kashmir combined.
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Subhash Bhamre, Minister of State for Defense, told the Lok Sabha in a written report that 10 terror attacks were recorded in 2014; 11 in 2015; 15 in 2016 and three until March 15 this year.
He revealed that 2015 and 2016 also saw a rise in the number of deaths among army personnel. There were 67 deaths in 2015 and 68 deaths in 2016 caused by terror attacks and along the border.
This toll compares to 2014 when 38 army personnel died in terror attacks. Thirteen Indian soldiers have lost their lives so far this year.
Bhamre also noted there were 228 ceasefire violations along the LoC (which is under Indian Army control) in 2016. Territory along the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, which is under the control of the Border Security Force (BSF), recorded 221 ceasefire violations.
This data amounts to one border violation every day.
Until Feb. 6, there were 30 ceasefire violations along the LoC with six violations along the international border recorded by the BSF.
In early November 2016, the army said 5,674 soldiers of its men were killed by fire from the Pakistan Army in ceasefire violations along the LoC since 2001, and by Kashmiri Muslim terrorists supported by Pakistan.
Of this total, 4,500 army soldiers died at the hands of the Pakistan Army while 1,174 soldiers died in clashes with Muslim terrorists supported by Pakistan.
It is unclear if this death toll includes fatal casualties suffered by the BSF, the world's largest border defense unit. There are 16 BSF battalions operating in Jammu and Kashmir.
This grim total of 5,674 means Pakistan and Pakistan supported militants have killed one jawan per day along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir from 2001 until 2016.
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TagsIndian Army, Line of Control, Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan, Pakistan Army, Subhash Bhamre
(Photo : BrahMos Aerospace) Maiden launch of Brahmos Extended Range.
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The recent successful test of the BrahMos Extended Range (BrahMos ER) supersonic cruise missile brings more targets inside Pakistan and the Line of Actual Control with China within the destructive range of the world's fastest cruise missile.
The maiden flight of BrahMos ER from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur in Odisha along the Bay of Bengal saw the land attack version of the missile fired at "an electronic target." BrahMos ER has a range of 450 km compared to the 290 km range of the original anti-ship missile (AShM) version.
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The launch from a mobile autonomous launcher (MAL) deployed in full configuration," met all the test parameters," said BrahMos Aerospace Ltd, maker of BrahMos. BrahMos Aerospace is a joint venture between the Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) of India and the Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) of Russia.
"With the successful test firing of the extended range BrahMos, the Indian armed forces will be empowered to knock down enemy targets far beyond 400kms," said BrahMos Aerospace chief Sudhir Mishra, who oversaw the test-firing.
"BrahMos has thus proved its prowess once again as the best supersonic cruise missile system in the world."
The technology upgrade to BrahMos ER came after India gained entry into the 34-nation Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016. India's accession to the MTCR removed the caps on the range of BrahMos, which was developed with the help of Russia.
MTCR prevents the proliferation of missiles and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) with a range exceeding 300 km.
India in October 2016 announced its intention to more than double the range of BrahMos to over 600 kilometers. The far longer range will also enable BrahMos ER land attack to strike at more People's Liberation Army bases in the interior of Tibet that threaten the Line of Actual Control, especially those bases aimed at the imperiled Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh China claims is part of Tibet.
One of the biggest drawbacks to BrahMos is its paltry range of just 290 km. That drawback was imposed because Russia, the co-builder of the missile, was a member of the MTCR at the time BrahMos was being developed in the 1990s and India wasn't.
The Pakistani military is justifiably worried about BrahMos. One of its websites described the Indian missile as "stealthy, fast and extremely difficult to shoot down."
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TagsBrahMos Extended Range, BrahMos ER, India, Pakistan, china, BrahMos Aerospace Ltd, Sudhir Mishra, Missile Technology Control Regime
The Cumberland County Library System Board of Trustees announced Tuesday that Carolyn Blatchley has been named the new executive director for the Cumberland County Library System, effective Tuesday.
Blatchley has been serving as the interim executive director since former Executive Director Jonelle Darr left the position late last year. Darr, who held the position since 1992, accepted a position as executive assistant at the Office of Commonwealth Libraries in December, said William Gould, president of the Cumberland County Library System Board of Trustees.
Blatchley has served as the library systems public services and staff training coordinator since 2002. She holds a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Library Association Academy of Leadership Studies. In 2012, she received a Pennsylvania Library Association Certificate of Merit, awarded to people who have contributed significantly to the cause of Pennsylvania libraries during the last five years.
According to the news release from the library system, during her tenure as public services and staff training coordinator, Blatchley was responsible for evaluating and selecting new technologies, documenting policies and procedures, developing and implementing staff training, leading systemwide teams, supervising the homebound service, and developing marketing materials in print, on social media and on the website. She authored and administered five federally funded grant projects, bringing $211,800 into the library system budget, and coordinated 12 countywide library staff development events.
A well-known evangelist has met with Guatemalas president to offer comfort and encouragement in the face of a national tragedy.
A fire in a home for girls in San Jose Pinula, a town east of Guatemala City, the capital, resulted in the deaths of 40 of the girls, according to CBN News.
Evangelist Luis Palau met with Guatemalan president Jimmy Morales to offer words of hope after the tragedy.
This is a difficult time for the nation of Guatemala," Palau said. Many people are hurting. Many families are suffering. Many people are asking deep, fundamental questions."
Palau had been in the country holding a evangelistic festival when the fire occurred on March 8 at the Assumption Safe Home.
After meeting with Morales, Palau stated, "I offered my deepest sympathy to the people of Guatemala, especially the families directly affected by the tragedy, and reminded the president that the evangelical community is praying for the nation during this difficult time.
The tragedy at the girls home reportedly occurred when angry residents set fire to mattresses in the home in an attempt to draw attention to the unacceptable living conditions there.
The plot backfired, however, and the girls who were in the home at the time became trapped by the fire and died.
Several of those who survived the fire are being treated for their injuries in the U.S.
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
Publication date: March 21, 2017
A pastor in the west African country of Sierra Leone has found an incredibly rare diamond and made the selfless decision to give it away.
Relevant Magazine reports that Pastor Emmanuel Momoh found the 706-carat diamond in a nearby village and decided to give it to the countrys government in hopes that the government will use it to improve the lives of all the citizens of Sierra Leone.
I believe the government can do more, especially at a time when the country is undergoing some economic challenges, stated Momoh.
In addition to economic challenges, the west African nation suffered from an Ebola outbreak in 2014. The countrys citizens also face the problem of unsafe drinking water.
Historically, Sierra Leone is known for its blood diamonds, which were mined during periods of conflict and war and sold to finance an uprising.
Ernest Bai Koroma, the nations president, praised Momohs sacrificial offer and said it was A gift from God, and it will be a terrible thing if anyone tries to do something criminal with it.
The diamond is valued at as high as $62 million. The largest diamond previously found was a discovered in 1972 and sold for $2.5 million.
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: March 21, 2017
More than 100 Christian leaders signed a letter addressed to members of Congress, urging them to reject President Trumps proposed budget cuts on foreign aid.
The Trump administration released its budget blueprint on Thursday, called America First: A Budget Blueprint to Make America Great Again, among which included cuts to the foreign aid budget called the International Affairs Budget. The blueprint would cut the budgets of the State Department and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) by 37 percent, according to reports, while increasing military spending.
The letter, dated March 16, emphasizes the help that the International Affairs Budget was able to provide for communities around the world.
With just 1 percent of our nations budget, the International Affairs Budget has helped alleviate the suffering of millions; drastically cutting the number of people living in extreme poverty in half, stopping the spread of infectious diseases like HIV/AIDs and Ebola, and nearly eliminating polio, the letter states. Additionally, it promotes freedom and human rights, protecting religious freedom for millions around the world.
As followers of Christ, it is our moral responsibility to urge you to support and protect the International Affairs Budget, and avoid disproportionate cuts to these vital programs that ensure that our country continues to be the shining city upon a hill.
Denominational leaders who signed the letter included George Wood, the general superintendent of the Assemblies of God; Ronnie Floyd, previous president of the Southern Baptist Convention; Jo Anne Lyon, the general superintendent emerita of The Wesleyan Church; David Wilson, the general secretary of the Church of Nazarene; and Colin P. Watson, Sr., the director of ministries and administration of the Christian Reformed Church in North America.
Leaders of World Vision USA, Catholic Relief Services, Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Habitat for Humanity, Compassion International, World Relief, and Food for the Hungry, and presidents of Fuller Theological Seminary, Denver Seminary, Princeton Theological Seminary, and Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary were also among the signatories.
Worship artists Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Brandon Heath, and Third Day signed the letter as well.
Meanwhile, Christians are not the only group that have urged members of Congress to protect funding for foreign aid. In late February, over 120 retired military officials, including generals and admirals, wrote a letter to lawmakers emphasizing the need to secure funding to address development issues across the world to ensure military security as well.
The military will lead the fight against terrorism on the battlefield, the letter states, but it needs strong civilian partners in the battle against the drivers of extremism lack of opportunity, insecurity, injustice, and hopelessness.
Some members of Congress have already expressed concern regarding the proposed cuts to foreign aid. Chair of the House Foreign Relations Committee Ed Royce told Vox, I am very concerned by reports of deep cuts that could damage efforts to combat terrorism, save lives, and create opportunities for American workers.
Its dead on arrival. Its not going to happen, South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham said on MSNBC regarding the proposed budget. It would be a disaster.
The blueprint released on Thursday, also known as the skinny budget, is a rough sketch of what the Trump administration hopes to achieve in the budget. The full budget with more comprehensive descriptions and numbers is set to be released in May.
Russell Moore was just doing his job, according to his agencys governing board.
But the president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission (ERLC) still offered his second attempt at an apology for my own role in the continued division among Southern Baptists in the wake of the 2016 election.
Todays seeking unity statement released by the ERLC executive committee and Moore defends his conduct, including his controversial messaging around President Donald Trump.
The ERLC leaders praised Moore for speaking with clarity and conviction on ethical issues including religious liberty, racial reconciliation, character in public office, and a Christian understanding of sexuality. However, the committee acknowledged that fellow Christians can disagree on delivery, tactics, and approach, and decided that many of the criticisms levied [sic] against Dr. Moore fall into these categories.
A week ago, Moore ...
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My daughter Penny is in the fifth grade. She just went away for the weekend with her best friend and her family for the first time. She wears glasses. She feels nervous around dogs. She loves reading and spelling and recently asked her Prayer Buddy at church to pray for her about learning how to add fractions. She is responsible, smart, talented, and loving. She also has Down syndrome.
Today is World Down Syndrome Day, a day to celebrate the approximately six million children and adults around the globe who have Down syndrome (also known as trisomy 21). Any website or book devoted to this topic lists a set of physical features, medical concerns, and potential disabilities common among people with Down syndrome, but it is hard for me to think in these generalities anymore. Rather, I am drawn to portraits of people with Down syndrome that demonstrate their distinctive traits. I love reading stories about their different interests, abilities, and friendships. And yet most people in our world still see Down syndrome as something both monolithic and negativea condition to be eradicated rather than a group of individuals to be welcomed and loved.
Historically, people with Down syndrome were pushed to the margins of our society through institutionalization. In more recent years, with the advent of prenatal screening tests that indicate the likelihood of trisomy 21 in fetuses, more and more women have chosen to pursue those tests and, in many cases, to terminate pregnancies accordingly. Although the number is tricky to calculate, in the United States, the rate of babies aborted with Down syndrome is around 50 percent and is likely to rise with the increased use of these prenatal tests.
A similar story can be told in developing ...
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Does the Bible condone the death penalty? Philippines bishops blast President Duterte
Bishops in the Philippines have rebuked President Rodrigo Duterte in a statement flatly rejecting the Bible condones the death penalty.
In a strongly worded statement the country's Catholic bishops said those who think the Bible permits capital punishment need to go and read scripture 'properly'.
It comes as the radical President Duterte is advocating its return after the death penalty was abolished in the Philippines in 2006.
'To the people who use the Bible to defend the death penalty, need we point out how many other crimes against humanity have been justified, using the same Bible?' the bishops asked in Sunday's pastoral statement.
'We humbly enjoin them to interpret the Scriptures properly, to read them as a progressive revelation of God's will to humankind, with its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, God's definitive Word to the world.'
They go on: 'Jesus was never an advocate of any form of "legal killing". He defended the adulterous woman against those who demanded her blood and challenged those who were without sin among them to be the first to cast a stone on her.'
Speaking of the early political stages in restoring the death penalty they add: 'It was Ash Wednesday when members of the lower House, on the second reading of the death penalty bill, outvoted by voice-voting the nays with their ayes. Ironically, they were captured on television shouting in favor of death with their foreheads marked with crosses made of ashes'
'Could they have forgotten what that cross meant?,' the bishops said.
'Even with the best of intentions, capital punishment has never been proven effective as a deterrent to crime,' they continued. 'Obviously it is easier to eliminate criminals than to get rid of the root causes of criminality in society. Capital punishment and a flawed legal system are always a lethal mix.'
Historic Lincoln Cathedral to switch off lights and 'go dark' for Earth Hour 2017
Britain's Lincoln Cathedral will turn off its lights and 'go dark' later this week in a bid to raise awareness of climate change.
The historic church will shut off all its lights 8.30pm GMT on Saturday, March 25, according to Lincolnshire Live. The darkness will fall in commemoration of Earth Hour, a 60-minute global event which urges action on climate change. This year Earth Hour, organised by WWF, celebrates its 10-year anniversary.
More than 170 countries across the world will be taking part, with millions of homes, schools and businesses switching off their lights, highlighting the need to reduce energy consumption. Other landmarks joining in the event include Buckingham Palace, the London Eye and Edinburgh Castle.
In 2016, more than 6 million people across 78 countries took part in Earth Day, and 400 landmarks switched off their lights.
'The past 24 hours have shown us yet again the impact we can achieve when we unite for a cause,' said Siddarth Das, executive director, Earth Hour Global last year.
'Every light switch turned off represents a call to switch on our collective power and be the first line of defence for our planet as we form the frontlines of climate change.'
The 2017 event is expected to be the biggest yet. Anyone is invited to join in, share on social media with the #EarthHourUK hashtag and 'make noise for climate change action'.
Das added: 'As new climate records are broken month after month, the record-breaking participation of Earth Hour reminds us that we are also witnessing mounting momentum to change climate change. The grassroots are meeting the governments in their ambition for strong climate action, sparking hope for the future we can shape for generations to come.'
'I believe in Jesus Christ': The 'broad' Irish Catholicism of terrorist-turned-peacemaker Martin McGuinness
As the tributes to and comments about Martin McGuiness testify today, the former IRA chief of staff who became a key figure in the Northern Ireland peace process is as divisive in death as he was in life.
Hailed as a 'great guy' by Alastair Campbell, a 'peacemaker' by Tony Blair and a man of 'humility' by Gerry Adams, he was dismissed as 'a coward who never atoned for his crimes' by the former Conservative chairman Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was paralysed when the IRA bombed a Brighton hotel during the Conservative Party conference. McGuinness was, after all, a key figure in both the Troubles and the peace that followed.
But one area of his life that is not in doubt, was his faith. 'I believe in Jesus Christ,' he once told me. 'There are many others throughout the world who don't believe in Jesus Christ, but this is what I believe. I respect what they believe, and all I ask is that they respect what I believe.'
His approach to religion was surprisingly liberal. 'I'm an Irish Catholic, I believe in Catholicism, but I'm a very broad-minded Irish Catholic,' he added. 'And since the peace process began, I have made very close friendships in the Presbyterian Church, and the Church of Ireland, and the Methodist Church. And some of my strongest friends are in those churches. Recently I was invited to the installation of a new minister in Christ Church in Derry. I was invited to that and I went along and sat quite happily in the congregation as my friend was installed in that church.'
Asked how his faith affected his politics, McGuinness said: 'It doesn't affect my politics at all. I understand that, in the context of being in a very important governmental position, there will be people in society who are not Christians, and there will be people in society who believe in other things, and there will be people who believe in nothing. And I have a responsibility to everybody. We have to govern by treating every single citizen equally, and so that they, too, understand that they'll be treated equally.'
The answer was typical of a man whose life and character reflected the complexity of the situation in Northern Ireland itself.
As Peter Lynas, Northern Ireland director of the Evangelical Alliance, has said: 'He was a complex character who significantly shaped Northern Ireland as both a senior figure in the IRA and as a politician.'
Born on 23 May 1950 in the Bogside area of Derry, McGuinness was the second of seven children of religious parents, William, a foundry-worker, and his wife, Peggy (nee Doherty).
Though he came from a religious background, McGuinness did not come from a republican one, unlike Gerry Adams. But grew up in a city where gerrymandering meant that Protestants always controlled the city council, despite Catholics being the majority population.
The young McGuinness failed his 11 plus (an exam he would later scrap as education minister in the region), and on leaving the Christian Brothers' technical college he was turned down for a job as a car mechanic because he was a Catholic. He became a butcher's assistant, a role that was mockingly cited during the Troubles.
He was still a teenager when he was drawn towards violence in Derry.He was shocked into activism by pictures in 1968 of Gerry Fitt, the Catholic MP for West Belfast, covered in blood after being hit by police batons as he led a civil rights march.
Within months McGuinness was second in command of the IRA Derry Brigade, the position he still held on 30 January 1972 - Bloody Sunday - when British parachute regiment soldiers shot dead 13 unarmed Catholic demonstrators.
One of the most difficult questions I've put to anyone was to ask McGuinness if he has ever killed a man. He did not answer directly, but he did strike an apparently remorseful note when he said 'I accept all the responsibilities that are due to me'. He replied: 'I made my statement to the Bloody Sunday tribunal, where I admitted that I was a member of the IRA in Derry during a very difficult period of our history. And that's what I want to say about it. I remember, for example, I was arrested, I think in 1974, and one of the British tabloids ran a headline claiming that I had boasted that I had killed six British soldiers. I had never done anything of the sort; it was a total and absolute lie. But as a former member of the IRA, I accept all the responsibilities that are due to me. I was a member of the IRA at that time and the IRA were involved in a bitter conflict against the British army and the forces of the state. But in terms of the individual circumstances, I don't comment on that.'
McGuinness was arguably redeemed by his key role as the Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland from May 2007 to January 2017. Forging an unlikely working relationship and, later, friendship with Ian Paisley of the Ulster Unionists, McGuinness played a key role in the Good Friday Agreement convened by Blair in 2008.
He served as MP for Mid Ulster from 1997 to 2013, abstaining from all votes in the House of Commons, as is standard practice for Sinn Fein MPs.
McGuinness is survived by his wife Bernadette and their children and grandchildren.
To understand the primary problem with the American health-care system cost and massive inefficiency are two major causes its helpful to revisit a 1958 essay, I, Pencil, by Leonard Read.
A pencil appears to be a very simple, inexpensive tool. Read, however, explains that its production is incredibly complex.
The standard pencil begins when a cedar tree is cut down. Ropes and gear tug it onto the bed of a truck or a rail car.
But lots of people and skills are needed to mine ore and refine steel to produce the saws, axes and motors that fell that cedar tree.
Lots of people are needed to grow hemp, then transform it, through various stages, into the strong rope that pulls the tree onto a truck.
The logs are shipped to a mill and cut into slats. The slats are kiln-dried, tinted, waxed, then kiln-dried again.
How many skills were needed to produce the tint and the kilns, Read wondered. What about the electric power? What about the belts, motors and other parts at the mill?
The cedar slats are shipped to a factory. A complex machine cuts a groove into each. A second lays the lead into every other slats groove. Glue is applied. Two slats are sealed together as one, then cut into lengths that form pencils.
The lead alone is incredibly complex. To produce it, graphite is mined in Ceylon. The graphite is packed and shipped, then mixed with clay from Mississippi. It is treated with a wetting agent such as sulfonated tallow, which is formed when animal fats chemically react with sulfuric acid.
The pencil receives six coats of lacquer. Lacquer has numerous ingredients, including castor oil. Think of all the chemists needed to create the lacquer and all the castor-bean growers needed to produce the oil thats refined and shipped.
The brass end that holds the eraser in place is a marvel. Miners need to first extract zinc and copper from the Earth. Experts transform those materials into sheet brass, which is then cut, stamped and affixed to the pencil.
The eraser is made from factice, writes Read, a rubber-like product that is produced when rapeseed oil from the Dutch East Indies reacts with sulfur chloride.
An awe-inspiring amount of work goes into producing a pencil. Millions of people collaborate to produce it millions ply their unique trades and skills yet they have no idea they are collaborating.
The pencil, explains Read, is a triumph of human freedom a triumph of creative human energies spontaneously responding to human necessity and desire.
Its efficient production is the polar opposite of the American health-care system.
Now that the government plays such a heavy role in health care ObamaCare requires that each insurance policy cover 10 essential health benefits it dictates what private insurers can and cannot do. Massive rules and regulations inhibit competition, which is the mothers milk of efficiency and cost savings.
Our health-care systems third-party payment system private insurers or the government fund almost all health-care activities detach consumers from the cost of the care they consume. Since consumers do not pay directly for most health-care services, few know or care what those services cost.
Read concludes his essay with this advice: The best thing our government can do is leave our creative energies uninhibited remove the obstacles that prevent human creativity and innovation from flowing freely.
By removing such obstacles from our health-care system by infusing free-market reforms we could dramatically impact the cost and inefficiency problems and free up funds to provide care for the needy.
But any attempt to introduce free-market principles is met with cries that politicians are trying to hurt the sick and the poor. Thus, solving the health-care mess is not going to be easy.
Im just thankful that our government hasnt mandated free pencils for all. Pencils would cost a fortune.
Tom Purcell is a Pittsburgh Tribune-Review humor columnist and is nationally syndicated exclusively by Cagle Cartoons Inc. Email him at Tom@TomPurcell.com.
It's World Poetry Day: Here are 6 Christian poems you should read
It's World Poetry Day, the annual celebration of what UNESCO calls 'one of humanity's most treasured forms of cultural and linguistic expression and identity'. It was UNESCO that first promoted March 21 as a day for poems and poets, back in 1999, and it's gone from strength to strength ever since.
Poems rhymed or unrhymed, strictly metrical or seemingly random, long or short can be wonderful glimpses into another person's mind. They can capture a tiny snapshot of nature or human experience, or a deep insight into eternal truth and sometimes both. Throughout history, Christians have taken to poetry to express their vision of God. Here are five Christian poems you should read.
1. The Pulley, George Herbert (1593-1633)
When God at first made man,
Having a glass of blessings standing by,
'Let us,' said he, 'pour on him all we can.
Let the world's riches, which dispersed lie,
Contract into a span.'
The poet and Church of England clergyman imagines God pouring out strength, beauty and every blessing on human beings except rest, because that discontentedness might bring him to seek God. 'If goodness lead him not, yet weariness/ May toss him to my breast.'
2. Paradise Lost, John Milton (1608-1674)
Of Man's First Disobedience, and the Fruit
Of that Forbidden Tree, whose mortal tast
Brought Death into the World, and all our woe,
With loss of Eden, till one greater Man
Restore us, and regain the blissful Seat,
Sing Heav'nly Muse...
Everyone agrees John Milton is one of England's greatest poets but he's not much read today, not least because his greatest work, Paradise Lost, is so long 12 dense books, with all sorts of biblical and classical references. But it's an extraordinary retelling of the story of the Fall, complete with wars in heaven and an unforgettable portrait of Satan. Read at least the first two books.
3. The Kingdom of God (in no strange land), Francis Thompson (1859-1907)
O world invisible, we view thee,
O world intangible, we touch thee,
O world unknowable, we know thee,
Inapprehensible, we clutch thee!
An opium addict and vagrant for much of his life, some of Thompson's poems are wonderful. In this one he speaks of God's nearness even in the darkest and most difficult times the angels on Jacob's ladder, 'Pitched betwixt Heaven and Charing Cross' and 'Christ walking on the water/ Not of Gennesareth, but Thames!'
4. The Journey of the Magi, TS Eliot (1888-1965)
A cold coming we had of it,
Just the worst time of the year
For a journey, and such a long journey:
The ways deep and the weather sharp,
The very dead of winter...'
TS Eliot was arguably the greatest poet writing in English in the 20th century, with poems like The Waste Land and Four Quartets part of his legacy. In this one, he reflects on the strangeness of the Magis' encounter with the child Jesus and their struggle to understand what they have seen:
'We returned to our places, these Kingdoms,
But no longer at ease here, in the old dispensation,
With an alien people clutching their gods...'
5. Ballad of the Bread Man, Charles Causley (1917-2003)
Mary stood in the kitchen
Baking a loaf of bread.
An angel flew in through the window.
'We've a job for you,' he said.
Charles Causley was a Cornish poet and schoolmaster whose work is deceptively simple and direct. In this one he reflects on the domestic Annunciation and what it would have meant for Mary and Joseph ('The old man's past it, the neighbours said/ That girl's been up to no good.' The Magi are a bishop, a five-star general and 'the head of an African country/ In a bullet-proof limousine.' Jesus offers the people bread they don't want; 'They rigged a trial and shot him dead/ They were only just in time.' The last verse is achingly sad.
6. The Burning Bush, Norman Nicholson (1914-1987)
When Moses, musing in the desert, found
The thorn bush spiking up from the hot ground...'
Norman Nicholson was rooted in the north-west mining village of Millom in Cumbria. In this poem he reflects on the burning bush and how Moses 'faced the fire and knew it for his God'. We sometimes do the same, but rationalise the experience and turn away. His last lines are a challenge: 'It's dogma too, or you make God a liar/ The bush is still a bush, and fire is fire.'
Follow Mark Woods on Twitter: @RevMarkWoods
More calls for Welsh church to make Jeffrey John a bishop
The clergy of another Anglican cathedral have thrown their weight behind calls for a senior gay cleric to be made a bishop in Wales.
Jeffrey John, Dean of St Albans, was barred from being appointed Bishop of Llandaff despite winning more than half of the vote in the electoral body and unanimous backing from local churchgoers.
Dr John is in a long-term gay relationship with another Anglican priest and in a strongly worded open letter on Sunday claimed his sexuality was the sole reason why he was blocked.
'The only arguments adduced against my appointment in particular by two of the bishops - were directly related to my homosexuality and/or civil partnership namely that my appointment would bring unwelcome and unsettling publicity to the diocese, and that it might create difficulties for the future Archbishop in relation to the Anglican Communion,' he wrote in a letter to the senior Welsh bishop John Davies.
The Chapter of Ely Cathedral has now added its 'unanimous support' to the growing calls for the Welsh bishops to reconsider Dr John.
It comes after the Chapter of St Albans Cathedral, without the knowledge of their Dean Dr John, branded his treatment 'wholly wrong'.
Their statement read: 'The fact that it appears Jeffrey's sexuality and civil partnership have been used against him in the selection process is wholly wrong and it is only right that the bishops in Wales review the process before making an appointment.'
Changing Attitude Cymru, a Welsh LGBT Christian charity, has also added its voice to calls for a review after Dr John said he was told bishops were 'just too exhausted' to deal with the problems they believed his appointment would cause.
'We would be alarmed if fears about adverse publicity and reactions from other parts of the Anglican communion, in relation to questions of sexuality, have persuaded the bishops to discount his candidacy,' the pressure group said on Tuesday. 'This would be particularly unfortunate, considering that the bishops gave no indication, when calling for names to be submitted during the consultation period, that candidates already considered by the Electoral College would not be included in the bishops' new shortlist.'
The statement added: 'We are saddened that reports of alleged homophobia in the present process of the election and appointment of the next Bishop of Llandaff, is harming the progress that has been made in bringing about changing attitudes towards LGBT+ people in the Church in Wales.'
The mounting pressure was sparked after Dr John told Bishop Davies in his open letter: 'To ride roughshod of the very clearly expressed, unanimous view of a diocese in this way is extraordinary, unprecedented and foolish,' he wrote
'You decided, arbitrarily, to ignore the submissions that you had asked for, and to declare that those who were discussed at the Electoral College were now, in fact, no longer to be considered. This is a clear and ludicrous breach of process, and a further insult to the people of the diocese, and very many others who took the trouble to contribute their view.
'I trust there will now be an open and honest examination of this process in the light of day, and that you will not attempt to appoint a bishop for Llandaff until it is complete.'
Priest terrorises child in North Korean anti-Christian propaganda
A video showing anti-Christian propaganda broadcast on North Korean state TV has been shared online.
The Youtube video, originally posted on Reddit, contains over an hour of recorded footage of news reports, patriotic musical performances and obscure theatrics originally broadcast on the tightly controlled North Korean state TV.
One section, highlighted in a shortened video by the Scottish Catholic Observer, shows a menacing caricature of a typically western priest, adorned in black robes and a large crucifix, who terrorises a mother and child. The drama takes the form of a nine-minute theatrical ballet.
The villainous priest kills the child but his avenged by the mother. The text on the screen then reportedly reads: 'Do not forget the brutality of American things.'
The scenes, which some may find distressing, can be watched below.
The Reddit user 'braunheiser' recorded the original footage from a 'hacked feed' that was being streamed online.
Christians in North Korea suffer harsh persecution under the dictatorship of its leader Kim Jong Un. A September report revealed that Christians in North Korea face rape, torture, enslavement and being killed for their faith.
'Religious beliefs are seen as a threat to the loyalty demanded by the Supreme Leader, so anyone holding these beliefs is severely persecuted,' the report said. 'Christians suffer significantly because of the anti-revolutionary and imperialist labels attached to them by the country's leadership.'
The documented incidents against Christians include 'being hung on a cross over a fire, crushed under a steamroller, herded off bridges and trampled underfoot'.
Christian believers, who number approximately 200-300,000, practise their faith in secret, and if caught, are sent to North Korea's notorious hard labour camps.
Humanitarian charity Open Doors has put North Korea at #1 on its World Watch List - ranking the 50 countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian - for the past 15 years.
Queen sends private message of condolence to widow of Martin McGuinness as sources tell of strong rapport over faith
The Queen is to send a private letter of condolence to the widow of Martin McGuinness, it was revealed today.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph that a message will be conveyed to McGuinness's wife, Bernadette.
McGuinness had met the Queen on a number of occasions. The pair shook hands in 2012 at a charity event in Belfast at the Lyric theatre.
Asked what he thought of the meeting, Mr McGuinness quipped: 'I'm still a republican.'
After a meeting in Hillsborough Castle last June, McGuinness greeted the Queen by asking if she was well, and the Queen replied: 'Well, I'm still alive.'
But a well placed source who knows both the Queen and McGuinness told Christian Today that they had a real connection over their shared faith.
'I believe in Jesus Christ,' McGuinness once said. 'There are many others throughout the world who don't believe in Jesus Christ, but this is what I believe. I respect what they believe, and all I ask is that they respect what I believe.'
In a highly significant and historic statement, the Queen in 2011 referred to the IRA killing of her cousin, the Earl of Mountbatten before expressing regret over certain events on the British side.
Speaking at Dublin Castle, she said of the Troubles: 'These events have touched us all, many of us personally, and are a painful legacy. We can never forget those who have died or been injured, and their families. To all those who have suffered as a consequence of our troubled past I extend my sincere thoughts and deep sympathy. With the benefit of historical hindsight we can all see things which we would wish had been done differently or not at all.'
See where Jesus died and was buried - Tomb now restored in Jerusalem
In time for Easter, the tomb believed to be that of Jesus has been restored in a multi-million dollar renovation, with pilgrims able to see for the fist time the bare stone of the ancient burial cave.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem's Old City was identified as the site of Jesus's crucifixion and burial by representatives of the Roman emperor Constantine, in AD 326.
The church is visited by hundreds of thousands of pilgrims every year and its ownership and maintenance is shared in a complex arrangement between the Armenian, Greek Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
This year, all three denominations unusually share the same Easter, on 16 April.
The Church has been undergoing restoration work after being damaged by many years of exposure to humidity from condensation from the breath of visitors, and thermal stress caused by candles burning for hours nearby.
Now, an iron cage built around the shrine by British authorities in 1947 to shore up the walls from the black soot on the shrine's stone facade from decades of pilgrims lighting candles, has been removed.
The old shrine is believed now to be stable for the first time in 200 years.
'If this intervention hadn't happened now, there is a very great risk that there could have been a collapse,' Bonnie Burnham of the World Monuments Fund (WMF) said. 'This is a complete transformation of the monument.'
The WMF provided an initial $1.4 million for the $4 million restoration, thanks to a donation by the widow of the founder of Atlantic Records. Jordan's King Abdullah II and the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also contributed around 150,000 euros each, along with other private and church donations, Burnham said.
The shrine needed urgent attention after years of exposure to the candle smoke, water and humidity.
In 2015, Israeli police briefly shut down the building after Israel's Antiquities Authority deemed it unsafe. Repairs began in June 2016.
A restoration team from the National Technical University of Athens stripped the stone slabs from the shrine's facade. The team then patched up the internal masonry of the shrine, injecting it with tubes of grout for reinforcement.
Each stone slab was cleaned before being put back in place.
Titanium bolts were inserted into the structure for reinforcement, while frescos and the shrine's painted dome were renovated.
In October, the team entered the inner sanctum of the shrine and temporarily slid open an old marble layer covering the bedrock where Jesus' body is said to have been placed.
Below the outer marble layer, a white rose marble slab engraved with a cross was revealed, which the team dated to the late Crusader period of the 14th century.
Beneath that marble slab was an even older, grey marble slab protecting the bedrock, and mortar on the slab dates to the 4th century, when Constantine ordered the Church to be built.
The team has now cut a small window from the shrine's marble walls for pilgrims to see the bare stone of the ancient burial cave.
'It seems we are in front of levels of history that are validated,' said Antonia Moropoulou, who supervised the restoration.
The team is currently dismantling the work-site ahead of a ceremony tomorrow to mark the completion of the renovation, in the presence of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I, who is the spiritual leader of the world's Orthodox Christians, and a representative of Pope Francis.
Violence between the denominations has traditionally broken out inside the Church, and Moropoulou hopes the restoration work will usher in a 'new era' of cooperation.
'Here is a monument that has been worshipped through the centuries, and will be worshipped forever,' said Moropoulou.
Someone in Sinn Fein needs to fill the void left by Martin McGuinness
Waking up to the news this morning that Martin McGuinness had passed away, my first emotion was sadness. In the couple of occasions when we met, he was warm. He retweeted one of my reviews of a James Taylor album. My sympathy went out immediately to his family. They are the ones who will feel his loss the most. May God give them grace and comfort in the days that lie ahead.
My second thought was for our peace process. Whatever you think of Martin McGuinness he was a major driver in our peace process. There is little doubt that the Republican shift from violence to the peace process was a strategic move of the mind. Let us find another way to achieve our aims of a united Ireland. Martin McGuinness, however, brought his heart too.
His relationship with Ian Paisley revealed that. Even after Paisley left the scene, and indeed since his passing away, McGuinness stayed in touch with Eileen Paisley. There was a heartfelt relationship between them. McGuinness's heart is being, and will be, missed from our political institutions. Someone, please God many, in Sinn Fein needs to fill the void he has left.
Many will rightfully challenge me in this last paragraph and ask where Martin McGuinness's heart was when the IRA, with him up to his neck in it, were murdering people for decades. Indeed!
Yesterday my emotions raged against IRA terrorism. In researching a U2 documentary, I came face to face with the 11 people killed in the Enniskillen bomb on Remembrance Day 1987. The anger deep inside me was palpable. These obscene and evil things should not have happened in my country.
In this blog I do not want to minimise the hurt and pain caused by the IRA's terrorist campaign. When Fr Martin Magill and I spoke at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis, in 2015, I was very careful to bring into the room dear friends who had lost loved ones at the hands of the IRA.
When Fr Martin and I wrote an 'Uncomfortable Conversations' piece for the Republican newspaper An Phoblacht, Martin challenged the military campaign of the IRA and asked why they could not have taken a peaceful Martin Luther King approach.
However, the IRA military campaign ended and without doubt Martin McGuinness had his role to play in that decision. Since that time I would surmise that McGuinness has changed more than any other politician in Northern Ireland.
So, as much as I am angry about his past, I also appreciate that because of Martin McGuinness, there are not many hundreds more people lost to the Troubles. I am wondering who I would know that might have been killed if the conflict had gone on past 1998. Martin McGuinness's desire for a peaceful future and his ability to bring with him a Republican community, many of whom have a romantic notion of a United Ireland by violent means, is something we need to be thankful for.
As I listen this morning to all the Tributes, and other reflections, on the life of Martin McGuinness I am drawn back to the blog I posted when he stepped down as Deputy First Minister. There is a challenge in looking back at Martin McGuinness's life that asks questions of myself.
How do I deal with the change in Martin McGuinness's life? Am I prepared to acknowledge it? Or do I leave him frozen in time? Do I freeze frame him as the terrorist in order that I do not have to respond to his evident change of heart and soul and mind? Is that easier than dealing with my own hatred?
I am often amazed when I hear many people who talk about repentance and the need for change not believing that Martin McGuinness had changed. I imagine that their argument would be that change can only come through repentance and faith in Jesus and in their own formula of what that means.
My surmise on that is that repentance is not a theological idea. Jesus' call to repentance was to an action. It is an active turning of our lives around. Repentance is to live in a completely different way than we had been living. The Scriptures also tell us, time and time again, that it is by the fruit of our intentions that we are to be judged, not our head knowledge and doctrinal position.
The probing question that the transformation in Martin McGuinness asks me is have I a similar harvest of change in my own life? Have I been able to love my enemies in the same way that he has? Have I moved from hatred to acts of reconciliation as he did?
Shaking hands with the Queen, and other acts of reaching out, were difficult and even had him receiving death threats from republican paramilitaries. Am I prepared to take the same steps towards reconciliation?
In the end I understand why many will find it difficult to come to terms with the Martin McGuinness of his later life. The bodies, the funerals, the grief of the past are hard to get over. We all deal with the deep pain in different ways. Many of us find it easier to live out God's grace than others do. For some it is a daily struggle.
However, God calls us to a hard love. I keep going back to these verses because as a follower of Jesus living in Northern Ireland they are perhaps the most relevant verses in all of Scripture for my following of Jesus:
Luke 6: 27 & 28: 'But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.'
Perhaps my response to Martin McGuinness's legacy, all over our media today, might be a good guide to show me how much I have changed, repented in my own lives.
Psalm 139: 23 & 24
Search me, God, and know my heart;
test me and know my anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in me,
and lead me in the way everlasting.
Steve Stockman is minister of Fitzroy Presbyterian Church in Belfast, N. Ireland and author of Walk On; The Spiritual Journey of U2. This article is kindly reproduced with permission from Steve's own blog, Soul Surmise, on where faith and culture meet.
Woman trapped in 14 years of horrific sexual slavery never gives up praying and God answers her
God turned something evil into a vehicle for an abused woman to find freedom and redemption.
This was the testimony of 34-year-old immigrant Rosa Castillo who was locked up in a cage and raped by sex traffickers for more than a decade before finally finding the chance to escape, the Palm Beach Post reported.
Castillo revealed that she endured 14 horrific years as a captive of a sex trafficker who she had thought would help reunite her in the U.S. with her family, who fled Nicaragua when a 28-year revolution broke out in the Central American country in 1962.
Instead, the sex trafficker abducted her in 1995 when she was just 12 years old and smuggled her back and forth between Mexico and the United States together with other women and children.
"I was always locked in a cage. They only fed us twice a week," Castillo told the Palm Beach Post.
She said she suffered more abuse from her captor after she tried to escape. She said the man continually raped her and even used her as his "personal ashtray."
That was the time when she prayed to God to just take her life away.
However, when she gave birth to a child after being impregnated by her captor, she regained her determination to find freedom.
"I decided I'm no longer praying for dying," she said. "I'm praying for freedom."
Finally, she found the chance to escape together with her young daughter. Her captors tried to stop her and fired shots, with a bullet grazing her forehead.
Fortunately she was rescued by a passerby who brought her to a hospital. Social service agencies moved Castillo and her daughter to West Palm Beach in 2008.
Hence, her baby, who she conceived after she was subjected to the evil act of rape, became God's vehicle for her to regain her freedom and achieve redemption.
Castillo said she is sharing her story in hopes of raising public awareness about human trafficking.
She said she is concerned for her daughter, who's now 13 years old. "I want to always be able to protect her and if this is one way to protect her and every child in America, I will speak," she said.
In its statement to the UN Security Council on modern slavery on March 15, the International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that today there are 20.9 million people who are victims of forced labour. "This represents about three in every 1,000 of today's world population," it says.
Of this number, 68 percent are victims of forced labour exploitation while 22 percent are victims of forced sexual exploitation.
The ILO estimates that traffickers earned profits of more $150 billion annually through different forms of human trafficking.
Ansel Adams: 10 things to know
A guide to the pioneering photographer and environmentalist forever identified with the majesty of the American West illustrated with works offered online from 25 March to 8 April
1
His love of nature was sparked by his native California
Born in 1902, Ansel Adams grew up in a house amid the dunes of the Golden Gate the strait between San Francisco and Marin County before the famous bridge linking the two headlands was built. The area around San Francisco was still wild then, and he would go on long hikes which helped him escape troubling aspects of his childhood, such as his unhappy schooling and his parents financial worries.
2
He might have become a concert pianist Adams taught himself how to read music and play the piano, and it seemed destined to be his career. But while he dedicated himself to mastering the instrument, from 1916 onwards he also began to visit Yosemite National Park every summer. The splendour of Yosemite burst upon us and it was glorious, he would later write. There was light everywhere. A new era began for me. He began to translate that light into imagery, with a Kodak Box Brownie camera.
As his attachment to Yosemite grew, Adams became more involved with the Sierra Club, the organisation behind the national park. It was through the Sierra Club that he met his future wife, Virginia. For years, he struggled to balance his commitment to the piano in San Francisco and his love of Yosemite and Virginia. His wife, and the national park, eventually won. Music is wonderful but the musical world is bunk so much petty doings, so much pose and insincerity and distorted values, he wrote to her in 1927. I find myself looking back on the Golden Days in Yosemite with supreme envy. I think I came closer to really living then than at any other time of my life, because I was closer to elemental things.
3
His visualisation technique proved to be his breakthrough Now using a Korona View camera, Adams grew increasingly accomplished but was yet to replicate on film his profound feelings about Yosemite to pour into the magic little box his wonder and his ecstasy, as a friend would write. He finally did so in 1927. He wanted to capture the majesty of the Half Dome rock formation, but only had one plate left. So he did something different: picturing the image he wanted, a brooding form, with deep shadows and a distant sharp white peak against a dark sky, he realised that a yellow filter would not capture the drama of the image as he saw it. Instead, he used a red filter with a long exposure. Finally, he said, he had achieved my first conscious visualisation, which allowed him to capture not the way the subject appeared in reality but how it felt to me.
4
He practised pure or straight photography Adams visualisation strategy marked a shift away from Pictorialism, a much more manipulated photographic style, which had influenced his early work. His desire for sharper focus and deeper tone and contrast (he called it an austere and blazing poetry of the real) led to him becoming a leading figure in pure or straight photography.
Two encounters enhanced his commitment. In 1930, he met the photographer Paul Strand, a pioneer of pure aesthetics. And then in 1933 he met Alfred Stieglitz, the most powerful figure in American modernist photography. After looking through Adams portfolio, Stieglitz declared they were some of the finest photographs I have ever seen.
5
He was a technical genius, consulted by Polaroid and Hasselblad Arguably no other photographer of his era knew more about photography than Adams. He wrote ten technical manuals on the discipline, and even advised major figures like Strand and Edward Weston, his friend and fellow West Coast photographer. He also consulted for Polaroid and Hasselblad. Without such technical mastery he would not have been able to react with such immediacy to the quickly changing conditions of landscape. Works such as Rocks and Clouds, Sierra Nevada Foothills, California, 1938 needed snap judgements of immense sophistication to capture the momentary effect of sunlight streaming through passing clouds, and establish a balanced tone and focus against the imposing rock formation in the foreground
6
He was in an inner circle of luminary American photographers In his numerous correspondences, Adams often provided candid details of the circle of photographers he encountered out West. In a letter to his wife Virginia in August of 1930, he described a scene from his star-studded Santa Fe social sphere: Everything is going splendidly, he wrote. Paul and Becky Strand are in one of Mabels houses... Paul Strand is a peach. OKeeffe was there also, breezing around in a rather cool way but not as frigid as last year. The entire situation is too funny for words. Will tell you all
7
His photographs have been to space In 1941, Adams was commissioned to create photographic murals of national parks and monuments to decorate the halls of the new Department of Interior headquarters. The most acclaimed work from the commission is The Tetons and the Snake River, Grand Teton National Park, Wyoming, 1942, which was captured just before the project was discontinued due to financial constraints resulting from Americas entry into World War II.
The image encapsulated the concept of the mysterious, untamed West so well that it was included amongst the pictures electronically placed on the phonograph records that are carried upon the Voyager I and 2 spacecraft. The contents were selected by NASA and Carl Sagan as a means of articulating to extra-terrestrial life the environment of Earth and the human experience.
8
Photographs became vast murals in Adams hands Given the scale of the landscape he was in thrall to, it is no wonder Adams experimented with large-scale images from the 1940s onwards. These murals would vary in size, but could stretch to around 1.5 metres wide. Later in life, Adams repeatedly returned to earlier images and enlarged them.
Between 1969 and 1975, Adams began accepting corporate commissions, and many of his mural prints on the market today were created in this context.
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He found a greater sense of colour through black-and-white images Adams ventured into the use of colour, often for commercial assignments, but occasionally for artistic experimentation. Between 1946 and 1948, in particular, when a Guggenheim Fellowship again allowed him to explore the National Parks, he photographed prolifically on Kodachrome film.
Perhaps his most visible colour images were the 60 feet-wide Coloramas that later appeared in Grand Central Station. But he was never entirely happy with colour film. I can get for me a far greater sense of colour through a well-planned and executed black-and-white image than I have ever achieved with colour photography, he said.
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A 20-year-old Pearland man has been arrested, accused of prostituting six Alvin ISD high school students during March 2016, according to federal court filings. The youngest victims were 16 at the time.
Dihlon Lee Davis, of the 12000 block of Banks Run Dr., made his first court appearance Tuesday on charges of sex trafficking of minors, or by force, fraud or coercion. A criminal complaint asking for his arrest was issued March 17.
BUSTED: 19-year-old woman accused of pimping 14-year-old girl appears in court
The investigation began in April 2016 when a student showed an Alvin ISD police officer a screen shot of a text message conversation. At the top was the name "Dillo Davis," who asked an unknown student if she would be interested in prostituting. When the student said no, Davis said he knew prostitution was illegal but that he would keep her safe and out of trouble.
Special Agent Ryan Arthur with the Texas Department of Public Safety took on the case and found Davis' girlfriend, a minor at the time, also tried to recruit other high schoolers for the prostitution ring.
After authorities searched Davis' girlfriend's cell phone, they found a text from Davis reading: "I'm saying but whatever I work tomorrow and (juvenile MC) wants to work so imma work her down here."
CHARGED: Child prostitution charges brought against Oklahoma senator caught with teen boy in motel room
They also found photos on the girlfriend's phone of a then 16-year-old in lingerie and a note that read: "Do you have a sweet tooth? Well baby I'm your treat I'm sweet, warm, hot and ready. I'm only one call away. I love to please clean and unrushed services call me lets play. NO BLOCKED CALL. I promise to leave you wanting more. I also have a sexy friend!"
Arthur wrote the language was consistent with other prostitution ads. The special agent also found a post on Backpage.com, a well known hub for prostitution, that featured photos of two victims and Davis' phone number.
Authorities were able to track Davis to the Super 8 Motel in Lake Jackson by geo-locating his girlfriend's phone. Managers at the hotel told investigators Davis had booked rooms multiple times during March 2016 and paid with cash.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING: Houston man faces rare human trafficking charge
One victim told police she went with Davis and his girlfriend to the Super 8 multiple times with several other girls. She said the girls charged between $150 and $250, and that Davis gave them unspecified drugs and collected half their money.
The victims told their parents they were going to the Houston Rodeo when they were prostituting.
Davis told police that the under-aged girls had approached him about wanting to prostitute and that he just helped facilitate the hotel and rides.
If convicted, Davis will face at least 10 years in jail with the possibility of life in prison. Davis was arrested in 2015 for stealing a firearm and in 2014 for criminal mischief resulting in less than $500 in damage. He was also arrested on two misdemeanor charges in 2014.
Phone numbers listed for Davis' parents were disconnected.
Alvin ISD spokesman Daniel Combs said the district first became aware of the Texas Department of Public Safety investigation after an altercation happened at Manvel High School in April 2016, which involved an accusation that one student was involved in an "illicit activity, unrelated to the campus."
When Alvin ISD police broadened the scope of their investigation to verify the accusation, they learned of the TDPS investigation.
Combs said Alvin ISD doled out "appropriate discipline" to the students involved in the altercation.
"At the point when the incomplete investigation shifted away from the Alvin ISD Police Department, there was no conclusive evidence indicating that our students had been involved in illicit activity," Combs said.
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At roughly 268,820 square miles, the Lone Star State has plenty of room for new developments, and developers know it. The hotel industry is seeing a boom throughout the country, but it's expanding at a particularly rapid rate within this state.
The New York Times recently noted the thriving hotel development industry in Texas, especially in Dallas, Houston and Austin.
>>See the gallery above for state's best lodging accommodations ranked by U.S. News & World Report's 2017 roster, as well as recently opened Texas hotels.
"In 2017, Marriott plans to open eight hotels in Austin, seven in Houston and 23 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to the company. Ninety-two other Marriott hotels are in the planning stages for the three metro areas," the New York Times reports. "Hilton says it is planning for 75 new hotels there. InterContinental Hotels Group has more than 100 hotel projects in the Austin, Dallas and Houston metro areas, including the Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Even Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and Staybridge Suites brands."
AWARD WINNER: El Paso, Texas hotel among international Gold Key award winners for design
For Houston specifically, the hotel industry is a year-round boon to the local economy, since so many travelers are in this city on business, working within the oil and energy industry. That's also driving the market that immediately surrounds convention centers, including the 1,000-room Marriott Marquis which debuted near the George R. Brown Convention Center.
Real estate investment firm JLL principal Lauro Ferroni explained that Texas will be home to more of these types of developments. "The state is looking for supertanker hotels to put in next to convention centers," Ferroni told the Times.
The outlet cites affordable land, low environmental restrictions and relatively quick approval to build as factors that make this state attractive to those in the hospitality industry.
See the video above for look at recently opened Marriott Marquis' Texas-shaped lazy river.
Harry Cabluck/STF
AUSTIN -- After Sen. Eddie Lucio, D-Brownsville, became the lone Senate Democrat to support the "bathroom bill," many in his own party accused the South Texas lawmaker of being a "complete sellout."
He was taking so much heat from fellow Democrats, in fact, that his son Rep. Eddie Lucio III came to his defense in a passionate plea for civil disagreement.
AUSTIN -- A controversial property tax reform plan championed by supporters to curb mushrooming tax bills and decried by local officials as an unfair limit on spending was approved Tuesday by the Texas Senate.
The vote on final passage was 18-12.
The measure now goes to the Texas House, where city, county and local school district officials have vowed to derail it, contending that its provisions will force some localities to lay off police and firefighters and could limit their ability to cope with growth.
Sen. Paul Bettencourt, R-Houston, insisted the measure would only limit the escalation of property taxes that he said are forcing some people from their homes, limiting business growth and creating a culture of government growth that is unsustainable.
LATE RUSH: Flurry of last-minute bills hit legislature as filing deadline arrives
"Texas has the fifth highest property tax rate in the United States," Bettencourt said. "This is not a partisan issue. This is an everybody-pays-property-taxes issue."
Opponents said the measure would unfairly limit the ability of local officials to cover their expenses, and said the growing liability for property owners is mostly due to rising school taxes that are now responsible for more than 50 percent of property taxes statewide.
"The Legislature is the real culprit on local property tax bills," said Sen. Kirk Watson, D-Austin, who was among those who voted against the bill.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see property taxes in the Houston area suburbs
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An openly gay student will start as Texas A&M University's student body president in April.
Bobby Brooks, a junior from Belton studying economics, will lead A&M's student body, a milestone for the rural campus better known for its love of tradition than for its embrace of progressive social issues.
"I was an Aggie from the first day that I was born, there was no choice about it," Brooks told The Battallion, A&M's student paper. "My sexuality was a non-issue in terms of selecting Texas A&M as a university because I knew what this university could offer."
STUDENT BOOST: TSU enrollment jumps after partnerships with community colleges
He ran on a platform of improving diversity issues at A&M, boosting student services, keeping costs low and improving relationships with faculty members.
Brooks' appointment is significant as gay, lesbian and transgender students have faced intolerance at Texas A&M over the decades. The university's Gay Student Services won the university's official recognition in 1985 only after a nine-year legal battle.
This fall, for the first time since at least 2011, Texas A&M University was not included in the Princeton Review's annual ranking of unfriendly universities for LGBT students.
TOP RANK: Texas graduate schools score well in U.S. News and World Report
"It's nice to be able to see yourself in an elected position, like the campus is progressing," said Caleb Armstrong, a 22-year-old senior from Houston who serves as president of LGBTQ Aggies, a student support group.
Brooks won 4,214 votes in February elections coming in second to a candidate later disqualified from an expense report violation. A governing student body upheld that decision earlier this month, allowing Brooks to serve as president.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see which Texas universities have grown the most
A Magnolia man whose guilt was at one point spared by a hung jury pleaded guilty Monday to touching young boys over several years, but he will not serve time in prison.
Larry Dean Cole, 56, will spend the next five years on community supervision. He pleaded guilty to two second-degree felony counts of indecency with a child in exchange for the light sentence and the dismissal of two other felony charges. He was facing up to life in prison on one of those charges.
He will also have to register as a sex offender for life.
Cole was supposed to go to trial this week but pleaded guilty before the jury was set. Assistant District Attorney Vince Santini said he did not expect the plea going into jury selection.
"It was out of the ordinary," Santini said. "The jury was all outside. The numbers were on the chairs. We were about to pick, and the conversation came up about the plea."
The Montgomery County District Attorney's Office put the plea deal on the table after a previous jury was unable to unanimously cast guilt on Cole in October. Cole did not take the deal then but accepted it moments before 9th state District Court Judge Phil Grant was to swear in jurors.
Prosecutors say young boys would hang out at Cole's house in the 2300 block of Timberbriar Court in Magnolia in 2014. At least one of the boys told police that Cole would buy him alcohol, and that he would hug and touch the young boy inappropriately.
On another occasion, police said Cole took a young relative and the boy out to a deer lease far away. Police claimed Cole got into the boy's bunk and got on top of him during the trip.
Court documents show Cole tried to put his hands down his own pants while on top of the boy, which is when the boy, about 10 or 12 years old at the time, punched Cole.
One of the victims spoke directly to Cole in a victim-impact statement after his plea, saying he was doing well in spite of what Cole did to him. One of the victim's mothers also spoke, saying there's a special place for Cole "but it's not heaven."
Cole was arrested in late February 2015, a few months after the boy came forward. A grand jury indicted him on second-degree felony indecency with a child charges in September 2015.
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League City police are looking for a man they say snatched a women's purse at an area Walmart.
According to LCPD, on March 16 at about 6:20 p.m. the white male, described as bald, tattooed and sporting a 'soul patch', allegedly grabbed a woman's purse while she was shopping at the Walmart on 1701 W. F.M. 646.
The city of Sugar Land is gearing up for Earth Day and it looking for residents to join in the effort to clean up the area.
Sugar Land's Earth Day Celebration called Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock will be held Saturday, April 1, from 1-5 p.m., on the plaza at Sugar Land Town Square.
This year's Earth Day Celebration promises to be a rockin' good time with live performances by Vocal Trash.
Environmental activity booths and performances are planned on the plaza from 1-5 p.m. Enjoy eco-friendly displays and demonstrations, interactive games and educational booths from many local organizations. The following events are planned:
Vocal Trash will perform at 1:15 p.m. and 3:15 p.m.
Reptile shows by Texas Snakes & More will be held at 2:15 p.m. and 4:15 p.m.
Participants are encouraged to visit the Up-cycle Art located in the display booth featuring art from Sugar Land's local school environmental clubs. The awards for the Up-cycle contest will also be presented.
Paper shredding will be provided by ProShred at no cost throughout the event in the parking lot at Sugar Land City Hall, 2700 Town Center Blvd. North. Paper shredding must adhere to the following guidelines:
Residents must remain in their vehicles at all times.
Walk-ups will not be accepted.
ProShred staff will remove items from vehicles.
Residents may not be able to watch their documents get shredded.
Containers used to transport items and papers will not be returned.
Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Rock is provided by the city of Sugar Land in partnership with Keep Sugar Land Beautiful, Sugar Land Town Square and the following sponsors: Republic Services, Living Earth, ProShred and Whole Foods.
For more information about the event, visit www.sugarlandtx.gov/earthday or www.kslb.org or call (281) 313-5752.
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WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump signed a bill into law Tuesday that updates NASA's mission to add exploration of Mars and authorizes $19.5 billion in spending for the U.S. space agency for the current budget year.
It's the first time in seven years that there has been an authorization bill for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a chief sponsor of the bill. Cruz joined several astronauts and other lawmakers in the Oval Office to watch Trump sign the bill.
INTELLIGENT LIFE: Harvard scientists theorize alien life as source of mysterious signals
Last week, Trump sent Congress a budget proposal that would authorize $19.1 billion in agency spending next year. Congress appropriates funding for all government departments and agencies.
"For almost six decades, NASA's work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on earth," Trump said. "I'm delighted to sign this bill. It's been a long time since a bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science and technology."
The measure amends current law to add human exploration of the red planet as a goal for the agency. It supports use of the International Space Station through at least 2024, along with private sector companies partnering with NASA to deliver cargo and experiments, among other steps.
LOOKING AHEAD: NASA has upbeat message going forward
Trump invited several lawmakers to comment after the signing, starting with Cruz before moving on to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. When Trump invited Vice President Mike Pence to speak, Pence suggested that former astronaut and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., be allowed to say a few words.
"He's a Democrat. I wasn't going to let him speak," Trump quipped, to laughter. Nelson did say a few words, praising the bill for putting the agency on a "dual track" with commercial companies making roundtrips to the International Space Station and NASA continuing to explore the universe.
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Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
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This story has been corrected to show that authorization is for the 2017 budget year, instead of 2018.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see NASA's costliest missions
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Houston rappers Paul Wall and Ronald "Baby Bash" Bryant on Tuesday were cleared of drug charges that landed them in jail in December.
After the announcement by the Harris County District Attorney's Office, Paul Wall, whose real name is Paul Slayton, smiled broadly showing his trademark silver grill and said that he was ready to visit places where marijuana is legal.
"I'm ready to hop on the next flight to Denver right now," he said. "I go places where it's legal, and it's legal in 25 states so I do smoke where it's legal."
Slayton, Bryant and several other people were arrested during a police raid of a Christmas party at a Heights-area smoke shop hosting Slayton's toy drive. The fallout after the arrest included an eviction notice for Paradise Smoke Shop on Yale. The small business completed its relocation earlier this week, and Slayton held his press conference in front of a wall of glass bongs at the new location on Houston Ave.
He said he plans on being more careful in the future and thanked his supporters.
"I was facing life in jail for something so minor, and there's people who are going through the same thing, fighting these same battles day in and day out," he said. "Don't be so quick to turn your back on people who are fighting things. You need to be there for them."
The jubilant words came after a Harris County grand jury found there was not enough evidence to prosecute, effectively clearing the two rappers along with Homer Villareal, John Sanchez and Alfred Diller.
The rappers had been charged under previous District Attorney Devon Anderson with engaging in organized criminal activity concerning possession with intent to deliver THC, the waxy extract from marijuana.
Possession of THC is a felony in any amount under Texas law. Prosecutors said the dismissal was not related to a new program by newly elected District Attorney Kim Ogg to allow defendants to avoid criminal charges for small amounts of marijuana.
At the press conference, attorneys for the two rappers, Jolanda Jones and Carl Moore, said they were glad the grand jury agreed that the charges were not appropriate.
"It was a tremendous overcharge," Jones said. "If you look at the videos, there was no criminal activity."
THE ARREST: Houston rapper Paul Wall arrested on felony drug charge
Jones said some of the other people at the party may have had drugs on them but the rappers were not part of any conspiracy to sell THC.
"Some people did have their own personal weed or whatever," she said. "What I'm saying to you is that there was no organized criminal activity."
THE CASE: Rapper Paul Wall accused of profiting from weed parties
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The same grand jury indicted five other people who were at the party for possession of different drugs in varying amounts:
*Christopher Williams was indicted for possession of codeine, a first degree felony amount, and faces a maximum punishment of life in prison if convicted.
*Delgario Ramirez was indicted for possession of THC, a second degree felony amount, and faces a possible sentence of 20 years in prison.
NEW DAY: Small amounts of marijuana now can lead to class, not jail
*Luis Amaya was indicted for possession of THC, in an amount equal to a third degree felony and faces 10 years in prison.
*Thomas Wissing and Paige Cooper were indicted for possession with intent to deliver THC, a state jail felony amount.
Their cases remain pending.
After being missing for nearly a week, a young woman from Irving has shown up in Portland, Texas, about 400 miles away on the Gulf of Mexico.
Tori Golka, 24, was reported missing March 13 after she was supposed to pick up her 3-year-old son in Grapevine but never made it, Grapevine police said in a Facebook post. She had been at her boyfriend's apartment in Grapevine earlier that day, police said.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel's awkward meeting with President Donald Trump has led to intense scrutiny of their body language and facial expressions, but that wasn't the only deeply observed exchange.
Photos of first daughter Ivanka Trump sitting next to Merkel have gone viral, after several people on social media have questioned why Ivanka would be in a meeting with the powerful foreign leader. Twitter users have compared the backgrounds and professional qualifications of both women.
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The Waller County Sheriff's Office is investigating a complaint that a female inmate was sexually assaulted by a male inmate working at the jail, officials said Tuesday.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards will also investigate for possible procedural violations at the jail, which drew national attention in 2015 when Sandra Bland hanged herself there after being arrested during a questionable traffic stop.
In the complaint filed Friday, a female inmate accused a male inmate of sexually assaulting her. The male inmate was performing duties typically assigned to inmates who have trusty status, but the inmate had not been designated as a trusty, said Craig Davis, chief deputy at the Waller County Sheriff's Office.
Those duties include cleaning the jail, he said.
Both inmates were over the age of 18, Davis said.
The Texas Rangers and the Waller County District Attorney's Office are monitoring the investigation, Davis said.
The Waller County Jail alerted the Texas Commission on Jail Standards about the complaint, said Diana Spiller, a research specialist at the commission.
SEX TRAFFICKING: Bond tripled for woman charged with pimping teen
In the Bland case, a former jail guard admitted to falsifying jail records to indicate that he had checked Bland's cell the morning before her death, when he had not. After Bland's death, the jail agreed to implement safeguards, including streamlining cell checks and adding video appointments with a doctor.
The Waller County Jail also failed a Dec. 12 inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, according to state documents. The jail failed to follow standards regarding fire and emergency drills training and regarding due process for inmates charged with a jail violation. Jail staff also did not document that inmates were getting the required three hours of recreation per week.
The jail has since moved back into compliance, Spiller said.
State law requires male and female inmates to be kept out of sight and sound from each other unless supervised, Spiller said. That applies even for inmates performing trusty duties.
MURDER-SUICIDE: Noted surgeon dies in apparent murder-suicide
As of Tuesday morning, the Waller County Jail housed 73 inmates, four of whom were women, Davis said.
There is no program for women in the jail to gain trusty status, he said.
The district attorney's office declined further comment.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see the takeaways from a review of the jail after a woman died in custody there
A pilot carrying hundreds of pounds of marijuana was chased by police throughout several small towns in Texas while attempting to land his plane.
According to U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas, 64-year-old Wayne Douglas Brunet was being monitored by federal agents due to his irregular flight pattern from Medford, Oregon to Texas.
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Another Texas teacher is in the news for an alleged sexual affair with a student.
Lockhart High School educator Sarah Fowlkes, 27, was arrested Monday morning after police discovered she had engaged in a sexual affair with a 17-year-old male student at the school.
MORE INFO ABOUT THE ARREST: Lockhart teacher Sarah Fowlkes arrested for alleged improper relationship with student
She's since been suspended and has been reported to the State Board for Educator Certification. Parents at the school were informed about the accusations Monday afternoon by email.
Here are the five facts you should know about the teacher:
She turned herself in: Monday she turned herself in at the Lockhart Police Station on a warrant. She was booked into the Caldwell County Jail and later released. An administrator at the school originally led detectives to investigate the case.
Fowlkes taugh Anatomy, Physiology & Environmental Systems at Lockhart High School: She was a teacher for four years at Lockhart ISD, according to the district's site. The Dripping Springs, Texas teacher got her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Saint Edwards University in Austin. She's certified to teach Early Childhood through 6th grade Generalist and 7th through 12th grade Sciences.
HUSH MONEY: Texas student accused of blackmailing teacher after alleged sexual relationship
Fowlkes said she's a dedicated educator: On the district's site, she's quoted as saying: "I have very high expectations of myself as a teacher as well as of my students and I hope that this will be a formula for achievement. I want this to be an enjoyable year for all of my students but also a productive, challenging and encouraging year with success for everyone."
She's been married since October 2013: That's according to her Facebook page, which has since been deactivated. Her husband of nearly four years is also a Dripping Springs native.
She's 10 years older than the alleged victim: Fowlkes, who's maiden name is Madden, recently turned 27 on March 29. Her social media profiles, including her Instagram, show a photo of herself celebrating her birthday just days before her arrest.
See the video above for a look at another alleged teacher-student scandal.
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Houstonians have grown accustomed to living in a swamp with the seemingly annual threat of 100-year floods.
As a result, it can be difficult to get an accurate picture of just how bad and costly Houston's flooding problem is.
A recent article by the Houston Chronicle's Dylan Baddour revealed Houston's flooding issues from an insurance perspective.
TIPS: What to do when flooding damages your vehicle
According to Baddour, the cost of federal flood insurance may soon rise for Houston-area residents as Congress aims to tackle a program $24.6 billion in debt.
"We have a product whose pricing hasn't been able to support the losses," said Ed Schreiber, Houston region president for Bancorp South GEM Insurance Services, which sells federal flood policies.
Part of the reason a federal flood insurance program exists in the first place is because areas like Houston flood so frequently that private companies can't bare the burden of paying for the losses alone.
To learn about how Congress and Houston-area insurance companies are trying to tackle the rising cost of flood insurance, read Baddour's full report on HoustonChronicle.com.
SILVER LINING: How flooding in Texas is actually a really good thing for the ecosystem
Several Houston floods come in among the costliest in U.S. history. Click through the gallery above to see the costliest insurance payouts for floods and where Houston disasters fit.
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A Lockhart High School science teacher was arrested Monday after school administrators and police learned that she was allegedly engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.
Sarah Madden Fowlkes, 26, faces a charge of improper relationship between an educator and a student, a second-degree felony.
RELATED: Former TX teacher gets 10 years probation for having sex with 2 teen boys, won't have to register as sex offender
According to a statement from Lockhart Police Chief Ernest Pedraza, school administrators notified police of the relationship on March 10.
Police interviewed the student and determined Fowlkes had engaged in "sexual contact with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the student," according to Pedraza.
A warrant was obtained for her arrest, and she was booked into the Caldwell County Jail.
In addition to notifying police, Lockhart administrators said they also contact Child Protective Services about the incident.
RELATED: Gov. Abbott, new bill target growing teacher-student sex trend in Texas
"Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly. Student safety is the district's most important priority," said Lockhart ISD Superintendent Susan Bohn.
Fowlkes was suspended from the school and "will not return," Bohn said.
"The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child."
RELATED: Indictment: Former TX high school swim coach had sex with minor for years
An email was sent to the parents of Lockhart High School students Monday to notify them of Fowlkes' arrest. The email also asks students and parents to contact the Lockhart Police Department at 512-398-4401 if they have any other information about the relationship.
"On behalf of the district and Board of Trustees, I want to assure parents we do not tolerate this kind of behavior and are fully cooperating with law enforcement and CPS," Bohn said. "We will always take swift action to make sure concerns are properly investigated and actions taken to ensure student safety."
cdowns@mysa.com
Twitter: @calebjdowns
WASHINGTON With Mexico apparently unwilling to pay for President Donald Trump's proposed border wall, and Congress always hard up for cash, a New York architect has come forward with a concept that is meant to pay for itself.
His plan: A 1,000 mile long border wall equipped with solar panels and wind turbines that will generate more than $1.2 billion per year in electricity. With an estimated $30 billion cost, the wall pitched as "the largest green project of its kind in the world" would be paid for in 30 years.
The summers final Live on the Waterfront concert was held Wednesday evening at Prince Arthurs Landing. The popular series in Thunder Bay has completed nine weekly shows that began on July 13. Wednesdays concert was unique as it was held one hour later in the evening to mesh with the 10 p.
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Hyderabad Mar 21 : Pakistani model Zhalay Sarhadi, recently in an interview joked about being compared to Bollywood actor Priyanka Chopra and how she was asked to play her body double.I started working the same year that Indian channels got banned in Pakistan and Priyanka became Miss World. I remember, I was hosting a show back then and everyone thought it was Priyanka and not me. Its been this way ever since that time. I bet even Priyanka knows about me by now, the Express Tribune quoted Zhalay as saying.
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Much ink has been spilled recently about how the lack of a comma could cost a local dairy millions of dollars in overtime pay. Among language aficionados, much of the coverage was gloating, as in Nyah, nyah! We TOLD you the Oxford comma should rule!
We have also spilled much ink over that tiny punctuation mark. The comma is in some ways the wimpiest of punctuation marks, signifying a tap on the brakes rather than a full stop or sharp turn. But when it comes to its place in a series or list of items, that little comma creates enemies out of best friends.
In our view, the argument should not be over the Oxford comma, but over clarity.
In the case at hand, whether drivers were entitled to overtime pay hinged on this single passage, which specified that the people exempt from overtime were involved in:
The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, packing for shipment or distribution of: Sign up for CJR 's daily email (1) Agricultural produce; (2) Meat and fish products; and (3) Perishable foods.
In the lawsuit, drivers for the dairy argued that they were eligible for overtime because they did not engage in packing for shipment or distribution of goods, only the distribution of them. A federal appeals court ruled in the drivers favor. As one judge wrote:
Specifically, if that exemption used a serial comma to mark off the last of the activities that it lists, then the exemption would clearly encompass an activity that the drivers perform. And, in that event, the drivers would plainly fall within the exemption and thus outside the overtime laws protection. But, as it happens, there is no serial comma to be found in the exemptions list of activities, thus leading to this dispute over whether the drivers fall within the exemption from the overtime law or not.
To review: The comma can replace the word and in many circumstances. In headlines, tweets, and other condensed matter, you could write Parents and kids enjoy snow day, or Parents, kids enjoy snow day, and no one would misunderstand. In a simple series, you could write The flag is red and white and blue, The flag is red, white and blue, or The flag is red, white, and blue, and there is no ambiguity. That last comma before the final and in the series is the serial comma, also known as the Oxford (or Harvard) comma. Note that we used it before the or in our flag series, because that is the style of CJR.
RELATED: How to remember who vs. whom
Newspaper style has long been to omit that final comma. But every stylebook that allows omission of the Oxford comma includes a caveat, often forgotten: Once the sentence moves beyond a simple series, that comma might be necessary for clarity.
That is the guidance of the Maine Legislative Drafting Manual. Although authorities on punctuation may differ, when drafting Maine law or rules, dont use a comma between the penultimate and the last item of a series, the manual says.
But then it advises to look to see if the series is more complex, giving an example eerily like the one the court ruled on:
Be careful if an item in the series is modified. For example: Trailers, semitrailers and pole trailers of 3,000 pounds gross weight or less are exempt from the licensing provisions. Does the 3,000-pound limit apply to trailers and semitrailers or only to pole trailers? If the limit is not intended to apply to trailers and semitrailers, the provision should read: Pole trailers of 3,000 pounds gross weight or less, trailers and semitrailers are exempt from the licensing provisions. If the limit is intended to apply to all three, the provision should read: If a trailer, semitrailer or pole trailer has a gross weight of 3,000 pounds or less, it is not required to be licensed.
For the truckers, Quartz wrote, If lawmakers had used a serial comma, it would have been clear that distribution was an overtime-exempt activity on its own.
But maybe not. The problem with that clause was less the lack of the serial comma than its general ambiguity. As Mary Norris wrote in The New Yorker, the clause at issue was already not kosher, mixing dairy (gerunds) and meat (nouns). Most of the items in the list were gerunds (canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing). Then came packing for shipment, which starts with a gerund and ends with a noun, but acts as a noun phrase for a single act. The confusion comes with distribution, also a noun. Does it belong with shipment, which would make the total action packing for shipment and distribution? Or is it an item on its own, in which case it should be another gerund, distributing, to match the other gerunds in the list?
The truck drivers also said that the list suffered from something called asyndeton, the omission of conjunctions, as in The flag is red, (and) white, (and) blue. Since commas separating items create asyndeton all the time, knowing when you can omit one without changing meaning is the real key here. Thats much less about whether and when to use commas than about knowing what your sentence is trying to say. At the slightest sign of ambiguity, forget punctuation and rework the sentence.
In our view, this case hinged less on the serial comma and more on a case of bad drafting. Assuming drivers were intended to be exempt from overtime, a simple fix could have been to make sure that the more complex of the items in the list, packing for shipment, came at the end: The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, distribution or packing for shipment. Then someone might have noticed the un-kosher distribution and made a gerund out of it: The canning, processing, preserving, freezing, drying, marketing, storing, distributing or packing for shipment. Yes, it would not be a chronological sequence, but which is more important?
Weve become less passionate in the fight over the Oxford comma, because its usually not about the comma at all. Its about intent and clarity. Use the Oxford comma or dont use it; just make sure youre not creating overtime work for someone to figure it all out.
Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today
Merrill Perlman managed copy desks across the newsroom at the New York Times, where she worked for twenty-five years. Follow her on Twitter at @meperl.
Donavan to Lead AGCS Cyber Insurance Business
Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty SE (AGCS) announced a change in its global cyber leadership team. Effective March 31, 2017, Emy R. Donavan will be promoted to hlobal head of Cyber reporting to Bernard Poncin, global head of Financial Lines at AGCS.
Donavan, who is currently regional head of Cyber for AGCS North America, will succeed Nigel Pearson who has left AGCS to pursue other opportunities. She will oversee cyber insurance for both commercial companies and financial institutions as well as IT Tech Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance.
Donavans regional role will not be replaced. Jenny Soubra and Terri Mason who have country responsibility for cyber and IT Tech PI products for the United States and Canada respectively will maintain their current focus.
Based in San Francisco, Donavan will lead an experienced team of regional cyber underwriters globally and further develop AGCSs cyber and IT Tech PI product suite. Since 2013, the insurer has offered a stand-alone cyber product, Allianz Cyber Protect Premium, in Asia and Europe as well as Canada. In 2016, AGCS North America launched ACCEPT Protect, a cyber and professional liability coverage designed exclusively for the North American market. The global cyber insurance market is expected to triple from the current $2.5 billion per annum by 2020.
Donavans experience includes more than a decade of cyber, technology and specialty errors & omissions underwriting. Before joining AGCS as North American cyber practice leader in December 2015, she served as VP of Underwriting at AXIS Pro focusing on cyber and technology placements. Prior to this, she held senior roles developing the specified professions and technology division at Zurich North America. She began her insurance career as an underwriter for ACE Group as a graduate of their management training program.
Safety National Announces Senior Vice President Promotions
Safety National Casualty Corporation has appointed the following individuals to senior management positions:
Cyndee Morton has been promoted to senior vice president Operations. Morton is responsible for senior management oversight of the Policy Services Administration and the Information Systems Departments as well as leadership of the Operations Committee.
Mitch Neuhaus has been promoted to senior vice president Claims. Neuhaus is responsible for overall leadership and management of the Claims Department, including claim administration and third-party administrator oversight.
Keith Rogers has been promoted to senior vice president and chief actuary. Rogers is responsible for overall leadership and management of the Actuarial Department, including pricing and reserving.
Morton, Neuhaus and Rogers are based out of Safety Nationals corporate headquarters in St. Louis, Missouri.
Brentwood Services Administrators Inc. Promotes Wall to Medical Only-Claims Representative
Brentwood Services Administrators Inc. (BSA), headquartered in Brentwood, Tenn., recently promoted Courtney Wall to the position of medical only-claims representative in the Brentwood office, according to Jeff Pettus, president and chief executive officer.
Wall is responsible for reviewing, processing, and handling workers compensation claims as assigned by Lisa Whitten, claims supervisor for BSA. Wall determines the compensability of claims, processes medical bills; and communicates directly with clients, employers, injured workers, physicians and attorneys to manage claims in a timely and economic manner.
Wall was employed by BSA as a claim assistant in March 2014.
American International Group Inc.s new chief executive officer can expect to deal with a volatile industry, pressure from ratings firms and a restless board. And if the past is any guide, the new leader wont get an industry-leading compensation package for the trouble.
Peter Hancock, who is staying on until a successor is found, had reported compensation of $12.5 million in 2015, among the lowest for CEOs at industry peers. Dan Glaser, the head of broker Marsh & McLennan Cos. who is seen as a potential replacement at AIG, got $15.6 million. Mike McGavick received $12.7 million from XL Group Ltd. and told staff there that he isnt interested in the AIG job.
I doubt you would be able to attract AIGs next CEO from an already-top-performing property-and-casualty insurer or insurance broker, Jay Gelb, an analyst at Barclays Plc, wrote in a March 15 note. Why would they give up their current role and deal with a turnaround situation?
Hancock will be the sixth CEO to leave New York-based AIG since 2005. Much of their efforts in that span have involved resolving regulatory probes and lawsuits, negotiating federal bailouts and selling assets the sort of roles that arent usually associated with big pay raises. It didnt help Hancock that the company has been unprofitable in four of the last six quarters.
The new leader will need to restore credibility to a company that missed profit targets and has been draining talent for a decade. John Heagerty, an analyst at Atlantic Equities, said the job may even involve breaking up the company, a plan previously advocated by activist investor Carl Icahn.
Given the difficulty of the role, and the limited number of executives with the relevant experience, AIG should be prepared to pay top dollar, the analyst wrote in a March 15 note, saying the companys best choices might be Glaser and John Keogh, the chief operating officer at Chubb Ltd. Both are former AIG executives.
Incredibly Demanding
The job is incredibly demanding and possibly the most complicated within the property-and-casualty industry, given the companys global reach, diversity of operation and recent history of losses after determining repeatedly that reserves were inadequate, Heagerty said in a note to investors last week. With a high level of expectation for any incoming CEO, there is a question as to whether any new CEO could truly succeed. As such, any new CEO is likely to command a substantial remuneration package.
A spokesman for Glaser at Marsh & McLennan declined to comment, as did a spokesman at Chubb, which paid Keogh about $7.5 million in 2015.
Hancock was promoted to CEO in 2014, and his annual incentive was slashed by 29 percent the following year for missing profitability goals. Results in 2016 were hurt by a fourth-quarter charge of $5.6 billion to fill a reserve shortfall for swelling costs on policies written in prior years, some before Hancock even joined the company. The insurer was downgraded by S&P Global Ratings in January and is under review at A.M. Best, an industry ratings firm.
Function of Performance
Its simply a function of performance, Meyer Shields, an analyst at Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, said about the CEOs pay relative to peers. Most companies can put up returns on equity bordering 10 percent, 9 percent. But AIG obviously has not done that. The company hasnt yet filed its proxy statement with complete details of Hancocks 2016 compensation.
Under Hancock, AIG outperformed the S&P 500 Index until activist Icahn began agitating for changes in October 2015. The CEO resisted the billionaires demand to break AIG into three separate companies, opting instead to cut jobs to boost returns and sell units to generate funds for share buybacks.
Icahns firm won board representation, and he even publicly praised Hancock for a while. But the board became frustrated as claims costs escalated, the CEO lowered profitability targets and the stock missed out on the 2017 rally in financial firms. Icahn supported the exit of Hancock when he announced his plan on March 9 to depart. Icahns firm didnt respond to a message seeking comment on the CEO search. AIG declined to comment.
For all the pressure of running AIG, the role was the most stimulating job in America, Ed Liddy said in 2009, when he announced that he would depart as CEO. After all, the post offers the chance to help some of the worlds largest companies manage risks from cyber-hacking to earthquakes.
And whoever steps in will have two advantages that Liddy didnt, when he was appointed in 2008. The company is no longer owned by taxpayers, and the salary will be more than the $1 a year that Liddy was paid.
Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Republicans in the Iowa House passed a bill Thursday to overhaul how workers in the state are compensated for on-the-job injuries, though they backed off some key proposals amid internal concern over the extent of the changes.
The GOP-majority chamber voted 55-38 for the bill, which would revamp standards for hurt workers, including reductions to shoulder injury benefits and decreased coverage for injuries tied to a pre-existing condition. The Republican-led Senate will now consider the legislation.
The bill is the culmination of days of private meetings between Republicans, who appeared stuck on final details of the proposal. Democrats have argued the measure benefits corporations while penalizing injured workers.
Republicans said the legislation will rebalance a system that is overly litigated while addressing rising premiums for some business sectors.
Iowa employers want their people to come to work and go home as they came, said GOP Rep. Gary Carlson on the House floor. Many of those great employers also want to see the changes in this legislation.
But some initial provisions a plan that changed the definition of a workplace injury and a measure to end permanent total disability benefits at age 67 were ultimately scrapped from the bill.
Carlson said the revisions came after public hearings and concerns within the party about unanticipated consequences that could have penalized older workers.
Despite tweaks, Democrats remained unimpressed. Rep. Mary Wolfe of Clinton pointed to the various Republican changes as an indication the bill wasnt well-thought-out.
It is not a product of a responsible, informed review of our current system, she said.
Data from the National Council on Compensation Insurance, a nonpartisan group that analyzes and sets workers compensation rates in several states, indicates the overall system is fair for employers. NCCI said overall premium costs for Iowa businesses decreased in 2017 by an average of 4.7 percent. Those rates have slightly fluctuated in previous years, but when analyzing premiums, loss ratios and lost-time claims, NCCI said most companies benefit in Iowa.
But that number is the average for all Iowa industries, and some sectors could have seen increases. Republican Rep. Gary Worthan of Storm Lake said his local trucking company is one such business.
Iowa manufacturers, trucking companies, are at a disadvantage to our neighbors, he said. Were putting Iowa businesses at a disadvantage every day. This legislation is long past due.
Rep. Marti Anderson, a Des Moines Democrat, said the restrictions to injury coverage will only deter workers from Iowa.
The businesses pushing this bill stand to gain substantially from the passing of his bill, she said. Their gain will be directly off the back of the folks doing the work.
There were 713 workers compensation case decisions in all of 2016, according to the Iowa Workforce Development. Meatpacking business Tyson Foods accounted for 5.6 percent of those decisions, and agricultural machinery manufacturer John Deere accounted for 2.8 percent. Both companies are registered in favor of the bill.
The nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency found that many insured and self-insured employers would benefit from decreased worker compensation payments if the legislation is enacted.
Another GOP amendment created a vocational rehabilitation program through the IWD for some workers with shoulder injuries. The employer would pay up to $15,000 toward a retraining program for qualified workers.
This program can give them a new career path, Carlson said. The goal is for those people who need that training the most to be able to resume their careers productively.
Democrats criticized Republicans for introducing a new program through an amendment, saying they did not have time to analyze the fiscal impact.
If passed by the Senate and signed into law by the governor, changes to the workers compensation law would go into effect July 1.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Akron police are investigating the shooting death of a 24-year-old man killed Monday in the city's Goodyear Heights neighborhood.
(File photo)
AKRON, Ohio -- A 24-year-old man was killed Monday in a shooting in Akron's Goodyear Heights neighborhood.
The man was shot in the head just after 9 p.m. on Danmead Avenue near Eastwood Avenue, the Summit County Medical Examiner's Office said in a news release.
Officers who were called to the area for a report of an altercation found the man lying in the street. The man was pronounced dead at the scene, the medical examiner's office said.
The medical examiner's office will release the man's identity once his family has been notified.
Investigators have not released any additional information.
If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
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Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan presented "Akron United," an ordinance offering protection for Akron residents and visitors against discrimination, and creating the Akron Civil Rights Commission. Presenters included (from left) Akron NAACP President Judi Hill, First Congregational Church of Akron Pastor Nannette Pitt, Ward 1 Councilman Rich Swirsky and City Assistant Law Director Ellen Lander Nischt.
(Jennifer Conn, cleveland.com)
AKRON, Ohio - Mayor Dan Horrigan today announced the city will protect residents and visitors from discrimination through a new Akron Civil Rights Commission and ordinance entitled "Akron United."
The announcement was made at the First Congregational Church of Akron, which has been on the forefront of welcoming and protecting the community's marginalized groups.
Horrigan presented the ordinance, describing it as comprehensive protection for anyone in the city who is unlawfully discriminated against because of background, beliefs or identify.
"A welcoming city has to mean equal protection for all, not just for some," he said. "No one should live in fear of being fired, fear of being denied service or being denied a place to live, just because of who they are."
An announcement about the new Akron Civil Rights Commission and non-discrimination ordinance was made at the First Congregational Church of Akron, which has been on the forefront of welcoming and protecting the community's marginalized groups.
The new Akron Civil Rights Commission, made up of five to seven people appointed by the mayor, will provide residents with a faster pathway to resolution in local discrimination issues.
The ordinance, which must go before Akron City Council for approval, also affirms Akron as a Welcoming City, an immigrant-friendly designation the city adopted in 2015.
Prior to this, Akronites with complaints had to file with the local office of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, whose backlog of cases often meant waiting months and sometimes more than a year for a hearing, said Ellen Lander Nischt, city assistant law director and press secretary.
"This is intended to be a more acceptable option for a lot of people," she said. "It's free to file, you don't need a lawyer and it'll be local."
Commission members will be selected from the areas the ordinance will address:
Housing, including home sales, leases, rentals and financial
Employment, including hiring, promotions, discipline, working conditions and salary
Public accommodations, including access to goods, services, business and public spaces
City contracts
Akron's ordinance was modeled after the Ohio Civil Rights Commission's process.
Complaints heard by the local commission will begin with private mediation to allow both parties to openly communicate, in case the issue arose from misunderstanding or education is needed. Private mediation is not open to the public.
If no resolution is reached, a hearing before the commission will determine if discrimination took place. The commission can then issue remedies and penalties including fines of up to $1000.
If no resolution is reached at a hearing, residents are free to file complaints in Akron Municipal Court.
Akron follows other Ohio cities, including Cleveland, Canton Columbus, Cincinnati and Toledo, in establishing a local non-discrimination ordinance.
Want more Akron news? Sign up for cleveland.com's Rubber City Daily, an email newsletter delivered at 5:30 a.m. Monday through Friday.
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Cuyahoga County offered incentives to get an Akron company to relocate to Independence
(Karen Farkas, cleveland.com)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - While Cuyahoga County communities have an agreement to not poach companies from each other, the county lured a company from Akron.
The county offered a forgivable $480,000 loan to 7signal Solutions Inc., a software development company that provides Wi-Fi performance management solutions to medium and large enterprises, healthcare organizations, as well as colleges and universities.
The company, which began as a startup in Akron in 2011, will relocate its world headquarters to Independence, which is providing a $200,000 relocation and job creation grant, the county said.
The company estimates its growth will help create 48 jobs and $4.8 million payroll by the end of 2019.
"We're all about jobs, and this move will bring 48 high paying jobs with prospects to grow even more," county Executive Armond Budish said in a press release. "The County is extremely pleased to be a key player in assisting the relocation of such an innovative, global software development company into Cuyahoga County."
The Cuyahoga County Department of Development negotiated a $480,000 Cuyahoga County Business Attraction Forgivable Loan for the company to relocate.
The loan is a key component in mitigating components of the company's moving and scale-up costs, which include company investment in new hardware and software platform upgrades, IT infrastructure, external outsourcing costs, and office space improvements, the county said.
The county's loan will be forgivable only if the company creates 48 jobs having average annual salaries of at least $100,000 and the jobs remain more than seven years.
"The 7signal negotiations reflect the County's focus on attracting high growth companies in targeted industries like technology and healthcare to this community," Ted Carter, the county's chief development officer said in a statement.
All 59 Cuyahoga County communities signed former County Executive Ed FitzGerald's "Business Attraction and Anti-Poaching Protocol." Launched in September 2011, the protocol asks communities to step up their economic development efforts, agree not to lure companies that have not expressed a desire to move, and give notice to a home community if an intra-county move is contemplated.
The agreement, which no longer has uses the "anti-poaching" title, still exists with nearly all communities participating, said county spokeswoman Mary Louise Madigan.
The move of 7signal is a regional development collaboration, in which related counties align economic development in the region, Madigan said.
"We were able to meet the needs of that company," she said.
Akron officials could not be reached for comment.
The county said the 7signal found the local labor pool to be very compelling in its decision to relocate.
"The key to growth is great people," Tom Barrett, president and CEO of 7signal, said in a statement. "And when we move to Independence, we'll be able to attract outstanding talent from both Akron and Cleveland. "
The company was founded in Helsinki, Finland, in 2006 by former Nokia Research and Development managers. The company moved to the Akron Global Business Accelerator, in the former B.F. Goodrich complex on South Main Street, the Akron Beacon Journal reported.
A company official told the newspaper it wanted to establish U.S. operations and decided on Akron after learning about the area through what the city calls its BioFinland Technology Bridge Initiative.
7signal is principally owned by Mutual Capital Partners, Allos Ventures Funds, JumpStart and CoreNetwork.
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Officials are investigating after a child pornography suspect died Monday in an Elyria jail cell.
(File photo)
ELYRIA, Ohio -- A man died in the Elyria jail shortly after detectives arrested him in connection with a child pornography investigation, police said.
The 47-year-old man, whose name has not been released, died Monday in a holding cell, the Elyria Police Department said in a news release.
The department did not say when the man died or how long he had been in the jail cell.
Elyria Police Department detectives and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force arrested the man Monday morning at a house on Purdue Avenue near Prospect Street, police said.
Investigators had a warrant when they searched the house just after 9:15 a.m. Inside they found hundreds of videos and photos showing toddlers and adolescents engaged in sexual activity, police said.
The man arrested at the house was taken to the police station and placed in a holding cell. Jail officers checked on him every 30 minutes, and later found him unresponsive, police said.
The Lorain County Sheriff's Office has been asked to investigate the man's death, police said.
If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Monday's crime and courts comments section.
ELYRIA, Ohio -- The man found dead in his cell inside the Elyria city jail hanged himself with his shoelaces, Chief Duane Whitely said.
James Fitzpatrick, 47, was arrested Monday morning by Elyria detectives and the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force at a home on Purdue Avenue near Prospect Street, police said.
Investigators searched the home just after 9:15 a.m. They found hundreds of videos and photos showing toddlers and adolescents engage in sexual activity, according to court records.
Officers took Fitzpatrick to the police station and placed him in a holding cell. He was checked on every 30 minutes and was found unresponsive during a check, according to police.
Fitzpatrick tied his shoe strings to a vent in the cell, Whitely said.
The Lorain County Sheriff's Office has been asked to investigate Fitzpatrick's death, police said.
If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
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Devils Backbone Brewing Co., an award-winning brewery in Virginia, is entering Ohio amid distribution expansion. Its flagship is Vienna Lager.
(Devils Backbone Brewing Co.)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Virginia-based Devils Backbone Brewing Co., which started in 2008 and has garnered honors in successive years at the Great American Beer Festival, is including Ohio in its current expansion.
Devils Backbone launched in Cincinnati last week, Columbus this week and Cleveland next week.
To mark the addition of Ohio to the brewery's distribution footprint, the brewery has several events planned:
Wednesday, March 29: Founding Brewmaster Jason Oliver will hold a dinner at The Black Pig, 2801 Bridge Ave., Cleveland. It's at 6:30 p.m. Call for availability and details, 216-862-7551.
Thursday, March 30: A family tap takeover will be at Lizardville, 25380 Miles Road, Bedford. It's at 5 p.m. Tap list: Vienna Lager, Eight Point IPA, Cocoa Bear, Kilt Flasher, Gold Leaf Lager, Baracus, Juniper IPA and Cattywompus.
Friday, March 31: A launch week jubilee is scheduled at The Barley House, 222 S. Main St., Akron. Live music is at 7:30 p.m. by The Family Dog and Human Nature. Tap List: Vienna Lager, Eight Point IPA, Cattywompus, Juniper IPA, Cocoa Bear, Black Lager, Pear Lager and Gold Leaf Lager.
Until this year, the brewery distributed its beers in North Carolina, West Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C. But this year, a rep tells us a major push is on to widen the distribution scope. In addition to the Buckeye state, it added Georgia, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware and New Jersey. This spring, it will move into Manhattan.
Sales and marketing reps are being added in each state, said Rebecca Holland, the brewery's public relations and communications coordinator.
"We know how great the market is in Ohio," she said. "We actually have six reps dedicated in Ohio. We're really making the investment; it's an important state for craft beer."
Devils Backbone has grown considerably and won GABF honors as it evolved. In 2012, it was named Small Brewpub and Small Brewpub Brewer of the Year. In 2013, it earned Small Brewing Company and Small Brewing Company Brew Team of the Year honors. And in 2014, it was named Mid-Sized Brewing Company and Brew Team of the Year.
Its flagship is its Vienna Lager, which has won four GABF medals. Craft-beer loving Clevelanders are familiar with that style; Eliot Ness from Great Lakes Brewing Co. falls under that style.
The brewery will start in Ohio with its flagship, along with Eight Point IPA and itsTrailblazer line of "upper-echelon beers," Holland said.
Last year, the Justice Department approved Anheuser-Busch's acquisition of the Virginia-based brewery.
wine
Giant Eagle in Westlake will have an informal tasting of several Malbecs, Pier W has a dinner planned with French wines, wines from CLE Urban Winery will be featured in a dinner and many other events are set throughout Northeast Ohio.
(Marc Bona, cleveland.com)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Wine dinners at Pier W and Creekside, casual tasting of Malbecs at Giant Eagle and many others are set in our weekly wine calendar. Have items to submit? Deadline is Thursday. Email mbona@cleveland.com:
MARCH
Tuesday, March 21: CLE Urban Winery will hold Graffiti & Grapes, offering a chance for folks to create a graffiti mural. It's 6:30-8:30 p.m. Participate in designing and painting a collaborative mural with artist R!ch Cihlar of The Pop Shop Gallery & Studio. Each participant will take home a piece of the mural. Tickets are $30 and includes a glass of wine. Proceeds go to Graffiti HeArt scholarship fund. CLE Urban Winery is at 2180 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights.
Thursday, March 23: Kitchen 216 will have a chocolate and wine event. Joel Fink, owner of Fantasy Candies in Lyndhurst, will lead the tastings. It's 6-8 p.m. Four wines will be paired with gourmet chocolate. You'll learn why they pair well as well as the history of chocolate. Cost is $40. Kitchen 216 is at 2800 Euclid Ave., No. 100, Cleveland.
Wednesday, March 23: Chez Francois will hold a European wine dinner at 6:45 p.m. Wines will be paired with courses. Rebecca Rhode of Frederick Wildman & Sons will co-host. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:
* Spumante Rose Dolce, Cavicchioli 1928, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, NV.
* Gruner Veltliner Grooner, Monika Caha Selections, Kremstal, Austria.
* 2015 Rioja Blanco, El Coto, Rioja, Spain, 2015.
* Sancerre Les Caillottes, Pascal Jolivet, Loire Valley, France, 2015.
* Rioja Reserva, Coto de Imaz, Rioja, Spain, 2011.
* Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripassa, Santi, Veneto, Italy, 2013.
* Primitivo Artas, Castello Monaci, Salice Salento, Italy, 2012.
* Cotes-du-Rhone, Vidal- Fleury, Southern Rhone Valley, France, 2013.
* Douro Estate Red, Churchill Douro Valley, Portugal, 2013.
* Brunello di Montalcino, Fattoria dei Barbi, Tuscany, Italy, 2011.
* Porto 10 Year Tawny, Churchill's, Douro Valley, Portugal, NV.
Thursday, March 23: West Shore Wine Co. will feature the perfect blend 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Friday, March 24: Western Reserve School of Cooking will hold Date Night: Spanish Food and Wine 6-9 p.m. Cost is $200. Recipes are from the book "Curate" by chef Katie Button, owner of the Asheville, North Carolina, restaurant of the same name. It's at Kitchen 216, 2800 Euclid Ave., No. 100, Cleveland.
Friday, March 24: Heinen's will hold a themed wine event, Lent There Be Whites, 4-6 p.m. Taste 10 white wines that pair well with seafood. Cost is $15. It's at 8482 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls.
Friday, March 24: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Argentinian wines 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Saturday, March 25: Heinen's will hold a March Merlot Madness Final Four tasting. Finals pit the California-West Coast winner against the France-South America winner from the previous week. It's 1-4 p.m. Cost: $1 per sample. It's at all Heinen's locations.
Saturday, March 25: Western Reserve Wines will feature patio wines with Darryl Spansky of Cutting Edge. Saturday tastings are 2-5 p.m., cost $10, and include cheese. Email info@westernreservewines.com or call 440-498-WINE (9463). The shop is at 28300 Miles Road, Suite B, Solon.
Saturday, March 25: West Shore Wine Co. will feature the perfect blend 3-6 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Saturday, March 25: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Argentinian wines 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Saturday, March 25: Giant Eagle Westlake will have an informal tasting of Malbecs 1-4 p.m. Cost is $1 per flight of five. It's at 30275 Detroit Road, Westlake. Wines to be served:
* 2013 Septima Obra, Bodega Septima
* 2014 Zolo
* 2015 Santa Julia, Julia Zaccardi
* 2014 Tapiz, Alta Collection
* 2014 Catena Alta, Historic Rows, Bodega Catena Zapata.
Wednesday, March 29: D'Agnese's will have a dinner featuring wines from importer John Bee at 6 p.m. Cost is $50. D'Agnese's is at 566 White Pond Dr., Akron, at Interstate 77. Wines: La Rustia Erbaluce Di Caluso 2014 Orsolani, Grignolino d'Asti 2015 Decapo, Rosenebbia Pace, Nizza 2011 Decapo, Barolo 2012 Giacomo Fenocchio.
Thursday, March 30: West Shore Wine Co. will have a grab-bag event of any six wines that are open for $6. It's 6-8 p.m. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Friday, March 31: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature wines of spring 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
APRIL
Saturday, April 1: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature wines of spring 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Thursday, April 1: West Shore Wine Co. will have a grab-bag event of any six wines that are open for $6. It's 3-6 p.m. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Sunday, April 2: Royal Park Fine Wines will have an Easter-spring wine and beer tasting 5-7:30 p.m. More than 30 wines and six craft beers will be available along with heavy appetizers. Cost is $40. Limited offer: Buy tickets before Wednesday, March 22, and receive a $10 gift certificate. It's at 12770 Royalton Road, North Royalton.
Tuesday April 4: Pier W will have a dinner featuring the wines of France at 6 p.m. Cost is $85. Call 216-228-2250 for reservations. Pier W is at 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood. Wines:
* Champalou Les Fondraux Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley, France, 2015.
* Bouchard Aine & Fils 1er Cru Les Chenevottes Chardonnay, Chassagne Montrachet, Burgundy, 2014.
* Chateau Simard Merlot/Cabernet Franc, St. Emilion, Bordeaux, 2005.
* Chateau Roumieu Lacoste, Semillon, Sauternes, Bordeaux, 2014.
Tuesday, April 4: Vaccaro's Trattoria will feature Firriato Winery of Italy at a five-course dinner. It's at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $65. Vaccaro's is at 1000 Ghent Road, Akron.
Wednesday, April 5: Details are in the works for Pinot Camp with Diane Mercure from Euro Fine Wines at Bar Cento. It's a true Pinot tasting - Noir, Blanc, Gris and Rose of Pinot. RSVP by calling 216-274-1010. Bar Cento is at 1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland.
Thursday, April 6: West Shore Wine Co. will have a Pinot, Pinot! tasting - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, etc. It's 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Thursday, April 6: CLE Urban Winery will hold a five-course dinner with Creekside Restaurant 7-9 p.m. Cost is $55. It's at Creekside, 8803 Brecksville Road, Brecksville.
Friday, April 7: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Zinmania 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Saturday, April 8: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Ohio wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. It's 7-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.
Saturday, April 8: West Shore Wine Co. will have a Pinot, Pinot! tasting - Pinot Gris, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir, etc. It's 3-6 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Saturday, April 8: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Zinmania 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Thursday, April 13: Chez Francois will hold a "petit" wine dinner featuring Merryvale Winery of Napa Valley, California. Cost is $70 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:
* Rose, Starmont, 2016.
* Sauvignon Blanc, Starmont, Napa Valley, 2015.
* Pinot Noir, Merryvale, Carneros, 2012.
* Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley, 2012.
* Red blend Forward Kidd, Merryvale, Napa Valley, 2012.
* Antigua Muscat, Merryvale, NV.
Thursday, April 13: West Shore Wine Co. will feature six Easter wines to pair with dinner. It's 6-8 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Friday, April 14: The Culinary Vegetable Institute will continue its Uncorked series with the Virtues of the Wines of Portugal. Cocktails are at 6:30 p.m. Presentation is at 7. Dinner is at 7:30. Cost is $120 plus tax and tip. The institute is at 12304 Mudbrook Road, Milan. Email info@culinaryvegetableinstitute.com or call 419-499-7500.
Friday, April 14: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature blendmania 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Saturday, April 15: West Shore Wine Co. will feature six Easter wines to pair with dinner. It's 3-6 p.m. Cost is $10. Call 216-712-6400. It's at 21629 Center Ridge Road, Rocky River.
Saturday, April 15: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature blendmania 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Saturday, April 15: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 1: Cabernet Sauvignon. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
Monday, April 17: The Ohio Wine Producers Association will announce the winners of its Facebook/Twitter contest of Spring Fling Wine Trail photos. Here are the details.
Thursday, April 20: Parallax will hold a five-course Spanish wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. featuring Alfredo Arribas' Portal del Priorat. Cost is $75 plus tax and tip.
Friday, April 21: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Cabmania 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Saturday, April 22: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Cabmania 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Thursday, April 27: Chez Francois will hold a Sonoma Valley wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. featuring Seghesio Family Vineyards. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:
* Vermentino, Russian River Valley/Sonoma, 2015.
* Sangiovese Old Vine, Alexander Valley/Sonoma, 2012.
* Zinfandel Sonoma, Sonoma County, 2014.
* Zinfandel Home Ranch, Seghesio, Alexander Valley, 2013.
* Zinfandel Old Vine, Dry Creek/Alexander Valley, 2013.
* Zinfandel Cortina, Dry Creek Valley, 2013.
* Zinfandel Rockpile, Dry Creek Valley, 2014.
* Red Defiant, Alexander Valley, 2015.
* Red Omaggio, Alexander Valley, 2013.
Friday, April 28: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Frenchmania 5-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
Friday-Sunday, April 28-30: The inaugural Grapes Under Glass will be held in downtown Cleveland at the Rotunda at Heinen's and The 9. Various tastings are planned.
Friday-Sunday, April 28-30: Red White and Brew Trips will head to Traverse City, Michigan. Bus leaves from East and West Side Cleveland locations, with overnight in Lansing, Michigan. Saturday, the bus will cruise to Traverse City for two days of tastings at eight wineries, with lunches to be determined. A stop at Jolly Pumpkin Brewing Co. is included. Lodging will be provided at Comfort Inn in Traverse City. Prices range from $350 to $425.
Saturday, April 29: The Olde Wine Cellar will feature Frenchmania 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Cost is $15 and includes six samples, tasting notes and cheese. The Olde Wine Cellar is at 7932 Main St., Olmsted Falls. Call 440-427-1222.
MAY
Thursday, May 4: For those who love large-scale tastings and don't mind a drive, the 15th Pittsburgh Wine Festival is being held in Heinz Field, Art Rooney Drive, Pittsburgh. VIP tasting is 5-7 p.m. ($250). Grand tasting is 7-9 p.m. ($125). Two-for-one tickets are available.
Friday-Saturday, May 5-6: Wine 'n Bloom is scheduled at 15 to 17 Northeast Ohio wineries. Hit the Vines & Wines Wine Trail to sample wines, enjoy appetizers and collect flower-themed items at participating wineries. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. both days. Tickets are $45 ($60, couple). Go to ohio.org/events/wine-n-bloom for details.
Saturday, May 6: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Spanish wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7-9 p.m. at Akron Northside station. Tickets start at $60.
Sunday, May 7: Chez Francois will hold a six-course Bordeaux wine dinner at 5 p.m. Bordeaux expert Dan Greathouse of Heidelberg Distributors and Kimberly Keslin of LD Vins SAS- Bordeaux-France will co-host. The dinner will feature 16 wines - four whites, 12 reds. Cost is $165 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:
* Clarendelle Rose, Haut Brion, Pessac-Leognan, 2015.
* Chateau Carbonnieux Blanc, Pessac-Leognan, 2013.
* Aile d'Argent, Mouton Rothschild, Pauillac, 2013.
* Le Haut Medoc de Branaire-Ducru, Haut-Medoc, 2010.
* Le Comtes de Malartic, Pessac-Leognan, 2010.
* Le Haut-Medoc d'Issan, Haut-Medoc, 2010.
* Le Conseiller, Bordeaux Superieur, France, 2010.
* Chateau Siaurac, Lalande de Pomerol, 2013.
* Les Haut de Croix Labrie, St. Emilion, 2012.
* Chateau Pape Clement, Pessac-Leognan, 2012.
* Sarget de Gruaud-Larose, St. Julien, 1999.
* Gassies, Margaux, 2010.
* Chateau Paveil de Luze, Margaux, 2012.
* Chateau Marojallia, Margaux, 2007.
* Chateau Margaux, Margaux, 2013.
* Chateau de Fargues, Sauternes, 2007.
Friday-Saturday, May 12-13: Wine 'n Bloom is scheduled at 15 to 17 Northeast Ohio wineries. Hit the Vines & Wines Wine Trail to sample wines, enjoy appetizers and collect flower-themed items at participating wineries. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. both days. Tickets are $45 ($60, couple). Go to ohio.org/events/wine-n-bloom for details.
Saturday, May 13: The Wine Spot will hold a tasting of Island Wines - vino produced on islands like Sicily, Corsica, New Zealand, Sardinia and other places. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
Sunday, May 18: Chez Francois will hold a South African wine dinner with master sommelier Fran Kysela at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:
* Sparkling Brut Reserve, Colmant, Western Cape, NV.
* Chenin Blanc Bush Vine, Eikeboom, Western Cape, 2016.
* White Blend Old Vines, Mullineux, Swartland, 2014.
* Sauvignon Blanc Barrel Fermented, Lismore, Western Cape, 2013.
* Pinotage, Eikeboom, Western Cape, 2015.
* Red Blend, Keermont, Stellenbosch, 2012.
* Syrah, Mullineux, Swartland, 2014.
* Cape Ruby Port, Riebeek, Swartland, NV.
Friday, May 19: Details are in the works for Grapes & Ale, the annual fundraiser for Our Lady of the Wayside at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland. Dozens of wines and beers will be available for sampling.
Friday, May 19: Western Reserve School of Cooking will have a cocktails and oysters pairing 6-8 p.m. Drinks expert Joseph DeLuca will guide participants in making four cocktails that wash down oysters. Chef Catherine St. John will serve two oysters paired with each cocktail. Cost is $65. It's at Kitchen 216, 2800 Euclid Ave., No. 100, Cleveland.
JUNE
Saturday, June 3: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is summer wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.
Thursday, June 8: Chez Francois will hold a Russian River wine dinner featuring the venerable Martinelli Vineyards of California's Sonoma Valley at 6:30 p.m. Cost is $110 plus tax and tip. Chez Francois is at 555 Main St., Vermilion. Lineup:
* Chardonnay, Bella Vigne, Martinelli, 2014.
* Pinot Noir, Bella Vigne, Martinelli, 2014.
* Pinot Noir, Bondi Home Ranch, 2014.
* Pinot Noir, Lolita Ranch, 2014.
* Pinot Noir, Moonshine Ranch, 2014.
* Pinot Noir, Zio Tony Ranch, 2014.
* Syrah, Gianna Marie, Zio Tony Ranch, 2009.
* Zinfandel, Vellutini Ranch, 2014.
* Zinfandel, Guiseppe & Luisa, 2014.
Saturday, June 10: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 2: Chardonnay from around the world. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
Saturday, June 24: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting Train ride. Theme is Napa Valley, California, wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Akron Northside station. Tickets start at $60.
JULY
Saturday, July 15: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Italian wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.
Saturday, July 15: The Wine Spot will hold its fifth annual tasting of Roses from around the world. Many will not be available in Ohio until later in the year. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
Friday, July 21: The first of the two-day rain-or-shine Uncorked Medina Wine Festival is 3-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 (advance), $30 (at the door), $10 (designated driver) and $100 (twilight dinner). The event will include wine and craft beers, food, music and culinary demonstrations. The twilight dinner has limited seatings Friday. Proceeds benefit Friends of Medina County Parks. It's at Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville.
Saturday, July 22: The second of the two-day rain-or-shine Uncorked Medina Wine Festival is 1-9 p.m. Tickets are $25 (advance), $30 (at the door), $10 (designated driver). The event will include wine and craft beers, food, music and culinary demonstrations. It's at Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville.
AUGUST
Friday-Saturday, Aug. 4-5: Vintage Ohio is 1-10 p.m. Sample wines from Ohio wineries. Wines range from Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc and Riesling to fruit wines made from fresh strawberries, blackberries, peaches and raspberries. Includes food, cooking-school demonstrations, three stages of live music, artisans, shopping and Friday fireworks. It's at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland.
Saturday, Aug. 5: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad will hold a Grape Escape Wine-Tasting ride. Theme is Australian wines. Sample five wines, paired with chef-prepared appetizers. Commemorative glass included. Assigned seating. It's 7:30-9 p.m. at Rockside station. Tickets start at $60.
Saturday, Aug. 12: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 3: Sauvignon Blanc from around the world. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
OCTOBER
Saturday, Oct. 14: The Wine Spot will hold its Terroir Tasting Series No. 4: Surprise varietal. It's 4-7 p.m. Cost TBA. The Wine Spot is at 2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights. Call 216-342-3623.
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio -- A 19-year-old woman faces criminal charges after she crashed an SUV into a Fairview Park home Sunday night and ran away, police said.
The crash happened just before 11 p.m. on West 228th Street near Lorain Road, Fairview Park Police Chief Erich Upperman said.
The homeowner suffered minor injuries from the debris, but declined medical treatment, Upperman said.
The woman told police that she crashed into the house after she tried to avoid hitting a telephone pole. Instead, she pushed onto the gas pedal and crashed into the home, Upperman said. She climbed out over the roof of the SUV and ran away.
The SUV was almost entirely in the living room and was still running after police arrived.
Officers searched the neighborhood for the driver, but gave up after they realized she left her purse and identification in the SUV.
The woman told police she panicked and ran away. She told police she would turn herself in Tuesday and will be charged.
Upperman said the crash was more the result of driver inexperience rather than recklessness.
If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Tuesday's crime and courts comments section.
kentrollingstone.jpg
Kent State University and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame have formed a partnership to offer a new course celebrating Rolling Stone magazine's 50th anniversary.
(Kent State University)
KENT, Ohio - As Rolling Stone magazine celebrates its 50th anniversary this fall, Kent State University students will study the history of the magazine, its impact on American culture and how it continues to innovate in a new course "Music, Movements and Media: Rolling Stone @ 50."
The university has partnered with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which in May will open an exhibit called "Rolling Stone/50 Years."
The one-credit, five-week course will be offered through the School of Journalism and Mass Communication during the beginning of the fall semester.
Assistant Professor Stephanie Danes Smith, whose specialties include organizational public relations, global communication, crisis management and trend forecasting, will teach the course. Her love for rock and roll led her to first subscribe to Rolling Stone 40 years ago, the university said in a statement.
"My love affair began with a passion for rock journalism and quickly evolved into a curiosity and passion for Rolling Stone's unique take on the social and political issues that have shaped my life," Smith said in a press release. "I hope the class will shed light on the fact that it's not just about music - it's about the vital connections between music, movements and media. There is much students can learn from studying the dichotomies of Rolling Stone's reporting style, which is serious and irreverent, crusading and controversial, remarkable and - at times - flawed. We will examine how this magazine has remained an influential force in music, film, social movements and politics."
The course will cover Rolling Stone's origins, the birth of rock journalism and how the magazine has created and sustained passionate audience engagement and social influence for five decades.
Students will study the artists made and unmade by the magazine and the iconic images that have defined American life.
Students will also examine the rewards, risks and implications of the magazine's cutting-edge investigative reporting through case studies of three recent stories and editorial decisions that shook America:
The "glam" cover featuring Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, who was convicted of planting bombs at the Boston Marathon.
The 2010 story that led to Gen. Stanley McChrystal's resignation.
The now-retracted "A Rape on Campus" investigation from 2014.
One course session will be held at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with a tour of the Rolling Stone exhibit and a guest lecture by Jason Hanley, vice president of education and visitor engagement.
The class will be open to 45 students. First preference will be given to juniors and senior majors and minors in the journalism school.
Mark Stanton
Longtime defense attorney Mark Stanton has been tapped as the new Cuyahoga County Public Defender, to replace the outgoing Robert Tobik. Stanton has cemented his name among the county's most high-profiled defense attorneys. He is shown here arguing with Cuyahoga County assistant prosecutor James Gutierrez during the 2015 trial of Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo, who was acquitted of manslaughter charges in the 2012 shooting death of an unarmed couple.
(Lynn Ischay/The Plain Delaer)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A veteran Cuyahoga County lawyer respected by both prosecutors and criminal defense attorneys has been tapped to head the Cuyahoga County Public Defender's Office.
The five-member Cuyahoga County Public Defender Commission chose Mark Stanton out of 22 applicants from as far away as Washington D.C. to replace the long-serving Robert Tobik as the county's head public defender, office administrator Mark J. Budzar said.
The commission's appointment consists of a four-year term that begins May 1.
Tobik, who has served as the Cuyahoga County Public Defender since May 2002, is retiring.
Stanton will oversee the office's 75 attorneys who together handled nearly 45,000 criminal cases last year from traffic citations in Cleveland Municipal Court to death penalty cases before the Ohio Supreme Court.
Stanton, a 1977 graduate of Cleveland-Marshall School of Law, has been lead defense counsel in more than 200 felony trials, including 60 death penalty cases. He's been the past president of the Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. The Ohio Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers gave Stanton the Champion of Justice Award in 2010. He's also been a magistrate in Parma Heights Municipal Court since 2010.
He's built a reputation around Cuyahoga County's courtrooms as tough, polished and dedicated to defense work. He's been known to dip into court hearings on cases he's not working on and mouth strategy to defense lawyers from the back of the courtroom.
He's represented high-profile clients including former Cleveland police officer Michael Brelo, who was acquitted of a manslaughter charge in the 2012 shooting death of an unarmed couple, and former politicians accused of corruption, including Valley View Mayor Randall Westfall and Bedford Law Director Kenneth Schuman.
Of all his cases, Stanton said he will not forget the 1989 federal embezzlement trial of former Teamster official Pat Lanese and five other union bosses. Lanese suffered a heart attack and died two days before the jury returned a verdict. Stanton maintains that the "consummate gentleman" Lanese is innocent.
"That case still sticks in my craw," he said. "He never should have been charged."
Stanton also spent the first eight years of his career on the other side of the courtroom, first as an assistant attorney general and then as an assistant Cuyahoga County prosecutor on the office's major trial team. He served as lead prosecutor on more than 60 homicide and sexual assault trials in six years.
Respect for Stanton spans both prosecutors and defense attorneys. He spoke at the January swearing-in ceremony of Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O'Malley, praising O'Malley's ability to collaborate.
As public defender, Stanton will have a seat in the county's negotiations to reform the criminal justice system.
Jim McDonnell, who is the president of the Cuyahoga County Criminal Defense Attorney Association, said Stanton will bring his experience to reform negations.
"He's the perfect person to include in the justice system reform discussion because he's respected on all sides an will have valuable input and insight," McDonnell said.
He helped negotiate and implement the practice of open discovery, in which prosecutors and defense lawyers share evidence in the lead-up to trial as they receive it.
O'Malley, in an emailed statement, said he looks forward to working with Stanton to improve the criminal justice system.
Marcus Sidoti, a lawyer who considers Stanton a mentor, said Stanton has "set the bar for professionalism, integrity and respect" for the county's defense lawyers.
Kevin Spellacy praised Stanton's work ethic, vast trial experience and willingness to mentor other attorneys.
Stanton said he sees the move as a "natural evolution" in his four-decade career, and a chance to use his institutional knowledge to mentor young attorneys and bolster the public's perception of the office. He noted that public defenders often get a bad reputation.
"I admire the office so much because of the limitless dedication the people that work there have," Stanton said. "It's a magnificent group of people, and I think they've been short-changed in the public."
He said he has plans to make some changes in the office, but said it would be too early to go into detail until he takes office.
Stanton, who said he did not know his new job's salary, will be paid about $125,000 a year.
Clarification: Due to erroneous information provided by the public defender's office, an earlier version of this story misstated the role of Cuyahoga County Executive Armond Budish in the public defender's appointment.
Concealed Carry
A new Ohio law expanding where people can carry concealed guns takes effect today.
(Rogelio V. Solis, Associated Press)
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- A new Ohio law begins today, allowing employees to bring guns to company parking lots and licensed Ohioans to carry concealed guns to more places.
Employers can still ban weapons inside their businesses, but they can no longer prohibit concealed carry permit holders from leaving firearms locked in their personal vehicles parked on company property.
The new law also grants civil immunity to employers for injuries and deaths that result from guns brought on company property.
The change doesn't apply to U.S. post offices and other federal buildings. The Ohio Chamber of Commerce opposed the law, saying it interferes with employers' property rights.
Jim Irvine, president of the Buckeye Firearms Association, said employees deserve the right to defend their lives.
"An employee's gun is their private property and their vehicle is their private property, and there's nothing that allows the employer to dictate what's inside that employee's private property."
The law also allows concealed carry permit holders to:
Store their guns in the car while in a school zone
Carry in non-secure areas of airports, such as baggage claim.
Carry inside daycare centers and home day cares, unless the facilities post a sign prohibiting guns.
Irvine and other supporters said the changes are intended to prevent law-abiding gun owners from accidentally breaking the law. For example, parents who have to unexpectedly pick up a sick child from school don't have to stop home first to store the weapon before parking at the school.
Laura Cutilletta, managing attorney at the Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, said studies don't support the idea that more access to guns increases safety. Cutilletta said a person carrying a gun is more than four times as likely to be shot in an assault than those who are not.
"If guns really made you safer, we should be the safest country on the planet but we're not," Cutilletta said.
The law also waives the concealed handgun license education and registration requirements for active military members carrying valid military identification and documentation of successful completion of sufficient firearms training.
College and university officials can choose to allow some people, or everyone, to carry guns on their campuses. None of Ohio's public colleges or universities have opened up their campuses for concealed weapons.
But Irvine said some schools are considering allowing some faculty or staff to carry on campus. He declined to identify the schools.
"All of this stuff is all about protecting people's rights and protecting people's lives," Irvine said. "It's about safety and making the law work well."
Ohio began issuing concealed handgun licenses in 2004 and issued a record 158,982 such permits in 2016. The state does not keep records for how many Ohioans hold permits at one time, but gun rights advocates estimate more than 500,000 Ohioans have current licenses.
marijuana file medical tag medicine man.jpg
Some Ohio entrepreneurs want a residency requirement for state-issued medical marijuana cultivator licenses.
(Jackie Borchardt, cleveland.com)
REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio -- Ohioans who want to start a medical marijuana business here urged regulators on Monday to issue the few lucrative cultivator licenses to Ohio residents only, at least initially.
As it stands now, the Ohio Department of Commerce plans to award up to 12 large grow licenses and 12 small grow licenses statewide, based on criteria including a company's business plan, security measures and industry experience.
Proof that the company is headquartered in Ohio, owned by Ohioans and plans to hire in-state workers factor into the review but are not required.
Kelly Mottola, who owns Hydro Innovations in Hilliard, said out-of-state companies will want to bring out-of-state workers.
"We're the ones who fought for this," Mottola said during a public meeting about the proposed cultivator licensing process. "Allowing people from outside the state is not benefiting Ohio or Ohioans or our unemployment."
Several people spoke in favor of a residency requirement Monday during the final public comment period on the cultivator rules. Others criticized the high cultivator fees, which would cost more than programs in all but two medical marijuana states, and the requirement that local officials approve of a business' plan to locate there.
A panel of state lawmakers will meet in a few weeks to review the rules, which must be finalized by May 6.
Residency requirements
Residency requirements have been part of several other states' medical and recreational marijuana programs. For example, Colorado required licensees live in the state at least two years before applying for a license. Lawmakers there recently reduced the requirement to one year and allowed greater out-of-state investment.
Ohio has no such requirement for cultivators, processors or dispensary owners, but testing labs are limited to Ohio colleges and universities for the first year of the program.
Kevin Schmidt of the national group Marijuana Policy Project said it might be difficult for Ohioans to compete for licenses with more experienced out-of-state companies. He suggested a residency requirement for applicants with ownership or a controlling interest for at least the first year of the program.
"Ohioans should be given a chance to get established," Schmidt said.
The case for out-of-state investment
Many of the plans for cultivation centers and dispensaries bubbling up across the state come from Ohioans partnering with out-of-state companies and consultants. The Ohioans have connections with local officials and in-state investors; the out-of-state companies bring much-needed capital and knowledge of how to complete legal-intensive license applications and run a successful marijuana business.
Oregon cultivator Jason Kabbes said there are likely other out-of-state residents like him -- native Ohioans who want to work in the industry in their home state. Kabbes is a Springfield native who graduated from Ohio State University and moved to Oregon to work in the cannabis industry.
When Ohio lawmakers legalized medical marijuana last year, Kabbes told his parents he was moving home. He's partnering with Ohio residents with the goal of obtaining a cultivation or dispensary license here.
"When you say these other folks in the industry are outsiders, they care about cannabis just as much as anybody and may care as much about Ohio as much as you guys," Kabbes said.
Cultivator requirements have changed
Ohio's medical marijuana law allows people with one of 21 medical conditions to buy and use marijuana if recommended by a physician. Most of the details of the program, such as who will grow and sell marijuana and how much patients can buy, were left to three state agencies.
The Department of Commerce developed rules for cultivators, which have been revised after two public comment periods.
Current draft rules:
Cleveland police car
Cleveland police are investigating after a 30-year-old man was found with a gunshot wound to his face on the city's East Side.
(File photo)
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A woman checking out a rental home on Cleveland's East Side arrived at the property Sunday to find a man on the ground with a gunshot wound to his face, police say.
The victim, a 30-year-old Israeli citizen, suffered gunshot wounds to his mouth and leg, according to Cleveland police Detective Reginald Lanton. He was treated at University Hospitals, where he remains in the intensive care unit, a police report says.
The 60-year-old woman called police about 6:15 p.m. after she found the man in the driveway of a home on East 142nd Street, about two blocks north of Kinsman Road in the city's Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, the report says.
She got the keys to the home from its owner, and went over to check out the property she was interested in renting, the report says.
The woman found the man lying in a large pool of blood. Police officers believed he was unconscious and not breathing when they arrived, but the man eventually moved his arm and looked around, the report says.
The victim could not speak to police due to his injuries, but he used his hand to signal that he had been shot, the report says.
A witness told police that he saw a suspicious man walking down the street right before he heard gunfire.
Police have not announced any arrests or charges in the case.
Officers found a spent bullet, a bicycle, and a bloody bookbag containing a laptop and personal items at the scene, the report says.
Cleveland police informed the Israel embassy of the incident because the victim is an Israeli citizen, Lanton said.
To comment on this story, please visit cleveland.com's crime and courts comments section.
southsudanfood.jpg
A World Food Program helicopter laden with food supplies arrives in South Sudan, one of a number of countries facing famine this year because of conflict and drought. The WFP depends on donations from the U.S. Food for Peace program, which is under threat from President Trump's proposed budget cuts, writes William Lambers.
(George Fominyen, World Food Program)
William Lambers of Cincinnati
CINCINNATI -- What makes America great is our humanitarianism and compassion for others, even those far away from our shores. Where there is hunger, we will respond and help.
That is why it's alarming to see the Trump administration's new budget proposing to cut food and other foreign aid. Trump's plan eliminates the McGovern-Dole international school meals program, which feeds hungry children in developing countries.
Bill O'Keefe of Catholic Relief Services says, "This proposed skinny budget is way too skinny to meet the increasing needs that, left unaddressed. will cause greater displacement and insecurity. The 1 percent of the budget that goes to poverty-focused foreign aid is one the best investments the U.S. makes."
Such drastic funding cuts would come at time when famine has struck South Sudan, and is a gathering storm over many other nations.
The U.S. government's famine early warning system said in January the "combined magnitude, severity, and geographic scope of anticipated emergency food assistance needs during 2017 is unprecedented in recent decades" and estimated that "70 million people, across 45 countries, will require emergency food assistance this year. "
That warning, although it got little attention, showed what the new administration's top foreign policy challenge for this year must be. But somebody better flip the on switch at the White House to get the administration acting on this crisis.
Famine has hit South Sudan and threatens Yemen, Nigeria and Somalia -- all countries suffering from conflict or drought. Funding for U.S. food aid must be increased, not cut, at this time of peril, writes William Lambers.
You simply cannot ignore the cries of hunger from abroad and just cut food aid budgets. Relief agencies like the U.N. World Food Program, Catholic Relief Services, Save the Children and many others depend on donations from the United States. Without U.S. funding, how will these relief agencies fight hunger in countries impacted by war, drought and poverty?
Children will face certain malnutrition and even death if the United States backs away from its leadership role in the fight against hunger.
A generation will be stunted in growth and mind if they don't receive food. If children are stunted, an entire nation becomes stunted. Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Haiti, Ukraine, Mali, Somalia and the Boko-Haram-affected countries in Africa are just some of the nations in peril.
Chaos and instability will gain strength in all of them if hunger is unchecked. Evil forces like terrorism will only find comfort in such chaos.
There is a better way. As Secretary of State George Marshall said in 1947, the United States must be "against, hunger, poverty, desperation and chaos."
Marshall not only articulated our values as a people, but also offered a road map to peace in his time and for subsequent generations. The famous Marshall Plan, which rebuilt Europe from the ashes of World War II, was preceded by large amounts of food aid from the United States. Food is the foundation of reconstruction and of developing an economy.
Marshall, as chief of staff of the Army during World War II, knew well about funding the military. But as secretary of state after the war, he also understood that you cannot rely just on military might to win the peace. The basic human right of food for others had to be a priority in U.S. policy.
The Trump administration is proposing a $54 billion increase in military spending, which the cuts to food aid and other programs is meant to pay for. But the Trump approach is actually bad for security because it will create an imbalance in our priorities and programs.
Two-year old Nyantaba Gakier enjoys a ready-to-eat meal provided by humanitarian partners in South Sudan, which has been hit by famine.
Instead, the Trump administration and Congress have to find an alternative budget, one that increases food aid to match the emergencies we are currently seeing. It's just common sense to increase food aid at a time of famine.
Would the United States have cut food aid when Europe was threatened with famine after World War II? Of course not. The United States increased the aid.
As Americans we have to preserve our great tradition of humanitarianism and fighting hunger. We have to protest the cuts in funding proposed by the Trump administration to food aid.
Every citizen can take action to help the hungry. Everyone can make a statement to tell the president and the Congress how vital our hunger fighting tradition is.
Students in professor Jeff Hillard's Cincinnati authors class at Mount St. Joseph University run and walk Charity Miles to raise funds for the U.N. World Food Program. Feeding the hungry is important to these students, and it should be to our elected officials, too.
We should all raise our collective voice against any budget cuts to food aid. The Trump administration and Congress must remain dedicated to eradicating hunger whether at home or abroad.
William Lambers, a frequent writer on hunger issues, partnered with the U.N. World Food Program on the book "Ending World Hunger."
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Jim Renacci
FILE - In this Sept. 29, 2014, file photo, U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci, R-Ohio, speaks at a GOP Get Out the Vote rally in Independence, Ohio. Renacci announced his candidacy for governor this week.
(Mark Duncan, The Associated Press)
Jim Renacci motors into the race for governor. Maureen O'Connor goes to bat for Sharon Kennedy. Rick Hodges moves on. (And so do I.) Read more in Ohio Politics Roundup.
Jim jumps in: U.S. Rep. Jim Renacci made his long-anticipated bid for Ohio governor official Monday, riding into the race on his motorcycle (via an introductory video) and with a message that mimics the one President Donald Trump used en route to the White House.
The Wadsworth Republican's OhioFirst.com alludes to Trump's "America first" motto. And Renacci's emphasis on his business background -- instead of his five-plus years in Congress -- is a move to distinguish himself from Mike DeWine, Jon Husted and Mary Taylor, three GOP rivals who have been in politics for years. I have more on Renacci's announcement here.
The balance sheet: Renacci early on has several obvious strengths and weaknesses -- or, given his past work as an accountant, assets and liabilities -- to keep in mind. A few examples ...
Renacci can position himself as an outsider. But he is enough of an insider to have a voting record.
Renacci is independently wealthy and one of the richest members of Congress. This is not a tidbit he would necessarily want in an ad, but he has the ability to self-fund. And he may need to dip into his largesse if he has hope of boosting his low statewide name-recognition.
Renacci already has a strong mix of political talent around him. Bryan Reed, who has worked recently for successful gubernatorial candidates in Missouri and Illinois, will manage the campaign. Rob Scott, who was a top operative on Trump's winning Ohio campaign last fall, is on board, too. Don't be surprised to see other Trump allies join the effort.
Renacci on Monday sent a "signal that he plans to use a 'pay-to-play' attack on likely Republican opponent Mike DeWine,"
If Renacci embraces such a line of attack, don't be surprised if DeWine or his allies respond by reminding voters about Ben Suarez. The Canton-area businessman was accused several years ago of illegally funneling money to Renacci's congressional re-election campaign. Renacci was never charged, and Suarez only was convicted on a witness tampering charge. But the case will be used against Renacci, if not by his Republican rivals, then by Democrats for sure.
Four's a crowd: If Republicans want to continue their dominance in Columbus, they might need the run-up to 2018 to be like the run-up to 1990. At least four prominent Republicans wanted to be governor that year. In the end, party leaders talked all but one (George Voinovich) out of the race and saw the others end up as lieutenant governor and senator (DeWine), secretary of state and future governor (Bob Taft) and Ohio Supreme Court justice (Paul Pfeifer).
But Ohio GOP Chairwoman Jane Timken tells me she will not put her thumb on the scale or talk gubernatorial prospects into down-ballot races as consolation prizes. So the party could be headed for something more like 2006, when three prominent Republicans started out running for governor. That cycle ended with only one Republican winning statewide office: Mary Taylor.
EP-eh? "The new head of the EPA, Scott Pruitt, vowed to senators early this year that he would support the Great Lakes cleanup," cleveland.com's Stephen Koff writes. "Then the budget came out showing his boss, President Donald Trump, has other priorities.
"Trump's determination not to spend another federal penny on the multibillion-dollar Great Lakes Restoration Initiative -- which he says should be left up to states -- raises questions about the boss, his top environmental lieutenant and the White House budget office. ... 'Either they aren't telling the truth or the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing,'" U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur, a Toledo Democrat who represents lakefront communities, tells Koff.
Reading, writing, arithmetic ... and fake news: Kristin Schnerer, a high school social studies teacher in Toledo concerned about the rise of erroneous reporting passed off as fact, "has a timely and practical solution," the Toledo Blade's Vanessa McCray writes. "Teach students how to analyze the news. The Toledo Board of Education recently approved a course she will pilot next school year that aims to do exactly this. Media and Politics -- a half-credit elective course for juniors and seniors -- is like no other class at Toledo Public Schools."
From our latest Ohio Matters installment: "In rural Vinton County, where 70 percent of voters backed President Donald Trump last year, there's a lot of support for scrapping the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare," cleveland.com's Jeremy Pelzer reports.
"But if Obamacare is repealed, and the accompanying money to expand Medicaid coverage is rolled back, there could be major repercussions in this isolated, poor, rural county of 13,000 people. More than 1,100 Medicaid recipients here who became eligible for benefits thanks to expansion -- 8.5 percent of the county -- could lose their coverage."
More from McArthur: "In a rainy field on the east side of the [Vinton] county seat of McArthur, after a fanfare from the local high school marching band, elected officials and Campbell's Market on Monday broke ground on a new 12,000-square-foot store, scheduled to open in August," Pelzer writes. "It's something that residents in this county of 13,000 have been awaiting for years, following the closure of the SuperValu grocery store in 2013."
On defense: Maureen O'Connor, chief justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, is sticking up for Justice Sharon Kennedy, who is taking flak for speaking to an anti-abortion group last week.
"When ... Kennedy spoke to the Greater Toledo Right to Life organization she talked about the founding of this republic, the Constitution, and the separation of powers," O'Connor writes in an op-ed for the Cincinnati Enquirer, which broke the news of Kennedy's speaking engagement.
"She did not discuss or refer to any cases pending before the Supreme Court of Ohio, nor did she mention abortion and the host group's positions. As a member of the judiciary, it is her duty to help demystify our branch of government and help everyone understand what we do and our role in our government, regardless of the underlying issues or philosophy of the sponsoring organization. This can be done in a manner that does not cross any judicial ethics lines."
Rick Hodges moves on: The Ohio Department of Health director "is leaving after three years" to pursue other opportunities outside Gov. John Kasich's administration, cleveland.com's Jackie Borchardt reports. "Hodges is best known as the defendant in the landmark court case legalizing same-sex marriages nationwide, Obergefell v. Hodges. Cincinnati widower James Obergefell, one of the plaintiffs, sought to be listed on his husband's death certificate; the couple had wed in Maryland."
Ohio Democrats to honor John Glenn: The state party's annual Legacy Dinner, set for April 22 in Columbus, will be a tribute to the late astronaut and U.S. senator. Sen. Sherrod Brown, who is up for re-election in 2018, will deliver the keynote address. More details here.
City Hall fights back: "Cleveland is joining 79 other Ohio cities in suing the state over a wireless network law, which officials say intrudes on municipalities' home rule rights to decide where cell phone antennae and equipment can be erected," cleveland.com's Emily Bamforth writes. "The state legislature passed the law as part of Senate Bill 331 in the lame-duck session last year. ... Cleveland has asked Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court to stop the law, which takes effect Tuesday. Similar lawsuits are being filed in county courts across the state."
State budget cuts and you: Cleveland.com's Rich Exner and Brent Larkin will participate this evening in a free public forum on the impact of cuts and policy changes made by Kasich and the Republican-controlled General Assembly in recent years. Details for the event, which will be held at the Parma-Snow branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, are available here.
A few words before I go: Three years, six months and two days ago, I put together the first Ohio Politics Roundup as an experiment. "We're aiming to bring you a daily roundup of state and local politics, ideally each weekday morning," I wrote in that inaugural edition. (The lead item was about Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson's re-election challenge from Ken Lanci, a businessman who -- as I would later write -- helped prepare us for the rise of Trump.)
Well, the experiment was more successful than I could have imagined. This space has turned into an opportunity to break news, dig in with deeper analysis and share the work of colleagues in this newsroom and others across the state and country. We have grown into the anchor of cleveland.com's daily Battleground Briefing newsletter. And our stable of Roundup writers has expanded to include Mary Kilpatrick, Jeremy Pelzer and Andrew J. Tobias.
This is my final Roundup. My last day at cleveland.com is Wednesday. Next month I start as a political reporter for BuzzFeed News, where I'll cover the Republican Party in the era of Trump.
You're in good hands here with Mary, Jeremy and Andrew. Thanks for following along.
Get Battleground Briefing, our FREE politics newsletter, delivered to your inbox: Sign up here. Tips or links? Send here. Follow along on Twitter: @HenryJGomez.
TSA skill in finding deception disputed Behavior detection deficient, study says
Cleveland Hopkins is developing a system that will allow passengers to monitor security lines before they head to the airport.
(Lynn Ischay)
CLEVELAND, Ohio - Want to know how long you'll have to stand in line for security before heading to the airport? Cleveland Hopkins International Airport is developing a TSA wait-time monitoring system to help travelers better plan their trips.
The system should begin testing in early April and be ready for implementation a couple of weeks later, according to airport spokeswoman Michele Dynia.
The system, being developed with the Transportation Security Administration, will allow travelers to compare wait times at the airport's three checkpoints. The information will be accessible both at the airport and off-site.
Currently, the TSA offers wait-time estimates on its website and app, at Cleveland Hopkins and airports around the country, but those estimates are based on traveler feedback and are sometimes unreliable.
Dynia said the airport will provide more information about the new system once it is operational.
In other airport news:
New customer-service teams
New airport director Robert Kennedy has reorganized staff to create two new teams devoted to customer service:
* The Landside Operations team, headed by deputy commissioner Jeff Gordon, will focus on improving face-to-face customer service, particularly for passengers who are not experienced travelers. The team includes five employees and the airport's volunteer ambassador program.
* The new strategic customer service section will focus on connecting with customers via social media, the airport's website and other methods.
Airport wins industry award
Cleveland Hopkins last month won a coveted industry award for its recovery from the loss of its United Airlines hub.
The airport was honored at the Routes Americas conference in Las Vegas, an annual gathering of airline, airport and destination representatives. Hopkins won the group's top award in the medium-size airport category, 4 million to 20 million annual passengers. The award, voted on by the airlines, recognizes excellence in airport and destination marketing.
Cleveland was recognized for efforts to attract new carriers, including Frontier, Spirit, JetBlue and Allegiant, in the years since United closed its hub in 2014. Included in the award submission was the airport's "Less Fare, More There" campaign, created with Cleveland-based Recess Creative.
Denver International Airport received the organization's award for best large airport.
Cuban and US flags are seen on balconies in Havana Yamil Lage | AFP | Getty Images
U.S. airlines Silver Airways and Frontier Airlines have become the latest to bow out of Cuba due to weakened demand, posing new questions about the U.S's future relationship with its former Cold War foe. For a brief period under President Barack Obama, longstanding tensions appeared to be easing. But now, as the White House conducts a "full review" of U.S.-Cuba policies, diplomatic relations between the two neighbors look as uncertain as ever. Indications so far suggest that President Donald Trump would be loath to continue the detente initiated by his predecessor, which sought to loosen travel restrictions and barriers to trade implemented more than 50 years earlier. During campaigning, the now President tweeted his condemnation of human rights abuses conducted by Cuba's totalitarian government. Then, last week, Cuba's President Raul Castro made his first public retort, describing President Trump's policies as "egotistical" and "irrational". However, President Trump also has a pro-business agenda to ally. A number of U.S. companies took advantage of Obama's executive order and efforts to restrict business freedoms will not come easily. Indeed, it would not go unnoticed that Trump built his fortune on the tourism industry and his organization reportedly once sought to pursue possible business interests on the island. So where does President Trump go from here - and how should business respond?
President Donald Trump Mandel Ngan | AFP | Getty Images
What are companies currently doing? Airline carriers Delta, jetBlue and American Airlines were some of the first to capitalise on Obama's policies. In the first year after restrictions were lifted, travel to Cuba by U.S. citizens grew 77 percent. However, a recent surplus of carriers and weakening demand have caused some national airlines to reduce services, while regional carriers Frontier Airlines and Silver Airways are to suspend their Cuba services entirely. "Lack of demand coupled with overcapacity by the larger airlines has made the Cuban routes unprofitable for all carriers. As a result, Silver has made the difficult but necessary decision to suspend its Cuba service effective April 22, 2017. It is not in the best interest of Silver and its team members to behave in the same irrational manner as other airlines," Silver Airways said in a press note. Trade association Airlines for America told CNBC it is currently "working with government" to secure an adequate framework between the two destinations. Meanwhile, delivery services company FedEx announced this month that it is delaying the implementation of its regularly scheduled cargo service to Cuba by six months to address "operational challenges in the Cuban market." These challenges are also acutely felt by entrepreneurial start-ups on the island. Chad Olin, president of U.S. Tour operator Cuba Candela, set up his business to facilitate U.S. tourists under President Obama's normalisation programme. He now faces an uncertain wait under the White House's policy review. "Although the new U.S. administration has introduced some uncertainty to the continued improvement of U.S.-Cuba relations, we are cautiously optimistic that relaxed travel rules will not be repealed," Olin told CNBC. John Kavulich, president of the U.S-Cuba Trade and Economic Council, regularly deals with businesses and policy makers with interests in the U.S. and Cuba and indicated that more still are in a state of limbo. "U.S. companies are hesitant to re-engage or engage due to the uncertainty about what the Trump administration will or will not do with respect to Cuba," he explained, adding indications that the White House may intend to rescind certain freedoms.
People take to the streets of Florida with Cuban flags Joe Raedle | Getty Images
Potential hurdles If it is the case, however, that the new administration wishes to repeal President Obama's executive order, it won't be without litigation issues from current business license holders, noted Kavulich. A more likely scenario, at least in the short term, would be a partial freeze on issuance while the U.S. confirms its position, he said, noting conversations heard within government and the business community. "There is not a desire to issue further (business) licenses, but also an acknowledgement that some license applications are and will be legitimate," he said. Christopher Sabatini, lecturer of international relations and policy at Columbia University, agreed that full reinstatement of the trade embargo would be unpopular, particularly in Florida, a crucial swing state which helped secure President Trump's election. "Some of the entrepreneurial concession will be hard to roll back because people's lives rely on them," Sabatini told CNBC, referring to Florida businesses which export to Cuba. Such moves would make the President very unpopular, he said: "You would see protests on the streets if they were removed." "Big ticket" items, such as large corporates, would be easier to remove, Sabatini suggested.
The exterior view of the south side of the White House Alex Wong | Getty Images
Political contention As well as on the streets, Florida is likely to have an influential role in policy at a Congressional level, too. Marco Rubio, U.S. Senator for Florida, is one of six hard-line Cuban American members of Congress who believe President Castro's government is deeply untrustworthy and are likely to push for a retightening of policy. "This (Cuban sanctions) is a concession President Trump can make to a very powerful constituency in Congress," said Sabatini, who remarked that the President may be keen to maintain his perceived favourability among Floridians. Last month, President Trump met with Senator Rubio and told a press conference of their "very similar views on Cuba." Such a concession may also be necessary given the complexity of the issue, notes Sebastian Arcos, associate director of the Cuban Research Institute at Florida International University. "President Trump will delegate his Cuba policy to others he trusts and he assumes understand the issue better." "That means people like Senator Rubio or Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart will be quite influential in defining the new policy. "We don't know yet what such policy will look like, but based on the few signals from the Trump administration, it will be less congenial than Mr Obama's," Arcos noted.
Justin Solomon | CNBC
Following is the transcript of a CNBC interview with Kristalina Georgieva, CEO, World Bank. The interview was broadcast on CNBC on 21 March 2017.
All references must be sourced to a "CNBC Interview".
Interviewed by Geoff Cutmore, Anchor, CNBC at China Development Forum 2017.
Geoff Cutmore: Donald Trump is raising some interesting questions about the value of the current multilateral trading system we have, whether the IMF, the World Bank, are still going to be relevant going forward. How do you respond to that criticism?
Kristalina Georgieva: Well we have learned from our decades of experience that open economies create better opportunities for people in the developing countries, but also for people in the rich world. They have access to cheaper goods. They have a chance to actually export more when the purchasing power in the rest of the world is going up. But, we also have seen that very rapid shifts have created pockets of discontent, and people there are voicing discontent, this discontent very loudly. What we know is that anger is very loud, and it creates a noise curtain to those many millions who actually would like to see the world to be integrated and interconnected.
GC: But do you feel that you're beginning to be marginalized at the World Bank and that increasingly people are questioning what the role of the organization will be going forward?
KG: What we have received very recently is a very strong vote of confidence at the World Bank, with a record high replenishment of either the International Development Association. This is the resource we use for the poorest countries. We got seventy five billion dollars. And the United States is part of the contribution to this pool of money, because this is where we contribute the most to the security and safety of the whole world. We also continue to be quite relevant in middle income countries right here in China. The demand for the World Bank is very high for our money. Not so significant but for the knowledge, the expertise that comes with the money. And also the chance for us to learn from China and then transfer this knowledge elsewhere.
GC: You mentioned a sense of inequality. It seems that many countries that have run trade surpluses have had a free lunch from the trading system as it's been set up. Isn't it appropriate that countries like China and Germany get told to fall in line if they want to be part of the system going forward?
KG: What we see is in countries where there has been predominantly export orientation of their economies, a process of rebalancing. Here in China domestic consumption is jumping much faster than exports. And the same is happening in Germany. So these countries are recognizing that there has to be for domestic reason and also for their role in the world economy, rebalancing in that direction. The pressure that comes from voices that are saying "hey we rely on you", may accelerate this process but it's happening anyway.
GC: But in your speech here you talked about the need for competition. You talked about the need for proper financial restructuring. You talked about the need for proper restructuring of state owned enterprises and the removal of excess capacity. All terrific messages. But it's happening way too slowly in China isn't it? The reforms have stalled.
KG: What we see in China is moving towards more sophisticated reforms and they're tougher to do. And it is natural for the reform process to slow down when they are stepping into areas of demand and supply side policies, reforming that tax system for example. This is a major undertaking. And actually I think they're right to step into these new areas of reforms cautiously but not to give up. Our message to China is do move towards more sophisticated reforms. This is the only way you can see productivity going up. This is the only way you can sustain growth that is proportionate to the demands of the Chinese economy.
GC: So what's the message to Donald Trump who seems to be willing to roll back a trading system that you say has benefited many. Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater perhaps?
KG: It is a good message. You said it and I think it is one that probably would resonate with many around the world. When we look at the next years what we recognize is that we have gone through a very painful time since the financial crisis the world economy never recovered to the growth trajectory that it had before. And if you think of the reasons for that, it is slow productivity insufficient investment. So the U.S. needs a booster, the rest of the world needs a booster. Let's figure out a way to do it in a more mutually respectful manner.
GC: And part of the problem with the recovery process is central banks have created more debt. They have also funneled the wealth into the pockets of the very rich and many have felt left behind, which is why we have this wave of populism. How did we screw it up?
KG: It is very true that inequality has grown quite significantly, actually with the exception of China where since 2008 more attention is being paid to increasing inequality. And this is a problem that is solvable. Not one that we should just throw our arms in the air in desperation against. What we see is that countries where those who have lost their jobs because of either export or automation are being helped to adjust, have a lower degree of anti-globalization sentiment. So the lessons we should draw, is that if there is a problem let's concentrate on the problem and what is the best solution for it. Rather than deciding that we yes we should throw the baby with the bathwater.
GC: But the solutions at this point don't seem to be coming too easily, and in fact what we have is anger...
KG: And anger is very loud. It makes it impossible to hear the quiet voice of reason. We have to amplify this voice of reason, look objectively in what has made us a more prosperous world over the last decade. And what has gone wrong. Concentrate on fixing it.
"Cooperation is the correct choice," trumpeted the headline of the Xinhua news agency, which echoed conciliatory comments by Tillerson and President Xi Jinping and was carried by all state-run newspapers.
China's state-run media cheered Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's weekend visit to Beijing as a diplomatic win for the home team.
Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson before their meeting at at the Great Hall of the People on March 19, 2017 in Beijing, China.
Images of Xi and Tillerson standing and sitting next to each other in the Great Hall of the People dominated the main news programs on at least a dozen channels across China a sure sign that the government saw the visit as a success.
The coverage repeated the the fact that Tillerson used rosy catchphrases favored by Chinese officials and even echoed a crucial Xi statement issued after a meeting with Trump predecessor Barack Obama on Nov. 12, 2014.
"Tillerson assured Xi of the Trump administration's commitment to the principles of 'no confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect, win-win cooperation,'" according to an editorial in English-language China Daily. The language is viewed as highly significant in China, and an acknowledgement of the country's growing status and desire to be seen as an equal to the U.S.
On Sunday, Xi had praised Tillerson for trying hard to achieve a smooth transition in a new era.
"You said that China-U.S. relations can only be friendly," Xi said as the secretary of state finished up his visit. "I express my appreciation for this."
Tillerson's tone probably went too far for some of America's allies that have depended on U.S. backing to counter Chinese regional ambitions, expert An Gang told the Global Times newspaper.
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"'Mutual respect' will give U.S. allies in the Asia-Pacific region an impression that China and the U.S. are equal in the region," said the American studies expert at Pangoal Institution, a Beijing-based think tank. "To accept 'mutual respect' will undermine U.S. authority among its allies."
What a difference a few days make. Tillerson arrived to his first visit to Beijing Saturday with no shortage of thorny issues straining U.S.-China relations.
Following is the transcript of a CNBC interview with Lord Sassoon, Chairman of the China-Britain Business Council. The interview was broadcast on CNBC on 21 March 2017.
All references must be sourced to a "CNBC Interview".
Interviewed by Eunice Yoon, Beijing Bureau Chief, CNBC at China Development Forum 2017.
Eunice Yoon: I just want to get your thoughts on the messaging or the G20 finance ministers meeting on protectionism. Could you give us your thoughts?
Lord Sassoon: Well I am here in Beijing at the China Development Forum as you know, so I haven't been studying in detail what's been going on in Baden-Baden. But it's interesting talking to, particularly to the Chinese that of course they're not happy with the dropping of the references to free trade and combating protectionism. So I think they very much stand where the British government stands as still wanting to champion free trade and investment consistent with President Xi's speech in Davos. And so there's been quite a lot of talk aimed at the US about what has being going on in the G20.
EY: And as you said there was a lot of talk it's been aimed at the United States a lot of people criticizing President Trump. At the same time, we know here in China, China has been accused itself of being very protectionist. So should China take some of the responsibility as well?
Lord Sassoon: Well I think of course there's a difference between the rhetoric and delivery in many countries. You know the great thing is that if we take, which we should do, President Xi Jinping literally from his Davos speech then as business people we take great encouragement from that. But we will be pressing very hard to make sure that the Chinese live up to that.
EY: It seems as though in the Western world we are hearing voices that are more critical of China that they're getting more concerned about trade and market access especially European companies, American companies. Do you think that's the right track to take?
Lord Sassoon: Well I still think China is continuing to open up to foreign countries. So I think it's that - foreign companies - so I think it's a question of, not the direction of travel, but the speed of travel. And from a U.K. perspective, as we leave the European Union, we now have the opportunity to start bilateral trade talks with China and other countries so we'll be pressing very hard bilaterally to see what we can achieve for our companies to speed the opening up process. So of course, business people always wanted to go faster. But I think the direction of travel remains in the right direction.
EY: So what is the best way to deal with the Chinese?
Lord Sassoon: Well I think it's a lot about who they trust for long term relationships. That's the start of it so that the companies that I see here at the China Development Forum, many of them, the individuals, have been doing business with China for 20 years or more. And I think that, this may be hackneyed but it's you know it's it still remains true, but they want to see people who are their friends and they trust that they get to know in conjunction with great companies that have something to offer in this market either for consumers or in technology or in professional services. So it's that combination.
EY: Right after BREXIT, we heard a lot of concerns that some of the investment from China wouldn't necessarily go to the U.K. that there could be some diversification to Europe instead. Have any of those concerns become a reality?
Lord Sassoon: We've seen absolutely no evidence of that yet. I mean the first, of course, a big endorsement of Chinese investment into the U.K. after the BREXIT announcement was the Hinkley Point nuclear power station. I can't think there's any big Western country that would permit investment of that kind, and I think that's a great strength of the U.K. and it indicates that the U.K. is still going to remain as open for Chinese investment and that Chinese investment is still flowing to the U.K.. We've since then, we've seen a couple of weeks ago a very large further real estate transaction in the city of London so I think the signs are that it's business as usual.
EY: So it does seem as though this current administration is not as welcoming of Chinese investment as previous administrations?
Lord Sassoon: Well I wonder what the evidence for that is, I mean Theresa May took a pause, reviewed the Hinkley Point investments, and then after a few weeks said that it should go ahead. So if you welcome investment in nuclear power I think you are as welcome as any country in the world. So I know there is a feeling around and we've heard it here from one or two speakers in the forum in Beijing this weekend that suggest somehow that the U.K. is there with the U.S. bracketed as retreating from globalization. Well it's not my role anymore to speak for the U.K. government but all I see from the government in the U.K. and from British businesses is more of a global outlook and that's two-way both welcoming further investments into the U.K. but also being even hungrier to invest more in countries like China.
EY: How do you stop BREXIT and any uncertainty around it from becoming a deterrent to Chinese investment?
Lord Sassoon: Well I think the one area in which clearly there are difficult issues around financial services. I mean we've seen for example in manufacturing and in the motor industry the Japanese investors have been announcing big new investments both Nissan and Toyota, so I mean and that's not one for the Chinese because they're not big manufacturers in the U.K.. So I think for China in the U.K. they've principally be making investments in high tech related industry, real estate companies, utilities, there's no reason why that shouldn't continue. That's not affected by BREXIT. Of course the Chinese banks and securities companies in London will be asking, they are asking the same questions that all foreign financial services firms are asking in London. And all I can say is I was out here in Beijing very soon after the referendum with Philip Hammond the chancellor, he answered questions for the chief executives, the chairman, of a whole range of financial services companies in Beijing very directly and made it clear that maintaining London's position with passporting access to the EU was absolutely top of his agenda.
EY: Theresa May has been invited to a conference here, One Belt One Road, which is very important to the country. What kind of role do you think the U.K. will play in that initiative?
Lord Sassoon: Well I think the U.K. will continue to play a leading role all on One Belt One Road. I mean we were very pleased at the China-Britain Business Council that we were able to produce the first national report on belt and road. And actually I presented it to President Xi Jinping when he came out from under his state visit so to U.K. British business belt and road is not a new topic and our government really understands the importance of this as you can see perhaps from the early membership of the AIIB. Now, belt and road is much bigger than that, but the UK government really understands this is win-win territory for British business. British financial services, professional services, engineering design married up with Chinese construction and engineering muscle. Fantastic win-win.
As China continues to talk about opening up its economy, foreign investors keen on doing business there must be patient, cautioned former U.K. Treasury minister Lord James Sassoon.
Long-term relationships are key to corporate dealings on the mainland, Sassoon told CNBC at the China Development Forum in Beijing.
"They want to see people who are their friends in conjunction with great companies that have something to offer in this market either for consumers or in technology or in professional services. It's that combination."
He noted that many of the individuals at the forum have been present on the mainland for at least two decades.
Hailing from the historic Sassoon family, who were dubbed the "Rothschilds of the East" for their merchant empire across Asia, Lord Sassoon is currently chairman of the China-Britain Business Council as well as director of Jardine Matheson , Dairy Farm , Hongkong Land , Mandarin Oriental and Jardine Lloyd Thompson .
"China is continuing to open up to foreign countries...It's a question of, not the direction of travel, but the speed of travel," Sassoon said. "Business people always want to go faster."
A general view of a butchers shop, in Sao Paulo, Brazil on March 20, 2017. Leonardo Benassatto | Anadolu Agency | Getty Images
Fallout from a meatpacking industry scandal in Brazil, the world's biggest exporter of beef and poultry, widened on Monday as China, the EU, South Korea and Chile curtailed meat imports from the country after inspectors were accused of taking bribes to allow sales of tainted food.
With other import curbs expected to follow, the scandal stemming from a Brazilian police operation codenamed "Weak Flesh" could deal a heavy blow to one of the few sectors of Latin America's largest economy that has thrived during a two-year recession.
The police investigation of Brazil's meatpacking industry is the latest to cast a spotlight on unsavory business practices in the country. Brazil is still reeling from massive graft scandals involving state-controlled oil company Petrobras and construction and engineering firm Odebrecht.
Police on Friday named BRF and JBS , along with dozens of smaller rivals, in a two-year probe into how meatpackers allegedly paid off inspectors and politicians to overlook practices including processing rotten meat and shipping exports with traces of salmonella.
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JBS is the world's largest meat producer and BRF the biggest poultry exporter.
The companies have denied any wrongdoing, and authorities have said no cases of death or illness have been linked to the tainted meat investigation.
Brazil's President Michel Temer has sought to downplay the scandal, saying it involved only 21 of Brazil's more than 4,800 meat processing units. But Francisco Turra, head of Brazilian beef producers association ABPA, told reporters it had put the entire meat industry in jeopardy and "destroyed" a hard-won image of quality products.
China, which accounted for nearly one-third of the Brazilian meatpacking industry's $13.9 billion in exports last year, suspended imports of all meat products from Brazil as a precautionary measure.
The European Union suspended imports from four Brazilian meat processing facilities, ABPA said Monday, citing the nation's agriculture ministry.
Ricardo Santin, ABPA's vice president of markets, said two of the suspended plants process poultry, one beef and the other horse meat. One of the poultry plants is operated by BRF, said Santin.
In a statement, BRF said the company has not received any formal notice from Brazilian or foreign authorities related to the suspension of its plants.
Brazil's agriculture ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
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South Korea's agriculture ministry said in a statement that it would tighten inspections of imported Brazilian chicken meat and temporarily bar sales of chicken products by BRF. More than 80 percent of the 107,400 tonnes of chicken that South Korea imported last year came from Brazil, and BRF supplied almost half of that.
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Tencent's headquarters in Shenzhen, China, pictured in August 2016. Bloomberg | Getty Images
The combined worth of the 100 most valuable Chinese brands expanded to hit a new high in 2017, boosted by rapid growth in the technology, travel and education sectors, according to a report published on Monday. As a whole, the brands grew 6 per cent to a total value of US$$557.1 billion despite the mainland's economic slowdown, said the report compiled by Kantar Millward Brown, a consumer insights research agency under the world's largest advertising firm WPP. More from the South China Morning Post:
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Technology giant Tencent Holdings remained China's most valuable brand, growing by 29 per cent to US$106 billion thanks to the popularity of social media platform WeChat, according to the 2017 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Chinese Brands. Alibaba Group , owner of the South China Morning Post and operator of the world's largest online shopping platforms, takes second place with a brand value of US$58 billion, up 22 per cent from a year earlier. The ranking counts Alibaba on its own, excluding its affiliate Ant Financial, which operates the electronic payments platform that for Alibaba's online shopping.
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Alibaba is closely followed by telecoms firm China Mobile with a brand value of US$57.9 billion, inching up 1 per cent year on year. The rankings are based on the companies' financial performance, as well as opinions gathered from interviews with more than 400,000 Chinese consumers. The sectors that enjoyed the fastest growth benefited from serving China's urban middle class, the report said, adding that brands that clearly meet a defined consumer need will thrive. "The brand power - which tests consumer inclination to select a given brand - of Chinese brands continues to grow and for the first time has started to surpass that of multinational rival brands," said Deepender Rana, chief executive officer, Greater China, at Kantar Insights. "We expect this trend to accelerate in future years as Chinese companies realise they need to build differentiated brands to command a premium in a competitive market, where penetration-led growth is plateauing off in many categories." As China pivots to a consumption-led economy, the most impressive performances have been posted by brands providing products and services for the growing middle classes, according to the report.
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Vodafone Group CEO Vittorio Colao (R) shakes hand with chairman of India's Aditya Birla Group Kumar Mangalam Birla during a news conference in Mumbai on March 20, 2017. Punit Paranjpe | AFP | Getty Images
Britain's Vodafone Group and Idea Cellular agreed on Monday to merge their Indian operations in a $23 billion deal, creating the country's biggest telecoms business after the entry of a new rival sparked a brutal price war.
The combined entity would have almost 400 million customers, overtaking market leader Bharti Airtel to account for about 40 percent of revenue of the world's second-biggest mobile phone services market by users after China.
The deal shows how India's mobile industry is being transformed by the launch of Reliance Jio Infocomm's 4G mobile broadband network last year.
Built at a cost of more than $20 billion by India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, Jio has offered free services for months.
That has forced India's three biggest operators - Bharti, Vodafone and Idea - to slash prices and accept lower profits, and sparked a wave of consolidation.
Vodafone, the world's second-largest cellphone operator, had previously sought to leave joint ventures it did not control but Chief Executive Vittorio Colao said the group had to be realistic in such a challenging market.
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"This improves the industry structure and it also equips us and Idea to be much more competitive in the future," he told reporters. "I have no doubt that the Indian market will remain competitive but nothing can be free forever and we will be in a better position."
The two companies, which said in January that they were in talks, will have to shed spectrum in some areas to meet India's rules, although Colao said it would be "small". The deal is expected to close in 2018.
Shares in Idea rose as much as 14.3 percent after the news but then fell 10 percent to 97.70 rupees as traders said the implied deal price for Idea was well below the stock's closing price of 108.10 rupees on Friday. Vodafone shares were up 0.7 percent at 1415 GMT.
Idea said the rough deal price worked out at 72.5 rupees per share, adding that this figure was for illustrative purposes and was not the actual price.
Deal contours
Under the deal, Vodafone will own 45.1 percent of the merged entity, after it transfers about 4.9 percent to promoters of Idea or their affiliates for 38.74 billion rupees ($592.15 million) in cash, Idea said.
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Aditya Birla Group, the majority owner of Idea, will own 26 percent while other shareholders will own the remaining 28.9 percent. Aditya Birla and Vodafone eventually aim to own an equal share of the joint venture, with a combined enterprise value of $23.2 billion.
Vodafone, which will cut its net debt by about $8.2 billion with the deal, has endured a tumultuous ride since it entered India in 2007, with a high-profile tax battle and a long-delayed Indian listing. The South Asian country contributes more than 10 percent of its revenues.
Colao said on Friday the pending case, with India demanding more than $2 billion in taxes, will not affect the deal, which needs regulatory approval.
Investors have welcomed Vodafone's move to address its most difficult market, with the deal enabling the British company to reduce leverage and gain additional financial flexibility which could help it to invest more in Europe.
"This looks like a good deal for Vodafone shareholders based on hugely sensible strategic logic, which values Vodafone India at a premium to our valuation, and opens the door to significantly greater synergies than we had anticipated," analysts at Berenberg said.
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Hotel construction continues apace in the United States, and dozens of new properties are expected to open this year in two major corporate and tourist destinations, New York and Los Angeles. But the three other cities with the most hotels projected to open in 2017, according to the industry research company STR, are all in Texas Dallas, Houston and Austin.
There had not been a hotel building boom in Texas in about a decade, said Daniel Moon, the vice president of the Sam Moon Group, a developer of shopping centers and hotels in the Dallas area. But recent relocations by corporate headquarters and population growth have been driving new demand, and there is still plenty of open space to build on around the major cities, he said. Mr. Moon's company, which has been in business since the mid-1980s, is building its own first full-service hotel, a Marriott Renaissance in Plano, part of the Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area.
The state's development-friendly attitudes are also a major driver, though each city's particular circumstances have also helped fuel the growth.
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The hotel industry in general has benefited from a strong national economy. As a result, the industry has experienced significant growth in the past seven years, said Eric Jacobs, the chief development officer in North America of Marriott Select Brands.
One bellwether measurement is revenue per available room, which is the hotel industry's average daily room rate multiplied by its occupancy. Revenue per available room has had 83 straight months of year-over-year growth in the United States. In the past five to six years, hotels have also had the highest occupancy rates the industry has ever experienced, according to STR.
The number of new hotels in Texas is notable. In 2017, Marriott plans to open eight hotels in Austin, seven in Houston and 23 in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, according to the company. Ninety-two other Marriott hotels are in the planning stages for the three metro areas. Hilton says it is planning for 75 new hotels there. InterContinental Hotels Group has more than 100 hotel projects in the Austin, Dallas and Houston metro areas, including the Candlewood Suites, Crowne Plaza, Even Hotels, Holiday Inn Express, Holiday Inn, Hotel Indigo, InterContinental Hotels and Resorts and Staybridge Suites brands.
Austin is home to the state capital; the University of Texas at Austin, a campus with 50,000 students; and a long list of technology companies. Its growing recreation and dining scene is attracting more leisure travelers, filling guest rooms on weekends and making the city "more of a seven-day-a-week hotel market," according to Tim Powell, the managing director for development for Hilton's southwest region.
Houston, by contrast, "has always been a Monday through Thursday hotel market," because so many of its travelers are there for business in the oil and gas industry, he said. The city is trying to diversify its economy by building meeting services.
"The state is looking for supertanker hotels to put in next to convention centers," said Lauro Ferroni, the global head for research for the hotels and hospitality group at JLL, an international real estate investment, management and research firm based in Chicago. A 1,000-room Marriott Marquis recently opened next to the Houston convention center.
In the Dallas area, a number of large mixed-use developments are going up. One area, called "the $5 Billion Mile," is being built in Frisco, in easy driving distance from both downtown Dallas and Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Anchored by a new Dallas Cowboys headquarters, training center and indoor stadium, the area will include corporate office space, stores and housing. Seven hotels have been announced so far.
All three metropolitan areas have comparatively few environmental regulations and an expanse of cheap land, and they put a premium on rapid approval of development, Mr. Powell, of Hilton, said.
Local and state governments, known to favor spending on business interests over social programs, compete to offer sales tax breaks, real estate tax abatements and other incentives to draw in developers.
They also "invest in roads and other infrastructure, which helps attract manufacturing, fill office space, and that drives demand for hotel rooms," Mr. Jacobs said.
A move toward repurposing unused office space and other buildings, along with a tax credit, has also made hotel projects possible. Two examples are the new Westin in Dallas and a JW Marriott in Houston, Mr. Ferroni said. These kinds of projects would not be viable without government financial support, he said.
New boutique and lifestyle hotel brands like Element and Aloft that started in Miami, San Francisco and New York are also now making their way to Texas, Mr. Ferroni said.
There are always risks of overbuilding, Mr. Powell said. Even in the quick-build ecosystem of Texas, the time it takes to go from researching the idea of a new hotel to actually opening it can be three years or more. In that time, energy prices can significantly affect the Texas economy. "Because oil and gas prices have been low for the past few years, some projects in Houston have slowed or stalled," Mr. Powell said.
The overall risk to hotel companies like Hilton and Marriott is limited, though, because they no longer own the majority of the properties that bear their name. Instead, they lease their brand names to independent developers, owners and real estate trusts.
Hotel chains have become more "asset light" in the past 10 years, said Jeff Higley, the vice president for digital media and communications and the editorial director of Hotel News Now. "They want to manage and franchise the properties but don't want to have real estate on their balance sheets."
STR estimates that the hotels under construction in these three areas are owned by more than 60 companies.
Hotel owners in Texas are generally local developers and corporations. "It's a connected community," Mr. Powell said. "If you're already in the business, you're likely to hear before an investor in New York or San Francisco when land is available for sale. You know the permitting process and what you need to do, so you can move quickly."
Of course, there are downsides to all this construction. Two of the metro areas, Houston and Dallas, have struggled with high levels of air pollution, and construction contributes to that through land clearing, the operation of diesel engines, working with toxic chemicals and dust creation. Surface water runoff at the construction site can also carry pollutants into local waterways and groundwater.
The proliferation of hotels also means more competition, even within the same parent companies. Hotel builders, however, are betting that the overall growth in convention, business and tourist travel will more than compensate.
They discussed Greece's bailout. They grappled with pension issues. They pored over draft budgets.
But Monday's meeting of the Eurogroup, the 19 finance ministers from countries that share the euro, was most notable for what it did not address: the future of their president.
Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the Dutch finance minister and current president of the Eurogroup, has been one of the public faces of austerity in Europe. He has been praised for helping lay the foundations for the region's economic recovery, but has been scorned for arguing in favor of fiscal restraint even as countries like Italy and Greece have struggled to overcome economic downturns.
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Now, his fate is in doubt after last week's election in the Netherlands. With his Dutch Labor Party recording a poor showing at the polls, he will probably lose his post as finance minister, meaning he will be replaced in the Eurogroup by the end of his term early next year.
The fight to fill the impending vacancy is likely to kick off a wave of jockeying among member states. The head of the Eurogroup plays an intensely political role, setting the tone for a bloc of ministers that presses individual governments to shore up their finances and grants political approval for bailouts.
Candidates are already being discussed, including Spain's center-right economy minister and a Socialist member of the Slovak government. But whatever minister prevails, Germany, the region's heavyweight economy, is still expected to dominate on issues like Greece's bailout and regional budgetary rigor.
"Dijsselbloem has essentially been Germany's agent in the Eurogroup," said Mujtaba Rahman, the Europe director of the Eurasia Group, a political risk consultancy.
Mr. Dijsselbloem had been his country's finance minister for a matter of months when he took over as head of the Eurogroup in early 2013, and his tenure had a rocky start.
An expert in agricultural economics who studied in Ireland and lives in the Dutch countryside, he incited controversy by endorsing a bailout of Cyprus that forced losses on many ordinary depositors.
Though Mr. Dijsselbloem conceded that he made mistakes, and the Cypriot government agreed to a revised deal that put a greater burden on richer depositors, the stage was set for even tenser negotiations with Greece.
By early 2015, Greece had been subject to years of tough austerity, and an increasing number of people were fed up with the seemingly never-ending belt-tightening measures sought by creditors. Thousands flocked to exuberant rallies against the country's lenders.
In January of that year, Greeks voted in Syriza, a far-left party that campaigned on a broad pledge to roll back years of austerity measures, restoring cuts to salaries and pensions and securing a write-off of the country's huge debt burden. At the center of that effort was Yanis Varoufakis, Greece's combative finance minister.
At a joint news conference with Mr. Dijsselbloem in Athens, Mr. Varoufakis flatly rejected working with the so-called troika the European Commission, the International Monetary Fund and the European Central Bank which had jointly demanded spending cuts and tax increases in exchange for loans.
Those comments prompted a stony-faced Mr. Dijsselbloem to admonish his Greek counterpart for effectively seeking to derail the talks.
Behind closed doors, the atmosphere was even worse. In one meeting of finance ministers in February 2015, the pair called each other liars and nearly came to blows, Pierre Moscovici, the European commissioner in charge of economic and financial affairs, told a French journalist.
Then, after Mr. Varoufakis left a pivotal meeting in late June, the Eurogroup's finance ministers continued to confer. Mr. Dijsselbloem said the session would proceed "without the Greek colleague," declining to even use his counterpart's name.
The clashes between the two men inspired a Dutch rap video, and although Mr. Varoufakis was replaced by Euclid Tsakalotos in July 2015, he remained critical in his references to Mr. Dijsselbloem, writing in April 2016 that they were never going to have "a beautiful friendship."
Ultimately, the Eurogroup failed to reach a deal with Greece, and it fell to national leaders like Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Mark Rutte of Holland to negotiate an agreement. Athens was forced to create a 50 billion euro, or $53.6 billion, privatization fund to help pay down debt in exchange for an international bailout, its third since 2010.
Mr. Dijsselbloem certainly presided over more than an unending series of crises.
The eurozone has expanded under his watch, with Latvia and Lithuania joining in 2014 and 2015. Eurogroup meetings have also run far more smoothly than under his predecessor, Jean-Claude Juncker, the current president of the European Commission, according to finance ministers and European officials.
And since the European Central Bank introduced an effective backstop in 2012, buying bonds from eurozone countries with distressed economies, the Eurogroup has also allowed countries like France and Italy significant fiscal leeway.
"Dijsselbloem is widely perceived as a good chair of the Eurogroup who has exercised a steady hand," said Guntram B. Wolff, the director of Bruegel, a Brussels think tank.
But Greece has loomed large over Mr. Dijsselbloem's tenure, and is likely to dominate his successor's priorities.
The country's debt still stands at 180 percent of gross domestic product, and nearly a quarter of the population is unemployed. The prospects for economic recovery remain bleak. Fearful of the political uncertainty caused by seemingly unending bailout talks, foreign investors have been wary of putting money into Greece.
More recently, Mr. Dijsselbloem has tried to forge a more equitable policy for the country, pushing for meaningful ways to ease its debt burden. Last year, he drafted a three-stage debt-relief plan that was eventually accepted, albeit only after it was watered down in the face of opposition from Germany.
The Dutch politician was "very austere" at the outset of talks with the newly elected Syriza government in 2015, said Georgios Kyrtsos, a conservative Greek member of the European Parliament. But he became "more constructive" as time went on, and Mr. Kyrtsos described him as "extremely capable."
As a result, views of him improved. Anger toward Ms. Merkel or Wolfgang Schauble, Germany's finance minister, is much fiercer within Greece, and Mr. Dijsselbloem's relations with Mr. Tsakalotos are a world apart from his confrontations with Mr. Varoufakis.
And while many in the country celebrated when his Dutch Labor Party suffered heavy losses at the polls, several Greeks were circumspect about who might replace him and whether such a swap would have any impact.
Germany holds outsize influence within the European Union, and in the Eurogroup in particular. Changing the bloc's leader is unlikely to have much impact on decision-making in Berlin.
"He's just a yes-man of Europe," said Yiannis Garoutsos, 52, an electrician in Athens. "He was just doing Germany's dirty work.
"They'll find someone just as accommodating to replace him."
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Almost half of small British businesses would prefer to trade with the U.S. than other major international markets if blocked off from the European Union after Brexit, according to a new report.
The findings from Britain's Federation of Small Businesses released Tuesday highlight the importance of establishing a new trade deal between the U.K. and the U.S., as 49 percent of small business owners say they would look first to business opportunities across the pond if they are unable to retain a free trade relationship with the EU once the country leaves the EU.
The U.S. ranks ahead of Australia (29 percent), China (28 percent) and Canada (23 percent), according to an online survey of over 1,750 small business owners, giving support to Prime Minister Theresa's May's plans to establish a new trade agreement with the U.S.
During a trip to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in January, May outlined her hopes to "lay the groundwork for U.K.-US trade agreement and identify the practical steps we can take now in order to enable companies in both countries to trade and do business with one another more easily."
Last month, a study from the British Chamber of Commerce found that 25 percent of U.K. firms plan to increase their export resources to the U.S. in the next five years, making it the most preferred of all non-EU markets.
Despite this, continued membership of the EU's single market remains the greatest priority on the wish lists of 63 percent of small UK's businesses, the FSB report suggests, mounting further pressure on May to secure the U.K.'s trading future with the EU.
Over half (58 percent) of smaller U.K. firms say they find the EU easier to trade with than non-EU markets under current arrangements, while nearly half (45 percent) and over half (53 percent) of importers find it cheaper.
However, one in four (27 percent) of exporting firms claim they would be deterred from trading with the EU if any tariffs are imposed while one third say they would be put off by tariffs of 2 percent or more.
"Small firms trade with countries based on ease, cost and value and any future trade deal must deliver on these key aspects both with the EU single market and non-EU markets," commented Mike Cherry, FSB National Chairman.
"Compared to larger companies, small businesses typically work to tighter margins with limited resources, meaning changes to the trading landscape will hit them disproportionately hard. We call on the Government to ensure that a sensible phased implementation arrangement is put in place to avoid a cliff edge, once we have left the EU."
Britain's Department for Exiting the EU announced Monday that it will ensure that Britain remains "the best place in Europe to run and grow a business of any size".
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A border adjustment tax will probably make an appearance in the final tax reform plan, the Republicans' chief tax writer in the House of Representatives, Rep. Kevin Brady, told CNBC on Tuesday.
"My sense is that border adjustability has become a given. That it will be part of the final tax reform plan and now the discussions are how can it be designed in transition in a very positive way for importers," the chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee said on "Squawk Box."
"Because for the rest of businesses, and I would say for importers as well, looking at this strong economy, taxing everyone equally in the U.S., eliminating any tax incentives to move overseas and making sure made in America products can compete around the world ... everyone wants that in the final tax reform plan," he said.
A border adjustment tax, which would levy fees on imports, is a core part of a broad tax reform "blueprint" being pushed by House Republicans, including Speaker Paul Ryan and Brady.
The retail industry is intensely concerned about the idea of a border adjusted tax because it would presumably increase the cost of the goods they import from places like Asia.
Last month, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC that the Trump administration is listening to an array of businesses that are concerned about the impact of a border adjusted tax on their profits.
"We're reaching out to business, not just big business but small- and medium-sized businesses also, and we're listening to what people have to say," Mnuchin said.
Brady on Tuesday said he does not speak for the president or the Senate. He added: "People are coming to realize that as a key component tied the lower rates, no longer taxing worldwide, the critical role that border adjustability plays in being able to leapfrog from now 31st in the world in competitiveness up to third and keeping us there for the long term is really key."
Reuters contributed to this report.
Following is the transcript of a CNBC interview with Leif Johansson, Chairman of Ericsson. The interview was broadcast on CNBC on 21 March 2017.
All references must be sourced to a "CNBC Interview".
Interviewed by Eunice Yoon, Beijing Bureau Chief, CNBC, at China Development Forum 2017.
Eunice Yoon: China has very ambitious plans to upgrade its technology and manufacturing. What does that mean for Europe?
Leif Johansson: I think it is really good news for Europe and I think in general that the world is doing well by us investing, all of us investing more in technology, communication technology in my case, but also sustainable technology, environmental technology. Upgrades of technology typically bring with it a better environment for many of the people that are involved. So I think China leading on, wanting to be on board of that is very good.
EY: At the same time, we know that there are some jitters in Germany for example or in the United States about China becoming a leader in technology, acquiring technology. Are those fears justified?
LJ: No I'm not, I'm not concerned. I frankly think you see that much more as a normal development. China has come into the world economy and I would say again if you look at it with historic eyes we have been engaging a lot in China as companies and as countries. China is now engaging in the outside of China which I think is a very natural development. It needs to be done in a peaceful respectful way. But that's always true.
EY: What opportunities do you see for Ericsson in China?
LJ: We clearly have a situation where China is becoming very sophisticated in communication technology. There is an assessment here that China will be building some of the most modern infrastructural critical networks. And obviously we are very much part of that.
EY: In what way?
LJ: In the sense that we are delivering very highly sophisticated, very high speeds, low latency etc., networks all over the world, and we feel that we together with all the people that we have 11,000 people in China we can do that in China also.
EY: As you said China's growing really fast and we know that China wants to push through economic reforms. At the same time, a lot of foreign companies especially European ones have been complaining about the lack of market access. What are you seeing in your business in your industry?
LJ: It is an issue. It's obvious that if China is to be part of the overall global economy and be able to take its rightful part in the world economy then market access and the level playing field, just as we have defined in WTO rules, are important for China to come into the world in the right way.
EY: What do you think governments in Europe or in the United States should be doing to try to even out that playing field?
LJ: Well I think right now you can say it's very important that we hold on to what we have gained over the last couple of decades, which is a much freer world trade regime, where basically all countries have benefited a lot. China has to be developed very well under that regime. So I think it's very, right now, very important that we hold on to multilateral trade agreements in the best sense of that word.
EY: I want to ask you a little bit about your company more specifically. Ericsson has had a pretty rough 2016 falling profits, a change in management. What do you think the new CEO will do differently to ensure stability of the company and improve profits?
LJ: Well I think obviously 2016 was a fairly unique year. We had the whole of the CapEx in all of our countries where we are operating coming down and then we are somewhat in an expectation mode for 5G coming in next couple of years. I think the real number one issue with Mr. Ekholm, the new CEO, is going to make sure we get 5G well, get well-positioned and that we can roll out 5G and the earlier the better.
EY: Well 5G seems like a longer term plan. So is there anything that could be happening closer to this time that would help drive growth new areas or anything like that?
LJ: I think the growth will be coming from where we really are very strong at which is networks. And then we have a big service arm and then individually there are different countries that do different differently well. But obviously the big thing is really IOT. How will we be able to connect not only people but actually things and billions of things onto the networks? Now that requires a lot of technology and it requires a lot of services provided from us to operators to be able to do that well. When operators are successful in being able to get a higher value of their delivery, then we too can be successful.
EY: What kind of role do you think Ericsson will have in cloud computing?
LJ: I think cloud computing is frankly becoming computing. That's the way things are. The way we used to do computing with local service and small computers etc., is gone. And especially when we come into 5G we have an enormous opportunity to be able to put everything in the cloud, which is where I think it should be. And that also gives the opportunity for many, for example, small or medium-sized companies to really be able to get the resources of what used to be for only large companies before. So I think there is a giant ability to transform a company and businesses in general enterprise in general into much, much more efficient structures by clarification.
EY: You have a strategic partnership with Cisco. What kind of relationship do you want to have with that American company?
LJ: Well we have a good relationship with Cisco right now. Fairly limited and I think from that point of view, we are satisfied with what we see. And obviously as we develop as partners we are going to assess how what we can do more together.
EY: Because of the fact that you guys have a relationship that's been fueling some speculation that there might be an acquisition or a merger of sorts between the two of you. Can you rule that out altogether?
LJ: No, I can only tell you that I have never been involved in any such discussions. Therefore, a hypothetical issue to comment on.
EY: Would you want to have those discussions?
LJ: No.
EY: OK thank you very much.
China should provide the same degree of market access to foreign companies as Chinese firms are receiving in other countries, Ericsson's chairman told CNBC.
"It's obvious that if China is to be part of the overall global economy and be able to take its rightful part in the world economy, then market access and the level playing field just as we have defined in WTO rules are important for China to come into the world in the right way," Ericsson's Leif Johansson said in an interview at the China Development Forum.
Foreign businesses have long complained about the lack of market access and protectionist policies that benefit Chinese firms, and a European Union Chamber of Commerce report in March said that China had violated its free-trade pledges by inducing foreign firms to give up encryption and other technology to potential Chinese competitors.
German food delivery start-up Delivery Hero remains unwilling to rush its long-rumored initial public offering (IPO) plans although the company's chief executive told CNBC on Tuesday it has the luxury of being able to do so at any time.
Delivery Hero, which is estimated to be valued at around $3 billion, had previously indicated back in 2015 that an IPO could be imminent, yet almost two years later its floatation does not appear to be forthcoming.
"We are in a position where we could at any point in time decide to go public (though) at the same time we don't have really a rush," CEO Niklas Ostberg told CNBC on Tuesday.
"For us it was never a goal to be a public company, it was a goal to build a really good service and we will only go public when we really feel like that is going to improve our service and further expand our business," Ostberg added.
The company now operates in 27 countries with approximately 17 million monthly users yet Ostberg underlined that the food delivery space continued to be a highly competitive market and therefore the online food delivery company must continue to prioritize growth.
In December 2016, Delivery Hero acquired one of its most sought-after competitors Foodpanda, itself a Berlin-based start-up, in an attempt to strengthen its global leadership position.
When asked whether 2017 could be the year the company goes public, Ostberg refused to speculate on such a possibility.
"I think as a group we are not profitable and in particular after that acquisition of Foodpanda, we are continuing to invest and grow the business faster," he concluded.
Judge Neil Gorsuch Getty Images
As Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch enters his second day of confirmation hearings in the Senate, his fate is dependent upon the support of Democratic senators who are embroiled in partisan fighting over the politics of the high court and a controversial president. Democrats' concerns could lead to an explosive fight on the Senate floor that would hold up his nomination and potentially force Republicans to enact the so-called "nuclear option," a procedural move that would blow up Senate rules to pass President Donald Trump's nominee. More from NBC News:
Seven Players to Watch During the Gorsuch Confirmation
Gorsuch Presents Himself as a Consensus Builder as Hearings Begin
Trump Deadline: Thursday Is 'Our Chance' to End Obamacare Operating in a hyper-partisan era with an unpopular new president, Gorsuch's judicial leanings will be one area of focus for Democrats, but hard feelings felt by Democrats over Republicans blocking the last Supreme Court nominee and Gorsuch's independence from President Donald Trump are other areas of concern. For now, it appears Republicans have the votes to get their nominee confirmed but it remains to be seen just how far they will need to go to get there. Here's a look at the major factors at play:
An Independent Judiciary
Trump's attacks on the judiciary has complicated things for his nominee. While Gorsuch, currently a judge on the 10th circuit court, has been preparing for the confirmation process, Trump has made comments that appear to diminish the crucial role of the judiciary overall. Gorsuch has called those attacks "disheartening," but Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., who is one of Gorsuch's most outspoken critics, said that the nominee has yet to prove that he would truly act independently from the president. "We meet this week in a looming constitutional crisis," Blumenthal said during his opening statement before the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday. "Just hours ago, not far from here, the director of the FBI revealed that his agency is investigating potential ties between Pres. Trump's associates and Russian meddling in our election. The possibility of the Supreme Court needing to enforce a subpoena against the president is no longer idle speculation." Even one Republican senator has voiced concerns about Gorsuch's independence from Trump and the executive branch. "I'm interested mostly in his view about the separation of powers," Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, told reporters as he walked into the hearing room in a Senate office building Monday morning.
The Politics
But it's Democrats who will almost certainly decide Gorsuch's course in the senate. Both Sens. Blumenthal and Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, have said they are willing to attempt to block Gorsuch's nomination and a handful of others have already come out in opposition, including Sens. Cory Booker of New Jersey and Sherrod Brown of Ohio. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has been highly skeptical of Gorsuch. Gorsuch needs the support of 60 senators to clear a key procedural hurdle called cloture. With only 52 Republicans, at least eight Democrats will have to support him in that effort. There are a handful of Democrats, mostly who face tough reelections next year, who could support him, including Sens. Joe Manchin of W.V. and Heidi Heitkamp of N.D. Whether there are enough to get to 60 votes remains unclear. Republicans can change the Senate rules, however, to require only a simple majority, a tactic known as going "nuclear," which is something that Trump has encouraged. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell won't publicly entertain the idea yet. Former Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid used this maneuver for cabinet nominations when President Obama was in office, something that Schumer has said he regrets now that he leads the minority. Whether now-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell will follow suit remains the biggest question for the Gorsuch vote because doing so would change Senate rules going forward for Supreme Court nominees, impacting the minority party's ability to influence the process in the years ahead.
Open Wounds From Garland Nomination
Democrats are have another issue of concern that, again, doesn't have anything to do directly with Gorsuch Merrick Garland, President Obama's nominee for the same seat who never received a hearing from the GOP-controlled senate. When Justice Antonin Scalia died more than a year ago, leaving the court with only eight justices, then-President Obama nominated Garland, a center-left judge, to fill the opening. But McConnell's GOP blocked the Senate from taking up the nomination, a move that while successful in preventing Garland from being elevated to the high court, left Democrats bitter. "As you know, I played arguably the single biggest role in having the vacancy there," McConnell said at Politico Playbook breakfast earlier this month. And McConnell said the move helped Trump win the election. "And politically, oddly enough, not only did it not hurt our guys who were running, it actually helped the president bring Republicans home, and he ended up getting 90 percent of the Republican vote, just like Mitt Romney did, and the single biggest issue was, 'who do I want to make this Supreme Court appointment.'" Democrats are entering Gorsuch's confirmation hearing with that episode still fresh in their minds not only was Obama blocked from getting his nominee, but at least McConnell, one of the best political strategists in Washington, thinks Trump won because of it. Such grudges don't die easily and at least three Democrats mentioned Garland in their opening statements on the first day of the hearing Monday. And Neal Katyal, the solicitor general for President Obama, gave a glowing testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee on Gorsuch's behalf Monday, but he said Democrats' anger over the blockade against Garland is legitimate. "It's a tragedy of massive proportions that Merrick Garland" was not confirmed to the court, Katyal said, but added that if a member can "be open" to a new nominee, then Gorsuch is a capable and strong candidate.
The Democratic Base
People walk past the "Ivanka Trump Collection" shop in the lobby at Trump Tower in New York.
What role Ivanka Trump plays in her father's White House is among the pressing questions at the intersection of politics and business under the Trump administration.
Since her father became president, Ms. Trump has sat in meetings with political and business leaders at the White House, drawing criticism that she could use her informal adviser role to promote her brand. Now, she also works out of a West Wing office and is in the process of getting a security clearance and government-issued devices.
To address those concerns, Ms. Trump handed over day-to-day control of her company to her top executive, Abigail Klem, and transferred its assets to a new trust overseen by relatives of her husband.
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But details of the arrangement, which have not been disclosed, indicate how much power Ms. Trump continues to hold over the brand that bears her name..
Under the trust, which was executed in the first week of March, Ms. Trump may address potential conflicts in one of two ways: recuse herself from related White House business or veto a potential business deal for her company, said Jamie Gorelick, a longtime ethics lawyer in Washington who is an independent adviser to the Ivanka M. Trump Business Trust.
Ms. Trump is the sole beneficiary, said Ms. Gorelick, who provided details of the trust and Ms. Trump's expanding White House role in interviews.
On Monday, Ms. Trump said the trust was part of a voluntary pledge to follow rules placed on government employees.
For about a decade, Ms. Trump has licensed her name to partners that manufacture her clothes, shoes and other items. Ms. Trump, who appeared in her own advertisements, was the face of it all. Her brand is privately held, meaning that its inner workings, partners and investments are not subject to public disclosure.
Under the new arrangement, Ms. Trump will no longer appear in advertisements, Ms. Gorelick said, and she has separated her business and personal social media accounts. Photos of her posing next to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau of Canada or the chief executive of Boeing have replaced pictures of her shoes and handbags on her personal Instagram account.
Ms. Trump could have opted for a blind trust, which keeps beneficiaries in the dark about their assets a move favored by modern presidents but not commonly used by employees in the executive branch, said Richard W. Painter, the chief White House ethics adviser under President George W. Bush.
That was an untenable option for Ms. Trump, Ms. Gorelick said, because it would have forced her to sell the company, giving another owner the ability to use the family name.
"Ivanka created the trust to separate herself from the business and implement controls and processes that facilitate compliance with ethical requirements," Ms. Gorelick said.
In a statement, Ms. Trump said she would continue to offer "candid advice and counsel" to her father, who has resisted calls for a blind trust. Instead, President Trump has moved his business interests into a trust overseen by his eldest son, Donald Trump Jr., and Allen H. Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of his real estate company, the Trump Organization. The president will continue to receive reports on the company's profit and loss.
Ms. Trump will receive regular financial reports on her company. Her brother-in-law, Josh Kushner, and her sister-in-law, Nicole Meyer, are her named trustees.
"While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees," Ms. Trump said in a statement.
But even if Ms. Trump is trying to tread carefully, her trust raises questions about how effectively a voluntary arrangement can minimize conflicts, said Norman L. Eisen, the chief White House ethics adviser under President Barack Obama.
"There's no enforcement," he said. "If this is voluntary, what if she voluntarily decides not to do it?"
Ms. Gorelick is acting purely as an adviser and does not have the power to make decisions about deals on Ms. Trump's behalf.
Questions about Ms. Trump's potential conflicts of interest have trailed her from nearly the moment her father won the presidency. She was criticized over the promotion of a $10,800 bracelet from her fashion line that she wore during her family's Nov. 13 interview on "60 Minutes" on CBS. Ms. Klem blamed a well-intentioned marketing executive. In December, The New York Times reported that she had joined her father's meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan even as her brand was completing a deal with a company whose largest shareholder was a bank owned by the Japanese government. The deal was called off after the Times article appeared.
Unlike her husband, Jared Kushner, who is a top adviser to Mr. Trump, Ms. Trump does not hold a formal job at the White House and therefore is not likely to be considered a federal employee under ethics rules, which prohibit government workers from participating in matters that can enrich their personal business interests, according to government ethics specialists.
But the more Ms. Trump participates in White House affairs sitting in on meetings, conducting business from an office in the West Wing the more likely it is that she could cross that line, Mr. Painter said.
With that in mind, he said it was "wise" for Ms. Trump to pre-emptively act as though she were already subject to such rules.
The trust prohibits her brand from reaching agreements with foreign governments or state-owned enterprises. But deals with domestic companies could also present problems.
Macy's and other stores sell Ms. Trump's clothes and accessories in the United States. At the same time, the retail industry has been lobbying against a tax on imports that President Trump is considering.
"She ought to stay away from anything to do with trade," Mr. Painter said.
Mr. Painter and Mr. Eisen praised the appointment of Ms. Gorelick as an ethics adviser.
Ms. Gorelick, a former deputy attorney general under President Bill Clinton, has attracted some criticism for her role as a top executive at Fannie Mae in the late 1990s and early 2000s, a post in which she oversaw work that led to the firm's need for a bailout during the financial crisis. But Mr. Eisen said Ms. Gorelick was independent and "tough-minded."
"Whatever questions I and others may have about the arrangement," Mr. Eisen said, "I think it speaks well of Ivanka and of the process that has been set up to manage the conflicts that the trustees' monitor is one of the most prominent Democratic lawyers in the country."
What kind of animal would steal a movie idea about .... animals?
Walt Disney was slapped Tuesday with a lawsuit claiming it ripped off the idea for its Oscar-winning, billion-dollar-grossing animated animal flick "Zootopia" from a Hollywood veteran.
The federal suit says screenwriter and producer Gary Goldman pitched the idea for "Zootopia" which he literally had called "Zootopia" twice over the years to Disney and a film company that had a production contract with Disney.
The most recent pitch was in 2009, the suit by Goldman's Esplanade Productions claims. It alleges copyright infringement, breach of implied-in-fact contract, breach of confidence and unfair competition.
Disney eventually produced "Zootopia" for release last year.
Since then, it has earned more than a billion dollars worldwide, making it one of the highest grossing pictures ever, and won the Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
Goldman, whose screenplay credits include "Total Recall" and producing "Minority Report," claims Disney and the other defendants in the suit copied the themes of his version of "Zootopia," as well as its settings, plot, characters, and dialogue some virtually verbatim.
Esplanade's suit, which features side-by-side illustrations of Goldman's characters and similar ones from the Disney movie, argues that Disney was following a tried-and-true formula in swiping "Zootopia" from Goldman without credit for its own enrichment.
"Although the Walt Disney Company rigorously enforces its copyrights, it has developed a culture that not only accepts the unauthorized copying of others' original material, but encourages it," the suit says.
"Defendants' unauthorized appropriation of others' intellectual property is a corporate practice that has generated tremendous profits," the suit claims.
In fact, the suit says, the director and credited writer of Disney's "Zootopia," Byron Howard, "has told artists: 'Don't worry if you feel like you're copying something because if it comes through you, it's going to filter through you and you're going to bring your own unique perspective to it."
The suit goes on to mention several Disney hits that it says copied from others' work, including "The Lion King," "Toy Story," "Monsters Inc.," and "Inside Out."
Esplanade's suit says that after Goldman pitched the idea in 2000, and then once more in 2009.
The first pitch was to former Disney Studios president for Motion Pictures David Hoberman, who was then-CEO of Mandeville Films, which Goldman understood had a first-look production contract with Disney, according to the lawsuit.
The second pitch was to Brigham Taylor, Disney's then-executive vice president for production and development, the suit says.
After those pitches, Disney and the other defendants "said they were not interested in producing it, and sent him on his way," the suit says.
After those pitches, "consistent with their culture of unauthorized copying, Defendants copied Goldman's work," the suit says.
A Disney spokesman said, "Mr. Goldman's lawsuit is riddled with patently false allegations."
"It is an unprincipled attempt to lay claim to a successful film he didn't create, and we will vigorously defend against it in court," the Disney spokesman said.
Andy Puzder, President Donald Trump's former Secretary of Labor pick, stepped down as CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of fast food chains Hardee's and Carl's Jr.
Puzder held the position of CKE CEO since September 2000, but will be replaced by former KFC president Jason Marker, according to a press release on Tuesday. Marker is expected to start in his new position as CEO in April.
"Jason has tremendous experience in franchising, in the QSR (Quick Service Restaurants) sector, and in positioning and growing iconic brands," Puzder said in the press release. "I expressed my desire to have CKE plan for succession approximately a year ago, and I could not be more pleased to have Jason Marker selected to be the company's next leader."
Puzder had drawn scrutiny after Trump picked him over his opposition to federal minimum wage increases, alleged wage violations at CKE fast food restaurants and decades-old abuse allegations from his ex-wife. He later withdraw from consideration amid these allegations.
Following the withdrawal, Trump announced that Alex Acosta, an attorney from Florida and dean of Florida International University College of Law, would be his replacement nominee. If confirmed, Acosta will be the first Hispanic member of Trump's cabinet.
The U.S. needs tax reform and workforce development programs in order to be successful, IBM CEO Ginni Rometty told "Power Lunch."
Rometty sits on President Donald Trump's business advisory board and was among a group of U.S. and German leaders who met with the President and German Chancellor Angela Merkel Friday.
"As part of the advisory board, we have been very clear about things like tax reform," she said. "Some of the most important things are to modernize the tax system, both from a rate perspective and a territorial system."
Workforce retraining will also be central to achieving Trump's economic growth agenda, and was a topic at last Friday's White House meeting, Rometty said. There are 5.5 million job openings in the U.S., half a million of which are in tech, she said.
Rometty spoke with CNBC from the company's cloud conference, IBM Interconnect, in Las Vegas Tuesday. IBM's Cloud business accounts for 17 percent of the company's overall revenue, according to the company. Its cloud business grew 35 percent in 2016 to deliver $13.7 billion in revenue.
Rometty has been steering Big Blue toward areas such as cloud-based services, security software and data analytics, while trimming its traditional hardware business by exiting low-margin businesses. New customers include AT&T, Salesforce, H&R Block and the Royal Bank of Canada.
Still, IBM has seen 19 straight quarters of declining year-over-year total revenues. IBM is valued around $165 billion and on average, analysts recommend holding the stock.
Goldman Sachs will shift jobs away from London while bulking up its European presence by "hundreds of people" as it executes on Brexit contingency plans, the chief executive officer of Goldman Sachs International told CNBC on Tuesday.
Questioned on whether the European expansion would reflect the moving of jobs out of London or the hiring of new personnel on the continent, Richard Gnodde confirmed that the plans would reflect two strategies.
"It'll be a combination of things. We'll hire people inside of Europe itself and there will be some movement," he clarified, explaining that the upcoming period will see investment in infrastructure, people, systems and technology. Goldman Sachs also confirmed that this movement away from London would not necessarily result in a net reduction of workers in the U.K.
"For this first period, this is really the period where we put in place these contingency plans, this in the hundreds of people," said Gnodde, when asked to put numbers to anticipated headcount increases on the continent.
Google plans to to hire significant numbers of staff and develop new artificial intelligence tools to improve its ability to review "questionable content" after a clash saw major brands including Marks and Spencer and HSBC withdraw advertising from its video sharing site YouTube.
The technology giant also announced that it will create a new "escalation path" that will make it quicker and easier for advertising partners who host through Google and YouTube to raise issues.
"We know advertisers don't want their ads next to content that doesn't align with their values. So starting today, we're taking a tougher stance on hateful, offensive and derogatory content," Google's chief business officer Philipp Schindler wrote in a blog post Tuesday.
"We'll be hiring significant numbers of people and developing new tools powered by our latest advancements in AI and machine learning to increase our capacity to review questionable content for advertising.
"In cases where advertisers find their ads were served where they shouldn't have been, we plan to offer a new escalation path to make it easier for them to raise issues. In addition, we'll soon be able to resolve these cases in less than a few hours."
The new measures come as part of an "extensive review" following complaints from advertisers that their brands were appearing next to extremist content.
These include three new controls for advertisers, which will be introduced in the coming days and months to make it easier for brands to manage where their ads appear across YouTube and the web.
Safer default for brands higher default levels will exclude potentially offensive content. Brands will be able to broaden this out at their will.
Simplified management of exclusions new account-level controls will enable advertisers to exclude specific sites and channels from their campaigns.
More fine-tuned controls additional controls will make it easier for brands to exclude higher risk content and select where their ads appear.
As well as reviewing how advertising can be better aligned with YouTube content, Google will also be undertaking a wider review of what content is allowed on the platform more generally, Schindler said.
"We believe the combination of these new policies and controls will significantly strengthen our ability to help advertisers reach audiences at scale, while respecting their values. We will continue to act swiftly to put these new policies and processes in place across our ad network and YouTube."
However, Schindler added that the web has opened a new door for advertisers and pledged to maintain the value it currently offers.
"We also intend to act carefully, preserving the value we currently provide to advertisers, publishers and creators of all sizes."
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Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch testifies on the second day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing in Hart Building, March 21, 2017.
Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee, denied claims by his former law student that he told a class that "many" women manipulate their employers for maternity benefits and that female interviewees should be specifically asked about pregnancy plans to protect the companies.
Jennifer R. Sisk, a 2016 graduate from University of Colorado Law School, provided her recollections of the class in a letter Friday to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court nominee said he was just reading questions in an ethics law textbook that asked what a woman would do if an older male partner asks if she's going to get pregnant soon.
According to the letter, after only a handful of students raised their hands responding to Gorsuch's question, the Supreme Court nominee egged on the topic and said, "C'mon guys."
He said the answers are to tell the truth, lie or push back in some way. He said he asked how many women had been asked questions like that, and many raised their hands.
Gorsuch said he is "shocked" that women are still asked that question.
CNBC contributed to this post
A farmer holds a Greek flag in front of parliament during a protest against the government's tax and social security reforms on February 14, 2017 in Athens, Greece.
Greek authorities have intercepted eight suspect packages on Monday that targeted several European officials.
This is the third incident in the space of a week involving Greece and people involved in the bailout talks.
"Eight suspect packages which listed as recipients persons in European countries were located and confiscated today," Greek police said in a text message to journalists, Reuters reported.
A security source told Reuters they were "addressed to officials at economic institutions and companies" at various European countries but would not be more specific.
According to the Financial Times, Jeroen Dijsselbloem, the head of the Eurogroup; Pierre Moscovici, the EU's commissioner for financial affairs, and members of the European Central Bank were among those targeted.
The European Commission declined to comment and referred the issue to the relevant authorities.
Last week, the Greek militant group Conspiracy of Fire Cells claimed responsibility for a parcel bomb mailed to the German finance minister.
The International Monetary Fund also received a letter bomb last Thursday, which injured one person at its Paris headquarters. French authorities are still investigating the incident.
An official within the Greek government, who asked to remain anonymous, told CNBC on Tuesday that he didn't see these incidents as a "big problem." He added that the explosives "were in the category of fireworks."
Greece has been under financial assistance since 2010. It is currently on a third bailout program totaling 86 billion euros ($92 billion).
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President Donald Trump's travel and trade policies could pose a risk to American jobs dependent on tourism, Marriott International President and CEO Arne Sorenson told CNBC on Tuesday.
"Are we in an environment in which folks are saying let's erect literal and figurative walls to lessen trade to lessen the movement of people to lessen even tourism, which we shouldn't do because tourism supports about 10 percent of the jobs around the world," Sorenson said on "Squawk Box."
"We think it's about two-and-a-half million jobs in the U.S. [are] directly dependent on foreign tourists arriving to the United States," he said.
Trump has vowed to protect American workers and has said "tough and fair agreements" on trade could be used to grow the U.S. economy and return millions of jobs to America.
The president has also signed a revised executive order banning citizens from six Muslim-majority nations from traveling to the U.S., an order that has been met with legal blows. On Tuesday, the Trump administration confirmed it is imposing new restrictions on electronic devices carried by travelers coming to the United States from eight largely Islamic countries in response to unspecified terror threats. The president is also seeking to build a wall along the Mexican border.
Sorenson said the president's proposed tax reform will be important for American corporations if the Trump administration can deliver it.
"To do it right, of course, means there will be some winners and losers in the business community," he said.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Jack Bogle , founder of the Vanguard group and creator of the first index fund, told CNBC PRO he is worried that just three firms Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street dominate the passive investing game. He believes more firms need to embrace the passive philosophy and reduce the influence of these companies, including his own. He believes more firms need to embrace the passive philosophy and reduce the influence of these companies, including his own. "I've also been in this business so long that I know that when everything looks sweet and easy, you better be worried 'cause the big guy hidden in the back of the room you can't see him huge, strapping guy carrying a sledgehammer and just when you think everything is going fine he takes that sledgehammer back and hits you in the nape of the neck," Bogle told Mike Santoli in the exclusive interview. Overall, Bogle remains concerned about Wall Street's constant habit of putting itself before its customers and that active management mutual fund firms which are also publicly traded will continue to suffer from this conflict of interest. "The industry structure I think is going to have to change in a more mutual direction where the client comes first and not the investment manager and particularly not the financial conglomerates that own 30 of the 50 largest mutual fund companies," Bogle said. Warren Buffett called Bogle a "hero" to him in his annual letter released this year, writing , "If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands down choice should be Jack Bogle." On this comment from the "Oracle of Omaha," Bogle said, "When a hero like Warren calls me a hero, there may be an element of truth in it, but one takes these things with a grain of salt." Bogle, 87, also discusses in this nearly 20 minute sit-down: How much bigger passive investing can get (It's 22 percent of the market now). The origin of his index fund idea. Why some ETFs don't belong in 401(k)s. What returns investors can expect over the next decade To view this interview, you must be a CNBC PRO subscriber.
Jack Bogle, founder of the Vanguard group and creator of the first index fund, told CNBC PRO he is worried that just three firms Vanguard, BlackRock and State Street dominate the passive investing game. He believes more firms need to embrace the passive philosophy and reduce the influence of these companies, including his own. He believes more firms need to embrace the passive philosophy and reduce the influence of these companies, including his own. "I've also been in this business so long that I know that when everything looks sweet and easy, you better be worried 'cause the big guy hidden in the back of the room you can't see him huge, strapping guy carrying a sledgehammer and just when you think everything is going fine he takes that sledgehammer back and hits you in the nape of the neck," Bogle told Mike Santoli in the exclusive interview. Overall, Bogle remains concerned about Wall Street's constant habit of putting itself before its customers and that active management mutual fund firms which are also publicly traded will continue to suffer from this conflict of interest. "The industry structure I think is going to have to change in a more mutual direction where the client comes first and not the investment manager and particularly not the financial conglomerates that own 30 of the 50 largest mutual fund companies," Bogle said. Warren Buffett called Bogle a "hero" to him in his annual letter released this year, writing, "If a statue is ever erected to honor the person who has done the most for American investors, the hands down choice should be Jack Bogle." On this comment from the "Oracle of Omaha," Bogle said, "When a hero like Warren calls me a hero, there may be an element of truth in it, but one takes these things with a grain of salt." Bogle, 87, also discusses in this nearly 20 minute sit-down: How much bigger passive investing can get (It's 22 percent of the market now).
The origin of his index fund idea.
Why some ETFs don't belong in 401(k)s.
What returns investors can expect over the next decade To view this interview, you must be a CNBC PRO subscriber.
"If Five Star Movement could secure 30 or 40 percent of the vote then of course that would be extremely worrying for the euro area's stability. Whether they can gain an absolute majority we'll have to wait and see," Claus Vistesen, chief euro zone economist at Pantheon Macroeconomics told CNBC via telephone.
Grillo, who has campaigned for Italy to hold a referendum on the single currency if elected, has overseen 5SM's support grow to 32.3 percent, according to an Ipsos poll published in daily newspaper Correa della Sera on Tuesday.
5SM leader Beppe Grillo has enjoyed a recent, and remarkable, uptick in support, buoyed in part by the divisions in the ruling Democratic Party (PD) as former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi attempts to regain support.
Italy's anti-establishment and anti-euro party Five Star Movement (5SM) represent the greatest threat to euro area stability , analysts told CNBC on Tuesday, as the populist party surged ahead of its political rivals in the latest opinion poll, putting it on course to be the biggest party if elections were called.
Italy is due to hold its next national election by early 2018 and, although Europe's heavy political calendar has pushed the thought of Italy to the back of most investors' minds, Deutsche Bank analysts argued it is Rome that poses the greatest threat to the euro area's stability.
The German lender suggested its base case scenario is for Renzi's PD party, currently second in the polls, to fracture as a result of internal feuds. If this were to happen, it would then leave 5SM in the driving seat ahead of the country's general election.
"Political developments are in line with our expectations (and) if anything, they have strengthened our conviction of a challenging political outlook So overall (Europe's stability) prospects are worsening, not improving," Marco Stringa, senior economist at Deutsche Bank told CNBC via email.
At the moment, parties in Italy are still looking to draw up a new electoral law, which most observers expect to result in a form of proportional representation that could reward a stable majority government to any party that can secure over 40 percent of the vote.
5SM are significantly below the 40 percent threshold and have ruled out any desire to form a coalition government. However, Vistesen and Stringa both suggested with some confidence that Italy could expect weak economic growth throughout 2017 and therefore it would be conceivable for Grillo's 5SM to enjoy even greater support in the run up to a vote.
Both France and Germany are due to elect new premiers before Italy and Vistesen concluded that, so long as the political favorites are able to win in each country, then Europe should be strong enough to manage a "mad man" like Grillo becoming Italy's Prime Minister.
Now is the time for tech companies to repatriate money parked overseas, early Uber investor Jason Calacanis said in an interview Tuesday on CNBC's "Squawk Alley."
"We gotta get that money back now, or those countries are going to take it," he went on, citing the European Union's latest gambit to extract money out of Apple as an example.
Calacanis, founder of email newsletter generator Inside.com, also referred to President 's bold stance on trade, suggesting he would go to "war" with certain countries, including China, to accomplish his policy agenda.
Trump once went so far as to threaten to slap a 35 percent import tax on cars, should the company move its production to Mexico. This is creating a lot of unwanted and unnecessary tension between U.S. and foreign entities, Calacanis warned.
Tech companies such as , and are undoubtedly strong in "printing money," Calacanis said. But for many of these types of companies the majority of their revenue is being made and held overseas, he said.
"If [the U.S.] can't do commerce in Asia, Europe or South America," what's going to happen to tech? All of these companies' money spent internationalizing would go to waste, Calacanis said.
Germany's defense spending last year was about 1.2 percent of its GDP, and although the finance ministry expects that figure to rise slightly by 2018, it will still below the 2 percent goal.
Of the 28 member countries, only five the U.S., U.K., Poland, Greece and Estonia meet the Western alliance's target of spending at least 2 percent of gross domestic product on defense.
President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary James Mattis have been pressuring European member nations such as Germany to increase their share of defense spending. Trump claimed last week that Germany owes NATO and the U.S. "vast sums" of money for defense, although that assertion was rejected by the Germans.
And Hewson said the expected uptick from NATO allies follows "one of the most complex geopolitical volatile environments" she's ever seen.
Lockheed Martin CEO Marillyn Hewson said Tuesday the company is seeing a "President Trump effect" with NATO members starting to "step up their own defense spending."
Hewson said if all the NATO European members reached the 2 percent defense spending target that could result in a $100 billion increase in spending on defense. "This is significant," she said.
Lockheed, the maker of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, had about 27 percent of its total sales in 2016 from international customers. And more than 40 percent of its new business was international, according to Hewson.
"The largest driver of international growth will be F-35," she said. She estimated that about 50 percent of all F-35 orders over the next five years will come from international customers.
Trump has been critical of the F-35's price and has suggested possibly buying a "comparable" F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter from rival defense giant Boeing . The F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is a program with three distinct variants built for the Air Force, Navy and Marines.
The Pentagon is believed to be considering buying more F/A-18 fighters to replace some F-35C planes, the Navy's variant.
Even so, a deal announced last month by the company for a 10th batch of F-35s showed a $728 million savings in the total price when compared with the prior lot. In particular, the Pentagon's price of the F-35A, or the Air Force variant, fell below $100 million for the first time.
"President Trump made clear that he and the administration will ensure that the government is a smart buyer," Hewson said Tuesday. She added that in the "positive and constructive dialogue" she's had with him over the past few months, she's been "able to communicate Lockheed is aligned with that."
Lockheed set a goal to save F-35 customers "more than $5 billion," Hewson said. What's more, she said the company agreed to a target of $85 million or less by 2019 on the aircraft.
Meantime, Hewson also was generally upbeat about the outlook for U.S. defense spending.
"We're seeing a new willingness and resolve to increase investments in defense," the CEO said. "Although the path ahead on the federal budget remains complicated, we are optimistic."
Overall, the CEO also indicated she's "more optimistic than ever for our company's growth prospects."
Hewson also applauded the administration's efforts to lower corporate taxes and ease regulations on business.
"These policy discussions are especially important to our industry, aerospace and defense," Hewson said, adding that the industry represents about 10 percent of U.S. exports and employs about 2 percent of the total workforce directly.
Elsewhere, Hewson said the company's Sikorsky integration has largely been completed. The Bethesda, Maryland-based company acquired Sikorsky for about $9 billion in late 2015.
Some criticized Lockheed for the deal, saying the defense giant had overpaid for the commercial and military helicopter business.
Nonetheless, Hewson said she expects Sikorsky sales to grow, although she conceded that the commercial side of the business was still feeling the effects of being tied to the oil and gas industry.
"While it's taking longer than expected, we are confident that the industry will eventually recover," she said.
Written by CNBC's Jeff Daniels, with reporting from CNBC's Morgan Brennan
A bicycle with airless tires, a solar panelled basket and a GPS tracker isn't your typical mode of transport.
But, Chinese bike-sharing company Mobike is betting the two-wheeled option takes off outside of its home market.
The Beijing-based startup is deploying hundreds of its bikes across Singapore, the first step in an ambitious overseas expansion, as competition in the bike-sharing sector heats up.
"The government [in Singapore] has been very supportive of moving around in more environmentally friendly ways," said Florian Bohnert, head of international expansion for the company.
"We hope to work closely with agencies to put in place a framework for smart bikes to be able to operate safely and securely."
Mobike is just the latest bike-sharing company to launch in an increasingly saturated market.
Chinese Competitor Ofo deployed 1000 bikes in the city-state last month, while home-grown startup Obike rolled out its service earlier this year. All three utilize mobile apps that allow users to book bikes on their smartphones and unlock the wheels with a QR code.
Mobike has attracted big name investors including Tencent , Foxconn , and Temasek Holdings , raising more than $300 million in their latest funding round earlier this year. The company already has one million bikes deployed across 33 Chinese cities, and according to Trustdata took 72.5 percent of market share on the mainland in 2016.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch on Tuesday tiptoed around how he would rule on key potential cases, including President Donald Trump's divisive restrictions on travel from six Muslim-majority countries.
Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt., pressed the 49-year-old conservative appeals judge on Trump's executive order during the second day of Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearings. Gorsuch called religious tests illegal, outlining various protections including the First and 14th amendments to the Constitution and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
However, he did not explicitly say whether he thought Trump's measure was a religious test. He added that suggesting how he would rule on cases he would possibly face could compromise his independence.
"I'm not going to say anything here that would give anybody any idea how I'd rule in any case like that that could come before the Supreme Court or my court at the 10th Circuit," Gorsuch said. "It would be grossly improper of a judge to do that. It would be a violation of the separation of powers and judicial independence if someone sitting at this table, in order to get confirmed, had to make promises or commitments about how they'd rule in a case that's currently pending and likely to make its way to the Supreme Court."
Last week, a federal judge in Hawaii blocked enforcement of Trump's revised executive order temporarily barring travel from specific countries due to what the White House calls terrorism concerns for particular areas. The ruling said Trump's order showed evidence of religious motivation, partly based on Trump's campaign calls for a temporary "total and complete shutdown" on Muslims entering the U.S. and later comments from advisor Rudy Giuliani suggesting Trump asked for a "legal" way to craft a Muslim ban.
Trump has called the ruling "overreach" and said he will take the case to the Supreme Court, if necessary. Some senators have raised concerns that Gorsuch may not be independent of Trump, though he tried to assure them Tuesday that he would break with the president if he runs afoul of the law.
Leahy also questioned Gorsuch about the Trump administration's assertion that the president's powers on immigration for national security matters are not reviewable by courts. After an earlier version of Trump's order was suspended in court, Trump policy advisor Stephen Miller argued that Trump's executive power "will not be questioned."
"No man is above the law," Gorsuch said when asked if national security decisions are reviewable by the judicial branch.
Gorsuch sidestepped questions about how he would rule on other potential cases, like overturning Roe v. Wade, the ruling that recognized women's right to abortion which the president has vowed to reverse.
Republicans hold 52 seats in the 100-member chamber, and may need at least eight Democratic votes to confirm Gorsuch if they decide not to trigger a "nuclear option" rules change that would only require a majority. Many Democrats have dug in against confirming Gorsuch after Republicans did not hold a hearing for Merrick Garland, whom President Barack Obama nominated for the seat left vacant by the death last year of arch conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.
Judge Neil Gorsuch after he arrived for the first day of his Supreme Court confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill March 20, 2017 in Washington, DC. Getty Images
The president is a problem
Democrats made clear during opening-day speeches that Trump's attacks on judges with whom he disagrees represent a threat to the independence of the federal judiciary and Gorsuch will have to answer for it. "You have a special responsibility here this week, which is to advocate for and defend the independence of our judiciary against those kinds of attacks," Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut said. Democrats also criticized Trump's method of choosing Gorsuch from a list created by the conservative Federalist Society and Heritage Foundation. And they noted Trump promised to pick someone who was pro-life and likely to help overturn the high court's 1973 Roe v. Wade decision legalizing abortion. "I can only conclude that you met the president's litmus test," Sen. Mazie Hirono of Hawaii said.
The last nominee got robbed
Besides Gorsuch, no one commanded more attention than Garland, chief judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, who Republicans snubbed after President Obama nominated him to the seat a year ago. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., who introduced Gorsuch but has not decided how he'll vote, even referred to the vacancy as "the Garland seat." "Due to unprecedented treatment, Judge Garland was denied a hearing, and this vacancy has been in place for well over a year," said Sen. Dianne Feinstein of California, the panel's top Democrat. "I just want to say I'm deeply disappointed that it's under these circumstances that we begin our hearings." Even Republicans acknowledged those circumstances. Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona commended Gorsuch for calling Garland almost immediately after receiving the president's nomination on the last day of January.
Scalia redux, for better or worse
On one thing committee members agreed: Gorsuch is a judge much in the mold ofthe man whose death created the 13-month vacancy. They disagreed on whether that's a good or bad thing. "Justice Scalia was unique," Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, said. "His wit and style brought the Constitution to life, for lawyers in their first year of law school and for the American public at large. He led the most important legal revolution in our lifetimes, tethering judicial interpretation to the written text. What a concept." But Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., noted that Scalia dissented from seminal decisions of the past three decades granting abortion rights and same-sex marriage rights, protecting gay men from criminal prosecution and both juveniles and the intellectually disabled from the death penalty, and allowing women to attend military academies.
A man of the West
Another former justice who came galloping back to life was Byron White, the first to hail from Colorado, whom Gorsuch served as a law clerk. Gorsuch lauded his mentor, who he said "followed the law wherever it took him, without fear or favor toward anyone." It was Scalia who often noted that a majority of the current justices were Easterners in fact, four hailed from New York City from the time Elena Kagan joined the bench in 2010 until Scalia's death last year. As for the West, Justice Anthony Kennedy's home state of California, Scalia was fond of saying, "does not count." "This is nice, to have someone from the West with a Western perspective," said Arizona's Flake, seated between senators from Idaho and Nebraska. Also on the committee: two Texans and two Utahns (or is it Utahans?).
Who speaks for the little guy?
Traffic passes outside 666 Fifth Avenue in New York.
Jared Kushner's relationship with his father-in-law, President Donald Trump, could be detrimental for his family's 666 Fifth Ave. building redevelopment project, according to a Wall Street Journal report.
Charles Kushner and his real estate organization, Kushner Companies, is working against conflict of interest concerns for his $7.5 billion project, because of his son Jared's role as a White House advisor to Trump.
Anbang Insurance Group, a prominent Chinese company with political ties to Beijing, could provide up to $1.75 million in equity for the Manhattan skyscraper remodeling, according to sources cited in the Wall Street Journal article, but ethics issues are making the Chinese firm weary.
After reports of Anbang's investment surfaced, the company released a March 14 statement that said "the information about Anbang investment in 666 Fifth Avenue is not correct, there is no investment from Anbang for this deal," according to Reuters.
A Kushner spokesperson told CNBC on Tuesday that the real estate company "is in advanced, ongoing discussions around 666 Fifth Avenue."
CNBC previously reported Kushner sold his ownership stake in 666 Fifth Ave. to avoid any conflicts of interest, according to a company spokesman.
The Republican health-care bill is the largest Republican welfare proposal in the history of the party and will do "great damage to our country," GOP Rep. Mo Brooks told CNBC on Tuesday.
"It creates a huge new welfare program where taxpayers' dollars are being used to subsidize insurance companies, and over the long haul that is going to result in either higher premiums or higher taxes, or greater deficit and higher debt that's going to burden our economy for years, maybe decades to come," the congressman from Alabama said in an interview with "Closing Bell."
Brooks is a member of the Conservative group Freedom Caucus, which is threatening to issue a formal statement of opposition to the bill unless language in the legislation changes dramatically by Wednesday night.
The vote is scheduled in the House on Thursday.
In an effort to court the more right-leaning members of the party, GOP leadership unveiled several changes to the American Health Care Act on Monday. The revisions include speeding up the repeal of Obamacare taxes by one year, to 2017.
President Donald Trump reportedly warned members of his party on Tuesday morning that many of them could lose their seats next year if they vote against the bill. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Tuesday he agreed with that admonition.
However, many Conservative lawmakers still remain unswayed, complaining it does not go far enough in repealing Obamacare.
"As of this point in time, there are enough Conservatives left in the House of Representatives to where this big government, big welfare program cannot pass."
However, that doesn't mean he thinks the bill is dead on arrival.
"The president and the House leadership are working very hard to twist some arms and try to get people to change positions," Brooks said.
And he isn't buying the argument that a delay in a health-care bill will stall tax reform, calling it "fiction."
"We could be dealing with tax reform today if we wanted to. There is nothing that prevents us from doing that," Brooks said.
CNBC's Dan Mangan contributed to this report.
The South Korean electronics giant also said that it was planning to release tools to allow third-party developers to make Bixby-enabled apps. Voice assistants have been all the rage among major technology companies including Amazon , Apple and Microsoft , but, up until now, Samsung has not had a version of its own.
In a blog post released Monday, Injong Rhee , Samsung's head of research and development for Software and Services, said that Bixby will launch with "a subset of pre-installed applications" of on the S8 which will "continue to expand over time".
Samsung has confirmed that Bixby, its own voice assistant and rival to Apple's Siri, will feature be on the upcoming Galaxy S8 smartphone.
Bixby could allow Samsung to differentiate its flagship smartphone which is set to be released at an event next week. But the S8 is also going to run Google's Android operating system. The U.S. search giant announced recently that Google Assistant, its own voice solution, will be rolled out on all Android phones running version 6.0 of its operating system or newer. This would mean that its device would have two voice assistants on it.
"It is a challenge but this is the dance Samsung has to do in terms of its relationship with Google, where it has an agreement as a result of licensing Android to support certain features," Ben Wood, head of research at CCS Insight, told CNBC by phone on Tuesday.
Samsung typically has not been a player in the software space, unlike Apple which owns both its own hardware and software in the form of iOS. The company will be hoping Bixby will allow it to keep users in its ecosystem of apps and services .
Users will be able to access Bixby by a side button on the smartphone. Because it is based on artificial intelligence and machine learning, Samsung will need to get a large number of people using Bixby to help it learn and improve, which could be another challenge. But it has an advantage by being the biggest smartphone maker in the world by market share.
Samsung is also positioning Bixby as a voice assistant that can go across many devices, not just its smartphones.
"Starting with our smartphones, Bixby will be gradually applied to all our appliances. In the future you would be able to control your air conditioner or TV through Bixby. Since Bixby will be implemented in the cloud, as long as a device has an internet connection and simple circuitry to receive voice inputs, it will be able to connect with Bixby," Rhee said in the blog post.
Samsung makes a whole range of appliances and voice could be a key way to interact with these as they become smarter.
Last year, Samsung acquired Viv Labs, an artificial intelligence start-up founded by the makers of Siri. Initially, Bixby will only use Samsung's own technology, but future updates will incorporate Viv, Rhee told technology website CNET in an interview.
In 2008, with only $25, Adam Braun launched Pencils of Promise, a nonprofit start-up that builds elementary schools in developing countries. Now Braun is launching another start-up, MissionU, to provide ambitious young people with a way to skip college and get into the job market more quickly without the drag of student loans. Braun, 33, attended Brown University and graduated debt free, since his parents paid his tuition. His wife Tehillah, 29, however, had a vastly different experience. She dropped out of college midway through to start working full-time. By then, she already owed $110,000. Inspired by Tehillah's struggles and those of millions of smart, motivated young people like her, Braun set out to build an alternative to the current higher education system in the U.S.
Tehillah's experience is a common one. Only about a third of students who enroll in either two- or four-year degree programs graduate in four years from the same institution, according to data from the National Student Clearinghouse. The NSC began by tracking more than 2 million students who started college in 2010. Six years later, only half of students in the study had graduated from the institution where they had initially enrolled. 28.5 percent had dropped out. Yet students continue to be responsible for repaying their loans, regardless of whether they succeed in obtaining a degree and, often, even if they declare bankruptcy. "Everything always came back to [Tehillah's] debt. It was just so crushing," says Braun. "I witnessed the personal, the professional, the emotional toll that this was taking on the person I cared most about." MissionU launched Tuesday and is currently accepting applications. Potential students have to be at least 19 years old, but they are not judged on their previous academic experience; Mission U does not consider an applicant's GPA or SAT score. Applicants do not even have to have graduated from high school. Instead, applicants are selected based on soft skills that employers value in employees, such as problem solving skills and ability to work well on a team.
If accepted, students at the one-year skills-focused program have no upfront payment. Instead, they agree to pay 15 percent of their salary for three years once they have graduated from the program and secured a job making at least $50,000 a year. The target for graduates of MissionU is to land a job that pays $70,000, says Braun. To achieve that goal, Mission U will train its first graduates in data analytics and business intelligence. Additional concentrations will be added to the roster later. The first cohort of 25 students will begin the program in September. The majority of the coursework is done online in live virtual classrooms, but students must live within 50 miles of the headquarters so they can attend limited on-campus, in-person meetings. Braun expects the first class to be located in or near San Francisco, but the actual location will be decided based on student demand. The year is broken down into four parts: foundational skills, personal introspection, specialization and work experience, which is similar to an internship. The final six weeks of the program are called "career launch" and help graduates apply for jobs, interview and negotiate salaries.
We are not right for every single student but there is a large group of young people in this country that college is a really, really bad decision for and they need a new pathway. Adam Braun co-founder, MissionU
While much of the Dodd-Frank legislation to curtail excessive risk-taking by banks brought in after the global financial crisis has been good, there still remains scope for change, the chief executive of Goldman Sachs International told CNBC on Tuesday.
"I think much of what came in Dodd-Frank is very good and was absolutely appropriate. But there will be room for maneuver and for change and I'm sure we'll see some change," Richard Gnodde, speaking exclusively to CNBC at the Goldman Sachs Disruptive Tech Symposium about the financial reform legislation passed under former President Barack Obama's regime in 2010.
"Much of that regulation is very, very good regulation. But given the amount and the volume that is in place, I think it does make sense," said Gnodde, referencing the decision by President Donald Trump's administration to review the "enormous amount" of regulation adopted both in the U.S. and globally over the past eight years.
Noting that European leaders are going through a similar process at the moment of looking at evidence and questioning what works and what is less effective, the veteran banker agreed that the U.S. administration had good reason to undertake an analogous review.
"What's most important is that we end up with a financial system that is safe and sound but can also perform what it's meant to perform, which is bringing capital in an efficient, cost effective way, bringing liquidity to the markets in a safe and sound way, so that the financial system can operate," he explained.
President Donald Trump receives a NASA jacket during a signing ceremony for S442, the NASA transition authorization act, in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, March 21, 2017.
President Donald Trump signed a law on Tuesday authorizing funding for a crewed NASA mission to Mars.
The new bill adds a crewed mission to the red planet as a key NASA objective and authorizes the space agency to direct test human space flight programs that will enable more crewed exploration in deep space.
The space agency has $19.5 billion in funding for the 2018 fiscal year, which starts this October. Trump had allocated $19.1 billion for NASA in his budget, which is slightly down from the current year, but still an improvement from the past decade, which saw the end of the space shuttle program.
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The commander in chief signed the bill surrounded by astronauts and his former Republican rivals, Senator Ted Cruz of Texas and Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, who both sponsored the bill.
Getting to Mars, though, isn't expected to happen during the Trump presidency. NASA has its sights set on getting to the red planet in the 2030s.
NASA laid out its plan for Mars in a 36-page report, detailing milestones the space agency must hit over the next few years to help ensure a successful future trek into deep space.
In the near term, NASA plans to test its Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket, in addition to visiting an asteroid and redirecting a chunk of it into orbit around the moon. Astronauts could later visit the boulder and use the mission to test some of the tools needed for a Mars mission.
The president tweeted on Tuesday afternoon that he was honored to support NASA's "pursuit of discovery."
@realDonaldTrump: Honored to sign S.442 today. With this legislation, we support @NASA's scientists, engineers, and astronauts in their pursuit of discovery!
President Donald Trump reportedly warned Republican congressmen on Tuesday morning that many of them could lose their seats next year if they vote Thursday against the leading bill to repeal and replace key parts the Affordable Care Act.
Trump's stern message came during an unusual personal visit to Capitol Hill to spur wavering members of the GOP caucus to get behind the bill, known as the American Health Care Act.
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On his way into that meeting, Trump said, "I think so," when a reporter asked if the bill has enough support among Republicans to be passed Thursday in a planned vote by the full House of Representatives.
Trump then continued walking to a meeting with the GOP caucus, which lasted about a half hour.
The president's visit came less than 12 hours after Republican leaders in the House unveiled changes to the bill that were designed to convince wavering caucus members to vote for the legislation.
That bill has drawn heavy criticism from conservative members of the GOP caucus for not doing enough to repeal Obamacare, while moderate members have worried about sharp decreases in the number of Americans with health coverage if the bill becomes law.
Republican leaders and the White House have aggressively lobbied to swing GOP members to support the bill, warning that the legislation may be the best chance ever to undo parts of Obamacare. The leadership can only afford to lose 21 Republican votes in the House to avoid defeat of the bill.
Despite the lobbying, Rep. Mark Meadows, the North Carolina Republican who heads the conservative House Freedom Caucus, on Monday night said, "Currently there are not enough votes to pass the legislation."
The changes announced Monday include speeding up repeal of Obamacare taxes by one year, to 2017. That would mean that, among other things, the Affordable Care Act mandate requiring most Americans to have health coverage of some sort or pay a fine would not be in force for this year, if the bill becomes law.
The revised bill also would further change the funding method to states from the federal government for Medicaid, as well allow states to set work requirements for that health coverage program for the poor.
Republican leaders also proposed letting the Senate add to the amount of tax credits people aged 50 to 64 would receive to help buy individual health insurance plans. The previous version of the bill would have led to many people in that age range paying sharply higher premiums.
The newly revised bill has not been "scored" by the Congressional Budget Office, the nonpartisan entity that provides cost and coverage estimates to Congress.
The CBO last week said that the original version of the bill would lead to 14 million more people being uninsured next year than would be the case if Obamacare remained in full effect. A total of 24 million more people would be uninsured by 2026 under that scenario, the office said.
The CBO also projected that federal spending would be reduced by a total of $337 billion by 2026 as a result of the reduction in the amount of federal aid given to people to help buy insurance under the GOP plan.
When American companies look at opportunities in emerging markets, particularly those in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America or the Caribbean, they first consider access to finance, political risk, human capital, infrastructure and security. The White House's proposed budget would make overcoming every one of those obstacles more difficult.
The budget blueprint the Trump administration introduced last week would make life much more difficult for American companies abroad. While it's not yet clear precisely where many of the proposed cuts would come from, or if they'll even happen, the blueprint is a clear indication of the administration's priorities and its lack of understanding of what U.S. businesses need to be competitive.
Access to Finance: The Trump budget proposes to eliminate funding for 19 agencies, including the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC). As the U.S. government's development finance institution, OPIC helps American businesses enter emerging markets by providing financing, expressly in cases where private funding is not available. It operates on a self-sustaining basis at no net cost to American taxpayers and has generated money for the U.S. Treasury for 39 straight years, so eliminating OPIC would actually create a budget shortfall.
China, India, Brazil, and many other countries have state-owned entities that provide project financing and guarantees in emerging markets. OPIC involvement requires U.S. ownership or strong U.S. involvement. To deny U.S. companies similar support would be putting them at a distinct disadvantage in a very competitive marketplace.
Political Risk: The budget also seeks $2.2 billion for new embassy construction and maintenance, while cutting the overall State Department, USAID, Treasury International Programs budget by 28 percent ($10.1 billion). Higher Embassy walls and fewer staff will only serve to close off markets to American businesses.
One of the best tools American companies have when entering emerging markets is a knowledgeable, responsive staff at the U.S. Embassy in country, as well as the experts at the State, Commerce and Treasury Departments in Washington. They provide companies useful information on investment climates, facilitate meetings and advise on regulatory environments. The presence of these professionals also serves to promote U.S. values and an appreciation for American products and services. Having a capable, engaging Embassy in country to turn to, both in good times and bad, is crucial to American companies in emerging markets.
Human Capital: The ability to hire locally is an important consideration for any company. It is not only more cost effective than transplanting ex-patriots, but local hires provide additional value in terms of knowledge and experience that can help businesses operate in a foreign environment. U.S. programs that provide training and educational opportunities through USAID, the Peace Corps, etc. are vital to building the human capital that will benefit U.S. companies in emerging markets.
Infrastructure: The top constraint to economic growth in emerging economies is often an infrastructure deficit. Without reliable power, passable roads, or a robust telecommunication system, businesses cannot hope to succeed in these markets. The U.S. has sought to address these challenges through programs like the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), USAID's Power Africa Initiative, and the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). All of which will face significant cuts or outright elimination if the Trump budget blueprint were to be implemented.
Security: For most American companies, the safety and security of their employees is a paramount concern. This is even more pronounced when operating in emerging markets. While the Trump budget proposes a $54 billion increase for the Department of Defense, it also "shifts some foreign military assistance from grants to loans" and "refocuses economic and development assistance to countries of greatest strategic importance to the U.S."
Limiting U.S. assistance to those countries with which strong ties already exists will prevent new, valuable partnerships from being developed. In addition, reducing support for security cooperation programs that improve the military and police in emerging countries will only serve to undermine the stability of those countries and make doing business there much more difficult.
American companies are already at a disadvantage when attempting to do business abroad. They're held to a higher standard when it comes to financial disclosures, hiring practices, and engaging with host governments. Often for good reason. They're also competing against state-owned entities and companies that have the support of large, state funded financing mechanisms.
Promoting U.S. exports and the expansion of American business into new markets creates jobs at home and supports development and stability abroad. Unfortunately, rather than making it easier to take advantage of opportunities in emerging markets, the Trump budget will make it even harder for American companies to compete in the global marketplace.
Commentary by Chris Beatty, the managing director of KRL International, a firm that advises governments and companies on political, economic and security risk mitigation. He has worked and traveled extensively throughout Africa and is based in Washington, DC. Follow him on Twitter @C_Beatty.
For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.
Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's nominee to the Supreme Court, aimed to assure senators on Tuesday that he would be independent on the bench.
"I have offered no promises on how I'd rule in any case to anyone," Gorsuch told the Senate Judiciary Committee at the second session of his confirmation hearing. "And I don't think it's appropriate for a judge to do so, no matter who's doing the asking."
Some senators who will vote on Gorsuch's confirmation have expressed concerns about whether the 49-year-old conservative appeals judge can rule under pressure from the man who nominated him.
Trump earlier this year attacked judges who ruled against his divisive restrictions on travel from Muslim-majority countries, calling one a "so-called judge." Gorsuch has called any attacks on judicial independence "disheartening."
At a presidential debate in October, Trump promised to appoint a justice who would "uphold the Second Amendment ... be pro-life" and "have a conservative bent."
Gorsuch's record may indicate he would rule along the lines with Trump's campaign pledges. But he said Tuesday he did not promise to rule in any particular way. Gorsuch also did not answer questions about whether specific cases were ruled correctly, saying that could compromise his independence.
"If it looks like I'm giving hints or previews or intimations about how I might rule, I think that's the beginning of the end of the independent judiciary if judges have to make effectively campaign promises for confirmation," Gorsuch told the committee's chairman, GOP Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa. "Respectfully, senator, I haven't done that in this process, and I'm not about to start."
Republicans hold 52 seats in the 100-member chamber, and may need at least eight Democratic votes to confirm Gorsuch if they decide not to trigger a "nuclear option" rules change that would only require a majority. Many Democrats have dug in against confirming Gorsuch after Republicans did not hold a hearing for Merrick Garland, whom President Barack Obama nominated for the seat left vacant by the death last year of arch conservative Justice Antonin Scalia.
On Tuesday, Gorsuch said Trump never asked him in the interview process to overturn Roe v. Wade, the ruling that recognized women's right to abortion which the president has vowed to reverse. Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina asked him what he would have done if Trump had asked.
"Senator, I would have walked out the door. That's not what judges do," Gorsuch responded.
On Monday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., stressed that the ongoing FBI investigation into Russian influence on the 2016 election, which includes potential links between the Trump campaign and Moscow, may necessitate independent judges more than ever.
"We meet this week in a looming constitutional crisis," Blumenthal said during his opening statement at the first day of Gorsuch's hearing. "Just hours ago, not far from here, the director of the FBI revealed that his agency is investigating potential ties between President Trump's associates and Russian meddling in our election. The possibility of the Supreme Court needing to enforce a subpoena against the president is no longer idle speculation."
Republican Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona also said Monday he was "interested mostly in (Gorsuch's) view on the separation of powers."
NBC News contributed to this report
Republicans are scrambling to make their plan for repealing and replacing Obamacare more palatable to older Americans and low-income families.
But amid the 21 pages of changes to the bill that lawmakers released Monday night, one clear winner stands out: rich people.
The last amendments on the list would end Obamacare taxes this year instead of in 2018, a victory for conservatives who have criticized GOP leadership for not phasing out the law fast enough. But what exactly are those Obamacare taxes?
One is an extra 0.9 percent Medicare payroll tax on high-income earners. It applies to individuals making more than $200,000 and couples earning more than $250,000. The Tax Policy Center estimates that 99 percent of households won't be affected by this change. But the top 1 percent will enjoy an average tax cut of $7,300.
Another Obamacare tax that takes a big bite out of the bank accounts of the wealthy is the tax on net investment income, or money earned outside of salary or wages. This is separate from the capital gains tax and was estimated to cost the top 1 percent of households an average of nearly $25,000 a year, according to the Tax Policy Center.
Adding up those two tax cuts alone provides the richest Americans an average annual savings of $33,000. That compares with an average of $180 for all households, the Tax Policy Center estimates.
ROME, N.Y. The owner and operator of a Rome auto-sales business will serve five years probation and pay the state more than $70,000 after pleading guilty to sales-tax fraud.
Ricky Hoke, 61, of 4817 Humaston Road in Rome, had earlier been arraigned in Oneida County Court in January and pleaded guilty to a felony count of third-degree criminal tax fraud.
Hoke was charged with underreporting sales taxes he collected from customers at his business, Hoke Auto Sales, the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance said in a news release issued Friday.
Hoke Auto Sales is located at 930 Erie Boulevard West in Rome.
Hoke collected $70,732 in sales tax between December 2010 and August 2015, but failed to remit that amount to the state Department of Taxation and Finance as required by law, the department said.
As part of his sentence, the court ordered Hoke to pay the full amount to the state and serve five years probation.
When merchants collect tax on automobile sales from customers and fail to remit the tax, theyre stealing from the state and the local communities who depend on the sales tax revenue to fund critical public programs and services, Nonie Manion, acting tax commissioner, said in the release. We thank the Oneida County District Attorneys Office for prosecuting this case.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com
U.S.-England among World Cup matches to screen at The Blue Note
Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, The Blue Note will be an oversize sports bar.
Chinas push to take over global technology leadership is relentless. It wants to lead in computing, semiconductors, research and development, and clean energy. It is accelerating science investment as the U.S. retreats.
China may be planning a moon base. Surprised? Dont be. It will soon have a manned space station. It is investing heavily in quantum technologies and it wants to be first to build an exascale supercomputer.
In 2010, Computerworld looked at Five reasons why China will rule tech. Here's an update, and the case for China has grown stronger.
1. Chinas big science ambitions include a moon base
In the 1950s, the U.S. considered establishing a 12-man Army base on the moon by 1965. The idea was too ambitious for the time and was dropped. Meanwhile, China has set its sights on a permanent lunar base.
Richard Fisher, a senior fellow of Asian military affairs at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, sees the possibility. The Chinese will be using the moon for a range of military purposes, and thus it is necessary for the United States to go there. He made the comment at a hearing last month of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
China intends to launch its first space station module, Tianhe-1, next year, with the goal of having a completely assembled space station in 2022.
A Chinese lunar base is a long way off. China has targeted 2036 for landing on the moon. But what these efforts illustrate is how China thinks big and long term. China has established a goal of becoming a global scientific power by 2050, according to a report prepared for the Economic and Security Review Commission in 2011.
President Donald Trumps administration includes more funds for space exploration, but would do so only by cutting other science efforts at NASA. The space agencys overall 2018 budget would be cut by about 1%.
But the moonbase is just one science effort by China out of many.
Another priority for China is quantum computing, particularly in cryptography.
The U.S. remains at the forefront of quantum information science, but its lead has slipped considerably as other nations, China in particular, have allocated extensive funding to basic and applied research, said John Costello, a senior analyst at Flashpoint, a cybersecurity firm, in testimony presented at a U.S.-China hearing on Thursday.
Consequently, Chinese advances in quantum information science have the potential to surpass the United States, Costello said.
2. China wants to win in high-performance computing
U.S. scientists -- including those at the National Security Agency -- believe China will soon lead the world in supercomputing.
National security requires the best computing available, and loss of leadership in high performance computing (HPC) will severely compromise our national security, wrote NSA and Energy Department scientists in a recent report.
China sees supercomputing as a race. It recently accelerated development of exascale systems and expects to produce a prototype as earlier as the end of this year, ahead of the U.S.
China has the worlds fastest supercomputer at about 125 petaflops built with its own chips. A petaflop system can perform one quadrillion arithmetic operations per second. An exascale system is 1,000 petaflops, and China is on track to produce a system well before the U.S.
Trumps proposed 2018 budget may cut funding for U.S. supercomputer development.
3. China is attacking U.S. semiconductor dominance
For all its investment and advances, China is at least one and a half generations behind state-of-the-art semiconductors, according to a White House report released in January by President Barack Obama, just days before Trump took office. It was written with industry cooperation.
The report provides insights into criticisms that Trump leveled at China over trade practices. In its push to be first, China isnt playing fair, the report states.
To help boost its industry, the report claimed that the Chinese government subsidizes semiconductor production, which can lower product cost and threaten direct competitors. It also places conditions on access to its market to drive domestic production and technology transfer -- requiring foreign firms -- if they want access to Chinas market -- to share their technology. Theft is another means of acquiring technology, the report says.
In 2014, the Chinese Government announced that it would spend $150 billion to expand the share of Chinese-made integrated circuits in its market from 9 percent to 70 percent by 2025, said former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, in a speech last November. To put that figure into perspective, $150 billion is roughly half of all worldwide semiconductor sales last year, she said.
The Trump administration supports a hardline on China and its semiconductors activities. But Trump may differ from Obama in one key area.
Part of the Obama administration counterattack to the China semiconductor advances was to recommend a series of moonshots -- projects to accelerate U.S. innovation.
One moonshot called for advances in modeling and simulation development -- a product of supercomputing development. But if Trump cuts supercomputing investment, it may help China advance its semiconductor agenda.
4. China plans to exceed the U.S. in R&D
Chinas investment in R&D is rising so rapidly that the country is expected to surpass the U.S. in overall spending by 2020. This doesnt necessarily mean that China is doing a better job at innovation. Other measures, such as patents registered in multiple countries, continue to point to the U.S. as the innovation leader.
Nonetheless, Chinas R&D investment growth was called remarkable last year by the National Science Foundation. Between 2003 and 2013, China ramped up its R&D investments at an average of 19.5 percent annually, greatly exceeding that of the U.S. the NSF reported.
Chinas innovation ambitions include leading the world on clean energy. It invested nearly $103 billion in renewables in 2015, up 17% over 2014. The U.S. is in second place, but well behind, at $44 billion, according to a recent report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. The Trump budget would cut this investment.
5. Chinas leadership is focused on science
During the campaign, Trump said he supported investment in science, but his proposed 2018 budget cuts science spending.
The cuts are so deep they threaten our nations ability to advance cures for disease, maintain our technological leadership, ensure a more prosperous energy future, and train the next generation of scientists and innovators to address the complex challenges we face today and in the future, said Rush Holt, the CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Silicon Valley leaders warned before Trump took office that he would be a "disaster for innovation."
Trump may be hoping that deregulation, tax cuts and other private sector incentives will spur innovation. But the government has always played a role in basic science research and big science projects, such as exascale computers, that are too expensive for the private sector.
Chinas investment in science is not a given and economic forces could derail its plans. But for now, this country sees science investment as critical to long-term prosperity.
Innovation is the primary force guiding development, said Xi Jinping, the president of the Peoples Republic of China, in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. We need to relentlessly pursue innovation, Xi said.
This story, "5 reasons why China will rule tech, 2017 edition" was originally published by Computerworld .
Future U.S. elections may very well face more Russian attempts to interfere with the outcome, the FBI and the National Security Agency warned on Monday.
Theyll be back, said FBI director James Comey. Theyll be back in 2020. They may be back in 2018.
Comey made the comment during a congressional hearing on Russias suspected efforts to meddle with last years presidential election. Allegedly, cyberspies from the country hacked several high-profile Democratic groups and people, in an effort to tilt the outcome in President Donald Trumps favor.
Although Russia has denied any involvement, the FBI expects the country to strike again.
One of the lessons they [Russia] may draw from this is they were successful, Comey said. Because they introduced chaos and division and discord.
NSA director Michael Rogers agreed: I fully expect them to continue this level of activity.
Both the FBI and NSA are working with their counterparts in Europe to help stop similar election-tampering efforts allegedly from Russia, Rogers said.
France and Germany are two countries about to hold their own elections, he noted.
Disinformation, fake news, attempts to release information to embarrass individuals. Youre seeing that play out to some extent in European elections right now, Rogers said.
Back in December, a German intelligence agency accused Russia of ramping up online propaganda and hacking efforts to influence politics in the country.
The tactics have included spear phishing email attempts against German political parties that appear to resemble those carried out by Russian cyberspies during the U.S. presidential campaign, the agency said.
In February, Norway also said spear phishing attacks had targeted email accounts belonging to political officials in the country -- those, too, similar to tactics used by a suspected Russian hacking group.
In response, some are urging NATO to fight back. Russia is clearly testing NATO and the West, U.K. Defense Secretary Michael Fallon said last month.
In the U.S., lawmakers have launched investigations into Russias suspected role in influencing last years election.
But cybersecurity experts say the country needs to seriously bolster its cyber defenses.
The U.S. needs to stop being so reactive to every cyberattack and work on ways to punish offenders and protect private companies from intrusions, said Mark Kuhr, CTO at security firm Synack.
This secret cyberwar never used to be in the news, but now its leaked out every other week, he said. Weve got to start deterring these attacks.
Well, it was bound to happen.
Over the past several months, smartphone manufacturers have been hungering for a new hook -- a new way to make mobile devices seem fresh, exciting, and wallet-worthy at a point when last year's models still seem perfectly fine to most people.
It's a cycle we've seen in AndroidLand plenty of times before. In the early days, each new iteration of a phone was faster than the last. More cores, more gigahertz -- more digits, damn it!
Then came the display resolution phase. Higher resolution, more pixels, crisper, clearer, even more pixels!
We saw a similar thing with camera quality for a while. Then the superlatives spread to thinness (seriously, how many times have we seen the "thinnest phone ever made"?) -- and lately, they've been zoning in on the non-problem of bezels and screen-to-body ratio.
Like I said, there's always something.
So it should probably come as no surprise, then, that the latest concept device-makers seem intent on driving into the ground is artificial intelligence. A.I. is rapidly becoming the consumer-tech buzzword du jour -- and already, it's basically been stripped of any real meaning.
The reason? Everything imaginable is being branded as "artificial intelligence" right now -- but in actuality, most of the stuff falls somewhere between a repackaging of something old and a parroting of something better.
That doesn't much matter, though -- because boy, oh boy, does it make for good marketing.
The Android A.I. overload
The latest high-profile example just landed on our virtual doorsteps: This week, Samsung revealed plans for Bixby, an A.I.-powered assistant it's planning to bake into its upcoming Galaxy S8 smartphone (and yes, "Bixby" is really what they're calling it).
Per the company's press release:
It will simplify user education with new voice interfaces and will make using your phone even more seamless and intuitive.
Oh. Okay, then.
If you'll allow me to do a little gobbledygook-to-English translation, what Samsung's trying to say is that Bixby will let you get around your phone by speaking. Within supported apps and processes (and that's a key point, because out of the box, Bixby will support only "a subset of preinstalled applications"), Bixby will let you complete "almost any task the application is capable of performing" by using your voice.
Based on what Samsung's saying, it appears Bixby will be more focused on that sort of behavior -- acting as a voice command system for typically touch-oriented actions -- as opposed to trying to be a full-fledged "assistant" in the style of Siri or Google Assistant.
Maybe I'm drastically underestimating how transformative such a system might be, but I can essentially see that covering two types of tasks:
1. Things you can already easily do with Google's own native voice command system
You know, like this -- again, from Samsung's Bixby press release:
For example, instead of taking multiple steps to make a call -- turning on and unlocking the phone, looking for the phone application, clicking on the contact bar to search for the person that youre trying to call and pressing the phone icon to start dialing -- you will be able to do all these steps with one push of the Bixby button and a simple command.
In other words, another way to say "OK Google, call Mom" -- except with the requirement of a physical button press before you speak. Classic Samsung. (Think S Voice, S Translator, the Samsung music players, Samsung app store, web browser, "hubs," and so on.) This sort of scenario does little more than create unnecessary redundancy and confusion, as we've discussed ad nauseam with these sorts of situations in the past.
2. Things for which the value of having a voice command is questionable
Part of what's supposed to set Bixby apart is the fact that -- again, for the limited range of supported apps -- it'll let you perform practically any function you could accomplish via touch by using your voice instead.
As Philip Berne, a Samsung marketing manager, explained it on Twitter:
Bixby is not Alexa, or Siri. It's an interface. It's meant to [do] everything you could possibly do by touch, but with voice.
My question there is: Why?
There's the obvious accessibility angle -- and that's an area that's extremely valid and overdue for progress. (Google has been working on its own Voice Access hands-free system for similar purposes, but it's been in beta for almost a year and isn't the simplest interface to use.) That doesn't seem to be the angle Samsung's going for with this, though.
And when you set aside that possibility and look at Bixby as a general consumer feature, I'm just not sure when using your voice to get around an app would be genuinely compelling in any broad sense. If you're walking or driving, you (hopefully) aren't looking at your screen and performing intricate actions.
So fringe use-cases aside, when are you going to be looking at an app on your phone but finding it easier or more effective to speak an action aloud rather than simply tapping the command on the screen in front of you? Again, remember: Most actions where that would make obvious sense -- like controlling music playback or performing navigation-related tasks, for instance -- fall under our first category of things you can already do with Android's existing voice command system.
(One possibility: The answer may actually be "rarely" to "never" but that Samsung hopes it can convince you to change your mind -- because Bixby could be a killer new way to get you to stay within the Samsung ecosystem of products. The company says it plans to put Bixby into all of its appliances eventually -- air conditioners, TVs, you name it -- and to evolve it "from a smartphone interface to an interface for your life." In other words, it wants Bixby to be a common thread that ties numerous Samsung products together and gives you a reason to stay committed to that family for a wide range of future purchases.)
Buzz, buzz buzz, buzz buzz buzz buzz
Ultimately, when hearing about "revolutionary" new forms of artificial intelligence for smartphones, we have to ask the same question I posed about specs in 2013: So what? Sure, your new phone's got this-or-that A.I.-powered something -- but so what? What does that actually mean for my life? What makes this phone, this system, this made-for-advertising feature valuable in real-world terms?
I'm using Samsung as an example because it's the latest contender to throw its hat into the A.I.-everything ring, but it's far from the only player in the current buzzword-brandishing game. HTC has its own new A.I.-branded system of questionable value, and LG's been baking the same sort of overhyped crap into its devices for years now. Heck, even Google Assistant -- legitimately useful as it can be -- is mostly just a repackaging and expansion of a few long-familiar services.
To be sure, there is some genuinely impressive and futuristic progress being made in the field of artificial intelligence. Having yet another overlapping way to tell your phone to turn off its Wi-Fi, however, isn't it -- no more so than having a display with "even more pixels" or a phone that was "20% thinner" meant anything of great significance in the past.
Apple quietly made numerous announcements today, including a new low-end iPad, an anti-AIDS (RED) iPhone, a much better iPhone SE, new Apple Watch straps and a brand-new video creation app called Clips.
Scheduled Maintenance
The first warning that we should expect the news came when the company warned its online Apple retail store would be offline for a few hours for scheduled maintenance. There was a schedule, but it wasnt for maintenance. You can read all about the respective announcements in the press releases:
iPhone release
iPad release
Clips app release
Swift Playgrounds announcement
Rather than simply repeat Apples news, Ive spent a couple of hours attempting to identify some key details concerning the new products:
Get (RED), but limited supply
Apples decision to launch (RED) iPhones in red is significant as its the first time Apple has created a (RED) version of its biggest-selling product. Apple has contributed over $130 million to the charity so far.
Theres a price hike on saving lives.
There are only going to be a limited number made available, Greg Joswiak told Mashable. They start at $749, so thats around $100 more than their standard siblings. The red iPhone looks good -- interestingly, I note the company has color-matched the antenna lines on this model: Apple does not color-match the line on gold or rose gold iPhone 7 models.
iPhone Upgrade Program
Apple now offers iPhones under its upgrade scheme to customers in China, U.K., and the U.S. The scheme lets consumers purchase a new iPhone on a monthly instalment plan. You can then upgrade to the new model each year. Hardware as a service.
32GB is the new 16GB
It looks like the iPhone SE isnt going to get a big upgrade this side of summer -- instead Apple has doubled the capacity of the device but kept pricing the same (from $399, 32GB, or $499, 128GB). The iPhone SE capacity bump means Apple has finally accepted that 16GB is no longer enough space for a digital age.
Project: India
Apple is working hard to build its business in India, and the companys new iPhone SE models should help it in these aims. Apple will sell the new 32GB iPhone SE at Rs 27,200 ($415), which is much lower than the Rs 39,000 ($600) it was charging for the last edition. It remains to be seen if this price reduction will help Apple break into the market, but there is little doubt it will widen its potential market. Counterpoint claims Apple shipped c.60,000 iPhone SE units in India in 2016.
Great iPad, better price
Dubbed simply, iPad and with a starting price set $70 less than the iPad Air 2 it replaces, the new 9.7-inch iPad offers a brighter Retina display but is thicker (7.5mm v 6.1mm) and a little heavier (469g v 437g) than the last iteration, possibly to provide space for the 32.4Wh (10-hour life) battery. It does offer a much better (64-bit) A9 processor, but not Apple Pencil support. Incidentally, Apple says there are now 1.3 million iPad apps available. What is interesting is the price: The new iPad costs $330, or $270 less than a $600, 9.7-inch, 32GB iPad Pro. That price leaves a big gap that could be filled by another product...
iPad mini
Apple has discontinued the iPad mini 2 and introduced higher storage capacity in iPad mini 4, which now costs $399 and provides 128GB of storage.
Brexit will batter Britain
Apples new products cost almost the same in Sterling as they do in dollars. The new iPad costs $329 in the U.S., but will set UK purchasers back 339. This reflects Apple building in around 7 percent protection against the inevitable collapse of UK currency once Brexit begins. (UK food prices have begun to rise after 31 months of decline).
A.I. for the rest of us: The new Clips app
Apples really focused on social media in this app, which wont ship until April. The app lets you combine video clips, photos, and music with animated captions and effects.
It also lets you share your creations through popular social media services, including Snapchat, Facebook and so on -- a good move by Apple as it does rather better when it works with other social networks than attempting to build its own.
There is a little machine intelligence within the app, which will recommend friends you should share your clips with based on contacts it has recognized within your footage. That's a subtle way of showing the future potential of A.I.
To create movies using the app you can shoot from within the app or import videos and photos from your collection. It ships with a dozen built-in music soundtracks which will adjust to fit the length of your content and you can add shapes, speech bubbles, text and emoji to your movies. Clips also includes Live Titles which use voice to text to let you dictate these.
iOS 10.3
Apple says it will introduce Clips in early April, noting the new app needs iOS 10.3, which means the new iOS will be available by then.
Change in how Apple sells Apple Watch
Apple has introduced a raft of new Apple Watch bands, but it has also changed how it sells the core product: You can now only purchase a new Apple Watch with a Sport band or a Milanese Loop, meaning any additional band varieties must be paid for. (The only exception is when you purchase Apple Watch with Hermes bands.)
Google+? If you use social media and happen to be a Google+ user, why not join AppleHolic's Kool Aid Corner community and join the conversation as we pursue the spirit of the New Model Apple?
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The filmmakers behind brewing documentary Crafting A Nation are now turning their lens on craft distilling in their new project, The Whiskey Film.
The project follows the story of the craft distilling revolution that's taken hold in Colorado in the recent years. "The whiskey industry in the United States is over 200 years old and when a Congressional resolution declared bourbon whiskey as America's native spirit in 1964, it gained a legitimacy in heritage. No other country can call their spirit bourbon whiskey. Since then, state laws have loosened to allow more distilleries to open and thrive," says Thomas Kolicko, the film's director. "What we're seeing now is a lot of very creative and driven entrepreneurs build upon the tradition. The Whiskey Film features the new generation of whiskey craftsmen and women and dives deep into the agriculture ties behind the end result."
The documentary, which will feature craft distillers from across the country, has focused on three Colorado companies: Colorado Springs-based Distillery 291, Deerhammer in Buena Vista and Colorado Malting Company in Alamosa. The documentary crew is currently looking for up to nine more distillers and whiskey-related agricultural operations to capture their stories, according to Stacey Fronek, a producer with Traverse Image, the production company behind the documentary.
"This is a story about American craft whiskey and to tell that story well, we want to include distilleries from across the country who are innovating and demonstrate a strong connection to agriculture," Fronek explains.
While Bourbon County and Kentucky Bourbon are often considered the home of bourbon and the heart of US whiskey manufacturing, Fronek says: "To us, Colorado is the symbolic epicenter of the movement that is defining craft whiskey." Still, she adds, "We love Bourbon County and Kentucky bourbon, and have high hopes for filming there because of the rich history and tradition."
Traverse Image launched an Indiegogo campaign to support The Whiskey Film on March 15. It hopes to raise at least $100,000 to support the production of the project as each minute of the documentary costs roughly $1,000 to complete. "As we continue to fund the campaign, new filming locations will be 'unlocked' on the Indiegogo page," Fronek says. "Until then, the site of our next shoot will remain a mystery!"
Christopher Howarth is a senior researcher working in the House of Commons. Prior to this he worked for Open Europe, as a Conservative Foreign Affairs Adviser and senior researcher to a Shadow Europe Minister.
Nicola Sturgeon has demanded an immediate referendum on Scottish independence. No surprises she is a Scottish separatist after all. But dont be fooled: the shrill and insistent tone of this new demand is not the product of a confident, separatist movement, but the result of a growing an irreversible weakness in the intellectual case for independence.
For not only do polls show that Scots do not seek a new poll, and would not vote for separation if there were one, but the alternative that the SNP is offering immediate EU membership does not exist and, even if it did, would not suit Scotlands economic and political interests.
The high oil price, the arc of prosperity and an EU that in the event of independence would straddle both the rest of the UK and Scotland all seemed to make Scottish separatism possible. However, the ark has sunk in a world awash with oil leaving the EU as the remaining piece of geopolitical glue to hold together the SNPs prospectus.
For this reason, Brexit is the SNPs kryptonite it blows away their last fantasy. Sturgeon is not happy. She fumed at the Prime Ministers decision: If shes talking in the spring of 2019, a bit later perhaps than I was suggesting, there may be some room for discussion around that. But it seems to me to be just fundamentally unfair for a UK government, with Brexit having sunk the ship, trying to puncture Scotlands lifeboat as well. I dont think that is reasonable because by that point Scotland has been taken out of the EU two years have elapsed.
Putting aside the rather naive belief that the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom should be reasonable to a politician that is trying to destroy her country: Sturgeons answer acknowledges her arguments fundamental weakness. Once the UK has left the EU, by March 29 2019 at the latest, the First Ministers chances of leading Scotland to separation are over. She is fresh out of options: post 2019, she cannot hide the fact that independence means independence hard independence, to coin a term.
So hard, indeed, that Scotland would be out of the EU, the EEA and, presumably, NATO given the SNPs stance on nuclear weapons. Such independence would leave Scotland free to seek a free trade agreement, a customs union or even a currency union with the rest of the UK and could even workbut is not a vision that the SNP could sell in Scotland.
Non Option 1 for Scotland: Immediate EU membership
To join the EU you need to be an EU candidate; to be a candidate you need to be an independent state. Scotland would therefore need to complete its divorce from the UK and then apply for EU membership. It would then need to meet the Copenhagen criteria, show that it had built the administrative capability to live up to its EU commitments, pass 35 accession chapters, gain unanimous approval of all other EU states and accept all of the EU treaties.
The UK has a number of treaty opt-outs and negotiated positions that Scotland would not automatically take advantage of. Scotland would not have a budget rebate as the UK does. It would have to adopt the Euro which means setting up its own currency and joining the Exchange Rate Mechanism as a forerunner. Only Denmark and the UK have legal opt outs from the Euro. If Scotland decided to use the UK Pound unilaterally, it could not even pretend that it intended to join the Euro. Scotland would also need a Schengen opt-out in order to continue in the Common Travel Area with the UK and Ireland, and thus maintain passport free travel. That might be possible, but extracting every concession takes time.
In any event, EU membership would be a particularly bad deal for Scotland. Independence would leave the rest of the UK as a destination for 63 per cent of Scots exports behind a customs barrier and, while it might be possible to reduce the inconvenience by making this border frictionless, it would leave Scotland left out of important UK trade deals. While the UK can prioritise Scots exports such as whisky, the EU has failed to do so. Scotland would also have to re-join the Common Fisheries Policy.
Non Option 2 for Scotland: EEA membership
With immediate EU membership off the table, the SNP have flirted with the idea of joining the EEA along with Iceland, Norway and Lichtenstein. This would leave Scotland with good access to the EU market, but without any influence over the rules and in a different regulatory zone to the rUK. Perhaps the SNP would be happy with this? That is however a moot point since EEA membership is off the table as well.
To join the EEA, the agreement states in Article 128 that: any European State becoming a member of the Community shall, and the Swiss Confederation or any European State becoming a member of EFTA may, apply to become a party to this Agreement. It shall address its application to the EEA Council.
Scotland would therefore need to apply as a state after independence, and after joining EFTA as a member. And to join EFTA, Article 56 of the EFTA conventions states: any state may accede to this Convention, provided that the Council decides to approve its accession, on such terms and conditions as may be set out in that decision.
In short Scotland, would first need to leave the EU or EEA in order to seek a way back in.
Non Option 3 for Scotland: EEA membership while in the UK
This option is not really an option as it has been ruled out by the UK Government, and for good measure by the Norwegian and Icelandic Governments. Like the options above, it suffers from the key fault, in that you have to be an independent state to be a member. It would also create a regulatory frontier within the UK something that would be impossible to police and cause legal chaos.
All this leaves the SNP is difficult territory. The UK Brexit referendum campaign saw a momentary and curious alignment of Conservative remainer Unionists and Scottish nationalists, both convinced that Brexit would cause the end of the UK. Fortunately, they were a hundred per cent wrong.
We could have done more to strengthen the United Kingdom pre Brexit and should do more afterwards, but dont be fooled: Brexit is no friend of the SNP.
James Frayne is Director of communications agency Public First and author of Meet the People, a guide to moving public opinion. The focus of this column is Theresa Mays conservatism for ordinary working people.
At the time of writing, the last poll I could find on whether MPs should be allowed second jobs revealed massive public opposition. By 54 per cent to 28 per cent, a 2015 Yougov poll showed people would support a ban. Its not impossible the numbers have moved somewhat since then, but itd be shocking if theyd flipped over into public support.
It isnt hard to fathom where opposition comes from. Forget whos right, theres a complete mismatch between what MPs think about themselves and what the public think. MPs think theyre underpaid; most people think a 75,000 salary is very large. MPs think their expenses are modest; most people have little or no ability to claim expenses of any kind. MPs think they work hard on local issues; most people dont follow their activities and have no idea about what they do.
To many people, if not most, hearing MPs have well-paid second jobs is confirmation theyre using the time theyre paid to represent their constituents on doing work thatll just make them richer. Nothing will persuade them otherwise.
Politicians and commentators who argue Parliament is a richer place for MPs having outside interests have a point. Whether thats keeping in touch with the burdens of small business life by helping run a firm, or understanding the technicalities of financial markets by providing consultancy advice, politicians with direct and current experience of real life are useful asset. But those members of the public that oppose MPs having outside interests have a point, too.
Its not just that MPs get well paid (absolutely, if not relatively) and have a duty to represent constituents to the best of their ability. More than that, politicians have helped create a country where the state takes an ever more important role in our economy and society. Whether its the endless demands placed on businesses to ensure their operations match current political demands, or the costs lumped on to consumer goods to reflect the preoccupations of health conscious politicians, or the insistence that parents never take their children out of school, MPs are intervening everywhere in ordinary peoples lives.
Its hard for politicians to force through such measures on the one hand, while claiming their own working lives should continue as if Lord Salisbury was still Prime Minister as if Parliament only focused on great matters of state and as if the state barely touched most peoples lives. Im personally sympathetic to the argument that Parliaments should be short and do little; but in reality, nothing could be further from the truth theres an endless amount to discuss as a direct result of what politicians do and plan. In short, if politicians are going to create such an interventionist state, they need to be on hand to manage it and regulate it on a full-time basis.
Does that mean a ban on all outside interests? Writing regular columns or appearing on TV regularly hardly seems like a breach of either the letter or the spirit of the desire to stop so-called second jobs. Plenty of people combine such activities with a full-time job (me included). But spending days a week on outside business is surely a distraction from the job they are supposed to be doing to the best of their ability and which MPs claim is all-consuming.
For a long time, many MPs havent been happy with the way school funding is allocated. Historically, money has been dished out to local authorities with an advisory note attached saying how much is intended for different levels and types of education that is then divided up by the local authority as it wishes, with advice from their local schools forum feeding into the mix.
The problem to date has been that those grants handed down from the Department for Education to the local authorities often vary a great deal from area to area. In the words of the Education Secretary, these imbalances are
unfair, untransparent and out of date. Similar schools and local areas receive very different levels of funding, with little or no justification. Patchy and inconsistent decisions have built up over many years, and mean resources are not getting to the schools and pupils that need them most.
For obvious reasons, MPs whose areas receive funding below the average based on little or no justification tend to dislike this process. The solution, they argued, was for the Government to recognise that there is a standard basic cost of providing one year of education to one child in primary, secondary or various specialised forms of school. There could be some extra money where there were specific requirements poverty, failing schools and so on but every school would get a reasonable and equal share of the pot as a minimum, making things fairer nationally.
Thats a reasonable argument, and the Department for Education recently accepted it much to the delight of those in Parliament and in education who felt their schools werent being treated fairly. In future, every school would get a set amount directly from central government based on a clear formula, applied equally across the country.
Since that initial decision, though, the reform has come unstuck. Headteachers, and now many MPs, are reportedly up in arms at the draft funding formula published at the end of last year which lays out how the budget for each school would be calculated in practice.
Part of the problem is an expected price of a fiscally neutral rebalancing. If no extra money is going into the pot, and the pot is being more equally distributed, then some schools with more money than the average will inevitably receive less funding. Thats awkward, and sure to raise fury in affected areas, but the calculation was that the number of people pleased by the change would outweigh the number annoyed by it.
It hasnt worked out that way. Indeed, some of the MPs who now criticise the new formula are the same people who made the case for its reform in the first place. One issue seems to be that the share of the formula which allocates funding as the standard minimum required for educating a child is lower than many expected, and the proportion allocated variably to different schools based on special factors is correspondingly higher. That has undercut the hopes of schools which currently get by on below-average amounts of money but who dont qualify for special consideration under the new formula.
Take the prior attainment measure as an example. In practice, its application means that schools which have produced good results even doing so on lower than average budgets are penalised for doing so. Some who disliked the old system anticipated reform shifting money from London, where budgets were boosted in the Blair years to target what used to be the problem of inner city underperformance, to rural areas, which have historically tended to lose out, but have been shocked to find that schools doing well despite limited cash now stand to lose even more money, in some cases deepening existing imbalances rather than ameliorating them.
At the same time, there are other upward pressures on costs in education. For a sector where staffing is a major regular overhead, rising National Insurance and pension contributions have a big impact. Meanwhile, the school-age population is growing faster than the schools budget. One headmaster in West Sussex told the BBC that he was pleased to learn his school would be 180,000 better off from the new formula only to discover that his costs are set to rise by 220,000. Not only are those losing out more vocal than those gaining (as is always the case), and not only are the gains often smaller on average than the losses among the best-funded schools (as was inevitable), but some of those who gain on paper from the formula are still set to have less money overall.
These factors have all combined to erode support for a long-sought reform and increase opposition to it beyond the levels that were anticipated. The Department for Education is reported to be considering its options but its room for manoeuvre is limited. It could soften the blow for schools which already have the least funding by recognising an official, national minimum level of per-child funding. But to do that would require either capping increases for the schools who stand to gain the most costing them further support or beating a track to the Chancellors door for more money. And he has other problems to be getting on with already.
In a scathing editorial, top British daily The Guardian has said that Yogi Adityanath, a person contemptuous of democratic norms and a stridently anti-Muslim extremist has been chosen by the Indian prime minister, Narendra Modi to lead Uttar Pradesh. Introducing UP to British readers as home of Hinduisms holy Ganges river and the Moghul tomb of Taj Mahal, the editorial says, the state has a population of more than 200 million, and though not an independent nation, by itself it would be the worlds fourth biggest democracy behind the rest of India, the United States, and Indonesia.The Guardian editorial comes amidst the rather tough stance comes amidst several scribes in India have sought to suggest that Adityanaths selection suggests the limits of Modis power, and that Modi, along with BJP president Amit Shah, was "arm twisted" by RSS into allowing Adityanath to become chief minister.The editorial particularly recalls, Adityanath has been accused of attempted murder, criminal intimidation and rioting, adding, He says young Muslim men had launched a love jihad to entrap and convert Hindu women.It further points out, Mother Teresa, he claimed, wanted to Christianise India. He backs a Donald Trump-style travel ban to stop terrorists coming to India. On the campaign trail, Mr Adityanath warned: If [Muslims] kill one Hindu man, then we will kill 100 Muslim men.Insisting that this cannot be dismissed as mere rhetoric, The Guardian says, The argument that once in power the BJP would become more reasonable does not wash. Theres little sign Indias constitutional protections would enable the BJP to continue in power while the dynamics of its wider movement are kept in check.Underlines the editorial, Adityanath, now a powerful figure, is signalling that in India minorities exist merely on the goodwill of the majority. Step out of line and there will be blood. For some of Indias 140 million Muslims the threat is enough to see them debate withdrawing from public life to avoid further polarisation.Modis BJP, according to the editorial, is full of religious zealots. He himself claimed plastic surgeons in ancient India grafted an elephant head on to a human thousands of years ago. The BJPs skill is producing a circus to divert attention from how poorly the country is doing.Noting that this has been successful, the editorial says, Voters overwhelmingly endorsed Mr Modis decision last November to cancel high-value banknotes the so-called demonetisation of 86% of all currency which they were told was a key anti-corruption reform.In India there is increasing concern that minorities are being told they exist merely on the goodwill of the majority. For some of Indias 140 million Muslims it is enough to debate withdrawing from public life, the editorial says.Recalling Modis demonetization misadventure, The Guardian says, The public, and especially the poor, appear to put up with the chaos because they wrongly believe the rich suffered more. They did not because the wealthy long ago converted ill-gotten cash into houses, businesses and jewellery.Quoting experts, it says, the turmoil cost the economy an estimated 14bn, adding, Money that might have been better spent in UP providing electricity to half of households that dont have it, or tackling the highest infant mortality rate in India.
End fossil fuel industry stranglehold
In many developed countries wind farms and massed solar arrays are everywhere, and coal and gas power is being phased out. However, the Turnbull government is determined to inhibit renewable energy development while pretending to support it. Most of the gas from Australias large gas reserves is exported, and now the government wants the states to lift their bans on CSG mining rather than relying on renewable power.
Adopting renewables as the main source of electrical energy and phasing out fossil fuel mining should be primary national objectives. But the Conservative coalition opposes that approach. The government has proved itself to be not just the servant of capital, but the servant of a particular sector of capital which is now threatening human life on the planet.
Last Wednesday South Australian Premier Jay Wetherill revealed plans to stabilise his states renewable energy production by gaining back-up power from a privately-operated 100 Mw battery station and a 250 Megawatt government-operated gas-fired power plant.
The next day Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull hastily announced his governments intention to introduce a pumped hydro energy storage scheme in the Snowy Mountains, which he claimed would save South Australia from having to build back-up facilities.
However, Turnbulls scheme has not been proved geologically, technically or financially feasible, and his announcement was immediately eclipsed by an Adelaide press conference during which Wetherill and federal Energy Minister Josh Frydenberg clashed over energy policies.
When Frydenberg sneered at Wetherills plan for a rapid transition to 50 percent renewable energy power generation, Wetherill replied that the federal government had bagged his energy policies repeatedly and that its treatment of South Australia was a disgrace.
As if to prove Wetherills point, Frydenberg once again blamed him for recent blackouts in South Australia, even though they were actually caused by destruction of transmission towers and the failure of private power operators to transmit supplementary energy during violent weather.
The battle for energy domination
The federal conservative Coalition obsessively backs the fossil fuel industries. However, it cannot reject scientific evidence that carbon dioxide from fossil fuel power stations is the largest contributor to atmospheric carbon, and that high carbon levels are driving potentially catastrophic climate change.
The Turnbull governments recent endorsement of new coal-fired power stations has been rejected by private investors and the public. Consequently, the government is now claiming that because of the variability of wind and solar power, gas is the best means of delivering reliable power, and that renewable energy need provide only marginal assistance.
But South Australia is committed to gaining 50 percent of its power from renewable energy sources. The Turnbull government argues that the state should delay implementation of its renewable energy program until release of the federal Chief Scientists energy report, but Wetherill refuses to do so.
Wetherill also wants farmers to accept coal seam gas mines (CSG) on their properties in return for 10 percent of the gas royalties. The Turnbull government supports him, but its an extremely dangerous proposition. Methane gas almost always escapes from CSG mines, damages the local environment and accelerates climate change. Its a far more potent greenhouse gas than carbon dioxide.
Wetherills decision to pay for building the gas power station rather than the battery storage plant is a mistake. Nevertheless, with adequate battery storage and guaranteed access, the gas back-up generators would rarely if ever be used.
The state could then be converted to 100 percent renewable energy power generation, and other states would probably follow South Australias lead. And thats something the Turnbull government will fight tooth and nail to prevent.
White elephant runs riot
Pumped hydro can regulate the flow of power derived from renewable energy sources, and create extra power for the national grid. During low demand periods water is pumped upstream from a low dam or reservoir for storage in high reservoirs, and is released to generate power during peak demand periods.
If the water is pumped using power from the existing turbines, no extra power is created. If coal or gas-fired power stations are used, extra power is created, but carbon is emitted and power is lost because of the transition from one form of energy to another.
Wind or solar energy should therefore power the pumps, but the Turnbull government is certain to insist on coal or gas-fired power stations.
Moreover, pumping water upstream during droughts may cause water shortages for farmers and rural communities downstream. Brisbanes Wivenho dam incorporates a pumped hydro system, but as the Brisbane floods demonstrated recently, keeping reservoirs topped up entails the risk of flooding during periods of extreme rainfall.
Turnbulls ballpark estimate of $2 billion and a four or five year timeframe for building the pumped hydro scheme would undoubtedly be exceeded, and $2 billion could buy an awful lot of battery storage.
Turnbull also indicated that if NSW and Victoria dont agree with his Snowy Mountain scheme the federal government would fund it themselves, and its certain to be operated privately as part of the disastrous profit-driven national energy market.
If the scheme goes ahead Australia is likely to be left with a massive $2 billion white elephant, a string of privately-operated power stations pumping carbon skywards for an anticipated 50 years.
The bigger picture
The government wholeheartedly supported privatisation of electricity generation and distribution. Thats been a nationwide financial disaster. Consumers are now paying 43 cents in every dollar as profits for the energy companies.
The massive foreign-owned, unprofitable Hazelwood power station will shut down on April 2, and the national grid may not be able to meet peak power demands next summer. The quickest and most enlightened solution would be to install government-owned renewable energy power plants with battery storage back up. But the Turnbull government stands in the way.
To meet the nations power needs and play our part in mitigating climate change we must pressure state governments to support renewable energy. And at the earliest opportunity we have to replace the Turnbull regime with a government that is not the slave of the fossil fuel industries and the private sector.
Editorial
More than a river, more than a scheme
To put the Turnbull governments latest on-the-run energy policy stitch-up involving manipulation of the Snowy Mountains Scheme in some context, a brief reminder of the nature and origin of the scheme is required.
In 2013 the eastern state governments cut their contributions to the jointly-funded Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA), thereby abandoning their responsibility to rescue the ailing Murray-Darling river system.
The Authority is responsible for the river systems infrastructure, including the dams and weirs that control the river flow, but it also plans the long-term use of the rivers and improvement of the river environment.
The Authoritys initial draft plan for the Murray Darling Basin had recommended severe cuts in the use of river water, and also made recommendations concerning subterranean ground water use and agricultural water storage.
This enraged the big irrigators and many members of farming communities, leading to ceremonial public burning of copies of the report. The NSW and Victorian governments also objected that the cuts were too severe. In contrast, the South Australian government complained, quite rightly, that the cuts would still not rescue Adelaides threatened water supply from the Murray River, which was blocked at its exit point because of inadequate flows.
The then Gillard Labor government retreated, disowning its own report, and the head of the Authority resigned in disgust. A new report was produced, which included recommendations for less severe cuts to water diversion than were needed to restore the rivers health. That still wasnt good enough for the NSW or Victorian governments. They wanted greater diversion of river water, not less, especially for irrigation.
Damning the Snowy
Four years ago the Victorian and NSW governments abandoned any commitment to impartial scientific advice regarding the Snowy Mountains Scheme and its environment. Under federal legislation one of Victorias two representatives on the six-member Snowy Scientific Committee must represent Snowy Mountains environmental groups.
Although Snowy Hydro is owned by the NSW, Victorian and federal governments, its a thoroughly commercial enterprise. In 1992 the NSW, Victorian and federal governments agreed to release 70 gigalitres of water per year to improve environmental flows.
In 2006 the federal, NSW and Victorian governments attempted to sell off their shares in Snowy Hydro, but public pressure forced the then Howard Liberal government into a hasty retreat and the scheme collapsed.
Saving water
The NSW government also removed scientific advisors from the Sydney Water Catchment Authority. The former government-owned corporation Sydney Water also removed water efficiency rebates in order to increase its profitability.
The actions of the NSW and Victorian Liberal/National state governments demonstrate they serve the interests of the big agricultural companies, irrigators and industrial enterprises, even if that means giving them so much water that the native fish, birds, and animals from the Snowy river and the Murray/Darling river system diminish in number or disappear altogether.
The refusal by the state governments to support the Murray-Darling Basin Authority clearly demonstrates that the federal government should take over the river system.
In addition, state governments policies of running water institutions on a profit-maximisation basis clearly indicate that they are setting them up for privatisation.
Privatisation
In 2006 the Howard government announced that it had decided against selling off its share of the Snowy Hydro Scheme. At the time, the back-down on the future of the jointly-owned scheme obliged the NSW and Victorian governments to scuttle their privatising plans. The turn-around was caused by public opposition: the rapid mobilisation of public indignation was the source of the sudden change of heart on the part of the arch-privatisers.
Im not a zealot about privatisation; that you sell everything under the sun, irrespective of the circumstances, Howard told the ABC at the time. He tried hard to put this gloss on the decision despite the fact that he and his ministers had been hyping the sale and attempting to neutralise the obvious objections to it. The government had inserted a 35 percent cap on total foreign ownership in the sell-off legislation.
The headquarters would have stayed in Cooma. The 2002 legislation corporatising the Snowy Hydro scheme would have remained in effect and (the Minister claimed) mean that flows to users downstream would be regulated on the same basis as is currently the case. Negotiations had been underway with the Australian Stock Exchange to see whether a ban on individuals owning over 10 percent of the Snowy shares could be enforced for more than four years.
However, while about 100,000 people registered their interest in buying the shares, few others were buying the reassurances. Farming communities were concerned about the effect of a private operators commercial interest on access to vital water supplies.
During the 25 years (1949-1974) of construction more than 100,000 workers gave their all to this amazing project; 121 one of them gave their lives. Many were new immigrants and felt it was their contribution to building Australia, and still do today. They made lifelong friends, and those who are still alive today feel pride in what they have done.
For decades school students have been studying and visiting what is one of the most complex and largest hydro electric operations in the world.
In a move against privatisation, a group of 56 prominent Australians including former Prime Minister Malcolm Fraser, poet Les Murray and actor Cate Blanchett put a powerful appeal to the federal, NSW and Victorian governments on behalf of their sidelined electors. Protests against the sale took place in the Jindabyne, Tumut and Cooma areas. These townships had the additional fear of the loss of jobs and purchasing power in their local economies hanging over their heads.
The Mayor of Cooma announced that a celebration of the decision would be held in place of a planned protest rally.
Peoples power has triumphed, for the time being, over some very long-term plans to privatise the Snowy scheme. Howard had been left to reassure prospective buyers of other assets that it is business as usual. He hinted heavily that investment banks involved in preparations for the Snowy sell-off would be given something for their trouble.
Greeting
Sally McManus.
To: Sally McManusSecretary Australian Councilof Trade Unions
Dear Sally,
We are writing on behalf of the Communist Party of Australia to congratulate you on your election as Secretary of the ACTU. It is a great achievement and a reflection of the hard work you have done fighting for trade union members and building the Australian Services Union.
We are committed to standing behind you and the trade union movement in the struggle to restore penalty rates, ensure the safety of workers on worksites, and abolish the ABCC and other repressive anti-union laws. As you told the media, Australia has been built by working people who have had the courage to stand up to unfair and unjust rules and demand something better.
We believe strongly in the independence of trade unions and their right to fight for their members and a better society using whatever means they deem appropriate. We also support the lifting of restrictions on the right to strike and take other industrial action.
We pledge our full support in the building and strengthening of the trade union movement, winning stronger rights and tackling the rampant lawlessness of employers who rip off their employees and put the safety and lives of people at risk.
We wish you all success in your work.
In solidarity
Bob Briton General Secretary of the CPA
Vinnie Molina National President of the CPA
Mining boom Premier bites the dust
Although the election date was officially called on February 1, speculation about the March 11 date had been known for some time and political forces in Western Australia had been campaigning unofficially for months in anticipation of political change.
Richard and Nationals polling day volunteer Paul.
On March 11, that change arrived emphatically with a majority to the Australian Labor Party led by Mark McGowan, the member of the Lower House seat of Rockingham WA.
On current projections the ALP will have 40 seats in the 59-seat Legislative Assembly chamber. The Liberals lost 18 seats to the ALP the ALP even winning seats that they did not expect to win as part of the 15% swing against the Liberals state-wide and swing towards the ALP of about 9%.
The swing against the Liberal Party came in a large part from the preference deal which the Liberal leader Colin Barnett and the party machine did with One Nation Party. The preference deal alienated many Liberal Party voters who believed that Pauline Hanson was a political pariah who did not represent their views and to those One Nation Party voters who would have voted for One Nation as they believed the Party was above doing political deals.
On election day One Nation received less than 5% of the vote, which is far from the 14% predicted by a poll before the election. The ramifications nationally of the WA result are significant in that it shows the fragile nature of the appeal which One Nation has over their supporters.
The Greens WA maintained their share of the primary vote at 8.5% and election night saw their mixed fortunes play out in seats across the state, where the vote went up for the Greens in some seats from the previous election while it went down in others.
The Greens vote was higher in the metropolitan area on average than it was in regional areas of WA though three electorates bucked this trend; two in the south west, Vasse 13.3% (Busselton), Warren-Blackwood (Manjimup-Pemberton) and Kimberley 9.9% in the far north.
One issue that figured large in the campaign in regional WA as well as the urban areas was the issue of the privatisation of Western Power with which most voters were uncomfortable and rejected the Liberals push for the partial sale of the state asset which should be retained as it belongs to the people and generates income for the state.
The perceived arrogance of the Liberal leader Colin Barnett was a factor which turned people away from the Liberal Party and the parlous state of the governments finances (a record state deficit of $33 billion) and the economy with high levels of unemployment. Barnett was the mining boom Premier.
On election night Premier Colin Barnett gave his concession speech in which he said that despite running a great campaign, Time was not on our side. Barnett also prided himself on providing long term stable and ethical government.
At the forefront of issues is the Roe 8 Freeway extension and destruction of Beeliar wetlands. The Premier elect, Labors Mark McGowan, has reiterated that he will terminate the contracts for this extravagant, wasteful and unwanted infrastructure project.
Dehumanising Human Services
This month Community and Public Sector Union national secretary Nadine Flood and deputy president Lisa Newman addressed the Senate Inquiry into the Centrelink robo-debt debacle. Their analysis of developments in the Department of Human Services gives insights into the profound human effects of the governments cuts. Below are extracts from Floods address. Next week; Lisa Newman.
Nadine Flood: The Community and Public Sector Union represents the real humans working at the centre of the Centrelink Online Compliance Intervention, more commonly known as the robo-debt debacle. Our community legitimately expects that government provide a properly resourced, transparent and accessible social security system which supports people in our community as needed through critical times of their lives. Delivery of those services is the role of the aptly named Department of Human Services, with the work done by our members. It is work they value and believe in, supporting families, pensioners, low-income earners, students and people, as they face lifes challenges from illness to unemployment.
Our members believe that system is a cornerstone of a fair society and it is work that they are proud of and deeply committed to. However, what the Online Compliance Intervention and other failings in this department show is that years of government funding cuts and poor policy decisions have severely reduced the departments capacity to be that cornerstone and to deliver for our community. Of course what we are seeing currently is a very high human price being paid both by clients, the people in our community who rely on Centrelink and Human Services, and by the people themselves who work for the department.
It is not an exaggeration to say that the Department of Human Services is an agency in crisis, and it is not something I say lightly. The automated compliance or robo-debt issue has hit well over 300,000 people in our community, and of course there are approximately 20,000 letters still going out each week. We have an approach from government, and indeed the senior management of the department, which seems more focused on denying there is a problem and spinning the problem then actually dealing with.
More than 36 million calls to the Department of Human Services went unanswered last year as the department is no longer able to provide a basic level of service to Australians. Centrelink and Human Services workers are already struggling with massive workload and pressures and the real lived impact of 5,000 permanent job cuts through a series of successive government decisions that have left this department simply unable to cope. Indeed, elements of that were acknowledged by the secretary of the department in estimates last week. What that means is that this department is increasingly placed in the position by government of making very bad decisions.
I think it is important to understand the root causes of these issues which do go back some years. If we deal with the lived impacts on our community now, we can see that the department has been put in a position where it has made decisions with the recent introduction of the automatic debt recovery program to remove or reduce the role of DHS staff in that crucial hands-on element of the work: investigating suspected overpayments and advising on appropriate debt recovery action.
The notion that our community expects people should get what they are entitled to and no more is not a new one or a new part of this departments work. But there is a very serious problem here. This new approach, which removes and reduces human oversight of suspected overpayments and reduces employees roles in a range of elements of the system, has been an absolute disaster for many Centrelink users and also for the workers charged with implementing a system they know to be deeply flawed and unfair.
Hundreds of thousands of Australians, as you have heard, have received frightening and, in some cases, inaccurate debt notices and then faced enormous difficulties trying to get in touch with DHS staff. Of course, at the other end, employees are unable to provide services of the sort they are committed to provide and are also increasingly facing client aggression and frustration.
So how did it come to this? Most of the major problems facing DHS begin with a lack of funding and resources and without proper funding the agency loses the capacity to make good policy decisions, design effective programs and ensure the right benefit goes to the right person at the right time and for the right amount.
DHS has faced a triple whammy of funding cuts starting under successive governments. These do go back to Labor government decisions on efficiency dividends that have then rolled into the decisions of the Abbott/Turnbull government. Service delivery agencies are hit hardest by a number of elements of budget funding processes. I would note that no government ever stood up and said, We would like to cut 5,000 jobs from the Department of Human Services, and we think that is a good idea. It is simply the result of a number of decisions put together.
So-called efficiency dividends hit service delivery agencies harder.
In this case those impacts have resulted in DHS being an agency that is absolutely struggling. I note the secretary herself said cutting an agency by 10 per cent in 18 months has created no little challenge, which was at one point the impact of those combined three different elements of savings measures.
If we want to look at where robo-debt has come from, it is a fairly obvious consequence of a department that no longer has the resources to provide effective services. The decision to replace the human oversight of debt recovery with automated data matching was absolutely based on a desire and an imperative to save money. It has of course proven to be a classic false economy and has created costly reverse workflows where staff are taken offline to deal with complex and difficult disputes over incorrectly raised automated debts. Sadly, I would suggest that in the last few years, one of the things DHS has become an expert at is bandaid solutions as it lurched from one crisis to the next. This is simply the largest of those.
As a result, the department tries to plug the gap in those services with casual staff who do not have access to the appropriate training, who are deeply frustrated that they cannot do the work and who are largely used to answer the phone and redirect customer inquiries, which allows the department to keep its core statistics lower; someone has clicked on it, they cannot fix the problem, but it is going through to another line and that is good enough. That sort of gaming of the system is the situation this department has been put in.
Robust, sensitive, flexible
Our members believe that our social security service system must be robust, sensitive and flexible enough to deal with underpayments, overpayments and other changes in peoples lives in a way that ensures the integrity of Commonwealth funds and the dignity of customers. That includes dealing with the reality of an economy and a workforce where people come in and out of work, employers come and go, and there is an increasing level of insecure employment, casual contracts and so on. It is a complex situation that people are in, and systems like this have to deal with that.
At the same time it is important we note there has been a disturbing cultural shift imposed on Centrelink and on the Department of Human Services. It has increasingly gone from an agency focused on treating people like people to one that focuses on treating people as numbers in a dataset and doing the minimum possible. It is also an agency that, more than most, ignores or discards the input of staff in relation to crucial work design and staffing issues and has a vicious and draconian approach to staff speaking out internally and externally.
The same my way or the highway attitude that created the robo-debt debacle has caused major problems elsewhere, including the agencys hopelessly stalled enterprise bargaining situation where DHS has again taken a more negative and unfortunate approach on government policy, significantly causing concerns for working women in that department and meaning that bargaining is impressively more mired in this agency than across the rest of the Commonwealth public sector, which is really quite a high bar after a three-year industrial dispute.
Crucially, one of the issues still in dispute in this agency is the need for robust pre-decision consultation processes where people who do the work in areas such as compliance can actually have a better voice to inform senior management on what will and will not work at the front line. Those sorts of issues are very important to the people who work in this agency.
So, we are calling for a number of things to happen. The Turnbull government must immediately suspend the online compliance program and actually put the real fixes in place so that this no longer hurts thousands of Australians. There needs to be immediate action and a serious budget solution to reverse the damage done by the combination of multiple cuts to the Department of Human Services, including the reduction of 5,000 permanent jobs.
Any new approach should have properly resourced human oversight so that the agency can be confident that the overpayments it identifies and debts it raises are legitimate and accurate. DHS must immediately be put in a position by government to convert casual workers of which there are now thousands to permanent roles with access to effective training and to be able to provide a genuine, full range of services and support to customers.
Finally, the culture in this agency needs to change, and the approach we have seen over recent months in this matter is a damning indictment, but it is also a responsibility of government. We need to deliver a system in which the people who work for DHS can deliver great services to the community, and the community can have faith in our social security system and this departments work.
Southern Cross Brigade 34
The times they are a changin
When the previous US President Barack Obama released the Cuban Five and announced a policy of constructive engagement with the Cuban government on December 17, 2014, many people believed this also meant the lifting of the US Blockade on Cuba.
Brigade members and ICAP staff moving nutrient rich soil into raised plant beds at agricultural cooperative near Caimito, Cuba.
The Blockade was not lifted in December 2014, it did not happen in March 2015 when President Obama visited Cuba, was not lifted prior to his leaving of office in January 2017 and is unlikely to be lifted during the Presidency of Donald Trump.
After the announcement of the various diplomatic manoeuvres by the US government many people started to say they wanted to travel to Cuba before it changed too much, that somehow the old cars would disappear from the streets, Havana and other Cuban cities would lose their old world charm, foreign consumer franchises such as McDonalds, Lindt Cafe, Target and Walmart would spring up and the socialist revolution would lose its appeal amongst the Cuban people.
Those changes havent happened and most visitors would be unlikely to notice the changes occurring in Cuban society as a normal tourist on organised tours, staying in comfortable hotels and knocking around with fellow foreign tourists. One would most likely notice the changes if one came on a friendship brigade such as those organised by the Cuban Institute of Friendship with the People (ICAP). This past brigade being my fifth visit and third Southern Cross Brigade I was confident the changes if they were occurring, would be revealed at all levels of Cuban society through my participation in the Brigade and the exposure to the Cuban people afforded by this approach.
The Brigade this year was made up of 30 participants led by Communist Party of Australia National President, and State President of the CFMEU, Vinicio Molina, and included three New Zealanders with ages ranging from 23 to 75 years, of which slightly more than half were females with the Australian contingent hailing from most of the mainland states NSW, Victoria, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.
For this Brigade ICAP put on an interesting program for the three plus weeks that included informative presentations on Cuban social, cultural, political and economic life interspersed with agricultural work and maintenance work on the International Camp of Julio Antonio Mella (CIJAM) at Caimito, 50 kilometres west of Havana.
As part of Cubas No Violence Campaign a billboard which shows the hands of a man making a representation of the eyes of a woman over the face of a woman with the words, Dont allow him to construct your reality. YOU ARE more than the way he sees you.
Martyrs of Artemisa
On the second day of the Brigade we paid the customary visit to the Mausoleum of the Martyrs of Artemisa in the town of that name which included a tour and explanation of the heroic deeds of those young men who rallied to Fidel Castros call to rise up against the dictatorship of Fulgencio Batista at the Moncada Barracks in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.
At the question and answer session following the tour, one of the Brigadistas asked the manager of the Mausoleum who until then had been composed and professional in her presentation when was the last time Fidel Castro had visited the Mausoleum, she replied on the July 26, 2010, but she soon lost her composure and started to weep and apologised as the mention of their leader who had passed away so recently on November 25, 2016, was still fresh in her mind and saddened her.
The Brigade was to encounter similar expressions of sadness and heartfelt feeling throughout the visit by the Brigade from the Cuban people as the Cubans would recall variously how sad Fidels passing had been; that he was like a father to them and that there was almost disbelief that he had passed away.
In the next few days we were treated to a gala performance of the Nutcracker Suite by the National Ballet of Cuba at the newly restored Gran Teatro de Habana. There was a presentation of a prize named after the grand dame of Cuban Ballet, Alicia Alonso, before the performance.
As an indication of how important access to the arts is to ordinary people and how valuable the tickets were to non-Cubans, our tickets cost 1 Cuban Convertible Peso and US tourists were willing to pay US$100 to buy the tickets from us or 100 times their value!
The performance that night was dedicated to the Commander in Chief Fidel Castro and was as colourful, spectacular and well performed as any performances I had seen there.
Three nights later the Brigade were treated to a fine performance of Cuban music and dance at the Habana Cafe of the Hotel Melia Cohiba (which was an extra which the Brigadistas paid for). It was also an opportunity to see tourists from around the world from nearby US to distant China who were now visiting Cuba in increasing numbers since the partial thaw of relations between Cuba and the US.
Earlier in the predawn light of January 2, Brigade members joined the call of the Cuban government to rally in homage to the recently deceased leader of the Cuban Revolution. January 2 also marks the 60th anniversary of the landing of the Granma yacht, considered the beginning of the guerrilla war against dictator Fulgencio Batista. It was a military parade in honour of Fidel as well as an opportunity for ordinary Cuban people to show their support to the Revolution.
Exporting Cuban medical
No Brigade would be complete without visiting at least one of the institutions of Cubas medical system and on this Brigade we visited firstly the Unidad Central de Cooperacion Medica (Central Unit of Medical Cooperation or UCCM), which helps to organise specialist medical brigades to countries around the world ranging from Asia to Africa, Latin America, Pacific Islands and the Caribbean.
One of these Pacific islands caught the attention of the Brigadistas as it is often not far from the minds of peoples consciousness in Australia, and that was the island of Nauru.
The UCCM sent a small specialist medical team to Nauru which included a microbiologist and pregnancy medical staff to examine groups considered at risk from environmental hazards on the island including primary school aged children and pregnant mothers as there is a high rate of infant mortality and premature births on the island.
In the exhaustive Q&A which usually follows such a forum a number of Brigadistas asked UCCM leaders if they were troubled by the cruel and inhumane treatment accorded to refugees on the island. A director replied that while they recognised the inhumanity and injustice of what was happening, their best chance of having any effect on the island was through the example of the good work they were doing.
The other major health visit afforded to the Brigade was to the Latin American School of Medicine (ELAM) which has since 1999 helped to train over 27,000 doctors from various countries in the world. In past Brigades we have met up with foreign medical students in regional centres in Manzanillo and Santa Clara. These opportunities to learn about the Cuban program of training foreign medical students is engaging as well as confronting.
It is confronting as Australian and New Zealanders come face to face with medical students from the Pacific Islands and Timor Leste where our foreign policy role as a deputy sheriff of US imperial interests is laid out before us. As part of the declaration by the Brigade of the Southern Cross we called on the Australian government to help fund the travel costs and pay for the stipends of medical students from a few of our nearer Pacific Islands (see Guardian Issue 1763).
Part of the philosophy of ELAM which was initiated by Fidel Castro in 1999 was to train doctors from the far flung corners of the globe so that instead of a Cuban mission only going temporarily to a place to fix problems caused by a natural and/or man-made disasters, Cuba would train doctors from those regions and they would go back to their country and look after and be available to help the poorest and most disadvantaged, from provision of primary and preventative health measures.
Sancti Espiritu and Trinidad
On this 34th Brigade we visited the cities of Sancti Espiritu and Trinidad. Along the way we had brief stop-overs in Santa Clara to see the Monument to Che and talk to the veterans from the Revolutionary struggle in Cuba and later struggles of liberation in Angola and Congo, a stop over in Yaguajay to see the impressive monument to the Third Commander of the Revolutionary struggle, Camillo Cienfuegos, and finally Cienfuegos, to be greeted by ICAP staff of that city.
After a sombre and compelling visit to the monument to Che Guevara in Santa Clara we received notice that Cuban music star Silvio Rodriguez would be giving a free concert in the main plaza of the city. The concert was attended by over 3,000 Santa Clarans of all ages, from young children to grandmothers, many of whom knew the words to Rodriguezs beautiful and progressively minded songs. Considerable expense was outlaid as the concert featured a full sound and light show which was greatly appreciated by people of all ages, from youngsters with their parents to grandparents.
The monument and museum of Camillo Cienfuegos was enlightening and we were treated to many an interesting story about his colourful and revolutionary life including with the other two commanders, Che and Fidel. Camillo was a talented tailor before he became a revolutionary and there is a brilliant coat on display which he made. He spent more than a year living in the US, most of it illegally and he was the very last person to join the Granma expedition from Mexico to Cuba. He was known for his skilled and convincing oratory and an old microphone used by Camillo to convince some of the Dictatorship soldiers to surrender their arms and join with the winning side is on display.
Trinidad was founded in 1514 by the Spanish colonialists and the history of slavery is intricately bound up in the city and the rich agricultural land which surrounds Trinidad.
The visit to Trinidad commenced a few kilometres at the large colonial Iznaga House adjacent to the seven-story Manaca Tower built in 1816 to monitor the slaves on the large land holdings used to grow sugar.
Cuban agriculture
On our return to CIJAM we had a little more agricultural work to undertake including at a nearby agricultural cooperative.
When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1990 and Cuba lost much of its economic support, the impact on Cuban society was severe and caused what became known as the Special Period for the next 15 years.
The sector hit the hardest was the growing of food which relied heavily on mechanised farm machinery petro-chemical based fertiliser.
One day we went to a nearby rural co-operative where we were given a lesson in how the enterprise worked before we contributed our labour to its efforts.
We were shown hives of native Cuban bees (which do not have a sting) which are smaller than the conventional hives of European bees and the honey of which is richer in taste in comparison to honey I have tasted anywhere. The lids of the hives were lifted and we were given straws with which we could suck up the honey.
The cooperative stands on land given by the government on the proviso it is used to produce food. The cooperative members can obtain credits for the purchase of any plant or machinery which they require. It also has a truck purchased in this way which was used to pick us up from the camp.
The cooperative members plant their crops in this case salads, onions, chives, tomatoes, carrots, bananas, capsicums, yucca, boniato (sweet potato) and Cuban vegetables not found in Australia. The government buys about 70 percent of the crop at a guaranteed (though low) price, the rest is sold on at markets and donated to schools, retirement homes and kindergartens.
Brigade member drinking honey from a hive at an agricultural cooperative near Caimito.
Renewable energy, internet, tourism
Cuba currently has only 4% of its energy use coming from renewable energy though the government recently announced a target of 24% renewables by 2030, to be achieved through the use of wind, solar and biogas from burning sugar cane waste. Australia derives 14% of its electricity from renewables according to the 2016 report by the Office of the Chief Economist.
There is access to the internet in most parts of Cuba, however one has to buy internet use with a card for 2 CUC much like one buys a phone card though many people, especially the youth in Cuba, have a mobile phone. Though internet access is restricted to certain WiFi hotspots there are always many people at these WiFi hotspots throughout Cuba where the people keep in touch with their friends here and overseas.
There has been a significant increase in tourists from all over the world but especially from the US since US President Obama eased restrictions in December 2014. It has created some distortions in the economy including increasing the prices of accommodation and making it difficult and more costly to buy a Cuban Bucanero or Cristal beer, while the country is flooded with cheap imported beer.
After the Brigade I stayed a few more days with a Cuban family and talked with friends and many other Cubans in the street and it was evident that most people supported the Revolution as they feared the alternative of capitalism. But people are becoming frustrated with the low incomes they receive, especially as 70 percent of Cubans are still employed in the public system and receive monthly salaries of less than US$30.
There is a private (Cuenta propia) system and although initially starting out well, it seems there are also complaints emerging of overwork and it is not clear if unions are also as active in the private system as they are in the public system. There are also people employed in co-operatives as part of the other 30 percent not employed by the government.
Unemployment is officially 7% according to the Cuban economist who gave a talk at the International Camp, which is comparable to the unemployment rate in Australia which is officially 5.7%, but with a steep growth in the past year in part time employment, decrease in full time employment and an otherwise stagnant labour market.
After another Brigade which exposed me to Cuban society and Cuban socialism I found myself asking if I still think that Cuba is a model that the rest of the world and in particular Australia could learn from.
The answer is yes, Cuba is still a society that we could learn from as they have a system that encourages people to think critically and in so doing it also makes them a happier people.
Vive la Revolucion Socialista Cubana. Venceremos!
Israels increasing paranoia
Israels decision to deny Palestine Solidarity Campaign (PSC) chairman Hugh Lanning access to its own territory and to occupied Palestine indicates the Zionist states contempt for freedom of expression.
Lanning and PSC are passionate about Palestinian national rights, but they rely on building support for the peaceful boycott, divestment, sanctions (BDS) movement as their weapon of choice.
The Israeli embassys attempt to brand Lanning as associated with the leaders of Hamas, which is designated as a terror group across the European Union; a group whose anti-Semitic charter calls for killing all Jews ought to embarrass those who uttered such a nonsense.
Israel is seeking a peaceful resolution to its conflict with the Palestinians. Those who promote extremism should not be allowed to foment their hatred in Israel, it added.
Promoting extremism and fomenting hatred are not the stock in trade of either PSC or Lanning. The embassy should cast an eye on recent conduct and comments by Israeli government ministers, right to the top, if its genuinely concerned about extremism and hatred.
The Board of Deputies, which purports to speak for Britains Jews, also gazed through the wrong end of its Zionist telescope.
If Palestine Solidarity Campaign wants to avoid being treated like a pariah, it has to stop behaving like one, its pompous president Jonathan Arkush declared, as though unaware that Tel Avivs denial of human rights to the Palestinian people has accorded Israel that status on a global scale.
The Morning Star spoke out against the Israeli Knesset vote for a blanket ban on anyone supporting BDS, dubbing it an illustration of weakness rather than strength.
Israeli government supporters overreaction reinforces that assessment.
It may be self-defeating too if a comment piece in Israels Haaretz daily newspaper by Canadian political science associate professor Mira Sucharov means anything.
Sucharov is a passionate Zionist who has spent three years in Israel, backs a two-state solution and supports a boycott of Israels illegal West Bank settlements.
She notes that BDS activists have criticised her stance as letting Israel, the state that has illegally built and maintained those settlements for decades, off the hook and wonders now if they are right.
But as the prospects for a two-state solution rapidly dim and as liberal Zionisms promise loses its lustre with every move to more deeply entrench the occupation the call to BDS seems more justified, she concedes.
When even die-hard supporters of Israel accept the moral force of BDS campaign arguments, this is more than simply a straw in the wind. It illustrates that the hackneyed Tel Aviv claim that criticism of Israel equates to an existential threat no longer holds water.
That didnt prevent Interior Minister Aryeh Deri from insisting that Israel will no longer look the other way on activists who want to undermine its existence, but this argument is well past its sell-by date.
People understand that there is no threat to a nuclear-armed state that is the most powerful in the region and the close ally of the worlds only military superpower.
That is not so for the Palestinians who are denied national rights because illegal Jewish settlers are colonising the West Bank and east Jerusalem that they want for the independent state of Palestine, as desired overwhelmingly by the international community.
Britains government purports to favour an independent Palestine as part of a two-state solution, but its actions speak otherwise. PSC director Ben Jamal is right to demand that Theresa May condemn Israel for its reprehensible decision.
Morning Star
Israels Apartheid Regime
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 UNs 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
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 Jazeeras 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.
Information Clearing House
Murdered
Berta Caceres defended environment and Indigenous rights
A death squad assassinated Berta Caceres in La Esperanza, Honduras on March 3, 2016. Its clear now that state agents killed her and that the United States helped out indirectly.
Caceres belonged to the Lenca people who, living in southwestern Honduras, are Honduras largest Indigenous group. As a student in 1993, she co-founded the Civic Council of Popular and Indigenous Movements of Honduras (COPINH in its Spanish initials) to protect her people and advance their rights.
COPINH people in 1994 marched to Tegucigalpa, the Honduran capital. They were demanding self-government for Indigenous communities, a ban on logging, and cessation of violence against Indigenous people. The government made promises.
Concerned about survival for small farmers and danger from big mining and hydroelectric projects, Berta Caceres and COPINH opposed free trade agreements between Honduras and either Canada or the United States.
On June 28, 2009, the Honduras military removed President Manuel Zelaya from power. The US government knew in advance about the plans. Zelaya had proposed a minimum wage, advanced land reform, brought Honduras into the progressive ALBA alliance, and introduced the idea of a constituent assembly. Berta Caceres, with unheard of courage, led demonstrations against the illegal government succeeding his.
Governments since then, reports Le Monde Diplomatique, have given up 30 percent of the national territory to transnational mining and hydroelectric companies. Now there are dozens of big dams under construction and more than 300 extracting companies that are plundering the country. Such was the setting for the culminating phase of Berta Caceres life.
There were victories: COPINH has succeeded in halting the construction of dams, paralysing deforestation projects, freezing exploitation of mines, preventing the destruction of sacred places, and securing the restitution of lands being exploited to indigenous communities.
COPINH confronted Desarrollos Energetico Company, owner and developer of the Agua Zarca hydroelectric project. Its dam in Western Honduras would cross the Gualcarque River, sacred to the Lenca people. Billionaire banker Camilo Atala and family members backers of the 2009 coup hold a controlling interest in Desarrollos Energetico.
Beginning in 2012, COPINH activists, led by Caceres, set up blockades on roads leading to construction sites. Government security forces were protecting company property. Elsewhere campaigners pressed COPINHs case before government officials and agencies abroad, including the Inter-American Human Rights Commission.
Deadly violence against the protesters led the World Banks International Finance Corporation in 2013 to withdraw financial backing for the construction project. Chinas huge Sinohydro Corporation, the contractor building the dam, did likewise. After Caceres murder other banks ended their support. Construction stopped.
Berta Caceres won the prestigious Goldman Environmental Award in 2015 for contributions to rural sustainability and leadership in opposing the Agua Zarca dam.
Caceres knew she might die; Honduras is the most dangerous place in the world for environmental activists. Following President Zelayas removal in 2009 at least 124 land and environmental campaigners have been killed. Two COPINH activists were killed following Cacares death.
The New York Times noted that killers are rarely punished and that, Corruption and criminality reach into the highest levels of government. Another reporter quoted a Jesuit priest who insisted, The government of Juan Orlando Hernandez is responsible for the death of Berta Caceres.
Its a shared responsibility. According to the Times, The United States, which maintains troops, equipment and trainers at several military sites , has made matters only worse by shoring up the corrupt [Honduran] government with hundreds of millions of dollars in assistance and overt political support.
With US$18 million allocated in 2016, the United States is the main provider of military and police support to Honduras, reports the UK Guardian, which claims that Honduran special-forces units trained by US military advisors often target troublesome community leaders. The Times cited a deserter from a military police unit who said his unit had a hit list and Berta Caceres name was at the top.
The Honduran government has charged eight men with having murdered Berta Caceres, although none seems important enough to have ordered the crime. The Guardian identified three of them as present or former members of the Honduran military; one headed army intelligence. One of the civilian suspects is a manager for Desarrollos Energeticos.
Father Roy Bourgeois founded School of the Americas Watch, a resistance organisation named for a US Army school at Fort Benning, Georgia. That school has trained tens of thousands of Latin American military officers. It has a different official name now. But Father Bourgeois has one more name; two of the three murder suspects with a military background did take courses at what he calls the School of Assassins.
In the US, on March 2, Democratic Representative Hank Johnson reintroduced a bill identified as the Berta Caceres Human Rights in Honduras Act. The proposed legislation with 24 sponsors, all Democrats, would suspend United States security assistance with Honduras until such time as human rights violations by Honduran security forces cease and their perpetrators are brought to justice.
The wording hints at US complicity, real or potential, in halting the mission Berta Caceres shared with so many others. Official intentions show up in US support for corporate take-over of resources belonging to impoverished peoples and in military intervention under the tired drug-war pretext. Governmental disregard for all peoples right to survive, not to speak of thriving, is total.
The Johnson bill submitted to a distracted US Congress surely deserves support. To weigh in, readers may call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121 and ask to be connected to their legislator. But more is required, we think: specifically, resistance by all possible means to foreign interventions serving only the upper reaches of US society.
Culture & Life
Banning books
State legislators in Arkansas are trying to pass a law banning books by Howard Zinn from use in public schools.
The move is backfiring.
In recent weeks, over 700 middle and high school teachers and school librarians have requested books by Zinn and according to the Zinn Education Project, more orders are pouring in every day. The Project is filling these orders for free, and is asking for donations to continue to do so.
The proposed legislation, introduced by Republican State Representative Kim Hendren is very broad. It states:
A public school district or an open-enrolment public charter school shall not include in its curriculum or course materials for a class or program of study any book or other material: (1) Authored by Howard Zinn from the years 1959 through 2010; and (2) Concerning the books or other materials under subdivision (1) of this section.
In other words, says Melville House publishers, [The bill] would force Arkansas educators to pretend that Howard Zinn had never written a single book, and furthermore (and this is the really crazy part) would require that they systematically ignore any secondary texts addressing Zinns scholarship. By the logic of the law as written, even materials critical of Zinns approach to American history, of which there are many, may be prohibited.
Teachers must simply pretend that one of the most influential and most discussed historians of the twentieth century never existed.
Representative Hendren, who introduced the censorship bill is known as a bigot. In May, 2009, he made anti-Semitic remarks at a Republican Party meeting. He later apologized, saying I ought not to have referred to [US Senator Chuck Schumer as being Jewish] it wasnt because I dont like Jewish people. I shouldnt have gotten into this Jewish business because it distracts from the issue
I believe in traditional values, like we used to see on The Andy Griffith Show.
On the other hand, Dr Howard Zinn (1922 - 2010) was proudly, unabashedly radical, The New York Times wrote in Zinns obituary.
Few historians succeeded in passing so completely through the academic membrane into popular culture, the obituary continued. He gained admiring mention in the movie Good Will Hunting; Matt Damon appeared in a History Channel documentary about him; and Bruce Springsteen said the starkest of his many albums, Nebraska, drew inspiration in part from Mr Zinns writings.
Zinn was the author of dozens of books. His La Guardia in Congress (1959) won the American Historical Associations Albert J Beveridge Award. He received many other awards also, including the Lannan Foundation Literary Award for Nonfiction, the Ridenhour Courage Prize, and the Eugene V Debs award for his writing and political activism.
Zinns best known work is A Peoples History of the United States, a best seller that inspired a generation of high school and college students to rethink American history, according to the Times.
[Zinn] concentrated on what he saw as the genocidal depredations of Christopher Columbus, the blood lust of Theodore Roosevelt and the racial failings of Abraham Lincoln. He also shined an insistent light on the revolutionary struggles of impoverished farmers, feminists, labourers and resisters of slavery and war.
He was criticized for being biased.
That criticism barely raised a hair on Mr Zinns neck, the Times obituary said. Its not an unbiased account; so what? he said If you look at history from the perspective of the slaughtered and mutilated, its a different story.
Representative Hendrens bill is not the first attempt to ban books by Howard Zinn in public schools. In 2010, Governor Mitch Daniels tried a similar move in Indiana. In 2011, A Peoples History was removed from schools in Tucson, Arizona, as part of the ban on Mexican American Studies.
In Arkansas, a firestorm of protest erupted among educators and librarians when Hendrens book banning bill became public. The Zinn Education Project was inundated with book requests.
For example, a middle school librarian from Western Grove wrote, To combat ignorance, I must have knowledge. I respectfully request a copy so I can educate my tiny corner of the world.
And a Little Rock middle school social studies teacher wrote: We must stand against censorship in Arkansas classrooms. Our students are bright and appreciate being challenged. They want to be exposed to all points of view, not shielded from those others find abhorrent.
Whats more, high school students in Batesville, Arkansas, wrote to their state senator and tweeted their protest.
The Zinn Education Project website says: In solidarity with Arkansas educators and students, we will send a book by Howard Zinn and A Peoples History for the Classroom to any Arkansas teacher who requests them. This offer is made possible by donations from individuals and publishers .
Stand with [us] to defend the right of teachers in Arkansas and everywhere to use materials by and about Howard Zinn. Join us with your donation.
Peoples World
: Maria Zimmerman of Fox News reports that one of the two suspects arrested for the brutal rape of a 14-year-old girl at Rockville High School last Thursday was caught last August illegally entering the country. While the suspects, Jose Montano from El Salvador and Henry Sanchez-Milan from Guatemala, were 17 and 18 years old respectively and neither spoke English both were admitted as ninth graders at the Maryland high school, where all of their classmates were 14 or 15. The victim was walking in a school hallway when the two suspects dragged her into a boy's bathroom and repeatedly raped and sodomized her and forced her to perform oral sex. A policy director from the Center for Immigration Studies told reporters, "the surge of Central American kids has become a significant problem in many of the school districts where they are allowed to resettle," and Montgomery County has one of the "more notorious sanctuary policies," where the police deliberately do not cooperate with ICE.: A 21-year-old Oregon man has pleaded guilty to fatally shooting two of his roommates in February 2016. Barney Lerten of KTVZ 21 reports that, in a petition filed last Friday, Mitchell Morris agreed to plead guilty to murdering Baily Southwick, 18, and Mackenzie Lyman, 21, with the understanding that "the state will not seek a death sentence in this case and the parties stipulate that I will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of release or parole." On February 26, 2016, Morris told police that he had not been arguing with the victims before he shot them in their home in the town of Crooked River Ranch. He fled the crime scene in a pickup truck and was arrested in Salem the next morning.
A Texas high school's prayer room has been the subject of controversy regarding religious freedom.
Liberty High School in Frisco, Texas has an on-site prayer room which Muslim students use to prayer during school hours.
This room has been the center of controversy since some claim that students of other religions are not afforded similar privileges and/or that the Constitution prohibits a display of religion in any public place.
According to Fox News, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton recently sent a letter to the school district, explaining that it is a violation of the First Amendment to exclude students of other religious affiliations from using the room.
The school district, however, alleges that the room is available to students of all walks of life.
Robert Jeffress, a conservative and the pastor of First Baptist Church in Dallas, Texas told Fox & Friends that he does not take issue with the prayer room, as long as students of all religions are allowed to use it.
I believe as long as students had equal access to the room its not a First Amendment issue, stated Jeffress. I believe we really as conservatives need to be careful that we dont pervert the First Amendment like liberals do to use it for their own agenda.
Muslim-American Democrat Mustafa Tameez seemed to agree with Jeffress.
In airports we have a chapel where people can go pray, he said. So its not necessarily just for Muslim students. Its for anybody, anybody of faith that wants to use a room to communicate with their creator."
Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com
Publication date: March 20, 2017
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Croydon has the highest number of rapes in London, with reports of the crime doubling in just three years.
The borough has accounted for 10% of all rapes in London since 2014.
Shocking statistics obtained by the Advertiser through a Freedom of Information request from the Met Police show that the borough had the highest number of rapes of any borough in the capital.
There were 46 rapes reported in the last three years in Croydon, with London as a whole seeing 455 during the same period.
This means that Croydon, which accounts for just 4% of London's population, has been the scene of 10% of all rapes in the capital.
Last year alone there were 20 rapes in Croydon, compared to nine in the borough during 2014 and 17 in 2015.
The borough has seen the highest number of rapes in London for the past two years running.
Experts on the crime suggest that the true number of serious sexual assaults will far exceed the total reported to the Met Police.
The true number of rapes can, according to support groups for survivors of sexual assaults, be multiplied by a factor of three or four.
This would mean as many as 184 rapes may well have actually been committed in Croydon and as many as 1,820 in London over the past three years.
Namita Prakash, of sexual assault support agency The Survivors' Trust, has said it is difficult to know what is behind the rise.
She said: "London is an area of high reporting for rape and sexual assault, and Croydon is higher than the other boroughs. It has a high population of course.
"It is difficult to know what the causes of sexual assault are. It occurs across all classes and cultures.
"Men, women and children can all experience sexual assault.
"Everybody experiences the aftermath differently. Some people manage, some people can never recover from it they are left with the scars.
"And those rapes reported or prosecuted are just a fraction of the probable total."
These figures obtained from the Met Police show the number of reported rapes the force sought to prosecute:
2014 2015 2016 2017 Total Croydon 9 17 20 0 46 Southwark 18 10 5 0 33 Redbridge 5 12 8 1 26 Haringey 4 10 9 0 23 Newham 6 8 9 0 23 Enfield 7 7 7 0 21 Lewisham 9 9 3 0 21 Greenwich 6 6 9 0 21 Tower Hamlets 5 10 5 0 20 Brent 8 6 3 1 18 Hackney 11 3 3 0 17 Ealing 4 8 3 1 16 Lambeth 3 3 9 0 15 Bromley 7 3 4 0 14 Barking and Dagenham 2 6 4 1 13 Barnet 2 7 3 0 12 Islington 2 7 3 0 12 Westminster 3 4 4 0 11 Sutton 4 2 4 1 11 Wandsworth 3 2 6 0 11 Hillingdon 3 3 4 0 10 Bexley 2 5 3 0 10 Kingston 1 3 4 0 8 Hounslow 2 3 3 0 8 Hammersmith and Fulham 4 2 2 0 8 Merton 2 2 2 1 7 Harrow 3 1 3 0 7 Camden 0 2 4 0 6 Havering 0 2 2 0 4 Richmond 1 1 1 0 3 Total 136 164 149 6 455
Southwark is second to Croydon in terms of the number of rapes during that time, with 33, followed by Redbridge with 26.
Richmond had the lowest number, with just three reported since 2014.
Last year many boroughs didn't record a single rape.
It is thought in more than 90% of rape cases that the victim knows the perpetrator.
Mrs Prakash, who has been helping survivors for eight years, said: "You can probably times the number by three or four or even five.
"There needs to a greater awareness.
"There are many factors preventing proper reporting of rape. There are cultural factors. For example, some Asian communities have difficulty in reporting rape.
"Men, too, can find it very difficult to report it.
"There is a stigma attached and, most importantly, it is very traumatic. People may wait many years before they can speak out.
"We need to do more to encourage people to come forward, and put the victim first."
Have you been the victim of a sexual assault and wish to share your story? If so call Craig Simpson on 01737 305571 or email craig.simpson@essnmedia.co.uk. All calls will be treated with the utmost sensitivity .
Two teams of researchers managed to win the biggest bounties at this year's Pwn2Own hacking contest by escaping from the VMware Workstation virtual machine and executing code on the host operating system.
Virtual machines are in used in many scenarios to create throw-away environments that pose no threat to the main operating system in case of compromise. For example, many malware researchers execute malicious code or visit compromise websites inside virtual machines to observe their behavior and contain their impact.
One of the main goals of hypervisors like VMware Workstation is to create a barrier between the guest operating system that runs inside the virtual machine and the host OS where the hypervisor runs. That's why VM escape exploits are highly prized, more so than browser or OS exploits.
This year, the organizers of Pwn2Own, an annual hacking contest that runs during the CanSecWest conference in Vancouver, Canada, offered a prize of US$100,000 for breaking the isolation layer enforced by the VMware Workstation or Microsoft Hyper-V hypervisors.
Friday, on the third and final day of the contest, two teams stepped up to the challenge; both of them from China.
Team Sniper, made up of researchers from the Keen Lab and PC Manager divisions of internet services provider Tencent, chained together three vulnerabilities to escape from the guest OS running inside VMware Workstation to the host OS.
The other team, from the security arm of Qihoo 360, achieved an even more impressive attack chain that started with a compromise of Microsoft Edge, moved to the Windows kernel, and then escaped from the VMware Workstation virtual machine. They were awarded $105,000 for their feat.
The exploit scenarios were difficult to begin with, because attackers had to start from a non-privileged account on the guest OS, and the VMware Tools, a collection of drivers and utilities that enhance the virtual machine's functionality, were not installed. VMware Tools would have probably provided more attack surface had they been present.
Also on the third day, researcher Richard Zhu successfully hacked Microsoft Edge, complete with a system-level privilege escalation that earned him $55,000. It was fifth Microsoft Edge exploit demonstrated during the competition.
Apple's Safari fell four times, Mozilla Firefox once, but Google Chrome remained unscathed. Researchers also demonstrated two exploits for Adobe Reader and two for Flash Player, both with sandbox escapes. The contest also included many privilege escalation exploits on Windows and macOS.
The Qihoo 360 team won the most number of points and were crowned Master of Pwn for this year's edition. It was followed by Tencent's Team Sniper and a team from the security research lab of China-based Chaitin Technology.
The researchers have to share their exploits with security vendor Trend Micro, the contest's organizer, which then reports them to the affected software vendors.
What do you think of the contest? Head to our Facebook page to let us know.
Two accidents reported just after 7 a.m. got the morning commute off to a slow start slowing traffic along I-95.
An additional accident on the Merritt (Route 15) blocked one of the two Southbound lanes near Exits 52 and 53, in Stratford. It was cleared before 8:30 a.m.
Elected officials including Gov. Dannel P. Malloy are always quick to praise the states Vo-Ag schools along with their 3,500 students as a necessary pipeline to jobs in the states $3.6 billion agriculture industry. Regional programs like Nonnewaug High School, which takes kids from 23 towns and cities for its Woodbury campus, regularly win national awards and sends students to prestigious colleges. The last batch of applications totaled 154. Only 65 were accepted, with 82 on the waiting list, according to Bill Davenport, director of the schools program.
And yet, nearly every year, at the start of the budget-setting season, Vo-Ag funding gets cut by a million bucks or more. Its no different this year, as Malloys budget would cut the program $1 million.
So it was a feeling of partial relief last week when, during the annual Agriculture Day in the Capitol, amid the displays from nonprofits and farming interests filling the first floor of the building with positive vibes, Speaker of the House Joe Aresimowicz vowed to continue full funding, if not more.
UConn actually started as our agricultural college, and our roots run deep in agriculture here in Connecticut and our Vo-Ag schools have picked up that torch, Aresimowicz said during a news conference, backed up by dozens of fresh-faced high schoolers in dark-blue jackets with the names of their schools on the back.
Theyre moving on to degrees in veterinary, theyre moving on to other degrees and theyre coming back to Connecticut to work, Aresimowicz said. It really is what we need to do, but more importantly, we need to continue to fund them. Fund them at a higher level and recognize the valuable contributions they make to the state of Connecticut.
Not-so-grand jury
Its a sign of spring. Every year, the chief states attorney asks lawmakers to expand the states very narrow grand jury system. Every year, the Judiciary Committee lets the legislation die without a vote. While there are a couple more weeks before the committees April 7 deadline, it looks no better than usual for Chief States Attorney Kevin Kane.
Still, he made a big pitch last week.
If the Legislature wants us to enforce particular laws, especially like human trafficking, financial fraud and corruption, we really need a more effective grand jury system, Kane told the committee. This bill has adequate protections for witnesses who will be subpoenaed.
Rep. Steve Stafstrom, D-Bridgeport, vice chairman of the committee, spoke for what seemed like most mambers of the panel.
Whats the problem? Stafstrom asked.
Show your gun permit
Malloy on Tuesday said he favors a bill in the Judiciary Committee that would require those openly carrying handguns to present their permits when asked by police. A loophole in current law requires open-carry people to have the permit, but they dont have to display the document to law enforcement officials.
I know that we have probably the second-most comprehensive gun-control law in the nation, Malloy said. He declined to answer a reporters question on whether he would support legislation to outlaw open carry in Connecticut.
I am not an proponent; I dont think that would pass, he said. We live in a society where most people arent walking into places with weapons being shown. I think we have police officers, who lay their lives down, who are threatened under certain circumstance. Its not to big of (an) infringement in anyones lifestyle to ask them to show that they actually (have) a permit for what theyre carrying, when in fact, youre required to have a permit to have that gun.
Below the surface
Rep. Joe Gresko, D-Stratford, didnt get a chance to tell his story in the Environment Committee the other day. On a bill that would address issues of waterfront and floating restaurants, Gresko, a committee member, said he was encouraged by the legislation.
One of the topics to be is, what if the barge sinks, having had some experience with that, he said, as committee members looked at him.
Rep. Mike Demicco, D-Farmington, co-chairman of the panel, wanted to focus on the agenda. Maybe well hear the story some other time, Demicco quipped.
On a roll
Every year, one freshman lawmaker or another has much to impart to colleagues. This years version is Rep. Craig Fishbein, of the 90th District representing Wallingford and Cheshire. During Tuesdays meeting of the Commerce Committee, in which the panels final 15 bills were voted on, Fishbein had something to say on 13 of them and voted against 12. Most of the bills passed easily.
On a bill that would add oversight to the state Department of Economic and Community Development, Fishbein said he had no problem with half the bill.
Im fundamentally opposed to government getting into the banking business, he added.
This initiative is aimed at getting them out of the banking business, replied Sen. Joan Hartley, D-Waterbury, co-chairman.
Fishbein voted against it.
Hartley began the meeting by announcing the SSF process. Thats the Senator Scott Frantz process, she said, allowing Frantz, R-Greenwich, committee co-chairman, to get two bills on a consent calendar, which Fishbein approved.
kdixon@ctpost.com; Twitter: @KenDixonCT
The state Medical Examining Board Tuesday disciplined a Fairfield pulmonologist for improperly prescribing opioids and a former UConn Health doctor who had stolen medication from the health center for his private practice.
Dr. Igal Staw, who works at Respiratory Associates in Fairfield, was reprimanded, fined $7,500 and has been permanently restricted from prescribing opioids, under a consent order he agreed to. He also must hire a supervisor to monitor his drug prescriptions and will be placed on two years of probation if his state registration to prescribe controlled substances is ever reinstated.
In 2012 and 2013, Staw prescribed opioids to eight patients with chronic pain, including some who may have been abusing the medicine, the order said. He also failed to document the reasons for the prescriptions or justify in the patients medical charts why he was increasing the doses, state records show.
In an unrelated case in 2008 in Norwalk, Staw was sentenced to two years of probation for scamming insurance companies out of $171,000, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorneys office. Staw, then 70, of Westport, admitted to engaging in health care fraud in 2006 by claiming to insurance companies that he had provided physician services to patients when the patients had actually received physical and massage therapy and nutritional counseling by non-physicians, the press release said.
He paid back the insurance companies and also paid the federal government $250,000 to settle allegations that his medical practice Respiratory Associates, then based in Norwalk, filed false Medicare claims between 2000 and 2006 for the physical and massage therapy, the press release said.
State Department of Public Health records show that in 2008, the medical board had reprimanded Staw and placed him on probation for two years.
In the UConn Health case, the board fined Dr. Micha Abeles of West Hartford $5,000 for stealing Depo-Medrol, an anti-inflammatory drug, and Humira, which is used to treat arthritis, from the hospitals stock for use in his private practice in Meriden, state records show.
The thefts occurred in 2015 and 2016. Abeles retired in 2016 from his post as associate director of the UConn Multipurpose Arthritis Center, DPH records show. He continues to treat patients part-time in private practice, the records show.
This story was reported under a partnership with the Connecticut Health I-Team ( www.c-hit.org ).
The October death of a 19-year old UConn student sent another ripple across the state on Monday with the closure of a campus fraternity affiliate.
Jeffny Pally, of West Hartford, was a Sophomore when she was fatally run over by a fire department SUV after falling asleep in front of a campus firehouse. She had been drinking at a off-campus party on Oct. 16, 2016.
In a decision announced Monday night, the Ohio-based Delta Gamma Fraternity has revoked the charter of its Connecticut affiliate, Epsilon Pi, where Pally was a member.
The decision to close a chapter is never easy, but Council strongly feels it is in the best interest of the chapter and University of Connecticut community, said Fraternity President Stacia Rudge Skoog, in a statement adding that The tragic death of a new member ... caused Council to reflect on the member experience at Epsilon Pi.
In the release, Delta Gamma cited risk management concerns and policy violations that were required additional resources and oversight since the Spring of 2014.
Civil and criminal court cases have also followed in the wake of Pallys death.
Six students were charged with alcohol-related crimes on February 24, 2017.
Pallys parents, Abraham and Shiny Chemmarappally, are suing the firefighter who was behind the SUV, as well as the state.
They are also asking a Hartford Superior Court judge to prevent the release of a video documenting the death to media outlets.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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A new school funding proposal advanced this week by the Legislatures Education Committee would help some suburban districts but does Bridgeport public schools no favors.
The plan would leave the city with way less funding than the one proposed in February by Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, while it would soften a proposed state education funding cut for suburban districts.
This would help districts underfunded the most (under the governors plan) Rep. Andrew Fleischmann, D-West Hartford, co-chairman of the Education Committee said.
The plan was laid out as a multitude of speakers told state lawmakers during an eight-hour public hearing Monday that the governors plan would harm school children.
It is woefully inadequate, Stamford Mayor David Martin testified. Despite those shiny buildings that you see when you pass Stamford on I-95, like almost all other municipalities in the state the majority of our taxes come from our residents. They do not come from our corporate office buildings.
Our children in Fairfield deserve to receive more than zero, Fairfield Schools Superintendent Toni Jones, said. Every child is worth funding.
Redistributing the money
State Rep. Brenda Kupchick, R-Fairfield, said Malloys plan to cut education funding to her district was patently unfair.
The state seems to be under the impression Fairfield is filled with very rich people, Kupchick said.
In reality, she said, her community has plenty of residents at or below the poverty level and seniors living on fixed incomes.
Malloys budget attempts to redistribute dollars without raising the bottom line for education. For the first time in a long time, enrollment, student poverty and community wealthy would be considered. As a result, some 138 communities would see state education funding reduced or eliminated.
Districts like Bridgeport would see an increase of about $12.6 million to about $194.3 million under Malloys plan. That increase, however, would wiped out by another provision of the Malloy budget which calls on municipalities to start paying one-third of teacher pension costs.
Under the Education Committee bill, it is believed Bridgeport would get a $239,614 increase over the $181.3 million it receives now, according to Katie Roy, director of the Connecticut School Finance Project.
That is not nearly enough, according Bridgeport school officials, who say they need a minimum of a $11.5 million boost in its school budget in 2017-18 in order to maintain current programming and restore kindergarten aides cut from last years budget.
Without the increase, schools would close and more staff would be cut, the Board of Education has been warned. It was a message the local school board and interim superintendent brought Tuesday to Hartford in a meeting with the Bridgeports legislative delegation.
Fleischmann said the Education Committee plan would make sure no community got more than 100 percent of what it is entitled to under the current funding formula. That would leave some $18 million to be redistributed on a sliding scale to the districts underfunded the most.
Its a working document, Rep. Toni Boucher, R-Wilton, a ranking member of the committee, said. There is no question it will change.
We are not there yet, added Sen. Gayle Slossberg, D-Milford, also a co-chair of the Education Committee.
Under the governors budget plan, Milford would lose $7.2 million in school funding. Under the Education Committee plan it would get roughly the same $11.2 million it receives now.
A temporary solution
The Education Committee bill calls for a two-year fix while a study is undertaken to change the funding system once and for all.
Jim Finley, representing the Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding, was happy to see that. The coalition brought a school funding suit against the state that resulted in a victory last fall. The state is appealing the decision to the State Supreme Court.
CCJEF has long championed an education adequacy cost study that is conducted with integrity and with stakeholder participation, Finley said.
For too long, he said, the states school funding policy has been backward and built with no hard data. He said a transitional formula was preferable to the one proposed by the governor, which Finley deemed catastrophic.
Roy, meanwhile, said the new proposal would continue the practice of funding Connecticuts public school based on patchwork policies, rather than addressing problems head on.
Danbury Schools Superintendent Sal Pascarella called an adequacy study imperative to determining a realistic base per pupil amount. He expects it will take time.
All of Danburys students - not just our children in poverty, with special needs, and those struggling with language acquisition are in need now, Pascarella said.
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STRATFORD John Harkins, the mayor of Stratford since 2009, announced Tuesday he would not run for re-election this fall.
There is always a time when we must move on, Harkins, a Republican, said in a speech to to a packed luncheon meeting of the Bridgeport Regional Business Council and the Rotary Club. After much reflection, Id like to let you all know that I have decided that I will not be seeking re-election this fall.
The mayor received a long standing ovation after his annual State of the Town speech as several people offered appreciative assessments of Harkins stint as mayor.
The news, which had been anxiously awaited by Democrats and Republicans alike, will change the landscape of the upcoming election. At least one potential Republican candidate, Vincent Chase, had been waiting for Harkins decision, and he said Tuesday that hed decide whether to run in a week or two.
Another potential Republican candidate is School Board Chairman James Feehan.
Ill have to have a long talk with my family on this, Feehan said. Mayors come and mayors go, but your family is ultimately the most important part of your life.
The news may even result is a little less vitriol in the upcoming contest an outgoing mayor wont be the target of brickbats, or at least less so. After Harkins speech, District 3 Councilman Wali Kadeem, a Democrat, was effusive in his praise.
More Information The Harkins File Age: 53 Lifelong Stratford resident Briefly served as councilman from District 9 Represented Stratford's 120th House district from 1999 to 2009 Took mayoral oath of office on Dec. 14, 2009 B.S., finance, University of Tulsa Accomplishments as mayor Had the former Mercer Coal Towers demolished Was in discussions that kept Sikorsky Aircraft in town after Lockheed sale Pushed for cleanup of the former Contract Plating Co. and other brownfield sites Completed $44 million runway safety zone at Sikorsky Memorial Airport High ISO2 rating for the Stratford Fire Department $600 million growth of grand list since taking office See More Collapse
Thank you for your years of service you are a good man, Kadeem said to Harkins. You always made time for me and Ive seen you do great things. I love you.
Even Democratic Town Committee Chairwoman Stephanie Philips, herself a mayoral candidate, joined in.
Being mayor is a difficult job, and it takes a lot out of you, Philips said. I wish him well Im only going to say good things about him.
In thanking his many supporters in the room as well as a few of his detractors the mayor said he always thought that the office was a temporary position.
He said that he didnt make a final decision until Monday, and that it was known to only his inner circle until Tuesdays speech, which took place at the Oronoque Country Club.
I felt that I had to come to a decision soon in all fairness to the other candidates who are thinking of running for the office, Harkins said later to reporters. We had a good run over the last eight years I am proud of the team that I brought in and what we were able to accomplish. We put the town in the right path.
Harkins had his share of setbacks. His plan put forth in 2014 to sell the waste treatment plant and the rest of the sewer system to the Greater New Haven Water Pollution Control Authority was turned back by voters a year later by nearly a 4-1 ratio. He still maintains the sale would have left Stratford on better financial footing than it is today.
In the fallout from the sewer plant sale rejection, Harkins found himself looking at a largely Democratic Town Council that wasnt the agreeable, almost fawning, Republican-majority panel that he was used to. He also never seemed to get a handle on social media, something that has become a greater factor in elections of late.
But his reasons for bowing out, he said, had more to do with the demands of running the equivalent of a medium-size American city.
Its a lot 24/7, he said. Every snowstorm you have to be out there. Every event that happens, youre expected to be at.
As for his future, Harkins said that he has no plans.
Ill have a year to figure out what the options are, he said, adding that rumors floating around Town Hall that he would be joining the staff of the Small Business Administration in Washington simply werent true.
They havent pursued me and I havent pursued them, he said. No truth to that whatsoever.
jburgeson@ctpost.com
Diane CrockerThe Western StarMarch 21, 2017Kayla Reid feels she is helping Eligio (Natureboy) Bishop by leaving Costa Rica.Im doing the right thing as of right now, Reid told The Western Star on Tuesday morning.She is expected to leave Costa Rica around noon Costa Rican time, which is three and half hours behind Newfoundland time.Shell be meeting up with family in Florida and plans to fly back to Canada in a few days.The 21-year-old Corner Brook woman has been with Bishops group, known as Melanation or the Etherians, in the Central American country for the past few weeks.She had been the subject of a missing persons report until March 16 when the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary advised they had been in contact with her and closed the file.The next day reports surfaced that Reid had been spotted in a YouTube video on Bishops Eligio NatureboyTv channel. Since then Reids family has publicly stated they believe she has been brainwashed and the group was a cult.That has brought a lot of attention on Bishop and resulted in the decision for Reid to leave.She said Bishops life is in danger and wouldnt be leaving if the media wasnt attacking him or putting out what they are to the world.I wouldnt be leaving Costa Rica, but because of this I feel like I need to go back there (to Newfoundland) at least for now, she said via a WhatsApp call.I really love these beings here, she said.For my safety and for Natureboy, I need to take care of myself.Reids family has said she suffers from mental health issues, but she said its a misunderstanding and the only reason that has been put out there is because she tried to leave the country before and her family could not understand what she was doing.When asked if shell be able to rebuild her estranged relationship with her family, she said shed see what happens and hadnt given it too much thought.She will return to Newfoundland, but said she wont be here for very long as she doesnt want to be in Canada.I know I belong in the tropics, she said.Im not going to be returning to Melanation, the Etherians, because I see the danger thats put them in, so Ill be doing my own thing.
March 20, 2017Eligio Bishop is a former model, stripper, prostitute and barber. These days, he's a self-professed cult leader.His exact location in the Costa Rican jungle is unknown, and so is the number of followers living with him.What is known, however, are details of a checkered past and criminal record.It's also clear he has the full support and devotion of 21-year-old Kayla Reid, who recently left her home in Newfoundland and moved to Costa Rica to be with Bishop and his followers."I've made myself clear that nothing is going on with Kayla, nothing is wrong with Kayla," Bishop told CBC News in an interview on Monday."Kayla is just fine."From stripper to cult leaderBefore he left for Costa Rica, 34-year-old Bishop held previous addresses in Atlanta and New Jersey.In 2009, he was arrested for forcible entry in Georgia. Two years later, he faced charges of theft and was arrested for aggravated battery. No charges were laid in the latter incident, he said.He was a model and an exotic entertainer, confessing in a Facebook video to having sex for money.Attempting to avoid furthering a life of crime, Bishop attended school to become a barber. He filed for a business licence in 2014, opening his own shop in Georgia.He also claims to have worked on the Mo'Nique Show a talk show hosted by the Atlanta comedian of the same name.In a Facebook post from June 2016, Bishop posed with a backpack, writing "the Ascension journey has begun." He was heading for Honduras, urging commenters on the post to let him be their "guide out of the hell realm."His following grew over time. Now, he has more than 17,000 on Facebook.'Natureboy' speaksEligio Bishop answered a video call on Monday from CBC News on Monday with a bright smile, sitting in a vehicle, with three male friends crowded into the backseat behind him.He agreed to speak with a CBC reporter who contacted him through a third-party international texting app. Bishop objected to being called by his given name, asking instead to be referred to as "Natureboy."When asked about Reid, he assured she was safe and happy in Costa Rica and she could leave on her own accord.He had urged Reid to make contact with Canadian police and her mother, Bishop said."I'm a black man and she's a white girl," he said. "It might seem to the world that I'm holding her hostageI wanted to make it clear, 'Call your people and let them know you're OK.'"Throughout the interview, his jovial attitude turned to frustration when pressed on his background and details about exactly how many devout followers he has."You asking how many people are in my family is irrelevant," he said. "How many people are in your family? It's just irrelevant to this conversation. Let's move on to something that matters. Next question."'I am a cult'Since Reid's story broke, accusations have arisen that Bishop is leading a cult.From watching videos posted to Bishop's Facebook page, he believes the actions displayed by the leader and followers fit a textbook definition of cult "a system of religious veneration and devotion directed toward a particular figure or object."The followers are not buying into the beliefs set forth as much as they are buying into the man preaching them, he said.When asked his opinion, Bishop challenged the definition but did say, "I am a cult," before accusing Canada, the United States of America and CBC of also being cults.Documents are legit, leader saysA representative from Global Affairs Canada said the department is aware of the situation and has spoken with Costa Rican authorities.However, if the group's travel documents are legitimate, there is not much the authorities can do.Any travellers from Canada or the United States can enter Costa Rica without a visa for 90 days. After that, they must apply for a temporary resident permit.According to Bishop, his group is living legally in the country and do not intend to break immigration laws.If possible, Reid can be deported back to Canada against her will.
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If you find joy in pranking those around you, then the odds are good that April Fools' Day is one of your favorite holidays. While you may already have a few tricks up your sleeve, it's hard to deny that the very best April Fools' Day pranks are totally free! Take a look now at our April Fools' prank ideas to get started.
DISCLAIMER: DealNews can't be held liable if any of these April Fools' pranks result in a loss of friends, status, job, freedom, teeth (when your victim punches you), etc.
15 Free April Fools' Pranks to Try
Want an easy at-home prank? Leave a message on an upside-down cup that alludes to something horrible being trapped there. Put the cup on your kitchen floor where someone is sure to stumble upon it.
Find a sleeping person, fill their hand with shaving cream, and then tickle their nose. Replace the shaving cream with whipped cream for a more delicious prank!
Wrap tape or a rubber band around your kitchen sink sprayer, so the trigger is held down. When someone goes to get a glass of water, they'll... open the fridge and grab the Brita pitcher. But when they go to wash their glass: POW!
Here's a classic April Fools' prank: put tape over the optical sensor of someone's computer mouse.
Grab your biggest knife, and cover it and your hand in ketchup. Run into any occupied room while screaming just be safe about it and all that. If you're lucky, you'll get to hear your mom curse for the first time ever! (True story.)
Cover an open toilet bowl with clear plastic wrap. (You'll probably want to consider the cleanup work as your penance for playing this April Fools' Day prank.)
Stretch more plastic wrap across a doorway at shoulder height. Most people will walk right into it!
Here's another plastic wrap prank submitted by a DealNews commenter: if someone leaves their water bottle unattended, take the lid or cap off, apply plastic wrap, and replace the lid!
Another April Fools' prank submitted by a commenter: press the "print screen" key on a PC, paste the image into Paint, hit save, and set it as the desktop background. Move all the icons to the trash. When your hapless victim goes to begin their workday, clicking won't accomplish anything!
Here's an anti-prank: get some peanut brittle, break it up, and put it into a can. On April Fools' Day, snicker as you ask your housemates, "Do you want some peanut brittle?" They'll look at you like you're an idiot and pass, thinking the can is actually full of spring-loaded snakes. But it's not the can is full of actual peanut brittle! ANTI-PRANK!
Print out the single word "PUSH" and tape it to a door that should be pulled. This prank is way more enjoyable when the word's taped to a glass door. (Not only because you can see the chump try to push a pull door, but also because glass doors tend to make very loud/embarrassing rattles and noises when incorrectly pushed.)
Use a pin (like from the back of a button or brooch) to poke holes around the rim of a plastic disposable cup so that it'll leak when used. Increase the excitement by then shuffling the stack of cups, so you'll never know who is going to pull the gaffed glass. It could even be you! Now that's an April Fools' prank: fooling yourself.
Here's one submitted by another commenter: take all of the dots out of your office hole puncher and pour them into the defroster of a friend's car. Then, turn their heater controls to defrost and the fan to high. When your buddy starts their car: snowstorm! The best part? Over the next several months, every once in awhile, a stray dot will pop out and fly through the air without warning. It's the prank that keeps on pranking!
Here's another one that's great for a work environment (though it may not work for every computer): when your cubicle neighbor gets up to grab some coffee, scamper over to their computer and press ctrl+alt+down arrow. When the chump comes back and realizes their monitor's display is upside down, they'll be so mad! Then, when they demand you change it back, you'll realize you have no idea how to restore it and you'll have to call IT. (And we all know those folks are a bunch of laughs, especially when they have to come fix some jerk's stupid prank.)
Ask to see your friend's new phone because you're thinking of getting that exact model. Then, quickly do these things: 1) Set an alarm for 3 am and 2) change the language. Hand the phone back while grinning wickedly. They'll see that you changed the language and be really mad, but they'll assume that's the extent of your tampering... until it's too late (or too early).
SEE ALSO: 10 Sales Tricks Retailers Use to Get You to Buy More
Gosh, some of these April Fools' pranks are just cruel, right? Readers, do you have any more free April Fools' Day pranks you can pull at home or work? Tell us about them in the comments below, and maybe we'll add them to the list next year!
Second-year physics grad student Zainalabidin Kinnare wanted to hear the end of Taylor Swift and ZAYNas aI Donat Wanna Live Forever,a so he sat in his Toyota Corolla at the U of M parking lot near Southern Avenue and Goodman Street for awhile Wednesday night. He was then forced to give up his car at gunpoint.
Three suspects obtained Kinnareas vehicle with two silver handguns and a rifle, according to a police report from the Memphis Police Department. One man opened the unlocked driver door, asked Kinnare where his money was and then told the 23-year-old victim to get out of his car, according to the report. Kinnare complied with the demands and handed the suspect his wallet and cellular phone. The suspect responded by throwing the phone on the ground and saying, awe donat need this,a according to the report. Then, all three suspects got into the vehicle and threw Kinnareas backpack out of the window prior to fleeing the scene.
aIt was kind of out of nowhere,a Kinnare said. aI was just sitting in my car listening to music a just waiting for the song to end. I was just going to do some work, but they opened my car door.a
Kinnare was on his way from Avenue Coffee to Manning Hall to get his schoolwork done. The 2016 Toyota Carolla had been in his possession for only about a year, but it was his first car.
aIt was kind of nice having a car for the first time after 22 years,a Kinnare said. aIam pretty bummed out about it, and it had a good bit of stuff in the trunk.a
The theft of Kinnareas car marks the second robbery on campus in the last two months. In response to these instances, Derek Myers, interim chief of police at the U of M, advised students to be more vigilant.
aUnplug and be more mindful of your surroundings,a Myers said. aIave seen people step out into traffic and almost get hit by a car because they were glued to the phone.a
The U of M has maintained a generally safe campus for the past few years, compared to other major Tennessee campuses. U of M had one on-campus robbery for the entirety of 2016, according to Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. East Tennessee State University saw four on-campus robberies and both Tennessee State University and Middle Tennessee State University saw two.
However, 18 students have been robbed and 14 were even carjacked during 2016 in areas surrounding U of M campus, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. Between 2015 and 2016, crime on all Tennessee campuses rose 0.8 percent.
Myers said that police services are constantly looking for methods to enhance security on and around campus, such as adding lights to darker areas.
aLet us know if there is anything that looks out of the norm or suspicious,a Myers said.
He also suggested that students download the LiveSafe app, which was launched at the beginning of this month. The app has many features that help students stay connected to police services. Students can text and send pictures directly to campus security. There is also an escort feature that enables students to have a friend virtually watch as they walk to the car.
Myers also said that it is important that students never resist robbers during a robbery. In Kinnareas case, one of the three suspects was wearing a red bandana. All of the suspects are between 18 and 21 years old, according to the police report from MPD.
aHe did exactly what he was supposed to do Wednesday night,a Meyers said. aThe man said agive me your thingsa and the victim said asure no problem.a Property can be replaced.a
A Kinnare said he does have insurance and hopes they will ahook him upa with a rental car soon. Myers said that the U of M police and MPD will continue to work together.
aPolice services will continue to work with MPD to solve crimes because otherwise youare likely to have repeats,a Myers said.
For now, Kinnare said that students should mostly akeep their cars closer to other cars,a akeep their doors lockeda and urges students to be amore cautious of their environment.aA
Uproar greeted the news that former Chancellor George Osborne had added the editorship of the London Evening Standard to his ever-expanding portfolio, writes this columns veteran political corres-pondent, Harvey Boreham.
But these critics seem to have forgotten quite how many top politicians have held down secondary jobs.
For instance, throughout his time as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, John Prescott worked Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays as chief executive bouncer at Hollywood Nites discotheque in Hull.
Uproar greeted the news that former Chancellor George Osborne had added the editorship of the London Evening Standard
It gave me a tremendous sense of responsibility, he wrote in his autobiography. I could make snap decisions as to who was in and who was out without having to consult my Cabinet colleagues.
Among senior Conservatives, Margaret Thatcher never allowed her Prime Ministerial duties to interfere with her part-time position as a dental hygienist at a practice in nearby Pimlico.
Scraping, scaling and polishing, often with brute force, is the most marvellous relaxation from the cares of high office, she told Jimmy Young in 1987. And what I always tell my patients is the more it hurts, the better I feel. I feel it my duty to impress upon them that theyve only themselves to blame.
Among senior Conservatives, Margaret Thatcher never allowed her Prime Ministerial duties to interfere with her part-time position as a dental hygienist
Other Prime Ministers have taken on a mixed range of professions. For three years running, Theresa May won the prestigious Maidenhead Parking Warden of the Year award, the judges praising her for her diligent and no-nonsense approach, to traffic enforcement, and singled out her wholehearted refusal to sanction excuses, however reasonable.
On taking up the Prime Ministership last year, she resigned from her post as senior warden. But I do like to keep my hand in, so I often take a detour from my official walkabouts in order to issue parking tickets on a casual basis, she told the BBCs Andrew Marr.
As an experienced estate agent, her predecessor, David Cameron, always took a break from Westminster to show customers around luxury homes in the Westminster area on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons.
I have a particular passion for what we call the top end of the market, he explained to Kirsty Young on Desert Island Discs. So I think our clients feel a very strong sense of reassurance when they discover that the man showing them around is also their Prime Minister.
When Cameron first entered No. 10 in 2010, he came across one or two tell-tale signs of Gordon Browns recent residency, including a black top hat still perched on the hatstand.
When Cameron first entered No. 10 in 2010, he came across one or two tell-tale signs of Gordon Browns recent residency
Brown had never let his career as an undertaker get in the way of his duties as Prime Minister. He had insisted, for instance, that coffins be delivered to the back entrance, so that politicians and heads of state should not have to squeeze around them in the hall of No. 10.
He found the best way to avoid mixing up his two jobs was to treat all visitors the same.
Whereas other Prime Ministers might greet visiting dignitaries with the words: Welcome to London, Brown preferred to put on a sombre face and say: My condolences on your sad loss, just in case.
George Osbornes predecessors as Chancellor had similarly varied secondary professions. Denis Healey was a High Street butcher, whilst Nigel Lawson was a circus ringmaster.
For many decades, Norman Lamonts bookmakers stall Honest Normans was a much-loved feature at Chepstow and Towcester Races.
Writing in Worth A Punt, Lamonts memoirs of his time in office, he said: I always felt it was my duty as Chancellor to deliver major statements in person, regardless of the effect it may have on my livelihood.
I never feel I was given due credit for asking the Chief Secretary to the Treasury to take over the stall on Budget days.
Kenneth Clarke is still a firm believer in politicians having other strings to their bow.
Clarke was, famously, lead vocalist with Kens All-Star Chatanooga Sunshine Band, and was the only Chancellor in recent history to deliver his Autumn Statement to a boogie-woogie piano accompaniment.
In the present day, Labours Shadow Chancellor, John McDonnell, doubles up as a store detective. Labour leader, Jeremy Corbyn is in catering, running a successful wholesale shredded carrot stall at Camden Market on alternate Tuesdays, weather permitting.
Ordinary, decent voters want to know that you have a successful life outside politics, he recently observed to The Shredded Carrot Traders Gazette.
Getting a lump sum of 26,000 to build a future would be a dream come true for many, especially after relying on benefits for years.
But the payout proves disastrous for Sophie, 28, from Basildon, who took part in Channel 5's social experiment Great British Benefits Handout where families are given a year's worth of benefits in one go.
Sophie ploughs 4,000 into launching a business selling bespoke children's clothing, including 1,000 on her own home office.
She also fritters away 700 on a shopping spree at Primark, and a further 147 at Iceland.
Her funds are so low after just three months she is reduced to tears and is advised to go back to claiming benefits
Determined Sophie ploughed thousands trying to launch her business but it failed to bring in money quickly enough to support her family
Sophie set up market stalls at craft fairs in the hope of drumming up more clientele and does go on to spark interest from customers
She was left in tears when her landlord served her with a second notice of eviction but didn't let it stop her despite having to go back on benefits
In the last episode of the series, Sophie is threatened with eviction by her landlord for a second time, after earlier avoiding being turfed out of their home.
She ends up in tears as she desperately tries to figure out what to do and seeks the advice of the programme's welfare expert Lee Healey.
'I am trying, really trying. And that is the worst of it, I am trying so hard to change my life, it feels like I have been smacked in the face every time I try and change it. It is really really difficult,' she cries.
SOPHIE'S SPREES 2,000 on supplies from China 200 in dress fabrics 700 Primark shopping trip 1,000 turning dining room into an office 400 on a laptop 147 at Iceland Advertisement
Lee reassures Sophie that an eviction through the courts could take months to resolve, but that she needs to consider her next steps.
'Money has gone low enough that we may need to access government support. We don't give up on the dream,' he says.
'You can also work and earn money but potentially claim some help for rent through housing benefits and council tax help through council tax benefit, just to give you that piece of mind.'
Sophie had wanted to provide a secure future for her four children Kayden, 12, Rosa, 9, Ollie, 4, and six-month-old Evie-May, by setting up her own store selling bespoke children's clothing.
Sophie forked out money on materials so that she could continue to make bespoke princess dresses and other costumes for young children. (Pictured with her four children)
Welfare expert Lee Healey speaks with Sophie after she is threatened with eviction, he advises her to seek government help to tide her over
But Lee advises her that it's going to take time for such a business to provide the sort of steady income she needs to live comfortably.
'No matter what happens in regards to housing, I want to have this as my life forever, that is the dream and I am willing to do whatever it takes to pursue it,' a determined Sophie says.
But it's not all bad news - despite the setbacks and spending nearly all of her money, it's revealed that orders are coming in thick and fast for the mother-of-four.
Great British Benefits Handout airs Thursday at 10pm on Channel 5
Two gay dads shared an image themselves cradling their sons on a Qantas jet in support of the airline's CEO Alan Joyce.
The Sydney-based couple, who are on Instagram as Inz_Tribe, and describe themselves as 'two fathers, two sons and a fur child', posted the picture on Monday after Immigration Minister Peter Dutton slammed Mr Joyce for speaking out in support of same sex marriage.
'Thank you @qantas and its CEO Alan Joyce for supporting same-sex marriage here in Australia,' a caption alongside the photo read.
'One day I will be able to walk down the aisle holding the hands of my two sons to get married to the love of my life. This will become a reality because of your support.'
The Inz Tribe family on a flight with Qantas as they come out in full support of Alan Joyce's same-sex marriage stance
The doting dads said Qantas staff had always welcomed them on board and they hope their sons will one day live in a world where they don't have to defend their parents' relationship
The couple appear to be boarding a Qantas flight in the picture posing happily with their two boys.
'Qantas has already been part of our dream to become parents. Just last year in September we left LA with our two month twin boys and arrived home to Sydney where our new lives would begin,' the caption continued.
'We were anxious on this journey home, but were welcomed with open arms by the beautiful Qantas flight attendants.
'We dream of a future where our relationship is treated equally to all others, and our boys are never forced to question or defend their parents' relationship,' the post went on.
The picture has been liked by more than 2,000 people with many sharing they've had similar respectful experiences with Qantas staff.
The post has been liked by more than 2,000 people with many sharing they've had similar respectful experiences with Qantas staff
'I love your post & sincerely hope for you & all my LGBTI friends that marriage equality is reality in Australia very soon. Much love to your beautiful family,' one woman wrote.
'I just looked at your Instagram pics and it is evident that your two precious babies are loved!
'Congrats and many blessings to you're beautiful family,' said another.
There followers fully supported the dads: 'I just looked at your Instagram pics and it is evident that your two precious babies are loved!' said one woman
Qantas boss Mr Joyce was one of more than 30 top chief executive officers who signed an open letter to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull last week, urging him to legalise gay marriage.
On Saturday Peter Dutton spoke out about the stance, saying: 'I'd prefer publicly listed companies stick to their knitting and that is delivering the services for their customers and providing a return for their shareholders' than provoke any kind of political stance on the marriage equality debate.
'Alan Joyce, the individual, is perfectly entitled to campaign for and spend his hard earned money on any issue he sees fit, but don't do it in the official capacity and with shareholders' money.'
You might want to hold onto those old paperbacks after all.
In a win for traditional books a new study conducted by Murdoch University in Perth suggested kids are less likely to read if they have a broad range of technological devices to choose from.
According to the research these devices allow kids to multitask between reading a surfing the internet so they aren't able to fully concentrate and comprehend what is in front of them, reported the Sydney Morning Herald.
Kids are actually better off reading from a paperback book according to new research at Murdoch University (stock image)
Murdoch University lecturer Dr Margaret Merga, whose research was published in the Computers and Education journal, said having access to devices reduced the amount kids were reading.
'Reading frequency was less when children had access to a greater range of these devices,' she said.
'Reading on internet search enabled devices, such as tablets, also opens up easy opportunities for distraction, allowing engagement in the practice of media multi-tasking, which has been found to detrimentally impact on student comprehension and concentration,' she went on.
Schools are currently pushing for children to bring in their laptops and tablets to work on in class but there is no evidence to suggest this actually increases their literacy levels
The study, which involved almost 1,000 Western Australian students from years four to six, asked kids how often they read books and what devices they owned that help them read.
Of these children, many preferred paperback to an iPad.
'There has been a knee jerk reaction that all children prefer to read on screens and that has led to school libraries removing all paper books. That is not necessarily the case,' Dr Merga said.
'There has been a knee jerk reaction that all children prefer to read on screens and that has led to school libraries removing all paper books,' Dr Merga said
The report coincided with the increased take up of e-books in Australian school libraries, with an estimated 34 per cent of schools purchasing e-books in 2015 compared to 28 per cent in 2013, according to The Australian and New Zealand School Library Survey.
The survey reported that 38 per cent of Australian and 37 per cent of New Zealand schools indicated that eBooks or eResources now make up five per cent or more of their collection.
It also found there was also a 'strong intention' by school libraries to continue to extend their collections and services with digital titles.
Dr Merga said most schools now ask students to bring in their devices to learn on in the classroom but the study suggests this may not support their numeracy and literacy skills.
Hot cross buns are one of the most delicious, eagerly-anticipated and versatile treats of the Easter season.
The fruity baked goods are sold in many a bakery and supermarket across the country and are often stuffed with sultanas, orange peel or, in some cases, chocolate chips.
Now, Australian consumer rights body CHOICE has revealed the tastiest traditional bun in the country after asking 37 blind taste testers to try six of the most popular brands and rate them out of 10.
Australian consumer rights body CHOICE has revealed the tastiest hot cross bun in the country after asking 37 blind taste testers to try six of the most popular brands and rate them
The fruity baked goods are sold in many a bakery and supermarket across the country and are often stuffed with sultanas, orange peel or, in some cases, chocolate chips
Interestingly, Coles hot cross buns came out on top, with testers commenting specifically on their flavour and texture and labelling them 'moist', 'dense' and 'a nice balance of sweet and savoury'.
'Very nice tasting, lovely moist chewy texture,' one tester said.
59 per cent of the tasters also gave Coles their highest overall score.
What are Coles hot cross buns like? What did testers think of the Coles hot cross buns? Price: $3.50 per six pack Score: 7.0/10 Comments: 'Very nice tasting, lovely moist chewy texture' 'Moist and dense but not so much so' 'A nice balance of sweet and savoury' Advertisement
What are Baker's Delight hot cross buns like? What did testers think of the Baker's Delight hot cross buns? Price: $7.00 per six pack Score: 6.9/10 Comments: 'I love the gloss shine on the bun, gets me every time' 'Glossy top looks appealing and adds a little sweetness' Advertisement
Baker's Delight wasn't far behind however, with the freshly baked buns rated 6.9 out of 10 and impressing the tasters with their 'glossy appearance' and 'shine'.
The buns were also described as 'tasty and soft', with an impressive 84 per cent of testers saying they would buy these buns.
Just 70 per cent of tasters said they would purchase the buns from Coles.
Third place were the buns from Brumby's Bakery, one of Australia's largest bakery chains.
What are Brumby's Bakery hot cross buns like? What did testers think of the Brumby's Bakery hot cross buns? Price: $7.15 per six pack Score: 6.2/10 Comments: 'Tastes quite nice, excellent fruit, but too dry ' 'Quite liked it but too sweet and not enough spice' Advertisement
Rated at 6.2, the buns were described as 'tasty' but were found to be 'lacking in spice' and 'a bit dry' by half the tasters.
These buns were also the most expensive at $7.15 for a six pack.
Aldi Bakers Life fruit hot cross buns followed with a score of 5.4.
Although affordable - an impressive $2.99 for a six pack - many of the testers said the buns lacked spice and fruit and were 'a little bland' yet 'passable'.
What are Aldi hot cross buns like? What did testers think of the Aldi hot cross buns? Price: $2.99 per six pack Score: 5.4/10 Comments: 'A little bland, but passable' 'Too little spice and not enough fruit' Advertisement
Woolworths placed fifth in the experiment, with the supermarket giant's buns scoring a mere 4.8 out of 10 and described as 'boring to look at' and 'boring to taste'.
'This bun came across as a lightly spiced bread roll, was too big and lacked substance,' one taster said.
Online grocer Aussie Farmers Direct placed last in the test, with their buns scoring just three out of 10.
Despite being described as 'award winning' by the company, the buns were described by tasters as being dry and lacking fruit and/or spice.
What are Woolworths hot cross buns like? What did testers think of the Woolworths hot cross buns? Price: $3.50 per six pack Score: 4.8/10 Comments: 'Boring to look at, boring to taste' 'This bun came across as a lightly spiced bread roll, was too big and lacked substance' Advertisement
'Very bland, like a bad bread roll dressed up as a hot cross bun,' one taster reported.
The experiment, held in February, was conducted in a random order and each taster was asked to comment on the aroma, texture and flavour.
There were mixed opinions to the results on social media however, with many disagreeing with the results.
'Coles hot cross buns are made from a pre-mix. Brumby's hot cross buns are made from a scratch recipe, only the finest quality ingredients are used to create them, and are baked fresh daily!! Support your farmers and your local bakery business owners please people,' one wrote.
What are Aussie Farmers Direct hot cross buns like? What did testers think of the Farmers Direct hot cross buns? Price: $5.99 per six pack Score: 3.0/10 Comments: 'Very bland, like a bad bread roll dressed up as a hot cross bun' 'Lacking in flavour, with too little in the way of fruit and spice' Advertisement
'Our Coles ones are usually hard and dry. Where as Woolies are amazing!' Another added.
'I've only tried the Coles, Woolworths and Aldi ones so far this year. I would rate the Aldi ones 2/10 and Woolworths 6/10,' a woman said.
Others agreed with the testers.
'We've had bakery ones and Woolies ones and Aldi ones. Coles wins hands down plus they are so well priced,' one Facebook user said.
'I bought my first ones yesterday from Coles (with in house baker) & I'm surprised how nice they are. The are almost crusty on the outside, just right inside & good flavour,' another added.
When you have your own lifestyle brand, the sartorial stakes are especially high but designer India Hicks rose to the challenge for a sea world-themed birthday party.
Prince Charless goddaughter Hicks, 49, who lives in the Bahamas, described the creative process as hot glue guns, a plastic dress, shells and some seaweed straight off the beach.
The black dress hugged the statuesque blondes curves, and was scattered with orange and cream sea shells.
Prince Charless goddaughter India Hicks, 49, rose to the sartorial challenge for a sea world-themed birthday party. She made the outfit from hot glue guns, a plastic dress, shells and some seaweed straight off the beach
A shimmering tail fin completed the piscatorial look.
Hicks paired the dress with a gold and orange mask, and donned a silver wig for the occasion.
The birthday girl in question was Michele King Soffer, the fifth wife of 84-year-old U.S. billionaire Donald Soffer.
There's been an amazing epilogue to last weeks West End premiere of Another Mothers Son, in which Jenny Seagrove plays Louisa Gould, murdered for helping an escaped prisoner of war in Nazi-occupied Jersey.
When Louisa took in the young PoW, she was still mourning her own son, Edward, who had been killed serving with the Royal Navy, Seagrove says.
Lucy, her great-granddaughter, got in touch to say they have found Edwards medals in a shoebox.
They must have been moved from house to house with the family and no one ever knew they were there.
I'm so over ex, says Mackintosh snap
Millie Mackintosh married rapper Professor Green at Babington House in Somerset in 2013. The pair divorced after two-and-a-half years. The scion of the Quality Street dynasty posed with her father at the same doorway this weekend
Most divorcees would be reluctant to revisit their wedding venue but for former Made In Chelsea star Millie Mackintosh its just another photo opp.
The scion of the Quality Street dynasty, 27, posed in tattered jeans with dad Nigel in a doorway at Babington House in Somerset.
Feeling refreshed after a family weekend, she said, breezily.
Just four years ago she posed in the same spot with new husband, rapper Professor Green. The pair divorced after two-and-a-half years.
The acrimonious split saw Millie turn her wedding dress into a Halloween costume spattered with fake blood.
Commons Speaker John Bercow encouraged MPs to welcome the Cardinal Archbishop of Burma to Westminster, hailing his presence in the Commons gallery and calling him a great man.
Bercow has form for this sort of flattery but officially it is against the rules MPs are not meant to refer to people sitting in the galleries.
Is Bercow angling for an invitation to Burma?
Daughter's Book Ban on Bragg
Arts broadcaster Melvyn Braggs daughter Marie-Elsa brings out her debut novel, Towards Mellbreak, next month and she has banned him from seeing a preview copy.
Poor dad still has not read it, confesses Marie-Elsa, a duty chaplain of Westminster Abbey. The novel is set in Cumbria where Lord Bragg has based his own books.
It was important. Im the next generation down of Cumbrian writers. He does things his way and I need to be clear it is absolutely my voice. I want to do well by Cumbria and express my Cumbrian heritage the best way I can.
He understood I just needed to do my own thing.
While some opt for fundraiser chocolates or cake stalls to raise money for their end of year celebrations, one group of students choose to strip off and make a nude calendar.
Students from the vet school at Massey University in New Zealand pose for their nude calendar each year to raise money for their 'Halfway Day' trip where they celebrate 2.5 years of study.
10 per cent of the proceeds from the cheeky calendar also go towards a charity close to their hearts.
While some opt for fundraiser chocolates or cake stalls to raise money for their end of year celebrations, one group of students choose to strip off and make a nude calendar
Students from the vet school at Massey University in New Zealand pose for their nude calendar each year to raise money for their 'Halfway Day' trip to celebrate 2.5 years of study
Not only that, but 10 per cent of the proceeds from the calendar go towards a charity
One of the students, Molly Barker, told Daily Mail Australia that the calendar was founded 12 years ago as a fundraiser for the third year class to have a day of celebration and team bonding.
'We all go away on a trip sky diving and white water rafting as a way to mark having made it half way through vet school!' Ms Barker said.
'In addition, we also donate 10 per cent of proceeds to a charity each year, this year being the Mental Health Foundation and their Farmstrong programme.
'In addition, we also donate 10 per cent of proceeds to a charity each year, this year being the Mental Health Foundation and their Farmstrong programme,' student Molly Barker said
Student organiser Samantha Christian said that the students separated into different groups to plan their own shots - from posing with sheep to holding chooks
'We haven't held chooks before for class, so it was a bit of wrestle, running around in various states of undress after chickens,' she said
'With suicide rates among vets and farmers being some of the highest of any profession, it's a charity whose work is very close to our hearts.'
Ms Barker said two thirds of the class participated in the racy calendar and said the group had become closer as a result.
International student Daniel Guirguis told Stuff that the shoot was 'a bit weird' but after the first shot, it 'gets pretty normal'.
'I got scratched on my stomach but it was for a good cause. A lot of people were very excited to go through it themselves, but then it's very strange and daunting to do,' she said
In 2016, the class raised $2,400 for Assistance Dogs New Zealand and sold 1,600 calendars
'It's great fun, I enjoyed doing it, and it's good to finally know that you're halfway through,' he said.
Student organiser Samantha Christian also told the publication that the students separated into different groups to plan their own shots - from posing with sheep to holding chooks.
'We haven't held chooks before for class, so it was a bit of wrestle, running around in various states of undress after chickens,' she said.
The first batch of 1,500 calendars will be on sale in early April and will cost $15
'I got scratched on my stomach - but it was for a good cause. A lot of people were very excited to go through it themselves, but then it's very strange and daunting to do.'
In 2016, the class raised $2,400 for Assistance Dogs New Zealand and sold 1,600 calendars.
The first batch of 1,500 calendars will be on sale in early April and will cost $15.
From the woman who always has an Instagram-ready meal on the table to the obsessive 'I've just had my first baby' type, mothers certainly fall into wildly different tribes when it comes to their parenting approach.
Melbourne-based blogger, Olivia White, has rounded up the different types of mother she has witnessed among her friendship circle, and many are sure to identify.
From the 'Pinterest perfect' mother to the 'overly organised' nightmare, FEMAIL introduces Ms White's stereotypes. Which one are you?
Melbourne-based blogger, Olivia White (pictured), has rounded up the different types of mother she has witnessed among her friendship circle, and many are sure to identify
From the 'Pinterest perfect' mother to the 'overly organised' nightmare, FEMAIL introduces Ms White's stereotypes. Which one are you? (Pictured: Olivia White)
JUST HAD THEIR FIRST BABY MUM FRIEND
Top of the list is the 'just had their first baby mum friend'.
Identifiable by their 'clean pram' and 'child in pristine brand named clothing', Ms White says that this type of parent is 'typically late to every social engagement and the first to leave'.
According to the blogger, this type of mum is understandable, because every other mother was once there, too.
Top of the list is the 'just had their first baby mum friend' (stock image); this mother is identifiable by their 'clean pram' and 'child in pristine brand named clothing'
OVERLY ORGANISED MUM FRIEND
Next up is the 'overly organised' type - these mums are the ones where you 'have to schedule a playdate in with about three months in advance, including specific time, play and itinerary'.
Ms White said this type has 'lists, keeps a diary' and sets reminders on her phone to get done what she needs to do.
Many might wish to be this organised, but if you haven't got it naturally, you're unlikely to become an overly organised type.
Next up is the 'overly organised' type - these mums are the ones where you 'have to schedule a playdate in with about three months in advance' (stock image)
OF THE MOMENT MUM FRIEND
The opposite of the 'overly organised' mum, the 'of the moment' mother friend is the person who 'texts you with five minutes warning: "Hey, wanna go to the park?".'
Ms White confesses that she falls into this camp, and is especially colourful when describing such people's personalities:
'Of the moment mum never knows what she's doing till about five seconds after it's actually happened and is really great at forgetting about dates she planned three months in advance.
'She is also heavy on the sarcasm and vinos!,' she added.
ONLY ON SOCIAL MEDIA MUM FRIEND
Everyone knows one of these - you never see her, but she will forever be saying that you need to catch up on social media.
Ms White said that in spite of never seeing a social media mum friend, you'll always know what she's up to, thanks to her constant stream of photos and online updates.
The 'effortlessly cool' mum has an Instagram that is 'awash with monochrome images of her and the kids in trendy AF matching street style attire and an on point mum bun' (stock image)
EFFORTLESSLY COOL MUM FRIEND
She's the one who people ask: mum or sister, she's just that cool.
'Her Instagram is usually awash with monochrome images of her and the kids in trendy AF matching street style attire and an always on point mum bun,' Ms White said.
However, if you're thinking of trying to emulate this look, think again. Ms White warns if you try too hard, you can end up looking 'homeless'.
ALWAYS LOSING HER SH*T MUM FRIEND
'We've all got at least one of these mum friends, right?,' Ms White writes.
This mum never has a good day, and is always embroiled in some form of drama.
THE BEEN AROUND THE BLOCK MUM FRIEND
This woman knows what she's doing when it comes to motherhood.
She's probably got 'a baby at home, one in kinder, multiple in school... and still managing to run a business, keep a home and be there for wine time'.
Anyone jealous?
'Pinterest perfect mum is usually a great go-to for wines because more than likely she'll have an epic picture perfect cheese board she's thrown together waiting for you' (stock image)
PINTEREST PERFECT MUM FRIEND
Ever logged on to Instagram to see a fellow mother's caption: 'Just another quick and easy meal?' when she has pretty much prepared a delicious feast?
'Pinterest perfect mum is usually a great go-to for wines because more than likely she'll have an epic picture perfect cheese board she's thrown together waiting for you on arrival'.
DOESN'T HAVE KIDS MUM FRIEND
Last but not least is the 'doesnt have kids' mum, an essential for any mother.
'Doesn't have kids friends make you feel like you still have some shred of coolness and that you're not that old - yet!,' Ms White said.
One thing to note about this woman, however - and that's that she will often want to stay up and out much later than you.
To read more from Olivia White, you can visit her blog - House of White - here. You can also follow her on Instagram here.
The trainee doctor named University Challenge's hottest ever contestant today told of her bemusement at becoming an overnight sex symbol.
Emma Johnson sent the internet into meltdown with her appearance last night on the BBC quiz as viewers took to Twitter to call her the 'perfect woman'.
But today the 22-year-old medical student, who studied at Oxford University before switching to UCL, insisted she doesn't feel sexy when she spends all day training in her 'unflattering' blue hospital scrubs.
Speaking to MailOnline, blonde Emma, from North London, confirmed she is single and said: 'It's been completely surreal. I had no idea I was being talked about on Twitter. The first I knew of it was when one of my friends sent me a link to the story.
'At first I thought it was a joke, like one of those fake news websites. I couldn't believe it.
Sex symbol: Trainee doctor Emma Johnson, 22, melted the internet as she was dubbed the hottest ever University Challenge contestant when she appeared on the BBC quiz last night
Good genes: Blonde medical student Emma, 22, from North London, was described as the 'perfect woman' on Twitter by her new army of fans beguiled by both her brains and beauty
Sex symbol: But Emma, pictured left with her younger sister Chloe, right, said she doesn't think of herself as a sex symbol and spends all day wearing her blue hospital scrubs
A rose between (very clever) thorns: One fan said single Emma is proof that brains and beauty together do exist. She said had received a number of Facebook friend requests from strangers
'It's been mostly just lots of my friends sending me the link to my story on MailOnline.
'But I've also had a bizarre number of total strangers adding me as a friend on Facebook. It's must be the 2017 version of catcalling.'
Not only is Emma brainy and beautiful, but she is funny too. She appeared in a medical comedy sketch called 'The Italian Swab' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
But getting used to her overnight fame, which has won her an army of new admirers, modest Emma shrugged: 'Do I consider myself a sex symbol? I spend most of my time running around a hospital wearing scrubs looking distinctly unsexy!'
'I was on University Challenge. It's not like I was on 'The Bachelor' where you are judged on your appearance.
'I'm single and meeting someone through University Challenge would be bizarre to say the least, it's definitely not something I was expecting.'
In the close-fought contest with rivals Oxford Balliol, Emma fired off plenty of correct answers at host Jeremy Paxman, leaving viewers impressed.
On social media, many declared their undying love for her, particularly as it became clear her team was about to crash out of the competition after a decent run.
Her team Corpus Christi eventually lost by 240 points to 160, leaving Balliol, led by 'Queen of Sass' captain Joey Goldman, to cruise into the semi-final.
Some even suggested that the BBC2 cameraperson might also have enjoyed the visual delights of Emma, with one viewer saying on Twitter: '#UniversityChallenge seems to be having many specific shots on Corpus Christi's Emma Johnson. I CAN'T IMAGINE WHY.'
Thespian: Not only is Emma brainy and beautiful, but she is funny too. She appeared in a medical comedy sketch called 'The Italian Swab' at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and was in the play Titus Andronicus, above
Modest: But getting used to her overnight fame, which has won her an army of new admirers, modest Emma shrugged: 'Do I consider myself a sex symbol? I spend most of my time running around a hospital wearing scrubs looking distinctly unsexy!'
Surreal: Emma, pictured left and right, told MailOnline: 'I'm single and meeting someone through University Challenge would be bizarre to say the least, it's definitely not something I was expecting.'
AFTER JOEY GOLDMAN ACED THE QUARTER FINAL, COULD HE NOW BATTLE ERIC MONKMAN FOR VICTORY? Philosophy and Geology student Goldman takes no prisoners. Dubbed the 'Queen of sass' on social media for his sarcastic responses in previous rounds, the Balliol student has become not quite a fan favourite but easily one of the biggest characters in this series of University Challenge. All hail Goldman: Oxford Balliol's captain, who led his team to a comfortable victory, now looks set for a show-down with fan favourite Eric Monkman He set out his stall early on. During one of the rounds in December, bespectacled Goldman offered an unusually sassy retort to Paxman. When asked which actor helped to found RADA in 1904, the student, clearly grasping at straws, opted for Laurence Oliver, which Paxman promptly sneered at, telling him: 'Laurence Oliver?!' The confident philosophy and geology student surprised viewers in December when he unleashed sarcasm at Paxman, making him one of the most watchable contestants on the series so far And then Goldman went where very few dare to tread. He replied sniffily: 'Well, I might as well say something.' On social media after last night's episode, viewers were salivating over the prospect of Goldman facing Eric Monkman in the final of the popular quiz. Canadian brainbox Monkman, with his quirky facial expressions and unbridled enthusiasm has earned cult status among fans. Advertisement
Another added that the pretty blonde was a 'thing of beauty' and proof that brains and beauty do mix.
It isn't the first time that the show has thrown up some unexpected aesthetic delights, last season saw medical student Ed Bretherton, from Liverpool University, also hailed as 'evidence brains and beauty can combine' by one besotted male fan and a 'babe' by another similarly taken by his looks.
Bowing out: Despite Johnson's best efforts, her team have made their final appearance on the show
The Devon-born junior doctor even found the press on his parent's doorstep after Twitter went bananas for the student's dark, brooding looks.
Dr Bretherton's mother said at the time: 'We're very proud of all the compliments he's been getting since appearing on the show.
A hilarious video has captured the moment a giggling baby throws up on her aunt while she is having her tummy tickled.
As Alexandra Theriault entertained six-month-old Rylee Grace Hanks in Mary Esther, Florida she clearly has no idea what's coming.
Having started the laughter with some funny voices, Auntie Alexandra leans in to blow raspberries next to her ears.
Unable to control her giggles, suddenly Rylee throws up on to her aunties hair while she pulls away leaving her mother Kassandra in fits of laughter.
Kassandra said: 'I laughed so hard I had to walk away.
Alexandra Theriault entertained her six-month-old niece Rylee Grace Hanks by tickling her stomach but was unprepared when Rylee puked all over her
Alexandra leapt up to immediately take a shower after Rylee's little accident
'Alexandra couldn't catch her breath long enough to ask for a towel and I was giggling too hard to think about grabbing one.
'Rylee laid there and thought it was so funny. Afterwards I took photos and she stuck her tongue out at us, which she had never done before.'
Having regained their composure Alexandra can be heard saying she 'just took a shower, now I need another one' while cleaning up Rylee.
Prince Harry today followed in the footsteps of his mother, visiting an HIV charity 26 years after Diana, Princess of Wales helped to raise awareness of the illness there.
Prince Harry was shown a signed photograph of his late mother from her visit to the Leicester Aids Support Service (LASS) in November 1991, and a wall of tributes she had launched honouring those who died from the disease.
One volunteer, who recalled the Princess' visit, said of her son's appearance: 'It shows he's got a good heart, like his mum.'
But there were lighter moments to the visit, too, as the fifth in line to the throne was also inadvertently introduced to a game of 'sperm and ladders' - something that was most definitely not on Kensington Palace's itinerary.
The game mimics the format of snakes and ladders to educate players on their sexual health, with the unfazed Prince admitting 'I haven't played snakes and ladders for a long time' as he asked how it worked, after spotting a large canvas board game in the reception.
A poignant moment: Harry walks past a photograph of his mother, Princess Diana, who visited the charity in 1991
As Harry paused to look of photos of his mother Diana, he also noticed a game of 'sperm and ladders', which educates people about their sexual health
Prince Harry signs the guest book upon arrival at the Leicestershire Aids Support Service
He was also taken to a private meeting with LASS service users, before walking upstairs - past a black and white photograph of Diana in the corridor - to observe workshops about the charity's work.
Amdani Juma, who works for the African Institute for Social Development, said: 'This visit is very important in raising awareness. He's a Royal and he can help bring these messages to the places we cannot reach.
'Princess Diana was here in 1991 and then Harry was here: it's very special, it's very important and emotional.'
The Prince also spoke frankly about HIV and the need for further education, telling campaigners: 'It cannot be acceptable that the first time young people know what HIV is is when they catch it.'
Popular: The Prince was met by a host of adoring fans as local schoolgirls waited outside Hamilton College holding a huge sign with 'We love you Harry' written in glitter
The royal, who is believed to have spent the last few days with girlfriend Meghan Markle at Kensington Palace, looked to be in good spirits as he met with locals
Harry chats to youngsters outside Hamilton College who had patiently waited to catch a glimpse of the royal, as he touched down in the East Midlands on Tuesday morning
Hearing about the importance of testing, he said: 'Even if you are nowhere near an at-risk group you should get tested, to show everyone it's ok.'
Prince Harry was greeted by Jenny Hand, CEO of LASS, as well as trustees David Rowlands and Evernice Tirivanhu, who lost her sight eight years ago and told the Prince she still pictured him as a young man.'
He was then shown a memorial wall covered with pouches, each representing someone who had died from HIV/AIDS and contained a special memento commemorating their life.
The panels were launched by Diana in 1991, in an era where the stigma surrounding the disease was such that many of those who died had only disclosed their HIV to LASS volunteers.
The royal shares a joke with one of the local schoolchildren as youngsters lean over the railings to get a better glimpse of him
Harry shakes hands with well-wishers who had gathered outside Evington Valley Primary School. The youngsters carried handmade placards and one waved a giant Union Jack flag
Prince charming! Harry chats with a group of pupils outside Evington Valley Primary School before heading inside where he visited a classroom and watched a musical performance
Bye for now! The royal waves to his fans before heading inside where he chatted to pupils about cars and joined in with an arts and crafts session
They are now no longer used, as survival rates improve drastically and the charity focuses on helping people live lives to the full.
Prince Harry was then shown the history of the charity, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, provides information and advocacy for those affected by HIV/AIDS and raises awareness among the African communities in the East Midlands.
Before he left the royal served food - spicy rice, Cajun chicken and creamed spinach - to tables of volunteers.
One, octogenarian Betty Walker, showed the Prince a photograph of her meeting his late mother, telling him she recalled her opening the door and calling 'cooee' when she arrived in 1991.
'She was very good at breaking the ice,' said Prince Harry.
Worthy cause: Pink Lizard is a youth and community organisation which specialises in giving young people positive experiences
Later on, the multitalented royal took part in a game of 'foot volleyball' during a visit to a sports session organised by the Pink Lizard youth organisation on the Saffron Lane estate
Teresa Jacques, who used to be a cook and receptionist at LASS, told him: 'If I may say so Sir, so are you.'
Mrs Walker, who trained as a volunteer at the centre with her late husband Eric, told the Prince how far attitudes had come, when people were frightened to speak about HIV.
'Medicine has come a long way since then,' the Prince agreed.
Mrs Walker said afterwards: 'He was very easy to speak to. We talked about how it used to be; how awful it was.
'It was something nobody liked to talk about. I think he's great.
Man of many talents: Onlookers were suitably impressed with Harry's ball skills, with one young girl taking her phone out to snap a picture of the sport-loving prince in action
'Princess Diana wanted to know all about it when she visited too. It shows he's got a good heart, like his mum.'
After lunch, Prince Harry unveiled a plaque commemorating his visit to LASS and the centre's 30th birthday, before being entertained by a short burst of African drumming as he left the site.
His next visit of the day was to highlight the work of a youth group at a community sports centre threatened with closure today - by getting stuck in with some of their sporting activities.
The prince took part in a 'two-touch' game of football over a volleyball net and urged people using the sports centre in a deprived part of Leicester to go out and find funding to create better services.
Prince Harry (L) speaks with Ady Hinds, (C) founder of Pink Lizard and mentor Steve White, during a visit to a sports session organised by the Pink Lizard youth organisation
Harry, 32, drew on his experiences of working with young people in one of the poorest parts of Nottingham over the past four years to deliver a pep talk to members of the Pink Lizard youth group, which works with young people on Leicester's tough Saffron Lane estate using sport to build confidence and self-esteem.
Inside the estate's Southfields Drive Sports Centre, which is under threat because of council cuts, he chatted to young people who have grown up on the sprawling inter-war housing estate about their lives and problems.
'Who here got themselves into trouble?' he asked, prompting around 20 people in the room to put their hands up.
The organisation offers cooking projects for the elderly and people find it hard to make ends meet, into work projects for both adults and young people and sport participation activities
'Who here is a roughneck?' he asked, turning towards local dignitaries and making the youths laugh.
They told him about a lack of things to do in the neighbourhood, crime, and cuts to schools and youth groups like their own.
'It's ridiculous because these small organisations are the ones that are making the biggest difference,' he said, urging them to find ways of reaching their potential.
'You've just got to have that support - and that belief to have someone out there saying because you're good you can go out there and do what you can,' he added.
Harry gestures as he speaks to representatives of the Yes You Can personal development project, which works to help under-performing Year 8 pupils to reach their full potential
The Prince, who listened to two of the group perform a song for him, told them that in Nottingham and other cities, groups had gone out and got funding for centres containing music studios, hair salons, sports complexes, and other facilities.
'The gaping hole you are talking about, other cities have filled with funding,' he said.
Ady Hinds, managing director of Pink Lizard, said he hoped Harry's visit would help bring in extra funding for the area.
The royal gets animated as he chats to youngsters at Hamilton Community College in Leicester
'He's the man. He's smooth,' he said.
Tendai Daire, 21, who partnered Harry in the football, was equally impressed. 'He had good skills. He's a really humble guy,' the social work student said.
Tendai, who came to Britain from Zimbabwe in 2004, has seen the benefits of taking part in community sport on the estate.
'When we first moved here it wasn't a good time. Our house was getting egged every day. People didn't know us but then as we got involved it stopped,' he said.
Earlier in the day, the chatty royal talked about cars, not giving upon your dreams and the perils of social media on a school visit today.
In fact there was barely a subject the chatty royal didn't touch upon as he dropped into Hamilton Community College in Leicester.
Unfortunately the only topic not on his lips was that of his girlfriend Meghan Markle - although her touch seemed to be evident in his sharp jacket, trousers and shoes, all in varying shades of grey.
Harry poses for a group photo with pupils at Hamilton. The prince, who travelled to Leicester by train, was at the school to learn more about its personal development courses
The prince, who arrived by train for a day of engagements in the city, was at the school to learn more about the personal development courses it offers for students.
First, however, he visited a classroom where young pupils from nearby Evington Valley Primary School were taking part in the 'I Have A Dream' programme which empowers children to be resilient in achieving their ambitions as they transition to secondary school.
The youngsters were drawing posters to illustrate their hopes for the future - and the prince seemed impressed by what he saw.
Before he left Harry listened to a performance of the 'Yes You Can' song by the primary school pupils, tapping his feet and nodding to the harmonies
Admiring one group's handiwork he talked at length about their desires to protect the environment -and appeared to be taking a leaf out of his own father's book.
'Are electric or petrol cars better? Petrol? Hmmmm, I think electric is better,' Harry said.
'What about cycling or electric cars then? Electrics cars are better. They are still quite expensive but all you guys, your first cars will be electric cars. Does that make you happy or sad? It should make you happy. Instead of a brum, brum, it's going to be a brrrr. In fact it wont even make a noise.
'What are the solutions? Put your rubbish in the bin, recycle plastic and stop the companies from making plastic in the first place. '
Harry unveils a plaque to mark 30 years of Leicestershire Aids Support Service and his visit
He added: 'You are the younger generation, you're the ones who are going to inherit the world we leave for you. We are doing our best not to leave it in a bad way. '
He also talked about teamwork and learning from your mistakes with another group of children aged between nine and 11, asking them what they had learned.
He said: 'Never give up, teamwork - because you can never do anything by yourself - learn from your mistakes - it is ok to make mistakes as long as you learn from them - and learn from others. There is so much you can do.
Harry later got stuck in as he helped kitchen workers serve food to service users and volunteers in the Leicestershire Aids Support Service (LASS) canteen
The royal didn't mind rolling up his sleeve as he brought out plates of hot food. LASS provides information, advice, support and services for people who are living with or affected by HIV
The royal donned a red ribbon during his visit to the centre where he met with staff as well as visitors. LASS also raises HIV awareness through training and workshops
The good-natured Prince was on top form as he chatted with volunteers at the Leicestershire Aids Support Service
'I love that you can write down your dreams. At your age I would have struggled to even write one down, so well done to you guys for knowing what you want.
'It's not easy but there are dreams that can come true.'
Energetic Harry also met older pupils of Hamilton College who were taking part in the 'Yes You Can' programme, a 20-week personal development course operates within seven secondary schools around Leicestershire organised by Kaine Management.
Harry looked suitably dapper for the occasion, teaming a crisp white shirt and beige chinos with a charcoal jacket and suede desert boots, as he kicked off a busy day in Leicester
Lovestruck: Harry's girlfriend Meghan is believed to have flown into London from her Toronto base on Thursday and has been staying with the Prince at his Kensington Palace home
Mentors aged between 16 and 25 work with Year 8 pupils who are underperforming or at risk from going off the rails by helping them to overcome barriers to learning, raising aspirations, and helping to close attainment gaps.
Harry watched as they took part in a verbal challenge and talked about the importance of role model.
'Everyone needs a role model, it's not always footballers,' said the rugby-mad prince.
He also spoke passionately about the perils of social media - something he does use on a personal and professional basis but has openly spoken of his concern about.
Harry makes his way into Hamilton College as he kicks off a busy day. He is set to visit three local projects: Yes You Can, Leicestershire Aids Support Service (LASS) and the Pink Lizard
'At this age nothing is easy, social media, the internet, all add to the pressure,' he said.
'You just have to try to manage it. It's interesting because it's the one thing that all you guys are on but is one of the biggest pressure you face. It needs too be fixed. It could be such a good tool, couldn't it?'
Before he left Harry listened to a performance of the 'Yes You Can' song by the primary school pupils, tapping his feet and nodding to the harmonies, before undertaking a quick impromptu walkabout with some of the older pupils who had been waiting outside to greet him in the chill wind.
EOUL (Reuters) - A North Korean missile appeared to have exploded on Wednesday just after it was launched, the U.S. and South Korean militaries said after detecting the latest in a series of weapons tests by the nuclear-armed state that have alarmed the region.
The launch attempt was made from near the city of Wonsan, on North Korea's east coast, the same place from where it launched several intermediate-range missiles last year, all but one of which failed.
"U.S. Pacific Command detected what we assess was a failed North Korean missile launch attempt ... in the vicinity of Kalma," Commander Dave Benham, a spokesman for U.S. Pacific Command, said in a statement, referring to an air field in Wonsan.
"A missile appears to have exploded within seconds of launch," Benham said, adding that work was being carried out on a more detailed assessment.
A South Korean military official told Reuters the missile appeared to have exploded just after it was launched.
"It may have exploded right after it took off from a launch pad," said military official, who declined to be identified.
It was not clear what type of missile it was. The South Korean defense ministry said it was conducting analysis to determine further details.
The increasing frequency of the missile tests has fueled a growing sense of urgency over how to respond to the isolated, unpredictable state.
North Korea launched four ballistic missiles from near its west coast on March 6 and this week conducted a rocket engine test that its leader, Kim Jong Un, said opened "a new birth" of its rocket industry.
The Prince of Wales tried his hand at a new profession as he became a cheesemonger for the afternoon.
The royal was in high spirits as he donned a white hat and apron and sampled some dairy delights at Dewley Cheesemakers.
Charles, who is Patron of The Specialist Cheesemakers Association, was on a day visit to Lancashire. Dewley Cheesemakers was founded in 1957 by George Kenyon and is now owned by his grandson's Nick and Richard Kenyon.
Earlier, the royal stepped into the future as he donned some virtual reality glasses on a visit to the Academy for Skills and Knowledge at BAE Systems in Samlesbury on Tuesday.
The Prince of Wales, who is Patron of The Specialist Cheesemakers Association, was in high spirits as he visited Dewlay Cheesemakers on Tuesday
The Prince of Wales smells some cheese during his visit to Dewlay Cheesemakers
The royal got stuck into the games on his visit to the academy, where he met staff, students and school children.
The academy, situated alongside BAE Systems' advanced manufacturing centre, will train all the apprentices and graduates in the company's military aircraft business as well as providing life-long learning and skills development activities.
Prince Charles donned some specialist glasses as he toured the BAE Systems Academy for Skills & Knowledge at Samlesbury in Lancashire
The royal seemed to be enjoying his day in the cheesemakers
Some locals were seen peering through the window with their cameras as they caught the royal hard at work
Dewley Cheesemakers was founded in 1957 by George Kenyon and is now owned by his grandson's Nick and Richard Kenyon
The Prince of Wales, Patron of The Specialist Cheesemakers Association, chats to Nick and Richard Kenyon during his visit to Dewlay Cheesemakers
Prince Charles looked engrossed as he toured the facility, including the virtual reality cave and workshops
Charles met students and school children exploring the facility, including the virtual reality cave and workshops
It mirrors the latest advanced manufacturing technologies and factory layouts used at BAE Systems including robotics, 3D printers, a virtual reality "cave", a composites clean room, electronics and welding facilities.
Charles also viewed a BAE Systems Hawk jet in an aircraft hangar.
Charles's first stop was meeting with residents, business owners and participants at Clitheroe Food Festival, offering quality food and drink produced in Lancashire.
The final engagement of the day will see Charles, patron of the Specialist Cheesemakers Association, visiting family-run Dewlay Cheesemakers of Garstang, spending time with staff and local farmers who supply the firm.
Charles's first stop was meeting with residents, business owners and participants at Clitheroe Food Festival, offering quality food and drink produced in Lancashire
Prince Charles was in high spirits as he chatted to some school children
The schoolchildren showed the royal the projects they had been working on
Charles also viewed a BAE Systems Hawk jet in an aircraft hangar
Prince Charles greeted workers as he toured the BAE Systems Academy for Skills & Knowledge
The royal was in high spirits as he chatted to staff at the facility
The father-of-two got stuck in as he was shown around the facility
The Prince of Wales was all smiles as he arrived at the Clitheroe Food Festival, in Clitheroe, Lancashire
Charles's first stop was meeting with residents, business owners and participants at Clitheroe Food Festival
The festival offered quality food and drink produced in Lancashire and Charles certainly looked happy to be there
The Prince didn't let the rain dampen his spirits as he chatted to wellwishers
The stylish monarch looked dapper as he arrived in a camel coat
Last week Prince Charles put in a solo appearance when he visited a brewery in Wiltshire on Friday.
Charles, 68, tried his hand at pulling pints at the Wadworth Brewery in Devizes, which works closely with the Princes 'Pub is the Hub' initiative.
The charity, launched in 2001, aims to help support rural establishments in succeeding in their communities.
Prince Charles shows off his pint-pulling skills as he is given a tour of the Wadworth Brewery in Devizes, Wiltshire, on Friday opting for the brewery's 6X strong premium ale
He heard about the history of the family-owned business, which produces a range of beers and ales.
He also toured its facilities, including the traditional sign painting shop and Shire horse stables.
Hundreds of schoolchildren, including infants from Southbroom St James Academy, lined the streets waving Union Jack flags to greet the royal.
He was also treated to a tour by head brewer Colin Oke and head of brewery operations Jon Grellier.
There was a time last year when it seemed you couldn't walk down the street without running into it.
Indeed Zara's cult patterned coat, released last year, became so popular it spawned its own Instagram account with thousands of devoted followers.
The 69.99 number worn by women young and old took on something of a cult status - and now women have a reason to celebrate as it is now back in stores - with a 2017 revamp.
The Spanish brand's blue printed coat with frayed pocket and hem detail has been recreated in a red hue for SS17.
An Instagram account dedicated to the cult Zara coat is celebrating after it was brought back for 2017 in red as well as blue - with some people ordering one of each (pictured)
The trendy 69.99 patterned coat has fray detail around the pockets and hemline, and has been praised for its versatility - sending thousands of shoppers into a frenzy last year
And its Instagram account, which has amassed almost 8,000 fans, is now back in business.
The page That Coat comes with the description: '#thatcoat @zara You know you've seen it please send your pics.'
It was set up by London sisters Emily Bray and Alice Frances, who first noticed the humble high street piece at the Chelsea Flower Show.
They then started spotting it everywhere, calling it an 'epidemic' with members of the so-called #CoatSquad submitting their pictures almost daily.
The page features women wearing it at bus stops, while doing their shopping or grabbing a drink at a bar - using the hashtag #thatcoat.
Women up and down the country are going wild for the latest incarnation of 'that coat'. This picture taken in Wandsworth, south London, recently made it onto the Instagram page
Instagram user Cassy proves the coat's appeal has reached as far as Germany as she sips a pint at a pub in Munich wearing a blue version of the cult garment
'The love for #thatcoat is stronger than ever': The Instagram account has been inundated with photos of fans wearing it, with four members of the #coatsquad sending pictures in one day
After the revelation, the pair began covertly snapping shots of women wearing the coat - and then set up the account to document the phenomenon.
Emily told FEMAIL: 'We aren't really surprised #thatcoat is stealing the spotlight once again! It really is a testament to the versatility of its cut and distinctive pattern that it has remained a wardrobe staple for so many of us from one season to another.
'Equally the introduction of new slightly distressed coat (in both red and blue) and the coat with a cute ruffle are very on trend for Spring Summer 2017.
.This time of year is what #thatcoat is perfect for, and we can expect to see more and more around as the weather hots up! We are of course loyal to the original #thatcoat design, but we always had a sneaking suspicion that would never be just a one hit wonder.'
A fan of That Coat takes it for a spin in a London park. The page was set up by Emily Bray and Alice Frances, who first noticed the humble high street piece at the Chelsea Flower Show
The classic blue version of the coat was recently spotted on a fashion fan on London's Kings Road
Zara has subsequently brought out spin-off versions of the coat including this 79.99 gingham version with peplum detailing
Alice said she and Emily - both in their twenties - felt that the coat's popularity had been ignored for too long.
'We kept seeing it, but it felt like no one was acknowledging that this unassuming Zara coat was slowly infiltrating the streets of London,' she said.
'So we decided to document it on Instagram, and we started snapping it, and then friends started sending us photos of it, and then strangers did.'
Women - of all different shapes and sizes - were spotted rocking the printed pick last year.
The coat is spotted out and about in London. Alice said she and her sister Emily - both in their twenties - felt that the coat's popularity had been ignored for too long
Women - of all different shapes and sizes - were spotted rocking the printed pick last year. And if this photo, taken last week, is anything to go by its popularity shows no sign of waning
A woman wraps up in the coat as she puckers up for a Valentine's Day kiss. The page That Coat comes with the description: '#thatcoat @zara You know you've seen it please send your pics'
The stylish mum wore it with frayed jeans and Birkenstocks as she led her daughter up the stairs at South Kensington tube station.
It was captioned: '#thatcoat is ready for #Wednesday. As always proving that #thatcoat goes sublimely with any #accessory, today it is paired with a #frozen backpack.'
One stylish lady wore it while doing a spot of shopping at Wilko - which was captioned: 'Here it is picking up some #kitchenware at #wilko. Wonder what she's #cookingup? #thatcoat'
And continuing the frenzy, one image showed the item looking lonely as it finally hit the sales and hung on a 'last chance to buy' rack.
She is well known for her love of tailored trousers but now that Spring has officially sprung Queen Letizia was seen showcasing bare legs on Tuesday.
The Spanish royal showcased her slender figure in a fitted plum pencil skirt as she arrived for her engagement in Madrid this afternoon.
The mother-of-two paired her skirt with a complementary tweed blouse which highlighted her slim arms.
Queen Letizia of Spain showcased her slender physique in berry coloured skirt as she attended a meeting for Royal Board on Disability in the Spanish capital
She completed her look with a pair of nude court shoes and a clutch bag in a deep purple hue offsetting the rest of her outfit.
And while the 44-year-old royal has been favouring a straighter hairstyle of late today she was spotted sporting loose waves.
For her engagement on Monday Letizia attended a meeting for Royal Board on Disability in the Spanish capital.
With Spring officially sprung Letizia showcased bare legs for her engagement on Tuesday
Queen Letizia is part of the council of the Royal Board for Disability and has long worked to improve the life of those with physical and mental problems
She met with other board members and Health Minister, Dolors Montserrat in the courtyard before heading inside for today's meeting.
Queen Letizia is part of the council of the Royal Board for Disability and has long worked to improve the life of those with physical and mental problems.
The former journalist is well known for her strong work ethic and has been proving she certainly isn't work shy in recent weeks.
The Spanish royal met with other board members and Health Minister, Dolors Montserrat (centre) in the courtyard before heading inside for today's meeting
The royal appeared to be in high spirits as she chatted with the Health Minister this afternoon
Last week she welcomed guests to the Zarzuela Palace in Madrid where she met with members of an association established to tackle gender violence.
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.
The previous day 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.
On Thursday the always elegant Queen Letizia opted for a pared back trouser suit with a simple, round necked jumper worn underneath
Letizia shakes hands with a guest at the palace as others look on today in Madrid
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The Danish royal family turned out to pay their respects to Prince Richard, the 82-year-old husband of Denmark's Princess Benedikte, who died suddenly earlier this month.
Princess Benedikte led the mourners at the sombre memorial in the German town of Bad Berleburg today following the unexpected death of Prince Richard - full name Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg - on March 13th.
The princess, 72, is the sister of Denmark's Queen Margrethe, who joined the mourners today along with her son and daughter-in-law Crown Prince Frederik and Crown Princess Mary.
Her three children Prince Gustav, Princess Alexandra and Princess Nathalie were also there to support their mother on a drizzly day in the town where their parents had a second home.
Respects: A sombre-looking Princess Benedikte of Denmark arrives at the funeral service in the German town of Bad Berleburg for her husband, Prince Richard - full name Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg - who died on March 13th aged 82
Princess Benedikte, who shared a home with Prince Richard in Germany until his death, is pictured with her daughter Princess Nathalie following closely behind as the family arrived at the Evangelical City Church in the town
A family in mourning: Prince Gustav, Princess Benedikte, Princess Alexandra comforts her 13-year-old daughter Countess Ingrid
Princess Benedikte of Denmark, Carina Axelsson, Princess Alexandra zu Sayn-Wittgentein-Berleburg and Carina Axelsson and Count Jefferson with their children Count Richard and Countess Ingrid and Princess Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgentein-Berleburg and Alexander Johannsmann
The female family members, including Prince Gustav's girlfriend US author Carina Axelsson (second from left) shed tears together (Pictured from left: Princess Benedikte, Axelsson, Princess Alexandra and Countess Ingrid )
Prince Gustav follows the coffin, draped in the family flag, of his late father at the memorial service today
Princess Benedikte of Denmark is escorted under an umbrella as she arrives at the funeral service for her deceased husband
Crown Princess Mary arriving at the funeral of Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg at his funeral in Bad Berleburg today
A chic Crown Princess Mary and Princess Marie of Denmark (background) attend the funeral of Prince Richard at the Evangelische Stadtkirche
Sorrow: Crown Princess Mary and Crown Prince Frederik walk hand-in-hand as they leave the church
Queen Maxima of Netherlands and King Willem Alexander pay their respects: Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine of Sweden attend the service at the Evangelical City Church
Also in attendance were royals from across Scandinavia including Queen Maxima and King Willem Alexander, and Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine of Sweden.
The late Prince Richard's children wiped away tears as they watched their father's coffin being carried into the Evagelical City Church in the small German town close to where the family live.
A stoic-looking Prince Gustav, who was with his father on his deathbed, paced behind the coffin, which was draped in the noble family's flag. He was accompanied by his girlfriend, US-born children's author Carina Axelsson.
The news of Prince Richard's death at the age of 82 broke two weeks ago and sent shockwaves across the Scandinavian country.
A red-eyed Princess Alexandra shed tears as she paid her final respects to her father, embracing her 13-year-old daughter Countess Ingrid tightly.
Queen Margrethe of Denmark offered a smile as she arrived at the funeral of her brother-in-law
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrives with her husband King Willem-Alexander at the memorial service
Queen Maxima, King Willem-Alexander and Princess Beatrix attend a memorial service for Prinz Richard
Princess Natalie (Berleburg) was also in attendance. Prince Richard, who was head of the House of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, had battled cancer on several occasions
Princess Benedikte was not at the German home the royal couple shared when her husband of 49 years passed away. However, his son, Prince Gustav Frederik was present.
Princess Benedikte's private secretary said the Prince had died 'suddenly' and that the flag at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen would fly at half-mast as a mark of respect.
Prince Richard, who was head of the House of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, had battled cancer on several occasions.
He married Princess Benedikte in 1968 after meeting during a trip to Holland in 1966. The couple have three children: Prince Gustav, the seventh Prince of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg, Princess Alexandra and Princess Nathalie.
Princess Martha Louise of Norway leaves the funeral service for the deceased Prince Richard of Sayn-Wittgenstein-Berleburg at the Evangelische Stadtkirche
Left: King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima, attending memorial service for Prinz Richard who passed away last week. Right: Prince Consort Henrik and Queen Margrethe
A trailer for the forthcoming Wonder Woman movie has provoked fierce debate among fans over the superhero's grooming routine.
Twitter users have taken issue with actress Gal Godot's cleanly shaven armpits in the film - arguing that as an Amazon her legs and underarms should be visibly hairy.
The film tells the story of Diana Price - played by the 31-year-old Israeli actress - an Amazon princess who leaves her island home and becomes one of the world's most powerful superheros.
Confused: Trailer for new superhero film Wonder Woman, pictured, has prompted fierce debate over the comic book character's hair-free underarms
Speculation: The trailer for the forthcoming movie has angered some fans who claim that as as an Amazon her legs and underarms should be visibly hairy
'Wait...': Twitter users, pictured, asked why the character had cleanly-shaven armpits
Wonder Woman, originally a comic book character, was first created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G Peter.
The character, whose appearance is said to have been inspired by Marston's housemate and did not have armpit hair, first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941.
The trailer has attracted criticism from both men and women who told of their disappointment that the character is being depicted as cleanly shaven.
Joe Cunningham, a writer and trader from London, wrote: 'Until this point I hadn't realized how badly I wanted Wonder Woman to have armpit hair.'
Bob Farrell , a comedian from Parkside, Pennsylvania, wrote: 'If Wonder Woman was an Amazon, wouldn't she have leg and armpit hair?'
Talking point: The short ad for the film features a clip in which Diana Price, played by actress Gal Godot, has her arms outstretched above her head to reveal hairless armpits
Statement: Some Twitter users shared manipulated images of the actress, pictured, with exaggerated tufts of hair under her arms
Origins: Wonder Woman was first created by the American psychologist and writer William Moulton Marston and artist Harry G Peter
Olivier Lejade, from Paris, France, wrote: 'Wait... Wonder Woman shaves her armpits?'
Others argued that all women should be allowed to go unshaven without being seen as 'antisocial'.
A student tweeting under the name 'Life of a post-grad' wrote: 'The issue with the Wonder Woman backlash over lack of armpit hair? Women don't need to be from the Amazon and/or antisocial to choose not to shave.'
Laura Lioness shared an image of Godot from the film, 1.47 minutes into the trailer, when her cleanly shaven armpits are clearly visible.
She tweeted: 'My question is - why is an Amazon with no previous contact with humankind shaven?'
Controversy: The original comic book character did not have underarm hair but fans claim the character should have body hair on film
Established: The character first appeared in All Star Comics #8 in 1941
Star: The title character is played by 31-year-old Israeli actress Godot, pictured
Some Twitter users have manipulated the image to add tufts of hair under the superhero's arms.
'Martian Munk' shared a Photoshoped picture of the star with exaggerated armpit hair, writing: 'Leaked screenshot reveals what Wonder Women's armpits looked like before they were digitally altered by the patriarchy.'
Patrick Gunn argued that applying normal logic to the comic book character is pointless.
'People upset about Wonder Woman not having armpit hair because it isn't realistic. She throws cars and flies,' he wrote.
The film, directed by Patty Jenkins, is due to be released in the US in June.
Many who deal or have dealt with mental health issues often feel as though nobody truly understands what they're going through.
But Sophia Hatzis, from Manly, NSW, has bravely opened up about her own experiences to shed light on some of the most important things people should know about mental illness.
Ms Hatzis, 20, who battled anorexia for six years, penned her thoughts on her blog after experiencing increasing anxiety over the past few weeks, despite feeling 'better than ever' over the summer period.
Sophia Hatzis, from Manly, has bravely opened up about her own experiences to shed light on some of the most important things people should know about mental illness
Ms Hatzis, 20, penned her thoughts on her blog after experiencing increasing anxiety over the past few weeks, despite feeling 'better than ever' over the summer period
'My stress levels started increasing and my anxiety was returning, primarily due to my imminent return to university. My anxiety stopped hiding in the shadows and started to crawl a little bit closer to the light,' she wrote.
'With the growing stress and anxiety, I started to notice changes in my behaviour. I wasn't able to focus properly. I was fidgeting. I was procrastinating.
'I was overthinking and overanalysing things I had said to other people and things I had done. I was starting to make impulsive, erratic decisions. I knew something was wrong.'
Ms Hatzis battled anorexia for six years and is pictured left in 2015 and right, one year later, in 2016
What are the mental health statistics in Australia? In Australia, it's estimated that 45 per cent of people will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. In any one year, around 1 million Australian adults have depression, and over 2 million have anxiety. Advertisement
Ms Hatzis spoke to her family and partner and took steps to address the problem - but also noted what happened when she started to feel unstable.
'I feel trapped by my own experience, like no one can possibly understand. I feel ashamed of myself. I lose confidence. I stop laughing and talking. I withdraw,' she said.
'But I know, logically, that I can't possibly be alone. I may perceive my struggle as unique but it's one that is affecting thousands of Australians right now, as you continue reading.
'There are so many things I wish people knew about me and about what I go through when I'm not doing too well. What I go through isn't unique but telling only my story from my own perspective doesn't account for the intricacies of other sufferers' experience.'
'I may perceive my struggle as unique but it's one that is affecting thousands of Australians right now, as you continue reading,' she said
Acknowledging that everyone has their own pain, coping mechanisms and need, Ms Hatzis reached out to others to find out what they wished people knew about their mental illness.
And as a result, Ms Hatzis shared five things she believes everybody should know.
The first? That mental illness requires regular monitoring and treatment.
'Although the issues may fade into the background and become less relevant at different stages of your life, that does not mean your illness disappears forever,' Ms Hatzis said.
'Although the issues may fade into the background and become less relevant at different stages of your life, that does not mean your illness disappears forever,' Ms Hatzis said
'It is something that needs to be monitored regularly. It's not something you can neglect. It's not something you can wish or will away. It's not something you can park and come back to when your life gets busy. It needs your attention and it needs to be a priority.'
The shame is there when we have to tell our employer that we can't come in to work.
Ms Hatzsis also said that mental illness, for most, can be 'crippling and exhausting'.
'Some days you may have achieved absolutely nothing... but you find yourself feeling utterly exhausted, like someone's pulled a plug and drained all the energy and vitality from your body,' she wrote.
Ms Hatzis also described mental illness as 'totally paralysing'.
'Some days you may have achieved absolutely nothing... but you find yourself feeling utterly exhausted, like someone's pulled a plug and drained all the energy and vitality from your body,' she wrote
'Some mornings you'll wake up with dread in your heart. Some days you'll be fragile. Sometimes you will break and that's when you'll need your team, your army, to rally around you and help pick you back up,' she said.
Ms Hatzsis also detailed the guilt and shame she and many others had experienced about 'not being happy enough' for the people around them.
'The guilt is there when we see the pain on our partner's face when they can't stop us crying or calm us down. The shame is there when we have to tell our employer that we can't come in to work and we can't tell them why,' she wrote.
Ms Hatzsis also detailed the guilt and shame she and many others had experienced about 'not being happy enough' for the people around them
The final point Ms Hatzis made was that she and others truly are doing the best they can.
This is particularly important for our men, whose voices are still being suppressed under the weight of masculinity.
'You may believe I am wallowing or being dramatic. You may judge the person you think I am. But you cannot know the whole story. You do not know how my night ended or how my morning began. You cannot see the truth,' she wrote.
'I did not choose this life. I did not decide, one day, to be this way. I do not want to be this way. I'm just doing my best. I'm really, really trying.'
The young blogger concluded her post by saying while she can't tell everyone's story or capture all the complexities of mental illness, she hopes to share her own as 'authentically and honestly' as possible to help others.
'I did not choose this life. I did not decide, one day, to be this way. I do not want to be this way. I'm just doing my best. I'm really, really trying,' she said
'It is crucial that we keep this conversation going. That we talk and we continue talking,' she wrote.
'This is particularly important for our men, whose voices are still being suppressed under the weight of masculinity. Your story is important. You are important.'
If you or anyone you know needs help you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or BeyondBlue on 1300 22 4636
If you need help or support for an eating disorder or body image issue, please call Butterfly's National Helpline on 1800 334 673 or email support@thebutterflyfoundation.org.au
She is a doyenne of the cookery world and glamorous grandmother to boot.
But Mary Berry proved she can still whisk up a little extra sauce in the kitchen.
The 81-year-old sent fans into a frenzy with her X-rated innuendos on her cooking show last night, at one point revealing how her 'crusty pie is oozing with delight'.
The double entendres drew comparisons with the queen of culinary raciness, Nigella Lawson, who once described marmalade pudding as 'gorgeous golden globules'.
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The new Nigella? Mary Berry, left, appeared to be channeling the famously racy TV chef, right, as she treated fans to innuendos on last night's episode of cooking show Mary Berry Everyday
X-rated: Viewers flocked to Twitter after the cooking host purred about her 'oozing pie'
On last night's episode of Mary Berry Everyday, the former Great British Bake Off judge served up sumptuous recipes for the days when 'salad just won't do'.
They included an decadent sticky toffee pudding and a 'steak recipe that is her guilty pleasure'.
Preparing the peppercorn steak, Mary said teasingly how she didn't use it to woo her husband 'because I thought I'd like him to marry me for other things other than being a good cook...'
MARY BERRY: THE QUEEN OF INNUENDO As the woman who coined the now iconic 'soggy bottom' on the Great British Bake Off', it is perhaps of little surprise Mary Berry's new cooking show is also packed with innuendos. Here are some of the best from last night's episode... 'A crusty pie oozing with delight' 'I like it pink in the middle and smothered with creamy sauce' I like my pie 'crammed full' 'It is a little bit naughty and very rich' 'I thought I'd like [my husband] to marry me for other things other than being a good cook...' Advertisement
But it was her description of her 'crusty pie oozing with delight' that sparked a Twitter frenzy.
The cheeky comments were reminiscent of her innuendos on the Great British Bake Off, the most notable of which was the much-loved 'soggy bottom'.
Taking to Twitter last night, one fan wrote: 'Mary Berry talking about her crusty pie. These are the sort of innuendos Bake Off will be losing out on.'
Another posted: 'Mary likes her pie crammed full. Don't we all, Mary. Don't we all.'
Others jokingly questioned whether the innuendos were appropriate for pre-watershed television, asking: 'Is this really family viewing?'
Mary's self-confessed 'naughtiness' was more akin to something seen on one of Nigella Lawson's TV cooking shows, where she sets pulses racing by licking utensils and purring over dishes in tantalisingly tight-fitting outfits.
Lawson once described peanut butter cheesecake as something 'oozy and sticky to take up to bed with you' and said of Eton Mess: 'I adore the way it comes bulging up over the rims'.
Racy: Fans called the 81-year-old star a 'saucy minx' as she continued with her innuendos
It appears this risque approach to the kitchen has inspired Ms Berry, although she has yet to go as far as Nigella, who also once told viewers how she was 'oiling the cup so it slips out very easily'.
However not everyone was impressed by Mary's new approach, with one viewer describing it as 'uncomfortable'.
Berry also faced a backlash last night after viewers slammed her pie recipe because it did not have a base.
Viewers flocked to Twitter to point out that her pie resembled more of a stew or casserole, with one saying they felt 'utterly betrayed'.
'Oozing with delight': Mary's description of her indulgent pie that sent viewers into a frenzy
Radiotherapy given during breast cancer surgery has just been approved by NICE.
Lynn Ashman, 59, a former marketing director from Malmesbury, Wiltshire, had the treatment, as she tells LUCY HOLDEN.
THE PATIENT
During a routine annual mammogram in September 2014, a shadow was spotted on my left breast.
I'd been having these check-ups for about ten years because my mother had breast cancer, and I'd had a scare five years before a lump which turned out to be a benign cyst.
During a routine annual mammogram in September 2014, Lynn Ashman (pictured) discovered she had a lump in her left breast
This time I was referred to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon, where I had a second mammogram and an ultrasound, which also picked up the shadow. Two biopsies confirmed it was breast cancer.
I'd had no symptoms at all, so it was amazing to me that they had found something. Even when I knew where the lump was, I still couldn't feel it.
It all happened so fast. But my mother and four close friends have survived breast cancer, so I was hopeful that it could be treated successfully.
Luckily, the cancer was still early-stage and small (about half an inch), so I could have surgery and some radiotherapy; I didn't need a mastectomy.
Then, at one of my appointments before the surgery, a nurse mentioned a new treatment the hospital was offering called targeted intra-operative radiotherapy, where a single dose is delivered into the breast straight after surgery, while you're still on the operating table.
It meant I could go home the same day rather than stay overnight, and didn't have to return to hospital for daily radiotherapy sessions for up to six weeks, as is normally the case.
Having to go back and forth to hospital worried me almost more than having cancer, because my partner is severely disabled (after a car accident several years ago left him brain damaged) and needs 24/7 care.
It would have been a logistical nightmare to arrange enough care for him, so I was very keen to have the new radiotherapy.
The new procedure meant Lynn could go home the same day after surgery rather than stay in hospital overnight
Unfortunately, the technique was so new to the hospital that it was still testing the equipment, so I had to wait four months.
But I had regular check-ups, which reassured me the cancer wasn't growing.
I finally underwent surgery and radiotherapy in March 2015. It took about 90 minutes.
Afterwards I felt fine, if a little woozy, and an hour after waking up I was at home my good friend Val stayed with me that night to help me look after my partner.
I had a sore arm for a couple of days and a bit of swelling under my arm they had removed some of my lymph nodes, which are part of the lymphatic system that drains fluid from the tissues; the nodes are checked to see if the cancer has spread.
Two weeks later I went for a scan and was given the all-clear. Two years on, I only need annual check-ups, and there is no sign the cancer has returned.
THE SURGEON
Nathan Coombs is a consultant breast surgeon at Great Western Hospital in Swindon.
Conventional treatment for breast cancer involves surgery to remove the tumour, followed by daily radiotherapy delivered to the outside of the breast.
But now we can offer targeted intra-operative radiotherapy directly inside the breast, which is just as effective but saves women weeks of radiotherapy.
The technique was first trialled in the UK in 2000. It arose from the knowledge that if cancer returned after surgery, it almost always did so at the same site.
Conventional treatment for breast cancer involves surgery to remove the tumour, followed by daily radiotherapy delivered to the outside of the breast
This made the idea of treating the whole breast with radiotherapy after surgery ridiculous.
Standard radiotherapy is also stronger, so patients may feel nauseous, and less accurate, so it could damage other tissues and organs.
There should be fewer side-effects with targeted intra-operative radiotherapy because the form used is softer.
Patients can go home the same day and need not spend weeks coming in for daily radiotherapy. It's a one-stop treatment.
It was clear the new technique would suit Lynn. She had cancer in the left breast, which is closer to the heart, so the risk of standard radiotherapy causing heart damage was raised.
Her tumour was also small, which matters because the treatment is given using a device called an applicator, a sort of silver rod with a detachable ball on the end of it.
Daily radiotherapy for four weeks is the conventional treatment for breast cancer, but could damage other tissue and organs
The ball which emits the radiotherapy is put into the cavity once the tumour is removed, so it needs to be the same size as the tumour.
We knew it would be possible to find an applicator the same size as Lynn's tumour.
This treatment might not suit someone with a large tumour, or whose cancer has spread.
We make a small incision in the breast and remove the tumour (plus a rim of tissue to check it hasn't spread).
Then we measure the cavity and fix an applicator of the same size on the end of the rod connected to the machine that powers the radiation.
We secure it in place with temporary stitches and place lead screens around the breast to reduce the radiation escaping into the rest of the room.
Then the radiation is emitted directly into the breast area for about 30 minutes.
During surgery, a ball which emits the radiotherapy is put into the cavity once the tumour is removed, so it needs to be the same size as the tumour
After that, we rearrange breast tissue to fill the gap left by the cancer, so the patient looks good and doesn't feel a hollow that reminds them of their cancer.
Then we stitch the breast back up. The procedure can take up to two hours.
Normal surgery takes one hour, but the patient has to come back afterwards for up to 15 radiotherapy sessions.
With this, patients can go home the same day with paracetamol for any soreness.
With conventional treatment, patients must stay overnight after surgery, then return six to ten weeks later for radiotherapy.
Now, Lynn comes in to see us for regular mammograms and remains well. This technique gives a patient closure. They have one session and can get on with their lives.
The treatment has since been approved by NICE in the six hospitals in the UK that currently have the machines. It could now become available in other NHS hospitals.
The treatment costs the NHS 2,000, or 11,300 privately.
Chelsea Wood still laughs at the memory of a pupil describing her as a real-life Smurf.
She was a teaching assistant in a West Midlands school and the temperature in the classroom dropped.
In seconds, Chelsea's fingers turned dark blue, prompting a nine-year-old to compare her to the cartoon characters.
'After I'd stopped laughing, I explained I had Raynaud's,' she says.
The condition affects ten million people in the UK. It's as common as hay fever, but even some GPs don't appreciate its significance.
Raynaud's affects ten million people in the UK. It's as common as hay fever, but even some GPs don't appreciate its significance
The condition doesn't just make you more sensitive to temperature; it can be a warning of serious health complaints such as rheumatoid arthritis or thyroid problems.
Raynaud's makes the small blood vessels in the extremities, such as fingers, toes, ears, nose and nipples, react excessively to changes in temperature or emotional stress.
Muscles in the blood vessel walls contract, stopping blood flow.
The skin in these areas turns white, then blue (as the trapped blood loses its oxygen) and lastly red as the vessels open wide to let blood rush back.
Attacks last up to an hour. The pain and numbness make tasks such as buttoning jackets and unzipping purses difficult.
Chelsea, now 26, was diagnosed aged 15. But the underlying cause was not found for three years.
'I always had tingly fingers when I got cold, but they didn't start going blue until I was a teenager,' says Chelsea, who lives in Dudley, West Midlands, with her husband Ian, a motorcycle mechanic, and their 16-month-old son, Toby.
'My GP thought I'd grow out of it but I didn't,' she says.
Aconsultant in 2007 prescribed nifedipine a drug that opens blood vessels.
It didn't help, probably because her Raynaud's was caused by another condition.
When it occurs as a stand-alone problem, it is known as Raynaud's phenomenon. This normally starts soon after puberty.
Chelsea, now 26, was diagnosed with Raynaud's aged 15. But the underlying cause was not found for three years
Most sufferers are women and symptoms may improve with age, particularly around the menopause.
In 10 per cent of cases an underlying issue causes the condition, though cold and stress are still the triggers. This is called secondary Raynaud's.
Early diagnosis is critical since the symptoms, and the underlying cause, may get worse.
'I was a county netball player, but Raynaud's prevented me playing outdoors because I couldn't feel the ball,' says Chelsea. 'In winter, even walking became problematic.'
In the early stages, secondary and primary Raynaud's appear identical.
Secondary is more likely if, for example, the patient is male or if problems emerge after the age of 30 or affect just one side of the body.
Sores on the skin and puffy fingers and toes can indicate secondary Raynaud's as they show damaged blood vessels.
A county netball player, Chelsea Wood (pictured) could not play outdoors because she couldn't feel the ball due to her condition
In Chelsea's case, the under-lying problem was an under-active thyroid and an inflammatory condition called mixed connective tissue disease.
This is like lupus and other autoimmune diseases, where the immune system attacks healthy tissue.
Such conditions can damage blood vessels and cause Raynaud's symptoms.
An underactive thyroid gland can be responsible because it affects metabolism and causes the body's temperature to drop a trigger for Raynaud's.
'We encourage GPs to refer patients if they might have secondary Raynaud's,' says Dr John Pauling of the Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases.
'Underlying conditions may result in damage to the internal organs,' he says.
'Delays in diagnosis may result in poorer response to treatment.'
When none of the vessel-opening drugs worked for Chelsea, and some caused headaches or dizziness, she took a range of tests.
Eventually, a blood test found her underlying conditions.
Treatment for an underactive thyroid involves replacing the thyroxine hormone normally produced by the gland.
Chelsea's symptoms were improved during her pregnancy. Here pictured with her 15-month-old son Toby
'When I started taking thyroxine I began feeling better,' says Chelsea.
'But nothing has worked for my secondary Raynaud's. In winter, I struggle to get out of the house.'
Any change of temperature can induce a Raynaud's attack, even in summer.
'At the supermarket, I use gloves to pick up boxes from the freezer. Once I didn't and when I was paying at the till, the assistant asked: 'Has a pen exploded on your hands?' '
Chelsea's symptoms improved when she was pregnant, but returned after Toby was born.
'Raynaud's and the mixed connective tissue disease improved. Having a child gives you your own little heater.'
Ian helps with tasks Chelsea can't do, such as walking the dog in winter. And her son keeps her active and positive.
'Before having Toby, there were winter days when I'd stay in bed. Now I have something more important to focus on.'
For more information, contact Scleroderma & Raynaud's UK on 020 3893 5998 or visit sruk.co.uk
Infant mortality rate has reached an all-time low - after plummeting 15 percent in just a decade, new figures reveal.
A report from the CDC shows that the number of deaths among American babies dropped from almost 7.0 deaths per 1,000 live births in 2005 to 5.82 in 2014.
For sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) - the spontaneous death of a seemingly healthy baby in its sleep - the rate declined by 29 percent.
Figures showed that despite the drop, there was still a disparity between the mortality rates of non-Hispanic black infants and non-Hispanic white infants.
Experts say that although the decline is a 'public health success', there are still several inequities to be fixed among the racial groups.
The infant mortality rate dropped across the US by 15 percent between 2005 and 2014, a new report from the CDC says. This map from the report offers a glimpse into the decline by focusing on the difference between two periods, 2005-2007 and 2012-2014. The actual drop in those nine years from start to finish was 15 percent
Rates for four of the five leading causes of infant death went down:
Congenital malformations such as heart defects or cleft lips and palates - the primary cause of infant death - declined by 11 percent
Deaths due to short gestation and low birth weight fell by 8 percent
Deaths from maternal complications, such as preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, declined by seven percent
Cases of SIDS fell by 29 percent
The only increase was seen in deaths caused by unintentional injuries from 26.4 per 1,000 in 2005 to 29.2 in 2004 - an 11 percent increase.
Dr Paul Jarris, chief medical officer for the March of Dimes, a nonprofit focused on the health of mothers and babies, said one reason for the decline could be the push to end medically unnecessary induced labor.
'These are when a woman is induced to cause labor when there is no medical indication,' he told CNN.
'They were very common around 2003 to 2005, and we have done a good job as a nation of reducing these dramatically so that women aren't delivering early when there's no need.'
Additionally, two-thirds of all US states, and the District of Columbia, showed a decline.
In the states that showed an increase, there was no statistical significance.
Infant deaths declined by 11 percent or more in Colorado, Delaware, Idaho, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and the District of Columbia.
'Overall, 33 states and the District of Columbia had significant declines,' report author TJ Matthews, a demographer at the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics, told CNN.
'Some states with fairly high rates, such as South Carolina and Mississippi, are in those categories where they had some of the sharpest declines.'
DROP IN US BABIES BORN WITH HIV The number of American babies born with HIV has plummeted by two-thirds since 2002. Compared to 216 babies born with the virus in 2002, only 69 were born in 2013. Experts say the progress is due to increased funding for, and access to, HIV research and antiretroviral drugs. More than just holding promise for expectant mothers and their babies, the figures show that this could also help reduce the spread of the epidemic as a whole. The report found that across all races and ethnicities, the percentage of perinatal-infected infants and mothers fell between 2002 and 2013. Additionally, Florida was the state with the highest rate of HIV-infected babies with 48 per 100,000 live births between 2010 and 2013, while 14 states had none. Advertisement
Data was not shared on how those states achieved lower rates.
Dr Jarris said that in South Carolina's case, it was a matter of deliberate effort.
'They have a strong partnership between the state Department of Health, the state Medicaid office, Blue Cross Blue Shield and the hospital association in which they are coordinating their efforts,' he said.
The report showed that there were drops in infant mortality rates across most racial groups.
The largest drop was seen in Asian and Pacific Islanders with a 21 percent decrease.
The only group that didn't experience a reduction in infant mortality rates were American Indians, or Alaska Natives, among whom there was not a statistically significant change.
'It's good news, but on the other hand, we have so much more to do,' Dr Jarris said.
'What is concerning, though, is that the inequities between non-Hispanic blacks and American Indians and the Caucasian population have persisted.'
Despite the reductions, infants born to non-Hispanic black women have a mortality rate more than double that of non-Hispanic white women.
'I think there was a public health push in the past decade to figure out ways to lower this rate, and it has made an impact,' said TJ Matthews.
'We know that there have been a lot of efforts across the country in cities and states where they're trying to figure out ways where they can lower the infant mortality rate.'
According to the National Institutes of Health, infant death rates in the US have dropped more than 70 percent since 1962.
And while rates continue to fall, the US still has one of the highest rates of infant death among developed countries.
'In terms of preterm birth and infant mortality, the United States has the highest rates of any of the developed nations,' Dr Jarris said.
'Our rates are more similar to that of developing nations. So the message, from my point of view, is that we cannot be complacent.
Children who don't get enough to eat in their first few years struggle far more with social and cognitive skills than their better-fed peers, a new study shows.
More than 10,000 American children live in the squeezed middle - with parents unable to afford enough food but ineligible for food stamps.
New research reveals this food insecurity has a devastating impact on their brains that lingers for years, impacting their entire school career.
The first five years of life are the most important for a child's cognitive development, the researchers at Georgetown University and the University of Virginia point out.
And in a new report, they lay bare how lack of food during this period stunts a child's cognitive development, meaning they struggle to follow basic tasks and struggle socially when they reach kindergarten.
Researchers say hungry kids are also more irritable, which can lead to to negative responses among parents and teachers, resulting in conduct problems.
Children who experience food insecurity - or do not have enough food to eat - have poor cognitive and social-emotional skills when starting kindergarten, a new study says
Past research has shown that the period before five years old is recognized as the most sensitive period of development.
The study, conducted between Georgetown University in the District of Columbia and the University of Virginia, looked at families who were living at 185 percent of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL) - which is the cut-off point for food stamps.
Income levels that meet the FPL are classified as:
$16,240 for a family of two
$20,420 for a family of three
$24,600 for a family of four
The researchers studied how food insecurity during the first five years of life affected cognitive and social-emotional skills and behaviors as children started kindergarten.
Data was taken from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort, a detailed study on children's early life experiences, and researchers focused on the 3,700 low-income households in the sample.
The team investigated ties between the timing and intensity of food insecurity in early childhood and children's reading, math, and social-emotional scores in kindergarten.
POOR SLEEP IN CHILDHOOD CAN LEAD TO COGNITIVE DISORDERS Poor sleep as a kid could lead to cognitive behavioral disorders - especially in school, a new study has revealed. Scientists say that children between the ages of three and seven who don't get enough sleep are more likely to have problems with attention, emotional control and peer relationships in mid-childhood. Past research has found that there has been a consistent decline in the average hours of sleep in children - by between 30 to 60 minutes over the past 20 years. Reports from both mothers and teachers found an association between poor function and not receiving enough sleep, with teachers reporting even greater problems. Teachers noted neurobehavioral issues in the form of inattention or hyperactivity, emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression, peer problems, and conduct problems such as aggressiveness and rule-breaking. Advertisement
They interviewed parents and assessed children when they were nine months old, and again at two, four, and five years old.
They found that children who were from very low food secure families had problems with conduct, attention skills, and hyperactivity, and also struggled in math and reading.
'There are two pathways, there's the direct and indirect,' lead researcher Dr Anna Johnson, an assistant professor of psychology at Georgetown University, told Daily Mail Online.
'There's the direct in that these kids are being nutritionally deprived so their brain is not growing the right way because they're not getting the proper nutrients.
'And then there's the indirect. Parents are stressed out, depressed, and anxious and this is bad for interacting with the kid because they're not supporting their needs.'
Dr Johnson noted that another indirect pathway is that money that could be spent on educationally stimulating books, toys or games is allocated towards food.
In 2014, nearly 20 percent of US households, including approximately 15 million children, experienced food insecurity.
Additionally, the team also found that not only does the timing of food insecurity matter but that the number of times, or episodes, also makes a difference.
'We know that the early childhood years matter and food insecurity seems to pack a pretty negative effect on kindergarten skills,' said Dr Johnson.
'And kindergarten skills predict later success. So if we send them to kindergarten already behind, we're setting them up for failure.
'If we are able to close the hunger gap early in life, we can also close the achievement gap too.'
A baby girl from the Ivory Coast born with four legs and two spines has been successfully separated from a parasitic twin in a complex surgery at hospital.
Dominique underwent a six-hour procedure involving five surgeons at the Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, on March 8.
She is now thriving with a Chicago-based foster family who heard about the ten-month-old's plight through Facebook.
They will look after her until she is well enough to return home, her doctors and foster mother told Reuters on Monday.
Dominique, who was born with four legs and two spines, has been successfully separated from a parasitic twin in a rare and complex surgery
The ten-month-old underwent a six-hour procedure involving five surgeons at the Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, on March 8
'It's going rather well. She was only in the hospital a total of five days. She's been home with "step-mom" and just doing very, very well,' said pediatric and reconstructive surgeon Frank Vicari.
'There were many risks involved with detaching the parasitic twin - the biggest of which included paralysis, spinal destabilization and closure of a large defect.
'There also was a chance of impacting shared functions, such as the urinary function.
'Before going into the operating suite, our interdisciplinary team identified where the dangers would be and how we would minimize them.
'That way we were prepared for anything that could occur. And I'm pleased to say the surgery was a success and Dominique has an excellent prognosis.'
Dominique was born with a parasitic twin. The bottom half of her not-fully-developed twin's body protruded from her neck and back.
She is now thriving with a Chicago-based foster family who heard about the ten-month-old's plight through Facebook
Dominique was born with a parasitic twin. The bottom half of her not-fully-developed twin's body protruded from her neck and back
'The fact that the twins were conjoined at the spine makes Dominique's condition exceedingly unique and rare,' said John Ruge, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the hospital
Dominique was born with a a parasitic identical twin who never developed but became attached to Dominique, growing out of her body
Nancy Swabb, from Edgebrook, Illinois, has looked after Dominique since she arrived in the United States for the surgery
'The fact that the twins were conjoined at the spine makes Dominique's condition exceedingly unique and rare,' said John Ruge, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the hospital.
'It also made the separation surgery complex. But it was crucial to give this beautiful baby girl the chance to live a long and normal life.
A parasitic twin is an identical twin that fails to fully separate in development.
In other words, not another independent twin, but a twin that was dependent on her body system, such that Dominique's heart and lungs provided the nourishment, Dr Ruge added.
She has touched our hearts. She's a member of our family. She's pretty amazing Dominique's foster mother, Nancy Swabb
Doctors did not give Dominique's family name.
Nancy Swabb, from Edgebrook, Illinois, has looked after Dominique since she arrived in the United States for the surgery.
'She's been a joy. We really enjoyed having her in our family,' said Ms Swabb.
'We send a lot of photos and updates and so we know that Dominique's family sees what she's doing and seeing that she has two new teeth and she's learning to wave and doing all sorts of special things.'
Ms Swabb said she did not want to think about saying goodbye to Dominique when she returns to her family in the Ivory Coast.
'She has touched our hearts. She's a member of our family,' Ms Swabb said. 'She's pretty amazing.'
They will look after her until she is well enough to return home, her doctors and foster mother told Reuters on Monday (pictured with her foster mother Nancy Swabb)
A parasitic twin is one that is dependent on the other's body system, meaning Dominique's heart and lungs provided the nourishment
The prostate-reducing drug that Donald Trump uses to treat hair loss has been linked to an increased risk of depression and self-harm, a new study warns.
Finasteride - a widely-used drug that reduces the size of prostate glands and stimulates hair growth - was not tied to an increased risk of suicide.
But experts warn the new research is the first concrete study to examine the pills' mental health risks, and confirms many medics' fears.
'There wasn't a lot of good studies in this area, and it's a very common medication for urologists to use,' said lead author Dr. Blayne Welk, of Western University and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences in Ontario.
Finasteride, a widely-used drug that reduces prostate glands and stimulates hair growth, increased risk of depression by 94 percent in the first 18 months, a study by Western University found. Last month Donald Trump's doctor revealed the president uses the drug
WHAT IS FINASTERIDE AND HOW DOES THE PRESIDENT USE IT? Finasteride was originally developed to treat urinary problems in men. Studies showed the drug made prostate glands smaller by reducing the levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone in participants. But during the clinical trials, scientists saw an unexpected side effect - hair growth. And so in 1997, the FDA approved the steroid inhibitor as the first ever drug to treat male pattern baldness. Taken once a day, the drug is mainly sold under the brand name Propecia. Millions of American adults use the pills, which are proven to be 90 percent effective. Indeed, last month Donald Trump's doctor Harold Bornstein revealed the president takes a small dose of finasteride to stimulate hair growth. Bornstein told the New York Times that he, too, takes the drug, saying it helped him keep his shoulder-length locks and helped Trump keep his own hair. The doctor said: 'He has all his hair. I have all my hair.' The news that Trump takes finasteride explained why his PSA (prostate specific antigen, produced for the cells by the prostate) is so low. Finasteride reduces PSA levels to reduce swelling of prostate glands. Men aged 60-69 normally have between 4.0 and 5.0ng/ml. That is higher than younger men since PSA and testosterone levels rise with age. The number may be lower than usual if a man has prostate cancer or inflammation, causing more PSA to seep into the bloodstream. Trump's PSA level was 0.15, Bornstein said in two letters he'd written about Trump's health. The first letter came out in December 2015, followed by the other letter in September 2016. The level prompted urologists - who weren't linked to Trump - to say he had to have received care for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. Bornstein told the Times that the commander-in-chief hasn't had an enlarged prostate nor prostate cancer, and attributed Trump's PSA level to Propecia. Advertisement
The researchers at Western University examined finasteride and dutasteride, which both belong to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (5ARIs).
5ARIs have come under increasing scrutiny in recent years by regulators in the United States and Canada because of a possible link to mental health issues, according to the researchers.
Welk's team analyzed data from 93,197 men who were at least 66 years old when they received prescriptions for 5ARIs between 2003 and 2013, plus another 93,197 similar men who had never filled a prescription for a 5ARI.
Overall, 5ARIs were not linked with an increased risk of suicide, the researchers reported in JAMA Internal Medicine.
During the first 18 months, however, the men using 5ARIs had an 88 percent higher risk of harming themselves. That risk did not extend beyond 18 months.
Men in the 5ARI group also had a 94 percent higher risk of depression in the first 18 months, compared to men not using these drugs. Beyond 18 months, the increased risk of depression fell to 22 percent.
The type of 5ARI did not appear to significantly alter the results.
Welk cautions that the actual risk of depression and self-harm is very low.
If the drugs were actually causing these side effects - which this study wasn't design to prove - 'you'd need 470 men to take this medication for a full year to have a new case of depression,' Welk said.
That number would have to be even higher to cause a new case of self-harm, since self-harm is less common than depression.
'It is a risk potentially and patients and physicians should be aware of it,' Welk said.
Finasteride was originally developed to treat urinary problems in men.
Studies showed the drug made prostate glands smaller by reducing the levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone in participants.
But during the clinical trials, scientists saw an unexpected side effect - hair growth.
And so in 1997, the FDA approved the steroid inhibitor as the first ever drug to treat male pattern baldness.
Taken once a day, the drug is mainly sold under the brand name Propecia. Millions of American adults use the pills, which are proven to be 90 percent effective.
Indeed, last month Donald Trump's doctor Harold Bornstein revealed the president takes a small dose of finasteride to stimulate hair growth.
Bornstein told the New York Times that he, too, takes the drug, saying it helped him keep his shoulder-length locks and helped Trump keep his own hair.
The doctor said: 'He has all his hair. I have all my hair.'
The news that Trump takes finasteride explained why his PSA (prostate specific antigen, produced for the cells by the prostate) is so low.
Finasteride reduces PSA levels to reduce swelling of prostate glands.
Men aged 60-69 normally have between 4.0 and 5.0ng/ml. That is higher than younger men since PSA and testosterone levels rise with age.
The number may be lower than usual if a man has prostate cancer or inflammation, causing more PSA to seep into the bloodstream.
Trump's PSA level was 0.15, Bornstein said in two letters he'd written about Trump's health. The first letter came out in December 2015, followed by the other letter in September 2016.
The level prompted urologists - who weren't linked to Trump - to say he had to have received care for an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer.
Bornstein told the Times that the commander-in-chief hasn't had an enlarged prostate nor prostate cancer, and attributed Trump's PSA level to Propecia.
A separate study in the journal PeerJ evaluated another concern about 5ARIs - erectile dysfunction.
Drs. Tina Kiguradze and William Temps of Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago and colleagues found that when erectile dysfunction occurred in men taking 5ARIs for at least 180 days, the dysfunction was more likely to last at least 90 days after stopping the medication.
Erectile dysfunction, when it occurred, resolved faster in men who took the medications for shorter periods.
The proportion of men taking 5ARIs and experiencing erectile dysfunction is likely around 5 percent, according to Dr. Landon Trost, who is head of andrology and male infertility at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
But it's not clear how many men suffer persistent erectile dysfunction after stopping 5ARIs, said Trost, who was not involved with either of the new studies.
'I think it's important to be educated about the potential side effects,' he said.
Men who are already at increased risk for these potential side effects must weigh the risks and benefits of the drugs, Trost said.
He said older men taking 5ARIs for prostate problems might come to different conclusions than young men taking the pills for hair loss.
Additionally, he said, men should tell their doctors if they experience these symptoms.
The Indian Air Force has come under heavy criticism for denying study leave to a airman on the grounds that only officers are entitled to the privilege.
The airman had sought the leave to pursue an M Tech from IIT Dhanbad after topping the entrance exams.
The incident comes at a time when the armed forces are facing issues of strained relations between officer and soldier. There is a growing demand for ridding the force of the archaic British-era rules and working to ensure equal benefits for officers and jawans.
The Indian Air Force has come under heavy criticism for denying study leave to a corporal-rank airman on the grounds that only officers were entitled to the privilege (file pic)
Taking a strong view against the 'discriminatory policy', the Delhi high Court in its February 20 order reprimanded the air force and asked it to frame fair rules for both officers and men.
'Don't deny them equality by refusing them leave to pursue higher studies only on the grounds of rank and status,' the bench headed by Justice Indira Bannerjee said in the order.
Ankur Chhibber, the counsel for corporal BK Verma, told Mail Today that Verma had sought permission for pursuing his M Tech from IIT Dhanbad, after appearing for the graduate aptitude test in engineering exam with permission from Air Force authorities.
'However, that was rejected by Air Force on grounds that there was no provision for sending air force jawans on study leave and this was allowed only for officers,' Chhibber said.
The IAF grants leave of maximum 28 months to its officers who have completed 15 years of service for pursuing courses in institutions which are approved and certified by it and the knowledge gained from them can be utilised by the service.
Aggrieved by the decision of the senior authorities despite recommendation by several of his officers to allow him to proceed for the course, Verma approached the Delhi High Court.
Verma's counsel said the airman was a meritorious student and had completed his B Tech degree while carrying out his duties as a soldier in the force and had even secured a gold medal in his B Tech course.
India's Institute of Technology campuses are for the brightest and best students in the country
The Delhi High Court bench took a favourable view of the petition observing that the Air Force should appreciate the intellect and erudition of the soldier and give him the opportunity to enhance his knowledge and skills.
The court stated that It is very difficult to appreciate the rationale behind different rule for officer and airmen in the matter of granting study leave.
'It is, in our view, preposterous to assume that only officers would have aspirations of improving their knowledge and educational qualifications, and not the airmen,' the two-member bench said.
The court observed that the discrimination between officers and airmen for grant of study leave was 'totally discriminatory and violation of the article 14 of the Indian constitution'.
Setting aside the Air Force order to deny study leave to the soldier, the High Court ordered it to frame 'non-discriminatory leave rules and reconsider the application of the soldier for study leave in light of the observations made (by the court).'
Verma, according to his lawyer, is going through his first semester in Dhanbad as he was granted interim relief by the court.
The Air Force is now considering whether it should go against the court order in the Supreme Court or not.
Generally, the Air Force is considered to be more lenient than the Navy and Army while dealing with its men.
If awe-inspiring vision and energising speeches were enough to transform India, Narendra Modi would go down as the most transformative Prime Minister in India's history.
His victory speech at the BJP headquarters in Delhi on March 11 was the most statesmanlike speech since he moved to Delhi as an 'outsider'.
Remarks
Though during his nerves wrecking electioneering in UP, he made caustic remarks dripping with biting sarcasm and play of words against the Congress, SP and BSP leaders, he scrupulously avoided making any reference to the SP/Congress/BSP leaders and their humiliating defeat.
If awe-inspiring vision and energising speeches were enough to transform India, Narendra Modi would go down as the most transformative Prime Minister in India's history
On the contrary, he advised magnanimity and humility to his supporters by reminding them that no matter how big a tree might be, it always bends when it is laden with fruits.
He also reiterated that his government was for all, including those who don't vote for the BJP.
After the party's historic victory of May 2014 and following its big losses in Delhi and Bihar, the sweeping victory in UP proves that Modi's personal charisma and ability to capture the imagination of people remain unmatched.
In spite of the scathing criticism by his opponents, people are still willing to pin their hopes on him.
His victory speech at the BJP headquarters in Delhi on March 11 was the most statesmanlike speech since he moved to Delhi as an 'outsider'
Never in the history of independent India have so many people reposed so much hopes on a single individual. It's a scary responsibility.
Modi can't let down 1.3 billion people of this country. He can't afford to falter. He must deliver on his mesmerising promises or future generations will not forgive him.
Modi painted a broad picture of transformation of India by 2022 when India will complete 75 years of its Independence.
As in the past, in his this speech too, Modi underlined the significance of the aspirational Indians under 35 years of age who are going to be the drivers for building 'new India'.
In the last two-and-a-half years, Modi has announced a slew of initiatives which, if implemented seriously, will transform the country beyond recognition.
Through Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Jan Dhan scheme, and free gas cylinders to poor women, he has tried to reach out to the poor who weren't with the BJP, perceived to be the party of Brahmins and rich business communities.
Promises
Several political parties have been promising sadak, bijli and paani.
But, keeping in mind the crying rural and urban concerns of the day, Modi has zeroed on four core needs: sichai ( irrigation), padhai (education), dabai (medicine) and kamai (employment).
His recipe for India's transformation focuses on bringing together 'the poor's strength and the middle class's aspirations.'
After decimating the Congress, the SP and the BSP in UP, Modi has emerged as the most popular mass leader in India today
Modi's detractors liken him to a smart and articulate dream merchant who lures different sections of society offering different things which they long for - and given public's short memory, his unfulfilled promises got largely forgotten.
The progress report on the creation of infrastructure &and jobs, bringing back black money and transferring Rs 15 lakh to each individual's a/c and fresh domestic investment, they contend, is patchy.
Still, people are prepared to bank on him, arguing that he is at least trying his best.
Many economists, analysts and commentators criticised Modi's daring demonetisation move citing losses and inconveniences suffered by small businesses, farmers, daily wage earners and the death of over 115 people.
However, Modi was able to convince the voters in UP and elsewhere that it was, in fact, an effort to target the rich and black money hoarders to generate funds for schemes and projects meant for them.
Now, his supporters hail the note ban move as a big pro-poor measure as was India Gandhi's decision to nationalise banks and privy purses and launch the Garibi Hatao campaign.
Intention
The PM also reiterated his three vows of 2014 - that he might go wrong but won't do anything with wrong intentions, and would work tirelessly and transparently.
Modi is undoubtedly a strong and decisive leader. But after decimating the Congress, the SP and the BSP in UP, he has emerged as the tallest and most popular mass leader in India today.
Modi looks unassailable, especially as his opponents seem clueless on how to counter his ascendancy.
He wants to transform India but in the process, the BJP itself is getting transformed.
Once Mayawati, a Dalit leader, attempted social engineering by wooing the Brahmins; she secured a majority then.
Now, a perceptively pro-Brahmin BJP is reaching out to the Dalit and the poor a la the Congress!
While BJP managed to break in the SP and BSP strongholds, Mayawati's gamble of attracting the Muslim votes by giving tickets to a large number of Muslim candidates failed.
Modi can't let down 1.3 billion people of this country. He can't afford to falter. He must deliver on his mesmerising promises or future generations will not forgive him
Both these parties will have to drop their caste-based arithmetic and broaden their appeal.
The Congress facing existential crises needs a Modi of its own - someone who can match Modi's oratory, seemingly inexhaustible energy, and missionary-like zeal, ability to conjure up dreams and willingness to serve.
Mere name calling and compiling a long list of Modi's supposed failures won't take it anywhere.
Modi supporters must not allow recent successes to go into their heads.
Following the PM's message, they should reach out to those who didn't vote for them. That would be the real victory of democracy.
Three Santander customers have lost a total of 36,200 in the last month to a terrifying text message scam - and the bank is refusing to refund.
Ruth Quinn from Kent, Ron Williams from Southampton and Rod Owens from Coventry have had 15,000, 12,000 and 9,200 respectively stolen in the scam first reported by This is Money last February.
In that case, Edward Smith had 23,000 swiped in the scam known in the industry as 'smishing' or SMS fraud - again, from his Santander account.
Santander fraud: Three customers have collectively had 36,200 stolen - and the bank refuses to refund
The scam involves fraudsters sending out text messages to victims pretending to be from their bank.
They use a sneaky technique called number spoofing to make the text messages appear on an existing thread of genuine messages from the bank, to make them look even more convincing.
In these three cases, the messages were made to appear as if they had come from Santander. It is not clear whether the fraudsters targeted the victims with knowledge they banked with Santander or whether it was a scattergun approach.
The fake messages involved in this scam usually say there has been unusual activity and the customer needs to call the number or visit the website link provided.
In the panic, victims are then tricked by criminals into handing over further details.
They are also convinced to give access to their online banking and generate a security code, which is then used to siphon money from accounts - and this is what happened in the three cases sent to This is Money in the space of five days.
BEAT THE SCAMMERS Visit and bookmark our 'Beat the Scammers' hub page, which contains guides and the latest scams to watch out for
However, to the despair of the victims, Santander has refused to refund on grounds of negligence despite the genuine-looking appearance of the contact from criminals.
All of the cases are similar in nature. The fraudsters sent out genuine-looking texts that appear as if they are from Santander saying there has been unusual activity, and giving a phone number to call.
The three customers all called this number and were asked to generate a one-time password (OTP).
The scammers then use this and account information they have gleaned to empty the accounts at speed.
In the case of Rod Owens, he noticed money was missing from his account 48 hours after the cash was swiped.
He claims Santander hadn't alerted him of the huge payment leaving his account and says he was told that the transaction was flagged in its system, but it still didn't contact him.
Growing problem: Financial losses from fraud increased last year, recent data shows
He has had his refund claim rejected. A letter This is Money has seen from Santander's fraud department says: 'We have come to the decision to decline your fraud claim.
'You have given a 3rd party your security details from your online banking. The disputed transactions have been authorised using our OTP service.
'A text message was sent to your registered mobile phone number and entered correctly into online banking to authorise the transactions.
'For this reason we are unable to reimburse your account in full. However, due to the transactions taking place inside your overdraft, we have agreed to reimburse the amount of 1,500.'
This is Money sent the three cases to Santander to investigate and why it has refused to refund the customers in question.
A spokesman for the bank said: 'Each of these customers provided the fraudsters with their OTPs and allowed the fraudsters access to their online banking.
'OTPs are security measures we put in place to protect customers, and we have specific warnings on our online banking log-in screen and when sending OTPs not to divulge these to anyone.
'In two of the cases our fraud detection flagged the transactions and contact was made to the customers' registered telephone where these transactions were confirmed as genuine, authorising them to go ahead.
'Whilst we are very sympathetic to customers who are victims of scams, as there was no Santander error and all three customers divulged personal, security information, we therefore cannot accept any responsibility for the losses on these accounts.
'We assess all fraud claims on a case by case basis, in line with the Payment Service Regulations and the Consumer Credit Association.'
Smishing: This is Money reported on the text message fraud last February
In relation to Mr Owens, it says that a flag was raised of potential fraudulent activity when the payments were later cross checked and the recipient account identified as being linked to another case.
It says it put a block on Mr Owens' account to prevent any further transactions and tried to call him, but he had however been instructed by the fraudsters to put call forwarding on his mobile. For this reason, it was unable to contact him.
The growing problem of fraud was highlighted in recent figures from Financial Fraud Action UK. It showed an increase in losses to fraudsters using various social engineering techniques including targeted smishing fraud.
The FFA show an increase in financial fraud from 755million lost in 2015 to 768.8million in 2016.
BEAT SMISHING Smishing messages contain a phony telephone number to call or link to a counterfeit website that asks you to enter personal details or transfer money as your account is at risk. People should always use the telephone number on the back of their bank card, or usual bank website address. As always, it is wise to tell others about the scam, especially those who are vulnerable. Five tips to avoid falling victim: 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 or text 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
Worryingly, many Britons are now using current accounts like savings accounts, thanks to the higher interest on offer, meaning more cash is likely to be held in them.
This is true of Santander, which was up until recent times offering three per cent on balances up to 20,000. This is now 1.5 per cent, which is still higher than most traditional savings products.
Santander says that people should always use the phone number on the one of their bank card, or usual bank website address.
It adds that customers should never give out personal or security details such as a PIN, OTP or full password.
This is Money also asked whether banks are working closely enough together to stop money being transferred into fraudulently opened accounts.
In one case, the money ended up at Barclays and in another, Nationwide.
Santander said: 'As soon as we become aware of any fraudulent payments, we notify the beneficiary bank in order to secure and recover the funds.
'This is why it's so important for customers to contact us as soon as possible if they think they may have fallen victim to a fraud or scam.'
It adds that it invests heavily each year to alert customers to scams and has the latest technology.
The three customers now face going to the Financial Ombudsman in regards to the fraud.
This is Money has argued in the past that it is easy to fall victim to this type of scam, given the fact the average person who hadn't read about this type of deception can be easily fooled into believing the contact is genuinely from the bank.
When you move to a new home having basic utilities such as water, gas, electric and a reliable broadband service is vital.
But Helen Carby, 46, has been waiting six months for her broadband and phone line to be set up by BT.
BT missed the switch date of 1 September after she moved into her cottage in Cumbria despite the previous owners already having a working BT line.
BT Openreach says the ground at Helen's home in Cumbria is too muddy to work on
Over the past six months she has been going back and forth with BT trying to get the line fitted.
As there is no mobile phone signal at her home, she has had to give out her neighbours' phone numbers as emergency contacts.
The only way she can get online is by using her local pub's superfast BT broadband service which is a mile away from the cottage.
BT told Helen that the phone line the previous homeowners had was given away and she would need a new line to be installed.
Helen said it took five months to get this information from BT and she's now been told that the ground is 'too muddy' to do the work of installing the new line, it was reported on Cable.co.uk.
In one of the emails sent to Helen it stated that workmen had been unable to 'progress due to the wet ground conditions' as they were using 'heavy machinery'.
ARE YOU HAVING A PROBLEM WITH A NEW PHONE/BROADBAND LINE? Are you having a problem installing a new phone line or broadband service? This is Money would like to hear your story, contact: rebecca.rutt@thisismoney.co.uk
Helen said: 'They seem to have forgotten that this is Cumbria we are talking about. It is lush and green because it rains a lot and is muddy all year round.
'The farmers around our house would, I am sure, laugh 'til they fell off their tractors if I told them the latest excuse.'
The cottage is still without a working phone or broadband line and Helen has now been told it should be carried out next week.
As she splits her time between her Cumbrian cottage and Riyadh, in Saudi Arabia, where her husband works, having access to the internet is vital.
Both of their children are at boarding school and with no phone line, broadband or mobile service there is no way she can be contacted in an emergency.
A spokesperson for Openreach said: 'We're sorry about the delay in connecting Mrs Carby. This has been an unusually complex job and whilst we'd love to be able to just flick a switch and provide a service this case involves some complex civil engineering.
Helen has been waiting six months for BT to install a phone and broadband line in her rural cottage in Cumbria
'We had to replace several telephone poles and needed time to consult with the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority to consider the impact on the surrounding park land. We also need some dry weather to make the ground solid enough to use the heavy machinery required.
'Our engineers should complete the remaining work this week.'
The regulator Ofcom looked at broadband access in rural areas in its recent Connected Nations report.
It showed that 1.4 million households in Britain are not able to access broadband at fast enough speeds to get a decent service, described as more than 10 Mbit/s. While just 40 per cent of the UK landmass can access all four of the major mobile networks networks.
1.4million households in Britain are not able to access broadband of more than 10 Mbit/s
On top of this a third of the UK also has no access to voice calls from all four providers, leaving households and businesses in these areas with less choice when it comes to picking a provider.
Ofcom has said this is unacceptable and challenged mobile operators to go beyond built-up areas, and provide coverage across the UK's countryside and transport networks.
It also provided technical advice to support the Government's plans for universal, decent broadband. The plans for 100 per cent broadband coverage by the Government have not yet been announced.
Delegates from Paris are back in London to woo the Citys leading digital firms to France after Brexit.
Othman Nasrou, who is in charge of international affairs and tourism for the Paris region, arrived in London on Sunday ahead of key meetings with financial technology firms.
Cultured: Paris hopes to attract businesses worried about losing access to the single market in financial services
Paris hopes to attract businesses worried about losing access to the single market in financial services after Britain leaves the European Union.
But experts widely believe Frankfurt will be the main beneficiary if any firms do leave the City.
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It isn't much to have left behind: a comb, basic toiletries, a pocket knife, two rings, a cross and a prayer card.
But found in a faded rucksack, all but buried in the dirt there may be some clue in this meager collection of personal possessions that ultimately helps put a name to the body with which they were found.
For now he, or she, is simply Case number 0435 - one of 226 such cases currently being investigated at the Forensic Anthropology Center at Texas State (FACT) as part of Operation ID, an astonishing forensic effort to identify the bodies of presumed migrants.
These are the casualties of the human traffickers, or coyotes, ruthless people - smugglers who took their money with the promise of helping them evade the Border Patrol so they could sneak illegally into the U.S. - then dumped the immigrants when they died trekking in the punishing heat of the desert.
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Little to leave: A laboratory technician and skeletal analyst goes through the personal possessions of a presumed migrant as part of a forensic project. For now he, or she, is simply one of 226 such cases currently being investigated by FACT at Texas State
All that remains: Students at FACT's Freeman Ranch Body Farm in San Marcos, Texas, clean skeletal remains. FACT is part of Operation ID, an astonishing effort to identify the bodies of presumed migrants
Brutal end: These are the remains of the victims of the human traffickers, or coyotes - smugglers who took migrants' money with the promise of helping them sneak illegally into the U.S. - then dumped them when they died trekking and failed to keep up
Grisly task: Graduate research assistant Nandar Yukyi and undergraduate volunteer Stephanie Mundine remove feet from a steel cauldron in which flesh and soft tissue is stripped from human bodies. The remaining tissue will be cleaned by hand
Death Valley: The remains are simmered in water before the bones are ready to be cleaned by hand.
Touch-up: Students clean skeletal remains, which can take up to two weeks to clean in readiness for forensic analysis to determine age, gender, health and ancestry - the remains are then repatriated to their country of origin
The bone boxes: Once each bone is labeled, the remains are placed in a cardboard box and stored in a sort of vast, skeletal database
Operation ID is being carried out at the FACT laboratories in San Marcos, Texas - and DailyMail.com has been given unprecedented access.
Inside, plastic tubs, filled with their clothes and what few personal effects they could carry line the walls of one of the laboratories. Below them, in this macabre lost and found, cardboard boxes contain the skeletal remains of their owners.
And outside is the other side of the work of FACT: a macabre facility known as the 'body farm', where forensic anthropologists at the cutting edge of the discipline research just what a dead body can reveal about a person and how and when they met their death.
The project to identify the immigrants is because of the sheer scale of death of the illegal border crossers.
So many migrants die in Brooks County that it is known locally as Death Valley since reinforced security of the South West corridor and the Arizona border has seen would-be border crossers navigate back to South Texas.
Speaking to DailyMail.com Brooks County Sheriff Urbino 'Benny' Martinez, 60, revealed that his office has recovered 454 bodies of dead border crossers since he took office in 2009. They have already found 17 bodies this year. He himself has picked a human skull, the hair still attached, from the desert, and searched the scrub for the rest of the scavenged body parts.
He said: 'It makes you think, finding a thing like that. I call it hopeless dying - these people know they are dying and that there is no-one out there, it's just a matter of when they are going to take their last breath. I think there comes a point where they give up.'
Cataloged: A laboratory technician is assigned to go through the belongings of each presumed migrant, helping to determine the person's country of origin
The things they carried: A hand-written Prayer to Saint Michael the Archangel was found among one person's possessions. The text reads: 'Saint Michael, Archangel, defend us in battle. Be our protection against the wickedness and snares of the Devil. May God rebuke him, we humbly pray; And do thou, O Prince of the Heavenly Host, by the power of God, thrust into hell Satan and all the other evil spirits who prowl about the world seeking the ruin of souls. Amen. Archangel, I stand behind Ecuador and your church. Protect the Pope so that we can soon see the glorious triumph of Mary's immaculate heart.' The prayer strongly suggests the illegal had come all the way from the South American country to get into the U.S.
Migrants trying to cross over into the U.S. carried their most treasured belongings, including a representation of the Virgin Mary
In charge: Brooks County Sheriff Benny Martinez, started the process which led to Operation ID by insisting that all the bodies in a local graveyard were correctly identified
Last resting place: Sacred Heart Burial Park was where most of the bodies which are part of Operation ID were initially buried. As they are identified they are repatriated to their country of origin
Operation ID was set up to identify the bodies of presumed immigrants recovered in a series of exhumations, mostly conducted at the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Falfurrias, Brooks County.
Prior to Sheriff Martinez's tenure, bodies of illegals were being buried in the Sacred Heart Cemetery in Falfurrias without the DNA sampling and documentation required by law - making working out who they were impossible.
He told DailyMail.com: 'In 2009 I had a case where two different countries were trying to claim a body. I discovered that they were going by picture ID alone. No DNA had been taken.'
Sheriff Martinez soon discovered this was not an isolated case but widespread practice. He said: 'What's wrong is wrong. After 37 years in law enforcement you don't run away from a wrong. You meet it and you try to fix it.'
Sheriff Martinez enlisted the expertise of researchers from Baylor, Indianapolis and Texas State universities to do just that.
The resultant exhumations began in 2013 and revealed how body parts of different people were tossed in single coffins, multiple bodies were piled into solitary graves and some interred in only bags.
But that was only the beginning for the forensic anthropologists.
A heavily scavenged body placed on the FACT Body Farm shows evidence of 'skin slippage', a stage of decomposition
Human bodies begin to look like animal carcasses, placed on the Fact Freeman Ranch Body Farm for analysis
A vulture scavenged body placed on the Body Farm in November 2016. The body was clothed when placed. Students recovered the jeans and sneakers scattered by scavengers
The bodies are stripped first of clothes then of flesh. It is a grim but necessary step that sees the bodies placed in vast steel cauldrons and simmered in water. Students then painstakingly clean and label each bone.
Strange as it might seem the real clues to a person's identity lie not in their decomposed flesh but in the skeletal structure beneath.
It can take up to two weeks to clean just one skeleton in readiness for forensic analysis then conducted to determine age, gender, health and ancestry.
Operation ID manager Dr Timothy Gocha, 32, who works under the direction of Dr Kate Spradley, described it as a hidden humanitarian crisis.
When he and his researchers returned to the Sacred Heart cemetery in January he thought it would be their last time. They planned to exhume seven bodies. They came back with 27 and the certainty that their task in Falfurrias is far from over.
Dr Gocha said: 'Though our focus is on IDing these individuals the more we study the more we start to amass a database and trends in Hispanic individuals versus white or black. Historically there has been very little research into the Hispanic population.'
Any unique characteristics and dental work is noted and the details entered in the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) and cross-referenced with body recovery reports already in the team's possession.
DNA results, for which they can wait up to ten months thanks to overwhelmed state and federally funded labs, are entered into CODUS.
Circumstantial information, clothing and possessions helps narrow the list of any possible matches further.
So far Dr Gocha and the team have identified 21 migrants. One woman was identified by the child's drawing and hand written prayer she carried on her when she died.
The lucky ones: These illegals will be taken into detention but others simply die in the wilderness of exposure and starvation when they fail to keep up - leading to the vast numbers of bodies to be dealt with by authorities
Scrubland: Border patrol officers searching for illegals have thousands of square miles of undergrowth to look in - and all too often find bodies which end up with Operation ID
Vast empty spaces: The temptation to cross the border 70 miles south of the FACT labs, which is marked by the Rio Grande, is mostly due to the emptiness - but that brings its own risks and the coyotes ruthlessly dump those who fall behind
Flies cover the legs and feet of a donor body placed on the 'Farm' and entering the bloating phase of decomposition
The hands of a body in the bloating phase of decomposition. When the body decomposes it goes through several basic stages: bloating, purge and then advanced decomposition when it loses mass, according to experts
A presumed migrant's body in the 'bloating phase', placed faced down on the Farm, as part of a study into how body orientation affects decomposition
The bodies are brought to FACT as part of Operation ID and are then held in bodybags in a mesh cage to protect them from scavengers until researchers can process their remains
All have, or will be, repatriated to their country of origin.
Dr Gocha said: 'I don't think it's difficult to empathize with these cases. There's a United Nations universal declaration of human rights that says everyone has a right to be recognized as a person before the law and in short because they are presumed migrants the fact is that [historically] they're not given equal treatment, they're not being scientifically investigated, DNA samples were not being taken and they were being buried with no chance of identification. In effect their personhood was being erased.'
He continued: 'When we analyze we look for signs of trauma. If someone had been shot or hit over the head with a blunt object or stabbed we would see evidence of that in the skeletal tissue. But in the more than 100 I looked at last year I haven't seen any evidence of trauma. These individuals are most likely dying of exposure and dehydration. They're trying to walk through the desert ranch land and succumbing to the elements.'
The search for the true identity of the immigrants is only part of the mission of FACT.
There is just one small cooler in the Operation ID laboratory and so, in a grim visual reminder of just what it means to be left out to rot, the bodies of half a dozen or so presumed migrants waiting to be processed lie in body bags in a large wire cage in a corner of FACT's Freeman Ranch outdoor research facility - or Body Farm.
It is one of just six such facilities in the States and the largest in the world with up to 60 bodies strewn, hidden and buried over 21 acres of the 4200 acre ranch. Two more facilities have just been green-lighted, one in Michigan the other in Florida. FACT itself is currently expanding from a 3000 square foot laboratory space into a 12,000 square foot facility.
And though it is a tragic journey's end indoors for the presumed migrants the donors whose bodies lie decomposing around them chose this as their final resting place.
Dr Daniel Wescott, 52, FACT's Director since 2011 explained: 'We accept two kinds of donors. Living donors who pre-register with us and next of kin donations. The only stipulation there is that they're not estranged from the person.
Operation ID manager, Postdoctoral Research Fellow Dr. Timothy Gocha stands in the storage room of his laboratory at FACT in San Marcos. Plastic bins hold the personal belongs of presumed migrants whose skeletons are in the boxes below
Dr. Gocha described the deaths of illegals crossing the border in to the U.S. as a 'humanitarian crisis'. The center works to take the skeletons and scour them for clues which will identify them as people
Dr. Gocha holds the skull of the youngest victim that the team are attempting to identify - the remains belong to a child aged between 12 and 14, making it too young to know definitively what sex it was
Cardboard boxes holding the skeletal remains of donors to FACT at Texas State. The remains are placed in storage after being removed from the Body Farm, the center's outdoor decomposition facility
'We'll accept cremains too. All we ask is that they don't grind them up. We will not accept unknowns for study.
'The purpose of Operation ID is to identify and repatriate our purpose is purely research. We store the bodies associated with Operation ID but we don't study them.'
So while the presumed migrants lie in body bags, all around them bodies lie carefully placed according to the protocol of the particular study of which they are part. Some are naked, some clothed. Some are protected by mesh cages others are deliberately left at the mercy of the vultures that scavenge their remains.
Just yards from the secure double-gated entrance a body - or what is left of it - lays, legs splayed, flesh shredded beyond recognition. The skin is more reminiscent of wet tarpaulin that has slipped from the object it once covered, than anything human. An arm lies a couple of yards beyond the torso. A skull lies just beyond that. The body has been here since November as part of a study of vultures. A pair of jeans and two sneakers have been placed by its side.
'It was dressed when we put it out here,' Dr. Wescott explained. 'The vultures did all this.'
According to Dr. Wescott some donors actually request to be scavenged by vultures. He said: 'Some ask just not to be buried. We have one man who wanted to be with his dogs. So when his dogs died his wife brought them out here to us.
'Another wanted to be with his cell phone. As much as possible we try to honor a person's wishes.'
The wealth of information gleaned from the work done here and its impact on law enforcement in particular cannot be overstated. The facility hosts at least 15 workshops a year for law enforcement as well as training cadaver dogs. In one exercise the officers are challenged to find where bodies are buried. The give away, Dr Wescott, explained is in the lush vegetation that grows over buried bodies in stark contrast to the surrounding scrub.
Dr. Daniel Wescott, Director of FACT next to a vulture scavenged body placed on the institution's Freeman Ranch Body Farm in November 2016. This is the other side of their work: taking bodies voluntarily given and using them to learn how the human body decays, so that techniques for solving crime and
According to Dr. Wescott some donors actually request to be scavenged by vultures. He said: 'Some ask just not to be buried. We have one man who wanted to be with his dogs. So when his dogs died his wife brought them out here to us.
Just yards from the secure double-gated entrance a body - or what is left of it - lays legs splayed, flesh shredded beyond recognition. 'It was dressed when we put it out here,' Dr. Wescott explained. 'The vultures did all this'
He said: 'When the body decomposes it goes through several basic stages: bloating, purge then advanced decomposition when it loses mass.
'When the body purges the fluids initially kill off all vegetation, they're high in nitrogen and acidic. But after a while they act like fertilizer.'
Dr Wescott points to a row of bodies lying in various stages of decomposition underneath mesh cages. Some are surrounded by what he says is known as the 'donut' of lush grass. Some, more recently placed, lie on an island of scorched earth known as the 'cadaver decomposition island.' In another part of the plot graves have been dug side by side with a body placed in one, the next simply filled back in with earth, a body placed in the next and so on. The result is a telltale patchwork of lush grass revealing where the bodies are buried and alternating with scrub.
'A lot of time when you are doing a search for a missing body,' Dr Wescott explained. 'If it has been buried this may be the only clue.'
Researchers come from all over the world to study at the Body Farm. One is currently looking at the impact of how a body is concealed. In five grizzly scenarios a body has been placed under a mattress, a crate, cardboard, tires and brush.
The absence of any pungent smell of death across the majority of the farm is as surprising as it is notable. It is only detectable from the bloated, fly infested body beneath the pile of tires - one of the most recently placed cadavers.
Some of the bodies in this patch of Texas ranchland have lain out for months, others for years. Red flags mark the location of all remains including one of the facility's first donors who has been buried in the ground out here since 2008.
All are removed eventually once the study of their body or the soil around it or insect life that has colonized it ceases to be fruitful. Then, like the presumed immigrants, the skeleton is cleaned, each bone labeled and the remains are placed in a cardboard box and stored in a sort of vast, skeletal database.
The youngest skeleton in Dr Wescott's collection is of a 27-week fetus; the oldest is a donor of 102. There are certain aspects of a skeleton that are, Dr Wescott explained, 'we now know are as unique to you as your finger print.'
According to Dr Wescott when he first began his studies the majority of his work was in identifying a body through the study of its skeleton. Bone breaks, arthritis, fused joints, the different ways weight impacts on the wear and tear and even development of bone all go towards building a picture of a person. High tech equipment aids in skull and even facial reconstruction. He said: 'Now most people are ID'd through DNA. However in most forensic cases I've already ID'd the person long before the results of DNA testing come back.'
For Dr Gocha and the Operation ID team that is what it all comes down to - giving the unknown migrants back their identity, their name, their personhood, rebuilding the lives from the bones up them and returning them to their families.
And while Sheriff Martinez struggles to stem the relentless tide of border crossers at this epicenter of death Dr Gocha and his small team try to bring some closure to the hundreds of families whose loved ones set off on a journey from which they never returned.
A research project at FACT sees bodies concealed in various ways to study the impact on their decomposition
To study the impact on the decomposition of bodies, researchers at FACT cover them in a variety ways - including with tires
The blogger behind incredible claims that the FBI had a warrant to examine the Trump campaign's communications is facing serious questions about her legitimacy after making a series of conspiracy-theory claims about elaborate Russian plots that appear to have little basis in reality.
Louise Mensch is a British politician turned New York blogger who reported on the website Heat Street that the FBI was granted a FISA court warrant to access communications made by Trump's team during the presidential campaign.
On November 7, she wrote: 'Two separate sources with links to the counter-intelligence community have confirmed to Heat Street that the FBI sought, and was granted, a FISA court warrant in October, giving counter-intelligence permission to examine the activities of "U.S. persons" in Donald Trump's campaign with ties to Russia.'
At first the story got little traction but in the months since the election has been increasingly recycled by other outlets until it finally caught the Presidents eye, helping spark his fateful Saturday morning Tweet accusing his predecessor of having his wires tapped at Trump Tower.
And although her story has yet to be independently confirmed, the White House has cited it as part of the evidence behind President Donald Trump's incendiary Twitter claim that Barack Obama 'wiretapped' him during the election - including at a press briefing by Sean Spicer last week.
Claim: Louise Mensch used her blog to allege that the 15-year-old girl sexted by Anthony Weiner did not actually exist and was a front for Russian hackers. Her claim is one of many she has made - the most high-profile being that the FBI obtained a warrant to examine the communications of members of the Trump campaign, which was highlighted last week by Sean Spicer
It was not confirmed by the FBI Director James Comey, or the Director of the National Security Agency, Admiral Mike Rogers, when they appeared at the House Intelligence Committee on Monday.
Mensch, who was a 'chick-lit' novelist then spent two years as a British MP before quitting to relocate to NYC with her rock-group-managing husband, has refused to reveal her source.
But she has happily positioned herself in interviews and on TV as a fearless crusader for the truth who believes Trump's voters are 'the scum of the earth'.
She has called the president 'a tool of Vladimir Putin' and spoken of her 'patriotic and conservative duty before anything else happens to help as best I can stop a Russian spy from entering the White House'.
And speaking on MSNBC - a channel on which she has appeared frequently - she has called the president an 'American zero', 'draft-dodger', said of his appearance that he has 'tiny, short, stumpy fingers'.
However her article was spoken about at length by Sean Spicer, the White House press secretary, during last Thursday's daily press briefing, as he defended the president's claim that he was 'wiretapped'.
And this weekend Mensch wrote an op-ed in the New York Times which repeated her claim - only for New York Times news reporters to publicly say that they had no evidence it existed.
Now an investigation by Dailymail.com raises disturbing new questions about the accuracy of Mensch's reporting, with allegations that she has defamed people on Twitter and even claimed that a neighborhood florist is a front for the Kremlin.
CITED BY SPICER Sean Spicer used the Heat Street article in his press briefing on Thursday March 16, during a lengthy defense of the president's tweet that Obama 'wiretapped' him. This is what he said. 'On November 11th, 2016, days after the election, Heat Street reported: Two separate sources with links to the counter-intelligence community had confirmed to Heat Street that the FBI sought and was granted a FISA warrant in October, giving counter-surveillance intelligence permission to examine the activities of U.S. persons in Donald Trump's campaign with ties to Russia. The first request, which sources say named Trump, was denied back in June. But the second was drawn more narrowly and granted in October after evidence was presented of a server, possibly related to the Trump campaign and its alleged links to two banks - SVB bank and Russia's Alfa-Bank. Sources suggest that a FISA warrant was granted to look at the full context of related documents that concern U.S. persons. Two separate sources with links to the counter-intelligence community have confirmed that the FBI sought and was granted a FISA warrant in October giving counter-intelligence permission to examine the activity of U.S. persons in Donald Trump's campaign with ties to Russia. They go on: The FISA warrant was granted in connection with investigation of suspected activities between the server and two banks. However, it is thought that the intelligence community that the warrant covers any U.S. person connected to this U.N. investigation, and thus covers Donald Trump and at least three further men who have either formed part of his campaign or acted as media surrogates.' Advertisement
Most damningly of all, a lengthy blog-post outlining an outlandish conspiracy theory that the 15-year-old girl who had an online relationship with Anthony Weiner does not actually exist and was a fake persona created by Russian hackers as part of an intricate plot to sink Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign, can be revealed as 'error-ridden nonsense'.
It was Dailymail.com, which first exposed Weiner's relationship with the high-schooler last September, which led to the FBI publicly reopening its investigation into Hillary's Clinton email scandal at a critical time in the campaign.
Many people in the Clinton camp have openly blamed the intervention by FBI director James Comey for costing her the election.
Not surprisingly the DailyMail went to extraordinary lengths to confirm the Weiner story, including meeting with the girl Mensch claims does not exist and her father and verifying her age and identity during an extensive reporting process.
Mensch's theory was outlined in a 3,300-word blog post that she claimed offered 'direct evidence' that 'members the Trump campaign were involved in this conspiracy.'
Further down we reprint her allegations in full, along with the DailyMail.com's comprehensive rebuttal.
Mensch wrote that she had evidence that 'Vladimir Putin directed the entire attack' and 'Weiner was sexting not with a 15 year old girl but with a hacker, working for Russia.'
According to her theory, a hacking group called 'Crackas With Attitude' messaged Weiner pretending to be a teenage girl, and later leaked the conversations to prompt a criminal investigation of Weiner and his laptop.
Meanwhile, Mensch claims, a Russian hacker known as 'Nikulin' planted Hillary Clinton's emails on Weiner's computer so 'Russian moles' inside the FBI had grounds to reopen the Clinton email investigation shortly before the November presidential election.
The most significant error in the post is her claim that the 15-year-old girl did not exist and did not exchange messages with Weiner.
Dailymail.com extensively verified the girl's age and identity, corroborated the messages she and Weiner exchanged, and interviewed her and her father on camera. The girl has since spoken to other news outlets, including Buzzfeed.
Additionally, the U.S. Attorney in New York and the New York Police Department are investigating.
Prosecutors are weighing child pornography charges and lawyers for Weiner are pursuing a plea deal, the Wall Street Journal reported in January.
The errors range from the trivial to the serious.
Beyond claiming the girl did not exist, the many things Mensch also got wrong include:
Confusing James Comey and Anthony Weiner as the person to whom the 15-year-old addressed a letter;
Wrongly claiming that two hackers bombarded thousands of police officers with recorded phonecalls - as well as mis-stating when they were arrested and one of their ages;
Misquoting a former Congresswoman, Michelle Bachman, and a journalist turned White House adviser, Julia Hahn;
Claiming that one of the balls on the night of the presidential inauguration on January 21 took place before New Year's Eve;
Claiming that the Trump campaign has a member or staffer called Moishe Lee; no such person appears to exist;
Claiming that the Cyrillic letters for USSR look like the Roman alphabet's CWA - they are in fact CCCP.
A DailyMail.com spokesman said: 'We can't speak for everything Mrs Mensch has reported but so far as her piece about the Weiner story goes, it is an error-ridden farrago of fantasy and nonsense. Fake news hardly begins to cover it.'
Mensch has also claimed the late conservative journalist Andrew Breitbart was assassinated on orders from Vladimir Putin.
The supposed assassination paved the way for Stephen Bannon, now a top aide to Donald Trump, to take leadership of the late muckraker's news outlet.
Breitbart's death from a heart attack in 2012 at age 43 spawned conspiracy theories that he was assassinated for political reasons a notion that conflicts with the autopsy report and accounts from those closest to him.
Russian front in the flowers: Mensch speculated that a mobile florist - New York City only has one, Uprooted - was being used by the Russians to hack her
Fact-free: Mensch suggested that the TWCWiFi network was being used as a Russian 'middleman' hack, where communications are unknowingly intercepted by a third party. In fact it is a free public WiFi hotspot provided by Spectrum, which took over the Time Warner Cable (TWC) brand in New York in 2016
Conservative firebrand: Andrew Breitbart set up the Breitbart website before dying in Los Angeles in 2012, aged just 43. Mensch claims he was 'murdered by Putin'. His family and friends have said he died of heart problems, as did a coroner's report
'Absolutely': Mensch leaves no room for doubt on what she thinks about the death of Breitbart. However a coroner concluded that his death was of natural causes
Orson Bean, Breitbart's father-in-law told media outlets including the New York Times that the journalist had a history of heart problems.
One of his close friends, Bill Whittle, also disclosed after Breitbart's death that the conservative firebrand had suffered a previous serious heart attack about a year earlier.
According to a coroner's report, CNN said, the cause of death was a heart attack stemming from coronary disease, and foul play was not suspected.
Mensch also raised eyebrows after claiming the Kremlin has been targeting her with hackers and surveillance around her home.
She lines in a four-story townhouse on the Upper West Side of Manhattan, which she shares with her three children from her first marriage and her second husband Peter Mensch, the manager of bands including Metallica and the Red Hot Chilli Peppers.
She speculated during an interview with The Sunday Times that the Russians might be using a mobile florist in her Manhattan neighborhood as a front to intercept her emails.
She had previously suggested that Russia set up a fake WiFi network near her home using the name TWCWiFi and offering free access.
In fact it was a free WiFi hotspot for the public and belongs to Spectrum, formerly known as Time Warner Cable, the company told Dailymail.com.
The two florists have been operating New York's Uprooted, only curbside bouquet business since 2015, and launched it through a Kickstarter campaign. They were unavailable for comment.
Mensch has also set her sights on ordinary American Twitter users who have little connection to international relations.
They include Jennifer Perillo, a conservative food blogger who she labeled a 'Putinbot' and a Kristin Winfree, a conservative Texas mom who Mensch declared was really a phony Russian account involved in a plot to hack Anthony Weiner.
They both declined to comment. But other Twitter users based outside the U.S. said they were considering legal action against Mensch.
One Twitter user, freelance writer Thomas Theiner, said he has faced a barrage of harassment on the social media site after Mensch sent out a flurry of tweets calling him a 'Kremlin fake oppo troll.'
Theiner, who said he lived in Ukraine for several years after working for the Italian army, said he has no idea where her accusations came from.
He told DailyMail.com he has been looking for a libel attorney, and claims he's not alone.
'I'm the fifth [person] I know of that wants to sue her,' Theiner said, adding that he believes her media appearances boost her credibility.
'I wouldn't give a damn about her if she didn't go to her followers and go on TV and say she catches Russian spies,' he added. 'It's obnoxious stupidity from her.'
HOW MENSCH TWEETED CLAIM WEINER SEXTING VICTIM DIDN'T EXIST - AND 'ABUSED' OTHER USERS
Powers: Mensch told the BBC Sunday Politics interviewer Andrew Neil that she could see 'patterns and connections' because of her ADHD. She then said that hat she wrote on her blog was 'reporting' but what she wrote on Twitter was 'belief.'
Ariana Gic, an independent political analyst focusing on Ukraine and Russia, said Mensch and her supporters subjected her to 'psychotic abuse' after the former British PM called her a 'Kremlin troll' who was 'shilling' for Putin.
Gic, who insisted she is vehemently anti-Putin, said she was singled out by Mensch after criticizing corruption in the Ukrainian government.
'I do really feel very strongly that she owes me an apology and everyone that she's attacking warrantlessly and without merit,' said Gic.
'If I have to go as far as filing a claim against her, suing her for libel, then this will form part of the future claim.'
Mensch's reporting has come under scrutiny from others.
Despite having appeared recently on MSNBC to discuss her Heat Street claims, one of its contributors launched a withering attack - despite agreeing that Putin tried to hack the election.
Malcolm Nance, a former Navy intelligence and counter-terrorism officer and the author of a book called The Plot to Hack America: How Putin's Cyberspies and WikiLeaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election, told the Daily Beast: 'She's bats*** crazy, OK? She is a fruit loop of the highest order.'
It has also been scrutinized in the UK, including by BBC interviewer Andrew Neil earlier this month on the broadcaster's Sunday Politics show.
MENSCH'S EMPLOYER RESPONDS Noah Kotch, publisher and managing editor of Heat Street, emailed a statement on Mensch to DailyMail.com, saying that claims on Mensch's blog are nothing to do with her employer. 'Heat Street stands by the Nov. 7th story as we have for the past four and a half months. Heat Street is a product of News Corp. / Dow Jones. 'Patribotics is not a News Corp. product. Louise is presently Vice President of Creative and Strategy at News Corp.' Advertisement
Neil asked Mensch whether she had become 'delusional' after she claimed to have developed 'temporary superpowers', which she said were in fact an ability to see 'patterns and connections' because of her ADHD.
Mensch also told Neil that what she wrote on her blog was 'reporting' but what she wrote on Twitter was 'belief.'
'A belief and a report are two different things,' she insisted, 'and no matter how often you say they are the same, they will never be the same.'
Mensch Tweets dozens of times per day.
The accuracy of Mensch's most high-profile story, that the FBI requested a FISA court warrant to investigate Trump's ties to Russia, is still unknown.
When it was published in November by Heat Street a startup inside News Corp, the publisher owned by Rupert Murdoch Mensch was its leader.
But the following month she moved to another role in News Corp, 'incubating several further digital products', Politico reported.
The story first received renewed attention after Trump accused former President Barack Obama of wiretapping his communications during the campaign - culminating in Sean Spicer citing it on Thursday.
Other news outlets have yet to find firm evidence of the FISA warrant. Obama-era officials have vehemently denied Trump's specific 'wiretapping' claim.
And last week the bipartisan leadership of both the House and Senate Intelligence Committees said there was 'no indication' Trump had been wiretapped by Obama.
That was followed by Sean Spicer, Trump's press secretary, quoting Mensch's report on the Heat Street website as one of the reasons to justify the president's tweet.
Mensch did not respond to requests for comment by DailyMail.com on our investigation.
It is unknown if the White House has investigated Mensch's credibility as a source or indeed her motivation.
'As soon as Donald Trump is impeached, I'm deleting my Twitter account,' she has said.
Medium: Mensch no longer works for Heat Street, where she aired her incredible claims about the FBI getting a FISA warrant - and has published further allegations on her own blog
LINE BY LINE, THE ERRORS IN MENSCH'S CLAIM THAT ANTHONY WEINER WASN'T SEXTING A 15-YEAR-OLD GIRL, HE WAS IN TOUCH WITH RUSSIA BACKED HACKERS
DailyMail.com publishes a detailed examination of Mensch's piece and reality. We have redacted a claim about where the girl is from as we are protecting her identity. The redaction is not an indication of whether Mensch's claim is true or false.
The Carolina Conspiracy
FEBRUARY 14, 2017 ~ PATRIBOTICS
Or, How Vladimir Putin Catfished A US Election With the Collusion of Team Trump
Did Russia invent a criminal case against Anthony Weiner so their hacker Nikulin could plant Hillary's emails on his computer?
It was the Comey letter that handed the election to Trump. Even if corrupt elements in the FBI Field Office in New York, penetrated by Russia, forced Comey's hand even if Russian hacker Nikulin did plant emails on Anthony Weiner's computer there had to be a 'separate criminal case' in the first place for the NYPD and FBI to go looking, right?
But what if there wasn't?
What if Vladimir Putin directed the entire attack not via a '15 year old girl' from REDACTED but by a hardened group of adult hackers from that state who had penetrated the emails of Director Brennan of the CIA, and doxed and attacked hundreds of FBI and law enforcement personnel?
DailyMail.com responds:
There is no doubt over the existence of the 15-year-old girl and no doubt that she was sexted by Anthony Weiner.
DailyMail.com took extensive steps to verify her identity, and especially her age, and did so from her learner's permit.
We spoke at length face-to-face with the girl and her father, and published a video of our interview. We also published all of the messages which she provided.
While we are not identifying the girl or our sources, we are publishing here a timeline which shows the length of the investigation we undertook before making public the revelations.
We were first alerted in early August that Anthony Weiner, whose sexting history was well known, had been sexting which was said to be an unnamed woman.
While working on this investigation, the New York Post revealed on August 29 his sexting relationship with a 40-something divorcee.
On the day of that revelation, a source disclosed to DailyMail.com that the woman in the relationship DailyMail.com was investigating was a different person to the one revealed by the New York Post.
On August 30 Huma Abedin announced her separation from Weiner, and that day a source told DailyMail.com the woman we were investigating was in fact an underage girl.
As part of the continuing investigation, DailyMail.com approached the father of the underage girl whom we believed to be Weiner's victim and received confirmation that was true.
On September 1 we conducted an on-camera interview with both the father and his 15-year-old daughter.
This was only the start of further work to verify the allegations. That process involved fact-checking, verifying the underage girl's identity and age, and the veracity of the messages.
It also involved approaching Anthony Weiner for comment, which he provided and which we published in full. We published the results of our investigation on September 21.
We have not disclosed any aspect of her identity and we are not doing so. We are not confirming or denying Mensch's claim about her home state.
And what if, after making Carter Page's recruiter Jeff Sessions Attorney General, Donald Trump repeated the trick by making the 'prosecutor' of those Carolina hackers Acting AG then changing the order of succession at Justice to cement him as number two?
Mensch is referring to Dana Boente. He is not 'cemented' as number two, he is Acting Deputy Attorney General. The White House announced its intent to nominate Rod Rosenstein as Deputy Attorney General on January 31. The Senate held a confirmation hearing for the nominee on March 7. If confirmed, he will be second in line of succession at the Department of Justice.
In this story I exclusively report the connections between the USSR-CWA hacker group of North Carolina 'Crackas With Attitude' and the 'sexts with a 15 year old girl' REDACTED, that started the chain of events that led to James Comey's forced letter to Congress, including the fact that the '15 year old girl's 'email to Weiner' is in fact a series of plagiarized texts it is unlikely any 15 year old girl has read, including works by J.D. Salinger, David Foster Wallace, Charles Bukowski, and yes 'Fight Club' by Chuck Palahniuk.
There is also direct evidence that members of the Trump campaign were involved in this conspiracy and knew in advance what was coming including Lara Trump, who visited Gaston, North Carolina, some days before she promised an 'October surprise' and 'tricks up our sleeve.'
Lara Trump did not visit the town of Gaston, North Carolina at any time in October.
Russia's Hacker Nikulin, Formspring, and Anthony Weiner
Russia, I believe, created, from scratch, the chain of events that forced James Comey's letter to Congress. All available data shows that it was the timing of this letter that handed the election to Donald Trump. On November 3rd, just before the election, the Russian plane MKATE and Putin's bagman Rybolovev met Donald Trump's campaign plane on the tarmac at Charlotte, North Carolina. By that time, events in North Carolina had swung the election to Mr. Trump.
In my first piece of work at Patribotics I laid out a unified theory on Russian active measures against the United States, including as part of it that Russia has a team of influencers inside the FBI Field Office in New York (the criminal division) and I regret to say, the NYPD, who work directly with Rudy Giuliani and General Flynn.
I drew readers' attention to the arrest in Prague of the Russian hacker, Yvgeny Nikulin. He was indicted on charges of hacking Dropbox, Linked in and Formspring in 2012-2013.
Formspring is the little-known sexting app that Anthony Weiner used for his sexting the first time around.
My theory was that Nikulin, on instructions from the Russian state, 'woke' or 'planted' a laptop of Anthony Weiner's via a virus which he placed on it through his prior hack of Formspring, and alerted Russia's moles and agents of influence in the FBI field office in New York, who subsequently 'leaked' to all and sundry that the emails had been found, and, by Rudy Giuliani's own testimony, pressured James Comey into sending the letter he did.
However, the emails were nonetheless- found as part of an 'unrelated criminal investigation' into Weiner's sexting with a '15 year old girl'. The story of these 'sexts' broke Sep 21st in the Daily Mail with a byline from Alana Goodman.
Alleged to be fake: Mensch claims - without evidence and in a report littered with errors - that Anthony Weiner did not sext a 15-year-old but a group of hackers acting as a front for Putin
Who Was Weiner Actually Talking To?
I can exclusively report that there is ample evidence that suggests that Weiner was sexting not with a 15 year old girl but with a hacker, working for Russia, part of the North Carolina hacking group 'Crackas With Attitude', who hacked the head of the CIA, and a great many FBI agents, police officers, and other law enforcement officials.
There is evidence linking Russia's propaganda outlet Sputnik to both acts of hacking; and there is, therefore, grave reason to be concerned about Trump's choice of Dana Boente as Jeff Sessions' second-in-command at the Justice Department. Which he now is. For in a little-noticed Executive Order released this weekend, Trump altered the order of succession at the Justice Department in order to make Boente second to Sessions.
Two of the Americans involved in Crackas With Attitude were arrested and took a guilty plea in December.
The two were arrested on September 8 2016 and their pleas were entered in federal court on January 6, 2017, the Department of Justice has said.
And one of the prosecuting AGs on that case? Dana Boente.
Boente was United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, not an Attorney General.
As I have previously reported, Jeff Sessions was placed by Trump as Attorney General, I believe, for the sole reason of protecting Trump from impeachment and prosecution in the matter of Russia's hack on America. The placement of Boente as Sessions' number two ought to raise yet another red flag. For Dana Boente is listed as AG on the North Carolina Crackas With Attitude case.
If I am right on the theory which I report here that Crackas With Attitude conspired with Russian moles within the FBI and NY in New York, with the encouragement of Sputnik, to invent a criminal case against Anthony Weiner in order that Russia's Nikulin could plant Hillary Clinton's emails on Weiner's now 'discoverable' laptop then Messrs Trump and Bannon, above all other things, need the CWA case to go away really fast and now its prosecutor Dana Boente finds himself number two to Jeff Sessions in Trump's Justice Department.
The publicly-available sworn testimony of the FBI Special Agent who investigated Crackas With Attitude at no point says that the two, who each lived with their respective parents, were linked to Russia. However the special agent testified that in a Twitter conversation Boggs said: 'I've been looking for evidence of aliens since Gary.' The identity of Gary is not disclosed.
Thus far, the term 'Russian hacking' as it relates to the US elections has been understood by the mainstream media to mean two things: the hack of the DNC and Republican politicians' emails, and the phishing attack on John Podesta, plus the subsequent release of emails obtained by those attacks through Russia's puppet organization, Wikileaks.
(To a lesser extent, the mainstream media also acknowledges that Russia backed and created a fleet of Twitter bots. They have not yet shown much sign of understanding that what is sloppily termed 'fake news' is in fact a coordinated Russian propaganda effort.)
But the Russian hack on the United States was, it seems far more direct than that.
It forced the Comey letter out of thin air. Using Weiner's sleazebag tendencies, Russia invented an underage 'victim of sexts' actually written by an adult hacker, and thus created a crime.
Then, with pliant moles in the NY FBI Field Office and NYPD, they seized the laptop. Nikulin planted Hillary's emails upon it. Russian moles in the FBI Field Office leaked, tweeted and threatened and even Lara Trump (from North Carolina) boasted in advance that the 'October surprise' was coming.
From start to finish, Russia manipulated the Director of the FBI into sending his letter which Jason Chaffetz leaked, by arrangement with the Trump camp, I believe, in order directly to swing the election to Donald Trump, Putin's puppet.
Who Are Crackas With Attitude and How Do They Connect Weiner and Russia?
The hacker group's name, sources say, is a pun. The letters USSR in Cyrillic look like the American letters 'CWA'.
The letters USSR in Cyrillic are CCCP.
Be that as it may, CWA involved an underage English hacker who was arrested, and subsequent to his arrest, two of his co-conspirators in North Carolina were also arrested. Their attack on the United States was exceptionally serious. It involved obtaining emails from the then Director of the CIA and doxing hundreds of United States law enforcement and intelligence personnel.
The '15 year old girl' is also apparently from North Carolina, according to reports, and her father is an attorney.
DailyMail.com has never disclosed anything to identify the underage girl in any way.
However, I can exclusively report that there is extensive evidence online that the 'sexts' were not written by the 15 year old girl, but by members of the hacking gang.
'You Got Catfished by a Dude' Or, The Infinite Jest of a Plagiarized Email
It was no use Yvgeny Nikulin planting Hillary Clinton's emails on Weiner's computer, or even waking Weiner's computer, on behalf of Russian assets in the FBI New York, unless they had a right to look at Weiner's computer. For that to happen, Anthony Weiner had to have committed a criminal offense that would enable NYPD to have probable cause to go through his computers in the first place.
And for that, Nikulin needed an 'underage victim'.
All of Anthony Weiner's sleazy sexting prior to this had been done with girls and women over the age of sexual consent. The youngest among them was 17 years old.
In order for a case to be created, there needed to be an 'underage victim'. It seems evident that just such an operation was planned by Russia; to create a 'victim', to create a 'criminal case', to allow Weiner's computers to be seized and for Nikulin to plant his emails via Formspring.
According to the 'breaking story' of September 21st, by Alana Goodman in the Daily Mail, this girl had begun to sext with Weiner in January 2016. Her original story is odd and convoluted in a number of respects.
Firstly, the story is dated September 21st, but publishing dates on videos contained within the story appear to indicate that they were uploaded some six days earlier.
Metadata available to public view in the videos shows that they were published on September 21 along with the story: it is in the URLs of the videos as 2016/09/21.
The 'publishing dates' to which Mensch refers show simply when they were created as files, during the lengthy and rigorous verification and editing process before DailyMail.com published the story, which is described above.
DailyMail.com did not call the story 'breaking'.
Secondly, the story contains a report that Weiner 'provided emails that he says proved he was the subject of a hoax' but the journalist does not tell us why Mr. Weiner said these emails proved this.
Weiner did not say why he believed these emails proved the sexting was a 'hoax'. DailyMail.com published the full statement and all the letters he provided. He declined to explain his statements further
Of course, there is the one sentence: 'You got catfished by a dude.'
Mensch uses the quote from a letter the 15-year-old wrote to Weiner, and published on DailyMail.com, out of context. In the published letter, which was sent to Weiner on September 12, the girl is explaining why she is worried about Weiner's sexting obsession.
She writes: 'I am worried about you. You are messaging anyone that flirts with you online. I am 15 years old. You got catfished by a dude! It will only get worse. It's time to retire.
'I want you to know that I'm not releasing the story for money. I am doing this to teach you a lesson. I want you to get help. I don't care if you hate me. I don't hate you, I care about you very much. I think this story will help you become a better person. I hope at least.'
The 'catfish' comment refers to an article originally published by the New York Post on August 13 2016, which describes how Weiner gave his cell number to a college student during a flirty online chat.
The Post reports that 'the target of his online affection was actually a dude who heads a Republican club at his NYC-area college'.
She exists: This is the 15-year-old girl who Mensch claims is not real. She alleges Anthony Weiner was sexting hackers, not the girl, who DailyMail.com spoke to in person, and whose identity and age we verified
But, I can reveal, the '15 year old girl's letter was not written by her.
It is full of plagiarized quotes from novels. A second letter, ostensibly written by her to James Comey, appears to contain an odd phrase used by Julia Hahn, a former Breitbart writer whom Steve Bannon brought into the White House, and Michelle Bachman.
The '15 year old girl' not only claims to be a 'dude' 'catfishing', that is to say, a hacker pretending to be a woman or girl in order to entrap, but 'her' email contains the following passages:
1. 'My posture was consciously congruent to the back of my chair' from the opening of Infinite Jest, David Foster Wallace
2. 'We're the middle children of history.' To the words 'But we won't.' From Fight Club, Chuck Palahniuk
3. 'Guilt is guilt. It doesn't go away' to the words 'paralyzing you.' From Raise High the Roofbeams, Carpenters and Seymour an Introduction, both by J.D. Salinger
4. 'I was losing my soul.' To 'you still have a soul to lose.' From Tales of Ordinary Madness, 'A Dollar and Twenty Cents' by Charles Bukowski.
In the letter 'she' signs off 'Girl that lost her faith in America'. 'Lost her faith in America' turns up both in a quote from Michelle Bachmann and a Breitbart article by Julia Hahn.
The girl does not sign off her letter to Anthony Weiner, published by DailyMail.com, with the phrase 'Girl that lost her faith in America'. She ends it: 'Sorry, I'm not sorry. I wish you the best!'
The girl wrote a second letter which she supplied to Buzzfeed News, who published it on November 2, which was signed 'Girl that lost her faith in America'. It was reported as 'an open letter to James Comey' from Weiner's victim.
There is no evidence Michelle Bachmann has ever used the phrase 'lost her faith in America'. In August 2011, after winning the Iowa Straw Poll, Bachmann said: 'You have restored in me my faith in America.' That appears to have prompted a user in at least one web chatroom to write 'Michelle Bachman says she lost her faith in America'.
There is also no evidence that Hahn used the phrase in any Breitbart articles, as Mensch suggests.
In March 2015 Hahn wrote on Breitbart about Maureen Maloney, whose son was killed by an illegal immigrant: 'Maloneywho has not lost her faith in America's political system explained that she's tired of elections in which Republicans are forced to vote for 'the lesser of two evils'.
The above is the classic signature of a cat-fishing attempt. But there is plenty more online to connect this North Carolina teen with the Crackas With Attitude hack.
Just as Nikulin planted a virus using Weiner's little known sexting app Formspring, in this case, Weiner had been using the little-known app Confide. Online, arch references were made in advance about the publication of Goodman's article as to what was going on, using the word 'Confide'. Other accounts with ostensibly no knowledge of the case stated plainly that Weiner was actually sexting with a 28 year old hacker.
Mensch links to one tweet from before publication, although she claims there are 'references'. The other tweet she refers to is dated October 29 - more than a month after publication.
One of the North Carolina Crackas With Attitude is Justin Liverman, who is around 28.
The Department of Justice issued a press release in January, when he was convicted, which stated that Liverman was 24, repeating the age given in their September press release announcing his arrest.
His co-conspirator is one Andrew Otto Boggs. The two were arrested and pled guilty in January. As recently as two weeks ago, the FBI had confiscated their laptops and thumb drives.
The Department of Justice announced their arrests in a press release on September 8, the same day as they were taken into custody. They announced their guilty pleas on January 6.
CWA or USSR The Hacking Group
Hackers need not be Russian to work on behalf of Russia. In this case, CWA's UK and US branches had close links to Sputnik, the Russian state owned propaganda channel.
A 'journalist' called Cassandra Fairbanks, @CassandraRules, on Twitter, who was and probably is 'active in the hacker community', posted photographs of herself with Liverman and said she was raising money for his defense. And why not? Weren't CWA just some young punks that got in over their heads?
The answer to that is no. The CWA hack managed to get into the emails of the director of the CIA.
Executives at Sputnik pressured non-Russian staff to obtain these CIA emails and threatened them if they refused. However, it is almost certain that Sputnik already had the emails; as soon as American staff refused to release them, Wikileaks was handed them and put them out on the internet.
The young boy, 15, in the UK, who had been tricked into doing a hack by and for adults, was conveniently too young to punish properly.
But his fully adult co-conspirators were not. CWA's North Carolina contingent used the same hack to dox FBI and law enforcement, mercilessly harassing American intelligence and police personnel, writing phone scripts that would ring officers on the hour through the hour through the night.
Liverman and Boggs were not alleged in the publicly-available sworn testimony of the FBI special agent who investigated them, or by the prosecution, to have committed harassment on the scale Mensch claims.
They pleaded guilty to arranging 'phone bombing' of two officials then CIA Director John Brennan and then Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. Neither are 'police personnel'.
They did 'dox' that is access illegally then make publicly available the personnel details of as many as 20,000 law enforcement personnel. But they were not charged with and have not pleaded guilty to any harassment arising from that - meaning 'officers' were not called 'on the hour through the hour through the night'.
Confusion: Mensch mixed up Anthony Weiner, the disgraced sexting husband of Huma Abedin, and James Comey, the Director of the FBI, in her 3,300 word blog claiming the 15-year-old sexted by Weiner did not actually exist
Sputnik adopted Bernie Sanders and pro-Palestine colors when it wanted to defend the hackers.
Meanwhile, Ms. Fairbanks was promoting every anti-American hacker, defined by the IC as Russian state hackers, known to mankind.
She 'loved' Guccifer 2. She fangirled over Wikileaks and the Russian asset Julian Assange. Fairbanks also pushed out co-ordinated Russian propaganda from Infowars and others during the election, including pizzagate and other Russian-organized propaganda spread by Mike Flynn and other Russian agents of influence.
But with CWA she held personal meetings, photographing herself with Liverman and helping fund his defense in court.
The Daily Mail, Sputnik, and Trump
There seems to be a strong friendship between the Daily Mail's journalist Alana Goodman, who wrote the '15 year old girl' story on which the 'criminal case' was based, and Ms. Fairbanks of Sputnik.
They photographed themselves on multiple occasions together in social settings, such as sabering bottles of champagne at Trump Tower. They defended each other on Twitter.
Ms. Goodman appears in many tweeted photographs by Miss Fairbanks.
At one debate, Miss Goodman stars in a photograph of herself wearing a 'Make America Great' cap pulled down over her head. Sputnik's Miss Fairbanks points everybody to Goodman's story on Weiner of the 21st.
Goodman is also apparently close to the Trump campaign's Moishe Lee.
Fairbanks is a social acquaintance of Goodman. There are photographs of them together on three occasions, all of them clearly light-hearted. No person called Moishe Lee is known to Goodman and no public record appears to exist of a Trump campaign staffer called Moishe Lee.
Sputnik's Cassandra Fairbanks was also invited to the Inaugural Freedom Ball, which is quite an honor for a mouthpiece of the Russian state, and tweeted her pictures close to Trump and the First Lady. She followed this ostensibly unlikely triumph by spending New Year's eve, too, with Miss Goodman (shortly after her photograph with Justin Liverman of CWA).
There was no 'Inaugural Freedom Ball' before December 31. The Inauguration Freedom Ball took place on January 21 2017, as part of the celebrations of President Trump's inauguration.
Yet while Ms. Fairbanks promoted Ms. Goodman's exclusive on the '15 year old girl', on Twitter, her own organ, Sputnik, and RT.com, seemed awfully reticent to promote it or even to touch it.
Although both Russian channels covered the preceding Weiner scandal, involving the married Weiner, his young son in a photograph, and an adult woman, there was no mention whatsoever online on both Russian media channels of this story.
Even though, ostensibly, it was the far more important one. Previously, all Anthony Weiner's sexting had been done with overage women or girls over the age of consent.
It was sleazy, and pathetic, certainly, and his wife, Huma Abedin, separated from him. But it was not criminal.
Russia and its spies within the FBI needed it to be criminal.
And yet RT and Sputnik showed an admirable, one might say inexplicable, level of restraint when confronted with the story of what appeared to be an actual crime by Weiner.
There are other disturbing notes to be made about the manner of the publication of the story. While it was reported as 'breaking news' on September 21st by Miss Goodman, online dates on the videos embedded within the story appear to show they were shot six days earlier. Why was the story held, if indeed it was?
The story was not reported as 'breaking news'. It was reported as an 'exclusive'. The two are clearly and entirely different. DailyMail.com went through an extensive, lengthy and rigorous process of editing, fact-checking and verifying the story before publication. That process included seeking a response from Weiner.
On September 21st, Eric Lichtblau, who would later publish a substantially false story at the New York Times saying that the FBI investigating Trump's server 'found no clear links to Trump', alerted Alfa Bank with a question about their involvement with the server.
At that point, Trump's server went dark. It was certainly a most opportune time to publish a major distraction that could have major consequences.
Neither the reporter or any of the editors involved in the process know Eric Lichtblau in any form. Nobody outside the reporter and editors knew of the story and plans for its publication.
Sputnik's Miss Fairbanks also seemed to know that publication was imminent; she decided to pose in an arch t-shirt for Wikileaks that said 'Publish or Perish' which she said she was 'wearing for traveling'.
Fairbanks had no knowledge of the story in any form before publication.
Foreknowledge from the FBI NY, the NYPD, Lara Trump, Giuliani and Flynn
It is by now well-known that now disgraced General Mike Flynn, and Rudy Giuliani, once a Secretary of State contender, boasted in advance of the 'October surprise' that was coming based on 'emails discovered' on Weiner's laptop as part of the 'separate criminal case'.
The FBI Field Office in New York, indeed, have hung themselves up nicely by leaking on Russia's behalf to these people but also by tweeting from an account.
The FBI's New York field office Twitter account, @NewYorkFBI, has never tweeted about Clinton or Weiner.
Giuliani's partner boasted that the NYPD was also corrupt; that if Director Comey did not write to Congress, the letter that handed the election to Trump, they, the NYPD, would call a press conference announcing all the 'arrests' they had made in the 'Weiner sexting' case.
There is no evidence of a business partner of Giuliani saying anything to this effect.
However Erik Prince, the founder of Blackwater, told Breitbart News Daily radio show on Sirius XM on November 4 in reference to Weiner: 'The NYPD wanted to do a press conference announcing the warrants and the additional arrests they were making.'
Prince is not known to have any business relationship to the former New York mayor.
But, partly perhaps from sexism, partly from fear of attacking the first family, not enough attention has been paid to the Trump family's own Carolina connection, and part in the conspiracy.
Lara Yunaska, NC, now Lara Trump, NY, boasted on the radio, in advance, that an October surprise was coming something she had no legal way of knowing.
The FBI and NYPD are not supposed to leak information on criminal cases, particularly those ostensibly involving sexual abuse of a minor, to politicians for political purposes.
Yet Mrs. Eric Trump was on the radio, bold as brass, saying on October 24 that 'there are still a few days in October' and 'we've got a couple of things up our sleeve.'
The interview was on Fox & Friends, on Fox News, not on a radio channel.
On 29th October, when the Comey letter had been leaked by Jason Chaffetz, North Carolina native Lara Trump went further, saying on the radio to ABC's Rita Cosby that Trump had 'forced' Comey's hand with the letter.
Chaffetz did not 'leak' the letter. It was not confidential. The Lara Trump interview with Cosby was on October 28.
'I think my father-in-law forced their hand in this. You know, he has been the one since the beginning saying that she shouldn't be able to run for president, and I commend him on that' Lara Trump said.
These interviews followed her trip, with her husband Eric, to Gastonia, Gaston County, North Carolina. According to the Gaston County Gazette, Lara and Eric Trump visited the GOP headquarters there on October 21st.
The '15 year old teen' and her 'attorney father' are ostensibly from Gaston, North Carolina.
I tried to discover the identity of the real teenage girl and her father for this story (since both Ms. Goodman and Buzzfeed News claimed to have spoken to them).
Buzzfeed News reported that they had spoken to the girl, and the New York Daily News reported that they had spoken to her father. It is unknown how they were able to find the girl. Her contact details were known only to Anthony Weiner and DailyMail.com. DailyMail.com did not provide her details to any other party. DailyMail.com has not revealed any aspect of her identity, including her home state and is not confirming or denying it now.
But I could not do so. I am glad now that I could not find out their identities. Thus, there is nobody to libel. The father may have been sincerely deceived. The girl may have thought it was a joke. But it is odd that in Miss Goodman's first report, the father, an attorney, says he did not make a police report.
The father made very clear his reasons for not making a police report his daughter had asked him not to. 'I agreed because her mental health is in jeopardy and I agreed because I didn't want to exacerbate anything that she has mentally going on.'
Presumably because if he knew that in fact adult male hackers had done the sexting, he would be committing a criminal offense.
This story will be updated as I receive more evidence.
The story has not been updated.
Rather than storing her body at a morgue until it was ready to be cremated, Sam Aulton's family brought it back home for four days.
Mrs Aulton was 46 when she died from breast cancer in December 2016, leaving behind a grieving husband, and two young daughters, Maggie, 12, and Ruby, 9.
Husband Brent Fairns said he and the children were 'in shock' and decided to bring her body back to the family home in East Maitland, NSW, to make the most of their time together.
'It allowed us to get her out of the hospital gown, put her in her favourite clothes, the kids plaited her hair and did her nails,' he told Daily Mail Australia.
'It was a beautiful process and allowed us all to take the time to grieve.'
Mr Fairns' two young daughters, 12-year-old Maggie and nine-year-old Ruby, decorate their mother's casket at home
Mr Fairns said his wife's passing happened so quickly he and the girls were not ready to simply walk away and leave her at the hospital.
'It really helped the kids because when their mum passed they only spent an hour with her at the hospital, it was all so short and sharp,' he said.
'The mind can play tricks on you so it really helped to bring home the reality she was gone.'
Mr Fairns told Daily Mail Australia he had no idea he could take his wife's body home with them until he spoke to funeral celebrant Lola Rus-Hartland.
Sam Aulton, 46, (pictured) died from breast cancer in December 2016 and left behind a grieving husband, and two young daughters, 12-year-old Maggie, and nine-year-old Ruby
Sam Aulton was a much loved member of Crimson Tide alongside her good friend Sally Wilson
'In this culture we tend to hide away from death a little bit,' he said.
'Nobody in the public health system informs you about what choices you have.'
Mr Fairns said there was a gap in the public health system and he wanted to close it.
'I want to help bring some awareness to people out there about the fact this is possible.
'It's possible to step into the unknown.'
Mr Fairns said his wife's body ultimately spent four 'beautiful' days at home with the family before the funeral.
The family's decision to bring Ms Aulton's body home shocked friends at first.
Ms Aulton's good friend and band-member Sally Wilson said she found the concept 'confronting' but very quickly realised how freeing it was for everyone involved.
'I thought I'd find it too confronting because we were all in shock and grief and dealing with her loss, but I found it the complete opposite,' she told Daily Mail Australia.
'It was just beautiful, it gave us the opportunity to really say goodbye properly.'
Ms Wilson said it was not often families got the chance to kiss their loved one goodbye in such an intimate setting.
Sam Aulton (pictured) spent four days at home with family and friends after she died at hospital
Ms Aulton's good friend and Crimson Tide band-member Sally Wilson said she found the concept 'confronting' but very quickly realised how freeing it was for everyone involved (Sam Aulton pictured here singing with her band)
'I got to tell her how much I loved her and kiss her goodbye. People don't usually get that opportunity,' she said.
Ms Wilson said the decision to farewell Ms Aulton at home 'helped open my eyes to the alternative options out there'.
'I didn't want to see her initially, I found it really difficult, but after I did I was so glad,' she said.
'The whole day was just so beautiful, especially the casket and the way the kids decorated it.'
In New South Wales, where Mr Fairns and his family live, a dead body can be cared for at home for up to five days.
If the body remains at home, there are however requirements it needs to be refrigerated for parts of the home-stay.
Mr Fairns' family is just one of many bucking the trend and opting to do things differently when it comes to death and funerals of loved ones.
The average cost of a funeral in Australia ranges from about $5,000 to $7,000, but they often cost far more.
The cost, paired with the sometimes sudden passing of a loved-one, combines to make a difficult situation even harder.
The cost has turned some families away from a traditional funeral and forced them to search for alternative options.
When 89-year-old Petronila Benites died on Christmas Day 2016, her family said the cost paired with added stress became too much.
Ms benites daughter Luz Huamanyaure, a Sydney woman, said the funeral director made the situation so stressful she was forced to walk away.
'He was pushing us, and just wanted business,' she told Fairfax.
She said she turned to the Salvation Army for help and the funeral was stress-free.
When Tarah Acton's (right) father Shane (left) died in 2016, she was responsible for covering his funeral costs, but wasn't in a position to do it
Families are now also turning to crowdfunding to help cover funeral costs.
When Tarah Acton's father Shane died in 2016, she was responsible for covering his funeral costs, but wasn't in a position to do it.
The 21-year-old from New South Wales said she was forced to leave his body at the hospital for four-weeks while she raised enough money to bury him.
'I've been asking people if they could help me out and I've been trying to go to the local community centres and ask them. I'm finding it really hard,' she told the ABC.
She turned to a crowdfunding site for help, and eventually raised enough money, but said it was not without its struggle.
'I just feel really overwhelmed and traumatised, really,' she said.
Tory MPs have expressed fury after it emerged the Brexit Act won't be printed for posterity on goat skin - because the centuries old tradition has been quietly dropped.
So-called 'record copies' of legislation are now being printed on paper rather than vellum to save money.
The move has been slipped through despite MPs voting against it last year when the idea of abandoning the tradition was mooted.
Parliament has been keeping record copies of Acts printed on vellum for centuries, including this example from 1497
The House of Lords, which has responsibility for printing record copies of Acts, has insisted on switching to 'archival' paper to save money
The Lords, which has responsibility for printing record copies of Acts, declared that it wanted to switch to 'archival' paper in order to save around 100,000 a year.
But many Conservatives in the Commons were up in arms at the idea. They pointed out that as well as its ancient roots, vellum is the hardest-wearing method available, and specialist printers relied on the parliamentary contract for survival.
In April the Commons agreed a motion notifying the Lords that it had 'withheld its consent to the use of archival paper rather than vellum for the printing of record copies of public Acts of Parliament'.
Conservative MP James Gray, who triggered the debate in the House, said at the time that he hoped the Lords would 'listen carefully to the views' that had been expressed.
The issue appeared to have been resolved when then-Cabinet Office minister Matt Hancock stepped in to say the government would provide the funding to keep printing on vellum.
But it seems constitutional concerns prevented the government directly paying for the printing of parliamentary legislation.
The Lords has also refused to accept the will of the elected chamber to keep using vellum.
At the end of January the ruling Commons Commission, chaired by Speaker John Bercow, agreed to a compromise that means the lower House will fund vellum 'covers' for Acts.
They will bear the name of the legislation written in caligraphy. However, the Acts themselves will be inscribed on hard-wearing paper.
Mr Gray told MailOnline he had reluctantly accepted the backroom deal, as it would be too difficult to trigger a binding Commons vote on the issue.
Speaker John Bercow chairs the Commons Commission, which agreed a compromise deal for the lower House to pay for vellum cover sheets
Tory backbencher James Gray, who led efforts to keep vellum, said 'no-one will be happy' with the new arrangements
'Nobody will be happy about this. It is another part of the slicing away of traditions. This is tradition being sliced away in the interests of so-called 'modernisation',' he said.
Fellow Tory backbencher Ian Liddell-Grainger lashed out at the change as 'petty minded bureaucracy'.
He said the Article 50 Act, passed by parliament earlier this month to empower Theresa May to start divorce proceedings from the EU, was a historic moment and should be treated with the respect afforded to previous legislation.
'I am amazed. The whole point of vellum is that it lasts for ever,' he told MailOnline.
'We don't use it for the good of our health. The records of parliament are the records of history.
'I think this is petty minded bureaucracy and trying to save pennies, when we will only lose pounds when it goes.
'You only have to look in the archives. What a stupid thing to do. This is ridiculous.'
He said vellum was used because it was 'almost indestructable execpt by fire'.
The House of Lords has pointed out that many examples of paper records have survived for centuries, including this journal from 1510
'We never learn. You try to save pennies and you lose pounds. The history of parliament is the history of our nation. Remember history because you will need to learn those lessons.
Mr Liddell-Grainger said of the Article 50 Act: 'It should be written on vellum. Because in a thousand years' time people will ask, 'what did they do in March 2017?'
'They will not read it on paper. Ancient man had it right.'
A House of Commons spokesman confirmed the deal on vellum, and said it hoped to source the material from traditional firm William Cowley.
'Some years ago the House of Lords decided to use archival paper rather than vellum for printing record copies of Acts, which has always been the responsibility of that House,' the spokesman said.
'The House of Commons refused to consent and the Lords did not insist.
'Last year the House of Lords announced their intention to replace vellum with high quality but markedly cheaper archival paper.
'The House of Commons voted to withhold its consent: but on this occasion the House of Lords made it clear that they were not prepared to print record copies on vellum.
'The House of Commons Commission has agreed to provide and pay for vellum front and back sheets for record copies, out of respect for tradition, and hopes to be able to use British vellum from Cowley's.'
A House of Lords spokesman said: 'Switching from vellum to high quality archival paper will, on a conservative estimate, cut costs by approximately 80% - at least 80,000 per year.
'The Parliamentary Archives has records on paper dating from early 16th century so it is wrong to suggest it is not suitable and robust material.'
Body-in-a-suitcase killer Heather Mack sang and danced in jail the morning after her two-year-old daughter Stella moved out of prison to begin life with a foster family and told fellow prisoners: 'She's forgotten me already.'
The hedonistic 21-year-old danced around the women's block in Bali's Kerobokan jail for hours on Saturday after receiving a call from little Stella's new foster family and then spent most of the rest of the day in bed with her lesbian lover Raphael, inmates have told Mail Online.
Mack's bizarre antics shocked women prisoners who arranged an emotion-charged birthday party for Stella hours before she left the prison where she was allowed to live with her mother under Indonesian law until she reached the age of two.
Stella was born in 2015 while Mack and her former boyfriend Tommy Schaefer were in jail charged with killing Mack's wealthy mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack, 62, and stuffing her body in a suitcase which they left outside the upmarket Bali hotel where they were staying.
Foster mother: Stella is now being cared for by an Australian-Indonesian woman, Oshar Putu Melody Suartama, pictured above, who has known her from birth and her Indonesian husband, a tattooist
Handover: Body-in a suitcase killer Heather Mack, 21, was pictured looking distraught as she was forced to hand over her two-year-old daughter, Stella, to her new foster mother, but the next day was seen dancing and singing around her cell
Goodbye: Toddler Stella, who was born behind bars in 2015, is pictured at a birthday party thrown for her on her last day in Kerobokan, where she started life with her mother. According to inmates Heather danced and sang around her cell the day after Stella left
Mack, who stands to inherit US$1.63 million from her late mother, was jailed for 10 years and Schaefer for 18 years. The two Americans are both serving their sentences in Kerobokan.
The morning after she was pictured saying a tearful farewell to Stella on Friday afternoon, however, Mack was singing and dancing in the prison, where illicit drink and drugs are widely available despite a recent security crackdown.
Stella is now being cared for by an Australian-Indonesian woman, Oshar Putu Melody Suartama, who has known her from birth and her Indonesian husband, a tattooist.
She is expected to attend a local nursery in Bali as she learns to live outside prison where she has so far spent all her young life.
'Heather's behaviour has been bordering on deranged since Stella left,' said one female inmate.
'She took a call from Stella's foster family on Saturday morning and told us all: 'Stella's happy. She's forgotten me already'.
'She was jumping around, dancing and singing for hours. She's fluent in Bahasa (the Indonesian language) and was singing Ibu Kartini at the top of her voice.' (Ibu Kartini is a song about Indonesia's national heroine.)
Custody: Tearful Mack was upset as she gave up Stella to the Australian woman who will raise the girl in Bali. But she was jumping around, dancing and singing for hours afterwards according to fellow prisoners
New life: Stella's new foster mother, an Australian woman living in Bali, was pictured putting Stella into a car outside the prison before being whisked away to start her new life
The inmate said: 'After that she spent the rest of the day in bed with (her lesbian lover) Rafael. She was acting like a wayward teenager who's just been let off babysitting duties. Maybe it's just her way of coping with the separation from her daughter.'
By Sunday, Mack appeared to have calmed down and was heard singing John Denver's Leaving On A Jet Plane while an Indonesian inmate played guitar as she spent a second straight day in bed with Rafael, the inmate said.
Many of Kerobokan's 148 female prisoners were in tears on Friday as they said goodbye to Stella who they said had been the 'life and soul' of Kerobokan's women's block for the past two years.
'We all helped look after her and Stella often spent more time eating and playing with other prisoners than she did with her own mother,' said another inmate.
'Heather seemed genuinely heartbroken when the time came for Stella to leave but you have to think Stella's in a better situation now, living with a normal family outside prison. Heather realised she had to go.'
Stella's father Tommy Schaefer, 24, saw his daughter for the first time in two months on the day of her departure. As she left, he shouted: 'This is wrong. She (Stella) doesn't belong here. She should be with my mother in America.'
Farewell: Toddler Stella was pictured on her last full day in Kerobokan prison as she was held by the female inmates, pictured, who ate cake to celebrate her second birthday. After Stella left, an inmate said: 'Heather was acting like a wayward teenager who's just been let off babysitting duties'
Last day: Stella, pictured in Kerobokan yesterday at a birthday and farewell party before she left with her new foster mother. At the party her distraught mother Mack said: 'It's very hard for me but I'm so grateful to the prison for letting her spend the past two years with me here.'
Schaefer's mother launched a legal bid in the US to care for Stella which was rejected days before Stella left the prison. Mack has told fellow inmates she is terrified Stella will be deported to the US and lost to her while she serves out her jail term.
After Stella's departure, Schaefer who recently spent weeks in an isolation cell after trying to attack prisoners with an iron bar was seen stalking the men's block telling inmates: 'I'm a prophet from God.'
'He's lost it and has become a sort of religious psycho,' said a fellow prisoner. 'It's a shame because he was a nice guy before. He's fallen in with some very bad characters inside prison and he's easily led. There's just too much alcohol and shabu (crystal meth) floating around inside.'
Mack and Schaefer battered Sheila Von Wiese-Mack to death in August 2014 apparently after a furious row about her pregnancy by Schaefer a relationship Wiese-Mack strongly disapproved of.
Wiese-Mack had taken her daughter on holiday to the Indonesian island so they could patch up their relationship and did not realise Schaefer would fly there to join them.
Her body was found stuffed in a suitcase in the trunk of a taxi at the St Regis Bali resort. The driver called police when he saw blood seeping from the suitcase.
Since their arrests, Mack and Schaefer have given wildly differing accounts of the killing during which Wiese-Mack was apparently beaten unconscious with a fruit bowl before being stuffed in the suitcase.
Party: The inmates ate birthday cake for Stella's second birthday at the celebration thrown by the women prisoners in Kerobokan jail. It was a bitter sweet event for Mack, who knew it was her last day with her daughter
Stella, pictured on her last day at the prison, was born in 2015 while Mack and her former boyfriend Tommy Schaefer were in jail charged with killing Mack's mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack, 62, and stuffing her body in a suitcase after a furious row over her pregnancy
As she prepared to say goodbye to Stella last week, tearful Heather, 21, had told a fellow inmate: 'It's very hard for me but I'm so grateful to the prison for letting her spend the past two years with me here.
'It's been a wonderful, caring place for Stella to spend her early childhood. She's been surrounded by love every day of her life.
'Everything outside prison will be very strange to her now but I want her to stay in Bali and be close so she can visit me as often as possible. She's a little girl and she needs her mother, whatever I've done.'
Stella was born in 2015 while Mack and her former boyfriend Tommy Schaefer were in jail charged with killing Mack's mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack, 62, and stuffing her body in a suitcase after a furious row over her pregnancy.
Mack, who stands to inherit US$1.63 million from her late mother, was later jailed for 10 years and Schaefer for 18 years. The two Americans are serving their sentences in Kerobokan.
Stella was allowed to live in prison with her mother until she turned two on March 17 and was due to leave the prison on Friday afternoon to live with a local family.
The trauma of being separated from her daughter was worsened for Mack by a failed legal bid in the US earlier this week by Schaefer's mother to win custody of Stella.
Birthday treats: Stella's favourite gift was a soft toy of Bella from Disney's Beauty and the Beast. 'As soon as she opened it, she kissed her on the nose and clutched her to her chest,' an inmate said
'I'm so relieved the case was thrown out,' Mack told a fellow prisoner who spoke exclusively to MailOnline.
The toddler has melted the hearts of some of the toughest women inmates in Kerobokan over the past two years.
One of them, speaking through a translator said: 'She's a little girl with 148 mothers.
'Stella has been the heart and soul of the women's block since her birth and she's grown into a very self-confident and sociable girl.
'Stella chatters away to everyone and goes from room to room playing with different groups of women and eating two or three dinners a night sometimes. She's everyone's little friend.'
Tears: Mack, 21, jailed for her mother's murder, said: 'It's been a wonderful, caring place for Stella to spend her early childhood. She's been surrounded by love every day of her life.'
Stella's father Tommy had a brief meeting with his daughter Friday morning in the prison office. 'He hadn't seen her for about two months and has been behaving very strangely lately,' one inmate said.
'He was put in solitary confinement for three weeks after attacking another prisoner with an iron bar recently and has been telling everyone he is a prophet from God.'
After being released from solitary confinement, Schaefer was moved to a block occupied mostly by Muslim prisoners, the inmate said.
Schaefer's mother Kia Walker failed in an application to a Chicago court to be Stella's legal guardian and raise her granddaughter in the US.
And as the girl was taken through the prison to her new guardian, Schaefer made it clear he was furious at the outcome.
'This is wrong! Stella doesn't belong here in Bali - she should be with my mother in America,' he shouted. 'I'm American, Heather is American and Stella is American. Why is she being allowed to stay in Bali?'
New foster mother Oshar Putu Melody Suartama has two sons aged nine and seven and works as a manager of holiday villas. Her Indonesian husband is a tattoo artist.
Killers: Mack and her former boyfriend Tommy Schaefer, pictured, murdered Mack's mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack and stuffed her body in a suitcase after a row over her pregnancy
Murder: Mack, who stands to inherit US$1.63 million from her late mother, will be released from jail when Stella turns ten. Schaefer, pictured, was sentenced to 18 years for his part in the killing. The two Americans have since separated. They were locked in a custody battle of Stella as Schaefer wanted his mother Kia Walker to raise her in the US
Father time: Schaefer, pictured in jail with his daughter, saw the girl earlier today before she was taken away. 'He hadn't seen her for about two months and has been behaving very strangely lately,' one inmate said.
Happier times: Mack, pictured with a baby Stella in the Bali jail, long before she had to contemplate handing her over to a foster mother. Prison authorities in Bali allowed Stella to stay with her mother until she turned two
Custody battle and murder: Schaefer mother Kia Walker, pictured left, fought to take Stella to the US and raise here there. Mack and Schaefer killed her Chicago socialite mother Sheila von Wiese-Mack, right, and stuffed her body in a suitcase
Stella is expected to sign up for a local nursery and visit her mother in prison at least twice a week.
'It's going to be very different for her outside prison and she's going to have to get used to having less people fussing over her,' said one inmate.
'Stella has only ever been out of the prison a couple of times in the care of prison guards one time across the road to the Circle K shop and another time to the end of the road outside the jail and back.'
Mack has told fellow inmates her biggest fear is that Stella who has no passport will be deported to America and lost to her forever while she serves out her sentence.
Manny Stul, 68, amassed a fortune of $1.8billion and made his debut onto the Forbes billionaire's list thanks to his wildly successful toy empire
The man behind the Shopkins toy craze Manny Stul has joined the elite Forbes billionarie's club this year after his net worth cracked the $1.8billion (US$1.4 billion) mark.
Mr Stul joined the ranks of the richest Australians including Gina Rinehart and James Packer, his net worth making him the 1,468th most wealthy person in the world and 24th in Australia.
Shopkins is a global phenomenon which Mr Stul acquired when he bought Moose Toys in 2001.
They are miniature collectible dolls which come with accessories, names and back stories - and children around the world are obsessed.
The figurines have made the 68-year-old a very wealthy man - and even others too.
One Shopkins doll sold on eBay for $21,500 and collectors are forking out thousands for other one-of-a-kind characters.
The collectible toys have won the hearts of children around the world who adore the cute characters
The company's colourful and collectable Shopkins toys - which are basically tiny models of supermarket products with cute faces and accessories - have proved a massive hit with young children in more than 80 countries.
Mr Stul made his debut on the Forbes list with 194 other newcomers, more than 60 per cent of whom hailed from Asia or the Asia Pacific.
Overall, the total number of billionaires jumped by 233 to a record 2,043 while their combined fortunes swelled by nearly a fifth to a record $US7.67 trillion.
Shopkins has surpassed iconic toy brands such as Lego and even Barbie in popularity
TOP 10 RICHEST PEOPLE IN THE WORLD 1 Bill Gates $111bn Microsoft 2 Warren Buffett $97bn Berkshire Hathaway 3 Jeff Bezos $94bn Amazon.com 4 Amancio Ortega $92bn Zara 5 Mark Zuckerberg $72bn Facebook 6 Carlos Slim Helu $70bn telecom 7 Larry Ellison $67.5bn software 8 Charles Koch $62bn diversified 9 David Koch $62bn United States 10 Michael Bloomberg $61bn Bloomberg *All currency in AUD Source: Forbes Advertisement
Moose Toys also creates the wildly popular toy brands Betty Spaghetty, Little Live Pets, Mighty Beanz and Aqua Sand.
Shopkins toys are becoming more in-demand than Barbie Dolls and Bratz Dolls, and are sold for much lower prices.
A pack of 10 mini Shopkins characters sell for $14.75.
Stul's fortune is even more impressive when it is compared to his humble beginning in life.
The billionaire was born in a refugee camp during World War II to his Polish parents who had escaped the Holocaust in 1949.
He dropped out of school and became a labourer before buying a business which would conquer the world's toy market.
Stul bought the struggling Moose Toys in 2001 and turned it into a multi-million dollar empire. Its head office is based in Cheltenham, Melbourne.
Topping the rich list this year again was Microsoft founder Bill Gates, who lined his pockets with $86billion (AUD$111billion) from his computer software giant.
Collectors of Shopkins toys are willing to pay thousands online for one-of-a-kind characters
Gina Rinehart's mining profits propelled her to number 69 on the coveted rich list.
Ms Rinehart's $19bn net worth makes her the richest Australian, and the mining tycoon's personal wealth has been calculated as more than twice the gross domestic product of Cambodia.
Forbes said out of the 227 women on the list, Ms Rinehart had enjoyed the best year after her fortune nearly doubled, pushing her up the rankings to 69th spot from 127th a year ago.
'Unlike all the other women ahead of her, Rinehart also has bragging rights for actively building her fortune,' Forbes said.
Mining mogul Gina Rinehart is Australia's richest person with a $19bn fortune to her name
'Rinehart took her late father's bankrupted estate and rebuilt it into something much larger. Her massive Roy Hill project, a world-class iron ore mine in Western Australia, has shipped 30 million tons of iron ore in its first 14 months of production.'
Just four other women were among the 33 Australians on the list, including sisters Fiona Geminder and Heloise Waislitz who hold large stakes in their family's packaging business Visy.
Seven Network founder Kerry Stokes returned to the list after a surge in the value of his shares in his media, mining and construction company Seven Group Holdings.
Meanwhile, casino tycoon James Packer had about half a billion dollars sliced off his fortune while Mike Cannon-Brookes and Scott Farquhar - the 37-year-old co-founders of software group Atlassian - were the youngest Aussies on the list.
Nearly a fifth of the 33 Australian billionaires were aged over 70, including Westfield founder Frank Lowy and Linfox boss Lindsay Fox.
A New Zealand man is missing in Bali after trying to save his girlfriend who had been swept away by a wave while taking a selfie on the edge of a cliff.
Temson Junior Simeki, 23, disappeared on Monday morning after he jumped into the sea to rescue his German girlfriend Leonie Hafke, 20.
Miss Hafke was saved by an Australian snorkeler after she was knocked off the cliff by a giant wave, according to NZ Herald.
Temson Junior Simeki, 23, disappeared on Monday morning after he jumped into the sea to rescue his German girlfriend Leonie Hafke, 20
The search for the New Zealander was called off on Monday afternoon before resuming on Tuesday morning
Ms Hafke was taken to Sanglah Hospital and it's believed that she is in the care of a French couple
Mr Simeki and Miss Hafke were taking selfies with an Indonesian woman at popular tourist spot Angel's Billabong on Indonesian island Nusa Penida, police said.
Ms Hafke was taken to Sanglah Hospital and it's believed that she is in the care of a French couple.
The search for the New Zealander was called off on Monday afternoon before resuming on Tuesday morning.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they are 'providing consular assistance' to Mr Simeki's family.
'As part of this the New Zealand Embassy in Jakarta is following up with local police,' she said.
Angel's Billabong is known for it's strong current and large waves and has been described as 'dangerous but beautiful' by tourists.
Mr Simeki and Miss Hafke were taking selfies with an Indonesian woman at popular tourist spot Angel's Billabong on Indonesian island Nusa Penida
A teenager drank 'ten cups of goon' before almost having his arm ripped off by a crocodile when he jumped into infested waters to impress a British backpacker.
Lee De Pauuw, 18, leaped into the Johnstone River in Innisfail, Queensland in the early hours of Sunday morning in an attempt to win over tourist Sophie Paterson.
The teenager revealed to the Nine Network on Tuesday morning that Miss Paterson has since agreed to go on a date with him, however any romantic connection has been downplayed by the pair.
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Lee De Pauuw, 18, was drinking large amounts of cask wine when he leaped into a crocodile-infested river to impress a British backpacker
He leaped into the Johnstone River in Innisfail, Queensland in the early hours of Sunday morning in an attempt to win over tourist Sophie Paterson
Miss Paterson has since agreed to go on a date with him, however any romantic connection has been downplayed by the pair.
'[She's not really special] just another girl but she is really good-looking and she was kind to me the night before,' Mr De Pauuw said.
Miss Paterson also appeared on national television, telling Channel 7 that she would have to be 'quite twisty' to be impressed by Mr De Pauuw's efforts.
'Risking your life, there is nothing funny about that,' she said.
It's a drastic change of tone compared to Monday when Mr De Pauuw claimed to be head over hills for the British backpacker.
'I did not know there was a crocodile there. I just done it for Sophie,' he said.
'She is beautiful, caring, and kind.'
Miss Paterson, 24, was having drinks with Mr De Paauw in the early hours of Sunday morning when she dared him to jump into the far north Queensland river.
The teenager, who lives nearby, foolishly went for it - only to be attacked by a huge saltwater crocodile that was lurking in the creek.
The foolhardy teenager was lucky to get away with his life, punching the huge reptile in the face after it sunk its jaws into his arm and tried to drown him in a 'death roll'.
Mr De Paauw almost had his armed ripped off by a monster three-metre long crocodile after jumping into infested waters in Innisfail around 2.30am on Sunday
British backpacker Sophie Paterson (pictured), 24, dared a teenager to jump into crocodile-infested waters
Despite his heroics, Miss Paterson was not impressed, telling her admirer: 'Being attacked by animals doesn't really do it for me.'
Speaking to the Fitzy & Wippa radio show from his hospital bed, Mr De Paauw explained why he leaped into the water.
'Being dared, I jumped off the jetty and I was swimming back around to the stairs to get out.
'I was about to pull myself back up when the croc grabbed my arm and dragged me back out and started rolling me.
'I hit it in the nose and it loosened its grip. I got another hit in and it was right in its eye. It dropped me then.'
Miss Paterson told 9News she saw a lot of bone and blood during the 'horrendous' attack that she likened to the movie Jaws.
A surprisingly chipper Mr De Paauw added that it would all be worth it if Miss Paterson came on a date with him.
Miss Paterson (pictured) told 9News she saw a lot of bone and blood during the 'horrendous' attack that she likened to the movie Jaws
'Hopefully that girl buys me a drink,' he said, adding that he had her number.
Luckily for the plucky teenager, Miss Paterson was also on the show.
His backpacker crush said she was not impressed by his antics - adding that there was no chemistry between them.
'He's too young for me,' she said.
'Being attacked by animals doesn't really do it for me.'
Miss Paterson and Mr De Paauw shared a short conversation on air, but it was a little awkward.
The radio hosts suggested the British tourist pay the teenager a visit in hospital, but she did not seem up for it.
Miss Paterson had earlier told the Courier Mail that Mr De Paauw had boasted of how he could swim in the water over drinks at a nearby hostel.
'He was talking about the local creek saying 'I can swim out' and so we said, 'go on then', but we didn't think he would do it,' she said.
The teenager leaped into the Johnstone River (file picture) but almost immediately started 'splashing and screaming'
Paramedic Neil Noble said it was fortunate Mr De Paauw was able to escape the reptile's grip before he drowned in a 'death roll' (file image)
'He sort of made this claim 'I'll swim out and back'. At first we just said 'don't be so ridiculous' and didn't think he was going to go through with it.'
The teenager leaped into the water but almost immediately started 'splashing and screaming'.
Miss Paterson, from Yeovil, Somerset, watched in horror as the teenager wrestled himself free from the crocodile and hauled himself out of the water, covered in blood.
'There was blood everywhere and he just wouldn't stop screaming. I thought he had lost his arm because of how bad it looked,' she said.
Mr De Paauw was rushed to hospital, where doctors saved his arm.
Paramedic Neil Noble said it was fortunate Mr De Paauw was able to escape the reptile's grip before he drowned in a 'death roll'.
A new interactive map that was launched earlier this year shows the history of lynching in America from the 1830s to the late 1960s.
The map was made possible through the work of African-American sociologist Monroe Nathan Work who worked tirelessly to document every known lynching that occurred in the US starting in 1908 to the late 1930s until his death in 1945.
Work built a Department of Records while in his tenure at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) that collected research, according to the Monroe Work Today project.
A new interactive map that was launched earlier this year shows the history of lynching in America from the 1830s to the late 1960s
The map was made possible through the work of African-American sociologist Monroe Nathan Work who worked tirelessly to document every known lynching (pictured from the map) that occurred in the US starting in 1908 to the late 1930s until his death in 1945
The map allows users to discover the nearly 5,000 lynchings of not only African-Americans in the US, but also Chinese, Italians, Native Americans (pictured lynching information) and Latinos
The map allows users to discover the nearly 5,000 lynchings of not only African-Americans in the US, but also Chinese, Italians, Native Americans and Latinos.
Each colored point on the map gives users information about each lynching, including their recorded name, date, location and why they were lynched.
According to the website, 'it was impossible to search the web and find an accurate scope of the history of American lynching', before the research was published.
'The names have always been kept safe, but distant, in old archives and scholarly books and dissertations. This site leaves the record open for all Americans, especially high school students who want to learn more than what their textbook has to say,' according to the site.
Lynching began in the 1800s as a form of justice without evidence in local communities. It later became adopted as a terrorist tactic by white supremacists.
The map has confirmed one thing that most people have speculated: black men were the most lynched group of people among the victims.
These merciless lynchings usually were due to mob violence that came after criminal accusations.
The research has also revealed some identities and circumstances under which some women were lynched.
Each colored point on the map gives users information about each lynching, including their recorded name, date, location and why they were lynched. Pictured is the information on an unnamed Mexican male who was lynched in 1877
According to the website, 'it was impossible to search the web and find an accurate scope of the history of American lynching', before the research was published. Pictured is the information on an unnamed Chinese person who was killed in 1880
A Sydney woman has admitted crashing her car while six times over the legal limit for driving and heavily pregnant.
Ivanka McDonagh, 31, pleaded guilty to driving with high-range PCA at Fairfield Local Court on Monday.
She was handed a 12-month suspended jail sentence, placed on a good behaviour bond for 12 months, disqualified from driving for nine months and ordered to pay a $3,300 fine.
She was also convicted for negligent driving, but no penalty was imposed for that charge.
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Ivanka McDonagh (pictured centre) pleaded guilty to driving with high-range PCA at Fairfield Local Court on Monday
McDonagh, a psychologist who specialises in helping patients with substance abuse problems, was seven months pregnant when she left her home after an argument with her husband in December last year.
She bought a bottle of wine from a store in Weatherill Park then headed to a nearby park to down the alcohol, 9News reported.
But on the drive home, she lost control of her vehicle and crashed it into several parked cars in a street 500m from where she lived. No one was injured in the crash.
McDonaghs baby was born healthy two weeks ago.
A distressed store owner has been forced to wear a panic button for protection after a gang of youths terrorised her store.
The group labelled the 'Untouchables' have threatened and hurled abused at workers, stole 'thousands' of dollars of clothing from stores around South Australia's Rundle Mall, Adelaide Now reports.
Owner of Brown's Big Size Menswear, says the gang, who are of high school age, comes into her store three or four times a week, ever since their first encounter a month ago.
'They came in and (went) directly to the table and just flick things and (shirts were) on coat hangers and so they just swipe everything with their hands, trashing (the shop),' she told Adelaide Now.
The distressed owner of Brown's Big Size Menswear, has been forced to wear a panic button for protection after a gang of youths terrorised her store
She says the group was made up of around six young boys, sometimes accompanied by a girl, and they usually came in when she was alone in the menswear store.
'Two guard the door. The others scatter ... Then one of them starts back-chatting me, (saying) abusive things like 'oh you f***ing b****'.'
But she believes nothing has been stolen, as she has stood up to the group, but she's concerned what will happen if their behaviour continues, as one scared worker is considering quitting.
Her partner has dubbed the group 'The Untouchables' as the youths will often taunt the store owner and the workers, knowing that they'll not be treated as adults in the legal system.
He also expressed concern over his partner's welfare.
'(The youth's say) we're going to stab you, you're a b****, you're a mole, you're a slag basically that sort of stuff (it's) as threatening as you can get,' he told Adelaide Now.
The group labelled the 'Untouchables' have threatened and hurled abused at workers, stole 'thousands' of dollars of clothing from stores around South Australia's Rundle Mall (pictured)
The group has been dubbed the group 'The Untouchables' as the youths will often taunt the store owner and the workers, knowing that they'll not be treated as adults in the legal system
Other unnamed store owners has also experienced frightening encounters with the young group, who sometimes target stores more than once in a day.
One said some were even audacious enough to follow staff into the stockroom or open up stock drawers.
South Australia Police said they were aware of the issue and urged store owners to contact them as soon as the youths entered stores, so authorities could catch them in the act.
Interrogating renowned Australian children's author Mem Fox at the U.S. border was like 'shooting the tooth fairy', fans have told the wife of a convicted child sex offender.
Mrs Fox, 71, says she was questioned for two hours at Los Angeles airport in February when customers officers with 'turbocharged power' learned she was getting paid to deliver a speech.
'Americans are saying it was like shooting the tooth fairy,' the children's author claimed on Nine Network's The Today Show on Tuesday morning.
She admitted she wanted to call the official an 'a***hole b*****d'.
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Fans have told Mem Fox interrogating her at the United States border was like 'shooting the tooth fairy'
She is pictured with her husband Malcolm Fox, a convicted sex offender, in 2011
Mrs Fox claims American fans were 'aghast' at what happened to her.
'They are heartbroken because they don't recognise the America they live in. They are appalled, they are apologetic, they are divine. They are so kind. They don't know what they have done. They have woken up to a nightmare.'
Mrs Fox has been critical of President Donald Trump's executive order which implemented travel bans.
She has vowed to never return to the U.S. after she was interrogated over a 'minor question' regarding her visa.
Mrs Fox was delivering one speech during her 117th trip to the country in February this year, and the immigration official claimed she required a working visa.
She said the man was 'sadistic'.
'If it had happened anywhere else I would have said: 'How dare you speak to me like that, you rat, you a***hole b*****d',' Mrs Fox said of her interrogation in the United States
Mrs Fox supported her husband Malcolm Fox when he was in court 2011
'If it had happened anywhere else I would have said: "How dare you speak to me like that, you rat, you a***hole b*****d".
'Nobody who goes in to give one speech and be paid once is on a working visa. You are not constantly working. It is a totally different situation,' she told The Today Show.
'It was so awful that I actually cannot go back.
'It was truly terrible. The guy was sadistic. Honestly, I was terrorised. I really was.'
She received an apology after lodging complaints with the Australian embassy in Washington and the United States embassy in Canberra.
Mrs Fox has been promoting her new book, I'm Australian Too, which was released on Tuesday to coincide with Harmony Day.
Mrs Fox said she passionately wrote the book in one weekend, because she was so filled with rage over 'hate speech' in Australia.
Mrs Fox has been promoting her new book, I Am Australian Too, which was released on Tuesday to coincide with Harmony Day
Mr and Mrs Fox are pictured together in 2011 at the South Australian District Court in Adelaide
'I was starting to get pretty mad about the hate speech that was happening in this country,' Mrs Fox told The Today Show.
'Our country is well-known around the world for being the friendliest place on earth. People love us. We are so nice, warm, open-hearted, so friendly,' Mrs Fox told The Today Show.
'And then there were these people in Australia saying: "Well, let's hate that group and let's hate that group and let's talk very loudly about that group and let's spew all over that group because we hate them as well".
'I thought, "No, no, this is not us. For God sake, this is not who we are".
'Those people have a right to speak out and so do I, and I am yelling.'
Her husband Malcolm Fox was convicted in 2011 for a number of child sex crimes in the 1980s
Her husband Malcolm Fox was convicted in 2011 for a number of child sex crimes in the 1980s. He was found guilty of having an unlawful sexual relationship in 1984 with a teenage student while he was a drama teacher in Adelaide.
Husband Malcolm Fox was convicted in 2011 for a number of child sex crimes he committed in the 1980s. Mr Fox was found guilty of having an unlawful sexual relationship in 1984 with a teenage student while he was a drama teacher in Adelaide. Mr Fox always maintained their only sexual encounters were instigated by the 17-year-old boy - and left him feeling 'embarrassed'.
'I was embarrassed really, it was very awkward,' Mr Fox told the court.
Judge Gordon Barrett found it unbelievable Mr Fox wasn't to blame.
'I find it unlikely in the extreme that the complainant, who was 17 at the time and had been the accused's student for several years, would suddenly make so confronting a sexual advance,' The Australian reported.
Mrs Fox promoted her new children's book on The Today Show with Karl Stefanovic and Lisa Wilkinson on Tuesday morning
The offences took place at the school, Mr Fox's bed, which he shared with his wife, and at the student's home, the ABC reported in 2011.
Mem Fox accompanied her husband of more than four decades to every court hearing. She sat with her hand across her heart as he was sentenced to four years with a non-parole period of two years.
Mem Fox is the author of best selling children's book Possum Magic
The sentence was ultimately suspended, and Mr Fox was ordered to serve a three-year good behaviour bond, avoiding serving any time in jail.
Mr and Mrs Fox walked arm-in-arm from the courtroom, the ABC reported at the time.
His offending reportedly happened as his wife was celebrating the success of her famed children's book Possum Magic.
The age of consent in South Australia was 17, but 18 if one of the parties was found to be in a position of power or authority.
Mrs Fox is the author of several best-selling children's books including Possum Magic, Ten Little Fingers and Ten Little Toes, Wombat Divine and Where is the Green Sheep?
Roger Stone says claims that he colluded with the Russians prior to the presidential election are a 'fiction of the Clinton campaign' and 'the deep state' and he's happy to say so under oath.
'I relish the opportunity to face my accusers,' the Republican strategist told DailyMail.com after his name came up at a House Intelligence Committee hearing on Monday.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff pushed FBI Director James Comey to tell lawmakers what he knows about Stone's contact with the Russians and how the friend of Donald Trump knew that Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman had been hacked.
Comey refused to comment, suggesting with his silence that Stone is being investigated for coordination.
Stone blasted the committee's McCarthy-style tactics in a phone conversation Monday evening, and accused Democratic lawmakers of 'mudslinging' and 'red-baiting.'
Roger Stone says claims that he colluded with the Russians prior to the presidential election are a 'fiction of the Clinton campaign' and he's happy to say so under oath. The Trump friend is seen leaving the president's New York residence in December
He admittedly had an online conversation with Guccifer 2.0. But that was before the hacker or hacker collective was outed as a Russian intelligence front.
'My actions are innocent,' he declared again on Monday. 'They don't constitute collusion.'
Stone is almost certain that he was wiretapped by the federal government, because surveillance is the only explanation for the way his name and private conversations surfaced.
The New York Times named Stone as a Trump associate who was under investigation in connection to Russian meddling in the 2016 election in a Jan. 19 article.
Last week Stone's conversations were Guccifer 2.0 were revealed by The Smoking Gun.
'My civil rights have been violated. My right to privacy has been violated,' Stone told DailyMail.com, specifically mentioning the Times article. 'Leaking that, if indeed it was because I was under a FISA warrant, leaking that information would be a felony.'
He declared: 'I have committed no felonies, but the intelligence services have committed felonies to slur my name.'
Stone says he is 'anxious' to deliver testimony to that effect on Capitol Hill, where senators on the Intelligence committee have ordered him to comply with their investigation.
Legislators are smearing his name, Stone said, and he deserves to have the opportunity to respond.
'I should have my day in court. There is no evidence whatsoever of my colluding with the Russians, or anybody else colluding with the Russians, to assist Donald Trump,' he said. 'This is a fiction of the Clinton campaign and picked up by their allies in the deep state.'
The deep state is a network of government bureaucrats the right-wing of the Republican Party claims is working to undercut President Trump.
At a news conference this afternoon White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer attempted to put distance between Stone and the president. He implied to DailyMail.com that that the two men are rarely in contact with one another
A former aide to and longtime friend of the former real estate magnate, Stone calls himself the 'ultimate Trump loyalist.'
At a news conference this afternoon White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer attempted to put distance between Stone and the president. He implied to DailyMail.com that that the two men are rarely in contact with one another.
'Mr. Stone is somebody the President has known for a long time. He worked briefly on the campaign I think until about August of 2015, from recollection. They have talked from time to time, but I dont think any time recently,' he stated.
The White House official acknowledged that the president and Stone 'had a long relationship going back years where he would provide counsel' and stressed again that Stone has not been a formal advisor to the Trump since the beginning of his campaign for president.
'I dont know at all when the last time they even spoke was,' he added.
Having previously slammed one-time Trump adviser Carter Page as one of the campaign 'hangers-on,' Spicer did not say in his response whether he thinks the same label should be applied to Stone.
Asked about Trump associates in earlier in his briefing who may be under investigation, Spicer said 'some' of the people who came up early in today's hearing fell into that category.
'Some of those names, the greatest amount of interaction that theyve had has had cease-and-desist letters sent to them,' Spicer said.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff pushed FBI Director James Comey to tell lawmakers what he knows about Stone's contact with the Russians and how the friend of Donald Trump knew that Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman had been hacked
Trump's spokesman was asked in a follow-up if he meant Page and Stone. 'Exactly, the Carter Pages, yes,' he said.
'But those people, the greatest amount of interaction that they had with the campaign was the campaign apparently sending them a series of cease-and-desist letters.
'So again, I think that when you read a lot of this activity about associates, there is a fine line between people who want to be part of something that they never had an official role in, and people who actually played a role in either the campaign or the transition.'
In a phone conversation later, Stone rebuked Spicer for the perceived slight.
'If Mr. Spicer thinks that I am a hanger on, A, at least I was for Donald Trump, which is more than he can say.' And if Spicer had read his book about the election, Stone said, 'He would see what a total mischaracterization of the facts that is.'
Stone declined to get into the details of his private conversations with the president. He did confirm that they had been in contact since the inauguration.
'I am a friend of the president,' he said. 'I prefer to communicate by short, pithy memo, as I have for 39 years. I have the privilege of talking to him from time to time.'
The memos are sometimes about about politics. 'They're 'on anything,' Stone said.
'They're privileged. They're private,' he answered when pressed.
And while he wouldn't necessarily call himself an informal adviser to the president, Stone assessed, 'I think he values my opinion on political matters.'
Putting it this way, Stone said, 'The president is aware that I didn't collude with any Russians to help his campaign. The president is aware of that.'
A one-punch assault at a Sydney bus stop has left a man in hospital suffering a serious head injury.
A 31-year-old man was waiting at a bus stop in Dee Why on Monday afternoon, when a man got off an arriving bus and after a brief conversation, punched the waiting man in the head.
The punch caused the man to fall and hit his head on the concrete, fracturing his skull.
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A one-punch assault at a Sydney bus stop has left a man in hospital suffering a serious head injury
A 31-year-old man was waiting at a bus stop in Dee Why (pictured) on Monday afternoon, when a man got off an arriving bus and after a brief conversation, punched the waiting man in the head
He was taken to Royal North Shore Hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
A crime scene was established and police from Northern Beaches Local Area Command commenced an investigation.
Later on Monday evening police attended a home on Pittwater Road where they arrested a 19-year-old man.
He was later released without charge.
Police have been told the 31-year-old man was waiting at the bus stop with a man and a woman prior to the assault.
Officers believe the pair left the bus stop prior to speaking with police.
Police are urging anyone with information to come forward.
A woman has pleaded guilty to domestic violence for biting her partner's nipple and drawing blood after accusing him of having a 'small penis'.
The woman appeared in Maroochydore Magistrate's Court charged with the incident that occurred in a home on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on November 20.
The victim was said to be at home with his three children when the woman began to 'verbally abuse' him, according to the Sunshine Coast Daily.
A woman has pleaded guilty to domestic violence for biting her partner's nipple and drawing blood after accusing him of having a 'small penis'
During the verbal abuse the woman accused the man of having a 'small penis' before tearing off the man's shirt and biting his right nipple.
The court also heard the woman pushed the man's laptop off a table and poured vodka onto it.
The woman's attorney argued she was suffering post natal depression and also had 'severe pelvic inflammation'.
The woman's baby was in a pram beside her as her verdict was read in which she received 12 months probation with no conviction recorded.
Magistrate Haydn Stjernqvist said he had little doubt alcohol was a problem for the woman.
The woman's attorney argued she was suffering post natal depression and also had 'severe pelvic inflammation'
A Michigan mother was accompanied by her husband in court on Thursday after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy.
Brooke L. Lajiness, 38, was arraigned earlier this month on 13 counts including criminal sexual conduct, accosting a minor for immoral purposes and furnishing obscenity to a child.
The affair was exposed by the boy's mother, and Lajiness later reportedly admitted to having sex between eight and 15 times with the boy in the back seat of her car.
Brooke Langiness, right was accompanied by her husband David in court on Thursday after being accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy
Mrs Lajiness reportedly admitted to having sex with the boy between eight and fifteen times in her car
In a Facebook post last month, Lajiness proclaimed her love for her husband David, saying: 'In life, nothing is guaranteed,'
Her affair with the young boy allegedly began last summer, as he was graduating from middle school on to high school
'So finding someone who knows all of your flaws, weaknesses and mistakes and still thinks you're amazing is something to hold onto and never take for granted!'
Her affair with the young boy allegedly began last summer, as he was graduating from middle school on to high school.
Michigan State Police Trooper Donald Pasternak testified that most of the sexual encounters happened in the back of Lajiness' car in a Lima Township driveway.
At her arraignment on March 3, Pasternak testified that he started investigating Lajiness a few weeks before, when the victim's mother walked into a police station and complained that Lajiness was having sex with her son.
Lajiness reportedly confessed later on to having sex with the teen and exchanging the nude pictures.
Police found that she started exchanging photos with the teen while he was still in middle school.
She is also facing an additional charge in relation to the photos.
Brooke posted this photo of the two in June of 2016, around the time that the affair reportedly began
Assistant Washtenaw County Prosecutor John Vella said last week that they are looking into whether they may be more victims.
'This case involves a defendant seeking out minors for sex,' Vella said, according to M Live.
Lajiness' attorney, David I. Goldstein, said prosecutors need to focus on the case at hand.
'He keeps talking about 'minors,' but there's one,' Goldstein said.
Police say she admitted to having sex with the teen and sending nude photos to the boy
Lajiness is currently free after posting $50,000 bail.
As part of her bond conditions, Lajiness is not allowed near school property or around minors except for her own children. She is also not allowed to use computers, social media websites or to drink alcohol or take drugs.
Attorneys argued in court over whether she should be allowed to travel to Toledo to visit her family while she's free on bail. The judge ruled that she should be free to travel there, so long as she lets the court know in advance.
Lajiness is due back in court on March 30 for a probable cause hearing.
Former Spice Girl Mel B is divorcing husband Stephen Belafonte after a tumultuous ten years of marriage, DailyMail.com can reveal. The pair are pictured in July 2016
Former Spice Girl Mel B is divorcing husband Stephen Belafonte after a tumultuous ten years of marriage, DailyMail.com can reveal.
The America's Got Talent star filed divorce papers on Monday signaling an end to a relationship beset with controversy and claims of violent rows.
The 41-year-old - who wed the producer in Las Vegas in 2007 - cited 'irreconcilable differences' in legal papers filed at Los Angeles Superior Court.
Mel listed 'joint custody' in the filing, opting to share responsibility of the couple's five-year-old daughter Madison. Mel has two other children from previous relationships.
The star, who was also a judge on The X Factor UK, is being repped by top family law attorney Susan Wiesner in the divorce.
Wiesner's previous clients have included included Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora in his divorce from actress Heather Locklear, musician Ben Harper in his divorce from Jurassic Park actress Laura Dern, Lara Embry in her divorce from Glee star Jane Lynch and actor Jon Cryer in his divorce with ex-wife, British actress Sarah Trigger.
Marriage has been less than smooth for Mel and Belafonte.
The couple seemed blissfully happy when they renewed their wedding vows with a lavish ceremony in front of their families in November, 2008 in Hurghada, Egypt.
The America's Got Talent said the relationship beset with controversy and claims of violent rows. They are pictured in January 2016 in Beverly Hills
Belafonte was seen cozying up to a mystery girl while the former Spice Girl was performing on Broadway in January
He had his arm wrapped around the woman at the swanky STK restaurant in Manhattan
Mel listed 'joint custody' in the filing, opting to share responsibility of the couple's five-year-old daughter Madison (far left). Mel has two other children from previous relationships (right)
But in 2014 Belafonte cracks began to emerge when the couple was hit with rumors of violent rows with Belafonte accused of physically abusing Mel after she appeared on The X Factor UK with bruises and scratches on her face and arms.
It was reported at the time that Mel had left Belafonte before she was rushed to hospital with stomach pains, which caused her to miss the first live show, during The X Factor final weekend in 2014.
The X Factor judge returned for the last show on December 14, 2014 with a bruised and scratched appearance, sparking worry among fans.
But Belafonte vehemently denied all suggestions of domestic abuse and the couple appeared to patch things up.
Throughout their marriage Mel has had to defend her husband's past.
She jumped to his defense when it emerged that he had battered his common-law wife Nicole during a drunken row at their home in 2003
She submitted the legal documents with her legal name. The star, who was also a judge on The X Factor UK, is being repped by top family law attorney Susan Wiesner in the divorce
The 41-year-old - who wed the producer in Las Vegas in 2007 - cited 'irreconcilable differences' in legal papers filed at Los Angeles Superior Court
The film producer attacked the mother of his daughter Giselle, now 13, in what was described as a 'malicious and unlawful' drunken frenzy.
He did not contest the charge, which the judge said was the same as a guilty plea, and said: 'This happened crazily, one drunk, retarded night.'
He was also accused of vandalizing Nicole's phone by spitting into it but this was dropped.
Later he said he did not realize that he had admitted battering his ex-partner, saying that the admission came at a moment when he was 'confused and stressed'. But this plea was rejected.
While partying with Mel in 2010, Belafonte was involved in a fight with three men at the luxury five star May Fair Hotel.
One man was left needing hospital treatment following the incident.
But Mel stood by her burly husband, claiming he was only acting in her defense.
In 2007 Belafonte admitted killing a mallard with a brick outside his house in the state of New Jersey, but fled to Los Angeles without paying the 300 court fine
Later he told OK magazine: 'Oh, yes, apparently I killed a duck.'
'But I haven't. Sure I got into fights and I did get drunk but I learned from it and I don't do it now.'
In 2014 Belafonte's brother Jeremiah Stansbury blasted the producer as 'violent' and 'ruthless' and urged Mel to leave him.
And he claimed the couple have no prenuptial agreement and are obsessed with porn and sex, alleging that Belafonte showed off their huge range of sex toys.
Belafonte denied his brother's claims to The Sun newspaper.
It's been a tough few weeks for Mel who lost her father Martin Brown to cancer earlier in March.
She posted a poignant picture of flowers, cards and a candle on her Instagram account alongside a heartfelt caption.
'Thank you for everyone's kind gestures and words of support it really does mean a lot,' she wrote. 'If anyone wants to donate to St Gemmas hospice in Leeds, pls feel free to do so. They took such great care of my dad in his last few days on this earth.
'But I no (sic) he is in a better place now and I'm thankful phoenix and I got to hug him tell him how much we love him #restinpeacedaddy.'
Mel shared the sad news with a black and white picture of her and her sister holding her father's hands.
She wrote: 'It is with great sadness after a 5yr battle to multiple myeloma cancer our loving father Martin Brown passed away age 63 peacefully yesterday.'
This is Mel's second divorce, having split with Dutch dancer Jimmy Gulzar in 2000.
They have a daughter together, Phoenix Chi Gulzar, aged 18.
Mel also has a child, Angel, nine, with movie star Eddie Murphy.
On September 1, 2011, Brown gave birth to her third child, daughter Madison Belafonte.
After a 15-year-old boy was rescued from the Central Park pond on Monday afternoon, the New York's emergency services issued a warning to other tourists: there is no such thing as safe ice.
Around 1:13 pm at Swan lake in the southeast corner of Central Park, police had to rescue at 15-year-old boy who had plunged through the pond's ice, reported PIX 11.
This comes after a string of similar incidents with teens falling through ice in Central Park.
On Monday, the New York Fire Department tweeted: 'There is no such thing as safe ice. Be #FDNYSmart, never walk on frozen water. You risk your life and the lives of first responders'
Police said the teen was walking across the ice, which appeared solid, when he fell through.
Two officers nearby responded quickly and rescued him, and he was taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation.
A video shows officers using a red rope-ladder to pull the teen out of the pond, then picking him up and carrying him away from the unsafe ice.
Police said the teen was walking across the ice, which appeared solid, when he fell through
On Monday, the New York Fire Department tweeted: 'There is no such thing as safe ice. Be #FDNYSmart, never walk on frozen water. You risk your life and the lives of first responders.'
Just the day before, on Sunday, two teenagers fell into another icy Central Park pond.
And in February, seven teenagers plunged into a pond after thick-looking ice cracked. Three people saw what happened and jumped in to save those teens.
A double rapist who had a 10,000 sex change operation behind bars has been transferred to a women-only prison, it has been reported.
Martin Ponting, 50, a father-of-three, became Jessica Winfield in jail after being sentenced to life imprisonment in 1995.
She was moved from HMP Whitemoor, in Cambridgeshire, to HMP Bronzefield in Surrey, and is hoping to be released this year, The Sun reported.
Bronzefield is Europe's largest female prison.
The rapist was moved from HMP Whitemoor, in Cambridgeshire, to HMP Bronzefield in Surrey
The revelation has stunned one of her victims who called the decision a 'kick in the teeth'.
Speaking to the Sun, she said: 'There are not enough words to describe him and the evil he has done. It is diabolical they have allowed him to have a sex change and diabolical that he could be freed this year.
'He may have changed physically but his brain is still the same.
'You can change somebody's genitals but it's not going to take away the urge and impulse inside them to do horrific things to children.
'I feel like it mocks the people he offended against. It is a kick in the teeth for me and his other victim.'
Discussing her sexuality in the prisoners' newspaper, Inside Time, in 2007, Winfield claimed she was targeted in prison because of her sexuality.
She said: 'I changed my name to that of a female to prove to the authorities and everyone concerned that I am very serious about my gender and that I do not feel right being a man.
'I feel like a female trapped in a male body.'
But furious campaigners expressed their outrage at the decision.
David Hines, founder of the Victimcare charity, said: 'Support charities are struggling to make ends meet and get no help from the Government, but prisoners get all the luxuries they could possibly ask for.'
Martin Ponting, 50, a father-of-three, became Jessica Winfield in HMP Whitemoor (pictured) after being sentenced to life imprisonment in 1995
Transgender prisoners were permitted to right to have gender surgery in 1999 when kidnapper John Pilley and five other inmates, including a murderer, launched a legal challenge to have surgery on the NHS.
Pilley, who was sentenced to life in jail for the kidnapping of a taxi-driver, Linda Charlesworth, in 1981, became the first prisoner to undergo a sex change.
Then in 2009 a High Court ruling enabled transgender prisoners to transfer to different sex jails.
Prisoners must pass rigorous psychological tests to demonstrate they genuinely want to change sex and are not just seeking special treatment.
Last month it was claimed child killer Ian Huntley wanted a sex change so he could spend his life term in a female prison.
He has also reportedly asked fellow prisoners to refer to him by the female name 'Lian' inside the all-male HMP Frankland.
However a Prison Service spokesman denied he was planning transitioning to switch gender.
Prince Harry whisked Meghan Markle off to the Natural History Museum for a secret late night visit to see the dinosaurs.
The couple, who attended Tom Inskip's riotous wedding bash in Jamaica earlier this month, visited the museum as it was closing on Sunday.
Meghan flew into London from her Toronto base on Thursday and has been staying with Harry at his Kensington Palace home.
The couple attended Tom Inskip's riotous wedding bash in Jamaica earlier this month
Harry has treated his girlfriend Meghan Markle to a romantic after-hours tour at the Natural History Museum in London (pictured)
A source told the Sun: 'Meg had always wanted to go so Harry arranged a private visit.
'It's quite romantic after dark as all the exhibits, including the dinosaurs, are all still lit up.
'And of course, they had it to themselves.'
The visit came after the couple attended the wedding of Tom Inskip, one of Harry's closest friends, often referred to as his 'wingman'.
However the fifth in line slipped away to enjoy a relatively early night with his girlfriend, leaving friends to party on into the early hours.
Harry, 32, has only been dating Meghan since last July but is 'besotted' by the US-born actress and humanitarian, who stars in the hit legal drama Suits.
Harry was given a garland of flowers at the event at the Nepali embassy in London to celebrate 200 years of co-operation between the UK and the tiny Himalayan country
Meghan, who is currently based in Toronto, will start filming the show's next series in April but there are strong rumours she will quit after that in order to concentrate on her relationship with the Queen's grandson and her charity work.
On Monday, Harry praised the 'unbreakable spirit and resilience' of the Nepali people at a ceremony to celebrate 200 years of co-operation between the UK and the tiny Himalayan country.
He was given a garland of flowers at the event at the Nepali embassy in London marking the end of celebrations for the milestone.
Britain's older generations are suffering an epidemic of loneliness, with almost three-quarters describing themselves as lonely, a disturbing study revealed yesterday.
Almost two in five said entire days went by without them speaking to anyone, and nearly half said they had felt lonely for years.
Campaigners warned that many people particularly pensioners were suffering in silence, as the majority had not told their family how they felt.
Almost three-quarters of pensioners describe themselves as lonely. Two in five said days went by without speaking to anyone (file photo)
Of those who reported being lonely, 71 per cent thought their friends or family would be surprised or astonished to hear it.
Bereavement, poor health and living alone were all identified as causes of loneliness, although many respondents said they had felt lonely after retirement or after their children left home.
And charities warned that closures of banks, Post Offices, small shops and libraries could also have a devastating impact on older people who relied on them for social contact.
The results of the survey by social media site Gransnet, whose users have an average age of 62, were revealed as part of the Jo Cox Commission on Loneliness.
The charity-backed commission, set up by the Labour MP before her murder last year, was launched by a cross-party group of MPs earlier this year, and calls on individuals and businesses to do more to tackle isolation amongst the elderly.
Previous research has found loneliness can be as damaging to health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day, with lonely people significantly more likely to visit their GP.
The survey questioned 1,014 over-50s about loneliness in later life. It found that 73 per cent described themselves as feeling lonely some or all of the time.
1.2million older people in Britain are chronically lonely, with half a million over-60s usually spending every day alone (file photo)
Of those 56 per cent said they had never admitted feeling lonely.
Forty-nine per cent said they had felt lonely for years and 59 per cent said they felt lonelier now than when they were younger.
Age UK has previously found that 1.2million older people in Britain are chronically lonely, with half a million over-60s usually spending every day alone.
Tory MP Seema Kennedy, co-chairman of the commission, said: Loneliness is a silent epidemic across the UK ... How we care and act for those around us could mean the difference between an older person just coping and them loving and enjoying later life.
The Tory election expenses scandal deepened last night as a minister was questioned by police over claims he broke electoral law.
Fisheries spokesman George Eustice was interviewed after allegations he failed to declare campaign spending on a battle bus that visited his constituency.
Police have passed a file to prosecutors who will decided if he should be charged. If found guilty of electoral fraud he could lose his seat or go to jail.
Fisheries spokesman George Eustice was interviewed by police over allegations he failed to declare campaign spending on a battle bus that visited his constituency
More than a dozen Tory MPs have been referred to the Crown Prosecution Service over allegations they incorrectly declared visiting battle buses as national expenditure during local campaigns.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said: Investigations into the 2015 General Election expenses returns has now been completed.
As part of our investigations, interviews were conducted with three MPs and their Election Agents. A file is being prepared and will be sent to Crown Prosecution Service for final decision.
A spokesman for Devon and Cornwall Police said three MPs have been interviewed by police. It is believed that Plymouth Devonport MP Oliver Colvile was one of the politicians
The three MPs are understood to be Mr Eustice, North Cornwall MP Scott Mann and Plymouth Devonport MP Oliver Colvile.
A spokesman for Mr Eustice told newspaper the West Briton: Every constituency in the country known to have been visited by volunteers as part of the national battle bus campaign is being reviewed by the police. George provided the police with all the information they requested several months ago.
Mr Eustice last night declined to comment when asked by the Mail to clarify if volunteers had stayed at a hotel in the town.
Mr Mann said: There is an ongoing police investigation and as such Id prefer not to comment, other than to say Ive done nothing wrong and I acted honestly and properly throughout my election campaign. I am happy to co-operate with the police investigation.
Mr Colvile said: The police have undertaken their investigation and I have no idea what their papers say. The matter is with the Crown Prosecution Service now.
It is believed that North Cornwall MP Scott Mann was also interviewed by police. He said: 'Ive done nothing wrong and I acted honestly and properly throughout my election campaign'
I am going to wait with interest to see whether the Crown Prosecution Service prosecute me and my agent or not.
Twelve police forces have passed files to the CPS, who have until June to decide whether to bring charges. A further three forces have ongoing investigations.
Twelve police forces have passed files to the CPS who have until June to decide whether to bring charges. A further three forces have ongoing investigations.
David Cameron has joked that he does not have to listen to U.S. President Donald Trump's wiretapped conversations anymore.
The former British Prime Minister made the comments as he addressed 2,000 people at Rhode Island's Brown University on Monday.
During the speech, Cameron said he was optimistic that shared American and British values of freedom, equality and justice would prevail over nationalism and isolation.
Cameron resigned from his position last year after failing to persuade Britons to remain in the European Union in a public referendum.
David Cameron has joked that he does not have to listen to U.S. President Donald Trump's wiretapped conversations anymore
The Providence Journal reported how Cameron said not having to hear Trump's wiretaps is an advantage of leaving office, adding: 'Just to be clear, that's a joke.'
His quip referenced unsubstantiated White House suggestions British intelligence helped Democratic former President Barack Obama spy on the new President.
The former Conservative MP also drew laughter from the room as he spoke of his relationship with Russian president Vladimir Putin.
He revealed how Putin has invited him to join a horseback hunt, an offer which Cameron said he gracefully declined.
Referencing photos of Putin riding a horse while topless, Cameron added: 'I'm very fond of riding horses, but I don't look quite the same with my shirt off.'
On the day that Britain announced that it would formally begin its exit from the EU on March 29, Cameron also spoke of Brexit.
Despite maintaining his opposition to the move, he said that living with the change was 'not impossible to get right'.
He also added: 'Leaving the European Union does not mean we're leaving Europe.'
Saudi Arabia may be held accountable for the devastation of 9/11 after the families of 800 victims and 1,500 first responders, filed a lawsuit accusing the country of involvement in the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people.
Out of the 19 hijackers of 9/11, 15 of them were from Saudi and three of them had worked for the kingdom previously.
The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Manhattan, says Saudi officials are believed to have aided some of the hijackers before the attacks, according to PIX 11.
Saudia Arabia may be held accountable for the devastation of 9/11 after the families (pictured) of 800 victims and 1,500 first responders, filed a lawsuit accusing the country of involvement in the terror attacks that killed nearly 3,000 people
Out of the 19 hijackers of 9/11, 15 of them were from Saudi and three of them had worked for the kingdom previously. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal court in Manhattan, says Saudi officials are believed to have aided some of the hijackers before the attacks
In the lawsuit, officials of Saudi embassies are accused of helping hijackers Salem Al-Hazmi and Khalid Al-Mihdhar more than a year before the tragedy.
According to PIX 11, the officials allegedly helped Al-Hazmi and Al-Mihdhar learn English and obtain credit cards and cash, as well as taught them how to blend in with the American culture.
Officials at the Saudi embassy in Germany reportedly supported the lead hijacker Mohamed Atta.
The lawsuit, which was filed by aviation law firm Kreindler & Kreindler, alleges that a Saudi official was even in the same hotel in Virginia with hijackers the night before the attacks, according to the station.
The details in the lawsuit were put together from the findings of an FBI investigation into the attacks.
Aviation attorney Jim Kreindler told PIX11 News: 'This lawsuit is a demonstration of the unwavering commitment of the 9/11 families to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its critical role in the 9/11 attacks.'
In the lawsuit, officials of Saudi embassies are accused of helping hijackers Salem Al-Hazmi and Khalid Al-Mihdhar more than a year before the tragedy. Officials allegedly helped Al-Hazmi and Al-Mihdhar learn English and obtain credit cards and cash
The Saudi connection: Fifteen of the 19 who committed the worst ever terror attack on the U.S. were Saudi - a fact which has fueled claims of its government having a role in the attacks. The Saudi nationals were: Top row - left to right: Abdulaziz al-Omari; Wail al-Shehri; Waleed al-Shehri; Satal al-Suqami ; Mohand al-Shehri. Middle - left to right: Hamza al-Ghamdi; Ahmed al-Ghamdi; Hani Hanjour; Khalid al-Mihdhar; Majed Moqed. Bottom, left to right: Nawaf al-Hamzi; Salem al-Hamz; ,Ahmed al-Haznawi; Ahmed al-Nami; Saeed al Ghamdi
The lawsuit asserts that the Saudi royals, who for years had been trying to curry favor with fundamentalists to avoid losing power, were aware that funds from Saudi charities were being funneled to al-Qaida.
The lawsuit spells out how money was transferred from charities in Saudi Arabia to the terror group.
Leader of evil ring: Mohamed Atta was the overall leader of the 9/11 attacks
Charities the lawsuit claims fronted for al-Qaida include the Al-Haramain Islamic Foundation, an organization that was designated by the U.S. as a sponsor of terrorism.
Kreindler maintains that there was a direct link between all the charities and Osama bin Laden and that they operated with the full knowledge of Saudi officials.
Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama resisted efforts to hold Saudi Arabia accountable. The kingdom is a key ally against Iran, and its oil interests are important to the US.
Last September, Obama said congress failed to 'do the right thing' by giving victims of 9/11 and their families the go-ahead to sue Saudi Arabia by vetoing a bill he had introduced.
At the time, he spoke about the congressional decision during a CNN town hall, saying it was an example of when politicians 'have to do something hard'.
'Frankly, I wish Congress here had done what's hard,' Obama said.
'If you're perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that's a hard vote for people to take.
'But it would have been the right thing to do ... And it was, you know, basically a political vote.'
The veto was the first time Obama had been overridden during his time in office, CNN reported.
The Senate voted to overturn Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act. It voted 97 to one against the veto.
Hours later, the House of Representatives voted by a resounding 348-76 to do the same, meaning the Act became law.
Officials at the Saudi embassy in Germany reportedly supported lead hijacker Mohamed Atta. The lawsuit, which was filed by aviation law firm Kreindler & Kreindler, alleges that a Saudi official was even in the same hotel in Virginia with hijackers the night before the attacks
SAUDI: OIL-RICH ALLY Saudi Arabia is the richest and geographically largest Middle Eastern country - and a key US ally. Currently its biggest military role for the US is in the fight against ISIS. It allows overflight of US aircraft from other bases in the Gulf. Withdrawing that co-operation would make air operations against ISIS extremely difficult. Saudi also contributed fighter planes to the effort, basing them in Turkey. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia holds $116 billion in Treasury debt, Bloomberg revealed in 2016 - a tiny fraction of the $1 trillion owned by China. Selling the holdings, something which has been suggested as a response to the Act, would be unlikely to damage the US economy. But private Saudi money is widely invested in the US. Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, a member of the ruling al-Saud family and a billionaire investor has stakes in a huge range of big names just by himself, including Citigroup, 21st Century Fox, and the Plaza Hotel in New York. He is the tip of an iceberg, with billions of privately-invested Saudi cash on Wall Street and beyond. Advertisement
'Overriding a presidential veto is something we don't take lightly, but it was important in this case that the families of the victims of 9/11 be allowed to pursue justice, even if that pursuit causes some diplomatic discomforts,' said Sen Chuck Schumer, the Democratic senior senator from New York at the time.
'It means we'll be able to hold accountable the people who helped murder 3,000 people. At the personal level, this means justice,' Terry Strada, a 9/11 widow who leads the group which as lobbied for the law, told the New York Daily News.
The legislation gave victims' families the right to sue in US court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks.
There have been persistent claims of elements Saudi Arabian involvement - although they have never been tested in court.
The 9/11 commission report's findings on Saudi disclosed that the first major Al-Qaeda figure picked up after the attacks, terror mastermind Abu Zubaydah, had a private number for a company which managed the estate of Saudi's then ambassador to Washington, Prince Bandar.
He also had for an unlisted number for a bodyguard at the Saudi Embassy in Washington in his phonebook, which was seized during the raid in Pakistan in which he was held.
Courts would be permitted to waive a claim of foreign sovereign immunity when an act of terrorism occurs inside US borders, according to the terms of the bill.
Saudi Arabia has objected vehemently to the legislation.
The amount being sought in damages has not been revealed.
The legislation passed in 2016 gave victims' families the right to sue in US court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks. A memorial placed in Union Square Park in NYC
Marine As mother says it would be the best present ever if he was released from prison in time for Mothers Day on Sunday.
Frances Blackmans son Alexander became the countrys most talked-about Royal Marine when he was jailed for life on his mothers 74th birthday after the most controversial episode of the Afghan war.
Yesterday Mrs Blackman spoke of her tears of joy when her sons murder conviction was quashed at the Appeal Court last week. On Friday, judges will consider whether Sgt Blackman can be released from HMP Erlestoke in Wiltshire.
Marine As mother says it would be the best present ever if he was released from prison in time for Mothers Day on Sunday. Pictured, Sgt Blackman, aged 19, flanked by Frances and Brian
If he is re-sentenced to seven or fewer years, he could be released immediately on the basis of time served.
His father, Brian Blackman, will not be there. It was his death shortly before the tour of hell that contributed to Sgt Blackmans mental anguish.
A traffic jam meant he was unable to reach his fathers bedside before he died, and the Appeal Court heard how he had scattered his ashes during leave in July 2011, two months before he snapped on the battlefield.
Sgt Blackman, 42, has spent three and a half years in prison for shooting and killing a wounded Taliban fighter in Helmand province on September 15, 2011.
Last week, after Daily Mail readers raised 800,000 to fund a new appeal, his murder conviction was downgraded to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
The judges ruled the exemplary commando had been suffering combat trauma brought on by quite exceptional stresses, including sleep deprivation, daily Taliban attacks, lack of support from commanders and the recent death of his father.
Yesterday Mrs Blackman spoke of her tears of joy when her sons murder conviction was quashed. Pictured, Alexander Blackman at 24
Yesterday Mrs Blackman, now 77, told the Mail: It has been a terrible time, but now this year at last I can look forward to Mothers Day. Im just keeping my fingers crossed he will get out soon.
It has been tough with things like Christmases and birthdays you just cant take his presents to prison. I have always hoped and prayed for help, and the marvellous people of Britain came to his aid. They all deserve a medal for helping my son.
I want to thank the Daily Mail readers from the bottom of my heart. They realised what Alexander was going through. He was soldiering in a nasty place and doing his best with his men.
Mrs Blackman added: He might be 6ft 3in but he is still my little boy. Alexander would always give me a cuddle. He was always affectionate. When he got his first job, he said he was going to pay for everything from then on. He was a lovely boy.
Mrs Blackman, of Brighton, said that when she heard the news of her sons conviction being quashed: I was crying. Tears were streaming down my face. Ive shed quite a few tears the past few years but these were tears of joy.
She said her son was treating prison just like another tour just this time hes not getting shot at, adding that he had been teaching other prisoners English and maths, working in the prison library and studying for a degree.
She revealed he had struggled with the tragedy of how a traffic jam stopped him being there when his father died. Brian Blackman had also served his country, in the Royal Horse Artillery, where he drove artillery vehicles.
Last week, after Daily Mail readers raised 800,000 to fund a new appeal, his murder conviction was downgraded to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility
Mrs Blackman said: Brian was so proud when Alexander went up in rank [to sergeant]. It would have broken Brians heart to know what happened.
Alexander really struggled with his dads death. He was stuck in the traffic after there was an accident and he couldnt get to the hospital in time to see him. It always ate him up.
Mrs Blackman said of her daughter-in-law, Claire, who led the campaign to get Sgt Blackman released: Claire deserves a medal. It can be hard for a mum to give up her boy to another woman, but when you see what Claire has done for him, you cant have any doubt how much she loves him.
Mrs Blackman has seen the grim video footage of her son taking a mans life, and said: I was shocked that he did what he did. But I firmly believe he felt he was looking after his troops. He promised the mums of the other Marines that he would look after their sons.
Its life and death. Every time they went out on patrol they didnt know if they were going to be blown to pieces. You are living on your nerves. Alexander would have put himself in danger rather than anyone else.
Some women think being wolf-whistled is 'wonderful', according to one Australian senator.
One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts said sexual harassment laws were excessive and called for a reform to accommodate verbal sexual harassment.
The far right politician from Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party made the controversial comments during an interview with ABC Radio National on Monday night.
One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts said sexual harassment laws were excessive and called for a reform to accommodate verbal sexual harassment
Senator Roberts told radio presenter Patricia Karvelas: 'Some girls think that that is wonderful, they, you know, they smile'.
'Is a wolf-whistle harassment? It depends upon the person,' he said.
Ms Karvelas went on to ask Senator Roberts if he thought sexual harassment laws went too far in protecting women.
Senator Roberts (right) is a Queensland senator in Pauline Hanson's One Nation Party (left)
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson pictured listening to One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts speaking in the senate chamber on Monday
'When it comes to verbal (sexual harassment), as I said before, yeah (the laws go too far),' he said.
When Ms Karvelas asked the senator if he would support a law reform around sexual harassment laws, he conceded he was not familiar with the laws at all.
'I haven't seen the sexual harassment laws, so I'd need to read them first,' he said.
Senator Roberts came under fire for his controversial comments, sending Twitter users into a frenzy.
A transcript of the interview was posted to Twitter on Monday night, sending users into a frenzy
One Nation leader Senator Pauline Hanson and One Nation Senator Malcolm Roberts
'I've just worked this out. Malcolm Roberts is a troll. Every crackpot idea, or nutty stunt is just a cry for attention. Kind of sad,' one Twitter user said.
'What I like is that Malcolm Roberts keeps giving me more reasons to hate him with a fire that burns hotter than the sun. Utterly disgusting,' another man said.
One woman compared women's enjoyment of the wolf whistle to how much men enjoyed being 'kicked in the nuts'.
Australian Greens party member Janet Rice also weighed in, dubbing the One Nation senator 'another self-appointed expert on how women feel about sexual harassment'.
Others found it hard to believe the senator could comment on the laws considering he was not familiar with them.
What is sexual harassment? Sexual harassment occurs if someone 'makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours' or if a person 'engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature' 'Conduct of a sexual nature' includes making a statement of a sexual nature to a person, or in the presence of a person, whether the statement is made orally or in writing. - Sex Discrimination Act 1984 Advertisement
'Malcolm Roberts says the sexual harassment laws go too far, but also admits he hasn't seen them the bloke is barking,' one man said.
Labor MP Linda Burney even chimed in with a short but suscinct response to Senator Roberts' claim the sexual harassment laws went too far.
With a three-word Tweet, Ms Burney simply said: 'No they don't'.
The tweet resonated with her followers.
'Best to treat him like the village idiot and ignore everything he says,' one man said.
One woman said: 'sometimes we smile because it doesn't feel safe doing anything to stop the harassment. What a Neanderthal.'
Kavonceya Iman Cornelius, 42, is facing second-degree murder charges after performing unlicensed silicone injections on a transgender teen, causing her death
A North Carolina woman is facing second-degree murder charges after performing unlicensed silicone injections on a transgender teen, causing her death.
Kavonceya Iman Cornelius, 42, who is also transgender, performed the fake plastic surgery on 19-year-old Symone Marie Jones - born Eugene Jones II.
Jones died after receiving the 'off-market' implants from Cornelius at her Salisbury home, which poisoned her blood and killed her.
Jones' family said that on January 5 she traveled to Cornelius' home on the 500 block of Union Heights Boulevard in Salisbury to receive the implants.
She died just a few days later on January 12.
Cornelius was using non-medical grade silicone and was not licensed to perform the procedure.
Jones died after receiving the 'off-market' implants from Cornelius which poisoned her blood and killed her
Video courtesy of FOX 46:
Jones believed that Cornelius was operating with a 'concierge service' for a licensed plastic surgeon operating out of Charlotte.
A GoFundMe set up to support memorial costs said that Jones died after the silicone 'cut her lungs and caused internal bleeding'.
An unknown individual has been operating Jones' Facebook page since her death, and posted a medical summary with the caption: 'Beware of "off market" injections people. It can cost you your life.'
Jones' family said that on January 5 she traveled to Cornelius' home on the 500 block of Union Heights Boulevard in Salisbury to receive the implants
An unknown individual has been operating Jones' Facebook page since her death, and posted a medical summary with the caption: 'Beware of "off market" injections people. It can cost you your life'
She reportedly began transitioning into a woman last year and received breast implants from a licensed doctor in Miami.
Symone's mother Sandra Harmon said she fully supported the decision to transition, and knew from the time her then-son was two years old that he was more prone to femininity.
She told WTVD that she plead with her daughter not to receive the injections off the market because the unlicensed 'doctors' were potentially dangerous.
Police were tipped off in February about Cornelius' botched plastic surgery by another one of her transgender victims, who received 15 silicone butt injections from her, according to the Salisbury Post.
Symone's mother Sandra Harmon said she fully supported the decision to transition, and knew from the time her then-son was two years old that he was more prone to femininity
Kaniya Eboni Bernard, 29, said that after receiving her last injection from Cornelius, she experienced problems breathing, and went to the hospital.
Doctors told her that the faulty silicone had traveled from the injection site, through a vein, and into her lungs.
She now experiences 'very serious health problems,' police say.
Cornelius reportedly surrendered to police and is being held without bond at Rowan County Detention Center. Her first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday.
Matt Brittin, Google's European boss, sparked fresh anger by saying the sums involved in financing hate were pennies not pounds
Google bosses finally apologised for financing hate yesterday but sparked fresh anger by saying the sums involved were pennies not pounds.
In another day of shame for the technology giant, it tried to downplay the impact of adverts placed alongside extremist videos on its YouTube website which make money for their creators.
And in a move which angered MPs, Google repeatedly refused to say whether it would actively root out vile content.
Matt Brittin, the firms European boss, told a London advertising conference yesterday: I want to start by saying sorry. We apologise when anything like that happens. We dont want it to happen and you dont want it to happen, and we take responsibility for it.
But he added: Ive spoken to ... some brands that are affected. In general Ive found that it has been a handful of impressions and pennies not pounds.
Household names and Government departments have been horrified after an investigation found their adverts running alongside YouTube videos by Islamic State preachers and white supremacists.
Google, whose motto is Dont be evil, hands a slice of the revenue generated by adverts to the user who posted the content.
According to independent marketing experts, extremists have made around 250,000 from advertising on YouTube.
The notorious Egyptian cleric Wagdi Ghoneims YouTube channel has raised 63,500 after being watched 31million times.
MPs reacted furiously to Mr Brittins mealy-mouthed mea culpa, saying: This apology from Google doesnt go far enough.
Yvette Cooper, Labour chairman of the home affairs select committee, said: They still dont seem to have woken up to the seriousness and toxicity of some of the videos they are still hosting and their own responsibility to deal with that. They need to say whether they will be paying back any of that advertising revenue, and to answer our questions on what more they are doing to root out extremism or illegal activity.
The notorious Egyptian cleric Wagdi Ghoneims YouTube channel (pictured) has raised 63,500 after being watched 31million times
The huge sums earned and spent by Google, now one of the world's largest companies
It isnt enough for Google to respond only when their advertising revenues take a hit.
They are one of the biggest and most powerful companies on the planet. They can afford to do far more, far faster.
The advertisers trade body, ISBA, agreed that Googles apology fell short, saying: Let us be clear, it has not gone far enough.
Whatever Googles editorial policy, advertising should only be sold against content that is safe for brands and if it is serious about tackling this it needs to increase its enforcement and support capabilities urgently.
It added that Google should stop selling advertising space on YouTube until it can guarantee brands that it is safe. Meanwhile, Google bosses yesterday tied themselves in knots to dodge questions about whether the firm will pay staff to actively look for offensive videos.
Executive Peter Barron admitted last week that the web giant does not employ a single person to root out hate speech on YouTube. But yesterday Mr Brittin refused to confirm this, or to say whether Google would consider hiring staff to look for extreme content.
Yvette Cooper, Labour chairman of the home affairs select committee, said Google hasn't grasped the toxicity of some of the videos
In a farcical episode at the AdWeek Europe conference, he ducked the question four times either ignoring it or changing the subject. He said three times that Google was reviewing its policies, the controls it gives to advertisers and its enforcement practices. But he stubbornly refused to say whether this might include staff to proactively find hate videos.
Currently, users can flag inappropriate content themselves.
Google bosses have already been hauled into the Cabinet Office and given a dressing down over the scandal. The firm places adverts using computer algorithms rather than human judgment. Users posting videos on the site take a cut of revenue worth up to 6.15 for every 1,000 views.
Pressure on Google grew last night as Go Ape, which runs assault courses, became the latest brand to boycott YouTube adverts. In all, more than 250 firms have blocked advertising with Google, including Volkswagen, Tesco, Toyota, Heinz and ITV, which all announced suspensions yesterday. They followed Marks & Spencer, Channel 4, HSBC, Lloyds, RBS, McDonalds, LOreal, Audi, the BBC, O2, Royal Mail and Dominos. The Government has also suspended its YouTube adverts.
Lord Best, chairman of the Lords communications committee, said he believed Google had the technology to banish hate speech from its platform if it wanted to.
n Google and Facebook should be forced to apply the strictest privacy controls and age settings as default, peers have claimed.
The technology giants have been dragging their feet over child controls, and should be forced to sign up to a code of conduct, the House of Lords communications committee said. This would make child-friendly content filters standard, and stop the firms gathering information about users locations without permission.
Experts insist ads on hate videos could have earned 5,000
By TOM KELLY FOR THE DAILY MAIL
Google insists advertisers only hand extremists pennies for their videos.
But some hate-filled posts are believed to have raked in thousands of pounds, according to online marketing experts.
The person who posted one virulently anti-semitic video accusing Jews of slaughtering American children could have pocketed over 5,000, with the internet giant also making almost as much itself.
Google typically pays up to about 6.15 for every 1,000 views an advert attracts on its video-sharing website YouTube, although it said the figure is often lower.
The company also takes a cut, although it said the majority of the advertising revenue goes to the video maker.
Google executive Matt Brittin said that in most cases the sums involved were pennies not pounds.
However the video, called Blood sacrifice for McDonalds, received 915,000 views before it was removed, according to The Times. This would have made it over 5,600 if it was receiving the top rate of advertising revenue. The post features a hoax rabbi revelling in a description of how Jews kill American children as a sacrifice and sell their carcases to be made into burgers. Other copies of the video were still on the site yesterday with thousands of hits.
In a grim irony, one version of the video which had 273,724 views, had an embedded advert for www.vizeat.com, which describes itself as the favourite website of gourmet travellers. Other extremists posting on YouTube have also have massive followings which are likely to bring in far more than pennies. Videos posted by David Duke, the US white nationalist, anti-semitic conspiracy theorist, and former Imperial wizard of the Ku Klux Klan, have been viewed 100,000 times.
YouTube announced in 2007 that it would start paying a slice of advertising revenue to people who posted on the site. Many respectable video bloggers have cashed in, with beauty blogger Zoella, real name Zoe Sugg, earning a reported 50,000 a month from her 11.6million YouTube followers.
Mr Brittin apologised for the extremist videos but, having spoken to advertisers, did not believe the sums were large.
Those that I have spoken to, by the way, we have been talking about a handful of impressions and pennies not pounds of spend thats in the case of the ones Ive spoken to at least, he said.
However small or big the issue, its an important issue that we address.
Senior judicial analyst for Fox News Judge Andrew Napolitano has reportedly been pulled from the network after making a number of controversial claims.
The former New Jersey Supreme Court judge wrote a lengthy opinion piece on the Fox News website referencing 'unknown sources' who told him that British Intelligence wiretapped Donald Trump's phones at the request of Barack Obama.
His unsubstantiated claims forced Fox to publicly backtrack - and Napolitano has not been seen on the network since the post was published on Thursday.
The former New Jersey Supreme Court judge wrote a lengthy opinion piece on the Fox News website referencing 'unknown sources' who told him that British Intelligence wiretapped Donald Trump's phones at the request of Barack Obama
Napolitano said in his article that the United Kingdom's Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) 'most likely' listened in on Trump's conversations and provided former President Obama with transcripts of his conversations.
He continued: 'Obama would not have needed a warrant to authorize surveillance on Trump. Obama was the president and as such enjoyed authority under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act to order surveillance on any person in America, without suspicion, probable cause or a warrant.'
He attributed his knowledge backing Trump's wiretapping claims to 'unknown sources,' the LA Times reported.
Johnson is the same man who propagated the baseless claim that Michelle Obama used a racial slur against white people that was caught on camera
However, it was previously revealed that Larry C. Johnson, a former CIA intelligence officer, was one of the 'unknown sources' who told Napolitano that Obama used the GCHQ to spy on Trump.
Johnson is the same man responsible for the baseless rumor that former First Lady Michelle Obama used a racial slur against white people that was caught on camera.
On the Fox program 'MediaBuzz,' a statement from the Judge was read, in which he said he 'reported what the sources told me, reported it accurately and I do believe the substance of what they told me.'
The GCHQ responded to Napolitano's claims on the same day, and called the statements 'nonsense' which were 'utterly untrue and should be ignored'.
News began to circulate about Napolitano's rumored dismissal after his noticeable absence during Fox's coverage of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, something he would usually be actively involved in.
Fox News anchor Shepard Smith on Friday was forced to distance the network from Napolitano's claims, saying: 'Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time, in any way.'
Fox News declined to comment.
A man wanted over a triple stabbing at a Sydney gym is refusing to budge from a residential rooftop in Newcastle after spending more than nine hours in a stand-off with police.
In a surprise twist, it's been revealed the man also allegedly stole a car owned by Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver before climbing on to the roof of the townhouse in Tighes Hill around midday Tuesday.
Nine News reports that the man in question is believed to be Ricky Kinchela, a young father-of-one who was released from jail just two months ago after close to a decade behind bars for armed robberies and police pursuits.
Mr Kinchela, 27, is reportedly a diagnosed schizophrenic who has not taken his prescribed medication in months.
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A man allegedly behind a triple-stabbing at a Sydney gym and a service station robbery rampage is refusing to get down from a rooftop surrounded by police
It's believed the man is Ricky Kinchela, 27, a diagnosed schizophrenic who was released from jail two months ago after almost a decade behind bars for armed robberies
Three men were stabbed at a fitness centre in Brookvale in the Northern Beaches about 8pm on Monday, before the alleged attacker fled in a stolen BMW.
The same man is believed to have then allegedly carried out two armed robberies at service stations in Newcastle later that night, NSW Police said.
Some residents of the street weren't being allowed inside their homes on Tuesday night with several roads blocked off for the police operation as the man refused to come down from the roof.
With the sun setting, police were using large spotlights on the man as he wandered on the roof in just a pair of shorts.
Sam Phillip Harrison, a resident in Mayfield, had finished work to find the scene with several ambulances, police cars and the operation in full swing.
He said the man didn't appear angry and wasn't responding to police.
"He doesn't look aggravated," Mr Harrison told AAP.
"He looks scarily calm about the whole thing."
Police said they would wait all night.
"We'll negotiate with him as long as it takes," Newcastle police crime manager Detective Inspector Peter Mahon told Fairfax Media.
Mr Kinchela has been standing on top of the roof in the north-west suburb of Tighes Hill in a standoff with police that started at midday on Tuesday. NSW Police confirmed he remained there as of 9.30pm
Three men were taken to Royal North Shore hospitalised after they were stabbed at a gym on Pittwater Road in Brookvale in Sydney's Northern Beaches
The first service station robbery occurred at Sandgate about 9.45pm when a man threatened a female worker, 38, with a knife and smashed the cash register.
He forced the register open and fled with the cash in the stolen BMW.
About 15 minutes later, at 10pm, a man walked into a second service station on Maitland Road and placed two chocolates on the counter.
Officers remain at the scene negotiating with Mr Kinchela, who is believed to be behind the violent crime spree
A man stumbles to the ground in CCTV footage of the Brookvale stabbing
The alleged attacker fled the scene in a stolen BMW and has been connected to two armed robberies in Newcastle later on Monday night (scene at the gym pictured)
As the 24-year-old employee opened the till the man jumped onto the counter and produced a knife while demanding cash.
The employee complied and the man ran from the store and fled the service station with the stolen cash and car, police said.
Officers responding to the armed robbery saw the stolen vehicle leaving the service station and pursued; however it managed to evade police.
No-one was injured during the robberies.
The alleged attacker fled the scene in a stolen BMW (scene at the gym is pictured)
Emergency services are pictured at the scene in Brookvale after three men were stabbed shortly after 8pm on Monday
The gym on Pittwater Road in Brookvale, Sydney's Northern Beaches, is pictured on Monday night
A crime scene was established at both service stations as police from Newcastle City conduct further inquiries.
The registration plate of the vehicle and description of the man matches that from the triple stabbing at the gym on Pittwater Road.
In that incident, he entered the gym 'agitated and aggressive' about 8pm and approached four men and a trainer.
The man allegedly punched one of the men before producing a knife and stabbing three of the men, who were all taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.
The victims were named as Nicholas Worsley, 26, Daniel Fernandez, 29, and David Burns, 31.
Mr Fernandez was stabbed eight times in the neck and ear, the Daily Telegraph reported.
A distressed woman is pictured speaking on the phone at the scene of the stabbing
The man allegedly punched one of the men before producing a knife and stabbing three of the men (scene pictured)
One of the men was taken straight in for surgery. All three, aged 26, 29 and 31, are now in a stable condition
One of the men was taken straight in for surgery. All three, aged 26, 29 and 31, are now in a stable condition.
The trainer managed to escape injury.
Police are appealing for anyone who may see the vehicle, a black BMW with NSW registration DKK 39Q, or has any information that may assist the investigation, to contact either Newcastle City or Northern Beaches police.
Sky News presenter Adam Boulton shocked a Conservative MP when he swore during a live interview.
The Sky News anchor was discussing calls for Britain to commit more special forces to Libya with Tory MP Kwasi Kwarteng when he used the colourful language.
It followed a report by the Conservative Middle East council which criticised the government's policy in Libya.
Adam Boulton shocked Tory MP Kwasi Kwarten when he swore during a live interview
Boulton argued the war-torn country was in crisis because of the 'half-hearted' intervention by Britain, the US and France following the fall of Gaddafi.
Kwarteng, the Conservative MP for Spelthorne in Surrey, then made reference to Obama's comments last year when he attacked Cameron for his inaction in Libya in 2011.
At that point, Boulton said he (Obama) 'described it as a 's*** show''.
Surprised by the intervention, Kwarteng, a former financial analyst, said: 'Yeshe did, I wasn't going to use those words, but yes, thank you very much.'
He added: 'He said that and our foreign select committee also had some pretty harsh words to say about what the government was doing.
'This report isn't trying to reverse that history, there's a big problem there now and we need a slight change in tact if we're going to deal with it.'
Boulton argued Libya was in crisis because of the 'half-hearted' intervention by Britain, the US and France in 2011
Boulton closed the interview by apologising to viewers for swearing live on air.
He said: 'and apologises to anyone offended by my quoting or President Obama there.'
Energy firms are using doorstep salesmen to sign up customers despite alarming past malpractice.
The six biggest power giants stopped using the tactic five years ago following allegations that commission-hungry agents were misleading householders.
However a number of small energy firms or brokers working for them are now using the discredited method. Salesmen working for at least ten firms are said to be knocking on more than 500,000 doors a month. The firms, which are generally cheaper than the big six, insist their salesmen are giving accurate information on price.
Energy firms are using doorstep salesmen to sign up customers despite alarming past malpractice. File image
Doorstep selling fell into disrepute after it emerged people were being misled about savings and were even being switched to more expensive tariffs. In some cases, signatures were forged and customers were switched without their permission.
The scandal damaged public trust in the idea of switching supplier, with more than 60 per cent of households now sitting on expensive standard variable tariffs. At the weekend Theresa May indicated the Government would act to curtail the deals.
The big six British Gas, SSE, Eon, Npower, EDF and Scottish Power no longer seek new customers with doorstep sales after some were hit with huge fines.
However, Scottish Power did suggest returning to the tactic in a submission to an inquiry into the energy sector by the Competition & Markets Authority. Some small suppliers such as Octopus Energy and Utilita are using their own doorstep agents.
Ann Robinson, a former chairman of the consumer body EnergyWatch, said the cost of doorstep sales was passed on to households.
And Dale Vince, founder of the green energy firm Ecotricity, complained doorstep sales were rife with abuse and bad practice and should be banned. The industry regulator Ofgem says such selling is legal as long as the deals are marketed in a fair, transparent, appropriate and professional manner. It is currently investigating Economy Energy and E over mis-selling claims.
Greg Jackson, founder of Octopus Energy, said its doorstep agents use iPads to provide accurate savings estimates, track movements and audio-record all sales.
We have created technology that dramatically improves the control we have over exactly what happens on the doorstep. This is a route to saving ten million households from overpaying by 200 a year, he said.
Michael Brady, 83, of Albany died Saturday at his home. A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 27, at Fisher Funeral Home with full military honors and a reception to follow.
The NSW Police Minister has apologised after he was caught illegally using a mobile phone to take photographs behind the wheel.
Dubbo MP Troy Grant took to Twitter to post a snap he took at a road works site of a sheep riding inside a car boot. The image was then passed onto his office.
The ex-police inspector has since admitted to breaking the law and asked police to slap him with a fine.
The NSW Police Minister took to Twitter to post a snap of a sheep riding inside a car boot
Dubbo MP Troy Grant took to Twitter to post the snap he took at a road works site with this accompanying caption
The former deputy premier faces a $325 fine and four demerit points, in what serves as the latest in a spate of driving offences by NSW politicians.
It was recently revealed newly appointed tourism minister Adam Marshall has 17 speeding offences, including several speeding offences and a drink-driving charge.
The image was accompanied by the text: 'Heading home on the Newell stopped at upgrade works and then saw this. A ewe in the back out on a Saturday drive!'.
'Sitting stationary with the engine off at a road works site is no excuse to use a mobile phone,' Police Minister Troy Grant told Daily Mail Australia.
'As Police Minister I work hard to promote road safety and work with the police to campaign for better driver behaviour, including most recently for the launch of Operation Westforce.'
'Ive contacted the NSW Police to issue me with any appropriate infringement notice, and I hope my experience can serve as a reminder to others.'
The ex-police inspector has confessed to breaking the law and asked police to slap him with an infringement notice
Former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard has been named the next head of Beyond Blue, taking over from chairman Jeff Kennett.
On Tuesday, Ms Gillard announced she would be starting at the mental health advocacy organisation from July 1 after being elected unanimously by the board of directors.
Ms Gillard said her 'passion' for awareness of mental health issues started with her father, who worked for decades as a psychiatric nurse.
Former Labor prime minister Julia Gillard has been named the next head of Beyond Blue, taking over from chairman Jeff Kennett (both pictured at the announcement on Tuesday)
Ms Gillard said her 'passion' for awareness of mental health issues started with her father John (both pictured in 2010), who worked for decades as a psychiatric nurse
'That was in the days when mental health wasn't talked about, when people who were being treated were in hospitals behind high walls, and people didn't want to talk about it and didn't want to think about it,' she said.
When Ms Gillard takes over she will become the first former prime minister to run a not-for-profit organisation since Malcolm Fraser launched CARE Australia in 1987.
'Beyond Blue is such an important organisation to the Australian community and I do feel a special sense of delight at having been selected to lead it'.
'But it will be good to have a cause where I can bring the attention that comes with being a former Prime Minister to bear and advocate for the things that Beyond Blue so strongly believes in,' she said.
Ms Gillard, who retired from politics in 2013, posted the news to the her Twitter page on Tuesday, thanking her predecessor for his 'trust and support'
On Tuesday, Ms Gillard announced she would be starting at the mental health advocacy organisation from July 1
Ms Gillard, who retired from politics in 2013, posted the news to the her Twitter page on Tuesday, thanking her predecessor for his 'trust and support'.
Mr Kennett admitted he will miss the role after having worked with the organisation for 17 years, but said Ms Gillard is the 'ideal' person to lead.
'Beyond Blueis part of my DNA,' Mr Kennett said. 'Outside my family, it has been my most important role.
'I'll miss it, but I'll miss it less knowing that in Julia's hands the organisation will go from strength to strength'.
Ms Gillard's father John passed away in 2012 at age 83. He worked as a psychiatric nurse after moving his family to Australia from Wales in 1966.
Ms Gillard retired from politics in 2013 and is pictured here at the Cosmopolitan Women of the Year awards in November
Blood has been left inside smashed glass cages after four snakes were stolen from a reptile store in Adelaide's north.
Police are investigating the theft which occurred between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning at Wild About Reptiles in Salisbury North.
One of the stolen snakes is an 'unfriendly' black-headed python, which is strong enough to break a person's arm, owner Tamara Edwards told Daily Mail Australia.
Police are investigating the theft of four snakes which occurred between Sunday afternoon and Monday morning at Wild About Reptiles in Salisbury North
The stolen snakes were a black-headed python, carpet python, woma juvenile and an albino het jag
One of the stolen snakes is an 'unfriendly' black-headed python, which is strong enough to break a person's arm
'The python is not the friendliest snake so we don't know how she will respond in the wrong hands,' she said.
'She may get aggressive - they bite and wrap around to try and take their prey down.
'She is a big snake and can easily break someone's arm.'
Miss Edwards and Martin White discovered the break-in on Monday morning and suspect the intruder is injured, after finding blood inside the snake cages.
The stolen snakes were a black-headed python, carpet python, woma juvenile and an albino het jag.
Miss Edwards said the black-headed python has been her pet for the past year and was not part of the stock.
Drops of blood have been left inside the snake cages surrounded by smashed glass
Crime Scene investigators have examined the scene, however they are no closer to finding out who is responsible, or how many people were involved
Although the black-headed python is non-venomous, the breed of snake is known to be aggressive, Miss Edwards said.
'We had to put a lot of time and effort into calming her down and making her a bit more social.
'It's been a massive dedication. She is part of our family.
'We feel ill and are very upset that one of our snakes we love has been taken.'
Friends came to the aid of Miss Edwards and Mr White and they re-opened the store at 1pm on Monday.
Miss Edwards said the theft could have been worse, as there are 140 reptiles in the store.
'We just hope the snakes are returned as quickly as possible and that they're not injured.'
Crime Scene investigators have examined the scene, however they are no closer to finding out who is responsible, or how many people were involved.
Store owner Tamara Edwards said the theft could have been worse, as there are 140 reptiles in the store.
The wife of a former Marine sergeant who fell to his death in a tragic mining accident has lashed out at Australian Army for delaying his job application.
Nathaniel Beesley, 32, was working for the Tasmanian Savage River mine to provide for his family while awaiting for an interview with the Australian Defence Force (ADF).
The devoted father - who moved to Australia with his wife, Katie, and their two sons from England last year - died on Friday after he worked at the mine's north pit.
His distraught widow, who lives on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, has now accused ADF of stringing him along after being told for nine months 'he had already been selected for an interview'.
Katie Beesley has lashed out at Australian Army for delaying her husband's job application
Nathaniel Beesley, 32, (pictured) fell to his death while working at a mining site on Friday
His distraught widow has now accused Australian Defence Force of stringing him along after being told for nine months 'he had already been selected for an interview'
'His dream to serve Australia and yet doing nothing, why were assurances being made and nothing was actually done?' she wrote to the Defence's Facebook page.
'I want answers from those who run the recruitment process. Because at some point in the future I need to explain to my four-year-old and one-year-old why he was treated so badly.'
An Australian Defence Force spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Defence is enquiring into the circumstances described in your request.
'In the interim, it would be inappropriate for Defence to comment on a specific case.'
Her complaint comes as former colleagues pay tribute on social media to the father-of-two nicknamed 'Bees', who completed two tours of Afghanistan.
Former Royal Marine Sergeant Lee West took to Facebook to reminisce the moment Mr Beesley broke the news to him after he had decided to leave the military.
'I vividly remember the pact we made on the train to the Royal Marines training camp... we would only leave if they threw us out or if in an ambulance,' Mr West wrote along with a collection of photographs.
Military colleagues side by side as they celebrated Mr Beesley and his wife's wedding in the UK
The devoted father moved to Australia with his wife and their two sons from England last year
'Quitting was never an option for this man... not then, not on 40 Commando's tour from hell in Afghanistan and not when he moved to Australia last year to provide a better life for his beautiful family.
'I remember him ringing me in sorrow to tell me he was leaving the Marines, such was our plan from the early days to run a company together one day... thinking he had let me down and explaining his desire to get the best life for Katie and the boys.'
Mr West described his close friend as a 'warrior' and recalled the moment the pair cleaned the floor in their pants while listening to Phil Collins.
'As a Marine he was effortlessly brilliant, totally suited. As a Sergeant he loved his lads,' he wrote.
'He was a warrior, and I knew that from the early days in our training in 2003. Especially when we would mop the floor at 6am in our pants listening to Phil Collins.
'I've never had a crossed word with him and never heard a person say a bad word about him. I'm devastated that Katie and the boys have lost their hero, beyond words.'
A Marine fell to his death in a tragic mining accident, leaving behind a wife and two sons
The 32-year-old had recently moved to Australia from the UK with his wife and two sons
He was taking on the work at the mine to provide for his family while he awaited a transfer to the Australian Army
Distraught family and friends have set up a GoFundMe page, with more than $23,500 raised for his family.
Josephine Gladwin, who set up the page, wrote: 'An amazing father to two young beautiful boys, words cannot express the heartache.
'His dream for them was to make a life in Australia.
'A UK Royal Marine with two tours of Afghanistan, Nathaniel was taking other work to provide for his family, whilst awaiting transfer to the Australian Army when his life was cut short leaving an enormous void.'
She added: 'An incredible friend to so many, his loss is devastating and we hope to raise funds to show our support to his young family and help in some small way through this terribly sad time.'
WorkSafe Tasmania is investigating the circumstances behind the death, the Sunshine Coast Daily reported.
Mr Beesley (pictured with his wife Katie) was a UK Royal Marine who completed two tours of Afghanistan
It was the fourth mining-related death on the state's west coast since 2013.
Australian Workers Union assistant secretary Robert Flanagan said it was understood that Mr Beesley was working in the north pit of the mine when he fell.
'It's the union's understanding that the contractors were engaged in scaling operations in part of the mine's operations, he told ABC.
'Scaling operations are undertaken to ensure that loose material can't be dislodged from a work area.
'Any workplace fatality is a tragedy and the union's thoughts are clearly with the family and friends of the deceased worker and we continue to endeavour to ensure that workplaces are as safe as possible.'
A young woman says she would rather go into debt to travel the world than save money to buy a house in Sydney.
Sarah Wehbe, 21, spent up to $15,000 of her savings to go travelling around Europe with her friends last year hitting London, Amsterdam, Ibiza, the Amalfi Coast, Mykonos, Beirut and more over the course of seven weeks.
She says she and her friends did their best to keep to their budget - staying in some hostels along the way - but splurged at other opportunities including paying for a five-star hotel in Santorini.
Ms Wehbe, who spent three years working full-time as an accounts manager before recently quitting to start studying a property economics course at the University of Technology Sydney, said she was already planning her next European vacation.
Sarah Wehbe (pictured in New York City) says she would rather get into debt to travel than save up for a house
And while she's planning to fund it with the remainder of her savings, she says she would be willing to borrow about $10,000 from the bank to pay for future travel.
She says she and her friends see travel as a realistic goal in life, much more so than buying a home in the city.
Ms Wehbe says she is lucky to be able to not make home ownership a priority as she lives with her parents and three of her four siblings in Parramatta, in Sydney's west.
'I'm lucky that I get to live with my parents at the moment so I would rather save as much as I can to spend on travel,' she told Daily Mail Australia.
The 21-year-old (left, in Capri, Italy, with a friend) lives at home with her family in Sydney
The property economics student (above, in Mykonos) said she would consider borrowing money to fund her travels
'At the moment, my plan is to invest what I can into travelling.'
But Ms Wehbe says she does intend to get on the property market eventually but would never sacrifice her exotic vacations to do it.
She says she would only be able to consider buying property in the city's western suburbs for about $800,000 because of Sydney's notoriously expensive housing market.
'In around three years, I would start focusing on getting a house but realistically, with the housing market, I would not be able to get anything in the city,' Ms Wehbe said.
'I think that the younger generation are realising that the housing market is a lot less affordable for us.
Ms Wehbe (above, in Positano, Italy) says travelling is a more realistic goal for millenials
She says she does intend to get on the property ladder eventually but would never sacrifice exotic vacations
'It's better to spend money on travelling as it's a more realistic goal for us.
'My parents didn't have the opportunity to leave home and save money for expensive flights, so my friends and I just want to get out of Sydney when they can.'
She added even when she would have to spend the majority of her income with mortgage repayments, she would still travel regularly.
'Travel will never not be a goal for me,' Ms Wehbe said.
'It's something I don't want to ever give up.
'It's such a knowledgeable experience, it's good for the heart.'
Ms Wehne (above, in New York) said Sydney's expensive housing markets means she will never be able to afford a home in the city
The young woman (pictured in California's Yosemite National Park) said travel is a more enriching experience for millenials
The 21-year-old spent up to $15,000 on a seven-week tour around Europe with friends last year
Ms Wehbe said they stayed in budget accommodation in some places but splashed out on a five-star hotel in Santorini (pictured)
The student (above, with mates during a visit to Croatia) said she and her friends all prioritise travelling over saving for the future
Ms Wehbe is not the only young Australian who values travelling over financial security.
A new study revealed more than a third of 18 to 21-year-olds would go into debt to travel.
The figure is even higher among 22 to 36-year-olds, with 39 per cent saying they would do so, according to the Contiki Youth Evolution Report 2017.
Travel remains the top priority for young Aussies, with three out of four 18 to 21-year-olds saying they want to travel more.
She says she spent the money she earned from working the past few years to fund her holidays. Pictured above, in Dubai
The 21-year-old says travelling is a realistic goal for the younger generation. Above, during a visit to the Grand Canyon in Arizona
The well-travelled young woman (above, during a trip to San Francisco) isn't the only young Aussie who wants to travel more - a study showed three out of four share her philosophy
'Travel is a goal that young Australians put high on their priority list and [the study] reinforces that young people want to gather experiences, rather than material things,' Contiki's managing director Katrina Barry said.
'Travel is seen as the gateway to experience the new and open their minds for the challenges ahead.'
The report also found that for many millennials, owning their own home remains a dream with average Sydney house prices skyrocketing to 14 times the annual full-time income.
According to the survey, nearly a third, or 32 per cent, of Aussies between the ages of 18 and 36 live with their parents.
She's already planning her next European vacation, with plans to hit Santorini (above, a picture from the island last year) again
And while a decade ago, more than a third of adults aged 18-34 indicated they were saving for a home - but this has plummeted to just 24 per cent today.
It's significantly less for young millennials between 18 and 21 - only 14 per cent said they are saving for a home and 40 per cent fear not being able to afford one.
'We think of younger generations as having a youthful idealism and optimism, but [the study] shows young adults are not feeling as positive,' Mark McCrindle, founder of McCrindle Research - responsible for the study, said:
Mr McCrindle said the students of today would be the most formally educated generation yet, but they would also have much more debt on their shoulders when they enter the workforce.
'In fact, they might be the first generation since the Great Depression who will end up economically worse than their parents,' he added.
An 87-year-old man has been arrested after a 75-year-old woman died at a home in 'tragic circumstances'.
Authorities were called to the tragic scene in Perth's south-east about 5.45pm on Monday, where they found the elderly woman suffering from critical wounds.
She died at the Guerin Avenue home in Piara Waters a short time later.
An 87-year-old man has been arrested after a 75-year-old woman died at a home in 'tragic circumstances'
The elderly man, who was known to the woman, was taken into custody.
Her death is now being investigated by Major Crime Squad detectives who say the woman died in 'very tragic circumstances', Perth Now reports.
Overnight, the suburban street was cordoned off as forensic officers searched the property.
A neighbor told 7 News he was unnerved after learning of the death.
'I had seen about six to eight cop cars, there were cops everywhere.
'It's a bit unnerving as we've only moved into the area about four or five months ago.'
Investigations continue.
Authorities were called to the tragic scene in Perth's south-east about 5.45pm on Monday, where they found the elderly woman suffering from critical wounds at a home in Piara Waters
A New South Wales high school has ditched traditional canteen meals in favour of healthy meals like herb-crusted roast chicken breast created by a hatted restaurant chef.
The Canobolas Rural Technology High School in Orange, in western New South Wales, said the student response to the new health-inspired menu was overwhelmingly positive.
Profits at the canteen sky-rocketed and the school recorded double the amount of sales as it did before the menu revamp.
Scroll down for video
The Canobolas Rural Technology High School is taking part in a new healthy eating policy introduced by the state government
Results of the experiment were documented in a video released by the New South Wales Department of Education and Training on Thursday.
The incredibly positive response surprised Chef Andrew Farley who was told he 'would never sell any fruit at all'.
The results also surprised the school, who admitted it navigated 'a little bit of resistance' at first.
The Orange high school was one of three New South Wales schools to take part in a new healthier eating policy announced by the state government.
The incredibly positive response to the healthy menu surprised Chef Andrew Farley who was told he 'would never sell any fruit at all'
Premier Gladys Berejiklian introduced the program early in 2017, since then the Orange high school has recorded glowing results
Premier Gladys Berejiklian introduced the program early in 2017.
Head teacher at the school Geoff Pelley said the school canteen was 'fairly traditional' and served meat pies and sausage rolls before its major revamp.
When Mr Farley pitched his modern menu ideas, Principal Kate Wootten said 'there was no choice but to employ him'.
There was little wonder why his menu impressed the school board because Mr Farley was an extremely talented chef.
'Before I was the manager here I trained at a hatted restaurant and later became their sous-chef,' he said.
While his menu did not whet the students' taste buds at first, Mr Farley said he stuck to his plan and it ultimately paid off.
The school admitted it noticed resistance by the students at first, but that soon changed when profits sky-rocketed
Head teacher at the school Geoff Pelley said the school canteen was 'fairly traditional' and served meat pies and sausage rolls before its major revamp
While his menu did not wet the students' taste buds at first, Mr Farley said he stuck to his plan and it ultimately paid off
Mr Farley said the biggest change he made was swapping the unhealthy for the healthy.
'Taking away sausage rolls and pies and bringing in healthier alternatives, fruit fresh every week from a local orchard. Making a lot of fresh stuff ourselves.'
Head teacher Mr Pelley said the results surprised everyone involved.
'You can't underestimate the choices kids will make if presented with healthy options,' he said.
The state government push for healthy menus at school canteens will apply to state schools, but independent and Catholic schools have been encouraged to follow suit.
Public schools will have three years to adjust to the guidelines and make 75 per cent of their menus healthy.
The high school switched out sausage rolls and meat pies with fruit, vegetables and other healthy options
President Donald Trump was just 'having fun' when he told a leading opponent of the GOP leadership's health care bill that he was 'going to come after you' if the bill fails.
The president went to the Capitol Tuesday morning to try to give a final push to the Republican bill to repeal Obamacare warning GOP lawmakers that their jobs were on the line.
'Many of you came in on the pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018 if you don't get this done,' he bluntly told the GOP-only gathering, Politico reported.
He was even more direct with Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the head over the conservative Freedom Caucus, which met Tuesday as members hashed out whether they would oppose Trump's biggest legislative priority so far.
'I'm gonna come after you, but I know I won't have to, because I know you'll vote 'yes,' ' Trump told Meadows, according to the Washington Post. 'Honestly, a loss is not acceptable, folks.'
Here to deal: President Trump and Tom Price, his Health Secretary, arrives at the Capitol to meet the Republican House Conference
Later Trump told a Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser: 'There are the conservative solutions we campaign on and these are the conservative solutions the American people asked us as, a group, to deliver'
'He has made it very clear that he was having fun with him,' White House press secretary Sean Spicer said when asked about the statement at the daily press briefing.
'Mark Meadows is a longtime early supporter of the president. He had some fun at his expense this morning during the conference meeting,' Spicer explained.
'He continued to express hope that congressman Meadows, who is head of the Freedom Caucus, would continue to see the efforts that have been to make this better.'
Some lawmakers said afterward it seemed Trump was joking, while others complained that Meadows got slapped around.
The president went to the Capitol hours after GOP leaders revealed changes to the legislation in advance of a vote this week.
He told them it wasn't just the nation's health care system that was on the line, but also their own employment.
'I'm asking for your vote on Thursday,' Trump said, according to Politico.
The Freedom caucus, which didn't take a formal position against the bill, nevertheless had the ability to sink it.
Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), who clashed with House leaders during the bill's development, told DailyMail.com there were 'at least 30 noes in the House.'
'He told us if we dont pass this bill on Thursday, it will put everything in jeopardy that he wants to do, his agenda,' Rep. John Duncan (R-Tenn.) told The Hill.
The first-time politician's remarks weren't all gloomy. 'We have a chance to do something fantastic, to do something amazing,' Trump said.
Even Trump's warning to Meadows was made with a smile, Meadows said.
'I'm still a 'no,' ' Meadows said after the meeting, the Post reported. 'I've had no indication that any of my Freedom Caucus colleagues have switched their votes.' He added: ''I didn't take anything he said as threatening anybody's political future.'
Later Trump told a Republican Congressional Committee fundraiser: 'There are the conservative solutions we campaign on and these are the conservative solutions the American people asked us as, a group, to deliver.'
He added: 'I think we're going to have some great surprises. I hope that it's going to all work out.'
A vote is expected Thursday, although the GOP must placate wavering conservatives and moderates. It will be the first major legislative test of the Trump administration in the Republican-controlled Congress.
To help with that task, the leadership announced the details of a 'manager's amendment' incorporating changes including one intended to satisfy balking New York Republicans.
The GOP must placate wavering conservatives and moderates to get the health care push through to passage.
Beast on the Hill: The President arrives at the Capitol. The move is a bid to seal the deal on repealing and replacing Obamacare
Selling hard: Paul Ryan, the House Speaker, is trying to do everything in his power to get the health reform bill through on Thursday
According to a whip list in The Hill, released before the latest changes got released, 17 Republicans had indicated they were against the effort.
The Republicans can only afford to lose 21, assuming all of the Democrats vote against the plan to repeal President Obama's signature health proposal. A different set of problems await the bill in the Senate, where several GOP lawmakers have expressed concern.
Trump tried to fire up House conservatives, who are homing in on specifics like Medicaid reimbursement rates.
'We're gonna negotiate and it's going to go to the Senate and back and forth. The end result is going to be wonderful, and it's going to work great,' Trump said at a campaign rally Monday night.'
Art of the deal: The president has described the process of dealing with healthcare as a 'big, fat, beautiful negotiation'
Entourage: The president brought a series of senior figures to Capitol Hill - including Kellyanne Conway, his senior adviser, and (right) Gary Cohn, director of the National Economic Council
The Republican leadership proposed a series of amendments that marked major legislative changes, but it was not immediately clear whether they would help win more Republican support amid solid opposition from Democrats.
A leading conservative voice in the House, Representative Jim Jordan of Ohio, is still opposed to the legislation even with the proposed changes, according to an aide.
The administration and House leadership can only afford to lose about 20 votes from Republican ranks. They need to shore up support from moderate Republicans who fear the bill dismantling President Barack Obama's signature Affordable Care Act will hurt millions of Americans enrolled in the program.
However, Trump and Republican leaders must also appeal to hard-right conservatives who believe the original bill did not go far enough in repealing the law, prompting some to dub it 'Obamacare Lite.'
According to Republican sources who asked not to be identified, House leaders will propose an approximately $85 billion fund for tax credits to help people aged 50-64 get health insurance.
In an unusual move, the House proposed providing the Senate flexibility to offer more help to that age group, which may need a larger tax credit to help cover their healthcare costs - a move aimed at winning over more moderate Republicans. It did not specify how the Senate should do so.
Conservatives have opposed refundable tax credits, calling them another entitlement program.
One amendment would dismantle most of Obamacare's taxes one year earlier than initially proposed, in 2017 instead of 2018. That includes both the individual mandate that requires everyone to purchase health insurance or else pay a penalty, and the requirement that employers of a certain size provide coverage.
The new language also addresses Medicaid, the federally backed healthcare program for the poor and disabled that is one of the most contentious aspects of the bill.
To appease conservatives, states would have the option of implementing work requirements for able-bodied adults without children or dependents. However, even the Heritage Foundation, a powerful conservative group, has opposed such a provision.
In addition, states could decide whether to take per capita allotments for their Medicaid programs or block grants for certain populations. Both would drastically reduce federal Medicaid funding from current levels.
Republican leaders hope to move the legislation to the House floor for debate as early as Thursday.
At a rally in Louisville, Kentucky, on Monday night, Trump said he wanted to add a provision to the bill that aims to lower prescription drug costs through a 'competitive bidding process.'
'We're trying to add it to this bill and if we can't, we'll have it right after,' he said. During the presidential campaign, Trump called for allowing Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies, something the law currently prohibits.
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) analysis of the original House Republican bill a week ago severely damaged its prospects. It said 14 million people would lose health coverage under the measure over the next year and 24 million over the next decade.
The CBO is expected to update its analysis of the impact of the legislation to take into account the latest changes being proposed.
Under the retooled legislation, the rollback of Obamacare's Medicaid expansion, which provided states enhanced federal funding for new enrollees, would be slowed.
More than 30 states, including about a dozen with Republican governors, chose to expand their Medicaid programs under Obamacare. Several Republican governors and key senators and House members have expressed concern over abruptly cutting federal Medicaid funding and therefore taking insurance away from millions of people.
Republican leaders are now proposing that many of those who gained coverage under the expansion could keep it. The federal government would maintain the higher funding levels for those up to 133 percent of the federal poverty level. Obamacare expanded coverage to those making incomes up to 138 percent.
Those beneficiaries could keep their coverage until they 'cycle off' the program, possibly because they would eventually make enough money to purchase private insurance or obtain it through an employer.
Another amendment would allocate more money for healthcare costs for the disabled and elderly on Medicaid. The unusual mix of amendments to Medicaid reflects leadership's attempt to assuage concerns from both staunch conservatives and moderates.
Democrats oppose the Republicans' plan, which they say would throw millions off health insurance and hurt the elderly, poor, and working families while giving tax cuts to the wealthy.
Democrats as well as hospitals and insurers have urged Republicans to consider how their plan would affect access to healthcare for the 20 million people insured by Obamacare.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson plans to skip a semiannual meeting of NATO foreign ministers this spring, and head to Russia instead, a move allies may see as putting Moscow's concerns ahead of theirs.
Tillerson will miss the NATO meeting in May, and will instead travel to a G7 meeting of top diplomats in Italy and then to Russia.
US officials said last night that Tillerson will meet NATO diplomats this week in Washington for a conference on defeating ISIS, suggesting there was no need for him to attend the forthcoming meeting of the alliance in Brussels as well.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, right, is briefed by US Gen. Vincent K. Brooks, commander of the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command and United States Forces Korea
The State Department's third-ranking official, Under Secretary of State Tom Shannon, will represent the US at that meeting, the officials said.
The White House said Tillerson would attend the G7 meeting in Sicily in May and then travel to Moscow.
His decision to miss the meeting has been criticized by some, who see the Trump administration as prioritizing the interests of big powers before those of smaller nations that depend on Washington for their security.
'It feeds this narrative that somehow the Trump administration is playing footsy with Russia,' one former US official told Reuters.
'You don't want to do your early business with the world's great autocrats. You want to start with the great democracies, and NATO is the security instrument of the transatlantic group of great democracies,' he added.
Tillerson, a former ExxonMobil President and Chief Executive Officer, has had multiple contacts with Putin in his previous role, as he negotiated energy deals in Russia.
He was awarded a medal of friendship by the Russian president, and was once captured on video toasting champagne glasses with Putin after inking a deal.
Tillerson was awarded Russia's Order of Friendship in 2013 after making a deal with state-owned oil firm Rosneft, whose chief, Igor Sechin, is seen as Putin's loyal lieutenant.
Representative Eliot Engel, the senior Democrat on the House of Representatives foreign affairs committee, said that Tillerson was making a mistake by skipping the Brussels talks.
Vladimir Putin speaks with Tillerson during the signing of a Rosneft-ExxonMobil strategic partnership agreement in Sochi on August 30, 2011
'Donald Trump's Administration is making a grave error that will shake the confidence of America's most important alliance and feed the concern that this Administration simply too cozy with Vladimir Putin,' Engel said.
'I cannot fathom why the Administration would pursue this course except to signal a change in American foreign policy that draws our country away from western democracy's most important institutions and aligns the United States more closely with the autocratic regime in the Kremlin.'
A former NATO diplomat, who spoke on condition of anonymity, suggested Tillerson could find a way to attend both meetings, for example by changing the date of the NATO talks.
He said the alliance offered to change the meeting dates so Tillerson could attend it but the State Department had rebuffed the idea.
The former diplomat said it was vital to present a united front toward Moscow. The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was created in 1949 to serve as a bulwark against the Soviet Union.
'Given the challenge that Russia poses, not just to the United States but to Europe, it's critical to engage on the basis of a united front if at all possible,' the diplomat said.
A 63-year-old Wisconsin heart surgeon has pleaded to careless driving charges after he caused a fatal crash while on vacation in New Zealand, killing two people and injuring four others.
Kenneth Wolnak was on vacation with his wife when he caused the crash while attempting a U-turn on a coastal highway.
Wolnak faces a maximum of three months in jail on each of the six charges after pleading guilty at the Nelson District Court.
Wolnak's lawyer Tony Bamford said he does not expect the doctor to serve jail time, but rather to potentially meet with the victims or their families as part of a restorative justice procedure. He is to be sentenced next month.
Kenneth Wolnak, who works at Mercyhealth in Janesville, Wisconsin, was on vacation with his wife in New Zealand
'He's coming to terms with the result of his actions,' Bamford said. 'It's a challenge for a man who has spent most of his life saving lives.'
Wolnak, who works at Mercyhealth in Janesville, Wisconsin, rented a Toyota SUV in Christchurch in mid-February and traveled extensively around New Zealand's South Island with his wife Elizabeth, according to a police summary of facts.
On the morning of February 27, the couple left to drive toward the Abel Tasman National Park but set off in the wrong direction down the highway, according to police.
After driving for about 1.2 miles, Wolnak pulled over and then attempted a U-turn on the busy highway, colliding with a truck driving the opposite direction.
The driver of the Isuzu truck, 41-year-old Steve Jayes, rounded a slight bend in the road and was faced with Wolnak's vehicle.
The father-of-two attempted to swerve but crashed head-on into the passenger side of Wolnak's SUV.
Steve Jayes, left, pictured with his sons Cassius and Lennox, and his partner Monique Hardiman, was the driver of the Isuzu truck and died at the scene of the crash
The truck then careened across the center line and into oncoming traffic, police said.
Kevin Whitburn, 69, who was in his first year of retirement, and his wife Janet were heading south in their Toyota Prado, towing a caravan on their way back to their Christchurch home from a vacation in nearby Mapua.
Their car crashed into the Jayes' truck, causing it to spin, and spill the scaffolding across the road before hitting the caravan.
Both Whitburn and Jayes died at the scene from blunt force trauma.
Janet Whitburn, 65, sustained a cut to her head that required stitches, as well as tenderness to her torso and whiplash.
Wolnak pulled over and then attempted a U-turn on the busy highway, causing the accident
Two other passengers in the truck were also injured: a 19-year-old man who suffered bleeding around his right kidney, a broken nose, fractured eye socket, gouging to forearms, cuts to his calves, bruising to his thigh and a sore back; and a 28-year-old man who fractured his left leg and suffered cuts to his leg and elbow.
Bamford said Wolnak suffered a concussion and has no memory of the accident.
He said Wolnak's wife, who was in the front passenger seat, was only released from a hospital a few days ago after breaking seven ribs, her pelvis and her jaw in the accident.
Wisconsin-based website GazetteXtra quoted Mercyhealth Medical director Dr Mark Goelzer as saying that Wolnak had worked there for 15 years and was an 'excellent physician who is very well-liked by his patients, peers and the community'.
OFD Foods, LLC recently announced plans to construct a $25 million freeze-drying facility in Henrietta, New York.
Building a facility in this location will help us serve our Midwest and East Coast customers better, and it enables us to open capacity for growth at our existing facilities in Albany, Oregon, Jim Merryman, president and CEO of the company, said in a news release.
The new 50,000-square-foot facility will focus on providing freeze-drying services for bulk industrial products, and will include manufacturing, warehouse and office spaces.
The groundbreaking is planned for April and the facility is expected to be completed by June 2018.
According to a Monday news release from New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo, the facility is expected to result in the creation of 30 full-time jobs.
In order to encourage OFD Foods to construct its $25 million manufacturing facility in New York, the state is providing up to $400,000 in grants, Cuomos news release added.
Reg Allen, president of the Henrietta Chamber of Commerce, said in an interview on Tuesday that Henrietta, a town of about 42,600 people, was an area for growth.
The town supervisor and the town board encourage good businesses that are going to have a long life to come to town. It seems to have worked out well, he said.
Were always happy to hear about new businesses coming to town. Whether theyre bringing five or 500 jobs, thats a good thing, Allen added.
He expected OFD Foods to have a ripple effect in the area, with workers shopping at stores and shops in the community.
John Damon, OFD Foods senior vice president of manufacturing, said that he was impressed with Henriettas pro-business mentality and the availability of skilled trade training and education opportunities, according to Cuomos news release.
Rochester Institute of Technology and Monroe Community College are nearby.
Thanks to the support of Governor Cuomo, we are able to invest in this new facility and our employees for our collective future growth and success, Damon added, in the news release.
OFD Foods, LLC is headquartered in Albany at 525 25th Ave. SW where it operates three facilities. It produces its own food brands Mountain House and Easy Meal for the adventure meal, emergency preparedness and disaster recovery markets.
The company is the largest diversified freeze dryer in North America and is also the leading supplier of freeze-dried food to the U.S. military.
OFD Foods has about 380 workers in Albany.
Last fall, OFD Foods received a capital investment from a Portland firm that led to the retirement buyouts of several long-serving managers. The change enabled the company to accelerate investments in additional capacity in Albany and elsewhere in North America.
At the time, Merryman talked about creating another facility in the United States due to increased demand in the outdoor adventure meal and emergency meal markets.
Weve been focusing on our sales and marketing efforts the last few years, and those are paying off now, Merryman said, in November.
He added that he hoped to double the size of the company in the next five years.
Oklahoma senator Ralph Shortey (mugshot, above) intends to resign from his position by Wednesday evening
Oklahoma state senator Ralph Shortey plans to resign from his seat as he faces child prostitution charges for allegedly soliciting sex from a 17-year-old boy, his lawyer says.
Attorney Ed Blau said on Monday that it was too soon to comment on the charges brought against Republican Shortey, until he had more time to discuss the case with his client.
'Other than the probable cause affidavit that was released publicly, I haven't seen a single police report or talked to a single witness,' Blau said.
Blau said he expects a not-guilty plea will be entered on Shortey's behalf when he makes his initial appearance in court later this week.
The attorney also said Shortey intends to resign by Wednesday evening.
Meanwhile, the FBI and US Secret Service in Oklahoma City both confirmed Monday they have joined the investigation into Shortey.
The FBI conducted a search on Friday of Shortey's Oklahoma City home, FBI spokeswoman Jessica Rice said.
'Unfortunately I cannot provide any more details as this is a sensitive ongoing investigation,' Rice said.
The Secret Service is assisting in the investigation at the request of the Moore Police Department, said Ken Valentine, special agent in charge of the agency's Oklahoma City office.
'Where we have expertise, be it in cyber or electronics, that we can assist them with, then we do,' Valentine said.
Shortey was found in a motel room with a 17-year-old boy last week and surrendered himself on charges of child prostitution on Thursday. The married father-of-three (left, with Donald Trump Jr) worked as the state chair for President Donald Trump's primary campaign
State prosecutors charged Shortey with engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church. He was released on a $100,000 bond
No federal charges have been filed against Shortey.
State prosecutors charged the married father-of-three with engaging in child prostitution, transporting a minor for prostitution and engaging in prostitution within 1,000 feet of a church. He was released on a $100,000 bond.
Last week, the state Senate voted on a resolution to strip Shortey of most of his power, including his ability to serve on Senate committees and author bills. The Senate also took away his office, executive assistant and parking space.
Several Republican leaders have called for Shortey to resign, including Gov Mary Fallin.
But senators have not voted to expel Shortey, which would take a two-thirds vote, so he will continue to draw his $38,400 annual salary. Shortey also will likely be eligible to collect his state retirement, even if he is convicted of the charges.
Joseph Fox, executive director of the Oklahoma Public Employees Retirement System, said Shortey became vested in the state's retirement system last year after serving six years in the Oklahoma Senate.
Oklahoma law allows for the forfeiture of retirement benefits only if the felony conviction is for bribery, corruption, forgery, perjury or a felony related to campaign finance or the duties of office.
If Shortey contributed the maximum amount to his retirement, he would be eligible to collect $9,216 annually after he turns 60, according to state retirement calculations.
The 35-year-old, who worked as the state chair for President Donald Trump's primary campaign, told reporters as he arrived at the Cleveland County jail: 'I have no comment at this time but I will soon.'
Shortey and the unidentified teenager were found together at a Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, around 1am on March 9.
Shortey and the unidentified teenager were found together at a Super 8 Motel in Moore, Oklahoma, around 1am on March 9 with a box of condoms and lotion in the room
Acting on a tip from the teen's father, officers arrived and smelled marijuana coming from inside the room.
Shortey initially told them he was alone, but the teenager emerged after officers said they were going to enter with a master key from management.
The senator rented the room for one night on March 8, and the front-desk manager said two adults were registered in the room.
Police also found lotion and an open box of condoms inside backpacks in the room.
A search of the teen's tablet uncovered a series of sexually explicit exchanges in which offered him cash in exchange for 'sexual stuff,' according to a police report.
Shortey, who used the alias 'Jamie Tilley', referred to the teen as 'baby boy'. The two initially met through a Craigslist personal ad and communicated for about a year.
In one exchange, the teenager said: 'I want you bad daddy.'
The Oklahoma Senate imposed sanctions on Shortey, voting 43-0 for a resolution that accuses him of 'disorderly behavior'
A conservative Republican from south Oklahoma City, Shortey married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, in 2002, and has three young children
Shortey used a graphic word, saying he wanted to have sex with 'you like a good little boy if you keep calling me daddy,' according to an affidavit cited by NewsOK.com.
The age of consent in Oklahoma is 16, but Oklahoma's prostitution statute applies to any person under 18 years old.
Police also seized a plastic container with the label 'Colorado Retail Marijuana', but prosecutors did not file drug charges due to problems with collecting evidence.
A conservative Republican from south Oklahoma City, Shortey married his high school sweetheart, Jennifer, in 2002, and has three young children.
The Oklahoma Senate imposed sanctions on Shortey, voting 43-0 for a resolution that accuses him of 'disorderly behavior'.
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.'
Shortey, who was a volunteer coordinator with the YMCA's Youth and Government organization, voluntarily removed himself after 17 years with the program, a spokesperson said.
Earlier this year Shortey advised former state Representative Dan Kirby during a sexual harassment scandal. Kirby later resigned.
Before beginning his political career, Shortey attended Heartland Baptist Bible College in Oklahoma City in preparation for mission work in Uganda.
An extreme-right vigilante group who once called for 'ethnic cleansing' in Europe is now set to invade the Northern Territory.
The Finnish-born Soldiers of Odin, who are proudly homophobic and anti-immigration, have already established a presence in Melbourne, where they brawled with opposing protesters last August.
NT Police told Daily Mail Australia they are monitoring the notorious organisation after reports they were spreading their tentacles into the Top End.
A fight breaks out between members of the Sons of Odin and opposing protesters in Melbourne
The Finish-born group has already established a presence on the streets of Melbourne
'Northern Territory Police do not support or condone any vigilante activity or anyone taking the law into their own hands,' the spokesperson said.
'We request that members of the public stop and think before potentially putting themselves and others at risk.'
The group's national president Jay B Moore confirmed to NTNews they were launching another chapter there, but refused to comment on their goals.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Mr Moore and Soldiers of Odin Australia for comment.
A statement on the Facebook group declares the group is opposes Islam, the ice epidemic, homelessness and domestic violence.
They also oppose those who are proud of their cultural heritage, gay or transgender, according to the statement.
Social media images show the group marching in mobs through Melbourne's CBD and outer suburbs including Werribee, Frankston and Ringwood
Members are seen wear black jackets emblazoned with a Norse war helmet and an Australian flag
A statement on the Facebook group declares the group is opposes Islam, the ice epidemic, homelessness and domestic violence
Police told Daily Mail Australia they are monitoring the notorious organisation's spread to the Northern Territory
Social media images show the group marching in mobs through Melbourne's CBD and outer suburbs including Werribee, Frankston and Ringwood.
Members are seen wear black jackets emblazoned with a Norse war helmet and an Australian flag.
Mr Moore previously declared their hopes to eradicate the violence being introduced into Australia and bring back 'old-school Aussie values'.
MailOnline has previously gained access to a Finnish cell, finding the clubhouse was filled with Nazi memorabilia and members called for ethnic cleansing in Europe.
A man abused his job as a netball umpire to ask underage age girls for sex, a court has heard.
The 26-year-old began conversations with a teen on social media under the guise of netball, but soon began sending the teen requests for sex.
Adam Johnson pleaded guilty in Wollongong Local Court to procuring a child for unlawful sexual activity and sending explicit material, the Illawarra Mercury reported.
A man has pleaded guilty to procuring a child for unlawful sexual activity and sending explicit material, after he abused his position as a netball coach to approach a teenage girl for sex (stock image)
The court heard Mr Johnson, who is the son of the former Dapto Netball Club president, was only recently married when he groomed a teenage girl on Facebook in July 2016.
According to court documents Mr Johnson became friends with the young teen on social media in late July 2016.
While the girl hoped he would mentor her about netball, the conversation reportedly turned sexual and the umpire asked her about boyfriends and her lack of sexual experience.
'You need an experienced guy to help you through it [sex]', he told the girl.
The court heard Adam Johnson, 26, became friends with the girl on Facebook in July 2016. The girl hoped Mr Johnson would mentor her in netball but the conversation reportedly turned sexual (stock image)
He then asked the teen: 'If I was younger would you let me f*** you what if I showed you all about it?'
The girl then claimed Johnson also asked her for sex in following conversations on other social media platforms like Snapchat.
The 26-year-old was arrested on August 11 after the girl reported the exchanges to police.
The girl then claimed Johnson also asked her for sex in following conversations on other social media platforms like Snapchat (stock image)
He is understood to have sent a text message to his wife on the day of his arrest saying he had 'f***ed'up' after 'speaking inappropriately to a girl again'.
A separate investigation found he had also sent explicit pictures of himself to a 15-year-old girl via Instagram in February of that year.
Johnson will face Wollongong Local Court in April for sentencing.
A man has been charged with the murder of his one-year-old son and the attempted murder of the toddler's twin sister.
Both children, named Gabriel and Maria, were discovered with critical injuries at a flat in Finsbury Park, north London, on Saturday night.
They were taken to hospital, where Gabriel sadly died in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Maria, who has been operated on, remains fighting for her life in a critical condition, police said.
Their father Bidhya Sagar Das, 33, has been charged with the brutal attack and is due to appear in custody at Thames Magistrates' Court.
He was arrested in the Hackney area on Sunday evening following a major search by police.
Bidhya Sagar Das, 33, has been charged with the murder of his son Gabriel and and the attempted murder of his sister Maria at a flat near Finsbury Park, north London. Toddler Gabriel (front, right) died in an east London hospital while twin Maria (behind her brother) is in a critical condition
Gabriel's post-mortem examination will take place on Tuesday at a central London hospital.
Witnesses said they heard a woman shouting for help on the street outside at around 11.10pm on Saturday and later saw two children being carried out of the property.
A woman living opposite the building, who gave her name as Gui Gui, said she opened the window to offer help after hearing a woman shouting: 'My kids.'
The toddlers were taken from the flats attached to ventilators but Gabriel could not be saved.
Miss Datcu's best friend, a 28-year-old fellow Romanian, said she spoke to the mother hours before the attack.
She said: 'She was saying she was fine. Because we are best friends I know she was not fine. I said, 'I'm going to call you back,' and I didn't call her back.'
Tragedy: Das and Ms Dactu at the birth of the twins in 2015 - one has died and the other is critically ill
Pictured: The children's mother Christinela Datcu and her partner Bidhya Sagar Das
Mihai Manea, 29, who lives in the couple's building and works at the same hotel, said neighbours were alerted by her screams.
Das was at the flat shortly before the children were found, but left before emergency services were called. He then disappeared, causing police to launch a manhunt for him.
Mr Menea claimed Miss Datcu was taking a shower at the time of the attack. He said: 'In that time someone has killed the child.
'When a neighbour went into the room the boy was already dying. The boy literally died in the neighbour's arms.'
It is believed that the children were beaten with a hammer (pictured) during the assault
He added: 'They seemed a normal family. Das told me he had a few kids, seemed really happy.
'He said they were eventually going to get married. He quit two days ago, I thought he probably had something better.'
A woman living opposite the building said she heard a woman shouting. She said: 'I opened the window and I asked her, 'Can I help you, can I call the police for you?' She said, 'My kids.'
Pictured: Police at the scene of the brutal attack at a flat in Finsbury Park, north London
The neighbour said she later saw two young children being carried out of the building.
One neighbour said the children were twins who lived on the top floor with their Romanian mother and Indian father - who worked as a night receptionist at the nearby Pembury Hotel for seven years, but apparently quit his job two days ago.
A woman living opposite the building, who gave her name as Gui Gui, said she heard a woman shouting late last night and opened the window to offer help.
'I was watching TV,' she said. 'I heard someone was shouting. She kept on shouting'.
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Hundreds of mourners have gathered in Northern Ireland tonight to pay tribute to former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness at a vigil following his death from a rare genetic condition.
Huge crowds of all ages came together at the barracks in Andersontown, west Belfast, carrying candles and black flags as they sang the republican ballad 'I wish I was back home in Derry'.
Addressing the vigil, priest Gary Donegan hailed Mr McGuinness's contribution to the peace process, and said: 'Martin was a hero in life and a hero in death.'
They gathered in front of a old political poster for Sinn Fein featuring an image of McGuinness, with many in the crowd using their mobile phones to capture the solemn occasion forever.
It came after McGuinness' Irish flag-covered coffin was carried through the streets of Londonderry today with Gerry Adams and his widow Bernie acting as pallbearers.
McGuinness, nicknamed the 'Butcher of Bogside' because of his years as a ruthless republican commander, was brought to 'Free Derry Corner' in his home city followed by hundreds of mourners.
But families of those killed in IRA terror attacks said today they fear the truth about their murders will be 'buried with him' because dozens known as 'The Disappeared' were abducted, executed and then dumped in unmarked shallow graves across Ireland during The Troubles, possibly at his behest.
His wife Bernie McGuinness and their four children Grainne, Fionnuala, Fiachra and Emmet all helped carry the IRA kingpin's coffin with the help of Adams and new Sinn Fein Leader Michelle O'Neill.
It came as the Queen sent her condolences to the widow as families killed in the republican group's terror attacks said he should be remembered as a 'vile terrorist' not a peacemaker.
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Vigil: Hundreds of mourners have gathered at a barracks in Andersontown, west Belfast, to pay tribute to Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness tonight
Respect: Many held candles, left, and looked tearful, right, as they paid their respects to the former IRA chief, who died last night due to a rare genetic condition
Solemn: Although a divisive character around the UK, McGuinness remains highly regarded in Northern Ireland for his work to achieve peace
Gathering: Traditional Irish music was played during the vigil, pictured, while crowds congregated by an old Sinn Fein political poster with many using their mobile phones to take a recording of the solemn event
Others brought pictures of the 66-year-old along as they said farewell to one of the men who helped broker the Good Friday Agreement
An emotional Mr Adams, who is President of Sinn Fein, said his long-time friend was a passionate republican who worked passionately for reconciliation in Ireland.
'We are very, very sad that we lost him overnight,' he said.
Crowds braved snow and sleet in McGuinness's native Derry to accompany his coffin from the funeral parlour to his home.
Another tricolour flag flew at half-mast near the Bogside's landmark Free Derry Corner.
McGuinness was considered Britain's number one terrorist accused of ordering some of the IRA's most devastating attacks across Ulster and on mainland UK.
In an extraordinary journey he became a politician and deputy first minister credited with securing the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to end decades of fighting in Northern Ireland with the help of his sworn enemy turned friend Rev Ian Paisley.
Final journey: Pallbearers including Gerry Adams (back), former hunger striker and IRA volunteer Raymond McCartney (centre) and new Sinn Fein Leader Michelle O'Neill (front) carry McGuinness' Irish-flag covered coffin through the streets of Londonderry today
Mourners: Hundreds of the former first minister's supporters followed the coffin through the streets, including his sons Fiachra and Emmet McGuinness (pictured centre)
Family: Widow Bernie McGuinness (front right) and their four children Grainne, Fionnuala, Fiachra and Emmet all helped carry the former IRA kingpin's coffin to his home in Bogside
Support: Sleet fell on the mourners who gathered in large numbers to see McGuinness' body brought through his home town this afternoon - and Gerry Adams helped place the Irish tricolor on top of the casket
Path: The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister is carried to his home in Londonderry past 'Free Derry Corner'
Sinn Fein leader Ms O'Neill, centre, president Mr Adams, right, and former IRA member and current Northern Irish Assembly member Raymond McCartney, left, paid tribute to McGuinness at a press conference earlier today
The Queen shared an historic handshake with him in 2012 even though he was believed to have helped order the murder of her cousin Lord Mountbatten in 1979.
Today she sent a personal message of condolence to his widow Bernie, Buckingham Palace said.
But Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was paralysed by the IRA's 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton, said the 'world is a sweeter place' after his death calling him a 'multi-murderer coward who never atoned for his crimes' and only turned to peace 'to save his own skin'.
He said: 'I hope he'll be parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell for the rest of eternity.
'My thoughts are with the many many hundreds of people murdered by McGuinness and his friends during the Troubles'.
Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine died in the Birmingham pub bombings in 1974, said today: 'With his death the truth is buried. People are piling the praise on him but it isn't valid. He didn't come forward with the truth.'
The procession of mourners also followed the coffin past a mural dedicated to the 14 victims of 'Bloody Sunday' in 1972, with McGuinness second in command of the IRA on that day
The coffin was carried by different groups through the mural-filled streets of Londonderry - a republican stronghold
The procession through Londonderry took the crowd past a number of murals, including this one depicting a scene of the 'Battle of the Bogside' riot in 1969
New relationship: In a historic moment McGuinness shakes hands with the Queen during a visit to Belfast in 2012 - over 30 years after the IRA murdered her cousin Lord Mountbatten in 1979 - today Her Majesty sent her condolences
Final picture: A frail Martin McGuinness was photographed for the last time on January 25 in Belfast, before succumbing to a rare genetic disease overnight
Gerry Adams: I rushed to hospital to see him but it was too late Gerry Adams with Martin McGuinness' brother Declan while visiting his late friend's bogside home today Gerry Adams revealed today he rushed from Belfast to Londonderry last night but Martin McGuinness had died before he arrived. McGuinness' wife Bernie had sent a text to the Sinn Fein President telling him that he had taken a 'turn for the worse'. But he did not make it to Altnagelvin Hospital in time. Today he visited Mr McGuinness' family at his Bogside home and spent an hour with his relatives. Adams also revealed he had a signed Derry GAA shirt from 1993 when they won their first and only All-Ireland Final. He told his comrade that he would give him the gift when 'he got better' but presented it to him last week when it became clear he wasn't going to survive. In a short but emotional statement, Mr Adams revealed he last spoke to Mr McGuinness last week before he travelled to the US to pass on best wishes from people and update him on powersharing talks in Belfast. 'Martin, as we all know, was a very passionate Irish republican. He believed in our people - that people of this island should be free. He believed in reconciliation. He worked very, very hard at all of that,' Mr Adams said. 'We are very, very sad that we lost him overnight.' Advertisement
Her brother Brian Hambleton said his death 'cleans the earth of another vile terrorist'.
John Eaglesham, whose father - a postman and part-time soldier - was shot dead by the IRA in 1978, said: 'People say about what he has done for the peace process - they seem to forget that for a very, very long time he wasn't part of the solution he was part of the problem, in fact he was the main part of the problem.'
Margaret Veitch, whose parents William and Agnes Mullan were murdered in the 1987 Enniskillen blast, said she would not gloat over his death.
'But I certainly won't be sending any sympathy card because I got no sympathy card from them (the IRA),' she added.
'I am so sorry for all the innocent victims of Northern Ireland because we will never, never get the true story.
'Martin McGuinness chose to be a terrorist, he chose to go into government, he chose to take the bomb and bullet.
'My parents never had a choice - they died and we will never get justice.'
The former deputy first minister looked frail as he quit politics in January while battling rare genetic disease amyloidosis and died in hospital in Londonderry last night surrounded by his family.
Today his friend Mr Adams called him a 'hero' and a 'faithful soul' after visiting McGuinness' family at his Bogside home.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May said: 'While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life he played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence'.
Tony Blair also paid tribute and his spin doctor Alastair Campbell called McGuinness a 'great guy'.
The former first minister was also accused of knowing the secrets of Northern Ireland's so-called 'Disappeared' - citizens who were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans.
Mr McGuinness always denied being the IRA's chief of staff at the height of the Troubles but once said: 'I regard it as a compliment'.
Stephen Gault saw his father Samuel, 49, killed by an IRA bomb in Enniskillen in November 1987. The then 18-year-old was also injured in the blast.
He said: 'Martin McGuinness has taken to the grave the truth and the answers that we need to be able to move forward. He knows who bombed Enniskillen.
'I will always remember Martin McGuinness as the terrorist he was. If he had been repentant my thoughts might have been slightly different. But he took to his grave proud that he served in the IRA. There was no remorse or repentance from him even up to his death.
'People might say I am unchristian that I have no sympathy for his family. But it wasn't Christian to send people out to murder innocent people.
Mr Adams, pictured right with Ms O'Neill, described McGuinness as a 'passionate Irish republican who believed in our people'
History: IRA Commander Martin McGuinness holding a handgun in 1972 at a time when he was at the very top of the terror organisation
Public enemy: McGuinness became a respected politician and peacemaker but was once described as 'Britain's number one terrorist' and was second-in-command of the Provisional IRA in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday (right in 1972)
Brighton Bombing survivor Lord Tebbit, pictured being pulled from the rubble in 1984, says the world is a 'sweeter place today' and accused him of turning to peace 'to save his own skin'
Friend: Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams visited the Bogside home of Martin McGuinness today after calling him a 'hero' and 'faithful soul'
'Did the McGuinness family feel any sympathy for the Gault family when my father was cruelly and brutally murdered at the age of 49 by an IRA bomb?
'I have heard all this talk about how Martin McGuinness was only 66. My father was only 49 when he was murdered. He wasn't even 50. He was a very young man.'
In the wake of the former IRA leader's death the sister of a woman killed by the paramilitary group tweeted a list of atrocities and other victims.
Ann Travers' sister Mary was gunned down and her judge father, Tom Travers, badly injured when they were ambushed by an IRA gang as they emerged from church in Belfast in April 1984.
Ms Travers has since campaigned for victims' rights.
She tweeted a picture of her sister and father, and wrote: 'Enniskillen Families, Claudy families, Hegarty family, Gillespie family, Maher family, I'm so sorry you never got the answers you deserved.'
John Rattigan, who was injured in the pub bombings alongside his wife Sue, said McGuinness' death doesn't bring any closure.
The 64-year-old, from Coventry, said: 'I'm not particularly unhappy about it [McGuinness' death] and I'm really not too concerned about him.
'Northern Ireland might be a better place without him.
'I didn't know the man personally so I have no sympathy for him and his death doesn't bring any closure.'
Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine died in the Birmingham pub bombings said relatives of many of the terrorist group's victims were still waiting for 'truth and justice' - Stephen Gault saw his father Samuel, 49, killed by an IRA bomb in Enniskillen and says he has no sympathy for McGuinness' family
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams leaves the home of former Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness after paying his respects to the McGuinness family in Londonderry
Traditional Unionist Voice party leader Jim Allister said Mr McGuinness had taken secrets about his IRA past to the grave.
He said: 'In the case of Martin McGuinness, he lived many more decades than most of his victims.'
'So today my primary thoughts are with the many victims of the IRA who never reached the age of 66; of men and women who never got to see their grandchildren because their lives were cut short by murderous republicanism; of children stolen from their parents and grandparents by the organisation in which McGuinness was a commander.'
Colin Parry, whose 12-year-old son was killed by an IRA bomb in Warrington said: 'We can never forgive him but we can respect the man he became.
Rare condition that killed Martin McGuinness linked to his mother's home town Martin McGuinness died of an extremely rare genetic illness linked to his mother Peggy's home town of Buncrana, County Donegal. Amyloidosis causes abnormal deposits of protein to form throughout the body and causes the organs, including the heart, to fail. It causes weight loss, fatigue, dizziness, erectile dysfunction and in some cases death. In Ireland a hereditary case was found in Donegal in 1986 and since then there have been a number of other cases. Experts say that around one in a 100 people may possess the mutation that could develop into the illness. It is a group of rare but serious conditions caused by deposits of abnormal protein, called amyloid, in tissues and organs throughout the body. Proteins begin as a string of amino acids that fold themselves into a three-dimensional shape. This 'protein folding' allows them to perform useful functions within our cells. Amyloid is a description of proteins which have folded abnormally and then collected together. In this form they do not break down as easily as normal proteins and can build up in tissues and organs. If this build-up causes the tissues or organs to stop working properly, the resulting conditions are called amyloidosis. Without treatment to address the underlying cause, the amyloid deposits can eventually lead to organ failure and death sometimes within only a year or two. Advertisement
'I don't forgive Martin, I don't forgive the IRA. Nor does my wife, nor do my children. But setting aside forgiveness, the simple fact is, I found Martin McGuiness an easy and pleasant man to talk to. He was sincere in his desire for peace and maintaining the peace process at all costs'.
Alan McBride, whose wife Sharon was one of 10 people killed by an IRA bomb in October 1993, said he believes Martin McGuinness regretted all the murders carried out by the republican terror group.
Mrs McBride died when the bomb went off in her father's fish shop in the heart of the loyalist Shankill Road in Belfast.
Mr McBride, who is now employed by Wave, one of the main charities in Northern Ireland helping Troubles victims and working on peace and reconciliation, has paid tribute to the former IRA commander for his role in bringing peace to the region.
'I do believe that Martin McGuinness himself was a very genuine person.
'I do believe he was genuinely committed to the peace process. I do believe that he genuinely regretted all the deaths that happened. I do think he would regret the loss of life. That is what I choose to believe," said Mr McBride.'
He added: 'I think Martin McGuinness made a huge contribution to the peace process.'
Mr McBride said there are many who will be unable to forgive Mr McGuinness for his IRA past, but added that he believes society, including many unionists, owe the former deputy first minister ' debt of gratitude' for leaving 'this place in a better condition'.
He said: 'When my wife was murdered in 1993, I had a very personal campaign against Sinn Fein because for me they were the very public face of the Shankill Bomb. I remember taking placards and standing outside Sinn Fein offices.
'I remember following Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams to Washington, to Boston and New York, and I would have been there with my placards.'
He added: 'But one thing I learnt along the road is it is probably better to sit around a table to discuss issues with your enemies than it is to shout abuse at them from across the side street.
'I had those opportunities with meeting Martin McGuinness and Gerry Adams and having conversations and dialogues.'
Mr McBride said despite Mr McGuinness's past, he grew to admire him.
Lord Tebbit led the stinging criticism of his McGuinness for his past crimes and only turned to peace to avoid jail.
He said: 'He was a coward who never atoned for his crimes. There can be no forgiveness without a confession of sins.
'He knew that the IRA were defeated because British intelligence had penetrated right the way up to the Army Council and that the end was coming.
'He then sought to save his own skin and he knew that it was likely he would be charged before long with several murders which he had personally committed and he decided that the only thing to do was to opt for peace'.
When asked about his part in the peace process he said: 'You might just as well say that if Himmler had succeeded Hitler and wiped out the Jews it would have removed the problem and there could have been peace in Europe'.
Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire Nadine Dorries tweeted: 'I hope God forgives this man and grants him a place in heaven - however, it will be hard for many to shed tears upon hearing this news.'
McGuinness was at the IRA's top table for years but turned peacemaker and was pivotal in securing the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.
His historic meeting with the Queen in 2012 was followed by many more encounters, including in June last year.
Family: McGuinness is survived by his wife Bernie (together centre) and four children, including sons Fiachra (left) and Emmett (right) pictured in Dublin in 2011
Free Derry Corner: The Irish flag and the Derry flags fly at half-mast after the death of McGuinness, in the Bogside area of Londonderry
Tributes: Well-wishers have visited the Sinn Fein Headquarters on Falls Road, Belfast, which has a giant mural of IRA hunger striker Bobby Sands on its wall
Constituency staff of Belfast West MLA Alex Maskey tie lilies to the gates of Connolly House, Andersonstown, Belfast, after the death of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister
Sinn Fein for Belfast City Council Emma Groves signs the book of condolence opened today in the Northern Irish capital
Meanwhile, former prime minister Mr Blair expressed his sadness and paid tribute to McGuinness and his role in ensuing peace in Northern Ireland.
Republican Premier League star's tribute to his 'hero' McGuinness Republic of Ireland international James McClean - who refused to wear a poppy and turned his back during the British national anthem has lauded Martin McGuinness as a hero. McClean was born in Mr McGuinness' Londonderry, which he calls Derry. He courted controversy over his refusal to wear a poppy on his shirt when he played for Sunderland in November 2012 but revealed he always had the former deputy first minister's backing. He posted on social media: 'You will be sorely missed Martin, a great leader, a great hero and above all a great man.' He said he looked up to the former Sinn Fein leader. 'A man that has done so much for Irish people and Irish people's freedom right to the very end. 'He was also a good friend and someone I had the pleasure of having a good relationship with. 'A man I met so many times, had the privilege to share many a great conversation with, a man that always text me before games wishing me luck. 'A man that through the well-documented tough times off the field always let me know how brave I was standing by my beliefs, that I never was alone because I had his support and backing always.' McClean has claimed he was vilified by Sunderland's supporters over his stance on the poppy. In 2014 and 2015 McClean, now a West Brom player, appeared to turn his back on the British national anthem during a West Brom pre-season friendly in the US. Having played seven times for Northern Ireland at under-21 level, McClean, an Irish Catholic, also caused controversy in 2011 when he committed to the Republic. Advertisement
He said: 'I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle. I came to know the Martin McGuinness who set aside that armed struggle in favour of making peace.
'There will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it that is completely understandable.
'But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future.'
His predecessor, former prime minister, Sir John Major added: 'For too many years, too many people lost their lives over the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
'Martin McGuinness realised that - if one wishes to secure long-term peace - negotiation must always prevail over violence. In a mixed legacy, that stands to his credit.
'Let that be his epitaph.'
And David Cameron added: 'Despite our differences I enjoyed working with Martin McGuinness. He wanted politics to work in Northern Ireland and helped make it happen.'
Former US president Bill Clinton said Martin McGuinness believed in a shared future.
In a heartfelt tribute, Mr Clinton said the late Sinn Fein chief's legacy should be an example for others to live by.
'When he decided to fight for peace, Martin was calm, courageous, and direct. And when he gave his word, that was as good as gold,' he said.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said she got to know Mr McGuinness recently through their work in the British Irish Council and the Joint Ministerial Committee.
'Martin will be remembered for his commitment, alongside that of Ian Paisley, to bringing peace and reconciliation to Northern Ireland,' Ms Sturgeon said.
'He grew up in Northern Ireland's troubled past - but without his hard and brave work to bridge the divide, peace would not have been achieved.
McGuinness became deputy first minister of Northern Ireland in 2007, but stepped down in January at the DUP's handling of the 'cash for ash' energy scandal, triggering a snap election.
Photographs of him at his last public appearance in January show him looking very frail.
Plans for peace: After rising through the ranks of the IRA during the 1970s and spent several spells in prison, McGuinness turned to politics and played an important role in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Left, in 1983 and right, visiting Downing Street in 2016
Brighton: The debris at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, following the IRA bomb blast in 1984
The Queen sends condolences to McGuinness' widow Last meeting: The Queen meets deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at a private audience in Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, last June The Queen is to send a private message to the widow of Martin McGuinness. The monarch and the former IRA commander met and shook hands at a charity event in Belfast in June 2012, an event which would once have been unimaginable. Buckingham Palace indicated that the Queen would be contacting his wife Bernie following his death on Tuesday.' One of the most iconic images of the peace process in Northern Ireland was the handshake between former IRA commander Martin McGuinness and Her Majesty during her visit to the province in 2012. They shook hands at a Belfast theatre and McGuinness said the encounter was 'a result of decades of work constructing the Irish peace process'. It as an extraordinary moment because it was the IRA's Army Council, dominated by Gerry Adams, said to be its former Belfast commander although he has always denied being a member of the IRA and McGuinness that ordered Mountbatten's murder. The thaw in relations continued and in 2014 he attended a banquet at Windsor Castle as part of a state visit by the Irish president and joined in a toast to the monarch. Then last June, the Queen made light of her advancing years during a meeting with McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle, telling the politician: 'I'm still alive'. The image of the British monarch and the former republican fighter turned peacemaker in 2012, both of them smiling, was captured by AFP photographer Paul Faith, who was working for the Press Association at the time. 'It was a pretty historic handshake. It was going to be a handshake that travelled around the world. Everybody was on tenterhooks bar those two,' Faith told AFP. McGuinness was deputy first minister of the province at the time, a role he relinquished earlier this year. He died Tuesday aged 66. McGuinness, who fought against British rule in Northern Ireland, seemed 'quite relaxed' as he shook the queen's hands for the first time but the security guards were visibly nervous, Faith remembered. 'It seemed like it was his calling. It was part of his journey. It was another box being ticked,' he said. McGuinness's Sinn Fein party does not recognise the queen's rule in Northern Ireland but he played a key role in negotiating a 1998 peace agreement. As they shook hands, Faith said McGuinness seemed to hold on to the queen's 'a wee bit longer' than usual. 'He was going to make sure I got the picture!' he said. Faith remembered the queen, who wore a pistachio-green outfit, seemed 'bemused'. After the meeting, at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast on June 27 2012, McGuinness wished her well in Irish, in a phrase that translates as: 'Goodbye and God bless'. The next day, after the picture made front pages around the world, McGuinness approached Faith while he was covering the Irish Open golf tournament. 'Paul, you made me famous again!' he told the photographer, before getting a picture taken of the two of them shaking hands. Advertisement
Once described as 'Britain's number one terrorist', McGuinness left his past behind to become one of the major players in Northern Ireland's peace process.
Ian Paisley Jr says we must forgive the 'Godfather of the IRA' The son of Ian Paisley has said it is more important to reflect on Martin McGuinness' latter days advocating peace than his early days in the IRA. Ian Paisley Jnr, who as a junior minister worked alongside his father and the Sinn Fein veteran during their time jointly leading the Stormont executive, acknowledged many would have 'mixed feelings' on his passing. The North Antrim MP said he had gone from viewing Mr McGuinness as the 'godfather of the IRA' to considering him a personal friend. He said he took a Christian view when assessing his legacy. 'I think the Christian view in life is how a person's journey started is of course important, but it is how it finishes which is actually more important,' he said. 'The journey of Martin McGuinness's life ended in a very different way to what people would have supposed it would have done.' Advertisement
His unlikely journey took him from being second-in-command of the Provisional IRA in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday to Deputy First Minister (DFM) at Stormont.
Mr McGuinness always acknowledged his IRA past but many said failed to atone for what he did.
In 1972, at the age of 21, he was second-in-command of the IRA in Londonderry, a position he held at the time of Bloody Sunday, when 14 civil rights protesters were killed in the city by soldiers with the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment.
The following year he was convicted by the Republic of Ireland's Special Criminal Court after being arrested near a car containing explosives and ammunition.
McGuinness once told how his parents were 'horrified' when a local priest arrived at their door to say their son had been searching for parts to make 'destructive devices'.
He described his parents as 'very religious people' and said their primary concern was always his safety.
After his release from jail, and another conviction in the Republic for IRA membership, he became increasingly prominent in Sinn Fein, eventually becoming its best known face after Gerry Adams.
During the Troubles McGuinness had read numerous academic dissertations which all concluded that the British Army could not militarily beat the IRA.
But he claimed he believed the IRA could not defeat the British and became motivated to convince people change 'could only happen through politics'.
He was in indirect contact with British intelligence during the hunger strikes in the early 1980s, and again in the early 1990s.
In 1982, he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont representing his home city of Londonderry. He was the second candidate elected after John Hume.
He eventually became Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement which ended violence, secured IRA arms decommissioning in 2005 and shared government with former enemies.
Politician: After a six-month jail term in 1973, McGuinness entered into politics and became prominent in Sinn Fein, eventually becoming its best known face after Gerry Adams. Pictured, Adams and McGuinness during a march to mark the commemoration of Bloody Sunday in 1983
Peacemaker: McGuinness was Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and secured IRA arms decommissioning in 2005. Pictured, McGuinness, Adams and former Prime Minister Tony Blair at Downing Street in 2005
In 2012, after his handshake with the Queen, Mr McGuinness said he 'genuinely regretted' every life lost during the Troubles.
In a speech at Westminster he said: 'Every single violent act was evidence of a failure of politics and a failure of British policy in Ireland.
'I genuinely regret every single life that was lost during that conflict and today I want every family who lost a loved one to know that your pain is not being ignored and I am willing to work with others to finding a way to deal with our past so that we can complete our journey to true reconciliation.'
Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley Jess Phillips posted on Twitter: 'People can do good and bad, things aren't simple. People should be neither reviled or worshipped. I wish he'd helped my constituents find peace.'
In a statement, President of Ireland Michael D Higgins paid tribute to the ex-IRA commander's 'immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland'.
He said: 'The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland'.
Former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Hain said Mr McGuinness was 'absolutely crucial' to the peace process.
'He had the grassroots credibility of a republican leader and former IRA commander, that could enable him, along with Gerry Adams, to take his followers, to take republicans, from the past of terror and horror into a democratic future, which is what he did,' he told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
The Labour former cabinet minister revealed that Mr McGuinness also had an unlikely love of the England cricket team.
'I discovered he was a fan of the England cricket team - this was a hardline republican - but I realised watching the Ashes series on the television in the corner of my office in Stormont Castle that he actually was following the England cricket team, he knew all the players,' Lord Hain said.
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire said: 'I want to extend my sympathy and sincere condolences to the family of Martin McGuinness at this difficult time.
'Martin's personal journey and the clear influence he had on others in the republican movement were instrumental in shaping political institutions in Northern Ireland founded on exclusively peaceful and democratic means'.
And former Northern Ireland secretary John Reid said: 'Martin McGuinness's passing is a sad loss to his family, friends and to Northern Ireland as a whole. He was an indispensable part of the peace process.
'Though Martin remained a staunch Republican, he had the courage to change, to compromise, to abandon violence, to embrace old enemies, to promote reconciliation and he made a massive contribution in shaping a better future for everyone in Northern Ireland.'
Reaction to the 'remarkable political journey' of McGuinness 'A passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country' Gerry Adams, Sinn Fein president 'For those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future' Tony Blair, former prime minister 'While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the republican movement away from violence.' Theresa May, Prime Minister 'I wish to pay tribute to his immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland - a contribution which has rightly been recognised across all shades of opinion.' Michael D Higgins, President of Ireland 'Martin will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey that he undertook in his lifetime. Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end.' Enda Kenny, Irish Taoiseach 'Sometimes in the history of conflicts - and, goodness me, the island of Ireland has been involved in centuries of conflict with Britain - you need leaders who can rise above their past and, at that point, Martin McGuinness certainly stood the test and proved to be an indispensable figure' Lord Hain, former Northern Ireland secretary 'Whilst our politics were very different and while his past is well documented, the compromises he made, the leadership he demonstrated and his willingness to work with other despite those differences as part of the peace process helped secure the peace we all now enjoy.' Naomi Long, Alliance Party leader 'Martin's personal journey and the clear influence he had on others in the republican movement were instrumental in shaping political institutions in Northern Ireland founded on exclusively peaceful and democratic means.' James Brokenshire, Northern Ireland Secretary 'People can do good and bad, things aren't simple. People should be neither reviled or worshipped. I wish he'd helped my constituents find peace.' Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley 'I hope God forgives this man and grants him a place in heaven - however, it will be hard for many to shed tears upon hearing this news.' Nadine Dorries, Conservative MP for Mid Bedfordshire 'When he spoke, people listened. That presence explains much about how he was able to build bridges across the political divide.' Carwyn Jones, First Minister of Wales 'People like him, because of their past, were better placed to remind others that violence doesn't work, and needed to continue to send that message when there were some fringe elements within Republicanism continuing to try that route.' Peter Lynas, Evangelical Alliance in Northern Ireland Advertisement
Remember our children: After terror commander Martin McGuinness dies aged 66, families post heartbreaking photos of the relatives they lost in the IRA's decades of atrocity
The families of victims killed in decades IRA attacks today urged people to remember them today not Martin McGuinness.
Several posted photographs of their loved-ones on social media and said the ex-IRA chief's death means they may not get answers about their deaths.
Ann Travers' sister Mary was gunned down and her judge father, Tom Travers, badly injured when they were ambushed by an IRA gang as they emerged from church in Belfast in April 1984.
Mrs Travers has since campaigned for victims' rights and she tweeted a picture of her sister and father, and wrote: 'Enniskillen Families, Claudy families, Hegarty family, Gillespie family, Maher family, I'm so sorry you never got the answers you deserved.'
Tributes: The families of those who lost family and friends in IRA attacks including Ann Travers whose sister Mary was shot dead when republicans tried and failed to assassinate her father Tom, who was a judge in Northern Ireland
Colin and Wendy Parry, pictured centre in the early 1990s, lost son Tim (pictured in the frame) aged 12 in the Warrington bombing in 1993. Mr Parry said he could 'never forgive McGuinness but could respect the man he became'. Also pictured are the Parry's children Abi, left, and Dominic, right
Ms Hambleton, left, whose sister Maxine, right, died in the Birmingham bombings in 1974 aged 18, said praise being heaped on McGuinness was 'not valid'
Stephen Gault saw his father Samuel, 49, killed by an IRA bomb in Enniskillen in November 1987. The then 18-year-old was also injured in the blast.
He said: 'Martin McGuinness has taken to the grave the truth and the answers that we need to be able to move forward. He knows who bombed Enniskillen.
'I will always remember Martin McGuinness as the terrorist he was. If he had been repentant my thoughts might have been slightly different. But he took to his grave proud that he served in the IRA. There was no remorse or repentance from him even up to his death.
'People might say I am unchristian that I have no sympathy for his family. But it wasn't Christian to send people out to murder innocent people.
'Did the McGuinness family feel any sympathy for the Gault family when my father was cruelly and brutally murdered at the age of 49 by an IRA bomb?
'I have heard all this talk about how Martin McGuinness was only 66. My father was only 49 when he was murdered. He wasn't even 50. He was a very young man.'
In the wake of the former IRA leader's death the sister of a woman killed by the paramilitary group tweeted a list of atrocities and other victims.
Moving: Other posted tributes to family including pictures of them and their funerals during The Troubles
John Rattigan, who was injured in the pub bombings alongside his wife Sue, said McGuinness' death doesn't bring any closure.
The 64-year-old, from Coventry, said: 'I'm not particularly unhappy about it [McGuinness' death] and I'm really not too concerned about him.
'Northern Ireland might be a better place without him.
'I didn't know the man personally so I have no sympathy for him and his death doesn't bring any closure.'
Traditional Unionist Voice party leader Jim Allister said McGuinness had taken secrets about his IRA past to the grave.
He said: 'In the case of Martin McGuinness, he lived many more decades than most of his victims.'
'So today my primary thoughts are with the many victims of the IRA who never reached the age of 66; of men and women who never got to see their grandchildren because their lives were cut short by murderous republicanism; of children stolen from their parents and grandparents by the organisation in which McGuinness was a commander'.
'Tell that to the people of Enniskillen': Fury as Corbyn pays warm tribute to IRA killer Martin McGuinness as a 'great family man' Jeremy Corbyn provoked fury today after paying a glowing tribute to former IRA commander Martin McGuinness as a 'great family man'. The Labour leader, who was friends with the former Northern Ireland deputy first minister, said he was thinking about McGuinness's relatives this morning. He tweeted: 'Martin McGuinness played a huge role in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland. He was a great family man and my thoughts are with them.' Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured having a coffee with Martin McGuinness at Portcullis House in Westminster in July 2015, was friends with the former IRA commander Mr Corbynr said he was thinking about McGuinness's relatives this morning and praised him as a 'great family' man - but his comments upset many people on social people But his comments upset many people, with one tweeting: 'Tell that to the people of Enniskillen and Warrington and countless others who lost their families. Murderer.' Another added: 'This is the very reason you'll never be prime minister the man was a monster who died with blood on his hands.' And a third said on Twitter: 'This guy is the leader of the opposition? Unbelievable! Martin McGuinness, who ordered bombing of innocent people.' Two years ago in July 2015, Mr Corbyn posed for a picture over coffee with McGuinness and Sinn Fein boss Gerry Adams at Portcullis House in Westminster. When Mr Corbyn secured the Labour leadership in September 2015, McGuinness told how he was a 'long standing friend' and wished him luck in his new role. People reacted to Mr Corbyn's comments on Twitter, with one calling them 'unbelievable' A wider view of the photograph taken of McGuinness and Mr Corbyn (both left) at Portcullis House in Westminster in July 2015, which also features Sinn Fein boss Gerry Adams (right) Mr Corbyn has been criticised for his controversial choice of political friends, having previously invited politicians from Hamas and Hezbollah into the Commons. Just weeks after the IRA bombed the Tory conference in Brighton in 1984, Mr Corbyn invited Mr Adams and other members of Sinn Fein to the Commons. The Islington North MP was accused of 'traitorous' behaviour for helping Mr Adams plug his autobiography inside the Houses of Parliament in 1996. McGuinness died aged 66 overnight in Londonderry after a short illness. The Sinn Fein veteran was diagnosed with a rare heart condition late last year. The IRA bomb in Enniskillen during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in 1987 was one of the most notorious atrocities in Northern Ireland's troubled history The IRA Warrington bombings in March 1993 killed two children when bombs planted in litter bins were detonated. The attack also left 56 people injured His remarkable journey from gunman to statesman saw him shake hands with the Queen and forge an unlikely friendship with erstwhile foe Ian Paisley. But the IRA bomb in Enniskillen during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in 1987 was one of the most notorious atrocities in Northern Ireland's troubled history. It exploded near the town's war memorial during a service to commemorate British military war dead. Eleven people were killed and 63 were injured. The IRA Warrington bombings in March 1993 killed two children when bombs planted in litter bins were detonated. The attack also left 56 people injured. Advertisement
'The world is a sweeter place today': Norman Tebbit, whose wife was paralysed by an IRA bomb, leads condemnation of former terror commander Martin McGuinness
Lord Tebbit has today said the 'world is a sweeter place ' after Martin McGuinness' death and accused him of turning to peace 'to save his own skin'.
The former IRA commander turned deputy first minister has never been forgiven by the Tory peer for the IRA's 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton.
Lord Tebbit, 85, was lucky to be alive after the terror attack and his wife Lady Margaret was permanently paralysed.
Speaking today he said: 'The world is a sweeter place today. He was a coward who never atoned for his crimes. There can be no forgiveness without a confession of sins'.
When asked about his part in the peace process he said: 'You might just as well say that if Himmler had succeeded Hitler and wiped out the Jews it would have removed the problem and there could have been peace in Europe'.
Drama: Lord Tebbit, 85, pictured being dragged from the rubble, was lucky to be alive after the terror attack
Shocking: His wife Lady Margaret was permanently paralysed in the 1984 attack and remains in a wheelchair today
Lord Tebbit said: 'I'm just pleased that the world is a sweeter and cleaner place now.
'He was not only a multi-murderer, he was a coward. He knew that the IRA were defeated because British intelligence had penetrated right the way up to the Army Council and that the end was coming.
'He then sought to save his own skin and he knew that it was likely he would be charged before long with several murders which he had personally committed and he decided that the only thing to do was to opt for peace.
The 1984 Brighton bombing of the Grand Hotel in the middle of the night killed five and left many injured.
Lord Tebbit said he refused to forgive McGuinness for his terrorist past because 'forgiveness requires confession of sins and repentance'.
'There was none of that,' he added.
Terror: The debris at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, following the IRA bomb blast that was an attempt on Margaret Thatcher's life
The younger sister of an IRA bombing victim has claimed 'the truth has died' with McGuinness.
Julie Hambleton said relatives of many of the terrorist group's victims were still waiting for 'truth and justice', following the death of the ex-IRA commander aged 66.
She claimed: 'He was very opaque and selective with the truth.
'With him the truth has died and that's the big problem.'
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams led tributes to his life-long friend, while politicians from the UK and Ireland also praised Mr McGuinness's contribution to peace and reconciliation.
Ms Hambleton, whose older sister Maxine was killed in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, offered her condolences to his family.
But she said many relatives of IRA victims were still waiting for answers about what happened to loved ones, including The Disappeared.
She added: 'People are piling the praise on him but it isn't valid. He didn't come forward with the truth.'
Ms Hambleton, who leads the Justice4the21 campaign which last year won fresh inquests into the deaths of the pub bombings victims, said she still hoped other former IRA members would speak about what happened during The Troubles.
She said: 'I can but hope that lips will be looser, not just for our loved ones but for everybody's sake - many of whom still after all these years have no body to bury.'
How McGuinness and Paisley went from sworn enemies to friends known as the 'Chuckle Brothers' From sworn enemies to the 'Chuckle Brothers', Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley became Northern Ireland's most unlikely double act From sworn enemies to the 'Chuckle Brothers', Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley became Northern Ireland's most unlikely double act. One was a former IRA commander, the other once stood up in the European Parliament to denounce the Pope as the Antichrist. But remarkably, against all the odds, a deep friendship developed between these clashing figures that enabled the Northern Ireland peace process. In 2007, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agreed to share power with republican party Sinn Fein and Paisley and McGuinness became First Minister and Deputy First Minister. In their first formal meeting as First and Deputy First Ministers, Paisley suggested sending a letter to the British secretary of state asking him to immediately vacate Stormont Castle. McGuinness once revealed that this was one of the 'most amusing episodes' for him. 'We did so in our first joint letter as First and Deputy First Minister. The British secretary of state and his staff were taken aback but did so. 'When we moved into our offices the following week, we discovered that they had taken everything with them, including the light bulbs.' What followed became a very public friendship. Images of the pair laughing and joking together earned them the nickname 'The Chuckle Brothers'. 'Our relationship confounded many. Of course, our political differences continued; his allegiance was to Britain and mine to Ireland. But we were able to work effectively together in the interests of all our people,' McGuinness said after Paisley's death. However, many in the DUP were unhappy with the friendship and, according to Paisley, he was forced to step down in June 2008. In a wide-ranging interview on BBC Northern Ireland in January 2014, the former First Minister claimed he was edged out by senior figures in the DUP, after a canvass of the party found many MLAs were unhappy with his performance in the role, not least with his 'chuckling' appearances alongside McGuinness. After his death in September 2014, Paisley's widow Eileen revealed that McGuinness had been very supportive to the family during her husband's long illness and said their friendship had meant a great deal to her husband. Speaking at an event in Belfast in October 2015, Mrs Paisley said: 'During Ian's illness, he [Martin] contacted me. 'He would have texted me just to ask how Ian was, and say he was thinking about him. 'It was very precious to us as a family. It gave Ian a lot of happiness as well to know that he had left that impression with [him]. 'His friendship with Martin McGuinness had meant something very special to him.' After Paisley's death, McGuinness himself spoke about their friendship. 'Despite our differences, I found him to be a charismatic and powerful personality. He always treated me and those who worked with me with respect and courtesy. 'The peace process and I have lost a friend,' he said. Advertisement
Britain's number one terrorist: The IRA's top commander who was at Bloody Sunday with a machine gun then went on to broker historic peace in Northern Ireland
McGuinness was the IRA's second-in-command in Londonderry at the time of Bloody Sunday and was arrested in 1972 (pictured)
Martin McGuinness was born in 1950 in a terraced house in Londonderry's Bogside housing estate, a one-time no-go area for soldiers and hotbed of IRA planning and activity.
He was educated at the local Christian Brothers school. Unlike Gerry Adams, who came from a traditional hard-line republican family, McGuinness showed little interest in politics before the start of the Troubles.
Nor did he join the IRA until after the British Army had been sent to Northern Ireland in August 1969 to restore order after a pitched battle between the RUC and inhabitants of the Bogside.
His own mother had warned him not to get involved with the IRA but discovered a uniform and beret in his bedroom. She later learned that he would pop out of the butchers he worked in to riot during his lunchbreak.
He was the IRA's second-in-command in Londonderry at the time of Bloody Sunday - during which 13 innocent civilians were killed by British soldiers during a peaceful protest against internment - in January 1972.
The Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday found that Mr McGuinness was 'probably' armed with a sub-machine gun, although there was 'insufficient evidence' to prove he fired it.
Later that same year McGuinness, then aged 22, went on the run as the British authorities targeted the terrorist masterminds behind the spreading violence.
Disguised as a woman, he slipped across the border and headed for his maternal grandmother's farm in Illies, Co. Donegal, near Buncrana. Though he based himself in Illies for the remainder of the year, he made regular clandestine trips back home.
By now a well-known figure through frequent exposure in the media, McGuinness was sought out by high-profile visitors.
McGuinness, aged 22, in 1971 at an IRA press conference before he went on the run as the British authorities targeted the terrorist masterminds behind the spreading violence
On New Year's Eve 1972, McGuinness - with his hair dyed black and sporting a Zapata moustache of the same colour - was arrested in Cappry, Co. Donegal, beside a red Ford Cortina that was carrying a cargo of 113kg of explosives and 4,750 bullets.
When he was put on trial at the non-jury Special Criminal Court in Dublin, he refused to recognise the court and said: 'My place is in Londonderry city. As soon as this case is over, the better.'
He did, however, inform the judges of his pride at being in the IRA. 'We have fought against the killing of our people,' he told them. 'I am a member of the Derry brigade of Oglaigh na hEireann and very, very proud of it.'
Though he was acquitted on the explosives and ammunition charges, McGuinness was sentenced to six months for IRA membership.
McGuinness pictured at a the 1987 funeral of IRA man Larry Marley - pictured bottom left is Alfredo 'Freddie' Scappaticci - named as the Army's top informer inside the IRA who later said Martin McGuinness was a ruthless terrorist leader
Power couple: President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams and then West Belfast MP Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, 30, the reputed IRA commander in East Tyrone in 1983. Adams always denied being an IRA member but McGuinness admitted his past
McGuinness warns mourners to take cover as gunshots ring out over Milltown cemetery in 1988 during the funerals of three IRA terrorists shot dead in Gibraltar
He was brought to the 'glasshouse' at the Curragh, where fellow inmates included former IRA chief of staff, London-born Sean Mac Stiofain, and Ruairi O Bradaigh, who went on to become the leader of the hardline Republican Sinn Fein.
McGuinness spent much of his incarceration reading books from the prison library and, according to his biographers Liam Clarke and Kathryn Johnston in their book Martin McGuinness: From Guns To Government, later told friends: 'Prison was absolutely no problem to me at all, no problem whatsoever, because of the comradeship and the craic and the friendships and the relationships that you strike up with people.'
By the time of his release in May 1973, McGuinness's girlfriend Bernie Canning was being held in Armagh Jail on suspicion of explosives offences - of which she was later cleared. McGuinness went to Buncrana where he bought an engagement ring and passed it on to a friend to give to her.
He was later quoted as saying: 'I couldn't go to her because I was on the run from the RUC and the British army.'
It wasn't long before McGuinness himself was back in custody. On February 11, 1974, he was a passenger in a car that was stopped by gardai and though he tried to escape by pulling a gun on the officers, he was quickly caught in a nearby field.
This time, he was jailed for 12 months after being convicted of IRA membership and failing to account for his movements.
He also spent his time playing chess and joined the prison football team.
Always religiously devout, one former inmate recalls McGuinness undressing in his cell to reveal a scapular around his neck; according to Catholic teaching, anyone who dies while wearing one 'will not suffer everlasting fire'.
Nine days after his release in November 1974, he married Bernie Canning at a small church in Cockhill, Co. Donegal, where his father William's funeral had been held the previous year.
The couple honeymooned in Dublin and McGuinness never returned to prison again.
But historians and security analysts agree that McGuinness was promoted to the IRA's ruling army council following his November 1974 parole from prison and would have overseen many of the group's most spectacular and divisive attacks. These included bomb attacks on London tourist spots and the use of 'human bombs' - civilian employees like cooks and cleaners at British security installations - who were forced to drive car bombs to their places of work and were detonated by remote control before they could raise the alarm.
Change: McGuinness later became Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, pictured at Downing Street before meeting Tony Blair
His political career began in 1982 when he was elected to the Northern Ireland Assembly at Stormont.
But even then Martin McGuinness knew in advance about the Enniskillen bombing but did nothing to stop it, a TV documentary claimed.
The 1987 Remembrance Day atrocity in Northern Ireland was thought to have been an unauthorised, one-off operation by a local IRA unit.
The IRA always insisted its leadership had not sanctioned the bombing, which killed 11 civilians gathered at a ceremony to remember their war dead.
Butit was claimed the operation was actually 'carefully co-ordinated' by three IRA units with sources claiming that he knew.
In the 1990s The Army/IRA double agent Freddie 'Stakeknife' Scappaticci said that Martin McGuinness was a ruthless terrorist leader who sanctioned countless murders - but would never get his 'hands dirty' himself.
McGuiness was accused of being involved in the murder of mank Hegarty in May 1986 by luring the Londonderry informer back home to his death.
The Sinn Fein politician was accused of giving Frank's mother Rose Hegarty his word of honour her son would be safe if he returned to Derry - but he was shot and dumped by the roadside 'like a dog'.
Scappaticci said: 'If you meet him [McGuinness] in his role in Sinn Fein, he's a nice, plausible person. But in his role in the IRA, he is a cold, ruthless person. You don't get much chitchat from him. He sends a shiver down your back.'
But he later became Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
After serving as an MP for the Mid Ulster constituency, McGuinness became education minister in the power-sharing executive that emerged in the North following the Good Friday pact.
During his period in office he scrapped the 11-plus exam, which he had failed as a schoolboy.
Meanwhile, he forged a close relationship with the late DUP leader Ian Paisley against all expectations.
In December 2007, while visiting US president George W Bush at the White House with Dr Paisley, Mr McGuinness said to the press: 'Up until the 26th of March this year, Ian Paisley and I never had a conversation about anything - not even about the weather - and now we have worked very closely together over the last seven months and there's been no angry words between us.
But it was not all laughs and in 2009 Mr McGuinness described dissident republicans who murdered two soldiers and a police officer as 'traitors to Ireland'.
This shows we are set for a new course.' Relations between Sinn Fein and the DUP soured, however, following Dr Paisley's retirement in 2010.
When the Queen visited Dublin that year the veteran republican was absent but by June 2012 he was ready to meet her.
They shook hands at a Belfast theatre and Mr McGuinness said the encounter was 'a result of decades of work constructing the Irish peace process'.
It as an extraordinary moment because it was the IRA's Army Council, dominated by Gerry Adams, said to be its former Belfast commander although he has always denied being a member of the IRA and Martin McGuinness that ordered Mountbatten's murder.
The thaw in relations continued and in 2014 he attended a banquet at Windsor Castle as part of a state visit by the Irish president and joined in a toast to the monarch.
Close: Martin McGuinness and former Northern Ireland first minister Ian Paisley became friends despite once being sworn enemies
Unwell: Gerry Adams and Martin McGuiness speak at Stormont Buildings, during the appointment of Michelle O'Neill
In 2013 he travelled to Warrington to speak at the invitation of Colin and Wendy Parry, whose son Tim was killed by an IRA bomb, to acknowledge their pain.
But he enjoyed more strained relationships with Mr Paisley's successor as First Minister at Stormont, Peter Robinson, as the joint office was embroiled in controversy over property dealings.
Difficulties also surfaced over welfare reform, investigating thousands of conflict deaths and a green energy scheme which is predicted to be 490 million overspent.
After Mr McGuinness gave first minister Arlene Foster an ultimatum to step aside, which was ignored, he announced his resignation in January 2017.
It was the last act of a career forged in the flames of Troubles Northern Ireland which reached its zenith after the guns had fallen silent.
He is survived by his wife Bernie and four children.
Fury as 'despicable' BBC is accused of 'fawning' over IRA terror chief Martin McGuinness as if he were 'on a par with Nelson Mandela'
The BBC has been accused of ' despicable fawning' over 'terrorist godfather' and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness in their obituary pieces this morning.
On Twitter some furious viewers accused the corporation of having 'blood on their hands' and 'fawning over [him] like he was some sort of misunderstood peacekeeper.'
The family of the former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland announced his death at the age of 66 this morning.
But following hours of coverage by the news channel some viewers were left furious and questioned why the BBC was dedicating so much time to McGuinness's death.
One user wrote: 'BBC showing real bias this morning; no mention that Martin McGuinness was a terrorist just that he was a 'peace maker.''
The BBC has been accused of 'fawning' over 'terrorist godfather' and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness in their obituary pieces this morning
Following hours of coverage by the BBC news channel some viewers were left furious and questioned why the BBC was dedicating so much time to McGuinness's death
Another said: 'Shame on the BBC giving former IRA commander and murderer Martin McGuinness airtime on his death. Blood on the hands of the BBC.'
Other social media users accused the BBC of 'lauding a mass murderer like he was on a par with Nelson Mandela' and pointed out the discrepancy between their coverage of his death and the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
On Twitter some furious viewers accused the corporation of having 'blood on their hands' and 'fawning over [him] like he was some sort of misunderstood peacekeeper'
McGuinness was once Britain's number one terrorist and a feared commander accused of ordering some of the IRA's most infamous attacks across Ulster and on mainland UK.
But he turned peacemaker and was pivotal in securing the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and the Queen even agreed to meet him and shake his hand in 2012 even though he was believed to have ordered the murder of her cousin Lord Moutbatten in 1979.
Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was permanently paralysed by the IRA's 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton said: 'The world is a sweeter and cleaner place, isn't it?
'He was a coward who knew that the IRA was defeated, that the IRA army council had been penetrated by British intelligence and they were beaten.
'He, coward as always, opted to try and get out of that by posing as a man of peace.
'He was a murderer, a multi-murderer. He became a man of peace ... because he knew that he was shortly to be arrested and charged with specifically murders which he had committed himself. The proper historic role that he should have played would have been to confess his sins, pray for forgiveness and make amends. He didn't.'
Among the tributes to Martin McGuinness were more critical comments from victims who said they have been denied justice.
In the wake of the former IRA leader's death the sister of a woman killed by the paramilitary group tweeted a list of atrocities and other victims.
Ann Travers' sister Mary was gunned down and her judge father, Tom Travers, badly injured when they were ambushed by an IRA gang as they emerged from church in Belfast in April 1984.
Ann Travers has since campaigned for victims' rights.
Other Twitter users accused the BBC of 'lauding a mass murderer like he was on a par with Nelson Mandela' and pointed out the discrepancy between their coverage of his death and the death of former PM Margaret Thatcher
She tweeted a picture of her sister and father, and wrote: 'Enniskillen Families, Claudy families, Hegarty family, Gillespie family, Maher family, I'm so sorry you never got the answers you deserved.'
Mr McGuinness spoke out six years ago after a Sinn Fein member involved in the murder of Mary Travers was appointed to an influential adviser role at Stormont.
He said the killing had been 'absolutely wrong' but added the adviser, Mary McArdle, would not be sacked from the role.
Speaking at the time he said: 'There is controversy now because Ann obviously feels very hurt and I respect the fact that she feels the way she feels but if we were to apply the rule that people who were part of the conflict can't be part of building a better future then Nelson Mandela would never have been president of South Africa.'
Enraged Taiwan is planning to build new submarines to protect itself and US bases from China - and has vowed to shoot down any missiles fired at the island.
Beijing has included new medium-range ballistic weapons in a terrifying arsenal of 1,500 rockets aimed at the self-ruled island, according to Taiwanese defence bosses.
Amid heightened tensions between the neighbouring territories, Taiwan has now announced plans to build its own submarines bolstered by fresh arms sales by the United States.
The island's defence minister Feng Shih-kuan says China's advanced DF-16 (Dongfeng 16) is capable of precise strikes with a range of between 600 and 900 miles - meaning it could reach US military bases in Okinawa.
Enraged Taiwan is set to build new submarines to protect itself and US bases from China and has vowed to shoot down any missiles fired at the island. Taiwan navy submarines SS-794 (front) and SS-792 (back) are docked at Tsoying Naval Base during the visit of president Tsai Ing-wen today
Taiwan has revealed its intentions to build its own submarines bolstered by fresh arms sales by the United States. Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen, left, waves from a Zwaardvis-class submarine during a visit at Zuoying Naval base in Kaohsiung today
When asked how Taiwan would handle the new threat, Feng said the island's Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) anti-missile system could intercept the DF-16.
'We are confident in our surveillance to detect any unfriendly action towards us ... We have sufficient weaponry to shoot it down outside our territory,' he said.
Taiwan pledged to build up its military in the face of the China threat in a four-yearly defence report unveiled last week.
The island's military, which consists of around 200,000 troops, is a fraction of China's 2.3 million-strong army.
Taiwan said for the first time last week that it is capable of launching missiles at China as it warned of an increased invasion risk.
Beijing has included new medium-range ballistic weapons in a terrifying arsenal of 1,500 rockets aimed at the self-ruled island, according to Taiwanese defence bosses. File picture shows Taiwan's US-made F-16 fighters during a training exercise
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
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.
Feng said did not say how many missiles had been deployed or where.
Taiwan has said China is targeting the island with around 1,500 missiles, but this is the first time the defence ministry identified the DF-16 as among them.
Beijing has severed all official communications with Taipei since Tsai became leader in May and has been accused of blocking the island's political representatives from attending international events.
China is highly suspicious of Tsai, whose Democratic Progressive Party is traditionally pro-independence.
Taiwan has never formally split from the mainland and China has warned of military consequences if it did.
President Tsai Ing-wen has visited a submarine at the southern naval port of Zuoying, about 218 miles from the capital, Taipei today
Feng added that China's six recent drills in the Western Pacific and sending its sole aircraft carrier through the Taiwan Strait were designed to 'pressure Taiwan to follow its plans in the development of cross-strait relations'.
China displayed the DF-16 among a variety of short- and intermediate-range ballistic missiles at a military parade in Beijing in 2015 to commemorate the 70th anniversary of Japan's World War II defeat.
Military experts say it is capable of pinpoint precision and can carry two or more warheads to conduct multi-target attacks.
Meanwhile, Taiwan insists it will now start making its own submarines.
'Strengthening underwater combat capabilities is most needed in Taiwan's defense,' President Tsai Ing-wen said during a tour of a submarine at the southern naval port of Zuoying, about 218 miles from the capital, Taipei.
'This is a problem everyone recognizes,' she added. 'We have been unable to solve this in the past. As commander of the armed forces, I am determined to solve this problem.'
But the rare appearance of two of Taiwan's four submarines at the event also spotlighted the island's slow, sometimes stalled efforts, to upgrade key defence equipment.
The black-hulled vessel half-submerged in the water that Tsai visited has been in service for nearly half a century
The black-hulled vessel half-submerged in the water that Tsai visited has been in service for nearly half a century.
'Making a submarine isn't the problem,' said Gao Chung-hsing, vice president of the National Chung-shan Institute of Technology, a quasi-defence ministry agency reponsible for military research and development.
'It is making what kind of submarine that is the problem.'
To build an advanced submarine, for instance, Taiwan, which has never before built such a craft, will have to rely on foreign technology to resolve issues such as integrating the hardware with various electronic systems, defence experts say.
Such foreign support is critical to Taiwan's effort, which was allocated a four-year budget of T$3 billion ($99 million) for its design contract phase from 2016, Taiwan defence officials and experts say.
Two submarines in Taiwan's fleet date from the era of World War Two, were bought from the United States, and are used mainly for training, while the other two, bought from the Netherlands in the 1980s, first saw service in the 1970s.
Although the United States agreed to sell Taiwan eight diesel electric submarines in 2001, the purchase never went through, beset by hurdles ranging from budget issues and lack of consensus in Taiwan to changing U.S. policy priorities.
Washington has begun considering a big, new arms package for Taiwan, a move sure to anger China.
This week, officials in Taiwan fretted that a planned summit meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could sacrifice Taiwan's interests.
Tsai, who leads the independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has never conceded to Beijing's view that Taiwan is a part of China, although she has soft-pedalled the issue since taking office in May last year.
In December, Taiwan briefly celebrated a diplomatic coup when Trump, then president-elect, took a congratulatory phone call from Tsai and raised questions about whether he would stick with the four-decade-old 'one China' policy.
Trump changed tack last month, however, and agreed to honour the 'one China' policy during a phone call with Xi, reviving the island's concerns about its vulnerability.
'If there was no threat across the Taiwan Strait, then we do not have to purchase arms,' Defence Minister Feng Shih-kuan told Taiwan's parliament on Monday.
Four teenagers who were invited to perform fellatio on a youth prison guard have been awarded $53,000 after a detention centre lost its civil lawsuit.
Justice Judith Kelly ruled that the Northern Territory government would pay three of the boys $12,000 each in damages, while the fourth former inmate would receive $17,000.
The boys, who cannot be named, sued the NT government after they were tear-gassed, shackled and spit-hooded in August 2014 at Darwin's Don Dale youth detention centre.
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Four teenagers have been awarded $53,000 in damages after they were tear-gassed, shackled and spit hooded in August 2014 at The Don Dale Youth Detention Centre
The boys were locked in their cells as guards and sprayed with gas as guards tried to overcome another detainee
Locked in their cells, the teenagers were sprayed with gas as guards tried to overcome one detainee, Jake Roeper, who had escaped his cell, according to ABC News.
Lawyers for the detainees, claimed the use of tear gas may have broken the Weapon's Control Act, but in ruling Justice Kelly found that the use of gas had been 'reasonable and necessary'.
The four children also made allegations of instances of assault and battery as they were being transported to the adult prison in shackles and spit hoods after the gassing for which they awarded damages.
The verdict comes as former Don Dale Detention Centre Youth Justice officer Conan Zamolo confessed to inviting detainees to perform fellatio and daring a child to eat excrement but only 'as a joke'.
Appearing before the juvenile justice royal commission, Mr Zamolo rejected allegations by three separate detainees he recorded a child masturbating in the shower.
The inmates claimed they saw vision of a naked boy on Mr Zamolo's phone, but he said he only led them to believe he had done it.
'I never recorded no kids in the shower. I may have pretended to... I'm not a bully,' he told the royal commission on Monday.
Former Northern Territory youth prison guard Conan Zamolo (pictured) confessed to inviting detainees to perform fellatio on him, as footage from the video emerges
Mr Zamolo was also on duty when the boys were tear gassed but denied he was involved in the gassing decision.
During cross-examination, the barrister for the boy identified as AD, John Lawrence, suggested Mr Zamolo and fellow ex-guard Ben Kelleher could have de-escalated the situation without using gas.
'You two could have taken him easily... no gas, no dramas, he's arrested,' he said.
'I guess so, but at the same time we were putting ourselves at risk. We could have copped a fire extinguisher over the head.'
Mr Zamolo said he witnessed an 'angry' Mr Kelleher attempting to cover a camera and swearing at former inmate Dylan Voller while standing over the cowering boy on his bed.
'I was there if it got out of control,' Mr Zamolo said.
'If Ben attacked Voller, we had to get Ben off Voller... that's why I asked another guard to assist.'
Mr Zamolo, a body builder, claims he 'assumed they would take it as a joke'
Mr Zamolo said he was 'just mucking around' when he dared a child to 'eat shit' and posted the footage on social media app Snapchat in 2014.
'It's just the kids goofing around. Something to pass the day,' Mr Zamolo told the inquiry's Darwin hearing on Monday.
'I can see now it was inappropriate.'
Another clip filmed by the guard late at night shows a boy hiding under his sheet in his cell when Mr Zamolo calls out and makes a reference to fellatio.
'I was actually just going to say goodnight to them because I was leaving shift,' Mr Zamolo said.
'I knew they'd take it as a joke or I just assumed they would take it as a joke.'
The youth prison guard can be heard telling young inmates to eat excrement in the footage (pictured)
In other vision filmed by Mr Zamolo, a boy was seen looking uncomfortable while urinating in a toilet late at night, when the guard says 'Oi, what are you doing, you little gay dog?'
Mr Zamolo also told the Children's Commissioner a female guard once kicked a 13-year-old detainee in the guts and called her a 'f***ing slut', while another worker called a boy a 'stupid black c***' for taking too long for a toilet break.
The guard was never disciplined for any of those incidents, but was later sacked for an unrelated matter.
The guard is also heard calling one young inmate a 'little gay boy' as he films him in a bathroom cubicle (pictured)
Russia is probing the murder of a senior space official in a Moscow prison cell amid reports he died from a deep stab wound to the throat.
Vladimir Yevdokimov, an executive director at the Russian state space agency Roscosmos, died while in detention on fraud charges over his previous role at MiG aircraft company, which makes fighter jets.
Investigators believe the 55-year-old died from 'a gaping stab wound to the neck' which caused 'great loss of blood'.
Russia is probing the murder of senior space official Vladimir Yevdokimov in a Moscow prison cell amid reports he died from a deep stab wound to the throat. He is pictured, right, at a court appearance in 2016 as he faced embezzlement charges
Yevdokimov was detained in December over a 200 million ruble (2.8million) embezzlement case dating back to 2007. He insisted he was not guilty.
His body was found in the early hours of Saturday and Moscow's Investigative Committee, which probes serious crimes, opened a murder case. It said that Yevdokimov suffered stab wounds to the chest and throat.
The case has shocked Russians due to Yevdokimov's high-profile role and the strange circumstances of his death, with speculation that it could have been a premeditated killing.
Since 2015 Yevdokimov had been in charge of quality control at Roscosmos, which runs Russia's space programme.
The agency's director general Igor Komarov said in a brief statement: 'We will undoubtedly press for the clarification of all the circumstances of his death and an exhaustive investigation of his death.'
Yevdokimov was found by guards in the cell's toilet, the law enforcement source told TASS. His cellmates said they did not hear or see anything.
Vladimir Yevdokimov, an executive director at the Russian state space agency Roscosmos, died while in detention on fraud charges over his previous role at MiG aircraft company, which makes fighter jets (file picture)
He had been transferred a month earlier to a cell with 11 other inmates and no security cameras, said Vadim Gorshenin, the head of the Public Observation Commission of Moscow, which monitors conditions in the city's jails, in comments to Interfax.
'To be honest I don't understand the motive of this transfer,' Gorshenin said, specifying that Yevdokimov was moved from a smaller cell for six to one with 11 young prisoners.
'There were no security cameras there,' Gorshenin said.
Another law enforcement source told Interfax news agency that Yevdokimov had tried to fend off his attacker or attackers.
'Based on changes to the body, it is possible to initially surmise that the dead man before his death tried to put up resistance but was not strong enough,' the source said.
Murdered backpacker Danielle McLaughlin may have been taken to a hotel room where she was attacked by four men before she was strangled and dumped on the beach, it emerged today.
The 28-year-old was covered in bright colours after taking in the 'Holi' festival in the Palolem beach resort in Goa last week.
But the paint was not on her dead body when she was discovered raped, strangled and with her face slashed with a broken bottle, the next day, the McLaughlin family lawyer has revealed.
Danielle was attacked while she was taking shower at a hotel or private room after she left the Green Park beach bar on Monday night, respected legal representative Vikram Varma believes.
The new theory emerged as chief suspect Vikat Bhagat appeared in court in connection today with the savage attack on Danielle.
Rape and murder suspect Vikat Bhagat cut a pathetic figure as he appeared in court today in connection with the savage attack on British backpacker Danielle McLaughlin
The suspect complained to Judge Sarika Fal Dessai that he had been abused in police custody by the officers investigating the Danielles rape and murder in Palolem, Goa, last week
The prolific criminal who has 20 separate criminal cases pending lifted his hood to show facial injuries and his t-shirt to show marks on his back which he told Judge Dessai were the result of police beatings
Gone: Bar worker Danielle McLaughlin, 28, was last seen going into a hotel room with four men before her dead body was discovered in Goa, India, last week
Investigation: Petty criminal Vikat Bhagat, above, confessed to killing the young woman from Liverpool but the McLaughlin's family lawyer Vikram Varma believes he did not act alone and that she was gang raped
MURDER SUSPECT CLAIMS HE WAS BEATEN BY POLICE Rape and murder suspect Vikat Bhagat cut a pathetic figure as he appeared in court today in connection with the savage attack on British backpacker Danielle McLaughlin. Peering through the single eye-hole of a white-cloth hood, the 23-year-old petty criminal was shackled to a powerful police officer as he walked into court. Wearing blue polka-dot shorts, a black t-shirt and flip-flops Bhagat was transported the short distance across the road from Canacona Police Station and Canacona District Court in a police car. The suspect complained to Judge Sarika Fal Dessai that he had been abused in police custody by the officers investigating the Danielles rape and murder in Palolem, Goa, last week. The prolific criminal who has 20 separate criminal cases pending lifted his hood to show facial injuries and his t-shirt to show marks on his back which he told Judge Dessai were the result of police beatings. He was surrounded by three close-quarter guards and sat on a wooden bench at the back of the court in the stifling afternoon heat as he waited to appear before the judge. However Judge Dessai dismissed his allegations of mistreatment and he was remanded back into police custody until Monday [27 March]. He will then return to court where the judge will hear an application to transfer him to prison. Police Inspector Filomeno Costa, who is leading the investigation into Danielles rape and murder, does not expect to lay formal charges against Bhagat for several weeks. Police can question suspects for up to 60 days before they must either be charged or released, under the Goa legal system. Advertisement
Peering through the single eye-hole of a white-cloth hood, the 23-year-old petty criminal complained that he had been abused in police custody, but the claim was dismissed.
He was remanded back into police custody until Monday when he will return to court.
The dramatic claims of a fresh sightings of Danielle will put further pressure of Goa Police to find any accomplices of petty criminal Vikat Bhagat who has confessed to killing the young Briton.
Lead investigator Inspector Filomeno Costa has declined to discuss the on-going murder inquiry or whether Danielle was the victim of a gang-rape.
But Mr Varma, who is representing Miss McLaughlin's family, has described the new lead as 'vital'.
The lawyer believes the Briton was gang-raped and that prime suspect Vikat Bhagat cannot have acted alone.
He said: 'Danielle was seen at another place with three or four men after she left the Green Park bar.
'She was covered in "Holi" festival colours. Her face and hands were covered with paint.
'But this paint was not found on her dead body. The paint had been washed off. So she must have gone to somewhere to clean up, to take a shower.
'She possibly went to somebody's room. You cannot wash off this paint in the sea, you need to have a shower or a bath to get clean.
'If the suspects were at the hotel or home with Danielle then a forensic examination of the room will confirm this.
'This new sighting could be vital to finding out exactly what happened to this poor girl that night.'
Lawyer Mr Varma is leading his own inquiry into Danielle's final movements to ensure a thorough police investigation whose findings cannot be challenged in court and the suspects acquitted.
Night out: Shakeel Komarpant, who was drinking with Ms McLaughlin at Green Park, above, the evening before she was found dead, claims prime suspect Bhagat had a crush on the victim
Pressure: The dramatic development that she was seen with a group of men after leaving the Green Park beach bar, pictured above today, heaps further pressure on Goa Police to find Bhagat's alleged accomplices
Mr Komarpant believes Bhagat 'could have' killed Ms McLaughlin but did not allude to the prime suspect having any accomplices. Pictured: The Green Park beach bar where Ms McLaughlin was drinking before she was killed
Brutal: Ms McLaughlin was killed after attending the 'Holi' festival in Goa but there was no paint on her body when she was discovered raped and strangled the next day, her family's lawyer has revealed
Evidence: Mr Varma believes the new sighting is 'vital' to finding out what happened to Ms McLaughlin and if the suspects were in her hotel room, a forensic exam will be able to confirm this. Pictured: Prime suspect Vikat Bhagat being taken into Canacona police station
Police Inspector Filomeno Costa, who is leading the investigation into Danielles rape and murder, does not expect to lay formal charges against Bhagat for several weeks. Police can question suspects for up to 60 days before they must either be charged or released, under the Goa legal system
He told MailOnline: 'We are asking the local people to help us with our own investigation.
'We have asked people what they have heard and what they saw. We are trying to find out exactly where this place was. We have to verify what people say they saw.'
Mr Varma worked on the case of Scarlett Keeling who was raped and murdered in Goa in 2008.
He claims the failure of police to secure the conviction of prime suspects Placido Carvahlo and Samson D'Souza has emboldened criminals to attack vulnerable foreign tourists.
Mr Varma said: 'The failure of the Scarlett Keeling case has given courage to criminals that they have a chance to get away with crimes like this of rape and murder.
'The acquittal of suspects at trial is hardly a deterrent to attacking vulnerable young women on holiday in Goa.'
Attacks: Mr Varma claims the failure of police convict the prime suspects in the Keeling case emboldened criminals to continue attacking vulnerable foreign tourists. Pictured: The Agonda festival village where Ms McLaughlin was staying
Free spirit: An Indian man who was drinking with Ms McLaughlin the day she died told of how the carefree bar worker spent her time between lots of tables, dancing, socialising and being happy
Suspicious: Mr Varma says Ms McLaughlin was covered in 'Holi' festival colours when she was last seen with four men outside the beach bar but there was no paint on her dead body. 'She possibly went to somebody's room,' he said. 'You cannot wash off this paint in the sea, you need to have a shower or a bath to get clean.'
Horrific: A postmortem revealed that Ms McLaughlin had suffered severe injuries to her face and head consistent with being attacked with a broken bottle. Pictured: Floral tributes left to Ms McLaughlin on Deobag beach where she was found dead
Prime suspect in British backpacker's death 'had a crush on her'
One of the men drinking all day with murdered British backpacker Danielle McLaughlin in Goa has said her alleged killer had a crush on her.
Shakeel Komarpant, 30, was one of the remaining few still drinking with the victim before she was raped and murdered on Monday night in the holiday resort of Goa, in India.
Komarpant, a former police officer, met Danielle in a bar on Monday afternoon before they spent the next six hours together drinking, laughing, celebrating Holi.
He said Vikat Bhagat, suspected of the killing, took a shine to Danielle and kept touching her leg throughout the evening.
Infatuation: An Indian man who was drinking with Miss McLaughlin on the day she died has claimed it was 'obvious' that prime suspect Bhagat, above, had a crush on her
Heartbroken: Shakeel Komarpant, above, 30, was one of the few still drinking with the victim before she was raped and murdered on Monday night in Goa
Suspect: Vikat Bhagat was the last person to be seen with the 28-year-old Liverpool university student, above, before her beaten body was discovered in the early hours of Tuesday morning
Recalling the moment he went his separate ways from Bhagat and Danielle, Komarpant started to cry and admitted 'he can't think about what happened to her'.
'She was a lovely girl,' he said in broken English, wiping the tears from his eyes. 'We had happy times all day. She was very lovely. I am not a bad man. I am just an alcoholic.
'I don't have any fight in me. But yes he (Vikat) could have done this. You could tell he had a crush on her. He was always putting his hand on her leg.'
Alcoholic Komarpant remembers waking up at 2pm on Monday and downing a shot of whisky as soon as he was out of bed.
When he went outside Bhagat passed on his bike. They chatted briefly before Bhagat invited Shakeel for a drink.
He said: 'He's not a friend, but we know one another. I'll go for a drink with anyone. So when he asked I said yes, I always do.'
Komarpant jumped on the back of Bhagat's bike and the two drove to Palolem. As they were getting some beers at a local shop Komarpant said he saw 28-year-old Danielle for the first time.
'I turned round and saw Vikat speaking to Danielle,' he said. 'I'd never seen her before. I didn't even speak to her. I just saw them speak.'
But Danielle soon left. And Bhagat and Komarpant drove to La La land Resort, on Colomb beach, to meet with a group of men for Holi drinks.
Final moments: Mr Komarpant said Bhagat took an obvious liking to Danielle and kept touching her leg throughout the evening. Pictured: One of the last photos of Ms McLaughlin who appears to be holding hands with an unidentified man
Sadness: Looking back on the moment he parted company with Bhagat and Ms McLaughlin, Mr Komarpant, above, began to cry. He told MailOnline: 'She was a lovely girl... We had happy times all day. I am not a bad man. I am just an alcoholic'
Last encounter: With tears in his eyes, Komarpant said the last time he was Ms McLaughlin was when she was sharing a 'hashish' cigarette with Bhagat. Pictured: Komarpant's home in Colomb beach, Goa
Komarpant said there were around six men drinking together at La La Land Resort, when Danielle arrived.
'She came over to me and introduced herself as, "Hi, I'm Danielle from Ireland,"' he said. 'We were all just drinking beer, nothing stronger and sharing cigarettes.
'She was also smoking the cheap cigarettes you can get for Rs30, I remember thinking she mustn't be rich if she's smoking cheap cigarettes. I kept using her lighter and I joked to her, "I'll give it back when I'm finished with it". She was lovely and very friendly.'
After an hour Bhagat and Danielle left on his bike and headed for The Nest bar, on Palolem beach, while another drinker Rajesh Kumar Pant drove Komarpant and everyone else in his car.
'Vikat never pays his bills,' Komarpant said. 'He refused to pay the bill at La La Land, he said 'I'll pay it later'. But Rajesh stepped in and paid.
'While at The Nest Danielle said there was a Holi party at Green Park so she left on foot via the beach, Vikat, Rajesh and I went on his bike. The others left, and went home I guess.'
Shakeel said that during their time at Green Park - after arriving at around 7pm - it was obvious Vikat had a crush on Danielle.
'You could see it,' he added. 'I could see he had a crush on her. He would put his hand on her leg. She never shrugged him off. I don't know if she had a crush on him, but I could see he had a crush on her.'
Komarpant said that Danielle spent her time at the party between lots of tables, dancing, socialising and being happy.
Bad reputation: Komarpant described prime suspect Bhagat, above, as someone who 'never pays his bills'. He added: 'He refused to pay the bill at La La Land, he said, "I'll pay it later".'
'She was dancing all the time. Sometimes she sat with us, sometimes she sat with her other friends. Vikat didn't do anything, he didn't look jealous or anything.'
Shakeel confirmed Vikat can be seen in the last photo taken of Danielle at the Green Park party.
'He's the one wearing the hat,' he said. 'Vikat often wears hats and he was wearing one that night too.'
Shakeel can't remember the exact time he left Green Park but he said they all left together.
He said: 'I can't remember who said we should leave. I don't know who said it but we all left.
'I was drunk and outside Vikat slapped me for some reason, I guess I was being drunk. As I said goodbye to Vikat and Danielle outside Green Park they were sharing a cigarette with stuff in it (Hashish).'
'She possibly went to somebody's room. You cannot wash off this paint in the sea, you need to have a shower or a bath to get clean.
'If the suspects were at the hotel or home with Danielle then a forensic examination of the room will confirm this.
'This new sighting could be vital to finding out exactly what happened to this poor girl that night.'
Lawyer Mr Varma is leading his own inquiry into Danielle's final movements to ensure a thorough police investigation whose findings cannot be challenged in court and the suspects acquitted.
The seven-year-old girl whose father shot her dead in the parking lot of a California shopping mall before he committed suicide has been identified.
Yaxtel Tapia was gunned down at the Capitola Mall in Capitola, 70 miles south of San Francisco, after her distraught mother rang police to warn them about her suicidal husband.
The bodies of Carlos Garcia, 36, from nearby Watsonville, and his daughter were found by a car outside a Macy's department store.
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A GoFundMe page has been set up to pay for the funeral of tragic Yaxtel Tapia (pictured)
Carlos Garcia, 36, shot and killed his seven-year-old daughter just before turning the gun on himself and committing suicide in a parking lot at the Capitola Mall in Capitola
On a GoFundMe page set up to pay for the funeral expenses, Yaxtel's aunt, Maria Tapia, wrote: 'The loss of our beloved little girl was very sudden and unexpected.'
The little girl was a student at Mintie White Elementary School in Watsonville.
Police Chief Terry McManus told KSBW Yaxtel, her mother and her father had been shopping together at the mall but he declined to say what happened to trigger Garcia's violence.
Yaxtel's mother ran 911 and police raced to the scene but they were too late to save the girl, who was found beside her father near the family's black Kia Soul car.
McManus said the grieving mother was helping with the investigation.
Courtesy of KGO-TV
Reports at the time of the incident identified the girl as eight but she was in fact only seven.
Carly Galarneau, a director for the Suicide Crisis Line, said it was not clear what caused Garcia to become 'emotionally desperate' but she said: 'It becomes really difficult for people to think clearly or to even realize the consequences of the actions that they're taking.'
The GoFundMe page had a target of $10,000 and has already surpassed $12,000.
For confidential support call the Samaritans on 1 (800) 273-TALK visit a local Samaritans branch or see www.samaritansusa.org for details.
In the UK, contact HOPELine UK helplines services on 0800 068 41 41, text 07786 209 697, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
Gustavo Marquez, 19, has been arrested over the deaths
A 19-year-old man was has been arrested on first-degree murder and kidnapping charges after two teenage friends were found dead on the side of a Colorado road, authorities said.
Gustavo Marquez, 19, was also charged with aggravated robbery and child abuse following the deaths of Derek Benjamin Greer, 15, and Natalie Partida, 16, El Paso County Sheriff's Office said.
The bodies of the two victims were found by a passing motorist at about 8.45am on Sunday, on the remote Old Pueblo Road on the side of a road about 15 miles from their Colorado Springs high school.
Marquez was detained on Sunday, but police released the details of arrest only yesterday, the same day Natalie's friends and family gathered at St Mary's Cathedral for her funeral mass.
A memorial services for Derek is due to be held on Saturday at Angelus Chapel Funeral Directors.
'I am so happy there is finally justice for my son and Natalie,' Greer's mother, Heather Ferguson, told ABC News. 'The case is still ongoing so it's not over yet.'
'They had a whole life to live,' his cousin, Hannah Ortega, also told ABC News.
'They don't get to have kids, they don't get to graduate high school, they don't get to work their dream jobs, they don't get to live anymore. Nobody deserves to get their life taken.'
The bodies of Derek Benjamin Greer, 15, (left) and Natalie Partida, 16, (right) were found by the roadside in Colorado on Sunday
Police have ruled the deaths a homicide but the authorities will not release the cause of death until the autopsy is carried out.
'We are waiting for the metro lab to come,' Jacqueline Kirby of the El Paso County Sheriff's Office said.
'Once they process the scene a little bit, we will be able to dig a little further and find out what exactly we might be looking at.'
Colorado Springs School District 11 spokeswoman Devra Ashby said the teens were both students at Coronado High School in Colorado Springs. Derek was a freshman and Natalie was a sophomore.
'We just found out about this,' Ashby said. 'Protocol is that if there is any kind of crisis within a school, we do send counselors.'
Police are investigating the murders and have asked anyone who saw anything to come forward.
Natalie and Derek appear to have been friends and would chat to each other on Facebook.
Police have ruled the deaths of Natalie (pictured) and Derek a homicide but the authorities will not release the cause of death until the autopsy is carried out
Just days before they were found murdered, Natalie announced on Facebook that she was being sent back to a juvenile detention center
Just days before they were found murdered, Natalie announced she was hoping to get her life back together after returning to jail
Just days before they were found murdered, Natalie announced on Facebook that she was being sent back to a juvenile detention center.
The troubled teen was incarcerated in January, according to her own posts, for an unnamed offence after she turned herself in.
But last Friday, she wrote that she hoping to get her life together after she got back from the center.
'Man I got to do it for my moms an me got to start my life an get my s*** together jail ain't fun but neither is waiting around,' she wrote.
Meanwhile, friends and family had expressed concern for Derek in recent months.
Natalie and Derek appear to have been friends and would chat to each other on Facebook
Gwendolyn Pate Ponder wrote: 'You just seem so down and out. Like your world crashed around you. I don't like that. Be happy. Smile.'
The teens were discovered by the roadside on Sunday morning.
'We had three witnesses who were just driving down the road, they live in the area, and they called us as soon as they saw,' Kirby said.
They were found by a passing motorist at about 8.45am on Sunday on the remote Old Pueblo Road (pictured) 15 miles south of Colorado Springs
'When deputies did respond, we did find a male and a female deceased on the side of the road and right now we are investigating this.
'We would like to express our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Derek and Natalie.'
Police have warned parents in the area to be extra vigilant for their children in the wake of the murders.
Friends and family of the teens have paid tribute to them on social media.
'R.I.P babygirl,' Esmeralda Gomez wrote. 'Your gunna be missed but never forgotten. You in a better place now. See you soon baby.'
Trevor Gordon added: 'Damn bruh smh RIP Natalie Partida was tryna figure it out like everybody else in the world.'
'Rip Derek Greer my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and all who are suffering over the loss of him and Natalie Partida,' added Ciara Trowbridge.
Melz Staccz wrote: 'Damn Natalie Partida. I cannot believe it still. Going from tellin you everyday to chill out and spark a doobie too not talking at all and now you're gone.
'Who tf would do you like that?? & for what? Prayers & condolences sent from mine too yours RIP TO Derek as well.'
Comedian Nicole Byer claims she found feces in her blanket during a First Class flight with Delta Air Lines
Comedian Nicole Byer has claimed she found feces in her blanket during a recent first class flight with Delta Air Lines.
The New Jersey-born actress said she was left 'emotionally scarred' after allegedly discovering 'crusty s***' in her blanket - which she claims came out of a plastic wrapper.
The Loose Exactly Nicole star, 30, tweeted a picture of the offending item and said she was 'shaken to the core' by the experience.
Byer tweeted last Thursday: 'Dear @Delta the grossest thing happened on my flight. I opened my blanket & there was a literal piece of s***. How does that happen?'
She also claimed that the cover came out of a plastic wrapper - suggesting a flight attendant had folded it and put it back in the bag despite what was inside.
'I mean what a gross customer to s*** in a blanket,' Byer wrote. 'But truly how did an employee just fold it up and put it in a bag?'
She added: 'I would have taken a better picture of the crusty s***. But it was crusty s*** and I didn't care to get close to it again.
The New Jersey-born actress tweeted that the 'grossest thing' happened when she found 'crusty s**t' in her blanket - which she took out of a plastic wrapper
The Loose Exactly Nicole star, 30, declared that she was 'shaken to the core' by the offending item and claimed a flight attendant confirmed that the matter was feces
'I guess now I'll be cold on all my flights because I can never use a blanket again BC A LITERAL PIECE OF S*** WAS IN MY LAST BLANKET.
'Honestly I'm shook to my core. This s***ty blanket situation might make me switch airlines. I mean truly.'
The actress is known for her turns in prank show Ladylike, reality show Girl Code and the comedy sketch-series Party Over Here.
Delta responded by tweeting: 'Appreciate you calling it to our attention. Please reach out to the FA on-board for assistance.'
Byer replied furiously: 'Are you kidding? Of course I told the flight attendant. I'm emotionally scarred and this is all you ask? THERE WAS S*** IN MY BLANKET!'
The actress is known for her turns in prank show Ladylike, reality show Girl Code and the comedy sketch-series Party Over Here
She also claimed that the cover came out of a plastic wrapper - suggesting a flight attendant had folded it and put it back in the bag despite what was inside
The MTV actress updated fans on her situation a day later, claiming the airline offered her 400 'Delta dollars' or 45,000 air miles.
'I feel like that's the amount you would offer for giving up your seat on an over booked flight or a seat not reclining,' she said.
Byer said the airline later agreed to refund her ticket and gave her 50,000 miles and 600 Delta dollars in compensation.
A Delta Air Lines spokesperson told MailOnline: 'We have apologized to the customer for her experience, and are working with vendors to ensure that in the future no foreign items are discovered in our onboard prepackaged items.'
The BBC has been accused of ' despicable fawning' over 'terrorist godfather' and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness in their obituary pieces this morning.
On Twitter some furious viewers accused the corporation of having 'blood on their hands' and 'fawning over [him] like he was some sort of misunderstood peacekeeper.'
The family of the former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland announced his death at the age of 66 this morning.
But following hours of coverage by the news channel some viewers were left furious and questioned why the BBC was dedicating so much time to McGuinness's death.
One user wrote: 'BBC showing real bias this morning; no mention that Martin McGuinness was a terrorist just that he was a 'peace maker.''
The BBC has been accused of 'fawning' over 'terrorist godfather' and former IRA commander Martin McGuinness in their obituary pieces this morning
Following hours of coverage by the BBC news channel some viewers were left furious and questioned why the BBC was dedicating so much time to McGuinness's death
Another said: 'Shame on the BBC giving former IRA commander and murderer Martin McGuinness airtime on his death. Blood on the hands of the BBC.'
Other social media users accused the BBC of 'lauding a mass murderer like he was on a par with Nelson Mandela' and pointed out the discrepancy between their coverage of his death and the death of former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.
On Twitter some furious viewers accused the corporation of having 'blood on their hands' and 'fawning over [him] like he was some sort of misunderstood peacekeeper'
McGuinness was once Britain's number one terrorist and a feared commander accused of ordering some of the IRA's most infamous attacks across Ulster and on mainland UK.
But he turned peacemaker and was pivotal in securing the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 and the Queen even agreed to meet him and shake his hand in 2012 even though he was believed to have ordered the murder of her cousin Lord Moutbatten in 1979.
Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was permanently paralysed by the IRA's 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton said: 'The world is a sweeter and cleaner place, isn't it?
Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness are pictured during the Commemoration of Bloody Sunday march in Derry on January 30, 1983
'He was a coward who knew that the IRA was defeated, that the IRA army council had been penetrated by British intelligence and they were beaten.
'He, coward as always, opted to try and get out of that by posing as a man of peace.
'He was a murderer, a multi-murderer. He became a man of peace ... because he knew that he was shortly to be arrested and charged with specifically murders which he had committed himself. The proper historic role that he should have played would have been to confess his sins, pray for forgiveness and make amends. He didn't.'
Among the tributes to Martin McGuinness were more critical comments from victims who said they have been denied justice.
In the wake of the former IRA leader's death the sister of a woman killed by the paramilitary group tweeted a list of atrocities and other victims.
Ann Travers' sister Mary was gunned down and her judge father, Tom Travers, badly injured when they were ambushed by an IRA gang as they emerged from church in Belfast in April 1984.
Ann Travers has since campaigned for victims' rights.
Other Twitter users accused the BBC of 'lauding a mass murderer like he was on a par with Nelson Mandela' and pointed out the discrepancy between their coverage of his death and the death of former PM Margaret Thatcher
She tweeted a picture of her sister and father, and wrote: 'Enniskillen Families, Claudy families, Hegarty family, Gillespie family, Maher family, I'm so sorry you never got the answers you deserved.'
Mr McGuinness spoke out six years ago after a Sinn Fein member involved in the murder of Mary Travers was appointed to an influential adviser role at Stormont.
He said the killing had been 'absolutely wrong' but added the adviser, Mary McArdle, would not be sacked from the role.
Speaking at the time he said: 'There is controversy now because Ann obviously feels very hurt and I respect the fact that she feels the way she feels but if we were to apply the rule that people who were part of the conflict can't be part of building a better future then Nelson Mandela would never have been president of South Africa.'
A BBC spokesman told MailOnline: 'Martin McGuinness' life and legacy fiercely divides opinion. Our coverage has included a range of voices and reaction, including Troubles victims. We have also placed Martin McGuinness' political career in its accurate historical context.'
An adventurous three-year-old got himself trapped in a toy machine at a play centre.
Jamie Murphy began tapping on the glass after clambering inside in search of a prize.
His father and five-year-old brother rushed to help him after they heard his muffled cries for help at the centre in Nenagh, Ireland.
Chilling out: Jamie was standing in the machine after getting stuck when he climbed inside
They tried in vain to 'shimmy' him out before an off-duty fireman stepped in and guided Jamie back the way he had come in.
Jamie's father Damien said he wasn't surprised at all to see his son trapped in the machine.
He told MailOnline: 'We were in a local play centre in Nenagh, Tipperary and I took my eyes off Jamie for about 5 seconds as he was walking towards the amusements.
'I then heard a muffled complaint from his direction and when I looked up he was behind the glass of the machine.
Get him out! They tried in vain to 'shimmy' him out before an off-duty fireman stepped in and helped Jamie to safety
Helping hand: Jamie's five-year-old brother also tried to reach his brother and pull him out
'I then tried to maneuver him out but to no avail. I was then I informed the staff of what happened and they went looking for the key to the machine. They told me they have never seen any child do this.
'Luckily there was an off duty Fireman there who told me a good 90% of his job is getting kids out of situations like this.
'He told Jamie to crouch down and move back into the machine and then he was able to shimmy him out.'
Mr Murphy added that Jamie found it so hilarious, he even tried to get back in to the machine.
Much to his delight, the little boy got to keep the toys at the end.
Jamie's father Damien said he wasn't surprised at all to see his son trapped in the machine
Lord Tebbit has today said the 'world is a sweeter place ' after Martin McGuinness' death and hopes he is 'parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell'.
The former IRA commander turned deputy first minister has never been forgiven by the Tory peer for the IRA's 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton.
Lord Tebbit, 85, was lucky to be alive after the terror attack and his wife Lady Margaret was paralysed and says McGuinness turned peacemaker 'to save his own skin'.
Speaking today he said: 'The world is a sweeter place today. He was a coward who never atoned for his crimes. There can be no forgiveness without a confession of sins'.
He added: 'He claimed to be a Roman Catholic. I hope that his beliefs turn out to be true and he'll be parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell for the rest of eternity.'
Drama: Lord Tebbit, 85, pictured being dragged from the rubble, was lucky to be alive after the terror attack
Shocking: His wife Lady Margaret was permanently paralysed in the 1984 attack and remains in a wheelchair today
Lord Tebbit said: 'I'm just pleased that the world is a sweeter and cleaner place now.
'He was not only a multi-murderer, he was a coward. He knew that the IRA were defeated because British intelligence had penetrated right the way up to the Army Council and that the end was coming.
'He then sought to save his own skin and he knew that it was likely he would be charged before long with several murders which he had personally committed and he decided that the only thing to do was to opt for peace.
When asked about his part in the peace process he said: 'You might just as well say that if Himmler had succeeded Hitler and wiped out the Jews it would have removed the problem and there could have been peace in Europe'.
The 1984 Brighton bombing of the Grand Hotel in the middle of the night killed five and left many injured.
Lord Tebbit said he refused to forgive Mr McGuinness for his terrorist past because 'forgiveness requires confession of sins and repentance'. 'There was none of that,' he added.
Anger: Lord Tebbit's wife Lady Margaret was permanently paralysed in the 1984 Brighton bombing on the Grand Hotel and remains in a wheelchair today
Terror: The debris at the Grand Hotel, Brighton, following the IRA bomb blast that was an attempt on Margaret Thatcher's life
The younger sister of an IRA bombing victim has claimed 'the truth has died' with Northern Ireland former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness.
Julie Hambleton said relatives of many of the terrorist group's victims were still waiting for 'truth and justice', following the death of the ex-IRA commander aged 66.
She claimed: 'He was very opaque and selective with the truth.
'With him the truth has died and that's the big problem.'
John Rattigan, who was injured in the pub bombings alongside his wife Sue, said McGuinness' death doesn't bring any closure.
The 64-year-old, from Coventry, said: 'I'm not particularly unhappy about it [McGuinness' death] and I'm really not too concerned about him.
'Northern Ireland might be a better place without him.
'I didn't know the man personally so I have no sympathy for him and his death doesn't bring any closure.'
Last meeting: The Queen meets deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at a private audience in Hillsborough Castle, Northern Ireland, last June
Julie Hambleton, whose sister Maxine died in the Birmingham pub bombings said relatives of many of the terrorist group's victims were still waiting for 'truth and justice' - Stephen Gault saw his father Samuel, 49, killed by an IRA bomb in Enniskillen and says he has no sympathy for McGuinness' family
Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams, who led tributes to his life-long friend, said: 'He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country.'
Politicians from the UK and Ireland also praised Mr McGuinness's contribution to peace and reconciliation.
Ms Hambleton, whose older sister Maxine was killed in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, offered her condolences to his family.
But she said many relatives of IRA victims were still waiting for answers about what happened to loved ones, including The Disappeared.
She added: 'People are piling the praise on him but it isn't valid.
'He didn't come forward with the truth.'
Ms Hambleton, who leads the Justice4the21 campaign which last year won fresh inquests into the deaths of the pub bombings victims, said she still hoped other former IRA members would speak about what happened during The Troubles.
She said: 'I can but hope that lips will be looser, not just for our loved ones but for everybody's sake - many of whom still after all these years have no body to bury.'
Dr Anubha Trehan, 45, crashed into a biker when she pulled out of a side road into the path of oncoming traffic near her luxury home in the village of Hale Barns
A senior doctor who smashed into a biker with her Porsche has escaped a driving ban despite leaving him in hospital for 11 days.
Dr Anubha Trehan, 45, caused the crash when she pulled out of a side road into the path of oncoming traffic near her luxury home in the village of Hale Barns, Greater Manchester.
The unnamed biker was unable to stop in time and ploughed into the side of Trehan's flash car leaving him with three broken ribs, a fractured shoulder and an injury to his lung. The damage to his motorcycle was estimated at 3,000.
Trehan - a consultant in acute medicine at Salford Royal Hospital in Greater Manchester - initially denied wrongdoing suggesting the biker may have undertaken a van in the moments before the impact.
However, she admitted careless driving after dashcam footage emerged and said she was 'shocked and devastated' at causing the biker's injuries.
At Manchester magistrates' court, Trehan was fined 700 with 100 costs and was ordered to cover the cost of the biker's 300 excess on his insurance policy.
She was also ordered to pay a 70 victim surcharge and her licence was endorsed with six penalty points.
Prosecuting James Gore said: 'This incident happened on the 3 September at 4.15pm. Mrs Trehan was waiting to turn right when a gentleman in a motorcycle was coming towards the junction, she pulled out and he has hit the side of Mrs Trehan vehicle.
Despite leaving the biker in hospital for 11 days after the crash,
'The damage to the motorcycle was 3,000. The gentleman on the motorcycle had a broken right shoulder, three broken ribs and a scratched lung and had to spend 11 nights in hospital.'
In mitigation defence lawyer Harriet Tighe said: 'I represented Dr Trehan on the first occasion where she believed that the motorcycle must have undertaken a white Mercedes van and therefore she didn't see it.
'We requested the dash cam footage which was served and the next day a prompt guilty plea was given. Dr Trehan had said that she was very shocked by the incident and she is devastated to have caused injury to someone.
'She is a consultant in acute medicine at Salford Royal Hospital and she sees the aftermath of road traffic collisios fairly frequently and it has been very difficult for her to come to terms with the damage she has caused to someone else.
'Dr Trehan wants to improve her driving and has avoided the junction since the incident has taken place. It was a momentary lapse in concentration where she carelessly drove right through incoming traffic.
'She has no previous convictions and no previous driving matters or driving offences for any points. She is a woman with an unblemished character.'
Jack Thorez Finken-McKay (pictured) was held in solitary confinement for two years at Colditz during the Second World War
A British secret agent who was interrogated and held at Colditz during the Second World War was denied compensation because the prison was technically not a concentration camp, records have revealed.
Jack Thorez Finken-McKay became 'a living skeleton' after being held at the hands of the Gestapo while in solitary confinement at the infamous castle near Dresden, Germany.
The British serviceman, who was arrested in Paris, suffered partial blindness, memory loss and mental health issues as a result of his two-year incarceration.
But, two decades after his release, the secret agent - who had been transferred from the Royal Fusiliers to the War Office to perform 'special duties' - was denied compensation from the British government.
The Federal Republic of Germany had agree to hand over 1million to compensate victims of persecution during the Second World War and more than 4,000 British former captives applied.
But the Foreign Office - which was responsible for distributing the money - dismissed Mr Finken-McKay's claim because, despite its notoriety, Colditz was technically a prisoner of war camp, not a concentration camp.
A note from an official Miss A Windham, which was addressed to Mr Finken-McKay in December 1965, states: 'Your application has been carefully considered but I am sorry to have to tell you that, on the information provided, it cannot be registered.
'The reason for this is that the prisons and camps in which you were detained were not Nazi concentration camps or comparable institutions.'
The revelation came in files published today by the National Archives at Kew, west London.
Under the 1964 agreement, former prisoners could only be compensated if they proved they were held in a 'concentration camp or comparable institutions'.
Payout rules also meant cash was aimed at those who were Jewish or political opponents of the Nazis.
But the records also reveal that heroes of the Great Escape were among those remunerated following the war.
They were allowed money because their compound was considered technically part of the wider Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
Recipients of the grant included Major Anthony Whately-Smith, who was shot after being captured during an operation in France in 1944.
Documents published today by the National Archives at Kew, west London show how the serviceman did not receive any compensation for his treatment
In the documents (pictured), the secret agent reveals his treatment at the hands of the Gestapo, including how he was brutally interrogated
The serviceman reveals how he was captured in France before being sent to the German camp
His family was awarded 1,146.17. Similar payouts were made to relatives of British prisoners who took part in the Great Escape and died.
RAF pilot Cyril Swain was one of 76 Allied PoWs who dug his way out of Stalag Luft III in 1944. He had been shot down over Germany and was taken to the camp.
He was later recaptured and executed by the Nazis. His family was awarded 2,293.
Flight Lieutenants Edgar Spottiswoode Humphreys, Gilbert William Waleen and John Francis Williams were also among those who received the money.
Lauren Willmott, records specialist at the National Archives, said the British Government faced an impossible task in assigning compensation owing to the strict rules on providing official documentation that proved time spent in a concentration camp.
Despite its notoriety, Colditz (pictured), near Dresden, Germany, was technically a prisoner of war camp, not a concentration camp
She said: 'It was tricky - it was 20 years after the event. A lot of people held in the camps had died in the camps or died in the years since the compensation scheme came into effect.
'The files show that some people did miss out, but what's important is remembering they only had that 1 million to distribute so it was a sort-of impossible task for the Foreign Office as well on a case by case basis.
'If they didn't meet that criteria, they had to decide 'If we reject this person, we have to reject others as well.'
She added that it was a 'bureaucratic process'.
'There was no way around having eligibility criteria when there were so many victims,' she said.
It was only after a Parliamentary inquiry was held in 1968 following a public outcry that it was decided survivors from POW camps such as the infamous Sachsenhausen should be compensated from a separate pot of money.
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Intriguing details of the Fuhrer's final moments, as well as clues to his relationship with lover Eva Braun and the truth behind Rudolf Hess' peace mission to the UK, have been revealed in a book by the person who found Hitler dead.
The collection of photos belonging to Hitler's personal bodyguard, Rochus Misch, inside the book also offer an intimate look into the private lives of the Nazi dictator and those close to him.
Candid pictures show Hitler and Eva Braun, among others, relaxing on the terrace at the Berghof residence, inside one of Hitler's many studies and homes and Misch standing guard.
The details of Hitler's last minutes and other details about his private life have been revealed in Rochus Misch's book, Hitler's Last Witness.
Pictured here is Adolf Hitler's last visit to the troops. It was taken at the Ninth German Army HQ in Oderfront on March 11, 1945. Behind a seated Hitler is General Ritter von Greim (wearing spectacles), to the right is General Theodor Busse who was the commanding officer of the Ninth Army (also wearing spectacles) and between them is Luftwaffe Colonel Hans-Ulrich Rudel
Adolf Hitler's lover Eva Braun on the Berghof terrace looking at photographer Rochus Misch. Kneeling is Sepp Dietrich with two of the Speer children and Hitler's secretary Christa Schroeder. The picture was taken in 1942
Adolf Hitler travelling to the Berghof - his home in the Obersalzberg of the Bavarian Alps near Berchtesgadenin - in two Ju 52 planes. Hitler would board the first plane with his close entourage while the second was reserved for all his bodyguards, known as the SS-Begleitkommando and the members of the RSD, or the Reichssicherheitsdienst, which was an SS security force of Nazi Germany
Rochus Misch (right) with Joseph Graf in a Ju 52 aircraft in a picture taken around 1941. Misch was a bodyguard of Adolf Hitler and witnessed the Fuhrer's final moments. It is his incredible selection of photographs that give an added insight into the life of the Nazi leader
Who is Rochus Misch? Hitler's bodyguard was the last surviving member of the Fuhrers entourage who was with him in the Berlin bunker on the day he died. Rochus Misch was a member of the SS and deeply admired Hitler, referring to him as the Boss. He was the telephone operator in the underground refuge when Hitler and his bride Eva Braun killed themselves on April 30, 1945. Misch died in a hospital less than three miles from the site of the bunker near the Brandenburg Gate. He was born in 1917 and joined the SS in 1937. After being wounded in battle he was assigned to the Fuhrers SS Escort. He steadfastly claimed after the war that he never heard Hitler talking about the destruction of the Jews, nor was he ever asked to transmit a message about the Holocaust through the equipment entrusted to him. He was so nice, so friendly, he would say. Advertisement
Misch died in Berlin in 2013 at the age of 96.
The book's commissioning editor Martin Mace said that on April 30, 1945, Rochus Misch was at the switchboard in Hitler's bunker when he received the message from General Keitel.
The message was that he had failed to break the Soviet encirclement of Berlin, and that the end of WWII was both close at hand and inevitable.
'Shortly afterwards, Misch heard Hitler talking quietly to Bormann and others. He looked and saw Hitler walk into his study, Eva, now Mrs Hitler, followed him in,' said Mr Mace.
'He saw Otto Gunsche, the Fuhrer's adjutant, close the door behind the newly-married couple.
'Gusche told Misch that the boss was not to be disturbed.
'Hitler shook hands with Gunsche and told him that all soldiers were released from their oath of loyalty.
'Hitler had already told his adjutant that he did not want his body to be publicly abused as Mussolini's had been and that he wanted his corpse to be burned.
'This had already been arranged by Gunsche with an SS Reichssicherheitsdienst man who assisted Misch on the switchboard.
'Everyone in the bunker waited nervously. Then there was some commotion.
'The study door was opened and Misch looked inside.'
Misch told his editor: 'My glance fell first on Eva. She was seated with her legs drawn up, her head inclined towards Hitler. Her shoes were under the sofa. Near her the dead Hitler. His eyes were open and staring, his head had fallen forward slightly.'
The details of Hitler's last minutes and other information about his private life have been revealed in Rochus Misch's (right) book, Hitler's Last Witness, which is available to English readers for the first time and is published by Pen and Sword. He is pictured here with Michael Stehle
Enjoying a rare day off, Rochus Misch (pictured nearest to the camera) is seen lazing at the Moysee near FHQ Wolfsschanze - Hitler's first Eastern Front military headquarters in the Second World War kown as Wolf's Lair. He was with his colleague Karl Weichelt (right) and a female stenographer
Rochus Misch at the Berghof as he stands behind the main entrance gate some four years before finding Adolf Hitler dead in the Nazi dictator's study with his lover Eva Braun
There was a lively trade between FHQ Wehrwolf staff and the local Ukrainians, in which fresh geese were exchanged for sewing needles. Fuhrerhauptquartier (FHQ) Werwolf was the codename used for one of Adolf Hitler's Eastern Front military headquarters located in a pine forest about seven miles north of Vinnytsia, in Ukraine, which was used between 1942 and 1943. It was one of a number of Fuhrer headquarters throughout Europe, and the most easterly ever used by Hitler in person
Rochus Misch on sentry duty outside the FHQ Wolfscchanze known as The Mosquito Home - during the winter of 1942. FHQ Wolfscchanze, which translates to Wolf's Lair, was Adolf Hitler's first Eastern Front military headquarters. The complex, which became one of several headquarters in various parts of Eastern Europe, was built for the start of Operation Barbarossa the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941
On August 1, 1936 Rochus Misch and his Aunt Sofia saw his later boss for the first time. This photo shows the South Gate to the Olympic stadium by which Hitler entered
This is the man (left) responsible for bringing Rochus Misch to Adolf Hitler. His name is Wilhelm Mohnke - one of the first SS men in Hitler's SS Stabswache Berlin and commander of 5th Company SS-Leibstandarte. Hitler's sister Paula (right). Early in his service in May 1940, Rochus Misch travelled to Vienna to give her a letter and a parcel from her brother
After leaving the Borsig Palace through a cellar window in Wilhelm-Strasse on May 2, 1945, Richus Misch crossed the Wilhelm-Platz on his way to Kaiserhof U-bahn station (pictured right in this photo)
Hitler's study in the Old Reich Chancellery, which was the traditional name of the office of the Chancellor of Germany. Today the office of the German chancellor is usually called Kanzleramt (Chancellor's Office), or more formally Bundeskanzleramt (Federal Chancellor's Office). The latter is also the name of the new seat of the Chancellor's Office, completed in 2001
Hitler's study in a wooden barrack hut at FHQ Wehrwolf. The Nazis destroyed the site, including mining access to the underground complex, on abandoning the region. The site was examined after the Nazi departure in March 1944 under the orders of Joseph Stalin, but no documentation was found. The Soviet Union took steps to permanently seal the underground parts of the complex.
After being seriously wounded in the 1939 Polish campaign, Rochus Misch was invited to join Hitler's SS-bodyguard. There he served until the war's end as Hitler's bodyguard, courier, orderly and finally as Chief of Communications.
From his close contact with the Nazi dictator Misch could observe many things and believed Hitler and Eva Braun were lovers long before it was revealed.
'For instance, Eva was introduced to staff and visitors as the 'housekeeper' at the Berghof,' said Mr Mace.
'But her room and Hitler's had private communicating doors. 'One soon had one's own ideas about this', Misch commented.
'He also saw Eva in 'a flimsy nightie' in the guestroom when he was on his way to deliver some despatches to Hitler. Eva put her finger to her mouth to tell Misch to say nothing.
'Misch shot out of the room, fully expecting to be dismissed from Hitler's bodyguard (or worse!) but Eva, seemingly, said nothing to Hitler about it.
'He also states that he heard both Eva and Magada Goebbels declare their determination to die with their respective men. 'We have lived with them. We shall die with them,' they said.'
Guests on the berghof terrace as photographed by Rochus Misch in 1942. From left to right: Walter Hewel, liaison officer to the Foreign Ministry and Reich press chief Otto Dietrich (both sitting on the parapet); Eva Braun (filming); Adjutant Fritz Darges (bent over table); Captain Gerhard Engel, Hitler's army adjutant (back to camera); Frau Morell (feet up on the sunbed nearest Eva Braun); Commandent Sepp Dietrich (crouching with one of the Speer children); secretary Gerda Christian; Theodor Morell, hitler's personal physician (seated reading); secretary Christa Schroeder and (far right) Margarethe Speer.
One of the many soirees in the Great Hall at the Berghof. Eva Braun and Hitler are seated on the sofa in front of the standing officer. The picture is dated as May 1, 1944
The inner-circle at FHQ Wolfsschanze from 1942 to 43. From left to right - General Erhard Milch, Albert Speer, Hermann Goring, Heinrich Himmler and Colonel Nicolaus von Below
In June 1945, US investigators examine the sofa on which the couple committed suicide. Rochus Misch had been an eyewitness on April 30, 1945. He saw Eva and Adolf Hitler dead in the Fuhrerbunker
Without knowing what significance the area would have for him later, Rochus Misch spent six weeks at the Berghof (pictured in 1941) during military training with 5th Company, SS-Leibstandarte
Gerda and Rochus Misch on the day of their marriage, New Year's Eve 1942. Misch wears the uniform of an SS Unterscharfuhrer (corporal). He is wearing the Iron Cross II, Sudetenland medal, Austria-Anschluss medal, the Infantry Assault badge and the Black Wound Badge
The lobby outside Hitler's apartment in the Old Reich Chancellery with the connection to the New Reich Chancellery
Misch also confirmed that Rudolf Hess did not have Hitler's permission to go to the UK to negotiate terms of surrender.
'He saw how the news was given to Hitler by Hess's adjutant, Karl-Heinz Pintsch as Hess had arranged,' said Mr Mace.
'Hitler was outraged, tirelessly repeating to himself: 'Why did he do this to me?' Anyone who had knowledge of Hess' flight to Britain was arrested and sent to Sachsenhausen concentration camp.
'There can be no doubt, therefore, that Hess did not have Hitler's permission to go to the UK.'
A teenager who styled herself 'Bones Marie' and bragged on Facebook about the money she made could face life in prison after being accused of forcing a 14-year-old runaway to have sex with 26 different men.
Denise Marie Coronado, 19, appeared before a judge in Texas yesterday, where prosecutors have alleged she forced the younger girl into sexual slavery.
In one of her Facebook posts Coronado posted a photograph of a stack of cash and wrote: 'B****, f*** a job I still get Gs.'
Denise Coronado appears in court. She is charged with compelling prostitution of a minor for her alleged role in forcing a teenager into sexual slavery
The Houston Chronicle reported Assistant District Attorney JoAnne Musick told a court in the city: 'It's alleged that the runaway, a 14-year-old, was abducted. She had multiple men brought in to have sex with her while her captors collected the money.'
Coronado has previous convictions for possession of marijuana and assaulting a relative, so state District Judge Nikita Harmon raised her bail from $30,000 to $100,000. As she was unable to raise it, she remains in the county jail.
Ruben Perez, the chief of the district attorney's special crimes division, said: 'We're not going to tolerate human traffickers, pimps or pimpettes enslaving our kids, enslaving our people in our county.
'We have a cadre of lawyers willing to prosecute these people and we're ready.'
Coronado, who appeared in an orange jail uniform, did not speak during the hearing in a Harris County courtroom.
Denise Coronado (pictured) is likely to remain in jail pending her trial. The district attorney's office said they would not tolerate 'pimps or pimpettes enslaving our kids'
Coronado's Facebook page, under the name 'Bones Marie', included images such as this one of her bragging about how much money she had
Ms Musick said the was abducted and taken to a house where she was raped while Coronado watched.
She was then taken to a motel and photographed, semi-naked, and the photographs were posted on Backpage.com, a website which has been accused in the past of turning a blind eye to prostitution.
Prosecutors said she was threatened and burned with a cigarette and was forced to have sex with 26 men before she escaped a week later.
She obtained a cell phone and sent a Facebook message to a family member, who tipped off the police, who found her by tracking the phone.
But Coronado's lawyer, Joe David Wells, questioned her account and said: 'If this young girl is actually being held against her will, why was she allowed access to a telephone and able to get on Facebook?'
He claimed Coronado had been coerced and added: 'I have a feeling that, in the end, there might be two victims here and not just one. Remember, my client is a teenager, also.'
North Korea said on Monday that it is not frightened by US threats of possible pre-preemptive military action to halt its nuclear and missile buildup and that the country is fully ready to go to war.
A spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry slammed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's recent talk of tougher sanctions, more pressure, and possible military action, and said the North would not be deterred in its nuclear program.
'The US should face up to the situation of the world with its eyes wide open. The DPRK has the will and capability to fully respond to any war the US would like to ignite,' Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) cited an unidentified Foreign Ministry spokesman as saying.
'If the businessmen-turned US authorities thought that they would frighten (North Korea), they would soon know that their method would not work,' he said, making an indirect reference to President Donald Trump and his wealthy cabinet picks.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is considering sweeping sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system and seizing Kim Jong-un's assets outside the country, a senior US official said on Monday.
A spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that North Korea 'has the will and capability to fully respond to any war the US would like to ignite'. Pictured above, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspects the ground jet test of a newly developed high-thrust engine at the Sohae Satellite Launching Ground in North Korea
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson recently warned of tougher sanctions, more pressure, and possible military action against North Korea
The sanctions would be part of a multi-pronged approach of increased economic and diplomatic pressure - especially on Chinese banks and firms that do the most business with North Korea - plus beefed-up defenses by the United States and its South Korean and Japanese allies, according to the administration official familiar with the deliberations.
A spokesman for the Foreign Ministry told KCNA that North Korea would defend its people, even if that means going to war.
'The nuclear force of (North Korea) is the treasured sword of justice and the most reliable war deterrence to defend the socialist motherland and the life of its people,' the spokesman said.
Tillerson recently visited Japan, South Korea and China on trip that focused on North Korea's nuclear program.
On Friday, he signaled a tougher strategy that left open the possibility of preemptive military action.
'Let me be very clear: The policy of strategic patience has ended,' he said after visiting the heavily militarized border between the rival Koreas. 'We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security and economic measures. All options are on the table.'
A day earlier, in Japan, Tillerson had described the past 20 years of US policy toward North Korea as a failure and vowed a comprehensive policy review under US President Donald Trump.
Tillerson recently visited Japan, South Korea and China on trip that focused on North Korea's nuclear program. He's pictured above with Chinese President Xi Jinping
But while the long-standing option of preemptive military strikes against North Korea is not off the table the new administration is giving priority for now to less-risky options.
The policy recommendations being assembled by President Donald Trump's national security adviser, HR McMaster, are expected to reach the president's desk within weeks, possibly before a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in early April, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. North Korea is expected to top the agenda at that meeting.
It is not clear how quickly Trump will decide on a course of action, which could be delayed by the slow pace at which the administration is filling key national security jobs.
The White House declined comment.
Trump met McMaster on Saturday to discuss North Korea and said afterward that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, was 'acting very, very badly.'
The president spoke hours after North Korea boasted of a successful rocket-engine test, which officials and experts think is part of a program aimed at building an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States.
On Saturday, North Korea conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine that leader Kim Jong Un called a revolutionary breakthrough for the country's space program, KCNA reported.
North Korea has accelerated its weapons development, violating multiple UN Security Council resolutions without being deterred by sanctions.
North Korea sanction recommendations being assembled by President Donald Trump's national security adviser, HR McMaster, are expected to reach the president's desk within weeks
It 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 US mainland within a few years.
Pyongyang has rapidly expanded its facilities for enriching uranium and plutonium production in recent years, Yukiya Amano, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told the Wall Street Journal.
In January, South Korea said the North had enough plutonium to make 10 nuclear bombs, as well as a 'considerable' ability to produce weapons based on highly-enriched uranium.
The North has boosted plutonium supplies by reactivating its once-mothballed nuclear reactor in Yongbyon.
An administration source said US officials, including Tillerson, had privately warned China about broader 'secondary sanctions' that would target banks and other companies that do business with North Korea, most of which are Chinese.
The move under consideration would mark an escalation of Trump's pressure on China to do more to contain North Korea. It was not clear how Chinese officials responded to those warnings but Beijing has made clear its strong opposition to such moves.
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said the situation on the Korean peninsula was at a crossroads and there were two prospects.
One, she said, was that the relevant parties could continue to 'escalate toward conflict and potential war'.
On Saturday, North Korea conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine that leader Kim Jong Un called a revolutionary breakthrough for the country's space program
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un watched the ground jet test of a Korean-style high-thrust engine over the weekend
The objective of the US move being considered would be to tighten the screws in the same way that the widening of sanctions - to encompass foreign firms dealing with Iran - was used to pressure Tehran to open negotiations with the West on its suspected nuclear weapons program.
That effort ultimately led to a 2015 deal to restrict Iran's nuclear program in return for sanctions relief.
For such measures to have any chance to influence the behavior of North Korea, which is already under heavy sanctions, Washington must secure full international cooperation - especially from China, which has shown little appetite for putting such a squeeze on its neighbor.
Analysts also have questioned whether such sanctions would be as effective on North Korea as they were on a major oil producer such as Iran, given the isolated nation's limited links to the world financial system.
North Korea has relied heavily on illicit trade done via small Chinese banks. So, to be applied successfully, the new measures would have to threaten to bar those banks from the international financial system.
Also under consideration are expanded efforts to seize assets of Kim and his family outside North Korea, the official said.
Two Vincent van Gogh paintings that were stolen in a smash-and-grab heist more than 14 years ago have finally returned to Amsterdam today.
The paintings, thought to be worth a total of $100million (80million), were put on display in a museum dedicated to the Dutch master's work after being found last year during an investigation into cocaine trafficking.
Van Gogh Museum director Axel Rueger said: 'They're back,' calling their return 'one of the most special day in the history of our museum,' which attracts visitors from all over the world.
Two Vincent van Gogh paintings that were stolen in a smash-and-grab heist more than 14 years ago have finally returned to Amsterdam today (pictured as they were unveiled)
View of the Sea at Scheveningen (pictured) was one of two oil painting by Vincent Van Gogh worth millions of dollars which was snatched by thieves on December 7, 2002
Congregation Leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen was the other oil painting that was stolen, portraying the village where his parents lived and painted for his mother
The paintings are called View of the Sea at Scheveningen, painted in 1882, and ,' and Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen, a work dated 1884-85.
Speaking at the unveiling today, General Gianluigi D'Alfonso of the Italian financial police, explained that they were found last year wrapped in cotton sheets stiffed in a box hidden behind the wall in a toilet.
The paintings were found in a farmhouse near Naples as Italian police seized 20 million euros ($21.6 million) worth of assets, including villas, apartments and even a small airplane.
Investigators claim that the assets are linked to two drug kingpins Mario Cerrone and Raffaele Imperiale from the infamous Camorra crime syndicate.
The paintings were stolen on December 7, 2002, at around 8am - two hours before the museum opened.
The thieves used a 15-foot ladder to climb onto the museum's roof and break into the building, escaping by sliding down a rope.
Two men were later caught and convicted of the theft thanks in part to DNA evidence linking them to the scene.
Van Gogh Museum director Axel Rueger, left, and Jet Bussemaker, Minister for Education, Culture and Science, stand next to Seascape at Scheveningen, painted in 1882
The paintings are now back on display at the museum (pictured, with Reuger and Bussemaker admiring them) before being taken to its conservation studio for repair
They were sentenced to 4 years and 4 years six months, respectively, but the paintings - which were not insured - were not recovered.
One of the two men convicted of stealing the paintings told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that he originally wanted to steal Van Gogh's world famous 'Sunflowers' painting, but it was too well protected.
Another well-known Van Gogh work, 'The Potato Eaters,' was too big to get through the hole that Octave Durham and his accomplice smashed in the security glass to get into the museum after clambering over a fence and using a ladder to get onto its roof.
WHY ARE THE PAINTINGS SPECIAL? 'Seascape at Scheveningen' is the only painting from Van Gogh's period in The Hague (1881-1883) that the Dutch museum had in its collection. 'It is one of the only two seascapes that he painted during his years in the Netherlands and it is a striking example of Van Gogh's early style of painting, already showing his highly individual character,' the museum said. Meanwhile, 'Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen' was painted by Van Gogh for his mother. It is a small canvas that shows the church where Van Gogh's father was a Minister. 'In 1885, after his father's death, Van Gogh reworked the painting and added the churchgoers in the foreground, among them a few women in shawls worn in times of mourning. This may be a reference to his father's death,' the museum said. Advertisement
Durham, who was sentenced to three and a half years in prison after being convicted in 2004, told De Telegraaf that the paintings were sold to the mafia after a Dutch criminal who had agreed to buy them was murdered.
The paintings are now back on display at the museum before being taken to its conservation studio for repair. Experts said they suffered remarkably little damage even as the thieves in 2002 ripped them out of their frames and fled.
'After years shrouded in darkness, they can now shine again,' said Jet Bussemaker, the Dutch minister for education, culture and science, as an orange screen slid away to reveal the two paintings behind a glass wall.
Reuger added: 'It is not only a miracle that the works have been recovered but it's even more miraculous almost that they are in relatively unharmed condition.'
The museum director was on vacation when the call came last year from Italian authorities who believed they had recovered the paintings, but was not convinced straight away.
'I was hopeful but also a little hesitant, because over the course of the years we had multiple occasions when people phoned us, contacted us, claiming that they knew something about the whereabouts of the works. And each time it was false, the trace went cold,' he said. 'The way has been peppered with disappointment.'
But museum experts dispatched to Italy to check the authenticity of the works quickly turned Rueger's doubts into delight.
'It was something we had secretly been hoping for, for all those years,' he said.
The two small works are not typical of Van Gogh's later and better-known works, but are still vital pieces for the museum's collection, Rueger said.
Experts said the paintings, pictured, suffered remarkably little damage even as the thieves in 2002 ripped them out of their frames and fled
Reuger, pictured in front of Seascape at Scheveningen, which is one of his earliest works and the only picture he painted in The Hague
The paintings are now back at a museum that is home to dozens of works by Van Gogh, whose paintings fetch millions of dollars on the rare occasions they come up for auction
The Scheveningen seascape, with a fishing boat and rough sea under a typically gray, cloudy Dutch sky, is one of Van Gogh's earliest works. It is the only painting in the museum's collection painted during his time in The Hague. It suffered a missing rectangular chip from the bottom left-hand corner.
The painting of the church in Nuenen portrayed the village where his parents lived.
'He had painted it as a gift to his mother, so it's a very personal and emotional connection,' Rueger said.
Rueger said the paintings are now back at a museum that is home to dozens of works by Van Gogh, whose paintings fetch millions of dollars on the rare occasions they come up for auction.
'The security, I can assure you, is of Triple-A quality now. So I'm very confident that everything is safe in the museum,' he said.
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A luxurious horse stable in China has been the talk of social media after pictures emerged of the facility containing chandeliers, statues and marble floors.
It was first thought that the facility was located in Dubai however it was later revealed to be a horse museum in Jiangyin City, China.
At the museum, dozens of horses from all over the world are displayed for tourists to come and visit.
Fancy: The Heilan Horse Culture Museum, opened last May, stunning the online community with its luxurious facilities
The horse museum, located in Jiangsu province, is furnished with marble floors, red-carpeted stairs and huge sculptures
The Heilan Horse Culture Museum, opened last May for free and is part of the ecological tourist resort project which comprises of equestrian training facilities and a shopping mall.
43 breeds of horses from over thirty countries are on display including an Akhal-Teke horse imported from Turkmenistan, according to the Jiangyin government website.
The lavishly-constructed hall is home to dozens of horses of 43 breeds including a horse imported from Kazahkstan
The museum displays horses from over thirty countries and tourists are able to see the animals in their 'homes'
A large and lavish museum: One of the horses (pictured above) is an Akhal-Teke horse imported from Turkmenistan
The equestrian facility is operated by menswear manufacturer Heilan Group which has recently tapped into the sightseeing business.
The animals are all kept at a lavishly constructed hall.
They each have their own separate stall and many appear with their manes braided.
Pampered animals: Each of them is placed at a separate stall and some appear with their manes braided
The horse museum is part of the ecological tourist resort project in Jiangyin city which also has a shopping mall
The equestrian facility is operated by a Jiangsu-based menswear manufacturer which tapped into sightseeing business in recent years
The museum has been widely discussed after recent media reports and social media users suggested that it is 'the world's most luxurious horse stable in Dubai'.
A Reddit post titled 'Only in Dubai would you see a marble-floored horse stable' has attracted almost 1,700 comments.
Soon after it was revealed to be Helian Horse Culture Museum.
Aside from its location, many people debated whether it was too extravagant to house horses.
'I see that marble would be like ice to them! Slipping around like Bambi.' one noted.
'Love animals but this is too much.' another commented.
'The point isn't that it's expensive, the point is that it's stupid.' an user said.
Jeremy Corbyn provoked fury today after paying a glowing tribute to former IRA commander Martin McGuinness as a 'great family man'.
The Labour leader, who was friends with the former Northern Ireland deputy first minister, said he was thinking about McGuinness's relatives this morning.
He tweeted: 'Martin McGuinness played a huge role in bringing about peace in Northern Ireland. He was a great family man and my thoughts are with them.'
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, pictured having a coffee with Martin McGuinness at Portcullis House in Westminster in July 2015, was friends with the former IRA commander
Mr Corbyn said he was thinking about McGuinness's relatives this morning and praised him as a 'great family' man - but his comments upset many people on social people
But his comments upset many people, with one tweeting: 'Tell that to the people of Enniskillen and Warrington and countless others who lost their families. Murderer.'
Another added: 'This is the very reason you'll never be prime minister. The man was a monster who died with blood on his hands.'
And a third said on Twitter: 'This guy is the leader of the opposition? Unbelievable! Martin McGuinness, who ordered bombing of innocent people.'
Mr Corbyn later issued a longer statement, saying he was 'very sad' at the death of Mr McGuinness who had 'played an immeasurable role' in the peace process.
The hard-Left Labour leader controversially shared a platform with Mr McGuinness at a news conference in the House of Commons in 1995.
And in July 2015, Mr Corbyn posed for a picture over coffee with McGuinness and Sinn Fein boss Gerry Adams at Portcullis House in Westminster.
People reacted to Mr Corbyn's comments on Twitter, with one calling them 'unbelievable'
A wider view of the photograph taken of McGuinness and Mr Corbyn (both left) at Portcullis House in Westminster in July 2015, which also features Sinn Fein boss Gerry Adams (right)
When Mr Corbyn secured the Labour leadership in September 2015, McGuinness told how he was a 'long standing friend' and wished him luck in his new role.
Jeremy Corbyn's full statement on Martin McGuinness's death 'I was very sad to hear of the death of Martin McGuinness this morning, and I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to his wife Bernie and his family. 'Martin McGuinness played an immeasurable role in bringing about peace in Ireland, after years as a key protagonist in the tragedy of the conflict. 'Martin played an absolutely crucial role in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and a peace process which, despite difficulties, remains an example throughout the world of what can be achieved when the will is there. 'As we reflect on his role, the past twenty years have shown us that if there is leadership and the will on all sides, we can achieve change.' Advertisement
Following his tweet this morning, Mr Corbyn later released a fuller statement, saying: 'I was very sad to hear of the death of Martin McGuinness this morning, and I would like to send my thoughts and condolences to his wife Bernie and his family.
'Martin McGuinness played an immeasurable role in bringing about peace in Ireland, after years as a key protagonist in the tragedy of the conflict.
'Martin played an absolutely crucial role in bringing about the Good Friday Agreement and a peace process which, despite difficulties, remains an example throughout the world of what can be achieved when the will is there.
'As we reflect on his role, the past 20 years have shown us that if there is leadership and the will on all sides, we can achieve change.'
Mr Corbyn has been criticised for his controversial choice of political friends, having previously invited politicians from Hamas and Hezbollah into the Commons.
Just weeks after the IRA bombed the Tory conference in Brighton in 1984, Mr Corbyn invited Mr Adams and other members of Sinn Fein to the Commons.
The Islington North MP was accused of 'traitorous' behaviour for helping Mr Adams plug his autobiography inside the Houses of Parliament in 1996.
The IRA bomb in Enniskillen during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in 1987 was one of the most notorious atrocities in Northern Ireland's troubled history
The IRA Warrington bombings in March 1993 killed two children when bombs planted in litter bins were detonated. The attack also left 56 people injured
McGuinness died aged 66 overnight in Londonderry after a short illness. The Sinn Fein veteran was diagnosed with a rare heart condition late last year.
His remarkable journey from gunman to statesman saw him shake hands with the Queen and forge an unlikely friendship with erstwhile foe Ian Paisley.
But the IRA bomb in Enniskillen during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony in 1987 was one of the most notorious atrocities in Northern Ireland's troubled history.
It exploded near the town's war memorial during a service to commemorate British military war dead. Eleven people were killed and 63 were injured.
The IRA Warrington bombings in March 1993 killed two children when bombs planted in litter bins were detonated. The attack also left 56 people injured.
Tony Blair expressed his sadness and paid tribute to McGuinness and his role in ensuing peace in Northern Ireland.
He said: 'I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle. I came to know the Martin McGuinness who set aside that armed struggle in favour of making peace.
Former PM Tony Blair expressed his sadness and paid tribute to McGuinness and his role in ensuing peace in Northern Ireland
'There will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it that is completely understandable
'But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future.
Mr McGuinness was described as a 'great guy' by former Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell.
Former Northern Ireland secretary Lord Hain said Mr McGuinness was 'absolutely crucial' to the peace process.
'He had the grassroots credibility of a republican leader and former IRA commander, that could enable him, along with Gerry Adams, to take his followers, to take republicans, from the past of terror and horror into a democratic future, which is what he did,' Lord Hain told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme.
The Labour former cabinet minister revealed that Mr McGuinness also had an unlikely love of the England cricket team.
'I discovered he was a fan of the England cricket team - this was a hardline republican - but I realised watching the Ashes series on the television in the corner of my office in Stormont Castle that he actually was following the England cricket team, he knew all the players,' Lord Hain said.
Two of India's most iconic rivers, considered sacred by nearly a billion Hindus in the country, have been given the status of living entities to save them from further harm caused by widespread pollution.
The decision to bestow legal standing to the Ganges and the Yamuna - one of its major tributaries - comes just days after New Zealand awarded similar rights to its own spiritual river in a move described as a world first.
The highest court in Uttarakhand, the Himalayan state where the Ganges originates, late Monday declared the rivers as 'living entities having the status of a legal person' and all corresponding rights.
The highest court in Uttarakhand, the Himalayan state where the Ganges originates, late Monday declared Ganges (pictured above) and the Yamuna as having the corresponding rights of a 'living person'
The status of living entities will help save the Ganges and Yamuna (pictured above) from further harm caused by widespread pollution
Officials say the Yamuna, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges River, is tainted with sewage and industrial pollution
The state's High Court in the resort town of Nainital said it took the unusual step because the hallowed rivers upon which Hindu rites are conducted were 'losing their very existence'.
'This situation requires extraordinary measures to preserve and conserve these rivers,' the court said in its ruling.
The Ganges, India's longest and holiest river, flows more than 2,500 km (1,500 miles) from the Himalayas in northern India through Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal.
But the waters in which pilgrims ritualistically bathe and scatter the ashes of their dead is heavily polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste, making it one of the world's filthiest rivers.
The Ganges, India's longest and holiest river, flows more than 2,500 km (1,500 miles) from the Himalayas in northern India through Bangladesh to the Bay of Bengal
The Ganges River's waters - where pilgrims ritualistically bathe and scatter the ashes of their dead - is heavily polluted with untreated sewage and industrial waste, making it one of the world's filthiest rivers
Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned in 2014 on a promise to revitalise the Ganges, but results have been mixed three years on
Officials say the Yamuna, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges River, is also tainted with sewage and industrial pollution.
In some places, it has stagnated to the point that it no longer supports fish or other forms of aquatic life.
Water from the Yamuna is chemically treated before being supplied to Delhi's nearly 19million residents as drinking water.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi campaigned in 2014 on a promise to revitalise the Ganges, even tasking a dedicated minister to the job, but results have been mixed three years on.
MC Pant, the lawyer who argued the case in Uttarakhand, said past court efforts to protect the river were done in the name of individual petitioners.
The state's High Court in the resort town of Nainital said it took the unusual step because the hallowed rivers upon which Hindu rites are conducted were 'losing their very existence'. Pictured above people wade into the Ganges River in 2015
Thousands of people travel to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers each year to take holy dips during the festival Kumbh Mela
'Now, they can be filed in the name of the river itself,' he told AFP.
Activists celebrated the groundbreaking ruling but cautioned against over-optimism given the scale of the task at hand.
'At the end of the day, one can only hope the symbolism attached to this order translates into real action on the ground,' Sanjay Upadhyay, a New Delhi-based environment lawyer, told AFP.
New Zealand last week recognised its third-largest river, ancestral and spiritual waters for its Maori people, as a living entity.
Successive governments in India have attempted with limited success to clean up the Ganges, which snakes 2,500km (1,553 miles) across northern India from the Himalayas to the Bay of Bengal.
Bidhya Sagar Das has appeared in court charged with murdering his son and attempting to murder his daughter
A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his one-year-old son and the attempted murder of his daughter.
Both children, named Gabriel and Maria, were discovered with critical injuries at a flat in Finsbury Park, north London, on Saturday night.
They were taken to hospital, where Gabriel sadly died in the early hours of Sunday morning. Three days on from the incident, little Maria's condition remains critical.
The twins' father Bidhya Sagar Das, 33, appeared at Thames Magistrates' Court in east London today charged with murder and attempted murder.
Judge Gareth Branston said: 'This is a charge of murder and attempted murder. It is a case which must be sent to the crown court.'
Dressed in a light grey tracksuit and with his black hair swept off his forehead, Das sat stony faced as his case was sent to the Old Bailey.
Police found the two children seriously injured after being called to an address in Finsbury Park late on Saturday evening.
Gabriel (left) died after the attack on Saturday. Maria (right) is fighting for her life in hospital
Witnesses said they heard a woman shouting for help on the street outside at around 11.10pm on Saturday and later saw two children being carried out of the property.
A woman living opposite the building said she opened the window to offer help after hearing a woman, believed to be the children's mother Christinela Datcu, shouting: 'My kids, my kids!'
Another neighbour said the children were twins who lived on the top floor with their Romanian mother and Indian father - who worked as a night receptionist at the nearby Pembury Hotel for seven years, but apparently quit his job last week.
The Turner CEO is embroiled in a divorce battle with his wife, five years after the pair married in a swanky Manhattan ceremony.
John K. Martin Jr had a preliminary conference with Lisa DeFlora at New York Supreme Court after reportedly being 'kicked out' of the family home.
The CEO and chairman of Turner, which owns CNN and other well-known brands, had tied the knot with DeFlora at the Mandarin Oriental New York in 2012.
Turner CEO John K. Martin Jr. is embroiled in a divorce battle with his wife Lisa DeFlora, five years after the pair married
Martin - who is reportedly worth $60million - was spotted leaving the court conference last Wednesday, a witness told Page Six.
Neighbors at their building overlooking Central Park claimed Martin has not been home for several months as the couple split a while ago.
An insider told the publication that the CEO - who has two children from a previous relationship - was 'kicked out' of the house.
However a second source claimed he moved out of the family home in August when their marriage ended - adding that Martin wants an amicable settlement.
DeFlora is said to have hired Cohen Clair Lans Greifer Thorpe & Rottenstreich for the legal battle.
Martin became chairman of Turner in 2014 - a media brand overseeing CNN, CNN International, CNN.com, Cartoon Network, HLN, TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies and Turner Sports.
He received an M.B.A. degree in Finance and Organizational Behavior from the Graduate School of Business at Columbia University in 1994 and a BS in Economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania in 1989.
Last November, Trump taunted CNN, accusing them of 'failing' in their support of Clinton - to which Martin responded: 'Please! Failing? CNN is completing its Hall of Fame year'
Martin became chairman of Turner in 2014 - a media brand overseeing CNN, CNN International, CNN.com, Cartoon Network, HLN, TBS, TNT, Turner Classic Movies and Turner Sports
Last November, Trump taunted CNN, accusing them of 'failing' in their support of Clinton.
'I thought that @CNN would get better after they failed so badly in their support of Hillary Clinton however, since election, they are worse!
'@CNN is so embarrassed by their total (100%) support of Hillary Clinton, and yet her loss in a landslide, that they don't know what to do,' he tweeted at the time.
Martin responded to the social media attack by saying: 'Please! Failing? CNN is completing its Hall of Fame year.'
'[Trump] is the president-elect, but I don't think it means anything for us at CNN,' he said at a Code Media panel.
'We have a huge journalistic mission. We're not Fox News, which is cheering, or MSNBC, which is laying on the floor.'
He claimed that the President watches CNN more than any other channel, adding: 'He cares about what CNN is saying.'
The U.S. government is ordering passengers on nonstop, U.S.-bound flights from a handful of mostly Middle Eastern and North African countries from packing electronic devices in their carry-on baggage.
The Department of Homeland Security announced Tuesday morning that passengers flying on airlines directly to the United States from 10 airports in eight countries will soon only be allowed to bring cellphones or smartphones on board with them.
Other electronics, including laptops and tablets, will be indefinitely banned from the passenger cabin, and must be checked in checked baggage if they are brought on the plane at all.
Trump administration officials said that the electronics ban had been under consideration since the government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
The British government has added legitimacy to the threat by adopting a similar plan, targeting flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
The U.S. has implemented a new ban on certain carry-on electronics from non-stop flights to America from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa
Airlines flying from the 10 mentioned airports will have four days to implement the new ban on carry on electronics including laptops, iPads and cameras. Above, a stock image of a laptop
Officials said the airlines will have four days to implement the security order or face being barred from flying to the United States.
The electronics ban affects flights from international airports in Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Cairo; Istanbul; Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
About 50 flights a day, all on foreign carriers, will be impacted. The officials said no U.S.-based airlines have non-stop flights from those cities to the United States, so they will not be impacted.
The officials said the decision was prompted by 'evaluated intelligence' about ongoing potential threats to airplanes bound for the United States. The officials would not discuss the timing of the intelligence or if any particular terror group is thought to be planning an attack.
AIRPORTS AND AIRLINES IMPACTED BY THE CARRY ON BAN AIRLINES Royal Jordanian
Egyptair
Turkish Airlines
Saudi Arabian Airlines
Kuwait Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Qatar Airways
Emirates Air
Ethiad Airways AIRPORTS Mohammed V. Int'l - Casablanca, Morocco
Ataturk Int'l - Istanbul, Turkey
Queen Alia Int'l - Amman, Jordan
Cairo Int'l - Cairo, Egypt
King Abdulaziz Int'l - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
King Khalid Int'l - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi Int'l - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai Int'l - Dubai, UAE
Kuwait Int'l - Kuwait City, Kuwait
Hamad Int'l - Doha, Qatar Advertisement
'Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.
'Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States,' DHS said in a statement.
ITEMS THAT WILL NOW HAVE TO BE CHECKED ON U.S.-DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM THE LISTED AIRPORTS Laptops
Tablets
E-readers
Cameras
Portable DVD players
Electronic game units larger than a smartphone
Travel printers/scanners Advertisement
CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the ban on electronics on certain airlines was related to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and that some information came from a recent U.S. special forces raid in Yemen. The group has planned several foiled bombing attempts on Western-bound airlines.
The new carry on restrictions come a little more than a year after the bombing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, a flight from Somalia to Djibouti.
The bombing took out a piece of the plane a little more than a row, but only resulted in the death of the bomber and two other injuries. It was believed that the bomb was rigged to a timer device on the bomber's laptop.
The flight had been delayed by 20 minutes, so it was believed that the timing of the bomb was premature and may have been intended to occur about halfway through the flight.
Since it occurred earlier though, the plane was not yet at its cruising altitude which would have been more dangerous. The pilots were able to land the jet safely.
The new carry on restrictions come a little more than a year after the bombing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, a flight from Somalia to Djibouti. The bombing took out a piece of the plane a little more than a row, but only resulted in the death of the bomber and two other injuries
It was believed that the bomb was rigged to a timer device on the bomber's laptop
The ban would affect laptops, iPads, cameras and most other electronics. Royal Jordanian Airlines tweeted about the ban Monday, telling passengers that medical devices would be allowed onboard with passengers.
Details of the ban were first disclosed by Royal Jordanian and the official news agency of Saudi Arabia.
In its statement, Royal Jordanian said the electronics ban would affect its flights to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal.
Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at the Rand Corp., said the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible attack. There could be concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders - airport or airline employees - in some countries, he said.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly phoned lawmakers over the weekend to brief them on aviation security issues that have prompted the impending electronics ban, according a congressional aide briefed on the discussion. The aide was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The administration officials who briefed reporters about the ban said foreign officials were told about the impending order starting Sunday.
A U.S. government official said such a ban has been considered for several weeks. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose the internal security discussions by the federal government.
The ban would begin just before Wednesday's meeting of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group in Washington. A number of top Arab officials were expected to attend the State Department gathering. It was unclear whether their travel plans were related to any increased worry about security threats.
Another aviation-security expert, Jeffrey Price, said there could be downsides to the policy.
'There would be a huge disadvantage to having everyone put their electronics in checked baggage,' said Price, a professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. He said thefts from baggage would skyrocket, as when Britain tried a similar ban in 2006, and some laptops have batteries that can catch fire - an event easier to detect in the cabin than the hold.
Most major airports in the United States have a computer tomography or CT scanner for checked baggage, which creates a detailed picture of a bag's contents. They can warn an operator of potentially dangerous material, and may provide better security than the X-ray machines used to screen passengers and their carry-on bags. All checked baggage must be screened for explosives.
Nail-biting footage shows a 'drunk' reveller sliding down the slippery roof of a 70ft building while his friends egg him on.
The reveller who looked in his twenties is seen navigating the five-storey block of flats in Manchester after apparently being 'dared' to touch a window.
After scaling the roof terrace barrier, the man - who has nothing but a flimsy wire fence to steady himself - sits and slides to the bottom of the slope.
Dicing with death: Nail-biting footage shows a daredevil reveller sliding down the slippery roof of a 70ft building
The clip then shows him scrambling to rejoin his friends and balancing on a tiny window ledge to stop him tumbling to the concrete below.
At one point his friends - standing safely at the top of the slanted metal roof - appear to panic and throw him a piece of fabric.
Mark Roberts, 27, filmed the man's antics on his mobile after spotting them through his living room window in Manchester's Northern Quarter at around 9am on Saturday.
He said the man, dressed in jeans, a t-shirt and trainers, managed to regain his balance and get back onto the roof terrace - some 70ft off the ground - a few minutes later.
The financial adviser said: 'I saw this lad climbing over the barrier and then he kind of slid down the roof. His friends were watching him and appeared to be egging him on.
'He went down at quite a speed and hit into a little bit of brick and started trying to climb back up, but he slipped and lost his balance and got a bit stuck.
The 'drunk' man who looked in his twenties is seen navigating the five-storey block of flats in Manchester
After he found his footing he went back up shortly afterwards. It appeared he'd been dared to touch the window or something.
'It was very high up and they looked as though they were in their twenties.
'It looked like they were having a party and later in the afternoon they were still on the roof. It looked like they had carried it on from the night before.
'They had cans of lager in their hands and the guy who was sliding was drunk.
'At first we thought he'd lost his keys and couldn't get them but then we realised it was probably a dare.
'It was very worrying. When he slid down it was dramatic and it was hard to watch when he lost his footing. I had no idea what was going to happen.
'It was really stupid. He could have easily fallen.'
Greater Manchester Police said it is not currently investigating the incident.
Waitrose is in hot water with its customers after changing the rules on its free coffee offer asking customers to buy something before getting their drink.
At the moment, anyone with a myWaitrose account is entitled to one free cup of takeaway coffee a day in store - no strings attached.
But today the upmarket supermarket has announced from April 3, people will have to make a purchase before enjoying their free drink.
And the move is already prompting outrage on social media.
Hot water: The email, pictured above, was sent out to myWaitrose customers this morning informing them that as of April 3, shoppers will have to purchase an item before getting their free beverage
Upset: Many customers of Waitrose have taken to Twitter to vent their disappointment after receiving an email this morning about the changes to the popular free coffee offer
Joanna Haber posted on Twitter: '(There is) no such thing as a free lunch 0r a free coffee - but I'll be buying lunch elsewhere now.'
And David Morris tweeted: 'So Waitrose is now going to charge for their 'free' coffee. That's my week ruined.'
While Rich Tervet wrote: 'Waitrose are changing the rules on free coffee. Is nothing sacred any more?'
Others, however, have come out in support of the supermarket who hope the stricter rules will prevent 'freeloaders'.
Iain Crombie tweeted: 'Oh my god. (I've) just heard the bombshell, Waitrose is asking people to buy something before taking a free coffee - too right. #freeloaders.'
The free takeaway coffee has been a huge success, bringing in thousands of extra customers but hasn't necessarily led to an uptick in sales as people didn't have an obligation to buy anything.
And some customers will be glad of the changes, following fears the free offer was attracting the 'wrong type' of clientele.
One woman pleaded on social media to the store: 'Please don't turn into a soup kitchen'.
The scheme to get customers to pay for something before receiving their drink was piloted in eight stores in October.
Due to its success, the company is now rolling it out nationally.
In the email sent out to members this morning, Waitrose said: 'Our myWaitrose free tea and coffee offer is one of the ways we thank our customers for shopping with us - and we want all our customers to be able to enjoy a free hot drink when they shop with us in our branches.
'From 3 April, we'll simply be asking myWaitrose members to make a purchase* before collecting their cup at the checkout.
'We would like to thank you in advance for your understanding. If you have any questions about this, please either speak with a partner in your local branch.'
Devastated: Within minutes of the email being sent out, Twitter became flooded with tweets from upset shoppers who were sad by the changes made by the supermarket chain
'Is nothing sacred?': This Twitter user joins dozens of others in their shared upset at the news
As of April 3, customers will have to make a purchase before getting their hands on their hot beverage of choice
There are many reason I live in California-- the weather is one. Another is that incidents like this don't happen . But it just did, an hour from my house in Huntington Beach. I'm ashamed.
CA-48 is changing... slowly. The congressman is clownish crackpot Dana Rohrabacher but as more Asians and Latinos move in and/or register to vote, Rohrabacher's hold on the district gets more precarious. In 2012 Romney beat Obama there, 54.7% to 43.0%. But this past November Hillary did slightly better than Obama-- 47.9% and Trump underperformed Romney significantly, taking only 46.2% of what has long been one of the most Republican parts of California. The biggest town in the Orange County coastal district is Huntington Beach (around 200,000 people) but Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Laguna Beach, and Laguna Niguel are filled with rich white people and their McMansions. Hearing about the incident at Saint Marc in Huntington Beach reminded me that sometimes change comes slowly, very, very slowly. The waiter said to 2 Latinas-- and not in a joking way-- "Can I see your proof of residency? I need to make sure youre from here before I serve you."
The two women sat in stunned silence. It was kind of hard to process because weve never experienced this, said Carrillo, 23, who lives in Santa Ana and works for an organization that provides social services to families and youth.
Moments later, Carrillos sister, Diana, and another friend joined them and were asked the same question. The four women spoke to the manager, who apologized and offered to re-seat them, but they declined and left.
At first the friends thought the waiter might be joking. But he didnt have a smile, said Diana Carrillo, 24, who works for a mortgage broker company. There was no indication that he was trying to make a joke or even possibly flirt with us.
Diana Carrillo said the encounter left all of them shaken. Ive never felt so judged in my life It sends a chill through your entire body.
Hours later, still seething, Diana decided to post about their encounter on Facebook and Yelp. Within hours, more than a dozen people had responded to her post on Facebook and left negative reviews on Yelp.
After Dianas posts, restaurant management reached out to her to apologize. Statements on Facebook and Instagram, which have since been deleted, said the waiter had been fired and that this type of behavior will not be tolerated.
In a separate statement sent to The Times, restaurant management said the waiters actions were in no wayrepresentative of the restaurants employees or management. We have always celebrated being part of the diverse Huntington Beach community, which means valuing all guests and treating every individual with respect, the statement read.
Kent Bearden, senior director of operations for Saint Marc, said the restaurant had never encountered similar problems with the waiter, who he said was not a new hire.
When Diana Carrillo told her mother about the incident, she said, My mom lost it.
Their congressman
I was angry. I was sad, Guillermina Carrillo said by phone Saturday. Its unacceptable. Its something that shouldnt have happened, not anywhere, not to nobody.
Carrillo, 52, came to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago. Shes been a citizen for nearly two decades, juggling two jobs while raising her four daughters alone.
She works as a security guard at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where shes been employed for more than 20 years, and has a second job pressing clothing at a manufacturer for an upscale womens clothing brand. She says she works more than 12 hours a day, six days a week.
I raised my kids and taught them how to work, how to be a good person. Ive been working hard all these years, the elder Carrillo said, before choking up and excusing herself.
Brenda describes herself and her sister as light-skinned Latinas and knows they dont encounter as much racism as others in their community. For it to happen to us, it was kind of an eye-opener, she said. It just makes me think, when I go to the store, do people think less of me?
She says she isnt so worried about herself or her sister, who were born and raised in California.
Im more afraid for others in my community, people who are immigrants. If this were to happen to them, Im sure they would be too afraid to speak out for themselves, Brenda said.
Meanwhile, Bearden, of Saint Marc, said the restaurant offered to host Brenda Carrillo and her friends as VIP guests this weekend and to donate 10% of the weekends sales to a nonprofit of their choice.
The friends declined, but asked that the restaurant donate the share of proceeds to the Orange County Immigrant Youth United, a Santa Ana-based organization that advocates for immigrants living in the country illegally.
Bearden says the restaurant will honor the womens request, and added that the apology posts were deleted because the circumstances have moved on and been resolved internally.
But Brenda and Diana Carrillo say theyre disappointed that the restaurant scrubbed the apologies from their social media accounts.
To us, that makes us feel like they werent really sorry, Brenda said.
Scotland is sick of SNP games intended to engineer a second independence referendum, Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson has claim.
The leader of the opposition in the Scottish Parliament condemned Nicola Sturgeon's 'tinpot' attempt to 'bulldoze' Westminster into granting power for a re-run of the 2014 referendum.
Ms Sturgeon is asking the Scottish Parliament to support a motion formally asking Westminster to devolve power to hold a second referendum.
The SNP will win the vote tomorrow night with Green party support after Ms Sturgeon said Brexit was a game-changer that meant Scotland needed to choose its own future.
No 10 said last week it did not want to see a vote in Holyrood on holding a second independence referendum as Mrs May moved to rule one out before Brexit.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson condemned the SNP game playing over independence
Nicola Sturgeon is making her case for independence to the Scottish Parliament today in defiance of Theresa May's warning 'now is not the time' for a referendum
But Ms Davidson said: 'The people of Scotland don't want this and it won't wash to have a First Minister standing there, washing her hands, saying 'It's not me that's dragging us there, it's with a heavy heart, a big Tory did this and ran away'.
'It won't do, First Minister, take responsibility.'
Demanding the debate 'cut to the chase', Ms Davidson said the announcement last week was not about securing fair and legal referendum.
She said: 'It's really about a well rehearsed game, which is to put forward an unworkable proposal, wait for Westminster politicians to point that out, and then rush to any nearby microphone with the angry face on to trot out the same old tired complaints.
'Once upon a time a might even have worked - but it won't any more because people in Scotland are sick to death of the games.'
Opening the debate in the Scottish Parliament, Ms Sturgeon said there is an 'unquestionable democratic mandate' for a second independence referendum.
She said: 'The suggest that an emphatic election victory on the basis of a clear manifesto commitment and a parliamentary majority on an issue does not provide a mandate begs the question what does?
'And it runs the real risk of undermining the democratic process.'
Ms Sturgeon said the Scottish Government had tried to 'square the UK-wide vote to leave the EU with the Scottish vote to remain' with its options paper for Scotland's place in the EU.
She said her administration's 'compromise' proposals included keeping Scotland in the single market even if the rest of the UK leaves and more powers for the Scottish Parliament.
'All of these efforts at compromise - each and every one - have been rejected,' she said.
'Indeed, there has been no meaningful attempt whatsoever by the UK Government to explore these options and find common ground.'
Holyrood will vote on Ms Sturgeon's demand for a second independence referendum tomorrow and is expected to formally request the power to call one
A section 30 order is a formal request to Westminster for power to hold a referendum under devolution laws - but it is set to go ignored.
The Government is not required to even have the House of Commons debate and vote on the motion - but refusing to do so will infuriate the SNP even more.
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
Labour last week said it would not oppose a section 30 order in Westminster if one was demanded but Scottish Labour is expected to vote against it tomorrow.
The debate and vote is the culmination of an extraordinary constitutional clash between London and Edinburgh and a personal battle between Ms Sturgeon and Mrs May that only one of them will win.
Ms Sturgeon's motion calls on the Scottish Parliament to acknowledge 'the sovereign right of the Scottish people to determine the form of government best-suited to their needs' and 'mandate the Scottish Government to take forward discussions with the UK Government' on the details of a section 30 order.
The details of the order should ensure that Holyrood can legislate for a vote 'at a time, and with a question and franchise, determined by the Scottish Parliament, which would most appropriately be between the autumn of next year, 2018, when there is clarity over the outcome of the Brexit negotiations and around the point at which the UK leaves the EU in spring 2019', the motion adds.
In her speech to the SNP conference on Saturday, the First Minister stressed that if the motion is passed, the call for a Section 30 order would become the will of the Scottish Parliament.
She insisted: 'The will of our parliament must and will prevail.'
Ms Sturgeon added on Monday it would be 'democratically indefensible' for the Prime Minister to continue to block a referendum if the motion is passed.
Mrs May last week 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.
No 10 said last week it did not want to see a vote in Holyrood on holding a second independence referendum as Theresa May moved to rule one out before Brexit
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson insisted a second vote on independence would be the 'wrong course of action to take', arguing the 'clear majority of Scots say they don't want to go through the uncertainty of another referendum at this time'.
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.
Most polls show opposition to independence ahead with the most recent survey, in the Sunday Times, putting the Union on 53 per cent
Today's debate comes as a new poll put Mrs May's approval rating at six percentage points higher than that of Ms Sturgeon.
Sky News surveyed more than 2,000 people with addresses registered in Scotland about whether they believe various party leaders are doing a good or a bad job.
Some 48 per cent of those quizzed said they believe the Prime Minister is doing a good job, while 42 per cent said the same of Scotland's First Minister.
Ms Davidson topped the results table, with an approval rating of 53 per cent, five percentage points above the Prime Minister.
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn fared worst in the online study, with 16 per cent backing his leadership and 77 per cent describing it as 'bad'. Kezia Dugdale, Labour's head in Scotland, netted an approval rating of 36 per cent.
Theresa May vowed to open a 'bold new chapter' for Britain today as tensions with Brussels ramped up again ahead of Brexit negotiations.
The Prime Minister told the Cabinet she was looking forward to an 'historic' moment next Wednesday when she formally begins the Article 50 process.
The optimistic message came as European Council president Donald Tusk insisted that he wants the 'least painful' divorce possible for the EU.
But there are already signs that the two sides are on collision course with Cabinet ministers insisting the UK should not be asked to pay more than 3billion as a break-up settlement.
The figure is vastly lower than that mooted by EU negotiators - who are expected to demand up to 50billion.
Theresa May, pictured in Wales yesterday, will trigger Article 50 and begin the formal process of leaving the EU next Wednesday
European Council president Donald Tusk insisted today that he wants the 'least painful' divorce possible for the EU
The issue of the bill to cover 'liabilities' including ongoing projects and pensions for Eurocrats is set to come up early in the talks, which will begin after Mrs May triggers Article 50 next Wednesday.
Mrs May announced today she would hold a special Cabinet meeting next Wednesday morning to mark the sending of the letter.
EU council president Donald Tusk announced today that the bloc will hold an extraordinary summit on April 29, where it will discuss red lines for the negotiations.
He said he wanted to make the break-up 'the least painful for the EU'.
However, the discussions are unlikely to begin in earnest until the French elections are resolved the following month.
The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier is thought to have climbed down on an insistence that the divorce bill must be agreed before post-Brexit trade issues can be addressed.
DUTCH CALL FOR GOOD BREXIT DEAL The EU should keep close trade ties with Britain after Brexit, a report commissioned by the Dutch parliament has said. The report pointed out that the UK is the Netherlands' second largest trading partner, accounting for 9 percent of exports. "Any restriction on free trade with Britain would inevitably be at the cost of Dutch exports, prosperity and employment," it said. Advertisement
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has already publicly urged Mrs May to resist a big payment, while International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has dismissed the idea as 'absurd'.
The PM has made clear that she does not believe the public will wear paying 'huge sums' to Brussels. The government is said to have received advice that there is no legal obligation to meet the demand.
The Times reported that Brexiteers are fighting for the sum to be limited to 2-3billion. Cabinet sources told MailOnline a figure of 3billion was in the 'right ball park'.
There have been claims that Philip Hammond is prepared to back a much bigger payment in order to keep goodwill for a trade deal.
But sources close to the Chancellor insisted he did not 'recognise' the figures of 50billion being bandied around by EU officials.
Boris Johnson, left, and Justice Secretary Liz Truss were among the ministers attending a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street this morning
After Cabinet today, Mrs May's official spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister told Cabinet that the triggering of Article 50 on March 29 would be a historic event.
'It will precipitate a shift in our role in the world and see Britain begin a bold new chapter as a prosperous, open and global nation.
'The PM said the letter would be one of the most important documents in our country's recent history. It will start to deliver the result of the referendum and set the tone for our new relationship with Europe and the world.'
He added: 'The PM reiterated her commitment to an early agreement on the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens living abroad.
'The PM said we enter this process with an expectation will be smooth and orderly, giving certainty to individuals and businesses and allowing us to make preparations that will see an indepdent UK prospering outside of the European Union.'
Culture Secretary Karen Bradley, left, Aid Secretary Priti Patel and Tory Chairman Patrick McLoughlin, right, were seen arriving for Cabinet today
At the weekend Mr Hammond accused Brussels of 'overstating' its position ahead of the negotiations.
The Prime Minister announced yesterday that the letter notifying the European Council of the UK's intention to quit under Article 50 of the EU treaties will be delivered on March 29.
Brexit Secretary David Davis said the move would initiate 'the most important negotiation for this country for a generation', with the Government aiming to secure 'a new, positive partnership between the UK and our friends and allies in the European Union'.
Mr Tusk has confirmed that he will present draft Brexit guidelines to the remaining 27 member states within 48 hours of notification.
The EU27 are then due to hold an extraordinary summit on April 29 to agree a mandate for Mr Barnier.
Talks will probably begin in earnest in mid-May, after the French elections have been conducted.
Mr Tusk said today: 'In view of what was announced in London yesterday I would like to inform you that I will call a European council on Saturday 29 April to adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks.
European Council president Donald Tusk has said he wants to make the divorce process the 'least paunful' for the EU
'I personally wish the UK hadnt chosen to leave the EU. But the majority of British voters decided otherwise.
'Therefore we must to do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU.
'Our main priority for the negotiations must be to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and member states that will be negatively affected by Brexit, as well as our important partners and friends around the world.'
Mrs May is due to visit all four nations of the UK before triggering Article 50. She will address MPs in a statement to the House of Commons following her regular weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions on March 29.
She was cleared to take the step when the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act gained royal assent last week, after a Supreme Court ruling forced her to seek the approval of both Houses of Parliament.
A married science teacher grinned from ear to ear as she posed for a mugshot after being arrested on suspicion of having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.
Sarah Fowlkes, 27, has been suspended from her job at Lockhart High School in Texas and faces up to 20-years behind bars for the alleged crime.
Fowlkes, who has worked as a biology teacher at the school since October 2014, was booked into Caldwell County Jail on Monday, hours after celebrating her birthday with her husband.
Lockhart police had obtained an arrest warrant for Fowlkes who turned herself in.
No shame: Sarah Fowlkes (seen here in her mugshots) grinned into the camera after being arrested on suspicion of having sex with a student
The Houston Chronicle reported that a school administrator contacted the police about an inappropriate relationship between a student and a teacher on March 10.
Police say they found evidence of messages exchanged between her and the student.
'Their contact was of a sexual nature,' said police.
Police Chief Ernest Pedraza charged Fowlkes, with engaging in 'sexual contact with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of' the alleged victim, according to the San Antonio Express-News.
Fowlkes, who is married, celebrated her 27th birthday the day before she was arrested
Together: Fowlkes is seen here with her husband of three years (left) and (right) posing for a car selfie
Improper relationship between an educator and a student is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
Detectives in Lockhart, which is about 30 miles from Austin, interviewed a 17-year-old student who admitted to having sexual contact with Fowlkes.
Lockhart Independent School District duly suspended Fowlkes - who has been married since 2013 - pending an appearance before the State Board for Educator Certification.
The biology teacher faces up to 20-years behind bars if convicted
School superintendent Susan Bohn said: 'Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly.
'Student safety is the district's most important priority. As soon as we learned of the report, we acted swiftly to involve law enforcement and CPS to conduct a thorough investigation. The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child.'
Local news reported that on her profile page on the school's website - which has since been deleted - Fowlkes wrote: 'I have very high expectations of myself as a teacher as well as of my students and I hope that this will be a formula for achievement.
'I want this to be an enjoyable year for all of my students but also a productive, challenging and encouraging year with success for everyone.'
Police in Lockhart said that this is the first time they have investigated a teacher for having an inappropriate relatinship with a student.
'Seventeen years old is obviously older but at the same time it doesn't make anything right,' said Detective Jesse Bell to KXAN.
'If the kid is in school, parents trust the school to take care of their kids so it's definitely not right that a teacher in a position of power over a student be able to take advantage of a student.'
A mystery man in commando gear walked down Melbourne's Bourke Street mall only days after a car was used to killed six people.
However, police failed to apprehend him despite the city being on high alert the day before Australia Day.
Victorian Police are now only investigating the severe security breach after being contacted by The Age.
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This mystery man dressed was photographed walking around with a semi-automatic gun
This man was also photographed carrying a weapon in his belt despite having no licence
The authorities have declined to tell Fairfax Media why the man dressed in a black commando vest, carrying a semi-automatic weapon, was not approached.
Nor have they explained why he wasn't charged, even though he didn't have a firearms licence.
Only five days earlier, on January 20, Dimitrious Gargasoulas allegedly ploughed a mid-1990s Holden Commodore into dozens of people in Melbourne's Bourke Street mall, killing six and injuring 31.
On January 25, the day before Australia Day, the mystery man armed with what looked like a Glock semi-automatic 9mm handgun, was seen walking through the same area.
Dimitrious Gargasoulas allegedly drove this Holden Commodore during Melbourne's CBD
Six people were killed after Gargasoulas alleged ploughed this Holden through the Bourke St mall
He patrolled the area, carrying a spare magazine for a handgun in a belt pouch, as mourners laid wreaths to remember the victims who had died there five days earlier.
Fairfax Media said police discovered he did not have a firearms licence and was not a registered security guard, although he was working for a security company.
The security firm's licence has since been suspended as police investigate the security breach.
A police spokesman said that gunman had been interviewed, but was not charged.
'Private security businesses providing services are responsible for ensuring that any individuals they employ are the holders of appropriately endorsed and valid licences,' he told The Age.
'Businesses who fail to do so could face charges.
'As investigations are ongoing we are unable to provide any further comment.'
An excavator operator was seriously injured after his machine fell seven metres into a dry creek.
The man was trapped inside the 24-tonne excavator before he could be freed by emergency workers, according to the RACQ LifeFlight rescue service.
Queensland police, fire fighters, paramedics, as well as an RACQ LifeFlight helicopter assisted in the rescue operation near Nanango on Tuesday, according to the organisation.
An excavator operator was seriously injured after his machine fell seven metres into a dry creek
The man was trapped inside the 24-tonne excavator before he could be freed by emergency workers, according to the RACQ LifeFlight rescue service
Queensland police, fire fighters, paramedics, as well as an RACQ LifeFlight helicopter assisted in the rescue operation near Nanango on Tuesday
It was believed the man was working to dismantle a timber bridge when part of it collapsed.
Some colleagues who were operating another excavator called for help after the incident.
'The man was conscious throughout the rescue but suffered injuries to several parts of his body,' RACQ LifeFlight wrote in a statement.
Seven News reported the man was aged in his 60s.
He was treated at Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital.
A bungling drug trafficker was arrested after he showed off his luxury lifestyle on social media using his real name - even though he was wanted by Interpol.
Ivan Fornari, a suspected drug dealer from Italy, was arrested in the city of Playa del Carmen, in the south-eastern Mexican state of Quintana Roo.
Detectives were tipped off about his whereabouts after he bragged about his lavish lifestyle in the coastal resort on social media.
Italian Ivan Fornari, a suspected drug dealer, was arrested in the city of Playa del Carmen
Detectives were tipped off about his whereabouts after he bragged about his lavish lifestyle in the coastal resort on social media
Fornari posted various pictures on social media of himself having fun at the beach, sunning himself in swimming pools, socializing with different women, and working out at the gym
Fornari was living illegally in Mexico, so the Mexican authorities delivered him to the Italian authorities.
An arrest warrant had been issued by Interpol over his alleged involvement in a case of international drug trafficking between Spain and Italy.
Fornari posted various pictures on social media of himself having fun at the beach, socializing with different women, and working out at the gym.
Fornari was living illegally in Mexico, so the Mexican authorities arrested him and delivered him to the Italian authorities
Agents tracked his home, a gym he was managing, and even the beach he regularly visited
The fact that he had used real name online helped authorities to track him down
The fact that he had used real name online helped authorities to track him down.
According to Italian police, between 2013 and 2014, Fornari was involved in several drug trafficking operations moving more than 132 lbs of hashish.
In May 2016 he was considered a fugitive, and in October the warrant for his arrest was issued, but he had already fled Italy.
Police said that Fornari first went to Spain, and then moved to Mexico a year ago, where he had set up a restaurant.
According to Italian police, between 2013 and 2014, Fornari was involved in several drug trafficking operations
Police said that Fornari first went to Spain, and then moved to Mexico a year ago, where he had set up a restaurant
Fornari is the second Italian criminal extradited from Mexico in less than a week
Agents tracked his home, a gym he was managing and even the beach he regularly visited, in order to catch him.
Fornari is the second Italian criminal extradited from Mexico in less than a week.
On Friday Giulio Perrone, 65, a member of the mafia-affiliated Camorra crime syndicate, was arrested in the state of Tamaulipas, in north-eastern Mexico.
The suspected drug trafficker was also arrested because he shared pictures of himself on social media, reports said.
George Galloway, pictured today on GMB, has announced a run for the Manchester Gorton by-election after branding Labour's 'all-Asian' shortlist 'insulting' to the voters.
George Galloway has announced a run for the Manchester Gorton by-election after branding Labour's 'all-Asian' shortlist 'insulting' to the voters.
The controversial former Labour and Respect MP claimed he was the best man to replace the late Sir Gerald Kaufman, who died last month.
The seat should be an easy hold for Labour, which won it by a 24,000 majority in 2015 after a collapse in the Liberal Democrat vote.
Tim Farron's party will now see a chance to seize the constituency, in which it often ran a close second place before being punished by voters for joining the Tories in government.
Mr Galloway - who despite his political career may be most famous for dressing up as a cat on Celebrity Big Brother - announced his bid for the seat on the Westmonster website run by former Ukip donor Arron Banks.
He said: 'The ''All-Asian short-list'' hand-picked by Keith Vaz is just not good enough for the people of Gorton one of the most deprived constituencies in Britain.
'The short-listing, which excluded many better candidates, is the latest in a long line of insults delivered by mainstream parties to local communities.'
Mr Galloway said he had been a friend of Sir Gerald for 30 years and vowed if elected to 'continue his work on international issues'.
Mr Galloway - who despite his political career may be most famous for dressing up as a cat on Celebrity Big Brother - announced his bid for the seat on the Westmonster website run by former Ukip donor Arron Banks.
He said he would also use his position in the Commons to put Tony Blair 'on trial for war crimes' - something which is impossible in British law and not within the gift of a backbench MP.
Labour has shortlisted North West MEP Afzal Khan and city councillors Yasmine Dar, Amina Lone, Luthfur Rahman and Nasrin Ali.
The list does not include Sam Wheeler, a Momentum activist said by the Huffington Post to have been the candidate backed by Jeremy Corbyn.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said Mr Galloway's candidacy would boost his party's chances by taking votes from Labour, but insisted the pro-Brexit former MP could not win in a seat which voted by 62 per cent to remain in the EU.
The announcement will be a headache to Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who would have expected Manchester Gorton to be an easy hold
'His decision to enter the race is yet another consequence of the chronic splits and weak leadership in the Labour Party,' said Mr Farron.
'People in Manchester want change, they deserve better than a failed politician and a failing Labour Party.'
The Lib Dems have nominated Jackie Pearcey as their candidate. She finished second in the constituency in 1997 and 2001.
She said today: 'George Galloway's language of dividing communities shows that he really does not understand Manchester at all.
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said Mr Galloway's candidacy would boost his party's chances by taking votes from Labour
The Liberal Democrat candidate Jackie Pearcey said Mr Galloway has shown 'his true political colours' by announcing his bid on the Westmonster site run by Arron Banks
'By choosing an ALT-Right website to declare, Galloway shows his true political colours.'
The Greens, who took second place in Gorton at the last general election, have selected entrepreneur Jess Mayo as their candidate.
The Liberal Democrats, who slumped to fifth place in 2015, will be represented by former Gorton councillor Jackie Pearcey.
Sir Gerald Kaufman held Gorton in 2015 with 67 per cent of the vote, ahead of the Greens (9.8 per cent), Conservatives (9.7 per cent) and Ukip (8.2 per cent).
Mr Galloway was a Labour MP in Glasgow seats from 1987 until his 2003 expulsion, later serving as Respect MP for Glasgow Kelvin until 2005, for Bethnal Green and Bow from 2005-10 and Bradford West from 2012-15.
A thug hurled a fellow train passenger out of a carriage and rained kicks and punches at him after he nudged him awake at the wrong stop.
Sam Pearce, 24, felt he was made to 'look stupid' by Benjamin Kerr whom he then kicked in the chest and punched multiple times in the head, breaking his nose.
Mr Kerr, 39, had fallen asleep during the journey at about 1.30am and awoke at St Albans in Hertfordshire, believing that the train had arrived at its final destination.
Vicious: Sam Pearce, 24, felt he was made to 'look stupid' by Benjamin Kerr whom he then kicked in the chest and punched multiple times in the head, breaking his nose
Assault: Mr Kerr, 39, had fallen asleep during the journey at about 1.30am and awoke at St Albans in Hertfordshire, believing that the train had arrived at its final destination
He then nudged Pearce awake, but the pair soon realised that they were at the wrong station on the Thameslink train on June 17, 2015.
Pearce, from Harrow, North West London, became 'frustrated' and then walked through the train to find Mr Kerr before attacking him.
On Friday Pearce was jailed for a year after a jury found him guilty of assaulting and causing actual bodily harm to Mr Kerr, from Flitwick, Bedfordshire.
British Transport Police Sergeant Stephen Bartlett said: 'Pearce displayed overwhelming levels of aggression during this unprovoked and vicious assault.
'His defence was that he was getting back at the victim for making him look "stupid".
Taken out: The thug hurled his fellow train passenger out of the carriage and rained kicks and punches at him after he nudged him awake at the wrong stop
Brawl: On Friday Pearce was jailed for a year after a jury found him guilty of assaulting and causing actual bodily harm to Mr Kerr, from Flitwick, Bedfordshire
British Transport Police Sergeant Stephen Bartlett said Pearce displayed 'overwhelming levels of aggression during this unprovoked and vicious assault' at St Albans station (pictured)
'This is a totally unreasonable claim and he should be ashamed for his callous and reckless actions.
'The victim was simply trying to help Pearce by making sure he left the train at the final stop. He was apologetic for his mistake and was not expecting the violence that came next.
'As you can imagine this was an utterly terrifying experience for the victim who was left shaking on the platform. He thankfully sustained no long term injuries as a result of this assault.
'Pearce's sentence reflects the severity of his actions and reinforces the message that attacks like this will always be dealt with severely. And we will do everything on our power to bring those responsible to justice.'
More than 6,000 migrants have been rescued on the central Mediterranean route from Libya to Italy in the last few days as greater numbers take to the sea in warmer weather.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) said on Tuesday around 500 migrants are believed to have drowned so far this year, compared to 159 in the same period last year.
A spokesman said the number of people arriving in Europe, mainly travelling from Libya to Italy, and the subsequent deaths is at an unprecedented level.
Migrants wait to be rescued from a sinking dingey off the Libyan coasal town of Zawiyah, east of the capital, on March 20, 2017, as they attempted to cross from the Mediterranean to Europe
Libyan fishermen rescue a man from a sinking dinghy off the Libyan coasal town of Zawiyah
Two Libyan fishermen lean over in their boat to drag a man out of the Mediterranean Sea
Dozens of migrants wait to be rescued from a sinking rubber dinghy off the Libyan coast
This typical scene of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean Sea on a dinghy is rising
IOM spokesman Joel Millman told a news briefing more than 20,000 people have arrived in Europe this year and that 22 new deaths have recently been reported by the Libyan coast guard.
'We have yet to complete March,' he said, 'And we are already racing at a pace of arrivals that has exceeded anything we've seen before in the Mediterranean.
'This is typical of spring, getting very busy.
'But it's not typical to have the numbers be so high this early and the corresponding deaths that go with it.'
The UN's migration monitor says more than three times more people have died or gone missing while trying to cross the central Mediterranean between Libya and Italy this year compared to the same period of 2016.
The IOM says at least 481 migrants or refugees have died or gone missing up until March 19 on that route, up from 159 in the same period last year.
Mr Millman said Tuesday that the weekend rescue of over 3,300 migrants was set to bring the total of arrivals in Italy to over 20,000 this year.
Nearly 18,800 crossed in the first quarter last year.
Crossings generally increase as the weather warms in spring, and the IOM said it is unusual to see such high crossing and death numbers so early in the year.
This rescue on the weekend of more than 3,300 migrants was set to bring the total of arrivals in Italy to over 20,000 this year.
A baby is carried among the swathe of people attempting to cross the Mediterranean to Italy
Migrants, who took to the sea amid the spring sunshine, point at the camera after being rescued
Meanwhile, the UN children's agency says many child asylum seekers in Germany still have to spend long periods in unsafe and overcrowded shelters, and some have only limited access to education and don't receive adequate health care.
A study by UNICEF on the situation of 350,000 children and teenagers who have come to Germany as asylum seekers since 2015 says they often spend months or years in shelters where they sometimes witness or are exposed to violence and abuse.
The report released Tuesday said only a third of all children in asylum shelters have access to education.
It adds that refugee children don't have the same access to treatment of chronic and psychological illnesses as German kids.
Some 447 asylum shelter workers were questioned anonymously for the study from May to September 2016.
Fifty-five dogs and puppies will be rescued from a South Korean farm after its owner decided he no longer wanted to be part of the country's controversial dog meat trade.
The farmer and his wife, both in their 70s, had a change of heart and made an agreement with the Humane Society International (HSI) to permanently shut their farm in Goyang, just 12 miles north-west of central Seoul.
All of the dogs will now be flown to the United States for adoption.
The entirely indoor facility was 'unlike anything the team had seen before', the Humane Society said, with 'a dark labyrinth layout of narrow corridors reaching pens and cages of dogs living without daylight or fresh air'.
The dogs will soon be brought to a shelter in the United States to start new lives as pets under the Humane Society International's campaign to eradicate dog-meat farms from South Korea
Fifty-five dogs and puppies were rescued from a farm in Goyang, South Korea, after the facility's elderly owner decided he no longer wanted to be part of the country's dog meat trade
The dogs will soon be brought to a shelter in the United States to start new lives as pets under the Humane Society International's campaign to eradicate dog-meat farms from South Korea.
But the organization faces a tough battle, because South Korea shamefully boasts 17,000 dog meat facilities.
A variety of dog breeds were found at the farm, including pinscher mixes, Jindo mixes, a great Pyrenees/golden retriever mix, a German shorthaired pointer, Shih Tzus and a little corgi/Chihuahua mix.
Of the 55 dogs rescued, at least two were believed to be former pets.
The owner of the dogs said he is hoping to retire, and contacted the Humane Society in hopes of finding the dogs safe homes.
Speaking through a translator, the farmer, Mr Kim, said: 'I've been farming dogs for 20 years, but in all that time I've never killed them or taken them to the slaughter house myself.
'Mostly dog traders came to my farm to take them away. Personally, I like dogs, and I kept feeling bad whenever I sold them to the traders.
'The business has never been that big, I used to have around 20 dogs and I tried to leave the dog meat industry several times but somehow people gave me dogs and I restarted. I used to eat dog meat but now I can't eat it.
The entirely indoor facility was 'unlike anything the team had seen before', the Humane Society said
A variety of dog breeds were found at the farm, including pinscher mixes, Jindo mixes, a great Pyrenees/golden retriever mix, a German shorthaired pointer, Shih Tzus and a little corgi/Chihuahua mix
The owner of the dogs said he is hoping to retire, and contacted the Humane Society in hopes of finding the dogs safe homes
Adam Parascandola, director of animal protection and crisis response for the HSI, said that the living conditions at the farm were 'deplorable'
Several dogs were living together in dark cages, with no access to the outdoor world or fresh air
'These days I mostly don't want to sell the dogs, so I don't and that's why we now have more than 50 dogs. Plus, now I've got old so it's too much work for me too.
'I've heard that more and more dog meat restaurants are shutting down and now it's not a business that people are willing to do for a living.
'Dog meat consumers are also getting less and less, so although I can't say it will be ended, I can say it is a dying business for sure.
'I think that HSI's idea to urge the South Korean government to work with farmers like me to close farms, is a great plan.'
Adam Parascandola, director of animal protection and crisis response for the HSI, said that the living conditions at the farm were 'deplorable', and the organization is looking forward to finding the dogs new homes.
In the entirely-indoor facility, dogs living in rows of cages, surrounded by gravel walkways
Of the 55 dogs rescued, at least two were believed to be former pets who were no longer wanted by their owners
This is the seventh dog meat farm that HSI has closed in South Korea, saving more than 800 dogs
Humane Society International is working to put an end to dog meat consumption across Asia
'In the more than two years that I've been part of our campaign to shut down the dog meat trade in Asia, I thought I'd seen it all until I first saw this facility,' he said.
He added: 'It literally took my breath away, not least because when we first entered the darkness, the stench was overpowering.
'The ammonia burned the back of our throats. We could hear the dogs' desperate barks but we couldn't see their faces properly, just their eyes peering out.
'As we became accustomed to the darkness, we saw the pitiful state these poor animals had been living in.
'The farm is right on the public path next to the train tracks, but the people walking by would never have known what suffering it concealed.'
Several of the dogs, like the Maltese Mix pictured above, were neglected and unwashed and suffering from matted fur
Adam Parascandola, director of animal protection and crisis response for the HSI, said the smell of ammonia in the facility was 'overpowering'. The above Maltese mix appeared to live in a box at the facility
Nara Kim, Campaign Manager of Humane Society International, holds a puppy at the dog meat facility as her organization worked to save the animals
More than 2.5million dogs are raised for human consumption a year across 17,000 dog meat facilities in South Korea. Pictured above, Nara Kim holds a puppy at the now-closed dog meat farm in Goyang
The farmer and his wife, both in their 70s, made an agreement with the Humane Society International (HSI) to permanently shut their farm in Goyang, just 12 miles north-west of central Seoul
Parascandola said that once the dogs are brought to safety, they will learn to trust humans again.
'Their capacity to bounce back from the worst situations is astonishing to me,' he said.
This is the seventh dog meat farm that HSI has closed in South Korea, saving more than 800 dogs as part of its campaign to put an end to dog meat consumption across Asia.
More than 2.5million dogs are raised for human consumption a year across 17,000 dog meat facilities in South Korea.
But consumption of dog meat is on the decline in South Korea, where it is mainly eaten by older people and dogs are increasingly popular as pets.
Humane Society International hopes the government will ban the breeding of dogs for meat ahead of the 2018 Winter Olympics to be held in South Korea.
Trawling in shallow waters is a crime that can carry prison time under Cambodia's fisheries law.
Cambodian authorities announced on Tuesday that marine police have arrested 16 Vietnamese nationals for trawling in shallow Cambodian waters.
The announcement said fisheries officials and local police in Tuek Chhou District, Kampot Province have seized three boats and detained 16 Vietnamese people accused of using illegal fishing methods, the The Cambodia Daily reported.
According to Cambodian law, trawling in shallow waters (less than 20 meters deep) or using electrified nets, as many trawlers do, are crimes that carry prison time. Critics say the practice is environmentally catastrophic, destroying breeding grounds and endangering turtles and fish.
We have confiscated three trawlers and arrested 16 Vietnamese people, said Sao Sorin, fisheries director of Kampot Province, which is located about 140km (86 miles) southwest of the capital Phnom Penh.
While most of the waters in Kampot's Kep Bay, with its eastern limit about 20km from the Vietnamese border, are far shallower than the 20-meter minimum specified by the law on trawling, Vietnamese trawlers say Cambodian officials dont pay much attention to the depth.
Kampot's officials have previously claimed there is no law against Vietnamese trawlers encroaching on Cambodian waters, according to the The Cambodia Daily. However, Sorin said this time the trawling was an offense, and the arrested Vietnamese fishermen could be fined.
He could not specify the depth of the waters in which the trawlers were seized.
We have to look into whether the Vietnamese fishermen committed a crime under Cambodian law before we take action, he said.
Sorin said his office relied on reports of illegal trawling from local fishermen to make arrests. Even though we dont do much patrolling, we are always prepared to crack down when we receive reports, he said.
Sim Vuthea, deputy provincial governor, agreed on Monday that fines were a suitable punishment for the fishermen. He added that Vietnamese nationals had previously been imprisoned on trawling offenses.
The fisheries law, as I understand it, states that the trawlers will face fines, and if they want their boats back, Vietnamese authorities will have to guarantee it wont happen a second time, he said.
Related news:
> Cambodia deports 77 Vietnamese for illegal stay
> Vietnam raises border alert following Cambodia bird flu outbreak
> Vietnam urges Cambodia to finish border demarcation
Students are being told to drop 'safe spaces' and no platform-policies as the minister for higher education is ordering universities to protect freedom of speech.
Jo Johnson has written to the chief executive of Universities UK to say there is a 'legal duty' for universities to ensure freedom of speech is being exercised.
Under new plans drawn up by the Government, universities will be required by law to protect free speech across their campuses included inside the student union.
Taking back control: Johnson has written to the chief executive for Universities UK to say there is a legal requirement for campuses to protect freedom of speech
His letter comes just months after findings showed 94 per cent of universities in the UK now have some form of restriction on freedom of expression, up from 80 per cent in 2015.
The worrying craze has seen everything from public speakers blocked to fancy dress outfits banned from appearing on campus.
In recent years a number of high-profile people have been banned from speaking at universities in recent years including Mr Johnson's brother Boris, whose invitation to King's College London was revoked for a column about Barack Obama.
Germaine Greer was nearly stopped from speaking at a lecture at Cardiff University after students started a petition against her visiting, following comments she made about the transgender community.
Journalist Julie Bindle was banned from debating censorship at Manchester University's Students' Union
Radical feminist Julie Bindel was ironically banned from speaking at a debate about censorship at Manchester University's student union for her 'dangerous' views on transgender people.
This upward trend of censorship has also seen campuses banning everything from newspapers to fancy dress outfits, such as Pocahontas and cowboys and Indians.
And in some universities such as Cardiff Metropolitan, students are trying to ban terms such as 'gentleman's agreement' and 'mankind' in case they cause offence.
Now Mr Johnson is seeking to reclaim some control on campuses, through the new Higher Education and Research Bill.
He told The Times newspaper a consultation will be starting shortly.
The newspaper reported Mr Johnson wrote to Nicola Dandridge, chief executive of Universities UK, and said: 'It is important to note that the duty extends to both the premises of the university and premises occupied by the students' unions, even when they are not part of the university premises.
'It is important to note that the duty extends to both the premises of the university and premises occupied by the students' unions, even when they are not part of the university premises.'
A former soldier, who dressed as colonel gaddafi on a bad taste pub crawl and bit off a fellow drinker's ear, has been jailed for 16 months.
Geraint Jones, 25, from Ceredigion, became upset after being shoved and pushed at the bar of an Aberystwyth pub during a boozy night out.
The 25-year-old had dressed up with friends for a 'bad taste' pub crawl and was in the Academy bar when Judge Geraint Walters said he 'purposefully' returned to the bar to exact his 'revenge' on the man he believed responsible for the pushing and shoving.
Geraint Jones (pictured), 25, from Ceredigion, became upset after being shoved and pushed at the bar of an Aberystwyth pub during a boozy night out
Using his teeth while dressed as the Libyan dictator on October 31 2015, Jones bit Gwynant Jones' ear, resulting part of it being severed.
The court was told the man's ear lobe was found on the floor by a barman, but it could not be reattached.
'You now accept that in your state of drunkenness you misidentified that man,' said Judge Walters.
'The man that you chose therefore as your victim was wholly innocent of any wrongdoing.
'In drink, you then decided to bite your victim's ear. You don't need me to tell you that that is the most savage use of force.
'I can't personally claim to understand why you behaved as you did. There was something almost clinical in the use of force.'
Judge Walters added that he had asked himself why Jones, an aspiring diplomat, had committed the offence and felt the reasons 'ran much deeper' than anything that had been said so far.
Using his teeth while dressed as the Libyan dictator on October 31 2015, Jones bit Gwynant Jones' ear (pictured), resulting part of it being severed
The court heard Jones, who served four years in the Army, including a tour of Afghanistan, pleaded guilty to inflicting grievous bodily harm on Gwynant Jones in November but denied the more serious charge of causing grievous bodily harm with intent to do so.
Jones, from Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, was found not guilty of that offence by a jury last month.
James Hartson, defending, said his client accepted his dream of going into diplomatic service had been left in 'ruins' and that his current career as an Army reservist was also in 'tatters'.
He said: 'The defendant is deeply ashamed and remorseful. In fact he is appalled by his actions. Even when giving evidence to the jury he admitted that what he did was disgusting and disgraceful.'
Mr Hartson asked the judge to suspend his client's sentence and said that he had been offered the chance to return to Aberystwyth University to complete the third year of his degree.
Judge Walters said the effects on Gwynant Jones were ongoing and that initial surgery to reconstruct his ear had been unsuccessful.
He said: 'I am prepared to accept that the severing of the ear was as a result of you gripping the ear forcefully with your teeth and in some part because others tried to pull you apart from your victim.
'The reality is, none of that is a comfort to your victim.'
Judge Walters said he had considered not sending Jones to prison, but he had an obligation 'as far as the public is concerned', and sentenced him to 16 months in jail.
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A stunning collection of photos charting Marilyn Monroe's transformation into an icon of the 20th century have emerged for auction.
From a shy 20-year-old model known as Norma Jean Baker to her final moments as a screen siren depicted just three weeks before her death, more than 100 photos capture her tragic journey.
The images immortalizing the legend, who died of a suspected drugs overdose in August 1962, are tipped to sell for more than $90,000 (70,000).
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A stunning collection of photographs of Marilyn Monroe charting her transformation into an icon of the 20th century have emerged for auction
The last photos are of the starlet frolicking on a beach in her bathing suit taken by her friend, the late American photographer George Barris
These images, taken on July 13, 1962 show the starlet frolicking in a white towelling robe and a towel on Santa Monica Beach
The earliest photographs are headshots of a smiling Monroe in a cardigan in 1946 when she was still known as Norma Jean Baker.
The last photos are of the starlet sipping cocktails, at the wheel of a car and frolicking on a beach in her bathing suit taken by her friend American photographer the late George Barris.
They were taken in July 1962 just weeks before her untimely death aged just 36.
In between, she was photographed by many of the most significant photographers of the era and these images form part of the Marilyn Through a Lens exhibition.
George Barris captured the Los Angeles-born star posing against a white wall in an orange top and trousers
She seemed to be having a whale of a time as she posed in an open-top car in the Hollywood Hills
The candid snaps show a relaxed Monroe getting her hair done and holding a cocktail glass
Notable photos include Monroe wearing a red dress in promotional shots for Niagara in 1952 and draped in a golden gown the following year.
There are images of her visiting the troops in Korea in 1954. One is of her emerging from a plane while another shows her emerging from a tank to a rapturous reception.
There is a candid photo of Monroe reading a book under a tree in 1955 and her on the set of Some Like it Hot with Jack Lemon who was in drag for the role in 1958.
In 1960, she was photographed wearing a crop top and patterned trousers with her then husband Arthur Miller stood behind her.
More than 100 photos capture the Monroe's tragic journey from a shy 20-year-old model in a cardigan known as Norma Jean Baker to a global star just three weeks before her death (pictured at Niagra Falls in 1952)
The earliest photographs are headshots of a smiling Monroe in a cardigan in 1946 when she was still known as Norma Jean Baker
The screen siren had the makings of a star even in her early years, as shown with these stunning shots
Joseph Jasgur's shoot with a young Norma Jean Baker on Zuma beach
Marilyn posed coquettishly while building a tower out of dollar bills in an image shot by John Florea
The sale features photographs taken by Douglas Kirkland during Monroe's famous 'Nude In White Silk Sheet' photoshoot from November 17, 1961 in which she lies in bed with nothing but a sheet to protect her modesty.
Kirkland, reflecting on the photoshoot, said: 'At a certain point, Marilyn herself said I know what we should do. We should have a bed, and a white silk sheet.
'She insisted it must be silk, and it went from there.'
There are 33 photographs of Monroe taken by Barris just weeks before the legend's untimely passing on Santa Monica Beach and in the Hollywood Hills.
One unusual photo by Eve Arnold captures Monroe reading a book
Glamorous publicity shots by Ernest Bachrach show the star at the height of her fame
The sale features photographs taken by Douglas Kirkland during Monroe's famous 'Nude In White Silk Sheet' photoshoot from November 17, 1961
In the shoot she lies in bed with nothing but a sheet to protect her modesty
The candid snaps show a relaxed Monroe getting her hair done and holding a cocktail glass.
She seems to be having the time of her life playing about in the sea at Santa Monica beach.
Martin Nolan, director at LA-based Julien's Auctions who are auctioning off the photos, said: 'After our record-breaking Marilyn Monroe auction in November of last year (when Monroe's 'Happy Birthday Mr President' dress sold for $4.8million), we saw the passion and love that Marilyn's fans have with their desire to obtain something belonging to her.
A publicity picture shows the screen legend beaming as she posed with Jack Lemon in Some Like it Hot
There are 33 photographs of Monroe taken by Barris just weeks before the legend's untimely passing on Santa Monica Beach and in the Hollywood Hills
In 1960, she was photographed wearing a crop top and patterned trousers with her then husband Arthur Miller stood behind her.
The star posed in a showstopping gold gown in one shot by Ed Clark (left), and slipped into an ivory ruched swimsuit and gold heels for another by Nick de Morgoli (right)
'Based upon the huge global interest, we put together this photograph collection which allows a rare opportunity to bid and win an important image of the Hollywood Icon.
'Many of these images have rarely been seen by the public.
'In my opinion, these photographs reveal a very real and beautiful Marilyn exposing her humility with the final photographs taken sadly just weeks before her tragic death.'
The auction finishes on March 26.
Monroe showed off her irrepressible charm with the cast on the set of Let's Make Love, shot by Nat Dallinger
One rare shot showed her arriving in style in Korea to entertain the troops
This collage shows the blonde beauty beaming as she makes her way through the crowds
Monroe was seen being helped off the roof of a tank in front of thousands of troops
A couple who had their neighbour arrested for singing a Jimi Hendrix song in his barn have been left facing a 500,000 legal bill.
Michael Salliss, 74, and wife Hazel, 62, told police Terry Simou, 53, was threatening to shoot them with a gun.
But Mr Simou - with whom they were locked in a bitter boundary dispute - was practising the Hendrix classic 'Hey Joe', which features the line: 'I'm going down to shoot my old lady'.
Michael Salliss, 74, and wife Hazel, 62, (both pictured outside the Court of Appeal) told police Terry Simou was threatening to shoot them but later ordered to pay 500,000 in legal fees - which they are challenging
The professional acupuncturist and pub band guitarist spent seven hours locked up, before being released after only 10 minutes of questioning at a police station.
A county court judge found the incident in August 2014 was just one episode in a campaign of bullying by his neighbours during the long running dispute.
It left the couple, from Etchingham in East Sussex, facing legal bills for more than 500,000.
But they are now fighting to overturn the ruling as the extraordinary neighbourhood battle continues at London's Court of Appeal.
Their lawyers claim findings made against them were tainted because Mr Salliss was too ill to attend the whole of the county court trial.
Mr and Mrs Salliss have been locked in parallel disputes with next door neighbour Mr Simou, and another neighbour, Christie Greenfield, for years, the court heard.
The couple were accused of obstructing Mrs Greenfield's right of way and staging a land grab of parts of Mr Simou's property, including a plot meant for parking cars outside his home.
Terry Simou was practising the Hendrix classic 'Hey Joe', which features the line: 'I'm going down to shoot my old lady' when he was arrested and locked up for seven hours
Both Mr Simou and retired music teacher Mrs Greenfield also accused Mr and Mrs Salliss, who run a construction company, of a campaign of bullying against them.
As well as the Hendrix incident, Mr Simou had been racially abused for his Greek origin by Mr Salliss, while Mrs Greenfield was threatened by the pensioner from his tractor.
Finding against the couple at Tunbridge Wells County Court, Judge Simon Coltart ruled they had harassed both neighbours during a bid to improve their own home.
'Mr and Mrs Salliss have attempted to bully their neighbours in order for them to adjust the boundaries to suit their own requirements without any attempt at consultation or negotiation, let alone agreement, and when challenged they resorted to abuse and hectoring,' he said.
On the day of his arrest, Mr Simou, who runs an acupuncture clinic in Bromley, had been practising his music in a barn, where he has a mini-studio, the judge explained.
Mr and Mrs Salliss have been locked in disputes with Mr Simou, and Christie Greenfield (pictured) for years
'The next thing he knew he was being arrested and taken to the police station, where he was held for seven hours before being interviewed,' he continued.
'On interview, within ten minutes, he was released. I am quite satisfied that the complaint was instigated by Mr and Mrs Salliss and that their allegation that in some way Mr Simou was threatening to shoot them with a gun was trumped up.
'It may have been the words of the song, but they were using it in a dishonest way to effect his arrest, and I regard that as being an extremely serious incident of harassment.'
The Sallisses had no right to 'annex' part of Mr Simou's land, which he needed for car parking, said the judge, ordering them to give it back.
At the same time that their dispute was raging with Mr Simou, the couple were involved in another venomous row with Mrs Greenfield.
It began within months of them buying their home in 2004, when Mrs Greenfield accused them of interfering with a right of way she uses to access a field of hers next to the Sallisses' land, the judge said.
He found that they had deliberately tried to deter Mrs Greenfield using it.
They had allowed shrubs to overgrow, planted a tree and made it more difficult for vehicles to get through a gate, he said.
'I find that Mr and Mrs Salliss have waged a campaign against Mrs Greenfield, designed to persuade her to abandon the right of way and, in so doing, have substantially interfered with her use of it,' he added.
In one incident, she had filmed Mr Salliss as he threatened her with a bale of hay on a spike from the seat of his tractor, said the judge.
'I accept her evidence that he was, indeed, holding the bale above her in a threatening and dangerous manner, and reject his version that he did not, and that she in some way put herself deliberately in a position underneath the hay bale,' said the judge.
'I find that he has harassed her on the occasions that she has talked about in her witness statement and that she has, on occasion, been frightened by the way he treated her.'
He ordered Mr and Mrs Salliss to do work to make it easier for Mrs Greenfield to use the right of way.
Faced with damages bills to Mr Simou of 8,000 and Mrs Greenfield of 2,500 - plus lawyers' bills totalling more than 500,000 - the Sallisses have now taken their case to the Court of Appeal.
Their barrister, Matthew Collings QC, argued Judge Coltart was wrong to go ahead with the trial when a medical condition Mr Salliss suffered from worsened in the days leading up to it.
He had to have surgery on the first day of the trial, missing that day's hearing, then had to be taken to hospital again later in the case.
'It is respectfully submitted that Mr Salliss cannot have been in any position to do justice to his evidence or his case,' argued the QC.
He added: 'In this case, justice required an adjournment.'
Master of the Rolls, Sir Terence Etherton, sitting with Lord Justice Beatson and Lord Justice Henderson will give judgment on the Sallisses' appeal at a later date.
Rail commuters face 48 hours of cancellations after a freight train weighing nearly 4,000 tons carrying stone and ballast derailed and blocked a major line.
The train came off the rails at the East Somerset Junction between Westbury and Castle Cary yesterday, causing major damage to the track and rail equipment.
There were no injuries in the derailment at 5.50pm but the line was blocked and Network Rail warned it was likely to remain shut for 'at least the next 48 hours'.
The train came off the track at the East Somerset Junction between Westbury and Castle Cary yesterday, causing major damage to the track and rail equipment
Seven wagons of the 38-carriage train toppled over, severely disrupting services between Taunton and Westbury, and between Weymouth and Westbury.
Each of the 38 fully-loaded wagons weighed about 100 tonnes each, while its class 59 'Jumbo' locomotive weighs a further 120 tonnes.
Great Western Railway and South West Trains passengers were told to check for updates before travelling due to the issues between London and the West Country.
High-speed trains between London Paddington and Penzance are being diverted via Bristol Temple Meads, while engineers are on site assessing the damage.
A further update is expected today. In November 2008 a freight train derailed on a set of points at the same junction, causing damage to the track.
There were no injuries in the derailment at 5.50pm but the line was blocked and Network Rail warned it was likely to remain shut for 'at least the next 48 hours'
The Rail Accident Investigation Branch found the cause was a signaller, who was 'probably suffering from fatigue', not operating the points correctly.
An NR spokesman said today: 'Network Rail Engineers are on site assessing the damage prior to commencing recovery operations to clear the line.
'We are working closely with GWR and South West Trains to put in place contingency plans including diverting London-West of England services via Bristol.
'Passengers are advised to check before (they) travel as journey times between the West Country and London may be significantly extended.'
GWR warned passengers that services will be amended or cancelled with road transport used where needed.
Great Western Railway and South West Trains passengers were told to check for updates before travelling due to the issues between London and the West Country
Each wagon when fully-loaded - as these were - weighs about 100 tonnes each, which is about 100 times the weight of a small family car such as a Ford Fiesta.
Its locomotive - the class 59 'Jumbo' - is one of the heaviest trains in Britain and was built in Illinois by General Motors.
Each one weighs 126 tonnes and has a 3300bhp engine developing up to 114,000 lb ft of torque compared to 200 lb ft for a Land Rover Defender.
They also use a 16-cylinder 170-litre turbodiesel engine and were a special order for hauling aggregate in the UK, with only 16 ever made.
A 15-year-old girl, who was abducted by her 50-year-old former teacher last week sparking a nationwide manhunt, changed her social media bio to 'wife' before disappearing.
Elizabeth Thomas has not been seen since March 13 when she is feared to have been taken by Tad Cummins, her married former teacher.
An Amber Alert has been issued in her home state of Tennessee and in neighboring Alabama but police say the pair could be 'anywhere'.
On Tuesday, the girl's family told how she warned them to call police if she did not return home by 6pm on the day she vanished. Authorities however say it is 'entirely likely' she does not yet consider herself a victim and chose to go with him willingly.
Newly released surveillance footage shows Cummins, who police say is armed with two handguns, buying women's hair dye at a Tennessee Walmart a day before they disappeared.
It also emerged on Tuesday that Cummins, who describes himself online as a 'Jesus freak, grandfather and father', was under police investigation after being seen kissing the girl when he disappeared with her.
Another student claimed to have seen the pair kissing in Cummins' classroom at Culleoka High School in Columbia, Tennessee, on January 23 while his grandson, who is also a student there, used the computer.
She reported it to police and to the school board but Cummins was allowed to carry on work and was not arrested.
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Elizabeth Thomas, 15, left, has been missing from Columbia, Tennessee, with her former science teacher Tad Cummins, 50, right, since March 13
Elizabeth changed her Instagram biography before she vanished to describe herself as a 'wife'. She also added a ring emoji to the description
The student claimed she confronted the teacher before reporting it to her own family and he told her they had a 'father daughter relationship'.
Elizabeth's own family did not learn about it until a week later when Maury County Sheriff's Department officers visited their home to make inquiries.
This image of Elizabeth was taken on March 13, the day she vanished. She appears to be carrying clothes
School board staff interviewed the girl several times and police began investigating her claims but Cummins was allowed to carry on teaching. They removed Elizabeth from his class but they were caught again together on February 3 by the school principal.
The school eventually suspended Cummins on February 6 after receiving an outraged letter from her father demanding to be kept in updated about the investigation.
Cummins was not officially fired by the school district until he disappeared with the girl on March 13.
Students said Elizabeth was angry with the other girl for reporting their classroom kiss and 'growled' at her in the hallway.
She believed the pair were friends, they said, but authorities believe Cummins was grooming her for sex.
In the days before her disappearance, Elizabeth posted several cryptic Instagram photographs about love.
Among them was an illustration of Beauty and The Beast. 'Every beauty needs her beast to protect her from everything but him,' it read.
Cummins visited a Walmart in Columbia, Tennessee, the day before he vanished with the girl. He was filmed on surveillance cameras buying dark brown women's hair dye
Cummins was dressed in a camouflage hat, a dark blue t-shirt and matching jacket
The dark brow hair dye teacher Tad Cummins was seen buying (right) and Elizabeth in a family photograph (left)
She captioned the post 'Good Morning'. She changed her biography to 'wife' and added a ring emoji to it.
On March 12, the day before they vanished, Cummins was spotted buying women's dark brown hair dye at a Tennessee Walmart. He also appeared to have bought men's toiletries.
Days earlier, he took out a $4,500 loan and was also seen filling up his silver Nissan Rogue with gas on the day of their disappearance.
It's entirely likely Elizabeth doesn't believe - at least right now - that she's a victim Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesman Josh DeVine
On March 13, Elizabeth told her family she was spending the day with a friend. She told one of her ten siblings to call police if she had not returned by 6pm, according to People.
Police believe Cummins, who she has known for more than two years, brainwashed her into abandoning her family. They have not confirmed whether she went willingly with him on March 13.
'It's entirely likely Elizabeth doesnt believe at least right now that shes a victim,' Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spokesman Josh DeVine told DailyMail.com on Tuesday.
In the days before her disappearance, she referred to a 'mission' on social media while sharing quotes about love.
Police issued the last photograph of her before her disappearance on Monday. In it, she appeared carrying a pile of clothes in her arms.
Elizabeth posted this image on Instagram in the days before she disappeared, writing simply beside it: 'Good morning'
Elizabeth referred to a 'mission' before disappearing on March 13. Police believe she was groomed by Cummins who she has known for more than two years
The pair were seen kissing at Culleoka High School by another student on January 23. Staff notified police but did not immediately tell her family or suspend Cullins
Tennessee investigators say Elizabeth is in imminent danger. They believe Cummins is armed with two handguns
She was dressed in a plaid shirt and dark leggings with her blonde hair scraped back in to a ponytail.
The bureau did not specify where the image was taken but investigators previously stated that Elizabeth had been dropped off at a restaurant by a friend in Colombia, Tennessee, before she was taken.
'Nothing investigators have learned about Cummins or his intentions for the young girl since issuing the AMBER Alert calms the imminent concern for Elizabeths well-being.
'In fact, it only heightens it,' a statement issued by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation on Saturday read.
Josh DeVine, the bureau's spokesman, said he was eager for the public to grasp how dangerous the situation is.
'She's 15. He is 50. He is facing a charge in which the district attorney has identified her as the victim and they are missing.
'We want her home, we want him in custody, he said last week at a press conference.
Cummins now faces charges for sexual contact with a minor and aggravated kidnapping. Each of the pair's families has issued desperate pleas for them to return.
Cummins' wife Jill appealed directly to him, telling him: 'Tad this is not you. This is not who you are. We can help you get through this.
Cummins' embattled wife Jill made an emotional plea for his return last week, telling him: 'Tad, this is not you.' Elizabeth's father Anthony (right) said the teacher 'stole' his daughter from him
Cummins was seen filling up his silver Nissan Rogue with gas on the day the pair disappeared
There is a $1,000 reward for information which may lead police to the pair. Tennessee investigators have received 450 tips but do not yet have a strong lead
'No matter how far you've gone or what's happening right now, God's grace is sufficient for you and he wants you to come home. Your family wants their poppy back. Please do the right thing, and turn yourself into the police and bring Beth home.'
The teacher describes himself as a 'Jesus freak, father and grandfather' online.
Elizabeth's father spoke at a vigil in their hometown. 'What Tad did, he stole my daughter from me but Maury County is a big community.
'He didnt just steal from me, he stole from the whole community.'
On Monday, the bureau said it had received 450 tips from dozens of different states but that none had produced a strong lead.
'The individuals could be anywhere, and the TBI continues to urge national vigilance in the ongoing effort to locate the missing girl and apprehend her alleged abductor,' it said.
There is a $1,000 reward for information which could lead police to Cummins. Investigators are urging anyone with information to call 1-800-TBI-FIND.
If they spot Cummins' vehicle, which has the license plate TN 976-ZPT, they are urged to call 911 immediately.
A 14-year-old New Zealand boy was saved by his father after being attacked by a Cheetah at a South African safari park while on holiday with his family.
Isaac Driver, from Christchurch, was touring Emdoneni Lodge in Zululand KwaZulu-Natal province, Eastern South Africa, with his family when the cheetah ran toward him and knocked him to the ground.
It came after Isaac and 20 other people on the trip were told by a park employee that they were allowed to pet two cheetahs that were believed to be friendly.
Isaac's father, David, saw one of the cheetahs lunge toward his son, and grabbed the large cat, pulled it off of his son and held it to the ground until park workers could contain the cat.
Isaac Driver, from Christchurch, New Zealand, was touring Emdoneni Safari Park in South Africa, with his family when a cheetah ran toward him and knocked him down.
It came after Isaac and 20 other people on the trip were told by a park employee that they were allowed to pet two cheetahs that were believed to be friendly. Isaac is pictured above petting the big cat
The teen only suffered scratches to his back and torso during the attack, and even bought a cheetah-themed shirt following the tour.
The teen only suffered scratches to his back and torso during the attack
Isaac's mother, Mandy, said: 'The cheetah pushed through a few different people, caught my daughter's top, ripped all her top, and then landed on my son as he was facing it... and pushed him to the ground.
'[The cheetah] landed him on the ground as though it was eating him. It was horrible, it was really scary.
'My husband just seemed to appear from nowhere - he just grabbed the cheetah, pulled it off him, and just held it to the ground.'
Mandy said that Isaac coped with the attack 'amazingly'.
'I think he just wants to go home, really,' she said. 'He's doing OK - he's not complaining about it.
'He bought himself a cheetah T-shirt. He's coped with it amazingly well considering he was attacked by a big cat.'
The safari park offered the family a full refund for their day out and apologised for the incident.
Isaac's father, David (pictured above with his wife, Mandy), saw one of the cheetahs lunge toward his son, and grabbed the large cat, pulled it off of his son and held it to the ground until park workers could contain the cat.
The safari park offered the family a full refund for their day out after the incident. The family is pictured in younger years above, from left, Isaac's sister Eve, father David, mother Mandy, and Isaac himself
Mandy, however, believes that more safety measures should be put in place if the park is going to remain open.
'I wouldn't like to see it get shut down, if it's doing good things for the animals, but I also wouldn't like to see anybody else get hurt,' she said.
'And on the photos [which the park uses on its website] there are a lot of young children in these cages with these wild cats,' she added.
The safari park website offers a chance to get up close and personal with the predators, but it does state the trips depend daily on the mood of the big cats.
It states: 'Bear in mind these animals are still wild animals with a mind of [their] own.'
The Driver family is expected to return home to New Zealand this week.
A 21-year-old man burned down his family home and killed three pets after trying to kill ants in the basement using matches.
Investigators say Devon Doucette destroyed the home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine on Saturday.
One of the matches he was using to kill the ants ignited combustible materials in the basement and quickly spread through the rest of the house, WMTV reports.
Devon Doucette, 21, destroyed his family home in Old Orchard Beach, Maine on Saturday after a fire broke out as he was trying to exterminate ants in his basement using matches
When fire crews arrived, flames were spewing out of two windows and the side door of the home.
Doucette was taken to hospital and treated smoke inhalation and minor burns to his hands after he tried to carry some burning items out of the house.
The fire killed the family's two cats and one dog, while another pet cat is unaccounted for.
One of the matches he was using to kill the ants ignited combustible materials in the basement and quickly spread through the rest of the house
Doucette was taken to hospital and treated smoke inhalation and minor burns to his hands after he tried to carry some burning items out of the house
His parents own the house but were not home at the time.
Authorities say charges against Doucette are not likely.
The property was destroyed by the fire and authorities say it is considered a total loss.
A teenage boy fell three stories to his death while he was high on LSD and his parents shared the details of what happened to warn other families.
High school student Andre Zuczek, 15, died from traumatic brain injury over the weekend after police arrived to an apartment complex in Santa Monica, California, and saw him fall from a third-floor balcony on Saturday.
Zuczek and his friends were experimenting with LSD, also known as acid, and the teenager is thought to have had a 'bad trip', according to a statement from the boy's family on Monday.
His parents wanted to share the details of their son's preventable death 'so that other parents may be spared from losing a child to drug use'.
High school student Andre Zuczek (center), 15, fell three stories to his death while he was high on LSD in Santa Monica, California, on Saturday. In a statement released on Monday, his grieving parents (left and right) shared the details of his death to help prevent other families from going through what they did
Zuczek and his friends were experimenting with LSD, also known as acid, and the teenager is thought to have had a 'bad trip' when he fell from this apartment complex's third-floor balcony
Zuczek was a freshman at Santa Monica High and the high school's principal Antonio Shelton confirmed the student's identity in a statement, reported the LA Times.
A portion of the statement read: 'Things went badly very quickly as Andre had what is though to be a "bad trip".
'In sharing, please be aware that hearsay and gossip can be very hurtful and can add more sorrow to the grief we are all feeling at this time.'
Police were called to the scene around 3pm on Saturday after reports were made that there were people acting bizarre, breaking things and a possible overdose of hallucinogens.
Zuczek was a freshman at Santa Monica High (pictured). Police were called to the apartment complex after reports that people were acting bizarre, breaking things and a possible overdose of hallucinogens
When they arrived, they witnessed Zuczek still alive and standing on a balcony, but when they approached, he fell from it.
He was then taken to a hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Another teen in the apartment complex was also taken to the hospital and treated for minor injuries and taking drugs.
An accused gangland killer who was arrested by waiting police at Sydney Airport on Monday night may have returned to Australia to see his newborn child, reports claim.
Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad, 34, was arrested by NSW Police homicide detectives immediately after touching down from Lebanon and later charged with murder.
He is alleged to have shot Safwan Charbaji, 32, who was fatally wounded in a brazen gunfight outside a smash repair business in southwest Sydney last year.
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Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad (pictured), 34, was charged with murder after being arrested at Sydney airport. Reports claim he may have known police were waiting for him and returned to visit his newborn child for the first time
Facing a media pack after touching down in Sydney from Qatar, Mahmoud Ahmad covered his face with handcuffed hands and a black Adidas hoodie
Ahmad's solicitor, prominent Muslim lawyer Adam Houda, said his client intended to plead not guilty
According to reports by the Daily Telegraph, Ahmad is believed to have been aware of the outstanding warrant for his arrest and in contact with police while overseas.
Multiple sources told the publication he returned to Australia to visit his baby child, who was born after Charbaji's murder.
Ahmad's solicitor, prominent Muslim lawyer Adam Houda, tweeted: 'I've known Mahmoud 'Brownie' Ahmad since he was 16. He's no killer!'
Ahmad is the brother of slain gangland kingpin Walid 'Wally' Ahmad, a standover man who owned the 'A Team Body Works' repair shop that was the backdrop for the daylight shooting that resulted in Charbaji's death in April last year.
Charbaji's death was later linked to the murder of Walid Ahmad, 40, who was killed in a spray of bullets on the rooftop car park of Bankstown Central shopping centre weeks later.
Brownie Ahmad is the brother of slain gangland kingpin Walid 'Wally' Ahmad (pictured), who was killed in a spray of bullets in western Sydney last year
Ahmad was charged with the murder of Safwan Charbaji (pictured), 32, who was fatally wounded outside a smash repairs business last year
Ahmad is believed to have been aware of the outstanding warrant for his arrest and in contact with police while overseas (pictured being arrested)
Hundreds of mourners turned out for Walid Ahmad's funeral in May last year, with friends and family chanting 'Allahu akbar' as his body was carried in a white coffin into Lakemba Mosque in Sydney.
Facing a media pack after touching down in Sydney from Qatar, Mahmoud Ahmad covered his face with handcuffed hands and a black Adidas hoodie pulled over his head.
But Ahmad has denied involvement in Charbaji's murder, previously telling Fairfax Media while in Lebanon that he had 'nothing to clear up' with authorities.
'Tell the cops to get their facts right first ... I'm not running or hiding so f*** off. They can talk s*** as much as they want,' he told the publication.
Ahmad did not apply for bail in Waverley Local Court on Tuesday, and will appear again in court in May.
Shocking footage captured the moment paramedics tried to resuscitate Walid Ahmad after he wa
One of 15 packages that contained in total 17,000 cigars seized at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi on Sunday. Photo by VnExpress
The amount of seized cigars well exceeded the permitted level for duty-free luggage.
Vietnamese customs officials said they had seized nearly 17,000 contraband cigars found in the luggage of four Vietnamese passengers who were returning from Cuba to Hanoi on Sunday.
The four, including a woman, arrived at Noi Bai International Airport on a Vietnam Airlines flight after transiting in Paris. Airport security detected the cigars in 15 unlabeled packages wrapped in plastic bags and newspaper.
Calling it a serious violation, the officials seized the cigars and ordered an investigation.
Vietnam allows inbound passengers to carry 100 cigars in duty-free luggage. For larger quantities, they have to pay an import tax, special consumption tax and value-added tax, provided the goods meet other export-import requirements.
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> Ho Chi Minh City customs seize two guns from Hong Kong flight
> Vietnam customs thwart attempt to smuggle cameras from Hong Kong
Victoria is threatening to make it harder to criticise Islam if the Turnbull government changes race hate laws.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has flagged his intention to scrap the words 'offend', 'insult' and 'humiliate' from section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act and replace them with the term 'harass'.
In Victoria, it's already an offence to publish material on the internet or on fliers that might encourage other people to 'hate' or 'ridicule' a particular religious group.
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Victoria's Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott has flagged tougher laws on religious vilification
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has announced plans to amend 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act
The Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission's website cites the example of Michael, who is a Muslim, who makes a complaint about a social networking site that 'publishes offensive material encouraging people to hate Muslims'.
The Victorian laws, passed in 2001, make exceptions for people who are engaging in a debate about religion.
'Comments, jokes or other acts related to the race or religion of a person may not constitute vilification, but they could still be the basis for a complaint of discrimination,' Victoria's Human Rights Commission says.
However, the state's Multicultural Affairs Minister Robin Scott is threatening to strengthen Victorian laws that already curb the right to criticise religion.
'We will review Victoria's Racial and Religious Tolerance Act 2001 to consider ways to strengthen legislative protections, should the federal coalition be successful with their amendments,' he said.
Controversial Muslim psychologist described the Turnbull government as 's****'
Hanan Dover posted a Facebook message describing the government as 's****'
Hanan Dover, an outspoken Muslim psychologist who has represented terror suspects, published an outburst on Tuesday against the Turnbull government's plans to amend 18C.
'The s**** government, ironically on Harmony Day, plans to change section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act,' she said on Facebook.
'They have failed to address what is currently wrong with the Act but they want to change it anyway simply because racists want it legal to offend on the basis of free speech.'
Ms Dover regularly publishes Facebook posts slamming secular Muslims or people who have left the faith.
Hanan Dover signed a petition calling Somali-born writer Ayaan Hirsi Ali (pictured) to be barred from delivering lectures criticising Islam
Hanan Dover signed another petition calling for the ABC to apologise for having Muslim youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied (pictured) clash with Senator Jacqui Lambie on Q&A
Hanan Dover has previously described Lebanese Muslim doctor Jamal Rifi (pictured) as a 'narcisstic type chameleon' for his work tackling Islamic radicalisation
She signed a change.org petition which calls for Somali-born writer and former Muslim Ayaan Hirsi Ali to be stopped from delivering lectures across Australia in April criticising Islam.
She signed another petition in February calling for the ABC to apologise for allowing Tasmanian senator Jacqui Lambie to clash with Muslim youth activist Yassmin Abdel-Magied over sharia law on Q&A.
In October 2015, she ridiculed Lebanese Muslim doctor Jamal Rifi, who has been outspoken about the need to tackle radicalisation.
'For crying out loud a million times, Dr Jamal Rifi who has zero expertise in radicalisation and extremism should not be given air time,' she said on Facebook, after he received an honorary doctorate from the University of Canberra.
'Far out. Only a narcissistic type chameleon will try their very best to keep themselves relevant. He is the perfect example.'
The Turnbull government's plans to amend 18C faces possible defeat in the Senate.
Calum Thwaites, a former Queensland University of Technology student, was hauled before the Human Rights Commission for a 2013 Facebook post criticising an indigenous-only computer room.
He has called on crossbench senators to pass the proposed changes to 18C.
'I'd ask Senator Nick Xenophon if we should have a law that allows university students to be dragged through years of court process just for innocuous posts on Facebook,' he told Andrew Bolt on Sky News.
'Or if we should have a law that hauls cartoonists through the Humans Rights Commission for trying to agitate discussion about public issues like Aboriginal children and delinquent parents.
'Because I don't think that's the Australia we should be living in.'
Liberal Democratic senator David Leyonhjelm wants 18C completely abolished rather than amended.
'It's a long way from what I'd like to see,' he told Sky News.
'Legislation to protect our feelings is not something the government should even be contemplating doing.'
Real Housewives of Miami star Alexia Echevarria is accusing her stepsons of attempting to seize her Miami Beach mansion and luxury Maserati car just months after her husband's unexpected death, according to court documents obtained by DailyMail.com.
Last September, Herman Echevarria, 61, was found dead in a Miami hotel. His business partner believed he passed away in his sleep from a heart attack, while detectives said he died of natural causes.
Alexia later released a statement, saying: 'The Echevarria family is heartbroken over the sudden passing of our patriarch Herman Echevarria this morning.
Alexia Echevarria has asked for a temporary injunction against her stepsons, accusing them of trying to take her Miami Beach mansion and luxury car only months after her husband Herman's death
Last September, Herman Echevarria, 61, was found dead in a Miami hotel. His business partner believed he passed away in his sleep from a heart attack, while detectives merely said he died of natural causes
Herman Jr. (left) and Nelson (at right in picture at right) are both heirs to Hermans estate and co-personal representatives of his probate estate. But Alexia charges in court documents that they are ignoring 'their father's clearly expressed wishes and contractual obligations to his own wife'
'He was a family man, a hardworking businessman, dedicated to helping others and a pillar of his community that was loved by everyone whose lives he touched.'
Since Hermans death, the relationship between Alexia and her late husband's sons, Nelson and Herman, appears to have been rocky.
Though Alexia maintains that she has always loved the two boys as if they were her own, she says they have been actively trying to take immediate possession of her $3 million Miami home, seize the contents of the property and even threatened to sue if she didnt hand over the keys to the Maserati.
Nelson and Herman are both heirs to Hermans estate and co-personal representatives of his probate estate, but court documents state that they are ignoring 'their father's clearly expressed wishes and contractual obligations to his own wife.'
Alexia and Herman began dating in 2001, got engaged by 2003 and married in 2004. Prior to their marriage, they signed an Antenuptial Agreement, or prenup.
Per their deal, Herman gave instructions that upon his death the deed to the Miami Beach home would be transferred solely to Alexia.
In 2003, Herman had asked her to find a house for them to live in, which he then purchased under his name alone. He relied on Alexia to plan and coordinate the extensive renovations done to the property.
Alexia captioned this photo of her prized Maserati, which she received as a birthday present: 'My favorite gift by far from my amazing husband'
Nelson and Herman are both heirs to Hermans estate and co-personal representatives of his probate estate, but court documents state that they are ignoring 'their father's clearly expressed wishes and contractual obligations to his own wife'
Now, Alexia has asked for a temporary injunction against her stepsons, which would 'preserve the status quo pending a final hearing on the merits' and allow her to continue living in the house.
The couple announced their separation in 2015 after 15 years of marriage, but Alexia says they still predominantly resided at the Miami property and never divorced.
'Turning age 60 triggered a form of "midlife crisis" for Decedent, which led to self-destructive behaviors and to him spending nights on a temporary basis in a Collins Avenue apartment owned by a friend and/or in a Brickell Avenue apartment owned by another friend,' the documents read.
'However, Decedent and plaintiff never divorced, they never formally separated as husband and wife, they continued to work together through to the date of his death, and they continued to co-parent plaintiff's two sons from a previous marriage (whom Decedent always made a point of referring to as "our" sons) through to the date of Decedent's death.
'Decedent never abandoned the family he had with plaintiff, he never abandoned their marriage, and he never abandoned their marital home, which at the time of his death he intended to return to.'
Herman and Nelson Echevarria have yet to respond to the allegations.
European Council president Donald Tusk insisted he wants the 'least painful' Brexit possible today as he paved the way for tough negotiations.
Mr Tusk has declared that the 27 continuing member states will meet on April 29 to discuss their 'red lines' for the talks.
The discussions will then begin in earnest after the French elections are decided in early May. Theresa May pledged today to write a 'bold new chapter' for the UK, saying she is looking forward to the 'historic' moment when she triggers Article 50 next week.
But there are already signs that the two sides are on collision course with Cabinet ministers insisting the UK should not be asked to pay more than 3billion as a break-up settlement.
Spain today weighed into the growing row to warn there could be no discussions on the future relationship between Britain and Europe until the divorce bill was agreed.
European Council president Donald Tusk said at a press conference in Brussels today that he wants to make the divorce process the 'least paunful' for the EU
Theresa May, pictured in Wales yesterday, will trigger Article 50 and begin the formal process of leaving the EU next Wednesday
The figure is vastly lower than that mooted by EU negotiators - who are expected to demand up to 50billion.
The issue of the bill to cover 'liabilities' including ongoing projects and pensions for Eurocrats is set to come up early in the talks, which will begin after Mrs May triggers Article 50 next Wednesday.
Mr Tusk has confirmed that he will present draft Brexit guidelines to the remaining 27 member states within 48 hours of notification.
GOLDMAN PLOTS TO MOVE JOBS OUT OF LONDON US investment bank Goldman Sachs said today that it plans to move jobs from London to elsewhere in Europe over the next 18 months because of Brexit. Goldman Sachs International chief executive Richard Gnodde told CNBC television that the bank will 'hire people inside of Europe itself and there will be some movement' out of London. He said Goldman would be raising headcount in offices outside Britain by 'hundreds' as the country negotiates its exit from the EU. 'We start with a significant European footprint already, we are licensed with banks in Germany and in France,' said Gnodde. 'Whatever the outcome, London will remain for us a very significant regional hub and a significant global hub,' he added. Goldman employs around 6,000 staff in Britain. Advertisement
Announcing the date for the extraordinary summit, he said today: 'In view of what was announced in London yesterday I would like to inform you that I will call a European council on Saturday 29 April to adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks.
'I personally wish the UK hadn't chosen to leave the EU. But the majority of British voters decided otherwise.
'Therefore we must to do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU.
'Our main priority for the negotiations must be to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and member states that will be negatively affected by Brexit, as well as our important partners and friends around the world.'
The discussions are unlikely to get properly under way until the French elections are resolved the following month.
Talks will probably begin in earnest in mid-May, after the French elections have been conducted.
The EU's chief negotiator Michel Barnier is thought to have climbed down on an insistence that the divorce bill must be agreed before post-Brexit trade issues can be addressed.
Mr Tusk and EU commission president Jean-Claude Juncker (pictured in Brussels today) will play pivotal roles in the looming talks
Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has already publicly urged Mrs May to resist a big payment, while International Trade Secretary Liam Fox has dismissed the idea as 'absurd'.
The PM has made clear that she does not believe the public will wear paying 'huge sums' to Brussels. The government is said to have received advice that there is no legal obligation to meet the demand.
The Times reported that Brexiteers are fighting for the sum to be limited to 2-3billion. Cabinet sources told MailOnline a figure of 3billion was in the 'right ball park'.
There have been claims that Philip Hammond is prepared to back a much bigger payment in order to keep goodwill for a trade deal.
But sources close to the Chancellor insisted he did not 'recognise' the figures of 50billion being bandied around by EU officials.
Spain's deputy minister for European affairs Jorge Toledo made clear today that agreeing the Bill would be a major stumbling block early in the talks.
He said: 'Before starting to negotiate the future framework of the relationship between the EU and the UK, we have to agree at least the basic principles of the financial implications of the exit agreement.'
He added: 'We can't allow the U.K. situation outside of the European Union to be as good as or better than it was within the European Union.
'If that was the outcome, it would spell the end of the European project.'
Brexit Secretary David Davis will be a key figure in the looming talks with the EU
Boris Johnson, left, and Justice Secretary Liz Truss were among the ministers attending a Cabinet meeting in Downing Street this morning
After Cabinet today, Mrs May's official spokesman said: 'The Prime Minister told Cabinet that the triggering of Article 50 on March 29 would be a historic event.
'It will precipitate a shift in our role in the world and see Britain begin a bold new chapter as a prosperous, open and global nation.
'The PM said the letter would be one of the most important documents in our country's recent history. It will start to deliver the result of the referendum and set the tone for our new relationship with Europe and the world.'
DUTCH CALL FOR GOOD BREXIT DEAL The EU should keep close trade ties with Britain after Brexit, a report commissioned by the Dutch parliament has said. The report pointed out that the UK is the Netherlands' second largest trading partner, accounting for 9 percent of exports. 'Any restriction on free trade with Britain would inevitably be at the cost of Dutch exports, prosperity and employment,' it said. Advertisement
He added: 'The PM reiterated her commitment to an early agreement on the rights of EU citizens in the UK and British citizens living abroad.
'The PM said we enter this process with an expectation will be smooth and orderly, giving certainty to individuals and businesses and allowing us to make preparations that will see an indepdent UK prospering outside of the European Union.'
At the weekend Mr Hammond accused Brussels of 'overstating' its position ahead of the negotiations.
The Prime Minister announced yesterday that the letter notifying the European Council of the UK's intention to quit under Article 50 of the EU treaties will be delivered on March 29.
Brexit Secretary David Davis said the move would initiate 'the most important negotiation for this country for a generation', with the Government aiming to secure 'a new, positive partnership between the UK and our friends and allies in the European Union'.
Mrs May is due to visit all four nations of the UK before triggering Article 50. She will address MPs in a statement to the House of Commons following her regular weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions on March 29.
She was cleared to take the step when the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act gained royal assent last week, after a Supreme Court ruling forced her to seek the approval of both Houses of Parliament.
High schoolers charged: Henry Sanchez, 18 (pictured) and Jose Montano, 17, have been charged with raping a 14-year-old female classmate in a Maryland high school bathroom
Disturbing new details have emerged in the case of two teenage immigrants living in Maryland, one of them illegally, who are accused of brutally raping and sodomizing their 14-year-old female classmate in a bathroom stall on campus.
The alleged assault happened Thursday morning at Rockville High School in Montgomery County, leading to the arrests of 17-year-old Jose Montano, from El Salvador, and 18-year-old Henry Sanchez, from Guatemala, on charges of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual assault.
A probable cause statement filed on Friday at the Montgomery County District Court by the arresting officer painted a harrowing picture of the rape, based on an interview with the alleged victim and physical evidence gathered at the scene.
According to the court document, obtained by the station WJLA, Montano and Sanchez accosted the girl in the hallway at around 9am Thursday.
The girl knew only one of the teens, Montano, who allegedly asked her for a hug, then slapped her butt and asked her to walk with them.
As the trio were passing by a boys bathroom on the way to the gym, the 17-year-old Montano repeatedly asked the girl to have sex with him and his friend, and when she refused they allegedly forced her into the restroom.
The probable cause document describes the assault in extremely graphic detail, recounting how the alleged victim grabbed onto a sink to avoid being forced into a stall, but the two suspects shoved her inside.
Once in the stall, the document states that Montano allegedly opened the girl's top and 'pulled her breasts out to play with,' then unbuckled her pants and pulled them down.
The alleged attack took place inside a boys' bathroom at Rockville High School during school hours
The two teenagers then allegedly proceeded to take turns holding down the young girl while forcing her to perform oral sex on them and raping her both vaginally and anally on the toilet multiple times while communicating with one another in Spanish.
Throughout the ordeal, the document stated, the victim screamed out in pain and repeatedly told her friend Montano, and Sanchez to stop.
After the horrific attack, police said Sanchez covered the victims head with his coat and led her out of the bathroom as Montano ordered her to be quiet.
The freshman girl immediately reported the assault to school administrators and law enforcement officials were summoned to the scene to investigate.
A forensic expert was later able to recover physical evidence in the form of blood and semen from the bathroom stall.
Henry Sanchez is believed to have entered the US illegally from Guatemala via Mexico seven months ago, at which time he was detained by a Border Patrol agent in Rio Valley Grande, Texas.
He is now facing deportation proceedings as he had a pending 'alien removal' case against him, according to the Washington Post.
Montano arrived from El Salvador about eight months ago. Immigration and Customs Enforcement won't report on his immigration status because he is a minor.
Despite their age, both the boys were placed in the ninth grade.
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr Jack Smith on Monday told Fox 5 that Sanchez and Montano were enrolled in the Rockville school's multidisciplinary program for English learners.
Video courtesy of WJLA
Montano is charged as an adult, but police have not released his booking photo.
On Friday, Rockville High School sent a letter to parents addressing the incident and the arrests, according to WUSA.
'Ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment for all of our students is our top priority. Our staff remains vigilant in the monitoring of our school each and every day,' the note said in part.
Gboyinde Onijala, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Public Schools, said that staff at Rockville High will increase monitoring of the hallways and bathrooms. The school has one school resource officer.
A bride-to-be claims she was left shocked after biting into a hard-boiled egg when a 'diamond' fell out - which could have been eaten by the chicken.
Sally Thomson, 39, of Carlisle, Cumbria, allegedly made the astonishing discovery after she boiled six eggs and sat down to eat her breakfast.
She claimed to have felt something in her mouth before discovering what turned out to be a cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic gem often found in jewellery.
Sally Thomson, 39, of Carlisle, Cumbria, allegedly made the astonishing discovery after she boiled six eggs and sat down to eat her breakfast
Miss Thomson claimed to have felt something in her mouth before finding what turned out to be a cubic zirconia, which is a synthetic gem often found in jewellery
Miss Thomson, who is set to get married to fiance Steven Warwick in May, was amazed at the timing and she has also her hen do coming up this weekend.
One chicken farmer said it was possible that the animal ate the gem and it passed into the egg.
Miss Thomson said: 'I'm trying to lose a bit of weight just before the wedding and I cooked a batch of eggs all at once to eat over a few days.
'I took one, peeled it and bit into it when I feel something like gristle in my mouth.
'It fell on to the plate and I couldn't understand where it had come from - I thought it had come from me.
The tiny stud appeared at a special time for the waitress, who has been with her fiance for almost three years, and she described the timing as 'surreal'
'There was this little bit of jewellery on the plate and I couldn't understand where it had come from. The only place could have been from the egg.'
The tiny stud appeared at a special time for the waitress, who has been with her fiance for almost three years, and she described the timing as 'surreal'.
Miss Thomson said: 'I believe in superstitions - like find a feather, pick it up - and I think there must be something about the timing of this coming.
'I don't know what it will be a sign of but it is very surreal. It's a really small stone - it's half the size of the butterfly on the back of an earring I think.'
At first, Miss Thomson, who bought the six pack of free range eggs from Asda, was worried that someone had actually lost a diamond.
Miss Thomson, who is set to get married to fiance Steven Warwick in May, was amazed at the timing and she has also her hen do coming up this weekend
But she took it into an Ernest Jones store where she was told it was probably a cubic zirconia. She then posted her story on a wedding Facebook website.
Collette Francis commented on the story and said she worked on a chicken farm - adding that it is possible the gem passed through the chicken.
Farmers say it is possible that the chicken ate the gem which then passed into the egg
She wrote: 'I used to work on a chicken farm. Basically the shell coating goes on last and doesn't harden until it hits the air.
'Sometimes the yolk goes back up the wrong way and meets a second yolk - double yolker; sometimes two yolks develop at the same time too.
'Sometimes the egg, after it's had the calcium coat added, travels backwards meets another egg and get "recoated" - egg within an egg; it's rare, but it happens.
'In this case it could be chicken swallows diamond, diamond gets stuck at intestine exit, egg picks up diamond on way out.'
Farmer Daniel Brown, of Brown Eggs Ltd in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, added: 'In all my years, I've never heard of anything quite like that.
'In my opinion, yes, it is possible that it could've passed through the chicken, but it's very unlikely.
'What I will say is that chickens use stones to grind up their feet and they get fed lime stone in small doses. But I've never known of a lump of any kind of stone to go into an egg.'
An Asda spokesman told MailOnline today: 'We've heard of magpies seeking out the odd sparkler, but hens taking a shine to gems is a new one on us.
'That said, our customers can always expect more for their money from Asda. Watch out girls, it seems diamonds are clearly a chick's best friend too!'
A judge has thrown out an attempted murder charge against a British Army veteran over the killing of an IRA suspect more than 40 years ago.
But Dennis Hutchings, 75, will still controversially be hauled to court for attempting to cause grievous bodily harm to John-Pat Cunningham, 27, who was fatally shot in Northern Ireland in June 1974.
If found guilty, the retired Warrant Officer (Class 1) who is seriously ill - could be sentenced to a maximum 16 years in prison.
The decision comes as a raft of political figures lined up to praise former IRA commander Martin McGuinness following his death from a rare genetic condition.
McGuinness was described as a 'great family man' by Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, while Tony Blair paid tribute to his 'leadership' and former US President Bill Clinton praised his 'courage'.
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Dennis Hutchings, 75, pictured left now and right in 1968 during his Army days, will not face an attempted murder charge over the killing of an IRA suspect more than 40 years ago
The decision was announced as a raft of political leaders across the UK paid tribute to former IRA chief Martin McGuinness after his death from a rare genetic condition
McGuinness, pictured in 1972, was once known as 'Britain's number one terrorist' and was present in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday
Sources said Mr Hutchings was relieved that a court had ordered the attempted murder charge was being dropped because of insufficient evidence.
But the great-grandfather believes he is being thrown to the wolves for being in a military patrol which gunned down Mr Cunningham later found to be innocent at the height of the Troubles.
Mr Hutchings was investigated and cleared of the killing at the time.
The ex-soldier, who served 26 years in the Life Guards with distinction, was charged after the case was re-examined by a legacy unit set up by the Police Service of Northern Ireland.
Up to 1,000 other retired troops are being investigated as potential murder or manslaughter suspects over actions they took decades ago at the height of the IRAs terror campaign, amid growing concerns of a witch-hunt.
Yesterday Mr Hutchings appeared at Armagh Magistrates Court for the second day of a committal hearing.
Hutchings (left), 75, will face a charge of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm after John-Pat Cunningham (right), 27, was fatally shot in Northern Ireland in 1974
In a devastating blow, District Judge Alan White ordered him to stand trial for GBH with intent at Belfast Crown Court, expected to be later this year.
He said he believed there was ample evidence from which a jury could conclude that Mr Hutchings fired three shots at Mr Cunningham.
But in a crumb of comfort he threw out charges of attempted murder over the incident.
The judge said: When considering the circumstances the soldiers found themselves in and the time they had to reach a decision, I cant see that any reasonable jury properly directed could find beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant intended to kill the deceased as opposed to causing him grievous bodily harm.
The court heard that Mr Hutchings was part of a military unit trying to track down missing Republicans which came across Mr Cunningham, who they believed was an armed IRA suspect near the village of Benburb.
As he ran away across a field some members of the patrol opened fire, killing him. It later emerged that the victim was an innocent member of the public who had the mental age of a child between six and ten.
Pictured: Hutchings (pictured, left) and his defence team outside Armagh magistrates' court
Great-grandfather Mr Hutchings, centre, served 26 years in the Life Guards with distinction. Pictured, left in 1968 and right, with fellow warrant officers in 1978
Charles McCreanor, prosecuting, told the court that Mr Hutchings, from Cornwall, fired his weapon three times. But he admitted it was equally possible the fatal shots were fired by a second man, referred to as Soldier B.
James Lewis, defending, said the retired soldier had acted lawfully at all times. He said Mr Cunningham was acting suspiciously, thought to be concealing a weapon and fled when ignored to stop.
Giving evidence, a retired member of the Royal Military Police told the court he seized Mr Hutchings self-loading rifle after the shooting because the defendant told him it had been used.
When asked if he had anything to say in relation to the charge, Mr Hutchings replied: I have got nothing to say at this stage. The judge agreed to return his passport so he could go on holiday before his trial.
Mr Hutchings was charged after the PSNIs fresh investigation in 2013, launched after a request from the Director of Public Prosecutions in Northern Ireland.
Meanwhile McGuinness' body was carried through his home town of Londonderry by members of his family and prominent politicians including Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and leader Michelle O'Neill.
McGuinness' coffin was carried through his hometown in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, by his sons, pictured, as well as prominent politicians including Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and leader Michelle O'Neill
McGuinness was considered Britain's number one terrorist accused of ordering some of the IRA's most devastating attacks across Ulster and on mainland UK.
In an extraordinary journey he became a politician and deputy first minister credited with securing the 1998 Good Friday Agreement to end decades of fighting in Northern Ireland with the help of his sworn enemy turned friend Rev Ian Paisley.
A candlelight vigil was also held in his honour at a barracks in west Belfast with hundreds more attending to pay their respects.
But families of those killed in IRA terror attacks said they fear the truth about their murders will be 'buried with him' because dozens known as 'The Disappeared' were abducted, executed and then dumped in unmarked shallow graves across Ireland during The Troubles, possibly at his behest.
Families of victims of IRA bombings also hit out at McGuinness, including Lord Tebbit, whose wife Margaret was paralysed by the IRA's 1984 bombing of the Grand Hotel in Brighton.
He said said the 'world is a sweeter place' after his death calling him a 'multi-murderer coward who never atoned for his crimes' and only turned to peace 'to save his own skin'.
Roger Stone says the British government did spy on Donald Trump for Barack Obama before the November election.
British intelligence said last week that Judge Andrew Napolitano's claim on Fox & Friends that GCHQ had done Obama's dirty work was 'utterly ridiculous.'
A longtime friend of Trump's, Stone told DailyMail.com that 'despite the quick denials,' he thinks 'Judge Napolitano is correct.'
'My own sources high up in the Tory government, who are quite powerful, assured me that there was surveillance by the Brits,' he stated. 'Of course they deny it. That's their job to deny it.'
Stone believes that he was also wiretapped, but by the American government with a FISA warrant.
Roger Stone says the British government did spy on Donald Trump for Barack Obama before the November election
The allegations came at the end of a day in which Trump, Stone and other associates of the current president had their relationships with the Russians dissected before a House panel investigating foreign interference in the 2016 election.
Also under scrutiny was Trump's claim on Twitter that Obama had him wiretapped.
FBI Director James Comey said that neither the bureau nor the Justice Department had information to support the president's tweets.
NSA head Mike Rogers likewise said his agency had no knowledge of British spying at Obama's request.
British intelligence said last week that Judge Andrew Napolitano's claim on Fox & Friends that GCHQ had done Obama's dirty work was 'utterly ridiculous'
'No, sir, and nor would I, that would be expressly against the construct of the Five Eyes agreement that has been in place for decades,' he told the committee's ranking Democrat.
Stone believes that Trump was under surveillance during both George W. Bush's and Barack Obama's presidencies.
'We know from the government's database, that was leaked by CIA, veteran CIA operatives, who had realized the extra-constitutional nature of this program and spilled the beans, who became whistleblowers' that Trump's New York apartment and Palm Beach residence were monitored, Stone said, as well as 'several of his resorts, his cell phone and so on.'
The information cited by Stone appeared Monday on Infowars.com.
Infowars says the information it received from law enforcement suggests that Trump and site founder Alex Jones 'were under illegal, unauthorized government monitoring' from 2004 to 2010.
'So was he monitored this fall? I believe he was,' Stone said Monday evening of Trump.
Obama's director of national intelligence, Comey and lawmakers on the intelligence committees have all rejected Trump's claim that he was wiretapped.
'Let me remind you, the people who are denying all this, lied about weapons of mass destruction, lied about Benghazi, lied about renditions,' Stone said. 'Lied about torture in the Abu [Ghraib] prison...lied about Iran-Contra, lied about Vietnam.
'They have a legacy of lying. That's what they do.'
Because the government is denying the spying happened, intelligence committee members are, too, he said.
'How many of them are blackmailable? And the rest of them are contingent on military-industrial complex campaign contributions,' Stone stated. 'Of course they see no evil in the CIA. They're like sheep.'
Stone is almost certain that he was wiretapped by the federal government, because surveillance is the only explanation for the way his name and private conversations have surfaced.
'There would be no other way for people to know what the internal workings of my Twitter account were,' he said.
Stone believes that Trump -pictured arriving Tuesday on Capitol Hill - was under surveillance during both George W. Bush's and Barack Obama's presidencies
The New York Times named Stone as a Trump associate who was under investigation in connection to Russian meddling in the 2016 election in a Jan. 19 article.
Last week Stone's conversations were Guccifer 2.0 were revealed by The Smoking Gun.
'My civil rights have been violated. My right to privacy has been violated,' Stone told DailyMail.com, specifically mentioning the Times article. 'Leaking that, if indeed it was because I was under a FISA warrant, leaking that information would be a felony.'
He declared: 'I have committed no felonies, but the intelligence services have committed felonies to slur my name.'
Later in the conversation, in the midst of a back and forth about his relationship with the president, Stone also said, 'It does occur to me during the campaign that the FBI was quite clearly monitoring my conversations with Trump, candidate Trump.'
He observed that his talks with Alex Jones, Trump adviser Steve Bannon and others, would have been taped, too.
At Monday's hearing on the 2016 election, it was suggested that Stone did collude with the Russians to swing the election.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff pushed FBI Director James Comey to tell lawmakers what he knows about Stone's contact with the Russians and how the friend of Donald Trump knew that Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman had been hacked.
Comey refused to comment, suggesting with his silence that Stone is being investigated for coordination.
Stone says that is a 'fiction of the Clinton campaign' and 'the deep state' that that he colluded with the Russians, and he's happy to say so under oath.
'I relish the opportunity to face my accusers,' he said.
Democratic Rep. Adam Schiff pushed FBI Director James Comey to tell lawmakers Monday what he knows about Stone's contact with the Russians and how the friend of Donald Trump knew that Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman had been hacked. Comey dodged
Stone blasted the committee's McCarthy-style tactics and accused Democratic lawmakers of 'mudslinging' and 'red-baiting.'
He admittedly had an online conversation with Guccifer 2.0. But that was before the hacker or hacker collective was outed as a Russian intelligence front.
'My actions are innocent,' he declared again on Monday. 'They don't constitute collusion.'
Stone says he is 'anxious' to deliver testimony to that effect on Capitol Hill, where senators on the Intelligence committee have ordered him to comply with their investigation.
Legislators are smearing his name, Stone said, and he deserves to have the opportunity to respond.
'I should have my day in court. There is no evidence whatsoever of my colluding with the Russians, or anybody else colluding with the Russians, to assist Donald Trump,' he said. 'This is a fiction of the Clinton campaign and picked up by their allies in the deep state.'
The deep state is a network of government bureaucrats the right-wing of the Republican Party claims is working to undercut President Trump.
A former aide to and longtime friend of the former real estate magnate, Stone calls himself the 'ultimate Trump loyalist.'
At a news conference Monday afternoon White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer attempted to put distance between Stone and the president. He implied to DailyMail.com that that the two men are rarely in contact with one another.
'Mr. Stone is somebody the President has known for a long time. He worked briefly on the campaign I think until about August of 2015, from recollection. They have talked from time to time, but I dont think any time recently,' he stated.
The White House official acknowledged that the president and Stone 'had a long relationship going back years where he would provide counsel.' He stressed once again that Stone has not been a formal advisor to the Trump since the beginning of his campaign for president, however.
'I dont know at all when the last time they even spoke was,' he added.
Having previously slammed one-time Trump adviser Carter Page as one of the campaign 'hangers-on,' Spicer did not say in his response whether he thinks the same label should be applied to Stone.
Asked about Trump associates in his briefing who may be under investigation, Spicer had said 'some' of the people who came up in the House Intel hearing were nothing more than 'hangers-on.'
'Some of those names, the greatest amount of interaction that theyve had has had cease-and-desist letters sent to them,' Spicer said.
Trump's spokesman was asked in a follow-up if he meant Page and Stone. 'Exactly, the Carter Pages, yes,' he said.
'But those people, the greatest amount of interaction that they had with the campaign was the campaign apparently sending them a series of cease-and-desist letters.
'So again, I think that when you read a lot of this activity about associates, there is a fine line between people who want to be part of something that they never had an official role in, and people who actually played a role in either the campaign or the transition.'
In a phone conversation later, Stone rebuked Spicer for the perceived slight.
'If Mr. Spicer thinks that I am a hanger on, A, at least I was for Donald Trump, which is more than he can say.' And if Spicer had read his book about the election, Stone said, 'He would see what a total mischaracterization of the facts that is.'
Stone declined to get into the details of his private conversations with the president. He did confirm that they had been in contact since the inauguration.
'I am a friend of the president,' he said. 'I prefer to communicate by short, pithy memo, as I have for 39 years. I have the privilege of talking to him from time to time.'
The memos are sometimes about about politics. 'They're 'on anything,' Stone said.
'They're privileged. They're private,' he answered when pressed.
And while he wouldn't necessarily call himself an informal adviser to the president, Stone assessed, 'I think he values my opinion on political matters.'
Putting it this way, Stone said, 'The president is aware that I didn't collude with any Russians to help his campaign. The president is aware of that.'
A woman wanted over a gun-related crime spree was run over and killed by police after opening fire on officers during a high-speed chase.
Madison Sueann Dickson, 21, died in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday after an officer deliberately hit her with his patrol car to stop her shooting at police.
The officer who struck her, Jonathan Grafton, has been put on paid leave while an investigation is carried out.
Madison Sueann Dickson, 21, died in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Saturday after an officer deliberately hit her with his patrol car to stop her shooting at police
Dickson was wanted by police over four gun-related incidents in Tulsa during the past week, including shooting a man in the head.
Officers spotted her on Saturday at an apartment complex before she got into a pickup truck and fled with the driver.
She eventually jumped out of the truck and started firing at the officers when Grafton hit her with his vehicle.
Authorities said they had desperately tried to stop Dickson because of the threat she was posing.
Dickson led police on a high speed chase in this pick up truck before she eventually jumped out and started firing a gun at the officers
Dickson was wanted by police over four gun-related incidents in Tulsa during the past week, including shooting a man in the head
Dickson died after she was struck by a police patrol car when she failed to stop shooting at officers. Police said she wasn't struck with any bullets and died when her head hit the ground
'She had every opportunity to stop and turn herself in,' police spokesperson Leland Ashley told the Tulsa World.
Police said no one was struck by any bullets and Dickson died when she hit her head on the ground.
The female driver of the truck was questioned and released.
Dickson had been accused of shooting a man in the head on Thursday night and causing him to crash his car. The man is in a critical condition in hospital.
She had also earlier shot a woman in the arm at a Walgreens store and fired her gun during a robbery at a Best Buy.
A British student who lied to his parents so he could go to Syria to fight against ISIS has spoken of his time in the warzone.
Josh Walker, a politics student from Bristol, joined the YPG, the Kurdish militia fighting the extremist group in the Iraq and Syria.
He flew from Bristol to Istanbul, then onward to Iraq, before travelling by road across to northern Syria, to an area known locally as Rojava.
British student Josh Walker has told of his time fighting against ISIS in Syria. He is pictured (second left) with other fighters from the foreign volunteer force on the banks of the Euphrates
Mr Walker (left, at home in Bristol, and, left in right photo, with his fellow fighters) said he is proud to have fought. Pictured, front in right photo, is Ryan Lock, who died in Syria last year
His main role was as a translator for other fighters in the multi-national band but he worked on the frontline in Rojava, which was often under siege by ISIS.
'I hadn't gone out in a gung-ho manner but if I was under attack I was going to fight,' he said.
He said attacks left him 'terrified' but he 'wouldn't have forgiven himself' if he had not gone.
During Mr Walker's time in the region, fellow British volunteer Ryan Lock, who he had travelled with, died during fighting.
Mr Lock, from Chicester, West Sussex is understood to have killed himself in December to avoid being captured by ISIS during a battle for control of the group's stronghold, Raqqa.
Mr Walker has shared photos of his comrades in camp during his time at the front line. He said of the left photograph: 'We were messing around like it was an actual tank. This was one of the ways we kept ourselves entertained'
Pictures show the group, volunteers from around the world, relaxing between battles
Mr Walker said: 'I met him [Ryan Lock] in September in the academy for foreigners, where you learnt the language, he had just arrived and I had been there for around three months by then.
'It was nice to see another British person, although there were a couple more out there, he seemed like a nice lad.
Official warning against travelling to region The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Syria and says 'anyone who does travel to these areas, for whatever reason, is putting themselves in considerable danger'. It adds there is a 'high threat from terrorism'. Advertisement
'It was Christmas Day, I was in Iraq and got the news via the internet that he had been killed in some fighting at the Raqqa front - it wasn't the best Christmas present.'
Mr Walker has now shared his photos from his time fighting and told how he was almost caught in the crossfire while sitting on the toilet.
He described the moment he had to fire his Kalashnikov rifle at a suicide car which was hurtling down the road right towards them.
He said: 'I only had to use it once, there was a suicide car coming towards the village we were in.
'But this suicide car came closer and the guy I was with said "shoot at it" so I shot at it once and a second or so later it hit a mine and exploded.'
The student admitted the bombing raids and mortar attacks did leave him terrified. Pictured, front, is Ryan Lock, a British volunteer who died during a battle with ISIS
Mr Walker flew from Bristol to Istanbul before getting a flight to Iraq and travelling to Syria
He carried ammunition to pinned down fighters, acted as a spotter and carried and slept with his Kalashnikov rifle.
He also found himself squatting on a toilet in a chicken farm at 5.30am when he got caught in crossfire, with bullets whizzing past his head.
Josh also described seeing fleeing refugees and ISIS fighters hiding among women and children to avoid sniper fire.
Who are the YPG? The YPG, also known as the People's Protection Units, is mostly made up of Kurdish men and women fighting against IS in northern Syria. More than 400 volunteers joined the militia by 2015, according to The Syrian Observatory For Human Rights. Advertisement
'I saw ISIS firing at us and then running behind families who were trying to escape so our snipers could not shoot at them,' he added.
Before flying out to Syria in June last year, he recalls only telling two close friends about his plans to join up with the YPG - even keeping his parents in the dark.
'Generally, once I was actually in Syria I contacted my dad to let him know where I was, that I was safe and exactly what I was doing.
'For them it was quite mixed emotions, they were proud I was going to do something to help, at the same time they were very worried about me, my safety.
'I said I was going to go to places where there were lots of refugees, it would be very close to everything that was going on, relatively - and all of that was true.'
Mr Walker was arrested when he arrived back at Gatwick Airport under the Terrorism Act. He was released on bail.
I started reading about the rare condition that killed Martin McGuinness. I got about four words in. And then I realised.
I couldn't care less. Couldn't care less what he had, what impact it had on him or why it caused him to die.
I am just glad he is dead.
Glad he is gone and we no longer have the monster paraded about on our screens as the Second Coming of Christ. Lauded by our state broadcaster as the White Mandela. Fawned over by glib performers such as Blair, as a truly great statesman.
I couldn't care less. Couldn't care less what he had, what impact it had on him or why it caused him to die. I am just glad he is dead
Martin McGuinness (pictured right in 1985): I am just glad he is dead. Glad he is gone and we no longer have the monster paraded about on our screens as the Second Coming of Christ
I'm not the least bit concerned if his death was painful or otherwise. He had the extraordinary blessing of a reasonably long life. And the gift of knowing he was going to die. He was able to set his affairs in order, to say thank you to the people who loved him, and to feel at peace with the life he was leaving behind.
His victims, those who died at the hands of his army, his bombs, and allegedly his own sub-machine gun had no such opportunity.
Many never saw thirty. Never got to enjoy the long life he has enjoyed. Their relatives were handed life sentences of their own, too, having to deal with the devastation he wrought.
Joanne Mathers was just 29 when she was murdered by the IRA. Shot dead on the doorstep of her home for being part of the government census-gathering, which the IRA was campaigning against.
Almost 36 years later her husband said he was still haunted by the loss of his wife and the fact no one had been brought to justice.
'People may well say he is a champion of peace, but Joanne was murdered when she was just 29 years old, and I was left to bring up a child of just a year-and-a-half by myself.
'I had to navigate through all those milestones in his early years without her. Shane missed so much not having his mother.
'I would pick him up at school every day and would look out the car at all the mothers coming to pick their children up, greeting them at the end of the day. She wasn't there to comfort him when he was sick and wasn't there to run to when he was hurt.'
I'm not the least bit concerned if his death was painful or otherwise. He had the extraordinary blessing of a reasonably long life
It is this man I feel sorry for, this man and his son who deserve the sympathy of leaders today.
Or Lord Tebbit's wife, permanently paralysed by the 1984 Brighton bombing, another casualty in McGuinness's campaign of terror.
Or the 'disappeared', those who were abducted, murdered and secretly buried by the IRA, four of whom have never been found despite a commission set up to locate their remains. The families of these victims walk hand in hand with grief and injustice every day.
The list is endless. Kneecappings, bombings, shootings, sniper fire. Men, women and children. Particularly children: Mary Travers, 22; Kathleen Feeny, 14; Carol Ann McCool, 4; Kathryn Eakin, 9; Gordon Gallagher, 9 ... it goes on and on. A mountain of dead. Murdered during the period in which the Butcher of Bogside was in command.
So no, Gerry Adams you who also have blood on your hands McGuinness did not work 'tirelessly for peace and reconciliation'. If he had, the bodies of the disappeared would be back with those they loved.
Whatever side of the fight you take, Protestant or Catholic, I wonder what sort of man can watch the killing of children and feel no remorse
And no, Blair, we do not remember him with 'immense gratitude and immense affection'. Shane Mathers might have said the same of his mother if he hadn't been deprived of her his whole life by the monster you choose to mourn.
And no, Enda Kenny, Irish Taoiseach, the butcher will not 'always be remembered for the remarkable political journey he undertook in his lifetime'.
He will be remembered for the lives he took. And we will forget him as quickly as we can.
I couldn't care less what he had, what impact it had on him or why it caused him to die
Unlike her public message of condolence for the family of Nelson Mandela, the Queen has shared a private message with the widow of Martin McGuinness, Bernie. After the death of Lord Mountbatten at the hands of the IRA, she truly understands the hurt he caused. And has acknowledged this with a private message of support for one woman. Not public affirmation of the hurtful life of one cruel man.
Martin Mandela may have conned many of the Establishment with his written commitment to peace. But he was the author of much of the war. And we do not condone the sins of other war criminals with such enthusiasm.
Only last year, a 94 year old former Auschwitz guard was sentenced to five years in prison for his actions in camp. He stated he never killed or abused anyone, and was deeply ashamed. But survivors wanted him to say more, needed him to tell the truth for young people. To help people understand the horrors of the past so they can be healed.
It is a sentiment echoed by the families of the victims of McGuinness' IRA today.
In contrast, justice never caught up with this monster. It canonized him instead.
Lord Tebbit speaks for many of us when he says; 'the world is a sweeter place today. He was a coward who never atoned for his crimes'.
Whatever side of the fight you take, Protestant or Catholic, I wonder what sort of man can watch the killing of children and feel no remorse.
But, I can understand why Martin McGuinness never said sorry.
The simple truth is he never was. He was only sorry he was going to be caught, that he needed to find power another way.
McGuinness was a monster. Death does not redeem him. Nor return the young lives his terrorist bombs took away.
The Telegraph praises the hidden gems in southern and central Vietnam as idyllic.
The U.K. newspaper Telegraph has come up with a list of what it calls the 16 most beautiful beaches in Asia, including two from Vietnam.
The paper paints a poetic picture of the Long Beach in the southern resort island of Phu Quoc, one that offers mile after deserted mile, a backdrop of tropical forests and mountains, swaying coconut palms and spectacular sunsets.
It said the beach still preserves the essence that many of Asias finest beaches used to have before they became overcrowded.
Also in the list is Ha My Beach, a 15-minute drive from Hoi An. The idyllic beach looks out to the Cham Islands, with many villas offering unobstructed views of the sea, according to the Telegraph.
The beach is three kilometers to the north of An Bang, which has also been voted one of the best in Asia by TripAdvisor travelers for the past two years.
The Telegraph list also includes beaches in Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand.
Related news:
> Vietnamese beaches tipped by travelers among best in Asia
> Eating your way through Vietnam beach town for a mouthwatering $4
Parents were outraged after a fifth grade elementary class had a mock slave auction where a black student was sold to bidding white students.
Jefferson Elementary School is in hot water after a classroom had an 'impromptu' slave auction where a female fifth grader was put on a block and sold off to her white classmates, earlier in March.
The 'demoralizing' project was done to teach about the Triangular Slave Trade as the Maplewood, New Jersey, students were learning about the colonization period.
The filmed controversial auction took place around the same time another elementary school in the South Orange-Maplewood School District came under fire for having students create slave auction and runaway slave posters.
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Parents were outraged after a fifth grade elementary class at Jefferson Elementary School in Maplewood, New Jersey, had a mock slave auction where a black student was sold to bidding white students, earlier in March
The auction took place around the same time another elementary school in the South Orange-Maplewood School District had students create slave auction and runaway slave posters
The posters were displayed in hallways and students wrote descriptions for the types of slaves they were selling and listed cash rewards for capturing missing slaves.
Parent Tracey Jarmon-Woods, whose son attends Jefferson Elementary, told WABC: 'I was heartbroken, I had a knot in my stomach.
'When we're dealing with the Holocaust we would never put Jewish kids in two lines and say you go to the left, you go to the right as an assignment.'
She added to CBS New York: 'If youre demoralized sold on a block in 2017 it may affect you the rest of your life.'
The 'demoralizing' project was done to teach about the Triangular Slave Trade as the Jefferson Elementary (pictured) students were learning about the colonization period
The posters at South Mountain Elementary, less than two miles down the street from Jefferson Elementary, were displayed on school hallways and students wrote descriptions for the types of slaves they were selling
Jefferson Elementary said the incident took place while a substitute was in charge of the classroom while the regular teacher was out for a medical procedure.
A statement released by the school said: 'The activity was not part of the curriculum, not part of the teachers assignment, not condoned by the classroom teacher, and not authorized by the district.'
Around the same time that the slave auction took place, less than two miles away, South Mountain Elementary also had a controversial teaching style when students were asked to make slave auction posters.
Superintendent John Ramos said in a note to parents that the project at South Mountain Elementary School is part of a larger Colonial America unit that's been used for ten years
One poster listed the names of available slaves, who included 12-year-old Anne, described as 'a fine housegirl'.
Another poster read: 'All slaves raised on the plantation of John Carter,' and specifies that only cash is accepted.'
Superintendent John Ramos said in a note to parents that the project at South Mountain Elementary School is part of a larger Colonial America unit that's been used for ten years.
A three-year-old boy died after he was run over in a residential driveway.
According to the Daily Telegraph, it was believed the boy was run over by his own father.
The tragic incident happened around 4pm on Tuesday in the driveway of a home on Sutton Street in Cootamundra, NSW, a town about two hour's drive west of Canberra.
A three-year-old boy died after he was run over in a residential driveway. According to the Daily Telegraph , it was believed the boy was run over by his own father
After the boy was run over, the driver continued, unaware of what had happened, police said.
The boy was taken with serious injuries to Cootamundra Base Hospital where he later passed away.
Staff at the hospital would not comment on the incident.
Police did not comment on the relationship between the victim and the driver.
The driver has undergone mandatory blood and urine tests, police said.
The investigation continues.
Britons overwhelmingly want immigration from the EU to be curbed in the impending Brexit negotiations - but they would be willing to pay Brussels to keep some aspects of membership.
The public's hopes for the divorce process, due to be kicked off by Theresa May next week, have been revealed in a major poll.
Some 68 per cent are determined that the principle of free movement has to go - in line with the PM's promise that the UK will regain control of borders.
But 88 per cent are keen to maintain free trade after we leave, according to the study by the NatCen think-tank. Even among Leave voters, 55 per cent would support paying into EU coffers to participate in specific schemes.
Britons want to maintain as much free trade as possible but curb immigration from the EU, according to the NatCen research
Professor John Curtice, senior research fellow at NatCen, said Britons appeared to want a Brexit that is 'hard on the outside but soft in the middle'.
Mrs May will have to drive a hard bargain to deliver on the demands of the public, as the EU has insisted that full access to the single market requires accepting freedom of movement.
Among Conservative voters, 93 per cent were in favour of free trade, while the figure for Labour supporters was 84 per cent.
Both party's backers endorsed ending free movement, by 81 per cent and 57 per cent respectively.
Prof Curtice warned that Tory supporters could be most angry if Mrs May falls short of their ambitions in the talks.
'The stance taken by the UK Government of wanting to end freedom of movement but maintain free trade fits well with the views of most Conservative voters,' he said.
'But it also means that they are also the group that are most likely to be disappointed if they were to come to the conclusion that the Government has failed to achieve that objective.
'Theresa May could be faced with political difficulties at home if she struggles to achieve her key objectives in Brussels.'
A majority of Remain (58 per cent) and Leave (82 per cent) voters want potential EU migrants to Britain to be treated in the same way as non-EU migrants, who do not enjoy free movement.
British migrants to the EU should also have to jump through the same hoops as other non-EU migrants, according to 86 per cent of Leave voters and 54 per cent of Remain voters.
Some 55 per cent of Leave voters would be willing to contribute to Brussels coffers so the UK could participate in specific schemes, according to the research
The majority want to end welfare benefits for EU migrants (77 per cent of Leave voters, 51 per cent of Remain voters).
The idea that the UK should continue to pay Brussels to maintain access to certain EU programmes was also backed by 55 per cent of Brexit supporters and 67 per cent of Remainers - around 60 per cent overall.
On EU regulations, a majority (67 per cent Leave, 83 per cent Remain) want to keep standards for water quality at beaches, rules making British mobile phone companies limit the cost of calls while abroad (67 per cent Leave, 80 per cent Remain) and laws requiring UK airlines to compensate delayed passengers (64 per cent Leave, 77 per cent Remain).
Prof Curtice said: 'For the most part, Remain and Leave voters are not at loggerheads on the kind of Brexit they would like to see.
'Many Remain voters would like to see an end to the less popular parts of Britain's current membership of the EU, while many Leave voters would like to retain the seemingly more desirable parts, such as free trade, cheap mobile phone calls, and clean beaches.
'This is perhaps typical of the pick-and-mix attitude to the EU that has characterised much of Britain's relationship with the institution during its 44 years of membership so far.'
:: NatCen interviewed 2,322 people between February 2 and March 5, either via the internet or over the phone.
The couple allegedly used this photo of Gianni Incandela, a real child with brain cancer, to solicit donations that they used for drugs
A Brooklyn couple are accused of perpetrating a sickening scheme to scam thousands in drug money from firefighters and small businesses using the fake story of a son with cancer.
Brittney Schmidt, 30, and Vincent Fina, 29, were charged with additional counts of scheme to defraud and endangering the welfare of a child on Monday in Lynbrook, New York.
The pair had initially been arrested and charged earlier this month, but were re-arrested as additional details of the alleged scam emerged.
The alleged scam, which netted thousands, evolved over the course of at least eight months, according to Diane Peress, bureau chief of the Nassau County Economic Crimes Bureau.
'They started out with their 11-year-old son, saying he had leukemia and that he was collecting for a cancer camp,' said Peress, according to NBC New York.
Brittney Schmidt, 30, and Vincent Fina, 29, were charged with additional counts of scheme to defraud and endangering the welfare of a child on Monday in Lynbrook, New York
The pair supposedly targeted firehouses and small businesses up and down Long Island, bringing their actual son, 11, along.
'Usually Brittany Schmidt would have a list, and she would go to the firehouse and say look at all these other firehouses that contributed' to try and induce more firehouses to contribute,' Peress said.
At some point in the past few months, the story was given an even more gut-wrenching twist.
Kelley Incandela, the Staten Island mother of Gianni, a five-year-old boy with brain cancer, began hearing rumors that someone was collecting money for her son's funeral.
This came as a shock to Incandela, as Gianni is still alive and fighting after two major brain surgeries.
Schmidt and Fina had printed Gianni's picture out from the boy's real GoFundMe page, say prosecutors, and were taking it around to raise money by claiming he was their own son, using their actual 11-year-old to pitch the sob story of his fake dead brother.
'I cannot believe that this was not real. I mean, the story was very believable and it was the little kid that did all the talking,' one alleged victim told NBC.
The total haul was in the thousands, but the exact number of victims and donations is unclear, say prosecutors.
The alleged scam came crashing down when the Brooklyn couple picked the wrong person to target.
Schmidt and Fina are seen leaving court on Monday. The couple declined to talk to reporters
'Gianni is a very strong little boy,' his actual mom said. 'His spirit is the same and he remains the little boy of when all of this started'
On February 27, a woman walked into a Brooklyn office soliciting donations, and one of the employees recognized the picture of their supposedly dead son.
It was her own grandson, Gianni. The livid grandma confronted the woman.
'The woman kept saying she wasn't doing anything, but she walked out of the office with my son's picture and a jar full of money,' Gianni's mother told the Staten Island Advance.
Cops couldn't do anything at the time, saying no crime had been committed because money didn't change hands.
But as the story spread, others came forward, with 15 people in Queens, Brooklyn, and Nassau county now saying they've given money to a couple with the same story.
Prosecutors say that couple was Schmidt and Fina.
The pair are out on probation, and on Tuesday began a court ordered 28-day drug treatment program. They're due back in court on April 17, court records show.
As for Gianni, the real boy with cancer, generous friends and strangers have contributed over $23,000 towards his medical bills.
'Gianni is a very strong little boy,' his mom told the Advance.
'There have been some little complications during the treatments, but his spirit is the same and he remains the little boy of when all of this started.'
Kellyanne Conway is putting distance between President Donald Trump and two of his campaign advisers who are reportedly under investigation for their alleged ties to Russia.
Trump's closest counselor said Tuesday on 'Fox & Friends' that Carter Page, a onetime campaign foreign policy adviser, and J.D. Gordon, who served as a national security adviser, were 'fringe players' whom Trump doesn't know personally.
'I have spoken directly to the president and other senior officials about this,' Conway said.
'He doesn't know these gentlemen. He didn't work with them.'
Kellyanne Conway said Tuesday that President Donald Trump 'doesn't know' two former associates who advised his campaign last year
Trump spent Tuesday morning on Capitol Hill twisting arms over his replacement for Obamacare, in the spotlight but changing the subject
Conway cast Carter Page (left) and J.D. Gordon (right) as 'fringe players' in the Trump campaign as they are reportedly under an FBI spotlight for their links with Russia
FBI Director James Comey confirmed Monday that his agency is investigating ties between some of Trump's associates and the Kremlin.
The FBI and two intelligence agencies concluded in January that Russia sought to undermine the November election. Democrats have claimed that Trump's campaign colluded with Russians to tip the scales in the president's favor.
Page and Gordon are reportedly targets of the investigation, along with former Trump-whisperer Roger Stone.
'In the case of Mr. Page, Mr. Gordon, some others, they really have very attenuated contacts to the campaign that I managed for the last three months,' Conway said.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer claimed Monday that Paul Manafort, a former Trump campaign manager, was a bit player; Manafort is reportedly under investigation for Russia ties
Supposed bit player Paul Manafort (right) was Trump's campaign manager for five months last year
She did not mention Stone by name. It's unclear whether the president is still in contact with him.
Stone has confirmed that he exchanged messages during the campaign with a hacker known as 'Guccifer 2.0' who is believed to be a front for Russian intelligence.
The White House said Monday that Paul Manafort, another former Trump campaign official who is reportedly under investigation, was also a minor player in Trump's run for the White House despite the fact that he was the campaign manager for five months.
'There's been a discussion of Paul Manafort, who played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time,' press secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
A 15-year-old girl who was gang-raped during a Facebook Live video after she went missing from her home has been reunited with her mother.
Chicago Police said the teenager was found on Tuesday and they are now searching for the five or six men or boys suspected of sexually assaulting her.
About 40 people viewed the attack on Facebook while it was happening on Sunday but none of them reported it to police, according to department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi.
The girl's mother, Stacey Elkins, alerted police to the incident on Monday after showing them screen grabs taken from the video.
The 15-year-old girl was reunited with her mother on Tuesday after she went missing and was gang-raped during a Facebook Live stream on Sunday
She said her daughter went out to a store in Chicago's Lawndale neighborhood on Sunday afternoon but failed to return home.
She later learned her daughter was the subject of the 'disgusting' Facebook Live video after family members and friends contacted the mother.
The distraught mother alerted police and launched an appeal to find her daughter, telling reporters she didn't know if the men had taken her hostage or if she was scared and hiding.
She told CBS the footage showed the girl in various stages of undress with a group of males. Elkins said her daughter looked scared and the men or boys were being abusive toward her.
'I saw her face and the look on her face was just pure fear. And I, I just want my daughter home,' she said.
The girl's mother, Stacey Elkins, alerted police to the incident on Monday after she became aware that her daughter was the subject of the 'disgusting' Facebook Live video
Elkins launched an appeal to find her daughter (above), telling reporters she didn't know if the men had taken her hostage or if she was scared and hiding
The footage was removed from Facebook after police contacted the social media website.
Detectives are now trying to track down the owner of the Facebook page and the others in the video.
The girl is being interviewed by detectives who are treating the case as a sexual assault.
Her mother said she had gone missing once before but she was found later that day in a nearby park.
Sweden is set to bring hundreds of Cold War-era nuclear bunkers out of mothballs as tensions with Russia in the Baltic are ratcheted up another notch.
The news comes as the Swedish parliament held its first war game in 20 years.
Fifty MPs - who would have the power to replace parliament in the event of an outright conflict - held the drill yesterday at a secret location.
The Speaker of Parliament, Urban Ahlin, said: 'These are secret scenarios...you were exposed to pressure. But it went really well.'
More than 60,000 nuclear bunkers were established after 1945 to protect Swedes in the event of a nuclear attack by the Soviet Union.
A woman walks her dog past the entrance to the Pionen White Mountain data centre, a former Cold War-era bunker and nuclear shelter
Although Sweden has always remained neutral and never developed nuclear weapons of its own, Stockholm always feared an attack by Moscow.
After the fall of the Soviet Union those fears diminished and most of the bunkers were mothballed.
But now, with President Putin rattling his sabres and cranking up Russia's military build-up around the Baltic - especially in the Kaliningrad enclave - Sweden's Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) has decided to carry out a review of the bunkers.
Sweden, which is not a NATO member, is also reintroducing military service, which was scrapped in 2010.
Sweden is growing increasingly worried about Russia's military build-up. In the event of a war Sweden's iron ore resources and its strategic position on the Baltic would be crucial
The timing of this week's drill by the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag, is also significant.
Mr Ahlin said the last such exercise was carried out in 1997 and he said: 'If everything had been great then people would have said we can wait for a few more years.
'Unfortunately, we see a direction in which countries are boosting their weaponry,' he added, a clear reference to Russia.
In September permanent troops were stationed for the first time on the island of Gotland in the Baltic.
Defence Minister Peter Hultqvist said it was a sign to Moscow as the Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania coming under increasing pressure from the Russian Bear.
The bunkers are marked with the distinctive orange and blue logo of the MSB
The MSB's head of civil protection, Mats Berglund, told Sverige Radio the 350 shelters on Gotland would be among the first to be checked.
The island's bunkers have room for more than 30,000 people, although Gotland's population is around twice that figure.
The MSB uses a distinctive orange and blue logo, with the word skyddsrum (shelter), to mark the bunkers, which offer protection against an initial nuclear blast, radiation and prolonged chemical or germ warfare.
The nuclear bunkers were built of thick concrete and are designed to withstand nuclear blasts. This one at Pionen has already been converted into a data centre and ironically holds some of WikiLeaks' servers
Sweden has reintroduced military conscription over conflict fears in Eastern Europe as Putin continues to prepare Russia for war.
The Nordic country's government approved plans to bring the system back amid difficulties filling the ranks on a voluntary basis.
Sweden mothballed compulsory military service in 2010, but military activity in the Baltic region has increased since, in the wake of Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
Sweden remains worried about a conventional invasion by Russia as well as a nuclear attack
Putin's military build-up in the region is being carried out under the umbrella of his Growler missile system - which he calls the S-400 Triumf.
There have also been reports of airspace violations by Russia's military aircraft in the Baltics and a military buildup in Kaliningrad, which sits across the Baltic Sea from Sweden.
In 2015, Sweden's military expenditure dropped to 1.1 percent of its gross domestic product, down from 2.5 percent in 1991 as the Cold War came to an end, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.
Sweden also said it was going to increase military spending by 15 per cent because of Russian aggression.
The federal government has announced a plan to settle migrants in regional areas to help ease rising house prices in Sydney.
Goulburn and the Central Coast have been identified as regions that could be transformed to be attractive to potential migrants, reported the Daily Telegraph.
Federal assistant immigration minister Alex Hawke said the Turnbull government had identified finding ways to encourage migrants to settle outside of the capital city as 'a key priority'.
The federal government has announced a plan to settle migrants in regional areas to help ease rising house prices in Sydney. Pictured is a house for sale in Woollahra in Sydney
Federal assistant immigration minister Alex Hawke said the government had identified finding ways to encourage migrants to settle outside of the capital city as 'a key priority'. Pictured is Rushcutter's Bay in the city's eastern suburbs
'While the government recognises that Sydney will still be an attractive destination for migration, we are looking to work with state governments and regional governments to partner with them to see what could attract migrants to other regional centres,' Mr Hawke said.
'That means employment prospects and the right infrastructure.'
Mr Hawke said any increase in migration levels would add too much pressure on NSW infrastructure and housing supply.
House prices in Sydney have reportedly risen by more than 16 per cent in the past year.
Goulburn (pictured) and the Central Coast have both been identified as regions that could be transformed to be attractive to potential migrants (stock image)
The government's move comes as the NSW Planning Minister Anthony Roberts said he was concerned about the impact of Sydney's growing population on house prices.
The number of residents in the city is expected to hit 9.9 million in the next decade and two-thirds of the population boom is predicted to be international and interstate migration.
This means the city will need more than 600,000 new homes to cater for the predicted population increase.
Two suspects were arrested late Monday night in New Jersey in connection to the execution-style murders of a pair of friends whose charred bodies were found inside a burning Audi owned by Real Housewives of New Jersey star Kim DePaola last week.
Clarence Williams, 26, and Gerry Thomas, 28, were taken into custody in Paterson at around 11pm and charged with felony murder, conspiracy, robbery, arson and possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes.
Earlier that day, Passaic County prosecutors officially identified the victims as Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr, 25, both from Paterson.
Case cracked: Gerry Thomas, 28 (left), and Clarence Williams, 26 (right) were arrested Monday night in connection to a double homicide involving a car owned by Bravo reality star Kim DePaola
Victims: The two men who died were Aaron Anderson (right) and his friend, Antonio 'Tone' Vega Jr (left)
The scorched corpses of the two men were discovered on Friday by firefighters responding to reports of a burning car on East 28th Street in Paterson.
The vehicle, a white Audi S Line, belonged to RHONJ alum Kim DePaola and was primarily driven by her son, Christopher Camiscioli.
Camiscioli was in California at the time of the killings, after having his friend Aaron Anderson drop him off at the airport in the Audi on Thursday night.
Anderson's mother, Michelle Ryerson, said her son was keeping the car until Camiscioli returned, but DePaola previously said that the 27-year-old was supposed to park it and not use it.
There is still no definitive word on a motive behind the killings, but investigators are looking into whether the incident was drug-related, reported NBC New York.
DePaola's Audi S Line was found ablaze in Paterson, New Jersey, on Friday. Both victims were burned beyond recognition
Firefighters had to cut through the roof of the Audi to pull the bodies out. The car went up in flames almost immediately after witnesses heard two gunshots
Ryerson, however, said police told her that Aaron, who was a friend of suspect Clarence Williams, was shot in the head and set on fire along with Antonio Vega in the course of a robbery, according to a report by NJ.com.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Monday, prior to the arrests, Ryerson floated another possible motive: revenge.
She said Aaron had been accused of informing on a criminal who had been apprehended for attempted murder.
But she denied that her son, a petty criminal, had given the police the information.
'It is a revenge thing and it's just jealousy. My son was loved by everybody, all his friends loved him,' she said.
Antonio 'Tone' Vega was Anderson's closest friend from the time the two were in high school together. Ryerson described him as a 'humble guy.'
Aaron had a 16-month-old son Ashton who he doted on, she said.
Kim DePaola (left with co-star Teresa Giudice in 2013) said Anderson was supposed to drive her son Chris to the airport and then park the Audi. Chris (pictured with his mother, right) was said to have spent the weekend in California
The two men had been shot in the head Friday night and charred beyond recognition inside DePaola's car. Police had to cut the roof off the Audi to pull the bodies from inside.
Sources said they could not immediately identify the victims' gender or race because they were so badly burned.
Witnesses told how they heard two gun shots before the car went up in flames.
Suspects Williams and Thomas, who lived at the same address in Paterson, are being held in Passaic County Jail without bond.
A mother who fell pregnant by the Rotherham sex gang ringleader when she was a teenager has spoken out for the first time about her abuse at the hands of the 'controlling' paedophile.
Sammy Woodhouse was just 14 when she was targeted and groomed by notorious paedophile Arshid Hussain, an ordeal that would change the rest of her life.
The attacker - known as Mad Ash - preyed on the teenager after meeting her at a party in the late 1990s and started waiting for her outside school.
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Sammy Woodhouse (pictured), who fell pregnant by the Rotherham sex gang ringleader when she was a teenager, has spoken out for the first time about the abuse
Arshid Hussain - known as Mad Ash (pictured) - preyed on the teenager (right) after meeting her at a party in the late 1990s and started waiting for her outside school
Soon, the then 24-year-old - who was married - was treating her as his girlfriend and having sex with her, despite knowing her age and being a decade older.
Ms Woodhouse - who previously talked about her experience under the false name Jessica - has now waived her right to anonymity to reveal her ordeal.
The 31-year-old wants action taken against the professionals who failed to protect her while she was exploited.
Arshid and his brothers were the most notorious perpetrators of terrible abuse against teenage girls in Rotherham.
'We've seen perpetrators held accountable and that's good for us because we can move forward now; we're getting that justice,' she told BBC Inside Out.
'We can't move forward as a town until those professionals are charged and held accountable.'
Ms Woodhouse said that, before she met Arshid, she was like most girls her age, obsessed with dancing and close with her two older sisters.
She revealed how she believed she was in love with Arshid and thought they were in a loving relationship. The 'charming' paedophile took her out for meals and even invited her to his family home.
Ms Woodhouse fell pregnant with Arshid's baby when she was just 15 (pictured)
She said she has complex feelings towards her attacker because she hates him, but also loves him for giving her her son (with whom she is pictured)
But the attacker soon turned to violence in a bid to control her. He hated her speaking with any other men, even those in her own family and would lash out if she went against his instructions.
'He started hitting me on a daily basis. I knew I needed to get away from him, but he was like a drug and I kept going back,' she said.
'He'd hit me and he'd say "It's only because I love you. Would you rather I didn't love you?''
Ms Woodhouse said that she had contact with the authorities several times, but no-one intervened.
She missed about nine months of education through running away and skipping classes but police said that, because she was consenting, there was nothing they could do.
Brothers Arshid (left), 40, and Basharat Hussain (middle), 39, committed multiple rapes and indecent assaults on teenagers. Their younger brother, Bannaras Hussain (right), 36, admitted rape, indecent assault and ABH
The Hussain brothers' uncle, Qurban Ali (left), 53, was found guilty of conspiracy to rape. Shelley Davies, (centre) 40, and Karen MacGregor (right) were found guilty of conspiracy to procure prostitutes and false imprisonment
'There were times when I was found in his bed, half-naked. No-one wanted to do anything, except my parents,' she said.
'It was very open what was going on between us. It wasn't this dirty little secret that nobody knew about.'
Ms Woodhouse became pregnant at 15, when she was in foster care. She said it has left her with complex feelings towards her attacker.
'There's times when I still feel angry at him. There's times when I want to cry. And then there's times that I will always love him, because he gave me my son,' she said.
'I blame him, and I also blame the professionals that failed, that helped them and that covered things up.
'The authorities said if he picked me up at the top of the street and had me back for ten and I went to school then he could have access to me.
Ms Woodhouse (pictured as a teenager) said that she had contact with the authorities several times, but no-one intervened
'There's going to be so many people get away this and that's something that every person that failed and committed a crime has to live with for the rest of their lives.'
Last February, Arshid and his brother Basharat were found guilty of 38 offences, including rape, indecent assault, abduction, actual bodily harm and forcing their victims to have sex with others.
His other brother, Bannaras, pleaded guilty before the trial to 10 charges, including two of rape and indecent assault.
Arshid, 40 - who now uses a wheelchair - was jailed for 35 years while Basharat, 39, and Bannaras, 36, were jailed for 25 and 19 years respectively.
The brothers' uncle, Qurban Ali, 53, appeared alongside them in court. He too was found guilty of conspiracy to rape and has been jailed for 10 years.
Two women, Karen MacGregor and Shannon Davis, were found guilty of conspiracy to procure prostitutes and false imprisonment.
MacGregor was jailed for 13 years, while Davis was handed an 18-month suspended sentence.
Speaking at the time of the court case, Ms Woodhouse said: 'It has been 16 years we have waited for this. It has not sunk in yet. This can give me some closure, for me my life starts now. It has been such a mess, I can finally move on.
'The investigation started two-and-a-half years ago and it has been one of the hardest things I have had to do, but it is so worth it. It's an emotional rollercoaster.
'I think a lot of people will come forward now, and think "if they can get justice after nearly two decades, so can I".'
An official inquiry into exploitation in Rotherham in 2014 by Professor Alexis Jay concluded that 1,400 children had been raped, trafficked and attacked in the town over a 16-year period
Rotherham became a byword for the exploitation of teenage girls and the failure of police and social workers to stop it happening with the publication of the Jay Report in August 2014.
The report, by Professor Alexis Jay, concluded that at least 1,400 children had been raped, trafficked and attacked in the town over a 16-year period.
She found 'utterly appalling' examples of 'children who had been doused in petrol and threatened with being set alight, threatened with guns, made to witness brutally-violent rapes and threatened they would be next if they told anyone'.
The report also laid bare the extend to which police and council officials failed to act on what they knew, and explicitly questioned whether this neglect was related to the perpetrators largely being adult men of a Pakistani heritage.
The Independent Police Complaints Commission is investigating how 30 police officers handled complaints in Rotherham.
Meanwhile Rotherham Council, declared 'not fit for purpose' in 2015 over its handling of child sexual exploitation, is recruiting more social workers in a bid to use fewer agency staff.
Now that FBI Director James Comey has delivered his testimony on election meddling, a Democrat on the House's intelligence panel wants to keep the ball rolling by hauling in Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort.
Rep. Jim Himes told Politico that Manafort 'would certainly be at the top of my list to testify.'
'Of all of the characters in and around the Trump campaign and administration, Paul Manaforts relationships with Russians are by far the longest-standing and the deepest,' Himes said. 'And he has some pretty unsavory contacts.'
Manafort is also wanted for questioning by the Ukrainian government in a case pertaining to the 2014 riots.
Now that FBI Director James Comey has delivered his testimony on election meddling, a Democrat on the House's intelligence panel wants to keep the ball rolling by hauling in Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort
The House Intelligence Committee is investigating Russian hacking that coincided with the presidential election.
Manafort says he had 'no role or involvement' in that. His business dealings in Ukraine and Russia have reportedly made him a person of interest in the FBI's investigation, however.
A Jan. 19 New York Times article said Manafort and two other Trump associates were targets of a counterintelligence investigation looking at links between them and Russia.
FBI Director James Comey confirmed on Monday that an investigation into election meddling was underway.
'And that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts,' he said.
'As with any counterintelligence investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed. Because it is an open, ongoing investigation and is classified, I cannot say more about what we're doing and whose conduct we are examining.'
Democrats on the House panel went on to suggest that Manafort was among the former Trump associates Comey was referring to.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer subsequently cast Manafort as a minor player in Trump's 2016 bid - even though he was the de facto campaign manager for five months.
Democrats on the House panel suggested Monday that Manafort was among the former Trump associates Comey was referring to when he confirmed that some where under investigation. Jim Himes, left, wants to question Manafort next
Manafort 'played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time,' Spicer told reporters, pointing to his August 2016 departure.
'For the entire final stretch of the general election, he was not involved. And so to start to look at some individual that was there for a short period of time, or, separately, individuals who really didnt play any role in the campaign, and to suggest that those are the basis for anything is a bit ridiculous,' Spicer said.
Before he signed on with Trump, Manafort worked for disgraced ex-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych.
Yanukovych was driven from power amid the 2014 rioting.
After he left office, a ledger designating $12 million in illegal cash payments to Manafort was discovered.
The chairman of Trump's election operation at the time, Manafort said he did not take the money.
Soon after, Manafort was sidelined, then ousted, from Trump's general election campaign. Kellyanne Conway took his place.
Hacked texts between Manafort's daughters have inspired a new round of questioning after one allegedly told the other their father has blood on his hands.
'You know he has killed people in Ukraine? Knowingly,' Andrea Manafort tells sister Jessica in an exchange. 'Remember when there were all those deaths taking place. A while back. About a year ago. Revolts and what not.
'Do you know whose strategy that was to cause that, to send those people out and get them slaughtered.'
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer subsequently cast Manafort as a minor player in Trump's 2016 bid - even though he was the de facto campaign manager for five months. The men are pictured in July at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland
Manafort had not previously been linked to the shootings, but a Ukranian lawyer representing some the victims told his country's government it cannot 'rule out Manafort's influence on Yanukovych's actions and decisions during that period'.
Serhiy Gorbatyuk, head of the special investigations operation in the Ukranian General Prosecutors Office, has asked the Department of Justice for assistance in questioning Manafort.
Seven previous requests for DOJ cooperation went unanswered, Gorbatyuk told CNN. He said he doesn't quite understand why he's being ignored.
Manafort told Politico through a public affairs agency that he has not been contacted by the Ukrainian general prosecutors office. The FBI hasn't approached him, either, he said.
The allegations are 'a blatant attempt to discredit me and the legitimacy of the election of President Trump,' he said.
He also proclaimed to have 'no role or involvement' in the Russian hacking.
'I have never spoken with any Russian government officials or anyone who claimed to have been involved in the attack,' he stated.
The assasination of Hezbollah's top military commander in Syria last year was by rivals within the Shiite militant group, Israel's military chief has declared.
Gadi Eisenkot told an academic conference on Tuesday that the death of Mustafa Badreddine last May illustrated 'the depth of the internal crisis within Hezbollah.'
He also said it reflected 'the extent of the cruelty, complexity and tension between Hezbollah and its patron Iran.'
The explosive announcement was the latest sign of an escalating feud between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group sworn to Israel's destruction.
The assassination of top Hezbollah military commander Mustafa Badreddine in Syria was an inside job 'ordered by his superiors in Iran', Israel has declared
Israel considers Hezbollah to be a potent enemy, with over 100,000 rockets and missiles aimed at the Jewish state.
But it also believes the group has been weakened and demoralized after years of fighting alongside President Bashar Assad's forces in Syria.
An Israeli military official said Israel believes the order to kill Badreddine was given by Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Israeli intelligence believes Badreddine had been feuding with Iranian military commanders in Syria over the heavy losses his group had suffered on the battlefield.
Both Iran and Hezbollah are backing Syrian government forces.
The top Hezbollah commander killed in Syria was previously said to have 'died from injuries caused by jihadi shelling'
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing a confidential intelligence assessment.
Hezbollah had no immediate comment.
At the time of his death last year, Hezbollah said Badreddine had been killed by insurgent shelling in Syria.
He was considered Hezbollah's top military official and was among five members on trial in absentia at a court in the Netherlands over the bombing that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others in Beirut in 2005.
Badreddine was a student of Imad Mughniyeh, Hezbollah's previous military chief, who was considered one of the world's most-wanted terrorists by Israel and the United States.
Mughniyeh, who was Badreddine's brother-in-law, was killed in a 2008 car bombing in Damascus that Hezbollah blamed on Israel.
Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Israeli officials say that Hezbollah is far stronger than it was back then and battle-tested after years of fighting in neighboring Syria. They frequently warn that it is only a matter of time before another war breaks out.
'According to reports, he was killed by his superiors, which points to the extent of the cruelty, complexity and tension between Hezbollah and its patron, Iran,' Israeli Lieutenant-General Gadi Eisenkot said (pictured, his coffin being carried)
But Israeli officials also say the group does not want a confrontation with Israel right now. Hezbollah has gotten bogged down in the Syrian fighting and is believed to have lost hundreds of fighters.
Israel is not actively involved in the Syrian fighting. But it keeps close tabs on the battlefield actions of its enemies, Iran and Hezbollah. Israel is believed to have carried out numerous airstrikes in Syria aimed at suspected weapons shipments destined for Hezbollah.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military confirmed that a 'Skylark' surveillance drone crashed in Syria earlier this week. It gave no cause for the crash and said the incident was being investigated, but said there was 'no risk of a breach of information.'
Hezbollah's media arm published photographs of what it said was a drone it had shot down in Syrian airspace in the Golan Heights.
Last week, Israel shot down a Syrian anti-aircraft missile fired at an Israeli aircraft carrying out an airstrike on a suspected Hezbollah weapons convoy in Syria.
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China is offering increasing numbers of package tours to the manmade islands in the South China Sea in a bid to show its authority on the region.
It comes just months after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson threatened to block China's access to the area.
Despite the fact that several regions claim sovereignty over the South China Sea, China has plans to build holiday resorts that the government has compared to the Maldives.
Happy to be there: People pose with Chinese national flags after landing on Meiji Reef in the South China Sea
Very patriotic: Tourists pose with Chinese flags on one of the Paracel Islands in the disputed South China Sea
On March 3, state-run news agency Xinhua announced that a new cruise ship had embarked on its maiden voyage to the Paracel Islands - an area disputed by Vietnam and Taiwan.
The Changle Princess departed from the southern Chinese island of Hainan with 308 passengers on a four-day-long voyage.
According to the South China Morning Post, the tour groups at the moment only contain Chinese citizens and have a patriotic tone.
Tourists can visit three islands in the South China Sea.
During this month's National People's Congress, the government also announced that it wants to launch tour flights to the disputed areas of the South China Sea.
The crew of an airline walked down the stairs after landing at the airport in the Nansha Islands, China
In January, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said that China should not be allowed to access the islands it had built in the region.
Tillerson said: 'We're going to 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.'
He also compared China's actions to that of 'Russia's taking of Crimea'.
Tillerson's remarks caused Chinese state media to say at the time that the United States would need to 'wage war' to stop them from accessing the islands.
China already operates flights to the Meiji reef in the area.
It also currently runs flights to Woody Island which China claims is the 'administrative centre for the South China Sea' despite the fact that Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims on the territory. However these flights are mainly for construction workers who are currently based there and their families.
Flights to Woody Island are currently priced at around 1,200 yuan one way (139).
China claims all territory in the South China Sea. However Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan also have claims on parts of the sea.
The South China Sea is a potentially energy rich area.
A man has been arrested on suspicion of committing a rape and murder in New York City almost two decades ago, after the authorities took his DNA when he tried to dodge a subway fare.
Curtis Batchelor, 41, pleaded not guilty in Bronx Supreme Court to charges of first-degree rape and murder relating to the killing of 56-year-old Elsa Grullon in 1999.
Batchelor, who has been arrested 16 times previously, was 24-years-old at the time of the crime, and lived one floor below Grullon on Gerald Ave. near E. 157th St. in Highbridge.
Curtis Batchelor, 41, pleaded not guilty in Bronx Supreme Court to charges of first-degree rape and murder
He was caught earlier this month after his DNA matched semen found at the crime scene, Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said.
Batchelor allegedly repeatedly stabbed Grullon in the face, neck and chest during the attack on May 25, 1999.
Her son-in-law discovered her body under a blanket and bleeding from 22 stab wounds, law enforcement sources said.
His DNA was taken after a police officer caught him getting on a train at the 59th St. station on January 16, 2016 after jumping a turnstile, and carrying a student MetroCard.
Batchelor had been ordered to provide his DNA back in 2013 after he pleaded guilty to felony drug charges, but he failed to show up to provide the sample, officials said.
Batchelor lived one floor below Elsa Grullon, on Gerald Ave. near E. 157th St. in Highbridge
He remained free for three more years, until cops caught him fare-dodging and ordered him to give the long-overdue DNA specimen, which linked him to Grullon's murder.
The fare-dodging charges were dropped, but he was charged with murder, manslaughter, rape, sexual abuse and criminal possession of a weapon in relation to the 1999 incident.
Batchelor was not a suspect in the original investigation, but the NYPD has been working with the Bronx District Attorney's office for a year to build the case against him, having got to work on March 6 last year.
Although detectives had the DNA link, Batchelor avoided capture, and police searched for him as far away as Virginia before they finally tracked him down less than a month ago.
'Quality of life enforcement and a positive DNA hit is what ultimately led investigators to the perpetrator of this crime,' a law enforcement source said.
Counting money can sometimes be an arduous task however this woman in China seems to have the perfect method.
A video showing a woman counting through large bundles of banknotes has proved popular on Chinese social media with over five million views.
According to reports the footage was filmed during a cash counting competition for the company she worked for.
The woman was taking part in a money counting competition when the video was filmed
The woman from Weifang, east China's Shandong province reportedly works as a cashier.
The competition aimed to find the fastest money counter while also being precise.
In the footage, the woman can be seen closely concentrating on the notes.
Impressive skills: She can be seen using the five finger method of counting the money
Once she finishes a bundle she then writes down the figures before starting again.
According to reports, she was using a five finger counting method which means that you use all of your digits to count the notes.
It is also a method used by the rich in China who then post videos of themselves counting all of their money.
The clip has been viewed around five million times.
A respected detective was sacked after he was caught out moonlighting as a 100-an-hour male escort.
Kent Police's Detective Sergeant Kevin Jones advertised his services on AdultWork.com under the alias Kev6913 and also met female prostitutes for sex at least 29 times between 2011 and last year.
He used the site's webcam service 257 times, speaking to British women as well as others from eastern Europe.
Kent Police's (headquarters pictured) Detective Sergeant Kevin Jones advertised his services AdultWork.com under the alias Kev6913 and also met female prostitutes for sex at least 29 times
Jones, who has worked for the force for 20 years, charged 100 for an hour, 170 for two hours and 70 for half an hour's work.
For over five years the detective offered his illicit services but last year police were tipped off about wrongdoings in an anonymous email.
At the force's Maidstone police headquarters he admitted advertising himself as an escort, failing to disclose secondary employment and using the services of and failing to disclose any association with sex workers.
On his online profile the disgraced officer declared he was a straight escort who was 'here for your needs' and to 'provide whatever you desire'.
Despite Jones's frequent use of the escort site, chairman Chief Constable Alan Pughsley (pictured) was told there was no evidence that he had ever provided services
Despite his frequent use of the adult escort site, chairman Chief Constable Alan Pughsley was told there was no evidence that Jones, based in Gravesend, Kent, had ever provided services.
Inspector Tim Packman, from the Kent Police Federation, said Jones had not attended the hearing due to his 'acute shame'.
Detective Superintendent John McDermott, from the force's professional standards department, said the cop's behaviour was particularly serious as sites are often used by criminal gangs.
He added that Kent Police's lead on human trafficking, DI Keith Roberts, had a good professional knowledge of the site and believed it was used internationally as a front for prostitution and had been infiltrated by gangs involved in modern day slavery.
But Dept Supt McDermott stressed there was no indication any of the woman paid by Jones had been trafficked or were vulnerable.
The hearing heard that while Jones initially tried to resign, he said he would like to continue working for the force if possible.
During interviews about the allegations he claimed he used the site because he wanted affection after suffering from depression but said he no longer used the site as he is now in a relationship.
Det Supt McDermott said Jones' position was untenable and said he had shown a 'flagrant disregard for the mission and values of the force', embarrassed other colleagues and demonstrated a 'cavalier indifference to the potential plight of sex workers'.
The panel found that Jones' actions amounted to gross misconduct and dismissed him without notice.
Speaking after the hearing, Deputy Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: 'On Monday, a disciplinary hearing, chaired by Chief Constable Alan Pughsley, was held to consider the actions of police sergeant Kevin Jones.
'Sgt Jones faced allegations of failing to declare secondary employment, failing to declare association with vulnerable workers, failing to comply with orders and instructions and being discreditable in his off-duty conduct.
'The allegations were found by the Chief Constable to be proven as gross misconduct and the officer's actions were considered to have breached Kent Police's standards of professional behaviour, and failure to display the requisite standards expected of a police officer in respect of his honesty and integrity.
'Mr Jones was dismissed without notice.
'Kent Police expects the highest standards of its officers and staff, who are expected to serve with the utmost integrity and professionalism.
'Any employee whose behaviour is suspected of falling below these standards will be subject to scrutiny.
'Kent Police's counter corruption unit, part of the professional standards department, robustly and proactively investigates misconduct within the force.'
Conor Donnelly, 18, died after falling from a fourth-floor balcony during a fraternity's St. Patrick's Day party in Binghamton, New York, on Saturday afternoon
A Binghamton fraternity pledge, who had been drinking, died after falling from a fourth-floor balcony during a St. Patrick's Day house party on Saturday.
Conor Donnelly, 18, died after he fell trying to climb down from a fourth-floor balcony during a day party hosted by Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity.
Donnelly, a former class president of his high school, was in the process of pledging the fraternity at Binghamton University, in Binghamton, New York.
Authorities have concluded that alcohol played a role in the freshman's accidental death and that there was no evidence of hazing.
Donnelly fell while trying to make his way from the house's back fourth-story balcony down to the third floor balcony. He was rushed to the hospital and pronounced dead shortly after, reported CBS New York.
Donnelly was pledging Alpha Sigma Phi at Binghamton University. He was attending the fraternity's party when he fell trying to climb from the building's fourth-floor balcony down to the third floor (the tall red building pictured)
Binghamton University temporarily suspended Alpha Sigma Phi pending the outcome of the investigation.
The fraternity released a statement that read: 'We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends.
'While police have determined his death to be an accident, we will continue to provide our full cooperation during the ongoing investigation.'
Jeff Vazquez, the manager of nearby restaurant Thai Time, said to FIOS1: 'I went outside to the sushi deck where we were just cleaning up snow.
'Happen to see a student not looking the greatest. He took a big fall so they were trying the best they could to do with CPR to resuscitate him.'
The fraternity was hosting the festive house party at this building on Front Street in Binghamton, New York
Binghamton University temporarily suspended Alpha Sigma Phi pending the outcome of the investigation. Students were pictured at the scene of the incident (above)
Donnelly's best friend from Nanuet High School, Mark Bologovsky, said: 'He was our class president. Everyone had a story with him.
'Like you know he was friends with everyone, everyone knew him, had something special with him, he was always talking making jokes.'
Another friend of Donnelly's, Alana Prosapio, said she remembered him being quiet and shy until high school.
She said to The Journal News: 'All of sudden in high school, he blossomed.
'He became our class president. He became the star of our grade. He wanted people to be happy. He put everybody first. He lived every day to his fullest.'
According to his obituary, his burial will be on Thursday. He is survived by his father, mother, who were immigrants from Ireland, and his two siblings.
Undertakers were forced to dig up the body of a dead man after a grieving family attending a funeral discovered the wrong body in the coffin.
Their relative was about to be cremated in Weiz, Austria, and before he was to be given up to the flames, the family asked to see the body for a final farewell.
They expected to see the body of their 90-year-old loved one, but instead a completely unrelated 86-year-old's corpse lay in the casket.
The Church at Puch bei Weiz in the town of Weiz where the grieving family was met with a stranger's body
The massive mix-up of the two bodies happened in the Austrian town of Weiz, pictured here
Shockingly, the family had to wait in the crematorium for their dead relative to be dug up as the mix-up meant he had been buried days before.
His coffin was cleaned up and brought to the ceremony in order for them to finish the calamitous service.
But nothing could be done about the family of the 86-year-old, who had already buried a complete stranger.
On Tuesday, an embarrassed firm of undertakers took responsibility for the error, saying that an employee had not taken proper notice of the toe tags.
Adreas Adlmann from Koller-Adlmann funeral directors admitted: 'This was a human error that should never have happened,' talking to Kleine-Zeitung.
After the mix-up, the 86-year-old was buried where he should have been.
Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said today voting 'yes' in next month's referendum on expanding his powers was the best response to a 'fascist and cruel' Europe.
He told a rally in the capital, Ankara: 'This Europe, like before World War II, is a racist, fascist, cruel Europe...An anti-Islam and anti-Turkish Europe.'
'Give such a response, that those watching us on the screen, those watching us abroad, our citizens, all of Europe, all of the world can hear this,' he told a crowd of supporters, who cheered loudly.
President Erdogan (pictured) is the most powerful Turkish politician since the founder of the modern state, Mustafa Kemal Ataturk
Erdogan welcomed the Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, to Ankara today. He is increasingly pointing Turkey towards the Middle East, rather than Europe
A referendum on April 16 will decide whether to approve constitutional changes which would abolish the post of prime minister, transfer greater powers to the President and allow the 63-year-old to stay in power until 2029.
The Turkish government says the changes are necessary for stability but critics fear it will lead to one-man rule.
Relations have become strained with the Netherlands and Germany blocking Turkish ministers from campaigning for the votes of Turkish immigrants who live in the European Union.
On Sunday Erdogan described Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel of using 'Nazi measures', deeply angering the government of a country which saw it as a serious slur.
Relations between Turkey's President Erdogan (right) and Germany's Chancellor Merkel (left) are at their lowest ebb
Yesterday the Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus defended the ruling AKP's rhetoric and said they were trying to prevent Europe from 'falling into the trap of fascism'.
Erdogan today hit out after Merkel called for Deniz Yucel, a dual Turkish-German national to be freed from jail in Turkey.
Yucel, the Turkey correspondent of the German newspaper Die Welt, is in jail awaiting trial on terror charges.
Erdogan said Merkel had asked, when she visited last month, for Yucel to be allowed to leave Turkey but he told his supporters: 'Our judiciary is independent, the decision will be given by the judiciary.'
As it cranks up the rhetoric to appeal to Turkish voters, the chances of Turkey being admitted into the EU become even less likely than before.
But Erdogan warned: 'The European Union process, the readmission agreement, this and that, from now on, you can't threaten us with these anymore.'
A Turkish pro-government newspaper recently depicted German Chancellor Angela Merkel on its front page in Nazi uniform
EU Enlargement Commissioner Johannes Hahn told Germany's Bild newspaper Turkish membership was becoming 'more and more unrealistic' in the wake of Erdogan's belligerent style and contempt for human rights.
In the wake of July's failed coup against Erdogan thousands of civil servants, teachers and lecturers were sacked and hundreds of soldiers were thrown in jail accused of supporting exiled cleric Fethullah Gulen.
Erdogan has also hinted about resurrecting the death penalty.
Mr Hahn said: 'With regard to the strict accession criteria, Turkey has been moving further and further away from the EU for some time.'
He added: 'If it doesn't change course quickly, membership will indeed become more and more unrealistic.'
Turkey has been in EU membership talks since 2005 but European leaders increasingly see Erdogan as a dictator who does not respect democracy, the rule of law or secular principles.
President Erdogan told a rally on Sunday (pictured): 'When we call them Nazis they get uncomfortable. They rally together in solidarity. Especially Merkel'
In a speech broadcast on television at the weekend Erdogan said: 'When we call them Nazis they (Europe) get uncomfortable. They rally together in solidarity. Especially Merkel.
'But you are right now employing Nazi measures,' Erdogan said, referring to Merkel.
'Against who? My Turkish brother citizens in Germany and brother ministers,' he added, in a reference to Turkish politicians who had planned to hold campaign rallies among Turkish nationals in Germany in the run-up to the referendum on constitutional changes.
Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Erdogan had gone too far and described his comments as 'shocking'.
Mr Gabriel told the Passauer Neue Presse newspaper: 'We are tolerant but we're not stupid. That's why I have let my Turkish counterpart know very clearly that a boundary has been crossed here.'
Erdogan and the Turkish press have reacted furiously, with the nationalist daily Gunes depicting Merkel on its front page in Nazi uniform with a Hitler-style moustache.
The newspaper described her as 'Frau Hitler' and called her an 'ugly aunt'.
Julia Klockner, the vice-president of Merkel's CDU party, reacted angrily to Erdogan's comments.
She said: 'Has Mr Erdogan lost his mind?' and urged the EU to freeze 'financial aid amounting to billions of euros' which has been promised to Turkey as part of a deal to tackle the migration crisis.
A New Jersey man has admitted that he lied about being a prisoner of war in Vietnam to deceive a war foundation out of thousands of dollars - including a new $32,000 deck and a specialized hunting bow.
Robert Guidi, of Mine Hill, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to theft by deception and violating the state's Stolen Valor Act on Monday.
The 67-year-old admitted he deceived the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation and the Morris County Veterans Service Office, when he said he was a prisoner of war and a Purple Heart recipient.
Guidi also claimed he was a Green Beret and a sniper, in order to receive a $31,919 deck, a customized hunting bow and a hunting trip.
The man had actually served in a clerical position as an Army private during the Vietnam War.
Robert Guidi, of Mine Hill, New Jersey, pictured, admitted on Monday that he lied about being a prisoner of war in Vietnam to deceive a war foundation out of thousands of dollars
The 67-year-old was given the new deck (pictured) in December 2013 by North American Deck and Railing Association as a part of its Deck For a Soldier program
Guidi had painted himself as a war hero, with decorated military service including being a prisoner of war, a Green Beret, a trained sniper, completing military airborne school and training at Quantico and Langley, which trains FBI and CIA agents, reported the Daily Record.
He also said that he had terminal cancer due to Agent Orange, a defoliant used by the American military during the Vietnam War.
Guidi claimed on different occasions to have served as either a sergeant or captain, according to the news outlet.
He had falsified his service in order to receive gifts, cash and services, including being reimbursed for a hunting trip to Tennessee and gifted a specialized Martin hunting bow in November 2015, reported the New Jersey Herald.
Guidi was given a customized Martin hunting bow in November 2015 (pictured), which was adjusted because of a disability Guidi claimed he sustained during his military service
Guidi pleaded guilty to theft by deception and violating the state's Stolen Valor Act. Prosecutors have asked that Guidi to serve three years in prison
He was given a new deck in December of 2013 by North American Deck and Railing Association as a part of its Deck For a Soldier program, after his was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy, reported NorthJersey.com.
The New Jersey Herald reported that the organization had already given a deck to another solider but members were so moved by Guidi's story that they decided to help him out.
Guidi was first arrested in January 2016, and spent eight months in the Morris County jail until he was released while the charges were pending.
From the years of 2013 and 2015, Guidi was documented in local New Jersey papers accepting awards and gifts for his exaggerated military service.
He received a Distinguished Service Award medal from Morris County in May 2015.
Prosecutors have asked that Guidi to serve three years in prison, repay $31,919 in restitution for the deck he received and pay $1,000 fine for violating the Stolen Valor Act.
Its the start of spring, and the ancient festival of Nowruz is currently being celebrated by peoples from various countries and backgrounds around the globe.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson sent greetings on this holiday, which means New Day, and also marks the beginning of a new year.
Millions of people across the world, including communities in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and many other peoples of south and Central Asia and the Persian Gulf celebrate this time of the year with their families and friends, Mr. Tillerson said in a written statement. Today, many Americans will join in this celebration, sharing with a new generation the cherished traditions of their ancestors.
Secretary of State Tillerson said, Nowruz is a time to look toward the coming year with hope and optimism. We look forward to celebrating this new spring together, and hope that this Nowruz brings peace and prosperity to all.
Ahmed Ali, 34, pictured leaving court where he admitted fraud by false representation and possessing identity documents with intent
A fraudster who travelled around the county taking examinations for refugees in order to get them visas or citizenship is facing jail.
Ahmed Ali took four examinations at Life in the UK test centres in Ilford, Liverpool, Slough and Croydon between December 2015 and June last year.
Croydon Crown Court heard the 34-year-old from London used false documents to take the tests on behalf of four others to try and dupe the British immigration system.
He used bogus UK travel documents and a fake Somali passport to sit the exam needed to get British citizenship or long term settlement in the country.
At Caxton Place, Ilford on 17 December 2015 Ali sat the test using a fake Somali passport.
Only five days later he was at Union Court, Liverpool this time armed with a fake UK travel document to sit the test again.
Just over a month later he turned up at Keypoint in Slough and again took the test with a false UK travel document.
Ali then showed up at the centre at Grosvenor House in Croydon on 10 June last year this time with using a fake Somali passport to sit the exam.
Ali appeared at Croydon Crown Court today to plead guilty to four counts of possessing identity documents with intent and four counts of fraud by false representation.
Life in the UK tests are a key part of the application for British citizenship or settlement in the UK.
Croydon Crown Court heard the 34-year-old from London used false documents to take the tests on behalf of four others
As part of the test those wanting to gain citizenship or remain in Britain must pass a language test and answer 24 questions in 45 minutes about British traditions and customs.
To take the test applicants must produce a valid passport or UK driving licence, certified travel documents, a legitimate identity card or immigration documents.
Ali, from Highams Park in east London, admitted to four counts of fraud by false representation and four counts of possessing identity documents with intent.
Judge Deborah Charles released him on bail to appear back at Croydon Crown Court for sentence on 18 April.
The wife of Scandal star Tony Goldwyn today laughed off any hint of real life scandal in her husband's friendship with Hillary Clinton's top aide Huma Abedin.
The pair were photographed enjoying a day out in the Californian sunshine at Disneyland with her five-year-old son Jordan and one of his two daughters and set tongues wagging.
A smiling Jane Musky, 62, told DailyMail.com that she wasn't concerned about any speculation about the relationship between her husband and Huma
The group shared ice creams and enjoyed the rides without any sign of his wife Jane Musky or her son's father, the disgraced Anthony Weiner.
Goldwyn, who plays television's President Fitzgerald Grant, was seen looking at Mickey Mouse stuffed toys with Abedin, chasing Winnie the Pooh for a photo with Jordan and riding on Splash Mountain.
But his wife Jane, 62, told DailyMail.com that she wasn't concerned about any speculation about the friendship.
Smiling, she said: 'We are are all good friends. There is nothing more to it.'
And Goldwyn,56, who studied drama in London and is also a successful TV and film producer, is on record as saying he likes nothing more than being with his loyal wife.
'A 'guys' night out' for me is ... being with my wife. Since I'm at work a lot, I want to be with her when I'm home ... The best part of my day is going to bed every night with Jane. I still feel lucky about that,'he said.
Goldwyn, who plays television's President Fitzgerald Grant, was seen looking at Mickey Mouse stuffed toys with Huma and chasing Winnie the Pooh for a photo with Jordan
Huma and Tony took a ride on on Splash Mountain with his daughter
Actor Goldwyn,56, who studied drama in London and is also a successful TV and film producer, is on record as saying he likes nothing more than being with his loyal wife
A source also told E! News: 'They are very close friends and worked very closely together when Tony campaigned for Hillary. Tony is married and loves his wife.'
The husband-and-wife are avid Democratic supporters and it was reported that Jane has given more than $15,000 in campaign contributions to the party's candidates and projects.
They live in a large detached house, worth more than $2 million, in a private road which has a single track and is tucked away from public view.
Hillary visited Tony on the set of Scandal, here clowning with co-star Scott Foley
They married thirty years ago and have two daughters Anna and Tess.
While his day out with Human might not give her pause, his sex scenes with Kerry Washington are another matter.
Goldwyn revealed to Us magazine that his wife doesn't watch the show because those kind of scenes are 'a problem' for her.
Jane is a top production designer and director and worked on the movies 'When Harry Met Sally' and 'Ghost'.
Goldwyn acted as the treacherous friend of Ghost's lead character played by the late Patrick Swayze who died in September 2009.
Huma, 40, has had to cope with the loss of the Presidency by Clinton and real life scandal surrounding Weiner, with prosecutors apparently considering whether to charge him with possession of child pornography, as part of a probe into an Internet relationship he had with a 15-year-old girl.
Having also visited the set of Scandal, some cynics may say that the closest she may ever get to a President, is the fictional one played by her friend Goldwyn.
Mystery surrounds a pilot who was nowhere to be found when a plane crashed in Ontario, Canada, investigators said.
The pilot, believed to be a graduate student at the University of Michigan, rented the single-engine aircraft at the Ann Arbor Airport on Wednesday.
The flight plan listed Harbor Springs, Michigan, as its destination, but the plane crashed 285 miles away in Canada, where investigators did not find a body or any footprints in the snow surrounding the wreckage, the Chronicle Journal reported.
'When [the pilot] exited, and how [he] exited, is still a mystery,' senior investigator Peter Rowntree said.
The plane does not have a roof hatch, and was not designed to carry parachutes, according to Rowntree who added: 'The only way in or out is through the two main cabin doors.'
Mystery surrounds a pilot who was nowhere to be found when a plane crashed in Ontario, Canada, investigators said (file photo, a single engine Cessna 172)
The unidentified University of Michigan grad student rented a small plane on March 15 at the Ann Arbor Airport (above)
The graduate student, whose name has not been released, was a Chinese national, according to officials with the Transportation Safety Board of Canada who spoke to Thunder Bay News.
The pilot, said to be 'experienced', was last seen on March 15 - the same day he rented a single-engine Cessna 172 registered to University of Michigan Flyers in Ann Arbor.
Investigators believe he put the plane on autopilot after he filed a flight plan to Harbor Springs, about 250 miles north of Ann Arbor, the Chronicle Journal reported.
But the plane crashed at 11.38pm on Wednesday night in the woods near Manitouwadge, Canada - more than 285 miles away.
'We were unable to locate the whereabouts of the pilot,' said Sgt. Peter Leon of the Ontario police.
The Cessna model, which does not have flight-recording equipment, would have required a pilot in the cockpit at the time of takeoff, investigators said, adding that the plane did not touch down before the crash.
No footprints were found in the snow surrounding the wreckage, and Leon told mlive.com it was unlikely the pilot was in the plane at the time of the crash.
'We were unable to locate the whereabouts of the pilot,' said Sgt. Peter Leon of the Ontario police. The pilot, a graduate student at the University of Michigan, still has not been found
The plane crashed in a woodsy area near Manitouwadge (pictured). Investigator Peter Rowntree said: 'When [the pilot] exited, and how [he] exited, is still a mystery'
Police would not comment on whether the pilot committed suicide.
The university police are working with the student's family members in the missing person case.
A woman has gone on a wild rampage and struck several people with her car in a Walmart parking lot after the store refused to let her return some batteries.
Police are now looking for the woman after she was caught on surveillance cameras intentionally ramming people in the parking lot in Union City, California on Sunday.
The woman entered the Walmart at 6pm to try and return the batteries but became extremely agitated when staff denied her a refund.
Police are searching for a woman after she was caught on surveillance cameras intentionally ramming people with her car in a Walmart parking lot in Union City, California on Sunday
She left the store, returned to her silver Honda Accord and was filmed hastily reversing into a family as they walked by.
Footage shows the woman continuing to back up and striking several people.
Police said she narrowly missed a three-year-old girl and her mother who managed to run out of the way of the reversing car.
'The suspect then takes off a high rate speed out of the parking lot causing other pedestrians to run out of the way of the speeding vehicle,' Union City Police Sergeant Steve Mendez said.
'The victims were actually saying that she was yelling and screaming in the car, pounding her fists on the steering wheel.'
The woman was caught on security cameras entering the Walmart at about 6pm on Sunday when she was refused a refund for some batteries
Police said the agitated woman quickly left the store and furiously reversed her car into a family in the parking lot. She narrowly missed a three-year-old and her mother
The woman is described as white and about 5 feet tall.
She has brown hair and was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt with a Batman logo on the front, black leggings and dark Ugg-style boots.
The suspect was also wearing glasses at the time.
Police said her vehicle is a silver 1998-2000 two-door Honda Accord.
A Kansas father has been arrested on suspicion of second-degree murder for allegedly shooting his 17-year-old son, who later died from his wound.
Wichita, Kansas police arrested Glen A. Farrow, 41, Monday morning and booked him for allegedly fatally shooting his son, Michael Farrow, on Sunday night.
During a press conference, Wichita police Lt. Todd Ojile said that cops believe an argument between father and son, which took place in the front yard of Glen's home, resulted in the father pulling out a handgun.
Glen A. Farrow, 41, was arrested on second-degree murder charges for allegedly fatally shooting his 17-year-old son, Michael, who was running away from him after an argument
'The son basically fled the front yard and ran eastbound. And as he was running, the father fired several shots, striking and killing his son,' Ojile told reporters during the press briefing on Monday.
Officers responding to the shooting found Michael shot once in the torso in an alley behind Glen's house.
Ojile said it looked 'like it's possible' that Michael was shot in the back while he was running away, however Ojile was not able to confirm that at the time of the briefing.
Michael was taken to Wesley Medical Center, where he died at 9.34pm on Sunday.
Police believe that Michael Farrow, 17, was fatally shot by his father following an argument
Glen Farrow is in jail on second-degree murder charges and has a $150,000 bond
The scene outside Glen Farrow's house where the argument and alleged shooting took place
'A friend of the victim was with him [Michael] in the alley and directed officers back to the victim's house and also informed the officers that the 17-year-old victim's father was a possible suspect in this case,' Ojile also said during the press briefing.
Officers then went to the Farrow house and arrested Glen on second-degree murder charges. Glen is being held at Sedgwick County Jail and has a $150,000 bond, according to jail records.
While police could not yet confirm what father and son argued about, Glen's ex-wife Michael's stepmother who raised him for 12 years Amanda Stoll told KAKE that the fight started over a disagreement regarding Michael's school.
Michael Farrow, 17, apparently went to his father's house to pick up clothes and see his friends
Glen's ex-wife and Michael's stepmother, Amanda Stoll, says she doesn't know how to 'cope' with the fact that her ex-husband allegedly shot and killed one of their children
Stoll told KSNW that Michael had been living with her for three weeks and that the day of the shooting, he'd gone back to Glen's house to pick up clothes and see some of his friends.
'I knew Glen was violent,' Stoll told KAKE, 'but it has always been towards complete strangers, or the female he was involved with.'
Stoll said she had filed restraining orders against Glen Farrow because he was violent towards her.
'I don't know how to cope with the fact that the man that I loved and married and had children with killed one of our kids,' Stoll said, as she grieved over her stepson.
Michael's biological mother is said to be traveling to Wichita from her home in Florida.
An alleged rapist broke into houses at night with the intention of sexually assaulting elderly women while they slept, a court has heard.
Zsolt Suhaj, 25, is charged with raping a 66-year-old woman and sexually assaulting a 70-year-old woman, as well as six counts of trespassing with intent to commit sexual offences and one count of intending to trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence.
Preston Crown Court heard police did not initially progress inquiries after the first incident in May last year - where a 70-year-old woman said she woke to find Suhaj with his hand between her legs - because the case was so unusual they believed she may have been 'hallucinating'.
Suhaj, who had a Hungarian interpreter, is accused of going on to enter a series of homes in the Colne and Nelson areas of Lancashire with the intention of sexually assaulting women while they slept. He denies all charges.
Zsolt Suhaj is on trial at Preston Crown Court, above, after he was charged with raping a 66-year-old woman and sexually assaulting a 70-year-old woman
The final alleged offence, in October last year, was the rape of a pensioner, who was attacked when she returned to her bedroom after getting up in the night to get a drink.
Jeremy Grout-Smith, prosecuting, said: 'They (the offences) all involved the defendant entering occupied properties, as a trespasser, at night.
'There is evidence that the defendant must have carefully watched these properties before entering them, the prosecution say, to make sure that he will have access to a female who is on her own and most likely asleep at the time.'
He said all but one of the offences happened in bungalows.
He said: 'Older people tend to live in bungalows, older people are more likely to be living alone and therefore make better targets.'
The court heard the first attack happened on May 10 last year when the 70-year-old woman was woken by Suhaj sexually assaulting her.
The grandmother, whose husband was sleeping in another room, said she screamed and tried to push his face away and eventually he left the house.
Mr Grout-Smith said officers who attended after the attack was reported thought the victim may have been 'hallucinating or dreaming' .
He said: 'They, of course, did not have the advantage of knowing, as you know, about the other alleged attacks of a similar nature.'
The court heard there were four reports of women, aged between 22 and 84, waking to find Suhaj in their homes in July and August last year.
A fifth woman described seeing a man standing in the back yard of her terraced home on three occasions.
The court heard Suhaj, of Barkerhouse Road, Nelson, admitted burgling properties but said he had broken in with the intention of stealing 'money and gold'.
Mr Grout-Smith said the defendant's claim that sexual activity with the 66-year-old woman had been consensual was 'absurd'.
He said Suhaj had climbed through the window of the victim's home when she got up to make herself a drink at about 4am.
He said: 'She was straightening the bed when she was attacked by the defendant, who put his hand over her mouth.'
When he left the property after the attack the victim found a knife on the bed.
Mr Grout-Smith said earlier that night the defendant had been seen in pubs in Colne.
He said: 'He was that night, the prosecution say, simply a man on the prowl, becoming increasingly desperate as the night wore on.'
The trial is expected to last 10 days.
Bruno Le Roux has quit after an investigation was launched into a report he hired his daughters while they were in High School
A French interior minister has quit after it was revealed an investigation was launched into a report that he hired his two daughters for temporary parliamentary jobs while they were still in High School.
Bruno Le Roux was summoned by Prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve after the French financial prosecutor's office opened the investigation.
According to TMC Television, Le Roux employed his daughters while they were still teenagers, as parliamentary assistants for a total salary of 55,000 Euros (48,000).
The national financial prosecutor's office said the preliminary investigation into the claims in the TV programme will be led by the agency charged with fighting corruption and financial and tax wrongdoing.
While it is legal in France for politicians to hire family members, the TMC report suggests Le Roux's daughters did not perform all the work. They were first hired while still in high school.
Le Roux, a member of the Socialist Party, was quoted by TMC as saying his daughters worked for him during school holidays to gain experience.
A similar scandal around employing family members has deeply damaged conservative Francois Fillon's presidential bid.
Le Roux's daughters, now 23 and 20, allegedly started working as parliamentary aides for their father over short holiday contracts when they were 15 and 16 and Le Roux was a legislator in the French National Assembly.
TMC said Le Roux's cabinet staff at the interior ministry confirmed the dates of the 24 vacation jobs the daughters held between 2009 and 2016.
Le Roux is said to have hired his daughters during their school holidays while they were in High School but it is said they didn't do the full job required
Le Roux told the TMC programme his daughters never had permanent jobs and has suggested their jobs were not fake, unlike what the investigators suspect in the Fillon case.
'They did work,' he insisted in an earlier interview with the channel.
'Of course, my daughters worked with me during summer times, especially or during school vacation periods, but never permanently,' he said earlier in March.
Jean-Christophe Picard, president of anti-corruption association Anticor, told BFM TV that Le Roux should resign to avoid any conflict of interest since, as interior minister, he is also the top boss of the police officers investigating his case.
Benoit Hamon, the Socialist Party's candidate for France's April-May two-round presidential election, has urged Le Roux to 'quit the government' to 'lift suspicion'.
The swift judicial reaction to the report on Le Roux's daughters reflects a marked shift in French attitudes towards corruption in politics, notably since the new position of a national financial prosecutor was created three years ago.
'Mr Clean' rocked by allegations Francois Fillon, the French right-wing presidential candidate charged over a fake jobs scandal, is a career politician whose image as a steady and unblemished leader has been shattered during the campaign. As he sought the nomination for the rightwing Republicans party last year, he talked up his reputation as 'Mr Clean' - in contrast to his rivals, former president Nicolas Sarkozy and ex-PM Alain Juppe. Prospective presidents needed to be 'irreproachable,' he said, while ministers facing charges could not serve in his government 'while being dogged by suspicion.' In late January, in an interview aired on national television, he declared that 'there is only one thing that would stop me being a candidate: if my honour was called into question, if I was charged.' That is now a reality as Fillon was charged today with misuse of public money and corporate assets over the employment of his wife as a parliamentary assistant for 15 years. Though an MP employing a family member is not illegal in France, Penelope Fillon is accused of doing little for the 680,000 euros she received in salary. Fillon has denied all wrongdoing and says low-key Penelope worked with him doing constituency work from his home in the Sarthe region of northern France during his nearly four-decade political career. The ex-prime minister has backtracked on his promise to withdraw his candidacy and is now running as an anti-system rebel determined to thwart the media, the government and magistrates who he says are working against him. The transformation has left many former allies stunned. 'Some people hoped to bring me down, and bring down your voice with me, but you're here!' Fillon told cheering supporters in a now-typical display of defiance in the south of France last Thursday. 'It's you and only you who are the sovereign power, the guardians of democracy!' he said. But the scandal has cost him credibility and support among his party and the electorate. After being the clear front-runner at the beginning of the year, polls currently suggest he would be eliminated in the first round of the election on April 23. Advertisement
The quick action of the prosecutor's office, which specialises in corruption, tax fraud and other complex cases with a national jurisdiction, became well-known when the Fillon case broke in late January.
Some of France's most prominent politicians - including former presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac - have been embroiled in corruption scandals involving accusations from shady campaign financing to nepotism.
But the French public are becoming frustrated with a political establishment it sees as enriching itself while average workers suffer, and there is growing public pressure for transparency.
Newly released body camera footage shows the violent altercation with a loud-mouthed teenager that led to an Illinois police officer being charged with a felony.
Investigators on Monday released the video showing Springfield Police Officer Samuel Rosario, 32, arguing with and finally punching a 19-year-old male on February 27.
Rosario, who is on unpaid administrative leave from the department, has been charged with two counts of battery and felony official misconduct.
The disturbing incident unfolded as Rosario was responding to a domestic incident, in which a mother had called police to complain that her 16-year-old daughter had destroyed a glass table.
Scroll down for video
Officer Samuel Rosario was responding to a domestic complaint when he got into an altercation with the 19-year-old male seen walking behind him shortly after the fight
Rosario, who is on unpaid administrative leave from the department, has been charged with two counts of battery and felony official misconduct in the February 27 incident
The video shows Rosario arriving on the front lawn of the house to speak to the mother while the 19-year-old male sweeps up glass from the broken porch table.
As Rosario questions the mother, the male spouts off about what the girl should be charged with and curses at the police for not keeping her locked up.
Rosario continues to take the complaint information as another officer searches the neighborhood for the girl. The teenage male butts in incessantly, demanding the officer's badge number and cursing at him.
'Go back to Mexico, n****r,' the teenager shouts at one point.
'I ain't from Mexico, you stupid motherf***er,' Rosario blasts back.
'You all think we're just a bunch of b***hes? You think I'm supposed to show up and have you run your f***ing month?', says Rosario.
'Go back to Mexico, n****r,' the teenager (left) shouts at one point, interrupting Rosario as he attempts to take a statement from a mother who had called 911 on her violent daughter
A backup officer arrives just as Rosario begins to scuffle with the male, knocking his own bodycam to the ground.
Rosario had promised not to mace or tase the male when challenging him to back up his incessant taunts with action. Here he's seen slamming the teenager to the ground
At one point, Rosario gives the male a light shove and taunts him to fight back, which he does not.
About 10 minutes into the confrontation, Rosario looses his patience with the loud-mouthed teenager and challenges him to back up his taunts, promising not to arrest him.
'I'm not even gonna tase you, I'm not even going to mace you, I'm just gonna give you these hands and you still run your mouth and you're still scared,' says Rosario.
When the male still shies from a fight, Rosario shoves him back up against the house, and his body camera falls off in the scuffle.
A second body camera, worn by a backup officer arriving at the scene, shows Rosario grappling upright with the male, and then slamming him to the ground.
Rosario rains blows down on the 19-year-old's head for about 10 seconds before relenting
'He was running his mouth,' Rosario explains to the backup officer. They let the male go without arresting him, as Rosario had promised before the fight
Rosario continues taking the mom's statement as the male paces the yard and complains the fight wasn't fair. 'Dude, I felt bad for you, that's why I stopped hitting you,' responds Rosario
Rosario throws repeated punches at the male after tackling him. He releases the male, who gets up without apparent serious injury.
True to his word, Rosario tells the backup officer not to arrest the male, and explains to the other cop that the male 'was running his mouth.'
Rosario continues taking the mother's statement as the male paces the yard and complains that the fight wasn't fair.
'Dude, I felt bad for you, that's why I stopped hitting you,' responds Rosario.
The backup officer told a supervisor immediately, and the Springfield police handed over the bodycam footage that night for state police to investigate.
Rosario was arrested the next morning at 6am.
'What we expect from our officers is extreme patience,' Springfield Police Chief Kenny Winslow told Fox Illinois. 'There's a certain amount of this type of action that officers endure every day. And with that, you have to be able to have self-control.'
Winslow said the department's officers are trained to ignore individuals who try to antagonize them.
'The video is disturbing,' Winslow said. 'The officer's actions. We're taking this very seriously. The video is not indicative of the hard work of the men and women at the Springfield Police Department.'
Bremoaner Gina Miller claims that Britain will see a return to tribalism after Brexit
Bremoaner Gina Miller claims that Britain will see a return to tribalism after Brexit as MPa are forced to take the rap for the problems they previously blamed on Brussels.
The Remainer, who famously led a campaign challenging the government's right to trigger Article 50, claims that exiting the European Union will see Britons challenge the authority of Westminster.
Speaking to an an audience at London's Advertising Week Europe, she claimed Westminster, which has long blamed the EU for Britain's problems, will be forced to 'take its place'.
She claims that Westminster has long blamed the European Union for Britain's problems, and once the nation has exited the bloc, the public may turn against MPs over the problems the nation faces.
Mrs Miller said: 'Is there then a possibility that we will see the tribalism that is happening, that all of the nationalism then becomes more localised and now becomes community-based so suddenly Manchester decides they are Mancunians and they become very much that tribe? Could we see it coming down to that level? I think we can,' reports the International Business Times.
She claims that the nation is already turning against London, which Mrs Miller has already experienced in the town where she lives just outside Bath.
Mrs Miller claims people from other towns believe people from London are 'money-grabbing', 'self-centred' and different from them, reports the International Business Times.
However, taxation raised in London is actually spent all over the country, she told the audience.
The comments come less than a week before Britain will trigger Article 50 on March 29, a date announced by Theresa May only yesterday.
Speaking at London's Advertising Week Europe (pictured), she claimed Westminster, which has long blamed the EU for Britain's problems, will be forced to 'take its place'
Gina Miller had led a group of campaigners in a legal challenge to the Government's initial plan to use residual prerogative to trigger the article, without a vote in the Commons or Lords.
The bid was successful in the High Court and upheld by the Supreme Court when the Government challenged it, forcing a vote by MPs and by peers.
The Lords defeated the Government twice on the issue, forcing the bill back to the Commons before it finally cleared Parliament this month.
Triggering the article next week will begin a two-year divorce talk with the European Union, in which the terms of Britain's exit will be finalised.
But there are fears the talks could quickly turn nasty - with Downing Street insisting Mrs May is ready to 'walk away' if there is an attempt to punish us for leaving.
The British government joined the U.S. on Tuesday in banning large electronics in carry-on baggage for direct flights from certain Middle Eastern and North African nations.
America's Department of Homeland Security was the first to announce the decision this morning, saying that passengers on airlines flying directly to the U.S. from 10 airports in eight countries will soon only be allowed to bring cellphones on board with them.
Other electronics, including laptops and tablets, will be indefinitely banned from the passenger cabin, and must be checked in checked baggage if they are brought on the plane at all.
The new restrictions are based on 'evaluated intelligence' that terrorist groups are working on 'innovative methods' for attacks. Officials didn't elaborate on the intelligence but CNN reports that Al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula (AQAP) is specifically the cause for the changes.
The British government added legitimacy to the concerns by following through with their similar ban.
The U.K. has joined the U.S. in banning large electronics from carry-on bags for direct flights from certain Middle Eastern and North African countries. Above the airports and countries targeted by the new American and British policies
Airlines flying from the 10 mentioned airports will have four days to implement the new ban on carry on electronics including laptops, iPads and cameras. Above, a stock image of a laptop
The British and American bans differ in which countries they target, how they are implemented and their definition of a large electronic.
The U.S. names more countries in its list, applying the new restrictions on flights coming from international airports in Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Cairo,Egypt; Istanbul, Turkey; Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The U.K. ban applies more simply to incoming flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
When asked by the BBC why the U.S. list of nations differs from the U.K.'s, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said: 'We have each taken our own decisions.'
American officials have given the airlines four days to implement the security order or face being barred from flying to the United States, while in Britain the airlines are being allowed to implement the new measures at their leisure.
The American ban also applies to all electronics larger than a cellphone while the British ban gives the specific measurements of any electronic larger than 16cm long, 9.3cm wide and 1.5cm deep.
THE ELECTRONICS BAN: DIFFERENCES IN THE AMERICAN AND BRITISH RESTRICTIONS U.S. BOUND FLIGHTS Carry-on OK: Cellphones and any electronic smaller than a cellphone Will need to be checked: Laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, portable DVD players, electronic game units larger than a smartphone and tavel printers/scanners Timeline: Airlines will have four days to implement the new security order or face being barred from flying to the United States AIRPORTS Mohammed V. Int'l - Casablanca, Morocco
Ataturk Int'l - Istanbul, Turkey
Queen Alia Int'l - Amman, Jordan
Cairo Int'l - Cairo, Egypt
King Abdulaziz Int'l - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
King Khalid Int'l - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi Int'l - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai Int'l - Dubai, UAE
Kuwait Int'l - Kuwait City, Kuwait
Hamad Int'l - Doha, Qatar AIRLINES Royal Jordanian
Egyptair
Turkish Airlines
Saudi Arabian Airlines
Kuwait Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Qatar Airways
Emirates Air
Ethiad Airways U.K. BOUND FLIGHTS Carry-on OK: Electronics smaller 16cm long by 9.3cm wide by 1.5cm deep Will need to be checked: Any electronic larger than that size Timeline: Airlines will be allowed to implement the new rules at their leisure COUNTRIES Turkey
Lebanon
Jordan
Egypt
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About 50 flights a day, all on foreign carriers, will be impacted in the U.S.. Officials said no U.S.-based airlines have non-stop flights from those cities to the United States, so they will not be impacted.
The officials said the decision was prompted by 'evaluated intelligence' about ongoing potential threats to airplanes bound for the United States. The officials would not discuss the timing of the intelligence or if any particular terror group is thought to be planning an attack.
CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the ban on electronics on certain airlines was related to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and that some information came from a recent U.S. special forces raid in Yemen. The group has planned several foiled bombing attempts on Western-bound airlines.
At the daily White House press briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer said that 'elevated intelligence' about international terrorism led the U.S. to make the chance.
Spicer, who was reading aloud from a Department of Homeland Security statement, did not explain what made the intelligence assessment 'elevated.' But a different White House spokesman told DailyMail.com after Spicer's daily briefing that he meant to cite 'evaluated' intelligence.
That wording matched a statement that DHS issued earlier in the day.
'Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items,' the agency said.
At the daily White House press briefing, Press Secretary Sean Spicer (pictured) said that 'elevated intelligence' about international terrorism led the U.S. to make the chance
'Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States.'
Spicer punted further questions to the Transportation Security Administration.
The new carry on restrictions come a little more than a year after the bombing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, a flight from Somalia to Djibouti.
The bombing took out a piece of the plane a little more than a row, but only resulted in the death of the bomber and two other injuries. It was believed that the bomb was rigged to a timer device on the bomber's laptop.
The flight had been delayed by 20 minutes, so it was believed that the timing of the bomb was premature and may have been intended to occur about halfway through the flight.
Since it occurred earlier though, the plane was not yet at its cruising altitude which would have been more dangerous. The pilots were able to land the jet safely.
The new carry on restrictions come a little more than a year after the bombing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, a flight from Somalia to Djibouti. The bombing took out a piece of the plane a little more than a row, but only resulted in the death of the bomber and two other injuries
It was believed that the bomb was rigged to a timer device on the bomber's laptop
The ban would affect laptops, iPads, cameras and most other electronics. Royal Jordanian Airlines tweeted about the ban Monday, telling passengers that medical devices would be allowed onboard with passengers.
Details of the ban were first disclosed by Royal Jordanian and the official news agency of Saudi Arabia.
In its statement, Royal Jordanian said the electronics ban would affect its flights to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal.
Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at the Rand Corp., said the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible attack. There could be concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders - airport or airline employees - in some countries, he said.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly phoned lawmakers over the weekend to brief them on aviation security issues that have prompted the impending electronics ban, according a congressional aide briefed on the discussion. The aide was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The administration officials who briefed reporters about the ban said foreign officials were told about the impending order starting Sunday.
A U.S. government official said such a ban has been considered for several weeks. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose the internal security discussions by the federal government.
The ban would begin just before Wednesday's meeting of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group in Washington. A number of top Arab officials were expected to attend the State Department gathering. It was unclear whether their travel plans were related to any increased worry about security threats.
Another aviation-security expert, Jeffrey Price, said there could be downsides to the policy.
'There would be a huge disadvantage to having everyone put their electronics in checked baggage,' said Price, a professor at Metropolitan State University of Denver. He said thefts from baggage would skyrocket, as when Britain tried a similar ban in 2006, and some laptops have batteries that can catch fire - an event easier to detect in the cabin than the hold.
Most major airports in the United States have a computer tomography or CT scanner for checked baggage, which creates a detailed picture of a bag's contents. They can warn an operator of potentially dangerous material, and may provide better security than the X-ray machines used to screen passengers and their carry-on bags. All checked baggage must be screened for explosives.
In December, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani signed a Charter of Citizens Rights, supposedly to serve as a guide for the government in observance and advancement of the fundamental rights of the nation of Iran.
In it, the government pledged, among other provisions, non-discrimination and equality before the law irrespectiveof religion.
In recent days, that pledge appears to have been broken repeatedly.
The New York based Center for Human Rights in Iran reports that one of the seven Bahai leaders who were arrested in 2008 and are serving a ten year prison sentence because of their faith, has not been accorded the early release he is entitled to under the law. His family says that Behrouz Tavakkoli, an elderly former Baha'i community leader who has spent nearly nine years in prison for his faith, suffers from heart disease and is in urgent need of an operation and care he cannot get in prison. Prisoners of conscience are often denied medical care in Iran, and Bahais remain one of the most persecuted religious minorities in the country.
In late February, Mohabat News reports that the IRGC arrested two Christian converts - a mother and her son, Anousheh Rezabakhsh and Soheil Zargarzadeh Sani -- in the city of Urmia. Their Bibles and other religious literature were seized in the raid. UN Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in Iran Asma Jahangir expressed concern in her recent report over the targeting and harsh treatment of Iranian Christians from Muslim backgrounds, as well as members of various Sufi groups...considered deviant faiths.
In yet another case, the Center for Human rights in Iran notes that Mohammad Ali Taheri, founder of a spiritual arts and healing group, who was supposed to be released from prison in May 2016 after serving a five year sentence for insulting the sacred, has again been tried on a charge for which he had previously been acquitted corruption on earth - which could result in the death penalty.
President Donald Trump has noted that religious freedom, like all fundamental human rights, is not a gift from government:
Freedom of religion is a sacred right, but it is also a right under threat all around us, and the world is under serious, serious threat in so many different ways.
It is past time the Iranian government lives up to its Charter of Civil Rights, as well as its long standing international obligations to respect the religious freedom of the Iranian people.
Virginia's governor has pardoned four former sailors known as the 'Norfolk Four' after they were convicted 20 years ago of rape and murder based on intimidating police interrogations.
A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe confirmed on Tuesday that he had granted absolute pardons for the men - Eric Wilson, Danial Williams, Joseph Dick and Derek Tice - in the 1997 rape and killing of Michelle Moore-Bosko.
DNA evidence linked another man, Omar Ballard, to the crimes. He said he was solely responsible and is serving a life sentence.
The 'Norfolk Four' were stationed at the Navy base in Norfolk. Their case drew widespread attention when their innocence claims were backed by dozens of former FBI agents, ex-prosecutors and crime novelist John Grisham.
Derek Tice (left), Danial Williams (middle), Joseph Dick (right) and Eric Wilson have been pardoned by Virginia's governor 20 years after they convicted of rape and murder
One of the men Eric Wilson (above in 1998) said Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe had given the men their lives back by giving them full pardons
The group were all convicted of being involved in the rape and murder of Michelle Moore-Bosk (left) in 1997
One of the men, Eric Wilson, said McAuliffe has 'given us our lives back with these full pardons.'
'We have been haunted by these wrongful convictions for 20 years, which have created profound pain, hardships, and stress for each of us and our families. We now look forward to rebuilding our reputations and our lives,' Wilson said in a statement.
Three of the men - Danial Williams, Joseph Dick and Derek Tice - were granted conditional pardons in 2009 by then-Gov. Tim Kaine and released from prison because of doubts about their guilt, but their convictions remained on the books.
Wilson, who was convicted only of rape, had already been released.
Wilson failed to get his conviction overturned in court because he had already completed his sentence when he brought the challenge. Because Wilson is a convicted rapist, he was forced to register as a sex offender and barred from adopting his stepson.
A federal judge vacated Williams and Dick's convictions in October, declaring that 'no sane human being' could find them guilty. Tice had his convictions erased in 2009.
Williams (left) and Tice (right), both in their uniforms, were found guilty of rape and murder for the 1997 slaying of Moore-Bosko
Wilson (left), who was convicted only of rape, had already been released by the time the others were given a partial pardon in 2009. Dick (right) was freed that year because of doubts over his guilt, but his conviction remained on the books until now
A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe (above) confirmed that the governor has granted absolute pardons for the men in the 1997 rape and killing of Michelle Moore-Bosko
Attorneys for the men argued absolute pardons from the governor carried greater weight than court rulings and were essential to helping the men rebuild their lives and reputations.
They had long said they confessed only after being intimidated by police.
'These pardons close the final chapter on a grave injustice that has plagued these four men for nearly 20 years,' McAuliffe spokesman Brian Coy said in an email.
George Kendall, an attorney for Dick, called on the state to conduct an investigation into how the prosecutions went wrong in order to prevent 'future miscarriages of justice.'
A police photo shows the apartment where Moore-Bosko's body was found in 1997
'The 'Norfolk Four' and their families have lost 20 years of their lives because of the systemic failure of the Norfolk police department to seek justice and truth in this case. It's not enough to legally right this specific wrong,' Kendall said in a statement.
Omar Ballard admitted sole responsibility for the killing and is serving a life sentence
Williams, who lived in the same apartment building as Moore-Bosko, has said he was told he would face a capital murder charge - punishable by death - if he didn't confess. He said he caved because he wanted the 11-hour interrogation to be over.
'I just couldn't take it anymore,' Williams said during an April 2015 hearing. 'I couldn't take being called a liar, the pressure.'
Dick also has said he was threatened with the death penalty.
The detective who questioned the men, Robert Glenn Ford, was convicted in 2011 of extortion and lying to the FBI in unrelated cases. He is serving 12-and-a-half years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars from drug dealers in exchange for getting them favorable treatment at sentencing.
The only living person to ever shoot an American president has been enjoying a quiet and uneventful life in the six months since he was released from the psychiatric facility where he spent the past three decades.
John Hinckley Jr., 61, was released from St. Elizabeths on September 10 of last year and into the care of his 91-year-old mother Joann, who the court has ordered him to live with for at least one year.
Halfway through that time, Hinckley has done nothing remarkable and is practically a ghost according to a new story about the would-be assassin in New York magazine.
Hinckley volunteers at a church, works as a bookseller on Amazon under an anonymous handle, and even those in his mother's neighborhood where residents previously voiced concerns about him being set free say they never see him in public.
There are still many who object to his release however, believing he should spend the rest of his life removed from the public after shooting President Ronald Reagan and three others on March 30, 1981 outside the Hilton in Washington DC.
In a note that was found soon after, Hinckley stated that he committed the unthinkable crime to get the attention of actress Jodie Foster after stalking her for years.
Hinckley would send letters and even call the actress at Yale after developing an unhealthy obsession with her when he saw 'Taxi Driver.'
And it seems that obsession with women continued during his time in institutional psychiatric care.
Hinckley had multiple lovers while at St. Elizabeths, the mental hospital where he was sent after a jury determined him to be not guilty by reason of insanity just months after the shooting, including a woman with severe schizophrenia and a DC housewife who had murdered her own daughter.
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Free as a bird: John Hinckley (above in 2014 walking near his mother's home) has been free for six months and living with his mother Joann at her home in Williamsburg, Virginia
Hinckley loves: A new story about Hinckley details his relationships with a number of women while he was at St Elizabeths psychiatric facility in Washington DC (Leslie deVeau on the left, Cynthia Bruce on the right)
Horror scene: Hinckley, 61, was sent to St Elizabeths in 2001 after shooting President Ronald Reagan (above) and three other men in an attempt to get the attention of Jodie Foster
The conditions of Hinckley's release are lengthy and incredibly specific, but for good reason.
In addition to living with his mother and continuing to seek treatment, Hinckley may not travel more than 50 miles outside his home, must maintain some sort of job or volunteer work, and is not allowed to consume alcohol or drugs with the exception of the Zooloft he takes for depression and the prophylactic dose of Risperdal he consumes under his mother's supervision for his psychosis.
A judge also instructed Hinckley that under no circumstances may he attempt to contact: Jodie Foster and her family, the family of President Reagan, the family of James Brady, Thomas Delahanty and his family, and Timothy McCarthy and any member of his family.
Brady was Reagan's press secretary, Delahanty a Secret Service agent and McCarthy a police office who were also wounded when Hinckley fired off six shots at the president.
None of the men died that day, but when Brady did pass away in 2014 his death was ruled a homicide by the medical examiner, who said that the bullet wound he suffered in 1981 ultimately caused his death.
Mugshot: Hinckley shortly after shooting four men, including President Reagan
To eliminate any possibility of Hinckley attempting something like that again, the court also ordered that he not travel to any area where the 'current or former presidents, vice presidents, or members of Congress' will be, while also requiring him to give details of any car he is travelling in and the license plate number to the Secret Service.
The Secret Service continues to follow him at times as well as a safety precaution.
Hinckley was also told to not contact Jeanette Wick, the chief pharmacist at St. Elizabeths.
He was accused of stalking her during his time at the facility, with Wick testifying that on March of 1995 she let Hinckley borrow a book, and he soon began to show up unannounced at her office.
Hinckley also made Wick a tape with a love song featuring the pet name she used for her daughter she testified, also claiming that the patient had been gathering personal information on her schedule with her child.
Soon after she informed Hinckley that he could no longer visit or see her so frequently, but it did not deter him, and on one occasion he showed up with a package forcing her to file an incident report she claims.
Even after this though he would still appear and stare her down when she was in his building Wick testified, and Hinkley did not dispute the claims.
In the beginning: Hinckley (left in 1981) was aimless and unemployed when he developed his fascination with Jodie Foster (collage of the actress found with Hinckley's possessions right)
Sweet nothings: One of the notes that Hinckley sent Foster just weeks before he shot Reagan (above)
Different paths: Hinckley in a photograph taken outside the White House in 1981 (left); Foster in Taxi Driver (right)
At the time, Hinckley was in the middle of what would be a 20-year relationship with Leslie deVeau, who was also a patient at St Elizabeths.
After dropping one of her children off a swim practice on March of 1992, deVeau returned home and shot dead her 10-year-old daughter while she was sleeping in bed.
She then turned the gun on herself but failed in her attempt to take her own life, shooting her left shoulder instead and winding up an amputee.
The mother-of-four was admitted to St. Elizabeths just before Hinckley after being charged with second-degree murder for killing her daughter.
Hinckley and deVeau formed an unlikely bond, and it only grew stronger after Hinckley attempted to take his own life in 1983 by overdosing on prescription pills. It was his third attempt at suicide.
In her lone interview, back in 1999 with The New Yorker, deVeau explained the lengths the two went to in order to communicate after that suicide attempt, with Hinckley under strict instruction not to speak with other patients.
The two left handwritten notes taped under the cafeteria tables she said and soon began signing 'I love you' to one another.
Hinckley was soon able to speak with other patients again and on his birthday in 1983 asked deVeau to marry him during a dance social between their two wards.
DeVeau also got to go home with Hinckley on Christmas in 1985 for his first trip away from the facility, where the two began having sex for the first time until they were interrupted by Hinckley's father.
At that time deVeau had her own apartment on the grounds but would visit Hinckley on the weekends, with the two allowed to hold hands and kiss.
She was released in 1990 and the following year Hinckley moved into a medium-security ward allowing the two to have sexual relations for the first time.
'It was more than just exciting because it was loving,' said deVeau.
The relationship kept going for more than a decade, and even managed to survive Wick's testimony against Hinckley in which she accused him of being obsessed with her.
Love shack: Hinckley dated a strong of women at St Elizabeths (above) and was free to be more intimate with his paramours as he moved into lower security buildings
Home sweet home: Hinckley cannot travel further than 50 miles from his mother's home (above)
These days: Hinckley (left in 2014) is now single and working as an Amazon bookseller, while also volunteering at a local church near his mother's home (Joann right in 2014)
Hinckley and deVue split however in 2004, with Hinckley then moving on to a relationship with another patient, Cynthia Bruce.
He began dating the 'severe schizophrenic' in 2010, and the pair were engaged the following year.
Hinckley had given the woman several rings in the first year of their relationship he told a hospital worker, including one that he believed was similar to the family heirloom Prince William gave to Kate Middleton when he asked for her hand in marriage.
That engagement was short lived however, and Hinckley eventually broke up with Bruce because she stopped being physically intimate with him, he told a worker.
Bruce, who is a devout Catholic, apparently got upset as well when Hinckley told her he would be spending more time at his mother's house in Virginia and less time with her.
Soon after his arrival at St. Elizabeth's, Hinckley was diagnosed with narcissistic and schizoid personality disorders, and he at times has shown complete control over them while other times exhibiting concerning signs.
In 1987, after applying to a court for home visits, his hospital room was searched and staff found photos and letters showing a continued obsession with Jodie Foster.
He had also tried to find the address of mass killer Charles Manson and became a pen pal of serial killer Ted Bundy.
As a result he was denied the chance for home release and his parents, who had moved to Virginia from Colorado, despaired that he would never be set free.
But in 1999 a court granted him limited release to spend time with his parents, elder sister Diane, 61, and brother Scott, 64.
These ended up being revoked after he was found to have smuggled material about Foster back into his hospital room.
By 2005 he was granted permission to spend three nights a month at his parents home after psychiatrists for the Government agreed his psychotic disorder was in full remission.
His at home stays were increased to 17 days a month soon after, and it was argued he was providing a service to his mother by being home after the passing of his father in 2008.
Hinckley continued to prove he was not a threat to the public and then, this past Septembe,r he was granted a release from the facility.
He will remain with his mother, and is anything should happen to her his brother or sister will have to move in, but if things continue for the next six months as they have since September, he will be free to live alone later this year.
Hinckley has also met a new women and is thinking about starting a band. If he does however, he could end up back at St. Elizabeths.
The conditions of his release forbid him from 'any public musical performance either individually or with a group' fore fear it will ignite his narcissism
A Pennsylvania high school student on Tuesday sued his school district, saying its transgender-friendly policy constitutes sexual harassment and a violation of privacy.
The action, filed Tuesday with the Eastern District of Pennsylvania federal court, comes a few weeks after the Trump administration rescinded Obama-era regulations that had instructed schools to allow students to use bathrooms and locker rooms in line with their expressed gender identity as opposed to their sex assigned at birth.
In October, the plaintiff, a high-school junior identified as Joel Doe, was changing into gym clothes in the boys' locker room before the mandatory PE class when he saw a student, wearing shorts and a bra, according to the lawsuit.
An action filed by Alliance Defending Freedom aims to block a Boyertown Area's transgender policy that allows students to use the restroom and locker room of their choice (stock photo)
The second student had recently begun transitioning from female to male, said Kellie Fiedorek of the Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative group representing the student who brought the suit.
'Joel Doe experienced immediate confusion, embarrassment, humiliation, and loss of dignity upon finding himself in this circumstance,' the lawsuit says. After complaining to the school administration, Joel Doe was told that he had to 'tolerate' the situation and make it as 'natural' as possible.
'Our laws and customs have long recognized that we shouldn't have to undress in front of persons of the opposite sex,' said ADF Legal Counsel Kellie Fiedorek. 'But now some schools are forcing our children into giving up their privacy rights.'
Richard Faidley, superintendent of the Boyertown Area School District, which is being sued, declined to comment.
Kellie Fiedorek (left) is part of of the Alliance Defending Freedom group representing 'Joel Doe.' Eliza Byard (right), executive director of Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, said a lawsuit was not necessary to resolve the issue
Eliza Byard, executive director of Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network, said the situation could have easily been resolved without a lawsuit had the school made the necessary arrangements for the student who feels uneasy. Byard said the school could have let 'Joel Doe' use single occupancy or staff bathrooms and locker rooms.
'The existence of a transgender person living their life appropriately at school cannot constitute sexual harassment,' Byard said. 'It might make another student uncomfortable and in that case, there is a common sense legal remedy of providing separate accommodations to the student who feels uncomfortable.'
Byard said rescinding the Obama guidance has created uncertainty and led to discrimination against transgender children.
'The actions of our current administration have created confusion and a perceived opportunity to roll back the support currently available to trans students across the country,' Byard said.
After the Obama regulations were rolled back, it is now up to the states to interpret anti-discrimination laws when deciding how students can use school facilities. Facing criticism, Education Secretary Betsy DeVos met with several transgender families earlier this month and vowed to protect all students.
Amelia Roskin-Frazee is suing Columbia claiming it did nothing to protect her from being raped on-campus twice
A lesbian Columbia student is suing the university claiming it did nothing to protect her from a rapist who penetrated her with scissors and asked 'still a d*ke?' while she was tied up with an iPhone charger in her dorm room.
Amelia Roskin-Frazee agreed to be identified on Tuesday after filing a lawsuit against the university at Manhattan's Federal Court.
The 20-year-old claims to have been raped twice by the same man while living in Hartley Hall dormitory - once in October 2015, when he attacked her in her bed, and again in December 2015, when she says he raped her with a pair of scissors.
She is suing the university which she said knew about the first attack but did nothing to prevent the second.
She has since reported both alleged incidents to the NYPD and is in contact with its Special Victims Unit which would not discuss her case on Tuesday.
The first alleged attack took place on October 5, 2015. The creative writing student says she was asleep in her room when she woke up to the man, who she has still not been able to identify, raping her in her bed.
She said she passed out from the pain during the attack and fell unconscious again after he left.
The second took place on December 14, 2015, after she allegedly informed university officials about the first rape and was turned down when she requested to change rooms because she felt unsafe.
This time, she said the man was waiting for her when she returned home at night.
'As soon as she opened the door, she was pushed in to her room from behind. The room was completely dark and (she) turned to run out but her assailant pushed her to the ground.'
The student, 20, claims that she was attacked both times in Hartley Hall, her Manhattan dormitory
'Her assailant pulled off her shorts and underwear, tied her hands above her head to her desk chair with her underwear and an iPhone charging chord, and shoved her shorts into her mouth,' the lawsuit reads.
The man then penetrated her with 'several foreign objects including a hairbrush, a pair of scissors and a razor'.
'(She) screamed as her assailant cut her thighs with the razor blade....plaintiff's assailant whispered into her ear "Still a d*ke?" as he penetrated her with a pair of scissors.'
He left her tied up and naked, it continued.
The next day, Amelia claimed to have received treatment in hospital for vaginal tearing, cuts to her wrists and thighs and several bruises on her legs.
The lawsuit states that she chose not to report the first incident to police immediately because she did not want it to become public information.
She however contacted the university's medical services to seek treatment for injuries but claims she struggled to get an appointment. When she was eventually seen, she said medical staff told her not to have 'such rough sex'.
The student then said she contacted the university's sexual violence hotline where she says a worker told her that even though she was a lesbian, she 'should be on birth control'.
After requesting to change rooms because she no longer felt safe in hers, she said she was bounced between university workers who told her she would have to pay to be moved and that her parents would have to be involved.
Amelia has been campaigning for LGBT rights since she was 12. She claims her rapist whispered: 'Still a d*ke?' as he attacked he penetrated her with scissors
The first time she was contacted by Columbia staff about either incident was on January 19, 2016, when she said a worker from the Student Conduct and Community Standards office honed in on her from an anonymous survey.
She told them she did not wish to notify police, given her past experience with the university's handling of the first alleged rape.
The assailant, still unbeknownst to her at the time, then began harassing her in the shared dorm, the suit claims.
As soon as she opened the door, she was pushed in to her room from behind
She believes he was the author of a note on a public bulletin board which read 'Isn't it fun to wake up to someone f****** you?' and that in another, he offered to replace the iPhone charger she said he tied her up with.
Amelia formally reported both incidents to Student Conduct and Community Standards office on August 5, 2016 but claims she was told three days later that it would not investigate unless she could name her attacker.
She responded in an angry email and the university opened an investigation on September 8, the suit claims.
It closed its investigation on October 7 after failing to interview a single student, she said, and without reviewing any surveillance footage which had all been deleted.
Amelia claims she was told that it would have been able to investigate the tapes had she reported it sooner.
She told DailyMail.com on Tuesday that she reported both incidents to police on January 19 this year.
Detectives were unable to find a record of the report but the student insists the investigation is ongoing.
She is suing the university claiming it breached Title IX, which prohibits gender discrimination across educational institutions, by not providing her alternative accommodation or investigating her allegations.
Columbia declined to comment on the allegations on Tuesday, citing its policy not to issue statements during active litigation.
'None of this diminishes the deep concern we feel about any allegation of assault on our campuses,' spokesman Robert Hornsby said of it.
Amelia is still a student at the university and is due to graduate in 2019. She now lives in an off-campus apartment.
The White House said Ivanka Trump will voluntarily follow a series of government ethics rules when she takes up residence in her new West Wing office though leading ethics experts are calling for her to be bound by them.
'Ivanka has taken on several measures to promote high standards of ethical conduct,' White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday when asked about the unusual arrangement, which will give the president's daughter a security clearance, and office, and a government communications device.
'Even though she's not a federal employee, she'll follow the restrictions that would apply if she were,' Spicer said, speaking briskly after he got a question about it. 'She's taking these steps with the advice of counsel and in consultation with the Office of Government Ethics,' Spicer said, before moving on to the next question.
The White House said Monday that the president's daughter, who served at his side on 'The Apprentice,' would be getting a West Wing office.
'Ivanka has taken on several measures to promote high standards of ethical conduct,' the White House said Tuesday, as ethics experts questioned her new West Wing office just steps away from the president
It was only the latest confirmation of Ivanka's status as a close counsel to her father.
When German Chancelor Angela Merkel visited the White House last week, she was seated next to Ivanka at an official meeting on apprenticeships. Top German company execs also were there.
Trump moved to town after her father began his term, and her husband Jared Kushner took an unpaid position as one of Trump's leading advisors.
Under the unusual arrangement, Ivanka, 35, will get a government-issued phone as well as some of the best real estate in Washington, D.C., space just steps from the Oval Office.
She will be in the office next to Dina Habib Powell, who advises Ivanka Trump on women's work issues, and who was recently elevated to the National Security staff.
'This is not something weve seen before,' said Jordan Liebowitz of Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, a watchdog group. 'If shes providing advice on an economic policy that could some way affect her business, thats a conflict.'
GOOD ACCESS: German Chancellor Angela Merkel (L) speaks with Ivanka Trump during a roundtable discussion on vocational training with United States and German business leaders in the Cabinet Room of the White House
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN? Ivanka Trump and husband Jared Kushner will both be working in the White House while her father runs the country
Ivanka Trump is one of her father's closest advisors. In this Feb. 1, 2017 file photo, President Donald Trump and his daughter Ivanka Trump walk to board Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington
Trump's lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, told Politico : 'Our view is that the conservative approach is for Ivanka to voluntarily comply with the rules that would apply if she were a government employee, even though she is not.'
Some top ethics lawyers aren't so keen on the idea.
Richard Painter, former top White House ethics lawyer for Republican President George W. Bush, said: It is very important for the White House to acknowledge she is an employee and not play games.
ALL WORK AND NO PLAY: Ivanka Trump looks the part as she hits the slopes for some skiing in Aspen Colorado last weekend
IT'S ALL DOWNHILL FROM HERE: Trump will get an office, a government phone, and a security clearance, but aides say she will forego a salary, since she won't be a formal government employee
Painter told Fox News: They have given her an office. Im assuming they will give her the devices which she needs, because the last thing we need is to be playing Hillary games on a private server. Shes going to get security clearance -- she is a government employee.'
You dont need to be full time or have a salary to be considered a government employee, Painter said.
A 1967 law states that a public official 'may not appoint, employ, promote, advance or advocate for appointment, employment, promotion, or advancement in or to a civilian position in the agency in which he is serving over or which he exercises jurisdiction.'
The White House argues that the post-Kennedy statute applies to agencies and not the White House itself.
She said in a statement Monday: 'While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees.'
White House press secretary Sean Spicer said Tuesday that 'elevated intelligence' about international terrorism led the federal government to ban laptop computers and other large electronics from carry-on bags on planes entering the U.S. from 10 Middle Eastern and North African airports.
Spicer, who was reading aloud from a Department of Homeland Security statement, did not explain what made the intelligence assessment 'elevated.' But a different White House spokesman told DailyMail.com after Spicer's daily briefing that he meant to cite 'evaluated' intelligence.
That wording matched a statement that DHS issued earlier in the day.
'Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items,' the agency said.
'Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the United States.'
Spicer punted further questions to the Transportation Security Administration.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday misread a Department of Homeland Security statement about a change in airline security policy, incorrectly describing 'evaluated intelligence' as 'elevated intelligence'
The change in U.S. policy is a new ban on certain carry-on electronics from nonstop flights to America from 10 airports in the Middle East and North Africa; The UK's similar policy targets flights from a smaller list of airports
Airlines flying from the 10 mentioned airports will have four days to implement the new ban on carry on electronics including laptops, tablets and cameras (file image shown)
The British government joined announced hours earlier that it would join the U.S. in the electronics ban.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said Tuesday morning in announcing its new policy that passengers on airlines flying directly to the U.S. from 10 airports in eight countries would soon be allowed to bring only cellphones on board.
ITEMS THAT WILL NOW HAVE TO BE CHECKED ON U.S.-DIRECT FLIGHTS FROM THE LISTED AIRPORTS Laptops
Tablets
E-readers
Cameras
Portable DVD players
Electronic game units larger than a smartphone
Travel printers/scanners Advertisement
Other electronics, including laptops and tablets, will be indefinitely banned from the passenger cabin, and must be placed in checked baggage if they are brought on the plane at all.
Spicer on Tuesday articulated the new policy by first stating, incorrectly, that it would apply to airplanes headed to the U.S. from 10 countries and then later describing the program accurately as affecting 'ten airports.'
U.S. officials have not elaborated on what prompted TSA's announcement.
CNN reported Tuesday that the intelligence involves al Qaeda in the Arab Peninsula (AQAP) is specifically the cause for the changes.
'As you can imagine, I can't talk about the intelligence that we have,' Spicer said during his Tuesday briefing. 'I can just tell you that the steps that are being taken are appropriate, commensurate with the intelligence that we have.'
He also defended a plan to give foreign governments 96 hours to comply with the policy change, saying that 'implementing something of this nature in that timeframe is pretty darn quick.'
'You have to provide appropriate notification to the host country, to the host airlines, and give them opportunity to get those procedures in place,' Spicer explained.
The British and American bans differ in which countries they target, and how they are implemented.
The U.S. names more countries in its list, applying the new restrictions on flights coming from international airports in Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City, Kuwait; Cairo,Egypt; Istanbul, Turkey; Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; Casablanca, Morocco; Doha, Qatar; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
The U.K. ban applies more simply to incoming flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
The new carry on restrictions come a little more than a year after the bombing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, a flight from Somalia to Djibouti. The bombing took out a piece of the plane a little more than a row, but only resulted in the death of the bomber and two other injuries
AIRPORTS AND AIRLINES IMPACTED BY THE CARRY ON BAN U.S. bound flights AIRLINES Royal Jordanian
Egyptair
Turkish Airlines
Saudi Arabian Airlines
Kuwait Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Qatar Airways
Emirates Air
Ethiad Airways AIRPORTS Mohammed V. Int'l - Casablanca, Morocco
Ataturk Int'l - Istanbul, Turkey
Queen Alia Int'l - Amman, Jordan
Cairo Int'l - Cairo, Egypt
King Abdulaziz Int'l - Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
King Khalid Int'l - Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Abu Dhabi Int'l - Abu Dhabi, UAE
Dubai Int'l - Dubai, UAE
Kuwait Int'l - Kuwait City, Kuwait
Hamad Int'l - Doha, Qatar U.K. bound flights Airlines British Airways
EasyJet
Jet2.com
Monarch
Thomas Cook
Thomson Countries Turkey
Lebanon
Jordan
Egypt
Tunisia
Saudi Arabia Advertisement
When asked by the BBC why the U.S. list of nations differs from the U.K.'s, a spokesman for Prime Minister Theresa May said: 'We have each taken our own decisions.'
While American officials have given the airlines four days to implement the security order or face being barred from flying to the United States, in Britain they are being allowed to implement the new measures at their leisure.
About 50 flights a day, all on foreign carriers, will be impacted in the U.S. Officials said no U.S.-based airlines have non-stop flights from those cities to the United States, so they will not be impacted.
The officials said the decision was prompted by 'evaluated intelligence' about ongoing potential threats to airplanes bound for the United States. The officials would not discuss the timing of the intelligence or if any particular terror group is thought to be planning an attack.
CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the ban on electronics on certain airlines was related to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and that some information came from a recent U.S. special forces raid in Yemen. The group has planned several foiled bombing attempts on Western-bound airlines.
It was believed that the bomb was rigged to a timer device on the bomber's laptop
The new carry on restrictions come a little more than a year after the bombing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159, a flight from Somalia to Djibouti.
The bombing took out a piece of the plane a little more than a row, but only resulted in the death of the bomber and two other injuries. It was believed that the bomb was rigged to a timer device on the bomber's laptop.
The flight had been delayed by 20 minutes, so it was believed that the timing of the bomb was premature and may have been intended to occur about halfway through the flight.
Since it occurred earlier though, the plane was not yet at its cruising altitude which would have been more dangerous. The pilots were able to land the jet safely.
The ban would affect laptops, iPads, cameras and most other electronics. Royal Jordanian Airlines tweeted about the ban Monday, telling passengers that medical devices would be allowed onboard with passengers.
Details of the ban were first disclosed by Royal Jordanian and the official news agency of Saudi Arabia.
In its statement, Royal Jordanian said the electronics ban would affect its flights to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal.
Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at the Rand Corp., said the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible attack. There could be concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders - airport or airline employees - in some countries, he said.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly phoned lawmakers over the weekend to brief them on aviation security issues that have prompted the impending electronics ban, according a congressional aide briefed on the discussion. The aide was not authorized to speak publicly about the issue and spoke on the condition of anonymity.
The administration officials who briefed reporters about the ban said foreign officials were told about the impending order starting Sunday.
A U.S. government official said such a ban has been considered for several weeks. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to disclose the internal security discussions by the federal government.
The ban would begin just before Wednesday's meeting of the U.S.-led coalition against the Islamic State group in Washington. A number of top Arab officials were expected to attend the State Department gathering. It was unclear whether their travel plans were related to any increased worry about security threats.
An Oklahoma couple and three grandparents are headed for trial in what law enforcement officials have described as one of the worse cases of child neglect they have ever seen involving twins babies girls who had a combined weight of just 16lbs.
The infants' parents, 24-year-old Aislyn Miller and 25-year-old Kevin Fowler, were arrested in December on five counts each of child neglect after their 9-month-old twins were hospitalized for extreme malnourishment.
The tiny girls, who together had the weight of one healthy baby their age, were found 'looking like skeletons' and suffering from severe diaper rash, infected wounds and gruesome bed sores.
Family headed for trial: Aislyn Miller, 24 (left), 25-year-old Kevin Fowler (center) and his mother, 65-year-old Rita Folwer (right), are headed for trial for allegedly neglecting and starving twin baby girls
The victims' maternal grandparents, 47-year-old Johnny Miller (left) and his wife, 54-year-old Cathey Miller (right), are also facing charges of child neglect and failure to report
Owasso police were called to the city's urgent care center after getting a report of suspected abuse based on the children's deplorable condition.
According to KJRH, a nurse told officers that she saw a maggot crawl out of one of the infant's genitals.
The other child had a piece of hair wrapped so tightly around her finger that it had festered and become a wound.
Feces were also found in one of the child's ears, reports alleged.
Miller told police that she and her husband didn't have experience taking care of babies, which is why their health was so poor.
She told police she didn't have health insurance and wasn't sure how to provide them healthcare, according to Tulsa World. Neither child had reportedly seen a doctor since birth.
The twins parental grandmother, 65-year-old Rita Fowler, was later arrested and charged with felony permitting child neglect and failing to report child neglect, a misdemeanor, reported Tulsa World.
Miller and Fowler's 9-month-old twins were hospitalized in Oklahoma in December while having a combined weight of just 16lbs. The couple also have two older children
Miller's parents, 47-year-old Johnny Miller and his wife, 54-year-old Cathey Miller, were also charged with child neglect and failure to report.
The girls, who are now 13 months old, have been in the custody of Department of Human Services since mid-December, when they were removed from their parents' filthy Owasso home, along with their two older siblings.
During a preliminary hearing held on Monday, DHS investigator Kristi Simpson, who was assigned to the case, described the babies' physical state at the time of their hospitalization four months ago as 'shocking and heinous.
Dr. Michael Baxter, who treated the twins last year, told Tulsa County District Court that they were severely underweight for children their ages and lagging in terms of their development. He also said that one of the girl had never learned to drink from a bottle.
Miller told police that she and her husband didn't have experience taking care of babies. The mother-of-four also complained she didn't have health insurance
The court also heard from a police detective who said that Rita Fowler, the girls' maternal grandmother, was charged because she last saw the children a month before their hospitalization and should have known they needed medical help but failed to act.
The womans attorney argued that no evidence was presented to show that the 65-year-old had willfully ignored her granddaughters dire state.
The girls' parents and Rita Fowler are due back in court next Monday for trial court arraignment.
The maternal grandparents are scheduled to appear before a judge on March 29 for their preliminary hearing.
The couple were arrested in December on five counts each of child neglect
A man has been awarded more than $3,000 in compensation after a court ruled he was falsely imprisoned for four minutes while police stopped him at a train station.
Sam Le, 24, was detained by two officers who demanded to see his Opal card, pension concession card and ID at Liverpool station, Sydney, in January last year.
Mr Le filmed their conversation on his mobile phone, with the footage revealing that one of the cops told him he could not leave despite him not being under arrest.
Sam Le, 24, has been awarded more than $3,000 in compensation after a court ruled he was falsely imprisoned for four minutes while police (pictured) stopped him at a train station
Mr Le was detained by two officers (one is pictured) who demanded to see his Opal card, pensioner concession card and ID at Liverpool station, Sydney, in January last year
In the footage, one of the officers is heard calling the man a 'smart a***' and asking if he 'had a problem listening'.
The video also shows one of the officers telling Mr Le - who refused to hand over his driving licence - that he is 'not leaving' until they had confirmed who he was.
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, a court heard that the police believed Mr Le may have stolen the disability concession card he was carrying because he appeared to be 'young and fit'.
However, Mr Le showed in court that he was on a disability pension and was entitled to the card.
It took a total of four minutes and 15 seconds for police to release Mr Le.
In his video, taken on his mobile phone, he says: 'So this officer is now demanding my driver's licence when I'm not even in a car.'
Mr Le filmed their conversation on his mobile phone, with the footage revealing that one of the cops told him he could not leave despite him not being under arrest
In the footage, one of the officers is heard calling the man a 'smart a***' and asking if he 'had a problem listening'
One of the policemen replies: 'Yeah, put it onto whatever social media you want. Be a hero.'
Mr Le is eventually told he is free to go and is seen changing platform while he continues to argue with the police.
Judge Matthew Dicker ruled that Mr Le had been falsely imprisoned by the police and awarded him $3,201 in damages.
The judge said the police had an 'honest suspicion' that the concession card Mr Le was carrying may have been stolen, but added that he was not held on 'reasonable' grounds.
He also said it was inappropriate for officers to call the man a 'smart a***'.
The judge added that the police could not force Mr Le to hand over his ID.
Judge Dicker said imprisonment did not necessarily involve force and ruled that Mr Le had been detained unlawfully, even though he was not put in handcuffs or physically stopped from leaving.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mr Le said he wanted to 'send a message to the police force that they can't just approach someone and demand their personal identification ... when a person has not committed any offence'.
'There's no reason for police to approach me demanding my ID [to] do further checks on me,' he said.
A man suspected of stabbing three men inside a Sydney gym before stealing Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver's BMW and robbing two service stations has been arrested after a 17-hour rooftop stand-off.
The man, who has been named as Ricky Kinchela, 27, is reportedly a diagnosed schizophrenic who has not taken his medication for months and was released from jail just two months ago.
Residents in Tighes Hill, Newcastle, were evacuated from their homes overnight after the man climbed onto a roof, but he finally came down at 5am and surrendered to police.
The father-of-one was checked over by paramedics before he was taken to a police station.
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A man (right) suspected of stabbing three men inside a Sydney gym before stealing Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver's BMW has been arrested after a 17-hour rooftop stand-off
The man, who has been named as Ricky Kinchela, 27, is reportedly a diagnosed schizophrenic who has not taken his medication for months and was released from jail just two months ago
The man, who was allegedly behind a triple-stabbing at a Sydney gym and a service station robbery rampage, had refused to get down from a rooftop surrounded by police
The arrest came after three men were stabbed at a fitness centre in Brookvale near Sydney's northern beaches about 8pm on Monday, before the alleged attacker fled in a stolen BMW.
It later emerged that the convertible car was owned by rugby boss Bill Pulver.
The same man is believed to have then allegedly carried out two armed robberies at service stations in Newcastle later that night, NSW Police said.
Some residents of the street were not being allowed inside their homes on Tuesday night with several roads blocked off for the police operation as the man refused to come down from the roof.
With the sun setting, police were using large spotlights on the man as he wandered on the roof in just a pair of shorts.
Sam Phillip Harrison, a resident in Mayfield, had finished work to find the scene with several ambulances, police cars and the operation in full swing.
It's believed the man is Ricky Kinchela, 27, a diagnosed schizophrenic who was released from jail two months ago after almost a decade behind bars for armed robberies
Mr Kinchela has been standing on top of the roof in the north-west suburb of Tighes Hill in a standoff with police that started at midday on Tuesday. NSW Police confirmed he remained there as of 9.30pm
Three men were taken to Royal North Shore hospitalised after they were stabbed at a gym on Pittwater Road in Brookvale in Sydney's Northern Beaches
He said the man didn't appear angry and wasn't responding to police.
'He doesn't look aggravated,' Mr Harrison said.
'He looks scarily calm about the whole thing.'
The first service station robbery occurred at Sandgate at about 9.45pm, when a man threatened a female worker, 38, with a knife and smashed the cash register.
He forced the register open and fled with the cash in the stolen BMW.
About 15 minutes later, at 10pm, a man walked into a second service station on Maitland Road and placed two chocolates on the counter.
Officers remained at the scene overnight after the man clambered onto a residential roof
CCTV showed the moment a man who had been stabbed fell to the ground inside a car park
The alleged attacker fled the scene in a stolen BMW and has been connected to two armed robberies in Newcastle later on Monday night (scene at the gym pictured)
As the 24-year-old employee opened the till, the man jumped onto the counter and produced a knife while demanding cash.
The employee complied and the man ran from the store and fled the service station with the stolen cash and car, police said.
Officers responding to the armed robbery saw the stolen vehicle leaving the service station and pursued, however it managed to evade police.
No one was injured during the robberies.
The alleged attacker fled the scene in a stolen BMW (scene at the gym is pictured)
Emergency services are pictured at the scene in Brookvale after three men were stabbed shortly after 8pm on Monday
The gym on Pittwater Road in Brookvale, Sydney's Northern Beaches, is pictured on Monday night
A crime scene was established at both service stations as police from Newcastle City conduct further inquiries.
The registration plate of the vehicle and description of the man matches that from the triple stabbing at the gym on Pittwater Road.
In that incident, he entered the gym 'agitated and aggressive' at about 8pm and approached four men and a trainer.
The man allegedly punched one of the men before producing a knife and stabbing three of the men, who were all taken to Royal North Shore Hospital.
The victims were named as Nicholas Worsley, 26, Daniel Fernandez, 29, and David Burns, 31.
Mr Fernandez was stabbed eight times in the neck and ear, the Daily Telegraph reported.
One of the men was taken straight in for surgery. All three are now in a stable condition.
The trainer managed to escape injury.
A distressed woman is pictured speaking on the phone at the scene of the stabbing
The man allegedly punched one of the men before producing a knife and stabbing three of the men (scene pictured)
The White House on Tuesday claimed that the alleged rape and sodomy of a 14-year-old girl by two teenage boys, one of whom immigrated to the country illegally, reinforces the need for stricter border security and deportation rules.
Press Secretary Sean Spicer called the assault 'tragic...horrendous...horrible and disgusting' and said schools should be a place where children are safe.
'But I think part of the reason that the president has made illegal immigration and crack down such a big deal is because of tragedies like this,' he told a local reporter who had asked him about the Maryland attack in the context of unlawful immigration.
He said a few moments later, 'Immigration pays its toll on our people... if its not done legally, and this is another example, and this is why the president is so passionate about this.'
The White House on Tuesday claimed that the alleged rape and sodomy of a 14-year-old girl by two teenage boys, one of whom immigrated to the country illegally, reinforces the need for stricter border security and deportation rules
Spicer acknowledged the 'human side' of the crime before he addressed the immigration question that had been posed by the reporter, Fox 5's Ronica Cleary.
He revealed in his comments that the unidentified girl was who brutalized was an immigrant herself.
'This young woman, in particular, fought to come to this country legally...and to think that this kind of tragedy would occur to someone who personally endured that kind of struggle, to come to this nation and then face this is reprehensible, and it is not who we are as a country.'
US schools are obligated to give all children equal access to education, regardless of their legal status - a requirement the Departments of Justice and Education reminded public institutions of in 2014 guidance.
High schoolers charged: Henry Sanchez, 18 (pictured) and Jose Montano, 17, have been charged with raping a 14-year-old female classmate in a Maryland high school bathroom
A 1982 Supreme Court ruling, Phyler v. Doe, dictates this aspect of school enrollment.
Cleary asked Spicer during his daily briefing if incidents like this one shape the president's opinion on rules that prohibit the schools from asking about enrollees' immigration status.
Spicer said the assault is 'troubling' - then declared public education a state and local issue. He did not mention the Supreme Court case.
'I think it is cause for concern, what happened there,' the White House official said. 'The city should look at its policies, and I think that this is something authorities are going to have to look at.'
Rockville has considered proclaiming itself a sanctuary city - one that does not deport illegal immigrants unless they have committed a violent crime - but it is not one currently. Montgomery County has a liberal immigration policy. So does the state of Maryland.
Disturbing new details emerged Monday in the case of the 14-year-old Rockville, Maryland, female who was allegedly assaulted by two teenage classmates in a men's bathroom stall on their campus.
The incident happened Thursday morning at Rockville High School in Montgomery County, leading to the arrests of 17-year-old Jose Montano, from El Salvador, and 18-year-old Henry Sanchez, from Guatemala, on charges of first-degree rape and first-degree sexual assault.
A probable cause statement filed on Friday at the Montgomery County District Court by the arresting officer painted a harrowing picture of the rape, based on an interview with the alleged victim and physical evidence gathered at the scene.
According to the court document, obtained by the station WJLA, Montano and Sanchez accosted the girl in the hallway at around 9am Thursday.
The girl knew only one of the teens, Montano, who allegedly asked her for a hug, then slapped her butt and asked her to walk with them.
As the trio were passing by a boys bathroom on the way to the gym, the 17-year-old Montano repeatedly asked the girl to have sex with him and his friend, and when she refused they allegedly forced her into the restroom.
The probable cause document describes the assault in extremely graphic detail, recounting how the alleged victim grabbed onto a sink to avoid being forced into a stall, but the two suspects shoved her inside.
Once in the stall, the document states that Montano allegedly opened the girl's top and 'pulled her breasts out to play with,' then unbuckled her pants and pulled them down.
The alleged attack took place inside a boys' bathroom at Rockville High School during school hours
The two teenagers then allegedly proceeded to take turns holding down the young girl while forcing her to perform oral sex on them and raping her both vaginally and anally on the toilet multiple times while communicating with one another in Spanish.
Throughout the ordeal, the document stated, the victim screamed out in pain and repeatedly told Montano and Sanchez to stop.
After the horrific attack, police said Sanchez covered the victims head with his coat and led her out of the bathroom as Montano ordered her to be quiet.
The freshman girl immediately reported the assault to school administrators and law enforcement officials were summoned to the scene to investigate.
A forensic expert was later able to recover physical evidence in the form of blood and semen from the bathroom stall.
Sanchez entered the US illegally from Guatemala via Mexico seven months ago, Fox News reported. He was detained by a Border Patrol agent in Rio Valley Grande, Texas, then let go, with orders to appear before a judge.
His hearing has not been scheduled yet, the news outlet said.
He is now facing deportation proceedings and has a pending 'alien removal' case against him, according to the Washington Post.
Montano arrived from El Salvador about eight months ago. Immigration and Customs Enforcement won't report on his immigration status because he is a minor.
Despite their age, both the boys were placed in the ninth grade.
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Dr Jack Smith on Monday told Fox 5 that Sanchez and Montano were enrolled in the Rockville school's multidisciplinary program for English learners.
Video courtesy of WJLA
Montano is charged as an adult, but police have not released his booking photo.
On Friday, Rockville High School sent a letter to parents addressing the incident and the arrests, according to WUSA.
'Ensuring a safe, secure and welcoming learning environment for all of our students is our top priority. Our staff remains vigilant in the monitoring of our school each and every day,' the note said in part.
Gboyinde Onijala, a spokeswoman for the Montgomery County Public Schools, said that staff at Rockville High will increase monitoring of the hallways and bathrooms. The school has one school resource officer.
Spicer on Tuesday said. 'There's many facets of this case that deserve question.'
Noting that one of the students was 18, he asked, 'How does that person get put into the 9th grade?
'I will leave it to authorities to get through,' he said, remarking that the investigation is in its early stages. 'There's a lot that needs to get addressed with respect to this case in particular.'
Its been three years since Russia seized and occupied Ukraines Crimean peninsula.
Russia then staged an illegitimate referendum in which residents of Crimea were compelled to vote, while heavily armed foreign forces occupied their land, noted
Acting State Department Spokesperson Mark Toner in a recent press statement.
The United States, he said, does not recognize Russias [so-called] referendum of March 16, 2014, nor its attempted annexation of Crimea and continued violation of international law. We once again reaffirm our commitment to Ukraines sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Since the occupation of Crimea three years ago, Russian authorities have moved systematically to suppress dissent in the peninsula. Human rights monitors have documented enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and punitive psychiatric hospitalizations, said Mr. Toner. Crimean Tatars, ethnic Ukrainians, pro-Ukrainian activists, and independent journalists have been subjected to politically motivated prosecution and ongoing repression.
Mr. Toner noted that Russian occupation authorities have silenced and forced the closure of nongovernmental organizations and independent media. International observers have been denied access to the peninsula.
In addition, the State Departments most recent reports on the state of human rights, as well as on the condition of religious freedom in Crimea, point out that Russian-installed authorities have taken few steps to investigate or prosecute officials or individuals who have committed human rights abuses, creating an atmosphere of impunity and lawlessness; and that religious congregations not explicitly loyal to Russia are subject to harassment and intimidation.
The United States calls on Russia to cease its attempts to suppress freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, association, and religion, said Acting State Department Spokesperson Toner. Crimea is a part of Ukraine.
The United States again condemns the Russian occupation of Crimea and calls for its immediate end. Our Crimea-related sanctions will remain in place, he added, until Russia returns control of the peninsula to Ukraine.
A sorority has been shut down at the University of Connecticut after a sophomore member was killed on her way home from a fraternity party last year.
Delta Gamma announced its decision to close its Epsilon Pi sorority chapter at UConn on Monday following the death of 19-year-old student Jeffny Pally.
It comes as the university revealed it had revoked the sorority's recognition, as well as expelling the Kappa Sigma fraternity just a month after six male students were charged with alcohol offenses in relation to Pally's death.
The teenager, whose blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit at the time, was run over by a fire truck after leaving an off-campus party thrown by the fraternity in October.
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Jeffny Pally, 19, died when she was run over by a fire vehicle after attending an off-campus party thrown by six male students from the University of Connecticut in October
Delta Gamma announced its decision to close its Epsilon Pi sorority chapter at UConn on Monday following Jeffny Pally's death last year
'The tragic death of a new member greatly affected Delta Gamma Fraternity and caused Council to reflect on the member experience at Epsilon Pi,' Delta Gamma President Stacia Rudge Skoog said on Monday.
'The decision to close a chapter is never easy, but Council strongly feels it is in the best interest of the chapter and University of Connecticut community.'
The Greek life organization said new information discovered during a recent university investigation into an unregistered event, as well as repeated policy violations over the past few years, had led to the decision to close the chapter indefinitely.
While there is the possibility for the sorority to return to UConn in the future, Delta Gamma said there were no plans to do so at this time.
UConn notified the Kappa Sigma fraternity earlier this month that it had been expelled and had no chance to reorganize on campus.
Patrick Callahan, Matthew Moll, Dylan Morose, Austin Custodio, Dominic Godi and Jonathan Polansky were charged last month after they were found to have hosted the party that the 19-year-old attended before her death.
Patrick Callahan, Jonathan Polansky and Dylan Morose were three of the six charged last month in relation to Pally's death in October
Matthew Moll, Dominic Godi and Austin Custodio range in age from 21 to 22 and are from Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts
Pally, from West Hartford, had been sitting with her back against the garage door of the UConn Public Safety Complex at around 1am after leaving the party.
She was run over by a fire vehicle responding to a call that turned out to be a false alarm. Pally's body wasn't found until about 30 minutes later when firefighters returned.
The teenager died from injuries to her head and torso, the medical examiner's office determined.
The driver of the vehicle wasn't charged and the tragedy was ruled an accident.
The charged UConn students range in age from 21 to 22 and are from Connecticut, New York and Massachusetts.
Callahan, Moll, Morose and Polansky were charged with permitting a minor to illegally possess alcohol.
Custodio is accused of buying the beer and vodka for the party, while Godi allegedly took it to the venue.
Two additional students have been charged in connection with the false alarm.
Pally's blood alcohol content was more than three times the legal limit in Connecticut when she died on October 16
Christian refugees fleeing war-torn Syria were prioritised over Muslims after the Turnbull Government announced it would issue 12,000 visas.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to confirm the visas have been issued during a migrations awards speech at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday night. Homes have already been found for 10,000 of the new refugees.
In 2015, former premier Mike Baird pledged to help the Syrian refugees by starting the visa process and creating 100 public sector jobs within 12 months.
Mr Turnbull's speech is not expected to detail their religious make-up, but up to 75 per cent of the refugees are believed to be persecuted Christian minorities, according to the Daily Telegraph.
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Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is expected to confirm the 12,000 visas have been issued during a migrations awards speech at Parliament House in Canberra on Wednesday
Chrsitians attending a Christmas mass at the Saint Elias Catholic cathedral in Aleppo's Old City, which was heavily damaged during the five-year war in Syria is pictured
Each refugees underwent an extreme security screening process to ensure Australia was not accepting any foreign fighters.
All of the refugees are expected to be settled by the end of 2017 and most are believed to already be in NSW.
During his time as premier, Mr Baird challenged then prime minister Tony Abbott to do more to help Syrian refugees, saying 'stopping the boats was not enough'.
NSW settles between 4,000 and 5,000 refugees each year.
Many of the other Syrian refugees who are not Christians will be from non-Muslim minorities including Yazidis, Druze and Zorostrians, according to the Daily Telegraph.
In 2015, former premier Mike Baird (pictured) pledged to help the Syrian refugees by starting the visa process and creating 100 public sector jobs within 12 months
His speech is not expected to detail their religious make-up, but a reported three quarters of the refugees are persecuted Christians. Pictured is internally displaced people receiving free bread in Syria
Two guards who were freed following a riot at a prison in Guatemala have died as a result of their injuries.
Police raided the facility outside Guatemala City yesterday after 40 gang members killed two guards and took four hostages.
Three police officers were killed and seven injured during attacks across the country believed to have been carried out by members of the notorious Barrio 18 gang in retribution.
Inmates involved in the rioting have appeared in court today.
Gang members are escorted to court in Guatemala City following Sunday's riot which has now claimed the lives of four guards
The violence at the detention centre have been blamed on members of the Barrio 18 gang
A heavily tattooed member of the notorious Barrio 18 gang is escorted to court following the deadly riots at the detention centre
Inmates at the detention centre where the rioting claimed the lives of four guards wait for their hearing in Guatemala City today
Four guards held as hostages in the prison riot were freed, but two have since died from their injuries and one remains in a critical condition
Inmates set fire to matresses and attempted to escape as violence engulfed the jail in Guatemala City
One of the captives died a short time after the raid, while the other died today, a statement from the hospital treating them said.
Another guard rescued is in a critical condition.
Inmates at the Etapa II centre set mattresses alight and climbed onto the roof of the centre on Sunday, demanding that gang members in other facilities be transferred there.
Following the raid on the prison, simultaneous attacks on police were carried out across the country by gang members, and three officers were killed
Two guards at the prison were killed by inmates, and two more subsequently died from their injuries
One of the injured guards suffered gunshot wounds.
The prison has been at the centre of mistreatment allegations, and two weeks ago 40 teenage girls died at a youth centre where girls had complained of sexual abuse.
The deadly incidents have piled pressure on President Jimmy Morales and his government, with protests and public anger boiling over.
The head and senior officials of the social welfare ministry responsible for both facilities were sacked and arrested on charges of manslaughter after the girls' fire deaths.
Inmates under the control of police during the raid, following a riot which saw gang members demand members of Barrio 18 were moved to the facility
Police carry tools, including axes and a large plier, to use in an operation to rescue hostages at the prison
Eight attacks were carried out against police stations and patrol cars in the capital, Guatemala City, while another assault occurred in western Quetzaltenango department, authorities said.
A police spokesman, Pablo Castillo, said the motive of the attacks was not known, but have not ruled out that they might be in reprisal for the raid.
A civilian was also injured in the attacks in the hours following the prison raid, authorities said.
Thirteen gang members were arrested and authorities seized weapons including a grenade launcher, five assault rifles and four pistols, police said.
Barrio 18 and its rival Mara Salvatrucha control entire city neighborhoods in El Salvador, Honduras and Guatemala.
Rising gang violence has made the three countries among the world's deadliest nations outside a war zone in terms of murder rates, says UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, driving hundreds of thousands of people from their homes every year.
Shocking CCTV footage shows the moment a woman 'posing as Gloria Hunniford' strolls into a bank before allegedly stealing 120,000 of the TV star's savings.
In the video, broadcast on BBC Crimewatch on Monday night, a grey-haired woman can be seen walking into the Santander branch in Croydon, South London.
She was followed into the bank by another younger woman, who allegedly claimed to be her daughter.
The woman was caught on CCTV as she walked into the Santander branch in Croydon
Gloria Hunniford had 120,000 taken from her account
Police say the older woman, who does not resemble Ms Hunniford at all, managed to convince a member of staff she was the Loose Women star and had another signatory put on her account.
The account was subsequently drained of 102,000 that same day, and then a further 18,000 was taken.
Speaking on the programme, Ms Hunniford, 76, said: 'The first feeling is really a shock, then how could they do that?'
Another woman, believed to have posed as Ms Hunniford's daughter, also walked into the bank
The woman pretending to be Ms Hunniford made no mention to bank staff that she was a celebrity
'It's very annoying and frustrating and disappointing (to find) that when you think your money is safe and locked away that actually it isn't.'
Police have released the footage in an appeal to help catch the fraudsters.
Ms Hunniford's money was refunded by Santander after the incident in June 2015.
Personal banker Aysha Davis, 28, dealt with the fraudster, who had gone into the bank with two other people pretending to be Hunniford's daughter and grandson.
The trio asked the 'grandson' become an extra signatory on the account, and Ms Davis duly helped them complete the paperwork, including photocopying their documents.
The women are shown into the bank before having another signatory put on to Ms Hunniford's account
The woman pretending to be Ms Hunniford made no mention to Ms Davis that she was a celebrity, and merely said she had 'a few bob' in the account, and wanted to add her teenage 'grandson' as a signatory because she had been ill.
Once the theft was reported, Ms Davis was arrested and charged with in on the scam.
However, she told the court she had never heard of Gloria Hunniford, and insisted she had no reason to suspect anything was wrong with the customer's request.
She said she only realised Ms Hunniford's fame when she later Googled her. She told the court the star was not of my time.
The stand-in 'grandson' Alan Dowie, 18, from Surrey, who was the only one of the trio to ever be caught, was spared jail by the judge and told to go to university.
A Sellafield engineer suing over 'appalling' gender discrimination was told to be 'gentler, kinder and nicer' because she is a woman, a tribunal heard.
Susan Tudor says she was forced out of a job at the nuclear power plant, where she was the 'only woman in a man's world', in 2014.
She claims her work was belittled by her immediate manager, who considered her job at the Cumbria facility to be a 'waste of time'.
A Sellafield (pictured) engineer suing over 'appalling' sex discrimination was told to be 'gentler, kinder and nicer' because she is a woman, a tribunal heard
One colleague told her to stop giving him 'earache' because he 'got enough of that at home from his wife and daughter', she says.
Mrs Tudor, who has been an engineer for 36 years, sued after she was sacked only 12 weeks into her job.
Her claim was rejected by an employment tribunal, but has now been resurrected after a judge allowed her appeal and ordered her case be heard again.
Judge Murray Shanks said Mrs Tudor had been employed as an agency worker at Sellafield by Costain Group Plc.
She was to be involved in the so-called Evap-D waste project, which was considered important due to problems highlighted in a 2013 report.
However, she said her immediate manager didn't even look at her CV and considered her role a 'waste of time'.
He had never had a female engineer working for him before and regarded her work as 'admin', rather than an engineer's job, the judge said.
In the weeks after she began the job, Mrs Tudor said a 'hostile atmosphere' developed between her and her manager and colleagues.
The case was heard at the Manchester Employment Tribunal (pictured), where her claims were dismissed in December 2015 but it has now been resurrected
Her personality was frequently and openly criticised and she was accused of being arrogant and aggressive, she claims.
Her manager told her she was too pushy and should be 'gentler, kinder and generally nicer', admitting later he would not have used the same words to a man.
She was sacked from her role after only 12 weeks in the job and taken from the site under escort.
Costain said she had been dismissed because it was necessary to get rid of an engineer due to a lack of available work.
In her claim, Mrs Talbot complained of 'appallingly discriminatory' treatment, suggesting the reason for the hostile atmosphere and her sacking was her gender.
The case was heard at the Manchester Employment Tribunal, where her claims were dismissed in December 2015.
Susan Tudor says she was forced out of a job at the nuclear power plant (pictured), where she was the 'only woman in a man's world', in 2014
The tribunal said she had either not proven the facts she alleged, or not convinced members that her treatment was because of her gender.
But after a challenge at the Employment Appeal Tribunal, Judge Shanks overturned the ruling and re-opened Mrs Tudor's claim.
The lower tribunal had failed to consider her case 'as rigorously as they should have', he said in his ruling.
They had also failed to take account of the 'overall picture' painted by the evidence.
'It does not seem to me from the judgment that factors which may have pointed towards a finding of discrimination were properly considered in assessing (the manager's) reasons for terminating Mrs Talbot's employment,' said the judge.
He added: 'The appeal is allowed and the tribunal's judgment must be set aside in its entirety. Regrettably, the whole case will have to be remitted to a fresh tribunal for re-hearing.'
A nine-year-old boy has died after he was shot by his two-year-old brother using a loaded gun their mother left on her bed.
Wendy Lavarnia, 28, was arrested and is facing four counts of child endangerment after her nine-year-old son was shot in the head by his younger brother on Monday.
It was revealed she previously let the toddler practice pulling the trigger in their home in Phoenix, Arizona, when the weapon was unloaded.
The unnamed 9-year-old had been on life support but died on Tuesday night.
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A nine-year-old boy (center) has died after he was shot by his two-year-old brother after his mother Wendy Lavarnia (left) left a loaded gun on a bed
Wendy Lavarnia, 28, (left) was arrested and is facing four counts of child endangerment. The father of the boy, Kansas Lavarnia, 31, (right) was also arrested
Lavarnia told police she had left the loaded gun on her bed while her two sons were nearby and as she was retrieving a holster for the weapon, she heard the gunshot.
Kansas Lavarnia, the victim's father, was also taken into custody, although he was not in the house at the time of the accident.
The 31-year-old father, a convicted felon, was later arrested and booked for having a gun inside his home. Due to previous burglary and theft charges, he was prohibited from having a firearm, reported AZ Central.
He arrived to the home in the 3500 block of West Rosewood Avenue after first responders had already arrived.
At the time of the shooting, Lavarnia's other two children were inside the home (pictured). They were her four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter
Before being placed in handcuffs, he reportedly asked officers: 'What happened to my kid?', reported NY Daily News.
There were two other children inside the home at the time of the shooting, Lavarnia's four-year-old son and one-year-old daughter.
The boy was initially reported to have died on Monday, but police then announced on Tuesday he was still alive.
Her bond set at $25,000, and she can not return back to the scene of the crime or have contact with any alleged victims, unless the court allows it.
She asked a judge if she could go to the hospital to see her son and was told she would remain in jail until she posted her bail.
The parents and grandmother of a six-year-old boy (pictured) have been charged with manslaughter after he died following a 'slapping therapy' conference
The grandmother of a six-year-old boy found dead after he attended a 'slapping therapy workshop' with his parents has been charged with manslaughter.
The 64-year-old woman was arrested on Tuesday in Sydney - six days after the boy's parents were also charged with the manslaughter of their son.
The father, 56, and mother, 41, were arrested last Wednesday, nearly two years after their son died in April 2015.
Police say the couple took the child to a self-healing conference in Hurstville in Sydney's south between April 22 and 28, 2015.
The week-long course was being run by the self-described Chinese 'healer' Hongchi Xiao, who travels the world promoting a type of 'slapping' and fasting therapy, at the Tasly Healthpac medical centre.
The boy, who was diabetic, was being fasted of food and insulin before his death, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Police are set to allege the parents and grandmother, who was caring for the boy before he died, were 'grossly negligent', the publication said.
Just before 10pm on April 28, emergency services were called to a hotel in Sydney after reports the boy had been found unconscious.
Paramedics attended and performed CPR, but the child died shortly afterwards.
Officers attached to St George Local Area Command established a crime scene and launched an investigation.
Following two years of investigations, police attended a home in Prospect, a suburb of Sydney, on Wednesday and arrested the couple.
Both were taken to Blacktown police station where they were charged with manslaughter. They were both granted conditional bail by a court last week.
The grandmother has been refused bail and will next appear in court in May.
The week-long course was being run by the self-described Chinese 'healer' Hongchi Xiao, who travels the world promoting a type of 'slapping' and fasting therapy
Slapping therapy, or paida lajin, is a Chinese alternative medicine which claims to be able to cure patients by repeatedly hitting them, leaving them covered in bruises.
The slapping and stretching of muscles clears meridians in the body allowing Qi, or life force, to flow more easily.
According to practitioners, this can cure a range of ailments including cancer and hypertension.
Inquiries into the incident are continuing and police are still looking to speak to a number of people.
A five-foot snake caused some commotion when it made a surprise appearance on an Alaskan commuter flight Sunday.
The slithery creature had hitched a ride on Ravn Alaska flight 7133 that was headed from Aniak in southwest Alaska to Anchorage.
Passenger, Anna McConnaughy, took photos of the pale snake that was discovered curled up under a carry-on bag, according to KTVA.
A five-foot snake caused some commotion when it made a surprise appearance on an Alaskan commuter flight Sunday. A flight attendant retrieved the slithery creature from under a carry-on bag
The snake had hitched a ride on Ravn Alaska flight 7133 that was headed from Aniak in southwest Alaska to Anchorage. Ravn Alaska spokesperson William Walsh said a passenger violated policy in bringing the snake onto the plane. The snake was placed in a plastic bag
McConnaughy, told the station that the pilot informed travelers that the snake was on the loose about 15 minutes after takeoff.
'Almost right away after that announcement a boy who was sitting with his mother in the last row found the snake hidden behind his seat. The flight attendant and the pilot took control over the situation right away,' said McConnaughy.
A flight attendant was seen in the photos placing the snake in a plastic bag.
Ravn Alaska spokesperson William Walsh told KTVA that a passenger violated policy in bringing the snake onto the plane.
'For the purpose of preserving cabin safety for the greater traveling public, Ravn Alaska prohibits all rodents, ferrets, reptiles, snakes, insects or any type of venomous or poisonous creature from being used as an emotional support animal', wrote Walsh.
Authorities did not say what type of snake it was, but it appeared to be an albino ball python, which are usually kept as pets, grow between five and six-feet-long and are not venomous.
Walsh did not confirm if the passenger would face any charges related to the incident.
Snakes are not found in most of Alaska, aside from the common garter snake. The flight landed as scheduled in Anchorage.
Grieving parents have been forced to turn their t-shirts inside-out in court because they called for justice for their baby boy killed by his babysitter.
Hemi Goodwin-Burke was 18-months-old died in hospital in March 2015 suffering bruises, brain damage and ruptured internal organs.
His babysitter Matthew James Ireland, 31, pleaded guilty on Tuesday in Queensland's Mackay Supreme Court after his charge was downgraded from murder to manslaughter, despite Hemi's parents protesting, 7 News reports.
Kerri-Anne Goodwin and Shane Burke believe they have again been let down by the justice system after they were forced to turn their tribute t-shirts inside out in court.
Hemi Goodwin-Burke was 18-months-old died in hospital in March 2015 suffering bruises, brain damage and ruptured internal organs
Kerri-Anne Goodwin and Shane Burke are pictured on Tuesday wearing their 'justice for Hemi' t-shirts outside Mackay Supreme Court in Queensland
'I believe our justice system is letting Hemi down. They don't care about him. They even made us remove our justice for Hemi shirts,' the parents wrote on their Justice for Hemi Facebook page.
'We all have to sit and look at Matthew, the child killer's face, why shouldn't he have to look at Hemi?'
The parents and other family members reversed their t-shirts after the hearing so Hemi's face was visible as they left the court.
The parents and family members were forced to turn the t-shirts inside-out in court. They reversed the t-shirts so Hemi's face was visible again when they left court (pictured)
'I believe our justice system is letting Hemi down. They don't care about him. They even made us remove our justice for Hemi shirts,' the parents wrote on their Justice for Hemi Facebook page
Justice James Henry had explained to the family the court did not need a reminder its role was to get justice, and court was not an appropriate place for silent protest.
'I mean no offence whatsoever by that position,' he said, according to Courier Mail.
'The courtroom cannot be seen by the public ... where protest from the gallery might be thought to influence the way in which decision-making occurred.
Ireland will be sentenced in Mackay Supreme Court in June.
Hemi's mother Kerri-Anne Goodwin is pictured wearing a tribute t-shirt while laying on the grass
The distraught mother of a victim found shot and burned beyond recognition inside of the car that belonged to Real Housewives of New Jersey star Kim DePaola called the suspects 'scum.'
'Scum! Youre scum. I hope you hear me!' Michele Ryerson, mother of Aaron Anderson, who was one of the two victims, yelled at suspects Clarence Williams, 26, and Gerry Thomas, 28, both from Paterson, according to Page Six.
Two suspects were arrested late Monday night in New Jersey in connection to the execution-style murders of a pair of friends whose charred bodies were found inside DePaola's burning Audi last week in Paterson.
Clarence Williams, 26 of Spring Street in Paterson, appeared via video conference for his first appearance before Judge Joseph Perconti on Tuesday. Family of the victims were in court (above right)
Gerry Thomas, 28, appeared via video conference for his first appearance before Judge Joseph Perconti on Tuesday
The pair were taken into custody Monday at around 11pm and charged with felony murder, conspiracy, robbery, arson and possession of a firearm for unlawful purposes.
They appeared via video at the Passaic County courthouse on Tuesday and pleaded not guilty, while families of the victims sat in court, unable to completely hold their tongues.
'You have no rights!' an unidentified family member screamed at the pair.
Judge Joseph Perconti told Ryerson she would have to control herself.
Debora Hernandez, left, mother to Antonio Vega's 5-year old daughter, Tianna, and Esmeralda Vega, right, Antonio's sister wait to attend the first appearances of the suspects
'I understand your frustration but this is a courtroom,' he said.
The devastated mom could only reply 'Pain, pain,' according to the outlet.
Outside of the courtroom, reporters asked Ryerson what would be the proper justice for her son, she replied, 'I would say let them loose to the family members and then let them be burned alive so they can feel the pain that we feel.'
DePaola said the four men all knew each other and 'jealousy' might be a motive.
'Im grateful that they found these savages. I think theres more to the story and its disgusting. I think it was out of jealousy because all knew each other,' she told the New York Post.
Ryerson told the Daily Mail prior to the arrests that she too thought 'jealousy' could be a motive, but it's unclear what the jealousy may have been about.
Case cracked: Gerry Thomas, 28 (left), and Clarence Williams, 26 (right) were arrested Monday night in connection to a double homicide involving a car owned by Bravo reality star Kim DePaola
Victims: The two men who died were Aaron Anderson (right) and his friend, Antonio 'Tone' Vega Jr (left)
The scorched corpses of the two men were discovered on Friday by firefighters responding to reports of a burning car on East 28th Street in Paterson.
The vehicle, a white Audi S Line, belonged to RHONJ alum Kim DePaola and was primarily driven by her son, Christopher Camiscioli.
Camiscioli was in California at the time of the killings, after having his friend Aaron Anderson drop him off at the airport in the Audi on Thursday night.
Ryerson said her son was keeping the car until Camiscioli returned, but DePaola previously said that the 27-year-old was supposed to park it and not use it.
There is still no definitive word on a motive behind the killings, but investigators are looking into whether the incident was drug-related, reported NBC New York.
DePaola's Audi S Line was found ablaze in Paterson, New Jersey, on Friday. Both victims were burned beyond recognition
Firefighters had to cut through the roof of the Audi to pull the bodies out. The car went up in flames almost immediately after witnesses heard two gunshots
Ryerson, however, said police told her that her son, Aaron Anderson, who was a friend of suspect Clarence Williams, was shot in the head and set on fire along with Antonio Vega in the course of a robbery, according to a report by NJ.com.
Speaking to the Daily Mail on Monday, prior to the arrests, Ryerson floated another possible motive: revenge.
She said Anderson had been accused of informing on a criminal who had been apprehended for attempted murder.
But she denied that her son, a petty criminal, had given the police the information.
'It is a revenge thing and it's just jealousy. My son was loved by everybody, all his friends loved him,' she said.
Antonio 'Tone' Vega was Anderson's closest friend from the time the two were in high school together. Ryerson described him as a 'humble guy.'
Anderson had a 16-month-old son, Ashton, who he doted on, she said.
Kim DePaola (left with co-star Teresa Giudice in 2013) said Anderson was supposed to drive her son Chris to the airport and then park the Audi. Chris (pictured with his mother, right) was said to have spent the weekend in California
Vega had a five-year-old daughter. The little girl's mother, Debora Hernandez, told Page Six she feels the murders were a 'crime of passion.'
'There is a lot more to it. It was personal. It was not a robbery,' she told the outlet.
Witnesses told how they heard two gun shots before the car went up in flames.
Williams and Thomas, who lived at the same address in Paterson, are being held in Passaic County Jail without bond.
Starting in Tokyo, his first trip to Asia as Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson stressed that the U.S.-Japan alliance remains the cornerstone of stability in Northeast Asia and the Asia Pacific.
Japan and the United States have extremely deep economic ties, said Secretary Tillerson, "and well keep working together to sustain and strengthen a relationship that is fair for both of our countries. We will work with Japan on shared regional and global objectives, including strong security cooperation within the U.S.-Japan alliance; affirming a rules-based approach to maritime governance; and deepening American, Japanese, and South Korean trilateral cooperation in the face of North Koreas dangerous and unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs."
The longstanding U.S.-Japan alliance is devoted to peace, prosperity, and freedom in the Asia Pacific region."While the security environment in this region can be challenging," said Secretary Tillerson, "the United States is committed to strengthening our role, and we welcome an increased Japanese commitment to their roles and responsibilities in our alliance.
The U.S. affirmed that Article 5 of the 1960 U.S.-Japan Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security covers the Senkaku Islands. "We oppose any unilateral action that seeks to undermine Japans administration of the Senkakus," said Secretary Tillerson.
Expanding U.S. trilateral cooperation with Japan and the Republic of Korea remains a priority as it will allow the three nations to coordinate actions on major regional and global problems, and more effectively counter the threats posed by North Korea.
The United States, said Secretary Tillerson, intends "to continue [its] coordination in regard to the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions 2270 and 2231, which imposed robust and comprehensive sanctions on North Korea to inhibit its campaign to develop operational nuclear and missile capabilities."
Both the ROK and the United States have been quite clear over these 20 years, that we seek nothing but a stable Korean Peninsula and an economically prosperous Korean Peninsula, said Secretary Tillerson."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."
"The U.S. commitment to the defense of Japan and its other treaty allies through the full range of our military capabilities," said Mr. Tillerson, "is unwavering."
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After over sixty years away from home, the remains of these soldiers are finally being returned to China.
The soldiers fought alongside North Korean forces during the Korean war between 19-50 and 1953 and are now set to be handed over to the Chinese Air Force today as part of their final journey home, reports Huanqiu, an affiliation with the People's Daily Online.
In 2013, the Chinese and South Korean governments reached an agreement on repatriating remains of Chinese soldiers excavated from Korean War battlefields. So far the remains of 541 Chinese soldiers have been returned to China.
Paying respects: Chinese military officer Du Nong Yi salutes during the repatriation ceremony of Chinese soldiers
Soldiers: Remains of Chinese soldiers are prepared to be placed into coffins before being returned to China today
The remains of the soldiers who fought alongside North Korea are being returned to China today by the country's air force
According to Chinese media, the handover will take place today at Seoul Incheon International Airport.
The remains are set to be flown back to China by the Chinese Air Force.
Communist China sent troops to fight alongside North Korea during the Korean war which took place between 1950 and 1953.
They have been put in coffins ahead of their journey home and a ceremony was held on Monday by the Chinese Embassy in South Korea.
The delegation paid tribute to the deceased soldiers who were unearthed between March and November last year.
Inspecting: Following the final organisation of the remains, a ceremony was held by the Chinese Embassy in South Korea
Sending them home: The troops fought alongside the North Koreans while the South Koreans fought alongside the US
Soldier: An agreement was signed in 2013 to send the remains of any Chinese soldier located on the battlefield
Members of a recovery group in South Korea arrange remains of Chinese soldiers who were killed in the Korean War
The two countries signed an agreement in 2013 to repatriate remains of Chinese soldiers that had been exhumed from the battlefields. The agreement was a goodwill gesture to enhance relations between the two countries.
Remains of 541 soldiers have been returned to China so far.
Tension between the two nations has intensified due to South Korea providing the US with land to install the THAAD anti-ballistic missile defense system.
Seoul says that the missile shield is imperative to protect itself from North Korea however China argues that the shield threatens the country's security.
A northeastern city of China has announced a complete ban on joss paper, used to make paper money which is then burnt for the deceased.
Over 9.6 million of Harbin's residents will be fined if they are found producing, selling or burning joss paper also known as ghost money, People's Daily reported.
The ban on 'feudal superstition' was announced on March 14 and has been implemented to try and curb air pollution.
Burning for the dead: The ban came into effect on March 14 ahead of the Ching Ming Festival
The municipal government of Harbin, capital of Heilongjiang province, introduced the ban in mid-March to 'eradicate bad funeral practices, advocate civilized ancestor worship, and purify the urban environment'.
Residents burning joss paper will be fined between 200 yuan (23) to 1,000 yuan (116) while joss paper makers and sellers will be fined 500 yuan (58) to 1,000 yuan (116).
The ban came into effect on March 14, a few weeks ahead of the Ching Ming Festival, when Chinese visit the tombs of their ancestors and burn joss papers to provide funds for the dead.
Harbin resident caught burning joss paper will be fined from 200 yuan(23) to 1,000 yuan(116)
A photo taken in December 2015 shows heavy smog blanketing the Songhua river in Harbin
Harbin government officials said burning joss paper, mainly made of recycled yellow paper, releases very fine PM2.5 particles into air, Sixth Tone reported.
Yang Xiaodi, head of the environmental publicity, education, and information centre of the Harbin Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, said the measure aims to prevent further increase of PM 2.5 particles, the primary pollutant in the city.
In winter, northern cities including Harbin are more prone to air pollution due to an over-reliance on burning coal for heating.
However, Harbin is the only city in Heilongjiang province to implement the ban.
A dozen joss paper makers told Chongqing Morning News that they have terminated production immediately.
Another image shows the smog-shrouded buildings in the capital city of Heilongjiang province
On 21 October 2013, density of PM2.5 particles exceeded 500 micrograms per cubic meter in Harbin and schools were closed on that day
The policy has attracted thousands of comments on China's popular web portal Sina.com.
'Why didn't the government talk to coal producers instead?' one questioned.
'Does it mean that the tomb-sweeping festival should be cancelled?' another noted.
'Is it necessary? People do not burn joss papers that often.' another user wondered.
It has long been suspected that using satnavs can make drivers abandon their senses and do silly things.
The persuasive voice of the satnav has led to countless cases of big lorries stuck in narrow country lanes, or motorists who have ignored their own eyes and driven into rivers or the sea.
Now research has shown that when we use the handy devices, it switches off the parts of our brain we normally use to navigate.
But don't panic if you're a Google Maps junkie - although your brain might be in sleep mode now, using real maps will wake it up again.
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UCL researchers studied the brains of 24 volunteers. This map of London shows how many other streets are connected to each street, with blue representing simple streets and red representing complex streets
WHAT DID THEY FIND? Researchers studied the brains of 24 volunteers as they navigated a simulation of Soho in central London. They investigated activity in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. The hippocampus simulates possible paths while the prefrontal cortex helps us plan which ones will help us get to our destination. When volunteers navigated manually, their hippocampus and prefrontal cortex had spikes of activity when volunteers entered new streets. The more options to choose from the greater the brain activity. However, no additional activity was detected when people followed satnav instructions. Advertisement
Navigation exercises the brain in a way that simply does not happen when we are simply following orders.
Previous research has shown that London taxi drivers who rely on learning the rat runs and avenues of the capital by heart in the Knowledge have enlarged brains.
Researchers at the University College London studied how 24 volunteers navigated a computer simulation of Soho, central London while their brains were being scanned.
The two brain areas they were focusing on were the hippocampus, involved in memories, and the pre-frontal cortex.
Trying to find your way using your own brain, rather than a satnav, led to spikes of activity in both areas when volunteers entered new streets, the study found.
It increased even further when faced with a twisty maze of streets.
By contrast, when the volunteers followed instructions where to go a situation comparable to following a satnav or mobile phone app the brain showed no additional activity according to the research, published in Nature Communications.
Senior author Dr Hugo Spiers said: Entering a junction such as Seven Dials in London, where seven streets meet, would enhance activity in the hippocampus, whereas a dead-end would drive down its activity.
If you are having a hard time navigating the mass of streets in a city, you are likely putting high demands on your hippocampus and prefrontal cortex.
Our results fit with models in which the hippocampus simulates journeys on future possible paths while the prefrontal cortex helps us to plan which ones will get us to our destination.
When we have technology telling us which way to go, however, these parts of the brain simply don't respond to the street network. In that sense our brain has switched off its interest in the streets around us.
The findings build on previous research by UCL that the hippocampuses of London cabbies expand as their knowledge of streets increases.
The current study suggests drivers following satnav directions do not engage their hippocampus limiting the learning of the city street network.
Researchers investigated activity in the hippocampus, a brain region involved in navigation, and the prefrontal cortex which is involved in planning and decision-making (stock image)
In further research, the team analysed the street networks of major cities around the world to visualise how easy they may be to navigate.
They said that with its complex network of small streets, London appears to be particularly taxing on the hippocampus.
By contrast, much less mental effort may be needed to navigate Manhattan in New York. With its grid layout, at most junctions you can only go straight, left or right.
Dr Spiers said: Our new findings allow us to look at the layout of a city or building and consider how the memory systems of the brain may likely react.
This map of Manhattan, New York shows how many other streets are connected to each street, with blue representing simple streets and red representing complex streets
'For example, we could look at the layouts of care homes and hospitals to identify areas that might be particularly challenging for people with dementia and help to make them easier to navigate. Similarly, we could design new buildings that are dementia-friendly from the outset.
Dr Christopher Connolly, a Reader in Neurobiology, who was not connected with the research, at University of Dundee said: We still need to navigate ourselves around other maps not covered by satnav, such as at work/school or when shopping.
Furthermore, the hippocampus plays a critical role in the consolidation of short term memory to long term memory, a function that is lost during Alzheimers disease.
'Although previous studies have reported that brain training exercises improve the skills in that task, they do not necessarily improve our performance in other learning tasks.
Rather than a highly dubious extrapolation (from the findings of this excellent study) to suggest a need to restrict our use of satnavs to less than 5 minutes per day, perhaps a more relevant, and positive, message would be to engage our brains and bodies in a variety of different tasks that promote our happiness and health.
Dr Dean Burnett, Neuroscience and psychiatry lecturer, Cardiff Centre for Medical Education, Cardiff University, said it was not strictly possible to switch off the hippocampus.
Most people manage a normal existence without taxing their navigation skills very much, but the taxi driver data suggests the more you do it, the better you are at it as your brain develops to facilitate it in response. If you want to become better at spatial navigation, then you should avoid sat navs where possible. If you just want to get to your destination with as little worry or effort as possible, then they're fine.
Landslides are not unique to Earth, researchers have revealed.
In 2015, Europe's Rosetta spacecraft witnessed - and photographed - a big one on the surface of a comet in deep, dark space.
The cliffside collapse created about 2,000 tonnes of rubble, 99 percent of which settled at the foot of the precipice.
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The cliffside collapse created about 2,000 tonnes of rubble, equivalent to around nine full Olympic size pools, researchers told MailOnline
COMET 67P AND THE ROSETTA PROBE The comet, known as '67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko', or just 67P for short, orbits Jupiter at a rate of once every six-and-a-half years. It was named after the two Soviet astronomers who discovered it in 1969, and measures around 2.7 by 2.5 miles (4.3 by 4.1 km) at its longest and widest points. The comet was the focus of the European Space Agency's Rosetta mission, launched on 2 March 2004. Rosetta was sent to study the comet's activity and to launch a lander probe to its surface, known as Philae. Rosetta reached 67P in 2014 and crash landed into the comet in September last year after it had completed its recon mission. New details from the probe's readings are still coming to light today as scientists sift through Rosetta's stunning imagery. Advertisement
'We are talking about a volume of 22 thousand cubic meters (777,000 cubic feet) of rock that fell down here,' lead researcher Dr Maurizio Pajola, an astronomer from the Nasa Ames Research Centre in California, told MailOnline.
'The volume that fell down is equivalent to around nine full Olympic size pools.'
The rest of the rubble from the collapse was ejected in a spectacular jet of dust.
In the first direct evidence for cometary landslides, Rosetta captured before and after images of a huge wall of rock giving way along a crack 70 metres (230 feet) long and one metre wide on the edge of an overhanging cliff named 'Aswan'.
Scientists were alerted to the possible collapse in July 2015 by a large plume of dust ejected from comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, or just 67P for short, which Rosetta was orbiting at the time.
They traced the jet's origins to Aswan, which measured 70 metres (230ft) high, and between 55 and 80 metres (180 and 260 feet) wide.
Five days later, the orbiter's OSIRIS camera observed a 'fresh, sharp and bright' edge on the Aswan cliff, where the fracture had been before.
Image of the comet's exposed icy core taken from Rosetta's OSIRIS (Optical, Spectroscopic, and Infrared Remote Imaging System) camera, one of several imaging systems aboard the probe. The white arrow shows the area where the comet's Aswan cliff collapsed
Left: images of the 70 m-long, 1 m-wide fracture at the top of the 134 m-high Aswan cliff in the Seth region of Comet 67P/ChuryumovGerasimenko (marked with arrow). The last image of the fracture still present was taken on 4 July 2015 (not shown here). Centre: a broad plume of dust is imaged by Rosettas navigation camera on 10 July 2015, which can be traced back to an area on the comet that encompasses the Seth region (the Aswan cliff is included within the marked rectangle). Right: two example images taken after the cliff collapse, showing the exposed material in the cliff face (top) and the new outline of the cliff top (bottom).
The spot - six times brighter than the comet's usual, dusty surface - was the newly-exposed, pristine, icy insides of the comet.
The Rosetta mission had observed several previous outbursts, and hypothesised they may be the result of collapsing cliffs.
But the study documents 'the first unambiguous link between an outburst and a cliff collapse on a comet,' the team wrote.
Seen here is the sharp edge leftover after the overhang of the Aswan cliff collapsed. The spot where the fracture occurred was six times brighter than the comet's usual, dusty surface, and revealed the newly-exposed, pristine, icy insides of the comet
Image of the Aswan cliff taken in September 2014, before the cliff collapsed. The white arrow shows the 70 metre (230 feet) long, 1 metre wide fracture at the edge of the cliff
3D views of the Aswan cliff showing its edge before (a) and after (b) the collapse. Figure c shows the dimensions of the overhang that detached to cause the landslide
Launched in 2004, the European Space Agency's Rosetta spacecraft travelled more than six billion kilometres to reach comet 67P some 400 million kilometres (250 million miles) from Earth.
In November 2014, Rosetta released a tiny robot named Philae onto the comet's surface to further probe the alien body.
The pair's mission was to unravel the mysteries of life by investigating the comet from all angles.
Billions of comets travelling in elliptic orbits around the Sun are believed to be leftovers from the birth of our planetary system some 4.6 billion years ago.
On 67P, the Rosetta mission uncovered organic molecules, the building blocks of life.
This supported the theory that comets helped spark life on Earth by delivering organic materials when they slammed into our young planet.
Water, on the other hand, was unlikely to have come from comets of 67P's type, the mission concluded.
In addition, the team had a clear before and after look at how the crumbling material settled at the foot of the cliff.
By counting the number of new boulders seen after its collapse, the team estimated that 99% of the fallen debris was distributed at the bottom of the cliff, while 1% was lost to space.
This corresponds to around 10,000 tonnes of removed cliff material, with at least 100 tonnes that did not make it to the ground, consistent with estimates made for the volume of dust in the observed plume.
Anaglyph images of the Aswan cliff showing the overhang before (left) and after (right) it collapsed. The anaglyph images were prepared for evaluating the volume of overhang that detached in July 2015. Note the orientation between the two images is different. The images are best viewed using redgreen/blue 3D glasses.
Furthermore, the size range of the new debris, between 3 m and 10 m, is consistent with the distributions observed at the foot of several other cliffs identified on the comet.
An earlier study suggested that both rapid daily changes in heating or longer-term seasonal changes can create thermal stresses that lead to fracturing and subsequent exposure of volatile materials, triggering a rapid outburst that can cause the weakened cliff to collapse.
The Nasa probe took several images of the comet's 'outbursts' following the landslide (white arrow). An outburst is caused when plumes of dust thrown up from a comet's surface reflect sunlight leading to intense bursts of light
A 3D image of the cliff threaded together using several of Rosetta's images of the comet surface. Rosetta's study of the cliff documents 'the first unambiguous link between an outburst and a cliff collapse on a comet,' the research team wrote
Even though the Aswan cliff region had been experiencing large temperature changes in the months before the collapse, interestingly, the collapse occurred at local night, ruling out a sudden extreme temperature change as the immediate trigger.
Instead, both daily and seasonal temperature variations may have propagated fractures deeper into the subsurface than previously considered, predisposing it to the subsequent collapse.
The Barnes Ice Cap on Baffin Island is set to melt in 300 years because of a warming climate, researchers have found.
The Delaware-sized ice cap in the Canadian Arctic is the last piece of ice sheet that once blanketed much of North America.
Although the ice cap is still 500 meters thick, it's melting at a rapid pace driven by increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere that have elevated Arctic temperatures.
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An aerial view of the Barnes Ice Cap on Baffin island in the Canadian Arctic. Under the 'business-as-usual' greenhouse gas emissions scenario, the last remnant of North American ice sheet is set to melt in about 300 years
Under the 'business-as-usual' greenhouse gas emissions scenario, the last remnant of North American ice sheet is set to melt in about 300 years.
The authors of the research say that the results provide evidence that the current level of warming is almost unheard of in the past 2.5 million years
The Barnes Ice Cap has only been so small three times in that time, indicated by a study of isotopes created by cosmic rays that were trapped in the rocks around the Barnes Ice Cap.
THE LAURENTIDE ICE SHEET The Laurentide Ice Sheet once covered millions of square miles of North America The Barnes Ice Cap is part of the Laurentide Ice Sheet that has covered millions of square miles of North America episodically since the start of the Quaternary Period about 2.5 million years ago. It grew and shrank as Earth went through various climate cycles, and the ice was a mile thick at Chicago 20,000 years ago. But it started receding 14,000 years ago when Earth slipped out of its last ice age. It stabilized about 2,000 years until the effects of the recent warming caught up with it. At its peak, the sheet stretched down to New York, forming the city we know today, from Long Islandcreated by moraines and outwash from the glacierto the archipelago of greater New York City, created by rising tides as the ice sheet melted. Even Central Park is littered with boulders left over from its movement. Neighborhoods are named for this ancient ice event: Flatbush in Brooklyn is the point where the ice stopped and began to retreat, leaving low-lying neighborhoods like Canarsie and the outwash beaches, like Coney Island. Advertisement
'This is the disappearance of a feature from the last glacial age, which would have probably survived without anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions,' said Dr Adrien Gilbert, a glaciologist at Simon Fraser University in Canada and lead author of the study published today in Geophysical Research Letters, a journal of the American Geophysical Union.
Although the melting of the Barnes Ice Cap wont have much of an effect on sea-level rise, its end could signal the eventual dissolution of large ice sheets like Greenland and Antarctica, said CU Boulder Professor Gifford Miller, a co-author of the study and the associate director of CU Boulders Institute of Arctic and Alpine Research (INSTAAR) who has conducted research on Baffin Island annually for the past fifty years.
'I think the disappearance of the Barnes Ice Cap would be just a scientific curiosity if it were not so unusual,' said Professor Miller.
'One implication derived from our results is that significant parts of the southern Greenland Ice Sheet also may be at risk of melting as the Arctic continues to warm,' he said.
Sea rise created by a melting Greenland would cause the Antarctic Ice Sheet, whose dimensions are controlled by sea level, to also shrink in size, said Professor Miller.
The Barnes Ice Cap is part of the Laurentide Ice Sheet that has covered millions of square miles of North America episodically since the start of the Quaternary Period about 2.5 million years ago.
Pictured is CU Boulder Professor Gifford Miller - part of the team that has found the Barnes Ice Cap on Baffin Island, the last remnant of the Laurentide Ice Sheet, will vanish in several hundred years because of rising temperatures caused by human activity
It grew and shrank as Earth went through various climate cycles, and the ice was a mile thick at Chicago 20,000 years ago.
But it started receding 14,000 years ago when Earth slipped out of its last ice age.
It stabilized about 2,000 years until the effects of the recent warming caught up with it.
Professor Miller was conducting research on Baffing Island in 2009 when he realized the ice cap had shrunk significantly compared to a few decades earlier, so he collaborated with Dr Adrien Gilbert and Dr Gwenn Flowers from Simon Fraser University to develop a model of how the ice cap might behave in the future.
In this new study, the researchers used their model to estimate when the ice cap would melt under different greenhouse gas scenarios.
But under all future emissions scenarios, the ice cap will be gone within 200 to 500 years - for a moderate emissions scenario that assumes Earth's greenhouse gas emissions will peak at 2040, the ice cap is predicted to melt in 300 years.
'The geological data is pretty clear that the Barnes Ice Cap almost never disappears in the interglacial times,' Professor Miller said.
'The fact that its disappearing now says were really outside of what weve experienced in 2.5-million-year interval.
'We are entering a new climate state,' he said.
The dark streaks on Mars' surface might not be a sign of water on the red planet after all.
According to NASA experts, these strange dark fingers could be sand avalanches that are caused by a combination of sunlight and shadow.
If this theory proves true, it could dash hopes for both finding alien life on Mars and exploring the red planet in the near future.
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Experts at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California, believe these strange dark fingers could be sand avalanches that are caused by a combination of sunlight and shadow
STREAKS ON MARS The 'recurring slope lineae' (RSL) appear seasonally on Mars, resembling streaks of damp sand. These marks, which lengthen and darken as the seasons change, were the first evidence of their kind ever found on another planet. They appear in several locations on Mars when temperatures are above minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 23 Celsius), and disappear at colder times. Advertisement
The 'recurring slope lineae' (RSL) appear seasonally on Mars, resembling streaks of damp sand.
The streaks contain salts that are usually left behind when water evaporates.
However, Nasa scientists do not believe they provide direct evidence of water.
'These effects happen at the hottest times in the hottest locations, so there's part of your brain that immediately tells you that it should be ice melting,' Sylvain Piqueux at NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California told New Scientist.
'The problem is, it's really hard to melt ice on Mars.
'It's easier for the ice to turn directly into water vapour', he said.
When sunlight hits sand the top layer heats up, meaning tiny pockets of gas surrounding the sand expand.
This shifts the sand upwards, causing it to move around and create the impression of a sand avalanche.
The effect is most pronounced in long afternoon shadows.
'We can't think of Mars as a friendly planet,' said Frederic Schmidt at the University of Paris-South told New Scientist.
'It's a very hard transition to go there, and even harder if these flows don't have liquid water.'
A study published last year in the journal Geophysical Research Letters also suggests the RSL may not be as wet as we had thought.
Professor Christopher Edwards and Sylvain Piqueux from Arizona State University inspected the features using a thermal imaging instrument on board the Mars Odyssey orbiter.
Dark fingers spotted in Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) images (pictured) were thought to be made by liquid moving across, or beneath, the planet's surface. But now a new study has cast doubt on the original findings, showing the dark fingers might not contain any water
Spot the difference: The 'recurring slope lineae' (RSL) appear seasonally on Mars, resembling streaks of damp sand. These marks, which lengthen and darken as the seasons change, are the first evidence of their kind ever found on another planet
The 'recurring slope lineae' (RSL) appear seasonally on Mars, resembling streaks of damp sand. The streaks contain salts that are usually left behind when water evaporates. Observations made using MRO did not provide direct evidence of water
HISTORY OF THE STREAKS In 2011, Lujendra Ojha 'accidentally' discovered finger-style marks on Mars after studying images of the planet's surface taken by the Reconnaissance Orbiter in 2011. Not only did the markings appear to move, they did so in a pattern that would be consistent with flowing water. It was proposed these changes were caused by a 'volatile substance' but the environment is too warm for carbon dioxide frost and too cold for pure water. Instead, it was suggested that a kind of brine was on, or beneath the surface, and until now this had not been proved. Since his discovery, observations of similar sites on Mars have revealed that the finger-like patterns seem to emerge in warmer seasons, and die away during cooler seasons. Advertisement
They found the RSLs were no different in temperature to the ground around them.
The results suggest the water content of the dark fingers is between 0.5 and 3 per cent.
'Why this process is happening in this area, or what is causing this darkening, I don't think is exactly obvious at this point,' Professor Edwards told the Washington Post.
'But to say it's flowing liquid water, I don't think it's the whole story. It's not necessarily even the right story.'
But he added that their findings do not rule out Nasa's conclusions about the RSLs, adding that there may be a tiny amount of water hydrating salts in the soil.
Evidence that Mars had water in the past has been well documented, but whether there may be flowing water still on the planet today is still not confirmed.
Polar ice caps were discovered on the planet nearly four decades ago, and erosion patterns on the surface strongly suggest rivers and oceans may have existed there in its early years.
However, with low gravity and a thin atmosphere it is thought this water largely evaporated into space, instead of falling back down as it would have done on Earth.
Mars is now considered to be an icy desert, meaning evidence of flowing water changes what experts know about the planet and its ability to house life now.
In particular, finding definitive evidence of liquid water on Mars would be the best indication researchers have that life may once have existed, or may yet come into existence, on an alien world.
By studying the infrared wavelengths (pictured) from these flows, the Nasa researchers believed the marks were likely made by flowing water due to the presence of hydrated salts. But Professor Edwards thinks it is now worth considering other mechanisms
A treasure hunter who unearthed a 2,000-year-old Roman ingot on a Somerset farm is now set to sell it for 15,000 ($18,700).
Jason Baker found the 2ft (0.5 metre) long lead bar using his metal detector on a routine rally in the Mendip Hills near Wells last year.
The stunning 85lb (38kg) ingot, which is inscribed with the name of emperor Marcus Aurelius Armeniacus and dates to 164 CE, was not regarded as treasure as it is made of lead instead of gold or silver.
A stunning 85lb (38kg) Roman lead ingot found by Jason Baker from Plymouth will go on sale for 15,000 at Hansons auctioneers in Derbyshire tomorrow
That meant it was 'finders keepers' for the 32-year-old, who will sell the 'very rare' item at auction tomorrow.
Mr Baker listed the item for sale at Bonhams auction house in London last November for 60,000 ($74,800) but bidders did not meet the reserve price.
That means that history buffs could grab a bargain slice of Roman life when the item goes on sale at Hansons auctioneers in Derbyshire.
Adam Staples, antique specialist at Hansons, said: 'This Roman ingot represents a remarkable slice of history.
'It's very big and has been incredibly well preserved considering its age - the writing is still easily legible, which is very important.
The bar is inscribed with the name of emperor Marcus Aurelius Armeniacus and dates to 164 CE
'Having the name of Marcus Aurelius, perhaps the Roman Empire's most iconic figure, inscribed on it adds significant value.
'His inclusion also means we can date the piece to within five years.
'Relics of this kind are rare to come by so it's incredibly exciting to have one on our books, especially one that was acquired in such exciting circumstances.
'The ingot's quality means it could easily end up in a museum, which would be nice, but it'll also attract significant interest from collectors.'
Jason Baker found the 2 ft long lead bar using his metal detector on a routine rally in the Mendip Hills near Wells, Somerset, last year
When the Romans invaded Britain 2000 years ago they mined lead, cast it into big blocks, put the emperor's name on it and sent it back to Rome as a building material
Mr Baker, a bricklayer from Plymouth, Devon, said he intends to split the proceeds with a metal detector friend who was with him on the search as well as the land owner.
Speaking about the find, he said: 'I was looking for coins when my machine started going crazy. It was the loudest signal I have ever heard.
'I started digging and found it about three feet underground. I didn't have a clue what it was until I went over to everyone else and someone said, 'you've got something special there mate'.
ROMAN EMPEROR MARCUS AURELIUS ARMENIACUS Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius Engraved into the face of the 2 ft lead ingot - which would have been shipped back to Rome - is the name of the emperor at the time, Marcus Aurelius Armeniacus. Marcus Aurelius was sole emperor of the Roman Empire from 161 CE to 180 CE. He gained the 'Armeniacus' suffix after a successful battle campaign in Armenia in 163. Hailing from the Iberian peninsula, Aurelius succeeded Antonius Pius as sole emperor of the Empire. His reign over the British outpost followed Hadrian, who built his wall close to the modern day border with Scotland, in 122 CE, to 'separate Romans from Barbarians'. During Marcus Aurelius' rule, one of the major events was the five-year war with the Parthians, a warrior culture from Asia who defeated a Roman army before invading Syria. Bronze busts of the emperors head have been uncovered in Britain, with one example found in Brackley, Northamptonshire. Advertisement
'Everyone started taking pictures of it, it was unbelievable.'
When the Romans invaded Britain 2,500 years ago they mined lead, cast it into big blocks, put the emperor's name on it and sent it back to Rome as a building material.
This block was extracted from the Mendip Hills, south of Bristol, which was the Romans largest lead mine in this country.
Archaeologists believe the lead for the ingot was mined in the Mendip Hills, south of Bristol
They transported the material to Italy and used it for piping for aqueducts and plumbing, pewter, coffins, and gutters for villas.
Lead from the Mendips was used in Pompeii - the town destroyed in the eruption of Vesuvius in A.D.79.
The piece recently dug up is thought to have become lost as it was being moved and has been encased with earth ever since.
The lead block, extracted from a popular source of lead in the Mendip Hills, south of Bristol, somehow became lost and has been encased with earth ever since
Four ingots bearing the same inscriptions have been discovered before, all of them found within 18 miles of this one.
The first two were found in the 16th and 18th century but have since been lost while the third fragmented article is on display at the Museum of Somerset in Taunton.
Some 7,000 'underground gas bubbles' are set to explode in the Russian Arctic, say new reports.
Bulging bumps filled with methane in the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas are believed to be caused by thawing permafrost.
Scientists have identified the peculiar phenomenon on expeditions and from satellite images.
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Scientists at the Yamal department for science and innovation say methane 'bubbles' in the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas in Russia are thawing
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BUBBLES EXPLODE? Yamal is Russia's main area for extracting natural gas, and there are fears that explosions could lead to damage to key energy facilities. When the bubbles explode they release methane gas which is approximately 84 times more potent than carbon dioxide. After they've exploded they leave gigantic funnels or craters. The extent of the harmful greenhouse gases buried in this new phenomenon of jelly-like bubbles poses 'very serious alarm' concerning the impact of global warming, experts have warned. Advertisement
Experts believe the 'bubbles' will erupt causing more large craters that have been noticed in recent years in Arctic regions of Siberia.
Alexey Titovsky, director of Yamal department for science and innovation, said that the methane gas bubbles are contained within pingos, dome-shaped mounds consisting of a layer of soil over a large core of ice found in permafrost areas.
'At first such a bump is a bubble,' he said.
'With time the bubble explodes, releasing gas. This is how gigantic funnels form.'
The figure of 7,000 gas-filled mounds is 'startlingly more than previously known', reported The Siberian Times.
A number of explosions in recent years has led to the formation of spectacular new craters or funnels.
When the holes first appeared on the Yamal Peninsula - known to locals as 'the end of the world' - they sparked bizarre theories as to their formation.
These ranged from meteorites to stray missiles fired by Vladimir Putin's military machine, and from manmade pranks to the work of visiting aliens.
The methane gas bubbles are contained within pingos, dome-shaped mounds consisting of a layer of soil over a large core of ice found in permafrost areas
A number of explosions in recent years has led to the formation of spectacular new craters or funnels. Experts believe these were created by explosions of methane gas unlocked by warming temperature
Hellmouth crater (pictured) already stretches more than half a mile long and nearly 300 feet deep and, its expanding at a rate of roughly 30 to 100 feet (10m to 30m) each year as permafrost continues to thaw
Most experts now believe they were created by explosions of methane gas unlocked by warming temperatures in the far north of Russia.
Yamal is Russia's main area for extracting natural gas, and there are fears that explosions could lead to damage to key energy facilities.
'We need to know which bumps are dangerous and which are not,' said Titovsky.
Yamal is Russia's main area for extracting natural gas, and there are fears that explosions could lead to damage to key energy facilities
Researchers found the bulging methane bumps in the Yamal and Gydan peninsulas in Russia
'Scientists are working on detecting and structuring signs of potential threat, like the maximum height of a bump and pressure that the earth can withstand.'
The phenomenon appears different to the discovery of methane bubbles immediately under the surface on Bely Island, a polar bear outpost 475 miles north of the Arctic Circle in the Kara Sea.
Here the ground bounces and if pierced a surge of methane gas 1000 times higher than the norm is released in the atmosphere, with carbon dioxide 25 times higher than usual.
The Yamal craters, some tiny but others large (shown), were created by natural gas filling vacant space in ice humps, eventually triggering eruptions, experts say
The strange bubbles add to mysterious behaviour seen in the region, including the sudden appearance of giant holes in northern Siberia. One of the terrifying craters is shown above and its magnitude can be easily seen, thanks to the people peering into it
When the craters (one shown) first appeared on the Yamal Peninsula - known to locals as 'the end of the world' - they sparked bizarre theories as to their formation. They ranged from meteorites to stray missiles fired by Vladimir Putin's military machine, and from man-made pranks to the work of visiting aliens
The extent of the harmful greenhouse gases buried in this new phenomenon of jelly-like bubbles poses 'very serious alarm' concerning the impact of global warming, expert Alexander Sokolov warned.
One account from a Russian research team at the scene said: 'As we took off a layer of grass and soil, a fountain of gas erupted.'
'An early theory is that warm summer heat has melted the permafrost causing the release of long-frozen gases,'The Siberian Times reported.
Startling video footage shows the ground wobbling under the feet of scientists.
'It was like a jelly,' said one researcher, who continued: 'We have not come across anything like this before.'
He warned there is 'serious reason to be concerned if gas bubbles appear in the permafrost zone' with 'unpredictable' consequences.
'As we took off a layer of grass and soil, a fountain of gas erupted,' said one researcher.
Recent summers have been the hottest on record in the Arctic, and scientists say the permafrost - or year-round frozen ground - is thawing at an alarming rate.
This means gases frozen in the ground for thousands of years are suddenly released.
Pictured is the undulating ground near the craters. Gases frozen in the ground for thousands of years are suddenly released
The Yamal craters, some tiny but others large (shown), were created by natural gas filling vacant space in ice humps, eventually triggering eruptions, according to experts
Recent summers have been the hottest on record in the Arctic, and scientists say the permafrost - or year-round frozen ground - is thawing at an alarming rate which might contribute to the creation of large craters (pictured)
On Yamal, the main theory is that the craters (pictured) were formed by pingos - dome-shaped mounds over a core of ice - erupting under pressure of methane gas released by the thawing of permafrost caused by climate change
When Uber first launched, it revolutionized the way we book taxis.
Now, the San Francisco-based company is launching a multitude of other vessels to get us from A to B, from a ski shuttle car in the Andes mountain ranges to a speedboat in Turkey's Istanbul.
And it's not just Uber. Other transport services include a hangover bus in Las Vegas and app-based companies all over the world which will drive your car home for you if you're too drunk.
The UberBoat service in Turkey's Istanbul, pictured, lets customers hail a speedboat in the same way as they would a car
Speedboats
People in Istanbul can navigate the city by water instead of road. The UberBoat service lets customers hail a speedboat to take them across the Bosphorous, the strait that divides the European and Asian halves of the city.
Boats carry six to eight passengers and provide visitors and locals alike with alternative views of the city. Customers are charged by distance in the same way as with a car.
The service is coming to Croatia in the summer.
Ski shuttles
In Chile, skiers in the Andes mountain ranges can now call a spacious UberSki vehicle, which allows them to transport their cumbersome gear and equipment up and down the mountain. The service is also available in the mountains of Colorado.
In Chile, skiers in the Andes mountain ranges can call a UberSki vehicle, pictured, which allows them to transport their cumbersome gear and equipment up and down the mountain
Pets
Riders in Mexico will soon be able to transport their pets without hassle.
UberPets is designed specifically for people who travel with their dogs, cats, or even, as the company touts, 'gold fish'.
Bikes
Tired cyclists in Amsterdam can summon an Uber with a bike rack
People who find themselves in Amsterdam or Brazil often travel as the locals do - by bike.
UberBike operates in these spots with bike rack-equipped cars to collect riders when they get tired or fed-up.
Mopeds
People can now summon a moped instead of a car in cities around India and Vietnam
In India's New Delhi, and Vietnam's Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, people can now summon a moped instead of a car.
UberMoto works in the same way as its standard car service does, so the riders know their drivers name, license plate, and vehicle details.
Tours of Milan and Bali
Tourists in Milan can now go on an UberTour, pictured, for 80 euros
Tourists in Milan can now summon a taxi tour through Uber.
Called UberTour, it's a 50-minute photo tour of the city in an Uber van that can carry up to six people.
It's not cheap, though, at 80 euros.
Uber also offers a tour service in Bali, called UberTrip. It can be booked for between five and ten hours.
Wine tour
With UberWine you can tour Santa Barbara's vineyards for a minimum fare of $10
Fancy being chauffeured around around the wine country of Santa Barbara?
Well, that's exactly what you can do with UberWine.
You and five friends can be driven from vineyard to vineyard by a driver who is at your beck and call all day.
There's no time or distance limit, just a minimum fare of $10, and you can stop the tour whenever you want.
Hangover bus
Hit it a bit too hard in Las Vegas? The legendary Hangover Heaven bus operates most weekends to administer vitamins, medications and amino acids to those who require a spot of revitalisation after a heavy night.
The company claims it can cure 90 per cent of hangovers in 45 minutes, at a cost of around $200 (160).
Other similar concepts exist in US cities including New York and LA.
The Hangover Heaven bus in Las Vegas operates most weekends to administer vitamins, medications and amino acids to those with grim hangovers
Drink driving service
This concept has been around for a while, and involves summoning a professional who can drive you and your car home for you if you've had too much to drink.
Drivers arrive on a special scooter that can fold down and fit in the boot of your car, so when they've safely delivered you, they can zip off to their next client. It also saves you having to collect your car from wherever you were the night before.
London services include Scooterman, which claims its fares are cheaper than a return black cab journey. It charges from 20 for a trip that takes you from the north to the east of London.
Forget the charm of Parisian boulevards, the historic wonders of Rome or New York's designer stores, it's London that has been crowned the second best destination in the world beaten to the top spot by Bali, Indonesia.
The UK capital's rich culture, art attractions and culinary offerings has also secured it the title of best destination in Europe in the ranking based on millions of travellers' reviews.
In a full sweep of success, London was also rated the top spot in the UK by tourists followed by Edinburgh and Jersey.
The UK capital's rich culture, art attractions and culinary offerings secured it the title of second-best destination in the world, best in Europe and best in the UK in the annual TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Destinations awards
Indonesian island Bali wowed holidaymakers with its blend of rice paddies, coral reefs, forests and endless beaches, to be crowned the world's best destination
The annual TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Destinations awards, in its ninth year, reveals holidaymakers' favourite destinations based on millions of reviews and opinions collated from the website's community.
For the first time islands were also included in the ranking, which has previously homed in on urban hotspots.
TOP 10 DESTINATIONS IN THE WORLD 1. Bali, Indonesia 2. London, UK 3. Paris, France 4. Rome, Italy 5. New York City, United States 6. Crete, Greece 7. Barcelona, Spain 8. Siem Reap, Cambodia 9. Prague, Czech Republic 10. Phuket, Thailand Source: TripAdvisor Travellers' Choice Destinations awards Advertisement
To reveal the winners an algorithm assessed the number of reviews and ratings given for accommodation, restaurants and attractions at each spot over a 12-month period as well as booking behaviour on the site.
Indonesian island Bali wowed holidaymakers with its blend of rice paddies, coral reefs, forests and endless beaches, to be crowned the world's best destination.
After London came tourist favourite Paris in third place. This was followed by popular cities Rome in fourth and New York in fifth.
Greece's largest island Crete took sixth place, followed by Spanish coastal city Barcelona in seventh place.
Travellers were impressed with Siem Reap, Cambodia, which ranked eighth, followed by popular city break destination Prague in ninth and beach hotspot, Phuket, Thailand, rounding out the top ten.
In the European ranking Paris (left) came second and Rome (right) took third place
With European destinations dominating six of the top ten on the world's best list, the bar is set high.
In the European ranking, Paris chased London's tail into second spot, with Rome taking third place. Crete, Barcelona and Prague took fourth, fifth and sixth place respectively.
Straddling Asia and Europe, Istanbul was named seventh best, followed by St Petersburg in eighth, Lisbon in ninth and Amsterdam in tenth.
TRIPADVISOR'S BEST-RATED DESTINATIONS UK TOP 10 1. London, London 2. Edinburgh, Scotland 3. Jersey, Channel Isles 4. Windermere, Cumbria 5. Liverpool, Merseyside 6. Keswick, Cumbria 7. York, North Yorkshire 8. Glasgow, Scotland 9. Isle of Wight, Hampshire 10. Bath, Somerset EUROPE TOP 10 1. London, UK 2. Paris, France 3. Rome, Italy 4. Crete, Greece 5. Barcelona, Spain 6. Prague, Czech Republic 7. Istanbul, Turkey 8. St. Petersburg, Russia 9. Lisbon, Portugal 10. Amsterdam, The Netherlands Advertisement
The awards also revealed that despite London holding the top spot it's destinations in the north of the UK which have nabbed most of the top 10 spots. A five-year trend in the annual ratings.
Cumbria was singled out for praise by tourists as the county is home to two winners - Windermere and Keswick.
In the north Edinburgh, Windermere, Liverpool, Keswick, York and Glasgow take second, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth place respectively.
While in the south London, Jersey, Isle of Wight and Bath come in first, third, ninth and tenth respectively.
TripAdvisor spokesperson Hayley Coleman said: 'This year's awards show that the UK's capital can more than hold its own among the world's best loved destinations as it is named Europe's number one and second in the world. '
She bravely spoke out about her own sexual abuse encounter in the early days of her acting career.
And now Thandie Newton, 44, has revealed she was once told to stop talking about the assault so that it would not affect her job opportunities.
In a new interview with Radio Times this week, the actress revealed how people often felt uncomfortable when she spoke up about her own experience, stating, 'people didn't like it one bit'.
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Opening up: Thandie Newton, 44, has revealed she was once told to stop talking about the assault so it would not affect her job opportunities
The actress, who is currently starring in Line Of Duty, praised the BBC drama for tackling dark themes and opened up about how she related to the latest storyline.
The last series of the hit BBC show was based on an investigation into the cover-up of a sexual abuse at a boys' home.
Talking to the magazine, she said: 'I understand that because Im someone who has spoken out about my abuse [as a very young actress] and people didnt like it one bit.
'People have told me to stop and I have felt it did affect whether I was getting employed or not But I hope that somewhere a mum taking her kid to the set will just be that little bit more aware.'
Brave: The actress revealed how people often felt uncomfortable when she spoke up about her own experience, stating 'people didn't like it one bit'
New issue: Thandie Newton stars on the cover of the latest Radio Times magazine
The BAFTA-winning actress, who is the daughter of a Zimbabwean mother and an English father, also opened up about the difficulties of growing up with a mixed heritage.
She explained: 'When I was seven, I went to Zimbabwe and was very excited to be there because, when kids in Cornwall teased me about the colour of my skin, I thought to myself "Im Zimbabwean".
'Then on that holiday, a boy and I had a row about something and he said, "Go back to England where you belong." And I said, "I belong here," and he said, "What do you mean? Youre white"'.
Thandie's comments come just days after she claimed she cannot work in her native UK due to the limited roles for black actors in historical dramas.
The Westworld star spoke to the Sunday Times Magazine about how the rise in period dramas has resulted in 'slim pickings for people of colour'.
Stunning star: The actress, who is currently starring in Line of Duty, praised the BBC drama for tackling dark themes and opened up about how she related to the latest storyline
In her candid interview, the esteemed actress admitted such programmes would force her to play the victim of racial abuse, as she drew from British Film Institute research findings, stating that 59% of UK films since 2006 had no black actors.
The London-born star is adamant the rise of shows such as The Crown, Downton Abbey and Victoria - particularly shows about royalty - mean there is little place for 'people of colour' due to the inevitable typecasting.
She said: 'I love being here, but I can't work, because I can't do Downton Abbey, can't be in Victoria, can't be in Call The Midwife - well, I could, but I don't want to play someone who's being racially abused...
'I'm not interested in that, don't want to do it... there just seems to be a desire for stuff about the Royal Family, stuff from the past, which is understandable, but it just makes it slim pickings for people of colour.'
Read the full interview with in the new issue of Radio Times magazine, on sale now
After Reese Witherspoon's morning jog on Monday in L.A., endorphins were flowing, and she had plenty to smile about throughout the day.
The Oscar winner was beaming as she later made her way to lunch in Brentwood, wearing a casual-chic ensemble that included a blue blazer, over a floral-print blouse and skinny jeans.
And the 40-year-old accessorized the ensemble in a single color, pink.
Pretty in pink pumps! Reese Witherspoon stepped out in casual-chic style for lunch with friends on Monday in Brentwood, California
Reese incorporated the hue for her pointed-toe pumps, sunglasses and purse.
The Draper James entrepreneur regularly wears her Southern lifestyle brand, so it would be no surprise if some of her items were her of her own design.
She completed the look with a natural touch of make-up, including a splash of pink lipstick to highlight the theme.
A-list wardrobe: The Draper James entrepreneur regularly wears her own designs
Style star: Reese incorporated the hue for her pointed-toe pumps, sunglasses and purse
She's a fan! Oprah tweeted Reese and praised her performance on Big Little Lies
Earlier she opted for stylish workout gear when she went on a jog with a friend. The Cruel Intentions star concealed her eyes behind dark glasses and covered her hair with a black hat that was emblazoned with 'Valley'.
She teamed the wares with a black top, blue graphic-print leggings and sneakers.
The blonde certainly has her plate full, with business, film and TV ventures in her portfolio.
Working up a sweat! The Oscar winner opted for stylish workout gear when she went on a jog with a friend
No doubt she was delighted by a boost of support from Oprah Winfrey on her latest project, HBO's Big Little Lies.
'@RWitherspoon binge watching @Big_Little_Lies .. you ( Madeline) are All THAT!' the media titan tweeted one night earlier. 'Haha! Thanks @Oprah !' Reese responded, 'Keep watching, the end is CRAZY!'
The Walk The Line actress serves as the executive producer of the HBO mini-series, which stars Nicole Kidman, Laura Dern, Shailene Woodley and Zoe Kravitz.
'Valley' girl: She teamed the wares with a black top, blue graphic-print leggings, sneakers and a hat emblazoned with 'Valley'
A recent report by New Idea emerged, claiming tension between Reese and Nicole developed during filming and promotion of the show, however a representative close to both actresses told Daily Mail Australia that the story is 'completely incorrect'.
They said: 'Everyone is thrilled to the back teeth with Big Little Lies. They're (Reese and Nicole) great friends, they love each other and they love the way each other works.'
She's become a brand ambassador since her run as one of the buxom blondes on last year's The Bachelor.
And in her latest Instagram story on Monday, Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris, revealed one of the many gains, from her time on the dating reality series.
'Lost 6kgs since last year,' the 29-year-old captioned a clip, that saw her revealing her very taut torso and slimmed-down legs in just a skimpy crop top and briefs.
'Lost 6kgs since last year': The Bachelor's Kirralee 'Kiki' Morris, 29, stripped down to a skimpy crop top and briefs in her latest Instagram story on Monday (right) as she showed off her recent weight loss. Pictured on the left last year in Bali
The clip shared with Kiki's 80,100 Instagram followers, saw the reality star standing in front of her bedroom mirror.
A low-cut white crop top with the text 'SLAY' under the bust, was teamed with the skimpiest of briefs.
Kiki drew attention to her weight loss, with a transformation in the form of a much slender waist, lean arms, and toned legs.
The glamour model's long locks fell behind her toned shoulders, while her very plump pout was visible as she held up her iPhone to capture the shot.
Slimmed-down: The six kilogram weight loss over three months, marks a significant change to Kiki's appearance during last year's The Bachelor
Beautiful at every shape: The starlet sported a slightly curvier frame, compared to her most recent snap
The six kilogram weight loss over three months, marks a significant change to her appearance during last year's The Bachelor.
Never one to shy away from flaunting her frame in the skimpiest of bikinis, Kiki's latest snap highlighted her slimmed-down curves.
The lads' mag star's weight loss may also be due to joy in her personal life.
She's not shy: The reality star's 80,100 Instagram followers are all too familiar with Kiki's scantily-clad displays
Working it! The busty blonde has been working on her fitness of late, no doubt showing off the impressive results via Instagram
Since appearing on the show, Kiki has been enjoying a whirlwind romance with Sydney-based Jeremy Banks.
The blonde personality debuted her romance with the muscular hunk last Halloween via Instagram.
Sharing a shot of the pair dressed up in costume, Kiki wrote: 'When you find good selfie light and Bae just wants to suck your blood! Happy Halloweeny. Girl Scout for life (sic).'
'Getting Halloweeny with my little Girl Scout (sic),' the handsome lad wrote on his social media snap, referring to his girlfriend's costume.
In love: Kiki has been enjoying a whirlwind romance with Sydney-based Jeremy Banks
Official: The blonde personality debuted her romance with the muscular hunk last Halloween via Instagram
And not wasting any time, Kiki moved into her beau's Neutral Bay abode in the New Year.
Jeremy is the first man the starlet has been linked to since being booted off The Bachelor.
But despite being sent home without a rose quite far into the competition, Kiki insisted she knew there wasn't a romantic connection with Richie Strahan.
Going strong: Not wasting any time, the lads' mag model moved into her beau's Neutral Bay abode in the New Year
'I knew that my relationship with Richie hadn't progressed like the other girls,' she told POPSUGAR Australia.
'He's not normally my type and personality-wise.
'He's a very light-hearted, jokester kind of person and I look for quite a deep intellectual connection as well as a physical one, as well as a humourous one.'
She 'married' Jesse Konstantinoff on controversial dating series, Married At First Sight.
But Michelle Marsh may have hinted that she has already parted ways with her 'TV husband' according to a snap shared to Instagram on Monday.
The 31-year-old blonde was pictured hanging out with series villain Andrew Jones, 38, revealing her slender frame in a skimpy bikini.
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Split with Jesse already? Married At First Sight's Michelle Marsh, 31, hinted that her 'marriage' may be already over with 'TV husband' Jesse Konstantinoff, 31
Michelle was pictured in a snap shared to Instagram on Monday, by fellow contestant Andrew.
The firefighter was shirtless, and seen standing on the shoulders of a statue.
Michelle, showing off her toned frame in a skimpy bikini, grinned up at the hunky reality star.
'Swan River Rats,' Andrew, who is 'married' to Cheryl Maitland on the series, captioned the photo.
Good friends? Michelle was pictured in a snap shared to Instagram on Monday, by fellow contestant Andrew Jones, 38, that saw her grinning up at the muscular hunk
What about Cheryl? Firefighter Andrew is 'married' to Cheryl Maitland on the controversial reality series
Just hours earlier, Michelle was pictured in another snap shared to Instagram, this time with her twin Sharon, and her 'TV husband' Nick Furphy, 29, at Melbourne's Whitten Oval.
The television personalities were seen with radio host David 'Hughsey' Hughes, with Jesse nowhere in sight.
'Bumped into this funny fella this morning,' Michelle captioned the image to Instagram.
'Reckon Nick should get onto Hughsey's hair product,' she continued alongside the hash-tag #marriedlife.
Spotted: Just hours earlier on Monday, Michelle was pictured in another snap shared to Instagram, this time with her twin Sharon, and her 'TV husband' Nick Furphy (left), 29, at Melbourne's Whitten Oval. The group are seen with radio host David 'Hughsey' Hughes, 46
'Everyone thinks of it as a "hot" thing': Jesse spoke about the reality of dating an identical twin, after rumours Michelle Marsh was 'leading him on'
The pictures come shortly after Michelle's 'TV husband' Jessie hinted that his partner would have dumped him sooner, if her sister wasn't on the show.
The heartthrob has now spoken about the reality of dating an identical twin, following rumours Michelle was just 'leading him on.'
'Everyone thinks of it as a "hot" thing but you're just dating another person that happens to have a sister that looks like them,' he told The Daily Telegraph this week.
'So it's not really that different, it's just the idea of it I think.'
'Youre just dating another person that happens to have a sister that looks like them': Jesse downplayed suggestions that dating an identical twin was any different to a normal romance
On Channel Nine's controversial social experiment, Michelle's twin sister Sharon has enjoyed a blossoming romance with carpenter Nick.
But Jesse's 'marriage' to Michelle has failed to make progress, with fans declaring on social media the handsome grocer had been 'friend zoned.'
Speaking to News Corp Australia, Jesse admitted he doesn't want to compare their two 'marriages' because it would 'seem like (he) was competing' and taking part in the reality TV series 'for the wrong reasons.'
'They're getting along really great': Michelle's twin Sharon has enjoyed a blossoming romance with carpenter Nick Furphy (right), 29, but has failed to find a similar spark in her own 'marriage'
He said diplomatically: 'I've seen a relationship that's sky rocketing and they're getting along really great and they have chemistry with each other and a spark and I'm really happy for them.'
Jesse also explained that having a sister on the show gave Michelle emotional support, but he nonetheless developed strong bonds with the other men - including his 'brother-in-law,' Nick.
It comes after the TV 'husband' told Now To Love last week that he accepts Married At First Sight viewers may have been right in calling out Michelle for 'leading him on.'
'I'm really happy for them': Jesse said he doesn't want to compare the two 'marriages' because it would 'seem like (he) was competing' with 'brother-in-law' Nick. Pictured: Nick and Sharon
Sad but true! It comes after the TV 'husband' told Now To Love last week that he accepts Married At First Sight viewers may have been right in calling out Michelle for 'leading him on'
Jesse said he now believes Michelle's motives to stay on the show weren't simply for the sake of progressing their relationship.
He explained that Michelle chose to 'stay' at the weekly commitment ceremonies simply to remain close with her twin Sharon.
'I think that her sister being there helped her stay,' he confessed.
Jesse also admitted he struggled with the pairing, saying: 'There were some nights where I was very anxious with a sense of not knowing where my life was heading and if Mish was still going to be there.'
'I think that her sister being there helped her stay': Jesse said he believes Michelle's motives to stay on the show weren't simply for the sake of progressing their relationship
Tiffany Scanlon has revealed she struggles with depression and anxiety, suffering her 'worst episode in years' after splitting with Megan Marx, 28, earlier this month.
The 30-year-old wrote on her blog, 'It feels like I am constantly balancing on a beam over a very dark deep hole.
'I've slipped a few times, been hanging on by my finger nails, but most of the time I've been able to pull myself back up. That is until my recent very public break up which brought on my worst episode in years'.
Struggles: Tiffany Scanlon has revealed she struggles with depression and anxiety, suffering her 'worst episode in years' after splitting with Megan Marx, 28, earlier this month
The model added that there are times it feels it would be easier to 'let go' and submit to the darkness.
'It can feel like I'm struggling to hang on, like there are weights on my ankles pulling me down into the hole and it would be so much easier to just let go and fall into the abyss, that I will find peace there,' she wrote.
'I've made bad spontaneous choices that are out of character. The good news is that these times are few and far between.
'I know myself much better nowadays and I can see the signs that I am losing balance, I am faster at picking myself up again and I also know how to manage my depression so that I'm less likely to fall.'
Tiffany wrote: 'I've slipped a few times, been hanging on by my finger nails, but most of the time I've been able to pull myself back up. That is until my recent very public break up which brought on my worst episode in years'
She revealed: 'I've made bad spontaneous choices that are out of character. The good news is that these times are few and far between'
Dark times: 'It can feel like I'm struggling to hang on, like there are weights on my ankles pulling me down into the hole and it would be so much easier to just let go and fall into the abyss' Tiffany wrote
On Tuesday, Tiffany also opened up to Mamamia on how fame affected her relationship with Megan.
'I actually had people harassing me on my Instagram to tell them what had happened between Megan and I because they were so invested.
'As if because we had been public with our relationship we owed it to them to be public with our breakup,' she wrote in a column for the site.
Fighting: 'I am faster at picking myself up again and I also know how to manage my depression so that I'm less likely to fall' Tiffany wrote
\Tiffany also opened up to Mamamia on how fame affected her relationship with Megan: 'I actually had people harassing me on my Instagram to tell them what had happened between Megan and I because they were so invested.
Tiffany had in February told Popsugar that by sharing her romance with Megan on social media, she had hoped to 'evoke change'.
'We also made the decision that we would share our lives with the world in the hope that, in some small way, we might be able to evoke change.'
Megan confirmed that she and Tiffany had split earlier this month, responding to a fan on Instagram with: 'Tiffany and I have broken up'.
Benidorm star Tim Healy was struck down by a mystery illness and briefly 'died' while filming the sitcom in Spain, the show's writer has revealed.
Writer Derren Litten said that the 65-year-old actor, who plays popular character drag queen Lesley, was filming the show on location in Benidorm when he fell seriously ill and had to go to hospital.
'They operated on Tim and it didn't go well at all,' Derren told radio channel Cool Fm Spain.
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'He died. He flat lined': Benidorm actor Tim Healy (here in 2013) was struck down by a mystery illness while filming the show in Spain and briefly died, the sitcom's writer Derren Litten has revealed
Derren revealed that the star briefly died in the hospital.
'He died. He flat lined. They had to resuscitate him. He was in intensive care for a month.'
The actor's wife Joan flew to Spain to be by his side and once his condition stabilised, Tim was flown back to a hospital in Manchester.
In character: Tim has played drag queen Lesley (right) on the ITV hit show since 2009
Derren explained: 'He was incredibly unwell. We had shot about three episodes with Tim.
'I got a phone call from Tims wife, Joan, at the hotel and she said he was unwell, doubled up in pain and cant move.
'I jumped into my car and went down there. He was in a pretty bad way.'
The actor fell into a coma for days and it was reported that he was 'fighting for his life'.
Recovery: He fell into a coma for days and spent a month in intensive care in Spain
Derren had no choice but to write his character Lesley out of series nine of the hit ITV comedy-drama series.
But now that the father-of-two has fully recovered he will be returning to the show for the 10th series.
Actress Janine Duvitski, who stars with Tim in Still Open All Hours, said that although he has lost a lot of weight, he is recovering.
'So I saw him last week and he's lost a lot of weight,' she said.
'He was really poorly. He said it's not a good way of losing a lot of weight but he's back working now.'
A representative for Tim Healy has been contacted by MailOnline for further information.
Tim is a stalwart of the comedy-drama series, having played his well-loved character since 2009.
Previously best known for his part in television series Auf Wiedersehen, Tim was taken on as a regular in the fourth series of Benidorm in 2011.
On the mend: The actor was flown to a hospital in Manchester when his condition stabilised and although he has lost a lot of weight, he has now recovered from the mystery illness
Pia Miller appears to be in a dispute with ELLE Australia, after the magazine said she was 'difficult' to work with during a recent cover shoot.
And after taking to social media to respond to claims she displayed a 'zealous level of control' on set, the Home And Away actress is once again speaking out.
Pia, 33, shared a quote via her Instagram Story on Tuesday, attributed to American author Elizabeth Gilbert, about strong women handling bad situations.
Feud: On Tuesday, Pia Miller shared an Instagram quote about strong women handling bad situations - after ELLE Australia hinted she was 'difficult' to work with on a recent cover shoot
The quote stated: 'The women whom I love and admire for their strength and grace did not get that way because s**t worked out.
'They got that way because s**t went wrong, and they handled it. They handled it in a thousand different ways on a thousand different days, but they handled it.'
It is unclear if Pia is alluding to ELLE Australia in her social media post.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to both for comment.
'S**t went wrong and they handled it': It is unclear if the quote - attributed to author Elizabeth Gilbert - is about Pia's dispute with ELLE. Daily Mail Australia has reached out for comment
This week, ELLE Australia published its latest edition featuring Pia on the cover, with the headline: 'That smile, that skin... Is Pia Miller Australia's most beautiful woman?'
But the inside feature was less complimentary, as the magazine suggested Pia had made unexpected demands on set and displayed 'a zealous level of control'.
'The shoot concept and this accompanying interview were more difficult to agree on than most international cover stars in this magazine's history,' the article stated.
'From the earliest planning stages, she displayed a zealous level of control one that extends across her career and the way she's publicly perceived.'
Dispute: ELLE Australia published its latest edition featuring Pia on the cover - but suggested the Chilean-born model made demands on set and displayed 'a zealous level of control'
The Chilean-born star and her team also reportedly declined to have her sons Isaiah, 13, and Lennox, 10, appear in the photo shoot.
'Her fierce protectiveness of her privacy and her family goes some way towards explaining why it was never a sure thing that Miller would appear in these pages,' the ELLE journalist wrote.
According the magazine, Pia arrived at her interview with the fashion publication with two assistants who sat 'patiently at a table nearby'.
'Never apologise for standing your ground': Pia first addressed her ELLE feature via Instagram on Sunday, thanking the photographer and stylists but appearing to criticise the editorial team
Meanwhile, Pia first addressed her ELLE feature via Instagram on Sunday, thanking the photographer, make-up artist and stylists for their 'perfectly executed craft'.
But she also appeared to criticise the editorial team, adding: 'Warning! This article may encourage other women to be "incredibly strong-minded", "real", "fiercely protective" (of their children and privacy) and exhibit a "zealous level of control" of "the way (theyre) publicly perceived".
'Here's to my fellow women, Never apologise for standing your ground and portraying your true self,' she concluded.
'Fiercely protective of her family': Pia and her team also reportedly declined to have her sons Isaiah, 13, and Lennox, 10, (pictured) appear in the photo shoot
Proud mum: Pia brought her son Isaiah to the 58th Annual Logie Awards in Melbourne last year
On Tuesday morning, 2DayFM breakfast host Em Rusciano criticised ELLE Australia over the feature, and claimed Pia did the right thing by making demands.
'Pull your heads in Elle. This makes me not want to buy this magazine ever again,' said the 38-year-old.
'Pia Miller I support you lady, I have your back, I stand with you, I see you. You did what was right. You're a fierce mamma bear. Shame on you Elle magazine'.
'I support you lady, I have your back': On Tuesday, 2DayFM host Em Rusciano criticised ELLE Australia over the feature, and claimed Pia did the right thing by making demands
Earlier in her show, Em disapproved of the way the publication had characterised Pia and 'tried to put her back in her place'.
'You're having a crack at a woman for protecting her kids and family. For being assertive and confident about her brand and you're a magazine that empowers women?' she asked.
'If this was a male cover guy, he would not be called difficult for wanting to protect his brand'.
Seafood King Josh has proven to be MKR's most outspoken contestant but on Tuesday's episode Amy finally has enough of Josh running his mouth.
'Desperate housewives' Mel and Cyn and were facing off with Melbourne 'hipsters' Court and Duncan at a sudden death challenge at Kitchen HQ.
Seafood king Josh immediately began ribbing the pair, who he has clashed with, inviting the ire of his wife Amy.
Fight night: Seafood King Josh has proven to be MKR's most outspoken contestant but on Tuesday's episode Amy finally has enough of Josh running his mouth
Josh watched intently, waiting for every hiccup, and heard Duncan say that the food so far in the sudden death challenges has been 'bad'.
The Broome boy slammed the pair's fried chicken entree saying it's 'safe' and he didn't see how they could get a ten from that.
He then whined that he hoped Courtney and Duncan stay in the competition so he can beat them in sudden death, 'which is what Court wants' he said.
His wife Amy had enough of him, saying, 'stop, stop,' grabbing his mouth to quieten him and swearing at him.
Over it: His wife Amy had enough of him, saying, 'stop, stop,' grabbing his mouth to quieten him and swearing at him
Angry: Amy stormed off and stood over to the side of the stage away from Josh, her arms crossed in anger
'Everyone is fighting with Josh up there, it's hilarious,' an amused Courtney said from the kitchen, but she admitted it was still distracting.
Tyson said that he believes Josh may be trying to influence Court and Duncan while they cook or 'having one of his outbursts'.
Amy stormed off and stood over to the side of the stage away from Josh, her arms crossed in anger.
Not happy: Amy stormed off and stood over to the side of the stage away from Josh, her arms crossed in anger
Fight club: An amused Duncan imitated the angry pair's argument
At war: 'If your wife's not standing here, you're doing something wrong or esle she would be backing you,' Della said. "You're doing something wrong'
An amused Duncan imitated the angry pair's argument.
'If your wife's not standing here, you're doing something wrong or else she would be backing you,' Della said. "You're doing something wrong'.
Della then declared that she didn't want to stand next to Josh and walked off.
Courtney said to camera, 'I feel sorry for Amy. She married a douche'.
Laughs: Courtney said to camera, 'I feel sorry for Amy. She married a douche'
Not a fan: Karen then said to the camera, 'Josh is an a******e. If we get eliminated before he does I'll be absolutely devastated'
Josh conceded defeat and walked over to his wife to say, 'I promise I won't say anything' but Amy hit back, 'you can't help yourself'.
Josh finally deigned to apologise, telling his wife, 'Well, okay, I'm sorry'.
Karen then said to the camera, 'Josh is an a******e. If we get eliminated before he does I'll be absolutely devastated'.
Stressed: The other contestants noticed that Mel and Cyn were more flustered than normal
Struggles: The stress kicked in when their ice cream failed to set, and the pair were left with way too many elements to finish and not much time to go
Mel and Cyn's risotto entree doesn't hit the spot for the judges but Court and Duncan's chicken wings with pickles did well.
As they made the main, Mel and Cyn were stressed and lost focus, and Mel admitted the 'pressure of the competition' was getting to them.
The other contestants noticed that Mel and Cyn were more flustered than normal.
Judges love it: Court and Duncan's chicken wings with pickles did well
Not as good: Mel and Cyn's risotto entree doesn't hit the spot for the judges
Delicious: Court and Duncan's soba broth wowed the judges
Okay: Mel and Cyn's beef and parsnip didn't blow the roof off
'The pressure of the clock can make the best cooks fall,' Cyn admitted to camera.
The stress kicked in when their ice cream failed to set, and the pair were left with way too many elements to finish and not much time to go.
Court and Dundan's main of a soba broth went over beautifully with the judges but Mel and Cyn's beef with parsnip is underwhelming.
Winners: Court and Duncan got an impressive 50 out of 60
Low score: Mel and Cyn's final score is 34 out of 60
Mel and Cyn's dessert goes over a treat but it's not enough to save them.
Their final score is 34 out of 60 while Court and Duncan got an impressive 50 out of 60.
Mel and Cyn were eliminated from the competition.
Anyone who's ever opened a Where's Wally? book will know the struggle of trying to locate the elusive cartoon character.
But it wasn't hard to spot Sophie Monk's dad Andrew on a recent shopping trip as he sported Wally's iconic red and white striped outfit.
The broadcaster shared a video from the outing on Instagram on Monday, with her father looking decidedly unhappy at being made to wear the get-up after losing a bet with her and sister Lucy.
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There's Wally! It wasn't hard to spot Sophie Monk's dad Andrew on a recent shopping trip as he sported Wally's iconic red and white stripe outfit
She captioned the post: 'First dad lost a bet... now my little sister @lucy.monk and I just couldn't help ourselves.'
Sophie added the hashtag 'where's Andy' to the humorous post, which saw Andrew suddenly appear in a number of places around a shop.
Complete with Wally's trademark hat and glasses, the 37-year-old's dad is filmed in the car park, sitting on a shelf and standing in a queue.
Found him! The broadcaster shared a video from the outing on Instagram on Monday, with her father looking decidedly unhappy at being made to wear the get-up after losing a bet
Surprise in store: Sophie added the hashtag 'where's Andy' to the humorous post, which saw Andrew suddenly appear in a number of places around a shop
Second time unlucky: Perhaps surprisingly, it isn't the first time that the model has dressed her dad up as the cartoon character
Clearly amused by their idea, Sophie and her sibling can be heard and seen giggling throughout the clip.
Perhaps surprisingly, it isn't the first time that the model has dressed her dad up as the cartoon character.
Just last week Andrew donned the red and white stripe outfit for the first time - again after losing a bet.
Family fortunes: Just last week Andrew donned the red and white stripe outfit for the first time - again after losing a bet
Struggling to retain her composure, Sophie filmed her dad at home before capturing his exploits around the Blue Mountains town of Springwood as he paid a visit to the hairdressers and a coffee house.
The Monks are set to star in an 'Aussie bogan' version of Keeping Up With The Kardashians, according to one of Sophie's former KIIS FM colleagues.
Speaking to Daily Mail Australia in December, Oscar Gordon described the in-development show as a 'no holds barred' look at her crazy life.
The show, which has not yet been scheduled for release, will also feature Andrew and wife Sandi, who are moving into the backyard of her Gold Coast home.
Dakota Johnson's dog, Zeppelin, is living the good life.
Just days after the pampered pooch enjoyed a day out at the groomers in West Hollywood, the actress was seen picking up some treats for her beloved pet.
Dressed chicly in high-waisted black capri pants and a button-down blue shirt, which she knotted at the front, the 27-year-old grabbed an iced coffee for herself before picking up some food for her dog on Monday.
Stylish: Dakota Johnson was seen grabbing an iced coffee and some food for her dog, Zeppelin, in LA on Monday
She accessorized her look with colorful loafers, dark sunglasses and a simple gold necklace.
Her designer handbag hung off her shoulder as she made her way back to her car, clutching her drink in one hand and dog food in the other.
But while the actress was covered up for the outing, she told Vogue in January that she's just as comfortable being naked.
Hands full: The actress was loaded up with her purchases as she made her way back to her car in LA
Well-groomed: Just days earlier, the 27-year-old was seen picking up her dog from groomers Chateau Marmutt dressed in the same blue shirt
'Nudity is really interesting for an actor,' she told the publication of her role in the raunchy Fifty Shades franchise. 'Jamie [Dornan] and I worked so incredibly closely for so long. There were no inhibitions, and it was very honest, very trusting. But I mean, what a gamble!'
And she says she won't be covering up anytime soon.
'Will I stop doing nude scenes when my boobs start sagging? I dont know. Maybe I have more of a European mind-set about these things. I dont want to see someone wearing a bra and underwear in a sex scene. Lets be honest about it. People are naked when they f***.'
The naked truth: 'I dont want to see someone wearing a bra and underwear in a sex scene. Lets be honest about it. People are naked when they f***,' she said of going nude on film, seen here with Jamie Dornan in Fifty Shades Darker
Ironically though, she says she feels uncomfortable and exposed in crowds, something she's struggled to overcome since finding fame.
'Im terrible in crowds,' she confessed. Im sitting there thinking, I dont belong here, I dont know all these people, I dont know what Im talking about.'
'I have a thing with the exposure, with the experience of the past two years. I think I went into this weird K-hole of feeling so scared of people. I noticed myself becoming shut off to strangers, even cold. Thats not my nature. I prefer to be tender.'
Chopping Block
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Travel Man
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French and Saunders didnt want the job. Jamie Oliver didnt want it. Davina McCall said no. Even food journalist Kate Quilton, who is a fine presenter but hardly a household name, turned it down.
The task of following Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc as hosts of The Great British Bake Off was widely perceived as not so much a challenge, more a poisoned chalice.
In desperation, Channel 4 bosses who are paying a ludicrous 75 million for rights to the show went trawling among panel game regulars, the ones who say yes to every gig, and came up with . . . Sandi Toksvig and Noel Fielding.
Chef Rosemary Shrager and baker John Whait on ITV programme Chopping Block
Shes short and explosive. Hes tall and dozy. Why not go the whole hog, and get Cannon and Ball? Instead of, On your marks, get set, bake, they can shout: Rock on, Tommy!
The afternoon cookery contest Chopping Block (ITV) relies on the more practical team of chef Rosemary Shrager and former Bake Off champ John Whaite to judge the rival amateurs. They set basic tasks, such as jointing a chicken and making mashed potato, as well as introducing slightly more tricky skills this time, tempering chocolate.
This is a show that can actually teach the average home cook lessons worth knowing, though if Rosemary served that pureed mash in a restaurant Id want to send it back. It looked like white gravy.
On the other hand, shes got a bellow like a force nine gale. When she shouted instructions at the contestants from close range, she almost blew them off their feet.
I wouldnt want her storming out of the kitchen to tick me off . . . so Id probably just say nothing and drink my mashed potato.
The judges failed badly when it came to picking a winner. The novices had to turn their backs, while John and Rosemary compared notes, a moment of tension that was at least different from the usual drawn-out pause before the victor is announced.
But they fluffed it. Unable to choose who had started the week best, they gave the prize (a box of real ales) to everyone.
Thats a hopeless fudge. If nobody wins, everybody loses. TV competitions are not like comprehensive schools, where no one is allowed to come top of the class.
Its a fair bet that comedian Richard Ayoade was top of his school at everything academic. His intellectual superiority to the world is a running joke on Travel Man (C4).
Comedian Richard Ayoade spent 48 hours in the Hungarian capital Budapest with actress Aisling Bea
But as he spent 48 hours in the Hungarian capital Budapest with actress Aisling Bea, the joke was wearing thin. He was contemptuous of the local cuisine, such as marrowbone wrapped in gingham napkins, and fish goulash.
He sneered at the steaming spa pools where chess players clustered in clouds of steam around chequered boards. He was even unimpressed by the lifesize bronze statue of Peter Falk (a New Yorker whose ancestors were Hungarian) as Lieutenant Columbo.
The first few times he did this, in cities such as Barcelona and Istanbul, it was amusing.
Now, its mechanical. He doesnt even bother to invent reasons for disliking the tourist sights, including a railway staffed entirely by children a youth project dreamed up by the Communists in the Cold War years.
Just once, it might be fun if Richard enjoyed something. At least it would relieve the monotony, because it must be dull to be that clever.
They said they had 'given up everything' to be part of My Kitchen Rules.
And now couple Brett and Marie have now revealed they lost three months of quality time with their children while filming the cooking series.
Speaking to TV Week, the parents said not seeing their three kids for 12 weeks was the toughest part of their reality TV journey.
'Almost like a second honeymoon': My Kitchen Rules' Brett and Marie reveal they didn't see their kids for 12 weeks while filming the cooking show across the country in an interview with TV Week
The couple both share children from previous relationships, with one of their own making up the family of five.
'It got tough, particularly when we reached about the four-week mark,' Marie said.
The pair claimed they were the only team on the show who never got to see their kids, due to shooting locations and timing.
'It got tough': The pair claimed they were the only team on the show who never got to see their kids, due to shooting locations and timing, and used Skype to stay in contact with their six-year-old daughter Liliana, Brett's stepson Mason, 10, and Marie's son Seth, 15
To keep in contact they would Skype home to chat with their six-year-old daughter Liliana, Brett's stepson Mason, 10, and Marie's son Seth, 15.
Their parents took on the role as caregivers as Brett and Marie pursued the culinary opportunity of a lifetime.
'At one point, we were told not to come home because they were having too much fun with their grandparents,' Marie joked.
'At one point, we were told not to come home': Their three children were being looked after by the couple's parents, and were told they were having so much fun with their grandparents they didn't want their parents to hurry home
Following their dreams: Their parents took on the role as caregivers as Brett and Marie pursued the culinary opportunity of a lifetime, having explained they hope they can open a tapas restaurant after appearing on the cooking reality show
While the parents have said being without their children 'took its toll', they made the most of their alone time together.
'We've never had that one-on-one time together, so we took advantage of it... It was almost like a second honeymoon,' they added.
Brett and Marie have explained they hope to open a tapas restaurant one day and don't want to 'come second' in the competition.
She's known for her brave performances onscreen, and Cate Blanchett is just as risky when it comes to her personal style.
The 47-year-old showed off her decidedly shorter haircut when she took to the streets of New York City on Monday alongside her husband of 20 years, writer Andrew Upton, 51.
Dressed in a pair of faded black jeans and short black boots, the carefree actress was in a great mood, smiling and laughing as she debuted her short blonde bob.
Get shorty: Cate Blanchett was all smiles as she debuted her decidedly shorter haircut on the streets of New York City
Layered up against the cold, she also wore a black collared shirt underneath a khaki green sweatshirt and a floral yellow and navy bomber jacket.
The Oscar-winning actress was seen carrying a leather coat, which she later put on, while her black handbag hung from her shoulder.
Her Sunday Somewhere sunglasses only helped to emphasize her playful new hairdo.
Keeping it short: The actress showed off her new haircut while out with her husband, Andrew Upton on Monday
Hair today, gone tomorrow: The Oscar-winner has never been afraid to mix things up when it comes to her hair
It's not the first time the Australian actress has lopped off her famous blonde locks.
Last year, she once again opted to cut her hair into a bob - this time on the day of the Oscars.
'I know what you're thinking: Did you discuss it beforehand or was it last-minute?' her hairstylist, Robert Vetica told InStyle in February last year of her decision to go short right before such a big event.
On the chopping board: The Blue Jasmine star opted to cut her hair off on the day of last year's Oscars, with her hairstylist calling her 'bold'
'Absolutely, just like everything else in our world, it's a conversation and it just seemed like the perfect time - why not the day of the Oscars! It's one of the reasons why I love this woman so much. I mean, who cuts their hair the day of? She's bold.'
And Cate herself says she has no hesitations when it comes to changing up her look - especially if it's for a role.
'I don't like wearing wigs,' she told Allure in 2013. 'Unless it's for theatrical effect, I prefer to use my own hair.'
She is more often seen in her nurse overalls as Trixie Franklin in hit BBC period drama Call The Midwife.
But Helen George cut a far more glamorous figure on Monday night, as she dazzled in a pale pink mini dress following her first performance in Love In Idleness.
The actress, 32, stole the spotlight in a quirky crochet frock as she relaxed after wowing the crowds in Trevor Nunn's revival of the play, at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
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Leading lady: Helen George cut a glamorous figure on Monday night, as she dazzled in a pale pink mini dress following her first performance in Love In Idleness
Debut: The actress relaxed after wowing the crowds in Trevor Nunn's revival of the play, at the Menier Chocolate Factory that evening (above)
The BBC star opted for a playful frilly mini dress as she let her hair down following the new show's press night.
Cutting off mid-thigh to flash her pins, the frock maintained its sexy vibe with a daring dropped sleeve on one side, to flash plenty of skin and tease at her cleavage.
Pulling into a single shoulder, the sleeves and neckline of the dress then extended out into chunky frills of semi-sheer crochet, making the look incredibly striking.
Think pink: The BBC star opted for a playful frilly mini dress as she let her hair down following the new show's press night
Sexy sophistication: Cutting off mid-thigh to flash her pins, the frock maintained its sexy vibe with a daring dropped sleeve on one side, to flash plenty of skin and tease at her cleavage
Cinching in at her slim waist with a satin band, the number then expanded out into a flirty full skirt, secured with a line of buttons to give the outfit a vintage feel.
Adding a hint of glitz to the candy pink look, Helen paired the dress with shimmering silver heels and delicate emerald stud earrings.
Sweeping her blonde hair into a sophisticated up-do, the blonde beauty then drew attention to her naturally pretty features - which she accentuated with a shimmering gold eye and matching pink lip.
Retro: Cinching in at her slim waist, the number expanded into a flirty full skirt, secured with a line of buttons to give the outfit a vintage feel as she posed with co-stars
Touch of glitz: Adding a hint of glitz to the candy pink look, Helen paired the dress with shimmering silver heels and delicate emerald stud earrings
We did it! Helen happily posed with co-star Edward Bluemel (who plays Michael Brown) after their first show at the Menier Chocolate Factory
Man of the hour: The play is a revival of the 1944 Terrence Rattigan comedy, by theatre great Trevor Nunn (right)
The Call The Midwife star certainly showed off her trendy sense of style as she posed for cameras - after cutting a more classically chic figure onstage in the play earlier that evening.
Playing the wife of a politician in the show, Helen had looked incredibly glamorous in a retro white dress, which clung to her slim figure with its wrap around waist.
Transforming fully into her 1940s character, the former Strictly star added a black fascinator to her blonde locks as well as a string of black pearls around her neck as she lapped up the audience's applause after the first show.
Helen stars in Trevor Nunn's revival of the comedy Love In Idleness, alongside alongside theatre greats Eve Best and Anthony Head.
Gorgeous: Helen had cut a more classically chic figure onstage in the play earlier that evening
A bit of all-white: Playing the wife of a politician in the show, Helen had looked incredibly glamorous in a retro white dress, which clung to her slim figure with its wrap around waist
Finishing touches: Transforming fully into her 1940s character, the former Strictly star added a black fascinator to her blonde locks as well as a string of black pearls around her neck
Regal: Helen plays Diana Fletcher in the show, the former wife of the war minister Sir John Fletcher, played by Anthony Head (L)
The play, written by Terrence Rattigan in 1944, follows a 17-year-old Michael Brown who returns to wartime London from evacuation in Canada, to discover his mother has become the mistress of a cabinet minister.
Clashing with his political views, tensions soon arise between the men as the youngster attempts to get his mother to decide where her loyalties lie.
Helen plays Diana Fletcher in the show, the former wife of the war minister Sir John Fletcher.
The revival was received positively following its press night - with The Stage praising: 'Nunns production is played with such pitch-perfect mood and period nuance that it emerges as a scintillating rediscovery.'
Winning cast: Helen stars in Trevor Nunn's revival of the comedy Love In Idleness, alongside alongside theatre greats Eve Best and Anthony Head
Shock: The play follows a 17-year-old Michael Brown (L) who returns to London from evacuation in Canada, to discover his mother has become the mistress of a cabinet minister
Clash: Clashing with his political views, tensions soon arise between the men as the youngster attempts to get his mother (R) to decide where her loyalties lie
Zac Efron was one of Paris Jackson's childhood crushes.
However, the hearthrob ended up leaving the daughter of the King of Pop heartbroken after he failed to appear at a High School Musical concert.
The 18-year-old made the sweet confession during an appearance on The Tonight Show during a chat with Jimmy Fallon on Monday night.
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Gorgeous: Paris Jackson showed off her good looks during her appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Monday in New York City
She told her host: 'The first concert that I actively wanted to see was High School Musical.'
But Efron didn't show up for the show, which took place in 2007 making Paris roughly eight years old at the time.
She said of the disappointing experience: 'It was the depressing part...heartbroken.'
However, Efron was the only original castmember of the hit TV movie not to appear in the live stage version.
No show: Zac Efron failed to make any of the live concerts of High School Musical in 2007, leaving Paris heartbroken
Natural beauty: The stunning starlet, 18, showed off her toned legs in a star patterned dress during her late night interview
The stunning starlet, 18, showed off her toned legs in a star patterned dress during her late night interview.
The model chose a long-sleeved look with a high neckline and cinched waist.
The thigh-skimming frock, which put her toned stems on full display, featured mini stars emblazoned all over.
Paris styled her shoulder-length blonde locks loose with a deep side part.
The only daughter of Michael Jackson rocked nude-pink lip liner with defined brows and a touch of mascara on her lashes.
The natural beauty showed off her edgy side with her nose ring and numerous tattoos.
Paris recently joined IMG Models agency, following the footsteps of Gigi and Bella Hadid, Gisele, and Alessandra Ambrosio.
The teenager also signed a talent contract with WME, which is the parent company of IMG models.
Focused: The stunning starlet, 18, showed off her toned legs in a star patterned dress during her late night interview
Flawless: The thigh-skimming frock, which put her toned stems on full display, featured mini stars emblazoned all over
Earlier this month, Paris had her first acting role.
The blonde star had a cameo on the Fox musical Star, playing the character Rachel.
In a behind-the-scenes clip for Star via Billboard, she said: 'This role is really opposite to me and for it being my first real on-camera acting, I think it's a good way for me to show my acting capabilities.'
Strike a pose: Paris styled her shoulder-length blonde locks loose with a deep side part
Time for a fun game: Earlier this month, Paris joined IMG Models agency, following the footsteps of Gigi and Bella Hadid and Gisele; seen with Jimmy Fallon
She flaunted her pert posterior in a tiny sequin dress on Sunday, taking a mirror selfie before heading out for model Taylor Hill's birthday bash.
And on Tuesday, Shanina Shaik, 26, shared snaps that showed her night out in Las Vegas was just as wild as her barely-there outfit.
Or perhaps it was a night in, as the Australian beauty's Instagram post saw her perched on a chair as her girl squad danced on the hotel room's bar table.
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Racy! Another snap has emerged from Shanina Shaik's wild night-out in Las Vegas, flaunting her posterior in a see-through sequined dress as her girl squad danced on a bar table
The model flashed her black underwear in the backless dress, the improved image quality revealing her outfit was quite see-through all along.
Birthday girl Taylor, who boasts a cool 7.5 million followers on Instagram, danced onthe bar table in a sequined number of her own, accessorising with a black choker.
Two other models filled the small table.
Birthday girl: In the hotel snap, birthday girl Taylor Hill (leaning on Shanina in middle), danced on the bar table in a sequined number of her own, accessorising with a black choker
'Move girl like your a** on fire,' Shanina captioned the racy snap.
On Sunday, the Aussie beauty gave followers their first look of her skimpy dress.
Standing in one of the city's lavish hotel bathrooms, the model stood side-on as she snapped a mirror selfie.
Flaunt it! On Sunday, Shanina gave followers their first look of her skimpy dress, flaunting her posterior in the mirror
'Had to dress up for #tays birthday,' she wrote in the caption, referencing the birthday girl.
She added the hashtags: 'vegas' and 'one night only.'
Shanina is currently engaged to DJ Rukus, born Greg Andrews, and the couple are in no rush to tie the knot.
The model told the Today show earlier this year: 'We're doing it slowly, we have a long engagement which is quite nice.'
'But I can tell you I do have an idea for my dress, so I'm really happy about that,' she added.
Fifty Shades Darker actress Bella Heathcote, 29, has confirmed her engagement to long-term partner Andrew Dominik, 49.
On Tuesday the starlet's rep confirmed to Just Jared that she and Andrew are officially engaged.
Just weeks ago, Bella sparked rumours when she was pictured stepping off a plane at Sydney airport with a huge diamond sparkler on her fourth left finger.
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She's engaged! On Monday actress Bella Heathcote uploaded a picture of herself with buddies Phoebe Tonkin (left) and Lily Collins (centre), where she was seen holding up plastic glasses, with an engagement ring clearly visible. On Tuesday the starlet's rep confirmed the rumours
Welcome home! The Fifty Shades Darker actress arrived back in Sydney a few weeks ago, sporting her engagement ring
The couple have been together for more than six years, with the New-Zealand born screenwriter 20 years Bella's senior.
Andrew is known for writing and directing two Brad Pitt films, The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and Killing Them Softly.
Before dating Bella, Andrew was engaged to actress Robin Tunney, eventually calling off their engagement in 2010.
Bella has been seen sporting the sparkling ring on various occasions.
Wedding bells: Bella is set to marry long-term partner Andrew Dominik, 50
Bella has stayed mum on the romance front, however in May 2014, she did reveal to Sunday Style [now Stellar Magazine], that she's content with someone who 'understands' her hectic schedule as a star on the rise.
On Monday, Bella sent the engagement rumour mill into overdrive, when she uploaded a picture of herself with buddies Phoebe Tonkin and Lily Collins.
Seen holding up plastic glasses, a sparkling ring was clearly visible.
Bella's arrival back home in Australia a few weeks ago, comes after she revealed she was nervous about taking up the role of Leila, in the second installment of Fifty Shades, Fifty Shades Darker.
In a recent interview with InStyle Australia, Bella revealed how aware she was of fans' high expectations for her character, Christian Grey's ex-lover.
Nervous: Bella's arrival back home in Australia comes after she revealed she was nervous about taking up the role in the second installment of Fifty Shades, Fifty Shades Darker
'I was nervous, to be honest, about the fans,' she told the publication.
'I was worried that I'd disappoint them, or not live up to the idea that they had in their minds of who she should be.'
Bella's big break on television came in 2009 when she was cast as Amanda Fowler on Channel Ten soap Neighbours.
She's known for her endless sartorial displays on the runway.
And now Karolina Kurkova swapped the catwalk for the FROW as she put her best fashion foot forward for Prague Fashion Week on Monday.
The Czech model, 33, highlighted her eclectic style as she slipped on an eye-catching cobalt blue coated denim skirt for the chic occasion.
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Model behaviour: Karolina Kurkova swapped the catwalk for the FROW as she put her best fashion foot forward for Prague Fashion Week on Monday
The style maven's thigh-high slit baring skirt showcased her enviable slender pins as it framed her figure while she posed for photos.
Her waist-cinching number wrapped around her narrow waist and featured a thick belt of the same fabric while she injected height into her look with a pointed silver stiletto.
She teamed her eye-catching skirt with a semi-sheer grey sleeveless shirt with red lip detail over the bust that matched her kooky clutch.
The partially sheer top teased at her white bra while kitsch purple ribbon draped down her back.
Denim days: The Czech model, 33, highlighted her eclectic style as she slipped on an eye-catching cobalt blue coated denim skirt by Chatty for the chic occasion
Statement: Accentuating her flawless complexion, she worked her golden tresses into a chic chignon that displayed her statement purple drop-earrings
Accentuating her flawless complexion, she worked her golden tresses into a chic chignon that displayed her statement purple drop-earrings.
No stranger to a fashion week, the former Victoria's Secret Angel has appeared on the covers of Vogue and Vanity Fair, and has walked the runways for legacy fashion houses such as Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent.
Despite her success, the five-foot-eleven-inches knockout revealed in an interview with Refinery29 that she was teased relentlessly when she was younger, yet all that bullying made her stronger.
'A lot of my insecurities were my big teeth and my legs,' she said. 'Everybody used to always look at me and point at me and laugh at me, so I never really showed my legs or my arms.
Work it: She teamed her eye-catching skirt with a cropped padded jacket to combat the Spring chill
'But then it kind of turned out to be a great thing, you know, that I have big teeth and a big smile, so I kind of embrace it.'
'When I was young, I stood out,' she said. 'I was different. I was the tallest girl. I was a stick, super-skinny, and looked different.
Karolina has been married to actor Archie Drury since 2009 and they have two children: Tobin, seven, and Noah, one.
He is getting ready to be a father for the second time at the grand old age of 64.
And Jeff Goldblum looked like he could hardly wait to see the newest member of his family as he walked hand-in-hand with his much younger pregnant wife Emilie Livingston in Los Angeles on Monday.
And it seems his 34-year-old other half is ecstatic too, as she was grinning widely as she showed off her burgeoning baby belly in the trendy West Hollywood area.
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Things that go bump in the afternoon: Jeff Goldblum and pregnant wife Emilie Livingston looked full of good cheer in Los Angeles on Monday
Jeff, who is who is playing an ancient character called Grandmaster in Thor: Ragnarok, looked as Fly as ever in a trendy outfit of leather jacket, polo neck, black jeans and boots.
But it was former champion rhythmic gymnast Emilie who stole the show in her simple ensemble of black maternity dress and sandals.
Jurassic Park star Jeff admitted they were having a second boy after a cheeky reporter guessed the sex of his child at the Vanity Fair Oscars party.
He confirmed: 'You're amazing. You're very, very gifted. I'm getting chills. Yes.'
In full Blum: The former Olympic rhythmic gymnast showcased her burgeoning bump in a flattering maternity dress
He's no dinosaur: The Jurassic Park star was looking full of beans as they pranced around
Young love: Jeff started dating the beauty away back in 2012 when she was just 29-years-old
Jeff started dating the flexible former Olympic gymnast away back in 2012, when she was just 29-years-old.
The couple got engaged during a break in Hawaii in the summer of 2014, and got married just months later on November 8.
Given his advanced age, perhaps its should be no surprise he has not been taking things slowly, and the following January he announced on the Late Show with David Letterman they were expecting a son.
The boy, who they named Charlie Ocean, was born on July 4, 2015, an apt date indeed considering another of his big screen hits is Independence Day.
Pretty Fly Jeff: The virile star is having a second child at the grand old age of 64
'Desperate housewives' Mel and Cyn faced off with 'hipsters' Court and Duncan at a sudden death challenge at Kitchen HQ on Tuesday's episode of My Kitchen Rules.
But the normally unflappable Melbourne team suffered a disastrous desert, with their raspberry coulis left too hot to set.
The chaotic fail happened shortly after Courtney grabbed her breasts and shook them in Duncan's direction, mimicking the wobble of her panna cotta desert.
Saucy! The chaotic fail happened shortly after Courtney grabbed her breasts and shook them in Duncan's direction, mimicking the wobble of her panna cotta desert
She'd explained that the gelatin treat should jiggle like a woman's cleavage before demonstrating her point.
'I forgot what I was doing!' Duncan said, wandering aimlessly around the kitchen as the clock ticked down.
Courtney giggled at her husband's confusion over her slightly lewd display.
Earlier in the episode, seafood king Josh had been ribbing the pair, who he has clashed with, inviting the ire of his wife Amy.
Lost: 'I forgot what I was doing!' Duncan said, wandering aimlessly around the kitchen as the clock ticked down
Just like a breast: She'd explained that the gelatin treat should jiggle like a woman's cleavage before demonstrating her point
Raunchy cooks: Courtney giggled at her husband's confusion over her slightly lewd display
Josh watched intently, waiting for every hiccup, and heard Duncan say that the food so far in the sudden death challenges has been 'bad'.
The Broome boy slammed the pair's fried chicken entree saying it's 'safe' and he didn't see how they could get a ten from that.
He then whined that he hoped Courtney and Duncan stay in the competition so he can beat them in sudden death, 'which is what Court wants' he said.
Sudden death: Court and Duncan faced a sudden death challenge at Kitchen HQ
Fail: The normally unflappable Melbourne team suffered a disastrous desert, with their raspberry coulis left too hot to set
His wife Amy had enough of him, saying, 'stop, stop,' grabbing his mouth to quieten him and swearing at him.
'Everyone is fighting with Josh up there, it's hilarious,' an amused Courtney said from the kitchen, but she admitted it was still distracting.
Tyson said that he believes Josh may be trying to influence Court and Duncan while they cook or 'having one of his outbursts'.
Amy stormed off and stood over to the side of the stage away from Josh, her arms crossed in anger and an amused Duncan imitated the angry pair's argument.
Fight club: Josh and Amy had a fight while Court and Duncan were cooking
Having a laugh: An amused Duncan imitated the angry pair's argument
'If your wife's not standing here, you're doing something wrong or else she would be backing you,' Della said. "You're doing something wrong'.
Della then declared that she didn't want to stand next to Josh and walked off.
Courtney said to camera, 'I feel sorry for Amy. She married a douche'.
Josh conceded defeat and walked over to his wife to say, 'I promise I won't say anything' but Amy hit back, 'you can't help yourself'.
At war: Josh conceded defeat and walked over to his wife to say, 'I promise I won't say anything' but Amy hit back, 'you can't help yourself'
Josh finally deigned to apologise, telling his wife, 'Well, okay, I'm sorry'.
Karen then said to the camera, 'Josh is an a******e. If we get eliminated before he does I'll be absolutely devastated'.
As they made the main, Mel and Cyn were stressed and lost focus, and Mel admitted the 'pressure of the competition' was getting to them.
'The pressure of the clock can make the best cooks fall,' Cyn admitted to camera.
Orlando Bloom showed off his buff beach body again on Monday as he vacationed in the Caribbean.
The actor, 40, who recently split from Katy Perry after a year-long romance, was spotted hanging out with a male pal and diving off a luxury yacht.
The newly single star was also spotted frolicking in the ocean with a couple of bathing beauties during his getaway to St. Barts before hopping on a paddleboard.
He was also seen joining Kristy Hinze-Clark and her billionaire husband Jim Clark, 72, who are racing their boat in the tropical paradise.
Fun in the sun: Orlando Bloom was spotted Monday swimming in the ocean off St. Barts with a mystery brunette
Vacationing wiht pals: The actor, 40, was also joined by blonde Australian model Kristy Hinze-Clark, 37, who is married to billionaire Netscape founder and yacht owner Jim Clark, 72
The Lord Of The Rings hunk enjoyed some snorkeling with his female companions.
Kristy, 37, who has been married to the billionaire tech legend for eight years, shares two children with the yacht owner.
The duo are racing their boat in the Caribbean, according to a rep for Kristy.
Orlando, of course, was previously married to Australian model Miranda Kerr with whom he shares son Flynn, six.
Joking around: Kristy giggled as the Lord Of The Rings star struggled to fit his dive mask properly so he could go snorkeling
Fancy free: The British hunk, who recently split from pop star Katy Perry after a year-long romance, has wasted no time enjoying being single again
Orlando wore just a pair of red shorts for his fun in the sun along with a gold medallion and a woven bracelet.
His hair, which he dyed platinum blonde for a movie role last year, was back to its natural brown color.
The British actor also indulged in a spot of paddle boarding with a male pal.
This time he kept his shorts on, unlike when he was on holiday last August in Sardinaa with Katy and was photographed kneeling on a board completely naked.
Hunk: Orlando wore just a pair of red shorts along with a gold medallion and a woven bracelet. His hair, which he dyed platinum blonde for a movie role last year, was back to its natural color
Covered up: He also indulged in a spot of paddle boarding, this time keeping his shorts on. Last August, he went paddle boarding completely naked while vacationing with Katy in Sardinia
Blonde bombshell: Kristy wore a tiny blue bikini and had a cast on her right hand as she soaked up the sea and sun
Having a good time: Orlando captured some of his memories on camera
After the energetic outing, Orlando headed back off on a small craft with the mystery brunette.
Both covered up in wide-brimmed hats and wrapped white towels around themselves as the boat's crew steered them back to the yacht.
Just a few days ago, Orlando had been seen leaving a party in LA with a pretty brunette after attending a dinner to celebrate the launch of Beboe - billed as a 'luxury cannabis brand'.
He was photographed driving away from the event Thursday night with the mystery woman in the front passenger seat after spending time at the event with Justin Theroux, Benji Madden and Malin Akerman.
She revealed to Mamamia in July 2015, that she was subjected to domestic violence by an ex-lover.
And having survived the ordeal, The Real Housewives of Sydney's Lisa Oldfield, has offered her support to actress Melissa George, following her own claims of assault in a tearful interview on Channel Seven program Sunday Night.
Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the 41-year-old reality star wrote: 'Disgusted and outraged by the horrible trolling of Melissa George after she spoke out about her assault and domestic violence.'
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'Disgusted and outraged': RHOS' Lisa Oldfield, 41, defended Melissa George, 40, in a post shared to Instagram on Tuesday, after the actress was the subject of trolling following domestic violence claims
Lisa uploaded a screen grab of a distressed Melissa George from the program, to her account.
'Disgusted and outraged by the horrible trolling of Melissa George after she spoke out about her assault and domestic violence,' the mother-of-two wrote alongside the image.
'Denying and ridiculing a victim is unspeakably cruel and dangerous. I had a similar experience and had I been treated like Melissa I'd still likely be trapped.'
Lisa concluded her post with the link to an article published for Mamamia in July 2015, that detailed her own suffering of abuse, prior to her relationship with husband David Oldfield.
Her own experience: 'Many years ago, I was the repeated victim of a man, who at the time, I loved very much,' Lisa wrote at the time of the 'soul-destroying' experience, in a post shared to Mamamia in July 2015
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Lisa Oldfield for comment.
'Many years ago, I was the repeated victim of a man, who at the time, I loved very much,' the businesswoman wrote at the time of the 'soul-destroying' experience.
'My experience of domestic violence happened in a beautiful home, on the beach, surrounded by all the trappings of material success. Never, when I was having my face repeatedly pummeled into the wall, did I think, "Why is this happening to me? This isn't the suburbs?"
'At least one woman is murdered by her partner each week in this country,' she wrote at the time. 'Countless children fear coming home to the place that should be their sanctuary.'
Lisa then urged her readers to open up the dialogue, to take a stand against the ill-treatment of women.
Candid: Lisa's comments were in relation to Melissa George's tearful interview on Channel Seven program, Sunday Night
Lisa's comments were in relation to Melissa George's tearful interview on Channel Seven program, Sunday Night.
Melissa, who made headlines recently following an alleged physical incident at the hands of her ex-partner Jean David Blanc, detailed how she attempted to flee France with her two children in her chat with the program.
The mother-of-two's plea for 'help' after she was prevented from leaving France was met with mixed reaction online.
Emotional: Melissa, who made headlines recently following an alleged incident at the hands of her ex-partner Jean David Blanc, detailed how she attempted to flee France with her two children in her chat with the program
Tearful: The mother-of-two's plea for 'help' after she was prevented from leaving France was met with mixed reaction online
In response to the interview, social media was loaded with comments accusing Melissa of hypocrisy after her plea to Australia for help.
They pointed to a previously 'arrogant attitude' towards her birth nation and didn't hold back in their attack, despite many admitting they sympathised with her.
'I'm sorry Melissa George has been a victim of DV but I stopped caring about her years ago after she behaved like a spoilt brat,' one wrote.
Online frenzy: 'I'm sorry Melissa George has been a victim of DV but I stopped caring about her years ago after she behaved like a spoilt brat,' one social media user commented on the interview
Adding to the fire, another said: 'Care factor ZERO... her arrogant attitude to Australia in the past, now she wants help?!!! Pfttttt'
'Care factor ZERO... her arrogant attitude to Australia in the past, now she wants help?!!! Pfttttt,' another brutally wrote on Twitter.
Jean firmly denies the allegations of violence. Last month, both he and Melissa were convicted of assault over the incident - a judgement both parties are appealing.
The couple first met in 2011 at a BAFTA after-party and welcomed their first son Raphael in February 2014 and their second son Solal in November 2015.
STATEMENT FROM JEAN-DAVID BLANC I wish to answer once and for all to the inaccurate information given by Melissa George. The Paris' Court decision consisting of a shared custody of our young children was based on very long and various social workers investigations as well as psychologic examinations. This decision was ruled by the Judge who considered only the best interest of our children. That does not prevent Mrs George from working, as she's free to come and go to sets all over the world as she always did. As regards to our childrens interdiction to leave French territory without my prior authorization, this decision, also ruled by the Judge, is the result of Melissa George's attempt to secretly leave the country with our children without my consent, which led me to file a criminal complaint for kidnapping attempt. Regarding the supposed violence against Melissa George, I strongly contest it and have thus filed an appeal against the judgment, which is not final. I have always maintained that I had been attacked first and was only trying to protect myself. Melissa George was found guilty and charged for these offences. Advertisement
Jessica Chastain flaunted some cleavage Monday night as she continued her round of publicity for her film The Zookeeper's Wife.
The actress, 39, wore a plunging black dress with short sleeves that fell to her ankles.
She added black heels as she attended the SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations to talk about her role that's based on a true story.
Looking good: Jessica Chastain flaunted some cleavage Monday night as she continued her round of publicity for her film The Zookeeper's Wife in New York City
Chastain wore her long reddish-blonde hair loose and styled in curves with her locks tucked behind her ear on one side.
She had dark shadow around her eyes and rocked bright red lip color.
Winsome: Chastain, 39, wore her long reddish-blonde hair loose and styled in curves with her locks tucked behind her ear on one side
Joint project: The actress was joined for SAG-AFTRA Foundation Conversations by her director Niki Caro, who was more casually attired in jeans, a beige coat and heels and a black beanie
She was joined at the event by the film's director Niki Caro, a New Zealand filmmaker who found fame with the acclaimed 2002 film Whale Rider.
Caro was somewhat dressed down compared to her star, stepping out in jeans, a beige coat and heels and a black beanie.
In The Zookeeper's Wife, Chastain plays Antonia Zabinski who, in real life, saved hundreds of animals and people after the Nazi occupation of Poland at the start of the Second World War.
Passion project: The pair talked about the making of the film which is based on a true story set in Poland during the Nazi occupation of the Second World War
Earlier this month, she made a special appearance at the premiere of the film in Warsaw along with Belgian actor Johan Heldenbergh who plays her husband Jan Zabinski.
'What I really loved about this story is that it showcased humanity in the time of war,' the actress told Matt Lauer on Today earlier Monday.
'It's a labor of love for me. It's an incredible story about this great female hero that has been untold,' she added.
He's the hunky firefighter who was recently spotted out with former flame Georgia Love in Sydney.
But Cameron Cranley has cleared up romance reports, telling Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that they're just friends.
Despite reports claiming he and former Bachelorette Georgia looked cosy at the premiere of Beauty and The Beast on March 9, the 26-year-old said it was all innocent and that her boyfriend Lee Elliot knew all about it before hand.
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Just friends: The Bachelorette runner-up Cameron Cranley has cleared up romance reports surrounding him and Georgia Love telling Daily Mail Australia on Tuesday that they're just friends
'I would never do anything to upset him or come between Lee and Georgia, so I asked him first if it would be OK,' Perth-born said.
He added that they're just good friends saying 'that is all we are and ever will be.'
Georgia and Cameron were spotted by eagle-eyed fans leaving the State Theatre in Sydney together earlier this month.
Dinner date: A source who saw them at the Sydney State Theatre said that Cameron and Georgia appeared two cosy together, and seen laughing and smiling from ear to ear
Premiere night: Georgia Love attended the premiere alone, according to Cameron Lee was back in Melbourne working
The Bachelorette runner-up added that his friend was back in Melbourne working at the time while he was in Sydney for a Magnum ice-cream event.
He said: 'I still consider Lee to be one of my closest friends and would never go behind his back like that.'
A source recently told New Idea that upon first seeing Cameron and Georgia, 29, together at the premiere, they assumed Lee, 35, was not too far.
Flying solo? The source added, 'It's understandable if they just bumped into each other in the cinema, but when I saw them leave together, laughing and smiling from ear to ear it made me think there was more to it'
'But when I looked around, it was just the two of them and they were very close to each other,' the insider said.
The source added: 'It's understandable if they just bumped into each other in the cinema, but when I saw them leave together, laughing and smiling from ear to ear it made me think there was more to it - but also does Lee know?'
Since leaving the show, the trio have been spotted hanging out at various events.
Georgia and Lee reportedly had a blazing row, with the Bachelorette storming out mid dinner at Sydney's Da Orazio recently.
In a previous interview with Daily Mail Australia, Cameron said the two made an amazing and beautiful couple.
'But when I'm not with them I couldn't tell you, I can't really comment [on whether they have broken up],' he said.
The men have proven to have a great friendship with one another, even sharing pictures of their outings on Instagram.
Still good mates: Cameron explained that he doesn't find his friendship with Lee awkward, despite having dated the same girl
Cameron explained that he doesn't find his friendship with Lee awkward, despite having dated the same girl.
'For me it's literally hanging out with one of my best mates and his girl who I happen to know quite well,' he explained.
Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Georgia Love for comment.
He has made his anti-selfie stance clear when it comes to taking photos with screaming fans.
But Justin Bieber, 23, wasn't shy to appear alone in a selfie-style video from the privacy of his own bed as he revealed his new eagle and bear tattoos this Tuesday.
The pop-star, who recently wrapped up the Australasian leg of his Purpose world tour, is seen shirtless with the bold tattoos etched onto his abdomen underneath his 'Son Of God' tattoo.
Tatts a bit racy! ustin Bieber, 23, stripped shirtless for a raunchy Instagram story video this Tuesday, in which he flaunted his new eagle and bear tattoos
His heavily tattooed arms and chest on display as he stared knowingly at the camera while reclining in his extremely low-hanging sweatpants.
Justin's collection of chest tattoos include a crown, a seagull, a crucufix, the word 'forgive' and the year of his mother's birth, 1975, in Roman numerlas.
The bleach-blonde crooner uploaded the video just hours after images emerged of his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez getting cosy with her new beau Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, known professionally as The Weeknd.
Sultry: The pop-star, who recently wrapped up the Australasian leg of his Purpose world tour, is seen shirtless in the raunchy video, which was shared to his Instagram story
Low-rider: His heavily tattooed arms and chest on display as he stared knowingly at the camera while reclining in his extremely low-hanging sweatpants
Taking a swipe: Justin, who dated Selena between 2011 and 2014, recently took a swipe at The Weeknd last month during an Instagram live Q and A session with fans
Only kidding! When asked to name is current favourite song, Justin answered: 'Starboy by The Weeknd,' before bursting out into hysterical laughter
24-year-old Selena was spotted leaving dinner during a date night with boyfriend The Weeknd in Toronto over the weekend.
No doubt the two A-listers were happy to get in some private time as a source told DailyMail.com: 'They were all over each other again. Really very sappy sweet.'
Justin, who dated Selena between 2011 and 2014, recently took a swipe at The Weeknd last month during an Instagram live Q and A session with fans.
Loved up! No doubt the two A-listers were happy to get in some private time as a source told DailyMail.com: 'They were all over each other again. Really very sappy sweet'
When asked to name is current favourite song, Justin answered: 'Starboy by The Weeknd,' before bursting out into hysterical laughter.
A month earlier, Justin mocked The Weeknd during a brief interview with TMZ.
When asked whether he'd listen to a song by The Weeknd, Justin retorted: 'Hell no I can't listen to a Weeknd song, that's just wack.'
Justin and The Weeknd both rose to fame after posting videos of their music on YouTube.
Claire Danes has revealed she'd like her Homeland character Carrie to get at least one episode where she's not carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.
The actress told Ellen DeGeneres during an interview taped for Tuesday's chat show her fervent wish is that on one episode her character might simply get to play a game of monopoly.
'I'm always hoping for a little relief for Carrie - it's pretty hard,' she said. 'There's a lot of reason to cry. I just would like her to be play Monopoly.'
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Candid: Claire Danes revealed in an interview with Ellen DeGeneres she'd like her Homeland character to get one episode where she's not carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders
Meanwhile, Danes revealed that each year, the creators of her hit Showtime show take the stars, producer and writers to Georgetown for a week to do background for their series.
They interview 'all these characters within the clandestine services,' she explained.
'It's incredibly useful as you might imagine,' Danes added.
There are at least two more seasons of Homeland in the works.
Intense role: 'I'm always hoping for a little relief for Carrie - it's pretty hard,' she told the daytime chat show host
Pretty look: The actress, 37, wore a colorful densely patterned dress with heels for her appearance on Ellen
The actress also spoke about how her pet dog Weegee has been coping with the recent cold spell in New York.
The actress said her Schnauzer-mix doesn't like to wear little booties on his paws so when there's snow and ice on the ground, she lifts him up manually and place shim where she wants him to go potty.
'He's a small dog,' Danes explained.
She also shared a photo showing herself with Weegee dressed as the Pope from last Halloween.
Ellen, out of concern for the pup's well-being, then gifted Danes with a specially kitted out dog sled so Weegee doesn't have to worry about getting his paws cold and wet.
Dog lover: Danes also talked abut her Schnauzer-mix called Weegee and how he doesn't like the snow and ice in New York
Zoe Marshall is not shy when it comes to revealing details about her personal life.
And on her and husband Benji Marshall's radio show, Meet the Marshalls on Nova, the pair revealed they are trying for a baby.
The married duo said they have visited a fertility clinic in a bid to conceive, with Zoe admitting that actively trying for a tiny tot is 'the least sexiest thing!'
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Baby on the brain! Zoe and Benji Marshall have opened up about trying for a baby, saying the process is the 'least sexiest thing'
'It's not so sexy,' Benji added.
NRL star Benji said the fertility clinic constantly calls the pair to tell them the exact times they should have sex, so as to conceive.
'We went and did the fertility testing and went into the room and did what I had to do and Zoe got her eggs tested,' he said.
Awkward! The married duo said they have visited a fertility clinic in a bid to conceive and the clinic constantly called the pair to tell them the exact times they should have sex
'... And there were constant blood tests and they were ringing us on the hour telling us exactly, that we had a two hour window of where we had to get it done.
'And I was like, "come on, lets go, hurry up!" Where is the romance gone?,' he said.
Zoe said it was 'awful' and 'awks' (sic) and that after such routine sex, they 'wouldn't touch each other for the rest of the month.'
'We were so traumatised that it didn't work for us. We were like, how could this bring a baby into the world, conceiving like this? It's not natural!'
She then asked their listeners for tips and tricks to make the process more 'sexy' and joked she would wear a rosemary headband and necklace in a bid to get pregnant.
'Where is the romance gone?' Benji said having schedule in sex was not appealing
'Watch out tonight, I'm going to smell like a roasted lamb,' Zoe joked.
In another segment on their show, Zoe talked about their sex life when Benji said he didn't like talking about it.
'You're a great lover, so what's the problem, back yourself buddy!,' Zoe said.
'I don't like you talking about our private things,' he added.
Brunette beauty Zoe has been married to Benji, 32, since 2013, tying the knot in Byron Bay.
Open: In another segment on their show, Zoe talked about their sex life when Benji said he didn't like talking about it
Lovebirds: Brunette beauty Zoe has been married to Benji, 32, since 2013, tying the knot in Byron Bay
Last May, the bronzed beauty spoke to Daily Mail Australia about plans to start a family with her St. George Illawarra Dragons husband.
'My husband's ready, my body's ready, I just need to kind of get ready,' she revealed.
She's been urged by her doctor to have a baby after undergoing multiple operations for endometriosis but the blogger said she still didn't feel completely ready motherhood yet.
'But I don't know if I'm ever going to be that woman that goes "Oh my God, I want a baby now!'', she said at the time.
Last year, Zoe admitted to Nova's Fitzy and Wippa that she and her man sleep in separate beds, because Benji has sleep apnea.
After Nikki Webster released an updated version of her iconic pop track Strawberry Kisses earlier this month, it seemed 2017 was shaping up to be the year of the musical comeback.
And now Sophie Monk has added her voice to the noughties resurgence, after performing a sexy solo version of her band's hit song Poison.
The 37-year-old gave a solo rendition of the Bardot song at a charity event in Brisbane on Monday.
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'You better stop, better run away': Sophie Monk joined the resurgence of noughties singer's comebacks on the weekend, after performing a solo version of Bardot's Poison
'You better stop, better walk away,' she began, performing fearlessly to a crowd of eager onlookers, before approaching a man a teasing her hands through his hair.
In the clip, posted to her 160k Instagram followers, the blonde beauty appeared effortlessly elegant, donning a red over-the shoulder number with a low back.
The event was for The Daniel Morcombe foundation and Sophie arrived looking stunning in a sultry red dress.
The broadcaster's hair was pinned to the side, showing off her smokey make-up and rose-coloured lipstick.
Singing sensation: The broadcaster strut her stuff as she sang the song, teasing one onlooker and running her hands through his hair
She accessorised her look with chunky platform heels and minimal jewellery, working her moves as she danced across the floor in the figure-hugging ensemble.
Her performance appeared to be part of a charity dinner raising money for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation.
According to the caption that accompanied the video, the act was auctioned for an incredible $2,500, with Sophie happy to play along.
'2.5k for this version of poison. Anything for @danielmorcombefoundation. #myfavorite #dancefordaniel,' she wrote.
Sophie shot to fame after winning reality show Popstar's in 2000, going on to join the girl band Bardot.
Effortlessly elegant: Sophie wore a striking red gown to the event, pinning her blonde tresses to the side to show off her smokey make-up
Dance for Daniel: The performance was part of a charity night for the Daniel Morcombe Foundation
The group released their debut single Poison shortly after, with the song spending two weeks at number one on the Australian singles chart, where it was certified Double Platinum.
The group remains one of Australia's highest-selling girl groups in the music industry, despite their split in 2002.
Since her singing stint, Sophie has gone on to carve out a successful career for herself in media, securing a number of hosting roles on radio and television.
Despite the radio presenter's excitement at the charity dinner performance, it appeared to be in stark contrast to the embarrassment she wore upon hearing the song played at a cafe last year.
She's been prone to making a few gaffes on her show.
And Lorraine Kelly was at it again as she left Sam Faiers looking rather bemused after she poked fun at the star's 'chubby' boyfriend, Paul Knightley,
As she chatted to the former TOWIE star on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine, a picture of Paul and their son, Paul Jr, in the bath popped up on the screen.
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'Chubs': Lorraine Kelly was at it again as she left Sam Faiers looking rather bemused after she poked fun at the star's 'chubby' boyfriend, Paul Knightley
As Sam remarked: 'He's lost all the chub now!', Lorraine quipped: 'Who are you talking about?'
Taking it in her stride, Sam - who welcomed Paul with her boyfriend in December 2015. looked rather confused before she laughed, 'baby Paul!'
During the chat, Sam also revealed that she would definitely be tying the knot with her boyfriend, as they both agreed it would be the next step for them.
Rub a dub dub: As she chatted to the former TOWIE star on Tuesday's episode of Lorraine, a picture of Paul and their son, Paul Jr, in the bath popped up on the screen
Naughty! As Sam remarked about her baby boy: 'He's lost all the chub now!', Lorraine quipped: 'Who are you talking about?'
Happy families: Sam welcomed baby Paul in December 2015 with boyfriend Paul Knightley
Sam has made no secret of her desire to get married and have more children with her beau of two years, even trying on wedding dresses - despite not being engaged - on The Mummy Diaries.
When asked by Lorraine if she wanted to get married, Sam instantly replied: 'Yeah, definitely!
'I would like to be married before we have another baby, both Paul and I think that. This was the next big thing moving [house], so now weve moved'
Fighting back: Sam went on to defend her boyfriend against the fan backlash he received during the series, explaining that he was 'thrown in the deep end' with the show
Chirpy: Sam seemed in great spirits on the morning as she chatted on the show
Sam went on to defend her boyfriend against the fan backlash he received during the series.
'It's really hard because Paul's thrown in the deep end,' she explained. 'He was uncomfortable in the first series but he relaxed into it. Even more so this series hes a pro now!'
Sam had toyed with the idea of relocating to Los Angeles much to her family's dismay, during her debut series of The Mummy Diaries.
And the star revealed she would be heading to the States soon - but just for two or three months in order to check out the city properly whilst baby Paul was not in school.
Out and about: She also confirmed that the trio had moved home on Monday, but did not reveal the new location
Ready for marriage: During the chat, Sam also revealed that she would definitely be tying the knot with her boyfriend, as they both agreed it would be the next step for them
Moving on: Sam was keen to express that she and Paul would be married and having more children in the future
She also confirmed that the trio had moved home on Monday, but did not reveal the new location.
It was previously claimed that Sam was trying to 'shed her Essex image' by choosing a new personal assistant and moving to Hertfordshire.
'Samantha made changes to her management team in January and relocating out of Essex is all part of a wider plan to reposition her brand,' a source told The Sun. 'She has sold her house and is relocating out of Essex for good.'
Chic and cheerful! Looking effortlessly chic for the appearance, Sam sheathed her fabulous figure in a striped cream and beige jumper that she teamed with white skinny jeans
Sam also admitted to Lorraine that she doesn't miss her days on TOWIE - which she starred in from 2010 to 2014.
The CBB star explained: 'I dont miss it I feel like I'm in a different chapter of my life I was so young and had nothing to lose.
'I'm in a different chapter now, but yeah I watch it every now and again!'
He's served as the main man with the mic on a string of shows over the years, including his long-running gig as the host of ratings juggernaut The X Factor.
And, if fans' reactions are anything to go by, Dermot O'Leary's inaugural guest-hosting stint on The Nightly Show on Monday could be on the way to becoming a permanent gig.
As the 43-year-old TV personality took over the reins on the show - which has struggled for a sizeable audience since its recent debut - one viewer contacted him on Twitter to boldly declare: 'You may have just saved this entire programme.'
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Inaugural: Dermot O'Leary made his debut as guest host on The Nightly Show on Monday
With Catherine Tate and Ruby Wax as his guests, Dermot was lauded for his 'effortless' presenting style, which kept the show lively and entertaining.
One viewer enthusiastically tweeted: 'Brilliant #TheNightlyShow tonight with @Rubywax and #CatherineTate - thank god for @radioleary - he has saved @ITVNightlyShow.'
Stated another: 'I think #thenightlyshow has found its presenter. Dermot O'Leary can actually talk to the guests, entertain and make it more enjoyable.'
Special guests: (L-R) Catherine Tate and Ruby Wax were his guests on the ITV show
Satisfaction: Viewers took to Twitter in droves to express their joy at seeing Dermot as host
This comes after reports that The Nightly Show has been averaging a poor 1.7 million viewers per night over the past month with its original host Davina McCall.
During Monday night's broadcast, Catherine Tate kept the laughs rolling in when she revealed that she has quite the fixation with home shopping network QVC.
'I love an infomercial,' she told Dermot, as the audience laughed. 'I love a bit of QVC. If I see a QVC product where they show me a before and after, I'm on the phone before they've even run the number across (the bottom of the screen). I've got it on speed dial, seriously.
Effortless: Dermot was lauded for his 'effortless' presenting style on the struggling show
New gig? A number of viewers suggested that the 43-year-old be given the gig permanently
'I once genuinely lost a weekend to QVC, because the products that kept arriving at my door a week later I was like, surely I didn't order this! I swear, on Monday morning - this is absolutely true - the credit control department of my bank rang me to let me know they suspected fraudulent (activity).'
Fellow comedienne Ruby Wax - known for her irreverent interviewing style - went into detail about her first ever meeting with now-US President Donald Trump some 17 years ago.
'My only sadness is I didn't take him out then,' she quipped, before recalling: 'He didn't have the roadkill on his head yet. He had, like, the one nose hair and then he'd wind it around it his head... and then we had to take the shine off. And by then I don't know who he was.
Funny girls: Catherine and Ruby kept the audience in stitches with their hilarious anecdotes
The next in line: Dermot took over hosting duties on the show from TV favourite Davina McCall
'You can Google it - he had a gold bidet. Imagine what went on in there. I'm sitting there and he says to me that he wants to be the next President of the United States, so I started laughing. Who wouldn't think that's funny?
'And he said, "I've had enough of you - land the plane." So he lands the plane and now I'm with my crew in Arkansas. We weren't heading for Arkansas.'
Claiming that the property tycoon 'hid' in the cockpit as the plane landed, she then went on to talk about his personality, saying: 'He scared me, to be honest. I think he has something not right. He's savvy, there's no question. And slippery.
Happy home shooper: During the show, Catherine admitted that she's quite the fan of QVC
Memories: Dermot also took Ruby through some of her more awkward interview questions
'But he has a fatal flaw, which is he's a narcissist, and those are really dangerous because they will never think they're wrong and that's gonna get us in trouble. We're all afraid he's gonna press the button, but not the nuke one - to send out another s**te tweet.'
She continued: 'He terrified me. The sadness is - and maybe I shouldn't say this - but when we finally met him again he said did I want a lift in his car. And I if I had had my mic on, he wouldn't be in the White House.
'The charm was not on, that's all I'm saying. His attitude to women is particularly (un)appetising. He was trying to crude me out, but don't ever try to crude me out, because I can crude you out a thousand times. So it's like Battle of the Bands.'
Recounting: Footage was also shown of the very first time she interviewed now-US President Donald Trump some 17 years ago
No smoking gun: Ruby said that he 'wouldn't be in the White House' if some his exchanges with her were recorded
She gave an impressive display on this year's The Jump, after replacing fellow model Vogue Williams when she sustained an injury.
But Amy Willerton swapped her ski suit for a more glamorous ensemble as she attended the Chortle Awards at Up The Creek Comedy Club in London's Greenwich on Monday night.
The former Miss Great Britian, 24 - who reached the nail-biting grand final of The Jump earlier this month - ensured all eyes were firmly on her as showed off her stunning statuesque figure in a cropped blouse and cigarette trousers.
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Dressed to impress: Amy Willerton swapped her ski suit for a more glamorous ensemble as she attended the Chortle Awards at Up The Creek Comedy Club in London's Greenwich on Monday
The former I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! contestant oozed confidence as she posed up a storm for awaiting photographers while flaunting her model credentials.
Amy flashed a glimpse of her toned tum in a cheeky crop top, patterned with flirty black spots and red stripes.
Making the look even more playful, the former pageant queen then turned around to reveal a diamond cut-out at the back.
Accentuating her long and lithe legs, the blonde beauty completed her ensemble with chic cigarette trousers which were cropped at the ankle to expose a peek of her tanned pins.
Going dotty: The former Miss Great Britian, 24, ensured all eyes were firmly on her as showed off her stunning statuesque figure in a cropped blouse and cigarette trousers
All eyes on her: Making the look even more playful, Amy turned around to reveal a diamond cut-out at the back
Hair flick: The model flashed a slight glimpse of her toned midriff and tiny waist in a cheeky crop top, patterned with flirty black spots and red stripes
Boosting her 5ft9in height, the Bristolian beauty opted for a pair of monochrome pointed stilettos, while she kept her accessories simple with an oversized watch.
The model wore her long ombre locks in loosely tousled waves as she accentuated her natural beauty with a sweep of bronzer and pink lipstick.
The star took to Instagram to thank the award show for an amazing night, writing: 'Thank you #chortleawards for having me present an award and my first attempt at stand up comedy! It's petrifying! Huge respect to comedians for what they do (sic)'.
Later in the evening, Amy posed alongside her pal and fellow reality TV babe Megan McKenna, who donned an equally stylish ensemble.
Famous friends: Later in the evening, Amy posed alongside her pal and fellow reality TV babe Megan McKenna, who donned an equally stylish ensemble
Working it: The former I'm A Celeb contestant oozed confidence as she posed up a storm for awaiting photographers while perfectly flaunting her model credentials
Stylish: Accentuating her long and lithe legs, the blonde beauty completed her ensemble with chic cigarette trousers
The TOWIE star kept things sexy but sophisticated in a plunging black blouse and trendy flared trousers as she made the most of her time at the star-studded event.
Inside the event, the beauties rubbed shoulders with the likes of comedians Vic Reeves and Jessica Knappett.
The Chortle Comedy Awards were set up in 2002 to acknowledge and praise the best of established stand-up comics currently working in the UK - the only awards show to do so.
Previous winners include the likes of Tim Minchin, Sarah Millican, Dara O'Briain, Jason Manford and Lee Mack.
The 2017 nominees include recent I'm A Celebrity star Joel Dommett, national treasures Reeves & Mortimer, and panel show favourite Romesh Ranganathan.
Finishing touches: Boosting her 5ft9in height, the Bristol born beauty opted for a pair of monochrome pointed stilettos, while she kept her accessories simple with an oversized watch
She's just launched a new app to help women deal with bad break-ups.
And Zoe Foster-Blake, 36, is her brand's own poster-girl, having this week revealed that she is a 'pest' when it comes to ex-boyfriends.
Appearing on The Project this Tuesday night, the expectant mother admitted to the panel: 'I was a pest. Even if I had broken up, I still would go back and try and get them back. And I would wait at their house, even if they weren't home.'
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'Even if I had broken up, I still would go back and try and get them back': Zoe Foster-Blake, 36, has revealed that she is has historically been a 'pest' when it comes to break-ups
She sheepishly added: 'I once - out with my girlfriends, I got very drunk, I called my ex and pretended that a man had been harassing me. So he would come and pick me up. Which is a terrible thing to do!'
Nowadays, however, Zoe's personal life couldn't be going more smoothly, as she prepares to welcome her second child with radio star husband, Hamish.
On Sunday, the businesswoman and author took to Instagram to share a snap of her burgeoning bump from the tropical 'babymoon' she is taking on Hamilton Island in Queensland.
Call for help: She sheepishly added: 'I once - out with my girlfriends, I got very drunk, I called my ex and pretended that a man had been harassing me'
Bumping along nicely! On Sunday, Zoe Foster-Blake shared a snap that showed her basking in the sun on her 'babymoon' with husband Hamish, as the couple prepare to welcome their second child
In the snap, the 36-year-old poses with her head held back as she shows off the baby bump before a scenic backdrop that includes a pool and palm trees.
While Zoe's exact due date remains unknown, the star confirmed her pregnancy almost two months ago, with an Instagram post that parodied Beyonce's announcement that she was expecting twins.
In her new picture, Zoe's bump is covered by a loose-fitting white Gucci t-shirt, a current favourite of fashionistas, with PR maven Roxy Jacenko also known to wear the designer tee.
'Preggo massage': Zoe seemed keen to relax in the lap of luxury
In the picture, the star tagged the designer labels of her sunglasses (Celine), sandals (Miu Miu) and bag (Gucci), before humorously tagging her bump as 'teenybaby.'
In what appears to be a sponsored post, Zoe captioned the snap, 'Babymoon? BabySUN more like it!! Ha ha ha classic. We've had a heck of a time, thanks for hosting us, Qualia. And! We only looked at photos of our son about 130x a day!'
Zoe and Hamish are staying at the luxurious Qualia resort during their babymoon, which they have taken without their son Sonny, 2.
Loved-up: Zoe just launched a break-up app, but won't be needing any of her own advice as she prepares to celebrate her fifth wedding anniversary with her comedian husband
Zoe's snap was the latest of a number of postings the couple have shared from the getaway.
Clearly enjoying the lavish escape, the star uploaded a photo on Saturday that showed her wearing a fluffy bath robe before she was indulged in what she called a 'preggo massage'.
Picture perfect: Hamish shared a photo that showed his humorous attempts to capture the perfect selfie
She also shared a couple-selfie, that showed her and Hamish smiling in their swimwear.
Meanwhile, funnyman Hamish shared a photo with his 720,000 followers as he reclined in an infinity pool pretending to take the perfect holiday selfie.
The 'babymoon' was no doubt a welcome break for the busy working couple, with Zoe last week launching Break-Up Boss, an app filled with advice for getting past an old lover and moving on.
New addition: Zoe and Hamish's son Sonny is set to become a big brother with the second Foster-Blake child just months away
Power couple: Zoe and Hamish tied the knot in 2012
She's endured an incredibly fraught week, following the arrest of her on/off boyfriend Jeremy McConnell on the grounds of assault.
And Stephanie Davis has given fans a sign she has finally given up on the relationship after ditching the promise ring he gave her after they reunited following the birth of their son, Caben-Albi.
The star took to Snapchat on Monday night to share a video of her simply looking into the camera.
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Stephanie Davis has given fans a sign she has finally given up on the relationship after ditching the promise ring he gave her after they reunited following the birth of their son, Caben-Albi, in a new Snapchat video
While she didn't speak during the clip, the missing accessory spoke volumes about the state of her romance.
Just this week she stepped out for the first time since the drama with her ex kicked off.
The ring was still in place as she looked distracted near her home in Liverpool. Reports suggested the 49 silver band from Swarovksi in the hope that she and Jeremy will reconcile - and provide a happy and stable family environment for their son.
Popping out without her baby boy in tow, the brunette looked noticeably strained as she headed to her car, after an undoubtedly tiring week which saw her ex-boyfriend and father of her son Jeremy McConnell arrested, on the grounds of alleged assault.
Ring of truth: The ring was still in place as she looked distracted near her home in Liverpool. Reports suggested the 49 silver band from Swarovksi in the hope that she and Jeremy will reconcile
Hidden message: While she didn't speak during the clip, the missing accessory spoke volumes about the state of her romance
However, the star appeared to still be sporting the promise ring the Irish model had given her for her 24th birthday last year.
According to The Sun, the beauty is still wearing the 49 silver band from Swarovksi in the hope that she and Jeremy will reconcile - and provide a happy and stable family environment for their son.
An insider told the paper: 'Steph is desperate to reunite with Jeremy and for them to raise Caben-Albi as a proper family.
'She's hoping Jeremy will see the pictures of her wearing the ring and take it as a sign that she's willing to work on their relationship. Steph wants him to be a part of Caben-Albi's life.'
Stephanie had already attempted to keep a brave face at the weekend, when she made her return to social media following a controversial snap which saw her legs covered in bruises, posted last week.
The young beauty first took to Snapchat to film herself listening to a rendition of Bob Dylan's Knocking On Heaven's Door by The Voice UK contestant Mo from Saturday night's Quarter Finals, with her newborn son.
Bonding: Stephanie had already attempted to keep a brave face on Sunday, when she made a rare appearance on Snapchat with her newborn Caben-Albi
Looking in post-pregnancy bliss, she appeared besotted by her baby boy as he enjoyed his slumber in her arms, despite her recent romantic stresses.
Focusing on his snooze for the majority of the clip, she showcased half of her face as the camera panned over her little one, before she looked at the camera.
Capturing the moment, she wrote alongside the clip: 'My Angel' with a blue heart emoji as the music acted as a lullaby for the tot.
Lullaby: The 24-year-old opted for a black and white filter for the short video as she listened to a rendition of Bob Dylan's Knocking On Heaven's Door by The Voice UK contestant Mo from Saturday night's Quarter Finals
Her appearance on social media comes after she took to Instagram to post an image of her three-month-old son - shortly after it was revealed that Jeremy had been arrested on suspicion of assault just days after she shared an image of her heavily bruised legs.
Caben looked incredibly sweet in the snap as he smiled for the camera, while Stephanie gleefully penned a caption gushing over her bundle of joy.
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.
Mellow yellow: Stephanie shared a rare snap of her son Caben Albi on social media in the midst of her and ex-boyfriend Jeremy McConnell's legal woes
One newspaper named the alleged victim as Stephanie, following pictures she posted of her bruised legs. Merseyside Police confirmed to MailOnline that were called to a property regarding an incident that happened on 9 March.
Despite remaining silent on the issue, she took to Instagram on Sunday to simply share a snap of her adorable son as he gurgled happily.
Seemingly shirking her woes, she added a loving caption reading: 'My Ray Of Sunshine... Love waking up to this little face... Makes me smile... What Sundays are all about.'
The stunner: The former Hollyoaks actress took to Instagram to post an image of her three-month-old son shortly after it was revealed that Jeremy had been arrested on suspicion of assault just days after she shared an image of her heavily bruised legs
Just a day earlier he posted a snap of the tot's freshly decorated bedroom as she moves on from a tumultuous seven day period.
Captioning her latest shot, she gave no mention of her ex-boyfriend while crediting family member for helping to assemble her son's furniture.
'Cabens wardrobes and Cot up in his new room,' she wrote: 'Still lots to do but it finally feels like home. Thankyou to my dad for helping all today with Building Everything hope your backs not to sore. Just to finish it off now.'
Onwards and upwards: Stephanie has posted a snap of son Caben freshly decorated bedroom as she moves on from a tumultuous seven day period
Celebrity Big Brother star McConnell was released after being questioned by police but according to new reports his arrest has consequently led to to MTV bosses weighing up his involvement with reality show Ex On The Beach.
A spokesperson for MTV has declined to comment to MailOnline; McConnell's rep also refused to comment.
A source claimed that bosses are 'considering dropping Jeremy from the lineup,' telling The Sun: 'Jeremy has been called by EOTB regarding the assault allegations against him. Whilst there is still an ongoing investigation with the police regarding this, MTV are considering dropping him from the latest series.'
The Irish model and reality star was set to come face-to-face with Stephanie's ex-boyfriend Sam Reece - who is allegedly in talks with the show - for the first time.
Unlikely to cross paths: Stephanie's ex boyfriend Sam Reece (pictured) had reportedly been set to face Jeremy on the dating show's new series
'MTV bosses are considering dropping Jeremy': Stephanie's ex was released by police on Thursday following his arrest but the investigation is still ongoing
McConnell had struck up a romance with Stephanie on Celebrity Big Brother early last year when she had still been dating the First Dates star.
Reports that he will no longer appear on Ex On The Beach come after he was released on Wednesday following his arrest.
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 McConnell had voluntarily attended a police station.
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)
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'
Cute: Stephanie gave birth to Caben-Albi, her only child with Jeremy, in January
Naming Stephanie as the victim, The Mirror claims McConnell allegedly began 'behaving oddly' during a visit to the home where Stephanie lives with son Caben-Albi.
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 you're OK.'
McConnell 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 his 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.
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 he's been renting a flat nearby Stephanie's 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.
'It's 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.'
McConnell 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 he's been renting a flat nearby Stephanie's 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.'
His controversial appointment, alongside Sandi Toksvig, as Great British Bake Off's new host was defended by Paul Hollywood as 'a big thing for the country.'
But the chef may want to take his words of praise back, as X-rated lyrics to Noel Fielding's song with Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno has been uncovered by The Sun - leaving bosses at Love Productions fearful of losing the series' familial viewership.
The 43-year-old comedian's expletive song Live For The Night [Cocaine City] - from his band Loose Tapestries' album NHS - is filled with heavy-duty references to drugs and sex, proving to be a far cry from the cookie-cutter Channel 4 baking show.
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Controversy: X-rated lyrics to Noel Fielding's song with Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno has been uncovered - leaving Great British Bake Off bosses fearful of losing the baking series' familial viewership
Noel's controversial song features the following lyrics: 'Do you think you can send down a couple of jungle c**ks and one of those skinny white Thai c**ks?'
The former drug user continued: 'I was in the cloakroom its dark and smells of sick, and if you want your coat back, well you can suck my d***.'
The Never Mind The Buzzcocks star, who will be replacing former hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins, also repeated the shocking phrase: 'From flaccid to erections', before comparing male ejaculation to paintings of American artist Jackson Pollock.
'Hi Gloria, could you send in both cleaning teams please? The neon dance floor looks like a Jackson Pollock. Thank you, soon as possible. Literally paddling in semen down here,' a voice-over concluded the profanity fuelled single.
Sticking up for him: This comes after his controversial appointment as GBBO host, alongside Sandi Toksvig, was defended by chef Paul Hollywood as 'a big thing for the country'
Shocking: The 43-year-old comedian's expletive song Live For The Night [Cocaine City] - from his band Loose Tapestries' album NHS - is filled with heavy-duty references to drugs and sex, proving to be a far cry from the cookie-cutter Channel 4 baking show
However, his Kasabian rocker bandmate Serge ensured to show Noel his support and told Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1 on Friday that the pair had discussed the move.
He cited surrealist artist Salvador Dali as the reason behind Noel's justification to cross over into mainstream TV.
Apparently the quirky star deliberated with the Kasabian frontman before agreeing to replace beloved duo Mel and Sue alongside the QI lead.
Serge, 36, who just released a new single, explained: 'We figured, Salvador Dali did a chocolate advert, so that sort of makes it all right.'
The renowned surrealist artist starred in a chocolate advert for Lanvin in 1968 to make money in addition to his earnings from selling artworks.
Expletive: Noel's controversial song features the following lyrics: 'Do you think you can send down a couple of jungle c**ks and one of those skinny white Thai c**ks?'
Leaving GBBO bosses panicking: The Never Mind The Buzzcocks star also repeated the shocking phrase: 'From flaccid to erections', before comparing male ejaculation to paintings of American artist Jackson Pollock
The rock star said he believes his friend will be 'absolutely fantastic' in the series, but was sad not to be able to go out and celebrate the news on Friday night.
He said the pair decided not to head out partying because of the anger displayed by some fans over the Channel 4 and Love Productions execs' choices for Mel and Sue's replacements.
However, GBBO's chef Paul Hollywood, who has been part of the successful show since 2010, branded Noel's appointment 'perfect and exciting'.
The silver-haired fox, who will be joined by Prue Leith as fellow judge: 'I'm really excited. Obviously it's a big thing for the country, the Bake Off, and when I heard the names read out, I was really excited.'
'I think the whole dynamics of it, when I sat down and thought about it, because I'm a big fan of Noel, and Sandi actually.
'Absolutely fantastic!' His Kasabian rocker band-mate Serge, 36, ensured to show Noel his support and told Nick Grimshaw on Radio 1 on Friday that the pair had discussed the move
He's a fan! On Monday, GBBO's chef Paul Hollywood, who has been part of the successful show since 2010, branded Noel's appointment 'perfect and exciting'
Gushing: The silver haired fox, who will be joined by Prue Leith as fellow judge: 'I'm really excited. Obviously it's a big thing for the country, the Bake Off, and when I heard the names read out, I was really excited'
'I did know about Prue but I didnt know about the others at all but its perfect, I'm really, really excited. At the end of the day, most people were in the dark, it's kept very quiet for obvious reasons.'
Paul also expanded on his joy at the hiring of Prue: 'Obviously shes got this huge professional background and I've got nothing but respect for her, I'm really looking forward to it.
'We've met and had a chat, there's something there, she reminds me of my mother-in-law in a fantastic way, and I think we'll get on great.'
In September when the Channel 4 move was announced, he stated: 'Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories.
Pals: 'I did know about Prue but I didnt know about the others at all but its perfect, I'm really, really excited. At the end of the day, most people were in the dark, it's kept very quiet for obvious reasons'
Chatting away: In September when the Channel 4 move was announced, he stated: 'Since I was a kid, baking has been part of my life. The seven series inside the tent have created some great memories'
'Best of all, I have felt so pleased to experience other people getting the baking bug, just as I did when my dad helped me make my first loaf.
'The Great British Bake Off has brought baking to the nation and we've seen people from all walks of life and backgrounds, experience the highs and lows of competition, and more importantly helping each other.
'It's been a huge part of my life in the past few years and I just couldn't turn my back on all that - the bakers themselves, the bakes, the team that makes it, and of course the tent, the bunting, and who could forget the squirrels.
'So I am delighted that I will be continuing as a judge when Bake Off moves to Channel 4. I want to thank the BBC and Mel and Sue for making my time in the tent great fun and really rewarding.'
Her mother has hugely supported her racy turn as Anastasia Steele in the erotic Fifty Shades of Grey movies.
And Dakota Johnson took her time off from her bona fide A-list status as she spent some quality time with Melanie Griffith in Los Angeles on Monday.
The 27-year-old actress looked sartorially savvy in a wrap front blue shirt, while her iconic mother, 59, showed off her eternal flair in cat-eye shades and a floor-length cardigan.
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Bonding time! Dakota Johnson, 27, looked sartorially savvy as she spent some quality time with her eternally stunning mum Melanie Griffith, 59, in Los Angeles on Monday
Dakota looked chic in her ensemble, which consisted of the figure-skimming top which she neatly tucked into a pair high-waisted ankle-grazing trousers.
The star, who was also clad in a pair of cool shades, completed the look by draping a lavish Louis Vuitton bag upon her shoulders and opting for embroidered kitten heel shoes.
Blonde beauty Melanie rivalled her daughter on the style front with the camel-coloured cardigan, which she paired with a clingy turtleneck and loose jeans.
Her locks were thrown up into a stylish updo and her main focus was Dakota, as she pulled her in for a tight embrace.
The iconic actress, who was clad in a stylish ankle-grazing cardigan, ensured her main focus was on her daughter - who is now a forced to be reckoned with in Hollywood
Stylish: Dakota was seen grabbing an iced coffee and some food for her dog, Zeppelin, earlier on in the day
Earlier on in the day, Dakota was seen picking up some treats for her beloved dog Zeppelin - just days after the pampered pooch enjoyed a day out at the groomers in West Hollywood.
Dressed super stylish in high-waisted black capri pants and a button-down blue shirt, which she knotted at the front, she grabbed an iced coffee for herself before picking up some food for her dog on Monday.
She accessorised her look with colourful loafers, dark sunglasses and a simple gold necklace.
Her designer handbag hung off her shoulder as she made her way back to her car, clutching her drink in one hand and dog food in the other.
Hands full: The actress was loaded up with her purchases as she made her way back to her car in LA
Well-groomed: Just days earlier, the brunette was seen picking up her dog from groomers Chateau Marmutt dressed in the same blue shirt
But while the actress was covered up for the outing, she told Vogue in January that she's just as comfortable being naked.
'Nudity is really interesting for an actor,' she told the publication of her role in the raunchy Fifty Shades franchise. 'Jamie [Dornan] and I worked so incredibly closely for so long. There were no inhibitions, and it was very honest, very trusting. But I mean, what a gamble!'
And she says she won't be covering up anytime soon.
'Will I stop doing nude scenes when my boobs start sagging? I dont know. Maybe I have more of a European mind-set about these things. I dont want to see someone wearing a bra and underwear in a sex scene. Lets be honest about it. People are naked when they f***.'
The naked truth: 'I dont want to see someone wearing a bra and underwear in a sex scene. Lets be honest about it. People are naked when they f***,' she said of going nude on film, seen here with Jamie Dornan in Fifty Shades Darker
Ironically though, she says she feels uncomfortable and exposed in crowds, something she's struggled to overcome since finding fame.
'Im terrible in crowds,' she confessed. Im sitting there thinking, I dont belong here, I dont know all these people, I dont know what Im talking about.'
'I have a thing with the exposure, with the experience of the past two years. I think I went into this weird K-hole of feeling so scared of people. I noticed myself becoming shut off to strangers, even cold. Thats not my nature. I prefer to be tender.'
She was embroiled in numerous arguments with fiery Kim Woodburn and constantly butted heads with twins Jedward on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year.
And now Nicola McLean has claimed that her previous battle with bulimia came back to haunt her during her turbulent time on the Channel 5 series - in which she finished in fifth place.
The 35-year-old glamour model opened up to New! magazine about the ongoing illness, which saw her not eat for 'three days' on the reality show - as well as discuss the current state of her previously marred relationship with husband Tom Williams.
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'I relapsed!' Nicola McLean has claimed that her previous battle with bulimia came back to haunt her during her turbulent time on Celebrity Big Brother earlier this year - in which she finished in fifth place
Nicola, who is mother to Striker, 6, and Rocky, 11, with Tom, confessed in the candid interview that watching back her time on CBB 'wasn't easy'.
'I hadn't eaten for three days because Angie Best was being an absolute nightmare with food. I relapsed in there my with eating disorder, which I'd be been doing so well with,' she bravely admitted.
'When I wasn't eating they gave me the task with James Jordan, where I got to eat a Mcdonald's,' Nicole revealed, while also crediting the CBB team for being 'good to her' after realising she was 'mentally unwell'.
Reflecting on her battle with disorder, Nicola conceded that she'll 'always be bulimic' and is on 'pills that really work' - but announced that she is fortunately 'cured' of anorexia.
Secret battle: The 35-year-old glamour model opened up to New! magazine about the ongoing illness, which saw her not eat for 'three days' on the reality show
Thanking them: Nicole also credited the CBB team for being 'good to her' after realising she was 'mentally unwell'
Feuding: Her stormy time on CBB saw her embroiled in numerous arguments with fiery Kim Woodburn. She also butted heads with twins Jedward
The interview also saw her opening up about her relationship with Tom, who she briefly split with in 2014 after he cheated on her with a waitress in the States.
Nicola - who is now planning a vow renewal ceremony with the Arizona United player - reflected on his actions, describing it as a 'midlife crisis' after his sporting career winded down.
'He had a hard time and became someone I didn't even recognise. It was horrible. But he became the man that I married again.'
She also credited 'staying out of the media' and being a 'mum and housewife' as factors that have since made her marriage work.
Ongoing: Reflecting on her battle with disorder, Nicola conceded that she'll 'always be bulimic' and is on 'pills that really work'
Good news: The blonde bombshell made the announcement that she is 'cured' of anorexia
In 2014, Nicola announced she was leaving her husband as she claimed he had cheated on her.
At the time, she told Reveal magazine: 'I've known my marriage has been over for months, but I've been fighting it. I'm the lowest I've ever felt.'
'Everyone sees me as a strong, hard-faced b**ch, when actually I'm just an insecure girl who wants her marriage to work.
'I'm not perfect, but I've been 100 per cent faithful to my husband, marriage and children, and I can take that away from this.'
Meanwhile, when Tom was approached by the publication in regards to the cheating allegations, he snapped: 'Go f**k yourself. I'm not interested. And you can quote me on that.'
'He had a hard time': The interview also saw her opening up about her relationship with Tom, who she briefly split with in 2014 after he cheated on her with a waitress in the States
A year later, the pair reconciled, and she made a light-hearted reference to their split in her entry VT for Celebrity Big Brother.
She said: 'Who gives the trolls the right to comment on my marriage? What, is everyones husband perfect?'
After she finished in fifth place, she revealed to MailOnline she was overjoyed to be reunited with her husband.
'Me and my husband yes, we had great sex (when I left the show) - it was wonderful. Yeah it was lovely!' she admitted.
During her time in the house, the star also raised eyebrows with her flirty antics with Jamie O'Hara - the ex-husband of her former best friend, Danielle Lloyd.
She just celebrated her fifth wedding anniversary by splurging on a luxurious Hawaiian getaway with husband Anthony Minichiello.
But on Tuesday, Terry Biviano swapped the sand and swimsuits for an elegant black gown when she attended the Moet & Chandon MCIII Launch at Sydney Opera House.
The 42-year-old looked graceful in the strapless number, attending the event alongside other Australian personalities, including Sam Neill, Bryan Brown and Kerrie McCullum.
Back in black: Terry Biviano swapped the sand and swimsuits of her recent holiday for an elegant black gown when she attended the Moet & Chandon MCIII Launch at Sydney Opera House
The raven-haired beauty stunned in the fishtail gown, which cinched around her waist with a simple ebony band.
The figure-hugging strapless outfit showed off her toned and tanned figure, as well as her enviable curves.
She drew attention to her bust with a thick rope-style necklace, which snaked down her chest to finish in her cleavage.
Effortlessly chic! The raven-haired beauty stunned in the fishtail gown, which cinched around her waist with a simple ebony band
Statement piece: The socialite drew attention to her bust with a thick rope-style necklace, which snaked down her chest.
The socialite paired the statement piece with a simple gold bangle, small earrings and dark nail polish.
Posing with her hand on her hip, Terry opted to let her straight tresses fall behind her back, showing off her dusty eye make-up and dark rouge lipstick.
The mother-of-one gave her nearly 48K Instagram followers a sneak peek of her look earlier in the night when she shared a black and white photo of her in the dress.
The stunner wasn't the only Australian personality to grace the black carpet at the event, with Jurassic Park actor Sam Neill looking sharp in his sleek suit.
Dapper suit: Jurassic park actor Sam Neill also graced the black carpet for photos, donning a sharp suit for the occasion
Handsome: Despite sporting the same grizzled and grey beard he put on display at Tropfest last month, Sam smiled for the cameras in his black ensemble
The actor looked handsome in the black ensemble, which featured a shiny collar section and a navy-coloured tie.
Same sported the same grizzled and grey beard he put on display at Tropfest last month, completing his outfit with leather-look shoes.
Fellow actor Bryan Brown looked similarly dapper as he arrived at the Sydney Opera House for the event.
Bow-tie Bryan: Bryan Brown looked similarly dapper as he arrived at the Sydney Opera House for the event
Blue blazer: The Light Between Oceans actor mixed up his outfit with dark pants and a velvet blue blazer
Opting for a black bow-tie, The Light Between Oceans actor appeared on trend with dark pants and a velvet blue blazer.
The Australian actor finished his outfit with a crisp white shirt, posing with his hands in his pocket and a sly smile upon his face.
News Corps Australia's editor-in-chief Kerrie McCallum packed a punch in her stunning magenta frock, which featured a high collar and tie-waist.
Flowing frock: Kerrie McCallum stunned in a deep magenta lace gown, which featured a high collar and tied at her waist
Accessorising: The editor wore the vibrant number with a pair of open-toed stilettos and dark jewellery
The blonde beauty accessorised the lace ensemble with dark jewellery, including a thick watch, ebony clutch and banded black choker.
Kerrie wore the vibrant number with a pair of open-toed stilettos, pinning her curly locks off her face to accentuate her light, nude-coloured make-up and rosy red lipstick.
Channel 10's Angela Bishop also modelled a long frock, which stood apart from the crowd with its intricate black and grey print.
The presenter showed off some cheeky cleavage in the piece, which also featured a thigh-high centre split.
Patterned print: Channel 10's Angela Bishop showed off some cheeky cleavage in her piece, which also featured a thigh-high centre split
Perfect pair: Former rugby star George Gregan and his wife Erica joined their friend Sam Neill at the launch and were all smiles as they posed for the camera
The reporter accessorised her look with an assortment of mismatch pieces, from dangling circle earrings to a black clutch and baby blue nail polish.
She let her long locks hang over her shoulder and complimented the outfit with dark eyeliner and pointed nude pumps.
Former rugby star George Gregan and his wife Erica joined their friend Sam Neill at the launch and were all smiles as they posed for the camera.
George looked sleek and stylish in his classic black-and-white suit, leaving his jacket open and completing the ensemble with a glossy black tie.
Simple and stylish: Erica appeared the picture of sophistication in her tea-length dress, with a silver flower pattern standing out on the sheer lace piece
Meanwhile, wife Erica appeared the picture of sophistication in her tea-length dress, with its silver flower pattern standing out on the sheer lace piece.
Wearing her hair in a tight bun, the managing director favoured nude make-up, as well as simple silver chain and bracelet.
Hot on the heels of her runway appearance at Virgin Australia Melbourne Fashion Festival Jesinta Franklin (nee Campbell) also made her mark at the event, debuting a striking new hairdo.
The 25-year-old model channelled a rock glam look, wearing a velvet black dress with daring thigh-high sock boots.
Since they started dating last year, Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey have not been shy about oversharing with their fans.
But the Made In Chelsea stars have taken their intimate social media campaign to the next level.
Instead of posing for smug holiday snaps on Instagram, the couple moved to Snapchat, where Louise posted some seriously raunchy snaps of them in bed.
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Made in bed! Made In Chelsea stars Louise Thompson and Ryan Libbey have taken their intimate social media campaign to the next level with a racy bedroom Snapchat
In their latest images, the pair are snuggled up in bed - but seem to have forgotten their pyjamas.
While her beefed-up beau is shirtless as ever, Louise, 26, daringly goes topless, only maintaining her dignity by covering her breasts with her arm.
Not satisfied with her already racy display, she provocatively pulls out her tongue at the camera.
She's also maintained her onslaught of Instagram snaps from her latest holiday in Dubai.
Night night! While her beefed-up beau is shirtless as ever, Louise, 26, daringly goes topless, only maintaining her dignity by covering her breasts with her arm
Making a splash: She's also maintained her onslaught of Instagram snaps from her latest holiday in Dubai with a picture of her in a skimpy pink bikini
Finding Nemo: She also shared a snap of her getting ready for a night out, flaunting some serious cleavage in a low cut dress
Rain rain, go away! Even a rainy day in Dubai didn't stop Ryan and Louise from their incessant holiday photo shoot, with the reality star slipping into a bright red swimsuit on Tuesday
The brunette posted a new bikini picture showing her in a skimpy pink two piece.
She also shared a snap of her getting ready for a night out, flaunting some serious cleavage in a low cut dress.
However, while Louise is keen for fans to think her life is perfect, Ryan is less convincing.
He informed followers that his diminutive girlfriend had passed wind while they were taking a sizzling snap from their Dubai break.
Louise looked phenomenal in the snap in which she wore a sexy keyhole bikini, while her beefcake beau gazed down at her - perhaps in shock, or even disgust, given his alarming revelation in the caption.
Gassy? Ryan Libbey let slip that they are far from perfect after he informed followers that his diminutive girlfriend had passed wind while they were taking a sizzling snap from their Dubai break
Rocking her second bikini of the day, Louise slipped into the khaki number which boasted a high neckline with a cleavage-baring keyhole to best flaunt her perky assets.
Gazing up at Ryan, who flashed his phenomenal physique - the result of his livelihood as a personal trainer in the gym - looked down at his stunning girlfriend.
While looking almost akin to a Barbie and Ken doll, the duo looked picture perfect, although Ryan dispelled the myth of a flaw-free couple.
He penned a caption on the image reading: 'She looks like a 10/10 but she just farted' in a move which will no doubt shock and tickle his 52,200 followers.
Breezy: The 26-year-old Made In Chelsea star looked phenomenal in the snap in which she wore a sexy keyhole bikini, while her beefcake beau gazed down at her - perhaps in shock, or even disgust, given his alarming revelation in the caption
'Whooping it up': Earlier in the day, she struck a playful pose in a monochrome string bikini by Calzedonia with her toned arms raised and her hands entwined in her natural chocolate tresses in a snap titled 'As my dad would say "whooping it up" in Dubai
Earlier in the day, she struck a playful pose in a monochrome string bikini with her toned arms raised and her hands entwined in her natural chocolate tresses in a snap titled 'As my dad would say "whooping it up" in Dubai.
The confident beauty's taut tummy and enviable pins were fully on display with the clear azure waters and white sand of the United Arab Emirates clearly visible in the background.
Showing an exceptional eye for detail in her beach attire, the ebony and ivory theme continued down to her on-trend sliders.
Changing the pace for the second social media snap, a beaming Louise is seen enjoying a leisurely Dubai breakfast, with iced coffee and croissants.
The good life: The petite beauty looked none the worse for wear despite the seven hour flight and chilled out with an iced coffee and croissants
Hiding her eyes behind charcoal aviators, the glowing star looked effortlessly chic in an eggshell blue coat with a lightweight vest top. Giving her outfit the Chelsea edge was a jade snakeskin bag.
Not to be outdone in the pose-off, her strapping beau Ryan Libbey channelled his inner David Gandy for a moody shot on the beach, and revealed an unusual nickname for his petite love.
He said: 'Touched down in Dubai with my chipmunk @louise.thompson'
Keeping his look beach fresh, he donned dark Ray-Bans, teamed with a white polo shirt, black shorts and navy boat shoes.
Giving her a run for her money? Louise's muscular beau Ryan Libbey also had a go at striking a modelesque pose on the beach with skyscrapers perfectly framing the shot
Louise has been enjoying being back in the city for the first time since she jetted out to Dubai with her Made In Chelsea co-stars back in 2012 to celebrate her 22nd birthday.
She has already put on a very racy display as she posed in a plunging swimsuit on Friday.
Louise showed off her taut abs and toned pins in the black halterneck jumpsuit in an Instagram snap to her 969,000 followers.
Racy: Made In Chelsea star Louise Thompson posed in a plunging swimsuit while on holiday in Dubai on Friday
But she appeared to make a dig at her former MIC co-stars, captioning the picture: 'Beach + skyscrapers. I can't get over this place.
'It's been 5 years since I was last in Dubai (filming with Made in Chelsea) but I wanted to revisit with a fresh perspective and better company.
'Plus I'm seeking refuge to recover from the removal of 4 x wisdom teeth! and the ensuing chipmunk face.'
Blooming lovely: The 26-year-old flashed her abs as she posed in a lacy floral bustier as she posed for a selfie last week
This time around, Louise put on a typically stylish display, accessorising the daring one-piece with a stylish green tote, black pom-pom loafers and a pair of large shades.
The reality star, who is now dating personal trainer Ryan Libbey, had shared another sexy Instagram snap last week, in which she looked incredible in a pretty push-up rose bustier.
Displaying her rock-hard abs and wearing her hair in tousled waves, she posed with a can of fake tan, a couple of months after her brother Sam poked fun at her constant posts.
Another day, another bikini: She recently took the opportunity to show off her svelte figure - this time in a bikini adorned with dollar bills while on holiday in Sri Lanka
Louise captioned the image with the words: 'Been keeping my holiday tan topped up with my new favourite @utanandtone Turbo Tan.
'This tan is great because it's free of nasty chemicals and parabens which is important to me. The colour is really dark yet natural.'
Her followers quickly bombarded Louise with compliments and fashion requests.
Beachy: Louise ran her fingers through her wet hair in yet another swimsuit snapshot
One wrote: '@louise.thompson the best thing in this photo is that bra top and the way your curvy bits fill it. Brava! x'. Another fashion-forward fan added: 'Woah I want the bra and bod!'
She has honed her already petite figure into a flawless muscle machine over the past year.
Meanwhile, her artfully posed slew of bikini snaps in recent weeks has prompted her brother Sam to tease her mercilessly via Instagram, even revealing how she achieves the perfect 'selfie'.
The cheeky Made In Chelsea star even posted a snap showing the lengths his sister and her beau Ryan Libbey will go to share the snaps.
Sam used an Instagram Story to show how a professional photography and lighting team appeared to be involved in setting up some of his sister's snapshots.
It featured one image from beside a pool with two figures, who appear to be the couple, sat in front of a professional camera.
Louise enjoyed an idyllic trip to Sri Lanka in January, where she has spent much of the holiday stripping off to show off the figure Ryan has helped her hone.
Secret's out! Hilariously, her co-star brother Sam recently decided to out the lengths the couple will go to in order to share their self-promoting, body-baring snaps - with the results including a professional photographer and lighting team
Still going! Louise shared a series of artistically posed images on the romantic break for two
The genetically-blessed pair shared images on their respective social media accounts with Ryan teasing Louise for stealing screen time.
He added a caption on the shot reading : 'Trying to get some camera time on my own before the misses takes over, again!... She caught me red handed though...'
The ripped couple have posed in a number of images - often with both in front of the camera leading to questions over who was snapping.
This is the second time Sam has laid into the couple on this holiday alone, as he recently enlisted the help of his co-star girlfriend Tiffany Watson to replicate his sibling's picture, in which Ryan scooped her up with one hand.
Louise, who has undergone a massive body transformation of late after hooking up with her personal trainer beau, litters her social media accounts with sponsored posts, often publicising fashion brands.
Life's a beach! Louise posted another snap on Instagram recently of the couple enjoying 'tans, tummy feeding and top knots' on their Sri Lankan break
Top joker: Yet Sam, who frequently mocks his sister on social media, took to his Instagram story to share an image from beside a pool with two figures who appear to be the couple sat in front of a professional camera
Ouch! This is the second time Sam has laid into the couple on this holiday alone, as he enlisted the help of his co-star girlfriend Tiffany Watson to replicate his sibling's picture, in which Ryan scooped her up with one hand
While the brunette beauty wins thousands of likes on the posts, hilarious Sam opted to swoop on his sister's penchant for promotion by mimicking her snaps near-exactly - much to her chagrin.
The funnyman recruited Tiffany to help him rib Louise's self-satisfied snap, which she posted on Monday from her New Year Maldives getaway.
Louise posed in a powerful shot in which Ryan made a seemingly effortless move to launch the brunette reality star into the air with just one hand, while the caption read: 'We're gonna crush 2017'.
Eek! The couple were seen stumbling around on the grass as Sam tried and failed to lift her into the air - with great difficulty
Agh! Slimline Tiffany seemed outraged that she could not be erected with ease, as she gasped: 'Can you really not lift me?' before they eventually managed a feeble imitation of her the original snap
Hilarious Sam, who recently enjoyed a romantic break in Morocco, shared a video which opened with the image of Louise and Ryan before transcending into a slip with Tiffany.
The couple were seen stumbling around on the grass as Sam tried and failed to lift her into the air - with great difficulty.
Slimline Tiffany seemed outraged that she could not be hoisted with ease, as she gasped: 'Can you really not lift me?' before they eventually managed a feeble imitation of her the original snap.
Don't hurt yourself: It looked as though Sam was at risk of dropping his girlfriend
Who wore it best? Sam raided his sister Louise's wardrobe for a third time as he continues to mock her Instagram poses
At the start of the year, Sam raided his sister wardrobe for a third time as mocked her Instagram poses by teaming a slinky lace minidress with an eye-catching statement necklace for the amusing snap.
Remaining straight-faced for the comical picture, Sam was unable to match Louise's impressive plump pout.
He leaned against the same fireplace from his sister's snap, with an abstract art piece hanging above his left shoulder.
The cheeky chappy wrote beside the image: 'Just being strong and independent in our misspap loungewear... for discount use Louise's code: I'm a k**b'
Taking the mickey: Sam took the mickey out of his sister Louise, as he uploaded a picture of himself wearing the same feminine sequined frock
Recycled: Louise shared a stunning shot clad in a lace grey dress last week, but little brother Sam couldn't resist mimicking the shot
He previously slipped into some festive sequins to imitate the brunette beauty, 26.
Doing a convincing impression of his big sister, Sam even flicked his head back with vigor to create the same flirty pose as Louise.
Captioning the picture in the tiny white minidress, Sam wrote: 'Me and @louise.thompson slaying in sequins.'
In a nod to Louise's penchant for fashion promotions, he name-dropped the brand, adding: 'Rocking our #motelrocks And you guys thought last week was a one off! Louise.....YOU'RE A BELLPIECE'
The public takedown began earlier this month when Sam playfully attacked Louise's 'barrage' of Instagram posts by posting a shot of his own.
Moving on: Louise didn't let being mocked deter her from sharing more snaps, taking to the photo-sharing site just hours later to post another shot of herself, this time clad in her lingerie
Somehow getting hold of one of his sibling's ensembles, he expertly mirrored a snap she'd uploaded the week before, complete with the same accessories and sultry pout.
He quipped: 'After the past months barrage of @louise.thompson instagrams...I think it's time I took some serious p**s!
'So here we go! Gliding into 2017 wearing our Lacey #axparis dresses.'
Adding insult to injury, Sam's post garnered a whopping 36,700 likes, whilst Louise's original post only received 15,800.
Before seeing the huge amount of likes he had amassed, Louise commented: 'OMG, you freak !!! If you get more likes than me @samthompsonuk.'
Fuming: Louise jokingly labelled Sam a 'freak' after seeing the post
Luckily, Louise later saw the funny side, commenting on his post: 'I guess you're going to get endorsed by ladies frocks now?'
And whilst she may have been joking, fans seemed to suggest this could be the case, with one quipping: 'I saw Louise's post and loved the dress. Now I love it even more.'
Other fans then hunted down Louise's original post, merely to tease that Sam had 'worn it better'.
But she didn't let it deter her, taking to the photo-sharing site just hours later to post another shot of herself, this time clad in her lingerie.
She's renowned for being more than comfortable showing off some skin.
And socialite Brynne Edelsten put on a busty display at the launch of a nightclub in Melbourne over the weekend.
The 34-year-old was among a number of celebrities to attend the opening night of a new venue for popular bar Pawn & Co, and in typical style flaunted her decolletage in a revealing outfit.
Party time! Brynne Edelsten put on a busty display at the launch of a new venue for Melbourne hot spot Pawn & Co
Smiling as she posed for photographers at the entrance to the club, Brynne opted for a black and white theme for the night.
With her blonde locks falling down loosely, she rocked a tight black singlet that not only accentuated her cleavage but also showed off her midriff.
Opting for a long flowing white skirt with slits high up her leg, the beauty flaunted her trim pins and svelte figure.
Flaunt it! The 34-year-old socialite rocked a tight black singlet that not only accentuated her cleavage but also showed off her midriff, while also flaunting her trim pins in a long skirt
Mix n match: Wearing a bright red lipstick, she accessorised with a matching necklace and a bracelet, while a large black handbag hung over her right shoulder
Wearing a bright red lipstick, she accessorised her outfit with a matching necklace and bracelet, while a large black handbag hung over her shoulder.
Rocking a pair of black stilettos, she laughed as she posed for a photo with a heavily-tattooed friend.
Inside the party Brynne was joined by fellow local celebrities including former Big Brother contestant Tully Smyth.
Star-studded: Inside the party Brynne was joined by fellow local celebrities including former Big Brother contestant Tully Smyth (pictured)
Stunning: The reality TV star looked stunning in a knitted grey dress that hugged her figure and was cut high on her leg to show off her pins
The reality TV star turned social media influencer looked stunning in a knitted grey dress that hugged her slim figure and was cut high on her leg to show off her pins.
Appearing relaxed with her hair hanging loose and a smile on her face, she seemed to enjoy the event, indulging in a glass of champagne.
Carrying a black clutch, she also rocked a pair of lace-up black boots that stood out across the room.
No Sea Change here! Also enjoying the launch event of Pawn & Co's new venue at Greville Street, Prahran, was legendary Australian actress Kerry Armstrong (pictured)
All smiles! The Sea Change star looked casual in a largely blue ensemble, matching a pair of denim jeans with a white and navy shirt, and smiling as she posed for photographers
Also enjoying the launch event of Pawn & Co's new venue at Greville Street, Prahran, was legendary Australian actress Kerry Armstrong.
The Sea Change star looked casual in a largely blue ensemble, matching a pair of denim jeans with a white and navy shirt.
With her brunette hair hanging down to her shoulders, she smiled while posing for cameras.
Keeping it simple, she opted for a pair of elegant cream boots and accessorised with a large necklace and a number of bracelets.
On point: Channel Ten journalist Candice Wyatt rocked an all black outfit for her night on the town, pairing leather pants with an off-the-shoulder sweater
Stylish: The glamorous presenter was all smiles as she posed on some stairs, with a handbag dangling over her right shoulder
Channel Ten journalist Candice Wyatt rocked an all black outfit for her night on the town, pairing leather pants with an off-the-shoulder sweater and shiny high heels.
Despite being booted from her position as a newsreader recently, the glamorous presenter was all smiles as she posed for photos on some stairs.
She hung her arm over the rail while a handbag dangled over her right shoulder.
Heating up! Just days after being eliminated from My Kitchen Rules, contestants Demi and Caitie partied their disappointment away at the Pawn & Co party
Sizzling! Demi (left) flaunted her curves in a zip-up leather mini dress, while Caitie (right) opted for a very elegant outfit that flowed down beyond her knees, but showed off her svelte figure
A number of reality TV stars were also in attendance as the major networks battle it out for ratings success.
Just days after being eliminated from My Kitchen Rules, contestants Demi and Caitie partied their disappointment away at the Pawn & Co party.
Demi flaunted her curves in a zip-up leather mini dress, while Caitie opted for a very elegant outfit that flowed down beyond her knees, but showed off her svelte figure.
Moving on? Clare Verall, a contestant from the last season of Married at First Sight, was seen in the company of a new man as she entered the party
Clare Verall, a contestant from the last season of Married at First Sight, was seen in the company of a new man as she entered the party.
In a long black gown that featured a lace section around her decolletage, she smiled while posing with her male friend for photos.
Choosing to let her blonde hair flow loose, she spruced up her outfit with a pair of green earrings and some red lipstick.
On display: Fellow reality TV star Jessica Tichonczuk, who was on the 2016 season of MKR, was all smiles in a cheeky sheer number that showed off her fine figure
My curves rule! The black gown was partially see-through, allowing an undergarment that flaunted her assets to be seen
Fellow reality TV star Jessica Tichonczuk, who was on the 2016 season of MKR, was all smiles in a cheeky sheer number that showed off her fine figure.
The black gown was partially see-through, allowing an undergarment that flaunted her assets to be seen.
With her hair tied up and her slim physique on display, she did a turn for the camera so to ensure not a bit of her figure-flaunting outfit was missed.
Blonde beauty: Former Neighbours actress Krista Vendy was also in attendance and opted for an all-black outfit
Busy night! Health professional Andi Lew (left) and former Married at First Sight contestant Erin Bateman were also at the event
Former Neighbours actress Krista Vendy was also in attendance and also opted for an all-black outfit.
The blonde beauty rocked slim-fitting black pants, a singlet and blazer, while a large handbag was a lavish accessory.
Health professional and media personality Andi Lew rocked a floral jumpsuit and a pair of hoop earrings as she enjoyed a champagne.
Former Married at First Sight contestant Erin Bateman opted for a simple ensemble of black jeans and a low-cut singlet top.
The brunette beauty showed off her slender frame in the outfit, while also flaunting a pair of elegant earrings with her hair pulled back.
Hell for leather! The Bachelor reject Laura Williams flaunted her ample assets in a mostly blue casual outfit that featured a crop top and a leather skirt, which both accentuated her figure
Former The Bachelor contestant Laura Williams flaunted her ample assets in a mostly blue casual outfit.
In a navy blue crop top and a leather skirt she showed off her slender figure, while a light-blue denim shirt over the top added style to her ensemble.
The blonde beauty rocked a pair of grey high-heeled shoes and accessorised with a navy blue handbag.
Rounding out the celebrity sightings were Big Brother couple Lawson Reeves and Cat Law, who both chose to dress casually for the Pawn & Co event.
She was slammed by social media trolls after giving an emotional plea for Australia to 'help her' on Sunday Night, amid domestic violence allegations.
Now, Melissa George has been defended by her sister Marnie Bell, who penned an emotional comment underneath an Instagram post about Melissa by veteran actress Rebecca Gibney this Tuesday.
'Thank you so very much for your words of support for my sister Melissa @rebeccagibney_. I love you even more. Everyone in my family are hurting so much,' wrote Marnie.
'She's a good person with a beautiful soul': Melissa George has been defended by her sister Marnie Bell, who penned an emotional comment underneath an Instagram post about Melissa by veteran actress Rebecca Gibney this Tuesday
'What people are saying or writing about her doesn't go unnoticed. The gossip and nasty words have reached my 8 yo daughter where by I had to pick her up from school in tears.'
She continued: 'My sister said some regrettable things a few years back. She knows this and continues to pay for it it seems. She was in such a sad space in her life and couldn't contain it any longer.'
'Unfortunately she came undone in such a public manner. She's a good person with a beautiful soul. She doesn't deserve to be punished for the things she said anymore. She's in an awful situation now [sic]', the post concluded.
From the heart: 'Thank you so very much for your words of support for my sister Melissa @rebeccagibney_. I love you even more. Everyone in my family are hurting so much,' wrote Marnie
Supportive: Rebecca responded to Marnie in a subsequent comment, writing: 'I feel so incredibly sad about this situation and can't imagine how difficult it must be for Melissa and her family'
Defence: Veteran actress Rebecca Gibney has hit out at detractors of fellow Australian Melissa George, after social media users slammed a tearful interview she gave on Sunday evening
Rebecca responded to Marnie in a subsequent comment, writing: 'I feel so incredibly sad about this situation and can't imagine how difficult it must be for Melissa and her family.'
'Please know there is a lot of support out there for you all and please also pass on our love and support to Melissa.'
Taking to Instagram on Monday, a day after the interview aired, Rebecca had posted a black and white image of herself and her sister Stella smiling.
Relatable: Melissa pleaded for 'help' during the interview and found support from Gibney (pictured), who told of her own experiences with domestic violence in a lengthy online post
However, in the caption alongside the snap, she shared that she and her sister had both been subject to extensive domestic violence themselves.
'No one would know that we were being raised in a family of domestic violence,' the former Packed to the Rafters actress wrote.
'Last night on the Sunday program fellow actor Melissa George talked about being attacked by her former partner.
Sunday Night: In her interview, Melissa tearfully outlined the allegations of domestic violence, before later being slammed by viewers on social media and accused of 'hypocrisy'
'[I] have been really disturbed by the reports of the online response to Melissa's interview.
'That somehow she deserved what happened to her. As a victim of domestic violence myself - I grew up in a household where violence toward our mother was a common occurrence - I am appalled that anyone can accuse a woman of ' asking' to be beaten.
She added: 'Domestic violence is wrong - violence in any form is wrong. Please let us remember how difficult it is for anyone that has been in this situation to speak out.'
Melissa, who has made headlines recently following an alleged incident at the hands of her ex-partner Jean David Blanc, detailed how she attempted to flee France with her two children in her chat with Channel Seven program Sunday Night.
Another wrote: 'I'm sorry Melissa George has been a victim of DV but I stopped caring about her years ago after she behaved like a spoilt brat.'
The mother-of-two's plea for 'help' after she was prevented from leaving France was met with mixed reaction online, however she found a supporter in Gibney who told of her own experiences with domestic violence in a lengthy online post.
In response to the interview, social media was loaded with comments accusing the 40-year-old actress of hypocrisy after her plea to Australia for help.
They pointed to a previously 'arrogant attitude' towards her birth nation and didn't hold back in their attack, despite many admitting they sympathised with her.
Adding to the fire, another said: 'Care factor ZERO... her arrogant attitude to Australia in the past, now she wants help?!!! Pfttttt.'
'I'm sorry Melissa George has been a victim of DV but I stopped caring about her years ago after she behaved like a spoilt brat,' one wrote.
'Care factor ZERO... her arrogant attitude to Australia in the past, now she wants help?!!! Pfttttt,' another brutally wrote on Twitter.
But on Monday, just after Melissa herself took to Instagram to put on a brave face as she 'made a wish' by throwing a coin into a fountain, Rebecca continued to defend her.
Staunchly standing by Melissa, the legendary actress urged other people in a similar situation to never feel alone.
Custody battle: Melissa and her former lover are embroiled in a custody battle, with the French entrepreneur refusing to allow the pair's son Raphael and Solal to leave France
Revealing: During the interview Ms George said she had marks around her wrists, bruising on her back (right) and hip (left), a broken inner lip and a huge lump above her eye as a result of the alleged attack
Allegations: Ms George, 40, said Mr Blanc,49, stood over her after 'repeatedly' striking her in the face and body and said: 'Now you're a real actress'
'As a victim of domestic violence myself - I grew up in a household where violence toward our mother was a common occurrence - I am appalled that anyone can accuse a woman of "asking" to be beaten,' Rebecca's lengthy caption continued.
'Domestic violence is wrong - violence in any form is wrong.
'For anyone in a similar situation there is always someone who will listen. And you can get through it.'
Jean firmly denies the allegations of violence. Last month, both he and Melissa were convicted of assault over the incident - a judgement both parties are appealing.
The couple first met in 2011 at a BAFTA after-party and welcomed their first son Raphael in February 2014 and their second son Solal in November 2015.
STATEMENT FROM JEAN-DAVID BLANC I wish to answer once and for all to the inaccurate information given by Melissa George. The Paris Court decision consisting of a shared custody of our young children was based on very long and various social workers investigations as well as psychologic examinations. This decision was ruled by the Judge who considered only the best interest of our children. That does not prevent Mrs George from working, as she's free to come and go to sets all over the world as she always did. As regards to our childrens interdiction to leave French territory without my prior authorization, this decision, also ruled by the Judge, is the result of Melissa George's attempt to secretly leave the country with our children without my consent, which led me to file a criminal complaint for kidnapping attempt. Regarding the supposed violence against Melissa George, I strongly contest it and have thus filed an appeal against the judgment, which is not final. I have always maintained that I had been attacked first and was only trying to protect myself. Melissa George was found guilty and charged for these offences. Advertisement
She's adjusting to life with four children, having recently welcomed adorable twin sons, Tom and Darcy.
And on Tuesday, Rebecca Judd shared a parenting trick with her fans, taking to Instagram to share a sweet photo of herself with her boys.
The 34-year-old WAG said she prevents 'twin rivalry' by lapping up time with both sons, at the same time.
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Sweet! Rebecca Judd shared a parenting trick with her fans, taking to Instagram to share a sweet photo of herself with her boys
'If giving attention to one, must always be touching other so as to avoid twin rivalry. At least that's what I tell myself,' Bec humorously captioned the shot.
In the snap, she shares a laugh with one of her boys as he sits in a bouncer and holds onto the leg of her other son.
Bec looks stylish in a snake-print blue and white top and has her short brown locks tied up off her face into a ponytail.
In mummy mode! Bec recently shared to Instagram some immunisation advice to her fans, telling them to get their children vaccinated
Bec shares her children, Oscar, five, Billie, three, and twins Tom and Darcy, with her retired AFL star husband, Chris Judd.
Bec recently shared to Instagram some immunisation advice to her fans, telling them to get their children vaccinated.
'Yes, it may be slightly unpleasant (try doing two at once) but please immunise your kids. You have a responsibility to not only them but the community as a whole,' Bec wrote.
Her clan: Bec shares her children, Oscar, five, Billie, three, and twins Tom and Darcy, with her retired AFL star husband, Chris Judd
Bec is a weather presenter for Channel Nine and a presenter for Postcards, and recently took on a presenting gig for KIIS FM.
Rebecca's fans will be interested in seeing how the glamour will cope with the greatly increased workload, after taking time off work since the birth of her twin boys Tom and Darcy in September.
Last year, the beauty admitted she had to employ the use of a part-time Nanny to cope with the workload.
In December, the young-mum even took a nanny on their family holiday to Noosa to help out.
He found out he was the newborn baby's father last month.
And Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson, discovered he was going to be the father to neighbour Leanne Battersby's son Oliver, he has been determined to be a doting father in Coronation Street.
In touching scenes on Wednesday's episode, the new father looks after his tot who has fallen ill.
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First look! Steve McDonald, played by Simon Gregson, discovered he was going to be the father to neighbour Leanne Battersby's son Oliver and will prove himself a doting dad on Wednesday's Coronation Street
The Street Cars boss takes a hands-on approach as he nurses his tiny boy back to health in the back of one of his cabs.
He is seen giving the newborn Calpol with a syringe in the cute scenes, which are bound to leave the character's estranged wife Michelle uncomfortable.
And the doting dad comforts little Oli by softly singing to him.
The pair were joined on set by the child actor's mother, who cuddled him up close in between takes.
What a cutie! The secret McDonald is Oliver's father was made public knowledge last month when Steve let the bombshell drop at a party in dramatic scenes
Top dad! The new dad nurses the little boy back to health in the back of his taxi and sings to him to give him comfort
Last month, his wife Michelle, played by Kym Marsh, was stunned when the secret was let out of the bag at the Platts' party in dramatic scenes.
Steve dropped the bombshell mid-party when he was holding the little boy.
He said: 'Im so sorry. This is my son. This is my son.'
The now estranged couple had just lost their baby Ruairi at the time the new dad broke the news.
Steve with Michelle Connor, played by Kym Marsh, at the seaside with their baby Ruairi's ashes
She shot to fame after winning The X Factor two years ago.
And all eyes were on Louisa Johnson, 19, on Tuesday as she was spotted outside the AOL Building in central London ahead of releasing her next album.
The leggy blonde sported a black bomber jacket decorated with intricate beading that formed a wing pattern.
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Leggy! Louisa Johnson was spotted in a stylish black bomber jacket outside the AOL Building in central London on Tuesday ahead of releasing her next album
The smiling songstress flaunted her slender legs in a daring leather mini skirt, which she teamed with the trendy coat.
The Best Behaviour hitmaker dressed down her attire thanks to a casual logo T-shirt and wearing a pair of white trainers.
Louisa, who said she would be up for collaborating with Rita Ora, wore her golden tresses tied back to reveal her pretty features.
Keeping it simple, the star wore a light make-up colour palette, showing off her natural beauty.
On trend: The smiling songstress showcased her best assets - her slender legs - in a daring leather mini skirt
Natural beauty: The blonde bombshell wore her golden tresses tied back to reveal her pretty petite features
The X Factor winner later swapped to a matching black velvet tracksuit for the ultimate comfort.
She rocked the casual look with a pair of shiny smart shoes.
The gorgeous blonde is determined to succeed as she chases her career dreams.
Low-key: The X Factor winner later swapped to a matching black velvet tracksuit for the ultimate comfort
Speaking at AOL, Louisa revealed: 'Im a very opinionated person and I do try to get my opinions and thoughts across in the right way.
'I think everyone listens to me just as much as they would anyone older or wiser.
'I know that I am younger but I do know what I want and what I want to do. And they know that.'
Aspirational: The go-getter said she knows she is young but she is determined to chase her big dreams
The songstress hopes to achieve the same level of success as fellow X Factor alumni, pop bands Little Mix and One Direction.
She explained: 'I think theres always something people say about The X Factor, its hard to move on from that.
'I think a lot of people have already proved it, Little Mix, One Direction, James Arthur, theres so many people that have done amazing on the show but Im just trying to carry that on.'
Bella Hadid used the streets of New York as her very own runway on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old fashion model looked elegant and chic in a high-neck bold crimson jumpsuit. The flared one-piece was able to expose the young beauty's military style black boots.
Her sunglasses, which were rectangular, made her look like a sci-fi robot straight out of Blade Runner.
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Stunner: Bella Hadid used the streets of New York as her very own runway on Tuesday
Natural beauty: Her make-up was subtle, as she merely opted to wear some natural looking lip balm and a little face make-up
Letting her hair down: She had her hair up earlier in the day, but let it down as she left the building
She added a an edgy leather biker jacket to complete her savvy ensemble. Her dark brunette locks were scraped tightly into a low bun.
Keeping in tune with her edgy style the sister of Gigi Hadid made sure her manicured nails were painted black.
Her make-up was subtle, as she merely opted to wear some natural looking lip balm and a little face make-up.
She's ripped! Later that evening Bella stepped out in a chic and revealing outfit
Futuristic: The model wore soon-to-be released rectangular sunglasses from the Adam Selman x Le Specs collection
Stylish: The 20-year-old fashion model looked elegant and chic in a high-neck bold crimson jumpsuit
Rockin' it: She added a an edgy leather biker jacket to complete her savvy ensemble
It was back to business for the in demand model who just returned home from a picturesque getaway in Jamaica.
The Dior spokesmodel hopped on a private jet to Jamaica for a spur-of-the-moment holiday, with a gaggle of gal pals.
'I need you out in Jamaica relaaaxxin,' she captioned her new bikini photo, adding two emojis of smiling faces with hearts in the place of eyes.
Edgy: The flared one-piece was able to expose the young beauty's military style black boots
Suave: Her dark brunette locks were scraped tightly into a low bun as she accessorized with some statement rectangular shaped sunglasses
Details: Keeping in tune with her edgy style the sister of Gigi Hadid made sure her manicured nails were painted black
After taking in some sunshine, Bella slipped into a nude one-piece bikini with a Brazilian-cut bottom and strappy back.
She and her girlfriends hopped into a river and spent a pleasurable afternoon splashing around in the water.
The raven-haired beauty looked genuinely happy to be on vacation, as she captioned a photo: 'BEST DAY!!! happy place' with several heart emoticons.
She wrote under photo of herself grinning: 'Jst really happy to be here.'
In the genes: Her make-up was subtle, as she merely opted to wear some natural looking lip balm and a little face make-up
Chiller: 'I need you out in Jamaica relaaaxxin,' she captioned her new bikini photo, adding two emojis of smiling faces with hearts in the place of eyes
After a European jaunt that included travels through Italy and - according to her - a rather eventful stop in Germany, Kim Zolciak's back stateside.
The former Real Housewives Of Atlanta star was spotted on Monday strolling through that city's airport, baring a bit of her chiseled midriff beneath a black crop top.
She'd toted along multiple Starbucks beverages, and even tweeted that day that 'the Starbucks in the International airport is AMAZING! My girl D made my coffee perfect'.
Homecoming: After a European jaunt that included travels through Italy and - according to her - a rather eventful stop in Germany, Kim Zolciak's back stateside
The 38-year-old mother of six had bundled her hair messily upward into a bun, accessorizing with glinting earrings and a pair of black aviator sunglasses.
Mrs. Kroy Biermann had tucked her iPhone into the high waistband of her black leggings and slid her feet into a pair of Ugg slippers.
Though her Twitter feed that day was complimentary of the airport in Atlanta, she'd had rather more barbed words that day for her stop-off at Frankfurt Airport.
Trusty Starbucks: The former Real Housewife Of Atlanta was spotted on Monday strolling through that city's airport, baring a bit of her chiseled midriff beneath a black crop top
Sniping: 'Crazy ass airport in Germany!' she's claimed she was 'Told' that 'its my government thats why they r searching all my stuff! Throwing my wigs around & shit'.
A bit of time later, she uploaded a string of occasionally not-quite-clearly worded tweets providing more details about her allegations.
'I went through security they searched my carry on, squeezing all my nutri grain bars, throwing my stuff around, obviously I didn't have... Anything, (they missed Arianas huge water bottle in her bag) she 4got she had [sic].
'INSANE!' Though her Twitter feed that day was complimentary of the airport in Atlanta, she'd had rather more barbed words that day for her stop-off at Frankfurt Airport
'SO F***ING RUDE': Kim's eldest daughter Brielle Biermann, who'd been traveling with her, accused airport staff of having stolen 'ALL MY s***' as well as 'harassing a bunch of people!'
'Said I needed further testing, swiped my hands & bag and said I tested positive for "explosives" [thinking face emoji] again tore my bag apart, my crew & husband could not stand anywhere near me.
'Police telling at Kroy 2... Too "BACK UP" mind you he is 5ft away from me waiting on me! Like everyone else does!
'Obviously I didn't have anything I had to put all my [Stuff] Back together & we headed to our gate, upon arriving to our gate we are met with 3 security guards who said, "my hubby & producer had 2 go...
Pouting for the camera: Both Kim and Brielle dutifully Snapchatted their Italian holiday, which included stops in Bologna, Venice and Florence
'All the way back to security and be searched again! INSANE! I said this was crazy, he replied, "No it's because of YOUR government"
'People who said my husband & my producer had 2 go back thru security 4 further testing! I said it's crazy, they said "it's my government".'
Kim's eldest daughter Brielle Biermann, who'd been traveling with her, accused airport staff of having stolen 'ALL MY s***' as well as 'harassing a bunch of people!'
The official Twitter account for Frankfurt Airport has tweeted at Brielle: 'Dear Brielle, sorry to hear. Those are serious accusations. Please tell me what happened.'
Ben Affleck looked to be in a serious mood as he was pictured running errands in the Brentwood neighborhood of Los Angeles on Tuesday.
The Live By Night actor, who was driving his brand-new Bentley Bentayaga, was dressed down in a pair of sweats and Nike trainers.
This sighting comes after People claimed his wife Jennifer Garner appeared to be in good spirits on the set of her new movie Simon vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda filming in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Chilled day: Actor and director Ben Affleck looked somewhat glum as he was pictured running errands in Brentwood on Tuesday
Upcoming movie: Jennifer Garner is filming a new role in Atlanta, Georgia and People says she seems 'happy.' Picture in LA on Friday
'I have never seen her look so happy before,' an insider told the site.
Last week Affleck revealed in a Facebook post that he had completed treatment for alcohol addiction.
In his statement, he thanked Garner with whom he shares three kids: Violet, 11, Seraphina, 7, and Sam, 5.
Laid back: He was dressed down in a pair of sweats and Nike trainers
Sweet ride: The Good Will Hunting actor was driving his brand new Bentley Bentayaga
'I want to live life to the fullest and be the best father I can be. I want my kids to know there is no shame in getting help when you need it,' Affleck wrote.
'I'm lucky to have the love of my family and friends, including my co-parent, Jen, who has supported me and cared for our kids as I've done the work I set out to do.'
Meanwhile, Garner's film is an adaptation of Becky Albertalli's 2015 novel of the same name.
The film tells the story of Simon, Jurassic World's Nick Robinson, a 16-year-old who struggles to keep his sexuality hidden after a classmate discovers his secret and begins blackmailing him.
The gaps in their security were exposed when Kim Kardashian was victim of a terrifying robbery at gun-point in Paris last October.
And the 36-year-old reality television star tells her sister Kendall Jenner that she can't get to sleep without four security guards outside her home, in a sneak peek of Sunday's all-new Keeping Up With The Kardashians.
The wife of Kanye West is seen coping with the aftermath, including anxiety from the entire family about their safety, in the clip released on Tuesday.
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Bodyguards: Kim Kardashian she can't get to sleep without four security guards outside her home, in a sneak peak of Sunday's all-new Keeping Up With The Kardashians
Kris Jenner, 61, looks concerned by the breach in security, as they assess their protection going forward.
'It's my job to take care of everybody,' she tells the assembled family, as she's seated wearing a camouflage hoodie.
Clearly Kris had been advising her daughters on the exposed parts of their life, as Kourtney is heard on the E! show saying: 'Mom is saying I should tint that window...'.
Taking care! Kris Jenner, 61, looks concerned by the breach in security, as they assess their protection going forward
'As a security measure,' Kris interjects, in case anyone thought it just a style statement.
Kris is then asked, over a family meal which included a make-up free Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian: 'Do you think we have enough security?' to which she replied a definite, 'No'.
Kendall, 21, relieved her own terrifying ordeal at the hands of an alleged stalker at her home last year.
Boost! Kris thinks their security isn't good enough
Prayers: The family gathered for a meal, and chatted through their next security moves
Too much? Kourtney is heard on the E! show saying: 'Mom is saying I should tint that window...'
No prying eyes: Khloe checks out the window which Kris is concerned about, over a family meal
Concerns: Kim took part in a conversation about increased security over dinner
Describing the incident last August to Scott Disick, the model explains: 'I'm freaking out. I look in my rear view mirror and he was standing right there.
'He's in my window banging on my window screaming at me,' she told the sympathetic father of Kourtney's three children.
'Oh no,' empathised Scott.
Chow down: The family meal also included a make-up free Blac Chyna and Rob Kardashian
Supportive: Model Kendall listens as Kim describes her anxiety since the terrifying robbery
Kendall told a court last October that she has never been so scared in her life, reported TMZ at the time.
Shavaughn McKenzie was found not guilty of stalking, but guilty of trespass.
Kim recounted the horrific night she was robbed at gunpoint on last Sunday's KUWTK, and afterwards took to Twitter to react to the very emotional episode.
She wrote: 'I can say I've become so much better because of it....thank you for allowing me to share my story tonight #KUWTK.'
Intruder: Kendall, 21, also relieved her own terrifying ordeal at the hands of an alleged stalker at her home last year
Drama! 'He's in my window banging on my window screaming at me,' she told the sympathetic father of Kourtney's three children
Describing the incident last August to Scott Disick, the model explained: 'I'm freaking out. I look in my rear view mirror and he was standing right there'
'Oh no,' empathised Scott to Kendall, as he listened to her story
Getting head round it! Scott looked shocked by her tale
The reality star elaborated more as she added: 'I took a tragic horrific experience and did not let it diminish me, rather grew and evolved and allowed the experience to teach me.'
In the actual episode Kim revealed that she believed she was going to be raped and killed on the night of her Paris robbery. The heist was France's biggest jewelry theft involving a private citizen in more than two decades.
There were 17 people arrested in connection to the armed robbery and ten have been charged so far. The thieves stole an estimated $10million worth of jewels including her 20 carat engagement ring.
The episode showed Kim explaining to her sisters Kourtney, 37, and Khloe, 32, that her mouth was duct taped to stop her from screaming.
'He grabs my legs, and I wasn't, you know, I had no clothes on under. He pulled me toward him at the front of the bed and I thought, "Okay, this is the moment they're going to rape me",' Kim recounted in heart-wrenching detail.
'They're going to rape me:' Kim recounted the events that transpired on October 3, the night of her Paris robbery, on Sunday's Keeping Up With The Kardashians
She continued: 'I fully mentally prepped myself - and then he didn't. He duck taped my legs together and had the gun up to me. I knew that was the moment they're just totally going to shoot me in the head.
'I just prayed that Kourtney's going to have a normal life after she sees my dead body on the bed...like, I'm not going to make it out of here. I know how these things go.'
Kim recalled that before she was quieted with tape, she was pleading with the hotel concierge - who had been forced to bring the robbers up to the star's room - to tell them she had babies and a family.
She described: 'I just said, "Are we going to die? They can't understand me, but please tell them I have babies, I have a family, let me live!"'
After pointing the thieves to her $4million ring, they demanded money.
'I said I don't have money. They dragged me out to the hallway on top of the stairs. That's when I saw the gun clear as day.
'I was looking at the gun, looking at the stairs... either they're going to shoot me in the back, or if I make it and they don't, if the elevator doesn't make it in time or the stairs are locked then I'm like f***ed. There's no way out,' she recalled.
Instead of shooting the mother-of-two, the robbers - dressed as Parisian policemen - threw her in the bathroom and ran off.
Better now: Kim had a message of positivity on Sunday after the robbery scenes were shown
Strong: The reality star shared her inspirational vibes
The gang escaped on 'velibs' - hire bicycles which can be rented all over Paris.
Kim said that when the robbers left, she hid in a bush on the balcony: 'It was really hard for me when the police showed up because they were dressed in the same uniform, except for the face masks.'
She also revealed her theory for how the horrific proceedings occurred.
She said: 'What I think happened now, after thinking about it so much, is that there was probably a group of guys that were following us the entire trip.
'I was Snapchatting that I was home and everyone was going out, so I think they knew Pascal [Duvier] was out with Kourtney and that I was there by myself...They had this window of opportunity and just went for it.'
Family bodyguard Pascal Duvier had been assigned to protecting Kim's sisters Kendall and Kourtney when the robbery happened and while the Kardashians said they didn't blame him for what happened, after four years in their employ, Pascal is no longer working for them.
In the immediate aftermath of the robbery, both Kim and Kanye had seemed to show their support for Pascal, who was seen protecting the couple in New York City days later.
A shift began to occur weeks later, according to some close to the family, with Kanye becoming increasingly concerned about the safety of his wife Kim and their two children, North and Saint.
The bodyguard went underground in the wake of the robbery, admitting he tried to escape the constant harassment from international media.
His family - including his two young daughters - were also targeted, with rumours circulating that the heist was an inside job.
Having spent years by Kim and later Kanye's side, Duvier has remained loyal and has declined to comment on his firing in the wake of the robbery.
Aomar Ait Khedache, a 60-year-old Frenchman who was thought to be the ringleader, told police the gang melted down and sold off most of the stolen jewelry
But they kept Kardashian's diamond engagement ring because it was too difficult to re-sell.
In police statements, Khedache said his team had planned to rob Kardashian during a previous visit to Paris, but got cold feet because she was always surrounded by people.
Ironically, Kourtney brought up that just that day they had talked about what they would do in such an attack, with Kim insisting at the time - unaware what would soon happen - that she would tell them: 'Have everything, take it all, take it all, I don't care.'
Soon after the traumatizing event, the Kardashian matriarch Kris Jenner spoke to Kim about her worries for her mental health.
'What I'm worried about is you're in shock, and you don't want to get to a place where you get post traumatic stress disorder. I think you should talk to somebody.'
Kim calmed her mother by telling her she thinks she'll be fine, but that her body is physically exhausted.
Kim took a three month break from social media following the robbery.
She will testify against the thieves but she reportedly will not be cross examined.
Later on in the show, Kim's family reacted to her ordeal.
Her husband Kanye - who had to stop a concert halfway through when he got the news that his wife had been robbed - said that if Kim had been hurt, he would have gone to great lengths to avenge her: 'If anything happened to you, I wouldn't have stopped until they were dead.'
Jenner said, through tears: 'It's been the most devastating thing to have one of your children fear for their life, thinking at any moment they're going to die when they have two children.
'For the rest of us, the thought of losing Kim is emotionally scarring and hard to overcome.'
Kim's reunion with her children and husband after what she went through ends the tense episode on a heartwarming note.
The robbery caused Kim's radio silence on social media for three months. After the show she took to Twitter to thank her fans for their support.
He is known for his witty sense of humour, which often pokes fun at many individuals in the world of showbiz.
However James Corden turned his jokes to politics on Monday night's episode of The Late Late Show, as he staged a musical which parodied Donald Trump.
The presenter, 38, enlisted the help of actors Abigail Spencer, Ben Platt and Tim Minchin to perform a four-minute spoof of the Australian comedian's musical Matilda - which instead imagined the dreams of the young President.
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Funny guy: James Corden turned his jokes to politics on Monday night's episode of The Late Late Show, as he staged a musical which parodied Donald Trump
Poking fun: The presenter, 38, enlisted the help of actors Abigail Spencer, Ben Platt and Tim Minchin (above) to perform a four-minute spoof of the Australian comedian's musical Matilda
Dressed in childlike school uniforms, the foursome took to the stage to perform their own comedic version of When I Grow Up - one of the musical's most iconic numbers.
With the musical's creator Tim taking on the role of Trump however, the track soon turned to politics as Minchin began to sing about the POTUS' dreams as a young boy.
Clad in a fitting blonde wig despite his portrayed younger age, the comedian sang: 'When I grow up, I will be president and build big walls, ban Muslims and grab Putins b***s.'
Bold: Minchin, who created Matilda the Musical, sang as a young Trump: 'When I grow up, I will be president and build big walls, ban Muslims and grab Putins b***s'
Met with laughter from the crowd, he then added in one final hit: 'Grab p*****s of the lady grown-ups.'
Meanwhile Corden's verse spoke of his desires as White House strategist Steve Bannon, covering the issues of insurance and gun crime in the States.
Adding to the fray were Suits star Abigail Spencer and Broadway leading man Ben Platt, who played press secretary Sean Spicer and counselor Kellyanne Conway respectively.
Cheeky: Met with laughter from the crowd, he then added in one final hit: 'Grab p*****s of the lady grown-ups'
Dynamic duo: Adding to the fray were Abigail Spencer (L) and Broadway leading man Ben Platt (R) who played press secretary Sean Spicer and counselor Kellyanne Conway respectively
Belting out the comical version of the song, the group then erupted into a selection of dance moves made famous by the Matilda character in the show, to the delight of the audience.
The skit marks one of the only sketches by James Corden that has gone down the route of political comedy on his chat show so far.
The Gavin and Stacey star however does have a penchant for musical numbers - having parodied Beauty and the Beast last week, and impersonated a number of musicians with the likes of Niall Horan, Zooey Deschanel and Cher.
New move: The skit marks one of the only sketches by James Corden that has gone down the route of political comedy on his chat show so far
Trademark: The Gavin and Stacey star has a penchant for musical numbers on the Late Late Show - having parodied Beauty and the Beast last week (above)
His Carpool Karaoke segment is also a huge hit on the chat show - which sees him take pop and theatre stars for a drive around LA, singing the hits that made them famous as they go.
The skit behind the wheel has starred Justin Bieber, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Adele and Stevie Wonder in the past - with the Adele clip going viral online by scoring a whopping 42 million hits in five days.
Having found such huge success in the US, it was claimed last week that the British star was hoping to bring the series back home to the UK.
He told the Radio Times: 'We do have some stuff planned this year which might involve being in the UK.
'We're talking about it now, really. We don't know if we'll be able to get it together but it's certainly something I'd love to do, for sure.'
When it comes to stars being just like us, this actress is not just like us, she is all of us.
Like many people on Monday, Busy Philipps would not believe her key board as she read fellow celebrity Cat Deeley's Twitter rant against a restaurant.
The 40-year-old So You Think You Can Dance host lashed out at Los Angeles eatery TomGeorge after she branded her Sunday brunch 'disgusting' and its manager a 'moron'... so Busy grabbed the popcorn.
Loving the drama: Like many people on Monday, Busy Philipps (pictured 2015) would not believe her key board as she read fellow celebrity Cat Deeley's Twitter rant against a restaurant
Stumbling across the Twitter drama Monday, Busy took to her Instagram story to share her thoughts with fans.
It is safe to say the Dawson's Creek star is Team Cat, even though Busy said she would never be able to lash out in the same way.
Lying on the bed and admitting to down a 'lot of rose', the 37-year-old said: 'It was like she forgot she was famous for a second.
'She was just like, ''Worst food, worst manager, go to hell.'' It's just so rare because people are so afraid of retributions, I think from anywhere. It's just so rare for people to be so blatantly honest.'
Loves the drama: Stumbling across the Twitter drama Monday, Busy took to her Instagram story to share her thoughts with fans
Cannot believe it: Lying on the bed and admitting to down a 'lot of rose', the 37-year-old said, 'It was like she forgot she was famous for a second'
Still on Twitter? Busy stepped out in West Hollywood on Tuesday and could not take her eyes off her phone
Astonished, Busy has dubbed the whole saga the 'Bad Brunch' and even wants a song to be made about the situation as a parody of Taylor Swift's track Bad Blood.
'I was like, ''Oh my god, Cat Deeley is like going to town about this restaurant,'' cause I follow her on Twitter. I love her.'
Not only would Busy not have the courage to go on such a rant, she said she also does not have the time.
Mixed messages: While the star applauded Cat's honesty she said she would just be grateful to attend brunch and be out of the house
Yeah you are? Busy wore a bomber with 'trouble' written on the back and paired it with figure-fitting jeans
The mom of two said: 'Only someone who has the time to even have brunch would be upset about a bad brunch. At this point if I got to go to a brunch I would be so thrilled that I was out of my house on a Sunday.'
But she is still Team Cat: 'But anyway I stand by my support of Cat Deeley and her take down of her bad brunch. It just cracks me up.'
All the drama started after Cat warned her fans to stay away from Italian restaurant TomGeorge.
Not a fan: All the drama started after Cat warned her fans to stay away from Italian restaurant TomGeorge
The mother-of-one was so irate with Italian restaurant TomGeorge, which has also has outlets in Budapest, Hungary, that she shared a slew of tweets alongside a screen grab of its listing and a picture from outside of the venue.
She wrote: 'The worst featuring! Worst food! As for the manager?????? Moron!!!!!'
Before adding: 'The most disgusting restaurant, terribly run, by a manager who can only be described as an amateur. Avoid at all costs. #tomgeorge.'
Not happy: The host did not hold back on Twitter after her brunch branding the restaurant 'disgusting' and the manager a 'moron'
The restaurant then waded into the row by writing on Facebook: 'We are listening to any feedback because we need to provide the best service what we could do.
'In this case we couldn't do anything. She didn't like the food so we comped all of the food items, then she tweeted a lot of inappropriate tweet although we tried to ease her 'pain'.
'But she's still very welcome in our restaurant again if she gives us any chance to prove her, the lot of good reviews are for a reason.'
Defense: The restaurant wrote on its Facebook page that 'she didn't like the food' and that her tweets were 'inappropriate'
Meanwhile the waiter who served her revealed she did not tip him, even though the celeb's issue did not appear to be with his service.
In response to her tweet which included a snap of her bill, he wrote: 'Cat, as your server at TomGeorge I am hurt by your response to free food. I gave you respect, and I served you with love.'
Retweeting his response, she added: 'And as I respectfully told you, the catalog of errors were not your fault. However the mistakes were repeatedly not correctly rectified.'
Hitting back: The waiter who served her attempted to defend himself online, revealing she didn't leave a tip despite the issue not being with his service and over half of their food bill being comped
'The food was terrible and your manager was unhelpful and rude. Respect and love should be shown to all, attention to detail is necessary too!
'Just to be clear. Our order arrived at the table incorrectly FIVE times! Then one of my guests dishes was inedible. There was zero service.'
MailOnline have contacted Cat's reps for comment.
Even amid the chaotic melee on the Dolby Theatre stage during the infamous best-picture Oscar flub, Ryan Gosling was typically unflappable.
While most reacted with shock and confusion, there was the La La Land star - cool and bemused - chuckling on the side of the stage.
'What can you say?' Gosling said in an interview with Associated Press by phone from Los Angeles.
'I was very happy for Moonlight at the same time. It's such a wonderful film. It's great to see such great work acknowledged.'
'What can you say?' Ryan Gosling has discussed the moment he giggled at the Oscars best picture flub last month
Ryan tried to stifle his giggles as Moonlight was announced as the actual winner of best picture. It was originally announced that Gosling's film, La La Land won best picture
It takes a lot to rattle Gosling. But making Terrence Malick's largely improvised Song to Song, the 36-year-old actor grants, was like working 'without a net.'
Gosling stars in the film, which expands in theaters this weekend, alongside Michael Fassbender and Rooney Mara. It's broadly speaking a love triangle set against the music scene of Austin, Texas, but plot describes only so much in a Malick movie.
Gosling is currently readying for another film with La La Land director Damien Chazelle, in which he'll play astronaut Neil Armstrong. And he stars in this fall's sci-fi sequel Blade Runner 2049. But his experience on Song to Song, shot all the way back in 2012, is still powerful for him.
Speaking of the moment Malick approached him about the role, Ryan recalled: 'It was just: "Would you be interested in working without a script?" I said sure. A little more than a year later, he asked me to come out to Austin.
Ryan, pictured with Emma Stone in box office smash La La Land, was happy that Moonlight won best picture saying 'I was very happy for Moonlight at the same time. It's such a wonderful film.'
No script: Ryan stars in Terrence Malick's largely improvised Song to Song and said the experience was like working 'without a net'
'The idea was that he wanted to try to cause what he called 'collisions' between a narrative film and this music scene in Austin, to take these scenes into real environments that you couldn't control and see what happened.'
The actor and father-of-two explained what it was like filming during a sometimes chaotic music festival.
'My job was to try to encourage passersby on the street - non-actors, musicians, people in the crowd - to come into the world of the movie and take the scene where they wanted to take it and to try to keep in the world in the movie. To try to keep them from looking into the camera, to try to make them address me as not an actor but as a fellow concertgoer or whatever the situation required. It was very different than just playing a character. It was almost like, I don't know, your job - to get these people to reveal themselves.'
Ashley Tisdale was well-prepared for a day of shopping.
The 31-year-old made comfort her priority on Tuesday in Studio City, California, when she made her way to a Free People store.
She stomped out in a black turtleneck sweat teamed with overalls that had flared legs, and she completed the look with a pair of booties with chunky heels.
A flare for fashion! Ashley Tisdale rocked overalls with wide flared legs on Tuesday in Studio City, California, for shopping
Her wavy, brown hair was split with a part and styled loose around her shoulders.
She kept her make-up to a minimum but added a pop of color to her dark ensemble with a berry lip palette.
No doubt the lipstick was her own brand.
The High School Musical star is a budding beauty brand entrepreneur. Since last year she has been promoting her new collaborative line with BH Cosmetics, Illuminate By Ashley Tisdale.
Berry nice! The Disney star highlighted her pout when she made her way to the Free People store
Solo: The singer-actress enjoyed time by herself
Speaking to Teen Vogue in May, she revealed what inspired the new venture.
'I really wanted to come out with a collection that was accessible; something that everyone could get their hands on, but was still just as good as high-end products.'
Not seen by her side was her husband of three years, musician Christopher French.
But the pair have been closer than ever, recently collaborating on cover songs for her YouTube channel.
She's married to French fashion mogul and Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault.
So it came as little surprise to see Salma Hayek putting in a stylish appearance at the press night of An American in Paris at the Dominion Theatre in London on Tuesday evening.
The 50-year-old star looked impossibly youthful as she turned up at the press night, seemingly channeling an air hostess in a twee look.
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Sky's the limit! Salma Hayek putting in a stylish appearance at the press night of An American in Paris at the Dominion Theatre in London on Tuesday evening
Salma sported a black blouse with brightly coloured bow detailing at the neck and a matching sash at the waist.
She embraced a business chic look by donning a leather pencil skirt, semi-opaque tights and heeled booties.
The Hollywood actress pulled the look together with a smart blazer and a leather handbag.
Smart attire: The 50-year-old star looked impossibly youthful as she turned up at the press night, seemingly channeling an air hostess in a twee look
Coordinated: Salma sported a black blouse with brightly coloured bow detailing at the neck and a matching sash at the waist
Salma wore her brunette locks pulled back in a chignon, with a coordinating slick of red lipstick setting off the attire.
Her youthful complexion was enhanced thanks to matte make-up - with the star recently revealing her amazing, age-defying skin was down to her obsession with drinking bone broth.
Revealing that she was yet to resort to Botox, Salma shared her anti-ageing secrets with People.com, saying: 'Its full of gelatin and fat and has bone marrow and I think it is very good to keep yourself young.'
First class look: Salma wore her brunette locks pulled back in a chignon, with a coordinating slick of red lipstick setting off the attire
Fashionista: She's married to French fashion mogul and Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault, so it wasn't surprising to see Salma looking so pulled together
The soup, a favourite with the likes of Shailene Woodley and Gwyneth Paltrow, is made by stewing animal bones for a long period of time, which is thought to release compounds like collagen, helping to firm the skin.
An American In Paris transferred from Broadway earlier this year, and previews have been running since March 4.
The Tony-Award winning musical tells the story of American soldier Jerry Mulligan, who arrives in Paris after the war to pursue his dream as a painter.
Age-defying: Her youthful complexion was enhanced thanks to matte make-up - with the star recently revealing her amazing skin was down to her obsession with drinking bone broth
She means business: She embraced a business chic look by donning a leather pencil skirt, semi-opaque tights and heeled booties
However, things soon become confused when he falls for a mysterious ballet dancer called Lise - who his friend Henri is also besotted with.
The musical was met with rave reviews during its time in the States, and is currently booked up until September 2017.
The New York Times called the Christopher Wheeldon production 'gorgeously danced' and claimed it 'leaves your heart alight with a longing to be swept up in the dance.'
He publicly announced that he was living with HIV in November 2015.
And Charlie Sheen now claims that there are people in Hollywood who are secretly living with the same disease.
'I know who they are, but I will take that to my grave,' the 51-year-old actor told The Kyle & Jackie 'O' Show on Wednesday.
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Staying mum: Charlie Sheen claims he knows people in Hollywood who are living with HIV like himself, but will not disclose their names
The former Two & A Half Men star's comment comes after host Jackie 'O' Henderson asked: 'Do you think there are more people in Hollywood that have HIV that wouldn't dare come out and say it like you did?'
Meanwhile, the actor also claims the 'miracle drug' used to treat the virus actually makes him 'safer' than most people when it comes to sex.
'Here's the absolute freaking irony - with the miracle drug that I'm on, this PRO-140, I am actually safer than most cats out there that profess to be on the tallest tree,' he said earlier in the interview.
'I will take that to my grave': The 51-year-old actor made the claims during an interview with The Kyle & Jackie 'O' Show on Wednesday
The Anger Management actor exclusively opened up to Daily Mail Online in December about the clinical trial drug used in his treatment.
Charlie has been involved in a clinical trial for the drug called PRO-140 since early 2016.
As opposed to traditional antiretroviral therapy (ART), which involves taking daily medication, Charlie receives a weekly injection that has no side effects.
In December, he received the news from the head of his clinical trial that he has achieved complete suppression of the virus using this method alone.
Non-existent sex life: The former Anger Management star previously joked that his playboy lifestyle is behind him due to his health woes (pictured with his former porn star ex Brett Rossi)
Since breaking the news of his diagnosis to the world, the outspoken star has been forthcoming about the topic in public.
During his previous appearance on the KIIS FM radio show, Charlie, who once openly bragged about his 'polygamy' lifestyle, admits his sex life is now non-existent due to health woes.
'... Here's the joke these days right, a friend of mine says 'hey man how's your sex life?' and I'm like 'oh it's just f---ing perfect because HIV is such a great pickup line!'' he told the show's hosts.
When asked whether he's still sexually active he replied: 'not anymore' and added that his sex life suffered instantly after his shocking health revelation.
On Tuesday night he was dumped by TV bride Michelle Marsh, after fans declared on social media the handsome grocer had been 'friend zoned' a long time ago.
And on Wednesday, Married At First Sight's Jesse Konstantinoff spoke out about his feelings towards the blonde twin.
When asked by The Today Show if he fell 'in love', the 31-year-old quickly responded: 'I wouldn't go that far.'
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'You wouldn't go for another crack, would you?' Richard Wilkins leaves Today panel SHOCKED with rude suggestion to MAFS Jesse after being dumped by Michelle Marsh during an interview on Wednesday morning
While on the show Jesse wrote romantic love letters to Michelle and consistently pleaded to 'stay' at the weekly commitment ceremonies.
With the show behind him, panelist Richard Wilkins blurted out a rude suggestion to the hunky reality star.
'Now the cameras have stopped rolling and all that, you wouldn't go back for another crack?' he asked to the shock of his co-hosts.
Karl shook his head and said: 'Oh, Dickie, a crack? A crack? It is not the '80s, buddy.'
Oh, Dickie, a crack? A crack?' Richard's co-hosts shook their heads, cringed and awkwardly laughed at his VERY forward question for the hunky reality star, while Sylvia Jeffreys offered to rephrase the question
Pouring his heart out: While on the show Jesse wrote romantic love letters to Michelle and consistently pleaded to 'stay' at the weekly commitment ceremonies
While on the show Jesse wrote romantic love letters to Michelle and consistently pleaded to 'stay' at the weekly commitment ceremonies.
On Tuesday night's episode, Michelle opted to leave the controversial series, choosing to label their relationship: 'A friendship of love.'
He appeared to leave devastated: 'It is pretty much nearly impossible for a guy to get a girl out of a friend zone. It is like climbing a barbed wire fence. I suppose I go home a single man now.'
Devastated: Jesse wished to make it work, while Michelle labeled their relationship a 'friendship of love'
'I think we're better off as mates': Looking back on his time on the controversial matchmaking show, Jesse believes they were better off as mates and laughed off claims he was ever 'in love'
Cringing in her chair by Richard's forwardness, Sylvia Jeffreys requested to rephrase the question to ask: 'In your heart of hearts, do you believe now that perhaps she wasn't your perfect match?'
Jesse appeared to have changed his mind on Michelle, confirming: 'I look back at it now. I look at each other and I think we're better off as mates.'
The newly single hunk is ready to jump back into the dating scene again though, adding he's looking for someone 'who is down to earth', 'easy going' and 'not high maintenance.'
Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted a video from Sydney on Tuesday, deriding Donald Trump in the wake of the President's latest poll numbers.
Likely referring to Gallup, which on Sunday recorded POTUS' approval rating as 39%, Arnold said: 'Oh, Donald, the ratings are in and you got swamped.'
Donald had mocked Arnold's 'swamped' ratings performance while the latter hosted The New Celebrity Apprentice, succeeding the now-Commander in Chief.
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'Come on!': Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted a video on Tuesday deriding Donald Trump in the wake of the president's latest poll numbers
In his new video, Arnold, who at 69 is one year younger than Donald, vamped: 'Wow! Now you're in the 30s? But what do you expect?'
Arnold went on: 'I mean, when you take away after-school programs from children and Meals On Wheels from the poor people, thats not what you call making American great again.'
The Terminator star was assailing the administration's proposed cuts to the Department of Housing and Urban Developments community development block grants, which contribute in small part to funding Meals on Wheels.
'Wow! Now you're in the 30s?' Likely referring to Gallup , which on Sunday recorded POTUS' approval rating as 39%, Arnold vamped: 'Oh, Donald, the ratings are in and you got swamped'
He was also denouncing part of the new president's budget that slashes federal funding to after-school programs in public schools.
'Come on!' said Arnold. 'I mean, who is advising you? Let me give you some advice. Go to a middle school the Hart Middle School, right in Washington, six miles away from the White House.
'I take you there, so you can see that the fantastic work that they doing for these children. Lets do it, huh?' the Terminator closed out his speech.
History of conflict: The Donald had mocked Arnold's 'swamped' ratings performance while the latter hosted The New Celebrity Apprentice, succeeding the now-Commander in Chief
Donald Trump began hosting The Apprentice in 2004, and the show ran under that name for its first through sixth seasons, as well as its 10th.
The NBC hit's seventh through ninth seasons, along with its 11th through 15th, were The Celebrity Apprentice, which Donald departed in 2015.
He did, however, stay on as an executive producer for The New Celebrity Apprentice, which Arnold hosted for one season before announcing earlier this month he'd leave.
Policy: 'I mean, when you take away after-school programs from children and Meals On Wheels from the poor people, thats not what you call making American great again' said Arnold
Though Arnold's statement claimed he'd decided to exit the show because of its 'baggage,' Donald begged to differ, tweeting as much the next day.
'Arnold Schwarzenegger isn't voluntarily leaving the Apprentice, he was fired by his bad (pathetic) ratings, not by me. Sad end to great show,' wrote POTUS.
A few days after Arnold's first episode aired, Donald had tweeted: 'Wow, the ratings are in and Arnold Schwarzenegger got "swamped" (or destroyed) by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT. So much for....' he trailed off, picking up in the next post.
Donald continued, having tweeted this a couple of weeks before his inauguration: 'being a movie star-and that was season 1 compared to season 14. Now compare him to my season 1. But who cares, he supported Kasich & Hillary'.
History: The Apprentice's seventh through ninth seasons, along with its 11th through 15th, were called The Celebrity Apprentice, which Donald departed in 2015
Spanish actress Penelope Cruz (pictured) will play her first major television role as Donatella Versace in FX's 'Versace: American Crime Story'
Penelope Cruz will play her first major television role as Donatella Versace in FX's "Versace: American Crime Story," the third season of the hit show, the network said on Monday.
The Oscar-winning Spanish actress will be joined by Edgar Ramirez ("Point Break," "The Girl on the Train") who will play Gianni Versace in the series looking at the fashion designer's murder in 1997.
Filming is scheduled to begin in April and the show will air next year.
"Cruz has proven herself to be one of the most versatile actresses by playing a variety of compelling characters, and becoming the first actress from Spain to be nominated for and win an Academy Award," FX said in a statement.
The 42-year-old's Hollywood output includes "Captain Corelli's Mandolin" (2001), "Gothika" (2003) and "Volver" (2006), for which she earned a best actress Oscar nomination.
She went one better with a win for best supporting actress for "Vicky Cristina Barcelona" (2008) and was nominated again for her support role the following year in "Nine."
The first season of "American Crime Story" -- "The People v. O.J. Simpson" -- ended its initial 10-episode run as cable's most-watched new series of the year, pulling in an average seven-day audience of 7.5 million.
It also won nine Emmy Awards, including for best limited series and acting statuettes for Courtney B. Vance, Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown.
The show, which took viewers inside the Simpson trial and explored the chaotic, behind-the-scenes dealings and maneuvering on both sides, is now available worldwide on Netflix.
A second season focusing on the response to Hurricane Katrina is due to air on FX next year, shortly before season three.
Views like this -- of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu, with the Remarkables mountain range in the background -- are one of the reasons tourists flock to New Zealand. But strong economic growth is placing strains on the environment, the OECD is warning
New Zealand's strong economic growth is placing strains on the environment that threaten to undermine its "clean, green" reputation, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) warned Tuesday.
The South Pacific nation has long marketed itself internationally as "100 percent pure" and is undergoing a tourism boom as visitors flock to see the spectacular scenery featured in films such as "The Hobbit" trilogy.
But an OECD report said the environment was paying the price for growth in the farm-reliant economy, which is currently among the strongest in the developed world at more than 3.0 percent.
It said intensive dairy farming had left many rivers with elevated nitrogen levels, making them vulnerable to algal blooms.
The report, the result of a once-in-a-decade review, also noted that New Zealand had one of the worst rates of species extinction in the world.
In addition, per capita greenhouse gas emissions were the fifth highest in the OECD and rising, while emissions in most other countries were on the decline.
The report said government plans to double agricultural exports by 2025 were set to worsen the problems.
"New Zealand's growth model has begun to show its environmental limits, with increased greenhouse gas emissions and waste generation, freshwater contamination and threats to biodiversity," the report said.
"This may indicate that New Zealand's strong growth has come partly at the expense of environmental quality, a dynamic that puts the country's 'green' reputation at risk."
It recommended Wellington strengthen its emission trading scheme and expand it to agriculture, which is currently exempted even though it accounts for half of the country's emissions.
Environment Minister Nick Smith welcomed the report and said the government was already working on many of the issues it raised.
"This environmental report card will help us sharpen our future direction and environmental aspirations, as well as learn from the experiences of other countries," he said.
South Korea's ousted leader Park Geun-hye arrives to face questioning by prosecutors over the corruption and abuse of power scandal that brought her down, March 21, 2017
Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-Hye reported to prosecutors Tuesday for questioning over the corruption and abuse of power scandal that brought her down, after using executive privilege to avoid them for months while in office.
Park apologised to the public as she arrived at the prosecutors' office in Seoul, adding: "I will undergo the investigation sincerely."
South Korea's first female president, Park was impeached by parliament in December as millions of people took to the streets to demand her removal over the sprawling scandal, which has exposed the links between politics and business in Asia's fourth-largest economy.
Her dismissal was confirmed by the country's top court earlier this month, ending the political career of a woman who grew up in the presidential palace as the daughter of army-backed dictator Park Chung-Hee.
A private citizen once again, Park's convoy drove at walking pace through crowds of flag-waving supporters lining the street outside her home, before speeding up.
The country's top court dismissed Park Geun-Hye as president of South Korea in early March
Every inch of the short journey was covered live on television, with cameramen trailing the group in cars and on motorcycles, and at fixed points along the route.
Questioning by prosecutors is a key step in South Korea's judicial process before a suspect is charged. It can last for many hours, late into the night, and can be repeated if officials deem it necessary.
Park, 65, faces multiple charges from abuse of power and coercion to bribery, and is the fourth former South Korean leader to be probed or jailed over corruption scandals.
Two former army-backed leaders who served in the 1980s to 1990s -- Chun Doo-Hwan and Roh Tae-Woo -- served prison terms for bribery after they stepped down.
Roh Moo-Hyun, who served from 2003 to 2008, killed himself by jumping off a cliff after being probed by prosecutors over corruption allegations in 2009.
- Secret confidante -
Park has been named as an accomplice of her secret confidante at the heart of the scandal, which has also seen Samsung heir Lee Jae-Yong arrested and charged with bribery.
The friend, Choi Soon-Sil, is accused of using her presidential ties to force local firms including Samsung to "donate" nearly $70 million to non-profit foundations she allegedly used for personal gains.
Park is accused of offering governmental favours to the business tycoons who enriched Choi, including Lee.
The former leader is also accused of letting Choi, who has no official title or security clearance, handle a wide range of state affairs including nomination of top officials or diplomats.
Park also allegedly forced her aides to create a "blacklist" of thousands of artists who had voiced criticism of her to stop offering their projects state subsidies.
Prosecutors have accused her of pressing local businesses including Hyundai and steelmaker Posco to award lucrative deals to firms or individuals linked with Choi.
The ties between the two women stem from Park's relationship with Choi's late father, Choi Tae-Min -- a religious figure who was a close mentor to Park until his death in 1994.
The seven-times-married founder of a cult-like group 40 years Park's senior was also accused of using his ties with Park to squeeze money from local businesses for decades.
The ex-president has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and blamed Choi for abusing their friendship. Choi is currently on trial for charges including abuse of power and coercion.
Park won the presidential vote in 2012 largely thanks to the popularity of her late father among the aged, conservative voters who benefited from the rapid growth under his iron-fisted rule from 1961 to 1979, but the scandal sent her once-bulletproof support ratings to record lows.
A vote to elect her successor will be held on May 9 with Moon Jae-In, her rival in 2012 and a former leader of the main liberal opposition Democratic Party, leading polls by large margins.
Residents gather amidst the rubble of buildings destroyed during Saudi-led air strikes in the rebel-held Yemeni port city of Hodeida, in September 2016
The United Nations on Monday rejected a call by the Saudi-led coalition battling rebels in Yemen for the key port of Hodeida to be placed under its supervision.
The coalition made the appeal following an attack on a boat carrying Somali refugees off the coast of Yemen that killed 42 people, and as the country faced famine.
UN spokesman Farhan Haq said the warring sides in Yemen have a responsibility to protect civilian infrastructure and civilians.
"These are not obligations they can shift to others," Haq said.
Hodeida, which is a key transit point for desperately-needed imports, is controlled by Huthi rebels fighting the Saudi-backed government.
The coalition said in a statement Sunday that it was not responsible for the attack on the refugee boat in the area of Hodeida and called for the port to be "placed immediately under United Nations supervision."
Hodeida serves 70 percent of the country's population affected by a severe food crisis in Yemen, which is almost entirely dependent on imports of food and other commodities.
"The humanitarian community delivers assistance in Yemen solely based on needs and not on political considerations, and will continue to do so through all available means," added Haq.
About 7.3 million people in Yemen are in dire need of food aid in the largest food insecurity emergency in the world, according to the United Nations.
The Saudi-led coalition waging a military campaign against rebels has been accused of imposing a blockade on Yemen to prevent supplies from reaching civilians.
Placing Hodeida under UN supervision would "facilitate the flow of humanitarian supplies to the Yemeni people, while at the same time ending the use of the port for weapons smuggling and people trafficking," said the coalition statement.
More than 7,000 people have died since the coalition began its air war in March 2015 to drive out the Iran-allied Huthis.
The United Nations is calling for an inquiry by all the parties of the attack on the refugee boat.
A busy freeway is shut down in both direction due to flooding as a powerful storm moves across Southern California, on February 17, 2017
A series of storms that pounded California this winter have forced the shutdown of the state's iconic coastal highway in several areas, spelling economic disaster for the region that relies heavily on tourism.
The closures along Highway 1, one of America's most picturesque roads, came after heavy downpours led to a number of mudslides and the collapse of a key bridge in February that cut off the town of Big Sur from the rest of California.
Officials said the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge, which buckled from the storms and is being demolished, will not be replaced for at least six months.
"Since February we went from off season to no season," Stan Russell, executive director of the Big Sur Chamber of Commerce, told AFP.
He said businesses such as the world-famous Nepenthe restaurant and a number of upmarket retreats had been forced to temporarily shut down as they were no longer accessible.
"Until last week, we had 1,000 people unemployed in a community of 1,500 or so," Russell said.
He added that some establishments in Big Sur such as the luxury Post Ranch Inn, where rooms average $1,200 a night, were looking at the possibility of shuttling guests by helicopter as the tourist season gets fully underway.
"The losses for the town are certainly in the millions," he said. "The Post Ranch Inn alone does over a million a month."
Meanwhile about 450 remaining residents on one side of Big Sur, which has been split in two, have been forced to rely on air drops and backpackers for supplies.
A narrow half-mile foot trail expected to be completed this week will allow residents who live on the south side of the bridge to cross for short periods of time, several times a day.
The scenic Highway 1 runs between southern and northern California and draws tourists from around the globe with its stunning panoramic views of the Pacific.
- Changing plans -
Mary Ann Carson, executive director of the chamber of commerce in Cambria, a little coastal village near the famed Hearst Castle, said the highway closures and bridge collapse had taken a heavy toll on business.
"We are 100 percent a tourism economy and this is absolutely affecting us," Carson told AFP.
"Big Sur is a destination for many people all over the world ... and I think some may be changing their plans now," she said.
"I feel bad when tourists come in and say 'but we came all the way and it's a once in a lifetime experience'."
Both Carson and Russell noted that businesses in towns and villages on either end of the road closure were reopening and tourists could still enjoy a scenic drive along at least part of the coastal highway.
"Both at the top and at the bottom, you can go a good 20 to 25 miles," Carson said. "But you just can't go all the way through."
This is not the first time bad weather has forced the closure of parts of the popular route.
In 1983, a series of storms caused major landslides that shut down Highway 1 near Big Sur for 13 months.
Hong Kong activist Ken Tsang (C) speaks to the press outside the High Court on March 21, 2017, before being jailed for assaulting police during the 2014 democracy protests after he dropped an appeal bid
A Hong Kong activist who was attacked by seven police officers during mass pro-democracy rallies in 2014 began a prison sentence Tuesday for his own assault on police.
Ken Tsang was found guilty last year of assaulting and resisting officers during the "Umbrella Movement" protests which brought parts of the city to a standstill for more than two months.
Later the same night Tsang was beaten and kicked by a group of officers in a park -- an assault that was captured by local TV cameras and beamed around the world, denting the image of the city's police force.
Seven officers were jailed for two years in February for assault causing actual bodily harm, but acquitted of a more serious charge of grievous bodily harm with intent.
Tsang himself had been sentenced in May last year to five weeks in prison after being found guilty of splashing liquid on police during the street rallies.
He immediately appealed and was bailed, but Tuesday dropped the appeal bid in a case that has dragged on for nearly three years since he was first arrested.
"After today's legal proceedings are over, I will immediately serve my sentence," Tsang, 41, told reporters and around 20 supporters outside the High Court Tuesday.
"I understand that some things I did that night may not be tolerated by the law. I need to take responsibility for my actions," he added, saying that the liquid he splashed on police was water.
Tsang said his decision to give up the appeal was "not a sign of weakness", and he had faced unfairness from the government and police whom he accused of "blurring the line between right and wrong".
"This is the best result we can achieve at this point in time."
Police have been criticised for their sometimes heavy-handed treatment of protesters during the "Umbrella Movement's" mainly peaceful 79 days of rallies and street blockades.
The demonstrators were seeking fully free elections for future leaders of the semi-autonomous Chinese city.
The judge who jailed the seven police officers described their assault as "vicious" and said it had damaged the city's reputation.
But tens of thousands of people gathered to show their support for the jailed officers following their sentencing last month.
Saltwater crocodiles are common in northern Australia, where numbers have increased since the introduction of protection laws in 1971
A British backpacker who inspired a drunk Australian teenager to swim in crocodile-infested waters, narrowly avoiding death, said Tuesday she was not impressed by the fraught romantic gesture.
In a bid to woo Sophie Paterson, Lee de Paauw jumped into Johnstone River at Innisfail in Queensland state early Sunday morning.
Within moments of hitting the water, a saltwater crocodile latched onto his arm.
De Paauw, 18, was lucky to escape with only two broken bones and stitches after the reptile released its grip when he landed punches on its head.
He said the stunt was to impress "that beautiful backpacker".
"She's really good looking and (had) been kind to me the night before," he said.
But Paterson, 24, told Channel Seven television the lovestruck youngster had failed to win her over.
"I would have to be quite twisted to be impressed by that," she said.
"I think risking your life -- there is nothing funny about that. In all honesty it was a really horrific experience."
Despite the brazen act, Paterson said she would visit de Paauw if work demands allowed, but she added that there were no plans for the two to date, telling reporters he was "too young for me".
Australia is home to freshwater and saltwater crocodiles with the more feared "salties" growing up to seven metres long.
Saltwater crocodiles are common in the country's north where numbers have increased since the introduction of protection laws in 1971. They kill an average of two people each year in Australia.
In his New Year address, North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un said the regime was in the "final stages" of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile, which Pyongyang says it will one day arm with a nuclear payload
North Korea's uranium enrichment facility has doubled in size over the last few years, the UN's atomic watchdog chief has warned, as global tensions grow over Pyongyang's burgeoning nuclear weapons programme.
Yukiya Amano, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told the Wall Street Journal that the isolated state's nuclear capacities are being ramped up.
"The situation is very bad... It has gone into a new phase," Amano said, in the report published Monday. "All of the indications point to the fact that North Korea is making progress, as they declared."
International alarm over Pyongyang's military ambitions has risen after a series of missile launches and nuclear tests last year, and earlier this month it fired four rockets in what it described as practice for an attack on United States military bases in Japan.
The North, which also tested a powerful new rocket engine at the weekend to coincide with a trip to Asia by US Secretary State Rex Tillerson, has long coveted a missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.
Pyongyang has rapidly expanded its facilities for enriching uranium and plutonium production in recent years, Amano told the Journal, expressing doubt over the potential for a diplomatic solution.
During his visit to South Korea last week, Tillerson declared Washington would drop the "failed" approach of "strategic patience" with Pyongyang and warned that US military action was possible.
That marked a sharp divergence from China's insistence on a diplomatic approach to its neighbour, which it has long protected.
In January, South Korea said the North had enough plutonium to make 10 nuclear bombs, as well as a "considerable" ability to produce weapons based on highly-enriched uranium.
The North has boosted plutonium supplies by reactivating its once-mothballed nuclear reactor in Yongbyon.
The deployment of the US THAAD missile defence system in SOuth Korea has sparked worsening relations between Beijing and Seoul
The row between Seoul and Beijing over the deployment of a US missile defence system has seen China overtake even former coloniser Japan in the ranking of South Koreans' least favoured countries, a survey shows.
Japan has consistently been Southerners' most disliked country after North Korea, mainly due to disputes over Tokyo's wartime atrocities including the use of up to 200,000 Korean women as sexual slaves for Japanese troops.
But now South Korea and the US have begun deploying the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system to guard against missile threats from the nuclear-armed North, infuriating China, which sees it as compromising its own capabilities.
Beijing launched a series of measure against the South seen as economic retaliation, forcing dozens of South Korean retail stores in China to shut their doors and banning Chinese tour groups from visiting.
China's rating in an opinion poll by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies slumped from 4.31 in January to 3.21 in March, on a 0-10 scale, with 10 representing the most favorable.
Japan's number also fell amid a diplomatic row over the "comfort women" issue, from 3.56 to 3.33.
A drop in the Chinese figure was expected given Beijing's response to THAAD but the "sharp decline" was surprising, Asan said in a statement Monday.
"Even more surprising is that Koreans are now more favourable toward Japan (3.33) than China (3.21)," it said, noting Japan had consistently been Koreans' least favoured country after the North.
The survey also showed the ratings of US President Donald Trump, Chinese President Xi Jinping and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe all declining, but Xi's falling the most, plunging from 4.25 in January to 3.01 in March.
"The only good news for President Xi was that his rating remained higher than Prime Minister Abe's," Asan said.
The survey, of 1000 adults carried out from March 6-8, also showed increasing support for THAAD, with 50.6 percent in favour, up from 46.3 percent in November, with opposition falling from 45.7 percent to 37.9 percent.
A sea turtle nicknamed 'Piggy Bank' has died after complications from surgery to remove nearly 1,000 coins she swallowed
A sea turtle nicknamed "Piggy Bank" has died after complications from surgery to remove nearly 1,000 coins she swallowed during captivity, Thai vets said Tuesday.
The reptile was thought to be recovering well from the pioneering seven-hour operation earlier this month to remove five kilograms (11 pounds) of coins lodged in her digestive tract -- good luck pennies tossed into the pool she was kept in.
But she took a sudden turn for the worse over the weekend, developing blood poisoning from serious intestinal problems after the coins were removed.
Omsin (Piggy Bank) was 25.
Her plight, recorded in precise detail in daily news updates, captured the hearts of many Thais and raised questions over the collision of traditional beliefs in good luck and animal welfare in the country.
"At 10:10am she went with peace," a tearful Nantarika Chansue, the vet in charge of Chulalongkorn hospital's aquatic research centre, told reporters on Tuesday.
"She is my friend, teacher and patient," she added.
The turtle lived for two decades in a small pond in a public park in Chonburi Province.
Visitors tossed coins into her pond seeking to "make merit" or good luck.
Vets hope the media coverage of the stricken creature will make Thais think twice about throwing coins into ponds where animals live.
East Timor presidential candidate Francisco Guterres received over 57 percent of votes cast in Monday's poll, according to the election commission
A former guerrilla fighter has won East Timor's presidential election in just one round, an early count indicated Tuesday, in a sign of growing stability for Asia's youngest nation.
With most ballots counted, Francisco Guterres -- known by his nom de guerre "Lu Olo" -- had received over 57 percent of votes cast in Monday's poll, according to the election commission.
That is comfortably above the 50 percent needed to avoid a run-off.
Guterres's closest rival, Education Minister Antonio de Conceicao, was on 33 percent in a crowded field of eight candidates, election commission chief Alcino Baris told AFP.
If final results confirm Guterres's victory, he will take over the largely ceremonial role at a challenging time for the tiny half-island nation 15 years after it gained independence following Indonesia's brutal occupation.
Key oil reserves are running dry and the government is struggling to resolve a long-running row with Australia over lucrative energy fields.
It will be the first time since 2002 that a presidential election in the country has been decided in just one round, if the final results due in several days confirm Guterres has won.
He was backed by the country's second-biggest party Fretilin, which he leads, as well as by independence hero Xanana Gusmao and his CNRT party, the largest.
"A strong vote in favour of a candidate is positive," Damien Kingsbury, an East Timor expert from Australia's Deakin University who was in the country as an election observer, told AFP.
The vote -- the first presidential election since the departure of United Nations peacekeepers in 2012 -- ran smoothly and there were reports of only low-level and sporadic unrest in the run-up.
While the presidency is largely ceremonial, it can have a key role in keeping the peace between feuding politicians.
Guterres is from a humble family and like many members of East Timor's political class took part in the bloody struggle against Indonesian occupation.
The vote sets the stage for more important parliamentary elections later in the year that will decide the government and the prime minister.
Indonesia moved into East Timor in 1975 after colonial master Portugal withdrew. During the occupation, around 183,000 people died from fighting, starvation or disease.
Smoke billows following a reported air strike in rebel-held parts of Jobar on the eastern outskirts of Damascus, on March 19
Rebels and jihadists launched a fresh assault on east Damascus on Tuesday, just two days before another round of UN-backed peace talks get underway in Switzerland.
Clashes raged between regime forces on one side and opposition fighters and allied jihadists from the Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly Al-Qaeda's branch in the war-ravaged country.
The renewed fighting in Damascus came two days after Syrian government forces repelled the largest rebel incursion into the capital in years.
An AFP journalist in east Damascus reported a large explosion at sunrise Tuesday followed by fierce clashes, shelling and government air strikes on opposition positions.
Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the blast was likely caused by a rebel car bomb attack on a regime position between Jobar and Qabun districts.
The renewed fighting in Damascus came two days after Syrian government forces repelled the largest rebel incursion into the capital in years
Plumes of dark smoke could be seen rising from eastern neighbourhoods.
The official SANA news agency said a total of 15 people were wounded in opposition fire on Tuesday.
Syrian warplanes were responding with steady air strikes on rebel positions in Jobar and regime forces had sealed all roads in the residential neighbourhoods nearby, according to state television.
It said government forces were also targeting rebel positions in several towns in Eastern Ghouta, a hotspot suburb of Damascus.
Rebels hold half of the eastern neighbourhood of Jobar, a few kilometres (miles) from the city centre, and are seeking to link it to the besieged northern district of Qabun.
- 'Windows and doors rattle' -
"Our windows and doors rattle with each bombardment," Damascus resident Lamis, 28, told AFP.
"I'm frightened that these armed groups will advance further and I hope they will be stopped soon."
Syria's air force responded to the renewed rebel assault with raids on their positions while opposition fighters shelled the Abbasid and Tijara neighbourhoods near Jobar, the Observatory's Abdel Rahman told AFP.
Syria's air force has responded to the latest assault with raids on opposition positions
The Islamist rebel group Faylaq al-Rahman and the Fateh al-Sham Front -- known as Al-Nusra Front before it renounced its ties to Al-Qaeda -- have a presence in Jobar.
Faylaq al-Rahman announced "the second stage of the battle" for eastern areas of the capital, in a statement issued Tuesday.
In the afternoon, Ahrar al-Sham -- an allied Islamist faction -- said its fighters had seized a textile factory between Qabun and Jobar.
In video footage posted online, Ahrar al-Sham fighters could be seen stomping on official portraits of President Bashar al-Assad inside the factory.
In addition to controlling half of Jobar and most of Qabun, rebels and their jihadist allies also hold positions in the Damascus districts of Tishreen and Barzeh in the north, as well as Tadamun in the south.
Tuesday's violence was the second wave of an assault that began at the weekend and saw rebels and allied jihadists initially score gains in Jobar, even briefly advancing into Abbasid Square -- two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Damascus' Old City -- for the first time in two years.
- Rebels 'took initiative' -
But Assad loyalists drove them back by nightfall and unleashed fierce bombing, the Observatory said, before calm was restored on Monday afternoon.
Thomas Pierret, a Syria analyst at the University of Edinburgh, said the offensive primarily had a "purely military motivation".
"The regime has advertised its desire to destroy opposition pockets in the eastern suburbs, so rebels took the initiative to harass regime troops with surprise attacks, scoring some success," Pierret told AFP.
The clashes on Sunday and Monday killed at least 72 people, including 38 government force members and 34 rebels and jihadists, according to the Observatory.
"We were relieved yesterday when the roads reopened but today we are trapped once again," said Ola, a resident of east Damascus.
"I'm stuck in my bedroom," the 22-year-old student told AFP.
Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's rule but has evolved over the years into a complex civil war.
Fighting in Damascus
More than 320,000 people have been killed and millions more displaced by the conflict.
Repeated peace talks over the years have failed to bring about a political solution, but another round of negotiations is due to begin in Geneva on Thursday.
A UN spokeswoman told reporters in the Swiss city that "all invitees who had already attended" talks in February had confirmed they would take part.
UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura's deputy, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, is expected to greet the delegations on Thursday.
De Mistura himself is set to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, according to Moscow.
Russia is a decades-long ally of the Damascus regime, but it has worked with rebel backer Turkey in recent months to try to bring an end to the conflict.
Concerns over wrongful verdicts in China are fuelled by police reliance on forced confessions and the lack of effective defence in criminal trials
Police in central China's Henan province have issued a rare statement admitting that some officers may have tortured a suspect who died under detention, local media reported Tuesday.
"On March 12, 2017, a suspect died while our bureau's criminal investigation squad was handling a case of a telecommunications fraud ring," Wenxian county police said on its Twitter-like Weibo account.
"The People's Police handling the case are suspected of using torture to extract confessions and collect evidence," the March 13 statement said, adding that personnel found to have violated laws will be "resolutely punished."
The notice was viewed online more than 13 million times, Global Times newspaper noted Tuesday, with most Weibo commenters praising the bureau for its openness about misconduct.
Chinese news outlet Paper.cn cited the bureau as saying that the officers have been suspended from duty and their cases were transferred to the local procuratorate for investigation.
It is unclear whether the suspect was brought to a hospital for treatment or died in a detention centre. The bureau's public affairs department did not answer calls from AFP on Tuesday.
"This is not the first time Chinese police admitted use of torture, but it is the first time the police released such information on a public network," Chen Guangzhong of the China University of Political Science and Law told AFP.
"This seems to be a new communication tactic," said Jeremy Daum of Yale Law School's Paul Tsai China Center in Beijing.
"If people believe that the situation is being reviewed openly in accordance with law and handled justly, they are more likely to wait and see what happens rather than take their concerns to the streets," Daum told AFP.
Chinese courts have a conviction rate of 99.92 percent, and concerns over wrongful verdicts are fuelled by police reliance on forced confessions and the lack of effective defence in criminal trials.
Overseas rights groups say China executes more people than any other country, but Beijing does not give figures on the death penalty, regarding the statistics as state secrets.
In December 2016, China's top court cleared a man executed 21 years ago for murder, citing insufficient evidence in the original trial.
While the "landmark" verdict was a sign that China's judicial system has improved since the 1990s, observers say many problems remain unaddressed.
An activist wears a T-shirt denouncing Myanmar's controversial online defamation law during a Yangon rally in January 2017
A Myanmar woman is suing her own son for calling her a "prostitute" on Facebook, the latest case under a controversial law that critics say is increasingly stifling free speech.
Police arrested 21-year-old Wana Oo on Tuesday after his mother Tin Tin Hla, from southern Myanmar, brought a case against him over comments he made about her relationship with a new boyfriend.
"She sued her son for abusing her on Facebook concerning her complicated relationship," local police officer Aung Lwin told AFP.
"The police have now arrested her son and he confessed to what he did on Facebook. We will process the case according to the law."
Wana Oo was charged under a broadly-worded law that forbids defaming people on any telecommunications network and can carry up to three-years in jail.
Images of posts sent to AFP by the police showed several pictures of Tin Tin Hla posted on Wana Oo's Facebook page with insulting comments underneath.
Defamation prosecutions have soared since Aung San Suu Kyi's government took power in March 2016, including for people who have made online criticisms about the democracy leader.
Hopes had been high her NLD party, many of whom spent decades in jail for speaking their minds under Myanmar's former junta, would usher in a new era of free speech.
But social media satirists, activists and journalists have found themselves increasingly targeted under a controversial online defamation law.
More than 40 cases have been brought over the past year, compared to just seven between when the legislation was passed in 2013 to when the NLD took power.
They include cases against two officials from one of the country's biggest media groups, a man who called the president 'crazy' on Facebook and another who wrote curses about the army on his car.
A transgender beauty queen was also arrested and then released after being accused of lambasting a famous actress online.
The law was originally passed by the previous military-backed government as part of a raft of measures to attract foreign investment into Myanmar's telecoms sector.
A sniper member of the Iraqi forces takes aim during their advance in the Old City in western Mosul on March 19, 2017
Iraqi forces gained ground from the Islamic State group in Mosul and have deployed snipers in the Old City to target the jihadists, officers said on Tuesday.
Iraqi forces launched a major operation to recapture west Mosul -- the most-populated urban area still held by IS -- on February 19, and have retaken a series of neighbourhoods from the jihadists.
Iraqi interior ministry forces are now battling IS in the Old City, where hundreds of thousands of civilians are believed to reside, while the Counter-Terrorism Service is fighting to reclaim areas further west.
Iraq's Joint Operations Command announced on Tuesday that CTS forces had recaptured the Al-Risala and Shaqaq Nablus areas of west Mosul.
In the Old City, "dozens of snipers" have been deployed atop buildings to target the jihadists as Iraqi forces seek to advance toward the Al-Nuri mosque.
The mosque is where IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi made his only known public appearance, calling on Muslims to "obey" him.
The battle for west Mosul has pushed more than 180,000 people to flee their homes, according to the Iraqi government.
Some 111,000 have sought shelter in nearby camps and reception centres while many others have stayed with relatives, the ministry of displacement and migration said.
IS overran large areas north and west of Baghdad in 2014, but Iraqi forces backed by US-led air strikes and other support have since regained much of the territory they lost.
Iraqi forces launched the operation to retake Mosul in October, recapturing its eastern side before setting their sights on its smaller but more-densely populated west.
China's President Xi Jinping (right) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu shake hands ahead of their talks at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, on March 21, 2017
Chinese President Xi Jinping called Tuesday for peace between Israel and an independent Palestine "as soon as possible" during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, state media reported.
"A peaceful, stable and developing Middle East is the common interest of all parties... China appreciates that the Israeli side will continue to tackle the Israeli-Palestinian issue on the basis of the 'two-state solution'," Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying during their meeting.
""As soon as possible, (I hope) the two countries will live in peace and coexistence."
Netanyahu said Israel was willing to see China play a bigger role in Middle East affairs, according to Xinhua.
The Israeli leader also pitched a comprehensive innovation partnership between the two countries focusing on the development of various technologies.
"We know that you have great scientists, great industrialists, great capabilities, and we think that by working together we can make the future better for our peoples," Israeli media quoted Netanyahu as saying.
Xi said the two countries would push forward with "major cooperation projects" in science and technology, water resources, agriculture, medicine, clean energy, and other fields, according to Xinhua.
The meeting was part of a three-day trip by the Israeli leader marking 25 years of diplomatic relations.
China depends on the volatile Middle East for oil supplies but has long taken a back seat in its disputes.
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.
Netanyahu was accompanied by 90 businesspeople -- the largest Israeli business delegation ever to visit China, according to Chinese state broadcaster CGTN.
They met executives from some of China's largest corporations including Internet giants Baidu and Alibaba.
Trade between China and Israel has flourished since diplomatic ties were established.
China's total investment in Israel exceeds six billion dollars, and Israeli-designed technologies are used across the world's second largest economy.
Experts analyse meat seized in markets in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on March 20, 2017
Brazil's giant meat industry suffered a heavy blow Tuesday, when Hong Kong became the latest to ban imports in response to allegations of rotten meat being sold with falsified certificates.
Hong Kong is the biggest market for Brazilian beef, importing $718 million worth in 2016, according to Brazilian government figures.
Hong Kong's Centre for Food Safety said it had temporarily suspended the import of frozen and chilled meat and poultry "in view of the fact that the quality of the meat from Brazil is in question."
This followed a similar ban by China, which is Brazil's biggest market for beef and poultry overall.
South Korea, for its part, lifted a temporary suspension on the distribution of chicken already imported from Brazil, after authorities there performed quality inspections and confirmed that no tainted poultry had entered the country.
It has no plans to close its market to Brazilian meat, the South Korean embassy in Brasilia said.
But the European Union earlier demanded a stop to exports by four companies implicated in the scandal, while Chile suspended all meat imports, prompting Brazil to threaten retaliatory measures against its Latin American trade partner.
Mexico issued its own ban on poultry imports late Tuesday, saying it wanted Brazil "to show scientific proof and guarantees of the sanitary level, quality and safety" of the produce.
Brazil's neighbor Argentina announced it was ready for "an even greater increase in the usual (quality) controls."
Japan, which is Brazil's third biggest market for chicken, with $720 million in sales, said it would not allow imports of products from the 21 businesses under investigation in Brazil.
And Russia, which has heavily relied on Brazilian imports since banning US and European Union food imports, said it wanted clarifications from Brazil.
"We expect more than 30 countries to question Brazil about this issue," Brazilian Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said Monday.
- National 'embarrassment' -
Officials have been scrambling to contain the damage since Brazilian police announced the results of a two-year investigation on Friday.
According to police, health inspectors were bribed to certify meat no longer fit for consumption, while additives were used to mask problems in the produce.
Brazil meat export crisis widens
Exports have been stopped from all 21 meat processors under investigation, and at least 30 people have been arrested.
A poultry-processing plant run by the multinational BRF group and two meat-processing plants operated by the local Peccin company were shut down.
Brazil exports meat to more than 150 countries, with 2016 sales of beef and poultry reaching more than $10 billion.
Total meat exports amount to about seven percent of exports and 0.7 percent of gross domestic product, according to Capital Economics.
The Folha newspaper reported that 21 meat processing companies forced to halt exports while they undergo investigation represent less than one percent of total Brazilian meat exports.
However, the damage to the industry's reputation could be far reaching, hitting Brazil just as the country struggles to exit its worst recession in history.
President Michel Temer called the quantities involved in the scandal "insignificant" on Tuesday, but he admitted there had been "an embarrassment."
The scandal also broke right ahead of negotiations to seek a free-trade accord between the European Union and several South American countries including Brazil.
France and other European countries are wary about opening up the EU meat market to countries in the South American Mercosur bloc, which includes major exporters Brazil and Argentina. Paraguay and Uruguay are the other members.
Suicide bombings in Somalia are commonly carried out by Shabaab jihadists who have threatened a "vicious war" against the new government
At least five people were killed when a minibus laden with explosives blew up in Mogadishu on Tuesday, a local official said, the latest attack in the troubled Somali capital.
The blast occurred at a checkpoint just 500 metres (yards) from the presidential palace just as the Horn of Africa country's new prime minister unveiled his government lineup.
"The vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint for security screening when it went off. At least five people were killed including security personnel and 10 others wounded," said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu administration.
"The blast was so huge, I saw smoke and dust all over the area," witness Abdukadir Yusuf said.
"I was on top of my house not very far away from the area, it was near the theatre and close to the presidential palace."
Somalia's new Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre earlier Tuesday unveiled his new cabinet, made up of 26 ministers including six women, after almost a month of political bargaining.
- 'Bloodthirsty elements' -
Somalia's new Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre unveiled, on March 21, 2017, his new cabinet made up of 26 ministers including six women, after almost a month of political bargaining
The Al-Qaeda-linked Shabaab militant group, which is fighting to overthw the government, has been blamed for a string of attacks in Mogadishu.
The Shabaab was forced out of the capital by African Union troops in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and carries out attacks against government, military and civilian targets in Mogadishu and regional towns.
Last week, at least five people were killed and 12 others injured in two separate car bombings in Mogadishu.
"I promise that we will deal with those bloodthirsty elements with an iron fist," Kheyre said at the time.
As well as insecurity, Somalia is also battling famine, with three million going hungry because of a drought that is also affecting other parts of Africa.
It is the third famine in the 25 years that Somalia has been embroiled in civil war and anarchy. A 2011 famine left 260,000 people dead.
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, also known as Farmajo, had warned after his election in February that there would be no quick fixes for the country after decades of repeated cycles of drought and insecurity.
After his nomination Kheyre -- also spelt Khaire -- promised to "tirelessly work with the president and try to form a government that represents the public".
Tensions between Somali presidents and their prime ministers in recent years have frequently stymied government business and undermined political progress in the fragile nation.
Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, speaking to a security conference, said Israel believes Mustafa Badreddine was "killed by his own officers"
Israel's military chief said on Tuesday that Hezbollah's military commander in Syria, reported dead last year, was killed by members of his own Lebanese Shiite group.
Chief of Staff Gadi Eisenkot, speaking to a security conference, said intelligence had led Israel to the conclusion and matched previous reports.
Hezbollah itself has said Mustafa Badreddine, who was on a US terror sanctions blacklist and wanted by Israel, was killed in an explosion in May 2016 near Damascus international airport.
A probe had concluded that Sunni Islamist radicals known as "takfiris", who consider Shiites to be heretics, had killed Badreddine, according to Hezbollah.
Eisenkot said Israel "believes that he was killed by his own officers".
"Those findings show to what degree relations between Hezbollah and its patron Iran are tense and complex," he said.
Hezbollah has deployed thousands of fighters in Syria, where Badreddine had led its intervention in support of President Bashar al-Assad's forces, which are also backed by Russia and Iran.
The Shiite movement has said Badreddine was killed by artillery bombardment of one of its positions near Damascus airport.
It did not name any specific Islamist group, and there has been no claim of responsibility for the killing.
Badreddine was a key suspect in the 2005 assassination in Beirut of Lebanese ex-premier Rafiq Hariri.
His predecessor, cousin and brother-in-law Imad Mughniyeh was killed in Damascus in a 2008 bombing that Hezbollah blamed on Israel.
A memorial service is held at the tomb of Hezbollah commander Mustafa Badreddine in a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on February 12, 2017
Israel considers Hezbollah among its top threats and fought a devastating 2006 war against it.
Its military believes Hezbollah has between 100,000 and 120,000 short- and medium-range missiles and rockets, as well as several hundred long-range missiles, with the medium-range missiles capable of reaching Tel Aviv.
Israeli military officials have said regularly in recent months that they will respond with heavy force against Lebanon if Hezbollah were to attack from there.
However, many analysts say the Lebanese militia's involvement in Syria has made another conflict with Israel less likely for now.
While Israel has sought to avoid being dragged into Syria's civil war, it acknowledges carrying out air strikes there to stop deliveries of advanced arms to Hezbollah.
On Friday, Israeli warplanes struck several targets in Syria, drawing retaliatory missile fire in the most serious incident between the two countries since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.
Israel also used its Arrow interceptor to destroy what was believed to have been a Russian-made SA 5 missile.
On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria's air defence systems "without the slightest hesitation" if it happened again.
Russian involvement in Syria has complicated Israel's actions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Russian President Vladimir Putin have held a series of talks on avoiding accidental clashes, and a "hotline" has been set up between the two countries.
However, Russia's foreign ministry on Monday acknowledged it had summoned Israel's ambassador over Friday's air strikes, which were close to Moscow's forces near the historic Syrian city of Palmyra.
The suspensions come with social networks under pressure from governments around the world to use technology tools to lock out jihadists and others who use the platforms to recruit and launch attacks
Twitter said Tuesday it suspended 376,890 accounts in the second half of 2016 for "promotion of terrorism," an increase of 60 percent over the prior six-month period.
The latest suspensions bring the total number of blocked accounts to 636,248 from August 2015, when Twitter stepped up efforts to curb "violent extremism," the company announced as part of its latest transparency report.
The actions come with social networks under pressure from governments around the world to use technology tools to lock out jihadists and others who use the platforms to recruit and launch attacks.
Twitter said separately the number of government requests for user data rose seven percent from the prior six-month period, but affected 13 percent fewer accounts.
For requests to remove content -- from governments and others including copyright holders -- the number of requests was up 13 percent but the number of accounts fell 37 percent.
Twitter announced that the FBI had informed the social network it was no longer under a "gag order" that prevented the disclosure of five cases involving "national security letters" -- special requests from the US law enforcement agency in national security cases.
As a result, Twitter was able to inform the affected users of the FBI requests.
"As we continue to push for more transparency in how we can speak about national security requests, we will update this new section in future transparency reports," Twitter stated.
Twitter, which is pressured by certain governments to remove "hate speech," disclosed for the first time a partnership with a third-party research group called Lumen to catalog any information removed.
Twitter said it began the agreement with Lumen in 2010.
"Unless we are prevented from doing so, when we withhold content in a certain country Twitter will continue to provide a copy of the request to Lumen so anyone can see what type of content was removed and who made the request," the company said.
Another section of the transparency report was devoted to "legal removals," or requests to remove content from verified journalists and other media outlets.
"Given the concerning global trend of various governments cracking down on press freedom, we want to shine a brighter light on these requests," Twitter said.
It received 88 legal requests from around the world to remove content posted by verified journalists or news outlets, but did not take any action on the majority of the requests, "with limited exceptions in Germany and Turkey," which accounted for 88 percent of such requests.
"For example, we were compelled to withhold tweets sharing graphic imagery following terror attacks in Turkey in response to a court order," Twitter said.
US Secretary of Defense James Mattis (R) welcomes Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization(NATO) to the Pentagon
The transatlantic bond is "getting stronger," Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told NATO's Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday, the same day the US secretary of state said he will skip a key alliance meeting.
"We have a very strong transatlantic bond," Mattis told NATO's secretary general.
"It's getting stronger, relationships don't stay the same, they are always changing. In this case the bond is getting stronger."
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is missing NATO's meeting of foreign ministers in April, yet will travel to Russia the same month, fueling fears about Washington's commitment to the alliance.
Stoltenberg twice declined to comment when a reporter shouted questions about the message Tillerson's decision will send to NATO.
NATO countries were deeply unsettled by President Donald Trump's fiery campaign rhetoric in which he branded the 28-member alliance as "obsolete."
Trump has moderated his stance since, though has continued to chide some members for not paying a promised 2 percent of GDP into their defense budgets.
Stoltenberg is in Washington to attend a meeting of allies fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
While NATO is not itself part of that coalition, many of its members are and some want NATO to play a broader role.
After speaking with Mattis, Stoltenberg said in a statement that the two of them agreed that NATO has "untapped potential in fighting terrorism by training local forces and building their capacity, as we have done for years in Afghanistan and the Balkans."
Mattis, a retired Marine general who has worked closely with NATO, has been on something of a damage-control mission since Trump took office and traveled to Brussels last month to reassure allies of ongoing US commitment to the mutual defense organization.
"I was very much impressed by the increased unity I found during my visit with you and the resolve of the alliance," Mattis told Stoltenberg.
"We had all hoped for a better future back 20 years ago and some things haven't turned out the way we wish, so we have to address that reality."
Stoltenberg, who was formerly the Norwegian prime minister, also told Mattis that security in Europe benefits North America too.
"In times of turmoil, in times of uncertainty, the need for strong international institutions like NATO is even greater," Stoltenberg said.
"Stability in Europe is good for all of us. Two world wars and the Cold War have taught us all that peace and stability is important for Europe of course but also North America."
US President Donald Trump listens while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi speaks during their meeting in the Cabinet Room in the White House on March 20, 2017
Ministers from the 68-nation US-led coalition fighting the Islamic State group meet in Washington Wednesday to hear more about US President Donald Trump's plan to destroy the jihadists' remaining strongholds in Iraq and Syria.
Trump has ordered his generals to craft an accelerated strategy to "eradicate" the group's so-called caliphate, and allied partners are keen to learn more at the day-long ministerial-level discussion.
The meeting at the State Department also allows Trump's discreet secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, to emerge from the shadows and stamp his authority on the diplomatic side of the joint effort.
But Trump's plan to slash 28 percent from the State Department's budget for diplomacy and foreign aid suggests fewer resources for post-conflict stabilization -- a proposal that has raised eyebrows.
European diplomats told AFP they expect Washington to reaffirm its commitment to a longer-term plan to secure the region after a battlefield victory.
- 'Killing Daesh' -
US President Donald Trump has ordered his generals to come up with an accelerated strategy to "eradicate" the group's so-called caliphate, and allied ministers are keen to hear more
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was in Washington just ahead of the talks, and said victory against IS was within sight if allies stick together.
"We are proving that Daesh can be killed, can be eliminated," Abadi told an invited audience at the US Institute for Peace, using the group's Arabic acronym.
"We shouldn't lose focus, we shouldn't give Daesh a second chance."
Shortly after taking office in late January, Trump gave the Pentagon 30 days to review progress in the anti-IS fight and develop a comprehensive plan to "totally obliterate" the group.
As a candidate Trump frequently bemoaned how long then president Barack Obama was taking to get the job done -- and claimed to have a secret plan to finish IS.
He never offered details and so far has largely stuck with Obama's strategy, which centers on US-led or guided forces carrying out continual surveillance and strikes on jihadist targets, while training and equipping local forces to conduct ground combat and hold seized terrain.
A meeting of US coalition allies is an occasion for Trump's discreet new secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, to emerge from the shadows and stamp his authority on the diplomatic side of the joint effort
Trump has made some notable tweaks, including granting commanders broader authority to make battlefield decisions.
Military officers had complained of micromanagement under Obama, but critics worry the military may now lean toward actions with a greater likelihood of civilian deaths, such as a botched January raid in Yemen that killed a Navy SEAL and multiple women and children.
The Pentagon is also investigating allegations that a strike it launched on a suspected Al-Qaeda target near a mosque in northern Syria killed dozens of civilians.
Last month, the Pentagon gave Trump an initial draft of its revised anti-IS plan.
Pentagon spokesman Jeff Davis said the document would "inform" Wednesday's diplomatic discussions, and feedback from coalition partners would be integrated.
- Heavy casualties -
Members of the Iraqi counter-terrorism service engage in combat in west Mosul March 21, 2017, during the government forces' ongoing offensive to retake the city from the IS group
On October 17 last year, coalition-backed Iraqi troops launched an offensive to retake Mosul from the IS group's so-called caliphate.
By February 19 they had cleared the East bank of the Tigris and had begun to push into jihadist strongholds on the West. They have suffered heavy casualties but continue to progress.
Meanwhile, the jihadists' "capital" in Syria is increasingly isolated, but planning for its recapture has been complicated by the diplomatic and political situation in the country.
A convoy of US forces armoured vehicles drives near the village of Yalanli, on the western outskirts of the northern Syrian city of Manbij, on March 5, 2017
The Pentagon is backing an alliance of local Kurdish and Arab militias to take the city, but Turkey has its own rebel force in the region and Russia is backing Bashar al-Assad's regime.
The United States does not want to commit too many of its own troops to the fight -- despite plans to more than double its own 850-strong contingent in the country and add artillery units.
New guidelines, released last week, stressed that Marines could face criminal prosecution in military courts for bad online behavior
The US Marine Corps has revised its social media guidelines amid a scandal involving the nonconsensual online sharing of nude Marines.
The scandal centers upon the revelation this month that pictures of female Marines in various states of undress had been shared in a secret Facebook group called "Marines United."
Membership of the group was restricted to current and former Marines, but it had as many as 30,000 members before it was taken down.
The pictures, often accompanied by lewd commentary, gave the women's names and units in some cases.
"Marines must never engage in commentary or publish content on social networking platforms or through other forms of communication that harm good order and discipline or that bring discredit upon themselves, their unit, or the Marine Corps," General Robert Neller, the Marine Corps's commandant, wrote in the updated guidelines.
The new guidelines, released last week, stressed that Marines could face criminal prosecution in military courts for bad online behavior.
"In other words, Marines should think twice before engaging in questionable online activities," the guidelines state.
All Marines will now be required to sign a statement showing they have read the guidelines.
"Marines are reminded that their conduct, even off-duty or online, may violate Navy and Marine Corps orders and regulations," the guidelines state.
Other military services are also examining their social media guidelines.
The Army last week warned soldiers that bad online behavior, and turning a blind eye to it, is unacceptable.
Military investigators are examining the Marines United case and might level felony charges against some involved.
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) - The Latest on the decision by a top prosecutor in Florida to no longer seek the death penalty (all times local):
3:15 p.m.
Florida's governor says he had the authority to remove a top prosecutor in Orlando from the case of a slain police officer after she said her office would no longer seek the death penalty in any cases.
Scott said Monday in the capital of Tallahassee that he is comfortable with his decision last week to remove the Markeith Loyd case from State Attorney Aramis Ayala's office and transfer it to a State Attorney's Office in a neighboring district.
Ayala asserted in a legal motion Monday that Scott overstepped his authority. She says allowing the governor to interfere could undermine Florida's judicial system.
If Ayala declines to seek the death penalty in other cases, Scott says he will "deal with it at the time."
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1 p.m.
A state attorney says Florida's governor overstepped his authority when he pulled her off a case after she said she would not pursue the death penalty in any cases.
State Attorney Aramis Ayala made the assertion Monday in a legal motion that asks a judge to allow her to present that argument in court. The motion claims that allowing the governor to interfere could undermine Florida's judicial system.
Markeith Loyd is charged with first-degree murder in the killings of Orlando Police Lt. Debra Clayton and his pregnant ex-girlfriend, Sade Dixon.
Gov. Rick Scott removed Ayala from Loyd's case and reassigned it to another state attorney after Ayala made her announcement against the death penalty Thursday.
A spokeswoman for the governor didn't immediately respond to an email seeking comment Monday.
MEXICO CITY (AP) - Mexico's environmental protection agency says another endangered porpoise has been found dead in the upper Gulf of California.
The office says the adult female vaquita marina was found Sunday in waters of a marine reserve about 16 miles (26 kilometers) north of San Felipe, Baja California state.
The agency said Monday in a statement that the porpoise was in an advanced state of decay but had deep stabbing wounds as well as slashes consistent with the cutting of nets around the animal.
The vaquita population has been dramatically reduced by illegal net fishing for the totoaba, whose swim bladders can sell for thousands of dollars in China. Only about 30 of the reclusive porpoises are believed to remain in the gulf, also known as the Sea of Cortez.
A selection of AP offerings that are especially good reads, shareable, consumer-friendly, or likely to generate talk or buzz. Please see the News Digest and News Coverage Advisory 10:15 for top stories and other highlights. All times EDT.
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COUNTING AMERICANS - Counting Americans: A new Mideast box on census is sensitive. SENT: 900 words, photo.
AIRPLANE SECURITY-LAPTOPS - Some electronics to be banned on some US-bound flights. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: Developing.
THEME PARKS-VIRTUAL LINES - Where's the line? Theme parks aiming to eliminate them. SENT: 800 words, photo.
TRUMP WINERY-VISAS - Trump Winery seeks more foreign workers this season. SENT: 350 words.
TRUMP-GATES - Tech billionaire Bill Gates is meeting with President Donald Trump to discuss progress in programs for global health and development as well as domestic education. SENT: 130 words. UPCOMING: Developing.
COLORADO WILDFIRE - Fire evacuees allowed back near Boulder, Colorado. SENT: 500 words, photos, videos.
OBIT-DAVID ROCKEFELLER - David Rockefeller, the billionaire businessman and philanthropist who was the last in his generation of one of the country's most famously philanthropic families, dies at 101. SENT: 800 words, photos.
BRADY JERSEY-FOUND - Police say they tracked Tom Brady's missing Super Bowl jersey to Mexico, and also found a jersey that had gone missing after the Patriots' 2015 Super Bowl win. SENT: 500 words, photos, video.
YOUTUBE-LGBTQ CONTENT - YouTube is explaining why some gay-themed content is being restricted following complaints from users. SENT: 500 words, photos.
ERIC TRUMP-BABY - Trump's son Eric announces on Twitter that he and his wife Lara are expecting their first child. SENT: 130 words.
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VIDEO
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US SESAME STREET AUTISM - A Muppet with autism to be welcomed soon on 'Sesame Street' SENT, with 840 words, photo.
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WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration is naming some names in its efforts to shame local jails that don't cooperate with immigration authorities. It's putting the spotlight on Travis County, Texas, home of liberal Austin.
The administration released a list of 206 cases of immigrants released from custody despite requests from federal agents to keep them locked up. Roughly two-thirds were from Travis County.
The 206 figure is somewhat murky. It doesn't represent all the cases in which immigration authorities sought custody of people facing criminal charges, with major cities like New York and Los Angeles underrepresented on the list. It's also unclear what period it covers. The cases were identified by the administration between Jan. 28 and Feb. 3, but most of the detention requests had been made before then, as far back as early 2014. Also unclear is the status of the immigrants - whether some are in federal or state custody.
In this photo taken March 13, 2017, Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly is seen in the Cabinet Room at the White House in Washington. The Trump administration is naming some names in its efforts to shame local jails that don't cooperate with immigration authorities. It's putting the spotlight on Travis County, Texas, home of liberal Austin. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
The release of the list by Immigration and Customs Enforcement was prompted by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January. That order called on the government to document which local jurisdictions aren't cooperating with federal efforts to find and deport immigrants in the country illegally.
Trump has made immigration a key issue in his administration and has promised to deport "bad dudes" living in the United States illegally. The report highlights a variety of crimes, including the case of a Jamaican national in Philadelphia charged with homicide, along with multiple sex offenses, assaults and driving under the influence cases. The majority of the immigrants whose cases are highlighted are from Mexico or Central America. The Travis County cases also include detainers for a mix of convictions and charges ranging from drunken driving to aggravated assault and sexual assault. Detainers are government requests that an immigrant who could face deportation be turned over to immigration authorities.
The report appears to make an example of Travis County, where a fierce battle is underway between left-leaning local leaders and Texas' conservative leadership over cooperating with federal agents. Unlike in liberal New York and California, Texas has threatened to cut funding from any local government that doesn't comply with federal immigration directives.
Travis County processed hundreds of annual detainer requests as recently as two years ago. But Sheriff Sally Hernandez, a Democrat, was elected last fall after campaigning on a vow not to comply with immigration detainers in cases where people were arrested on minor offenses unrelated to their being in the country illegally.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott responded by blocking $1.5 million in state grant funding. He issued a statement shortly after the report's release calling it "deeply disturbing" and suggesting Hernandez's decision was "dangerous and should be criminal in itself."
Hernandez's office on Monday sought to clarify the numbers in the report. All but one request linked to Travis County has a rejection date of Feb. 1. According to Major Wes Priddy, a spokesman for Hernandez, that's because Travis County's new policy on detainers went into effect that day, covering some requests made months earlier.
"They asked for formal notification from us, and we provided that," Priddy said. "What I find kind of ironic is most agencies, according to them, don't provide that information. In some ways, we cooperate with ICE more than other agencies do."
The report also mistakenly listed 14 rejected detainers for the Travis County State Jail, a separate facility run by Texas' prisons system. ICE corrected the report hours after its release.
Jails and police agencies around the U.S. have opted in recent years not to cooperate with immigration authorities, in some cases citing federal court rulings that immigrants cannot be held in those jails strictly because of their immigration status. Other jurisdictions have passed local ordinances barring cooperation.
As a result, the Obama administration dramatically reduced the number of detainers filed annually, a trend Trump's immigration authorities have pledged to reverse.
ICE said that nationwide, from Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, it made 3,083 new requests to jails that immigrants accused of a crime be held long enough for ICE agents to take them into custody. It is unclear how many of those requests were honored.
The number of requests made and declined is likely to increase as the government issues more detainer requests, immigration officials said. The officials briefed reporters on the condition of anonymity despite Trump's complaints that anonymous sources should not be considered reliable.
Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan said that when detainer requests aren't honored and serious offenders are released, "it undermines ICE's ability to protect the public safety and carry out its mission."
Trump has said he plans to crack down on so-called "sanctuary cities" and other jurisdictions that do not cooperate with immigration authorities and has threatened to eliminate access to some federal grants. He also plans to restart the Secure Communities program that used fingerprints collected in local jails and shared with the FBI to identify immigrants who could face deportation. The program was scrapped under the Obama administration amid multiple court challenges and widespread complaints that it resulted in the deportations of people accused of only low-level offenses.
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Merchant reported from Houston. AP reporters David Caruso in New York and Will Weissert in Austin, Texas, contributed this report.
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Follow Alicia A. Caldwell on Twitter at www.twitter.com/acaldwellap
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A teacher now accused of kidnapping a 15-year-old female student in Tennessee had been investigated by the school system after another student reported seeing the teacher kiss the girl, a lawyer for the missing girl's family said.
Yet according to attorney Jason Whatley and school records, teacher Tad Cummins was allowed to continue working at Tennessee's Culleoka Unit School for two weeks. Culleoka is a community about 60 miles south of Nashville near the state line with Alabama.
Student Elizabeth Thomas was last seen March 13 and is believed to be with the 50-year-old teacher, authorities said.
In late January another student saw the teacher kissing the girl on the lips, school records provided to the AP from Whatley show.
Despite the report from the other student, Cummins was allowed to continue teaching and nobody in the school system bothered notifying the girl's family about the allegations about the kiss, Whatley added. He said the school system must have not believed the student's report of seeing Cummins kiss the girl on the lips.
"This is my client's daughter and she's been taken, she's been abducted and I can't figure out for the life of me why no one believed this middle school student," Whatley said.
The father, Whatley said, only learned of the kissing allegation a week later after a detective with the Maury County Sheriff's Department went to the home to investigate.
The school system didn't suspend Cummins until Feb. 6, the day that a letter from the father's attorney was hand-delivered to Maury County school officials. The letter to Maury County School Superintendent Christopher Marczak demanded that the father be updated on what school officials had learned and that his daughter not have contact with the teacher.
The girl's father, Anthony Thomas, is outraged that officials delayed telling him about the report and let the teacher continue working in the school, according to the lawyer.
"My client's position, respectfully, is that Mr. Cummins should have been out the door until the police investigation was completed," Whatley said.
Maury County School Superintendent Dr. Christopher Marczak did not return a call seeking comment.
School officials did send files to the father after the lawyer sent the letter.
The school's investigative files provided to the father show that both Cummins and the girl denied kissing. The teacher, however, acknowledged that the girl was "a really good friend and she does leave her other classes to come see him when she needs someone to calm her down," according to a school investigative report dated Jan. 30.
The report said the allegation could not be confirmed, but recommended that the girl be taken out of Cummins' forensics class and that he be reprimanded to uphold his professional responsibility as a teacher. The report also recommended that the administration monitor Cummins classroom to make sure students weren't there when they weren't supposed to be.
The teacher would later be reprimanded on Feb. 3 by school principal Penny Love after the girl was seen in Cummins classroom for a little more than half an hour that day. In her letter, Love said the girl being in his classroom was "a violation of my director order to you" of Jan. 31.
The teacher was fired a day after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation issued an Amber Alert about the teen.
TBI officials said they remain concerned about the girl's safety because there has been so few sightings reported. The agency has issued two nationwide alerts to law enforcement, TBI spokesman Josh DeVine said.
MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay (AP) - Uruguay will soon pull its soldiers out of a United Nations stabilization mission in Haiti that began operations in 2004 and is facing sharp cutbacks, the leader of the South American country announced Monday.
President Tabare Vazquez said at a public event that his country's troop contributions to the Haiti mission will end this month and the roughly 250 Uruguayan peacekeepers will return home in early April. The country had as many as 1,000 forces deployed in Haiti at the height of the mission.
U.N. deputy spokesman Farhan Haq in New York expressed appreciation for Uruguay's contribution and said, "If their rotation is going to be ending now and they'll be moving out, what we're going to try to do is make sure that they can be quickly replaced so that there's no security void in the country."
FILE - In this March 26, 2006, file photo, U.N. troops from Uruguay march during a transitional ceremony at the U.N. Spain base in Forte-Liberte, Haiti. Uruguay's president Tabare Vazquez said Monday, March 20, 2017, that his country is pulling its soldiers out of a United Nations peacekeeping mission in Haiti, where they have served since 2004. (AP Photo/Ariana Cubillos, File)
The announcement by the Uruguayan leader comes days after U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the world body's Security Council that he believed that "the military component should undergo a staggered but complete withdrawal of the 2,370 personnel" in Haiti. The soldiers come from 19 countries.
In a March 16 report, Guterres called for the military component of the Haiti mission to be wrapped up six months after its current mandate expires in April.
He also said the number of "formed police units" should be reduced from 11 to seven, with individual officers cut from 1,001 to 295, to continue efforts to strengthen the Haitian National Police and ensure "a progressive testing" of their capacity to assume full security responsibilities.
The U.N. Security Council is due to debate Guterres' recommendations and vote on the future of Haiti operations in mid-April.
The U.S. administration of President Donald Trump has pushed for cutbacks in an operation that costs $346 million a year. Washington, the Haiti mission's main check-writer, is reviewing all 16 U.N. peacekeeping missions.
Col. Luis Antonio Ferreira Marques Ramos, deputy commander of the Brazilian peacekeeper contingent in Haiti, recently told The Associated Press that "the important thing is to leave in a good way."
The U.N.'s first-ever "stabilization" mission came to Haiti in 2004 following a rebellion that ousted President Jean-Bertrand Aristide and had the chronically troubled country on the brink of collapse.
NEW YORK (AP) - Fox News Channel has pulled legal analyst Andrew Napolitano from the air after disavowing his on-air claim that British intelligence officials had helped former President Barack Obama spy on Donald Trump.
A person with knowledge of the situation who spoke on condition of anonymity because it was a personnel matter said Napolitano has been benched and won't be appearing on the air in the near future. Fox had no immediate comment Monday.
Napolitano's report last week on "Fox & Friends," saying he had three intelligence sources who said Obama went "outside the chain of command" to watch Trump, provoked an international incident. Britain dismissed the report as "nonsense" after White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer quoted it in a briefing, part of the administration's continued defense of Trump's unproven contention that Obama had wiretapped him at Trump Tower during the 2016 presidential campaign.
FILE- In this April 11, 2011, file photo, Andrew Napolitano appears on the "Varney & Co." program on the Fox Business Network, in New York. Fox News Channel has pulled legal analyst Napolitano from the air after disavowing his on-air claim that British intelligence officials had helped former President Barack Obama spy on Donald Trump. The move was first reported by The Los Angeles Times on Monday, March 20, 2017. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)
FBI Director James Comey, testifying before Congress on Monday, became the latest official to state that no evidence has been found to support Trump's charge.
The president, when asked about the incident, said that "all we did was quote a certain very talented legal mind who was the one responsible for saying that on television. I didn't make an opinion on it. You shouldn't be talking to me. You should be talking to Fox."
Fox's Shepard Smith, on the air Friday afternoon, quickly stepped the network away from Napolitano's claim.
"Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time, in any way," Smith said.
Napolitano is a senior judicial analyst who has worked at Fox News Channel since 1998, and frequently comments on the Fox Business Network. He was a New Jersey Superior Court judge from 1987 to 1995.
Napolitano's removal from the air was first reported in the Los Angeles Times.
BELLEFONTAINE, Ohio (AP) - Attorneys in the case of an Ohio woman accused of suffocating her three young sons out of jealousy at the attention her husband gave them have been given a deadline for filing any additional motions.
A judge set a May 15 deadline Monday in the case of Brittany Pilkington. Attorneys for the 25-year-old Bellefontaine (behl-FOWN'-tihn) woman said they need more time to prepare for trial. No trial date has been set.
Pilkington has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder charges. Authorities allege she killed her toddler son and two infants over a 13-month period in 2014 and 2015 and confessed to all three murders in a recorded police interview.
FILE - In this Aug. 20, 2015, file photo, Brittany Pilkington, right, and her attorney, Marc Triplett, listen as a judge sets a bond in Bellefontaine, Ohio. A judge on Monday, March 20, 2017, gave attorneys in the case of Pilkington, an Ohio woman accused of suffocating her three young sons out of jealousy at the attention her husband gave them, a deadline of May 15 for filing any additional motions. (AP Photo/Andrew Welsh-Huggins, File)
Pilkington's attorneys have tried unsuccessfully to get that video thrown out.
Bellefontaine is about 60 miles (97 kilometers) northwest of Columbus.
KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - A suicide car bomb targeted a checkpoint in Afghanistan's southern Helmand province, killing at least six members of an intelligence unit, an Afghan official said Tuesday.
Hayatullah Hayat, the governor of the province, said seven other members of the service were wounded in the attack, which took place late Monday near the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. The Taliban claimed the attack.
The Taliban have stepped up attacks across Afghanistan since the U.S. and NATO formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, leaving a smaller contingent of troops behind to focus on training and counterterrorism. The insurgents have repeatedly attacked Lashkar Gah.
In the eastern Wardak province, meanwhile, three Afghan soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
Abdul Rahman Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor, said the blast on Monday was followed by a firefight with the Taliban in which five insurgents were killed.
WASHINGTON (AP) - After FBI Director James Comey publicly has acknowledged the existence of an ongoing counterintelligence investigation into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, the White House introduced a new narrative to push back against the allegations.
"Michael Flynn was umasked and then illegally, his identity was leaked out to media outlets," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Monday.
Spicer was referring to reports that Flynn, when he was the incoming national security adviser, spoke with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. in late December. It was reported that during the call, Flynn discussed new sanctions imposed by the outgoing Obama administration. Flynn eventually resigned as national security adviser.
House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., center, flanked by the committee's ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., left, and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., listens on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 20, 2017, during the committee's hearing on allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The U.S. government learned of this conversation through routine surveillance of the Russian ambassador to the U.S.
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Here are some questions and answers about U.S. surveillance law and the leaking of classified information:
WHAT IS "UNMASKING?"
When a U.S. intelligence agency, such as the National Security Agency, conducts surveillance of a foreigner inside the U.S., sometimes that surveillance will include the name of an American that the foreigner is speaking to or about. When this happens, intelligence analysts are obliged to hide or "minimize" the name of the American, unless knowing the American's name is necessary to understanding the foreign intelligence described in the report.
"If, for instance, an intelligence piece were about Russian intelligence assets engaged in an operation to influence political figures, the identity of the political figure would be necessary," said Todd Hinnen, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division during the Obama administration and a National Security Council staff member under George W. Bush. "Unless you know the answer to that question, you can't appreciate the meaning and importance of the intelligence."
WHO CAN UNMASK AN AMERICANS NAME?
The answer varies by U.S. intelligence agency. On Monday, National Security Agency director Michael Rogers said there are 20 people at the NSA, including himself, who have the authority to reveal the name of an American in a surveillance report.
IS IT ILLEGAL TO UNMASK AN AMERICAN'S NAME?
No.
"There is nothing inappropriate about unmasking when it is appropriate to unmask," said Benjamin Wittes, a senior Brookings Institution fellow and editor-in-chief of the Lawfare blog.
In the context of the Flynn example, Wittes said, the U.S. is surveilling a foreign target - in this case Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak. The target, Kislyak, is contacted by an American who is the incoming national security adviser in the new administration - Michael Flynn - and that American is discussing the future administration's policy.
Wittes says it is easy to see where identifying this American is important to foreign intelligence.
"I don't think there's anything surprising that it got unmasked," he said.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNMASKING AND LEAKING CLASSIFIED INFORMATION?
One is legal and the other isn't.
The "unmasking" of Flynn's name is routine, Wittes said. But, he said, sharing Flynn's name publicly "is both shocking and inappropriate."
It is a crime to disclose or "leak" classified information. The contents of intelligence collected under the authorities of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, are classified. Flynn's conversation with Kislyak was collected under these authorities and therefore classified.
IS IT ILLEGAL TO LEAK CLASSIFIED INFORMATION THAT IS INACCURATE?
No.
"If it's not accurate, then it's not classified," Wittes said. "You can't classify stuff that isn't true."
The Trump administration has said reports that Trump associates were in touch with the Kremlin during the campaign are false. Yet the White House has called for leak investigations into the matter.
"You can't say both - that it is a crime to leak and that it is false," Wittes said.
CAN THE PRESIDENT LEAK CLASSIFIED INFORMATION?
No, says Wittes.
"The president can declassify anything he wants," Wittes said. "The mere act of the president saying something is a 'declassification.'"
NEW DELHI (AP) - Two of India's most iconic rivers, considered sacred by nearly a billion Hindus in the country, have been given the status of living entities to save them from further harm caused by widespread pollution.
The High Court in the northern state of Uttarakhand ruled Monday that the Ganges and the Yamuna rivers be accorded the status of living human entities, meaning that if anyone harms or pollutes either river, the law would view it as no different from harming a person.
The judges cited the example of New Zealand's Whanganui River, revered by the indigenous Maori people. The Whanganui was declared a living entity with full legal rights by New Zealand's government last week.
FILE- In this Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 file photo, a giant Idol of Hindu goddess Durga suspends from a crane before it is immersed in the River Yamuna during Durga Puja festival in New Delhi, India. A court in northern India has granted the same legal rights as a human to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, considered sacred by nearly a billion Indians. The Uttaranchal High Court in Uttarakhand state ruled Monday, March 20, 2017, that the two rivers be accorded the status of living human entities, meaning that if anyone harms or pollutes the rivers, the law would view it as no different from harming a person. (AP Photo/Altaf Qadri, File)
The Uttarakhand court, located in the Himalayan hill-resort town of Nainital, appointed three officials to act as legal custodians responsible for conserving and protecting the two Indian rivers and their tributaries.
Judges Rajeev Sharma and Alok Singh declared the Ganges and the Yamuna and their tributaries "legal and living entities having the status of a legal person with all corresponding rights, duties and liabilities."
The case came up in court after officials complained that the governments of Uttarakhand and the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh were not cooperating with federal government efforts to set up a panel to protect the Ganges.
The court ordered that the Ganga Management Board be set up and begin working within three months.
Environmental activists say many rivers across India have become dirtier as the country's economy develops, with city sewage, farming pesticides and industrial effluents freely flowing into waterways despite laws against polluting.
Vimlendu Jha, an environmental activist fighting for more than a decade to clean up the Yamuna, said the court ruling alone would not be enough to stop the degradation of the rivers.
"Merely announcing that it is a living entity will not save the river," Jha said. "The state government, officials and citizens need to act to clean up the river and stop further pollution."
"The two rivers have to be fixed, or we will face a huge ecological and health crisis," Jha warned.
Officials say the Yamuna, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges River, is tainted with sewage and industrial pollution. In some places, it has stagnated to the point that it no longer supports fish or other forms of aquatic life.
Water from the Yamuna is chemically treated before being supplied to Delhi's nearly 19 million residents as drinking water.
PARIS (AP) - French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux resigned Tuesday a few hours after prosecutors opened an investigation into a report that he hired his two daughters for a series of temporary parliamentary jobs, starting when they were 15 and 16 years old.
President Francois Hollande said he had accepted Le Roux's resignation after a meeting with Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve at the Elysee Palace. He named the country's low-profile trade and tourism minister, Matthias Fekl, as the new interior minister.
France's national financial prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation Tuesday after TMC television reported Monday night that Le Roux employed his daughters as parliamentary assistants for a total salary amount of 55,000 euros ($59,000).
France's Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux gives a press conference, in Bobigny, north of Paris, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. The French interior minister has resigned amid investigation into parliamentary jobs he gave his daughters. The French financial prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation Tuesday into a report that Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux hired his two daughters for 24 temporary parliamentary jobs. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
The office said the preliminary investigation into the facts disclosed in the TV program is being led by the French police agency charged with fighting corruption and financial and tax wrongdoing.
While it is legal in France for politicians to hire family members, the TMC report suggests that Le Roux' daughters did not perform all of the work.
Le Roux's daughters, now 23 and 20, allegedly started working as parliamentary aides for their father over short vacation contracts when they were 15 and 16 and Le Roux was a lawmaker in the French National Assembly.
"These temporary and official contracts, in accordance with the legal rules of the National Assembly, all corresponded, of course, to works actually carried out," Le Roux insisted as he announcied his resignation from Bobigny, a suburb outside Paris.
Le Roux, a member of the Socialist Party, was quoted by TMC as saying his daughters worked for him during school vacations to gain experience.
A similar scandal around employing family members has deeply damaged conservative Francois Fillon's presidential bid. Fillon was handed preliminary charges last week for allegedly using taxpayers' money to pay family members - his wife and two children - for jobs that may not have existed.
TMC channel said Le Roux's staff at the Interior Ministry confirmed the dates of the 24 vacation jobs that his daughters landed between 2009 and 2016.
Le Roux himself has told the TMC program his daughters never got permanent jobs and has suggested their jobs weren't fake - in contrast to what investigators suspect in Fillon's case.
"They did work," Le Roux insisted in an earlier interview with the TMC journalist.
"Of course, my daughters worked with me during summer times, especially or during school vacation periods, but never permanently," he said earlier in March.
Jean-Christophe Picard, president of the anti-corruption association Anticor, said that Le Roux had to resign to avoid any conflict of interest since he was the top boss of the police officers investigating his case.
The swift judicial reaction to the report on Le Roux's daughters reflects a marked shift in French attitudes toward corruption in politics, notably since the new position of a national financial prosecutor was created three years ago.
Some of France's most prominent politicians - including former Presidents Nicolas Sarkozy and Jacques Chirac - have been embroiled in corruption scandals involving accusations from shady campaign financing to nepotism.
But the French public is growing frustrated with a political establishment it sees as enriching itself while average workers suffer, and there is growing public pressure for transparency.
France's Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux arrives to give a press conference, in Bobigny, north of Paris, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. French interior minister has resigned amid investigation into parliamentary jobs he gave his daughters. The French financial prosecutor's office opened a preliminary investigation Tuesday into a report that Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux hired his two daughters for 24 temporary parliamentary jobs. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
FILE - In this Saturday March 18 2017 file photo, French Interior Minister Bruno le Roux answers reporters at Orly airport, south of Paris. France's prime minister has summoned Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux after a report that he hired his two daughters for 24 temporary parliamentary jobs. (AP Photo/Kamil Zihnioglu, File)
FILE - In this Dec.6, 2016 file photo, new French Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, right, waves while newly appointed French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux during a hand over ceremony in Paris. The French financial prosecutor's office has opened a preliminary investigation into a report that Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux hired his two daughters for 24 temporary parliamentary jobs. (AP Photo/Michel Euler, File)
FILE - In this Wednesday, July 1, 2015 file picture, French Junior Minister for Foreign Trade and Tourism, Matthias Fekl, is pictured while visiting the Arles amphitheater in Arles, southern France. French President Francois Hollande has named the country's low-profile trade and tourism minister, Matthias Fekl, as the new interior minister after his predecessor left amid a corruption investigation. (Bertrand Langlois/Pool Photo via AP, File)
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel has concluded that Hezbollah's top military commander was killed in Syria last year by rivals within the Shiite militant group, Israel's military chief said Tuesday.
The explosive announcement was the latest sign of an escalating feud between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed group sworn to Israel's destruction.
Israel considers Hezbollah to be a potent enemy, with over 100,000 rockets and missiles aimed at the Jewish state. But it also believes the group has been weakened and demoralized after years of fighting alongside President Bashar Assad's forces in Syria.
In this Monday, March 20, 2017 photo provided by the government-controlled Syrian Central Military Media, shows what it says is an Israeli military drone that was shot down by the Syrian military on the outskirts of Quneitra, Syria. The Israeli military has confirmed that a drone crashed in Syria earlier this week in unclear circumstances. In a statement, the military said the "Skylark" went down on Sunday and that the incident was being investigated. Arabic reads, "The Zionist drone that was shot down by the Syrian Arab Army air defenses. Central Military Media, Quneitra, Syria." (Syrian Central Military Media, via AP)
Israel's military chief, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot, told an academic conference on Tuesday that the death of Mustafa Badreddine last May illustrated "the depth of the internal crisis within Hezbollah."
He also said it reflected "the extent of the cruelty, complexity and tension between Hezbollah and its patron Iran."
An Israeli military official said Israel believes the order to kill Badreddine was given by Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Israeli intelligence believes Badreddine had been feuding with Iranian military commanders in Syria over the heavy losses his group had suffered on the battlefield. Both Iran and Hezbollah are backing Syrian government forces.
The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing a confidential intelligence assessment.
Hezbollah had no immediate comment.
At the time of his death last year, Hezbollah said Badreddine had been killed by insurgent shelling in Syria. He was considered Hezbollah's top military official and was among five members on trial in absentia at a court in the Netherlands over the bombing that killed former Lebanese Prime Minister Rafik Hariri and 21 others in Beirut in 2005.
Badreddine was a student of Imad Mughniyeh, Hezbollah's previous military chief, who was considered one of the world's most-wanted terrorists by Israel and the United States. Mughniyeh, who was Badreddine's brother-in-law, was killed in a 2008 car bombing in Damascus that Hezbollah blamed on Israel.
Israel and Hezbollah fought a monthlong war in 2006 that ended in a stalemate. Israeli officials say that Hezbollah is far stronger than it was back then and battle-tested after years of fighting in neighboring Syria. They frequently warn that it is only a matter of time before another war breaks out.
But Israeli officials also say the group does not want a confrontation with Israel right now. Hezbollah has gotten bogged down in the Syrian fighting and is believed to have lost hundreds of fighters.
Israel is not actively involved in the Syrian fighting. But it keeps close tabs on the battlefield actions of its enemies, Iran and Hezbollah. Israel is believed to have carried out numerous airstrikes in Syria aimed at suspected weapons shipments destined for Hezbollah.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military confirmed that a "Skylark" surveillance drone crashed in Syria earlier this week. It gave no cause for the crash and said the incident was being investigated, but said there was "no risk of a breach of information."
Hezbollah's media arm published photographs of what it said was a drone it had shot down in Syrian airspace in the Golan Heights.
Last week, Israel shot down a Syrian anti-aircraft missile fired at an Israeli aircraft carrying out an airstrike on a suspected Hezbollah weapons convoy in Syria.
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) - A man is under arrest in connection with the deaths of two teenagers whose bodies were found on the shoulder of a rural Colorado road.
Gustavo Marquez, 19, was arrested Sunday and was being held in jail Tuesday on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated robbery and child abuse resulting in death.
The bodies of Derek Benjamin Greer, 15, and Natalie Partida, 16, were found March 12 by a passing driver about 20 miles south of Colorado Springs near Pikes Peak International Raceway.
In this Sunday, March 19, 2017, booking photo supplied by the El Paso County, Colo., Sheriffs Department, Gustavo Marquez is shown in Colorado Springs, Colo. Marquez was arrested Sunday and is bring held on suspicion of first-degree murder, kidnapping, aggravated robbery and child abuse resulting in death in connection wth the deaths of two teenagers whose bodies were found on the shoulder of a rural road south of Colorado Springs on March 12. (El Paso County, Colo., Sheriffs Department via AP)
Authorities haven't said how the teens died except to say they were killed and they haven't released any details about a possible motive or a connection between Marquez and the two teens.
The arrest affidavit in the case is sealed.
Court records show Marquez was charged with assault and kidnapping in February in nearby Fountain. His public defender in that case didn't return a call seeking comment on his behalf.
His mug shot shows that Marquez has a tattoo across his face that says "Santa Muerte" - "Holy Death" in Spanish - a skeleton folk saint often associated with violence and drug trafficking but also has a following among a variety of people, including the poor, artists and immigrant small business owners.
DIYARBAKIR, Turkey (AP) - Kurdish celebrations of springtime on Tuesday mixed peacefully with protests against expanding the powers of Turkey's president.
Thousands celebrated the Newroz festival in Istanbul and in Diyarbakir, a mainly Kurdish city in a region where Kurdish militants regularly clash with government forces. Many flags proclaimed "No" in the Turkish and Kurdish languages, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to gain more power for his office in an April 16 referendum.
In Turkey, the spring festival traditionally serves as an occasion to demand more rights for the Kurdish minority.
People gather around a bonfire after Turkish authorities permitted the Newroz celebration, in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Thousands celebrated the Newroz festival in Istanbul and in Diyarbakir, a mainly Kurdish city in a region where Kurdish militants regularly clash with government forces. Many flags proclaimed "No" in the Turkish and Kurdish languages, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to gain more power for his office in an April 16 referendum. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
Some celebrants also carried banners supporting the People's Democratic Party, or HDP, a pro-Kurdish political party whose top leaders have been arrested under Turkey's anti-terror laws and are accused by the government of links to Kurdish rebels.
The HDP, which denies such links, is the nation's third-largest party and opposes the referendum. However, the ruling Justice and Development Party enjoys the support of some Kurds who could vote in favor of the referendum proposals.
Erdogan has said an executive presidency will stabilize Turkey and enable it to deal with economic, security and other challenges, while opponents describe it as part of a dangerous drift toward authoritarian rule.
A few Kurds in the festival crowds carried flags with the image of Abdullah Ocalan, the jailed leader of the rebel Kurdistan Workers' Party, or PKK. The group has been fighting a separatist insurgency against the Turkish state since 1984.
Turkish authorities nonetheless permitted the celebrations to proceed.
In Diyarbakir, police mostly kept their distance from the event, allowing Kurdish guards to search people and keep order. People performed traditional dances and watched a big bonfire.
Police fatally shot one man who tried to flee from the festival area after being discovered with a knife, the Dogan news agency reported.
Newroz, the Farsi-language word for "new year," is an ancient Persian festival that is celebrated in countries including Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Afghanistan and Iran.
People demonstrate after Turkish authorities permitted the Newroz celebration, in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Thousands celebrated the Newroz festival in Istanbul and in Diyarbakir, a mainly Kurdish city in a region where Kurdish militants regularly clash with government forces. Many flags proclaimed "No" in the Turkish and Kurdish languages, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to gain more power for his office in an April 16 referendum. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
People gather around a bonfire after Turkish authorities permitted the Newroz celebration, in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Thousands celebrated the Newroz festival in Istanbul and in Diyarbakir, a mainly Kurdish city in a region where Kurdish militants regularly clash with government forces. Many flags proclaimed "No" in the Turkish and Kurdish languages, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to gain more power for his office in an April 16 referendum. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
People gather after Turkish authorities permitted the Newroz celebration, in Diyarbakir, Turkey, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Thousands celebrated the Newroz festival in Istanbul and in Diyarbakir, a mainly Kurdish city in a region where Kurdish militants regularly clash with government forces. Many flags proclaimed "No" in the Turkish and Kurdish languages, referring to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's bid to gain more power for his office in an April 16 referendum. (AP Photo/Lefteris Pitarakis)
ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Police in Greece were contacting Tuesday the targets of eight parcel bombs addressed to European finance officials and businesses in various European countries, after the devices were discovered and neutralized at a postal sorting office near Athens.
Authorities were not officially releasing information on who the devices were being sent to until those targeted had been informed. The parcels had been falsely labeled as being sent from academic institutions.
One of the devices had been addressed to Jeroen Dijsselbloem, who is caretaker finance minister in the Netherlands until a new Dutch ruling coalition is formed following last week's parliamentary elections, his spokesman Michel Reijns confirmed. Dijsselbloem heads the eurogroup, the meetings of the 19 finance ministers of European countries that share the euro currency.
A woman passes by the central post office in Athens, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Police in Greece have discovered and neutralized eight parcel bombs on Monday, addressed to European Union finance officials and businesses in various European countries, at a postal sorting office near Athens. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)
Monday's discovery came after letter bombs were sent in recent days to the German Finance Ministry and the Paris office of the International Monetary Fund, where a small explosion injured one person.
Police said the devices contained small amounts of explosives that were not capable of causing significant damage.
A Greek militant group, Conspiracy Cells of Fire, claimed responsibility for the German attack, describing it as part of a campaign of violence by international anarchist groups. The group had been behind a 2010 spate of parcel bomb attacks in which they had sent devices to the offices of European politicians, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel, as well as foreign embassies in Athens.
Greece has been struggling through a deep financial crisis since late 2009, and is dependent on funds from three international bailouts. The country's finances have been under strict supervision by European institutions and the IMF.
NEW YORK (AP) - Woody Harrelson has given up marijuana after decades of what he calls partying too hard.
The actor is one of Hollywood's most well-known marijuana enthusiasts. Harrelson tells Vulture that he hasn't smoked pot in nearly a year.
He cites "30 solid years" of partying for his decision to quit. He also says he felt like the drug was "keeping me from being emotionally available." Still, he has nothing bad to say about marijuana, which he calls "a great drug."
FILE - In this Jan. 22, 2017, file photo, Woody Harrelson, a cast member in "Wilson," is interviewed at the premiere of the film at the Eccles Theatre during the 2017 Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Harrelson told Vulture in an interview published online on March 20, 2017, that he has given up smoking marijuana. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
The 55-year-old says he still drinks alcohol in moderation.
Harrelson was arrested in 1996 for planting hemp seeds in Kentucky in order to challenge a state law. Hemp is a relative of marijuana, but has a lower concentration of THC, the substance that makes pot smokers high.
LONDON (AP) - Actor George Clooney has startled an 87-year-old fan in Britain by showing up at her assisted living facility with flowers and a card to wish her a happy birthday.
The 55-year-old popped in for a chat and a picture with admirer Pat Adams on Sunday at the Sunrise of Sonning Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Reading. Linda Jones, a worker there, posted a picture of herself and the beaming pair on Facebook.
Jones wrote: "The lady in the picture, loves George Clooney and mentions everyday how she would love him to meet him, especially as he lives so near to where I work."
In this photo taken on Sunday, March 19, 2017, US actor George Clooney visits 87-year-old Pat Adams at Sunrise of Sonning Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Reading, England. Actor George Clooney startled an 87-year-old fan in Britain by showing up at her assisted living facility with flowers and a card to wish her a happy birthday. (Linda Jones/Sunrise of Sonning Retirement and Assisted Living Facility via AP)
A letter was sent to Clooney asking if he could make a "dream to come true."
Clooney owns a home near the facility in Berkshire.
NEW YORK (AP) - Swaying precariously from side to side, sinking to her knees and finally collapsing altogether, Elza van den Heever puts on a virtuoso physical display to match her vocal fireworks as she stops the show near the end of Mozart's "Idomeneo."
It's the final aria for the character of Elettra, who has just seen her hopes of marriage to the king's son dashed. She's in a rage that can aptly be described as "operatic," and van den Heever savors every minute of it.
"It all comes very naturally," the South African-born soprano said in an interview in her dressing room before a performance last week at the Metropolitan Opera. "It's just this great gift Mozart gave to a soprano who's wanting to be physically active onstage."
In this image released by the Metropolitan Opera, Elza van den Heever appears during a performance of Mozart's "Idomeneo," at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Audiences worldwide can see and hear how van den Heever carries it off next Saturday when "Idomeneo" is broadcast into movie theaters as part of the Met's Live in HD series. (Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera via AP)
Van den Heever said she worked out the elaborate movements for the aria with stage director David Kneuss, who oversaw this revival of the 1982 Jean-Pierre Ponnelle production.
"He gave me the rough sketch and let me fill in the rest," she said. "He said: 'I want you here on your knees, here you have to get up, here you bang on the altar, here you have to be on your knees so these guys can help you up, and here you have to faint and sort of have an epileptic attack at the end and you'll be carried off by six guys.'"
All this while singing an aria full of dramatic explosions and coloratura calisthenics.
Audiences worldwide can see and hear how van den Heever carries it off Saturday when "Idomeneo" is broadcast into movie theaters as part of the Met's Live in HD series.
More than many sopranos, van den Heever injects humor into her rendition of the aria, her over-the-top antics drawing laughter from the audience at several points.
"I felt that we would have the license to just go there," she said. "If I look at what Mozart wrote on the page, that going up to a C and then coming back down - to me it's like hysterical laughing. So it seems to me he wants you to go into this kind of out-of-body experience. So that, with David's liberties and giving me rein to do what I want to do, yeah, I think it's fun, I think it's not serious."
EMPATHY FOR ELETTRA
Van den Heever said she feels "a deep sense of sympathy" for her character, a Greek princess who has taken refuge in Crete, because "she's an outsider, one of those individuals who will never fit in."
"I know what that feels like," said van den Heever, whose powerful voice is matched to a striking, 6-foot-tall physique. "I was always a very awkward kid. I've been this length since I was basically 11. I always stuck out like a sore thumb, and with that comes a lot of ridicule."
In her career, she has tried to turn this to her advantage. "I would call myself a little socially awkward," she said. "But onstage I see that as a big plus. I'm able to just be somebody else and not worry about what people think of me. I give myself the freedom to just go there."
WHERE TO SEE IT
The HD broadcast of "Idomeneo," conducted by James Levine and also starring soprano Nadine Sierra, mezzo Alice Coote and tenor Matthew Polenzani in the title role, will be shown starting at 12:55 p.m. Eastern on Saturday. A list of theaters can be found at the Met's website: metopera.org/hd.
In the U.S., it will be repeated on Wednesday, March 29, at 6:30 p.m. local time.
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Online:
http://www.metopera.org/
BERLIN (AP) - A German court convicted three 17-year-olds on Tuesday of participating last year in a bomb attack on a Sikh temple that was motivated by hatred of other religions. They were given prison sentences ranging between six and seven years.
The boys had been radicalized for some time before the April 16 attack in the western city of Essen and had been in contact with ultraconservative Muslims known as Salafists, the Essen state court said.
But the three-month trial turned up no evidence that they had any immediate contact with the Islamic State group, the court said in a statement.
Journalists gather to take pictures of presiding judge Volker Uhlenbrock, right, in the court room in Essen, Germany, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. The Essen state court has convicted three 17-year-olds of participating in a bomb attack on a Sikh temple last year and given them prison sentences of up to seven years. (Roland Weihrauch/dpa via AP)
Two of the defendants, identified only as T. and B., were convicted of attempted murder and bodily harm. The court found that they placed a home-made bomb - a fire extinguisher filled with explosives - outside an entrance the temple.
A cleric suffered a broken foot and several other people suffered cuts. The temple's door was destroyed and window frames ripped out.
T., who set off the explosion, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, while B. was sentenced to six years and nine months. The court said that the youths, who fled the scene, had bought the ingredients for the explosives and the detonator online.
The third defendant, identified only as I., wasn't at the scene of the bombing or involved in making the bomb. However, the court found that he had agreed with the other two to carry out an attack and had suggested the Sikh temple as a possible target.
He was convicted of conspiracy to murder and given a six-year sentence.
The boys were tried as juveniles in a trial from which the media and public were excluded. All three lived in or near Essen.
The court said that T. and B. largely admitted during the trial to their involvement in the explosion and to having being radicalized, but said they hadn't intended to kill anyone. I. denied involvement.
MADRID (AP) - A spokeswoman for Antonio Banderas says the actor is in "perfectly good health" after undergoing medical examinations in a Swiss clinic in recent days.
The spokeswoman with Media Art Management in Spain denied reports Monday that the 56-year-old Spanish actor, known for "Zorro" and "Desperado," had been admitted to hospital at the Genolier clinic near Geneva. She declined to be identified.
On Monday Banderas posted a video on his official Facebook page, showing him climbing a wall in Switzerland. "It seems like some media suffered a Heart Press Attack," he wrote, referring to the name for celebrity gossip media in Spanish.
Banderas said he would travel later this week to his hometown Malaga to receive an award for his career as actor, director and film producer.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - The developer of the Dakota Access pipeline has reported "recent coordinated physical attacks" on the much-protested line, just as it's almost ready to carry oil.
Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners didn't give details, but experts say Dakota Access and the rest of the nearly 3 million miles of pipeline that deliver natural gas and petroleum in the U.S. are vulnerable to acts of sabotage.
It's a threat that ETP takes seriously enough that it has asked a court to shield details such as spill response plans and features of the four-state pipeline that the company fears could be used against it by activists or terrorists.
In this March 20, 2017 photo released by Mahaska County Sheriff's Office, burned damage on the pipeline at an above-ground safety valve site southeast of Des Moines near Oskaloosa, Iowa is seen. Authorities in South Dakota and Iowa on Tuesday confirmed incidents of vandalism against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in which someone burned a hole through an empty section of pipe. (Mahaska County Sheriff's Office via AP)
Here is a look at some pipeline security issues:
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RECENT ATTACKS
Authorities in South Dakota and Iowa confirmed Tuesday that someone apparently used a torch to burn a hole through empty sections of the pipeline at aboveground shut-off valve sites.
Mahaska County Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem said the culprit in Iowa appeared to have gotten under a fence around the facility, but Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Brown said the site in South Dakota wasn't fenced.
The Iowa incident was discovered March 13 and the South Dakota incident Friday.
Pipeline operators are asked to report security breaches to the National Response Center. Data on the center's website show no reports from ETP this month.
The $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline runs 1,200 miles through the Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois.
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HOW DO YOU ATTACK A PIPELINE?
Because pipelines mainly run underground, aboveground shut-off valves are natural targets, according to Jay O'Hara, a spokesman for the environmental group Climate Direct Action. That group targeted valves on pipelines in October in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Washington state, though the pipeline companies said activists didn't succeed because none of the sites were operating when the attacks happened.
Explosives, firearms and heavy machinery also have been used to try to sabotage pipelines.
Securing pipelines is difficult because they often travel long distances through remote and even uninhabited territory, said Kerry Sundberg, a professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, who studies energy infrastructure security and environmental crime.
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THE DANGER
Sundberg said "it's stupid and dangerous" to tamper with pipeline shut-off valves.
Modern oil pipelines are "incredibly sophisticated" systems that move huge volumes of petrochemicals at high pressures, he said. Simply closing a valve can cause the pressure upstream to increase quickly, creating a significant risk of a spill that endangers the environment and anyone in the area where the pipe suddenly bursts, he said.
In response to the October incidents, federal regulators issued a bulletin warning that tampering with pipeline valves "can have significant consequences such as death, injury, and economic and environmental harm."
Sundberg also said that it's ironic for people who say they're concerned about the environment to take an action that could cause an environmental disaster.
But O'Hara said: "The hypocrisy really lies in the pipeline corporations who say their pipelines are safe, say leaks don't happen. They blame activists who are trying to stop global cataclysm by taking action to point out what they do every day, which is leak and spill."
Someone who targets a pipeline facility in the U.S. could face up to 20 years in prison.
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WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECENT ATTACKS?
No suspects have been identified in either state and no group has claimed responsibility
O'Hara told The Associated Press that Climate Direct Action wasn't involved in any actions against the Dakota Access pipeline.
Attorneys for the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, which are leading the legal battle against the pipeline, said the tribes don't condone acts of violence against pipeline property.
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HOW FREQUENTLY DOES PIPELINE SABOTAGE OCCUR?
Not very often, Sundberg said. It happens more frequently in Canada than the U.S. It's generally committed by people trying to make an environmental point. It would be "very scary" if terrorist groups tried it in North America, he said.
Some of the worst incidents in the U.S. were on the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Vandals blew up a section in 1978, spilling about 16,000 barrels of oil near Fairbanks. In 2001, a drunken man fired a hunting rifle into the pipeline near Livengood, causing more than 6,000 barrels to spray out.
Some of the most notable incidents in Canada happened in the 1990s and 2000s in Alberta and British Columbia. A series of bombings in 2008-09 targeted pipelines in British Columbia. Weibo Ludwig, an Alberta man who crusaded against the extraction of "sour gas" containing high amounts of hydrogen sulfide, was convicted in several of the 1990s acts of vandalism. He was arrested but never charged in the later attacks.
Pipeline sabotage happens with some regularity in war zones. Iraqi insurgents, Colombian rebels and Mexican guerrillas all have claimed responsibility for pipeline attacks in recent decades.
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Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. Associated Press news researcher Jennifer Farrar contributed to this story from New York, and reporter David Pitt contributed from Des Moines, Iowa.
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Follow Blake Nicholson on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NicholsonBlake. Follow Steve Karnowski at: https://twitter.com/skarnowski.
ROME (AP) - An anti-mafia priest campaigner has kicked off a day of national protest against organized crime, urging Italians to resist the mob and denouncing recent threats against him as cowardly.
On the eve of Tuesday's protest, vandals scrawled graffiti in the mafia stronghold of Locri calling Don Luigi Ciotti a cop and demanding "more work, fewer cops." The graffiti was viewed as a threat to Ciotti and a challenge to the state.
Ciotti headlined the main protest Tuesday in Locri, saying he was proud to be called a cop and denouncing the anonymous threat as a "sign of a lack of courage." He praised Italy's police as professionals dedicated to protecting ordinary citizens.
Rosetta Marino widow of Antonino, a Carabiniere officer killed in 1990, wears a T-shirt reading "I'm proud to have married a cop" during an anti mafia march in Locri, a base of the 'ndrangheta crime syndicate in Reggio Calabria, Southern Italy, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. On the eve of Tuesday's protest, vandals scrawled graffiti in the mafia stronghold of Locri calling Don Luigi Ciotti, a leading anti-mafia crusader, a cop and demanding "More work, fewer cops." (Marco Costantino/ANSA via AP)
Locri, in southern Reggio Calabria, is a stronghold of the 'ndrangheta mob, one of Italy's most powerful.
Martin McGuinness came of age as a product of Northern Ireland's bitter divisions. He played his part commanding armed rebels, and in the peacemaking that followed.
WHAT IS THE CONFLICT ABOUT?
It's about grievances that go back centuries in conflicts between English and Irish, and more recently about the division of the island between two states and two cultures
The "Troubles" in which McGuinness was active centered on whether Northern Ireland would be part of the United Kingdom, as it now is, or join the Republic of Ireland. The predominantly Protestant unionists, who are in the majority, want to remain part of the U.K. while the largely Catholic republicans seek unification with the rest of Ireland. The violent period known as "The Troubles" claimed some 3,700 lives lasted from roughly 1968 to 1998, when the Good Friday agreement led to a power-sharing agreement that has quelled much but not all of the bloodshed.
HAS THE GOOD FRIDAY AGREEMENT WORKED?
The Irish Republican Army has given up its arms and embraced a political course with the ultimate goal of a united Ireland. The agreement has brought unionist and republican adversaries into a power-sharing arrangement, and it has worked for much of the time. At the moment, it remains collapsed, raising the possibility that Britain will once again impose direct rule over Northern Ireland. Some dissident groups still use violent tactics but in general Northern Ireland has been peaceful and has benefited from relative stability and economic investment.
CAN THE IRA'S GOAL OF A UNITED IRELAND BE ACHIEVED BY POLITICAL MEANS?
In principle, yes. Sinn Fein, the IRA's political wing, long under the leadership of Gerry Adams and the late McGuinness, has been gaining more political support. Under the terms of the Good Friday accord, it could achieve a change in Northern Ireland's constitutional status only if popular majorities in separate referendums in both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland voted in favor.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - The former personnel director for one of Alabama's largest public school districts has pleaded guilty to federal child pornography charges.
A statement from prosecutors says 40-year-old Brett William Kirkham of Tuscaloosa pleaded guilty Monday to one count of enticing a minor and one count of possessing child pornography.
Kirkham is a one-time human resources director for Jefferson County schools in Birmingham. He is also a former principal at Hueytown Middle School.
A plea agreement in federal court means prosecutors could drop charges against Kirkham in state court, where the educator faces charges of having sex with a student in two counties.
Records show Kirkham was once the student's principal at the school.
Kirkham faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, but a judge hasn't yet scheduled a sentencing date.
JERUSALEM (AP) - Israel's Shin Bet security agency said Tuesday that it had arrested a Palestinian employee of a humanitarian program run by the Turkish government on suspicion of diverting funds to militants.
The Shin Bet said its interrogation of Muhammad Murtaja, the coordinator of the Gaza branch of the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency, revealed how he had duped the organization by shifting funds to the military wing of the Islamic militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza.
It said Murtaja's activities included military training, manufacturing weapons and digging tunnels into Israel. The Shin Bet said one of Murtaja's schemes was to provide his superiors with a list of impoverished residents in the Gaza Strip who were candidates to receive financial aid. In practice, these lists were provided by Hamas and were actually militants, it said.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry said Murtaja was detained Feb. 12 after crossing into Israel with an Israeli permit on his way to a seminar in Turkey. It said it was closely following the case and has asked Israel for information.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum dismissed the Israeli claims as "lies and fabrications" aimed at harming charity work in Gaza.
"This is a clear frightening of the donor countries and international organizations to end their work in Gaza so the suffering will increase and the siege will tighten," he said. He called on international organizations to "resist the pressure and keep up their work in Gaza."
It's not the first time Israel has accused local employees of international aid groups of abusing their positions to help militants in Gaza. It previously charged the Gaza manager of the World Vision charity with allegedly funneling millions to Hamas.
Israel also says the Turkish Islamic charity group IHH has been funneling funds to Hamas for years in the guise of humanitarian aid. The group helped organize the 2010 activist flotilla to Gaza, which was raided by Israeli forces in an operation that killed nine Turks.
Israel and Egypt imposed on a blockade on Gaza after Hamas seized power in 2007, and Israel has fought three wars with the militant group since then.
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Latest on Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch (all times EDT):
6:45 p.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says President Donald Trump told him he was disappointed he lost Colorado and believed that with more time he might have won.
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch, back to camera, listens as Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, flanked by the committee's ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., right, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, during the committee's confirmation hearing for Gorsuch. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Gorsuch, a federal judge in Denver, made the disclosure during his confirmation hearing in the Senate on Tuesday.
He says Trump brought up the issue when the two of them had their private interview prior to Trump nominating him to the high court.
Trump has made similar remarks in other private meetings since becoming president, including telling lawmakers he would have won the popular vote if not for widespread but unproven voter fraud.
Gorsuch was answering questions from Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, who referred to Trump as the "elephant in the room" in Gorsuch's hearing.
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6:30 p.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch is saying for the first time publicly that President Trump's attacks on federal judges were "disheartening" and "demoralizing."
In February, Trump described the Seattle judge who put a stay on his immigration and travel ban a "so-called judge" in a tweet.
Gorsuch first criticized Trump's attacks in a private meeting with Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., shortly after Trump's tweet. But he had not commented publicly.
"I know these people, and how decent they are, and when anyone criticizes the honesty or integrity or motives of a federal judge, I find that disheartening and I find that demoralizing," Gorsuch said Tuesday during his Senate confirmation hearing.
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5:45 p.m.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren is weighing in on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch via Twitter.
In a series of tweets, she criticized Gorsuch for ruling too often in favor of corporations and tied him to President Donald Trump, who nominated him.
"Is the Senate really going to pretend there's no cloud over @realDonaldTrump & move on w/ the Gorsuch nomination like things are normal?" she tweeted. The Democrat followed up with: "The FBI Director testified @realDonaldTrump's campaign is under investigation for collusion w/ Russia. Lifetime court appointments can wait."
Warren is not on the Judiciary Committee considering Gorsuch's confirmation. But she tweeted that she is "strongly opposed" to it.
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4:50 p.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus doesn't speak for him on abortion law.
Priebus said in February at a conservative conference that with President Donald Trump's nomination of Gorsuch, "we're talking about a change of potentially 40 years of law." That's a reference to the 1973 landmark abortion decision Roe vs. Wade that legalized abortion.
"Mr. Priebus doesn't speak for me and I don't speak for him," Gorsuch said in response to Sen. Al Franken's question on Priebus' comments.
Gorsuch added: "I don't appreciate it when people characterize me ... I am a judge, I am my own man."
When Franken asked if he was comfortable with Priebus describing his nomination that way, Gorsuch said "there is a lot about this process I am uncomfortable with."
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3:15 p.m.
Judge Neil Gorsuch is punting on whether there should be cameras in the Supreme Court.
President Donald Trump's nominee said he has "an open mind" and acknowledged that there were justices on the Court on both sides of the issue. Gorsuch made the comments during his confirmation hearing under questioning by Minnesota Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar.
Most justices have expressed opposition to cameras, including some who seemed open to the idea at their own Senate confirmation hearings.
Klobuchar and four other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee introduced legislation last week to allow cameras during open proceedings of the Supreme Court. Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, is also a sponsor.
The committee approved similar bills in 2010 and 2012, but the proposal has never become law.
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2:28 p.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says "there is a lot" he regrets about the confirmation process, including putting his family through it.
President Donald Trump's pick appeared to grow somewhat testy after more than four hours of questioning before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Rhode Island Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse asked about a 2010 Supreme Court decision allowed for more money in politics. Gorsuch refused to offer an opinion on the case. But he replied: "There's a lot about the confirmation process today that I regret. A lot. A lot."
Gorsuch said the late Justice Byron White, a fellow Coloradan who was confirmed in 1962, had a hearing that lasted 90 minutes and smoked through it. Gorsuch also referred to "putting my family through this."
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1:48 p.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says a case involving a truck driver who was fired for disobeying a boss' order "is one of those you take home at night."
The appeals court judge dissented in a 2016 decision regarding a truck driver fired after his boss told him to stay with his cargo after the brakes on his trailer froze. But the driver himself reported freezing due to a heater malfunction, so he unhitched the trailer and drove off.
A majority of judges said federal law protected drivers from dismissal when they refuse to operate an unsafe vehicle. But Gorsuch said the driver wasn't refusing to drive.
He told the Senate Judiciary Committee that his "job is to write the law and apply the law."
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1:30 p.m.
Neil Gorsuch says he was just reading out of a law textbook. But one of his former law students said he implied in class that many female job applicants unfairly manipulate companies by hiding plans to begin families.
Jennifer R. Sisk provided her recollections of the class in a letter Friday to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
The Supreme Court nominee said he was just reading questions in an ethics law textbook that asked what a woman would do if an older male partner asks if she's going to get pregnant soon.
He said the answers are to tell the truth, lie or push back in some way. He said he asked how many women had been asked questions like that, and many raised their hands.
Gorsuch said he is "shocked" that women are still asked that question.
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12:50 p.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says President Donald Trump didn't ask him to overturn the landmark abortion ruling Roe vs. Wade when he interviewed him before his nomination.
Gorsuch added that he "would have walked out the door" if Trump had asked him that.
The nominee added that making such promises is "not what judges do." The comments came under questioning from South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham.
Gorsuch has strong support from conservative groups who support overturning Roe vs. Wade. But the appeals court judge hasn't ruled directly on abortion, and he said earlier that he wouldn't weigh in with his personal views on that case or any other Supreme Court decision during his confirmation hearing.
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12:36 p.m.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham is praising Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's selection for the Supreme Court, saying "frankly I was worried about who he'd pick."
Graham said, "maybe somebody on TV."
Graham is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which is holding Gorsuch's confirmation hearing. He was also Trump's Republican primary opponent in 2016 and a frequent critic.
The senator also jokingly appealed to Trump if he was watching the hearing, saying "you did a good job picking Judge Gorsuch."
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12:11 p.m.
Judge Neil Gorsuch says no one is above the law when pressed about President Donald Trump and national security issues.
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy asked Gorsuch if the president has the right to authorize torture if it violates laws passed by Congress.
Gorsuch said "no man is above the law."
On the campaign trail, Trump spoke emphatically about toughening the U.S. approach to fighting the Islamic State group. He said he would authorize waterboarding and a "hell of a lot worse."
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11:54 a.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says no one knows how he'd rule if President Donald Trump's immigration ban comes before the Supreme Court.
Vermont Sen. Patrick Leahy asked Gorsuch in his confirmation hearing Tuesday about a congressman who said Trump should assure Gorsuch is on the court to uphold the travel and immigration ban.
"A lot of people say a lot of silly things," Gorsuch said. "I am not going to say anything here that would give anybody any idea how I'd rule on any case."
Courts have blocked two different versions of Trump's orders to freeze immigration by refugees and citizens of some predominantly Muslim nations.
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11:33 a.m.
Judge Neil Gorsuch says he can't comment on whether former Supreme Court nominee Merrick Garland was treated fairly.
Gorsuch is President Donald Trump's nominee to replace the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Garland was originally nominated for the seat by former President Barack Obama, but he was blocked by Senate Republicans who said the next president should make the pick.
Gorsuch declared that he "can't get involved in politics," in response to a question from Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy. The nominee added that it would be "imprudent" for him to discuss political disputes.
Many Democrats are still furious that Republicans blocked Garland, and several have mentioned his failed nomination in their statements and questioning.
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10:53 a.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says several cases in which he has ruled for corporations over workers "don't represent the body of my work."
Democrats at his confirmation hearing are pointing to cases that include a ruling against a truck driver who claimed he'd been fired for abandoning his truck when it broke down in the cold.
Gorsuch said he has participated in 2,700 opinions, and he often ruled "for the little guy instead of the big guy."
Those include a case where Colorado landowners are settling with the state over improper handling of nuclear weapons waste, a pregnancy discrimination case and other pollution and harassment cases, he said.
He said he'd like to convey that he is "a fair judge."
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10:23 a.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says he won't weigh in with his personal views on Roe vs. Wade or any other Supreme Court decision in his confirmation hearing.
Gorsuch was asked Tuesday by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Charles Grassley to discuss the case that legalized abortion nationwide. The nominee would only say it's a court precedent that has been reaffirmed many times. He gave similar answers to Grassley's questions about other important cases on such subjects as guns and campaign finance.
Gorsuch said if he were to discuss those cases, "I would be tipping my hand and suggesting to litigants that I have already made up my mind about cases."
He added: "I think that's the beginning of the end of the independent judiciary."
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9:46 a.m.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch says he has no trouble ruling against anyone, even President Donald Trump, if that's what the law requires.
Gorsuch is answering questions Tuesday in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Committee chairman Chuck Grassley kicked off the day by asking Gorsuch to explain his view of judicial independence.
Gorsuch said that he has "no difficulty ruling against or for any party."
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9 a.m.
Some liberal interest groups and advocates are calling on the Senate to put off confirmation of President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee while the FBI is investigating possible links between the Trump campaign and Russia.
Harvard Law professor Laurence Tribe tweeted Tuesday morning that it's a "sensible rule" to withhold approval for nominee Neil Gorsuch for as long as the investigation continues.
Gorsuch is to spend a long day Tuesday answering questions from members of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut is among those who already have tried to link the FBI probe to the nomination. Blumenthal said Monday that the prospect that the court could have to weigh in on the issue at some point is not "idle speculation."
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch is surrounded by photographers as he arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Monday, March 20, 2017, for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
The Senate Judiciary Committee's ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., accompanied by the Committee's Chairman Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, during the committee's confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, center, flanked by the committee's ranking member Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., right, and Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, speaks on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, during the committee's confirmation hearing for Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch, right, talks with his wife Marie Louise Gorsuch as he prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch talks with Senate Judiciary Committee members Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill., right, and Sen. Patrick Leahy, D-Vt. on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, before the start of his confirmation hearing before the committee. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch points to a photographer as arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch, left, shares a laugh with Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.as he arrives on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, for his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Former New Hampshire Sen. Kelly Ayotte is at center. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
Supreme Court Justice nominee Neil Gorsuch prepares to testify on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh)
COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) - Denmark's top prosecutor says two elderly Danes - including one holding a Swedish passport - cannot be not be prosecuted because there is no evidence linking them to the mass murder of Jews in Belarus during World War II.
Mohammad Ahsan said Tuesday he found no evidence for active or passive participation in the killings after the Simon Wiesenthal Center appealed a similar decision by Copenhagen prosecutors in November.
In 2015, the center asked Danish police to investigate the case after Denmark's Justice Ministry had turned down a similar request as not their responsibility.
Center head Ephraim Zuroff believed there was a strong case against them because of documents found by Danish historians that said they were in the camp run by the Waffen SS where 1,400 Jews died.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) - Western Sahara's top diplomat on Tuesday called on African countries to sanction Morocco after it failed to attend an African Union meeting on the disputed territory.
The call for sanctions comes less than two months after Morocco rejoined the AU, which it left decades ago because the continental body in 1984 recognized Western Sahara as the independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic. Morocco claims the territory as its "southern provinces."
Western Sahara Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ouldsalek said Monday's meeting of the AU's Peace and Security Council was the first test of Morocco's admission to the continental body, of which Western Sahara is also a member.
"Morocco has boycotted the meeting that was scheduled to discuss issues related between the two countries. The African Union now must take steps by imposing sanctions against Morocco," the foreign minister said.
A letter from Morocco to the AU ahead of Monday's meeting, obtained by The Associated Press, says the question of Western Sahara is in the hands of the U.N. Security Council instead. "The organs of the African Union are invited to support this process in line with the United Nations' mandate."
A United Nations resolution for decades has called for a referendum to decide the territory's fate.
Morocco annexed Western Sahara in 1975 and fought the Polisario Front independence movement, which wants a referendum on the mineral-rich region's future.
Western Sahara's foreign minister on Tuesday called the territory the last "colonization" case on the African continent.
CINCINNATI (AP) - A Cincinnati-area prosecutor says a 13-year-old boy accused of killing his grandfather somehow caused the man's head to plow straight into a wall like a battering ram, fracturing his neck and leaving behind a hole in the drywall.
The boy is charged as a juvenile with murder in the August death of 80-year-old Fowler Agenbroad. The child was 12 then. He has denied the charges.
An assistant prosecutor described the alleged altercation on Monday in court, where a juvenile court judge ruled the boy competent to face trial. The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that a psychological evaluation is pending.
Records indicate police were called about a violent argument between Agenbroad and his grandson two days before the man was found unresponsive.
The Associated Press generally doesn't identify juveniles charged with crimes.
WASHINGTON (AP) - Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday shot down prospects for major parts of President Donald Trump's budget, rejecting proposed cuts to foreign aid and medical research.
"Every president sends up a budget, and with all due respect to the current president, I can't recall any time in which we have been sort of dictated to by either a Republican or a Democratic president," McConnell said in an interview with The Associated Press. "We'll put our own imprint on it, particularly with regard to overseas."
Trump's budget, which would boost military spending while slashing funds for the environment, the National Institutes of Health, public broadcasting and development projects like the Appalachian Regional Commission, was widely panned by fellow Republicans last week.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. answers reporters questions during a newsmaker interview at the Associated Press bureau in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
McConnell once headed the Senate panel responsible for foreign aid and stressed the importance of U.S. spending overseas. He also was a major force behind last year's Cures Act, a law that boosts spending on medical research, and he opposes any proposed cuts.
"America being a force is a lot more than building up the Defense Department," McConnell said. "Diplomacy is important, extremely important, and I don't think these reductions at the State Department are appropriate because many times diplomacy is a lot more effective - and certainly cheaper - than military engagement."
On another spending issue, McConnell said the politics of the moment mean Republicans controlling Washington won't touch benefit programs like Medicare and Social Security, known as entitlements.
On another big issue, in the interview McConnell warned fellow Republicans of political consequences if they oppose the GOP health care legislation coming up for a vote in the House this week.
"I would hate to be a Republican whose vote prevented us from keeping the commitment we've made to the American people for almost 10 years now" to repeal and replace former President Barack Obama's health care law, the Kentucky Republican told AP reporters and editors.
"I think the American people would be deeply disappointed that we were prevented from keeping our commitment by Republicans who in the end, in effect, voted for the status quo."
McConnell sounded confident that the bill will pass the House and come over to the Senate, where it is currently short of votes. He made clear the legislation will be changed in the Senate so it can pass, though he declined to predict what the final product will look like or guarantee ultimate success.
He indicated he expects Trump, who was on Capitol Hill Tuesday to lobby reluctant House members, to lean on wavering Senate Republicans and bring them in line.
"The president has been very effective in helping in the House with the health care bill," said McConnell, who was with Trump in Kentucky Monday night at a health care rally. "And we intend, once it comes over from the House, to have the president weigh in with our folks as well."
The GOP legislation would repeal the Obama law's requirement for nearly everyone to carry insurance or face fines, while phasing out an expansion of Medicaid and reducing tax credits that help consumers buy coverage. House GOP leaders are pushing toward a vote Thursday despite opposition from both left and right, and announced a package of changes overnight Monday aimed at luring wavering lawmakers with promises of more money for older Americans and other changes.
Several Republican senators have been loudly critical of the bill, including Rand Paul of Kentucky and Mike Lee of Utah. Combined with opposition from a couple of other lawmakers, McConnell does not presently have enough votes for the bill in a Senate split 52-48 between Republicans and Democrats. Democrats are unanimously opposed.
But McConnell attributed some of the turmoil to a "learning process" as Republicans turn to governing after spending years as the opposition party. And he said, "I'm optimistic that none of my members in the end want to be responsible for the status quo on Obamacare."
McConnell also addressed the Supreme Court, with the Senate Judiciary Committee in Day Two of hearings on Judge Neil Gorsuch, Trump's nominee to fill the 13-month high court vacancy.
He criticized Democrats who might oppose Gorsuch, saying "This is a futile gesture, it's playing to the mob, saying resist to everything."
While saying he hoped Gorsuch would get Democratic votes in the end, McConnell seemed ready to change Senate rules, if necessary, to confirm him with a simple majority rather than the 60 votes now required to move forward. "Gorsuch will be confirmed; I just can't tell you exactly how that will happen, yet," McConnell said.
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Associated Press writers Alan Fram and Andrew Taylor contributed.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky. answers reporters questions during a newsmaker interview at the Associated Press bureau in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell of Ky., answers reporters questions during a newsmaker interview at the Associated Press bureau in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. (AP Photo/J. David Ake)
NEW YORK (AP) - Conservative commentator Tomi Lahren was absent from the air of Glenn Beck's The Blaze days after declaring her support for abortion rights.
During an appearance on ABC's "The View" on Friday, Lahren explained that she was for abortion because as a proponent of limited government, it would be hypocritical of her to say she thinks the government "should decide what women do with their bodies."
The comments drew criticism from colleagues, including Beck. Beck took issue with Lahren's argument on his radio show Monday, suggesting it lacked "intellectual honesty."
Lahren didn't host her show on The Blaze on Monday night. She alluded to her absence on Twitter , writing: "So I've got some 'me' time tonight. Anything good on TV?"
Beck didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on Lahren's status.
TULSA, Okla. (AP) - An attorney for the estate of a man who was naked and paralyzed when he died in a cell in the Tulsa County Jail's medical unit is hailing a jury's $10.25 million verdict in a federal civil rights trial.
Dan Smolen, attorney for the estate of Elliott Williams, says he hopes the county takes the verdict seriously.
The Tulsa World reports (http://bit.ly/2mLtZem ) that an eight-person jury deliberated for about 10 hours over two days before deciding on Monday that Williams' civil rights were violated by the sheriff's office and former Sheriff Stanley Glanz.
The jury ordered the sheriff's office and Glanz to pay $10 million in compensatory damages to the Williams estate. The jury also ordered Glanz, who was sued in his private capacity, to pay $250,000 in punitive damages.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Dave Chappelle has celebrated Tuesday's release of a pair of Netflix comedy specials with some high-profile friends.
USA Today reports Chappelle hosted a late-night party Monday at a Hollywood club ahead of the specials' release. Kanye West, Kendall Jenner and Stevie Wonder were among those in attendance.
The newspaper reports Chappelle did some stand-up and Wonder took the stage afterward to sing "Uptight (Everything's Alright)." Actors Tobey Maguire and Don Cheadle were among those who attended a party following the show.
FILE - In this July 18, 2015, file photo, comedian Dave Chappelle speaks at the RUSH Philanthropic Arts Foundation's Art for Life Benefit in New York. Chappelle celebrated therelease of a pair of Netflix comedy specials on Tuesday, March 21, 2017, with some high-profile friends at a Hollywood club. (Photo by Scott Roth/Invision/AP, File)
Chappelle's specials "Deep in the Heart of Texas" and "The Age of Spin" are part of a $60 million deal between the comedian and the streaming service announced in November.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Grammy-winning musician Wyclef Jean said he was handcuffed and "treated like a criminal" when Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies mistook him for a violent armed robber early Tuesday.
The former Fugees star posted a video on Twitter showing himself in handcuffs leaned over a patrol car in West Hollywood, decrying the way he was being treated. Hours after the incident, Los Angeles sheriff's officials apologized for inconveniencing Jean but said he was lawfully stopped by deputies looking for a violent criminal whose victims described a similar vehicle and article of clothing.
"I was asked by the police to put my hands up. Then I was told, 'Do not move.' I was instantly hand cuffed before being asked to identify myself and before being told why," Jean told The Associated Press. "In the process I said my name and told them they have wrong person. They proceeded to ignore me and I was treated like a criminal."
FILE - In this Feb. 17, 2015 file photo, Wyclef Jean appears at the Diesel Black Gold fashion show in New York. Jean says he was unfairly detained by authorities in Los Angeles County after being mistaken for a robbery suspect. Jean posted a video Tuesday on Twitter showing himself in handcuffs leaned over a patrol car. The former Fugees star said he tried to explain that he wasn't the suspect but was ignored and cuffed. (Photo by Amy Sussman/Invision/AP, File)
In a statement Tuesday afternoon, sheriff's officials said Jean was riding in a car that matched the description of the vehicle used in an armed robbery that occurred a few minutes before Jean was stopped.
The two robbery victims told sheriff's deputies that they were sitting in a parking lot when a man walked up to them, pistol whipped them, pressed the gun against the head of one of the victims and demanded they give him everything they had.
Deputies who were patrolling nearby spotted a car that was nearly identical to the description of the assailant's vehicle and followed the car until it pulled over in West Hollywood, the statement said.
The suspect was in "either a gold or tan Toyota or Honda, older model sedan" and Jean was in a 2002 tan Toyota, the statement said. The driver and Jean exited the vehicle as the deputies approached.
Both Jean and the suspect reportedly had on dark shirts and a similar colored bandanna, authorities said. The sheriff's department said deputies then detained Jean, "who they believed to the suspect in the violent crime," handcuffed him and placed him in the back of a patrol car.
Sheriff's officials said Jean was repeatedly ordered not to place his hands near his pockets or waistband and not to go near the trunk of the car. Jean was patted down for weapons and put in the back of a deputy sheriff's patrol car "out of an abundance of caution," the statement said.
Officials said deputies learned within six minutes that Jean and the female driver of the car were not suspects in the crime and released them. Two suspects were later arrested on suspicion of committing the robbery, officials said.
"It is unfortunate that Mr. Jean was detained for six minutes during this investigation, as he had no involvement whatsoever in this violent crime," the statement said. "The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department is apologetic for any inconvenience this process caused Mr. Jean. We are grateful we were able to apprehend the robbery suspects and that no one was seriously injured."
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Associated Press Entertainment Writer Nekesa Mumbi Moody contributed to this report.
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Follow Michael Balsamo on Twitter at http://twitter.com/MikeBalsamo1 .
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court suggested Tuesday that it is sympathetic to Microsoft Corp. in a dispute with disgruntled owners of the Xbox 360 video-game system who sued saying the console has a design defect that scratches game discs.
The justices heard arguments Tuesday in a case that involves the Xbox 360 owners' attempts to get class action status for their lawsuit, which was filed several years ago in the state of Washington, where Microsoft is headquartered.
Xbox 360 owners were initially denied class action status in the lawsuit. Several justices seemed sympathetic to Microsoft's argument that the Xbox 360 owners shouldn't be permitted to use a procedural maneuver to force an appeals court to weigh in after the appeals court declined to do so.
FILE - In this Nov. 22, 2005 file photo, an XBox 360 is purchased in New York. The Supreme Court suggested Tuesday, March 21, 2017, that it is sympathetic to Microsoft Corp. in a dispute with disgruntled owners of the Xbox 360 video-game system who sued saying the console has a design defect that scratches game discs. (AP Photo/Tina Fineberg, File)
Microsoft has sold millions of Xbox 360 consoles since they were introduced in 2005. It says only 0.4 percent of owners report disk scratching and that in many cases damage is the result of consumer misuse. The company says consumers were warned both in the instruction manual and on a sticker affixed to the console not to move it while a disc was inside.
When a handful of Xbox 360 owners sued, a federal judge initially said the lawsuit couldn't proceed as a class action, and an appeals court declined to consider an appeal of that decision. The Xbox 360 owners then asked the judge to dismiss their case, a procedural move designed to get the appeals court to weigh in, which it did. Microsoft says that shouldn't be allowed to happen.
Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg told the attorney for the Xbox 360 owners, Peter Stris, that "rule makers went through a lot of work" to come up with the rule governing appeals in class action cases and suggested he was making an end run around it. And Justice Stephen Breyer suggested the "simplicity" of ruling for Microsoft seemed preferable, asking Stris if there was "anything terrible that would happen" if the justices ruled against his clients.
Arguing for Microsoft, lawyer Jeffrey Fisher told the court that ruling for the Xbox 360 owners would "upend" the "carefully considered" rule governing an appeal of a class action determination.
Business groups including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce have urged the court to side with Microsoft. In briefs to the court they say a ruling for the Xbox 360 owners gives those who file questionable class action lawsuits another chance to pursue class action status if they fail to get it at an early stage of the litigation. Businesses say that would make defending against class action lawsuits more expensive and push businesses to settle claims.
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Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicagresko. Her work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/jessica-gresko.
SAO PAULO (AP) - President Michel Temer called Brazil's scandal over the sale of expired meat an embarrassment Tuesday as more countries suspended some meat imports from the South American nation.
On Tuesday, Hong Kong, Japan and Mexico announced that they were halting at least some Brazilian meat imports. They joined the European Union, China and Chile, dealing a major blow to the struggling economy of a country that is among the world's largest exporters of meat.
Temer sought to play down the scandal, calling it a "fuss" and noting that only three of the more than 4,000 meatpacking plants in Brazil had been forced to close. But he acknowledged the case has caused "an economic embarrassment for the country."
Brazil's Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi holds a tray with a package of poultry during an inspection at the meatpacking company JBS, in Lapa, in the Brazilian state of Parana, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Brazil's president said Tuesday that a scandal over sale of expired meat is an "economic embarrassment". On Tuesday, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety announced that it would temporarily suspend imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry from Brazil, starting immediately, in response to Brazilian investigators charges that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Brazilian investigators charge that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. Police also allege that the appearance and smell of expired meats was improved by using chemicals and cheaper products like water and manioc flour.
Brazil's trade associations for beef, pork and poultry producers warned that the scandal could have a big effect on employment and the economy because the sector's exports represent 15 percent of total exports. Beyond that, cattle-raising is an integral part of Brazil's culture, Sunday barbecues are a weekly rite, and country music from the grasslands is popular throughout Brazil.
Gilberto Braga, a finance professor at Ibmec University in Rio de Janeiro, said the news might also feed an image of Brazil as a country where corruption is rampant. Separate from the meat scandal, police and prosecutors are currently investigating massive corruption at the state oil company that has implicated dozens of executives and politicians.
"First there is an impact on the image and credibility, which affects not only the protein producing sector, and that refers to beef, chicken, but is also a blow to the country's image, as an organized and serious country," said Braga. "It is a country that has in the last few years lived through matters of corruption involving authorities and state companies, and now the inspection is being suspected (of corruption)."
So far, Brazil's government has barred the exports of meats from 21 plants being investigated, but that has not fully allayed concerns of the countries it exports to. Sales for internal consumption in Brazil are not affected.
On Tuesday, there was a new cascade of new suspensions. Japan said it would halt the import of Brazilian poultry as well as all other products from the meatpacking companies under investigation, according to a statement on the Japanese Embassy's website. Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety said that it would temporarily suspend imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry.
Finally, Mexico's Food Health Board announced it was suspending imports of Brazilian chicken and turkey meat. It said Mexico doesn't buy beef or pork from Brazil.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said in a statement that it had instituted testing of all Brazilian shipments of raw beef and ready-to-eat products for pathogens and had increased the examination of those imports.
Brazil did get a small reprieve on Tuesday, when South Korea decided to lift a ban it had put in place on chicken products from BRF, one of the companies involved in the scandal. It said it will continue to strengthen inspections on Brazilian imports, however.
Despite the about-face, supermarket chains in South Korea were pulling Brazilian chicken products from the shelves Tuesday.
Previously, the European Union had temporarily barred the companies involved in the scandal from shipping to the EU, and Chile had announced a temporary suspension of Brazilian meat imports. China is preventing Brazilian meat from being unloaded in its ports.
On Friday, police issued 38 arrest warrants related to the probe, naming several companies including giant meatpackers JBS and BRF. Both have denied wrongdoing.
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Associated Press video journalists Renata Brito and Mario Lobao in Rio de Janeiro and AP writers Peter Prengaman in Rio de Janeiro; Eva Vergara in Santiago, Chile; Kelvin Chan in Hong Kong; Youkyung Lee in Seoul, South Korea, and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.
A multilingual sign welcomes visitors at the meatpacking company JBS, in Lapa, in the Brazilian state of Parana, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Brazil's president said Tuesday that a scandal over sale of expired meat is an "economic embarrassment". On Tuesday, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety announced that it would temporarily suspend imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry from Brazil, starting immediately, in response to Brazilian investigators charges that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
Workers prep poultry at the meatpacking company JBS, in Lapa, in the Brazilian state of Parana, Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Brazil's president said Tuesday that a scandal over sale of expired meat is an "economic embarrassment". On Tuesday, Hong Kong's Center for Food Safety announced that it would temporarily suspend imports of frozen and chilled meat and poultry from Brazil, starting immediately, in response to Brazilian investigators charges that health inspectors were bribed to overlook the sale of expired meats. (AP Photo/Eraldo Peres)
MIAMI (AP) - The director of the National Hurricane Center is going back to work at The Weather Channel.
Rick Knabb has been director of the center in Miami since June 2012. Knabb will participate in the National Hurricane Conference next month in New Orleans and the federal government's annual Hurricane Awareness Tour before leaving the center May 12.
Knabb left a previous stint as The Weather Channel's tropical weather expert to become chief of the U.S. government's hurricane forecasting hub. In a statement Tuesday, Knabb said his new job as an on-air hurricane expert would allow him to focus on his "greatest passion," communicating about safety during hurricanes and other disasters.
FILE- In this Oct. 5, 2016 file photo. National Hurricane Center director Rick Knabb speaks during a televised forecast regarding the threat of Hurricane Matthew in Miami. Knabb resigned as the center director and is returning to The Weather Channel as an on-air hurricane expert. Knabb has been the director of the National Hurricane Center in Miami since 2012. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File)
Deputy Director Ed Rappaport will serve as the center's acting director for the six-month Atlantic hurricane season that begins June 1.
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Arnold Schwarzenegger is turning the table on Donald Trump by taking to social media to criticize the president's own approval ratings.
Schwarzenegger posted a video on Twitter referencing a new Gallup poll that showed Trump's approval rating at 39 percent, down 6 points from a week earlier. Schwarzenegger tells Trump, "The ratings are in and you got swamped."
The action star and former California governor replaced Trump as the host of "Celebrity Apprentice," and Trump repeatedly mocked him for poor television ratings. Schwarzenegger recently said he wouldn't return to the show.
FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2016, file photo, Arnold Schwarzenegger arrives at the 2016 Governors Awards in Los Angeles. Schwarzenegger turned the table on President Donald Trump by taking to social media on March 21, 2017, to criticize Trump's approval rating. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)
Schwarzenegger also criticized Trump's proposed budget cuts, including to after-school programs.
He invited Trump to visit a Washington, D.C., middle school with him to see "fantastic work" being done for children.
Schwarzenegger didn't support Trump during his presidential run.
NEW MARKET, Md. (AP) - A Maryland sheriff's office says a deputy shot and wounded a man who lunged at her with a knife.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that deputies were sent to a New Market home, where a 911 caller's son was acting strangely and may have been having a reaction to medication.
Officials say when Deputy Samantha Foland entered Tuesday, a man with a knife confronted her. Officials say Foland ordered him to drop the knife and when he lunged, she fired once, striking him in the hand and chest. Officials say the man is in stable condition at a hospital. Officials say a knife was found at the scene.
Foland is on routine administrative leave. Spokesman Maj. Tim Clarke says Foland and the wounded man are white.
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) - The Latest on the shooting death of a Navajo Nation police officer (all times local):
11:45 a.m.
Investigators say the man accused of killing a Navajo Nation police officer responding to a domestic violence call had spent the afternoon drinking and was intoxicated the night of the shooting.
A criminal complaint released Tuesday outlines the call that sent Officer Houston James Largo to a rural home in western New Mexico. It also details what happened on a dark road near that home on the nation's largest American Indian reservation.
The complaint accuses Kirby Cleveland of shooting Largo with a .22-caliber rifle after the officer stopped a truck that was taking him home.
It says Cleveland told his wife that he had shot Largo and that she needed to help the officer.
Cleveland has been charged with murder and made his first appearance in federal court in Albuquerque on Tuesday. A judge ordered an attorney to be appointed for him.
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10:45 a.m.
The man accused of gunning down a Navajo Nation police officer who was responding to a domestic violence call in rural New Mexico has been charged with murder.
Kirby Cleveland appeared before a federal judge in Albuquerque on Tuesday morning, shackled and wearing a black- and white-striped jumpsuit. The judge ordered an attorney to be appointed for Cleveland and set his next hearing for Wednesday.
The 32-year-old Cleveland has been in custody since the deadly shooting of Officer Houston James Largo more than a week ago.
The shooting happened after Largo stopped a vehicle on a dark road on the nation's largest American Indian reservation. Authorities found the officer about 50 yards from the vehicle. He had been shot twice.
Largo was taken to an Albuquerque hospital, where he died March 12.
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3 a.m.
The man accused of gunning down a Navajo Nation police officer who was responding to a domestic violence call in rural New Mexico is scheduled for his first court appearance.
McKinley County authorities identified the suspect as Kirby Cleveland. He has been in custody since the deadly March 12 shooting of Officer Houston James Largo.
Prosecutors have confirmed that the suspect will make an initial appearance before a federal judge in Albuquerque on Tuesday.
The FBI has not provided any details about the suspect or the circumstances that led to the shooting.
The county sheriff's office says Largo was found about 50 yards from a vehicle he had pulled over. The 27-year-old decorated officer had been shot twice.
Largo was taken to an Albuquerque hospital, where he later died.
WARSAW, Poland (AP) - Poland's government is accusing European Council President Donald Tusk of betraying national interests and bowing to Moscow in the investigation of the 2010 plane crash in Russia that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 95 others.
Poland's ruling conservative party is led by the late president's twin, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a political foe who accuses Tusk of contributing to his brother's death. Tusk was Poland's prime minister in 2010.
The accusations are the latest development in the Law and Justice party's efforts to undermine Tusk's image in Poland.
FILE - In this April 13, 2010 file photo, emergency ministry workers stand near the wreckage at the site of the plane crash that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski in Smolensk, western Russia. Poland's government is accusing European Council President Donald Tusk of betraying national interests and bowing to Moscow in the investigation of the 2010 plane crash in Russia that killed Kaczynski and 95 others. (AP Photo/Mikhail Metzel, File)
Defense Minister Antoni Macierewicz, who heads a special commission re-investigating the crash, has notified the military section of the National Prosecutor's Office that he suspects Tusk committed a crime against Poland when he failed to secure Poland's participation in the investigation of the crash near Smolensk, Russia, or the return - to this day - of the wreckage and of the plane's flight recorders.
"Prime Minister Donald Tusk struck an illegal agreement with Vladimir Putin to Poland's detriment and should face criminal responsibility for that," Macierewicz told the Gazeta Polska Daily newspaper.
Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek said Tuesday that Tusk's decision "prevented full investigation of the circumstances" of the crash.
Tusk, in Brussels, said the matter was hard to comment on.
"This is not a matter of legal or political nature, it is purely about emotions and obsessions," he said in comments forwarded via text message by his spokesman. "Therefore, it is not within my competence to comment on cases like this one."
Independent investigations by aviation experts in Poland and in Russia concluded that mistakes by insufficiently-trained crew coupled with poor visibility at the rudimentary military airport led to the crash, which was the worst accident for Poland's state since World War II.
A criminal investigation seeking those responsible is still underway in Poland.
Macierewicz is heading a probe by aviation experts and forensics looking for proof to support his and Kaczynski's views that the crash was an attack on the Polish delegation. They have not yet presented their conclusions.
President Kaczynski was leading a delegation going to an anniversary memorial for some 22,000 Polish officers - prisoners of war - killed by the Soviet Secret Security in 1940 during World War II.
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - An altered Facebook headline on a newspaper story involving a statue of Robert E. Lee has blown up into a major sore point in the Virginia GOP primary for governor - another instance of politicians or their allies changing headlines to suit their own purposes on that platform.
Virginia's governor's race is being watched nationally as a possible early referendum on President Donald Trump. A group aligned with gubernatorial hopeful Corey Stewart, a firebrand conservative Trump backer, has weaponized a fake headline to attack rival Ed Gillespie, the GOP establishment's pick for governor. At issue: Gillespie's level of support for Virginia's Confederate monuments.
Stewart pledged no Confederate monuments would be removed if elected, staunchly supportive of Southern history. After Stewart protested before Charlottesville's Lee statue in February, the Washington Post wrote a story called "Protesters mob provocative Va. governor candidate as he defends Confederate statue."
A conservative nonprofit with ties to Stewart campaign aides - the Conservative Response Team - subsequently posted and promoted a Facebook post linking to the article but with a fake headline: "Gillespie: I'm OK with Charlottesville Taking Down the General Lee Monument." The post makes it look as if that were the Washington Post's headline.
In fact, Gillespie has said he doesn't support moving the statue and thinks local officials who approved moving it should be voted out of office. Gillespie also said it's an issue to be handled locally.
Rick Shaftan is a Republican operative who runs the Conservative Response Team's Facebook page and altered the headline. He said Gillespie's trying to have it both ways and the changed headline reflects that.
"It's all true, it's exactly what Ed thinks," Shaftan said.
Other flaps over altered headlines have erupted in at least two other states recently involving politicians or political groups close to them. The social media site has special tools available to page administrators allowing them to change headlines in ways that make it look like they were written by legitimate news organizations.
Critics complain altered headlines are a new kind of "fake news" to fool casual readers. Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan was recently called out for a staff-altered newspaper headline including the words "road kill" about legislation he criticized. In North Carolina, a GOP state senator drew fire for an altered headline stating Democratic Gov. Roy "Cooper flip flops on refugees."
During the presidential race, Facebook was criticized for not doing enough to stop patently fake news stories on its platform. Recently it announced a slew of new countermeasures.
The instances highlight Facebook's increasingly important presence in political campaigns, thanks to its vast reach and ability to target specific subgroups of voters.
The altered headline rankled Gillespie, whose own Facebook page is frequently visited by users chiding him for not supporting Confederate monuments.
The post was widely shared, and Shaftan said it was viewed more than 400,000 times. Shaftan said his group, which doesn't have to reveal its donors, paid a small amount to Facebook to promote the post. He said the issue resonates with a large group of voters opposed to an "elitist mindset" that dismisses the importance of preserving Southern statues. He said the rebellion echoes what happened last year.
"This is kind of why Trump won," Shaftan said.
Gillespie's campaign complained to Facebook in mid-February that the altered headline misrepresented his position. Facebook didn't remove the post then. It suggested, among other things, that Gillespie's campaign create a new page focused on debunking false stories.
But when asked about the post Friday by an Associated Press reporter, Facebook removed it that day. Spokesman Andy Stone said it violated Facebook's terms of not doing "anything unlawful, misleading, malicious, or discriminatory."
Gillespie spokesman Matthew Moran said the campaign's disappointed with Facebook.
"We hope Facebook will work harder to stop (Stewart) and his allies from using its platform to deceive voters," Moran said via email.
Shaftan said he found out Friday the post was removed. He reposted the story with the same altered headline hours later and paid to promote the new posting. It was still online Monday morning before Facebook removed it.
And after this story was first published, Shaftan posted it to the Conservative Response Team's Facebook page but with what he said was a "slightly more accurate headline." It reads: "Gillespie Flips Out Over True Altered Headline Over Lee Statue Removal."
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An earlier version incorrectly named the group that posted the altered headline on Facebook. It is the Conservative Response Team.
NEW YORK (AP) - Wells Fargo plans to upgrade all 13,000 of its ATMs next week to allow customers to access their funds using their cellphones instead of traditional bank cards.
The announcement was made by Wells Fargo CEO Tim Sloan on Tuesday at an employee town hall in Orlando.
While banks like JPMorgan Chase and Bank of America have announced similar upgrades to their ATMs, those are still being rolled out. Wells would be the first to upgrade all of its ATMs with the feature across the United States.
To access their money, customers would get unique eight-digit codes from their Wells Fargo smartphone app, and enter the code into the ATM along with their PIN number. The machines will still accept debit cards as well.
"Whether a customer happens to have a card on them or not, (the upgrade) provides another simple and secure way to withdraw cash at any of our ATMs," said Adam Vancini, head of virtual channel operations at Wells Fargo.
One limitation of the one-time code, though, is that it won't work on the secure doors that many branches have for non-business hours that require a customer to swipe an ATM or debit card to gain entry. Wells Fargo said those secure doors are found at a small percentage of branches, mostly in major metropolitan areas like New York City or Chicago.
The announcement comes as Wells Fargo is looking for ways to woo back the customers it alienated after the San Francisco-based bank admitted that employees opened as many as 2 million checking and credit card accounts for their customers without getting authorization. The bank said Monday that activity at its branches remains depressed from a year ago, with customers opening 40 percent fewer checking accounts per day last month compared to a year earlier, while the number of customer interactions with branch bankers per day was down 17 percent.
Wells said it plans to roll out another upgrade to its ATMs later this year, which will allow customers to access the ATMs by holding their smartphones up to a reader on the machine, instead of entering the eight-digit code. It would be similar to using Apple Pay or Samsung Pay, the bank said.
Chase, Citigroup and Bank of America all announced last year similar upgrades to their ATMs, but the rollout has been slow. Chase's upgraded machines are still in major markets like New York, Miami and San Francisco, while Bank of America says roughly half of its ATMs have the cardless capabilities.
HONOLULU (AP) - The Latest on Hawaii asking a federal judge to issue an injunction blocking President Donald Trump's travel ban (all times local):
9:45 a.m.
Hawaii is taking its lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's travel ban to the next level by asking a judge to issue a preliminary injunction.
U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson issued a temporary restraining order halting key portions of Trump's executive order before it went into effect last week. Now attorneys representing Hawaii want Watson to turn the temporary order into a preliminary injunction.
In a motion filed Tuesday, Hawaii argues that Watson should issue an injunction for the same reasons he issued a temporary restraining order. Hawaii argues that the travel ban inflicts "state-sanction discrimination toward Muslims" in violation of the Constitution.
Watson is giving the government until Friday to respond to Hawaii's motion. He's setting a hearing for March 29.
The government is appealing a ruling from a federal judge in Maryland that also blocked the ban from taking effect.
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9:35 a.m.
Attorneys representing Hawaii in the state's challenge to President Donald Trump's travel ban are asking a federal judge to extend his temporary restraining order blocking the ban or turn it into a preliminary injunction.
U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson halted key portions of Trump's executive order before it went into effect last week. He's instructing Hawaii to file its preliminary injunction motion on Tuesday morning. The government will have until Friday to oppose the motion.
Watson is setting a hearing for March 29.
A Department of Justice spokeswoman declined to comment on whether the government still plans to appeal the Hawaii ruling.
The government is appealing a ruling from a federal judge in Maryland that also blocked the ban from taking effect.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - A 17-year-old Tennessee girl was denied a flight back to the United States over the weekend because a Turkish airline didn't provide necessary passenger information, but a resolution is expected shortly, the Transportation Security Administration said Tuesday.
In Facebook posts, Sabrina Sadaf Siddiqi said her daughter, Zubaidah Alizoti, was denied a flight home Sunday after the family and friends visited Mecca, the Muslim holy site in Saudi Arabia.
The incident unfolded amid heightened scrutiny of President Donald Trump's push to severely limit travel from several Muslim-majority countries, which multiple courts have blocked.
After Alizoti was denied her flight, the TSA got the information it needed from the airline and expects a resolution shortly, agency spokeswoman Sari Koshetz said. Turkish Airlines didn't directly answer questions about the issue.
Siddiqi wrote that family members stayed with Alizoti when she couldn't board the plane. She asked for prayers as the family tries again to fly home from Turkey to Atlanta on Wednesday.
"International carriers are tasked with providing security information to the federal government before a passenger can fly into the United States," Koshetz said via email. "That did not happen in this case."
Paul Galloway, executive director of the Center for American Outreach, said the family was part of a group of about 50 people making the trip to Mecca.
After her daughter wasn't permitted on the flight, Siddiqi posted a frustrated Facebook message Sunday.
"In this new #America my family, my patriotic, my community serving family can be denied entry back to our own homeland," she wrote. "In this new #America my family can be treated unjustly by my own country. Is this the new Great America?"
Knoxville Mayor Madeline Rogero, Sens. Bob Corker and Lamar Alexander, Rep. John Duncan and the U.S. Consulate in Istanbul were among those who have intervened to help Alizoti.
The offices of Corker and Rogero said they hope Alizoti can return home to Knoxville soon.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (AP) - A lawsuit filed by a woman whose former civil union partner fled the country with their child rather than share custody is being allowed to proceed because one of the defendants is set to be sentenced in a separate criminal case, a judge has ruled.
In his Monday decision, Vermont U.S. District Court Judge William Sessions expanded the lawsuit filed by Janet Jenkins to include a number of organizations and people alleged to have been involved in the flight from Virginia of her former partner Lisa Miller and their daughter.
The judge said that evidence presented during the September criminal trial of Virginia businessman Philip Zodhiates provided new grounds to include those organizations and people who had been dismissed from the civil case.
The civil lawsuit, filed shortly after the 2012 conviction of Mennonite pastor Kenneth Miller on criminal charges of helping Lisa Miller and her daughter flee, had been suspended during the separate case against Zodhiates, who also is a defendant in the civil case.
Kenneth Miller, of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, is no relation to Lisa Miller. His attorneys argued at his trial that custody hadn't been transferred to Jenkins when he helped Lisa Miller and her daughter flee so no crime could have been committed. But he said after he was convicted he was willing to accept the consequences of his actions.
Zodhiates, of Waynesboro, Virginia, was accused of helping Lisa Miller and her daughter, Isabella Miller-Jenkins, cross into Canada near Buffalo, New York, in September 2009. Miller and Isabella, now 14, flew to Nicaragua, where they are believed to be living. Zodhiates was convicted in September of international parental kidnapping and conspiracy.
Zodhiates, whose Vermont attorney in the civil case did not return a call and an email seeking comment, is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Buffalo on Wednesday, clearing the way for the resumption of the civil case, which seeks unspecified damages.
Jenkins is looking forward to the case moving forward, her attorney Sarah Star said.
"She wants to find out what happened to her daughter," Star said Tuesday.
Jenkins and Miller entered into a civil union in Vermont shortly after the state became the first to legally recognize same-sex relationships in 2000. Miller bore the child, who was conceived through artificial insemination, and both acted as parents.
The two later split up, and Miller, who moved to Virginia, had primary custody of Isabella, with Jenkins given visitation rights. Miller defied court orders that she grant visitation and fled when it became apparent the court would transfer custody of Isabella to Jenkins.
The civil case named as one of the defendants the Florida-based Liberty Counsel, which helped provide legal representation for Miller during her years-long legal fight. Liberty Counsel CEO Mat Staver said neither he nor anyone else from his organization involved in Miller's case knew of her plans to flee.
Liberty University, which is separate from the counsel, also was added to the lawsuit because one of its professors was accused of encouraging Miller to commit civil disobedience rather than comply with Vermont family court rulings. Liberty University counsel David Corry said the university was surprised to learn it had been brought back into the case and was "mounting a defense to the allegations."
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) - Haitian police on Tuesday rejected claims by ex-President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's lawyers and associates that the twice-elected, twice-ousted former leader was the target of an assassination attempt.
Shots were fired at the former president's motorcade Monday as it passed through an intersection in downtown Port-au-Prince. Aristide ally Yvon Feuille and lawyers have described the incident as an "assassination attempt" and allege the shooters were police.
But in an interview with The Associated Press, Deputy Commissioner Jean Alix Pierre-Louis said Tuesday that the chaos was caused by partisans of two political factions who hurled rocks and fired guns when Aristide's motorcade passed by following his testimony at a court hearing.
Former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, center right, walks with former presidential candidate Maryse Narcisse outside the courthouse in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday March 20, 2017. Judge Jean Wilner Morin is questioning Aristide as a witness about the case of Jean Anthony Nazaire who's implicated in money laundering. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
A cellphone video made public by Aristide's Fanmi Lavalas political movement doesn't capture the full incident, but shows rocks raining down on police officers, who take cover behind cars. At least two officers are clearly seen firing their weapons toward the opposite side of the intersection.
Police Inspector Prenel Duval said that officers with the Motorized Intervention Brigade fired live rounds, but he asserted the intention was to disperse people. He said there was considerable panic among the crowd and "a lot of shooting from different directions." He acknowledged that the officers with the unit do not have training to deal with crowds.
The officers appeared to be taken by surprise by the confrontation between roughly 20 partisans of President Jovenel Moise's Tet Kale party and a much larger crowd of Lavalas faithful surrounding Aristide's motorcade.
Two people standing in front of Aristide's car were wounded during the violence, including a security guard who was shot in the wrist. Investigators say it is not clear who shot them.
"I can assure you the guys traveling in that motorcade had guns. They had more guns than we did," said Duval.
The incident is under investigation, Pierre-Louis said at his office a few blocks from the intersection where the violence took place. But he flatly rejected the assertion that Aristide was the target of an "assassination attempt."
"That is nonsense. It was nothing like what they are saying," Pierre-Louis said.
Aristide's U.S. lawyer, Ira Kurzban, has said the shots were "fired by uniformed police directly at the vehicle in which President Aristide was a passenger."
The incident occurred after Aristide appeared as a witness in a court hearing involving an associate who is facing a money laundering probe.
Although he hasn't been in power since 2004, Aristide remains a highly divisive figure in Haiti, popular with some and reviled by others.
He emerged as a leading voice for Haiti's poor and became the troubled country's first democratically elected president in 1990, despite opposition from the army, Haiti's elite and the United States following the 29-year Duvalier family dictatorship.
Aristide was toppled twice from power, his second term ending amid a violent rebellion and allegations of corruption. He spent seven years in exile in South Africa.
The former Roman Catholic priest insisted he wouldn't get involved in politics upon his return to Haiti in 2011. But he actively campaigned for Maryse Narcisse, the Lavalas presidential candidate who finished fourth in a presidential election redo in November. Moise won in the first round with over 50 percent of the votes.
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David McFadden on Twitter: www.twitter.com/dmcfadd
Supporters of former Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide chant while he leaves the courthouse in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday March 20, 2017. Judge Jean Wilner Morin is questioning Aristide as a witness about the case of Jean Anthony Nazaire who's implicated in money laundering. ( AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (AP) - A video showing a man stopping a fight between two teenagers in New Jersey and refusing to leave until the boys shake hands has drawn millions of views and heaps of praise for his intervention.
The video has been viewed more than 20 million times since being posted on Facebook on Monday.
The clip starts with a fistfight in Atlantic City between two boys as other youths record it on their phones. Ibn Ali Miller then walks up, gets between the two and tells the onlookers that they're cowards for recording the scuffle.
"Look, they laughing. Look," Miller says while gesturing to the gathered crowd. "He's got a big smile on his face. ... He's supposed to be your man."
The stranger then tells the teens they are "almost men" and need to start acting like it.
"Y'all got parents. Don't make your parents look like this," he said.
After learning from the teen combatants that they had no idea why they started fighting, the man refused to leave until they both shook hands.
"It's a great thing to have the youth listen like that" Miller told the Press of Atlantic City. "That doesn't always happen. Those young men impressed me".
Miller said that he was running an errand for his mother while on a break from a class when he came across the fight.
"That scene that went down, that happens a lot in Atlantic City, and these kids are too young," Miller told the newspaper, adding that it's not the first fight he's broken up and probably won't be the last. "You can't pick that 'today, I'm gonna stop some kids from fighting', but God does what he wills."
The video drew a retweet from Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James, who saluted the man "who stepped in and spoke real to our young generation."
"To me the fact that LeBron and others have seen it ... it's cool, I'd be more excited when I was a younger man," Miller told the newspaper, adding that his family isn't on social media because of all of the negativity. "But I want people to take away from it to pay it forward. That's it".
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Online: http://bit.ly/2naxgaB
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) - The Latest on the planned layoff of Illinois prison nurses (all times local):
3:45 p.m.
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration says it plans to lay off state prison nurses to "streamline" medical services and coordinate them with the current health care vendor.
Rauner's office informed the Illinois Nurses Association that in June it will lay off 124 nurses at 12 prisons. Their jobs would be privatized.
Nicole Wilson is spokeswoman for the Department of Corrections. She says the administration will save $8 million by privatizing the jobs. She says medical provider Wexford Health Care Services is willing to hire most of the laid off nurses and the administration would locate vacancies in other departments for other displaced nurses.
Alice Johnson is executive director of the nurses association. She says Rauner is retaliating because union members rejected a tentative contract agreement last spring.
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2:25 p.m.
More than 100 nurses at Illinois prisons have received layoff notices telling them their jobs are being privatized.
The Associated Press obtained a letter Gov. Bruce Rauner's administration sent to Alice Johnson, executive director for the Illinois Nurses Association. It says the state will hire contract nurses and that the unionized nurses will be laid off June 15.
Johnson told the AP the layoffs are an attempt to "bully and intimidate" the nurses in retaliation for rejecting a contract agreement last year.
A spokeswoman for Rauner did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Johnson says the administration has no authority for the action. The union filed an unfair labor practices complaint with state regulators last week. It demands that Rauner keep negotiating with the union.
Prince Harry has joked with old Army friends and praised the unbreakable spirit and resilience of the Nepali people at a ceremony to celebrate 200 years of co-operation between the UK and the tiny Himalayan country.
Thank you to all at the Embassy of Nepal for a spectacular afternoon of celebrations to mark 200 years of UK-Nepal relations pic.twitter.com/jWUWXAu2aT The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 20, 2017
He was given a garland of flowers at the event at the Nepali embassy in London marking the end of celebrations for the milestone.
After unveiling photographs of the 13 Gurkha soldiers who have received the Victoria Cross, he chatted and joked with comrades he met when he was attached to the 1st Battalion The Royal Gurkha Rifles in Afghanistan for three months in 2007/08.
At today's celebrations marking 200 years of UK-Nepal relations, Prince Harry unveils a photograph of 13 Gurkha Victoria Cross recipients pic.twitter.com/zD8INjHH9X The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 20, 2017
Rifleman Vinod Budhathoki, 32, who lost both his legs in an accident in May 2010, remembered Harry as very down to earth during his tour with B Company.
Mr Budhathoki, who also met Harry when he competed in the Invictus Games three years ago, said: He just never let us feel like he was from the Royal Family. We just treated him as a normal officer. He was so nice, and just made us work quite easy with him.
Prince Harry catches up with Hari Budha Magar and Vinod Budhathoki, who he served with in Afghanistan, at tonight's UK-Nepal celebrations pic.twitter.com/SKukXa5sh5 The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 20, 2017
Corporal Hari Budha Magar, 37, said Harry had joked stop following me after they met last week as he and the Prince of Wales presented Afghanistan operational medals to Gurkhas at Buckingham Palace.
Cpl Magar, from Kent, who lost both his legs above the knee in 2010, told Harry about his attempt next year to become the first double amputee to scale Mount Everest.
Prince Harry meets 37-year-old Corporal Hair Budha Magar, left, and Rifleman Vinod Budhathoki, two Gurkhas who he served with in Afghanistan at the Embassy of Nepal
He said: I am training at the moment in Nepal and Scotland, and he said, All the best for it.
The event was held to mark the signing of the Treaty of Segauli in March 1816, which established formal relations between Nepal and the UK.
The event comes one year after Harry made his first trip to Nepal - a visit which coincided with the bicentenary of the signing of the Treaty of Segauli in March 1816
Harry was presented with a traditional Nepali khukuri knife, before watching cultural performances and a knife dance by Gurkha soldiers.
DefMin Mark Lancaster and Prince Harry are greeted with a traditional dance by Gurkhas as they celebrate 200 years of UK-Nepal relations pic.twitter.com/JPr81rXaWa Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) March 20, 2017
In a speech to dignitaries, he described Nepal as a captivating country, adding: It is no exaggeration to say that the people of Nepal, and the Gurkhas in particular, hold a very special place in the heart of the British public and in my family.
Harry travelled to Nepal last year to visit areas ravaged by the 2015 earthquake, and he lauded the way they the country has dealt with the devastation.
Prince Harry exchanges a namaste greeting as he arrives for the ceremony at the Embassy of Nepal in London
He said: I saw first-hand the unbreakable spirit and resilience of the Nepali people as they set about it. I hope you and they can continue to draw comfort from the fact the British people stand with you on that journey.
Prince Harry speaks of his great personal affection for the people of Nepal at celebrations marking 200 years of UK-Nepal relations pic.twitter.com/AhF24RDV6h The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 20, 2017
He spoke of his admiration and gratitude for the Gurkhas, who have served alongside British forces for more than 200 years a brigade Harry previously said he wanted to join.
The prince said: Your courage, selfless dedication and professionalism are legendary; but your warmth and hospitality in welcoming me as a fellow soldier and friend means a great deal to me personally - even though certain people took great enjoyment from watching me sweat in freezing temperatures in Afghanistan while trying to get through a very spicy goat curry.
Read Prince Harry's speech at the commemorations marking 200 years of UK-Nepal relations https://t.co/6pXO85uFgf The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) March 20, 2017
Nepali ambassador Dr Durga Bahadur Subedi said: Your love, affection and goodwill towards the Nepalese people are assets for us to cherish. The United Kingdom occupies a very special place in the hearts of the Nepalese people.
Former Tory Cabinet minister Norman Tebbit said he hopes Martin McGuinness is parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell for the rest of eternity.
The peer, whose wife Margaret was paralysed when the IRA bombed a Brighton hotel during the Conservative Party conference, said the world is a sweeter and cleaner place now the former deputy first minister is dead.
MUST WATCH: Earlier Lord Norman Tebbit shared his strong views on the death of #MartinMcGuinness. What are your thoughts? pic.twitter.com/a8R34LlNGE Good Morning Britain (@GMB) March 21, 2017
He told the Press Association: Im just pleased that the world is a sweeter and cleaner place now.
He was not only a multi-murderer, he was a coward. He knew that the IRA were defeated because British intelligence had penetrated right the way up to the Army Council and that the end was coming.
He then sought to save his own skin and he knew that it was likely he would be charged before long with several murders which he had personally committed and he decided that the only thing to do was to opt for peace.
He claimed to be a Roman Catholic. I hope that his beliefs turn out to be true and hell be parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell for the rest of eternity.
The scene after an IRA exploded a bomb at the Grand Hotel in Brighton
The 1984 Brighton bombing of the Grand Hotel in the middle of the night killed five and left many injured.
Lord Tebbit said he refused to forgive Mr McGuinness for his terrorist past because forgiveness requires confession of sins and repentance. There was none of that, he added.
But Jo Berry, the daughter of Conservative MP Sir Anthony Berry who was killed in the Brighton bombing, said Martin McGuinness should be remembered for his efforts to build peace.
Tebbit not speaking for all, I value Martin McGuinness as inspiring example of peace and reconciliation. I lost my Dad in Brighton Bomb @GMB Jo Berry (@JoBerry9) March 21, 2017
She told the Press Association: Today is a day to really appreciate what (McGuinness) has achieved.
His legacy is one of reconciliation and peace-building, which is always going to be messy and difficult after a conflict and despite that, he showed us how to move forward and showed us a way where former enemies can work together for the peace of the whole.
What we have now is so much better than what I grew up in. What we have now is peace.
Ms Berry has reconciled with Patrick Magee, the man who planted the bomb that killed my father, through her charity Building Bridges for Peace.
The two met in 2000 following Magees release from prison, which led to him apologising for the killing.
I understand ALL responses to being affected by terrorism. I dedicated myself to peace as didn't want others to feel that pain #piersmorgan Jo Berry (@JoBerry9) March 21, 2017
She earlier tweeted a response to Lord Tebbits interview with Good Morning Britain/
But she explained the post was not meant to judge, saying: Firstly, I really understand his reaction. If I had more space on Twitter, I would have said that. It was not meant to judge him at all.
I wanted to talk about how far Northern Ireland has moved on. (Martin McGuinness) legacy of reconciliation will live on.
He lived and worked with former enemies and for that I admire him.
A doctor who misled other medics before Scottish nurse Pauline Cafferkey was struck down with the Ebola virus is amazing, a colleague told a tribunal today.
Dr Hannah Ryan was one of the first UK medics to travel to Sierra Leone with Ms Cafferkey and other volunteers to undertake dangerous work helping treat victims of the deadly outbreak that killed thousands in West Africa in 2014.
Another volunteer, Dr Sharon Irvine, told the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service: Hannah is amazing. Shes one of the best doctors I have worked with ever.
Donna Wood (Yui Mok/PA)
But the tribunal has heard when they returned to the UK Dr Ryan took Ms Cafferkeys temperature while being screened for Ebola and acquiesced in not reporting a raised temperature indicative of infection.
Ms Cafferkey was allowed to leave Heathrow Airport but fell seriously ill the next day.
Dr Ryan admits misleading medics from Public Health England (PHE) doing the screening but denies misconduct at the hearing in Manchester.
All the medics had worked in horrendous conditions, the tribunal heard, having to wear face masks and heavy, head-to-toe protective clothing in searing heat, working in pairs in case of fainting, while treating women, children and men dying from the virus.
Cafferkey fell seriously ill after leaving Heathrow (Andrew Milligan/PA)
When they got back to the UK on December 28 2014 after two months away they were keen to get back home to loved ones. But the PHE screening process at Heathrow Airport to ensure no one brought the virus back to the UK was shambolic with queues building up in the crowded, noisy and chaotic quarantined area, the hearing was told.
Dr Ryan took Ms Cafferkeys temperature as 38.2 centigrade above the 37.5 C threshold as a warning sign for Ebola infection.
Dr Ryan was in a state of disbelief, fear and panic at the raised reading and instead of alerting the PHE medics at Heathrow a lower temperature of 37.2C was given. Dr Ryan denies writing the 37.2C temperature for Ms Cafferkey on the form handed to PHE screening staff at Heathrow.
Instead she admits she acquiesced in the wrong temperature being given. Her counsel, Richard Booth QC, suggested it was another medic, nurse Donna Wood, who had put the false temperature on the form to hand in.
Ebola killed scores of people in West Africa (Simon Davis/DFID/PA)
Mr Booth asked Mrs Wood: Did you say something along the lines of, Im going to write it down as 37.2 and then we will get out of here?
Mrs Wood replied: You are absolutely mistaken, I did not say that.
Last year, Mrs Wood was suspended for two months after a Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) panel found she had suggested putting the lower temperature on the form.
The NMC said her fitness to practice had been impaired on public interest grounds and her misconduct could have contributed to the risk of Ebola spreading into the UK.
Ms Cafferkey was cleared of allowing the incorrect temperature to be recorded, as her judgment at the airport had been so impaired by the developing illness that she could not be found guilty of misconduct, the NMC ruled.
Bristol pair Marc Jones and Will Cliff will both return to former club Sale Sharks in the summer.
Hooker Jones and scrum-half Cliff have signed two-year deals to head back to the north west for second stints at Sale.
Its great news for the club and the supporters that both Marc and Will have decided to return to the club, said Sale rugby director Steve Diamond.
Will Cliff
They both know what we are about, the culture of the club and where we want to be.
Jones racked up 158 appearances for Sale between 2005 and 2015, and has captained Bristol on occasion during his two-year stint in the south west.
I have some great memories of playing at Sale Sharks and living in the north west and am looking forward to playing for the club again, said Jones.
I have enjoyed my time here at Bristol and would like to thank the club and the fans for their support.
Cliff made more than 100 Sale appearances between 2009 and 2015, and also expressed his delight on his return.
I grew up watching Sale Sharks and am looking forward to returning to the club who I played for from leaving school, said Cliff.
Living and playing in Bristol has been enjoyable and the club and the supporters have been great to me and my family.
Frances interior minister has resigned amid an investigation into parliamentary jobs he gave his daughters.
Bruno Le Roux announced his decision on Tuesday.
He insisted he did nothing wrong in hiring his daughters, but said he stepped down out of respect for the government and to allow the Interior Ministry to keep fighting terrorism and other security challenges.
Le Roux said the job contracts conformed with the judicial rules of the National Assembly and all corresponded to work effectively carried out.
Bruno Le Roux has insisted he did nothing wrong in hiring his daughters
The move came a day after a TV report about his daughters 24 temporary parliamentary jobs, and two months after a similar investigation seriously damaged conservative Francois Fillons presidential bid.
The French financial prosecutors office has opened a preliminary investigation into the TV report.
Prime minister Bernard Cazeneuve summoned Le Roux for a meeting following the report.
President Francois Hollande named the countrys low-profile trade and tourism minister, Matthias Fekl, as the new interior minister.
Mr Hollande said he had accepted Le Rouxs resignation after a meeting.
Mr Fekl has been serving as junior minister for trade and promoting tourism to France. In his new job he will oversee Frances fight against Islamic extremism, illegal migration and other crime.
The current government will leave office in May after France elects a new president, because Mr Hollande decided not to seek a second term.
PARIS, March 20 (Reuters) - France and Japan support a "free and open maritime order" in the Asia-Pacific region, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said after talks with French President Francois Hollande on Monday.
The message seemed aimed at China, which claims almost all the South China Sea and which has fuelled concern in Japan and the West with its growing military presence in the waterway.
"Francois and I agreed on the importance of ensuring a free and open maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region (and) of continuing to support the stability and prosperity of this region," Abe told reporters after the talks.
Japan plans to dispatch its largest warship on a three-month tour through the South China Sea beginning in May, three sources said last week, in its biggest show of naval force in the region since World War Two. China pledged a firm response if Japan stirred up trouble in the South China Sea.
Abe underlined the importance of separate naval exercises involving personnel or equipment from Japan, France, Britain and the United States to be held around Tinian island in the western Pacific in May.
Hollande said France reaffirmed its support for an increased Japanese peace-keeping role and said the two countries would work together to improve the ability of their forces to cooperate.
He assured Abe of France's support after North Korea this month fired four ballistic missiles into the sea off Japan's northwest coast. He also denounced the development of North Korea's nuclear and ballistic programmes, which he said violated all its international obligations.
Reflecting concerns over rising protectionist sentiment in the United States and elsewhere, Abe said Japan and France wanted to continue to be "champions of free trade" and said an agreement on a free-trade pact with the European Union would send an important message.
Hollande also voiced support for the proposed EU-Japan trade accord which is being negotiated.
France and Japan also signed an agreement on reinforced cooperation on nuclear energy.
Two Japanese firms, Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, agreed in February to buy a combined 10 percent stake in a new company being split off from Areva for 500 million euros ($537 million), helping a state-backed rescue of the French nuclear group.
Abe earlier met German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Hanover .
($1 = 0.9308 euros) (Reporting by Bate Felix and Adrian Croft, editing by larry King)
By Karen Sanje
LILONGWE, March 21 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Malawis government is trying a new way to protect its fast-dwindling forests: Sending in the army.
With deforestation threatening the capitals water supply, the government has launched 24-hour military patrols of the countrys major forests, with authorisation to arrest loggers and confiscate their equipment, said Sangwani Phiri, a spokesman for the Ministry of Natural Resources, Energy and Mining.
The move is "a bid to avert unwarranted illegal cutting down of trees," he said in a telephone interview with the Thomson Reuters Foundation.
The strategy, using soldiers from the Malawi Defence Forces (MDF), is one already being used by other southern African countries including Botswana and South Africa, and is common practice in parts of other countries, including India and Vietnam, he said.
Malawis government estimates that the countrys 3.4 million hectares (8.4 million acres) of predominantly natural forests are being depleted at a rate of 1.8-2.6 percent annually, largely for charcoal production.
"We are targeting all forest areas across the country, but we are starting with the Mua, Livulezi, Dzalanyama, Viphya and Mulanje Mountain forests, whose rate of depletion has been worrisome," Phiri said.
The deployment follows what he described as a successful pilot programme in the vast Dzalanyama Forest, which spreads across the Central Region districts of Dedza and Lilongwe. The programme began in February 2015.
FINES, CONFISCATION
Lieutenant Wilned Kalizgamangwere Chawinga, a staff officer in the MDF Public Information Office, said troops will conduct patrols 24 hours a day in the forests, as they have been doing in the pilot programme.
"We detain illegal loggers and charcoal producers and snatch their vehicles and any other equipment used," he told Thomson Reuters Foundation by email.
"We take everything confiscated to the nearest MDF installation, where owners come to claim them if they have appropriate papers, or after paying fines to the Department of Forestry," he said.
Chawinga said the soldiers also destroy charcoal kilns discovered in the forests.
"Apart from patrolling the forests, confiscating equipment and detaining those involved in illegal logging, MDF soldiers sensitise the public to the dangers of deforestation and encourage them to plant more trees," Chawinga said.
Rampant tree felling is having a severe impact on Malawis water resources, experts say.
The cutting down of trees in Dzalanyama, for example, is threatening the Lilongwe River, which supplies the capital with water.
The drying river has forced the Lilongwe Water Board to ration supplies, cutting off some areas of the city from water for as long as four days at a time.
John Paul, a climate change expert at Total LandCare, an African-based non-governmental organisation, said that as forests reduce in size they emit less water vapour which reduces rainfall, leading to lower levels of water in rivers and other waterways.
Deforestation also increases the rate of evaporation from water bodies already depleted by lack of rain, he said.
"Forests are carbon sinks and the absence of them raises temperatures, because when there are no forests, atmospheric carbon dioxide increases," he said. That leads to faster global warming, he said.
`GRAVELY WORRYING WATER LOSSES
Edward Nyirenda, a spokesperson for the Northern Region Water Board, welcomed the involvement of soldiers in protecting forests, describing the rate at which forests are disappearing in its water catchment areas as "gravely worrying".
"The situation is not good due to wanton cutting down of trees," Nyirenda said. "Deforestation is affecting the quantity and quality of our raw water sources."
Apart from reducing supplies of water, deforestation has also led to more eroded soil in the water supply, requiring more costly processing, he said.
Over the past few years, drought and erratic rainfall across the country have affected water levels in Lake Malawi, according to the Electricity Supply Corporation of Malawi (ESCOM).
The utility says that dwindling water levels in the lake have affected its ability to produce hydroelectric power on the Shire River, the sole outlet from Lake Malawi.
ESCOM has been rationing power supplies, which raises demand for alternative sources of energy, including charcoal. This in turn has increased the pressure on forests.
Phiri said that besides deploying soldiers to guard forests, the government is training forest rangers who it will "arm to the teeth for any crucial battles" that arise in the effort to guard the forests. He said the rangers would later take over from the soldiers in guarding the forests.
"Government will continue with efforts to find the best possible ways of protecting and preserving our remaining forest cover," Phiri promised.
(Reporting by Karen Sanje; editing by James Baer and Laurie Goering :; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, climate change, resilience, women's rights, trafficking and property rights. Visit http://news.trust.org/climate)
LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 20 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump said on Monday he was preparing new executive actions to save coal mining and put miners back to work.
"As we speak we are preparing new executive actions to save our coal industry and to save our wonderful coal miners from continuing to be put out of work. The miners are coming back," Trump told a rally in Louisville, Kentucky, without providing any details. (Reporting by Roberta Rampton; Writing by Eric Walsh; Editing by Sandra Maler)
By Cynthia Kim and Christine Kim
SEOUL, March 21 (Reuters) - Ousted South Korean president Park Geun-hye apologised to the country on Tuesday as she appeared at prosecutors' offices for questioning as a criminal suspect in a corruption scandal that has gripped the country for months.
Park, 65, became South Korea's first democratically elected president to be removed from office when the Constitutional Court this month upheld her impeachment by parliament in December.
She has been accused of colluding with a friend, Choi Soon-sil, to pressure big businesses to donate to two foundations that backed her policy initiatives. Park and Choi have both denied wrongdoing.
"I am sorry to the people. I will faithfully cooperate with questioning," Park said in front of media at the steps of the prosecutors' office building, her first comments directly to the public since she was dismissed.
The questioning ended 14 hours later, just before midnight, according to Sohn Bum-kyu, one of Park's lawyers. Park is expected to head home after reviewing her statements made to the investigators early on Wednesday.
Park has not been charged but could face more than 10 years in jail if convicted of receiving bribes from bosses of big conglomerates, including Samsung Group chief Jay Y. Lee, in return for favours.
After about five hours of questioning, an official from the prosecutors' office told reporters Park had been forthcoming but he declined to elaborate on what she had been asked, on her responses or on what charges she might face.
Park's fate and the widening corruption investigation have gripped the country at a time of rising tension with North Korea and China.
Hundreds of Park's flag-waving supporters gathered outside her home in Seoul's upmarket Gangnam district to see her off, and later gathered outside the prosecution office.
Park was dressed in a dark navy coat and trouser suit with grey shoes, and looked sombre as she stood to deliver her brief remarks.
"EQUAL BEFORE THE LAW"
Park, who was accompanied by two of her lawyers, was given tea before her first session of questioning by two prosecutors and an investigation official, prosecutors said in a statement.
One of her lawyers, Yoo Yeong-ha, is known as her "Bulletproof Vest" and has been her legal voice since the beginning of the scandal in October.
Park declined to have her questioning recorded by video camera, prosecutors said.
She later had a lunch break of some seaweed rice rolls and a sandwich, one of her lawyers said. Later in the day, she took another break for dinner brought in from a nearby restaurant.
The official from the prosecutors' office declined to say if she would be summoned again or whether a warrant for her arrest would be filed.
Sohn, one of Park's lawyers, said her health was not at its best and she had been getting medical checks between questioning sessions. The prosecution official said his office had not received any medical note regarding her health.
The scandal has undermined support for Park's conservative ruling party. A liberal opposition politician, Moon Jae-in, is leading in opinion polls and is expected to win a snap presidential election on May 9.
Park's supporters and opponents have held protests in Seoul for months but police have managed to keep them apart and no serious violence has broken out between them.
A spokesman for Moon said uncovering the truth would help heal divisions.
"We want former president Park to tell the truth and ask for forgiveness. All are equal before the law," said the spokesman, Park Kwang-on. "Finding the truth is a first step for the unity of the people."
A top official from Park's party urged prosecutors not to be swayed by public opinion but to find the truth and give Park the cordial treatment a former president deserved.
"Everyone, not only me, is feeling miserable and distressed," the party official, Chung Woo-taik, told a meeting.
A Danish court will rule on April 19 on an extradition appeal by Choi's daughter Chung Yoo-Ra, who is wanted for questioning in relation to the scandal, Denmark's public prosecutor said on Tuesday. (Additional reporting by Joyce Lee and Ju-min Park; Editing Robert Birsel and Alison Williams)
Following are news stories, press reports and events to watch that may affect Poland's financial markets on Tuesday. ALL TIMES GMT (Poland: GMT + 1 hour):
DEBT
The finance ministry will release supply for the Thursday bond tender around 1030 on Tuesday.
KONSALNET
China Security & Fire will buy the Polish cash escorting company Konsalnet from Value4Capital for 110 million euros ($118.38 million), Puls Biznesu daily said.
POLL
56.5 percent of Poles negatively assess President Andrzej Duda, while 62.3 percent criticise Prime Minister Beata Duda, according to IBRiS poll published by Rzeczpospolita daily.
ELECTION
The ruling Law and Justice party has decided to limit the number of terms for local government heads to stop almost two thirds of present officials from taking part in local elections scheduled for 2018, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna daily said.
RETIREMENT AGE
Cutting the retirement age in Poland does not support the anticyclical policy that governments should conduct, the World Bank's representative for Poland and the Baltic states, Carlos E. Pinerua, was quoted as saying by Rzeczpospolita.
CAR INSURANCE
Insurance companies will increase car insurance prices again after they rose 40 percent last year, Gazeta Wyborcza daily said. The trend is connected to heavy losses that insurance companies suffered in the car insurance sector.
SUPERMARKETS
Deputy Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki proposes to ban super and hypermarkets from trading every second Sunday, Dziennik Gazeta Prawna said.
ASTRA ZENECA
Poland will become Astra Zeneca's biggest centre coordinating clinical research as the company plans to develop its present outlet and increase its workforce to around 1,000 people from 400 presently, Rzeczpospolita said.
****Reuters has not verified stories reported by Polish media and does not vouch for their accuracy.****
For other related news, double click on: Polish equities E.Europe equities Polish money Polish debt Eastern Europe All emerging markets Hot stocks Stock markets Market debt news Forex news For real-time index quotes, double click on: Warsaw WIG20 Budapest BUX Prague PX ($1 = 0.9292 euros) (Reporting by Warsaw Bureau)
CAIRO, March 21 (Reuters) - Egypt aims to raise 6 billion pounds ($329 million) from the sale of stakes in state companies in the 2017/18 financial year, Finance Minister Amr El Garhy told Reuters, part of government efforts to generate revenue and attract investors.
He did not specify which companies would be involved, or the size of the stakes which would be offered to investors.
Egypt plans to offer shares in several public companies, mainly in the petroleum and financial sectors, on the stock exchange this year.
The offerings will be its first since 2005, when the state sold shares in Telecom Egypt, AMOC and Sidi Kerir.
The Egyptian government owns a large number of companies in various industries as well as several banks, but its efforts to privatise state holdings have proven politically sensitive.
The 2011 uprising that ended Hosni Mubarak's 30-year rule followed years of complaints over the spread of what many considered crony capitalism, with stakes in state firms being sold off to big investors with political connections.
The government plans to sell minority stakes of 20-30 percent mainly through stock exchange offerings, which are widely seen as more transparent and could also help strengthen the bourse and attract investors.
Oil Minister Tarek al-Molla said last year that eight petroleum companies were among those being considered for privatisation.
Central Bank Governor Tarek Amer has said the government also plans to offer 20 percent of Banque du Caire as well as a 40 percent stake in the Arab African International Bank (AAIB), in which the central bank owns a stake.
Banque du Caire is expected to list its shares in the first half of the year.
The moves are part of Egypt's efforts to revive its economy after the 2011 uprising drove away tourists and foreign investors. On Nov. 3, the central bank abandoned its peg of 8.8 pounds per dollar, allowing the pound to halve in value. The stock market has rallied in response to the float with foreign investors also buying up government debt instruments.
($1 = 18.25 Egyptian pounds) (Reporting by Ehab Farouk; Writing by Lin Noueihed; Editing by Dominic Evans)
By Andrea Shalal, Ercan Gurses and Tuvan Gumrukcu
BERLIN/ANKARA, March 21 (Reuters) - Turkish leaders will hold no further campaign rallies in Germany before Turkey's April 16 referendum, organisers said on Tuesday, after an ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said they were not welcome.
The announcement by the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) underscored a sharp deterioration in relations between NATO allies Germany and Turkey ahead of the referendum on boosting the powers of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan.
"We will not organise any further events with Turkish government officials before the referendum," UETD President Zafer Sirakaya told Germany's Wirtschaftswoche magazine. Sirakaya was not available for immediate comment but an UETD spokeswoman confirmed the quote as reported by the magazine.
In Turkey, an official with Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party said it would still carry out some "referendum propaganda activities" in Europe this week, but would focus its efforts domestically within Turkey beginning next week.
A German foreign ministry source welcomed the news, saying it should allow a peaceful start to voting by some 1.4 million Turkish citizens living in Germany who are eligible to vote in the referendum. Voting will take place at 13 consulates and other sites around Germany from March 27 to April 9.
The unexpected news came after escalating tensions between Turkey and Germany over campaign appearances by Turkish officials seeking to drum up support for the vote.
Erdogan had accused Germany of using "Nazi" tactics after local officials, citing security concerns, canceled several campaign rallies by Turkish ministers in Germany. Merkel demanded Ankara halt the rhetoric, but Erdogan has repeated the message in speech after speech, including one on Tuesday.
"Enough is enough," Volker Bouffier, vice chairman of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Tuesday.
"Mr. Erdogan and his government are not welcome in our country, and that must be now be understood," Bouffier, who is also premier of Hesse state, told DLF radio.
German media have reported that Erdogan planned to visit Germany this month to rally support for the measure, but Berlin said it had not received a formal request for such a visit.
INSULTS
Bouffier said a visit by Erdogan would create security problems. "Someone who insults us in this way cannot expect that we will assemble thousands of police to protect him," he said.
Reiner Haseloff, another member of Merkel's CDU and premier of Saxony-Anhalt state, echoed Bouffier's criticism.
"Those who compare us to Nazis are not welcome. That is not acceptable," he told Die Welt newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday.
On Monday, Merkel again told Ankara stop the Nazi comparisons and said Berlin could block appearances by Turkish officials if they did not comply with German law, which explicitly forbids disparagement of the government.
Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said Berlin would revoke permission for events that were already approved if Ankara did not respect the law against disparagement of the government.
EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans told reporters after a meeting with Gabriel that EU officials were united in rejecting the Nazi comparisons.
"President Erdogan's comments about Germany and the Netherlands are not allowed. We don't want to be compared to Nazis," he said.
The Netherlands, also home to a large ethnic Turkish diaspora, has been embroiled in a similar row with Turkey
On Tuesday, Erdogan repeated his criticism of Germany and other European countries, saying today's "fascist and cruel" Europe resembled the pre-World War Two era.
Erdogan also said Turkey could no longer be pressured by considerations such as a $6 billion migrant deal, under which it agreed to stop illegal migrants from crossing into Greece in exchange for financial aid and accelerated EU membership talks.
"They cannot threaten us with any of these things anymore," he said. "Let's first switch to the new system on April 16, then there will be a very different Turkey rising."
EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn told the Bild newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday that Turkey's prospects for joining the EU would be "increasingly unrealistic" unless it changed course and stopped moving away from European values.
Hahn said the EU had repeatedly voiced its concerns about the "increasingly authoritarian path of President Erdogan".
"Threats are no way to make policies. They make a reasonable dialogue impossible," he said. (Reporting by Gernot Heller, Andrea Shalal, Andreas Rinke and Reuters TV in Berlin, and Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay in Istanbul; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
RABAT, March 21 (Reuters) - Moroccan authorities have arrested Kassim Tajideen, deemed by Washington a top financier of the Lebanese Hezbollah movement, and plan to extradite him to the United States, a Moroccan security source close to the case said on Tuesday.
Tajideen was arrested on March 12 at Casablanca airport on an arrest warrant issued two days earlier by Interpol's Washington office for alleged fraud, money laundering and financing of terrorist activities, the source told Reuters.
He was in transit from Guinea's capital, Conakry, on his way to Beirut, said the source, who was not authorized to speak to the media.
Morocco's Interior Ministry declined to comment and the Ministry of Justice did not immediately respond to request for comment.
The U.S. Department of Treasury designated Tajideen, a Lebanese and Sierra Leonean national, a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in May 2009, calling him "an important financial contributor to Hezbollah".
In 2010, the Treasury Department hit Tajideen's brothers, Husayn and Ali, with sanctions for allegedly providing support to the Iranian-backed group. It said that Ali was once a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon.
U.S. sanctions have targeted the brothers' network of businesses in real estate, construction, diamonds and the food trade in Gambia, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola and the British Virgin Islands.
Reuters was unable to reach members of the Tajideen family for comment. Hezbollah has previously denied U.S. accusations that it is linked to money-laundering.
The U.S. embassy in Rabat had no immediate comment.
The U.S. sanctions in 2010 barred U.S. citizens from doing business with the brothers but some of their companies have continued to operate.
The Interpol warrant against Kassim Tajideen accused him of making illegal money transfers worth $27 million through a business network that runs through Angola, the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon, the source said.
U.S. officials have long been concerned that central and west African countries could become safe havens for financiers of Hezbollah looking to take advantage of weak financial regulation.
Hezbollah has played an important role in Syria's civil war in recent years, lending crucial firepower to President Bashar al-Assad's forces against rebel groups. (Reporting by Samia Errazzouki; Writing by Aaron Ross)
N'DJAMENA/PARIS, March 21 (Reuters) - French far-right leader Marine Le Pen will meet Chad's President Idriss Deby on Tuesday as she looks to bolster her foreign policy credentials with a key ally in the fight against Islamist militants, her National Front party said.
Le Pen, among the frontrunners in the French presidential election, travelled to Lebanon in February to get a sense of the Syrian crisis and is using the two-day visit to meet French troops stationed in Chad and outline her policies for Africa.
"She will be meeting President Deby with whom she will discuss the sensitive situation in this part of Africa," the party said in a statement.
"She will make a speech outlining her vision for future Franco-African relations."
Chad has one of the region's most capable militaries and hosts the headquarters of France's 4,000-strong West African anti-militant operation, known as Barkhane.
"Marine Le Pen has arrived in NDjamena and is continuing to Amdjarass about 900 kilometres to the east where she will be received this afternoon at her initiative by President Deby," a spokesman for the Chadian president said.
Among her foreign policy objectives Le Pen has called for closer cooperation in Syria with President Bashar al-Assad and a rapprochement with Russian leader Valdimir Putin
She also wants to increase the defence budget to 2 percent of gross domestic product by 2018, up from about 1.78 percent now, and 3 percent by 2022.
(Reporting by Madjiasra Nako in NDjamena and John Irish in Paris, editing by Ed Osmond)
By Andrei Makhovsky
MINSK, March 21 (Reuters) - Belarussian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday a "fifth column" was plotting to overthrow him with the help of foreign-backed fighters, days before a planned street protest in Minsk against a new tax.
Lukashenko, who has ruled ex-Soviet Belarus with an iron hand for 23 years, is grappling with unrest over a plan to force the unemployed or those in part-time work to pay $250 a year - widely referred to in Belarus as a "tax on social parasites".
The president said security forces had recently detained "a couple dozen of fighters" who were being used by foreign parties to stage uprisings and were being trained in camps in Ukraine with money funnelled through Poland and Lithuania.
"There are some people bent on blowing up the situation in the country. I call them the fifth column. They are not an opposition. They want to stage a rebellion in the country," state agency Belta quoted Lukashenko as saying. "Their dream is to topple the government and overthrow the president."
Lukashenko has sought to improve ties with the West against the backdrop of cooling relations with ex-Soviet master Russia. He has pardoned several political prisoners, spurring the European Union to lift sanctions against a country once described by the United States as "Europe's last dictatorship".
The president briefly introduced the tax before shelving it in response to protests. It has now been postponed until the end of the year but protests have continued, with the next one scheduled to take place in the capital on Saturday.
Independent analysts said the Lukashenko's announcement was designed to scare people off protest action.
"This rhetoric is for domestic consumption. The purpose is to discredit the protests and prevent people from taking part," said Denis Melyantsov at the Belarussian Institute for Strategic Studies.
Belarus has been in recession since 2015 and the protesters, many of them older people though still below pensionable age, say there is no work for them.
"The authorities are preparing to use force, and this requires justifications," said Andrei Yahorau, head of the Center for European Transformation think-tank.
"They need an enemy. The government wants to show that the reason for the protests is external interference rather than popular discontent."
(Editing by Matthias Williams and Mark Heinrich)
ANKARA, March 21 (Reuters) - Turkey on Tuesday summoned a top diplomat from the German embassy after Germany's spy chief said at the weekend he was not convinced a U.S.-based Muslim cleric was behind a failed coup attempt in Turkey last July.
In a statement, Turkey's foreign ministry said the comments from BND head Bruno Kahl published in news magazine Der Spiegel on Saturday revealed a "tolerant and protectionist attitude" towards what Ankara calls the "Gulenist Terrorist Organisation".
The foreign ministry said it had summoned Berlin's charge d'affaires, a top diplomat who usually stands in when the ambassador is away. (Reporting by Tulay Karadeniz and Ece Toksabay; Writing by David Dolan; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
ZURICH, March 21 (Reuters) - Switzerland has banned imports from four Brazilian meat processing facilities as part of Europe-wide safety measures, Swiss authorities said on Tuesday.
"A total of four facilities have been barred from exporting meat products into the European Union or Switzerland," the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office said. "Three of these facilities exported meat products to Switzerland in the past."
Switzerland had previously imported expensive beef and poultry from the sites, the authority added.
China and the European Union curtailed meat imports from Brazil on Monday after police, in an anti-corruption probe criticised by the government as alarmist, accused inspectors in the world's biggest exporter of beef and poultry of taking bribes to allow sales of rotten and salmonella-tainted meats. (Reporting by Michael Shields, writing by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi)
ABUJA, March 21 (Reuters) - Nigeria has given contractors 30 days to resume delayed development projects in the Niger Delta oil region or face prosecution, the presidency said on Tuesday.
The government has been trying to build new roads and launch other projects to drag the region out of poverty and create jobs, aiming to give local people alternatives to joining the militants attacking oil facilities.
The government has "directed that the list of all contractors who have not returned to site within the stipulated period be compiled and submitted to the Ministry of Justice and the Economic Financial Crimes Commission for investigation and prosecution," it said in a statement.
Many projects have been delayed due to the collapse in oil revenues or to graft accusations.
The presidency also ordered the ministry of environment to ensure "progress" of an cleanup of oil spills in the Ogoniland area, a project delayed for years.
"The Federal Government has issued a new set of directives in its bid to accelerate the implementation of the (President Muhammadu) Buhari administration's new vision for the development of the Niger Delta," it said in a statement, referring to the contractors' order.
The government has been holding talks with militants to end attacks on oil production facilities which cut the OPEC member's output by 700,000 barrels a day for several months last year.
But a lack of development and an army crackdown on thousands of illegal refineries in the southern swamps, which process crude oil stolen from oil majors and state oil firm NNPC, have raised tensions.
Militants behind last year's attacks called for more of Nigeria's energy wealth to go to the Delta.
Crude sales make up two-thirds of government revenue. Vice President Osinbajo, whose office issued Tuesday's statement, has visited the region several times this year to calm tensions.
Last year's attacks, combined with subdued oil prices, were a major factor in Africa's largest economy shrinking 1.5 percent in 2016 - its first full-year contraction in 25 years. There have been no attacks so far in 2017. (Reporting by Felix Onuah; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Greg Mahlich/Pitchford)
By Brendan Pierson
NEW YORK, March 21 (Reuters) - U.S. prosecutors have charged a Lithuanian man with engaging in an email fraud scheme in which he bilked two U.S.-based companies out of more than $100 million by posing as an Asian hardware vendor.
Evaldas Rimasauskas, 48, was arrested late last week by Lithuanian authorities, Manhattan federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Rimasauskas does not yet have legal counsel, a spokesman for the prosecutors said.
The alleged scheme is an example of a growing type of fraud called "business email compromise," in which fraudsters ask for money using emails targeted at companies that work with foreign suppliers or regularly make wire transfers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said last June that since October 2013, U.S. and foreign victims have made 22,143 complaints about business email compromise scams involving requests for almost $3.1 billion in transfers.
In an indictment unsealed Tuesday, prosecutors said that to carry out his scheme, which they said began around 2013 or earlier, Rimasauskas registered a company in Latvia with the same name as an Asian computer hardware manufacturer.
He then sent emails to employees of the two unnamed victim companies asking them to wire money that they actually owed to the Asian company to the sham Latvian company's accounts, prosecutors said.
The victim companies are described as a multinational technology company and a multinational social media company.
After they wired money to Rimasauskas's Latvian company, Rimasauskas quickly transferred the funds to different accounts around the world, including in Latvia, Cyprus, Slovakia, Lithuania, Hungary and Hong Kong, prosecutors said.
In order to conceal his fraud from banks that handled the transfers, Rimasauskas forged invoices, contracts and letters purportedly signed by executives at the two victim companies, according to prosecutors.
Rimasauskas is charged with wire fraud and money laundering, which each carry a maximum prison sentence of 20 years, and identify theft, which carries a mandatory minimum sentence of two years. (Reporting By Brendan Pierson in New York; Editing by Bernard Orr)
A 34-year-old member of the Army Intelligence Unit was arrested last night in connection with the abduction and assault of senior journalist Keith Noyahr in 2008 at his residents in Dehiwela, Police said.
They said the suspect was a resident of Vegovwa area in Minuwangoda and he was arrested at 09.35p.m.
He is to be produce before the Mount Lavinia Magistrates Courts today.
A mega Field Training Exercise (FTX) with the Sri Lanka Army undertaking the forthcoming UN Combat Convoy Tasks in United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSMA) in Mali, will start from Kankesanthurai on March 27.
The Army said the FTX would cover a distance of about 1,166 km across the country during the 9-day long assignment after its preliminary formalities officially begin tomorrow.
The hypothetically-designed FTX, code named Ex Harmattan, cognizant of prevalent ground realities and challenges in Mali is comprised of a Combat Convoy Company (CCC) of 15 Officers and 185 Other Rankers, in addition to more than 68 vehicles and are poised to encounter simulated threat conditions en route during the Exercise, launched exclusively to improve the UN mission competence capacity of the CCC of the Army.
Troops of the Infantry with Armour, Mechanized Infantry and other logistic elements will commence the FTX from Kankesanthurai in the North and terminate in the South, close to Sooriyawewa under four Phases along with belligerent parties after nine days on April 5.
The Army said the FTX has received the blessings of Army Commander Crishanthe De Silva.
The FTX convoy during the span of the assignment will pause at Nawaladi, Vidattaltivu, Oyamadu, Minneriya, Puttalam, Maduruoya, Buttala and Sooriyawewa areas to match with hypothetical scenarios of the Exercise settings during the course of its tour from Kankesanthurai to the South.
Brigadier D.M.D.C.D. Gunawardena will function as the Exercise Director assisted by Colonel S.U.M.N. Manage as Deputy Exercise Director. Under Phase-I, the convoy expects to derive a comprehensive knowledge on Malis geographical and ground realities vis-a-vis current political developments and her administrative structure.
The CCC under the Phase - II will focus on Planning and Preparation of the FTX before the FTXs execution proper begins afterwards under the Phase - III. The FTX culminates with a debriefing under the Phase - IV after April 9.
The mammoth FTX would educate the CCC on combat and supply practices, command and leadership, emergency contingency plans, combat convoy tasks, decision-making during emergencies, application of convoy drills, protest controls, disposal of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), administration and logistic sustenance, maintenance of communication and other techniques and procedures in UN peace enforcement operations, logistics and planning process, unique to UN Combat Convoy Tasks in MINUSMA - Mali,.
Sri Lanka Army, which is recognized as a UN troop contributing member to the UN Peace Keeping Missions has been invited to dispatch a peace-keeping convoy company to Mali, the 8th largest country in Africa. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
DFCC Bank will celebrate Earth Hour on 25th March by switching off power between 8.30pm and 9.30pm across all its branches. In order to promote greater awareness about Earth Hour, the Bank has also launched an interactive social media campaign to encourage the public to suggest innovative energy saving tips that are practical and demonstrate their commitment to responsible energy consumption. Selected winners will receive a DFCC Bank Gift Certificate worth LKR. 2,500/- as their reward for valuable energy saving tips.
DFCC celebrates Earth Hour with enthusiasm every year. Earth Hour is a global event organised by the World Wildlife Fund and encourages businesses and households to turn off non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for one hour, to raise awareness on the need to take action on climate change.
Arjun Fernando CEO of DFCC Bank says, We are happy to participate in this worldwide campaign in consideration of the one thing we all have in common our Planet. As a Bank committed to delivering sustainable and responsible solutions, Earth Hour provides DFCC Bank with the ideal platform to demonstrate its responsible approach to consumption of resources and to encourage all stakeholders to take a proactive approach to protecting the environment. We believe that our inclusive social media campaign will build engagement and awareness of the power that people have to reverse climate change. DFCC Bank extends this Earth Hour commitment to 365 days of its operations and our sustainability commitment continually drives us to explore innovative ways to cut back on electricity consumption.
Eight women Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) have been promoted to the rank of Superintendent of Police (SP) with effect from February 20 by the National Police Commission (NPC), Police said today.
Police spokesman DIG Priyantha Jayakody said IGP Pujitha Jayasundara had recommended the promotions based on their service period and skills.
Accordingly, State Intelligence Service ASP A.G.N.D. Senevirathne, Fraud Investigation Bureau ASP S.A.R. Jayasundara, Bribery and Corruption ASP W.J. Padmini and Criminal Investigations Department ASP R.A.D. Kumari were promoted to the rank of SP.
Meanwhile, ASP D.S. Periyapperuma of the Police Headquarters, ASP H.W.I.S. Muthumala of the CID, ASP P.J.M. Ariyasena of the Kelaniya Division and ASP M.M.L.R. Amarasena of the Child and Women Bureau were also promoted to the rank of SP.
NPC Secretary, Ariyadasa Cooray, said the women ASP officers were promoted to the rank of SP following the establishment of a combined carder of ASPs and SPs. He said previously there were only two SP positions for women.
Earlier, the NPC said there were 11,000 women employed in the force but they could only legally appoint two to the positions of SP.( Darshana Sanjeewa)
Kanthi Gunathilake is an unusual writer. She has written 52 works of fiction, and most of them are based in Japan. She writes about Japan and the Japanese with a level of knowledge and understanding that can come only with a deep feeling for the country and its people.
That she has lived in Japan for nearly two decades certainly helps, but her feeling and insights are not the result of a mere passage of time. Her books are not about expatriate (or gaijin) experiences in Japan. Her characters are Japanese and the writing unravels their actions and thoughts.
After writing so much, she hasnt received much recognition. That she isnt known in Japan is understandable because her books are in Sinhala, and havent been translated into either English or Japanese. But there hasnt been much recognition at home, either.
Much of her work falls into the youth romance genre. Of the five books reviewed, three Kiyomi, Hima Bima Pamula and Noriko San have young Japanese women as protagonists. They offer the requisite happy ending but are skillfully written. The author is quite good at producing dramatic tension through characterization.
In the novel Noriko San, Noriko and Chiko are close friends. Chikos elder brother Ichiro is a pleasant young man who begins to court Noriko. But the reader is left wondering what kind of man he is when Noriko hears that he has ties to the Yakuza, Japans underworld. She maintains dramatic tension in her stories with the use of such simple but effective devices.
Her writing reveals a close affinity with nature, and an obvious love of the countryside. Every book has detailed descriptions of Japans flowers and scenic beauty, along with rituals pertaining to Japans ancient and indigenous religions such as Shintoism, as well as with folk culture and festivals. While outsiders see Japan as a very industrialized and urbanized country, Kanthi Gunathilake takes the reader to a pastoral Japan where old world values and respect for the forces of nature still exist.
Puduma Hithena Iskole (Amazing School) is a childrens story. It isnt actually about any school. Rather, its a heartwarming tale of friendship between two children. One is Yuki, a five-year-old girl whose mother was killed by a tsunami. Junkun, a six-year-old boy, is her friend. While exploring a childs inner world, Yuki is unable to understand what people mean by saying her mother had died she only knows that her mother doesnt return home from wherever she is. But Juki learns what death could be like when Junkun disappears while trying to float on a toy raft in a river.
Hima Bima Paamula is a tale of young love, but its a story about Japans illegal immigrants who live in permanent fear of deportation. Its brings together Yuri, a Brazilian girl of Japanese origin, and Mihran, a Bangladeshi student who stays behind as an illegal alien to earn some money, and helps Yuri through a difficult period of pregnancy as her Japanese lover disappears.
Happy Beggar is different from these Japanese stories as it is about a Portuguese fisherman and his family. Benjamin is considered lazy by the entire village but strikes fortune when his wife persuades him to move to a town and start life again. There is tragedy as Benjamin kills someone impulsively. This book, too, has a happy ending but her style makes for effortless reading, though one wonders if some of the names of her characters, such as Vessie, Ruby, and Meryl are Portuguese.
Her prose is easy to read and lucid. This is the opening passage from her novella The Red Kimono.
The new day filled Hitomi with joy as she watched the sun rising from the Pacific Ocean. The wonders of the universe were amazing. But it was an illusion beyond description, a beautiful illusion which appeared and disappeared every day. The entire mountain range of Fukuyama was covered with snow. The white snowscape kissed by rays falling from the direction of the Pacific was a wonder to behold. The snow shone silvery in the sunlight, making the mountains shine like a conjurors trick.
Her writing reveals a close affinity with nature, and an obvious love of the countryside
Kanthi Gunathilake can be contacted on phone no: 0718324824
The Red Kimono is based on a Japanese folk tradition. On Jan. 15, the sejinksi festival marks the ascendance of young Japanese from adolescence to adulthood as they turn 21, and earn their freedom. All her stories reveal such knowledge and understanding of Japans ancient culture and traditions.
Kanthi Gunathilake spent her childhood in Colombo and attended St. Anthonys Girls School, where she excelled in Sinhala language and literature. She began professional life as a school teacher in Anuradhapura, but her life was transformed when she migrated to Japan in 1992 with her husband, a businessman.
Her literary talents seem to have blossomed there, shaped by her love of Japan and her culture. That she lived in Ibaraki Province, 150 km from Tokyo, obviously made a deep impression on her, as her books are full of vivid descriptions of the countryside. She is a writer who deserves wider recognition.
A Police sergeant attached to former President Mahinda Rajapaksas security detail has died during a fitness test being held last morning, Police said.
45-year-old Sergent Sumith Seneviratne was a resident of Meerigama was participating in physical and medical tests in which if successful would have made him eligible for promotions and allowances as a member of VIP security.
Police said he had served the Police Department for 24 years and was taken ill during a road run near the Gamini Hall in Colombo 2.
He died on admission to the Colombo National Hospital.
Police said the sergent had passed a routine medical examination which cleared him for participation in the aptitude test. A postmortem examination will be conducted shortly. (Darshana Sanjeewa)
The Government is agreeable to the presence of foreign observers and not to foreign judges to view the judicial procedures on human rights violations, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe told Parliament today.
He was responding to a question asked by joint opposition parliamentary group leader Dinesh Gunawardane as to how the Foreign Affairs Minister was to be a signatory of a co-sponsored resolution at the UN Human Rights Council Sessions amid the President and the Prime Minister clearly stating that Sri Lanka was not agreeable to include foreign judges in any judicial proceedings on human rights violations.
Mr. Gunawardene said this government had co-sponsored a resolution which was harmful to the country and inquired whether it was going to do the same this year as well.
The Prime Minister in his response said Sri Lanka would not permit foreign judges to participate in any judicial proceedings and would not agree to the setting up of hybrid courts.
However, he said foreign observers might be invited only to view the proceedings and recalled that it was the previous regime which agreed to set up an internationally-accepted mechanism to into allegations of human rights violations.
"The fact of the matter is that the previous government clearly undertook to work with the UN in conducting court proceedings on allegations of human rights violations under the agreements reached with the then UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon soon after the war ended in 2009," the Prime Minister said.
He said this government would only set up a truth commission but would in not way agree to any criminal proceedings. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)
ELKO The Nevada Board of Regents named the recipients of several prestigious honors.
The Distinguished Nevadan represents the most prestigious award conferred by the Regents. These individuals have made significant achievements that have contributed to the cultural, scientific, or social advancement of Nevada. Recipients of the award are Robert Fowler, Mary Hausch, Tyrus Cobb, and Donald Carano.
The Regents Scholar Award is bestowed upon one student from each NSHE institution for their academic achievements, leadership ability and service contributions. Each honoree receives a $5,000 stipend. The awards were given to the following: Nemanja Novakovic, University of Nevada, Las Vegas undergraduate; Tyler Stalaum, UNLV graduate; Kristen Casey, University of Nevada, Reno undergraduate; Angela Hornsby, UNR graduate; Amber Consul, NSC ; John Napa, CSN; Shiara Holmes Great Basin College; Spencer Earl Schultz, TMCC; and Pa Jeremiah Kang, WNC.
The Regents approved honorary degrees for Theodore Lee, Mick Hitchcock, Dennis Parks, and Nancy Brune. They will be honored at their respective campus award ceremonies in May in Elko, Las Vegas and Reno.
The board also named the recipients of the Regents awards for NSHE faculty and staff. This award recognizes significant accomplishments which bring recognition, as well as national and international stature. The honoree receives a $5,000 stipend. The Creative Activities Award was bestowed upon Candace Garlock, TMCC and Francisco Menendez, UNLV.
Teaching Awards were given to Dr. Sarah Cummings, UNR, and Dr. Thomas Herring, WNC, for outstanding instructional contributions to the Nevada System of Higher Education.
The board gave out Academic Advisor Awards to Christine Marshall, GBC; Dr. Pamela Sandstrom, UNR; and Dr. James Sedinger, UNR. This award honors outstanding academic student advising with one award granted to a community college advisor and two awards granted to advisors at the state college or universities.
The Regents Rising Researcher Awards are bestowed upon a faculty member at each Nevada research institution of their early-career accomplishments and potential for future advancement and recognition. These recipients receive a $2,000 stipend. Dr. Sarah Blithe, UNR; Dr. Alyssa Crittenden, UNLV; and Dr. Casey Schmidt, Desert Research Institute were honored with the awards.
Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera has accepted the report on the OHCHR investigation on Sri Lanka and had co-sponsored the resolution on Sri Lanka without the consent of the President and the Cabinet, the joint opposition told the UN Human Right Council (UNHRC).
JO member Sarath Weerasekara who spoke to Daily Mirror from Geneva said he told the UNHCR that Sri Lanka was involved in a non international armed conflict between the government and the LTTE and as such the armed forces could not be accused of violating the International Human Rights Law (IHL).
In an armed conflict, only International Humanitarian Laws are applicable and therefore it cannot be charged under the International Human Rights Law. When you apply IHL it is very clear that it was the LTTE and not the Sri Lankan security forces who committed war crimes, he said.
Mr. Weerasekara is said to have tabled two reports -- one carrying the views of world renown experts claiming that security forces had not committed war crimes and the other prepared by a panel of experts to show that the OHCHR report was seriously flawed with contradictions, omissions and lies.
Its a pity that the UNHRC which looked away when the LTTE was using people as human shields and recruiting child soldiers is now levelling war crime charges on the very troops who destroyed the LTTE and protected Human Rights. It an example of double standards and hypocrisy, he said.
On behalf of the JO, Mr. Weerasekara requested the UN General Assembly to assign a special rapporteur to investigate the matter and impose a moratorium on the UNHRC from pursuing the resolution any further till investigations were completed. (Thilanka Kanakarathna)
In the annals of the civil war that raged between the Sri Lankan security forces and Tamil militants led by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Ealam (LTTE) and other terrorist organizations, the burning of the Jaffna Public Library was a momentous event. It has been chronicled that an organized mob of Sinhalese origin went on a rampage on the night of June 1, 1981, burning the library. In the fair opinion of many independent observers, it was one of the most vicious examples of ethnic biblioclasm of the 20th century. At the time of its destruction, the library was considered one of the major libraries in Asia, containing over 97,000 books and manuscripts.
According to ill-founded rumours, roguishly generated by powerful insiders of the then UNP-led government itself, among the main culprits who led this insensitive and cold-hearted plunder was Gamini Dissanayake, the then Minister of Mahaweli and Land Development and a very close associate of President J R Jayewardene. However, in terms of the contents of the memoirs of Edward Gunawardene, the then Deputy Inspector General of Police, Gamini was vindicated beyond any reasonable doubt, of this dastardly act. Nevertheless, propagandists of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and its Presidential Candidate in 1994 went to town on this unfounded allegation that Gamin was behind the burning of the library. Dr. Carlo Fonseka, a well-known social scientists and aloud hailer for the so-called left was one of the main antagonists who accused Gamini, without any evidential material in his possession. He used the presidential elections-platform to hurl these innuendos, posing as an authentic source of information.
Yet it was quite magnanimous of Carlo Fonseka to have dissociated from these false allegations after reading Edward Gunawardenes memoirs. He went as far as admitting to being delusional at the time he was indulging in these falsehoods. According to his own words, EG was our man on the spot and he was an eye-witness to the event. Chapter XI titled: Who burnt the Jaffna library? gives a clear, authoritative and comprehensive account of the Jaffna Library Fire. It riveted my attention. It disabused my mind of an illusion, or rather I should say, a delusion. In psychiatry, a delusion is defined as a false belief persisted in despite evidence to the contrary. I now think that the period in question was one in which the time was out of joint in our country and EG was born to set the historical record right. Owing to my delusion that it was Minister Gamini Dissanayake who burnt the Jaffna Library, I became guilty of an act which will remain a permanent source of regret in my life. Allow me to use the privilege of appearing on this platform to try and make amends for the injustice I inflicted on Gamini.
My own account of these allegations about the burning of the Jaffna Library might be even more relevant in that as Gaminis Private Secretary at the time, I am fairly sure that GD, as he was fondly called by his close associates, was nowhere near Jaffna. He was engaged in the District Council election campaign in another district in Uva Province. I was in Nuwara Eliya at the time and we learnt about the burning of the Library late night on June 1, 1981. But today some Tamils, both in Sri Lanka and overseas still believe that it was Gamini who was responsible for the burning of the treasure trove of the learned in the peninsula. Unfortunately for him, Carlo Fonseka came out clean a way too late and after his demise. Even that came after the publishing of the memoirs of Edward Gunawardene. Consequently, in the context of vindication and clearing of Gaminis name and removing one blemish, if any, that he had on his name, Carlo Fonsekas confession has no meaning, nor does it have any weight, to be really honest. Gamini, when he was living and even after his demise, is being judged in the most unfortunate fashion. While the Tamils, especially the Diaspora passed judgment on Gamini as an anti-Tamil and a racist, some Sinhalese leaders, specifically in the so-called intelligentsia and some current politicians, labelled him as a pro-Tamil politician. That indeed is a very unfortunate status a politician would like to find himself in. Remember, Gamini was one of the victims of the murderous suicide gang of Prabhakaran. He was killed by the LTTE and he was hated by the militant Tamil organizations. And one other major causes for which Gamini was held in contempt by both fringes, anti-Sinhalese and anti-Tamil, for his bold and creative role he played in the crafting and implementing the 13th Amendment to our Constitution.
"Detractors and critics of Gamini might indulge themselves in perverted pleasure of disparaging him as a racist or a traitor to the cause of Sinhalese - Buddhists"
All this and other related events and information need to be taken into serious consideration when one ascertains whether Gamini was a racist or not. Oxford Dictionary defines racist as thus: someone who believes that other races are not as good as their own and, therefore, treats them unfairly. In terms of that definition, most of todays Sinhalese politicians, including the leaders of the last regime of the Rajapaksas are confirmed racists. But Gamini, whether in the narrow context of the definition of the word, or when taken against a backdrop of the vast programmes undertaken by him, his public conduct of affairs and when staffing and obtaining professional advice from his private and official staff, Gamini was one single leader in the government of J R Jayewardene from 1977 to 1989 and thereafter until his death who remained a very balanced human being as a private individual and an exemplary politician who wished to serve Sri Lanka as one single nation without any prejudice towards any person or a group or class of persons based purely on race, caste, faith.
Sri Lanka today is not the same country that was there during Gaminis life which spanned only 52 years. The illuminating effect Gamini had on the landscape of politics, his passionate involvement with whatever the subject he handled at the time, his courageous stances on politically sensitive issues were all traits of an admirable politician whose commitment to the lofty ideals of politics was total and complete as it could possibly be. His appeal to varied issues that confronted Sri Lanka in the last couple of decades of the last century might not be relevant today. But his engagement with those issues and the methodology and equanimous attitude towards those issues do matter in any time, past, present or future. His exposure to the geopolitical equations that were in play, his more-than-cordial relationships with global leaders, he being accepted as one single person in whom one can place full trust when engaging in matters political, industrial, trade or whatever relevant to the very existence of our country as a sovereign member of the family of nations.
Detractors and critics of Gamini might indulge themselves in perverted pleasure of disparaging him as a racist or a traitor to the cause of Sinhalese-Buddhists. Voyages into search of truth may be hard and filled with many a storm and tempest; they may be navigating some of the most modern and state-of-the-art ship and your ultimate port might be a deserted island or a utopian land. But when voters are asked to cast their votes in an election, when they are asked to place their trust in one single person to navigate that ship in troubled waters and in stormy environs, Gaminis name would appear right on top. All the past election results in respect of his performance in them were ample testimony to his magic appeal and ensuing readiness to embrace the electorate as his brothers and sisters from wherever they appeared, North, South, East or West.
"Allegations about the burning of the Jaffna Library might be even more relevant in that as Gaminis Private Secretary at that time, I am fairly sure that he was nowhere near Jaffna"
Danish philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard said: I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations - one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it - you will regret both. In that context, let me share with you some info which I have not shared with anyone to date. During the Presidential Election campaign in 1994, Hamilton Wanasinghe, the then JOC Commander, contacted me and asked me to advise Gamini not to visit the East. When I asked him why, he said that there was imminent threat to his life from the Tigers. At the time the Chandrika Bandaranaike government had given bare minimum security to Gamini and majority of the security personnel was from private sources. When I intimated this to him, his reply was thus: Palitha, I am a politician, my place is among the people. If I decide to get away from that environ, then I must get out of politics. In fact I could not cancel any commitment that he had made to the campaign schedule. In hindsight, that was the undoing of Gamini Dissanayake. Yet, when all pens were down and voices were mute, from D S Senanayake to the current President and Premier, Gamini Dissanayake stands singularly as a Sinhalese Buddhist leader who stood by the basic Buddhist principle of
Najachcha Wasalo Hothi, Najachcha Hothi Brahmano
Kammana Wasalo Hothi, Kammana Hothi Brahmano
One does not outcast by birth or Genius by birth
Thus will be outcast by deed or will be genius by deed
The write can be contacted by email:- palithapelpola@gmail.com
A Russian couple was arrested in Pelena, Weligama for overstaying their visa and violating immigration laws, Police said.
They were arrested while they were staying at a hotel in Pelena, Weligama.
Police initiated investigations on a complaint lodged by the hotel management that the couple had failed to settle the hotel bills.
Investigations revealed that their VISAs had expired on March 02, 2017.
They were to be produced in courts today.
In a bid to focus attention on the importance of fresh water and advocating for the sustainable management of water resources, world water day is held annually on March 22nd
The United Nations General assembly responded by designating 22nd March as the World Water Day..
Thus, March 22, 1993 was the first World Water Day.
Water needed for survival
All living beings need water for survival. It has been proved that a living being on earth should breathe, drink and eat to live on.Without breathing one can live only for a short spell of time counted in seconds and minutes. One can live a longer period without food than without water. It has been proved that the longest time that one can live without water is seven days.
International decade of action on water for life 2005-2015
The United Nations General Assembly at its 58th session in December 2003agreed to proclaim the years 2005 -2015 as the International decade of action on water for life and March 22 as the Worlds Water Day. An attempt was made to ensure the participation of women in water related development efforts. The increasing significance of water scarcity and the need for increased integration and cooperation to ensure sustainable and equitable management of scarce water resources both at international and local levels was highlighted.
Serious problems to be faced by users of water throughout the world
The Director-General of Food and Agricultural Organization (F.A.O} said on World Water Day2007, Fourteen percent of the fresh water will need to be withdrawn for agricultural purposes in the next thirty years to cater to the global population which is expected to reach 8.1 billion by 2030, he said. The pressure on water resources intensifies paving way to tensions and conflicts.
Human activities contributing to the water crisis
A severe water crisis will occur in the world approximately nine years from now as a result of human activities. On World Water Day, United Nations call on every one to be prepared to face the water crisis that will take place in the near future.Three-fourths of the fresh water that people use every day come from forested catchment areas.
Water scarcity in Sri Lanka at present for cultivation
About 50,000 Hectares of paddy lands which were cultivated in the Yala season had been destroyed due to the lack of water and only 40 percent of the families were able to reap a harvest this year. Many farmlands are being affected by the droughtThe Department of Irrigation announced that water can be distributed only to 60 percent of paddy lands
Scarcity of drinking water
The water sources of many villages in the districts of Polonnaruwa, Batticaloa, Trincomalee Kilinochchi, Vavunia, Monaragala, Ratnapura and Kurunegala districts have dried up. More than 51.000 families that are directly affected by the drought engage in a daily struggle to obtain the water that is being distributed by bowsers. Drought conditions are a seasonal occurrence in these areas. In certain areas of the Anuradhapura district there is only one well that provides clean drinking water to multiple villages.
There is the urgent need to implement sustainable plans
Conflicts among nations with water as the bone of contention are not recent ones. It was Gautama Buddha who mediated in a conflict between Sakyans and Kolians and taught the world the principles of water management.The Enlightened One intervened in the deadly war launched among His relatives for the water of river Rohini.. This river flowing between the borders of Sakya and Koliya Kingdoms provided irrigation facilities for farmlands in both kingdoms.
Farmers and rulers who knew nothing about water management resorted to a deadly war without arriving at a compromise to share the river water.The Enlightened One who envisaged the impending danger appeared before the rival groups. He explained to them the ill effects of fighting over the natural resource for which both sides had equal rights.
Have we achieved World Water day themes of the previous decade?
Water for the 21st century was the theme for the year 2000,Water for development for the year 2002, and Water for the futurefor the year 2004. These themes indicate that it is the responsibility of every one of us in making drinking water and sanitation available to future generations. We should act accordingly if we are to achieve the Millennium Development goal.
Colombo High Court Judge Vikum Kaluarachchi today rejected the revision bail application filed on behalf of MP Wimal Weerawansa seeking a court order against the remand order given by Colombo Fort Magistrate over the case in which Mr. Weerawansa was accused of misusing state vehicles.
Former minister Wimal Weerawansa was arrested by the FCID on the allegation of misusing 40 state vehicles belonging to the National Engineering Corporation (NEC) and causing Rs. 90 million financial loss to the State during 2011-2014. (Shehan Chamika Silva)
India is the least happy country in the subcontinent. We have slipped four positions to number 122 in the UN Happiness Index report. By the time you read that sentence, we must have slipped another position because this news makes us sad. According that index, Bangladesh, Nepal, China, Pakistan and Sri Lanka all fare better than us. Heck, Iraq is happier.
Lankans are typically tropical sons of beaches and are definitely happier. China has no freedom to believe you are unhappy. Nepal has mountains and having mountains makes you humbler and happier. Bangladeshis are just happy that they aren't Pakistan. Pakistan is happy because she is not Afghanistan. Not yet.
But Iraq should make us rethink our priorities? I am sure suicide bombs, ISIS and a 14-century-old Shia-Sunni conflict don't make Iraqis happier than us. One possibility is that just being alive makes Iraqis the happiest thing on earth. But being alive is a good ting here too, right?
So what is it that we lack? How did we, the karma-believer dharma productions, become such sorry ass-suckers that we are ranked lower than Ethiopia and Myanmar? I suspect it has to do with what we consume. You remember the old adage "You become what you eat"? Well, we deserve this.
The Hindustan Times informed us today that newly anointed chief minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath eats boiled grams, papayas, apple and daliya, two full spoons each, before he drinks a bowl of chhachh (buttermilk). No word yet on whether he blows into the bowl. Sometimes, he has two bananas and a lot of water.
We become what we eat. Everybody can eat tomato. (Credit: YouTube)
You give me that food for a day and I will be the opposite of happy for a month. You report that in a newspaper, you make thousands of people regret their choices in life. What is the point of going into details like daliya and where the spoons are full or half-empty?
When Vasundhara Raje became Rajasthan's chief minister, no one called to inform us what she ends up having for dinner? We still do not know the number of idlis Rahul Gandhi leaves untouched? We all understand the editorial judgement behind not revealing the details of Arvind Kejriwal's dinner, but what stops the newspapers from describing that of Devendra Fadnavis? Why is there so much secrecy around Arun Jaitley's lunch and Nitin Gadkari's samosas?
Is it because Yogi Adityanath is exotic? The man with a monkey on his lap and earrings going across not the lobe but the conch of the ear? He does look exotic in his Ray-Bans, but it's the saffron robe that makes him robe-daar. He is a human after all, yogi or not. He eats the same things that the rest of us do. He's head of a sect and won't eat meat but when did vegetarians who don't eat exotic greens become exotic?
There is this trend to flaunt vegetarianism as a virtue, but hell freezes over if that virtue is not practised with avocados, broccoli and other myriad shoots and leaves that can't be pronounced have become the hallmark of true vegetarianism. Boiled gram, papaya and daliya don't make the cut. Local leaves are called saag more like Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, and less like Run Lola Run.
When a bhola TV reporter went to Bundelkhand in 2015, people enjoying a local delicacy involving roots and leaves were lamented as poor people forced to live on grass. Don't know about the grass eaten in Bundelkhand, the one smoked by these reporters is of good quality, I tell you. Run Bhola Run.
We have already been told that Adityanath sleeps four hours a day. Sleeping for only four hours may not be a bad thing but it is not a virtue. That he has a pet dog for company and a monkey to balance. And that Muslims love the Maharaj. That the hospital he runs doesn't discriminate between Hindus and Muslims. That a Muslim keeps his room tidy. In two days, we have basically been told that he treats Muslims as humans. That Adityanath is human. Who ever doubted that?
Some are insisting that he has no vices, so he is a better human than us lesser mortals. He doesn't eat meat, drink alcohol or smoke tobacco. Things are bad for you. Eating, especially. What you consume will consume you eventually. But media omits that eventually bit. Newspapers keep telling you there's pesticide even in a mom's milk. Baba Ramdev keeps going on and on about haanikaarak chemicals. Sugar is bad for you. Sitting is the new smoking. Standing up for long will give you blood clots.
Chocolate is bad for you and wine is good for your heart but will definitely kill your liver. Don't eat red meat and fowl got bird flu. Fish have Omega-3 but the mercury will make up for that. Muslims can't eat bacon, Hindus won't eat beef. Everybody can eat tomato. Red and soft. Fresh with a promise of pulp. Cut it and it's like something really ugly and alien died inside.
IS-sponsored terror struck Dhaka in Bangladesh on Friday, March 17, when a suicide bomber blew himself up near a checkpoint close to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) headquarters.
RAB is the principal task force comprising handpicked officers from the armed forces, proficient in dealing with counter-terror operations relating to security contingencies threatening Bangladesh.
Coincidentally, earlier on March 16, another IS suspect blew himself to smithereens, again near a RAB barrier near Dhaka's Ashokana area. The IS immediately claimed responsibility for this act of terror.
What's disturbing is the audacity and desperation on part of the extremists, ostensibly inspired by the IS, to strike at such close proximity of the RAB. It's an open defiance, displaying scant fear of this elite force and also indicative of the extremists' desperation to hit at crucial locations and draw maximum local and international publicity.
Bangladesh has always been in denial mode, saying IS is not complicit in any of the terror acts. They consistently maintain that it's only the home-grown terrorists who are at work. Conceded, but the terrorist forces, in different nomenclature, are very much alive and kicking and are hitting out at regular intervals.
It's time for Bangladesh intelligence agencies to introspect and assess the threat, beginning from July 1, 2016 when people were taken hostage and killed (including one Indian) at a renowned cafe in Dhaka.
On July 7, the Eid congregation was attacked and since then there have been attacks at regular intervals, setting a pattern of continuing terror. Those involved in these heinous incidents were educated in the most sophisticated educational institutions and were sufficiently radicalised through their "aakaas" operating with the IS cadres in Syria. We can, therefore, safely assume there is a good number of Bangladeshis in action in the IS misadventures in Syria and possibly in Iraq.
Despite Bangladesh securitymen killing terrorists and sporadically arresting some, the terror continues and the country looks fraught with terrorism perils in the near future, more so when it is about to observe it's "Genocide Day" and hold Independence Day celebrations in the current month.
By the existing trend of terror in Bangladesh, it seems to be symptoms of a disease, leading to prognosis and treatment.
We should not forget the role of the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka.
Against this backdrop, Bangladesh needs a good medical treatment. And if done half-heartedly, it will not cure the malady, which may manifest in some form or the other.
The major forces engaged in unsettling Bangladesh and fomenting terror are more than identified. They are Jamait-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB), Harkat-ul-Jehad, Hefazat-e-Islam, elements from the banned Jamat-e-Islami (JeI) and its affiliates with links to Saudi Arabia and a few other Gulf countries who believe in Islamising Bangladesh through terror.
In the same vein, we should not forget the role of the Pakistani High Commission in Dhaka. The Inter-Services Intelligence's (ISI) undercover operatives are known for subversive activities in Bangladesh with a two-pronged agenda.
One, to foment terror combined with fanning communal tension between Hindu minorities and Muslims and two, to wean Bangladesh away from India, derailing their bilateral ties. A number of Pakistani diplomatic mission staff declared persona non grata in the not-so-distant past engaged in such nefarious activities.
Their agenda is likely to intensify in March/April because of Independence Day festivities and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's upcoming visit to India. In sum, India and Indo-Bangla interests are very much on target by these elements.
Significantly, the extremist outfits in Bangladesh appear to be asserting themselves to push their terror agenda. Hefazat-e-Islam merits a close watch. It has grown in massive proportions since its inception in 2013. Originating from the port city Chittagong, it has effectively made its presence felt by raising Islamic issues and abetting terror in vulnerable areas.
The statue of a Greek goddess in front of the Dhaka Supreme Court was exploited to the hilt as Hefazat Islam called for its removal, interpreting it to be anti-Islam. These activities continue, much like the Taliban taking on Buddhist statues in Bamian, Afghanistan.
Again, Harkat-ul-Jihad, active since 1984, was responsible for Pune's German Bakery terror attack of 2010 and for the Varanasi bombings of 2006. These are just a handful of illustrations to prove complicity.
Bangladesh watchers would expect Hasina, during her forthcoming visit, to seek India's help in addressing cases of terror violence in the former's backyard. And in all likelihood, India will respond favourably by a visible action for a collaboration to contain the ugly terror menace.
A year and half after the horrific Dadri incident, Hindu vigilantes continue to "cry beef" and hunt for Mohammad Akhlaqs.
The manager of a Jaipur hotel faced a similar hungry mob on Sunday night (March 19) that stormed the place over rumours of serving beef.
According to a report in The Indian Express, the owner of Hotel Hayat Rabbani, Naeem Rabbani, has alleged that after taking his manager into custody, police brought him back among the cow vigilantes to calm them down. He was also slapped around and manhandled in police presence.
Rabbani, who held a press conference with his staff a day later, said: A repeat of Dadri had been averted."
Much to the chagrin of the mob, the meat "appeared to be chicken legs". Nevertheless, the seized meat was sent to the forensic laboratory for "testing to placate tempers", according to police.
At the press conference, Rabbani vehemently denied of ever serving beef. The hotel, he said, had prepared special chicken for their nine staff members, and it was this that the crowd had mistaken for beef.
It's a sad testimony to the times we are in that our law enforcing agencies ran after the piece of meat, instead of identifying the culprits who incited the communal mob, to authenticate its variety.
In Rajasthan, like many other states in India, killing of cows, bulls and bullocks as well as possession and transportation of their flesh is banned. The BJP government in the state has also set up a cow department for the welfare of the animal.
Picture for representational purpose only.
After what happened in Bishahra village in Dadri on September 28, 2015 when Mohammad Akhlaq was beaten to death by a hungry mob over suspicion of storing beef at his house many saner voices questioned the absurdity of sending a piece of meat for forensic testing. What kind of a country do we live in where the chunk of meat became the actual "cause" of Akhlaq's death and not the ones who mercilessly killed him?
Those questions were never answered by the "authorities concerned" because they didn't have any answer. The actual motive behind Akhlaq's killing was always out in the open. It was never about whether the meat was or wasn't beef. It was about how to pin a "crime" on the sleeves of a man who belong to the "other" community and then incite another brute mob. This is how you keep the communal cauldron burning, especially when elections are nearing.
Those who wanted to score a point in Dadri have actually succeeded in doing so.
After the recent ascension of Yogi Adityanath to Uttar Pradesh CM, the Thakur-dominated village of Bishahra reportedly danced and celebrated late into the night.
Why?
Because they believe it's a matter of pride that a cow protector like "Yogiji" has become their chief minister. "Now we expect justice to be done, Ved Nagar, the head of Gau Raksha Hindu Dal, was quoted as saying by The Hindu. The same report said Nagar believe that Adityanaths appointment gives hope that the accused in the Akhlaq murder case would soon get bail. He was quoted as saying, "The villagers now see a ray of hope because Adityanath had stood with the accused."
The timing of the Jaipur incident seems especially curious as Rajasthan is gearing up for an Assembly election in 2018. Not that cow protectors and self-appointed Hindu vigilante groups are not working hard to prepare the ground for elections.
Recently, Bollywood filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali was assaulted by members of the Karni Sena in Jaipur where he was shooting for his film Padmavati. His fault: The film was presenting "distorted facts about Rani Padmavati" and thus showing "Hindu faith and culture in negative way".
The March 19 incident may not have a direct link with Bhansali's assault but they don't seem isolated.
According to this report in Hindustan Times, one of the protesters gathered outside hotel Hayat Rabbani, told the cow vigilantes not to worry about the strength of protesters. Dont worry about the numbers as it will just take me a couple of phone calls to assemble 200 people from somewhere else. After all, it was me and my friends who slapped Sanjay Leela Bhansali on the sets of Padmavati.
India has two types of beef eaters one who actually loves the meat, but doesn't necessarily get to eat it, and the other who gorges on rumours about beef.
So, it's not surprising that in a country which incidentally tops the hunger list its people are hungry for the rumoured beef and satiate themselves by "lynching" people for "possession of beef".
The initial reports in the Jaipur incident, too, point fingers at how there is a common pattern that runs through the heart of mob lynchings like Dadri.
How a group first spreads the rumour based on what they saw and "it appeared like beef". Then comes in the gau rakshaks and their leaders (in this case Sadhvi Kamal "Didi", the national president of Mahila Gauraksha Dal).
She reportedly addressed the gathering of protesters and discussed the course of action.
"I am not afraid to sacrifice my life for gau mata. I am ready to be with you in any protest or gheraos to teach the people of this hotel a lesson. But the residents of this colony will also have to participate and they shouldnt back out at the end moment, she was quoted as saying. She even asked those in the gathering from Kanti Nagar to raise their hands (who agree with her).
If this doesn't amount to inciting a mob and creating communal tension then perhaps it's true the country and its people don't need any protection from the law enforcing agencies. Why do you need the police if they have to slap and beat a man based on suspicion of a crime (which is a crime only because we live in a strange country with strange laws) to placate a violent bunch?
Why do we need laws when a majority group has the mandate to declare anyone from a minority group a criminal based on suspicions of eating a particular type of meat? Why do we even need to argue and expect justice when we know the outcome of such events?
ELKO The hidden heroes of the United States Armed Forces were recognized in a ceremony Monday at Highland Village by the Nevada Department of Veteran Services.
Certificates were presented to 28 veterans by representatives of Gov. Brian Sandoval, Sen. Dean Heller, Rep. Mark Amodei, and Assemblyman John Ellison and State Sen. Pete Goicoechea.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2350 post Commander Marlene Merck and the color guard also attended the ceremony.
Deputy Director of Wellness Wendy Simons, with the Department of Veterans Services, explained that Director of Services Kat Miller wanted to find our hidden veterans, our silent heroes.
Those are the ones who havent accessed veterans or benefits or services from the VA who have just quietly come home, launched careers and set on a lifes journey not necessarily asking the VA for much, Simons said.
Simons said they reached out to 417 skilled nursing, assisted living and residential care facilities statewide to find veterans, with 95 replying to the request.
Out of the search, 780 veterans were discovered, 400 of whom served in World War II, said Simons.
The Highland properties here are among the first groups of responders to declare where their veterans are and properly allow us to come in and honor them, Simons continued.
You are heroes and we want to properly acknowledge that, added Simons, who also said that other purposes for the event were to inform veterans of their benefits and to train staff to learn about veterans in their facilities.
I thought it was wonderful, said Highland resident Lorraine Murphy of the ceremony. She was a buck sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Korean War.
She was presented a certificate and pin as her daughter, Kelly Bates, watched.
I think its amazing, Bates said of her mothers honor. Something that I think is long overdue, that the veterans get the recognition that they deserve (for) their sacrifice and service.
I didnt realize the governor and congressmen were sending representatives, Bates said.
Resident Richard Eastwood, who served in the Air Force in Korea and Japan, said he loved the ceremony.
I was on three different continents before I was 18 years old, Eastwood said of his early service. Got to Korea in 54 just before I turned 18.
At least 80 people attended the ceremony, said Dena Anderson of Highland Assisted Living, with one Vietnam veteran initially refusing to attend.
There was a vet I was talking to and he was adamant he didnt want to come. He remembers how he was treated, said Anderson.
However, it was Millers presentation of the certificate that changed everything, Anderson explained.
It was really super sweet to hear her say welcome home, said Anderson.
After the ceremony, Miller explained that her department is also working with veteran service organizations as well as seeking homebound veterans.
If anyone knows of a homebound veteran, wed like to recognize them, Miller said.
For more information on state benefits for veterans, contact the Nevada Department of Veteran Services at www.veterans.nv.gov or call 775-321-4708.
Thomson Reuters Corporation provides business information services in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It operates in five segments: Legal Professionals, Corporates, Tax & Accounting Professionals, Reuters News, and Global Print. The Legal Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on legal research and integrated legal workflow solutions that combine content, tools, and analytics to law firms and governments. The Corporates segment provides a suite of content-enabled technology solutions for legal, tax, regulatory, compliance, and IT professionals. The Tax & Accounting Professionals segment offers research and workflow products focusing on tax offerings and automating tax workflows to tax, accounting, and audit professionals in accounting firms. The Reuters News segment provides business, financial, and international news to media organizations, professional, and news consumers through news agency and industry events. The Global Print segment offers legal and tax information primarily in print format to legal and tax professionals, governments, law schools, and corporations. The company was formerly known as The Thomson Corporation and changed its name to Thomson Reuters Corporation in April 2008. The company was founded in 1851 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Thomson Reuters Corporation is a subsidiary of The Woodbridge Company Limited.
Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE), an S&P 500 urban office real estate investment trust ("REIT"), is the first, longest-tenured, and pioneering owner, operator, and developer uniquely focused on collaborative life science, technology, and agtech campuses in AAA innovation cluster locations, with a total market capitalization of $31.9 billion as of December 31, 2020, and an asset base in North America of 49.7 million square feet ("SF"). The asset base in North America includes 31.9 million RSF of operating properties and 3.3 million RSF of Class A properties undergoing construction, 7.1 million RSF of near-term and intermediate-term development and redevelopment projects, and 7.4 million SF of future development projects. Founded in 1994, Alexandria pioneered this niche and has since established a significant market presence in key locations, including Greater Boston, San Francisco, New York City, San Diego, Seattle, Maryland, and Research Triangle. Alexandria has a longstanding and proven track record of developing Class A properties clustered in urban life science, technology, and agtech campuses that provide our innovative tenants with highly dynamic and collaborative environments that enhance their ability to successfully recruit and retain world-class talent and inspire productivity, efficiency, creativity, and success. Alexandria also provides strategic capital to transformative life science, technology, and agtech companies through our venture capital platform. We believe our unique business model and diligent underwriting ensure a high-quality and diverse tenant base that results in higher occupancy levels, longer lease terms, higher rental income, higher returns, and greater long-term asset value.
NeoPhotonics Corporation develops, manufactures, and sells optoelectronic products that transmit and receive high speed digital optical signals for cloud and hyperscale data center internet content provider and telecom networks. It offers transmitter and receiver components, and coherent modules, as well as switching products for 400G and optical transmission applications over distances of approximately 2 to 2,000 kilometers; ultra-narrow linewidth tunable lasers; electro-absorptively modulated lasers; distributed feedback lasers; component lasers; and integrated coherent receivers and modulators. The company also provides pluggable coherent transceivers that combine ultra-narrow linewidth laser with coherent receiver and performance coherent modulator; and 100G products for data center applications. In addition, it offers multi-cast switching solutions for 100G and above coherent systems; and network products and solutions, such as arrayed waveguide gratings, multiplexers, and filters that are used in dense wavelength division multiplexing systems. NeoPhotonics Corporation sells its products to network equipment manufacturers through a direct sales force in North America; Europe; and Asia, including China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. The company was formerly known as NanoGram Corporation and changed its name to NeoPhotonics Corporation in 2002. NeoPhotonics Corporation was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in San Jose, California.
ELKO Elko County encourages residents to thank their health care provider.
County commissioners proclaimed March 30 as Health Professional Recognition Day.
Commissioner Delmo Andreozzi requested the proclamation.
Really and truly the health care professional, with the shortage that we see throughout the nation, can go anywhere they want to, he said. They are a highly sought after resource, yet the people that we have here choose to be here and provide services. They are loyal, hardworking men and women who dedicate their lives to helping people feel better and provide excellent treatment. I think its really fitting that we take an opportunity to just pause and reflect for a moment about their contribution to our community, and just say thank you. Another big part of recruitment, in my mind, is retention. I think if the health care field understands that we appreciate them, I think that is a small step that goes a long way.
Larry Hyslop of the Medicare in Elko Workgroup told the commissioners his group took two large signs to a recent health fair and collected signatures from residents. The signs were titled Thank You Elko County Medical Providers. The signs also stated, We appreciate you. We appreciate your practice. We appreciate your commitment to the citizens of Elko County.
Hyslop said his group believes this county proclamation is important.
We do not have enough doctors in Elko, he said. We have trouble bringing in doctors. We have trouble keeping doctors. We need to appreciate the health care professionals that we have. March 30 is actually National Doctors Day, but were talking about medical care givers because not everybody in Elko, especially Elko, gets to see a doctor. They go to a physicians assistant or they go to a nurse practitioner.
The workgroup is encouraging people throughout Elko County to write a short personal note or thank you note and send it to their health care provider by March 30.
I would encourage everybody here to do that same thing, Hyslop said. Thatll be much more personal than signing a board.
Commissioner Jon Karr asked Hyslop if he had a top five reasons why its hard to recruit or keep doctors in the area.
Hyslop said its a tough environment for doctors.
Whenever a doctor comes in and interviews here, the most important part of that is the spouse looking at Elko and being shown around, he said. If the spouse doesnt like it that doctor is not going to come here or stay here.
Jennifer Coopman of Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital thanked the commissioners for the proclamation.
Gerald Ackerman of University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine said the college makes a significant investment in Elko because of the local hospital. It is establishing a new rural residency program.
Well be able to bring residents here, he said. Theyll spend their last full two years of their residency training in here. Therell be a total of four residents. The reason we can do this, this is a partnership like no other community in Nevada has as far as rural Nevada goes. This is a major teaching community for us.
ELKO A possible domestic dispute led to the arrest of two people for child abuse or neglect early Sunday morning.
According to Elko Police Lt. Ty Trouten, officers arrived at the Monte Carlo Apartments after being called on a domestic dispute. The male had already left by the time police came to the scene.
When they got to the apartment there was a visible amount of marijuana smoke and a strong odor, said Trouten.
The officers found four children in the home 9 and under. Three children belonged to the couple and one was a friend who was spending the night.
The officers found the man down the street a few minutes later. Both adults had smoked a quantity of marijuana and ingested alcohol, according to Trouten, and they were in no condition to be looking after four children.
Officers arrested Manuel S. Briseno, and Jessie A. Myers, 32, on four counts each of child abuse or neglect.
Trouten said Child and Family Services was able to place the three children with a relative for the night and the parents of the visiting child were reached and took the child home.
Bail for Briseno and Myers was listed at $400,000 each.
The Congress is divided as seldom before. Donald J. Trump is remaking the profile of the presidency. The press is under attack. The notion of free speech on campus is under siege. By months end, serious questions will be raised about the independence, and perhaps even the survival, of the Federal Reserve Bank.
This is a period of unusual tension and tumult, of which President Trump is both cause and consequence. But so are the chasms between the political parties, and the even greater gap between the public and the political establishment. Rarely has the prevailing ethos in the faculty lounge been so isolated from the parents who pay for college education, and never has the value of a college education been so questioned by so many with such fervor.
Indeed, not since the 1960s perhaps since the 1930s have so many of the governing assumptions and established institutions of the United States been under such stress and strain.
The 1930s, the Stanford historian David M. Kennedy wrote, tested the very fabric of American culture. The 1960s, the Brown University historian James T. Patterson said, unsettled much that Americans had taken for granted before then.
Both statements apply without amendment to the second decade of the 21st century, when, according to a poll taken by KRC Research only two months ago, a record-high seven out of 10 Americans believe the country has a major civility problem.
The crisis of the 1930s was prompted by the Great Depression, when economic despair caused faith in capitalism to wane and appeal for communism to rise, at least in some blue-collar and intellectual circles. The crisis of the 1960s was as much one of credibility as content, as American leaders and their institutions struggled with civil rights, and young people rebelled against consumerism, sexism and the Vietnam War. Franklin Delano Roosevelt saved capitalism. Lyndon B. Johnson was ambushed at Credibility Gap.
Just as there was no clear resolution to the American malaise in 1932, nor to the American upheaval of 1967, there is no clear path out of the turmoil and turbulence of this decade. But nearly every foundation stone of American life is on the defensive today:
POLITICIANS. Two out of three Americans, according to an Allegheny College poll last fall, characterized the 2016 presidential campaign as very or extremely uncivil. Only 3 percent of Americans potentially no Americans at all, if the margin of error is employed have a great deal of confidence in Congress, according to the Gallup organization.
The spectacle on Capitol Hill right now, with one party determined to overturn Obamacare in an instant and the other party determined to oppose whatever its rivals support, is not likely to add to public confidence in the publics representatives.
RELIGION. About two Americans in five have confidence in organized religion today, a steep drop from 1973, when about two out of three Americans felt that way. Three decades ago, only one in 10 adult Americans said they had no religious affiliation, according to the Pew Research Center; today about a quarter of Americans feel that way. And about one out of three millennials say they are nones that is, without any religious affiliation at all.
THE PRESS. President Trump has mounted an all-out assault on the mainstream media, an attack even stronger than the one mounted by President Richard M. Nixon and Vice President Spiro T. Agnew at the end of the 1960s and the beginning of the 1970s.
But Nixon and Agnew werent the only national figures in the past several decades to single out the press for special opprobrium. Each president since Nixon has had worse press relations than his predecessor, and the press has become a soft target. Public confidence in newspapers, for example, has declined by half since 1973, and confidence in television news has declined by more than half in a quarter century, with the public split on whether the press has been too easy or too hard on Trump.
BUSINESS. Heres a radical departure: A Republican president has criticized business executives for callousness toward workers and for exporting American jobs. At the same time, public criticism of the wealth gap has been stoked by politicians of all colorations, from Trump and former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton during the 2016 campaign, to Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont during the Democratic primaries and Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts during the early months of 2017.
Public support of banks, at 60 percent in the Gallup study in 1969, has declined by more than half to 27 percent. Fewer than one-fifth of Americans have confidence in big business, though small business wins the support of two out of three Americans.
THE PARTY ESTABLISHMENTS. Trump assailed traditional Republicans during his primary campaign, painting these figures in short, the establishment figures of the establishment party as ineffective and self-serving. He dismissed Sen. Charles E. Schumer of New York as a clown; but the most damaging critique of the Senate minority leader may come from fellow Democrats, who deride him for voting for at least a handful of Trump Cabinet nominees and criticize him for not waging merciless war against the Trump agenda.
Then, just last week, Gallup reported that public worries about race relations are at an all-time high, with two out of five Americans worrying a great deal about race relations. And what is the institution that Americans respect the most? The military, winning the confidence of about three-quarters of the public up substantially since 1973, when the nation was divided by the Vietnam War.
Bottom line: We are in a historic period not only of transformation but also of national introspection. We think this is an era of invective and insult, and there is some truth to that. But underneath the anger beyond the shouts are serious questions about the way our society and culture are structured, and about the nature and use of power.
That is one of the principal lessons of the 2016 election, lost amid the controversy over President Trumps style and manners. Like the 1930s and 1960s, this is a period of resentment and rebellion. But the questions raised in both those earlier periods helped the United States win, in turn, World War II and the Cold War. We ignore these questions, and put off addressing them, at our peril.
Updated at 9 p.m.
A pro-monuments group has filed a lawsuit against Charlottesville and its City Council, opening the next chapter in an ongoing saga that could see the citys statue of Robert E. Lee removed from its namesake park downtown.
Organizers of the Monument Fund, a nonprofit corporation, announced Monday that the lawsuit aims to stop the city from removing the Robert E. Lee monument from Lee Park and from radically reconfiguring both the Lee and [Thomas Stonewall] Jackson parks.
In a controversial 3-2 vote last month, the council voted to remove the Lee statue after a nearly yearlong process that caused some division throughout the area and the state, drawing the attention of gubernatorial candidates and numerous Virginia residents, both new and old.
With a lawsuit to contend with now, the cost of removing the Lee statue and redesigning Jackson Park to include a new memorial to enslaved laborers could slowly climb upward if the civil suit languishes in the court system.
Relocating the Lee statue has been estimated to cost approximately $330,000. In February, the council agreed to use up to $1 million for the development, design and implementation of a plan for the two districts where the statues are located.
A year ago, Councilor Wes Bellamy organized a rally in Lee Park to call for the statues removal, sharing Charlottesville High School student Zyahna Bryants petition for the removal of the statue.
Motivated by a nationwide movement to see Confederate monuments relocated from highly visible public spaces, Bryant, Bellamy and others have said the statue represents a legacy of racial oppression.
Those opposed to the Confederate memorials have said they should be removed because they believe they contradict social values of equality and multiculturalism.
The idea of removing the Lee statue has been criticized by many, including a trust of local community members known as the Friends of CVille Monuments, who say that removing the monuments erases history and ostracizes those who wish to remember and honor their Confederate ancestors and war veterans.
In February, Bellamy and fellow Councilors Kristin Szakos, Bob Fenwick voted to remove the Lee statue and to rename the park. The council voted unanimously on a separate resolution to rename Jackson Park and redesign it to include a new memorial to the citys historic enslaved population.
After the council voted on the measures, acting on recommendations made by a council-convened community panel late last year, the Friends of CVille Monuments started raising money for a legal fund to challenge the city and defend the monuments.
The plaintiffs allege the city violated a state law that protects war memorials and violated the terms of the deed in which Paul Goodloe McIntire granted the parks and the memorials to the city.
According to the lawsuit, City Attorney Craig Brown declined to take action against the council despite the alleged state code violation.
In an email Monday, Brown said he declined to oppose the council because the Lee statue has not been damaged or encroached upon, and that he is ethically beholden to his client, the council.
I unequivocally am not objecting to councils decision to move the Lee statue on legal grounds, he said.
The lawsuit includes request for a temporary injunction to freeze the status quo in both parks so that litigation can proceed without any changes being made to the parks.
Brown said he has yet to discuss with councilors whether they will attempt to prevent the temporary injunction.
Brown said City Manager Maurice Jones is still scheduled to present to the council on April 17 a plan for removing the Lee statue and redesigning both parks.
Charles Buddy Weber, a former Republican candidate for the City Council and a plaintiff in the case, said he recognizes theres a virulent political debate over Confederate monuments nationwide, but that the main issue in the case is resolving whether disturbing the statues or the parks is legal.
The lawsuit is not about resolving the political question; were not going to court to answer that question, Weber said.
We all have to have that confidence that our elected officials are going to take due account to do what the law says, he said. I think the lawsuit benefits both parties in the long run because it will vindicate the rule of law. Once its vindicated, we can have a conversation about what monuments the city needs to tell its full story.
The plaintiffs in the case also are seeking damages against the city and against each councilor for acting recklessly and in deliberate disregard of the law, according to a news release from the Monument Fund.
In addition to seeking to recover no less than $500 from each councilor for each plaintiff in the case, the lawsuit seeks at least $100,000 from each defendant for punitive damages.
In addition to the Monument Fund, which is associated with Friends of CVille Monuments, other plaintiffs in the case include the Virginia Division Sons of Confederate Veterans; several military veterans; Betty Jane Franklin Phillips, a collateral descendant of McIntire; and Edward Bergen Fry, great-nephew of Henry Schrady, the sculptor who was chosen to create the statue, but died before he could complete it.
Nevada State Democratic Party spokesman Stewart Boss, regarding a conversation last year between Attorney General Adam Laxalt and Gaming Control Board Chairman A.G. Burnett:
If Attorney General Laxalt wants to clear up his ethics scandal and put this to bed, there is a simple solution: call for the release of this FBI tape. The fact that Laxalt wont tells you exactly how damaging this recording must be, said Nevada voters deserve more information and more transparency here, and these public records requests will help expose the contents of this controversial recording. If Adam Laxalt was indeed acting as a personal attorney for his favorite billionaire, the communications within the Attorney Generals office and the Gaming Control Board about this FBI tape should provide more facts around the Attorney Generals disturbing pay-to-play conduct.
Nevada Treasurer Dan Schwartz, regarding state Sen. Scott Hammonds bill introducing legislation that would structure and fund Education Savings Accounts in Nevada:
I want to thank Senator Hammond for entrusting my office with the extremely important first phase of getting the ESA program off the ground .We fully support his efforts to continue providing Nevada families with educational choice options that will set the stage for their childs success. We hope the Nevada Legislature will pass funding for the program so that families can start receiving funding in August. I also want to thank Chief-of-Staff Grant Hewitt and the entire staff at the Treasurers Office for their dedication and hard work in moving the program forward.
Nevada Assembly Majority Leader Teresa Benitez-Thompson, regarding passage of legislation to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment:
Women have persisted despite the many barriers we have faced over the centuries. Women hold public office, lead global organizations, pioneer medical advances, serve in the military, and soar into spaceall in a world dominated by men. Today, Nevada is one step closer in recognizing that all Nevadans deserve equal rights.
U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto, regarding the Nevada Legislatures joint resolution to oppose the Trump administrations proposal to restart the licensing process for creating a nuclear repository in Yucca Mountain:
Nevadans will not stand idle while President Trump irresponsibly forces our backyards to become the countrys dumping site for nuclear waste. I commend the Nevada Legislature for coming together and introducing a joint resolution to stop President Trumps reckless attempt to revive the Yucca Mountain repository site. Time and again, Nevadans have made it clear that we will not accept any plan that brings radioactive waste to our state, shipping it straight through neighborhoods and in close proximity to our communities. This legislation sends a strong message to the Trump administration that we will do everything we can to protect Nevadans and our environment. Nevadans have the right to their safety and security and we will not back down.
Spanish Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy will continue to reject any offer of talks with the government of Catalonia about an independence referendum for the northeastern region, calling it a demand that would breach a principle of the Spanish Constitution, which states national sovereignty must be decided by all Spaniards.
Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, con el presidente de Canarias, Fernando Clavijo, este lunes. Angel Medina G. (EFE)
The Popular Party (PP) governments position was reiterated on Monday by Deputy Prime Minister Soraya Saenz de Santamaria, who highlighted this Constitutional premise as the major difference with the proposals being put forward by the Scottish executive for a second independence referendum there, and which Carles Puigdemont and Oriol Junqueras the premier and deputy premier of the regional government of Catalonia, respectively have argued can be applied to Catalonia.
Saenz de Santamaria was responding to an article published in EL PAIS on Sunday by Puigdemont and Junqueras. Speaking during a visit to the Canary Islands, Santamaria dismissed the initiative: Dialogue is not what is being offered or asked for; a referendum is being demanded that goes against the Spanish Constitution, and that would deny Spaniards as a whole their capacity to express an opinion about what they want the whole of the Spanish nation to be. It is a demand by those who have a poor understanding of dialogue in their country.
In Spain we have a Constitution with no possibility of a referendum on self-rule Deputy PM Soraya Saenz de Santamaria
Santamaria highlighted what she sees as the key differences between Scotland and the United Kingdom and Catalonia and Spain: The difference is that in Spain we have a Constitution in which, expressly, because that is what the electorate voted for, there is no possibility of a referendum on self-rule. At the time, some people tried to include an amendment to the Spanish Constitution so that referendums on self-rule could take place in Spain, and they failed, because no country can be subjected to the constant threat of referendums of that nature.
Government sources said that Puigdemont and Junquerass arguments contained nothing new, and simply made an eventual meeting with Rajoy more difficult and that by insisting on the obligation to hold a referendum simply created obstacles to proceeding in many other areas. The government is not prepared to admit that its efforts to establish a dialogue with Catalonia have failed, but accepts that little progress has been made by Santamaria in this regard.
Puigdemont and Junquerass proposals have been rejected by the opposition Socialist Party (PSOE). Spokesperson Mario Jimenez told EL PAIS that the ideas lacked credibility and legitimacy because they are made on foundations that are unacceptable in a democracy after forcing Catalan institutions into illegality. He added: Dialogue is being called for from disobedience and contempt for the law and by challenging the state and launching an ultimatum at constitutional order.
The government accepts that it has made little progress in creating dialogue with Catalonia and its institutions
The PSOEs position calls for an overhaul of the statute governing Catalonias relationship with Spain, as well as Constitutional reform toward creating a federal model. This would require a vote of approval by all Spaniards. This would then lead to changes to Catalonias position in Spain, and above all, changes to the way the region is defined, which would mean changes to the statute that would then be voted on by Catalans.
English version by Nick Lyne.
On Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Charlottesville, Culpeper County will argue a motion to dismiss a U.S. Justice Dept. complaint alleging that the board of supervisors religiously discriminated against the Islamic Center of Culpeper when it denied a utility permit to serve a planned mosque.
The fact that the suit, filed in December under the Obama administration, is still moving forward under the new president has made unlikely allies of the Trump administration and the American Civil Liberties Union, according to an Associated Press story Tuesday.
The ACLU joined the complaint in February and the Islamic Center of Culpeper filed a similar lawsuit March 9 with support from Oakland, California-based Muslim Advocates.
The Trump administration is moving forward with the lawsuit, to the surprise of some who have been critical of Trump for anti-Muslim rhetoric and his proposed travel ban directed at half a dozen Muslim-majority countries, wrote AP reporter Matthew Barakat. Indeed, the ACLU has accused Trump of anti-Muslim bias in legal briefs opposing the travel ban.
The federal suit alleges the Culpeper County Board of Supervisors bowed to public pressure when it denied a pump and haul sewer permit for a bathroom in the proposed prayer house slated for construction on Route 229 just outside of town and out of reach of public utilities. In doing so, the board violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, the complaint contends.
Last April, the seven-member board voted 4-3 to deny the permit because the Islamic Center did not follow the required channels and submitted an incomplete application, according to Culpeper County Attorney Bobbi Jo Alexis. She contends the denial was based on appropriate waste management factors and was not religiously motivated.
Alexis argues the suit should be dismissed because the matter does not fall under the purview of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act.
Longtime Culpeper County Supervisor Bill Chase made the motion to deny the permit, prompting the audience in the boardroom to break out in cheers. He told the Associated Press that the notion he and other supervisors were swayed by anti-Muslim sentiment is bull---- and that nobody had talked to him about the mosque.
The Justice Dept. lawsuit referenced emails supervisors wrote stating they were receiving comments opposed to the mosque based on religion with constituents referencing terrorists and 9/11.
In a motion filed Friday, the Islamic Center requested that its suit be joined with the federal complaint since both actions claim the countys permit denial imposed a substantial burden on (its) religious exercise and was an action based on religious discrimination.
The Islamic Center complaint, like the Justice Departments, alleges the county violated the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act in addition to its right to free exercise of religion under the First and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution and its right to equal protection under the law.
Wednesdays hearing on the motion to dismiss the federal claim will take place at 10 a.m. before U.S. District Court Judge Norman Moon.
In addition to staff attorney Alexis, the county will be represented by Sharon Pandak former Orange County Attorney and Michael Connolly with the Woodbridge-based firm of Greehan, Taves & Pandak. Fees for the outside attorneys will be covered by the county's insurance, according to Alexis.
The Islamic Center of Culpeper has delayed plans for its new mosque pending resolution of the lawsuits. In its recent complaint, it said relief in the matter would include the county granting the permits needed to allow them to use its property as a place of worship.
The Islamic Center also wants the county to implement a training program for its employees regarding the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act and to establish a public training program to inform the public about and seek to minimize the dangers of religious prejudice, according to its suit.
The county said in a statement in December that the lawsuit was ill-informed and meritless, and that it would vigorously defend its actions.
After routinely approving pump and haul permits for many years, the county, in January, adopted a new policy stating that it would not add any new users to its general permit for the method of waste disposal.
Inside, Prakash was not Prakash. 22-13. Those are the numbers they used to call me through the loudspeaker system. That was my name in there, says this 33-year-old from Nepal, sipping on a Coke as he recalls the 58 days he spent inside an immigrant detention center in Aluche (Madrid).
Prakash, from Nepal, spent time inside a CIE. Santi Burgos
I was arrested on November 28, 2014. I was walking toward the industrial park in [Madrid municipality] Parla where I worked. I remember it was rainy that day; when I crossed the highway, some plainclothes officers stopped me and asked me for my papers, he says.
It was the beginning of two months of detention, fear and suffering for nothing: eventually, he was released. Same as with 71% of the 7,597 migrants who spent time at these facilities in 2016, according to Interior Minister figures that El PAIS has had access to.
I hadnt committed any crime. And when I got out, I had lost my job
Prakash, Nepali citizen
Two years later, Prakash, who is married and has a months-old baby now, says that he was unlucky that day. What if I had crossed at that spot just one hour earlier? he wonders. I might not have been locked up.
By contrast, around 100 undocumented migrants were found hanging around the bus station of Motril (Granada) in October of last year, after reaching Spain by raft. The police arrested them, but 72 hours later they walked free because all the centers, known by their Spanish acronym of CIE, were full. And that was that.
One month before, a group of 45 migrants who landed on the Mediterranean island of Tabarca, near Alicante, ended up at the Barcelona CIE.
Non-profit groups point out these examples to illustrate the arbitrariness that pervades a system dragged down by automated police and judicial procedures.
Goal unmet
The CIEs (which stand for Centro de Internamiento de Extranjeros, or Foreigner Internment Center), were created in 1985 in order to detain and hold in custody illegal aliens and guarantee their deportation. There are currently seven in operation throughout the country, and the maximum legal detention time is 60 days.
A representative for SOS Racismo explains who ends up at CIEs and why. EPV
But Interior Ministry data reveal how this goal is not being met: far from it, the system underperforms more with every passing year. In 2009, 70% of interns were deported; in 2013 that figure had dropped to 52%, in 2015 it slipped further to 41% and last year it stood at 29%.
That is why non-profit groups say that these centers have become an abusive tool to hold immigrants even though authorities often know that their removal will not be possible.
For instance, the Barranco Seco center [in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria] is being used as a distribution center; migrants who arrive at the islands are put in there until a decision is made regarding what to do with them, says Andres Garcia Berrio, a lawyer for a group campaigning to shut down the CIEs, Campana Estatal para el cierre de los CIE.
Barranco Seco only sends back 0.6% of interns. This rate rises to 12% in Tenerife, 15% in Algeciras and 21.4% in Barcelona, according to government figures. Madrid, Murcia and Valencia have higher-than-average rates at 46%, 58% and 59% respectively.
Mostly Africans
Several automated procedures, such as immediately holding all immigrants who arrive by sea, have turned the CIEs into veritable prisons for Africans. According to Interior Ministry figures seen by EL PAIS, 89.9% of interns last year came from Africa, compared with 4.3% from the Americas, 3.3% from Europe and 2.5% from Asia.
If less than half of interns are being deported, what part of the process is malfunctioning?
Besides, ethnic profiling is still a reality in Spain. We have clearly detected that many of the people locked up in there were stopped on the street because of their skin color, says Carmen Echevarria, of Karibu, a support group for Africans held at the Madrid CIE.
Although Spanish legislation clearly stipulates that CIEs lack a penitentiary nature, in practice they function as prisons. Some, in fact, are housed in former prisons, such as the Algeciras center.
Not enough control
So if fewer than half of interns are being deported. what part of the process is malfunctioning?
In 2014, an internal memo sent out by National Police headquarters admitted that there was a considerable number of internment requests, even though the situation does not always make it recommendable to adopt such a measure.
The CIE in Barcelona. Tejederas
The police memo insisted that, before asking for a migrants internment, officers should carefully analyze their personal situation, whether they have children in their care, the consequences of deportation for the family, and the real chances of removal taking place.
According to figures from the Attorney Generals Office, judges and prosecutors only stop around 20% of internment requests against migrants filed by police officers.
A report by the Jesuit Migrant Center (SJM) shows that 58% of interns in 2015 had arrived by sea on rafts and taken straight to the centers. Another 36% were arrested on the street. Only 7% are in there with deportation orders issued by a judge, notes the report.
EL PAIS asked the Interior Ministry for figures regarding the reasons for internment, but received no reply. Authorities do not allow the media into the CIEs, and even non-profit groups have limited access.
Underage migrants
Agrippine (an assumed name), 16, arrived at the coast of Andalusia after a sea journey on a raft. The SJM report says that authorities detected she had been a victim of human trafficking, yet a judge ordered her into a CIE in a decision affecting an entire group of migrants.
Non-profit groups say that these centers have become an abusive tool
We have seen orders deciding on the internment of up to 50 people at a time, with no individualization of each case, says another SJM report.
EL PAIS has seen one of those orders, signed by a Motril judge in December 2015. The 39 migrants who were ordered into a CIE were represented by a single state-appointed attorney at the hearing.
These resolutions make a mockery of the right to a defense, says Margarita Martinez Escamilla, a professor of criminal law at Madrids Complutense University.
As a result of these shortcomings, human trafficking victims, minors and asylum seekers have all ended up at these centers. As have hundreds of other migrants who were finally released without deportation orders.
Punishment
The CIEs hold both individuals with criminal records and those without. And the second group is larger. Although the Interior Ministry likes to point out that half of interns have a rap sheet, a report by four Spanish universities notes that, to the ministry, simply having a deportation order issued against you automatically means you have a criminal record.
In the end, these centers are being used to send out a message to those who come: its a warning that we are not going to be so welcoming, says the lawyer Garcia Berrio. People inside the CIEs have the feeling that they are there out of bad luck: someone was in the wrong place, at the wrong time.
Prakash, the citizen from Nepal, was arrested in November 2014, after living in Spain for nearly three years. He was released again in January 2015. I hadnt committed any crime. And when I got out, I had lost my job and it took me nearly 10 months to find another one, he explains. We lived off whatever my wife made cleaning homes.
English version by Susana Urra.
Authorities in Malaga in southern Spain are to introduce obligatory DNA profiling of the estimated 100,000 dogs in the city in a bid to reduce the presence of canine excrement. Owners will have to pay for genetic analysis of their pets which will then have to carry a small tag on their collars with their name and identification number. The measure, approved on Monday, also aims to tackle the problem of owners abandoning or mistreating animals.
In recent years, Spanish cities have seen a huge increase in dog numbers. PACO PUENTES
The results of the DNA profile, which will cost around 35, will be added to data already compiled about the animal on the municipal registrys microchip. Dog owners found not to have complied with the DNA register will face a fine of between 110 and 130. The idea isnt to fine people for the sake of it, but so that the measure works properly, which means that there has to be an element of sanction involved, said Raul Jimenez, the head of Malaga City Halls environment department.
The plan is not to scour the citys streets for dog excrement. Instead, the citys animal and bird collection service will collect any stools it finds as it goes about the course of its work, which will then be sent for analysis at a cost of 18 and checked against the DNA registry.
The new measures will also forbid displaying animals in shop windows
Malaga is the first large city in Spain to create a canine DNA register, based on initiatives such as that in Xativa, in Valencia.
We know that this brings about a drastic drop in canine excrement in the street, says Jimenez.
Owners will now have six months to visit a veterinary surgeon who will take a blood sample from their dog and send it to a laboratory that in turn will create a genetic profile with some 19 indicators. Owners will then receive a card and a tag for their dog.
Some 200,000 has been set aside to cover the cost of the measures in the case of owners being unable to pay, which will be coordinated through the social services department. Dogs being kept in refuges will not be subject to the new measure until an owner has been found for them. Guide and security dogs will also be exempt.
The scheme is the result of 18 months of planning, with animal protection associations, vets and breeders all being consulted. The new measures will forbid the use of punishment collars as well as the display of animals in shop windows
Dog owners who fail to comply will face a fine of between 110 and 130
Malaga City Hall, which is controlled by the Popular Party with the support of Ciudadanos, has also recently agreed to encourage people to adopt abandoned dogs by assuming the costs involved: vaccination, sterilization, microchip, and now, DNA profiling. The aim is to end the need to have unwanted dogs put down. In 2016, 1,473 dogs were handed over to the local authorities, 1,047 by their owners, and 426 of which were found roaming. Last year, 547 dogs were put down in Malaga city, a 14% drop on 2015. There has been a 50% drop in the number of dogs being put down since 2011.
English version by Nick Lyne.
Juan Carlos and his wife Julie Solis have nothing left. He lost his job in the construction industry when he was diagnosed with valley fever, an infectious fungal disease, back in 2008. His case shows how falling ill in the United States can ruin a family financially.
Bakersfield resident Betty Basulto, an Obamacare beneficiary. APU GOMES
More information La America que voto a Trump teme los efectos de su reforma sanitaria
He couldnt afford medical insurance, and so to pay for his treatment he and his wife ended up selling several properties to raise funds, as well as using the money they had set aside to pay for their three childrens university tuition. They even sold their wedding rings. Julie says that if Barack Obamas Affordable Care Act (ACA) dubbed Obamacare had not been introduced in 2010, her husband would have died: We couldnt afford the medication he needed.
The Solis family live in Bakersfield, in Kern county, a rural, largely working class area in California where Hillary Clinton garnered just 40.4% of the vote compared to Donald Trumps 53% despite her winning twice as many votes as her rival in the state overall.
There are people whod be dead without Obamacare Bill Phelps of hospital group Sierra Vista
Kern is also the district of Kevin McCarthy, the Republican Majority Leader in the House of Representatives. McCarthy has made overturning Obamacare his personal crusade. Trump is trying to get his healthcare counter reform that would end Obamas state aid enacted as quickly as possible.
Bakersfield is now a ground zero of the plan: a macabre paradox, given that poor rural areas like this that voted for Trump have the most to lose. Wealthier Californians who live on the coast, and who mostly voted for Clinton, will now get tax breaks.
More than 95,000 people, around 10% of Kerns population, will lose health cover after funding for Medicaid the public health system extended by Obama is cut, according to a study by the University of California, which says that more than 16,000 people will lose subsidies toward their private health insurance. Under Obamacare, the number of people without medical cover fell in the county from 18.2% to 7.9%. The study also estimates that withdrawing the funding will mean the loss of 5,000 jobs in the county.
Juan Carlos Solis at home in Bakersfield. APU GOMES
Our community is afraid, says Edgar Aguilar, head of the Community Health Initiative, a program that advises people about healthcare options and helps them sign up for Obamacare. In this rural area, he says, most people cannot afford private healthcare and are not covered by their employers.
But signs of protest are emerging, with posters and hoardings warning about the consequences of dismantling Obamacare. McCarthy says he knows what people want: he must be talking to people other than us, says Aguilar.
Javier Reyes, the 34-year-old Young Republicans leader in Kern, says he is surprised at the accusations that people are going to lose their Medicaid, saying the program is instead being restructured. The assumption is that states that extended health cover thanks to federal funds (which in California amount to $20 billion a year) will not be able to manage on their own.
Reyes says Trumps plans will give more choice because at some time in the future, a national insurance market will be created that will lower prices. Reyes says that warnings that millions of people will lose their healthcare cover, including those from the Congressional Budget Office, are wrong, as they were wrong about Trump winning.
I dont know why some people think that the market will lower prices when fewer people are insured, says Bill Phelps, head of programs at Sierra Vista, a hospital group for low-income people in the county. He says Obamacare doubled the amount of money his organization received from the federal government. Its 148,000 patients (75% of them Hispanic) have to decide whether to see a doctor or eat and pay the rent.
Hoardings in Bakersfield protesting healthcare cuts. APU GOMES
There are people whod be dead without Obamacare, says Phelps. The number-one reason for personal bankruptcy in the United States is medical debts, he adds, saying that people voted for Trump based on fear of immigration: They didnt think about the consequences. People are going to die.
Betty Basulto, a 53-year-old who has lived in the United States for the last 27 years working as a grape picker and earning $1,000 a month at best, says she hasnt slept properly since Trump won. She had Medicaid because of her son, but now he is 18, she doesnt know what she will do. Thanks to her three jobs and the ACA she has insurance that costs her $350 a month and that allows her to treat her diabetes and chronic colitis. Her son, now studying at university, doesnt have health insurance: Maybe hell have to quit and get a job, she says.
The Republican Party seems ready to ignore the warnings and to dismantle Obamacare as soon as possible, and places like Bakersfield, where people voted for Trump, have the most to lose.
Edgar Aguilar says people dont like Obamacare, but they do want healthcare reform. Either way, the Republican Party in places such as Bakersfield is nervous, he says, noting: People have had a little taste of what healthcare is like, and nobody can take that away.
English version by Nick Lyne.
For three months now, a completely automated parking lot located on Reforma, one of Mexico Citys main arteries, has been doing the kind of work that would have normally required several dozen human employees. The 700-vehicle facility has been dubbed the largest robotic parking system in North America, and it is a reflection of the times: as technology progresses, more and more jobs run the risk of disappearing.
Maquila workers in Ciudad Juarez. CHRISTIAN PALMA
More information Robots contra maquilas: el riesgo para Mexico que el huracan Trump no deja ver
A similar scene is taking place in the border town of Ciudad Juarez, the heart of Mexicos low-cost processing and assembly plants located in duty-free zones and known popularly as maquilas. In this labor-intensive sector, robots have also started to take over production processes that until recently required manpower.
Automation poses one of the biggest threats to jobs in the 21st century. But the Mexican case is particularly painful because of its growth model, in which competitive wages play a key role.
This makes the rise of automation technology every bit as much of an economic challenge for Mexico as Donald Trumps inflammatory trade rhetoric is. Yet, unlike Trump, this issue is not on the public agenda.
Either tech training is provided, or developing countries like Mexico are going to suffer from high unemployment in the future
Javier Acosta, Mechatronics
According to a recent study by global management consultants McKinsey & Company, Mexico ranks seventh in the world when it comes to the percentage of jobs that run the risk of being replaced by machines (52%). This figure rises to 64% in the case of industry, which is one of the countrys major sources of jobs.
And the International Federation of Robotics notes that demand for industrial robots in Mexico grew by 119 percent in 2015, and the trend has just begun.
Mexico has a higher rate of jobs that are susceptible to being automated than other countries, and that makes the risk of automation at least as significant as the United States protectionist turn, says Mark Muro, a specialist on the digital economy and the impact of technology on growth at The Brookings Institution, a Washington-based think tank. The expansion of automation will replace the low-cost jobs that are predominant in Mexican industry, and erode its main source of competitive advantage [lower labor costs]. It has already happened in China, and it will happen in Mexico.
Unlike countries such as China, where labor costs have tended to rise along with the economy and the production of greater aggregate value goods, Mexico has focused on wage competitiveness for the last few decades to attract more investment and prevent manufacturing plants from moving elsewhere.
Maquila workers in Ciudad Juarez. J. L. G.
But robotics places clear limits on that growth model. At most maquilas, hiring four workers in Mexico is still cheaper that installing a robot in the US. But robotics are getting cheaper, and in many industries such as the auto industry, it is already more profitable to use a robot than to hire teams of workers, says Tony Payan, director of Mexican studies at the Baker Institute.
Although the percentage of jobs likely to be automated in Brazil (50%) and Argentina (48%) is similar to Mexicos, the structure of production at the latter country entails an additional risk: it is the only one of Latin Americas large economies that depends more on exports of manufactured goods where automation has sped up than on the export of raw materials.
Betting on manufacturing as a great source of jobs is a strategic mistake these days, notes Payan.
How long?
One or two decades at the most: that is how long Mexico has to revert the downward jobs trend. Whats really new about this process of technological change is that it is happening much faster than previous ones, says Juan Chacaltana, an expert on employment policies at the International Labor Organization (ILO).
So what can Mexican authorities do? All analysts consulted for this story agreed that Mexico should start thinking long term to get out of the loop that the public debate has been trapped in ever since Trump arrived at the White House.
I see the entire political class as too focused on saving NAFTA. Dealing with automation will be the next administrations big job: it will face the enormous task of restructuring the economy, says Payan. But there is no time to lose.
Bolstering the domestic market to counter the economys reliance on exports is a classic pledge made by every party during campaigns. But with one year to go before federal elections, the specific details of such a move towards economic reorganization remain unclear.
I see the entire political class too focused on saving NAFTA
Tony Payan, Baker Institute
The second reply that analysts gave concerns the issue of education. In a technological change of such scale, there are two simultaneous effects on employment. One is negative: job destruction in favor of automated production processes. The other is positive: higher wages derived from greater productivity.
The point is to make the second have more weight than the first, says Chacaltana, of the ILO. And to do that, worker ability is key.
Either tech training is provided, or developing countries like Mexico are going to suffer from high unemployment in the future. And time is running out, adds Javier Acosta, the top executive at Mechatronics, a Mexican firm that provides state-of-the-art industrial technology.
But so far, the governments actions have been moving in the opposite direction. Despite early attempts at education reform by the administration of president Enrique Pena Nieto, which were followed by mass protests by the teacher unions, public education suffered the second-largest funding cuts in the 2016 budget and nearly all of the funds were funneled into teacher salaries.
English version by Susana Urra.
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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".
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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
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN
This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan
Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan
Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement
With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building
OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Senior Spotlight on Claire Koile of Elkhorn brought to you by United Republic Bank Free Access To read the Senior Spotlight Claire Koile of Elkhorn brought to you by United Republic Bank click the PDF link below. dc_split_014.pdf
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Opinion: People like Polad Bulbuloglu are called diplomatic freaks (video)
It will be catastrophic if Azerbaijans Ambassador to Russia Polad Bulbuloglu is appointed Director-General of UNESCO, the head of the For Sustainable Human Development NGO said on March 21. In his press conference he repeatedly says as the Karabakh issue is not resolved peacefully, we must start armed struggle He says he is ready to take up arms and fight, Karine Danielyan told a news conference on Tuesday. Armenia's first Human Rights Defender Larisa Alaverdyan reminded that Bulbuloglu said the same thing on April 2. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Armen Navasardyan added the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Russia [Polad Bulbuloglu] shooter acts as a shooter when he declares that he will take up arms and fight against Nagorno Karabakh. If he meant only Nagorno Karabakh, that would be part of the problem, but he says he is ready to fight against Armenia. Such people are called diplomatic freaks in diplomatic circles. He wonders who a man like Polad Bulbuloglu could be called a goodwill ambassador or someone who appoints a goodwill ambassador. Chairman of the Democratic Party of Armenia (HDK) Aram Sargsyan called for unity in order to be able to show the true face of Azerbaijan. The Director-General of UNESCO is the Organizations Chief Administrative Officer. The Director-General may be appointed initially for a period of four years, and may be appointed for a further term of four years, but shall not be eligible for reappointment for a subsequent term.
For speedy redressal of these complaints, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has partnered with 225 companies under a convergence programme
New Delhi: Nearly 49,000 complaints have been received against e-commerce companies till February this fiscal, a considerable jump from 28,331 for the whole of last year, Parliament was informed today.
For speedy redressal of these complaints, the National Consumer Helpline (NCH) has partnered with 225 companies under a convergence programme, it said. The consumer affairs ministry runs the NCH with toll-free number 1800-11-4000 and short code 14404. The number of desks of this helpline has been raised to 60, from 14.
As many as 48,998 complaints were received against e-commerce companies at the NCH during April-February of 2016-17, Minister of State for Consumer Affairs C R Chaudhary said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
About 28,331 complaints were received against e-commerce firms in 2015-16 and 16,919 in 2014-15. The consumer complaints registered with the NCH are forwarded to the departments and the companies concerned.
The progress of redressal of such complaints is monitored constantly, he added. To a query if the government plans to make it mandatory for e-commerce firms to put product pictures on the website in a manner that the printed MRP is visible, the minister said: "The draft amendments to the Packaged Commodities Rules, 2011 made under the provisions of the Legal Metrology Act propose that the mandatory labeling declarations as per the rules shall be displayed on the online trading platforms."
Asked if the government is aware of absence of a clear policy for operation of e-commerce portals, he said, "The government is aware about the functioning of e-commerce companies.
The rights of the consumers involved in e-commerce are equally protected as per the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, in a manner similar to transactions involving goods and services."
The consumers dealing in e-commerce can file complaints in consumer courts for deficiency in service and defective products, he added. In a separate reply, the minister said consumers can register all kinds of complaints related to electricity and water on the integrated portal www.consumerhelpline.gov.in. The complaints can be registered via the NCH.
New Delhi: Indian IT major HCL Technologies today said its board has approved a buyback of up to 3.50 crore shares worth Rs 3,500 crore. With this, HCL Technologies joins the growing list of IT companies that have opted for the buyback route to make use of huge piles of cash lying idle with them.
Sector leader Tata Consultancy Services and the US-based Cognizant had, last month, announced mega buyback offers to return surplus cash to shareholders. In a BSE filing, HCL Tech said, "...the Board of Directors of the company...have approved the buyback of up to 3,50,00,000 fully paid up equity shares of the company of face value of Rs 2 each (representing 2.48 per cent and 2.45 per cent of the fully paid up equity shares of the company outstanding as on March 31, 2016 and as on date respectively) at a price of Rs 1,000 per equity share payable in cash for an aggregate amount not exceeding Rs 3,500 crore".
The buyback amount is 16.39 per cent and 13.62 per cent of the fully paid up equity share capital and free reserves (including securities premium account) as per the latest audited standalone and consolidated balance sheet of the company, respectively, for the financial year ended March 31, 2016, it added.
The buyback is subject to approval of the shareholders and all other applicable statutory approvals. At present, HCL promoters and promoter group holds 59.69 per cent stake in the company.
The public announcement setting out the process, timelines and other details will be released in due course in accordance with the buyback regulations, HCL Tech said. IT companies are under increasing pressure from investors to utilise the huge cash pile on books either through share buyback or generous dividend.
Last month, Cognizant had announced a share buyback, bowing to pressure from activist investor Elliott Management Corp. TCS followed suit with a Rs 16,000 crore buyback offer, largest in Indian corporate history.
Infosys too has been under pressure to make a similar offer. While it is yet to make any announcements, the company has sought shareholders approval to change its Articles of Association that includes a provision for buyback.
Share buybacks typically improve earnings per share and return surplus cash to shareholders while also supporting share price during periods of sluggish market condition.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Group President and CEO AB Volvo, Martin Lundstedt in a meeting in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: Volvo Group's President and CEO Martin Lundstedt on Monday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi as it is eying long haul of transportation segment in India.
The meeting comes at a time when the Volvo Group, which makes premium trucks for specialised sectors like mining, buses and construction equipment, is eying long haul of transportation segment in India with GST rollout expected to spur growth in this segment.
Volvo Group has a joint venture with Eicher Motors in India -- VE Commercial Vehicles. Lundstedt is the latest automotive industry leader to meet Modi.
Earlier this month, Toyota President Akio Toyota and Suzuki Chairman O Suzuki had also met the prime minister. The two industry leaders were believe to have briefed Modi about the partnership being forged by the two companies at a global level.
The move led to protests by opposition parties in the Lok Sabha who said the amendments to 40 Acts was being done in the form of back-door entry.
New Delhi: Introducing 40 amendments to the Finance Bill in an unprecedented move the Centre on Tuesday moved a fresh proposal to cap cash transactions at Rs 2 lakh instead of Rs 3 lakh as provided in the Budget.
Finance minister Arun Jaitley had proposed the cap to be Rs 3 lakh with effect from April 1 while presenting the Budget on February 1.
It was the Special Investigation Team on Black Money that had first recommended a cap of cash deals. A penalty of equal amount would be levied in case of violation of the provision, according to a tweet by revenue secretary Hasmukh Adhia after the amendment was moved.
The amendments to the laws like Companies Act, Employees Provident Fund, Smuggling and Foreign Exchange Act, Trai Act and Information Technology Act, have been aimed at making the functioning of tribunals more efficient by merging the smaller ones and reducing their numbers from 40 to 12.
The move led to protests by opposition parties in the Lok Sabha who said the amendments to 40 Acts was being done in the form of back-door entry.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan overruled the objections by the opposition parties saying that the incidental provisions involved in the amendments constitute a Money Bill and therefore can be considered as part of the Finance Bill.
Defending the move, Arun Jaitley said: You cannot have a bill which says government will spend Rs 100,000 crore without detailing how it would be spent.
You cannot have a bill where you say there will be 5 per cent without specifying what will be the deduction, what will be the power of assessing officer, appeal provision. No tax can be imposed without reference to courts or tribunals.. These are incidental provisions.
As Mr Jaitley moved the Bill for discussion, N.K. Premanchandran said the government is not following the rules. It is being bulldozed. If you conduct the House like this, then there is no need for the Monsoon and the Winter sessions. The Standing Committee can be curtailed.
Mumbai: While construction activity is slowly returning to normalcy post demonetisation, the unorganised players in the construction materials have increased prices by 5-10 per cent to compensate for higher compliance cost and are also working on brand building measures on a smaller scale to take on stiff competition from the organised sector.
The demonetisation had disrupted the business of unorganised manufacturers and dealers during the initial two months of note ban as sales and purchases were largely settled in cash.
These players also highlighted that the governments crackdown on black money has made it increasingly difficult for them to dodge tax laws. Improvement in tax compliance levels post demonetisation has led to higher cost for unorganised manufacturers, compelling them to hike prices 5-10 per cent, said analysts at Edelweiss Financial Services after interacting with 50 manufacturers and dealers of ceramic tile, plywood, plastic products and electrical equipment in five states to assess the on-ground impact of demonetisation.
According to them, most unorganised players acknowledged that organised players have gained ground during demonetisation and the roll out of GST would further accelerate the pace of demand shift in favour of the latter.
Interestingly, large unorganised players have realised the importance of brands and have started spending on low-cost brand building activities such as newspaper advertisements and outdoor hoardings among others, Edelweiss noted.
Post demonetisation, the unorganised players across ceramics and plywood industries operated at sub-optimal capacities as the cash crunch had made it difficult for them to procure raw material and meet other costs. Due to the inability of unorganised players to cater to demand during demonetisation, organised players were able to aggressively push sales in the market.
New Delhi: Some hours after Kapil Sharma apologised to his co-star Sunil Grover over the infamous mid-air scuffle, the latter came up with a befitting response and that too, "with love."
Sunil took to Twitter to send out a note, pouring his heart out over the whole brouhaha and captioned it, "From a friend, with love."
He started saying, "Bhai ji! Yes, You hurt me deeply. Working with you has been a learning experience. Just one advice, start respecting human beings also apart from animals. All are not as successful as you are. All are not as talented as you are. But if they all are talented like you, who will value you."
"So, have some gratitude towards their existence. And also, if someone is correcting you, don't abuse the person. Refrain from using foul language in front of women who have nothing to do with the stardom you carry, they are by chance just traveling with you. Thanks for making me realise it was your show and you have power to throw out anybody, anytime. You are the wittiest, and the best in your field," he continued.
The actor, famous for his character Gutthi, concluded by saying, "But don't act like a 'God.' Take good care of yourself. Wish you lot more success and fame."
Last night Kapil took to Twitter to seek apology on the same and wrote, ""Paji @WhoSunilGrover sry if I hurt u unintentionally.u knw vry well how much I luv u. M also upset .love n regards always:)."
Earlier, acknowledging the issue in a Facebook post, the 'Kis Kis Ko Pyaar Karoon' actor wrote, "Hi.. good morning friends .. was celebrating my best time n suddenly I heard a news about me n sunil paji fighting.. first of all see where it is coming from.. what r the intentions behind this.. if I fought with him in the flight then who saw it n informed u.. is he trustworthy..? Some people enjoy these kind of stuff.. we eat together .. we travel together.. I meet my brother once in a year.. n spending almost everyday with my team.. specially sunil .. I love him.. I respect him.. yes I had a argue with him.but r we not normal people..?I shouted at him first time in 5 years .. itna to chalta hai bhai."
"We will sit n talk that where is the problem.. I love him as a artist as a human being.. he is like my elder brother.. why so much negativity all the time.. I respect our media.. there r some other serious issues which we need to focus. Is me n sunil's issue is so important n realted with the security of my country ..? We spend a lot of time together rather then our families .. n sometime it happens in family.. its our family matter.. we will sort this out.. zyada maze mat liya karoo. OK now m tired typing .. n one more thing.. I m going for the final schedule of Firangi. Hahahahaha.. sorry again promotion.. thank u so much for ur love n blessings... keep smiling n stay happy always :)) love u all (sic)," added ' The Kapil Sharma Show' host.
Kapil and Sunil, reportedly, had a fight as they were flying down with their team to Mumbai from Australia, after a show. Apparently, the former got drunk and belittled Sunil and also physically assaulted him.
Now, with his response, Sunil has fueled the rumours about his decision of quitting 'The Kapil Sharma Show,' following the spat.
Ameriabank: At the Vanguard of Armenia's Banking Sector
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH
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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
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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
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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".
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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
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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN
This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan
Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments
Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex
Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan
Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement
With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building
OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border
Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh
Under the Kigali amendment, the developed countries have undertaken to phase down HFCs by 2036 with reference to baseline years of 2011-2012-2013. (Photo: Pixabay)
New Delhi: Developed countries have undertaken to phase down hydrofluorocarbons (HFC), a greenhouse gas, by 2036, Lok Sabha was informed today. "Under the Kigali amendment, the developed countries have undertaken to phase down HFCs by 2036 with reference to baseline years of 2011-2012-2013," HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar said during Question Hour on behalf of Environment Minister Anil Dave.
The Minister said it has been agreed that the developing countries will have a differentiated time schedule for such phase down. "There are two sets of baselines agreed for the purpose of phase down by developing countries while China and a few other countries will have 2020-2021-2022 as their baseline.
"India along with some of the developing countries will have 2024-2025-2026 as the baseline years, with a commitment to freeze the production and consumption in 2028. The freeze year can be deferred to 2030 subject to technology review," Javadekar said. The Minister said in addition to production and consumption of HFCs in the baseline year, 65 per cent of HFC baseline has been added to provide for adequate carbon space for development of the country.
India has undertaken to complete its phase down in 4 steps from 2032 onwards with cumulative reduction of 10 per cent in 2032, 20 per cent in 2037, 30 per cent in 2042 and 85 per cent in 2047. "This agreement facilitates adequate carbon space for growth on domestic industry while minimising the cost to the economy and consumers during transition period," he said.
The girl students at the hostel said the sexual predators enter from the Turf Club side.
Bengaluru: Despite repeated complaints from dozens of young female students in Maharani Women's College of being preyed on by sexual predators who had a free run of the campus and their hostel after dark, neither the college authorities nor the police acted.
It took a Deccan Chronicle expose and a visit prompted by the story to the college premises by the MLC, Mr. V.S. Ugrappa, who heads an Expert Committee on Preventing Sexual Violence against Women and Children for the sickening, episodic perversion that was allowed to be conducted unhindered, to come to light.
The college, founded by the Mysore kings and functioning for almost 80 years, is located in the heart of the city but has left its students unsafe and vulnerable to random men entering their hostel premises at will.
On Monday when the Expert Committee led by Mr Ugrappa checked the CCTV footage of the girls' hostel at the college, they found to their utter shock a half-naked man wearing women's undergarments walking inside the hostel compound with a knife in his hand.
Students alleged that though they filed complaints several times on such predators entering the hostel, the police had not taken any action so far. They had even seen strangers entering the hostel with lethal weapons, the students disclosed.
Though local police and college authorities deny that anything of this sort has happened at the hostel, the CCTV footage is enough to prove that the students are speaking the truth. I
t shows the half-naked man entering the hostel around midnight and stealing students' undergarments while trying to scare them with a knife. But the brave students called the security guards and succeeded in chasing him out of the campus.
The students have complained to Mr Ugrappa that the menace posed by the predators has increased over the last one month. "I have directed City Police Commissioner Praveen Sood to investigate the matter," he said.
The police have registered a case against three people after a complaint by Shamis family.
Lucknow: Hours after the new government was sworn in and Chief Minister Aditynath Yogi vowed to improve the law and order situation, BSP leader Mohammad Shami was shot dead in Allahabad on Sunday night.
The incident took place in Mau Aima, an industrial locality in Allahabad when Shami, 60, got out of his car and was moving towards his house. Two unidentified men, who came on a motorbike, fired at him with bullets and fled.
The victim was rushed to the hospital where he was declared brought dead.
The police have registered a case against three people after a complaint by Shamis family.
ADG (law and order) Daljit Chaudhary told reporters in Lucknow that five teams had been formed to arrest the accused. Shami had been chosen as a block head from Allahabads Mau Aima a couple of times.
He had recently joined BSP after leaving Samajwadi Party, where he served for 20 years. Mohammad Shami has a criminal record and sources said that the murder was a result of his underworld rivalry.
The locals and BSP supporters held a protest and senior officials rushed to the scene of the crime to pacify the protestors.
Even after the death of her daughter, the police were defending the accused and reprimanded her for not bringing up the child properly.
Chennai: The mother of a 16-year-old girl, who was kidnapped, raped and killed by Caste Hindus at Ariyalur district in December 2016, has approached the Madras high court to transfer the investigation in the case from Jeyankondam police to CB-CID.
Justice R.Mahadevan, before whom the petition filed by Rajakili came up for hearing, directed the prosecution to get instructions and posted to March 27, further hearing of the case.
According to petitioner, she belongs to a scheduled caste and her minor daughter was subjected to gang rape and eventually murdered in a cruel and barbaric way.
Her daughter went missing on December 29, 2016. Immediately, she lodged a complaint with Irumbulikurichi police. But there was an undue delay in registering the FIR and there was no investigation at all.
If the investigation had been carried out promptly and properly, the life of her daughter would have been saved. Even after the death of her daughter, the police were defending the accused and reprimanded her for not bringing up the child properly.
The investigation was also marred by political influence. The officers who were in charge of the investigation were acting under extraneous influence and were reluctant to bring the culprits to justice.
Hence, she filed this petition to transfer the investigation to CB-CID and to take appropriate action against the SP, DSP and inspector of police for their inaction and failure to investigate and provide protection to her child, she added.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad west zone police on Monday questioned senior IAS officer D. Venkateswara Rao, deputy director of marketing and cooperation, in connection with the murder of his former wifes personal driver. Police said they had evidence that indicated the involvement of Mr Raos son D. Venkat Sukru, 21, in the case. Mr Sukru is a second year LLB student, and the police say they suspect him of murdering the driver, B. Nagaraju, 31, on the terrace of Sai Kalyan Residency Apartments at Jubilee Hills.
The body was allegedly concealed in the penthouse for a day. Later, Mr Sukru tried to move the body by wrapping it in a bed-sheet and taking it into the lift, police allege. A resident saw this suspicious activity and ca-lled the police. Mr Sukru has been detained by the police for questioning. CCTV footage shows the murdered man and Mr Sukru entering the penthouse. Police believe the two went to the terrace of the building on the night of March 17 to consume alcohol and had a quarrel, which led to the murder.
Prima facie, investigating officers suspect that the victim was throttled or suffocated. They are also investigating whether a large stone found on the spot was used to hit the victim. The body was recovered two days after the incident and was in a decomposed state. Doctors have not confirmed the cause of death, said DCP west zone, A. Venkateswara Rao. CCTV footage showed Mr Sukru leaving the building, allegedly after committing the murder.
He was also seen returning later. Police allege that he covered the body with a shawl and left it on the terrace for a day. Next night he came back and tried to move the body by taking it in the lift, the DCP alleges. Mr Sukru left before the police arrived. Police suspected that Mr Sukrus father might have tried to help him move the body and so they called him to the police station on Monday to question him.
We are investigating if it was his father who dropped him on that day to collect the body. He (the father) is not seen in the CCTV footage, but we are verifying if he waited outside the apartment, said a senior police official. The IAS officer has denied any involvement in the case. He has told police that he was not aware of the incident.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had an impressive attendance of 77 per cent as a Lok Sabha MP while his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh's was just six per cent, one of the lowest in the House.
The chief ministers of two states, Manohar Parrikar in Goa and Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, out of the five states that recently went to polls are sitting Members of Parliament.
Amarinder Singh resigned as Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar just before the Punjab Assembly polls.
According to PRS Legislative Research, the 44-year-old Gorakhpur MP, who is yet to resign from Lok Sabha after taking over reins in Uttar Pradesh and even attended proceedings today, asked 284 questions during the current Lok Sabha, participated in 56 debates and introduced three private member Bills.
One of the Bills introduced by Adityanath was to establish a permanent bench of the Allahabad High Court at Gorakhpur.
Adityanath has represented Gorakhpur five times and made his debut at the age of 26 in 1998.
The Punjab Chief Minister, who was also the Deputy Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, did not introduced any private member Bill during his tenure. The 75-year-old leader asked only 18 questions and participated in only four debates.
Keshav Prasad Maurya, Adityanath's deputy in the state, and BJP MP from Phulpur had an attendance record of 82 per cent. Although, he did not introduce any private member Bill, he asked 158 questions and participated in 122 debates.
Adityanath and Maurya will now have to resign as MPs. They need to be elected as members of UP Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council.
Similar is the case with former Defence Minister Parrikar, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh. He has to be elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly.
New Delhi: BJP veteran L K Advani today welcomed the Supreme Court suggestion of an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute and said all concerned parties should reach a consensus to resolve it.
"The Supreme Court's observation is a welcome step and I hope in light of the apex court's advise, all concerned parties will reach consensus and will find a solution to resolve the Ram Temple issue," Advani, who was the flag bearer of the Ram Janmabhoomi Andolan in the 1990s, told reporters.
Besides Advani, a host of other BJP leaders including the new Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also welcomed the apex court's observation.
Adityanath assured cooperation from the UP government in resolving the issue of temple in Ayodhya.
The Supreme Court today said that fresh attempts must be made by all the parties concerned to find a solution to the dispute which is a "sensitive and sentimental matter".
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said such religious issues could be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate in order to arrive at an amicable settlement to the dispute.
File photo of kar sevaks scaling the fencing of the Babri Masjid in 1992. (Photo: File)
New Delhi: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) today welcomed the Supreme Court's suggestion of an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute, and said aggrieved parties should keep in mind its "sensitivity" while discussing the matter.
"The Supreme Court has called for an out-of-court settlement between the aggrieved parties. The parties should resolve the issue amicably by talking to each other.
"We welcome this step and I believe they should have talks outside the court," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters here.
The party will study in detail the observations made by the apex court, which has said the issue is sensitive and sentimental and is related to faith of millions of people, he said.
Patra suggested that aggrieved parties should talk while keeping in mind the "sensitivity" of the issue.
The Supreme Court today said fresh attempts must be made by all parties concerned to find a solution to the Ayodhya temple dispute which is a "sensitive" and "sentimental matter".
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
The observations came after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy mentioned the matter seeking urgent hearing of the issue.
On February 26 last year, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute with his plea seeking construction of
Ram temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
The BJP leader had earlier moved the plea for a direction to allow construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya at the disputed site and had mentioned it before a bench headed by the then Chief Justice T S Thakur for an urgent hearing.
He had also sought directions to expedite the disposal of several petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya on September 30, 2010.
New Delhi: The Ram temple should be built at Ram Janambhoomi (birthplace of Ram) while the Masjid (mosque) on the other side of Sarayu river to resolve the Ayodhya issue, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy suggested today.
"We were always ready. Mandir and Masjid should be built but Masjid should be built on other side of Sarayu river. The Ram Janambhoomi should be entirely for Ram Mandir," he told reporters here.
His response came after the Supreme Court today said the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably and all parties must hold discussion out of court to find an amicable solution.
Swamy argued that in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, mosque is regarded as the place where 'Namaaz' (prayer) is offered and prayer can be offered at any place.
"My suggestion is that Masjid be built on other side of the Sarayu river and Ram Janambhoomi be handed over for Ram Temple. We cannot change the birthplace of Ram, but Masjid can be made anywhere," he said.
The BJP leader said he wanted the apex court to suggest the name of a mediator on the issue and hoped that the decision in this regard would be made by March 31.
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement. The observation came after Swamy sought urgent hearing of the issue.
The Parliamentarian had stated that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest.
He told the court that he had approached the Muslim community members who told him that judicial intervention was required to solve the matter.
On February 26 last year, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute against his plea seeking construction of Ram temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
Hyderabad: All eyes are on Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan, who is yet to take a decision on division of electricity employees between the two Telugu states. Both the states have left the decision to the Governor on the issue since they could not reach any understanding.
While the TS government insists that employees should be divided based on their nativity, AP wants bifurcation of the staff on the basis of their local status. A majority of the 10,000-odd employees of various cadres in Transco and Genco are natives of AP.
If the Governor supports the TS argument, AP will be burdened with surplus staff. If Mr Narasimhan supports APs argument, the TS government will have only a limited number of vacancies that it can fill with TS-native staff.
Mr Narasimhan was scheduled to meet ministers of both the states on this issue on March 9, but the meeting has been postponed to March 26 since the AP ministers are busy with the ongoing Assembly session.
After bifurcation of the state, employees of both Transco and Genco were tentatively allotted to both states. In Genco there are 5,019 sanctioned posts, of which only 818 are vacant. Of these 5,019 posts, AP was allotted 2,793 and TS 2,226 posts.
Of the total 4,201 employees, 2,329 were allotted to AP and 1,872 to TS, while AP got 464 of the vacant posts to fill and TS can fill 254 posts. If the employees are allotted on the basis of nativity, the strength of employees in AP will increase from 2,329 to 2800 while it will decrease to 1,401 from 1,872 for TS.
A similar situation prevails in Transco. APs insistence that the Transco and Genco employees be allotted on the basis of population is being opposed by TS.
Meanwhile the TS government has relieved 1,250 employees on the basis of they being AP natives. These employees are now waiting for postings.
New Delhi: Union Minister P P Chaudhary today said the government too favours talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute after the apex court suggested that such "sensitive" religious issues could be settled through negotiations.
"Government is always ready and encourages mediation. We encourage negotiations and mediations, even pre-litigation mediation and post-litigation mediation," Chaudhary, who is Minister of State for Law and Justice, told reporters in the Parliament premises.
Underlining that the suggestion of Supreme Court is "worth welcoming", he said if such complex matters are solved through negotiations, it ensures peace and better understanding between the parties in the future.
"What mediation can do, cannot be done by judgement. Both the parties are happy in case of mediation but in case of judgement, one party is happy while the other is not," he said.
The Minister also exuded confidence that the long-standing dispute would be resolved through negotiations.
"The matter is in the court. Nothing can be done until the SC gives the verdict. Now SC has said that solve it through negotiation. I feel that it would be solved through negotiation," he said.
Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma termed the Supreme Court's suggestion as a "big initiative" and requested all the parties to "respect the sentiments of the court" and resolve the issue through negotiations.
New Delhi: Two days after taking over as UP Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath today made an appearance in the Lok Sabha where he is still a member and vowed to work for development of all sections by creating a "new structure" of progress.
Clad in his typical saffron robes, Adityanath was received warmly by the members who thumped the desks as he entered the House sometime after 4.30 pm when a debate was underway on the Finance Bill.
As he entered the House amid chants of 'Jai Sri Ram', there was a brief interruption in the speech by TDP member Rammohan Naidu, who stopped to extend greetings to the new UP Chief Minister.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also extended her greetings as did a number of other members to the member from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh. "You are welcome. You are the Chief Minister of UP and along with that you are a member of this House," the Speaker said while inviting Adityanath to speak.
The name of 44-year-old UP CM, who arrived in Delhi this morning to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top BJP leaders, was added to the list of speakers after he came to the House.
Adityanath, who spoke on the Bill after Naidu, laid thrust on allaying apprehensions over his taking over in UP. "In Uttar Pradesh, the new model of development will be based on 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas'," emphasised Adityanath, who is known for his firebrand Hindutva image.
"My government will be for everyone, not specifically for any caste or community... We will work for development of all sections and castes and create a new structure of progress," said the Chief Minister of the country's largest state.
He said his government in the state will create a "new model" of development under the guidance of Modi.
"UP will be the state which our honourable Prime Minister has dreamt of, a corruption-free state, a state free of anarchy. It would be an incident free-state," Adityanath said.
"Uttar Pradesh would work to make the dream of Prime Minister a reality," he said.
The state, he said, would be a model for development and the youth would not migrate.
He invited all the members of the House to visit Uttar Pradesh. "You are welcome to UP," he said.
Hyderabad: NRI affairs minister K.T. Rama Rao has urged External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to rescue 29 migrant workers from Telangana, who have been held captive by Al-Hajry Overseas Company for last 12 days in Saudi Arabia.
In a letter to Ms Swaraj, Mr Rao said that the Saudi employer has locked the workers in a room in Kanji city of Saudi Arabia without giving food, water and medicine to them.
He provided the contact number of one Mr B. Shekar, who contacted the TS government for help. These workers had requested leave to visit home town, but the company wanted each of them to pay US $50,000 and also refused to provide travel expenses, Mr Rao wrote.
The shocked workers approached a Court, which directed the employer to bear all travel expenses and send the staff within three days. However, in the meantime the company illegally confined them in a room, Mr Rao said, appealing to the minister to intervene and save the lives of the helpless workers.
Head priest Syed Asif Nizami (L) and his nephew Nazim Ali Nizami, who went missing in Pakistan last week, in New Delhi on Monday. (Photo: PTI)
New Delhi: The head priest of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, who along with another cleric had gone missing in Pakistan for days, returned home on Monday with their disappearance still shrouded in mystery amid reports they had been picked up by the ISI.
Syed Asif Nizami, 80, the chief priest of the sufi shrine and his nephew Nazim Ali Nizami flew back by a Pakistan International Airlines flight and met external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, who had taken up their case with Pakistan Prime Ministers adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz.
Though the two clerics did not divulge much about what happened during this period, Asif Nizami, however said, he was blindfolded and taken to some undisclosed place.
I was sitting at the Lahore Airport, carrying my boarding pass when suddenly some people came and told me there were some details lacking in my passport.
When the flight was about to depart, I was asked to accompany them. I felt helpless. Soon 8-10 people surrounded me and I was taken out through another gate, he said.
Sajid Nizami, son of Asif Nizami, alleged that the duo was taken away after a news report appeared in a Karachi-based Urdu daily which claimed they had links with Indian external intelligence agency RAW.
On reports that both of them could not be contacted as they were in interior Sindh where there was no communication network, Nazim Ali Nizami strongly rejected the claim.
We did not have visa for Sindh interior region, so how could we have gone there? The reports that we could not be contacted because of network issues is totally false, Nazim said.
New Delhi/Lucknow: Muslim organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee were today sceptical about the Supreme Court's suggestion for talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute, saying attempts at out-of-court settlement in the past have been unsuccessful.
"We are ready with Chief Justice (of India) mediating...we trust him. We are also ready we if he nominates a team for hearing the matter. But out of court settlement is not possible. If SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it," said Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Committee which is a party to the case.
His comments came against the backdrop of the apex court earlier in the day asking parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus on Ayodhya issue, which has been dragging for decades.
"It is a sensitive and sentimental issue and it's best that it is settled amicably," the SC observed.
Jilani said that going by his experience of last three decades, he feels that the matter cannot be settled outside the court and referred to unsuccessful negotiation attempts made during the tenures of former Prime Ministers Chandrashekhar and P V Narasimha Rao.
"Let them hear us, we are prepared. But we are not ready for out of court settlement," Jilani said.
"In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and President Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed.
"Later in 1990, Prime Minister Chandrashekhar, UP Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and Bhairon Singh Shekhawat talked but no results came. PM Narasimha Rao also constituted a committee and attempts of talks were made through Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai but in 1992 the mosque was demolished," he said.
He said after the demolition, the then Muslim Personal Law Board President Rabe Hasan Nadvi had sought a written proposal from Shankaracharya of Kanchi in which he said Muslims should leave claim on three mosques, which was not acceptable.
The Secretary General of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), Maulana Wali Rahmani, said, "We have trust in the Chief Justice and if he is there we are ready for talks."
"Talks were held earlier also but it can be initiated again. But talks should not be long," he added.
Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB alleged that the attempts in the past to resolve the issue were foiled by political parties. "Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time, political parties foiled our attempts...(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all," Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB said.
Rashid, however, said the Board respects the gesture of the CJI and the sentiments of Hindus.
"If the parties wants me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose," Chief Justice J S Khehar, who headed the SC bench, said today.
The Allahabad High Court, had in its verdict on September 30, 2010, directed three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The verdict was challenged in the apex court.
New Delhi/Lucknow: A power tussle has emerged in the Uttar Pradesh government on Day 2 of its tenure, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya both intent on taking the Home portfolio.
Meanwhile, the other Deputy CM, Dinesh Singh, wants the Finance portfolio, NDTV reports said.
To resolve the crisis, Adityanath has reached Parliament in Delhi and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Yogi Adityanath also met Home Minister Rajnath Singh and discussed with him various issues concerning the state.
During the 20-minute meeting, the Chief Minister briefed the Home Minister about various aspects of the state government, of which he was sworn in as head on Sunday, official sources said.
The Home Minister conveyed his best wishes to the new government and assured all help from the central government. Singh himself is a former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh and represents Lucknow in Lok Sabha.
He will also meet BJP President Amit Shah and will call upon President Pranab Mukherjee.
Adityanath is expected to also hold key ministries like education and health, said the report.
All 47 ministers in the UP government are to be allocated portfolios after consultations with Modi and Shah, said the report.
Controversial Hindutva icon Adityanath was sworn in as the 21st CM of UP on Sunday, leading to condemnation of BJP by Opposition parties.
The BJP won a massive 312 out of 403 seats in the just-held UP elections, while its allies won 13 seats.
New Delhi: The government has completed investigation against persons named in HSBC and Liechtenstein banks for blackmoney stashed abroad and made an assessment totalling around Rs 15,000 crore in the two cases.
Disclosing this during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said investigation against 628 persons named in the HSBC list of Indians holding foreign bank accounts has been completed, an assessment to the tune of Rs 8,437 crore in 409 of these cases made and 119 prosecutions filed against them.
The government has also assessed each of those named by the Liechtenstein Bank and an assessment of around Rs 6,500 crore of undeclared income by them has been made, he said.
Jaitley was responding to a question by Ram Jethmalani after an almost 30 minutes of acrimonious exchanges between ruling BJP and opposition members on the issue of black money.
The heated arguments began after the 94-year old veteran lawyer and suspended BJP member asked the government whether it had made any effort to get the names of blackmoney holders offered by Germany.
While the opposition accused the government of not doing anything except making false promises of bringing in blackmoney stashed abroad, the government countered it saying several steps have been taken to bring in black money from abroad, including enactment of new laws to check the menace.
The House saw trading of charges when Jethmalani accused the Finance Minister of "lies", which infurated the ruling party members who sought an apology. Jethmalani also charged the government with committing a "fraud" on the country.
"You must expel all of them if you want the House to function," Jethmalani said as he sought silence in the House, to which the Chair said it is an "interesting suggestion but cannot be implemented".
Jethmalani said "the German government has offered to disclose information on account holders stashing black money. Did you make any effort to avail of the offer made publicly by the German government."
When ruling party members including Ministers demanded an apology, Jethmalani earlier said that he was 94 years old and "these young men don't have the courtesy to let me speak."
Chairman Hamid Ansari kept on chiding the ruling party members and even saying "you are Ministers. You can't do it (standing up and protesting)".
The bricks brought over from all over India for constructing the Ram temple (Photo: PTI/File)
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday advised the concerned parties in Ram Temple dispute case to resolve the matter outside the court after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy sought an urgent hearing on the matter.
Swamy sought an urgent hearing on Ayodhya dispute on the claims that it is a sensitive matter. He mentioned to the apex court that the case is pending since last six years.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) JS Khehar in response asked him to mention matter on or before March 31, while advising Swamy to sort out issue through negotiations that would be agreed upon by all petitioners and respondents.
The apex court, however, said that it would intervene if the negotiations fail and appoint a mediator for resolution.
"We have been ready from the start for the construction of both Mandir and Masjid at the site, but the Masjid should be constructed across the river," Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy, who is a petitioner in the case, told the media after the hearing.
The apex court is also hearing the appeals challenging a 2010 Allahabad High Court's decision fixing the exact birth place of Lord Ram at the disputed Ayodhya site.
A three-judge Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court had in September 2010 given a unanimous decision that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have the right to worship there.
Subsequently, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the High Court's decision soon after. The case has remained in limbo ever since.
In his petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution, Swamy contended that the pendency of the appeals in the Supreme Court has restricted his fundamental right to worship and enjoy dignity of life under the Constitution.
Swamy had earlier claimed that work on the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya could start before the end of this year and expressed confidence that the apex court's verdict would pave the way for construction of the temple.
Hyderabad: Another deer at University of Hyderabad campus has fallen prey to stray dogs. A spotted deer was found dead on the campus on Monday evening. The deer died after it was severely injured while trying to escape an attack from stray dogs. Meanwhile, a carcass of a male spotted dear was found near the GHMC office adjacent to the UoH campus on Monday even-ing. The deer was attacked and killed by stray dogs.
In past few weeks, nearly five spotted deer were found dead on the campus. They were either killed by poachers or fell victim to stray dog attacks. Last year, 50 spotted deer were found killed on the UoH campus and the blame was on stray dogs as well as poachers and hunters. CCF Rangareddy, S Kukrety, said, We were told that the spotted dear came out from the campus when it was chased by some stray dogs there. By the time our rescue team went there, the deer was already dead. The carcass was sent for post mortem.
He added, The compound wall of UoH is broken. This gives a free entry to trespassers, poachers and stray dogs. We will be meeting the university officials to discuss this matter. Ravi Jillapalli, the founder of Wild Lens, said, The GHMC has released several sterilized dogs. Dogs that were not caught from the campus are also being released on the campus. We have handed over the carcass to forest officials for further procedures.
Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has convened a meeting of the state Cabinet on Tuesday at Pragati Bhavan to approve the Bill for enhancement of 12 per cent reservations for STs from the existing 6 per cent.
The Cabinet is also expected to approve a Bill on Special Development Fund for welfare of SCs and STs replacing the SC, ST Sub-Plan.
After Cabinet approval, the two Bills will be tabled in Assembly and Legislative Council for passage.
However the report on enhancement of Muslim reservations is still under preparation by the BC panel.
Hyderabad: The state government fears a drop in tax revenues once the GST comes into force. Deputy Chief Minister Kadiyam Srihari told the Legislative Assembly on Monday that the exact quantum of loss can be assessed only after the GST Council decides tax rates category-wise.
However, the government hopes to get good revenues with increased shares of service tax and Central excise under the GST regime. Replying to voting on Demands for Grants for 2017-18 on Commercial Taxes Administration, Mr Srihari said, Telangana stood first in the country in terms of higher growth rate in commercial tax collections at 15.85 per cent. However, uncertainty prevails over tax collections once GST comes into force. The GST Council is yet to finalise which item will come under which slab.
He said that while the Centre has assured the states that if growth rate is below 14 per cent, it would compensate them, but it was unlikely that TS will get anything since its current growth rate is above 14 per cent. Clarity on all these issues is yet to come, Mr Srihari said.
He said the government is earning Rs 2,151 crore through it share in Central taxes, 50 per cent share in VAT collections besides another Rs 700 crore through civil supplies department, which will cease to exist once GST comes into force.
However, he hoped that this would be compensated by increased share in service tax and central excise tax. Of the Rs 35,000 crore commercial tax collection at present, Rs 15,600 crore came from liquor and petroleum products alone, he said.
Hyderabad: Forum for Nationalist Alumni of Osmania University, an outfit of BJP, has urged Governor ESL Narasimhan to provide special grant for renovation of infrastructure in Osmania University and fill vacant posts before the varsitys Centenary celebrations begin.
Telangana state BJP president Dr K. Laxman, BJP MLC N. Ramachander Rao and others called on the Governor at the Raj Bhavan and submitted a memorandum in this regard.
Dr Laxman said though the university made immense contribution for the empowerment of people by means of education, it is passing through critical times due to neglect by successive government, including the present dispensation.
Besides poor state of some of the university buildings, especially hostels, the university is also hit due to paucity of staff. The memorandum said that of the 1,267 budgeted posts sanctioned the three decades ago, the university has only 553 regular teachers, indicating 54 per cent of the posts are vacant.
As against the Rs 400 crore needed, the government sanctioned only Rs 238 crore which added to university woes, Dr Laxman said.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh will also chair the high-level committee meeting on March 23 to look into the drought relief demands made by Tamil Nadu.
Chennai: Scores of farmers from Tamil Nadu's Cauvery Delta region, who have been protesting in New Delhi against apathy towards the farming community for the last one week, called off their agitation on Monday after the Union government assured to look into the demands raised by them.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh will also chair the high-level committee meeting on March 23 to look into the drought relief demands made by Tamil Nadu. Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palanisami has demanded Rs 39,595 crore as drought relief fund to mitigate the crisis.
Though the state has released nearly Rs 3,000 crore for drought relief measures, it is hoping that the Centre releases more funds so that more measures could be taken.
The agitation was called off after Union minister of state for shipping Pon Radhakrishnan met them at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, the venue of their agitation, and assured that he will personally take them to ministers concerned who would give them a patient hearing.
"The farmers will be given a patient hearing by Union agriculture minister and others. Their demands will be fulfilled and the Union government is concerned about the drought situation in TN. It will take every measure to mitigate the crisis," Mr Radhakrishnan said.
His visit to the site came after Radha Mohan Singh wrote to finance minister Arun Jaitley seeking immediate release of funds since that is the main demand of the farmers. Radhakrishnan also told the farmers that the high-level meeting on March 23 would look into their demands and release funds accordingly.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Centre why it chose not to create a separate category for those who couldn't deposit demonetised notes by December 30,2016 unlike the NRIs and people who were abroad.
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that the Prime Minister, in his November 8 address, had said that those with valid reasons could deposit the demonetised currency even after December 30, 2016, till March 31, 2017.
"Prime Minister in his address had said that people with genuine difficulties can deposit the demonetised currency even after December 30, 2016, till March 31, 2017 with the RBI branches. Give us the reasons why despite having powers under the law, you did not create a category for those people who couldn't deposit the demonetised notes before December 30, 2016" the bench said.
The apex court bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul said that the PM's address had given hope that those in difficulty would get a chance, till March 31, 2017, after giving valid reasons.
It also said that the government should file an affidavit by April 11 explaining the reason why the window was not created for the people having difficulty and the chance was only given to NRIs and the citizens who travelled abroad.
The SC also asked the Centre whether it intends to give a chance to those category of people with genuine reasons to deposit demonetised currency.
The apex court had on March 6 sought the responses of the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India as to why demonetized notes were not accepted till March 31 as was promised.
The Supreme Court on March 10 sought replies from the Centre and the RBI on the plea against tweaking of rules on exchange of demonetised currency.
The Prime Minister's address to the nation on the evening of November 8 last year on demonetisation and subsequent notification of the federal bank that devalued currency notes can be exchanged at RBI offices even up to March 31, 2017 were valid assurances which stood breached by the ordinance, the counsel for petitioner, Sudha Mishra, had said.
The plea has alleged that the Prime Minister and the RBI had assured the people at large that demonetised currency notes can be exchanged at banks, post offices and RBI branches till December 30, 2016 and if people are unable to deposit them by that day then they can do so till March 31, 2017 at RBI branches after complying with some formalities.
The petitioner has referred to the Specified Bank Notes Cessation of Liabilities Ordinance and said it had breached the assurance.
The Ordinance said that only those who were abroad, the armed forces personnel posted in remote areas or others who can give valid reasons for not being able to deposit the cancelled notes at banks, can deposit the demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes till March 31 this year after the deadline expired on December 30, 2016.
The Centre had come out with the Ordinance making possession of a large number of scrapped notes a penal offence that will attract monetary fine.
Of the Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth of currency that was scrapped, about Rs 14 lakh crore has been deposited in banks or exchanged till December 28.
New Delhi: The Supreme Court today warned the Sahara Group that it would auction its prime property worth Rs 39,000 crore at Aamby Valley in Pune if Rs 5092.6 crore is not paid by the company by April 17 as promised.
A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra also directed the international real estate firm, which had shown willingness to buy Sahara's stake in New York- based Plaza Hotel for USD 550 million, to deposit Rs 750 crore in the SEBI-Sahara refund account instead of the apex court registry to show its bonafide.
"We will auction your (Sahara) Aamby Valley project if the money is not deposited within the stipulated time period as promised," the bench, also comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and A K Sikri, observed.
The top court had earlier directed attachment of Sahara Group's prime property for realisation of money to be paid to its investors.
The apex court had also asked Sahara Group to provide it within two weeks the list of "unencumbered properties" which can be put for public auction to realise the remaining over Rs 14,000 crore of the principal amount of around Rs 24,000 crore that has to be deposited in the SEBI-Sahara account for refunding money to the investors.
The court had on November 28 last year asked Roy to deposit Rs 600 crore more by February 6 in the SEBI-Sahara refund account to remain out of jail and warned that failure to do so would result in his return to prison.
It had on May 6, 2016 granted a four-week parole to Roy to attend the funeral of his mother. His parole has been extended by the court ever since. Roy was sent to Tihar jail on March 4, 2014.
Besides Roy, two other directors -- Ravi Shankar Dubey and Ashok Roy Choudhary -- were arrested for the failure of the group's two companies -- Sahara India Real Estate Corporation (SIRECL) and Sahara Housing Investment Corp Ltd (SHICL) -- to comply with the court's August 31, 2012 order to return Rs 24,000 crore to their investors.
However, director Vandana Bhargava was not taken into custody.
Bengaluru: If all goes well, there could be a solution to the ever-frothing Varthur and Bellandur lakes. But the moot question is when will the government act on the recommendations to ensure that the lakes are free of pollution and contamination.
Chief Secretary Subhash Chandra Khuntia, Additional Chief Secretary Mahendra Jain and other officials inspected the Varthur Lake on Sunday, and directed officials to clear the debris and encroachments within a week.
After hearing the woes of residents living around the lake, Mr Khuntia told the officials to fence off the lake property where rampant dumping is taking place. He said that macrophytes should be cleared and the gradient of the flow at the outlets lessened to bring down frothing and foam.
Members of the Whitefield Rising Lake Team said that some of the water weeds should be left in the lake for farmers to use it as fodder for their cattle. The team pointed to the officials dumping of waste and debris on the lakebed and sides of the lake.
The expert committee, formed by the government to restore Bellandur and Varthur lakes, has 18 members, and is headed by ACS Mahendra Jain. The committee suggested that aerators should be installed and weeds removed. These solutions will be implemented in a phased manner.
Volunteers from the Lake Team explained the situation to Mr Khuntia and narrated how they met senior officials from various government departments to rejuvenate the dying lake.
Mr Khuntia was also briefed about the bathymetric survey, conducted by scientists led by Prof T.V. Ramachandra of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) with the help of Indian Army (Madras Engineering group). The IISc team found traces of heavy metals above permissible limits in the ground water around the lake.
The Lokayukta and officials from the BDA, LDA, BBMP and Urban Development Department have visited the lake and its surroundings, and an expert committee too has submitted its recommendations, residents said.
They submitted a letter to Mr Khuntia asking him to consider cutting off the flow of sewage from upstream Iblur and Bellandur lakes, which are upstream. All waste water should be treated locally and then let into the lakes through wetlands (currently most of it are encroached). Further, industrial effluents and sewage should not be allowed to enter lakes through rajakaluves, storm water drains or UGDs. Stringent action should be taken against those dumping debris by the lakeside, wetlands, lakebed, storm water drains, canals and Rajakaluves, the residents said.
Kolkata: A Hindutva group has lodged a police complaint against noted poet Srijato Bandyopadhyay for allegedly hurting "Hindu sentiments and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath" in a Facebook post.
"We have received a complaint from one Arnab Sarkar last night. He accused Srijato of hurting Hindu sentiments in a Facebook post," an official of Siliguri police station cyber cell said.
Bandyopadhyay had posted a 12-line poem on his Facebook page on March 19, the day Yogi Adityanath was sworn as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
"He has hurt the feelings of each an every Hindu through the use of distasteful words against the community. I have strong reservations about the last line of the poem where he makes derogatory remarks about trishul and Yogi Adityanath," Sarkar, a member of 'Hindu Samhati', told reporters.
Reacting to the police complaint, Bandyopadhyay said, "It is really sad that in a country like India, which has been known for his democratic values, the right to freedom of speech and expression is shrinking fast. The majority of people in this country believe in freedom of speech."
"Since the poem was posted, I was trolled on Facebook and some of the comments made are very dangerous and threatening in nature," he said.
Tapan Ghosh, President of Hindu Samhati, said that the poem was written on the basis of false information and if the police failed to take action they would move court.
Patna: Appreciating Punjab's initiative to do away with beacon lights on vehicles of ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats, ministers and legislators in Bihar cutting across party lines today favoured the same in the state.
"Its a good initiative (Punjab doing away with beacon lights on vehicles of ministers and legislators)...this would help bridge the gap between public and government," Congress state President and minister Ashok Choudhary told reporters.
Senior BJP leader Sushil Kumar Modi expressed agreement with the step not to use red beacon lights on vehicles. He, however, said the temptation to flash beacon light is more visible among ruling party members.
Use of beacon light on vehicles by ministers, legislators and bureaucrats is considered as a status symbol and show that the user is a VIP.
Senior JD(U) leader and Deputy leader in state Legislative Assembly Shyam Rajak also spoke in favour of doing away with use of red beacon lights.
"Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has already initiated a pioneering step not to use siren during movement of his caravan. Punjab government has now come up against use of beacon lights on vehicles of ministers, legislators and bureaucrats which is appreciative," Rajak said.
BJP MLAs Nitin Navin and Arun Sinha also echoed similar views.
On March 18 in its first cabinet meeting the Amarinder Singh government had decided to put a ban on the use of beacon lights on vehicles of ministers, MLAs and bureaucrats to end VIP culture in Punjab.
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The state government will bring in a legislation on admission and fee structure of self-financing colleges in view of the Supreme Court directive regarding admissions. In a statement issued after an all party meeting here on Monday to discuss admission issues, Chief Minister Mr. Pinarayai Vijayan said that all political party representatives who attended the meeting were of the opinion that all admissions should be on merit basis. They however wanted to ensure that students from financially weak backgrounds should also get an opportunity to study while fixing an unified fee.
Meanwhile, the opposition UDF kept off the meeting alleging that the date and time was finalised without consulting them and they were informed only at the last minute. The normal gesture was to decide the date and time of such meetings in consultation with all parties. It had not happened this time as well as during the previous all party meeting. The information regarding the meeting was informed at the Opposition leaders office only by Monday noon, when all UDF leaders were in Malappuram in connection with the filing of nomination by UDF candidate P K Kunhalikutty, opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala said in a statement.
The CM said that the legislation would be finalised after considering the opinion of all political parties. The government would also initiate talks with self-financing medical college managements, he said. Health Minister K K Shailaja spoke at the meeting of the fresh circumstances following the Supreme Court directive. Education Minister C Raveendranath, Ports Minister Ramachandran Kadanapally, Revenue Minister E Chandrasekharan and leaders of various political parties including K M Mani of Kerala Congress (M) and V V Rajesh of BJP attended the meeting.
Dehradun: A phone call to the newly sworn in Uttarakhand minister Prakash Pant helped save a woman who was allegedly being harassed by four men including staff persons at the Directorate of Information here.
Police said a couple from Pithoragarh had come to the Directorate of Information office here on Sunday to appear in connection with the hearing of an RTI case yesterday.
They arrived late on Sunday night and two members of staff on duty at the Directorate office advised them to spend the night there itself.
When the couple agreed, the two members of the staff invited two more friends to their office and together they allegedly started making indecent advances to the woman after dinner at around 11 PM. When the woman resisted they beat up the couple.
However, the husband managed to call the MLA from Pithoragar and apprise him with the situation.
Acting promptly, Pant called up SSP Sweety Aggarwal and asked her to rescue the couple.
The SSP immediately sent a team to the information office and all the four persons were arrested. They were sent to jail on Monday.
They have been identified as Jagmohan Singh Chauhan, Anil Rawat, Jagdish Singh and Hari Singh Petwal, Raipur police station in-charge Pradeep Singh Rana said.
A case has been lodged against them under section 354 (A) of the IPC, he said.
Chauhan, Rawat and Petwal are Information department employees while Jagdish sells tea outside the Information Directorate office, the SHO said.
When contacted, Pant said immediate action by the police prevented an ugly incident.
Asked how he could pick up his phone at so late an hour, he said he always tries to be available on the phone.
Hyderabad: The Seventh Nizam, Mir Osman Ali Khan, who founded Osmania University, was a stickler for perfection. He looked into every detail when approving the construction of the Arts College, the Law College, students' hostel, senate hall and other buildings on the sprawling OU campus, which celebrates 100 years next month. 'The Vision of Osmania', a permanent exhibition, rarely thrown open to students and the public, throws light on the efforts that went into the making of Osmania University. Housed in the Osmania University Library complex, the exhibition has a huge wooden model of the Arts College building, which was made when the building was under construction.
One can view the plans and designs of Osmania University buildings as originally conceived by the architect in 1933. There are rare photographs of different stages of construction of the campus buildings (1934-39), marble stones carved with elevating thoughts of the founder and reflecting the grandeur of historical Hyderabad, panels containing words of the founder in calligraphy of matchless beauty.
There is a photograph of the Nizam laying the foundation stone of a building on July 2, 1934 and a hukm, dated 17 July 1919, granting approval for the monogram of Osmania University. It ordered that the monogram should contain Ain (an Arabic alphabet) in the centre. The colour of the monogram should be yellow. There should not be any other colour as yellow is the state colour.
The Vision of Osmania is a permanent exhibition comprising charts, photographs, official documents, campus plan, university emblem etc. It depicts the history and development of Osmania University. There are photocopies of documents of the farman of HEH the Nizam VII Mir Osman Ali Khan, Asaf Jah VII giving his approval for the inauguration of the University, Dr R K Pavan Kumar, in-charge librarian told DC here on Monday.
The OU syndicate, at its 321st meeting on May 26, 1983, decided to have a founders enclosure in the library to preserve the memory of founder Nizam VII as suggested by the Sultan-Ul-Uloom centenary celebrations committee. A committee was constituted which decided to set up the permanent exhibition with assistance from the University, HEH Nizams Charitable Trust and Mr Abid Ali Khan, the editor of Siasat and alumnus.
Here you can see larger than life oil paintings of Nizam Mir Osman Ali Khan, including ones by Raja Deen Dayal and Sir Akbar Nazar Ali Hydari, Sadr ul-Maham, the PM of Hyderabad state. There are revolving panels of photos capturing the progress of the university and the personalities associated with it in the last 100 years. There are photographs of past Presidents of India and other dignitaries who visited the university. PLO chief Yasser Arafat, was a visitor. Mysore Maharaja Jaya Chamraja Wadiyar, and King Hussein of Jordan, Maharajadhiraj of Bikaner and Noble Laureate George Wald were among those whose visits have been documented via photographs. The Mysore Maharaja is seen with Prince Mukkaram Jah, the Pro Chancellor of OU.
It is appalling that this historical archive is open rarely, due to vandalism. We cant take chances since there are rare paintings and photos. We have seen vandalism at the library many times. So the exhibits are kept under lock and key and opened only when needed, said a university official.
New Delhi: Plagued with complaints, Railways plan to provide fresh food cooked at base kitchens in trains after every two hours to the passengers.
Railways, which provide about 11 lakh meals to passengers every day, has separated cooking and distribution of food under the recently launched new catering policy.
"We have decided to provide good quality food to our passengers and for that we have decided to have base kitchens at several places so that fresh food can be picked up at every two-hours of travel," Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu said at the round table conference on catering here.
Participated by representatives from the food and beverage industry, self-help groups, senior IRCTC and railway officials, the round table conference aims to formulate a roadmap under the new catering policy to provide best catering service at rail premises.
Admitting complaints against food served in trains, Prabhu said, "Whenever complaints come we always take prompt action. We had detailed discussion before formulating the policy and today we are having discussion for its smooth implementation."
Taking note of overcharging of food in trains, he said the issue will be taken up at the conference today.
"We have announced a new catering policy. There were many complaints against catering service. There were complaints against those who have got the catering responsibility under our earlier catering policy," he said.
Seeking participation of private players in food business for setting up base kitchens near stations, Prabhu said, "We have decided how to provide good quality food to our passengers. So we decided to have base kitchens at many places across the country. The base kitchens will be mechanised kitchens with less human intervention. It can be done through PPP mode."
He said base kitchens will benefit passengers as fresh food can be picked up in trains in every two hours which even airlines cannot do.
On the distribution front, Prabhu also sought participation of reputed caterers. "Delivery of food is important for an effective catering service. Delivery of fresh food in trains can also be done by reputed caterers with proper quality control mechanism," he added.
Mumbai: Firing yet another salvo at the BJP, the Shiv Sena today said Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath should concentrate more on delivering good governance rather than performing his "religious duties".
"Governing a state as large as Uttar Pradesh will not be as easy as governing a mutt," said the Sena which has been at loggerheads with the BJP despite being the junior partner at the centre and in the Maharashtra government.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which was left with heartburn after it was denied the Deputy Chief Minister post by the BJP in 2014, also took a dig at its ally over appointment of two Deputy Chief Ministers in UP, saying it was aimed at keeping Adityanath "free to perform his religious duties".
"Two Deputy Chief Ministers have been appointed in UP, while for Maharashtra, the BJP says appointing a Deputy CM is against their policy. In Jammu and Kashmir, they teamed up with PDPs Mehbooba Mufti to get the Deputy CMs post."
"By appointing two Deputy CMs in UP, Yogi Adityanath has been left free to do religious duties," Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece Saamana.
"Rather than performing religious duties, Adityanath should focus on delivering good governance and development. Governing a state as large as Uttar Pradesh will not be as easy as governing a mutt," the Sena said in a reference to Gorakhpur mutt which is headed by Adityanath.
The Sena said, "Appointing Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister will hasten the construction of Ram temple and new energy will be infused in the Hindutva forces. However, creation of jobs is also important and Yogi will have to work hard for that."
The Adityanath Government, which was sworn in on Sunday, has BJPs Uttar Pradesh unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya and partys national vice-president Dinesh Sharma as deputy chief ministers.
The Sena asked Adityanath to remember the "imbalance" created in Madhya Pradesh after the then Chief Minister and BJP leader Uma Bharti "focused more on religious activities than good governance".
New Delhi: Lok Sabha MP Kirit Somaiya, on Monday, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is the man from French soothsayer Nostradamus prophecy, who will take India to new heights.
Speaking in the Lok Sabha while participating in a discussion on the supplementary demands for grants, Mr Somaiya said, The prediction that Nostradamus made is that a leader will emerge in the East, and he will take India to new heights. Mr Modi is that leader.
Nostradamus, a famous 16th Century soothsayer, is said to have predicted several historic events, including the rise of Hitler and the collapse of the WTC. Similar statements were also made by other BJP members, including MoS Kiren Rijiju who had shared the prophecy on his FB page.
Mr Somaiya also took a dig at the Opposition for raising the demonetisation issue in every debate.
New Delhi: Allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers is likely to come up for discussion at a meeting the UP chief minister will have with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah in Delhi today.
Adityanath left for Delhi this morning to take part in the meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Board, a BJP spokesperson said here.
"The meeting of the BJP's Parliamentary Board is being held in Delhi today. Apart from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, his counterparts from Manipur, Goa, and Uttarakhand are also participating in the meeting," UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi told PTI.
"The discussion on allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers may also be discussed in Delhi with party chief Amit Shah and PM Modi," said a senior party leader requesting anonymity.
Earlier speaking to PTI, UP Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said that the portfolios of new ministers are likely to be announced "very soon".
"The portfolios are being worked out. The process for allocation of departments is on and hopefully it will be done very soon," Singh said.
He is one of the two UP ministers entrusted with the task of acting as an interface between the government and the media. Shrikant Sharma is the other minister.
In another development, Fateh Bahadur Singh, the BJP MLA from Campiyarganj in Gorakhpur, has offered to resign from his seat to facilitate the election of Yogi from the said assembly constituency.
Currently, Yogi Adityanath is the Gorakhpur MP, and is not a member of either Houses of the UP Legislature.
UP has a bicameral legislature.
Chennai: Tamil Nadu Assembly witnessed noisy scenes when finance and fisheries minister D. Jayakumar on Monday alleged that granting of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974 is the main reason for the problems faced by the state fishermen.
Intervening during the speech of leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin on a call attention on the killing of Thangachimadam fishermen Britjo by the Sri Lankan navy, the minister recalled the granting of Katchatheevu islet. The DMK members were on their feet strongly objecting to Jayakumar's remarks, leading to noisy scenes in the House.
Speaker P. Dhanapal tried to pacify the DMK members saying that the minister did not refer to the DMK and he was only making a general statement. The minister also asked why the DMK members are agitated at the mention of Katchatheevu.
However, Stalin pointed out that the islet was granted when DMK was in power and listed the party's actions opposing the move by the Centre. He said DMK leader M. Karunanidhi who was the Chief Minister in 1974 had written a letter to the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi against granting Katchatheevu to Lanka.
Karunanidhi had recorded the state government's strong opposition to the move with the officials of foreign affairs. Since, the Centre had the power to decide, the islet was granted to Lanka, he explained.
Stalin also recalled that Karunanidhi convened an all-party meeting and passed a resolution against the granting of Katchatheevu on 9 June 1974. The copy of the resolution was sent to the Centre and DMK member R. Chezhian also raised spoke against the move in Parliament, he added. The DMK held public meetings to condemn the move on 24 July 1974, Stalin said.
However, the minister said it was former AIADMK chief J. Jayalalithaa who filed a case against acceding Katchatheevu in the Supreme Court and asked why the DMK government did not file such a case after 1974.
The DMK leader said the Lankan government is adamant and the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen and seizing of their equipment had not stopped. He also alleged that the Lankan government is ignoring the decisions taken at the meeting of the two countries. The retrieval of Katchatheevu would be the permanent solution to the attacks on Tamil Nadu fishermen.
New Delhi: Will Finance Minister Arun Jaitley fall ill tomorrow? This was an intriguing question posed by senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh in Rajya Sabha after a discussion on biometric identification Aadhaar, listed for Wednesday, was put off.
Ramesh said members had two days back got an official notice from the Rajya Sabha secretariat on a discussion being listed on Aadhaar on Wednesday.
However, this morning another notice came saying the discussion has been postponed.
When he inquired the reasons for postponement, "I was informed that the Finance Minister is unwell" and will not be available to reply to the discussion on Wednesday.
He, however, said Jaitley, who was sitting in the House, looked hail and hearty and sought to know why was the debate postponed.
"Will he be unwell tomorrow," Ramesh asked much to the amusement of the members.
Jaitley, who had yesterday taken ill and not attended Parliament, did not respond to Ramesh.
Finance Minister had returned home soon after the Cabinet meeting yesterday morning cleared four legislations for Goods and Service Tax (GST) implementation. He was to reply to discussion on Budget in Rajya Sabha yesterday but that did not take place.
He was however present in the House since morning.
Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi got to up say something but sat down without saying anything.
Lucknow: Acting on the strict orders given by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, director general of police Javeed Ahmad on Monday stressed on maintaining law and order and communal harmony in the state.
At a meeting held evening through video conferencing with civil administration and police officials, the DGP and principal secretary (home) Debashish Panda asked cops to ensure strict action to maintain law and order.
The officials were also asked to crack down on criminals, organised crime and mafias, and ensure safety of women in the state.
Hyderabad: BJP Floor leader G. Kishan Reddy on Monday lashed out at CPM leaders for criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other BJP leaders.
He lambasted Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao for suppressing details of Central aid for sheep purchase and other schemes.
Referring to CPM leaders criticism of BJP and the PM at a public meeting organised by CPM leader Tammineni Veerabhadram on completion of his state-wide padayatra, Mr Reddy said that the Left leaders have no right to criticise the NDA.
People wont get carried away by the comments of Kerala Chief Minister. The newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister is a good leader and has won the hearts of the people. He will ensure rapid development of UP, Mr Reddy said.
He also threatened to move a privilege notice in the Assembly against the CM for misleading people on the assistance provided by the Centre for purchase of sheep and other programmes.
KOLLAM: Referring to the recent Congress poll debacle in Assembly elections, Youth Congress state vice-president C.R. Mahesh has openly rebelled against AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi for his failure to lead the party. In a Facebook post, he opined that Mr Gandhi should quit if he is not interested in leading the party. Terming Congress leader A.K. Antony as 'Mauni Baba', Mr Mahesh lashed out against the group fights in state politics. The leadership of a great organisation has taken the failure lightly, reminding us of Nero of Rome, he said.
The KPCC is without a leader for the past two weeks. The organisation that should lead protests against the administrative failure of the LDF and the BJP is silent. The leadership is also enjoying group fights by fractionising the KSU by giving group memberships even before KSU memberships at a time of KSU elections. Seeing this, A.K. Antony who helped the growth of KSU, continues in Delhi as Mauni Baba, Mr Mahesh alleged. Around 80 per cent of the KSU memberships claimed by NSU leadership in Kerala, are fake memberships shown to grab power. The foolish election reforms will result only in clashes between people believing in same ideology, Mr Mahesh said on the KSU organisational elections and the group war by the Congress leaders.
Utopian secularists are in convulsions at a yogi becoming chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Of course, they have cause to worry. It does not help that Adityanath Yogi, as he now calls himself, has a history of political activism. Can he change his spots and rule equitably? Only time will tell. But all those who dont subscribe to the Hindutva theology are bound to be fearful. And mere hope is not sufficient reassurance. The real question is why do we not have institutional safeguards to avoid an adverse outcome? Why are constraints on theocracy not specifically provided for by our Constitution and enshrined into workable instruments in our laws? We should have known better. We have reached the natural culmination of where we have been headed since the formal adoption of a democratic architecture. There have been early signs. But these were ignored because they largely never affected the elite. That one-fifth of Indians remain wretchedly poor shows that democracy has managed inclusion very badly. The status of women is another example where democracy has failed to translate into equity. But the good news is that, in both cases, we have learnt and gradually built in safeguards to ensure inclusiveness. The political representation of the Scheduled Castes and Tribes has helped. Assured political representation for women in legislatures is an ongoing exercise.
Odd as it may seem, we should welcome that the BJP has chosen pick Adityanath, the practising head of a mutt in Gorakhpur, as its chief minister. It would have been strategically better for the BJP to fudge and appoint a backward caste leader and continued to play the game of political correctness. That the BJP chose not to do so serves to highlight the existing yawning legislative gap between principle and practice. After all, the problems of Indian democracy can never be resolved unless we all speak and act from the heart, within the limits of the law. Much of the angst against Adityanath is drawn from the colonial brown sahib culture of political correctness. This culture privileges convention and process versus the outcomes of law. Examples abound. Brown sahibs believe that due process must be adhered to. Never mind that, in doing so, a poor applicant or litigant can get beggared into giving up the fight. In the Brown Sahibs logic, principles are not iron-clad concepts which produce and are validated by outcomes. They merely prescribe and often justify the process rarely the outcome. Consider how shallow is our application of the principle of right to be heard in our law or the right to vote or the right to property. Our democratic architecture is inadequately developed to factor in the reality of India, with its multiple cleavages. If implicitly elitist rule has been possible over the last 70 years, it should not surprise us, if tomorrow brings implicitly theocratic rule. So for those of you who are uncomfortable with a Hindu yogi, a Muslim maulvi, a Sikh granthi or a Christian priest in a CMs chair, here are three changes we need to introduce in our political architecture.
First, it is the privilege of the winning party or coalition to select any member of the legislature as CM. Can we not simply legislate that a religious head should never be selected as CM? Possibly not, because this would be a violation of the fundamental right to representation of a religious group. More practically, there is no watertight way of defining who is a religious head. Consider that Sadhvi Uma Bharti led the BJP to a three-fourths majority in 2003 in Madhya Pradesh and became CM. Unfortunately, she had to resign soon after because an arrest warrant was issued against her on a 10-year old charge of inciting a riot. This setback also robbed analysts of a case study on how religious activists wield political power. The outcomes may well have surprised cynics. But it is best to explicitly provide for safeguards to curtail the potential for even an implicitly theocratic State. One option, applicable at the national level and in large heterogenous states (not Sikkim or in the Northeast), would be to prescribe that the CM, the home minister and the finance minister can never be from the same religion or caste. These are the three core positions in the Cabinet. This would automatically require political parties to create a rainbow leadership and not a narrow gender, caste or religion-based party cadre. Of course, it will still be possible to co-opt nominal members of the appropriate profile. So we need to do more than just introduce end-of-the-pipe restrictions post-election. Second, the Cabinet must reflect the gender, caste and religious profile of the relevant jurisdiction. This is necessary for adequate plural representation at the decision-making level.
Third, we must change the basis on which parties fight and win elections. Registered political parties must be required by law to nominate a rainbow of candidates, reflecting the gender, caste and religious demographics at three levels of government local bodies, state or nation. This is necessary to ensure that the election rhetoric itself changes; votes are not sought on narrow or sectarian grounds and parties develop a pluralist voter base. All three changes require specific changes to the Constitution so that plurality gets embedded in Parliament and in the executive. It is over-the-top to believe that India or Uttar Pradesh can become a theocratic state just by having a religious head as its chief executive. As long as the Constitution remains liberal and non-discriminatory; the law is derived from the Constitution and the judiciary remains empowered, plurality and inclusiveness will remain enshrined in law. But additional safeguards are necessary to deliver inclusive policies and action on the ground. The BJP juggernaut is best placed, by using its massive majority, to display good faith by initiating these constitutional changes well before 2019.
Of the many institutions atrophied by the loss of credibility, the office of Governor is the foremost. Since many Governors have allowed themselves to be used as hatchet persons of the Centre, it is easy to besmirch them. It gives the judiciary a chance to intervene even where it has no jurisdiction. Political parties are quite dotty about moving the court when in Opposition, but decry this when in power. In Goas case, the leader of the Congress Legislature Party moved the Supreme Court asking it to stall the swearing-in of Manohar Parrikar as CM. Showing restraint, the court rejected this plea, but advanced the floor test from 15 days to 48 hours. Surprisingly, the Congress demanded the composite floor test, which is nowhere provided in the Constitution. The court saids that would make the Governors office redundant. However, it is pertinent to remember that it was the Supreme Court which passed the unprecedented order to hold the composite floor test in Jagdambika Pal vs Union Of India And Ors (1999) to ascertain as to who enjoyed majority Kalyan Singh or Jagdambika Pal.
The state government headed by Mr Singh was dismissed on February 21, 1998 by Governor Romesh Bhandari, who had appointed Mr Pal as CM. Mr Singh moved the Allahabad HC, which reinstated his government on February 23 holding the dismissal unconstitutional. Mr Pal challenged it in the Supreme Court. On February 24, a bench headed by CJI M.M. Punchhi directed a composite floor test on February 26. Both Mr Singh and Mr Pal sat as CMs on the designated day and Mr Singh emerged victorious. It was a unique incident in which the SC recognised two CMs at a time. The court should have upheld or set aside the decision of the high court, but it preferred to keep mum on the main issue. There is no provision for it. Obviously, it was done under Article 142, which empowers the SC. But this jurisdiction cannot be exercised superseding constitutional provisions. Later, in Jharkhand case (Anil Kumar Jha vs Union of India, 2005), the Supreme Court gave a direction on how the floor test in the Jharkhand Assembly would be conducted though it has no jurisdiction. It was a game changer judgment that altered the relations between the judiciary and the legislature for good.
In the Uttarakhand case (Union of India vs Harish Chandra Singh Rawat, 2016), adjudicating the legality of the Presidents Rule, the SC created a constitutional void for three hours by asking the Centre to lift it for three hours on May 10, 2016 for conducting the floor test to find whether the Harish Rawat government enjoyed confidence of the House. It debarred the Speaker from presiding over the proceedings. Instead it appointed principal secretary, legislative and parliamentary affairs, state of Uttarakhand and secretary, Legislative Assembly, for the purpose. It may be noted that the principal secretary, legislative and parliamentary affairs, is not entitled to enter the Assembly without Speakers permission. It is in flagrant violation of Article 212 of the Constitution which mandates that the validity of any proceedings in the legislature of a state shall not be called in question on the ground of any alleged irregularity of procedure, and no officer or member of the legislature of a state in whom powers are vested by or under this Constitution for regulating procedure or the conduct of business, shall be subject to the jurisdiction of any court in respect of the exercise by him of those powers.
This time, the Supreme Court did not go overboard and only advanced the trial of strength. Courts, like painkillers, can provide instant relief, but the permanent relief can be obtained from peoples court only. In 1984, the AP government headed by N.T. Rama Rao was dismissed in a brazen manner. Rao lost the confidence of the House but he did not move the court. He came to Delhi with his MLAs and held a huge meeting at Ramlila Maidan. Ultimately, his government was reinstated under public pressure. In Uttarakhand, Mr Rawat got a reprieve from the court but was humbled in elections. The tendency to rush to the court reflects distrust of democratic institutions. It is true that most institutions like that of Governor and Speaker have become partisan, but the remedy lies in strengthening these institutions. Constitutional morality is more important than legality. Let people punish those subverting these institutions.
Since the United States is a well-rounded democracy in the autonomous way its permanent institutions and agencies and procedures work. Those holding office find it difficult to unduly influence proceedings of the kind that are under way these days. How contrasting this is with the way we function is clear immediately when we look at the CBI, a specialised police organisation that is typically used to keep Opposition parties on a leash. President Donald Trump accused the administration of his predecessor Barack Obama of having wiretapped his election campaign headquarters in New Yorks Trump Tower. Mr Obama denied this. That would have carried weight for many, but the seal of finality was stamped on it only when leading federal agencies, among them the FBI, after making appropriate inquiries, said that wiretapping or surveillance in any form had not occurred. This implies that the Presidents insistence on his allegation of wiretapping/surveillance has a political motive. Official agencies, working under the Trump administration, are saying in essence that the vehemence of the White House is not grounded in reality. And this has not been said through an unofficial leak to the media.
The findings of the agencies were made known officially. The other major issue rocking the US is the suggestion that leading elements of the Trump campaign had probable links with the Russian government, which wanted to scuttle the prospects of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The White House has denied this. But the allegation doesnt seem to go away. Gen. Michael Flynn, a retired military officer who was first named Mr Trumps national security adviser, quietly put in his papers when it became public that he had a conversation with the Russian ambassador in Washington, the details of which he did not communicate, when asked, to vice-president Mike Pence. On Monday, FBI director James Coney confirmed to a congressional hearing that the agency had launched a criminal investigation into any collusion between Mr Trumps campaign and Russia. The FBI chief confirmed that the agencys investigation was going on since July into possible Russian efforts to interfere with a US presidential election. Moscow has strongly denied the allegation. But in the US, the smallest suspicion of a Russian shadow is dramatic. Even after the cold war the US keeps a close eye on Russia as the latter is the only country in the world with an arsenal that can hit the United States.
Once on seeing a thief executed in Baghdad, Imam Junaid went and kissed his feet. When onlookers asked for an explanation, the Sufi scholar replied: A thousand compassions be upon him for he proved to be a man true to his trade. He did his work so perfectly that he died for it. Abul Qasin al-Junaid of the late ninth century is considered the greatest exponent of the sober school of Sufism. He was born in Persia, but his family settled in Baghdad where he studied Islamic law and became the chief judge. A glass merchant like his father, the mystic gave up the family business to pursue Islamic studies. Sari Saqti, his mothers brother was a leading Sufi of the time. Saqti predicted a great future for his disciple and nephew, adding that God had gifted Junaid with special powers of speech.
Upon the insistence of the ruling caliph, Junaid was amongst those signed the death warrant of the Sufi martyr Manusr Hallaj for saying, Anal Haq, or I am the Truth. Junaid wrote, We judge according to the external law, as for the inward truth, God alone knows! Hallaj, the most controversial of all Sufis had been his student. Junaid had counselled Hallaj to act with restraint or else his goblet would be stained with blood. Hallaj responded that when that happened, Junaid, would be wearing the gown and turban of a scholar. Imam Junaid based the Sufi path on eight different attributes including submission, sincerity, liberality, patience, separation, wearing patched garment, wandering and poverty as in the lives of the prophets. He said: A Sufi must have the heart of Abraham which found salvation by fulfilling Gods commands, the sorrow of David, the poverty of Jesus, the longing for communication with God like Moses and the sincerity of Prophet Mohammad.
Imam Junaid developed the Sufi doctrine of fana and baqa, that came to define the Sufi philosophy. He wrote, fana, is assimilation of the individual in the will of God and is experienced by the grace of God. He should cause them to die from thyself and exist in Him. Baqa, is the persistence of the real self in God and the departure from the lower self implies the appearance of the True self. The qualities of the beloved should eventually replace that of the lover. Expressing the dual sense of union and separation Junaid wrote:
Now that I have known, O Lord
What lies within my heart
In secret, from the world apart
My tongue hath talked with my Adored
So in a manner we
United are, and One
Yet otherwise disunion
In our state eternally
Though my grace profound
Deep awe hath hid my face
In wonderous and ecstatic Grace
I feel Thee touch my inmost ground.
Put a finger on any part of Northern Iraq or Syria and one will be struck by the complexities of the situation. The politics of the plethora of groups and their alliances with external players; the status of the various ongoing battles, famous among which remain Mosul, Raqqa and Aleppo; and the possibilities of future scenarios if Daesh (as Islamic State, or ISIS, is mostly referred to in these parts) does finally get tactically vanquished. Clarity is an issue which will never find place in the West Asian drama, so it is best to depend on intelligent strategic assessments. Daesh became a household name in 2014 because of its organising abilities and the pre-eminence it acquired among notorious international terrorist organisations, making Al Qaeda look almost childlike. As per the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR), Daesh took its revenue to as high as $1.9 billion in its very first year. It imposed taxes and had supply lines running for weapons and ammunition. It didnt face any manpower problems as almost 30,000 fighters joined it from overseas. Its slick propaganda machine used the social media for messaging, motivation and information buildup. These networks, many run from across the world, were obviously well-established over time and didnt emerge overnight. Four major ingredients that are needed by any terror outfit with a transnational footprint were well under Daesh control. These were finances, human resources, military wherewithal and information. Its reach, in terms of operations, extended to Europe, and marginally to the United States, Turkey and Africa.
Through 2016, however, Daeshs hold started to dilute as foreign fighters dried up and international players got their act together to throttle its finances. In 2016, the financial outlay with Daesh was reduced to approximately $876 million, a cut of almost a billion dollars. Desertions by fighters began as fighters pay was reduced. The battles for Mosul and Raqqa, its physical centres of gravity, also got underway in 2016 even as Daesh lost 15 per cent of its territory in 2015, which increased to 23 per cent in 2016. What should be surprising is the inability of the worlds major nations to firm up an alliance to put an end to a scourge of the times which has held the world to ransom. The US, perceived largely as the unwitting creator of Daesh, is content today to be in an advisory/training role in the battle to defeat it, although there are claims of much greater contributions. Russia is physically more involved for the sake of its strategic hold over the East Mediterranean and Levant. Thats the very reason why Daesh is likely to survive beyond the major battles it is currently involved in. Geopolitically, it is important for Daesh to maintain its core presence in the Arab world. The notion of a caliphate is emotionally linked to the desert lands where the shrines exist; its the physical control of territory which gave Daesh a march over Al Qaeda, and its not something it will abdicate easily. This could enhance the importance of some Arab lands which are considered Daeshs potential camping grounds.
The characteristics of such lands could be proximity, poor state of governance and ongoing potential turbulence. Yemen and the Sinai offer themselves as the best potential, independent of the endgame in Syria and Iraq. For Daesh, the best post-defeat situation would be continuation of the Shia-Sunni discord in Iraq, convulsions within the Shia-dominated Iraqi Army and within the political environment of Iraq. In chaos, Daesh hopes to ensure its survival. Its learnt that Al Baghdadi has relocated from Mosul. Baghdadis elimination should be a key element of the US plan for the future, independent of any other strategy; somewhat akin to the focused campaign against Osama bin Laden. Al Qaeda, without Bin Laden and under Zawahiris charge, hasnt been a shadow of itself. Baghdadi is fully aware of it and would have selected as innocuous a location as Abbottabad, but in the Arabian heartland. The argument that proximity is a major consideration in its future appeal, in a shrinking space where Al Qaeda is also known to be reviving strongly, will continue to drive the agenda. With its technological capability and networking skills, the possibility remains that Daesh will morph into smaller groups in Arab lands and survive as a virtual caliphate. That will help in ensuring exploitation of local tiffs and keeping West Asia in turmoil. The speculation that Daesh may shift base to Africa to ride on the back of yet-undefeated surrogates Al Shabab and Boko Haram is naive. Al Qaedas experience shows a guest artiste remains just that and Daesh has a greater strategic assessment capability than to tie itself down to Africa.
Is the sudden spurt of terror-related events in Afghanistan, Pakistan and the low-profile action on the Bhopal-Ujjain passenger train in India a trailer of things to come in South Asia? The concept of Ghazwa-e-Hind and the inclusion of parts of Western India in Khorasan territory has always linked Daeshs ambitions to South Asia. Its attempts to strike root in Bangladesh have not gone beyond riding atop local radical outfits and already out of steam. Indias very large minority Muslim community may appear to be cannon fodder for Daeshs ambitions, but some deft intelligence work by our agencies has largely prevented this. The storm, however, has not yet passed and there is every feasibility of more attempts. The events at the Kabul hospital and Lal Shahbaz Qalandar shrine claimed by Daesh were in all probability diversions, an yet an indication of its global reach. In the run-up to elections in France (April 2017) and Germany (September 2017), one can expect some large-scale terrorist strikes to influence voting and promote anti-Islamic sentiment, which is always considered by Daesh as favourable to its aims.
The apparent unconfirmed buildup in north-west Afghanistan of Daesh elements signals what it wishes to do in this region. Its interest in India and Bangladesh may still be peripheral but in AfPak and Central Asia it probably wishes to exploit the existing turmoil and hold states to ransom. The temptation to turn towards Turkmenistan and it rich gas reserves may be too much for Daesh to resist. Even the clandestine drug conduits of the Golden Triangle may be mouth-watering for an organisation used to having deep pockets. What seems on the cards is a regional spread of Daesh satraps in West Asia, all networked into a virtual caliphate. To give that more muscle this may spread to AfPak, with Central Asia as the next frontier and Africa as the fallback. The importance of creeping influence in India, Bangladesh and Southeast Asia cant be discounted. Defeating Daeshs intent on these circumstances wont be easy. No nation with a Muslim presence will be safe as somewhere in the perverted concept of Daesh will remain an event or a trend linked specifically to it. Keeping the adversary guessing is the oldest ploy of warfare and Daesh is going to adopt just that.
The US government learned of this conversation through routine surveillance of the Russian ambassador to the US.
After FBI Director James Comey publicly has acknowledged the existence of an ongoing counter intelligence investigation into potential links between the Trump campaign and the Russian government, the White House introduced a new narrative to push back against the allegations.
"Michael Flynn was umasked and then illegally, his identity was leaked out to media outlets," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Monday.
Spicer was referring to reports that Flynn, when he was the incoming national security adviser, spoke with the Russian ambassador to the US in late December. It was reported that during the call, Flynn discussed new sanctions imposed by the outgoing Obama administration. Flynn eventually resigned as national security adviser.
The US government learned of this conversation through routine surveillance of the Russian ambassador to the US.
Here are some questions and answers about US surveillance law and the leaking of classified information:
WHAT IS "UNMASKING?"
When a US intelligence agency, such as the National Security Agency, conducts surveillance of a foreigner inside the US, sometimes that surveillance will include the name of an American that the foreigner is speaking to or about. When this happens, intelligence analysts are obliged to hide or "minimize" the name of the American, unless knowing the American's name is necessary to understanding the foreign intelligence described in the report.
"If, for instance, an intelligence piece were about Russian intelligence assets engaged in an operation to influence political figures, the identity of the political figure would be necessary," said Todd Hinnen, head of the Justice Department's National Security Division during the Obama administration and a National Security Council staff member under George W. Bush. "Unless you know the answer to that question, you can't appreciate the meaning and importance of the intelligence."
WHO CAN UNMASK AN AMERICANS NAME?
The answer varies by US intelligence agency. On Monday, National Security Agency director Michael Rogers said there are 20 people at the NSA, including himself, who have the authority to reveal the name of an American in a surveillance report.
IS IT ILLEGAL TO UNMASK AN AMERICAN'S NAME?
No.
"There is nothing inappropriate about unmasking when it is appropriate to unmask," said Benjamin Wittes, a senior Brookings Institution fellow and editor-in-chief of the Lawfare blog.
In the context of the Flynn example, Wittes said, the US is surveilling a foreign target - in this case Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. The target, Kislyak, is contacted by an American who is the incoming national security adviser in the new administration - Michael Flynn - and that American is discussing the future administration's policy.
Wittes says it is easy to see where identifying this American is important to foreign intelligence.
"I don't think there's anything surprising that it got unmasked," he said.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN UNMASKING AND LEAKING CLASSIFIED INFORMATION?
One is legal and the other isn't.
The "unmasking" of Flynn's name is routine, Wittes said. But, he said, sharing Flynn's name publicly "is both shocking and inappropriate."
It is a crime to disclose or "leak" classified information. The contents of intelligence collected under the authorities of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA, are classified. Flynn's conversation with Kislyak was collected under these authorities and therefore classified.
IS IT ILLEGAL TO LEAK CLASSIFIED INFORMATION THAT IS INACCURATE?
No.
"If it's not accurate, then it's not classified," Wittes said. "You can't classify stuff that isn't true."
The Trump administration has said reports that Trump associates were in touch with the Kremlin during the campaign are false. Yet the White House has called for leak investigations into the matter.
"You can't say both - that it is a crime to leak and that it is false," Wittes said.
CAN THE PRESIDENT LEAK CLASSIFIED INFORMATION?
No, says Wittes.
"The president can declassify anything he wants," Wittes said. "The mere act of the president saying something is a 'declassification.'"
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The state police said that the attackers on motorcycles and in a car, opened fire on a market and set buildings on fire. (Photo: Representational/AP)
Kano: Gunmen killed 17 people, mostly women and children, after invading a farming community in central Nigeria, police said Tuesday, the latest violence linked to grazing rights disputes.
The attack in Benue State occurred Monday, state police spokesman Moses Yamu said, saying attackers on motorcycles and in a car opened fire on a market and set buildings on fire.
"There was indeed an attack on Monday afternoon on a market in Zaki Biyam by unknown persons. Seventeen people were killed and 11 injured by the gunmen," Yamu said.
"We have not made any arrests and we are yet to find out the motive for the attack. We have been given some names of people suspected of involvement in the attack and we are on their trail", he added.
An investigation is under way. Local media said between 30 and 50 people were killed in the attack in a region wracked by a long-running conflict between nomadic Fulani herders and local farmers over grazing rights.
Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the "loss of lives" in a statement issued Tuesday.
"The President condemns the wicked attack and directs security agencies to begin immediate investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book," his office said.
In July last year, state officials said scores of villagers were killed in Benue following weeks of clashes. Local television channels put the toll at 81.
In February 2016, hundreds of people were said to have been killed and about 1,000 homes destroyed in the Agatu area of the state in a wave of attacks blamed on the Fulani.
Buhari, a northern Muslim, has proposed the creation of grazing land to prevent further clashes in a country that is battling an eight-year Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast.
Maggi downplayed the move, saying Chinese authorities were in the process of asking for more information. (Photo: AP)
Rio de Janerio: A scandal over expired meats in Brazil deepened on Monday with the European Union and China deciding to halt some meat imports from Latin America's largest nation.
The developments represent a major blow to Brazil, one of the world's largest exporters of meat, which is struggling to emerge from its worst recession in decades.
The announcements come despite a flurry of meetings that Brazilian President Michel Temer held with ambassadors and numerous assurances that Brazilian meats in general were safe.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, European Union spokesman Enrico Brivio said Monday the companies involved in the scandal would be temporarily barred.
The EU "will guarantee that any of the establishments involved in the fraud will be suspended," said Brivio, who didn't cite companies by name or expound on how long the ban will last.
A few hours later, Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi said that China had suspended the unloading of Brazilian meats in Chinese ports. Maggi downplayed the move, saying Chinese authorities were in the process of asking for more information.
"There is no Chinese embargo," said Maggi, speaking to reporters in Brasilia. "What we have are containers there that can't leave the port to local markets."
On Friday, police issued 38 arrest warrants involving the giant meatpackers JBS and BRF. Both companies have denied wrongdoing.
To improve the appearance and smell of expired meats, the companies used chemicals and cheaper products like water and manioc flour, according to investigators. Three plants have been shut down.
Temer called an emergency meeting Sunday with ambassadors of several countries. He assured them that national meats were safe and invited them to a Brazilian-style barbeque.
On Monday, Temer again sought to calm nerves, saying that Brazil meat industry should not be judged by this one investigation.
"The agro business for us in Brazil is very important and it should not be marred by a small nucleus (of bad actors), a small thing," he said, speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo.
Sanitation officials were also out in force. Marcia Rolim, head of Rio de Janeiro's municipal sanitary inspections, said routine investigations were being intensified in light of the investigation.
Investigators collected several carts of meats for analysis. Some of the packages from at least one supermarket appeared to be rotten, with a greenish color.
Browsing meats on Monday at a supermarket, Carla Simone Macedo said she had periodically seen products that looked to be repackaged.
Antonio Fernando, another customer, said called investigation "an exaggeration."
"We have very good meats," he said, adding it was good to see more inspectors.
Superintendent Eddie Johnson ordered an investigation and the department contacted Facebook to take down the video, which it did. (Photo: AP)
Chicago: Chicago police are searching for five or six men or boys suspected of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl on Facebook Live.
Department spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said on Tuesday that detectives found the girl and reunited her with her family. She went missing on Sunday.
Guglielmi says about 40 people viewed the attack on Facebook while it was happening, and none of them reported it to police.
He says police Superintendent Eddie Johnson was leaving a station in the Lawndale neighbourhood on Chicago's West Side late Monday afternoon when a woman approached him with photographs of her daughter being sexually assaulted on Facebook.
He says Johnson immediately ordered an investigation and the department contacted Facebook to take down the video, which it did.
Washington: President Donald Trump is preparing for his first meeting with Iraq's prime minister as the American leader shapes his policy for defeating the
Islamic State group.
Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's first visit to Washington since Trump's inauguration comes before Trump hosts a 68-nation meeting geared toward advancing the fight against the militant group.
Trump campaigned on a promise to dramatically ramp up the assault on IS and has vowed to eradicate "radical Islamic terrorism."
So far, he has not indicated a dramatic change of course. Like President Barack Obama, Trump has not suggested any sharp increases in troop levels or in airstrikes against militant targets, looking to avoid giving off the image of an invading force.
During al-Abadi's visit to Washington last year, the Iraqi premier worked to drum up greater financial and military support as he faced the daunting task of rebuilding cities destroyed in the fight against the Islamic State group.
He also sought greater assistance to help the country confront a humanitarian crisis, with more than 4 million people displaced in the fighting.
As he departed Baghdad for the Monday afternoon meeting at the White House, al-Abadi declared in a video statement, "We are in the last chapter, the final stages to eliminate IS militarily in Iraq."
But as Iraqi forces come closer to recapturing the city of Mosul it's militant group's biggest stronghold in Iraq the extent to which the Trump administration is willing to commit to efforts to rebuild Iraqi cities, many of them in ruins from
the fighting, remains to be seen.
Trump's budget proposal would cut by roughly 30 per cent funding for the State Department and the US Agency for International Development. Both contribute significantly to peacekeeping missions and development programs.
How Iraq will be impacted by Trump's approach isn't known. Previous administrations have asserted a need for maintaining assistance to Iraq to counter the influence of neighboring Iran.
Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong (R) meets with Israeli President Reuven Ruvi Rivlin on March 20th (Photo: VNA)
The Party leader welcomed the Israeli Presidents State visit and noted with satisfaction the sound development of the two countries cooperation, particularly in trade, hi-tech agriculture, science-technology, and military technique.
Both sides should enhance bilateral collaboration by strengthening economic ties, encouraging investment partnerships, increasing delegation exchanges at all levels, and fostering cooperation between their parties, parliaments and peoples. That will bolster mutual understanding and trust, thus improving cooperation effectiveness, he noted.
He reiterated Vietnams foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, and multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations on the basis of equality, mutual benefit, and compliance with basic principles of international law.
For his part, President Rivlin expressed his admiration for late President Ho Chi Minh and the Vietnamese people who fought heroically for national independence.
He spoke highly of Vietnams Doi Moi (Reform) achievements and stature in the region and the world, voicing the belief that the country will obtain even greater attainments in the national development and protection under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam.
He informed General Secretary Trong about Israels situation and the outcomes of his meetings with other Vietnamese leaders.
Rivlin affirmed the willingness and resolve to intensify the countries amity and affiliation, especially in science-technology, agriculture, trade, security-defence, and education-training. He asked the two sides to keep capitalising on opportunities and potential to augment bilateral ties in the time to come./.
On Friday, Ivanka Trump attended a round table discussion at the White House with the president and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. (Photo: AP)
Washington: President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka now has an office at the White House, although she will not be a government employee, an administration official has said.
Since Trump's inauguration on January 20, his eldest daughter, aged 35, has been seen often in the presidential mansion's West Wing, the hub of US executive power.
On Friday, she attended a round table discussion at the White House with the president and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Ivanka Trump's lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, told the news website Politico that she will have access to classified information and be bound by the same rules that apply to other White House advisers who are in fact on the government payroll.
"Our view is that the conservative approach is for Ivanka to voluntarily comply with the rules that would apply if she were a government employee, even though she is not," Gorelick told Politico.
"Having an adult child of the president who is actively engaged in the work of the administration is new ground," the lawyer was quoted as saying.
Ivanka Trump's husband, real estate developer Jared Kushner, is one of the president's advisers and was formally sworn in as a White house official.
Neither he nor his wife has any experience in elected office or governance. Ivanka Trump runs a fashion line named after her.
The young couple's strong influence on Trump has raised many questions about possible conflicts of interest and fuelled a broader debate on the absence of clear boundaries between the Trump family's business dealings and the political activities of its various members.
London: Stephen Hawking lamented that he may no longer be welcome in United States under Donald Trump, as the renowned British physicist asserted that the US President's priority would be to satisfy his electorate who are "neither liberal nor that well-informed".
"I would like to visit (the US) again, and to talk to other scientists. But I fear that I may not be welcome," Dr Hawking, one of the world's best-known scientists, told ITV News.
"Trump was elected by people who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite in a revolt against globalisation. His priority will be to satisfy his electorate who are neither liberal, nor that well-informed," the 75-year-old cosmologist and physicist said.
The scientist had previously called the US president a "demagogue", but said although he still admires America, he fears "that I may not be welcome".
Dr Hawking is a recipient of the prestigious US Franklin medal for science and received the presidential medal of freedom from Barack Obama in 2009.
The Cambridge scientist said he was particularly concerned about Mr Trump's environment policy. "He should replace Scott Pruitt at the Environment Protection Agency," Dr Hawking said.
"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent. It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for his second term. God forbid," he said.
Talking about Brexit, the scientist, who was opposed to leaving the European Union, said if the referendum must be implemented "it shouldn't be a hard Brexit as the right wing of the Conservative Party want" as it would leave Britain "isolated and inward-looking".
"We should retain as many links as possible with Europe and the rest of the world, particularly China. By remaining in the EU, we would have given ourselves more influence in the world. And we would provide future opportunities for young people," Dr Hawking said.
"Leaving Europe threatens Britain's status as a world- leader in science and innovation," he argued.
Washington: India and the US will discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and defence ties during National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's visit to the
country.
US Defence Secretary James Mattis will meet Doval on March 24, Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters during an off-camera news conference here.
They are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship.
"Clearly India is a very strong security partner and a force in the region. We continue to have very good relationship with India in the region," Davis said in response to a question.
The Mattis-Doval meeting later this week would be one of the highest-level meetings between the two countries after the Trump Administration came to power on January 20.
Doval is also expected to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster at the White House, the first between the two national security advisors.
Davis said he is not aware of the reasons for Doval's visit to the US, but the Defence Secretary would be meeting with the Indian National Security Advisor on the sidelines of the international meeting of anti-ISIS Coalition being hosted
by the US State Department later this week.
Early this month, Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met McMaster at the White House. During his Washington trip, Jaishankar was also scheduled
to meet the Defence Secretary. But the meeting could not happen as Mattis was travelling.
Kabul: An Afghan official says that at least six members of an intelligence service unit were killed when a suicide car bomber targeted them in southern Helmand province.
Hayatullah Hayat, the provincial governor in Helmand, says that seven other members were wounded in the attack, which took place late on Monday night at a checkpoint belonging to the Afghan forces.
Hayat blamed the Taliban for the attack, which took place in the district of Gareshk, close to the provincial capital of Lashkar. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Taliban have expanded their footprint in Helmand and the province has witnessed some of the heaviest clashes between militants and security forces in the past year.
Le Roux, who has denied any wrongdoing, said that his daughters had worked for him during their summer holidays. (Photo: AFP)
Paris: French Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux was placed under preliminary investigation on Tuesday for hiring his two daughters as parliamentary aides, prompting comparisons with scandal-hit presidential hopeful Francois Fillon.
Le Roux, 51, was to meet Socialist Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve later in the day to provide explanations over the latest scandal to hit France's already embattled political class with elections a month away.
The TMC channel reported late on Monday that Le Roux gave his daughters several short-term contracts between 2009 and 2016 for which they earned a total of USD 59,500.
The girls were still in school when he first hired them and continued doing work for him -- paid with taxpayers' money -- when they were in university.
Le Roux, who has denied any wrongdoing, told TMC his daughters had worked for him during their summer holidays.
He has only held the interior portfolio since December after taking over from Cazeneuve, and faced his most serious crisis at the weekend when a man was shot dead at Paris's Orly airport after attacking a soldier.
Cazeneuve, without naming Le Roux or referring to the scandal, said at a Paris event on Tuesday that government officials must be "irreproachable".
"Otherwise the authority of the state is weakened," Cazeneuve said. Le Roux was conspicuously absent from the event after initially being scheduled to attend.
The interior minister also slipped out of a Senate hearing without speaking to reporters and cancelled two other appearances on Tuesday.
French lawmakers are allowed to hire family members as assistants, as long as they do real work.
Fillon, once the frontrunner in France's presidential race, has been charged with misuse of public funds after placing his wife Penelope and two of their children on the public payroll.
In the scandal dubbed "Penelopegate", they are suspected of holding fake jobs as parliamentary aides for which they were paid around 900,000 euros.
The conservative presidential candidate also insists he did no wrong, presenting the affair as an attempted "political assassination" and questioning the justice system's impartiality.
In a clear reference to Fillon, Cazeneuve said on Tuesday that public figures should not challenge the independence of the judiciary.
The expenses scandal and later revelations about lavish gifts from the rich, have dealt a severe blow to Fillon's campaign.
The former prime minister sought to shift the focus to his cost-cutting platform in a debate on Monday among the top five presidential candidates.
With one month to go before the first round of elections for a successor to the deeply unpopular Socialist President Francois Hollande -- who decided in December not to seek re-election -- the electorate is especially disillusioned.
Only 17 percent of those questioned in an Ipsos poll last month gave high marks to France's democratic system.
Cameron further asserted that the UK and US were the guardians of freedom, tolerance, equality and justice. (Photo: AP)
London: Joking that a major advantage of being a former prime minister is that he is not longer required to listen to Donald Trump's wiretapped conversations, David Cameron spoke about some of the difference in opinions he had with the US President.
David Cameron has joked that a major advantage of being an ex-prime minister is that he is no longer required to listen to Donald Trump's wiretapped conversations - adding swiftly, perhaps for the benefit of the Twitter-happy president: "Just to be clear, that's a joke."
The former British prime minister was speaking at Brown University in Rhode Island, where he touched upon Brexit, Vladimir Putin and making America great again, reports the Guardian.
"When the Berlin Wall fell in 1989, it felt a bit like all the big arguments were over. It was obvious that we needed more democracies, we needed more rule of law, we needed free enterprise, we needed free trade, we needed NATO, we needed to stand up to aggression, we should invest in the United Nations. Today, all of these questions are under debate. Your president doesn't agree with some of the things I've just said," he said.
Cameron further asserted that the UK and US were the guardians of freedom, tolerance, equality and justice, adding that both nations could be great again if one fights for these ideals.
In the wake of comments by Trump and his administration expressing scepticism bordering on hostility about the effectiveness of NATO, Cameron said, "We should treasure NATO, not undermine it. We won't make American great by making Eastern Europe weaker again."
Cameron, who was previously labelled "a dummy" by Trump joked, "I don't have to listen any more to the wiretaps of Donald Trump's conversations."
Dubai: A leading human rights advocate in the United Arab Emirates has been detained and is being investigated for cybercrimes that include criticising the government on social media sites.
The state-run WAM news agency reported on Tuesday that the Public Prosecution for Cybercrimes office had ordered Ahmad Mansoor's arrest.
The Dubai-based Gulf News reports he is accused of defaming the UAE on Twitter and Facebook, publishing false information about the country to damage its reputation abroad and promoting sectarianism.
Mansoor was detained after a raid on his home in the emirate of Ajman on Monday. He received the prestigious Martin Ennals Award last year for bringing attention to arbitrary arrests, concerns of torture and issues around the independence of the judiciary in the UAE. Rights groups are calling for his release.
India will participate in a multi-nation military drill in Nepal aimed at training defence personnel for participation in the UN peacekeeping missions. (Photo: AP)
Kathmandu: Over 1,000 army personnel from 28 countries, including India, are participating in a multi-nation military drill in Nepal aimed at training defence personnel for participation in the UN peacekeeping missions.
The 15-day military exercise, kicked off on Monday at Birendra Peace Operation Training Centre, Panchkhal. As many as 1,024 Army personnel are taking part in the exercise conducted by Nepal Army jointly with the Pacific Command of the US Army (USPACOM).
The military exercise is expected to create an environment for those who get deployed in the peacekeeping missions in war-hit countries across the world.
This will also help strengthening the military relationship and also learning from each others experience, a statement issued by Nepal Army headquarters said.
Inaugurating the exercise, Prime Minister Prachanda said UN peacekeepers are the vanguard and one of the key tools of the international community to restore peace and security in the conflict-hit areas.
"I hope this exercise will enable all the participants to deliver their duties and responsibilities with professionalism and dedication to uphold the earned glory of their predecessors as UN peacekeepers," he said.
Commander of USPACOM Admiral Harry B Harris Junior also was present during the inaugural function.
Allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers is likely to come up for discussion at a meeting the UP chief minister will have with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah in Delhi today.
Adityanath left for Delhi this morning to take part in the meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Board, a BJP spokesperson said here. "The meeting of the BJP's Parliamentary Board is being held in Delhi today. Apart from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, his counterparts from Manipur, Goa, and Uttarakhand are also participating in the meeting," UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi told PTI.
"The discussion on allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers may also be discussed in Delhi with party chief Amit Shah and PM Modi," said a senior party leader requesting anonymity.
Earlier speaking to PTI, UP Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said that the portfolios of new ministers are likely to be announced "very soon".
"The portfolios are being worked out. The process for allocation of departments is on and hopefully it will be done very soon," Singh said. He is one of the two UP ministers entrusted with the task of acting as an interface between the government and the media. Shrikant Sharma is the other minister.
In another development, Fateh Bahadur Singh, the BJP MLA from Campiyarganj in Gorakhpur, has offered to resign from his seat to facilitate the election of Yogi from the said assembly constituency.
Currently, Yogi Adityanath is the Gorakhpur MP, and is not a member of either Houses of the UP Legislature. UP has a bicameral legislature. Singh, who has been sworn in as a Cabinet minister, said soon after allocation of portfolios the date of the Assembly session would be finalised in consultation with the governor, who organised 'At Home' at Raj Bhawan yesterday for the new council of ministers.
In his message to the newly-elected MLAs of BJP, Governor Ram Naik had said, "With power comes greater responsibility. Efforts must be made so that you meet the expectations of the public. For this a constant touch has to be made with the people, fixing accountability vis-a-vis the people should be done and home work for the next day must be done in advance."
He also said the endeavour of the new government should be to transform Uttar Pradesh to "Uttam Pradesh". Naik on this occasion also shared his experience as the Governor during the tenure of Samajwadi Party.
Recalling how he upheld the spirit of the Constitution, while discharging his duties as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, he mentioned a number of significant incidents.
These include end of membership of MLA, appointment of the Lok Ayukta, issuing a white paper on avaid kabja (encroachment). He had also advised the new MLAs that they must uphold the dignity of their posts.
On the occasion, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had showered praises on the Governor.
Adityanath credited Naik (a former Union minister) for starting the tradition of singing National Anthem and National Song in Parliament, and for his important role in starting the MPLAD (Member of Parliament Local Area Development) funds and their proper utilisation.
He also assured that the Uttar Pradesh government would meet and fulfil the expectations of its people. "The effort of the UP government would be to ensure development of all citizens (Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas)," he said.
Before meeting the Governor, the UP Chief Minister had also administered sanitation pledge to officials present at Lok Bhawan. This was Chief Minister Aditynath's first interaction with the government officials of the state.
He addressed the principal secretaries and secretaries of different departments. The oath, which was administered to the officials present, had nine points. Some of the salient points of the oath include, "I pledge that I would remain alert towards cleanliness, and would give time to it." "Every year, a shramdaan of 100 hours or 2 weeks would be done for cleanliness, and I pledge for it."
"Neither would I litter, nor would I allow someone to litter." "I would start (cleanliness) from myself, my family, my locality, my village and my work place." "I would take this message forward to villages and bylanes, and give adequate publicity to Swachh Bharat Mission."
"The pledge, which I am taking, I would also administer it to 100 other persons, and also make an effort to ensure that they are also able to give 100 hours for this."
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and RoK Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se (Photo: VNA)
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc made the remark while meeting with RoK Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se, who is on an official visit to Vietnam, in Hanoi on March 20th.
The RoK is currently the top foreign investor, the second biggest ODA provider and the third trade partner of Vietnam. Cooperation in diplomacy, security, defence, science-technology, agriculture, culture, and education along with locality-to-locality partnership has been increasingly intensified.
Repeating the outcomes of the recent phone talks with Acting RoK President Hwang Kyo-Ahn, the PM said the two sides agreed to effectively carry out cooperation mechanisms, especially the Vietnam RoK FTA so as to bring economic and trade ties to a new height.
Vietnam is string to build a development facilitating and action-oriented Government, reform administrative procedures, improve the business climate, and promote the national competitiveness. It will create the best possible conditions for foreign enterprises, including RoK firms, to do business, he noted.
PM Phuc suggested RoK companies enhance investment in Vietnam, particularly in infrastructure, renewable energy, and high technology. They were also recommended to import more goods that Vietnam has advantages such as agricultural and aquacultural products and assist the country to take part in global supply chains.
At the meeting, the host leader underlined that the Vietnamese Government and people treasure the strategic partnership with the RoK and want to reinforce all-round cooperation for the sake of the two peoples and for regional and global peace and stability.
He also highlighted the need to increase exchanges in culture, education and, tourism and prepare for activities to mark the 25th founding anniversary of the diplomatic relationship later this year.
For his part, Foreign Minister Yun said with their efforts, the two countries are completely capable of boosting bilateral trade to 100 billion USD in the near future, thus turning Vietnam into the third biggest trade partner of the RoK, only after the US and China.
He applauded regular people-to-people exchanges, noting that Vietnam accommodates the largest RoK community among Southeast Asian nations.
The two sides should step up high-ranking visits on the threshold of the 25th anniversary of diplomatic ties, he said, adding that he looks towards an official visit to the RoK by PM Phuc in 2017.
Aside from economy and trade, the RoK also wants to cooperate with Vietnam in defence and security and to tighten connections in multilateral and global issues, the official said./.
The Supreme Court today asked the Centre why it chose not to create a separate category for those who couldn't deposit demonetised notes by December 30, 2016 unlike the NRIs and people who were abroad.
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that the Prime Minister, in his November 8 address, had said that those with valid reasons could deposit the demonetised currency even after December 30, 2016, till March 31, 2017.
"Prime Minister in his address had said that people with genuine difficulties can deposit the demonetised currency even after December 30, 2016, till March 31, 2017 with the RBI branches.Give us the reasons why despite having powers under the law, you did not create a category for those people who couldn't deposit the demonetised notes before December 30, 2016" the bench said.
The apex court bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul said that the PM's address had given hope that those in difficulty would get a chance, till March 31, 2017, after giving valid reasons.
It also said that the government should file an affidavit by April 11 explaining the reason why the window was not created for the people having difficulty and the chance was only given to NRIs and the citizens who travelled abroad.
The SC also asked the Centre whether it intends to give a chance to those category of people with genuine reasons to deposit demonetised currency.
The apex court had on March 6 sought the responses of the Centre and the Reserve Bank of India as to why demonetised notes were not accepted till March 31 as was promised. The Supreme Court on March 10 sought replies from the Centre and the RBI on the plea against tweaking of rules on exchange of demonetised currency.
The Prime Minister's address to the nation on the evening of November 8 last year on demonetisation and subsequent notification of the federal bank that devalued currency notes can be exchanged at RBI offices even up to March 31, 2017 were valid assurances which stood breached by the ordinance, the counsel for petitioner, Sudha Mishra, had said.
The plea has alleged that the Prime Minister and the RBI had assured the people at large that demonetised currency notes can be exchanged at banks, post offices and RBI branches till December 30, 2016 and if people are unable to deposit them by that day then they can do so till March 31, 2017 at RBI branches after complying with some formalities.
The petitioner has referred to the Specified Bank Notes Cessation of Liabilities Ordinance and said it had breached the assurance. The Ordinance said that only those who were abroad, the armed forces personnel posted in remote areas or others who can give valid reasons for not being able to deposit the cancelled notes at banks, can deposit the demonetised currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 currency notes till March 31 this year after the deadline expired on December 30, 2016.
The Centre had come out with the Ordinance making possession of a large number of scrapped notes a penal offence that will attract monetary fine. Of the Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth of currency that was scrapped, about Rs 14 lakh crore has been deposited in banks or exchanged till December 28.
HKBK College of Engineering recently organised the Inter-Collegiate Management and IT Fest-2017. Ali Illiassou, ambassador of the Republic of Niger to India, was the chief guest and Dr Rajvir P Sharma, additional director general of police, government of Karnataka, was the guest of honour on the occasion.
Manzoor A Khan, group secretary, HKBK Group of Institutions; Shabeena Sultana, deputy chairperson, Karnataka Region Economic Trade Organization (KRETO); Dr Neeraj A Sharma, director, KRETO and Ashok Sharma were also present for the fest. Students of both the institution and other colleges participated in events like business plan, business quiz, brand booming, best manager, coding and debugging, paper presentation and webpage designing among others.
The students displayed their hidden talents and won appreciation from the dignitaries, the judges and the audience. The management of HKBK Group of Institutions felicitated the meritorious students with cash awards, trophies and certificates. Prizes were also distributed to students from the participating colleges.
Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and Vodafone Group CEO Vittorio Colao met with Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha on Tuesday to discuss the contours of the Vodafone-Idea merger deal.
The two top honchos, flanked by senior executives from both companies, called on the minister to discuss the details of the mega alliance, in a meeting that lasted half an hour.
Vodafone India and Idea Cellular on Monday agreed to merge their operations to create the countrys largest telecom operator worth more than $23 billion with a 35% market share.
The combined entity of Vodafone and Idea Cellular, which are currently Indias number two and three, respectively, will dislodge Bharti Airtel to counter the fierce price war in the worlds second-largest market.
Emerging from the meeting, both Birla and Colao declined to share details of the discussions or take specific queries.
The two companies announced on Monday that the British firm will own 45.1% of the merged entity while the Aditya Birla Group, Ideas parent company, will own 26% after paying Rs 3,874 crore cash for a 4.9% stake. The remaining 28.9% will be held by other shareholders.
The new company, which will come into being over the next two years, will be headed by Birla while Vodafone will have the right to appoint chief financial officer.
The CEO and the chief operating officer will be appointed with approval of both companies. The two firms will have three nominees each on the board of the new entity.
Ever since US President Donald Trump assumed office on January 20, his administration has made several statements and initiatives to make a radical shift in the established principles of US foreign policy.
In particular, Trumps soft attitude towards Russia, his saying that the two-state solution is not the only way to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and his strong stand on issues of H1B visa and immigration have equally sent shock waves to both allies and foes of the US.
India, which has significantly transformed its ties with the US over the last two decades, is also keenly observing the foreign policy orientations of the US under the Trump administration. There is an increasing sense in the Indian strategic community that India and the US would continue to deepen the relationship under the Trump administration.
One reason for this assessment is the fact that during his election campaigns, Trump had praised India and Indian-origin people in the US. A large number of Indian-Americans also voted for Trump in the presidential election. His call to Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further underscored his desire to enhance engagement with India. During the telephonic conversation, trump described India as a true friend of the US, and invited Modi to visit the US later this year.
Trumps focus on eradicating the menace of Islamist terrorism is an encouraging sign for India, given the fact that Islamist terrorism is a major threat to India. Trumps commitment to fight terrorism is also an indication of the fact that his administration would continue to keep US forces posted in Afghanistan and would also enhance pressure on Pakistan to rein in terrorist organisations operating from its soil.
President Trump has taken the toughest stance on China. The new US administration has not only accused China of indulging in unfair trade practices, he has also questioned the US 0ne China Policy.
This in turn clearly suggests that he would follow the containment policy against China more aggressively than his predecessor did. Consequently, it is in the strategic interests of the US to continue expanding security ties with India, which has the historical border disputes with China.
In the recent times, the Modi government has explicitly expressed the desire to work with the US to contain the rising clout of China, especially in the South China Sea. It was in this context that the telephonic conversation between Defence Secretary James Mattis and then Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar assumed huge significance. Mattis expressed the desire to build upon tremendous progress made in bilateral relations.
But, Trumps reaffirmation of his election promise to tighten the use of the H1B as a cheap labour programme, and institute an absolute requirement to hire American workers first for every visa and immigration programme has the potential to significantly reduce the India IT sectors revenue.
This is evident from the fact the IT sector in India generated 60% of its revenues last year from the US and two-thirds of the H1B visas issued by the US in 2015 were granted to Indians. If the new bill on the H1B visa issue proposed by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren in the House of Representatives seeking to double the minimum wage of H1B visa holders to $130,000 gets passed, the legislation would make it very difficult for Indian IT professionals to work in the US.
Industrial jobs
At the same time, the US administration has focused on bringing back industrial jobs to the US especially from China and Mexico. It says that Trump would charge China a 35% tax on every car and every truck and every part manufactured in their plants that come to the US.
High tariff would also hit the Indian automobile industry, since several foreign car manufacturing companies including Nissan, Ford, Hyundai and others have their units in India and export their products to the US. This policy would also impact Indias Make in India programme, whose main aim is to increase exports from the country.
There is a rise of ultra nationalism in the US since the new administration came to power, causing the killing of an Indian engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla in the Kansas state of the US. This in turn would minimise the influential role of Indian diaspora and damage India-US relations.
Thus, before the feeling of ultra nationalism can show its ugliest form in the US, the Trump administration needs to bring the killer of Kuchibhotla to justice and ensure the safety and security of the people of other countries living there.
While the Trump administration has reasons to continue security engagement with India, it should also address Indias concerns regarding the issue of H1B visa. More importantly, the future of the relationship would depend on how Modis Make in India programme reconciles with Trumps Americas focus on bringing jobs back under America First Policy.
(The writer is with UGC Centre for Southern Asia Studies, Pondicherry University)
Hyderabad West Zone police on Tuesday arrested senior IAS officer Dharavat Venkateswara Rao and his son Dharavat Venkata Sukruth for murdering their car driver. Sukurth had reportedly murdered the driver on the terrace of an apartment complex in Yousufguda here on Friday.
The police arrested Rao also for assisting his son in concealing the body of the driver.
The IAS officer is joint secretary to the Agriculture Corporation, Telangana, while his son Sukruth is a second year law student
According to the police, Sukruth and his estranged mothers driver, Bhukya Nagaraj, got habituated to drinking liquor on the terrace of Sri Kalyan Residency apartment, which is close to Sukruths Mathura Nagar residence. On Friday last, they both entered the apartment complex around 10.30 pm and consumed liquor. Police said Nagaraj then touched Sukruth inappropriately and tried to initiate unnatural sex. Sukruth got into an argument with Nagaraj and both had a scuffle. Sukruth then hit him on the head with a brick, killing him on the spot.
He then disclosed the offence he had committed to his father and other family members. The IAS officer suggested disposing of the body. Police said the CCTV footage at the apartment complex and the call data of the father-son duo helped nab them.
DH News Service
Over 550 incidents of hacking of government websites were reported in the past three years, including 39 in the first two months of 2017, Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
According to the information provided by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), a total number of 155, 164 and 199 websites of the Union and state governments were hacked during 2014, 2015 and 2016, respectively, apart from the 39 already reported in 2017, up until February.
Minister of State for Home Affairs Hansraj Ahir said the government has constituted an expert group to study the gaps and challenges in handling cyber crimes.
Mahadayi Water Dispute Tribunal, headed by Justice J M Panchal, on Tuesday resumed its hearing.
Karnataka cross examined the Goa government officials on availability of water in Mahadayi river.
Mohan Katarki, advocate representing Karnataka, questioned the Goa government water resources officials whether they have studied the detailed project report prepared by Karnataka government about Mahadayi project.
The cross examination would continue on Wednesday. Karnataka would pose questions to the Goa government about its affidavit before the tribunal where it said the water availability is less than what Karnataka has projected.
Congress has come to the rescue of poll strategist Prashant Kishor, who has been at the receiving end of many party leaders anger after its rout in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand Assembly elections.
After he played a role in the election victories of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar the following year, Congress had tasked Kishor with its poll campaigns in Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab. A number of senior Congress leaders privately questioned Kishors role in the failed election campaigns in UP and Uttarakhand, but credited the Punjab victory to the leadership of Amarinder Singh, now the chief minister.
A poster had come up outside the Congress office in Lucknow declaring an award of Rs 5 lakh to any person locating Kishor, referred to as PK within party circles.
Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said the party was satisfied with Kishors work. Congress party values the hard work and contribution of PK and team, and rejects the propaganda by vested interests, Surjewala said. He said Congress was determined to meet all future challenges with the entire pool of talent available.
DH News Service
Former chief minister S M Krishna will join the BJP in the presence of the partys national president Amit Shah in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Senior BJP leader R Ashoka, on Tuesday, called on Krishna at the latters residence in Bengaluru and handed over a formal invitation from the partys state president B S Yeddyurappa to join the BJP.
The muhurta for the induction has been fixed at 5 pm at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. Krishna, 84, had recently quit the Congress, saying he had been sidelined in the party. He had said the party was in a state of confusion on whether it needed mass leaders or not.
He was in Delhi last week, but his induction into the party could not materialise as his sister passed away.
We are planning a grand welcome for Krishna at the Kempegowda International Airport when he reaches Bengaluru. He is likely to return on Thursday and a bike rally will be taken out from the airport to the BJP office in Malleswaram, Ashoka said.
Asked whether any of Krishnas close associates will join the BJP on Wednesday, Ashoka replied in the negative. That will happen at a later stage, he said. Ashoka will accompany Krishna to Delhi.
Union Ministers Ananth Kumar, D V Sadananda Gowda and Yeddyurappa will be present at the party headquarters at 11, Ashoka Road, when Krishna is inducted into the party.
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The Supreme Courts suggestion for a negotiated settlement to the Ram janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute with the Chief Justice of India even offering to act as a mediator between the two sides laying claim over the historic site in Ayodhya is a first of its kind.
A clearer picture is likely to emerge only after March 31 by which time the apex court has asked Dr Subramanian Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about the possibilities of negotiation, names of the people who may represent both groups and mediators.
Dr Swamy had moved the court for an early hearing of a civil dispute over the site where Hindu groups say Lord Ram was born.
Hitherto, at least nine attempts have been made to arrive at a negotiated settlement on this issue. All of them have failed to yield any result. Among the nine failed negotiations, three were initiated by former prime ministers Chandra Shekhar, P V Narasimha Rao and A B Vajpayee. In fact, as historians recall, the British tried for a deal in 1859. They put up a fence to separate the places of worship for both communities. The inner court was to be used by Muslims and the outer court by the Hindus. The arrangement could not last long as Mahant Raghubar Das filed a suit in 1885 seeking permission to build a canopy on Ram Chabutra.
Cut to 1990, the then prime minister Chandra Shekhar tried to resolve the dispute through negotiations involving controversial Chandra Swami with volunteers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP). When he became PM, Narasimha Rao asked some religious heads to negotiate, but they failed.
In December 1992, a fanatic mob demolished the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
No headway
In 2002, Vajpayee as PM set up an Ayodhya cell in his office and appointed a senior official, Shatrughan Singh, to hold talks. But no headway was made.
In 2010, a three-judge bench of the Allahabad high court said Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have the right to worship there.
The court also ruled by a majority verdict that the disputed site of 2.77 acres (120 feet by 90 feet plot) land be divided into three equal parts among the three petitioners Sunni Wakf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the party representing Ram Lalla.
The Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the high courts decision after admitting appeals from Hindu and Muslim groups. The case has been pending since then.
The BJP and the RSS were quick to welcome the Supreme Court suggestion for an out-of-court resolution of the Ayodhya dispute, but the Opposition and the Babri Masjid Action Committee were cautious. They favoured a legal settlement of the religious issue.
Yogi Adityanath, the new Uttar Pradesh chief minister who was in the national capital on Tuesday, told reporters that both sides must sit down and find a solution.
Former deputy prime minister L K Advani, an accused in the Babri mosque demolition case, had a similar view. All involved in the matter should come to a consensus, he said.
BJP's ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh insisted that it always wanted a settlement outside the court, while the Vishwa Hindu Parishad said the government should bring in legislation to build the Ram temple.
It is to be decided by the Dharam Sansad, as they are the people who organised the entire Ram Janmabhoomi movement, and the parties who went to the court. The RSS will not decide, RSS joint general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said in Coimbatore after the three-day meeting of the organisations Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha ended.
The RSS will go by the Dharam Sansads decision. The issue should be settled at the earliest and a grand temple should be erected through the involvement of all Indians, he said.
Babri Masjid Action Committee reiterated its stand that it was for the SC to decide the complex issue since negotiations have failed to thrash out a solution.
Negotiations have failed earlier. An out-of-court settlement is not possible, BMAC convener Zafaryab Jilani said.
The Congress was guarded in its response. The opposition party supported either a consensus-based solution for ensuring lasting peace, or letting the SC adjudicate the matter on the basis of merit.
If all stakeholders on both sides can arrive at a mutually acceptable consensus-based solution, it will go a long way in ensuring lasting peace, goodwill, mutual respect and brotherhood. Otherwise, Supreme Court should adjudicate the issue on merit, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.
All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen leader and Lok Sabha MP Asaduddin Owaisi said the apex court should start daily hearings of the matter and we will get a judgement.
DH News Service
THE CASE SO FAR
-Mughal emperor Babar allegedly demolished, what the Hindus claim a temple and the place of birth of Lord Rama, and got a mosque built at the site in Ayodhya in 1528.
-The Hindus also claim that several people had lost their lives, when two communities clashed in 1853 on the issue.
-The matter reached the courts in 1885 when a Hindu priest filed an application seeking permission to build a Ram Temple adjacent to the mosque.
-In 1949 the Hindus started worshiping at the place. The idols of Lord Rama, according to the Hindus, were there.
-In 1950 one Gopal Singh Visharad moved the court seeking special permission to perform puja there
-In the same year Mahanat Paramhans Ramchandra Das, a priest from Ayodhya, filed a separate application seeking permission to keep the idols of Ramlala inside the mosque.
-In 1959 the Nirmohi Akhara of the Naga ascetics claimed ownership of the site and moved the court.
-In 1961 the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board also claimed ownership of the site and approached the court.
-Vishwa Hindu Parishad launched a nationwide campaign for building Ram Temple at the disputed site.
-A district court in Faizabad permitted Hindus to worship at the site in 1986. Babri Masjid Action Committee was set-up by Muslims to protest the decision.
-The then prime minister Rajiv Gandhi allowed 'shilanyas' (laying of foundation stone) near the site in 1989.
_On Sep 25, 1990, the then BJP president L K Advani embarked on Rath Yatra from Somnath to Ayodhya. Clashes break out. Advani arrested in Bihar.
_In 1991 the Kalyan Singh-led BJP government acquired 2.77 acre of the disputed land at the site.
_A large mob of Karsevaks demolished Babri Mosque on December 6, 1992. Riots break out in country. A makeshift Ram Temple comes up at the site.
_A special Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court begins hearing the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Mosque title suits.
-On the direction of the court the ASI excavated the site in 2003 and submitted report with the court.
-On Sep 30, 2010, the high court delivers judgement. It divided the site between Nirmohi Akhara and the Waqf Board.
-On May 9, 2011 Supreme Court stays high court judgement
The issue of anganwadi workers protest was raised in both the Houses of the state legislature on Tuesday and Opposition parties staged dharnas demanding that the government be sympathetic and increae their honorarium.
In the Assembly, BJP members said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, instead of blaming the Centre, should attend to the problems of anganwadi workers. This led to a heated exchange between Siddaramaiah and BJP members. Speaker K B Koliwad had no choice but to adjourn the House for some time.
Earlier, raising the issue JD(S) floor leader H D Kumaraswamy said there are 1.25 lakh anganwadi workers in the state. The government has failed to pay them the prescribed minimum wages despite the demand for it for the last 25 years. If their demand for the revised wages is implemented, the government would have to spend another Rs 612 crore. It is not a big challenge for government as the budget outlay is Rs 1.86 lakh crore, he added.
He said the agitating women on Sheshadri Road do not have basic facilities like water and toilets. Even pregnant women are staging the protest, he said. Opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said anganwadi workers are on duty for not less than six hours in a day. The honorarium paid to them is much less compared to the payment made in the neighbouring states. Their payment should be increased to Rs 10,000, he demanded.
At present, they are paid Rs 7,000, with the state contribution of Rs 5,200 and the rest by the Centre. In the budget for the next year, it would go by Rs 1,000, he said. Siddaramaiah vehemently argued that the Centre should increase its contribution. It should be in the ratio of 60:40 between the state and the centre, he added.
Opposition leader in Legislative Council K S Eshwarappa accused the government of being heartless for turning a blind eye to the anganwadi workers woes. JD(S) leader Basavaraj Horatti said the government should tender an apology for treating the protesters inhumanly. About 12,000 women are sleeping on the street. The government has remained insensitive and neglected them, he charged.
Home Minister G Parameshwara said Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has convened a meeting of representatives of protesting anganwadi workers on April 19.
Later, the members of Opposition parties withdraw their dharnas in both the Houses.
Meanwhile, the chief ministers office (CMO) announced that Siddaramaiah held talks with the representatives of the protesters. He has assured them that a meeting would be held on April 19 to discuss their demands. As the model code of conduct for Assembly byelections is in place, it is not possible to meet the demands. The protesters have agreed to withdraw their protest.
Anganwadi workers have decided not to call off their indefinite protest till their demand for a salary hike is fulfilled. A meeting between Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Karnataka State Anganwadi Workers' Association (KSAWA) office-bearers on Tuesday failed.
The protest will enter the third day on Wednesday. The workers want their salaries hiked from Rs 6,000 to Rs 10,000.
"The chief minister wanted us to wait till the byelections to Nanjangud and Gundlupet Assembly constituencies conclude on April 19. He had made promises twice in the past, but failed to fulfil them. Hence, we decided to protest till the government increases our salary, Sunanda H N, general secretary, KSAWA, told DH.
He claimed that he was under tremendous pressure and needed time to think over our demands. He also referred to the election code of conduct. But the code of conduct is applicable only to Chamarajnagar and Mysuru districts, she said.
He had promised to hike our salaries when we protested in 2015 and on January 31, February 1 and 2, 2017. But he failed to do anything, she added.
Varlakshmi, president of the Anganwadi association and Sunanda discussed the governments assurance with the protesters, but the protesters favoured protests till the government fulfilled their demands.
Around 15,000 women from across the state have been sitting on protest on Sheshadri Road since Monday afternoon. Another 5,000 women are expected to join on Wednesday. We will surely gather around 50,000 workers and show our strength, Varlakshmi said.
Former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy and leader of the Opposition in the Assembly Jagadish Shettar met the protesters and extended their support. However, the protesters clarified that they did not want any support, but wanted the two leaders to raise the issue in the Assembly.
Narayanamma, an anganwadi worker from Bidar said she had been working for the past two decades for a salary of Rs 2,000 till recently. It had become extremely difficult for her to manage expenses.
Bhadramma from Davangere said the protesters are finding it difficult to relieve themselves. Workers are finding it difficult to get drinking water and food, she said.
Traffic was affected as workers blocked one side of Sheshadri Road at Anand Rao Circle flyover. The police closed one side of the stretch between Freedom Park and Anand Rao Circle.
Due to the blockade, there was congestion at Seshadripuram, Okalipuram, Vatal Nagaraj Road, Raj Bhavan Road, Palace Road, Shivananda Circle, Krishna Flour Mill, Shanthala junction, Basaveshwara Circle, Khoday's Circle, Race Course Road and Swastik Circle. Vehicles moved slowly in Upparpet, Chickpet, KG Road and KR Circle. The police deployed additional forces, mostly women constables, to ensure peace, while traffic police handled the vehicular movement.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday made a surprise appearance in the Lok Sabha to participate in a discussion on the Finance Bill but it virtually ended up as his parting speech.
Prime Minister Narendra Modis policies will be implemented in UP and every citizen will be cared for, Adityanath said.
He narrated a story to inform the House on how he ensured that Gorakhpur was rinsed off kidnapping, extortion and riot culture after he became an MP for the first time at the age of 26.
After his maiden entry into the Lok Sabha in 1998, Adityanath met the then Union minister Surjit Singh Barnala for constituency-related work. Adityanath told the House that those days he was very thin and Barnala asked him thrice if he was from Gorakhpur to which he said yes.
Adityanath said he finally asked, Sardarji why are you repeatedly asking this question. The chief minister quoted the former Union minister as saying that he would not dare go to Gorakhpur since during a visit bombs were hurled in the area. And since the last 15 years, no crime and riot has taken place, Adityanath said.
Adityanath also met Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, Union ministers Rajnath Singh and Arun Jaitley and party patriach L K Advani.
The hindutva hardliner took a jibe at former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav and Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi. I am a year younger than Rahul Gandhi and one year older than Akhilesh. But I have come in between the pair, he said, alluding to the BJP which spoiled the SP-Congress alliances chance of coming to power.
He also hinted that a lot of things will be shut in UP, perhaps indicating at slaughter houses.
DH News Service
P Ravi Kumar, additional chief secretary, Department of Environment, Forests and Ecology, on Tuesday told the department officials to make people aware of forests and their importance.
He was speaking after releasing a special postal cover as part of the International Forest Day programme here. At present, people look at forests as a hindrance. They know that the forest is home to various wildlife species, but only a limited area is accessible.
People also think that the forest is only meant for safaris. But there is much more to forests which they should be made aware of. Forest cover is being reduced. The agricultural land and urban areas are increasing, which is leading to conflicts, he said.
Charles Lobo, chief post master general, Karnataka Circle, said the postal department releases a special stamp dedicated to wildlife during every wildlife week celebrations. Karnataka has over 60 permanent special cancelations. Among them, 10 are exclusive to wildlife like of Nagarahole, Bandipur, black bucks, sloth bears of Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary and Kokkarebellur.
K S Sugara, principal chief conservator of forests (wildlife), said safety of the ground staff is paramount. Citing the case of Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary where the staffers shot down a poacher on March 19 and nabbed one more the next day, he said that the staff came to meet him on Monday.
There is likely to be a shortage of the most preferred mango variety Alphonso this season.
Kadregowda, managing director, Karnataka State Mango Development and Marketing Corporation Ltd (KSMDMCL), during a media interaction on Tuesday said the sudden rainfall in February and March has destroyed the Alphonso crop in parts of north Karnataka like Belagavi and in Bengaluru Rural, Kolar and Ramanagaram. This will not only effect the domestic market, but exports also.
However, the Banganapalle and Mallika crops are picking up and this could substitute Alphonso exports. However, Alphonso is the first choice in the export market, especially in the European and Gulf countries. Around 30 to 40% of the Alphonso crop has been damaged. Of the two lakh hectares under mango cultivation in Karnataka, around 60,000 ha is under Alphonso production. Of this, around 10,000 ha was affected by the cyclonic rainfall. We have lost around two to three lakh metric tonnes of Alphonso crop this year, he said.
Last year, 6,750 metric tonnes of mango was exported from Karnataka and the farmers earned Rs 500 crore. This year, KSMDMCL is expecting export orders of around 10,000 metric tonnes. We have received advance export orders of 2,000 metric tonnes from European countries. The order has been placed with Innova Agri-Bio Park in Malur. Export orders of 300 metric tonnes to USA have also been placed. Talks are on with buyers from South Korea, Brazil, China and Singapore, said L Gopalkrishna, KSMDMCL chairman.
Gopalkrishna added that the state can produce around 12 to 14 lakh metric tonnes of mango, but last year, the yield was around 10 lakh metric tonnes. This year also, the corporation is expecting the same. There are around 150 registered exporters in India, of whom 30 are from Karnataka. Karnataka has the highest number of registered mango growers. In India, there are a total of 16,000 registered mango growers, of whom 9,900 are from Karnataka, followed by 4,500 in Maharashtra, he added.
To help consumers and farmers, for the first time, KSMDMCL will host a month-long mango mela from May 1 at around 40 different locations in the city, besides Lal Bagh. We are planning to have it at different locations to help farmers coming from distant places and since the citys customers are spread out. Online sale of mangoes will start from April to June. Dedicated mobile mango markets (vans selling mangoes) and mango picking tourism will be held this year too, Gopalkrishna said.
Locations
The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and KSMDMCL have shortlisted a few places like Ganganagar, Sahakar Nagar, Yelahanka, JP Nagar, Jayanagar, Indiranagar, BTM Layout, Rajajinagar, Isro Layout, Kumaraswamy Layout, Vasanthnagar, Kengeri, Basaveshwaranagar, Basavanagudi, Attiguppe, Sheshadripuram, Koramangala, Domlur, KR Puram, Jeevan Bimanagar, Puttenahalli, Adugodi, Malleswaram and Varthur.
The mela will also be held at Majestic, Shanthinagar, Binny Mill, Koramangala, Mysuru Road satellite bus stand and Kengeri bus stands. Stalls will also be set up at Vidhana Soudha, MG Road, Indiranagar, Swami Vivekananda Road, Byappanahalli and Mysuru Road Metro stations. A mango mela sales counter will also be set up at Infosys campus.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday sought Rs 100 crore from the estate of J Jayalalithaa, the late chief minister of Tamil Nadu convicted in a corruption case.
A petition sought a review of the Supreme Courts February 14 judgement abating proceedings against her following her death. Karnatakas plea termed the order an error apparent on the face of record.
Jayalalithaa was a public servant convicted under the Prevention of Corruption Act for acquiring wealth disproportionate to her income, the petition said. It is settled law that the appeal does not abate if the accused has been sentenced to pay fine, the petition, filed through advocate Joseph Aristotle, stated.
The trial court had imposed a penalty of Rs 100 crore on Jayalalithaa, besides sentencing her to a jail term, the petition recalled. The question of Jayalalithaa undergoing further imprisonment does not arise since she died on December 5, 2016, but the penalty is legally sustainable and must be recovered from her estate, Karnataka contended.
The finding that the appeal has abated is not correct, the petition said.
The government maintained there was no provision either in the Constitution or the Supreme Court Rules of 2013 for penalty abatement. The apex court had heard the arguments on criminal appeals between February 23 and June 7 last year.
Jayalalithaa died on December 5, and the judgement was pronounced on February 14. The court overlooked the position of law that if the death takes place after arguments are concluded and the judgement is reserved, the appeal does not abate, the petition said. By setting aside the Karnataka High Courts judgement of May 11, 2016, acquitting Jayalalithaa and others, the top court had restored the trial court judgement in toto, the petition observed.
Jayalalithaa had been sentenced to four years in jail and a fine of Rs 100 crore fine by the Bengaluru court.
The apex court upheld the order, holding Sasikala and two of her relatives guilty of abetting Jayalalithaa's sinister design to launder ill-gotten wealth to the tune of Rs 53.6 crore.
Sasikala and two of her relatives were also slapped penalties and awarded four years in jail.
DH News Service
Timeline
Dec 5, 2016: Jayalalithaa dies in hospital.
Feb 14, 2017: Supreme Court upholds her conviction by a trial court.
It sends co-accused Sasikala and two others to jail, and abates case against her.
March 21, 2017: Karnataka says no law allows abatement of her Rs 100 cr penalty.
A womens rights activist who posted objectionable comments and a morphed picture of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has faced public wrath. Members of the BJP Yuva Morcha filed a complaint against her with the cyber crime police station on Tuesday.
The police said that Prabha Belavangala, on her Facebook account, had posted a morphed and obscene picture claiming it was that of UP chief minister with a woman. BJP Yuva Morcha members approached the cyber crime police and registered a complaint stating that Prabha tried to inflame communal passions and defame the UP chief minister. After public outcry on social media, she removed her post, which could cause breach of peace among communities, the complainants said.
They have requested the police to take strict action against the activist, as she has repeatedly indulged in posting objectionable content on social media. The complaint has been received and investigation is being carried out, said a senior police officer.
Sharpening its attack on black money, the government on Tuesday proposed lowering the limit on cash transactions to Rs 2 lakh instead of Rs 3 lakh announced in this years Budget.
The government also proposed to make Aadhaar card mandatory from July 1 for filing income tax returns. Aadhaar will also be required for seeking the permanent account number (PAN).
The proposals came as Finance Minister Arun Jaitley created history by moving as many as 40 amendments to the Finance Bill. Moving the Bill for discussion in the Lok Sabha, Jaitley also proposed amendments to the Representation of the People Act since, he said, a lot of election funding across the spectrum came from unknown sources.
Jaitley said at present the Act provided for revealing the identity of people making donations above Rs 20,000. The amendment would provide that if the money came by way of electoral bonds, the identity will not be disclosed.
The amendments were moved amid an outcry by the Opposition which objected to the introduction of such amendments through a Money Bill.
In his Budget on February 1, Jaitley had proposed that the legal limit for cash transactions would be Rs 3 lakh, in line with the recommendation of the Supreme Court-constituted special investigation team (SIT) on black money in 2014.
The other proposed amendments to the Finance Bill include those related to the Reserve Bank of India and Securities and Exchange Board of India Acts.
Amendments to laws like Companies Act, Employees Provident Fund, Smuggling and Foreign Exchange Act, Trai Act and Information Technology Act were moved to make the functioning of tribunals more efficient. The amendments propose to merge tribunals and reduce their numbers from 40 to 12.
Jaitley defended the amendments saying if a substantial portion of a Bill deals with imposition or abolition of tax, it can be introduced as a Money Bill even if it has other incidental provisions.
Earlier the government had made Aadhaar mandatory for transfer of subsidies under the welfare schemes for the poor but changed the rule after it was bitterly criticised.
DH News Service
Proposals made
Jaitley moves 40 amendments to Finance Bill, 2017
Oppn says wrong to introduce them through a Money Bill
FM targets black money
Some amendments meant to merge tribunals, make them more efficient
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday refused to stay the shifting of the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) to Ramanagaram.
Hearing a petition filed by Dr B R Ramakrishna, principal, Sushrutha Ayurvedic Medical College and Hospital and others, Justice A S Bopanna directed RGUHS and the state government to file their objections.
Counsel representing RGUHS filed a memo stating that the university will only be shifting the engineering section and not the entire university. The counsel said that the shifting will be carried out in a phased manner without affecting students.
The government counsel said that shifting of RGUHS is a policy decision and the discretion of the government. The decision was taken in 2007, but could not be executed due to various reasons. RGUHS headquarters is Ramanagaram according to the provisions of the University Act. The petitioners have sought directions to recognise RGUHS at Bengaluru as an additional campus.
Both the Hindu saints and Muslim plaintiffs in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid title suits welcomed the Supreme Court's suggestion for resolving the dispute through talks, saying that a solution achieved through discussions would be a lasting one.
The Nirmohi Akhara, one of the plaintiffs in the matter, said it had always advocated an amicable settlement through mutual talks though its mahant Ram Das asked Muslims to ''give up their claim on the site.
We are ready to cooperate with the Muslims if they give up their claim on the dispute site. The mosque can be built at some other place, Ram Das said in Ayodhya.
The mahant of the famous Hanumagarhi temple in Ayodhya, Gyan Das, also batted for talks to resolve the vexed issue. Talks are the best way to resolve the matter, he said.
A Muslim plaintiff, Haji Mehboob, also welcomed the SC suggestion. It is a good suggestion... it will also ensure peace in the country, he said.
VHP, however, sought enactment of legislation by Parliament to pave way for the construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) member and Maulana Khalid Rashid Firangimahali said there was little chance of the dispute being resolved through talks. ''Earlier efforts in this regard have failed. Muslims cannot be expected to give up their claim on the disputed site, he added.
A new proposal for resolving the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute was recently submitted to the ex-officio receiver of the disputed site. In the past there have been efforts at the local level to resolve the dispute through talks. Just a few months back a proposal that contained the signatures of several thousand people from both Hindu and Muslim communities, was prepared by retired Justice Pulok Basu with the help of the Faizabad-Ayodhya Nagarik Samjhauta Samiti. The organisation has members from both the communities.
The proposal, which provided for the construction of Ram Temple and Babri Masjid on the disputed site, contained a detailed plan. The new proposal was submitted to Faizabad commissioner Surya Prakash Mishra, who is also the ex-officio receiver of the disputed site.
Basu has been trying to resolve the dispute out of the court with the help of local people from both communities.
The JD(S) will hold a convention of its workers at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on March 23 to mark the inauguration of its new office at Okalipuram.
JD(S) national president H D Deve Gowda said the new office will be named after social reformer and political leader Jayaprakash Narayan.
Gowda said he wanted to invite senior BJP leader L K Advani to inaugurate the office. But now, Advanis name is being considered for the post of President. I did not want to embarrass him by inviting him to a political event ahead of the presidential elections, he said.
Taking strong exception to the poor status of lakes in Bengaluru, the Peoples Campaign for Right to Water (PCRW) accused the government agencies of failing in their responsibility.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, Kshitij Urs of PCRW said, It is unfortunate that instead of celebrating good work on World Water Day, we are highlighting the 60 orphaned lakes of the city two of them are Bellandur and Varthur.
He charged BDA with destroying the lakes by creating residential areas on lake beds and allowing their encroachment.
In September 2016, BDA transferred the responsibility of 60 lakes to the BBMP arbitrarily. The BBMP too refused to take over these lakes citing lack of resources, said Urs.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested an out-of-court settlement of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute with the Chief Justice of India himself offering to mediate between the two sides laying claim to the historic site in Ayodhya.
These are issues best decided jointly, these are issues of sentiments and religion. The court should come in the picture only if you cannot settle it. If the parties want me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, I am ready to take up the task, Justice J S Khehar said.
You want me, I am ready to do it. You don't want me, I won't. If you want my brother judges, you can take them but first try to sit with each other and resolve it. After all these are issues of sentiments. And if you want some principal mediator, we can arrange that, he said as BJP MP Subramanian Swamy mentioned the matter before the court for an early hearing.
Presiding over a bench which also comprised Justices D Y Chandrachud and Sanjay Kishan Kaul, the CJI told Swamy to consider resolving the sensitive and sentimental dispute outside the court by making all efforts.
The courts observation was welcomed by the RSS but Muslims organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee, said earlier attempts for an out-of-court settlement have been unsuccessful.
In his plea, Swamy submitted that a batch of cases on the title suit was pending in the apex court for the last six years. Though the pleadings were complete, no specific date or the bench for hearing the dispute had been fixed, he added. To the court's suggestion, he said that he had earlier approached the Muslim community members, who were for judicial intervention to solve the matter. The court then asked Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about their decision on March 31.
The apex court had earlier ordered status quo on the Allahabad High Courts order for a three-way division of the disputed site. By a 2:1 majority judgment, the Allahabad High Court had on September 20, 2010 ordered a three-way division of the roughly 15,000 square feet site occupied by the mosque before its demolition on December 6, 1992.
It had directed the allocation of one-third of it to the Sunni Waqf Board, one-third to the Nirmohi Akhara and one-third to the party for Ram Lalla. In his plea, Swamy had claimed that a temple once constructed cannot be touched, while under the practice prevalent in Islamic countries, a mosque could be shifted to any other place for public purposes like constructing a road.
Towards a solution
SC tells Subramanian Swamy to consult all sides, report back on March 31
Babri Masjid Action Committee says similar attempts have failed in the past
In 2011, SC had stayed Allahabad HC order on division of the disputed site
You (Swamy) must make fresh attempts to arrive at a consensual decision. If required, you must choose a mediator to end the dispute....
Justice J S Khehar, Chief Justice of India
We are ready with Chief Justice mediating...We trust him. We are also ready if he nominates a team...out of court settlement is not possible. If SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it
Zafaryab Jilani, convenor, Babri Masjid Action Committee
The Supreme Courts observation is a welcome step and I hope in the light of the apex courts advise, all concerned parties will reach consensus and will find a solution,
L K Advani, senior leader, BJP
We were always ready. Mandir and Masjid should be built, but Masjid should be built on other side of Sarayu river. The Ram Janambhoomi should be entirely for Ram Mandir,
Subramanian Swamy, BJP leader
Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time political parties foiled our attempts...(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all,
Maulana Wali Rahmani, secretary general, All India Muslim Personal Law Board
These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. These issues are best decided jointly. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting,
Supreme Court
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (BMRCL) that started its rainwater harvesting (RWH) project on Namma Metro Phase 1 will extend its project to Phase 2 also.
Chief public relations officer of BMRCL U A Vasanth Rao said that at present, the RWH system is in place along the 33.48 km of elevated Metro stretch where two RWH pits are built between two pillars, for every 28 metres.
BMRCL said that each pillar has inbuilt downpipes to collect rainwater from the viaduct and into the underground tanks on the median. "When these tanks get filled, the overflowing rainwater gets diverted towards the 5-metre deep harvesting pits located between the two pillars," Rao said.
He said that under the second phase, around 72 km of elevated stretch will come up. "We have plans to instal RWH system along a 58 km stretch," Rao said.
As a part of social responsibility, BMRCL has taken up the development of Kengeri lake and Veerasandra lake near Electronics City. The officials plan to set up a sewage treatment plant (STP) at Kengeri lake and plan to divert the rain water falling on the elevated road between Nayandahalli-Kengeri towards the waterbody.
BMRCL has also put up an RWH system at Peenya Metro depot though implementation is yet to happen. "The rain falling on the roof area of 1.9 lakh square feet at the depot will be stored in two rainwater harvesting tanks that have a capacity to store 50,000 litres of water. This water would be used and the rest of it will be sent to the ground for recharge," said Vasanth Rao.
World Water day on Wednesday
The theme of this year's 'World Water day 2017' is 'waste water'. An slew of programmes is being held across the city by government bodies and private organisations. Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board will hold an awareness rally 'Save water, Save Bengaluru', at Vidhana Soudha starting at 8.30 am which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is expected to flag off.
Yugapurusha-Mahatmara Mahatma, a play depicting the relationship between Mahatma Gandhi and his spiritual mentor Shrimad Rajchandra was premiered in Kannada on Tuesday.
The play, enacted by a team of 21 artistes from Bengaluru, portrays the special bond between Shrimad Rajchandra, a Jain poet, and Mahatma Gandhi. It depicts how the Father of the Nation got catapulted from Mohandas to Mahatma by adopting Rajchandra's ideals.
Directed by Rajesh Joshi, the play Yugpurush - Mahatma Ke Mahatma originally in Gujarati, has been translated into Kannada by Krishna Hebbale. The play has seen more than 250 shows across 80 cities in various languages.
Smitha Mehta, the Bengaluru head of Shrimad Rajchandra Mission, Dharampur, said that they plan to stage the Kannada version of the play across state. She said that the Karnataka government was supporting their project.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj HK Patil, Legislative Assembly Speaker K B Koliwad watched the premier show which lasted for more than an hour.
Irked by the slow pace of investigation into the fraud by real estate firms TGS Construction and Dreamz Infra run by Sachin Naik, a number of people protested near the Mahatma Gandhi statue at Maurya Circle on Tuesday.
Holding placards, the investors raised slogans and accused the government of shielding the fraudsters by not taking action. They displayed pictures showing Naik and other promoters with prominent people of the state hinting at their close links with powerful people.
A help desk was also set up at the venue to notarise the documents issued by Naik and his accomplices. There was a long queue of victims to get their documents notarised.
One of the victims, Venkatesh, said he had paid Rs 6 lakh for one of TGS Constructions projects in Electronics City. He got wind of the fraud when the project did not start. When he asked the fraudsters to return his money, they gave him cheques which were dishonoured. I went to their offices many times to get my money back. Once they threatened me with dire consequences if I continued to pester them. This has happened to many of us. Police have done nothing to track these swindlers and help us get our money back, rued Venkatesh.
To support the victims, veteran freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, former legislator A T Ramaswamy, former minister B T Lalitha Naik, retired bureaucrat M N Vijayakumars wife Jayashree and many others participated in the event to lend support to the demonstrators.
Speaking to the protesters, Ramaswamy said the fight is not easy, given the nexus these fraudsters have with powerful people in the state.
We have to take a vow not to give up our fight, however it may be prolonged. We have to continue our struggle till the matter reaches its logical end, said Ramaswamy.
Addressing the protesters, Doreswamy said there is some hope as Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has promised to take action against the culprits. The freedom fighter said he would meet him again and insist on speeding up the investigation.
Doreswamy, however, lamented that some people in power are supporting the fraudsters.
The University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) is set to undergo major renovation in its centenary. With the state government allocating Rs 25 crore to the college in the 2017-18 budget, the premier institution plans to spend it on rebuilding the Mechanical Engineering Department.
Two years ago, the colleges board of governors had sought Rs 100 crore for carrying out several works of upgrade, construction and renovation. It wanted to reconstruct the Mechanical Engineering Department (Rs 78 crore), and construct Visvesvaraya Centenary Block (Rs 22 crore), a student hostel (Rs 55 crore) among others.
We are expecting Rs 296 crore between academic years 2015-16 and 2022-23. These funds are used for our buildings Mechanical Block, University Centenary Lecture Complex, Hostels (Boys and Girls), Civil Block, Architecture Block and Library. Close to 90% of the funds are utilised for renovating the buildings.
The state government can consider an additional special grant of Rs 100 crore over the next three years. Of this, 60% of the funds are utilised for salary and the remaining 40% for equipment and buildings, said the proposal submitted to the Department of Higher Education.
Too little and too late
A senior official in the Department of Higher Education conceded that the allocation was too little and too late.
Sources in the college said the funds would be used for demolition and reconstruction of the Mechanical Engineering Department. The block a horse shed in the colonial era and the stone wall around the structure will be demolished.
In its place, a multi-storey building will come up.
That is our priority as there have been concerns about the poor infrastructure for a long time now. The block gets flooded whenever it rains, a source in the college said.
There is also a proposal to repair and repaint the heritage building of the college on the lines of Mayo Hall and the High Court of Karnataka.
The enterprises of Metinvest mining and metallurgical group in the territories of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, temporarily uncontrolled by Ukrainian authorities, have announced the cancellation of all the letters of attorney they issued earlier.
According to the announcement, the letters of attorney were canceled by PJSC Yenakiyeve Metallurgical Plant, PJSC Khartsyzsk Pipe Plant, PJSC Komsomolske mining administration, and PJSC Krasnodonvuhillia located in the uncontrolled areas.
The powers of attorney were annulled in accordance with Part 2 of Article 248 of the Civil Code of Ukraine in connection with the termination of representation on the revoked letters of attorney.
As reported, Metinvest on March 15 this year announced the loss of control over the activities of its enterprises in the uncontrolled territories.
"Metinvest Group declares a complete loss of control over the operation of all its assets in the uncontrolled areas due to the requirements of the leadership of the unrecognized republics about the need to re-register the enterprises located in the so called Donetsk and Luhansk People's Republics," the press service of the group said.
The pension reform will lead to the increase in pensions for the majority of citizens, Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has stated.
"I will offer an honest pension reform to Ukrainian citizens. You'll see, each of you who retired how it will impact your pension, and I assure this will lead to the increase in pensions for the majority of Ukrainian citizens," he said on the air of ICTV Channel.
Groysman noted the pension reform would allow eliminating the Pension Fund deficit, while the received funds would be used to support pensioners.
The prime minister stressed the reform would be carried out in 2017.
According to him, the measures taken by the government, in particular, the increase in the minimum wage from January 1, entailed a 30% increase in revenues to the Pension Fund.
In Pictures: Salman Khan And Katrina Kaif Shoot For Tiger Zinda Hai In Austria!
Metinvest plans to finish restructuring debt on eurobonds and pre-export financing (PXF) and issue just over $1.971 billion in new bonds on March 22, the Ukrainian mining and metallurgical holding said in a statement filed with the Irish Stock Exchange.
The holding will also complete the formalities for a new PXF facility worth $1.109 billion.
The company reached agreement with the committee of creditors in May 2016 regarding $89.891 million in notes maturing in 2016, $304.474 million in 2017 and $796.907 million in 2018, all including interest capitalized as of the beginning of September 2016; and $1.07 billion in PFX. In December it proposed converting all notes into one Eurobond issue maturing on December 31, 2021 and all four PXF facilities into one. Debt on these instruments was $2.29 billion on November 30.
Metinvest said on February 8 that the High Court of Justice of England and Wales had approved the restructuring.
In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Hawking said that he was offered a seat by Richard Branson
It seems like noted Theoretical Physicist and Cosmologist, Stephen Hawking, may soon be headed to space. In an interview with Good Morning Britain, he said that he was offered a seat on Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic spacecraft. My ultimate ambition is to fly into space. I thought no one would take me, but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic, and I said yes immediately, he said.
Besides this, Hawking also touched upon a bunch of topics such as Donald Trumps recent travel ban, the replacement of human workers by robots, the discovery of seven planets in the TRAPPIST-1 system, and more. Hawking has already completed a zero gravity flight that allowed him experience weightlessness.
You can see the complete interview in the video below. The discussion regarding Hawkings space travel starts at 9:05.
Richard Bransons Virgin Galactic is just one of the many companies aiming to send tourists to space in a few years. Elon Musks SpaceX program already plans to send two tourists to the lunar orbit in late 2018, aboard the Falcon 9 spacecraft. Another company with space ambitions is Boeing, which has already challenged Musk to a race to Mars.
The National Bank of Ukraine (NBU) hopes that consultations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the revision of macroeconomic indicators after the blockade of trade with the certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions (ORDLO) would be finished soon and the issue to provide the fourth tranche under the Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program would be settled by the end of March, NBU Deputy Governor Oleh Churiy has said.
"The postponement of the date of the meeting on Ukraine was linked to the necessity of revising [the macroeconomic indicators]. There is no interest to delay it," he told reporters in Kyiv on Tuesday.
Churiy said that information about the postponement of the date arrived to Ukraine on March 18, and on March 20 a first conference call was held with the IMF managers.
He said that the NBU has sent the preliminary updated indicators to the IMF.
He said that the next conference call with the representatives of the IMF is scheduled for Tuesday, March 21.
"We are in active dialog with the IMF in the past several days," he said.
Churiy said that the analysis shows a slight impact of the blockade on the macroeconomic situation in Ukraine this and next years. It would only slow GDP growth by 0.9 percentage points in 2017 and then the growth would accelerate by 0.2 percentage points in 2018.
Churiy said that in general, the share of companies in ORDLO in 2016 was 0.7% of Ukraine's GDP, while earlier the share of this territory was 15%.
Director of the monetary policy and economic analysis department of the NBU Serhiy Mykolaichuk said that according to the NBU's assessments, the blockade would also result in the reduction of industrial production in Ukraine in 2017 by 4.8% mainly due to a 20% fall in metal industry, but next year industrial production could grow by 1.6%.
Churiy said that the influence of the blockade on the balance of payment would be longer. It would add $800 million and $900 million of deficit for the current account of the balance of payment this and next year respectively.
Mykolaichuk said that the analysis showed that there are no grounds for revising the interest policy of the central bank now. More details will be presented after a meeting of the NBU board scheduled for April 13.
Gionee was the first Chinese smartphone vendor to enter India, and since then, its mass appeal has been a big reason for Micromaxs recent misfortunes. Launched today, the new Gionee A1 is the company's latest flagslhip, although it runs on the Helio P10 SoC. Having spent a while with it, here's what we think of it so far.
Build and Design
The Gionee A1 is not radically different in terms of design, and has rounded sides and corners with chamfered edges to the front. However, it somewhat resembles most budget smartphones available today. Looks, of course, are subjective, and upon first impressions, we are left with mixed feelings about it.
The rear panel is made of metal, and the front has 2.5D Gorilla Glass. All of this adds a premium feel to it, which on initial inspection feels better than Xiaomi's Redmi series, or even the Moto G5 Plus. The power button and volume rocker are to the right, and offer good feedback. The fingerprint scanner is integrated with the physical home button, and remains active even with the display switched off.
Display and UI
The 5.5-inch AMOLED display of the Gionee A1 produces natural colours, which is not as oversaturated as what most AMOLED panels look like. Touch response seems smooth, and there are no major irregularities here.
Gionee's Amigo OS runs atop Android Nougat, and in what is a good thing, it also gets Google Assistant. There is no app drawer, and other features of the UI include a Themes app, a quick action menu (which you can access from a swipe up the bottom of the display), and even the fingerprint scanner has a hidden menu.
You get 52.61GB of usable space on the Gionee A1, along with 4GB of RAM. On overall terms, the Gionee A1's UI offers decent performance and is quite usable. The only issue that we have faced so far with it is Internet connectivity. In two instances during our initial usage, the phone dropped mobile data and WiFi connectivity, and connected back only after a restart. This could be specific to this particular unit, but that would require further testing to confirm.
Performance
The Gionee A1 is powered by a MediaTek Helio P10 SoC, of which we have not managed to obtain good results. However, Gionee seems to have made the best of it. The octa-core SoC is clocked at 2GHz, and seems to fare well for overall everyday usage. There is, however, a hint of a lag, although it does not really hinder the overall usage. Most menus run smoothly on this one, and games run at 30fps at best albeit inconsistency.
Load times appear longer than what we have seen on other smartphones. Apps often showed blank screens when loading, and playing Asphalt 8 froze the phone for a bit before opening.
Battery Life
Gionee has put a large 4010 mAh battery on the A1, and upon initial usage, it did not seem entirely groundbreaking. In our short few days, with half an hour of gaming, about 2 hours of music streaming, 40 minutes of GPS navigation, an hour of calling and social media browsing, we obtained about 10 hours of battery life from this device, which seems only about average.
Camera
The prime feature of the Gionee A1 is its camera. Initial usage shows the 13MP rear camera to produce impressive photographs in terms of colours, sharpness and details. Photos shot in daylight conditions produce vibrant colours and decent white balance in the initial shots that we have taken. Overall details seem quite decent, too.
Low light photographs seem to produce coarse noise, and we await further analysis to give our final verdict.
The 16MP front camera seems to produce good photographs, retaining skin tones fairly well in well-lit conditions. Low light selfies may suffer a bit, but Gionee has added a front-facing flash to resolve that. The camera app presents a number of modes, and seems fairly responsive so far.
Our first thoughts
Overall, we think that the Gionee A1 has the makings of a decent smartphone, one which may offer fairly positive overall usage. The display and camera seem impressive, although we expected better design from the Gionee A1. Performance, however, does not seem too inspiring, at least on initial usage.
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ will be announced on March 29 and is expected to go on sale starting April 21. The smartphone will be the first to support Samsung's Bixby AI assistant.
We pretty much know what Samsung's Galaxy S8 and S8+ might look like when it launches on March 29. The Galaxy S8 has already leaked in the form of press renders in the past and a new leak now shows different colours and back of the device. The most notable thing here is the rear fingerprint sensor placed right next to the camera and the company logo placed at the center.
The new leaked image comes from Evan Blass who previously shared an image confirming Galaxy S8 launching in black sky, orchid grey and arctic silver colour variants. The image also reiterates the fact that the front will be mostly dominated by the dual curved edge display. The handset lacks home button and there will be emphasis on the just announced Bixby AI assistant. Blass claims the Galaxy S8 will retail in Europe for 799 while S8+ will be priced at 899. He also adds that S8 accessories like DeX docking station, GearVR and Gear 360 will be priced at 150, 129 and 229 respectively.
Another leak from SlashLeaks reveals the promotional material and new AKG-branded earphones. The leaked image shows both the variants with thin bezels, dedicated Bixby button and a speaker grille placed at the bottom. A leaked specification sheet from Evan Blass indicated that Galaxy S8 and S8+ will come bundled with AKG-branded earphones and Chinese site Giddlehd.com has got images of these new headphones.
The images reveal the prominent AKG branding and use of braided cables, which should keep them untangled in your pockets. The earphones will have a dedicated remote with volume control and microphone.
Samsung is expected to launch a regular Galaxy S8 with 5.8-inch display and a larger model named S8+ with 6.2-inch display. The smartphones are likely to be powered by Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 CPU in the US, China and Korean markets while other regions will get Exynos-powered variants. There will be 4GB RAM, 64GB expandable storage, Android 7.0 Nougat and IP68 water/dust resistance. Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ is reported to go on sale starting April 21 and we hope the Korean smartphone maker will have some surprise up its sleeve.
Renewable electricity supplier Good Energy Group has agreed to source offshore wind power from Dong Energys wind farm in the North Sea.
Good Energy will receive 12% of the output from Dongs 210 megawatt Westermost rough wind farm, which is enough to power over 26,000 average homes.
The deal will run for 12 months with a possibility of extension and the volume of power that the company will buy from Denmark-based Dong is intended to increase over time.
Good Energy chief executive and founder Juliet Davenport said the agreement will help the company meet the increasing demand for 100% renewable electricity as its customer base grows.
Offshore wind will complement the other renewable technologies in our energy mix, such as onshore wind and solar, so this agreement is a great fit for Good Energy and a good deal for our customers, she said.
Sren Scherfig, head of trading and portfolio management at Dong, said that the deal with Good Energy is the first time a domestic supplier in the UK will buy energy from a specific Dong Energy offshore wind farm.
He added: We have an ambition to support the energy transformation in UK and become one of the UK's leading energy suppliers to industrial & commercial customers and independent retailers. We want to supply sustainable, reliable and affordable energy to our customers
Shares in Good Energy Group were up 1.96% to 260p at 0856 GMT.
Alphabet -owned Google has promised to take action in order to stem the flow of "hateful, offensive and derogatory content" which led to the withdrawal of several high-profile advertising clients last week.
Marks and Spencer, Audi and RBS were among the companies which pulled online ads which appeared next to extremist content on Googles Youtube site.
Googles chief business officer Philipp Schindler said in a blog post that it would remove such content and reconfigure guidelines on which videos are allowed on to the site.
"We have strict policies that define where Google ads should appear, and in the vast majority of cases, our policies and tools work as intended. But at times we dont get it right," Schindler wrote.
"We know that this is unacceptable to the advertisers and agencies who put their trust in us," he added. "Thats why we've been conducting an extensive review of our advertising policies and tools, and why we made a public commitment last week to put in place changes that would give brands more control over where their ads appear."
An investigation from The Times earlier this month found that various well-known firms had adverts appear alongside extremist content, leading to Google being summoned to the Cabinet Office.
Schindler pledged to take on extra employees in order to cope with the tightening of restrictions.
"We'll be hiring significant numbers of people and developing new tools powered by our latest advancements in AI and machine learning to increase our capacity to review questionable content for advertising."
The British government has banned the use of electronic devices larger than smartphones on flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia to the UK, following the lead set by the US.
New regulations were brought in by the US transport safety administration on Monday, with tablet computers such as iPads and Kindles as well as laptops banned from being carried into the cabin of flights from several airports.
The UK said all inbound direct flights to the UK from the aforementioned countries would be the only ones affected by the ban.
Prime Minister Theresa Mays government decided to follow suit after consultations with US intelligence officials, releasing a statement on Tuesday afternoon.
The ban would force passengers flying from the affected countries to check in their devices before flying, but would not include smartphones, only affecting laptops and tablets which are longer than 16.0cm, wider than 9.3cm and with a depth of more than 1.5cm - clarifying that the ban was to prevent large phones, all laptops and all tablets and e-readers from being taken into the cabin, even if bought in duty-free.
"The additional security measures may cause some disruption for passengers and flights, and we understand the frustration that will cause, but our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals," the Department for Transport statement said.
The DoT would not comment on whether the measures were being introduced due to a specific threat and said it was not stopping direct flights to and from the countries mentioned, but recommended anyone with imminent travel plans should contact their airline for further information.
On Monday the US government said it was introducing the measures as it was "concerned about terrorists ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years", citing airline incidents in Egypt in 2015; Somalia in 2016; and armed attacks in 2016 at airports in Brussels and Istanbul.
"Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items."
Russia's envoy to the Organisation for Petroleum Exporting Countries said a deal to curb oil output might be extended past June.
A final decision depended largely on Saudi Arabia's position, Interfax cited the envoy as saying.
As of 1521 GMT front month Brent crude oil futures were slipping 0.70% to $51.27 per barrel on the ICE.
Markets in Asia finished mixed on Tuesday, with eyes looking down under as the Reserve Bank of Australia released its meeting minutes for March.
Japans Nikkei 225 was off 0.34% at 19,455.88, as the yen remained relatively strong against the greenback, below the 113 mark.
It was last 0.02% stronger at JPY 112.53 per $1.
Shares in technology group Toshiba were up 3.21%, after reports its failed US nuclear power development acquisition Westinghouse Electric was reviewing offers for a finance package to help it go through the process of bankruptcy.
On the mainland, the Shanghai Composite was up 0.35% at 3,262.20, while the Shenzhen Composite was 0.39% firmer at 2,043.94.
South Koreas Kospi was up 0.99% at 2,178.38, while Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index was up 0.37% at 24,593.12.
In Seoul, impeached former President Park Geun-hye issued a public apology over the cash-for-influence corruption scandal that saw her removed from office on Tuesday.
She made the apology as she arrived at the special prosecutors office, where we was wanted for further questioning over the scandal.
Oil prices were lower overnight in the US but recovered somewhat during Asian trading, with Brent crude last up 0.85% at $52.06 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate adding 0.85% to $49.33.
In Australia, the S&P/ASX 200 was down 0.07% at 5,774.62, with the materials subindex dragging on the wider benchmark, as it lost 0.58%.
The Reserve Bank of Australia released its meeting minutes for March during the day, revealing there were still concerns at the central bank that the housing market was at risk of overheating.
Strategists at Macquarie Bank said the Reserve Bank was well within reason to speak out, as household debt in Australia was among the highest in the world, alongside Canada.
[The minutes] reinforce the idea that the prospect of another rate cut anytime soon is remote, and paves the way for a tightening of macroprudential measures quite imminently, noted Macquaries Gareth Berry, Nizam Idris and Teresa Lam.
Construction and civil engineering firm Downer EDI revealed it was considering a AUD 1.27bn takeover bid for catering and cleaning contractor Spotless Group.
Shares in Downer EDI remained untraded in Sydney, while Spotless surged 49% during the session.
Over the Tasman Sea in New Zealand, the S&P/NZX 50 was up 0.4% at 7,085.55, with Fletcher Building gaining 1% after falling on Monday, after the board was forced to cut the construction conglomerates earnings guidance by NZD 110m.
The down under dollars were both stronger on the greenback, with the Aussie last ahead 0.08% at AUD 1.2928 and the Kiwi advancing 0.09% to NZD 1.4165 per $1.
Starwood European Real Estate Finance announced on Tuesday that it received full repayment of the Dutch industrial portfolio and Danish industrial portfolio loans as a result of the sale of both portfolios, representing a total of approximately 51.5m equivalent proceeds.
The London-listed firm said a number of loans in the group's portfolio benefitted from prepayment protection in their early years, providing the group with a level of income protection should such loans repay whilst in that protected period.
The Danish loan was originated in June 2015 and benefits from such provisions, meaning that the group will bear no effective drag on the repayment of this loan for a further few months, the board explained.
As it reported in its December factsheet, the Starwoods investment adviser remained in advanced discussions on a number of opportunities.
Heads of terms have been signed on two loans which have now moved into execution.
These opportunities remain subject to final due diligence and documentation and, if they proceed, will allow the group to deploy a substantial part of the available cash.
Martin McGuinness , the former deputy first minister of Northern Ireland and leader of Sinn Fein , has passed away at the age of 66 after a short illness.
McGuinness resigned from his position as the joint head of the NI Assembly in January, citing concerns about the actions of first minister Arlene Foster and her Democratic Unionist Party relating to a botched heating initiative and its attitude towards the Irish language.
The Derry native was one of the key figures in the peace process which brought about the Good Friday Agreement in the region, after holding leadership positions within the IRA for years.
McGuinness served as deputy first minister alongside three different first ministers from the DUP, including Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson and Foster.
Tributes flooded in for McGuinness from all sides of the political spectrum when the news broke of his death on Tuesday morning.
It is with deep regret and sadness that we have learnt of the death of our friend and comrade Martin McGuinness who passed away in Derry during the night, an official statement from Sinn Fein read. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Sinn Fein Leader and former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuiness dies after short illness https://t.co/OvB8BMQhxZ pic.twitter.com/1xlbkFqiMt Sinn Fein (@sinnfeinireland) March 21, 2017
Gerry Adams, president of the cross-border SF and close ally of McGuinness, paid tribute to the Derry man.
He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both, Adams said.
Arlene Foster added to the tributes, describing McGuinness as pivotal in bringing the republican movement towards a position of using peaceful and democratic means.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May said: "While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence. In doing so, he made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace.
"While we certainly didnt always see eye-to-eye even in later years, as deputy First Minister for nearly a decade he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross community power sharing in Northern Ireland. He understood both its fragility and its precious significance and played a vital part in helping to find a way through many difficult moments.
"At the heart of it all was his profound optimism for the future of Northern Ireland and I believe we should all hold fast to that optimism today."
McGuinness condition deteriorated during the weeks surrounding the recent snap election in Northern Ireland, where Sinn Fein closed the electoral gap on the DUP to just one seat. He had been diagnosed with a rare degenerative disease in December.
The major parties in Northern Ireland are currently discussing options about how to form a new executive following the breakdown earlier this year and subsequent vote, with Sinn Fein having said that they will not re-enter into the power-sharing agreement with Foster at the helm of the DUP.
Meanwhile, earlier this month Sinn Fein leader Michelle O'Neill said that the fallout from Britain's exit from the European Union would be a "disaster" for NI, and called for a border poll "as soon as possible", however May quickly rejected the idea outright.
Steel-makers and miners bore the brunt of selling as the US dollar continued to weaken and Freeport resumed copper concentrate production at its Indonesia Grasberg mine.
As of 1617 GMT, May 2017 copper futures traded on COMEX were off by 1.82% to $2.6185 a pound, alongside a 0.71% drop in the US dollar spot index to 99.698.
Similarly-dated nickel futures on the LME was off 0.9% at $10,165 per metric tonne and those for zinc by 0.6% to $2,864.00 a tonne.
That saw shares in Anglo American fall 2.82% and those in Vedanta fall 3.97%.
Stoking selling in the Greenback was news overnight that French independent centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron had come out on top in the first of three televised debates in the euro area's second largest economy.
Until now, uncertainty around the potential result of elections in Holland, France and Germany had been seen as capping any strength in the euro.
Furthermore, during the previous session investors were asked to digest news of a less trade-friendly outcome to the G-20 finance ministers meeting over the weekend in Baden-Baden, Germany.
"When markets turn, it is always easy to find a cause. Things that seemingly didnt matter just hours ago suddenly get flagged up as the exact reason why stocks are moving lower. They arent exactly in freefall, but the quick turn lower this afternoon has certainly spooked an investment community that had become accustomed, however reluctantly, to a steady, attritional grind higher," said Chris Beauchamp at IG.
The results of the widely-followed Bank of America-Merrill Lynch Fund Managers Survey had shown record numbers of investors believed global equities (net 34%) and US stocks (net 81%) in particular were now overvalued.
To take note of perhaps, only a net 10% of fund managers canvassed expected the US Congress to approve a tax reform bill before the summer recess in August.
Iron ore futures also came under pressure in overnight trading in China, while spot prices for the Tianjin benchmark retreated from $87.9 a tonne to $84.6 a tonne.
Understandably, stock in BHP Billiton was down 4.15% and that in Rio Tinto by 4.22%.
Chinese steel rebar futures dropped from $579.4 a tonne to $578.0 overnight, weighing on the likes of Evraz.
Precious metals miners acted as a partial offset, as April 2017 COMEX gold futures capitalised on weakness in the greenback, rising 0.78% to trade at $1,243.60/oz..
Top performing sectors so far today
Gas, Water & Multiutilities 6,251.44 +0.61%
Oil Equipment, Services & Distribution 15,546.45 +0.40%
Insurance (non-life) 2,863.66 +0.20%
Industrial Transportation 3,049.74 +0.07%
Alternative Energy 0.00 0.00%
Bottom performing sectors so far today
Industrial Metals & Mining 2,369.13 -4.59%
Mining 16,170.89 -3.31%
Industrial Engineering 11,364.95 -1.91%
Fixed Line Telecommunications 3,755.39 -1.75%
Electronic & Electrical Equipment 5,415.56 -1.64%
Ukraine has the real potential to become a laboratory of new technologies, Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin has said.
"Ukraine has human resources, especially in engineering, needed to develop infrastructure wisely and to make use of technological advantages from more developed countries," he said in an interview with U.S. publication Clean Energy posted on Tuesday.
The government should create programs to eliminate the existing GDP gap and to achieve economic growth of 6-8% annually during the next 20 years.
"If it does not do this, the country will not survive," he said.
Grigorishin said that the country needs a new Marshall Plan. Today the amount could be worth $200 billion.
"This is not such a big sum for many countries. If Ukraine is given technologies and a market, we can achieve the growth rate I have mentioned," he said.
Commenting of advantages of Ukraine, the businessman named "an educated and qualified population that can work for the space industry, for example, a good climate and good logistics."
"Ukraine is a unique destination for infrastructure investments, with acceptable risks and high returns. Ukraines infrastructure is worn out, but this it is an excellent opportunity for Ukraine to build everything from scratch," he said.
The businessman said that there is potential in new kinds of transportation, probably in the artificial intelligence realm as well as new kinds of chemical and food production, renewable electricity, energy storehouses (this will be a big new industry in the near future).
Commenting on reforms in the energy sector, he said that Ukraine should forget about coal and outdated plans for centralized heating.
"Instead, we believe green renewable energy is the future," he said.
The best temporary solution for Ukraine during the transition is to have a "green phase" - new, combined-cycle natural gas power plants.
"If we enter into a partnership with the West, we will be able to create technologies for the new generation. We can also establish services and new investment in gas and oil production right here, localized in Ukraine. We need credit resources and the settling of the situation in Crimea and Donbas. And we need corporate partners and a long-term strategy with corporations at the level of General Electric, UTC and Boeing," he said.
"It is silly to take seriously the economic nonsense that Ukraine is to become an agricultural superpower. Are we living in the 17th century? What is an agricultural superpower? Do we have to live in small villages and be farmers? Is it our future? Taking into account the fact that value-added in agriculture is low, it is impossible to become a superpower on the basis of agriculture," he said.
Commenting on relations with Russia, Grigorishin said that Crimea will fade as a problem when Ukraine proves that its economic and social model is preferable.
He said that it does not mean that Ukraine should solve this problem via a military operation.
"Ukraine has many other tools: sanctions, political pressure to name a few. Ukraine needs this time to offer citizens of the Crimea persuasive arguments. It is not enough simply to say, You must be Ukrainians and speak Ukrainian. Ukraine must strive to become an attractive state that all people are willing to join," he said.
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Winbond W25N01JW
Winbond Electronics' W25N01JW is a high-performance, 1.8V serial NAND flash memory IC delivering a data-transfer rate of 83MB/s via a quad serial peripheral interface (QSPI). The new high-performance serial NAND technology also supports a two-chip dual quad interface which gives a maximum data transfer rate of 166MB/s. The Winbond 1.8V W25N01JW chip can replace SPI NOR flash memory in automotive applications, such as data storage for instrument clusters or the center information displays (CIDs), the company indicated. This is important for automotive OEMs because the adoption of more sophisticated graphics displays in the instrument cluster, and larger display sizes of seven inches and above in the CID, is increasing system memory requirements to capacities of 1Gbit and higher, the company continued. At these capacities, serial NAND flash has a markedly lower unit cost than that of SPI NOR flash, and occupies a smaller board area per megabit of storage capacity. The W25N01JW also meets strict automotive requirements for quality and reliability, Winbond noted. Built with single-level sell (SLC) memory technology, and implementing 1-bit error correction code (ECC) on all read and write operations, it complies with the endurance, retention and quality requirements of the AEC-Q100 standard and relevant JEDEC specs. The W25N01JW is available for sampling today in a capacity of 1Gbit. A two-chip implementation in dual-quad I/O mode provides 2Gbits of memory capacity and a maximum data transfer rate of 166MB/s. The chip is available in industrial grade and in an extended-temperature automotive grade version operating at up to 105-degrees C.
October 30, 2022
Holidays are about making memories and there are so many reasons why visiting Walt Disney World during the holidays is a must-do. Now more than ever, in this fast-paced world, its so important to take that time to give experiences to your families because in doing so, you will be creating memories that will last a
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Court rulings in Wisconsin and nearby Midwestern states have helped retail giants lower the value on their stores for property taxes.
By SCOTT BAUER
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. A battle pitting big-box retail giants including Menards and Wal-Mart against Wisconsin towns and cities is headed to the Legislature.
Republican-backed proposals, written in conjunction with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, are designed to close the so-called dark store loophole and increase how much the mega-retailers pay local communities in property taxes.
. . .
The 919th Special Operations Logistics Readiness Squadron was recently named Air Force Reserve Commands Air Reserve Component Logistics Activity of the Year for 2016.
The 919 SOLRS Loggies are proud to accept this award as confirmation of our commitment to the wing mission, said Lt. Col. Matthew Heintzelman, the squadrons commander.
The squadron provides integrated logistical support to the 919th Special Operations Wing, 7th Special Forces Group and Air Force Special Operations Command.
In Fiscal Year 2016, the units Airmen provided logistical support to the large-scale special operations exercise Emerald Warrior. They contributed to the success with vehicle and fuel operations as well as weapons shipments for multiple sister-services.
The Airmen also provide support for newly acquired C-146 mission by providing warehouse space and offloading in-bound equipment from Cannon AFB for the Sierra Nevada Corporation.
The squadron has one of only a few parachute rigging flights in the Air Force. The Aerial Delivery team rigged, loaded and recovered 131 tons enabling 349 sorties in support of C-145 pilot and loadmaster training.
The SOLRS also provided support to the large-scale fighter exercise, Red Flag. The Airmen organized six movements of 442 passengers and 510 tons of equipment.
Providing special operations support creates distinctive challenges for Airmen, but each time weve accepted it and ensured the mission got accomplished, said the commander. This award is recognition of those unique efforts.
The Donegal Democrat has been informed of the following deaths:
- Sarah McGlinchey (nee Clark), Tullyvinney, Raphoe
- Charles Moy, Altatraught, Cloghan
- Eileen Gallagher (nee Dawson), Chapel Road, Cliffoney and Bundoran
- Rose Gallagher, (nee McGinty) Thompson, Tunduff, Cloghan
- Anna Molloy, 118 Ard Patrick Glenties
- Ida Robinson, Main Street Dunfanaghy
- Bridie Gallagher, Larganreagh, Downings
- Tess Diver, Carrowmore, Gleneely
- Edmund Simpson, Leeds and Carndonagh
- Samuel Mc Cready, 450 Imlick Villas, Carrigans
Sarah McGlinchey (nee Clark), Smileys Bray, Tullyvinney, Raphoe
The death has taken place of Sarah McGlinchey (nee Clark), late of Smileys Bray, Tullyvinney, Raphoe.
Removal from Brindley Manor Nursing home at 2pm this afternoon, Sunday, going to her late residence in Tullyvinney. Funeral from there on Tuesday morning at 10.30am, going to St Eunan's Church, Raphoe, for 11am Requiem Mass with burial afterwards in the Old Cemetery, Convoy. Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Brindley Manor Patients comfort fund. Family time please from 10pm to 10am and on the morning of the funeral.
Charles Moy, Altatraught, Cloghan
The death has taken place of Charles Moy, late of Altatraught, Cloghan. Reposing at Marleys Funeral Home, Drumany, Letterkenny from 5pm on Monday, March 20th until removal at 6.15pm to Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Glenfin to repose overnight. Funeral Mass on Tuesday, March 21st at 12 o'clock with burial afterwards in Kilteevogue Cemetery. Family flowers only, donations to Donegal Hospice care of any family member. Sadly missed by his entire family, relatives and large circle of friends.
Eileen Gallagher (nee Dawson), Chapel Road, Cliffoney and Bundoran
The death has occurred of Eileen Gallagher (nee Dawson) late of Chapel Road, Ciffoney and Bundoran. Arriving at St. Molaise's Church, Cliffoney, on Tuesday morning for 12 noon Funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in St. Ninidh's Cemetery, Bundoran. House private to family and friends, please. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Oncology Unit, Sligo University Hospital c/o Mc Gloin Undertakers.
Rose Gallagher, (nee McGinty) Thompson, Tunduff, Cloghan
The death has occurred of Rose Gallagher, (nee McGinty) in New York and formerly of Thompson Tunduff, Cloghan.
Viewing on Monday, March 20th from 4pm to 9pm at Riverside Memorial Chapel in Manhattan, New York. Funeral at 10am on Tuesday, March 21st at Church of Notre Dame. Burial following Funeral Mass at Long Island National Cemetery at approximately 12.30pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Church of Notre Dame, 405 w114th Street, NY 10025. 7am morning Mass on Tuesday, March 21st will be offered for Rose in The Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour, Glenfin.
Anna Molloy, 118 Ard Patrick Glenties
The death has occurred at her residence of Anna Molloy, formerly of 118 Ard Patrick, Glenties.Remains will repose at her late residence. Removal from there on Tuesday, March 21st at 10:40am to St Conals Church Glenties for 11am requiem mass, followed by burial afterwards in the local cemetery.Family time from 11pm to 11am.
Ida Robinson, Main Street Dunfanaghy
The death has taken place at her residence of Ida Robinson, late of Main Street Dunfanaghy. Her remains are reposing at her late residence. Funeral service in Holy Trinity Church, Horn Head road, Dunfanaghy on Tuesday, March 21st at 2pm. Burial afterwards in Clondahorky cemetery. Family time please from 11pm to 10am
Family flowers only please, donations in lieu if desired to Holy Trinity Church restoration fund, care of any family member or Harkin Funeral Directors.
Bridie Gallagher, Larganreagh, Downings
The sudden death has taken place of Bridie Gallagher, late of, Larganreagh, Downings. Remains are reposing at her late residence. Funeral from there on Wednesday, March 22nd to the Church of St. John the Baptist, for Requiem Mass at 11am with burial in the adjoining cemetery. Family flowers only donations if desired to Meevagh Day Centre, Carrigart. Family time from 11pm till 11am.
Tess Diver, Carrowmore, Gleneely
The death has occurred of Tess Diver, formerly of Carrowmore, Gleneely. Removal from Eternal Light Chapel of Rest at 5pm on Monday, March 20th going to her late home. Funeral from there at 10.15am on Wednesday morning to St. Marys Church, Bocan Culdaff for requiem mass at 11am. Internment afterwards in adjoining cemetery. Family time please from 10pm to 12 noon.
Edmund Simpson, Leeds and Carndonagh
The death has taken place in Leeds England of Edmund Simpson formerly of Carndonagh. Remains will arrive to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Carnodnagh on Wednesday, Marchy 22nd for Requiem Mass at 11am with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Samuel Mc Cready, 450 Imlick Villas, Carrigans
The death has occurred of Samuel Mc Cready, 450 Imlick Villas, Carrigans. His remains will be reposing at his residence from 6pm on Monday, March 20th. Funeral from there on Wednesday at 1.30pm for Service in Killea Parish Church at 2pm with burial afterwards in the family plot in the adjoining churchyard. Family flowers only, donations if desired to Killea Parish Church Funds c/o any family member or Gibson Funeral Directors, Convoy.
* If you wish to have a death notice included, please e-mail: editorial@donegaldemocrat.com and include a contact telephone number for verification.
Visiting restrictions are still in place throughout Letterkenny University Hospital (LUH) in an effort to contain and eradicate the Norovirus.
Maximum infection control precautions are in place.
While the Norovirus appears to be resolving in the three wards already affected, new patients are presenting to the hospital over the past 24 hours with vomiting and diarrhoea and, while not formally confirmed, they are being treated as suspicious of the Norovirus and are being treated accordingly.
Again, hospital management would like to thank the general public for their co-operation regarding not visiting. Hospital management would also like to stress that any members of the general public who are experiencing vomiting and/or diarrhoea at home should not visit the hospital as we are aware the Norovirus is prevalent in the community at this time.
Meanwhile, 24 are waiting on beds at Letterkenny University Hospital.
The latest trolley watch report from the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation (INMO)state that were 7 people on trolleys while a further 17 were waiting on wards.
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Russia's PJSC Gazprom has filed a counterclaim against a ruling of Kyiv's business court of appeals ordered to collect UAH 172 billion of a fine and penalty for abuse of monopoly, Head of Ukraine's Antimonopoly Committee Yuriy Terentiev has said.
"The decision of the court of appeals was made. Gazprom challenged the decision, and as soon as we have the ruling that took effect, we would send it to the enforcement service for execution," he said during the Internet conference on Liga.net portal.
"Now the second part is in court. This is the forced collection of the fine. We do not say now that Gazprom would challenge our decision. Now the claim of the committee on collecting the funds under the decision that actually took effect is being heard," he said.
As reported, the Antimonopoly Committee decided in January 2016 to fine Russian gas giant UAH 85 billion for abuse of its monopoly position on the Ukrainian market for transit shipments of natural gas. This decision has been upheld several times by Ukrainian courts. In the latest ruling, on February 22 Kyiv's business court of appeals upheld the ruling of a lower court confirming the order to collect the fine from Gazprom, which has already grown to UAH 172 billion (about $6.4 billion) with fines for nonpayment.
The Dothan City School Board is searching for a new board attorney.
School Board Attorney Jere Segrest has retired, opening up a position that Segrest had filled for 41 years. Superintendent Chuck Ledbetter told the board Monday that the selection process is up to them, and that they could bid out the job, select a candidate themselves or choose another process.
The board gets to directly hire three people - the superintendent, the CFO and the board attorney, he said.
Board member Jimmy Addison suggested that the board table the matter until they have time to think about the selection process. Addison said he wants to hire an attorney with experience in education, law and special education law.
You dont go to an orthopedic doctor to get your tonsils out, he said.
Ledbetter mentioned that Kevin Walding, an attorney who frequently represented the school system alongside Segrest, had extensive experience in special education law.
On Monday, the board also learned that Melanie Hill, the program coordinator for Bright Key, will be stepping down at the end of the month.
Barbara Alford, president of the Wiregrass Foundation, which helped get Bright Key off the ground, said Hill will not likely be replaced, as the needs of the program are different now than when it was established.
Alford said Bright Key will contract with Allyson Morgan, a former school system employee, and the Southern Regional Education Board to provide assessment services. Alford said she wants an assessment of Bright Key so the program can demonstrate its value to the community.
Home Two wheelers Indian Chieftain Jack Daniels Limited Edition Sells Out In 10 Minutes Talk About An Addiction oi-Kennedy Paul
Indian Motorcycles collaborated with Tennessee-based whiskey-maker Jack Daniels for the second time, and this round saw the production of 100 units of the Indian Chieftain Jack Daniels limited edition cruiser.
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Ukraine in Jan 2017 buys coking coal for almost CAD 50 mln in Canada
Ukrainian companies in January 2017 imported coking coal for CAD 48.2 million ($36.2 million under the current exchange rate) from Canada, while in January 2016 no coking coal was imported, Canadian Ambassador to Ukraine Roman Waschuk has told Interfax-Ukraine.
He said that British Columbia has large stocks of coking coal and production facilities. Supplies from the province could be increased if it is required.
Asked about importers of Canadian coal to Ukraine, he said that it was ArcelorMittal Kryvyi Rih, but there could be other large Ukrainian metal companies among importers.
Waschuk also said that in 2016, coking coal imports of Ukraine totaled CAD 146 million ($109.6 million).
According to the State Statistics Service, imports of coal from Canada in 2016 was 841,900 tonnes for $94.37 million, while total imports of bituminous coal to Ukraine was 14.15 million for $1.415 billion. The key supplies of this coal were Russia (9.87 million tonnes for $860.07 million) and the United States (1.81 million for $211.01 million), while Canada was third.
Some 724,800 tonnes of bituminous coal was shipped from Australia to Ukraine last year for $79.13 million, 551,300 tonnes from Kazakhstan for $75.6 million and 349,000 tonnes from Poland for $40.58 million.
Ukraine exported 336,200 tonnes of bituminous coal for $33.96 million last year mainly to Slovakia ($26.31 million) and Russia ($7.48 million).
As a result of a military clash between soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and militants in the vicinity of Vodiane of Volnovasky district of the Donetsk region, eight militants were killed and 16 wounded on Monday, the press center of the Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) headquarters reports.
"According to the updated information, as a result of the battle between the servicemen of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Russian invaders, which took place in Mariupol sector near the village of Vodiane, the enemy suffered significant losses. According to the intelligence service, eight mercenaries were killed and 16 more were wounded," a message, posted on the press center's Facebook page on Monday evening, says.
As earlier reported, two Ukrainian soldiers were killed and seven were wounded by shelling from combined Russian-separatist militant groups near the village of Vodiane in Donetsk region.
"At 09:30 [a.m.] near Vodiane two enemy groups numbering up to 40 individuals approached our positions. Ukrainian troops repelled the enemy, which retreated. At the same time, Ukrainian units moved forward. The enemy then used multiple-rocket launch systems and heavy artillery and retreated to its positions.
The law on the state financial guarantees for the provision of medical services and medicines, regulating healthcare reform, should be adopted by the end of May 2017, otherwise the reform will be postponed until 2021-2022.
This was stated by the acting Health Minister Ulana Suprun at a meeting of the Regional Development Council in Kyiv on Monday.
"It is necessary that the main law of the reform be adopted before the end of May this year, since if we postpone the reform it will not be carried out until 2021 or 2022 due to the political cycle," she said.
Suprun said: "If it [this law] is not adopted until the end of May, we won't be able to allocate funds for family medicine starting from 2018, we won't be able to start family medicine since July this year, we won't be able to calculate the price of the service until September 15, we will not get a secondary and tertiary level [of a medical aid] in the budget for 2018."
According to the minister, the Ministry of Health hopes that it will be able to submit this bill at the National Reform Council "at the invitation of the president".
"Health care reform is not done by one minister or ministry - the whole state performs it. Qualitative and affordable health care is an absolutely accessible goal. "We start paying for being treated, not for being at the hospital, and we ensure a decent payment for doctors' labor," she said.
As reported, last week the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved a package of bills concerning the guaranteed package of medical services, the introduction of the institute of a single national insurer and the introduction of a co-payment system for medical services that are not covered by a single guaranteed package. According to the developed projects, the state, in particular, will fully cover emergency medical care, primary medical care and palliative care in the last days of life. The Ministry of Health proposes that the volume of services and tariffs be approved by the Cabinet every year until September 15.
Democratizing air travel was one of the most ambitious dreams Tony Fernandez, AirAsia CEO had when he bought the already bankrupt airline a few years back. I never knew about this story until I saw the first episode of the AirAsia Red Talks with Daphne web series shown in advance to invited media as part of its launch held at the Venice Grand Canal Cineplex in Taguig.
The #AirAsiaRedTalks is a 6 part web series that shows us the world of AirAsia from the inside. The first episode, which we saw in advance and will premiere on AirAsia Facebook page on March 25 at 7pm entitled Destination: Dream (The Man with the Red Cap) will talk about the man himself AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernadez.
Other episodes to watch out for are: Destination: Fly stories about AirAsia Cabin Crews on April 8, 2017
Destination: a story about the Silversmiths of Arkomjogja on April 22, 2017
Destination: Unity is a story about the ASEAN region
Destination: Harmony which is about the Environmental Protection of Businesses Destination: Freedom which is about travelers on June 3, 2017.
All episodes will be live every 7 PM Philippine Standard Time on the dates mentioned above.
The AirAsia Red Talks with Daphne web series is produced by Philippines AirAsia Inc. taking viewers to different places and talking about flying, traveling, helping, and inspiring communities.
There will be #AirAsiaRedTalks online contests to be hosted on some blogs I know like Anagon and Nognoginthecity so watch out for it. The prize will be awesome as it will be a roundtrip airfare to Yogyokarta Indonesia with free hotel accommodation at Hyatt
Regency Yogyokarta, and a free walking tour with a guide to someplace there (I forgot!) wait for these blogs announcements.
Red Talks with Daphne was made possible by AirAsia Foundation, thr AA Loyalty program, Hyatt Regency Yogyokarta, Flower Island Resort Palawan, amd Jewelmer.
By the way if you have not gotten hold of the AirAsia BIG Loyalty program better do so. With over 100 partners worldwide you could win free trips and hotel accommodations through your BIG points. Every month during the members exclusive Final Call Sale, flights can be redeemed from only 500 points!
Visit AirAsia Philippines Facebook page starting March 25, 2017 to catch the first episode of AirAsia Red Talks with Daphne.
Stay gorgeous everyone!
Three international development banks have teamed up with the European Union (EU) to promote green investments in Egypt, supporting projects to boost energy efficiency and the development of renewable energy sources in the country at a time of rising energy prices.
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Agence Francaise de Developpement (AFD), the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the EU launched their new Green Economy Financing Facility (GEFF) for Egypt during an event in Cairo attended by more than 250 participants, including government officials and representatives from the banking sector, business community, international institutions and civil society.
The EBRD's new 140 million programme for Egypt will provide loans for energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy investments by private companies through a group of participating banks, with the aim of also achieving energy security. More videos
The GEFF is the latest in a series of similar programmes led by the EBRD. They have been rolled out so far in 24 countries in cooperation with 120 local financial partners, providing over 4 billion towards energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.
The 140 million programme for Egypt will provide loans for energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy investments by private companies through a group of participating banks, with the aim of also achieving energy security.
The loans are combined with technical support to develop projects and with incentives for the successful completion of investments, thus producing a unique product aimed at promoting energy-efficient and renewable energy technology, raising awareness, reducing operating costs and improving competitiveness.
The programme is being supported by an EU grant of 23.8 million. The National Bank of Kuwait (NBK) in Egypt and the Qatar National Bank (QNB) AlAhli in Egypt are the first banks to participate in the new facility.
The European Union Neighbourhood Investment Facility (EU NIF) is providing the funds for incentives to complete investments, while the comprehensive technical-assistance package is jointly funded by the EU NIF and the EBRDs Shareholder Special Fund.
Ambassador Ivan Surkos, Head of the EU Delegation to Egypt, said: The European Union has provided a 23.8 million grant through the Green Economy Financing Facility to help dismantle the numerous barriers facing the private sector and preventing financial institutions, strategic investors and project managers from operating actively and efficiently in financing sustainable energy projects.
Janet Heckman, EBRD Managing Director for the southern and eastern Mediterranean (SEMED) region, commented: This facility is part of a new EBRD GEFF programme aiming at promoting better practices and raising awareness of the benefits of green economy investments. The GEFF programme in Egypt benefits from the expertise the EBRD has accumulated through investing in sustainable energy in 24 countries, and especially from its experience in providing finance through financial intermediaries.
Stephanie Lanfranchi, Country Director, Agence Francaise de Developpement, Egypt, said: The energy transition is the main challenge for the fight against climate change. With its partners, AFD seeks to mobilise networks of financiers in order to support renewable energy and energy efficiency investments in the region. We truly believe that private sector players have a key role to play in devising new, less polluting and more resilient development models.
Christophe Lucet, Head of the European Investment Bank, Egypt, said: During the launch event, real-life investment examples were presented, demonstrating how high-performance technologies can help companies stay competitive during times of increasing energy costs. In one example, an investment in a new glass furnace reduced natural gas consumption by 65 per cent and in the other example waste heat is used to generate 25 per cent of the electricity needs of a large industrial company.
Egypt is a founding member of the EBRD and has been receiving funding since 2012. To date the Bank has invested 2.3 billion in 43 projects in the country. The EBRDs areas of investment include the financial sector, agribusiness, manufacturing and services, as well as infrastructure projects such as power, municipal water and wastewater services and support for transport services. The EBRD has also provided technical assistance support to more than 500 small and medium-sized local enterprises.
Millionaire Republican David Trott (MI-11) held a raucous townhall meeting this past weekend where upwards of one thousand of his constituents tried to attend, many of whom were left out in the cold because the venue they chose was too small to contain them all. Not by accident, of course:
Solicitous staffers had taken every precaution to limit the damage, scheduling the town hall to begin in the first hour past sunrise on a snowy Saturday morning, in a venue they were obliged to vacate in time to make way for the boat show opening 90 minutes later. The weather gods were complicit, whipping up a sudden blizzard that spun cars into ditches and brought traffic on the major arteries leading to the Suburban Collection Showplace to a standstill. Still they came, arriving by the hundreds before plows had cleared the parking lot. By the time the doors opened at 8 a.m., there were close to a thousand, more than twice as many as the 425 seats set out for the event would accommodate. So most of the crowd huddled outside, chanting slogans and stamping their feet in the cold while they huddled around the videos being streamed to their smart phones by the luckier, warmer attendees inside.
The pent up demand to attend this event was the result of the fact that Trott widely known as the Foreclosure King from his role in profiting from throwing people out of their homes during the Bush Recession has been hiding from his constituents for most of his first term in office. During the recent Congressional break, Trott went to India rather than meet with the constituents in his district, the primary reason for the scheduled break which had the unambiguous name of District Work Week.
At the town hall, Trott was firm in his support for repealing the Affordable Care Act which will uninsure tens of millions of Americans in the first decade. After the event concluded, he was ushered out of the hall to chants of VOTE HIM OUT! Unfortunately for him, someone forgot to turn of his lapel microphone and he and his aides were heard planning to portray his constituents as un-American and admitting to bouncing questions tossing out question cards they didnt want to have to answer.
At around the 6-minute mark in the video below, you can hear Trotts aide say, Were going to take that part where theyre booing funding the military and Im gonna get somebody to write a story and were going to promote the shit out of that. Its un-American crap. Hes referring to the fact that the crowd booed him when he called the American military the weakest its ever been and for saying he supports increased military funding immediately after saying how much he enjoys meeting with groups like the Rare Diseases Association who are all asking for more funding (see video in Update 3 below.) Later in the video, Trott asks if they bounced any questions. His aide confirms they did.
Heres the video where the Trott team can be heard in the background around the 6-minute mark:
This level of disdain for his constituents is shocking. Its clear that, rather than listening to his constituents, the vast majority of whom are strongly opposed to his desire to repeal the life-saving Affordable Care Act in order to give millionaires like him a huge tax cut and his unwavering support for Donald Trump, Trott and his team are unwavering on both issues and are more interested in finding ways to demean and diminish constituents who disagree with him. Trott paid $34 for every vote he got when he was first elected in 2014 and wants to eliminate the Departments of Energy and Education. In other words, he is the classic corporatist Republican whose goal is to reconfigure our federal government to further enrich millionaires and billionaires like himself. Its the driving force behind the Millionaire Tax Cut bill known as the American Health Care Act (AHCA). Its no surprise that they took out the word affordable.
UPDATE: Indivisible Guide groups in the 11th Congressional District are calling for Trott to apologize. They send out this press release this afternoon:
Indivisible Groups Demand Apology from Trott After Calling Crowd Un-American at Town Hall NOVI Today, Michigan Indivisible Groups from the 11th District are demanding an apology from Congressman David Trott (R-Commerce Twp.) regarding comments he and his team made over a hot mic as he debriefed with staff after his Saturday town hall. On the recording, captured by WDIV-TV in Detroit, Trotts team plotted ways to frame the town hall crowd as un-American, and confessed to bouncing constituent questions that were submitted on cards before the event began despite promising not to. Congressman Trott needs to apologize to his constituents right away. Bragging about screening our questions after promising not to is the kind of typical Washington politician doublespeak that people are fed up with. And calling an entire crowd of concerned citizens un-American is no way for an elected official to treat their constituents, said Mark Barbieri, whose son has Type 1 diabetes. I am literally fighting for my sons life and to be called un-American is beyond the pale. A Trott team member, who appears to be political adviser Stu Sandler, was captured on audio saying: Were going to take that part where theyre booing funding the military. Im going to get somebody to write a story. Were going to blow the shit out of that. Its an un-American crowd. This was in response to a negative reaction from the crowd after Trott falsely asserted that the military is the weakest its ever been. The recording also picked up Trott asking his team if there were any questions that [they] bounced. His staff responded that there were a couple. I cant believe that a member of Congress would disparage our men and women in uniform as weak. And neither could the rest of the crowd of constituents, which is why we booed Congressman Trott. Now hes trying to spin that the entire crowd was un-American. That could not be further from the truth and should be condemned. The residents of the 11th District deserve an apology, as do all the brave service members fighting for our freedom. I hope that Congressman Trott does the honorable thing and does apologize right away. His constituents deserve it, said David Hamilton, a resident of Troy.
UPDATE 2: Jen Hayden at Daily Kos points out that the promoting the shit out of that has begun by who else? FOX News:
Rep. David Trott Im gonna get somebody to write a story and were going to promote the shit out of that. Well, Fox News to the rescue! In an interview this morning, Fox News host Ainsley Earhardt helpfully asked all the right questions, labeling the constituents as liberals and golly gee, what kind of people dont support the military? (Hint: un-American people, thats who!) Im unable to embed the video, but you can view it here. In the meantime, the chryon on the video should tell you all you need to know about how completely biased this made-for-Fox News story really was:
Heres the FOX News video where Trott gets tossed slow-moving softballs by the FOX News interviewer:
Watch the latest video at video.foxnews.com
UPDATE 3: Here is video of the part where Trott is booed for saying, I support more funding for our military immediately after complaining that the national debt is too high and telling the crowd that going that he enjoys going to meetings where all he hears about are things people need money for like the Rare Disease Association:
UPDATE 4: Trotts spokesman Stu Sandler issued this absurd statement today:
I was shocked and appalled at the majority of the audience that booed Congressman Trott when he stated I support more funding for our military. Our troops deserve better equipment and more pay. Half of the planes in the Navy have difficulty flying, the Marines need more amphibious ships, our air force needs more pilots to state a few needs for more funding. The fact this crowd booed viciously at the suggestion for more military funding was terrible and it upset me. I was not aware there was a microphone on. I was talking to friends and not the Congressman. I fully stand by the comments I made. After the event, I reached out to several people who were just as shocked and appalled. Media chose to cover it.
He claims he was talking to friends and not the Congressman which is clearly absurd because Trott can be heard asking did I do okay? and asking if they bounced any questions.
In early February of this year, the City Council in Jackson, Michigan approved a non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) that prohibits discrimination against anyone for housing, employment, or public accommodation based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Its essentially a move that extends basic civil rights provided to most Michiganders under the Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act to Michigan citizens in the LGBTQ community. The vote was 5-2.
The move outraged some Jackson residents and, supported by clergy in local Catholic churches including Father Tim Nelson of St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, a group of them set out to put the issue of civil rights for the LGBTQ community up for a vote in the next election. Opposition to the NDO is ironically being pitched by people like Fr. Nelson and Fr. Tim MacDonald of Queens as a way to restore civil rights NON-LGBTQ people.
The petition drive was led by a man named Jeffrey Feahr who turned in nearly 700 signatures (342 valid signatures are needed) to the local clerk and brought the media with him when he did it:
Freahr has a notorious history as a homophobic, transphobic, xenophobic bigot on Facebook. His Facebook page is a cesspool of posts that mock and deride a wide array of minority groups and is riddled with references to snowflakes, a term he uses derogatorily when refering to anyone who disagrees with his extreme, bigoted views.
After the NDO was passed, Feahr posted several comments on Facebook referring to gays and lesbians as turds, alt left liberal pukes, and idiots. He claims not to care whom someone has sex with in the privacy of their own home but is opposing a law that would allow someone to actually rent or buy that home even if the landlord or seller was opposed to their sexuality or gender identity. He also says gays can hump chickens, if they want.
Here is some of Feahrs more odious effluvient:
Rev. Cynthia Landrum of Universalist Unitarian Church of East Liberty, a supporter of the NDO and co-founder of the pro-NDO group Jackson Together, called on Feahr to apologize and remove his offensive comments. As a city, we should send a message to the rest of Michigan that says Jackson is welcoming to our LGBT friends and neighbors. We should not let the incendiary words and bullying actions of a few public figures speak for our entire community, Rev. Landrum said in a statement. As a religious leader, I ask that others in the faith community call on Mr. Feahr to apologize for his remarks and delete his incendiary posts.
So far, none of her colleagues in the clergy who oppose the NDO have stepped up to call out Feahr on his harmful and disgusting comments.
Supporters of the NDO are questioning the petitions and believe that they were gathered using false information. Petition gatherers were overheard saying that this is a law that allows transgender people to GASP! use the restroom of their choice (its not) and that it impacts churches and other places of worship (it doesnt.) In fact, very little will change in the day to day lives of Jacksonians other than giving LGBTQ people legal standing if they are discriminated against:
Public Information Officer Will Forgrave says this doesnt change much of the city governments day-to-day functions because the framework is already in place. If there is an issue with LGBT discrimination, complaints must be made within 30 days of the incident to the Human Relations Commission. They investigate that claim themselves, and if they think it holds water, they pass it along to the city attorney, who continues that process, Forgrave said. The city attorney will investigate both sides of the claim. If discrimination is found, the offender could be fined hundreds of dollars a day until the issue is resolved. Forgrave says each case will be handled differently, and not every outcome will be the same. The ordinance also provides several exemptions. Religious organizations, churches, youth groups are completely exempt. They can continue to operate as they see fit, Forgrave said. The ordinance also does not require facilities to change rules regarding bathrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms.
If the petition signatures are validated, the issue will likely go before voters in August. Its offensive that the civil rights of ANY Americans are subject to a vote and it is a classic example of the tyranny of the majority that Founding Father John Adams warned us about. Its beyond ironic that people wrapping themselves in nationalism and patriotism and religion would resort to this rather than embracing the idea that ALL Americans deserve equal protection under the law.
[CC image credit: Photographing Travis | Flickr]
Google last week released its E2EMail encryption code to open source as a way of pushing development of the technology.
Google has been criticized over the amount of time and seeming lack of progress it has made in E2EMail encryption, so open sourcing the code could help the project proceed more quickly, said Charles King, principal analyst at Pund-IT.
That will not stop critics, as reactions to the decision have shown, he told LinuxInsider.
However, it should enable the company to focus its attention and resources on issues it believes are more pressing, King added.
Google started the E2EMail project more than a year ago, as a way to give users a Chrome app that would allow the simple exchange of private emails.
The project integrates OpenPGP into Gmail via a Chrome extension. It brings improved usability and keeps all cleartext of the message body exclusively on the client.
E2EMail is built on a proven, open source Javascript crypto library developed at Google, noted KB Sriram, Eduardo Vela Nava and Stephan Somogyi, members of Googles Security and Privacy Engineering team, in an online post.
E2EMail Unwrapped
The early versions of E2EMail are text-only and support only PGP/MIME messages. It now uses its own keyserver.
The encryption application eventually will rely on Googles recent Key Transparency initiative for cryptographic key lookups. Google earlier this year released the project to open source with the aim of simplifying public key lookups at Internet scale.
The Key Transparency effort addresses a usability challenge hampering mainstream adoption of OpenPGP.
During installation, E2EMail generates an OpenPGP key and uploads the public key to the keyserver. The private key is always stored on the local machine.
E2EMail uses a bare-bones central keyserver for testing. Googles Key Transparency announcement is crucial to its further evolution.
Google Partially Benefits
Secure messaging systems could benefit from open sourcing the system. Developers could use a directory when building apps to find public keys associated with an account along with a public audit log of any key changes.
Encryption key discovery and distribution lie at the heart of the usability challenges that OpenPGP implementations have faced, suggested Sriram, Nava and Somogyi in their joint post.
Key Transparency delivers a solid, scalable and practical solution. It replaces the problematic web-of-trust model traditionally used with PGP, they pointed out.
Google announced end-to-end email encryption almost three years ago, and no product or solution ever materialized, said Morey Haber, vice president of technology at BeyondTrust.
With this announcement, Google is making good on the promise of a Chrome extension that would seamlessly encrypt Gmail end-to-end, he told LinuxInsider.
Since Google decided to open source the project, the technology will not remain proprietary for Chrome and Gmail, Haber added. Instead, Google no longer is working on this project, and the community will own the work and any potential derivatives.
This could be viewed as coming clean on a 3-year-old promise, or the release of a market perceived vaporware project. In either case, the techniques being used might spur some other innovation for similar messaging-type solutions, added Haber.
Last Ditch Effort
Googles decision to drop E2EMail and release it to open source might be the companys way of saving face, suggested Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.
The best-case scenario is that sharing the project might inspire other developers and possibly improve security in general, he told LinuxInsider.
I think, like a lot of Google projects, Google lost interest in this one, Enderle continued, and putting into open source is a way of at least allowing others to benefit from the effort. It is better than just shuttering the effort and archiving the work in a private repository.
The impact of Googles decision to open source the project is difficult to assess, noted King.
Google has admitted that the issues surrounding end-to-end email encryption are far more complex that it originally assumed, so the code it has released is far from fully baked, he said.
That makes its actual value hard to determine, King added, but bringing additional eyes and energy to the effort could help it progress more quickly.
Solutions Still Needed
About half of the email that traverses the Internet does so unencrypted, although that may not be the case for messaging and social media apps, suggested BeyondTrusts Haber.
Basic implementations of technology like this can be used to secure everything from banking statements to password resets, he said.
Although Googles project never materialized into a product, the ideas and methodologies are good examples to learn from.
It will help educate people on techniques and potentially failed projects related to end-to-end encryption, Haber said, but in the end, there are big problems to solve with key management and SHA1 collisions that researchers and security engineers should be focusing on.
Twitter on Wednesday announced that over the next few months it will roll out changes designed to increase the safety of users:
Its algorithms will help identify accounts as they engage in abusive behavior, so the burden no longer will be on victims to report it;
Users will be able to limit certain account functionality, such as letting only followers see their tweets, for a set amount of time;
New filtering options will give users more control over what they see from certain types of accounts such as those without profile pictures, or with unverified email addresses or phone numbers; and
New mute functionality will let users mute tweets from within their home timelines, and decide how long the content will be muted.
Twitter also will be more transparent about actions it takes in response to reports of harassment from users.
These updates are part of the ongoing safety work we announced in January, and follow our changes announced on February 7, a Twitter spokesperson said in a statement provided to TechNewsWorld by Liz Kelley of the companys communications department.
A Fine Balance
Were giving people the choice to filter notifications in a variety of ways, including accounts who havent selected a profile photo or verified their phone number or email address, the spokesperson noted.
The feature is not turned on by default but provided as an option.
Still, suggesting special handling for accounts without a profile picture known as eggs because of the ovoid shape of the space left for the picture and those without an email address or phone number could pose a privacy dilemma.
Twitter is walking a fine line here between censorship and useful communication, observed Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.
Making the Internet Safe for Tweeters
Twitters ongoing efforts to curb abuse show that the company is aware they have a serious problem, and what theyve done so far is less than adequate, remarked Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.
Previous attempts were pretty pathetic, really, and Twitter needed to do something more substantive, he told TechNewsWorld. This seems to be far more substantive.
Still, the new measures dont address the cause of the behavior and until someone does, they will only be an increasingly ineffective Band-Aid, Enderle cautioned.
No Place for the Timid
The latest tools may be successful at first, but people will find ways around them, Frosts Jude told TechNewsWorld.
Twitters approach is purely defensive, he said. It ought to just open up its space with the appropriate disclaimers; that would be easier and cheaper, and people who are easily offended would be put on notice that Twitter isnt a safe space.
The more controls Twitter attempts to impose, the less useful it will be to an increasing number of people, Jude contended. Ultimately, Twitter may create a completely politically correct and safe place to socialize, but that will only appeal to a niche population.
Online Crime and Punishment
Twitters defensive play is not enough; the hammer should be lowered on abusers, suggested Enderle.
Efforts need to be made to hold those that are clearly over the line to more painful penalties to effectively address the causes of the behavior and not just the symptoms, he maintained.
Currently, laws and enforcement are well below what they should be for most abhorrent online activity, said Enderle, including things like identity theft that would typically be considered criminal acts.
First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Vadym Prystaiko is sure that the 'Normandy format' will remain the main one in the issue of the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas.
"We are going to meet on March 24 and I will be in Paris for this very meeting, at which the progress of Minsk will be considered. As you see, there is not much progress, in particular, we will be able to consider other proposals ... I predict that the core of this process will remain the 'Normandy Four," Prystaiko said in a comment to the Interfax-Ukraine agency on Monday.
He also informed that the meeting will take place in the 'Normandy format' at the level of "senior officials" in Paris on Friday, March 24.
"I will be in Paris on March 24 at a meeting of the 'Normandy Four' in a format that I represent on the part of the Ukrainian side in so-called senior officials format," Prystaiko said.
He stressed that Ukraine is grateful to other countries that take the initiative to help Ukraine. At the same time, the deputy minister noted the significant contribution to the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donbas by the partners of Ukraine in the 'Normandy format', namely Germany and France: "These countries have invested so much politically, especially our partners Germany and France, that they expect this work to be continued, as they are the core of the 'Normandy format.'
As reported, on March 1, during the visit of foreign ministers of Poland and Britain, Witold Waszczykowski and Boris Johnson to Kyiv, the Ukrainian side was offered an alternative version of the negotiations on the settlement of the conflict in Donbas. Waszczykowski noted that the British and Polish sides had taken the initiative, but the decision on the best option for resolving the conflict in Donbas remains with the Ukrainian authorities.
Attorneys representing 21 youth plaintiffs in Juliana v. United States served request for production of documents to the U.S. government and the American Petroleum Institute (API), asking both defendants to turn over the Wayne Tracker emails, as part of discovery in the climate case.
As ExxonMobil explained Tuesday, the email address pseudonym was put in place for secure and expedited communications between select senior company officials and the former chairman for a broad range of business-related topics. New York Attorney General Eric Schneidermans office stated in a March 13 court filing that Rex Tillerson used the Wayne.Tracker@exxonmobil.com pseudonym to send and receive materials regarding important matters, including those concerning to the risk-management issues related to climate change
https://twitter.com/EcoWatch/status/840885107816857601
While risk-management issues related to climate change are important to the New York Attorney Generals investigation, attorneys representing youth plaintiffs suspect the emails will also reveal the deep influence of the fossil fuel defendants over U.S. energy and climate policies and the defendants private acknowledgement that climate change was caused by their product, both of which are important to the youths case. To the latter point, the fossil fuel defendants have refused to take a position on whether climate change is caused by burning fossil fuels, even when pressed by federal judges to answer that question.
As reported by Bloomberg, New York Attorney General Eric Schneidermans office stated that Sec. of State Rex Tillerson used a pseudonym, Wayne.Tracker@exxonmobil.com, for emails while he served as ExxonMobils CEO. Because ExxonMobil is a member of API and Tillerson served on the Board of Directors of API through December, he was a player in Juliana v. United States even before he was confirmed as Secretary of State, which caused him to become a named government defendant.
Plaintiffs are asking the U.S. government and API defendants to turn over any of Tillersons pseudonym emails in their custody by April 16.
During a Feb. 7 case management conference, U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Thomas Coffin relayed his understanding about the discovery youth plaintiffs are seeking to Frank Volpe, Sidley Austin attorney representing API:
theres a subset of their substantive due process case that involves what did you know and when did you know it and did someone cover it up, did they create this danger
When looking for evidence of a cover up, emails from Rex Tillersons pseudonym about climate change are just the kind of evidence the court needs to see, Julia Olson, plaintiffs counsel and executive director of Our Childrens Trust, said.
The 21 youth plaintiffs, ages 9 to 21, received national publicity last week about their case in The Washington Post and National Geographic.
Juliana v. United States is one of many related legal actions brought by youth in several states and countries, all supported by Our Childrens Trust, seeking science-based action by governments to stabilize the climate system.
The Center for Biological Diversity and University of Oklahoma law professor Kristen van de Biezenbos filed a formal ethics complaint today with the Oklahoma Bar Association against U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt, seeking an investigation into whether Pruitt lied to Congress while under oath.
The investigation would target possible ethical violations stemming from Pruitts misrepresentation to senators of his use of a personal email address, during his tenure as Oklahoma attorney general, for official business and speeches he gave to right-wing organizations against environmental protection.
Todays complaint asserts that Pruitt violated Oklahomas rules of professional conduct when he told Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse during his confirmation hearing that he did not use a personal me.com email address for official state business while attorney general of Oklahoma. Records released in the course of an Oklahoma public records lawsuit show that Pruitt received at least one email message and possibly more, at a me.com email address. Additional records are still being reviewed by Oklahoma courts for possible public release.
Pruitts friends in the fossil fuel industry clearly knew how to reach him best: at his personal email address, said Amy Atwood, a senior attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity. Lawyers and public servants must adhere to the strictest ethical standards and the Oklahoma Bar should investigate Pruitts apparent carelessness with the truth.
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One released email shows a message from a vice president of the American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers association to Pruitts me.com address, asking him to use his position as Oklahoma attorney general to help roll back renewable fuel standards that were set under the Obama administration. Other released emails show use of a redacted email address for Pruitt that may be personal, showing correspondence with representatives of the American Legislative Exchange Council. The American Legislative Exchange Council is widely viewed as a right-wing organization that has worked to weaken some of the nations most important environmental laws, including laws Pruitt administers at the EPA, such as the Clean Air Act and Clean Water Act.
Use of a personal email address for official state business can lead to the loss of government records and to hacking. Misrepresenting facts is a matter that the Oklahoma Bar Association takes seriously.
In addition, Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works noted in a March 17 letter to Pruitt that he failed to mention several public speeches or presentations that he has made related to energy or the environment, including to the Federalist Society.
It seems that Mr. Pruitt may not have been candid at his confirmation hearing, said Kristen van de Biezenbos, the University of Oklahoma law professor who signed the complaint in her personal capacity. It raises questions about why he hid the fact of his use of personal email for official state business, what else he misrepresented to Congress and what else his personal emails may show us about our EPA administrators deference to the fossil fuel industry and organizations that support the rollback of environmental regulations.
[facebook https://www.facebook.com/EcoWatch/videos/1460041177342148/
By Andy Rowell
When President Donald Trump promised to drain the swamp, many of his supporters hoped he would take on the political and media establishment and radically shake them both up.
In that process they might have assumed he was going to clean up politics by removing the Beltway insiders and the corporate lobbyists who have often pulled strings in Washington.
While the former has happened, the latter has not.
It is increasingly becoming clear that the swamp is being refilled by an oligarchy, where the ultra-rich who fund Trump control what is going on.
Two recent exposesa brilliant one by Jane Mayer in the New Yorker and one in the Washington Postfocus on Robert Mercer, the reclusive brilliant computer programmer and hedge fund manager and how his money helped propel Trump into power.
Mercer, who is famous for being shy and reclusive, lives on Long Island and made his millions as co-CEO of Renaissance Technologies, seen as one of the most profitable hedge funds in the U.S.
But for years now, Mercer has been shaping the political and public arena in the U.S. by pouring tens of millions into causes that resonate with his libertarian views, which include climate denial.
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He is one of the main stakeholders and funders of Breitbart news, the standard bearer of alt-right conspiratorial news on the Internet of which Trumps chief of staff, Steve Bannon, was executive chairman, before joining Trumps team. Mercer has poured more than 10 million dollars into the venture. Bannon and Mercer are close. For the last five years, Bannon has acted at Mercers de facto advisor.
But Breitbart is just the tip of the iceberg of Mercers hidden influence.
Between 2008 and 2016, the Mercer family foundation pumped at least $77 million in political donations and gifts into what the Washington Post called a vast universe of causes across the conservative landscape.
Mercers millions have completely skewed the political debate in the U.S. and he is one of a number of key puppet masters now pulling Trumps strings. Indeed, as the Post noted, the Mercers are now arguably the most influential financiers of the Trump era.
Not everyone is happy about Mercers growing influence, including some of his colleagues. Earlier this year a colleague at Renaissance, David Magerman, published an op-ed in the Philadelphia Inquirer.
He outlined the close connection between Mercer and Trumps closest advisors Steve Bannon and Kellyanne Conway: Stephen Bannon came from Breitbart News, of which Mercer owns a significant percentage and Kellyanne Conway came from Mercers circle of political foundations. And, of course, Mercers daughter Rebekah represents his interests and his worldview with her presence on the transition committee and her close relationship with Bannon and Conway.
Magerman also asked, What did Mercers investment in Trump amount to? He was effectively buying shares in the candidate and Robert Mercer now owns a sizable share of the United States Presidency.
Others are outraged too. Nick Patterson, a former senior Renaissance employee, told the New Yorker: Bob has used his money very effectively. Hes not the first person in history to use money in politics, but in my view Trump wouldnt be President if not for Bob. It doesnt get much more effective than that.
Rebekah Mercer, one Roberts daughters and an ex-Wall Street trader, has become central to Breitbart and then later to Trump, with her sitting on Trumps transition team.
She is the First Lady of the alt-right, Christopher Ruddy, the owner of the conservative outlet Newsmax Media, told Jane Mayer at the New Yorker. Shes respected in conservative circles and clearly Trump has embraced her in a big way. Rebekah Mercer is now leading a group called Making America Great to support Trumps agenda.
There are even those that believe that the Mercer funding of Trump may have broken the law. The New Yorker quoted Brendan Fischer, a lawyer at the Campaign Legal Center, who said that the Mercers financial entanglement with the Trump campaign was bizarre and potentially illegal. The Campaign Legal Center has filed a complaint at the Federal Election Commission.
The New Yorker recalls how one of the issues that Nick Patterson clashed with Mercer is over climate change.
When Patterson tried to engage Mercer over climate, the later responded by sending Patterson an article by Arthur Robinson, a biochemist and climate denier. Mercer has long been a supporter of Robinson and the Mercer foundation has donated at least $1.6 million to Robinsons Oregon Institute of Science and Medicine. According to the New Yorker, Robinsons Institute dismisses climate change as a false religion.
Robinsons article was a classic climate skeptics argument that climate change would lead to far more plant and animal life, Patterson told the New Yorker: It looked like a scientific paper, but it was completely loaded with selective and biased information.
Robinson has been working on climate denial for years. The New Yorker noted: A petition that he organized in 1998 to oppose the Kyoto Protocol, claiming to represent thirty thousand scientists skeptical of global warming, has been criticized as deceptive.
Despite this, the petition is still widely circulated on Facebook.
Patterson believes that climate change is a threat to Mercers libertarian ideals. I think if you studied Bobs views of what the ideal state would look like, youd find that, basically, he wants a system where the state just gets out of the way, Patterson told the New Yorker. Climate change poses a problem for that world view, because markets cant solve it on their own.
After Trump won the election, Rebekah nominated the climate denier, Arthur Robinson, to be national science adviser, although this recommendation has not been taken up.
The Mercers link to climate deniers goes deeper, too. According to a 2013 study by Drexel University sociologist Robert Brulle, Institutionalizing delay: foundation funding and the creation of U.S. climate change counter-movement organizations, the Mercer Foundation spent nearly $4 million directly funding groups funding climate denial between 2003 and 2010. Others have the figure much higher. Earlier this year, DeSmog estimated that the Mercers had pumped at least $22 million into climate denial organizations.
Take two quick examples:
By 2011, the Mercers were working with the notorious Koch brothers, who have poured tens of millions into think tanks who fund climate denial and over the next few years, the Mercers donated more than $25 million to the Koch brothers to fund to try to oust Barack Obama. Mercer was out-funding the Kochs on the Koch campaign. In 2014, Bloomberg News ran the headline: The Man Who Out-Koched the Kochs.
The Mercer Foundation, which is run by Rebekah, has also donated $5 million to the leading skeptic think tank, the Heartland Institute. In three days time, Heartland will hold its 12th climate denier conference. Many of the usual climate skeptic suspects will be there.
Heartland bragged: The election of Donald Trump as president of the United States already is having a profound effect on U.S. climate policy. Meet the scientists, economists, engineers and policy experts who persuaded Trump that man-made global warming is not a crisis.
Aside from Heartland, the sponsors are the Media Research Center, which received $13.8 million from the Mercer Foundation from 2008-2014 and the Heritage Foundation, which has received $1 million over the same period.
As the Washington Post noted: What sets the Mercers apart is their interest in finding new ways to shape the environment in which policy issues are debated and that is exactly what the Mercers are doing on climate and the wider pro-Trump campaign.
Climate denial has long been synonymous with Exxon and the Koch-brothers, but now we have a new name on the list:
Robert Mercer, the man who swung the election for Trump.
Three Ukrainian soldiers have been killed and nine have suffered injuries in the Anti-Terrorist operation (ATO) zone in eastern Ukraine in the past 24 hours, Ukrainian Defense Ministry spokesman Oleksandr Motuzianyk said.
"Regrettably, we have suffered casualties in the hostilities over the past twenty-four hours: three of our servicemen have been killed and another nine have sustained injuries and combat traumas," Motuzianyk said at a press briefing in Kyiv on Tuesday.
The Ukrainian government forces suffered casualties in the Mariupol sector, which saw 28 attacks in the past 24 hours. In particular, Ukrainian military positions near Vodiane were shelled by mortars, cannons, and BM-21 Grad multiple rocket launchers for several hours. In addition, hostiles staged armed provocations in Talakivka, Lebedynske and Shyrokyne, he said.
In the Donetsk sector, the militants continued to shell Ukrainian government forces positions in Luhanske and on the frontline stretch between Kamyanka, Avdiyivka and the Butovka coalmine, using mortars and tanks, Motuzianyk said. Seventeen attacks were observed in the Donetsk sector, including seven employing heavy weapons, he said.
Attacks have also been resumed in the Popasna district in the Luhansk sector, Motuzianyk said, adding that mortars were fired in Troyitske, and gunfire was seen in Stanytsia Luhanska and Triokhizbenka, as well.
The attack mounted near Triokhizbenka damaged a power transmission line, and repairs have begun to resume power supply to the surrounding area. In all, 15 attacks were observed in the Luhansk sector, Motuzianyk said.
Global temperatures are on the rise again as 2016 has been marked as the hottest on record. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), which published its annual assessment of the climate today, said the unusually warm weather has continued into 2017.
Global warming, experts say, is largely driven by human activity and the release of carbon dioxide emissions. But an El Nino weather pattern consisting of naturally warm weather in the equatorial Pacific region is also a contributor.
Even without a strong El Nino in 2017, we are seeing other remarkable changes across the planet that are challenging the limits of our understanding of the climate system. We are now in truly uncharted territory, World Climate Research Programme Director David Carlson said in a release.
In the WMOs annual State of the Global Climate, it said that in the years since 2001, temperatures have been at least 0.4 degrees Celsius above the long-term average for the 1961-1990 base period. And those temperatures continue to be consistent with a warming trend of 0.1-0.2 degrees Celsius per decade, it added.
Furthermore, the 2015-16 El Nino weather events have only increased the warming, it continued, noting that global sea levels rose during the El Nino event, with 2016 levels hitting new highs. Meantime, global sea ice extent fell by more than 4 million square kilometers below the average November levels.
Warm ocean temperatures have also contributed to significant coral bleaching while it has impacted marine food chains, ecosystems and fisheries.
And CO2 levels hit the symbolic benchmark of 400 parts per million in 2015. They are not expected to fall below that level for generations given the long-lasting nature of CO2, the report said. The result? Severe droughts that brought food insecurity to millions in southern and eastern African as well as Central America. Meantime, Hurricane Matthew, which blew through Haiti and up the Eastern seaboard last October, caused significant financial losses in the U.S.
This report confirms that the year 2016 was the warmest on recorda remarkable 1.1 C above the pre-industrial period, which is 0.06 C above the previous record set in 2015. This increase in global temperature is consistent with other changes occurring in the climate system, WMO Secretary-General Petteri Taalas said.
Globally averaged sea surface temperatures were also the warmest on record, global sea levels continued to rise, and Arctic sea-ice extent was well below average for most of the year, he added. With levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere consistently breaking new records, the influence of human activities on the climate system has become more and more evident.
This WMO report is getting released just after the Trump administration unveiled its proposed budget for the next fiscal yearone that would cut funding not just for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency but also the climate initiatives established during the Obama years. President Trump has further issued an executive order that essentially said that his Department of Justice would cease to defend the Clean Power Plan in court.
While the data show an ever increasing impact of human activities on the climate system, the Trump administration and senior Republicans in Congress continue to bury their heads in the sand, Professor Robert Watson, a distinguished climate scientist at the UKs University of East Anglia and a former head of the UNs climate science panel, told the Guardian.
The newspaper previously said that the 2016 temperature data shows that temperatures levels have risen 1.1 degrees Celsius above the levels just seen before the industrial revolution. Thats when the developed world began to deploy fossil-fuels on a large-scale basis. The rising temperatures, however, come perilously close to the 1.5 degree Celsius ceiling that the global community agreed to in December 2015.
Earth is a planet in upheaval due to human-caused changes in the atmosphere, Jeffrey Kargel, a glaciologist at the University of Arizona in the US. told the Guardian. In general, drastically changing conditions do not help civilization, which thrives on stability.
(Photo: Peter Kenny)Dr Mwai Makoka photographed at the World Council of Churches in Geneva, Switzerland on Feb. 14, 2017.
Dr. Mwai Makoka's work on health and healing at the World Council of Churches entails connecting people in churches which link with national and international health organizations in many ways.
Working as a medical doctor in his home country Malawi seems to have given Dr. Makoka ideal experience for his task of program executive for Health and Healing at the WCC.
He has experience in medical microbiology, HIV and AIDS, working for both government and church-based institutions after graduating as a doctor in Malawi, a country accustomed to working with church-run hospitals.
Prior to joining the WCC in late 2016, Makoka, a Presbyterian, was executive director of the Christian Health Association of Malawi part of the continent-wide Africa Christian Health Associations Platform and a member of ACT Alliance.
Malawi's Christian health association is responsible for 37 percent of of the southern African nation's health services, as well as training 80 percent of the southern African nation's healthcare practitioners.
Now Makoka's duties involve running an office that liaises with international organizations and nearly 350 member churches in the WCC in different parts of the world.
CHURCHES AND HEALTHCARE
"This is an old desk. Churches have been involved in health care since time immemorial. Some of my work entails liaising with the WHO (World Health Organization) and consolidating the voice of the churches and the ecumenical family there".
"We have been working with WHO since it was established (in 1948). I think we are the first faith-based organization to have a relationship with the WHO," says Makoka.
He notes that faith-based organizations, especially churches, are essential providers of health services in many countries, especially in Africa.
For example, in Malawi, churches run 11 nursing schools. Its neighbours, Zambia and Zimbabwe have similar involvement of churches in health provision.
"At the WCC we look at holistic health. Health is not medicine. Health is not purely medical. Health is complete well-being'.
"When church leaders are standing in the pulpit and they preach and talk about health issues, they are not digressing. That is the place to talk about health. Health is not just hospitals," he says showing the coalescing of the spiritual with the practical.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS
These days, however, when it comes to global public health, Makoka says it is very difficult to do anything outside the parameters of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), a series of clearly outlined targets for global human development set out by the United Nations for 2030.
"We want to consolidate our response to SDGs as there are many of them.
"There are many mission hospitals, training doctors, nurses and health workers. We need to have a comprehensive strategic plan to see what is unique for our response to SDGs to guide us to 2030.
At the WCC, he says, "we can't just make the plan here and run with it. We need to consult our constituencies as to how to use, coordinate and share information".
This entails "South to South" sharing within developing areas of best practices and information. There is also the sustaining and improving of relationships with other institutions that can help build capacities, working with medical and academic institutions, non-government organizations and state players.
One of the goals is to help develop models to increase universal health coverage, making sure there are not duplications within the relevant institutions forging synergies.
"For example there is ACHAP and the All Africa Conference of Churches the continental ecumenical body that has interaction with African Union," explains Makoka.
ACHAP, which focuses on health, does not have a relationship with the AU. And if the AU, which is also involved with the SDGs, gives the AACC, with which it does have relations, a health question, it can take it to ACHAP.
"Instead of the AACC feeling it has its hands tied, we can work as a unified family. Part of my job is facilitating that."
MAPPING
Dr. Makoka also notes, "Mapping of churches involvement in healthcare is high on our agenda. It has been discussed, but more progress needs to be made. There have been isolated efforts here. Now that I am here, this will be one of the first parts of my work."
Mapping of churches involvement and interaction with health care institutions is not only necessary in Africa where ACHAP met this year, but is also needed in other regions such as the Pacific, Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean and South America.
"It will be a very important tool. Mapping is not just for prestige. It is valuable to know about your work to help in advocacy for resources mobilization and allocation," says Makoka.
"If providers of health services do not have clear data, they might not have resources allocated to them. If you have data you can more easily lobby for resources, for example, with members of parliaments."
Dr. Makoka gives the example of the enduring presence of church-run medical services in countries where the state has ceased to function effectively such as the Democratic Republic of Congo or even more recently South Sudan.
"The State may have ceased functioning in South Sudan, but the churches continue to run the medical services. The state may not be there to provide these for the people, but the church is always there."
"And when we look at fighting Ebola in Liberia and Sierra Leone [from 2014], the churches were running 50 percent of the medical services," so the WHO had to rely on their help eventually in countering the pandemic."
(Photo: REUTERS / Alain Amontchi)U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power visits a community hospital in Bangui December 19, 2013. Power, visited violence-racked Central African Republic on Thursday, where she will feel the shadow of Rwanda's 1994 genocide looming over this latest challenge to the world's conscience and capacity to stop slaughter.
GENEVA - The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights has warned that religious differences are being manipulated by political leaders, with deadly consequences in the Central African Republic.
Related Central African Republic interim leader denies genocide threat
The Associated Press reported that after days of relative calm, sectarian violence once more exploded Friday in violence-wracked Central African Republic, also known as CAR, claiming at least 30 lives.
The news agency cited an attack by a mob of young men wearing crucifixes on a mosque Friday where they pounded holes into its cinderblock walls and methodically stripped apart the corrugated iron roof and tossed the pieces on the ground.
"Too often in history we have seen the political manipulation of religious and ethnic differences result in horrific violations and long-term damage to the social fabric of a country," human rights chief Navi Pillay warned in a statement Friday.
"I urge leaders at both national and local levels in the Central African Republic to stop stoking violence on the basis of religion."
She called for urgent, sustained national and international efforts to avert disaster in the Central African Republic.
LAUDABLE EFFORTS
At the same time, the high commissioner highlighted the "laudable efforts" of religious leaders such as the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Bangui, Dieudonne Nzapalainga; Pastor Nicolas Guerekoyame, and the Imam, Omar Kobina Layama, in spreading the message of peace between communities.
"The archbishop, the pastor and the Imam have been showing important leadership at a time when it is so badly needed by their followers, and they have managed, with some success, to defuse tensions between communities," Pillay said.
"We have seen young Muslims take it upon themselves to protect churches, and churches are serving as safe havens for internally displaced people, regardless of their religious backgrounds," said the UN high commissioner.
"Such developments are extremely encouraging and I call on all religious and community leaders to redouble their efforts to ensure that entire communities are not vilified in the dangerous cycle of violence and reprisals that we have been witnessing."
Of CAR's five million people, Christians split almost equally between Catholics and Protestants make up 50 percent of the population, while Muslims account for some 15 percent.
Some officials are fearful that the CAR killing cycle might escalate to similar proportions to the Rwanda genocide of 1994.
When Christian militias attacked Bangui in early December they triggered bloody reprisals by Muslim Seleka fighters who seized power in March.
WAR CRIMES
War crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed in the Central African Republic, Amnesty International said November 19 after a two-week mission to the country.
"Our in-depth research on the ground in the Central African Republic over the past two weeks has left no room for doubt that war crimes and crimes against humanity are being committed by all parties to the conflict," said Christian Mukosa, Amnesty International's Central Africa expert.
The U.N.'s Pillay said Christian and Muslim leaders in towns, including Bouar, had also held joint meetings and are working together to spread messages of tolerance to the civilian population.
She urged all sides to come together and resolve the situation in the country through dialogue.
"The only way to prevent large-scale suffering in the country is for all sides to renounce violence and move forward through constructive dialogue," said Pillay.
The international community needs to prioritize the disarmament of all sides and ensure accountability for perpetrators of serious human rights violations.
"The establishment of a Commission of Inquiry should send a strong message to perpetrators of violations that the international community is committed to holding them accountable."
The office of the high commissioner reported ongoing violence, intimidation and a governance vacuum.
Pillay warned that the reported involvement of armed elements from neighboring countries heightens the risk of a crisis that, if left unchecked, may become dangerously difficult to control.
A UN human rights monitoring team in the Central African Republic has been documenting human rights violations committed in recent months, including killings, sexual violence, arbitrary detention, attacks on hospitals, destruction of property and targeting of individuals on the basis of their religion.
"These developments are extremely worrying and should ring alarm bells around the world for sustained and urgent efforts to be taken to prevent the Central African Republic from plunging into disaster," said Pillay.
A meeting of the Defense Policy and Planning Committee (DPPC) with participation of Ukraine in the format of the NATO Defense Planning Process (NDPP) was held at NATO Headquarters on Tuesday, the Ukrainian Mission to the Alliance reports.
The event was attended by a delegation of representatives of government bodies of Ukraine participating in the NDPP, headed by Deputy Director of the Department for Military Policy, Strategic Planning and International Cooperation of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry, Colonel Oleksandr Buniak, a message released on the website of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine on Tuesday, says.
"During the meeting, the parties discussed the draft Evaluation of Ukraine's participation in the NDPP, which contains information on the main issues of defense and security policy, the state and prospects for the development of the security and defense sector, the financial and economic aspects, participation in peacekeeping operations on the implementation of the partnership goals chosen by our state," the message says.
The mission of Ukraine also informs that taking into account the relevance of the gender factor in the activities of defense and security institutions of Ukraine, as well as the implementation of the provisions of the UN Security Council resolution No. 1325 on women, peace and security, the parties agreed to include new goal of partnership - gender perspectives in the package of partnership goals for Ukraine for the current stage of NDPP.
The participants of the meeting noted the importance of practical implementation of certain partnership objectives, including strengthening democratic civil control over the Ukrainian Armed Forces and other military formations, transparency and accountability in the activities of the security and defense sectors, and the implementation of NATO standards. The sides also confirmed the readiness of the member states to contribute fully to the implementation of the tasks of reforming the defense and security spheres of the Ukrainian state.
The NDPP is a key mechanism developed by the Alliance to assist partner countries in achieving the compatibility of certain forces with the military forces of the armed forces of NATO member countries for joint participation in crisis management operations, as well as in the implementation of security and defense sector reform in accordance with Euro-Atlantic standards.
When Ellie Jacovino began teaching general music in Arizona six years ago, the states standards for arts dictated some of her classroom activities very specifically. Her kindergartners were to describe what a piece of music makes them think of or about. Older students were to write a story when exposed to a specific piece of music.
Now, Jacovino might still ask her students at Sunset Elementary School in Glendale to describe music or write a story. But the standards she plans her teaching around dont require that. Arizona adopted new arts standards in 2015, and now its more about the concepts than the activities, Jacovino said.
Arizona is one of more than a dozen states that has adopted new arts standards informed by the National Core Arts Standards , a set of voluntary standards in dance, theater, visual arts, music, and media arts developed by a coalition of more than 50 arts organizations and educators and released in 2014. And even as the better-known Common Core State Standards for English/language arts and math in recent years began to draw fierce opposition, this standards push is largely happening without controversy.
As of early this year, 14 states and the Department of Defense Education Activity had either adopted the National Core Arts Standards in their entirety or written new ones based on them. Several more states are expected to follow suit in the coming months.
The National Core Arts Standards mark a significant development in arts education: They include, for the first time, a fifth artistic discipline, media arts, as well as guidelines for individual grades instead of broader grade bands. They are more accessible online than previous standards, and come paired with model assessments to guide teachers.
While the previous national arts standards, developed in 1994, treated each artistic discipline as entirely separate, the new standards are framed around what they have in common. They still include concepts specific to each discipline, but all of them are organized around a set of anchor standards and creative processes shared by all five disciplines, such as creating or responding.
The shift mirrors similar changes in other academic subject-area standards: The Next Generation Science Standards and the College, Career, and Civic Life Framework for social studies are both organized around concepts, core ideas, and practices rather than specific facts.
Theres been a revolution in standards in every subject, said Jeff M. Poulin, the program manager for arts education at Americans for the Arts, one of the groups involved in developing the standards. It makes sense that the arts be on board.
Processes, Not Particulars
In the early 1990s, arts education organizations, supported by the National Endowment for the Arts, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the U.S. Department of Education, devised the first-ever national arts standards. Each disciplines standards were written separately and structured differently. They were adopted by 49 states.
The 2014 standards resulted from a different process: While the arts endowment provided some support, the initiative was driven by arts education organizations. The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards worked on the standards for three years and incorporated more than a million comments from thousands of educators and researchers into the final draft.
State arts leaders said that it had become clear that the 1994 standards were outdated. They were hard to access online and harder still to update. While the first standards had been groundbreaking, we realized after 20 years, it was really time for new standards, said Deb Hansen, an education associate for arts education at the Delaware education department. The new standards focus less on what a teacher should be doing and instead set out the eventual goals of instructiona method known as backward design.
The National Coalition for Core Arts Standards landed on four guiding processes:
Creating: generating and conceptualizing artistic ideas and work, organizing and developing artistic ideas and work, and refining and completing that work;
Performing/Presenting/Producing: analyzing and interpreting artistic work, selecting work for presentation, developing and refining work for presentation, and conveying meaning through the presentation of art;
Responding: perceiving and analyzing artistic work, interpreting intent, and evaluating artistic work; and
Connecting: synthesizing and relating knowledge and personal experiences to make art and relating artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context.
The coalition is also in the process of piloting a set of Model Cornerstone Assessments , which are complex tasks that hit on all aspects of the standards and document student growth. The high school standards are laid out separately for students with different degrees of ambition in or access to the arts.
Cory Wilkerson, a project manager at the State Education Agency Directors of Arts Education, or SEADAE, said having the shared processes and sample assessments helps arts educators see connections between their subjects. Standards and disciplines that arent my own suddenly make sense, she said.
Media Arts
Media arts, in which various arts are combined with modern technology, was a less familiar discipline for many arts educators. (A video game, graphic design, or music video might fall into the category of media arts.)
When the standards were being developed, some disagreement arose about whether to include standards for media arts or to incorporate the discipline into other standards. Local efforts in some cities and states were seen as early signs of the emergence of a new discipline. But there were concerns that the addition of a new art could draw resources or time. Others worried that media arts was simply too new an art form to have standards.
Richard W. Burrows, the former director of arts education in the Los Angeles school district and a co-chairman of the committee that wrote the new standards for media arts, said that starting from scratch had benefits because it was a new art form and didnt have any demands or expectations. It also contributed to the inclusion of connecting with art as one of the primary creative processes.
While media arts now has a set of standards, there is no professional association of media-arts teachers. And not all states seem set to adopt the media-arts standards.
Under the Radar
In 2014, when the Common Core State Standards in English/language arts and math had become so unpopular that states were getting rid of them, pitching standards with the phrase national core in their name posed a political challenge. But in most states, the new arts standards were introduced without incident. Arts groups emphasized that the standards were voluntary, that states could tweak them, and that they were crafted by groups of educators. Some states, including Delaware and Vermont, adopted the standards in their entirety. In others, the new standards served as a template that was adjusted significantly by state educators and policymakers.
States also have different approaches to ensuring the standards are actually taught. In Delaware and New Hampshire, state regulations require schools to show that they have standards-based instruction in all subjects, including the arts.
For many arts teachers, implementing the standards might pose a challenge. Some teachers might see students just 25 minutes a week, or 10 weeks a year, said Lynn Tuttle, the director of content and policy at the National Association for Music Education.
Music and dance organizations are trying to respond to that challenge by producing separate opportunity to learn standards, which would outline the kinds of instructional materials, time, and other resources that allow for rigorous arts instruction.
In Arizona, Jacovino, who was on the states standards-writing team, said that the emphasis in the standards on creating music was a reminder to encourage her students to compose more. She said the states new standards also help make a case for teaching the arts to administrators and parents.
Im not in a school or district where I feel I have to defend my job, she said, but from an administrative point of view, having it laid out and seeing the progression gives them more of an expectation and makes sure they know what theyre looking for.
President Donald Trump spent more than a year on the campaign trail saying he wanted to take an ax to the U.S. Department of Education and be the countrys biggest champion for school choice. And in his budget proposal last week, he moved to deliver on both promisesto the chagrin of many educators and advocates.
The presidents first budget plan seeks to slash the Education Departments roughly $68 billion budget by $9 billion, or 13 percent in the coming fiscal year, whacking popular programs that help districts offer after-school programs, and hire and train teachers.
At the same time, it seeks a $1.4 billion increased federal investment in school choice, including new money for private school vouchers and charter schools, and would add $1 billion in new aid for disadvantaged students that could follow them to the public school of their choice.
And while it maintains special education funding under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act at about $13 billion, the proposal aims to scrap more than 20 programssome of them sizable.
The biggest of those slated for elimination: Supporting Effective Instruction State Grants, or Title II, which is currently funded at $2.25 billion and helps states and districts hire and provide professional development for teachers and school leaders. The budget plan also would also get rid of the 21st Century Community Learning Centers program, which is funded at $1.2 billion currently and finances after-school and extended-learning programs. Trumps budget says both programs are spread too thin to be effective.
A slew of education groups expressed deep concerns about the cuts, including those representing state chiefs, district officials, teachers, and civil rights organizations.
There are cuts to the meat and muscle of public school, said Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers.
Politically Tricky
Former Secretary of Education John B. King Jr. was equally alarmed by the cuts.
If this proposal were enacted, all students, particularly students of color and low-income students, throughout the entire continuum of our education system would suffer, said King, who is now the president of the Education Trust, an advocacy group for disadvantaged students, in a statement.
Federal Spending Plan: Education President Donald Trump proposed a budget for fiscal 2018 that would make deep funding cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, as well as eliminate several high-profile programs. The two largest K-12 programs at the departmentTitle I for disadvantaged students, and funding for special education under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Actwould not be reduced. Other budget line items would take a major hit. Among the proposals highlights: Overall Discretionary Spending: Would decline from $68 billion in current funding to $59 billion in fiscal 2018, a 13 percent drop. Programs Spending Increases Title I: A $1 billion increase to roughly $16 billion. However, the increased spending would be designed to follow students to the public schools of their choice
Charter School Grants: A $168 million increase, bringing the program to $500 million New Private School Choice: $250 million for a new federal program Flat Funding Special Education: Would maintain current funding of nearly $13 billion Scrapped Title II Grants for Teacher and Principal Training: Elimination of a program currently funded at $2.3 billion
21st Century Community Learning Centers: Elimination of a program currently receiving $1.2 billion in federal aid
Striving Readers: Elimination of a state literacy program, currently known Comprehensive Literacy Development Grants, and funded at $190 million
Teacher Quality Partnership Grants: Elimination of these grants to states, currently funded at $43 million Funding Cuts TRIO: Funding for this program that assists disadvantaged K-12 students and first-generation college students, among others, would fall to $808 million from $900 million GEAR UP: Funding for this program that prepares low-income students for postsecondary opportunities, would fall to $219 million from $323 million Source: Education Week
The federal spending plan still needs to go through Congress for approval, and cuts of this magnitude will almost certainly be a heavy political lift. The proposal would set spending levels for federal fiscal year 2018, which begins Oct. 1, and generally impacts the 2018-19 school year.
Already, some Republicans seem reluctant to embrace the level of cuts Trump is seeking for the budget overall, with some other agencies facing far deeper reductions than the Education Department.
Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo., the chairman of the Senate appropriations subcommittee that deals with education spending, indicated he wasnt totally sold on the overall budget plan, although he didnt single out education spending.
The presidents budget is the first step in the appropriations process. There are many concerns with nondefense discretionary cuts, Blunt said in a statement, referring to the budget category that includes K-12 programs.
And Democrats quickly signaled that they plan to fight the proposal. The cuts for programs that serve Americas middle and working class are an assault to our values, said Rep. Rosa DeLauro of Connecticut, the top Democrat on the House panel that oversees education spending, in a statement.
But Mick Mulvaney, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, said Trump and his team went looking for the most wasteful, most indefensible prgrams and eliminated them to make room for big increases to defense spending, law enforcement, and building a wall along the border with Mexico.
Mulvaney was asked at a White House news briefing the day the budget was unveiled about cuts to an after-school program in Pennsylvania, which got funding from the 21 Century Community Learning Centers Program.
While saying he was not familiar with the particular program, the OMB director said such programs in general are supposed to be educational programs, right? ... Theyre supposed to help kids who dont get fed at home get fed so they do better in school. Guess what? Theres no demonstrable evidence theyre actually doing that. Theres no demonstrable evidence of actually helping results, helping kids do better in school.
Choice Initiative
Trump is also pitching a $1.4 billion boost for various school choice efforts, which the budget document bills as a down payment on Trumps campaign promise to pour $20 billion into expanding student options.
The charter school grant program, currently funded at $333 million, would get a sizeable increase of $168 million. The program helps states and charter organizations start up, replicate, and expand schools, with a special focus on helping charter management organizations with a track record of success open new campuses.
Trump is also proposing a new, $250 million private school choice initiative that could provide vouchers for use at private schools, likely including religious schools.
As part of the school choice push, the budget would include a $1 billion increase for Title I grants for disadvantaged students, currently funded at nearly $15 billion. But that money would come with a twist: States and districts would be encouraged to use the funds for a system of student-based budgeting and open enrollment that enables federal, state, and local funding to follow the student to the public school of his or her choice.
Lawmakers debated that policyknown as portability"in crafting the Every Student Succeeds Act. It was part of a bill passed by the House in the summer of 2015, but didnt make it into the final legislation.
Lindsey Burke, the director of the Center for Education Policy at the Heritage Foundation, which promotes limited government and favors school choice, hailed the budgets emphasis on shrinking the federal footprint in education. She said the $1 billion in Title I money that would be portable is a step in the right direction for promoting choice. This is a pretty thoughtful approach, Burke said.
But she expressed concerns about the $168 million in additional money for charter grants, saying, Folks need to be careful that were not crowding out the private market through federal investments in charters.
The school choice initiatives could be a tough sell with Senate Republicans from rural states, where districts are often too isolated to offer any high-quality alternative options to their students.
The budget would keep level-funding for Pell Grants, which help low-income students cover the costs of college, at $22 billion. But it would nix nearly $4 billion in surplus funding that both Republicans and Democrats had hoped to use to help students cover the costs of summer courses.
The proposal also takes aim at other college-access programs, including TRIO, which provides services to low-income children and first-generation college students, and Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (known as GEAR UP).
The initial budget blueprint did not include details on a host of other programs across the government affecting children and youth, including Head Start, which is housed in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
But the budget proposes eliminating funding for the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, both of which received about $148 million in fiscal year 2016 and support K-12 education through grants, programs, and research.
Among the current generation of teachers, many spent their childhoods seeing authors as out of reachotherworldly even. Sending a fan letter was often a symbolic gesture more than anything, since responses were unexpected and rare.
But now, some of those educators, particularly at the elementary and middle school levels, are trying to change that dynamic by connecting students and writersand theyre using technology tools like Twitter, Skype, and even Google Docs to do so.
Its kind of changing the way we bring literacy to kids, said Stacey Riedmiller, a 4th grade English/language arts teacher in Reading, Ohio. When these students grow up, Id not be surprised if we saw a huge influx of authors and illustrators.
Teachers often say they use social media as an entry point for making those connections. They might reach out to a writer who has an active Twitter handle and let him or her know their students enjoyed the book. Many authors respond to those sorts of messages, and at times, a conversation begins online.
These days, more authors are also doing virtual school visitsusing Skype, Google Hangout, or Facetime. While in-person visits can cost a school as much as a couple thousand dollars in author fees and travel costs, these short video-chat sessions are generally free if the students have read the authors book.
My kids dont look at the classroom anymore as having four walls, said Rayna Freedman, a 5th grade teacher and instructional-technology specialist in Mansfield, Mass., because they can now reach out to anybody.
Such virtual interactions, many say, can be beneficial for students, educators, and writers alike. For students, they offer a behind-the-curtain look at the writing, revising, and publishing processes and convey that authors are real people. For teachers, they give insight into the kinds of questions students have about being a writer.
And for authors, these conversations are both a boon for marketing and a source of authentic feedback from the students theyre writing for.
I find that when I get too caught up stressing about the business aspect of childrens books, talking to these young readers helps ground me, reminding me of the joy and why I do this, Debbie Ridpath Ohi, the Toronto-based author and illustrator of Where Are My Books?, wrote in an email.
Not How It Works
Author Julie Falatko last month kicked off a Skype call with 5th graders at Oxford Elementary School in Oxford, Maine, by introducing her pet dog to break the ice.
She then gave the class a preview of the second book in her Snappsy the Alligator series, which doesnt come out until this fall. Theres a little bit of a secret in the book, so you need to keep the secret, Falatko, Skyping from her home about an hour away, told the group.
After reading the bookpausing every so often to point out the illustrator Tim Millers good work (Look at all that pizza, you guys!)the writer took student questions.
Students were curious about her inspirations and narrative choices (Why is Snappsy so grumpy? one asked). With steering from the teacher, the conversation turned to revision.
When I was your age, I thought authors sat down and wrote the words and they were done, and illustrators would sit down and draw the pictures and they were done, Falatko said. That is so totally not how it works.
She waved an early draft of the original Snappsy for the students to see. Version 18thats a low version number for me. Generally, it takes me about 30 drafts on average to get the story right, said Falatko.
The book continued to change, she said, up until it was publishedmore than three years after she had started writing it.
Do you work on more than one piece of writing at a time? asked the teacher, Melissa Guerrette.
I do. I find Im much better at revising if I forget about it for a bit, Falatko said. I can look at it with fresh eyes almost as if I didnt write it.
Guerrette reiterated that point for her students. Do any of you sometimes need to take a break from what youre working on? Yeses were heard all around.
The discussions students have about revision can be illuminating, Guerrette, who has been Skyping with writers for about five years, said. At times, students open up to authors in ways they dont with their teachers.
For instance, they might tell an author that they struggle with revision because they dont want to feel like they did all that writing for nothing, Guerrette said.
Hearing the questions students ask can also be a method of formative assessment. Through Skype sessions, Guerrette said shes learned what [students] knew about being a reader, the way they value books, what some of their preferences were, what they thought of themselves as writers, and their interpretation of what writers do.
Authors do these chats for various reasonsto promote books, to help with the creative process, to stay connected to the age range theyre writing for, to make a sometimes-isolating profession a bit less so.
If youre going to write for kids, you have to be around kids, said Barbara OConnor, an Asheville, N.C.-based author, who does about four or five free Skype sessions per month. My son is all grown up, and I dont have access unless I make the effort to travel. But I can Skype with kids in Georgia or Hawaii.
Rapid Response
Recently, Freedman, the Massachusetts teacher, reached out to OConnor on Twitter with a link to a shared document. Freedmans class had read OConnors book Wish, and each student had written comments for the author.
I tweeted out around 12:55, and by 1 p.m., shed already responded on Twitter, Freedman said. Mind you, Ive never met her.
OConnor asked for access to edit the Google Doc, so that she could respond to each individual studentwhich she did within the hour. The look on their faces when they were like, The author actually responded to my comment , Freedman recalled. This was amazing.
Social-media interactions can be effective forms of advertisement, said Tracy van Straaten, the vice president for publicity and education/library marketing at Scholastic, like word-of-mouth amplified. But its not something her company pushes on writers. Some of the authors are super engaged on social media and some arent, and thats OK, she said.
Tracey Baptiste, the author of The Jumbies, who spent her early career as a teacher, tends to use her personal Facebook page to connect with teachers and librarians. With Facebook, I can come back three hours later and participate in the conversation, and somebody else can pick it up two weeks from now, she said.
As the technology has improved, more authors have been interested in doing virtual visits, according to van Straaten.
Erin Downing, the author of The Quirks, is a big fan of classroom Skype visitsshe does about 30 to 40 a year. I hear from teachers sometimes that they think theyre bothering you to reach out, said the Minneapolis-based writer. If I was overwhelmed, Id stop. This is an industry thats filled with so much self-doubt and worry. To get that positive affirmation every once in a while is really lovely.
With a day job as a software engineer, Josh Funk, author of Lady Pancake & Sir French Toast, cant actually go to schools often, so he spends his Friday lunch breaks Skyping with classes. For World Read Aloud Day in February, he took the day off and did 21 virtual visits.
While reaching out to authors can be intimidating, a single interaction can snowball quickly, teachers say. The online childrens literature sphere is active, engaged, and supportive of one another.
I think the kid-lit community, it feels large until youre kind of in it, said Riedmiller, the Ohio teacher. But everyone knows everyone. Authors introduce teachers to other authors. Teachers pass on the names of authors who Skype.
Several online hubs for childrens book aficionados have fed those relationships. The Nerdy Book Club, a website devoted to discussing childrens and young adult titles, was started by four teachers in 2011 and now has more than 60,000 people on its RSS feed.
Delving into these online communities has another benefit, some teachers and authors say: the formation of close friendships across the professions.
To get to know these people who like the same kinds of books that I do and care about kids the way I do, you have a ton in common, said Downing. Its the best part of both of our jobs.
Its a daily classroom reality that students often know more about technology than teachers do. This is the kind of scenario that used to terrify me. When I didnt know all the details of the technology I wanted to use, shadowy what-ifs would flit around in my brain. For someone trained in an era when teachers were lucky to have a single Apple IIe computer to share with another teacher, todays high-tech era of cloud computing, virtual reality, and 3-D printing is a little bit overwhelming at times.
Overcoming these fears hasnt been easy, but Ive learned to change my thinking about technology in three ways:
1. Many technology tools arent really as scary or intimidating as they might have seemed originally. Consider, for example, the number of websites and apps that allow kids to develop visuals electronically, from Google Draw to Pablo . I used to be intimidated by the sheer number of available resources. But even if I want to provide several options for my students, I dont have to master them all at once. I can offer two options initially, and add additional tools to the list when needed.
A couple of years ago, I created an independent project for a 6th grade student, with the goal of developing an animation that would teach 2nd graders what they needed to know to take care of a new dog. His project included learning to use Scratch , a coding website developed by MIT. Initially, I was concerned about what I would do when he asked me questions I couldnt answer. I encouraged him to look at the tutorials so he could develop a basic understanding of how Scratch worked. He ignored this suggestion, which amplified my worries.
As it turns out, he didnt ask me any questions. Instead, when his animation didnt work, the student used problem-solving techniques to identify a solution through finding a relevant tutorial, searching for an answer in the program, or testing variations of code.
See Also One teacher argues that students benefit from closing their laptops: A Call for Fewer Screens in the Classroom
All of my students are willing to troubleshoot and problem solve when something doesnt work as planned. A few weeks ago, my class needed to respond to a question using Padlet , a web-based bulletin board that allows students to share information with each other. However, Padlet wasnt working, and the substitute teacher in my classroom didnt have access to my Padlet account to troubleshoot. Rather than messaging me and asking what to do, they set up a Google Doc for their responses and continued on with the lesson.
This impressed me for two reasons. First, they didnt allow themselves to get hung up on the idea that responses had to be on Padlet. They simply knew they needed some kind of platform to share their responses. Secondly, they solved the problem on their own. Without hesitating, they took action and made it work. When I complimented the class on their critical thinking and problem-solving skills, they were surprised. To them, their actions were second nature.
2. Its not possible to know how to use every single resource available. The kids wont, either, though sometimes it might feel that way. Im learning to be OK with that. One of my colleagues takes time in her science classes to invite students to explore technology tools and teach them to each otherand to her. Its an activity that benefits everyone.
For the past three years, my students and I have embarked on 20-Time, in which they design and execute their own projects during about 20 percent of our class time. A number of my students have decided to learn computer coding, and their go-to source for troubleshooting assistance is their classmates who are working on coding or have worked on it in the past. When face-to-face support doesnt work, theyll turn to resources like YouTube tutorials.
What fascinates me about this is that while Ive seen students hesitate to ask questions about language arts, when it comes to technology issues they have no hesitation. There is no stigma associated with asking questions about a technology tool because ever since my students first started using a computer, tablet, or smartphone, they have been asking questions in order to solve problems on those devices.
This willingness to ask questions and learn from each other isnt limited to coding-based activities. I have several students working to learn a foreign language, and they often go to each other for recommendations of useful apps and websites. Other students are learning to cook, and they too ask classmates what websites are favorites for recipes or tutorials. As adults, we often rely on recommendations from family and friends for new restaurants, movies, and yes, even the devices we plan to purchase. Our students view technology tools, whether apps or websites, in the same way.
3. Technology tools are going to come and go. Thats why its important to keep them in perspective. Last year I learned about a great tool that allowed me to take video and add questions to it. This allowed my students to engage more directly, and I could see how they were thinking and processing the information. This summer, however, I learned the company that developed the tool was being absorbed by another companyand my beloved video tool wouldnt be available.
In this instance, EdPuzzle offered an easy way to transition my work into their tools. But that doesnt always happen. When I develop lessons or activities using a tool, I try to keep in mind that it may not exist forever. This helps me temper how much time and emphasis I place on that tool.
My students seem to be less flustered by changes in programs, apps, and devices than I am. For example, I have a class that has used three learning management systems with me in three years. They havent complained or resisted during any of the transitions. Instead, they have taken each change in stride, adapted their work, and given me feedback about the benefits and difficulties of each system.
Learning to let go of my need to be the technology guru for my students is an ongoing process. Ill admit that sometimes I still hesitate to try a new tool because I havent yet explored all the details. But in those moments, I try to remember that our students today are growing up in a world filled with websites, programs, apps, and tools that are readily available to them, and they are willing to learn by doing. Its a true example of hands-on learning, and its working for them. Who am I to stand in their way?
Alaska forecasts significantly higher salmon harvest this year
Alaska harvested a total of 112.5 million salmon last year, and is expecting substantially better harvest in 2017, according to the US state's Department of Fish and Game.
The 2016 statewide salmon harvest included nearly 53 million sockeye salmon-the fifth largest harvest since 1970-and 39 million pink salmon, the smallest harvest since 1977.
The total number of harvested salmon this year is seen to substantially rise to 204 million, in large part due to the projected bigger number of pink salmon harvest, which is predicted to reach 142 million, or more than triple that in 2016.
The commercial harvest of average-sized sockeye salmon in 2017 is forecast to reach only 41 million.
Brazil President attempts to pacify uproar over tainted food scandal
In the wake of a scandal involving the alleged bribery of Brazilian health officials to pass off tainted food as safe for consumption, Brazil tried to reassure the world that its huge meat industry poses no threat, AFP reports.
President Michel Temer even invited diplomats to a traditional Brazilian meat restaurant called a churrascaria, saying: "If you accept the invitation, we will be very happy". Nineteen of the 33 envoys who met with him accepted the offer.
But Temer had the serious mission of calming a scandal threatening the reputation of the world's biggest beef and poultry exporting nation.
The scare started on March 17 when police said a two-year probe had found major meat producers bribed health inspectors to certify tainted food as fit for consumption.
At least 30 people have been arrested, with police raiding more than a dozen processing plants and issuing 27 arrest warrants. A poultry-processing plant run by the multinational BRF group and two meat-processing plants operated by the local Peccin company were shut down, the Agriculture Ministry said.
Brazilian meat is exported to more than 150 countries, with principal markets as far apart as Saudi Arabia, China, Singapore, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands and Italy. Sales in 2016 reached US$5.9 billion in poultry and US$4.3 billion in beef, according to Brazilian government data.
High stakes
In his address to the ambassadors, Temer acknowledged that the scandal had generated "major concern". But he insisted that the bad meat and faked certificates occurred in only "a very few businesses" and did not represent a wider problem.
Calling Brazil's inspection system "one of the most respected" in the world, Temer said: "I want to reiterate our confidence in the quality of our products."
In 2016, 853,000 consignments of animal products were exported, Temer said, yet "just 184 of them were deemed by importers to be in violation".
Earlier, Luis Eduardo Pacifici Rangel, secretary of agricultural protection, told reporters that there was "no risk for population, neither for exports."
Meat processor BRF also went on the counter-offensive, taking aim at allegations that cardboard was mixed into chicken products.
"There is no cardboard of any kind in BRF products. There's been a big misunderstanding in the (audio) recordings of the police," the company said in a statement.
There have been no reports of people made sick as a result of the alleged practices. However, Brazil is worried the scandal will hurt attempts to negotiate a trade deal between South America's Mercosur group with the EU.
The EU ambassador to Brazil, Joao Cravinho, tweeted over the weekend that he wanted "complete, urgent clarifications from the agriculture ministry".
"It really complicates negotiations," admitted Brazilian under secretary general for economic and financial affairs at the foreign ministry, Carlos Marcio Cozendey. He urged that any response to the crisis be "proportionate". "I hope that this is not used to unjustifiably close markets," he said.
PR campaign
The authorities have not yet detailed where tainted products were found, but say that in some cases, carcinogenic substances were used to mask the smell of bad meat.
In addition to the giant BRF firm, which owns the Sadia and Perdigao brands, companies under investigation include JBS, a world leader in meat sales and owner of the Big Frango, Seara Alimentos and Swift brands.
JBS took out a full-page ad in the newspaper O Globo to say that the federal office conducting the investigation had made no mention of health problems stemming from JBS products. The BRF group is running similar ads, saying its products pose no health risk "whatsoever".
An ad in which actor Robert De Niro testifies to the quality of JBS's Seara ham - with its "authentic Italian flavor" - has gotten heavy play on Brazilian television.
- AFP
Brazil meat scandal: Affected companies not approved to export to Singapore
Singapore does not import meat from any of the companies involved in the meat scandal in Brazil, as none of the affected firms is approved to export its products to the city-state, the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) said on March 20, Channel NewsAsia reports.
In a statement issued to the media, AVA added that it has stepped up surveillance of imported meat and meat products from Brazil and that it is "monitoring the situation closely".
The regulator said meat and meat products can only be imported into Singapore from AVA-accredited sources, which involves two levels of checks.
"AVA will first assess the robustness of an exporting country's national animal health and food safety system and the authorities' powers to enforce food safety requirements, such as minimising microbial contamination and chemical residues," it said.
It added that if the country has been approved as a source of meat supply, then each meat establishment within the country will be evaluated to ensure they meet Singapore's food safety requirements before it can be exported here.
Upon arrival into Singapore, every meat consignment is physically checked for spoilage. Its health certification will be verified at the point of import, AVA said. Samples are also taken for laboratory testing, including tests for food safety hazards - such as chemical residues, antibiotics and microbial pathogens - as well as authenticity, ensuring that the meat species match the species declared on the label.
"Products that fail our tests will not be allowed to be sold. To date, there have not been any significant instances of non-compliance in meat shipments from Brazil," AVA said. "AVA is also working with our meat importers to monitor the situation and to be prepared to ramp up alternative sources, if necessary."
Brazil's ambassador to Singapore, Flavio Damico, also told Channel NewsAsia earlier that the meat scandal does not affect exports to Singapore.
- Channel NewsAsia
Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine deputy from the Petro Poroshenko Bloc (PPB) faction Serhiy Leschenko has said he has original documents documenting the transfer of funds from disgraced ex-President Viktor Yanukovych to American political adviser Paul Manafort. Leschenko said the payments were routed from an offshore company with accounts in Krygyzstan. He asked American law-enforcement agencies to help investigate the transfers.
Leschenko at a press conference on Tuesday in Kyiv said during his investigation he identified the jurisdictions used by Yanukovych. The MP said a so-called "black ledger" was found last year enumerating the frequency and amounts paid to Manafort.
One of the payments, dated October 14, 2009, was a $750,000 transaction wired to the accounts of Manafort in the state of Virginia, U.S.
According to Leschenko, Manafort received the funds from the accounts of an offshore company registered in Belize, which was opened in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Leschenko said the payment wasn't for services rendered as a political expert, but based on what the MP said was a fictitious contract [for the sale of computers] with the aim of laundering money.
According to the contract, Manafort received the funds in exchange for delivering 501 computers to the Belize offshore company.
"According to my information, this was one of the schemes used by [Yanukovych's] Party of Regions with the aim of laundering money. They had accounts, including in Kyrgyzstan, on which they received money and carried out illegal transactions," he said.
Leschenko showed the original contracts, which were signed by Manafort. Leschenko said the amount of money shown in the contract corresponded with information in the so-called "black ledger" of the Party of Regions.
"I am certain these facts should be further investigated by both by Ukrainian and American law-enforcement agencies," the MP said.
Leschenko said he received the documents at the end of January 2017 from Manafort's office in Kyiv.
The German defence minister, Ursula von der Leyen, on Sunday rejected Donald Trumps claim that Germany owes Nato and the US vast sums of money for defence.
Kim Jong-uns rogue state issued the stunning warning as Washington and South Korea carry out war games in the region.
Pyongyang blames the rest of the world for rising nuclear tensions as the DPRK continues its quest for nuclear missiles capable of striking the US mainland.
Ukraine's Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman has said he is ready to help Lviv with solving the issue of processing solid household waste.
"I am at your service. You can count on my support 24 hours a day. I'm ready to help clean up this mess," the prime minister said during a working meeting with the leadership of regional cities and villages as part of a board meeting of the Association of Ukrainian Cities in Kyiv on Tuesday speaking about the issue of waste disposal in Lviv.
Groysman said Lviv region is also ready to help the city.
Earlier on Tuesday, Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy asked Groysman to help solve the issue of the removal of household waste from Lviv before the reorganization of the existing landfill and the construction of a garbage processing plant.
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Decentralization in Ukraine promotes implementation of the investment projects. Stakeholders should be aware of it - ICEG
Prospects of implementation of the investment projects in Ukraine in the context of FIDIC standard forms of contract were presented to the international community by the representatives of Interstate Consultants Engineers Guild (ICEG, Ukraine). The presentation took place during the special session "Breakfast with Ukraine" in the framework of FIDIC European Regional Conference "The road to smart infrastructure" held in early March in Belgrade (Serbia).
The Conference was attended by representatives of the construction industry, government officials, financiers, investors from around the world.
"Ukraine aims to become a partner of the European community. We are interested in implementation of joint investment projects. It is clear that the international financial organizations, other investors want to apply effective mechanisms for implementation of the projects. All parties are interested in a fair allocation of risk and liability. Transparent rules of contractual relations are required. In particular, these rules are defined in FIDIC standard forms of contract", said in his speech Oleksandr Nepomnyashchyy, ICEG President.
He drew attention to the fact that implementation of the internationally recognized forms of contract, including FIDIC standard forms, in practice the contractual relationship in construction requires not only the official translation of such documents, but also making systemic changes to the town planning legislation of Ukraine. "ICEG jointly with relevant government institutions is working hard on solving this issue," said Oleksandr Nepomnyashchyy.
In general, during the Conference ICEG representatives presented legal rules for implementation of the international investment projects in Ukraine, focusing on the priority of infrastructure, road transport and energy efficiency projects. They also singled out problematic aspects of legal regulation in the construction sphere and near-term prospects of improvement of the legal framework in the context of harmonization of national regulations and building codes with the European requirements and standards.
"Ukraine needs powerful investment projects and today, more than ever, there is a favourable situation for their implementation. The quality transformations that are currently taking place in the Ukrainian economy due to authority decentralization, delegation of authorities onsite, promote the efficient implementation of development projects. Investors should be aware of it," said Yurii Prav, ICEG Vice President.
This material is being published on a commercial basis. Interfax does not assume liability for the content of the material.
Police clamping down on UK-registered vehicles
Most UK-registered cars need to undergo an examination at the Vehicle Testing Centre before they can be registered on the Island.
The Island's roads police are clamping down on UK-registered vehicles being kept and used on Manx roads.
Vehicles imported from off Island by Manx residents need to be registered, tested and taxed as a Manx vehicle.
The Road Policing Unit will spend the next three days targetting UK vehicles based on the Island, cracking down on those who keep the UK registration without a valid reason.
Last week officers stopped a vehicle that failed the Manx test three years ago, which had been driven untaxed and in a dangerous condition since.
Visitors can use cars registered elsewhere for up to 12 months providing the owner doesn't become a Manx resident during that time.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiangholds a welcome ceremony for visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before their talks in Beijing, capital of China, March 20, 2017. (Xinhua/Pang Xinglei)
BEIJING, March 20 -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiangheld talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Beijing on Monday, vowing to advance innovation cooperation.
Li suggested the two sides to beef up cooperation in areas of basic science, modern agriculture, clean energy and biomedicine.
He urged the two sides to speed up negotiation on the establishment of a bilateral free trade area, so as to send out a clear signal of safeguarding free trade.
China is ready to work with Israel to push forward infrastructure cooperation, such as ports and light rail projects, and explore possibility of cooperation in third-party market, he said.
As a mutual friend of Israel and Palestine, China has no private interest and hopes to see peaceful coexistence of the two sides at an early date, said Li.
He hoped that the two sides would adhere to the right direction of the two-state solution to restart the peace talks as soon as possible.
China will continue to work with international community to play a constructive role for the peace, stability and development of the Middle East, said the premier.
Netanyahu said Israel is willing to strengthen innovation cooperation with China in areas including smart vehicle, modern health care, clean energy, telecommunications, marine fishery, agriculture and water conservation.
Israel hopes to accelerate negotiation on bilateral free trade area, so as to expand two-way investments, he said, adding that Israel is ready to enhance education cooperation with China to support their innovation partnership.
He said Israel welcomes Chinese companies to participate in its infrastructure projects and is ready to enhance transportation cooperation with China.
Israel appreciates China's constructive role in the Middle East peace process, said Netanyahu.
After their talks, Li and Netanyahu witnessed the signing of agreements for cooperation in economy, science and technology, commerce and civil aviation.
Netanyahu is paying an official visit to China from March 19 to 22 at the invitation of Li.
Amidst the rumors that Prince William and Kate Middleton relationship are on the rocks, the Duke and Duchess visited France together. This was reportedly the first official visit after Princes Diana's demise.
According to Celebeat, upon arrival of Prince William and Kate Middleton in Paris, France the married couple directly headed over to the elysee Palace. The Duke and Duchess were welcomed by French President Francois Hollande upon they entrance in the palace. It was also noted that the couple had taken part in the St. Patrick's Day parade in London, which is prominent to takes place every year.
Aside from that, Prince William and Kate Middleton have appeared in numerous events in the French capital. These include a greeting concerning a number of young French leaders along with a formal dinner at Her Majesty's Ambassador's place. It can be remembered that these events were previously announced in Kensington Palace.
Furthermore, E! Online has learned that all throughout the trip, both Prince William and Kate Middleton looked infatuated with one another. In fact, the couple showed zero signs of any sort of worry in paradise. It was recalled that Duke had stimulated debate a few days earlier when he didn't appear on a family event in favor of a ski trip. The prince was also caught on camera "dad-dancing" at a Swiss nightclub with numerous women and this scenario has allegedly led to Kate Middleton's disappointment and a disgrace to the Royal family.
Apart from the above-detailed events, Prince William and Kate Middleton also appeared at a rugby match between Wales and France which took place at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, situated outside of the French capital. France had won the fight against the Wales and both the Duke and Duchess were seen sporting gloomy looks on their faces.
With the visit of Prince William and Kate Middleton in Paris, France, it appears that the couple is not having a problem with their relationship. This year is also a special event for the Duke and Duchess along with the rest of the Royal family since it marks the 20th death anniversary of Princess Diana.
(Xinhua) 08:47, March 21, 2017
BEIJING, March 20 -- China-U.S. relations seem to have found a good rhythm, as U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson wrapped up his visit to China.
While Chinese President Xi Jinpingsaid China and the United Statescould become "good cooperative partners," and that "cooperation is the only correct choice for both countries," Tillerson vowed that the U.S. side is ready to develop relations with China based on the principles of non-confrontation, no conflict, mutual respect and win-win cooperation.
Tillerson's reiteration of the important principles originally proposed by China in 2013 is a positive sign for China-U.S. relations, in which cooperation should always prevail.
Despite earlier inappropriate words and actions from the U.S. new administration, which had led to worries and doubts about U.S. adherence to the one-China policy, things have gradually come back on track.
In a phone conversation on Feb. 10, President Donald Trump said the U.S. government adhered to the one-China policy, reversing his previous stance and sending a positive signal for bilateral relations.
Engagement between China and the United States has been moving forward since 1972 when U.S. President Richard Nixon paid a historic visit to China. Over the last four decades, cooperation has been the mainstream in bilateral ties, despite twists and turns.
Two-way trade of goods surged from 1 billion U.S. dollars in the 1970s to 500 billion dollars in 2016. China has become the largest trading partner of the United States, while the United States is China's second-largest trading partner.
Meanwhile, China-U.S. bilateral trade and investment helped create about 2.6 million jobs in the United States in 2015 across a host of U.S. industries from automobiles and construction equipment, to agriculture.
Cooperation between Beijing and Washington has been highlighted in joint efforts on climate change and in handling of the Iranian nuclear issue.
These hard-won achievements should be appreciated and valued, especially at a time when the Asia-Pacific and the wider world are facing a thicket of thorny issues that require close coordination between the two countries, such as the tense situation in the Korean Peninsula.
Cooperation has prevailed over confrontation for four decades, leading to prosperity in both countries and delivering benefits to the world at large. Let us hope for more optimistic signs on the heels of Tillerson's visit.
21 March 2017
EPO President Benoit Battistelli has signed bilateral co-operation plans with the heads of the patent offices of Latvia and Lithuania. Both agreements renew existing partnerships with the offices and provide a new framework for cooperation in areas such as IT projects and training.
EPO President Benoit Battistelli with Latvian Patent Office Director Sandris Laganovskis
"With these new bilateral cooperation plans in place the EPO can continue to help national offices to increase their patent capabilities and to further enhance the European Patent Network," said EPO President Battistelli.
Sandris Laganovskis, Director of the Latvian Patent Office, said: "The Latvian Patent Office highly values the bilateral cooperation activities with the EPO and is looking forward to the implementation of the new three-year plan. We are particularly interested in automation projects, and wish to strengthen IT tools and services for the benefit of our users."
The Director of the State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania, Arunas Zelvys said: "This new plan is formalised at the right time: the Lithuanian Patent Bureau is investing in reinforcing the network of patent services, and co-operation projects are dedicated to increasing the competences of professionals in patent libraries."
EPO President Battistelli and Lithuanian Patent Bureau Director Arunas Zelvys
The EPO co-operates closely with the patent offices of its 38 member states. Joint activities currently focus on three main areas: training, IT services and tools, and patent information tools and services.
Further information
Populism in the article by Ranabir Samaddar (West Bengal Elections: The Verdict of Politics, EPW, 11 June 2016) has been assigned a role of fighting democracy which is associated with the interest of the elite and the self-seeking intelligentsia. Therefore, the writer epitomises the quintessence of the West Bengal elections as contestsave democracyas against poor needs development.
It implies that populism, ipso facto, needs defeating democracy, in the context of West Bengal to save people of the lower order of society (subaltern classes), from the onslaught of the neoliberal globalisation. The concept, as such, seems to be specious, at least for two reasons.
Recovering from a ransomware attack is costly and time-consuming, so its vastly preferable to avoid an attack in the first place. And the easiest way to prevent a ransomware attack is to understand how the malware works. The goal of ransomware authors is to get their malicious code onto potential victims computers and other devices, and there are several methods that they employ to achieve this.
Malicious email attachments and links
Spam has been an Internet problem for years, but ransomware authors have adopted it as the attack vector of choice for their malicious code.
It turns out that there have been no great innovations in the way ransomware authors tempt users to open malicious email attachments: Many common strains of ransomware use email subjects relating to account suspensions, unpaid invoices, or packages that cant be delivered, to attract potential victims attention.
However, the authors of some strains appear to have made a greater than average effort to target their spam email geographically. For example, the TorrentLocker ransomware has been aimed at Australian and European users, and for each country targeted, the spam emails have been written in the appropriate language and appear to have been sent by a local company.
That means that Australian users have received messages that purport to come from Australia Post, with text such as, Your package has experienced an exception and has been returned to the AusPost office. To collect the parcel please print out the shipment confirmation and visit AusPost facility.
The email also warns that penalty charges will be incurred if parcels are not collected within 30 days to encourage recipients to click on the shipment confirmation link or attachment that triggers the TorrentLocker ransomware infection.
Whats interesting about some ransomware variants is that the authors appear to take great care to avoid spam filters by ensuring that the malicious emails are sent in inappropriate languages for the intended recipients, and by sending the malicious emails only to genuine email addresses rather than using the scattershot approach of sending hundreds of thousands of emails to random user names at a particular domain in the hope that some will be deliverable.
According to research carried out by security company Trend Micro, ransomware authors also take care to send their malicious emails in particular timeslots coinciding with business hours in the destination countries. For example, CryptoWall ransomware emails are sent between 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. EST, while TorrentLocker emails go out between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. EST. The authors also appear to spread their emails out over these hours to ensure that only a relatively low volume is sent out at once, making it harder for spam filters to detect.
Other ransomware attack vectors
Compromised web sites
As an alternative to persuading potential ransomware victims to click on malicious links in emails, some ransomware authors use compromised web sites as a vector for attack. The advantage of this approach is that it does not require social engineering or other techniques to get potential victims to click on a malicious URL. Instead, users visit a web site out of their own volition often one that they visit frequently. This may be a well-established companys website, or the compromised site could be a popular blog running on a compromised blogging software platform.
In this scenario, a potential victim may visit a favorite blog, and immediately be redirected automatically to a page that says that the users current version of Firefox (or some other browser) is insecure and needs updating. The user is then prompted to download and run a software updater application. When this file is executed, it either activates the ransomware or runs an installer that downloads and runs the ransomware.
Malvertising
Another common way to infect a users computer with ransomware is to use malvertising. In this scenario, a potential victim visits a legitimate site that displays advertisements supplied by a third party advertising network.
If one of the displayed advertisements contains malicious code, it will attempt to exploit an unpatched vulnerability in the users browser (or even attempt to run a zero-day exploit for which no patch exists) to download the ransomware.
This type of attack vector is less likely to lead to a successful ransomware attack because it relies on the user having an unpatched vulnerability in their browser, but unlike the case with malicious attachments or links in emails, no action is needed on the part of the victim to become infected if they are vulnerable to the attack.
Exploit kits
Exploit kits are sophisticated pieces of software that are placed on malicious or compromised web sites. The kits scan any computer that visits the site for many different known vulnerabilities, exploiting any that they find to take control of the computer. These exploit kits are generally sold or rented to other criminals so they can compromise computers and use them for whatever purposes they choose.
Some criminals use exploit kits to steal passwords by installing malicious software such as the Zeus banking Trojan, and after this type of malware has had time to run, they often configure it to install ransomware as well.
In 2016, this was a definite pattern, with exploit kits like Angler, Neutrino and Magnitude delivering the CryptoWall ransomware, the Nuclear exploit kit delivering TeslaCrypt, and the Hunter exploit kit delivering Locky.
Infected file downloads
One other vector for ransomware attacks is file downloads initiated by unsuspecting users. Ransomware may be placed in music or movie files or cracked applications that are made available on illegal file-sharing sites. There has also been at least one incident when hackers have compromised the website of a legitimate application and substituted the file that visitors download to install the application with a malicious file containing ransomware.
Mobile application downloads
Infected file downloads in the form of applications can also affect mobile devices. Although both Apple and Google police their app stores for malicious files, these measures are not foolproof, and in any case jailbroken iOS devices and any Android device can be configured to download applications from other sources that are outside the control of Apple or Google.
The simplest type of Android ransomware involves a malicious application that uses the resetPassword API to change the users device password to a new value, effectively locking the user out of their device. (In the latest Android Nougat version of Android, the reset password API has been modified to make it harder for malware to change the password if a password already exists.)
Messaging apps
Sometimes criminals go to great lengths to infect victims with ransomware, and that is certainly the case with one initiative that uses Facebook Messenger as an attack vector. The criminals send messages over the messaging service to a wide range of users, and these messages contain an image in Scalable Graphics File (SVG) format that includes an embedded piece of malicious JavaScript. Opening the image directs victims to a video on a spoofed YouTube site that asks users to install a codec in fact, a malicious Chrome extension in order to be able to view the video. Installing the extension causes the Nemucod malware downloader to run, infecting the computer with various pieces of malware including the Locky ransomware.
For comprehensive information about preventing and dealing with ransomware attacks, see our main article, How to Stop Ransomware.
Fast bowler Duanne Olivier has been released from South Africa's Test squad ahead of the third Test against New Zealand, which starts on March 25 in Hamilton. The move left South Africa with only Wayne Parnell as back-up to the quicks - Kagiso Rabada, Vernon Philander, and Morne Morkel. Chris Morris had been released from the squad midway through the second Test in Wellington.
NEW YORK, March 20 -- UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed Monday called for efforts to promote inclusive and sustainable development to mark the International Day of Happiness.
"We need more inclusive, equitable and balanced approaches to development that promote sustainability, poverty eradication, happiness and well-being of all peoples," said Mohammed at a special event to mark the day at the UN headquarters.
She urged all governments to "have a duty to ensure the minimum conditions for happiness for all peoples," such as access to nutrition and basic services, basic human rights and social protection.
"Let's keep in mind that the goal of development is to increase people's well-being but not at all costs, not at the cost of environment or the marginalization of the poor and other vulnerable groups," she added.
Besides, the "Small Smurfs Big Goals" campaign was created to encourage people to visit SmallSmurfsBigGoals.com to find out how to contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and to share information, ideas and images on social media.
In July 2012, the UN General Assembly proclaimed March 20 the International Day of Happiness, to recognize 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.
Voice actors from the animated movie Smurfs: The Lost Village on Friday joined 1,500 students from the international Model UN conference to celebrate the International Day of Happiness, which focuses on personal well-being, and the SDGs, which include decent work for all, education and health services.
On Monday evening, the film cast along with the UN, UNICEF and UN Foundation will be at the Empire State Building to turn the iconic tower blue in honor of both the International Day of Happiness and the Small Smurfs Big Goals campaign.
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Get the latest on all the biggest court and crime news in Essex direct from our expert court reporter
The body of a teenager found stabbed in the stairwell of his home cannot be returned this native Bulgaria, a coroner has ruled.
Denis Petkov, 19, died from a single stab wound to the neck at his home on East Hanningfield Road, in Rettendon Common , on March 12.
Paramedics were called to the property after reports of a disturbance shortly before midnight, but despite their best efforts, Denis died at the scene.
An inquest was opened into the Bulgarian teenager's death this morning (March 21).
Senior Coroner for Essex Caroline Beasley Murray noted that a post mortem examination had already been carried out, with the cause of death being established as a stab wound.
But Ms Beasley Murray highlighted that Denis's body could not be released to his family in case there was a need for a second post mortem to be carried out.
Copies of reports from the post mortem, the police investigation and any toxicology tests carried out, were requested.
Ms Beasley Murray asked that Denis's family be invited to write-in anything they wish to be heard, before adjourning the inquest.
Mihal Dobrev , 37 and also of East Hanningfield Road, has been charged with Mr Petkov's murder and is set to enter a plea when he appears at Chelmsford Crown Court on May 12.
The European Union will observe the parliamentary elections in Gambia scheduled for 6 April. Invited by the Gambian authorities, this will be the first time the EU will be deploying a full-fledged mission to monitor a Gambian poll, thus reflecting the EUs commitment to supporting credible, transparent and inclusive elections in the country in a framework of broader democratic reforms.
Federica Mogherini, chief of the EU diplomacy, has appointed Mr. Miroslav Poche, as chief observer. Ms. Mogherini commented that Gambia caught the worlds attention in January this year, when a tense political stalemate of several weeks finally resulted in a peaceful change of leadership, thus respecting the results of presidential elections. According to the EU, the upcoming parliamentary elections on 6 April will be a new opportunity for Gambians to express their political will.
The observer mission EOM Core Team consists of seven EU election analysts that arrived in the country last week and will stay there until the completion of the electoral process to prepare its comprehensive assessment. The team will also be joined by 14 long-term observers who will be deployed across the country as well as by several short-term observers for the election week.
The deployment of an EU mission aims to contribute to the improvement of the transparency of the process and the respect for fundamental rights and freedoms. The EU supports African efforts to reinforce the democratization process across the continent. In doing so, Brussels has deployed more than 70 election observation missions throughout Africa since 2000.
Italy hosted a meeting between European and North African countries yesterday (20 March) with the aim to boost support for a deal that Rome had earlier struck with Tripoli to fight people smuggling as migrant arrivals soar once more. The Libyan prime minister of the UN-backed government in Tripoli, Fayez Al-Seraj, met with Italian prime minister Paolo Gentiloni, interior ministers from eight European countries including Germany, France, Austria, Malta, Slovenia and Switzerland as well as the interior ministers of Libya, Tunisia and Algeria. The EU commissioner for migration, Dimitris Avramopoulos, was also attending.
Italy wants to form a permanent contact group between European and North African countries that addresses migration issues. After the so-called Balkan route had been closed and an EU deal with Turkey completed, more migrants attempted the hazardous route from North Africa across the Mediterranean towards Italy. To address the issue, last month, Rome pledged money, equipment and trainings to help Libya fight smugglers, in a deal that was backed by Brussels. However, Libya is far from stable and two governments are trying to get control of the country in Tobruk to the east and in Tripoli to the west.
The authorities in eastern Libya have rejected the deal struck between Italy and the government in Tripoli. Im not so naive as to not understand the situation there, Italian interior minister Marco Minniti commented when asked about lawlessness and continuous factional fighting in the country. But we cannot remain immobile and wait for the country to stabilize. This year, Italy has already seen a 36 percent increase in the number of rescued migrants compared to the same period last year. As part of the agreement, Rome and Brussels have promised to fund migrant camps on Libyan soil, but they need UN agencies to help manage them.
New Zealand is one of the most popular countries in the world for people who want to visit and emigrate and now it is to be even more connected with the rest of the globe.Transport Minister Simon Bridges has announced that a number of new air services agreements will further enhance New Zealands international air connectivity. The New Zealand Government has recently approved the signing of four new air services agreements with Kenya, Botswana, the Dominican Republic and Guyana. Agreements have also been expanded or enhanced with a number of other countries including Italy, Spain, Belize and Nicaragua.These agreements will further enhance New Zealands international air connectivity between Africa and the Americas, bringing both trade and tourism benefits. As an island nation, New Zealand relies heavily on its international air links. Well continue to build on these connections, Bridges said.The new agreements were negotiated at the International Civil Aviation Negotiation Conference, held in December 2016. The annual conference provides an opportunity for officials from various States to meet in one location, and negotiate multiple agreements over five days.Italian airline Alitalia has already made use of the new arrangements, adding Christchurch and Queenstown to its code-share network. New Zealand now has 61 air service agreements with other countries and territories.New Zealands approach to liberalising air services has allowed for an open, competitive market, facilitating increased air traffic, lower air fares and stronger international trade links. I expect that further new air services opportunities will be announced during the course of this year, Bridges explained.Under the new arrangements New Zealand and Colombian airlines may operate up to 14 passenger services per week, with no limits on the number of cargo services. The country also as agreements with Argentina, Chile, Brazil and Uruguay.Strengthening our air links with South America has been a priority. New Zealand is well placed as a stopover point between South America and Asia. Building air links with broadens opportunities for people to explore New Zealand before continuing their travel elsewhere, Bridges pointed out.International visitor arrivals set a new record in 2016 with 3.5 million for the year, up 12% compared to 2015. Bridges added that the new and enhanced arrangements will benefit tourism and trade.
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If you could measure a taqueria by the energy of its owner, then Mittman matriarch Mary Benavides could light up the block with her place. Her cafe factored into the Texas Taco War, when Mayor Ivy Taylor came to the peace summit armed with carne guisada from Mittman.
We wont say Mittman won the war singlehandedly, but the other guy showed up with storebought tortillas.
Tacos: Sweetbreads make great tacos, and Mittman serves its mollejas chopped, seared, tender and spiked with pico de gallo ($2.25). Whenever a menu says, Please be advised that this taco is EXTREMELY SPICY, and once ordered will not be refunded, I take it as a challenge, and Mittmans soft-stewed chicharrones are up for the challenge, swimming in habanero to match the shops volcanic salsa ($1.75).
The click-clack of a spatula on the grill tells me the eggs in this bacon and egg taco are being scrambled to order, with the country-style bacon chopped right in ($1.35). And finally, Mayor Taylors weapon of choice carne guisada with cheese packs enough fortified beef and gravy to sustain the troops in San Antonios taco brigade ($2.55).
Tortillas: Mittmans corn tortillas are as thick and impermeable as Kevlar body armor but in a good way and carry steaming layers of fluff and big corn flavor. Theyre some of the best in this series so far.
And the handmade flour tortillas put the waxy commercial tortillas from Austins Juan in a Million to shame in the Texas Taco War.
Salsa: Weaponized habanero turns the salsa roja into a condiment so lethal, youll need a concealed-carry license. The stemmy, seedy, squeeze-bottle jalapeno verde is a little more gentle. But only a little.
Location: 1125 S. Mittman St., 210-532-3318, no web presence
Rating: Worth a drive
Follow the complete 365 Days of Tacos series at ExpressNews.com/Tacos. Get 365 Days of Tacos sent to your inbox. Sign up here
msutter@express-news.net
Twitter: @fedmanwalking
(Global Times) 11:11, March 21, 2017
China on Monday restated its open attitude toward business exchanges with South Korea after Seoul complained to the World Trade Organization (WTO) about Chinese retaliation against South Korean companies over the deployment of a US anti-missile defense system in the South.
"We have stated repeatedly that China supports normal business exchanges between China and South Korea, and yet that needs proper popular support and appropriate public opinion," Hua Chunying, spokeswoman for the Chinese foreign ministry, said during a briefing on Monday.
South Korean Trade Minister Joo Hyung-hwan told parliament on Monday that "We have notified the WTO that China may be in violation of some trade agreements."
When asked what would happen next, Joo said the ministry would strengthen communications with Beijing and take action if needed. He did not give further details.
China is South Korea's largest trading partner and the dispute over the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system has resulted in a sharp decline in Chinese tourists in the South's shopping districts, Reuters reported.
Joo said the issue was raised with the WTO's Council for Trade in Services on Friday.
A South Korean trade ministry official, who asked not to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter, said the complaint could not be categorized as a legal action but was rather a request for the WTO to look into whether China was upholding trade agreements fairly.
"China understands South Korea's concerns about maintaining its own security, but THAAD harms strategic balance in the region and is not conducive to stability on the Korean Peninsula," Hua said on Friday.
The spokesperson noted that THAAD may even make South Korea less safe.
Hua pointed out that the coverage of the THAAD missile defense system, especially the monitoring scope of its X-Band radar, went far beyond the defense needs of the Korean Peninsula, and could peer deep into China.
"We do not oppose necessary measures that South Korea takes to maintain its national security, but such measures cannot be pursued at the expense of China's security," Hua said.
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Vince Losada sat on a stool in the gut of an antique bomber and prepared to fly. The four engines of a B-17 Flying Fortress roared and then idled as the WWII bomber prepared to take off from San Marcos en route to San Antonio on Friday.
For the San Antonio veteran, the prospect of another ride in a B-17 brought back memories of an earlier time. Losada, 91, flew in a B-17 during World War II and lost his right arm in a mission over Germany 72 years and two days ago.
The memories are real just remembering them, Losada said shortly before the plane left the runway. His lips began to quiver as he wiped away sudden tears.
The B-17 bomber, nicknamed Nine-O-Nine, is part of the national Wings of Freedom tour of WWII-vintage aircraft by the Collings Foundation out of Stow, Massachusetts.
The tour, which started Friday, visits Stinson Municipal Airport through Sunday. Along with the B-17, the B-24 Liberator and B-25 Mitchell bombers will be featured, as well as a two-seat variant of the P-51 Mustang fighter.
More Information 'Living History Flight Experiences' The Federal Aviation Administration began allowing "Living History Flight Experiences" in 1996 to help owners offset the high cost of maintaining historic planes, according to a notice of policy statement by the agency. The FAA put a moratorium on new exemptions for Living History flights in 2011. The policy, which was originally set in place to assist foundations with WWII-era aircraft, became stretched due to the availability of former military jets on the private market. The FAA in 2015 determined that the aircraft must have served in the U.S. military but cannot be currently in operation. In addition, the original design of the aircraft must be at least 50 years old. The aircraft must also be considered fragile and in need of preservation. See More Collapse
Around 500 WWII veterans flew on Collings Foundation planes in 2016, according to a company spokesman.
Fellow San Antonio WWII veteran Earl Sampson, 92, sat next to Losada in the radio room in the center of the plane.
Its like I left and everythings still here, Sampson, who flew in a B-17 bomber, said.
Sampson arrived in San Antonio in 1944, where he was assigned to be a navigator in the Army Air Corps, the precursor to the Air Force. In Hondo, he learned how to navigate by the stars. From his post in the nose section of a B-17, hed look for a star, usually Sirius the Dog Star, or Polaris the North Star.
The B-17 Nine-O-Nine is one of only eight in flying condition in the United States, according to the Collings Foundation, and its B-24J Liberator is the last of its type flying in the world.
The non-profit made almost $8 million dollars in 2016, according to Hunter Chaney, a Collings Foundation spokesman. More than 800,000 people paid admission to visit or fly. The foundation spent over $3 million on fuel and maintenance of the antique planes, Chaney said.
Surviving WWII veterans often become emotional as they relive old memories in the planes, flight coordinator Jamie Mitchell said.
For Losada, the anniversary of his combat flight on the B-17 arrived two days before his flight on Friday.
Soon, Losada was above Germany, dropping bombs from a B-17 bomber known as Big Drip Jr.
On March 15, 1945, Losada and his crew flew to bomb a rail yard on the outskirts of Berlin. The sky was nothing but noise. Four propellers sawed through the air. The anti-aircraft guns fired rounds that exploded in the sky around them. The shrapnel from those rounds sounded like a hail storm when they hit his plane, Losada recalled.
An anti-aircraft round burst near the nose of Losadas bomber and a piece of shrapnel severed his right arm.
He recalled spinning around in his bombardiers stool. His crew gave him all the morphine they had. He said he never lost consciousness on the 3-hour flight back to England.
As the bomber rose in the air, Losada watched from his seat in the radio room as passengers walked throughout the plane. Some stuck their head out the top of the aircraft. Their hair billowed in the wind. Losada looked up at the visitors with their head in the sky, and then he looked down. He laughed softly to himself.
jlawrence@express-news.net
Leo Villanuevas memories of his two Army tours in Iraq and Afghanistan surface unbidden almost a decade after his last deployment. Each step he takes reminds him.
He carried war home on his damaged back, the physical legacy of his work as a heavy-wheel mechanic on armored fighting vehicles. Lifting 200-pound tow bars and muscling quarter-ton tires onto axles broke his body, and there are days when, at age 42, the former staff sergeant strains to walk across his living room.
Villanueva faced another kind of struggle after his medical discharge in 2011 following a 16-year military career. More than two years passed before the Department of Veteran Affairs granted him full disability benefits for his back, neck and leg injuries and a diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder.
Hundreds of thousands of veterans had endured a similar ordeal since the mid-1990s as they waited years to obtain disability and pension benefits from the VA. The delays led to former President Barack Obama directing the agency to streamline the benefits process and hire 2,500 new personnel to assess compensation claims. The changes reduced the case backlog from 611,000 in 2013 to less than 100,000 two years later.
But that progress now appears in jeopardy. President Donald Trump has imposed a federal hiring freeze that prevents the VAs benefits agency from filling open positions, creating concern among veterans and advocates in South Texas that the backlog could swell again.
A few years ago, getting your benefits was like a lottery system, said Villanueva, who lives in San Antonio and supports his wife and three children with his $3,000 monthly disability payment. You had no idea when you would hear back from the VA.
The agency classifies a claim as delayed if it languishes for 125 days or longer. The backlog has fallen sharply at the VAs two regional offices that process claims in Texas.
The number of unresolved cases at the Veterans Benefits Administration branch in Houston had plunged from a high of 28,000 in 2013 to 1,129 as of March 9. In the Waco office, where the backlog peaked at 40,000 in 2012, the figure had dropped to 1,346.
Salvador Castillo, the veterans service officer for Cameron County, guides veterans seeking to file compensation claims through the VAs paperwork maze. He recalled that, when he started his job in Brownsville in 2011, the typical wait time for a final response from the Houston office exceeded two years.
The delay has since dipped below six months in most cases, and Castillo ascribed the faster turnaround, in part, to Obama increasing the agencys workforce.
If the VA cant hire people for open positions, then were going to see the old problems come back, he said. Youll have one person doing the work of two or three people, and as they fall behind trying to keep up, its going to be the veteran who suffers.
Rhetoric vs. Actions
Veterans who voted in the presidential election favored Trump over his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, by a nearly two-to-one margin. He lionized former service members during his campaign and vowed to take care of our veterans like theyve never been taken care of before.
Trumps inclusion of the VA in the hiring freeze, announced three days after he took office Jan. 20, elicited instant criticism from veterans and advocates. Sean Spicer, the White Houses press secretary, justified the decision by asserting that hiring more people isnt the answer. Its hiring the right people.
The VAs acting secretary at the time, Robert Snyder, moved quickly to exempt jobs that the agency deems necessary for public safety. The action shields 36,000 of 48,000 open positions in the VAs national workforce of 360,000, including physicians, nurses, behavioral health providers and other front-line medical staff.
The Veterans Benefits Administration had almost 500 job vacancies in its 56 regional offices as of March 1. None qualify for exempt status, and while VA Secretary David Shulkin has talked of protecting more positions, advocates fear the agency will remain shorthanded.
Its definitely a concern for us, said Queta Marquez, the veterans service officer for Bexar County in San Antonio. You need people to meet the demands for handling benefits.
Some 1.7 million veterans live in Texas, the largest population of any state after California. More than 417,000 received disability or pension benefits last year, with the VA paying those veterans and their families and survivors $7.5 billion in compensation.
The VAs added manpower across the country has helped to lower the average time for processing a claim from 348 to 121 days. Felix Rodriguez, the assistant veterans service officer for Hidalgo County in Weslaco, considers that drop the strongest argument to exempt the agencys administrative positions.
Were talking about quality of life for veterans, he said. For some of them, their VA benefits are their only source of income. They cant afford to wait. Without that money, they start slipping down.
Liz Villarreal works as a case manager for Family Endeavors, a nonprofit organization in San Antonio that aids homeless veterans. She recounted the story of a Vietnam veteran who lived in his car and couch-surfed with relatives for more than a year before the VA approved his disability claim.
Now he can support himself because hes getting his benefits, she said. Thats the kind of difference you see.
Trump released a federal budget proposal last week that would boost the VAs funding by $4.4 billion, to $78.9 billion. Most of the new money would serve to improve patient access and timeliness of care for the more than 9 million men and women enrolled in the VA network, with some funding devoted to upgrading the claims system.
Yet the plan failed to mollify advocates bothered by the contrast between Trumps praise of veterans and his refusal to spare the VA from the hiring freeze. Rodriguez, who deployed to Vietnam with the Army in 1971, faulted the president for treating former service members as props.
I paid a lot of attention to Donald Trump during the campaign and what he said about supporting us. Then he gets into office and does this, Rodriguez said. So I have no faith, no confidence in the president to do what he claimed he was going to do for veterans. Hes not showing hes a man of his word.
The appeals abyss
Gabriel Lopez founded the South Texas Afghanistan and Iraq Veterans Association in 2008 after retiring from a 20-year career in the Navy. His group offers housing, education and other supportive services to a new generation of veterans, and he regards Trumps hiring restriction on the VA an act born of ignorance.
I get the feeling that our commander in chief still doesnt understand the scope of the problem, said Lopez, 48, who deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. The freeze is not only frustrating, but its putting the lives of our veterans in danger.
The VAs Texas Valley Coastal Bend System provides services in 20 counties across the states southern tip. Lopez recently filed an open-records request with the network to learn how many veterans received treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder each year between 2012 and 2016. The number soared from 83 to 737 during that span, an almost ninefold increase.
For veterans coping with psychological trauma, as for those plagued by physical injuries, VA benefits can assist them in regaining their equilibrium.
Shadowed by memories of war, Lopez, who has been diagnosed with PTSD linked to his military service, lost his marriage and home soon after retiring from the Navy and returning to his native Laredo. The spiral slowed when he obtained his VA benefits, and he knows from working with veterans that delays in processing claims can affect their recovery as much as waiting for medical care.
The sooner they receive their benefits, the sooner they can start putting their lives back together, Lopez said. Thats why its important that claims get processed as quickly as possible.
The VAs benefits backlog excludes some 400,000 claims on appeal, and on average, the agency takes three years to complete those cases.
Castillo, the veterans service officer in Brownsville, worries that the hiring freeze could force the VA to shift employees from working on appeals to processing initial claims.
That might be the biggest concern of all, he said. You see some of these appeals go on forever. Thats not going to get better if the VA has to pull people away from handling them.
Joel Gage has found himself trapped in the appeals abyss since retiring from the Army in 1999 after 23 years as an active-duty soldier and reservist.
The VA rejected the San Antonio residents disability claim for a back injury he suffered in a training exercise. As Gage, 64, pursues an appeal and his overall health declines, he wonders if he will survive the agencys bureaucracy.
The process wears a person down, he said. You hear about veterans dying while theyre waiting for the VA to work on their claims. Im afraid that will happen to me.
mkuz@express-news.net
Twitter: @MartinKuz
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An internal investigation into Ricardo Romo, conducted before he resigned as president of the University of Texas at San Antonio this month, determined it was more likely than not that Romo violated UTSA's sexual harassment policies in connection with hugs he gave three employees.
Released Monday in response to an open records request by the Express-News, the report said the female complainants described Romos hugging them as disgusting, perverted and even physically hurtful. In an interview, Romos lawyer rejected its findings.
The information gained in the probe supports the conclusion that President Romo engaged in sexual harassment and sexual misconduct against the victims, the reports executive summary stated.
The report was sent from Trey Atchley, chief inquiry officer of the University of Texas System and the lead investigator, to Chancellor William McRaven on Feb. 22.
All three complainants, who were Romos employees, told investigators they feared they would get fired if they did not hug Romo, the report says.
Romo was put on administrative leave with pay Feb. 14 pending an investigation regarding his conduct. He resigned March 3, when the investigation closed. It was his last academic year as president of UTSA he had announced his pending retirement last September.
Ricardo Cedillo, Romos lawyer, called the investigation a complete hatchet job and fatally flawed.
He said Atchley, the lead investigator, was setting Dr. Romo up, and that the so-called investigation was a character assassination.
In a 19-page response to UT System officials dated Feb. 24, he said the probe failed to address key aspects of the situation, including the preponderance of abrazos, or embraces, in Latino culture.
Romos chief of staff, Sonia Martinez, was put on leave with pay the same day as Romo and continues to be on leave.
Sources have said two of his staff members were fired, then rehired shortly before Romo was put on leave. Cedillos prepared response said these staff members filed complaints against Romo as an act of retaliation one shortly before being fired and the other long after.
Upon his resignation, Romo released a statement acknowledging he had given abrazos to co-workers but said he had no improper intent. He added that if they were thought improper and offensive, then they were.
According to the investigation report, when UT investigators notified Romo who the three complainants were, Romo said one was a serial liar, another a liar and the third an occasional liar.
Romo also contested the complainants description of the frequency of the hugs and called one of the complainants a very good employee, outgoing, gregarious, and a hugger, according to the report.
Romo also acknowledged that one employee told him his hug lasted too long and he told the investigators he stopped hugging her after that. But the report also asserts that Romo exhibited obsessive and jealous behavior after one accuser told Romo she was uncomfortable hugging him in September 2014.
When informed that one of his employees found the hugs inappropriate, Romo said he was surprised, the report said.
Investigators interviewed numerous witnesses, reviewed emails and examined photographs of the employees saved on President Romos computers, the report says.
The first complaint against Romo noted in the report was on Jan. 5, made through a
UTSA reporting hotline.
Fifteen days later, McRaven, the UT chancellor, received an anonymous letter with a similar complaint against Romo.
One accuser told investigators that when she told Romo to stop hugging her, he said, You know Im like that.
Witnesses said they had seen Romo grab one of his employees around the waist in public and that he made (an unnamed complainants) life miserable.
Sexual harassment is defined in the UTSA Handbook of Operating Procedures as unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature that includes unwelcome intentional touching or deliberate physical interference with or restriction of movement.
According to one accusers statement in the report, Romo had told her he didnt have many friends because he was never sure who he could trust.
He went on to tell me how beautiful I looked and that he had taken many pictures of me and then asked for a hug, the statement continues.
But Cedillo maintains that this narrative is simply untrue. He said he has known Romo since he was 7 they grew up in the same neighborhood on the West Side, where Romo was a Fox Tech High School track star.
Hes an icon, hes someone that weve all looked up to. He epitomizes the American dream. And yeah, I respect him and Ive admired him most of my life, from the time I saw him running up and down the West Side.
sfosterfrau@express-news.net
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An aircraft maintenance hangar built as a temporary structure nearly a century ago has been rehabilitated, reinforced and returned to its original white glow as the anchor for redevelopment at Brooks City Base.
Hangar 9, a national historic landmark and the oldest structure of its kind on its original site, has undergone a $2.8 million rehabilitation to host weddings, quinceaneras and other events on the former military base, now an open, 1,200-acre mixed-use community on the South Side.
The 30-foot-tall, 8,700-square-foot structure, threatened with demolition in the 1960s and lately plagued with rotted wood, buckled walls and a cracked foundation, will be a magnificent community venue, Brooks President and CEO Leo Gomez said.
It will literally be the anchor of bringing life to the Brooks campus, Gomez said Monday during a walk-through of the facility, 8081 Inner Circle Road, prior to a public grand opening at 5:30 p.m. Friday.
As remote as it might seem, doing what were doing with Hangar 9 is a part of that strategy. It makes Brooks a place where employers want to be, Gomez said.
The yearlong project for one of San Antonios most treasured buildings follows a 2015 completion of a $560,000 renovation of the adjacent Brooks Memorial and Gravesite, a plaza where Sidney J. Brooks Jr., fallen aviator and namesake of the former air base, is buried.
Although the base has not had a military presence since 2011, it was a hub of military aviation in both world wars and home of the School of Aerospace Medicine, dedicated by Presidential John F. Kennedy in his last official act on Nov. 21, 1963 a day before he was assassinated in Dallas. Brooks, closed as a military base, now is an economic anchor for San Antonio, with a conceptual plan in place for office, retail, residential and other land uses.
We want to show that we can indeed redevelop the former base, while honoring its history and creating new opportunities, Gomez said.
The 1918 hangar will host a South Side Chamber of Commerce luncheon featuring City Manager Sheryl Sculley on April 10 and a World War I centennial commemoration planned by a local group on May 20, among its first events.
Theyre been planning this for months. And so well have hundreds of them here in Hangar 9, Connie Gonzalez, Brooks spokeswoman, said of the centennial event.
It was during WWI, in the early days of military aviation and the need for men to fly the lightweight aircraft of the day, that Hangar 9 and 15 similar structures were built in an arc pattern on a dirt airfield covering some 800 acres. Sidney Brooks died in a local training flight on Nov. 13, 1917, becoming the first aviator from San Antonio killed in the war effort.
The South Side airfield, known as Kelly Field No. 5, was renamed after Brooks on Feb. 4, 1918.
Some of the hangars were later demolished or destroyed by fire. Hangar 9 was the last one standing when the Air Force announced plans in the 1960s to raze it. Local preservationists raised funds to save it.
Working with Deborah J. Dockery Architect, principal consultant, and M.J. Boyle, the general contractor, Brooks used its capital funds to replace the hangars entire concrete slab, add concealed steel reinforcement, install modern restrooms, repair or replace its 101 windows, replace and replicate its historic 3,000-plus-pound sliding aircraft doors and add a perimeter barrier to keep away ground moisture.
Crews injected chemicals in the soil to stabilize the ground before adding the new slab; installed modern ceiling fans, heating units and energy-efficient LED light fixtures; and replaced some of the rotted yellow pine with Mexican red cedar.
Along with a historic district on the west side of the base, known as The Hill, that houses the former School of Aerospace Medicine and is being partly redeveloped as the University of the Incarnate Words new School of Osteopathic Medicine, Brooks has a landmark structure that once housed base headquarters and a military chapel that need to be preserved, Gomez said.
The rehabilitation of Hangar 9 represents the potential to start a new chapter in history at Brooks, he said.
I can only imagine the memories that will be created here, he added.
shuddleston@express-news.net
Twitter: @shuddlestonSA
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The city of San Antonio has hired an outside law firm to review how its police detectives investigated some of the evidence in the 2014 officer-involved shooting of Marquise Jones, whose family is suing the city.
The move comes after the city discovered last week that the San Antonio Police Department forensics team did, in fact, attempt to secure fingerprints from the handgun police say Jones pointed at Officer Robert Encina. Previously, the city claimed the handgun was not tested.
The city says no fingerprints were found on the weapon, and it stands by its conclusion that Encina was justified in using force. City Manager Sheryl Sculley and City Attorney Andy Segovia said they decided to hire an independent firm in an abundance of caution.
To our knowledge, there exists no evidence of any tampering or deliberate withholding of information by any officer within the chain of custody of the handgun involved in the shooting of Mr. Jones, Sculley and Segovia wrote in a memo to Mayor Ivy Taylor and City Council members.
However, we want to ensure full transparency so that the parties involved, the City Council and the community have full confidence in the Citys handling of the investigative and litigation process, they added.
The gun was tested for fingerprints in January 2016, but Sculley said the city had no knowledge of that until early last week. Police Chief William McManus also didnt know the gun was tested, the city says.
Daryl Washington, a lawyer for the Jones family, which has filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against Encina and the city, questioned the timing of the announcement.
A pretrial conference in the case is scheduled for Tuesday. The trial is set to begin next week.
We should not be receiving this type of information on the eve of trial, Washington said. Thats clearly bad faith. And testing something two years later is not an efficient way to do anything. Its been handled and pushed around too many times.
Washington also said its odd that the information about the gun would be released a day after he filed an emergency motion to compel an inspection of it.
Washington said he has asked the city to schedule a date for the plaintiffs to conduct the inspection for two weeks. The city has not responded to the request, he said.
Instead, the city filed an amended discovery response in the case Monday, telling the Jones family that it intends to use the handgun as evidence in the trial.
Washington has not responded to the discovery yet. In the past, he has petitioned the court to sanction the city for allegedly withholding indoor video surveillance from the night of the shooting. A judge denied that request.
How are you going to wait two years to test the gun and then not tell anyone? Debbie Bush, Jones aunt, asked Monday. If the gun was such a factor in this case, why wait two years to test it? Why put us through this hell?
Taylor mentioned the outside review of the fatal shooting at a meeting of the Mayors Council on Police-Community Relations on Monday evening.
Im expecting a quick and thorough investigation into this incident by the city staff and independent counsel, she said. Moments like this emphasize how important it is that we have convened as a group so that we can continue to make improvements to our systems, our communications and our transparency and have trust in the community.
About the shooting
The firm conducting the review of part of the police investigation is Goode Casseb Jones Riklin Choate & Watson, a San Antonio law firm previously hired by the city.
The move to hire the firm comes three years after Encina, an off-duty police officer who was working private security at a Northeast Side restaurant, shot and killed Jones as he ran from the scene of a fender-bender in the parking lot of Chachos and Chaluccis.
Encina claims Jones turned around as he ran and pointed a handgun at Encina. Encina told investigators he fired because he feared for his life.
Some witnesses confirmed Encinas account of events, while others didnt.
According to the city, the weapon was tested in January 2016, one month after a Bexar County grand jury voted not to indict Encina.
Investigators said they initially decided not to test the gun because obtaining good prints is uncommon. Studies show the probability of obtaining a usable print on a handgun ranges from 5 percent to 10 percent.
Shortly after the gun was tested, in a separate incident, a San Antonio police officer shot and killed Antronie Scott. Sculley said the second shooting likely distracted officers, and as a result, it was not communicated to McManus or other police officials that the gun in the Jones case was, in fact, tested.
But Washington disputed that claim as well. In a 2015 deposition, Detective Brian Peters, a crime scene unit investigator who conducted a gunshot residue test, told Washington the gun was not tested for fingerprints. Washington wondered if the his line of questioning prompted police to test the gun the next year.
After the gun was tested, Randall Hines, another detective who led the internal investigation into the officer-involved shooting, reiterated that the gun hadnt been tested. Washington said someone who was involved in the ground-level investigation of the shooting should know whether the gun was tested or not.
Depending on the results of the law firms review, Sculley said she would consider requiring the department to always conduct fingerprint analysis.
Sculley said the firm began work Monday by interviewing officers who responded to the scene of the shooting and conducted the internal investigation into Encinas actions. It will likely take the firm two to three weeks to finish its report.
Sculley and Segovia said they wouldnt be surprised if the trial is postponed, given the new evidence.
Washington said he hopes the trial will go forward, but you never know.
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AUSTIN Parents who might have terminated a pregnancy if they had more information about the fetus abnormalities no longer would have the right to sue their doctor under a bill the Texas Senate passed Monday.
The Republican-led Senate voted 21-9, largely along party lines, to pass Senate Bill 25, which would eliminate the wrongful birth cause of action that gives parents the ability to sue over the birth of a child with disabilities.
The bill is sponsored by Sen. Brandon Creighton, a Conroe Republican and lawyer who argued the legislation works to promote a culture that the lives of disabled babies are valued in Texas and end the negative precedent that disabled persons should not have been born.
He stressed that doctors who act improperly still can be sued for malpractice.
Opponents say the legislation is the latest attempt to chip away at abortion rights by giving anti-abortion doctors legal cover to downplay information about the severity of a fetus potential disability.
It seems to be all about restricting and further limiting a womans right to exercise her choice as to what shes gong to do in the case of serious detects in the fetus, congenital defects in the fetus, said Sen. Jose Rodriguez, an El Paso Democrat, during debate on the Senate floor.
The cause of action first was recognized in the Texas Supreme Court in 1975 in the case of Jacobs v Theimer, in which parents of a disabled child argued they would have aborted the pregnancy if they knew about the babys disabilities. The parents won and were awarded expenses necessary to treat the childs impairment for life.
For the families it affects, its a huge deal. Its a lifetime of extra care, said Blake Rocap, legislative counsel for NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, an abortion rights advocacy group. He said SB-25 basically says to physicians, Well, if you think you might disagree with the position of the patient makes for their own health care, you dont have to tell them, and that violates every tenet of health care and the way physicians should treat their patients.
Mondays preliminary passage in the Senate marks the first time the bill has won approval on the floor. It is due for a third reading in the Senate before lawmakers send the measure to the Texas House. A similar bill won approval by a House committee in 2015 but never received a vote by the full chamber.
It is one of several anti-abortion bills that have moved swiftly through the Senate this session, including Senate Bill 415, which would restrict the use of fetal tissue from elective abortions, and Senate Bill 415, which would restrict so-called dismemberment abortions.
Republican lawmakers were dealt a blow last year when the U.S. Supreme Court struck down major provisions of the states 2013 law that forced abortion clinics to adhere to costly standards of ambulatory surgical centers and require their physicians to obtain admitting privileges at nearby hospitals. The law forced the closure of about half of the states 40 abortion clinics.
andrea.zelinski@chron.com
Five City Council members and San Antonios top law enforcement leaders say that San Antonio should consider treating the possession of small amounts of marijuana like a traffic ticket.
On March 1, Harris County became one of the first entities in the state to divert offenders found with 4 ounces or less of marijuana away from jail and into a drug education program, with a $150 fine. Since then, the program has caught the attention of lawmakers and public officials across the state, including several leaders in the Alamo City.
Bexar County District Attorney Nicholas Nico LaHood said although he has reservations about Harris Countys policy, he could see a program here that would treat low-level marijuana crimes like a traffic ticket, where the accused could receive a summons and be able to contest their citation in court, or enter a program.
Thats more pragmatic, he said.
Currently, Texans found in possession of two ounces or less of marijuana commit a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $2,000 and six months in jail.
In 2007, the Texas Legislature enacted the cite-and-release law, which allows law enforcement agencies in the counties that participate to issue citations to people who commit misdemeanor offenses and appear in court instead of going to jail.
Its a win-win for everybody if done correctly, LaHood said of lessening punishment.
The possibility also has the attention of Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar.
Here in Bexar County, were looking at ways of dealing with marijuana possession along with other nonviolent misdemeanors, he said.
Sgt. Jesse Salame, San Antonio police spokesman, said the department wants to watch Harris Countys program.
We would like to take a look at what this other jurisdiction has done and see how their program is modeled and work with city leadership and the DAs office to determine if thats something to consider here, Salame said.
Half of the City Council indicated they could support a policy to lessen marijuana penalties in Bexar County.
I think we need to have broader discussions about marijuana and what it means, said District 1 Councilman Roberto Trevino, who is interested in seeing how such a change might help San Antonios large community of veterans.
He said natural remedies, like marijuana, might be more effective in treating post traumatic stress disorder than a cocktail version of pain killers.
Leslie Garza, a spokeswoman for Mayor Ivy Taylor, said the mayor would not make a statement on the matter until it becomes an issue here.
A 2015 Texas Department of Public Safety report found that 61,748 people were arrested for marijuana possession of various quantities. Bexar County saw 2,477 people arrested for carrying 2 ounces or less of marijuana in 2016, Salame said.
Derek Roberts, spokesman for District 2 Councilman Alan Warrick, said Monday that the councilman supports a similar policy here and would meet with SAPD Chief William McManus on the matter.
Councilwoman Rebecca Viagran, who represents District 3, and District 5 Councilwoman Shirley Gonzalez generally are supportive of the idea and would like to see how Harris Countys policy works.
If it means that we take our own scalpel to the policy and come up with something that makes sense for San Antonio, I don't think there's an objection to experiment with the concept of reducing the burden, District 4 Councilman Rey Saldana said.
Councilmen Ray Lopez, Ron Nirenberg and Joe Krier did not respond to multiple requests for comment. District 10 Councilman Mike Gallagher declined to comment, and District 7 Councilman Cris Medina said he needed more information before commenting.
State lawmakers filed a slew of bills this legislative session that would considerably reduce penalties for marijuana possession. House Bill 81 would eliminate jail time for offenders carrying an ounce or less of marijuana, and remove the threat of arrest. Carrying an ounce or less would instead result in a $250 fine and the marijuana would be seized.
Six other bills seeking to lessen punishment for offenders carrying small amounts of marijuana, including one regarding use of medical marijuana, were also filed this session.
To date, 18 states have legalized medical marijuana and nine others, including Washington, D.C., allow the drug for recreational use, according to the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, a nonprofit lobbying group working to legalize marijuana.
LaHood said when hes ready to sit down and work with other agencies to create a policy, he wants to get it right the first time.
I want to make sure when we do it, we think about it thoroughly, use everybodys wisdom, and roll it out one time, (so) its smooth and its permanent.
Staff Writer Elizabeth Zavala contributed to this report.
kbradshaw@express-news.net
Chicken Farmers of Canadas (CFC) strong commitment to animal care has been confirmed with the completion of an inaugural comprehensive third-party audit. NSF Internationals report concluded that The national Animal Care Program has been implemented effectively and maintained on an on-going basis. Animal care measures have been consistently applied.
Canadian chicken farmers work hard each day to provide the best possible care for their birds, and to ensure their health and welfare. CFCs Animal Care Program is a clear demonstration of their commitment to animal care. CFC has implemented a strong program and certification process and it is the only program capable of ensuring that animal care standards are implemented and audited on all chicken farms in Canada. Further to that, the program is a way to provide continuing education to farmers about best practices and to drive innovation and improvement.
Under CFCs Animal Care Program, audits are conducted annually on all Canadian chicken farms. It is a mandatory program with enforcement measures for issues of non-compliance and the program guarantees one national standard for consistency of requirements and record-keeping on all chicken farms in Canada.
CFC has been administering a national Animal Care Program on all 2,800 broiler chicken farms across Canada since 2009. Since 2016, the implementation of the program by farmers and the effectiveness of CFCs audit team are subject to an annual third-party audit. NSF performs the third-party audits using PAACO (Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization) certified auditors to ensure the effective and consistent implementation of the CFC Animal Care Program.
NSF is an internationally-recognized, third-party certification body, accredited by the American National Standards Institute to ISO 17065. Their auditors are professionals with years of experience performing animal care and food safety audits for the agricultural sector. Third-party audits were conducted in all provinces and over 90% of CFCs on-farm auditors were evaluated.
The program has credible, science-based foundations in that it is based on the Code of Practice for the Care and Handling of Hatching Eggs, Breeders, Chickens and Turkeys, as developed by the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC). NFACC is a world leader in bringing together stakeholders with different perspectives farmers, veterinarians, processors, transporters, animal welfare associations, and provincial/federal governments to develop robust and sound Codes of Practice.
NFACCs Code Development process begins with a full scientific review which is used to draft the Code that then undergoes a public consultation process. In this way, all Canadians have an opportunity to contribute to the final Code.
With the Code of Practice for chicken recently finalized in 2016, CFC has begun implementing the new requirements and is in the process of updating the Animal Care Program by engaging a group of competent experts using NFACCs Animal Care Assessment Framework.
And CFC is not stopping here.
Looking forward, CFC will continue funding animal care research as a priority area to enhance future versions of the Code of Practice and farm management practices.
In addition, CFC is petitioning the federal government to implement a recognition protocol for animal care in Agriculture and Agri-Food Canadas next Agricultural Policy Framework, similar to the successful on-farm food safety recognition protocol. Such a recognition system would leverage the work performed by NFACC and organizations such as CFC that are implementing one auditable, mandatory standard to effectively demonstrate the level of animal care on Canadian farms.
CFCs leadership in animal care will continue to evolve as we commit to working with the experts including all industry stakeholder organizations from farm to table, the research community and government regulators to continuously monitor animal care. This commitment provides confidence to our customers and consumers of the high standards of animal care which are the foundations of our Raised by a Canadian Farmer brand.
Source: Chickenfarmers
Harvey Pearson reacts when Lord Fairfax Community College President Dr. Cheryl Thompson-Stacy announces that the event to celebrate progress on Hazel Hall is actually a surprise dedication of the Harvey Pearson Student Success Suite and the Harvey Pearson Scholarship Fund. His daughter-in-law Lois Pearson and former state Sen. H. Russell Potts, Jr. (R-Winchester) sit beside him and give him pats on the back. Pearson said this was the best surprise of his life.
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In an effort to reduce the lines at the Prince William landfill and compost facility, now that both are closed on Sundays, the county is encouraging residents who regularly visit such faciliti
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has congratulated Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on his party's recent election victory and reaffirmed Beijing's commitment to boosting bilateral ties and supporting European integration.
In a congratulatory message sent on Sunday, Li said China values the choice of the Dutch people, and will continue to support the process of European integration and the European Union's efforts to achieve unity, stability and prosperity across the continent.
On Sino-Dutch relations, the premier said the bilateral relationship now enjoys a sound momentum and Beijing attaches great importance to strengthening ties with the Netherlands.
Noting that this year marks the 45th anniversary of the ambassadorial-level diplomatic relations between China and the Netherlands, which have now established a comprehensive cooperative partnership that is open and practical, Li said his country stands ready to work with the Dutch side to seize the opportunity and bring the partnership to higher levels.
Dutch voters went to the polls last week in a closely watched parliamentary election that was widely regarded as a barometer of the influence of populism and nationalism across Europe.
Preliminary results showed that the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy, which is led by Rutte, came out on top, beating the far-right Party for Freedom of controversial politician Geert Wilders.
At a time when U.S. leadership in the world is no longer a surety, we should be comforted to find another western hemisphere country proudly taking the lead.
The United States may well have written the first chapter in global anti-corruption enforcement. But the second chapter? Its Brazils.
We all know that Brazil is enmeshed in a major bribery investigation, Operation Car Wash. But we may not fully appreciate the way Brazil is emerging as a regional, and perhaps, world leader in both domestic and foreign bribery, and on both the enforcement and compliance sides.
In December, Brazil claimed the lions share of the credit for the worlds single largest anti-bribery enforcement action, a settlement worth between $2.5 billion and $4.5 billion (depending on future ability to pay) against Brazilian contractor Odebrecht. So too did its petrochemicals subsidiary, Braskem, pay an additional fine of almost $1 billion.
Related investigations have reached two former presidents and the current president, numerous members of the cabinet, and an estimated 60 percent or more of the federal legislature, and countless state and municipal officials. Recently prosecutors began an investigation into bribery in the meat packing industry; this has been styled as the largest police action in Brazils history.
These days, thats saying a lot.
But at least as significant, if less widely heralded, is the way Brazil is using its substantial and newfound clout to build capacity in other countries.
Officials from eleven countries recently met in Brazil and formed an agreement to carry out a joint investigation on Odebrechts bribery across Latin America. Representatives from the attorney general and prosecutor-general offices in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, and Venezuela. The meeting was organized by Brazilian prosecutor-general Rodrogo Janot. At this gathering, the parties signed the Brasilia Declaration for International Judiciary Cooperation against Cooperation.
Notably, the most thorough coverage of the story I was able to find was here, from Xinhua, an online Chinese news source that describes itself as an important information organ of the central government.
The world is indeed changing.
By population, Brazil is the worlds fifth-largest country. But two of the four larger countries, India and Indonesia, do not appear poised for aggressive anti-bribery enforcement, domestic or foreign, any time soon. Other than the United States, that leaves China and Brazil.
As the Xinhua article suggests, China has indeed addressed domestic corruption with some rigor, though in ways unique to its political system and culture. We might call it anti-corruption with Chinese characteristics (adapting the well-worn phrase, socialism with Chinese characteristics).
But if were looking for a truly democratic anti-corruption movement one that fearlessly holds accountable powerful business leaders and politicians across the political spectrum, that is not used to secure the power of elites or neutralize political enemies, that is based on legislation adopted in response to grass-roots political demands and implemented by an independent prosecution and judiciary, and which has ignited an explosion in the compliance industry we could do no better than Brazil.
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Andy Spalding, pictured above, is a Senior Editor of the FCPA Blog and a Professor at the University of Richmond School of Law.
I grew up on a cattle ranch in Texas. When I was young, my world was made up of the long grass of coastal fields, the languid movements of cattle, and the shadows cast by towering pines. Growing up in such an isolated environment, I learned to embrace the wider world available to me in books.
Carolyn Purnell
I became a historian because I thought I hated history. My history classes in high school were less than riveting, so during my first semester of college, I took a course on the French Enlightenment to get my history requirement out of the way. We see how that turned out
I taught myself French through reading. This might sound impressive, but it was much less so, considering the fact that when I moved to Paris for my doctoral research, I spoke eighteenth-century French with a miserable accent. I didnt have the vocabulary to ask for a toothbrush, but I could request a carriageposthaste!
I have a cabinet of curiosities. People in the past often collected objects that gave them a sense of wonder, and I think that having more wonder in ones life is a splendid idea. My cabinet contains a mixture of manmade items and natural history specimens, all of which make me smile.
I adore animals. At age eight, I received a pet guinea pig that I named after Mark Twain. Wanting to give him due dignity, I insisted that everyone refer to him by his full name, Samuel Langhorne Clemens Purnell. Now, many years later, I have three dogs, and I volunteer at a local animal rescue.
I tend to write like I talk, so I often read my drafts aloud to see how they sound. That said, I much prefer written communication because I have the opportunity to edit. Being a teacher has forced me to become more comfortable articulating my ideas on the spot.
In college, I studied abroad in England, and I have longed to move back ever since. I probably shouldnt reveal this since it might send my loved ones into a panic, but I suspect that they already had an inkling.
Lately, my passion for music has given way to an obsession with podcasts. For much of my life, I have been a dedicated follower of music. I have eclectic taste, ranging from soul to shoegaze and everything in between. But in the last year, I have been filling my idle hours with podcasts, especially true crime shows and the Gimlet Media back-catalog.
I dont have much of a sweet tooth. But if you ever want to tempt me, I have a weakness for kouign-amann, a Breton pastry loaded with butter.
In my free time, I read fiction. As a historian, I obviously love nonfiction, but I can no longer read it for fun. If forced to choose, my favorite writers are D. H. Lawrence, Vladimir Nabokov, and Denis Diderot, but I read widely and dont believe in the concept of guilty pleasure. This is probably how Ive found gems like The Mummy! A Tale of the Twenty-Second Century (1828).
Florence Williams is a journalist and contributing editor to Outside magazine. Upon the release of her new book The Nature Fix, she offers her top ten suggestions of things you can do in the outdoors that could make you feel happier.
Florence Williams by Sue Barr
Try Forest Bathing
This Japanese practice involves opening all your senses to a rich forest environment, no nudity required. Japanese researchers found that even a 20-minute walk on a wooded trail can reduce your blood pressure an average 11 percent and lower your cortisol hormones (a measure of stress). The key is to pay attention to your surroundings, so take the earbuds out.
Look for natural patterns
Our eyes evolved to interpret information from trees, clouds and moving water. Richard Taylor, a physicist at the University of Oregon, says patterns like fractals help trigger relaxing, alpha brain waves. In one study he found that patterns from nature engage the brains parahippocampus, which helps regulate emotions and is also engaged by music. Looking at ocean waves might have a similar effect on us emotionally as listening to Brahms.
Listen to the Birds
For millions of years, birdsong was our natural soundtrack. Science shows it makes us feel more alert and more relaxed. One school in Britain found improved performance in students when birdsong was piped into classrooms after lunch. Try seeking out 20 minutes of birdsong to recover from daily stress.
Find some awe
Once a neglected emotion in the field of social science, awe has recently been shown to make us feel more generous, happier and more connected socially. When people describe the last time they felt awe, 70 percent of them mention the natural world. Awe doesnt have to be dramatic it can be quiet and slightly wondrous, like a fiery sunset, the milky way or a perfect dragonfly. And its an emotion we can cultivate, with the help of being outside more often.
Seek out Wild Spaces
When we are fortunate enough to spend several days in the deep wilderness or wild country, our brains change a bit, says U.S. neuroscientist David Strayer . The so-called Three-Day Effect helps us relax our exhausted frontal cortex and re-examine our life goals, relationships and place in the universe. We engage parts of the brain associated with reflection and creativity. Time to head for the mountains.
Send Your Kids to Camp
Kids these days spend 6.5 hours on digital devices, according to the American organisation CommonSense Media. But at camp, they learn to connect with nature and to each other, providing lifelong gifts like outdoor sport skills and face-to-face social skills.
Or to Forest Kindergarten
Kindergarten founder Friedrich Frobel understood that an education filled with nature and art could instill a lifelong readiness to learn. He also believed children would also pick up emotional skills like empathy, as well as a profound sense of the interconnection of all living things. Research has borne out the 19th century educator kids who attend outdoor kindergartens catch up to their peers in academics by 3rd grade and continue to outperform them in social skills, problem-solving and self-regulation.
Or at least take them Outside
When siblings play outside, they fight less. Girls tend to run around, climb trees, build forts and in general get as much exercise as boys outside, improving their large-motor skills as well as their metabolic health. Often kids find comfort in nature, forging a relationship to last a life time.
This week it was revealed that the Yellow Ranger in the new Sabans Power Rangers movie would be a member of the LGBT+ community, with the character becoming the first big screen superhero the world has ever seen. While the move is a fantastic one, LGBT+ visibility in Hollywood is still something that has a lot of work left to be put in. Despite that, today were celebrating five of the characters that have already helped fill that void, and who have made big impacts in theatres across the globe
Power Rangers' Yellow Ranger Trini is the big screen's first LGBT superhero
4. Le Fou, played by Josh Gad in Beauty and the Beast (2017)
Josh Gad as Le Fou in Beauty and the Beast
Lots of people kicked up a stink about Le Fou becoming Disneys first exclusively gay character, cementing the fact that there is still a lot of prejudice out there when it comes to acceptance of the minorities included within the LGBT+ community. Though its a little controversial to have your first homosexual characters name literally translate to The Fool, its good to see Walt Disney Studios finally stepping up to the plate in bringing LGBT visibility to their family-oriented movies. Hopefully, this is the start of something huge for the company moving forward. Perhaps soon well have our first LGBT lead Disney character?
3. Rayon, played by Jared Leto in Dallas Buyers Club (2013)
Jared Leto as Rayon in Dallas Buyers Club
Though we of course always prefer trans actors taking on trans roles in the world of movies, Jared Letos portrayal and mastery of the role he was given in Dallas Buyers Club as Raya cannot be denied. Despite immediately being portrayed as a drug addict and HIV-positive member of the trans community, Rayon proves that through all of that you can be a BOSS, and begins setting up business with Matthew McConaugheys character, Ron Woodroof. The result is the Dallas Buyers Club, where they charge $400 per month for alternate medication for those who are suffering with HIV. An eye-opening look into the America that first discovered the disease and slammed anybody who had it.
2. Lisbeth, played by Noomi Rapace in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2009)
Noomi Rapace as Lisbeth in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
As one of the most compelling and intriguing characters in modern day popular culture, Lisbeth Salander has become a hero of the bisexual community. When Rooney Mara took on the role in the American adaptation of the best-selling novel, she and those who worked on the film were unafraid to delve deep into her sexuality, showing her up, close and personal with fellow actress Yasmine Garbi, who played Miriam Wu. Lisbeth is everything a queer character should be; unafraid to be herself, ready to kick ass and showing signs of having weathered a lot of stuff in the past. Rapace played the role perfectly.
1. Laurel and Stacie, played by Julianne Moore and Ellen Page respectively, in Freeheld (2015)
Julianne Moore and Ellen Page as Laurel and Stacie in Freeheld
Based on the short documentary film of the same name, Freeheld follows the story of Laurel Hester and her fight against the Ocean County, New Jersey Board of Chosen Freeholders who wont allow her pension benefits to be transferred to her domestic, same-sex partner, after shes diagnosed with terminal cancer. If youre looking for an emotional ride, this is certainly the movie for you. Moore and Page do brilliant jobs in their roles and shine a light on a hugely important topic in American politics.
by Daniel Falconer for www.femalefirst.co.uk
find me on and follow me on
Kevin Cazad, photo by Southern Weekly
A man in the U.S. managed to cast off his drug habit after he found something even more alluring: Chinese web novels. The books unique content and imaginative plots rejuvenated the troubled man's life, media reported.
Kevin Cazad, a software programmer, resorted to drugs to alleviate his pain after breaking up with his girlfriend. Severe drug addiction caused him physical and mental pain, even threatening his life at times. But things changed in 2014, when Cazad first came across online Chinese literature.
In the past, whenever I went home, all my attention was on drugs. But when I go home now, the only thing that occupies my mind is Chinese web novels. Like drugs, they can also become an addiction, but the difference is that they can't harm your health, Cazad told the Southern Weekly during an interview, adding that he used to finish five volumes of a popular Chinese web novel named "Coiling Dragon" in a single day.
Cazads story shocked the author of the book, who told the Southern Weekly that he never expected so much enthusiasm from a foreign reader.
Many readers have written letters to me, saying that my web novel reshaped their understanding of life. Some even attribute their achievements to inspiration they got from my books. It was like, are you guys kidding me? laughed the writer, who goes under the alias I eat tomatoes.
Cazad is not the only foreigner to become a diehard fan of online Chinese literature. In fact, Chinese web novels have recently been gaining in popularity among foreign readers, who enjoy the cultural elements contained within the unique works.
According to 2016 statistics from Novelupdates.com, a website that translates popular Asian novels for Western readers, Chinese web novels have created a reading frenzy among foreign consumers. Among the site's 10 most popular web novels, five were written by Chinese authors.
As a Westerner, the traditional Chinese elements and strong plots really intrigue me. Outside of the Harry Potter series, I can't think of any other books with so much imagination and innovation, Fernando Hernandez, a Spanish engineer, told Peoples Daily Online.
Foreigners enthusiasm for the web novels has not escaped the notice of Chinese writers and entrepreneurs, who believe that the special genre is an emerging industry, which can serve as a channel to promote Chinese popular culture.
In recent years, Marvels ideas of superheros and multi-space have prevailed around the world. Nowadays, scientific and imaginative elements better cater to young peoples needs. Chinese web novels not only satisfy readers needs in that regard, but also provide them with an Asian version of the Marvel stories, Wu Wenhui, CEO of China Reading Limited, told the Southern Weekly.
Prince Harry met with his old Gurkha comrades at the Nepali embassy ceremony.
Prince Harry
The 32-year-old royal made the trip to the London embassy of the small Himalayan country on Monday (20.03.17) to celebrate 200 years of co-operation between Nepal and the United Kingdom.
Whilst at the ceremony, Harry met with some of the Gurkha soldiers whom he met whilst he was battling in Afghanistan alongside the Royal Gurkha Rifles in 2007 and 2008.
Vinod Budhathoki, 32, who lost both his legs in an accident in May 2010, remembered Harry as very down to earth during his tour of Afghanistan.
He said: "He just never let us feel like he was from the Royal Family. We just treated him as a normal officer. He was so nice, and just made us work quite easy with him."
Harry's meeting with the Gurkha soldiers comes after he attended an event last week with his father Prince Charles, in which they awarded operational service medals to the soldiers.
The Prince said during his speech at the embassy: "Last week, I joined my Father in presenting operational service medals to officers and men from 2nd Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, some of whom are with us here today.
"My father spoke of how important his 40 year association to the Gurkhas is to him. Even though my association hasn't been quite as long, I also draw a great deal of pride and joy from my association with the Gurkhas.
"Your courage, selfless dedication and professionalism are legendary; but your warmth and hospitality in welcoming me as a fellow soldier and friend means a great deal to me personally - even though certain people took great enjoyment from watching me sweat in freezing temperatures in Afghanistan while trying to get through a very spicy Goat Curry; some of you are probably here."
And Prince Harry closed his speech by thanking those in attendance, saying he hoped Nepal and the United Kingdom would continue their "close bond" for "centuries to come".
He said: "I will close by saying thank you to everyone for joining us today to celebrate our 200 year-long friendship between the United Kingdom and Nepal, and we look forward to our continued close bond of friendship for centuries to come, and now that my tika has finally faded it's probably about time to go back!"
Prince Harry has visited the Nepali embassy in London for a ceremony marking "200 years of friendship" between Nepal and the United Kingdom.
Prince Harry
The 32-year-old royal made the trip to the embassy of the small Himalayan country on Monday (20.03.17) on behalf of his grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, where he gave a speech praising the "warmth and hospitality" of the Nepali people.
He said at the ceremony: "I am delighted to join you on behalf of Her Majesty The Queen, to bring to a close our year of joint celebrations, marking 200 years of friendship and cooperation between Nepal and the United Kingdom. The Queen has asked me to pass on her best wishes to you all.
"I had the pleasure of visiting Nepal exactly a year ago. I experienced first-hand the true meaning of Nepal's slogan 'I am in Nepal Now'.
"The warmth of the welcome and hospitality from everyone I met, particularly from Mrs Mangali Tamang and her family, who I stayed with in Lorani, is something that I will never forget."
And Prince Harry also praised the residents for their "unbreakable spirit and resilience" after the country was rocked by a devastating earthquake in 2015.
Speaking about the aftermath of the quake, Harry said: "I was very pleased to see how effective the disaster response measures, supported by the British Government and others, had been in getting support to those who needed it very quickly.
"Reconstruction and building back more resiliently from such a disaster can take a long time. But I saw first-hand the unbreakable spirit and resilience of the Nepali people as they set about it - I hope you and they can continue to draw comfort from the fact the British people stand with you on that journey."
The royal also touched on the area of "empowering girls" to reach their full potential, where he said he was "encouraged" by the steps taken by the Nepali people to end "gender-based violence".
He said: "Another area in which our countries share a common aim is the commitment to empowering girls and young women to fulfil their potential.
"I was delighted to have the opportunity of joining President Bhandari for the opening of the joint Girl's Summit.
"I have been encouraged to hear that so much has been done over the past year to raise awareness about child marriage and gender-based violence. I look forward to keeping up with Nepal's progressive work to empower women and girls, the example you set is one that others will draw inspiration from."
Prince Harry closed his speech by thanking those in attendance, and said he hoped Nepal and the United Kingdom would continue their "close bond" for "centuries to come".
He said: "I will close by saying thank you to everyone for joining us today to celebrate our 200 year-long friendship between the United Kingdom and Nepal, and we look forward to our continued close bond of friendship for centuries to come, and now that my tika has finally faded it's probably about time to go back!"
Princess Anne has opened the new Princess Royal Jetty in Portsmouth.
Princess Anne
The 66-year-old royal made a visit to the coastal city on Monday (20.03.17) to officially name and open the berth that will become home to the Royal Navy's giant new aircraft carriers.
The Princess Royal Jetty is named as such after Anne herself, who bares the title of Princess Royal as she is the only daughter of the monarch, Queen Elizabeth.
The dockside area has been strengthened and upgraded in order to support the whopping 65,000 tonne weight of the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.
During her visit, Princess Anne also unveiled a plaque at Portsmouth Naval Base to commemorate the opening of the jetty, which was previously known as the Middle Ship Jetty before undergoing its redevelopment.
Princess Anne also met with some of the workers involved in the two-year refurbishment project, as well as Navy bomb disposal experts responsible for safely disposing of historic ordnance.
The need for the bomb disposal experts came after a number of World War II bombs were found in the waters below the harbour.
Over three million cubic metres of clay, sand, and gravel were moved from the sea floor as part of the dredging work carried out to deepen the harbour in preparation for the first of the new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth, to dock at the jetty later this year.
Commodore Jeremy Rigby, Portsmouth Naval Base Commander, told the Daily Mail newspaper: "Work continues at a pace to get our naval base ready for the arrival of HMS Queen Elizabeth later this year and the excitement builds as we now enter the final stages of work, testing and training ahead of her arrival."
Meanwhile, the HMS Queen Elizabeth - which is expected to cost around 3 billion to make - is being completed in Rosyth, Scotland.
Because Dubrovnik: Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Dubrovnik is bound to fill you with wonder as you stroll inside the great walled city. After a day of strolling and shopping at the quaint souvenir shops, tourists can enjoy a hearty meal at an outdoor cafe, where seafood is the star of most menus, owing to the daily fresh catch the seas bring in. If you crave the high seas, you can go island hopping given the ideal location of Dubrovnik along with the Adriatic Sea. If youre a Game of Thrones fan, youd be pleased to know that a number of the Westeros, Kings Landing scenes have been filmed in Dubrovniks Old Town. There is a two-hour GOT walking tour that is held daily to visit these locations.
Craving chocolate? Imagining a walk through a forest or on a beach may help you cut down the desire for your favourite treats, scientists say. New research indicates that people can use self-awareness to fight back and even erase chocoholic thoughts that hamper a healthy lifestyle.
"If we tackle the issue when it first pops up in your mind -particularly if you are not hungry -then it's much easier than waiting for those cravings to gather force," said Sophie Schumacher, PhD candidate at Flinders University in Australia. "Learn to nip off these cravings at the bud by giving yourself a constructive distraction... imagining a walk in a forest can help to lower the intrusiveness of the thoughts and vividness of the imagery ," said Schumacher.
"We found it was important to target the initial craving thoughts before they become full-blown cravings," she said. Cravings occur in two distinct stages -the initial intrusive thought (caused by environmental cues, like pictures) and the subsequent elaboration (where vivid image ry of the craving becomes persistent), researchers said.
Researchers tested a theory called elaborate-intrusion theory and whether two techniques known as cognitive defusion and guided imagery can reduce chocolate cravings. Cognitive defusion targets the first stage of the craving, while the guided imagery technique targets the second stage. "Becoming more aware of how your thoughts influence your behaviour is a good first step," the researchers said.
It is time to leave the gloomy, cold weather behind and welcome the coming of spring. In the northern hemisphere, March 21 marks the first day of spring and it is celebrated from the Balkans to Central Asia with the Nevruz Festival.
Although the origins of this ancient tradition are a matter of historic debate, Nevruz, which means new day in Persian, is said to have its origins in Zoroastrianism, the religion of pre-Islamic, Persian empires. According to this religion, March 21 is considered as the day of the earths creation and the first day of the new year. While some claim that Turks living in Central Asia were the first people to celebrate the coming of spring, the principle view of Nevruz according to Turkic tradition is the celebration of independence. It marks the day of departure from Ergenekon where the Turks were trapped for years before a blacksmith melted the rock and Asena, a grey wolf, led them to freedom. Ever since, Nevruz has been accepted as the beginning of the new year by Turkic nations around the world and is still honored with vibrant celebrations, including festivals. Regardless of its origins, today Nevruz brings millions of people together to celebrate the awakening of nature. excerpt from Daily Sabah
Click here to read the full article in Daily Sabah
First day of spring in Fethiye
Fethiye Times and some of our readers were out with their cameras yesterday capturing some of the wonderful signs of spring. Here is our spring has sprung gallery
Early morning in Kayakoy by Steve Parsley
A walk to Kayakoy and back to Fethiye by Angela Sowten
Out and about in Fethiye
Spring is bursting out all over
Out with the old and in with the new
Spring birdsong
We hope you have enjoyed our gallery of spring photographs. Thank you to our readers who contributed and to Hulya Yamanoglu for the featured photograph.
The yak fibre industry carries on its shoulders a lot of hope. "Through our support for development of the yak fibre industry, we intend to bring a change by creating a clothing line that not only performs the best, but also connects to the environment," says Stefan Warnaar, founder of Peak to Plateau. Aim is to create lasting impression with eco-textiles.
Peak to Plateau is an outdoor sportswear and adventure clothing company based in Christchurch, New Zealand. "We use yak wool that is responsibly sourced from the Tibetan Plateau. Then, we create base layers and outdoor clothing that outperforms other options. We source our fibre from companies that pay a fair price for it, helping support nomadic herding families earn reliable additional income, Warnaar told Fibre2Fashion.
The focus is on using sustainable fibre in the clothing line, which is why Peak to Plateau also chose Tencel. As they develop and grow, the company wants to make real changes and improvements in other areas, such as dyeing, packaging, and further supporting the development of the yak fibre industry.
It has not been easy to sell and convince people to pay more. It is also challenging to convince oneself and suppliers to use more expensive materials because it is beneficial. "We overcome this by ensuring that sustainable materials also mean better quality and people are willing to pay for quality and performance," said Warnaar.
The ultimate goal is to use sustainable practices in all areas of the business, but this is not always possible. Especially when we are a small company, it is impossible to get everything right from the beginning. At the moment, we believe there are many ways to reduce the environmental impact of dyeing the fabric, but this is a long and expensive process, he added. It is something they plan to look into further into when the resources are available. It is about being clear about what you are doing. Once we establish ourselves and become financially sustainable, we will be able to focus on other goals," he concluded. (RR)
Click here to read the complete interview.
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
Germanys leading textile machinery firm and solution orientated manufacturer of flat knitting machines, H. Stoll AG & Co, is set to present its latest collection The Bike Messenger, during Design Week in Milan 2017, a leading venue for the display of new products by designers.of furniture and other home furnishings, from April 4 to 9, 2017, in Italy.Stoll will display a 360 overview on what is possible with its flat-bed knitting technology. It will showcase the latest developments of athleisure garments along with concept knits for home furnishing and industrial design. The company will host two seminars which will provide designers with an insight of 3D knitting. (GK)
Fibre2Fashion News Desk India
BEIJING, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China's structural reform has been "really going well" amid rising uncertainties worldwide, said World Bank CEO Kristalina Georgieva, adding the world needs to think as a community of common destiny.
"In 2016, the world got 2.3 percent growth, very disappointing. More than a third, 35 percent, came from China, and it is particularly remarkable because China is rebalancing its economy," Georgieva told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on the sidelines of the 2017 China Development Forum, which concluded Monday.
She added that China's economic transformation and rebalancing have been going well, though not without some difficulties, and are moving forward smoothly.
Hailing China's commitment to international cooperation, Georgieva expressed her concern over the anti-globalization sentiment seen in some economies.
"There is no way to turn the clock back. Interdependence is so advanced that trying to roll it back would create unnecessary pain for the world economy," she said, warning that if globalization were reversed, all would lose.
Meanwhile, she said it's important to recognize that the rapidly changing world economy means that, for millions of people, there is anxiety resulting from the loss of what had been their livelihood, and that anxiety has to be addressed.
The Bulgarian economist lauded China's Belt and Road Initiative, saying it's not only an opportunity for China, but also one for countries that are becoming more connected.
"It is only natural that, with the size of the Chinese economy growing, the interconnection of China with the rest of the world growing, China's role in the world would also be growing," said Georgieva, former vice president of the European Commission.
She also hailed China's efforts to reduce taxes for businesses, which she believed would encourage more start-ups and bring more entrepreneurial spirit to China. "It is critical for China to implement reforms that do press the direction of more innovation and entrepreneurship," she said.
Georgieva said China has made "remarkable" achievements in reducing poverty, both within the country and across the border.
As a long-term partner to China, the World Bank has been working with China to precisely target those who need to be lifted out of poverty. "We are now consulting with the Chinese government to institutionalize our partnership in this regard, so as to share the Chinese experience with other countries," she said.
New York-based photographer Mark Bennington is all geared up to release his coffee table book titled 'Living The Dream: Life Of The Bollywood Actor'. However what makes his book even more interesting is the fact that it features 112 photos of Bollywood celebrities straight from the sets of their movies and commercial shoots.
Talking about how the idea dawned over him, Mark revealed to a leading website, " I had come to India in 2010 and was looking for a project. I didn't know what I would find. I did a tour and went to Jaipur, Agra and Delhi. That is when I decided to come to Mumbai and see what I can do about the idea of the project. I thought of documenting the life of stars. I was told by a friend to stay in Bandra because that is where I would meet all the stars. I did that and ended up meeting a woman who introduced me to a lawyer, who then got me in touch with Guneet Monga. She happened to be free at that time and made me certainly meet some actors."
ALSO READ: Unlike Sara Ali Khan, Juhi Chawla REVEALS Why Her Kids Won't Make Their Bollywood Debut SOON!
He further added, "She introduced me to Kalki Koechlin, Kunal Kapoor, Richa Chadda and all these people. I was in Mumbai only for two weeks. Then I went back to LA and returned after 8 months. This time I decided to stay for 2-3 months. I then met Shanoo Sharma and that is when my project changed. She put me in touch with bigger names and celebrities."
We hear that the coffee table book has a foreward written by Karan Johar. Here are a couple of pictures that we bring you and we promise it will leave you with a smile-
Kareena Kapoor Khan Bebo+ Beach = Killer Combination. Ranbir Kapoor The young lad was picturized during the break of a commercial shot and boy, that pensive look of his is killing us! Alia Bhatt 'Laugh and the world laughs with you'... Alia is a sunshine here. Ranveer Singh This man's truly got some swag! Salman Khan 'Aa gaya hai dekho bodyguard'.. does this song ring a bell? Deepika Padukone That droolworthy dimpled smile of Dippy is enough to make us go all 'uff'! Abhay Deol The picture dates back to the time when he was doing a photoshoot for Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. Irrfan Khan Lost in thoughts. Any guesses what's on his mind? Arjun Kapoor The 'Half Girlfriend' actor is seen engaging in some deep discussions here.
Do let us know which of the pictures is your favourite one in the comments section below and keep watching this space for more exciting scoop.
Vidya Balan On Kangana's Nepotism Remark- 'Let's Not Forget That Human Beings Have Favourites'
Katrina Kaif's Uncooperative Nature Resulted In Her Ouster
A source told that it was Katrina Kaif's inability to win the popularity stake as well as uncooperative nature that resulted in her ouster.
Katrina Kaif Was Unable To Live Upto The Expectations
Katrina Kaif was unable to live upto the expectations of the company in terms of popularity and was quite uncooperative at times.''
The Brand Didn't Renew Her Contract
The source further added, ''This resulted in the brand, not renewing her contract after it was expired.''
Deepika Padukone Was Hell Bent...
The reason why the actress was hell bent on going onboard with this particular brand was because it would elevate her Hollywood stance.
Deepika Padukone Wanted To Gain More Visibility
She recently made her Hollywood debut and has been making a lot of appearances in the West, with a view to gain more visibility.
What Was Reported Earlier
It was rumoured that Katrina Kaif wanted to start a cosmetics brand of her own, Therefore, she decided to take a step back.
Who Will Win?
On the film front also, both Katrina Kaif and Deepika Padukone want to grab Hrithik Roshan's next film with Kabir Khan.
Meanwhile, Katrina Is Busy Shooting For Tiger Zinda Hai
Katrina Kaif is shooting Tiger Zinda Hai with ex-boyfriend Salman Khan these days. Here is her recent picture from the sets of the movie.
Sanjay Dutt has suffered from a hairline fracture on his ribcage while shooting an action sequence for his comeback film Bhoomi. The shoot was held in Chambal and right after the injury Sanjay was rushed to the hospital and has been asked to rest by the doctors. A source close to the film was quoted as saying,
Hot! Julie 2 Star Raai Laxmi Flaunts Her First Look In A Bikini!
"During one of the crucial action sequence, Sanjay Dutt was hurt but the actor didn't pay any heed to the injury and requested to continue shoot yesterday. But when checked by doctors through X-ray post the shoot, the crew was informed about a hairline fracture with the pain which aggravated through the day. But keeping in mind the tight schedule and not delaying shoot due to the injury, Sanjay Dutt has continued shooting and takes some rests during the shoot breaks."
Veena Malik Opens Up About Her Painful Divorce! Now Wants Her Husband Back!
Despite the doctors advising Sanjay Dutt to take rest, the actor has resumed shooting and only rests during breaks after the shoot. We hope the tight schedule to complete the film will not take a toll on his health.
Omung Kumar's directorial Bhoomi is about a father-daughter relationship and stars Sanjay Dutt and Aditi Rao Hydari in the lead roles. The film is produced by Bhushan Kumar and is scheduled to hit the theatres on August 4, 2017.
Meet Malavika Mohanan, The Kerala Beauty Who Overtook Deepika Padukone In Majid Majidi's Film!
Mohanlal, the complete actor has always been in the headlines not only for his exceptional talent but also for his peculiar lifestyle. Recently, Mohanlal fulfilled his longtime bucket list wish, to the much surprise of his fans.
As per the report published by Kerala Kaumudi daily, the actor recently travelled around the Trivandrum city by 4.30 AM by a bicycle. It was Mohanlal's longtime wish to travel around his favourite city by bicycle.
Reportedly, the actor chose the early morning time for the bicycle journey, to avoid the public attention. Even though he hails from Elanthoor, Pathanamthitta, Mohanlal grew up in Mudavanmukal, Trivandrum city.
During his young age, Mohanlal and his close friends used to go for an early morning ride in bicycles around the city. They wrap up the trip after having a coffee from the famous 'Indian Coffee House' restaurant.
Mohanlal was in the Trivandrum city from the past few days and fulfilled his longtime wish with the help of his friend Sanalkumar. The actor winded up his trip by visiting the 'Indian Coffee House' restaurant like his younger days.
The actor will resume the shoot of his much-awaited upcoming movie Villain on March 24, in Kochi. The movie, which is directed by B Unnikrishnan stars Manju Warrier in the female lead and Tamil actor Vishal in a key role.
COEUR D'ALENE, IDAHO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/20/17 -- Timberline Resources Corporation (OTCQB: TLRS)(TSX VENTURE: TBR) ("Timberline" or the "Company") announces that it has engaged O&M Partners, LLC ("Otis & Mandy") to provide certain Investor Relations services for an initial 3-month term, which may continue on mutual agreement.
In connection with the aforementioned engagement, the Company announces that, subject to regulatory approval, it has approved a grant of 250,000 stock options pursuant to its 2015 Stock and Incentive Plan to Otis & Mandy. The options are exerciseable for a period of three years at an exercise price of US$0.33 and will vest as to 25% on the date of grant and 25% every three months thereafter.
About Timberline Resources
Timberline Resources Corporation is focused on advancing district-scale gold exploration and development projects in Nevada, including its Talapoosa project in Lyon County, where the Company has completed and disclosed a positive preliminary economic assessment. Timberline also controls the 23 square-mile Eureka project lying on the Battle Mountain-Eureka gold trend. At Eureka, the Company continues to advance its Lookout Mountain and Windfall project areas. Exploration potential occurs within three separate structural-stratigraphic trends defined by distinct geochemical gold anomalies. Timberline also owns the Seven Troughs property in northern Nevada, known to be one of the state's highest grade, former producers.
Timberline is listed on the OTCQB where it trades under the symbol "TLRS" and on the TSX Venture Exchange where it trades under the symbol "TBR".
Forward-looking Statements
Statements contained herein that are not based upon current or historical fact are forward-looking in nature and constitute 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. Such forward-looking statements reflect the Company's expectations about its future operating results, performance and opportunities that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. These statements include but are not limited to statements regarding the provision or success of investor relations activities, the vesting of the stock options, advancement of projects, and exploration potential. When used herein, the words "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "upcoming," "plan," "target", "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions, as they relate to Timberline Resources Corporation, its subsidiaries, or its management, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to the Company and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause the Company's actual results, performance, prospects, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks related to changes in the Company's business and other factors, including risk factors discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to release publicly any revisions to any forward-looking statements.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Timberline Resources Corporation
Steven A. Osterberg
President and CEO
208-664-4859
info@timberline-resources.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/20/17 -- Ten Peaks Coffee Company Inc. ("Ten Peaks" or the "Company") (TSX: TPK) today announced that Donald Schroeder has stepped down as a director of the Company in order to pursue his other business interests. Mr. Schroeder has been a director since October 2014.
"On behalf of the board and management of Ten Peaks, I would like to thank Don for his valuable contribution to the Company over the past two and a half years," said David Rowntree, Chairman of Ten Peaks. "Don has been a member of our board of directors, and of our Compensation and Corporate Governance Committee, and we will miss his deep knowledge and experience."
Company Profile
Ten Peaks is a publicly traded company that owns all of the interests of the Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company Inc. (SWDCC), a premium green coffee decaffeinator located in Burnaby, BC. It also owns and operates Seaforth Supply Chain Solutions Inc. (Seaforth), a green coffee handling and storage business located in Metro Vancouver.
Contacts:
Ten Peaks Coffee Company Inc.
Sherry Tryssenaar
Chief Financial Officer
604.444.8780
stryssenaar@tenpeakscoffee.ca
www.tenpeakscoffee.ca
Intelsat (NYSE: I), operator of the world's first Globalized Network, powered by its leading satellite backbone, today announced that Sentech, a leading broadcasting signal distributor in Africa, has extended and expanded its relationship with Intelsat to bolster delivery of media services in sub-Saharan Africa.
Sentech has been leveraging Ku-band services from Intelsat 20, located at 68.5 East, for decades to cost-effectively deliver Direct-to-Home (DTH) and Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) services in South Africa. Sentech, which reaches 8.5 million TV households, has contracted additional services on Intelsat 20, Africa's top video neighborhood, to power its growth in the region.
"As a world class signal distributor and communications provider, Sentech is always exploring avenues and pursuing relationships that will ensure quality broadcast services for South Africa," said Mlamli Booi, CEO of Sentech, said. "The contracting of these additional services with Intelsat will allow Sentech to expand quality media services to the rest of the African continent."
"Intelsat will continue to support Sentech in its efforts to be the leading distributor of content in Africa," said Brian Jakins, Intelsat's Vice President, Africa. "Satellite remains the best means for African broadcasters to reach the widest possible audience, and this agreement will enable Sentech to continue connecting Africa to the world and the world to Africa."
Supporting Resources:
Intelsat Media Services: http://www.intelsat.com/solutions/media/
About Intelsat
Intelsat S.A. (NYSE: I) operates the world's first Globalized Network, delivering high-quality, cost-effective video and broadband services anywhere in the world. Intelsat's Globalized Network combines the world's largest satellite backbone with terrestrial infrastructure, managed services and an open, interoperable architecture to enable customers to drive revenue and reach through a new generation of network services. Thousands of organizations serving billions of people worldwide rely on Intelsat to provide ubiquitous broadband connectivity, multi-format video broadcasting, secure satellite communications and seamless mobility services. The end result is an entirely new world, one that allows us to envision the impossible, connect without boundaries and transform the ways in which we live. For more information, visit www.intelsat.com.
About Sentech
Sentech is the backbone of the South African broadcast infrastructure and services, being the premier provider of electronic communications network services for the South African broadcasting and communications industry. The State-owned Company provides broadcast transmission services to the national broadcaster, mainstream and community television broadcasters, and over 150 Radio Stations country wide. Its infrastructure and data communications platforms also provide services to South Africa's telecoms sector and mobile providers. The world class Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and universal access Direct-To-Home (DTH) satellite platform service ensures access to Digital Television countrywide. The DTT network successfully covers 100% of country's population through 84% reach via the DVB-T2 terrestrial network and the remaining 16% via the Satellite DTH network. Sentech is now focused on developing and rolling out open-access multiscreen platforms that will enrich SA's digital content distribution industry.
More about Sentech: www.sentech.co.za
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170320006232/en/
Contacts:
Intelsat
Jason Bates
Media Communications Manager
+1 703-559-7044
jason.bates@intelsat.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - OGE Energy Corp. (OGE) Monday said its unit Oklahoma Gas & Electric Co. or OG&E is disappointed by Oklahoma rate case order. The company noted that OG&E received an order granting an $8.9 million rate increase, more than a year after filing for a rate increase with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission. This is the first increase granted to OG&E since 2012. The company expressed disappointment over individual components of the order including the allowed return on equity. The Commission ordered a 9.5 percent ROE, down from the company's current 10.2 percent. The national average for comparable utility ROEs is currently 9.77 percent. OG&E spokesman Brian Alford said, 'OG&E is a high performing utility. Our rates are among the lowest in the country, reliability is strong and customer satisfaction high and yet we received an ROE well below the national average.' The final order will result in a monthly increase of approximately 71 cents per month for an average residential customer which will be offset by a refund from interim rates that were put into effect in July, 2016. 'As a result of this rate order, we will evaluate all of our options including customer investments and programs,' Alford said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (WIHN.SW), a leading Swiss cybersecurity and IoT company, today announced that it has completed the localization of its Cryptographic Root of Trust in India, which enables the provision of digital identities to persons and secure devices connected to the "Internet of Things". The WISeKey Indian localization brings innovative security solutions that, together with the OISTE unique trust model, brings complete end-to-end cybersecurity solutions to protect the interactions of persons, applications and connected devices.
WISeKey's technology includes both the required software and hardware components to provide strong dual factor authentication and microchips to be embedded into all types of "Secure Things" on diverse industries such as distribution of products, anti-counterfeiting, smart cars, home security controls, video cameras, etc. WISeKey Semiconductors products (VaultIC product line), are a perfect solution for IoT device manufacturers requiring a state-of-the-art security coverage on all network types. Designed for low cost, power and surface constrained devices, it proposes industry standard connectivity, very low power consumption and a minimum footprint, and it's offered together with the WISeKey software PKI products and services, which provide the digital identity to authenticate devices.
The localized PKI deployment will also enable needs for other business needs, both in the private and public sectors. Most of the projects under the Ministry of electrics and Information Technology (MeitY) and Ministry of Urban Development like Mobile Identity based DBT (Direct Benefit Transfers), Jan Dhan Yojna, ESign, eGov, eSampark, Social Media etc., require execution of the Digital Core of these modernization programs. WISeKey PKI technology enables easy to use digital signatures and encryption, which are fundamental building blocks for secure online transactions. WISeKey will also localize its offering for secure Mobile Solutions, like the WISeID Personal Cloud. WISeKey also has relevant applications in the private enterprise space. The digital payment initiative, backed by the GOI, is a compelling reason for a lot of private sector banks, e-commerce companies, and Telecom service providers, to adopt stringent Trusted Identity based security solutions, which again would have WISeKey PKI technology and the building block.
WISeKey is currently deploying large scale IoT digital identities and chips for connected devices all over the world using its Cryptographic Root of Trust and secure semiconductors technology. With the Cryptographic Root of Trust embedded on the device, the IoT product manufacturers can use code-signing certificates and a cloud-based signature-as-a-service, to secure interactions among objects and between objects and people.
At the heart of this strategy is the OISTE-WISeKey Cryptographic Root of Trust which has been actively used since 1999 by over 2.6 billion desktops, browsers, mobile devices, SSL certificates and Internet of Things' devices. The OISTE WISeKey Cryptographic Root of Trust is ubiquitous and universal, and a pioneer in the identification of objects
About WISeKey
WISeKey (SIX Swiss Exchange: WIHN) is a leading cybersecurity company currently deploying large scale Internet of Things ("IoT") digital identity ecosystems and has become a pioneer of the "4th Industrial Revolution". WISeKey's Swiss based cryptographic Root of Trust ("RoT") integrates wearable technology with secure authentication and identification, in both physical and virtual environments, and empowers IoT and wearable devices to become secure transactional devices. The RoT serves as a common trust anchor, which is recognized by the operating system and applications, to ensure the authenticity, confidentiality and integrity of on-line transactions. With the cryptographic RoT embedded on the device, the IoT product manufacturers can use code-signing certificates and a cloud-based signature as a service to secure interactions among objects and between objects and people. WISeKey has patented this process in the USA as it is currently used by many IoT providers.
To receive WISeKey's latest news, subscribe to our Newsletter or visit the WISeKey Investors Corner.
Disclaimer:
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of article 652a or article 1156 of the Swiss Code of Obligations or a listing prospectus within the meaning of the listing rules of the SIX Swiss Exchange. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170320006266/en/
Contacts:
WISeKey
Amit Kumar, +91 9871222923
Managing Director of WISeKey India
or
WISeKey Investor Relations (US)
The Equity Group Inc.
Lena Cati, +1 212-836-9611
lcati@equityny.com
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Australian dollar weakened against the other major currencies in the Asian session on Tuesday. The Australian dollar fell to a 6-day low of 1.0929 against the NZ dollar and a 4-day low of 1.3967 against the euro, from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0956 and 1.3893, respectively. Against the U.S. dollar, the yen and the Canadian dollar, the aussie slipped to 0.7701, 86.79 and 1.0282 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7727, 86.99 and 1.0320, respectively. If the aussie extends its downtrend, it is likely to find support around 1.08 against the kiwi, 1.41 against the euro, 0.75 against the greenback, 86.00 against the yen and 1.01 against the loonie. 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.
The number of Uroplysa rockii, a rare plant found only in Southwest Chinas Sichuan province, has increased from 30 to 600 over the past six years, largely due to artificial intervention in laboratories. However, the plant is now set to return to nature, according to a report by Chengdu Business Daily.
The Uroplysa rockii, officially included on the national list of rare and protected plants in November 2010, has blue flowers in a five-pointed star shape. The plant was discovered by Austrian-American botanist Joseph Rock in 1925 during Rock's travels in Northwest Chinas Gansu province. American and European botanists later confirmed it to be a new species, according to Su Zeyuan, chief engineer of the Jiangyou Forestry Bureau.
Only 2,026 plants could be found in the upstream area of Jiangyou's Fujiang River at the time. That number was based on a comprehensive investigation conducted jointly by the Sichuan Provincial Academy of Environmental Sciences, the College of Life Sciences of Sichuan University and the Sichuan Academy of Forestry among others.
Su noted that, as the number of artificially cultivated specimens has reached a secure level, it is now time to move them into the wild. In fact, that process is already underway, started last July. At present, more than 600 plants have been moved, with a survival rate of more than 85 percent.
As there is only a small number of the plants and no studies of its value, all measures taken now are for the sake of plant diversity and preservation, said Su.
PALO ALTO, CA and LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Jumio, the creator of Netverify Trusted Identity as a Service, today announced a partnership with Saltrex, an international, independent online B2B auction platform for goods and cargo.
Saltrex selected Netverify for its seamless identity verification process and to help meet its Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance requirements.
Saltrex provides a secure, simple, independent and compliant online B2B auction platform for all parties with an interest in secondary, distressed or regular goods and cargo.
In the trading industry, failing to ensure that a customer is who they claim to be can result in multiple legal and compliance issues. Saltrex turned to Jumio after an exhaustive market search, selecting Netverify Trusted Identity as a Service to satisfy stringent KYC and AML-compliant digital identity verification requirements.
To verify identity through Netverify, customers simply need to scan a government-issued ID with the connected smart device. This customer data is then extracted for a comprehensive identity check and either verified as authentic or rejected.
To achieve best-in-class security and compliance, Saltrex is also using Jumio's Biometric Facial Recognition technology, which allows users to submit a selfie along with their photo ID. The technology can detect even the slightest facial movement, making sure that the selfie is live and valid and that the person who submits the ID is also the owner of it.
Michael Hajdasinski, Director, Saltrex, said: "Saltrex is the first commodity auctioning platform that requires very extensive processes for validating someone's profile. We turned to Jumio because it offered a solution that was both reliable and trustworthy. As one of the fastest-growing online credentials management companies with a track record of helping companies in multiple verticals achieve Know Your Customer compliance, we knew they could meet our exacting demands.
"Jumio is helping us build the trust necessary for our business to be a success. Even by using Netverify before our official launch, we are receiving positive feedback from potential business partners. So, we are confident that, upon launch, it will prove both popular and successful."
Robert Prigge, CRO, Jumio, said: "This is a new industry for us to enter and we are pleased to do so in partnership with such an innovative player. At Jumio we support and nurture innovation and are proud to work with Saltrex as it prepares to go to market with this exciting new venture."
About Jumio
Jumio, the creator of Netverify Trusted Identity as a Service (TIaaS), enables businesses to reduce fraud and increase customer conversions while providing a seamless customer experience. With Netverify Trusted Identity as a Service customers have a complete identity verification solution that can be tailored to fit their specific business requirements. Netverify Trusted Identity as a Service combines biometric facial recognition, facial image matching, ID verification, and document verification to ensure the physical identity matches the real-world identity. Jumio has verified more than 50 million identities issued by over 200 countries from real time web and mobile transactions. Jumio's solutions are used by leading companies in the financial services, sharing economy, higher education, retail, travel and online gaming sectors. Based in Palo Alto, Jumio operates globally with offices in the US and Europe, and has been the recipient of numerous awards for innovation.
For more information, please visit www.jumio.com.
About Saltrex
Saltrex provides a simple, secure, and transparent online B2B auctioning platform for distressed, secondary or regular cargoes. Saltrex was developed in close cooperation with and for the use of the shipping industry, cargo and P&I insurers, international trades and loss adjusters to offer their goods for sale. The platform offers its members access to buyers and sellers of goods regardless of geographic area to sell or buy just about any commodity. The transparency and independency of Saltrex is achieved through a seamless ID verification process provided by Jumio, which serves to keep companies on international sanctions lists and fraudulent companies off the platform.
PARIS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Eyevensys, a private biotechnology company developing its proprietary EyeCET platform, the first non-viral gene expression technology that enables the safe, local, sustained production of therapeutic proteins in the eye to address a wide range of ophthalmic diseases, announces that Dr. Garth Cumberlidge has been appointed as new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Garth replaces Dr. Francesco Sinigaglia who is stepping down from his role due to health reasons.
Garth is currently President and CEO of Mimetogen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel neuroprotective and neurostimulatory compounds for the treatment of ocular diseases. Prior to Mimetogen, Garth served as President & CEO of Qbiogene Inc., a company providing life sciences research products and custom cGMP manufacturing services to academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers worldwide. Previously he held senior positions at ICN Pharmaceuticals and Sigma Chemicals Company.
Dr. Cumberlidge holds degrees in Biochemistry and Genetics from the University of London (U.K.) and in Molecular Genetics from the Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin (Germany).
"On behalf of the board, I'm delighted to welcome Garth as Chairman" said Dr. Frank Kalkbrenner, Eyevensys' board member and Managing Partner of BIVF. "Garth brings more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including in ophthalmology drug development. He also brings experience and a clear understanding of private company fund raising. I am confident that he will provide the companywith the business insights and guidance to promote the unique EyeCET platform and pursue promising developments."
Raffy Kazandjian, CEO of Eyevensys, added: "I would like to thank Francesco Sinigaglia for his leadership and commitment to Eyevensys over the past two years. Francesco has offered extensive experience and insights into general management, corporate governance and financial matters that have proven to be of great value to the company".
Dr. Garth Cumberlidge, new Chairman of Eyevensys, commented: "I am very happy to be joining the board of Eyevensys. The company's novel gene delivery platform, coupled with a promising proprietary plasmid portfolio, offers a completely new, non-viral, simple and safe approach to treating a broad spectrum of ophthalmic indications with high unmet medical needs. The company's lead product is about to enter the clinic and I look forward to working with the Board and management team as they continue the development of the EyeCET platform."
About Eyevensys
Eyevensys is a private biotechnology company developing its innovative EyeCET platform to enable the sustained intraocular production of therapeutic proteins to treat a broad range of ophthalmic diseases.
Eyevensys' EyeCET technology uses electroporation to deliver protein coding plasmids, which are safe and non-viral, into the ciliary muscle of the eye. This approach facilitates the sustained production of therapeutic proteins, localized within the ciliary muscle cells.
Eyevensys believes its EyeCET technology can improve both short and long-term therapeutic outcomes by greatly enhancing patient compliance and significantly improving the tolerability of treatment.
Eyevensys' lead product EYS606, a non-viral plasmid encoding anti-TNFa, is a potential new treatment for patients with non-infectious Uveitis (NIU). EYS606 consists of Eyevensys' proprietary electro-transfection injection system (ETIS) in combination with a plasmid encoding for the production of an anti-TNFa, a cytokine that has been shown to play a pivotal role in mediating intraocular inflammation in NIU. EYS606 has been granted an Orphan drug designation by the EMA for the treatment of NIU.
Eyevensys was founded in 2008. It is headquartered in Paris, France, and is funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, BPIFrance, CapDecisif, Inserm Transfert and Pontifax.
For more information about Eyevensys, please visit www.eyevensys.com
For more information, please contact:
Eyevensys
Raffy Kazandjian, CEO
Raffy.Kazandjian@eyevensys.com
Tel: +33-(0)-1-84-79-10-60
Media Relations
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible, Sylvie Berrebi, Marine Perrier
eyevensys@citigatedr.co.uk
Tel: +44-(0)207-638-9571
OCTO becomes part of Accenture Digital after all shares successfully purchased by Accenture
Accenture (NYSE: ACN) has completed its acquisition of OCTO Technology, a technology consultancy specializing in digital transformation services and software development. OCTO has become part of Accenture Digital, expanding Accenture's digital services offering in France.
"We thank OCTO's leadership and employees for supporting this acquisition. It shows the confidence they have in this initiative, which enables us to build a unique end-to-end digital transformation service offering in the French market," said Christian Nibourel, country managing director for Accenture in France and Benelux. "Our clients now have access to an expanded range of digital skills and industry experience, which, combined with our ability to quickly scale solutions, are unmatched in the market."
"OCTO brings deep technology expertise, particularly in data science and mobile applications, and a strong culture of successful innovation, which we will leverage to create digital solutions tailored to each of our clients, and which can be quickly scaled," said Pascal Delorme, Accenture Digital lead, France and Benelux. "Companies and organizations have different requirements in terms of digital transformation, depending on where they are on their journey. The addition of OCTO to Accenture Digital's existing capabilities allows us to provide solutions that match all these needs whether it is to help clients identify, test and adopt new business models based on emerging technologies, or to quickly implement at scale more mature digital technologies."
Francois Hisquin, CEO and founder of OCTO said: "I am very pleased for OCTO to join Accenture, as we share the same vision, understanding of digital transformation issues and culture of excellence. OCTO has become a real jewel in the French technology service market thanks to its unique identity, agility, methodologies and innovative management, as well as its strong corporate culture. It's this DNA and the drive to imagine the future and change the rules that caught Accenture's attention. We will preserve and share this so that clients can take advantage of the synergies which allow us to see further, bigger and faster."
Accenture has acquired a 100 percent shareholding in OCTO through a cash tender offer, which was supported unanimously by the supervisory board of OCTO. Following the purchase of the total shareholding, OCTO has been delisted from the Alternext stock exchange in Paris.
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.
Accenture Digital comprised of Accenture Analytics, Accenture Interactive and Accenture Mobility, offers a comprehensive portfolio of business and technology services across digital marketing, mobility and analytics. From developing digital strategies to implementing digital technologies and running digital processes on their behalf, Accenture Digital helps clients leverage connected and mobile devices; extract insights from data using analytics; and enrich end-customer experiences and interactions, delivering tangible results from the virtual world and driving growth. To learn more about Accenture Digital, follow us @AccentureDigi and visit www.accenture.com/digital.
About OCTO Technology
OCTO Technology is a technology consultancy specializing in digital transformation and software development operating in five countries: France (headquarter), Morocco, Switzerland, Brazil and Australia. OCTO has nearly 380 employees with specialized digital technology skills, including Big Data and analytics, user experience design, and mobile services delivery. Awarded the Great Place to Work award (companies under 500 employees) for each of its four participations, OCTO also runs the successful 'Unexpected Sources of Inspiration' (USI) event each year in Paris where leaders, industry innovators and technology entrepreneurs exchange ideas, draw inspiration and discuss the digital transformations in our societies.
Forward-Looking Statements
Except for the historical information and discussions contained herein, statements in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "may," "will," "should," "likely," "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "projects," "believes," "estimates," "positioned," "outlook" and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These include, without limitation, risks that: the transaction might not achieve the anticipated benefits for Accenture; Accenture's results of operations could be adversely affected by volatile, negative or uncertain economic conditions and the effects of these conditions on the company's clients' businesses and levels of business activity; Accenture's business depends on generating and maintaining ongoing, profitable client demand for the company's services and solutions including through the adaptation and expansion of its services and solutions in response to ongoing changes in technology and offerings, and a significant reduction in such demand or an inability to respond to the changing technological environment could materially affect the company's results of operations; if Accenture is unable to keep its supply of skills and resources in balance with client demand around the world and attract and retain professionals with strong leadership skills, the company's business, the utilization rate of the company's professionals and the company's results of operations may be materially adversely affected; the markets in which Accenture competes are highly competitive, and Accenture might not be able to compete effectively; Accenture could have liability or Accenture's reputation could be damaged if the company fails to protect client and/or company data from security breaches or cyberattacks; Accenture's profitability could materially suffer if the company is unable to obtain favorable pricing for its services and solutions, if the company is unable to remain competitive, if its cost-management strategies are unsuccessful or if it experiences delivery inefficiencies; changes in Accenture's level of taxes, as well as audits, investigations and tax proceedings, or changes in tax laws or in their interpretation or enforcement, could have a material adverse effect on the company's effective tax rate, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition; Accenture's results of operations could be materially adversely affected by fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; Accenture's business could be materially adversely affected if the company incurs legal liability; Accenture's work with government clients exposes the company to additional risks inherent in the government contracting environment; Accenture might not be successful at identifying, acquiring, investing in or integrating businesses, entering into joint ventures or divesting businesses; Accenture's Global Delivery Network is increasingly concentrated in India and the Philippines, which may expose it to operational risks; as a result of Accenture's geographically diverse operations and its growth strategy to continue geographic expansion, the company is more susceptible to certain risks; adverse changes to Accenture's relationships with key alliance partners or in the business of its key alliance partners could adversely affect the company's results of operations; Accenture's services or solutions could infringe upon the intellectual property rights of others or the company might lose its ability to utilize the intellectual property of others; if Accenture is unable to protect its intellectual property rights from unauthorized use or infringement by third parties, its business could be adversely affected; Accenture's ability to attract and retain business and employees may depend on its reputation in the marketplace; if Accenture is unable to manage the organizational challenges associated with its size, the company might be unable to achieve its business objectives; any changes to the estimates and assumptions that Accenture makes in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements could adversely affect its financial results; many of Accenture's contracts include payments that link some of its fees to the attainment of performance or business targets and/or require the company to meet specific service levels, which could increase the variability of the company's revenues and impact its margins; Accenture's results of operations and share price could be adversely affected if it is unable to maintain effective internal controls; Accenture may be subject to criticism and negative publicity related to its incorporation in Ireland; as well as the risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed under the "Risk Factors" heading in Accenture plc's most recent annual report on Form 10-K and other documents filed with or furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission. Statements in this news release speak only as of the date they were made, and Accenture undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statements made in this news release or to conform such statements to actual results or changes in Accenture's expectations.
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BRUSSELS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center has published an article on German Migrationspolitik and its consequences for the future of the country's labour market. So far, Germany's been enjoying one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, but will struggle trying to retain this status in the following years as it faces the issue of the refugees' integration in the national market. This issue is a common EU problem, but the impact on Germany is going to be especially visible due to the high number of migrants in the country.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480268/ESISC_Germany_Refugees.jpg )
To read the full article, published March 20, 2017, click here: http://www.esisc.org/publications/briefings/11801
As authors admit, "complexity of the integration is widely acknowledged in the research community in the country as well. The Director of studies at the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) Mareike Bunning declared that "there will be major challenges in the coming years with regard to labour market integration of refugees". Likewise, the Director of Germany's Institute for Employment Research (IAB) Joachim Moller conveyed: "If we manage to get 50% of the refugees into work which pays for their lives in five years, that'd certainly be a success. It would be an illusion to believe that we will manage to find jobs for a decent proportion of refugees in well-paid industry jobs like car manufacturing"."
German citizens, still suffering in the aftermath of the economic crisis, will be hugely affected by the refugees' influx in addition to rising security risks and carrying the burden of fiscal costs of caring for the asylum seekers (8.3 billion in 2015 and 14 billion in 2016). As a result, the cleavage between German populace and the direction of the migration policy Merkel's government has taken will deepen even further.
LONDON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Global Tech Leaders to Discuss Latest Tech Trends at Two-dayLeadersInTech Summit
Some of the biggest names in European tech will descend on London this summer for atwo-daysummit being held as part of London TechWeek2017.Almost one year since the UK voted for Brexit, theLeadersInTech Summit will see the likes of:Ronan Harris(MD Google UK),Sir Martin Sorrell(CEO WPP),KristoKaarman(CEO TransferWise),andNicholas Cary(Co-Founder Blockchain.com),gatheratThe Academy by Google to discuss the challenges facing London's tech ecosystemas the Government begins the process of withdrawing from the EU.
London is widely regarded as one of the world's biggest and fastest growing tech hubs, attractingmore investmentthan any other European city last yearandhasmore software programmers than either New York or the metropolitan area of San Francisco.London's tech sector is currently home to 46,000 businesses, contributing 240,000 jobs across the city.
Despite the uncertainty causedby the Brexit vote in June 2016,global tech companies such as Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon and Snap haveannounced further jobs and investment for London.
Russ Shaw, founder of Tech London Advocates andGlobal Tech Advocates said:"London Tech Week is a chance for the capital to showcase its fastest growing industry to the rest of the world. This year, theLeadersInTech Summit will be the beating heart of the festival, bringing together entrepreneurs, business leaders and investors to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the fast-growth tech firms in the digital capital of Europe."
Jacqueline De Rojas, President, Tech UK added:"The value of"theLeadersInTech Summit is in connecting theScaleupcommunity to the mentorship of the leaders of some of the world's largest tech companies. It is this blend of attendees and the intimate setting at Google that will be key to driving meaningful conversations and shaping our organisations of the future. Another step towards building a digital nation of significance."
Other names confirmed to speak at theLeadersInTech Summit, which is titled:Harnessing innovation for global competitiveness,include:Liam Maxwell(National Technology Adviser HM Government),DanCobley(MD BlenheimChalcot),Jessica Butcher(Co-founderBlippar) andEileen Burbidge(Partner at Passion Capital and Chair of TCUK).
Theflagship London Tech Weekevent will be held on June 13 and 14and will be hosted byGoogle.Afull list of speakers and a programme for the summit can be foundhere.
London Tech Week is Europe's largest festival of technology and will see hundreds of events across the city from 12-16th June, attracting over 40,000 visitors from all over the world.
OCEAN VIEW, Delaware, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printing equipment market share is likely to observe growth close to 15% in terms of volume over the estimated period. These printers are broadly used in various end-user industries such as aerospace and automotive.
The industry research report "3D Printing Materials Market Size By Product (Ceramics, Plastics, Metals), By End-user (Electronics & Consumer Products, Automotive, Medical, Industrial, Education, Aerospace), 3D Printing Equipment Market Size By Product (Polyjet, Fuse Deposition Modeling [FDM], Selective Laser Sintering [SLS], Stereolithography [SLA], Colorjet), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, China, India, Japan, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, GCC), Application Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 - 2024" by Global Market Insights, Inc. says 3D Printing Materials Market is set to cross USD 3 billion, 3D Printing Equipment Market will exceed USD 9 billion by 2024.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160418/799556-a )
Robust growth in the aerospace industry on account of reduced fair, government investment in space research, massive new aircraft manufacturing backlogs and defense investment for enhancing their defense forces has positively influence the overall 3D printing equipment market size. The civil aviation business is witnessing escalating growth due to socio economic factors such as increasing consumer income. Airline passenger traffic across the globe was more than 5.5 RPKs billion in 2013 and by 2033, is forecast to exceed 15 RPK billion. These factors will positively impact demand, as the product is extensively used in the aerospace industry for injection molding and rapid prototyping applications.
Request for a sample of this research report @https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1179
In the aerospace industry, it enables stimuli to industry changes and faster iteration. Furthermore, the civil aviation industry is focused on expansion via strategic partnerships & alliances such as frequent flyer programs (FFP), onboard duty-free sales and annual subscriptions for premium services.
Positive growth indicators across automotive, education, medical and pharmaceutical applications offer strong global 3D printing materials market growth potential. For instance, the global automotive manufacturing business is likely to expand at over 4% CAGR between 2016 and 2024. This trend is mainly driven by increasing personal vehicle sales in the BRIC nations on account of improving consumer lifestyle dynamics. Furthermore, technological developments in the medical and pharmaceutical industry have propelled the product demand in the medical applications such as tissue fabrication and organ manufacturing. Associated high product cost is the major hindrance faced by the industry share contributors and thus may hamper the global 3D printing materials market size by 2024.
Browse key industry insights spread across 170 pages with 170 market data tables & 13 figures & charts from this 2017 report 3D Printing Materials & Equipment Market in detail along with the table of contents at:
https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/3D-printing-materials-market
In 2015, ceramic 3D printing materials market size was more than USD 100 million. This printer finds application across in plates, cups, saucers and statues. In addition, ceramic offers printing accessibility over elevated temperatures. Metal 3D printing materials market share shall witness gains close to 17% CAGR by 2024. Increasing product demand across industrial, aerospace, defense, and automotive due to substantial metal usage in these industries will positively boost the overall 3D printing material market size by 2024.
In 2015, the global 3D printing materials market size for electronics & consumer products accounted for more than 20% of the overall business share. Upgrading socio economic aspects including consumer spending pattern, lifestyle dynamics and income have positively influenced the electronic gadgets demand globally. This in turn will boost the overall 3D printing material market share by 2024.
Polyjet 3D printing equipment market share accounted for over 35% of the overall industry in 2015. In addition, SLS 3D printing equipment market size shall witness gains close to 15% CAGR between 2016 and 2024. Increasing SLS product applications in automotive and aerospace industries will stimulate business growth by 2024.
In 2015, North America 3D printing materials market size was over USD 200 million. Escalating electronic, automotive and aerospace industry in the region is the prime growth factor. Asia Pacific, mainly led by India, China and Japan is likely to observe highest growth more than 20% between 2016 and 2024. Inclining medical and pharmaceutical industry China and India is the chief factor driving the regional 3D printing materials market size by 2024.
In 2015, the 3D printing materials & equipment market size was highly consolidated with major industries holding more than 50% of the total business share.
Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @ https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1179
3D Printing Materials & Equipment market research report includes in-depth coverage of the industry, with estimates & forecast in terms of volume in kilo tons and revenue in USD million from 2013 to 2024 , for the following segments:
3D Printing Materials Market By Product
Ceramics
Plastics
Metals
Others
3D Printing Materials Market By End-user
Electronics & Consumer Products
Automotive
Medical
Industrial
Education
Aerospace
Others
3D Printing Equipment Market By Product
Polyjet
Fuse deposition modeling (FDM)
Selective laser sintering (SLS)
Stereolithography (SLA)
Colorjet
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
Middle East & Africa South Africa GCC
&
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Espoo, Finland, 2017-03-21 10:30 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --
Aspocomp Group Plc, Company Announcement, March 21, 2017 at 11:30 a.m.
Aspocomp Group Plc. has on March 13, 2017 announced the major shareholder announcements made by Hartiavoima Ky and Mr. Kyosti Kakkonen regarding changes in their shareholdings on March 13, 2017. The Board of Directors of Aspocomp Group Plc. has, based on inquiries and interviews after the changes in the shareholdings announced on March 13, 2017, resolved to change the proposal of the Board of Directors regarding the composition of the Board of Directors as follows:
The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the number of members of the Board of Directors be five (5).
The Board of Directors proposes to the Annual General Meeting that the current members of the Board of Directors Ms. Paivi Marttila, Ms. Kaarina Muurinen, Mr. Juha Putkiranta and Mr. Matti Lahdenpera be re-elected as members to the Board of Directors and Ms. Julianna Borsos would be elected as new member of the Board of Directors. In accordance with the Articles of Association of the company, the term of office of the members of the Board of Directors ends at the closing of the next Annual General Meeting following the election.
The said director nominees have given their consents to the election.
The nominees' personal details are available on the company's website www.aspocomp.com/agm2017.
The Board of Directors has assessed the director nominees' independence against the independence criteria of the Finnish Corporate Governance Code. According to the evaluation carried out by the Board of Directors, all nominees, other than Ms. Julianna Borsos, are independent of the company's significant shareholders. The Board of Directors has also assessed that all nominees are independent of the company.
The notice to the Annual General Meeting published by Aspocomp Group Plc. on February 22, 2017 is available here: www.aspocomp.com/agm2017.
For further information, please contact Mikko Montonen, CEO, tel. +358 20 775 6860, mikko.montonen(at)aspocomp.com.
ASPOCOMP GROUP PLC
Mikko Montonen CEO
Aspocomp - a service company specializing in PCB technologies
Aspocomp specializes in demanding PCB technologies, serving its customers throughout the entire life cycle of a product. Aspocomp sells and manufactures PCBs and also provides related design and logistics services as well as technology solutions. Aspocomp creates value for its customers with unique products and solutions, strong manufacturing and technology expertise, as well as fast and reliable deliveries. A wide network of expert partners together with Aspocomp's own manufacturing enables its customers to cost-effectively buy their PCBs from a single provider over the entire life cycle of a product.
A printed circuit board (PCB) is the principal interconnection method in electronic devices. PCBs are used for electrical interconnection and as a component assembly platform in most electronic applications. Aspocomp's customers are companies that design and manufacture telecom systems and equipment, automotive and industrial electronics, security technology and semiconductor testing systems.
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SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 3, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Together with Honeywell, Huawei delivered the gigabit network and provided a Passive Optical LAN (POL) solution to achieve smart network inside the Brisbane Skytower, Australia.
"We're excited to work with Huawei to build a gigabit network for Skytower, Brisbane's iconic 270-meter, 90-story residential tower. The network is the first-ever installation to utilize one common fiber optic cable for telephony/data and building services."
--Mark Dunn, Executive General Manager, Honeywell Building Solutions
Background
Brisbane Skytower is a landmark building under construction in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. Located in Brisbane's central business district, this iconic residential tower will become Brisbane's tallest building when completed in 2018/2019. Skytower will be an exemplary smart building leveraging advanced technology solutions from Honeywell and Huawei to make it more sustainable, secure and energy-efficient.
Challenges
Smart buildings are rapidly evolving to become more networked, human-centric and intelligent. The growing use of The Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, and Big Data, enables seamless interoperability between building intelligence and information systems, changing the building industry and accelerating the development of smart buildings.
The network for smart buildings needs to keep pace with this new paradigm and be smart enough to connect people together, which needs to shift from simply providing telephone services to delivering all-round services such as Wi-Fi, and environmental awareness. It needs to tackle the following challenges:
Higher bandwidth is needed: A growing number of smart devices such as smartphones, 4K Internet TV are being used in buildings. Buildings are adopting more building control, energy management, and sensing equipment. All these bandwidth-intensive applications place increased pressure on overburdened networks.
Ubiquitous network access is required: Occupants now expect anytime, anywhere access to applications and services in rooms, elevators, underground parking garages, etc. Property management owners also need a simpler, faster-to-deploy, and easier-to-manage network to reduce costs while improving efficiency.
These challenges were primary considerations for Billbergia Group, Skytower's property management company. The Group wanted a technology provider that could provide a comprehensive smart building solution.
Bill McGarry, Development Manager of the Billbergia Group, understood the importance of "preparing building for the next wave of technology upgrades" and needed to be confident the Skytower technology solution was going to deliver the best outcome.
Solution
Billbergia Group approved Honeywell's proposed technology solution integrated with Huawei's POL solution, delivering a complete smart building solution.
Honeywell Solution
Honeywell will provide Skytower with its Enterprise Buildings Integrator, a building automation system that takes charge of system integration, covering the Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning, security protection facilities, etc. Additionally, Honeywell will centrally manage various building sub-systems, provide a visualized management portal and alarm management and work-order management services, designed to deliver efficient facility management, fast response, and predictive maintenance.
Huawei Solution
Huawei is the ideal ICT vendor to deliver the gigabit network and provides a POL solution to achieve smart network inside the Skytower. In contrast to a traditional complex LAN which limits the performance of bandwidth-intensive applications, Using POL technology, an enterprise can combine data, voice, video, and other weak-current systems into one optical network.
Prominent features include high bandwidth, high reliability, comprehensive security authentication, easy deployment, and Wi-Fi coverage.
As part of the POL solution, Huawei's network management system U2000, OLT (MA5608T), ONU (MA5626, M5671, and MA5620), and ONT (HG8242H) are included to unlock the passive network's full potential.
Benefits
Huawei's POL solution makes the followings possible in Skytower:
The building automation system shares the same network with triple-play services, eliminating the need to build standalone networks.
One single fiber bears all services, simplifying cabling and dramatically reducing Capital Expenditure.
Passive splitters take place of switches in the middle layer without the need of powering and cooling, which greatly saves riser space.
Smooth evolution to 10G PON while reusing existing cables for maximal investment protection.
The U2000 centrally monitors the faults and alarms of all network equipment and provide added visibility to end-to-end service rollout.
Future Plan for Smart Building
At the 2017 Huawei Partners Summit held in Sydney, Honeywell won the 2017 Award for Solution Breakthroughs for its excellent work on the Skytower project. In addition to smart buildings like Brisbane Skytower, Huawei and Honeywell have agreed to jointly explore opportunities in education and enterprise campuses, business buildings, and industrial parks in high growth regions, including China, Southeast Asia, the South Pacific, Western Europe, the Middle East, and India.
The companies will jointly pursue large-scale smart city projects throughout the world to help build intelligent urban infrastructures that enable to control costs while providing a more favorable living environment.
To know more about Huawei helping enterprises achieve digital transformation, please visit http://e.huawei.com/topic/leading-new-ict-en/index.html?utm_campaign=lni17-minisiteen&utm_medium=hwdc&utm_source=ebghome-en&source=eebghq175155l
SHANGHAI, Sept. 6, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Joy Huang, Vice President of Huawei's IT Product Line, in a keynote speech titled "All Connected, All Cloud, All Intelligent", announced six innovative solutions designed to help enterprises with digital transformation. The new solutions include innovations in hardware, software, data, connection, architecture, and hybrid cloud.
Huawei also shared success stories and best practices learned in working with the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China and Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Company Ltd. on digital transformation.
"The digital transformation in many industries will bring human beings to an intelligent world in the future, and innovation will be the driving force of the revolution," said Joy Huang. "Increasingly, innovation will take place in the cloud, and the cloud will need the all-round strength. Huawei Cloud is committed to be an enabler of intelligent world, delivering continuous innovations of technologies and capabilities on Huawei Cloud to help customers succeed in their digital transformation."
At HUAWEI CONNECT 2017, Huawei Cloud released six solutions, presenting its innovation in hardware, software, data, connection, architecture, and hybrid cloud:
Hardware innovation: Atlas is Huawei's new-generation intelligent cloud hardware platform. In the scenarios of the public cloud, artificial intelligence (AI), and high-performance computing (HPC), Atlas pools resources of graphics processing units (GPUs), HDDs, and SSDs using heterogeneous resource pools and intelligent orchestration. The platform provides on-demand hardware resources to meet the requirements of different service models, doubling resource utilization. In addition, logic servers can be deployed within seconds, supporting quick service rollout.
Software innovation: Huawei DevCloud (to be launched tomorrow) enables tools, capabilities, and process services on Huawei Cloud , sharing Huawei's accumulated development experience with enterprises.
, sharing Huawei's accumulated development experience with enterprises. Data innovation: Huawei Cloud enterprise intelligence (EI) services assist enterprises in data innovation to create an intelligent world. Huawei Cloud not only offers platform services, such as deep learning, graph analysis, and search, but also AI services, such as image tagging, intelligent audits, graph rebuilding, automated handling of customs declarations using Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and intelligent packing, enabling smarter enterprises. To meet the enterprise requirements for a distributed IT architecture, Huawei introduced three secure and reliable distributed database services on Huawei Cloud , including the distributed OLAP enterprise data warehouse LibrA, distributed OLTP enterprise database Derecho, and distributed MySQL database Taurus.
enterprise intelligence (EI) services assist enterprises in data innovation to create an intelligent world. not only offers platform services, such as deep learning, graph analysis, and search, but also AI services, such as image tagging, intelligent audits, graph rebuilding, automated handling of customs declarations using Optical Character Recognition (OCR), and intelligent packing, enabling smarter enterprises. To meet the enterprise requirements for a distributed IT architecture, Huawei introduced three secure and reliable distributed database services on , including the distributed OLAP enterprise data warehouse LibrA, distributed OLTP enterprise database Derecho, and distributed MySQL database Taurus. Connection innovation: Huawei Cloud IoT platform is a full-stack platform that includes SIM card management, device management, and application enablement layer, having features of secure connection, cross-industry ecosystem, and easy integration. The platform provides a wide spectrum of industry enabling suites and templates, so that Huawei Cloud better matches IoT and Internet of Vehicles scenarios.
better matches IoT and Internet of Vehicles scenarios. Architecture innovation: Huawei Cloud released the FusionCloud Stack solution and introduced enterprise storage services with 99.9999% reliability. As an extended module of the public cloud, FusionCloud Stack can be deployed in enterprises' data centers. If the network connecting to the public cloud fails, the local system can continue to provide services to enterprises. This solution maintains a consistent user experience of the public cloud, more secure data sovereignty, low latency, and zero local maintenance, helping migrating enterprises' mission-critical services to cloud securely.
released the FusionCloud Stack solution and introduced enterprise storage services with 99.9999% reliability. As an extended module of the public cloud, FusionCloud Stack can be deployed in enterprises' data centers. If the network connecting to the public cloud fails, the local system can continue to provide services to enterprises. This solution maintains a consistent user experience of the public cloud, more secure data sovereignty, low latency, and zero local maintenance, helping migrating enterprises' mission-critical services to cloud securely. Hybrid cloud innovation: The FusionBridge hybrid cloud solution is based on the OpenStack cloud platform, with an innovative injection cascading architecture that is used to implement homogeneous or heterogeneous hybrid cloud. This solution provides a cross-cloud unified service catalog to shield the differentiation of using multiple cloud platforms. With an undifferentiated cross-cloud service image using HyperContainer, cross-cloud Overlay network automation, and unified vAPP deployment service, the solution easily implements cross-cloud distributed deployment and on-demand expansion of customer services. FusionBridge also provides customers with a GUI or an Operation and Maintenance portal to help customers reduce workloads and simplify cross-cloud management.
Since the Cloud BU's formation in March 2017, it has seen a 238% increase in Huawei's cloud user base, and has released 40 new cloud services, including the data warehouse service, advanced DDoS service, and CDN service. As of now, Huawei has released a total number of 85 cloud services. In the meantime, over 4,500 new features have been added to Huawei Cloud.
Investing USD200M to Develop 15 New OpenLabs in 3 Years
HANNOVER, Germany, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At CeBIT 2017 held in Hannover, Germany, Huawei today unveiled its Global OpenLab Program, outlining its development of 15 new OpenLabs and investment plan for the next three years. The new OpenLabs will enable Huawei to work with various industry partners across the world to create customer-centric and innovative solutions that enable digital transformation, while promoting industry ecosystem development.
Global OpenLab Program with USD200M Total Investment in 3 Years
In 2017, Huawei will build 7 new OpenLabs located in cities including London, UK; Paris, France; Moscow, Russia; and Johannesburg, South Africa. This brings the total number of OpenLabs to 12 and by the end of 2019, Huawei plans to increase this number to 20. Over the next three years, Huawei will allocate nearly 1,000 talents around the world and invest a total of USD200 million in the Program.
Victor Yu, President of Industry Marketing & Solution Department of Huawei Enterprise Business Group, said: "Each OpenLab addresses the needs of its local market, and harnesses local talent and technology assets. For example in Munich, Germany, we are working on joint innovation projects, conducting simulation tests and researching on connected cars with German automotive enterprises. We work with outstanding local companies to integrate their capabilities into Huawei's global value chain and promote these capabilities across the world, helping to enhance the competitiveness of local ICT industries."
Huawei has built and operated OpenLabs in 5 cities including Suzhou, China; Munich, Germany; Mexico City, Mexico; Singapore; and Dubai, UAE. These OpenLabs are facilitating joint innovation and solution launches with more than 400 partners across Smart City, finance, transportation, energy, manufacturing and media sectors. Huawei has established partnerships with nearly 80 overseas solutions partners. Various large enterprises and government departments are implementing solutions developed by Huawei's OpenLabs. For example, Huawei collaborated with Accenture to develop Smart City solutions; Huawei and Altair joined forces to create an enterprise simulation cloud solution that supports customers in the automotive industry as they digitally transform their research and development arm; Huawei innovated with partners such as SAP and Oracle on power IoT solutions, enabling customers to build strong and cost-effective power grids.
Platform + Ecosystem Strategy Accelerates Digital Transformation with Customers and Partners
The Global OpenLab Program is aligned with Huawei Enterprise Business Group's "Platform + Ecosystem" strategy. This strategy centers on collaborating with partners and customers to develop innovative, differentiated and leading industry-specific solutions that enable open, elastic, flexible, and secure platforms to drive enterprise digital transformation. Huawei is focused on facilitating a digital transformation ecosystem to implement joint innovations and expand the ecosystem in terms of industry alliances, business alliances, developer platforms, and open-source communities.
"Challenges within a future smart society cannot be tackled alone, they demand cooperation within the ICT industry and with relevant partners. Initiatives such as the Global OpenLab Program demonstrate Huawei's commitment to providing the building blocks of an ICT ecosystem in this smart society, and driving continuous industrial and social progress through strategic alliances. The Global OpenLab Program will bring together global and regional business partners to boost industry innovation capabilities, and by supporting the greater good of the industry we aim to generate more opportunities for all ecosystem players," added Yu.
Commenting on its collaboration with Huawei, Rolf Schumann, SVP Global General Manager Platform and Innovation, SAP Cloud Platform, said: "Since 2012, SAP and Huawei have established a strategic alliance, which is based on our complementary software and hardware, and we have cooperated to develop SAP HANA joint solutions and go-to-market (G2M) strategies. Huawei has established 5 global OpenLabs that target the enterprise market and have a complete set of equipment to provide potential customers and partners with integrated ICT platforms, enabling joint innovations and proof of concept. SAP believes that these OpenLabs can accelerate cooperation with Huawei in various fields, including Industry 4.0, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Business-to-Business (B2B) cloud."
Infosys has set up an alliance with Huawei since 2014. Umashankar Lakshmipathy, Senior Vice President and Regional Head-- EMEA, Cloud & Infrastructure Services, Infosys Limited, said: "We have cooperated extensively with Huawei in finance, the IoT and cloud data center solutions, and go-to-market (G2M) strategies. Huawei's OpenLab in Suzhou provides partners with a leading ICT platform that enables joint innovation of banking and smart stadium solutions. We hope that our joint innovations with Huawei can be expanded to the entire world through Huawei's OpenLabs in other regions, such as South Asia and the Middle East."
Huawei is committed to cooperating with its customers and partners in building ICT platforms featuring Cloud, Pipe, and Device collaboration, and orchestrating symbiotic, vibrant, and sustainable ecosystems. Huawei will continue to work with its partners to explore new ways to address digital transformation challenges in the new ICT era.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider.
For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com.
WELLINGTON, March 21 (Xinhua) -- Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei announced Tuesday it is making a massive investment in research and development in New Zealand.
The plans included the building of a cloud data center and establishment of innovation labs in Christchurch and Wellington, Huawei founder and CEO Ren Zhengfei said in a statement.
The company would spend 400 million NZ dollars (281.8 million U.S. dollars) over five years on the investments, according to the New Zealand government.
Ren said he had met with New Zealand Prime Minister Bill English on Tuesday to discuss ICT (information and communications technology) infrastructure and digital transformation.
He also outlined the company's investment plan for New Zealand, including local procurement, research and development, and cloud computing infrastructure initiatives.
"New Zealand's open and fair trade environment, and its emphasis on developing new technology, facilitates our ongoing commitment," Ren said in the statement.
"New Zealand has rich tourism resources, and highly developed agricultural and trade sectors. Digital transformation empowered by advanced ICT technology can enable New Zealand to become better connected with the world, and transform its traditional strengths into driving forces of economic growth."
Huawei would work with local partners to build a New Zealand cloud data center, and would open an innovation lab at Victoria University of Wellington this year.
The lab will focus on the use of big data, and how to maximize the potential of the Internet of Things through future technology such as 5G.
Huawei would also seek new partnerships to establish an innovation lab in Christchurch.
It would also enable 100 New Zealand undergraduate students to travel to China over the next five years to study learn about cutting-edge technology and participate in cultural exchanges.
The company would open a regional office in Wellington, purchase more goods and services locally, and help local businesses integrate into its global supply chain network.
Huawei began its operations in New Zealand in 2005 and has provided much of the technology behind the New Zealand government's ultra-fast broadband initiative.
Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges said the depth of the investment would touch many areas of the economy and open up global opportunities for New Zealand.
"The initiatives that Huawei is committing to will also help strengthen our research and development activity and capability building in the digital and technological world," Bridges said in a statement.
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Attorney Diana Zitser, a Certified Family Law Specialist since 2002, today announced that she has been recognized by Super Lawyers of Southern California for their annual list, "Top 50 Women in Southern California, 2017." This is Attorney Zitser's third Super Lawyer award. Ms. Zitser is an "AV Preeminent" rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating a lawyer or a law firm can receive for legal ability and ethical standards. Additionally, she has a perfect "10" rating from Avvo for peer recognition and client satisfaction, which led to her receipt of Avvo's "Clients' Choice Award" in 2016.
The Law Offices of Diana P. Zitser, APC is a highly respected and well-known Los Angeles-based law firm, known for its specialty in all aspects of Family Law. With nearly 20 years' experience, Ms. Zitser has successfully represented clients on all type of family law matters ranging from high-net-worth divorces to later-in-life divorces, legal separations, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, custody and move-away cases and determination of spousal and child support.
Commenting on being listed among the Top 50 Women in Southern California, Attorney Zitser states, "I'm honored to be part of this esteemed group of women who are all accomplished lawyers in their chosen fields. This recognition is an achievement that measures, not only the high quality of legal service we provide, but also the consistency in performance of our work. In accepting this honor, I'd like to acknowledge my amazing legal team at the firm as well as the many top-notch forensic experts we employ when representing our clients; it is truly a team effort."
Southern California Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high-degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. Only 5% of attorneys in Southern California receive this distinction. Those Southern California lawyers who receive the highest point totals during the nomination, research and peer review process are further recognized in Southern California Super Lawyers' Top Lists.
Before being named a "Super Lawyer," Ms. Zitser was one of Super Lawyers' "Rising Star" recipients. Since that time, she has been recognized as one of the: "Top 25 Lawyers in the San Fernando Valley" (San Fernando Business Journal), "Ten Most Dependable Family Law Attorneys of the West" (Forbes Magazine), and "The Best Divorce Lawyers in Los Angeles," 2016 & 2017 (Expertise.com). In 2016, she received LiveWire's "Global Award" and, most recently, the Law Offices of Diana P. Zitser was named, "Family Law Firm of the Year, 2017" by Lawyer Issue Magazine.
Ms. Zitser received her Juris Doctorate degree from Southwestern School of Law in 1997 and has since, served as a member of the State Bar of California (Member, Family Law Section. An advocate for giving back to her community, Ms. Zitser serves on the board of the non-profit organization, "CMomA" (www.cmoma.org), which offers support to childless individuals and couples who seek to adopt children in need.
For more information, visit: http://www.zitserlaw.com.
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HANNOVER, Germany, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At CeBIT 2017 held in Hannover, Huawei today released a next-generation wireless communications solution, empowering enterprises to succeed in the digital age. The solution integrates voice, video, intercom, monitoring, IoT, and other services into a single system while providing industry-grade reliability and availability on both licensed and unlicensed bands. By 2020, it is estimated that enterprises around the world will create approximately 7 billion connections. In an ever-changing connected world, Huawei's new solution will accelerate the digital transformation of enterprises, laying a solid foundation for this new era.
Current Wireless Communications Challenges
Many enterprises require privately owned networks to drive wireless communications but are often challenged to acquire sufficient licensed spectrum. Even industries that have a direct bearing on the national economy and people's lives (such as electric power and rail transport) can only acquire less than 10 MHz of private spectrum bands. However, enterprise digital transformation is driving demand for more bandwidth as communications extend from voice to data, video, IoT, industrial control, cloud, and many other diverse services. Unlicensed bands are an attractive option for enterprises due to support for unlicensed Industrial Scientific & Medical (ISM) bands on the 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz totaling several hundreds of MHz of bandwidth. Today unlicensed bands primarily use Wi-Fi access technology, however this technology cannot meet enterprise requirements for reliability, stability, and mobility.
Enterprise Wireless Communications Entering a New Era
3GPP is the world's largest standard development institute for mobile communications and has a powerful industry chain. Under its coordination, mobile cellular communications has entered 4.5G and is evolving to 5G. Huawei has applied 3GPP-compliant wireless communications technologies on both licensed and unlicensed bands to develop a 4.5G-based eLTE industry solution that supports both narrowband and broadband services, and integrates licensed and unlicensed bands. This solution inherits the reliability and integration advantages of cellular mobile communications while ensuring service availability by utilizing abundant unlicensed spectrum resources.
"Now, there are no longer obstacles holding back enterprise wireless communications and Huawei is set to lead in this new era," said Qiu Heng, President of Marketing Operations, Wireless Solution, Huawei. "Our next-generation solution enables enterprise customers to create an integrated, highly reliable and available enterprise wireless communications system. Different types of services, including narrowband communications, broadband communications, people-to-people communications, people-to-thing communications, thing-to-thing communications, services with low-latency requirements, and services with a vast number of connections, are supported by the same system. This addresses enterprises' various communications demands including production, operation, management, and office administration, to expedite the digital transformation of enterprises."
Reliability: Huawei's next-generation wireless communications solution guarantees reliability on unlicensed bands. It introduces cutting-edge interference detection and avoidance algorithms to existing advanced cellular communications technologies. This allows for optimized utilization of wireless resources when a large number of users are accessing services. In addition, the inclusion of a device- and system-level redundancy mechanism helps ensure industry-grade reliability of 99.999%, enabling the stable and reliable operation of the system.
Integration: In the past, enterprises deployed multiple networks based on different technologies to enable various types of communications services. These services include wireless voice, multimedia communications, wireless video surveillance, data collection from mass number of sensors, real-time dispatch, and remotely controlled robotics. However, these isolated networks are unable to share data, and network construction and maintenance is becoming costly. In the 4.5G cellular communications era and the upcoming 5G era, there is growing consensus among the industry to deploy one system to fulfill the task of completing numerous communications requirements. Huawei's enterprise wireless communications solution uses 4.5G for enterprises to provide wireless broadband and Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) IoT services through a unified network. The network transfers data, IoT, voice, positioning, and a multitude of other services, realizing full connection between people, between people and things, and between things for enterprises.
The enterprise wireless communications solution has been verified for commercial use in Shanghai's Yangshan Port, one of the largest ports in the world. The verification results conclude that communications reliability reaches 99.999% and operational efficiency of the port increases by 30%. The solution has also been verified in the electric power industry, with all the monitored automatic power distribution terminals providing online services. As these tests demonstrate, the solution can be applied in many scenarios, such as real-time data collection for power distribution automation, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) smart electricity meters, wireless video surveillance, urban train-to-ground wireless communications, and data collection from mass number of sensors in smart cities.
Large-Scale Commercialization of Next-Generation Enterprise Wireless Communications
Huawei's next-generation Enterprise Wireless Communications solution will be globally available for purchase in July 2017. It is expected that this technology will be widely applied in the fields of electric power, energy, smart parks and smart cities, and will later extend to all other industries. The solution will significantly change enterprises' operation methods, boosting digital transformation across all industries.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider.
For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com.
LONDON (dpa-AFX) - UK public sector borrowing excluding banks in February declined to its lowest level for the month since 2007 and came in below economists' expectations, figures from the Office for National Statistics showed Tuesday.
Net borrowing excluding public sector banks dropped by GBP 2.8 billion year-on-year to GBP 1.8 billion, which was lowest for February since 2007. Economists had forecast GBP 3.2 billion borrowing.
In the current financial year-to-date, public sector net borrowing excluding banks decreased by GBP 19.9 billion to GBP 47.8 billion. The figure was the lowest year-to-date borrowing since the financial year-to-date ending February 2008.
The Office for Budget Responsibility has forecast GBP 51.7 billion borrowing for the financial year ending March 2017.
The ONS noted that the latest report included for the first time the GBP 497.25 million deferred prosecution agreement payment from Rolls-Royce PLC after a probe into bribery and corruption.
The payment that was accrued to January reduced the central government and so public sector net borrowing by GBP 0.5 billion in January.
The agency also pointed out that receipts are particularly high in both January and, to a lesser extent in July, due to the receipt of self-assessed income tax, capital gains tax and self-assessed national insurance contributions.
Net debt excluding public sector banks totaled GBP 1,699.7 billion at the end of February, equivalent to 85.4 percent of gross domestic product. The figure was higher than the GBP 111.1 billion, or 2.3 percentage points as a ratio of GDP, since February 2016.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
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SINGAPORE -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Avnet, a leading global technology distributor, today announced the promotion of Frederick Fu to the role of president of Avnet, Asia Pacific, effective immediately. Fu will directly report to William J. Amelio, Chief Executive Officer of Avnet. In his new role, Fu will be responsible for the strategic direction and business growth in the region.
Fu has more than 30 years of experience in the electronics industry across Asia in a variety of positions including engineering, marketing and business management. He joined Avnet in October 2006 and was named regional president, China, overseeing the company's electronic component business growth in China. Most recently, he served as acting president for Avnet Asia and Japan.
Prior to joining Avnet, Frederick worked in various sectors in the electronics industry including semiconductors IDM, hard disk drives, and the EMS business. He was the chief marketing officer at Surface Mount Technology Ltd., responsible for worldwide marketing and building a global network for the company. Before that he was president of STMicroelectronics Taiwan where he spent 14 years with STMicroelectronics Taiwan and STMicroelectronics Singapore. Frederick holds a master's degree in industrial engineering from the University of Hong Kong.
"Frederick is an accomplished leader with a track record of driving the company's growth and contributing to business excellence. He is the right leader to help us move forward with our strategy to provide seamless support to design engineers across the idea and product conception stages to volume production," said William J. Amelio, Chief Executive Officer, Avnet. "With his business acumen and deep understanding of Avnet business, Frederick's leadership and vision will help to galvanize our electronic component and distribution business position and its global footprint throughout the Asia Pacific region."
"There is tremendous potential in these markets to cultivate growth opportunities and for us to extend our best-in-class solutions within the industry. Our suite of innovative solutions, combined with technical expertise, design and supply chain services, enables us to deliver unrivalled in-house capabilities and time-to-market advantage solutions for our customers," said Fu.
He added, "It is with great honor that I take on this role to propel our business forward and to deepen our presence in the region with the support of our customers and suppliers."
Follow Avnet on Twitter: @Avnet
Connect with Avnet on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/avnet
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All brands and trade names are trademarks or registered trademarks, and are the properties of their respective owners. Avnet disclaims any proprietary interest in marks other than its own.
About Avnet
From idea to design and from prototype to production, Avnet supports customers at each stage of a product's lifecycle. A comprehensive portfolio of design and supply chain services makes Avnet the go-to guide for innovators who set the pace for technological change. For nearly a century, Avnet has helped its customers and suppliers around the world realize the transformative possibilities of technology. Learn more about Avnet at www.avnet.com.
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BANGALORE, NEW YORK and DUBAI, UAE, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
In a time where every brand is trying to grab attention by resorting to cheap gimmicks and promotions, here's something that truly stands out and shines bright.
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Sunny Diamonds, India's most loveddiamond jeweller, has come up with a unique and interesting activity that helps its customers tobe close to their loved ones.
The'Gift of Love'by Sunny Diamonds, offers the chance for participants to visit their loved ones, wherever they are in the world simply by taking part in the Sunny DiamondsGift of Love contest. By answering a few questions, the winners get to goanywhere in the world wheretheir loved ones are; at absolutely no cost. As a brand, Sunny Diamonds has always stood for love and togetherness. This unique offering goes on to prove that the brand realizes there's no better gift than being with loved ones.
To take part inthe contestor for more information, visithttps://sunnydiamonds.com/GiftOfLove and have a good trip.
About Sunny Diamonds:
Offering the brightest jewels in the diamond jewellery industry, Sunny Diamonds has been a force to reckon with for over two decades. Exquisite craftsmanship, attention to detail and sourcing the finest quality diamonds have been the trademarks of Sunny Diamonds - the facets that set it apart, just like how its diamonds stand apart from the rest.Sunny Diamonds, India's only Internal Flawless diamond jeweller, has an outstanding heritage of diamond expertise that stretches back over two decades. By directly sourcing the highest quality of internally flawless diamonds from sight holders, Sunny Diamonds is able to create timeless treasures that reveal and celebrate the wondrous brilliance of diamonds.
Media Contact:
Binoy Bose
E-commerce Head
Sunny Diamonds
vicepresident@sunnydiamonds.net
+91-9447067785
EDMONTON, ALBERTA and NEW YORK, NEW YORK -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Stantec (TSX: STN) (NYSE: STN) Global design firm Stantec today announced it has signed an agreement for the sale of its software business, Innovyze, for USD$270 million to the EQT Mid Market US fund, part of the international alternative investments firm EQT. Innovyze joined Stantec through the MWH acquisition which closed in 2016. Subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals, it is anticipated that the sale will close in Q2 2017.
"Innovyze is an impressive, growing business and we see this as an opportunity to continue working with them in servicing our clients while allowing both our companies to prosper with the best available resources," said Bob Gomes, Stantec President and Chief Executive Officer.
Founded in May 1996, Innovyze is a leading global provider of wet infrastructure business analytics software solutions designed to meet the technological needs of water/wastewater utilities, government agencies, and engineering organizations worldwide. The company's clients include the majority of the largest UK, Australasian, East Asian and North American cities, foremost utilities on all six continents, and ENR top-rated design firms.
"We have been passionately building significant global market presence and vanguard water and wastewater modeling and simulation technology since I founded the company over twenty years ago, and we excelled in superior customer care," said Paul F. Boulos, Ph.D., BCEEM, Hon.D.WRE, Dist.D.NE, Dist.M.ASCE, NAE, Chairman, CEO and President of Innovyze. "Joining forces with EQT will help us further enhance our technology innovation and talent pool to even better serve our fast growing customer base. This is an ideal match of culture and technology, and a great win for the critical water and wastewater industry. I look forward to leading Innovyze to unprecedented levels of success for our customers, their communities and the environment."
The larger integration of the MWH business into Stantec's operations continues, with North American divisions expected to be complete in Q2 2017 and successive parts within the next 18 months.
Robert W. Baird served as exclusive financial advisor and Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP acted as legal advisor to Stantec on the transaction.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENTS
Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Any such statements represent the views of management only as of the date hereof and are presented for the purpose of providing Stantec's shareholders and potential investors with information regarding the company, including management's expectations with respect to the closing of the transaction and future working relationship with Innovyze. These forward-looking statements reflect management's belief and assumptions based on information available at the time the information was stated and is not a guarantee. Stantec does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this news release or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. For additional information on our assumptions, and the risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ from anticipated results, refer to Stantec's Annual Report filed on the company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and with the SEC at www.sec.gov.
About Stantec
We're active members of the communities we serve. That's why at Stantec, we always design with community in mind.
The Stantec community unites approximately 22,000 employees working in over 400 locations across 6 continents. Our work-engineering, architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, surveying, environmental sciences, construction services, project management, and project economics, from initial project concept and planning through to design, construction, commissioning, maintenance, decommissioning, and remediation-begins at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships. With a long-term commitment to the people and places we serve, Stantec has the unique ability to connect to projects on a personal level and advance the quality of life in communities across the globe. Stantec trades on the TSX and the NYSE under the symbol STN. Visit us at stantec.com or find us on social media.
Design with community in mind
Contacts:
Stantec Media Contact
Danny Craig
Director, Public Relations
(949) 923-6085
danny.craig@stantec.com
Stantec Investor Contact
Sonia Kirby
Director, Investor Relations
(780) 616-2785
sonia.kirby@stantec.com
Evotec AG (Frankfurt Stock Exchange: EVT, TecDAX, ISIN: DE0005664809) will report its financial results for 2016 on Tuesday, 28 March 2017. The Company is going to hold a conference call to discuss the results as well as to provide an update on its performance. Furthermore, the Management Board will present an outlook for the fiscal year 2017. The conference call will be held in English.
Conference call details Date: Tuesday, 28 March 2017 Time: 02.00 pm CEST (01.00 pm BST/08.00 am EDT)
From Germany: +49 69 22 22 29 043
From UK: +44 20 3009 2452
From USA: +1 855 402 7766
From France: +33 170 750 705
Access Code: 37969784#
A simultaneous slide presentation for participants dialling in via phone is available at www.audio-webcast.com, password: evotec0317.
Webcast details
To join the audio webcast and to access the presentation slides you will find a link on our home page www.evotec.com shortly before the event.
A replay of the conference call will be available for 24 hours and can be accessed in Europe by dialling +49 69 22 22 33 985 (Germany) or +44 20 3426 2807 (UK) and in the USA by dialling +1 866 535 8030. The access code is 654573#. The on-demand version of the webcast will be available on our website:
About Evotec AG
Evotec is a drug discovery alliance and development partnership company focused on rapidly progressing innovative product approaches with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, academics, patient advocacy groups and venture capitalists. We operate worldwide providing the highest quality stand-alone and integrated drug discovery solutions, covering all activities from target-to-clinic to meet the industry's need for innovation and efficiency in drug discovery (EVT Execute). The Company has established a unique position by assembling top-class scientific experts and integrating state-of-the-art technologies as well as substantial experience and expertise in key therapeutic areas including neuroscience, diabetes and complications of diabetes, pain and inflammation, oncology and infectious diseases. On this basis, Evotec has built a broad and deep pipeline of more than 70 partnered product opportunities at clinical, pre-clinical and discovery stages (EVT Innovate). Evotec has established multiple long-term discovery alliances with partners including Bayer, CHDI, Sanofi or UCB and development partnerships with e.g. Janssen Pharmaceuticals in the field of Alzheimer's disease, with Sanofi in the field of diabetes, with Pfizer in the field of tissue fibrosis and with Celgene in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. For additional information please go to www.evotec.com.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Information set forth in this press release contains forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements contained herein represent the judgement of Evotec as of the date of this press release. Such forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control, and which could cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in these forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation or undertaking to release publicly any updates or revisions to any such statements to reflect any change in our expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.
Language: English Company: Evotec AG Manfred Eigen Campus Essener Bogen 7 22419 Hamburg Germany Phone: +49 (0)40 560 81-0 Fax: +49 (0)40 560 81-222 E-mail: info@evotec.com Internet: www.evotec.com ISIN: DE0005664809 WKN: 566480 Indices: TecDAX Listed: Regulated Market in Frankfurt (Prime Standard); Regulated Unofficial Market in Berlin, Dusseldorf, Hamburg, Hanover, Munich, Stuttgart, Tradegate Exchange
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321005781/en/
Contacts:
Evotec AG
Gabriele Hansen
VP Corporate Communications Investor Relations
Phone: +49.(0)40.56081-255
gabriele.hansen@evotec.com
MADRID (dpa-AFX) - Spain's foreign trade gap widened in January from a year ago, as imports grew faster than exports, preliminary figures from the Economy Ministry showed Tuesday. The trade deficit rose to EUR 3.1 billion in January from EUR 2.4 billion in the corresponding month last year. Excluding energy, the trade balance showed a deficit of EUR 855.1 million in January, lower than the shortfall of EUR 942.4 million in same month of 2016. Merchandise exports surged 17.4 percent year-over-year to EUR 21.4 billion, its historical maximum for the month of January. Imports jumped 19.0 percent from last year to EUR 24.6 billion. 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.
LEBANON, NH -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Appcast, the leading developer of programmatic job advertising technology, today announced that Chris Cummins, a sales and business development executive with extensive HR industry experience, has joined the company as Chief Revenue Officer. In this key position, Cummins is responsible for sales, marketing and account management, driving Appcast's continued growth and overseeing the company's robust client portfolio and work with resellers, alliances and partnerships.
Appcast founder and CEO Chris Forman said, "Appcast continues to experience rapid growth since our founding in January 2014. We're now serving more than 600 employer clients, as well as the majority of leading recruitment ad agencies and performance job sites. With Chris' go-to-market background, deep knowledge of the industry and strong network, he will be instrumental in keeping Appcast on this path by extending our reach into new markets and supporting our mission of transforming how organizations find talent through measurable recruitment advertising."
Cummins previously served as vice president - Inside Sales for technology-enabled learning company Skillsoft where he contributed to the development and management of a high performing sales team. During his 12-year tenure with Skillsoft, Cummins also held other high-level sales roles, responsible for rapidly growing teams and revenue. Earlier in his career, Cummins worked in sales management and business development for Hewlett-Packard and Equifax. In addition to his professional experience, Cummins studied economics at St. Thomas University in Canada.
"With its market-leading approach to recruitment media, its programmatic job ad solutions and overall growth since start-up, this is a very exciting time to join the Appcast team," Cummins shared. "I'm looking forward to deepening our enterprise and agency relationships, while increasing our opportunities in new markets."
About Appcast
Appcast is using data and programmatic targeting to revolutionize the global recruitment advertising industry. From its namesake pay-per-applicant job ad exchange to its market-leading recruitment media optimization platform, Appcast is changing how more than 600 leading employers, ad agencies, and job boards attract high quality job seekers. To learn more, visit: http://www.appcast.io.
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WINSTON-SALEM, NC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Shipt, the fastest growing online grocery marketplace, today announced that it will expand to offer grocery and alcohol delivery from Harris Teeter across the Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville metros. To celebrate the launch of Shipt's expansion with Harris Teeter, new members who sign up for an annual Shipt membership will receive $25 off their first order.
Beginning March 23, 2017, Shipt members in these metros will have to access Harris Teeter's selection of grocery, beer and wine for delivery. With this expansion, Shipt's grocery and alcohol delivery will now be available to more than 3.7 million households across North Carolina.
"We were so excited to bring grocery delivery to residents in Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and Asheville with Shipt's initial launch back in February," said Bill Smith, founder and CEO of Shipt. "Harris Teeter is a beloved North Carolina brand, and we are proud to provide our members with access to a grocer they know and trust, with the added convenience of alcohol delivery."
Through the Shipt app, Shipt members will be able to shop a full selection of groceries, beer and wine offered at local Harris Teeter stores, note any preferences, choose a one-hour delivery window and pay for their order. To verify age for alcohol deliveries, members 21 and older will scan their IDs through the app and will be required to present the same identification to the Shipt Shopper upon delivery. As a perk to members, deliveries are free of charge on all orders over $35, inclusive of beer, wine and grocery items. For a detailed overview of the new offering, visit Shipt.com/Harris-Teeter.
Leading up to the launch, Shipt plans to grow their network of Shoppers, who are responsible for ensuring complete, accurate fulfillments of each order. To apply to be a Shipt Shopper, visit Shipt.com and click "Get Paid to Shop." Shipt displays a commitment to each of the communities it serves and plans to identify opportunities to help eliminate hunger and food insecurity in North Carolina.
Understanding that alcohol delivery entails more legal and safety concerns than grocery delivery, Shipt will require shoppers to complete additional training on Shipt's alcohol delivery policies and procedures to ensure safe and responsible delivery to members. Only certified shoppers will be allowed to complete deliveries including alcohol.
About Shipt
Shipt, the nation's fastest growing online grocery marketplace, works with leading retailers and local stores to deliver groceries via a community of shoppers and a convenient app. Since its founding in 2014, Shipt has been rapidly expanding and now offers quality, personalized grocery delivery to over 17 million households in 35 markets across the country. Shipt offers unlimited grocery deliveries to members for $99 per year. The company currently has offices in Birmingham, AL, and San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit Shipt.com.
About Harris Teeter
Harris Teeter, with headquarters in Matthews, N.C., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR). The regional grocery chain employs approximately 30,000 associates and operates stores in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia, Maryland, Delaware, Florida and the District of Columbia.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Shipt
Email Contact
(205) 799-4698
During his appearance at the China Development Forum on March 18, Johnson & Johnson CEO Alex Gorsky expressed marked optimism about both the future of healthcare in China and his own companys role in it.
In the roughly 35 years since Johnson & Johnson entered the Chinese market, the company has massively expanded its regional business. As Gorsky pointed out during a panel discussion at the forum, Johnson & Johnson now employees 10,000 people in China, and also launched its Asia Pacific Innovation Center in 2014, which is located in Shanghai with satellite centers in Singapore, Australia and Japan. In addition, Gorsky alluded to future plans to invest almost $500 million in China to support innovation and research.
The panel discussion, held at the forums economic summit on March 18, focused primarily on the topics of innovation and industry in China. Throughout the discussion, and in an interview the next day with People's Daily Online (people.cn), Gorsky maintained that China is an essential component of Johnson & Johnsons strategy for future innovative development.
"It starts with its 1.3 billion people. Its one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. Its a seminal hub for things like connectivity, mobility, the use of cell phones, internet connectivity, and so its just really incumbent upon a company like Johnson and Johnson, a global leader in healthcare, to be here participating in whats going on," said Alex Gorsky.
Asked to rate the performance of the Shanghai innovation center, the CEO praised its special energy. Pointing out that the performance of any healthcare enterprise must be evaluated by how much it helps people to live longer, healthier lives, Gorsky remarked that he was very impressed and encouraged by the work being done by researchers in China.
In fact, I think there is a pent-up ambition to want to move faster, he said of the Chinese team. Theres a sense of urgency, theres a willingness to be even more agile thanin other perhaps more historical or developed markets. Gorsky also pointed out that 75 percent of Johnson & Johnson employees in China are millenials, as opposed to the 35 percent in other markets. China in many ways helps to set the pace, he mused.
Along these same lines, Gorsky credits China with a willingness to embrace new technologies and an open mind when it comes to healthcare.
I think emerging markets have a significant opportunity, he explained during the panel, noting that healthcare systems in developing countries are less entrenched than they often are in developed countries. So rather thanhaving anger because this is the way its been done for the last so many years, I think [these emerging markets] can actually be more enabled by some of the technology improvements that were talking about right now.
So how to develop these technology improvements? During the interview, Gorsky described Johnson & Johnsons method as search and development rather than the more typical research and development. He said that the company sources about half its innovation from outside by making sure that were identifying, partnering, creating relationships with the very best new ideas, being agnostic about the actual source but ultimately focusing on the best solution.
Despite uncertainty about what the future will bring, Gorsky, along with the other forum panelists, felt confident that the future of industry lies in technology.
I think the fact that all of us are so impacted by technology is representative of the opportunity and potential it presents, he reflected.
Cubic Transportation Systems to highlight convenience of a single account for all mobility services
Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS), a business unit of Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB), today announced that Andy Taylor, strategy director for CTS, will speak on the conveniences of Mobility as a Service (MaaS) at the MaaS Market: Concept to Delivery conference. The event, organized by the publisher ITS International, will be held in London, United Kingdom from March 22 23 and will bring together experts in the transportation and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) industries to discuss and formulate the future of MaaS worldwide.
Public transport utilization is increasing in urban areas because of growing populations a trend that requires new transportation models to deliver efficient solutions for both the user and operator. MaaS has the ability to help drive social equity and cost savings to cities, all while delivering benefits to the traveler.
"At its core, MaaS is about planning a complete journey, from point A to B, using one or any combination of travel modes while purchasing all mobility services from a single account," said Taylor. "I look forward to sharing the convenient one account solution Cubic can offer to my industry colleagues at this event."
Taylor will present at the following session:
The MaaS transformation: How much for the convenience?
Thursday, March 23, 9:25 a.m. (local time); 99 City Road Conference Centre, London, United Kingdom
Follow Cubic Transportation Systems at @CubicTS or NextCity to join the conversation. To participate in the MassMarket conversation during the event, use ITS_Int_News.
About Cubic Corporation
Cubic Corporation designs, integrates and operates systems, products and services focused in the transportation, defense training and secure communications markets. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Global Defense is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions, special operations and intelligence for the U.S. and allied forces. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321005634/en/
Contacts:
3 Monkeys Zeno
Dominique King, +44 20 7009 3115
Dominique.King@3monkeyszeno.com
or
Cubic Corporation
Laura Chon, +1 858-505-2181
Corporate Communications
laura.chon@cubic.com
CALGARY, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Touchstone Exploration Inc. ("Touchstone" or the "Company") (TSX: TXP) announces that the Trinidad and Tobago Minister of Energy and Energy Industries ("MEEI") approved a reduction of the Company's letter of credit supporting required work commitments on the East Brighton offshore property from US$6 million to US$2.15 million. The letter of credit is currently secured by funds held in trust.
The Company has proposed to drill the East Brighton commitment well from a location onshore to a bottom hole location target offshore as defined by 3D seismic. The estimated costs associated with the well is expected to be approximately US$2 million. The Company is also completing a further technical evaluation of the property and will provide a detailed report to the MEEI prior to the end of the year. The well is expected to be drilled following the technical evaluation and receipt of all required regulatory approvals. Upon the completion of the technical report the letter of credit is expected to be reduced by US$150,000, and upon the conclusion of the drilling operations the remaining US$2 million is also expected to be released.
James Shipka, Touchstone Chief Operating Officer, said, "We are very excited that Touchstone has been able to identify an exciting, 3D defined target that can be reached from the onshore location." He went on to say, "With current commodity prices it allows us to evaluate the block in a cost-effective manner, and if successful, we could bring the well to the production stage very quickly."
In conjunction with the approved US$3.85 million reduction of the East Brighton letter of credit, Touchstone announces the commencement of its 2017 capital program. The program will initially comprise the recompletion of 24 wells and the drilling of four wells. The 24 recompletions will target zones in existing wells that are located on various properties held by the Company. The initial targets will be in the Coora, WD-4 and WD-8 blocks with up to three recompletions targeted for later in the year on the Company's Ortoire exploration block. The drilling program is expected to commence within the next 45 days with development wells planned to be drilled on the Coora-1, Coora-2, WD-4 and WD-8 blocks. The planned drilling program reflects the Company's existing work commitments and will target the Forest and Cruse horizons in each property.
Paul Baay, President and Chief Executive Officer, said, "The reduction in the letter of credit has allowed us to free up capital to commence our program. We have not drilled a well in 26 months and are excited to once again focus on production growth in 2017."
Touchstone may expand the drilling program further based on the stability of commodity prices. The Board of Directors and Management review the capital program on a quarterly basis.
About Touchstone
Touchstone Exploration Inc. is a Calgary based company engaged in the business of acquiring interests in petroleum and natural gas rights, and the exploration, development, production and sale of petroleum and natural gas. Touchstone is currently active in onshore properties located in the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Company's common shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "TXP".
Advisory Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
Certain information provided in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward information in this press release may include, but is not limited to, statements about the release of the letter of credit cash collateral, plans related to and the timing of certain capital expenditures, sufficiency of resources to fund operations, and the potential undertaking of an additional 2017 capital program. 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. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Certain of these risks are set out in more detail in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 24, 2016 which has been filed on SEDAR and can be accessed at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof, and except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company assumes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements made herein or otherwise, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contacts:
Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Mr. Paul Baay
President and Chief Executive Officer
403.750.4487
Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Mr. Scott Budau
Chief Financial Officer
403.750.4487
Touchstone Exploration Inc.
Mr. James Shipka
Chief Operating Officer
403.750.4487
www.touchstoneexploration.com
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- All amounts expressed in US dollars
Barrick Gold Corporation (NYSE: ABX)(TSX: ABX) ("Barrick" or the "Company") announced that an arbitration tribunal of the World Bank's International Center for Settlement of Investment Disputes ("ICSID") yesterday issued a decision on the arbitration claims that Tethyan Copper Company Pty Limited ("TCC"), a joint venture between Antofagasta plc and Barrick, filed against the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, in relation to the unlawful denial of a mining lease for the Reko Diq project in 2011.
Yesterday's decision by the ICSID tribunal rejected Pakistan's final defense against liability, and confirmed that Pakistan had violated several provisions of its bilateral investment treaty with Australia, where TCC is incorporated.
The damages phase of the proceedings will begin on March 22, during which the tribunal will consider submissions from the parties to determine the amount that Pakistan must pay TCC. A ruling on the quantum of damages is expected in 2018.
The Reko Diq project, located in the Balochistan province of Pakistan, was expected to require an initial capital investment of more than $3 billion. It is one of the world's largest undeveloped copper and gold deposits, with a potential mine life of more than 50 years.
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Certain information contained in this press release, including any information as to our projects, plans, or future financial or operating performance, constitutes "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. The word "expect" and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements including, without limitation, with respect to initial capital estimates, mine life and potential mineralization and metal or mineral recoveries for the Reko Diq project. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as at the date of this press release in light of management's experience and perception of current conditions and expected developments, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements and information.
Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold, copper, or certain other commodities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; changes in mineral production performance, exploitation, and exploration successes; increased costs, delays, suspensions, and technical challenges associated with the construction of capital projects; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities, including geotechnical challenges, and disruptions in the maintenance or provision of required infrastructure and information technology systems; failure to comply with environmental and health and safety laws and regulations; timing of receipt of, or failure to comply with, necessary permits and approvals; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls or regulations, and/or changes in the administration of laws, policies, and practices, expropriation or nationalization of property and political or economic developments in Pakistan, Canada, the United States, and other jurisdictions in which the Company does or may carry on business in the future; lack of certainty with respect to foreign legal systems, corruption, and other factors that are inconsistent with the rule of law; damage to the Company's reputation due to the actual or perceived occurrence of any number of events, including negative publicity with respect to the Company's handling of environmental matters or dealings with community groups, whether true or not; risk of loss due to acts of war, terrorism, sabotage, and civil disturbances; litigation; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties, or over access to water, power and other required infrastructure; risks associated with working with partners in jointly controlled assets; employee relations including loss of key employees; increased costs and physical risks, including extreme weather events and resource shortage, related to climate change and availability and increased costs associated with mining inputs and labor. In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion, copper cathode or gold or copper concentrate losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks).
Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect our actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, us. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. Specific reference is made to the most recent Form 40-F/Annual Information Form on file with the SEC and Canadian provincial securities regulatory authorities for a more detailed discussion of some of the factors underlying forward-looking statements and the risks that may affect Barrick's ability to achieve the expectations set forth in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release.
Contacts:
INVESTOR CONTACTS: Daniel Oh
Senior Vice President, Investor Engagement and Governance
+1 416 307-7474
doh@barrick.com
MEDIA CONTACT: Andy Lloyd
Senior Vice President, Communications
+1 416 307-7414
alloyd@barrick.com
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) -
NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES.
VR Resources Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: VRR) (the "Company" or "VR Resources"), formerly Roll-Up Capital Corp., is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced Qualifying Transaction involving the Company and Renntiger Resources Limited ("Renntiger"). As a result of the Qualifying Transaction, Renntiger became a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company. In conjunction with the Qualifying Transaction, Renntiger raised a total of approximately $4.4 million, which included a brokered financing of approximately $4 million that was co-led by GMP Securities and PI Financial, (the "Financing").
Trading (Tier 2) in the shares of VR Resource, which have been halted pending closing of the Qualifying Transaction, is expected to commence under the symbol "VRR" following the issuance of the TSX Venture Exchange's final bulletin in respect of the Qualifying Transaction, on or about March 23, 2017.
VR Resources will continue the business plan and exploration strategy undertaken by Renntiger over the past 4 years. Renntiger was established to seek out early stage exploration opportunities with potential for district scale discoveries which could help fill the impending supply gap faced by global copper and gold producers. The Company's current focus is expected to be on copper and gold opportunities in the western United States, with the Company's current assets located solely in the state of Nevada. The western United States features mining friendly jurisdictions with well developed infrastructure favourable for cost-effective exploration, globally significant copper and gold resources and numerous profitable mining operations. VR Resources will focus on enhancing shareholder value through the identification, exploration and development of its 100% owned property assets in this highly prospective region. Refer to the Company's filing statement dated March 16, 2017 available under the Company's profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) for further information (the "Filing Statement").
Exploration has been ongoing at the Company's Bonita copper-gold and Danbo gold properties over recent months, with first pass drilling planned for the Bonita property in 2017. The Company is well financed for its core, two-year exploration strategy, including the ongoing evaluation of new opportunities.
Transaction Details
As previously announced on December 9, 2016, January 5, 2017, February 9, 2017 and March 16, 2017, the Qualifying Transaction involved the acquisition by the Company of all of the issued and outstanding common shares of Renntiger in exchange for common shares of the Company by way of a court-approved plan of arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia), in concert with the concurrent Financing. In consideration of the Renntiger shares, including Renntiger shares issued under the Financing, VR Resources issued an aggregate of 33,305,225 common shares to the former securityholders of Renntiger, and assumed 7,357,848 warrants and 1,616,666 stock options.
As part of the Qualifying Transaction, VR Resources effected a number of corporate transactions as outlined in the Filing Statement. The 6,300,000 shares of VR Resources, outstanding prior to completion of the Qualifying Transaction, have been consolidated on a 3 (old) to 1 (new) basis such that they represent, post closing, 2,100,000 shares of VR Resources. The Company also continued from Alberta to British Columbia, and changed its name from Roll-up Capital Corp. to VR Resources Ltd.
Concurrent with the completion of the Qualifying Transaction, VR Resources also issued an aggregate of 1,740,000 stock options to directors, officers and consultants of the Company, including 50,000 stock options to the Canadian Cancer Society. The options have an exercise price of $0.30, and expire 10 years from the date of grant.
As a result of the foregoing, VR Resources has an aggregate of 35,405,225 common shares outstanding, 7,357,848 warrants and 3,616,666 stock options (inclusive of compensation options issued to GMP Securities L.P. and PI Financial Corp. in connection with the Financing).
Directors and Officer of VR Resources
The Board of Directors of VR Resources consists of Darin Wagner (Chairman), Dr. Michael Gunning (President and Chief Executive Officer), Michael G. Thomson and Craig Lindsay. The collective experience and track record of this Board in the junior exploration and venture capital sectors is the foundation for VR Resources going forward. Brief biographies of the directors are available at www.vrr.ca.
The Company will continue to work out of the Renntiger exploration office in Vancouver, British Columbia. Cyndi Laval is the Corporate Secretary, and is also based in Vancouver as a Partner with Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP. Blaine Bailey, CPA, CGA is the Chief Financial Officer. Davidson and Company LLP, also based in Vancouver, are expected to be the Company's independent auditor going forward, a continuation of its work with Renntiger from its inception.
Corporate Communications/Investors Relations Contract
The Company has retained the services of Renmark Financial Communications Inc. to assist with investor relations activities. A monthly fee of $5,000 will be paid for the services provided, for a period of six months ending August 31, 2017, with ongoing services to be evaluated at that time.
Renmark Financial Communications does not have any interest, directly or indirectly, in VR Resources Ltd. Inc. or its securities, or any right or intent to acquire such an interest.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
"Michael Gunning"
Michael Gunning, PhD, PGeo
President & CEO
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements and information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the Qualifying Transaction. Such statements and information reflect the current view of the Company. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information.
By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such factors include, among others, the following risk:
that the Exchange may not issue the final Exchange bulletin in time to permit VR Resources' shares to commence trading on the Exchange on the date stated above.
VR Resources cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on the Company's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. The Company has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF ROLL-UP AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE ROLL-UP MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the Qualifying Transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
For general information please use the following contacts:
Website: www.vrr.ca
Email: info@vrr.ca
Phone: 604- -262-1104
Renmark Financial Communications Inc.
Barry Mire
Account Manager, VR Resources Ltd.
bmire@renmarkfinancial.com
Tel.: (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989
Website: www.renmarkfinancial.com
ALBANY, New York, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Transparency Market Research has published a new market report titled "C4ISR Market (By Application - Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Computer, Tactical Communication, Electronic Warfare, Command And Control, and OthersBy End User - Airborne, Land and Naval) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2017 - 2025," the market in terms of revenue was valued at USD 98.46 billion in 2016, is expected to reach USD 134.89 billion by 2025, growing at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2017 to 2025.
C4ISR systems provide a common strategic picture to commanders, collect information for operating in warfare, decision making and permit the rapid exploitation and gathering of intelligence. C4ISR is used in different application of defense forces such as night vision goggles, high frequency radios, mine-detection sets and battlefield sensors among others. Increasing need for situational awareness to help the military in times of combat situation is expected to be one of the major factors driving the global C4ISR market during the forecast period 2017 - 2025.
Obtain Research Report @ http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/c4isr-market.html
The major factor boosting the demand of the C4ISR market is rising importance of security and safety in different places such as France, the U.S. and India among others. The usage of C4ISR in several applications such as data fusion and information management systems, space based surveillance, air traffic management, and communications and information infrastructure among others is projected to drive the market globally during the forecast period 2017 - 2025. In addition, increasing terror threats in different nations such as India and France is expected to be the major factor boosting the C4ISR market during the forecast period 2017 - 2025. Many countries are struggling with increase in terrorist activities; for instance, there have been 10 major terror attacks in France since the beginning of 2015. In the same year, more than 50 terror attacks took place in India. These attacks around the world is likely to drive the market for C4ISR during the forecast period 2017 - 2025.
Rising Demand for Mobile Command Systems across Military Sector to Aid Growth
The C4ISR market will gain from the increasing demand for mobile command systems in countries such as China, Brazil, and the UAE. The nations are currently focusing on acquiring advanced C4ISR systems that consist of communication systems, command systems, computers, radars, EO/IR system, and electronic warfare. The recent incidents of terror attacks and security threats in these nations and elsewhere have compelled governments to fund in advanced military equipment and systems.
Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=18971
Besides this, the market will majorly gain from the increasing demand for border security. As border security is a major concern in countries such as India, Japan, China, South Korea, and Australia, the market will witness high demand in Asia Pacific. In addition, it is likely to gain from the rising terror threats witnessed across the region. To thwart such plots of terror outfits, military funding has increased. These developments in the defense sector is indicative of the rising use of C4ISR systems.
Decreasing Military Spending in Developed Markets to Emerge as Key Restraint
On the downside, the decreasing military spending in developed markets will create challenges for the market. For instance, countries such as the U.S. and Canada are more likely to focus on maintaining the existing systems rather than spending on acquiring newer devices. This will act as a major restraint inhibiting the market's trajectory to an extent.
Browse Press Release of this Research Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/c4isr-market.htm
Nevertheless, attractive opportunities are on cards for the market due to the rising demand for next generation IP systems. As implementing this technology will ensure better communication between combat vehicle crew, armored personal carriers (APC), and main battle tanks (MBT), its demand is expected to rise further in the coming years. Moreover, the C4ISR market is expected to gain from the implementation of secured networks.
This review is based on a TMR report, titled "C4ISR Market (Application - Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Computer, Tactical Communication, Electronic Warfare, and Command and Control; End User - Airborne, Land, and Naval) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2025."
The report segments the global C4ISR market as:
Global C4ISR Market: By Application
Surveillance and Reconnaissance
Computer
Tactical Communication
Electronic Warfare
Command and Control
Others
Global C4ISR Market: By End User
Airborne
Land
Naval
Global C4ISR Market: By Geography
North America U.S. Canada Mexico
Europe U.K. Germany France Russia Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific India China Japan Rest of Asia Pacific
Latin America Brazil Rest of Latin America
Middle East and Africa United Arab Emirates Rest of Middle East and Africa
and
Related Research Reports by TMR:
Commercial Aviation Crew Management System Market:
http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/commercial-aviation-crew-management-system-market.html
Non-lethal Biochemical Weapons Market:
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BRUSSELS/FRANKFURT/PARIS (dpa-AFX) - A meeting of the European leaders will be held on April 29 to adopt the Brexit guidelines for the 27 member states, European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday. Apart from its chief Tusk, the European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the member states and the European Commission President. The UK government announced on Monday that Prime Minister Theresa May is set to invoke the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on March 29, thus formally beginning the process of exiting the European Union and paving the way for talks on trade and future relations, which should conclude in two years. Tusk said on Monday that he will present the draft Brexit guidelines to the EU27 member states within 48 hours of the UK triggering Article 50. 'Priority must be certainty, clarity for all: citizens, companies & member states,' Tusk said on the microblogging website Twitter on Tuesday. In the referendum held on June 23 last year, 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU in a historic and surprise move. 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 (dpa-AFX) - General Mills (GIS) reported third-quarter adjusted EPS of $0.72, up 11 percent from the prior year. Constant-currency adjusted EPS increased 8 percent. On average, 14 analysts polled by Thomson Reuters expected the company to report profit per share of $0.71, for the quarter. Analysts' estimates typically exclude special items. Third-quarter total segment operating profit was $662 million, down 2 percent year-over-year in constant currency. Net earnings attributable to General Mills decreased 1.1% to $358 million. Earnings per share was $0.61, up 3 percent, driven by a lower tax rate and 3 percent fewer average diluted shares outstanding. Third-quarter reported net sales declined 5 percent to $3.79 billion. Organic net sales also declined 5 percent, primarily reflecting volume reductions in the North America Retail segment partially offset by benefits from positive net price realization and mix. Analysts expected revenue of $3.82 billion, for the quarter. Third-quarter net sales for General Mills' North America Retail segment totaled $2.50 billion, down 7 percent from the prior year, driven primarily by double-digit declines in the U.S. Meals & Baking and U.S. Yogurt operating units. Organic net sales declined 8 percent. General Mills CEO Ken Powell, said: 'Our third-quarter results finished in line with our expectations and keep us on track to deliver the guidance we updated last month. Our net sales declined due primarily to gaps in pricing and promotional activity in key U.S. businesses. Our cost savings efforts helped us expand our adjusted operating profit margin and drive growth in adjusted diluted EPS. Looking ahead, we are highly focused on improving our topline performance while continuing to expand our margins.' General Mills reaffirmed its key full-year fiscal 2017 targets. The company continues to expect: organic net sales to decline approximately 4 percent; constant-currency total segment operating profit growth to be in a range of down 1 percent to up 1 percent; and constant-currency adjusted EPS to increase 5 to 7 percent from the base of $2.92 earned in fiscal 2016. The company estimates currency translation will have an immaterial impact on fiscal 2017 adjusted EPS. 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.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- INV Metals ("INV Metals" or "Company") (TSX: INV) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. William (Bill) Shaver, P. Eng., as Chief Operating Officer ("COO"). Mr. Shaver joins INV Metals as a senior mining executive with over 40 years of experience in mine construction and operations.
Ms. MacGibbon, CEO, stated, "I am very pleased to welcome Bill to the Company's senior management team and look forward to working with Bill who will lead the design, development and operation of our Loma Larga gold project in Ecuador. Bill brings a wealth of mining experience focused on safety, environmental stewardship and innovation."
Mr. A.T. MacGibbon, Chairman, stated, "On behalf of the INV Metals' Board of Directors, senior management and our shareholders, I am delighted to welcome Bill Shaver to the INV Metals executive team. I look for Bill to assist in building and operating our Loma Larga project, and to help build INV Metals into a prominent Ecuadorian mining company." He added, "Bill is a proven and successful mine and mill builder. Bill has great experience and expertise in all aspects of the mining industry, especially underground mining. Bill and I worked very closely at FNX Mining and as COO, he played a pivotal role as a key member of the executive team that transformed FNX Mining from a junior exploration company to a multi-billion, mid-tier mining company."
Mr. Shaver is a Professional Engineer who graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mining Engineering from Queens University. Mr. Shaver began his career working for Teck, Eldorado Nuclear, New Quebec Raglan and Falconbridge. Mr. Shaver's experience in the mining contracting business commenced with the Redpath Group in rolls of increased responsibility. He was a founder of Dynatec Corporation, a leading North American contracting and mine operating company until its sale in 2007. More recently, Mr. Shaver was the COO of FNX Mining and the President and CEO of DMC Mining Services until June 2016.
About INV Metals
INV Metals is an international mineral resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and base metal projects in Ecuador. Currently, INV Metals' primary assets are: (1) its 100% interest in the Loma Larga gold property in Ecuador; (2) its 35% interest in the Kaoko property, located in Namibia; and (3) its 100% interests in exploration concessions in Ecuador, including the Las Penas, Tierras Coloradas and La Rebuscada exploration projects.
Forward-Looking Statement
This press release contains certain forward-looking information. Forward-looking information includes statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals, including words to the effect that the Company or management expects a stated condition or result to occur. Forward looking information in this press release includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to operating the Loma Larga project and building INV Metals into a prominent Ecuadorian mining company. For a more detailed discussion of such risks and other factors, refer to the Company's final prospectus dated February 24, 2017 and the Company's annual information form dated March 1, 2016, filed with Canadian securities regulators available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
Contacts:
Candace MacGibbon
Phone: (416) 703-8416
E-mail: cmacgibbon@invmetals.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. ("Sabina") or (the "Company") (TSX: SBB) reports the financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2016.
"Much was accomplished in 2016," said Bruce McLeod, the Company's President& CEO. "Although we received a set-back from the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB"), we understand and support the NIRB's desire for a high level of confidence in our proposals for the Back River Project ("Project"). We are happy to be back in the process and believe that our recently submitted Final Environmental Impact Statement Addendum ("FEIS Addendum") presents additional mitigation, information and plans that will address NIRB's concerns. In 2016, we also continued optimization and trade off studies which we believe could positively impact the Project economics. On the exploration front, a new discovery at Convergence and the successes at our Hivogani and Kogoyok targets continued to demonstrate the opportunities for new discoveries and extended mine life at Back River. Other geological programs completed during the year enabled us to plan a high impact drilling campaign for 2017 with our recently raised flow-through financing. 2017 has started out positively and we look forward to continued support for the Back River Project from all stakeholders as we work through the process."
2016 Highlights:
-- The Company had cash and cash equivalents and short-term investments of $39.9 million at December 31, 2016. -- On June 15, 2016, the Nunavut Impact Review Board ("NIRB") recommended to the Minister that the Back River Project ("Project') not proceed to the next phase of permitting at this time. On July 20, 2016, the Company submitted a detailed response to the NIRB report to the Minister of Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada ("INAC") requesting that the Minister reject the NIRB recommendation or send the Project back to NIRB for further review. -- In July, 2016, the Company completed a series of meetings in communities in the Kitikmeot region of Nunavut. Following these meetings, the Company continued to receive broad positive support for the Project from community members, hamlet councils, advisory committees, and Inuit organizations (including the Kitikmeot Inuit Association ("KIA")). -- Subsequent to the year end, on January 12, 2017, the INAC Minister, with the agreement of other responsible ministers, decided that the Project should be returned to the NIRB for further consideration. On January 24, 2017, the NIRB provided guidance to all parties on the scope and process of further review of the Project. On February 16, 2017, the Company submitted its required FEIS Addendum and NIRB provided confirmation of concordance with the guidelines and a schedule for the process on February 23, 2017. The FEIS Addendum is currently in the technical review process and NIRB has advised that they expect to issue their recommendation in July 2017. -- During the year, the Company completed approximately 2,700 meters of drilling on three targets at the Goose property: Kogoyok, Hivogani and Convergence. A new discovery was made at the Convergence target where assays of 3.84 grams per tonne ("g/t") Au over 3.70 meters were returned. Encouraging results also continued at the Kogoyok target, where gold mineralization was intersected in drilling with visible gold identified in multiple rock units over a broad area. Drilling at the Hivogani target continued to expand the host area and further characterized the new mineralization styles. -- On May 25, 2016, the Company announced preliminary metallurgical optimization test results on its Back River gold project from a program to assess potential metallurgical improvements including a coarser grind, long leach resonance time and flotation followed by fine grinding of concentrates. The results from the first round of test work have been positive with recoveries for three of four composite samples from the main deposits showing a potential to increase gold recoveries. Initial desktop studies have indicated that changing to a flotation circuit could have positive impacts on both capital and operating expenditures. Further flotation test work on this opportunity is ongoing. -- On May 20, 2016, the Company completed a bought deal financing of 19,790,750 common shares at $1.63 per common share for total gross proceeds of approximately $32.3 million. The Underwriters received a cash commission of 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the financing. -- On March 31, 2016, Sabina announced the appointment of Ms. Anna Stylianides to the Company's board of directors. Ms. Stylianides has 25 years of experience in the global capital markets and currently also serves as a director of Entree Gold Inc., Altius Minerals Corp. and Eco Oro Minerals. -- A long-term strategic review on the Company's Wishbone property in Nunavut, resulted in a total write down of $7.1 million for certain non- core mineral claims on the property ($5.2 million in Q3, 2016 and $1.9 million in Q4, 2016). While the core mineral claims on the Wishbone property remain long-term exploration opportunities, the Company's immediate focus is on the Back River deposits and exploration opportunities proximal to existing resources. -- Subsequent to the year end, on February 28, 2017, the Company completed a bought deal private placement flow-through financing of 3,470,000 flow-through common shares at a price of $1.75 per share for total gross proceeds of approximately $6.1 million. The total gross proceeds from the financing must be used to incur Canadian exploration expenditures as defined by the Income Tax Act (Canada) by December 31, 2018. The Underwriters received a cash commission of 5.0% of the gross proceeds of the financing. -- For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $6.1 million or $0.03 per share.
Financial Results
For the three-month period ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $2.0 million, favourable by $2.7 million compared to the same period of 2015. The difference quarter-over-quarter was largely the result lower stock-based payments and write-downs of mineral properties. In Q4 2016, the Company recorded a write-down of $1.9 million on its the Wishbone mineral properties. In Q4 2015, the Company recorded a write-down of $4.0 million on certain non-core Wishbone mineral claims.
For the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company reported a net loss of $6.1 million, favourable by $3.5 million compared to the same period of 2015. The difference was largely the result of realized gains of $1.3 million on the sale of a portion of its investments in 2016 compared to an impairment loss of $2.0 million on its investments recorded in 2015.
For the full December 31, 2016 yearend financial statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis, please see the Company website at www.sabinagoldsilver.com or on SEDAR.
SABINA GOLD & SILVER CORP.
Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.
Sabina Gold & Silver Corp. is a well-financed, emerging precious metals company with district scale, world class undeveloped assets in one of the world's newest, politically stable mining jurisdictions: Nunavut, Canada.
In September, 2015, Sabina released a Feasibility Study on its 100% owned Back River Gold Project which presents a project that has been designed on a fit-for purpose basis, with the potential to produce approx. 200,000 ounces a year for approx. 11 years with a rapid payback of 2.9 years. At a US$1,150 gold price and a 0.80 exchange rate, the Study delivers a potential after tax internal rate of return of approximately 24.2% with an initial CAPEX of $415 million.
In addition to Back River, Sabina also owns a significant silver royalty on Glencore's Hackett River Project. The silver royalty on Hackett River's silver production is comprised of 22.5% of the first 190 million ounces produced and 12.5% of all silver produced thereafter.
The Company had approximately C$39.9 million at December 31, 2016 and has budgeted $8.5 million as its base budget for 2017. The base budget delivers the completion of the environmental assessment process; advancement of Inuit Impact and Benefits Agreement and land tenure negotiations with the KIA; completion of basic engineering and project execution plan; and, completion of a mapping, rock and till sampling and geophysical exploration field program. In addition, the Company has planned certain discretionary activities, including an exploration drilling program, completion of the water license review process and commencement of detailed engineering and project financing. Depending on the timing and success of the permitting process, total expenditures could range up to approximately $31 million in 2017
All news releases and further information can be found on the Company's website at www.sabinagoldsilver.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. All technical reports have been filed on www.sedar.com.
Forward Looking Statements
This news release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws (the "forward-looking statements"), including our belief as to the extent, results and timing of exploration programs and various studies including the FS, and exploration results, reserves estimates, potential production from and viability of the Company's properties, production and operating costs and permitting submission, timing and receipt of necessary permits and project approvals for future operations and access to project funding. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
Such factors and assumptions include, among others, the effects of general economic conditions, commodity prices, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government and regulatory authorities and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking statements. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with exploration and project development; the need for additional financing; the calculation of mineral resources and reserves; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; government regulation; obtaining and renewing necessary licences and permits; environmental liability and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain of our officers or directors; the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; labour disputes; competition; dilution; the volatility of the our common share price and volume; future sales of shares by existing shareholders; and other risks and uncertainties, including those relating to the Back River Project and general risks associated with the mineral exploration and development industry described in our Annual Information Form, financial statements and MD&A for the fiscal period ended December 31, 2016 filed with the Canadian Securities Administrators and available at www.sedar.com. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws. This news release has been authorized by the undersigned on behalf of Sabina Gold & Silver Corp.
Bruce McLeod, President & CEO
375-555 Burrard Street, Two Bentall Centre
Vancouver, BC V7X 1M7
Tel 604 998-4175 Fax 604 998-1051
http://www.sabinagoldsilver.com
Contacts:
Nicole Hoeller
Vice-President, Communications
1 888 648-4218
nhoeller@sabinagoldsilver.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Riverside Resources Inc. ("Riverside" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: RRI)(OTC PINK: RVSDF)(FRANKFURT: R99), is pleased to report on the progress of partner-funded exploration being conducted with Centerra Gold Inc. ("Centerra") at the Glor Gold Project (the "Project"), located approximately 8 km west of Alamos Gold's El Chanate Mine in Sonora, Mexico. The 2017 exploration campaign commenced at the end of January with a program of mechanical trenching that is still ongoing. Thirteen trenches with a combined length of 2,026.2 metres have now been excavated by a heavy-duty excavator. This work was completed in the north-eastern portion of the Project and focused on the Pitaya and Alamo-La Joya targets. The trenching work builds on the 2016 soil geochemistry survey and rock-chip sampling of bedrock outcrops, which identified a number of gold anomalies (see Riverside press release dated February 15, 2016).
A total of 495 trench samples have been collected from the current trenching program. Highly encouraging gold assay results have been obtained from trenches Tr-01, Tr-02, Tr-03 and Tr-09 in the Pitaya target area, with strong indications of disseminated gold mineralization. Highlights of the first trenching results for 2017 are summarized in the table below:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Length of Weighted Location of Location of Assay Assay Average Au Trench ID Interval Interval Interval(i) Grade ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting West Tr-01 end of Tr-01 0 to 105 m 105 m 0.492 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting West Tr-01 end of Tr-01 including 0 to 24 m 24 m 0.522 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting 36m Tr-01 from W end including 36 to 57 m 21 m 0.649 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting 69m Tr-01 from W end including 69 to 105 m 36 m 0.648 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting West Tr-02 end of Tr-02 0 to 84 m 84 m 0.533 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting West Tr-02 end of Tr-02 including 0 to 27 m 27 m 0.640 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting 33m Tr-02 from W end including 33 to 84 m 51 m 0.539 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting West Tr-03 end of Tr-03 0 to 12 m 12 m 0.646 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting 68m Tr-09 from E end 68 to 104 m 36 m 0.347 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting 68m Tr-09 from E end including 68 to 89 m 21 m 0.426 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- starting 96m Tr-09 from E end Including 96 to 105 m 9 m 0.354 g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i)Assay intervals are composed of continuous 3 metre long sample intervals, with individual samples consisting of hammer-chipped rock fragments being systematically collected horizontally and vertically from one of the walls of the trench for the entire length of the sample interval (3 metre panels).
A first-phase drilling program of approximately 2,000 metres is currently being planned. The first drill-holes will test the newly discovered Pitaya gold zone as well as induced polarization geophysical anomalies that are broadly coincident with this zone.
Riverside's President and CEO, John-Mark Staude, stated:
"We are very encouraged by the initial trenching results completed to date at the Glor Gold Project. The nature of the gold mineralization and associated alteration at the newly discovered Pitaya gold zone is consistent with the orogenic gold model we have been using to explore the Project. We are pleased to be working with a partner of Centerra's caliber and look forward to completing our first drill campaign at Glor in the near future."
Additional Program and Project Details:
Individual trenches are between 100 and 300 metres in length and are typically excavated to depths of 1.5 metres into the bedrock. Trench sampling was done using a 3 metre long sample interval, with individual samples consisting of hammer-chipped rock fragments being systematically collected horizontally and vertically from one of the walls of the trench for the entire length of the sample interval (3 metre panels). To date, 495 trench samples have been sent for analysis since the start of the 2017 program. Gold assays have been received for 446 of these samples which include all the samples collected from the first ten trenches excavated (Tr-01 through Tr-10). Assays are pending for the remaining 49 samples.
The most significant results obtained to date by the 2017 trenching program have come from trenches Tr-01, Tr-02, Tr-03 and Tr-09 in the western part of Pitaya target area (refer to Figure 1 at the bottom of this press release). These trenches have exposed the contact between an iron-rich volcanic rock (andesite) and an underlying sequence of foliated and folded clastic sedimentary rocks, mainly conglomerates and fine-grained sandstone. These lithologies are interpreted to be of Jurassic age and were deformed by Laramide collisional tectonism. Gold mineralization appears to have been localized along this lithological contact, occurring mainly in altered andesite but also in the underlying sedimentary rocks. Gold-bearing rocks display pervasive sericite-iron carbonate hydrothermal alteration along with thin quartz veins and veinlets. Disseminated, partially oxidized pyrite (Fe sulphide) is locally present in the altered rocks.
The rock sampling from trenches Tr-01, Tr-02, Tr-03 and Tr-09 appears to be defining a body or zone of gold mineralization of relatively consistent grade that extends at least 240 metres in the north-south direction and 100 metres east-west and is still open in multiple directions. The true thickness of this mineralization is unknown and requires drilling to be determined. Based on geological mapping and the results of the soil geochemistry survey, the zone of gold mineralization at Pitaya is interpreted as trending in the NNW-SSE direction. The fact that gold mineralization was identified at the western ends of trenches Tr-01, 02 and -03 suggests that the Pitaya gold zone is 'open' to the west in the area of these trenches. In fact, the gold mineralization that was identified in trench Tr-09, which represents the western extension of Tr-04, is interpreted to be another expression of the Pitaya gold zone. Additional trenching has already been done to test for the inferred continuation of the Pitaya gold zone to the west and south of the mineralization identified in the trenches listed in the above table.
The mechanical trenching completed at Glor has quickly proven to be a cost-effective method of identifying and delineating zones of gold mineralization in areas where gold-in-soil anomalies have been outlined but where bedrock exposures are sparse or thinly covered by colluvium. The plan is to continue the trenching program for another 4 to 6 weeks, with the goal to increase the extent of the Pitaya gold zone and to test a number of other Au-As soil anomalies in the eastern and central sectors of the property (see Figure 1).
Additional information about the Glor Project can be found in the Glor Project Page on Riverside's website.
Qualified Person and QA/QC:
The scientific and technical data contained in this news release pertaining to the Glor Project was reviewed and prepared under the supervision of Locke Goldsmith, P. Eng., P. Geo., a non-independent qualified person to Riverside Resources who is responsible for ensuring that the geologic information provided in this news release is accurate and acts as a "qualified person" under National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Rock samples collected from outcrops and trenches are being taken to the Bureau Veritas Laboratories in Hermosillo, Mexico for fire assaying for gold and ICP-MS analysis for 45 common and trace elements. The ICP-MS analyses of 200 gram pulp samples which are prepared from and are representative of the field samples are done at the Vancouver laboratory of Bureau Veritas. A QA/QC program has been implemented as part of the rock sampling program at Glor, with 44 blank and standard samples being included with the 446 trench rock samples which are being reported on in this press release.
About Riverside Resources Inc.:
Riverside is a well-funded project generation team of focused, proactive gold discoverers. The Company currently has approximately $6,500,000 in the treasury and approximately 44,000,000 shares outstanding. Riverside has a strong and growing portfolio of gold-silver and copper projects in Mexico. The Company structures partnerships on many of its projects to reduce risk and generate multiple discovery chances across the Company's portfolio. Riverside has additional properties available for option with more information available on the Company's website at www.rivres.com.
ON BEHALF OF RIVERSIDE RESOURCES INC.
Dr. John-Mark Staude, President & CEO
Certain statements in this press release may be considered forward-looking information. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology (e.g., "expect"," estimates", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "plans"). Such information involves known and unknown risks -- including the availability of funds, the results of financing and exploration activities, the interpretation of exploration results and other geological data, or unanticipated costs and expenses and other risks identified by Riverside in its public securities filings that may cause actual events to differ materially from current expectations. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
Riverside Resources Inc.
John-Mark Staude
President & CEO
(778) 327-6671
(778) 327-6675 (FAX)
info@rivres.com
www.rivres.com
Riverside Resources Inc.
Joness Lang
VP, Corporate Development
(778) 327-6671 or TF: (877) RIV-RES1
jlang@rivres.com
www.rivres.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.
WOBURN, Massachusetts, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Abpro, a therapeutic antibody company targeting human disease and at the forefront of synthetic biology, today announced the expansion of its senior leadership team with the hiring of Dr. Gavin MacBeath, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer. Dr. MacBeath brings over 16 years of experience in academia and the biotechnology industry, with expertise in systems biology, drug discovery, translational research, companion diagnostics, and clinical development of early-stage programs. He will report directly to Ian Chan, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Abpro.
"I am delighted to welcome Dr. MacBeath to our management team," said Ian Chan. "Gavin brings an extensive scientific background and expertise in developing new technologies as evidenced by his achievements in both academia and in the clinic. His scientific leadership will be invaluable as we advance our antibody programs under our best-in-class DiversImmuneTM industrial biochemistry platform across large indications including ophthalmology, autoimmunity, and immune-oncology. I believe he will be an integral part of the team to leverage our new technologies and indications."
Dr. MacBeath stated, "I am excited to join Abpro during a dynamic time in its corporate history. Over the past decade, Abpro has repeatedly proven the value of its DiversImmuneTM platform to generate a broad range of therapeutic antibody candidates to treat human disease. As we enter a new era of discovery and clinical development, I am thrilled to work with co-founders Ian and Eugene Chan, along with the rest of the Abpro team, to help advance the Company's portfolio of proprietary candidates into the clinic while moving various strategic partnerships forward."
Dr. Gavin MacBeath comes to Abpro from Merrimack Pharmaceuticals, where he was a Founder and served most recently as Senior Vice President of Discovery and Head of Translational Medicine. During his tenure at Merrimack, Dr. MacBeath led several preclinical, Phase 1, and Phase 2 programs, as well as translational research across programs that led to the discovery of predictive biomarkers for several of Merrimack's investigational agents. During this time, Dr. MacBeath also held a position as Lecturer / Principal Investigator in the Department of Systems Biology at Harvard Medical School, where he discovered new signaling pathways driving cancer metastasis. Previously, Dr. MacBeath was an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology at Harvard University. While at Harvard, Dr. MacBeath was a pioneer in Systems Biology, where he developed and used protein microarray technology to dissect aberrant signaling pathways in cancer. Dr. MacBeath holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Genetics from the University of Manitoba and a Ph.D. in Macromolecular and Cellular Structure and Chemistry from The Scripps Research Institute.
About Abpro
Abpro is a therapeutic antibody company targeting human disease. Through its core technology, the DiversImmuneTM platform, Abpro leverages synthetic biology and immunology to generate therapeutic antibodies against novel and challenging targets. Abpro partners with leading biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies globally and has a broad pipeline of programs in immuno-oncology, ophthalmology and inflammatory disease. For more information, visit www.abpro.com.
Abpro Media Contact:
Vivian Chen, Citigate Dewe Rogerson
abpro@citigatedr.com
+1-(347)-481-3711
MUNICH (dpa-AFX) - Shares of BMW Group (BMW.L, BAMXF.PK, BAMXY.PK) traded around 2 percent higher after the German auto giant said Tuesday that it expects slight increase in fiscal 2017 profit before tax and that its business is expected to develop positively. In its fiscal 2016, the company reported higher earnings with increased sales volume.
Looking ahead, the company noted that competition on international automobile markets is set to remain intense during the current year, amid political and macroeconomic uncertainties in Europe as well as the impact of the Brexit decision in the UK. Moreover, the strategy of the new US administration regarding economic policy remains unclear.
However, BMW Group intends to continue its growth course in 2017 with the introduction of numerous new automobile and motorcycle models.
Based on the forecast of a slight increase in deliveries to customers, Automotive segment revenues are also expected to increase slightly in 2017. BMW expects a further year-on-year increase in sales of BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce brand vehicles.
Further, BMW expects the upward trend in the Motorcycles segment to continue, with deliveries to customers expected to rise significantly.
According to BMW, the world's automobile markets in 2017 are forecast to grow by around 1.8 percent to an estimated 89.0 million units. The US market is expected to grow by 0.3 percent to 17.6 million units, while China would record a 5.7 percent increase to some 25.5 million units.
In fiscal 2016, the company's net profit to shareholders increased to 6.86 billion euros from 6.37 billion euros in the prior year. Earnings per share were 10.45 euros, compared to 9.70 euros last year.
Profit before tax grew 4.8 percent from last year to 9.67 billion euros, while profit before financial result, or EBIT, decreased 2.2 percent to 9.39 billion euros.
Fiscal 2016 revenues were up 2.2 percent to 94.16 billion euros from 92.17 billion euros in the previous year. Automotive revenues increased 1.0 percent to 86.42 billion euros.
In the year, automotive segment production volume grew 3.5 percent to 2.36 million units and sales volume increased 5.3 percent to 2.37 million units. Sales volume of BMW grew 5.2 percent, MINI increased 6.4 percent and that of Rolls-Royce improved 6 percent.
Motorcycles segment sales volume went up 5.9 percent from last year to 145,032 units.
Further, the company announced an increased dividend of 3.50 euros per share of common stock and 3.52 euros per share of non-voting preferred stock.
In Germany, BMW shares were trading at 84.38 euros, up 2.28 percent.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
Judges choose Twipes for prize provided by the Citi Foundation
Winning project aims to ease pressure on London's sewers
Two City University students will receive a 20,000 investment from the Citi Foundation after winning this year's Mayor's Entrepreneur Competition.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, presented the winning students Alborz Bozorgi and Ellenor McIntosh creators of the winning entry Twipes with their prize at a ceremony at City Hall.
Entrants were asked to come up with creative solutions to the environmental and social challenges London faces and more than 300 entries from 37 institutions were whittled down to the final shortlist, with nearly 599 students involved.
The 10 shortlisted entries representing seven London universities spent the day pitching their ideas to the expert judges. They then faced the pressure of answering questions about all aspects of their ideas from the panel, which included perfumer and entrepreneur Jo Malone, Citi's Chairman of Energy Banking, Niels Kirk, and founder of Bio-bean, Arthur Kay.
Twipes are eco-friendly, antibacterial toilet wipes which are dispensed from a roll similar to toilet paper, are free from harsh chemicals and crucially disintegrate in water in just three hours.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: "As London's population grows the pressure on our infrastructure increases with it. Alborz and Ellenor are to be commended for tackling this challenge head on and they should be very proud of what they have achieved.
"I'm hugely impressed by the quality of entries. It's testament to the creativity and talent in London's world-leading universities that such a range of innovative solutions have been developed to make our city a better place for future generations."
Winner Ellenor said: "Winning was absolutely fantastic. Having the Mayor endorse our product and our idea gives us such validation."
Fellow winner Alborz added: "All the judges are heads of their industries and to have them believe in our product is amazing."
Judge Niels Kirk said: "Citi are excited to be supporting the Mayor's Low Carbon Entrepreneur award. Today's finalists have developed environmentally and socially-minded business propositions and should all be incredibly proud to have reached the final of this competition.
"We believe in the importance of supporting today's urban youth with the Mayor's Fund for London to help catalyse jobs and develop entrepreneurial and innovative mind-sets, so that they are empowered and career ready. As a global business we see first-hand the impact unemployment has on young people the world over, and the influence this can have on their self-esteem and future prospects.
"This year the Citi Foundation has expanded their commitment to support young people with $100 million to reach 500,000 young people with training and jobs worldwide over the next three years."
Other shortlisted entries included, a device for engines and gas boilers that removes nitrogen from the air entering the equipment. a robotic arm to enable stroke patients to complete more rehab at home and a biodegradable substitute for leather made from carbon-neutral mushrooms.
Notes to editors
The full shortlist of entries is available here: https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/environment/smart-london-and-innovation/mayor-entrepreneur-2017.
The judging panel consisted of:
Garry Moore founder, Propelair Jo Malone MBE perfumer and entrepreneur Jenny Tooth OBE CEO, UK Business Angels Association Niels Kirk Chairman of Energy Banking, Citi and Head of Climate & Sustainability Council Christian Lane CEO, Smarter.am Arthur Kay CEO, Bio-bean and former competition winner
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321005854/en/
Contacts:
CITI
Media Contact
Belinda Marks
Belinda.marks@citi.com
02075083082
OKINAWA, Japan, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Singapore's Changi Airport was announced as the overall winner of the Routes Asia 2017 Marketing Awards at a ceremony last night (20 March) in Okinawa, Japan.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250177LOGO )
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480674/UBM_Routes_Changi.jpg )
The annual Routes Asia Marketing Awards recognise excellence in airport and destination marketing. Airlines vote for the marketing services that support the successful launch of new routes or the development of existing ones, making them highly regarded in the aviation industry.
Last year Changi Airport achieved a record high of 58.7 million passengers and more than 360,000 aircraft movements, representing a 6% increase in traffic. New routes include Canberra, Wellington, Dusseldorf, Stockholm and Athens, with Addis Ababa joining Changi's network in June 2017.
Damon Wong, general manager, airline development at Changi Airport Group said: "We constantly seek strategic partnerships and collaborations with local governments, tourism boards and even other airports to develop tourism and traffic flows between Singapore and markets around the world.
"Changi Airport has been, and will always be, committed to growing together with our family of airlines. We will continue to seek innovative ways of marketing our home, our air hub, and look forward to more exciting years ahead with our invaluable partners."
In addition to the overall winner, the awards are judged in five categories. Changi Airport was also honoured in the 'Over 20 Million Passengers' category; Adelaide Airport won the '4 to 20 Million Passengers' category; Sunshine Coast Airport won the 'Under 4 Million Passengers' category; and Philippine Department of Tourism scooped the 'Destination' category.
Changi Airport was also the overall winner of the World Routes 2016 Marketing Awards which recognise marketing excellence on a global scale. Winning the Asian heat of this year's awards means that Changi will have the chance to compete at the World Routes 2017 Marketing Awards in September.
Steven Small, brand director of Routes said: "The award submissions were of exceptional quality with Changi Airport beating some stiff competition. Changi has an enviable track record of continuing growth and a strong commitment to working in partnership with the airlines."
More information about Routes can be found at routesonline.com
Notes to Editors:
The full list of shortlisted companies:
Overall Winner
Singapore Changi Airport
Over 20 million passengers
Winner: Singapore Changi Airport
Highly commended: Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai
Narita International Airport Corporation
Incheon International Airport
Kuala Lumpur International Airport
4-20 million passengers
Winner: Adelaide Airport
Highly commended: Mactan Cebu International Airport
Auckland International Airport
ChristchurchInternational Airport
Nagoya Chubu CentrairInternational Airport
Under 4 million passengers
Winner: Sunshine Coast Airport
BhubaneswarAirport
Boracay International Airport
Guam International Airport
QueenstownAirport
Destination
Winner: Philippine Department of Tourism
Auckland Tourism
Taiwan Tourism Bureau
Tourism Malaysia
Maldives Tourism Promotion Board
About Routes:
Routes events are unique forums dedicated to the development of new air services. They revolve around pre-scheduled meetings, an exhibition and a conference. Four 'regional' route development forums are held between February and June in the Americas, Asia , Europe and Africa , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September.
, and , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September. Routes events are organised by UBM plc.UBM is the largest B2B event organiser in the world.Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors.Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed.Please visithttp://www.ubm.comfor the latest news and information about UBM.
For further information contact:
Karen Reeves
Communications & Content Marketing Manager
Routes, UBM EMEA
T: +44(0)161-234-2721
M: +44(0)796-6405-105
E: Karen.Reeves@ubm.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 21, 2017) - Power Americas Minerals Corp. (TSXV: PAM) ("Power Americas" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has been cleared by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and will be quoted on the OTC Markets in the United States under the symbol PWMRF.
Power Americas' management recognizes the significant potential of expansion into the United States equity markets and trading on the OTC markets will allow U.S. investors easier access to Power America's shares. The trading of Power Americas shares on the OTC markets will give greater accessible to an even broader range of investors and is expected to assist with increasing the liquidity and convenience of trading the Company's shares within the United States.
In conjunction with receiving FINRA approval, the Company is applying for full DTC (Depository Trust Company) eligibility, allowing for Power America shares to be more easily and economically transferred between brokerage accounts electronically within the United States. DTC is the largest securities depository in the world, providing clearing and settlement efficiencies for brokers, as well as various other services.
About Power Americas Mineral Corp
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".
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
SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Leading employee communications platform Beekeeper today announced it has secured $8 million in Series A financing. Keen Venture Partners led the round, and General Partner Robert Verwaayen has joined the Beekeeper Board of Directors. The round will be used to fund aggressive U.S. and EMEA market expansion for Beekeeper's employee communication app that connects and empowers entire workforces, including non-desk workers, anytime and anywhere.
Beekeeper also welcomed the participation of Fyrfly Venture Partners, Polytech Ecosystem Ventures, and b-to-v Partners. Prominent angels who invested in a personal capacity include Niklas ZennstroIm, Skype co-founder and founding partner at Atomico; Ariel LuIdi, former CEO of hybris and founder at Hammer Team; and Niklas Ostberg, co-founder and CEO Delivery Hero.
"Beekeeper closes the gap between employees working in corporate offices and 70% of the global workforce that doesn't spend their day sitting at a desk," said Cristian Grossmann, CEO of Beekeeper. "Beekeeper's mobile app enables all employees to work together better, and drives the top and bottom line through higher productivity and decreased turnover. We saw significant momentum in 2016 from the investments we made in customer success and new features to support major global enterprise customers, and we will use this financing to continue our expansion into new industries and markets in the year ahead."
Beekeeper's new financing comes within a year of closing its seed round and marks a time of rapid corporate growth. In the past year, Fortune 500 companies across the globe have adopted Beekeeper to easily connect with and empower employees regardless of role and location. New clients include hospitality giant Mandarin Oriental, retailer Dollar General, and food manufacturer Seaboard Foods, as well as Heathrow Airport, Gate Group and Dnata in the transportation sector. Beekeeper has also increased its user base by more than 500% and currently serves hourly workers in more than 137 countries.
"We believe that Beekeeper can become the employee communication and collaboration hub for a part of the global workforce that has been largely forgotten by digital technology," said Verwaayen. "With a great team, a robust product platform, and a focused growth plan, we are convinced that Beekeeper has the potential to become a category leading company."
The Beekeeper communication app is designed for those employees who work shifts, don't sit at desks, and do not have corporate email addresses. This represents more than 2 billion global workers in sectors such as hospitality, retail, manufacturing construction, transportation, food and beverage, and logistics.
With Beekeeper, companies can easily reach, connect and engage these employees to create new ways of working -- without requiring a corporate email or mobile number to login. The app is built from the ground up to be easy to use and features peer-to-peer messaging, communications streams, group chat, and mobile surveys.
For organizations, Beekeeper matches corporate identity and branding, with automated workflows and scheduling to fully support operational strategies and communication. The app features real-time measurement to improve communication efficiency, gain insight and calculate impact, allowing for continuous optimization. Beekeeper integrates with over 500 tools and can be extended further with shift management, payroll, intranets, or HR systems.
About Beekeeper
Beekeeper's employee communication platform connects and empowers entire workforces, including non-desk and frontline workers. Designed for industries that rely on hourly employees, Beekeeper boosts productivity and increases retention by making it easy to inspire and inform all employees in real-time. The Beekeeper app automates corporate communications, connects peers, and integrates easily with existing systems in a secure environment.
The company is based in Zurich and San Francisco, and supports users in more than 137 countries. For more information, visit www.beekeeper.io
About Keen Venture Partners LLP
Keen Venture Partners LLP is a new venture capital firm investing in high potential technology scale-ups. The firm invests in technology domains with transformative potential. When working with entrepreneurs, Keen's team is highly committed to help talented entrepreneurs with the best support possible by leveraging its network, expertise and capital. The firm operates from London and Amsterdam and focuses on European and select North American investment opportunities. Keen Venture Partners LLP is a Small AIFM authorised in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority and registered as a manager of a 'EuVECA' (a 'European Venture Capital Fund'). The investment in Beekeeper benefits from the support of the European Union under the Equity Facility for Growth established by the Council establishing a Programme for the Competitiveness of Enterprises and small and medium enterprises (COSME).
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/3/20/11G133579/Images/Beekeeeper_Messaging_Surveys_Streams_iOS_Android_E-ff169ed3aa75a24eb44eaac35edb3028.jpg
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/3/20/11G133579/Images/Beekeeper_Campaigns_iOS_Manufacturing_Health_And_S-d0b6c56ec5928d319e425ed68292c951.jpeg
Beekeeper Media Contact:
Anna Jarrard, BPR
anna@bradypr.com
415-786-8336
Fisher BioServices' CryoHub? to co-locate with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult manufacturing centre for seamless supply chain management and to accelerate cell and gene therapy production
To help address the challenges surrounding supply chain management for cell and gene therapy around the globe, Thermo Fisher Scientific, the world leader in serving science, today announced a collaboration with the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult (CGT Catapult) to provide developers with both the manufacturing capability and distribution, logistics, and storage capacity needed to create a seamless supply chain to accelerate cell and gene therapy development and commercialsation.
As part of the collaboration, Fisher BioServices will expand its CryoHub solution by co-locating it with Catapult's new large-scale cell and gene therapy manufacturing centre based in Stevenage, U.K., due for completion in summer 2017. Combining the two offers centralised manufacturing, storage, distribution and logisitics, resulting in a seamless supply chain.
"The U.K. is becoming a cluster for cell and gene therapy commercialisation and the CGT Catapult is at the forefront of this evolution," said David Meadows, vice president and general manager, Fisher BioServices. "The co-location of our CryoHub with the CGT Catapult will support collaborators within the manufacturing centre and the broader U.K. community. Combined with our existing capabilities in Asia and the US, it enables us to more easily support our customers' global trials as they develop and commercialise their therapies."
The CryoHub is a complete cryogenic storage, distribution and logistics solution consisting of configurable, modular components. Each module can be outfitted to meet the specific needs of a clinical trial, regardless of volume or geographic location. The CryoHub solution can accommodate early phase trials where only a few shipments are received, stored, and eventually distributed, as well as large-scale operations where many shipments are received and processed daily. This flexibility, combined with the close proximity to the CGT Catapult's manufacturing centre, enables advanced therapy developers to conduct clinical trials across multiple geographies and provide patients around the world with access to life changing therapies.
"The U.K. has a thriving life sciences sector. Government has made a commitment to advanced therapies through the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult, and the highly anticipated manufacturing centre opening later this year. When I visited Thermo Fisher Scientific in San Diego, I experienced firsthand the global impact of the company on life sciences enterprise. This new investment in a CryoHub will be a strong complement to the role of the CGT Catapult, enhancing the attraction for U.K. and international companies to develop, manufacture, and export their cell and gene therapy products from the U.K.," said Greg Hands MP, Minister of State for Trade and Investment.
"Delivering successful industry-led trials in this innovative area of research is dependent on creating a robust and reliable supply chain of their most vital ingredients, the cells themselves," said Keith Thompson, chief executive officer of the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult. "This collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific is supporting our goal to build a world-class cell and gene therapy manufacturing cluster in the U.K. that will underpin clinical studies and ultimately early commercial supply. It reflects our mission to build the U.K.'s position as a world leader in the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies, and creating a centre which transforms frontier-pushing science into medicines for patients."
About Thermo Fisher Scientific
Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. is the world leader in serving science, with revenues of $18 billion and more than 55,000 employees globally. Our mission is to enable our customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. We help our customers accelerate life sciences research, solve complex analytical challenges, improve patient diagnostics and increase laboratory productivity. Through our premier brands Thermo Scientific, Applied Biosystems, Invitrogen, Fisher Scientific and Unity Lab Services we offer an unmatched combination of innovative technologies, purchasing convenience and comprehensive support. For more information, please visit www.thermofisher.com.
About the Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult was established as an independent centre of excellence to advance the growth of the U.K. cell and gene therapy industry, by bridging the gap between scientific research and full-scale commercialisation. With more than 120 employees focusing on cell and gene therapy technologies, we work with our partners in academia and industry to ensure these life-changing therapies can be developed for use in health services throughout the world. We offer leading-edge capability, technology and innovation to enable companies to take products into clinical trials and provide clinical, process development, manufacturing, regulatory, health economics and market access expertise. We aim to make the U.K. the most compelling and logical choice for U.K. and international partners to develop and commercialise these advanced therapies. Regenerative medicine is one of the U.K. government's eight great technologies that support U.K. science strengths and business capabilities. The Cell Therapy Catapult works with Innovate U.K. For more information go to ct.catapult.org.uk or visit www.gov.uk/innovate-uk.
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321005869/en/
Contacts:
Thermo Fisher Scientific
Marcia K. Goff, +1 508-902-7041
marcia.goff@thermofisher.com
or
The Cell and Gene Therapy Catapult
Con Franklin, +44 (0)20 3727 1000
con.franklin@fticonsulting.com
NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - In a new, first of its kind analysis of combined offline and online consumer conversations, Engagement Labs released its first ever TotalSocial' rankings on the top performing food brands in the U.S. and identified Kellogg's and Hershey's as the leading food brands in consumer engagement.
The rankings of the top U.S. food brands are based on Engagement Labs' proprietary TotalSocial data, which measures the most important drivers of brand performance in the only continuous measurement of social media and word of mouth conversations.
Based on the TotalSocial data, the food category as a whole performs equally offline (face-to-face conversations) and online (social media mentions). However, there is room for performance improvement on both fronts.
The number one food brand on TotalSocial, Kellogg's, also boasts the strongest offline score, meaning the brand has been successful in driving face-to-face conversations when compared amongst its category peers. Its strong offline score can be attributed to its unique and buzz-worthy campaigns, such as the recent transformation of its New York eatery into a Pop-Tarts Cafe which offered customers a unique dining experience with new and creative ways to customize a Pop-Tart.
On the other hand, when it comes to online scores, Kellogg's falls short while Betty Crocker takes the top spot in the rankings. Betty Crocker is a brand that performs better online than it does offline, with particularly high online sentiment, brand sharing and influence scores. These scores indicate that Betty Crocker is posting relevant, shareable content online that is gaining traction among its key influencers.
"When conducting our research, we examined each brand's individual strengths and weaknesses, and found that many food brands are what we call 'Whisper Brands.' This means they perform below average, both online and offline, as compared to our full list of 500 brands. However, there are three brands that successfully pushed the limits -- Kellogg's, General Mills and Hershey's -- as 'Conversation Commanders' which perform above average both online and offline," said Ed Keller, CEO of Engagement Labs. "These three brands each provide a unique blueprint for how food brands can succeed in leveraging social influence to drive results. Online and offline work in tandem with one another, and our data proves that, in order to drive business results, brands cannot solely rely on one over the other."
Keller continued, "For example, we found that Quaker Oats performs substantially better offline than online which is driven by a low online brand sharing score. While consumers are referencing Quaker Oats advertising and marketing in real-world conversations, they are not sharing the brand's content on social platforms. This suggests an opportunity for Quaker Oats to improve social media marketing to drive growth."
Opposite to Quaker Oats, Nestle's digital investment is clearly paying off by driving above-average online volume, brand sharing and influence scores. However, its offline conversation volume is not keeping pace, which could be hindering its ability to fully capitalize on the power of social influence and moving up to the top of the TotalSocial leaderboard. Overall, the food category is categorized by high sentiment scores both online and offline. In terms of online sentiment, Dole takes the lead. Interestingly, Pillsbury is the stand-out leader for offline sentiment as it not only ranks first in the food category but the brand also ranks second out of all 500 TotalSocial brands.
To learn more about brands that buck their category trend and enjoy the financial benefits of leading in consumer conversations, download Engagement Labs' latest e-book, Lessons from the Leaders of Social Influence here.
To learn more about Engagement Labs or TotalSocial insights and how to increase your brand's word of mouth in real life and online, reach out at: totalsocial@engagementlabs.com.
About Engagement Labs
Engagement Labs (TSX VENTURE: EL) is the world's first TotalSocial' company, offering intelligent data, analytics and insights for marketers. We are leaders in tracking, measuring and benchmarking the impact of conversations happening around a brand and industry -- both online and offline. Consumer conversations are a proven driver of critical business outcomes, including sales. The patent pending TotalSocial data solution provides brands with unique insights and powerful analytics to understand online and offline social impact and drive business results. TotalSocial demonstrates to marketers how their online and offline conversation compare and contrast and helps identify areas of competitive opportunity or significant emerging threats. TotalSocial is an "always-on" proprietary scoring system, based on the most important drivers of brand performance: Volume, Sentiment, Brand Sharing and Influence. TotalSocial was built on the pillars of Engagement Labs' patented social media measurement tool and the world's only offline word of mouth tracking system for brands and tracks 500 brands within the U.S. across 17 major industry categories, and 350 brands in the UK.
To learn more visit www.engagementlabs.com / www.totalsocial.com.
Image Available: http://www.marketwire.com/library/MwGo/2017/3/20/11G133595/Images/Food_Rankings_3.14.17-4d108195a333b6189ed8b4902aa9c6b9.jpeg
For media inquiries please contact:
Kate Tumino
KCSA Strategic Communications
ktumino@kcsa.com
212-896-1252
OKINAWA, Japan, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
The annual Routes Asia air service development forum was officially handed over to the Australian city of Brisbane today (21 March) at a ceremony in Okinawa, Japan.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150730/250177LOGO )
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480685/UBM_Routes_Brisbane.jpg )
Routes Asia brings together airlines, airports, tourism authorities and governments to plan new flights and increase existing services. The 2018 event will be hosted by Brisbane Airport Corporation, Brisbane Marketing, Tourism Australia and Tourism Events Queensland at Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The capital of Queensland, Brisbane saw a record high of nearly 1.2 million international visitors in the year ending September 2016, 9.6% more than the previous 12 months. There was particularly strong growth from China, Japan, Korea and Hong Kong.
Brisbane Airport handled more than 22 million passengers in 2015 and its capacity will double when a second runway opens in 2020. Since the beginning of 2015 the airport has secured routes to 15 additional markets, including Abu Dhabi, Vancouver, Shanghai and Tokyo Narita. It was recently voted the Best Airport in Australia/Pacific in the 2017 Skytrax World Airport Awards.
Brisbane is the gateway to Queensland - the 'Sunshine State' - which is famous for attractions such as the Gold Coast and Great Barrier Reef. Queensland is also experiencing a boom in the number of international travellers, especially from China.
Julieanne Alroe, Brisbane Airport Corporation CEO and managing director said: "The city is ready and waiting to offer the warmest of Queensland welcomes to delegates attending Routes Asia in Brisbane in 2018.
"March is the perfect time to visit Brisbane. Our city boasts more sunny days than any other capital city in Australia and has a reputation as a thriving multicultural hub, praised for its globally-inspired cafes and restaurants, cultural and creative offerings, parks and green spaces and famously relaxed lifestyle.
"With Queensland's famous Sunshine and Gold Coasts a short drive away and 50 domestic destinations accessible via direct flights from Brisbane, once delegates have enjoyed the city's delights, they can easily explore the greater region or further afield."
Steven Small, brand director of Routes said: "Routes Asia will be the perfect opportunity for Brisbane to show the aviation industry what it has to offer as a destination. There is a lot of potential in this growing market that airlines will be keen to tap into."
More information about Routes can be found at routesonline.com
Routes Asia 2018, 18-20 March 2018, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, Brisbane, Australia.
Notes to Editors
Routes events are unique forums dedicated to the development of new air services. They revolve around pre-scheduled meetings, an exhibition and a conference. Four 'regional' route development forums are held between February and June in the Americas, Asia , Europe and Africa , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September.
, and , with the flagship World Routes event taking place in September. Routes events are organised by UBM plc.UBM is the largest B2B event organiser in the world.Our 3,750+ people, based in more than 20 countries, serve more than 50 different sectors.Our deep knowledge and passion for these sectors allow us to create valuable experiences which enable our customers to succeed.Please visithttp://www.ubm.com for the latest news and information about UBM.
For further information contact:
Karen Reeves
Communications & Content Marketing Manager
Routes, UBM EMEA
T: +44(0)161-234-2721
M: +44(0)796-6405-105
E: Karen.Reeves@ubm.com
Beijing is now home to the headquarters of 52 companies on the Fortune Global 500, the most of any city in the world for four straight years.
Companies in service sectors account for three-fourth of all the headquarters. In addition, 161 major multi-national corporations have regional headquarters in the city.
Beijing plans to further improve its policies to create the best possible environment for these companies in 2017.
VANCOUVER, BC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- ActiveState, the open source languages company, today announced the beta release of their new commercially supported Golang distribution, ActiveGo. ActiveGo beta is based on the most recent version of Go (v1.8) and comes pre-bundled and pre-compiled with some of the most popular Go community packages and developer tools.
The ActiveGo distribution makes it easier for enterprises to develop in Go. Pre-bundled with packages that are essential for any enterprise Go developer, ActiveGo supports Big Data as well as popular relational database connectors such as postgresQL and MySQL, testing and code quality packages, and error handling. In addition, for developers who are focussing on web development, microservices or other cloud-native development projects, the distribution includes packages for API building, web applications, and SDKs for AWS and Google App Engine.
"Go is a powerful language that offers developers the built in concurrency and ease of deployment you want in a modern language," said Jeff Rouse, Director of Product Management, ActiveState. "With other languages, the traditional trade-off has been fast development, but slower runtime and complex deployments. By using Go, enterprise developers get the best of both worlds -- fast development with the runtime speeds similar to C++ or Java that can be deployed in a single executable. We believe that by offering the best enterprise-grade packages, support and developer tools, we make it easier for companies to adopt Go in their projects. We look forward to receiving feedback on ActiveGo as we move towards our full release in the second quarter."
Included in the ActiveGo beta distribution are important core language sub-repository packages, which are part of the Go Project, but outside the main Go tree. Since these are bundled with ActiveGo, developers get all of these packages in the distribution along with documentation -- saving time and effort. In addition, ActiveGo includes valuable tools for developers such as a debugger, linter, and packages to support integrations with integrated development environments like Komodo IDE.
"We realize that Go is a language that developers and development managers alike have wanted to start using in their projects more -- whether it's to take advantage of the speed or the easy learning curve of the language. However, due to security or compliance issues, they have been unable to easily adopt the language," said Bart Copeland, ActiveState CEO. "With ActiveGo, we've pre-bundled popular packages, so it's enterprise ready out-of-the-box for their developers, meeting the security and support requirements of their organization."
ActiveState is encouraging feedback from the community to help shape the ActiveGo distribution and increase adoption of the Go language worldwide. Currently, ActiveGo beta is available on Windows, with support for Linux and Mac OS coming in the next release.
Learn more and download a copy of ActiveGo Beta here:
http://www.activestate.com/activego
About ActiveState
ActiveState, the open source languages company, believes that enterprises gain a competitive advantage when they are able to quickly create, deploy and efficiently manage software solutions that immediately create business value, but they face many challenges that prevent them from doing so. The company is uniquely positioned to help address these challenges through our experience with enterprises, developers and open source technology. ActiveState is proven for the enterprise: more than 2 million developers and 97 percent of Fortune 1000 companies use ActiveState's end-to-end solutions to develop, distribute, and manage their software applications written in Perl, Python, Ruby, Go, Node.js, Lua, Tcl and other dynamic languages. Global customers like Cisco, CA, HP, Bank of America, Siemens and Lockheed Martin trust ActiveState to save time, save money, minimize risk, ensure compliance, and reduce time to market. To learn more visit, ActiveState.com.
SEATTLE, WA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- CFN Media Group ("CFN Media", "CannabisFN"), the leading agency and digital media network dedicated to the North American cannabis industry, today announced that Future Farm Technologies Inc. ("Future Farm") (CSE: FFT) (OTCQB: FFRMF) has engaged CFN Media to conduct a market visibility program, beginning on March 20, 2017.
"We are very excited to be working with Future Farm -- a leading indoor plant growth technology company specializing in LED lighting, mobile applications and vertical farming solutions for the cannabis industry," said Frank Lane, President of CFN Media. "With an exceptional management team and rising demand for indoor growing technology, the company is well-positioned to generate cash flow and make selective acquisitions to expand its portfolio."
"We are very pleased to be working with CFN Media," says Mr. William Gildea, Future Farm's CEO and Chairman. "CFN Media is renowned for bringing cannabis companies and like-minded investors together and being included as a featured CFN Media company is a great milestone and honor for Future Farm. During this campaign we intend to continue our hard work in developing our extraction and cultivation projects in California, building our produce farm in Baltimore, expanding sales of our COB grow lights and making selective acquisitions to increase our revenue portfolio. We believe CFN's additional exposure highlighting our efforts will introduce us to a wider investor pool and ultimately benefit our shareholders."
CFN Media will leverage its extensive reach and presence with both mainstream and cannabis-focused investors and financial media across North America to elevate Future Farm's financial brand and attract high-quality long-term investors.
Learn how to become a CFN Media client company, brand or entrepreneur:http://www.cannabisfn.com/become-featured-company/
Download the CFN Media iOS mobile app to access the world of cannabis from the palm of your hand: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cannabisfn/id988009247?ls=1&mt=8
Or visit our homepage and enter your mobile number under the Apple App Store logo to receive a download link text on your iPhone: http://www.cannabisfn.com
About CFN Media
CFN Media (CannabisFN), a leading creative agency and media network dedicated to the worldwide cannabis, helps marijuana businesses attract investors, customers (B2B, B2C), capital, and media visibility. Private and public marijuana companies and brands in the US and Canada rely on CFN Media to grow and succeed.
CFN launched in June of 2013 to initially serve the growing universe of publicly traded marijuana companies across North America. Today, CFN Media is also the digital media choice for the emerging brands in the space.
About Future Farm Technologies Inc.
Future Farm's business model includes developing and acquiring technologies that will position it as a leader in the evolution of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) for the global production of various types of plants. Future Farm provides scalable, indoor CEA systems that utilize minimal land, water and energy regardless of climate, location or time of year and are customized to grow an abundance of crops close to consumers, therefore minimizing food miles and its impact to the environment. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generate yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land. The contained system provides many other benefits including seed to sale security, scalability, consistency due to year-round production, cost control, product safety and purity by eliminating environmental variability.
The Company is also in the business of designing and distributing LED lighting solutions utilizing the COB and MCOB technology. The Company is focused on delivering cost efficient lighting to North America via advanced e-commerce sites the Company owns and operates. LEDCanada.com which caters to B2B customers is a supplier of the newest and highest demand LED solutions. The Company also owns and operates COBGrowlights.com which caters to both large and small agriculture green houses and controlled cultivation centers.
For more information, visit the company's website at www.futurefarmtech.com.
Contact:
Frank Lane
206.369.7050
flane@tdmfinancial.com
LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- RightSmith Group, specialists in the licensing and management of high-value media archives, has partnered with Profiles Television, creator of The Amazing Race, to commercialize its enormous archive of stunning stock footage from the world-renowned TV series. Hundreds of hours of pristine footage covering more than 85 countries is now exclusively available for licensing by creative professionals via the RightSmith content licensing portal.
Famous for its spectacular locations, The Amazing Race is unquestionably one of the richest video archives in terms of geographic variety and cinematographic excellence. Since 2001, and over the course of 28 seasons, The Amazing Race series has consistently captured the beauty and drama of every location on which it has been filmed. Along the way, it has garnered 15 Primetime Emmy awards, notably for Cinematography and Picture Editing.
Working in close cooperation with the show's creators, Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, the experts at RightSmith's media services team provided guidance on how best to assess, categorize and index thousands of hours of footage to maximize its market potential.
Creative professionals now have instant access to high-definition stock footage from The Amazing Race shot in thousands of locations on six continents: Asia, Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America. The entire archive has been meticulously catalogued for fast search and easy licensing, and features many of the wonders of the world portrayed in The Amazing Race.
Some of the epic shots available for licensing include the Grand Canyon, the pyramids of Egypt, the Great Wall of China, the Sahara Desert, the Great Barrier Reef, beaches of Tahiti, and the Swiss Alps -- just to name a few. Also included are remote locations such as Mongolia, the Atlas Mountains in Morocco, and tiny villages in Azerbaijan. In many instances, high-definition drone and aerial footage is available, along with dramatic POV shots. Note: the archive does not include footage of the contestants.
"Our Amazing Race footage is extremely unique and highly desirable. RightSmith worked with us to make sure our vast catalogue is indexed and showcased so that creative professionals can easily find stunning video clips that will add drama and visual impact to their projects," said Elise Doganieri, executive producer at Profiles Television.
"RightSmith is continually looking for premium film and video archives that are in high demand by creative professionals. The Amazing Race needs no introductions, as Elise and Bertram consistently focused on producing cinematographic excellence of breath-taking locations," said Jackie Mountain, president, RightSmith Group. "Our partnership with The Amazing Race is indicative of RightSmith's mission to aggregate and commercialize high-production-value footage that will enable creatives to add dramatic visual impact to their projects."
The Amazing Race stock footage collection is available at www.rightsmith.com.
About Profiles Television
Profiles Television is an award-winning, full-service production company that develops and produces programming for the worldwide marketplace. Founded in 2003, Profiles Television is run by ten-time Emmy award-winning producers Bertram van Munster and Elise Doganieri, the executive producers best known for creating and producing CBS's long-running reality juggernaut The Amazing Race, now airing its 28th season (The Amazing Race is produced through World Race Productions, a subsidiary of Profiles Television). www.profiles-television.com
About RightSmith
RightSmith is a leader in media archive management and monetization, with offices in Los Angeles, Tokyo, Sydney, and London. RightSmith connects creators and media professionals to content that appears every day throughout the world's film, television, advertising, publishing and online media industries. Visit RightSmith to learn more about how the company works with large media archives to monetize, store, and distribute their assets. www.rightsmith.com
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MEDIA CONTACT
RightSmith
Tim Cox
ZingPR
650-369-7784
Email Contact
REDWOOD CITY, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Synthego, a leading provider of genome engineering solutions, today announces the availability of chemically modified synthetic guide RNA in the CRISPRevolution product family, including modified full length 100-mer synthetic single guide RNA (sgRNA).
Critical for editing challenging cell types such as primary and stem cells, modified guide RNAs provide protection against intracellular immune responses present in primary cells, such as stem cells. Additionally, chemically modified RNA improves in vivo stability by protecting RNA molecules against exonuclease attack -- allowing it to persist longer in certain cell types and regions of genomic DNA that can be challenging to edit using conventional guide RNAs.
Synthego's modified sgRNA are synthesized with 2'-O-methyl analogs and 3' phosphorothioate internucleotide linkages in the first three nucleotides at both the 5' and 3' end of the RNA molecule. It's currently impossible to make chemical modifications to plasmid or in vitro transcription (IVT) based guide RNAs.
Synthetic sgRNA is chemically synthesized to the highest levels of purity, eliminating the risk of introducing toxins that may be present in IVT-based guide RNAs. In addition, the use of modified synthetic sgRNA also safeguards against the accidental incorporation of DNA into edited stem cells, which can occur as a result of using plasmid or IVT guides.
Matthew Porteus' research group, part of the Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine at Stanford University Medical School, published breakthrough research in Nature Biotechnology in 2015 demonstrating the use of chemically modified synthetic sgRNA for performing CRISPR genome editing in human stem cells.
"We have found that Synthego provides high quality chemically modified synthetic sgRNA which have become a vital tool for our CRISPR/Cas9 based research program," said Matthew Porteus, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator at Stanford School of Medicine. "Their product allows us to quickly evaluate, in a cost-effective manner, the best guide RNA to stimulate genome editing, including by homologous recombination, in therapeutically relevant human stem cells and primary human T-cells. My team has also found that they deliver excellent customer service and are willing to work closely with us in terms of addressing our experimental needs. I highly recommend them."
Andrew Scharenberg's Lab at Seattle Children's Research Institute (affiliated with the University of Washington) has also been a pioneer in applying gene editing technologies towards hemoglobinopathies and immunodeficiencies. Researchers there are utilizing Synthego's modified sgRNA for their work in CRISPR editing T-cells and stem cells, seeing editing efficiencies of up to 90 percent.
"Synthego's chemically modified sgRNA provides a critical tool for our CRISPR research when it comes to difficult stem cell gene targets," said Andrew Scharenberg, MD, Principal Investigator at Seattle Children's Research Institute. "Our research into stem cell-based human therapeutics presents editing challenges that require the highest efficiency guides."
Synthego is the first company in the world to be able to offer modified synthetic sgRNA at a nanomole scale and at a price point that is practical to stem cell and CRISPR therapeutic researchers. Previous sources of modified synthetic sgRNA cost up to 5X more and took up to 8 weeks to ship. Synthego is able to ship the modified synthetic sgRNA in as little as 5 days.
Organizations conducting research related to CRISPR therapeutics, stem cells, immunotherapies, or encountering challenges with editing efficiencies should consider modified synthetic sgRNA for CRISPR genome editing. In addition, chemically modified sgRNA may aid in editing challenging targets even in common cell lines, and can provide protection against exonucleases in prokaryotic cells.
Modified guides are available as an option to the entire CRISPRevolution synthetic RNA portfolio.
For more information visit: www.synthego.com.
About Synthego
Founded by former SpaceX engineers, Synthego is a leading provider of genome engineering solutions. The company's flagship product, CRISPRevolution, is a portfolio of synthetic RNA designed for CRISPR genome editing and research. Synthego's vision is to bring precision and automation to genome engineering, enabling rapid and cost-effective research with consistent results for every scientist.
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, California, Synthego customers include leading institutions in over 30 countries around the world and 9 of the top 10 global biology universities.
Media Contact
Jessica Garcia
Uproar PR for Synthego
321-236-0102
Email Contact or Email Contact
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- On March 21, people in Canada and around the world mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day was declared by the United Nations in 1966 in memory of the 1960 Sharpeville Massacre, in which South African police opened fire on unarmed anti-apartheid demonstrators and killed 69 people.
Racism - wherever it happens - devalues individuals, divides communities, and breeds fear and animosity throughout society. As former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon said, "An assault on one minority community is an attack on all."
As Minister of Canadian Heritage and Minister responsible for Multiculturalism, I urge Canadians to stand against racism and all forms of discrimination, and to continue to build an inclusive, welcoming country where everyone is free to flourish. We know we are stronger precisely because of our differences, not despite them.
Stay Connected
Follow us on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram and Flickr.
Contacts:
Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788
SASKATOON, SASKATCHEWAN -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Saturn Oil + Gas Inc. ("Saturn" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SMI)(FRANKFURT: SMK) is pleased to announce that it has closed a transaction within the Viking fairway near Kindersley, Saskatchewan.
Under the terms of the transaction, Saturn purchased 640 acres of Viking oil land in the greater Kindersley area from a local private operator. This land is highly prospective for increased Viking light oil production through horizontal development, and Saturn has identified at least 2 half mile horizontal drilling locations and 2 full mile horizontal drill locations. "This acquisition represents Saturn's continued effort to acquire high quality light oil Viking assets in West Central Saskatchewan," said Scott Newman, COO of Saturn.
Saturn Is also pleased to announce the appointment of John Jeffrey and Scott Newman to the company's Board of Directors. Mr. Jeffrey and Mr. Newman bring a unique skill set to the Board, their strong financial and strategic planning background will be an asset to the Company.
Mr. Jeffrey is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in economics and a MBA majoring in Finance. His experience as the area finance manager for a Fortune 200 engineering consulting firm gives him a strong background in operations and finance that has allowed him to successfully execute large international engineering and environmental projects. Mr. Jeffrey was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for Saturn Oil + Gas Inc. in November 2016.
Mr. Newman is currently a director of Vela Resources Corp., a privately held helium exploration and development company based in Saskatchewan. Mr. Newman was also the President and founding partner of Axiom Exploration Ltd., a geological and engineering consulting company based in Saskatchewan. Mr. Newman has extensive experience in managing junior natural resource exploration companies, with a specific focus on the structuring and financing of early stage projects. Mr. Newman has been involved as an officer or advisor to several private and public resources exploration companies. Mr. Newman was appointed as the Chief Operating Officer for Saturn Oil + Gas Inc. in November 2016.
Saturn also announces that, subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval, it is amending the price per unit ("Unit") of its CAD $4.0 million private placement (the "Private Placement") (See December 21, 2016 news release). The amended price per Unit will now be CAD$ 0.08. Each Unit consists of one common Share (the "Shares") and one-half of a Share Purchase Warrant (the "Warrants"). Each whole Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one additional common Share, exercisable at a price of CAD $0.15 per Share for a period of 18 months from the date of issue of the Warrant. All other terms of the private placement remain unchanged.
About Saturn Oil + Gas Inc.
Saturn Oil + Gas Inc. (TSX VENTURE: SMI)(FRANKFURT: SMK) is a public energy Company focused on the acquisition and development of undervalued, low risk assets. Saturn is driven to build a strong portfolio of cash flowing assets with strategic land positions. De-risked assets and calculated execution will allow Saturn to achieve growth in reserves & production through retained earnings. Saturn's portfolio will become its key to growth and provide long-term stability to shareholders.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
SATURN OIL + GAS INC.
John Jeffrey, MBA - CEO & Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained herein constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are subject to both known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performances or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performances or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements.
Contacts:
Saturn Oil + Gas Inc.
+1 (306) 291-2461
www.saturnoil.com
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Hootsuite, the most widely used social media management platform, today announced the acquisition of the Snapchat analytics solution created by Naritiv, a Los Angeles-based content creation company powering stories for today's biggest brands. Following its recent acquisitions of digital advertising technology leader AdEspresso, and social analytics leader, LiftMetrix, this announcement underscores Hootsuite's continued investment across today's most relevant social networks and momentum in building a best-in-class social marketing solution.
"Brands are turning to video-centric networks like Snapchat to engage with their audiences," said Ryan Holmes, CEO of Hootsuite. "Naritiv has been at the forefront of connecting brands and agencies with Snapchat influencers and their audiences. We're thrilled to integrate Snapchat functionality into the Hootsuite platform to help our customers take full advantage of this dynamic video network. Snapchat is the new TV."
Recognized by Fast Company as one of the top ten most innovative video companies, Naritiv's analytics solution has helped companies understand and enhance the impact of their digital campaigns on Snapchat. By the end of 2016, Snapchat boasted over 156 million users worldwide and 10 billion daily video views. With Naritiv's solution, Hootsuite customers can harness Snapchat's power as an emerging, brand-building video network.
"We felt our Snapchat solution was complementary to the innovative marketing solutions that Hootsuite offers to brands and agencies," said Dan Altmann, co-founder of Naritiv. "Hootsuite is a market leader for social media management across both paid and organic channels and we're excited to see Hootsuite take our technology to the next level."
As part of the acquisition, members of the Naritiv product team will join Hootsuite's newly opened Los Angeles office. The Los Angeles office follows the recent opening of the Hootsuite Toronto office, joining Hootsuite's footprint in major markets around the world including New York, London, Paris, Hamburg, Singapore, and its Vancouver headquarters.
View Ryan's supporting video announcement at: https://www.linkedin.com/hp/update/6249933693058629632.
About Hootsuite
Hootsuite is the most widely used social media management platform, used by over 15 million people around the globe and trusted by more than 800 of the Fortune 1000. Hootsuite's battle-tested technology, extensive ecosystem, and social DNA help organizations to champion the power of human connections at scale. To learn more, visit www.hootsuite.com.
Contacts:
Julie Huang
Corporate Communications
media@hootsuite.com
@juliewh11
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
16 June 2017
Recommended Combination
of
Mariana Resources Limited ('Mariana')
and
Sandstorm Gold Ltd ('Sandstorm')
Results of Court Meeting, Extraordinary General Meeting, and Annual General Meeting
The Board of Directors of Mariana is pleased to announce that, at the Guernsey Court Meeting and the Extraordinary General Meeting held earlier today in connection with the recommended combination of Mariana (AIM/TSXV: MARL) with Sandstorm (TSX: SSL and NYSE MKT: SAND) (the 'Combination'), (which is to be implemented by way of a court-sanctioned scheme of arrangement under Part VIII of the Companies (Guernsey) Law, 2008) (the 'Scheme'), Mariana Shareholders voted to:
Approve the Scheme by the requisite majorities at the Guernsey Court Meeting;
Pass the Special Resolution in connection with the approval of the Scheme and the amendment of the Mariana Articles at the Extraordinary General Meeting; and
Pass the Ordinary Resolution in connection with the implementation of the Retention Arrangements at the Extraordinary General Meeting.
Voting results of the Annual General Meeting
All resolutions proposed at the Annual General Meeting were passed by shareholders.
Details of the resolutions passed at the Guernsey Court Meeting, Extraordinary General Meeting and Annual General Meeting are set out in the notices contained in the scheme document dated 15 May 2017 that was sent to Mariana Shareholders (the 'Scheme Document'), which is available on Mariana's website at www.marianaresources.com and available on SEDAR under Mariana's profile at www.sedar.com.
Voting results of the Guernsey Court Meeting
The resolution proposed at the Guernsey Court Meeting, was decided on a poll. A majority in number of those Scheme Shareholders present and voting, either in person or by proxy, representing approximately 96.3 per cent. in value of all Scheme Shares in respect of which votes were cast, voted in favour of the Scheme. Accordingly, the resolution proposed at the Guernsey Court Meeting was duly passed on a poll vote The voting of those Scheme Shareholders who cast votes either in person or by proxy at the Guernsey Court Meeting was as follows:
+-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+--------------+------------+ | |Number of |Percentage of|Number of |Percentage of |Number of | | |Scheme Shares|Scheme Shares|Scheme |Scheme |Scheme | | |voted |voted |Shareholders |Shareholders |Shares voted| | | | |who voted |who voted |as a | | | | | | |percentage | | | | | | |of issued | | | | | | |ordinary | | | | | | |share | | | | | | |capital | | | | | | |entitled to | | | | | | |vote on the | | | | | | |Scheme | +-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+--------------+------------+ |FOR | 40,984,067| 96.3%| 57| 90.5%| 33.0%| +-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+--------------+------------+ |AGAINST| 1,583,551| 3.7%| 6| 9.5%| 1.3%| +-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+--------------+------------+ |TOTAL | 42,567,618| 100.0%| 63| 100.0%| 34.3%| +-------+-------------+-------------+--------------+--------------+------------+
Voting results of the Extraordinary General Meeting
At the Extraordinary General Meeting, the Special Resolution and the Ordinary Resolution were decided on a poll vote and duly passed. The voting of those Mariana Shareholders who cast votes either in person or by proxy at the Extraordinary General Meeting was as follows:
Special Resolution
+------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | | Number of votes | Percentage of votes | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | FOR | 32,680,763 | 94.9% | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | AGAINST | 1,767,969 | 5.1% | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | TOTAL | 34,448,732 | 100.0% | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | WITHHELD * | 17,094 | | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+
Ordinary Resolution
+------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | | Number of votes | Percentage of votes | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | FOR | 30,431,704 | 94.5% | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | AGAINST | 1,767,969 | 5.5% | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | TOTAL | 32,199,673 | 100.0% | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+ | WITHHELD * | 2,266,153 | | +------------+-----------------+---------------------+
* A vote withheld is not a vote in law and counts neither 'For' nor 'Against' the Special Resolution or the Ordinary Resolution.
Each of the Scheme and the Special Resolution were approved by a simple majority of the votes cast thereon by the shareholders present in person or by proxy and entitled to vote at each of the Guernsey Court Meeting and the Extraordinary General Meeting, respectively, after excluding Mariana shares beneficially owned or over which control or direction is exercised by such persons whose votes were not included in determining minority approval pursuant to Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ('MI 61-101').
Guernsey Court Hearing
In order to become effective, the Guernsey Court will need to sanction the Scheme at the Guernsey Court Hearing. It is anticipated that the Guernsey Court Hearing will be held on or around 26 June 2017 and that the Scheme will become effective on or around 29 June 2017.
Expected Timetable of Events and Next Steps
Completion of the Combination remains subject to the satisfaction or (if capable of waiver) waiver of the remaining Conditions, including the aforementioned sanction of the Scheme.
The Government of the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire has confirmed that no regulatory consents are required as a result of the Combination.
A full list of the Conditions to the implementation of the Combination is included in the Scheme Document.
Mariana Optionholders and Mariana Warrantholders are reminded that they should also review the letters dated 18 May 2017 sent to them by Mariana regarding the effects of the proposed combination of Mariana and Sandstorm on their options (in the case of Mariana Optionsholders) and Mariana Warrants (in the case of Mariana Warrantholders) and the proposals made to them in relation to such options and Mariana Warrants. Mariana Optionholders and Mariana Warrantholders must, if they wish to take advantage of those proposals, give notice to Mariana by, at the very latest, the Scheme Record Time (being 5.00 p.m. (UK time) on 28 June 2017). Copies of the letters to Mariana Optionholders and Mariana Warrantholders are available at Mariana's website at www.marianaresources.com
It is intended that dealings in Mariana Shares on AIM will be suspended at 7.30 a.m. on 26 June 2017 and that trading on TSXV will halt prior to markets opening in Canada on 26 June 2017. The last day for dealings in, and for registration of transfers in Mariana Shares will therefore be 23 June 2017. If the Guernsey Court sanctions the Scheme it is intended that Sandstorm will procure that Mariana makes an application to cancel the admission to trading of Mariana Shares on AIM, to take effect on or around 30 June 2017, and it is anticipated that the Mariana Shares will be delisted from TSXV as soon as practicable on or after 29 June 2017. The record date for determining the holders of Mariana Shares entitled to receive consideration pursuant to the Scheme, and the record date for calculation of consideration payable, is expected to be 28 June 2017. The Scheme will become effective on or around 29 June 2017. The above dates are indicative only and will depend, among other things, on the dates upon which the Guernsey Court sanctions the Scheme. Mariana will announce any changes to these dates through a Regulatory Information Service.
The expected timetable of remaining principal events is attached as an appendix to this announcement.
Following the results of the passing of the resolutions at the Extraordinary General Meeting, the retention letters between Sandstorm and Glen Parsons and Eric Roth have been completed, details of which were included in the Scheme Document.
Each of the directors of Mariana have also entered into termination agreements with respect to their employment, which terminations are to take effect on the Effective Date of the proposed Combination, on terms that they will each receive accrual fees, payment for notice periods and expenses due under their respective appointment agreements, in each case in compensation for termination of employment and/or loss of office.
It is further anticipated that each of Glen Parsons, John Horsburgh, and Ron Ho may remain Mariana Directors after the Effective Date during the transitional period in order to assist with the continued operation of Mariana on terms to be agreed (in the case of Glen Parsons and, if relevant, in addition to his Retention Arrangement).
All references to time in this announcement are to London time unless otherwise stated. Capitalised terms in this announcement, unless otherwise defined, have the meaning given to them in the Scheme Document.
For more information please contact:
Mariana +61 2 8437 4588 John Horsburgh, Independent Chairman and Non-Executive Director Glen Parsons, CEO Karen Davies, Head of Investor Relations
RFC Ambrian Limited (Financial Adviser to Mariana) +44 (0) 20 3440 6800 Stephen Allen Bhavesh Patel
Raymond James Ltd. (Canadian Financial Adviser to Mariana) +1 416 777 7000 John Willet Craig McDougal
Blytheweigh (PR Adviser to Mariana) +44 (0) 207 138 3224 Tim Blythe Camilla Horsfall Megan Ray
Sandstorm Nolan Watson, President & CEO +1 604 689 0234 Adam Spencer, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development +1 416 238 1152 Denver Harris, Investor Relations +1 604 628 1178
KPMG LLP (Financial Adviser to Sandstorm) +44 (0) 207 311 1000 Helen Roxburgh Michael Nicholson
IMPORTANT NOTICE
RFC Ambrian Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the FCA, is acting exclusively for Mariana and noone else in connection with the Combination and will not be responsible to anyone other than Mariana for providing the protections afforded to clients of RFC Ambrian Limited nor for providing advice in relation to the Combination or any other matters referred to in this announcement.
Raymond James Ltd. is acting exclusively as Canadian financial adviser to Mariana and to the Mariana Independent Directors, and noone else in connection with the Combination and will not be responsible to anyone other than Mariana for providing the protections afforded to clients of Raymond James Ltd. nor for providing advice in relation to the Combination or any other matters referred to in this announcement.
KPMG LLP, which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the FCA, is acting exclusively as financial adviser to Sandstorm in relation to the Combination, and is not acting for any other person in relation to such Combination. KPMG LLP will not be responsible to anyone other than Sandstorm for providing the protections afforded to its clients nor for providing advice in relation to the Combination or any other matters referred to in this announcement or otherwise.
Further information
This announcement is not intended to and does not constitute, or form part of, an offer, invitation or the solicitation of an offer to purchase, otherwise acquire, subscribe for, sell or otherwise dispose of any securities, or the solicitation of any vote or approval in any jurisdiction, pursuant to the Combination or otherwise, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities of Mariana in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law. The Combination is being made solely by means of the Scheme Document, which contains the full terms and conditions of the Combination including details of how to vote in respect of the Scheme
Overseas jurisdictions
The availability of the Combination to Mariana Shareholders who are not resident in and citizens of the UK or Guernsey may be affected by the laws of the relevant jurisdictions in which they are located or of which they are citizens. Persons who are not resident in the UK or Guernsey should inform themselves of, and observe, any applicable tax, legal or regulatory requirements of their jurisdictions. Relevant clearances have not been, and will not be, obtained from the securities commission or similar regulatory authority of any province or territory of Canada. Further details in relation to overseas shareholders will be contained in the Scheme Document.
The release, publication or distribution of this announcement in or into jurisdictions other than the UK or Guernsey may be restricted by law and therefore any persons who are subject to the law of any jurisdiction other than the UK or Guernsey should inform themselves about, and observe, any applicable requirements. Any failure to comply with the applicable restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, the companies and persons involved in the Combination disclaim any responsibility or liability for the violation of such restrictions by any person. This announcement has been prepared for the purposes of complying with English law, Guernsey law, certain applicable Canadian securities laws, the AIM Rules, the policies of the TSXV, the rules of the London Stock Exchange and the Code and the information disclosed may not be the same as that which would have been disclosed if this announcement had been prepared in accordance with the laws of jurisdictions outside of England or Guernsey.
Copies of this announcement and the formal documentation relating to the Scheme and the Combination will not be, and must not be, mailed or otherwise forwarded, distributed or sent in, into or from any Restricted Jurisdiction or any jurisdiction where to do so would violate the laws of that jurisdiction.
Notice to US Holders, US Optionholders and US Warrantholders
The Combination and the securities to be issued in connection with the Combination have not been approved or disapproved by the SEC or the securities regulatory authority of any state of the United States, nor has the SEC or any such state securities regulatory authority passed upon the fairness or merits of the Combination or upon the accuracy or adequacy of this announcement. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence. This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, any offer to sell or the solicitation of any offer to buy any securities, nor will there be any purchase or transfer of the securities referred to in this document in any jurisdiction in contravention of applicable law or regulation.
The New Sandstorm Shares to be received by Mariana Shareholders in exchange for their Mariana Shares pursuant to the Combination have not been, and will not be, registered under the Securities Act or the securities laws of any state, district or other jurisdiction of the United States, and such securities are intended to be issued in reliance upon the exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act set forth in Section 3(a)(10) thereof on the basis of the approval of the Guernsey Court, which will be informed of the intention to rely upon such exemption, and similar exemptions under applicable state securities laws.
Following the Combination, Mariana Options and Mariana Warrants will remain outstanding under their terms and any securities issuable upon exercise thereof have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act or applicable state securities laws. As a result, Mariana Options and Mariana Warrants may not be exercised in the United States or by or on behalf of a US Optionholder or US Warrantholder, as applicable, nor may any New Sandstorm Shares issued upon such exercise be offered or resold in the United States or to or for the account of such a US holder, except pursuant to the terms of such security and pursuant to a registration statement under the U.S. Securities Act or an exemption from applicable registration requirements or in a transaction not subject to the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.
Information in this announcement or in the documents incorporated by reference herein concerning the properties and operations of Sandstorm and of Mariana has been prepared in accordance with requirements and standards under securities laws, which differ from the requirements of US securities laws. As such, certain information contained in the Announcement, the Scheme Document or in the documents incorporated by reference herein or therein concerning descriptions of mineralization and mineral resources under these standards may not be comparable to similar information made public by US companies subject to reporting and disclosure requirements of the SEC. In addition, the financial information of Mariana and Sandstorm has been prepared in accordance with reporting standards which differs from US GAAP in certain material respects, and thus are not directly comparable to financial statements prepared in accordance with US GAAP.
US Holders should be aware that the Combination described in this announcement may have tax consequences in the United States and should consult their own tax advisors to determine the particular United States tax consequences to them of the Combination in light of their particular situation, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any other relevant foreign, state, local, or other taxing jurisdiction.
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the United States federal and state securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that Sandstorm and Mariana are incorporated or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than the United States, that some or all of their officers and directors are and will be residents of countries other than the United States and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of Sandstorm and Mariana are and will be located outside the United States. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for US Holders (including US Optionholders and US Warrantholders) to effect service of process within the United States upon Sandstorm or Mariana, as applicable, or their respective officers or directors or to realize, against them, upon judgments of courts of the United States predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States or applicable securities laws of any state within the United States. In addition, US Holders (including US Optionholders and US Warrantholders) should not assume that the courts of Guernsey: (a) would enforce judgments of United States courts obtained in actions against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States or applicable securities laws of any state within the United States; or (b) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under the federal securities laws of the United States or applicable securities laws of any state within the United States.
Notice to Canadian Holders
The enforcement by investors of civil liabilities under the Canadian securities laws may be affected adversely by the fact that Mariana is incorporated or organized under the laws of a jurisdiction other than Canada, that some or all of Sandstorm's and Mariana's officers and directors are and will be residents of countries other than Canada and that all or a substantial portion of the assets of Sandstorm and Mariana are and will be located outside Canada. As a result, it may be difficult or impossible for Canadian Holders to effect service of process within Canada upon Mariana or Sandstorm, as applicable, or their respective officers or directors or to realize, against them, upon judgments of courts of Canada predicated upon liabilities under Canadian securities laws. In addition, Canadian Holders should not assume that the courts of Guernsey: (a) would enforce judgments of Canadian courts obtained in actions against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under Canadian securities laws; or (b) would enforce, in original actions, liabilities against such persons predicated upon civil liabilities under the Canadian securities laws.
The New Sandstorm Shares to be issued pursuant to the Combination will be issued in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus requirements of securities legislation in each province of Canada. Subject to certain disclosure and regulatory requirements and to customary restrictions applicable to distributions of shares that constitute 'control distributions', New Sandstorm Shares may be resold in each province and territory in Canada, subject in certain circumstances, to the usual conditions that no unusual effort has been made to prepare the market or to create demand, no extraordinary commission or consideration is paid and, if the selling shareholder is an insider or officer of Sandstorm, such shareholder has no reasonable grounds to believe that Sandstorm is in default of securities legislation.
Canadian Holders should be aware that the Combination described in this announcement may have tax consequences in Canada and should consult their own tax advisors to determine the particular Canadian tax consequences to them of the Combination in light of their particular circumstances, as well as any tax consequences that may arise under the laws of any other relevant foreign, state, local, or other taxing jurisdiction.
Publication on website and SEDAR
In accordance with Rule 26.1 of the Code, a copy of this announcement will be made available, subject to certain restrictions relating to persons resident in Restricted Jurisdictions, on Sandstorm's website at http://www.sandstormgold.com and Mariana's website at http://www.marianaresources.com by no later than 12 noon (London time) on the Business Day following this announcement. For the avoidance of doubt, the contents of these websites are not incorporated by reference and do not form part of this announcement.
This announcement will also be available on SEDAR under Mariana's profile at www.sedar.com.
Requesting hard copy documents
In accordance with Rule 30.3 of the Code, a person so entitled may request a hard copy of this announcement by contacting RFC Ambrian Limited during business hours on +44 (0)203 440 6800 or by submitting a request in writing to RFC Ambrian Limited at Level 5, Condor House, 10 St Paul's Churchyard, London, EC4M 8AL. For persons who receive a copy of this announcement in electronic form or via a website notification, a hard copy of this announcement will not be sent unless so requested. You may also request that all future documents, announcements and information to be sent to you in relation to the Combination should be in hard copy form.
Advisory
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.
The issuance of the New Sandstorm Shares, including those issuable on exercise of any Mariana Warrants and the Mariana Options on a post-closing basis, is subject to approval by the TSX and the NYSE MKT.
APPENDIX
EXPECTED TIMETABLE OF PRINCIPAL EVENTS
The following dates are indicative only and are subject to change:((1))
Guernsey Court Hearing 10.00 a.m. on 26 June 2017
Last day of dealings in Mariana 23 June 2017
Shares Dealings in Mariana Shares 7.30 a.m. on 26 June 2017 suspended on AIM
Halt of trading of Mariana Shares on TSXV 26 June 2017
Scheme Record Time 5.00 p.m. on 28 June 2017
Effective Date((2)) on or around 29 June 2017
Delisting of Mariana Shares from TSXV on or around 29 June 2017
Cancellation of admission of Mariana 7.00 a.m. on 30 June 2017 Shares to trading on AIM
Listing of New Sandstorm Shares on TSX Within 14 days of the Effective Date and NYSE
Crediting of the New Sandstorm Shares in Within 14 days of the Effective Date uncertificated form to CDS accounts
Crediting of Sandstorm CDIs in Within 14 days of the Effective Date uncertificated form in CREST
Despatch of definitive share certificates Within 14 days of the Effective Date for New Sandstorm Shares in certificated form
Latest date for despatch of cheques and Within 14 days of the Effective Date crediting of CREST and CDS accounts for cash consideration due under the Scheme
Long Stop Date((3)) 31 August 2017
(1) These dates are indicative only and will depend, among other things, on the date upon which the Guernsey Court sanctions the Scheme. Mariana will announce any changes to these dates through a Regulatory Information Service.
(2) A copy of the order of the Guernsey Court which sanctions the Scheme must be filed with the Guernsey Registry within seven (7) days of the Guernsey Court Hearing. The Scheme will become Effective at the time that the court order of the Guernsey Court is filed with the Guernsey Registry which is expected to be on or around 29 June 2017.
(3) This is the latest date by which the Scheme may become Effective unless Mariana and Sandstorm agree, and the Panel and, if required, the Guernsey Court, permits, a later date.
(4) All references in this document to times are to London time unless otherwise stated.
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: Mariana Resources Ltd via GlobeNewswire
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TOKYO, Apr 5, 2017 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Corporation Power Systems, Inc. (MCP), a wholly owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), has joined with The Kansai Electric Power Co., Inc. (KEPCO) to establish a new joint venture. The new venture, Aioi Bioenergy Corporation, is being set up to promote and develop biomass power generation business in Japan. The new venture will have an initial capital of 450 million yen, with 40% of that being invested by MCP.The project is aiming to facilitate the conversion of fuel used at the second unit of KEPCO's Aioi Power Station in Hyogo Prefecture (capacity: 375 MW) from its current heavy oil or crude oil sources to woody biomass. The project will also contribute to controlling overall carbon dioxide emission (CO2) due to its use of naturally derived pellet fuel.(1)MCP already operates some 73 MW of power generated from solar projects and is developing and constructing wind and geothermal power generation projects across Japan. The new project expands on these existing renewable energy initiatives.MC and its subsidiaries intend to continue working with local and international partners to develop power generation projects that use renewable energy, thereby contributing to increased energy self-sufficiency and the growth of new industries in Japan while at the same time helping to combat greenhouse gas emissions.(1) Although biomass power generation emits CO2 during combustion, the fact that the same trees absorb CO2 while growing up offsets this, resulting in a balance of zero added CO2 emitted into the atmosphere, a state referred to as carbon neutral.About the Aioi Power PlantLocation: Yanagiyama 5315-46, Aioi, Hyogo Prefecture, JapanAbout Aioi BioenergyAbout Mitsubishi CorporationMitsubishi Corporation (MC; TSE: 8058) is a global integrated business enterprise that develops and operates businesses across virtually every industry including industrial finance, energy, metals, machinery, chemicals, foods, and environmental business. MC's current activities are expanding far beyond its traditional trading operations as its diverse business ranges from natural resources development to investment in retail business, infrastructure, financial products and manufacturing of industrial goods. With over 200 bases of operations in approximately 80 countries worldwide and a network of over 500 group companies, MC employs a multinational workforce of nearly 60,000 people. For more information, please visit www.mitsubishicorp.com.Source: Mitsubishi CorporationContact:Copyright 2017 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
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ALBANY, New York, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Led by a few well-established market players, such as Tobii AB, iMotions, SensoMotoric Instruments GmbH, and LC Technologies, the global market for Neuromarketing solutions is highly consolidated and competitive in nature, finds a new research report by Transparency Market Research (TMR). These four players accounted for a whopping share of 83% in this market in 2016.
With the focus of these companies shifting to product innovation and mergers, acquisitions, and partnerships, the competition within this market is likely to intensify further in the years to come, reports the study.
According to the research report, the worldwide neuromarketing solutions market, which offered an opportunity worth US$0.94 bn in 2016, is expected to rise at a 10.20% CAGR over a period from 2017 to 2025 and touch a value of US$2.20 bn by the end of the period of the forecast. The functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) technique has gained a widespread application across the industry verticals and has acquired the leading position in this market. In spite of the expensiveness of this technique, analysts expect this segment to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period, notes the research study.
Presence of Large Pool of Players to Ensure North America's Lead
The report also provides a geographical assessment of the worldwide market for neuromarketing solutions. It has considered Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, North America, and South America as the prime segments of this market. North America, among these, have led this market in 2016, contributing US$355.6 mn in revenues. Thanks to the presence of a large pool of market players, North America is likely to retain its position as the leading regional market for neuromarketing solutions throughout the forecast period.
Europe, another prominent regional market for neuromarketing solutions across the world, is also projected to register significant growth in its market share over the forthcoming years, thanks to the strengthening economy in the U.K. and the increasing investments by leading players.
Asia Pacific, amongst others, is projected to experience a steady rise in the near future driven by the augmenting demand for neuromarketing solutions in China and other Asian countries. The markets for neuromarketing solutions in the Middle East and Africa and South America are expected to witness sluggish growth in the years to come due to regulatory hurdles, reports the research study.
Get PDF Sample for this Research Report @http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=21389
Increasing Application of Neuromarketing Solutions in Media and Advertising to Boost Market
Neuromarketing solutions have gained a widespread application in telecommunication and media and advertising. Many large enterprises across the world have begun concentrating on various aspects of neuromarketing in order to gain clarity over the response of these solutions on media and, particularly, their own advertising campaigns. This, as a result, has been influencing the global market for neuromarketing solutions significantly. According to an analyst at TMR, "the increasing trend of studying the behavior of consumers is likely to boost this market remarkably in the near future."
Get more information from Research Report Press Release:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/neuromarketing-solutions-market.htm
Researchers, although foresee a thriving future of the global neuromarketing solutions market, its growth, however, may be restricted by the regulatory as well as the cost-, mobility-, and scalability-related issues concerning neuromarketing solutions to some extent in the years to come, states the research report.
The study presented here is based on a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), titled "Neuromarketing Solutions Market (Technology - Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), Eye Tracking, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), Magnetoencephalography (MEG)) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2017-2025."
The following segmentation of the global neuromarketing solutions market has been provided in the report:
By Technology
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)
Electroencephalography (EEG)
Eye tracking
Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
Magnetoencephalography (MEG)
By Geography
North America
The U.S.
Rest of North America
Europe
The U.K.
Rest of Europe
Asia Pacific
China
Rest of Asia Pacific
Middle East & Africa
& Saudi Arabia
Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa
& South America
Brazil
Rest of South America
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Commercial Satellite Imaging Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/commercial-satellite-imaging-market.html
http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/commercial-satellite-imaging-market.html Brain Computer Interface Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/brain-computer-interface-market.html
http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/brain-computer-interface-market.html Video Surveillance and VSaaS Market : http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/video-surveillance-vsaas-market.html
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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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Yuval Noah Harari, best known for his book Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind, has just had a second book published in China. Where Sapiens examined the past, the new book, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, attempts to answer questions about the future.
Harari, a professor of history, explained in an interview with the Peoples Daily how he got the idea for Homo Deus in the wake of his first books success. It was readers who prompted Harari to shift his focus, as many fans of Sapiens wondered what the past could teach people about the future.
According to the author, his new book focuses on the interaction between technology, politics, society and religion. What effect will big data algorithms have on politics once the former knows our thoughts and beliefs better than we ourselves do? Harari asks. What will happen as automation and artificial intelligence close off traditional career paths? These big questions and others like them are the subject of Homo Deus.
First published in Hararis native Israel and England, China is the third country to publish the book. Asked about his impressions of China, Harari called it the most dynamic country in the world today. In comparison to Western audiences, the author said that Chinese audiences have a greater hunger for knowledge.
In the West, people are very curious of course, but in China I got a real sense of urgency from the people. It goes beyond mere curiosity, he explained. They have a deep yearning to understand the world. They are very open to new ideas and new ways of thinking.
Of course, hard-pressed to avoid the topic of politics in the current climate, Harari also shared his thoughts on Chinas unique perspective when it comes to global affairs. Pointing to the countrys 2,000-year history, which he contrasted with the much-younger U.S. and European Union, Harari suggested that China has valuable experience uniting very disparate populationsa skill that will prove essential if nations are to band together to fight global problems like climate change and poverty.
During [Chinas history], the Chinese have had a lot of experience in balancing the needs and interests of many groups of people living in different regions and under different climatic and economic conditions. This experience will be vital for the survival and success of humankind in the coming decades, Harari predicted.
Hararis interest in profound and potentially unanswerable questions began when he was still a teenager. He recalled the shock he felt upon realizing that his family didnt much care about the meaning of lifethat they were more invested in money, work and politics than the big picture. Harari promised himself that he wouldnt get bogged down in what he thought of as the mundane troubles of daily life. In a way, both Sapiens and Homo Deus are attempts to make good on that promise.
Perhaps hoping to reach other young people with limitless curiosity, Harari said he is considering a childrens book for his next project, which would focus on the history humankind.
Then again, he modestly considered, I am not sure I have the necessary skills to do that.
LAS VEGAS, NV -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- PotCircles is a product of South American Gold Corp. (OTC PINK: SAGD). PotCircles has launched its awareness campaign for the launch of its cannabis dedicated social network. This all-new social network is focused on the individuals within the cannabis community, compassion for these individuals and their lifestyles, and knowledge of the effects, benefits, and laws surrounding cannabis. This network looks to make a difference and differentiate itself from other social networks by not only celebrating a lifestyle but also becoming a platform for serious issues surrounding cannabis.
Become part of the movement at http://igg.me/at/potcircles and support your voice and your lifestyle.
The awareness campaign of PotCircles is a multi-avenue campaign, from general public awareness of its launch, celebrity following and enthusiasm, to a push to reserve your username for the social network.
The team behind PotCircles is utilizing social media (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, SnapChat, Google+, YouTube), grassroots boots on the ground, news releases and bloggers, third party referrals, and fund raising efforts on Indiegogo to get the awareness out globally. The true result of the awareness is the sum of all efforts and not just that of one avenue. Each avenue of this campaign is launching separately to attempt to acquire the most visibility for the awareness of PotCircles.
PotCircles looks to not only be the "must have" social network for individuals and their cannabis lifestyle, but to become a movement for individuals to voice their opinions for the legalization of cannabis. The cannabis lifestyle includes everything from the simple enjoyment of legal marijuana, the growing and cultivation of medical marijuana, the advancements of cannabis in science, to the use of hemp as an alternative within the marketplace.
The soft launch and its efforts have already produced awareness within the celebrity community, news outlets, marijuana bloggers, and the general public. The hard launch campaign starting today is projected to increase the visibility of PotCircles to the level needed to launch the network into the marketplace with a mass following and a daily increase in users.
PotCircles' visibility on other social networks begins today under the username PotCircles. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat, Google+, and YouTube. Stay up to date on our development through these social media outlets, potcircles.com, and help support your love for cannabis by getting the word out about our Indiegogo campaign at http://igg.me/at/potcircles.
General Public Contact: username@potcircles.com
Media Contact: info@sagdcorp.com
About SAGD: South American Gold Corp. is focused on becoming the premiere provider of value added products and services for the cultivation and processing of legal cannabis for the South American medical and recreational markets with an initial focus on the Uruguayan market.
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 incorporates by reference the Company's filings with the SEC including 10K, 10Q, 8K 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 acquisition of oil and gas assets will be favorable nor that definitive terms can be negotiated. Information in this release includes representations from the private companies referred to which has not been independently verified by the company. A downturn in oil prices would affect the potential profitability of the proposed acquisition negatively.
South American Gold Corp.
8275 S. Eastern Ave.
Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Phone: (702) 487-9003
Website: www.SAGDcorp.com
CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - The Canadian dollar firmed against its key counterparts in the European session on Tuesday, as the nation's retail sales growth accelerated more than forecast in January.
Data from Statistics Canada showed that retail sales rose a seasonally adjusted 2.2 percent on month to C$46.0 billion in January.
This was sharply higher than expectations for 1.5 percent growth and follows a 0.5 percent fall in the previous month.
Core retail sales, excluding sales at motor vehicle and parts dealers, advanced 1.7 percent. Economists were looking for a 1.3 percent gain. The sales had fallen 0.3 percent in December.
Further underpinning the currency was higher oil prices, driven by expectations that OPEC would extend its production cuts past June to rein in global glut.
Crude for May delivery rose $0.15 to $49.06 per barrel.
The loonie showed mixed performance in the Asian session. While the currency rose against the aussie and the euro, it held steady against the greenback. Against the yen, it dropped.
Extending early rally, the loonie firmed to a 5-day high of 1.3283 against the greenback, off its early low of 1.3365. The loonie is seen finding resistance around the 1.30 zone.
The loonie, having fallen to an 8-day low of 1.4412 against the euro at 4:15 am ET, reversed direction and rose back to 1.4340. The loonie had already set a 4-day high of 1.4308 early in the Asian session. If the loonie extends rise, 1.39 is possibly seen as its next resistance level.
European Council President Donald Tusk said that a meeting of the European leaders will be held on April 29 to adopt the Brexit guidelines for the 27 member states.
Apart from its chief Tusk, the European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the member states and the European Commission President.
Bouncing off from an early 4-day low of 84.22 against the yen, the loonie advanced to a 2-day high of 84.77. Continuation of the loonie's uptrend may see it challenging resistance around the 86.00 region.
The loonie continued to be higher against the aussie with the pair trading at 1.0269. At yesterday's close, the pair was worth 1.0320. The next possible resistance for the loonie may be seen around the 1.01 area.
Looking ahead, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George is expected to speak on the U.S. economy and the Federal Reserve before an event hosted by Women in Housing and Finance, in Washington at 12:00 pm ET.
At 3:45 pm ET, Bank of Canada Deputy Governor Lawrence Schembri will deliver a speech at the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.
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JERUSALEM (dpa-AFX) - The U.S. has banned large electronic devices from cabin baggage on passenger flights to the U.S. from eight Muslim-majority countries, citing terrorism concerns.
'Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items,' the Department of Homeland Security or DHS stated.
Passengers will now be required to check in all personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smartphone before clearing security or boarding flights at ten overseas airports where flights are departing for the U.S. The ten airports are mainly in the Middle East and North Africa.
The large personal electronic devices that will not be allowed in the cabin on affected flights include laptops, tablets, e-readers, cameras, portable DVD players, electronic game units larger than a smartphone, and travel printers/scanners.
However, approved medical devices may be brought into the cabin after additional screening.
The affected overseas airports are - Queen Alia International Airport in Jordan, Cairo in Egypt, Ataturk in Turkey, King Abdul-Aziz International Airport and King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Mohammed V Airport in Morocco, Doha in Qatar, and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in UAE.
The indefinite ban will affect nine airlines operating out of ten airports and will affect passengers on more than 50 flights a day.
The affected airlines include Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air and Turkish Airlines. No American carries were affected by the ban.
These nine airlines affected by the ban were notified of the procedures on March 21 and must comply within 96 hours. According to the DHS, the new procedures will remain in place until the threat changes.
There is no impact of the ban on domestic flights in the U.S. or flights departing the U.S. Electronic devices will continue to be allowed on all flights originating in the U.S.
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WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - President Donald Trump's powerful daughter Ivanka has been allocated an office at the White House, media quoted an administration official as saying.
Despite securing her own office on the second floor of the West Wing, the hub of US executive power, the 'first daughter' will not have an official title or draw salary.
The 35-year-old eldest daughter of the US President would also have access to classified information, reports say.
Ivanka's role will be to serve as the president's 'eyes and ears' while providing broad-ranging advice, not just limited to women's empowerment issues, Politico reported, quoting her attorney Jamie Gorelick.
Ivanka, who moved to Washington saying she would not play any formal role in the Trump administration, is already sharing many high-profile platforms along with her father and world leaders.
She was seated next to German chancellor Angela Merkel during a round table discussion at the White House last week.
Last month, she was also there at the launch of the US-Canada Council for the Advancement of Women Business Leaders, in the presence of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Until her father became President, 35 year-old Ivanka had been part of the management of the Trump Organization and the Ivanka Trump fashion brand.
Ivanka's husband, New York real estate executive Jared Kushner, is a senior White House adviser.
Closer to Trump than any other adviser, Kushner is believed to have decisive influence on his father-in-law.
To shift his focus from business to White House, Kushner resigned as CEO of Kushner Companies and publisher of the New York Observer.
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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Prism Resources Inc. (TSX VENTURE: PRS) ("Prism" or the "Company") announces that it has initiated a strategic review of potential mine development scenarios with JDS Energy and Mining Inc. at the Huampar project near Lima, Peru. JDS will examine historical data and Prism's current plans for advanced exploration drilling and the potential early reactivation of mining. Upon the successful completion of the advanced exploration drilling phase and the establishment compliant mineral resource model, the Project would be advanced to the Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA")/Prefeasibility Study ("PFS") stage led by JDS.
The project which hosts precious and base metals including lead, zinc, silver and gold was mothballed over 18 years ago, due to power shortages and market conditions. Past production at Huampar Mine between 1956 and 1991 is approximately 2.5 million tonnes averaging 5.4 oz/T (185 g/t) silver, 5% zinc, 3.8% lead and 1.6 g/t gold with excellent metallurgical recoveries. The project contains historical estimate of 874,412 tonnes grading 6.1 oz/T silver (209 g/t), 3.63% zinc, 3.31% lead and 1.3 g/t gold. This estimate was reported in Prism's qualifying NI 43-101 Huampar Project Technical Report written by Mining Plus Canada Cons. Ltd. on July 2016. This historical resources was originally estimated by MRDI Canada (now Amec Foster Wheeler) in June 1999. The methodology used by MRDI is not consistent with the CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Reserves. A qualified person has not done sufficient work to classify the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves, and the issuer is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves. The Huampar project property hosts four ex-producing mines including the Huampar Mine, all located within an 8-kilometer radius. None of these have ever been investigated by modern exploration techniques such as diamond drilling or geophysics. Prism plans to define a current resource estimate and will carry out exploration to extend known mineralized zones as well as test regional exploration targets.
About Prism Resources Inc.
Prism acquired the project from Trevali Mining Corporation (TSX: TV) and Nueva Condor, a private Peruvian mining company in July this year. Our priority has been to establish good community relations and agreements which are in process. More recently our focus has been for the reconstruction of the mine models and organization of the databases in anticipation of a program designed to examine the reactivation of mining production. The mining rate will be determined based on the economics provided by the current study. To that end, engineering company BBA of Lima have been contracted and partially completed an evaluation of to cost out the refurbishment of the processing infrastructure required to meet that throughput rate.
Qualified Person and Quality Control/Quality Assurance
Mr. Richard Dufresne, P.Geo., is Prism's Vice-President Exploration and is a qualified person as defined by NI 43-101. He has supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release. Mr. Dufresne is not independent of the Company, as he is an officer.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRISM RESOURCES INC.
Robert W Baxter, President & CEO
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements contained in this news release that are not historical facts constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, possible events and statements with respect to possible events. The words "is expected" or "estimates" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could" occur and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the date of such statements, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. The estimates and assumptions of the Company contained in this release which may prove to be incorrect, include, but are not limited to the ability of the Company to secure financing on the proposed terms and for the aggregate amount. Known and unknown factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodities; changes in national and local government legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments in Canada, or other countries in which the Company may carry on business in the future; business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining activities; the speculative nature of gold exploration and development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licences and permits; diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; and contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties.
In addition, there are risks and hazards associated with the business of gold exploration, development and mining, including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations, pressures, cave-ins, flooding and gold bullion losses (and the risk of inadequate insurance, or the inability to obtain insurance, to cover these risks). Many of these uncertainties and contingencies can affect the Company's actual results and could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements made by, or on behalf of, the Company. 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. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's expectations and plans relating to the future. All of the forward-looking statements made in this release are qualified by these cautionary statements and those made in our other filings with the securities regulators in Canada. These factors are not intended to represent a complete list of the factors that could affect the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results may vary, and future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements cannot be guaranteed.
Contacts:
Prism Resources Inc.
Robert (Bob) Baxter
+1-778-928-1864
bbaxter@prismresourcesinc.com
Prism Resources Inc.
Scott M. Ross
604-803-4883
sross@prismresourcesinc.com
Prism Resources Inc.
Michelle Borromeo
604-715-6845
mborromeo@prismresourcesinc.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Prevtec Microbia Inc. is pleased to announce that it received an investment from some of the Company's shareholders in the amount of CAD $2.5 million. Telesystem Ltd, Desjardins-Innovatech, S.E.C., Grupo Corporativo Fuertes, S.L. and Echo Capital FIER Outaouais, Limited Partnership participated in this round.
"We are very pleased with this contribution from our shareholders to support our growth as our second vaccine is authorized for commercialization in the European Union. This investment will allow us to expand our team in Europe and manage demand for our vaccine from European pig producers. Our partner and distributor Elanco plans to launch the bivalent Coliprotec F4/F18 vaccine in May 2017", says Michel Fortin, President and CEO of Prevtec Microbia Inc.
The targeted swine market in the European Union represents a potential of 250 million heads annually.
Prevtec Microbia has developed a portfolio of technologies, including three commercialized vaccines, with the goal of becoming the benchmark for biological products that can replace antibiotics administered to animals for consumption.
About Prevtec Microbia
Prevtec Microbia is a Canadian biotechnology company developing biological products for the prevention of diseases in food animals. The Company's mission is to find better ways to feed the planet by developing technologies that improve animal health and increase animal production performance.
Prevtec Microbia's first commercial product, ColiprotecF4, a swine E. coli vaccine, has been sold across Canada since 2007. In March 2015, the European Commission granted a marketing authorization for Coliprotec F4 in the European Union. In January 2017, the European Commission issued the EU-wide marketing authorization for Coliprotec F4 / F18, the Company's second commercial product. See more information at www.prevtecmicrobia.com.
Contacts:
Michel Fortin
President and CEO
+1 514-905-0401
mfortin@prevtecmicrobia.com
Christian Roy
Finance Director
+1 514-905-0402
croy@prevtecmicrobia.com
ROME (dpa-AFX) - U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will travel to Lucca, Italy, April 9-11 to attend the G-7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting to discuss global political and security issues of mutual concern with his counterparts. Their discussions will set the stage for the G-7 Leaders' Summit which President Trump will attend in Taormina, Italy in May, State Department Acting Spokesperson Mark C. Toner said in a statement Wednesday. On the margins of the G-7 ministerial, Secretary Tillerson will also meet with several of his counterparts for bilateral discussions. The Secretary will travel to Moscow on April 12, where he will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other Russian officials to discuss Ukraine, counterterrorism efforts, bilateral relations and other issues, including North Korea and Syria. 'This trip is part of our effort to maintain direct lines of communication with senior Russian officials and to ensure U.S. views are clearly conveyed, including on next steps in Minsk implementation,' Toner said. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
AURORA, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- bernette, which is marketed and sold by BERNINA, is pleased to introduce an entirely new line of bernette machines. The new line consists of three mechanical sewing machines including the b33 (MSRP $269), the b35 (MSRP $339), and the sew&go1 (MSRP $199); plus two computerized sewing machines including the b37 (MSRP $549), and the b38 (MSRP $749), and the b44 Funlock Overlocker (MSRP $599). The new bernettes offer competitive features, in a modern and sleek design. The new bernette Series machines are now available.
"The bernette line offers sewists of all skill sets with a variety of machines in the entry-to-mid-level price range," said Paul Ashworth, President and CEO for BERNINA of America. "The Swiss designed bernette 30 Series machines and bernette 44 Funlock Overlocker are an excellent choice for budget-conscious sewists looking for reliable machines that are easy to use. Sew&go1 is also a very affordable machine for sewists of all skill sets."
The b33 and b35 Mechanical models are Swiss designed and easy to operate, have a front-load hook system and a sewing speed of 860 stitches per minute. The b33 features 15 stitch patterns and the b35 with 23 stitch patterns. Additionally, the machines have an LED light, high stitch quality, and a needle threader. For more information, visit www.mybernette.com.
The b37 and b38 Computerized models are stylish, two-colored Swiss designed machines that have a drop-in bobbin, a 7mm stitch width and the needle stop up/down function. The b37 has 50 stitch patterns and the b38 has 394 stitch patterns which include alphabets. Additional features of the b38 is the automatic thread cutter and comes standard with an extension table. For more information, visit www.mybernette.com.
The b44 Funlock Overlocker is a 2-3-4 thread Swiss designed overlocker that is value-priced and offers sewists 16 stitch options. Stitching at 1,300 stitches per minute, the bottom drive knife, differential feed feature and integrated rolled hem option makes the b44 a very desirable machine for the budget conscious sewist. For more information, visit www.mybernette.com.
Lastly, the bernette sew&go1, has 9 stitch patterns, a 4-step button hole, 750 stitches per minute and a front-load hook system. It also has a presser foot pressure adjustment, an LED light, and a thread cutter. For more information, visit www.mybernette.com.
About bernette
Marketed and sold by BERNINA, the bernette brand of sewing and embroidery machines range from simple sewing machines for beginners to computerized sewing machines for the contemporary and creative sewer. bernette sewing and embroidery machines are versatile and reliable, with a great value placed on sturdiness and durability of design. To learn more, visit www.mybernette.com.
Media Contacts for BERNINA of America, Inc.:
Joanne Tedesco
(312)780-7210
Email Contact
Lia Antonetti
(312)780-7218
Email Contact
LAKEWOOD, CO--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - FirstBank, Colorado's second largest bank and one of the nation's largest privately-held banks, announced the promotions of Brian Larson to Denver-metro Regional President, Kevin Classen to Boulder Market President and Nick Brinkman to Summit County Market President. All three executives have been with the company for over 15 years, and bring extensive banking experience to their new positions.
Larson, who started with FirstBank in 1990, has been promoted to Denver-metro Regional President following five years as the Boulder Market President and six years as the Colorado Springs Market President. He also currently serves on the board of the Colorado Bankers Association and Community Food Share.
Classen has been with FirstBank since 1998 and enters his new role as Boulder Market President after serving as President of the West Valley Market in Phoenix, Arizona. He served on the boards of Habitat for Humanity of Central Arizona, West Valley Arts Council, WESTMARC, and was an Honorary Commander at Luke Air Force Base in Goodyear. In 2015, Classen was named Phoenix Business Journal's '40 Under 40,' which recognizes top industry leaders who are making an impact in the community.
Finally, Brinkman, who has been with FirstBank since 2001 and previously held the position of Executive Vice President in Vail, has been promoted to President of the Summit County Market, where he'll manage branches in Silverthorne, Breckenridge and Frisco. Brinkman served as chairman of the Eagle County Homebuyer's Association and as board member for the Eagle County School District Finance Committee and Samaritan Counseling Center in Edwards.
"In their combined years with FirstBank, Brian, Kevin and Nick have distinguished themselves by making significant contributions to the company and their respective communities," said Jim Reuter, CEO of FirstBank. "We greatly value their expertise and passion for serving our customers, and are thrilled to see them advance in their banking careers."
FirstBank offers excellent employment opportunities in retail banking. To learn more about FirstBank's Management Trainee Program and other career opportunities, visit efirstbank.com.
About FirstBank
FirstBank operates more than 120 locations in Colorado, Arizona and California. FirstBank is the largest locally owned banking organization in Colorado, serving more than 700,000 customers. Since 2000, FirstBank has contributed more than $57 million and thousands of volunteer hours to charitable organizations. FirstBank is unique in that a majority of its stock is owned by management and employees. For more information, go to efirstbank.com.
Member FDIC
Equal Housing Lender
MEDIA CONTACT:
Chandra Brin
FirstBank
Chandra.Brin@efirstbank.com
303-235-1402
Dani Row
Linhart Public Relations
drow@linhartpr.com
303-951-2588
BEIJING (dpa-AFX) - A three-count indictment was unsealed in federal court in Brooklyn, New York, charging Xiaodong Wu, the founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors of China Medical Technologies, Inc. (China Medical), and Tak Yung Samson Tsang, also known as 'Sam Tsang,' the Chief Financial Officer and a member of the Board of Directors of China Medical, with securities fraud, securities fraud conspiracy and wire fraud conspiracy. Wu and Tsang are alleged to have defrauded China Medical's noteholders and investors of more than $400 million through misrepresentations about the use of proceeds raised through two note offerings and by then stealing the invested funds by transferring them to entities controlled by, or affiliated with, Wu and Tsang. The defendants are fugitives. The charges were announced by Bridget M. Rohde, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York, and William F. Sweeney, Jr., Assistant Director-in-Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation, New York Field Office. 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.
COLOMBO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- China and Sri Lanka will continue to join hands in promoting development in each other's country and deepen cooperation in all fields, President Maithripala Sirisena and visiting Chinese State Councilor, Defense Minister Chang Wanquan have agreed here.
Chang, who arrived in Colombo Sunday, met with President Sirisena and his Sri Lankan counterpart respectively on Monday.
The president expressed his appreciation for China's consistent assistance for his country in economy, agriculture, science and technology, education, defense and other areas.
He noted that he had met with Chinese President Xi Jinping on several occasions and they had reached broad consensus on ways to further promote bilateral relations.
Sri Lanka will energetically follow through joint cooperation projects with China and continue to make great efforts in deepening pragmatic cooperation with China in all fields, he said.
Sri Lanka will, like as usual, steadfastly support China's stance in international and regional affairs as well as on issues of great concern to China, the president said.
Chang noted that the two presidents had agreed to promote the "strategic partnership of cooperation featuring sincere mutual support and long-lasting friendship" between the two countries, when they exchanged congratulatory messages on the 60 years' anniversary of bilateral diplomatic relations in February.
He conveyed President Xi's greetings to President Sirisena and also expressed appreciation for Sri Lanka's support for China, especially in matters concerning China's core interests.
He noted that Sri Lanka is an important country along the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, saying China would like to work together with Sri Lanka in promoting each other's development so as to benefit their two peoples.
Chang also held talks with Sri Lankan State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene. The two exchanged ideas on promoting relations between their two militaries and pledged to maintain high level contacts, deepen cooperation in all aspects to bring the military ties to a new high.
BENSHEIM, Germany and SALZBURG, Austria, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
The CEREC system has now been opened up for the export of scan data in STL format. Data from the digital impression can now also be used in software products from other manufacturers. This opens up new possibilities for dentists who are gradually digitizing their practices. They can use the CEREC Omnicam scans in cooperation with their dental laboratory or other clinical planning software.
The requirements that practices place on digital technologies have diversified in the past few years - the solutions are becoming ever more individual. Dentsply Sirona meets these differing needs with the extension of the applications for CEREC - for more patient comfort, time savings during the treatment and for even better cost-effectiveness for the practice. The STL export of scan data is the latest example of this: "The provision of single visit dentistry with CEREC does not need an open file, since CEREC is complete as it is. However, we see in the last few years that many other clinical applications are being used in the practice and customers are asking to use their CEREC digital impressions in those applications," explained Roddy MacLeod, Group Vice President Dentsply Sirona CAD/CAM.
Dentists can send the CEREC scans to a laboratory of their choice to order restorations. Compatibility with all commonly used design programs that are employed in laboratories is guaranteed by the STL format. The open format also enables the practice team to import the CEREC Omnicam scans into any other clinical or practice management software and to archive it there. The corresponding software licenses will be available at the same time as the new CEREC SW 4.5.
Long Version and images: https://news.dentsplysirona.com/en/business-units/cad-cam/2017/digital--flexible-and-open--cerec--a-complete-system-for-restora.html
Press Contact: Marion Par-Weixlberger, T +43-(0)-662-2450-588, marion.par-weixlberger@dentsplysirona.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - The authors of the Cardin-Lugar Amendment have called on the Trump administration to overrule the Interior Department's announcement rescinding a rule forcing US extraction firms to disclose their payments to foreign governments.
U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and former Senator Dick Lugar, who drafted a bipartisan rule in 2010 that requires extractive industry corporations, like oil, gas and mining companies, to disclose payments they make to foreign governments for access to natural resources, issued a joint statement Monday after the U.S. Department of Interior announced the United States would effectively leave the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global standard to promote open and accountable management of oil and gas mineral resources.
After the US Congress passed a bill to repeal the Cardin-Lugar anti-corruption regulation on extractives industry transparency earlier this month, the Department of the Interior announced that the United States is withdrawing its efforts to seek validation by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI), a global anti-corruption effort to bring openness and accountability to the oil, gas and mining sectors.
The United States had been working towards complying with the standard since 2012, when it established a multi-stakeholder group of civil society, industry and government members to guide the process.
In response to the disclosure requirement that US passed into law, Europe and Canada enacted similar statutes on a faster time-table.
'What will those countries, or countries planning to join, say now at this American retreat away from transparency and accountability? Such a retreat is a retreat from our values, which give America its strength and its moral leadership in the world,' Cardin and Lugar said.
'We hope that President Trump will reaffirm his trust in the American public and fight corruption. We call on him to overrule Interior Department bureaucrats to reassert U.S. commitment to EITI and to order his Administration to encourage passage of new transparency rules under existing law, the Cardin-Lugar Amendment,' they added.
Separately, the civil society members of the U.S. EITI said in a joint statement that they are saddened and alarmed that the United States will no longer comply with the standard of a crucial transparency initiative that it has supported since 2003.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
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For Immediate Release 21 March 2017
PhosAgro Board Recommends RUB 3.9 bln Dividend
Moscow - The Board of Directors of PhosAgro (Moscow Exchange, LSE: PHOR), one of the world's leading vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers, at its meeting today recommended that the Annual General Meeting of Shareholders ("AGM") approve a dividend of RUB 3,885 million, or RUB 30 per ordinary share (RUB 10 per Global Depositary Receipt).
The AGM will be held on 30 May 2017, chaired by Ivan Rodionov, a member of the PhosAgro Board of Directors and Chairman of the Risk Management Committee. The record date for participation in the AGM has been set as 5 May 2017. The Board has recommended that the AGM set the dividend record date as 13 June 2017.
The Board recommended the dividend after reviewing PhosAgro's statutory accounts and consolidated IFRS financial statements for 2016, which will be disclosed on 27 March 2017. PhosAgro management will discuss the results at its Capital Markets Day on the following day.
?At the meeting, the Company's key results for 2016, including production activities, were reviewed and the PhosAgro Annual Report for 2016 was submitted for approval by the AGM.
The Board of Directors viewed PhosAgro's 2016 operating and financial results as successful. PhosAgro CEO Andrey Guryev said: "While global fertilizer markets have been at the bottom of the cycle in recent years (in the last five years, for example, prices have nearly halved), we have managed to deliver strong production and financial performance thanks to our constant focus on optimisation of business processes, modernisation and improving efficiency.?
"?The company continues to grow and develop. We set out our goals and work towards them. Last year were were able to increase fertiliser production by 9.4% to 7.4 million tonnes. We were also delighted to be recognised by the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs (RSPP) as the best company in Russia in 2016 based on a comprehensive set of performance indicators, including production, social responsibility, and environmental. After the commissioning of new ammonia and granulated urea capacities this year, we will have enormous potential for further organic growth."
Reports taken into consideration at today's meeting included: information on the work of the Board of Directors and its Committees in 2016, and the results of an assessment of the work of the Board of Directors conducted by a third party organisation.
In addition, the Board reviewed the results of the reassessment of key risks and an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Company's risk management system.
Furthermore, the Board of Directors took note of the results of work by the Company's subsidiaries on ensuring regulatory compliance with workplace health and safety requirements at production facilities. A significant reduction in injuries across all production sites was noted. In all chemical processing facilities operated by PhosAgro, there was not a single accident causing the loss of working capacity to a member of staff.
Among other things, the Board of Directors reviewed the Company's compliance with environmental regulations and its work on environmental protection in 2016. As a result of a continued focus on reducing the resource and energy consumption of its production sites, increased utilisation of secondary energy sources, and deeper processing of mineral ore, the controlled parameters of PhosAgro's subsidiaries' impact on the environment have declined to levels set out in Russian and European guidelines for best available technologies. Based on this measure, PhosAgro's enterprises can be considered "green" or environmentally safe production sites.
The company has many initiatives and projects aimed at reducing its environmental impact and using 'green' industrial technologies, modernising existing production lines, and introducing new high-tech facilities. For example, a joint project with UNESCO and IUPAC provides grants for young scientists researching in the field of green chemistry. For the first time in the history of UNESCO and the entire UN system, such an ititative is being implemented on an extra-budgetary basis with support from a Russian business.
The Board of Directors took note of the candidate for the Company's RAS auditor for 2017 and recommended that the AGM approve LLC FBK.
Also at today's meeting, a report on related party transactions in 2016 was approved, as well as an HR policy that aims to increase employee motivation for achieving key targets and goals that have been set before PhosAgro, and at increasing employees' social security.
Notes to Editors
PhosAgro is one of the leading global vertically integrated phosphate-based fertilizer producers. The Company focuses on the production of phosphate-based fertilizers, feed phosphate and high-grade phosphate rock (P 2 O 5 content of not less than 39%).
The Company is the largest phosphate-based fertilizer producer in Europe, the largest producer of high-grade phosphate rock worldwide and the third largest MAP/DAP producer in the world (excluding China), according to Fertecon. PhosAgro is also one of the leading producers of feed phosphates (MCP) in Europe, and the only producer in Russia. It is Russia's only producer of nepheline concentrate.
PhosAgro's main products include phosphate rock, 33 grades of fertilizers, feed phosphates, ammonia, and sodium tripolyphosphate, which are used by customers in 100 countries spanning all of the world's inhabited continents. The Company's priority markets outside of Russia and the CIS are Latin America, Europe and Asia.
PhosAgro's shares are traded on the Moscow Exchange, and global depositary receipts ("GDRs") for shares trade on the London Stock Exchange (under the ticker PHOR). Since 1 June 2016, the Company's GDRs have been included in the MSCI Russia and MSCI Emerging Markets indexes.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- The Mint Corporation (TSX VENTURE: MIT) ("Mint" or the "Company") announces that, further to its news release of February 2, 2017, Gravitas Financial Inc. ("GFI") through its holding company has advanced USD $5.45 Million as a deposit to secure the right to acquire the UAE Central Bank licensed financial company referred to in that news release (the "Financial Company"). The purchase price is 100 million UAE Dirham (approximately USD$27.25 million), of which approximately USD $15 million is due at closing, subject to adjustments.
GFI and Global Business Services for Multimedia ("GBS") have each agreed to provide USD $7.5 million of funding to acquire the Financial Company and also agreed to fund another USD $7.5 million each to satisfy ongoing UAE Central Bank capital reserve requirements. The first USD $15 million will be used to acquire 97.22% of the Financial Company. If the transaction were to close, the Financial Company on closing will have a cash balance of USD$9.54 million.
In order to complete the acquisition of the Financial Company, the parties must obtain financing to fund the remaining portion of the purchase price, obtain UAE Central Bank approval, complete their due diligence and enter into definitive agreements. The participation of the Mint Group (as defined below) in this transaction is also subject to stock exchange approval.
The acquisition of the Financial Company will occur through a holding company formed in the UAE. GBS and GFI will each hold a 25% beneficial ownership interest in that holding company. Mint Gateway for Electronic Payment Services LLC ("Mint Gateway") will own the remaining 50% beneficial interest. Mint Gateway is a company in which Mint owns, indirectly, a 51% beneficial interest and GBS owns a 49% beneficial interest. The holding company and the Financial Company will both have a board of directors consisting of 5 directors, 3 of whom will be appointed by GBS and 2 of whom will be appointed by GFI.
Mint Middle East LLC, a company 51% owned by Mint, and Mint Gateway (collectively the "Mint Group") will use the Financial Company as their BIN sponsor. The Mint Group will also provide sourcing, disbursement, collection, customer care and marketing services to the Financial Company and will promote all products of the Financial Company on an exclusive basis to customers of the Mint Group.
Mint expects that the acquisition of the Financial Company if completed will allow the Mint Group to offer a greater range of financial products and services to its cardholders and to more quickly respond to opportunities and changes in the marketplace. In particular, Mint expects that the acquisition will facilitate the launch of a lending program to payroll cardholders. The current intention is that the Financial Company will be engaged exclusively in providing products, services and loans to cardholders of the Mint Group, subject to the Financial Company's obligations under existing loan commitments.
The funding provided by GFI and GBS to the holding company will take the form of a loan, repayable in three years with interest at $0.5% per annum. For every USD $2 million net positive income generated by the Financial Company during any fiscal year, GFI and GBS will forgive USD $7.5 million of the loan.
The directors of the Financial Company have stepped down in favour of the nominees of GFI and GBS.
GFI owns approximately 76% of the outstanding common shares of Mint. GBS owns a 49% beneficial interest in the Mint Group.
General Disclosure Statement
Investors are encouraged to read the Management Discussion and Analysis Documents filed on SEDAR for a description of additional risks associated with investing in the Company. The following statement is only intended to inform investors on certain of the many risks associated with investing in the Company.
The Company operates predominantly in the Middle East. It is exposed to significant political, legal and regulatory risks associated with operating in this emerging and volatile market. The key management personnel and operations of the Company are based in countries which do not have strong and reliable judicial enforcement. This results in additional risk with respect to the enforcement of legal and contractual rights, including, for example but without limitation, the enforcement of the rights of creditors, the protection of intellectual property rights, the enforcement of joint venture arrangements, and binding key employees with non-compete agreements. Since inception, the Company has not reached profitability. The Company relies heavily on debt financing to fund its business plan. This has exposed the Company to unique financial risks associated with significantly higher than normal debt levels. Investors in the company are strongly encouraged to be aware of the significant risks of the Company, to conduct additional due diligence and to seek the help of a licensed investment advisor before investing in securities of the Company. Moreover, investors must be aware that the purchase of the Company's securities involves a number of additional significant risks and uncertainties, as disclosed in the Management Discussion and Analysis reports filed on SEDAR by the Company. Investors considering purchasing securities of the Company should be able to bear the economic risk of total loss of such investment.
About The Mint Corporation
Established in 2004, Mint is a vertically integrated prepaid card and payroll services provider with its own processing platform, ATM network and proprietary branded card products delivered to unbanked workers in the United Arab Emirates. Mint operates as a payroll card and processing services provider in the UAE through its ownership in Mint Middle East LLC and Mint Gateway for Electronic Payment Services LLC.
Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains forward-looking statements. More particularly, this news release contains statements which include the advance of additional funds by GFI and GBS to complete the acquisition and capitalization of the Financial Company, and the statement that the acquisition will allow Mint Group to offer loans, and a greater range of products and services, to its cardholders. The forward-looking statements are based on certain expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that those expectations and assumptions 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. Actual results could differ materially from those anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. In addition to other risks, the Company can give no assurance that GFI and GBS will source and advance the necessary funds and the offering of loans, products and services to Mint's customer base will require systems and approvals not yet in place. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under 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 responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contacts:
The Mint Corporation
Kym No
Interim CFO
647-252-1664
www.themintcorp.com
21 March 2017
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT CONTAINS INSIDE INFORMATION
Acacia Mining plc
LSE:ACA
("Acacia" or the "Company")
Termination of Discussions with Endeavour Mining
Acacia today confirms that it has concluded preliminary discussions with Endeavour Mining, announced on 13 January 2017, and confirms that it has decided not to progress towards a combination of the two businesses.
Commenting, Brad Gordon, CEO stated, "We are focused on creating value for our shareholders, as has been demonstrated by the successful and ongoing transformation of the business over the last three years together with our disciplined approach to M&A. We believe we will continue to unlock significant value at our operations in Tanzania, which are the foundations of our business, and are excited by the potential of the recently announced high-grade discovery in Kenya as we continue our journey towards creating a pan-African mining company."
ENQUIRIES
For further information, please visit our website: http://www.acaciamining.com/ or contact:
Acacia Mining plc +44 (0) 20 7129 7150
Giles Blackham, Investor Relations
Bell Pottinger +44 (0) 20 3772 2500
Lorna Cobbett
About Acacia Mining plc
Acacia Mining plc (LSE:ACA) is Tanzania's largest gold miner and one of the largest producers of gold in Africa. We have three producing mines, all located in north-west Tanzania: Bulyanhulu, Buzwagi, and North Mara and a portfolio of exploration projects in Tanzania, Kenya, Burkina Faso and Mali.
Our approach is focused on strengthening our three core pillars; our business, our people and our relationships, whilst continuing to invest in our future.
Acacia is a UK public company headquartered in London. We are listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange with a secondary listing on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange. Barrick Gold Corporation is our majority shareholder. Acacia reports in US dollars and in accordance with IFRS as adopted by the European Union, unless otherwise stated in this announcement.
Disclaimer and forward-looking statements
This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of Acacia in any jurisdiction.
This announcement includes "forward-looking statements" that express or imply expectations of future events or results as opposed to historical facts. These statements include, financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions, statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations with respect to future production, operations, costs, projects, and statements regarding future performance. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words "plans," "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates" and other similar expressions.
All forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Acacia, which could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, the forward-looking statements contained herein. Factors that could cause or contribute to differences between the actual results, performance and achievements of Acacia include, but are not limited to, changes or developments in political, economic or business conditions or national or local legislation or regulation in countries in which Acacia conducts - or may in the future conduct - business, industry trends, competition, fluctuations in the spot and forward price of gold or certain other commodity prices (such as copper and diesel), currency fluctuations (including the US dollar, South African rand, Kenyan shilling and Tanzanian shilling exchange rates), Acacia's ability to successfully integrate acquisitions, Acacia's ability to recover its reserves or develop new reserves, including its ability to convert its resources into reserves and its mineral potential into resources or reserves, and to process its mineral reserves successfully and in a timely manner, Acacia's ability to complete land acquisitions required to support its mining activities, operational or technical difficulties which may occur in the context of mining activities, delays and technical challenges associated with the completion of projects, risk of trespass, theft and vandalism, changes in Acacia's business strategy and ongoing implementation of operational reviews, as well as risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development, mining and production and risks and factors affecting the gold mining industry in general.
Although Acacia's management believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, Acacia cannot give assurances that such statements will prove to be correct. Accordingly, investors should not place reliance on forward-looking statements contained in this announcement. Any forward-looking statements in this announcement only reflect information available at the time of preparation. Save as required under the Market Abuse Regulation or otherwise as may be required under applicable law, Acacia explicitly disclaims any obligation or undertaking publicly to update or revise any forward-looking statements in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Nothing in this announcement should be construed as a profit forecast or estimate and no statement made should be interpreted to mean that Acacia's profits or earnings per share for any future period will necessarily match or exceed its historical published profits or earnings per share.
Regulatory News:
ADOCIA (Paris:ADOC) (Euronext Paris: FR0011184241 ADOC the "Company") confirms its eligibility for the "PEA PME" stock savings tax regime, which decree has been published in the French Journal Officiel on March 4, 2014 (Decree n 2014-283), and which entered into force on March 6, 2014.
To be eligible for the "PEA PME", the shares must have been issued by a company whose market capitalization is below one billion euros, of which no legal person holds more than 25% of its capital, which has less than 5,000 employees, and an annual turnover not exceeding 1.5 billion euros or a total balance sheet less than 2 billion euros.
Adocia meets all of these conditions.
About ADOCIA
Adocia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that specializes in the development of innovative formulations of already-approved therapeutic proteins. Adocia's portfolio of therapeutic proteins for the treatment of diabetes, featuring four clinical-stage products and six preclinical-stage products, is among the largest and most differentiated in the industry.
The proprietary BioChaperone technological platform is designed to enhance the effectiveness and/or safety of therapeutic proteins while making them easier for patients to use. Adocia customizes BioChaperone to each protein for a given application in order to address specific patient needs.
Adocia's clinical pipeline includes four novel insulin formulations for the treatment of diabetes: two ultra-rapid formulations of insulin analogs (BioChaperone Lispro U100 and U200), a rapid-acting formulation of human insulin (HinsBet U100) and a combination of basal insulin glargine and rapid-acting insulin lispro (BioChaperone Combo). Adocia is also developing an aqueous formulation of human glucagon (BioChaperone Human Glucagon), two combinations of insulin glargine with GLP-1s (BioChaperone Glargine Dulaglutide and BioChaperone Glargine Liraglutide), two combinations of insulin lispro with synergistic prandial hormones (BioChaperone Lispro Pramlintide and BioChaperone Lispro Exenatide), and a concentrated, rapid-acting formulation of human insulin (HinsBet U500), all of which are in preclinical development.
Adocia aims to deliver "Innovative medicine for everyone, everywhere."
To learn more about Adocia, please visit us at www.adocia.com
View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20170321006035/en/
Contacts:
Adocia
Gerard Soula, Ph.: +33 4 72 610 610
Chairman and CEO
contactinvestisseurs@adocia.com
or
Adocia Press Relations Europe
MC Services AG
Raimund Gabriel, Ph.: +49 89 210 228 0
adocia@mc-services.eu
or
Adocia Investor Relations USA
The Ruth Group
Tram Bui, Ph.: +1 646 536 7035
tbui@theruthgroup.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Castle Connolly Medical Ltd. named Dr. Steven Yarinsky as a 2017 "Top Doctor," marking the Saratoga Springs plastic surgeon's fourth consecutive year earning the title for the Albany, Capital District and New York Metro Areas. In response to the news, Dr. Yarinsky says he is, "very appreciative to be honored among the best doctors in the country." He and his staff at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC are committed to providing their patients with the best possible care and offer a wide range of procedures including facelift, breast augmentation, tummy tuck, labiaplasty, and MediSpa services. All cosmetic surgery is performed in-house at the only Joint Commission accredited office-based surgery center in the Capital District.
Each year, Castle Connolly Medical compiles a list of the best doctors in the country, broken down by region. This nationally recognized medical doctor survey company combines peer nomination with their own research to determine the finalized list. When examining the credentials of the nominated physicians, Castle Connolly reviews each doctor's medical background, board certifications, and professional achievements. The best doctors in each geographic area are then published in Castle Connolly's Top Doctor Guides along with partner publications. Prospective patients can use these lists as a resource for finding the best healthcare and physician services in their local regions.
Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery says that earning Castle Connolly's "Top Doctor" award, "is evidence that Dr. Yarinsky's dedication to patient safety and excellent results continues to be recognized." He has been frequently recognized by Saratoga Today, a local publication, as "Best of the Saratoga Region," and Castle Connolly's award confirms that Dr. Yarinsky's accomplishments are also being recognized on a broader scale. Dr. Yarinsky is proud to be in the company of peers he holds in high esteem, and is grateful for publications like Castle Connolly's Top Doctor Guides that empower prospective plastic surgery patients to make a well-informed decision when choosing a physician.
About Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS
After earning his medical degree at SUNY Upstate Medical Center in Syracuse, Dr. Yarinsky went on to complete a five-year general surgery residency at Ohio State University Hospital, Columbus and Marshall University Medical School. To further advance his skills, Dr. Yarinsky then completed training in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery at the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. Dr. Yarinsky currently serves as a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, as well as an active member of professional organizations such as the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons, and the Northeastern Society of Plastic Surgery. He is available for interview upon request.
To learn more about Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, visit yarinsky.com or facebook.com/DrYarinsky.
To view the original source of this press release, click here: http://www.yarinsky.com/practice-news/castle-connolly-medical-names-saratoga-springs-plastic-surgeon-top-doctor-in-ny-metro-area/
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Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
7 Wells Street
Suite 303
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 538-4019
Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com
BREA, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Xiro, a leader in the design, manufacture and marketing of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) including the popular Xplorer drone family, announced today the availability of the Xplorer Mini Drone to UAV hobbyists in the North American market. Award-winning design, including customized body covers, intelligent flight control, multi flight control modes and the XIRO Xplore app, make the compact Xplorer Mini the perfect travel companion to capture and share photos or videos of people, places or things.
Xiro's Xplorer family of beginner to semi-professional drone products has become a popular choice in Europe and Asia, and is now formally available North America. The drones incorporate Xiro's years of UAV engineering expertise, design innovation, quality assurance excellence and automated manufacturing systems. The company has a streamlined global supply chain and localized customer support to better serve its North American customers.
The Xplorer Mini Drone is ready to fly right out of the box. It's controlled by an Android or iOS smartphone app rather than a traditional remote control. Features include simple take off, waypoint mapping, Follow Me, motion control and return functions. The flying camera will transmit a live video preview at 720p HD quality, thanks to a built-in antenna, to allow users to adjust camera and filter settings. The recorded high definition, 1080p videos are automatically synchronized with either a smartphone or mobile device to quickly share on all major social media platforms. It folds away neatly into a small carrying case.
Outdoor Flying
The drone weighs just 15 ounces and has approximately 18 minutes of fly time at speeds over 15 mph. It can reach a maximum height of 164 feet. The Xplorer Mini is controlled by a dual GPS and GLONASS satellite positioning system to deliver accurate and reliable positioning, intelligent flight modes (Follow Me and 360 Selfies), to improve the drone's stability and the safety of its surrounding environment. If an unexpected situation occurs, simply use the one-key return function and the drone will immediately return to its original take-off point.
The palm-sized drone features accurate waypoint settings to easily map its journey. The included Follow Me functionality allows users to track and film themselves participating in a favorite activity. Simply set up the camera to snap selfie images or record video footage. These features make the Xplorer Mini ideal to capture 360-degree video or images of virtually anything from all angles.
Indoor Flying
Want great indoor video footage? The innovative Xplorer Mini is equipped with an indoor positioning system to improve the safety of indoor flights. Ceiling height is locked by an ultrasonic sonar system and a camera module uses ground texture and optical flow technology to determine its position.
Availability and Pricing
Two versions of the Xiro Xplorer Mini are now available for purchase nationwide. The Xplorer Mini is $399.99. The Xplorer Mini with an additional Smart Flight battery and professional hard carrying case is $499.99.
About Xiro
Winner of six global design awards, Xiro's team of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engineers and designers created a feature-rich Xiro drone product family supported by contemporary design, research and development expertise, automated manufacturing facilities and a global supply chain to provide an affordable, quality product.
Highly crafted and precision engineered, Xiro has quickly become a respected brand in the European and Asian drone markets for quality and innovation at a reasonable price. 2017 brings an expanded focus to include the North American marketplace.
The Xiro Xplorer brand offers easy-to-use beginner drones with feature rich apps for taking and sharing selfies and recording family moments, to rugged, 4K high-resolution models for semi-professional and light industrial use. A responsive, local customer service team supports all Xiro drones. Visit Xiro at http://xirodrone.com.
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Contact:
Carol Warren
Antarra Communications
714-890-4500
Email Contact
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Effective immediately the shares of Easy Technologies Inc. will be reinstated for trading.
The Company has rectified the default situation that gave rise to the suspension.
Effective Date: March 21, 2017
Symbol: EZM
Contacts:
Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE)
Listings
(416) 367-7340
Listings@thecse.com
www.thecse.com
SARAJEVO, March 21 (Xinhua) -- The economic relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) and China have strengthened within the frameworks of the 16+1 mechanism, BiH Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Relations Mirko Sarovic said here Monday.
During an interview with Xinhua, Sarovic noted that bilateral trade volume between the two countries has increased year-on-year ever since the first summit of China and the 16 Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries in Warsaw in 2012.
According to the Riga Guidelines for Cooperation between China and CEE Countries published last year, China-CEEC Agricultural Products and Wine Fair will be held during the Mostar International Trade Fair in BiH next month.
"BiH has high quality wines, but in small production. However, when all CEEC (are combined) together, we can give a quality offer to the Chinese side," said Sarovic.
The 16+1 mechanism refers to a cooperative platform between China and the 16 Central and Eastern European countries -- Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Macedonia, Montenegro, Poland, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia and Slovenia.
As for the Belt and Road Initiative, Sarovic said BiH is willing to play a role in it and he is looking forward to attending the "Belt and Road" summit to be held in Beijing this May.
"There are two important fields -- energy and infrastructure, where we would like to use the opportunities given by China," he said.
The China-built Stanari power plant in BiH, which was officially launched last year, is one of the early achievements of the initiative.
"Stanari is a very successful project and is a very successful story," said Sarovic. Meanwhile, he disclosed that similar projects are likely to start by the end of this year.
The BiH minister also noted the two countries should enhance tourism cooperation.
Sarovic said BiH should make joint efforts with countries in the region to offer a "Valter's path" to Chinese tourists. Thanks to the movie "Valter Defends Sarajevo", Valter as the name of an anti-Fascist hero in World War II is famous in China.
In order to attract more Chinese tourists, BiH should simplify visa application procedures for tourists, said the minister.
Proposed in 2013 by Chinese President Xi Jinping, the Belt and Road Initiative comprises the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, and is aimed at building a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa along the ancient trade routes.
The initiative has so far gained the support of over 100 countries and international organizations, and more than 40 of them have signed cooperation agreements with China.
The initiative has become the most popular public goods and platform for international cooperation with the brightest prospects in the world amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the annual political sessions of the National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference held in March 2017.
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Federal appeals court judge Neil Gorsuch faced intense grilling from lawmakers on Tuesday in the second day of hearings on his nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee repeatedly sought to get Gorsuch to take positions on issues such as workers rights and gun control, but the judge refused to take the bait.
Gorsuch argued that answering questions about cases that could come before the court would signal to future litigants that he can't be a fair judge.
Asked specifically about the Roe v. Wade decision in favor of abortion rights, Gorsuch noted that the precedent has been reaffirmed many times but did not offer his opinion on the ruling.
The judge, who currently serves on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, bristled when asked what he would do if President Donald Trump asked for a commitment to overturn the decision.
'Senator, I would have walked out the door,' Gorsuch said. 'That's not what judges do. They don't do it at that end of Pennsylvania Avenue and they shouldn't do it at this end either.'
Gorsuch sought to display his independence from the president, which has been a key concern among Democrats.
'I have no difficulty ruling against or for any party other than based on what the law and facts and the particular case require,' Gorsuch said.
He added, 'And I'm heartened by the support I have received by people who recognize that there's no such thing as a Republican judge or a Democratic judge. We just have judges.'
Gorsuch also repeatedly cited his respect for the rule of law and his opposition to judges legislating from the bench.
Trump's nomination of Gorsuch will need support from some Democrats to reach the 60-vote threshold to break a filibuster.
However, Republican leaders have suggested they may invoke the so-called 'nuclear option' to require only a majority vote in support of the nomination.
Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, has set a committee vote on Gorsuch's nomination for April 3rd, with Republicans hoping for a vote in the full Senate before the Easter recess.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
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TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Richard Young, President and Chief Executive Officer of Teranga Gold Corporation ("Teranga" or the "Company") (TSX: TGZ) (ASX: TGZ) is scheduled to present at the 13th Annual Swiss Mining Institute Conference on Wednesday, March 22 at 11:40 a.m. CET / 6:40 a.m. ET. The conference will take place in Geneva, Switzerland and is an invitation only event presented by Bally Capital Advisors SA. A live webcast of Mr. Young's presentation and slides for simultaneous viewing will be available on Teranga's website at www.terangagold.com/events.
During the presentation, Mr. Young will discuss Teranga's 2016 accomplishments, including its record-breaking operational performance and steps undertaken to diversify and grow its asset base. Mr. Young will also discuss plans for the Company's Banfora development project in Burkina Faso, as well as its exploration program in three West African countries.
About Teranga
Teranga is a multi-jurisdictional West African gold company focused on production and development as well as the exploration of more than 5,000km2 of land located on prospective gold belts.
Since its initial public offering in 2010, Teranga has produced more than 1.2 million ounces of gold from its operations in Senegal. Following its recent acquisition of Gryphon Minerals, the Company is fast-tracking the completion of a feasibility study for the Banfora Project. Concurrent with its production and development activities, exploration programs are underway to seek to increase the Company's reserve base through resource conversion and making new discoveries. Teranga has a strong balance sheet and the financial flexibility to continue to grow its business.
Steadfast in its commitment to set the benchmark for responsible mining, Teranga operates in accordance with the highest international standards and aims to act as a catalyst for sustainable economic, environmental, and community development as it strives to create value for all of its stakeholders. Teranga is a member of the United Nations Global Compact and a leading member of the multi-stakeholder group responsible for the submission of the first Senegalese Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative revenue report. The Company's 2015 responsibility report, which is available at www.terangagold.com/2015responsibilityreport, is prepared in accordance with its commitments under the United Nations Global Compact and in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative guidelines.
Contacts:
Teranga Gold Corporation
Trish Moran
Head of Investor Relations
T: +1 416-564-4290
E: tmoran@terangagold.com
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- The New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX), the innovator of the first digital forward freight contract for global container shipping, today announces $8.5 million in Series A funding led by Goldman Sachs Principle Strategic Investments and GE Ventures, with participation from Blumberg Capital, Tectonic Capital and other investors.
Founded in 2015, NYSHEX provides the global shipping industry a standardized "over-the-counter" exchange for entering enforceable freight contracts. It is based on proven and relevant principles from the New York Stock Exchange, Chicago Mercantile Exchange and the London Metals exchange.
Leading shippers, carriers and freight forwarders designed NYSHEX to favor all groups equally and be impartially governed. NYSHEX is compliant with all U.S. regulations as well as the Federal Maritime Commission's contract filing requirements. In addition, NYSHEX facilitates the freight financing and settlement through select first class banks. NYSHEX also supports the technology and maintains the standard form contracts used by the industry. Benefits include:
Shippers can receive fixed rates, enforceable contracts, accurate invoices and a significantly more reliable supply chain.
Forwarders create value for customers with a combination of products and services that best meet their supply chain needs.
Carriers now have 99 percent certainty in future cargo flows, enabling better vessel planning and uptake management, more dynamic pricing, and improved working capital.
"We are honored to have backing from such strategic investors as we work collaboratively to solve a major challenge facing the global container shipping industry," says NYSHEX CEO Gordon Downes.
"As a leading global capital markets participant and active investor in the exchange space, we are pleased to partner with NYSHEX and support their efforts to innovate in the freight market," said Rana Yared, Managing Director in Goldman Sachs' Principal Strategic Investments group.
As the world's leading digital industrial company, GE is already very familiar with the global container shipping industry, being both a major customer and supplier. According to Mark Chadwick, Executive Sourcing lead at GE, "We are excited to be working with NYSHEX, and expect the exchange will create opportunity for shippers to improve supply chain planning and reliability. Carriers will improve vessel utilization and network planning which will deliver efficiencies desperately needed in today's challenging market environment."
Blumberg Capital brings more than 25 years experience building high growth companies in financial services and enterprise technology. "NYSHEX is the unique combination of a veteran team, innovative technology and precise market timing," said Matt Bornstein, principal, Blumberg Capital. "We believe NYSHEX will create new ways of doing business and generate massive value for the $380 billion container shipping market."
David Wolfson, a founding partner at Tectonic Capital adds, "One of the team's strengths is their deeply held belief in working collaboratively with carriers, shippers and forwarders. The point here is counter to the traditional tech 'disruptor,' rather NYSHEX was created by shipping people who are trying to do something good for their industry. NYSHEX will bring updated technology and digital to an industry that desperately needs stability -- in these cases it's better to be collaborative than disruptive."
"Five of the top ten global ocean carriers are actively engaged on NYSHEX; and leading shippers and forwarders are joining daily. By mid-year we will be fully operational within the Transpacific trade and by end of year we intend to be working collaboratively with our members to expand into the Asia-Europe trade," says Downes.
To learn more about NYSHEX, please visit NYSHEX.com.
About The New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX)
The New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX) is enabling the transformation of the container shipping industry through two innovations: a new standard form freight contract and new way to trade ocean freight digitally. NYSHEX is a solution developed for the industry by the industry's leading shippers, forwarders and carriers. The mission of NYSHEX is to help BCOs, forwarders and carriers overcome the historic inefficiencies in ocean freight contracting and in doing so, reveal the $23 billion economic opportunity that exists for the shipping industry each year. For more information visit: https://www.nyshex.com/
About Goldman Sachs Principal Strategic Investments
The Goldman Sachs Principal Strategic Investments (PSI) group seeks to make long-term strategic investments in fast growing technology companies. The global team of investment professionals is deeply connected across Goldman Sachs' Securities Division as well as Technology and Operations groups. The PSI group's investments focus on market infrastructure, financial technology and enterprise technology companies, and often engage in a strategic relationship that may include joint product development, IP licensing arrangements, service provision arrangements and market participation agreements. For more information visit: http://www.goldmansachs.com/what-we-do/investing-and-lending/principal-strategic-investments/psi.html
About GE Ventures
GE Ventures identifies, scales and accelerates ideas that will help make the world work better. Focused on the areas of software, advanced manufacturing, energy and healthcare, GE Ventures combines equity investing, new business creation, licensing and technology transfer to deliver an innovation platform designed to drive growth for partners and GE. For more information, visit http://www.geventures.com, or follow on Twitter (@GE_Ventures) and LinkedIn.
About Blumberg Capital
Blumberg Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that partners with passionate entrepreneurs to innovate and build successful technology companies. The firm specializes in leading Seed and Series A rounds collaborating with angel investors, other venture capital firms and strategic partners. The Blumberg Capital team are active investors and board members -- operating as an extension of the entrepreneurs' network. Blumberg Capital is headquartered in San Francisco with team members in Tel Aviv and New York. For more information, please visit blumbergcapital.com.
About Tectonic Capital
Tectonic Capital is a NYC based venture fund that seeks to partner with outstanding entrepreneurs and invest in category defining businesses. The fund spearheads a number of creative initiatives within the NYC tech ecosystem including support of the founder led investment group -- FoundersGuild, an annual event for silicon valley investors called Sandhill.nyc, as well as a tech focused Think Tank called ThinkTank.vc. The founding partners are David Wolfson and Josef Feldman.
CONTACT:
Timothy Simpson
CMO
New York Shipping Exchange, Inc.
Email Contact
T: +1 646 844 4374
M: +1 973 534 541
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Gold Resource Corporation (NYSE MKT: GORO) (the "Company") today announced drill highlights from its phase three drill campaign at the Gold Mesa exploration property located in Mineral County, Nevada. Drill highlights include 12.19 meters of 2.42 grams per tonne (g/t) gold and 7.62 meters of 2.26 g/t gold, both near surface intercepts beginning 9.14 meters downhole. Gold Resource Corporation is a gold and silver producer, developer and explorer with operations in Oaxaca, Mexico and Nevada, USA. The Company has returned $109 million to shareholders in monthly dividends since commercial production commenced July 1, 2010, and offers shareholders the option to convert their cash dividends into physical gold and silver and take delivery.
Gold Resource Corporation's phase three reverse circulation drill campaign tested five targets at its Gold Mesa property, with multiple drill holes encountering surface and near surface high-grade gold mineralization. The Company has now tested a total of eight exploration targets at Gold Mesa.
Gold Mesa Drill Highlights include (m = meters, g/t = grams per tonne) (see full table below):
Hole GMA-084
12.19m of 2.42 g/t gold, 9.14m downhole
incl. 6.10m of 4.37 g/t gold, 12.19m downhole
Hole GMA-088
13.72m of 1.31 g/t gold, 6.10m downhole
incl. 3.05m of 2.58 g/t gold, 7.62m downhole
Hole GMA-096
3.05m of 6.25 g/t gold, 7.62m downhole
incl. 1.52m of 12.15 g/t gold, 7.62m downhole
Hole GMA-102
7.62m of 2.26 g/t gold, 9.14m downhole
incl. 1.52m of 8.40 g/t gold, 9.14m downhole
Hole GMA-084 was drilled vertical intercepting 12.19 meters grading 2.42 g/t gold with mineralization beginning 9.14 meters downhole; including 6.10 meters grading 4.37 g/t gold.
Hole GMR-088 was drilled vertical intercepting 13.72 meters grading 1.31 g/t gold and 63 g/t silver with mineralization beginning just 6.10 meters downhole; including 3.05 meters grading 2.58 g/t gold and 159 g/t silver.
Hole GMA-096 was drilled vertical intercepting 3.05 meters grading 6.25 g/t gold with mineralization beginning 7.62 meters downhole; including 1.52 meters grading 12.15 g/t gold.
Hole GMA-102 was drilled vertical intercepting 7.62 meters grading 2.26 g/t gold with mineralization beginning 9.14 meters downhole; including 1.52 meters of 8.40 g/t gold and 3.05 meters of 1.11 g/t gold.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GOLD MESA PHASE THREE DRILL HIGHLIGHTS Mar-17 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hole # Angle From Interval Au Ag ----------------------------------------------------------------- deg Meters Meters g/t g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-084 -90 9.14 12.19 2.42 51 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 12.19 6.1 4.37 89 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-087 -90 3.05 3.05 0.34 1 ------------------------------------------------------ 12.19 9.14 0.36 39 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 12.19 3.05 0.97 102 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-088 -90 6.1 13.72 1.31 63 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 7.62 3.05 2.58 159 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-089 -90 10.67 7.62 0.77 7 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 12.19 4.57 0.98 8 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-090 -90 28.96 1.22 2.07 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-091 -90 1.52 1.52 0.86 9 ------------------------------------------------------ 18.29 7.62 0.45 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-092 -90 0 12.19 0.31 4 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 1.52 1.52 1.08 17 ------------------------------------------------------ 19.81 3.05 0.58 3 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 19.81 1.52 0.96 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA- -90 1.52 22.86 0.36 3 ------------------------------------------------------ 93 Incl. 9.14 3.05 1.06 11 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 15.24 1.52 1.1 5 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-094 -90 0 7.62 0.6 2 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 1.52 1.52 0.99 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA- -90 7.62 3.05 6.25 2 ------------------------------------------------------ 96 Incl. 7.62 1.52 12.15 4 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-100 -90 0 3.05 0.91 0 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 0 1.52 1.54 0 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-102 -90 9.14 7.62 2.26 3 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 9.14 1.52 8.4 8 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 10.67 3.05 1.11 3 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-116 -90 4.57 22.86 0.3 13 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 4.57 3.05 0.97 71 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-118 -90 15.24 14.94 0.25 6 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-119 -90 0 7.62 0.27 2 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- GMA-120 -90 9.14 16.76 0.31 4 ------------------------------------------------------ Incl. 13.72 1.52 1.78 11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Assays by ALS, Vancouver, BC Canada. Meters Down Hole, Not true width. Reverse circulation drilling. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gold Mesa phase three drill results reported in this press release add to previously reported high-grade drill results, which included 33.54 meters grading 1.89 g/t gold, 15.24 meters grading 6.27 g/t gold, 9.1 meters grading 2.42 g/t gold, and 12.19 meters grading 3.34 g/t gold (see press releases dated June 14, 2016 and October 13, 2016). The Gold Mesa property has potential for a high-grade gold open pit, or multiple gold open pits, with surface and near surface mineralization. A phase four drill program is currently planned for the spring, with a goal of expanding known high-grade gold zones and testing new targets.
Mr. Barry Devlin, Vice President of Exploration, stated, "We have now completed three successful phases of drilling at Gold Mesa, where each phase encountered significant gold values at shallow depths, typically less than 35 meters. We are excited to resume drilling the Gold Mesa property this spring, with a goal to begin building a first resource estimate on this prospective high-grade gold property."
"The past fifteen months have been tremendously successful for our exploration team with three impressive Gold Mesa drill campaigns," stated Gold Resource Corporation's CEO and President, Mr. Jason Reid. "Surface and near surface high-grade gold drill results should help us delineate an economic resource much sooner and with less estimated associated mining costs as a potential open pit heap leach operation. As we look to delineate a deposit or deposits and move toward a production decision at Gold Mesa, we have begun the process of environmental base line studies for future mine permitting. With continued drill success like we have had in our first three drill campaigns, we look forward to a future production decision at Gold Mesa."
The Gold Mesa property is part of the Company's Nevada Mining Unit, which also includes the development stage Isabella Pearl Project, the Mina Gold exploration property, and the East Camp Douglas exploration property. All four Nevada properties have surface and / or near surface high-grade gold drill intercepts and potential for future high-grade open pit heap leach operations. The Isabella Pearl Project is in advanced stage design, engineering and permitting with the goal of production at the earliest possible point in time. The Company's Nevada Mining Unit covers more than 27,000 acres in south central Nevada's historic Walker Lane Mineral Belt.
About GRC:
Gold Resource Corporation is a mining company focused on production and pursuing development of gold and silver projects that feature low operating costs and produce high returns on capital. Gold Resource Corporation is a gold and silver producer, developer and explorer with operations in Oaxaca, Mexico and Nevada, USA. The Company has 56,839,823 shares outstanding, zero warrants, zero debt and has returned $109 million back to shareholders since commercial production commenced July 1, 2010. Gold Resource Corporation offers shareholders the option to convert their cash dividends into physical gold and silver and take delivery. For more information, please visit GRC's website, located at www.Goldresourcecorp.com and read the Company's 10-K for an understanding of the risk factors involved.
Cautionary Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding Gold Resource Corporation's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to Gold Resource Corporation on the date of this press release, and the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. In particular, there can be no assurance that production will continue at any specific rate. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company's 10-K filed with the SEC.
Contacts:
Corporate Development
Greg Patterson
303-320-7708
www.Goldresourcecorp.com
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 03/21/17 -- Valener Inc. ("Valener") (TSX: VNR) (TSX: VNR.PR.A) is pleased to announce that the two resolutions proposed, i.e. the resolution for the election of directors and the resolution for the appointment of KPMG LLP, have all been adopted at its Annual Meeting of Shareholders that was held today.
Election of directors
Each of the five nominees listed in the Management Proxy Circular dated February 8, 2017 were elected as directors of Valener. The results of the votes cast are as follows:
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Name Votes For % Votes Withheld % ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary-Ann Bell 9,799,064 98.98 100,653 1.02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Francois Gervais 9,785,653 98.85 114,064 1.15 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Gwen Klees 9,746,919 98.46 152,798 1.54 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pierre Monahan 9,777,345 98.76 122,372 1.24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Serge Regnier 9,775,361 98.74 124,356 1.26 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Board of Directors of Valener has re-appointed Mr. Pierre Monahan as Chairman of the Board and has appointed the five directors as members of the Audit Committee. The Board of Directors also re-appointed Mr. Francois Gervais as Chairman of the Audit Committee.
About Valener
Valener is a widely held public company that serves as the investment vehicle in Gaz Metro. Through its investment in Gaz Metro, Valener offers its shareholders a solid investment in a diversified and largely regulated energy portfolio in Quebec and Vermont. As a strategic partner, Valener, on the one hand, contributes to Gaz Metro's growth, and on the other, invests in wind power production in Quebec alongside Gaz Metro. Valener favours energy sources and uses that are innovative, clean, competitive and profitable. Valener's common and preferred shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the "VNR" symbol for common shares and under the "VNR.PR.A" symbol for Series A preferred shares. www.valener.com
Photos, videos (b-roll) and logos are available in Gaz Metro's Multimedia library.
Contacts:
For additional information:
Investors and Analysts
Mariem Elsayed
514-598-3253
investors@valener.com
Media
Marie-Christine Demers
514-598-3449
www.twitter.com/gazmetro
www.gazmetro.com/pressroom
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, a Vancouver, Canada-based medical device company focused on high value medical consumables in the wound closure and ophthalmology sectors, closed a financing round of undisclosed amount.
The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
The round was led by Vivo Capital and ZQ Capital with participation from GSO Capital Partners, China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding Limited, Fung Shing Investments, ZZ Capital Co., ABCI Investment Management Limited, Cathay Venture and Nan Fung Group.
Led by John R. Barr, Chief Executive Officer, Angiotech is a diversified medical device manufacturer of branded, private label and OEM products with partnerships within dental, ophthalmic, plastic surgery, dermatology, orthopedics, urology, microsurgery, veterinary and trauma specialties. The company has more than 2,000 employees worldwide, has manufacturing facilities in England, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Germany, and sells to customers in over 80 countries.
FinSMEs
21/03/2017
May River Capital, LLC, a Chicago, IL-based private equity investment firm, closed its inaugural fund, with total LP commitments of $165m.
May River Fund I received commitments from a group of limited partners, including university endowments, insurance companies, charitable foundations, fund-of-funds, family offices and high net worth individuals.
Led by founding partners, Chip Grace, Steve Griesemer and Dan Barlow, who also made significant commitments, the fund targets equity investments of $15 $40 million in small market, industrial growth companies within the high value manufacturing, engineered products, industrial services and distribution sub-sectors.
Since its founding in February 2012, May River has completed investments in MECA & Technology Machine, Hunt Valve, Pride Engineering, and GCM.
FinSMEs
21/03/2017
RavenPack, a big data analytics provider for hedge funds, raised $5m in funding.
Draper Esprit (AIM:GROW, ESM: GRW) made the investment.
The company intends to use the funds to to double the size of its team, further develop its flagship big data analytics platform, and reach new verticals within financial markets.
Led by Armando Gonzalez, CEO, RavenPack is a big data analytics platform for financial services firms to improve judgements on where to place their money. Its newly launched platform enables users to monitor market-moving events, and surface insights by combining a wide variety of data sets, including stock prices, geopolitical events, newsflow, social media activity, payments data, weather, apps, and data from the internet of things.
The new platform allows both systematic and discretionary or fundamental users to:
Access curated content from a wide variety of sources;
Create and download custom datasets;
Analyze proprietary text documents, emails, IMs, PDFs, or any textual content; and
Visualize data and share insights across their organization.
The company, which employs over 50 developers, data scientists, and business professionals in offices in Marbella, Spain, London and New York, has more than 100 hedge fund, bank, and asset manager customers worldwide.
FinSMEs
21/03/2017
Rocket Lab, an Auckland, New Zealand- and Huntingtun Beach, Calif.-based space company, raised $75M in Series D funding round.
The round was led by Data Collective, with participation from Promus Ventures and an undisclosed investor as well as participation from existing investors Bessemer Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures and K1W1. In conjunction with the funding, Data Collective Managing Partner Matt Ocko joined Rocket Labs board of directors.
The company, which has now raised $148m to date and has a valuation in excess of $1 billion, intends to use the funds to expands facilities in Los Angeles and to increase rocket production.
Led by CEO and founder Peter Beck, Rocket Lab aims to provide frequent satellite launch opportunities, which will enable companies to reach orbit to offer services including optimized crop monitoring, improved weather reporting, Internet from space, natural disaster prediction, up-to-date maritime data and search and rescue services. The company will use Electron an entirely carbon-composite vehicle that uses its 3D-printed Rutherford engines for its main propulsion system to launch its imaging and communications satellites.
Electron is capable of delivering payloads of up to 150 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit the target range for the high-growth constellation-satellite market. Customers include NASA, Planet, Spire and Moon Express.
FinSMEs
21/03/2017
Baku, Azerbaijan, March 21
Trend:
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson congratulated Azerbaijani people on the occasion of Nowruz, official site of State Department reported.
"I wish a joyful and prosperous Nowruz to all those around the world celebrating this ancient tradition that marks the beginning of spring and the beginning of a new year.
Millions of people across the world, including communities in Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, India, Iran, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Syria, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and many other peoples of South and Central Asia and the Persian Gulf celebrate this time of the year with their families and friends. Today, many Americans will join in this celebration, sharing with a new generation the cherished traditions of their ancestors.
Nowruz is a time to look toward the coming year with hope and optimism. We look forward to celebrating this new spring together, and hope that this Nowruz brings peace and prosperity to all."
The employment scenario in the country is bleak what with the IT sector, including the startups - a key sector in the jobs market - letting go off employees in large numbers. Cognizant Technologies is the latest in a long line of IT majors that is looking at giving pink slips to nearly 6,000 employees primarily for not meeting performance benchmarks.
While dismissal after performance appraisal is routine, what is compounding the problem is that these companies are not hiring in en masse from campuses as they used to earlier. According to a report in the Business Standard, IT companies are expected to hire 40 percent less this year. The top five IT services companies TCS, Infosys, Wipro, Cognizant and HCL Technologies hired around 60,000 engineers from campuses this fiscal, as against little more than 100,000 last year. The reason for the reduction in recruitment at the entry level is on account of aggressive use of automation and technological advances that have rendered the lower level jobs in the sector redundant.
Adding to the worries is the protectionist policies in the US one of the major offshore business partners and supporters of IT services industry in India laying restrictions on outsourcing and stringent controls on H1-B visas.
The traditional BPO operations model is being phased out and the $155-billion IT industry in the country is trying to reinvent itself to adjust to the advent of automation, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.
According to consulting firm Zinnov, India stands to lose about 94,000 jobs by 2021 due to the increasing adoption of technology.
Industry body Nasscom said in its annual review that while the industry grew at 8.6 percent, jobs grew only by 5 percent in the fiscal year 2016-17. It also said that there is going to be a 20-25 percent reduction in jobs over the next three years.
At the recently held Nasscom Leadership summit in Mumbai, French IT major, Capgeminis India chief executive Srinivas Kandula said that a majority of the workforce cannot imbibe the skill sets required for increasing use of digital technologies, a PTI report said. Kandula warned of high job losses at the middle and senior levels. I am not very pessimistic, but it is a challenging task and I tend to believe that 60-65 per cent of them are just not trainable, he said.
The domestic arm of the French IT major employs nearly 100,000 engineers in the country. A large number of them cannot be trained. Probably, India will witness the largest unemployment in the middle level to senior level, Kandula said.
In order to support this transformation, the industry players need to prioritise automation as one of their key offerings and build appropriate talent around this area, says Sashi Kumar CEO and MD of the Bengaluru-based IT firm, Happiest Minds Technologies.
Scope of automation
According to the latest report by the research firm MarketsandMarkets, the global artificial intelligence market is expected to grow from $419.7 million in 2014 to $5.05 billion by 2020, at a CAGR of 53.65 percent from 2015 to 2020.
Where can automation be deployed? It plays an important place in our personal lives even a microwave in ones home is automation. In business, the benefits of using disruptive innovation with a view to automate is far beyond the costs. Automation can now be used by every department in a business from customer support and marketing, to sales nurturing and client database management, and further more in coding and testing. Coded programs write other programs. However, such level of intelligence is a different discussion all together, says Dhruvil Sanghvi, CEO and Co-Founder, LogiNext.
In broad terms, the biggest automation benefits within a company is with quality assurance. Many companies target six-sigma level of accuracy with their outputs. Such high levels of precision can only be achieved through automation.
Another big integration for automation is data mining for business and marketing insights. There are many trends that can be spotted ahead of time with proper analysis of the vast information database of customer preferences, says Sanghvi of the benefits of automation.
Jobs that are losing lustre and getting replaced by automation are largely low-end jobs where hiring too has come to a standstill. With tools available for verification and validation, business process outsourcing and infra services are losing shine. Even in the pharmaceutical sector, for instance, automation has taken over a large number of testing activities. In the BPO context, we have seen an improvement in the processes after automation from 20 percent to 60-70 percent, says Gopinathan Padmanabhan, Chief Innovation Officer and President - Global Delivery, Mphasis.
However, Padmanabhan says that the entire process cannot be automated and some human intervention will still be required. Those we had to take off the staff from this routine task, around 40 percent of them; we found alternative jobs for them in the firm, he said. The company has been able to retrain and redeploy them, he said.
However, not all companies are able to retrain or redeploy their staff and hence the retrenchment of staff in large numbers. A big change we see today is that organisations are moving from IT services to intelligent solutions which are based on big data sciences. The reason this is being done is the availability of vast data (with advent of IOT), low cost of storage of data and the need for real-time decision making, says Rohit Verma, CEO, iPredictt, an advanced big data analytics startup.
Outlining an ominous future, Verma said, In the future, all decision-making processes will adopt self learning algorithms or artificial intelligence, hence tech industry will fast up-skill themselves to service the new environment.
Replacing humans, Wipro came in with Holmes (heuristics and ontology-based learning machines and experiential systems) in business as well as IT operations. According to sources, Holmes will replace 30,000 engineers.
Holmes has been deployed in data and information-driven industries such as banking and financial services, retail, manufacturing and telecommunications, where it has delivered exceptional results, says K R Sanjiv, Chief Technology Officer, Wipro. We are looking to expand its scope creating an automation marketplace for Bots where customers can pick the Bots from a library as per their requirement. They can also co-create Bots with us in the Bots Studio for their specific requirements and outside of the areas covered by us, Sanjiv said.
For those who have still not adopted automation in a big way, there are consulting companies in the IT genre who are showing them the way. In some cases, we are working with banks using new technologies like Blockchain to create automated, straight through processes around, for example, the mortgage financing process. In others, banks are looking at using robotic process automation combined with other AI techniques and optical character recognition (OCR) to streamline the new customer onboarding process.
Another interesting area has been bringing increased levels of automation to QA work through a hybrid QA model and Combinatorics testing, says Sandeep Kumar, managing director, Capital Markets, Synechron - a New York-based information technology and consulting company focused on the financial services industry including capital markets, insurance, banking and digital.
One way of being aligned to the furious pace of technology is to be trained and updated with the industrys requirements or needs and if possible, to be ahead of the change curve. There is always jobs for top talent with transferable skills. IITs are able to provide a strong foundation of skills to build upon in the workforce, says Kumar of Synechron.
Kumar advises students to focus on the current job market and for educational institutes to re-imagine how automation will change today's industries and teachable transferable skills. These will likely be stronger business intelligence and analysis skills, QA work around automated technology processes, exposure to innovative new technologies like Blockchain and AI that will require a deeper skill set. A good understanding of data science-related topics will help in this regard, he says.
Human Resource (HR) management has also kept pace with automation. Led by game changing technologies -- Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Bots -- and renewed interest in exceptional User Interfaces, the pace of change has been frenetic in the HR industry. "The mantra now is consumerization of the Enterprise and we are going to see increasing technical innovation in HR technology and Finance Technology. The time is up for large unwieldy all-encompassing systems. Smart Process Applications is the way forward and we will hear more about it as we march along," says Sunil Chathaveetil, Co-founder and Director, MintMesh - a platform for crowd sourcing referrals.
With retrenchment being the order of the day in IT firms with automation replacing routine work done by people, it also gives an opportunity for entrepreneurship. Automation is not a threat for entreneurship. It is good opportunity to innovate, pilot, prototype ideas that can optimize productivity and cut costs, says Sashi Chimala, EVP (Products & Platforms) NEN, Wadhwani Foundation which focusses on job acceleration.Some skills that will be high in demand in spite of automation include working with big data, mobile development, cloud computing, digital marketing and machine learning.
Skilling, name of game
An online professional certification provider Simplilearns State of India Technology Skills Report 2016 with inputs from over 9,200 mid-level IT/ITeS professionals stated that 60 percent of them believe that rapid technology advancements are set to impact their careers by 2017-18.
Around 62 percent believe that the impact will be due to automation, artificial intelligence and digital technologies. It also showed that more than 50 percent of IT industry professionals believe that future growth is in emerging and new technology areas like cloud computing, big data, cyber security, data science and mobile and a vast majority of them are keen to upgrade their skills. Around 35 per cent respondents want to up-skill with online courses over the next 6 months and digital marketing, big data and analytics are some popular domains professionals want to build their skills.
Changing technologies has opened big opportunities in cloud, big data, AI, that require skilled professionals. In order to help the workforce, we are working with companies to help their employees adapt to the technological changes and still be relevant to the company's needs through specialized skill sets, said Krishna Kumar, Founder and CEO, Simplilearn.
Skilling is practical education that is relevant to the industry. "Things change so dynamically in the tech world that a piece of software took 300 lines to code can now be done in 15 lines. The workforce has to adapt to these changes. Also, robots are replacing human beings for a lot of repetitive tasks in tech. Up-skilling in such a scenario translates to learning how to manage the bots and not lose your job! Cloud computing, big data, analytics - these are three areas where lack of regular up-skilling can have suicidal consequences," says Lovleen Bhatia, Co Founder and CEO of Edureka - an interactive, online learning platform, adding that the only solution is for members of the workforce to become indispensable by up-skilling themselves voluntarily in order to stay relevant in the ever-changing landscape of today.
Clearly, reskilling is the way ahead and the emerging work force will have to adapt to new technologies at faster pace.
The Goods and Services tax (GST) Council led by finance minister Arun Jaitley and other states are putting in a strenuous effort to implement this new indirect tax reform starting July, but global beverages maker Coca-Cola wants the roll out date to be postponed by two months, according to a report in the Business Standard.
Besides this, the US cola giant has also sought the average tax rate on aerated drinks in the proposed GST to be retained at 34 percent. However, the GST Council recently decided to levy a cess of 15 percent on aerated drinks over the peak rate of 28 percent, which brings the overall tax rate to 43 percent on aerated drinks.
The multinational company wanted the cess to be around 6 percent over the peak rate.
Coca-Cola has argued that its product is neither a luxury item nor in sin category. Products belonging to luxury items like luxury cars, tobacco and related products come under sin category, which are liable for the highest tax under GST.
"They removed aerated drinks from the sin category, on which an incremental duty was charged on tariff. The government has admitted that aeraed drinks are not sin," R Sridhar, Coca-Cola's vice president - taxation, has been quoted as saying in the BS report.
For pushing the the GST rollout to 1 September, Sridhar's rationale is that the 1 July deadline, which is the plan as of now, will leave the companies with little time to prepare. In case the government finalises the rules by mid-April, it will be unfair for the companies to be ready in just over two months time.
The company had been arguing against higher taxes for some time now. Last year, an official with the company had pointed out that it might be forced to shut down some of its factories in case the government agrees to impose a 40 percent 'sin tax' on aerated beverages.
"An acceptance of the Arvind Subramanian committee recommendations with regard to GST rate of 40 per cent on aerated beverages will have a negative ripple effect on the entire beverage ecosystem ... It will lead to a sharp decline in consumer purchase and for a demand-driven industry, it will mean a significant rationalisation of manufacturing capacity," Coca-Cola India and South West Asia vice-president (public affairs & communication) Ishteyaque Amjad had said.
Swadeshi warriors yoga guru Baba Ramdev and the all-powerful Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) had been putting pressure on the finance and health ministries to impose a heavy tax on beverages companies selling products of high sugar content.
It has not been a smooth sailing for Coca Cola in India in recent times.
Alarmed by rising rates of obesity and diabetes, the government has proposed 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 had told Reuters, although that is unlikely to be rolled out in the near term.
India's carbonated drinks sector is estimated to grow an average 3.7 percent annually between 2017 and 2021, and 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.
Concerns about the health effects of fast food and soda drinks have been growing globally in recent years.
Modi recently told PepsiCo CEO Indra Nooyi that her company needed to focus more on public health. Separately, the prime minister's office asked PepsiCo to outline how it would reduce sugar in beverages sold in India.
Earlier this month, Tamil Nadu Traders Federation (TNTF) and Consortium of Tamil Nadu Traders Association (CTNTA) urged the traders in the state to shun Coca-Cola and Pepsi for contaminating groundwater resources.
Activists have alleged that both Coke and Pepsi are the poster children of water abuse and commodification of water, and are involved in excessive exploitation of ground water resources besides discharging toxic wates into the groundwater that are hazardous to those living around their factories.
Last year, a study by London-based Action on Sugar found the cola giants using double the quantity of sugar in their processed drinks as compared to those in Europe. To cite an example, AOS said Fanta in Ireland, Argentina or the UK had six teaspoons of sugar whereas the product in India contained almost double.
Bengaluru:The Income Tax Department on Monday warned black money hoarders of punitive action if they do not deposit their unaccounted cash, held in bank deposits or in new currency, under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyana Yojana (PMGKY) by 31 March.
"We have details of all who have deposited huge sums of unaccounted cash in banks or having it in new currency notes with them. As we have informed each of them to come clean on their undisclosed income, stringent action will be taken if they fail to comply with our directive to make use of the PMGKY scheme," Bengaluru Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Bishwanath Jha told reporters here.
After the 8 November demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes, the central government unveiled the PMGKY amnesty scheme from 16 December, 2016 to 31 March, 2017 for declaring unaccounted wealth (black money) and avoiding prosecution by paying a fine of 50 percent on the undisclosed income.
The amount deposited in the scheme is refundable after four years without interest.
The scheme is the last opportunity for tax evaders or tax dodgers to declare their unaccounted income held by them in cash or bank deposits," said Karnataka Chief Commissioner of Income Tax Nutan Wodeyar.
If the defaulters comply with the department's directive to disclose, the fine will be 49.9 per cent of their undisclosed income.
"If defaulters don't avail the scheme but offer to disclose their unaccounted wealth in income tax returns, the fine will be 77.25 percent of the income and 83.25 percent of their income if caught during assessment after March 31," said Jha.
B R Balakrishnan, Director-General of Income Tax (Investigation) in the Karnataka and Goa region, said if offenders were caught with undisclosed income in a search operation, they would be fined 107.25 per cent of the income if they agree to pay and 137.25 per cent of the income if they do not offer to pay during the search.
"We have detected undisclosed income of Rs 4,828 crore in search operations post-demonetisation in Karnataka and Goa region, which is the highest in the country," claimed Balakrishnan.
The Income Tax sleuths also found that cooperative banks in the region did not disclose details on transactions worth Rs 9,000 crore between 10 November and 31 December, 2016.
"Of the 307 cooperative banks, 264 banks have filed information in response to our notices by 31 January, 2017," said Commissioner of Income Tax (Investigation) R. Ravichandran.
New Delhi: The I-T department conducted searches on 992 individuals and entities in the last two fiscal years and unearthed undisclosed income of Rs 21,454 crore, Parliament was informed today.
"During the last two financial years (2014-15 and 2015-16), the ITD conducted searches in about 992 groups of persons which led to admission of undisclosed income of Rs 21,454 crore apart from seizure of undisclosed income (cash, jewellery etc) worth Rs 1,474 crore," Minister of State for Finance, Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
Gangwar said, "Besides levy of taxes on total income of those persons whose assessments were completed during the last two years, the I-T department filed prosecution complaints in 1,221 cases," adding, "During the same period of two years, 2,220 compounding applications were also received from persons who had committed offences under the I-T Act."
As part of enforcement measures and based on credible evidence of tax evasion and other serious violations of provision of the Income-tax Act, the Income Tax Department (ITD) conducts searches on various persons including companies and individuals.
Replying to a separate query, the Minister said that cases of illegal import of Chinese fireworks through Nhava Sheva, Chennai and other ports under false declaration in the name of toys etc have been detected by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the formations under the Central Board of Excise and Customs (CBEC).
Noting that fireworks in India have been declared as restricted item under ITC (HS) in respect of import by Directorate General of Foreign Trade, Gangwar said, "during the last three financial years i.e 2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16 and current financial year (up to December 2016), the I-T department has confiscated illegaly imported fireworks valued at Rs 3,884.76 lakh."
"Action has been taken against the persons found involved in the smuggling of fireworks and 20 such persons were arrested during the period mentioned above," the Minister informed the Rajya Sabha.
Replying to another query, Gangwar said that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also registered 42 regular and 4 preliminary enquirers relating to irregularities in currency conversion by banks and postal department.
"The amount involved in these cases are Rs 186 crore approximately," he added.
New Delhi: As Indias number two and three telecom service providers prepare to merge, the most dramatic impact should be felt by mobile subscribers and incumbent telecom companies which will have to face new competitive realities. Vodafone India and Idea Cellular have announced a merger to create the worlds second largest and Indias largest telco, displacing current market leader Bharti Airtel and gaining enough muscle to give tough competition to newbie Reliance Jio Infocomm. Consolidation usually signals a lessening of competitive intensity and eventually a rationalisation in tariffs. But in this case, any tariff rationalisation looks like a long-term scenario. The ongoing data party, which started with RJios data freebies, will likely continue for a long time as the industry comes to term with the new pecking order.
Why should low tariffs continue? Well, the process of merger between Vodafone and Idea and subsequent creation of a mega telco will likely take about 16-18 months. Till then, the tariff wars already unleashed are unlikely to abate. Brokerage CLSA has said in a note to clients that in response to RJios recently launched prime plans of Rs 149 and Rs 303, Bharti Airtel has already launched two prepaid plans at Rs 145 and Rs 345 that offer unlimited voice calling and up to 1GB data/day. The Rs 145 plan offers unlimited Airtel-to-Airtel local and STD calls with a 2GB data allowance. The Rs 345 plan offers unlimited voice calling to all networks and 1GB data/day but 0.5GB of this can be used only at night.
As the merged entity becomes a reality and RJio continues to offer low tariffs, the incumbent telecom operators are going to do everything in their power to retain existing subscribers. Remember, RJio has announced plans to commence commercial operations from 1 April and the industry expects some of its 100 million subscribers to port out. Even if it means red ink on their balance sheets, there is little chance of Bharti, Vodafone, Idea and others reneging on low tariffs just yet.
Now let us see what course will incumbent telecom companies, especially Bharti Airtel, take from here on to hold on to their turf. Not only does the Vodafone-Idea merger displace Bharti from leadership position, RJio would also be vying for the top spot soon. There are divided views in the industry on whether Bharti can regain leadership position.
The CLSA report quoted earlier said Bharti launching retaliatory tariffs against RJios prime plans will limit subscriber churn but will dilute ARPU (Average Revenue Per User). We lower FY18-19 revenue by 10 percent and Ebitda by 17-19 percent to factor in this. Although a reduction in dual-SIMs and sector consolidation at an accelerated pace could provide upside to the estimates. On our revised numbers, at 7.2x EV/Ebitda, (5 percent premium to 3 year average), the revised 12-month target of Rs 380 (was Rs 393) implies a mere 4 percent upside, hence we downgrade to Underperform from Buy.
Some analysts see the merged entity losing market share due to a debt overhang. If that happens, Bharti will obviously not be majorly impacted by the Vodafone-Idea merger. Analysts at IIFL said in a note today that A highly leveraged balance sheet may limit the ability of the merged company to be aggressive in the marketplace in the interim and this may result in loss of market share. Our base case builds in 5 percentage point loss of market share from 42 percent to 37 percent over three years ending FY22.
And analysts at brokerage Ambit pointed out the many kinks in a smooth merger between Vodafone and Idea (which should help incumbents retain their hold over the market). They said To achieve synergies, the merged company will have to weather continued competitive pressures from RJio and Airtel. Also, synergies are protracted; full run rate of cost and capex synergies will start showing only in the fourth full year. In five of the 22 telecom circles, the merged entity will have to actually shed subscribers since the revenue market share cap under the M&A rules will have been breached. This will again help incumbents as well as RJio.
So the bottomline is that though a mega merger with the potential to shake up Indias telecom industry has been announced, no major upheavals should be expected immediately. One must remember that consolidation has only just begun in the overcrowded Indian telecom market it had a dozen players some years back. As the Vodafone-Idea merger gets crystallised, Bhartis Telenor buy gets factored in, Reliance Infocomm-Aircel deal gets regulatory approvals and RJio strengthens its footprint further India will continue to be the most active telecom market to watch across the globe.
Britain's Vodafone Group and Idea Cellular agreed on Monday to merge their Indian operations in a $23 billion deal, creating the country's biggest telecoms business after the entry of a new rival sparked a brutal price war.
The combined entity would have almost 400 million customers, overtaking market leader Bharti Airtel to account for about 40 percent of revenue of the world's second-biggest mobile phone services market by users after China.
The deal shows how India's mobile industry is being transformed by the launch of Reliance Jio Infocomm's 4G mobile broadband network last year.
Built at a cost of more than $20 billion by India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, Jio has offered free services for months. That has forced India's three biggest operators - Bharti, Vodafone and Idea - to slash prices and accept lower profits, and sparked a wave of consolidation.
Vodafone, the world's second-largest cellphone operator, had previously sought to leave joint ventures it did not control but Chief Executive Vittorio Colao said the group had to be realistic in such a challenging market.
"This improves the industry structure and it also equips us and Idea to be much more competitive in the future," he told reporters. "I have no doubt that the Indian market will remain competitive but nothing can be free forever and we will be in a better position."
The two companies, which said in January that they were in talks, will have to shed spectrum in some areas to meet India's rules, although Colao said it would be "small". The deal is expected to close in 2018.
Shares in Idea rose as much as 14.3 percent after the news but then fell 10 percent to 97.70 rupees as traders said the implied deal price for Idea was well below the stock's closing price of 108.10 rupees on Friday. Vodafone shares were up 0.7 percent at 1415 GMT.
Idea said the rough deal price worked out at 72.5 rupees per share, adding that this figure was for illustrative purposes and was not the actual price.
Deal contours
Under the deal, Vodafone will own 45.1 percent of the merged entity, after it transfers about 4.9 percent to promoters of Idea or their affiliates for 38.74 billion rupees ($592.15 million) in cash, Idea said.
Aditya Birla Group, the majority owner of Idea, will own 26 percent while other shareholders will own the remaining 28.9 percent. Aditya Birla and Vodafone eventually aim to own an equal share of the joint venture, with a combined enterprise value of $23.2 billion.
Vodafone, which will cut its net debt by about $8.2 billion with the deal, has endured a tumultuous ride since it entered India in 2007, with a high-profile tax battle and a long-delayed Indian listing. The South Asian country contributes more than 10 percent of its revenues.
Colao said on Friday the pending case, with India demanding more than $2 billion in taxes, will not affect the deal, which needs regulatory approval.
nvestors have welcomed Vodafone's move to address its most difficult market, with the deal enabling the British company to reduce leverage and gain additional financial flexibility which could help it to invest more in Europe.
"This looks like a good deal for Vodafone shareholders based on hugely sensible strategic logic, which values Vodafone India at a premium to our valuation, and opens the door to significantly greater synergies than we had anticipated," analysts at Berenberg said.
The deal does not include Vodafone's 42 percent stake in Indus Towers, a joint venture between the British group, a unit of Bharti Airtel and Idea. But Vodafone and Idea said they will look to reduce their tower assets exposure, including selling their stakes in the joint venture.
Analysts have said Jio's entry is the catalyst for mergers and exits of some foreign players.
Bharti Airtel is in the process of buying Telenor's India operations, while two smaller players controlled by Malaysia's Maxis and Russia's Sistema (SSAq.L) are merging their operations with Reliance Communications' wireless unit.
"Consolidation is a much anticipated and very welcome development in this beleaguered telecom sector," said Arpita Pal Agrawal, a partner and telecom analyst at PwC India.
New Delhi: Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and Vodafone Group CEO Vittorio Colao met with Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today to discuss the contours of the Vodafone-Idea merger deal.
The two top honchos, flanked by senior executives from both companies, called on the minister to discuss the details of the mega alliance, in a meeting that lasted half an hour. Vodafone India and Idea Cellular on Monday agreed to merge their operations to create the country's largest telecom operator worth more than US $23 billion with a 35 percent market share.
The combined entity of Vodafone and Idea Cellular, which are currently India's number 2 and 3, respectively, will dislodge Bharti Airtel to counter the fierce price war in the world's second-largest market.
Emerging from the meeting, both Birla and Colao declined to share details of the discussions or take specific queries. The two companies announced yesterday that the British firm will own 45.1 percent of the merged entity while the Aditya Birla group, Idea's parent company, will own 26 percent after paying Rs 3,874 crore cash for a 4.9 percent stake.
The remaining 28.9 percent will be held by other shareholders.
The new company, which will come into being over the next two years, will be headed by Birla while Vodafone will have the right to appoint chief financial officer.
The CEO and the chief operating officer will be appointed with approval of both companies. The two firms will have three nominees each on the board of the new entity.
Aditya Birla and Vodafone eventually aim to own an equal share in the joint venture.
The merged venture will create India's largest mobile operator with almost 400 million users and a 35 percent market share by customers. The deal gives Vodafone India an implied enterprise value of Rs 82,800 crore and Idea an enterprise value of Rs 72,200 crore.
The telecom analysts have been flagging certain hurdles in the deal, including breach of revenue market share, subscriber and spectrum caps in five markets.
This is the second merger in the sector in as many months. Last month, Bharti Airtel announced plans to buy the Indian business of the Norway-based Telenor.
New Delhi: The Idea-Vodafone merger will create a strong player, but multiple challenges from the deal, including breach of spectrum holding and revenue market share cap, will have to be resolved in a fixed time frame, ICRA said on Monday.
Analysts are of the view that the competition in the industry is unlikely to subside in the medium-term despite the mega merger. "The transaction faces many challenges... The merged telco would breach the spectrum holding cap in five circles in 900 MHz band and in two circles in the 2,500 MHz band and is likely to breach the revenue market share cap of 50 per cent in six circles. These would have to be resolved in a fixed time frame," said Harsh Jagnani, VP-Sector Head, ICRA. Further, the debt levels of the merged telecom firm will be high at around Rs 1,08,000 crore, he said, adding that the entities will have to inorganically deleverage to rein in the debt.
In the long-term, this consolidation is expected to be positive for the industry as it will restore some pricing power and give better bargaining terms with vendors, he hoped. "We do not expect any reduction in the competition in the industry in the medium term as the large telcos would continue to keep the intensity high," he said.
Pressure created by Jio's launch and the subsequent pricing competition pushed the Indian telecom industry to consolidation, he noted. "While there are many regulatory hurdles for the merger, it would nevertheless create a strong player in the industry," he said.
Vodafone-Idea will be India's largest telecom operator in terms of subscriber base, revenue and spectrum holding. It will have a strong footprint, with market leadership in 12 out of the 22 circles, and second rank in nine circles. The merged entity will also benefit from operational synergies allowing it to curtail expenses such as co-location rentals and energy costs, customer acquisitions and support teams and reduced expenses on branding. "This should translate into profitability uplift to the merged entity although the same will take some time to materialise," he said.
According to Angel broking, as the industry consolidates with 3-4 large players, there can be some sanctity that can return to pricing and end of data wars, but the same seems unlikely over the next 1 year. "The consolidation in the telecom industry through the Idea-Vodafone merger, acquisition of spectrum from other operators by Bharti Airtel and market share gains by Jio would ensure competitive and demanding times for telecom operators, but the consumer is having the last laugh at their expense at the current juncture," said Mayuresh Joshi, Fund Manager at Angel Broking.
According to Credit Suisse, the Vodafone-Idea combine will remain "highly leveraged and need some form of capital infusion sooner than later". Motilal Oswal Securities Head - Research, Gautam Duggad said there is a major market share dilution risk if the deal takes a prolonged period to fructify, given the hyper-competitive market. "Our channel checks with regulatory and telecom M&A verticals indicate that the spectrum and revenue caps may not be a major obstacle", he said.
Centrum Broking said that in the current scenario, while the merger of Vodafone-Idea makes them a dominant player, the competition could still be high in the data business.
Vodafone India and Idea Cellular today agreed to merge their operations to create the country's largest mobile phone operator worth more than USD 23 billion and commanding 35 percent market share. The merged entity of Vodafone and Idea Cellular, which are India's number 2 and 3 mobile operators, respectively, will overtake Bharti Airtel in a bid to tackle a raging price war in the world's second-largest mobile market.
The British firm will own 45.1 percent of the merged entity while the Aditya Birla group, Idea's parent company, will own 26 percent after paying Rs 3,874 crore cash for a 4.9 percent stake.
Have you ever wondered what sort of life the characters in Pretty Little Liars would lead when they are all grown up?
(Also Read: Big Little Lies: HBOs star-studded new drama is more than just chick-lit and mommy wars)
The Reese Witherspoon produced Big Little Lies takes us to the perfect world of rich families. Three mothers (played by Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Shailene Woodley) who have seemingly perfect lives, unravel a murder-mystery that takes place during a disastrous parents' night at an elementary school fundraiser.
Based on Liane Moriarty's best-selling book of the same name, the HBO mini-series is quick becoming a fan favourite.
"Reading the novel for the first time, I saw myself at different stages of motherhood through my life," Witherspoon said in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, noting that like Woodley's Jane, she too was a mother at 22, and like her character Madeline, got divorced and remarried at 40.
"It explores so many aspects that are relatable to the lives of women; it wasn't about them being good or bad they showed every spectrum and every color of women's lives. It presented a unique opportunity to have so many incredible parts for women in one piece of material," she adds.
The latest episode tackles a sensitive subject: marital rape. Nicole Kidman (Celeste) and Alexander Skarsgard (Perry) play a couple who are the subject of titillated envy. Celeste is the towns most stylish hostess; Perry is the hot, younger jet-setting husband who cant keep his hands off her. They have perfect twins and an even more perfect house.
But underneath it all lies the reality of marital rape, which her therapist delicately yet expertly gets her to reveal the truth about. The scene sets a standard that producer Witherspoon wants to show, when she said Big Little Lies covers 'every spectrum and every color of women's lives.'
Here's Kidman in her role as Celeste in the series:
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 21
By Elmira Tariverdiyeva Trend:
Officials of the Russian Embassy in Azerbaijan met with the imprisoned blogger Alexander Lapshin, the embassys press attache Denis Apashkin told Trend Mar. 21.
Investigation into Lapshins case continues and the embassy is in constant contact with his lawyer, said Apashkin.
On March 15, consular officers of the embassy held a meeting with Russian citizen Alexander Lapshin, who is detained in the Baku Investigative Prison No. 1, noted the press attache.
He added that Lapshin has no complaints about the detention conditions.
He is in satisfactory health condition, said Apashkin.
Alexander Lapshin is a citizen of several countries and has had a criminal conspiracy with Armenians living in the occupied Azerbaijani territories. He also illegally visited these territories.
Lapshin is accused of violating Azerbaijani laws on state border in April 2011 and October 2012.
On Jan. 17, Alexei Stuk, deputy prosecutor general of Belarus, ruled to extradite Lapshin to Azerbaijan. Lapshin was brought to Azerbaijan on Feb. 7.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed against Tamil veteran actor Kamal Haasan for allegedly hurting Hindu sentiments and causing enmity between groups and cause disturbance to public tranquility.
The PIL is in regard to his comment on the epic Mahabharata given to a Tamil news channel. The Financial Express reports that Haasan expressed his shock at India celebrating a book in which a woman, Panchali, was depicted as an object and the men, the Pandvas, as her gamblers.
The same report quotes him as saying, "In Mahabharata, Panchali was used as a pawn while the men gambled, he also said that she was used as a collateral and India is a country that respects and honours a book that revolves around men using a woman to gamble away as if she was a mere object."
Now, India Today reports that a religious group, Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) of the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu has filed a PIL against the actor for his Mahabharata remark. They alleged that Haasan hurt their religious sentiments through his comments and also dubbed him as an anti-Hindu.
The report by The Financial Express quotes Rama Ravikumar, the state secretary of HMK, as saying, "Kamal Haasan said that Mahabharata talks about a woman (Draupadi) who was used as a pawn and was gambled away, and that this country reads such a book. There was no need for him to say these things. It has hurt our sentiments and who is he to talk about the Mahabharata?
He does not have the guts to talk about any other religion. He is an anti-Hindu person, so we complained against him. We have been suffering for long but havent been saying anything," said Ravikumar, daring Haasan to speak in a similar tone against the Quran or the Bible.
Warner Bros. Pictures released four videos of Going In Style on 20 March, 2017, and all four feature director Zack Braff with his stellar, award-winning cast Michael Caine, Morgan Freeman and Alan Arkin goofing around.
The first video opens with the line, "Google search: When does Going In Style come out?" Alan Arkin claims to know the answer to the question. "Morgan, tell 'em," he says. "Why don't they just Google it?" Freeman says. "They did, that's where we come in," Braff says. Michael Caine butts in with, "I got this one; it comes out in theatres April 17."
"Really?" Morgan asks with surprise. Caine then corrects himself and says that the film will release on April 7.
This is when the trailer of the film starts, and Michael Caine's character is seen holding a default notice from the bank. "These banks destroyed this country and nothing ever happened to them... I'm thinking of robbing a bank," he says to his friends. "We're going to need a practice run," he adds, as they are seen goofing around in a department store.
The security officer at the department store asks "You guys are old. What would your mama say?" "Go big or go home," says Morgan's character.
In another video that starts with the question "What is Going in Style about?", Freeman replies with, "Three old friends who decide to rob a bank, after the bank takes their well-deserved pensions." Caine and Braff immediately add that it is a "classic story". "It's got action, suspense, romance, thrills, three Oscar winners," says Braff. Arkin insists that they should not call him old anymore.
This film is a heist comedy based on the 1979 film of the same name, directed by Martin Brest.
In a third video, the cast and director discuss who will be starring in the film. "Well, it's directed by me and stars my three old friends," says Braff. Morgan interrupts him and asks, "Who you calling old?" "Why are you so young?" asks Caine. "He's the director, that's his job" says Arkin. "Learn some respect," Morgan recommends to Braff.
The fourth video of the series starts with a Google search for "Evil banks". "You're searching for a very heavy topic," Arkin warns the viewer. "You don't want to click on those links; it's a depressing spiral," says Morgan. "Just come to see us stick it to the man," Caine recommends.
Working with Mani Rathnam is a dream-come-true for most actors, and the hero of Kaatru Veliyidai, Karthi Sivakumar, confesses that he doesnt feel differently.
The trailer gives us a quick glimpse of a clean-shaven Karthi in an air force uniform wooing his lady love, but it also reveals a few grim, intense momentsprobably why the actor cautions us against expecting another Alaipayuthey or OK Kanmani.
During a brief interaction, Karthi, former assistant of Mani Rathnam, shares his experience of working with his mentor again as an actor, on working with Aditi Rao Hydari and talks of his experience playing Varun aka VC in Kaatru Veliyidai.
How long have you been working on KV? What was your initial reaction on hearing about the role?
Karthi: Weve been talking for some time; we were supposed to do another script earlier. But at that time I was doing Thozha and Kaashmora, and both the projects were not finished. The movies that were supposed to get over in October, were likely to continue until January or February 2016. I explained this to Mani sir, he told me to go ahead and finish them. He called me in March and told me he had a different script for me and that Id be playing a pilot. I was taken back, but I knew this was going to be challenge and I took it up.
You worked as an assistant to Mani Rathnam for Ayutha Ezhuthu. You must have impressed him enough for you to have landed this role in KV?
Karthi: Do you think I would have any say in this? Im still surprised that he called me for a role like this. I couldnt even imagine myself playing this role and I dont look like myself in the movie. I feel its a great move for me at this point in my career as I am able to showcase a different facet. As an actor thats what gives me a kick: to behave and emote like a totally different person. I enjoy doing homework for my roles-trying to find out about the background of a person and everything.
This film really gave me that opportunity. How often do you come across a fighter pilot, right?
How is it to be directed by Mani Ratnam? Especially, while shooting those intense scenes?
Karthi: His direction is very interesting. He is a real director who gives you inputs for a performance in every scene, instead of just explaining where it comes in the movie and leave it at that. He also monitors how you would like to do it. When you explain it and he likes it, you feel kicked about it. He takes a lot of effort in translating the emotions on screen not just through the actors, but even through the backdrops. Those are the moments when you realise youre working with the master.
You play a role that you havent played before. What kind of homework went into it?
Karthi: I play a squadron leader. I took basic flying lessons I met a fighter pilot who served in the Air Force. I also met up with my friend who is in the air base and spent time with him. I met up with officers who are in different stages in their careers and interacted with them. I went through cross-fit training and lost weight to fit the role.
The trailer also seems to have some grim, intense parts.
Karthi: Its not a breezy romance; dont come expecting another Alaipayuthey or OK Kanmani. Its a different take on romance. Both the leads in the film are really strong individuals, who have been characterised powerfully. The story is about how they get along. Its not all lovey-dovey. Its not all going to be like Azhagiye(song from the film) throughout. Its an emotional love story set in the backdrop of Indian Air Force.
Your role in Kaatru Veliyidai is a departure from the massy entertainers that you normally appear in save may be a Kaashmora or Thozha? Are you looking for more challenging roles now?
Karthi: What do actors dowe select from scripts that come our way. Whatever excites meI take it up and do. You cannot decide every time, what youre going to do next. I dont want to repeat myself. Komban and Kaashmora came at the same time. I didnt know which one to do first. Theres no pattern or strategy to how I pick my films. But I understand my roles have to give me scope to perform and have to be a bit emotional, because people still remember Paruthiveeran and want to see me in similar roles.
Was it overwhelming to work with Mani Rathnam and Rahman team? High expectations before the release?
Karthi: No I have grown up in that office, so there was no pressure. But its great to be on the sets interacting with Mani sir so much. Its a character-driven story. As his assistant, our interaction was limited. Now that Im back as an actor, he would sit with me and go over each scene and was open to my inputs. What more can you ask for?
Aditi is a newcomernew to Tamil film industry. How was it working with her?
Karthi: She was waiting for this opportunity. She would come to the sets well-prepared, thorough with all the Tamil dialogues for an entire schedule. She has put in all her effort to make sure that shes received well. When you have a co-star whos geared up to do her best-that works to our mutual benefit.
You have always sported that moustachebut playing the role of Varun would mean sporting a clean-shaven look. Was it easy?
Karthi: It was a big inner struggle to give up on my moustache. Mani sir encouraged me and said if it wasnt looking good, we could grow it back again. But it looked okay.
There was a portion when I had to grow my beard, but after about 10 days I had to clean-shave and everyone on the sets was like, Oh look, VC is back. Thats how excited people were about my character. I met an officer who looked just like me, wearing the same aviators and the cap and I thought, Not bad, Ive copied him well. I had to bring in the aura of being an officer in every frame and I used to worry if I was doing it well.
Every scene was difficult, but it feels good if you have something meaty to do, right? I was quite thrilled.
Your next project?
Karthi: My upcoming film is Theeran: Athikaram Ondru directed by H. Vinoth.
Five years ago, when Mehreen Pirzada was working in New York, little did she know that, one fine day, she would pursue an acting career in films.
In 2013, when she took part in the Miss South Asia Canada beauty pageant in Toronto, Mehreen was supposed to dance in one of the rounds at the beauty pageant. She had to pick a chit which had a celebrity's name and it turned out to be, well, Anushka Sharma herself.
"I danced on the song 'Jiya Re' from Jab Tak Hai Jaan," Mehreen laughs recounting the story. "Ever since, I was hoping that I would get a chance to work with Anushka. I believe in fairy tales. I'm living one right now. Three years later, after six rounds of auditions in early 2016, I finally got a call. It was while I was watching Tom McCarthy's Spotlight. I had to come to Mumbai and meet Anushka Sharma, who's one of the producers of Phillauri. Suddenly, I felt like I was under a spotlight."
Ask her if Anushka knows this story, Mehreen beams with joy saying, "Yes. When I shared my story with her, she was surprised. And then, she told me that a long time ago, her mother had written a chit where she wished that her daughter should act in a Yash Raj film when she grows up. Finally, when she bagged Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi, her mother showed her the chit. I couldn't help but blush when she told me this story."
In Phillauri, Mehreen plays Anu, a young woman who is about to get married to her childhood sweetheart Kanan, played by Suraj Sharma. When he's told that he's mangalik and has to get married to a tree to ward off evil, he ends up meeting a friendly spirit Shashi (Anushka Sharma). The film is, in a way, a study on how love is the same no matter what the time frame is. "The story constantly keeps going back and forth. Anshai Lal and writer Anvita Dutt have weaved an interesting story about how love doesn't change even though time changes," the actress adds.
Being the youngest member of the cast, she admits to being quite pampered on the sets of Phillauri.
"I was the youngest and newest member of the team. All my co-stars - Anushka, Diljit Dosanjh and Suraj Sharma are well-established, but never made me feel out of place. I'm very critical of my own work and want to deliver my best. One time, when I was quite upset that I didn't get a shot right, and Anushka got to know that I cried the whole night. The next day she came and hugged me and said, 'Arey paglikya hua tujhe? Why were you crying? We're all there for you.'
"I didn't expect such a sweet gesture from her. She treated me like her own sister. The best thing about her is that she is quite straight forward as a person" said Mehreen.
Having grown up in Punjab, before her family moved to Canada, Mehreen is well-versed with the nuances of the Punjabi culture; however, she disagrees that it was a major factor behind why she bagged the role. "We are actors and the only thing that matters is how much we soak in the characters and make them our own. I act in Telugu films and when I'm shooting there, I'm a Telugu girl," she avers.
So, does she have plans to go back to Canada in near future? "Only if I have to shoot there," she laughs, adding, "I'm really glad that I spent the formative years of my life in USA and Canada. It has helped shape my personality. Back there, you are on your own and you do things to make yourself happy, not others."
The actress made her debut in Telugu cinema in early 2016 with Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gadha in which she played Nani's romantic interest. Despite the success of the film, she had to wait for nearly 10 months to bag her next project and currently, she's on a roll with as many as five Telugu and Tamil films to her credit.
Says Mehreen, "I was going through a low phase after making my acting debut. I knew the film had done well, but I wasn't getting any offers. I can't sit idle at home because it makes me feel restless. However, I didn't let this negativity get the better of me. Thankfully, things are looking good at the moment with plenty of work. Right now, I'm as excited as a school kid about my debut in Bollywood. I had a similar feeling when I was awaiting the release of Krishna Gaadi Veera Prema Gaadha and now, I'm going through the same thing again."
On the eve of her 38th birthday, Rani Mukherjee answered questions from fans in a live video uploaded on the Yash Raj Films official Facebook page. She spoke about her pregnancy, her daughter Adira, and her future plans in Bollywood.
She said that she is not aware of things that happen on social media so the live video is a great way to connect with fans. She mentioned that she was in Mumbai this year for her birthday.
"Since two years you have missed me on screen, I know, but I was busy with my baby" she said. She responded to wishes and birthday messages from fans.
She spoke about her next film Hichki: "I'm doing my film Hichki which starts from next month." When one fan asked when they could see her in a romantic role, she said, "Right after Hichki".
When asked what her dream role is, she said, "My dream role, I don't have one as one now, but right now, I want a chicken roll, because I'm hungry."
How does she feel after playing so many versatile characters in the industry? "I feel really lucky and very fortunate to be able to play so many characters on screen. It's always lovely to play different roles, be different people. I get to play so many different roles So many powerful Indian women that inspire me and I'm sure when you watch them, you're inspired too," she said.
What inspires her to be "such a good mother" to Adira? "It's too early for me to be a great mother, but it feels great. These have been the happiest two and a half years of my life. Just seeing her, enjoying all her milestones one after the other. For a woman, there is nothing more fulfilling than being a mother," she said.
It's been 20 years since Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat; how does she feel? "I began shooting for the film in 1995, so it's been 22 years since Raja Ki Aayegi Baraat. I feel like my new life has started since the birth of Adira. I'm going to enjoy my work in a different way. I don't know how these 22 years have passed, it feels like a flash," she said.
Rani was asked by a fan to join social media platforms. "I'm unfortunately not on social media, but you can track me through my friends and family who are on social media and the YRF website My husband is a very private person, so even thought I would like to share photos of Adira and details of my life, I'd like to respect my husband and his privacy," she explained.
A Bengali fan asked if she would do a film in Bengali and Rani said that if a good script comes her way, she would be happy to.
"As an actor, what works better for you? Planning or spontaneity?" asked a fan. "What works for me is something that comes from my heart, so I'd say spontaneity. Some roles, you do need to prepare a little, when you have to learn a new language or skill, or sport. But normally when I do a film, I like to be spontaneous, because then everything comes from the heart," she said. When asked to share an acting tip, she said, "Act from your heart, your soul, never fake an emotion because the camera will catch it."
She was asked how she intends to celebrate her birthday. "I'm planning to spend my birthday with my daughter. She makes me very happy. Also with my family and husband," she said.
Watch the video here:
CBS has finally renewed The Big Bang Theory for two more seasons, making it one of primetimes long-running sitcoms, with at least 12 seasons.
The renewal has been in the works for the past few months. The show is in its 10th season and the big hurdle was cleared last month when the five original members of the series ensemble Jim Parsons, Johnny Galecki, Kaley Cuoco, Kunal Nayyar and Simon Helberg struck new deals with the studio. The deal is envisioned as taking the show through its final two seasons, for a total of 48 more episodes.
The studio is said to still be in negotiations with Big Bang stars Mayim Bialik and Melissa Rauch, who have become core members of the cast during their seven years on the show.
Bialik and Rauch have been pushing for salary parity with the original five, who are slated to earn about $900,000 per episode in the next two seasons. The original five actors agreed to take a $100,000 pay cut apiece from their current salaries to free up more funds in the budget to help provide raises for Bialik and Rauch, who have been paid far below their co-stars at around $175,000-$200,000 per episode.
CBS has also ordered a Big Bang Theory spinoff directly to series.
Young Sheldon, which will feature the voice of Parsons providing narration, tells the story of a 9-year-old Sheldon Cooper growing up in Texas. The prequel series stars Big Little Lies' Iain Armitage as Sheldon Cooper, Zoe Perry, Lance Barber, Raegan Revord and Montana Jordan. Perry is playing Sheldon's mother, a role her own mother, Laurie Metcalf, originated on The Big Bang Theory.
Jon Favreau is directing and executive producing the first episode and serves as executive producer alongside Chuck Lorre and Steven Molaro.
Los Angeles: Actor Tom Cruise spent a year training for a sequence in the upcoming action spy thriller film Mission: Impossible 6, says producer David Ellison.
Ellison said it was 'the most impressive' thing Cruise had done in the movie franchise, reports aceshowbiz.com.
What Tom is doing in this movie I believe will top anything thats come before, Ellison told news portal Collider.
It is absolutely unbelievable hes been training for a year. It is going to be, I believe, the most impressive and unbelievable thing that Tom Cruise has done in a movie, and he has been working on it since right after Rogue Nation came out. Its gonna be mind-blowing, he added.
Explaining the reason behind Cruises willingness to undergo the extensive training and many practical stunts by himself, Ellison said: It all comes from the best place. It is all about entertaining an audience.
The filming of Mission: Impossible 6 will begin on April 10 in Paris, London and New Zealand.
Mission: Impossible 6 is set to release on July 27, 2018.
Pankhuri Awasthy has appeared in a few television shows like Razia Sultan and Suryaputra Karn. But what she really looks forwards to is her next project, Kya Kasoor Hai Amla Ka?. Unlike the other two, it is not a period drama.
In fact, in her next show, she will do away with any kind of superficial beautification as she plays a rape survivor. Hindustan Times reports that she consulted a psychologist and a psychiatrist to get into the psyche of a rape survivor. Much to her anguish, she discovered that most of the rape survivors are victims of marital rape and are married to the guy who raped them.
She has also recalled her own fears and encounters with sexual predators. India.com quotes her as saying, "When I was in Delhi, I used to travel to college by Metro and so many instances have happened with me. That time (in college), youre so young and you dont realise half of the things that are happening to you. If you think you can go out at night, you cant do so without being scared."
However, a recent change in her reaction liberated her and made her more confident about dealing with such incidents. The same report quotes her as saying, "Earlier, I didnt have courage to stand up against it. Now I do stand up. Recently, I was in Bengaluru with my friends and I was wearing a skirt. There was this guy who came and he had the courage to touch my thighs. I slapped him then and there itself. I cant keep quiet now. I am proud of myself for doing that."
Kya Kasoor Hai Amla Ka? is a Hindi adaptation of the Turkish show Fatmagul. It is set in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh.
Bangladesh has submitted a report to the Indian government highlighting a recent surge in infiltration of terrorists into India, reported The Times of India.
The report claims that infiltration by Harkat-ul-Jihadi al-Islami (Huji) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) extremists into the border states of West Bengal, Assam and Tripura witnessed an over three-fold increase in 2016 compared to 2015.
Approximately 2,010 Huji and JMB operatives had entered the three eastern states in 2016, which is an alarming number considering the intelligence reports had put the number of terrorists infiltrating into the country in 2014 and 2015 at 800 and 659 respectively, added the report.
The development comes on the backdrop of findings by the National Investigation Agency (NIA), which had found terror links and the direct role of the JMB in the October 2014 Burdwan blast at Khagragarh in which two suspected terrorists were killed.
The TOI report further adds that JMB secretary Iftadur Rehman had entered India on 12 January this year on a fake passport and has established contact with other militants in Assam and Bengal.
An alert has been sounded in view of the report and patrolling has been increased on the eastern borders, added the report.
Back in July last year, Kangkan Acharyya of Firstpost, reported that 10 JMB militants had been suspected to have sneaked into the Indian territory. Bangladeshi security agencies had suspected the involvement of the 10 youths in the Dhaka terror attacks.
In a related story, five Islamist militants, including a woman, were killed last week when security forces stormed their hideouts in Bangladesh amid an intensified nationwide crackdown on extremists.
The four extremists, believed to be operatives of banned Neo-JMB, hurled grenades and fired gunshots on security forces. Meanwhile, media reports said that another militant, a member of the banned outfit Huji, was also killed in a separate raid.
Neo-JMB is said to be inclined to the Islamic State terror outfit which has claimed responsibility for the deadly 1 July, 2016 attack on a Dhaka cafe which claimed more than 20 lives, including that of 19-year-old Indian Tarishi Jain.
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.
The Bangladesh government had attributed the deadly attack at Holey Artisan Bakery in Dhaka to Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh.
(With inputs from agencies)
By Ila Ananya
The last time Priyanka Thomas stood in line for confession at the church near her house in Hyderabad, two older women were standing behind her. They were grumbling at how long the line was taking to move Youngsters these days commit so many sins, no wonder they take so long for confession, one of them said. The other woman nodded sagely. Just at that moment Thomas says that a sniffling young woman left the confessional See, now that their souls are purged, theyll come back with a longer list next month, she heard the women say.
Thomas, a 30-year-old software engineer, was reminded of this exchange when she heard that the Kerala Catholic Reform Movement (KCRM) staged a dharna in Kochi on Sunday, 19 March. They were demanding that the church allow nuns to hear confessions of women and minor girls an unexpected demand that hasnt been put forward in India before. Since then its been dismissed by Fr Paul Thelakkat, former spokesperson of the Syro-Malabar church. According to Thelakkat, the demand was contradictory to the sacraments, because, the faculty of confession is only given to ordained priests.
But Priyanka Thomas remains curious: would replacing priests with nuns increase the time women spent at confession?
If youre not disclosing all of your sins then there is no benefit for you. You cant deliberately refrain from disclosing them, says advocate Indulekha Joseph, also a member of KCRM. Joseph, who headed the dharna at Kochi, says that their demands are a result of the increasing number of sexual harassment complaints against Christian priests In this context, its highly improper for priests to listen to young ladies and women, especially because confession happens in private, she says.
Josephs argument is that she has heard of cases where, when women are confessing anything sexual, priests demand the minute details of the scene. They worry about the possibility of priests using a confession like an extra-marital affair for blackmail (and Joseph claims this has happened before). It would seem that some of Josephs squeamishness around sexual matters seems to be of the kind the Church would, ironically, approve of. Because she nervously adds, When youre disclosing such sexual matters to the opposite sex, there will be some changes in the persons body. We are living in an age when there is even phone sex.
If you ask many Catholics, you will hear that confession is an important part of their culture. For instance, when Maria Tom, now a college student in Bangalore, was in school, she would go for confession as often as she could. Bless me Father, for I have sinned, she would begin, before she rattled off a list of standard sins "Ive lied, I disobeyed my parents, Ive behaved irresponsibly," she would say. When she grew a little older, she started talking about boys she liked. Once she even ranted about her strict mother who didnt let her go out with friends. The priest she was talking to told her it was alright for her to lie to be allowed outside the house. I was lucky to have got nice priests. It was like free therapy, Maria Tom says laughing and remembering that confession session with fondness.
Like Tom, 24-year-old Anushka, who is from Kerala, and currently works in a media company in Bangalore, says that confession gets more complicated when youre older.
She remembers a concerned priest telling her at confession when she was 10 years old, not to wear sleeveless clothes. But when youre older, most people who go for confession, dont actually confess the things they consider really bad, Anushka says. From her experience, its because churches are usually tightly-knit, which means that the priest knows you and your family, and you end up not feeling comfortable talking about many things.
But Anushka also remembers being trained to see priests as being without sexuality or gender. Were trained to deify priests. They dont get married, and arent seen as people who have familial connections. They are benevolent father figures who are there to solve our problems, bless our houses, and scold us for not behaving properly. And we give them such a huge role, we also accept that they have the divine right to hear and absolve us of our sins, she says.
Would women be more comfortable talking to a nun rather than a priest? Anna Thomas, who recently passed out of Mount Carmel College, Bangalore, and stopped going for confession a long time ago because she doesnt understand why people should confess to a human being rather than God, says that she thinks women might be more comfortable talking to another woman.
A Bangalore-based nun, who wanted to remain anonymous, also said she thought it was a good idea, particularly because women and young girls might be hesitant to talk to priests, even though the priests arent supposed to tell anyone else about the confessions.
But Anushka, like many other women, doesnt believe that things would necessarily be better for women because a woman is hearing confession. Nuns in my experience [she spent two years being policed in a nun-run boarding school], tend to be very rigid, she says, Nuns could also easily harass you in other, non-sexual ways for the things they know youve done. Saying that nuns should hear confession is somewhat naive; it assumes that women are automatically a better choice. Do we only expect nuns to be different because they are women, as if they are not stuck in the same complexities of religion, convention and power that is the Church?
If the idea is that having nuns listening to confession will reduce sexual harassment, both Anushka and Tom point out that the problem is much deeper than this. We have heard of multiple cases of sexual abuse within churches being covered up time and again. Tom says the only solution is beginning to hold people accountable, rather than this simple replacement. Anushka suggests the same when she says that we need to begin to treat priests with less of a free pass even within familiesJust suggesting that a priest is doing something wrong is something that families cant accept. Every single time, their anger and sense of betrayal becomes about victim shaming instead, she says.
Back in Kerala, Indulekha Joseph makes the additional argument that there should be less discrimination between nuns and priests, and that the KCRMs protest is an argument that traditions must be amended with the times. But all of the women we spoke to had more radical ideas. Why cant we begin to relook at the idea of confession itself, they ask? As Priyanka Thomas says, What if confession is personal, between the woman and god?
(The Ladies Finger (TLF) is a leading online womens magazine delivering fresh and witty perspectives on politics, culture, health, sex, work and everything in between.)
Baku, Azerbaijan, Mar. 21
By Elena Kosolapova Trend:
Oil output cuts will not be enough to bring prices to a high level, believes Arthur Berman, an independent US geological consultant.
He says a larger issue is the inexorable relationship between stocks and prices.
"In part, this weeks price downturn reflects waning confidence that OPEC production cuts will result in higher prices There seems to be a growing awareness that global oil markets are incredibly complex, and that there are so many moving parts that a single, simple solution is unlikely," Berman, who has about 40 years of experience in petroleum exploration and production, told Trend by email March 14.
The expert says the industry for more than two years has believed that higher prices are possible without extreme reductions in inventories.
"Great expectations were placed in an OPEC production cut to rescue the industry from a weak oil market."
"The fallacy lies in thinking that the problem stems from a simple imbalance between production and consumption and is unrelated to a fragile and debt-dependent global economy. That hope was a dream. It appears that oil markets have woken up from that dream," Berman said.
He noted that the issue is not so much about this weeks change in inventory.
"It is about how much inventory needs to be reduced and how long that will take in the most hopeful scenario."
According to Berman, if OECD stocks must fall by approximately 550 million barrels to support $70 prices, it will take more than a year to get there if production is cut by 1 million barrels per day.
"If the production-consumption balance fluctuates, it will take even longer," he noted.
Noting that OPEC and non-OPEC comply with their oil output cut deal reached in late 2016, Berman said early evidence suggests the agreement has resulted in significant production cuts, nearly half of which are borne by Saudi Arabia.
The expert also said the EIA March Short Term Energy Outlook showed a 1 million per day world production minus consumption deficit, noting that one month does not prove a trend.
"For example, August 2016 showed a larger deficit only to be followed by several months of surplus," Berman said. "But it is a hopeful sign."
In December 2016, OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached their first deal since 2001 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices.
Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 bpd starting from Jan. 1, 2017 for six months, extendable for another six months, to take into account prevailing market conditions and prospects.
OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from Jan. 1, with top exporter Saudi Arabia cutting as much as 486,000 bpd.
According to OPEC Monthly Oil Market Report, worlds oil supply decreased in February by 0.21 million barrels per day compared to January to average 95.88 million barrels per day. In November 2016, worlds oil supply was at 96.84 million barrels per day.
A strong desire to find alternative economic road link for valley is convincing the business community, and political parties across the party lines of Jammu to Kashmir, to explore the possibility of joining the $46 billion worth China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), often billed as a game changer in South Asia, likely to boost the economic condition of both China and Pakistan.
The 1300-kilometre CPEC is an ambitious economic and development project, including power projects, roads and railways, which will connect Chinas Xinjiang with Pakistans Gwadar. Reportedly, Pakistan is aiming to make Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province to safeguard the Chinese interests in the region. The separatists in the Valley, however, have vehemently opposed the move.
A report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) suggests that Pakistan could become the worlds 16th largest economy by 2050 and possibly overtake countries like Canada and Italy by then.
Since work on it started, India has been opposing the project, as it passes through the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir in Gilgit-Baltistan. New Delhi has expressed strong opposition to the project, which is the key to Beijing's ambitious 'One-Belt, One-Road' initiative.
"The CPEC passing through Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir challenges Indian sovereignty," Union defence ministry said in its annual report submitted to the Parliament recently. On the other hand, China had said that CPEC wont effect its on Kashmir.
As a leftover issue from history between India and Pakistan, it needs to be properly settled through dialogue and consultation between the two sides, Hua Chunying, a spokesperson for Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, said recently.
However, in Jammu and Kashmir, the business community sees a new ray of hope in the CPEC project. The issue was discussed recently at a seminar organised by Srinagar based think-tank The Kashmir Institute, where the universal view was that making Kashmir part of the CPEC, in some form will be beneficial.
During the discussion, Mubeen Shah, former president of Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry strongly advocated for two divided sides of Kashmir to be declared as a single free economic zone. Both India and Pakistan need to be specific about their political positions, said Shah. The CPEC might not change everything but it is a first step towards final settlement of Kashmir issue. We can focus on horticulture, textiles and other industries. The distance will be reduced and the road between Kashmir and Central Asia will be much cheaper.
A few days later, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also suggested that the Jammu and Kashmir can become the gateway to Central Asia and it could become a corridor of economic activity in the region, and the country could benefit from the economic activities going on across LoC.
Why cant we be partners in economic growth and share the benefits of projects like CPEC. Let us move beyond skirmishes, she told a gathering in Delhi. It would make the region a hub of emerging economic opportunities leading to cooperation in trade, commerce, tourism, adventure across the region.
Even the separatist Chairman of Hurriyat Conference, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, in a recent interview said that though there is a rift between China and India, he believes all countries of the region will benefit from the CPEC in the longer run.
India should not stay out of it. There is also an opportunity for India to assess the economic advantages it can have by being part of it. Kashmir can in fact become a gateway for India to be part of the CPEC, provided there is a settlement of the dispute first. Stronger the CPEC becomes, more the need to resolve disputes in the region, he said.
China and Pakistan has left the door for India open but any decision on this issue will have political implications on the Jammu and Kashmir. For CPEC to be successful, experts opine that peace in Kashmir is inevitable. It has to be seen how will the Narendra Modi government deal with the rising demand of joining CPEC in Kashmir and Chinas growing influence in South Asia.
The Uttrakhand High Court on Monday declared that the River Ganga is a living entity having certain rights and directed that a Ganga Administration Board be constituted. The Court did this while expressing it's displeasure at the current state of the river and directed the Central Government to take steps for it's clean up. This is in line with movements in New Zealand and Ecuador which are beginning to recognise what environmentalists are calling the "rights of nature".
This author has been unable to find a copy of the judgement of the court so he will only deal with the concept of recognising that nature has rights and in particular, a form of personhood.
A river contains water, which by itself is non living. So then, how can a water body be argued to have personhood? To understand this argument, let us begin by trying to understand what do we commonly understand by nature. If we ask an average person what they think of when they say nature, they will say trees, oceans, rivers, meadows etc. Seldom will they say something like iron ore, coal, tar or other substances that are also naturally found around us. More so, if you take something like a river, it is nothing but a flowing body of a compound of oxygen and hydrogen. So then let us take the question, is a mobile phone which is made of steel, a compound of carbon and iron also not a part of nature? Since like water, it is also a compound of elements that are naturally occurring?
Well, if you talk to the activists who propound the theory that nature is a living being, they will say no. Meanwhile, the argument of imparting personhood to rivers and that nature too could have its "rights" rests on another idea that nature is something that ought not to be interfered with. Now this in turn would mean that the "rights of a river" would include the right for its fundamental character to remain un-altered by human beings. It would entail a trusteeship of sorts.
This means that we can use the river but we can never fundamentally change it; we must preserve it for the next generations. The river must be allowed to choose it's own course and human beings must not alter it, just as they must not permanently alter the forests, the mountains, the oceans, the sky, the flora, the fauna and other natural resources. This refrain could also be interpreted in the sense that we are merely visitors on earth and therefore we must not do any permanent damage to the planet as it does not belong to us. If we go by the aforesaid reasons, then it is very easy to come to the conclusion that yes, nature will have certain rights that a person will, the right to retain it's character and the right to certain freedoms that a person would ordinarily possess.
This results in something quite problematic, you cannot recognise the rights of nature, without having somewhere as a pre-condition the fact that nature might somehow be sacred, beyond the control or the writ of a human being to alter. The recognition of nature as a person cannot be founded in reason and can only be founded in a sense of dogma that distinguishes between nature as it exists unaltered by human beings and nature as it exists altered by human beings. This is why it is easy for most people to think a tree is natural but a mobile phone is not. So while we know, that rivers like the Ganga exist because the heat melts the snow on the mountain tops, causing various streams of water to collate and form a large snow fed river, whose water volume is increased due to rain fall. It's course on the other hand is determined by gravity and other hydrological factors driving the river towards the Bay of Bengal. It becomes easy for us to buy into the myth that the river has a mind of it's own and therefore an identity worthy of preservation as a person.
However, this is the biggest issue with the environmental approach of trying to tackle pollution by vesting rivers and other non-human entities with justiciable rights. As the idea that the writ of a human being doesn't extend to nature is no longer true in the face of global warming. The overwhelming scientific evidence of global warming, is proof that human beings do have the ability to fundamentally alter the character of their planet to suit their own ends. This means, that human beings are no longer merely subjects of nature, but are forces of it. As forces of nature, our obligation towards other natural entitles must change from one of non-interference to one of active interference to maximise benefit to us and generations yet to come.
By vesting rivers with rights, it may cripple the ability of scientists at a later date to do large scale engineering projects to clean up the rivers, maximise hydroelectricity and irrigation projects while ensuring a continued water supply. These vestments will drive the direction of technological growth only towards one direction, preservation and that is all. It needs to be noted that the Ganga- Yamuna river system is a unique river system for India as it is the only one of the great snow fed river systems India has over which it actively controls the source. This means that India may need to actively dam the river in future for her natural security and development needs along with the creation of more canals and barrages on the river.
The environmental consequences of doing this need to be assessed not in terms of how they have affected the Ganga as it stood, but only in terms of how they will affect the future utilisation of the river, as a river like lump of steel is a compound at the end of the day, a resource that needs to be utilised.
While, it is a welcome move that so much attention is finally being paid to the problems of the river Ganga, perhaps there may be an overall problem-solution mismatch. A lot of Indians across religious lines attach deep sentimental value to the Ganga as the river is an integral religious deity in Hinduism. By recognising the Ganga as a person, it may cause a lot of sentimental joy across the country, however, in the long run, it may tie the country's hands in how it would like to deal with it's resources. Environmentalism does not necessarily imply the worship of nature, it could also, and ideally should mean the full complete and most efficient exploitation of it.
Indian and Pakistani officials wrapped up a two-day meeting of the Indus Water Commission on Tuesday. India cancelled last years meeting in Delhi following the Uri attacks. Though the Indus Treaty is regarded as one of the most successful international pacts, having survived three major wars and numerous twists and turns in a volatile relationship, the future of the treaty looks bleak as water shortage on both sides of the divide will compel the government to talk tough.
With Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself declaring that blood and water cannot flow together, there was the talk of India using water as a diplomatic tool to put pressure on Pakistan. But in an abrupt turnaround, India decided to send Indus Water Commissioner PK Saxena assisted by MEA officials for the meeting with his Pakistan counterpart Asif Baig Mirza.
With India-Pakistan ties at an all time low, the treaty is coming under enormous pressure. Add to this the fact that global warming is melting glaciers, water resources across the world are under stress. Water scarcity is already a major global problem and experts predict that future wars in the world will be over water.
India and Pakistan have had heated exchanges over water. Islamabad accuses New Delhi of not fulfilling its treaty obligations. Pakistan regards Indias decision to build two major hydro electric power stations, the 330 megawatt Kishanganga project and the 850 megawatt Ralte plant in Jammu as breaching the Indus protocol. It wants to take the issue before an international court while India wants a neutral observer.
New Delhi maintains that run-of the river dams are allowed by international law. According to the treaty technical objections by either party are referred to neutral experts if the countries cannot resolve it bilaterally. Only disputes that require interpretation of the treaty are handled by a Court of Arbitration. The World Bank, which helped in the negotiations is a guarantor of the Indus Water Treaty, signed in 1960 between Jawaharlal Nehru and President Ayub Khan.
The treaty gives India control over the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej while Pakistan has the three western rivers the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum.The Permanent Indus Commission, which includes a commissioner from each country ensures the smooth working of the treaty. Since the treaty officials of India and Pakistan have met 112 times.
Hardliners in India believe that Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru was over generous with Pakistan and want the present government to redress the wrong. Asked if he believed the Treaty is lopsided, Himanshu Thakkar of South Asian Network on Dams and Rivers, said "I do not think so. Commenting on the current logjam over reference to a neutral observer or taking the arbitration path, Thakkar had this to say.
"The logical sequence is to first go for neutral expert and then appeal to the court of arbitration. For Kishanganga since the Court of Arbitration has already given its view, I guess if the issues Pakistan wants to raise are the same, it can go to CoA. But for Ratel, since this is the first dispute, it may go to Neutral Expert. Pakistan may be thinking that if the neutral expert gives its views, the project may become fait accomplice. Difficult to say who is right since the specific disputes Pakistan wants to raise is not fully in public domain.
Pakistan had earlier dubbed Indias water threat as an act of aggression and an act of war. There will be more trouble ahead, as India is planning on building several more run of the river projects, much like what the Chinese are doing on the Brahmaputra. Pakistan has also raised concerns about the design of the 1000 mw Pakal Dul on the Chenab, the 43 mw Lower Kalnai, on another tributary of the Chenab and 120 mw Miyar hydroelectric plant again a tributary of the Chenab. The details of the conversation behind closed doors are not known. The two sides usually also exchange data on the flow of water from India to the Pakistan side.
Gopal Krishna of Citizens Forum for Civil Liberties, has an entirely different view of river water sharing. "A river does not respect borders, he said. Krishna has been watching with concern the assault on rivers by people living on both sides of the border and believes that : "When nations negotiate river pacts, the river should also be made a party. By this I mean, the health of the river must be uppermost as depletion of water will harm people on both sides. The third party in any deal should be the river.
There is growing concern that the India treaty will not survive beyond a few more years. But Krishna is optimistic : "I am an optimist and hope that better sense will prevail on both sides keeping in mind the importance of water to people living on both sides. I dont think India and Pakistan will go to war over the Indus waters. I believe ordinary citizens dependent on the river will not allow their government to do so. Water is essential for the people of both India and Pakistan. Himanshu Thakkar agrees with Gopal Krishna and said : " Yes, I think it will survive.
Islamabad: Following the intervention of the US and the World Bank, India and Pakistan will be returning to the negotiating table over the disputed hydropower projects in the Indus Valley in April.
Water and Power Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said on Monday that the two nations would hold three-day secretary-level talks on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, under the aegis of the World Bank, in Washington from 11 April, reported Dawn on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day talks between Indus Water Commissioners from both sides, the minister welcomed New Delhi's decision to resume negotiations under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty on the proposed Pakul Dal, Miyar and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects, to which Pakistan has raised objections.
"The US has intervened at the highest level to help both countries resolve the issue. There will be secretary-level talks on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects in Washington on 11, 12 and 13 April," Mohammad Asif said at a press conference here.
"We are happy that India has finally agreed to resume talks at the commission level. We welcome this decision and the visit of the Indian delegation," he added.
The 10-member Indian delegation currently in Islamabad is led by Indus Water Commissioner PK Saxena.
Pakistan has been protesting over the design and construction of two controversial projects, the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project and the 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric project on the tributaries of the Indus in the Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Asif claimed that the World Bank-sponsored International Court of Arbitration had given its verdict in Pakistan's favour over the Kishanganga project and Islamabad was now demanding that it be implemented, the daily reported.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 and involves six rivers: the Beas, Ravi, Sultlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.
Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty gave the right to use waters of the first three rivers to India and of the other three rivers to Pakistan.
India has said it has the right under the treaty to set up hydro power plants on the tributaries of the rivers flowing through its territory. Pakistan fears this might reduce the water flow of the rivers into its territory.
The two countries held the Indus Water Commission meeting last time in May 2015 in New Delhi.
Mumbai: Over 4,000 resident doctors in Maharashtra's government hospitals stayed away from duty on Monday to protest the incidents of attack on their colleagues, affecting the public healthcare system, an official said.
The issue also came up before the Bombay High Court with an activist filing a petition seeking a direction to the doctors to report to work immediately. The patients in various government-run hospitals faced the brunt as the doctors did not report to work.
At most of the hospitals, some senior resident doctors looked after the daily health check-ups of the patients, an official of the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (Mard) said.
The emergency services were, however, not affected due to the doctors' protest, he added.
The doctors did not report to work to protest the two recent incidents one in Dhule and another at the Sion hospital in Mumbai where relatives of patients attacked the respective doctors-in-charge.
"There are a couple of long-pending demands from the state government, including higher wages and more security at the government hospitals," a senior Mard official said on condition of anonymity.
"Both the demands have not been addressed to our satisfaction. Hence, we get attacked frequently and the state authorities fail to address the issue," he added.
The Mard had earlier assured the Bombay High Court that it would not give a call or go on a strike and would only hold peaceful demonstrations highlighting their grievances.
State Medical Education Minister Girish Mahajan said, "We are holding negotiations with the Mard members. There has been a substantial financial allocation in the state budget for infrastructure development."
"We are keen on increasing the number of doctors (in government hospitals) as well and have taken steps towards it. We need some time so that the changes can be felt."
Meanwhile, social activist Afak Mandaviya on Monday approached the Bombay High Court seeking a direction to the resident doctors across the state to call off their protest and report to work immediately.
The petition also sought a direction to the state government to look into the issue and take necessary action. The petition is likely to be taken up for hearing by a division bench on Tuesday.
Mandaviya had earlier filed a public interest litigation highlighting the issue of doctors frequently going on strikes, causing inconvenience to the people.
"During the hearings on the PIL, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors had assured the court that henceforth, it would not give a call or go on a strike anywhere in the state and would only hold peaceful demonstrations highlighting their grievances which included attacks on doctors by relatives," Mandaviya's lawyer Datta Mane said.
He contended that by refusing to report to work, the doctors were committing contempt of court.
Mane said the state government had assured the High Court earlier that it would provide police security at the state and civic-run hospitals to avoid such attacks on doctors.
"The government will have to inform the High Court what steps it proposes to take now," he added. Meanwhile, Mumbai Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar appealed the doctors to resume the duties.
"I have appealed the doctors to resume their duties as most of their demands have been met by the civic administration while thousands of patients have been left in
the lurch at present," Mahadeshwar told PTI.
"The civic administration was doing everything to ensure doctors' safety and therefore doctors must cancel their leave in the larger interest of society," said Mahadeshwar, adding if the resident doctors didn't resume duty, then the law will take its own course.
"We have accepted their two demands immediately allowing only two relatives of a patient to go inside, and setting up alarm bell system. However, their third demand of setting up vigilance committee needs some time to fulfill," he said.
The newly-elected mayor also said that the corporation was going to hire 700 guards for security at hospitals.
Municipal commissioner Ajoy Mehta held a review meeting on strengthening security at hospitals. It was decided, among other things, that relatives of patients would need entry pass to enter the hospitals, BMC said in a statement. A case would be registered if anyone tries to enter the hospital without entry pass, it said.
Two battle hardened soldier-scholars - James Mattis and Herbert Raymond McMaster - whove earned their stripes in lethal war zones before rising to the top of the Trump administration are the men Ajit Doval will meet this week during Indias most high level huddle with the US after Donald Trump took charge.
Americas Defense Secretary James Mattis, 66, reads books, writes, hes no fan of the Kremlin, they say he carries a copy of Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius Meditations and does not rubbish traditional allies.
Mattis does not limit his cerebral exertions to himself and is known for issuing reading lists at work.
Famed for his belligerent mottos, he never tires of telling staffers that the most important territory is the space "between your ears. "Be polite, be professional, but have a plan to kill everyone you meet is another Mattis favourite.
A good 10 years younger than Mattis is McMaster, 54 - a Pentagon star who sees the world through the prism of a dangerous flashpoint between China, Russia and the United States which "has elevated the risk of a major international military crisis to maybe the highest level in the last 70 years.
Indias National security adviser Ajit Doval meets Mattis on March 24 - a man quite unlike his boss in the White House and who has drawn widespread praise for his potential to be a legitimate bulwark against wild policy deviations.
American foreign policys leading lights who campaigned openly against Trump said they were relieved that Mattis would be a stabilising and moderating force, preventing wildly stupid, dangerous, or illegal things from happening, and over time, helping to steer American foreign and security policy in a sound and sensible direction.
Although the moniker Mad dog Mattis stayed firmly in the headlines before his confirmation, Mattis has drawn bipartisan praise from within the US and also from across the pond in Britain.
US lawmakers passed a special waiver allowing Mattis, who retired in 2013, to serve before a customary seven-year limit on former military personnel taking over Pentagon's top post.
The Mattis-Doval meeting will be one of the highest-level US -India huddles after Trump took power this January. Doval is also tipped to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster at the White House, the first between the two national security advisors.
Decorated for his battlefield prowess in the first Iraq war, McMaster will be exactly a month into his new job as Americas NSA when Doval meets him. McMasters appointment came after his predecessor Micheal Flynn was abruptly sacked after lying about a private conversation with a Russian diplomat.
In McMaster, Doval will find a straight talker who has distinguished himself as a counter insurgency specialist in two wars.McMaster shot to fame in 1991 when his outnumbered unit of nine tanks demolished dozens of Iraqi Republican Guard tanks and armored vehicles in the Battle of 73 Easting in the Gulf War - all this without taking a single casualty.
"Shoot first," "fight through the fog of battle" and "take risk to win, McMaster wrote in a summary of the battle last year. He made the cut for Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people in 2014.
By Americas experts in Afghanistan, McMaster has been called the 21st-century armys pre-eminent warrior-thinker and Dovals conversations about Pakistan or Islamic State with McMaster will most likely not be unburdened by detail.
Both Mattis and McMaster are widely believed to be anti-Stephen Bannon -- the dishevelled, right wing nutty chief strategist for Trump.
When Doval sits down with McMaster and Mattis, he will be meeting intellectuals burnished by war whose views may not sit well with those holed up high in Trump Tower. The new normal is that were negotiating in a room full of people where there may be no common ground to start with but we may end up finding something we can work with, Indias foreign secretary S Jaishankar said at the Raisina Dialogue earlier this year.
Thats how pretty much all engagement on Planet Trump will begin and end, unless its an issue that won Trump the White House. In those special cases, there's no grey, the matter is closed Bannon-style.
Mumbai's suburban railway stations and international airport are likely to undergo a name change, after a delegation comprising Shiv Sena leaders met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to discuss the proposed changes on Monday. Two stations on the Western line, Elphinstone Road and Charni Road, are likely to be renamed to Prabhadevi and Girgaum respectively, while the word "Maharaj" will be added to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus.
According to a report in DNA, the delegation, led by state transport minister Diwakar Raote, met Rajnath and sought permission regarding immediate action in this regard. The report said Shiv Sena MPs Arvind Savant and Shrirang Barne accompanied Raote. "Raote said that he was trying to bring about this change of names for last 20-22 years and had announced this when he was Mayor of Mumbai. He said that Maharashtra cabinet had also passed a resolution to change these names," the report further said.
The move comes just months after a new suburban station between Jogeshwari and Goregaon, which was originally named Oshiwara, was named Ram Mandir last year. Various political parties and communities have also demanded that Dadar be renamed Chaityabhoomi and Grant Road be called August Kranti.
However, according to a report in The Indian Express, Raote had said only those names which were given by the British in pre-Independence times will be changed. "No reason should be demanded as to why the names of the stations must be changed. This is our country and our land, and names of the stations must be as per the culture of our country. (Rajnath) Singh has confirmed to us that the names will be changed as soon as possible," Raote said.
The report also mentioned that Sawant had made a demand in the Lok Sabha last week, of renaming five suburban railway stations, including Mumbai Central, that have colonial names. "The home minister has given us his assent on changing the name of Elphinstone Road station at the earliest. He also said the government would consider changing the name of Charni Road station at the earliest," Sawant said.
Situated on the Western Railway line, Elphinstone Road station was named after Lord Elphinstone, who was the governor of Bombay between 1853 to 1860. The Mumbai international airport was earlier known as Sahar International Airport and renamed to Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport in 1999, while the government had renamed Victoria Terminus to Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in 1996.
The target of increasing health expenditure to 2.5% of GDP by 2025, set by the National Health Policy 2017, is very low in comparison to what has been achieved by the neighbouring countries, say experts. Discontent over the National Health Policy-2017 continues even though the prime minister has dubbed it a futuristic policy.
Ashok Aggarwal, an advocate and a civil rights activist told Firstpost, Increasing health expenditure only upto 2.5%, that too in a period as long as eight years is seen as a trifle variation from what it is now, considering what neighbouring countries are spending on this essential service. World Bank data shows that India is only ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh in health expenditure and countries like China and Sri Lanka are way ahead of it in facilitating health care to the citizens. As per the report, India spends a meagre 1.4% of its GDP, which is a few steps ahead of Pakistan and Bangladesh, the neighbouring nations that spend 0.9% and 0.8% of their GDPs respectively on the health sector.
On the other hand, China and Sri Lanka spend 3.1% and 2% of their respective GDPs on health expenditures. Dismal health expenditure figure has caused massive pressure on the existing health infrastructure, says Aggarwal. Most of the government hospitals fail to meet the growing patient demands. Many of these hospitals are overcrowded making treatment nearly impossible, he adds. He also says that since many of the hospitals lack required infrastructure, a patient is often referred from one to another for treatment as a result of which hospitals in Delhi get nearly 40% of its patients from other states.
It not only increases the time required for treatment, but also the expenditure, as many government hospitals also charge money for many treatment and services, he laments. I have met a person who was asked eight lakhs for kidney transplantion by AIIMS, he cites an example. Low health budget, he says that also leads to low insurance coverage and high out-of-pocket expenditure.
As per a World Health Organisation study, India features among the countries with high out-of-pocket expenditure where 89.2% of the expenses of medical treatment is borne by the patients.
In our country high out-of-pocket expenditure in healthcare makes the condition of the patient and his or her family not better than that of a beggar, he says.
Even the National Health Policy admits that yearly 63 million people are pushed to poverty due to health care costs, thus causing further economic disparity. Not only the goal of increasing health expenditure is low, but also lacks adequate orientation says Dr Jayalakshmi Sridhar to Firstpost. The National Health Policy 2017 speaks of increasing the health budget in a time-bound manner stepwise. But it does not mention in which year how much of it is going to be increased, she says.
To attain the target, she says that India needs better budgetary oversight, as to keep tab of how the money is spent and whether it is spent within stipulated time. We often see cancellation of funds to the central pool due to lack of manpower to implement projects and projects not taking off. To plug this lacuna, the government needs to audit the health sector throughout the year and thus ensure that no fund goes back, she said.
The earlier health budget accepted during the previous NDA regime, in the year 2002, had set the goal of increasing health expenditure by 2%. But a study conducted by McKinsey and Company shows that during the period 2001 to 2010 Indias investment in health rather declined in comparison the increase of GDP. During the above mentioned period, Indias GDP grew by 14.2% and health expenditure by 12.4%. The difference between Compound Annual Growth Rate of the economy and health expenditure was -1.7%.
The decision by Islamabad to change the constitutional status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region and occupy the region as its fifth province, apparently to safeguard the Chinese interests, has irked separatist leadership in Kashmir valley, who said the move could have an impact on the disputed status of Kashmir. The united faction of the Hurriyat Conference led by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and Mohammad Yasin Malik have said in a joint statement that any proposal to declare Gilgit-Baltistan as the fifth state of Pakistan is unacceptable.
Kashmir, Ladakh, Jammu, Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan is a single entity, the trio said while referring to the erstwhile princely state of Jammu and Kashmir. The political destiny about Jammu and Kashmir is yet to be decided.
Gilgit-Baltistan region, until now, was neither a province of Pakistan nor a part of the federation. It is a part of the erstwhile state, which was divided between India and Pakistan, and is directly ruled from Islamabad, although it doesnt enjoy the constitutional status similar to, for example, the Punjab province, which has representatives in the Pakistan parliament. India has long been claiming the region as a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir.
We hail the role of Pakistan regarding the issue in international forums, however, any deviation in its stance about Kashmir & its geographical entity is improper & will prove detrimental to the Kashmir cause, Hurriyat leaders said in the statement. The move to annexe the region is largely seen to accommodate the legal concerns of China and its multi-billion-dollar investment in China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). But this decision could imply a tactical shift of the countrys traditional policy on Kashmir which will have an obvious effect on the Kashmir dispute.
The underlying message is very important, that economic concerns are trumping the political ones, Shakeel Qalander, an economist and industrialist, tells Firstpost. The CPEC is a $46 billion infrastructure plan set to link Chinas western city of Kashgar to the Pakistani port of Gwadar on the Arabian Sea, with a network of roads, highways, railways and investment parks. India has raised objections to the project, which envisions road and train networks through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, divided between the so-called Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, which India claims as part of its territory.
However, Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has written a letter to JKLF Chairman Yasin Malik saying the media speculations were either misconceptions or misinterpretations. It is unambiguously clear that Pakistan is fully aware of the sensitivities attached to Gilgit-Baltistan with regard to Jammu-Kashmir dispute. The reforms intended in Gilgit-Baltistan are aimed at empowering the people of this region and giving them a greater say in their governance, the letter reads.
I appreciate your views on the impact of any possible change in the constitutional status of Gilgit-Baltistan on the Kashmir cause. Your concerns and suggestions are valuable and are being examined with meticulous care. Sharif wrote to Malik.
However, Justice Syed Manzoor Hussain Gilani, a former judge at the Supreme Court of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, says the reforms in constitutional status have been a continuous process since 1975, and that it was bound to happen for the local governance needs. And it has been a long pending demand of GB province to be part of Pakistan for local governance issues.It is unlikely the Pakistani government would change its stand on the larger Kashmir issue even if the GB is annexed as the fifth province of the Pakistan, Gilani, the retired Justice, said.
Political analysts say the proposed provincial status to the region would eventually weaken Islamabads claims on Kashmir. That is the reason why separatist leaders in the valley are against the provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan region. After Kashmir got divided between India and Pakistan, both the countries have administrated the territories of the state under their control. But while Indian constitution provides for the same rights to its citizens living in Kashmir in representative institutions, like any other state, Pakistan has avoided giving representation to people living on its side of Kashmir or Gilgit-Baltistan region in its institutions of governance.
Tehran, Iran, Mar. 21
By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend:
Irans Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has said the country is completely prepared to return to the situation it had before signing the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) if the US continues its lack of commitment to the deal.
Iran is completely ready to come back to the situation it had prior to the JCPOA, even more powerfully than before, if the US creates a situation in which continuation of the JCPOA damages Tehrans national interests, Zarif said, IRNA news agency reported March 21.
During the past couple of months, with the efforts made by skilled Iranian scientists and experts, we have succeeded to make operational the most advanced centrifuges that were just an idea at the time of approving the JCPOA, he stressed.
Zarif reiterated that despite several cases of lack of the US commitment to the landmark nuclear deal, pursuing the JCPOA is still justifiable for Iran.
The Babri Masjid-Ram Janmabhoomi dispute is one that makes a comeback ahead of every election season, but this time, it is the Supreme Court that has the subject in focus. India's highest judicial body on Thursday turned down two pleas in the Ayodhya case one that directly deals with the way the disputed land was split according to the 2010 Allahabad High Court ruling, and another that would have had a direct impact on the Supreme Court's final verdict in the case.
The top court, on Thursday, refused to refer the matter to a larger bench. The Muslim litigants has insisted that the matter be heard by a five-judge constitution bench as the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict dividing the disputed land in three parts giving one to deity of Ramlala Virajman, another to Hindu sect Nirmohi Akhara and a third to the Muslims relied on a 1994 top court judgment. While reading out the judgment he wrote along with Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, Justice Ashok Bhushan said that the Ayodhya case need not be referred to a larger bench, and that the three-judge bench, which also includes Justice S Abdul Nazeer, will continue to hear the case.
The court also held that the questionable observations in the 1994 Ismail Faruqui case wherein the top court had ruled that mosques were not integral Islam and namaaz can be offered anywhere were not relevant to make a decision in this suit, finally declining to refer even this matter to a larger bench. The Muslim litigants in the Ayodhya dispute had contested this judgement, calling for a re-examination of the ruling by the Supreme Court.
However, the dissenting judge in the case, Justice Nazeer, said in his judgment that the questionable observations in the Ismail Faruqui case, which he said were made "without comprehensive examination, had permeated the 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict and need to be brought in line with the current case.
What is the Ayodhya dispute?
The Ayodhya dispute is at the heart of the Hindu-Muslim communal rift. For more than half a century, the dispute has fuelled mass polarisation in the state and has prompted the country's worst spate of religious violence since the Partition. The dispute has been a subject of inciting political rhetoric in the lead up to almost all elections in the state and has taken centre-stage since Yogi Adityanath took charge as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.
But what is the decades-long dispute all about? Here is all you need to know about it:
The dispute is about a plot of land measuring 2.77 acres in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, which houses the Babri mosque and Ram Janmabhoomi. This particular piece of land is considered sacred among Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of the most revered deities of the religion. Muslims argue that the land houses the Babri mosque, where they had offered prayers for years before the dispute.
The dispute arises over whether the mosque was built on top of a Ram temple after demolishing or modifying it in the 16th century. Muslims, on the other hand, say that the mosque is their sacred religious place - built by Mir Baqi in 1528 - and that Hindus desecrated it in 1949, when some people placed idols of Lord Ram inside the mosque, under the cover of darkness.
The dispute over this piece of land has defined and then redefined state politics outfits and influenced the mindsets of people throughout the country. Spanning across half a millennium, it predates empires Mughal and British and now even threatens to disrupt the fabric of modern India.
The dispute erupted and escalated into full blown violence in 1992, when around two lakh karsevaks (volunteers to a religious cause) demolished the Babri mosque, inciting communal riots across the country. More than 1,000 people were killed in these riots. Twenty-five years have passed since the demolition of the Babri mosque but it has left a lasting impact on the socio-political fabric of India.
What prompted the conflict?
In December, 1949, statues of Ram and Sita were placed inside the mosque. The idols were placed in order to stake claim and convert the existing mosque into the Ram temple. Then then prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, reached out to the then Uttar Pradesh chief minister, GB Pant, asking him to address the issue and remove the idols as "a dangerous example is being set there."
But many Hindu nationalist leaders quickly dismissed Nehrus concerns and declined requests to remove the idols. Following this dispute, the gates of the mosque were locked and remained shut for the next 40 years.
In 1989, Nehrus grandson Rajiv Gandhi, in an attempt to appease voter-sentiment, ordered for the gates to be reopened. In retaliation, many of the BJP's Hindutva brigade leaders, along with RSS, VHP and Bajrang Dal workers, ran campaigns to rebuild the Ram temple. The campaign wave escalated over the next three years until 6 December, 1992, when LK Advani organised a rath yatra to Ayodhya, culminating in the demolition of the 400-year-old mosque.
What did the courts say?
Just ten days after the incident, on 16 December, 1992, the government established the Liberhan Commission of India to investigate the demolition of the Babri Mosque. The report found many BJP leaders culpable including Atal Bihari Vajpayee, LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Kalyan Singh, Pramod Mahajan, Uma Bharti and Vijayaraje Scindia, as well as VHP leaders like Giriraj Kishore and Ashok Singhal.
On Tuesday, the Supreme Court has asked for 'an amicable, out-of-court settlement' in the dispute. A bench comprising Chief Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul said that they believed this 'to be a better course of action than insisting on a judicial pronouncement.'
Back in 2010, the Allahabad High Court had said that there should be a partition of the Ayodhya land between the two parties. BJP leader Subramanian Swamy had urged the apex court to hear a batch of petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court order. The SC has asked Swamy to consult the parties and mention the matter on or before 31 March.
The Allahabad High Court's ruling had stated that the 'disputed land was Ram's birthplace', that the 'mosque was built after the demolition of a temple' and that 'it was not built in accordance with the tenets of Islam'. It had ruled that the disputed land would be divided into three equal parts one-third going to the Ram Lalla, for the construction of the Ram temple; one-third going to the Islamic Sunni Waqf Board and the remaining to Nirmohi Akhara, a Hindu religious denomination.
The apex court had, however, suspended the ruling in 2011 after the Hindu and Muslim groups had appealed against verdict.
Here is a timeline of the long-standing dispute:
Ever since 6 December, 1992, the date on which the Babri Mosque at Ayodhya was demolished, Hindutva forces have installed a makeshift temple of 'Ramlala' (a childhood Lord Rama idol) at the supposed Ram Janmabhoomi site. As facts stand today, the place is under an extremely tight security cover, and every move is monitored by the court. And while it's true that the Ramlala idol cannot be removed from there, the only big question which remains to be answered by the court is whether a brick and mortar temple, featuring all its associated rituals, can be constructed here.
It's ultimately a matter of faith rather than legality that the highest court of the land is expected to pronounce a verdict on. And as it happens, both communities have taken positions which are too stiff to be negotiated.
Chief Justice of India JS Khehar's observations on Tuesday, while hearing a petition filed by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy, called for an early resolution of the dispute, suggesting an out-of-court settlement. Khehar also offered his services to both parties to help them arrive at a settlement. It's reflective of the dilemma which the apex court finds itself in, where a matter of faith will be decided using legal tools.
The CJI's observations have nothing to do with anything happening in the political arena, but the sheer timing of it does reignite the Ram Mandir debate, and does so with renewed vigour among both parties.
Let's look at the current political situation. BJP, the party that has been fighting for construction of a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, has governments at the Centre and in Uttar Pradesh state, and enjoys a massive majority in both. Narendra Modi, who has organised the launch of LK Advani's 'Rath Yatra' in 1990 from Somnath is now Prime Minister of India, while Yogi Adityanath, a staunch proponent construction of the Ram Mandir, is now Uttar Pradesh chief minister. Adityanath is also the serving mahant or head priest of the Gorathnath Peeth, a stream of Hinduism whose successive heads have all been involved with the Ayodhya dispute.
In fact, the Ramlala idol had appeared "miraculously", or was placed "stealthily" inside the mosque during the course of a Ramcharitmanas recitation ceremony organised by Mahant Digvijaynath of Gorakhnath Peeth in December 1949. His successor Mahant Avaidyanath carried the baton with the same vigour. Yogi Adityanath is Avaidyanath's successor at Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur.
Therefore, the current situation in the country couldn't have been any more conducive for the construction of a Ram Temple. The BJP has maintained that the issue is one of faith and has refrained from taking a categorical position on administrative or legislative measures it plans to take. Even today, top party leaders, including party president Amit Shah, have said the resolution of the issue would be taken within the ambit of constitutionality. The party's vision document released ahead of Assembly election in Uttar Pradesh had also maintained the same position.
Advani, the original charioteer of Ram Rath Yatra, used to say, "Ayodhya has been an issue which has changed the political history of the country." It was indeed so. It catapaulted BJP from a negligible two-MP party in the Lok Sabha in 1984 to 85 in 1989, when it provided the crutches to the VP Singh government. It also was the issue that helped it become the single largest party by 1996. Elevation of a saffron-clad serving head of the Gorakhnath temple to chief minister of Uttar Pradesh could be yet another defining moment in Indian politics.
Now that the Supreme Court has gone a step forward, the question is if the central or state government take an initiative in appointing a person or committee to hold dialogues with the two communities.
Already, Zafaryab Jilani of the Babri Masjid Action Committee has not reacted favourably to Chief Justice Khehar's observation.
In September 2010, a three-judge bench of the Allahabad High Court had ruled that the disputed 2.77 acre land be split into three parts the site of the Ramlala idol would go to the party representing Ram Lalla Virajman (the installed infant Ram deity); Nirmohi Akahara to get Sita Rasoi and Ram Chabutara; and the Sunni Wakf Board to get the rest. The Supreme Court stayed that verdict.
The Centre had acquired 67 acres of land adjacent to the Ram Janambhoomi Babri Masjid site, but again any religious activity there was banned by the Supreme Court. Findings of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which conducted extensive excavations at the site in 2003 on orders of the high court, came to a conclusion that a temple-like structure existed there prior to the construction of the Babri Masjid. These findings were also placed before the high court and found a reference in the judgment.
All of this means that the Supreme Court's suggestion of an out-of-court settlement doesn't generate much hope, though it is a welcome move. In fact, such attempts have been made in the past as well. In November 1990, then Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar had formed a committee headed by an official from the Prime Minister's Office, and had invited Hindu and Muslim groups to hold dialogue and exchange evidence. But his government was far too short-lived to take this idea forward. His successor PV Narsimha Rao too tried to evolve mechanism to hold negotiation, but it was during his tenure that the mosque was demolished.
BJP's Atal Bihari Vajpayee's reign saw deputy Prime Minister LK Advani hold informal negotiations with leaders of the two communities, but the party was out of power by 2004 and that was the end of these conversations.
Since then, stress has been put on court verdicts to produce a settlement. The Supreme Court has now put the ball back in the government's court, asking the latter to find a negotiated solution. Interestingly, the government top brass have refrained from taking a position.
New Delhi: Upping the ante, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) said on Tuesday said that a grand Ram temple should be constructed at Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh within the legal framework.
"A grand temple (read Ram Mandir) needs to be built with the participation of all the Indians. There has to be a broad consensus between the parties who have gone to court on this issue and those at the religious front, RSS leader Dattatreya Hosabale said in Coimbatore, after a three-day National Council Meet.
Sanghs joint general secretary Hosabale said this in response to Supreme Courts verdict, while reportedly speaking to ANI and a few reporters outside the meeting venue Sri Amrita Vishwa Vidhyashram in Coimbatore.
The statement comes in the backdrop of the Supreme Courts statement, in which it said the construction of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya was an issue of sentiment and religion, and the disputing parties should sort the matter outside the court.
A three-member bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar said that the matter should be resolved amicably by employing moderators and holding meetings between the disputing parties. He was hearing an appeal from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy.
The RSS, which has been holding a three-day meeting of its annual Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu concluded on Tuesday.
The dispute is about a plot of land measuring 2.77 acre in the city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh that houses the Babri mosque and Ram Janmabhoomi. This particular piece of land is considered sacred among Hindus as it is believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ram, one of the most revered deities of the religion. Muslims argue that the land houses the Babri mosque, where they had offered prayers for years before the dispute, reports a Firstpost article.
RSS resolution on West Bengal at ABPS
After its three-day brainstorming at the national council meet, the RSS expressed grave concern over the unabated rise in violence by jihadi elements in West Bengal, encouragement to anti-national elements by the state government due to its Muslim vote bank politics and declining Hindu population in the state.
The ABPS strongly condemns the extremist violence and the Muslim appeasement policy by the state government and calls upon the countrymen to create awareness against this Jihadi violence and communal politics of the state government. It also urges the media to present the prevalent grave situation before the country. The ABPS calls upon the state government to rise above petty vote bank politics and discharge its constitutional obligations. The ABPS also urges the Union government to ensure firm action against these anti-national Jihadi elements of the state in the interest of national security," the RSS mentioned in its resolution on the present situation and sufferings of Hindu society in West Bengal, which was passed during the three-day session.
What does the resolution say?
The RSS in its resolution passed on West Bengal has painted a gory picture of the states decaying law and order situation and rise in cross-border extremism.
"Large number of Hindus is being forced to flee from the border areas under the pressure of fundamentalist forces. Smuggling of fake currency and cow progeny along with illegal migration are being perpetually encouraged by these very elements. During the investigation of Burdwan bomb blast, the National Investigation Agency (NIA) has found that several terror modules exist across the state and this network of Jehadi extremists is spread on both sides of the borderJust when extremists, fomenting trouble in a planned manner, are being encouraged by giving ministerial berths and other prominent political and government positions at the same time the state government is creating obstacles in celebrating religious activities of the Hindu society. Sometime back, timings for the immersion of Maa Durga idols were unusually curtailed because of Muharram for which the state government attracted strictures from the Kolkata High Court, the resolution said.
The resolution comes at a time when the Bangladesh government has sent a report to the Ministry of Home Affairs over the recent rise in the infiltration of terrorists to India.
According to The Times of India, the Bangladesh government in its report has stated that approximately 2,010 HuJI and JMB operatives had entered the three states. While nearly 720 men made a safe passage to the Bengal border, the remaining 1,290 are suspected to have entered through Assam and Tripura.
While on one hand, the state government (read West Bengal) is threatening to close down the schools which are instilling the spirit of patriotism, on the other hand, it is turning a blind eye towards thousands of institutions like the notorious Simulia Madarsa, where jihadi and fundamentalist training is being imparted. Original Bangla words in the text books are being distorted under the influence of fundamentalist elements. At several places efforts are being made to stop the traditional Saraswati Puja in the educational institutions. The state government is overlooking the attempts to Islamize the schools on the pretext of observing Milad-un-Nabi Several incidents of bomb blasts, arson, violence, and molestation of women have been reported in the past few years. The worst sufferers of these atrocities on the Hindu society have been the members of the scheduled castes. This is a matter of serious concern to the unity and integrity of the country, the resolution said.
An RSS functionary from West Bengal told Firstpost, During Durga puja festival at some of the villages in Bengal, especially in the districts bordering Bangladesh, we found that Hindus couldnt carry their puja procession through Muslim neighbourhood as the latter didnt allow them to. In many places, the Hindu Bengalis are so threatened that they cant perform the ritual of blowing the conch (Shankh vandana) due to Muslim threats. Surprisingly, the Mamata Banerjee-government is a mute spectator to this and hasnt taken any action even after complaints made to her. The Burdwan blast exposed the footprints of Islamic terrorism in the state. This situation needs to be changed. Its same as in Kerala at present.
After the Supreme Court advised an amicable settlement of the Ayodhya dispute, the BJP on Tuesday hailed the remarks and said that a solution through friendly negotiations was the best way to solve the long-pending dispute.
"This is a very good step by the apex court. Even the BJP has been encouraging solving the issue through negotiations," said PP Chaudhary, Minister of State for Law and Justice and a senior BJP leader.
BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said: "Aggrieved parties should amicably settle this issues talking to each other. They should talk outside the court as well."
Uma Bharti, Minister of Water Resources, welcomed the Supreme Court's ruling on the matter.
Its a welcome step by the Supreme Court, the matter I believe can be resolved out of court: Uma Bharti on SC Ayodhya matter pic.twitter.com/V4uJdJSLmi ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Describing the Supreme Court's advice as ''superb", Union Minister Mahesh Sharma hoped that it will pave the way for the construction of the Ram temple.
"It's a superb advice. There can't be a better advice to solve the problem," Sharma told reporters outside parliament on Tuesday. The minister added that the party leadership and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath would definitely discuss the issue.
"The advice would pave the way for construction of Ram temple," Sharma said. He also said that construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya is not a political issue but about the faith of crores of Indians living in and outside the country.
Here are how some other big names reacted on Twitter:
Dattatreya Hosabale of RSS said that the Ayodhya dispute is to be decided by the Dharma Sansad and all the other parties involved. He added that a grand Ram temple should be erected with the total involvement of all Indians.
It is to be decided by the Dharma Sansad and all the other parties who went to court: Dattatreya Hosabale,RSS on SC Ayodhya matter pic.twitter.com/AfCQQw6WKA ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
A grand Ram temple should be erected with the total involvement of all Indians: Dattatreya Hosabale,RSS on SC Ayodhya matter. pic.twitter.com/ATqGvICUP7 ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Sitaram Yechury of CPM said that the matter had gone to the court because it could not be resolved outside.
Baatcheet se masla nahi suljha tabhi to matter court mein gaya tha: Sitaram Yechury, CPI(M), on SC Ayodhya Matter. pic.twitter.com/wczrgXqpth ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
However, Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of Babri Masjid Action Committee believed that an out-of-court settlement is not possible as negotitions have failed to yield any result previously.
Negotiations have failed earlier, an out of court settlement is not possible :Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor, Babri Masjid Action Committee. pic.twitter.com/DfM0l5RDhA ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Virtually ruling out an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute as suggested by the Supreme Court on Tuesday, MP Asaduddin Owaisi said the case was about title. He tweeted:
Please remember Babri Masjid case is about Title which Allahabad court wrongly decided as a Partnership case hence the Appeal in Apex court Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017
Owaisi is a member of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), which had challenged in the Supreme Court the 2010 verdict of the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court directing that the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmbhoomi disputed site be divided into three parts.
Owaisi hoped that the Supreme Court would decide the other cases pending since the demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992.
Dalit Christian & Muslim issue shld be heard & decided by Apex court as not giving Dalit status violation Fundamental rights of constitution Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017
Waiting to hear about whether conspiracy charges will be held against Advani,Joshi,Uma Bharati in Babri demolition case since ........1992 Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017
Owaisi further added that the apex court should start daily hearings of Ayodhya dispute to reach a judgement.
Supreme Court should start daily hearings of this matter and we will get a judgement: Asaduddin Owaisi on SC Ayodhya matter pic.twitter.com/j0kF5WONTj ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
On 26 February last year, the apex court had allowed Subramanian Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute with his plea seeking construction of Ram Temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
The BJP leader had earlier moved the plea for a direction to allow construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya at the disputed site and had mentioned it before a bench headed by the then Chief Justice T S Thakur for an urgent hearing.
In his petition, Swamy had claimed that under the practices prevalent in Islamic countries, a mosque could be shifted to any other place for public purposes like constructing a road, whereas a temple once constructed cannot be touched.
He had also sought directions to expedite the disposal of several petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya on 30 September, 2010.
With inputs from agencies
The National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Monday issued fresh notice to televangelist Zakir Naik to appear before it in a case where he stands accused of promoting enmity between groups on religious and racial grounds. According to The Indian Express, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) attached assets worth over Rs 18 crore belonging to his NGO Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and other entities.
Naik has been summoned after failing to appear in person. In a Hindustan Times report, an ED officer is quoted as saying: "The investigations revealed that the proceeds of crime generated through Naiks provocative speeches have been either routed, transferred or utilised for the purpose of creating communal disharmony and for inciting Muslim youths and terrorists."
Through the notice, the agency has asked the 51-year-old Islamic preacher to appear at NIA headquarters in the national capital on 30 March.
The agency had earlier this month issued the first notice to Naik, asking him to appear before it on March 14, which the self-exiled preacher avoided.
An NIA official said that the notice was served at Naik's Mumbai-based Jasmine Apartments in Mazgaon area.
Naik first shot into the limelight when his name cropped up during the investigations into the terror strike at an upscale restaurant in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on July 1. One of the terrorists involved in that attack allegedly claimed to have been inspired by Naik's speeches.
The NIA later filed cases against Naik under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act for allegedly promoting enmity between groups on religious and racial grounds, and raided over a dozen offices, residential premises, his Peace TV offices and other locations, besides freezing a bank account of his NGO.
Naik, who is believed to be staying in Saudi Arabia to evade arrest after his activities came under scanner, is the founding trustee of the Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), IRF Educational Trust and the Islamic Dimensions Trust.
Besides, Naik has close connections with Peace TV channel, Harmony Media Pvt Ltd, Longlast Constructions Pvt Ltd, Right Property Solutions Pvt Ltd, Galaxy Multichannel Network Pvt Ltd, Majestic Perfumes Pvt. Ltd., and Alpha Lubricants Pvt. Ltd.
With inputs from IANS
New Delhi: The Ram temple should be built at Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace of Ram) while the Masjid (mosque) on the other side of Sarayu river to resolve the Ayodhya issue, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy suggested on Tuesday.
"We were always ready. Mandir and masjid should be built but masjid should be built on other side of Sarayu river. The Ram Janmabhoomi should be entirely for Ram Mandir," he told reporters. His response came after the Supreme Court said the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably and all parties must hold discussion out of court to find an amicable solution.
Swamy argued that in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, mosque is regarded as the place where 'Namaaz' (prayer) is offered and prayer can be offered at any place. "My suggestion is that masjid be built on other side of the Sarayu river and Ram Janmabhoomi be handed over for Ram Temple. We cannot change the birthplace of Ram, but masjid can be made anywhere," he said.
The BJP leader said he wanted the apex court to suggest the name of a mediator on the issue and hoped that the decision in this regard would be made by 31 March.
A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement. The observation came after Swamy sought urgent hearing of the issue.
The Parliamentarian had stated that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest. He told the court that he had approached the Muslim community members who told him that judicial intervention was required to solve the matter.
On 26 February last year, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute against his plea seeking construction of Ram Temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the Narendra Modi government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) why a separate category was not crated for those who couldn't deposit demonetised notes by 30 December 2016. The apex court asked the government and RBI to file affidavits explaining this within a period of two weeks.
According to media reports, attorney general Mukul Rohatgi, the provision given to common public to exchange Rs500, Rs1000 notes till 31 March (as promised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his 8 November speech) became irrelevant after the promulgation of the ordinance on 28 December by the central government.
Rohtagi also told the court that the earlier notification was clear that the deposits will be allowed only until 30 December and that no rights were created for continuing the deposits in old currencies post that date.
However, the court observed that the notification banning the notes indeed said, those unable to deposit old notes by 30 December, will be given chance beyond that date. Also, everybody knew about the prime minister's speech but no one saw the ordinance coming, the SC observed. The apex court also pointed out that no notice was given to people on the closure of deposit window prior to the promulgation of ordinance.
SC's observations are significant as people are still queuing up before the RBI counters to deposit the old invalidated notes they couldn't deposit/exchange in banks within the permitted period.
Media reports subsequently had highlighted the plight of the common man. One such report in The Indian Express, said many, including a soldier who was posted at the Siachen during the entire period of demonetisation, were waiting in front of the central bank in Delhi to make deposits of the old notes. However, the RBI is not accepting any such deposits saying only NRIs are allowed to use this window.
The government promulgated the Specified Bank Notes (Cessation of Liabilities) Ordinance, 2016, on 28 December going by which possession of old Rs 1,000 and Rs 500 notes after 31 March beyond a threshold amount is a criminal offence that will attract a monetary fine of Rs 10,000 or five times the cash held, whichever is higher.
The Ordinance said that only those who were abroad, the armed forces personnel posted in remote areas or others who can give valid reasons for not being able to deposit the cancelled notes at banks can deposit the demonetised currency notes till March 31 at RBI counters. Besides, the Ordinance also provided for amending the RBI Act to enable legislative support for extinguishing the demonetised banknotes that are not returned.
On 7 March, the SC bench comprising Chief Justice J S Khehar and Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul had taken note of the alleged tweaking of rules by the Centre and the RBI on exchanging demonetised currency notes and sought their responses on why old ones were not accepted until 31 March as promised earlier.
The PM's 8 November address to the nation and subsequent notification of the RBI that the devalued currency notes can be exchanged at RBI offices even up to 31 March 2017 were valid assurances which stood breached by the ordinance, the counsel for petitioner Sudha Mishra had told the court.
Of the Rs 15.4 lakh crore worth of currency that was scrapped, Rs 12.44 lakh crore has been deposited in banks or exchanged until 10 December, as per the RBI data.
With PTI inputs
Chennai: A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court against the candidature of AIADMK Deputy General Secretary TTV Dinakaran for the 12 April RK Nagar Assembly by-election on the ground he had been penalised in FERA cases. Petitioner P A Joseph, a city resident, referred to cases against Dinakaran under Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), including one in which a Rs 28 crore penalty has been slapped on him. It was recently also confirmed by the high court.
The petitioner has questioned the provision in the Representation of People Act which disqualified only convicted people from contesting elections. Parliament has no power to restrict the disqualification only to criminal conviction and cannot defer disqualification of a person found guilty of the charge of contravention of provisions of FERA, he has submitted. Hence, he prayed the court to declare Sections 8(1)(c)and 8(1)(e) of the Representation of People Act, 1951 as "illegal and unconstitutional" in so far as restricting disqualification only in cases of criminal conviction.
He sought an interim injunction restraining the Election Commission from accepting the candidature in respect of the persons against whom statutory adjudication proceedings under the FERA and Customs Act were concluded and punishment/penalty imposed. The petitioner, who had previously filed a PIL seeking a judicial inquiry into the death of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, said the present question of law was never raised and decided.
He said it should be decided at this juncture since Dinakaran had been declared the AIADMK candidate for the by-election. The order of a division bench of the court holding Dinakaran guilty of the charge of contravention of provisions of the FERA cannot be simply brushed aside, he added.
Nothing has managed to warm up the media circle as much as Mulayam Singh Yadav, apart from Yogi Adityanath, ever since the latter was chosen to be the Uttar Pradesh chief minister.
As Samajwadi Party patriarch casually strolled over to Prime Minister Narendra Modi right after Adityanath's swearing-in ceremony, paparazzi were on it to catch the two stalwarts exchange a few words, which became an extremely huge issue of national importance (NOT).
However, as the former bent over to whisper something into Modi's ears, an apprehensive media that was until then riling away the BJP over it's not-so-run-of-the-mill pick for the UP chief minister, was quick to pick up the much needed lighthearted breather of a news.
What followed were several tongue in cheek comments and speculations over what could have been the subject of the two leader's private conversation. While some guessed Mulayam was asking about the secret recipe of electoral victories from he-who-never-loses-an-election, others thought, it was a gesture by Modi to reunite the Yadav pere, as the duo smiled on.
Looks like, The Telegraph, did manage to eavesdrop and tell us what really went on. According to a report in the news daily, Mulayam after congratulating Modi over his historic win, leaned over to the Prime Minister and asked him to "take care" of his rebel son Akhilesh Yadav. The newspaper attributes the news to a "senior BJP leader" who wishes to remain anonymous and claims to have overheard the snatches of the conversation.
As Mulayam said this, he also gestured towards his son, who noticed the move and promptly walked over to the senior politicians and shook Modi's hands. With Modi's hands still firmly held in Akhilesh's in a handshake, Mulayam pressed on and said "inko sikhaiye kuch" apparently referring to the tricks of the trade that is political.
Mulayam's move may well be looked upon as parental anxiety taking over the ego-clash within the political behemoth.
Mulayam has been pushed to the sidelines by his son, who dethroned him just before the elections in January, taking over the reins of the party from him. Mulayam, ever since, has been said to be unhappy with the state of affairs within the party. He publicly disapproved of Akhilesh's decision to form an alliance with his long-time political rival Congress and chided his son for overlooking the veterans and loyalists within the family.
He also, for the first time ever, remained largely inactive in the canvassing ahead of the crucial Assembly elections. As leaders from across the political spectrum criss-crossed the entire state to woo the voters, but Mulayam mostly kept indoors. In fact he only addressed two rallies this time, a stark contrast to the over 300 rallies he had addressed in the 2012 Assembly polls.
Tehran, Iran, Mar. 21
By Mehdi Sepahvand Trend:
Iran-Russia relations are historically powerful, Tehrans Ambassador to Moscow Mehdi Sanaei said.
Sanaei made the remark in an address on the occasion of Nowruz, IRNA news agency reported March 21.
He said relations between Iran and Russia in almost the past four years have been unprecedented and historic, and hoped that President Hassan Rouhanis imminent visit to Moscow will result in drastic elevation of mutual cooperation.
He added that conclusion of key protocols for economic and commercial relations and scientific and technological cooperation testify the claim.
The diplomat said both countries managed to overcome stagnation of economic ties, and volume of trade showed more than 80 percent growth in 2016 compared to the previous year.
Mumbai: Relationship between the Shiv Sena and the BJP is far from being thaw as the former is willing to join hands either with the Congress or the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to keep the saffron unit out of power wherever possible in the zilla parishads across Maharashtra.
Elections for the posts of president for 25 zilla parishads are being held in the state on Tuesday.
With the BJP coming to power in four of the five states that had held Assembly elections recently, the talk of a grand alliance against the BJP was already doing the rounds. However, Shiv Sena taking the lead in this direction is interesting as the party shares power in Maharashtra and at the Centre with the BJP.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party has often criticised state Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and Prime Minister Devendra Fadnavis on different occasions. As a new front builds up against the BJP in the form of friendly fire, it would be noteworthy to see how the BJP reacts to this.
In the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation poll held last month, the Shiv Sena became the largest party winning 84 corporators out of 227. Although it failed to reach the half way mark of 114 seats, the BJP withdrew from the race of the mayor, deputy mayor and other prominent committees and decided to provide outside support to the Shiv Sena.
Thackeray has issued instructions to the party's district level leaders for keeping BJP aside and to ally with the Congress and NCP wherever possible.
However, Shiv Sena is not proving to be equally magnanimous. It is trying hard to keep the BJP out of power in those zilla parishads where a hung result has come out with the Congress giving the required support to the Shiv Sena. The BJP has a clear majority in Latur, Vardha and Chandrapur districts whereas the NCP is in a majority in Pune and Satara. The Congress is in a numerical advantage in Sindhudurg while the Shiv Sena is in a majority only in Ratnagiri.
In eight zilla parishads had the Shiv Sena and the BJP came together there would not have been the need for a new alliance but it did not happen that way. These zilla parishads are in the districts of Jalna, Aurangabad, Hingoli, Sangli, Kolhapur, Nashik Buldhana, Yawatmal, and Nashik. While in Aurangabad, Congress and the Shiv Sena came together, in Jalna, the Congress, NCP and the Shiv Sena joined hands to keep the BJP out. In Nanded district, the alliance has been worked out between the Congress and the NCP.
In Aurangabad, the Shiv Sena took support from the Congress to clinch the zilla president post. The Congress got the post of the vice president. In Nashik, Shiv Sena got hold of the president's post while Congress' Nayna Gavit became the vice president of the Nashik zilla parishad.
"We are ready to go with Shiv Sena for keeping the BJP out of power wherever possible in the zilla parishads. We have worked out a power sharing formula with the NCP and Sena in some districts. The president's post will be given to the party with maximum seats in zilla parishad," Congress state president Ashok Chavan told the media.
However, not everyone it seems is happy with the stand taken by the Shiv Sena.
Dissent was seen in the Shiv Sena ranks in the districts of Kolhapur, Nashik, and Usmanabad with the party leaders reluctant with the idea of joining hands with the Congress and NCP.
"If we are giving support to the Congress candidate then the same person will stand against me in the 2019 Assembly elections. So how will I support Congress?" a disgruntled Shiv Sena legislator from Kolhapur asked Firstpost.
In Kolhapur, despite Thackeray's direction three Shiv Sena MLAs Satyajit Patil, Chandradeep Narke, and Sujit Minchekar went ahead and supported the BJP candidate. However, things became little warm as the Shiv Sena and the BJP buried the hatchet here with the BJP getting the president's post and the Mumbai-based party catching hold of the Kolhapur zilla parishad vice-president's post.
Nashik is also witnessing a complicated situation as the Shiv Sena and the Congress are falling short of two seats and are planning to seek support from the Communist Party of India (CPM) as the Left party has three corporators. However, the BJP has joined hands with the NCP and they also plan to take support from the CPM.
After overwhelming BJP victories in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, and the party also stealing a march over the opposition by forming governments in Goa and Manipur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to reshuffle the Union Cabinet at the end of the ongoing Parliament session, on 12 April, according to news reports.
The Times of India reported that some fresh faces are expected to be inducted in the Cabinet. The vacancy created by Manohar Parrikar moving out of New Delhi to become the next Goa chief minister means a new face will be appointed as defence minister. This will also ease the burden on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, who was given additional charge of the Defence portfolio. Defence and finance are both ministries with "heavy workload", and having Jaitley handle the two simultaneously was not ideal.
This isn't the first time that Jaitley was given additional charge of defence: he was previously assigned this portfolio after the BJP's crushing victory in the 2014 general elections. However, the arrangement didn't last long and Parrikar, the then Goa chief minister, was assigned the Defence Ministry.
A senior government source was quoted as saying in The Times of India report that Jaitley having both defence and finance ministries was an unworkable arrangement in the long-term, as it created a classic conflict of interest. In his capacity as finance minister, Jaitley might be called upon to adjudicate financial matters as raised by the Defence Ministry, which is avoidable.
According to a report in The Hindu, Modi is expected to ring in the changes: at least one chief minister of a BJP-ruled state in North India might be moved to New Delhi, while a senior general secretary from the BJP's central team may be sent there as a replacement CM.
The source told The Hindu that Modi was looking at how certain BJP-ruled states were being run. The source gave the example of Rajasthan chief minister Vasundhara Raje possibly being considered for a tenure in the national capital, and party general secretary Om Mathur, who is from Rajashtan, being sent there in her stead.
However, the Indian Express reported that such changes were unlikely to happen anytime soon. A source told the publication that Modi was, for now, keeping his cards close to his chest. The source also said Home Minister Rajnath Singh has denied he is being moved to Uttar Pradesh.
"The Cabinet reshuffle, whenever it happens, will be a major one, as just 26 months are left in the government's tenure. It will likely be done with an eye on the government's economic performance, which will be more important for the prime minister in 2019 than the historic victories of 2017," the source said.
Shouldnt courts judge cases solely on the basis of evidence? Yes. But what if evidence is not much beyond faith, belief and contestable historical facts? The Supreme Courts call for an amicable, negotiated settlement to the Ram Temple-Babri Masjid dispute is reasonable.
However, any typical evidence-driven decision on the matter is not only difficult to arrive at, it might also open the floodgates for similar litigations in future.
Chief Justice JS Khehar, heading a three-member bench of the Supreme Court, said the issue was one of sentiment and religion. Efforts should be made to employ moderators and hold meeting between the parties to the dispute. If theres still no resolution possible then the court could come into picture. He was hearing an appeal from BJP leader Subramanian Swamy. The call for negotiation has been welcomed in some quarters.
So far so good. Now the big question: Is a negotiated solution possible to the long-running dispute which is so steeped in communal colour? Zafaryab Jilani of the Wakf Board is not exactly impressed with the courts call. Either he is absolutely confident of a verdict in their favour the board is an important party to the dispute on the basis of evidence or he believes a negotiated settlement would not be a fair one acceptable to all.
Speaking to CNN-News 18, the counsel for Ram Lalla, Ranjana Agnohotri, also rejected the idea of a negotiation to settle the dispute. She said only a verdict in favour of one party or an ordinance can solve the dispute.
It is not that such an effort was not made earlier. But it yielded neither a result nor a way forward. In mid-2016, Mahanta Narendra Giri, president of All India Akhara Parishad met Hashim Ansari, the oldest litigant in the title suit. Both expressed hope of a mutually acceptable solution. Ansari has since passed away. Negotiations have stalled.
The Allahabad High Courts verdict in 2010 was theoretically the best solution possible. Hearing the title suit, the Lucknow Bench of the court concluded that the Hindu and Muslim litigant were joint title holders to the plot measuring 2.77 acres and divided it equally between Nirmohi Akhara, Ram Lalla and the Sunni Wakf Board.
The order also held that the dome under which the idol of Ram Lalla has been placed at the point is the birth place of the latter. The court justified the later on the basis of faith and belief of Hindus. Unsatisfied with the verdict both parties moved the apex court.
How can a negotiation work when both sides want a clear verdict in their favour? Even a Supreme Court-backed negotiation, no matter how fair it sounds, may not provide a solution. If it is meant with the good intention of avoiding communal tension and letting no side feel cheated in the final deal it may not work. As for a definitive court verdict, it too is fraught with the risk of fostering a communal situation.
The problem lies with the evidence available. Which makes it difficult for the court to draw a conclusion that cannot be called prejudiced one way or the other. Are the Hindus going to accept it if the verdict is not in their favour? Imagine the shape the dispute would then take.
Now that a Hindu hardliner and vociferous Ram Mandir advocate like Yogi Adityanath is the chief minister of the state with a popular mandate to back him, the situation could be pretty unpleasant. If the Muslims lose the case, there is the possibility of them blaming the court for bowing to the pressure from the majority community.
To conclude, the temple-masjid dispute remains complicated. Negotiated settlement is music to the ears but it may not produce a solution.
Mumbai: Firing yet another salvo at the BJP, the Shiv Sena said on Tuesday that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath should concentrate more on delivering good governance rather than performing his "religious duties".
"Governing a state as large as Uttar Pradesh will not be as easy as governing a mutt," said the Sena which has been at loggerheads with the BJP despite being the junior partner at the Centre and in the Maharashtra government.
The Uddhav Thackeray-led party, which was left with heartburn after it was denied the deputy chief minister' post by the BJP in 2014, also took a dig at its ally over appointment of two deputy chief ministers in UP, saying it aimed at keeping Adityanath "free to perform his religious duties".
"Two Deputy Chief Ministers have been appointed in UP, while for Maharashtra, the BJP says appointing a Deputy CM is against their policy. In Jammu and Kashmir, they teamed up with PDP's Mehbooba Mufti to get the Deputy CM's post."
"By appointing two Deputy CMs in UP, Yogi Adityanath has been left free to do religious duties," Sena said in an editorial in the party mouthpiece 'Saamana'.
"Rather than performing religious duties, Adityanath should focus on delivering good governance and development. Governing a state as large as Uttar Pradesh will not be as easy as governing a mutt," the Sena said in a reference to Gorakhpur mutt which is headed by Adityanath.
The Shiv Sena said, "Appointing Yogi Adityanath as the Chief Minister will hasten the construction of Ram Temple and new energy will be infused in the Hindutva forces. However, creation of jobs is also important and Yogi will have to work hard for that."
The Adityanath Government, which was sworn in on Sunday, has BJP's Uttar Pradesh unit chief Keshav Prasad Maurya and party's national vice-president Dinesh Sharma as deputy chief ministers.
The Sena asked Adityanath to remember the "imbalance" created in Madhya Pradesh after the then Chief Minister and BJP leader Uma Bharti "focused more on religious activities than good governance".
Two big election promises by the BJP in Uttar Pradesh closure of slaughter houses and rollout of farm loan waiver will cost the state exchequer and banks heavily besides resulting in a likely rise in unemployment in Indias most populous state. Lets look at the details to understand how.
The new chief minister, Yogi Adityanath has already begun the crusade on slaughter houses by ordering the closure of two such houses. It is only a matter of time when his government will shut down all slaughter houses since this is one of the key promises in BJPs election manifesto. We are talking about a big industry here that is, in fact, the biggest among Indian states.
Uttar Pradesh is among the leading meat producing states in the country. According to a note by rating agency Icra, the state accounts for the highest share of buffalo population at 28 percent and houses 60 percent of slaughter houses and meat processing units in the entire country.
Total buffalo meat production, including the output in meat processing plants, in the year 2014-15 stood at 7,515 lakh kilograms, while that of goat meat stood at 1,771 lakh kilogram, sheep meat at 231 lakh kilogram while pig meat production was recorded at 1,410 lakh kilogram.
On an average, Uttar Pardeshs slaughter houses produce 137 kilos of buffalo meat per day. There is a thriving, big industry that also employs thousands of workers and indirect employment to many others. According to an Indian Express report (read here), the ban could lead to at least Rs 11,350 crore (2015-16) in terms of revenue from exports.
In 2015-16, Uttar Pradesh exported 5,65,958 metric tonnes of buffalo meat. There is no other state in the country with the resources or the bovine numbers that could even come close to filling this huge hole, the report said. The other side of this argument, often heard, is that there is widespread theft of livestock from poor farmers to supply to non-registered slaughter houses. This is indeed a concern since farmer is losing his probably only alternative income when such incidents happen. But this is something the state can tackle using its law and order machinery.
If Yogi is determined to implement the BJP manifesto and goes ahead to ban all slaughter houses in the state, the government will have to find immediate answers for how will it compensate the resultant revenue loss to the state exchequer and unemployment to thousands of workers in close to 300 registered abattoirs in the state.
Then comes the farm loan waiver promise made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his campaign in the run up to the polls. We will waive farmers loan in our first cabinet meeting after the results of UP polls on 11 March, Modi said. For sure, Yogi Adityanath and BJP leadership cannot easily backtrack from this promise now in the agrarian state. Now, in this case, both the state exchequer and banks would take the hit.
According to an SBI research report , this hit would be approximately Rs 27,420 crore (total loans that will have to be waived off for the small and marginal farmers for all banks). UP Governments total revenue for FY17 was Rs 3,40,255 crore according to revised estimates. Thus, the amount of Rs 27,420 crore to be waived off is approximately 8 percent of total revenue. This will definitely cause some amount of stress for the states fiscal arithmetic in the coming year. The incumbent Government in UP has to go beyond the traditional solutions and find innovative ways of adding to its revenues, the report said.
SBI analysts have arrived at this figure looking at the socio-economic and caste census 2011, that said 40 percent of rural households of Uttar Pradesh are engaged in cultivation. When it comes to landholdings, 92 percent are marginal and small landholdings in Uttar Pradesh according to 2010-11 Agriculture Census. Total outstanding credit, in 2016, for the agriculture sector is Rs 86,241 crore in Uttar Pradesh, with average ticket size of Rs 1.34 lakhs.
According to 2012 RBI data, 31 percent of the direct agriculture finance went to marginal and small farmers (landholdings upto 2.5 acres), the report said. Taking this as a proxy for Uttar Pradesh as well, approximately Rs 27,420 crore will have to be waived off in case loan waiver scheme is implemented for the small and marginal farmers for all banks, SBI report said. The demerits of loan waiver and how it irrevocably destroys the credit culture of an entire geography is discussed in an earlier column.
To sum up, BJP meeting its poll promise of slaughter house ban and rolling out loan waiver sounds good for BJPs Hindutva brigade. But, while implementing this, Yogis Uttar Pradesh will have to pay a heavy price.
West Bengal is sitting on a terror tinderbox. The signs of it have long been evident but successive governments have chosen to live in denial and allowed the problem to fester. A latest report on the terror heatmap in southeast Asia paints a very worrying picture for India.
The Bangladesh government report which has been sent to the Union home ministry confirms that Bengal, along with Assam and Tripura, form part of an intricate terror network where Bangladesh-based modules have found safe havens due to the porosity of Indo-Bangladesh border.
West Bengal shares 2200 km of it, and has turned out to be one of the most suitable route for terror operatives from Harkat-ul-Jihadi al-Islami (HuJI) and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) to sneak through.
Bengal's demography and conveniently located cities offer them relocation and cover. As the Sheikh Hasina government turns up the heat on home-grown terrorists (some with Al-Qaeda and Islamic State links), many of these operatives are infiltrating into the state along with arms and ammunition and spreading in various parts of India using the connectivity that Kolkata provides.
A grim situation has turned even more grim for India owing to the Bangladesh Prime Minister's resolve to fight militancy with an iron hand. Wounded by Bangladesh's global notoriety due to a spate of fatal attacks on secular bloggers and determined to put an end to Khaleda Zia's policy of stoking fundamentalism to further political prowess, Hasina had ordered stern action against Islamists. The process, which started in right earnest last year, has continued with the Bangladesh PM showing steely resolve.
More than 3000 history-sheeters and 37 hard core terrorists were arrested in June alone last year in a nationwide crackdown. Hasina, according to PTI, told a meeting of her ruling Awami League that terrorists won't have anywhere to hide. "Where will they hide in Bangladesh.. No one will get away. Bangladesh is a small country. It's not a tough task to find them. They will be brought to justice."
Except that they did escape. And found an easy avenue through Bengal on the other side of international border.
The report on JMB and HuJI's terror activities, carried by Times of India, details that there was a three-fold increase in terror infiltration in 2016 compared to the year before. While nearly 2,010 HuJI and JMB operatives entered through the three states, the newspaper report says approximately 720 entered through Bengal border alone. It says Bengal government officials are "skeptical" about the report, "but even if just a close estimate, the number is disturbing as intelligence reports pegged the number of infiltrators in 2014 and 2015 at 800 and 659, respectively."
The NIA, incidentally, had found direct link between the October 2014 blast in Bengal's Burdwan district where two JMB operatives were killed and a third injured. Cops had recovered improvised explosive devices, RDX, wrist watches and SIM cards from the site.
This isnt a report prepared by India's homeland security agencies that Trinamool Congress may find some political motives. This is advice forwarded by a friendly neighbourhood nation that is grappling with Islamism and its tools of coercion and wants India to at least stop being a safe house, if not aid in flushing out the operatives.
Unfortunately, Bengal still remains in a mode of denial. Instead of tightening its security apparatus, it is trying reportedly to ascertain the "veracity" of the advice. As TOI points out, Assam appears to be more receptive. The state police has already arrested 54 JMB operatives and "formed a high-powered committee of top police officers and MLAs to check infiltration."
The Mamata Banerjee government needs to be reminded that one of the terror masterminds of the infamous Dhaka Gulshan Cafe blast stayed in a hotel in Bengal. The attack, which has later been established as Islamic State handiwork, was planned and executed by a group of terrorists led by Tamim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi-Canadian Islamic State operative who was finally shot dead by Bangladesh police last year in Dhaka.
It is believed that Tamim and JMB leader Mohammed Suleiman, both of whom were the key players in the Gulshan Cafe attack that killed 29 people including foreigners, travelled to India shortly before the attack and met Indian national Abu Musa in Malda, a border district in Bengal. According to a report in Deccan Chronicle, Suleiman and his companion (believed to be Tamim) also stayed at a hotel in Bengal.
If more evidence of the intricacy of this terror web is required, Kolkata police in March arrested another suspect of the Gulshan Cafe attack. Idris Ali, according to a report in India Today, was arrested from the city's Burrabazar area by a special task force which acted on a tip-off from Delhi's special cell.
The problem with illegal immigrants in Bengal is as much a security issue as it is a political one. The RSS has already made it one of their chief planks and sees enough political leverage to spread its base in the state. It recently passed a resolution at the end of its three-day national council meet in Coimbatore.
Unfortunately, the state government too sees the issue from a political filter, entirely ignoring the security-related repercussions. The Bangladesh report should come as a timely wake-up call for Mamata Banerjee. She needs to rise above partisan politics in national interest.
With Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand done and dusted, Gujarat and Karnataka are next on Amit Shah's radar. But work has simultaneously begun on another important state where the BJP will fancy its chances. Telangana goes to polls in 2019 along with the Lok Sabha elections. That gives the BJP a good two years to get its act together.
Even though the BJP shares power with the Telugu Desam in Andhra Pradesh, the party is considered stronger, at least on paper, in Telangana. But for most part of the last two decades, it played second fiddle to the TDP, curbing its potential for growth. Now with the alliance dumped for good in Telangana, the BJP is in a mood to play its natural game.
At present, the BJP has just one MP out of 17 that Telangana sends to the Lok Sabha and five legislators in the Assembly. The thinking in the party is that the UP template could be replicated in Telangana.
Lucknow was won because the polarisation of Hindu votes in BJP's favour was coupled with the split in minority votes between the SP-Congress and BSP.
Those arguing for this approach advocate taking a strident position on K Chandrasekhar Rao's proposed Bill to provide 12 percent quota for economically backward Muslims in education and employment.
The plan is to accuse KCR of indulging in minority appeasement and hope to get the Hindu vote, especially young voters, to rally around the BJP in protest. KCR's equation with ally Asaduddin Owaisi too will be attacked to make the focus on the Hindu vote sharper. Modi's development plank, the BJP believes, will simultaneously be presented as an alternative to the TRS.
But that is easier said than done given that the cadre base of the BJP in Telangana pales in comparison with other states. Also to label KCR as anti-Hindu would be a trifle difficult given his penchant to perform elaborate yagnas and pujas, according to the Hindu tradition.
In December 2015, he conducted a yagna for five days at his farmhouse, 60 km from Hyderabad, on which a sum of Rs 7 crore was reportedly spent. Last month, even in the face of severe criticism, he got the Telangana exchequer to fund the fulfillment of his private vow to gift Rs 5 crore worth of jewellery to the Tirumala temple.
The clincher for KCR could be his decision to develop the Lakshmi Narasimha Swamy temple at Yadadri, making it Telangana's answer to Tirumala-Tirupati. The redesigning of the temple is likely to be completed by Diwali this year, at cost of Rs 2000 crore.
The temple city spread over 1000 acres is expected to be a major tourist attract once complete, and will enable KCR showcase the power of soft Hindutva, making it tough for the BJP to criticise him. BJP leaders admit the temple project will in fact, establish KCR as more Hindu than the BJP.
Add to that also is the leadership dilemma at the Centre on how much KCR can be attacked. On the no-no list are terms like 'jungle raj' and 'goonda raj' though Amit Shah last year labelled KCR regime as one of the most corrupt.
KCR's position on demonetisation in November altered the equation a bit. The Telangana CM was one of the first non-NDA chief ministers to support the move. Also the BJP knows that should it fall short of numbers in the Lok Sabha in 2019, KCR can be on speed dial and be a possible post-poll ally.
So the BJP leadership does not want to use intemperate language that could become an impediment later. The cementing factor should the two parties need to get together post 2019 Lok Sabha polls, will be the carrot of berths in the Union cabinet to TRS MPs.
But for the moment, to broadbase the political attack on KCR, he will also be labelled as pro-Nizam, alluding to his reluctance to celebrate 17 September, the day Hyderabad was liberated from Nizam rule, as an official function. But the party is divided over the traction of an issue like this with the electorate.
KCR, in addition to his penchant for religious functions, has also been focusing on his pet programmes, hoping that the development and welfare agenda will pay electoral dividends. He is on record saying that if he does not provide piped water to every household in Telangana and not construct 2 lakh two bedroom houses by 2019, he will not ask for votes.
The caste factor is also being looked at closely, with the TRS seen largely as a Velama caste party. The Reddy community that has traditionally backed the Congress in united Andhra Pradesh, finds the present Reddy crop of leaders uninspiring and is looking around for options like Prof Kodandaram.
KCR is aware of this, which is perhaps why the state budget presented last week was virtually gift-wrapped for the Backward Classes (BCs), especially the fishermen and shepherd communities. That was followed by a show of strength, with MLAs belonging to the BC community mobilising crowds to thank the CM at his residence.
The big problem for the BJP also is lack of a pan-Telangana face. Its present leadership has failed to take advantage of a political vacuum created by large-scale poaching of opposition TDP and Congress leaders by the TRS.
The recent episode where its leader G Kishan Reddy showed off his 84 percent popularity in his constituency, in a survey ironically, conducted by KCR, was embarrassing. Because while individually Reddy came out smelling of roses, the same survey showed the TRS will find it quite easy to return to power in 2019.
At the outset, lets examine three illustrative exhibits.
Exhibit 1:
"Narendra Modi has run a brilliant campaign and our enemy has triumphed, but do not lose heart; remember hes a dog and theyre all sons of dogs, you turn your face in the direction of Allahhes our Master, what are these people? Narendra Modi has united all of us Muslimsfinish off these goondas, trample over the heads of these people"
That was the chief of the AIMIM Asaduddin Owaisi, a three-time MP speaking in June 2014 shortly after the resounding victory of Minister Narendra Modi. As this Firstpost report shows, a local Delhi court subsequently ordered filing a criminal case against him under IPC sections of 120 B (criminal conspiracy), 121 (waging war against India), 153(A) (promoting enmity between different groups), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace).
Exhibit 2:
While speaking at a rally in Kurnool in 2011, [Akbaruddin] Owaisi used the derogatory term 'kafirs' to refer to MLAs in the Andhra Pradesh legislative assembly. In the same rally he used words katil (murderer), darinda (monster), beimaan (dishonest), dhokebaaz (cheat), and chor (thief) for former Prime Minister P V Narasimha Rao. Owaisi said that if Rao had not died, he would have killed Rao with his own hands.
That was Akbaruddin Owaisi, brother of Asauddin Owaisi who in 2007 led a mob of his supporters to launch an unprovoked and violent assault against writer Taslima Nasrin.
Exhibit 3:
Because Hindus fear the Muslims, they have fallen on the path of secularism. Each time they were conquered by Muslim soldiers, they have learnt to sink and bend like powerless blades of grass. This can be seen several times in our history.
That was Syed Shahbuddin in the 20 March 1983 edition of the now-defunct magazine, Sunday.
The moot point in these three exhibits is not their obviously incendiary and hateful tone but the manner in which the mainstream discourse deals with it.
The honourable MP from Hyderabad is invited to prime-time television debates and is presented as the face of moderate Muslims in India, despite evidence to the contrary which is freely available. His brothers speeches and violent behaviour is overlooked. And as history shows, Syed Shahbuddin was regarded by the media and intelligentsia as the last word on secularism emanating from the Muslim side during the tumultuous days of the Ayodhya affair.
Cut to the present in the aftermath of Yogi Adityanath who has now taken oath as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. It is enough to say that the majority of the media and public discourse surrounding him paints him in doomsday hues. This applies in varying proportions to the discourse emerging from both the Left-Liberal-Secular camp as well as sections of the so-called Right Wing.
This wholly one-sided discourse rests primarily on three assumptions about Yogi Adityanath:
That hes a Hindutva hardliner, which is automatically assumed to be evil in itself without presenting compelling evidence as to why it is so. That hes such a grave anti-Muslim extremist that hell kill or victimise all Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. That because hes both #1 and #2, hes automatically anti-development.
These assumptions stem from the same politics and ideology of stoking fear mongering among Muslims, an art perfected by the Congress and its political clones like the BSP, SP, etc and propagated for decades by a friendly media and intelligentsia.
In all this discourse, the crucial missing element is a dispassionate and objective analysis of Yogi Adityanaths political and ideological record going beyond a superficial branding exercise. If the image of Yogi Adityanath as a dangerous extremist is true, what explains his overwhelming popularity among the UP electorate cutting across caste and communal lines? Are we to assume that all Hindus of Uttar Pradesh are Muslim-hating extremists? In all his five terms as an MP, couldnt the media and analysts find time to do just one objective story on him instead of contenting themselves with merely labelling him as a fringe Hindutva extremist?
However, numerous reports about the massive respect that he commands even among the Muslims have slowly started to emerge from the stables of DNA, Hindustan Times and The Times of India. But the media which keenly highlights his extremist speeches also conveniently forgets to take his word when he invites them to have a first hand look at his educational institutions and hospitals where everybody is welcome irrespective of caste or community, or the fact that there have been no communal riots in and around Gorakhpur under his watch.
Even assuming that Yogi Adityanath is a hardliner and extremist, will the purveyors of the discourse of communal labelling deign to present their model of secularism and inclusive politics? Is it the model of Mulayam Singh Yadav-Akhilesh Yadav whose reign justified rapes as "Ladke toh ladke hain galti ho jati hai (boys will be boys they commit mistakes)?" Or remain mute spectators when one of their ministers announces a reward of Rs 51 crores to anyone who beheads the Danish cartoonists? Or the fact that these purveyors see nothing wrong in lending legitimacy to a convicted politician like Lalu Yadav?
Perhaps the most illustrative representative of this prejudiced discourse is this interview by Prannoy Roy and Shekhar Gupta almost immediately after Yogi Adityanath was declared the CM candidate. As veteran journalists, they could have asked the chief minister-elect a million questions bearing actual significance: his vision for the state, his plans to tackle the numerous problems and so on, but the manner in which they repeatedly try to box him into a single question Hindus versus Muslims shows the true extent of the bankruptcy characterising their thought process.
Indeed, its deja vu all over again. Lets not forget the sort of non-stop abuse and even made-up stories to portray LK Advani and other RSS/VHP/BJP leaders in the 1990s as monsters out to destroy the honeyed secularism as the glue that keeps India together. Even as recent as early 2014, Modi was still painted as a fascist and mass murderer of Muslims.
Now its the turn of Yogi Adityanath.
And when we survey these two-plus decades, we note that in most of such articles and news reports was even a pretense of objectivity maintained. The case of Modi is a classic example of an elected chief minister subjected to a sustained campaign of vilification and intense scrutiny who eventually showed his detractors the mirror. And so, given this history, should we base our views about Yogi Adityanath on such slanted reportage?
Its also quite amusing how not one among the Adityanath-detractors knew what exactly tilted the balance in his favour as the chief ministerial candidate but theres no end to speculation about how the RSS is more powerful than the prime minister, etc. Or the unexamined assumption that vikas and Hindutva are mutually exclusive.
Among other things, the popularity and mass appeal of Yogi Adityanath owes to his manner of speaking bluntly about the harsh ground realities in Uttar Pradesh, which the media knows to be true but either suppresses or glosses over. Equally, his deep-rooted cultural connect and his rustic candour upsets media talking heads who seem unable to deal with someone who isnt defensive about his Hindu-ness.
Theres another underlying trend in this. As with Brexit and the Trump victories, the purveyors of the liberal-secularist-multiculturalist discourse simply cant seem to accept a democratic verdict. And the manner in which theyre going about in the cases of Trump and now Yogi Adityanath seems to indicate a coping mechanism to come to terms with their loss: from denial to even outright abuse. The fact that even someone like Shashi Tharoor argued for scrapping parliamentary democracy in India shows the depths of their despair.
In the end, the fundamental aspect of the aforementioned narrative is the fact that there seems to be no balance it appears that any mention of Yogi Adityanath must necessarily be accompanied by extremist, Hindutva, hardliner, anti-Muslim, anti-development, and related qualifiers. He has barely taken office and has five more years to either prove these worthies right or otherwise. The least they can do is exercise patience and restraint since objectivity seems alien to their worldview.
The elevation of Yogi Adityanath to the Uttar Pradesh chief minister's chair is as much an ideological statement as it is political. It indicates a confident BJP under the guidance of Narendra Modi performing the last rites of Nehruvian secularism, the political process for which had started in 2014.
Before we delve into the doctrinal change of guard and what it really means for us as a nation, let us first understand how political power leads to ideological ascendancy. Let me add here that political power ipso facto does not translate into ideological dominance. It is dependent on a certain set of conditions. When those are fulfilled, the change of guard becomes imminent; once the process starts, it is irreversible.
By electing BJP's most strident Hindutva icon Yogi Adityanath as UP chief minister, Modi is providing finishing touches to his promise of Congress-mukt Bharat. Displacing Congress from the seat of power was the first step. Congress is as much an idea as it is a political party.
Modi is now removing that 'Idea of India' and replacing it with another one that has its roots in the ancient Dharmic tradition of pluralism as opposed to the European brand of secularism that is the backbone of our political discourse. From being a potent political force in 2014, BJP is now providing Indians with an alternate worldview that has long been kept suppressed and marginalised on the fringes of our intellectual landscape.
A tectonic shift in India's ideological map is now underway. It is becoming clear that the UP verdict has deeper significance and may alter permanently India's future as a nation. Is the future bright? Is it pitch dark? Various commentators have offered several interpretations. While some, such as the Centre for Policy Research director Pratap Bhanu Mehta, have called Yogi's elevation into political mainstream an "odious and ominous development", US-based Indologist and Vedic scholar David Frawley sees India benefiting "from a new leadership rooted in its profound dharmic traditions".
The overwhelming reaction in mainstream media, though, has been one of dismay and disbelief. Media and members of India's civil society have predicted that India will become a "Hindutva laboratory" and a "graveyard for minorities". Without going into the merits or demerits of this argument, let us first examine why Yogi Adityanath presents an existential threat to current definitions of "secularism".
This definition, which has its roots in the debate that arose in Europe from the complex interplay of Church and State and the overriding influence of the former over every other human institution, was part of European enlightenment, and one that Jawaharlal Nehru was deeply influenced by. In his zeal for nation-building, however, Nehru imposed this western notion of "secularism" to safeguard the interest of the minorities in a predominantly 'Hindu' India.
The intention was noble. But a problem germinated. Secularism in its unvarnished European tradition ordinates strict separation of the Church and the State. This axiom of European modernist thinking sits at odds with the Indic tradition, where the concept of 'dharma' isn't just religion but a way of life. 'Dharmic' did not just refer to the pious, but also to the one on the path of truth and justness. In this sense of dharma, it did not even pertain to one specific religion either. Even a Muslim or Christian could be 'dharmic' if he chooses the path of dharma.
Not unusually, however, western-educated Nehru who had seen the conflict between narrow definition of religion and its stifling control over every sphere of human life had his discomfort with religion and is recorded to have held that the "word religion has lost all precise significance (if it ever had it!) and only causes confusion and gives rise to interminable debate and argument. It would be far better if it was dropped from use altogether".
Instead of going into simplistic reductions, it will be fair to say that the Nehruvian worldview was deeply discomfited by the predominance of religiosity in Indians' daily lives and he resembled Tennyson's Ulysses while administering "Unequal laws unto a savage race/That hoard, and sleep, and feed, and know not me."
Quoting from Gopal and Iyengar, Rajeev Bhargava writes in EPW that Nehru was "particularly critical of the 'Hindu Rashtra' or a Hindu nation state" and had held that while "It may sound very nice to some people that we will create a Hindu Rashtra, but I cannot understand what it means. Hindus are in the majority in this country and whatever they wish will be done. But the moment you talk of a Hindu Rashtra, you speak in a language which no other country except one can comprehend and that country is Pakistan because they are familiar with this concept. They can immediately justify their creation of an Islamic nation by pointing to the world that we are doing something similar. Hindu Rashtra can only reduce the status of those who are not Hindus"
It is not the scope of this column to ascertain whether Nehru was right or wrong. What is more relevant is that due to Congress' enormous and unchallenged political dominance, the Nehruvian worldview was institutionalised and India's intellectuals were duly indoctrinated a dominance that lasted for several decades. All rules of battles apply. The fiefdom was fiercely guarded, as all dissenting voices were either meticulously removed or systematically sanitised. Nehru may have been inclusive in his moral universe, but the intellectual disciples that he beget were not.
In a column for Hindustan Times, Swapan Dasgupta writes, "The near-unchallenged political dominance of some six decades led to the Nehruvian consensus becoming common sense among the intelligentsia, particularly those in the liberal professions. This section has guarded its echo chamber fiercely and denied institutional space to those that don't quite fit into the Left-liberal mould. Consequently, the challenge to the Nehruvian order has come from quarters that have a marked anti-intellectual bias, not least because their relevance stemmed from electoral politics."
In time, this version of Nehruvian secularism became utterly corrupted and stood for everything that Nehru himself guarded against.
Flush with political power, Modi-led BJP is now challenging this ideological dominance. The path towards this hasn't been smooth. We frequently make the mistake of confusing transient political power with the true establishment that pulls all strings of academic traditions and moulds citizens of the future by influencing the entry points of intellectual and political discourses. A party may remain in power for five years, but that automatically does not give it the power to rewrite ideological predispositions.
The scale, breadth and significance of Modi's victory finally gives BJP the chance to challenge the dominant narrative of "secularism".
In his column for Indian Express, Pratap Bhanu Mehta had perhaps foreseen this move when he wrote, "The BJP is also poised to increase its institutional dominance; the victory has profound implications for its ability to shape so many institutions, from the Rajya Sabha to the presidency. And electoral, social and institutional dominance will inevitably lead to unchallenged ideological ascendancy as well."
It is this ideological ascendancy that we are now witnessing, where BJP feels that the mandate gives it the licence to install a 'Hindu rashtra' and steer India towards its own version of "secularism", which is rooted in the dharmic tradition of pluralism. There will be still be exclusive focus on development, but it will be carried out within the framework of a 'Ram Rajya'.
It will be a mistake, however, to judge these phrases through the lens of Nehruvian secularism. Simply put, Modi is signaling the beginning of 'Hindu rashtra' by appointing Adityanath at UP helm.
We can only hope that it won't be in the narrow sense of a Hindu Pakistan but in the way University of San Francisco's Vamsee Juluri means, when he writes in Huffington Post that "Young Hindus see themselves as part of a great civilisational heritage, and value it not just for its ancient glory, but also because they see its spirituality as being the core of their civilisational ethic of coexistence and respect for all religions. If Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and many different kind of Hindus divided by language, custom, caste and history still share a land and history so deeply, they know it is not simply because of India's secular Constitution, but because of Hinduism's ancient legacy of respecting all faiths."
This is a civilisational, ideological shift. The battle lines are drawn. We have not heard the end of this debate yet. But make no mistake, the time for Nehruvian secularism is over.
The new Uttar Pradesh Cabinet was sworn-in on 19 March in Lucknow amid much fanfare and in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and all high profile BJP leaders. The new chief minister, Yogi Adityanath, only in his mid forties, sprang a surprise by his appointment being at the helm, ready to govern the most populous and complex state of India. He has two deputy chief ministers belonging to different castes. Dinesh Sharma, a Brahmin and Keshav Prasad Maurya, an OBC. This is perhaps because the party leadership wanted to strike a balance to keep all in good humour. What's however glaring is the fact that none of the three (chief minister and his two deputies) have any experience of administration or governance.
Running a state like UP is a humongous task with multiple challenges. Areas needing attention include on priority investment linked to development, law and order, crime control, clean and transparent system of education and streamlining of health sector. While all areas requiring redressal would need time to ameliorate, crime control and improvement of police working specially at the thana levels merit immediate attention.
Over the past years, a vast state like UP has been plagued with complete indifference on part of the police, thereby requiring a major surgery. And the treatment must start from the thana. One of the major ailments afflicting the police stations are the attitude towards the public. Registering an First Information Report (FIR) in a police station is still a nightmare. Successive governments failed miserably to sensitise the police to be people friendly. UP has gained notoriety in being seen as incorrigible. Behaviour of the police in dealing with the aggrieved parties has left much to be desired. A mustachioed and burly policeman in the station is still seen as a dreaded figure with no signs of instilling any confidence. That's the reason why a complainant is always looking for an 'influential' person or a political party honcho to intervene to get a case registered.
Attitude towards women in particular has been dismal and there has been umpteen number of cases where women have been insulted and not given justice. Under the new policy dispensation, a change in approach on part of the police at the thana level is foremost to improve the government's image as only then it will reflect an effective governance. Touts facilitating to get things done must go. Public must have direct access to the police. Fear of the darogas must evaporate, and without delay.
Only the day before, a BSP leader was murdered in Allahabad but the new chief minister was visible in taking the police to task to work out the case and hold the culprits into account. This signals, that contrary to the general belief or misconception, the government must be seen to be acting and that too cutting across party or communal lines. However, such moves must be kept up without becoming complacent.
Top police apparatus must direct the thana staff beginning from the SHO to win over people's trust. If this is achieved, half the battle will be won reflecting the government in good light. Another factor needing priority is improvement in the investigating skills of the police in solving cases even if it is of routine nature. Poor investigation standards as we saw in messing up of the Arushi murder case, infamous Nithari murders and host of other instances must be got rid of. Scientific approach in investigations must be the guiding factor. General impression is that UP police still employs a primitive methodology. Being the most populous state in the country with a huge force, one expects the state to be ahead of all states in policing but unfortunately it's not the case. Also, there is an urgent need for a change in mindset.
Having dwelled upon the negatives, it must also be placed on record about the professional and highly efficient entities like the Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) and the Special Task Force (STF). Their performances have been exemplary in tackling terror-linked cases and solving of specialised and organised crimes. One can infer their good track record because they remain distant from the politicians while the police stations remain highly politicised due to police-politician nexus. And that has thrived principally because of one particular community occupying key police positions and abetting corruption. This unholy nexus must be broken.
Lastly, the intelligence machinery must be of top order be it collection of political, communal, students or any strands of intelligence. The Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) seems to have gone on hibernation. It must be invigorated to enable the thanas to be proactively preempting problems. Unfortunately, UP police has been suffering from inertia in spurning offers from experienced hands to revamp its intelligence. Opposing any change has proved glaringly regressive.
It may be too early to expect less than a week-old government to deliver and reform the police suffering with a colonial mindset. Yet, all is not lost. With a sound police leadership with a long-term vision to keep people's interest as uppermost, positive dividends are possible and the challenge must be accepted right from the word 'go '.
Against this backdrop, police stations must ensure that people's hopes are not belied and UP is seen to be a progressive and forward thinking state bereft of caste and communal politics.
(The writer is a retired IPS officer of UP cadre and a security analyst. He is also a Senior Fellow with India Police Foundation. Views are personal.)
Tehran, Iran, March 21
By Mehdi Sepahvand - Trend:
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei says the enemy seeks to attribute the existing economic shortcomings to Islam and blame the Islamic foundations of the country for the economic woe.
Enemies seek to undermine the trust of the Iranian nation in the Islamic establishment through mounting economic pressure, he said in a public address, urging that economic prosperity is what is needed to lay anti-Islamic Republic efforst flat, Trend correspondent reported March 21.
"The enemies of the Islamic Republic are looking for economic strategies and in better words, seek to deal economic blows to the Iranian nation," the Leader said.
Ayatollah Khamenei described the new Persian calendar year (which started March 21) as important for the country which is in need of more economic mobility.
The enemys goal is to dismay and disillusion the Iranian nation with the Islamic establishment through economic pressure and drive a wedge between the people and the Islamic establishment, the Leader stated.
The enemy in its widespread propaganda is making efforts to attribute the countrys livelihood and economic shortcomings to the Islamic establishment and the Islamic Republic of Iran and this is the enemys plot, Ayatollah Khamenei said.
The enemies want to pretend that the Islamic establishment has not been and will never be able to solve the economic and major woes of the Iranian nationThis claim stems from their grudge and hatred against the Islamic establishment and this claim is contrary to the truth, the Leader said.
The Islamic establishment and the Islamic Republic have offered "prominent and remarkable" services to Iran and the Iranians, the Leader said.
Figures indicating Irans progress in the military and economy are very remarkable, Ayatollah Khamenei said, adding that the number of university students, as one example, has increased 25 times the pre-revolution figures.
In his televised message to the nation on Monday on the occasion of the New Year, Ayatollah Khamenei designated the year as the year for production and employment.
The Amnesty International calling upon Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to recant his past is a bit much and more a flailing by the organisation to get itself some righteous mileage. It is an unrealistic demand and detracts from the need to ensure that under this person, security, safety and religious harmony are maintained in this fractious and massive state.
He is not going to come out and wear sackcloth and ashes and say sorry, so going that route is simply wasteful and Amnesty would be better advised to be watchful now of excesses by him or in his name by others than begin to root in the past.
If one starts to list the verbal and physical indiscretions of Yogi Adityanath then he should have not even been allowed to stand for elections or been given any sort of political mandate. Even today there are cases he is defending in court and other FIRs where the charges have not even been framed. Since his political chair does not afford him protection legally against these charges we could find him defending himself in the courts as much as governing the state.
That said, it is utterly pointless to rabbit on and on about what a terrible fellow he is. Instead, it is time for a reality check and that is all that counts. He is the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh who was appointed with the consent and green signal of the winning party and its leaders. You may or may not agree with it, but he is the man and he is in the seat.
The more we harp on about his sordid history or his version of Hindutva, the more we are looking for locks on a stable door despite the horse have done a runner. Look, his past is bad news for those of us who believe that communal hatred is not an answer to any problem.
Sometimes what happens is that you are stymied in your beliefs because of the weight of office on your shoulders and you have to be more circumspect in your conduct. The world is watching and waiting for a blunder. This could be the point of salvation.
In texture when the buck stops with you it is a lot different from being a yogi who spews fire and brimstone and whips up emotions and decries other religions. All that nonsense is reported after the event and doesnt stick in the mind just another kind of fruitcake seeking publicity.
But now, that self-indulgent luxury is no longer there. It is not so much a question of giving the guy a chance it is just that he has no alternative but to mature to the power vested in him. From Modi downwards everyone is going to ride herd on him. Those who buy his philosophy will demand more of the ugly same. Pressure. Those who do not agree with his priorities will tirelessly seek to misinterpret even a sincere change of heart as an act. More pressure.
To a great extent like Gulliver after a fashion, Adityanath has been tied down and given little wriggle room. Added on pressure. He will begin to feel the heat and the sins of the past will roost most comfortably on his desk.
It is no easy job being CM when you have a controversial reputation.
Already, the element of tolerance never shown by him before has become imminent. His first real test hit him two days ago following the murder of BSP leader Mohammed Shami in Allahabad. A perfect Archduke Ferdinand moment to spark riots in the state. But Adityanath acted swiftly and with a certain clarity of thought. He empowered the cops in all 75 districts, put them on an audio-visual grid and let nothing untoward happen.
Perhaps for now, lets just put the mans past on freeze. If hes flying the plane no percentages in rocking the wings.
Yogi Adityanath, the new chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, is a man of many layers. He is a Hindutva hardliner, whose eccentric personality has made him a subject of intrigue for the media. Adityanath, who is the founder of Hindu Yuva Vahini, a Hindu youth group, holds a BSc degree in mathematics. At the age of 21, he renounced his family to become a disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the then head priest of the Gorakhpur Mutt.
But why does the saffron clad five-term BJP MP from Gorakhpur make statements like "Jihad ka muqaabla keval dharam yudh kar sakta hai (only religious warfare can quell Jihad). The writings on Hindu Yuva Vahini's website reflect his undiplomatic, unabashed love for Hinduism, but only to those who understand Sanskritised Hindi.
An article on the website states that the Muslim League, that once opposed the Congress, had started supporting the party. The reason for this, as explained, was that Nehru used to deny being a Hindu. S Radhakrishnan, former President of India, used to say that Nehru is Brahmin by birth, European by education and Muslim by faith. Nehru, it is stated, was the reason why the term Hindu nationalism came into existence. It is believed that Nehru didnt like leaders like Sardar Patel, PD Tandon and Rajendra Prasad because of their Hindu inkling. According to Patel, Nehru was a Muslim nationalist and that is a hook that the website latches on to.
It goes on to add that Congress pumped in crores to increase the number Madrasas from hundreds to thousands across the country and that the teachings imparted in these religious centres of learning made children associate more with Arab countries than their own. Why was the district of Mallapuram in Kerala dedicated to Muslims, the site questions. Was it not communal to do that, it questions.
It should be noted that the Narendra Modi government has been championing the cause of madrasa modernisation a sum of Rs 100 crore was allocated towards this in the Union Budget of 2014. The NDA Government (1999-2004) had started a similar programme called Area Intensive Madrassa Modernisation Programmme (AIMMP), to make community better in terms of education, but over the years things havent quite changed. If the government has identified that the real problem is lack of quality education in the institutions that prepares the students for higher education and employment, then what is the point of hinting at indoctrination?
The site also asks if Gandhi rejected communal awards, set up by British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald on 16 August, 1932, to grant separate electorates in India for the Forward Caste, Lower Caste, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Indian Christians, Anglo-Indians, Europeans and Dalits, then why did the Congress commission the Rajinder Sachar Committee in 2005?
The report was the first of its kind to reveal the backwardness of Indian Muslims. An issue highlighted was that while Muslims constitute 14 percent of the Indian population, they only comprise 2.5 percent of the Indian bureaucracy. The Sachar Committee concluded that the conditions facing Indian Muslims was below that of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The article finally equates the Congress with the Muslim League and says the former doesnt work for Hindus.
In another piece of writing, they stress that culture is not synonymous with civilisation. According to the site, while the latter is behavioural, material and subject to change, the former is integral and it stands for a heritage that is 'ours'. A nationalism of culture is what his tribe is suggesting. However, if by culture what is meant is mythological epics and religious books, then shouldnt it also be considered that the interpretation and rejection of such texts is what repeatedly bifurcates society into sub-cultures?
Not just cultural, but economic and geographic situations too create new castes and tribes, and gradually even these become old and set in their ways. By this theory, Sikhism, Jainism and Buddhism should reconsider themselves as offshoots and church and mosque goers, nothing more than converts; believers and non-believers must deny their individual history because it isnt as old as the history of our combined culture.
The organisation believes that communists are against nationalism for they are uniting the workers of the world and they say that nationalism is integral to our life. They say that India already believes in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (a Sanskrit phrase found in Hindu texts such as the Maha Upanishad, which means the world is one family), so there isnt any need for a Marx-inspired internationalism.
"Clear and simple it may seem, but even the concept of democracy can be classified as internationalism. Ideas like human rights, the relationship between civil society and political society, peoples movements, arent these tried and tested across the world? Can we single out communism as an alien idea that has no place in India and then accept others?" the Vahini states.
Love jihad is another topic of interest on this internet address. It says that those who embrace Islam are momins and those who are dont are classified as kaafirs. It is, in their view, up to the momins to ensure those who are non-believers also accept the faith. In case, the non-believers dont want to leave their creed, history and ancestral heritage, then the only option that the momins have left is to kill them.
So, you either become a believer or lose your life to a jihadi. Only in these two scenarios will the gates of jannat open up for you. Islam has been successful in doing this is other countries but despite ruling India for 800 years, its propagators havent been able to turn India into Iran and Iraq," the website states.
The Kerala High Courts institutional cautiousness on the issue of love jihad, by asking the government to submit affidavits and records of such marriages, has been lauded by the Vahini. It is a belief held by the organisation that in the 21st century, the protectors of Islam are training Muslim boys to fall in love with Hindu girls in order to convert them, either to turn them into child-bearing machines, pack them off to brothels or sell them to Saudi sheikhs. Now the point is, if a court of law has sensed a problem and is investigating into it on the basis of evidence, then making an overarching conclusion about the reason by bashing a faith system is rather distasteful.
The Vahini states that Muslim organisations have a budget for love jihad and men who are successful in this operation are awarded. "Had the Sachar committee any idea about love jihad, it would have set aside a prize for the bravery of such men. The government considers love a personal matter and feels this is a step toward the improvement of minority-majority relations," it notes, saying that those who blindly praise Islam will also praise this exercise by comparing it to the bloody version of Jihad in Kashmir and call it a religion of great love and peace.
More than anything else, the existence of an organisation like Vahini points to the fact that this clash of ideologies is deeply embedded in history and is extremely organised. So, a critique also must be an informed one.
Back in June 2007, the Economic and Political Weekly published an article that takes the reader back to an incident that is an eye opener. A year after the BJP lost power at the Centre, the Sangh Parivar gave renewed notice of its intentions. On October 13, 2005, as Mau in eastern UP celebrated Dussehra, the traditional Bharat Milap in which a Ramayan procession stops at the Shahi Katra Mosque and moves on after hitting its iron gates three times, coincided with Ramzan. That year, violence erupted and six people were killed and many were left injured. The media blamed Mau MLA and local strongman Mukthar Ansari for fuelling the violence. But, a Saajhi Duniya team, led by former Lucknow University vice-chancellor Roop Rekha Verma and journalist-activist Nasiruddin Haider Khan, which visited the area afterwards, pointed out that the Hindu Yuva Vahini and Adityanath, played a key role in the riots.
In the report, they wrote, "The picture presented by most of the media, that the aggressors were mainly Muslims, and mainly Hindus were the sufferers is not correct. Muslims have heavily suffered in terms of life and property. The role of Hindu Yuva Vahini and Hindu Mahasabha has been almost missing in the media whereas they played (a) crucial role in the beginning of the riots and in worsening the situation. The statements of exaggerated and exclusive losses of Hindus, by some BJP leaders and leaders of Hindu Yuva Vahini like Adityanath have been partial and provocative."
Uttar Pradesh is the fourth largest state in India and according to the 2001 census, 18 percent of its population is Muslim. A constitutional insertion of Adityanaths radical school of thought to the helm of the states machinery is a cause for concern. In transparency, the Indian parliamentary system may be like the internet, but unlike the former, the latter does not function like an anarchy, it has provisions for making interventions and a structure to put laws in place.
By nature, morality is a subjective idea, so any debate on ideological grounds must also be fought with facts, research and statistics and from within the system. This piece attempts to understand the inner workings of Adityanath, through an analysis of his organisation.
Even as most people are still trying to come to terms with the appointment of Yogi Adityanath as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, the five-time Gorakhpur MP on Tuesday appeared to be speaking a new language in the Lower House.
Addressing Parliament for the first time after taking charge as the UP chief minister, Adityanath's speech was peppered with niceties and praise for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while it consciously stayed away from any controversies.
In what could be Adityanath's last speech in Parliament, as he is constitutionally obliged to vacate his seat and win an Assembly seat within the next six months, he vowed that the new Uttar Pradesh government will work for the development of all people and communities.
Heaping praise on Modi at the onset of his speech, for "reshaping the economy" at a time when it was at its "lowest", Adityanath said that contrary to the "rumours" being spread about the BJP, Modi has proved by his work that his government works for the benefit of all people. He said that the benefits of all schemes floated by the BJP cut across communities and faiths. He added that following prime minister's slogan of "sabka saath sabka vikas", the UP government too will work for the development of all communities.
He said that he will work to rid the state of corruption and communal riots. Adityanath, a long-time BJP member from Gorakhpur, told the Lok Sabha that he will curb anti-social elements in the country's most populous state.
"We will work to make the state free of corruption, rowdyism and hooliganism. We will present a development model which will prevent distress migration of youths for jobs," he said.
He claimed credit for bringing about changes in Gorakhpur, which he admitted did not enjoy a positive image among people earlier.
Now, he said, no trader in Gorakhpur paid "goonda tax", the town did not witness incidents of abduction and there were no communal riots in eastern Uttar Pradesh.
"We will be successful in generating the same situation in Uttar Pradesh."
He also reached out to the Opposition benches, admitting that his years in Parliament have taught him a lot, praising the discipline and courteousness in the House. He said that he would like to thank everyone for the support and love in his 15-year-long tenure in the Lok Sabha.
The Gorakhpur MP also commented on the resounding victory of his party and indulged in mild banter with Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge. Adityanath quipped in on the qualms of Opposition over his extreme right-wing image and the "UP ke naujawan" tag propagated by the Opposition against BJP in election. He said, "I am one year younger than Rahul Gandhi, and one year elder to Akhilesh... Perhaps I came in between the two young leaders and that is the reason behind your defeat."
At this point, Kharge stood up and congratulated Adityanath for his new responsibilities and said that in keeping with the dignity of the post he now holds, he must move forward from his past and work for the development of UP.
Adityanath was sworn-in as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday. He came to Delhi in the morning and met Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Meanwhile, interacting with reporters outside Parliament, Adityanath also reacted to the Supreme Court advise on the long-standing Ram Mandir dispute in Ayodhya. The newly sworn-in chief minister of the state that is at the heart of this inter-faith dispute, welcomed inter-faith talks on Ayodhya, adding that his government will hand out whatever support the warring parties may seek. He said that it was time that both sides sorted out their differences through dialogue.
Two days after the swearing-in ceremony, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is in New Delhi where he met the top BJP leadership to discuss the allotment of ministries. Adityanath is also scheduled to meet President Pranab Mukherjee later in the day.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/hicV4rDnnv ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in Delhi earlier today. pic.twitter.com/YCN20UsLZJ ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met BJP President Amit Shah earlier today in Delhi. pic.twitter.com/sqEhXpCxqg ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
According to NDTV India, Adityanath could also visit Parliament. According to reports, Adityanath is scheduled to meet the prime minister at 12.30 pm, the president at 1.30 pm and Shah at 2.55 pm. The chief minister will discuss the allotment of ministries with Modi and Shah.
BJP had cornered the Samajwadi Party in the run-up to the Assembly election on the issue of corruption and law and order in the state. The BJP leadership will hence not take the position of the home minister lightly. Aaj Tak reported that Adityanath might keep the home minister portfolio with himself. The channel also reported that deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya can also be made the home minister, but there is no official confirmation yet.
Reports said that the decision over who will be in-charge of the state home ministry is delaying the distribution of ministries. Sources told NDTV that Adityanath and Maurya both are scrambling for the state home ministry and have turned to the Delhi leadership for a solution. There is also a tug of war for the finance ministry between Maurya and Dinesh Sharma. Adityanath is expected to take key ministries including education and health.
A 47-member council of ministers, including two deputy chief ministers, was sworn in by Governor Ram Naik on Sunday. Besides two deputies, Adityanath's team has 22 cabinet ministers, nine ministers of state with independent charge and 13 ministers of state. Adityanath, who became the 21st chief minister of Uttar Pradesh after the state voted BJP in with a historic mandate, has vowed to pursue the agenda of sabka saath, sabka vikas (with all, development for all).
In a series of meetings on Monday, the new chief minister set targets for officials and also ordered a plan for better policing in Uttar Pradesh. The priest-politician has jump-started work on the major election promises of the BJP, including farm loan waiver and a ban on slaughterhouses. In his first meeting with top officials of the state, Adityanath distributed copies of the BJP manifesto and also administered a cleanliness pledge.
Going hammer and tongs against corruption, Adityanath on Monday directed officials to declare their assets within 15 days, a day after issuing a similar order to his ministers. In his first interaction with senior officials in Lok Bhawan, the chief minister also instructed them to ensure implementation of BJP's 'Sankalp Patra' (manifesto). "It was an introductory meeting with Uttar Pradesh government officials. The officials were told that the Sankalp Patra has to be implemented," Maurya, who was also present, told reporters after the meeting.
The chief minister also asked officials to declare their assets immovable and movable within 15 days, Maurya said. The meeting was attended by around 65 senior officials. The officials were given a copy of BJP's manifesto and instructions have been issued to them to prepare a roadmap for their respective departments, a senior BJP leader said. "As uprooting corruption is the main agenda of our party, the chief minister, in his first introductory meeting with his new ministers, directed them to give details of their income, movable and immovable properties with 15 days," cabinet minister Srikant Sharma had said on Sunday.
Earlier on Monday, Yogi moved into the official chief minister's residence on 5, Kalidas Marg. But before he moved in, seven priests from the Gorakhnath temple in Gorakhpur, of which Yogi is the presiding priest, propitiated the gods performing a shuddhi hawan and vaastu puja before a kalash was placed as a sign of house warming. A priest also made the auspicious swastik symbols on both sides of the tall gate of the heavily guarded chief minister's residence, which was occupied by former chief minister Akhilesh Yadav for well over five years.
The sprawling bungalow will now be home to the 44-year-old chief minister, who is a bachelor, and some of his companions of many years, who, an insider said, would take care of the "routine puja-paath". Before moving in, the chief minister spent the night at a luxury suite in the state's VVIP Guest House, where many senior officials visited him and sought directions. Prominent among those who visited him included Chief Secretary Rahul Bhatnagar, Director General of Police Javeed Ahmad, senior Indian Police Service officer Sultan Singh and Surya Kumar Shukla.
With inputs from agencies
The appointment of saffron robe-clad Yogi Adityanath as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister whose image is that of a Hindu hardliner seems to be a well-strategised decision in keeping with the political and economic agenda of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, rather than a political miscalculation of the BJP as many have already remarked.
The five-time MP from Gorakhpur with a massive mass appeal at grassroots level in Uttar Pradesh and a star campaigner of the BJP, has been the head (Mahant) of the Gorakhnath Matth. But, its his Hindu Yuva Vahini a militant Hindu youth brigade that makes 44-year-old Adityanath a strong and popular figure among the Hindus in not just eastern UP but almost across the state.
But what does the Hindu Yuva Vahini have to do with Adityanath as the chief minister?
To know more, lets take a look at the website of Hindu Yuva Vahini, which has a note: Hindu Yuva Vahini mein aap ka swaagat hai (You are welcome in the Hindu Yuva Vahini).
A look at the website, whose chief patron is Adityanath, gives an insight on various aspects of the organisation programme, constitution, philosophy, ideology, the movement, its achievements and about government policies. One can make out how Adityanath has been synchronising his socio-political ideas with that of Modi's over the years.
One may not expect the hardliner to be vocal about current economic issues like black money, counterfeit currency, corruption, etc, but the website includes articles and videos on these issues.
Immediately, after his swearing-in as UP chief minister, Adityanath in his press conference reiterated Modis statement Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas while emphasising on job creation for the youth, good governance, better transportation system, and welfare for the poor and the backward as his goal.
Emphasising on no corruption, the new chief minister has even asked his cabinet colleagues to furnish their property details within a fortnight. Isnt it on the lines of Modi, who had said immediately after taking over as prime minster, Na khaaunga aur na khaane doonga (Neither will I take bribe nor let anyone do so)".
The website also talks about central government schemes aiming at poor, SC, ST, backward castes, unemployed youth, etc, which is in sync with Modis pro-poor narrative that has captured the nations imagination and proved to be the trump card for the BJP in winning elections one after the other.
This syncing with the larger national goal of the prime minister is not limited to the website; people from Adityanaths constituency say that this disciple of Mahant Avaidyanath, the then chief priest of Gorakhnath Matth, has been active on ground when it comes to local development and resolving problems.
Its the media that has projected a negative image of Yogi Adityanath. On the contrary, he has done development work in this constituency. Its his firebrand Hindutva image that helped him to get work done for his electorate in the regimes of the Samajwadi Party and Bahujan Samaj Party. When it comes to serving his electorate, hes equal to all irrespective of caste and religion. In fact, unka kaam bolta hai (his work speaks), unlike Akhilesh Yadav, Snehlata Sharma, a working woman and resident of Gorakhpur said.
An article in Hindustan Times says that Yogi is no hardliner to his Muslim aides, as a Muslim has been entrusted at Gorakhnath Matth to look after the cows in the goshala. Yogi stands up for every needy person, irrespective of his religion, the article mentions.
Following the political lines of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the BJP, Adityanaths vahini is vocal against the Congress, cow slaughter and conversion to Christianity. In the sections called From the history and Conspiracy attempt has been made to showcase the negative side of former Congress prime ministers Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, and how Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose had been a victim of Congress conspiracy. A few articles that bring the point home are Mystery of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, Exposing Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi-Political terrorism.
On the lines of Modis No tolerance to terrorism policy, Adityanath has strongly expressed views through articles and videos on Naxalism and Islamic terrorism. Given the despicable situation of law and order in the state, and the ever-present threat of terrorism, its high time Uttar Pradesh got a strong chief minister. Hopefully, Yogi Adityanaths image will help keep such elements at bay, and those interested in development will be able to walk along with him and Modi jis development agenda, a BJP leader from Lucknow said.
The Hindu Yuva Vahini website declares that it wants to be a partner in the growth and development of India, can UP finally expect development under Yogi Adityanath?
Yogi Adityanath, the newly appointed chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, on Tuesday afternoon intervened during a discussion on Finance Bill in the Lok Sabha, which in itself was an unusual event. But then, Adityanath used it as an opportunity for an image makeover.
The five-term MP's elevation as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is sure to change the course of politics in the state. He and his party chose to have his farewell from the parliament in the most unconventional way by providing him the most legitimate forum to give his acceptance speech as chief minister and farewell speech as an MP, rolled into one. His style that always ensures high visibility and high attention for him from all sides would be discussed and debated for long by the students and practitioners of politics.
Long years ago, in April 1999 another chief minister had become the centre of attention. Though the two situations are not comparable but still it would be worthwhile to briefly mention Giridhar Gamag, the then Orissa chief minister for few months who had not resigned from Lok Sabha because the stipulated time limit to resign from Lok Sabha on occupying another post was not over yet. Gamang had then entered Parliament quietly and surprised all present by pressing "No" button on confidence motion moved by Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Gamang's vote proved decisive and Vajpayee government fell by one vote.
Yogi too made a surprise entry and intervention in Lok Sabha on his visit to Delhi. But his case was different from Gamang's. Two days after assuming office of UP Chief Minister, he landed in New Delhi to hold discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP president Amit Shah and other top leaders in government and party. It seems that an impromptu decision was taken to field Yogi inside the House to make his last speech in 16th Lok Sabha.
There has never been any doubt about Adityanath's credentials as a parliamentarian and his oratorical skills. He used this opportunity with a well crafted speech that he delivered to express his gratitude to the House, hail Modi's leadership while hitting all the right notes at the same time by detailing various schemes initiated by the Modi government. But more than that, he eloquently outlined his own agenda for governance in UP, where he said "all the MPs of Parliament would be welcomed warmly."
He smartly let everyone know that the model that he was going to follow for governance as chief minister was his own, Gorkahpur model . He was not going to search for any other place for a better model.
To outline his Gorakhpur model, he narrated his experience as a first time MP, when he first entered the House in 1998 at the age of 26. By his own statement he was very thin then and had gone to meet the then chemical and fertiliser minister in Vajpayee government Surjeet Singh Barnala to discuss the fate of a closed fertiliser factory in Gorakhpur. During the brief interaction Barnala asked him three times "are you from Gorakhpur." He then went on to tell Adityanath that he (Barnala) had gone to Gorakhpur to hold a public meeting but had to run away from the place after two warring sides hurled bombs at each other.
Yogi then said that he returned to his constituency and held a meeting with several groups to narrate the aforementioned story and discussed at length over what could be done to clear the image of his constituency and ensure better living conditions for the people there. He then patted his own back and credited himself for creating a situation where according to him people now lived without fear, where rangdari tax are no longer sought, where there is no fear of abduction, where communal amity was the rule, and his list of such items went on and on. "In past five years there have been 403 incldents of communal flare up in UP but not a single incident took place in Gorakhpur," Adityanath said.
The thrust of his argument was that irrespective of which government was in power in Lucknow, Gorakhpur was an island of its own where he ruled the roost with his own set of followers. Now Gorakhpur is going to have AIIMS. He then went on to narrate how he would build UP as "sapno ka pradesh (dream state)" as visualised by Modi.
"Now that a new government has taken over and I have been given the responsibility of steering the state you will see same things happening all over UP", Yogi said.
But his most interesting statement was when he told the leaders on Opposition benches "aap dekhte rahiye bahut kuch band hone ja raha hai (you just keep on watching so many things are going to be shut down in the state)."
His sharpest political punch was reserved for Rahul Gandhi and his new found political ally Akhilesh Yadav. Apparently referring to Sheila Dikshit's remarks on Rahul Gandhi stating that he is still to mature (at 47 years) , Yogi said "I am one year younger to Rahul Gandhi and one year older to Akhilesh Yadav. Still they are called youth leaders. The reason for their failure could be that I came in between the two of them." Mallikarjun Kharge from Congress had a difficult time responding to him.
Yogi's other punch on Congress, SP and BSP was on Encephalitis. He said that he had been consistently raising this issue in parliament but unfortunately those who keep on talking of Dalit and Muslim communities did not bother to do anything to fight the disease. He also added that unfortunately most of the children who were struck by the disease belonged to Dalit and minority communities.
With the speech laden with meanings and promise for a better Uttar Pradesh, Adityanath has set a new agenda for himself and his opportunity for an image makeover lay there. Whether or not, the Gorakhdham Temple's head priest use it, remains to be seen.
By Elisabeth O'Leary
| EDINBURGH
EDINBURGH While the economic case for Scottish independence once centred on oil, people like company director Niall McLean now argue that trade is the way to ensure their country's future prosperity - and avoid the damage of the United Kingdom leaving the EU.Turning Scotland, which sells two thirds of its exports to the rest of Britain, into a heavyweight international trader would be tough. This is especially so because a dive in global oil prices since Scots voted on - and rejected - independence in 2014 has hit its economy hard.With the Scottish National Party (SNP) which runs the devolved government pushing for a new referendum, opponents of dismantling the 300-year-old union say the economy can ill-afford another divisive campaign and its inherent uncertainty.But McLean says uncertainty is a given anyway as the government in London prepares to negotiate Britain's departure from the European Union after 44 years in the trading bloc."At the end of the uncertainty you have to think of where you want to be," said McLean, who sits on the advisory board of Business for Scotland, a pro-independence group. "Independence gives us a route where the EU market is still open to us and there is a way forward for trade. Brexit is the opposite."His firm, Geo-Rope, provides civil engineering services across Britain and continental Europe. And just as McLean needs the bloc as a market, he also needs it as recruitment pool: his 200 staff include many citizens of other EU countries whose future right to work in Britain remains uncertain after Brexit.Last June's vote by Britons to quit the EU has altered the political landscape; England, the United Kingdom's most populous nation, opted along with Wales to leave; the Scots and Northern Irish wanted to keep their EU membership.Scotland's First Minister and SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon says Brexit has dissolved the certainty that the United Kingdom once offered; faced with being taken out of the EU against the will of the majority, Scots must have a new choice, she argues. Independence offers them an opportunity to stay in the bloc, or at least its single market, after Britain exits. British Prime Minister Theresa May, who would have to sign off on any binding referendum, has said now is "not the time" for one but Sturgeon is raising the pressure for a vote between the autumn of next year and spring of 2019.MARKET, WHICH MARKET?
Campaigning for succession in 2014, the SNP argued that tax revenues from North Sea oil production which go to the UK exchequer should belong to an independent Scotland, providing a cushion of prosperity for its five million citizens.In the end a majority did not see the sense of breaking with Scotland's biggest trading partner and its currency, the pound. Since then, oil prices have dived from $100 a barrel to half that, leading to a collapse in North Sea tax revenues and hurting Scottish regions that service the offshore energy industry, notably around the east coast city of Aberdeen.
Nationalists and unionists both want expanded trade, but argue over which market should take priority.With 8 percent of the UK population and annual economic output of 150 billion pounds, Scotland sells 50 billion pounds ($62 billion) in goods and services to the rest of Britain. In 2015, that amounted to 63 percent of Scottish exports, compared with just 16 percent to other EU member states, Scottish government figures show."If everyone in Scotland agrees that free trade with Europe is important - and we do - it is literally impossible to deny that trade with the rest of the UK matters four times as much," Ruth Davidson, who leads May's Conservatives in Scotland, said earlier this year. This opinion is shared by many in the divided business community.Oil no longer dominates Scotland's trade. In 2015 petroleum and chemicals were only the third biggest international export industry, earning 2.8 billion pounds. By contrast food and drink, including Scotch whisky exports, brought in 4.8 billion.If another referendum is held, SNP projections will assume oil produces no tax revenues, its economic strategist has said.As in most developed economies, services are by far the biggest sector, accounting for 75 percent of Scottish gross domestic product. Among these are tourism, a large financial industry centred on Edinburgh and firms like Geo-Rope.
The SNP denies independence would mean business turning its back on neighbouring British markets. Scottish Economy Secretary Keith Brown has cited Canada, which sells 75 percent of its exports to the United States. "Are our opponents really saying that Canada cannot be independent because their largest trading partner is America?" he asked. "Of course not, because their argument is illogical nonsense."GATEWAY TO THE EU
Economists are divided over the long-term consequences of Brexit but Simon Wren-Lewis, Professor of Economic Policy at Oxford University, estimates it could cut average British incomes by 10 percent by 2030. "If Scotland, by becoming independent, can avoid that fate then you have a clear long-term economic gain right there. But it is more than that. If Scotland can remain in the (EU) single market it could be the destination of the foreign investment that once came to the UK as a gateway into the EU," he said.The question of what currency an independent Scotland would use remains open. In 2014 the SNP proposed keeping the pound despite the implied dependence on the Bank of England and the British authorities' rejection of the idea.
Sturgeon has said using sterling is a "starting point" for an independent Scotland. Former Bank of England governor Mervyn King has said he does not think using the pound would be a major complication, but he pointed to another - public finances.NO ISSUE WITH BORDERS
Before 2014, Scotland's economy grew for a few years in line with broader British GDP but this changed after oil fell that year. In the third quarter of 2016, Scottish GDP rose just 0.7 percent year-on-year compared with 2.2 percent for Britain.Scotland ran a estimated 15 billion pound fiscal deficit in the year to March 2016, equal to around 10 percent of its annual GDP. EU states are supposed to limit their deficits to 3 percent; the UK figure was 3.8 percent.David Eiser, a fellow at economic thinktank Fraser of Allander Institute and an adviser to the Scottish parliament, said tough questions would face an independent Scotland."How do you fill what is a very large gap? Are there types of economic activity that aren't being taxed at the moment, such as in the digital economy ... and where do you cut chunks of public spending?" he asked.Businesses are keen to keep free movement of EU labour which has helped redress an ageing and shrinking population. About 181,000 citizens of other EU states live in Scotland, around 3.4 percent of the population. A third work in hotels and restaurants and around 20,000 in the 14 billion pound food and drink sector, much of which is in outlying areas.Tom Barrie runs a transport and logistics firm employing around 450 drivers from Britain, France and the Netherlands. "If we don't have free movement of trade and free movement of labour, that will damage my business," said Barrie, who supports independence and wants Scotland to keep the pound.Barrie is confident that, post-independence, a deal could be struck with London avoiding trade barriers, citing the example of the open frontier between British Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic, which uses the euro. "In Ireland they have two currencies and one country and don't have a border. I'm a frequent visitor and it has no detrimental effect to life there."($1 = 0.8081 pounds) (editing by David Stamp)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Beijing: China on Monday warned India not to go against its "core concerns" to avoid "disruption" in bilateral ties after New Delhi invited the Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama to an international Buddhist seminar in Bihar.
"In recent days the Indian side, in total disregard of China's stern representation and strong opposition, insisted on inviting the 14th Dalai Lama to attend the international conference on Buddhism held by the Indian government," Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters. "China is strongly dissatisfied and firmly opposed to it," she said.
"We urge the Indian side to clearly see the anti-China splittist nature of the Dalai group and honour its commitment on Tibet and related questions, respect China's core concerns and avoid China-India relations from being further disrupted and undermined," she said.
The 81-year-old Dalai Lama inaugurated an international seminar on Buddhism on 17 March in Rajgir in Bihar's Nalanda district, about 100 km from the capital Patna.
Buddhist monks and scholars from various countries participated in the seminar 'Buddhism in 21st Century'.
Earlier this month, China had objected to India permitting the Dalai Lama to visit Arunachal Pradesh which it regards as Southern Tibet.
China is strongly opposed to the Dalai Lama visiting disputed areas, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang had said.
"China's position on the eastern section of China-India border dispute is consistent and clear. The Dalai clique has long been engaging in anti-China separatist activities and its record on the border question is not that good," he had said.
China views the Nobel Peace laureate, who fled into exile in India after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959, as a dangerous separatist.
China in the past held talks with him for reconciliation after he fled from Tibet. But no such talks were held after President Xi Jinping took over as the new leader in 2012 and Beijing kept pressure on various countries not to host him.
Meanwhile, analysts of China's state-run think tanks termed as provocative the India's invitation to the Dalai Lama to participate in the Buddhism conference in Bihar.
The Indian invitation to him demonstrates that India is trying to secure concessions in Arunachal Pradesh which China claims south Tibet through such provocation, Wang Dehua, Director of the Institute for Southern and Central Asian Studies of Shanghai told official daily Global Times.
"But in doing so, India is asking for trouble, worsening the bilateral relations and impeding normal bilateral discussion," he was quoted as saying by the daily.
India deliberately used the Dalai Lama, who is not only a religious figure but also a political one, as a "legal excuse" to claim the disputed region, said Hu Shisheng, the director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies.
India has been bolder to follow the US, considering that its rhetoric on the Tibet question is increasingly intensifying when many western countries are playing it down, Hu said.
India's aggressive gesture of inviting the Dalai Lama will bring no benefit to India, but tarnish its image among Chinese people, Hu said.
BEIJING Chinese President Xi Jinping told visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that peaceful coexistence with the Palestinians would be good for both sides.Xi, whose country has traditionally played little role in Middle East conflicts or diplomacy despite its reliance on the region for oil, said a peaceful and stable Middle East was in everyone's interests.He said that China had increasingly close relations with countries in the region, according to a statement from China's Foreign Ministry about his meeting with Netanyahu.It has, for example, tried to help in efforts to end Syria's civil war. Beijing-based diplomats say it portrays itself as an honest broker without the historical baggage the Americans and Europeans have in the region."A peaceful, stable, developing Middle East accords with the common interests of all, including China and Israel," the statement paraphrased Xi as saying.
"China appreciates Israel's continuing to take the 'two state proposal' as the basis for handling the Israel-Palestine issue," he added.Peaceful coexistence between Israel and Palestine would be good for both parties and the region and is what the international community favours, Xi said.
Chinese envoys occasionally visit Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but Chinese efforts to mediate or play a role in that long-standing dispute have never amounted to much. China also has traditionally had a good relationship with the Palestinians.An Israeli government statement quoted Netanyahu as telling Xi that Israel admires China's capabilities, its position on the world stage and in history.
"We have always believed, as we discussed on my previous visit, that Israel can be a partner, a junior partner, but a perfect partner for China in the development of a variety of technologies that change the way we live, how long we live, how healthy we live, the water we drink, the food we eat, the milk that we drink in every area," he said. Netanyahu's trip comes just days after China hosted Saudi Arabia's King Salman and signed deals worth as much as $65 billion with Riyadh.The Middle East, however, is fraught with risk for China, a country that has little experience navigating the religious and political tensions that frequently rack the region.China also has close ties with Iran, whose nuclear programme has seriously alarmed Israel. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Additional reporting by Luke Baker in Jerusalem; Editing by Tom Heneghan)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
China warned India on Monday (March 20) not to go against its "core concerns" to avoid "disruption" in bilateral ties. Chinas anger stemmed from His Holiness Dalai Lama, the Tibetan spiritual leader, being allowed to participate in the international conference on Buddhism held in Nalanda (Bihar) last week. China is also upset that India has ignored its earlier warning against Prime Minister Narendra Modi visiting Arunachal Pradesh, which it describes to be southern Tibet, not to speak of the scheduled trip by the Dalai Lama to the state early next month ( 4-13 April); he will be hosted by the famous monastery in Tawang.
Core interests is a term that is being frequently used by the Chinese leaders these days. What it means is that matters of core interests are non-negotiable by China. But the problem with Chinas core interests is that the scope under this term is gradually broadening, a development that the rest of the world is viewing to be a matter of great concern.
Common sense suggests that core interests are vital national interests of every country that include its sovereignty and territorial integrity. And for preserving these interests, the country will use all the resources at its disposal, including military. In other words, these interests are essentially defensive in nature. But in Chinas case, going by its shifting definition of the term, core interests are increasingly becoming offensive, with serious implications for India.
Incidentally, Chinese officials and media started using the term core interests sometime around 2004. These essentially referred to Taiwan, Tibet and Xinjiang specific sovereignty issues that China always asserted to be its internal matters. But with Chinas rising economic, diplomatic and military power, Beijing started redefining the term. It has been redefined in various speeches, from time to time, of the Chinese president, prime minister and top officials of the Chinese communist party. Senior civil servants, columnists and academicians of China have also reinterpreted the term, the most famous being that of Dai Bingguo, a top Chinese diplomat, in July 2009.
However, in September 2011, Beijing brought out what it called the Chinese Peaceful Development Policy paper, which for the first time defined explicitly core interests to include state sovereignty, national security, territorial integrity and national reunification, China's political system established by the Constitution and overall social stability, and the basic safeguards for ensuring sustainable economic and social development.
In July 2015, the scope was further enhanced by linking the core interests to the newly enunciated National Security Law, Article 2 of which clearly states that National security refers to the relative absence of international or domestic threats to the state's power to govern, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, the welfare of the people, sustainable economic and social development, and other major national interests, and the ability to ensure a continued state of security.
The linkage was obvious when soon after the passage of the new law, Ms Zheng Shuna, deputy director of the legislative affairs commission of the National Peoples Congress, explained, Our national security law is to maintain the core interests of the nation and other major interests. For safeguarding national core interests, China has repeatedly said that we adhere to a peaceful path of development but will never give up our righteous interests and sacrifice the core national interests.
The point thus is clear that the Chinese core interests are becoming increasingly all-encompassing. Under the pretext of sustainable economic development, China can now even justify its investments, trade and related activities anywhere in the world falling under its core interests, for the safeguarding of which it can even justify military means. And it is under this new definition that China is now becoming brazenly aggressive on its positions on South China Sea and the islands in the East China Sea that Japan calls the Senkaku (China calls the Diaoyu). Its positions on the Dalai Lama and Arunachal Pradesh need to be seen in this light.
Chinese core interests do concern India in many ways. For one, the Chinese theory makes the task of solution of India-China territorial disputes all the more onerous. For another, this theory does not believe in reciprocity. While it is sensitive about its core interests, China never respects the corresponding interests of India, be it the case of Indias membership in Nuclear Supply Group (NSG) essential for Indias economic development through the use of non-conventional and clean energy or the issue of declaring Masood Azhar a global terrorist an essential step towards ensuring peace, unity and communal harmony under Indian democracy.
On the other hand, China continues to encircle India by developing establishments and infrastructures in all the neighbouring countries of India (Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan) that have strong military implications. It is arming Pakistan with nuclear weapons and missiles, not to speak of other India-centric ammunition. Of late, China has started controlling water-inflow in rivers like the Brahmaputra, jeoparadising the livelihood of people in the North East and West Bengal.
However, the worst instance of ignoring Indias core interests on the part of China is Beijings position on Kashmir. The practice of issuing stapled visa and sending its troops in the Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir to safeguard its economic interests (the Karakoram Highway/the $46 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) are really worrying developments for India. China refuses to acknowledge that Kashmir has been an inalienable component of Indian civilisation from time immemorial and that Kashmirs de facto and de jure status is coterminous with that of India.
In fact, it can be well argued that unlike Kashmir being an integral part of India, Chinas linkages with both Taiwan and Tibet are fragile. Chinas thousand years of history suggest that Beijing had never any effective control over Taiwan. In fact, until 1895, when China ceded Formosa (the then name of Taiwan) to Japan in perpetuity, no Chinese family from the mainland was allowed to migrate to Taiwan.
But, more interesting is the fact that when Japan surrendered after her defeat in the World War II, it just relinquished its sovereignty over Taiwan without transferring it back to China. Since then Taiwan has been virtually an independent country. Taiwans democratic political and economic systems have been totally different from the communist ones in the mainland. Contrary to what China would like the rest of the world to believe, the fact is that Taiwan is going to exist with its own system and features, separate from China, not as a part of it.
As regards Tibet, China needs to realise that India cannot just sever its historical and cultural ties with Tibet, hence the Dalai Lama, to please the Chinese. As I had argued once in Firstpost , India is bound with Tibet, as two of the holiest Hindu shrines, Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, are located there. Tibet is also the source of four great rivers that flow into India.
The Dalai Lama has periodically pointed out that the Tibetans are descendants of Rupati, king of a south Indian kingdom who escaped to Tibet with his subjects after the epic Mahabharata War. As for the king of Tibet, it is believed that around 150 BC a prince of the Magadha Kingdom (present-day Bihar state) escaped to Tibet after being exiled from his kingdom. Tibetans named him Nyatri Tsenpo and made him their king, and so began the Tibetan royal lineage. A closer look at geography, ancestry and royal dynasties reveals close ties between India and Tibet.
The Chinese say that Tibet became a part of the Chinese empire when the great Mongol Genghis Khan annexed Tibet (most parts of it) in the early 13th century. It is a strange logic, because taken to its logical conclusion, one could argue that China is a part of Mongolia and does not deserve to exist as an independent nation! Secondly, why are the Chinese not claiming a quarter of Europe, Russia and the whole of West Asia (Middle East) and Central Asia since these also constituted the Mongol empire of Genghis Khan?
The problem with the Chinese version of history is where to draw the line. After all, it is also a fact that the pre-Mongol history of Tibet was militarily glorious. In the eighth century, the Tibetan empire was expanding at such a pace that at one time the then Chinese emperor had to flee his capital and a Tibetan nominee was put on the Chinese throne! Peace was restored in the year 821 with the conclusion of a Treaty, which laid down clearly the boundaries between China and Tibet. It read: Tibet and China shall abide by the frontiers of which they are now in occupation. All to the East is the country of Great China; and all to the west is, without question, the country of Great Tibet. And when one talks of recent history, the fact remains that whether it was Britain until 1947 or the former Soviet Union until 1990, the widely-held view was that Tibet belonged to Indias sphere of influence.
The moral of the story thus is that the Chinese theory of core interests is not based on any sound principles; it is the ugly manifestation of its increasing power.
Supreme Leader of Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei on Tuesday wished further success of Iranian government in the New Iranian Year in serving Iran and Iranians, IRNA reported.
The Supreme Leader also congratulated President Hassan Rouhani and the great family of Iranian nation on the happy occasion of New Year.
The Supreme Leader extended the felicitation in the course of phone talks with President Rouhani on advent of the new Iranian year of 1396 (March 21, 2017-March 20, 2018).
President Rouhani, congratulating the Supreme Leader on the occasion, wished him health and longevity.
He hoped that in light of the wise guidelines of the Supreme Leader, the New Year will undoubtedly be the year of collective efforts and continued implementation of the policies of Economic Resistance, more progress of dear Iranian nation, further vibrancy in national production, and more employment, especially for the youth.
Time and People magazine have confirmed that they will not hold their "glitzy", celebrity-filled party the night before the White House Correspondents' Dinner, a media report said.
The move follows several other high profile parties being cancelled for the annual event, during which the US media, politicians, and celebrities gather to celebrate journalism awards, scholarships and normally to toast the President, Politico news said in the report on Monday.
Donald Trump has announced he will not attend the 29 April event, the first time a sitting president has skipped the dinner in decades.
The last President to miss the dinner was Ronald Reagan, who sat out because he was recovering from an assassination attempt in 1981, although he still delivered remarks by phone.
However, Time will still attend the dinner, while People will be making a donation to the White House Correspondents' Association in lieu of tables at the dinner, a spokesperson said.
"This year we have decided to focus on supporting the White House Correspondents Association, which plays a crucial role in advocating for the broadest possible access for the press at the White House," Alan Murray, Time Inc. chief content officer said in a statement on Monday.
Vanity Fair and The New Yorker have also announced they are cancelling their annual events, which like the Time and People magazine party were normally the most celebrity-filled events of the weekend, the Politico news report added.
Other events, such as MSNBC's after-party, have not yet been announced.
Several news organisations have also withdrawn from attending the event in protest of Trump's treatment of the media.
Washington: Passengers travelling to the US from eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa will be prohibited from carrying electronic devices in the cabin, according to new security restrictions by US President Donald Trump's administration.
Passengers will have to check in any devices bigger than a smartphone, including iPads, Kindles and laptops before clearing security or boarding, US officials said, citing terrorism concerns, CNN reported on Tuesday.
The ban will affect over 50 flights from 10 airports, including major global hubs like Dubai and Istanbul, according to senior administration officials. Crew members are not included in the device ban.
Officials said the airlines affected by the ban will have 96 hours to comply with the restrictions. Carriers that fail to follow them risk losing their authorisation to operate in the US.
The airlines affected are Egyptair, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.
The 10 international airports covered by the ban are in Cairo (Egypt), Dubai and Abu Dhabi (UAE), Istanbul (Turkey), Doha (Qatar), Amman (Jordan), Kuwait City, Casablanca (Morocco), Jeddah and Riyadh (Saudi Arabia). Officials said the airports were selected based on the "current threat picture".
The officials said US carriers are not affected because none of them fly from the airports in question to the US.
Word of the ban was first made public Monday afternoon -- not by US administration officials, but in a tweet sent out by Royal Jordanian Airlines, reported the Washington Post.
Initially, US officials declined to comment on the report, saying only that they would provide an update "when appropriate", said the report.
Royal Jordanian Airlines told passengers that medical devices were still allowed.
The US officials said intelligence "indicates terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation" by "smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items".
"Just evaluating all the intelligence, we believe that the threat is still prominent against aircraft and airports," an official said.
Washington: US President Donald Trump has questioned the decision of his predecessors to first send the American troops to Iraq and then withdraw them, while assuring support to the war-torn country to maintain stability.
"I know Mosul is moving along, but Mosul was ours until we left," Trump told reporters during a brief media appearance with the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abidi in the Cabinet room of the White House.
"So perhaps we shouldn't have gone in, and certainly we shouldn't have left. We should never ever have left, and the vacuum was created, and we discussed what happened," Trump said after the two leaders met in the Oval office.
Trump said his main thrust is to get rid of Islamic State.
"We're going to get rid of ISIS. It will happen. It's happening right now," he said. The US Defence Secretary General (retd) James Mattis and his team have done an incredible job, he said.
"A lot of things are different than they were even five or six weeks ago. We've been here a short while and people have said they'd never seen such a difference," Trump said.
In his remarks, al-Abidi said Islamic State is a terrorist organisation which threatens the security of the world.Speaking in Arabic, the Iraqi Prime Minister emphasised the fact that Iraq is on the forefront of fighting IS.
The Iraqi Prime Minister said that he wants to build on the strategic agreement Iraq signed with the US. The Prime Minister and his delegation are spending few days in Washington, during which he is expected to meet with congressional leaders on the hill.
Meanwhile, US Senators Bob Corker and Ben Cardin, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a bipartisan letter to Trump urging continued US support to foster unity and stability in Iraq.
The letter was supported by more than a dozen other senators.
"We urge you to continue working with Iraq's leaders to preserve their country's unity and ensure its stability. This requires a plan for decentralising some functions of the government, disbanding Iranian-aligned militias, addressing the humanitarian needs of Iraq's community, and committing to a program of reconciliation," the letter said.
Later, in an address to a Washington think-tank community, al-Abidi said that Trump has assured Iraq's government of greater US support as it confronts IS and stabilises the country.
"We have been given assurances that the support will not only continue but will accelerate," he said in his address to the US Institute of Peace, a top American think-tank.
However, the US support is unlikely to include the United States "sending troops in large numbers" to Iraq.
"I think this administration wants to be head to head with terrorism, to be more engaged. We are not talking about (US) military confrontation as such in Iraq," he said.
According to al-Abidi, Iraq's forces "are at the last stage of liberating" the city of Mosul and its province from fighters of the Islamic State.
Later this week, the Iraqi Prime Minister will also attend the 22-23 March conference hosted by the State Department to frame strategy for the 68-member Global Coalition to Counter ISIS.
"We need to have a plan together. We shouldn't be derailing the whole thing or losing focus against ISIS because of clashes among the region's major actors," he said.
By Marcin Goclowski
| WARSAW
WARSAW The European Union's top migration official on Tuesday warned member states against failing to host refugees and help alleviate the pressure on countries like Greece and Italy, which have borne the brunt of arrivals across the Mediterranean. Dimitris Avramopoulos was speaking in Poland, whose eurosceptic government rejects a mandatory quota agreed on by EU leaders in September, 2015, and has taken in none of the nearly 6,200 migrants allocated to it.Fewer than 14,500 asylum-seekers have been relocated from Greece and Italy, the first EU countries that many refugees and migrants from the Middle East and Africa set foot in, under the two-year plan that was supposed to cover 160,000 people and expires in September.
While the European Commission, the bloc's executive, can sue countries that fail to meet their commitments, it has so far shied away from doing so over immigration, highlighting the political sensitivity surrounding issue."It is important for governments to understand that they should be part of it," Avramopoulos told a news conference in Warsaw. "If some of them do not comply... the Commission has the power, the tools to convince these countries."
Some 1.6 million refugees and migrants reached the European Union between 2014 and 2016 and how to handle them has been a major point of contention between member states.
Poland's previous centre-right government voted in favour of the quotas. But the current, nationalist-minded Law and Justice (PiS) administration does not want to honour the commitment.While in Warsaw, Avramopoulos met with the head of the EU's border agency Frontex, which is headquartered in the Polish capital. (Reporting by Marcin Goclowski; Editing by Gabriela Baczynska and Richard Lough)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Yimou Lee
| YANGON
YANGON One of China's biggest state-owned lenders has suspended an account used to fund ethnic rebels fighting government troops in Myanmar, halting an arrangement that could have stoked diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Myanmar.The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which clashed with government forces this month, said Agricultural Bank Of China (AgBank) (601288.SS) (1288.HK) was no longer accepting funds into an account it used to receive donations from supporters.Reuters was unable to confirm what prompted AgBank's move. It came after Reuters sent AgBank a list of questions regarding the transactions, which compliance experts said could point to a weakness in controls aimed at stopping the global financial system being used to fund terrorism or facilitate crime.AgBank declined to comment on Reuters' specific questions about the MNDAA account, citing client confidentiality. It said in a statement that it paid high attention to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing work, and "diligently obeyed relevant laws, regulations and regulatory requirements".There is no evidence that Agbank, or other financial entities that handled transactions for the MNDAA, have broken Chinese law.The MNDAA is not designated as a terrorist organisation by any government or transnational body.Still, several compliance experts contacted by Reuters said acceptance of the group's funds could leave the bank exposed to questionable or potentially illegal activities.The MNDAA has refused to disarm or play an active part in Myanmar's peace process, and defence analysts say it continues to acquire weapons.Its leader, Peng Jiasheng, has been identified as a major drugs trafficker by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, according to U.S. diplomatic cables, dated 2009, released by Wikileaks.Yan Zhen Kun, an MNDAA representative who oversees donations for the group, said he was informed by AgBank of the account shutdown at the weekend."We were told by the bank that we need to finalise some procedures," he told Reuters. "It did not tell us how long this might take." MILITARY PRESSURE
The MNDAA attacked troops in northeastern Myanmar this month, sending more than 20,000 people fleeing across the border to China. It said it was responding to "continued military pressure" from the army.Myanmar says it accepts Beijing's assurances it is not supporting the MNDAA.
Zaw Htay, director general of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's office, said Myanmar was "fully convinced" by assurances from China's leadership that it was not backing ethnic armed groups on the border. Still, Myanmar had complained to Beijing about low-level Chinese officials it believed were helping the rebels for their own gain, he said.Records on the MNDAA's website show it collected more than half a million dollars over nearly two years after making a "crowdfunding" appeal for donations.Donors either deposited the money directly in an AgBank account or sent it via two mobile payment services - Tencent Holdings' (0700.HK) WeChat Pay and Alipay, part of Ant Financial, which is affiliated with U.S.-listed Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba (BABA.N).Ant Financial declined to comment specifically on Reuters' questions about the MNDAA's use of its Alipay platform, but said it was investing a lot in risk management."There are a lot of bad actors out there who try to take advantage of these accounts so we've built a pretty good system at detecting those early and then enabling ourselves and our partners to stop transactions," said Douglas Feagin, head of Ant's international strategy.Tencent did not respond to Reuters' emailed requests for comment.REPUTATIONAL RISK
Some compliance experts believe the deposits ought to be enough to raise red flags within financial institutions that follow global counter-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering guidelines.Financial contacts with an organisation linked to drug trafficking or the arms trade pose a regulatory and reputational risk to firms even if they have not themselves done anything illegal, experts say."If I handed this case to an internal committee there is absolutely no way they would do anything other than shut the account down immediately," said an anti-money laundering officer at a global bank. Banks and financial firms in China, as elsewhere, are required by "know-your-customer" rules to check the identity of people or companies using their systems.Compliance experts said global financial firms typically use a number of automated tools to screen for individuals or groups that may even loosely be linked in media coverage or other publicly available information to potential criminal activity, and would view any such connections as a reputational risk.Some bankers working in China said it was very difficult to police cash flowing through their system, given the network was less mature than in the West and criminal and armed groups were increasingly sophisticated.They added that the sheer volume of transactions on mobile platforms made it impossible to monitor them all, so smaller payments were effectively invisible to banks and regulators.
DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS
Insurgents openly raising tens of thousands of dollars from mainland supporters through Chinese platforms risks straining China's relations with Suu Kyi, who has made ending decades of ethnic war her top priority, according to people who have studied Myanmar's border conflicts. Beijing says it follows a policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries. But some analysts such as Yangon-based Richard Horsey, a former United Nations diplomat in Myanmar, have long suggested China uses ethnically Chinese insurgent groups such as the MNDAA as a means of leverage over the government in Myanmar.In 2015, after another bout of fighting between the MNDAA and government forces, a Myanmar official accused China of meddling in the peace process, which Beijing denied. An MNDAA spokesman did not respond to requests for comment."Allowing the MNDAA to fundraise in such an open manner within China will inevitably damage relations with Myanmar," Horsey said.The MNDAA says it is fighting for the rights of the Chinese-speaking ethnic Kokang people.China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Reuters' emailed request for comment. Beijing called for a ceasefire earlier this month after 30 people were killed in clashes between the MNDAA and troops in the Kokang region.MNDAA has gathered money online since 2015, according to records on its website. It made a crowdfunding plea in mid-January, as it was being increasingly outflanked by the Myanmar military in the hills straddling the border. The plea was ostensibly for money to support refugees from the conflict, but Li Jian Hua, listed on the website as the holder of MNDAA's account with AgBank, told Reuters it was used to sponsor the group's offensive."The money is not meant for refugees. It's used to support MNDAA," said Li.Since April 2015 - when the blog started publishing disclosures of donations - it has gathered $531,853. (Additional reporting Chyen Yee Lee in SINGAPORE, Wa Lone in YANGON, Engen Tham in Shanghai, Michelle Price in Hong Kong and Shu Zhang in Beijing; Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Alex Richardson)
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By Jonathan Saul, Parisa Hafezi and Michael Georgy
| LONDON/ANKARA/DUBAI
LONDON/ANKARA/DUBAI Iran is sending advanced weapons and military advisers to Yemen's rebel Houthi movement, stepping up support for its Shi'ite ally in a civil war whose outcome could sway the balance of power in the Middle East, regional and Western sources say.Iran's enemy Saudi Arabia is leading a Sunni Arab coalition fighting the Houthis in the impoverished state on the tip of the Arabian peninsula - part of the same regional power struggle that is fuelling the war in Syria.Sources with knowledge of the military movements, who declined to be identified, say that in recent months Iran has taken a greater role in the two-year-old conflict by stepping up arms supplies and other support. This mirrors the strategy it has used to support its Lebanese ally Hezbollah in Syria. A senior Iranian official said Major General Qassem Soleimani, commander of the Qods Force - the external arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps - met top IRGC officials in Tehran last month to look at ways to "empower" the Houthis. "At this meeting, they agreed to increase the amount of help, through training, arms and financial support," the official said. "Yemen is where the real proxy war is going on and winning the battle in Yemen will help define the balance of power in the Middle East." Iran rejects accusations from Saudi Arabia that it is giving financial and military support to the Houthis in the struggle for Yemen, blaming the deepening crisis on Riyadh.But Iran's actions in Yemen seem to reflect the growing influence of hardliners in Tehran, keen to pre-empt a tougher policy towards Iran signalled by U.S. President Donald Trump.Brigadier General Ahmed Asseri, spokesman for the Arab coalition fighting the Houthis, told Reuters: "We don't lack information or evidence that the Iranians, by various means, are smuggling weapons into the area."We observe that the Kornet anti-tank weapon is on the ground, whereas before it wasn't in the arsenal of the Yemeni army or of the Houthis. It came later." A Houthi leader said coalition accusations that Iran was smuggling weapons into Yemen were an attempt to cover up Saudi Arabia's failure to prevail in an intractable war in which at least 10,000 people have been killed."The Saudis don't want to admit their failings so they are searching for false justifications ... after two years of the aggression that the United States and Britain are involved in," the Houthi leader, who declined to be named, told Reuters.Iran's activities have alarmed Sunni Muslim countries in the Middle East, with one senior official from a neighbouring country saying: "We want Iran to stop exporting Shi'ism in the region, whether in Yemen or elsewhere."Saudi Arabia intervened in Yemen's civil war in 2015 to back President Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi after he was ousted from the capital Sanaa by the Houthis. Government forces in the south and east hold most of Yemen's territory, while the Houthis control most population centres in the northwest, including Sanaa.
A former senior Iranian security official said Iran's hardline rulers planned to empower Houthi militia in Yemen to "strengthen their hand in the region"."They are planning to create a Hezbollah-like militia in Yemen. To confront Riyadh's hostile policies ... Iran needs to use all its cards," the former official said.A Western diplomat in the Middle East agreed: "Iran has long been trying to cultivate portions of the Houthi militias as a disruptive force in Yemen. "This is not to say that the Houthis are Hezbollah, but they do not need to be to achieve Iran's goals, which is to encircle the Saudis, expand its influence and power projection in the region and develop levers of unconventional pressure."SHIPPING SUPPLIES
Sources say Iran is using ships to deliver supplies to Yemen either directly or via Somalia, bypassing coalition efforts to intercept shipments. Western sources say once the ships arrive in the region, the cargoes are transferred to small fishing boats, which are hard to spot because they are so common in these waters.
Favoured areas are believed to include fishing coves around the port of Mukalla, even though that would require smuggled men or equipment to make a long risky journey to the main Houthi-controlled districts.The coalition ejected al Qaeda from the area last year, but still cannot prevent the smuggling of weapons and people, according to sources familiar with the waters. The Arab coalition's General Asseri acknowledged the difficulties of policing 2,700 km of coastline around Yemen. "You cannot observe this length of coast even if you bring in all the navies of the world," he said. "If we stop movement of those small boats, this will affect fishing by normal people." From September 2015 until March 2016, the French and Australian navies frequently intercepted weapons which officials said were most likely bound for the Houthis. A U.S. defence official said Iranian weapons smuggling to the Houthis had continued apace since March last year, when the seizures stopped. The equipment included long-range ballistic missiles capable of reaching deep into Saudi Arabia."There is no plausible explanation for these weapons' appearance other than outside assistance. We assess that assistance has likely come from Iran," the U.S. official said.
Nic Jenzen-Jones, a military arms specialist and director of Armament Research Services, which has tracked Iranian equipment ending up in Yemen, also said quantities had increased. "We have seen some more success in sea-based transfers over the last few months and I suspect the general uptick in the frequency of Iranian arms that we are documenting is partially a result of more successful deliveries by sea," Jenzen-Jones said.DEVASTATING IMPACT
Evidence of more sophisticated equipment suspected of being used by the Houthis has emerged in recent attacks. On Jan. 30, a Saudi frigate was attacked near the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeidah, in an operation that Saudi official media blamed on the Houthis. The U.S. Navy said an unmanned remote-controlled boat laden with explosives rammed the Saudi vessel in the first known strike by a "drone" attack boat, and the Houthis had likely used technology supplied by Iran.In another development this month, a Yemeni government source told Reuters a coast guard boat was destroyed near al-Mokha by mines laid by the Houthis.Jenzen-Jones said the quality of Iranian munitions had improved of late."Recent transfers of arms and munitions have also included Iranian Ababil series UAVs (drones), fitted with high explosive warheads and used by Houthis to engage high-value targets, such as radar and Patriot missile batteries," he said.Anti-ship and man-portable missiles were also suspected to have been transferred, he said.In addition to the weapons, Iranian and regional sources said Tehran was providing Afghan and Shi'ite Arab specialists to train Houthi units and act as logistical advisers. These included Afghans who had fought in Syria under Qods Force commanders.Reuters has reported this same covert approach was used in Syria in 2014 before Iran took a more open role in that war. (Writing by Parisa Hafezi and Jonathan Saul, additional reporting by Mohammed Ghobari in Sanaa and William Maclean in Dubai; editing by Giles Elgood)
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By Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom
| WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON The Trump administration is considering sweeping sanctions aimed at cutting North Korea off from the global financial system as part of a broad review of measures to counter Pyongyang's nuclear and missile threat, a senior U.S. official said on Monday.The sanctions would be part of a multi-pronged approach of increased economic and diplomatic pressure especially on Chinese banks and firms that do the most business with North Korea plus beefed-up defences by the United States and its South Korean and Japanese allies, according to the administration official familiar with the deliberations.While the long-standing option of pre-emptive military strikes against North Korea is not off the table as reflected by U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's warning to Pyongyang during his Asia tour last week - the new administration is giving priority for now to less-risky options.The policy recommendations being assembled by President Donald Trump's national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, are expected to reach the president's desk within weeks, possibly before a summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in early April, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. North Korea is expected to top the agenda at that meeting.It is not clear how quickly Trump will decide on a course of action, which could be delayed by the slow pace at which the administration is filling key national security jobs.The White House declined comment.Trump met McMaster on Saturday to discuss North Korea and said afterward that the country's leader, Kim Jong Un, was "acting very, very badly."The president spoke hours after North Korea boasted of a successful rocket-engine test, which officials and experts think is part of a programme aimed at building an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of hitting the United States.'SECONDARY SANCTIONS'
The administration source said U.S. officials, including Tillerson, had privately warned China about broader "secondary sanctions" that would target banks and other companies that do business with North Korea, most of which are Chinese. The move under consideration would mark an escalation of Trump's pressure on China to do more to contain North Korea. It was not clear how Chinese officials responded to those warnings but Beijing has made clear its strong opposition to such moves.The objective would be to tighten the screws in the same way that the widening of sanctions - to encompass foreign firms dealing with Iran - was used to pressure Tehran to open negotiations with the West on its suspected nuclear weapons programme. That effort ultimately led to a 2015 deal to restrict Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.For such measures to have any chance to influence the behaviour of North Korea, which is already under heavy sanctions, Washington must secure full international cooperation - especially from China, which has shown little appetite for putting such a squeeze on its neighbour.
Analysts also have questioned whether such sanctions would be as effective on North Korea as they were on a major oil producer such as Iran, given the isolated nation's limited links to the world financial system.North Korea has relied heavily on illicit trade done via small Chinese banks. So, to be applied successfully, the new measures would have to threaten to bar those banks from the international financial system.Also under consideration are expanded efforts to seize assets of Kim and his family outside North Korea, the official said.MILITARY OPTIONS
The military dimension of the review includes a strengthened U.S. presence in the region and deployment of advanced missile defences, initially in South Korea and possibly in Japan. The U.S. military has begun to install a Terminal High Altitude Area Defence, or THAAD, system in South Korea, despite Chinese opposition.
Washington is increasingly concerned, however, that the winner of South Korea's May 9 presidential election might backtrack on the deployment and be less supportive of tougher sanctions.Tillerson warned on Friday that Washington had not ruled out military action if the threat from North Korea becomes unacceptable.For now, U.S. officials consider pre-emptive strikes too risky, given the danger of igniting a regional war and causing massive casualties in Japan and South Korea and among tens of thousands of U.S. troops based in both allied countries.Another U.S. government source said Trump could also opt to escalate cyber attacks and other covert action aimed at undermining North Korea's leadership."These options are not done as stand-alones," the first U.S. official said. "It's going to be some form of 'all of the above,' probably excluding military action."Trump is known to have little patience for foreign policy details, but officials say he seems to have heeded a warning from his predecessor, Barack Obama, that North Korea would be the most urgent international issue he would face.In his North Korea briefings, Trump has asked repeatedly how many nuclear warheads and missiles Pyongyang has, at the same time as demanding to know how much South Korea and Japan are paying for their own defence, one U.S. official said. (Reporting by Matt Spetalnick and David Brunnstrom; Additional reporting by John Walcott; Editing by Kieran Murray and Peter Cooney)
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ROME Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni said on Tuesday that he wants to send a strong message in favour of free trade when he welcomes U.S. President Donald Trump and other world leaders in Italy in May. Italy hosts the annual meeting of seven of the world's biggest industrialised economies (G7) in the town of Taormina in Sicily on May 26-27. It will be Trump's first scheduled trip to Europe.Trump brandished strong protectionist rhetoric during his "America First" election campaign, saying it was necessary to save jobs.He has already pulled out of a key Pacific trade agreement and proposed a new tax on imports, arguing that certain trade relationships need to be reworked to make them fairer for U.S. workers.
"It's our hope that the G-7 in Taormina will send a message about the importance of international trade and against every protectionist temptation," Gentiloni said after meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Rome."Japan and Europe must collaborate with the United States to continue to hold high the free-trade flag," Abe said.
As well as Japan, Italy and the United States, the G7 comprises Britain, France, Canada and Germany.Gentiloni and Abe also called for a free trade deal to be reached quickly between Japan and the European Union. Earlier this week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Abe made similar comments after meeting in Germany.
After meeting Merkel in Washington last week, Trump said he did not believe in isolationism but that trade policy must be more fair.On Saturday, financial leaders of the world's 20 biggest economies (G20) dropped a long-held pledge to keep global trade free and open, acquiescing to the United States after failing to find a compromise.Gentiloni also said he would push the G7 to favour dialogue over sanctions in its relations with Russia. (Reporting by Steve Scherer Editing by Jeremy Gaunt)
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Finally, the two Sufi-oriented priests and custodians of Delhis Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, who had gone on a visit to Pakistan on 8 March and were said to have gone missing, have come back to India.
According to Pakistans Samaa TV, their whereabouts could not be traced and remained secret for three days. Then, they resurfaced in Karachi and told media that they had gone to meet their devotees in interior Sindh.
But, shockingly, the two priests were picked up by Pakistani intelligence soon after, over two different charges. First, that they had alleged links with Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) a secular political party in Pakistan. And second, on allegations based on a misleading article in a Pakistani media outlet, calling the two priests "RAW agents" India's primary foreign intelligence agency.
They were offloaded from their Karachi-bound Shaheen Airlines flight on 14 March, at the Allama Iqbal International Airport in Lahore and were taken into custody by a Pakistani intelligence personnel. They were shifted to an undisclosed location for further investigation.
Notably, Pakistani Urdu daily Ummat, accused the two Sufi priests of being RAW agents run by the well-known international political Islamist outfit, Jamat e-Islami. A report in Hindustan Times quoted Sajid Nizami, son of Asif Nizami, saying that, "Pakistani newspapers carried a report saying Nizamis are working for Indian intelligence agency."
Tellingly, when the Pakistani establishment admitted to detaining the two Indian Sufi clerics, the Indian External Affairs Ministry rebuffed the allegations.
When Firstpost approached Dargah Nizamuddin officials (khadims) like Ajmal Nizami and Sajid Nizami, they revealed that Syed Asif Nizami, the priest (Sajjadanashin) of Dargah Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, and his nephew Syed Nazim Nizami were on a visit to Pakistans Sufi dargahs, like the shrine of Baba Farid, who was the spiritual mentor of Hazrat Nizamuddin and that of Hazrat Data Ganj.
They went to Karachi on 6 March, from where they visited Lahore on 13 March to offer chadar at the dargah of Baba Farid the famous Chishti Sufi saint of Punjab. On 14 March, the two Indian Sufi priests paid tributes and offered the chadar at Data Darbar another Sufi shrine in Lahore.
From the beginning to the end of this incident, external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj showed an avowed courage of conviction to bring back the Indian Sufi clerics. In fact, what we call 'clerics', are actually khuddam, the people who render the service or khidmat at the Dargah.
Clearly, Swaraj did this herculean task with a sincerity that, without exaggeration, earns her a round of applause from the whole country. But many self-styled secularists will mince no words, fearing it might be branded as hagiography for the Indian government.
Politics aside, the crucial question with an ideological implication is: Why Sufi-oriented people and places are being systematically targeted in Pakistan today? The recent bombing of the revered Sufi shrine, Dargah Lal Shahbaz Qalandar in Pakistan, drew the media attention to the vital geopolitical and ideological dynamics of this case.
A Pakistani judge, Javaid Iqbal, son of the famous Muslim philosopher and poet, Allama Iqbal, wrote in his book 'Ideology of Pakistan' that his father's conception of Sufism was used as a driving force in reformation of the public policies. Sufism was the main intellectual influence behind the creation of the cultural ministries, like the Waqf boards. "The Sufi shrines, which were thought to be the remains of the traditional Islam, were to become catalysts of modernisation," Iqbal wrote.
Perhaps, Pervez Musharraf was the first Pakistani prime minister to call for Sufi liberalism to curb the extremist religious influences in the country, as noted in the book, 'State and Nation-Building in Pakistan: Beyond Islam and Security'. The author of this book wrote: "Musharraf launched the concept of enlightened moderation at the 2002 Organisation of the Islamic Conference meeting in Malaysia and emphasised the Sufi teachings as a counter to extremism. In November 2006, Musharraf launched a National Sufi Council amidst great fanfare."
In a bid to correct the violent interpretations of Islamic texts in the Pakistani madrasas, the government of Pakistan also sought help from the Sufi-minded scholars of the Pakistani education board, Tanzimul Madaris.
In his book, 'Sponsoring Sufism: How Governments Promote Mystical Islam in Their Domestic and Foreign Policies', Fait Muedini also referred to Musharraf seeking to "promote Sufism a mystical branch of Islam as a mechanism to alter the violent behavior of terrorist actors."
Even before Musharraf, Benazir Bhutto was also advocating this approach to counter the religious fanaticism rising in Pakistani societies. Though a Shia Muslim in faith, Bhutto chose to become a lifetime member of the global Sufi organisation Minhaj ul-Quran, founded and led by the Pakistan-origin Canadian Sufi scholar, Dr Tahirul Qadri.
There is a newspaper Ummat (in Pakistan) which has printed false statements (of the two clerics being RAW spies) and photos: Nazim Nizami pic.twitter.com/bFM87q5YOp ANI (@ANI_news) March 20, 2017
No wonder then, both Bhutto and Musharraf visited Sufi shrines in India, particularly the Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia, in their bid to enhance cultural ties with India during the tenure of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Thus, in Pakistan as across the globe, an inclination was shown towards the revival of Sufism to fight radicalism. Every successive Pakistani ruler sought to resort to Sufism, claiming to curb the challenge of religious extremism. They believed that Sufism could help them stem the tide of Talibani fanaticism in the country.
But a reversing phenomenon is emerging today, in the wake of the neo-Talibanism and sectarian extremism playing havoc across the country. Pakistani Muslims are gradually 'disfavouring' Sufi Islam. Sufism is now castigated as a 'corrupted form of Islam', not only in circles of the clerics and mullahs, but also in the government, military, and bureaucracy.
Not only the Pakistani people and intellectuals, but even the military and bureaucrats are now showing their disinterest in Sufism. The religious ministry (Awqaf) is taking control of the Sufi shrines in the name of 'reforming the dargahs'. Thus, Pakistan is curbing the ideological influence of the Sufi leaders and Dargah attendants (khuddam), particularly the biological descendants of the Sufi saints (Sajjadanashins).
In fact, the current Pakistani regime is creating an 'ideological state apparatus' by replacing the traditional leadership of the Sufi shrines with that of the pro-government committees at the dargahs. If this situation remains unchanged, Sufi shrines, which are still promoting a synergetic culture in the country, will turn into political platforms for the state to further its endeavours to induce its ideology into the masses.
KK Aziz has written in his book, 'Religion, land and politics in Pakistan', that since Ayub Khan, the visit of Sufi shrines by the Pakistani state officials has become "an official formality, a ceremonial act, a required observance, a prescribed regulation, and almost a state function."
Thus, it is not difficult to see why the Pakistani government was not affected by the worst attacks recently launched on the Sufi shrines and their visitors in Pakistan. On 16 February, Pakistan witnessed the deadliest strike on Sufism in the country. Over 100 Sufi devotees participating in a spiritual session, dhamal at the dargah of Lal Shahbaz Qalandar, were brutally killed and more than 200 were injured. Not only Sufi devotees, but people from other faith traditions, who visited Qalandar's shrine to seek blessings, were also killed.
Deplorably for Pakistan, while the common Muslims celebrate Sufism and its narrative of counter-extremism, the home-grown jihadists are freely pursuing their mission to eliminate the entire Sufi tradition from the country. Thus, it appears that the perceived interest of the Pakistani policymakers in Sufism has backfired. In fact, it has placed the Sufi followers in the line of fire, forcing them and shrine-visitors to fear for their own survival, religious freedom and security.
Hussain H Zaidi writes in the Pakistani daily The News: "Sufism [in Pakistan] stands in marked contrast with the fanaticism, intolerance, bigotry and militarism of the Taliban, their mentors and like-minded individuals who, on their part, look upon it as heretical. According to the Taliban ideology, the heretics deserve only one type of treatment: death. The militants regard bombing the shrines and killing the pilgrims who visit these places as a religious duty. Not surprisingly, several shrines in Pakistan have been soaked in blood by the militants. Unfortunately, in Pakistan, the implication of mysticism consisting largely of political quietism has been more pronounced than its teachings of love, compassion and tolerance."
The author is a scholar of classical Islamic scholar, cultural analyst and researcher in Media and Communication Studies. He can be reached at grdehlavi@gmail.com
By Patrick Markey
| MOSUL, Iraq
MOSUL, Iraq Iraqi government forces attempted to evacuate civilians from Mosul's Islamic State-held Old City on Tuesday so that troops could clear the area, but militant snipers hampered the effort, Iraqi officers said.They said the insurgents were also using civilians as human shields as government units edged towards the al-Nuri Mosque, the focus of recent fighting in the five-month-long campaign to crush Islamic State in the city that was once the de facto capital of their self-proclaimed Islamic caliphate.As many as 600,000 civilians remain in the western sector of Mosul, complicating a battle being fought with artillery and air strikes as well as ground combat. Thousands have escaped in recent days."Our forces control around 60 percent of the west now," Defence Ministry spokesman Brigadier General Yahya Rasool told a news conference in eastern Mosul. "It's the Old City now with small streets and it's a hard fight with civilians inside. We are trying to evacuate them."We are a few hundred metres from the mosque now, we are advancing on al-Nuri. We know it means a lot to Daesh," he said, using an Arab acronym for Islamic State.The capture of the mosque would be a huge symbolic prize as well as strategic gain for the government as it was there where Islamic State leader Abu Bakr alBaghdadi declared the caliphate in July 2014 after the militants had captured large areas of Iraq and Syria.Government forces backed by a U.S.-led international coalition retook several cities last year, liberated eastern Mosul in December, and are now closing in on the west, but the militants are putting up fierce resistance from the close-packed houses and narrow streets.Baghdadi and other leaders have fled the city for the hinterlands, where Islamic State remnants may regroup and wage a new phase of insurgency. At the same time, IS forces in the Syrian city of Raqqa are under attack in a parallel conflict.
Brigadier General Saad Maan said soldiers had killed nine IS snipers on Tuesday and destroyed a bomb factory."There are lots of snipers on top of the buildings in the Old City around the al-Nuri Mosque. We need to evacuate the families from inside as they using them as a shield when we are advancing on the mosque," he told the news conference.No precise toll of civilian casualties has been given but a prominent Iraqi politician said last week that the number could be as high as 3,500 dead since the attack on western Mosul started in mid-February.An emergency field hospital set up by the U.S. medical charity Samaritan's Purse says it has treated more than 1,000 patients, many of them women and children, since January. They suffered wounds from gunfire, land mines, mortar rounds, car bombings and booby-traps.Reporters at the frontline on Tuesday said clashes took place around the railway station in some areas troops had held a few days earlier. Troops fired rocket-propelled grenades and heavy machineguns at militants around the station as families ran across streets to avoid snipers
"We sitting inside our house and bullets were coming through our door" said one woman fleeing to government lines. U.S. SUPPORT TO INCREASE
Saad Maan also said the bodies of a colonel and two other officers who had gone missing during the battle had been found. The colonel had been shot. But he said the men had not been captured by the insurgents.An Interior Ministry official told Reuters on Monday that the insurgents had captured a police colonel and eight other officers after they ran out of ammunition during a skirmish. But a Rapid Response units spokesman denied this when asked for comment on Monday night.
The issue is sensitive as Islamic State have a record of torturing, mutilating and killing military and civilian captives, and such an incident could be a blow to troops' morale.The number of displaced people from both sides of Mosul since the start of the offensive has reached 355,000, according to government figures. Some 181,000 had poured out of western Mosul since the start of the operations to retake that side.In Washington, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi said he had won assurances of greater U.S. support in the war in talks on Monday with U.S. President Donald Trump. But Abadi cautioned that military might alone would not be sufficient.He told a forum in Washington after his meeting with Trump that he had been told U.S. "support will not only continue but will accelerate." "But of course we have to be careful here," he said. "We are not talking about military confrontation as such. Committing troops is one thing, while fighting terrorism is another thing." Abadi, who leads the Shi'ite majority government in Baghdad, said it would be crucial to win over the local population in Sunni-dominated Mosul to achieve lasting peace.He is in Washington this week ahead of a gathering of world leaders of the coalition fighting Islamic State, who as well as waging war in Iraq and Syria have inspired attacks on civilian targets in Europe, Africa and elsewhere that have killed hundreds of people. (Additional reporting by Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad, Writing by Angus MacSwan in Erbil; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
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The self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) led by Gen. Khalifa Haftar has launched an offensive against illegal armed groups on the south of the country, Sputnik reported citing local media.
The operation is aimed at gaining control over the cities of Sabha and al Shatii, the Akhbar Libya news portal reported. The LNA reportedly managed to block the militants' troops from the city of Misrata and take control over an air base.
Libya has been in a state of turmoil since 2011, when a civil war began in the country and its longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi was overthrown.
The countrys eastern regions are governed by the elected parliament headquartered in the city of Tobruk. The Government of National Accord, formed with the support from the United Nations and Europe and headed by Prime Minister Fayez Sarraj, operates in the countrys west, including the Libyan capital of Tripoli.
The eastern authorities act independently from the west, cooperating with the Libyan National Army led by Haftar, which fights against Islamic terrorists.
By Andrea Shalal
| BERLIN
BERLIN Turkish officials will take part in no further campaign rallies in Germany ahead of an April 16 referendum in Turkey, organisers said on Tuesday, after a key ally of German Chancellor Angela Merkel said they were not welcome in the country.The announcement by the Union of European Turkish Democrats (UETD) underscored a sharp deterioration in relations between NATO allies Germany and Turkey ahead of the referendum on boosting the powers of Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan."We will not organise any further events with Turkish government officials before the referendum," UETD President Zafer Sirakaya told German magazine Wirtschaftswoche.The group, which organises rallies and represents Erdogan's Islamist-rooted AK Party in Europe, was not immediately available for comment.German local officials have cancelled several campaign rallies by Turkish ministers on its territory in recent weeks, citing security concerns, prompting Erdogan to accuse Berlin of using "Nazi" tactics, a charge that has incensed Merkel's government."Enough is enough," Volker Bouffier, vice chairman of Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU), said on Tuesday. "Mr. Erdogan and his government are not welcome in our country, and that must be now be understood," Bouffier, who is also premier of Hesse state, told DLF radio.German media had reported that Erdogan planned to visit Germany this month to rally the estimated 1.4 eligible Turkish voters living in the country to support his constitutional reform plans.Berlin has said it has not received a formal request for a visit by Erdogan.
INSULTS
Bouffier said such a visit would create security problems. "Someone who insults us in this way cannot expect that we will assemble thousands of police to protect him," he said.Reiner Haseloff, another member of Merkel's CDU and premier of Saxony-Anhalt state, echoed Bouffier's criticism."Those who compare us to Nazis are not welcome. That is not acceptable," he told Die Welt newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday. He said Berlin should not rely on local and state governments to make decisions about visits by Turkish politicians as it has up to now.
On Monday, Merkel again called on Turkey to stop the Nazi comparisons and said Berlin reserved the right to block future appearances by Turkish officials if they did not comply with German law, which explicitly forbids malicious disparagement of the government.Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said the diplomatic note in which Berlin approved further visits by Turkish politicians had an explicit reference to the German law against disparagement. "If that happens, and there are violations of our laws, then will have to ... revoke the note" and approvals of various visits, Gabriel told reporters on Tuesday after a meeting with EU Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans.Timmermans said EU officials were united in rejecting the Nazi comparisons."President Erdogan's comments about Germany and the Netherlands are not allowed. We don't want to be compared to Nazis," he said.
The Netherlands, also home to a large ethnic Turkish diaspora, has been embroiled in a similar row with TurkeyOn Tuesday, Erdogan repeated his criticism of Germany and other European countries, saying today's "fascist and cruel" Europe resembled the pre-World War Two era. Erdogan also said Turkey could no longer be pressured by considerations such as a $6 billion migrant deal, under which it agreed to stop illegal migrants from crossing into Greece in exchange for financial aid and accelerated EU membership talks."They cannot threaten us with any of these things anymore," he said. "Let's first switch to the new system on April 16, then there will be a very different Turkey rising." EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn told the Bild newspaper in an interview published on Tuesday that Turkey's prospects for joining the EU would be "increasingly unrealistic" unless it changed course and stopped moving away from European values.Hahn said the EU had repeatedly voiced its concerns about the "increasingly authoritarian path of President Erdogan"."Threats are no way to make policies. They make a reasonable dialogue impossible," he said. (Reporting by Gernot Heller, Andrea Shalal and Reuters TV in Berlin, and Tuvan Gumrukcu and Ece Toksabay in Istanbul; Editing by Tom Heneghan and Gareth Jones)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Washington: India and the US will discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and defence ties during National Security Adviser Ajit Doval's visit to the country.
US Defence Secretary James Mattis will meet Doval on 24 March, Pentagon Spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters during an off-camera news conference.
They are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship.
"Clearly India is a very strong security partner and a force in the region. We continue to have very good relationship with India in the region," Davis said in response to a question.
The Mattis-Doval meeting later this week would be one of the highest-level meetings between the two countries after the Trump Administration came to power on 20 January.
Doval is also expected to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster at the White House, the first between the two national security advisors.
Davis said he is not aware of the reasons for Doval's visit to the US, but the Defence Secretary would be meeting with the Indian National Security Advisor on the sidelines of the international meeting of anti-ISIS Coalition being hosted by the US State Department later this week.
Early this month, Indian Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met McMaster at the White House.
During his Washington trip, Jaishankar was also scheduled to meet the Defence Secretary. But the meeting could not happen as Mattis was travelling.
New Delhi/Hyderabad: Following a father's YouTube SOS that his daughter was being ill-treated by her in-laws in Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said the Indian High Commission had met the victim and was ensuring her safety and return to India.
Sushma Swaraj tweeted that she received a YouTube message from Mohammad Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia Begum, an Indian national, was married to a person in Pakistan "and was being ill-treated by her in-laws".
I received a Youtube message from Shri Mohammad Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia Begum an, Indian national was married in Pakistan Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
and was being ill-treated by her inlaws Our mission sent a Note Verbale requesting the safety, security and well-being of Mohammadia Begum. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
Our High Commission officials met Mohammadia Begum and she expressed her desire to return to India. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
I have asked Indian High Commission to renew her Indian passport and facilitate her return to India. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
As the Hyderabad woman's passport had expired last year, Sushma asked the Indian High Commission to renew her Indian passport and facilitate her return to India. Meanwhile, Mohammedi Begum (the name on her passport) spoke to her mother Hajara Begum over phone and informed that her husband Muhammad Younis beat her up and locked her in a room after Indian High Commission officials met her.
The 44-year-old broke down while narrating the ill-treatment at the hands of her husband and in-laws. The mother advised her to have patience and wait for the help from the High Commission.
Hajara Begum said Younis had been abusing her daughter. "He even tells the children to keep themselves away from her as she is a Hindustani and all Hindustanis are Hindus." Younis has even threatened that he will not allow her go back to India alive. He reportedly married another woman, a Pakistani.
Hajara Begum said her daughter had turned very weak due to physical and mental torture and needs immediate medical help. Mohammedi Begum and Younis have five children three sons and two daughters. The youngest son is nine-year-old and he was born in Pakistan while the other children were born in Muscat, Oman.
"If the children come with her that will be good but my appeal is that she should be brought home immediately," said Hajara Begum. It was on 16 March that Sushma had sought a report from India High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale.
Mohammedi Begum's father Mohammed Akbar, a cycle mechanic, had earlier sent an e-mail to Sushma Swaraj in January seeking her help in bringing back his daughter. 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.
Mohammedi Begum had visited Hyderabad in 2012. Her father said this was her only visit to India in 21 years.
With inputs from IANS
BANGKOK Thailands junta leader and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte agreed on Tuesday to strengthen military ties and cooperate against cross-border criminality, including illegal drugs.Duterte has faced criticism over the bloody nature of his campaign against drugs while Thailands junta is under pressure from the West to restore democracy nearly three years after it took power in the name of ending instability."On the security matters, Thailand and the Philippines are willing to work together in tightening the military ties of both countries as we are concerned about the challenges in addressing terrorism and all forms of transnational crimes, Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha said after their meeting.
Duterte also referred specifically to the campaign against illegal drugs. More than 8,000 people have died since he took office last year and began his own crackdown.As the Philippines chairs the regional meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year, Duterte emphasised the need for the bloc to complete the framework of a code of conduct to ensure all parties follow legal and diplomatic processes in settling territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
Although the Philippines has moved closer to an accommodation with China over the contested waterway under Duterte, friction remains.
The Philippines plans to file a strong protest against China after it announced preparatory work for an environmental monitoring station on a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, a cabinet minister said on Tuesday.China has put missiles and radar on manmade islands in another part of the South China Sea, in which Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam all have claims.Thailand has no territorial claim in the South China Sea, but as one of ASEANs bigger members it is influential within the bloc. (Reporting by Juarawee Kittisilpa; Editing by Alison Williams)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Robin Emmott
| BRUSSELS
BRUSSELS U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's decision to miss his first meeting with NATO foreign ministers has unsettled European allies who fear the no-show reopens questions about President Donald Trump's commitment to the alliance.Reuters exclusively reported on Monday that Tillerson would stay at home to attend Trump's expected April 6-7 talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida, skipping the April 5-6 NATO talks. U.S. officials also said Tillerson would visit Russia later in April."No matter how you spin it, this is unfortunate symbolism," said one senior European diplomat, adding that it undid the work of Trump's defence minister and vice president, who visited NATO headquarters in Brussels in February to provide reassurances after Trump's criticism of the alliance.During his campaign and on the eve of taking office, Trump called the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation "obsolete", although he has since said he strongly supports the alliance.Some allies, particularly in the former Soviet bloc, are acutely sensitive to any sign of waning U.S. interest in their defence as they deal with a more assertive Russia.Concerns that Trump is too close to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom the West has sought to isolate for annexing Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, made Tillerson's expected visit to Brussels all the more pressing, European allies said.
Tillerson worked with Russia's government for years as a top executive at Exxon Mobil, and has questioned sanctions against Moscow that he said could harm U.S. businesses."We needed to hear his vision for the alliance," said a diplomat due to attend the April ministerial.RARE NO-SHOW
NATO's quarterly meetings are closed-door sessions over about two days in which governments discuss security strategies and approve top secret documents designed to guide the nuclear-armed alliance in areas ranging from training in Afghanistan to defences against Iranian missiles.
Given the U.S. role as the de facto head of the alliance, it is rare for the United States' top diplomat to miss a NATO meeting. The last time was during the Iraq war in 2003, when Colin Powell was forced to cancel at the last moment.A NATO official in Brussels said it was "up to allies to decide at what level they are represented" and referred further questions to the U.S. State Department.U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, who served under President Barack Obama and who has stayed on under Trump, is expected to represent the United States at the NATO meeting next month, two diplomats said.
Trump himself is expected in Brussels for a NATO summit in May, although the date is still under discussion.A senior French diplomat said the U.S. State Department still seemed to be in a state of transition."We still don't see the role of the State Department in the new U.S. administration. Tillerson has been discreet and a great number of posts have not been filled so the modus operandi is still in limbo," the French diplomat said.Several other diplomats said they were unhappy that Tillerson had not offered to hold a NATO meeting in Washington later this week, given that 26 alliance foreign ministers and Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg would be there for a meeting of the coalition against the Islamic State militant group.The U.S. State Department spokeswoman said Tillerson would not have a separate, NATO-focused meeting with the 26 ministers but that they would meet in the counter-Islamic State talks. (Reporting by Robin Emmott; Additional reporting by John Irish in Paris; Editing by Gareth Jones)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By David Shepardson
| WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON The Trump administration on Tuesday imposed restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on planes coming to the United States from 10 airports in Muslim-majority countries in the Middle East and North Africa in response to unspecified terrorism threats.The Department of Homeland Security said passengers traveling from those airports could not bring devices larger than a cellphone, such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras, into the main cabin. Instead, they must be in checked baggage.The new restrictions were prompted by reports that militant groups want to smuggle explosive devices in electronic gadgets, officials told reporters on a conference call on Monday.They did not provide further details on the threat.The airports are in Cairo; Istanbul; Kuwait City; Doha, Qatar; Casablanca, Morocco; Amman, Jordan; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; and Dubai and Abu Dhabi in United Arab Emirates. Officials said the decision had nothing to do with President Donald Trump's efforts to impose a travel ban on six majority-Muslim nations. DHS spokeswoman Gillian Christensen said the government "did not target specific nations. We relied upon evaluated intelligence to determine which airports were affected." On March 6, Trump signed a revised executive order barring citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from traveling to the United States for 90 days. Two federal judges have halted parts of the ban, saying it discriminates against Muslims. Trump has vowed to appeal up to the Supreme Court if necessary.The airports affected by the electronics rules are served by nine airlines that fly directly from those cities to the United States about 50 flights a day, senior government officials said. The carriers - Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways - have until Friday to comply with the new policy, which took effect early on Tuesday and will be in place indefinitely.
Several of the carriers, including Turkish Airlines, Etihad and Qatar, said early on Tuesday that they were quickly moving to comply. Royal Jordanian and Saudi Airlines said on Monday that they were immediately putting the directive into place.An Emirates spokeswoman said the new security directive would last until Oct. 14. However, Christensen termed that date "a placeholder for review" of the rule.The policy does not affect any American carriers because none fly directly to the United States from the airports, officials said. Officials did not explain why the restrictions only apply to travelers arriving in the United States and not for those same flights when they leave from there.
The rules do apply to U.S. citizens traveling on those flights, but not to crew members on those foreign carriers. Homeland Security will allow passengers to use larger approved medical devices. Angela Gittens, director general of airport association ACI World, likened the move to yearslong restrictions of liquids on planes, which she said also came suddenly, in response to a perceived threat, and caused some disruption.Airlines will adjust to the electronics policy, she said. "The first few days of something like this are quite problematic, but just as with the liquids ban, it will start to sort itself out."DHS said the procedures would "remain in place until the threat changes" and did not rule out expanding them to other airports.The agency said in a statement it "seeks to balance risk with impacts to the traveling public and has determined that cellphones and smartphones will be allowed in accessible property at this time."
The government said it was "concerned about terrorists' ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years."Reuters reported Monday that the move had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago. U.S. officials have told Reuters the information gleaned from a U.S. commando raid in January in Yemen that targeted al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula included bombmaking techniques.AQAP, based in Yemen, has plotted to down U.S. airliners and claimed responsibility for 2015 attack on the office of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris. The group claimed responsibility for a Dec. 25, 2009, failed attempt by a Nigerian Islamist to down an airliner over Detroit. The device, hidden in the underwear of the man, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, failed to detonate.In 2010, security officials in Britain and Dubai intercepted parcel bombs sent from Yemen to the United States.The Homeland Security Department stepped up security of U.S.-bound flights in July 2014, requiring tougher screening of mobile phones and other electronic devices and requiring them to be powered up before passengers could board flights to the United States. (Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy, Mark Hosenball and Phil Stewart in Washington; Alexander Cornwell in Dubai and Victoria Bryan in London; Editing by Lisa Shumaker and Lisa Von Ahn)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By David Shepardson and Mark Hosenball
| WASHINGTON
WASHINGTON U.S. authorities are planning to ban passengers travelling on certain U.S.-bound foreign airline flights from carrying into the cabin larger electronic devices in response to an unspecified terrorism threat, U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday.The new rule is expected to be announced as early as Monday by the Department of Homeland Security, the officials said, adding that it had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago. The source said the rule would cover a dozen foreign airlines flying from about a dozen countries, including some from the Middle East, and would include airlines based in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The officials did not name the other countries.The officials said no American carriers were affected by the ban, which would apply to devices larger than a cell phone, but did not say why. Passengers would be allowed to carry larger devices in their checked luggage like tablets, laptops and cameras.
Royal Jordanian Airlines RJAL.AM said in a tweet on Monday that U.S.-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting Tuesday at the request of U.S. officials, including those that transit through Canada. Passengers can still carry cell phones and approved medical devices.Al Riyadh newspaper, which is close to the Saudi government, reported that the civil aviation authority had informed "airlines flying from the kingdom's (Saudi) airports to U.S. airports of the latest measures from U.S. security agencies in which passengers must store laptops and tablets" in checked in baggage.Al Riyadh quoted a civil aviation authority source as saying that these measures from senior U.S. authorities were relayed to the Saudi interior ministry.
Saudia Airlines confirmed in a tweet that U.S. transportation authorities had barred carrying larger electronic devices in cabin luggage.The White House declined to comment.
A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, David Lapan, said the agency has "no comment on potential security precautions, but will provide an update when appropriate.Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly called congressional lawmakers this weekend to notify them of the plan, congressional aides said. In July 2014, the Homeland Security Department stepped up security of U.S.-bound flights, requiring tougher screening of mobile phones and other electronic devices and requiring them to be powered up before passengers could board flights to the United States. (Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy; Editing by Sandra Maler and Toni Reinhold)
This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
President Donald Trump's daughter, Ivanka Trump, is getting an office in the White House West Wing, stepping up her highly visible role in helping advise her father, Reuters reported.
A White House official on Monday confirmed reports that Trump's 35-year-old daughter would be getting her own West Wing space, as well as access to classified information and a government-issued phone.
She is not expected to have an official title and will not be paid a salary.
Ivanka Trump will be joining her husband, Jared Kushner, who is a chief adviser to the president and is a regular presence at his father-in-law's side.
When Kushner's job was announced earlier this year, aides said Ivanka would not take on a role in her father's White House but would focus on settling her family in Washington.
Since then, she has been a frequent behind-the-scenes adviser. Last Friday, she sat next to visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel when Merkel visited the White House.
The administration of President Donald Trump has a greater desire to be more engaged in the fight against terrorism than its predecessor, Iraq's prime minister said Monday, Anadolu reported.
"I think theyre prepared to do more to fight terrorism, to be more engaged," Haider al-Abadi said at the United States Institute of Peace before cautioning the war on terror cannot be won solely with military action.
"There are better ways" to defeat Daesh than military might alone, Abadi said as Trump continues to surge forces in Syria.
"We have to be careful here," he said. "We are not talking about military confrontation [alone]. Committing troops is one thing, while fighting terrorism is another thing. You don't defeat terrorism by fighting it militarily.
The comments came shortly after Abadi met Trump, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and other senior officials at the White House during his first visit to Washington after the new American administration assumed office in January.
During the meeting, Trump voiced "great respect" for Abadi and the work Iraqi forces are doing in the anti-Daesh fight.
"Its not an easy job. Its a very tough job. Your soldiers are fighting hard, the president said.
Speaking during the public event, Abadi said Baghdad has not only been assured of continued U.S. support in the fight but that it will accelerate under the new administration.
"I can sense a difference in terms of being head-to-head with terrorism," he said.
But he added that counter-terror efforts must include winning over the sympathies of the locals he is fighting to free. Part of that effort will include internal governmental reform, which Abadi said won't be "an easy task".
Asked if he had seen Trump's plan to defeat Daesh, Abadi said he has not, but knows that one exists.
"We have our own plan," he said. "The region must have a plan to wipe out terrorism, and we can do it.
Trump has recently been presented a proposal by his top security officials to ramp up the anti-Daesh fight, but details have remained elusive as Trump prosecutes the campaign.
The United States remains fully committed to the NATO alliance despite Secretary of State Rex Tillersons plans not to attend next month's meeting, Department of State acting spokesperson Mark Toner said on Tuesday, Sputnik reported.
On Monday, the State Department announced Tillerson would not attend the NATO meeting in Brussels on April 5-6. A US State Department spokesperson also said that Tillerson plans to visit Russia in April. No specific date has been provided.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has also declined to comment on the upcoming visit, but unconfirmed reports say that America's top diplomat could come to Moscow on April 12. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov declined to speak about the trip pending an official US announcement. If the dates are confirmed, Tillersons Russia trip will come on the heels of a G7 meeting in Italy.
"The United States remains 100 percent committed to NATO," Toner told reporters when asked if Tillersons lack of attendance indicated wavering support.
The US Department of State has offered alternative dates for Secretary of State Rex Tillersons attendance at the NATO ministerial next month, Toner said.
"We have gone back with alternative dates," Toner told reporters when asked about the meeting.
Earlier, US President Donald Trump called NATO "obsolete." He also accused European members of the alliance of not sharing US' burden concerning defense spending. He called for boosting the spending in 2017.
At the beginning of the year, it was rumored that Samsung will introduce Bixby voice assistant along with Galaxy S8. Now, the company has officially announced Bixby voice assistant that will have its own dedicated button on the side of the Galaxy S8.
Samsung says Bixby will be different from Siri and Cortana as it will be deeply integrated into apps. The assistant comes with contextual awareness and at any given point of time it will understand the state of the application and will allow users to carry out the current work-in-progress continuously. Bixby is designed to be flexible in terms of its acceptance of a range of voice commands. Samsung says Bixby will be smart enough to understand commands with incomplete information and execute the commanded task and then it will prompt users to provide more information and complete the task.
Samsungs Injong Rhee, Samsungs head of research and development for software and services, wrote in a blog post,
We know that adopting new ways to interact with your devices will require a change in user behavior. The inconvenience of learning a new interface can cause friction and force users to revert back to old habits (e.g. the touch interface). At the same time we believe the key to success for a new voice interface is to design a scheme that reduces friction and makes the experience significantly more rewarding than the existing interface. So at its core, Bixby will help remove friction. It will simplify user education with new voice interfaces and will make using your phone even more seamless and intuitive.
More than 30 Asia-Pacific stakeholders in the novel foods space have come to an agreement on using cultivated as the standard descriptor for novel... Read More
If you're a precious-metals investor, you've no doubt heard of silver-mining stocks Coeur Mining Inc. (NYSE: CDE) and Tahoe Resources Inc. (NYSE: TAHO) right now. Both stocks look delectably attractive, with Coeur shedding almost 36% and Tahoe nearly 45% in the past six months, as of this writing.
Both Coeur and Tahoe have kicked off their 2017 financial year on a strong note in terms of operational performances and are aggressively expanding their businesses. I'd consider now a great entry point; and if I were to choose one of the stocks, I'd go with Coeur despite Tahoe's solid numbers and dividends. Here's why.
Image source: Getty Images
Coeur Mining: stupendous turnaround in 2016
President and CEO Mitchell J. Krebs perfectly summed up 2016 for Coeur Mining during the company's last earnings call when he said that "2016 marked a key inflection point for Coeur." Coeur has, indeed, stepped into 2017 on solid footing, having achieved record silver equivalent production of 36.3 million ounces in 2016. Not one to rest on its laurels, Coeur aims to take its production to yet another level next year as it ramps up its primary mine at Palmarejo, Mexico. Coeur is also guarding its position as the largest primary silver producer in the United States.
Image source: Coeur's presentation at 2017 Annual ROTH Conference, March 2017
Palmarejo's expansion is perfectly timed -- and it isn't just about silver. Just last year, Coeur struck a new agreement with precious-metals streaming and royalty company Franco Nevada Corp.(NYSE: FNV), wherein Franco-Nevada will buy 50% of the gold produced at Palmarejo at a cash price of $800 an ounce, almost twice what it paid Coeur under the old agreement. So Palmarejo should boost Coeur's cash flows substantially going forward.
Meanwhile, Coeur cut its cost of sales by almost 15% last year despite higher revenue. More importantly, a focus on higher-grade metal in recent years has helped Coeur bring down its all-in-sustaining cost substantially: Its AISC came in at only about $16.08 per silver equivalent ounce in 2016, compared with $19.93 per ounce in 2013. Thanks to rising production and lower costs, Coeur ended 2016 with adjusted net profits (excluding impairment charges) of $47.8 million, versus an adjusted net loss of $103.6 million in 2015.
That's not all. Coeur also cut down its total debt by more than half in 2016, using proceeds from non-core asset sales and stock issue, even encouraging Moody's to upgrade the miner's debt ratings last September. Granted, a stock issue dilutes shareholders' capital, but it isn't uncommon for precious-metals miners to tap capital markets for funds.
Can a company do any better to attract investors' attention? Maybe not, but there's one important area where Coeur disappoints: dividends. Unlike Tahoe, which pays a monthly dividend and boasts a current yield of 3.3%, Coeur doesn't pay a dividend at all. And that isn't the only impressive thing about Tahoe.
Tahoe Resources: a young, growing miner
While Coeur's history dates to 1928, Tahoe was incorporated in 2009. In fact, Tahoe's primary mine Escobal in Guatemala -- also the world's third largest silver mine -- commenced production only about three years ago. Does that make you wary about investing in Tahoe? Well, it might be a young company, but Tahoe has a solid team backing it up.
Here's an interesting tidbit: Tahoe was founded by formerGoldcorp Inc.(NYSE: GG)CEO Kevin McArthur, and several members on Tahoe's current board of directors and management teams were with Goldcorp at some point. In fact, Goldcorp even owned a substantial stake in Tahoe until about 2015, and it was from Goldcorp that Tahoe bought the Escobal silver deposit. Tahoe CEO Ron Clayton also brings with him several years of mining experience with companies such asHecla Mining and Stillwater Mining.
You wouldn't expect such a competent management to disappoint. Thankfully, it doesn't. In 2016, Tahoe made huge strides as it started operations at the Shahuindo gold mine in Peru and acquired Lake Shore Gold in Ontario, taking its number of mines in operation to five. 2016 was, in fact, a significant year for Tahoe for several reasons, including:
Record silver and gold production.
An all-time-low AISC of $8.06 per ounce of silver on a by-product basis. AISC for gold came in at $943 per ounce.
Record operating cash flow and positive free cash flow.
Tahoe's prospects look even brighter as it aims to increase its gold production by nearly 36% at the midpoint from 2016 levels by 2019.
Image source: Tahoe's presentation at the BMO Capital Markets Global Metals & Mining Conference.
With capital expenditures also expected to taper by then, Tahoe should be able to generate strong cash flows in coming years to support, and even raise, its dividends. Tahoe has been paying a consistent monthly dividend of $0.02 per share since December 2014.
Foolish bottom line: Tahoe is great, but...
Tahoe Resources looks promising, but it faces big risks at its key place of operation: Guatemala. Put simply, the country has a history of political and social unrest. While things have been quiet lately, Tahoe may face hurdles obtaining or retaining licenses and raising funds later. That's a huge threat, as Tahoe is a relatively young company with a lot at stake in Escobal. Coeur, on the other hand, operates in relatively safer zones. And that, combined with the potential that Palmarejo holds, makes Coeur a better bet for now.
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Lennar (NYSE:LEN), the second-largest homebuilder in the U.S., said Tuesday the election of President Donald Trump has sparked a surge in construction activity.
The Miami-based company reported a higher profit than expected for its fiscal first quarter, as homebuilding went from slow and steady to a faster-than-expected sales pace. CEO Stuart Miller said business accelerated amid growing confidence in the U.S. economy, which has been tied to the Trump administrations policy agenda.
Lennars first-quarter results were supported by an improving macroeconomic environment following last year's election, Stuart said in a statement. Since November we have seen a combination of renewed optimism, wage and job growth, and consumer confidence.
During a conference call with analysts, Stuart added that theres clearly a sense of general optimism. Builders and consumers are acting on the perception that jobs are being created, and the government has taken a more business-friendly posture, he said.
The recovery in the U.S. housing market has lifted homebuilders such as Lennar. More recently, President Trumps calls for tax cuts and a $1 trillion infrastructure bill have injected more optimism into the real-estate industry. Since the election, shares of Lennar are up 23.9% compared to a 10.1% gain for the broader S&P 500. D.R. Horton (NYSE:DHI), the largest U.S. homebuilder, has climbed 18.8%.
According to recent Commerce Department data, U.S. homebuilding jumped in February, getting a further boost from unseasonably warm weather, as the construction of single-family houses surged 6.5% to a pace of 872,000 units, the highest level since October 2007.
And the National Association of Home Builders optimism index hit a 12-year high in March, rising to 71, its highest reading since 2005.
Also, Miller noted that rising mortgage rates, a potential headwind for homebuilders, have actually encouraged consumers to get off the fence and purchase a home.
Lennar sold 5,453 homes during the most recent quarter, up from 4,832 units a year ago. Average selling prices were flat at $365,000.
Earnings dropped 9.2% to $130.8 million, or 56 cents a share. However, adjusted earnings of 59 cents a share beat Wall Streets estimate of 55 cents.
Revenue totaled $2.34 billion, a 17.6% increase and better than expectations for $2.19 billion.
ConocoPhillips (NYSE: COP) has come a long way over the past few years. The most important part of that transformation has been the significant improvement in the company's cash flow breakeven level from above $75 oil to less than $50 oil. However, the company plans to work on further improvements over the next year that should make it an even stronger oil company one year from now. Here's a look at where the company plans to go from here.
Stepping away from the deepwater
In mid-2015, ConocoPhillips announced that it had decided to start reducing investments in deepwater exploration spending to lower costs and its risk profile. One of the driving factors of that decision was a string of expensive dry holes. Earlier in 2015, for example, the company noted that deepwater exploration wells in Angola and the Gulf of Mexico came up dry, costing the company $142 million in dry hole expenses. Meanwhile, last year an exploration well in the Canadian Atlantic came up dry.
Image source: ConocoPhillips.
Since that time, the company has slowly exited deepwater exploration. Not only has the company reduced exploration drilling, but it also recently sold its stake in exploration blocks offshore Senegal, which included two recent discoveries. However, the company still has work to do, including closing out exploration programs in the Gulf of Mexico and Canadian Atlantic. These closeouts could lead to several additional asset sales. In the Gulf of Mexico, for example, it holds a stake in the large Shenandoah discovery with Anadarko Petroleum (NYSE: APC), and it has a joint venture with BP (NYSE: BP) and Chevron (NYSE: CVX) to explore a vast area of the Gulf that includes two discoveries. The company also needs to decide what to do with its stake in an exploration joint venture in the Canadian Atlantic with Suncor (NYSE: SU) and Royal Dutch Shell (NYSE: RDS-A)(NYSE: RDS-B) that has already come up dry once. The future from these regions should not only bring in additional cash but also reduce future exploration capex requirements, which totaled about $600 million this year.
Getting less gassy
In addition to continuing to exit deepwater exploration, the other major transition for ConocoPhillips over the next year will be its portfolio in North America. The company said last year that it intends to sell between $5 billion and $8 billion of primarily North American natural gas assets. Among the assets reportedly on the auction block are the company's unutilized Kenai LNG export terminal in Alaska and some of its natural gas assets in Western Canada, which are said to be worth $2 billion. Meanwhile, the company has several gas assets in the U.S., including the San Juan Basin in New Mexico and Colorado, where it's the largest operator, as well as the Uinta Basin in Utah and the Wind River Basin in Wyoming.
These asset sales would do three things for the company. First, because these are underutilized assets, the market doesn't give the company much credit for them, so their sale should unlock shareholder value. Meanwhile, the cash infusion from these sales would provide the company with money to pay down debt and buy back stock. Finally, these divestitures would improve the company's margin, because conventional gas assets produce lower margin than the company's core liquids-focused assets do.
Image source: ConocoPhillips.
A lean, mean shale-focused machine
The company doesn't expect to get all that done in one year. However, with several assets currently on the block, it should make significant progress on its divestiture program over the next year. That will enable the company to start accelerating its value proposition by paying off debt, buying back stock, and investing in high-return shale wells.
Going forward, these last transitional steps will provide the company with even more flexibility, because it can focus future investments on flexible shale drilling. That will enable ConocoPhillips to offer investors a balance of growth and returns no matter what oil does in the future:
Source: ConocoPhillips investor presentation.
As that slide shows, at a minimum, the company intends to maintain production, grow the dividend, and pay down debt each year, while flexibly allocating any excess cash flow between share buybacks and growth-focused spending. As oil prices increase, it will have more capital to allocate to those two initiatives, with a focus on boosting the total annual return of shareholders over just growing output. In other words, if the company can get more bang for its buck via share buybacks, it would choose to allocate more capital in that direction.
The expectation is that by focusing on what drives returns, the company will create more value for investors over the long term.
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With a surface area of 14,000 square metres and beyond 300 new employees set to be taken on by 2020, the new facility doesnt only meet the demands of an ever-growing international market, it is also the expression of the willingness to strengthen the deepest values of Italian-made production.
Bulgaris output is, with the exception of timepieces, the fruit of Italian master craftwork. High jewellery is made in Rome, accessories in Florence, perfumes in Lodi, silk in Como, only watch and clock mechanisms are made and assembled in Switzerland. In this picture, the new Valenza facility fits into that extraordinary Italian production network, which thanks to the masterful skill of craftsmen, has for centuries seen the production of aesthetic and extremely high quality objects.
The new Manifattura Bulgari spreads across two buildings with different architectural styles, that symbolically evoke tradition and innovation. The first building is the Cascina dellOrefice, the very same where, at the beginning of the 19th century, Francesco Caramora, a goldsmith just arrived in town, gave birth to the process that would convert Valenza, initially a rural village, to a worldwide known golden city, cultural emblem of todays Italian goldsmithing excellence that spread across the surrounding area. Nowadays the Cascina dellOrefice, thanks to an efficient restoration which added offices and conference rooms, seems to be traveling across time and reach the future throughout the new wing which is completely encased in glass, called the Glass House. This touch of contemporaneity inspired by a Roman domus can also be found in the production building, built on three floors and characterized by a wide inner courtyard of 600-square-metre.
The building is designed to fit as much as possible into the surrounding environment, using innovative technologies, materials with low environmental impact, and following sustainability criteria. From the start the ambitious aim of the second building was to win LEED international certification (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) by the end of 2017.
The Manifattura Bulgari began its production in January 2017, with approximately 400 employees. The aim is to reach a total of 700 employees by 2020, most of them still working in the key area of jewellery making. In order to support traditional crafts and create a career path to professionalize new generations of craftsmen, Bulgari has decided to create the Bulgari Jewellery Academy at the heart of the new manufacturing facility. As a school of jewellery-making know-how, it will train all the new recruits. Given a capacity for 42 students simultaneously, it will opened in March 2017 with the first intake of 21 young jewellery makers.
On the surface, it would appear that investors don't have much reason to worry about Canadian oil giant Suncor Energy (NYSE: SU). It continues to generate robust cash flow even at lower oil prices, it has a strong balance sheet, and it has clearly visible near-term growth. Yet the company isn't an entirely worry-free investment. Here are two things that would worry me if I were a long-term investor in Suncor's stock.
Concentrating a bit too much
Suncor Energy aggressively took advantage of the oil market downturn to expand its asset base in the oil-sands region, where it's already a leader. It started that spending spree in late 2015, paying $310 million Canadian to acquire an additional 10% stake in its Fort Hills oil sands mine from Total (NYSE: TOT), which boosted its interest in the project to 50.8%. The company followed that up with two more deals last year, spending CA$6.6 billion to acquire Canadian Oil Sands for its 36.74% stake in the Syncrude facility and $937 million to buy another 5% stake in Syncrude from Murphy Oil (NYSE: MUR).
Image source: Suncor Energy.
While these deals significantly increased Suncor Energy's near-term production and will provide incremental growth once Fort Hills comes online later this year, it also further concentrated the company's asset base to the oil-sands region. In fact, roughly 90% of the company's production will come from that area in the future.
That concentration poses a significant risk because of the impact of wildfires. As the following slide shows, last year's devastating wildfires in the region resulted in a noticeable production drop from Suncor's base oil-sands operations after it shut in several facilities:
Source: Suncor Energy investor presentation.
What would worry me is that future wildfires could prove to be even more devastating to the company, with the potential for one or more of its assets to suffer a direct hit. Such an event could cause a lasting long-term impact to its oil production.
Where does it grow from here?
Another worry is that Suncor Energy doesn't have any major growth projects under development after it completes Fort Hills and Hebron later this year. While those two project will help fuel double-digit production growth through 2019 as they ramp up, the company has yet to approve new projects to drive growth in future years.
One reason the company doesn't have any other projects in the works is that it deferred two expansion projects in 2015 as a result of the oil market downturn. At that time, the company cut CA$1 billion of growth spending, including funding for the MacKay River 2 oil sands expansion, which would have started producing this year, and the White Rose expansion off Canada's east coast that would have delivered first oil next year. So far, the company hasn't given either project the green light, though its partner on White Rose, Husky Energy (TSX: HSE), recently said it might sanction the project this year.
Other than that, most of Suncor Energy's other expansion possibilities are much further away. For example, last year it paid $50 million for a stake in Chevron's (NYSE: CVX) Rosebank project in the U.K. North Sea. However, that project remains several years away, because Chevron recently canceled a $2 billion order for a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel to support the project. While the U.S. oil giant recently launched a new FPSO bidding process in hopes of shaving $100 million to $150 million from the price, it probably won't award that contract until next year. That probably means it will be several more years until Rosebank starts producing, which isn't a surprise given that Chevron has been working on developing this project for more than a decade. Beyond that, Suncor has several other future opportunities, including its Lewis and Meadow Creek oil sands leases, and exploration leases offshore Norway and Eastern Canada.
These projects represent potential expansion opportunities and not growth that investors can clearly see over the horizon. That worries me, because it suggests that Suncor Energy's growth engine might slow down during the early part of next decade unless it quickly restarts its stalled development projects or makes an acquisition to fill in the gap.
Investor takeaway
Every investment involves some risk that worries investors. In Suncor Energy's case, the risks that would worry me are its overly concentrated position in the oil sands and the lack of clearly visible growth projects once it finishes its current expansions. Still, the company could quickly put both concerns on the back burner if it made the right acquisition to either increase its exposure to the North Sea or the Canadian Atlantic, because it could simultaneously reduce its oil-sands exposure and fill a gap in its medium-term growth pipeline.
10 stocks we like better than Suncor EnergyWhen investing geniuses David and Tom Gardner have a stock tip, it can pay to listen. After all, the newsletter they have run for over a decade, Motley Fool Stock Advisor, has tripled the market.*
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Matt DiLallo has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Chevron and Total. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
In his first national interview since being confirmed secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Dr. Ben Carson said he anticipated President Trumps budget cuts and will find ways to ensure people receive the assistance they need.
We have to think seriously about the future of our country, about our children and our grandchildren. We must also recognize that we have a government that is compassionate for all of the people and that we will be carefully examining every program and we will find ways to make sure that vital programs are taken care of, that people who are truly in need are taken care of. That will never be an issue with this administration, Carson told Fox News Neil Cavuto.
The Trump administration plans to cut more than $6 billion or 13% in HUD funding. However, Carson said the White House considers housing the infrastructure of the country, and he will continue to evaluate the departments need for additional financing.
We are working to identify the areas where we may need more funding and we will find ways to obtain that both through this administration and through the private sector, he said.
Trumps proposal to do more with less in his first federal budget comes on the heels of cutting domestic programs and foreign aid, while spiking defense spending.
There may have been some reshuffling of priorities. I don't think anybody is saying that the domestic spending isn't important. But I think at a time when the world is getting extraordinarily dangerous, at a time when half of our planes are not capable of flying and so many other severe issues as far as our defense is concerned. We do have to pay some attention to it, Carson said.
The retired neurosurgeon weighed in on the fallout from cuts to Meals on Wheels America and entitlement programs.
The CDBG (Community Development Block Grant Program) is not the primary funder of Meals on Wheels. Much more of that comes from HHS and programs of that nature. You look at New York CityMeals on Wheels there is not even funded through our department at all. It's through public private-partnerships. So I think maybe the emphasis is in the wrong place there, he said.
Carson said the administration is off to a fabulous start and that HUD will continue its harmonious relationship with the White House.
There's a sense of mission here that we're going to really get something accomplished here. This is not about politics. This is about fulfilling the promises that were made to the people and honoring the pledges we made to them, he said.
Neil Gorsuch, President Donald Trump's U.S. Supreme Court pick, said on Tuesday he would not hesitate to rule against the president as he vowed independence amid concerns by Democrats he would be beholden to the man who nominated him.
Answering questions from senators during the second day of his Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing, Gorsuch said Trump never asked him to overturn the 1973 Supreme Court ruling legalizing abortion nationwide, saying if the Republican president had done so "I would have walked out the door."
Trump promised during last year's presidential campaign to appoint an anti-abortion justice who would overturn the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which many conservatives want reversed.
If confirmed by the Senate as expected, Gorsuch would restore the nine-seat court's conservative majority at a time when Republicans control Congress and the White House. But the conservative federal appeals court judge from Colorado repeatedly said he was beyond politics.
"When I became a judge, they gave me a gavel not a rubber-stamp," Gorsuch said, adding that no one, including the president, was "above the law."
"A good judge doesn't give a whit about politics or the political implications of his or her decision, (and) decides where the law takes him or her fearlessly," Gorsuch added.
Republicans have praised Gorsuch, 49, as highly qualified for a lifetime appointment as a justice. Democrats, who have slim chances of blocking his nomination, have questioned his suitability, with some portraying him as a judge who favors corporate interests and is insufficiently independent from Trump.
Chuck Grassley, the panel's Republican chairman, asked Gorsuch "whether you'd have any trouble ruling against a president who appointed you."
"That's a softball, Mr. Chairman," Gorsuch said. "I have no difficulty ruling against or for any party, other than based on what the law and facts in the particular case require. And I'm heartened by the support I have received from people who recognize that there's no such thing as a Republican judge or a Democratic judge. We just have judges in this country."
"I have offered no promises on how I'd rule in any case to anyone. And I don't think it's appropriate for a judge to do so, no matter who's doing the asking," Gorsuch added.
Trump has repeatedly assailed the judiciary both as a candidate and since taking office on Jan. 20. Trump condemned federal judges who have put on hold his two executive orders to ban the entry into the United States of people from several Muslim-majority countries.
In a Twitter post during the hearing on Tuesday, Trump praised Gorsuch as "the kind of judge we need" for the high court.
The seat Gorsuch was nominated to fill has been vacant for 13 months, since the death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia.
Some Democrats have said Republicans "stole" a Supreme Court seat last year when the Senate refused to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama's nominee to replace Scalia, appellate judge Merrick Garland. Under questioning by Democrat Patrick Leahy, Gorsuch called Garland an "outstanding judge," but refused to answer whether Obama's nominee had been treated fairly by Senate Republicans.
'BEGINNING OF THE END'
Gorsuch said Supreme Court precedents deserve respect, even as he sidestepped answering whether he thought a series of contentious cases from the past had been decided correctly, including Roe v. Wade and cases on gun rights, political spending, religious rights and the ruling tipping the 2000 presidential election to Republican George W. Bush.
"I'm not in a position to tell you whether I personally like or dislike a precedent. Thats not relevant to my job," he added.
He also said it would be "beginning of the end" of the independent judiciary if judges had to indicate how they would rule in future cases.
Dianne Feinstein, the committee's senior Democrat, asked Gorsuch whether Roe v. Wade ruling should be considered a "super precedent" because its central holding had been upheld in subsequent cases.
"A good judge will consider it as precedent of the United States Supreme Court worthy of treatment of precedent like any other," Gorsuch said, adding that the ruling has been reaffirmed many times.
Gorsuch hesitated when Feinstein asked him about his work on detainee issues and torture while working in Bush's Justice Department in 2005. She said that in a document showing a set of talking points from November 2005 asking whether aggressive interrogation techniques yielded any valuable information, Gorsuch had written in the margin, "Yes."
She asked Gorsuch what information he had that aggressive interrogation techniques were effective. "I have to see the document, I don't recall," Gorsuch said, his brow furrowed.
Pressing a Democratic concern that Gorsuch favors corporate interests, Feinstein mentioned some of his prior opinions, asking, "How do we have confidence in you that you won't just be for the big corporations, that you will be for the little man?"
Answering a later question from Republican Orrin Hatch, Gorsuch said, "A judge is there to make sure that every person, poor or rich, mighty or meek, gets equal protection of the law."
Grassley said Tuesday's session could last 10 hours, with all the committee members getting to question him.
Grassley has said the committee is likely to vote on Gorsuch's nomination on April 3, with the full Senate vote likely soon after. The hearing could last four days.
(Reporting by Lawrence Hurley; Additional reporting by Mohammad Zargham; Editing by Will Dunham)
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The Piano Guys are known for their viral YouTube videos that have racked up more than one billion views since they debuted in 2010.
Fans will get to know the Utah-based musical group in a different way on the Dove Channel's new show "Frankly Faraci."
"When you put your life into God's hands, that's when things turn out right," pianist Jon Schmidt said on the first episode of "Frankly Faraci" streaming tonight.
Schmidt's 21-year-old daughter was found dead at the bottom of cliff in October 2016. Her death was ruled accidental.
"[Jon's] family they lost their daughter," musical director Al van der Beek said on the show. "Through that whole thing, he reminded everyone...we need to remember all of the wonders, all the times that God did answer our prayers in the way we wanted to."
The band's producer echoed van der Beek's comments.
"We know that there's a higher power and we know that someone else is in charge of this," Paul Anderson said. "Anything is possible if you put it in God's hands."
"Frankly Faraci" is hosted by journalist Matthew Faraci and features celebrities discussing faith in the 22-minute episodes.
"Frankly Faraci" premieres on Dove Channel March 21.
The journalist who published a notorious quote from Melissa George five years ago has apologized to the actor and said she does not deserve the backlash against her.
Fairfax reporter Christine Sams interviewed the star in November 2012 when she was promoting her new series "Hunted" and trying to escape inevitable questions about playing Angel in "Home and Away" from Australian media.
At the time, George was clearly fed up and blasted Australian press for causing her so much stress she did not want to return to the country. It led to the now notorious statement: Id rather be having a croissant and a little espresso in Paris or walking my French bulldog in New York City.
FORMER 'GREY'S ANATOMY' STAR MELISSA GEORGE REPORTEDLY HOSPITALIZED AFTER ALLEGED DOMESTIC VIOLENCE INCIDENT
The comment sparked a swift and vicious backlash against George which has haunted her ever since.
Now, in the aftermath of a tell-all Sunday Night interview in which George detailed her distress at not being able to leave Paris with her children during a custody battle, Sams said she was shocked to see that quote still being used against her.
Ive been horrified to see that many Australians have been quick to throw her words from that interview right back in her face. Suck it up princess, said one commentator, echoing scores of others who suggested she deserves no sympathy for turning her back on Australia, she wrote.
Georges recent appearance on Sunday Night featured an emotional interview about her custody battle with French entrepreneur Jean-David Blanc and the violent night that saw them both convicted of assault.
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However online reaction showed a dark side to Australia including a culture of victim-blaming and shaming.
If you bag out Australia then you are not entitled to any empathy ever again in your entire life. Oh now she is sorry, how convenient. She was too good for Australia when all was going well with her just deal with this yourself sweetheart. The rest of us are not interested Silly girl ... read some of the comments online.
Sams said she remembers her shock at hearing Georges comments at the time, but now regrets using them in her article.
The one thing I certainly didnt know was that nearly five years later, a clearly traumatized Melissa George would plead publicly to Australia for help after a very troubling incident of domestic violence in her French home and those words of hers would still be used against her by so many. Is Australia really so unforgiving that those flippant and somewhat ridiculous remarks will be held against her for years?
I just wanted to say sorry, Melissa, you dont deserve it, she said.
Mr. Blanc has denied any acts of violence against his former lover, saying she tried to leave the country with his children without his consent.
He told News Corp Australia that George was free to come and go all over the world as she always did."
News Corp revealed last week that Mr. Blanc, about 48, and Ms. George, 40, had both been convicted in February of assaulting each other in a physical altercation at their palatial Paris penthouse in September, which ended their relationship.
This article originally appeared on News.com.au.
You dont have to look too hard to find avocado at any restaurant these days. Theyre stuffed into sandwiches, blended into smoothies, spread on toast, and sometimes even mashed into the underside of the table-- depending on whether or not you brought your kids along.
But now, the chef of a London eatery called Firedog has had it up to here with the avocado craze, and he's recently issued a no-avocado edict across the restaurant's entire menu.
9 SURPRISING WAYS TO USE AN AVOCADO
Our mission is to reinvigorate the morning dining scene in London, which has done avocado to death, and were frankly bored of seeing it on every breakfast and brunch menu, head chef George Notley told The Independent.
Instead of avocado, Firedog says they plan to focus on Aegean-inspired ingredients and snacks to create dishes that feature other, less pervasive superfoods, including fennel, beets and pomegranate. But as Conde Nast Traveler points out, Firedog still hasn't curtailed their use of matcha, which they describe as another "trendy item."
Its too soon to tell if Firedogs aversion to avocado is part of a larger backlash against the omnipresent fruit, though it seems unlikely across the pond given recent trends.
According to a 2015 Grubstreet post, the average American ate 5.8 pounds of avocado in 2014. Food and Wine also reported that the country consumes an estimated 278 million individual avocadoes on Super Bowl Sunday.
Avocadoes are also as popular as theyve ever been on Firedogs side of the Atlantic. In 2015, for instance, U.K. consumers spent more money on avocadoes than they did oranges for the first time in history, reports The Independent.
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Still, Notley seems confident that he can put together an alluring menu without one of brunchs most popular components.
The ever-evolving cooking methods used in Aegean street food inspired us to create a colorful menu rich in interesting flavors and fresh ingredients, added Notley. All without an avocado in sight!
Environmentalists are buzzing about a new campaign started by General Mills to promote awareness surrounding the world's declining bee population.
Last week, the cereal giant removed Honey Nut Cheerios mascotBuzz Beefrom cereal boxes. In addition, the company also mailed out free flower seeds as part of its Save the Bees campaign.
That campaign, General Mills claimed, would provide additional nectar for the pollinating insects. And within just a week, the cereal company had already distributed 1.5 billion packets of seeds-- ten times more than the original goal.
Planting flowers might sound like a beautiful, and environmentally friendly activity but the problem with all of this, according to Lifehacker, is that the seeds sent out by the cereal giant may actually damage some recipients local ecosystems.
7 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL
Instead of shipping native flower species to specific locations, General Mills utilized a basic mix of hyssops, lavender, daisies, poppies, forget-me-nots and others. But some of those flowers arent native to America. And others are actually banned.
"No plant is inherently bad, but many species can and have caused a great deal of damage when they are introduced into locations outside of their native range," ecologist Kathryn Turner told Lifehacker.
"Invasive species can out-compete the natives they encounter, they can take up all the space and use up all the resources, they can spread disease, and cause other physical changes to their new homes, all of which can have detrimental effects on native species, and on humans."
Poppies, for instance, are regarded as an invasive exotic pest in the southeast. If planted in the wrong region, environmentalists say the flowers could both compromise available space and resources and even potentially spread disease.
But the cereal maker, which worked with seed purveyor Veseys Seeds and their experts to create the Bee Feed Wildflower mix, has battled back against the accusations, arguing that the flower mix sent out does not possess a risk to local ecosystems.
According to Veseys Seeds, the Bee Feed Wildflower mix is composed of 20 annuals and perennials that will bloom all season long. It has been field-tested and is known to attract honey bees, bumble bees, and other native bees such as mining bees, leaf cutter bees, sweet bees and long-horned bees," a spokeswoman speaking on behalf of General Mills told Fox News.
"The flower varieties within the Bee Feed Mixture were selected for their flowers which produce nectar and pollen that are attractive to bees and other pollinators."
The spokeswoman continued, "The seed varieties in the mix [comprised of mixture contains annuals, biennials, and perennials] are not considered invasive."
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According to General Mills, its "Save the Bees" campaign is just one part of a larger, multi-year, corporate commitment to support pollinator conservation." The company says it has invested over $4 million over the past six years with the Xerces Society, to support pollinator and biodiversity efforts across General Mills' own supply chain. That includes projects farms supplying ingredients to brands like Cheerios, Muir Glen, Cascadian Farm, LARABAR and Annies.
According to brand channel, bees play a crucial part in pollinating 35 percent of the worlds food supply. But the insects one species of which has already been declared endangered by the US Fish and Wildlife Service are dying off due to habitat loss, parasites and pesticides.
Burger lovers lucky enough to attend the Eat Pink event at the Dubai Mall on March 14 certainly weren't disappointed with the culinary creations.
Known for its over-the-top dining and nightlife, Dubai is now also the home of a record-breaking burger that sold for $10,000.
Dubbed "the worlds most expensive burger" the "Seven Emirates Burgerstack" was made with aged cheddar, veal bacon, a saffron brioche burger bun with seven spices and burger sauce served alongside a milkshake, according to the India Times.
The over the top burger was created by the Pink Caravan ambassador Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdullah Al Thani.
But all that cash didn't just go to the chef. The burger was auctioned off to raise money for a breast cancer charity even in Dubai Malls Galeries Lafayette during the Pink Caravans Pink Bite.
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I have been an ambassador of Pink Caravan since the very beginning, and I am extremely honoured to be here today, Shaikh Al Thani told Timeout Dubai. Two years ago, we broke the world record by selling one burger for $7,000, and this year we wanted to top that. Of course, all proceeds will go to breast cancer awareness and free detection at an earlier stage."
Seven of Dubais top chefs including, Mohamed Orfali from Fatafeat, Rief Othman of PLAY, named Restaurant of the Year at the Time Out Dubai Restaurant awards, as well as Colin Clauge from RUYA faced off at the event to surpass funds raised during the previous year.
Asma Al Fahim, founder of a Dubai lifestyle magazine Villa 88, called in the winning bid.
Though the Seven Emirates Burgerstack was undoubtedly expensive, since it's not a permanent menu item, it hasn't nabbed Guinness' official world title. That honor belongs to Serendipity 3's Le Burger Extravagant, which is available year-round for $295 at the New York City eatery.
In late fall and early spring, youre probably not too concerned about catching colds and dealing with sore throats. Youre busy enjoying the changing seasons, and you should be. If you do happen to get a sore throat that lasts several days, you should see a doctor immediately. Streptococcal bacteria, the culprits that cause strep throat, thrive during these seasons, and the infection is easy to catch.
An Extreme Case of Strep Throat
While children may have a higher risk of getting strep throat, adults can catch it too. One man from Michigan found out just how seriously the infection can be if left untreated.
At first, Kevin went to see a doctor for pain that he was feeling in his stomach. One day later, he returned to the hospital with no improvement from medication, and doctors began to dig. Upon performing an exploratory surgery, they found his stomach filled with infection and eventually pinned strep throat as the cause.
During this process, Kevins organs began failing. Doctors had to stimulate more blood flow to his organs to keep him alive. Unfortunately, they werent able to save his hands and feet, requiring amputations on all four of Kevins limbs.
Strep Throat Complications
Yes, this case of strep throat is certainly extreme, but the contagious infection can cause many problems if ignored. One harmful complication is an infection to the kidneys.
If a strep infection goes untreated, the bacteria will often wreak havoc on your kidneys, causing swelling, blood in urine, and joint pain. If the infection goes this far, you will need to be watched closely to ensure that the medicine is working effectively.
In other undiagnosed cases, the strep infection can spread to major areas such as the skin, heart, blood, and nervous system. Some people progress on to such illnesses as scarlet fever, meningitis, or even toxic shock. Again, these extreme cases are rare, especially if the infection is treated at the first onset of symptoms.
So What Exactly is Strep Throat?
Strep throat is an infection caused by a contagious strain of bacteria called Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A strep. Each year, millions of people develop a mild form of strep infection, and 1015 thousand go on to worsened cases.
People with the strep bacteria can spread the infection easily when they sneeze or cough. If they have any bacteria on their hands, they will contaminate food, door knobs, and any other touchable surfaces.
To prevent spreading bacteria, you should wash your hands multiple times throughout the day and wipe down commonly touched surfaces often. Dont share food with someone who has strep throat, and avoid touching your face, especially your nose and eyes. If a family member gets strep throat, give them full rest from responsibilities and take extra care when cleaning.
Signs of Infection
Much of the time, you can probably link your sore throat to a cold. However, if you experience symptoms related to strep throat, youll want to see your doctor right away. These symptoms include:
Prolonged sore throat (several days)
Pain when swallowing
Inflamed tonsils (a reddened throat, perhaps with some white areas)
Sore and swollen lymph nodes in the neck
Fever lasting more than 48 hours
Spreading rash
In the event that you do have strep throat, your doctor will give you antibiotics to fight off the bacteria. You should rest for several days and keep away from friends and family as much as possible. Do not go to work or return to school until your doctor has given permission, or you may infect others around you.
If you dont see improvement within two days, call a doctor. Otherwise, you should return to your normal self and busy life within a matter of days.
Although you dont see cases as extreme as Kevins every day, you can still learn from his story. Strep throat can be potentially dangerous, causing major complications if left untreated. Take it seriously at the first onset of symptoms, and youll be up and running again in no time.
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Youre launching a smartwatch with a touch screen. What happened to the E-Strap, your connected watch strap?
It had reached the end of its life. These products work on the basis of generations. When the time came to decide whether we should go ahead with a second generation, or whether we were going to embrace greater functionality, I decided we should move towards a more global version. The technology is mature enough that we can move it onto the front of the watch. With the Summit, we are playing with the idea of an extension of the watch experience. Talking to our clients, some already have a fine mechanical watch, and theyre open to the idea of a second, complementary watch, to give them access to the full digital experience. Or, it could be the first watch for clients who are tech-savvy but have no prior experience of high-quality fine watchmaking. We can offer a new experience to both these sets of customers.
The dial has the look of a vintage watch.
Yes, its the dial from the 1858. We started from the position that we needed quite a big dial to make it easy to read, particularly for older clients. We naturally gravitated to this kind of experience, and we took the relatively open dial of the 1858 as our aesthetic starting point.
How did you deal with the ergonomic aspect?
The watch has a diameter of 46 mm and its 13.5 mm deep, with a heart rate monitor. Thats quite a good size. Its thinner than it would be with a Valjoux. If we made it any thinner it would be too flat for its proportions. 46 mm is the lower limit if the functions are to be genuinely readable. We offer a wide choice of cases, four versions with optional PVD, and interchangeable straps. And there is a range of dial options. You can switch to a TimeWalker dial: we designed a universal time dial especially for the Summit. Prices start at around 890, depending on VAT.
A Summit on the wrist, with a TimeWalker dial David Chokron/WorldTempus
Is this your lowest-priced watch, across all your ranges?
Yes, by far. We focused on functionality. 890 is the cost of a Meisterstuck fountain pen. At this price, its an entry point into the Montblanc world.
This watch is something of a chameleon: it can show dials from watches in your other collections, and yet its the least expensive of all. Will it make it unnecessary for people to buy another Montblanc watch?
Were beginning with the 1858 aesthetic, and later on well be offering new dials regularly, one per month. But our aim is to open up new territories to new clients, clients perhaps not familiar with Montblancs watches, but who like Montblancs business luxury lifestyle image. When you move over to mechanical watches, you have different expectations in terms of aesthetic representation, you are less focused on the functions. So no, I dont worry about the risk of cannibalisation. That isnt our primary challenge. Our primary challenge is to present and explain the product and its evolutions properly. Tomorrow [the day after the official launch] we have 105 simultaneous product events around the world.
The strength of Montblanc lies in your presence.
In any case, its quite a challenge, making sure the watch is available everywhere. It will require a major team effort. And we are pioneers in this kind of approach. Its a good thing for a luxury company, a design company, to create its own path, rather than following the crowd.
You mention design, but you work under the same limitations as many other smartwatch manufacturers, in that you use an Android Wear platform, which is generic. So, the way you use the product isnt really different.
That could work to our advantage. For a new product, its very important to use a shared interface. Otherwise, the product could remain obscure and unapproachable. But we do have our own functions too, functions we have invented. And where we have kept the integrated Android Wear functions, like Uber, for example, that was our choice too.
Two versions of the Summit, with strap options and charger David Chokron/WorldTempus
Will you be developing services connected with your other domains, such as luggage, which are accessible specifically via this watch?
Every month we will be rolling out additional dials, but also new services and functions, generating greater interaction between the company and its clients. Thats also the advantage of a smart project, because we remain connected with our customers.
How about a baggage tracking function, using integrated trackers?
We already have a keyring with Bluetooth tracking. And we have RFID blockers to prevent electronic pickpocketing incorporated into our leatherware collections.
Lets talk about timing. Its not long since the SIHH, where you had a presence, and were coming up to Baselworld, where you dont have a presence. Why are you launching the product now, and separately from the rest?
Its a very rich universe which requires a great deal of attention, and we wanted to find a separate space in time to understand it completely, to ensure it was not disrupted by other messages. We decided that the launch should not be just one product among many. Deliveries begin in May, and I want to begin accepting pre-orders a month before. That brings us up to mid-March. The timing is not adjusted to fit with Basel thats not an important date in our diaries. The dates were agreed upon some time ago, in cooperation with our partners.
So, the Summit isnt Swiss Made?
No, our leathers are made in Italy, our pens come from Germany, we have several labels of origin. Its Made in China, because the electronic parts are assembled in China. Qualcomm produces the insides and the processor, which is the most expensive part. We could have made an effort to have the Summit assembled in Germany, but we would never have been ready in time.
Does the case come from your regular watch production?
The case, the sapphire and the straps are made by our usual partners. But this is a separate issue. Thats not where our focus lies, with this product. The origin is not as relevant as the functions, and the access it provides to Montblancs watchmaking heritage.
The black DLC version of the Summit, with its dial inherited from the 1858 collection Montblanc
Two women who sought Brazilian butt lifts at a Miami-area cosmetic center were taken the hospital after hours-long procedures, WSVN.com reported. The women were patients at Seduction Cosmetic Surgery Center and were transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance, family members said.
Crystal Call, who traveled from New York for the procedure on Wednesday, has been released from Aventura Hospitals intensive care unit, her mother told WSVN.com. The second patient, 28-year-old Shaberiya Hill, remains in ICU.
I said, Its been seven hours, almost. Somethings wrong, Maria Basham, 31-year-old Calls mother, told WSVN.com. I can feel it, as a mother.
Basham told the news outlet that she threatened the call police before doctors called for an ambulance.
It just went on for, like, five hours, and finally I went back there and said, I want to see my daughter, she told WSVN.com. They all blocked me, like, five nurses blocked me from going in the back.
Hills mother, Marilyn Kaze, said she advises other women seeking cosmetic surgery to spend extra money to ensure safety.
Do not fly out for a cheaper rate, Kaze told WSVN.com. Its not worth your life.
The womens procedures occurred a day before another patient, Ranika Hall, had traveled to Miami from Missouri seeking a Brazilian butt lift and later died. Hall had chosen Eres Plastic Surgery, which had changed its name from Encore Plastic Surgery following the death of another patient last year. Officials are investigating Halls death.
A 10-month-old girl born with four legs and two spines is recovering after doctors successfully removed what they have identified as her twins partially formed body. The girl, identified only has Dominique, was born in the Ivory Coast and was flown to Advocate Childrens Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, for the procedure.
A parasitic twin is an identical twin that fails to fully separate in development, John Ruge, a pediatric neurosurgeon at the hospital, told Reuters. In other words, not another independent twin, but a twin that was dependent on her body system, such that Dominiques heart and lungs provided the nourishment.
On March 8, five surgeons worked for six hours to remove the two extra legs near her shoulders, as well as the second spine. After spending five days in the hospital, she was released to a Chicago-area foster family, who will care for her until she returns to West Africa, Reuters reported.
Its going rather well, Frank Vicari, a pediatric and reconstructive surgeon, told Reuters. Shes been home with step-mom and just doing very, very well.
Dominiques family was not identified, but her foster family told Reuters that they have been exchanging photos of her recovery.
Reuters contributed to this report.
Most American teenagers who abuse opioid drugs first received the drugs from a doctor, a new study finds.
Researchers looked at trends in the use of prescription opioids among U.S. adolescents from 1976 to 2015. They found a strong correlation between teens' taking the drugs for medical reasons and then later taking them for "nonmedical" reasons, or in other words, abusing them, according to the study published today (March 20) in the journal Pediatrics.
"One consistent finding we observed over the past two decades is that the majority of nonmedical users of prescription opioids also have a history of medical use of prescription opioids," said study author Sean McCabe, a research professor at the University of Michigan.
But the finding points to a way to prevent teens from abusing opiods: "This means health professionals who prescribe opioid medications to adolescents can play an important role in reducing prescription opioid misuse," McCabe told Live Science.
In 2015, the the most recent year of the study, 8 percent of adolescents reported abusing prescription opioids, and the majority of them had been prescribed opioids previously, the researchers found.
"We consider any rate of nonmedical use of prescription opioids alarming, based on the known adverse consequences associated with this behavior," McCabe said.
Opioids are a class of strong pain medications such as OxyContin and Vicodin. The addictive nature of these drugs can lead to drug abuse, severe complications requiring emergency room visits and overdose deaths.
The U.S. consumes about 80 percent of the world's prescription opioid supply. There has been consistent growth in the number of prescriptions written for opioids in the U.S., rising from 76 million prescriptions in 1991 to 207 million in 2013, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.
However, the new study revealed that among teens, both medical and nonmedical use of opioid medications has declined in recent years, starting in 2013. The decline may be due to careful prescribing practices, McCabe said.
There are several medical procedures that teens may undergo for which opioids are recommended for pain management. But doctors can be careful about the amount of these drugs they prescribe, and limit refills. Parents can make sure that any leftover pills are discarded.
"The goal is not to reduce prescription opioids at all costs, but to reach a balance between making sure patients are adequately treated with prescription opioids when medically necessary while minimizing the potential for adverse opioid-related consequences," McCabe said. "The current study and other national studies indicate we have more work to do in order to strike the correct balance."
There are some useful strategies to strike such a balance, McCabe said. For example physicians can prescribe the lowest effective dose of opoids, and supplement that with milder pain medication, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Original article on Live Science.
Contrary to popular belief, your sex drive doesn't just go south once you hit the big 4-0. If you're losing your libido in your 40s, 50s, or even 60s, your medicine cabinetnot agemay be to blame, says NYC reproductive endocrinologist Jaime Knopman, MD, co-founder of Truly, MD. Here's a look at 5 common offenders.
Antidepressants
The most popular antidepressant optionsmedications like citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft)are part of a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs help fight depression by raising levels of a feel-good brain hormone, serotonin. But they can also have the effect of lowering libido levels and making it harder for you to orgasm, explains Knopman.
While you may be tempted to ditch your meds entirely, it's not usually a good idea: Depression itself is another known libido squasher, says Knopman (here are 7 things that happen when you stop taking antidepressants). But you may want to talk to your doctor about trying an antidepressant thats not an SSRI, such as bupropion (Wellbutrin) or vilazodone (Viibryd). If you'd rather not switch up your mood meds, try hitting the gym before you hit the sheets. Women who exercise before enjoying some nooky report higher sex drive and better orgasms than those who stay sedentary, according to a 2014 study published in the journal Depression Anxiety (Prevention's Fit in 10 DVD offers super-effective, 10-minute workouts that are perfect for squeezing in before you hit the sheets).
Birth control pills
Many women go on the Pill during perimenopause to help relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and headaches. But about a third of those taking oral contraceptives report problems with sexual functioning, including trouble orgasming, decreased desire, and pain during sex, according to a 2010 German study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. (Sex shouldn't be painful. Here's what can help, from Prevention Premium.) Oral contraceptives "increase levels of sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which drops the amount of testosterone that's circulating freely in your bloodstream," explains Knopman.
You could try a patch or vaginal ring instead; since these bypass your liver, you're less likely to experience sexual side effects, says Knopman. Or you could try another pill, preferably one with levonorgestrel in it (like Levora), a form of progestin that acts like testosterone. (And be sure to always use plenty of lube during sex. Our pick: silky smooth and long-lasting Almost Naked Personal Lubricant from the Prevention shop.)
Antihistamines
If you lose that loving feeling during seasonal allergy season, you may assume it's simply because of your sneezing and stuffed-up nose. But the truth is that OTC or prescription antihistamines might be the real culprit. These meds dry you out everywhere, including your vagina, says Knopman. They also make you feel sleepy, so you're less likely to be in the mood for sex. The solution is actually surprisingly easy: Just take these meds in the AM when you wake up (instead of at bedtime), and if you need a second daily dose wait until after you've gotten busy to take it.
Anti-seizure meds
Anticonvulsants like phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol) are great treatments for epilepsy, but not so great for your love life. They increase levels of a hormone called prolactinyour body also pumps it out when you're nursing to stimulate milk productionwhich in turn reduces sex drive. These meds also appear to lower levels of another hormone called DHEA, which impacts libido, too.
If you think your seizure medications are really causing a problem in the bedroom, ask your doctor if it's safe to switch. Valproate (Depacon) has one of the lowest risks for sexual side effects, since it doesn't effect prolactin or DHEA levels, according to a review published in the journal Pharmacy Times.
Prescription pain meds
Almost 10% of women age 45 to 64 take an opioid pain medication like hydrocodone/acetaminophen (Vicodin), oxycodone (OxyContin), or oxycodone hydrochloride (Percocet) for over six months, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Besides carrying a threat for drug addiction and overdose (read more about the nation's opioid problem from Prevention Premium), these meds can derail your libido by lowering testosterone levels, explains Knopman. Your best bet is to avoid using them, period. If you need relief for long-term pain, talk to your doctor about other options such as physical therapy, non-opioid medications, or even surgery.
This article originally appeared on Prevention.com.
Its a question every pregnant woman has had: With a baby on board, is it best to hit the gym or stay put on the couch?
As if aware of the resounding confusion over the topic, an exercise physiology professor in Spain is aiming to set the record straight on exercising while pregnant in an article published Tuesday in JAMA.
MAN LEARNS WHAT IT'S LIKE TO EXERCISE WHILE PREGNANT IN HILARIOUS VIDEO
NPR reported that Alejandro Lucia, of the European University of Madrid, wrote in the limited-access article that although it wasnt always the case, its now OK to exercise while pregnant even if youre a newbie to physical activity. Lucia just advises that, provided theyre healthy, those novices start slowly and work up to the 20 to 30 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity as recommended by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). Doing so can reduce the risk of gaining excess weight, needing a caesarian section, and having a baby that is overweight or has breathing problems, among other benefits.
The ACOG released guidelines in 2015 recommending exercise during pregnancy except for those women with serious heart disease, risk of premature labor, severe anemia, constant bleeding in the second or third trimester, and other factors, NPR reported.
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Overall, researchers recommend sticking to exercise that doesnt cause your heart to pump at 90 percent or more of its maximum beats per minute. NPR reported that generally, pregnant women should also avoid long-distance running, heavy weight lifting, hot yoga, contact sports, and exercise that requires lying face up beginning in the second trimester.
"Within reason, with adequate cautions, it's important for [everyone] to get over this fear," said Alejandro Lucia, a professor of exercise physiology at the European University of Madrid, an author of the viewpoint published Tuesday in JAMA, the journal of the American Medical Association, according to NPR.
After eight long months of pushing one conspiracy theory after another, liberals still refuse to accept a simple truth: There's not one shred of evidence showing collusion between President Trump and the Russians.
The only thing Democrats and their pals in the alt-left propaganda media can focus on is the FBI director saying that he has not seen evidence to support President Trump's tweets about wiretapping. This would be the same hypocritical media that used the words "wiretapping" in their own reporting. Yes, right there on the front page of The New York Times on Jan. 20 was the headline, Wiretapped data used in inquiry of Trump aides."
While the Democrats feign moral outrage, they are missing the real scandal. Laws were broken. Starting back in January, we have seen the repeated leaking of classified information meant to inflict damage on President Trump and his entire administration. These are criminal acts, felonies in fact. Yet, it does not bother Democrats or their lapdogs in the media in the least. And the intelligence community? They don't seem to have any answers, and they dont seem to be looking very hard for them, either.
Consider this back-and-forth between Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., and FBI Director James Comey at Mondays hearings on Capitol Hill.
I thought it was against the law to disseminate classified information, Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, said. Is it?
Oh, yes, Comey replied. Sure. It's a serious crime.
Is there an exception in the law for current or former U.S. officials who request anonymity? Gowdy pressed, alluding to all the unnamed sources quoted by outlets like the New York Times and Washington Post when printing leaked information.
No, Comey replied..
If Comey knows it is illegal to leak classified intelligence, why hasn't he found the person or the people responsible? And why, after all these months, can't the FBI give us an answer?
Gowdy further questioned Comey specifically on the case of Lt. Gen. Michael Flynn, who lost his job as President Trumps National Security Adviser after leaked conversations he had with the Russian ambassador to the U.S. were published. Those conversations were not illegal, but leaking transcripts from federal wiretaps sure was.
Were a month-and-a-half or two months into something that you and I agree is incredibly important and also happens to be a felony, Gowdy said. So I'm just simply asking you to assure the American people -- you've already assured them you take it really seriously. Can you assure them that it is going to be investigated?
Comeys reply ought to scare Americans who expect justice to be impartial.
I can't, he said. But I hope people watching know how seriously we take leaks of classified information. But I don't want to confirm it by saying that we're investigating it. And I'm sorry I have to draw that line. I just think that's the right way to be.
Suddenly, the FBI doesn't comment on potential ongoing investigations? Yet Comey himself, at the same sitting, commented on an ongoing investigation into potential Russian influence in the election. The FBI director cannot have it both ways. By disclosing that the FBI is actively investigating Russian interference in the election, and specifically saying the probe included allegations of collusion with the Trump campaign, Comey fueled alt-left conspiracy theories.
As Obama's own Director of National Intelligence James Clapper said, Russian meddling didn't have an impact on vote tallies. Watch this.
First, we cannot say -- they did not change any vote tallies or anything of that sort, Clapper recently told lawmakers. We have no way of gauging the impact that -- certainly, the intelligence community can't gauge the impact that it had on choices that the electorate made.
Comey and National Security Agency boss Admiral Mike Rogers both testified Monday that Russia did not influence the vote tallies in key swing states -- Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida. So whatever meddling Russia may have done, it didnt change the vote tally. And there is no proof that President Trumps campaign worked with Moscow.
Yet, Comey keeps that story alive while refusing to say whether the Obama administration spied on Team Trump, even though it is obvious.
I think that we know one thing for sure, that the Obama administration did spy on Flynn, said Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Now, whether it was indirect or direct, somebody was reading and taking a transcript of his phone calls, and then they released it. It is very, very important that whoever released that go to jail because you cannot have members of the intelligence community listening to the most private and highly classified information and then releasing that to The New York Times.
Finally, if trying to influence elections of foreign countries is so awful, where were all of these Democrats back when President Obama was trying to influence the Israeli elections? Obama used taxpayer funds to try to defeat Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
A congressional investigation found that back in 2014, an Israeli political group used $300,000 in U.S. taxpayer funds from the Obama State Department to create a political apparatus to try and defeat our closest ally in the Middle East, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Its no news that there is a double standard in Washington and in the media. Its bad news if theres a double standard at the FBI.
Adapted from Sean Hannity's monologue on "Hannity," March 20, 2017
President Trump's daughter Ivanka will maintain a West Wing office, though she is not technically serving as a government employee and will not receive a salary, a senior White House official tells Fox News.
Since Trump took office, Ivanka has been a visible presence in the White House, where her husband, Jared Kushner, already serves as a senior adviser. On Friday, she participated in a meeting on vocational training with the president and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Jamie Gorelick, an attorney and ethics adviser for Ivanka Trump, told the Associated Press Monday that the first daughter will not have an official title, but will get a West Wing office, government-issued communications devices and security clearance to access classified information. Gorelick said Ivanka Trump would follow the ethics rules that apply to government employees.
"Our view is that the conservative approach is for Ivanka to voluntarily comply with the rules that would apply if she were a government employee, even though she is not," said Gorelick, who also helped Kushner with the legal strategy that led to his White House appointment. "The White House Counsel's Office agrees with that approach."
Ivanka Trump's role has already come under scrutiny because there is little precedent for a member of the first family with this kind of influence. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
A person with knowledge of Ivanka Trump's thinking, who requested anonymity to discuss private conversations, said she believes she can offer more independent perspective to her father by not serving as a White House staffer.
A popular surrogate for her father on the campaign trail, Ivanka Trump moved her young family to Washington at the start of the administration and signaled plans to work on economic issues, like maternity leave and child care. In a statement, she said: "I will continue to offer my father my candid advice and counsel, as I have for my entire life."
Federal anti-nepotism laws prevent relatives from being appointed to government positions. But the Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel recently said the president's "special hiring authority" allowed him to appoint Kushner to the West Wing staff. Gorelick noted the office also made clear that the president could consult family members as private citizens, arguing that this is what Ivanka Trump will be doing.
The first daughter has sought to distance herself from the Trump Organization and her lifestyle brand, which offers shoes, clothing and jewelry. She has removed herself from executive roles and will have a more hands-off approach to the brand though she will still get certain information and will have the power to veto new deals if they raise ethical red flags.
Richard Painter, a University of Minnesota law professor who served as President George W. Bush's chief White House lawyer on ethics, said that Ivanka Trump is effectively working as a White House employee. He said that "means that she, like her husband, has to follow the rules. It's not a huge deal if she stays out of things that affect her financial interests."
Painter said that means Trump should avoid anything to do with foreign trade with countries where her products are made, as well as recuse herself from real estate matters, given Kushner's family real estate business.
Trump says she will follow ethics rules and some of her financial information will be included in Kushner's official disclosures. She would have to disclose additional financial information if she were in a senior White House role, said Painter. That could include more details about her lifestyle brand, including her contracts and income.
Attorney Andrew Herman, who has advised lawmakers on ethics issues, said he thought the administration should make her role official. He said: "I think the right way to do that is to make her a special government employee. But that implicates all kind of formal and disclosure issues."
Ivanka Trump continues to own her brand. But she has handed daily management to the company president and has set up a trust to provide further oversight. The business cannot make deals with any foreign state, and the trustees will confer with Gorelick over any new agreements. Ivanka Trump will also be able to veto proposed new transactions.
Ivanka Trump has also barred the business from using her image to promote the products in advertising or marketing.
To be sure, the trustees are in the family her husband's siblings Joshua Kushner and Nicole Meyer. But Gorelick said the goal of the trust wasn't to shield Trump from everything, but to remove her from the day-to-day operations. She also acknowledged that the arrangement did not eliminate conflicts, but she said Trump is trying to minimize them and will recuse herself from any administration decision-making that affects her business.
With the Trump Organization, Ivanka Trump has stepped down from a leadership role and will receive fixed payments rather than a share of the profits.
Ivanka Trump has also written a book, "Women Who Work," that will be released in May. The proceeds and royalties will be donated to charity, Gorelick said.
Fox News' John Roberts and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Judge Neil Gorsuch, President Trump's nominee to replace Justice Antonin Scalia on the U.S. Supreme Court, faced senators Monday, kicking off what promises to be a grinding confirmation process.
Gorsuch was nominated Feb. 1, and despite his stellar record, which includes a Harvard law degree and a decade on the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals, he could face a tough confirmation battle. Senate Democrats have signaled that they will use whatever procedural means are available to try and stop Gorsuch from being name to the high court.
"We are not here to review your record in a vacuum, whether reasonable, mainstream nominee or not," Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., told the nominee during her opening statment. "[Supreme Court] decisions impact the American people."
"It's important Democrats and Republicans not roll over on this pick." Elizabeth Wydra, Constitutional Accountability Center.
Gorsuch gave a statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee Monday afternoon, defending his record and pledging to be fair and follow the law.
"I have ruled for disabled students, prisoners, and workers alleging civil rights violations," he said. "Sometimes, I have ruled against such persons too. But my decisions have never reflected a judgment about the people before me only my best judgment about the law and facts at issue in each particular case."
Hearings will resume at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, and could stretch for several days before going to the full Senate. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said he expects Gorsuch to take his seat on the high court by mid-April.
Observers expect other Democrats to battle hard against Gorsuch's confirmation, in part because Republicans blocked President Obama's lame-duck nomination of Merrick Garland to the court.
The stakes are enormous, not only for the nominee but also for Trump, who selected him from a list of 21 potential candidates announced during the presidential campaign. Aides say President Trump hopes a successful confirmation will build momentum for his separate political agenda, and bring a measure of stability and public confidence to what has been a challenging two months in office.
In the broader realm, filling the seat left by the death of Scalia will ensure the high court keeps a shaky right-leaning majority. And having that fifth conservative vote will help guide the administration as it makes strategic decisions about which high-profile issues to pursue in court-- like immigration, the environment, transgender rights and expanded executive authority.
Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez will not get a Supreme Court hearing for an appeal of a motion to dismiss charges he received about $1 million in bribes during his 2012 re-election campaign.
USA Today reported Monday that the Supreme Court's denial of Menendez's appeal could clear the way for a trial into the allegations. Menendez is accused of receiving about $1 million in bribes in exchange for using his office to help a Florida eye specialist who is a friend of the New Jersey senator.
The case is based on Menendez's actions around the time of the alleged bribes, which included donations to committees that worked to get Menendez re-elected, according to the report.
Menendez argued the Constitution prevented the executive and judicial branches from questioning a member of Congress' legislative activity. The court denied that argument.
Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com
Watches are not rocket science. Or are they? Watches are not rocket...
Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well, thats a shame, because with some watches, youll need one to understand how to tell the time. Perhaps you dont have a PhD. Well,...
President Trump again went outside Washington to whip up support for House Republicans' health care bill Monday, telling a rally in Louisville, Ky. that the legislation "is our chance to end ObamaCare and the ObamaCare catastrophe."
"This is our long-awaited chance to finally get rid of Obamacare." Trump told the crowd at the city's Freedom Hall. "It's a long-awaited chance. We're going to do it."
In a speech peppered with shout-outs to Kentucky's congressional delegation "Hey, Mitch," Trump asked Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell at one point, "we gonna be OK? ... That health care's looking good?" the president warned the crowd that if the health bill did not pass, "the alternative is what you have [and] what you have is nothing."
Trump also attempted conciliation toward Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., one of the bill's most outspoken opponents, saying, "I look forward to working with him so we can get this bill passed in some form."
Echoing House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., Trump told supporters that the GOP health bill was a necessary step before enacting sweeping tax reform, another cornerstone of his agenda.
"We've got to get this done before we can do the other," Trump told the crowd. "In other words, we have to know what this is before we can do the big tax cuts. We've got to get it done for a lot of reasons, but that's one of them."
Trump's speech capped a day of meetings and phone calls aimed at helping the much-criticized legislation through the House ahead of a floor vote Thursday. The president was to meet with House Republicans on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning in what could be a major test of his deal-making abilities.
At the White House on Monday, the president met with Ryan, Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price and Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel, an architect of Obama's health care law and the brother of Obama's White House chief of staff, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
On Capitol Hill, Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway met with the House Republican whip team, responsible for ensuring that the health bill has the requisite 218 votes on Thursday.
Sources told Fox News that members implored Conway to persuade Trump to endorse revisions to the bill that are expected to be laid out in a so-called "managers amendment" ahead of the floor vote this week.
Trump's aides and congressional Republicans spent the weekend trying to woo conservatives and moderate House members who have questioned the health care plan. Rep. Steve Scalise, R-La., the House's No. 3 Republican and the leader responsible for rounding up votes, wrote Sunday night to his whip team that the "next few days could define us for years to come."
"There's no such thing as 'perfect.' Each of us has our own ideal plan, but if we want to advance our principles and fulfill our promises, this bold approach achieves our objectives," Scalise wrote.
Many hard-line conservatives have pushed for a more complete repeal of Obama's law, including its requirement that policies cover a long list of services, which they say drives up premiums. They also complain that the GOP bill's tax credits create an overly generous benefit the federal government cannot afford.
"We need substantive changes," said Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, said late Monday. "There's gotta be fundamental change."
Rep. Justin Amash, R-Mich., wrote on Twitter that fellow Freedom Caucus members had suggested several changes but had been rebuffed.
Moderate Republicans, meanwhile, have said the tax credits are too limited and would hurt low earners and older patients. They also worry the plan would leave too many people uninsured, pointing to a nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analysis that estimated 24 million people would lose coverage over 10 years.
The White House and House Republicans have agreed that the bill will be amended to let states impose work requirements on some healthy Medicaid recipients. States will also be allowed to alter the entire federal-state program for poorer people so states would receive a lump sum federal payment to cover some costs not an amount that's pegged to the number of beneficiaries in the state, as the current bill provides.
Fox News' Chad Pergram and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
California lawmakers are pushing what could be the most comprehensive college aid program in the country, pitching a bill that not only covers tuition payments but other expenses like books and transportation.
While already facing concerns about the attached taxpayer cost, the Degrees Not Debt higher education package has four parts aimed at lowering student debt that on average amounts to $20,000 a person in California.
"It's a big problem. That's why we're doing this. It hurts their ability to start their career, buy a home, get married, California Assemblyman Kevin McCarty told Fox 40.
The first part of the plan focuses on community college tuition and would make the first year free for all full-time, in-state students. It also would develop the Success Grants program, which helps low-income California community college students with various education costs.
The bill would fight Gov. Jerry Browns attempt to phase out the Middle Class Scholarship, which provides tuition aid for lower- and middle-class students. Lastly, the bill would implement a Degrees Not Debt Scholarship to tackle those other non-tuition expenses for University of California and California State University students.
This goes beyond states like New York, which recently unveiled its attempt to offer free tuition in January. Most programs, like those in Oregon and Tennessee, focus only on tuition expenses.
When you think about the cost of college, we focus many times, rightly so, on the cost of tuition, McCarty said in a Sacramento press conference on Monday. But we know that its much more than tuition. The students can tell you, its about the cost of living in your dorms or student housing, its about books and transportation.
The plan is expected to cost an estimated $1.6 billion a year in its entirety. While lower than initial projections, the plan's price tag still has raised concerns.
Republican Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, vice chairman of the chambers Committee on Education, doubts the bill will be approved.
I dont think it will be pushed through, Chavez said, citing the competing financial strain on the budget from health care.
He also said the bill doesnt address a bigger problem. The real problem is that it takes 5.7 years to get a college degree, which is costing students additional money, he said. The change should be to ensure that students graduate in four years. The bottom line is that we cant throw money into a system that needs to be revamped.
The package, if approved, would act as a supplement to existing California financial aid, with students still able to access the programs already in place such as federal Pell Grants, state supported Cal Grants, university grants and the Middle Class Scholarships that McCarty and his fellow lawmakers are fighting to save.
The bill also expects families making over $60,000 a year to contribute to their childrens college funds, as well as requiring the students themselves to pitch in by having a part-time job.
Its by far the most comprehensive and wide-reaching proposal in the country, said Lupita Cortez Alcala, executive director of the California Student Aid Commission, in a statement. She acknowledges that it is not realistic to expect full coverage for all students, which is why "we have to pick and choose."
President Trump flashed the thumbs-up Tuesday on Capitol Hill, where he pressured House Republicans to pass an ObamaCare replacement bill -- but despite White House optimism about a deal coming together, conservative members later said theyre still voting no and could derail the chamber vote set for Thursday.
Its not a personal decision. Its a policy decision, North Carolina GOP Rep. Mark Meadows, leader of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, told Fox News. We have a difference of opinion.
Meadows said 21 of the influential caucus 30-plus members still intend to vote against the bill, crafted by House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., and his leadership team.
Trump repeatedly has tried since the bill was introduced several weeks ago to win over Meadows -- from inviting him to the White House and his Mar-a-Lago Florida resort last weekend to calling him out Tuesday in a closed-door meeting.
Oh Mark, I'm going to come after you, Trump told Meadows to laughter, according to several reports.
The White House and Meadows later downplayed the comment, with the congressman saying he and the president have a good relationship and that he also got a visit Tuesday from Vice President Mike Pence.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer said the president was just having some fun with Meadows, an early supporter in Trumps 2016 White House race.
Still, those who attended the roughly 40-minute, closed-door meeting thought Trump was dead serious when he said many House Republicans got elected on a vow to repeal and replace ObamaCare and they could lose re-election in 2018 if they dont fulfill the promise.
Trumps blunt warning signaled his and Ryans escalating efforts to get the requisite 218 votes to pass the legislation in the GOP-led chamber, then send it to the GOP-led Senate.
Late Monday, Ryan and his team announced changes to their bill, the American Health Care Act, to shore up support from the GOP's rank-and-file, including moderates, and with voters who now rely on ObamaCare.
The change, in a 43-page manager's amendment, would pave the way for the Senate, if it chooses, to make the bill's tax credits more generous for people ages 50 to 65, so they could better afford the insurance. The bill reportedly sets aside $85 billion over 10 years for that purpose.
The measure also would curb Medicaid growth and allow states to impose work requirements on some recipients.
Ryan said Monday the amendment was the result of an "inclusive approach" involving the White House and congressional Republicans.
But even if the bill clears the House, it faces problems in the Senate.
Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, a Trump supporter, said he cannot support the House bill, despite the proposed changes.
He said they do little to address the core problem of ObamaCare: rising premiums and deductibles, which are making insurance unaffordable for too many Arkansans.
President Obamas signature health care law has provided insurance for at least 11 million Americans but has struggled to survive as customers face rising premium costs and fewer policy options.
Still, the replacement plan has no Democratic support.
Meadows indicated Monday that his group will not oppose or support the bill collectively, so members can vote on their own.
However, Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan, a founding Freedom Caucus member, said Tuesday that the groups opposition remains very strong. And he sounded pessimistic about Republican leaders down-the-road promises on tax relief and insurance deregulation.
This bill doesn't do what we told the American people we were going to do, he said.
Meadows brushed aside concerns about losing in a GOP primary next year.
I serve at the will of 750,000 people in western North Carolina. Im going to be a no even if it sends me home, he said. I dont know of too many people who can challenge me on the right.
Despite giving the thumbs-up before the Capitol Hill meeting, Trump appeared to leave with just cautious optimism, saying negotiations continue and I think we'll get the vote Thursday."
The president will apparently continue to meet with House Republicans until the vote deadline, which includes talking with the moderate Tuesday Group and attending a National Republican Congressional Committee dinner.
New Jersey GOP Rep. Tom MacArthur a Tuesday Group member who supports the bill, said after the White House meeting that most of the 12 other members also seem to be supportive but still have concerns.
Fox News Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway told Fox News' "Hannity" Monday night that an FBI investigation into possible ties between the Russian government and President Trump's campaign associates has "nothing to show for it."
"Weve had eight months and Im not sure theyve advanced the ball at all," Conway told Fox News' Sean Hannity hours after FBI Director James Comey confirmed that the bureau was probing Moscow's attempts to interfere in the 2016 presidential campaign. The investigation includes, in Comey's words, "whether there was any coordination between the [Trump] campaign and Russias efforts."
COMEY CONFIRMS FBI PROBING RUSSIA-TRUMP TEAM LINKS, DISPUTES WIRETAP CLAIM
The White House, including Trump himself, has repeatedly denied any collusion between the campaign and the Kremlin.
Conway added that "the unmasking of an American citizen through these intelligence leaks should concern everyone," a reference to former national security adviser Gen. Michael Flynn. Flynn was fired last month after details of phone conversations between him and Russia's ambassador to Washington were leaked to the Washington Post.
Turning to the House GOP's bill to replace ObamaCare, Conway told Hannity that she was "confident that well get the votes" to pass the bill in the House Thursday.
Conway, who met with House Republican whips on Capitol Hill earlier Monday, said that Trump and Vice President Mike Pence "did not delegate or abdicate the details [of the health care bill] to anyone else."
Conway called ObamaCare "the most intrusive, invasive, expensive and expansive law entitlement that weve had in generations" and said Trump was keeping his promise to repeal it "by negotiating, by listening, by improving and making progress on the bill with leaders in the House and the Senate and, of course, our governors who control the Medicaid dollars."
The Supreme Court confirmation hearing for Neil Gorsuch is likely to take a sharp turn Tuesday after a relatively smooth opening day on Capitol Hill where the nominee was able to speak about his view on topics like the importance of an independent judiciary.
Senate Democrats on Tuesday get to raise concerns about President Trump's pick to replace the conservative icon Antonin Scalia. Democrats will likely try to make Gorsuch appear beholden to big business and out-of-touch with the poor. Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., said outright that Gorsuch was selected by interest groups.
With day 1 of Judge #Gorsuchs hearing complete, @SenateDems set stage for tough ?s they will ask tomorrow American ppl deserve answers. Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) March 20, 2017
Gorsuch has been preparing for the questioning. He has been holding closely guarded mock hearings that were attended by legal experts.
He wants to avoid the easy soundbite that could throw a wrench in his nomination process.
Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., on Monday, repeated a comment by White House chief of staff Reince Priebus said last month that Gorsuch "represents the type of judge that has the vision of Donald Trump."
"I want to hear from you why Mr. Priebus would say that," Durbin said to Gorsuch. "Most Americans question whether we need a Supreme Court justice with the vision of Donald Trump."
No one could have chosen better than Neil Gorsuch to represent conservatism on the Supreme Court - @LindseyGrahamSC #confirmgorsuch pic.twitter.com/8sEfZrIS0S Kevin Bishop (@KevinDBishop) March 20, 2017
Gorsuch, a highly-credentialed judge and conservative member of the Denver-based 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, is roundly described by critics and friends as a combination of smarts, down-to-earth modesty, disarming warmth and careful deliberation.
But even so, some critics don't think he belongs on the court. They believe he is too quick to side with conservative and business interests at the expense of working Americans and the poor.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the Senate Judiciary Committees top Democrat, said Monday that the panels top priority is to find out if Gorsuch is a reasonable, mainstream conservative or not.
Sen. Schumer, D-N.Y., said last week that Gorsuch may act like a neutral, calm judge but in reality he harbors a right-wing, pro corporate, special-interest agenda.
Besides Gorsuch's take on the courts role and his view on whether the Constitution is a living body meant to evolve with the times, Democrats are well aware that blocking Gorsuchs nomination would be a tremendous blow to President Trump.
Trump is still recovering from his national security adviser Michael Flynns resignation and while Gorsuch addressed the panel Monday, FBI Director James Comey testified nearby that the bureau is investigating Russian meddling in the election and possible links between Trump associates and the Russians.
The Russian storyline as well as Trump's verbal attacks on federal judges both during the campaign and as president have fed into Democratic efforts to force Gorsuch to break publicly with the man who nominated him.
Gorsuch already has told some senators in private meetings that he found the criticism of the judges disheartening. But Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said the nominee needs to make a statement "publicly and explicitly and directly."
Democrats are not the only ones who work to thwart an opposing party's president's pick for the High Court.
Back in 2009, when Justice Sonia Sotomayor was going through her confirmation hearings, Republicans seized on a comment she made in 2001 that she would hope that a wise Latina woman with the richness of her experiences would more often than not reach a better conclusion than a white male who hasnt lived that life.
Republicans hold 52 out of 100 seats in the Senate. Gorsuch needs 60 total votes. Of those 48 Democrats, 10 of them represent states in which Trump carried in November. His confirmation appears likely, but not guaranteed. Republicans can, however, go nuclear and change the rule to confirmation by a simple majority. Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., took the unusual step in 2013 to break the filibuster.
Besides Russia, there are two Gorsuch decisions that will likely be a focal point. He once ruled in favor of school that declined to extend the length of a six-month leave of absence to a teacher with cancer. In another case, he ruled against the parents of an autistic son who sought reimbursement of the cost of a private program after they took the boy out of public school. The rulings were unanimous Gorsuch was joined by liberal judges and The Wall Street Journal editorial page called the rulings correct based on statue and precedent. Opinion editors at The Journal report that 89 percent of Gorsuchs 171 employment cases were unanimous decisions.
Gorsuch pledged on Monday that he would be independent or hang up the robe.'
"These days we sometimes hear judges cynically described as politicians in robes, seeking to enforce their own politics rather than striving to apply the law impartially. If I thought that were true, I'd hang up the robe. But I just don't think that's what a life in the law is about," Gorsuch said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report
President Trumps Supreme Court nominee on Tuesday swiftly batted down an accusation made by a former Obama administration staffer that he once told students women manipulate maternity leave.
The allegation, which came to light the day before Judge Neil Gorsuch began his Senate confirmation hearing, was made by a former law student of Gorsuch, Jennifer Sisk, who previously worked for a Democratic senator and the Interior Department during then-President Barack Obamas tenure.
Those are not my words and I would never have said them, Gorsuch told Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.
Sisk, a 2016 graduate from the University of Colorado Law School, charged that Gorsuch said employers should ask female interviewees if they plan on having a family and also contended that many women use their companies for maternity benefits and then leave the company after the baby is born. Sisks allegation was posted as a letter and soon refuted by another student in the class and disputed by female law clerks who had served under Gorsuch.
Gorsuch told Durbin on Tuesday the accusation stemmed from a discussion about legal ethics that involved hypothetical scenarios, including if a partner at a law firm asks an interviewee if she planned to become pregnant soon.
We talk about the pros and the cons in a Socratic dialogue that they can think through for themselves how they might answer that very difficult question, Gorsuch said.
He said he also asked his students to raise their hand if they had experienced such a situation in their own lives, relating the incident to hardships experienced by his mother, former EPA Administrator Anne Buford.
I knew this stuff happened when my mom was a young practicing lawyer, graduating law school in the 1960s, Gorsuch said. I knew it happened with Justice [Sandra Day] OConnor. I am shocked it still happens every year that I get women, not men, raising their hand at that question.
Its a tough day to be James Comey.
The FBI director on Tuesday took shots from both sides of the political aisle, with the left blasting him for not disclosing an investigation into alleged Trump connections to Russia sooner and the right lambasting his evasive answers during Mondays House Intelligence Committee hearing.
One of Comeys Tuesday critics was one of his sharpest questioners the day before, and Rep. Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., was particularly upset that Comey failed to acknowledge a probe into the string of leaks that have plagued President Trumps administration.
I think the most troubling part for me is when Director Comey would not assure us that theres a leak investigation, Gowdy told Fox & Friends. He was more than happy to assure us that theres an investigation into the potential ties between the Trump campaign and Russia which may or may not be a crime. The leaking of classified information is a crime, but he would not confirm that investigation.
Gowdy and several other Republicans on the Intelligence Committee drew specific attention to the leaks that identified former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn as the U.S. citizen who had a conversation with a Russian official in December. Flynn initially lied about the incident, leading Trump to fire the longtime supporter.
Flynns conversation was reportedly captured in an intercept that only identified him as a U.S. citizen. During his questioning, Gowdy asked about several Obama administration officials who would have had access to Flynns name and would have been able to unmask him. Gowdy mentioned ex-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, ex-CIA Director James Brennan, ex-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, ex-Acting Attorney General Sally Yates, ex-National Security Adviser Susan Rice and former Obama adviser Ben Rhodes. Gowdy also asked if former President Barack Obama was briefed about calls involving Michael Flynn.
Im trying to help the public, and Director Comey, kind of narrow down the universe of people who would have had access to that information to then leak it, Gowdy said.
Gowdy, a former federal prosecutor, described how he hoped the leak of Flynns name and other leaks of sensitive material would be investigated.
Out of the 320 million people in our country, there arent that many that wouldve had access to the information, Gowdy said on Mornings with Maria. So narrow the universe. Go interview the people. Phone records are helpful, email records are helpful the same way youd investigate any other crime. But youve got to want to do it. And youve got to view it seriously.
He said he viewed it seriously. Well see.
Once again, James Comey is persona non grata in 'Hillary Land.'
After the FBI director on Monday acknowledged a months-long probe into possible links between Russian operatives and Trump campaign associates, veterans of Hillary Clintons presidential bid sharply questioned why Comey waited until now -- after their boss lost -- to confirm it.
Comey had famously aired details of the investigation into Clinton's private email use as secretary of state, including an announcement 11 days before the election that the FBI was revisiting the case, only to close it again.
By contrast, he did not confirm the nature of the investigation into Russian meddling in the campaign until his testimony Monday. While Comey shared few details of the bureaus inquiry during a lengthy public session before the House Intelligence Committee, he said the investigation -- which includes looking at possible Trump team links -- dated back to July.
Russia probe that Comey confirmed was, as best we can tell, in effect before Nov 8. Fair to ask why he didnt think voters deserved to know, tweeted Brian Fallon, who formerly served as press secretary for Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee.
Much of the Clinton staffers' irritation stemmed from what they viewed as a double standard: Comey was particularly forthcoming about the investigation into Clintons use of a private server to send and receive classified material and yet appeared overly cautious about discussing the Trump probe.
During a news conference in July the same month the bureau began looking into the alleged Trump-Russia connection Comey gave a news conference announcing the FBIs recommendation not to prosecute Clinton; however, during the same statement, Comey also accused Clinton of being extremely careless. Then, in late October, Comey sent a letter to Congress which soon became public informing some members of possible new developments in the Clinton email saga. Two days before the election, however, Comey sent a follow-up letter again saying that no charges would be sought against the Democratic standard bearer.
July 16: Comey opens investigation of Trump. Nothing public. July 16: Comey closes HRC email, finds nothing attacks publicly. Annoying, tweeted ex-Clinton adviser Philippe Reines.
Neera Tanden, president of the Center for American Progress and a prominent Clinton ally, took umbrage with Comey telling Congress on Monday that the bureau cannot do our work well or fairly if we just start talking about it while were doing it.
Tanden replied on Twitter: Unless its right before an election, then we can blab away.
Unless it's right before an election, then we can blab away. https://t.co/VcTl29J4zD Neera Tanden (@neeratanden) March 20, 2017
After citing a tweet noting Comey sought Department of Justice approval to discuss publicly the FBI investigation into Trump, Fallon observed it was an approval he did not care to obtain in Clintons case.
An approval he did not care to obtain in Clinton's case.https://t.co/15CbPPTZ90 Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) March 20, 2017
A consensus quickly formed among left-leaning social media users and many in the media that Mondays hearing was politically damaging for Trump, leading Reines to snark: Id rather be an unaffiliated Rikers inmate bracing for todays gang pickup game in the yard than [Press Secretary] Sean Spicer bracing for todays briefing.
Clinton didnt add to the chorus in her own words. However, she did retweet the ranking Democratic member on the intelligence committee, Rep. Adam Schiff, chiding Trump for several Monday tweets questioning the direction of the Russia hearings.
The intelligence community concluded the Russians will interfere again, Schiff tweeted. This is why investigation is important to country. Please stop.
House Republican leaders announced proposed changes to their health care overhaul late Monday in an effort to shore up support from the GOP's rank-and-file ahead of an expected floor vote later this week.
The bill's 43-page "manager's amendment" is aimed at placating Republicans unhappy that nonpartisan analysts said the legislation would drive up costs for older people.
The amendment was unveiled hours after President Donald Trump told a rally in Louisville, Ky., that he wasn't wedded to the current version of the bill.
TRUMP: GOP BILL IS CHANCE TO END 'OBAMACARE CATASTROPHE'
"We're going to negotiate. And it's going to go to the Senate and back and forth," he said, assuring that the "end result is going to be wonderful and it's going to work great."
The measure would pave the way for the Senate, if it chooses, to make the bill's tax credit more generous for people age 50 to 65. Details in the documents released were unclear, but one GOP lawmaker and an aide told the Associated Press that the language sets aside $85 billion over 10 years for that purpose.
The measure would also accelerate the repeal of tax increases on higher earners, the medical industry and others to this year instead of 2018. It would be easier for people to deduct expenses from their taxes, and older and disabled Medicaid beneficiaries would get larger benefits.
It would also curb future Medicaid growth and let states impose work requirements on some recipients.
House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said the amendment was the result of an "inclusive approach" involving the White House and congressional Republicans.
"With the presidents leadership and support for this historic legislation, we are now one step closer to keeping our promise to the American people and ending the Obamacare nightmare," the Speaker said in a statement.
Trump will meet with Republican lawmakers on Capitol Hill to discuss the legislation Tuesday morning. The House Rules Committee is expected to review the legislation Wednesday.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Brazilian Wineries (Photo : Getty Images)
Brazilian wineries in South Brazil, especially those planning to export their products to other countries, are looking at China as a major customer, China Daily reported.
"We started our business with Chinese clients in the year 2015. Although it is far from a long and permanent cooperation, we can foresee the potential of the Chinese market," Giorgia Forest, sales manager at Aurora Winery, said.
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According to Forest, the trading of Brazilian wines with China is on the rise, which accounts for about 50 percent of their whole exports. She said they receive positive response when they introduce several kinds of Brazilian wines with all the price levels to China.
Wine consumption has decreased recently due to the economic slowdown in Brazil, and south Brazil wineries have resorted to new marketing ways to keep their businesses.
Miolo wines, another popular brand in Brazil, have been selling wines to China for four years. Anderson Tirloni, export manager of Miolo Winery, said that they have five shops in Shanghai, Sanya in Hainan Province, Guangzhou in Guangdong Province, and other major Chinese cities. He said that Miolo wines are also available on online e-commerce platforms in China.
Tirloni added that before they entered the Chinese wine market, the company conducted extensive market research. He said they have also chosen certain wines to be sold in China as Chinese consumers have a different wine taste and also to make it more acceptable to them. Like Aurora Wines, they also have a range of prices for different wines that clients can choose from.
According to Tirloni, each shipment of wine to China can have as much as 10,000 bottles.
"Besides, Chinese clients are paying more and more attention to the quality of wine, which is exactly a specialty of Brazilian wine. Since the market has been opened up, it is a great opportunity from all wineries in Brazil," Tirloni said.
Compared to other wines, Brazilian wines have a pure scent, a softer taste and have lower alcohol content, said Diego Bertolini, wine taster at the Brazil Wine Institute. He added that new grape-growing methods and advanced wine-making technology have enabled wineries in Brazil to produce different types and levels of wines.
The interest in Sino-Brazil wine trade is growing and Bertolini said that the wine business has potential future.
"We are planning to organize some of our wineries to go to China this year. We will hold a wine fair to introduce our Brazilian wine and let more Chinese people know about us," Bertolini said.
"It is a long distance from Brazil to China, but it is our belief that we share the same fancy for qualified wine. We sincerely hope that Chinese people can grow to like our wine," he added.
James Comey didnt want to say much yesterday on Capitol Hill, but for President Trumps opponents, he said enough.
House Republicans wanted to focus on illegal leaks of classified information, scoring some points on that issue.
And all this managed to overshadow the first day of Neil Gorsuchs Supreme Court confirmation hearing, a reflection of the depth of this Washington obsession.
Eight words from the FBI directorI have no information to support those tweetsknocked down the most controversial claim of Trumps presidency.
Comey also said a president has no power to order a wiretap, which dismisses the Trump charge that Barack Obama had set the alleged wiretap in motion.
By confirming that there is an FBI probe of contacts between Trump associates and Russiawhich we already knewComey appeared to give ammunition to the presidents opponents. It wasnt a bombshell, as some headlines had it, but its now official.
In other news that we already knew, Comey said the Russians wanted to damage Hillary Clinton and thereby help the Trump campaign. And Clinton people are upset that the Trump/Russia probe remained secret while Comey talked about reopening the Hillary email inquiry in late October.
But there is more to the story and the way it is being covered.
The Intelligence Committtee hearing was highly partisan, with Democrats asking Comey all kinds of questions, many based on news reports, that he insisted he could not answer. They were obviously trying to get it all on the public record and raise suspicions for the viewing audience.
As for the Republicans, they kept pressing, but didnt get anywhere, for information on how Michael Flynns name was leaked over the contacts with Russias ambassador that led to his firing for not being truthful.
This dovetailed with some early-morning tweets from Trump, who said the Democrats made up and pushed the Russia story and the real story that Congress, the FBI and all others should be looking into is the leaking of Classified information. Must find leaker now!
So now the media have two related situations in which there is no evidence of wrongdoing.
The one making big headlines, more than two weeks after Trumps allegations, is that the FBI has nothing to support the notion that Obama directed some kind of 2016 surveillance against Trump.
The other, which has gotten little traction in the press, is that the FBI has found no evidence of improper collusion between the president or his associates and Moscow.
White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer made this argument to me in a Media Buzz interview, saying the press is pushing a false narrative by not equally emphasizing the lack of evidence in the Russia probe. Of course, the White House press secretary wanted to focus on the Russian part of the equation while deferring to the intelligence panels on the wiretap claims that his boss has been unable to substantiate.
Now critics can say that the reason there is no evidence of collusion between Trump World and the Putin government is that Comey remains tight-lipped about an ongoing investigation. But in this leaky environment, its hard to imagine that damaging material, if it existed, wouldnt have made its way into the press.
Based on Comeys testimony, this thing could drag on for months. But the media should apply the same standards to both questions: Make no damaging assumptions unless there is proof.
And then there was this, in mid-afternoon: Gorsuch delivered his opening statement to a Senate committee, which was carried by Fox, while CNN and MSNBC stuck with the Comey hearing. Two big stories, no question, but hard to imagine that the opening day for a Supreme Court nominee wasnt the days headline grabber.
A California Democrat seems to think that President Trump shouldn't get too comfortable in the White House, and is repeating her claim that impeachment is a very real possibility.
"Get ready for impeachment," Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., wrote on Twitter early Tuesday. Waters didn't add any kind of context as to what may have inspired the declaration, or whether she was referring to President Trump, specifically.
But the impeachment of President Trump is an idea she's brought up plenty of times before.
Waters was asked over the weekend about a March 16 tweet in which she included a picture of what she called "Trump's Kremlin Klan." When pressed on whether her constituents still care "about this Trump-Russia connection," Waters told MSNBC's Joy Reid that the presidency could unravel over this issue alone.
DEMS ALREADY CRANKING UP TRUMP IMPEACHMENT TALK
"I think in the final analysis they are going to have to move away from [President Trump]," Waters said of right-wing conservatives. "And we will see that [President Trump] will be in a position where he will meet the criteria for high crimes and misdemeanors, and I maintain thats where impeachment comes in.
Some have noted that Waters' latest tweet also comes less than 24 hours after the directors of both the FBI and the National Security Agency confirmed to the House Intelligence Committee that they have seen no evidence to support President Trump's claim that President Obama ordered the wiretapping of Trump Tower.
In February, Waters suggested that the president was "leading himself to impeachment" over what she called his "unconstitutional" executive order on immigration. At the time, White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer responded by suggesting that it's comments like that one that make "you realize that [lawmakers] really missed the message that voters sent this November."
The issue of impeachment even came up during Tuesday's confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Judge Neil Gorsuch. Senator Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Judge Gorsuch whether he believed President Trump could be impeached if he starts "waterboarding people." The president has suggested that he would leave the issue of waterboarding up to his generals, but that the practice "absolutely" works.
While he said he wouldn't speculate on the issue, Judge Gorsuch pointed out that "the impeachment power belongs to this body." He added that "no man is above the law."
The House has the sole power to impeach an official, and the Senate is the sole court for impeachment trials. An impeachment is a charge, not a conviction.
According to the House of Representatives website, "the founders, fearing the potential for abuse of executive power, considered impeachment so important that they made it part of the Constitution even before they defined the contours of the presidency."
MAXINE WATERS ON TRUMP'S CABINET: THEY'RE A 'BUNCH OF SCUMBAGS'
Impeachment proceedings have been initiated by the House more than 60 times, but less than one-third have led to full impeachments. Outside of the 15 federal judges impeached by the House, just two presidents (Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton), a cabinet secretary and a U.S. senator have also been impeached.
A petition for President Trump's impeachment was launched almost immediately after his inauguration. As of March 21, more than 908,000 people had signed a petition at impeachdonaldtrumpnow.org
Judicial independence. Gun rights. Abortion.
All were top topics at Tuesdays confirmation hearing for Neil Gorsuch but Sen. Ben Sasse abruptly changed course late in the day with another pressing question, about the Supreme Court nominees bladder.
How in the world is Gorsuch able to go so many hours at a time without peeing? the Nebraska Republican asked, summing up a text he said he got from his wife.
The question was met with uproarious laughter in the Senate Judiciary Committee hearing room, coming in the thick of a long day of questioning and also helping defuse the tension from a tough round between Gorsuch and Democratic Sen. Al Franken.
Sasse made clear he wasnt looking for a response to his wifes text.
I wont make you answer, but the SCOTUS bladder is something the whole country stands in awe of, he said.
Boy, I dont even know what to say now, you really caught me off guard there, Gorsuch said.
The exchange marked a moment of levity after Gorsuch was grilled by Franken, in particular over a controversial case involving worker rights and safety.
In the case, which came up several times in Tuesdays hearing, the appeals court judge dissented on the 2016 decision regarding a truck driver fired after his boss told him to stay with his cargo after the brakes on his trailer froze. But the driver reported freezing due to a heater malfunction, so he unhitched the trailer and drove off.
A majority of judges said federal law protected drivers from dismissal when they refuse to operate an unsafe vehicle. But Gorsuch said the driver wasn't refusing to drive.
Franken, a former comedian, scoffed at Gorsuchs stance.
I had a career in identifying absurdity, and I know it when I see it, he said.
Franken also asked about White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus comments at a February conference that with the Gorsuch nomination, "we're talking about a change of potentially 40 years of law." That's a reference to the 1973 landmark abortion decision Roe vs. Wade that legalized abortion.
"Mr. Priebus doesn't speak for me and I don't speak for him," Gorsuch said.
Gorsuch added: "I don't appreciate it when people characterize me ... I am a judge, I am my own man."
When Franken asked if he was comfortable with Priebus describing his nomination that way, Gorsuch said "there is a lot about this process I am uncomfortable with."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson plans to skip a semiannual meeting of NATO foreign ministers in April and will reportedly stay behind to meet with China President Xi Jinping and will go to Russia later in the month.
Tillerson would miss the first meeting of the 28 NATO allies, which takes place on April 5 and 6 in Brussels, in order to attend President Trumps meeting with Xi at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort on April 6 and 7, U.S. officials told Reuters Monday. Tillerson will also attend the G7 meeting in Italy before traveling to Moscow.
U.S. officials added that Tillerson will meet NATO diplomats this week in Washington for a conference on defeating the Islamic State, suggesting there was no need for him to attend the Brussels meeting. Instead, the State Department Under Secretary Tom Shannon will represent t the U.S. at the meeting.
With Tillerson planning on skipping the NATO meeting, two former U.S. officials told Reuters that the move could be seen as Trump putting the bigger world powers ahead of smaller nations that depend on U.S. security.
Rep. Eliot Engel, D-N.Y., said in a statement that the Trump administration would be making a grave error by skipping the Brussels meeting.
"Donald Trump's Administration is making a grave error that will shake the confidence of America's most important alliance and feed the concern that this Administration simply too cozy with Vladimir Putin," he said. I cannot fathom why the Administration would pursue this course except to signal a change in American foreign policy that draws our country away from western democracy's most important institutions and aligns the United States more closely with the autocratic regime in the Kremlin.
Trump and NATO have already gotten off to a rocky start. The president said in January that the alliance was obsolete, while calling the European Union a vehicle for Germany. He also tweeted last weekend that Germany owed vast sums of money to the alliance.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The White House is reportedly considering broad sanctions against North Korea, focusing on cutting it from the global financial system as a response to its nuclear threats and missile tests.
The sanctions would be part of a multi-faceted approach to ramp up economic and diplomatic pressure on Pyongyang to go along with the deployment of a missile defense system in South Korea, a senior U.S. official told Reuters Monday. The penalties would target Chinese banks and firms that do business with North Korea.
The less-risky option of sanctions, in lieu of a pre-emptive military strike, is expected to go to President Trumps desk right before his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in April, Reuters reported. Pyongyang is expected to be the topic of conversation during the summit.
Trump met with his national security adviser, H.R. McMaster, on Saturday to discuss North Korea. Trump said after the meeting that the dictator Kim Jong Un was acting very, very badly following the country's rocket-engine test, which officials believe it is part of building a missile capable of reaching the U.S.
North Korea has relied on illicit trade done through small Chinese banks. The new sanctions would have to threaten to prohibit the banks from the international financial system.
The officials also said the U.S. could look at trying to seize addition assets from Kim and his family outside North Korea.
Click for more from Reuters.
The rusty patched bumblebee is the first native bee to become an endangered species in the United States. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officials have stated they do not know what caused the decline, but the species is on the brink of extinction.
The bee could be disappearing for a number of reasons, according to Serina Jepson, Director of Endangered Species and Aquatic Programs for the Xerces Society.
KING' POLAR BEAR SKULL FOUND IN NORTHERN ALASKA MAY SOLVE MYSTERY
"Disease and pesticides are the two biggest threats to the existence of the rusty patched bumblebee, compounded by loss of habitat," Jepson said. "Of additional concern is the widespread use of persistent, long-lasting, highly toxic insecticides within the range of the rusty patched bumblebee, which pose a threat to its continued existence."
Colonies of the rusty patched bumblebee have decreased by at least 87 percent since the 1990s. The bee once thrived in 31 states across the eastern U.S. and the upper Midwest. They also flourished in parts of southern Canada.
Now, the bee occupies only 13 states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin, along with one Canadian province.
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Eric Lee-Mader, the pollinator program co-director at the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, said the dwindling bee population could have a major impact on the fruits and vegetables produced for Americans to eat.
"Bumblebees are among the most widely recognized and well-understood group of native pollinators in North America and contribute to the pollination of food crops such as squash, melon, blueberry, cranberry, clover, greenhouse tomato and greenhouse pepper, as well as numerous wildflowers," Lee-Mader said.
He also feels without the rusty patched bumblebee pollinating the various crops, the financial impact could be devastating.
"Native pollinators in the U.S. provide essential pollination services to agriculture which are valued at more than $9 billion annually," said Lee-Mader.
There have been efforts to try to preserve the bee's habitat all over the country.
"We have already seen incredible leadership from the agricultural community in restoring and protecting hundreds of thousands of acres of habitat for the rusty patched bumblebee and other native pollinators," Lee-Mader said.
Google has apologized after ads appeared next to extremist content on the tech giants services, which prompted a recent revolt by advertisers.
Recently, we had a number of cases where brands ads appeared on content that was not aligned with their values. For this, we deeply apologize, explained Googles Chief Business Officer Phillip Schindler, in a blog post Monday. We know that this is unacceptable to the advertisers and agencies who put their trust in us.
A number of companies, including McDonalds, Audi, LOreal and retail giant Marks & Spencer pulled their ads aimed at U.K. markets from Googles sites, according to media reports. The U.K. government also placed a restriction on its ads, as did car giant Hyundai.
YOUTUBE UNDER FIRE FOR HIDING LGBT VIDEOS
The backlash followed an investigation by The Times that showed ads from a host of companies and organizations appearing next to extremist content promoting terrorism or anti-Semitism on Googles YouTube video sharing service. The placement of the ads earned ad revenue for the creators of the content.
In his blog post, Schindler explained that Google is now revamping its ad policies and implementing new controls for advertisers.
We know advertisers don't want their ads next to content that doesnt align with their values. So starting today, were taking a tougher stance on hateful, offensive and derogatory content, he wrote. This includes removing ads more effectively from content that is attacking or harassing people based on their race, religion, gender or similar categories. This change will enable us to take action, where appropriate, on a larger set of ads and sites
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Google is also tightening safeguards to ensure that ads show up only against legitimate creators in its YouTube Partner Program and introducing new tools making it easier for advertisers to manage where their ads appear across YouTube and the web. Additionally, Google is changing the default settings for ads so that they appear on content with a higher level of brand safety, excluding potentially offensive content.
It will be easier for advertisers to exclude specific sites and channels from their AdWords for Video and Google Display Network campaigns, according to Schindler. Additionally, Google is hiring significant numbers of people and harnessing Artificial Intelligence to boost its ability to assess questionable content.
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We believe the combination of these new policies and controls will significantly strengthen our ability to help advertisers reach audiences at scale, while respecting their values, Schindler wrote. We will continue to act swiftly to put these new policies and processes in place across our ad network and YouTube.
Hyundai told Fox News that it welcomes Google's move.
Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this article.
Tech company Zapier says San Francisco is a fantastic cityand it would like to encourage its employees to move far away from it. In a blog post, CEO Wade Foster offers a $10,000 "de-location" package to new recruits who are struggling with the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has some of the country's highest rents, but are worried about moving away because they don't want to give up tech career opportunities, ABC7 reports.
All of the workplace automation company's employees work remotely, and the firm thinks "you should be able to work wherever you want and still work at a place that helps you achieve your career goals," Foster writes in the blog post.
"I know there are quite a few people in the Bay Area who are new parents looking to find a better standard of living," Foster tells the San Francisco Chronicle.
"It's difficult for a family of four to afford rent, a mortgage, or child care here in the Bay Area. Even if you are a two-income family this can still be difficult." The $10,000 will be used to reimburse moving expenses in the first three months, according to the fine print, and those who take Zapier up on the offer have to agree to work for the company for at least a year.
Foster, who moved to the Bay Area from Missouri five years ago, says he still loves the area but is considering moving away with his wife "because there are benefits of being in a lower cost of living area and being closer to family." (Speaking of expensive things...)
This article originally appeared on Newser: Tech Firm Offers Employees $10K to Move Away From SF
A new, clear traceable liquid is being harnessed in the battle against black market sales of Syrian antiquities.
The liquid, developed by the SmartWater Foundation, is being used to combat the countrys artifact theft. According to the foundations website, artifacts stolen from both Syria and Iraq reportedly provide millions of pounds annually towards financing for terrorism.
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Determining the origin of stolen artifacts on the international market is extremely difficult, wrote the foundation. It is believed that artifacts are sold at auction and subsequently passed through a network of antique shops and local markets, utilizing forged documents, before reaching an international chain of collectors.
The BBC reported that artifact theft from the Middle East ranks as a major global illicit industry, similar to trafficking of drugs, arms and humans, according to Unesco.
SmartWater's treatment is a water-based solution that can be applied to the countrys remaining prized artifacts that are made of materials that include stone, ivory, ceramic tile, glass and pottery.
Treated artifacts bear microscopic encrypted data that identifies their country of origin. It is the first initiative of its kind to aid authorities in locating the origin of artifacts, according to the foundation.
WALMART WANTS TO DEPLOY IN-STORE DRONES
While the encryption is not visible to the naked eye, the BBC wrote, an artifact treated with the liquid reveals its information under ultra-violet light.
Syrian archaeologist, Professor Amr Al-Azm, the Syrian archaeologist who oversaw the project told the BBC that the material was delivered to Turkey in January and shipped across the Syrian border a month later, wrote the BBC.
In a press release on the foundations website, Al-Azm said, Syrias cultural heritage is a vital part of our identity; it is what makes a Syrian a Syrian."
Kong: Skull Island (Photo : Jimmy Kimmel Live/YouTube)
To prepare for his role as James Conrad, a former British Special Air Service soldier in the movie Kong: Skull Island, British actor Tom Hiddleston underwent training with two British Royal Marines and a U.S. Navy Sea. He shared his preparations for the film on Sunday in Beijing during a press conference where Tim Hiddleston, Samuel Jackson and Brie Larson promoted the film.
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While shooting the movie, Tom Hiddleston woke up at 4 a.m., trained for two hours and spent the rest of the day shooting his scenes. He admits the schedule was taxing at times, but the actor said the rigorous training was very satisfying since it made him stronger mentally, Global Times reported.
Box-Office Receipts
The movie, a reboot of the King Kong franchise, premiered in the U.S. on March 10 and earned $61 million on the opening weekend which increased to $88.59 million after eight days of showing in the U.S. In China, Kong: Skull Island opens on March 24.
On its second weekend, the movie earned $28.9 million. Forbes noted that Kong: Skull Island earned $9.2 million on Sunday, higher than the $7.3 million box-office receipt on Friday. The film also did well on Saturday with earnings of $12 million.
British Training
Known for playing Loki in the 2012 Disney movie Avengers, Tom Hiddleston cited feedback from fans the moviegoers loved his acting skills, sexy voice while quoting from Shakespeare and British education. The actor studied at Eton College and the University of Cambridge. He credits his popularity to the philosophy in artistry in British training where they were trained to be artists, not to be famous.
The film, set in 1973 when the U.S. government deployed a team to map out Skull Island newly discovered in the Pacific Ocean got a 78 percent rating from critics and 76 percent from audience reviewers in Rotten Tomatoes.
The ban on all electronic devices larger than a cell phone being brought into the cabin of passenger aircraft coming from several Middle Eastern and African countries is indefinite and applies to nine airlines and 10 airports in eight countries, a source told Fox News Tuesday.
Senior administration officials are calling the measure an active-emergency amendment based on evaluated intelligence that terrorist groups continue to target aviation and consumer items for use in an attack. However, the decision is not based on any specific intelligence or imminent threat.
"Terrorist groups continue to have an interest in targeting planes," according to one senior Administration official, who briefed reporters on a teleconference call late Monday.
The eight countries affected by the ban are all Muslim-majority nations. They include Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Morocco.
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Airports affected by the ban include: Queen Alia Airport, Cairo Airport, Ataturk Airport, King Abdulaziz Airport, King Khalid International Airport, Kuwait International Airport, Mohammed V International Airport, Doha Airport, Dubai Airport, and Abu Dhabi Airport.
The airlines affected include: Royal Jordanian, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Kuwait Airways, and Saudi Arabian Airlines.
The ban on electronics in the cabin applies to U.S.-bound direct flights only. Laptops, tables, Kindles, iPads and gaming devices larger than a cellphone will be prohibited from the cabin of the passenger flights.
Earlier Monday, Royal Jordanian Airlines announced on its Twitter account that the carrier had banned all electronic or electrical devices from carry-on luggage on flights to and from New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal effective Tuesday, March 21.
Royal Jordanian's tweet was deleted later in the day and a representative from the airline was not immediately available for comment.
"We are not disappointed with the airlines," one senior administration official said. "They have an obligation to their passengers."
These administration officials could not answer questions from reporters who asked about how they planned to work with airlines to mitigate the danger of placing laptops and other electronic devices with lithium ion batteries in the hold of the plane, a fire hazard, according to the FAA which has recommended barring the transport of lithium batteries. They said they would work with the FAA about how best to store the batteries but each electronic device would be in individual passenger bags.
When asked which recent terrorist incidents or civil aviation events the new regulations had been made in response to, the administration officials referred to a 2015 flight from Sharm el Sheikh Egypt, and incidents in Somalia and at airline counters in Brussels and Istanbul, which were the result of gunfire, not laptops.
The new restrictions will apply to about 50 inbound flights per day, according to these officials.
Emirates, Etihad and EgyptAir said earlier Tuesday that were not aware of any new U.S. directives about electronics in aircraft cabins.
Egyptian officials said that a New York-bound EgyptAir flight departed on Tuesday and that passengers were allowed to take their laptops and other electronics on board in their carry-on luggage. Egypt's Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukri was among the passengers on board the New York flight.
Fox News Jennifer Griffin and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
Southwest Airlines is going electronic.
Starting in May a new reservation system will replace the paper tickets currently issued by the airline. Instead, Southwest will hand out electronic versions to those passengers traveling on employee guest passes.
Changes wont just be limited to inside the terminal. Outside on the tarmac, workers will soon receive tablets with real-time information which the company claims will allow employees to adequately address and potentially correct issues within minutes after an aircraft lands.
SURPRISE HELP TO THE RESCUE DURING SOUTHWEST AIRLINES EMERGENCY
Its all part of a new plan by the Dallas-based carrier to improve technology both on the airport ramp and throughout the flying experience. Southwest will be spending around $300 million to accommodate the new changes. Thats in addition to the $500 million the airline has already allocated to a new reservation system.
The investment marks the biggest technological update ever for the airline.
Were looking for minutes, Mike Van de Ven, Southwest's chief operating officer, told Bloomberg. How do I save a minute here, a minute there? In 2017, we are more deliberate in our continuous improvement efforts.
And save minutes, they will, if the new domestic reservation system the airline is planning to use works out as planned.
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Following three decades of using the current system, the replacement equipment will allow Southwest to modify prices and schedules in a simpler way. It will also give the airline the same capability as other major U.S. airlines to both accept foreign dollars and recuperate quicker from storms.
And, perhaps best of all for passengers in between flights, the technology will be able to improve the timing of flights for connecting passengers. The volume of which jumped 11 percent in the last five years.
Southwest anticipates recouping its investments by 2020.
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Anna McConnaughy was flying to Alaska's largest city when the announcement came over the intercom: a passenger on a previous flight had brought a pet snake on board.
The passenger had gotten off the plane. The snake had not.
"The pilot came, and said, 'Guys, we have some loose snake on the plane, but we don't know where it is,'" McConnaughy said Tuesday.
Unlike the movie "Snakes On A Plane," this one wasn't venomous. Mostly, it was sleepy.
A little boy, one of seven passengers on the Ravn Alaska commuter flight Sunday from the Alaska village of Aniak to Anchorage, was climbing on his seat when he spotted the slumbering snake. It was lying partially covered by a duffel bag near the back of the plane.
"He said, 'Oh, Mom, look at this. What's that?'" McConnaughy said. "That's how we figured out there was a snake sleeping in the corner."
There was no panic. McConnaughy said. Mostly people wanted to see the snake.
A pilot came back to help, she said, leading to a short discussion with a flight attendant on how best to capture it.
"He said, 'I'll hold the bag, and you grab the snake,'" McConnaughy said. "Quite a gentleman."
The flight attendant grabbed the snake by the belly and dropped it into a plastic trash bag. It spent the rest of the flight in an overhead storage bin, and the plane reached Anchorage on schedule.
Anchorage television station KTVA first reported the incident.
McConnaughy's photos show a pale snake about 4 to 5 feet long. She said it appeared to want only to go back to sleep.
A spokesman for the airline, William Walsh, said in a statement that the snake owner had not registered the pet for travel in the cabin of the Ravn Alaska flight. After arriving in Aniak, he reported that his snake was missing and likely on the return trip to Anchorage.
The airline was thankful for the heads-up, Walsh said. However, it has specific requirements for carrying on reptiles. Ravn Alaska does not allow any large animal that's not a dog to be used as a service animal.
McConnaughy said there are plenty of snakes where she grew up in the Russian Far East. However, there are no wild snakes in most of Alaska, and she's not crazy about them, she said.
"Here in Alaska, it's kind of weird," she said.
Following a ban imposed on eight North African and Middle Eastern nations, the British government has banned electronic devices in the carry-on bags of passengers traveling to the U.K. from six countries.
On Tuesday, the U.K. government issued a statement declaring that Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a meeting on aviation security earlier in the day, where officials agreed that the new aviation security measures would be imposed on all inbound direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
According to The Telegraph, a spokesperson for May admitted that while the electronics ban may cause a "disruption," the government is viewing it as a necessary measure to ensure all passenger safety at this time.
Safety of the travelling public is our highest priority. That is why we keep aviation security under constant review and put in place measures that are necessary, effective and proportionate," said the spokesperson.
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Over the last few weeks, the PM has chaired a number of meetings on aviation security, most recently this morning, where it was agreed new measures will be introduced.
The move will affect in-bound passengers from the six countries listed traveling on Britain's largest carriers as well as those flying international airlines including Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global, Egyptair, Tunisair, Royal Jordanian, and Saudi.
The statement says that Britain has been in touch with American authorities to fully address the situation.
Under the new arrangements, passengers on the flights will not be allowed to take any phones, laptops or tablets larger than a normal sized mobile or smart phone, into the plane cabin.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A 5-year-old Pennsylvania boy has died days after he was choked when the family dog pulled on his scarf as they played in the snow.
The Philadelphia coroner's office says John Bruno died Saturday at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where he had been under heavy sedation since Wednesday's accident.
Police say his mother looked out a window of her Warrington home to see her son face-down and unconscious in the snow while the dog tugged at the scarf.
Police initially thought the child had collapsed from cardiac arrest while playing with the 18-month-old hound.
Police say first responders performed CPR on the boy.
A GoFundMe page set up to help the family pay medical costs says John's smile was electric and he loved "Ninja Turtles, Pokemon, superheroes and being silly."
The Latest on a shooting outside a suburban Los Angeles County sheriff's station (all times local):
4:15 p.m.
Officials say a man opened fire on Los Angeles sheriff's deputies in the parking lot of their station after they tried to arrest him on a felony warrant.
Sheriff's officials say in a statement Monday afternoon that the 47-year-old man was wanted for a felony sex crime.
They say the man walked into the sheriff's station in Temple City, about 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles, and told a deputy he wanted to register as a sex offender.
The statement says the man ran out of the station when deputies tried to take him into custody.
Officials say deputies chased him outside and the man hopped into his car and grabbed a shotgun. A gunfight then ensued.
After a short standoff, the man was found dead inside his car. Investigators believe the man took his own life.
___
10 a.m.
Authorities say a man who opened fire on Los Angeles County sheriff's deputies in the parking lot of a sheriff's station had attempted to register as a sex offender minutes before the shooting.
Sheriff Jim McDonnell says deputies felt "something was amiss" when the 47-year-old walked into the sheriff's station in Temple City on Monday morning.
McDonnell says the deputies followed the man into the parking lot, and he opened fire on them. McDonnell says the man hopped into his SUV and engaged in a gunbattle with deputies from his car.
A SWAT team arrived about 20 minutes later and found the man dead inside the vehicle.
Authorities believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His name wasn't immediately released.
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8:35 a.m.
A Los Angeles County sheriff's spokeswoman says a man who fired at sheriff's deputies in the parking lot of a suburban sheriff's station has died.
Sheriff's spokeswoman Nicole Nishida says the suspect was found dead early Monday after a SWAT team approached a vehicle at the Temple City station. She couldn't immediately provide any additional details.
Video from news helicopters showed deputies taking cover behind patrol vehicles with their guns pointed at a car in the parking lot.
Authorities said shots were fired at the station around 7:15 a.m. Monday. They said sheriff's personnel had "engaged the suspect to neutralize the threat."
___
8:25 a.m.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department says someone fire gunshots at its suburban Temple City station and its personnel.
A department statement says Temple station personnel "engaged the suspect to neutralize the threat" but doesn't say specifically what action was taken early Monday.
A sheriff's SWAT team has taken charge of the response.
___
8:07 a.m.
A shooting has been reported at the Los Angeles County sheriff's station in Temple City.
Sheriff's Department spokeswoman Nicole Nishida confirms shots were fired at the station around 7:15 a.m. Monday, but cannot immediately provide details.
It's not immediately clear if anyone was struck by the gunfire, but no deputies were injured.
Nishida says preliminary information indicates there may be a suspect in a parking lot at the station.
A North Dakota man has been sentenced to nearly three years in prison for his role in the theft of copper wire from Kandahar Airfield in Afghanistan.
Federal prosecutors say 41-year-old Benjamin Guidry was sentenced Monday following his conviction for theft of government property.
In February 2013, Guidry was working for a local Afghan company. The government says evidence at trial showed he solicited two civilian contractors at Kandahar Airfield to obtain various materials for him in exchange for cash.
The contractors reported the defendant to U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command, which set up a sting operation. Evidence at trial showed Guidry offered one of the contractors $4,000 for help stealing spools of copper worth about $54,000.
Guidry was apprehended after leaving the Air Force compound with the copper wire.
A man was flown to a hospital after being hit by a truck in the Town of Lind, in Waupaca County.
The sheriff's department says the accident happened around 10 p.m. Monday at a residence on County Highway E in Lind, which is south of Waupaca.
Officials say an 11-year-old boy was driving the truck when the 31-year-old man was hit.
Officials say the boy was backing up from the driveway into a garage when the man was hit.
The man was breathing but unresponsive. He was flown to a hospital in Neenah.
Click here for more from Fox 11.
An historic Pennsylvania church is counting its blessings after someone donated several million dollars to pay off the church's mortgage.
Sunday services at the First African Baptist Church in Sharon Hill have been a staple in the town since 1903.
MICHIGAN MAN TO GIVE NEARLY ALL OF HIS $500,000 LOTTERY WIN TO PARENTS
We are distinct in that we have the privilege of being in the community for a long time and we're very, very proud of what we do, Pastor Richard Dent told Fox 29.
Pastor Dent explained that the historic landmark has grown in members and square footage over the last century, never predicting its biggest blessing would come this year.
"We got a call from Citizens Bank that said you're free of your mortgage," Pastor Dent said.
The surprise call came in January, notifying Pastor Dent that the churchs $4 million mortgage had been paid in full by an anonymous donor.
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This is a blessing, he said. It's unexpected, but we just can't stop giving. We just gave the Lord the credit. This could not have been done without Him.
Pastor Dent points out many people may not be aware that it takes money to run a church: the lights, the air conditioning and the heat all have to be paid.
The miracle in Sharon Hill was met with a symbolic gesture.
This is the mortgage, Pastor Dent said as he held up a burnt piece of paper. We burned it in front of everybody.
The church community rejoiced because, with this gift from a real life angel, the cherished landmark can remain well-preserved for years to come.
In the black community, the church is the only thing we ever had to call our own, Pastor Dent said. When we couldn't go to Civic Center or Union League, we always had the church. It is here where our children learn how to speak, how to stand before audiences.
PRINCIPAL HELPS 10-YEAR-OLD WITH SPECIAL NEEDS COMPLETE 5K
The church's pastor of 32 years promises the multi-million dollar blessing will not be taken for granted.
Without having to cover the mortgage, the church told Fox 29 it can put its money towards additional upgrades and services like buying new transport vans to help church members get to and from their doctor's appointments.
They'll certainly be paying the kindness forward.
Click here for more news from Fox 29.
Authorities are identifying a Delaware police officer and Maryland sheriff's deputy after a pursuit through the two states ended in gunfire.
News outlets report that the pursuit began Saturday night in Ocean City, Maryland, where officials say Worcester County Sheriff's Deputy Anthony Rhode tried to stop a vehicle being driven erratically. The driver fled and crossed into Delaware.
Authorities said Monday that officers caught up with the driver in Ocean View, where the SUV rammed Ocean View Officer First Class Nicholas Harrington's cruiser. The SUV then accelerated toward Rhode and Harrington, who ordered the driver to stop before they fired.
Delaware State Police said Monday that the driver, a 31-year-old Hurlock, Maryland, man was in critical but stable condition.
Authorities say the deputy, officer and wounded man are white.
Alibabas First Investment in Malaysia: Jack Ma to Announce Setting Up of Regional Distribution Hub
Alibaba's Investment in Malaysia (Photo : Getty Images)
As part of its expansion moves in Southeast Asia, Alibaba founder and executive chairman Jack Ma, together with Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, is expected to announce plans to set up a regional distribution hub in Malaysia, said to be Alibaba's first investment in the country.
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Reuters cited sources as saying that the distribution hub is planned to be located within the KLIA Aeropolis, a 24,700-acre land being developed by Malaysia Airport Holding Bhd, the airport operator.
Sources said that Alibaba's hub is expected to generate local and foreign investments that are worth more than 7 billion ringgit ($1.58 billion).
Although it was clear if Alibaba would pour in money but the project will be set up with assistance from Malaysian-backed agencies, the report said.
"Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) has existing facility for Alibaba Group to pilot their distribution services here, and if (Alibaba) decide to expand in the future, there is the option to build more on other (undeveloped) sites in KLIA Aeropolis," the source was quoted as saying.
According to the source, the hub will become part of Malaysia's Digital Free Trade Zone (DFTZ), also slated to be launched during Ma's visit next week. The setting of the DFTZ was announced in October last year during the national budget session.
"KLIA Aeropolis includes many components and the DFTZ is likely a new component to be added into the development," one source said.
During his official visit to China in November, Najib appointed Ma as an adviser to the government's efforts to establish a digital economy.
According to Malaysian media, Ma was tasked to help direct and develop Malaysia's e-economy through the implementation of online payment and banking schemes.
"Many people see Malaysia as an emerging hub next to Singapore. Malaysia may not be able to take all of Singapore's business but it is a good choice (logistically)," the source added.
Last year, Alibaba invested $1 billion to acquire Singapore-based e-commerce platform Lazada, Southeast Asia's largest online shopping platform. The e-commerce giant also raised its shareholding in Singapore Post, from the 10.2 percent acquired in 2014 to 14.4 percent. It also bought a 20-percent stake in Ascend Money, a Thai e-payment service.
China's relation with Malaysia has flourished in recent months as Chinese investments in the Southeast country continue to surge.
In Dec. 2015, China bought some $2.3 billion-worth of assets from troubled-state fund 1MDB.
The Department of Justice has taken the rare step of trying to strip a convicted terrorist of U.S. citizenship in what some critics say could mark a new, tougher line under President Donald Trump.
Pakistani-born Iyman Faris is serving the last years of a 20-year sentence imposed in 2003 for plotting with al-Qaida to destroy New York's Brooklyn Bridge.
A government filing Monday in Illinois where the former Ohio truck driver is imprisoned launched the bid to revoke his citizenship. Among other things, it says Faris lacked a commitment to principles in the U.S. Constitution.
New York-based terrorism scholar Karen Greenberg says the move appears to be a method to add on an extra punishment. She says she fears it's also a signal Trump is "redefining" the country as "anti-immigration."
A Texas judge tripled the bail Monday for a 19-year-old woman who went by the nickname Bones Marie, and who stood accused of forcing a 14-year-old girl into sex slavery.
Denise Coronado, 19, allegedly forced the abducted runaway into sex with dozens of men, Fox 26 reported. She had multiple men brought in to have sex with her while her captors collected the money, Assistant District Attorney JoAnne Musick said.
After prosecutors said Coronado had been arrested previously for possession of marijuana and assault, District Judge Nikita Harmon raised the 19-year-olds bail from $30,000 to $100,000.
SEX-TRAFFICKING VICTIM DROPS LAWSUIT AGAINST NETFLIX
We're not going to tolerate human traffickers, pimps or pimpettes enslaving our kids, enslaving our people in our county," Ruben Perez, the chief of the DAs special crimes division told the Houston Chronicle. "We have a cadre of lawyers willing to prosecute these people and we're ready."
Musick said the 14-year-old girl was kidnapped and taken to a house in a wooded area where she was raped by an unidentified man while Coronado watched.
BACKPAGE.COM RAIDED, CEO ARRESTED FOR SEX-TRAFFICKING
Days later, photos of the girl in lingerie were found on Backpage.com, a website that prosecutors described as a place to promote illicit acts like prostitution.
Prosecutors said the teen allegedly was threatened and burned with a cigarette so that she would comply with being forced to have sex with 26 men over the course of a week.
The girl eventually got a hold of a phone and contacted her family through a Facebook message, informing them she was in danger and did not know where she was, investigators said.
Days passed before two passers-by helped her escape and took her to a motel. There, the teen was able to keep her phone on continuously, allowing the police to track her, according to reports.
After Mondays hearing, Coronados court-appointed attorney noted some inconsistencies in the victims story.
"If this young girl is actually being held against her will, why was she allowed access to a telephone and able to get on Facebook?" said Joe David Wells. "If she was kidnapped, why did she go to another hotel instead of going home?"
If convicted on the charge of compelling prostitution, she could face 20 years behind bars.
Click for more from Fox 26.
A 15-year-old Chicago girl appeared to be the victim of a horrifying gang rape -- by a group who streamed the attack on Facebook Live.
None of the roughly 40 people who watched the video called police about the attack, investigators said. Its the second time in months that Chicago police have investigated an apparent attack streamed live on Facebook.
CHILD PORN SUSPECT FOUND DEAD IN JAIL HOURS AFTER ARREST
Police finally learned of the attack after the girls mother approached Superintendent Eddie Johnson late Monday afternoon and showed him screenshots of the alleged assault, spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said. Johnson was leaving a news conference in the Lawndale neighborhood on the citys West Side.
Heres whats even more disturbing, more than the fact that they did this, there were so many people that saw it and didnt pick up the phone to dial 911, Johnson told WGN-TV. Thats not right. Its just not right.
TEXAS WALMART GREETER STABBED, SUSPECT ARRESTED
Johnson, who reportedly was visibly upset after he watched the video, immediately ordered an investigation and the department asked Facebook to take the video down.
The girl was reported missing after she didnt return to her Lawndale home after going to the store on Sunday, the Chicago Tribune reported. Then, the girls uncle reportedly came across a Facebook Live video showing a group of boys assaulting the 15-year-old.
The girl was found Tuesday morning walking four blocks from her home. Police said she appeared to be in good condition and was returned to her mother, the Tribune reported.
In January, four people were arrested after cellphone footage streamed live on Facebook showed them allegedly taunting and beating a mentally disabled man.
The suspects in that case -- Jordan Hill, 18, Tesfaye Cooper, 18, Brittany Covington, 18, and Tanishia Covington, 24 were charged with hate crime and battery for allegedly torturing the white man for as long as 48 hours, while shouting racial and anti-Donald Trump slurs.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The recent wave of protests sometimes violent at U.S. colleges and universities that have forced the cancellation of conservative speakers lectures take place predominantly at liberal schools, many of whose students are progressive and come from wealthy families, the Brookings Institute said in a new study.
The analysis of who on these campuses is making it increasingly difficult to invite conservatives comes shortly after a disturbing such instance at Middlebury College. Earlier this month, controversial libertarian social scientist Charles Murray arrived at the Vermont campus to deliver a guest lecture. But the intensity of the student protests forced Murray and those who had invited him to move to a different section of the campus to continue.
However, student protesters disrupted that venue, too. When a Middlebury faculty member attempted for Murrays physical safety -- to escort Murray to a vehicle, a student mob physically attacked them.
After a struggle, which left the faculty member injured, they were able to get inside a vehicle, at which point students began battering the vehicle and jumping on top of it.
Middlebury is not an isolated incident. A study from the nonpartisan Foundation for Individual Rights in Education found that the number of reported disinvitations and demands that speakers be disinvited has skyrocketed in recent years from six in 2000 to 43 in 2016.
Those who predominantly engage in such violent protests generally fit an identifiable demographic profile, according to the study by the Brookings Institutes Center on Children and Families. The analysis found that it is predominantly upscale students from liberal institutions who are demonstrating illiberal values by protesting, and at times rioting, to force their schools to disinvite or cancel events featuring conservative thinkers.
Since 2014, at the 90 or so colleges that have tried to disinvite conservatives from speaking, the average student comes from a family with an annual income $32,000 higher than that of the overall average student in America, the Brookings study found.
It seems likely that many of the students most offended by the likes of Charles Murray come from the wealthiest families and attend the most expensive universities in the country, wrote Richard V. Reeves, a senior fellow of economic studies at Brookings. After all, when Murray spoke at Saint Louis University, where the median income of students families is half Middleburys, he was received respectfully, with some silent, peaceful protests.
One of the names that appears most frequently on the disinvitation list is former Breitbart editor and controversial public speaker Milo Yiannopoulos.
The quintessentially liberal commitment to free and open dialogue is indispensable for building mutual understanding and respect in a diverse society, Reeves wrote. The spectacle of rich, progressive protesters refusing to hear a lecture on the roots of their own privilege; well, it tells you how much work there is to do.
Earlier this year, students -- and members of the anarchist movement Black Bloc -- disrupted a planned speech by Yiannopoulos at the University of California, Berkeley by hurling smoke bombs, breaking windows and starting a bonfire outside the student union where he was to appear.
"No ones safety is at risk from different opinions," Yiannopoulos told "Tucker Carlson Tonight" in a phone interview. "No ones physical safety is endangered by political ideas from a speaker on campus, but universities have sort of allowed this stuff to happen, and even in some cases encouraged it."
A day after the Berkeley riots another chaotic protest occurred at New York University where at least 11 people were arrested after the conservative speaker and Vice Media co-founder Gavin McInnes was hit with pepper spray. The raucous crowd appeared outside NYU's Kimmel, Rosenthal Pavilion in New York City, protesting McInnes' planned speech at a seminar for college Republicans.
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The developer of the Dakota Access pipeline has reported "recent coordinated physical attacks" on the much-protested line, just as it's almost ready to carry oil.
Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners didn't give details, but experts say Dakota Access and the rest of the nearly 3 million miles of pipeline that deliver natural gas and petroleum in the U.S. are vulnerableb to acts of sabotage.
It's a threat that ETP takes seriously enough that it has asked a court to shield details such as spill response plans and features of the four-state pipeline that the company fears could be used against it by activists or terrorists.
Here is a look at some pipeline security issues:
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RECENT ATTACKS
Authorities in South Dakota and Iowa confirmed Tuesday that someone apparently used a torch to burn a hole through empty sections of the pipeline at aboveground shut-off valve sites.
Mahaska County Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem said the culprit in Iowa appeared to have gotten under a fence around the facility, but Lincoln County Sheriff's Deputy Chad Brown said the site in South Dakota wasn't fenced.
The Iowa incident was discovered March 13 and the South Dakota incident Friday.
Pipeline operators are asked to report security breaches to the National Response Center. Data on the center's website show no reports from ETP this month.
The $3.8 billion Dakota Access pipeline runs 1,200 miles through the Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois.
___
HOW DO YOU ATTACK A PIPELINE?
Because pipelines mainly run underground, aboveground shut-off valves are natural targets, according to Jay O'Hara, a spokesman for the environmental group Climate Direct Action. That group targeted valves on pipelines in October in North Dakota, Minnesota, Montana and Washington state, though the pipeline companies said activists didn't succeed because none of the sites were operating when the attacks happened.
Explosive, firearms and heavy machinery also have been used to try to sabotage pipelines.
Securing pipelines is difficult because they often travel long distances through remote and even uninhabited territory, said Kerry Sundberg, a professor at Mount Royal University in Calgary, Alberta, who studies energy infrastructure security and environmental crime.
___
THE DANGER
Sundberg said "it's stupid and dangerous" to tamper with pipeline shut-off valves.
Modern oil pipelines are "incredibly sophisticated" systems that move huge volumes of petrochemicals at high pressures, he said. Simply closing a valve can cause the pressure upstream to increase quickly, creating a significant risk of a spill that endangers the environment and anyone in the area where the pipe suddenly bursts, he said.
In response to the October incidents, federal regulators issued a bulletin warning that tampering with pipeline valves "can have significant consequences such as death, injury, and economic and environmental harm."
Sundberg also said that it's ironic for people who say they're concerned about the environment to take an action that could cause an environmental disaster.
But O'Hara said: "The hypocrisy really lies in the pipeline corporations who say their pipelines are safe, say leaks don't happen. They blame activists who are trying to stop global cataclysm by taking action to point out what they do every day, which is leak and spill."
Someone who targets a pipeline facility in the U.S. could face up to 20 years in prison.
___
WHO'S RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RECENT ATTACKS?
No suspects have been identified in either state and no group has claimed responsibility
O'Hara told The Associated Press that Climate Direct Action wasn't involved in any actions against the Dakota Access pipeline.
Attorneys for the Standing Rock and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, which are leading the legal battle against the pipeline, said the tribes don't condone acts of violence against pipeline property.
___
HOW FREQUENTLY DOES PIPELINE SABOTAGE OCCUR?
Not very often, Sundberg said. It happens more frequently in Canada than the U.S. It's generally committed by people trying to make an environmental point. It would be "very scary" if terrorist groups tried it in North America, he said.
Some of the worst incidents in the U.S. were on the Trans Alaska Pipeline. Vandals blew up a section in 1978, spilling about 16,000 barrels of oil near Fairbanks. In 2001, a drunken man fired a hunting rifle into the pipeline near Livengood, causing more than 6,000 barrels to spray out.
Some of the most notable incidents in Canada happened in the 1990s and 2000s in Alberta and British Columbia. A series of bombings in 2008-09 targeted pipelines in British Columbia. Weibo Ludwig, an Alberta man who crusaded against the extraction of "sour gas" containing high amounts of hydrogen sulfide, was convicted in several of the 1990s acts of vandalism. He was arrested but never charged in the later attacks.
Pipeline sabotage happens with some regularity in war zones. Iraqi insurgents, Colombian rebels and Mexican guerrillas all have claimed responsibility for pipeline attacks in recent decades.
___
Karnowski reported from Minneapolis. Associated Press news researcher Jennifer Farrar contributed to this story from New York, and reporter David Pitt contributed from Des Moines, Iowa.
___
Follow Blake Nicholson on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NicholsonBlake. Follow Steve Karnowski at: https://twitter.com/skarnowski.
Prosecutors say a Dallas salon worker charged with murder injected clients' buttocks with industrial-grade silicone as part of illegal cosmetic procedures.
Prosecutors argued in opening statements Tuesday at the trial for Denise "Wee Wee" Ross that the 45-year-old injected the silicone into the buttocks of Wykesha Reid to give her what the salon called the "Wee Wee Booty." Reid was found dead at the salon in 2015.
The Dallas Morning News reports that silicone from the injection traveled through Reid's heart and into her lungs.
Authorities contend that after Ross injected her clients, she used glue and cotton balls to seal puncture marks.
A second person also is charged with murder in Reid's death. Ross' attorney says that second defendant actually applied the deadly injection to the 34-year-old Reid.
A Florida mother is lashing out at police after a sheriff said her son used his pregnant girlfriend as a human shield during a drug raid that ended with the woman shot and killed.
"You are the coward," Towanna Ruffin, the mother of Andrew Coffee IV, said to the deputies who fired the shots. "They didn't need to kill her. She had nothing to do with this."
Mother speaks out about son's arrest in Gifford drug raid https://t.co/NaFULsk3il pic.twitter.com/QiwiAz9E03 TCPalm (@TCPalm) March 20, 2017
COLORADO DOUBLE MURDER: MAN ARRESTED IN TEENS DEATHS
Alteria Woods, 21, was killed inside Coffees Gifford home a day earlier during the early-morning raid, TCPalm reported.
Ruffin said her son thought robbers, not police, were converging on the home at 5:45 a.m.
PUTT-PUTT KILLER'S FAMILY WANTS HIS LIFE SPARED
Speaking at the Indian River County Courthouse in Vero Beach Monday, Ruffin said her son was trying to protect his family. She told TCPalm that Coffee ordered Woods to stay down when gunfire erupted.
But police said they broke a window to a room where Woods was in bed and that shots were fired at them from inside the house. One deputy, Kelsey Zorc, was hit in the shoulder.
Officers returned fire and struck Woods, whom Coffee used to shield himself from their gunfire, Indian River County Sheriff Deryl Loar said.
"He would never do that. She was pregnant with her first child," Ruffin argued. "He loved her."
Police said an autopsy would be conducted and grief counselors were working with Woods relatives. Coffees bail was set at $307,000 on charges including attempted murder of one of the officers.
Click for more from TCPalm.
A Deltona woman was arrested Monday after a 3-year-old child grabbed her loaded gun and fired it, according to deputies.
Abbie Maldonado, 30, was arrested on charges of child neglect.
The incident occurred inside a vehicle in the parking lot of the Good Shepherd Academy. The round shattered a window in the vehicle and ended up being lodged in the door frame.
The child was unharmed, deputies said.
Deputies say Maldonado had the child with her as she was going to pick up her son from church's school academy.
Maldonado got out to walk around and the left the boy unsecured in the back of the vehicle.
As Maldonado was walking around she told deputies she heard a loud bang, but didn't immediately realize it was a gunshot.
She went to check on the child and then began walking around again, deputies said.
Deputies said when she took the 3-year-old to the bathroom she still didn't notice anything.
When she returned to her vehicle she heard the sound of broken glass. That is when she realized the front driver's side window was shattered.
Read more from FOX35Orlando.com.
The fear of being deported is spreading to tattoo parlors, which have seen a spike in removal requests since more strict immigration measures have been put in place by the Trump administration.
In San Francisco, a tattoo removal clinic has doubled the number of clients since the election.
A lot of people dont want to be a moving target or even seen as a target, said Nora Ruiz of the San Pablo Economic Development Corporation to KPIX 5. And for fear that they might be seen as a certain type of person or judged in anyway, people want to get their tattoos removed.
'DREAMER' ARRESTED IN SEATTLE IMMIGRATION SWEEP, LAWYERS SAY
Tattoos are widely used among gang members from Central America. MS 13, also sometimes just MS or 13, is a symbol of the Mara Salvatrucha gang from El Salvador. Typically these tattoos can be found anywhere on the body, but are most often found in highly visible places like the face, hands or neck.
La Eme, or The M, is the symbol of the Mexican Mafia, considered one of the most ruthless prison gangs in the U.S.
Tattoo-related fears were stoked after last month a Mexican immigrant who was protected by President Obamas Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was arrested outside his home in Seattle for his alleged gang ties Daniel Ramirez, who remains in custody, had a tattoo on his forearm.
JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAYS ARRESTED 'DREAMER' HAS GANG TIES; LAWYERS DENY ALLEGATION
However, Ramirez's attorneys say the supposed gang tattoo pays homage to the city of La Paz in Mexico's Baja California Sur state where he was born.
In an Op-Ed he wrote for the Washington Post, Ramirez said Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) knows he is not a gang member because he gave all of his personal information and fingerprints to the government to qualify for DACA.
"Agents said that I was a gang member and that a tattoo on my arm means I'm in a gang, he wrote. Agents interrogated me for hours and insisted I was a gang member because I'm from the Central Valley. They are all gang members there, they told me. It didn't seem to matter how many times I told them that I wasn't."
A congressional hearing to address military social media policies in the wake of a high-profile scandal involving Marines who shared female colleagues' nude photos online began with a statement of frustration from the panel's ranking member that the discussion was happening at all.
The military's uniformed personnel chiefs appeared before the House Armed Services Committee's personnel subcommittee Tuesday to discuss their services' responses to the scandal. But training and rules governing appropriate online behavior do not address the true problems behind the Facebook misconduct, said Rep. Jackie Speier.
"Framing the issue as military social media policies frankly misses the point," she said in a sternly worded opening statement. "No one has ever gone on Facebook, looked at non-consensually posted intimate photos, typed a rape threat, and then stopped and said, 'Oh, I better not make rape threats! That's against the social media policy!'"
The hearing on policy, Speier said, happened despite her requests to hear from the service chiefs directly on the cultural roots of the scandal. It was "appalling," she said, not only that the committee had framed the issue the way it did, but that it had not opted to hear from military victims of the illicit photo-sharing directly. The issue at hand now, she said, is how to end "this hatred and misogyny."
"This is about service members deliberately trying to degrade, humiliate, and threaten fellow service members," she said. "They encouraged stalking, distributed stolen intimate photos, and have reduced their comrades to a collection of body parts."
Speier, a Democrat from California, first brought the online harassment of women by male Marines and veterans on certain Facebook groups to the attention of then-commandant Gen. Jim Amos in 2013. While Amos told her at the time in a letter that he shared her indignation about the online behavior, she complained that then as now, the issue was framed as an internet technology problem, rather than a cultural issue.
"This cultural rot -- which has clearly regressed even further since 2013 -- harms our troops and our readiness," she said. "It is abundantly clear that this is not a few bad actors, but rather is a sort of cancer that has continued to spread and thrive in both the enlisted ranks and the officer corps. The collateral damage has been the countless women and men who have answered the call to serve their country and have been betrayed."
Despite accusations of past failures, the personnel chiefs testifying before the hearing emphasized their interest in appropriately punishing perpetrators of social media abuse, as well as providing protection and care for victims.
"We are all disturbed and hugely disappointed by the recent online conduct of some of our Marines," said Lt. Gen. Mark Brilakis, the Corps' deputy commandant for manpower and reserve affairs. "Every Marine who takes the oath to support and defend our Constitution, who puts on the uniform and who puts their life on the line to defend our way of life here at home, is provided and has earned the trust and respect of the American people. So too should they be given that same trust and respect by those of us in uniform. Any breach of that trust and respect within the ranks cannot be tolerated. We will be immediate, decisive, unceasing in fixing this problem."
Personnel chiefs for the Navy and Air Force said that their investigations had yet to turn up Facebook pages specific to their services that engaged in the kind of harassment and photo-sharing activities that allegedly took place on Marines United, the page at the heart of the Marine Corps scandal.
Maj. Gen. Jason Evans, director of military personnel management for the Army, said he is aware of a multi-service investigation into abusive posts by service members on the popular microblogging site Tumblr.
All services except the Army have set up task forces to address social media behavior and abuse in light of Marines United, the witnesses said. While only the Marine Corps issued a formal update to its social media policy in the wake of the scandal, all four services issued guidance to troops making clear what the expectations are for their online behavior.
Vice Adm. Robert Burke, chief of naval personnel, said the Navy has organized a senior leader working group to attack the culture that fostered the bad online behavior and root it out of the service.
To date, Naval Criminal Investigative Service officials have confirmed they've identified about 15 members of Marines United who were active-duty Navy, and multiple outlets have reported that sailors have been found to be involved in non-consensual photo-sharing on another site, AnonIB, in the wake of the scandal.
"The bad actors we've discovered have found a new home, underground," Burke said. "We will not tolerate their cowardice in the dark shadows of the internet. We will be relentless in exposing these perceived sanctuaries and reinforcing our expectation of sailors' conduct, whether in uniform, at home, or online."
Tony Kurta, under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness, acknowledged the problem behind the internet behavior is cultural, but added he is cautiously optimistic in light of the military's past success in addressing cultural ills and implementing discipline.
"Whether it's integration of the races, whether it's the rampant drug abuse we used to see in the '70s and '80s, whether it's the alcohol problems we've seen in the '70s and '80s, we've taken on some of those large issues, cultural issues, and had great success over time when we applied leadership," he said.
-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang hopes for "a united, stable and prosperous European Union." (Photo : Getty Images)
The China-Australia ties are expected to be reaffirmed with the visit of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang this week, news portal The Australian reported.
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Back in February this year, the two countries have upgraded their economic cooperation while diversifying trade at the same time. This comes amid the growing protectionism fueled by the Donald Trump-led United States.
This period has never been more crucial for both China and Australia, who are finding means on how to work with America. With Trump's election, the world trade has become more tense, and analysts view that Australia "might be in danger of taking for granted its decades-long, strong ties with Beijing," the article said.
China has been pivotal in maintaining Australia's wealth. The Asian giant is Australia's biggest trading partner in 2016 with two-way trade valued at $150 billion. It also Australia's biggest export market (worth $86 billion) as well as its largest source of imports (worth $64 billion).
The China-Australian ties, fostered throughout the year, are considered as one vital factor why the Australian economy continued to grow while its fellow Western countries have fallen into recession.
As Li takes a trip to the land down under, many are hopeful that the relationship between the two countries will all the more be strengthened, though no grand deals are expected to be signed. His visit serves as the most senior by a Chinese official since President Xi Jinping's visit in Nov. 2014.
During Xi's Australian trip, the China-Australia Free Trade (CHAFTA) came into the picture. The significant agreement that came into force in 2015 has opened up various areas of trade for Chinese and Australian firms. For instance, e-commerce platforms like Alibaba have launched a sales channel to cater to Australian products such as pharmaceuticals and infant formula.
Apart from CHAFTA, China is also adamant in inviting Australia to be part of Xi's landmark "One Belt, One Road" strategy.
The China-established Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, where Australia is listed as one of its members, can also be helpful in terms of providing financial resources for the country's infrastructure needs.
The senior enlisted adviser for 3rd Marine Logistics Group died in a non-combat incident March 19 while participating in a training exercise in Pohang, South Korea, Marine Corps officials announced late Monday.
Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd, 44, had been participating in Key Resolve, a joint U.S.-Republic of Korea exercise that ran March 7-18 and involved ground, air, naval, and special operations assets. The exercise this year had a pointed focus on "decapitation raids" and strikes on simulated North Korean targets, according to multiple reports.
Rudd, a native of Post, Texas, entered the Marine Corps in 1990, according to his official biography. Trained as an infantry assaultman, his career included a tour as a drill instructor from 1996 to 1998; two deployments to Afghanistan; and most recently, a deployment aboard the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force as the sergeant major of Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, the MEU's air combat element.
His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, an Army Commendation Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon, officials said.
At his current post, Rudd was based at Camp Kinser, Okinawa.
Officials declined to provide additional information about the nature of Rudds death, saying an investigation was ongoing.
"Sgt. Maj. Rudd gave 27 years of dedicated service to the Marine Corps, and it was an honor to work with him. His death is a great loss to Headquarters Regiment and the Corps," Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, commanding officer for Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers."
-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
A Maryland sheriff's office says a deputy shot and wounded a man who lunged at her with a knife.
The Frederick County Sheriff's Office said in a statement that deputies were sent to a New Market home, where a 911 caller's son was acting strangely and may have been having a reaction to medication.
Officials say when Deputy Samantha Foland entered Tuesday, a man with a knife confronted her. Officials say Foland ordered him to drop the knife and when he lunged, she fired once, striking him in the hand and chest. Officials say the man is in stable condition at a hospital. Officials say a knife was found at the scene.
Foland is on routine administrative leave. Spokesman Maj. Tim Clarke says Foland and the wounded man are white.
Immigration officials say one of two students charged with raping a 14-year-old girl in a high school bathroom in Maryland entered the United States illegally.
The Washington Post reports (http://wapo.st/2mqaLzV ) that 18-year-old Henry Sanchez lived in Guatemala until he was 17. A spokesman for Immigration and Customs Enforcement says in a statement that a border patrol agent encountered Sanchez in Texas in August.
The statement says Sanchez was ordered to appear before an immigration judge. That appearance has not been scheduled.
Sanchez and 17-year-old Jose Montano were charged in the assault Thursday at Rockville High School. According to court records, Montano, charged as an adult, was born in El Salvador, where he lived for 16 years.
Preliminary hearings are set for Montano on March 31 and April 14 for Sanchez.
An Oregon police K9 proved his worth to the force this past weekend, catching three suspects all within the span of 90 minutes.
The Clackamas County Sheriffs Office said in a news release that Spencer's "rare K9 hat-trick" began around 10:20 a.m. local time Sunday, when he was on patrol with his hander Sgt. Don Boone, and the pair tracked down and captured 21-year-old Austin Kollas after he allegedly stole a vehicle in Clackamas, located southeast of Portland.
The 9-year-old Dutch Shepherd captured Kollas after he fled from the car in a parking lot, police said.
Just over an hour later, at 11:35 a.m. local time, Spencer took down Timothy Elmore, 41, who was wanted on parole violation charges hiding from Gladstone Police Officers a few miles away. Spencer found the suspect hiding inside a trailer.
Then just nine minutes later, at 11:44 a.m., Spencer captured Lonnette Denison, 36, after police said she attempted to hide from deputies in a holly bush outside her Gladstone apartment.
Dennison had warrants out for her arrest on multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance and theft, according to police records.
"It's a rare feat for a Sheriff's Office K9 to get that number of captures in such a short time frame," Sgt. Boone said in a news release. "For Spencer and I, that was a new record -- three in 90 minutes."
Boone has been a K9 handler for 20 years, while Spencer has been serving with the force for six years, according to the sheriff's office.
A Pennsylvania college is mourning the loss of one its students after he died from injuries sustained in a skateboarding accident on campus.
Swarthmore College sophomore Sam Jenkins was rushed to the hospital after he fell off his skateboard Friday afternoon on Magill Walk, which leads to the main administration building.
Students who witnessed the accident called emergency services and waited with Jenkins until help arrived.
Jenkins, a native of Rhode Island, died Sunday surrounded by his family at Crozer-Chester Medical Center.
College President Valerie Smith described Jenkins as a creative, joyful and gentle individual who dreamt of running his own video game development studio.
What I will remember most about Sam, having taught him in two classes this year, is his unbridled enthusiasm, infectious laughter, passion, honesty, fearlessness, curiosity, and empathy, said Professor Rodney Evans in a statement released by the college. I will miss him beyond measure.
According to the college, Jenkins had recently attended a game developers conference and returned feeling confident that he had truly found what he wanted to do in life.
The details of Jenkins accident have not been released by the hospital or the college.
READ MORE FROM FOX 29 PHILADELPHIA.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
The rape of a 14-year-old girl last week in a boys bathroom of a Maryland high school, for which two immigrants have been charged, has fueled opposition to officials making the state a sanctuary for illegal immigrants.
One suspect in last Thursdays attack is 17; the other is 18. Both were enrolled as freshman because of their weak English language skills. The two suspects, who were enrolled in Rockvilles Montgomery High School, are from Central America.
Four days after the rape, Marylands House of Delegates passed legislation to join states like California in becoming a sanctuary state, affording illegal criminal aliens additional protections and making it more difficult to deport them or ask about immigration status.
That action has infuriated Maryland officials.
I am outraged by the brutal and violent rape of a 14-year-old girl in a Rockville public school, Republican Gov. Larry Hogan said in a statement Tuesday. The state of Maryland is calling on Montgomery County to immediately and fully cooperate with all federal authorities during the investigation of this heinous crime. The public has a right to know how something this tragic and unacceptable was allowed to transpire in a public school.
The legislation that passed Monday will make Maryland a sanctuary for illegal alien criminals, further endanger its citizens and interfere with state and local law enforcements ability to cooperate with federal law enforcement, the governor said.
To no ones surprise the attack has triggered widespread revulsion outside of Maryland.
"The reason the president has made it such a priority to crack down on illegal immigration is because of cases like this," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Tuesday.
Montgomery County, where the alleged rape took place, is on a list released this week by U.S. Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) of Jurisdictions that have enacted policies which limit cooperation with ICE.
When law enforcement agencies fail to honor immigration detainers and release serious criminal offenders, it undermines ICEs ability to protect the public safety and carry out its mission, said Acting ICE Director Thomas Homan.
One suspect, Henry E. Sanchez, 18, of Guatemala had been stopped by a Border Patrol agent in August 2016 in Rio Valley Grande, Texas, when he entered the country illegally from Mexico. Sanchez was ordered to appear before an immigration judge, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled.
It was not immediately clear if the other suspect, Jose O. Montano, 17, from El Salvador, was in the county illegally but county executive Ike Leggett told local press both had outstanding ICE orders.
Both were charged with first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sexual offense. Charging documents allege that the pair dragged their female classmate into a boys bathroom last Thursday at 9 a.m., where they allegedly raped and sodomized her and forced her to perform oral sex.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department Special Victims Investigations Division arrested Montano and Sanchez after school officials reported the incident. A forensic team recovered blood and male fluids from the bathroom, court records show.
ICE has since lodged an immigration detainer against Sanchez, so ICE can take custody of him when he is released, but it is unclear whether local law enforcement will comply.
ICE did not release information on Montano.
Both Montano and Sanchez will be tried as adults and could receive a life sentence. The judge who oversaw their bond hearing refused to release them on bail, because the students are dangerous and flight risks.
There are pockets of aliens who move to sanctuary cities because they know they will be treated differently there, said Claude Arnold, a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations.
Most sanctuary cities limit the way in which local law enforcement can cooperate with ICE, or order them not to cooperate at all. So in a case like this, local law enforcement might not be able to assist ICE, adding insult to injury, Arnold said.
Officials in Montgomery County have been pushing to make the area a sanctuary for immigrants.
Last month, Rockville City Council Member Julie Palakovich Carr, a Democrat, introduced an ordinance to make Rockville a sanctuary city.
Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett, a Democrat, does not support the measure. But in a joint statement with City Council President Roger Berliner on the website of the county's Immigrant Resource Center, Leggett said, "Understanding, tolerance, and respect are hallmarks of the Montgomery County way. Social justice for all is what we strive to achieve ..."
Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Immigration Studies, said the county is already uncooperative with ICE when it comes to illegal immigrants like Sanchez.
Montgomery County is not the worst, but its pretty bad, said Vaughan. When Northern Virginia cracked down around 2005 from 2011, many illegals moved to Montgomery County, where they knew they would be treated more leniently.
Critics - including the White House - blamed the alleged rape of a 14-year-old girl in a high school restroom by two much older immigrants students, at least one here illegally, on failed federal policies.
The horrific attack Thursday, in a Rockville, Md., high school was allegedly carried out by two immigrants, ages 17 and 18, who were enrolled in the ninth grade.
"This is a tragic event," White House spokesman Sean Spicer said Tuesday. "It is horrendous and horrible and disgusting what the girl in Rockville went through.
"From an immigration standpoint, there are so many questions," Spicer said. "[One of the suspects] was 18. How does that person get put into 9th grade?"
Some have severe mental health problems resulting from broken families or parental neglect, exposure to violence in their home country, and a traumatic experience coming here illegally. Jessica Vaughan, Center for Immigration Studies
Critics say the attack grimly underscores the challenge of enrolling upper-teen illegal immigrants with poor language skills in public schools. One suspect, identified by police as Henry E. Sanchez-Milian, had been caught crossing the Mexican border just months ago.
It was not immediately clear if the other suspect, Jose O. Montano, 17, from El Salvador, was in the county illegally but county executive Ike Leggett told local press both had outstanding ICE orders.
The surge of Central American kids has become a significant problem in many of the school districts where they are allowed to re-settle, said Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies for the Washington, D.C.-based Center for Immigration Studies. Its not uncommon for older kids to be placed in the lower high school grades with much younger kids, because they usually have had only a few years of schooling in their home country.
Sanchez-Milian, a native of Guatemala, and Jose O. Montano, 17, from El Salvador, were charged with first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sexual offense. Court records say they dragged the girl into a mens bathroom, where they allegedly violently raped, sodomized and forced her to perform oral sex in a stall.
It is common for that school system to have adults with limited English speaking skills enrolled as freshman, Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Jack Smith told Fox 5 DC.
"We have a lot of 18-year-olds in our schools, Smith said. Our student was actually in a METS [Multidisciplinary Educational Training and Support] Program for English learners and that is a program we have across the system, and so, it is not a matter of what grade they were in, but the student was in a program for English learners.
At a press conference Tuesday, Smith took aim at concerns raised by critics over immigration policies.
"While some have made this into an issue on immigration, we serve every student that walks in through every door," he said. "We want to serve them because we know it would not be good for any child to go without an education."
Smith told reporters the 18-year-old student was enrolled in a class alongside younger students because he was there to get the "best services for his needs," adding there are a "great number" of 18-year-old students enrolled in district high schools with younger students. The school district does not do background checks, criminal or immigration, for students entering the system, according to Smith.
"We're not going to paint all students with a broad brush because of a really terrible incident," Smith said.
As a result of the attack, Smith said schools throughout the district are on "heightened alert" in regards to awareness of movements in buildings, but as far as explaining how the attack could have happened, information will come out "as the investigation progresses."
Vaughan said other students and their parents have no way of knowing which classmates are illegal immigrants in some cases adults or what dangers they may pose.
Some have severe mental health problems resulting from broken families or parental neglect, exposure to violence in their home country, and a traumatic experience coming here illegally, Vaughan said.
Detectives from the Montgomery County Police Department Special Victims Investigations Division arrested Montano and Sanchez after school officials reported the incident. A forensic team recovered blood and male fluids from the bathroom, court records show.
Its a terrible situation. Its a horrible situation, the superintendent told Fox5DC. We looked at all the information from Thursday and we handed it over to the police immediately. At this point, it is their investigation.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security databases show a Border Patrol agent stopped Sanchez in August 2016 in Rio Valley Grande, Texas, and determined hed entered the country illegally from Mexico.
We do have 555,001 cases through the end of Februrary pending before our courts, and our priorities are cases where the individual is still in detention, said Kathryn Mattingly, of the Executive Office for Immigration Review at the Department of Justice. Detained cases are our highest priority.
Since Sanchez-Milian was released, he did not fall into that priority category. Still, the Border Patrol agent could have detained Sanchez-Milian and then sent him back across the border but did not.
If the Border Patrol intercepts somebody within 200 miles of the border, they have the ability to return the individual, an official from Immigration and Customs Enforcement told Fox News. But these individuals often claim fear of returning to their home country or desire some sort of judicial review for special reasons like asylum, or a special visa, so they ask for a right to see a border judge.
Sanchez was ordered to appear before an immigration judge, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled.
ICE has since lodged an immigration detainer against Sanchez-Milian, so ICE can take him when he is released from local custody.
ICE did not release information on Montano. Both Montano and Sanchez will be tried as adults and could receive a life sentence. The judge who oversaw their bond hearing refused to release them on bail, because the students are dangerous and flight risks.
The Trump administration has made slashing the backlog of cases in immigration court a top priority. In some parts of the country, there is a three-year waiting list.
We recognize that in order to reduce our immigration caseload we need to increase our hiring of immigration judges, Mattingly said.
Officials in Montgomery County have been pushing to make the area a sanctuary for immigrants, and, according to Vaughan, is already uncooperative with ICE when it comes to illegal immigrants like Sanchez-Milian.
Montgomery County is not the worst, but its pretty bad, Vaughan said. When Northern Virginia cracked down around 2005 from 2011, many illegals moved to Montgomery County, where they knew they would be treated more leniently.
Montgomery County does not track crimes committed by illegal immigrants.
This is not a statistic we track, Maj. Michael England of the Rockville Police Department told Fox News.
Meanwhile, Marylands Republican governor, Larry Hogan, encouraged the county to cooperate with federal immigration agents.
The State of Maryland is calling on Montgomery County to immediately and fully cooperate with all federal authorities during the investigation of this [alleged] heinous crime, Hogan tweeted on Tuesday. The public has a right to know how something this tragic and unacceptable was allowed to transpire in a public school.
While most illegal immigrant kids enrolled at public schools do not pose a threat to their classmates, gang activity in school districts around the country has been linked to illegal immigration. On Long Island earlier this month, more than a dozen members of the El Salvadoran gang MS-13 were indicted in connection with seven murders in three years, including the deaths of several high school students last year.
Local communities refusal to cooperate with ICE, Vaughan said, means many gang members and other thugs and miscreants are allowed to remain in the county in defiance of immigration laws and causing problems like this.
Kids from Central America who cross the border illegally, without being vetted, may not have a criminal history here, but can in their country, said Claude Arnold, a former U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations.
These two could have gang ties in El Salvador and Guatemala or have an otherwise violent criminal history, Arnold said. Just like the thousands of other unaccompanied minors that have been released in the U.S. for the past several years, we know nothing about them.
Fox News' Travis Fedschun contributed to this report.
Thousands of tiny Chinook salmon were vacuumed into a giant truck Monday to start the final leg of what has become a long journey for them.
The salmon have been seeking refuge at the Thermalito Annex Hatchery.
"This hatchery was literally a life boat for 5 million fish," said Andrew Hughan with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.
FIRST ENDANGERED BEE IN THE UNITED STATES NAMED
Last month when an emergency at the Oroville Spillway forced 180,000 residents to evacuate, millions of fish at the Feather River Hatchery were evacuated as well -- taken a few miles up the road.
"When the water started coming over the top of the emergency spillway the water in the Feather River became 'tribbed' is the scientific term, but Willy Wonka water, which wouldn't support fish life," Hughan said. "So we had to get them out of the hatchery and get them over here.
But now the annex hatchery is at full capacity, and it's time for the salmon to be released into the Feather River.
First the fish are corralled in their giant holding tank and then they are vacuumed through giant pumps up through a system and into a truck. Each truck can hold 250,000 fish.
"We constantly keep track of the conditions in the truck. So we are looking at the temperature of the water. We are looking at the amount of dissolved oxygen which is really important for these fish," said Amanda Cranford, natural resource specialist with NOAA Fisheries.
Then the fish are driven 40 minutes south to the Feather River near Yuba City where they are finally released.
And third-grader Sophia Nelson got to watch the salmon release.
"They are so cute!" Nelson said.
Wildlife researchers say the goal is for the salmon to survive for at least three years as they make their way to the Sacramento River and eventually to the Pacific Ocean.
Click here for more news from Fox 40.
After the death of a UConn student at an off-campus party in October 2015, a sorority has been shut down and a fraternity has been permanently ousted.
UConn notified the Kappa Sigma fraternity on Tuesday that it has been permanently expelled, with no chance to reorganize on campus. UConn has also imposed sanctions on the chapter, including removing its recognition at the university.
This comes just one day after the national organization that oversees a UConn sorority chapter said the local chapter will close.
Jeffny Pally, 19, a member of the Delta Gamma sorority who grew up in West Hartford, was run over by a campus fire departments SUV in October, outside the campus public safety complex. She died from her injuries. Authorities said Pally fell asleep in front of the fire department after drinking alcohol. The SUV accidentally ran over her while responding to what turned out to be a false alarm.
State police said Pally attended an off-campus party prior to the accident. On January 31, state police arrested six students who they believe hosted the off-campus party tied to Kappa Sigma. UConn officials said the fraternity had lost its recognition and housing based on prior unrelated incidents.
The tragic death of a new member greatly affected Delta Gamma Fraternity and caused Council to reflect on the member experience at Epsilon Pi, said Fraternity President Stacia Rudge Skoog in Mondays statement. The decision to close a chapter is never easy, but Council strongly feels it is in the best interest of the chapter and University of Connecticut community.
Read more from FOX61.com.
Song Joong Ki arrives for the 49th Paeksang Arts Awards on May 9, 2013 in Seoul, South Korea. (Photo : Getty Images/Chung Sung-Jun)
"Descendants of the Sun" and "Goblin" are two of the winners at Korea Communications Commission Broadcasting Awards 2017. The former aired on KBS2 from Feb. 24, 2016 to April 14, 2016 while the latter aired on tvN from Dec. 2, 2016 to Jan. 21.
A total of 338 works were evaluated for Korea Communications Commission Broadcasting Awards 2017. The Grand Prize was given to "Descendants of the Sun" because of its excellent script and acting, message of peace and devotion in humankind and phenomenal popularity as a pre-produced drama.
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On the other hand, "Goblin" won an award for creativity. Other awardees were the tvN show "Signal" for cultural aspects and the JTBC show "Abnormal Summit" for diversity.
The Korea Communications Commission Broadcasting Awards 2017 ceremony was held on March 20, Monday. It was attended by around 300 guests including broadcast industry representatives and governmental workers, Soompi has learned.
On March 17, Friday, "Descendants of the Sun" star Song Joong Ki won the award in the acting category of the 29th Korea Producer Awards. Winners were chosen by producing directors themselves through a system of votes and almost all of the producing directors reportedly voted for Song.
The 29th Korea Producer Awards ceremony was held at the SBS Open Hall located in Deungchon neighborhood of Seoul, South Korea, OSEN reported. The award-giving body is run by the Korean Producers and Directors' Association.
Meanwhile, watch a video featuring Song and Park Bo Gum at 2016 KBS Drama Awards here:
Married Texas teacher Sarah Fowlkes couldnt wipe the smile off her face for her mugshot after being accused of romping with a 17-year-old student, the Houston Chronicle reported.
Fowlkes, 26, was suspended from her job as an anatomy and physiology teacher at Lockhart High School after turning herself in to police Monday hours after celebrating her birthday with her hubby.
KIDNAPPED WOMAN USES INSULIN PUMP TO ESCAPE FROM TRUNK
The beaming blonde allegedly engaged in sexual content with the intent to arouse or gratify the sexual desire of the student, the Daily Star reported.
Detectives launched the investigation on March 10 after getting a tip from a school administrator. The probe led them to the boy, who had been in touch with Fowlkes, cops said.
Their contact was of a sexual nature, police said.
Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly, schools superintendent Susan Bohn said in a statement.
Click for more from The New York Post.
As was their routine, 14-year-old Canyon Mansfield and his dog raced through the backyard of his Idaho home and up the top of a nearby hill to play. Minutes later, Canyon was knocked to the ground after a cyanide bomb set by the U.S. government detonated some 350 yards from the family's doorstep.
Canyon watched as his 3-year-old golden Labrador, Casey, lay dying, suffocating from orange-colored cyanide sprayed by an M-44 device no one had told Canyon's family about.
"We are devastated," the boy's mother, Theresa Mansfield, of Pocatello, Idaho, told Fox News on Tuesday. "My dog died in less than 2 minutes. My son was rushed to the hospital covered in cyanide."
"We had no idea they were there," Mansfield said of the device, which she described as resembling a sprinkler head.
The dog's death on Thursday follows a string of other recent incidents in which family pets were accidentally killed by M-44s, a controversial device used by Wildlife Services, a little-known branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture tasked with destroying animals seen as threats to people, agriculture and the environment.
Critics, including Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., say the governments taxpayer-funded Predator Control program and its killing methods are random -- and at times, illegal.
"The recent death of dogs in Idaho and Wyoming are the latest unnecessary tragedies of USDAs Wildlife Services use of M-44 cyanide traps, DeFazio told Fox News. These deadly traps have killed scores of domestic animals, and sooner or later, they will kill a human."
"Its time to stop subsidizing ranchers livestock protection efforts with taxpayer dollars and end the unchecked authority of Wildlife Services once and for all," he said.
DeFazio's office said the lawmaker plans to reintroduce a House bill this week that, if passed into law, would ban the use of the devices for predator control.
These deadly traps have killed scores of domestic animals, and sooner or later, they will kill a human." Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore.
The Bannock County Sheriff's Office responded to the Mansfields home on Thursday with a bomb squad to investigate the incident. The family was immediately sent to a local emergency room to be screened for cyanide exposure.
The government claims the devices are not capable of killing a child. But Idaho authorities do not agree in the case of Canyon Mansfield, who weighs only 20 pounds more than his 80-pound dog.
"He's very lucky to be alive," Capt. Dan Argyle of the Bannock County Sheriff's Office said of Canyon, whose blood is still being checked for levels of cyanide.
"We're still trying to figure out how he wasn't affected," Argyle told Fox News. "We think a strong wind blew it [the cyanide] downhill when the device went off -- right in the dog's direction."
Argyle said Wildlife Services is required by law to post warning signs around the devices but said, "We did not observe any signs at the location." Upon further inspection, authorities found a second device within yards of the Mansfield home. Both devices were planted in the ground on Feb. 25 without the family's knowledge or consent.
Days earlier, a family walking in an area 52 miles northwest of Casper, Wyo., lost two dogs from an M-44 that detonated near a hiking trail they have walked for 20 years.
Amy Helfrieck said she heard her husband yelling on March 12 as she was antler hunting with her 8-year-old daughter, sister and brother-in-law in a prairie filled with cedar trees and rock outcroppings.
When she turned her head, Helfrieck saw her husband carrying the couple's dog, Abby, a 15-year-old Drahthaar -- a breed similar to a German wire-haired dog -- down a hill.
Helfrieck, a nurse, tried to pry open the dog's mouth.
"She was having a lot of difficulty breathing and I knew at that time she was dying," she said.
"What I didn't realize was that we were exposing ourselves to a very deady poison," Helfrieck said.
Her sister's 7-year-old Weimaraner, Molly, also was killed by the sodium cyanide trap.
In this case, Helfrieck said there were markers at the site but they were placed only 5 feet from the actual trap.
The M-44s, also known as "coyote-getters," are designed to lure animals with a smelly bait. When an animal tugs on the device, a spring-loaded metal cylinder fires sodium cyanide powder into its mouth.
Over the years, thousands of non-target animals -- wild and domestic -- have been mistakenly killed by the lethal devices.
On Saturday, The Oregonian reported that a gray wolf was accidentally killed by an M-44 on private land in Oregon's Wallowa County. The wolf death was the first documented "incidental take" of its kind in the state involving a protected animal and an M-44, fish and wildlife officials told the newspaper.
Wildlife Services said it first learned of the Wyoming incident on Monday and denied any involvement in the deaths.
Lyndsay Cole, a spokeswoman for the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, told Fox News the agency does not conduct predator control using those devices in Natrona County, where the incident occurred.
Cole, however, did confirm the "unintentional lethal take" of the Mansfield family dog in Idaho.
"As a program made up of individual employees, many of whom are pet owners, Wildlife Services understands the close bonds between people and their pets and sincerely regrets such losses," she said, noting that the agency was "very concerned" about any human exposure to the sodium cyanide.
"Wildlife Services has removed M-44s from that area, and is completing a thorough review of the circumstances of this incident," she said.
Cole called the accidental death of family pets from M-44s a "rare occurrence," and said Wildlife Services posts signs and issues other warnings to alert pet owners when traps are placed near their homes. She also said these devices "are only set at the request of and with permission from property owners or managers."
The Mansfields and other familes, however, said they had no knowledge the devices were anywhere near their homes and were not familiar with how they work.
Brooks Fahy, executive director of the national wildlife advocacy organization Predator Defense, has been working for decades to ban M-44s, calling them "nothing more than land mines waiting to go off, no matter if their victim is a child, a dog or a wolf."
"Much of the public remains totally in the dark about the fact that these deadly devices are placed on private and public lands nationwide," Fahy told Fox News. "M-44s are totally indiscriminate. Worse yet, they are unnecessary, as the majority of the animals killed have never preyed on livestock."
A Nevada man was arrested on charges including sexual assault after police said he allegedly raped a Las Vegas woman within hours of his release from prison.
Ramel Ortiz, 32, was released from the Clark County Jail on March 8 after serving time for a domestic battery charge. About ten hours later, the woman was raped in her home, the Las Vegas Review Journal reported Monday.
GEORGIA EX-NFL PLAYER ARRESTED FOR BEATING, CHOKING GIRLFRIEND
In a police report obtained by the newapaper, the woman begged the intruder not to hurt her daughter. The only thing she was thinking about was her daughter, the report states.
Key pieces of evidence turned up at the scene, including two pairs of fluorescent orange boxer shorts labeled CCDC for Clark County Detention Center, and orange socks.
In a detailed timeline of events, police said Ortiz entered a womans home in the early morning hours of March 9th, grabbed her at gunpoint, and raped her multiple times. DNA was collected from a pair of boxers and other items in the home and tested positive for Ortiz.
Ortiz was charged with four counts of sexual assault with a deadly weapon, burglary with a deadly weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, first-degree kidnapping with a deadly weapon, second-degree kidnapping and three counts of open or gross lewdness.
Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe has approved pardons for the four former sailors who became known as the "Norfolk Four" in a 1997 rape and killing, saying police intimidated them into falsely confessing to the crimes.
"These pardons close the final chapter on a grave injustice that has plagued these 4 men for nearly 20 years," spokesman Brian Coy told Fox News Tuesday.
DNA evidence matched a fifth man, Omar Ballard, to the crimes against Michelle Moore-Bosko. He confessed to being the only one responsible.
Three of the men Danial Williams, Joseph Dick and Derek Tice were granted conditional pardons in 2009 by then-Gov. Tim Kaine and released from prison because of doubts about their guilt, but their convictions remained on the books. The fourth man, Eric Wilson, who was convicted only of rape, had already been released.
RAPE OF TEEN STRESSES POTENTIAL DANGER OF ENROLLING OLDER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN US SCHOOLS
Wilson failed to get his conviction overturned in court because he had already completed his sentence when he brought the challenge. Because Wilson is a convicted rapist, he was forced to register as a sex offender and barred from adopting his stepson.
A federal judge vacated Williams and Dick's convictions in October, declaring that "no sane human being" could find them guilty. Tice had his convictions erased in 2009.
Attorneys for the men argued absolute pardons from the governor carried greater weight than court rulings and were essential to helping the men rebuild their lives and reputations. They had long said they confessed only after being intimidated by police.
Williams, who lived in the same apartment building as Moore-Bosko, has said he was told he would face a capital murder charge punishable by death if he didn't confess. He said he caved because he wanted the 11-hour interrogation to be over.
"I just couldn't take it anymore," Williams said during an April 2015 hearing. "I couldn't take being called a liar, the pressure."
Dick also has said he was threatened with the death penalty.
The detective who questioned the men, Robert Glenn Ford, was convicted in 2011 of extortion and lying to the FBI in unrelated cases. He is serving 12 years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars from drug dealers in exchange for getting them favorable treatment at sentencing.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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The one-room, stone church of St. Nicholas has sat on the top of a hill here since the 16th century, destroyed three times and rebuilt in a testament to the Catholic presence in this region that dates to St. Paul. Its latest incarnation, however, is particularly poignant: 15 Muslim families chipped in to help rebuild it in a sign of the remarkable coexistence that exists in Albania between Christians and Muslims.
Pope Francis will highlight this interfaith harmony when he makes a one-day trip to the Balkan nation on Sunday, holding it up as a model for the Middle East and other parts of the world where Christians are being targeted by Islamic militants.
Albania's experience is particularly remarkable given the brutal persecution people of all faiths endured under communism, when all religious practice was banned.
The cottage-like church in Derven, known as Shen Koll in Albanian, sits next to the hilltop cemetery of the Cypi family, a large Catholic one that has lived in the region for generations.
The church was first destroyed a century ago, rebuilt and destroyed again in 1957 by the communists. The Cypi family (pronounced Tchypee) rebuilt it, and the communists used it as a storage depot until 1978, when the regime had it destroyed after learning that people still prayed there, said Pashk Cypi, the family's 70-year-old patriarch.
The family decided to rebuild it for the third time last year.
Relatives managed to raise 1.7 million leks (12,000 euros; $15,000) not enough to rebuild. But word spread among 3,500 residents of the Derven commune, which is about 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of Tirana, the capital.
"Everybody came and left 1,000 leks (7 euro; $9) or more," Cypi said, standing in front of a statue of the Madonna outside the chapel. "Others brought bricks, cement, or came to work alongside us. A businessman offered assistance with tiles and money."
"They were all Muslims, our neighbors," he said.
The renovation was completed on schedule Dec. 5, in time for thousands of Catholics and Muslims to celebrate the feast of St. Nicholas together.
Kujtim Balluku, 40, a Muslim who moved to Derven more than 20 years ago, considered it "our duty of honor" to assist in the rebuilding of a saint's holy site.
"We were warmly welcomed by the other farmers. Later we learned that most people in Derven were Catholics, but it didn't matter," he said. "Helping each other helps us cope with poverty and life's difficulties."
Albania is a predominantly Muslim nation, with smaller Catholic and Orthodox communities. All of them suffered gravely under Stalinist dictator Enver Hoxha, who declared Albania the world's first atheist state in 1967. Religious authorities of all faiths were killed, tortured, imprisoned or sent to labor camps.
But even during the 23 years that religion was banned, "we always celebrated each others' religious festivities with visits and small hidden celebrations," said Cypi, adding that there are mixed marriages and close family ties among Muslims and Catholics today.
The Rev. Carmine Leuzzi, a 63-year-old Italian who is the parish priest for Shen Koll, said Francis' visit to Albania would show the world what religious harmony can look like. It's the second papal visit to Albania after St. John Paul II visited in 1993, three years after the communist regime fell.
"This small Catholic praying site has been destroyed three times and rebuilt three times," Leuzzi said, sitting inside the small chapel, neat rows of chairs extending down the aisle in pairs. "This time it will be the strongest, as all the people living around, including Muslims, have contributed."
Balluku, the Muslim, said Francis' visit would be yet another way to stress the need for religious harmony in Albania and beyond. He said he had been invited on Sunday to a nearby town to commemorate World War II events in which his own family members were killed.
"Instead, I will be in Tirana to see him," he said.
A Nigerian official says at least 17 people have been killed in an attack on a community in Benue state in the central part of the country.
A special adviser to the governor, Tahav Agerzua, confirmed the death toll Tuesday in Monday evening's attack on Zaki Biam by unidentified gunmen.
The assault comes barely a week after suspected Fulani herdsmen killed over 10 people in the Buruku area of Benue state, which led Gov. Samuel Ortom to order the herdsmen to leave the state within 72 hours.
State police confirm Monday's attack and say security has been increased in the area.
More than 300 people have been killed in clashes between Fulani herdsmen and Benue communities in the past two years. Such fights over land are common in Nigeria.
He is one of the worlds most prominent priests, but Canon Andrew White known as the Vicar of Baghdad has reached a painstaking conclusion: Christianity is all but over in the land where it all began.
The time has come where it is over, no Christians will be left. Some stay Christians should stay to maintain the historical presence, but it has become very difficult. The future for the community is very limited, White told Fox News this week. The Christians coming out of Iraq and ISIS areas in the Middle East all say the same thing, there is no way they are ever going back. They have had enough.
Thirty years ago, there were approximately 1.4 million Christians in Iraq. The number dwindled to around 1 million after the fall of Saddam Hussein in 2003, and a year ago it was estimated that there were less than 250,000 left. Numbers have continued to decline as families flee, and today even approximate figures are difficult to obtain.
A LOOK INSIDE THE WALLS OF A PRISON IN IRAQ, AND INTO THE TORTURED MINDS OF FEMALE ISIS MILITANTS HELD THERE
If there is anything I can tell Americans it is that your fellow brothers and sisters are suffering, they are desperate for help, he said. And it is not just a matter of praying for peace. They need a lot food, resources, clothes, everything. They need everything.
For decades, Christians endured persecution in Iraq by hardline extremists as infidel people of the book but their fate became significantly more dire in 2014 after ISIS overran Mosul and the many ancient Christian villages surrounding the city. Thousands of families overnight were forced to flee their home, and while some have sought refuge in the northern Kurdish region, many have left the country altogether.
ISIS MURDERING COPTIC CHRISTIANS ON EGYPT'S SINAI PENINSULA OVER FAITH
White earned his moniker serving as the vicar of St. Georges Church, Baghdad the only remaining Anglican Church in the Iraqi capital until November, 2014 when he was ordered by the Archbishop of Canterbury to leave for securitys sake as the ISIS threat burgeoned.
Much of ministry over the years centered on humanitarian endeavors yet his do-good desires have come with controversy.
Last June, White came under criticism and was suspended by the board of trustees as president of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation (FRRME), the charity he founded in 2005 to bridge sectarian divisions and provide emergency relief to those affected by war. The suspension came after he made a Facebook post about freeing Yazidi sex slaves from ISIS, raising questions as to how that was achieved and if the terrorists were paid off.
The post also prompted an investigation of the foundation by the Charity Commission, the official charity regulator in England. As a registered UK charity, the organization is not permitted to engage in hostage release negotiations and it is against the law to pay ransoms to designated terrorist groups.
Nothing has come of the enquiry and White denied any wrongdoing publicly assuring that at no time did we pay money to any terrorists. He has not let the controversy stop him from continuing to help those fleeing ISIS atrocities in the Middle East. He has since founded two new organizations, the Canon Andrew White Reconciliation Ministries in Amman, Jordan and Jerusalem Merit in Israel.
Whites ministry work in the Jordanian capital includes running a school and clinic for refugees and serving as a pastor to Christian families that have fled ISIS persecution. In Jerusalem, he is focused on relief and reconciliation amid the long-running Israel/Palestine conflict and he works directly with an array of religious groups, from Hasidic Jews and Samaritans to Christians and Muslims.
White has also been a vocal supporter of the new U.S. president. He praised Trumps commitment to helping persecuted Christians and for modifying his original travel ban to ensure Iraqis can still travel to the U.S. viewing that as acknowledgment that the two countries maintain positive ties. However, he hopes to foster dialogue with the administration and offer some suggestions to dealing with the Islamic community.
Many have this feeling that America is against them, and they need to show that America is not against Islam, America is against terrorism, White said, adding that by no means is he one of those people who thinks Islam is all about peace. We have got to have good relations, and the U.S is in a unique and powerful position to be a force for good.
Beyond humanitarian efforts, the central tenet of Whites work has for years been devoted to cultivating communications between Shia and Sunni leaders and even ISIS jihadists themselves in Iraq. Despite the constant terrorist threat, he continues to travel to Baghdad to continue his work in anti-extremism dialogue and to undergo stem cell treatment for Multiple Sclerosis, a diagnosis he received at age 33.
A lot of these guys I have known before they were ISIS, when they were part of militias like Sons of Iraq, he said. They operate in secret cells all over Baghdad, and the harder the Iraqi Army attacks Mosul, the more they attack Baghdad.
And, White stressed, there simply isnt a safe way to work with them.
It is important to find ways to engage with them, to look into their philosophies. I tried to invite some of the ISIS jihadists to dinner once, he added. They told me they would come, but that they would chop my head off afterwards. I didnt think it would be a nice way to end a dinner party.
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A court in northern India has granted the same legal rights as a human to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, considered sacred by nearly a billion Indians.
The Uttaranchal High Court in Uttarakhand state ruled Monday that the two rivers be accorded the status of living human entities, meaning that if anyone harms or pollutes the rivers, the law would view it as no different from harming a person.
The judges cited the example of New Zealand's Whanganui River, which was declared a living entity by a New Zealand court last week.
The Uttaranchal court appointed three officials to act as legal custodians responsible for conserving and protecting the rivers and their tributaries.
Rampant pollution, deforestation and dumping of sewage have shrunk water levels in many Indian rivers.
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A Czech zoo is taking no chances after the killing of a rhinoceros at a wildlife park near Paris by assailants who stole the animal's horn.
To prevent anything like that from happening, the Dvur Kralove Zoo said Tuesday it has started to remove the horns from its rhinos as a precaution.
The attack at the Thoiry Zoo earlier in March was a warning sign for zookeepers around the globe that poaching could be spreading beyond the killing fields of Africa and Asia.
Dvur Kralove director Premysl Rabas says it was a tough decision to saw off the horns but "the risk ... is too high and the safety of the animals is our first concern."
The zoo, which has 21 rhinos, says the procedure is painless.
Experts and observers are wary of a trade war ensuing between the U.S and China. (Photo : Getty Images)
Eric Li owns a glass factory in southeast China and business has been tough as high labor costs and stringent regulations put a stranglehold on operations. With President Donald Trumps latest threat to impose tariffs on goods, the situation could get tougher, according to a report by Yahoo Finance.
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The company founded by Eric Lis Taiwanese father could face bankruptcy soon as profit margins shrink further and the manpower depleted from 1,000 to 150 workers.
Many more small and medium-sized factories could be facing the same fate. Business owners are even considering the possibility of closing or selling out if Trump remains true to his word to implement a levy on Chinese products.
Smaller companies tend to be focused and are not diversified like big players are, said Karel Eloot, a senior partner at McKinsey & Co. in Shanghai. They would be the most exposed and dependent on whatever happens with U.S. import duties.
Potential trade war amid criticisms toward China
Experts and observers are wary of a trade war ensuing between the U.S. and China. Further complicating matters is Trumps accusation against China of unfair trade practices and currency manipulation.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has also stated that measures will be announced once a proper case has been prepared.
Although the administrations harsh statements have softened in recent weeks, the possibility of a tax at the top end of Trumps campaign proposal could initiate an 87 percent decline in Chinese exports to American consumers.
China might respond in retaliation, reciprocating U.S. tariffs with a levy on American products such as Boeing airplanes, iPhones and soybeans. In addition, China could also clamp down on U.S. businesses operating within the country.
Theres too much at stake for both countries to engage in a trade war, said Eddy Li, president of the 3,000-member Chinese Manufacturers Association of Hong Kong. Although we are concerned about such a scenario, we also feel optimistic.
The European Union's commissioner for migration says there are ways to make all EU members states comply with the program of relocation of migrants among them.
Dimitris Avramopoulos made the statement Tuesday in Warsaw, where he is visiting the growing European border guard agency, Frontex.
Poland is refusing to accept migrants, arguing they are chiefly economic migrants, not war refugees, and may potentially pose a threat.
The relocation plan is intended to ease the pressure on countries that have taken the brunt of the migrant wave: Italy and Greece.
Without naming Poland, Avramopoulos said the EU has the "tools, the means and the power" to convince all members to comply and will make an assessment of response by the end of September. He mentioned no sanctions.
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France's prime minister has summoned Interior Minister Bruno Le Roux after a report that he hired his two daughters for 24 temporary parliamentary jobs.
Officials in Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve's office say the two are expected to meet Tuesday.
TMC television reported that Le Roux employed his daughters, who were then teenagers, as parliamentary assistants. It is legal in France for politicians to hire family members, but the report suggests the daughters did not perform all of the work.
Le Roux is quoted by TMC as saying his daughters worked for him during school vacations to gain experience. Le Roux's office did not respond to request for comment Tuesday.
In recent weeks, conservative Francois Fillon has seen his presidential chances sink because of parliamentary jobs for his wife and children.
The Islamic militant group Hamas has drafted a new political program it hopes will improve ties with neighboring Egypt and the West, and present a more moderate image that will help it get off Western terrorism lists.
The internationally isolated group, which has ruled the Gaza Strip for the past decade, characterizes itself in the manifesto as a Palestinian resistance movement against Israeli occupation, dropping references to holy war against Jews. It also raises the possibility of a Palestinian state in the West Bank, Gaza Strip and east Jerusalem, lands Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.
The document plays down ties to Hamas' parent movement, the regional Muslim Brotherhood, which is being targeted by Egypt's government as a terror organization.
However, Hamas appears to have stopped short of a significant ideological shift amid concerns about alienating its hard-line base at a time when ultra-fundamentalist Islamist groups, such as the Salafists, are making inroads, particularly in Gaza.
The new program, to be made public at the end of the month, will not formally replace Hamas' 1988 founding covenant, which called for the destruction of Israel and for "confronting the usurpation of Palestine by the Jews through jihad."
Such language has drawn accusations of anti-Semitism.
In referring to a Palestinian state, Hamas does not spell out whether it considers this an acceptable solution to the conflict with Israel or a stepping stone to its longstanding goal of an Islamic state in all of historic Palestine, including what is now Israel.
It makes no mention of recognizing Israel, which its political rival, the Palestine Liberation Organization, did in 1993. At the time, the PLO was led by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas' predecessor, Yasser Arafat.
The program points were pieced together in interviews with several Hamas officials, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the platform hasn't yet been made public.
Salah Bardawil, a Hamas official, confirmed that the document was approved after internal discussions and has been translated into several languages.
"It's the culmination of political experiments the movement has experienced through its history," he said.
Some said the document falls short of helping Hamas emerge from its isolation, arguing it does not mark a genuine departure from the group's core beliefs.
"The document carries a kind of superficial change, but in fact it upholds most of Hamas' principles," said Gaza analyst Akram Atallah.
"The world recognized the PLO after it went into direct negotiations with Israel," he said of the Palestinian umbrella organization. "Does Hamas agree to do the same? If yes, that's the way for the world to accept Hamas."
The document will be released after Hamas completes internal elections, with results for leader of its ruling political bureau expected at the end of the month. Separately, different sectors, such as the West Bank and Gaza, have voted for their own leadership councils.
In Gaza, the base of Hamas' political power, strongman Yehiya Sinwar, a former long-term prisoner in Israel who is close to the Hamas military wing, was chosen for the top spot. Sinwar replaces Ismail Haniyeh, now a contender for leadership of the political bureau, as current leader Khaled Mashaal ends his term.
Hamas has controlled Gaza since seizing the territory of 2 million people in 2007 from forces loyal to Abbas.
Since the takeover, Hamas has been isolated from the world, with Israel and Egypt enforcing a tough border blockade that has hollowed out Gaza's economy and driven many residents deeper into poverty. Despite the pressure, Hamas has rejected the West's conditions for relations, such as renouncing violence and recognizing Israel.
Hamas was formed in December 1987, shortly after the outbreak of the first Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation.
The Hamas founding charter advocated "liberating Palestine" and urged neighboring countries to "open their borders to Mujahedeen," or holy war fighters, for this purpose.
A decade later, the group's then-spiritual leader, Ahmed Yassin, appeared to soften positions, raising the possibility of a Palestinian state in the 1967 lines. Instead of recognition, Israel would get a long-term truce from Hamas, according to Yassin, who was assassinated by Israel in a 2004 airstrike.
Repeated Hamas rocket fire on Israel and the construction of tunnels for infiltration into Israel have triggered three devastating cross-border wars since 2008.
Hamas' ties with Egypt worsened significantly after elected Egyptian president from the Brotherhood, Mohammed Morsi, was ousted by the military in 2013.
Hamas hopes its new manifesto will reassure Egypt that it is no longer a wing of the Muslim Brotherhood, though it has stopped short of formally cutting ties. Instead, the document portrays Hamas as a "Palestinian movement with an Islamic background," according to a Hamas official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the as yet unreleased document.
Even though the old charter is not being formally revoked, the official said, the new program will serve as a future guideline for Hamas.
The political division between Hamas-ruled Gaza and the Fatah-led Palestinian autonomy government in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank is a major obstacle to Palestinian statehood, since the Palestinians seek both territories for a future state.
Jibril Rajoub, a senior Fatah official, said Monday that he considers Hamas to be part of the Palestinian "national fabric" and that he is optimistic that the time is now ripe for unity.
Political Islam has failed "in the whole region," Rajoub said, adding that he believes pragmatists within Hamas have gained the upper hand.
"I think our impression now is that the pragmatist group is the mainstream in Hamas and therefore we are not surprised that they are trying to change their charter and are accepting the establishment of a Palestinian independent state on 1967 borders," he told foreign reporters in the West Bank town of Ramallah. "It is great progress and we have to build on that."
___
Associated Press writers Mohammed Daraghmeh in Ramallah, West Bank, and Josef Federman in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
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A year after the European Union struck a deal with Turkey to stem the flow of migrants into Europe, asylum-seekers are still finding their way into Hungary and the country's populist government is doubling down protection of its border with Serbia with a new fence and controversial asylum rules.
Hungary first built anti-migrant fences on its borders with Serbia and Croatia in late 2015 at the height of the migrant flow on the Balkan route, when sometimes thousands of people passed through Hungary each day on their way to Germany and other destinations in Western Europe.
While the country has since seen a significant reduction in the influx, Prime Minister Viktor Orban insists that the new security measures are justified because Turkey has threatened to terminate the migrant deal, and large numbers of migrants may soon head toward Hungary again.
A new, second fence to be loaded with surveillance equipment running along the Serbian border is almost complete at Tompa, a southern town of 4,400 residents where every corner bears a reminder of where you are: the Border Inn, the Border Food Store and the Green Border Pub.
Local resident Laszlo Tatar says the fence hasn't stopped the occasional migrant passing through the nearby forests after dark.
"Through the wires or by cutting the wires, I don't know, but they keep coming," Tatar said. "Poor people, they just want to go to Budapest."
Authorities are also expanding a container camp on Tompa's outskirts, where a handful of asylum-seekers a day are allowed to file their asylum claims. A new Hungarian law ordering the detention of all asylum-seekers in one of two camps the other is in Roszke, 50 kilometers (31 miles) to the east has prompted stern criticism from United Nations agencies and human rights advocates, which accuse Hungary of gradually dismantling refugee protection.
Orban insists that stopping the flow of mostly Muslim migrants into Europe is the only way to increase security and preserve the continent's Christian culture and identity.
"The aim of the law is to put a full stop to illegal migration, close the Balkan route, lower the security risk and protect Europe's borders," the government said about the new asylum rules coming into effect next Tuesday. "The tightening is particularly needed as Turkey is threatening to terminate the Turkey-EU deal, which means a new flood of migrants could set off toward the European and Hungarian border."
In the March 2016 agreement between the EU and Turkey, Ankara agreed to take back migrants crossing illegally into Europe in return for 3 billion euros ($3.2 billion) in aid by the end of 2017 and a promise for visa-free travel within much of the EU for Turkish citizens. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan last week threatened to scrap the deal over the reluctance of some EU members to allow Turkish ministers to hold campaign rallies in their countries.
Over the past months, far fewer migrants seem to be getting past Hungarian authorities, partly because of intensive police and army border patrols and the summary expulsion back to Serbia of most migrants found in Hungary without proper documents.
Between March 17 and 19, border patrols prevented 13 border crossings and sent 19 migrants back to Serbia. So far this year, 1,147 asylum applications have been filed, compared to over 5,500 in the same period last year.
"This will be a fence that will be able to block the path of even the largest crowds arriving from Turkey," Orban said on Hungarian state radio. "So in Austria and Germany people can sleep soundly, because Hungarians will be protecting Europe's external borders."
Across from Tompa on the Serbian side of the border, farmhand Jozef Pataky used a wheelbarrow to gather a mattress, a sleeping bag and other items left behind on a rye field by migrants who had reached the border fence and likely failed to get across.
"Earlier there were times when they used to come in groups of 30 or 40," said Pataky, 62. "Since the fence was built, they reach the fence and go back."
Pataky, an ethnic Hungarian who watches over farm plots in the town of Kelebija, said that he had packed his wheelbarrow four times over the weekend with the migrants' abandoned possessions.
"I have to clean up before the owner gets here," Pataky said. "It's better if she doesn't see this mess."
It's stories of "beauty mixed with hope mixed with devastation" that 28-year-old Ashley Anderson shared with LifeZette about the short time she spent visiting refugee camps in Greece.
A California native now living in Washington, D.C., Anderson has co-led two short-term missions trips to Greece, where she's interacted with Middle Eastern refugees who have fled their war-torn countries. She works for a church in D.C.
WHY ISLAM MAY SURPASS CHRISTIANITY AS WORLD'S LARGEST FAITH
"When we were there, we spent time in three different places," Anderson said of an April 2016 trip to Greece. "One [place] almost overnight became an ad hoc refugee camp of about 15,000 people."
The camp originally had no infrastructure, no water. The area was near railroad tracks, which the refugees were following. This border area between Greece and Macedonia had just closed and many refugees were backlogged in Greece, as individuals tried to pass through on their way to Europe.
MUSLIM CONVERTS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO EUROPES STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
"There was a family I met. The mom was a schoolteacher back in Syria and the dad used to work border control," said Anderson. "They had walked hundreds of miles on foot, through Syria, through Turkey, [and traveled] across the Aegean Sea in a dinghy. They got to Greece, thought it was just one stop on a longer journey, and just kind of got stuck."
This Muslim family, Anderson told LifeZette, had three young boys ages 10 and under. "They welcomed us into their tent and we spent a week with them," Anderson said. "They were pulling their kids in from play to do math and science lessons in their tent. [The parents] were scrubbing their faces before they tucked them into cots on the ground. They were just doing what they could to parent their kids well. And to provide a life for them while they're in limbo."
More than 60,000 refugees and migrants have been stranded in Greece since last March.
Many of these people are from Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Anderson was in Greece earlier this month and was able to connect again with the same Syrian family that made such a lasting impression on her last year.
She had been able to text and Facebook message with the family throughout the year, but "just two weeks ago, I got to give them hugs again and got to play with their kids again," Anderson told LifeZette Thursday.
"It's bittersweet. I wish they had been resettled in another country and were one step closer to finding a sense of home, but [it was] such a beautiful gift to see them." She said the family in now "in a hotel outside of Thessaloniki" for the winter months. Other refugees have been placed in hotels, too, as well as in apartments and dorms.
In terms of who pays for this: The Greek government has "jurisdiction over its refugee camps," The Guardian reported, and "the United Nations refugee agency, the European Union's aid department, and international aid agencies have helped fund the crisis," too.
Since her first meeting with the family, Anderson said they've learned a little English; she has learned a little Arabic. "The mom of the family came up to me that night and said, 'Today is one year, one day from when we got to Greece. Today was the first day of happiness in that.'" The family was able to host Anderson's mission team and a local missionary family for dinner.
This is "something that God was doing through all of us together," Anderson said.
The Syrian family got a "sense of home" for the night, as their children got to play with the missionary family's children and "got to exercise their craft of hospital[ity] and cooking," Anderson said.
During her 2016 trip, Anderson mostly met with Syrian, Iraqi, and Afghan refugees and was moved by their resiliency, even hospitality. "You would meet a person and make a connection and immediately they would invite you into their space to have tea."
Anderson's team encountered many devastating and brutal situations in their short time spent in Greece.
"We saw a guy my age who told us a story of the day he found his dad's head on his doorstep," Anderson said. "It was a warning from ISIS -- a reminder that they were 'still there, still in control.'" She said the man was fleeing from ISIS, clearly afraid for his life. "If he wanted to 'be' these people, it would have been a lot easier to stay, but he didn't. He fled instead."
Anderson noted it was the doctors, engineers, teachers, and people who were wealthy enough to flee who were stuck in this limbo -- this transition between their homeland and a new refuge.
They'd given up their comfortable lives to set out on a new journey. They had no other choice.
Anderson last year was able to assist the NGO A21 Campaign, which works to fight human trafficking. It assists people with their basic needs and shares information about trafficking issues.
"These people are now vulnerable to trafficking," said Anderson. "They could pay someone who's willing to take them across the border -- and that person could be a trafficker or some other crooked person. Or, the person could be honest."
Anderson said her team also helped workers with the Christian humanitarian organization Samaritan's Purse (headed by Franklin Graham). The camps have been decentralized; some families have been resettled in other countries since her last visit. For example, "a camp that once had 3,000 [people] now has 450."
To help the refugees, her group helps "the people serving them every day." She noted the need for prayer and for financial support for those who are on the ground during this crisis.
Sometimes, to be faithful, one must step outside of one's day-to-day bubble -- as this young woman is clearly doing.
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Lawyers for former Bosnian Serb military chief Gen. Ratko Mladic say he is seriously ill and could die if he is not provisionally released from custody for treatment while he awaits verdicts in his United Nations trial.
In a written motion released Tuesday by the U.N.'s International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia, Mladic's lawyers say that releasing him "is the only just, humane, and medically sound course of action that can ensure he will live to see the trial judgment."
Mladic's trial wrapped up in December and judges are considering their verdicts. He is charged with 11 counts including allegedly masterminding the 1995 massacre of 8,000 Muslim men and boys in eastern Bosnia's Srebrenica enclave and overseeing the deadly campaign of shelling and sniping in the capital, Sarajevo.
Christianity is making a comeback in Europe and its mostly thanks to Muslims, say experts in Islam and faith leaders.
A soaring number of Muslims, many of them refugees from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, are converting to Christianity, breathing new life into Europes once floundering Christian churches. The Muslims are flocking to various Christian denominations, experts said, including becoming Protestants, evangelical or Catholic.
As many parts of Europe are becoming more secular and houses of worship are seeing congregants leave in droves, it is Muslim converts who are reviving struggling Christian churches.
BURKINI TAKES CENTER STAGE IN FIERY FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
"European churches have struggled for decades to share the gospel with modern secular Europeans, Matthew Kaemingk, a professor at the Fuller Theological Seminary in Seattle, told Fox News. They have found Muslim immigrants to be much more open to the message of Christianity."
Kaemingk, who has done research focused on Christian responses to Muslim immigration in the Netherlands, and has written a book titled Christian Hospitality and Muslim Immigration in an Age of Fear that will be published this fall, said secular Europeans rarely sense a deep need for the type of healing and salvation the church offers.
It's illegal in many Muslim countries to convert to another religion. It's safer to convert to Christianity in Europe. Timothy Furnish, author of books on Islam
GERMANY: 3 TEENAGERS CONVICTED IN BOMB ATTACK ON SIKH TEMPLE
Europeans are wealthy, comfortable, healthy, and powerful, Kaemingk said. In short, they don't think they need God.
But, he added, Muslim immigrants are quite the opposite they are intensely spiritual. But they are leaving their own religion for a variety of reasons.
Some Muslim refugees settling in European counties may be converting on the assumption that their odds for obtaining political asylum will improve if they are Christian, according to the Guardian. Others may have had an earlier interest in converting but were unable to do so while they lived in the Middle East, where conversions are often prohibited and could make the family a target. Some jihadist groups, including ISIS, target Christians for murder in such countries as Syria and Iraq.
Others are turning to Christianity to assimilate in their new country.
The average Muslim newcomer in Europe experiences a tremendous amount of societal pressure. They experience racism, poverty, exclusion, discrimination, language and cultural barriers, and a deep sense of displacement, Kaemingk said. Their sense of homelessness is not only geographical, it is spiritual. Churches who offer these Muslims real and meaningful hospitality are seeing some surprising results."
Germany received nearly 900,000 asylum seekers in 2016; the majority was from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, according to published reports. Churches in Berlin and Hamburg were faced with so many asylum seekers wanting to convert that they held baptisms in municipal swimming pools.
The increasing number of asylum seekers in Germany prompted the nations evangelical church leaders to issue a handbook on baptizing the converts, reported The Independent.
In recent years, asylum seekers - either alone or as a family - have increasingly turned to the Christian faith and asked church communities whether they could be baptized, the handbooks introduction said. This is a special challenge, not only for asylum seekers, but also for parish priests, parishioners and parishes, who guide those being baptized for many hours, sensitively and responsibly.
In Austria, the Catholic Church received some 300 applications for adult baptism in the first three months of 2016, and nearly three-quarters of those are refugees converting from Islam, the Guardian reported. An Iranian man told the Guardian that he moved to Austria because he tried to convert in his homeland but was frequently harassed for doing so.
The man said that one time, as he left a Bible class in Iran, he and others who had been in his study group were attacked. The refugee, identified only as Johannes, said that conversion is so frowned-upon in his homeland that only his sister knows about his decision to become a Christian.
A religion that began with violence cannot lead people to freedom and love, Johannes said, explaining his disillusionment with Islam. Jesus Christ said those who use the sword will die by the sword. This really changed my mind.
Kamal Nawash, the former legal director of the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee and current president of the Free Muslims Coalition, told Fox News that those who convert likely were not deeply devout Muslims to begin with.
Someone who is really orthodox wont do it, Nawash said. And others have come from countries where religion and state are not separated, like it is here in the United States, and where religion is imposed. Sometimes when people leave that place, and meet people who invite them to their church, they think Im happy here, why dont I become a Christian?
All told, Nawash said, the conversions are not likely to make much difference in the Muslim population in general.
Were still, he said, talking about very small numbers.
The aircraft carrier, USS Carl Vinson, cut through seas off South Korea on Tuesday as Navy F-18 fighter jets took off from the flight deck. This display of US firepower did nothing to calm rising tensions with the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK), more commonly known as North Korea.
While this is a routine deployment for the Carl Vinson strike group, really the centerpiece for us is this exercise were doing with the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy called Foal Eagle, said Rear Admiral James W. Kilby. The Republic of Korea is typically referred to as South Korea.
NORTH KOREA BURNS AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIER, BOMBER IN PROPAGANDA VIDEO
The ROK and U.S. troops participate in joint drills, billed as defensive in nature, which started March 1. This yearly exercise involves approximately 17,000 American troops and more than 300,000 South Koreans.
Kim Jong Un, North Koreas leader, warned the United States, South Korea, and Japan of merciless attacks if the carrier infringes on its sovereignty or dignity during U.S. and South Korean drills. North Korea said the arrival of the U.S. strike group in the seas off the east of the Korean peninsula was part of a reckless scheme to attack it.
SOUTH KOREA PROSECUTORS GRILL PARK OVER CORRUPTION ALLEGATIONS
If they [meaning the U.S.] infringe on the DPRKs sovereignty and dignity even a bit, its army will launch merciless ultra-precision strikes from ground, air, sea, and underwater. On March 11 alone, many enemy carrier-based aircraft flew along a course near territorial air and waters of the DPRK to stage drills of dropping bombs and making surprise attacks on the ground targets of its army, KCNA, the state-run news agency, said.
Last week, North Korea fired four ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan in response to annual US-South Korea military drills, which the North sees as preparation for war.
In response, the United States began to deploy the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system a week ago, a day after North Korea launched its latest four missile tests. The United States and South Korea say the anti-missile system is for defense against North Korea.
The United States has also started to deploy Gray Eagle attack drones to South Korea, a US military spokesman said on Monday.
Compounding regional tension, China is vehemently opposed to the deployment in South Korea of an advanced U.S. anti-missile system. China fears its powerful radar can probe deep into its territory and compromise its security.
Last week, China called on North Korea to stop its weapons tests and for South Korea and the United States to stop their drills. China says the exercises do nothing to ease tensions in the region. To understand North Koreas commitment to its nuclear program, one must appreciate that North Korea sees their nuclear weapons as both the source of immense pride and as insurance against foreign forces.
Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying , referring to the United States, said, We hope the relevant side can respect the security concerns of countries in the region, can take a responsible attitude and do more to benefit the easing of tension, rather than irritating each other.
China has already taken actions in an attempt to halt North Korea from continuing on their path of nuclear weaponization. China has suspended coal imports from North Korea for the rest of the year in response to North Korea testing an intermediate-range missile.
What effect does this action by China have on North Korea and its erratic leader Kim Jong-un? North Korea badly needs to sell coal to earn foreign currency to pay for its imports. Other nations refuse to buy its coal, the sale of which is limited under UN sanctions. This significant move by China unleashed an unusually vitriolic outburst, even by North Korean standards. Kim Jong-un accused China of dancing to the tune of the US and styling itself as a big power.
North Korea depends heavily on China for supplies of most of its food and energy. China accounts for more than 70 percent of North Koreas total trade volume. For China to get North Korea to change its ways, it would have to cut off all these and more.
China has good reasons to fear the outcome of such a move that, if undertaken, would very likely lead to the collapse of the North Korean regime.
Jon Harris is an OpsLens contributor and former Army NCO, civilian law enforcement officer, and defense contractor with over 30 years in the law enforcement community. He holds a B.S. in Government and Politics and an M.S. in Criminal Justice.
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A University of Michigan graduate student disappeared after a mysterious plane crash in Canada last week -- with no sign of a body or footprints at the scene, according to local reports.
SMALL PLANE CRASH INVESTIGATED IN INTERIOR ALASKA
The plane, found on autopilot and out of gas, was discovered in northern Ontario, about 400 miles from Harbor Springs, Michigan, the flights planned destination.
Nothing surrounding the wreckage suggested anyone was near the plane at the time of the crash, Thunder Bay News reported, adding that there weren't even any tracks in the snow.
PILOT RADIOED IN MAYDAY CALL BEFORE AUSTRALIAN PLANE CRASH
Ontario Provincial Police said they completed a subsequent search of the area for the student, but it was unsuccessful.
The unnamed student was last seen on March 15, the same day he rented the plane, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Police say that the single-engine Cessna 172 was rented out of Ann Arbor and was registered to University of Michigan Flyers Inc.
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada and University of Michigan police are continuing to investigate the plane crash and the student has been filed as a missing person.
Airstrikes and artillery fire shook Damascus on Tuesday as government forces tried to repel a second rebel attack on the Syrian capital in three days.
The military deployed tanks along the city's leafy Fares al-Khoury Avenue leading to the eastern Jobar and Qaboun neighborhoods, where opposition forces have been pinned for years, and the cracks of gunfire could be heard from Abbassin Square.
Government jets pounded the areas behind rebel lines, according to footage released by opposition factions, and fighters scrambled between rubble and burning buses to take up positions. Smoke clouded the skies.
Syrian state media said 15 people were wounded in rebel shelling across the capital. State-affiliated al-Ikhbariya TV said government forces had killed and wounded several "terrorists" and arrested several more.
SYRIA TALKS IN GENEVA TO RESUME WITHOUT UN ENVOY
A broad federation of insurgent factions renewed their assault on Damascus on Tuesday after their first attack launched Sunday stalled. That attack marked the most serious infiltration of the capital, seat of President Bashar Assad's power, in years.
On Tuesday, as on Sunday, the rebels detonated a car bomb in the eastern parts of the city before launching their attack. On Sunday, the al-Qaida-linked Levant Liberation Committee claimed responsibility for two car bomb explosions.
The campaign brought together a number of rival factions, including the Levant Liberation Committee, two ultraconservative factions Ahrar al-Sham and the Islam Army and the Free Syrian Army-affiliated Failaq al-Rahman.
Assad's armed opponents are divided over strategy, with the al-Qaida-affiliated groups preaching a confrontational, military approach against the government, and others including the Islam Army agreeing to political discussions.
ISRAELI DRONE CRASHES IN SYRIA, CIRCUMSTANCES UNCLEAR
But the government's own intransigence ratcheting up military pressure against its opponents across the country despite peace talks in Europe and Asia appears to have brought the factions closer together.
Mohammed Alloush, the rebels' chief negotiator with the government at technical talks in Astana, Kazakhstan, said his group, the Islam Army, was prepared to send further reinforcements to the Qaboun front in Damascus.
"Opening the Jobar front had a major effect in reducing the pressure on us and other fronts in Ghouta that have not calmed down in more than a year, and has contributed to scattering the Assad gangs," said Islam Army military spokesman Hamza Beirakdar, in a Twitter posting.
Jobar has been besieged by government forces since 2013.
The Syrian government holds authority over most of the country's population, after an overwhelming Russian intervention in 2015 turned the tide against advancing rebel forces. The government now controls the country's five largest cities.
SYRIAN KURDISH MILITIA SAYS IT'S GETTING RUSSIAN TRAINING
Still, the parties to the U.N.-mediated Geneva peace process, including various rebel factions, are expected to attend the resumption of talks on Thursday, a U.N. spokeswoman said.
Alessandra Vellucci said the focus of this round will be governance, constitutional issues and elections, as well as counterterrorism, security and confidence-building measures.
Sunday's rebel blitz, spearheaded by Syria's al-Qaida branch, was the most serious insurgent incursion into Damascus since 2012.
The Levant Liberation Committee said through social media midday Tuesday it had reclaimed the points it had lost the day before. Syrian state media said the government forces had repelled the advance.
The government has been trying to pressure the rebels to surrender the pockets they hold in Damascus following victories in the northern city of Aleppo, the central city of Homs and other Damascus suburbs.
Tens of thousands of fighters, dissidents, and their family members in long-besieged areas have accepted exile to the country's rebel-held northwest, in what opposition figures have termed "forced displacement."
China, EU Forced to Unite for Free Trade as Trump Pushes for America First' Policies
President Xi with German Chancellor Angela Merkel (Photo : Getty Images)
China and the European Union (EU) are being forced to thaw their decade-long tensions and unite to push for free trade because of U.S. President Donald Trump policies and his "America First" mantra, the Straits Times reported.
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Last week, Chinese President Xi Jinping and German Chancellor Angela Merkel agreed over a phone conversation "to continue their trusting cooperation" on open markets and pursue trade with China, the report said.
According to trade officials, the move could help warm up China-EU relations which have soured for years.
About a decade ago, during the so-called "bra wars," textiles from China angered some Europeans, especially local manufacturers who look at the cheap imports as a threat. The tension continues at present over Chinese exports in steel, solar power, including bicycles.
Meanwhile, protectionist sentiment is gaining popularity in the region as Marine Le Pen, a candidate of the National Front in France is running for election on an anti-free trade platform.
"There are still many obstacles to cooperation," Dr Wang Yiwei, a professor of international relations at Renmin University in Beijing and a former Chinese trade official in Europe, said.
"We don't look to Europe to balance the U.S., but we can hope that Europe might help with the kind of American unilateralism or its tendency to do whatever it pleases that we've seen in the past," the professor added.
The move for China and EU to cooperate comes closer as Xi is scheduled to visit Berlin this year while the U.S. is sending mixed messages about its trade policy.
Steve Schwarzman, Trump adviser, however, said this month that Trump may soon cool down with his criticism of China as Trump is planning to invite Xi at Mar-a-Lago club in Florida next month.
Lately, China and Germany have been criticized by the U.S. over the exchange rates which they said have been boosting exports unfairly.
Peter Navarro, Trump's top trade adviser, called China "the biggest trade cheater in the world." He also said that the U.S.'s deficit with Germany is one of the toughest issues to tackle.
Following Merkel's visit to the White House on Friday, March 17, Trump complained that the U.S. has been treated "very, very unfairly" in trade arrangements.
At the end of the G20 meeting in Germany on Saturday, March 17, China assumed leadership as the defender of the global trade and stressed its common position with the EU.
Hosuk Lee-Makiyama, director of the European Centre for International Political Economy in Brussels, said that in about three to five years, China and EU are expected to start talks on a free trade agreement.
Adult twins who died after they fell from England's famous White Cliffs of Dover on New Years Day were carrying their parents ashes, investigators revealed on Tuesday.
Muriel and Bernard Burgess, 59, had been struggling to come to terms with the deaths of their parents, especially the passing of their mother in 2014, according to a coroner.
ELDERLY TWINS DIE OUTSIDE RHODE ISLAND HOME IN BITTER COLD
The siblings fell more than 200 feet in an area known as Langdon Cliffs and were found by rescue teams who were initially searching for a missing Gulf War veteran, 45-year-old Scott Enion. His body also was recovered.
Both twins were wearing backpacks, each containing the ashes of one of their parents.
TWINS DIE AFTER BEING LEFT IN HOT CAR IN GEORGIA
Detective Sergeant Stuart Ward said there was no clear indication of whether the Burgesses had gone to scatter their parents ashes.
Following an investigation, it was discovered that the Burgesses kept to themselves and lived together in a static caravan.
They were both single with no children, unemployed, and financially unstable, with months of overdue rent owed to their caravan park manager.
The twins had sought medical help for their low mood since their mothers death last September, senior coroner Patricia Harding told The Guardian.
Still, it was unclear how the died, Harding said. The evidence doesnt disclose to the required standard of proof whether there was an intention by them to take their own lives or [it] was indeed simply a tragic accident.
Click for more from The Guardian.
Russia has been uncharacteristically mum on the Mondays House Intelligence Committee hearing about Russian meddling in the U.S. Presidential election.
It was not until late Tuesday morning when the Kremlin finally commented. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the committee was confused.
They are trying to find confirmation of their own conclusions, he said, but cant find either proof or confirmation and are going around in circles.
WHITE HOUSE STANDS GROUND AFTER RUSSIA PROBE CONFIRMED, SAYS NO 'COLLUSION'
Since the election of President Donald Trump, Russian lawmakers had been quick to comment on the word from Washington in the press and on Twitter. Hopes in Moscow were initially high that President Trump would extend an olive branch to Russia, and find a way to do business with it, as he had said repeatedly he would like to do.
But with the barrage of leaks about the Trump campaigns possible inappropriate dealings with members of the Russian government, the forced resignation of National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, and the revelations that Attorney General Jeff Sessions failed to disclose conversations with the Russian Ambassador to Washington, Russia has gone increasingly quiet.
CONWAY: INVESTIGATION INTO TRUMP, RUSSIA HAS 'NOTHING TO SHOW FOR IT'
Mondays House hearing was covered in the Russian press. Sputnik News Service ran an article called the Dozen Most Insane Statements from US Congress Hearing on Russian Spying, which outlined the contradictions the author saw in some of the statements made on the Hill.
And Margarita Simonyan, the editor-in chief of RT, the Russian government-funded channel that broadcasts in different languages around the world, said in a statement: US intelligence committee hearings are like a spy movie from the 1970s, naive, funny, but its still interesting to see the ending.
There may not be excessive chatter about the hearing in Moscow now, because the Kremlin has always denied involvement in the hacking of the U.S. election and having intelligence dossiers on Trump. Possibly they are just waiting for the ending.
Before the hearing, Sergei Baburin, vice speaker of the State Duma, or parliament, said he didnt think the U.S. was trying to disparage Russia.
In my opinion, there are some political forces in Washington that dont care as much about demonizing Russia as putting in doubt the legitimacy of the elected President Trump, Baburin said. Because, at the moment, spreading fabrications about hackers providing Trumps victory means a lack of respect to American citizens who made a decision that they wanted change.
Given the way the hearing went, it is likely Baburins sentiments havent changed.
Islam is set to surpass Christianity as the world's largest religion within this century, according to a report about the future of religious groups. The number of children within each family may be a key factor.
The Pew Research Center put together a religious population growth report in 2015 and updated their analysis last month after taking recent surveys into consideration.
MUSLIM CONVERTS BREATHE NEW LIFE INTO EUROPES STRUGGLING CHRISTIAN CHURCHES
"If current demographic trends continue, the number of Muslims is expected to exceed the number of Christians by the end of this century," concludes Michael Lipka, a senior editor focusing on religion at Pew.
Why is Islam growing more rapidly?
"The main reasons for Islam's growth ultimately involve simple demographics," wrote Lipka and his colleague Conrad Hackett -- a demographer also focusing on religious issues. "To begin with, Muslims have more children than members of the seven other major religious groups analyzed in the study."
BURKINI TAKES CENTER STAGE IN FIERY FRENCH PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE
Muslim families have an average of 3.1 children per woman, while Christian families have an average of 2.7 children, Pew found in 2015.
Christianity and Islam both trace their history back to the biblical figure Abraham. Abraham, called Abram at the time, could not bear children with his wife. God then promised Abram a son and told Abram, "Look up at the sky and count the stars -- if indeed you can count them. So shall your offspring be."
Today, Christians make up roughly 2.2 billion people.
"There were 1.6 billion Muslims in the world as of 2010 -- roughly 23 percent of the global population," the Pew Research Center estimates. Islam is currently the world's second largest religion; Christianity is the largest.
From 2010-2050, the Islamic religion's population size is projected to grow by 73 percent; the Christian population is projected to grow 35 percent in the same time frame. This would make Islam the world's fastest growing religion. By 2050, Muslims are expected to be nearly even in number with the Christian population.
The third largest religious group, according to Pew's research, is an "unaffiliated" segment that makes up about 1.1 billion people. The Hindu religion comes in next with about 1 billion people adhering to the practice.
In 2015, Muslims made up about 1 percent -- or 3.3 million people -- of the U.S. population, according to a best estimate by Pew.
"Living in a religiously pluralistic society, Muslim-Americans are more likely than Muslims in many other nations to have many non-Muslim friends," the study found.
As political and religious tensions rise worldwide, many countries, including the United States, have tried to combat threats related to radical Islamic terrorism.
"In many cases, people in countries with large Muslim populations are as concerned as Western nations about the threat of Islamic extremism, and have become increasingly concerned in recent years," Lipka wrote. He added, "More generally, Muslims mostly say that suicide bombings and other forms of violence against civilians in the name of Islam are rarely or never justified."
Real Estate Broker Purchases First Motto Mortgage Franchise In Pennsylvania
Daniel Lanni to Bring Better Service and More Choice to Greater Philadelphia Borrowers
March 21, 2017 // Franchising.com // DENVER - Motto Mortgage, an innovative mortgage brokerage franchise and the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX) family of brands, has a new franchisee in the Keystone State. Daniel Lanni, Owner of RE/MAX Select in Springfield, has purchased the first Motto Mortgage franchise in Pennsylvania. Lanni, a Marine Corps veteran, is a seasoned real estate broker with more than a decade of experience.
Opening a Motto Mortgage franchise will provide more lending options for local homebuyers, said Lanni. Our clients will have access to a loan originator that will connect them to lenders based on their individual needs.
With Motto Mortgage, experienced mortgage professionals can benefit from tools, resources, and proximity to a local real estate brokerage. Motto Mortgage loan originators have access to competitive loan options from various sources and are not bound to the products of one specific lender.
As a lifelong resident of Delaware County, Daniel is acutely aware of the needs of homebuyers in the greater Philadelphia area, said Motto Mortgage President Ward Morrison. His decision to open the first Motto Mortgage franchise in Pennsylvania will streamline the home-buying process for his clients. We have immense confidence in him as a local business owner, real estate broker and, now, Motto Mortgage franchisee.
Motto Franchising, LLC is located at 5075 S. Syracuse St. #1200, Denver, CO 80237. Each Motto Mortgage franchise is independently owned, operated and licensed. For more information, please email newsroom@mottomortgage.com or visit mottomortgage.com.
About Motto Mortgage
Motto Mortgage is a different kind of mortgage network that provides clarity and personalized guidance to homebuyers who deserve an advocate. Its a groundbreaking concept that connects a real estate brokerage to a separate, franchised mortgage brokerage, providing the one-stop shop homebuyers want and the experience they deserve. The new model is the first national mortgage brokerage franchise in the United States and is offered by Motto Franchising, LLC, the second member of the RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. family of brands. It brings opportunity to consumers, brokers, loan officers and agents. Each Motto Mortgage office is independently owned, operated, and licensed. To learn more about Motto Mortgage, or for license information for a Motto Mortgage office, please visit www.mottomortgage.com.
This information is not intended as an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, a franchise. It is for informational purposes only. It should be considered only in connection with the Franchise Disclosure Document. We will not offer you a franchise in states or other jurisdictions where registration is required unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. New York residents: This advertisement is not an offering. An offering can only be made by a prospectus filed first with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Such filing does not constitute approval by the Department of Law. South Carolina: S.S. Reg. No. 1055. Minnesota Reg. No. F-8089. 2017 Motto Franchising, LLC, 5075 South Syracuse St #1200, Denver, CO 80237, 1.866.668.8649.
Each Office is Independently Owned, Operated and Licensed.
Contact:
Jason Lindaman
Sr. Manager, Public Relations
Motto Mortgage - Motto Franchising, LLC
T: 303.796.3546
jason.lindaman@mottomortgage.com
SOURCE Motto Mortgage
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Considered as one of the wealthiest cities in China, Shenzhen offers a great opportunity for entrepreneurial companies to expand in. (Photo : Getty Images)
Companies in Canada joined the Global Olympics of Innovation in Toronto last weekend for a chance to expand their business operations in Shenzhen, CBC News Toronto reported.
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The competition was part of the China (Shenzhen) Innovation and Entrepreneurial International Competition, which took place on March 18, Saturday, at the Toronto City Hall.
Over 20 companies joined and competed in five categories: electronic technology, Internet and mobile Internet, materials and energy, biological and life sciences, and advanced manufacturing.
The winner will receive a package of prizes, which will include a prize money of up to $240,000, access to venture capital, Chinese government grants, and office space in Shenzhen, as stated in the news release.
Toronto is excited to be part of this competition and to help provide this opportunity for our talented companies to grow in China, said John Tory, mayor of Toronto, in the press release.
I want Toronto to be seen internationally as a place where big things are happening and where companies can grow and expand their markets internationally, Tory added.
Considered as one of the wealthiest cities in China, expanding business in Shenzhen is a great opportunity for entrepreneurial companies. The citys opened doors will give access to a population of about 11 million people with considerable purchasing power.
Experts also believe that the Global Olympics of Innovation can prove to be beneficial for both Canada and China by creating opportunities in Shenzhen and Toronto.
I understand what cities face in rapid development and population influx, said Luisa Ji, co-founder and designer of Milieu Technologies Ltd. Her company, based in Ottawa, provides consultation services in regards to land use planning and development.
We hope to leverage this opportunity to work with Toronto and Shenzhen, Ji said in the news release.
Other regional rounds of the Global Olympics of Innovation were held in Munich, Tel Aviv, Sydney, Tokyo, Santa Clara in California, and London. The final round will be held in Shenzhen.
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce presented two awards during its state of the chamber event Tuesday at the Jepson Alumni Executive Center in Fredericksburg.
George Hughes, president of SimVentions in Stafford County, received its annual Joseph L. Argenzio Award, which honors an outstanding volunteer who goes above and beyond in service to the Chamber. William J. Howell, who is stepping down as Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates at the end of his term, received the Chambers Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Argenzio Award is named for the late Joe Argenzio, the youngest infantryman to land on Normandy during D-Day, who developed a special relationship with the Chamber toward the end of his life.
Chamber President and CEO Susan Spears told Hughes that hed been invited to the event to speak about his passionate support of STEM education. She surprised him when she revealed that that the video that had been filmed of him at the Chambers recent STEM 16 Summit at Massaponax High School was really for the award.
In accepting the honor, Hughes said that he hopes the region will take the summit to the next level by creating a STEM pipeline to build the areas future workforce.
Howell has represented the states 28th District, which includes Stafford County, for 25 years. He spent the last 15 years as Speaker of the House, the second-longest tenure in Virginia history. During that time he helped shepherd two major pieces of transportation legislation through the General Assembly: a $6 billion funding bill with then-Gov. Bob McDonnell and a bill to create the SmartScale system for evaluating transportation projects under Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
The Chamber has meant an awful lot to me over the years, said Howell, who served on the Virginia Chamber of Commerce board for a time.
He thanked members for their support during his last campaign when he took heat for his support of the transportation legislation, and asked them to help Del. Bobby Orrock, (R-Thornburg) in his re-election campaign since he supported the same bill.
A Spotsylvania County man is now facing the possibility of being put to death if he is convicted of the vicious Dec. 3 slaying of a convenience store clerk.
David Junior Washington, 50, was directly indicted by a Spotsylvania grand jury Monday on charges of capital murder and robbery. The charges stem from the death of Saleh Yousef Abukhait at the Sunoco in the 5300 block of Jefferson Davis Highway in Spotsylvania.
Washington had been charged with first-degree murder and had a preliminary hearing scheduled for next month. But the commonwealth's attorney's office decided to increase the charge Monday.
Commonwealth's Attorney Travis Bird declined to discuss the decision.
Washington's case has now been sent to circuit court, where a trial date will be set later. The only possible sentences for a capital murder conviction are death and life in prison without the possibility of parole.
The entire attack against Abukhait was captured on the store surveillance cameras. Investigators quickly identified Washington as the suspect after reviewing the film.
According to the evidence, the suspect entered the store early that morning and was there at least 10 minutes before the attack began. He appeared to be having a pleasant conversation with Abukhait.
The attacker suddenly picked up a stick he'd brought into the store and attacked the clerk behind the counter. Abukhait was struck in the head repeatedly.
He was attacked again with the stick after it had splintered and later was struck with hot dog tongs. The attacker then stomped on Abukhait's head before leaving with beer and money he'd taken from the store.
Another customer entered the store shortly after the slaying. That customer only got a short distance into the store when he saw blood, but no clerk. The clerk was behind the counter out of sight.
The man backed out of the store and called the Sheriff's Office. Deputies came and found the slain Abukhait.
Washington was arrested later that day at the Dunning Mills Inn in Fredericksburg. He was taken into custody and gave a statement to Spotsylvania detectives.
A man arrested over the weekend on the suspicion of holding a woman against her will and beating her is a Coffeewood Correctional Center officer.
The Virginia Department of Corrections confirmed on Tuesday that Calvin Anthony Whitaker has been an officer at the prison since March of last year.
Instead of working as a guard at the Culpeper County prison, Whitaker is now being held at the Rappahannock Regional Jail as an inmate.
Fredericksburg police charged the 23-year-old Spotsylvania County man with assaulting the woman following a weekend incident.
The Fredericksburg Police Department reported that the woman, an acquaintance of Whitakers, said she was held against her will and assaulted by him at a residence in the 300 block of Wolfe Street about 1:15 a.m. Saturday. She was taken to the hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries, police said.
Police looked for the suspect shortly after the incident at a residence near where the reported assault happened, but didnt find him.
Whitaker was located later in the morning on Saturday in Culpeper and arrested.
He faces felony charges of strangulation and abduction and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge, according to police.
Two Spotsylvania County men have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the December 2015 slaying of 21-year-old Heather Ciccone, the Spotsylvania Sheriffs Office announced Tuesday.
Joshua Christopher Williams, 29, and Jonathan Julian Vejarano, 28, were both directly indicted Monday by a county grand jury.
They are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and using a firearm in the commission of a felony. Vejarano is also charged with possessing a firearm as a felon.
Both suspects were already in jail on unrelated charges at the time of their indictments, court records show. Both also had trials scheduled this month in Spotsylvania Circuit Court on much lesser offenses.
Ciccone was found dead late on the night of Dec. 6, 2015, in her 2010 Kia, which was parked in a driveway on Piney Branch Road in Spotsylvania. She had been shot in the back of the head.
The driveway is about 30 minutes from where Ciccone was living at the time and investigators have said the residents there had no connection to the victim.
A Chancellor High School graduate, Ciccone had been working as a waitress at the Red Robin in Spotsylvania for about a year when she was killed. She had called in sick that day and had spent most of the weekend in bed.
She left home that night after getting a call about a friends car breaking down, authorities have said. Two hours later, she was found dead in a strangers driveway.
Investigators have searched multiple houses and cellphones in their efforts to determine who killed Ciccone and why. Nearly all of those search warrants have been sealed by court order.
In a news release Tuesday morning, Sheriff Roger Harris said police would not be discussing the evidence that led to the arrests because the investigation is ongoing. But he thanked several local law enforcement agencies for their assistance in the 15-month investigation, including the Fredericksburg Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the Stafford and King George sheriffs offices.
Both Williams and Vejarano have substantial criminal histories. Williams was convicted of malicious wounding in Spotsylvania in 2006 and has since been convicted of multiple drug charges, attempted escape and several probation violations.
Court records show that he is supposed to stand trial Friday in Spotsylvania on a felony domestic assault charge stemming from an incident in May.
Vejarano was twice convicted of receiving stolen property in early 2010 in Spotsylvania, and has been convicted of probation violations at least four times since then. He has a trial on another probation violation scheduled for next week in Spotsylvania. He has been in jail since May 24.
Vejarano is in the Rappahannock Regional Jail. Williams is being held in the Central Virginia Regional Jail in the town of Orange.
FOR nearly 15 years, the Robert H. Smith Center for the Constitution has taught constitutional principles and civic engagement to nearly 50,000 participants from all 50 states and some 100 countries at James Madisons Montpelier.
But with the recent addition of a $4.7 million, state-of-the-art studio and learning center called Claude Moore Hall, the National Trust Historic Site in Orange County will vault into next-generation programming through new digital content and residential program initiatives.
Center executive C. Douglas Smith said equipment that ranges from a podcast-recording booth to a meeting hall for 90 with built-in cameras, lighting and sound will make it easy to record and distribute everything from seminars for teachers to weekly podcasts on the rule of law.
But for all the modern digital upgrades, he said the training and seminars offered will always connect in some way to the document that so many years ago created our government, the U.S. Constitution.
Of course, whether its to teachers, law enforcement personnel, politicos or leaders from other countries trying to safeguard basic rights there, we emphasize the fact that our Constitution isnt some old, historic relic, said Smith, but instead is very much a working document, perhaps more important now than ever before.
The 6,800-square-foot education building, its exterior a mix of red brick, gray metal and expansive windows adjacent to a nearby pond, sits next to the Lewis Hall administrative building, which has housed Center for the Constitution programs since it opened in 2007.
From the landscaped patios and plantings beside the building to a lounge trimmed with warm beech woodwork and tables, Claude Moore Hall is a four-year project where every detail was considered.
Smith noted that the studio space can seat more than 90 people and is engineered acoustically to ensure that recording will not be interrupted by other activities in the building.
And of course, theres a full control room adjacent where the cameras, lighting and sound can be remotely controlled, said Smith.
Near that is the podcast studio, equipped with a distinctive wooden table that allows for several participants to sit before microphones in a room engineered for acoustics.
The building is served by an energy-efficient geothermal heating and cooling system, has offices for the four-member staff upstairs and Lewis Hall can offer a mix of different-sized spaces for breakout educational sessions.
The seminars often last several days, with adjacent houses providing overnight accommodations for those attending, Smith said.
He noted that programs for law enforcement officers focus on an understanding of the Constitution and the personal rights it guarantees, as well as the modern challenges those officers face.
Teachers are offered sessions that can help them convey a key understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the importance of civic engagement, and leaders from other countries come to sessions often designed to help them craft constitutions or protections for rights in their developing nations.
Young political staffers are invited to sessions designed to help them understand the way our government is designed to work.
From their time in campaigns, many of these bright young minds may still see the opposing party as the enemy, said Smith. We try to emphasize the fact that for our system to work, staffers and politicians need to learn to work together. Getting away from the hotbed of Washington politics can help foster that way of thinking.
Smith said that the center itself does not engage in partisan politics.
With politics a little supercharged right now, people are nervous about where things are headed, said Smith, who worked in jobs ranging from the Virginia Interfaith Center to Odyssey Media before coming to Montpelier.
To calm those nerves a bit, Smith notes that our constitutional system isnt quite as fragile as some people see it. The checks and balances of the branches come into play. We may well be seeing the beginning of a more active judiciary branch in response to an active executive branch.
Smith said the Center has connections with some 80 experts from around the country and the world who serve as its teachers and experts.
Fans and practitioners fear that other countries might push for their own variations of the martial art. (Photo : Getty Images)
Fans of Chinese taiji are wondering when the martial art will be recognized and included in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, the Straits Times reported.
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In 2011, South Koreas taekkyeon was the first martial art to be included in the list. Fans of the taiji martial art believe its high time it is internationally recognized. Furthermore, making it to UNESCOs list is opening one door to understanding Chinese culture.
Through taiji, one can understand Chinese culture, from medicine to literature, from philosophy to art, said Yan Shuangjun, head of the Tai Chi UNESCO Heritage Application Group, in an interview with the Straits Times.
Over the years, Yan has lobbied for the inclusion of the taiji martial art into the list, which aims to protect and celebrate cultural diversity around the world.
If taiji is still not recognized by UNESCOs list despite its deeply embedded connections to Chinese culture, fans and practitioners fear that other countries might push for their own variations of the martial art. Taiji, after all, has spread throughout Asia and is a popular form of therapeutic exercise.
Both South Korea and Japan are competing with us to get taiji registered. Especially South Korea, said Zhang Liyong, Henan Provinces delegate during this years session of the National Peoples Congress.
Some people are claiming taiji was invented by Koreans. And since South Korea has already registered the Dragon boat Festival as theirs, we should be alarmed.
China wont get any monetary prize if taiji is included in UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. The recognition, however, means a lot to taiji advocates like Yan. So far, the government has yet to announce whether it will nominate taiji this year. Yan is increasingly worried as the deadline for nominations is on March 31.
No news is bad news, Yan told the Straits Times.
With his long, scraggly beard, hearty laugh and ability to make everyone he meets feel at ease, Bob Morrison is seen by many as a grandfather figure, especially at the Spotsylvania Volunteer Rescue Squad.
But, at the end of the month, Morrison will no longer have a beard. The longtime volunteer is planning on shaving it off for a fundraiserBuzz Bobs Beardto raise money for Caleb Lambert, the 3-year-old son of a veteran Richmond firefighter.
Last month, Calebs parentsCourtland and Kimberly Lambertwere shocked when doctors diagnosed their son with stage 3 neuroblastoma after the boy complained of stomach pains.
Lt. Donald Epps, EMS Supervisor of Spotsylvania Fire, Rescue and Emergency Management, is organizing the fundraiser. He said Calebs parents need all the financial assistance they can get to help their son.
Caleb recently finished his second round of chemotherapy and had to be hospitalized again last week after coming down with a fever, Epps said.
The chemo process attacks the immune system, and even things like the common cold virus can be life-threatening when you have little to no immune system to fight it off, Epps said.
Epps explained that Morrison, who was in the military, is usually clean-shaven. When he began growing out his beard, fellow firefighters would often pick on him and tell him he was creeping into Duck Dynasty territory.
Then, it dawned on Epps that he should try to get Morrison to shave his beard for the St. Baldricks Foundation, which raises money for childhood cancer research. Morrison loved the idea.
Epps began researching the organization and making calls when he received the unexpected news of Calebs cancer diagnosis. He immediately knew the fire department needed to do something, and he asked Morrison if he would shave his beard to raise funds for the young boys medical expenses.
You bet, Morrison responded.
Epps described firefighters as belonging to a brotherhood.
He arranged the fundraiser to bring that brotherhood of firefighters together to alleviate the familys financial burdens. He hopes this will give the family the freedom to focus on getting Caleb better.
The unique thing about the fire department is that it doesnt matter where you are from, we try to help everyone out, he said. Its not a career-versus-volunteer thing, and being there for each other is the big thing we want to come out of this.
Everyone is invited to attend the fundraiser, which will include a bake sale. All the proceeds will go to the family. The event will be held March 31 at 7 p.m. at Spotsylvania Fire Company 2, 11700 Volunteer Lane.
Emma Watson, Dan Stevens, Kevin Kline, Josh Gad, Audra McDonald, Stanley Tucci, Ian McKellen, Bill Condon And Alan Menken Arrive At Alice Tully Hall For The New York Special Screening Of Disney's Live-Action Adaptation 'Beauty And The Beast' (Photo : Getty Images)
The controversial Walt Disney movie Beauty and the Beast opened over the weekend simultaneously in the U.S. and China, the two largest film markets in the world. It had a box-office receipt of $170 million in North America, and broke Finding Dory opening weekend record in 2016 of $135 million.
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Movie Soundtrack
The new version is an update from the 1991 animation which featured Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson singing the theme song of the movie. For the 2017 version, Ariana Grande and John Legend sang the movie theme, while Jing Boran and Tian Fuzhen did a Chinese version, China Daily reported.
Besides the theme song, Celine Dion performed How Does A Moment Last Forever? as part of the soundtrack of the new Beauty and the Beast which is now available.
Dave Hollis, Disney head of animation, pointed out that a powerful driver for Disneys recreation of its animated classics with live action and digital effects is nostalgia. Moviegoers are given the chance to see the beloved stories in a new way, but Disney builds in on the foundation of something familiar. But Hollis stressed that movie producers do not earn $170 million by banking on nostalgia alone. They have to make the movie great, Fox News reported.
Bonus for Films Stars
In China, the movie earned $44.8 million, according to Disney. Because of the backlash caused by the gay moment of Le Fou. Paul Dergarabedian, senior media analyst for comScore, predicts the total box-office receipts of Beauty and the Beast would exceed $1 billion.
Higher earnings would boost the paycheck of some of the stars of the film. Emma Watson, who plays Belle, reportedly received $3 million as upfront payment. However, it could go up to as much as $15 million if Beauty and the Beast performs as well as Maleficent for which Angeline Jolie was paid $20 million when the film earned $759 million.
Martha Bryant laid her 23-year-old son to rest Monday afternoon in a grave next to one that she will someday occupy in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Last week, Tyler Bryant became the ninth person since 2013 to die after being transferred to Hiram W. Davis Medical Center in Petersburg from one of the states training centers for people with disabilities.
His death has prompted a call for an investigation by a state senator, and it has raised fresh questions about Virginia officials decision to close all but one training center as part of a 2012 settlement agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.
Martha Bryant said she believes Tyler would still be alive if he had been allowed to remain in the skilled nursing center at Central Virginia Training Center in Madison Heights, where he lived for 20 years with his twin brother, Taylor.
I just feel betrayed, Bryant said in a telephone interview Monday before her sons funeral.
Tyler and Taylor were born 11 weeks prematurely and were diagnosed with intellectual disabilities, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Their triplet, Timothy, died at birth.
They were never able to control their arms and legs or their bowels and bladders. They never learned to speak, and their minds never developed beyond the level of an infant 9 to 15 months old.
Hiram Davis, where Tyler and Taylor were transferred in January, is certified as a skilled nursing facility and provides services that qualify it as a training center, said Maria Reppas, spokeswoman for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
Taylor is still a resident there. Tyler was only there for about 10 days after his transfer in January, but he became too ill and was transferred to a hospital. He died Thursday at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond of respiratory failure.
Twenty-nine people have been transferred to Hiram Davis from the states training centers, said Deb Smith, director of community integration with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services. Eight of the 29 have moved to community-based housing; nine have died, including Tyler; and the rest remain at the facility.
Smith said she was not able to discuss Tylers case specifically because of federal privacy laws but that she did not see the number of deaths as alarming.
The residents at Hiram Davis are there because of their intensive medical support needs, and often with people with intensive medical support needs ... will eventually pass away, Smith said. So Im not seeing this as out of the ordinary. I think often were supporting folks who require care, and Hiram Davis was highly qualified to provide that care.
The facility director and medical director of Hiram Davis were not available for comment on Monday.
Central Virginia Training Center, where Tyler and Taylor had been living, is one of four training centers designated for closure under the 2012 agreement with the Department of Justice.
The state was not required by the Justice Department to close the facilities, but officials opted to shut them down in order to afford to boost services for the more than 11,200 people on a waiting list for services on the community level, Smith said.
Two of the four training centers are already closed. Southwestern Virginia Training Center in Hillsville is set for closure in 2018, and Central Virginia Training Center is scheduled to fully shut down in 2020.
Because of a staffing shortage at Central Virginia Training Center, the state opted to decertify the skilled nursing center earlier than planned and send the remaining patients elsewhere in January. Southeastern Virginia Training Center in Chesapeake, with 75 beds, will be the only remaining facility, although Hiram Davis will continue to take residents in its skilled nursing facility, Smith said.
Sen. Stephen D. Newman, R-Lynchburg, has called for an investigation into not only Tylers death but also into the closure of the skilled nursing center altogether. He disputes the states contention that an equivalent level of care is available for residents at Hiram Davis.
If we knew then what we know now, would we have done that? Newman said of the accelerated closure of Central Virginia Training Centers skilled nursing center. Would we have rushed it? Would we have brought in the personnel? Hindsight is always 20/20, but those are legitimate questions we need to ask.
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, which oversees training centers and the community-based system of care for people with disabilities, welcomes and will cooperate with any investigation into a training center-related death, said Jack Barber, interim commissioner of the department.
Martha Bryant, who took a leave of absence from teaching in January to be with her sons, believes Tylers death was caused by the decision of Hiram Davis doctors to stop using a particular drug that had helped his bowels function for years while he was at Central Virginia Training Center.
On March 13, Martha Bryant, a nurse who teaches health professions, said she decided to order hospice care for Tyler because he was suffering from the latest of multiple bowel obstructions. Still, she did not expect him to die so quickly.
I wasnt ready for that phone call on Thursday night, she said.
NOW THAT were past that rude interruption to our spring-like winter (we hope), its time to start thinking about the fresh, local fruits and vegetables that will be available in the months ahead thanks to our regions farmers.
More to the point, its time to make sure as many people as possible have access to this local farm-produced bounty, not just because its so delicious, but because it is the healthiest food you can eat.
This is where the Virginia Fresh Match Medicaid Incentive Program and a generous nonprofit group comes in. Through a remarkable combination of effort and cooperation by regional organizations, farmers markets in downtown Fredericksburg and on Gordon Road in Spotsylvania County will be able to provide Medicaid recipients this year an additional $10 worth of fresh vegetables for every $10 they spend. If thats not a good deal its hard to know what is.
So who came up with this idea, and how come the Fredericksburg area will benefit from it? This pilot program is the brainchild of Wholesome Wave, a national nonprofit whose mission is to make sure poor people have access to fresh, wholesome foods.
Its an extension of a program that since 2009 has provided Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, the food stamp program) recipients incentives to buy more fresh food at farmers markets. Last year alone, such purchases totaling $82,000 were rung up at local markets.
This year, the George Washington Regional Commission and The Farmers Market.co teamed up with the Roanoke-based Local Environmental Agriculture Project, or LEAP, to apply for new grant money put up by Wholesome Wave. Their bid was one of nine selected from more than 100 applications from across the country.
The grant will provide the two communities $25,000 to work with. Organizers in the Fredericksburg area are hoping to reach 150 local Medicaid recipients who would have three opportunities to claim the $10 bonus on their farmers market visits this season.
The nationwide effort to encourage people to buy and eat local food produced by local farmers continues to strengthen. Thanks to more farmers participation and the increasing popularity of Fredericksburg-area farmers markets, they are becoming destinations rather than just errand stops. An amazing variety of fresh and healthy food is more readily available than ever.
And thats not all. The effort to create a Fredericksburg food co-op is making progress and will provide a continuous local farm-to-table pipeline. It is well on its way to signing up the 1,000 members it needs before opening a local store.
In addition, some farmers are turning to agritourismopening their farms to visitors and school field trips to help promote an understanding of what farms do for everyone, especially people who might not otherwise set foot on one. Farmers are also committed to their CSAs, community-supported agriculture arrangements that bring farm-fresh food to peoples doorsteps. CSA accounts shared by families can make participation more affordable and easier to handle ample offerings of fresh food in the boxes delivered weekly. Also, the idea behind mobile farmers markets is to improve accessibility by bringing fresh foods right into neighborhoods.
The benefit here is not just in making fresh food accessible to as many people as possible, it is also in broadening and solidifying local farmers position in the marketplace. That helps them grow their operations and increase the chances that their land will continue to sprout crops rather than houses and shopping centers.
Elizabeth Borst, executive director of Virginia Community Food Connections, points out that fighting hunger and obesity is largely the same battle. A successful outcome depends on the presence of three key ingredients: accessibility, affordability and education. Each element presents its own challenge.
The Virginia Fresh Match Medicaid Incentive Program is one of those rare initiatives where everyone stands to winin this case both nutritionally and economically. If the experimental program works, and it should, thanks to the smart and dedicated people behind it, then perhaps its participation and benefits can grow in the future.
8 pm.
(6) (CBS) (9) (CBS) NCIS The NCIS team investigates a series of escalating threats against congresswoman Jenna Flemming, while Director Vance overseas temporary protection detail. (R) (HD)
(7) (ABC) (8) (ABC) The Middle Frankie and Mike are embarrassed to admit that they once again forgot Bricks birthday, but their embarrassment turns to fright when they discover that he has turned 15, and its time for them to teach their not-so-sure-footed son drivers ed. (R) (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)
(32) (PBS) Masterpiece Classic Facing rioters and suitors, Victoria grows into her royal role. As she ponders marriage, her friendship with Lord Melbourne grows more complex.
(50) (CW) (65) (CW) The Flash Barry and the team are surprised when Mon-El and Hank Henshaw arrive on their Earth carrying a comatose Supergirl who was whammied by the Music Meister. Unable to wake her up, they turn to Team Flash to save her. (N) (HD)
(COMC) South Park Kenny ends up in the foster care system after his parents are arrested. (R)
(DISN) Stuck in the Middle Harley needs to get to Boston for an inventors contest, but with dad away and mom busy with the rest of the kids, Harley is forced to turn to Rachel for help. (R)
(FREE) The Fosters Stef starts a new assignment in human trafficking where she meets a young girl turning tricks on the streets. (N) (HD)
(HGTV) Fixer Upper Jenny and Ramil are moving to Waco, Texas, from California to be closer to Ramils mother. Ramil originally wanted more of a move-in ready home, but Jenny convinced him to get a fixer upper, so they enlist the help of Chip and Joanna to find one. (R) (HD)
(HIST) Forged in Fire Prior winners return to prove who among them is the best of the best by forging a blade using canoe damascus. (R) (HD)
8:30 pm.
(7) (ABC) (8) (ABC) American Housewife Katie and Greg are thrilled when Anna-Kat finally has a playdate with a normal girl. But Anna-Kat has a little secret: Shes a budding kleptomaniac and has taken something from her new friend Pennys home. (R) (HD)
(5) (FOX) (35) (FOX) The Mick When it seems as though Chip is getting scammed by a girl he met online, Mickey tries to teach him how to be a wolf vs. a sheep. Meanwhile, Sabrina is scared that her boyfriend is beginning to mirror Jimmys ways, and she plans an intervention. (N) (HD)
9 pm.
(7) (ABC) (8) (ABC) Fresh Off the Boat During Jessicas U.S. citizenship interview, she reveals shocking details about her past that even Louis was not aware of. Meanwhile, Eddie, Emery and Evan have a day off from school, and attempt to take the family minivan out for a joyride. (R) (HD)
(50) (CW) (65) (CW) DCs Legends of Tomorrow The Legends must devise a plan to retrieve the last remaining fragments of the Spear of Destiny from the Legion of Doom. (N) (HD)
(66) (ION) Criminal Minds When the BAU goes to San Jose to investigate a string of murders, Garcia delves into her hacker past and reconnects with her old flame to help the team with the case. (R)
(FOOD) Chopped Making canned ham tasty and cleaning mussels are a couple of the challenges in round one. In the entree round, some of the chefs attempt to creatively mask the bright blue color of one of the basket ingredients. (R) (HD)
(LIFE) Little Women: LA After months of dealing with a tough pregnancy, Jasmines delivery isnt as easy as she would have hoped for. Briana is rushed to the hospital with severe pain, and worries she could need surgery. Tension is at an all-time high between Elena and Terra. (N) (HD)
(OXY) The Battle of the Ex-Besties At Venice Beach our Besties have a chance to rescue their friendships, and sabotage their competitors. For the first time #KChris fears being at the bottom, while #Jenika lets internal conflict, and lack of communication derail them. (N)
(5) (FOX) (35) (FOX) Bones In the seriess penultimate episode, each leading characters final story begins to unfold. Brennan testifies for Zach in trial, Angela reveals some big news, and Aubrey and Jessica come to terms about their future together. (N) (HD)
(FREE) Switched at Birth An introduction has Bay and Daphne flooded with memories of their father Angelo. (N) (HD)
9:30 pm.
(4) (NBC) (12) (NBC) Trial & Error When the new suspect turns up in a coma, Josh becomes sidetracked trying to solve that crime and eventually becomes a suspect himself. (N) (HD)
(7) (ABC) (8) (ABC) Black-ish The nation is still reeling after the outcome of the presidential election, and tensions are particularly high at Dres work. Much to his frustration, they havent been able to get anything done since election night eight weeks ago. (R) (HD)
10 pm.
(6) (CBS) (9) (CBS) NCIS: New Orleans NCIS and the FBI investigate a private plane crash in the bayou that killed three sailors. Also, Sonja and Lasalle interview candidates for the teams open agent position. (R) (HD)
(7) (ABC) (8) (ABC) People Icons Reflects on the life and legacy of the countrys favorite celebrity stars and icons, legendary performers, actors and comedians that left us all too soon. (N) (HD)
(BRAVO) Imposters An unanticipated trip home puts Ezra at a crossroads about his future. Maddie and Patricks get-away is equal parts romance and deception. Jules comes face-to-face with her past. (N)
(E!) The Arrangement Just as Kyle and Megan cement their status as a Hollywood it couple, their relationship is tested when aspects of Megans private life are leaked onto the internet. (R) (HD)
(FX) The Americans Philip and Elizabeth tell Paige more about the family business, but pressing new questions arise when an operation takes a ghastly and unexpected turn. Meanwhile, a sensitive package jeopardizes Olegs life back home. (N)
(SYFY) Cosplay Melee The competitors must use inspiration from their favorite sci-fi space opera to create an original character. (N) (HD)
Rowan Atkinson's Mr. Bean Brings Mayhem To The Mall (Photo : Getty Images)
Rowan Atkinsons Mr. Bean character is back in the comedy film Top Funny Comedian the Movie. The movie initially was scheduled to premiere on Chinese New Year but was postponed.
Newshub reported that the movie just premiered with an exclusive release in China. Rowan Atkinson is known in China as Mr. Foolish Bean. The audience laughed on the films premiere with the actors extreme facial expressions and slapstick comedy.
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Language of Comedy
Although his co-stars in the film Chinese comedians Guo Degang and Yue Yunpeng spoke Mandarin and other languages, Mr. Bean used body language and comedy to communicate with them. Besides Top Funny Comedian the Movie, the 62-year-old Rowan Atkinson who revived his bumbling loner character after he divorced wife Sunetra, also reprises his jewelry salesman role in Love Actually for the Comic Relief special.
Costly Divorce
The 2015 divorce of Rowan Atkinson, who left his wife of 24 years for a comedy actress, cost the comedian 5 million in divorce settlement. However, the actor has the financial means since his 2007 movie Mr. Beans Holiday earned over 2.4 million in China alone. Top Funny Comedian the Movie is expected to be a hit in China. His worth is estimated at 70 million, according to Daily Mail.
His showing up in China for the premiere of the comedy film debunked rumors that Rowan Atkinson died in a car accident which is a hoax story, The Sun reported. The hoax was based on a fake Twitter account that looks like it came from Fox News. The tweet, which was shared and liked over 300,000 times, claimed the actor died after a car accident on March 18.
Top Funny Comedian the Movie is a spin-off of a popular Chinese variety show with the same name starring Guo Degang and Yue Yunpeng.
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North Korea Rocket Engine (Photo : Getty Images)
Kim Jong-un headed a North Korea rocket engine test, which, according to him, is of historic significance.
According to North Korea state media, the test was conducted on Sunday, alongside U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillersons visit to China.
The whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries, said Kim.
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The North Korean leader declared Saturday as the March 18 Revolution due to the great leaping forward in the countrys rocket industry.
The Kim regime has a record of making overstatements and aggressive threats that it cannot support. However, the recent assertion comes in the middle of increasing tensions in the region.
Tillerson said on Friday that North Korea has been making a stable and observable progress with its missile program. All options, including military ones, were under discussion to restrict it.
According to Melissa Hanham, an expert at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies, the rocket engine that North Korea recently tested seems to be powered by liquid fuel.
The North Korean engineers have recently been working on solid fuel. However, it is easier to locate liquid fuel rockets using satellites because these rockets need more outdoor preparation.
There is nothing about this rocket engine itself that makes me more terrified, but taken as a whole, its pretty clear that they are trying to give us proof of their growing missile program, said Hanham.
In his New Years address, Kim said that North Korea had entered the final stage of preparation for the test launch of intercontinental ballistic missile, which would be aimed at reaching the U.S.
North Korea has fired a medium-range missile since. The missile seems to show substantial technological advancements. This month, the country has launched a barrage of four missiles, with three landing within the exclusive economic zone of Japan.
The concurrent firings appeared intended to outwit the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense antimissile battery deployed by the U.S. in South Korea. This strategy would make it difficult for the antimissile battery to shoot four targets at the same time.
Korean Central News Agency reported that the Norths Academy of the National Defence Science developed the rocket engine that was tested on Saturday. This has marked the beginning of a Juche-based rocket industry, implying the countrys concept of self-reliance.
The KCNA report is Kims most recent challenge to the U.S. In his statement given in Seoul on Friday, Tillerson said that all options are on the table for dealing with North Korea and that the country would use military actions if needed.
North Korea is behaving very badly. They have been playing the United States for years. China has done little to help! President Donald Trump tweeted prior Tillersons flight to Beijing.
China urged the U.S. to stay coolheaded over North Korea and not to return to dialogue.
No matter what happens, we have to stay committed to diplomatic means as a way to seek peaceful settlement, said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
We hope all parties, including our friends from the United States, could size up the situation in a coolheaded and comprehensive fashion and arrive at a wise decision, he added.
Tillerson has set a more conciliatory tone in China than he had a day before in South Korea, emphasizing that China and the U.S. shared a common view that North Korea must be restricted.
Missile experts wait for photos with higher resolution to get clues on what fuel was possibly used for the rocket engine, said Hanham.
The recently launched engine appears smaller than the one fired April last year. This could mean that the rocket was made for a smaller missile, or for the second stage of a larger one, like an IBM, she added.
The North Korea rocket engine test has raised alarm not only in the region but all over the world.
Tu Youyou (Photo : Getty Images)
The Chinese government has put together a team of specialists in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to help solve the growing threat of drug resistance. Included in the team is Tu Youyou, China's first Nobel laureate in medicine.
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Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) occurs when microorganisms evolve to become resistant to previously effective medicines. According to the Review on AMR, a global report commissioned by the British government, increase in resistance could cause 10 million deaths annually worldwide by 2050.
The report explains that antimicrobials are medicines that actively fight against a range of infections. The infections may be caused by bacteria (antibiotics), viruses (antivirals), fungi (antifungals) and parasites (including antimalarials).
According to Cao Hongxin, head of science and technology at the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Western medicine is struggling to battle the problem. However, the situation worsens as antibiotics and other antimicrobials are overused.
Cao said that the Chinese team will investigate on how TCM can be utilized as a part of a comprehensive and dynamic method to stop the growth of AMR. The team will be headed by Wang Guoqiang, vice-minister of the National Health and Family Planning Commission.
"Traditional Chinese remedies are free from drug resistance and could provide alternative solutions," he said.
TCM works to kill harmful microorganisms, diminish their replication, as well as to strengthen immunity, Cao added.
Tu Youyou discovered artemisinin, an antimalarial drug derived from sweet wormwood. Her discovery has caused her to be awarded the Nobel Prize in 2015.
Artemisinin has been used in TCM since ancient times. For decades, Tu has worked with China's leading TCM research institute.
Huang Liuyu, director of the People's Liberation Army's Institute for Disease Prevention and Control, commended the efforts to create more TCM remedies that fight infections.
"TCM substitutes can lower the use of antibiotics and thereby delay the development of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms," Huang said.
"It's usually antibiotics from Western medicine that work stronger and faster in curbing bacteria without drug resistance," he added while explaining that traditional treatments require a more complex set of ingredients and are less likely to develop drug resistance.
AMR is a natural phenomenon that happens over time through genetic mutations. However, the overuse of antimicrobials accelerates the process, said Huang.
According to the Review on AMR, 50 percent of the antibiotics used worldwide annually are used in China, 52 percent of which are used in treating livestock.
The TCM experts have committed to finding solutions to the growing threat of drug resistance.
Aside from earning a reputation as a culturally diverse city, Yiwu is also known as the source of a variety of products. (Photo : Getty Images)
Investment and tourism opportunities in India and China were presented at a meeting of Chinese businesses and government officials at Xiamen City, the Times of India reported.
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Xiamen City is the site for this year's Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) summit, which will be held in September.
Organized by the Indian consulate in Guangzhou, the meeting dubbed "Go India: India Business, Investment and Tourism Promotion" was attended by more than 200 officials and businessmen from both countries.
India's Consul General Y. K. Sailas Thangal attended the event and presented investment prospects and business opportunities involving tourism in India, the report said.
During the event, Chinese companies which made successful investments in India shared their experiences as they encouraged other companies to look for opportunities in the country.
Between April 2000 and March 2016, Chinese companies have poured in about $1.35 billion in India through foreign direct investments.
Aside from direct investments, Chinese businesses also started investing in Indian companies in 2015. China's e-commerce giant, Alibaba, invested in Indian unicorns such as Paytm and Snapdeal. Last year, Alibaba and its financial arm, Ant Financial Services Group, bought a 40-percent stake in Paytm for about $680 million.
A report by Global Times said that China's investments into India had increased six-fold between 2014 and 2015.
The surge in Chinese investments was the result of India easing restrictions on Chinese companies, including favorable tax rates and rent policies for Chinese companies, according to the Economic Times.
The report also said that India is trying to attract Chinese investments in tourism to improve their infrastructure. Chinese companies can also invest in India's rapidly developing hospitality sector. This also includes efforts to attract more Chinese tourists to the country.
The meeting is part of India's campaign to attract investments in the country's tourism industry. Indian tourism posted a 10 percent increase last year, mainly from foreign visitors, while domestic tourism accounted for nearly 20 percent growth.
A 53-year-old Flushing, Michigan woman has been charged with obstruction of justice and six counts of felony embezzlement. She is accused of stealing some $20,000 from a poker room charity for a Flint childrens charity.
The Michigan Attorney General's office and the Michigan Gaming Control Board began conducting the investigation last year.
Dian Stephens was ultimately slapped with the obstruction of justice charge earlier this month.
Stephens could serve up to 20 years in prison if found guilty on all counts.
This woman claimed she wanted to help Flint kids, but instead it appears she used her charity as a front to bolster herself personally, said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette. This kind of behavior cannot be tolerated and instead of facing up to her alleged actions, Ms. Stephens allegedly continued to try and shirk the law. In a city that has already suffered so much, I take any allegations very seriously.
She will appear at a hearing this coming Thursday March 23.
- Nagesh Rath, Gambling911.com
Readers, we need your help to prove a merry Christmas for victims of domestic violence.
Benton County planners are preparing code amendments to clarify the process for making simple property line adjustments.
At a work session Tuesday morning, the Benton County Board of Commissioners directed Community Development Department staff to draft new language for Chapters 94, 95 and 97 of the countys development code to address the issue.
Public hearings will be scheduled to discuss the proposed code amendments, which will require formal approval by a vote of the commissioners. The process is expected to take about four months.
This just initiates the process and lets the public have input, Chief Operating Officer Dennis Aloia told the board.
Greg Verret, the countys community development director, said the proposed changes would clarify an obscure ambiguity in the code.
This is a fairly contained, small set of amendments to tackle one issue, he said.
Traditionally, Verrets department has handled property line adjustments between platted subdivision lots and properties described by metes and bounds through an administrative procedure, meaning no public hearings or notifications of neighbors are required. But the code can also be interpreted to mean that such a property line adjustment requires a replat that calls for the same sort of review as a new subdivision or partition, triggering a time-consuming and costly public process.
While rarely invoked, that interpretation has been used to challenge property line developments in the past, most recently by opponents of a proposed five-lot development by McDougal Bros. Investments off Bellfountain Road near Alpine.
The Community Development Departments decision in that case was remanded earlier this month by the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals for consideration by the Benton County Planning Commission.
Verret said a public hearing will be scheduled before the Planning Commission to review the matter.
This log includes incidents in which there might have been a public disturbance or a risk to the public. Information comes from the Corvallis Police Department, the Benton County Sheriffs Office and Oregon State Police. It does not include all calls for service. The status of incidents might change after further investigation. Locations are approximate. People arrested or suspected in crimes are considered innocent until proven otherwise.
Corvallis Police Department
SUNDAY, MARCH 19
DUII: 12:49 p.m., 575 SW Washington Ave. An officer arrested Eric Michael Berggren, 35, of Corvallis, for charges of DUII, reckless driving and attempting to elude by fleeing in a vehicle after he allegedly drove off after refusing to take field sobriety tests during a traffic stop. The officer stopped Berggren a second time and took him into custody. He reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.37 percent.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
METH: 1:17 p.m., 401 SW Jefferson Ave. An officer contacted two men who were allegedly drinking in public. After learning they both had outstanding warrants, the officer arrested them. One of the men also reportedly had a pipe with methamphetamine residue in his bike trailer. The owner of the bike trailer, David Michael Saunders, 59, no address, was charged with consumption or possession of alcohol in public, unlawful possession of methamphetamine and on the outstanding warrant. Gregory Scott Elgin, 48, of Corvallis, was charged with consumption or possession of alcohol in public and his outstanding warrant.
DUII: 2:14 a.m., Northwest Harrison Boulevard and Northwest 35th Street. An officer arrested Brandon Carl Brady, 24, of Philomath, for a charge of DUII. He reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.08 percent.
FRIDAY, MARCH 17
METH: 8:48 p.m., 1900 SW Third Street. An officer reportedly contacted Jeffrey Alan Carter, 59, of Corvallis because he had an outstanding warrant and found a bag of methamphetamine on his person. The officer charged Carter with possession of methamphetamine.
Benton County Sheriffs Office
TUESDAY, MARCH 21
FARM HOME HARASSMENT: 8:15 a.m., 4455 N.E. Highway 20. A deputy responded to the Children's Farm Home after an employee reported that they were pushed by a client. The deputy later cited a 13-year-old Corvallis girl and charged her with harassment.
SATURDAY, MARCH 18
DUII: 10:47 p.m., 1500 SW Avery Park Lane. A deputy arrested Jameson Randall Collis, 18, of Eugene, during a traffic stop after a drug recognition expert concluded he was under the influence of marijuana. He was charged with DUII, second degree criminal trespass, reckless driving, reckless endangering and unlawful possession of marijuana.
SUNDAY, MARCH 12
LOST CAT: 9:48 a.m., 200 block Azalea Drive. A woman who lost her purebred Bengal cat reportedly hired a search and rescue dog to track it, a search that reportedly ended in a field in Adair Village, where the dogs handler concluded the cat had been picked up by someone. After the woman contacted animal control with the details of the situation, a deputy contacted Heartland Humane Society, which did not have a cat matching the description. The report mentions that cougars had been reported in the area.
DUII: 12:55 a.m., Burnt Woods Trail and Highway 20. A deputy arrested James Michael Hollowell, 39, of Blodgett, for charges of DUII and reckless driving. He reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.11 percent.
DUII: 12:20 a.m., Northwest Audene Drive and Northwest Walnut Boulevard. An officer arrested Brandon Douglas Tegan, 20, of Corvallis, for a charge of DUII. He reportedly had a blood alcohol content of 0.09 percent.
China welcomes Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu (Photo : Getty Images)
China-Israel ties are strengthened after Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a signing ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. China welcomed the Israeli Prime Minister on Monday, just a few days after King Salmans visit.
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Deals amounting to as much as $65 million were signed during the Saudi Arabia kings visit as China boosts its tentative engagement with the Middle East.
Despite Chinas dependence on the region for oil, the country has traditionally played a minimal part in Middle East conflicts or diplomacy.
China has now been trying to increase its engagement in the region. For example, the country has depicted itself as an honest broker without the without the historical baggage the Americans and Europeans have in the region, in an effort to end the civil war in Syria.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang applauded Israels advances during a meeting in the Great Hall of People. Israel is a world leader in some technologies, he said.
"The Chinese people and the Jewish people are both great peoples of the world," the Premier said.
The Israeli Prime Minister said there was much to discuss in technology cooperation.
"And at the same time there is a great deal of convulsion in the world, including in our part of the world," Netanyahu said,
"And I would like to have the opportunity to exchange views with you and to see how we can cooperate together for the advancement of security, peace, stability, and prosperity," he added.
According to Deng Li, director-general of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's West Asian and North African Affairs Department, China and Israel have come up to an agreement to increase free trade talks.
"Personally I am very confident and optimistic about the future of this free trade agreement," he said.
Deng added that the Chinese Premier had said the country does not have its own interests on the Palestinian issue and would like the problem to be resolved properly at an early date corresponding to United Nations resolutions and the international consensus.
Chinese representatives have occasional visits to Israel and the Palestinian Territories, but their efforts to intercede in the long-standing dispute remain minimal.
By tradition, China is also in good relations with Palestine.
However, the Middle East is troubled with risk for China. The Chinese are not that familiar with steering religious and political tensions which recurrently arise in the region.
China is also in good terms with Iran, who has distressed Israel with a nuclear program.
When asked whether Li and Netanyahu talked about intelligence sharing, Deng said: "You shouldn't ask me this question."
China-Israel ties, though not discussed often in public, remain strong.
Two years after the Germanwings crash : Father of co-pilot doubts investigation results
Montabaur On March 24, 2015, a Germanwings aircraft crashed in the French Alps, killing all 150 people on board. Two years later, the father of co-pilot Andreas Lubitz goes public to criticize the investigations.
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Two years after the Germanwings plane crash which left 150 dead, the family of co-pilot Andreas Lubitz speaks out. The co-pilot was blamed for the crash. Already in an invitation to the press conference scheduled for Friday, March 24, Lubitzs father casts doubt on the theory that his son, who suffered from long term depression, steered the plane into the mountain with suicidal intent. He writes, We are firmly convinced that this is not right. The lawyer for the crash victims criticized the familys actions as irresponsible and tasteless.
There were many unanswered questions in the announcement put out by the Lubitz family. In explaining the cause of the crash, there were some aspects that were neglected. According to the family, they have commissioned air transportation journalist Tim van Beveren to present a report on the second anniversary of the crash. The presentation will take place in Berlin.
The Berlin victims attorney Elmar Giemulla criticized the announcement. "I find it very bad," he told the "Rheinische Post" (Tuesday). "It is irresponsible to speak out like this exactly on the date when the machine crashed two years ago. From the point of view of the victims, this is tasteless and may be a burden on many of them. He suspects that Mr. Lubitz would like to spread a theory that will free his son from all guilt, said Giemulla.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang. (Photo : Getty Images)
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, arrived in China and met with tech bosses of Wanda, Alibaba, Lenovo and Wahaha, the country's biggest companies.
The meeting with the Chinese tech bosses led to the willingness of the companies to invest in Israel. Netanyahu said that Israel will be continuing to open the country's economy to China and offering their "unique human capital."
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The Prime Minister was with Economy Minister Eli Cohen, Environmental Protection Minister Zeev Elkin, and Health Minister Yaakov Litzman when meeting the Chinese executives.
According to a statement, Netanyahu said, "I just met with 11 heads of the largest corporations in China."
He added, "A major portion of them are investing in Israel and a major portion of them will invest in Israel. This means jobs, the development of businesses and a link to the major Chinese markets."
The Israeli PM said that the Israel economy would like to concentrate on technology and that "Israel is open for business with China."
Netanyahu is facing a probe by Israeli police on cases of fraud that may be used as evidence for him to resign. He is also at odds with U.S. President Donald Trump on the presence of American troops and ongoing construction at the West Bank.
The PM said that he will dismantle the government if the ministers and quarreling political parties do not sit down and negotiate.
Economy Minister Cohen said that the attention on the political turmoil in Israel is overshadowing the importance of Chinese investments to the country's development.
He said, "It's a shame that this seems to be distracting people from what we're doing here this week."
"We have a real opportunity to increase trade with China and that's what the prime minister should be focusing on," the minister added.
North Korean soldiers praise the successful nuclear arms testing. (Photo : Getty Images)
When U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson visited South Korea and Japan, he said that the U.S. is not backing out of the THAAD weapon deployment to South Korea. While in Beijing, Tillerson rejected the proposal again.
North Korea said that they will suspend missile tests if the U.S. and South Korea will stop their joint military exercises. The negotiations can start after showing signs of good faith, according to officials in Pyongyang.
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"The policy of strategic patience has ended," Mr. Tillerson said in Seoul.
"We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security, and economic measures. All options are on the table," he added.
While Obama was being strategically patient with North Korea, the socialist country was able to amass plutonium and highly enriched uranium to build 20 to 25 nuclear weapons.
North Korea ran another batch of tests last weekend. State media described the test as a "success and was seen as an event of historic significance that could lead to the new birth" of the country's indigenous rocket industry.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi urged Tillerson to use a cool-headed approach, but the American official said no.
Wu Riqiang, a nuclear expert at Renmin University in Beijing, said that China is losing patience with the U.S. It appears that former President Obama's approach to "strategic patience" is not the same with the approach of the current White House administration.
Current U.S. President Trump then slammed President Xi Jinping on a tweet and said that "China has done little to help" to resolve the nuclear crisis.
Chinese state media then released a commentary which stated, "Positive results require effort and good faith from both sides. China has never fallen short of offering its fair share."
The commentary said, "It's all up to Washington now."
At the conclusion of Tillerson's visit to China, President Xi Jinping said, "The China-U.S. relationship can only be defined by cooperation and friendship."
Flipkart Electronics Sale starts on 22 March: Offers on best phones and gadgets Features oi -Harish Kumar The Flipkart Electronics sale will provide thousands of offers to choose from.
While this might not be the month of Diwali and Dussehra, the online retailers have always looked to meet consumer needs in different ways. Most of the times, they usually come up with a slew of discounts and offers across product categories.
As this is the usual scenario, Flipkart, one of India's premier e-commerce platforms has just announced that it will be holding an Electronics sale from March 22 to March 24. SO if you are a tech savvy person you might just score some good deals.
However, during this ongoing 3-day sale, the online retailer is coming up with a slew of offers, deals, and discounts all over its site covering a wide range of smartphones, TV and appliances, accessories and other electronics. Well, you will be able to purchase any product you want at ease without paying a huge price.
Best and affordable 4G VoLTE Android smartphones to buy under Rs 10,000
If you are looking forward to upgrading your smartphone, or get some cool accessory or buy a big-sized TV, then the Flipkart Electronics sale might be the right time to do so as the retailer will be offering many attractive discounts on the best products in the market.
Take a look at the best deals on smartphones and gadgets that you can avail from Flipkart during the Electronics sales.
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Micromax plans to sell 5 to 6 million Bharat smartphones News oi -Priyanka The company is also aiming to garner 60-65 percent of its business from mobile phones by 2020.
With an aim to give a tough fight to the Chinese and domestic smartphone makers, Micromax is planning to sell 5-6 million units of its upcoming Bharat 1 4G VoLTE smartphones in the country in the next 5-6 months, the company's chief marketing officer Shubhajit Sen told ET.
The company is also in talks with telcos for collaboration of the devices.
Meanwhile, another domestic smartphone maker, Lava has also recently launched 4G - enabled phone in India at Rs 3,333.
Bharat 1 the first 4G VoLTE feature phone is going to be priced at Rs 3,000 and Bharat 2 is going to be priced below Rs 3,000 and with approval by Google.
"We're seeing a spike in demand for 4G VoLTE feature phones. On the other hand, Bharat 2 is going to totally disrupt the entry-level smartphone segment", adding that a lot The company is also planning to invest Rs. 600 crore over the next three years to expand its consumer durable portfolio and it is also aiming to garner 60-65 percent of its business from mobile phones by 2020 of demand will be coming from the tier-II and III cities," Sen added.
Vodafone India signs deal with Amazon Prime
According to Counterpoint Research, in Q3, 2016, almost seven out of 10 sold smartphones were LTE capable, while eight out of every 10 LTE enabled phones were VoLT-compatible. In the 3rd quarter of 2016, which lasted July-September, the shipment of VoLTE smartphones touched the edge of 14 million only because of the launch of Reliance Jio services. In last quarter of April-June of this year, only 8 million VoLTE phones were shipped, while in the current quarter, it has boosted up to 14 million.
Recently, the government has also asked Indian mobile handset maker to launch or to come up with 4G VoLTE devices less than Rs 2,000.
Micromax is at No.3 smartphone player in Russia, however, the brand is no longer in the list top five ranking charts over 2016 in India.
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Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8 Plus new TV ad goes live in Korea News oi -Samden Sherpa Samsung has aired another advert teasing the handsets on TV in South Korea.
With just another week left for the official announcement of Samsung's flagships the Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+, the South Korean giant seems to be teasing the consumers with several video ads and possibly hinting at several things.
Previously, Samsung had aired the first TV commercial of the Galaxy S8 devices much ahead of the launch. And while we debated this unusual move from the company, another TV commercial of the upcoming flagship has just been aired on the TV in South Korea. However, this video resembles the ad that was broadcasted earlier.
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ color variants and pricing leaked ahead of the launch
The intro of the ad begins in the same way as the old one. The animated dot moving through 7 holes and finally stopping at the eighth one. However, this time, in addition to the dots, the 15-second clip features a guy by the window and he starts walking towards the door. Once he opens the door, he sees the unexpected thing. The door literally opens up to space, with a floating astronaut and planets in the vicinity. Moreover, there are little asteroids and space matter flying inside the room from the door.
According to speculations, Samsung could be hinting that the company might offer the VR headset with the Galaxy S8 smartphones or perhaps it could also mean that the upcoming smartphone may feature some AR elements and that it would not require a dedicated headset.
Samsung Galaxy S8 TV commercial goes live in Korea
An earlier report from phonearena also indicated that the phone may come in seven colors - gold, silver, bright black, matte black, blue, orchid, and pink - so the swapping ad backgrounds might be hinting at those hues. Well, as of now it seems there are lots of possibilities.
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Samsung Galaxy S8 to launch with voice assistant Bixby later this month News oi -Vigneshravi Samsung announced the company's flagship smartphone Galaxy S8 to come with Bixby, a voice-powered digital assistant.
South Korean tech giant Samsung, on Monday, announced that the company's flagship smartphone Galaxy S8 will come with a voice-powered digital assistant named 'Bixby'. While Apple, Google, Microsoft and Amazon have their own assistants, Bixby, is the company's bid to enter the sector of devices with its very own voice-powered assistants.
Samsung Electronics head of research and development Injong Rhee said in a press release, "Bixby will be our first step on a journey to completely open up new ways of interacting with your phone." He also went on to say that "Bixby will be a new intelligent interface on our devices."
Though the company seems to have caught on the trend a little late, it does have a few tricks up its sleeve.
All you need to know about Samsung Galaxy S8 smartphone
A lesser known fact is that the South Korean tech giant, over the years, have made several deals by purchasing around 10 tech firms. These include Viv Labs, an AI company founded by the creators of Siri, which Apple bought out about seven years ago. Now, with acquisitions of such magnitude, we can surely expect the Bixby to be an interesting assistant to have.
The delay in the launch of the new voice assistant feature by Samsung is something which took a while. However, it does offer a strong hunch to the fans that it's going to be one of the best since the kind of technology and experts who were employed for this project are quite assuring.
Regarding the same, Rhee went on to say "We do have a bold vision of revolutionizing the human-to-machine interface, but that vision won't be realized overnight."
Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8+ color variants and pricing leaked ahead of the launch
The voice assistant is said to be capable of controlling nearly all tasks in apps and not just limited to certain areas. Samsung further noted that Bixby will be flexible when it comes to comprehending inputs from users as to what they are saying.
Furthermore, according to the company, the Galaxy S8, which is expected to be unveiled next week will have a set of pre-installed apps that will work with Bixby. Samsung also states that Bixby will not be a lot different from virtual assistants, which are already in the market.
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Former Moldovan Deputy Arrested Amid Allegations of Spying For Russia
March 20, 2017
A former member of the Moldovan parliament has been arrested amid allegations he spied for Russia, according to news reports on March 19 that cited unidentified law-enforcement officials.
Iurie Bolboceanu has been in custody since March 17 after a search of his home that was aimed in part at gaining access to information on mobile phones and other devices, the Interfax news agency reported, citing an arrest warrant.
Bolboceanu maintained contact with people interested in obtaining information of national importance, including with the aim of "destabilizing the socio-political situation in the country," the warrant reportedly said.
According to Interfax and news site mewsmaker.md, the warrant claimed that Bolboceanu had been in contact with an aide to the military attache at the Russian Embassy in Chisinau.
The reported arrest comes amid heightened concerns about Russian influence in Moldova, a small and poor former Soviet republic bordering Ukraine and Romania.
The government warned officials earlier this month not to travel to Russia, citing what it said was abuse and harassment by security officers that it believes are retaliation for its probe into an alleged $22 billion scheme to launder Russian money through Moldova.
Based on reporting by Interfax and newsmaker.md
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/moldova-ex-deputy-bolboceanu- arrested-russia-spying/28379792.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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Boeing, Travis partner for KC-46A testing
By Capt. Lyndsey Horn, 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affair / Published March 20, 2017
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. (AFNS) -- A Boeing KC-46A Pegasus team conducted testing at Travis Air Force Base from March 7-10, 2017.
This testing was a combined effort between Boeing Test and Evaluation, and the Detachment 1, 418th Flight Test Squadron, which are co-located at the Boeing Facility in Seattle.
"The KC-46A is at Travis AFB to conduct military and Federal Aviation Administration certification testing," said Capt. Dylan Neidorff, a 418th FLTS KC-46 test operations engineer. The team of 48 Boeing and four Air Force personnel accomplished both ground and flight testing during the four-day trip.
"We decided to come to Travis since the base is right in the temperature band required for the testing," Neidorff said. Historical temperatures in Northern California average between 50-70 degrees.
Aside from the ideal temperatures, other factors made Travis AFB the best choice.
"Because of this type of testing, we needed to offload all of our fuel. Travis has underground tanks, which makes it infinitely easier," said Paul Briede, the test director for Boeing Test and Evaluation. "At another base we would've needed at least four other fuel trucks."
"We also saw Travis AFB as a target of opportunity since they are to be one of the next KC-46 bases for (Air Mobility Command)," Neidorff said.
In January, Air Force officials announced Travis AFB, as well as Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, as preferred locations for the next active-duty-led bases for the service's most modern aerial-refueling aircraft.
Since a KC-46 had never landed at Travis AFB, the 60th Operations Support Squadron first needed to figure out how it could support.
"We did the proper research," said Maj. Matthew Bartomeo, a 60th OSS assistant director of operations. "Travis can absorb requests like this because we are built to do it."
The airfield on base runs 24/7 operations, 365 days a year. It has one of the busiest aerial port squadrons in the Air Force and regularly supports transient aircraft.
Bartomeo and Maj. Brad Echols, also an ADO with the 60th OSS, worked with Det. 1, 418th FLTS to ensure the KC-46 would have fuel availability, a parking space and required maintenance supplies.
"The 60th OSS has been our one-stop shop for contacts around the base as well as the center of the planning effort to bring the tanker to Travis," Niedorff said.
Airfield management and air traffic control professionals along with members of the 60th Maintenance Group supported with supplies the tanker team needed while on base. The 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron also helped to ensure the KC-46 had the current fuels, Niedorff added.
"We embodied that 'there are no bounds' here at Travis," Bartomeo said, referencing the 60th Air Mobility Wing's motto. "We found a way to make it happen."
When the KC-46 team wasn't conducting testing, it provided tours to more than 40 Airmen from the 60th AMW.
"This was an opportunity to work with Boeing and create a relationship," Echols said. "It's pretty exciting our Airmen got to see the new aircraft."
According to Air Force officials, the first KC-46As are expected to begin arriving at McConnell AFB, Kansas, and Altus AFB, Oklahoma, in fall 2017.
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U.S., Coalition Continue Strikes Against ISIS
From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release
SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 20, 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 19 strikes consisting of 27 engagements against ISIS targets:
-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike destroyed two wellheads, two tanker trucks and a pump jack.
-- Near Raqqa, 18 strikes engaged seven ISIS tactical units; destroyed 10 fighting positions, six barges, three ISIS headquarters, a tactical vehicle, an improvised-explosive-device factory and a weapons factory; and damaged a supply route.
Strikes in Iraq
In Iraq, coalition military forces conducted six strikes consisting of 65 engagements against ISIS targets, coordinated with and in support of the government of Iraq.
The strikes engaged four ISIS tactical units and four ISIS sniper teams; destroyed 17 fighting positions, six heavy machine guns, four vehicles, three rocket-propelled grenade systems, a mortar system, a vehicle-bomb factory, an artillery system and a roadblock; damaged nine supply routes; and suppressed six ISIS mortar teams, five ISIS tactical units and an ISIS anti-air artillery team.
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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Army is hiring: Army increases end strength by 28,000 Soldiers
By U.S. Army March 16, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Department of the Army will add 28,000 soldiers to its ranks by Sept. 30, 2017, officials announced today. The troop increase was directed by the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2017.
"The Army is hiring. The added end strength will allow the Army to increase manning in its tactical units, enhancing overall readiness," said Maj. Gen. Jason T. Evans, Director, Military Personnel Management. "The increased manning also provides additional promotion opportunities and retention incentives for our existing Soldiers and more opportunities for those who are fit, resilient and possess character who want to join the Army."
Across the force, the active component end-strength authorization increased by 16,000 to 476,000; the Army National Guard increased by 8,000 to 343,000, and the Army Reserve increased by 4,000 to 199,000. This 28,000 increase means the total Army will number 1,018,000 Soldiers.
The Army will conduct a responsible increase with a focus on quality; Soldiers who are resilient, fit and have character. The Army will use a variety of personnel management tools to meet the troop strength requirement, including enlisted accessions, recruitment, training, and retention along with officer accessions and retention. For example, the Army will raise its enlisted accessions mission to 68,500, an increase of 6,000 soldiers in the Active Component from the original mission through FY 17. Additionally, the Army will increase the enlisted retention mission to 17,500, an increase of 9,000 Soldiers in the Active Component from the original mission through FY 17.
With respect to officers, the Army will create additional accession and retention opportunities to increase officer strength by 1,000. And the Army will continue to leverage internal controls to increase retention of quality officers.
The increased manning of the Army will enable it to better meet the challenges of an ever-uncertain security environment, Evans said.
"We see a strong Army as a key factor in maintaining the security of the nation," he said.
For additional information please contact Lt. Col. Randy Taylor at randy.l.taylor20.mil@mail.mil or (703) 692-1281.
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The Indo-Asia Pacific and the multi-domain battle concept
By Gen. Robert B. Brown, U.S. Army, Commander of United States Army Pacific March 20, 2017
The United States Armed Forces are at a crossroads, facing both institutional and operational challenges. The character of war continues to change at a quick pace, requiring military leaders to reassess some of their core beliefs. This situation has led to the testing and refinement of concepts, capabilities, and people to ensure U.S. forces are ready for the conflicts of today and tomorrow.
Without doubt, any future conflict will be increasingly complex and distributed, involving actions across multiple domains -- land, air, sea, space, and cyber -- by multiple military services, at times simultaneously. The nascent multi-domain battle concept, some elements of which are described in a forthcoming white paper jointly authored by the Army and the Marine Corps, addresses the increasing complexity of the battlefield and its requirement for service integration. While still in development and experimentation, the concept is already affecting operational and resource decisions, especially in the Indo-Asia Pacific.
This article presents three topics to illustrate how we are thinking about the implementation of the Multi-Domain Battle concept in the Pacific Command area of responsibility. First, it briefly discusses the strategic situation in the Indo-Asia Pacific, which typifies the need for a new operating concept to integrate all the United States Armed Forces. Next, it describes the Multi-Domain Battle concept, including the three elements that help define its desired effects: joint integration, technology, and people. Finally, it presents a vignette of multidomain battle as it might apply at the tactical level.
THE STRATEGIC CONTEXT IN THE INDO-ASIA PACIFIC
Given that the international state of play in this region is more tenuous than ever, the multi-domain battle concept is sorely needed. The region contains 36 countries in 16 time zones, more than half the world's population, and 24 of the thirty-six megacities on Earth, and it covers more than half the world's surface area. The region contains three of the world's largest economies, seven of the largest militaries, and five of the United States' seven mutual defense agreement partners.
According to Adm. Harry B. Harris Jr., commander of United States Pacific Command, "approximately $5.3 trillion in annual global trade relies on unimpeded access to sea lanes [such as those in the Straits of Malacca and the South China Sea, and] $1.2 trillion of this sea-based trade destined to, or exported from, the United States." Additionally, "the Strait of Malacca alone sees more than 25 percent of oil shipments and 50 percent of all natural gas transits each day." In addition, the area is disaster-prone, with its typhoons, earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis, and other events representing "over 60 percent of the world's natural disasters." In short, global prosperity hinges on the stability and security of this vast and complex region.
These demographic and economic dynamics interact with the increased rate of technological change to add to the political and military complexity found in the Indo-Asia Pacific. Dramatic technological shifts created by unmanned capabilities, robotic learning, artificial intelligence, nanotech, biotech, and big data are only expanding military competition between geopolitical rivals. Much of these new technological tools depend on the use of digital connectivity -- with seven billion devices being connected to the Internet in 2016 and a projected fifty billion by 2020 -- only increasing the already dangerous situation in cyberspace and its dependence on space assets for connectivity.
Technological shifts are also feeding and increasing security challenges in the Indo-Asia Pacific, with some the world's most intractable problems among them. Challenges include an increasingly belligerent North Korea that is sharing its increasingly capable missile technology with Iran, a growing China that is challenging international rules and norms, a revanchist Russia that is increasingly active in the Pacific with a provocative military posture, a continuing nuclear-backed friction between India and Pakistan, increasing activities by violent extremist networks operating in partner and ally nations, and political and diplomatic instability from changes in executive leadership of key regional allies and partners.
The most dangerous threat in the Indo-Asia Pacific comes from regional actors with nuclear arsenals and the intent to undermine the international order. Sophisticated denial capabilities and less-than-military forces managed by the state but backed by large militaries with interior lines of communication create the danger of faits accomplis.
Like the international state of play, the military situation is also increasingly dangerous. Adversaries and enemies have learned from U.S. successes and failures over the last few decades. They recognize that U.S. strengths based on power projection, joint operations, and technological overmatch led to unprecedented tactical success. As such, adversaries have developed capabilities and concepts that attempt to remove those advantages, increasing the complexity of the battlefield for the United States Armed Forces. This has led to an increasingly contested global commons, with a loss of U.S. military dominance in the air and sea due to denial technologies and tactics. Whether opponents take gradual or sudden actions, the United States needs to significantly improve its strategic advantage in the Indo-Asia Pacific or it will risk losing ground militarily, diplomatically, and economically.
Because of these strategic trends, both positive and negative, U.S. and partner forces need to maintain current military advantages and recapture those that have been lost. Reducing the risk of conflict and ensuring the stability of the current international system depend on our ability to deter key actors from aggressive and detrimental actions. We must interrupt enemy decision cycles and present enemies with multiple dilemmas that create uncertainty and paralyze their efforts. If aggression leads to conflict, however, we must be prepared to defeat our enemies unambiguously.
This approach is the driving force behind the multi-domain battle concept, which is designed to overcome denial technologies and jointly affect all domains to create localized areas of overmatch. These effects will then re-enable maneuver for the entire joint force operating in any region, thereby placing an enemy in a position of disadvantage so U.S. forces can gain the initiative.
ELEMENTS OF THE MULTI-DOMAIN BATTLE CONCEPT
The multi-domain battle concept may at first sound like nothing more than traditional joint operations. There is some truth to this. What we are trying to achieve -- cross-domain effects -- is not entirely new. For example, at Thermopylae and Salamis, the ancient Greeks employed both land and naval forces to defeat the invading Persians. Much closer to our own time, the United States of America owe their independence to the effective employment of American and French ground and naval forces against Lord Cornwallis' army at Yorktown.
Another historical example is the Vicksburg Campaign during the American Civil War. With its ability to control navigation on the Mississippi River, Confederate Vicksburg's artillery, infantry, and cavalry forces constituted a formidable anti-access and area denial challenge to Union forces. Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant overcame that challenge only by combining the capabilities and effects of his own artillery, cavalry, and infantry forces with the naval ships led by Flag Officer Andrew Hull Foote.
The introduction of the airplane, the submarine, and the aircraft carrier in World War I, and the incorporation of mobile radio communications and radar systems in World War II vastly increased a strategic commander's ability to operate across several domains simultaneously. More recently, the development of AirLand Battle in the 1980s and then Air-Sea Battle in 2013 show military thinking evolving along the same general line -- how to win decisively, even if outnumbered or technologically overmatched, by integrating operations in multiple domains to present enemies with multiple dilemmas.
Different services have regularly supported each other in all domains. Therefore, when Harris says he wants the Army to provide effects outside the land domain, he is not asking it to do something without precedent. From 1794 to 1950, the Army was responsible for coastal and harbor defense, and later for the air defense of the homeland. The Army's Warrant Officer Corps originated from the need in World War I for technical specialists to staff the Army's undersea Mine Planter Service. The idea of or desire for cross-domain effects is not new.12
While all the services are being asked to perform their missions in a manner not terribly different from the past, there will be differences. We in the Army can no longer simply focus on the land, leaving the air and sea to other services. Nor can the Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard simply focus on "their" domains. We must all better integrate our planning, operations, command and control, and effects across all the domains.
To achieve integration requires a new approach, a new mindset. All U.S. forces must change their distinct service cultures to a culture of inclusion and openness, focusing on a "purple (or joint) first" mentality. The Army must further integrate a mission command mindset, where every person is empowered to gain the initiative based on his or her role and function. And it must focus on developing leaders who thrive in ambiguity and chaos.
-- Joint integration.
The Multi-Domain Battle concept is expected to integrate three key areas: organizations and processes, technology, and people. Changes in organizations and processes will be designed to provide different and better-focused Army tools to joint forces to overcome the United States' loss of superiority or parity in certain domains, particularly in the air, at sea, and within cyberspace. The Army can no longer focus exclusively on the land domain; as part of a joint force, Army forces must provide other services effects in their domains to overcome their operational challenges, and vice versa. This means change must focus on greater ability to have cross-domain effects and more seamless and effective integration across joint forces.
In United States Army Pacific (USARPAC), we are attempting this through three areas. The first is to design and experiment with flexible command and control designs, tailorable and scalable units, and flexible policies in key areas. Second, most of this experimentation will occur as a part of a redesigned exercise program designed to make all events joint and multinational, with the aim point being the Navy's Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2018. Finally, we are supporting increased innovation across the services in cross-component and combatant-command processes.
-- Technology.
Another key area is technological change. We must overcome and leverage the velocity of technological change, rather than losing our overmatch capabilities through slow acquisitions programs. The Department of Defense and the Army have already created the foundation for rapid material solutions with the Strategic Capabilities Office at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Rapid Capabilities Office at Headquarters, Department of the Army. These offices are doing an admirable job of repurposing current technology to innovate in application, a key component of recapturing our tactical edge. USARPAC is tied tightly into these efforts. It is including every piece of equipment in exercises and experimentation.
As has been the case in this theater for years, USARPAC takes advantage of the great "battle lab" culture this command has developed over the past decade or more. Technology offers key tools to support decision making, lethality, and protection. We must leverage this technology to empower our men and women and increase their lethality and effectiveness.
-- People.
The final area the multi-domain battle concept addresses is people. The U.S. Armed Forces must use its people to overcome the challenges of being outnumbered, outdistanced, and "outlearned" by adversaries and enemies. People are America's greatest strategic advantage.
To leverage this advantage, the armed forces must develop agile and adaptive leaders through education and training. Rigorous iterations of decision making, including "impossible" scenarios or "black swans" that soldiers would not expect, can help develop critical thinking skills. Failure must be an option, under the principle that learning exercises develop leaders who will respond better in actual conflicts.
Leaders must also receive some measure of cultural education and training that would allow them to experience different ways of thinking. In USARPAC, we are addressing both critical thinking and cultural understanding through a regional leader development program run by and for personnel at the Army service component command level. As the Army's advise-and-assist brigades come online, we will also include unit personnel headed to the Pacific in this education and training pipeline to prepare them for operations in this region.
MULTI-DOMAIN BATTLE IN PRACTICE
The following fictional vignette illustrates the multi-domain battle concept applied at the tactical level. This example is based on a hypothetical location in the Indo-Asia Pacific region.
Let us say there was an island chain or a coastal land mass whose location would make it decisive terrain, influencing aerial or maritime navigation or access to a strategic port. Possession of this feature by a certain hostile power would constitute a serious threat to the international order and the stability and security of the Indo-Asia Pacific region.
The hostile power then seized control of the feature and announced it would restrict commercial air and sea traffic, denying access to any nation aligned with the United States. Treaty obligations would require the United States to intervene militarily, though the enemy's arsenal of weaponry and electronics was formidable.
A military option that applied the multi-domain battle concept might include using cyber and space capabilities to temporarily blind and disrupt enemy command and control systems so special operations forces could move in and gain a foothold in the island chain. They then would facilitate Marine amphibious forces to secure the beachhead, an airfield, and other major structures required to create a secure beachhead. Immediately behind them would be Army watercraft loaded with heavy engineering equipment to repair the airstrip, if necessary, and construct hardened defensive positions. Simultaneously, Air Force C-17s and C-130s would bring in an Army Stryker battalion task force with a High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System battery, specially equipped with anti-ship cruise missile pods and a battery of the Indirect Fire Protection Capability weapon system for short-range air defense. In addition, a battery of 155 mm howitzers with hypervelocity rounds would be offloaded as the Marines retrograded in the newly empty aircraft to reconstitute for subsequent forced-entry operations, if needed.
Within 96 hours, the Stryker battalion task force would be dug in and ready. With Air Force manned and unmanned systems, Navy ships and underwater drones, a suite of Army radar systems (such as AN/TPQ-36, AN/TPQ-37, or Sentinel) and the aerial threat detection Joint Land Attack Cruise Missile Defense Elevated Netted Sensor System to see over the horizon, there would be an overlapping multidomain network of sensors that could operate indefinitely to identify, target, and employ lethal and electronic fires in all the domains -- land, sea, air, cyber, and space -- simultaneously.
The task force might be cut off from resupply or communication for indefinite periods. That is why this task force of about one thousand personnel would be able to support itself for up to 30 days -- 10 times the current doctrinal requirement of 72 hours for a unit of this size. But with advancements in mobile water purification, solar panels, batteries, wind turbines, and wave and tidal energy, as well as additive manufacturing printers to make repair parts, such a unit could be self-sufficient far longer than even much larger ones were in the previous century. They would still need fuel for their vehicles, but with drones and other autonomous platforms enhancing force protection, they could limit the need for fossil fuel-powered vehicles and supplement organic support assets with Air Force's Joint Precision Airdrop System.
To reiterate, these units might have to operate in extremely austere conditions with limited resources and without a constant ground, sea, or aerial line of communication linking them to other friendly forces. However, these men and women would be ready, with exceptional leaders exercising mission command.
Again, this is just a thought exercise based on how Army forces in the Pacific are thinking about and experimenting with multi-domain battle. Application of the concept may look different in other parts of the world, or even in different areas of the Indo-Asia Pacific. However, it is clear that no matter the geography or the adversary, Army units must be well led, well trained, and well equipped to operate in and across multiple domains in support of a joint force.
One way to ensure this is the case is through holistic operational testing, with Army service component command and subordinate units working hand in hand with the concepts and doctrine developers at United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. Today in the Pacific, this is occurring. We are applying the joint integration, technology, and people aspects of the multi-domain battle concept through rigorous inclusion of concepts and capabilities in all our exercises, which will culminate in a major test at the Navy's Rim of the Pacific exercise in 2018. Moreover, we are considering how to integrate a multi-domain approach with our planning, equipping, and leader-development efforts.
The Army should not hesitate to resource and test this effort. Many of the concepts and capabilities found in the multi-domain battle concept will be needed not just for future conflict but also for near-term conflicts that might require us to be ready to "fight tonight." Make no mistake: testing and implementing a multi-domain approach will increase our readiness today, as well as prepare our men and women to win wars if the nation requires it.
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Aircraft protection will be priority if sequestration continues, says G-8
By C. Todd Lopez March 20, 2017
WASHINGTON (Army News Service) -- If sequestration continues in fiscal year 2018, active protection systems for Army aircraft will remain a top priority, said the Army's chief resource officer.
"We haven't reached that point yet. Hopefully, we won't," said Lt. Gen. John M. Murray, the Army G-8. "But I would prioritize active protection systems for our aircraft. There are threats out there right now [for which] we just need to develop some new technologies -- and we are -- to provide protection for our aviators. I'd put that as No. 1."
Active protection systems, which the Army wants for both ground vehicles and aircraft, provide combat vehicles with automated protection against armor penetrators and direct-fire threats, such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles.
Both Murray, and Lt. Gen. Joseph Anderson, the Army G-3/5/7, testified March 16 before the House Armed Services Committee's subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land Forces on the effects of sequestration and continuing resolutions on Army modernization and readiness.
Beyond the prioritization of active protection systems, he said, sequestration would pose a challenge to prioritizing modernization for Army aircraft like the AH-64E Apache, the UH-60M Black Hawk or the CH-47 Chinook Block II.
Priorities for divestiture under sequestration, he said, include the aging OH-58 Kiowa aircraft, the TH-67 Creek trainer, and the UH-60A Black Hawk. Additionally, he said, as the Army moves to Block II of the CH-47 Chinook, the Army expects to divest itself of older models of that aircraft.
Both Murray and Anderson told lawmakers that continued sequestration and the unpredictability of funding that comes with continuing resolutions have a continuous and compounding deleterious effect on both Army modernization and Army readiness.
Anderson said the effects of continued sequestration reduces training dollars and decreases the level of training proficiency that can be achieved within a brigade and battalion, requiring the Army instead to train up only to the platoon and smaller levels. Lack of training dollars, he said, reduces combat training center rotations, decreases mission command training programs, and reduces seats in schools where the Army teaches Soldier skills.
Instead, he said, the Army would only be able to focus on maintaining readiness within units that are going after "named operations," such as Freedom Sentinel, Inherent Resolve, or for maintaining the readiness of the global response force.
Murray said if sequestration comes back in 2018, it would affect the Army's modernization of the Abrams and Bradley.
Murray told lawmakers the Army now has half the funding for modernization and equipping the force that it had just eight years ago. Sequestration, he said, as well as years of continuing resolutions in the absence of a budget, has forced the Army to put resources into keeping Soldiers ready for the current fight and to forgo modernization that would provide future Soldiers with the tools they will need to fight.
"We find ourselves in a situation where our most capable enemies are closing quickly," Murray said. "We are losing overmatch in every domain: land, air, maritime, space and cyberspace."
After years of only being able to sustain, maintain and improve existing combat systems, Murray said, the Army must start developing future weapons for future fights.
"I believe we have reached a point in time where we can no longer afford to do just one or the other: improve existing systems or develop new ones," he said. "We must find a way to do both."
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A screenshot of the 1998 Disney animated film "Mulan." (Photo : YouTube)
Disney's upcoming remake of "Mulan" will not have musical numbers unlike the original but a girl-powered martial arts flick, according to the film's director.
Niki Caro, who has been tapped to direct the live-action remake of the much-loved 1998 animated film, said that that there are "no songs right now, much to [the] horror of my children," in an interview with Moviefone.
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"It's a big, girly martial arts epic. It will be extremely muscular and thrilling and entertaining and moving," she added.
Sean Bailey, Disney's President of Motion Picture Production, later confirmed the change in direction for the film.
"Mulan is clearly an empowered-female story but we can also do something new in this reimagining, make it a little more muscular, stronger, with touch of Ridley Scott," he told Vulture.
The move follows Disney's decision to discard songs from last year's "Jungle Book" remake, only incorporating the signature "The Bare Necessities" into the film while other famous songs were relegated at the end credits.
However, Disney's recently released live-action "Beauty and the Beast" reboot features many of its original songs.
Caro, who made waves in Hollywood for her 2002 Maori film "Whale Rider," said in a separate interview that the project has yet to start officially and there are not too many details to reveal.
As the story of Mulan is set in ancient China, casting for the reboot drew concerns of being whitewashed with Caucasian actors. The live-action version will now reportedly feature an all-Asian cast to preserve the cultural accuracy of the story.
"Mulan" is based on the Chinese folk ballad of legendary warrior Hua Mulan from the Southern and Northern Dynasties period of Chinese history. Disguised as a man, she took her ailing father's place in the army and earned high military honors before retiring to her hometown.
The movie is slated for release in theaters in Nov. 2018.
Marine helicopters soar farther than before with auxiliary fuel tanks
US Marine Corps News
By Lance Cpl. Andy Martinez | March 20, 2017
,Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 267 used new auxiliary fuel tanks to fly the AH-1Z Viper and UH-1Y Venom helicopters farther than ever, during flights based from Okinawa, March 10-14.
The helicopters demonstrated a 25% range increase, according to Capt. Christopher Millar, a UH-1Y Venom pilot with HMLA-267, a squadron deployed to Okinawa from Camp Pendleton, California.
"This allows us to support the Marines of III MEF as we project our power further and increase our capability with the fuel tanks," said Millar, who is supporting Marine Air Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, III MEF, through the unit deployment program.
Millar flew one of the helicopters that broke the record, logging 314 nautical miles during a flight from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, to New Tanegashima Airport, Japan, March 10.
Lt. Col. Jon Livingston, the commanding officer of HMLA-267, confirmed that this was the longest recorded Venom or Viper flight ever.
During the four-day mission, the squadron also visited Osaka, Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, and Camp Fuji, Japan.
"The auxiliary fuel capability gives the Marine Air Ground Task Force commander the ability to respond to crises and deploy our forces from the most northern reaches to southern reaches of the area of operations," said Millar, a native of Saint Louis.
Once the H-1 helicopters arrive at their destinations, they can easily drop their fuel tanks and reconfigure for ordnance operations. The fuel tanks, which resemble torpedoes, attach below both sides of the helicopter bays.
"The auxiliary fuel systems provide the MAGTF commander scalable options to be able to move his assets around the area of operations without relying on strategic lift," said Millar.
The increased range of the H-1 helicopters supports Marine Corps operations in responding to crises, maintaining a deterrent, forward presence, carrying out combat operations, and providing humanitarian assistance.
"With these auxiliary fuel tanks, I believe it gives H-1's a greater ability to self-deploy and to help the Marines on the ground," Millar said. "[The H-1's] also help III MEF fulfill the 'Fight Tonight' motto and project our power further ashore."
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USNS Fall River Makes Goodwill Visit to Myanmar
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170320-22
Release Date: 3/20/2017 11:13:00 AM
From Task Force 73 Public Affairs
YANGON, Myanmar (NNS) -- Military Sealift Command expeditionary fast transport USNS Fall River (T-EPF-4) is slated to make make a goodwill visit to Yangon, Myanmar, March 21-25.
The visit will aim to enhance friendship and cultural exchange between U.S. service members and the people of Myanmar.
The ship is transiting between mission stops in Sri Lanka and Malaysia for the annual Pacific Partnership mission, a multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HA/DR) preparedness operation which promotes greater cooperation between nations across the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
While in Myanmar, the crew of Fall River will conduct engagements with the Myanmar navy and participate in cultural tours in the city of Yangon. The U.S. 7th Fleet band will also perform at the U.S. Embassy American Center, and band members will meet with local musicians during coordinated musical exchanges.
"We are honored to sail the USNS Fall River and the international Pacific Partnership mission of friendship and disaster preparedness into Yangon as guests of the people of Myanmar," said Rear Adm. Don Gabrielson, commander of the U.S. Navy's Task Force 73. "We thank the Myanmar government, people, and navy for hosting this historic visit and we look forward to building a lasting friendship with the people of Myanmar."
Fall River's visit to Myanmar will serve as the first time a U.S. Navy ship to make an official port call to Myanmar since the World War II era.
"This is a very unique opportunity for our mission staff and crew," said Capt. Stan Chien, mission commander for Pacific Partnership. "We look forward to our engagements with the Myanmar navy and learning more about the rich culture of Myanmar."
Fall River, with an embarked crew of civilian mariners, military doctors, civil engineers, and multi-service support staff, is currently the mission platform for Pacific Partnership 2017, which runs through June with stops in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
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Carl Vinson Departs Republic of Korea
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170320-18
Release Date: 3/20/2017 10:53:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Zackary Alan Landers
USS CARL VINSON, At Sea (NNS) -- The aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) and embarked Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2 departed Busan, Republic of Korea, after a scheduled five-day port visit, March 20.
While in port, Carl Vinson Sailors hosted distinguished visitors, held a reception, and took in the sights and sounds of the Republic of Korea.
Rear Adm. Jim Kilby, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1, said he is proud of the relationship between the United States and the Republic of Korea.
"The Carl Vinson Strike Group is proud to call the Republic of Korea our partners, in the air and on the sea, as we continue to build on a relationship that spans more than 60 years," said Kilby. "The partnership is strengthened as we improve our interoperability during the Foal Eagle exercise and through moments like these. Katchi Kapshida [We Go Together]."
In addition to numerous distinguished visitor tours, Carl Vinson hosted a reception for local guests while in port. During the reception, Kilby and Capt. Douglas Verissimo, commanding officer of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), welcomed Charge d'Affaires ad interim U.S. Embassy Seoul Mr. Marc Knapper; Vice Adm. Jung Jin, Seop, commander Republic of Korea Fleet; and Commander of Naval Forces Korea, Rear Adm. Brad Cooper, among other guests, to highlight the strong partnership between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
Carl Vinson and Carrier Air Wing 2 Sailors further highlighted the partnership through community service.
During the port visit, 120 Carl Vinson CSG Sailors participated in three community relations (COMREL) events at schools in Busan.
Sailors volunteered at Daecheon Middle School, DaeYon High School and YeaMoon Girls High School, answering questions from students and practicing English and Korean language skills.
According to Lt. Cmdr. Robert Keener, a Navy chaplain assigned to Carl Vinson, the events were popular with Sailors and students alike.
"The Sailors presented a good impression for these young teenagers when they visited," said Keener. "They were taking photos with the Sailors like crazy and the schools were very polite and receptive to us, as we were to them."
Keener said the trip was an interactive event, in that Sailors worked directly with students helping with English or playing games to improve language skills.
"Interacting with the students during the COMREL was an eye-opening experience for the Sailors, as they learned how seriously they take education in South Korea," said Keener. "The schools were very organized and disciplined."
According to Keener, these community relations events allow Sailors to show the good will of the U.S. Navy and demonstrate the importance of the relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
"Anyone can see the goodness of Sailors when they do COMRELs," said Keener. "They want to be there. They want to support whatever the COMREL is doing. It represents a good side to the Navy."
Carl Vinson Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) gave Sailors the opportunity to experience many aspects of Korean life and culture through trips to locations including Beomeosa Temple, the Demilitarized Zone, and Seoul.
Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Aaron Hamilton, a Carl Vinson Sailor and MWR patron, said he enjoyed taking MWR trips because it allowed him to maximize his liberty while learning about the Republic of Korea.
"I enjoy MWR tours because of the chance to see places I would otherwise have no way of getting to," said Hamilton. "Going to the Demilitarized Zone and looking across the border is an experience I will never forget. I also learned many new things about the Republic of Korea which made this port visit very rewarding."
For more than 70 years, the U.S. Navy has maintained a persistent naval presence in the Indo-Asia Pacific. The U.S. Navy is committed to continuing this forward presence, which is focused on stability, regional cooperation and economic prosperity for all nations. Carl Vinson has deployed to the region several times, starting with a deployment to the Western Pacific in 1983, a year after commissioning. Most recently in 2015, Carl Vinson conducted port visits and exercises with regional navies in the South China Sea.
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USS Donald Cook Completes FOST
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170320-16
Release Date: 3/20/2017 10:44:00 AM
From U.S. Naval Forces Europe-Africa/U.S. 6th Fleet Public Affairs
PLYMOUTH, United Kingdom (NNS) -- The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Donald Cook (DDG 75) completed Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST) March 16.
The FOST certification aims to certify NATO ships in advanced warfare areas.
"This being our second visit to FOST the crew was well prepared and it showed. The professional staff at FOST flexed the crew through serials and drills that emphasized communication and partnership with multi-nation forces. It was, once again, a phenomenal opportunity to see how our forces integrate; and to see what we can adopt in our Navy's culture and procedures to make us better as a warfighting unit."
-Command Master Chief Mark Schlosser
Quick Facts
*Donald Cook's presence in the North Atlantic is a demonstration of the U.S. Navy's commitment to and collective defense of the European region.
*USS Donald Cook, forward-deployed to Rota, Spain, is conducting a routine patrol in the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations in support of U.S. national security interests in Europe. The ship deployed from Naval Station Rota Dec. 3, 2016.
*U.S. 6th Fleet, headquartered in Naples, Italy, conducts the full spectrum of joint and naval operations, often in concert with allied, joint, and interagency partners, in order to advance U.S. national interests and security and stability in Europe and Africa.
*The first day of FOST consisted of a Material Assessment and Safety Check (MASC), an inspection to ensure that Donald Cook crew members were qualified to operate their equipment, while ensuring the equipment was safe for use in its operational functioning standards.
* The remainder of FOST was a three-week evolution consisting of various training exercises. These included firing all weapon systems on board during gunnery exercises as well as putting the ship into and through various damage control environments and seamanship evolutions such as navigation and basic deck evolutions.
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Carl Vinson Strike Group Hosts Reception in Busan
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170320-10
Release Date: 3/20/2017 10:10:00 AM
From USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) Public Affairs
BUSAN, Republic of Korea (NNS) -- The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group hosted a reception for local guests while conducting a port visit in Busan, Republic of Korea, March 18.
During the reception, Rear Adm. James Kilby, commander, Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 1; and Capt. Doug Verissimo, commanding officer of aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70); welcomed Charge d'Affaires ad interim, U.S. Embassy Seoul Marc Knapper; Vice Adm. Jung Jin, Seop, commander, Republic of Korea Flee; and Commander of Naval Forces Korea, Rear Adm. Brad Cooper; among other guests in an effort to highlight the strong partnership between U.S. and the Republic of Korea.
"Carl Vinson Strike Group is proud to call the Republic of Korea our partners, in the air and on the sea, as we continue to build on a relationship that spans more than 60 years," said Kilby to more than 500 people gathered in hangar bay two. "The partnership we have is strengthened as we improve our interoperability during the Foal Eagle exercise and through moments like these -- Katchi Kapshida (We Go Together)."
The reception kicked off with a demonstration from Carl Vinson's color guard while the Republic Of Korea navy Band played both the United States and Republic of Korea's national anthems.
After a cake cutting to mark the end of the official portion of the ceremony, guests and Sailors enjoyed a traditional Korean drum ensemble and fusion K-Pop performance uniting two cultures under one flight-deck roof.
"I recently had the opportunity to fly onto the carrier, and let me just say how proud I was to see the men and women of this great vessel working together in support and in defense," said Knapper, "not in support of just the United States, but in the defense and protection of this great alliance we share with the Republic of Korea."
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.
U.S. Navy aircraft CSGs 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, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 2, and embarked Destroyer Squadron (CDS) 1 deployed with Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Lake Champlain (CG 57) and Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Wayne E. Meyer (DDG 108) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112).
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Marshall Islands, Frank Cable Build Together
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170320-05
Release Date: 3/20/2017 9:24:00 AM
By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Allen Michael McNair, USS Frank Cable (AS 40) Public Affairs
MAJURO, Republic of the Marshall Islands (NNS) -- Sailors assigned to submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) visited men from Waan Aelon in Maiel (WAM) as part of a community relations project, March 16.
The two groups came together to learn more about each other's organization and to help build a more positive relationship between the U.S. and the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
WAM is a program which helps men and women from the Republic of the Marshall Islands who struggle to find employment. The program provides jobs building wooden canoes and furniture, and also teaches vital life skills to help trainees gain employment outside of the program.
Sealend Laiden, one of the male counselors at WAM, said he is grateful for the Frank Cable Sailors who came to visit.
"The Navy being here is really important; some of the guys here think they are useless because they don't have jobs," said Laiden. "Having Sailors come to visit them is like giving them their life back. They feel important."
Lt. Nathanael Gentilhomme, a Navy chaplain assigned to Frank Cable, emphasized the mutual benefit shared by the Navy Sailors and the WAM trainees.
"It gives the trainees the opportunity to teach U.S. Navy Sailors the traditional vocation of wood carving in order to build up their sense of purpose," said Gentilhomme. "It also allows the Sailors to immerse themselves in the Marshallese culture, and allows them to share Navy career opportunities with the trainees at WAM."
During the visit, the Sailors learned firsthand how to create wooden carvings and got an opportunity to create their own.
Machinist's Mate Fireman Dalisa Upchurch said the meeting was very interesting and she learned a lot from the experience.
"A lot of them seemed very interested in what we do in the Navy," said Upchurch. "They saw how well we worked together, and hopefully that will inspire them to pursue what they want to do in life."
The visit to WAM was one of two community relations projects Frank Cable Sailors participated in while conducting a port visit to the Republic of the Marshall Islands.
Frank Cable, en route to Portland, Oregon, for her dry-dock phased maintenance availability, conducts maintenance and supports submarines and surface vessels deployed to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.
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F-35B Operations, Sustainment Exercise Brings Experts Together
Navy News Service
Story Number: NNS170320-32
Release Date: 3/20/2017 3:30:00 PM
From Naval Surface Forces Public Affairs
SUFFOLK, Va. (NNS) -- Nearly 200 Navy, Marine Corps, and civilian personnel concluded a weeklong exercise aiming to successfully integrate the new F-35B Joint Strike Fighter into the fleet.
The exercise was comprised of a wide variety of military service members, industry partners, and technical experts.
The F-35B Ship Sustainment Wargame (SSWG) focused on the Marine Corps F-35B, using a "Day-in-the-Life" approach to analyze operations and logistics integration with the Navy's amphibious assault ships. This event was the culminating activity of nine months of preparation, led by Vice Adm. Thomas Rowden, commander, Naval Surface Forces (CNSF), in partnership with Headquarters, Marine Corps Aviation and Commander, Naval Air Forces (CNAF).
The exercise was the first of its kind for the F-35B and the Navy-Marine Corps team, and was successful in synchronizing efforts in anticipation of future amphibious ready group (ARG) and Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) deployments.
"The Ship Sustainment Wargame is one of the best venues to utilize in order to educate, analyze, or find possible problem issues for the F-35B as it prepares for deployment aboard our L-class ships," said Gunnery Sgt. Hector Pacheco, one of the key exercise participants and an F-35B maintenance advisor assigned to Marine Operational Test and Evaluation Squadron 1.
The Marine Corps declared the F-35B operational nearly two years ago, July 2015, at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Yuma, Arizona. Since then, Navy and Marine experts have teamed together to integrate its technologies and capabilities.
"I think anytime you introduce a new platform in the Navy-Marine Corps team, there's bound to be some integration issues," said Capt. Matthew Hahn, Navy lead for the exercise. "My hope for and intent of this exercise is to identify and solve some of those integration issues by leveraging the experience and expertise of the participants."
The F-35B is replacing the venerable AV-8B Harrier, and the Marine Corps will be the first service to deploy with the jet in 2018. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 121 recently departed MCAS Yuma, transferring to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, in January.
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Saudis urge UN to control Yemeni port after botch
Iran Press TV
Mon Mar 20, 2017 6:33AM
Saudi Arabia and its allies have urged the United Nations to assume control of a Houthi-held Yemeni port where scores of refugees were killed Friday in an aerial attack blamed on Riyadh.
At least 44 people lost their lives and dozens of others were injured after an apparent Saudi airstrike hit a boat carrying Somali refugees near Bab al-Mandeb Strait.
Riyadh and its allies have denied carrying out the airstrike despite witness accounts citing an Apache helicopter - which is only used by Saudi Arabia in the war on Yemen - to have attacked the vessel.
The refugees had departed from the western port city of Hudaydah en route to Sudan when they came under fire.
The Red Sea port near the Bab al-Mandab Strait is part of a broad battlefront where Saudi-backed forces are fighting the Yemeni army and its Houthi allies, which control most of northern and western Yemen.
Despite repeated assaults and heavy bombardments, Saudi Arabia has failed to wrest control of the port and on Sunday it called for jurisdiction over Hudaydah to be transferred to the UN.
"This would facilitate the flow of humanitarian supplies to the Yemeni people, while at the same time ending the use of the port for weapons smuggling and people trafficking," it said in a statement.
The humanitarian situation in Yemen has dramatically deteriorated amid a Saudi blockade, which has put the impoverished country on the brink of widespread famine. Last week, the World Food Program (WFP) warned that 60 percent of Yemenis, or 17 million people, were in "crisis" or "emergency" food situations.
The Saudi statement on Sunday, however, did not address a call for investigation by Somalia which is part of the purported Saudi coalition waging the war on Yemen.
According to Iolanda Jaquemet, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross, survivors have said they came under attack from another boat, after which "the crew used lights and shouted to signal this is a civilian boat."
"Nevertheless, it did not have any effect and a helicopter joined in the attack," she said.
Saudi Arabia has been leading a destructive military campaign against Yemen since March 2015 to reinstate former president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi and crush the Houthi movement.
The campaign has seriously damaged the country's infrastructure. Local Yemeni sources have put the death toll from the Saudi war at over 12,000, including many women and children.
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Africa Aid Officials Concerned at Proposed US Aid Cuts
By Anita Powell March 20, 2017
As the U.S. government proposes severe cuts in foreign aid, Africa and its neighbors are experiencing a massive hunger crisis, with 20 million people facing possible starvation in Somalia, South Sudan, Nigeria and Yemen.
Aid officials say the proposed cuts would have a deep and disastrous impact in those countries and others. The United States is the largest single donor to the United Nations' World Food Program, contributing just over $2 billion last year.
In dire times like these, says WFP East Africa spokeswoman Challiss McDonough, the aid agency needs more help than ever.
Famine has been declared in parts of South Sudan, and in one remote village of 20,000 people, McDonough says, WFP's meager food drops -- consisting of a bit of sorghum, a handful of split peas and a few spoonfuls of vegetable oil -- serve as a lifeline.
"Without those airdrops, if we weren't able to keep those planes flying and to keep the food moving, to keep the helicopters flying, then people would literally have nothing," she told VOA from Nairobi, Kenya. "The only thing that is standing between them and catastrophe is the food assistance that we can bring to them."
That word -- catastrophe -- has come up often in global reactions to the proposed U.S. budget, which seeks a nearly 30 percent reduction in international programs, like the U.S. Agency for International Development.
In a statement, the president and CEO of aid agency Save the Children, Carolyn Miles, said, "These cuts will be catastrophic for millions of families in developing countries," adding that U.S. aid has had a massive global impact in the last two decades, reducing childhood deaths by more than 50 percent.
Ben Parker, a London-based editor and analyst with IRIN, a news agency specializing in humanitarian issues, says the international aid community is readying itself for a "shock" over the loss of aid.
"It's going to hurt," he said, "and it's going to have consequences we're not even sure about at this point when you look at the scale of the cuts, potentially, particularly to the U.N., which the administration has a particular lack of appetite for."
Mick Mulvaney, director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, said the proposal will "absolutely" reduce funding to the U.N. -- to which the U.S. is the largest single donor.
Parker, however, says the U.S. has to respect certain financial obligations to the U.N. if it wants to retain its powerful vote on the Security Council.
"[W]hen you're a member of international organizations, you have various types of funding obligations which you can't get out of easily," he said. "And these in the U.N. cover things like the core budget and also the peacekeeping operations... And it can't just not pay -- or if it does not pay, if it is a deadbeat -- it may then lose its right to vote in the organization."
Unfortunately, he adds, it appears the easier cuts would be to things like emergency relief.
The proposed cuts don't just affect the poorest of the poor. The U.S. government considers South Africa an upper middle income country, but its international development agency contributed about $256 million to local aid groups last year.
Twenty-four million dollars of that went to Right to Care, a health care organization that works on HIV prevention, treatment and other support.
CEO Ian Sanne says his organization needs every penny of that money -- South Africa has the world's highest prevalence of AIDS and the world's largest HIV treatment program.
Still, his biggest concern about the proposed U.S. budget isn't President Donald Trump's plan to cut international aid. It's the plan to cut nearly 20 percent of funding to one of the world's leaders in disease research, the U.S. National Institutes of Health.
"It's not clear which disease areas the funding will be cut to, but certainly in HIV-tuberculosis, the current agenda of research would be significantly impeded by such a substantive reduction in funding," he told VOA from Johannesburg. "The TB drug development arena is almost entirely dependent on the funding from the NIH, and an interruption in funding would lead to a potential expanse of the TB epidemic -- and particularly drug-resistant TB epidemic -- worldwide."
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Yemeni forces fire new indigenous ballistic missiles at Saudi base
Iran Press TV
Tue Mar 21, 2017 5:4PM
Yemeni army forces and allied fighters from Popular Committees have reportedly launched three locally designed and manufactured ballistic missiles toward an area deep inside Saudi Arabia in response to the Riyadh regime's atrocious campaign against the crisis-hit Arab country.
Yemeni soldiers and their allies fired three short-range Asif-1 (Typhoon-1) missiles toward Rajla military base in Saudi Arabia's southwestern border region of Najran, located about 844 kilometers (524 miles) south of the capital, Riyadh, on Tuesday evening, Arabic-language Ansarollah website reported.
There were no immediate reports on casualty numbers in the attack.
On February 26, Yemeni army forces unveiled four indigenous drones to collect information on the positions and movements of militiamen loyal to resigned President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi as well as Saudi troops and carry out aerial attacks against them.
The sole unveiled combat aircraft, code-named Qasef-1 (Striker-1), has a wingspan of three meters and a hull length of 2.5 meters.
The drone has a flight endurance of 120 minutes, and is capable of carrying a payload of 30 kilograms.
Earlier this year, Yemeni army forces launched a locally designed and manufactured ballistic missile toward a military base on the outskirts of Riyadh.
The media bureau of the operations command in Yemen published a series of photos of the missile shortly afterwards.
On September 2, 2016, Yemeni forces fired a Borkan-2 (Volcano-2) 1 missile against a stationary target in the Saudi city of Ta'if, located more than 700 kilometers southeast of the Saudi capital.
According to the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Jamie McGoldrick, the Saudi military campaign has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 Yemenis and left 40,000 others wounded. McGoldrick told reporters in Sana'a earlier this year that the figure was based on casualty counts given by health facilities and that the actual number might be higher.
Local Yemeni sources have already put the death toll from the Saudi war at over 12,000, including many women and children.
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Rita Ora presents the Best Hip Hop award to Eminem onstage during the MTV EMA's 2013 at the Ziggo Dome on November 10, 2013 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo : Getty Images/Ian Gavan)
Making the headlines yet again is Kim Mathers, 41, the former wife of Marshall Bruce Mathers III, 44, who is professionally known as Eminem. Accused of violating probation due to multiple diluted drug test results, she appeared in Macomb County District Court on March 20, Monday.
"I did nothing wrong," Kim told WXYZ Detroit. "I went above and beyond to prove to the court I'm compliant and that I take the judge's orders seriously. I just want to move on."
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Judge Douglas Shepard was impressed that Kim proactively proved her compliance by switching to Soberlink, which randomly administers tests every day. He explained that diluted results can be accidental.
In 2015, Kim confessed to a suicide attempt. She told police that she intentionally drank a fifth of rum before getting behind the wheel.
In 2016, Eminem's former wife apologized before a judge and expressed remorse. Even before it was mandated by the court, she reached out for help and started counseling.
Kim was sentenced to 12 months of probation. This requires her to submit to regular drug tests and random alcohol testing and continue counseling.
According to court documents, six of Kim's drug test results were diluted from December 2016 to Feb. 1. Her defense attorney told the judge in court that she did not over-hydrate intentionally.
There is no education on this particular aspect of drug testing, the attorney said. He added that clients are often not aware that they are diluted until they receive a notice.
Upon the receipt of the notice, Kim did not hesitate to voluntarily submit hair and blood samples then requested testing through Soberlink. Her 197 Soberlink tests and a hair sample test have all come back negative, according to her attorney. She will continue serving her probation.
Meanwhile, watch the official trailer of "Eminem - Partners In Rhyme: The True Story of Infinite" here:
Mladic Seeks Release For Treatment, Lawyers Say Russia Gave Guarantees
RFE/RL's Balkan Service March 21, 2017
Lawyers for former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic are seeking his provisional release from detention in The Hague on medical grounds, and say that Moscow has guaranteed he will be returned to custody if he is sent to Russia for treatment.
In a motion released on March 21 by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Mladic's lawyers said that the 74-year-old's health had significantly deteriorated recently.
Releasing him "is the only just, humane, and medically sound course of action that can ensure he will live to see the trial judgment," the written motion said.
Mladic's trial wrapped up in December. Judges are considering verdicts on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in connection with his role in the 1992-95 Bosnian War.
He faces 11 counts, including charges that he helped orchestrate the 1995 massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica and the 44-month siege of Sarajevo, where an estimated 10,000 people were killed by shelling and snipers.
Miodrag Stojanovic, one of Mladic's defense attorneys, told RFE/RL that his lawyers have submitted documentation on his health along with guarantees from Russia that Mladic would be returned to custody at The Hague after examination and treatment in Russia.
There was no immediate comment from Russian officials.
The court said it was the first time Mladic has filed a motion for his provisional release.
Mladic was first indicted in 1995, the final year of the war that killed more than 100,000 people in Bosnia-Herzegovina and displaced about 2 million others.
After years as a fugitive, often protected by Serbian and Bosnian Serb forces, he was arrested in 2011 in Serbia and extradited to The Hague, where his trial began in 2012.
UN prosecutor Alan Tieger called for the court to sentence him to life in prison, saying in December that anything less severe would be "an insult to the victims, living and dead, and an affront to justice."
"No one can fathom the extent of the suffering for which Ratko Mladic is responsible," he said.
With reporting by AP
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/mladic-balkan-war-hague -release-treatment-russia/28382543.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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Dutch Military Equipment Arrives in Lithuania for NATO Deployment MoD
Sputnik News
16:15 21.03.2017
Dutch military equipment has arrived on Tuesday to the port of Lithuania's Klaipeda for temporary deployment, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said.
VILNIUS (Sputnik) Military equipment from the Netherlands arrived on Tuesday to the port of Lithuania's Klaipeda for temporary deployment with the NATO multinational battalion in the country, the Lithuanian Defense Ministry said.
"Among the Dutch mechanized infantry battalion's military equipment, which arrived on Tuesday, are the CV 90 combat vehicles, the Fennek armed reconnaissance vehicles, the Boxer multirole armored fighting vehicles, the armored recovery vehicles and others," the ministry said.
The military equipment will be temporarily deployed with the NATO multinational battalion in the town of Rukla in Lithuania's Kaunas county. More than 250 munitions are said to have already been deployed with the NATO battalion.
On March 23, a group of 100 Dutch servicemen is expected arrive at the Siauliai air base in Lithuania. Currently, 400 German servicemen and 100 Belgian servicemen are already deployed at the Germany-administrated NATO base in Rukla.
NATO has been boosting its military presence in Eastern European states since the outbreak of the Ukrainian crisis, citing Russia's alleged interference in that conflict as justification for the move.
The alliance's decision to deploy four multinational battalions to Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland was announced by NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg after the July 2016 summit in Warsaw.
Sputnik
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Egypt's Ex-President Mubarak Released, Returns Home After Acquittal
Sputnik News
13:59 21.03.2017(updated 21:31 21.03.2017)
Egypt's ex-President Hosni Mubarak has been released from military hospital and returned to his home three weeks after being acquitted on charges of complicity in protesters deaths during the 2011 unrest, Egyptian media reported Tuesday.
CAIRO (Sputnik) The ex-president was accompanied by his son Gamal and wife Suzanne Thabet on his release early Tuesday, the Youm7 daily cited sources close to Mubarak's family as saying.
Mubarak, 88, was reportedly transported on a specially equipped medical service vehicles, while his home in the Heliopolis district in Cairo has also been furnished with medical equipment.
Later in the day, lawyer of the former president Farid Deeb told Sputnik that Mubarak remains in a military hospital in the country's capital of Cairo only on health grounds and has a right to leave it at any moment.
"The former president remains in hospital because of the ongoing treatment. The decision to leave the hospital may be made only by Mubarak himself, that depends on his health status," Dib said.
He pointed out that Mubarak was not under any investigation.
In February 2011, Mubarak resigned amid ongoing protests in the country and the following year he received a life sentence for "failure to stop the killings" during the 18-day uprising in 2011 that left over 800 people dead. The court's decision was appealed by ex-president lawmakers and a new trial was ordered.
Since August 2013, Mubarak has been kept at Maadi military hospital in Cairo amid worsen health condition.
In 2014, Mubarak was discharged on every count of being involved in the killing of the demonstrators. The Prosecutor General's Office appealed the court's decision, claiming a number of procedural irregularities had taken place.
In early March 2017, the Egyptian Court of Cassation acquitted Mubarak of charges of complicity in the deaths of protesters.
Sputnik
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Russia, Indonesia Launch Draft Contract Talks on Delivery of Su-35 Fighters
Sputnik News
12:17 21.03.2017
Russia and Indonesia launched negotiations over a draft contract on the delivery of Russian Su-35 Flanker multirole fighters to Jakarta, the deputy director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told Sputnik.
LANGKAWI (Sputnik) The Su-35 fighter was developed by Russia's Sukhoi Company aircraft manufacturer between 2003 and 2008. It was first introduced to a foreign audience at the 2013 Paris Air Show as a "4++ generation" heavily-upgraded derivative of the Su-27 multirole fighter.
"Currently, negotiations are underway to agree on a draft contract for the supply of Su-35 aircraft to the Republic of Indonesia. We hope that the signing will take place in the near future," Mikhail Petukhov said.
Petukhov, who heads the Russian delegation at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition LIMA-2017, said the number of Su-35s to deliver would be after finalizing the contract terms.
Media reports suggested late last year that Indonesia could buy up to 10 Russian-made multirole superiority fighters.
Sputnik
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Russia, Indonesia Discuss Delivery Contract of 2 Stealth Submarines to Jakarta
Sputnik News
11:10 21.03.2017
Russia and Indonesia are in discussions over a contract on the delivery of two stealth submarines to Jakarata, the deputy director of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC) told Sputnik.
LANGKAWI (Malaysia) (Sputnik) Petukhov heads the Russian delegation at the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition LIMA-2017, where the Project 636 is among the 500 pieces of Russian military hardware showcased.
"The draft contract is under discussion," Mikhail Petukhov said of the Project 636 Varshavyanka class diesel-electric submarines.
The Varshavyanka-class is an improved version of Kilo-class submarines that feature elements of advanced stealth technology, extended combat range and the ability to strike land, surface and underwater targets.
The vessel, carrying crews of 52, has a top underwater speed of 20 knots and a cruising range of 400 miles (electric propulsion), with the ability to patrol for 45 days. The submarines are armed with 18 torpedoes and eight surface-to-air missiles.
The submarines are mainly intended for anti-ship and anti-submarine missions in coastal waters.
Sputnik
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UN agency voices concern about forced return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon
21 March 2017 The United Nations refugee agency today expressed concern that forced returns of refugees from Cameroon's far north region to crisis-gripped north-eastern Nigeria are continuing despite the recent signing of a tripartite agreement aimed at ensuring the voluntary nature of returns.
So far this year, Cameroon has forcefully returned over 2,600 refugees back to Nigerian border villages against their will, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
"UNHCR is particularly concerned as these forced returns have continued unabated after the governments of Nigeria and Cameroon signed a tripartite agreement with UNHCR in Yaounde on 2 March," UNHCR Spokesperson Babar Baloch told reporters at the UN's Geneva Office.
The forced return of asylum-seekers and refugees is known as refoulement, or forced return, and constitutes a serious violation of the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention, both of which Cameroon has ratified.
While acknowledging the generosity of its Government and local communities that host over 85,000 Nigerian refugees, UNHCR calls on Cameroon to honour to its obligations under international and regional refugee protection instruments, as well as Cameroonian law.
Insecurity persists in parts of north-eastern Nigeria, and access to basic services remains limited. Most returning refugees find themselves in situations of internal displacement upon return and are unable to return to their places of origin.
Inside Nigeria, UNHCR teams have heard and documented accounts about Cameroonian troops returning refugees against their will without allowing them time to collect their belongings.
Amid the chaos, some families were separated and some women were forced to leave their young children behind in Cameroon, including a child less than three years old.
While recognizing the legitimate national security concerns of the Cameroon Government, UNHCR reminds authorities that refugees are themselves fleeing violence and attacks from Boko Haram and that their access to asylum and protection must be ensured.
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UN Calls on Cameroon to Stop Forcibly Deporting Nigerian Refugees
By Lisa Schlein March 21, 2017
The U.N. refugee agency is calling on Cameroon to stop forcibly deporting refugees to Nigeria in violation of international refugee law and a tripartite agreement recently signed by UNHCR, Nigeria, and Cameroon to ensure voluntary returns.
UNHCR says Cameroon is not living up to neither the spirit nor the letter of its agreements to protect refugees. So far this year the agency says Cameroon has forcefully returned more than 2,600 refugees to Nigerian border villages against their will.
UNHCR spokesman Babar Baloch says in one incident on March 17, more than 955 refugees were pushed across the border into Nigeria where their safety cannot be guaranteed.
"Inside Nigeria, UNHCR teams have heard and documented accounts about Cameroonian troops returning refugees against their will, without allowing them time to collect their belongings.... In Nigeria's Borno State some refugees were rounded up during a military offensive against Boko Haram insurgents in the Mandara Mountains on the Cameroonian side of the border and were taken in trucks to a camp for displaced people in Banki ... in Nigeria," Baloch said.
Balloch told VOA the Cameroonian military has been forcibly returning Nigerian refugees sporadically since last June.
"Some of the reasons being cited is security. But, those who become the target of these forced returns are refugees who are fleeing Boko Haram inside Nigeria who are fleeing war and persecution. It is not the right time for them to return," Baloch said.
The UNHCR praises the generosity of the government of Cameroon and local communities that are hosting more than 85,000 Nigerian refugees. But it urges the government to honor its obligations under international, regional, and Cameroonian law not to forcibly deport refugees to a country where their lives may be at risk.
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Colorado National Guard joins in aerial battle against Boulder County fire
By Colorado National Guard March 20, 2017
BOULDER, Colo. - Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper, via a verbal executive order, authorized the Colorado National Guard to assist civil authorities in Boulder County with aerial firefighting support of the Sunshine fire.
About 50 Colorado Guard members were on duty Monday for this mission, according to the National Guard Bureau.
The initial request is to support with aerial firefighting helicopters and a forward aerial refueling point. The equipment composition of the request includes two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, one CH-47 Chinook helicopter and a refueling truck from the Colorado Army National Guard.
Aircraft, from the Chief Warrant Officer 5 David R. Carter Aerial Support Facility located on Buckley Air Force Base, have arrived on scene in Boulder and are operating. They will continue to do so at the discretion of the incident commander. The crew belongs to the 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation.
Each helicopter is equipped with an aerial water bucket, which is capable of carrying and delivering nearly 500 (Black Hawk) or 2,000 (Chinook) gallons of water or fire retardant slurry at a time.
"We, as members of the National Guard, are always available and ready to support those in need," said the adjutant general of Colorado, Maj. Gen. H. Michael Edwards, who commands the Colorado National Guard. "Supporting citizens is our highest priority in times of need. We are neighbors helping neighbors. That's why we serve."
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U.S., Britain Ban Electronic Devices From Cabins Of Flights From Middle East
RFE/RL March 21, 2017
The United States and Britain announced on March 21 that they are banning electronic devices from the cabins of direct incoming flights from Middle Eastern and North African countries due to potential terrorist threats.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security said passengers on nine airlines from eight Middle Eastern and North African countries must transport electronics -- such as laptop computers, tablets, cameras, DVD players, and electronic games -- as checked luggage in the cargo holds of flights into the United States. It said mobile phones were exempt from the new rules.
The order applies to nonstop flights to the United States from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Jordan; Egypt, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.
The nine airlines affected by the U.S. ban are Royal Jordanian, EgyptAir, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates, and Etihad Airways.
The airlines have until 7 a.m. GMT on March 25 to implement the order.
Meanwhile, Britain says it has agreed to adopt the enhanced security measures on direct flights into the United Kingdom from six countries -- Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, and Saudi Arabia.
A U.S. Department of Homeland Security statement said "evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items."
"We have reason to be concerned about attempts by terrorist groups to circumvent aviation security and terrorist groups continue to target aviation interests," the statement said. "Implementing additional security measures enhances our ability to mitigate further attempts against the overseas aviation industry."
U.S. officials said the order will remain in place "until the threat changes."
However, an Emirates spokeswoman told the Reuters news agency that the airline understood the directive would remain valid until 14 October 2017.
The official news agency of Saudi Arabia confirmed that flights from Riyadh and Jeddah would be affected.
Some 50 flights a day are expected to be affected by the ban.
Turkish Transport Minister Ahmet Arslan told reporters on March 21 that the ban was "not a right move."
With reporting by AP and Reuters
Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-air-passengers- electronics-ban-middle-east/28380965.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 THAAD missile system poses 'serious risks' to Asia-Pacific region: Russia FM
Iran Press TV
Mon Mar 20, 2017 3:9PM
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has taken a swipe at the deployment of a US missile system in South Korea, warning that it poses "serious risks" to the Asia-Pacific region.
"We drew attention to the serious risks posed by the deployment of elements of the American global anti-missile system in the Asia-Pacific region," Lavrov said in a joint press conference with Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, Japan's Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and Japanese Defense Minister Tomomi Inada in Tokyo on Monday.
He added that the issue was raised in the talks with the Japanese foreign minister.
"If this [missile deployment] is meant to counter threats coming from North Korea, then the deployment of this system and accumulating armaments in the region is a disproportionate reply," Lavrov said in an apparent reference to the deployment of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD), a missile system Washington claims is meant to deter missile threats from North Korea.
The United States said earlier in March that it had begun installing its THAAD missile system in the southeastern region of South Korea in response to the North's intensifying ballistic missile development to attack US military bases in Japan.
Washington is taking steps "to defend against North Korea's ballistic missiles, such as through the deployment of a THAAD battery to South Korea," White House spokesman, Sean Spicer, said.
The Japanese foreign minister, for his part, warned against any escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula and urged Pyongyang to exercise restraint.
"We shared the view that we will strongly urge North Korea to exercise self-restraint over further provocative actions and follow UN Security Council resolutions," Kishida said.
He added that Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe would visit Russia in late April to continue the discussions on efforts to finally conclude a peace treaty ending the war between the two Koreas.
South Korea and the United States say the sole purpose of the THAAD system is to guard against missile launches from North Korea. China has also been infuriated by its deployment, saying that its powerful radar could penetrate into Chinese territory.
The Chinese Foreign Ministry slammed the move on March 7 and vowed to defend its security interests.
"China will resolutely take necessary measures to defend our own security interests. All consequences entailed from this will be borne by the US and the ROK (Republic of Korea)," China's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang, said.
Beijing has slapped a series of economic sanctions on South Korea in a move it says is aimed to punish Seoul, noting that the deployment of the projectiles in the South threatens its national security. Seoul has, in return, filed a complaint over China's move at the World Trade Organization.
Lavrov's comments came after US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson paid a visit to the region and warned that Washington's military action against the North was an option "on the table."
Tillerson said in Seoul that the United States and South Korea would "proceed with the installation" of THAAD missile system.
Pyongyang test-fired a salvo of missiles earlier this month and officials vowed that similar measures would be adopted to counter the joint military drills between Washington and Seoul. The United Nations has imposed several rounds of crippling sanctions on North Korea over the country's nuclear tests in recent years.
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Related Saudi Arabia restores limit on Egyptian pilgrims to Mecca to 2013 levels
Egypt's expatriate affairs minister Nabila Makram announced on Monday that Saudi Arabia has decided to pardon 30,000 Egyptians accused of visa violations in the country, state news agency MENA reported.
The pardon exempts the Egyptians from punitive measures including deportation, a 10-year ban from entering Saudi Arabia, and the taking away of financial, educational and work privileges.
Makram expressed her gratitude to Saudi authorities, while calling on Egyptians abroad to respect the laws of their host countries.
Saudi interior ministry spokesman Mansour Al-Torky told Saudi newspaper Okaz on Monday that Saudi authorities will give the Egyptians 90 days to adjust their status and leave the country without deportation, which would allow them to return to Saudi Arabia in the future.
In 2014, Saudi Arabia implemented a new system requiring foreign nationals performing the pilgrimage to Mecca to fulfill a number of requirements including demonstrating valid pilgrimage visas at the time of departure.
Some 2.5 million foreign nationals have been deported since the implementation of the new system, according to Al-Torky said.
Talks have been ongoing between Egypt and Saudi Arabia regarding the deportation of Egyptian families who violate residency and pilgrimage regulations.
Hundreds of Egyptians in Saudi Arabia have implored Egyptian authorities to intervene on their behalf, saying they are unable to work or have access to banks, education, or residences.
North Korea's Recent Test of Rocket Engine is 'Pursuing Some Unclear Goal'
Sputnik News
21:50 20.03.2017(updated 22:03 20.03.2017)
On March 19, North Korea announced that it had successfully tested a new powerful rocket engine. The peculiarity of the current test unlike previous ones was that Pyongyang made ambiguous statements regarding the purpose of this test.
Kim Dongyeop, Professor of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University told Sputnik that following the previous missile launches held in March there were detailed explanations about what types of missiles were being tested. However, after the tests held on March 19, the rhetoric was completely different and somewhat unclear.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said the test took place at the same northwestern facility where the country had been launching rockets to put satellites into orbit, which Western officials have said were efforts to develop an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM).
"In the description of the current test launches there are elements of space and military program. Judging only by the content of the message it seems that this was the final test of an engine for a geostationary satellite which was first tested in September 2016," Dongyeop told Sputnik.
DPRK news agency reported that the completion of the development of a new super-powerful engine made a huge technological contribution to the sphere of space development, providing an opportunity to launch a world-class satellite.
The state news agency said that the North Korean leader Kim Jong hailed the successful test as a "new birth" for the nation's rocket industry.
However, some see these new tests as referring to a statement made by Kim Jong during a New Year's address in which he mentioned a rocket engine designed to launch intercontinental ballistic missiles.
Furthermore, North Korean media reports said that the results of the current test "have become a great event in the history of development of our defense sector, defense industry and production of strategic weapons. We will continue to develop unique weapons of the North Korean type on a global scale."
According to Dongyeop, "Such ambiguous statements regarding recent missile tests are aimed at pursuing some kind of a goal which is so far unclear."
Perhaps it was a response to the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's statement that the era of Obama's "strategic patience" is over and the US is ready for decisive military measures against the DPRK.
Could it be that these unclear reports suggesting that the rocket engine can be used for intercontinental missiles is a message to the US? The professor thinks that's quite possible.
South Korean media have already described this as a process associated with the launch of ICBMs announced at the beginning of this year.
Many also believe that Pyongyang's reports of success in the "North Korean strategic weapons development area" on the same day that China was visited by the US Secretary of State signify a strong desire of Pyongyang to demonstrate to the US and China its technical successes.
However, the professor said that such tests are usually planned months in advance and cannot coincide with a particular political event such as the official visit of Tillerson to China.
Sputnik
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North Korea Tests High Performance Rocket Engine, Ignoring US Threat
Sputnik News
18:01 20.03.2017(updated 23:17 20.03.2017)
North Korea has seemingly ignored US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's warning that military action against the country is "on the table" by proceeding with a ground jet test of a new high performance rocket engine.
The test of the new engine, which can be repurposed for use in missiles, was hailed as a success by the hermit nation's leader Kim Jong-un.
Kim Jong-un was present at the Sohae satellite facility in Dongchang-ri on Saturday, March 18, for the test, according to the Korean Central News Agency.
The young leader, quoted by KCNA, said that the test was a "great event of historic significance" that marked the "new birth" of the country's rocket industry as North Korea seeks to erase its dependence on other countries' technology.
"The whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries," the leader purportedly said after the event.
The nation's new agency said the purpose of the test was to confirm the reliability of the engine's features, including its thrust power in the combustion chamber and the movements of various valves.
The examination comes after Tillerson said the United States' strategic patience with North Korea has ended, and warned that "all options are on the table" for Washington when dealing with Pyongyang, including military intervention.
Tillerson, who visited the border between the two Koreas on Friday, March 17, during his diplomatic trip of Asia, said that the "policy of strategic patience has ended."
"The diplomatic and other efforts of the past 20 years to bring North Korea to a point of de-nuclearization have failed. So we have 20 years of a failed approach," Donald Trump's top diplomat added.
Despite the warning Dr. Daniel Pinkston, international relations lecturer at Troy University in Seoul, told Sputnik that conflict in the region would be "catastrophic" and all nations involved would want to avoid it.
"The US has a long-standing mutual defense treaty with South Korea and the UN commander, who is the US general here [in Seoul], has an obligation to fulfil the armistice, to maintain the ceasefire," Dr. Pinkston told Sputnik.
Pinskton also said that the North is pursuing its nuclear program as a "deterrence" and that the country would not be ready for long-term warfare as in some areas such as with aircraft and tanks, "they are very backward."
On March 6, media reported that North Korea fired four ballistic missiles, and three landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone.
According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, the missiles did not inflict any damages. The South Korean military claimed that the missiles had flown more than 600 miles. Pyongyang said that the launches were a successful drill to strike US military facilities located in Japan.
The six-party talks launched in 2003 aimed to end North Korea's nuclear program via negotiations involving the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea and North Korea.
The negotiations reached a stalemate when North Korea withdrew from the talks in 2009 and has since carried out multiple nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
Sputnik
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Russia, Japan Agree to Put Pressure on N Korea to Refrain From Provocations
Sputnik News
12:30 20.03.2017(updated 12:31 20.03.2017)
Japan and Russia pledged to put pressure on North Korea to abstain from further provocative actions and to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions at talks between the two countries' foreign and defense ministers, Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida said Monday.
TOKYO (Sputnik) On March 6, media reported that North Korea fired four ballistic missiles, and three landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone. According to the Japanese Defense Ministry, the missiles did not inflict any damages. South Korean military claimed that the missiles had flown more than 600 miles.
Pyongyang said that the launches were a successful drill to strike US military facilities located in Japan.
"We held an in-depth exchange of views on the North Korea nuclear and missile issues and agreed to urge North Korea to refrain from further provocative actions, as well as to comply with the UN Security Council resolutions," Kishida said at a joint press conference following the 2+2 format consultations.
The six-party talks launched in 2003 aimed to end North Korea's nuclear program via negotiations involving the United States, China, Russia, Japan, South Korea and North Korea.
The negotiations reached a stalemate when North Korea withdrew from the talks in 2009 and has since carried out multiple nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
Sputnik
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Trump Continues US Policy of Sanctions Against North Korea
By Brian Padden March 20, 2017
Despite U.S. President Donald Trump's strong rhetoric about restraining the North Korean nuclear threat, U.S. policy options seem to be essentially the same as they were under former President Obama's Strategic Patience strategy.
Under former President Barack Obama's Strategic Patience policy, the U.S. refused to engage with the Kim Jong Un regime until it committed to end its nuclear program, while also responding to provocations with increasing military deterrence, economic sanctions and diplomatic isolation.
"I think there are basically three choices. One is to surrender and appease North Korea, just give them everything they want. The second option is preventive war, and the use force to disarm North Korea. And I think the third option, which is the best of the three and the default option, is deterrence and containment," said Northeast Asia security analyst Daniel Pinkston with Troy University in Seoul.
Strategic patience
The Kim government has reacted with defiance to the U.S. led punitive measures, that include harsh United Nations sanctions, and has openly declared North Korea a nuclear state and accelerated nuclear and ballistic missile tests.
While visiting Seoul last week U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson expressly rejected the Obama Strategic Patience strategy, but also reiterated some of its basic tenets by voicing "unwavering" support for military alliances in South Korea and Japan, and in refusing a Chinese proposal to freeze the North's current nuclear capability in exchange for halting U.S., South Korea joint military exercises.
"The very premise of the Strategic Patience policy, which is unless the North Korean leadership demonstrates genuine intentions to denuclearization as opposed to a temporary freeze, the United States will not engage in any negotiations with Pyongyang. That premise is still the very foundation of the new policy," said political analyst Bong Young-shik with the Yonsei University Institute for North Korean Studies.
Even though Tillerson did not rule out taking military action against an imminent North Korean attack or an existential threat posed by an advanced weapon, he stressed that the priority of the Trump administration is much like Obama's policy; to pressure the Kim government to change course through increased military deterrence and economic sanctions.
ICBM threat
Recent technological advances indicating Pyongyang is moving closer to developing a nuclear-armed intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) capable of reaching the U.S. mainland have raised concerns that time is no longer on Washington's side.
While Tillerson was in Asia, North Korea conducted a more powerful rocket-engine test South Korea's defense ministry spokesman said showed meaningful progress. But the ministry did not specify if the engine can be used in an ICBM. However, the North's KCNA news agency said on Sunday the engine would help North Korea achieve world-class satellite-launch capability.
Over the weekend President Trump told reporters he held meetings on North Korea at his Florida resort. While he did not refer specifically to the rocket-engine test, he said Kim Jong Un was "acting very, very badly."
China
President Trump has been critical of Beijing for not taking stronger measures to restrain its ally in Pyongyang. China recently halted all coal imports for this year, but has also indicated it is reluctant to implement harsh measures that could trigger widespread instability and the collapse of the Kim government.
But the U.S. secretary of state's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday seemed more conciliatory. Xi said afterwards that he appreciated Tillerson's "comment that the China-U.S. relationship can only be defined by cooperation and friendship."
To what degree the two world powers are willing to cooperate to resolve the North Korean nuclear threat remains an issue of debate.
Some political analysts like Bong say behind closed doors Tillerson may have suggested a grand bargain, offering China major concessions on long standing issues of contention in exchange for ending the North Korean nuclear threat.
"The list of the conditions that are likely to be proposed by Beijing would include China's core interests in the South China Sea and no U.S. meddling in any domestic affairs," said Bong.
There have been rising regional tensions over China's aggressive moves in the South China Sea, including the building of man made islands for military outposts, and claiming control over contested areas and important international shipping routes.
Angered by criticism
Beijing has also been angered by criticism from the U.S. and the international community over alleged human rights violations concerning the arbitrary arrests of dissidents and censorship.
Other analysts say China is unlikely to take significantly harsher measures against the North in a way that may strengthen the U.S. and South Korean positions in the region, and uncertain whether China has enough leverage to force North Korea to give up its nuclear weapons.
Pinkston said the Trump administration may move to impose unilateral sanctions against more Chinese companies working with North Korea, but that too is something the Obama administration was doing as well.
"Maybe the new administration wants to take greater risks, or try different tactics and methods, to go after those firms and individuals and to put pressure on North Korea, but that is just a tactical implementation and not a change in policy in my view," he said.
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Indian Security Forces Get Home-Grown AK-47 Clone
Sputnik News
18:42 20.03.2017
The government factory-made AK-47 clone will see action with security forces against Maoist rebels in the hinterland. After the failure of the INSAS rifle, much hope is being placed on the AK-47 clone as the rifle for security forces.
New Delhi (Sputnik) Though police in the state of Chhattisgarh will be first to use the rifles against left-wing insurgents, security forces, be they Army or central paramilitary, have been demanding guns like the legendary Russian rifle which is known for its lethality and 0.02 percent error percentage. And they have been demanding them for long.
"It was under development for a long period, but for the last one-and-a-half years only, we could give it new thrust and developed this 7.62 x 39 mm Assault Rifle Project successfully. It is on par with advanced AK-47 rifles in performance and reliability. After seeing the performance of the rifle then only Chhattisgarh Police has decided to procure it from us. Other armed forces have already visited our factory, they have already inspected and seen the performance, now we are expecting some orders from them," G. Sundara Moorthy, Additional General Manager at Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli, told Sputnik.
The manufacture of the rifle is seen as a major boost to indigenous capability in developing global standard assault rifles.
Ordnance Factory Tiruchirappalli has manufactured these rifles in fixed butt, side-foldable butt and under-folding variants. All the models can be mounted with a 40mm under-barrel grenade launcher.
Automatic, maintenance-free, the rifle can fire 600 rounds bullets per minute. "We have developed assault rifle similar to AK-47. It will function automatically, it can be compared with international standard, it can be maintenance-free and it will have less problems," said Moorthy.
Police officers expect the indigenous rifle will be very effective in 300-meter range and in jungle warfare. "We have created a situation where our government can supply indigenously developed assault rifles to armed forces, if armed forces compare it with other assault weapons and approve it for induction," Moorthy said. On March 11 this month, CRPF, an Indian paramilitary force, lost 12 soldiers in an ambush in Chhattisgarh, in increasing Maoist attacks on security forces over the last year.
Meanwhile, Kalashnikov's CEO Aleksey Krivoruchko said last week that the company has found a partner in India to launch co-production of AK-100 assault rifles. The agreement to this effect is likely to be signed this year.
India's armed forces have been in dire need for lethal, accurate automatic assault rifles since long as the country-made INSAS did not provide lethality and accuracy desired by them. The Indian Army had issued a global request for information on September 27 last year for a proposed acquisition of 185,000 7.62x51 mm assault rifles, with 120,000 units to be built locally under license.
Sputnik
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Iraqi PM: No coalition, Iranian forces present in war on Daesh
IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency
Baghdad, March 20, IRNA -- Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has brushed off claims that tens of thousand international coalition and Iranian forces are involved in war against Daesh.
'Certain groups speak of presence of tens of thousand of international coalition forces or of Iranians in the current battles; that's a sheer lie,' said Al-Abadi in a televised program before leaving Baghdad for Washington.
He said only Iraqi forces are present in the war on Daesh.
Referring to those who claimed of the presence of non-Iraqi forces in the country's war against Daesh terrorist, al-Abadi said, such 'hated' groups and wings are lying.
However, the Iraqi prime mnister thanked 'others' for their assistances.
He blamed Daesh for ongoing disputes in the region and urged unity among regional states to confront terrorism.
Al-Abadi boasted that the world today acknowledges to the power of Iraq.
'World praises Iraq power in war on terrorism,' he said.
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UN aid 'pushed to limits' as 320,000 more civilians may flee west Mosul
20 March 2017 Humanitarian agencies are bracing for the possibility that in coming weeks about 300,000 to 320,000 civilians may flee the western districts of Iraqi's Mosul city where Government forces are fighting to oust the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorists, a senior United Nations aid official in the country has said.
"The humanitarian operation in western Mosul is far larger and far more complex than in the east" said the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Lise Grande, in a news release issued yesterday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The main difference, she explained, is that tens of thousands of families stayed in their homes in the east, but in the west, tens of thousands are fleeing.
"We've been planning and preparing for the Mosul operation for months. But the truth is that the crisis is pushing all of us to our limits. We're going to be doing the best we can to ensure the people who need assistance receive it." said Ms. Grande.
Humanitarian agencies are deeply worried that civilians are at grave risk in western Mosul. The use of explosives in the densely populated Old City is likely to cause extensive damage, and people fleeing are telling humanitarian workers that it's very difficult to enter or leave the Old City, said Ms. Grande.
"Families are at risk of being shot if they leave and they are at risk if they stay. It's horrible. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and they are in terrible danger," she said.
The main supply route into western Mosul has been cut since mid-November. Families fleeing the city are reporting that shelves are empty and that the only food available is what they already have at home. Water and electricity supplies have been cut and medicines are running out.
Under the leadership of the Government of Iraq, a massive national effort is underway to address the crisis. Civilians fleeing the western districts in the city are being accommodated in 17 camps and emergency sites near the city. The Government and partners are rushing to construct and expand 10 of these.
"Every day, more space is becoming available," said Ms. Grande. "It's a race against time. So far, families are receiving support and being sheltered. But if the number of people leaving the city increases faster than we can construct new plots, the situation could deteriorate very quickly."
Since 17 October, over 330,000 people have been displaced by the Mosul crisis, over 70,000 of whom have returned to their homes. Humanitarian agencies have been working around the clock to provide life-saving support to more than 1.3 million people from eastern and western Mosul including families who have stayed in their homes, and those who have fled.
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Israel launches surprise military exercises in south
Iran Press TV
Mon Mar 20, 2017 8:19AM
The Israeli army has conducted two drills in the southern part of the occupied territories amid recent tensions in the besieged Gaza Strip and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.
In a statement, the Israeli military said it launched a surprise military exercise for reserve forces on Sunday morning that aimed to test the readiness of the Southern Command.
According to the statement, the called-up soldiers would practice various operational scenarios relevant to the alleged threats faced in the south.
Israel's military spokesperson said the drill and another exercise in the Negev desert were planned beforehand, adding they were not connected to recent tensions with Gaza and militants in Sinai.
Sinai is situated in the northeastern extremity of Egypt and adjoins the occupied Palestinian territories and the blockaded Gaza Strip on the east.
A militant group operating in Sinai has recently stepped up its assaults. Last month, the group claimed responsibility for rockets fired at the city of Eilat in an attack which Tel Aviv said caused no damage or casualties.
The Israeli army on Sunday said more army vehicles would be deployed in the southern and central regions.
A picture taken on March 3, 2017 shows smoke rising from clashes between Palestinian protesters and foreign activists with Israeli troops in the West Bank village of Nabi Saleh. (Photo by AFP)
The occupied Palestinian territories have witnessed tensions ever since Israel imposed restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers into the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem al-Quds in August 2015.
At least 283 Palestinians have lost their lives at the hands of Israeli forces in the tensions since the beginning of October that year.
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Put Libya ahead of 'narrow interests,' UN envoy urges as situation worsens across the country
20 March 2017 Warning of escalating tension across the North African country due to mobilization of forces, worsening security situation in capital, Tripoli, as well as recent violence in Misrata and Benghazi, the United Nations envoy for Libya today called on all parties to unite and to put the country ahead of their "own narrow interests."
"Do not let the agenda be driven by violence on the ground and extremism," urged Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and the head of the UN Support Mission in the country (UNSMIL), in a news release today.
"Calm must be restored immediately, democratic bodies and ideals must be respected and freedom of speech must be protected," he added.
Last week, the UN human rights arm (OHCHR) had sounded alarm over the situation and had spoken of serious human rights and humanitarian law violations and abuses stemming from recent fighting in the country's eastern oil crescent area, including summary executions and mass detentions.
Today's statement by Mr. Kobler also mentioned of violence, hate speech and mutilation of corpses.
"[Such incidents] are completely unacceptable," underscored the senior UN official, calling on Libyan institutions to commit to advancing the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) and swiftly implementing the security arrangements in the capital, Tripoli, that would provide for the withdrawal of armed groups there and the deployment of army and police.
He also made reference to the Quartet meeting on Libya, held on 18 March, which urged the Libyan parties to re-engage in the political process. The Quartet comprises the League of Arab States, the African Union, the European Union as well as the UN.
Recalling the international community's strong commitment to the country, Mr. Kobler stressed: "The responsibility, however, lies first and foremost with the Libyans themselves to end this escalating violence."
"All political and security stakeholders in a position to influence their constituencies should act now."
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Pakistan Reopens Afghan Border as 'Goodwill Gesture'
By Ayaz Gul March 20, 2017
Pakistan opened all border crossings with landlocked Afghanistan for travelers and trade convoys Monday, a month after closing them on grounds terrorists were using Afghan soil for plotting deadly attacks against the country.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has taken the decision "as a goodwill gesture" and hoped the Afghan government would take steps required to address "the reasons" that triggered the border closure, according to an official announcement.
"Despite the fact those involved in terrorist activities in Pakistan have a connection with anti-Pakistani elements in Afghanistan, the closure of the border between the two countries, having centuries old religious, cultural and historic relations, was against the economic and public interests," Sharif said.
A welcomed move
A presidential spokesman in Kabul has welcomed the Pakistani decision but reiterated that closing borders is not the way to address political issues between the two countries.
Pakistan and Afghanistan share a 2,600-kilometer largely porous border, with five dedicated crossings for legal movements, including bilateral and transit trade convoys, transporting imported goods to the landlocked country from the Pakistani port of Karachi on the Arabian Sea.
Authorities abruptly shut the border in mid-February after a string of suicide bombings in Pakistan killed scores of people. Militants linked to the anti-state Pakistani Taliban and local affiliates of Islamic State claimed responsibility for the violence.
Islamabad blamed terrorist sanctuaries on the Afghan side for plotting the attacks and demanded action against them. Kabul rejected the charges and in turn repeated long-running demands for Pakistan to uproot alleged militant training facilities on its soil insurgents use for attacks in Afghanistan.
Financial cost
The protracted border closure has cost businesses on both sides tens of millions of dollars and fueled bilateral tensions.
The abrupt move stranded thousands of trucks loaded with fresh fruits, vegetables, poultry and other food items, sharply increasing prices of imported goods in Afghanistan.
The lucrative border crossings, including Torkham and Chaman, have been been closed five times within the last year due to tensions in relations and Pakistan's attempts to build new facilities there.
Members of Pakistan Afghanistan Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry last week urged their respective governments "to segregate business and trade ties from political tensions, and separate security and political issues from economic activities between the two countries" to ensure free flow of trade.
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Authorities in a village in the Upper Egyptian governorate of Sohag arrested 17 people on Monday after protests against an under-construction sewage station, which locals fear would be a source of pollution and disease, were dispersed by police.
Ahmed El-Sayed, one of the protesters, told Al-Ahram Arabic website that locals are also angry that the facility will not serve the village of East El-Sawmaa itself, and cited a lack of essential public services in the village.
State news agency MENA reported that dozens of locals took to the streets on Monday to protest against the government's construction of the facility. Some protesters set tyres on fire and blocked a road in the village.
Police fired teargas to break up the demonstration as protesters threw stones at the security forces, MENA said.
Seventeen people were arrested after the protests were dispersed.
Protests without a police permit are illegal in Egypt; violators of the law are often subject to jail time.
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Pakistan to Reinstate Military Courts for 2 More Years
By Ayesha Tanzeem March 21, 2017
Pakistan's National Assembly voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to reinstate military courts in the country for two years, after a two months lapse.
The courts were first introduced for two years in January 2015 to expedite the cases of hardcore terrorists after Pakistani Taliban attacked an army school in Peshawar killing more than 140 people, mostly children.
Almost all of the country's political parties who voted for the constitutional amendment, including the ruling PML-N party, acknowledged setting up a parallel system of justice is not an ideal solution, but said the step was necessary to deal with the extraordinary level of terrorism in the country at the time.
But human rights activists complain the military courts fail to provide transparent justice and violate the suspects' legal rights, unlike civilian courts.
"The Pakistani government has a responsibility to prosecute those committing violent attacks, but secret, rights-violating military courts raise serious questions as to whether justice is being done," said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch.
Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's administration had initially introduced the courts as a temporary solution, while promising to reform the country's civilian justice system.
The argument at the time was the country's civilian justice system was too corrupt, the courts too slow, police investigations too imperfect, and the system too prone to outside pressure at various levels, including threats from militant organizations, to be able to effectively try terrorism suspects. Witnesses were often afraid to appear in civilian courts to give testimony against hardcore militants.
Meanwhile, legal activists complain little has been done to reform the police and the judiciary in the past two years.
"Bringing back military courts is an attempt to deflect attention from the real issue: the Government's failure to enact reforms to strengthen the criminal justice system during the two years the 2015-2017 military courts were in operation," said Sam Zarifi, Asia Director for the International Court of Justice, the judicial organ of the United Nations.
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British Mediation Helps Ease Afghanistan's Tensions with Pakistan
By Ayaz Gul March 21, 2017
Britain is being credited with an apparent reduction in political tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and reopening the border between the two countries.
Pakistan's interior minister, Nisar Ali Khan, acknowledged and appreciated the diplomatic intervention Tuesday while addressing a joint news conference in Islamabad with visiting British Home Secretary Amber Rudd.
"That facilitation took place through the good offices of her majesty's government and as a result of the discussions that took place, you have already seen some positive movements in defusing tensions and doubts between Afghanistan and Pakistan," said Khan.
The minister was referring to his government's decision on Monday to open the border crossings with landlocked Afghanistan, a month after they were closed. Islamabad had justified the move by saying Afghan-based militants mounted deadly attacks on Pakistani soil and Pakistan demanded the neighboring country prevent the terrorist activity.
The border closure fueled bilateral tensions until Britain intervened last week and hosted crucial talks between Afghan National Security Advisor Haneef Atmar and Pakistani foreign policy advisory Sartaj Aziz.
British Home Secretary Rudd reiterated her government's resolve to facilitate such meetings in the future for promoting regional peace.
"We remain ready to try and facilitate meetings that will help for a peaceful atmosphere to evolve in London or wherever we can. We are friends to Pakistan so whenever we can we will try to facilitate that sort of environment," she said.
Rudd also praised the counterterrorism efforts of Pakistani security forces and said Britain would be ready to work closely with Pakistan to help solidify those gains.
"I have been impressed by the way that this country has increased its safety record so significantly over the past two years and I hope will be able to help you build on that with some of our ideas and developments," she said.
The closure of the border had caused tens of millions of dollars in losses for traders in both countries. Afghanistan depends on Pakistani ports for its imports and the border closure stranded thousands of shipping containers after having left Karachi.
Meanwhile, the government of Afghanistan has also acknowledged Islamabad has recently taken a series of steps to promote its promised and sincere cooperation to resolve problems between the two countries.
In a statement issued in Kabul, the foreign ministry, without giving details of Pakistani actions, also reported progress on Afghan complaints that the neighboring country differentiates between "good and bad Taliban."
Afghanistan has long maintained that Pakistani security forces are taking action against anti-state militants but spare and protect insurgents using Pakistani soil for orchestrating cross-border attacks.
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Russian Defense Ministry Has No Plans to Create New Bases in Syria
Sputnik News
19:23 20.03.2017(updated 20:00 20.03.2017)
The Russian Defense Ministry commented on reports claiming Russia is creating a new base in Syria.
Earlier in the day, the Reuters news agency reported that Russian forces were setting up a military base in Afrin in agreement with the YPG.
"There are no plans to create new Russian military bases on the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic," the ministry's press service said.
The Russian Defense Ministry said that a branch of the Russian reconciliation center was deployed near Afrin in the contact line between the Kurds and the Free Syrian Army, according to an agreement between Russia and Turkey on the Syrian ceasefire monitoring.
"To prevent violations of the cessation of hostilities, one of the branches of the Russian center for reconciliation of warring sides [in Syria] was deployed in the province of Aleppo near the Afrin populated area in the contact line between Kurdish militia units and Turkey-controlled units of the Free Syrian Army."
Kurdish YPG units spokesman Redur Xelil told Sputnik earlier in the day that the Kurds and Russia Russia reached an agreement on fighting terrorism which envisages Russian presence near the city of Afrin in northern Syria.
The nationwide Syrian ceasefire that came into force on December 30 is backed by Russia and Turkey; it has been holding up in general, despite continued reports of violations. The UN Security Council passed a resolution in December supporting the effort.
Sputnik
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Russian Airborne Forces Launch Drills in Crimea - Commander
Sputnik News
09:13 20.03.2017(updated 09:21 20.03.2017)
The Russian Airborne Forces launched live-fire combat exercises involving the Black Sea Fleet and the Aerospace Forces, and where three divisions were simultaneously deployed for the first time, the Airborne Forces commander said Monday.
OPUK RANGE (Crimea), (Sputnik) Col. Gen. Andrey Serdyukov told reporters the large-scale command-staff drills involve over 2,500 airborne troops and some 600 pieces of hardware.
"For the first time in the history of the Russian Army within the framework of Airborne Forces exercises, three of our divisions were simultaneously alerted and partially deployed in Crimea with authorized weapons and materiel," Serdyukov said.
Sputnik
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Saudi General Hails US Pledge to Boost Intel, Military Support Against Iran
Sputnik News
00:20 20.03.2017
A top Saudi military general says the Trump Administration has vowed it will significantly increase US intelligence support and defense cooperation with Riyadh against "Iran-backed" Houthis in Yemen.
Brig. Gen. Ahmed al-Asiri, who serves as an adviser to the kingdom's defense minister and a spokesman for the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, told reporters on Friday that Trump Administration officials had promised a Saudi delegation in Washington to increase cooperation in order to counter Iran.
Asiri pointed out that the move would help restore the relationship between the two countries that was shattered during Barack Obama's presidency, apparently implying the nuclear deal with Iran and US blocking arms deals with Riyadh over concerns of human rights violations.
Earlier in March, the State Department approved the resumption of weapons sales to Riyadh, thus signaling that the new US Administration would seek closer ties with the kingdom.
Asiri's comments came in a week that saw President Trump host Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House.
Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Al-Falih, who was part of the delegation, said on Thursday that the visit solidified the importance of the US-Saudi relationship, and that the two nations are fully aligned in confronting "Iranian aggression."
"There is alignment on all of the major issues between the two governments, and it's been, I think, further helped by the personal bond that was created between his royal highness, the deputy crown prince, and President Trump," he told reporters.
Saudi Arabia launched a military intervention in Yemen in 2015 with backing from a coalition of predominantly Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and others. Riyadh's aim is reportedly to restore the government in the country, but experts say it has developed into a proxy war between the Sunni Muslim monarchy and Shiite Iran.
The UN has said that the Saudi-led coalition was responsible for nearly two thirds of almost 4,000 civilian Yemeni deaths between March 2015 and August 2016. Asiri denied that the bombings have resulted in human rights abuses and stressed that the US is not involved in the Saudi-led campaign.
Sputnik
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Spotlight: Syria's key Homs city soon to be rebel free, completely back under gov't control
People's Daily Online
(Xinhua) 09:47, March 19, 2017
The central city of Homs will soon be free of any rebel presence, as the first batch of rebels and their families started evacuating their last stronghold in the city on Saturday under an activated deal with the government.
Busses ready to carry the armed rebels and their families were lined up at the entrance of the al-Wair neighborhood, with government soldiers, policemen, and several Russian military policemen, on alert to secure a smooth process that could see Homs city free of any rebel presence in a matter of days, or weeks, as al-Wair is the last rebel-held neighborhood in the city.
As many as 423 rebels and 1,065 civilians, who are family members of the rebels, evacuated al-Wair on Saturday, with the process ongoing until the evacuation of 10,000 rebels and their families from that large neighborhood at the western outskirts of Homs.
Government officials say those evacuating are from the rebels who refuse to embark on a "reconciliation" with the government, adding that they will be transported to rebel-held areas in the city of Jarablus in the countryside of the northern city of Aleppo.
Saturday's evacuation is actually not the first from al-Wair, as the original agreement for the rebel evacuation was reached in late 2015, when the first batch of rebels left the neighborhood. In 2016, another batch left, and the deal was mired later with renewed tension and battles, until being reactivated this month.
It's worth noting that the first two evacuations were done under the supervision of the UN, but the latest one was reached under the mediation of Russia, with no role of the UN in it.
The governor of Homs said that after the rebel evacuation, over 40,000 people will remain in the neighborhood.
For his part, Ammar Sibai, another official in the Homs Governorate, said that over 100,000 displaced people from al-Wair will return to their homes after the departure of the last rebel batch from the neighborhood.
Previous statistics said that al-Wair used to be a home for 300,000 people ahead of the eruption of the six-year-old war in Syria, and that the number decreased to 75,000 who were besieged by the government forces since 2014.
For the government, regaining the neighborhood is a significant progress that will make them in full control of the city of Homs, which is Syria's third largest city. It's also the heart of Syria due to its location in the central part of the city.
Homs is one of Syria's most important industrial centers, boasting the country's largest oil refinery and key oil and gas fields in its eastern countryside.
The city is also the hub connecting major Syrian cities with one another, and wresting full control over the city will be an important step in the government push to have full control over Syria's major five cities of Damascus, Homs, Latakia, Aleppo and Hama.
For the rebels, losing their last stronghold in Homs is a major blow, following the huge defeat they suffered when the government forces recaptured the entire city of Aleppo in December of last year, after the rebels' evacuation from the eastern part of that key city in northern Syria.
Homs was called the "Capital of Revolution" by the rebels, as it was one of the first cities to join the anti-government movement in Syria in mid-March 2011.
By mid 2012, up to a fifth of the city became under the opposition control. In the same year the government forces unleashed an offensive to capture the fallen areas.
In late 2014, the rebels in the old city of Homs accepted a deal for their evacuation from the ancient part of the city, which has been largely obliterated due to the military campaign in that part of the city.
In 2015, the deal for al-Wair was reached, similar to that of the of old city, before being reactivated on March 14 this year.
"This deal will be conducive in restoring peace and security to the city of Homs in general, and the al-Wair in particular. I think that the next few weeks will see the full evacuation of the rebels from the neighborhood and the return of normal life to the city," Barazi, the Homs governor, told Xinhua at the entrance of al-Wair Saturday.
Following the full evacuation of the rebels from al-Wair, the government efforts will be focused on achieving similar deals in the northern countryside of Homs, where the rebels still hold some areas.
"This deal will help in achieving similar deals in the northern countryside of Homs," Barazi added.
Meanwhile, a Russian officer at the site told Xinhua that his country is guarantor to the activated deal.
"This is why the Russian forces came to Syria, to help our friends restore normal life to this country, and the Russian side is the guarantor to the implementation of this deal in al-Wair and will monitor the execution of the deal," he said.
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Syrian forces retake Damascus areas from militants
Iran Press TV
Mon Mar 20, 2017 11:30AM
Syrian government forces have managed to retake control of areas of Damascus hours after they were captured by foreign-backed Takfiri militants on Sunday.
The militants captured the areas after launching an attack overnight through underground tunnels. The Failaq al-Rahman militant group and al-Qaeda's affiliate in Syria reportedly took part in the assault.
Syria's army "regained control of all the points that terrorists" had infiltrated on Sunday, Syrian state TV quoted an unnamed military official as saying on Monday.
Russia's ambassador to Damascus was also quoted as saying that one of the embassy's buildings was hit with a shell during the fighting.
The militants' overnight advance came after Syrian ground forces and warplanes repelled a multi-pronged attack by the Takfiri terror group Jabhat Fateh al-Sham in Damascus' countryside earlier in the day.
The terrorists and their allies started advancing from the Eastern Ghouta District near the capital early Sunday after which government forces engaged them in the suburban Jobar District later in the day.
The military said it killed and injured a number of the Takfiris, destroyed two of the attackers' explosives-laden vehicles, and stopped them as they tried to make an inroad into the district through underground tunnels.
Jobar separates Eastern Ghouta, which holds large Takfiri concentrations, from Damascus proper.
Jabhat Fateh al-Sham was formerly known as al-Nusra Front before purportedly breaking away from the outfit, which operated as al-Qaeda's Syria branch.
Syria has been gripped by foreign-backed militancy since March 2011. United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura estimates that over 400,000 people have been killed in the conflict.
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Kurdish YPG Hope to Strengthen Cooperation With Russia in Syria
Sputnik News
22:42 20.03.2017
The Kurdish People's Protection Units General Command spokesperson Redur Xelil says that YPG hope to strengthen collaboration with Russia to combat terrorism in Syria.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) hope to strengthen collaboration with Russia to combat terrorism in Syria, YPG General Command spokesperson Redur Xelil told Sputnik on Monday.
"We certainly hope to further strengthen the political and military cooperation to serve the common interest in combating terrorism in Syria," Xelil said when asked if there are any intentions to further enhance cooperation with Russia.
Earlier in the day, Xelil said that the YPG and Russia had reached an agreement on fighting terrorism which envisages Russian presence near the city of Afrin in northern Syria.
Xelil told Sputnik that the Russian military will also help train YPG forces in "modern warfare and counterterrorism and help build direct contact with the Russian Federation without intermediaries."
Also on Monday, the Russian Defense Ministry said one of the branches of the Russian reconciliation center will be established in the Aleppo province in order to prevent violations of the cessation of hostilities in the region of contact between Kurdish militias and Turkey-controlled formations of the Free Syrian Army.
Sputnik
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Syria to Consider Any Military Op Without Gov't Approval As 'Invasion' - Assad
Sputnik News
21:51 20.03.2017(updated 21:52 20.03.2017)
Damascus will consider any military operation without the approval of the Syrian authorities to be an invasion, be it Raqqa or any other city, Syrian President Bashar Assad told Russian journalists.
DAMASCUS (Sputnik) Media reports suggested on Wednesday that 1,000 more troops would be sent into Syria to back the offensive against Daesh in the city of Raqqa.
On March 9, the US-led coalition against Daesh confirmed that a US Marine Corps artillery unit had deployed to Syria to aid local forces in the Raqqa offensive.
"Any military operation in Syria without the approval of the Syrian government is illegal, and I said if there's any troops on the Syrian soil, this is an invasion, whether to liberate Raqqa or any other place. This is first. Second, we all know that the [US-led] coalition has never been serious about fighting ISIS [Daesh] or the terrorists, so we have to think about the real intention of the whole plan, if there's a plan to liberate al-Raqqa," Assad said.
The United States bases its policy not on international law and values, but on its own vision and interests, Assad added.
"The American policy is based on many standards, not double; they have maybe ten standards because they don't base their policy on values or on international law; they base it on their own vision, their own interests, sometimes on the balance of different lobbies and powers within the American institutions. We all know that," Assad said.
Last November, the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces with the assistance of the US-led coalition's airstrikes started the military operation to liberate Raqqa that is considered the terrorist group's major outpost in the country.
Sputnik
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Assad Believes Russia Will Provide Additional Military Assistance
Sputnik News
21:31 20.03.2017(updated 22:01 20.03.2017)
Syrian President Bashar Assad told Russian journalists that he is confident Damascus will receive additional military assistance from Russia if it is required to fight terrorism, but so far the current level of support is sufficient.
DAMASCUS (Sputnik) Since September 2015, Russia has been conduting an anti-terror aerial campaign in Syria at the request of Assad.
"For this stage, the Russian support by air raids was enough for the Syrian Army to advance on different fronts, mainly in Aleppo and Palmyra as you know. I'm sure that if the Syrian and the Russian officials and military officials feel that we need more support to defeat the terrorists, they're going to do it, but till this moment, the level of support is good and effective," Assad said when asked if Syria would ask Russia for more support.
Russia provided substantial assistance to Syria in yet another liberation of Palmyra, Assad added.
"Usually we don't speak about military issues, but there was important support on the ground, but I don't have to tell you the details of that kind of support," Assad told reporters answering the question on the role of Russia in the recent operation in Palmyra.
He added that the city suffered additional damage that is yet to be evaluated.
"I think [Palmyra restoration] not only about Syria and Russia; it's about the UNESCO, it's about the other institutions, and it's about other countries that they always claim that they are worried about the human heritage and human culture and so on," the president added.
"It's not only Syrian heritage; it's international heritage, and I think the whole world should be worried about the destruction of Palmyra," Assad concluded.
On March 2, the Syrian army backed by the Russian military aircraft operating in Syria regained control over Palmyra.
Damascus supports Moscow's various proposals on Syrian settlement, including on the draft constitution, Syrian President Bashar Assad said in an interview with Russian journalists.
Earlier, a draft Syrian constitution, prepared by Russian experts, was presented to the Syrian opposition during the settlement talks in the capital of Kazakhstan. Later, Sputnik obtained the full text of the Syrian constitution drafted by Russia.
"Yesterday, I think, our representative in the United Nations, Mr. [Bashar] Jaafari, announced that we support the Russian initiatives different initiatives, not only this one as headlines, and now we are discussing with the Russians the details," Assad said.
"The problem is that we went to Astana recently, as you know, the other delegation, the delegation of the militants, didn't join that meeting, they didn't go to Astana, and we all believe that this is the negative influence of the Turks. So, how can we start something concrete if you don't have a partner?" he said.
"So, we said we are ready to discuss anything including the constitution, but we need to see who's going to be in Geneva, are they going to discuss the same paper or not? But for us, as a government, our position is very clear: that we are ready to discuss it in details, but we support the headline, of course," Assad said.
Sputnik
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Egyptian authorities will apply a coming American ban on electronic devices in carry-on baggage on flights from Cairo to the US starting on Friday, sources at Cairo airport told Ahram Online.
The US government announced on Tuesday that it would impose the restrictions on flights originating from eight Middle Eastern countries including Egypt, beginning within 96 hours.
Under the new restrictions laptops, tablets, cameras and other devices cannot be transported in hand luggage and must be checked into the hold. Mobile phones are excluded from the ban.
In a statement, Egypt Air said that it would apply the ban on passengers travelling to the US starting from Friday.
Passengers must not "take their laptops, cameras, tablets, e-readers, portable DVD players, electronic games units, travel printers, and scanners on board airplanes, and instead must put them in their luggage, upon the instructions of the American transportation department," read the statement.
A flight from Cairo to New York on Tuesday morning did not apply the new requirements, a source at the airport told Ahram Online, given the grace period of 96 hours to implement the new meaures.
Airport authorities will be responsible for ensuring that airlines are complying with the new regulations.
According to the Associated Press, the ban will apply to nonstop flights to the US from 10 international airports serving the cities of Cairo in Egypt; Amman in Jordan; Kuwait City in Kuwait; Casablanca in Morocco; Doha in Qatar; Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia; Istanbul in Turkey; and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
An aviation-security expert in the US told the Associated Press that the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible terrorist attack.
He added that there could be concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders airport or airline employees in some countries.
Most major airports in the United States have a computer tomography or CT scanner for checked baggage, which creates a detailed picture of a bag's contents. They can warn an operator of potentially dangerous material, and may provide better security than the X-ray machines used to screen passengers and their carry-on bags. All checked baggage must be screened for explosives.
Egypt has faced increased concern about the security of its airport procedures since the deadly crash of a Russian passenger plane in 2015 which took off from Sharm El-Sheikh airport. Local IS militants claimed to have placed a bomb on board the plane.
Egypt has since implemented a raft of new security procedures and inspection equipment both at Sharm El-Sheikh and other Egyptian airports.
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US Received No Notification on Russian Presence in Syria's Afrin - Pentagon
Sputnik News
20:02 20.03.2017(updated 21:10 20.03.2017)
The Pentagon spokesman said that the US Department of Defense hadn't received any official notification from Russia on the country's presence in the Syrian town of Afrin.
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) The US Department of Defense has received no official notification from Russia on the country's presence in the Syrian town of Afrin, Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis said in a briefing on Monday.
"Not that I am aware of," Davis said when asked if Russia has officially notified the United States about its presence in Afrin.
Earlier on Monday, the Syrian Kurdish YPG units spokesman Redur Xelil told Sputnik that the group reached an agreement on fighting terrorism which envisages Russian presence near the city of Afrin in northern Syria.
Davis noted that the Defense Department has seen reports that the Russian forces would train YPG elements.
"The Afrin Kurds, these are not people we have worked with before," the spokesperson added. "Our support is limited to those who are actively fighting ISIS [Daesh]."
Davis said the United States has been supporting the YPG forces east of the Euphrates.
Russian Defense Ministry denied reports on Monday of its alleged plans to deploy a new Russian military base in Afrin. However, the ministry said a branch of the Russian reconciliation center will be established near Afrin.
Sputnik
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Syrian Warplanes Annihilate Militant Supply Lines East of Damascus
Sputnik News
14:42 20.03.2017(updated 14:48 20.03.2017)
Syrian military aircraft carried out a series of strikes on militant supply lines in the eastern suburbs of Damascus, state television reported Monday.
DAMASCUS (Sputnik) The pounded routes were located in the Jobar municipality, as well as Zamalka further east and Harasta northeast of the Syrian capital, according to the Syrian Satellite Channel.
Militants in Damascus use an extensive network of underground communications to transport arms and ammunition from one location to another. They also connect key militant outposts with their main command center in the suburb of the Douma. The detection and elimination of these tunnels is one of the priorities for the Syrian army in the framework of the liberation of the eastern regions of the city from terrorists.
To date, the Syrian military has regained control of all the facilities in the vicinity of an industrial area north of Jobar, eliminating al-Nusra Front militants.
The military operation against positions controlled by Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly known as the Nusra Front) began on December 24 after the militants refused to lay down their weapons and vacate the area.
Sputnik
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Taiwan confirms China's deployment of DF-16 missiles
ROC Central News Agency
2017/03/20 16:15:21
Taipei, March 20 (CNA) Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan () on Monday confirmed that there is a growing military threat from China, which he said has been deploying a new type of medium-range ballistic missiles capable of hitting Taiwan.
Since 2016, China has been pushing military reform, including streamlining its armed forces to improve joint combat capabilities, Feng said in a report to the Legislature on Taiwan's responses to the changing situation in East Asia since U.S. President Donald Trump took office.
In recent years, China's air and naval forces have built main and auxiliary combat ships and produced the J-10, J-11 and J-15 fighter jets, bought Russian Su-35 fighter jets and unveiled their most advanced stealth J-20 fighter jets, Feng said.
As part of the weapons modernization program to strengthen its combat power, China has also been deploying Dong Feng-16 (DF-16) ballistic missiles capable of launching precise attacks on Taiwan proper, Feng said.
In a report last year, the U.S. Pentagon said that the DF-16, with a range of 800-1,000 km, coupled with the already deployed conventional land-attack and anti-ship variants of the CSS-5 (DF-21C/D) medium-range ballistic missile (MRBM), would improve China's ability to strike not only Taiwan, but other regional targets.
The DF-16 represents an increased threat to Taiwan because it is difficult to intercept with anti-ballistic missiles systems such as the MIM-104 Patriot PAC-3, according to U.S. media reports.
Currently, at least 12-16 DF-16 missiles are in service and judging from the fact that they are deployed in southern China's Guangdong Province, they are likely targeted at Taiwan, Forbes quoted U.S. defense expert Mark Stokes as saying in February.
Forbes said in a report on its website that the DF-16's range gives it the capability to strike targets along the first island chain -- the physical island features that sit between the Chinese coast and the Western Pacific, including the main islands of Japan, the Ryukyu chain, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
However, Feng said Taiwan has advanced surveillance systems that can detect any unusual movements by Chinese forces around the island and has weapons capable of fending off any DF-16 missile attacks from outside its borders with the U.S.-made PAC-3 system.
Over the past few months, he said, China's air and naval forces have conducted six drills and training sessions near Taiwan and in the Western Pacific Ocean.
During one such exercise last December, China's only aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, cruised into the Western Pacific Ocean for the first time via the waterway between Okinawa and Miyakojima Island, Feng said.
In addition, China's retired military officers have been exaggerating the potential for military conflict across the Taiwan Strait in an apparent intimidation effort to force Taiwan into accepting Beijing's plans for relations between the two sides, Feng said.
Turning to the situation in East Asia, Feng said the U.S. is likely to adjust its security policy in the Asia Pacific in line with its ambition to dominate affairs in the region.
On the issue of Taiwan's response to any regional instability, Feng said Taiwan will improve its early warning systems and hone its combat forces to display its defense capabilities, while maintaining its role as a peacemaker to expand cooperation with other countries in the region.
The hotspots include the Korean Peninsula, the Diaoyutai Islands in the East China Sea, and the South China Sea area, he said.
(By Hsieh Chia-chen and Evelyn Kao)
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China Has Medium Range Dongfeng Missiles Possibly Targeting Taiwan
Sputnik News
10:42 20.03.2017
China may be keeping Dongfeng 16 medium range missiles trained on its breakaway region of Taiwan, local media reported Monday, citing Taiwanese Defense Minister Feng Shih-kuan.
MOSCOW (Sputnik) The Dongfeng 16 missiles have a range of 1,600 kilometers (roughly 995 miles) and Taiwanese anti-ballistic missile systems would have difficulty intercepting them, which, coupled with other Chinese missile deployments, demonstrated modernization of weapons that could be aimed at Taiwan, the China Post newspaper reported, citing a report delivered by Feng to the Legislative Yuan.
Feng reportedly said that Taiwan would upgrade its early warning systems and strengthen response measures while at the same time keeping up the policy aimed at peace and communication.
Since 1949, when the Kuomindang forces were moved to Taiwan after being defeated by Mao Zedong's communists, Beijing has regarded the island as its breakaway province. In 1992, the two sides reached a consensus that there is only one China, although they did not lay out the full meaning and all implications of "one China." However, this consensus presupposed that Taiwan would not seek formal independence.
Sputnik
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Beijing Lashes Out Against US Over Taiwan Weapons Deal
Sputnik News
01:09 21.03.2017(updated 08:42 21.03.2017)
The Chinese foreign ministry spokeswoman has called for the US to terminate its deal with Taiwan as a means for maintaining Sino-US relations.
China's opposition to any US-Taiwan weapons deal or upgrade package is a "consistent" and "clear-cut" position that Beijing has long held, spokeswoman Hua Chunying told the Japan Times. Assisting the defenses of Taiwan is recognized by the Chinese Foreign Ministry as an extremely delicate situation, and China hopes leaders in Washington "fully" understand the "serious harmfulness" imposed by selling weapons to Taiwan.
Ending the deal is crucial for keeping the Taiwan Strait peaceful, Hua noted. The Taiwan Strait has played host to military exercises by the US Navy's USS Carl Vinson as well as the People's Liberation Army Navy's Liaoning aircraft carrier.
After President Barack Obama's administration scuttled a $1 billion arms package to Taiwan in his final months in office, a move that shortly followed President Donald Trump giving audience to Taiwanese leader Tsai Ing-wen over the phone, Taiwanese lawmakers praised Washington's willingness to supply a more sophisticated weapons package under the Trump administration, the South China Morning Post reported.
"We welcome such a move, but it is more important for us to be able to decide our own weapons needs," parliamentarian Lu Yu-ling said. Huang Wei-che of the opposition party said Taiwan would be wise to approach Trump with caution due to his "mercenary character," the Post noted.
If recent trends suggest anything, don't expect the US to back down from its role as one of the world's most active and prolific supplier of sophisticated weaponry, including missiles, naval ships, and of course, the insanely expensive and therefore high revenue generating F-35s.
In 2015, the US dominated the global weapons market, Sputnik reported, citing the Congressional Research Service. The value of all transfer agreements in 2015 added up to $79.9 billion, the report said, making the US' $40.2 billion in sales represented market share 50.29%.
A recent report sent from the Taiwanese ministry of defense to parliament said that Taiwan would respond to invasions by "striking enemy troops at their home bases" and "fighting them at sea," pointing out that Beijing has never excluded the possibility of entering armed conflict to reclaim Taiwan.
The weapons package is thought to consist of parts and equipment accelerating the modernization of Taiwan's F-16s into F-16Vs as well as defense missiles.
Sputnik
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UK troops arrive in Estonia for major NATO deployment
18 March 2017
Around 120 UK troops have arrived in Estonia as part of one of the biggest British deployments to Eastern Europe in decades.
Soldiers from the 5th Battalion The Rifles Battlegroup (5 RIFLES), including members of an Armoured Engineer Squadron, Military Police Detachment, Artillery Group and Port Task Group, arrived at Amari airbase last night.
They were welcomed by Estonia's Defence Minister Margus Tsahkna, having flown from RAF Brize Norton by Voyager aircraft.
The 120 soldiers are fundamental to setting up a UK headquarters in the country before the rest of the UK deployment arrives next month, increasing the total number of troops in Estonia to around 800.
The UK is taking a leading role in NATO's enhanced Forward Presence, alongside several other contributing nations. The deployments are designed to assure NATO allies of the mutual commitment to collective European security.
Working alongside the UK forces this year will be French personnel, and from next year, Danish partners. All are there at the request of the Estonian Government. The Battlegroup will provide a proportionate, defensive, and combat capable force to defend our NATO ally and deter any form of hostile activity against the Alliance.
The UK-led Estonia Battlegroup is one of four NATO multinational deployments to the eastern part of the Alliance. Other nations are deploying to Latvia, Lithuania and Poland, the last of which will include 150 UK personnel, on a persistent, rotational basis.
Defence Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said:
"In the face of an increasingly assertive Russia, NATO is stepping up its commitment to collective defence. British troops will play a leading role in Estonia and support our US allies in Poland, as part of wider efforts to defend NATO."
"Our rising defence budget means we can support those deployments in the long-term and strengthen our commitment to European security."
Commanding Officer of 5 Rifles Lieutenant Colonel Mark Wilson added:
"The UK and Estonia have a long and proud history of serving together, including in Afghanistan, so it is an honour to lead 5 RIFLES on this deployment as part of NATO's enhanced Forward Presence. My soldiers are looking forward to again be working, training and exercising alongside their Estonian counterparts."
This week, around 300 UK vehicles have also departed to Estonia, including Warrior infantry fighting vehicles, Challenger 2 tanks and AS90 self-propelled artillery pieces. These vehicles, loaded onto a Roll-On-Roll-Off ferry, are currently on their way and set to arrive towards the middle of next week. French armoured vehicles, including tanks, are also due to arrive in Estonia via train after being loaded yesterday.
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May to trigger Brexit process on March 29
Iran Press TV
Mon Mar 20, 2017 5:56PM
UK Prime Minister Theresa May will trigger the process of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union on March 29, launching the two year exit negotiations likely to be the most complex London has held since World War Two.
Britain's ambassador to the EU, Tim Barrow, informed European Council President Donald Tusk on Monday about the date when the UK intends to invoke Article 50 of the EU Treaty, the mechanism for starting the Brexit process.
The United Kingdom held a referendum last June in which Britons voted by a 52-48 percent margin to leave the EU, the first member state ever to do so.
Brexit Minister David Davis said the withdrawal process will take Britain to "the threshold of the most important negotiation for this country for a generation."
"The government is clear in its aims: a deal that works for every nation and region of the UK and indeed for all of Europe - a new, positive partnership between the UK and our friends and allies in the European Union," Davis added.
The notification of triggering Article 50 will come in the form of a letter to Tusk next week, which will likely plunge Britain into a period of intense uncertainty.
Article 50 allows for two years of talks to decide an EU member state's separation terms, "taking account of the framework for its future relationship with the Union."
May has said she wants to make Brexit as painless as possible. But EU leaders, anxious to avoid encouraging others in the 28-member bloc to split, have said they will not give May an easy ride.
Although Britain as whole voted to leave the EU, Scotland and Northern Ireland voted to stay in the bloc.
The Brexit vote in June has prompted nationalists in Scotland and Northern Ireland to call for a referendum on independence from the United Kingdom.
Scotland's First Minister Nicola Sturgeon wants her country to hold a referendum on Scottish independence immediately after Britain's exit from the EU.
The largest Irish nationalist party, Sinn Fein, has also called for a referendum on splitting from the United Kingdom and uniting with the Republic of Ireland "as soon as possible."
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Alan Burkitt-Gray speaks to Don MacNeil, chief operating officer of GTT, about its company restructuring after coming out of Chapter 11 and its strategic roadmap for the next 12 months.
Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi stressed strengthening ties with France during a meeting on Tuesday with a delegation from the Egyptian-French friendship committee headed by Catherine Mouran, head of the education and media committee in the French senate.
Presidential spokesperson Alaa Youssef highlighted the president's appreciation for the committees efforts in enhancing bilateral ties between Egypt and France, stressing the importance of ongoing organisation and cooperation between the two countries on all levels.
The French delegation reaffirmed France's commitment to cooperation with Egypt, especially in aiding the Arab country's economic reform programme and counter-terrorism efforts.
Egypt has been developing closer ties with France in the last two years, with the two countries signing a number of military deals including the purchase by Egypt of 24 Rafale fighter jets and a multipurpose frigate in June 2016.
President El-Sisi also received on Tuesday a German delegation consisting of former chancellor Gerhard Shroeder and Martin Herrenknecht, the president of Herrenknecht AG, the German manufacturer of tunnel boring machines, which is executing the Suez Canal tunnels project.
El-Sisi praised during the meeting the commitment and dedication of German companies working to execute mega projects in the country.
Egypt and Germany have strengthened economic, military and political ties over the past three years.
German company Siemens signed in 2015 an 8 billion euro ($9.05 billion) deal with Egypt to build gas and wind power plants to ease the country's electric power shortages.
In 2014, Egypt signed a deal to buy three German submarines.
In February, German Chancellor Angela Merkel stressed cooperation between both countries in combating terrorism and irregular migration during a meeting with El-Sisi in Cairo.
El-Sisi met with Merkel in Berlin in May 2015 during his first official visit to Europe.
English Lithuanian
Vilnius, Lithuania, 2017-03-20 18:34 CET (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the initiative and decision of the Management company of INVL Baltic Real Estate the General Shareholders Meeting of INVL Baltic Real Estate (identification code 152105644, the registered address Gyneju str. 14 Vilnius, Lithuania) is to be held on 11 April 2017 at 9:00 in the premises located in Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius).
Registration of the shareholders will start at 8:30 a.m.
Only the persons who are the shareholders of the Company at the end of the accounting day of the General Shareholders Meeting (4 April 2017) are entitled to participate and to vote at the General Shareholders meeting.
Shareholders rights accounting day will be April 26, 2017.
The agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting of INVL Baltic Real Estate includes:
1. Presentation of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate consolidated annual report.
2. Presentation of the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate.
3. On the approval of the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2016 of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate.
4. Regarding the distribution of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate profit.
5. Approval of the regulations of the Audit Committee.
6. Regarding election of the Audit Committee members.
7. Regarding approval of the remuneration for the Audit Committee members.
Draft resolutions of the General Shareholders meeting of INVL Baltic Real Estate:
1. Presentation of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate consolidated annual report.
Shareholders of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate are presented with the consolidated annual report of Baltic Real Estate (There is no voting on this issue of agenda).
2. Presentation of the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate.
Shareholders of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate are presented with the independent auditor's report on the financial statements of INVL Baltic Real Estate (There is no voting on this issue of agenda).
3. On the approval of the consolidated and stand-alone financial statements for 2016 of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate.
To approve the consolidated and companies financial statements for 2016 of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate.
4. Regarding the distribution of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate profit.
To distribute the profit of the special closed-ended type real estate investment company INVL Baltic Real Estate as follows:
Article (thousand EUR) Retained earnings (loss) at the beginning of the financial year of the reporting period 1,091 Net profit (loss) for the financial year 4,710 Profit (loss) not recognized in the income statement of the reporting financial year (242) Transfers from reserves - Shareholders contributions to cover loss - Distributable profit (loss) in total 5,559 Profit distribution: (1,025) - Profit transfers to the legal reserves (236) -Profit transfers to the reserves for own shares acquisition - - Profit transfers to other reserves - - Profit to be paid as dividends* (789) - Profit to be paid as annual payments (bonus) and for other purposes - Retained earnings (loss) at the end of the financial year 4,534
*0.012 EUR is paid for one share
5. Approval of the regulations of the Audit Committee.
To approve the regulations of the Audit Committee of INVL Baltic Real Estate (enclosed).
6. Regarding election of the Audit Committee members.
To cancel Danute Kadanaite and Thomas Bubinas from INVL Baltic Real Estate audit committee members. To elect Danguole Pranckeniene (independent member) and Tomas Bubinas (independent member) to the Audit Committee of INVL Baltic Real Estate for the 4 (four) years term of office.
7. Regarding approval of the remuneration for the Audit Committee members.
For a work in the Audit Committee of INVL Baltic Real Estate, to set a rate not higher than EUR 145 per hour. To delegate to the Management company of INVL Baltic Real Estate to determine the remuneration payment procedure for the Audit Committee members.
The documents related to the agenda, draft resolutions on every item of agenda, documents what have to be submitted to the General Shareholders Meeting and other information related to realization of shareholders rights are available at the office of INVL Baltic Real Estate (Gyneju str. 14, Vilnius) during working hours.
The shareholders are entitled: (i) to propose to supplement the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting submitting draft resolution on every additional item of agenda or, than there is no need to make a decision - explanation of the shareholder (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes). Proposal to supplement the agenda is submitted in writing by registered mail or delivered in person against signature. The agenda is supplemented if the proposal is received no later than 14 before the General Shareholders Meeting; (ii) to propose draft resolutions on the issues already included or to be included in the agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting at any time prior to the date of the General Shareholders meeting (in writing, by registered mail or delivered in person against signature) or in writing during the General Shareholders Meeting (this right is granted to shareholders who hold shares carrying at least 1/20 of all the votes); (iii) to submit questions to the Company related to the issues of agenda of the General Shareholders Meeting in advance but no later than 3 business days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting in writing by registered mail or delivered in person against signature.
Shareholder participating at the General Shareholders Meeting and having the right to vote must submit documents confirming personal identity. Each shareholder may authorize either a natural or a legal person to participate and to vote on the shareholder's behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. The representative has the same rights as his represented shareholder at the General Shareholders Meeting. The authorized persons must have documents confirming their personal identity and power of attorney approved in the manner specified by law which must be submitted to the Company no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. Shareholder is entitled to issue power of attorney by means of electronic communications for legal or natural persons to participate and to vote on its behalf at the General Shareholders Meeting. The shareholders must inform the Company about power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications no later than before the commencement of registration for the General Shareholders Meeting. The power of attorney issued by means of electronic communications and notice about it must be written and submitted to the Company by means of electronic communications.
Shareholder or its representative may vote in writing by filling general voting bulletin, in such a case the requirement to deliver a personal identity document does not apply. The form of general voting bulletin is presented at the Company's webpage. If shareholder requests, the Company shall send the general voting bulletin to the requesting shareholder by registered mail or shall deliver it in person against signature no later than 10 days prior to the General Shareholders Meeting free of charge. The filled general voting bulletin must be signed by the shareholder or its authorized representative. Document confirming the right to vote must be added to the general voting bulletin if authorized person is voting. The filled general voting bulletin must be delivered to INVL Baltic Real Estate by registered mail (address Gyneju str. 14, LT-01109 Vilnius, Lithuania) or in person against signature no later than before the day of the General Shareholders Meeting.
The Company does not provide opportunities to participate and vote at the meeting by electronic means. Information related with the convened General Shareholders Meeting (notice on convocation of General Shareholders Meeting, information about Company's shares, draft resolution, etc.) are available at Company's webpage www.invlbalticrealestate.com.
Egypt's cabinet decided on Tuesday to raise the price of multiple entry tourist visas from $35 to $60, while maintaining the old rate of $25 for single entry visas.
Tourism minister Yehia Rashed said in press statements that the cabinet approved the decision following a meeting headed by Prime Minister Sherif Ismail.
The minister did not specify when the change would be implemented.
In February, Egyptian officials said the country would introduce new visa hikes for both single and multiple entry visas, from $25 to $60 and $35 to $70, respectively.
Shortly after, however, the cabinet decided to postpone the implementation of the new prices from March till July, without giving a reason for the delay.
However, sources in the tourism sector have said that the price measure was postponed after Egypt's foreign ministry received complaints from the tourism sector saying the fee hike was too sudden and would negatively impact the tourism industry.
Egypt last increased its visa fee in April 2014, from $15 to $25.
Egypt has struggled to attract tourists scared off by the political turmoil that followed the 2011 uprising that ousted president Hosni Mubarak.
Tourism took another hit in 2015 after a Russian airliner crashed in Sinai, leading to the suspension of flights from several European countries, including Russia and the UK.
The countrys tourism revenues dropped to $3.4 billion in 2016 a 44.3 percent decline from the previous year the Central Bank of Egypt said in January.
The figure is a far cry from the $11 billion in revenues generated by the sector in 2010, when 14.7 million tourists visited the country.
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The foreign ministers of Egypt and Sudan have said that they reject "unacceptable transgressions" that would drive a wedge between the two countries, after exchanges between media figures erupted this week regarding which country has the historical right to Egypts southern Halayeb Triangle region.
In a phone conversation on Tuesday, Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry and his Sudanese counterpart Ibrahim Ghandour expressed their "full rejection of unacceptable transgressions or insults between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Egypt's foreign ministry on Tuesday said.
The two ministers denounced what they called "attempts to stir [agitation] as well as the irresponsible handling [of issues] by some social media users and media outlets," the statement said, without elaborating.
Media outlets in both countries exchanged attacks in recent days after Sudans media minister said in public statements that his country's civilisation is older than that of Egypt.
Media figures have also argued over Egypts Halayeb Triangle region, which comprises three cities and has been a source of tension between both countries for decades, with rows occurring at times over the right to manage the area's petroleum resources.
During Tuesday's call, the two FMs agreed to put into effect cooperation plans recently endorsed by a joint presidential committee of the two countries.
Also on Tuesday, the Egyptian parliament's national security and defence committee said in a statement that it was surprised by Sudanese officials recently claiming that the two Red Sea cities of Halayeb and Shalateen are part of Sudan and that Egypt should cede them to the Sudanese government.
The committee said that Halayeb and Shalateen have always been part of Egypt, and that Sudan should respect this.
Head of the committee Kamal Amer also told reporters that "it is regrettable that Sudanese officials still insist on occasionally issuing such hostile statements."
"As Sudan itself was part of the pre-1952 Egyptian kingdom, the king of Egypt was also called the king of Egypt and Sudan," said Amer, adding that "when Sudan became an independent state in 1956, Halayeb and Shalateen remained a part of Egypt, and no Sudanese officials said at that time that the two cities were theirs."
Amer added that all internationally-recognised maps show that Halayeb and Shalateen have always been 100 percent Egyptian and most of the tribes living there are Egyptian.
Amer's statement came in response to Abdallah Sadek, head of Sudan's technical border demarcation committee, who announced last week that newly-discovered documents show that Halayeb and Shalateen are historically part of Sudan.
Mostafa Bakri, a journalist and a member of the Egyptian parliament's national security committee, told reporters that a meeting between Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Sudan's President Omar Al-Bashir should be held to resolve this issue.
Bakri and other MPs believe that Sudan's hostile statements came after Sheikha Moza, the mother of Qatar's emir Tamim bin Hamad, visited Sudan last week.
"We hope that the media in Egypt and Sudan will stop pouring oil on the fire and not allow Qatar to drive a wedge between the two countries," said Bakri.
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Authorities rescued a woman and her dog after they were swept into the Dan River on Monday afternoon.
The woman was walking with her animal, a bird dog, on the Danville Riverwalk Trail near the Danville Family YMCA when the dog jumped in the river, according to Danville Police Capt. Tim Jones.
The dog was chasing birds and went into the river. The woman got pulled in the river behind the animal, Jones said.
Danville police received the call at 1:45 p.m. Monday about a woman in the water.
Officers and Danville Life Saving Crew members rescued the woman and her dog near the Long Mill Dam.
The woman was sent to Danville Regional Medical Center for treatment. The dog is doing well, according to Jones.
Gary Thomas, a candidate for the Pittsylvania County Board of Supervisors, has been asked in writing by the county administrator to stop portraying himself as working on behalf of the county until your membership on the Board of Supervisors is established by election.
The County has been made aware that you have been speaking with several companies about locating in Pittsylvania County, stated a March 14 letter to Thomas from county administrator David Smitherman, obtained by the Register & Bee through a Freedom of Information Act request. It has also come to our attention that you may have represented yourself as working on behalf of the County in those endeavors. It was reported that you have represented yourself as a member of the Board of Supervisors and working in cooperation with the Countys Economic Development Department.
While your interest in moving Pittsylvania County forward is appreciated, it is not productive to the Countys efforts that you engage in this activity. Please do not present yourself as representing Pittsylvania County Government until your membership on the Board of Supervisors is established by election. Additionally, please do not contact any existing or potential economic development clients; our professional staff is well equipped to represent the County in such matters.
Thomas, a retired agricultural teacher seeking the GOP nomination, announced about three weeks ago he was running for the Callands-Gretna seat on the board of supervisors. At that time, he told the Register & Bee he hoped to bring two N.C. companies to the region Covington Spirits and Mission Foods.
Thomas, reached March 16, acknowledged receipt of Smithermans letter.
I agree to what the letter requests me to do, he said.
The letter does not name any companies that had been contacted by Thomas. However, emails sent by Thomas to Pittsylvania County Economic Development Director Matt Rowe in Feb. 28, March 1 and March 9 and obtained by the Register & Bee references the two North Carolina companies.
Thomas said in an interview with the Register & Bee on March 2 he was working with Danvilles Economic Development Department to bring Mission Foods to the old Dimon Tobacco Plant on Kentuck Road. Thomas also said he had scheduled a visit to Mission Foods plant in Goldsboro, North Carolina, with Danville Economic Development Director Telly Tucker.
However, in a letter to the Register & Bee, Danville City Attorney W. Clarke Whitfield Jr. said Tucker has no intentions of traveling to North Carolina with Mr. Thomas.
Rowe, meanwhile, said Pittsylvania County has not reached out to the companies.
The county has not been integrally involved with any of those contacts, Rowe said. Hes emailed us and kept us in the loop as far as his dealing with the companies, but we have not made active contact with any of the companies.
Repeated attempts to reach representatives from Mission Foods and Covington Spirits were unsuccessful.
Rowe said county officials are aware of what companies Thomas has contacted.
We know that companies that hes contacted, that he has led them to believe that the county is actively interested and involved in them relocating to Pittsylvania County, Rowe said. As far as any specific deals, were not willing to disclose whether or not Mr. Thomas has made any promises to companies.
Pittsylvania County Republican Party Chairman Will Pace issued a statement last week on Thomas Republican candidacy.
Given these events, a number of citizens have expressed to me major concerns about Mr. Thomas suitability as a Republican candidate for the board of supervisors, Pace said in a March 15 email to the Register & Bee.
While I do find Mr. Thomas actions very disturbing, I do not have the authority to determine who may or may not seek the Republican nomination for the seat, Pace said. This determination is left to my fellow Republicans at our planned mass meeting in March.
That meeting will be held at 7 p.m. March 30 at the Pittsylvania County Courthouse.
Danville Community College plans to eliminate eight positions including six faculty members to prepare for system-wide budget cuts.
Virginia colleges and universities have to cut back by about 4.5 percent to help make up for a projected state shortfall. This is smaller than a planned 7.5 percent reduction, but still enough to facilitate cutting DCC positions.
At the end of the day, what came out of the legislature was about a 4.5 or 4.6 reduction in higher education, which is still a sizeable chunk of money, DCC President Bruce Scism said during a college board meeting Monday. Enrollment is continuing to decline, so we did have to submit a reduction plan that is pretty substantial.
DCC Vice President of Academic and Student Services Debra Holley told the Register & Bee after the board meeting the reduction plan included cutting eight positions, including six faculty members.
Scism said the community college would continue to combat enrollment decline by expanding new programs and certificates. Many of the new initiatives were partnerships with local and national organizations and localities, which would substantially decrease costs.
I still think that our future is in new curricula initiatives and opportunities for enrollment in programs that will have relevance and meaning, Scism said.
DCC student enrollment is down 10.5 percent this school year, while the entire Virginia Community College System is down 5.5 percent. The downward trend has been happening since shortly after the Great Recession when potential students started heading back to work.
Scism said he also wanted to pursue more of the $4 million available in workforce training funding for community colleges. Scism said DCC used about $20,000 from that funding pool this school year. He pointed to an incoming truck-driving program as something that would use the workforce funding.
DCC Dean of Business, Engineering and Industrial Technology Jimmie Tickle also presented to the board on a new program bringing classes to inmates at Green Rock Correctional Facility in Chatham. DCC was one of two Virginia schools awarded a Pell Grant for the program.
With 50 percent of Green Rock inmates set to be released in 5 years or less, the location was perfect for the program, Tickle said. With five instructors teaching about 20-30 each class, Tickle said about 120 students will move through the program every nine months.
The program will expand to other facilities in the future.
VANCOUVER - Southern Lithium Corp. (TSX-V: SNL FSE: SL5) ("Southern" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that Southern Lithium Corp. has engaged the services of Small Cap Invest Ltd. ("SCI"), a Frankfurt-based business development and PR firm, to provide the company with public relations and business development support in Germany and Europe. Alexander Friedrich is the President and Chief Executive Officer of SCI.
SCI has had extensive experience and a strong track record of success working with promising growth companies in increasing their visibility and access to capital through SCI's extensive network of experienced partners and investors in Europe. The SCI team has an extensive background in the European financial community and uses this to facilitate the listing of stocks, introductions to investors through road shows and trade shows, securing public funding and private financing, and a variety of other business development activities.
Southern Lithium's CEO, Mr. Clive Massy commented, "I am extremely pleased to be working alongside SCI and Alexander Friedrich with purpose of increasing public awareness of Southern Lithium and presenting Southern Lithium to an expanding international investing audience. SCI's track record simply increases my confidence that we will be successful in our objective."
About the Cruz Property
Through its partner Millennial Lithium Corp., the Company has executed a formal option agreement with Proyecto Pastos Grandes S.A. ("PPG SA"), a wholly owned subsidiary of Millennial, to be granted an option to acquire an eighty percent (80%) interest in the PPG SA's Cruz Property in the Pocitos Salar Basin in Salta Province, Argentina.
The Cruz Property is located in the heart of South America's Lithium Triangle (northern Chile, northwestern Argentina and southwest Bolivia). The property encompasses 2,500 hectares in the Pocitos Salar Basin in Salta Province, Argentina, and lies 11 kilometres south of ADY Resources Limited's lithium brine resource in the Salar del Rincon Basin.
The Cruz property is adjacent to the Rincon volcanic center that defines the southern limit of the Rincon Salar Basin, where ADY Resources Limited is extracting lithium brine, and the northern limit of the Pocitos Salar Basin, where the Cruz property is located. Both properties lie along the structural belt that hosts the important lithium resources of the region, and at the junction of a large north-south fault system and the northwest-southeast megastructure along which lies the Rincon volcano, the possible source of the lithium brine in both salar basins.
The 60-kilometre long Pocitos salar basin has previously only been drill tested with a shallow 12-hole program in the 1970s, by an Argentinean government agency "Direccion General de Fabricaciones Militares". To date, this is the only confirmed exploration drilling conducted in the Pocitos basin. The hole that produced the best results is near the southeast edge of the Cruz property boundary, and averaged 417 parts per million; note that these results are considered historical and cannot be confirmed under NI 43-101 standards.
Southern Private Placement
As previously announced on February 7, 2017, the Company announced a non-brokered private placement of 4,000,000 units (each "Unit") at a purchase price of $0.25 per Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. Each Unit will consist of one (1) common share ("Common Share") of the Company and one (1) non-transferable share purchase warrant ("Warrant").
Each Warrant will entitle the holder to acquire one (1) Common Share at an exercise price of $0.35 for a period of 18 months from the closing date of the Private Placement. In the event that the Company's common shares trade at a closing price greater than $0.50 per share for a period of 10 consecutive trading days at any time after the closing date, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof and in such case the Warrants will expire on the 30th day after the date hereafter referred to as the ("Forced Conversion Feature") on which such notice is given by the Company.
The private placement is subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval. There will be a hold period of four months and one day on all securities issued under this financing.
About Southern Lithium Corp. (TSX-V: SNL FSE: SL5)
Southern Lithium Corp. is a resource exploration company engaged in the business of acquiring and exploring minerals properties. Southern Lithium Corp. has assembled an experienced management team with a growth strategy to develop portfolio of Lithium projects. The Company's main objective is to add shareholder value through exploration and development of high quality resources through strategic acquisitions, joint ventures, and marketing while maintaining a lower risk profile through project diversification and sound, cost-effective financial management. With the potential acquisition of the Cruz property, Southern Lithium intends to establish its presence in the Pocitos basin and further deliver on its mission to secure technically superior lithium projects. The Company is only focusing on projects of the highest technical merit in favorable geopolitical jurisdictions.
Further information about the Company is available on our website at www.southernlithium.com or under our profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
"Clive H. Massey"
Chief Executive Officer
For further information, please contact:
Southern Lithium Corp.
Sam Eskandari
Phone: +1.416.918.6785
Email: ir@southernlithium.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release includes forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within it, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws.
###
Copyright (c) 2017 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.
Boise, Idaho (FSCwire) - Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. (the Company or Thunder Mountain) (TSX-V: THM; OTCQB: THMG) is pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has appointed Mr. Paul Beckman as a director of Thunder Mountain Gold.
We are delighted to have Paul join our Board, explained Eric Jones, Thunder Mountain Gold President and CEO. His enthusiasm for the South Mountain Project is unparalleled, and as a member of our Board, Mr. Beckman will add independence to the Board, and representation of a broad shareholder base. His experience will provide abilities that guide the advancement of our South Mountain Project.
Mr. Beckman is an entrepreneur and owner of Bella Vista Farms, in Eagle Idaho. Paul serves as Manager and Consultant to the Camille Beckman Corporation where he oversees technology, accounting systems, and daily facility operations. He currently serves on the Board of the Camille Beckman Foundation, and is the co-owner of two small gold mines in central Idaho.
Paul attained the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force where he was a Director - Contracting Automation Systems, managing over 150 personnel responsible for Air Force Contracting Systems. During his service he consolidated two major commands and served as a Missile Launch Officer, Pilot, and Contracting Officer. Paul earned his M.A., in Administration at Webster College, and a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Idaho.
Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc, is a U.S. based exploration company founded in 1935, with direct ownership interest in two U.S. precious and base metal projects. The Companys principal asset is The South Mountain Project a zinc-silver-gold project with copper and lead, formerly producing in the 1940`s, and located in southern Idaho`s Owyhee County. The Company`s Trout Creek Project is a grass roots gold target, drill ready, and located in the Eureka-Battle Mountain trend of central Nevada. For more information on Thunder Mountain Gold, please visit the Companys website at www.Thundermountaingold.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect the Company's current expectations. The forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, which could change materially in the future. By their nature, forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required in accordance with applicable laws.
Cautionary Note to Investors
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) permits mining companies, in their filings with the SEC, to disclose only those mineral deposits that a company can economically and legally extract or produce.
For further information, please contact:
Thunder Mountain Gold, Inc.
Eric Jones Jim Collord
President and Chief Executive Officer Chief Operating Officer
eric@thundermountaingold.com jim@thundermountaingold.com
Tel: (208) 658-1037 Tel: (208) 658-1037
To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/ThunderMtnMar212017.pdfSource: Thunder Mountain Gold Inc. (TSX Venture:THM, OTCQB:THMG)
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Copyright 2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
Toronto, Ontario (FSCwire) - West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. (West Red Lake Gold or the Company) (CSE: RLG) (FSE: HYK) (OTCQB: RLGMF) announces that it has completed 3,014 metres of diamond drilling in nine holes as part of ongoing exploration work on the 3,100 hectare West Red Lake Project located in the prolific Red Lake Gold District, Northwestern Ontario, Canada. All drill core has been logged and samples have been sent out for assay. It is anticipated that results will be released before the end of April.
The current phase of diamond drilling was designed to further explore and expand the Rowan Mine Zones to depth and down plunge and along strike to the east and to the west where they remain open.
Mr. John Kontak, President of West Red Lake Gold Mines stated We are very pleased that we are continuing our diamond drilling programs on our promising Red Lake property during 2017. We continue to believe that the property holds significant exploration potential and follow-up drilling is planned to continue in the effort to expand the Rowan Mine Zones.
The Rowan Mine Zones lie within the east-west trending regional shear structure known as the Pipestone Bay St Paul Deformation Zone (the PBS Zone) which is a regional geological structure that crosses the Company property and continues east to the town of Red Lake. Gold zones are hosted within a sequence of hydrothermally altered mafic volcanics with intercalated felsic volcanics and porphyries as well as ultramafics. The gold mineralization is associated with quartz veining and increased iron sulphide mineralization. Three former gold mines on the West Red Lake Project property are situated on the PBS Zone. The regional scale Golden Arm Structure and the sub-parallel NT Zone cross onto the West Red Lake Project from the south boundary and trend northeast for 2 km to where they merge and intersect with the PBS Zone.
The intersection of the regional scale geological structures form the structural intersection target area (the Structural Intersection) which is located 1.5 km east of the Rowan Mine shaft. The Company has identified an attractive drill target in the southeast quadrant of the Structural Intersection where a geophysical target is underlain by a mafic-ultramafic contact. Most of the significant gold deposits in Red Lake are found in association with a contact of mafic and ultramafic rocks.
The Company property is situated on the Red Lake Archean Greenstone Belt which hosts the high grade gold mines of the Red Lake Gold District. Twenty km to the east of the Company property a similar geologically important intersection of two regional gold bearing structures occurs proximal to the world class Red Lake Mine and Campbell Mine, providing a highly favourable geological model believed to be similar to that seen at the Structural Intersection and illustrating the significant exploration potential for high grade gold zones on the Companys West Red Lake Project.
Technical Information
The technical information presented in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Kenneth Guy, P.Geo., a consultant to West Red Lake Gold and the Qualified Person for exploration at the West Red Lake Project, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (NI 43-101).
West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. is a Toronto-based minerals exploration company focused on gold exploration and development in the prolific Red Lake Gold District of Northwest Ontario, Canada. The Red Lake Gold District is host to some of the richest gold deposits in the world and has produced 30 million ounces of gold from high grade zones. The Company has assembled a significant property position totalling 3,100 hectares in west Red Lake (the "West Red Lake Project") which contains three former gold mines. The Mount Jamie Mine and Red Summit Mine properties are 100% owned by the Company and the Rowan Mine property is held in a 60%-owned joint venture with Red Lake Gold Mines, a partnership of Goldcorp Inc. and Goldcorp Canada Ltd. The West Red Lake Project property covers a 12 kilometre strike length along the Pipestone Bay St Paul Deformation Zone and the Company plans to continue to explore the property both along strike and to depth. To find out more about West Red Lake Gold Mines, please visit our website at http://www.westredlakegold.com.
For more information, please contact: John Kontak, President Phone: 416-203-9181 Email: jkontak@rlgold.ca
The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements". When used in this document, the words "anticipated", "expect", "estimated", "forecast", "planned", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements or information. These statements are based on current expectations of management, however, they are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements in this news release. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. West Red Lake Gold does not undertake any obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise after the date hereof, except as required by securities laws.
To view this press release as a PDF file, click onto the following link:public://news_release_pdf/WestRedPR03212017.pdfSource: West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. (CSE:RLG, OTC Bulletin Board:HYLKF)
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Copyright 2017 Filing Services Canada Inc.
Rebels and Islamist militants launched a fresh assault on east Damascus on Tuesday, just two days before another round of UN-backed peace talks get underway in Switzerland.
Clashes raged between regime forces on one side and opposition fighters and allied Islamist militants from the Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly Al-Qaeda's branch in the war-ravaged country.
The renewed fighting in Damascus came two days after Syrian government forces repelled the largest rebel incursion into the capital in years.
An AFP journalist in east Damascus reported a large explosion at sunrise Tuesday followed by fierce clashes, shelling and government air strikes on opposition positions.
Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the blast was likely caused by a rebel car bomb attack on a regime position between Jobar and Qabun districts.
Plumes of dark smoke could be seen rising from eastern neighbourhoods.
The official SANA news agency said a total of 15 people were wounded in opposition fire on Tuesday.
Syrian warplanes were responding with steady air strikes on rebel positions in Jobar and regime forces had sealed all roads in the residential neighbourhoods nearby, according to state television.
It said government forces were also targeting rebel positions in several towns in Eastern Ghouta, a hotspot suburb of Damascus.
Rebels hold half of the eastern neighbourhood of Jobar, a few kilometres (miles) from the city centre, and are seeking to link it to the besieged northern district of Qabun.
"Our windows and doors rattle with each bombardment," Damascus resident Lamis, 28, told AFP.
"I'm frightened that these armed groups will advance further and I hope they will be stopped soon."
Syria's air force responded to the renewed rebel assault with raids on their positions while opposition fighters shelled the Abbasid and Tijara neighbourhoods near Jobar, the Observatory's Abdel Rahman told AFP.
The Islamist rebel group Faylaq al-Rahman and the Fateh al-Sham Front -- known as Al-Nusra Front before it renounced its ties to Al-Qaeda -- have a presence in Jobar.
Faylaq al-Rahman announced "the second stage of the battle" for eastern areas of the capital, in a statement issued Tuesday.
In the afternoon, Ahrar al-Sham -- an allied Islamist faction -- said its fighters had seized a textile factory between Qabun and Jobar.
In video footage posted online, Ahrar al-Sham fighters could be seen stomping on official portraits of President Bashar al-Assad inside the factory.
In addition to controlling half of Jobar and most of Qabun, rebels and their Islamist militant allies also hold positions in the Damascus districts of Tishreen and Barzeh in the north, as well as Tadamun in the south.
Tuesday's violence was the second wave of an assault that began at the weekend and saw rebels and allied Islamist militants initially score gains in Jobar, even briefly advancing into Abbasid Square -- two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Damascus' Old City -- for the first time in two years.
But Assad loyalists drove them back by nightfall and unleashed fierce bombing, the Observatory said, before calm was restored on Monday afternoon.
Thomas Pierret, a Syria analyst at the University of Edinburgh, said the offensive primarily had a "purely military motivation".
"The regime has advertised its desire to destroy opposition pockets in the eastern suburbs, so rebels took the initiative to harass regime troops with surprise attacks, scoring some success," Pierret told AFP.
The clashes on Sunday and Monday killed at least 72 people, including 38 government force members and 34 rebels and Islamist militants, according to the Observatory.
"We were relieved yesterday when the roads reopened but today we are trapped once again," said Ola, a resident of east Damascus.
"I'm stuck in my bedroom," the 22-year-old student told AFP.
Syria's conflict erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assad's rule but has evolved over the years into a complex civil war.
More than 320,000 people have been killed and millions more displaced by the conflict.
Repeated peace talks over the years have failed to bring about a political solution, but another round of negotiations is due to begin in Geneva on Thursday.
A UN spokeswoman told reporters in the Swiss city that "all invitees who had already attended" talks in February had confirmed they would take part.
UN special envoy Staffan de Mistura's deputy, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, is expected to greet the delegations on Thursday.
De Mistura himself is set to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, according to Moscow.
Russia is a decades-long ally of the Damascus regime, but it has worked with rebel backer Turkey in recent months to try to bring an end to the conflict.
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Turkish politicians will hold no further rallies in Germany ahead of April's referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers, his AKP party said Tuesday amid a heated diplomatic row.
"All future events that were planned have been cancelled. That is a decision that was made in Ankara," said a Cologne-based spokeswoman for the AKP's coordination office abroad.
Turkey and the European Union -- especially its top economy Germany, with its large Turkish diaspora -- are locked in a bitter dispute as tensions rise ahead of a April 16 referendum on scrapping the prime minister's post and creating a executive presidency.
Turkish ministers eager to tap into the overseas vote have sought to make campaign appearances in Germany to whip up support for a "yes" vote, but several were recently rebuffed when local and state authorities blocked the rallies, citing logistical reasons.
Ankara reacted with fury, with Erdogan accusing Germany and Chancellor Angela Merkel of "Nazi" practices, sparking deep consternation in Berlin.
On Monday, Merkel warned that Germany could issue a blanket ban against future campaign events by Turkish politicians unless Ankara halted its Nazi insults.
Such comments were "breaking every taboo, without consideration for the suffering of those who were persecuted and murdered" by the Nazis, she said.
The latest row is one in a long list of disputes centred on human rights and freedom of expression that have plagued Ankara-Berlin ties, particularly since last July's failed military coup against Erdogan.
Berlin has emerged as a strident critic of Ankara's post-coup crackdown, which has seen more than 100,000 people arrested or dismissed from their posts over alleged links to the plotters or to Kurdish militants.
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Before he died in 2014, Thomas Menino, a visionary urban leader who served as mayor of Boston for more than two decades, declared that we are living in "the era of the city." This has never been truer than it is today.As the world continues to urbanize at an unprecedented rate, cities and their surrounding areas wield more power than ever. Currently over half of the world's population lives in cities, and that is expected to grow to 70 percent by 2050. In the United States, 82 percent of Americans live in metropolitan areas, an increase of 12 percent just since 2000.Cities are rich with diversity and serve as vital hubs of innovation, culture and commerce. The world's top 10 cities by GDP, five of which are in the United States, have economies rivaling all but the 10 most prosperous countries. But while the populations, capital and political power of many cities is enormous, so are the scale and complexity of their challenges -- making insight into their leadership important.Motivated by the belief that "the era of the city" is upon us, Boston University's Initiative on Cities, with support from Citi, recently published the findings of its 2016 Menino Survey of Mayors to understand the important challenges facing these cities' leaders. Named for the great Boston mayor, the survey gathered the perspectives of more than 100 sitting mayors from 41 states on contemporary issues through a series of one-on-one interviews conducted last summer.The survey's findings reveal that despite remarkable societal advancements in urban centers, new and more complex problems are cropping up or increasing in severity. The environment, infrastructure, public services and household financial security are presenting challenges at a level that cities have never experienced before.Not surprisingly, the survey found that two of the central issues in the 2016 presidential campaign - wealth inequality and the shrinking middle class -- were also of deep concern to mayors of cities throughout the country. Nearly half of those surveyed ranked poverty as their most pressing economic concern. In fact, 48 percent of mayors feel that those living in or near poverty are the most excluded group in their cities; when asked which constituency they need to do more to help, nearly a quarter named poor residents.What is slightly more surprising is the level of agreement on the top issues regardless of mayors' party affiliation or city size. Mayors from cities big and small are highly attuned to the plight of their most vulnerable residents, and even in this polarized political climate the focus on poverty is shared by both Democratic and Republican mayors. That's also true of the benefits of diversity. While issues of economic inclusion and diversity illuminated deep divisions among the presidential candidates, the country's mayors were united in the goal of building more inclusive cities that are welcoming to all.The Menino Survey provides a window into how our nation's mayors think, act and perceive their world. By gathering and synthesizing the priorities and challenges of our cities from the perspective of their leaders, the survey offers a roadmap of opportunities for civic innovation.It also provides stakeholders in the nonprofit and private sectors with valuable insights that can inform the development of new programs, policies and partnerships, such as universal youth savings accounts in San Francisco community land trusts in Washington, D.C. , or a small-business support program for public-housing residents in New York City These types of innovations, often forged through public-private partnerships, enable us to tackle complex urban challenges such as poverty and economic insecurity and build more inclusive cities -- ones where residents can fulfill their potential and contribute to thriving urban economies.
State Sen. Daniel Biss of Evanston formally entered the Democratic race for governor Monday, decrying a broken political system that favors "billionaires and machine politicians" and declaring, "this is a campaign for the rest of us."Making his announcement in a 25-minute Facebook Live video, Biss pledged to change Illinois' constitution to require wealthier residents to pay more in income taxes. He said the state should be a "beacon" against a Donald Trump presidency for immigrants and women seeking abortions."We have a political system where billionaires and machine politicians are the ones who are listened to. That's the system we have to change," Biss said."We have to build a movement of the people because the question fundamentally is who do politicians feel obligated to listen to. In Illinois, the public has set very low expectations and we can understand why," he said.Anticipating attacks from Republicans linking Democratic candidates to veteran Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, Biss answered one Facebook question by saying, "I've been clear for a long time that Madigan's been there too long." Biss said he supports term limits on legislative leaders.But he also said a focus on a clash of personalities obscures the larger need to fix the state's fundamental problems.He also said he was counting on motivating voters at the grass-roots level to even the odds against wealthier opponents. "I'm not the millionaire or billionaire in this race," he said.Biss put together ads last fall attempting to link Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner to Trump and has served in the Illinois legislature representing the northern suburbs since 2011. If he stays in the race, Biss would be giving up his state Senate seat, which is up for election next year.The former mathematics professor at the University of Chicago has been outspoken in his criticism of Rauner, the first-term GOP governor who largely has funded the Illinois Republican Party and turned it into a personal and political messaging arm to attack Democrats during the state's historic budget impasse.Last year, Biss headed a federal super political action committee called Leading Illinois for Tomorrow. It made about $10 million in independent expenditures, largely for TV ads that sought to link Rauner to Trump, who was then the GOP presidential nominee.Rauner helped fund millions of dollars in ads last year on behalf of Republican legislative candidates seeking to erode Democratic majorities in the Illinois House and Senate by attacking Madigan, the longtime speaker who also chairs the state Democratic Party.Madigan's personal campaign fund gave $500,000 to the Biss super PAC. It also got money from longtime Democratic donors -- including $3 million from money manager Michael Sacks and $1.25 million from media mogul Fred Eychaner -- as well as from organized labor.Other donors to the Biss PAC included Chicago businessman Chris Kennedy, who already has announced his candidacy for governor, and Chicago entrepreneur and investor J.B. Pritzker, who last week formed an exploratory committee for a run for governor.Biss launched the PAC after considering but later withdrawing a bid for the Democratic nomination for comptroller against Susana Mendoza, then the Chicago city clerk. Mendoza went on to win the contest last year in a special election against Rauner-appointee Leslie Geissler Munger.Biss also launched a series of sometimes wonky videos and essays under the "Road Back" label in an attempt to counterprogram Rauner's message. In one, the senator juggled flaming sticks as he talked about ways to shore up the state's finances.In a Democratic governor primary, Biss would seek to appeal to progressives in Illinois as Democrats nationally struggle to find their identity between liberal and establishment wings in the aftermath of Hillary Clinton's defeat in the 2016 presidential race. Also seeking to appeal to the progressive wing is Chicago Ald. Ameya Pawar, from the North Side's 47th Ward. Biss' colleague in the state Senate, Sen. Andy Manar of Bunker Hill, also is exploring a bid for governor.Biss served a term in the Illinois House before his election to the state Senate in 2012. He moved to the Chicago area after completing his undergraduate degree at Harvard University and his doctorate in mathematics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
In an April 18, 2011 photo, Nicole Henry injects morphine he bought on the street at the Insite safe injection clinic in Vancouver, B.C. Insite, North America's first and only legal injection site, promoted by its founders as a safe, humane facility for drug abusers, is now facing a court challenge from a government that sees it as a facilitator of drug abuse. The case opens before the Supreme Court of Canada in Ottawa on Thursday, May 12, 2011 and has drawn international attention. (AP Photo/The Canadian Press, Darryl Dyck) DARRYL DYCK/AP
In 2015, Mike Pence was in a tight spot. As the governor of Indiana, he was staring down a public health crisis when hundreds of people were contracting HIV by using dirty needles to inject opioids. Pence knew he needed to do something quick to quell the outbreak but was fundamentally opposed to the solution that health experts were suggesting: a needle exchange program where drug addicts can trade in their used, dirty syringes for new, sterile ones.Some worry that such programs encourage illegal drug use. But research generally shows that needle exchanges reduce the likelihood that diseases like HIV will spread.So Pence relented to the health experts, and the outbreak was quickly contained.Pences dilemma was high-profile but not unique. Many state and local lawmakers have faced moral quandaries as the country struggles with historic numbers of opioid abuse and overdoses. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have expressed reservations about needle exchanges, yet their presence is growing in areas hardest-hit by the epidemic.But if many politicians are reluctant to embrace needle exchanges, then they'll likely have a hard time with the latest frontier in the fight against opioid abuse: supervised injection facilities.At these facilities, medical professionals provide addicts with sterile injection equipment so they can safely use illegal drugs they obtained from outside. They can also wait out the high and get information about and referrals to treatment.There's only one supervised injection facility in North America. It's in Vancouver, Canada , and has been credited with preventing nearly 5,000 overdoses since it opened in 2003. Now two U.S. cities may open clinics of their own.It just shows how desperate weve gotten with this epidemic that this is something were looking into, says Jay Butler, president of the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials.Just across the Canadian border, Seattle and King County officials gave the green light for what will be the nation's first supervised injection facilities.This isnt about enabling drug use," says Jeff Duchin, health officer of public health for the Seattle and King County Department of Health. "These are sick people, and theyre in danger of dying alone and outside. We want people to be able to be kept alive until theyre ready for treatment."Seattle is in the midst of securing funding and finding two sites, which is why there's no date for when the facilities will open. They need to be somewhere with easy access for the most vulnerable populations and large enough to offer wraparound services like HIV testing and treatment.San Francisco is also exploring the option. London Breed, president of the city's Board of Supervisors, plans to introduce legislation that would create a task force to study the implications of a supervised injection facility."I cant say safe injection is the answer. It may not be," she said in a statement. "But I know we cant be quiet anymore. We cant hope the trouble away. We have to research."Mayor Ed Lee initially voiced opposition but has since softened his stance.I had to kind of force myself to be open to the idea because it doesnt come as a natural thing, he said at an event in January.Of course, Seattle and San Francisco are about as progressive as cities get. Getting support for these clinics in more moderate and conservative areas would likely be an uphill battle.
The Illinois Supreme Court will not immediately decide whether state employees can continue to be paid without a state budget in place.The court on Monday denied a request by Attorney General Lisa Madigan to directly take up the case and bypass taking it to a state appeals court first.Madigan's office did not have an immediate comment on the ruling. 38,000 state workers, also opposed Madigan's motion.The union issued a statement after the ruling saying that it believes "the standard appeals process should be followed.""In the absence of a budget, the order ensuring state workers are paid is only a temporary measure could delay indefinitely a final resolution of the case.The Supreme Court did not elaborate on why it denied Madigan's request.In asking the Supreme Court to take up the case, the Democratic attorney general said that the St. Clair ruling has allowed Rauner, a Republican, and the General Assembly to avoid passing a permanent budget because state operations have continued to function. At the same time, she said, the lack of a budget has caused "serious and collateral damage" to higher education, social services, state vendors and others who haven't received state payments during the budget stalemate.Rauner accused Madigan of trying to force a government shutdown that would in turn trigger a tax hike. Rauner said she was acting in collusion with her father, House Speaker Michael Madigan, and Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendoza to force a shutdown.Lisa Madigan's office said Rauner was trying to blame anyone but himself for the state's problems.Rauner also called on the General Assembly to pass a House bill that would allow state workers to be paid without a budget. He wants a Republican-sponsored bill that will pay workers in perpetuity. Democrats are behind a House bill that would only pay workers until June 30, the end of the current fiscal year.Neither bill has come up for a vote in the House.
The 71-year-old mayor of a southern Oregon town was arrested Sunday, accused of setting up a meeting to have sex with a 14-year-old girl who turned out to be a police officer.Kenneth Lewis Barrett, who began his two-year term as mayor of Winston in January, spent two weeks exchanging Facebook messages with an online decoy created to target adults soliciting sex with children, court documents said.He was arrested when he showed up to a designated meeting spot in Myrtle Creek, police said.Barrett mentions in the online messages several times that he's mayor of Winston, acknowledges the decoy is 14 and describes himself as "71 with the mind of a 17 year old and the energy of a 12 year old," according to a probable cause affidavit.Barrett faces allegations of second-degree online sexual corruption and unlawful possession of a firearm after investigators said he admitted to having a 9mm handgun without a concealed weapons permit in his pickup.Winston is a town of about 5,400 people south of Roseburg in Douglas County. It's most known for Wildlife Safari, a 600-acre drive-through animal park.Barrett was one of four men arrested in the online sting that began in late February, said Myrtle Creek Police Chief Don Brown. The other three range in age from 18 to 51 and one was arrested in California, where he lives, after arranging for the fictitious girl to ride a Greyhound bus to live with him.Barrett remained in jail Monday.City Manager Mark Bauer said Barrett's status as mayor so far remains unchanged. Bauer said he hasn't talked to Barrett since his arrest and doesn't know his plans."It's never a good thing for a city to have an official, elected or appointed, arrested for any reason," Bauer said.Facebook messages between Barrett and a Myrtle Creek police officer posing as the girl started March 5 when he commented "hot" on a photo on the police-created page, the affidavit said.Barrett sent other messages later that day saying the girl should "stay in school and work hard" when told she was 14 and encouraging the girl to stay away from men with "sexual motivation," the court document says.He also sent selfies and other photos of himself, but it's not clear from the affidavit what kind of photos they were.On March 6, he told the decoy that she made him feel like a teenager and that he has pictures that he shouldn't have because he's mayor, "but that is my business." He made the decoy promise to keep their interactions a secret.In other messages, according to the affidavit, the mayor said he thought having a 14-year-old girl as a friend was fun, that he loved her, asked if she wanted him to be a "bad boy or a granddad" and requested that she write him sexually explicit poetry.He told her he was going to get a divorce and brainstormed several ways they could get together, including meeting in a park or on Mars to populate the planet together, the affidavit said.The mayor repeatedly talked about sex, expressed excitement that the girl he thought he was corresponding with was a virgin and encouraged her to send him her address because "I am a single old bad boy" and offered to bring pizza and beverages.They agreed to meet Sunday outside a Myrtle Creek home while the girl's mother was at work. The mayor again talked about having sex with the girl and asked her to "please keep me out of jail," the affidavit said.When Barrett arrived in his pickup, he messaged the decoy, "The bad boy is here" and a police officer pulled up behind him in a patrol car with its emergency lights on.Barrett told police he was there to meet "a lady" and buy her pizza, the affidavit said.He later told the officer that the girl appeared to be 20 on Facebook, that getting pizza with her was his only intention and that he wanted to be a father figure to her.Brown, the Myrtle Creek police chief and a police officer for more than 30 years, said he's rarely surprised anymore about who gets arrested on child sex-related crimes. He cited a former interim Myrtle Creek police chief, lawyers and others later convicted of the crimes."It's certainly unfortunate for the city to have their mayor arrested for this stuff," Brown said. "I'm sure this isn't something he advertised that he was into when he was running for office."
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GIS 21 March 2017 : The Parliamentary Gender Caucus, a permanent structure established at Parliamentary level to provide a platform for members of all political persuasions to deliberate on, and advocate for gender equality, was officially launched yesterday by the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, at the Receptorium of the National Assembly in Port Louis, in the presence of various Ministers and Members of Parliament.
The chief guest for the occasion was the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA), Mr Akbar Khan. The Member of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of the Republic of Rwanda and Deputy Chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Unity, Human Rights and Fight against Genocide, Mrs Mwiza Esperance; the United Nations Resident Co-ordinator and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Resident Representative, Mr Simon Springett; and other personalities also attended the event.
In her address, the Speaker of the National Assembly said that the official launching of the Parliamentary Gender Caucus heralds a new chapter in the history of parliamentary democracy in Mauritius. By incorporating the Caucus in our Standing Orders as a Permanent Committee, we are first of all ensuring perenniality; and by opting to legitimise the Caucus through a formal statute, the Caucus will enjoy visibility in and outside Parliament and greater attention when it voices its opinion, recalled Mrs Hanoomanjee.
The Speaker further elaborated on the cross-party nature of the Caucus, which she said, will not only contribute to all Parliamentarians pulling their efforts together for gender parity, but also help in easily detecting constraints and obstacles in different spheres. Members of Parliament will have the opportunity to find ways and means to overcoming them, she added.
According to Mrs Hanoomanjee, gender equality is achieved when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society including economic participation and decision making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured. Our target should be to reach a level playing field for both women and men, she said.
Commending the leadership of the Speaker in promoting gender equality, the Secretary-General of the CPA, Mr Akbar Khan, said that the establishment of a concrete gender caucus will assist in bringing a change and a fairer society in Mauritius. He added that gender caucus can play a pivotal role in ensuring that gender sensitive legislation that advocates for gender equality is introduced in the National Assembly.
While outlining the importance of Parliament as an independent institution sitting at the centre of a web of accountability that reaches into the Executive and the other branches of Government to the public and to political parties, Mr Khan said that Parliament is very well placed to set an example and to lead changes by marrying gender equality and inclusion of all sections of society. It not only ensures participation but it also ensures, at a time when there is considerable concern about the trust deficit in Parliament, that essential legitimacy and public confidence that are necessary in democratic institutions, said the Secretary General of the CPA.
Mandate of the Parliamentary Gender Caucus
The mandate of the Caucus will be to conduct periodically gender assessments of various policies across Ministries and researches on salient gender issues; provide the findings to relevant Ministries; influence policies to address gender inequalities; and request gender focal point to report periodically on activities aligned to gender mainstreaming strategies. The Caucus will closely cooperate with stakeholders for the promotion of gender equality in public policy.
UNDP is in the process of recruiting a gender expert to be based in the Office of the Speaker to assist the elaboration of a plan for the Caucus and the development of an operation manual as well as an alimony system. The Office will also support any capacity building efforts that may be required; look at the development of gender based analysis tools when reviewing laws and regulations; and undertake additional research as the Caucus requires.
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GIS - 21 March, 2017: The Trade and Development Bank (TDB), an African regional development financial institution, is proposing to set up a Regional Headquarters Tower in Mauritius. This shows that the initiatives taken by Mauritius to ensure transparency in its jurisdiction have been successful. The Trade and Development Bank (TDB), an African regional development financial institution, is proposing to set up a Regional Headquarters Tower in Mauritius. This shows that the initiatives taken by Mauritius to ensure transparency in its jurisdiction have been successful.
The Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Mr Pravind Jugnauth, made this statement this morning in Port Louis during a courtesy call by the Chief Executive Officer of the TDB, Mr Admassu Yilma Tadesse.
Mr Jugnauth pointed out that the setting up of the TDB headquarters in Mauritius will have positive impact for the further development of our international financial centre. It demonstrates the confidence of international and regional business communities in our jurisdiction as well as the ability of our country to act as a credible centre for capital market activities, he said.
For his part, Mr Admassu Yilma Tadesse recalled that the Banks mandate is to finance and foster trade, socio-economic development and regional economic integration across African States. He pointed out that the Board of Governors of the TDB has already given its approval for the setting up of its second Headquarters in Mauritius. This initiative, he added, will consolidate the position of Mauritius as a financial centre at the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).
The Trade and Development Bank
Established in 1985, TDB is a multilateral, treaty-based financial institution with immunities and privileges, and currently a balance sheet of about USD 4 billion dollars. Currently, it has as shareholders, 20 member countries from the tripartite region (COMESA, EAC and SADC), the African Development Bank, the National Pension Fund of Mauritius, Mauritian Eagle Insurance Company Ltd, Rwanda Social Security Board, Africa Re, ZEP RE, Seychelles Pension Fund, Banco Nacional Investimento (BNI), the National Social Security Fund of Uganda and SACOS Group as institutional shareholders. The Peoples Republic of China and the Republic of Belarus (Paritetbank) are non-regional member countries.
The mission and objectives are to provide developmental capital and services in the region, through customer focused and innovative financing instruments. The Bank provides the opportunity for investors to gain exposure to fast growing economies through profitable direct foreign investments with a sound balance sheet and strong growth prospects. The TDB aims to become a preferred and leading regional Development Finance Institution in Eastern and Southern Africa.
The Trade and Development bank has its headquarters in Burundi and three regional offices in Kenya, Zimbabwe and Mauritius.
Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have arrested an award-winning human rights activist pending an investigation for allegedly publishing "false information" and "sowing sedition and sectarianism" online, state media said.
Cybercrime prosecutors ordered the arrest of Ahmed Mansoor on Sunday "over documented electronic proof," the official WAM news agency reported late Monday.
Mansoor was accused of using social media platforms to "publish false information and rumours, and spread tendentious ideas that would sow sedition, sectarianism and hatred and harm national unity and social peace, as well as harming the state's reputation and inciting disobedience," said WAM.
The Gulf Center for Human Rights said his arrest may be linked to posts on his Twitter account calling for the release of Emirati human rights activist Osama al-Najjar.
Mansoor won in 2015 the Martin Ennals award, named after the former secretary general of Amnesty International.
The award that is often dubbed the Nobel Prize for human rights is given to human rights defenders who show deep commitment to their cause despite huge personal risk.
Amnesty International slammed Mansoor's arrest.
"Amnesty International is appalled and dismayed at this surprise overnight raid resulting in the arrest of Ahmed Mansoor, a courageous and prominent human rights defender," said Lynn Maalouf, head of research at the organisation's regional office in Beirut.
"We believe Ahmed Mansoor was detained for the peaceful expression of his conscientiously held beliefs, and we call for his immediate and unconditional release," she said in a statement.
The London-based rights watchdog said a squad of 10 male and two female security officers stormed Mansoor's apartment around midnight Sunday and carried out a room-by-room search, including the children's bedroom.
They led Mansoor away at about 3:15 am Monday (2315 GMT Sunday) without informing his wife where he was taken, it added.
Human Rights Watch accused United Arab Emirates authorities of denying Mansoor access to a lawyer.
The charges against Mansoor "clearly violate his right to free expression, and if the UAE has any concern about its reputation it will release him immediately," said Joe Stork, deputy Middle East director of the New York-based group.
Mansoor was sentenced to three years in prison in 2011 in a trial criticised by rights groups as "grossly unfair".
At the time, he stood accused, along with four others, of using the internet to insult the UAE's leaders, of calling for a boycott of elections and of being linked to anti-government demonstrations.
He was pardoned by the UAE's president later the same year, but was stripped of his passport and barred from overseas travel.
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Health and Human Services $26.4 billion
Education $23 billion
Transportation $10.3 billion
Administration and Finance $8.7 billion
Public Safety and Justice $7.6 billion
Public Works $7.6 billion
Environment and Natural Resources $7.4 billion
States Confront Federal Uncertainties
Innovation Shines at the Local Level
Back to Basics at the County Level
WASHINGTON, D.C. Key tech industry players gathered in Virginia on Monday, March 20, to hear about the IT spending forecast in state and local government in 2017 at the annual Beyond the Beltway conference, hosted by the Center for Digital Government (CDG)* and. Total IT spending across state and local government is projected at $101.3 billion, which represents growth of 1.4 percent over 2016. Also likely to increase in proportion to overall IT spending is the number of IT-related opportunities, which numbered nearly 34,000 in 2016. Spending projections were offered for key verticals:Spending at the state level, while up slightly over last year, still has not returned to pre-recession levels in 32 states. Compounding the challenges faced by states are ongoing debates at the federal level around changes to the Affordable Care Act. Impacts will be greatest to states that expanded Medicaid under the ACA.As for where spending is on the rise in states, cybersecurity topped the list.Missouri CIO Rich Kliethermes indicated that the state has had cybersecurity funding linked to data privacy that dated back to 2013. Other state panelists echoed the importance of security cyberfunding, which is becoming easier given the frequency of headlines around the latest data breach. Delaware CIO James Collins made a request of the vendor community in attendance to help shoulder the cybersecurity burden: Were looking to vendors to bake the security into their tools and make things easier for our users.As the above graphic shows, broadband returned to state CIO priority lists this year, linked to the rise of cloud technologies. In a move typical of many agencies across the country, Utah is moving to the cloud to deal with the deluge of video from law enforcement bodycams but CIO Mike Hussey reported that officers in rural areas are struggling to upload a shifts worth of video to the cloud, illustrating the importance of robust connectivity. Colorado Digital Transformation Officer Brandon Williams echoed how critical broadband is throughout his state and reflected on plans to add a broadband office to manage their efforts centrally.A new class of younger mayors as well as friction between largely Republican-led states and Democrat-led large cities is contributing to the growth of innovation in cities that have become less dependent on revenue streams from higher levels of government. The largest percentage of technology RFPs were issued by cities last year, many of them around smart city technology, open data, Internet of Things and civic engagement. All told, cities are expected to spend $30.9 billion on IT in 2017.But theyre not focused on technology for technologys sake. IT leaders at the city level are mindful of their mayors priorities and how technology can be used to support them. What are your mayor or governors primary goals and how do you line up your investments accordingly? said Washington, D.C., CTO Archana Vemulapalli. Have your strategic plan ready for those opportunities.Smart city initiatives are an example of an area where local CIOs cautioned not to lead with the technology rather projects have to serve community needs. In Washington, D.C., officials kicked off an ideation series where they talk to residents about what a smart city means to them. And that can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Seattle CTO Michael Mattmiller revealed that Seattle is hiring a smart city coordinator to help advance its smart city initiatives.And underlying it all is sound infrastructure for connectivity. New York City CTO Miguel Gamino talked about a plan for pervasive broadband that moves beyond current efforts, like LinkNYC . The LinkNYC project is important. But its one part of a bigger picture needed to make sure everyone has broadband access in homes and businesses, he said.Counties in the U.S. are expected to spend $22 billion on IT in 2017, and CDG Executive Director Todd Sander described the economic outlook in counties as generally positive. More than half of counties have budgets that now exceed pre-recession levels, although counties fates depend more on federal dollars, where uncertainty persists given the recent change in administration.Automation will be key in helping counties account for their shrinking workforces. Oakland County, Mich., CIO Phil Bertolini will lose 30 percent of his workforce in the next three years, which has led him to turn to various strategies to compete for and retain competent staff. Salary increases, remote work options and alternative schedules as well as office perks like standup desks and fewer walls are among the tricks hes using. Those strategies aside, hes relying increasingly on contractors to fill workforce gaps.Another priority identified by county leaders was shared services. Its a tactic used by Travis County, Texas, CIO Tanya Acevedo for an evidence management system that enables information sharing across neighboring counties, as well as broadly in the Oakland County, Mich., G2G Cloud Solutions marketplace.Government CIOs across jurisdictions offered vendors in attendance advice on how best to engage with the public sector in service of constituents. Our job is to deliver services to residents, Vemulapalli said. Put your responsible resident and citizen hat on when you go and talk to government.Government Technology's
(TNS) -- Gov. John Kasich wants the state to start collecting net profit taxes on behalf of Ohio municipalities, but local officials say Ohio's online filing system isn't ready for prime time, and they worry the state could siphon off that money in the future.At issue is the collection and distribution of about $600 million in municipal income taxes paid by businesses, some of which must file tax returns with multiple local jurisdictions.Instead of requiring businesses to file tax returns with individual cities, Kasich proposed as part of his two-year, $66.9 billion budget, to have them file through the online Ohio Business Gateway. The Ohio Department of Taxation would then process the returns before distributing the money to each municipality, minus a 1 percent fee.State Tax Commissioner Joe Testa held a listening tour with business owners around the state and said he was most often told that the biggest tax burden was the municipal net profits filing. He said it "lacks uniformity in administration, imposes significant compliance costs, and, in some cases, utilizes unusual apportionment rules that are inconsistent with other tax policies."But city officials have no interest in giving up control of processing tax returns, and they especially don't want to hand their tax revenue over to the state, where, they fear, future elected officials could significantly raise the processing fee to fill budget shortfalls."If history is our guide, past distribution systems like the local government fund has been significantly altered," said Kent Scarrett, executive director of the Ohio Municipal League. "The state would have complete control of that tax. Down the line ... if the state has another financial downturn, we've seen policy changes from the state to make their financial stability the first priority."Municipalities also worry this would be a first step toward total state central collection of all $4.7 billion in municipal taxes.Testa says the money will be collected and distributed just as the state currently does for school income taxes and county sales taxes.But some question if Ohio is equipped to do what the budget calls for, and the state's chief information officer did not boost the confidence of some lawmakers during testimony today.Net profit taxes would be filed through the Ohio Business Gateway, billed as a one-stop shop for business tax filings, which has been around since the days of Gov. Bob Taft's Third Frontier initiative 15 years ago. But businesses rarely use the online portal for municipal taxes.RITA, the Regional Income Tax Agency, which processes income taxes for 271 Ohio municipalities and 24 economic development zones, says that of the 71,341 net profit returns it got in 2015, only 197 came through the Business Gateway.Greg Saul, tax policy director for the Ohio Society of CPAs, said the Gateway is not compatible with the tax preparation software used by CPAs, so using it requires preparers to manually recreate a tax return and often mail in paper documentation."Nobody's using it because it's not user-friendly now," Saul said, adding that he hopes an ongoing upgrade addresses the issue. "We want this to be done right. If they need to push out the effective date further, we're OK with that."CPAs are backing the central collection proposal because it would require only one filing form and the need to make only one payment, Saul said.State officials are working on upgrading the Business Gateway, and Stewart Davis, the state's chief information officer, said the front-end system should be completed by Oct. 1 three months before the budget proposal calls for the start of centralized municipal tax collections."If I was in your shoes, I might be pretty darn nervous about that date," Rep. Gary Scherer, R-Circleville, told Davis.Multiple sources have said the Gateway upgrade is behind schedule and more likely won't be finished until the spring of 2018.Faye Gibson, director of taxation for the city of Dublin and a member of the Gateway Modernization Project team, said the portal needs to be able to upload electronic forms directly from tax preparers. Currently, much of the data must be inputted manually, so most businesses end up filing paper forms."I believe it's a good tool, but it's not there yet," Gibson said. "They've not ever really funded it properly."Addressing questions from the House Ways and Means Committee, Davis said there will be conversations starting with software firms about making the Gateway more compatible.That didn't satisfy Rep. Michael Henne, R-Clayton, who said the Gateway must be able to work with accounting software and collect the needed documentation to audit returns."If it doesn't do that, and we have no guarantees that it will do that, we can't mandate this to be the system," he said. "(Davis) said we're starting communications. That sounds like we're a long way away."Dublin collected more than $10 million in net profit tax in 2016, Gibson said. The administrative cost for all income tax collection was 0.8 percent, below the 1 percent the state would charge."They can't do it as economically or as well as we do at the local level," she said.Kevin Robison, assistant income tax administrator for the city of Columbus and also a member of the Gateway modernization team, said completing a return now requires about 45 online screens, plus the need to print out copies and mail it to the cities."We want to try to come up with a more user-friendly return filed through the business portal, rather than centralized collection," he said. "There is still quite a bit of work that needs to be done to make it a business-friendly format."Robison and others said centralized collection also could cause cash-flow problems for municipalities, because money would be distributed quarterly, and payments would be delayed by a quarter the Dec. 15 payment would come in April, for example. "You're starting out in the hole," he said.Grove City Mayor Richard "Ike" Stage called Kasich's proposal a "radical change to our community's ability to administer our primary revenue source."Grove City, a member of the RITA, could pay more under Kasich's proposal, Stage said. Centralized collections, he said, gives the city no recourse if the state provides poor customer service, nor does it allow the city to audit returns and catch the few instances each year when a business headquartered out of state reports their Grove City tax liabilities to the city of Columbus.Donald Smith, RITA executive director, said net profit makes up about 12 percent of all tax returns. Centralizing those at the state level won't change RITA's overall costs, which includes auditing, collections and other services, so municipalities won't be charged less. But they would also have to pay 1 percent to the state.In 2014, Smith said, 87 percent of net profit taxpayers filed with three or fewer municipalities.But businesses say it's time to simplify the process. Chris Ferruso of the NFIB/Ohio, which represents thousands of small businesses, said too many have to file multiple returns in multiple jurisdictions"Relieving some of this burden by allowing a single point of filing, a single payment, a single return, a single set of rules and single point of appeal will improve the overall system," Ferruso wrote to lawmakers.
CivicScape, an early stage startup, wants to fight crime. And it wants to show you exactly how it does it.Brett Goldstein whose work has included stints with the Chicago Police Department, Argonne National Laboratory and the tech company OpenTable has been working on something akin to CivicScape for about seven years now. And with six city-based pilot projects underway, he is ready to launch the predictive policing company that he hopes will address the controversial aspects of the practice.The company is one of the first investments of Ekistic Ventures, of which Goldstein is a managing partner. In fact, Ekistic is effectively serving as the creator of CivicScape on top of traditional venture capital-style investments, Ekistic wants to launch at least one startup per year.Predictive policing, or the use of data to identify crime hot spots and deploy officers accordingly, is controversial. Ezekiel Edwards, director of the Criminal Law Reform Project at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the problems with the practice are manifold.Broadly speaking," he said, "the quality of the data that police are using to make predictions raises significant concerns, [as does] the lack of transparency that the predictive policing programs seem to embrace, such that we dont really know how theyre being used and how theyre constructed."That is, if police are already biased say, by searching black people for drugs more frequently than white people then using the data from their work will likely amplify that bias. To a computer program designed to look for patterns in policing, it could look like police should search for drugs in black neighborhoods more often. Researchers, however, have found that black and white people use illegal drugs at about the same rate CivicScape wants to do things a little differently. First, it wants to identify which data is most biased and then either remove that data from consideration or adjust for its bias. Second, it wants to use machine learning algorithms to constantly check for bias. Third, it wants to publish its algorithms online for researchers and the general public to see.Or, rather, it has already published its algorithms online. Theyre on GitHub We dont want to say, Trust us, and were going to build an algorithm behind closed doors, said Anne Milgram, former New Jersey attorney general and chair of CivicScapes board of directors.The company makes no attempt to claim that its eliminated bias. Rather, its documents and representatives talk a lot about how to find bias where it exists and minimize its influence on outcomes. Then, by making its work public, its hoping that researchers will find ways to improve the tool over time.CivicScape also approached ACLU and other civil rights organizations while building the tool to get feedback about their predictive policing concerns and address them. Edwards said he thinks the companys transparency is a good move, and that other predictive policing schemes should follow suit.From my understanding, CivicScape is putting a premium on transparency, he said. They are doing something that no other major developer of predictive policing has done yet to my knowledge, which is to make the method, the algorithm [and] the weighting system transparent.According to Milgram and Goldstein, CivicScape has been able to achieve high accuracy rates while generating hot spot maps that take new data into account in real time. The tool puts its police-specific data alongside external data like weather patterns and 311 reports in order to create its location-specific risk scores. Many data-based policing tools run on three-year averages. According to Milgram, that doesnt reflect the shifting nature of crime risk.Having the ability to do it within three blocks and one hour is game changing when you think about protecting residents of a community, she said, adding that the 311 inputs are also valuable because they create avenues for the police department to work better with other local government agencies.[It enables] the ability of the chief to say, We know you cant fix all 20,000 broken lights tomorrow, but can you fix these 200 because theres a lot of community concern around them? Milgram said.Though Edwards doesnt have a firm number on how many of the roughly 18,000 police departments in the U.S. are using predictive policing, he thinks the practice is becoming more common.Most major police departments I think are either using or seeking to use some form of predictive policing," he said, "and it would be a matter of time and access and development for most smaller departments to do the same."Though Edwards applauds CivicScapes transparency, hes not sure the company has solved all of predictive policings problems just yet particularly, the bias problem.It seems theyre aware of that concern, and similar to their openness on transparency, I think theyre open to ideas and suggestions on how to generate a fairer tool, but Im not convinced that their tool will be necessarily more equitable than other tools before it, he said. That remains to be seen.Goldstein said he expects to publicly announce which cities CivicScape is working with in a matter of weeks.
(TNS) -- In an effort to bring Airbnb under some of the same regulations its competitors in the hotel industry face, Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez has reached an agreement with the popular home-sharing platform to collect county resort taxes.Under the agreement, Airbnb will collect the 6 percent Miami-Dade resort tax from its hosts and remit that money to the county every month. If trends continue, that would amount to at least $8 million a year for the county, said Benjamin Breit, an Airbnb spokesman.The agreement largely excludes Miami Beach and Bal Harbour because each city has its own resort tax set at 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively. However, Airbnb will begin collecting the 3 percent convention tax from hosts in Miami Beach as part of the county tax deal.$8 million Estimated tax revenue from Airbnb under the county's proposed tax agreementSurfside, the third municipality in Miami-Dade with its own resort tax, reached a deal with Airbnb in January, and has been collecting taxes from local hosts since March 1.The new agreement is contingent on county approval, said Michael Hernandez, Gimenez's communications chief. Deputy Mayor Edward Marquez is working to find a sponsor for the item to put it before the County Commission as soon as Tuesday.The tax deal would be effective as soon as the county votes to approve it, Hernandez said.The deal would mark Airbnb's 36th county agreement in Florida, and a major step toward the company's goal of securing agreements with all 63 counties in the state that have a resort tax.The agreement largely excludes Miami Beach and Bal Harbour because each have their own resort taxes at 4 percent and 3 percent, respectively. However, Airbnb will begin collecting the 3 percent convention tax from Miami Beach hosts as part of the county tax deal.Miami-Dade is an Airbnb powerhouse, and among the top five markets in the country for the site. In 2016, 6,800 locals were hosts on the platform, responsible for bringing in 530,000 tourists, according to Airbnb data.Breit said the arrangement with Miami-Dade facilitates the tax process for platform hosts who will now pay their "fair share in taxes.""This marks an important day in the history of our company and we look forward to working with Chairman [Esteban] Bovo and the county commission to ratify this deal on behalf of our host community," Breit said in a statement. "We expect that this agreement will drive many millions of dollars in new annual revenue to county coffers, on top of the economic infusion Airbnb guests already pump into the South Florida economy through spending with neighborhood merchants."Airbnb began securing tax deals in Florida in December 2015, beginning with an agreement to collect the state resort tax of 5 percent. Pinellas County was the first to reach an accord with the platform, and other major counties have followed, including Orange, Hillsborough and Lee.Broward County does not have a deal with Airbnb.Mayor Gimenez's office indicated a deal might be reached earlier this year, but the agreement stalled over discussions on how Airbnb would pay the county, Hernandez said. Still, the mayor expects the tax deal will be only the first step toward more regulation of Airbnb.Mayor Gimenez's concern is you have another disruptive, technology-based company [like Uber] coming into Miami-Dade County offering it's services but not paying the same level of taxes and fees that established industries, like our hotel and visitors industry, have been paying for decades. Michael Hernandez, Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez's communications chief"Mayor Gimenez's concern is you have another disruptive, technology-based company [like Uber] coming into Miami-Dade County offering its services but not paying the same level of taxes and fees that established industries, like our hotel and visitors industry, have been paying for decades," Hernandez said.The agreement also only regulates taxes and is independent of additional measures other cities in the county have already taken or plan to take against Airbnb.Miami Beach increased its fine against residents who host short-term rentals in areas not zoned for them -- which is all single-family homes and some multi-family buildings -- to $20,000 last March. Now, renters have been fined a combined $5 million. Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine and all six city commissioners have opposed reaching any kind of agreement with Airbnb.In Miami, Mayor Tomas Regalado is proposing an ordinance that would make short-term rentals largely illegal and create a set of strict regulations for renters in legal areas. The ordinance will come before city commissioners Thursday.Ahead of that, Levine and Regalado will have a meeting Monday morning to discuss "community concerns" about Airbnb.
The Brownsville neighborhood in Brooklyn, east of Crown Heights, will be home to New York Citys first Neighborhood Innovation Lab , city and technology officials announced Monday, March 20. The initiative is the latest in an ongoing series of penetrating, wide-ranging tech partnerships.Perhaps fittingly, given how municipal and other local agencies are beginning to use technology to reinvent departmental roles and service availabilities, this wont be a laboratory in the traditional sense.Rather, in a news release , the city described it as a tech equity initiative to convene residents, educators, tech companies and government around addressing neighborhood concerns with cutting-edge technologies.It begins later this week with what were described as a number of strategic planning sessions for community leaders who, over the next four months roughly through the end of July will work with the city to assess how smart city technologies can boost quality of life, modernize infrastructure, improve city services and enhance economic development.Coming in May, residents will be invited to try out the first of those innovations interactive digital kiosks, so-called solar-powered benches that provide free cellphone charging, and smart trash cans that notify the city when theyre full and give notes.Other milestones ahead, likely later this year, include the opening of applications for technology companies interested in finding solutions for community needs; and the launching of a Calls for Innovation focused on Brownsville.Mayor Bill de Blasio, who last month unveiled plans for the Union Square Tech Hub, said in a statement that Neighborhood Innovation Labs do more than update neighborhoods. They educate residents on careers in technology, said the mayor, which he described as a fast-growing sector of our economy.New York is a city of neighborhoods and there is no better way to prepare communities for the future than by empowering residents to define their needs and help shape our technology investments, de Blasio said.Neighborhood Innovation Labs are supported by initial $250,000-a-year funding from the city, which will consider expanding the effort to all five boroughs based on how this first one goes.Currently, Brownsville has a nascent community of tech entrepreneurs but hasn't had the same opportunities as some of the citys wealthier areas. It has the most densely concentrated area of public housing in the United States. Median household income in Brownsville is just $25,252 roughly half of the citywide average, and crime rates are nearly twice the citywide average.The lab is an effort to correct this situation and level the playing field.The Union Square Tech Hub , a city-backed project at 124 East 14th Street that was announced on Friday, Feb. 17, aims to bring an estimated 600 good-paying tech jobs to Manhattan and give Civic Hall, a digital job training facility and space for startups, a new address.Miguel Gamino, the citys chief technology officer , extolled techs ability to transform cities and improve their qualities of life but said officials must realize they face a specific task moving forward.Our challenge and responsibility is to ensure these technologies reach and benefit all New Yorkers, not merely a select few, Gamino said, also in a statement, praising Neighborhood Innovation Labs as an important step toward fulfilling Mayor de Blasios vision for a stronger, more sustainable, resilient, and equitable future.The lab, a partnership between the Mayors Office of Technology and Innovation and New York Universitys Center for Urban Science and Progress (CUSP), is part of the de Blasio administrations plan to invest in high-growth industries and connect residents to opportunity by creating 100,000 jobs over the next seven years, New York City Economic Development Corp. President James Patchett said.That was a commitment the mayor made during this years State of the City address on Monday, Feb. 13.We have identified the smart cities and civic tech industry as having major potential for job growth in New York City. By connecting this industry with neighborhoods across the city, we can both increase the impact of smart cities solutions and teach communities about an entirely new segment in our economy, Patchett said.In an interview, Lara Croushore, vice president for NYCEDCs initiatives group, said it has been doing planning for the lab since 2015.I think ultimately, from EDCs perspective, we hope that the Neighborhood Innovation Lab provides a platform for entrepreneurs and emerging and new technologists to have an opportunity to demo their technologies in a real-world setting, Croushore told, noting that jumpstarting the tech jobs market is another ambition.Thats really, I think, the higher-level goal that were looking for here, she added. Were really building a pipeline of support for those companies from support to incubators to growth-stage phases.The Brownsville Community Justice Center is the lead community partner, while Osborn Plaza will be the anchor site for public programs and technology demonstrations.The model for Neighborhood Innovation Labs was first announced by the White House as part of President Obamas Smart Cities Initiative in September 2015.In a statement, Erica Mateo deputy director of Brownsville Community Justice Center, praised de Blasios willingness to be accountable for responsive local investment.As our city becomes smarter," Mateo said, "tech equity across New York City becomes even more important to growing local economies.
When most people think of the hottest areas for the tech sector, Indianapolis probably doesnt immediately come to mind.But in recent years, the metro area has landed thousands of new tech jobs and its digital service sector is among the fastest-growing in the nation, nearly doubling in size since 2010. Late last year, Salesforce announced plans to bring more than 800 high-paying jobs to a downtown office tower, a move expected to further benefit several local firms that do business with the cloud computing conglomerate.The Indianapolis region stands out as somewhat of an anomaly: A Brookings Institution analysis published earlier this month suggests newly created tech jobs are becoming increasingly concentrated in coastal centers and a small number of other established hubs.The think tank analyzed jobs data for the digital services sector between 2010 and 2015. It found that the share of national tech jobs either declined or remained unchanged in 86 of the 100 largest metro areas. Just five metro areas accounted for approximately 28 percent of the sector's overall growth.Given that the Indianapolis region's tech industry represents one of the few success stories, its worth taking a closer look at how it has thrived while others have struggled.In all, the Indianapolis region added nearly 9,200 digital services jobs between 2010 and 2015, according to Brookings calculations. Thats more than the nearby metro areas of Cincinnati, Ohio; Columbus, Ohio; and Louisville, Ky.; combined. Its also the most of any Midwestern metro area with the exceptions of Chicago and Detroit, both of which grew but did so at a slower pace.For one, the area benefits from a strong array of higher education institutions serving as a talent pipeline, says Jason Kloth, president of workforce development for the firm Ascend Indiana. Several Indiana colleges and universities offer nationally-regarded tech and engineering programs, while local coding academies provide opportunities for people new to the field.Indianapolis is uniquely positioned relative to the rest of the country, says Kloth. We have an increasing supply of talent and relatively low costs for labor and office space.Another crucial advantage Indianapolis enjoys over other regions that havent seen their tech sectors take off can be traced back to a few companies that started there more than 20 years ago. These firms provided a solid foundation, and their employees have since started new companies and invested in local capital without leaving the area, says Mike Langellier, president of TechPoint, a nonprofit that promotes Indianas tech community.Its very difficult to jumpstart a tech hub from scratch because you have to have these ingredients and the ecosystem in order to do it, says Langellier.Salesforces expanding presence has also supported other companies in a broader marketing technology cluster.Langellier further added that the regions employers benefit from a workforce loyalty factor. Midwestern tech workers dont seek new employment perhaps as often as their peers on the coasts.Those advantages have even helped lure a few firms from top-tier tech hubs. Consider Appirio, a cloud services consulting firm, which moved its global headquarters from San Francisco to Indianapolis in 2015. Company CEO Chris Barbin explained his decision in a blog post With a booming tech community and a business-friendly environment, Indianapolis is a strong choice for a technology services company to expand -- but its not necessarily an obvious one, he wrote.But Appirio's decision to shift its expansion away from San Francisco is the exception, not the rule.For the most part, companies arent fleeing other regions or closing, its just that they're not growing much in the vast majority of metro areas. And while the tech sector is growing in Indianapolis and a few other places, Mark Muro of Brookings says "its not happening fast enough or broadly enough to alter the continued concentration of tech in the Bay Area."The tech hubs of San Francisco and San Jose, Calif., still continue to dominate much of the sectors growth nationally. About 10 percent of all U.S. digital services jobs are found in the Bay Area, up from 7.7 percent in 2010, according to Brookings.While many industries employ tech workers, Brookings limited its analysis to four particularly fast-growing industries in the digital services sector. The sector is considered key to the tech boom, providing high-paying positions with large multiplier effects.The Bay Area region pursues a much different approach to economic development than Indianapolis and most other places attempting to spur tech growth. While San Francisco has reformed its tax policies to appeal to the business community, for example, its certainty not the main reason for the areas booming tech industry.Our strategy is not to compete with low-cost cities, says Todd Rufo, director of the San Francisco city and county governments Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Were competing on being a place where you can go to get game-changing order of magnitude innovation.Officials say theyre doing just as much, if not more, to retain local talent as they are to hold onto their employers. This includes funding a program that provides training for unemployed tech professionals and investing in neighborhood revitalization efforts where theyre employed.If theres one clear advantage the Bay Area has, its having so many tech companies in close proximity, many of which participate in collaborative innovation centers. For the majority of other regions without already-established tech clusters, generating this type of activity could continue to prove challenging.A headquarters in a suburban office park, based on your own research and development team, isnt going to cut it anymore, says Rufo.
(TNS) North Dakota's insurance commissioner is encouraging residents who face major flooding to be prepared.The warning from commissioner Jon Godfread comes ahead of spring flooding, with parts of northeast North Dakota, especially near Grafton, Devils Lake and in Cavalier and Pembina counties, having the highest potential for flooding in the U.S., according to the National Weather Service. Devils Lake is expected to rise 3 to 4 feet, putting nearly 40,000 acres of land at risk. Grafton will likely see major flooding and has a 25 percent chance of seeing a record-setting flood. The Park River in Grafton had a record crest of 16.16 feet in May 2013.The major flood stage for the river begins at 14.5 feet, which the river should surpass later this spring. It's possible the river could rise as high as 19.7 feet.Devils Lake, which is expected to see record runoff, could begin to rapidly rise from April into May, averaging a half-foot or more per week before it peaks, possibly above the June 2011 record elevation of 1,454.3 feet, according to the weather service.The flood risk reduces to the south along the Red River, as there is little to no snow left south of Grand Forks.Godfread warned residents in a news release that traditional homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. When residents sign up for flood insurance, it takes 30 days to kick in, Godfread said in the release."I urge all North Dakotans to take the time to learn about how they can better protect themselves and their property from the destruction brought on by a flood," he said, adding it is "a critical time of year for consumers to talk to their insurance agent about their policy's limits and what other coverage options they have."Flood insurance is available to homeowners, renters and businesses through the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by the Federal Emergency Management Administration.The weather service may release an updated flood outlook on Friday.
I can remember the details of when and where I was when the big earthquake and tsunami hit Japan six years ago. The images of the relentless ocean pouring in on the land is etched in my memory.For the survivors, they have lived the past six years in waiting for a time when they could return to their homes, businesses and farms. Some will likely never be allowed to return in their lifetimes.See this editorial fromIt recounts the temporary housing issue and uncertain future for those still waiting to relocate either back to their home or to another location. The challenge for the nuclear reactors that were damaged from a loss of power highlights the issue of critical infrastructure interdependencies. No commercial power and damaged generators led to a meltdown.Disaster recovery is not for the faint of heart. It goes on for years, as shown by this disaster story.
(TNS) -- Drones, or unmanned aircraft, have recently been spotted flying over local neighborhoods, and some residents feel they are an invasion of privacy.Bill Busser of Gem Lakes in Aiken, S.C., is one of those people. He recently contacted the Aiken Department of Public Safety following an incident with a drone.A neighbor sent me an email that said someone had flown a drone over their home and it crashed on their roof, Busser said. This has led to a lot of people being concerned about (drones), so I wanted to ask police about them.Busser wanted to know if flying drones over homes is illegal, which led Lt. Karl Odenthal, with Aiken Public Safety, to research the law.After some searching, I found out that currently, it is not a violation of South Carolina law to fly a drone in a neighborhood or over private property, Odenthal said. There are basically no restrictions at this time.Busser said he thinks restrictions are needed.Its definitely an invasion of privacy in my mind, Busser said. Someone could fly a drone over your property, or house, and they could learn about your house before breaking in.Aiken resident Randy Simmonds said he has seen a drone flying over his property three or four times in recent months.I have no idea who is flying it its probably some kid just messing around, but I really would like it not to be over my house, Simmonds said. My family feels weird with the idea that someone could be watching them.Few legal remediesOdenthal said currently, the only way someone could possibly be charged would be if the victim could prove that the drones operator was recording personal activities within a residence.The only way for someone to prove that would be to video the drone looking in your window with your phone, because that would be the only way to prove to law enforcement that it was invading your privacy, Odenthal said. If you could prove that, then maybe we could charge the operator with a violation of the City of Aikens Peeping Tom ordinance or a voyeurism charge.However, Odenthal said it would be hard to find out the identity of the operator of any particular drone.The only way to find out the drone operators identity would be to use the serial number that has to be on the drone, but that number could be on the inside and not visible with the naked eye, he said. So, that obviously poses a problem.Busser also said he thought some residents might be tempted to shoot the drone down with a firearm, but Odenthal recommended against that.He said the law says the person shooting the weapon could be charged with discharging a firearm in the city limits. The shooter could be found liable for any other damages that may be caused by the firing of this weapon.This liability could also extend to the shooter if he struck or damaged the drone, or caused damage to others or property as a result of the drone falling from the sky.Just try to speak with the operator of the drone and tell them to please not fly over your property that is the best advice I could give on the subject right now, he said. If the drone operator loses control and it lands on a neighbors property, it would be best to return the private property to the owner.The Federal Aviation Administration is primarily responsible for regulating drone activity, Odenthal said.However, he said it is unlikely the FAA would come to Aiken to get involved with a drone owner who needs to retrieve his drone from a neighbors roof.If property is damaged, however, Aiken Public Safety will complete an incident report for civil court purposes, Odenthal said.Capt. Eric Abdullah, with the Aiken County Sheriffs Office, said the same laws apply to drones in the county, just as they do in the city.We havent had many calls about drones in the county, he said. Its still such a new technology.FAA unmanned aircraft lawsThe FAA has some rules and regulations for anyone who plans on flying a drone, or unmanned aircraft.According to the FAAs website, the operator must also register and obtain an operators permit with the FAA. The registration number must be attached to the drones operated by the registered individual, the website stated.If the individual has three drones each one can display the same number, but the number must be located somewhere on the drone, which includes the battery compartment.The FAA website also states that unmanned aircraft can only legally fly up 400 feet into the air.Lawmaker weighs inThere is currently a bill that passed through the S.C. Senate in February that is now going through the S.C. House of Representatives.The bill, if passed, would make it illegal to operate a drone within a certain distance of a Department of Corrections facility without written consent.If the bill is passed, a person who violates this law is guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, could be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than 30 days, or both.Sen. Vincent Sheheen, D-Kershaw, sponsored the bill. He couldnt be reached for comment.S.C. Rep. Bill Taylor, R-Aiken, said he thinks drones flying over neighborhoods or private property is an invasion of privacy.Everyone should be concerned about the invasion of privacy issues, Taylor said. If I looked out my window and saw a drone looking into my house, I would be pretty angry.Taylor said drones are an emerging technology and the federal government is even having a tough time dealing with them.There has also been legislation that would make it illegal to fly a drone over a military facility and illegal for law enforcement to put firearms or weapons on a drone.These three recent bills show that drones are an issue, he said. There is going to have to be more regulation and with time, there certainly will be.
(TNS) -- The battle between infrastructure needed for fast digital service and property rights may soon come to communities across Palm Beach County. Right now, its playing out in Tallahassee courtesy of legislation before lawmakers.Its a ticket for multi-billion dollar wireless communication companies to come into a city and do as they please in city right of ways, said Riviera Beach Councilwoman Dawn Pardo.The brewing fight is over technological advances. First there was 1G wireless technology, for first generation, and as telecommunications technology evolved, 2G, 3G, 4G and 4G LTE came to be. Now 5G, a fifth generation network technology allowing greater connectivity at higher speeds for many more devices, is on its way.To place the infrastructure needed for 5G service, a proposal pending in the Florida Legislature would limit state and local control of public rights-of-way where the 5G equipment is being installedSenate Bill 596 sponsored by Sen. Travis Hutson, R-Palm Coast, and House Bill 687, sponsored by Rep. Mike La Rosa, R-St. Cloud, would create the Advanced Wireless Infrastructure Deployment Act and prohibit the Florida Department of Transportation and local governmental entities from prohibiting, regulating or charging for collocation of small wireless facilities in public rights-of-way.Municipalities say the bill is one-sided, would take away their ability to control where 5G equipment is installed and totally favors telecommunications giants such as AT &T, Verizon and Sprint. The companies want the right to install their equipment on utility poles, light posts, signs and traffic arms in rights-of-way.Pardo was one of about a dozen officials from cities and counties across Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale and St. Petersburg, who spoke against the bill before the Senate Committee on Communications, Energy and Public Utilities in Tallahassee on March 7.Pardo told the committee the bill would eliminate residents having a say in the location of 5G facilities.Currently, Riviera Beach requires stealth designs that are unobtrusive, and has other rules as well. The city doesnt allow the equipment within residential communities.We have a couple of these wireless companies proposing to put towers in residential communities without any input from the public. This is unacceptable. This bill allows companies to put as many towers as they want, Pardo said.The proliferation of poles and equipment on rights-of-way would jeopardize public safety, entice kids to climb up the poles and create more debris when a hurricane hits, Pardo said.Riviera Beach has spent a couple million dollars to bury utility lines, Pardo said, adding, Then the next thing you know, we have these 100-foot poles in the middle of the sidewalk.Both bills have passed their first round in the Senate Committee on Communications, Energy and Public Utilities and the House Subcommittee on Energy & Utilities.While the bills deal only with small cells, the suitcase-size to small refrigerator-size building blocks of the 5G system, some companies are also submitting applications for poles as high as 120 feet.The telecommunications industry says the upgrades are needed by 2020 to meet the demand for faster internet speeds, smart cities, driverless vehicles, instantaneous 3D downloads, the Internet of things where machines talk to machines, and more.Houston-based Crown Castle, the nations largest provider of wireless infrastructure, sought to install 50 to 60 poles all over Riviera Beach, but in September 2016 the city passed an ordinance regulating them. The equipment boxes must be grouped together in a single location and spaced a minimum of 2,000 feet from each other unless technical documentation is provided by the applicant and approved by the city management. If more than six poles are to be located within one linear mile of a city block, the manager must notify the council.Crown Castle installed four poles prior to the regulations. Mobility had planned to install numerous 120-foot poles, but Riviera Beachs ordinance does not allow the poles to be over 35 feet.Thats got municipal leaders worried.Eric Poole, deputy director of public policy at the Florida Counties Association, spoke about SB 596 before the committee. The committee passed the bill on preliminary reading.This bill is a one-way street. It says the telecommunications industry can come into any county and city and require us to give them a permit to co-locate one of their small cell packages on any of our utility poles, light posts, signs or traffic arm signals. We cant tell them no, Poole said.Poole said he first became aware of the 5G issue about 10 months ago when a wireless infrastructure provider submitted an application in a Florida county he did not mention by name, and said it had the right to use the right-of-way. In the past, such installations were typically done on private property, not on public rights-of-way.The proposal states that if the local government doesnt approve or deny the telecommunication companys application within 60 days, approval is automatic. The maximum fee the companies can be charged for use of each right-of-way is $15.Some local governments have declared moratoriums while they work with the industry, Poole said. He said his organization doesnt want to stop smart schools, economic development and other advancements, but that the industry needs to respect home rule authority.Advocates for the bill included representatives of AT&T, Sprint, Verizon, T-Mobile and other companies, as well as their trade groups.Bethanne Cooley, legislative affairs director of CTIA, the trade association for the wireless communications industry, said networks need to be updated today to be ready for the next generation of wireless networks.The fifth generation, 5G, will connect 100 times as many devices and be up to 100 times faster. It could create up to 3 million jobs nationwide over the next seven years, Cooley said.A January report by the Florida Association of County Attorneys Cell Tower Right-of-Way Task Force states that numerous counties and cities in Florida have been confronted with applications from private companies wanting to place cellular telecommunications towers and small cells in the public right-of-way.The companies are seeking to classify these cellular towers as tall as 120 feet as utility poles, but they are not, the report states.The Telecommunications Act of 1996 and the Florida Statutes do not support a right of telecommunication firms to force local government to allow placement of cellular communication facilities in the local governments own right-of-way, the report concludes.
The 68-nation US-led coalition against the Islamic State (IS) militant group will meet in Washington on Wednesday to accelerate efforts to destroy the remaining Islamist militant strongholds in Iraq and Syria.
US President Donald Trump has ordered his generals to come up with an accelerated strategy to "eradicate" the group's so-called caliphate, and allied ministers are keen to hear more.
And it is also an occasion for Trump's discreet new secretary of state, Rex Tillerson, to emerge from the shadows and stamp his authority on the diplomatic side of the joint effort.
But eyebrows have been raised by Trump's plan to slash 28 percent from the State Department's budget for diplomacy and foreign aid, suggesting fewer resources for post-conflict stabilization.
European diplomats told AFP that they expect reassurances from Washington that it remains committed to a longer-term plan to secure the region after a battlefield victory.
The day-long ministerial-level discussion at the State Department will also help plan for the political aftermath of the battles for the cities of Mosul in Iraq and Raqa in Syria.
Iraq's Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi was in Washington just ahead of the talks, and said victory against IS was within sight, if only the allies stick together.
"We are killing Daesh. We are proving that Daesh can be killed, can be eliminated," Abadi told an invited audience at the US Institute for Peace, using the group's Arabic acronym.
"We can do it not only in Iraq but in the region. I am encouraging our allies and our friends to stay focused. We shouldn't lose focus, we shouldn't give Daesh a second chance."
Shortly after taking office in late January, Trump gave the Pentagon 30 days to review progress in the anti-IS fight and develop a comprehensive plan to "totally obliterate" the group.
On the campaign trail, the combative candidate frequently bemoaned how long it was taking then president Barack Obama to get the job done -- and he claimed to have a secret plan to finish IS.
But he never offered any details and so far has largely stuck with Obama's strategy.
This centers on US-led or guided forces carrying out continual surveillance and strikes on Islamist militant targets, while training and equipping local forces to conduct ground combat and hold seized terrain.
Still, Trump has made some notable tweaks, including granting commanders broader authority to make battlefield decisions.
Military officers had complained of micromanagement by the Obama White House, but critics worry the military may now lean toward actions with a greater likelihood of civilian deaths, such as a botched January raid in Yemen that ended up killing a Navy SEAL and multiple women and children.
On Monday, the Pentagon confirmed that it was investigating allegations that a strike it launched on a suspected Al-Qaeda target near a mosque in northern Syria killed dozens of civilians.
Last month, the Pentagon gave Trump an initial draft of its revised anti-IS plan.
Pentagon spokesman Navy Captain Jeff Davis said the document would "inform" Wednesday's diplomatic discussions, and that feedback from coalition partners would go back into the plan.
On October 17 last year, Iraqi troops -- backed by coalition air power, special forces and artillery -- launched an offensive to retake Mosul from the Islamic State group's so-called caliphate.
By February 19 they had cleared the East bank of the Tigris and had begun to push into Islamist militant strongholds on the West. They have suffered heavy casualties but continue to progress.
Meanwhile, the Islamist militants' "capital" in Syria is increasingly isolated, but planning for its recapture has been complicated by the diplomatic and political situation in the country.
The Pentagon is backing an alliance of local Kurdish and Arab militias to take the city, but Turkey has its own rebel force in the region and Russia is backing Bashar al-Assad's regime.
Turkey regards the YPG -- the Kurdish component of the US-backed Syrian Democratic Forces -- as a front for the "terrorist" Kurdish separatist PKK and opposes arming it for the offensive.
The United States, however, does not want to commit too many of its own troops to the fight -- despite plans to more than double its own 850-strong contingent in the country and add artillery units.
How this plays out in the months to come will also be under discussion in Washington, with Tillerson attempting to maintain support for the US vision among the mainly Western and Arab partners.
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Daily Calls
Economy of Scale
The Human Touch
Living alone can be tough for seniors. Some dont have family nearby to check on them, and they worry that if they fall or suffer a medical emergency and can't get to the phone to seek help, no one will know.Thats why hundreds of police agencies in small towns, suburbs and rural areas across the country are checking in on seniors who live alone by offering them a free automated phone call every day.Police officials say the computerized calling systems, which are fairly inexpensive and easy to use, provide an important service to a growing senior population that is expected to reach 65 million by 2025. Already, nearly half of women age 75 and older live alone.And advocates for older adults say telephone check-in programs can help seniors remain independent in their homes and give them and their family members peace of mind.It helps ensure for the elderly person or their family that a phone call is being made every morning, that everything is OK. Weve gotten incredible feedback on this program, said Cmdr. Jack Vaccaro, of the Lighthouse Point Police Department in Florida, which has nine seniors in its automated daily call program.Automated telephone reassurance systems for seniors began nearly three decades ago. They have grown in popularity in recent years and now are used by police departments from California to Massachusetts.Some police agencies take a more personal approach, using volunteers or dispatchers to place the calls.Police departments are becoming more sensitive in responding to the needs of older adults, said Sandy Markwood, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging. For instance, she said, they are training officers in how to handle seniors with dementia. Telephone check-in programs are another way of doing that.I think were seeing a trend with these types of programs, particularly in rural and smaller communities, she said. Its a wise use of government dollars for first responders.Seniors who sign up for telephone reassurance programs decide when they want to be called. They typically are required to give police the name and phone number of an emergency contact.Participants get a computer-generated phone call every day sometimes recorded by the police chief or sheriff that asks them to press a certain number if they are OK. If they dont answer the phone, theyll get another computer-generated call, and sometimes additional ones.If they still dont answer, police usually will try to get in touch with their emergency contact before dispatching an officer to the home to check on them.Seniors who know theyre going to be out when the phone rings at the specified time are supposed to notify police in advance. But sometimes they forget, and dispatchers end up sending out a unit on a false call. While that does happen, police officials say its not a frequent occurrence so the personnel costs are minimal.Some agencies, such as the Winter Park, Florida, Police Department, also require participants to put a copy of their house key in a secured box similar to ones used by real estate agents, that is placed somewhere around the outside of the house. Emergency responders know the code and can open the box and enter the house, if necessary.The price tag for telephone reassurance systems varies.RUOK, the nations largest telephone reassurance system, is used by hundreds of police agencies, according to Bruce Johnson, owner of the Minnesota company that developed and sells the software. It costs about $1,000 to buy and set up and has no maintenance fees.Database Systems Corp., a Phoenix-based data management company that has sold its CARE Call Reassurance system to dozens of police departments, charges nearly $11,000 for purchase, installation and the first year of maintenance, Vice President Jerry Pizet said. After that, most agencies do their own maintenance.Winter Park Police Officer Randall Morrissey said his agency uses RUOK software that runs on an old laptop and was paid for with forfeiture funds. Running the program doesnt cost the department anything, he said, other than the cost of sending out an officer on a false call, which isnt often.A lot of the seniors who sign up are concerned that they could pass and not be discovered for days, Morrissey said. With this program, its comforting for them to know they could be found.That was the reason the Belton Police Department in Texas launched its telephone check-in program in 2013, according to Detective Sgt. Kim Hamilton. The impetus: an incident in which officers found an elderly woman who been had been dead on the floor of her home for at least two months without anyone knowing or checking on her.That alone spoke volumes to us, Hamilton said. We knew there was a need to check on our senior residents.The check-in programs are less common in big cities, where large numbers of people might sign up, potentially straining budgets because more officers would be needed to check on seniors who dont answer their phones.But in small cities and towns, suburbs and rural areas, the programs can be more manageable.Its economy of scale, said Capt. Larry Murphy, of the Biloxi, Mississippi, Police Department. With more people, the percentage of false alarms goes up and youve got to send out units there. If youre in a really large city, youd have to add more and more resources.In Biloxi, a city of about 44,000, only 14 seniors are registered for its telephone check-in program. While many police departments want to sign up as many seniors as possible, Murphy said his tries to limit its program to people who really need it rather than those who just want it.Murphy said the automated call system has experienced on and off outages in the last few years because of lightning damage to the dispatch center. That means dispatchers sometimes have to personally call each senior, which is resource-intensive but manageable with a limited number of participants.Some police agencies that once used automated check-in systems, such as those in Brentwood, Missouri, and Amherst, Massachusetts, have stopped using them. Agencies that choose to give up the systems usually do it because participants move away or die and not enough seniors sign up to replace them.Police officials agree that for telephone reassurance programs to succeed in the long term, they need to be continuously marketed to new seniors. Some departments do that by publicizing them on websites, at senior centers, and in apartment complexes and churches.Some police agencies go beyond automated check-ins and use staff or volunteers to dial up seniors and talk to them one-on-one.Every weekday morning, a staffer at the Orangeburg County Sheriffs Office in South Carolina makes 50 to 60 calls to see if seniors in the telephone reassurance program are OK.In Belton, Texas, 130 senior participants get an automated call every weekday except Wednesday, when they get a live call from one of dozens of volunteers, according to the police departments Hamilton. Sometimes thats the only person the senior talks to that week, she said.A part-time coordinator oversees the volunteers and is paid for through a grant from the Area Agency on Aging of Central Texas. This years grant was for $21,000.Considering what the police have to deal with every day, this is totally the opposite end of the spectrum, said Pam Patterson, an area agency contract manager. It gives them an opportunity to really help seniors.And in Belton, as in some other parts of the country, police say the program has saved lives.Belton police have had four saves so far, Hamilton said, including a man who fell to the floor in his house and stayed there from Friday, after his last check-in, until Monday, when his next call came.In San Diego County, California, one of the bigger areas to run a call reassurance service, the sheriffs departments program goes far beyond automated calls. As part of You Are Not Alone , 452 senior volunteer patrol members call 334 older adults at least five times a week and visit them at least weekly, depending on their preference.We think the personal touch is a little bit better, in the event something else is going on, said Sgt. Monica Sanchez. Our senior volunteers are trained to see if there is food in the fridge or if there are signs of neglect. An automated program would not work for us. We like to observe and report.Sanchez said the volunteers have helped save peoples lives, such as when they visited the home of an 86-year-old woman last year, got no response, and noticed her mail had been piling up. They contacted deputies, who climbed through an open window and found the woman on the floor, severely dehydrated.They were just in time to save her life, Sanchez said.
Can we still trust data? Following a series of surprising election results in 2016 that defied the predictions made by some of the worlds most talented pollsters, some critics seem to think the answer is a resounding no. But while those who forecast elections certainly made mistakes, these failures do not mean that other uses of predictive analytics should be discarded. To the contrary, a close look at U.S. presidential election predictions shows that more investment in data, not less, is the way to avoid replicating these types of problems in the future.Given that virtually every major pollster predicted before the election that Clinton would defeat Trump, some have suggested that the enormity of this mistake will lead to the demise of the entire voter projection industry. Others think the impact will be even more far-reaching. Patrick Tucker , the technology editor of Defense One, argues, If big data is not that useful for predicting an election, then how much should we be relying on it for predicting civil uprisings in countries where we have an interest or predicting future terror attacks?While these responses are understandable, they are still overreactions. The problems with these forecasts could have been avoided by remembering a few key principles.First, predictions are not guarantees. Many of the election results, especially of the popular vote , are consistent with pre-election polling and differences fall within the margin of error. Any serious data scientist will admit that even the best models cannot be accurate 100 percent of the time. Uncertainty is a fact of life. Nobody could have predicted the impact that FBI Director James Comeys late-stage intervention would have on the final tallies. Organizations should use data to be better prepared for the future, but they should remember that they must still plan for contingencies. This will require data-literate executives who understand the assumptions in the underlying statistics.Second, measure the right thing. This type of mistake is far too common. During the Vietnam War, the U.S. government used body counts to measure the militarys progress , only to discover later that this was a poor indicator of the wars success. If existing data does not accurately measure a particular phenomenon, then additional data may be needed.During the presidential campaigns, one of the few models to correctly forecast the election relied not on polling results, but on online behavior, such as social media engagement. These types of models also avoided the so-called Bradley effect , where polls differ from election results because some voters are reluctant to tell pollsters their true opinion. Data-driven organizations need to routinely validate whether the data they have is an accurate measurement of reality.Third, data quality matters. The pre-election polls misjudged how likely certain people were to vote and these underlying assumptions polluted the quality of the data used in most voter prediction models. Data quality should remain a top priority for organizations, as inaccurate or incomplete data can limit the utility of predictive models. Organizations should explore how new data sources, such as data produced by connected Internet of Things devices or social media, can provide better and more timely information than traditional sources.Finally, models get better with age. One reason that pollsters got it wrong in 2016 is that they had few opportunities to refine their models presidential elections only take place every four years. The best predictive models, such as those used to predict weather or recommend movies, have often gone through multiple iterations based on enormous data sets on predictions and outcomes. The only way organizations can get better at data analytics is by building models and then assessing them.So while the past year offers many lessons on how not to use data, it is premature to suggest that these errors have shaken the pillars of todays data economy. Instead, it should be an important reminder that data-driven innovation requires organizations to invest time, talent and treasure to produce the desired results.Government agencies that double down on data are likely to find themselves ahead of their peers in the future, while those that pull back may find themselves reliving 2016.
Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper has tapped Tony Neal-Graves, a former vice president of Intel Corp., to lead the states broadband expansion and enhancement efforts, according to a release from the governors office.Neal-Graves, who started work Wednesday, March 15, serves as executive director in charge of Colorados broadband office, and his experience with Intel is expected to be an asset as he uses public-private partnerships to drive the states broadband strategy and expand high-speed access for its residents. Only 70 percent of Colorados rural residents currently have access to broadband, a number the state plans to raise to 85 percent by the end of 2018, and 100 percent by the end of 2020.We are working tirelessly to make sure every county throughout the state has the tools needed for economic development especially in rural areas, Hickenlooper said in the release. Tonys leadership will help move the needle so that all Coloradans have improved access to broadband services sooner rather than later.Neal-Graves' experience in the telecommunications arena extends past Intel, where he worked for 15 years. Before Intel, Neal-Graves spent 20 years working with industry giants such as AT&T, Bell Laboratories and Lucent Technologies.The broadband office that Neal-Graves is heading up will be housed in the Governors Office of Information Technology, where officials say it will work closely with the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, the Department of Local Affairs and other agencies.Colorado Digital Transformation Officer Brandon Williams has emphasized how critical broadband is to the state , citing plans involving the Broadband Office that Neal-Graves is now spearheading.
The community has helped to build and continues to support the smart city programs. If we don't have our community understanding what we're trying to achieve. We won't be successful, he said.
City departments are being helped in reaching goals by deploying solutions that work for them.
Residents' quality of life is improved.
Seattle is on the hunt for someone to help manage its smart city programs.Last week, the city posted a classified for a Smart City Coordinator to help oversee its overarching strategy, help departments coordinate smart city programs, and be the smart city point person for stakeholders and other partners.Were creating the smart cities coordinator role to help drive collaboration across these stakeholders and to make sure we have basic consistency in our smart cities deployment, Seattle Chief Technology Officer Michael Mattmiller toldSeattle has been pursuing smart city programs for years now, he said, but what the city seeks now is someone who understands how the technologies are rapidly evolving. One of Mattmiller's favorite projects, Seattle RainWatch , is in need of some help and guidance. RainWatch is composed of a network of sensors that monitor precipitation and give the city some idea of where sudden downpours might cause flooding. The network provides the city with hyperlocal weather information and leads to alerts being sent out.Because the cost of sensors are quickly decreasing, Mattmiller said there is a clear opportunity to add more to create a more robust network but security remains integral for any technology deployment. We must have the publics trust in how we collect and use their data.Seattle already has several smart city projects underway in the Department of Transportation, the Fire Department, Seattle City Light, and public utilities. The application defines "smart cities" as communities where sensors are deployed to gather data, and the decisions are data-driven to improve the lives of their public. Other departments have plans to implement several new smart projects in the coming years.The city also just wrapped up an RFI looking for ideas on how to provide high-speed Wi-Fi to every member of the community. While a majority of the citys residents have access, roughly 15 percent still lack it. There is a bit of crossover, said Mattmiller, noting that the RFI included a question regarding how the proposal would enable smart city applications.Most of the responsibilities, however, will be working across city departments to make sure all current smart city initiatives are following best practices and coordinating with one another while following city rules and regulations. Housed in the Seattle Information Technology Department (Seattle IT) the next smart city coordinator will also serve as a resource for upcoming projects. According to the application, the coordinator will help city departments envision the art of the possible with regard to Smart City technologies.The other primary responsibility will be to work with partners both within the city and without. Mattmiller said whomever is chosen will work closely with Candace Faber , the citys civic tech advocate, and Open Data Program Manager David Doyle.Not only do we want to keep the community informed of what we are trying to do, Mattmiller said, but officials also need to make sure the data we collect is available for the public.The coordinator will also be tasked with managing and growing the relationship with the MetroLab Network, he said.The network was started under former President Barack Obama as a way to bring universities and cities together. Universities provide the research and legwork, while cities help run experiments and serve as proving grounds. In January, Seattle hosted a MetroLab event that brought together representatives from 20 cities and 24 different universities where participants shared experiences and techniques something that will be one of the new coordinator's responsibilities, as will becoming familiar with projects in the network and how Seattle could apply to technology to its own needs.Collaboration is the new competition, Mattmiller said, citing a Harvard Business Review article The position is temporary for three years, and by the end of that time, Mattmiller said he is hoping for three things:We are looking for candidates who want to engage in service," Matmiller said, "who want to think about how technology benefits communities and has a passion for collaboration."More information is available here ; applications are being accepted through April 11.
(TNS) -- ROCKFORD Winnebago County's 13 law enforcement agencies want to share and access information such as arrest reports, offender photographs and traffic citations, but the ability to do so can be cumbersome.Most police departments in the county have their own records management system but that information is not accessible to all law enforcement agencies in the county. FE/Kimball , a Fairfax, Virginia-based consulting firm that specializes in planning, designing and implementing telecommunications systems, is being hired at a cost of about $185,000 to help identify a vendor capable of operating one records management system that all of Winnebago County's law enforcement agencies can use to input and extract information. The Winnebago County Sheriff's and Rockford Police departments the county's two largest police agencies will each contribute $75,000 toward the consulting fee. The balance will be divvied up among the remaining police agencies in the county.Loves Park Police Deputy Chief Mike McCammond said the goal is to make the job of policing more efficient and safer for officers."If I were to enter someone's name in our system I would see if we ever wrote them a ticket, if they were involved in a traffic crash, or if they ever had a medical call or a domestic call at their house," he said. "If I wanted to know if Rockford had ever stopped and wrote that person a ticket or if they had been in a crash in Rockford, I would have to go to a different system to look that up."Agencies like South Beloit, Roscoe and Rockton use their own RMS system that we don't have access to. We have to call them. So we're looking for that data warehouse that holds all of that information so that you get that one-stop shop to find out all of the context. It makes your job easier and safer because you are going to have that information upfront."McCammond said a police department's records management system is different from the Illinois Law Enforcement Agencies Data System, which most police agencies use and is operated by the Illinois State Police. Information collected in LEADS may include active warrants, license plate registration and concealed permit information.The timetable to find a vendor and to implement the new system is still being devised. However, Winnebago County Sheriff's Sgt. Tammie Stanley, who oversees the department's records system, and Rockford Police Chief Dan O'Shea said each of their respective department's Motorola-supported NET RMS systems will reach "end of life" in 2018.Gus Gentner, chief information officer for Winnebago County's IT Department, said of the end-of-life designation doesn't mean the systems will die, but said, "You are living on borrowed time."The expense of paying the vendor (Motorola ) maintenance fees goes up."
Temple of Heaven Park, one of Beijings most popular tourist sites, has a theft problem a toilet paper theft problem.Officials suspect the culprits arent tourists, but locals looking to restock their personal tissue supplies, according to a report from The New York Times . One cleaning worker at the park reported that sometimes people would simply take an entire roll from the bathroom.In an effort to combat the growing issue of toilet paper waste and overuse, the park has installed facial recognition software in the restrooms. Before entering, bathroom visitors must have their faces scanned by a wall-mounted computer. A machine then dispenses a two-foot length of toilet paper, and will not provide a second allotment to the same person for nine minutes.While some are pleased with the benefits of the high-tech TP dispensers, others are more critical. Park employees report that the machines cost about $720 each, while some park visitors found the toilet paper itself simply inadequate.
A German court Tuesday sentenced three teenage boys to up to seven years in juvenile detention over a miitants attack on an Indian wedding that badly wounded a Sikh priest.
The three extremists, all 16 at the time, set off a home-made bomb in April last year outside a prayer hall where a Sikh community wedding was taking place, also leaving two others with lesser injuries.
The youths, who were born in Germany, had met on social media after being radicalised by ultra-fundamentalist Salafist Muslims, and got together to commit the attack in the western city of Essen.
Two of them, identified only as T. and B. because they are minors, were sentenced to seven years and six years and nine months respectively for attempted murder.
The third, identified only as I., was given six years for complicity.
Prosecutors charge they had sought to kill "non-believers" with a device they had built from a fire extinguisher shell and chemicals ordered from online shopping site Amazon.
The power of the blast destroyed the door of the temple and blew out window frames.
A priest was left with a fractured foot bone and has been unable to resume his ministry, said the court.
Two other people suffered superficial cuts.
"The motive of the attack was hatred against other religions. The accused were already radicalised before the act," said the court in a statement.
There were no indications that the attack was linked to the Islamic State group, it added.
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Sebastian Vettel "would fit" into the Mercedes team, according to team boss Toto Wolff.
It is the clearest sign yet that the reigning world champions are already looking firmly into the future, having signed Valtteri Bottas only for 2017 following Nico Rosberg's shock retirement.
Fellow Mercedes chief Niki Lauda this week in fact rejected the Vettel-to-Mercedes talk, insisting "That is not our plan -- I must say that quite clearly".
But very different noises are coming from Wolff's mouth.
"2018 opens up alternatives that may be interesting but at the moment we do not waste time and will focus instead on bringing Bottas up to speed," he told Stuttgarter Zeitung newspaper.
Asked if he was referring to German Vettel, Wolff answered: "I personally have a good relationship with him and he would fit into the team.
"However, Sebastian is someone who is absolutely loyal to his current employer. When Nico retired, he was not one of the interesting applicants for the seat," he revealed.
"He only said 'Oh, this is surprising'. He is focusing on Ferrari with everything he has. What the future brings we will see, but it would be negligent to not have Sebastian on the list," added Wolff.
When told that 'German quadruple world champion Vettel driving a Mercedes' seems like a good fit, Wolff agreed: "Sounds good.
"But as good as it sounds, it matters little now. My favourite scenario is that it works out with Valtteri and Lewis," he said.
(GMM)
New F1 chief Chase Carey says he is still in contact with his ousted predecessor Bernie Ecclestone.
But his comments are at odds with the news from 86-year-old Ecclestone himself, as he told the Daily Star newspaper that he is not "worried that these people have not bothered to contact me".
Carey told another British newspaper, The Times, that he speaks with the Briton "once or twice a week" to get "invaluable" insights about the sport he has taken over.
Since being ousted, Ecclestone has given a couple of interviews in which he said Liberty Media initially wanted him to stay as chief executive, only for Carey to take full control immediately.
Carey now tells the Times: "As I looked at it and the way he controlled every decision, down to a paddock pass, it seemed to be really difficult to envisage, having done it for so long, that he could change."
Ecclestone, who is officially 'chairman emeritus', revealed that he will shortly speak with the Brazilian president about race funding, and then attend about half of this year's grands prix.
He said: "I don't bear grudges and I would have been happy to help and I think I could save people a lot of time and money with lots of valuable contacts. But they clearly don't want my advice."
Carey admits losing his role in F1 must be difficult for Ecclestone.
"I assume it's difficult or awkward for him as it was his life. I respect that. We clearly do want to run the business in a different way," he said.
(GMM)
The transatlantic bond is "getting stronger," Pentagon chief Jim Mattis told NATO's Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday, the same day the US secretary of state said he will skip a key alliance meeting.
"We have a very strong transatlantic bond," Mattis told NATO's secretary general.
"It's getting stronger, relationships don't stay the same, they are always changing. In this case the bond is getting stronger."
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is missing NATO's meeting of foreign ministers in April, yet will travel to Russia the same month, fueling fears about Washington's commitment to the alliance.
Stoltenberg twice declined to comment when a reporter shouted questions about the message Tillerson's decision will send to NATO.
NATO countries were deeply unsettled by President Donald Trump's fiery campaign rhetoric in which he branded the 28-member alliance as "obsolete."
Trump has moderated his stance since, though has continued to chide some members for not paying a promised 2 percent of GDP into their defense budgets.
Stoltenberg is in Washington to attend a meeting of allies fighting the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria.
While NATO is not itself part of that coalition, many of its members are and some want NATO to play a broader role.
After speaking with Mattis, Stoltenberg said in a statement that the two of them agreed that NATO has "untapped potential in fighting terrorism by training local forces and building their capacity, as we have done for years in Afghanistan and the Balkans."
Mattis, a retired Marine general who has worked closely with NATO, has been on something of a damage-control mission since Trump took office and traveled to Brussels last month to reassure allies of ongoing US commitment to the mutual defense organization.
"I was very much impressed by the increased unity I found during my visit with you and the resolve of the alliance," Mattis told Stoltenberg.
"We had all hoped for a better future back 20 years ago and some things haven't turned out the way we wish, so we have to address that reality."
Stoltenberg, who was formerly the Norwegian prime minister, also told Mattis that security in Europe benefits North America too.
"In times of turmoil, in times of uncertainty, the need for strong international institutions like NATO is even greater," Stoltenberg said.
"Stability in Europe is good for all of us. Two world wars and the Cold War have taught us all that peace and stability is important for Europe of course but also North America."
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Egypt and China agreed Monday on a $71 million Chinese grant to Cairo for a feasibility study for the Egyptian satellite SATII project, as well as the establishing of a vocational training centre at the Suez Canal Economic Zone, the Egyptian Ministry of International Cooperation stated on its website on Tuesday.
According to the statement, $64 million will be dedicated to the feasibility studies for the second phase of the Second Egyptian Satellite for Remote Sensing (Egypt SATII) and $7 million for the Suez Canal vocational centre.
The two grants are the latest China provided to Egypt over the last five years totaling $267 million, according to the ministry's media office.
"China is considered among the leading countries in the field of space technology and remote sensing," said Nasr, who stressed the importance of benefiting from the Chinese experience in this field.
In January 2016, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi and Chinese President Xi Jinping signed a number of cooperation deals worth around $15 billion, including Chinas participation in the construction of Egypts new administrative capital as well as the development of an industrial and commercial hub around Egypt's Suez Canal. China is also involved in power generation projects in Egypt.
However, the Egyptian government said in early February that it could not reach a final deal with the China Construction Company, which was to be tasked with building parts of the administrative capital. Egyptian construction companies were given the contract instead.
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The recent spate of terrorist attacks on Copts in Sinai did not come as a surprise to those who have followed terrorist activities there during the last two years and who perceive the roots of the extremist groups that operate there.
These attacks can be understood in light of the following observations:
First, with the deterioration in the security climate in Sinai at the time, the Salafist Jihadist current began to rise in Al-Arish and in a number of Sinai villages and cities.
This current displayed its weight and presence in unprecedented manifestations that no state institutions were equipped to handle. One example was a military demonstration organised by cells associated with terrorist groups, including the Excommunication and Emigration group and other offshoots in the streets of Al-Arish in 2012.
That demonstration included more than 200 vehicles, some of which bore black banners, carrying 1,000 men. The demonstration ended with an attack on a police station, as other armed groups laid siege to the Nuweiba Port to press for the release of prisoners arrested for attempting to smuggle narcotics.
In the same vein we saw a Salafist groups founder say he had formed groups comprising 6,000 armed men who would impose security, while others expressed an intention to set upSharia tribunals to replace the tribal councils.
Second, extremist Salafist elements and takfiri groups (those who accuse other Muslims of apostasy) began to coordinate with other groups inside Gaza, sending supplies under the pretext of breaking the Israeli siege. This revealed their involvement in smuggling operations through tunnels along the Gaza-Sinai border.
Militias and armed groups formed in this period. Carrying out such smuggling operations both arms and human they gave those operations a kind of legitimacy.
Third, Sinai became an incubating environment for these forces to establish a parallel authority to that of the state under a tribal cover, in an abuse of the great tribal leaders of the regions patriotic history.
Thus a suitable ground for producing extremist and terrorist cadres, opposed to social order was created. Opening the borders and the traffic through the tunnels permitted the fusion of the takfiri organisations in Sinai with terrorist outfits inside the Gaza sector, especially those linked to Jihadist Salafism.
There was a convergence of interests between those groups and arms-smuggling organisations, which ultimately allowed a terrorist hotspot to crystalise in Sinai.
The situation worsened after ex-president Mohamed Morsis pardoning of wanted terrorist leaders, and the decision not to pursue others, which allowed some cadres to return from the Yemen, Iraq and Afghanistan to take up operations in Sinai.
Most of these cells and groups were linked to Al-Qaeda, especially the organisations of Ansar Al-Jihad (Followers of Jihad) and Al-Tawhid wal-Jihad (Monotheism and Jihad Organization).
This activity culminated in the growth of Ansar Beit Al-Maqdis (Supporters of Jerusalem) which merged many groups under one banner that established relations with terrorist groups in Syria, Iraq and Libya.
Fourth, many of the Salafist leaders stances are responsible for the climate of enmity and represent a cover for the takfiri elements to confront and attack Egyptian Copts.
These leaders extremist perspectives are not confined to takfiri elements in Egypt; they are part of a broader takfiri philosophy which can be found in the thinking of Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. These same perspectives were used to justify attacks on Christian and non-Muslim citizens in both Iraq and Syria.
The documents and books of the so-calledSharia theorists in those organisations reveal a deeply entrenched intolerance towards Christians.
In my estimation, the timing of what happened to the Egyptian Christian citizens in Al-Arish aimed to achieve a number of objectives upon which the terrorist organisations and many regional and international powers converged.
For one, these groups are refusing what Egypt has achieved on the path to realising stability and development. This can be seen in the terrorists attempts in Sinai to assert their existence and strength inside Al-Arish and Gaza after the Egyptian security forces success in eradicating many of their roots. This has driven them to focus on innocent citizens as a weak link that will generate an influential media echo.
Another objective is to disrupt President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis visit to the US, upon the invitation of the American President in appreciation of what the Egyptian state has done to confront terrorism inside its borders.
A third objective is an attempt to reinsert the Copts as a topic for discussion during the visit, as this was a constant dossier for long years in any meeting between Egyptian and American officials.
A fourth objective is to undermine the enormous achievements of the Armed Forces and security bodies in confronting terrorism and to conceal their success in weakening the foothold of those groups, especially by cleansing the Al-Halal Mountain area, which represented a fulcrum for terrorist elements.
Fifth, it is an attempt to weaken what El-Sisi and the Egyptian state have done to improve relations with Christian citizens who backed 2013s 30 June Revolution and torpedo the noticeable and positively developing concord between the state and the Egyptian Church.
There is also the attempt to negatively affect the view of EU countries towards Egypt and hinder the return of tourism.
The situation now needs frankness and clarity, for the Egyptian state is responsible for returning these citizens to their residences and work.
The state must assert its ability to protect its citizens and thwart the plots against the countrys stability and security. It must make clear that these are Egyptian citizens who should not be considered refugees or guests.
It is also time to open a society-wide dialogue with different tribal, political and social forces in Sinai to reach an understanding that resurrects the declining role of tribal chieftains loyal to the state. Dialogue is also necessary to root out elements and groups that create this incubating environment for terrorism.
Perhaps it is also necessary to confront media platforms that try to exploit events to torpedo stability and agitate strife, in an objective and logical way.
In sum, all state institutions and Egyptians should work in solidarity to assert that to terrorize Egyptian Christians is to terrorize the entire homeland and considered an attack on Egyptian national security.
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RoDip comes in two versions, RoDip M and RoDip E. RoDip E has an electrically driven transport unit on one side of the tank comprising both transport and rotation drives. RoDip E is very flexible and can be programmed with body-related dipping curves. RoDip M uses two mechanical chain drives, one on each side of the tank. The Ecopaint RoDip E version will be used in the Mercedes-Benz Vans paint shop.
Durr has expanded the capability of its Ecopaint RoDip rotational dip process to handle vehicle bodies up to eight meters in length for the first time. Durr will be installing this technology in the new Mercedes-Benz Vans factory in North Charleston, SC. It will form part of a complete paint shop being built by Durr on behalf of Mercedes Benz Vans.
The system will transport the closed car bodies of the next generation of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter through pretreatment (PT) and cathodic electro-coating (EC). Each of the freely programmable transport units has a separate drive for rotation in addition to the conveying drive.
The individually programmable transport units enable optimized dip curves for the respective car body. The end result is better coating quality and increased energy efficiency. The rotational process means that smaller bath volumes are possible; these need less chemicals and fresh water and at the same time reduce the energy consumption and volume of wastewater.
Following pretreatment, the seam sealing, underbody protection, and rocker panel protection are applied within a single zone. These combined tasks are performed by four rail-mounted EcoRS robots with the new generation of the EcoGun2 3D applicator. This standardized applicator is suitable for all applications, from spraying insulating material to sealing seams. The EcoGun2 3D is much more streamlined and lightweight than its predecessor model, making it ideal for getting into even hard-to-access areas of the body shell.
The fully automated interior and exterior painting steps are performed cost-effectively in their own zones in stop and go mode using a special atomizer of the type EcoBell3 HX designed for painting detailed and exterior surfaces. Interior painting in the cargo space is performed by non-rail-mounted swingarm robots. With their extended arms, they are specially designed for use in large cargo spaces. This is the first time they are being installed in this form in the USA.
Vans have a large number of different colors applied to them. In order to be able to apply this variety with minimal paint loss during paint changes, the robots are connected to the EcoSupply P special paint supply system with pigging technology.
The semi-automatic system EcoDry X for dry separation of the overspray in the paint booths requires no water or chemicals. This system, designed for simplicity and robustness, works on the basis of cardboard filters. The paint shop equipped entirely by Durr also includes paint application with primer and 2-wet process for topcoat.
Mercedes-Benz Vans announced its plans to extend its existing assembly location for vans and build a new factory for the production of the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter in North Charleston in South Carolina (USA) back in 2015. Production is due to start before the end of the decade. Up to now, Sprinters for the USA will be manufactured in Germany. Due to high import duties, however, they will be partially disassembled in a complex process and reassembled in the plant in North Charleston.
According to Daimler this additional step puts Mercedes-Benz Vans at a clear competitive disadvantage on the US market. The new factory and vehicles made in USA will enable the division to service the growing demand from North American customers much more economically in the future, and significantly reduce the delivery times in the market. The division is therefore investing around US$500 million in the construction of the factory. Mercedes-Benz Vans is the only manufacturer in the large transporter segment that is still manufacturing in Germany (Dusseldorf and Ludwigsfelde).
The Durr Group is one of the worlds leading mechanical and plant engineering firms with outstanding automation expertise. Durr supplies not only the automotive industry but also other sectors such as the mechanical engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, andsince the takeover of HOMAG Group AG in October 2014the woodworking industry.
When he came to office, millions were hopeful that Barack Obama would deliver on his promises regarding US relations with Arab countries. He failed.
In August 2008, on a cruise ship heading to Alaska, I sat glued to my cabin TV set. Nothing on that luxurious ship could have enticed me to leave that cabin as I watched the Democratic Party candidate, back then, Senator Barack Obama, speak.
He had me captivated, but I was not alone, for Obama always held his audience spellbound, coming across as articulate and genuine.
Early on, his foreign policy pledges were undeniably bonafide. He vowed to disentangle the US from Afghanistan and Iraq, and close Guantanamo; No more Iraqs had gained him many voters. And he became the 44the US president, his being the first black presidency, which exemplified diversity and acknowledgement of the other.
Then he chose Egypts Cairo University as the venue from which to speak to the Muslim world, and again I watched in awe. I have come here to seek a new beginning between the United States and Muslims around the world; one based upon mutual interest and mutual respect.
The Holy Quran tells us, continued Obama, O mankind! We have created you male and a female; and we have made you into nations and tribes so that you may know one another.
No other US president had extended the reconciliatory olive branch of peace in that fashion. It was like a new beginning, and I, like millions, was hopeful that Obama would deliver on his promises.
Today, eight years after Obamas heartening start, we look back and assess his legacy in the Arab world a legacy of failure.
Iraq
Though President Bushs invasion of Iraq remains one of history's most tragic disasters, President Obamas role in the Iraqi war may have surpassed Bushs jaded blunder. In 2011, Obama ordered US combat troops to withdraw from Iraq. Regrettably, they left behind an open playing field for the Islamic State (IS), Al-Nusra Front, and other insurgencies to move in. Not only did Obama forsake the Iraqis but he also renounced the USs role in generating the Iraqi plight.
Iraq, today, remains at the mercy of Islamist militants. And to this Obama comments, The ability of ISIL to not just mass inside of Syria, but then to initiate major land offensives that took Mosul [in Iraq], for example, that was not on my intelligence radar screen."
Syria
Syria will remain the thorn in Obamas legacy in the Arab world. Siding with the opposition against President Bashar Al-Assad seems irrelevant today in the large scheme of things. As the opposition gained momentum, it got infiltrated by militants and factions from across the world.
The ongoing war left Syria with a humanitarian calamity: over 400,00 dead, a devastated wasteland, and the foreboding title of the worlds largest refugee crisis.
President Obama adopted a feint and indecisive role calling the fight against IS long-term. He dithered, leaving the door wide open for a multitude of countries to get involved. Neither Syria nor the Syrians themselves truly mattered.
Robert Ford, who resigned in 2014 as US ambassador to Syria over policy disagreements, said: Im personally sad that after we thought we had learned lessons in places like Sarajevo, Srebrenica and Rwanda, it's in fact very clear that this administration doesn't really care.
Today, a ceasefire in Syria is holding as a Russian-backed truce that the US played no role in takes effect.
Libya
Intervening in Libya and toppling Gaddafi left the country with a vacuum similar to that created in Iraq. President Obama made sure that the intervention was led by a NATO coalition, and in October 2011 NATO pulled out of Libya. This vacuum was immediately seized by IS.
Once Libya was Africas richest state; today Libya is in chaos, torn by civil war, split between Misrata militias on one side and General Khalifa Hiftar on the other.
While Obama was for the change in leadership and saving the lives of innocent Libyans, he never completed the task he initiated. When asked about his failures, Obama responded that failing to prepare for the aftermath of the ousting of the Libyan leader was the worst mistake of his presidency.
Whether in Libya, Iraq, or Syria, IS emerged as the successor after the toppled or targeted regimes left these countries easy prey. Obamas strategy regarding IS failed; it never seemed wilful or deliberate enough, and yet his administration continued its rhetoric on how it was working to degrade and destroy IS.
The repercussions of this stance are felt across the Arab world.
Egypt
An orderly transition must be meaningful, it must be peaceful and it must begin now, announced President Obama declaring the end of President Hosni Mubaraks reign.
After Mubarak stepped down, Obama and Secretary of State Hilary Clinton sided with ex-President Morsi, but were never willing to stand with President El-Sisi. As retributive measures, the US withheld F-16 fighter jets, cancelled joint military exercises and, as the final straw, suspended, even if temporarily or partially, $1.3 billion in aid to Egypt.
President Obama had invested much in the Muslim Brotherhood and their leader and he couldnt forgo that investment without a fuss. Muslim Brotherhood members blatantly raised the Rabaa sign in the White House, even after Egypt designated the Muslim Brotherhood a terrorist group.
President Obama gave President El-Sisi a deliberate snub. Egypt was left to fend for itself against terrorism and economic hardship with the US oblivious to its capacity to assist. Soon Egypt was drawing on other allegiances and partnerships, such as Russia, China and France, in addition to the Gulf States, and maintaining an aloof and distant relationship with the US.
The one and only decision made by President Obama which, at face value, sided with the Arab world came too late and, alas, immediately backfired. On the eve of Obamas leaving office, the US abstained from a UN vote that allowed the UN to demand an end to Israeli settlements. This was followed by a vow from Israeli officials to build thousands of new settlements on occupied Palestinian land in defiance.
President Obama failed miserably in the Arab world, and it is no wonder that Arabs awaited his exit from the Oval Office with anticipation, and are, rightfully or wrongfully, awaiting to see how President Trump handles Obamas legacy in the coming days.
The writer is an academic, political analyst, and author of Cairo Rewind: the First Two Years of Egypt's Revolution, 2011-2013.
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The member companies of the Federal Association of Electromobility Austria (Bundesverband Elektromobilitat Osterreich, BEO) are combining their charging stations to create an integrated network with more than 1,300 charge points from Vienna to Bregenz. The charging stations will also be connected with Hubjects international charging network intercharge.
A partnership project between the eleven leading Austrian energy suppliers and Berlin-based Hubject GmbH ( earlier post ), which is supported by the Austrian climate and energy fund, will create a comprehensively accessible network of charging stations for drivers of electric vehicles across Austria, starting in April 2017.
The eleven BEO member companiesEnergie AG Power Solutions, Energie Burgenland, Energie Graz, Energie Steiermark, EVN AG, IKB, KELAG, Linz AG, Salzburg AG, VKW, and Wien Energie GmbHwill all contribute their charging stations to the intercharge network. This will digitally link more than 1,300 charge points (2,000 by the end of 2017) available in Austria in real-time. The cooperation between BEO and Hubject will enable the customers of BEO members to use charging stations in Austria and the European intercharge network in the future.
Starting in April 2017, all electric vehicle (EV) drivers with only one customer contract from an emobility provider offering its services throughout Austria will be able to charge their cars from 100% renewable sources at all of BEO member companies. In this case, the charging process is started easily using a smartphone app or a charging card (RFID card).
In addition, all charge points and their availability are displayed in real-time in conventional navigation systems and charging apps. If EV drivers from foreign countries are traveling without a compatible emobility service contract, they will be able to charge their vehicles by using a credit card or another direct payment service at charging stations in Austria.
Electromobility does not stop at national borders. This is why we are working with all of our member companies in the intercharge network and, thus, support the digital and customer-friendly network of our charging stations in Austria in particular. Jurgen Halasz, Chairman of BEO, the Federal Association of Electromobility Austria
The project, promoted by the climate and energy fund, started in January 2016. During the past year, a unified, customer-friendly charging and payment system was developed for Austrian needs, and the back-end systems of all the participants were linked with each other. As chosen cooperation partner, Hubject ensures complete automated communication between charge point operators and emobility providers based on intercharge.
The connection to Hubjects eRoaming platform enables EV drivers to complete the approximately 700-km (435-mile) distance from Lake Neusiedl to Lake Constance with an electric car and to charge at all DC fast-charging stations and AC charging stations within the intercharge network.
Hubject GmbH was founded in 2012 by leading companies from the energy, technology and automotive industries. The shareholders are the BMW Group, Bosch, Daimler, EnBW, innogy, Siemens and the Volkswagen Group.
The companys eRoaming platform connects charging station operators and emobility service providers in real-time, in order to give electric vehicle drivers easy and customer-friendly access to the charging infrastructure. Hubject does not operate any charging stations itself, but enables the smooth exchange of data in the background via the intercharge charging network. More than 240 companies across the world use the platform, including manufacturers of electric vehicles, energy providers, mobility service providers and telecommunications companies.
From an early semi-liberal experience, Egypt passed through the vying of nationalists and Islamists. But when conditions improved, post-2011, Egyptian liberals missed the train
Egypt now needs political liberalism, since social conditions, public opinion awareness and the complexification of its infrastructure call for it. And yet there is no serious prospect for a new try.
There is more than a grain of truth in this. Nevertheless, like all sharp dichotomies, it rests on some exaggeration. Political liberalism, at its Egyptian birth, provided some great landowners and some new professions (lawyers, for example) with weapons targeting both khedivial autocracy and backwardness.
Egyptian liberals attitudes toward British occupation shifted with the times: at some moments, it was preferred to a return of the Ottomans, at others liberals spearheaded the struggle for national liberation.
Egyptian liberals achievements are great, especially if you acknowledge the incredible difficulties they faced: the Egyptian great culture of the previous century is the fruit of their efforts (together with the leftists). They played a decisive role in womens liberation.
Much of the modernisation that occurred during the first half of the 20th century can be described as the result of a joint effort between liberals and the monarchy.
Of course, the semi-liberal political system failed to deliver on some key issues: real political independence ending British occupation, a transition from an agricultural and rural economy to an industrial one, the struggle against the triangle of poverty, illiteracy and illness," and against huge inequalities.
And the liberals were, as usual, divided: some had conservative views on cultural and societal issues, others progressive ones. Some focused on the aggiornamento of religious discourse and issues, others opted for full secularism. They also diverged on economic issues.
Both their achievements and their failures provided their foes with arguments and weapons: women's liberation was the destruction of the family; modernisation was Westernisation and a betrayal of authentic values and identity; secularisation or religious reform endangered the faith; endless debates were a major distraction while the British occupation was still there; culture was not needed when 95 percent of the population was illiterate; liberalism was the ideology of the urban privileged and the new middle classes it had nothing to bring to the rest of the country, and so on.
It could also be argued that modernisation in Egypt was, most of the time, an authoritarian process. Liberals had nothing against modernisation, but of course they disliked authoritarianism. They never really knew how to confront this contradiction and tried many approaches, none of them convincing.
Last but not least, Egyptians developed a strong hate for multiparty politics. It was divisive, petty and ugly. It was the domain of the dirty, of dishonesty, corruption and deals. It was the realm of petty tactics, of clientelism, etc. This had an indirect but nevertheless deep impact on liberalisms fortunes.
The semi-liberal formula died in the beginning of the 1950s. For some 60 years, authoritarian nationalists and Islamists struggled for political and cultural supremacy. These were the times of military officers, technocrats, Islamist intelligentsia and militants, not those of enlightened rural notables, lawyers and intellectuals. The initial achievements of Nasser seemed to prove correct the critics of liberalism: liberals were talkers, not doers. Liberals did not care for the poor. Liberal meant Westernised.
Sadat and Mubaraks policies inadvertently paved the way for liberalism. Or, to be more accurate, they created the conditions for a liberal revival. More and more Egyptians could no longer rely on the state for providing jobs, education, and healthcare.
The development of a vibrant private sector created classes of Egyptians whose wages were not paid by the state. These could increasingly afford to have views widely different from those of regime officials. With Egypts insertion into regional and global markets, it became easier to travel and to get acquainted with other ways of living and ideas (be it Western or Saudi). Later on, the internet democratised this process.
The regimes discourse was losing its appeal. It became less intelligent than Nassers. It could not be legitimised by stunning achievements, by grandiose projects. It remained intrusive, oppressive and authoritarian. People wanted to hear different voices, different discourses, and the Mubarak regime obliged.
Sadat had opted for an alliance of sorts with Islamists. He needed them in confronting the leftists and the Nasserists, who were gaining ground in the universities after the disastrous 1967 defeat. He also needed them for his realignment with Saudi Arabia and the United States. They would also deliver the basic services the failing state could no longer provide. Religious discourses, many of them fundamentalist, were disseminated and became increasingly vocal.
Since 2005, signs of lassitude with widespread aggressive bigotry were noticed in Cairo. This was not necessarily a sign of atheism or secularism. Many believers no longer accepted to be lectured on what to think or what to do and became more and more impatient with those who tried to impose types of behaviour, who kept on implying the average citizen was not a good Muslim. Many of the urban youth started to rebel against all kind of authorities, paternal, political, religious, and so on.
Post-2011 elections proved Cairo was not (or was no longer) an Islamist city. The fall of president Mubarak put Egyptians in front of their responsibilities: they had to participate in the draft of new rules, of a new pact. After years of political indifference, they had to learn, and to learn quickly. Most were eager to hear different views; most were eager to create an Egypt were every Egyptian had a place and a right to participate.
This was a time when millions of Egyptians had a deep sympathy for some, if not all, liberal themes. This was a time propitious for a new start for liberals. However, they seem to have missed the train.
To be continued.
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Freshman U.S. Rep. Ted Budd publicly broke with President Donald Trump on the House GOPs proposed American Health Care Act on Tuesday, saying it is a bad deal for North Carolina families.
Budd (R-13th District) said that as currently written, he could not support the plan that Trump has been championing in sync with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) as the antidote to the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, that Republicans have vowed to repeal and replace.
This bill leaves the structure of Obamacare in place and does not provide the relief that North Carolina families need from high premiums, Budd said in announcing his position Tuesday morning.
Budds reaction also put him at odds with the other congressman representing parts of Greensboro, U.S. Rep. Mark Walker (R-6th District), who is supporting a revised version of the original health care proposal, also known as Trumpcare, with an eye to making additional improvements in the weeks and months to come.
We agree its not perfect, said Jack Minor, Walkers director of communications. We want to keep working. This doesnt end it for us.
Were going to keep adding cost-saving measures and getting feedback to make the bill better for people in North Carolina.
Walker has been busily negotiating with Republican leadership on behalf of a large group of other conservative GOP members of Congress, the Republican Study Committee that is more than 150 strong.
Minor said that among recent revisions that his boss helped trigger in the original bill, Walker pushed to create a $150 billion cushion to help the disabled and people over 50 years of age who could face hefty increases in out-of-pocket costs for health insurance after an Obamacare repeal.
Walker also pushed successfully for changes to Medicaid that would give states more flexibility in crafting the program thats best for them, Minor said. And the reworked Trumpcare proposal also would create a $75 billion reserve to offset any unintended consequences that drive up costs for policy holders, especially in the first two years of the new scenario, Minor said.
But Budds departure is a blow to the effort by Trump and Ryan to repeal and replace Obamacare this week with their new plan that leaves some of the original measure in place but makes major changes in the originals financial underpinnings.
Budd said the Republican establishments reworked proposal needs more radical changes before he could climb aboard.
I am completely committed to repealing Obamacare and do not think that Congress should take a recess until we have done so, said Budd, a resident of Davie County who represents the sprawling district that includes High Point and much of Greensboro.
The behind-the-scenes, political drama is unfolding against a backdrop that leaves many, North Carolina hospital and health-care executives concerned about the potential for the more than 545,000 newly insured North Carolinians to lose their coverage, said Julie Henry, spokeswoman for the North Carolina Hospital Association, referring to thousands of state residents enrolled in health plans linked to Obamacare.
Premium subsidies have played a significant role in increasing access to health insurance, but consumers and providers also have struggled when individuals cant afford the co-pays and deductibles associated with the insurance they buy, Henry said.
Her group will keep promoting access to affordable coverage so that people will not only be insured, but will be able to use their health insurance to stay well and avoid health care crises, which is essential if we want to manage health care costs, she added.
Budd made his comments in response to an inquiry from the News & Record about a study of the proposed AHCA by a team from the personal finance website, WalletHub, which suggested the original version of Trumpcare would hit Greensboro and the rest of the Triad particularly hard.
The study listed Greensboro 11th nationally among communities adversely impacted by the Republican replacement proposal. In addition, the analysis of losses in subsidies during the transition from Obamacare to Trumpcare showed Winston-Salem 13th hardest hit in the nation and High Point 17th.
But the study was based on an analysis of the original bills financial framework without the changes made in recent days. So it and other studies like it do not offer a completely accurate picture of the reworked bills financial impact on North Carolina residents, Minor said.
The reworked bill appears headed for a vote by the full House on Thursday afternoon, he said.
PJ's Coffee | Facebook
The coffee-centric cafe franchise has sprung up on college campuses around the country and climbed into the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list.Copyright 2021 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
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Totally nuts, right? Photo: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Californias poor produce cannot catch a break. Just months ago, severe drought had wine grapes withering on the vine, and Americans were worried theyd eaten their last avocado. But now? Record rainfall is killing the states almonds and salad greens, two foods its a top producer of. More than 27 inches of rain have fallen this winter, the most ever recorded. Among other problems, thats kept bees from pollinating almond trees like they normally would during the nuts short bloom period.
Obviously, this isnt great news for almond growers like Olam the worlds biggest supplier, which owns some 9,000 acres in California but its CEO at least is keeping a sense of humor about things. He tells The Wall Street Journal: Unfortunately I cant give the bees overtime and ask them to work longer and harder. One growers association estimates that, as luck would also have it, the kind sold for snacking has been hit hardest by the weather. Its not a wholesale loss, but that variety in total is worth about 40 percent of Californias $5.3 billion crop.
Almonds drowning in water isnt without cruel irony, of course. The nuts use something like 10 percent of Californias agricultural water supply, and have even been blamed for depriving honeybees and salmon of H2O. Lettuce, meanwhile, has no known enemies, and its equally under threat, thanks to the sudden rain deluge lots of crops, from celery to strawberries, are in the throes of weird weather right now, but leafy greens in the Southwest are looking especially not good, and Californias Salinas Valley produces the majority of them during this part of the year. The countrys biggest artichoke producer also warns that everybody should brace now for supply gaps, and costs on the produce aisle are getting out of whack already: Cauliflower prices have almost quadrupled over the weird winter, and the going rate for a case of romaine is now $50 instead of $12.
American fashion brand Guess unveiled a pair of smartwatches and now its Swiss arm is doing the same. Gc crafts luxury Swiss watches and that sets its Connect watch apart from Guess Connect watch.
That said, the two share a lot of similarities. The design is based on Gcs Structura series of analog watches. The Connects housing is made from 318L stainless steel in Rose Gold or Bronze, available in brushed and polished finishes. They are powered by Android Wear 2.0 running on a Snapdragon Wear 2100 chipset.
The Gc watches will be available for both men and women with a variety of watch straps, including premium options like crocodile leather. The touchscreen is guarded by tough mineral glass.
So far, so similar. The pricing is not known yet, but you can bet it will be more than the Guess-branded models. Still, if its below what TAG Heuer and Montblanc are charging...
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Samsung may soon launch its C7 Pro smartphone in the United States. The device carrying a model number of SM-C701F has been certified by the country's Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
This comes shortly after the same model number was spotted on the South Korean company's India website, suggesting the handset might soon arrive in the Asian country as well. The phone is currently available in China and Hong Kong.
Via
Reports are coming from Turkey that the Samsung Galaxy S6 edge+ is receiving the Android 7.0 Nougat update.
The G928CXXU3CQC7 firmware is 1374,26MB and is coming over the air.
The Galaxy S6 edge+ follows the Samsung Galaxy Note5 which received Android Nougat last week.
If you're wondering what Samsung's Nougat build brings here's the key stuff - Blue Light filter mode for the display, ability to adjust screen resolution to save battery, a cleaner look, Samsung Pass and the option to put apps to sleep.
Source 1 | 2 | Via
Haiti - Croix-des-Bossales : Fire of the market, a crapulous crime according to Danton Leger
Monday, following a violent fire that devastated the section "fabrics, clothing and meat" of the Croix-des-Bossales market https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20410-haiti-flash-the-clothing-market-of-the-croix-des-bossales-destroyed-by-fire.html a delegation of the Municipal Administration of Port-au-Prince, composed among other of Deputy Mayors: Kettyna Bellabe, Bernard Joseph and the Chief of Staff, Paulson Pierre-Philippe, went to the site for the second time, to assess the extent of the damage.
The Municipal Administration took this opportunity to thank the town councils of Carrefour, Delmas came in reinforcement, and the immediate intervention of the Minustah, which deployed 88 agents, 45 military and five water trucks to contain the spread of this fire.
The delegation expressed its sympathies to the victims, while giving them the assurance that they would stand by their side in these difficult times and that they would do everything possible to accompany them once the extent of the damage had been evaluated.
Of merchants who during a good part of the day, walked through the smoking ruins of the market, with tears in their eyes, not believing for a moment the promises of the officials of the Port-au-Prince Town Hall to accompany them, reminding that it was not the first time that this market was burning and that they were never compensated.
While deploying this tragedy that will affect many merchants of market, the City of Port-au-Prince urges the police and judicial authorities to investigate the fire in order to determine the cause...
A case qualified as criminal, by the Commissioner of the Government Jean Danton Leger, who speaks of "crapulous crime". He announced that he had initiated the public action, noting that warrants had been issued against various market officials and security agents to be questioned at the Public Prosecutor's Office in Port-au-Prince as part of the instruction of the investigation.
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https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20410-haiti-flash-the-clothing-market-of-the-croix-des-bossales-destroyed-by-fire.html
SL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - NOTICE : Vandalism and theft to the National Presses of Haiti
Monday, Ronald Saint Jean, the Director General of the National Presses of Haiti notice that "Following the acts of vandalism perpetrated by a group of employees such as boycotting the computer system and the disappearance of thousands of contravention books ordered by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI), the Directorate General of Haiti's National Press is in the obligation to inform the public in general and its staff in particular that provisional measures are being taken to protect and safeguard sensitive files that it manages for the Republic from its databases.
Pending the completion of the prosecution and administrative and judicial inquiries relating to these cases, and the normal resumption of work, the Genberal Directorate is asking all its employees to stay at home.
In addition, all administrative provisions are taken to ensure the regular publication of the Official Gazette of the Republic 'Le Moniteur' and the safeguarding of the interests of the Institution."
HL/ HaitiLibre
Haiti - News : Zapping politics...
Aristide auditioned for more than 2 hours
Monday, accompanied among others of awyers, Mario Joseph and Gervais Charles, and former presidential candidate Maryse Narcisse, Jean Bertrand Aristide finally went to the office of Judge Wilner Morin, Monday, to be heard as a witness in the money laundering case involving former police commissioner Jean Anthony Nazaire, his hearing lasted more than 2 hours. Me Mario Joseph said the hearing went smoothly saying "It's over. There are no other appointments, Jean-Bertrand Aristide was heard as a witness"
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https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-20420-haiti-flash-attempted-assassination-of-jean-bertrand-aristide.html
Caravan of the change of Jovenel Moise
Saturday, President Jovenel Moise announced that a caravan called "Caravan of Change" will be held in the Artibonite valley on 1 May in order to carry out, in association with other entities, the clearing of 197 km drains, 87 channels of irrigation and also repair almost 100 km of road...
Seizure of narcotics at the airport of PAP
Saturday, at the International Airport Toussaint Louverture, the agents of the Brigade for the Fight against Trafficking Narcotic drugs (BLTS),have arrested an alleged drug dealer Alexandra Fabienne Christina (30) who was on an American Airlines flight to Fort Lauderdale with her possession of 3.80 kg of cocaine, according to senior inspector Gary Desrosiers, deputy spokesman for the Haitian National Police (PNH).
He also recalled that during two operations, on 2 and 3 March last, at Toussaint Louverture Airport, 6 kg of cocaine had been seized and 4 people had been arrested, including 2 Dominicans.
Environment, the Ministry wants to act quickly
The Ministry of the Environment calls for a "quick and effective" implementation of the National Climate Change Policy (PNCC). The Ministry ntends to advocate for a more structured communication on climate change and ongoing advocacy with key decision-makers, including Parliament. The PNCC should contribute mainly to improving the well-being of Haitians "through an inclusive, climate-intelligent and low-carbon socio-economic development process", the Ministry said.
Re-election of the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the UEH
Friday, Dr. Jean-Claude Cadet was re-elected for a second term as Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the State University of Haiti. He was re-elected in the second round of voting for a four-year term against Dr Vladimyr Larsen with 45% of the votes against 29%.
Thanks to "SITO"
The Embassy of Haiti in Canada participated this year at the inter-cultural dinner of the "Service Integration au Travail en Outaouais" (SITO), a way of saying "thank you for the help provided to our compatriots who have benefited over the years, the support of this organization".
HL/ HaitiLibre
Outfit details: La Roche Petite CLUSE watch | Top from Kistch Couture | Furla bag | Louboutin heels | Panacea Choker
After we arrived back home from Hawaii, we were lucky to get a wave of beautiful weather in California. Now that the storms have passed through, the cherry trees are blossoming everywhere and its really looking like spring!
Taking advantage of the warm weather, my sister and I grabbed drinks at an outdoor wine bar and I paired my look with this nude CLUSE watch from their new La Roche petite collection. Its a perfect watch to pair with all your spring outfits, plus it has gorgeous detailing on the face since its made from real marble (I also love/own this black version). This time of the year is really all about the nudes, whites and pastels. XO
Outfit details: La Roche Petite CLUSE watch | Top from Kistch Couture | Furla bagLouboutin heelsPanacea Choker
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Public-Private Partnerships: Study Examines New Options for Rail
News Release from Ulupono Initiative March 20, 2017
Honolulu Hawaii impact investment firm Ulupono Initiative today released the findings of its P3 Viability Assessment for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project. The comprehensive analysis, carried out by global infrastructure finance leader Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), was initiated to help the City and County of Honolulu, State of Hawaii, and the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) determine whether potential alternative finance and delivery structures, such as Public-Private Partnerships (P3), could help bridge the funding gap and/or be leveraged to finalize the project in a timelier and more cost-effective manner.
Central to its findings, the P3 analysis concluded that the Honolulu Rail Transit Project remains dependent on public funding to close the $2 billion funding gap, emphasizing the need for public authorities to make a timely decision on public funding sources for the project. Although the report did not present an opinion on different public funding sources, such as an extension of the General Excise Tax (GET) surcharge, it did note that delays in identifying the funding source could further delay the project, potentially costing the taxpayers of Hawaii close to $114 million per year.
The assessment notes that P3 cannot address the funding gap, however, citing a number of similar infrastructure projects both nationally and internationally, it highlights that alternative delivery structures such as a P3 could potentially accelerate project delivery, eliminate costly delays due to the funding shortfall and provide better budget predictability for completion of the City Center rail segment and Pearl Highlands Transit Center.
In pursuit of these objectives, JLL evaluated a number of delivery models including a design-build-finance (DBF) model, which could result in potential taxpayer benefits including:
Negotiation of a single, fixed amount for the remaining, uncontracted portions of the rail project to be paid only when the project is complete; Vast majority of risks associated with cost overruns transferred from HART to the DBF private partner; Opportunity to potentially save about 15 percent in costs vs. the current process; Potential to accelerate the development timeline.
Due to the at-risk private capital, Public-Private Partnerships often result in lower costs, less risk, and faster delivery; but its important to note they do not offer free money, so there still has to be a dedicated funding source available for the project, said Murray Clay, managing partner at Ulupono Initiative. We at Ulupono Initiative believe rail is a good thing for a Hawaii because it supports electrification of ground transportation and contributes to our mission focus of decreasing dependence on imported fossil fuels.
Along with an investment by Ulupono Initiative, the P3 Viability Assessment for the Honolulu Rail Transit Project was funded in part by the Oahu Economic Development Board.
About Ulupono Initiative
Ulupono Initiative LLC is a for-profit, impact investment firm that strives to improve the quality of life for the people of Hawaii by working toward solutions that create more locally grown food, increase clean renewable energy and reduce waste. For more information about Ulupono Initiative, please visit www.ulupono.com or follow @ulupono on Twitter.
CB: Report: Rail Could Save Big With Private Financing
SA: Private sector could help city manage rails runaway costs, study finds
ourt in north India has sentenced 13 factory workers to life imprisonment for taking part in violence at the country's largest automobile factory that led to the death of a manager nearly five years ago.
Four other workers were sentenced to five years in prison for the rioting that broke out at the Maruti Suzuki manufacturing unit in Manesar in Haryana state in July 2012 following a dispute between workers and management at the factory.
The subsidiary of Japan's Suzuki Motor Corp. operates two factories in India.
A day after the violence erupted, the body of human resources manager Awanish Kumar Dev was found badly charred in a conference room. Dozens of managers and executives were also injured with several suffering broken bones, the company had said at the time.
According to the company, the unrest erupted when a worker beat up a supervisor and the workers union prevented management from disciplining the worker and blocked exit gates.
The Maruti Suzuki Workers Union said a supervisor had abused and made discriminatory comments to a low-caste worker, leading to the violence.
The court on Saturday also fined 14 other workers accused of rioting and vandalism at the factory.
Defence and prosecution lawyers said they would appeal the verdict in a higher court.
``There is no evidence to link these workers to the murder. We hope for justice in the superior court,'' Vrinda Grover, a defence lawyer, told the Indian Express newspaper.
By The Canadian Press
Employees at Sydney Airport are sleeping on makeshift beds beneath terminals because they cannot afford to go home between split shifts.
The staff have also expressed concerns that fatigue levels are putting safety at risk.
The allegations concern the outsourced flight support organisation Aerocare.
Most of Aerocare's workers are permanent, part-time with a guaranteed minimum salary of about $16,000 per year under a collective agreement approved by Fair Work in 2012.
George Orsaris, a driver employed by Aerocare, said he would often sleep in the spartan loading area between shifts.
"We get pushed to our limits. Our pay doesn't match it. We don't get rest breaks and we get given a four-hour shift in the morning and then we have a four-or-five-hour break and get a four-hour shift in the afternoon," he told 7.30.
Sleeping between shifts is a result of the "Americanisation" of the Australian workforce, according to the Transport Workers Union (TWU).
The TWU National Secretary Tony Sheldon said airport and airlines are responsible for vetting the companies they undertake to do work on their behalf.
Workers are struggling on slave wages and sleeping on bed rolls because they have to spend long days at work to support their families. They are terrified of raising concerns because the bosses are standing over them warning them against complaints, Sheldon said.
This is being allowed to happen because airports and airlines are outsourcing work to low cost companies and not giving a damn about the workers in their supply chains that it affects.
In a statement, Aerocare said they are shocked and disappointed by the allegations and images relating to the companys operations that have appeared on 7.30.
The company is conducting a full review of all assertions and representations, said the statement.
We have a 22 year track record of leading our industry in matters concerning employee and broader passenger safety and would never condone unethical or unsafe activity of the type alleged.
Aerocare will provide a full update once we have investigated the claims that were made in the media.
Police have obtained video footage of the incident, Petri Juvonen, a detective inspector at the Helsinki Police Department, says in a press release . It appears, at least based on the video footage, that the incident was preceded by a prolonged verbal altercation and pushing and shoving at the Railway Square.
The Helsinki Police Department has opened an investigation into an incident in which a roughly 20-year-old asylum seeker was sprayed in the face with pepper spray at Helsinki Railway Square on Sunday.
Juvonen and his colleagues are continuing their efforts to determine the sequence of events and the roles of the individuals shown in the footage.
The information and witness accounts obtained by the investigators indicate that situation escalated as the victim and his friends attempted to use a public toilet in the corner of the Railway Square. Native-born Finns prevented them from doing so. Police have also been informed that the victim was sprayed in the face with some kind of pepper spray, tells Juvonen.
The victim then entered a nearby restaurant to rinse his face, but the suspected offenders followed him and his friend into the restaurant while continuing to make threats, according to the press release.
The native-born men then left the scene of the incident and have yet been reached by the investigators. The man who deployed the pepper spray is tentatively suspected of assault.
Helsinki Railway Square has been the site of a protest by unsuccessful asylum seekers and a counter-protest staged by an anti-immigration group called Suomi Ensin (Eng. Finland first) since mid-February.
Aleksi Teivainen HT
Photo: Heikki Saukkomaa Lehtikuva
A WATLINGTON artist has entered two oil pantings for potential inclusion in this years Royal Academy Summer Exhibition.
James Kelso is expecting to hear shortly whether his application has been successful, having had works accepted in previous years.
The first painting, The Shipping Forecast, was featured in the Henley Standard last August.
It takes as its subject the wreck of the ocean liner American Star, which came to rest off the west coast of Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands.
For many years the vessel was a popular tourist attraction, but the constant battering of the waves eventually took their toll and she broke in half, becoming visible only at low tide.
Mr Kelsos second entry was painted rather closer to home.
The artist, who turns 83 this summer, said: Terminus is the most recent of my Didcot Railway Centre series of images. It is possibly, or possibly not, the final manifestation in the sequence.
Recalling his visit to the venue on a glorious autumn afternoon he said that at first the adventure did not go well.
For a start it cost me 15 one-five great British pounds sterling to get in, including concession. I was steaming! So, as it happened, was Didcot. The stupendous entrance fee was because it was a steam day and, worse, it was Thomas the Tank Engine Day.
I was stampeded over and trampled upon by innumerable perambulators and buggies, many containing small persons who peered at me with beady eyes. Such was the mayhem, I fled to the top of the coaling shed rise, where I came upon the buffers you see in the painting. I skulked around there till sundown.
This years summer exhibition runs from June 13 to August 20 at the Royal Academy of Arts, Burlington House, Picadilly.
Mr Kelso said: The summer exhibition is a juried show, so its luck of the draw whether your work is accepted. The Royal Academy limit submissions to 12,000 at 25 each. Entry forms sell out almost instantly and they exhibit around 1,000 pieces in the event.
Mr Kelso said he had started painting aged 20 as a Sunday painter, gradually morphing into a full-time career. He also worked in advertising in London as a freelance copywriter.
He said: The man who started me painting was a sculptor. He said, Remember, when you paint youre not making art, youre making furniture. To this day, I look for craft in artwork.
My first painting was of Sydney Mews, SW3, where his studio was. After a while I said to him, My wall doesnt look like the wall at the end of the mews. He said, Thats because youve a different number of bricks. I said, I cant see the number of bricks at this distance. He said, Go count them. In a sense thats what Ive been doing ever since.
Mr Kelsos work can be viewed online at www.saatchiart.com and www.kelsopaintings.com
ACTOR George Clooney surprised an 87-year-old fan with a bouquet of flowers for her birthday.
He turned up unexpectedly at the Sunrise of Sonning care home on Sunday to see resident Pat Adams.
Staff had written to Clooney, 55, who lives in the village, telling him a visit would make her dreams come true.
A spokesman for the company said: "This was a classy gesture from a wonderful man. She was absolutely thrilled to meet her great icon and it was such a lovely surprise to see George greet her with flowers and a card."
Clooney is said to have been holding the letter staff had sent to him when he rang the doorbell asking for Pat.
The care home's concierge, Linda Jones, posted on Facebook that she was in "utter shock" when she saw the Oscar winner, known for his roles in Argo, Gravity and Ocean's Eleven.
She said that Pat "loves George Clooney and mentions everyday how she would love to meet him".
Clooney moved to Sonning, where he lives with his pregnant human rights lawyer wife Amal, in 2014. The couple are expecting twins - a boy and a girl.
Some of the injuries suffered by a 11-week-old baby who remained in a critical condition in hospital last night may have occurred some weeks earlier, the Herald can reveal.
The little girl was clinging to life at Temple Street Children's University Hospital amid serious concerns for her survival.
It can now be disclosed that medical examinations have indicated that some bruising, which she suffered on her back and legs, probably happened before she was allegedly the victim of a serious assault on Monday of last week in which she sustained head injuries.
"Some of these injuries appeared to be at least a couple of weeks old," a source said last night.
"These were bruising injuries that are separate to what allegedly happened to the poor child last week."
On Friday evening, an 18-year-old male was released without charge after being questioned by gardai.
The teenager had been arrested in Dublin at 6pm on Thursday but was released from custody at Drogheda Garda Station at around the same time on Friday.
A file on the case will now be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
Assault
It is understood that senior officers made the decision to arrest the suspect when they became "dubious" about an account that the young man gave to investigating gardai about an incident in Ardee, Co Louth last Monday.
The man was arrested on suspicion of assault causing serious harm to the child.
The investigation into the case is being led out of Ardee Garda Station by Superintendent Fergus Treanor.
The tot had been transferred to the Dublin hospital after being taken to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth on Monday evening by her parents.
Vigil
The baby is the child of teenage Irish parents and had been living in an apartment in Ardee with them.
Stricken family members have been keeping a vigil at her bedside ever since.
Gardai have been investigating if the baby had been assaulted at the apartment.
However, they have also probed another account of what might have happened.
This is a claim that she suffered the horrific injuries after she was thrown out of her pram when "unknown men" approached and "accidentally" pushed into the male who was wheeling the baby in a public area in Ardee.
The ongoing Luas works have been labelled a "monumental disaster" for many businesses along the new route.
The Luas Cross City project, which will finally connect the Green and Red lines, will run for 5.6km between St Stephen's Green and the Iarnrod Eireann Broombridge Station on the Maynooth railway line.
Yesterday, motorists were banned from turning on to Eden Quay from O'Connell Bridge as part of the ongoing construction works.
"Any kind of works like this are going to cause some kind of traffic disruption - it's to be expected," said AA Roadwatch director Arwen Foley.
Disruption
She said that so far there had been "no major traffic disruption, nothing out of the ordinary".
"In the long run, we'll have a better transport infrastructure which will only benefit Irish commuters," she added.
The permanent change regarding Eden Quay will only allow public transport and cyclists to access the route.
Luas Cross City urged all motorists wishing to access Eden Quay to do so using alternative routes.
Many roads outside busy spots such as The Westin hotel have been turned into building sites.
This and other negatives including heavy congestion and high city centre parking fees are increasingly pushing shoppers out to big suburban shopping centres, it has been claimed.
Adrian Cummins, chief executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland, told the Herald that areas such as Dawson Street have become like a "war zone".
"The Luas works are a monumental disaster for restaurants along the new Luas route being developed," he said.
"Businesses have been victimised by these construction works. The lack of progress, consultation and no completion date means our members cannot create a definite plan.
"If you were to write a book on how not to communicate with businesses, this project would be the perfect example."
Mr Cummins added that a number of restaurants on Dawson Street even had to close due to a lack of footfall because of the Luas works.
"Hopefully, when they're finished it will attract customers into the city centre, but what about those businesses that have closed their doors because of these works?" he said.
"We firmly believe that these works should continue on a 24-hour schedule to fast-track its completion."
Retail Ireland director Thomas Burke said that although it has been a difficult couple of years for businesses along the route, the finished project will increase their footfall.
"On the main it is a really positive thing. It has been difficult for businesses to manage logistically, but the cross-city project has been working with us to limit the impact.
"We're hoping the worst is over and are anticipating that it will be ready before Christmas."
Grainne Mackin, head of communications for the Luas Cross City project, said she refuted claims that there has been no communication with businesses along the new route.
"We have three liaison officers who work in the communications office just off Dawson Street," she said.
"We have a face-to-face point of contact with all the restaurants and the stakeholders along the new route, so in terms of communicating and engaging we have done a lot.
"We expect the project will be finished and running by the end of the year. In June, we're also hoping to do a gauge run which will see the first tram going from Stephen's Green all the way through to the new route."
Ms Mackin added that having 24/7 works would lead to further disputes among businesses.
"There are a lot of works at night and also during the weekend. However, restaurants that open at 6pm don't want people working late and making a lot of noise," she said.
A mother who has a young child with Down syndrome said it is "extraordinary" how little State support she has received.
Eileen Birchall (39), from Tallaght, has been waiting for three years for crucial therapy for her son.
"In that waiting period we're receiving zero support," she said.
"The only alternative for us is to look for private therapy and that puts a huge financial burden on us."
There were support systems in place when her son was born in 2010 but these have waned over the years.
For example, one of their therapists went on maternity leave and was never replaced. She did not come back.
Expand Close Joanne Duffy from Moyvane, Co. Kerry pictured with her son Ronan, age 6, pictured outside Leinster House highlighting the fact that thousands of children with Down Syndrome are being denied their right to communicate and develop their skills / Facebook
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Whatsapp Joanne Duffy from Moyvane, Co. Kerry pictured with her son Ronan, age 6, pictured outside Leinster House highlighting the fact that thousands of children with Down Syndrome are being denied their right to communicate and develop their skills
Mrs Birchall's son, Christopher (6), suffers from high levels of anxiety and also has autism, which means consistent therapy is necessary for him to live a somewhat independent life.
Forgotten
However, Mrs Birchall was quick to praise the work of Down Syndrome Ireland (DSI), which she said has provided great support to her and her son over the years.
She currently avails of speech and language therapy, as well as occupational therapy, provided by DSI at a reduced rate of 55.
Expand Close Eileen and Christopher are joined by other parents and children for a protest outside Leinster House to mark World Down Syndrome Day / Facebook
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Whatsapp Eileen and Christopher are joined by other parents and children for a protest outside Leinster House to mark World Down Syndrome Day
"Without Down Syndrome Ireland, I really don't know where Christopher would be," said Mrs Birchall.
"It's extraordinary how little State support we've received for Christopher these past few years.
"Not just that, we worry about his future. My boy is a citizen of this country and put simply, he's been forgotten about. What happens when we're not around to fight for him?"
In the three years that Christopher has accessed the subsidised therapy, he has moved from speaking two to three-word sentences to six-word sentences.
Mrs Birchall said it helped him to tell people if there is anything wrong with him.
The therapy has also taught Christopher how to dress himself and make toast, among other things.
"We all want our children to be as independent as possible," she said.
"Because the Government isn't supporting us and giving our children basic human rights to communicate and reach their potential they're doing them a major disservice."
The concerned mother lives with her husband and three children.
Christopher is currently on a HSE waiting list.
Mrs Birchall added that she was "incredibly worried" for the future, especially with the recent scandal in residential homes, which saw vulnerable people being abused.
"All these scandals with the residential units, it's very scary," she said.
"We would hope Christopher would be independent enough for assisted living. We might have to rethink that because he might not be in a situation to live independently or be in an assisted living environment if we feel the State won't support him in a correct way and in a safe way."
Down Syndrome Ireland say funding services, such as speech and language therapy (SLT) and occupational therapy (OT), though the charity's branch network has cost parents and Down Syndrome Ireland an estimated 5.2m.
To mark World Down Syndrome Day, a group of parents took their children to Leinster House to protest about the long waiting lists that they claim have led to their children not being trained to speak.
Worry
"Today marks a day where we celebrate people with Down syndrome around the world, but many parents of people with Down syndrome in Ireland feel they are treated like second-class citizens," said DSI chief executive Pat Clarke.
"As well as having a child with a disability, parents have to face the additional stress and worry of having to fundraise and pay for services so their child can reach their full potential.
"Without Down Syndrome Ireland, their children would in many cases be left with barely any service provision from the State and it's simply not good enough.
"We're calling on the Government to act," he added.
DSI and parents are asking the State to increase speech and language therapy and occupational therapy services.
They have also asked for more school-based services.
The HSE was unavailable for comment when contacted.
Taoiseach Enda Kenny (second from right) pictured this afternoon after visiting the LE Eithne during the search for Rescue 116
Rescue 116 struck rocks before plunging into the sea, an investigation of some of the wreckage has found.
The air accident investigation unit analysing the crash have signalled for the first time that the aircraft is believed to have struck Blackrock Island.
A preliminary examination of wreckage recovered off the island bore marks indicating that the tail and rotor section of the Sikorsky aircraft hit rocks on the western end of the island.
The fuselage of the coastguard helicopter is believed to lie in 40 meters of water directly beneath steep cliffs at the western end of the island.
A team of elite air accident investigation officials were brought by helicopter to the island last week.
They have identified and recovered wreckage involved, however they are yet to pinpoint the exact location of impact.
"There appears to be marks on some of the recovered wreckage which are consistent with the tail of the aircraft contacting rocky surfaces on the Western end of Blackrock," a statement from the Department of Transport said.
"At this early stage in the investigation it is not possible to be definitive about the exact nature of damage to the recovered wreckage or indeed the circumstances of the accident."
Yesterday it emerged that the Rescue 116, underwent a safety and maintenance inspection just three months ago.
The news came as it was confirmed all five of the Sikorsky S-92A helicopters in the Irish Guard Guard fleet were checked in the wake of a service alert issued by the US aviation giant last Christmas.
Expand Close Taoiseach, Enda Kenny pictured with members of the Coastguard involved in the search for Rescue 116 / Facebook
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Whatsapp Taoiseach, Enda Kenny pictured with members of the Coastguard involved in the search for Rescue 116
Sikorsky issued the service notice after an incident involving the same make and model of helicopter in the North Sea.
In that case, an S-92A encountered what were described as "unexpected control responses" during a routine North Sea shuttle flight on December 28.
Emergency
The helicopter made an emergency landing on an oil rig helipad - but the aircraft spun on landing, causing damage to its rotors and also gouging the landing deck. No one was injured in the incident.
In the wake of the emergency landing, Sikorsky issued a notice asking all operators to inspect the tail rotor unit.
All five ICG helicopters were inspected.
The Dublin and Sligo helicopters, both of which were involved in the rescue operation at Blacksod last Tuesday, were in the second batch inspected. The ICG said no issues were raised.
One source said that, while nothing is being ruled out at this stage of the Air Accident Investigation Unit (AAIU) probe, it is unlikely the rotor unit was an issue in the loss of Rescue 116.
"In the North Sea case, the helicopter was landed by the flight crew. They were also able to issue an alert over the incident before diverting to a nearby rig helipad for a landing," he said.
In the case of Rescue 116, whatever happened was so catastrophic the flight crew could not issue a mayday call.
The last contact with the ICG helicopter was a transmission that it was preparing to land for refuelling at Blacksod.
Seconds later, Rescue 116 vanished from radar and radio contact. Captain Dara Fitzpatrick was killed and three other crew members Mark Duffy, Paul Ormsby and Ciaran Smith remain missing.
Yesterday, Taoiseach Enda Kenny visited Blacksod, where he met with rescue workers involved in the search for the downed coast guard aircraft.
He said the families of the crew of Rescue 116 needed to know what happened to bring closure to the tragedy.
Mr Kenny boarded a rib to the Irish naval vessel Le Eithne, which has been involved in the search since the helicopter went down early last week.
"I would like to say that what we need to find out here is what happened, and there are four families involved in this and they need to know, obviously to bring closure to this," he said.
"But also in respect of the service itself, and the facilities that are provided, to find out the actual facts of how this tragedy occurred," he said.
Freedom of speech is a privilege. We need to treat it that way.
March 26 through 28 over 18,000 pro-Israel activists will come together in Washington, D.C. for AIPAC's Policy Conference, the largest annual gathering of America's pro-Israel community. Through presentations of groundbreaking Israeli innovations, keynote speeches by American and Israeli leaders, inspiring moments on stage, and intimate educational sessions, Policy Conference delegates experience the full scale of pro-Israel activism in three powerful days.
The conference culminates with the opportunity for delegates to lobby their members of Congress in support of legislation that enhances the relationship between the United States and Israel. Conference delegates will meet with every single member of the Senate and House of Representatives. The group of more than 50 delegates representing the Greater Orlando area will be able to lobby both their senators as well as their representatives in support of legislation that strengthens the U.S.-Israel relationship.
Confirmed speakers include Vice President Mike Pence, Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, Senator Ben Cardin, Senator Bob Corker, plus many more not yet announced.
You can still attend the bipartisan conference by visiting http://www.policyconference.com or connect with the AIPAC Orlando Area Director Jacob Shapiro at jashapiro@aipac.org.
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The swift manner in which the BJP formed the government in Goa and Manipur, both states where it came behind the Congress, could have only happened with advanced planning and crucial help from not just other political parties but also the Governor.
The Congress, perhaps complacent in the knowledge that as the single largest party it would be invited first, was busy discussing who the chief minister would be and, if the Governor of Goa is to be believed, hadnt bothered to get in touch with her. This the party denies, but in any case, Governor Mridula Sinha has said that Manohar Parrikar landed at her office on Sunday, a day after the results were declared, with 21 letters of support. The Congress was given an appointment only on Tuesday. Sinha says she studied and analysed the MLAs who came along with Parrikar, using her skills as a psychologist, and then spoke to Arun Jaitley at night before arriving at a decision. If all this looks highly unusual, it is, but the deed is done and the Congress left foaming at the mouth.
Even worse, the Goa Forward Party, whose entire campaign was built around defeating the BJP, is now a key pillar of support of Parrikars government. It is difficult to believe that the BJP had not worked out some kind of deal with it much before the elections were held. And two Congress MLAs have quit and will join the BJP after being re-elected. Others may follow.
At the very least this shows that no one, but no one, is an untouchable for the BJP. The main criterion is winnability. From 2014, Congress party members have been moving into the BJP at a regular clip. And they often bring with them others, thus achieving two goals-strengthening the BJP and hollowing out the Congress.
Take Himanta Biswa Sarma. An old Congressman, he joined the BJP in 2015, sending shock waves in Assam. After being elected, he was sworn in as a minister. Manipurs new chief minister is N Biren Singh, again a long-time Congressman, who was a trusted aide of the Congress CM Okram Ibobi Singh till he walked across to the rival party. He was suitably rewarded. In Uttarkhand, the BJP did not make Satpal Maharaj, who had left the Congress in 2014, the chief minister but gave cabinet berths to other defectors. Undoubtedly, Vishwajit Rane, who apparently left the Congress in disgust, but after winning on their ticket, will also be accommodated when he comes back.
The BJP is hardly the only party that takes defectors but given that it is deeply ideological and cadre based which implies a certain long term commitment to the partys ideals the readiness to welcome outsiders on such a scale is surprising. If the old timers are unhappy, they have been effectively silenced by the party bosses from making their displeasure known. The Modi-Amit Shah strategy seems to be to take anyone who increases the partys power base in the state
Though most of those who have walked into the BJP are from the Congress veterans who command the loyalty of their followers and constituents the BJP has begun to cast its eye on regional parties too, as seen most recently in the case of Swamy Prasad Maurya who defected from the BSP. Much to his dismay, he has not get anything for his efforts. Indeed, it is the regional parties Trinamool Congress, BJD, JD (U) and even the Shiv Sena which will be the BJPs target in the coming months and years. They are the real political threat to the BJPs growth and will have to be weakened.
For the moment these parties are well entrenched in their respective states, but they will not be able to withstand the onslaught of a powerful national party like the BJP at the first sign of the regional partys decline, the ones who have been feeling even a bit dissatisfied will cross over. In the run up to the elections to the Mumbai Municipal Corporation, no less than five disgruntled Shiv Sena aspirants moved to the BJP which promised them tickets.
The BJPs strategy is clear get enough people who can help the party form the government by any means necessary. It wants to come to power at any cost. The willingness to partner with the PDP in Kashmir and accept the continuous sniping by the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra are part of that strategy the BJP never loses sight of the main goal. In the north-east, where the BJP has traditionally been weak, it now has three governments, all run by former Congressmen.
Similar tactics will be employed in Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and even Kerala. Where the Congress has a base, it will be weakened, if not demolished. Alternatively, it will go after elements in the Dravida parties or the Trinamool. The Congress has proved to be unsuccessful, even inept, in stemming this outward flow of its local stalwarts. Will the regional parties do any better?
Sidharth Bhatia is a journalist and commentator and founder editor of the www.thewire.in
The views expressed are personal
BSP leader Mayawati on Tuesday dared the BJP to hold assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh using paper ballots if it was confident of the peoples mandate and demanded a law to scrap the use of electronic voting machines (EVMs) in elections.
Raising the issue in Rajya Sabha, she said the results of the just-concluded assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand were not a verdict of people but a verdict of EVMs.
She said her party has given a notice under rule 267 seeking suspension of business to take up the issue.
When the Congress was in power, senior BJP leaders had expressed apprehensions on the use of EVMs saying free and fair elections cannot happen using the EVMs, she said.
Now that BJP is in government, they are now justifying EVMs, she said, adding that major democracies in the world use paper ballot for casting votes.
She went on to allege that votes cast in her partys favour were credited to BJP by faulty or tampered EVMs.
If your conscience is so clear, why not call for elections (again) using paper ballot, she said amid slogan shouting by treasury benches to counter her.
She demanded that a law be brought in the ongoing budget session of the Parliament to scrap the use of EVMs in elections.
Deputy chairman PJ Kurien said he was not allowing the notice as a short duration discussion on electoral reforms is scheduled on Wednesday and these points could be raise then.
Mayawati, however, persisted with her point for some time but took her seat after Kurien insisted on not allowing her notice.
His politics is exclusively fire and brimstone variety. But Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has a softer side too.
The 44-year-old monk is also an animal lover. And his compassion for animals goes beyond cows of which he has around 500 in a cow shelter in the Gorakhnath temple where he is also the head priest.
While his daily schedule has changed following his appointment as chief minister, Adityanath had a gruelling time table as head priest in Gorakhpur.
He (Adityanath) gets up at 3 am. After yoga and daily prayers, he feeds the cows at his gaushala. He takes his breakfast only after feeding the cows, said a close associate.
The gaushala is set up across two acres of land on the temple premises. Several volunteers every day tend to the 500-plus cows at the shelter.
Yogiji likes my dedication towards the service of cows, including Nandini, his favourite one. Yogiji doesnt take his breakfast till he himself feeds the cows, Man Mohamed, the only Muslim volunteer at the shelter told HT.
While Adityanaths love for cows is well known, he is also a pet lover and has a number of animals on the Gorakhnath temple premises, including a dog, a cat, a deer and some monkeys.
His dog named Kallu roams the temple premises all day. When Adityanath is in Gorakhpur, he spends time with Kallu after completing his daily chores and political meetings.
In the morning, he also feeds the monkeys which have made the temple their home.
Recently a photo of Yogi feeding milk to a tiger cub went viral on social media.
His aides in the Gorakhnath temple said the cub was found roaming near an ashram in Tulsipur, in Balrampur district near the India-Nepal border, about 150 km from Gorakhpur. The cub was kept in the ashram for a few months and later handed over to the forest department for rehabilitation. Adityanath used to feed the cub with a milk bottle whenever he visited the ashram, they said.
He used to also feed the deer and antelopes that roamed around the ashram near Tuthibari in Maharajganj district, 100 km from Gorakhpur. The ashram is sandwiched between Sohagibarwa Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharajganj and Chitwan National Park in Nepal.
Adityanath feeds cows at the gaushala in Gorakhpur. (HT File Photo)
The Gorakhnath Temple Trust has also set up an ashram in Nawal Parasi district across the border in Nepal which Aditya Nath sometimes visits.
In the late 1990s, a young Adityanath had galvanized Tharu and Vantongiyas tribals, settled in the bordering districts of Balrampur, Lakhimpur, Siddharthnagar and Maharajganj to launch a movement against poachers in the forest areas of Nepal and UP.
His love for trees has turned the Gorakhnath temple into an oasis in a concrete jungle. His supporters call him a green saint who has planted a number of saplings of peepal, mango, banyan and Ashoka around the residential complex located on the temple premises.
Adityanath is also said to have planted a number of aromatic and medicinal plants in an area between the temple and the cow shelter.
Dewas: Spiritual leader Dalai Lama on Sunday said that it was only India that could combine modernity with its ancient knowledge to make life more meaningful and joyous.
He said time had come to share with the world the lessons of Indias civilizational ethos and work together for implement initiatives for environmental protection.
Dalai Lama was speaking at a function organised in connection with the ongoing Narmada seva yatra on the banks of the Narmada in Dewas district, 161 kms south-west of Bhopal.
Dalai Lama said India was perhaps the only country where people of different religious faiths had lived together in harmony for centuries. Now time has come that India should share this experience of the religious harmony with the rest of the world. We can change our future with optimism and realistic world view, he said.
The Tibetan spiritual leader said there were problems in the world due to sectarian views, caste and wrong interpretation of religions, which breeds conflict and violence. Physically, emotionally, mentally, we are all one. We are humans. I am one among the seven billion people. And each one of us, wants peace and harmony, he said.
Talking about the need for sustained initiatives for protection of environment, Dalai Lama said, If you want to make a real change, you have to work for days, months, years and decades. And mere talks wont help. You have to implement the initiatives for which cooperation of people is required, he said.
Emphasising the need for a collective fight against global environmental problems, global warming, population increase and so on, Dalai Lama said, we have to work together to save environment, to save our rivers, to save water. I never use bathtubs, I use shower during bathing to save water, he said.
Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of development of rural areas, with facilities for good education and health care. Technology is good. A drone was used here for photography. It is good. But poor people cant eat this technology. Instead of creating big cities, we need to have development in the villages, he said.
The Tibetan spiritual leader also suggested that the modern education needed a change. It had to teach the values of love, companionship and compassion also. Women in general have more Karuna (compassion). We need more women participation in various spheres of life to better this world.
Dalai Lama said, In the morning he had a discussion with the chief minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan about various issues and policies of his government. I support his policies, his views and what he has in mind for the development of the state, he said.
Earlier Chouhan, welcomed Dalai Lama and spoke about the initiatives taken by the state government for protection of Narmada River. He claimed this river protection campaign was the biggest such initiative in the world. Chouhan also informed that from April 1, liquor shops will be shut down in the five km belt on both sides of the Narmada River.
A man from Madhya Pradesh was arrested for lodging a false complaint against Indian Railways personnel on board the Bhind-Indore Intercity Express on Monday, officials said on Tuesday.
Prayas Taravi, a resident of Dewas, tweeted a complaint to railway minister Suresh Prabhu on Sunday night against a train ticket examiner (TTE) and Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, saying they were allegedly misbehaving with him on the train.
Acting swiftly on his complaint, the railway minister forwarded his complaint to the RPF commandant in Bhopal.
RPF sub-inspector Gopal Meena boarded the train in Shivpuri to look into the issue and came to know that Taravis complaint was unfounded and that he was intoxicated when he lodged the grievance.
Meena also registered the statements of other passengers, who informed him that Taravi was misbehaving with others.
Taravi was travelling in a third AC compartment. When TTE asked him to show the ticket, he started shouting at him for a bedroll. The TTE told him that an attendant will provide him with the bedroll but he should first show him the ticket, said Meena.
Despite repeated requests, Taravi didnt show him the ticket. Later, he posted a tweet to lodge a complaint to the railway minister, he added.
Meena booked Taravi for travelling in a train in an intoxicated state and arrested him at Guna railway station and took him to Shivpuri.
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Manjari Fadnnis is happy the way her career has shaped up since Rok Sako To Rok Lo (2004). She is content with everything she has learnt as an artiste. Calling her journey an interesting one the actor shares that it took her time to prove her capabilities.
My journey has been a beautiful one. Though slow, but I guess, at the end, what matters is the kind of work youve done. And I am happy with the kind of films Ive been doing. I still remember when I started my journey, I was told that the film industry is a big bad world. But my experience says that its like any other working place. Being an outsider I must say that Ive learnt a lot, says the actor.
Along with Bollywood, Manjari has been doing Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi and Bengali films. The actor says that language isnt a barrier; rather she is more interested in the kind of roles she is doing. I dont want to restrict myself to any particular type of role. I want to essay roles that trigger my creative juices. Im open to anything that excites me. Being a hard core romantic, I feel I would be good at rom-coms. I also enjoy comedies, says Manjari, who is looking forward to the release of two of her films this year. While the first one is a dark comedy, the second one is a mystery thriller.
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Bollywood actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui, who will be seen playing role of a contract killer in his upcoming Babumoshai Bandukbaaz, thinks murderers can be romantic at heart also.
Nawazuddin Siddiqui being felicitated during the 19th edition of National School of Dramas International Drama Festival Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2017. (PTI)
When asked if he will be seen romancing in the film, the Gangs of Wasseypur 2 star said: Why not? Contract killers can also be romantic.
Nawazuddin was speaking at the poster shoot of Babumoshai Bandukbaaz on Monday. Romance can be done in many ways. Every person has their own way to express romanticism, he added.
My role is of contract killer Babumoshai. He is different so his expression of love is different too. In Gangs of Wasseypur 2, my role was of a shy person who asked for permission to hold his girlfriends hand. Here Babumoshai is fearless. He romances on the basis of the gun, he told the reporters.
The action thriller film directed by Kushan Nandy features Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Tahir Raj Bhasin, Prosenjit Chatterjee, Roopa Ganguly, Tota Roy Chowdhury and Biswajit Chakraborty.
Bollywood filmmakers Rahul Dholakia, Ritesh Sidhwani, actors Shahrukh Khan, Sunny Leone and Nawazuddin Siddiqui during the success party of film Raees at JW Marriott Hotel, Juhu. (Photo by Prodip Guha/Hindustan Times)
Nawazuddin was also asked about his thoughts on nepotism in Bollywood, he said, I dont think nepotism exists in Bollywood otherwise I could not have been in this position today. Good work and talent may take the time to get recognised but always earns respect.
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Most Stylish Actor
Sidharth Malhotra
Sidharth Malhotra looks dapper in suits, T-shirt and denims of traditional attires. (Aalok Soni/HT Photo)
In 2012, he entered Bollywood with a bang with Student of The Year. Ever since, Sidharth, who had started off his career as a model, has moved swiftly up to the popularity charts with films such as Hasee Toh Phasee (2014), Ek Villain (2014), and more. Sidharth looks dapper in anything, be it suits, a T-shirt and denims or traditionals. However, his style statement is best defined by casual T-shirts, denims and sneakers.
Varun Dhawan
Varun Dhawan has always defined his style as simple, rugged and raw. (HT Photo)
Ever since he started his career with Student of The Year in 2012, he has proved his acting abilities with versatile roles in films such as Main Tera Hero (2014), Badlapur (2015), ABCD 2 (2105) and Dishoom (2015). His sartorial choices are equally different. Moreover, he wins hearts with his energy levels and infectious smile. Varun, who has always defined his style as simple, rugged and raw, can also pass off as super stylish at most events.
Hrithik Roshan
With his sharp looks and Adonis frame, Hrithik is easily one of the countrys most stylish men.
He isnt called Bollywoods Greek god for nothing. With his sharp looks and Adonis frame, Hrithik is easily one of the countrys most stylish men. Be it on the red carpet or in the movies, he sets the temperature soaring with his sense of style. Give him a pair of denims and T-shirt or a bandhgala or a classy suit, and you can be rest assured that he is going to ace all the ensembles with equal panache.
Sushant Singh Rajput
Often spotted in shirts, tees and denims, Sushant Singh Rajput can also ace blazers and tuxedos. (Pratham Gokhale / HT Photo)
He made his Bollywood debut with a solid performance in Kai Po Che (2013). Ever since, Sushant Singh Rajput has proved his acting credentials. Off screen, his sense of style is more relaxed and informal. Often spotted in shirts, tees and denims, Sushant can also ace blazers and tuxedos. He loves aviators and sneakers.
Ranveer Singh
Ranveer has never failed to shock, surprise and leave others in awe of his style sense. (Aalok Soni / HT Photo)
Quirky, zany yet absolutely stylish best describes Ranveers style quotient. When Ranveer entered Bollywood with Band Baaja Baarat (2010), no one could have predicted that he would take the film world as well as the fashion world by storm soon after. He seems to have it all the candour, unabashed attitude and a daring fashion sense. He can pull off any ensemble with ease and comfort without necessarily thinking of pleasing the fashion police. Still, Ranveer has never failed to shock, surprise and leave others in awe of his style sense.
Most Stylish Actress
Alia Bhatt
Alia Bhatt is never afraid to experiment with outfits be it traditional ensembles or casual outfits. (Satish Bate / HT Photo)
Within five years of her debut film Student of The Year (2012), Alia Bhatt has gone on to become one of the strongest and dependable stars with films such as Highway (2014), Udta Punjab (2016), Dear Zindagi (2016), Badrinath Ki Dulhania and more. On screen or off, the 24-year-olds style quotient is bubbly, vivacious and cool. She is never afraid to experiment with outfits be it traditional ensembles or casual outfits. However, that hasnt stopped film-maker Mahesh Bhatts daughter from being the fashion polices favourite.
Shraddha Kapoor
Be it traditional wear or western ensembles, Shraddha always manages to carry herself off with elegance and panache, (Pramod Thakur/HT Photo)
She hit the popularity charts with Aashiqui 2 (2013). Now, Shraddhas career is flourishing with back-to-back hits such as Ek Villain (2014), ABCD 2 (2015), Baaghi (2016) and more. What makes Shraddha stand out is her girl-next-door look. Be it traditional wear or western ensembles, Shraddha always manages to carry herself off with elegance and panache, which has gone on to become her trademark style now.
Katrina Kaif
With her flawless skin and impeccable frame, Katrina Kaif never fails to get heads turning.
She has had a rollicking career in Bollywood (ever since her big breakthrough outing in Maine Pyaar Kyun Kiya; 2005) with several blockbusters and stories on her personal life. But when it comes to her dressing sense, Katrina doesnt come across as experimental as many other B-Town divas, especially the younger lot. Be it her media interactions or airport looks, the actor usually prefers to keep things simple. However, with her flawless skin and impeccable frame, Katrina never fails to get heads turning.
Kangana Ranaut
Kangana Ranaut nails each and every look, be it a voluminous gown, a traditional sari, or her cool airport looks, with equal panache. (Satish Bate / HT Photo)
The true-blue queen of style, Kangana has never let the fashion police down with her appearances. She has come a long way from her unkempt avatar in her debut film Gangster (2006) to a graceful and glamorous person. She continues to nail each and every look, be it a voluminous gown, a traditional sari, or her cool airport looks, with equal panache. In fact, on Koffee With Karan, Alia Bhatt said that she loved Kanganas airport looks.
Sonakshi Sinha
Sonakshi Sinhas red-carpet appearances are an amalgamation of sassiness and edginess.
She made her Bollywood debut by starring opposite Salman Khan in Dabangg (2010) as a village belle, but Shatrughan Sinhas daughter soon transformed into a fashion diva of sorts with her sartorial choices. At a time when the size zero fever was raging, Sonakshi turned the notion on its head by proving that curves can look sassy, thanks to her immaculate appearances. Upping her style game in the last four years, Sonakshi has been acing almost every look, be it a simple denim-T-shirt look to gowns and traditional Indian outfits. Sonakshis red-carpet appearances are an amalgamation of sassiness and edginess.
For complete HT Most Stylish awards, Mumbai, coverage, click here
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Ever since actor Kangana Ranaut refused to mince her words on nepotism in Bollywood when she appeared on director Karan Johars Koffee with Karan show, everybodys been talking about the menace in the industry. Now, Vidya Balan, the poster girl of self-made women in Bollywood, has now jumped into the fray.
In a conversation with Pinkvilla, she said, I personally havent experienced that. I have absolutely no one in the film industry but I did have the luxury of choice because I am a Bombay girl. My parents and sister were extremely supportive. I didnt have to run away from home and survival was never an issue and therefore I am saying that it is a luxury of choice.
She added,But having said that, Kangana feels that way. To each his own. Everyone has different experiences. I am no one to comment but my experiences are different. There are camps but lets not forget that human beings have favourites.
Kangana had called Johar the flag-bearer of nepotism in Bollywood in the chat show. To which, Johar retorted that Kangana doesnt know the meaning of nepotism and she always plays the victim card. Not the one to take things lying down, Kangana hit back, replying she was playing the badass rather than a woman or a victim.
A lot of actors including Varun Dhawan, Alia Bhatt and Anupam Kher have expressed their opinions on the ongoing debate since then.
It seems the nepotism debate is not going to die down anytime soon.
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Black faces sprinkled with continual dew--
dew on the speckled croton, dew
on the hard leaf of the knotted palm tree,
dew on the elephant ears of the dasheen.
Through Kurtzs teeth, white skull in elephant grass,
the imperial fiction sings. Sunday
wrinkles downriver from the Heart of Darkness.
The Heart of Darkness is not Africa.
The Heart of Darkness is the core of fire
in the white center of the holocaust.
These lines are from Derek Walcotts The Fortunate Traveller, the eponymous poem of a 1981 volume. The title is adapted from Thomas Nashes 1594 novel, The Unfortunate Traveller, which chronicles the misadventures of Jack Wilton, its rogue-hero. The fortunate in the title is ironic, referring, as it does, to the globetrotting migrants guilt about his complicity in the carnal networks of finance capital (One flies first-class, one is so fortunate). As his latter-day journey from Bristol to St. Lucia reverses the slave ships trajectory, the poem writes itself through powerful condemnations and revisions of imperial fiction. The life-affirming dew on black faces and taro trees is contrasted with the necropolitics of the ivory trade in the Belgian Congo and its crazed imperialists (like Conrads Kurtz). The heart of darkness is not Africa but the white center of the holocaust: phobic colonial configurations of a dark continent are countered here through a shoring of criminal evidence against the white north. The temporality of our genocidal modernity is best indicated by a Godless marker, the stanza concludes: not Anno Domini: after Dachau.
Excursive though his writing is, re-connecting the West Indies to Africa, England, Central Europe, and the Americas, Walcotts is a Caribbean Odyssey. Derek Alton Walcott was born in Castries, St. Lucia, one of the Windward Islands in the Lesser Antilles. His grandfathers were white and his grandmothers were black. His artistic persona of the divided child in Another Life (1973) evokes the Manichean schema of race black and white alongside other false and untenable cultural divisions (English and West Indian, classic and creole, art and life). Walcott received what he called a very good English education in British West Indies: St Marys College in St. Lucia, followed by the University of the West Indies in Jamaica. He published 25 Poems at age 18, financed by his mother, the first of 22 volumes of poetry. His oeuvre is also comprised of nine compilations of dramatic works and two collections of essays. Walcott won several awards, including the T. S. Eliot prize and the MacArthur genius grant. He was awarded the Nobel in 1992, two years after writing Omeros, his epic poem of migration.
His career was not free of controversies, one of which, a sexual harassment case brought by a student decades earlier, surfaced when Walcott was nominated for the Professor of Poetry post in 2009 at the University of Oxford. His verbal spats with V. S. Naipaul (dubbed Nightfall by Walcott) were also less than edifying.
Walcott during a press conference in Caracas in 2007. (AFP)
Walcott spent most of his life in the West Indies, punctuated by spells in the US and Canada, where he worked as a playwright, art critic, or academic: I know these islands from Monos to Nassau, Shabine, his alter-ego, claims. The Caribbeanness manifests in the names of flora and fauna - yams, crotons, cassava, cocoa, star-apple, ibis, cattle-egret, frigate bird and tarpon and in the French-Caribbean assemblages of Creolite or patois. The protagonist of The Schooner Flight famously says:
Im just a red nigger who love the sea,
I had a sound colonial education,
I have Dutch, nigger, and English in me,
and either Im nobody, or Im a nation.
Walcott sees in this genetic Babel (the poet Joseph Brodskys term) the possibility of a supersyncretic archipelago. What Naipaul mourns as the loss or lack of history, Walcott celebrates as the true history of the New World: the slaves amnesia will obliterate the old linear idea of progress, just as the fierce tropical climate of the islands will obliterate all traces of the brutal plantocracy. Naipauls The Middle Passage had evoked the history of West Indian futility: History is built around achievement and creation and nothing was created in the West Indies. Walcotts celebrated essay, The Muse of History (1976), written over a decade later, strongly condemns the Naipaul-esque literature of recrimination.
and despair, grouping, under the term, both a literature of revenge written by the descendants of slaves and a literature of remorse written by the descendants of masters. History has been a willing instrument of epistemic violence, so it is set aside for the mnemonic archives of the imagination. In the play, Dream on Monkey Mountain, the anti-hero Makak turns instead to myth and folklore:
These dead, these derelicts,
that alphabet of the emaciated,
they were the stars of my mythology.
Derek Walcott (January 23, 1930 - 17 March, 2017)
Ankhi Mukherjee is Professor of English and World Literatures at Wadham College, University of Oxford.
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Bharti Airtel today lashed out at Reliance Jios allegations around its fastest network ad campaign, saying that the complaint is a deliberate attempt to malign the brand and misguide customers.
Further, mobile internet speed testing firm Ookla has stood by the finding that the telecom major had fastest broadband network, a claim which has been challenged by Reliance Jio.
Ookla fully stands behind Airtel being named Indias Fastest Mobile Network, Speedtest (Ooklas app) COO Jamie Steven said in a statement.
Ookla has named Airtel as the Fastest Mobile Network in India based on data from Q3 and Q4 of 2016 which has been challenged by Reliance Jio.
Jio has approached advertisement sector watchdog ASCI against Bharti Airtel, saying the latters claim of being officially the fastest network is misleading and done in mala fide manner in collusion with broadband speed tester Ookla.
The Mukesh Ambani-led firm has alleged that Ookla, the owner of Speedtest app, charges money for giving such awards and the company has also approached Jio for the same for the very quarter it issued certificate of fastest mobile network to Bharti Airtel. ` Jio alleged that the methodology used by Ookla attributes speed result to SIM used in the primary slot of mobile phones even if Jio SIM delivering high speed has been used in the secondary slot.
When analyzing markets like India, we take many factors into consideration, including dual SIM devices, network technology, device types, and more. In addition to what the user sees on their mobile application as they take a test in real-time, we apply a rigorous methodology when aggregating the data which uses a variety of internal data sources that control for potential variability in the market, Steven said.
Bharti Airtel Chief Brand Officer, Rajiv Mathrani said that the company is rather amused by the allegations being made against its campaign.
We believe that this is a deliberate attempt to malign our brand and misguide customers through a campaign of misinformation, which is something we now come across on a regular basis, in particular, on social media platforms, he said.
The government today said it has been informed by automotive industry body SIAM that the economic burden on companies for moving to BS-VI emission norms will be very significant.
Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) has informed that the economic burden for moving to BS-VI emission norms for automobile manufacturers would be very significant, Minister of State for Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises Babul Supriyo said in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
According to SIAM, many new technologies would have to be developed and these technologies would have to be used in vehicles for meeting the requirement of BS-VI emission norms, thereby putting enormous economic burden.
The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways through a notification dated September 16, 2016 mandated mass emission standard for BS-VI throughout the country with effect from 1 April, 2020 to bring down emission level.
The developer-turned-politician, who ranked No. 205 last year, fell further behind to Bill Gates, the list's perennial leader.
Trump tumbled more than 100 spots to No. 544 on the magazine's 31st annual list, largely because of the impact of the slumping New York real estate market on his holdings. "Midtown Manhattan real estate is down; therefore, so is Donald Trump's fortune," the business magazine said in a statement.
While Donald Trump's political fortunes were rising, his net worth was dropping to a mere $3.5 billion, or roughly a third of what he claimed during his successful campaign for the U.S. presidency, according to the latest Forbes list of the world's billionaires.
Gates, the philanthropic co-founder of Microsoft, was followed this year by Berkshire Hathaway Chairman Warren Buffett at No. 2 and Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos at No. 3.
While Trump's net worth slipped, more people were qualifying for the list. This year Forbes ranked a record 2,043 billionaires. "Booming stock markets, higher commodities prices and plain old-fashioned entrepreneurship helped make this a record year in terms of wealth creation around the globe," Forbes editors Luisa Kroll and Kerry Dolan said.
Trump's current $3.5 billion net worth compares with $3.7 billion in October, when Forbes published its list of the 400 wealthiest Americans and a month before his Election Day upset against Democrat Hillary Clinton. While campaigning for the Republican presidential nomination in May, Trump's team filed a personal financial disclosure form that said his net worth was more than $10 billion.
Critics have said he has inflated the true value of his wealth, saying his tax returns would provide a more accurate snapshot of his financial status. But Trump has defied convention and refused to release his returns. Neither the White House nor the Trump Organization, which Trump's sons have run since their father's inauguration, immediately responded to a request for comment on the Forbes list.
Gates maintained his No. 1 spot for the fourth year in a row, with his $86 billion fortune up from last year's $75 billion. Buffett, the legendary value investor known as the "Oracle of Omaha," reclaimed the No. 2 berth after a two-year hiatus. His net worth surged to $75.6 billion from $60.8 billion.
Third place went to Bezos, who apparently was the biggest winner on the 2017 list. His wealth jumped to $72.8 billion, a gain of $27.6 billion from last year, Forbes said.
Japanese automaker, Honda which has been shipping some of its models to the overseas market, would introduce its latest product WR-V in Brazil, a top official said here today.
The company, which launched the upgraded Honda City last month would also bring its premium sedan Civic later this year, Honda Cars India, Senior VP, Jnaneswar Sen said here.
Already, we are exporting few of our existing models to neighbouring countries. This product (WR-V) may be exported to Brazil.., he told reporters.
To a query on the launch of other models in India, Sen said, the company would bring in its premium sedan Civic which was earlier suspended from production.
Earlier, when we introduced the (premium sedan) Civic, we were selling about 2,000 units a month. Now, the volume of premium sedan market itself is only 2,000 units, he said.
Responding to the launch of upgraded City last month, Sen said the company received 15,000 bookings of which 40 per cent comprised of the top end ZXvariant.
Talking about the launch of WR-V, he said so far it has received 3,000 bookings.
On expansion plans, Sen said the company would increase its dealership network to 370 outlets from the present 336 units with more focus on Tier II and III cities in 2017-18.
Sen and senior company officials were here to launch the latest WR-V priced at Rs 7.90 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai) for base model petrol variant while top end diesel variant is priced at Rs 10.15 lakh (ex-showroom Chennai).
The government decided on Tuesday to lower the limit on cash transaction from Rs 3 lakh to Rs 2 lakh, and make Aadhaar number mandatory for filing income tax returns and applying for a PAN card.
The decisions were part of amendments moved to the finance bill, which puts into effect the Budget proposals.
The Budget 2017 had proposed cash transactions of more than Rs 3 lakh value be banned but the finance bill tabled on Tuesday lowers the ceiling, said revenue secretary, Hasmukh Adhia.
The difference between demonetisation and this is that the former is used to destroy the stock of black money while the ban will prevent the future flow of black money. This limit will also reduce the quantum of cash transactions in the economy Adhia had told HT.
To ensure a deterrent, the penalty for violation is equivalent to the amount transacted.
The amendments also make Aadhaar must for tax returns and PAN applications beginning July 1. Aadhaar enrolment number while filing ITR could also be accepted. Failing to declare Aadhaar may lead to PAN being deemed invalid.
The move is likely to roil activists who say the Aadhaar programme the enrolment to a national database with biometric information such as fingerprints and iris scans is meant to be voluntary, as declared by the SC in September last year.
Aadhaar has been optional for ITR for a few years. The challenge will be for foreign nationals who pay taxes in India. We will have to see the amendment to understand its implications, said Kuldip Kumar, leader, personal tax at PwC India. The amendment, however, says the government will specify exemptions for mandatory Aadhaar rule.
The finance bill carries an unprecedented 40 amendments, according to PTI, and will also impact other laws such as RBI act and representation of people act. Political parties hit out at the tweaks, saying they were being done as backdoor entry.
The finance bill is classified as a money bill, which does not require bicameral approval and can be approved by the Lok Sabha alone where Prime Minister Narendra Modis BJP has a majority.
The limit on cash transactions is in keeping with recommendations of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) on black money.
In addition to this limit, the Income Tax Act prohibits making or accepting payment of an advance of Rs 20,000 or more in cash for purchase of immovable property. PAN is also mandatory for any purchase of above Rs 1 lakh.
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Hours after Sunil Mittal-promoted Airtel issued a public statement that its network speeds are the fastest according to Ookla, a Seattle-based internet testing firm, rival Reliance Jio said the public should not be misled by false claims based on Ookla results.
Reliance Jio is owned by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries, and has disrupted the telecom sector with its free internet services over high-speed the 4G network.
On Tuesday, at a joint press release by Airtel and Ookla, the telecom operator said it had the fastest speed in quarters three and four (July to December period) of 2016.
Jio launched its services in September last year with large number of freebies.
Reliance Jio recently filed a complaint with the advertising watchdog against Ookla declaring Airtel as the Fastest Mobile Network in India. The Mukesh Ambani-led firm has alleged that Ookla, the owner of Speedtest app, charges money for giving such awards and it approached Jio for the same.
The core issue is that the speedtest results are attributed to the primary SIM even though the SIM for which the data speedtest is conducted is the secondary SIM in the case of dual-SIM phones. In India, more than 90% of 4G phones are dual-SIM. Therefore, there is no guarantee that the speed which is attributed to Airtel is of the Airtel data network, said a Reliance spokesperson in an emailed statement.
Reliance Jio also questioned Ooklas credibility, and hinted that the speed test firms report was biased. We are surprised that Ookla in its press release has not talked about this issue even though they had acknowledged the blunder to us earlier. Ookla has baldly stated that they stand by their results and has skirted the main issue. We will initiate actions as we deem fit at appropriate forums, the spokesperson added.
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Come April and a passenger can avail the opportunity of travelling in Rajdhani or Shatabdi trains even if one has booked tickets in other mail/express trains for the same destinations.
Railways is launching a new scheme from April 1 under which wait listed passengers can get confirmed accommodation in the next alternative train if they opt for the option while booking their tickets.
As per the scheme, there will be no extra charges taken from the passenger or any refund provided for the difference of fare.
Read more | Air travel cheaper than AC first-class train fare: Study
Known as Vikalp, the alternative train accommodation scheme aims to utilise vacant berths in many premier trains including Rajdhani, Shatabdi, Duronto and other special service such as Suvidha trains in all major routes.
Railways has to forego about Rs 7,500 crore in a year in refund to customers for cancellation of tickets for various reasons.
Describing the scheme as a passenger friendly move to provide confirmed accommodation to wait listed passengers in alternative trains, a senior Railway Ministry official said, We aim to achieve the twin objectives of providing confirmed accommodation to wait listed passengers and ensure optimal utilisation of available accommodation by this scheme.
Read more | Flexi fare: Seats available, yet Rs 900 for a Shatabdi Express ticket
After introduction of flexi-fare system in premier trains, some berths are going vacant while at the same time many passengers could not be accommodated in other Mail/Express trains due to huge demand.
In any case these berths are running vacant. So whatever we can save in refund is going to be a neat save for us. No additional cost is involved to railways so anything we save will be earnings for railways, the official added.
Currently, railways is running the scheme in six routes including Delhi-Lucknow, Delhi-Jammu and Delhi-Mumbai sectors since November 1, on a pilot basis.
The system is available for online ticketing now but it will be extended to over the counter sale also as the required software is being readied for the purpose.
As per the scheme, wait listed passengers of a train would be given option of getting confirmed accommodation in the next train running on the route.
While there is a huge demand for train berths in certain sector round the year, some routes witness increased rush during festive season.
Read more | Meals on wheels: You are paying up to Rs 200 for meals on Shatabdi
The passenger, if opts for the Vikalp scheme while booking tickets, will get SMS alert on his/her mobile phone about getting confirmed accommodation in the alternative train.
The name of the passenger who has been provided accommodation in the alternative train will not figure in the wait listed charts of their original train, the official said, adding that a separate list of passengers transferred in alternative train will be pasted along with the confirmed and wait list charts.
The World Banks newly appointed chief executive gave a spirited defence of globalisation during her first official visit to China, saying it had helped richer and poorer countries, and economic integration made it hard for any nation to walk away.
Kristalina Georgieva, a Bulgarian who took up her post at the multilateral development lender at the start of this year, also praised China for its commitment to economic reforms and open markets.
Open markets, trade, division of labour has worked extremely well for the poorer countries, she told Reuters in an interview late on Monday.
But wealthier countries also have benefited from rising middle classes, which are demanding more exports from advanced economies, said Georgieva, a former vice president of the European Commission.
In Germany over the weekend, finance ministers and central bankers from 20 rich nations dropped a former pledge in their communique to keep global trade free and open, acquiescing to an increasingly protectionist U.S. administration.
Georgieva called for an intelligent, calm conversation about sharing the benefits of globalisation more broadly.
Warning against protectionist policies, she said every country would be hurt if decades of integration and interdependence were unravelled.
Its impossible to say, now we are in this boat, but it is only your end of the boat that is sinking, said Georgieva.
Rather than erect trade barriers, economies should encourage competition which boosts innovation and raises productivity, she said.
Georgieva called for Chinas government to continue opening up the domestic market to competition, and move forward with reforms to create a more dynamic economy.
In 2016, 35 percent of growth in the world came from China, she said. While this contribution is going to gradually decline somewhat, it is very significant.
China has said it is targeting economic growth of about 6.5 percent, after it reported growth of 6.7 percent last year.
The World Bank, through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, is now providing about $2 billion annually in lending to China, and is involved in projects ranging from pollution controls to urban and rural development.
Georgieva said the biggest challenges facing the World Bank remain in those countries torn apart by conflict and facing famine.
It is horrible to have the shadow of famine in the 21st century, she said, pointing to situations in South Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and northern Nigeria.
Our biggest fear is related to that kind of devastation combining the force of nature with the evil of men.
To defend the indefensible is in the job description of Pakistans High Commissioner to India, and Abdul Basit, now in the final days of his three-year stint in New Delhi, must be looking forward to being rid of that onerous obligation. The pointless pretence of peddling Pakistani propaganda might just be tolerable if there was a promotion at the end of it, but the luckless Basit has lost out to Tehmina Janjua in the race to become his countrys foreign secretary. So the diplomat deserves some praise for gamely sticking to the task until the bitter end.
His valedictory performance, at an event in Bombay last weekend, had the usual admixture of mendacity and mealy-mouthedness. There were the customary bromides about the need for India and Pakistan to restart a dialogue the onus, but of course, falling on New Delhi. As always, Basit dissimulated clumsily on questions about Pakistans continued protection of the perpetrators of terrorist attacks on Indian soil. For good measure, he claimed that there were no terrorist camps in his country.
The assembled gathering seems to have politely refrained from snorting or guffawing.
The audiences awaiting him on his return to Islamabad will be no more credulous, but at least there he will have the opportunity to tell them things they havent heard before. He might be able to surprise them jolt them, even, out of some of their complacencies.
Basits spell in Delhi has coincided neatly with that of the Modi administration, so he has watched the Indian Prime Minister more closely than any other Pakistani official. Its a fair bet that the question Basit will be asked at every gathering, private or public, will be: What does Narendra Modi really want? The curiosity about and concern over Modi has grown exponentially since his triumph in the state elections, and his appointment of a Pakistan-baiting hardliner as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. This means Basit will very likely have the opportunity to speak to a larger audience of the Pakistani elites, beyond the tiny circle that has had access to his dispatches. Having failed to move the needle for Pakistan in Delhi, Basit might better serve his country by becoming, after a fashion, Modis envoy to Islamabad.
What might Basit usefully inform his influential countrymen? Having spent the past three years pushing the Pakistani line in India, he can start by telling them that Modis not buying any of it. Youd think this would already be plain to Islamabad, but theres speculation in some Pakistani quarters that Modi, with his political power now at its zenith, might be willing to reopen dialogue with the Old Enemy. Basit should be able to disabuse his people of that notion, by pointing out that the Indian Prime Minister is harder of head and colder of eye than his recent predecessors.
He could remind Pakistanis that Modis already been there and done that, having initiated a dialogue at the start of his tenure, to no avail. The Indian Prime Minister has no need for another photo-op with Nawaz Sharif, and seems now determined to isolate and embarrass his counterpart although, truth be told, Sharif and his military overlords are doing a bang-up job of that without his help on the international stage.
Basit could also help Pakistanis understand that its not just Modi: ordinary Indians dont seem to want renewed dialogue, either. For all of Islamabads denials, Indians are in no doubt who to blame for the attacks on Pathankot and Uri, and the overwhelming support for last Septembers surgical strike into Pakistani territory suggests they prefer kinetic, rather than diplomatic, responses.
For emphasis, Basit could underline the fact that poll after poll has demonstrated that Indians greatly approve of their leaders strong line on Pakistan and on Kashmir. The outcome of the recent assembly elections, he could explain, is in some part an endorsement of Modis stance on these issues.
Having had plenty of opportunity to break bread with Indian politicians of all stripes, Basit could bring home the sobering recognition that, on the matter of Pakistan, theres very little sunlight between the government and the opposition. This means even if some dramatic change of fortunes were to bring about a change in government in 2019, Islamabad would have no cause for optimism.
Basits term in New Delhi has also coincided with a deepening of military and intelligence cooperation between India and the United States, something he would do well to highlight for the benefit of those back home who are still clinging to the hope that Washington will lean on Modi to play nice with his neighbour. He will have noticed that Indo-American ties are not limited to Modis personal equation with Barack Obama, could warn against assuming that the Trump administration will go in a very different direction.
In short, Basit can provide Pakistanis with a much-needed reality check on their expectations from Modis India. It is, of course, possible he will not find a receptive audience back home: the Pakistan ruling elite has a history of freezing out former envoys who speak inconvenient truths. But then Basits already used to people not listening to him, and its never stopped him before.
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DEHRADUN: All the newly-elected legislators, who were administered the oath of office on Tuesday, appeared upbeat irrespective of whether they belonged to the BJP that returned to power in Uttarakhand sweeping the assembly election or the Congress that faced a near-total electoral rout.
There was not a tinge of sadness on the faces of Congress legislators whose party won just 11 seats in a House of 70. They appeared as buoyant as their counterparts from the BJP that romped home with 57 seats.
Most BJP and Congress legislators HT spoke to shared their vision of development for their respective assembly constituencies. First timers shared the development projects they have conceived for their constituents. The reelected veterans spoke about the half-completed projects they would like to resume apart from introducing the new schemes.
Minister of state Rekha Arya, who was re-elected from Someshwar, said her first priority would be to resume all the projects that were left incomplete during her last stint as a legislator. There are a number of half completed projects relating to roads, drinking water, irrigation and education that I would get completed this time, she said. Besides, women empowerment is another area that is close to my heart. I will also try to check forced migration by creating employment opportunities for the youth, she added.
Ritu Khanduri Bhushan, the first time BJP MLA from Yamkeshwar, said poor road connectivity is one of the key problems facing her constituency she would try to resolve on a priority basis. Besides, I will ensure that educational facilities, which are in a poor state in my constituency, get a boost, said Bhushan, a professor of History at Amity University in Noida and the daughter of former chief minister BC Khanduri.
Sanjiv Arya, first time BJP legislator from Nainital and the son of minister Yashpal Arya, however, has several new development plans for his constituency. I will try and boost the tourism infrastructure in Nainital, besides ensuring that the fast receding water in Naini Lake the main attraction of the famous hill resort is replenished, he said. Besides, I have a number of development plans for the rural areas of my constituency.
Manoj Rawat, the first time Congress MLA from Kedarnath, said his focus would be on strengthening the tourism infrastructure in the famous pilgrimage centre of Hindus. I will ensure that tourism infrastructure gets a boost so that more employment opportunities could be created in my constituency, he added.
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A 51-year-old alleged member of the Khalistan Commando Force (KCF) was arrested on Monday from south Delhis Mahipalpur. A country-made pistol and four cartridges were allegedly found on him.
Police said the arrested man, Gursewak Singh aka Babla, was reportedly in the process of establishing KCFs base in Delhi with the help of some gangs of autolifters and robbers.
By committing bank and ATM robberies in Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab and Haryana with the Delhis criminals, Babla was reportedly planning to raise funds to carry out terror activities in Delhi and Punjab, police said.
Babla was under pressure from his handler, KCF chief Paramjeet Singh Panjwar, to strike against India and revive their outfits presence in Delhi and Punjab. Panjwar is presently based in Pakistan and running anti-India activities allegedly with Pakistans intelligence agency ISIs help, said a crime branch officer.
Praveer Ranjan, joint commissioner of police (crime branch), said Babla was a close aide of Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale, who was killed 1984 by the Army in Operation Blue Star. Babla has spent more than 26 years, half of his life, in various jails in different cases, said the joint CP.
Police claimed he was previously involved in over 50 cases of terrorist activities, murder of police officials and police informers, and dacoities and robberies in police stations, banks, shops in Punjab, Delhi, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh during the Punjab insurgency in the 1980s.
Ranjan said that Babla was wanted by the special cell, Delhi Polices anti-terror squad, in a case when he had escaped from the custody of the Punjab police while being produced at the Tis Hazari Court in Delhi in 2004.
A case was registered at the Subzi Mandi police station and the probe was handed over to the special cell. Babla was wanted by us (Delhi Police) in that case and the court had declared him a proclaimed offender, said Ranjan, adding he had escaped again from Punjab police custody at Bhilwara railway station in Rajasthan in 1986.
According to the joint CP, Bablas arrest came following information that he would come to Mahipalpur area to meet some criminals with whom he was planning to commit bank and ATM robberies in the city. Our team laid a trap and caught Babla from near Shiv Murti on NH-8 with a pistol and four rounds, Ranjan said adding Babla was also in touch with Jagtar Singh Hawara and other top leaders of Sikh militant groups who are lodged in different jails.
A native of Ludhiana in Punjab, DCP Bhisham Singh said, Babla joined Bhindranwale-led militant group in 1982, almost two years after his elder brother Swaran Singh became a militant.
Signalling a generational shift in its politics in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party -- for the first time -- did not consider party stalwart VK Malhotra in panels set up to monitor elections in the city.
Malhotra, a member of the famed Punjabi triumverate of Khurana (Madan Lal), Sahni (Kedarnath) and Malhotra (VK), had been the most important leader of the BJP in Delhi and one of the founding members of the Jana Sangh in Delhi.
Delhi BJP president Manoj Tiwari constituted sub committees on Sunday to manage and supervise the April 22 MCD elections in Delhi. However, Malhotra was not named in any of them.
Malhotra, Madan Lal Khurana, and Kedarnath Sahni were born in Pakistan and had come to Delhi after partition.
Malhotra was the Chief Executive Councilor of Delhis Metropolitan Council in 1967 (a post equivalent to Chief Minister) and deputy leader of opposition in Lok Sabha in 2004. He was the only BJP Lok Sabha MP from Delhi in 2004. Malhotra was BJPs chief ministerial candidate in the 2008 assembly elections that were won by the Congress.
Khurana was Delhi chief minister of Delhi between 1993 and 1996. He also served as the governor of Rajasthan. Khurana has been bed ridden for the past around six years due to poor health. He is credited for reviving the party after drubbing in 1984 general elections, held soon after the assassination of Indira Gandhi.
Sahni, a former Mayor (1972-75), passed away in October 2012 and served as governor of Sikkim and Goa during NDA rule.
The decision proves a shift in the party. The way Prof Malhotra has been ignored, it establishes the fact that the BJP is handing over the reins to younger generation. They are following in footsteps of the central leadership, where Marg Darshak mandal was created for LK Advani and other senior leaders, a party leader said. This has left several old timers sulking, he said.
The party has also sidelined state media in-charge Praveen Shankar Kapoor who has not been nominated to the media committee. The committee has three general secretaries of state BJP -- Kuljeet Chahal, Rajesh Bhatia, Ravinder Gupta, and Neel Kant Bakshi, a close aide of Tiwari.
Tiwari announced on Monday the formation of 14 sub committees. The names of the members were decided at a late evening held on Sunday. However, suspense over the names continued till Monday evening as the list was kept on hold following the report of possible resentment among some leaders.
All seven Lok Sabha MPs from Delhi, former state units chiefs, MLAs and other senior leaders have been nominated in a various committees such as manifesto, finance, publicity and campaign, road show-jansabha, election office management, social media, and call centre. A dedicated committee has also been formed to expose failures of the Delhi government.
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Farmers from Tamil Nadu who had been protesting at Jantar Mantar, wearing green dhotis and carrying skulls of allegedly other farmers who have committed suicide in the face of what has been reportedly called one of the worst droughts in the states, have temporarily called off their movement.
The decision came after a meeting with Union finance minister, Arun Jaitley, who has asked them to give him two days time to discuss the matter of writing off their loans with the Reserve Bank of India.
We are calling off the protest for two days to give the minister the time he requested. Lets see; we hope he come back bearing good news. Otherwise we may have to die here in Delhi, as we would if we go back home with the loans still due, said P Ayyakannu.
They have also met Uma Bharti, water minister, who has spoken to them about their demands regarding interlinking of national rivers. Bharti reassured the farmers that feasibility studies are being conducted regarding the interlinking of national rivers.
However, the minister, who was accompanied by the deputy speaker of Lok Sabha M Thambidurai, did not address their demands to stop the construction of the Karnataka governments proposed dam at Mekedatu on river Cauvery.
Most of the 100 odd farmers are from Trichy, Karur and Thanjavur regions, and they have been protesting to gain the attention of the central government, so that their loans from nationalised banks may be written off.
Loans from cooperative banks were written off on the orders of Amma (Jayalalitha), but the state government cannot do much about the loans from nationalised banks. The central government will have to direct them to write it off, said Ayyakannu, while also claiming that the drought relief package for Tamil Nadu farmers needs to be revised, as the current one hardly covers their losses.
The burden of debt compounded by alleged drought like conditions, which ruined both their summer and winter crops, forced over 60 farmers to commit suicide, and killed many others.
I had taken a loan of R 1 lakh almost 5-6 years ago. I have not been able to pay it back, and now with added interest, the amount I owe has increased to Rs. 3-4 lakhs. Last year, the bank issued a default notice saying that they may take over my property, which my wife received while I was not home . She had a heart attack and passed away when she read it, recalls a teary-eyed G Mahadevan.
Mahadevan is one among the many voices that are fighting to be heard, who have vowed that they will continue to protest until their demands are met.
G Ramesh, a farmer who owes Rs 1 lakh to banks, threatened to commit suicide on Thursday by tying a noose around his neck and attaching the other end of the rope to a tree at Jantar Mantar, while echoing the demands of the farmers for a solution to the drying up of Cauvery river when it reaches Tamil Nadu. I have two wells. They have both dried up. If they release some of the Cauvery water, then this will recharge my wells too, said Ramesh, who had to be rescued by fire fighters from the tree top.
The farmers have proposed the Smart Waterways Project, conceptualised by AC Kamaraj as the viable solution.
They have also been demanding fair and just prices for their products. An MLAs salary has increased by 220 times since 1970 to 2016. The labour charges to harvest sugar cane has increased from Rs5 in 1970 to Rs 750 to Rs 1000 in 2016. However, the price of paddy and sugarcane has only increased by 22-25 times, said Mahadevan.
The farmers had initially said they would be on hunger strike, but have started eating at the behest of politicians and other volunteers who have gathered in solidarity of the farmers. Many of the protesting farmers are over 50 years of age and suffer from blood sugar, blood pressure and respiratory problems.
Ayyakannu, the leader of the movement, said that with over 20 MPs and many other politicians visiting them he has hope; but many others are not so sure.
We do not know if the politicians will really work in our favour or not. They have said they will. So we are waiting, with hope; we have no other option, said one of the farmers
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"In times when we have to argue with many about free trade, open borders and democratic values, it's a good sign that Japan and Germany no longer argue about this but rather are seeking to shape the future in a way that benefits people," Merkel said.
Neither leader named the U.S. government as they opened the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover, but both used the opportunity to distance themselves from protectionist tendencies coming from the Trump administration.
Both called for a free trade deal to be reached quickly between Japan and the European Union, in comments made after G20 finance ministers and central bankers dropped a long-standing mention of open trade in their final communique after a two-day meeting in Germany.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke up for free trade at a major technology fair on Sunday with jabs clearly pointed at an increasingly protectionist United States.
After meeting President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday for the first time, Merkel said she hoped the United States and the European Union could resume discussions on a trade agreement. Trump said he did not believe in isolationism but that trade policy should be fairer.
Merkel stressed that Germany was strongly in favour of free trade and open markets.
"We certainly don't want any barriers but at a time of an 'Internet of things' we want to link our societies with one another and let them deal fairly with one another, and that is what free trade is all about," she said.
Speaking at the same event, Abe said, "Japan, having gone through reaping in abundance the benefits of free trade and investment, wants to be the champion upholding open systems alongside Germany."
He added, "Of course to do so it will be necessary to have rules that are fair and can stand up to democratic appraisal."
He also said the European Union and Japan should soon reach an economic deal. Merkel welcomed his comments, saying, "It's very, very good that Japan says we want a free trade agreement, we want it soon because that could be the right statement and Germany would love to be a driving force behind this."
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker told Bild am Sonntag newspaper he was pleased that he would be meeting Abe on Tuesday and said the bloc wanted to conclude a free trade deal with Japan this year.
The Delhi high court on Tuesday sought the Centres reply on a contempt plea alleging the government failed to act against political parties, including the Congress and BJP, for allegedly accepting donations from foreign companies despite a 2014 court direction.
On March 28, 2014, the high court had ordered the Election Commission (EC) and the home ministry to look into the accounts of the Congress and BJP for traces of foreign funds and take action within six months.
The court had found both parties flouting the norms of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCR) by accepting donations from Indian subsidiaries of UK-based Vedanta Resources.
Section four of the FCR Act prohibits a political party or legislator from accepting foreign contributions.
Read | Foreign funding: Congress to clarify on FCRA amendment in Supreme Court
Justice Manmohan issued show cause notice to home secretary of government of India on the contempt moved filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The court posted the matter for hearing on July 20.
Advocate Pranav Sachdeva, appearing for the NGO, argued that even after the lapse of three years of the high courts verdict, the government had not taken any action.
Alleged Contemnor/ Respondent herein is the Government of India has failed to take action against the offenders even after three years of passing of the said judgment of this Court, the contempt petition reads.
Sachdeva said that both Congress and BJP had challenged the high court verdict before the Supreme Court but later chose to withdraw their petitions.
Despite the fact that there was no interim relief granted by the apex court...the government has remained in non-compliance with the judgment of the Delhi high court, the plea said seeking to initiate contempt proceedings in the case.
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If a person is mentally ill in India, he or she will be hard put to get proper help in time and will also face a lot of social taboos. When that person happens to be a prisoner, he is doubly condemned. This is why the Delhi high court has issued a number of directions to the state government to expedite setting up halfway houses for mentally ill prisoners so that they get treatment and are able to eventually reintegrate into society.
Now this is easier said than done, given that in the case of the mentally ill, whether prisoners or otherwise, neither society nor their families tend to welcome them back. This makes it imperative for the state to give them some sort of safety net beyond halfway houses.
As of now, according the National Crime Records Bureau, there are 5,394 mentally ill prisoners out of a total of 418,536 people in jails. The condition of women prisoners is especially pitiful as they are often left to the mercy of male wardens and other inmates. Mental illnesses are explained away as someone acting up until it is too late.
Psychological illnesses too are considered odd behaviour and not as real health issues in many cases.
India has a woeful lack of qualified mental health professionals despite a high incidence of such illnesses. In the case of prisoners, the conditions in most jails are such that they exacerbate existing mental illnesses. There are hardly any counsellors or psychiatrists to conduct evaluations on prisoners.
The courts directive comes after an appeal by woman convicted of murdering her husband and step-daughter and who was later found to be schizophrenic. In fact, those with mental illnesses are often subject to vicious harassment within jails leading to their condition worsening.
There is no reason why, with proper treatment, a mentally ill prisoner cannot be rehabilitated into society. For this, we need much more awareness that mental illness, like other diseases, is treatable and curable.
In many mental health institutions, patients are manhandled and abused simply because their behaviour is considered deviant. A priority has to be training mental health professionals to deal with both inmates and others in a scientific and humane manner. Nearly 60 million Indians suffer for one or other form of mental disorder and yet just a paltry 0.06% of the health budget is spent on this.
The halfway house proposed by the Delhi court should be a template for other states where mentally ill prisoners tend to languish in jails or when released are left on the streets for want of medical assistance and rehabilitation.
This will make many unhappy, but so be it. India ranked 122nd out of 155 countries, even behind Pakistan and Nepal, in the global list of the happiest countries, according the World Happiness Report 2017. Whats worse, the country, an economic giant, has gone down four notches in the ranking.
Among the eight Saarc nations, Pakistan was at 80th position, Nepal stood at 99, Bhutan at 97, Bangladesh at 110 while Sri Lanka was at 120. No prizes for guessing which nations figure at the top end of the list: Norway, Denmark, Iceland, Switzerland.
If this is of any solace to Indians wallowing in China, another economic giant, is nowhere in the first 10. The report concluded that its people are not happier than they were 25 years ago.
And even Britain is not in the top 10 though former Prime Minister David Cameron in 2010 started a national debate on developing a wellbeing index.
Since India unfailingly quibbles about all standards used by these global lists, there will be some reserved for this one too: The parameters are too western is the usual refrain.
This happiness index is based on GDP per person, healthy life expectancy, social support during times of difficulty, freedom to make their lifes choices, and sense of how corrupt their society is. We agree these might alien concepts to us.
Take for example, healthy life expectancy. In a country where getting access to basic medical support is itself a dream for many, how can we be judged on healthy life expectancy? On social support, we have the big Indian family, so social support is hardly of any importance to us. Then there is that wishy-washy parameter called freedom to make their lifes choices. At a time, when we dont even know where we have the right to eat the meat of our choice, this is so superfluous. Last, but not the least, corruption. Its a way of life here, for gods sake! How can anyone even ask such a banal question!
Now that we have finished trashing the index, (we reiterate) a western conspiracy to make us feel inferior, think how we would have fared if it was based on things that are close to our hearts since the last 70 years: Roti, kapda, and makkan.
Or a few new ones: Access to clean water, primary education, and the latest fad, internet connectivity.
So dont waste time devising a new one. Well be at the bottom of the barrel, anyway. As someone said once upon a time: Dont worry, Be happy.
In what could be a major revolution in global education, a worldwide network of quality assurance agencies is working on defining a framework that will prevent students from getting duped by fake institutions globally and help institutions identify bogus accreditation bodies.
Internationally, there are several quality assurance bodies at the national and regional levels which are involved in assessing institutions in various countries.
This includes key quality networks and agencies from Asia, Europe, America, Australia, UK, Africa such as Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) from USA, European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, (ENQA), Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education UK (QAA UK), and Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), Australia, among others.
Now, the International Network for Quality Assurance Agencies in Higher Education (INQAAHE), a worldwide association of 300 organisations active in quality assurance in higher education, will work with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) on developing a Global Quality Assurance Register (GQAR).
INQAAHE and UNESCO will be involved in reviewing and recognising quality assurance bodies and will blacklist fake bodies which give accreditation to HEIs.
We want students and institutions to be aware that bodies such as International Accreditation Organisation and Accrediting Commission International exist, which are not authorised to grant accreditation to institutions, says Dr Jagannath Patil, immediate past president of INQAAHE.
External Quality Assurance Agencies (EQAAs) which are full members of INQAAHE and other recognised EQAAs, quality networks, national and regional review/recognition bodies in higher education are among those which will benefit from the initiative. This suggests that all bodies will be engaged in review, recognition or listing of accreditation agencies and will form an alliance and launch GQAR as a joint global initiative.
If we can work with inter-governmental bodies like UNESCO to support this venture, it will be a great help for quality assurance agencies, institutions and students all over the world. The general assembly of INQAAHE held in Fiji welcomed this new initiative, says Dr Patil.
Once the project is finalised and agreements worked out between different national, regional and international bodies, peer review done by one body will be considered by others for grant of recognition or listing on register. This will be a good facility for agencies.
Besides this, all agencies engaged in review and recognition of accreditation agencies, can come together and provide a listing of quality assured accreditation agencies on a single platform GQAR. This will also serve as a one-stop solution for those who are looking for recognised QA bodies.
Challenges to be addressed, however, include comparability of criteria or standards adopted by different review bodies. These are evolved over time in different contexts and socio-economic or even in varied legal systems.
In some systems, good standing with government is a key requirement. Other systems advocate field or market-based independence and autonomy. How such delicate issues would be addressed in mutual recognition is a challenge. The biggest challenge is that different bodies have started at different points of time and a lot of significance and involvement is attached with the review process. Accepting review by other agency could be an issue, Patil says.
Many bodies or academic institutes could be put off by the competition or feel theres encroachment on their domain or territory. Financial issues, too, could complicate things. Doing away with own review and relying on another could create problems. Even if mutual recognition is possible, there could be concerns of revenue sharing. A major challenge is identifying someone to take the initiative and figuring out the role and stakes involved for multiple, high-profile stakeholders if they need to come together.
Assessment and accreditation is a must for higher education institutions (HEIs) in India and students joining colleges should always check the accreditations of the college or university they are joining. The University Grants Commission has already made regular assessment and accreditation must for higher education institutions (HEIs) in India. In India, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and National Board of Accreditation are among the major bodies responsible for accrediting and assessing HEIs. As per NAAC, institutions are assessed on quantity (increased access) and quality (relevance and excellence of academic programmes offered).
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Four Bhondsi jail inmates have been featured in the Limca Book of Records for installing a prison management system software Phoenix in 11 prisons of Harayana. Jail authorities said it was the first time in the history of the jail department that prisoners were sent to other jails in the state for work purposes.
The inmates are four under trial prisoners Rohit Pagare from New Delhi, and Anoop Singh, Balwant Singh and Ajit Singh from Rewari.
The software manages
transactions at prison canteens, meetings of inmates with visitors and case history of prisoners, which were all previously done manually.
The software was developed by an inmate, Amit Mishra a software engineer while residing at Bhondsi Jail for one year. The four others were also in Mishras team. After Mishras release following his acquittal, the responsibility of implementation of the software was transferred to the four men. They took around one month each to implement the software in the 11 prisons. Before his release, Mishra had installed the software in eight other jails in the state.
None of the four men is a professional computer engineer. They learnt computer programming in jail while working with Mishra, authorities said.
After implementation of the software, canteens of all jails in the state started operating cashless. Prisoners do not have to keep cash with them for their daily requirements. They can purchase commodities with the help of a biometric account.
Prisoners expressed their desire to computerise the canteen of the jail and other records with regard to meeting visitors. We cooperated with them and we are proud that because of the efforts of the prisoners, not only their names, but also the name of Bhondsi Jail has been featured in the Limca Book of Records, Harender Singh, superintendent of Bhondsi jail, said.
Before implementing Phoenix, visitors had to wait for hours to meet the inmates. Every meeting was entered in the register and inmates were informed about the same. It took around two hours before a meeting. Now, the meeting is registered in the computer and a message is sent directly to the inmate. The wait time has reduced to less than 45 minutes, authorities said.
Earlier, the case history of inmates had to be checked manually. After implementaing Phoenix, officials can check records of every inmate with one click on a computer screen. Officials can also check the type of crime and other details of inmates. The details of parole and date of completion of their term can also be checked. The medical history of inmates and details of their next date in the court is also available in the digital records.
The jails of Haryana are moving forward in the direction of improvement and rehabilitation. I am happy that the name of Bhondsi jail and its four prisoners have been featured in the Limca Book of Records... Efforts of this type will continue,Yashpal Singhal, DGP, jail, said.
Singhal will felicitate the inmates next week with certificates. The jail is also planning to organise a ceremony for the same.
Prison authorities said the development and implementation of this software might cost crores but it was done for free by Mishra and the four others.
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The Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda) has warned the contractor hired by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for widening the Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway of lodging a police complaint if there is further damage to the master water pipeline.
Hudas master water pipeline is aligned with the expressway, which is being widened by the NHAI.
The master water pipeline burst on Monday and water gushed out for hours along the service lane of the expressway near Sector 17C at Iffco Chowk. This is the second time that the pipeline was affected in the last one-and-a-half months.
I sent my engineers to the site to immediately stop water supply from the plant and repair the pipeline. I was told that the pipeline burst during the road widening work by the NHAI-appointed contractor. I have told my staff to warn the contractor of lodging a police complaint and also hold a meeting with the NHAI so that our engineers are consulted before any digging, Yashpal Yadav, Huda administrator, said.
In less than two hours, water had spread up to the residential area in C-block of the sector. The residents gathered at the site in apprehension as water started percolating into the basement of their buildings.
A senior Huda engineer said, We have been ordered to lodge a police complaint if the water pipeline is damaged again. We have rectified the situation but it caused wastage of treated water. The pipeline was ruptured by the contractor at the same location in February as well.
The leakage in the first week of February was not fixed even after we met Huda engineers, who left it up to the NHAI contractor. The pipeline burst at the same place when it was hit by an earthmover machine on Monday. However, Huda has still not taken any action against the contractor, Satish Solanki of Sector 17C, said.
AK Sharma, the project director of NHAI, said, We will take note of such negligence.
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Mehrauli-Gurgaon (MG) Road will be developed as a smart road, making it free of encroachments and illegal parking. This was decided at a meeting held between the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram (MCG) and traffic police officials on Tuesday.
MCG officials said the smart road tag means an encroachment-free road which has zero tolerance for illegal parking. Both sides of the 4.7 km long stretch of the road from Iffco Chowk up to Delhi border have been selected for the project.
The mall mile on MG Road has been a regularly encroached upon by street vendors, shopkeepers and illegally parked vehicles. Despite regular drives by the MCG and the traffic police, the lack of an integrated effort led to the problem persisting.
Hence, last week, a joint team of the MCG, the Haryana Urban Development Authority (Huda ) and the Gurgaon police was formed to monitor encroachments that are leading to snarls on major city roads.
The MG Road was selected as the pilot road for anti-encroachment drives. In the meeting, several areas where encroachments are rampant were discussed.
These included unauthorised parking of vehicles on Jaipur road creating hurdles to traffic and a slip road along Jaipur Road and near Westin Hotel that are encroached upon by street vendors and autorickshaw drivers. Roads near Chakkarpur being taken over by illegal parking and a busy fish market developed on private land were also discussed during the meeting.
It was finalised that the team of MCG, Huda and police will carry out anti-encroachment drives from Friday. The whole operation will be covered on video so that the footage can be used as evidence against repeat offenders, SS Rohilla, spokesperson of MCG, said.
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A Gurgaon-based woman was allegedly duped of 10 lakh by a Nigerian on the pretext of marrying her, police said. Police arrested the accused from Delhi on Monday. The accused allegedly posed as a resident of Britain and started interacting with the woman after getting her contact details from a matrimonial website.
The Gurgaon police said the accused, identified as Hillary Nnamdi, had created a fake profile on the matrimonial portal in the name of Jeff Dennis from Britain. The Nigerian initially contacted the woman, an engineer who works with a private firm in CyberHub, Gurgaon, on February 17.
The woman started talking to Nnamdi as he showed interest in marrying her and allegedly promised to take her to Britain to settle there.
On February 28, Nnamdi called the woman and claimed that he had 45,000 pounds in foreign currency, and to get it released, he had to pay 42,000 as penalty to the airport authority. Following his request, the woman transferred the amount to the account of another woman, and, thereafter, several payments were made to different accounts multiple times. A total of 9.45 lakh was transferred by woman to the accused.
Later he sent her an email, ostensibly from the RBI, asking for a payment of 32.25 lakh to upgrade the account, police said. The demand for such a huge amount, however, made the woman suspicious after which she went to the bank and cross-checked the information. She was told that no such mail was sent by the RBI. The woman told police that Nnamdi also stopped attending her calls.
She then approached the cyber cell of the Gurgaon police and registered a case of cheating. After investigation and tracking the accused, he was arrested.
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Actor George Clooney startled an 87-year-old fan in Britain by showing up at her assisted living facility with flowers and a card to wish her a happy birthday.
The 55-year-old popped in for a chat and a picture with admirer Pat Adams on Sunday at the Sunrise of Sonning Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Reading. Linda Jones, a worker there, posted a picture of herself and the beaming pair on Facebook.
Jones wrote: The lady in the picture, loves George Clooney and mentions everyday how she would love him to meet him, especially as he lives so near to where I work.
A letter was sent to Clooney asking if he could make a dream to come true.
Clooney owns a home near the facility in Berkshire.
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Walt Disney blockbuster Beauty and the Beast will be released in Malaysia this month without any cuts, the company said on Tuesday, after censors had earlier asked for the removal of a gay moment in the movie.
Malaysias censor board last week barred the movie from screening in the Muslim-majority country if Disney did not remove the gay scene. Homosexuality is discouraged by religious leaders in Malaysia.
Disney refused to make the cut and local distributors asked the censor board to review the decision.
We are pleased to announce that Disneys Beauty and the Beast has now been approved to be released in Malaysia with no cuts, with a PG13 rating, the company said in a statement. PG13 rating means parental guidance is advisable for children under 13 years.
The censor board was not immediately available for comment on the reversal of its decision.
Starring Emma Watson as young Belle who falls in love with the Beast, the film features a gay character for the first time in Disneys history.
The character, LeFou, the sidekick to the films primary villain, Gaston, sparked calls among some ultra-conservative groups around the world for a boycott of the film.
The movie made $170 million over the weekend in North America, setting a new record for a March opening.
Malaysia has previously blocked the release of Hollywood movies deemed religiously insensitive, such as 1998s The Prince of Egypt, which depicted the Biblical story of Moses, and 1995s Babe, which featured a pig as the main character. Muslims consider pigs unclean.
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Four persons were arrested in 24 hours in Uttar Pradesh for allegedly posting and sharing on social media objectionable pictures of Yogi Adityanath, who was sworn in as the chief minister on Sunday.
The arrests were made in Varanasi, neighbouring Ghazipur, Sonbhadra and Bareilly districts, police said.
Mohammad Salman, a resident of Faridpur in Bareilly, was arrested for morphing and circulating a picture of Adityanath on WhatsApp, an encrypted messaging service, superintendent of police (rural) Yamuna Prasad said.
The 26-year-old was arrested on Monday night on the complaint of the Akhil Bhartiya Vidyarthi Parishad, the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS).
The RSS is the political ideologue of the BJP, the ruling party in the state.
The 26-year-old Salman, who runs a gym, said he had only forwarded the image he received, said police, who are investigating the matter.
The same evening, Jayprakash Yadav, a resident of Rehta Katari in Sonbhadra, was taken in custody for sharing a picture of Adityanath on a messaging application, police said. Some BJP workers had lodged a complaint against Yadav.
Brijesh Srivastava was arrested in Varanasi for a similar offence on the complaint of the city chief of the Hindu Yuva Vahini, a youth outfit founded by Adityanath, police said, without sharing the details of the picture.
On Sunday night, Abdul Razak, a resident of Professors Colony in Ghazipur district, was arrested for uploading an offensive image of Adityanath by creating a fake Facebook account.
District magistrate Sanjay Khatri and senior police officers were forced to rush to the spot as tempers ran high when local Yuva Vahini members came face-to-face with Razaks family and friends.
Razak confessed to have uploaded the image, inspector Surendra Kumar Pandey said.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath had an impressive attendance of 77% as a Lok Sabha member while that of his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh was just 6%, one of the lowest in the House.
The chief ministers of two states, Manohar Parrikar in Goa and Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, out of the five states that recently went to polls are sitting members of Parliament. Amarinder Singh resigned as Lok Sabha member from Amritsar just before the Punjab assembly polls.
According to PRS Legislative Research, Adityanath, the 44-year-old Gorakhpur MP, who is yet to resign from the Lok Sabha after taking over reins in Uttar Pradesh and even attended proceedings on Tuesday, asked 284 questions during the current Lok Sabha, participated in 56 debates and introduced three private member Bills.
One of the Bills introduced by Adityanath was to establish a permanent bench of the Allahabad high court at Gorakhpur.
Adityanath has represented Gorakhpur five times and made his debut at the age of 26 in 1998.
The Punjab CM, who was also the deputy leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha, did not introduce any private member Bill during his tenure. The 75-year-old leader asked only 18 questions and participated in only four debates.
Keshav Prasad Maurya, Adityanaths deputy in the state, and BJP MP from Phulpur had an attendance record of 82%.
Although, he did not introduce any private member Bill, he asked 158 questions and participated in 122 debates.
Adityanath and Maurya will now have to resign as MPs. They need to be elected as members of the UP legislative assembly or legislative council.
Similar is the case with former defence minister Parrikar, who is a Rajya Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh. He has to be elected to the Goa legislative assembly.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah are likely to rejig their teams after Parliaments budget session ends on April 12.
Three national secretaries and a vice-president of the BJP have become ministers in Uttar Pradesh. The Uttarakhand chief minister was also in charge of Jharkhand. They will have to quit party posts, which will create vacancies in the team of office-bearers that Amit Shah hasnt reconstituted after getting re-elected as the BJP president in January last year.
Any change will happen only after the budget session ends on April 12, a BJP source said.
There has been buzz about an impending reshuffle of the Union council of ministers, with defence minister Manohar Parrikar returning to Goa as chief minister.
On Monday, three Cabinet committees headed by Modi were restructured in the wake of Parrikars resignation. Parrikar was a member of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, the Cabinet Committee on Political Affairs and the Cabinet Committee on Security. His name has been replaced on all the three panels with that of finance minister Arun Jaitley who holds the additional charge of defence.
Health minister JP Nadda is also set to move to election-bound Himachal Pradesh as the president of the state BJP unit.
He might quit the ministry to focus on the organisation assignment. The BJP has an undeclared age bar 75 for its leaders to get a ministerial job, but Kalraj Mishra, a prominent Brahmin leader, was retained in view of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
He is tipped to be moved to one of the Raj Bhavans.
Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Telangana are yet to get full-time governors.
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The Babri Masjid Action Committee rejected the Supreme Courts advice on Tuesday for an amicable settlement of the Ram temple dispute, insisting it wants the matter to be dealt with by the court.
The BJP, however, welcomed the top courts decision, calling it the best way to resolve a long-pending dispute.
This is a very good step by the apex court. Even the BJP has been encouraging solving the issue through negotiations. It is a very good step to solve the issue by sitting together and negotiating, said PP Chaudhary, minister of state for law and justice and a senior BJP leader.
The Supreme Court said fresh attempts must be made by all parties concerned to find a solution to the Ayodhya temple dispute which is a sensitive and sentimental matter. A bench headed by chief justice JS Khehar even offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
But Zafaryab Jilani, convenor of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, which is fighting to rebuild a mosque at the disputed site, refused the advice. An amicable solution is impossible. This has to be dealt in the court itself. After all, it is long pending in the court, said Jilani.
The courts observation came in response to a plea by BJP lawmaker Subramanian Swamy for an early hearing of a civil dispute over the site where Hindu groups say Lord Ram was born.
A Hindu mob had demolished the historic Babri Masjid on December 2, 1992, at Ayodhya. Muslims groups are opposed to building a temple at the site.
In September 2010, a three-judge Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court said Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have the right to worship there. Subsequently, the Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the high courts decision. The case has been pending since then.
Swamy said that the Ramjanmabhoomi in Ayodhya should be used only to construct a Ram temple.
Masjid can be built anywhere, Namaz can be read anywhere... it can be read on the street. The Ram Janmabhoomi is for the Ram Mandir and it should be used for the Ram temple only, he said.
The lawyers of the two warring sides in the Ram temple dispute welcomed the Supreme Courts advice on Tuesday for an amicable settlement but any progress appeared unlikely with both camps sticking to their known positions.
The reactions came after the top court said fresh attempts must be made to find a solution to the temple dispute which is a sensitive and sentimental matter. A bench headed by chief justice JS Khehar even offered to mediate.
Zafaryab Jilani, counsel and convenor of the All-India Babri Masjid Action Committee, said no outsider should be made a party to the negotiations, but did not give details.
We have full faith in the Supreme Court. If the Chief Justice of India has offered to mediate in the dispute, we are ready for it, he said.
Madan Mohan Pandey, representing Ram Lalla Virajman in the Supreme Court, appreciated the chief justices offer, but said they will not negotiate over the land where they believe Lord Ram was born. If they come up with a proposal which is convenient for us, we can surely solve the dispute, he said.
Ministers of the NDA government too welcomed the top courts decision, calling it the best way to resolve a long-pending dispute.
This is a very good step. Even the BJP has been encouraging solving the issue through negotiations, said PP Chaudhary, minister of state for law and justice and a senior BJP leader.
Union culture minister Mahesh Sharma hoped it would pave the way for the construction of the Ram temple. Its superb advice. There cant be a better advice to solve the problem, he told reporters outside Parliament.
On December 6, 1992, a mob of kar sewaks demolished the centuries-old Babri masjid which they believe was built on the birthplace of Ram, a claim contested by the Muslim community.
In 2010, a three-judge bench of the Allahabad high court said Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have the right to worship there. The court also ruled by a majority verdict that the disputed 120 feet by 90 feet plot land be divided into three equal parts among the three petitioners Sunni Wakf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the party representing Ram Lalla.
The Supreme Court stayed the implementation of the high courts decision after admitting appeals from Hindu and Muslim groups. The case has been pending since then.
Talking to HT from Ayodhya, Iqbal Ansari, son of late Hashim Ansari, the oldest litigant in the dispute, said it was a move in the right direction.
The court case has been dragging on for very long now. Negotiations can help resolve the dispute. Even in the past, panchayats used to solve disputes. It can be done even now, he said.
But maulana Khalid Rasheed, a member of the Muslim Personal Law Board from Lucknow, remained non-committal.
It is a sensitive issue. Talks for out-of-court settlements have failed. We should not do anything in a hurry, he said, adding he would discuss the matter with the Board members and only then take a call based on the feedback of the community.
Both Jilani and Pandey too reminded that previous attempts at negotiations by the Allahabad high court and former prime ministers Chandra Shekhar and Narasimha Rao had failed.
Mahant Nritya Gopal Das, the president of the Ram Janmbhoomi Nyas, said he was confident that a solution would be found as there is Modi government at the Centre and Yogi government in the state.
On Sunday, Yogi Adityanath a vocal proponent of the temple movement was sworn in as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, raising hopes among supporters that the process for building a shrine would be put on fast track.
The BJP, which won a brute majority in the state in the recently-held assembly polls, had listed the temple among its promises in its election manifesto.
Justice Rohinton Nariman, who had criticised the dropping of criminal conspiracy charges against 13 BJP and other right-wing leaders in the Babri Masjid demolition case, will not be part of the bench that will hear the matter on Wednesday.
On March 6, Justice Nariman and Justice PC Ghose were part of a bench that heard CBIs appeal challenging the Allahabad High Courts decision to uphold the trial court discharge order favouring likes of LK Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, Uma Bharti and Kalyan Singh. Justice Ghose headed the bench.
Justice Nariman had made strong remarks against the trial court for dropping the conspiracy charges on technical ground. People cannot be discharged like this, he had said at the commencement of the proceedings. Justice Ghose had echoed a similar view.
There is something very peculiar going on in this case. We prima facie do not approve of the way these people have been discharged, the bench had remarked. It hinted reviving the conspiracy charges and said the trial court in Lucknow would be directed to hold a joint trial. We will allow the CBI to file a supplementary chargesheet by including the conspiracy charges.
The courts suggestion was opposed by senior advocate KK Venugopal, who appeared on behalf of the lawyers. He raised a technical argument against the CBI appeal and pleaded it was belated.
The criminal cases in the Babri Masjid case stemmed from two crime files 197 and 198. Both were filed shortly after the disputed structure was demolished. The CBI, however, filed a combined chargesheet in the case. FIR number 197 was registered against lakhs of unknown kar sevaks and dealt with the actual demolition of the structure.
The second FIR registered against 12 people, including Ashok Singhal, Advani, Murli Manohar Joshi, and Uma Bharti , who were on the dais at Ram Katha Kunj when the masjid was being demolished. They are accused of promoting enmity, making imputations and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
Opposition leaders in West Bengal intensified their attack on the ruling Trinamool Congress on Tuesday after the Supreme Court upheld an order for a CBI inquiry into the Narada sting videos.
The Calcutta high court ordered on Friday a probe by the central agency into the alleged scandal that erupted in March last year, just before the state assembly elections, when Narada News portal uploaded a series of videos purportedly showing Trinamool leaders, including ministers, receiving bribe money for favours to a fictitious company.
The Congress and CPM announced mass protests and demanded resignation of all scam-tainted Trinamool ministers and MPs. The BJP sought dismissal of the Mamata Banerjee government.
She has no moral right to rule. She should step down immediately. We will meet the governor tomorrow and request him to ask the President to dismiss the Trinamool government, said Dilip Ghosh, state BJP president and a lawmaker from Kharagpur.
Its sad to see the chief minister protecting tainted leaders. The same Banerjee resigned from the NDA government after BJP leader Bangaru Laxman was caught taking a bribe in a similar sting video in 2001. Laxman faced a CBI probe and was sent to jail, he recounted.
The state BJP leader dared chief minister Banerjee to show courage, and taunted that she cant take action as she is surrounded by corrupt leaders.
I dont think this government will last the four years it has, he said.
The BJP will take out a procession in Kolkata on Wednesday.
CPM state secretary Suryakanta Mishra said his party will organise rallies against the government till tainted Trinamool leaders were arrested.
The Congress too made similar remarks.
Party leader Abdul Mannan, who filed the first public interest litigation after the Saradha scam was exposed in 2013, said: If the chief minister has the honesty that she claims to possess, she should ask the accused leaders to step down. Her silence is proof of her endorsement.
After the high court order, the Congress and CPIM workers had organised street protests in Kolkata and its adjoining districts.
State Congress general secretary Om Prakash Mishra demanded action by the Calcutta high court against the chief minister. As a constitutional functionary, can the chief minister offer legal and political help to people against whom the court has ordered an investigation? Dont her actions make her a co-conspirator in this case?
Slogan-shouting leftist and Congress councilors gheraoed Kolkata mayor Sovon Chatterjee, who too was seen in a video, during the civic agencys budget session last week.
Opposition councilors continued their stir on Monday and Tuesday as well.
A Catholic priest from Kerala was arrested on Tuesday from Madurai in Tamil Nadu, after he managed to escape following charges of molesting a 14-year-old boy.
Catholic priest Thomas Parakulathil, 32, was arrested by Kerala Police on Tuesday morning from Madurai, after he ran away when police reached the church in Puthoor during Mass on Sunday, a top official involved in the case told IANS.
He has now been brought to Kottarakara and the police are doing their job, said the official.
The arrest took place after the boy along with his parents hailing from Keralas capital Thiruvananthapuram approached police in Poovar last week saying that he was molested by Parakulathil last year.
After the incident, the boy returned home and it was only after he revealed the reason why he did not want to go back to Kottarakara, that the parents decided to file the complaint.
Based on the complaint, Poovar police transferred the case to Puthoor police station near Kottarakara in Kollam district where the incident took place.
Chinese experts have warned India against using Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama as a bargaining chip in solving bilateral territorial disputes, saying New Delhi is asking for trouble by inviting him and spoiling its image among the people of China.
The remarks come a day after the ministry of foreign affairs (MFA) snapped at India for inviting the Dalai Lama to an international seminar on Buddhism in Bihar over the weekend.
India experts in China say it was yet another attempt by India to use the Tibetan leader to send a message across the border on territorial disputes.
On Friday, the Dalai Lama inaugurated the three-day international Buddhist conference on the theme The Relevance of Buddhism in the 21st Century at Nalanda, 100 km from Patna. Buddhists scholars and monks from more than 30 countries attended the seminar.
Minister of state for culture and tourism Mahesh Sharma shared the stage with the Dalai Lama.
The Dalai Lama escaped from Tibet to India in 1959 and is based in Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh. His presence in India has been a contentious bilateral issue, with Beijing considering him a separatist and blaming him for inciting more than 120 cases of self-immolations in regions where Tibetans live in China.
The invitation to the Dalai Lama, a separatist figure, demonstrates that India is trying to secure concessions over South Tibet through such provocation, Wang Dehua, director of the Institute for Southern and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, told the Global Times, a nationalistic tabloid with links to the Peoples Daily, the Communist party mouthpiece.
But in doing so, India is asking for trouble, worsening the bilateral relations and impeding normal bilateral discussion, Wang added.
Hu Shisheng, an India expert and director of the Institute of South and Southeast Asian and Oceania Studies, said India deliberately used the Dalai Lama, who is not only a religious figure but also a political one, as a legal excuse to claim the disputed region.
India has been bolder to follow the US, considering that its rhetoric on the Tibet question is increasingly intensifying when many Western countries are playing it down, Hu told the newspaper.
Hu added: Indias aggressive gesture of inviting the Dalai Lama will bring no benefit to India, but tarnish Indias image among Chinese people.
The experts opinions follow a sharp reaction from the MFA on Monday.
We urge the Indian side to clearly recognize the anti-China separatist nature of the Dalai clique, abide by its promises on the Tibet question, respect Chinas core interests and avoid further disturbances and harm to China-India relations, MFA spokesperson, Hua Chunying, said Monday.
Recently, India ignored Chinas solemn representations and strong opposition and insisted on inviting the 14th Dalai Lama to attend an international Buddhist conference organised by the Indian government, Hua said.
The reaction from the Chinese government is expected to be even more stronger if the Dalai Lama visits Arunachal Pradesh next month; the Indian state claimed by China as south Tibet.
North Korea made "big progress" in intercontinental ballistic missile technology with its recent engine thrust test, the Defense Ministry here said Monday.
But a ministry spokesman told reporters more analysis of the precise thrust power and potential future applications is needed. The ministry speculates that the new rocket engine consists of a main engine and four auxiliary ones, the spokesman added.
North Korea hailed the test as a milestone in "satellite" technology, which is usually code for intercontinental missile development since the technology for space rockets is more or less the same.
Before allocating portfolios to his ministers, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Aditya Nath is likely to visit Delhi on Tuesday morning for a quick word on the issue with the Bharatiya Janata Party high command.
A possible bureaucratic reshuffle in the state could also be discussed during the visit. The 44-year-old CM, who is a firebrand Hindutva leader, is also expected to call on President Pranab Mukherjee and vice-president Hamid Ansari besides meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Portfolios to new ministers of the state are likely to be allotted very soon, cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh has said.
Uttar Pradeshs 47-member council of ministers, including two deputy chief ministers, was sworn in by governor Ram Naik on Sunday.
The portfolios are being worked out. The process for allocation of departments is on and hopefully it will be done very soon, Singh told PTI in Lucknow.
Singh and Shrikant Sharma are the two UP ministers entrusted with the task of acting as an interface between the government and the media.
Singh said soon after the allocation of portfolios, the date of the assembly session would be finalised after consultation with the governor.
Besides two deputies, chief minister Aditya Naths team has 22 cabinet ministers, nine ministers of state with independent charge and 13 ministers of state.
Earlier in the day, the chief minister said the state budget for 2017-18 will be prepared keeping in mind the promises made in BJPs sankalp patra.
Aditya Nath, the 21st chief minister of UP, has promised to work for all sections of the society without any discrimination, pursuing the agenda of sabka sath, sabka vikas (with all, development for all).
(with PTI inputs)
A Chetak helicopter of the Coast Guard made an emergency landing, immediately after it took off, to avoid a bird hit at the Navy airport in Kochi on Tuesday.
There was no injury to the two occupants in the helicopter. However, the copters undercarriage was damaged during the landing, Coast Guard sources told PTI.
After the take-off, before its forward journey, the copter made an emergency landing to avoid a bird that came in its way, they said.
Motorcycle-borne asssailants on Tuesday opened indiscriminate firing on Dhanbads former deputy mayor Neeraj Singh, his driver and two others, killing all four of them.
After the incident, all the injured were rushed to Dhanbads central hospital where they died during the treatment.
Police said the assailants opened fire reportedly with an AK 47 on Singhs Scorpio near his residence Raghukul. Singh, his driver Laltu and his two associates Ashok Yadav and Santosh Tiwary sitting inside the SUV were grievously injured in the firing, police said.
The incident is being viewed as a part of family rivalry between BJPs Jharia MLA Sanjeev Singh and Neeraj.
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The Election Commission of India (ECI) told the Supreme Court on Monday that it was in favour of barring convicted persons from contesting polls for life and stopping their entry into judiciary and the executive.
The commission also said it was in favour of setting up special courts to decide criminal cases related to peoples representatives, public servants and members of the judiciary in accordance with the spirit of the Constitution.
In its affidavit filed in response to a PIL seeking setting up special courts for trial of criminal cases against people from the legislature, executive and judiciary, the Election Commission said the issues raised by the petitioner-- Delhi BJP spokesperson and advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhaya-- are not adversarial.
It is submitted that accompanying PIL, to the extent of relief claimed under prayers, are not adversarial and the answering respondent (Election Commission of India) supports the cause espoused by the petitioner, it said in its affidavit.
With regard to direction for setting a minimum qualification and maximum age limit for legislators, the commission said the issue is in legislative domain and will require amendment to the Constitution.
It is pertinent to mention that the answering respondent have held several meetings with the secretary of ministry of law, legislative department of the government.
It is pertinent to mention that most of the proposals/ recommendations of the answering respondent have been endorsed by the Law Commission in their 244th and 255th reports.
However, most of the proposals/recommendations made by the answering respondent are either pending consideration by the Union of India or have not been approved for the time being, the affidavit said.
The commission said it has been championing the cause of decriminalisation of politics within the constitutional and statutory framework, wherever possible with the aid of article 324, relating to the functions and powers of the poll body. It has also issued necessary instructions in furtherance of the mandate to conduct free and fair elections and to decriminalize emocracy, it said.
On March 3, the apex court had granted last opportunity to the government and the ECI to spell out their stand on a plea for barring convicts from contesting polls for life and stopping them from entering the judiciary and the executive.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Aditya Nath on Monday directed senior officials of the state to prepare a roadmap for good governance and transparency for all departments.
Presiding over a meeting of the states top officials at the secretariat Lok Bhawan, Aditya Nath asked the bureaucrats to study the BJPs election manifesto Sankalp Patra and ensure its speedy and complete implementation.
It was an introductory meeting with UP government officials. The officials were told that the Sankalp Patra has to be implemented, deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who was also present, told reporters. The other deputy CM Dinesh Sharma also attended the meeting.
Before the meeting, the officers were given a copy of the manifesto and the chief minister asked them to start making manifesto-related schemes and programmes in their departments and also prepare budgetary estimates for them.
Deadline for declaring assets
The CM also directed all state government officers to declare their income and assets (moveable and immovable) within 15 days.
He had ordered all his ministers to do the same a few hours after being sworn-in as CM on Sunday.
Aditya Nath said his government would have a zero tolerance policy against corruption. He also administered an oath of honesty and cleanliness to the officers.
Law and order
The new chief minister also asked policemen to improve law and order situation in the state within a week.
Officials present at the meeting said Aditya Nath referred to the late-night killing of a BSP leader in Allahabad and directed the director general of police (DGP) Javeed Ahmad to bring the guilty to book. He also emphasised that police stations and tehsil offices should be free from political pressures.
Ahead of the meeting at Lok Bhawan, the chief minister also met top bureaucrats at the VVIP guesthouse where he was staying temporarily. Among those who attended the meeting were chief secretary Rahul Bhatnagar, principal secretary, Home, Devashish Panda and DGP Ahmad.
Aditya Nath told the officials that law and order was among his governments top priorities and that no laxity would be tolerated on this front.
Sources said the CM directed the officials to ensure that FIRs were lodged on all complaints at police stations and that prompt action was taken in the cases.
He also told them to take the issue of women safety with utmost sensitivity and seriousness. The new chief minister told us that law and order was among his top priorities and we will now take steps accordingly, an official, who was privy to the meeting, told HT.
At this meeting too, the CM took feedback on the murder of a BSP leader in Allahabad and some other crimes.
The new government will have to prove itself on the law and order front by taking tough measures and sending a message down the line, something that the new CM is doing, said an official in the Home department.
Sanitation
At the meeting in Lok Bhawan, Aditya Nath also asked senior government officials to ensure that 30 districts of the state are open defecation free by December.
He administered a sanitation pledge to the officials and asked them to ensure that the pledge is effectively implemented, the state government said in a statement.
Later on Monday, Aditya Nath moved into the chief ministers official residence at 5, Kalidas Marg after seven priests from the Gorakhnath temple of which he is the head priest, performed a purification ritual.
(With inputs from agencies)
The Uttarakhand high court order invoking Rigveda to declare the Ganga and Yamuna living entities, bestowing on them same legal rights as a person, is unprecedented for more than one reason.
First, it equates the two rivers to a Hindu idol, with right to property but also liable to paying tax.
Second, by naming the Namami Gange director, Uttarakhand advocate general and chief secretary as guardians, the court has given them the power to initiate action on behalf of the two rivers to protect them. But, these officials will also be liable for penalty if someone files complaint against the rivers.
While passing the order on Monday, the court borrowed heavily from Hindu texts to argue in favour of the rivers being declared juristic persons.
All the Hindus have deep astha (faith) in rivers Ganga and Yamuna and they collectively connect with these rivers The rivers have provided both physical and spiritual sustenance to all of us from time immemorial, the court said. The two rivers were breathing, living and sustaining the communities from mountains to sea.
The court, citing widely held Hindu belief, also said a dip in River Ganga can wash away all the sins, as it also referred to the river finding mention in Hindu scriptures, including the Rigveda.
The 2,500km Ganga originates from Gaumukh glacier and the source of Yamuna, which is its longest tributary, is the Yamnotri glacier.
Held sacred by Hindus, the rivers are choked with industrial effluents and untreated sewage.
The court was hearing a petition for removing encroachments from the Shakti Canal on the Yamuna in Dehradun district.
The district magistrate was given 72 hours to clear the encroachments.
Justice Rajeev Sharma and justice Alok Singh said individuals had fallen short in conserving the rivers, therefore, evolution of fictional personality to be a juristic persons was inevitable.
This may be any entity, living inanimate, objects or things. It may be a religious institution or any such useful unit which may impel the courts to recognise it, the order said. God is omnipotent and omniscient.
Implications of the order
1. It gives allows the director of Namami Gange, Uttarakhand advocate general and chief secretary to penalise those polluting Ganga, illegal miners and encroachers. The three can approach court or any other authority on behalf of the rivers. Namami Gange is the Modi governments ambitious plan to clean Ganga by 2020.
2. On the other hand, people can also sue the Ganga and Yamuna for causing devastation, especially in case of flash floods. In such a situation, the three officers will have to represent the rivers in the court.
3. The order gives the guardians the authority to take steps to protect the rivers. When an idol, was recognised as a juristic person, it was known it could not act by itself. As in the case of a minor a guardian is appointed, so in the case of idol, a shebait, or manager, is appointed to act on its behalf, the court said.
4. The Ganga and Yamuna can own property like any Hindu idol and pay taxes as spelt out in a Supreme Court order. A Hindu idol is a juristic entity capable of holding property and of being taxed through its shebaits (managers) who are entrusted with the possession and management of its property, the top court said in 1969.
5. The Uttarakhand order can set a precedent for other high courts to declare rivers or water bodies as juristic persons. If that happens, government will have to appoint custodians for rivers as it does for temples.
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The government on Tuesday proposed as many as 40 changes in the Finance Bill.
Moving the Bill in the Lok Sabha, finance minister Arun Jaitley said the Finance Bill has proposed changes in many existing legislations which are related to government revenue.
Jaitley said the government will amend several laws including the RBI Act and the Income Tax Act to allow political parties to raise funds through electoral bonds.Electoral bonds have been announced as a scheme for cleansing political money under the Income Tax Act, he said.
Citing the Budget announcement, he said, we came out with the proposal that there will be income tax incentives involved in four different ways (for electoral bonds). He added that mass collection of funds through digital media will also be tax exempt. Since the RBI will authorise a particular bank to issue the electoral bonds, the RBI Act will also be amended.
Meanwhile, Opposition parties including TMC, BJD and RSP protested against the number of amendments.
Jaitley justified his proposals saying, you cannot have a bill which says government will spend 100,000 crore without detailing how it would be spent. You cannot have a bill where you say there will be 5% without specifying what will be the deduction, what will be the power of assessing officer, appeal provision. No tax can be imposed without reference to courts or tribunals. These are incidental provisions.
Here are the top news stories of the day you need to look out for:
1) Aditya Nath may visit Delhi today as focus shifts to UP portfolio distribution
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Adityanath is likely to visit Delhi on Tuesday morning for a quick word with the Bharatiya Janata Party high command on allocation of portfolios. A possible bureaucratic reshuffle in the state could also be discussed during the visit. The 44-year-old CM, who is a firebrand Hindutva leader, is also expected to call on President Pranab Mukherjee and vice-president Hamid Ansari besides meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Read the full story here
2) Pakistan seeks details of Indias hydel projects in Kashmir
Pakistan asked India on Monday to share the details of the designs of hydroelectric projects being built in Kashmir and provide access to Pakistani experts to verify that the Indus Water Treaty is not being violated in the process. The demand was made on the first day of the two-day Indus Water Commission meeting which began in Islamabad on Monday after a gap of nearly two years following the tensions in bilateral ties after the Uri attack.
Read the full story here
3) NSA Ajit Doval on four-day US tour to discuss terrorism
National security adviser Ajit Doval leaves for a four-day tour to Washington to discuss the stability of the Afghanistan-Pakistan region in the backdrop of a Taliban resurgence and rise of the Islamic State in Nangarhar province as well as to share notes on developments in China and West Asia. South Block officials said Doval will meet his US counterpart HR McMaster for the first time as well as defence secretary James Mattis.
Read the full story here
4) Beijing will fight back Indias attempts to sour our relations with South Asia: Chinese media
China will retaliate if India continues to be uneasy with Beijings increasing influence in south Asia and attempts to meddle in its diplomatic relations with countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, Chinese state media warned on Tuesday. Indicating that Indias failure to match Chinas growing defence and diplomatic clout, the state media article said New Delhi is always unnerved to see exchanges between Beijing and south Asian countries.
Read the full story here
5) US to ban passengers on some airlines from carrying larger electronics
Passengers travelling on certain US-bound foreign airline flights will have to check electronic devices larger than a cell phone once US authorities formalise a new ban in response to an unspecified terrorism threat. The new rule is expected to be announced Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, the officials said, adding that it had been under consideration since the US government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
Read the full story here
6) Trump daughter Ivanka to get office in White House West Wing
President Donald Trumps daughter, Ivanka Trump, is getting an office in the White House West Wing, stepping up her highly visible role in advising her father. A White House official on Monday confirmed reports that Trumps 35-year-old daughter would be getting her own West Wing space, as well as access to classified information and a government-issued phone.
Read the full story here
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7) Its no holy dip: Ganga water unfit for bathing in parts of Haridwar, other areas
Water in the Ganga is not even fit for bathing at some of the holiest Hindu sites where pilgrims go to wash away their sins and scatter the ashes of their loved ones, junior minister for water resources Vijay Goel told Parliament Monday. The stretches too polluted to take a dip include Haridwar , Garhmukteshwar, Kannauj and Allahabad districts.
Read the full story here
8) With increase in numbers, tigers fight it out for space in Ranthambore
Its a war out in the wilderness of Ranthambore where tiger numbers have exploded in the last few years resulting in increasing territorial disputes, which mostly goes unreported. The reserve had just 14-18 tigers when it was among the first tiger habitat to be brought under national protection in 1973. The number increased to 60 in 2016 with tiger habitat remaining almost the same 392 square kilometers. It is now the third most densely populated tiger home in India.
Read the full story here
9) Hash through hashtag: Himachals famed marijuana on sale via Instagram, Speed Post
Its one of the most scenic locations in India, and also the most popular for its charas (cannabis), a hand-processed form of hashish or cannabis extract. Charas sellers in the Parvati Valley and the larger Kullu-Manali region in Himachal Pradesh now have found a way to connect photography and charas via Instagram, a photo-sharing mobile application. Not only do they track potential customers, but they even keep an eye on hashtags.
Read the full story here
10) Virat Kohli blames soft ball for Ranchi Test draw
India captain Virat Kohli said his spinners could have been more effective in the drawn third Test against Australia but for the softness of the ball used in the contest. Having reduced Australia to 63-4 in the final morning after taking a 152-run first inning lead, India looked in a great position to register their second successive victory in the four-Test series. But a wicketless afternoon session scuppered their hopes.
Read the full story here
There is increasing evidence that India could launch a preemptive first strike against Pakistan if it feared a nuclear attack was imminent, in a marked reversal of its well-known no-first use policy, according to a leading nuclear strategist.
But this first strike will not be aimed at urban centres and conventional targets of a retaliatory strike intended to punish and prevent an escalation, but against Islamabads nuclear arsenal, to preempt a nuclear attack altogether.
There is increasing evidence that India will not allow Pakistan to go first, Vipin Narang, a nuclear strategist from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, said at a conference on nuclear policy hosted by Carnegie, a think tank, on Monday.
Indias opening salvo may not be conventional strikes trying to pick off just Nasr batteries (launch vehicles for Pakistans tactical battlefield nuclear warheads) in the theatre, but a full comprehensive counterforce strike that attempts to completely disarm Pakistan of its nuclear weapons so that India does not have to engage in iterative tit-for-tat exchanges and expose its own cities to nuclear destruction, he said. Comprehensive counterforce is an informal phrase used to describe counterattack on a nuclear arsenal.
Relations between the neighbours are at the lowest since a string of militant attacks on Indian military installations which New Delhi blames on Pakistan-based militants. India last year claimed to have carried out surgical strikes against militant launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir but Islamabad denied any such operation took place.
In February, both countries extended a bilateral pact, dealing with reducing the risk of nuclear weapon-related accidents including a war, for a period of five years. India hand Pakistan have fought three full-fledged wars besides the 1999 Kargil hostilities.
As evidence for his theory, Narang cited recent remarks and policy prescriptions from leading Indian strategists and a book by Shivshankar Menon, who oversaw nuclear targeting for India as National Security Adviser to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Narang also quoted Menon as telling Ajai Shukla, a defense analyst with Business Standard, that Indias nuclear doctrine has far greater flexibility than it gets credit for.
To buttress his theory, Narang cited this para from Menons book, Choices: Inside the Making of Indian Foreign Policy, which was released in November 2016 but has found a new celebrity recently, to build his case: There is a potential gray area as to when India would use nuclear weapons first against another NWS (nuclear weapon state). Circumstances are conceivable in which India might find it useful to strike first, for instance, against an NWS that had declared it would certainly use its weapons, and if India were certain that adversarys launch was imminent.
New Delhi declared its no-first use strike policy in 2003, undertaking to not start a nuclear war in a neighborhood packed with nuclear actors Pakistan and its hermetically stoic backer China, countries that had fought wars with India.
But it set aside some key exceptions, gray areas, such as reserving the right to strike first if it came under biological or chemical attack, that may have left the door open, for arguments sake, to a latter day switch to a more aggressive stand.
Under its earlier policy India had hoped to use the threat of massive counter-value retaliation read civilian targets such as urban populations mostly disproportionate in intensity to the attack, as a disincentive for a nuclear attack against it.
But as Pakistan, which has the worlds fastest growing nuclear arsenal, segued to smaller battlefield nuclear weapons, called tactical weapons, to offset Indian superiority in conventional warfare, New Delhi was forced to rethink its choices.
There are also worries in India that New Delhi might not have full information on the whereabouts of Pakistans nuclear weapons and tactical warheads that are much smaller and mounted on lorries to be driven around to escape detection through satellite imagery.
There is an update to the story. For the latest, click here
Indian and Pakistani officials are set to meet in Washington next month for talks on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects brokered by the World Bank.
Sources in New Delhi on Tuesday confirmed Indias participation in the talks between the water secretaries of the two countries during April 11-13.
Earlier, Pakistans water and power minister Khawaja Asif told a news conference in Islamabad that the talks were arranged through the intervention of the US and the World Bank.
The US has intervened at the highest level to help both countries resolve the issue. There will be secretary-level talks on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects in Washington on April 11, 12 and 13, he said.
The World Bank, which had brokered the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and has a key role in helping resolve differences, will facilitate the meeting.
We continue to work with both countries to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty. We would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement soon, said Alexander Anthony Ferguson, World Banks senior manager communications (South Asia).
Asif, who spoke on the margins of a meeting of the Indus waters commissioners in Islamabad, said Pakistan is happy that India had agreed to resume talks between the Indus waters commissioners. We welcome this decision and the visit of the Indian delegation, he said.
Pakistan wants India to share the design of the Pakul Dal, Miyar and Lower Kalnai projects, he said, adding that if they hurt Pakistans interests, then objections will be raised at the appropriate forum.
Referring to the forthcoming talks in Washington, Asif said Pakistan will be in a position to protect its rights on the Ratle project, adding the countrys stance had not been negated at any level.
He refused to speculate whether the water talks could lead to the resumption of bilateral dialogue, which was stalled after a series of terror attacks last year that were blamed by India on Pakistan-based militants.
Pakistan has been protesting against the design and construction of the 330MW Kishanganga project and the 850MW Ratle project by India. Both sides took up the issue with the World Bank.
New Delhi took strong exception to the World Banks decision to set up a court of arbitration, as desired by Pakistan, and to also appoint a neutral expert, as wanted by India, over the two projects. It said proceeding with both steps simultaneously was legally untenable.
The World Bank then paused the separate processes to allow the two sides to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.
The water secretaries of India and Pakistan last met in July 2016 in New Delhi but the discussions were inconclusive.
The Defense Ministry on Monday hosted a ceremonial sendoff for the remains of 28 Chinese soldiers killed during the Korean War at a temporary morgue in Incheon.
The South Korean government decided to continue repatriating the remains of Chinese soldiers, who fought on the side of North Korea in the 1950-53 war, despite bilateral tensions over Seoul's decision to let the U.S. deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense battery here.
The defense attache from the Chinese Embassy in Seoul and other officials also attended the ceremony. The remains will be handed over at Incheon International Airport on Wednesday.
China will retaliate if India continues to be uneasy with Beijings increasing influence in south Asia and attempts to meddle in its diplomatic relations with countries like Nepal and Sri Lanka, Chinese state media warned on Tuesday.
Indicating that Indias failure to match Chinas growing defence and diplomatic clout, the state media article said New Delhi is always unnerved to see exchanges between Beijing and south Asian countries.
China hopes India can understand the pursuit of China and regional countries for common development, and be part of it. However, New Delhi doesnt share this thinking, instead seeking to balance China, the article said.
If such tendencies in India continue, China will have to fight back, because its core interests will have been violated. This is not what we hope for, but the ball is in Indias court, the nationalistic tabloid Global Times said in a report.
It quoted a Hindustan Times report to suggest that the latest reason for India to be unnerved is the visit of defence minister Chang Wanquan to Sri Lanka and Nepal, which began Sunday.
The tone of a report in the Hindustan Times sounds vigilant and sour. Claiming that Changs visit to Nepal and the first ever China-Nepal joint military drill has made New Delhi nervous, the newspaper also noted that the Nepalese government cannot afford to say no to Beijing as if China is carrying a stick around when interacting with its neighbours, the Global Times said.
The tone of the GT article then changed to bashing Indias foreign policy in south Asia and in relation to China: without mincing words, it said India controls Bhutan and is the reason when China-Bhutan dont have diplomatic ties.
The truth is, however, it is India that has been treating south Asia and the Indian Ocean as its backyard with a hard-line manner. Its uneasiness toward Beijings growing influence in the region is obvious. For instance, New Delhi is one of the crucial reasons why China and Bhutan, which is controlled by India economically and diplomatically, have not yet established diplomatic relations, the article, written by Ai Jun, said.
Indias vigilance against China has also affected Sri Lanka and Nepals relations with Beijing. Even if they are trying to balance between the two giant neighbours, New Delhi still regards their neutrality as a pro-Beijing policy, Ai wrote.
Ai added: Whenever a top leader from those countries visits China, the Indian media would hype that India is losing them or Chinas emerging weight in south Asia will be New Delhis new threat.
The article had a word of advice for India.
New Delhi should stop being extremely sensitive toward each and every move between China and its neighbours. Sri Lanka and Nepal are actually looking forward to joint projects with China, given their poor infrastructure, it said.
When an increasing number of Chinese companies get established in these countries, it is inevitable that Beijing will boost defence collaboration with them to protect not only Chinas, but also the regions interest.
The GT article didnt mention that the Indian Army chief Gen Bipin Rawat will be visiting Nepal between March 28 and March 31 at the invitation of the government of Nepal.
New Delhi is yet to take a call on the World Banks proposal for a meeting between the water secretaries of India and Pakistan in Washington next month to resolve differences over the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects.
Pakistans water and power minister Khawaja Asif told a news conference in Islamabad on Monday that Indian and Pakistani officials are set to meet in Washington during April 11-13 for talks brokered by the World Bank.
Asif was speaking on the margins of a meeting between the Indus water commissioners, which concluded on Tuesday.
An Indian government source told Hindustan Times, As of now, we have not decided anything. We will take a call after the 10-member team headed by Indus water commissioner PK Saxena returns from Islamabad.
The World Bank, which brokered the Indus Waters Treaty of 1960 and has a key role in helping resolve differences, said it is prepared to facilitate the meeting.
We continue to work with both countries to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty. We would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement soon, said Alexander Anthony Ferguson, World Banks senior manager communications (South Asia).
Both countries are involved in a dispute over the 330MW Kishanganga project and the 850MW Ratle project being built on the Jhelum and Chenab rivers. Objecting to the design of the Kishenganga project, Pakistan said it flouted provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty and would result in a 40% reduction of water flow.
Pakistan also wants the storage capacity of the Ratle project to be reduced from 24 million cubic metres to 8 million cubic metres. Both sides took up these issues with the World Bank.
New Delhi took strong exception to the World Banks decision to set up a court of arbitration, as desired by Pakistan, and to also appoint a neutral expert, as wanted by India, over the two projects. It said proceeding with both steps simultaneously was legally untenable.
The World Bank then paused the separate processes to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.
A government official said, Indias stand on the issue is very clear. We will not be party to a court of arbitration process on Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects, a demand by Islamabad that has been accepted by the World Bank.
Pakistans water and power minister Asif also said the US and the World Bank had intervened to arrange the meeting in Washington.
The US has intervened at the highest level to help both countries resolve the issue. There will be secretary-level talks on the Ratle and Kishanganga hydropower projects in Washington on April 11, 12 and 13, he said.
Asif said Pakistan is happy that India had agreed to resume talks between the Indus waters commissioners. We welcome this decision and the visit of the Indian delegation, he said.
Pakistan wants India to share the design of the Pakul Dal, Miyar and Lower Kalnai projects, he said, adding that if they hurt Pakistans interests, then objections will be raised at the appropriate forum.
Asif refused to speculate whether the water talks could lead to the resumption of bilateral dialogue, which was stalled after a series of terror attacks last year that were blamed by India on Pakistan-based militants.
The water secretaries of India and Pakistan last met in July 2016 in New Delhi but the discussions were inconclusive.
The Trump administrations restrictions on carry-on electronic devices on planes coming to the United States are expected to impact hundreds of Indians who regularly transit through airports in the Middle East where the new rules are applicable.
On Tuesday, the US department of homeland security said passengers travelling from 10 airports in Muslim-majority countries would have to bring devices such as tablets, laptops and cameras in their checked baggage.
The restrictions were prompted by reports that militant groups want to smuggle explosive devices in electronic gadgets, US officials told reporters. The airports are in Egypt, Turkey, Kuwait, Qatar, Morocco, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
The new regulations are expected to impact Indians transiting through some of these airports, such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Istanbul in Turkey, while travelling to the US.
An official of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the countrys aviation regulator, told Hindustan Times it had not yet received any official communication on the rules.
But what we have learned is that airlines are responsible for imposing the ban. Passengers travelling directly to the US from India are not affected, the official said.
But if they are travelling via the Gulf or any of the eight countries where the ban is imposed, then the passengers have to keep the electronic devices other than mobile phones in the checked baggage. We are not issuing any advisory as of now, the official added.
An Air India official said the airline only has direct flights to the US and would not be hit by the restrictions. However, if we receive any advisory, we will act accordingly, the Air India official said.
Some private Indian airlines, which operate flights to the US, said they too were yet to receive any advisory from their partner airlines.
US officials said the decision had nothing to do with President Donald Trumps efforts to impose a travel ban on Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Two federal judges have halted parts of the ban, saying it discriminates against Muslims.
The airports affected by the restrictions are served by nine airlines that fly directly to the US about 50 times a day. The carriers Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways have till Friday to comply with the new policy that will be in place indefinitely.
The US department of homeland security has not ruled out expanding the restrictions to other airports.
Water in the Ganga is not even fit for bathing at some of the holiest Hindu sites where pilgrims go to wash away their sins and scatter the ashes of their loved ones, junior minister for water resources Vijay Goel told Parliament Monday.
The stretches too polluted to take a dip include Haridwar , Garhmukteshwar, Kannauj and Allahabad districts.
The entire river stretch from Baharampore to Diamond Harbour in West Bengal also does not meet the water quality standards for bathing.
Indias water standard norms define classes of water quality, depending on how best the water can be utilised.
Read | Uttarakhand HC declares Ganga, Yamuna living entities, gives them legal rights
These include drinking water at source (without conventional treatment but after disinfection); outdoor bathing; drinking water source after conventional treatment and disinfection; fit for propagation of wildlife and fisheries; and irrigation.
The annual variation does not indicate any sustained improvement or degradation in water quality, Goel said in a statement in the Rajya Sabha.
There is a fluctuation in the water quality parameters over the years, he said, highlighting select indicators which have shown improvement, but which may still not meet the norms.
There are 144 drains that deposit wastewater into the Ganga. The Central Pollution Control Board carried out surprise inspections covering 285 industries last year and found that 85 units did not comply with standards. The demand to clean the river, which is considered sacred by Hindus, was one of the issues that helped Modi swing a victory from Varanasi.
Among the first programmes he launched as Prime Minister in 2014 was the Rs 20,000 crore Namami Gange Programme, with a target to improve the river water quality on all parameters by the end of 2020.
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All India Jat Arakshan Sangharsh Samiti (AIJASS) has warned that it has only reached to a temporary truce with the government on conditions that its demands will be fulfilled within a stipulated time failing which they could lay siege of the Parliament.
Our Delhi protest made the entire country nervous. The Delhi Police didnt have this much instructions on Independence Day like they had for our protest. In future, we know we dont have to sit in at our dharnas for 50 days. We can plan Delhi protest and Parliament gherao within 50 hours if we are not given justice by the government after our talks, (AIJASS) national president Yashpal Malik boasted while addressing Jat dharnas for the first time in Jhajjar and Dadri districts on Monday after calling off their Delhi protest plan.
Jat protesters had threatened to choke Delhi with over 50,000 tractor-trailers on Monday (March 20). However, they reached a compromise a day earlier after meeting with chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar and Union ministers Birender Singh and PP Chaudhary in Delhi. The protest was deferred.
But the community has yet not lifted their ongoing dharnas (sit-ins) in Haryana, and will decide on them after a meeting on March 26. The additional dharnas that we had started from March 1 after we had intensified our stir will end by today or tomorrow. But the old dharnas in all districts of the state will continue. On March 26, we will hold a meeting and decide our future strategy to lift some of these old dharnas. But all dharnas will only be lifted once documentation for our demands is done, Malik said.
The protesters, too, continued to throng the dharnas in large number in Rohtak and adjoining districts.
Jats are demanding reservation in government jobs and educational institutions and rollback of criminal cases registered against several Jat youths, the release of those lodged in jail, compensation and government jobs to next of kin of those killed during the last years agitation.
The current agitation was launched on January 29.
Truce Not Convincing
Many protesters in Rohtak said they were not convinced with the truce, but said they were ready to go with what Malik decides.
Our main demand was to see our youths out of jails and withdrawal of cases. That doesnt seem to be happening as of now. But we trust Yashpal Malik if he has decided on something. He knows that we will be ready to start the movement again anytime if we are betrayed again, said Dharampal, a resident of Sunaria village.
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GAYA: Recovery of liquor from a government school and release of teachers arrested for their alleged involvement in the smuggling of the banned brew has sparked massive protest in Bihars Gaya district, 107 km from Patna.
At least 12 bottles of Indian made foreign liquor (IMFL) were recovered from the government primary school at Pramod Nagar, about 20 km from here, during a raid by Cherki police on Saturday following a tip-off. The bottles were found concealed in bags of rice meant for midday meal (MDM). The police arrested four school teachers, but set them free after a few hours.
An enraged mob, including parents of school students and women, locked the school and blocked the Cherki-Dobhi road on Monday. A team from Cherki police station, which tried to clear the blockade, was chased away by the agitating villagers. Bodh Gaya deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Ravishankar Prasad later reached there with heavy enforcement and tied to persuade the mob to lift the blockade.
After four hours of persuasion, the mob agreed to end the agitation on a condition that the police would register a named FIR on the basis of the statement by school cook Jirawa Devi. The FIR lodged on Saturday was against unknown persons.
In the fresh FIR, Jirawa Devi alleged that four teachersUpendra Kumar, Dilip Kumar, Sarfaraj and Nisha Kumarihad been using the school storeroom and the kitchen to conceal liquor for a long time. They were also involved in the liquor trade, she said.
Despite registration of a fresh FIR, the school remained locked on Tuesday, with the parents refusing to send children there.
Alarmed over the matter, the Gaya district administration directed the MDM officer to inquire into the incident and initiate steps to ensure sanctity of educational institutions.
Gaya district magistrate Kumar Ravi said the law would take its own course. It is now up to the police to find out the truth and act in accordance with the law. I have directed the district MDM officer to look into the circumstances under which the liquor reached the school. I have asked him to ensure hygienic meal to children and regular inspection of the kitchen as well as storerooms of schools, the DM added.
The Bodh Gaya DSP has also directed the police station concerned to club all the complaints received in connection with liquor smuggling from the school and build up a strong case against all the teachers named in the FIR.
The police have swung into action to gather evidences against the accused before initiating further action, he said. When asked why the teachers were set free after their arrest on Saturday, the DSP said nobody had turned up before the police as witness and there was no concrete evidence against them. After the new complaint, we have initiated investigation afresh and are also keeping eyes on the suspects. If the allegations are found true, we will spare nobody, the DSP said, and added that efforts were still on to open the locked school building with the cooperation of parents.
Manufacture, sale and consumption of alcohol is banned in Bihar since total prohibition was imposed in the state on April 5, 2016.
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Pakistan asked India on Monday to share the details of the designs of hydroelectric projects being built in Kashmir and provide access to Pakistani experts to verify that the Indus Water Treaty is not being violated in the process.
The demand was made on the first day of the two-day Indus Water Commission meeting which began in Islamabad on Monday after a gap of nearly two years following the tensions in bilateral ties after the Uri attack.
During the Water Commission meeting, officials from India and Pakistan discussed problems relating to the Indus Basin.
The 10-member Indian delegation led by Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena held a close door meeting with the Pakistani side which was headed by Indus Water commissioner Mirza Asif Saeed.
During the meeting, Pakistan highlighted concerns about the three Indian hydro projects being built on the rivers flowing to Pakistan.
Pakistans Minister for Water and Power Khawaja Asif had earlier said the meeting will discuss the design of Pakal Dul, Lower Kalnai and Miyar hydroelectric plants and flood data supply by India.
The 1000 MW Pakal Dul is being built on Chenab, while 120 MW Miyar located across Miyar Nalla which is a right bank main tributary of Chenab and the 43 MW Lower Kalnai hydro project is located on Lower Kalnai Nalla, another tributary of river Chenab.
An official said Pakistan formally asked India to share the details of the designs of the three projects and also provide access to Pakistani experts to verify that the Indus Water Treaty was not being violated in the process.
So far India has not given the designs and they are also not willing to give access to the sites of the projects, he said.
Another official said Pakistan also asked Indian side to share the data of floods and they have promised to share it with us.
Initially, it was said that Ratle hydroelectric project will not be discussed but Pakistan side said that it was also discussed in the meeting.
Khawaja Asif said that Secretary level talks on Ratle issue will begin on April 12 in Washington.
The minister for water and power hailed the start of talks between Pakistan and India on the contentious issue of water, saying it is good for bilateral relations.
Asif said that Indus Waters Treaty is one of the world agreements which provides amicable solution of serious water issues between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan contends that the projects were violating the Indus Water Treaty of 1960.
Asif expressed hope that things will move in the positive direction as a result of the meeting between Permanent Indus Commissioners of Pakistan and India.
He said Pakistan is pressing for implementation of arbitration courts decision on Kishanganga.
Todays meeting is the 113th session of the Permanent Indus Waters Commission which was established in 1960. The last meeting of the commission was held in 2015.
Another meeting planned in September 2016 was cancelled due to tension following the Uri terror attack by Pakistan- based outfits.
Pakistani officials said the meeting was held in cordial atmosphere. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has so far not issued any statement about the meeting.
Avijit.Biswas@htlive.com
Police in Bihars Bhagalpur district, 231km from Patna, on Monday mounted pressure on former Bihar Agriculture University (BAU) vice chancellor and suspended JD(U) MLA Mewalal Choudhury to surrender by initiating process to attach his property.
The police made a formal prayer in the court of additional chief judicial magistrate (ACJM) for an order to attach property of Choudhury against whom a non-bailable arrest warrant had been issued in connection with alleged irregularities in appointment of 161 assistant professors-cum-junior scientists in BAU, Sabour, about 9km from Bhagalpur.
Police said an FIR was lodged against Choudhury after a probe committee, headed by retired Patna high court judge justice Syed Mohammed Mahfooz Alam, constituted in 2015, had indicted him for anomalies in appointment. The panel found that many appointments during his tenure were made by ignoring the candidates performance in written test and academic records.
READ:NBW against ex-VC of Bihar Agriculture University in job scam case
Bhagalpur senior superintendent of police (SSP) Manoj Kumar said they had moved the court seeking a written proclamation for Choudhurys appearance at a specified place and time under section 82 of Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) and also requested for an order under CrPC section 83 for confiscating his property. The court order was awaited, the SSP said.
READ: FIR against ex-vice chancellor of Bihar Agriculture University
The SSP said after police investigation, section 13(1) D of Prevention of Corruption Act (criminal misconduct by a public servant) had been incorporated in the FIR lodged against Choudhury. He said efforts for the arrest of former BAU vice chancellor had been stepped up.
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Union minister for water resources Uma Bharti has said using red beacons on vehicles, stopping traffic and even delaying a flight is acceptable if a minister is travelling for an official duty.
The firebrand Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders comments came on a day newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath issued an order on Monday that no minister will use red beacon atop their official vehicle.
Earlier, Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh also decided to ban beacon lights on government vehicles.
If a minister is going to attend an official meeting he should use the red beacon and traffic too should be stopped. If it is necessary, a flight too can be delayed for 5-7 minutes.
Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal decided that none of his ministers would use red beacons on their official cars immediately after his occupying the chair in 2015.
This is wrong ... If a car is without beacon light and other cars in the motorcade are running with such lights that may lead to accidents, Uma Bharti said in reply to journalists questions in Bhopal on Monday.
If a minister is going to attend an official meeting he should use the red beacon and traffic too should be stopped. If it is necessary, a flight too can be delayed for 5-7 minutes, she added.
Bharti said the rationale behind her argument is that if a minister fails to attend a meeting, a decision regarding a project might be delayed and cost the state exchequer crores of rupees.
However, she added that if a minister is on a personal visit to any place he should not use his privileges and should not use a red beacon and the traffic should not be stopped for him.
In 2014, the Supreme Court said that people hate red lights and pointed out that the problem of people being at the receiving end of VIP security was rooted in the carving out of exceptions, exemptions and regularisation.
The apex court described putting up of beacon lights and blowing of sirens as a status symbol and added that besides constitutional functionaries, it was the ambulances, fire services, police and army who are in need for red lights. Rest can be excluded and there is no need for our orders.
The quest to find an out-of-court settlement to the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi dispute in Ayodhya has spanned nine attempts and more than 150 years. The latest one came on Tuesday from the Supreme Court who asked the two warring factions in the case, dating back to 1949, to give negotiated settlement another shot.
The Babri Masjid Action Committee, one of the parties, said it was open to the offer but on one condition -- no outsider should be part of the process.
BJP MP Subramanium Swamy had urged the top court to constitute a bench to hear a batch of petitions which challenged the 2010 Allahabad High Court order, which ruled by a majority that the disputed 120 feet by 90 feet plot land be divided into three equal parts among the three petitioners Sunni Wakf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and the party representing Ram Lalla.
Among the nine failed shots at negotiations, three were initiated by former prime ministers -- Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chandra Shekhar and PV Narasimha Rao. The first was made by the British in 1859, when a fence was erected to separate the places of worship for both communities.
Attempts to use the services of non-Muslim religious figures like Sri Sri Ravishankar, the Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswati and Dalai Lama drew momentary response but failed in the long run.
HT traces all the attempts at negotiations that took place over 158 years:
1859
After clashes over the possession of the site, the British administration erected a fence to separate the places of worship. The inner court was to be used by Muslims and the outer court by the Hindus. The arrangement couldnt last long as Mahant Raghubar Das filed a suit in 1885 seeking permission to build a canopy on Ram Chabootra.
1990
Prime minister Chandra Shekhar tried to resolve the dispute through negotiations when volunteers of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a right-wing group, partially damaged the mosque. But talks failed the following year.
December 16, 1992
Ten days after the mosque was razed, PV Narasimha Rao, prime minister of the Congress-led government at the Centre, set up a commission of inquiry under Justice Liberhan, which submitted its report 17 years later in June 2009. Its contents were not made public.
June 2002
Prime Minister AB Vajpayee set up an Ayodhya cell in his office and appointed a senior party official, Shatrughan Singh, to hold talks with Hindu and Muslim leaders. But the attempt did not move beyond the announcement.
July 26, 2010
The Lucknow bench of Allahabad high court reserved its judgement and advised all parties to resolve the issue amicably, but no one was keen. The court said the verdict would be pronounced on September 24.
September 23, 2010
A plea for an out-of-court settlement reached the Supreme Court, which said it would hear the matter five days later. The top court, however, rejected it and told the Allahabad high court to deliver its judgement.
February 24, 2015
Mohammad Hashim Ansari, the oldest litigant from the Muslim side, met Akhara Parishad president Mahant Gyan Das to discuss a new proposal for a resolution of the dispute, which they planned to place before the Supreme Court. But the out-of-court settlement formula did not take off.
April 10, 2015
Yet another attempt at a negotiation started when litigants from both parties met in Ayodhya. Swami Chakrapani, president of the All India Hindu Mahasabha, the main litigant from Hindu side, met the Muslim litigants, who were represented by Mohammad Hashim Ansari. The talks collapsed after the first meeting.
May 31, 2016
Leaders from both sides met again. Mahant Narendra Giri, the newly elected president of All India Akhara Parishad, met Mohammad Hashim Ansari, but before any headway was made, Ansari passed away.
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, a five-time MP from Gorakhpur, told the Lok Sabha on Tuesday his state would emerge as Prime Minister (Narendra) Modis state of dreams.
It will be the best state in the country, he said.
Adityanath, who was sworn in two days ago, is yet to give up his Lok Sabha membership.
He spoke on a range of issues, from promising a corruption-free Uttar Pradesh to the love between MPs in Parliament. HT lists five things he said:
CORRUPTION: Uttar Pradesh It will be a corruption and riot-free pradesh. It will be a hooliganism (goondagardi) free state.
AGE JIBE: I am a year younger to Rahul Gandhi and a year senior to Akhilesh Yadav. May be they lost because I came in between them.
EXTORTION: In last 15 years, we have not allowed a single businessman to give gunda tax, not one businessman was abducted. We will establish this situation in UP
MODI MANDATE: Our party has given me the mandate to invite you to come to UP. You all (MPs) will be welcomed and the state will be a dream state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
NOISY HOUSE: Before entering Parliament I did not know what to expect. When I entered here, there was love and affection. In the House lot of noise there are not of noise. It is part of democratic system but outside we hug each other.
The RSS on Tuesday sharpened its attack against the West Bengal government, accusing it of fostering a vote bank policy that encourages anti-national elements and for failing to check violent attacks against Hindus in the state.
Without naming the Mamta Banerjee-led TMC government, the RSS passed a resolution at its Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS) in Coimbatore, expressing grave concern over the violence in West Bengal.
The resolution condemned the unabated rise in violence by jehadi elements in West Bengal, encouragement to the anti-national elements by the state government due to its Muslim vote bank politics and declining Hindu population in the state.
Apart from its conflict with the LDF-led government in Kerala, the Sangh has accused the TMC government in West Bengal of patronizing hardline groups, who it says perpetrate violence against Hindus.
The recent reports of the TMC government dropping the traditional name for rainbow in Bengali Ramdhenu (Lord Rams bow) for Rongdhenu ( bow of colours) in textbooks for Council for Higher Education were cited by RSS as the instances of appeasing to one community .
Ahead of the 2016-assmebly polls , the BJP and the RSS had raised the issue of violence in the state. The RSS reiterated these claims, and said the burning down of the crime records by anti-national jehadi elements and growing incidents of attack on security forces in the state are posing a serious challenge to national security .
To buttress its concerns about terrorism taking roots in the state, the RSS said during the investigation of Burdwan bomb blasts, the NIA had found several terror modules to be existing across the state.
It also flagged the issue of changing demography in the state and claimed that at the time of partition, Hindu majority area of Bengal came into existence as West Bengal. It is surprising that despite the large influx of Hindus displaced from Bangladesh to West Bengal, Hindu population of the state which constituted 78.45 % in 1951 has declined to 70.54% as per census of 2011.
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BJP chief Amit Shahs scheduled speech on Tuesday at the end of a three-day meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) in Coimbatore, the first in the organisations 92-year-old history to be held in Tamil Nadu has sparked speculation that the stage could be set for the saffron partys push in the state.
The meeting of Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha (ABPS), the highest decision making and policy formulation body of the RSS, meet was inaugurated by Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday.
Union minister Nitin Gadkari is also expected to address the meeting. Important functionaries of the various organisation that make up the Sangh Parivar - including the RSS, ABVP, the Sevabharati, the Samskrita Bharati, and the Vidhya Bharati have been present at the Coimbatore meeting since it began on Sunday.
Though the RSS has officially maintained that the meeting is strictly concerned with reviewing the activities of the aforementioned groups, and geared towards increasing their numbers in the south, analysts believe that the meeting will also begin plans for the BJP to make inroads in the south.
While the party is the primary opposition in Karnataka, which will see Assembly elections next year, the situation is very different in Tamil Nadu according to experts.
The BJP has failed to get even a toehold in Tamil Nadu.
The RSS have been working out of Coimbatore for more than 20 years, after the bomb blasts and LK Advanis march there, says RK Radhakrishnan , associate editor of Frontline magazine. Theyve tried to capitalise on communal polarisation in the Western Belt by trying to get the Gounder vote on their side, but to little success.
For the BJP, acquiring the support of the Gounder community - a powerful and influential OBC group in the state - has been difficult since the 2014 elections, and has been further complicated by Jayalalithaas death.
While Jayalalithaas death may have opened up an opportunity, through a series of events we suddenly have a Gounder as chief minister, Radhakrishan says, referring to chief minister K Palaniswamy. So the AIADMK has shifted from being a Thevar party to a Gounder one, which makes it harder to get the vote of the already divided community.
N Sadogapan, Tamil Nadu unit spokesperson for the RSS, told HT that the meeting was not in any way related to the political functioning of the BJP.
The BJP is just a political part of our organisation, he said. The RSS meet is to review all the activities we conducted last year, and not to discuss politics.
He did, however, add that an increase in RSS supporters in the state would also mean an increase in voters for the BJP. We only assist the BJP in elections when they need workers, so yes in that sense an increase will benefit them, Sadogapan said.
The BJP itself has also said that the meeting has nothing to do with politics. This is a regular meeting concerned with the development of the organisation, and increasing the number of RSS workers in Tamil Nadu, said party spokesperson ANS Prasad.
The RSS, which found it difficult to organise rallies or demonstrations in Tamil Nadu during late chief minister J Jayalalithaas regime, conducted its first route march in 16 years in Chennai in January.
According to Sadogappan, the late AIADMK supremo denied permission to the Hindutva organisation citing security reasons following a series of bomb blasts in Coimbatore in 1998.
The murder of a traffic constable in the city was followed by communal riots which killed 18 Muslims. Coimbatore then witnessed a series of bomb blast, killing 58 and injuring more than 200 on February 14, 1998.
A significant part of the struggle that faces the BJP is that, unlike in the North, Tamil Nadu is inimical to the Sangh Parivar and its ideology. The entire culture of the RSS and its affiliated organisations - from the emphasis on Hindi and Sanskrit, to the way they dress - is unacceptable to the ordinary Tamil, Radhakrishnan says. The RSS knows this, and they usually plan their strategies in the long term - so perhaps we may see something emerge in, say, 20 years time.
Though they have allied with both the DMK and the AIADMK during general elections, the BJP has yet to make inroads in Tamil Nadu.
In 1998, the AIADMKs alliance with the BJP provided the foundations for forming a national government after Jayalalithaa secured 30 out of the 39 Lok Sabha seats in Tamil Nadu. After the AIADMK withdrew from the alliance, and the BJP lost a vote of confidence, it triggered new elections in 1999.
The Vajypayee-led NDA then allied with the DMK, which won 31 out of the 39 seats. The Dravidian party subsequently left the NDA a few months before the 2004 general elections, which the BJP lost.
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The Supreme Court asked the Centre on Tuesday why it did not give time to people who could not deposit demonetised 500 and 1,000-rupee banknotes before December 31 if their inability to do so was genuine.
A bench headed by chief justice JS Khehar referred to the Prime Ministers November 8 speech and said there was a promise that those with difficulty to deposit demonetised notes will get chance till March 31.
You may have a discretion, but it cannot be an arbitrary exercise. From your submission it seems that you are the final and we are not willing to accept it, the bench told attorney general Mukul Rohatgi who said Parliament had left the government with the choice to define the class that could avail the window.
The court was hearing petitions challenging the governments decision to deny them time beyond December 31 to deposit old notes with RBI-designated banks. An ordinance made possession of outdated currency a criminal offence and those with such notes can be prosecuted.
Modis shock announcement had led to a rush in banks by people and business houses to exchange the old notes, besides sparking a crippling currency shortage. The government described the exercise a surgical strike on black money.
The opposition had, however, accused the government of faulty implementation leading to people sufferings from the cash crunch.
Parliament asked us to find the category and we have done so by keeping the window open for NRIs, Rohatgi told the court.
The court, however, did not appreciate the governments move to issue the ordinance on December 30, without any notice that the window was closed.
If the ordinance had come a week before, people would have got time. Everybody knew from the PMs speech and the notification that there would be some more time. Nobody realised the PMs words can be taken back, the CJI remarked, giving time till April 11 to the government to file its affidavit.
You must explain why the window was given only to NRIs and not (other) citizens, the bench said. It had a word of caution for the petitioners who were warned of facing criminal case if they lost the case.
However, Rohatgi offered a window to them and said the petitioners would not be prosecuted if they withdrew their pleas.
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A Sri Lankan Navy vessel apprehended a mechanised fishing boat with 10 Indian fishermen on board, arrested them and impouned their craft for allegedly violating the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), an official said in Chennai on Tuesday.
The arrests occured post-midnight south of Delft Island, the official said, adding that according to reports received in Chennai, the fishermen were handed over to the assistant director of fisheries in Jaffna for further action.
The arrest came hours ahead of a meeting in New Delhi between external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj and a fishermens delegation from Tamil Nadu to discuss the decades-long fishing issue and to prevent frequent attacks by the Sri Lankan Navy.
The fishermen also want the Indian government to take urgent steps for the release of 138 Indian fishing vessels detained by Sri Lanka.
The meeting was organised after fishermen agitated across Tamil Nadu to condemn the killing of K Britjo (21), a fisherman from Thangatchimadam in Rameswaram, in alleged firing by the Sri Lankan Navy earlier this month.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday suggested a negotiated settlement to the Ram janmabhomi-Babri masjid dispute, with the Chief Justice of India even offering to act as a mediator between the two sides laying claim over the historic site in Ayodhya.
The courts observation came in response to a plea by BJP lawmaker Subramanian Swamy for an early hearing of a civil dispute over the site where Hindu groups say Lord Ram was born.
A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar told Swamy that sensitive issues are best settled through negotiations.
If the parties want me to sit between mediators chosen by both sides for negotiations, I am ready, he said, adding that if required the court can also choose a principal negotiator for finding a solution.
The bench asked Swamy to mention his plea again on March 31.
In his plea, the BJP leader said numerous attempts for a negotiated settlement had failed and a judicial intervention was required. He added that all the pleadings were complete and case should be listed for a final disposal.
Swamy wants an early hearing of the dispute because his plea to build a Ram temple at the disputed site has been tagged with the case.
A Hindu mob demolished the historic Babri Masjid on December 2, 1992 at Ayodhya. Muslims groups are opposed to building a temple at the site.
In September 2010, a three-judge Lucknow bench of the Allahabad high court said that Lord Ram was born under the central dome of the makeshift temple and Hindus have the right to worship there.
Subsequently, the SC stayed the implementation of the HC decision. The case is pending since then.
Right-wing groups including the BJP have been pushing for building a temple at the site.
Last week, a hardline Hindu leader Aditya Nath a vocal proponent of the temple was sworn in as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, raising hopes among temple supporters that the process for builidng a shrine would be put on fast track.
The BJP, which won a brute majority in the state in the just-held assembly polls, had listed the temple among its promises in its election manifesto.
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Describing the Supreme Courts advice for an amicable settlement of the Ayodhya Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute as superb, Union minister Mahesh Sharma hoped that it will pave the way for the construction of the Ram temple.
Its a superb advice. There cant be a better advice to solve the problem, Sharma told reporters outside Parliament on Tuesday.
The minister added that the party leadership and Uttar Pradesh chief minister Aditya Nath would definitely discuss the issue.
The advice would pave the way for construction of Ram temple, Sharma said.
He also said that construction of the Ram temple at Ayodhya is not a political issue but about the faith of crores of Indians living in and outside the country.
The minister also said that Aditya Nath is a dynamic leader and under his leadership the state would set an example of development.
Now, with Yogiji as chief minister, the development works related to state would get pace. He is an able administrator and would take the state on the path of development. The centre would help him in making Uttar Pradesh a developed state, he said.
AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the Babri Masjid case is about the title and he is waiting to seeing if conspiracy charges would be held against senior BJP leaders in the matter.
In a tweet, Owaisi said, Waiting to hear about whether conspiracy charges will be held against (L K) Advani, (Murli Manohar) Joshi, Uma Bharati (Bharti) in Babri demolition case since....1992.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is upset with BJP lawmakers skipping Parliament sittings, sometimes causing embarrassment to the treasury benches.
The BJP with 282 parliamentarians has absolute majority in the Lok Sabha, but there have been instances of sessions being deferred for want of quorum. At least 10% of the House strength should be present to conduct proceedings.
Attending Parliament is your basic responsibility I cannot be present on your behalf, Modi said at the weekly meeting of the BJP parliamentary party on Tuesday.
His remarks followed parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumars reference to incidents and problems arising out of lack of quorum.
I can call any of you any time, Modi said, reprising that MPs should not be requested to perform their basic responsibility of attending Parliament sessions.
It is important that you are present in the House.
Parliamentarians are required to mark their attendance in Parliament, a task the Prime Minister is exempted from. MPs get allowances to attend Parliament during sessions, but attendance is largely thin during post-lunch sittings.
Kumar and his predecessor M Venkaiah Naidu have repeatedly asked BJP MPs to attend proceedings, but it hasnt cut much ice.
Modis tough talk on Tuesday was his first detailed intervention as he advised party MPs not to have other engagements during the Parliament sessions.
He recalled remarks of an RSS functionary that the Hindutva organisation had spread far and wide, and its members had a lot of work to do, but did not have time to attend the shakha.
Likewise, MPs too seemed to have so much of work that they do not have time to attend Parliament, which should not be the case, Modi said.
He informed the MPs about a proposed nationwide campaign to make party leaders, including state legislators and office-bearers, well-informed about the goods and services tax (GST) that is expected to be introduced this June.
These leaders will broadcast the information to the people.
The GST is showcased as a path-breaking initiative of the Modi government for a one nation, one tax regime, which is expected to promote business by doing away with multiplicity of taxation.
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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath met Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday during his daylong trip to New Delhi where he is expected to discuss the distribution of portfolios for his ministers.
Earlier, the Uttar Pradesh chief minister also met finance minister Arun Jaitley.
Adityanath was also expected to discuss with Modi a reshuffle of the state bureaucracy and seek funds for expediting certain development projects. He is also expected to call on President Pranab Mukherjee.
The UP CM, a sitting member of the Lok Sabha, could hand over his resignation letter to Speaker Sumitra Mahajan during the day.
After a new CM comes to Delhi, he or she is expected to meet the PM. The UP CM will meet Modi most probably in Parliament House, said a PMO source.
Ironically, Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh, who will also be in the national capital, has not sought any appointment with the PM so far. There is no meeting scheduled between the two, said a PMO source.
Adityanath was sworn in on Sunday after the BJP got its highest ever tally in the two month long polls that ended earlier in March.
Before he leaves for Lucknow this afternoon, Adityanath is also expected to meet home minister Rajnath Singh and foreign minister Sushma Swaraj.
After taking charge as the CM, Adityanath has moved swiftly to ban mechanised abattoirsa poll promise of the BJPapart from giving strict instructions to maintain law and order in the state.
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Five people died and several others were admitted to a hospital over the last three days after they consumed spurious liquor in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district, a police officer said on Tuesday.
Unofficial sources however, put the death toll at 11.
The incident occurred at Gholabazar in Baruipur, the officer said.
The manufacturer of the spurious liquor was also among the dead, superintendent of police, Baruipur Police District, Arijit Sinha said.
People were taken ill soon after consuming the hooch on Sunday night and rushed to various hospitals, the police officer said.
The warned the Sahara group on Tuesday that it would auction its Aamby Valley project in Pune worth Rs 39,000 crore if the company failed to keep its promise to deposit Rs 5,092 crore by April 17 with market regulator SEBI.
A bench headed by Justice Dipak Misra also directed the international real estate firm, which showed willingness to buy Saharas stake in New York-based Plaza Hotel for $550 million, to deposit Rs 750 crore with SEBI in the refund account and not the apex court registry as it suggested. The amount should be deposited to show its bonafide, the court told the companys counsel.
We will auction your (Sahara) Aamby Valley project if the money is not deposited within the stipulated time period as promised, the bench, also comprising Justices Ranjan Gogoi and AK Sikri, told the company counsel.
The SC has already directed attachment of Saharas prime property for realisation of money to be paid to its investors.
The top court had also asked the group to provide a list of unencumbered properties that can be put for public auction to realise the balance of Rs 14,000 crore that Sahara owes to the public after its financial schemes were declared illegal.
Sahara boss Subrata Roy was granted parole on May 6 last year to attend the funeral of his mother. He walked out of jail two years after he was sent to Tihar for allegedly evading the top courts summons requiring his personal presence. His parole has been extended from time to time.
Sisters, Lightening and Arrow Head, cannot stand the sight of each other. In October, 2016 they fought thrice for supremacy in Ranthambores lake area, with Arrow Head having the upper hand. Lightening moved to the peripheral area, Amma Ghati.
Territory divided, they still bay for each others blood. Its a war out in the wilderness of Ranthambore where tiger numbers have exploded in the last few years resulting in increasing territorial disputes, which unlike tiger human conflict mostly goes unreported.
Normally, a tiger demarcates 10-12 square km as his or her territory not allowing a rival to enter. And when one enters, there is a fight for dominance with the stronger one retaining the region and the weaker pushed to the periphery.
The reserve had just 14-18 tigers when it was among the first tiger habitat to be brought under national protection in 1973.
The number increased to 60 in 2016 with tiger habitat remaining almost the same 392 square kilometers. It is now the third most densely populated tiger home in India after Corbett in Uttarakhand and Kaziranga in Assam with outward migration of tigers an indication of the conflict on the rise.
Most fights in one of the oldest tiger homes of India have been among young adults baying to dominate the richest prey base, the core. Some of these fights have results in the weaker cat getting injured and been pushed out to newer areas.
Forest officials said between 2002 and 2013, six tigers migrated out of Ranthambore to different areas, including Kuno Palpur in Madhya Pradesh, and only one of them returned. Three of them were found dead and two did not return. In recent past, four tigers have moved to Kailadevi, a new green home for Ranthambore animals.
Arrowhead (right) with another tiger in Ranthambore, Rajasthan. (Himanshu Vyas/HT Photo)
To manage increasing population, the forest department developed adjoining areas Sawai Mansingh and Kailadevi apart from voluntarily relocating villages from Ranthambore.
The Centre also helped by agreeing to notify Mukundra Hills as third tiger reserve in the state.
The other one is Sariska, whose tiger population has been sourced from Ranthamore, as it lost all tigers in 2005. It was only after Sariska that the government swung into action and the whole exercise of conservation was strengthened effective monitoring and strict action on poaching activities, involvement of the NGOs.
Terming territorial fight as an indicator of good habitat condition for big cats, Ranthambores field director Y K Sahu, said, The present tiger area is not congested, but needs to expand. Surplus animals will move out like the four did to Kailadevi area. That is natural.
Though such fights are natural for habitats meeting parameters of a good wildlife home, the dramatic change in Ranthambore, that generated 62% of wildlife tourism revenue for Rajasthan, is a mix bag story in wildlife conservation.
Sahu said what has helped Ranthambore is consolidation in relocation of villages, efforts to build prey base and developing grasslands for wildlife.
Ranthambore tiger reserve spans over an area of 392 sq km. (HImanshu Vyas/HT Photo)
The gains are visible as Ranthambores core area is doing well because of good prey population, but the weaker tigers have to struggle to find their food.
The Kailadevi habitat, where most tigers are moving, does not have enough prey base and quality of green cover to sustain bigger tiger population.
Tiger is exploring areas, but they return in absence of food and space. Almost all tigers touch boundary as the width is less. We need to develop Kailadevi area for expansion and reduce territorial pressure. The forest department is developing Mukundra tiger reserve, but emphasis should be on Kailadevi, said conservation biologist Dharmendra Khandal.
Former director Project Tiger P K Sen, however, found some gaping holes in the Rathambore conservation plan saying there was no futuristic planning.
Kailadevi and Sawai Man Singh sanctuary were not managed intensively like Ranthambore in earlier days. (Himanshu Vyas/HT Photo)
The Centre had declared Mukundra Hills Tiger as a reserve, but unfortunately there is no corridor in between, whereas the objective behind this exercise was that the spillover goes to Mukundra, he told Hindustan Times.
Areas adjoining Ranthambore Kailadevi and Sawai Man Singh sanctuary were not managed intensively like Ranthambore in earlier days till it was brought under Critical Tiger Habitat, he added.
Sen said in another 5-10 years there would be more chances of conflict when the population will be beyond Ranthambores carrying capacity. Citing example he said at Corbett tiger reserve, the quality of forest is good, but there is conflict instances as the population is increasing.
We can create a corridor, but not territories, as they are chosen by tigers depending on water and prey base, he said.
Sahu agreed to some extent and suggested that even Kuno sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh should be developed to sustain population. If that happens, it would be first inter-state collaboration to conserve Ranthambore tigers.
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Amnesty International on Monday called for public withdrawal of alleged inflammatory statements made in the past by BJP leader Yogi Aditya Nath, a day after he assumed charge as UP chief minister.
Adityanath has been one of Uttar Pradeshs most polarising politicians, given to hateful rhetoric that incites discrimination and hostility against minority groups, particularly Muslims, alleged Aakar Patel, executive director, Amnesty International India.
The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, a known Hindutva hardliner, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of the state, stayed at the VVIP guest house overnight and decided not to enter his official residence before conducting prayers and purification rituals.
As Chief Minister of Indias most populous state, he and his party have an obligation to ensure that his positions do not become government policy. It is therefore imperative that he retracts any statements which may provide a license for others to abuse human rights, Patel said in statement by the global NGO.
The statement said Aditya Nath had called for India becoming a Hindu state and also made polarising statements claiming love jihad.
He faces criminal charges in multiple cases, including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and rioting, Amnesty alleged, adding, in 2007, he was detained for 15 days for allegedly inciting riots in Gorakhpur.
Aditya Nath has been also charged in the past with endangering life or personal safety of others, unlawful assembly and trespassing on burial grounds.
A murder case is going on in the court of CJM, Maharajganj, according to his 2014 election affidavit.
Aditya Nath is also the founder of the Hindu Yuva Vahini, an organisation which has often been accused of instigating communal tension.
Aditya Naths toxic ideas must not become part of his governance. By demonising Muslims, he has increased religious divisions and put ordinary people at risk of discrimination, hostility and violence.
As the head of the Uttar Pradesh government, he must disown his poisonous statements, and ensure that his administration respects the rights of people of all faiths, Patel said.
The hospitality industry in the city has come out strongly in support of the owners of hotel Hyat Rabbani which was sealed after a six-hour-long siege by cow vigilantes outside the hotel on Sunday evening over rumours that it had beef in its menu.
Several people from the hoteliers association have contradicted the claims made by the administration of the Jaipur Municipal Corporation that the hotel was not abiding by the greenline service rules of the civic body.
The greenline service of the JMC facilitates collection of garbage from the various city hotels but it doesnt operate in all the areas of the city because the civic body lacks infrastructure. In most days the collection vehicle doesnt arrive, leaving the hotel administration with no option but to dump the waste in the JMC garbage bin, Gajendra Luniwal, president of Jaipur Hotels Association told HT on Tuesday.
This is in contradiction of the claims made by mayor Ashok Lahoti who had said that the hotel was sealed because it didnt have any license to operate and was also violating the terms of greenline service.
We have sealed the hotel because it didnt have any license to operate its restaurant and as well as the hotel. The dumping of leftovers of meat in public dumping grounds is also a violation of the greenline services rules of the JMC, Lahoti had told HT on Monday.
But Naeem Rabbani, the owner of the hotel said that his application for license was pending in the civic body.
I dont have a restaurant in the hotel so dont require a license to operate it. A long time back, I had submitted an application to the JMC for obtaining the hotel license but to this day it is pending, alleged Rabbani.
The people from the Jaipur Hotel Association seconded his claims.
The JMC rarely issues any license to hotels these days and many applications are pending for a long time. Moreover, the greenline services also dont operate in the area where hotel Rabbani is situated and all the garbage from the adjacent hotels are also dumped in the nearby garbage bin of the municipality, said Luniwal.
The hotel owners also strongly criticized the way hotel Rabbani was sealed at midnight after all the boarders were asked to leave.
What about the inconveniences of the tourists who were driven out of the hotel in midnight as it was sealed? This doesnt give a good message for tourism in Jaipur, said MS Khan, vice president of the Jaipur Hotel Association.
Luniwal said that there were no such rules which said that meat leftovers cant be dumped in garbage bins of the municipality.
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The state government will install 10,000 solar pumps in 2017-18 at a cost 395 crore, agriculture and animal husbandry minister Prabhu Lal Saini told the assembly on Tuesday.
Till now, only 3-5 horsepower (HP) pumps were included in this scheme, but now pumps of 7.5-10 HP will be included, he said. The minister said 35.52 lakh farmers have been provided soil health cards and soon cards will be provided to the remaining farmers.
Saini said organic farming is being encouraged in the state under traditional agriculture development scheme. At present organic farming is done on 65,000 hectares and efforts were being made to increase the area.
He also announced that 900 veterinary doctors and 4,000 livestock assistants will be recruited and a subsidy scheme will be implemented to help farmers in setting up agriculture product processing and value addition unit on their own fields for post harvest management and value addition through processing technique. In this scheme, subsidy of 50% or maximum up to 20 lakh will be given on the project approved by banks.
Under Chief Minister Foreign Training visit, progressive farmers will be sent abroad for training. Farmers from general category will be given 50% subsidy of the total expenses while farmers from SC/ST will be given 75% subsidy, he announced. Saini also announced to make Krishi Upaj Mandi Samiti at Kishangarh Madanjgarh in Ajmer district as a special mandi for pulses.
Drip and mini sprinklers will be installed on 30,000 hectares in the forthcoming financial year, green house and shade net house will be set up on 5.75 lakh square metres area, 50,000 will be give for the marriage of daughters of licensed labourers under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Labourer Welfare Scheme, he said.
Besides, subsidy will be given on machines and equipments used in post harvest management and value addition in which 50% subsidy will be given on garlic separator machine, solar dryer, grain cleaning and categorisation machine, soya paneer processing unit, potato peeling and chips making machine, the minister said.
Drive to curb illegal power connection
Parliamentary affairs minister Rajendra Rathore told the assembly that an investigation was launched into illegal electricity connections at urban slum in Amroodon Ka Bagh in Jaipur. He assured the house that if any illegal electricity connection is found then vigilance team would be sent and action will be taken against the person.
He was replying on behalf of the minister of state for energy on a question asked by MLA Alka Singh during Zero Hour. Singh wanted to about the illegal power connections at the area.
Rathore said the plot on which the slum area has come up is disputed and the Supreme Court on November 13, 1992 had appointed a former judge as receiver and administrator.
In 1995, another judge from Gujarat was appointed as receiver and without the judges no objection certificate, electricity connection cannot be given in the area.
The Rajasthan State Pollution Control Board (RSPCB) has set up continuous ambient air quality monitoring stations (CAAQMS) in seven cities of the state, including Kota.
Till now, the board had been monitoring air quality in Kota and many other cities with the help of manual air quality monitoring stations, which did not give the real-time data.
Now, with the board setting up CAAQMS, it will have real-time data of air quality in the cities automatically.
Informing about the project, Amit Sharma, regional officer, RSPCB, said that the National Ambient Air Quality Programme of the Union Ministry of Environment and Forest has set several parameters for tracking contents in the air including sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide, particulate matter (PM), PM10 (particulate matter having size up to 10 micron), PM25 (particulate matter size up to 2.5 micron), ozone, carbon monoxide, ammonia and benzene.
CAAQMS monitors such contents with precision, said Sharma, adding that such air quality monitoring stations have been set up in Kota, Udaipur, Jaipur, Pali, Alwar, Bhiwadi (Alwar) and Ajmer. They will soon start functioning after formal inauguration, he added.
Sharma said that RSPCB has spent 1.66 crore on each CAAQMS. In Kota, CAAQMS has been set up at Shreenathpuram Stadium. The Urban Improvement Trust (UIT) has provided land for the purpose. However, the monitor has been set up at Daudayal Joshi Park in the city.
The air quality data collected by CAAQMS will not only be displayed on the monitor, but also sent to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) online.
Sharma said that Jaipur, Jodhpur and Udaipur already had one such air quality monitoring. All these cities in which CAAQMS have been functioning are non attainment cities in terms of air pollution as air quality norms are not followed in such cities, he added.
He said Kota will soon get two more CAAQMS, which will be established by the CPCB.
Two minor girls drowned after they jumped into a pond to escape detention during a police raid at an alleged red-light area near the Keoladeo National Park in Bharatpur on Tuesday.
Another minor has been rescued, and police have launched a search to locate several others who also took the drastic step. The raid was reportedly conducted on the basis of complaints lodged by local residents.
Inspector general of police (Bharatpur range) Alok Vashistha said three police teams were deployed to raid the locality located near the world heritage site on the Bharatpur-Jaipur national highway. Two bodies were recovered from the pond, and a dozen people involved in prostitution have been detained, Vashistha said. Denying reports of police excess, he said: Our intention was merely to crack the prostitution racket.
Several girls jumped into a pond to avoid police detention during a raid in a red light district in Bharatpur, Rajasthan. (HT Photo)
However, a few witnesses accused police personnel of beating the girls without verifying the facts. They came right out of the blue, caught the girls, and started thrashing them, said Mala Jarda, a local resident, blaming the polices inept handling of the situation for the deaths.
Upon receiving several complains of prostitution at Malah, Bharatpur district collector Narendra Kumar Gupta had held a meeting with superintendent of police Kailash Chandra Bishnoi a few days ago. It was then that the authorities decided to conduct the raid, said Vashistha.
Ten persons have died and several others have been admitted to hospital over the past three days after consuming spurious country liquor in West Bengals South 24 Parganas district, police said.
The incidents took place in Gholabazar area in Baruipur block, and Paschim Shibnagar in Canning 1 block of the district.
According to police, people have been falling ill after consuming the illegally produced liquor since Sunday.
After the news broke, angry villagers ransacked at least 10 hooch-making units and set them on fire.
The incident brought back memories of a hooch tragedy in the same district in 2011 that claimed 167 lives.
Chief minister Mamata Banerjee had then ordered a probe by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and granted monetary compensation to the affected families.
Till Tuesday evening, around 60 people were being treated at Canning and Baruipur sub-divisional hospitals.
Over a dozen people were said to be in critical condition and some of them were referred to state-run hospitals in Kolkata. The government, however, did not officially say how many had died.
The bodies have been sent for post-mortem examination to ascertain the cause of death. We are trying to arrest the culprits, said Arijit Sinha, superintendent of police.
One of the dead was identified as Monoranjan Gayen, who himself owned an illegal hooch den in the area.
According to police, the liquor was supplied from as many as in 10 illegal liquor-making units. Sleuths were trying to nab the owners of these dens and those who ran the supply chain.
The government set up two medical camps in the area and officials were trying to identify the affected people.
This is a victory for Indian journalism, said Mathew Samuel, the man who conducted the Narada sting operation against prominent Trinamool ministers and MPs, when Hindustan Times talked to him minutes after the Supreme Court upheld the Calcutta High Court order asking the CBI to probe the video tapes Samuel had produced. Excerpts from the interview:
HT: Now that the Supreme Court has upheld the HC order, how do you feel?
Samuel: I welcome the apex court order. I hope all this political drama will come to an end and truth will prevail. The court has taken note of the fact that the tapes provide prima facie evidence of corruption. This is a victory for Indian journalism. I have no agenda against any political party. My job is to expose the truth.
Left leaders in a rally in Kolkata to protest the conduct of the leaders of Trinamool Congress as seen in the Narada sting operation. (HT Photo)
HT: Do you think this order will also affect the separate criminal investigation Kolkata Police initiated against you?
Samuel: It should. They (the Kolkata Police) was trying to prove that the videos were part of a conspiracy rather than investigating the content of those videos. Abhi dukh ka kudh, paani ka paani ho jayea (now you can make out whats milk and whats water). I know this is an old political cliche but right now it sounds appropriate.
HT: Do you think Trinamool leaders are feeling shaky because you have said in your affidavit that it was Trinamool Rajya Sabha K D Singhs company that funded the sting operation?
Samuel: When I released the tapes for the first time in 2016 everybody asked me who funds Narada, which is my own company. When the CBI asked me who funded this particular sting operation I told them that in 2014 my stay and travel in West Bengal was funded by Alchemist, a company owned by K D Singh. (In 2014, Samuel worked for Tehelka which was owned by Singh). Now let the CBI investigate.
HT: You said a few weeks ago that you were facing threats. Have you sought security from Delhi Police?
Samuel: Right now I am at my home in Kerala, recovering from a surgery. So far I have received 60-70 threats on my Facebook Messenger. All these came from unknown people. I have also seen a few men moving around my house suspiciously. But I havent asked for any security cover from anyone.
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A police complaint has been lodged against a Bengali poet in north Bengals Siliguri town for allegedly hurting the religious sentiments of Hindus.
Srijato Bandopadhyay posted the controversial 12-line poem on Facebook at 8:25pm on March 19, the day Aditya Nath was sworn in as the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh.
Arnab Sarkar, a resident of Bagha Jatin colony in Pradhan Nagar area, filed the complaint on Monday and wrote that the poem wounded the feelings of each Hindu through the use of distasteful words.
The police was very reluctant to accept the complaint, Sarkar told HT, demanding Bandyopadhyays arrest.
Till Tuesday morning, the poem was shared 591 times and got 1.3k comments and 3.9 likes on the social media site. Though some expressed support, many lambasted Bandyopadhyay --- often in unprintable language --- on his wall.
I will not give much importance to the issue. The majority of people in this country believe in freedom of speech. A degree of freedom of speech still exists in this country. Our country has not become Pakistan or Bangladesh, and one has the right to speak here. Since the past two days I have been trolled in Facebook after I posted the poem.
Some of the comments against me are dangerous threats. These people, so called flag bearers of Hindutva, never read poems and I do not expect them to understand, the 42-year-old poet told HT.
Complainant Sarkar, a second-year student of accountancy, said: I have reservations about the last line of the poem where he makes derogatory remarks about trishul, a quintessential symbol of Hindu religion.
Though one may contend that the new UP chief minister is the poets target, my objection is with the last line and has got no political connotation, added Sarkar, the 20-year-old who joined the Hindu Samhati six months ago.
Sarkar also said he will explore other options if the police remains inactive. We can go to court and also organise a movement if the police doesnt act.
Tapan Ghosh, president of Hindutva group Hindu Samhati, said, The poem is written on the basis of false information...against Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath. It is part of a misinformation campaign against him. Using this as a background, the poet has hurt Hindu sentiments and religion. We will not remain silent on this issue. We will go to court if police fails to take action.
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Howrah district police have decided to conduct DNA test to ascertain the identity of the father of the baby girl who was born to a 12-year-old minor on Internationals Womens Day.
The baby was delivered at state-run hospital in Kolkata.
Read: Man arrested for allegedly raping minor daughter in Mumbai
We will go for a DNA test to ascertain who is the father, Sumit Kumar, Howrah superintendent of police, told HT on Tuesday.
However, police is yet to formally start investigation as they have not received the instruction from the court till Tuesday evening. The family members of the minor moved court on March 20 alleging police inaction and praying for instructions to the police to start a case of rape.
Even before registering the FIR, Howrah police have decided that they will conduct a DNA test to identify the father of the child. (File Photo)
According to the petition lodged in the court, a 38-year-old man, who taught karate to the minor, was the culprit.
The minor is a class VI student. According to locals, her father does odd jobs such as zari work and even as a labourer.
However, on the day of the delivery, the members of the minors family at Bargachhia within Jagatballabhpur police station limits came under attack from locals, who alleged that none other than her own grandfather raped her, and she became pregnant as a result. The house was vandalised on March 12 again, and the grandfather was thrashed, until the police came in to rescue the 65-year-old man. The police shifted him to an old age home to ensure his safety.
Read: Minor girl sexually assaulted by 68-year-old man in Tamil Nadu
On Monday, the family moved a Howrah court to lodge an FIR against the karate teacher. The court passed an order asking the Jagatballabhpur police station to register an FIR under section 376 IPC. Police officers told HT that they may be slapping sections of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012 as well.
It was not yet clear why the family members of the minor took so long to lodge a complaint. (HT Photo)
Kumar, however, refuted the allegation of inaction. On March 13, upon receiving the news that the family came under attack, we rescued the 12-year-old girl and her mother from their residence and brought them to the police station. The statements of both of them, accusing the karate teacher of rape, were videographed. Our officers repeatedly requested them to lodge a complaint so that we could start an FIR but they did not. We have video recordings of the entire conversation between the girl, her mother and our officers, Kumar said.
Talking to HT, lawyer Mohammad Farooq Sha, who appeared on behalf of the victims family along with lawyer Wasim Reza Khan, said, The victims grandfather is ready for the DNA test. In fact, he has been demanding a DNA test right from the day he was thrashed by locals. It is up to the police now to arrest the karate teacher and conduct a DNA test.
Read: Delhi man gets 15 years in jail under Pocso Act for sexually assaulting toddler
According to Sha, the girl was raped in May 2016. While it is not clear why the family took so long to lodge a complaint, Sha said, The family initially failed to realise why she stopped going to the school and the karate class. It was only after she developed symptoms of nausea, did they take her to a hospital for a pregnancy test. The family was advised that abortion could be harmful for the girl. They were scared to go to the police as the karate teacher is influential in the area.
According to locals, the accused has left the area following the court order. The police also escorted the minor girl and her mother to their home on Monday night.
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Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has asked the state administration and police to strengthen security and amenities in temples across the state, including in Ayodhya, ahead of the Basant Navratri and Ram Navami festivals.
Security arrangments at all levels must be up to the mark and the police must watch out of anti-social elements, he said.
The CMs twitter handle said he has also directed administrative officials to ensure necessary amenities for pilgrims visiting all the Shaktipeeths during the festival that begins on March 28.
A government press release issued on Tuesday evening said Adityanath warned officials that no laxity will be tolerated in arrangements.
Emphasis has also been laid on traffic management, so that devotees do not face any problems in reaching the temples. Besides, directives have also been issued to erect appropriate barricades for crowd control, the release said.
The CM is of the view that a large number of tourists, both from the country and abroad, visit Ayodhya on the occasion of Ram Navami. It is imperative to provide qualitative public convenience facilities, while making adequate security arrangements, it added.
Adityanath also said a team of doctors should be ready to attend to any exigency.
Earlier, UP cabinet minister Shrikant Sharma told reporters, The security apparatus of all the temples, Shaktipeeths and Devalayas will be strengthened and their overall security enhanced.
Sharma also said the state government would make available all basic and infrastructural facilities, including provision of safe drinking water, electricity, cleanliness and sanitation, to pilgrims.
(With inputs from PTI)
A case of criminal breach of trust was lodged against jailed former UP minister Gayatri Prasad Prajapati on Tuesday.
A SP leader from Meerut, Rakesh Prajapati, has accused the former minister of taking Rs 6 lakh from him on the pretext of assuring a government job for his cousin.
Rakesh Prajapati told HT over phone that he had given the money to the former minister on July 15, 2015 when the latter assured him of providing job of lekhpal to his cousin Adesh Kumar.
He said he handed over the money to the former minister at his official residence in Lucknows Gautampalli area. The former minister, however, failed to fulfil his promise and did not return the money either, Rakesh Prajapati added.
The complainant said Gayatri Prajapati kept on delaying the matter despite repeated requests.
He claimed to have met Gayatri on January 17 last but the latter manhandled him and threatened with dire consequences.
When I reached the then minister to ask him to return the money, he misbehaved and refused to give back the amount, the complainant alleged.
He said he then approached the cops at Gautampalli police station but his complaint was not lodged. The FIR was lodged when he again contacted the cops on Monday.
Inspector Ashutosh Tiwari said the FIR was lodged under IPC sections 406 for criminal breach of trust, 323 for voluntarily causing hurt, 504 for insulting and 506 for criminal intimidation.
Gayatri Prajapati was arrested on March 15 after being on the run for nearly a month on rape charges.
The 49-year-old Samajwadi Party leader is in judicial custody. Six persons named in the rape FIR against the SP leader have also been arrested.
A 42-year-old woman from Chitrakoot had accused Prajapati of gangraping her and attempting to rape her minor daughter. She alleged she was raped when she met the former minister in 2014.
Prajapati, considered close to SP patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav, enjoyed immense political clout during the SP government. In 2017 assembly elections, Prajapati lost from Amethi to the BJP.
(With inputs from PTI)
The Uttar Pradesh police on Tuesday issued orders to constitute an anti-Romeo squad in 11 districts of the Lucknow zone to prevent harassment of women, as the BJP had promised during the Assembly polls in its sankalp patra.
In a bid to check incidents of eve-teasing and passing of comments on them (women and girls), anti-romeo dal would be constituted at the police station levels and action under Goonda Act taken against wrongdoers, IG (Lucknow Zone) A Satish Ganesh said.
The Lucknow zone comprises 11 districts adjoining the state capital.
The IG directed the police to effectively check crime against women, arrest criminals carrying rewards, follow up on cases lodged under the Gangster Act, check activities of land mafia and curb the sale of illicit liquor.
The BJPs sankalp patra during the Assembly polls promised constitution of anti-Romeo squads for checking eve-teasing besides checking activities of land mafia and cow slaughter.
The IGs order also said that attempts should be made to check cow slaughter and cattle smuggling effectively and those involved should be booked.
The IG said that in cases where investigation is complete, final report should be submitted in court and review of heinous crimes made so that those involved are sent behind bars.
Several BJP lawmakers fromEastern Uttar Pradesh have reportedly offered to vacate their seats for UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath, a five-term MP from Gorakhpur. Adityanath will have to resign as an MP and get elected to either house of the UP legislature within six months.
As per norms, the chief minister and ministers, not being member of the state legislature, are required to become members of either house of legislature. It is still not clear if Adityanath will prefer to be elected to the assembly or follow the example of his predecessors Akhilesh Yadav and Mayawati, both of whom preferred to become MLCs than become MLAs.
Fateh Bahadur Singh, the BJP MLA from Campierganj, about 34 kilometers from Gorakhpur, confirmed to HT that he has offered to quit his seat. Singh, son of former UP chief minister Vir Bahadur Singh, said, I have made the offer to ensure progress of Purvanchal. People of Campierganj will feel proud if Yogiji decides to make it his own.
Vir Bahadur represented Paniyara seat in UP assembly out of which Campierganj was later carved out post delimitation in 2012. Fateh Bahadur isnt the only one. HT gathered that about a dozen other lawmakers from east UP and few from west too plan to offer their seats to Yogi, a trend with most sitting chief ministers.
In 2001, Congress lawmaker Surendranath Awasthi alias Puttu Awasthi vacated his Haidergarh seat in Barabanki for the then BJP chief minister Rajnath Singh after he was made the CM in the middle of the term. Rajnath later rewarded the Congress MLA by helping him become an MLC.
In 2012 the then Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, after becoming the chief minister of the state, was inundated with offers from his party lawmakers willing to vacate their seats for him. Akhilesh, however, decided not to become an MLA, preferring to become a member of legislative council instead. If I become MLC, then none of my party MLAs will be required to quit. People have voted for a particular MLA and it will be better if the person gets to serve the people who elected them, Akhilesh had said then.
Deputy chief minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, an OBC, too will be required to vacate his Phulpur seat from where he is an MP. The other deputy chief minister Dinesh Sharma, who was also the Lucknow mayor, has tendered his resignation as mayor.
Read more: UP chief minister Aditya Nath: A Hindutva leader, green saint and animal lover
Tuesdays presidential and vice presidential polls for the 25 district councils or zilla parishads (ZPs) saw unprecedented collaborations among political parties. While the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) struck a deal with its arch rival, the Congress, its saffron ally Shiv Sena collaborated with the Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) to keep BJP at bay wherever possible.
The BJP, which emerged as the single largest party in 10 ZPs, bagged 10 presidential posts despite having a clear majority in just four councils. The party managed to get its presidents in Beed, Kolhapur and Solapur despite the Congress and the NCP having the upper hand. The NCP emerged as the most flexible party, as it joined hands with three different paries to secure nine vice presidential posts.The results for 25 ZPs that went to the polls on February 16 and 21 were announced on February 23.
Oneupmanship
A classic example of infighting, resulting in loss, was seen in Beed. The group of winning NCP candidates, led by party leader Suresh Dhas, indirectly supported BJP to prevent Dhananjay Munde, leader of Opposition in the legislative council, from taking credit for the partys victory.
Five NCP members abstained from voting, thus paving way for the BJP to elect its president despite having just six members in the 60-member body. The party was supported by the Congress and the Shiv Sena, which was falling short by 12 members to prove its majority. The NCP, which has 25 members, had sought Senas support. However, local Sena leaders refused to join hands with Dhananjay Munde.
In Jalna, the Sena-BJP combine had a clear majority with 36 seats in the 56-member body. But senior leaders kept fighting over the presidents post for their kin. Owing to the differences between BJP leaders Raosaheb Danve, water supply minister Babanrao Lonikar and a minister of state (Shiv Sena), the Sena teamed with the NCP. In Gadchiroli too, the NCP, which has just five members in the 51-member body preferred BJP to keep the Congress (15 seats) out of power. In Osmanabad, the BJP members abstained from voting to make way for an NCP president.
Though the Congress and the NCP had announced collaboration to bag maximum number of presidential and vice presidential seats in at least in 12 councils, the trust deficit between the two parties worked in favour of the BJP. The NCP is single largest party in six ZPs, while Congress has highest numbers in five bodies.
Congress state chief Ashok Chavan told HT, It is true that had both the parties came together. We could have had our presidents and vice presidents in another 3 to 4 councils. But there is bitterness among local leaders of both the parties and we need to sort it out before collaborating in the future.
Similarly, in Aurangabad and Nashik, the Sena joined hands with the Congress to keep the BJP at bay. In the 62-member body in Aurangbad, the BJP had the highest number (23 seats ), followed by Sena (19 seats) and Congress (16 seats). In Nashik too, the Sena was 12 seats short to the majority mark. But here too it preferred the Congress (8 seats) and the CPI-M (3 seats) over BJP(15 seats).
Despite forging unconventional partnerships, leaders from the Sena-BJP and Congress-NCP combine claimed that Tuesdays associations will not affect their relations at the state level as district-level elections require different strategy.
Also read: BJP sweeps Nagpur, Akola and Amravati civic bodies
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The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led Maharashtra government is at loggerheads with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) over the civic bodys claim that Mumbai became open-defecation free under Prime Minister Narendra Modis Swachh Bharat mission.
Even as the BMC certified that the city is open-defecation free, and got a Union government-affiliated agency the quality council of India (QCI) to back its claim, the state government was hesitant to validate its assertion.
Our validation team surveyed each ward in the city, and except for a handful, there were incidents of open defecation in several pockets. If we certify that the city open-defecation free, despite knowing that there are people defecating in the open, it will hurt the projects credibility, said an official from the state government, who did not wish to be identified.
The states validation team comprised officials and bureaucrats from across municipal corporations in Maharashtra, as well as non-government organisations. The team conducted its survey in January, which was when the BMC approached the QCI.
The BMC declared that Mumbai was open-defecation free in December last year. However, it said it would not take responsibility for people defecating on lands owned by other government agencies such as the railways, Mumbai Port Trust, defense land, and Aarey Colony in Goregaon.
Maharashtra has a three-tier verification process to decide whether a town is open-defecation free. First, the urban local body inspects the city, followed by an audit conducted by the collector, and finally, the state. The cities and towns then approach the Union government, seeking a certification declaring them as open-defecation free under the Swachh Bharat mission.
The QCI team found a few shortcomings during its first inspection. We filled these gaps and asked them for a re-assessment. After the re-assessment, the agency was satisfied that the BMC had made every effort possible to rid Mumbai of open defecation and to build toilets. It was confident that the city could be declared open-defecation free, a BMC official, who did not wish to be identified.
I wish state government officials would read the rules, said BMC commissioner Ajoy Mehta.He said the Union government has well laid out guidelines for any city to be declared open-defecation free. These involve identifying spots where people usually defecate, providing adequate toilets and creating a mechanism to prevent open defecation by warning and fining those who engage in this activity.
The BMC spent the whole of last year building toilets. We even provided temporary toilets to residents while permanent ones were being built. Clean-up marshals were engaged to warn those defecating in the open, Mehta said. Celebrities such as Salman Khan were engaged to create awareness about the issue.
Despite all this, there are still some people who defecate in the open. The Union government understands this, he said.He added that the Union government also has a provision to follow up on the matter after six months.
The state, however, maintains that simply building enough toilets does not qualify a city as free of open defecation. It states that the actual number of instances of open defecation should be zero for Mumbai to qualify.
Read: Four-year-old Gurgaon boy crushed under van while defecating in open
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The Bombay high court recently granted anticipatory bail to a man accused of raping his girlfriend, whom he had allegedly cheated by refusing to marry her. The 30-year-old woman had divorced her husband to marry the man who is from Tasgaon in Sangli district of southern Maharashtra.
Prima facie, no offence of rape is made out, said Justice Mridula Bhatkar while granting the pre-arrest bail to the man.
According to the FIR registered with Tasgaon police station on December 22, 2016, the complainant and the man resided in the same village. They had been seeing each other since July 2013. Although the affair continued for sometime, the man was not willing to marry her, citing family responsibilities, and therefore, the complainant married some other person on May 1, 2014.
In her complaint, she said even after the marriage she continued to receive messages and phone calls from him. Five days into the marriage, when she visited her maiden home, the accused called her to meet him. She further alleged that when she reached the spot he purportedly induced her to have physical relation, and did not allow her to return back to her husband.
According to the complaint, the man further persuaded her to divorce her husband, promising to marry her. After divorce, the man refused to marry her saying, he had lost interest in her. The complainant then approached the police and filed a complaint. He allegedly threatened her not to talk about their relationship.
Justice Bhatkar, however, refused to believe in the complainants claim, saying she was 26-27 years old when the purported inducement took place.
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Four years after wildlife observers said they lost track of a male tiger in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) at Chandrapur near Nagpur, an image of Ookhan was captured via a camera trap far away from his home early this month.
Eight-year-old Ookhan was spotted 80-100 km away near Pathri, a village close to Ghodazhari area, where safaris recently began. The area and falls under the Brahmapur division adjoining TATR.
The stripe pattern of Ookhan from a 2012 photograph matched with tigers image recorded by the camera trap on March 2 this year. Stripe patterns are unique to every tiger.
The photo shows the strip pattern of the tiger captured in 2012 and 2017. (Aditya Dhanwate)
It is a known fact that male cubs generally travel farther away from their mothers territory to establish their own. This prevents inbreeding among tigers, said Jignesh Patel, a naturalist, and who has been visiting TATR for six years. It was assumed that Ookhan was killed by a dominant male tiger or was poached.
Chief conservator of forests and field director GP Garad, however, refused to confirm that Ookhan was sighted.
Who is saying this? I dont know (about it), and wont be able to confirm whether it was here (TATR) or not, Garad told HT. This was not recorded in Tadoba during my period. As a field director, I have no idea since I took charge in 2014. In 2012, there was no tiger missing, no poaching.
Born in 2009 to Yeda Anna (also known as Crooked Tail) and mother Tara (or Nakkatti) in the Moharli range, Ookhan separated from his mother in 2011. Moving 15-20 km away, the two-year-old was regularly seen at Vasant Bhandara his fathers territory. Vasant Bhandara was dominated by two older male tigers Katezhari (better known as Tyson) and Gabbar, making it difficult for Ookhan to establish his territory.
Local forest rangers and wildlife enthusiasts said Ookhan was last spotted in February 2013 while crossing the road near the Kumbhi tank in TATR.
Tigers keep changing their territory. Tiger management is important; their population should not get reduced, said Garad.
Ookhans 80 to 100 km journey, said Patel, is by no means an achievement since tigers have been recorded to travel more than 600 km.
But the way TATR is set, surrounded by villages and fields on all sides, it is difficult for a tiger to survive outside the park. In the absence of the usual prey animals, they mostly have to kill livestock, which puts them on villagers radar, and there is a constant threat from poachers. For a tiger to survive cunningly against all odds is nothing short of a miracle, said Patel, adding that Ookhan at eight years is in his prime. This could mean that the area where he was sighted could be his territory. More photographs from the area are required to prove this.
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The anti-narcotics cell (ANC) of the Mumbai crime branch busted an inter-state drug racket and arrested five men and a woman for trying to sell 110 kg of ganja with a market value of Rs22 lakh. ANC sources said the four accused, including the woman, are from Bihar and sold cannabis in five states. The other two men are from Mumbai, they said.
Acting on specific information received by ANC chief DCP Shivdeep Lande, officials in plainclothes laid a trap in Mankhurd near the Octroi booth on Monday morning. The accused from Bihar came in a Bolero with the consignment and the two accused from Mumbai reached the spot in a taxi. They stopped the vehicles on a road side.
The ANC team led by inspector, Santosh Bhalekar, swooped on the accused when the drugs were being put into the taxi from the Bolero. A total of 110 kilograms of ganja was seized and the six people were placed under arrest. The Bolerao was brought to Mumbai from Bihar.
An ANC source said, These accused are big dealers of cannabis. They used to supply drugs in states such as Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh. Officers Nitin Bodhe, Prashant More, Pramod Kumbhar and constables Nitish Bankar and Arun Kedar were part of the ANC team. The accused have been booked under relevant sections of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. They will be produced before a court by the ANC for their custody.
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Controversial televangelist Zakir Naik is back in the news after a string of action against him for refusing to appear before investigating agencies, despite being called four times.
The last time there was so much focus on Naik was November 2016, when the National Investigating Agency (NIA) registered a case against him and carried out raids at 10 places in Mumbai, including at his now-banned Islamic Research Foundation (IRF) and his home at Mazagaon.
At the time, it seemed the cases against Naik, his foundation and employees would soon catch up with him. But in the months that followed, it all looked like it would fall apart.
Heres why.
Ever since the NIA registered its case last year under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and the Indian Penal Code the agency has failed to prove Naiks complicity in them.
Naik came under the security scanner, after at least one suspect in a deadly cafe attack in Dhaka in July last year said he was inspired by the televangelists speeches. Naik has also been accused of influencing several youth to join the Islamic State.
In February 2017, NIA did not file it charge sheet, within the stipulated 180-day period, against Mohammed Haneef, the preacher from Kerala who was accused of radicalising youth from that state who are believed to have joined the Islamic State.
Haneef was in touch with IRFs guest relationship manager, Arshi Qureshi who was arrested in 2016.
Rizwan Khan, another accused in radicalisation case, got bail this month because the agency missed its charge sheet deadline again. The only person the NIA has filed a charge sheet against is Qureshi.
And then comes the issue of getting Naik to present himself to the investigation agencies. At last cont, NIA sent a fourth summons to him to be present for questioning on March 30. But Naik, through his lawyers, said he was willing to be questioned before the NIA and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) through video-conferencing. This is not acceptable to either of the agencies.
After months of to-and-fro, the ED has now taken on the task of tightening the noose around Naik. On Monday, it attached properties of IRF worth Rs18.37 crore. This includes mutual funds valued at Rs9.41 crore, a godown worth Rs68 lakh belonging to Harmony Media Pvt Ltd and a school building worth Rs7.05 crore belonging to Islamic Education Trust in Chennai. Five bank accounts of the IRF, with a balance of Rs1.23 crore, were frozen provisionally.
Investigations revealed the proceeds generated through the provocative speeches Naik made have been either routed or transferred and later utilised other purposes, said an ED officer, not wishing to be named.
This year, Naiks confidante Aamir Gazdar, a marble trader from south Mumbai, was arrested. Gazdar is in judicial custody and the central agency has accused him of acquiring and disposing of cash.
NIAs action came after the Mumbai police submitted a report against Naik and IRF. The report said Naik justifies terrorism and justifies violence in the name of jihad. The report says, Naiks opinion about other religions is extreme... and create prejudice in the mind of people by telling how other religions holy books and its beliefs are wrong. His statements are against religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, the report said.
In one damning sentence, the report states: Once his audience gets attracted to Naik, he justifies terrorism and he fans religious sentiments of youth with the help of his oratory skills.
Although Naik states that Islam condemns killing of innocent people, he justifies the violence in the name of jihad, it says. It recommended banning Naiks speeches in Maharashtra and that the United Kingdoms banning of Naik should serve as a precedent.
More properties of Zakir Naik likely to be attached
After attaching property worth Rs18.37 crore from televangelist Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation (IRF), the Enforcement Directorate is likely to further tighten the noose by issuing a non-bailable warrant (NBW) and attaching more properties.
The action comes after Naik failed to appear before the agency despite being summoned four times. The ED had first issued summons to Naik in January, after which summons were issued at regular intervals. Sources in the agency said Naiks properties aborad were also under scanner.
Naik has failed to appear in person and certain questions and queries can only be answered by him. His presence is necessary, said an ED officer privy to the investigation.
The legal proceedings for his NBW are also likely to take place soon. The central agency may approach a special Prevention of Money Laundering court, apprising it of Naik not showing up. While Naik proposed to be available through video-conference or a questionnaire, the agency refused, saying this would set a wrong precedent if approved.
The ED has alleged Naik established dummy companies across the country and abroad diversion of funds. The probe gathered momentum with the first arrest in the case, of Aamir Gazdar close Naik confidante.
Gazdar played a pivotal role in acquiring and disposing of cash. Dummy companies were used to camouflage the diversion of funds Naik received though illegal activities of provocative speeches, the ED has alleged.
The ED said Gazdar is the director of at least six companies Naik set up. Two of these are in England and four others are in Mumbai. The financial transactions between Gazdar and Naik are also under ED lens. The ED alleged Gazdar was filing I-T returns in the name of his wife and children. Gazdar, however, admitted they dont have any source of income, which raises suspicion that he was trying to layer the proceeds of crime into the system.
The ED also revealed videos of provocative speeches were produced and exported to Dubai for telecasting. Huge amount of cash transactions without leaving any trail of its origin or utilization thereof, were conducted by Naik through Gazdar, the agency has said.
The agency has also recorded statements of Naiks siblings his sister Nailah Noorani and brother Mohammad Abdul Karim Naik. They have claimed ignorance.
Cases against Zakir Naik and his IRF employees
Nagpada police station in Mumbai: The case was registered under sections 10, 13 and 38 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) against Arshi Qureshi, an employee of IRF and others on August 6, 2016. The case was filed by Abdul Majeed, father of Ashfaq Majeed, one of the missing youth from Kerala, who was believed to have joined Islamic State. In the complaint, Abdul alleged that Arshi Qureshi of IRF was responsible for his sons radicalisation
Status: Charge sheet filed
Palrivattam police station in Kerala: The police registered a case under sections 153 A and 34 of the IPC , and section 13 of the UAPA against Arshi Qureshi. The Kerala police arrested him in July, 2016 for allegedly promoting hatred and ill-will between different religious communities and forcible conversions of Kerala youth
Status: Charge sheet filed
Sawantwadi police station in Sindhudurg, Maharashtra: Naik was booked for allegedly making derogatory statements against Hindu gods. A case was registered under sections 117, 153 A, 295 A, 298 and 34 of the IPC
Status: He was charge-sheeted in 2014
Vengurla police station in Sindhudurg: Naik was booked under under sections 153 A, 295 A and 298 of the IPC for allegedly making objectionable comments against Hindu gods
Status: He was charge-sheeted in 2014
Kurla police station in Mumbai: The cops registered a case against Naik under sections 153 A, 295 A, 505(2) of the IPC and 66 A of the Information Technology Act, 2002. He allegedly made derogatory remarks against Hindu gods.
Who is Zakir Naik?
Naiks speeches were aired mainly on English TV channels and Peace TV, which he started in 2006
He launched Peace TV Urdu in 2009 and Peace TV Bangla in April 2011, and planned to have the channel in 10 major languages across the world
His speeches allegedly influenced a number of terrorists, including at least one of the six attackers who killed 20 people in an upscale cafe in Bangladesh capital Dhaka
Darul Uloom Deoband, the Islamic seminary in UP, issued a fatwa against Naik for his speeches
Preachers petition still pending in SC
Three years on, a petition filed by Naik is still pending before the Supreme Court as only one of the five states, Odisha, has replied to the courts notices issued to them on May 5, 2013
The court issued notices to five states Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Odisha to reply within eight weeks, after he approached the court seeking merging of all FIRs and complainants against him so that a single investigation could take place
As many as seven FIRs and 28 complainants have been lodged against Naik across the country
The FIRs have been registered against Naik in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Goa, Karnataka and Odisha in 2012 for his objectionable Facebook post
In his Facebook post, Naik had raised doubts over the worship of Lord Ganesha by Hindus
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ED attaches assets worth Rs 18 cr of Zakir Naiks Islamic Research Foundation
The Maharashtra government has decided to approach veteran actor Amitabh Bachchan as its brand ambassador for a public awareness campaign to eradicate female foeticide in the state. The state public health minister Dr Deepak Sawant said that they would write a letter to the actor requesting him to be a part of the cause.
We will request Amitabh Bachchan to join us in creating public awareness against female foeticide in Maharashtra, Dr Sawant said.
The minister on Tuesday headed a state-level supervisory board meeting on female foeticide in the backdrop of Sangli district case in which 19 aborted female foetuses were found in a sewer a few yards away from a private clinic.
Dr Sawant said that the state government has taken stern steps under Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act but there is a need to create awareness among the people against female foeticide and increase the sex ratio of the state. He said that Bachchans association with the campaign would ensure that the message reaches a larger number of people and they are more likely to follow to his advice.
The health minister pointed out that sex-determination centres are being operated in other states close to the Maharashtra border. The same people then come to Maharashtra for to aid in abortions, he said.
We have requested neighbouring states such as Gujarat and Karnataka to take immediate steps against such sex-determination centres, the health minister said.
Bachchan is the brand ambassador for the state forest departments tiger conservation project. Being a TB survivor, he is also working as the Union governments brand ambassador for a campaign for a TB-free India.
Read: If you are on social media, you should be prepared for abuse: Amitabh Bachchan
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Resident doctors continue to abstain from work for the second day on Tuesday across major civic hospitals in Mumbai, affecting thousands of patients. However, out-patient department (OPD) is open only for emergency services.
Doctors are protesting against assaults by relatives of patients and have demanded a higher security. They are not calling it strike owing to a court ruling.
Five cases of assaults on doctors have been reported across the state in the past two weeks.
While many doctors had a meeting with the mayor on Monday, they said that the assurances of their safety given to them by civic officials were inadequate.
They have given us assurances, but no changes have been implemented yet. The mass bunk will continue, a resident doctor from LTMG Sion Hospital told HT on Tuesday morning, where 300 resident doctors are skipping work.
Sagar Mundada, president, Indian Medical Association (youth wing), said authorities have to implement the two relatives per patient rule right away.
On Monday, mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar said the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) had already spoken to the director general of police to provide 400 armed police personnel to civic hospitals from Saturday.
This will be increased to 700 armed personnel from April 1, Mahadeshwar said. Civic officials said currently there are 432 security personnel deployed at hospitals.
In a press briefing, the mayor also said the BMC has accepted their demands of allowing on two relatives per patient in the hospital with immediate effect. We have also agreed to their demand of installing alarm systems in hospitals to alert security guards in the wake of such instances, Mahadeshwar said.
Meanwhile, patient services at LTMG Sion Hospital were affected on Monday as a result of the mass bunk. Many patients were turned away as the OPD and emergency wards were shut.
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Intern assaulted trying to protect resident doctor at Aurangabad hospital: MARD
The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) has cancelled its annual Gudi Padwa rally .
On Monday, Raj Thackeray summoned an emergency meeting of his top leaders at his residence and announced the decision.
Rajsaheb asked us to celebrate the festival with full vigour at the local wards, said a a senior MNS leader, who did not wish to be identified.
The Gudi Padwa rally was started last year as a counter to Shiv Senas Dussera rally, an annual event started by the late Sena founder Bal Thackeray.
The MNS is in disarray due to its lacklustre performance in the civic polls.
It lost power in the Nashik civic body while in Mumbai, its tally came down to seven from 28 in the previous term.
In his 11th foundation day speech this month, Raj Thackeray came down heavily on voters for failing him despite his track record.
He said people fell prey to money power and ignored merit while voting.
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The Bombay high court on Tuesday slammed resident doctors who have resorted to a strike since Monday to protest the recent attacks on their colleagues. It also granted liberty to hospital managements where the resident doctors are employed to take action against those who have on strike.
You are not fit to be doctors, said the division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and justice Girish Kulkarni. You are fit to be an ordinary factory worker if you insist that you will not resume work until your demands are fulfilled, the bench said.
The comment came after lawyer representing the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) contended that no security has been provided to doctors, although repeated orders have been passed by this court. Claiming that the resident doctors have not resorted to a strike, but have legitimately filed for leave with their respective higher authorities, the lawyer further contended that the demands of resident doctors have not been met, although assurances have been given in that regard to the court, and therefore resident doctors cannot continue to work in an atmosphere of fear.
Doctors cannot go on mass leave or resort to tactics like go slow, said the bench, while refusing to take the excuses put forth by the lawyer into consideration. If other doctors are working in the same hospitals without fear, we dont understand what the problem with resident doctors is, said the bench, adding, Resign if you are not fit to work there and let other doctors take your place.
The court was hearing a PIL filed by city activist Afak Mandviya stating that resident doctors going on flash strikes has become a regular event because of which great inconvenience is caused to thousands of poor and needy patients. He alleged that resident doctors were resorting to a strike over petty issues and therefore the issue of them going on strike repeatedly should be decided once for all.
Mandviya has also sought strict implementation of provisions of the Maharashtra Essential Services Maintenance Act, 2011, which came into force in July 2012, provides for penal consequences if those engaged in essential services resort to illegal strike. It provides for imprisonment for the period of 1 year and / or fine of up to Rs2,000 on employees resorting to illegal strike.
The PIL was taken up for hearing after Mandviyas lawyer, advocate Datta Mane, mentioned it for urgent hearing, claiming that 58 people have lost their lives owing to a lack of medical treatment because of the state-wide strike of resident doctors.
Additional government pleader Milind More informed the bench that about 4,500 resident doctors across Maharashtra have resorted to strike, after a resident doctor was badly assaulted at Sion Hospital by relatives of a patient who died in the hospital. They claim recently five such incidents of assault and threats to doctors have taken place in the past two days. More added that nine people have been arrested in connection with the assault on resident doctor at Sion hospital.
Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) lawyer, advocate Suresh Pakle, said the civic body has taken adequate precautions to protect resident doctors, and the incident at Sion Hospital was an outburst without reason. He clarified that the deceased patient, who was on dialysis, had taken discharge against the advice of doctors and she was brought back to the hospital in critical condition, after spending about a month without any treatment.
The bench reacted saying it is not that doctors do not commit mistakes, but a patient may die of several reasons and in every case it cannot be the doctors negligence, and therefore relatives of patients cannot go on ransacking hospital and assaulting doctors like this.
The court has now posted Mandviyas PIL for further hearing on Wednesday.
If the Shiv Sena has its way, south Mumbais Grant Road station could well be renamed Gamdevi; Prabhadevi may take the nameplate at Elphinstone Road, and Charni Road could be called Girgaum.
The Sena wants British names of Mumbais suburban railway stations replaced with Marathi descriptors for the areas where they are located.
State transport minister Diwakar Raote, a senior Sena leader, led a delegation of party leaders to meet Union home minister Rajnath Singh to voice this demand as renaming stations comes under his ministry.
Besides Raote, the delegation comprised Sena members of Parliament (MP) Arvind Sawant, Anandrao Adsul and Shrirang Barne.
The party reiterated its demand to rename Mumbai Central station after noted philanthropist and scholar Jagannath Sunkersett. Besides, on the western line, the party wants Grant Road station to be called Gamdevi, Charni Road to be called Girgaum and change Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi. On the harbour line, the Sena wants Sandhurst Road to be rechristened to Dongri, Cotton Green to Kalachowki, and Reay Road to Ghodapdeo.
Similarly, on the central line of the suburban railway, the party wants Currey Road station to be renamed Lalbaug.
What the Sena wants Grant Road to be changed to Gamdevi Charni Road to Girgaum Elphinstone Road to Prabhadevi Sandhurst Road to Dongri Cotton Green to Kalachowki Reay Road to Ghodapdeo Currey Road to Lalbaug
Sawant, a Shiv Sena MP from south Mumbai, said, This should not in any way be seen as our demand for any Marathi-isation of the city. The simple logic is, all railway stations are by and large named after the areas they are located in. For example, Bandra, Sion, Chembur, Santacruz and so on. However, there are a few stations where the commonly known name of the area is something else, and the name of the station is as per what the British would call the area.
Sawant said, If the city has a Gamdevi police station and a Gamdevi post office, why is the railway station alone called Grant Road? Similarly, around Currey Road, the entire area is called Lalbaug. The Lalbaug cha raja during the Ganpati festival has national fame. The why should the station be called Currey Road?
Similarly, the party maintains that Sunkersett had immense contribution to the making of modern Mumbai, even to its railways and it needs to be recognised. A party leader said the Sena was earlier insisting on south Mumbais Victoria Terminus to be named after Sunkersett when the then state government decided to name it after Chhatrapati Shivaji, leaving little scope for the Sena to continue to press with its demand or protest.
The Sena had earlier taken up the issue with Union railway minister Suresh Prabhu, but they apparently did not get the desired response.
The Sena has always been an advocate of calling places by their original names, and not by the names that were left as a legacy by the British. The party was also instrumental in getting the citys name changed to Mumbai from the erstwhile Bombay.
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Municipal hospitals remained crippled for the second straight day as resident doctors continued their mass bunk to protest against a spate of assaults on colleagues by patients relatives. The striking doctors blame inadequate security at hospitals for the increase in violent attacks on them. Four doctors have been assaulted and another threatened over the past 10 days.
The strike is likely to continue on Wednesday, various associations of doctors told HT on Tuesday evening.
On Monday, mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar had said the BMC had asked the director general of police to provide 400 armed personnel at civic hospitals from Saturday. Municipal officials said that hospitals currently have 432 security personnel. This will be increased to 700 armed personnel from April 1, Mahadeshwar said.
However, resident doctors said on Tuesday that they would not resume work until they saw some action on the ground. They have given us assurances but no changes have been implemented yet. The mass bunk will continue until they implement the two relatives per patient rule, said a resident doctor at Sion hospital where 300 resident doctors bunked work on Tuesday.
At KEM Hospital, Parel, although services were not suspended, patients were inconvenienced as the OPD shut at 1pm and did not have substitute staff in the absence of resident doctors. While 180 to 200 minor and major surgeries are performed at the hospital on a normal day, only 86 major surgeries and 36 minor surgeries were performed on Tuesday. Four deaths were reported at the hospital but only two post-mortems were conducted owing to the unavailability of resident doctors.
At Lokmanya Tilak Municipal General (LTMG) Hospital and Medical College, aka Sion hospital, patients were tuned away as the outpatient department (OPD) was shut. At the emergency ward, only those involved in accident and other serious cases were attended to in the emergency ward by assistant professors, lecturers and interns.
A senior doctor at Nair Hospital, Mumbai Central, said that while 60 to 80 surgeries were performed at the hospital on a normal day, all minor surgeries had been postponed because of the strike. All lecturers, assistant professors and professors are attending to serious cases but those who need not to be operated on immediately have been asked to wait. There were no issues at the hospital, said the doctor.
Most patients were unaware of the strike. The guards did not allow us to enter the hospital. They asked us to come back in a few days and check, said a Daksha Sawinya who had accompanied her pregnant niece for a check-up.
Prabha Mhatre, the relative of a patient with food poisoning said they had to wait three hours to see a doctor at KEM Hospital. There were very few doctors at the OPD today. We did not know that resident doctors are on strike, he said.
Maharashtra: 4,000 doctors protest against attacks by kin of patients, go on mass leave
Mumbai doctors continue to protest against attacks as patients suffer
A day after being set on fire by an alleged competitor for operating a vada pav shop near Ulhasnagar station in Thane, the 50-year-old man succumbed to his burn injuries on Tuesday morning. Officials from the Vitthalwadi police station confirmed the development. The police have formed a team to trace the suspect, Suresh, who is from Ulhasnagar. He has been booked under murder charge.
The victim, Chandarlal Ramratyani, was a resident of Ulhasnagar. On Monday, he suffered 85 per cent burns which damaged his internal organs. He was shifted to National Burn centre at Airoli in New Mumbai.
On Monday when Ramratyani opened his shop in the morning, Suresh came with a bucket of kerosene and started abusing Ramratyani. All of a sudden, Suresh doused him with the fuel and set him on fire, said inspector A Choudhary from Vitthalwadi police station.
The police found that Suresh used to run a vada pav stall at the exact spot where Ramratyani was running his, but he had to shut it.
A few months after Suresh shut his stall, Ramratyani opened his at the same spot. The former could not tolerate it. He had purportedly asked Ramratyani to shut the stall as he wanted to reopen his business. But, Ramratyani refused which angered Suresh.
When Ramratyani was set ablaze, his customers fled while his co-workers doused the fire and rushed him to a hospital.
Ramratyani was taken to a hospital and later shifted to National Burns Centre at Airoli, said Choudhary. The police had said Ramratyanis condition was critical.
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Vada pav seller in Mumbai set on fire
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Inaugurating a party office in Ahmedabad on Sunday, Sharad Pawar made two statements that are a departure from his positions in the recent past he called for a mahagatbandhan of all secular forces against the BJP (remember the NCP had offered suo moto support to the BJP government in Maharashtra) and he minced no words against a chief minister (Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh) throwing his usual political caution to the winds.
I had written in this column a few weeks ago that Pawar was under pressure from a section of his party to do a Jaiprakash Narayan act against Narendra Modi. I had also opined that Pawar was too much of a believer in democracy and the processes of law to lead the country into chaos and anarchy.
However, a week ago at a party meeting of senior leaders, according to reliable sources, two factions in the NCP almost came to blows over which way the party should go. Unknown to most of them was the fact that Supriya Sule, Pawars daughter, who has been rooting for distancing the party from the BJP, had met Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi over two lunches and one dinner even as elections to five state assemblies were underway. These meetings culminated in one between Rahul and Pawar at the latters home in New Delhi the seeds of a rainbow coalition in the country were sown at that meeting.
Now at this NCP brainstorming one section of leaders accused the other comprising mostly those who had influence in New Delhi of selling Sharad Pawar down the drain. This group had been advising Pawar to seek some sort of lasting arrangement with the BJP. The group that has been wanting Pawar to lead a coalition of anti-BJP forces accused the others of cashing in on Pawars considerable `varchasva to their own self interests. Tumhi Sahebana vikat ghetla, they accused this pro-BJP group.
Pawar, I am told, then piped up with the (sarcastic) comment that Modi was a liberal leader who would take the country forward that silenced the room in an instance as everybody recognised that Pawar had finally made up his mind about which way to go.
When soon after this came reports that Pawar had met Rahul Gandhi, I knew there had been a tectonic shift in the polity again. For Pawar to undertake this networking of non-saffron parties, it is very important to get the Congress on board again. And Rahuls meeting with Pawar indicates they are willing to bury their distrust of each other in common interest various leaders may be cold to Rahuls efforts at a national mahagatbandhan but Pawar may just be able to pull it off.
However, many Congress leaders are still wary about Pawar and wonder if he could be trusted to be sincere about this effort, particularly after he accepted a Padma Vibhushan from the Modi government. However, I believe that Pawars sudden activity, after the stupor he has been in since 2014, may also be motivated by selfish interest and that is why he might really be sincere this time. Pawars ambition is no secret, but he never stood a chance in past years to become Prime Minister. But now with Modi seeming unstoppable and even the NDA partners becoming worried that their alliance with the BJP could prove detrimental in the future, Pawar has a figthing chance at gaining that office if he is able to put together and lead the coalition of secular forces against the BJP in 2019.
His network is indeed enviable Omar Abdullah had stayed at Pawars home while working in Bombay. Biju Patnaik was a close friend of Pawars and Orissa chief minister Navin Patnaik looks upon his fathers friend fondly. Ditto Uddhav Thackeray Balasaheb and Pawars friendship is legendary. Pawar is credited with persuading Mayawati to vote against the AB Vajpyee government in parliament in 1999, leading to its fall. He has a line to both Lalu Prasad Yadav and Mulayam Singh and also has a lifelong friendship with Prakash Singh Badal dating back to the time when both were fighting for farmers interests in the 1970s. Pawar is also on good terms with Mamata Banerjee and Nitish Kumar and is known to have adviced Jaganmohan Reddy in Andhra Pradesh. He has always got along famously with former PM HD Deve Gowda in Karnataka. He has a good rapport with both Dravida parties in Tamil Nadu and his socialist philosophies make the Communist parties amenable to him. Everywhere else there is the Congress and he already has Rahul Gandhi in his bag!
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Pawar meets Modi, sets off speculation
The Congress has lost its instincts
Shiv Sena believes in tit-for-tat approach
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Televangelist Zakir Naik did not force people to convert to Islam, his brother Mohammad Abdul Karim Naik told the enforcement directorate (ED) in his statement in connection with a money-laundering case.
According to ED sources, the pathologists statements were recorded thrice. Karim Naik said Zakir Naiks statements have been taken out of context. Karim said his brother has knowledge of various religions and has been preaching for a long time. He said the conversions carried out by Zakir Naik were with consent, and not by force, said an ED officer.
Karim said he was unaware of the allegations of money laundering against his brother, said the officer.
Earlier, the agency questioned Naiks sister Nailah Noorani, who, too, claimed ignorance about the allegations of money laundering.
ED sources said Naiks aide, Aamir Gazdar, who is under arrest, is a 10% shareholder in Longlast Construction, a firm which was used to purchase properties in the country, and 90% of its shares are owned by Noorani.
Zakir Naiks lawyers claimed he was a law-abiding citizen, who has not been accused of any offence. The prejudicial proceedings have created an extremely hostile atmosphere, making a fair probe impossible, alleged his counsels.
Naik has been appealing for video-conferencing or an e-mail questionnaire, which the ED has refused.
Read: ED attaches assets worth Rs 18 crore of Zakir Naik-led Islamic Research Foundation
Enforcement Directorate questions Zakir Naiks sister in Mumbai
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Not many know that classical musician S Balachander, whose last performance in the city was held a few weeks back, is also the person who modified the Saraswati veena in order to play dhrupad a genre in Hindustani music. The instrument is traditionally used to play Carnatic music. However, the artiste, who is also a physics graduate, tweaked it by using the principles of sound dynamics.
Balachander had no clue that the journey to bring the instrument from paper sketches to reality would take years. He had trained in Carnatic music during his childhood. He then trained in sarod under Pt Pradeep Barot. However, his interests soon turned to playing dhrupad, after being inspired by Ustad Zia Mohiuddin Dagar. Between the `80s and the year 2000, Balachander balanced his corporate job as well as music. After this, he started leaning towards music much more.
I realised that the traditional Saraswati veena is not apt to play dhrupad with. I read a lot of books about the acoustics of an instrument before I started work on redesigning it. In 2002, I quit my job to work on modifying the design. After searching a lot across South and North India, with the help of few seasoned musicians abroad, I finally located a craftsman named Mohanlal Sharma in West Bengal. After being rejected by other craftsmen during my search it was a relief when he agreed to take up the work, says Balachander.
The lucky streak continued and he was qualified for a junior fellowship by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, from 2004 to 2006, for the research work he undertook to remodel the veena.
Musician Balachander feels that government patronage and support is essential to preserve Indian arts and culture. (Rajasimha Karanam; picture for representational purposes only)
After completing his project, Balachander performed dhrupad music on the modified veena named chandra veena. He credits the name to gurus Ustad Zia Fariduddin Dagar and Ustad Bahauddin Dagar. The musician is happy with the outcome and does not want to get into the copyright ball game. There is no proper provision to register it [the remodelled chandra veena]. Patenting is tricky, he says.
The artiste strives for collective rather than singular recognition. I request the government to give classical musicians their due recognition in their own country, says Balachander, adding Government patronage and support is essential for preserving our arts and culture.
Follow @htshowbiz for more
The author tweets @iamsusanjose
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A 21-year-old woman is battling for her life at the intensive care unit of Delhis Safdarjung Hospital after sustaining severe burn injuries during an acid attack inside her house early Tuesday morning.
Doctors said she suffered severe burn injuries and is critical. The attackers had brought a litre of acid that was allegedly poured on Gulista, who was recently engaged, with the intent to disfigure her.
The empty bottle was later recovered by her family, raising suspicion that the entire substance was poured on the woman who was sleeping in her house.
It was between 2 and 3am when we heard her shouting. We initially thought it was a fire but later we realised someone poured acid on her. She was in deep pain and crying ... The assailant/s probably entered the house from stairs leading from the roof, said Sanjeeda, the victims elder sister.
Sources said the liquid was concentrated. The family stays in a locality under Kotwali police station of Ghaziabad.
Gulista was recently engaged to a man from Khurja and her wedding was to be finalised after April. Her parents and siblings were busy in marriage preparations. Sanjeeda also got married on March 17.
On Monday night, Gulista was sleeping on the bed used by her father as he and her brother had left for the Ghazipur vegetable market.
I had come to my parents house for my first visit after my marriage. We dont know about the attacker/s. They probably switched off all the lights before committing the crime. We recovered a plastic can of a litre in which the substance was brought. She suffered injuries on her face, chest and lower body parts and rushed to hospital from where she was referred to Delhi, she added.
In their police complaint, the family did not name anyone and said they had no rivalry with anyone. The victim is fourth of her six siblings, including four sisters and two brothers. The police lodged an FIR lodged under section 326A (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, etc) of IPC.
We suspect the attacker could be someone who knows the victim or the family. We will record her statements once she recovers. We have started investigation, said Salmantaj Patil, superintendent of police (SP city).
The family is now worried about her marriage. She has suffered burns on the forehead, eye and lower body parts. We somehow got married our elder sister in Bulandshahr and were preparing for Gulistas marriage. But now we dont know whether her prospective in-laws and husband will be willing to go ahead with the marriage. Her fiance has also reached hospital to inquire about her condition, said Zahid, victims younger brother.
However, the bigger question before us is her survival. We have been told that chances are slim, he added.
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Polluted with sewage, the rivers Hindon and Yamuna and the 14 drains that pass through Noida pose a threat to the quality of groundwater in Noida.
If the state or local authorities do not address this grave issue now, groundwater will be polluted, creating a severe drinking water crisis in Noida. Sewage flowing in rivers and drains will seep into the groundwater, slowly polluting it. Water pumping machines installed near these rivers and drains must be supplying polluted water too, said Dr Gauhar Mehmood, head of civil engineering department, Jamia Milia Islamia, New Delhi.
There are 82 villages in Noida that depend on groundwater for drinking water. Most of the village residents have installed handpumps to meet their needs. As most of these villages are not connected with the master sewer line, the sewage they generate is also dumped into nearby water bodies.
Read more: Noidas master plan to conserve rainwater yet to materialise
In the urban areas, the Noida authority supplies drinking water by extracting around 10-20 million litres per day (MLD) of groundwater to meet the 240 MLD required by the citys residents. The authority relies on the Ganga water supply from the Upper Ganga canal and groundwater to meet this demand.
The Noida authority hides facts. In reality, a huge amount of groundwater is being supplied to newly built housing complexes. The authority should ensure clean drains if it wants to protect groundwater, said Vikrant Tongad, an environmentalist.
The Noida authority, on its part, said it has decided to trap the sewage that flows into the 14 drains.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Roorkee, had in December 2016 prepared a detailed plan as to how we can trap sewage and clean the same before dumping it into drains connected with Hindon and Yamuna. These drains carry sewage and waste water from villages in Delhi and Noida, said Samakant Srivastava, senior project engineer, Noida authority, adding that they will deal with this issue soon.
The plan suggested by IIT Roorkee is based on the interceptor sewer concept. Under this, a sewer interceptor will be installed in the main irrigation drain that cuts Noida in two. A total of 13 drains are connected with this irrigation drain that merges into Yamuna in Sector 150. The authority also has sewage treatment plants in sectors 50, 54, 123 and 168.
The project of trapping sewage and cleaning it is in the initial stages. But we will complete it to ensure that only clean water flows through the drains. The plan will go a long way in protecting groundwater. We will soon take up this project to the next stage by following the procedures laid down, said Deepak Agarwal, chief executive officer (CEO), Noida authority.
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Ghaziabad senior superintendent of police (SSP) conducted raids in hotels in Bazaria market on Monday and nabbed 50 couples for immoral activities. Following the raids, the area circle officer was removed. The local police post in-charge and a driver were also suspended on suspicion of aiding the activities in the area.
Officials said that the raids were conducted on a complaint by locals who alleged that the hotel owners rented out rooms to couples after allegedly charging them Rs 500-1,000 on an hourly basis.
The area circle officer has been shifted to SSP office and his driver along with the local police post in-charge stand suspended. Either the officers had no knowledge of such activities and were lax in discharging their duties or they were hand in glove and aiding the hotel owners. So, we got them removed. Inquiry will also be initiated against the other personnel of the police post, said Deepak Kumar, SSP Ghaziabad.
Read: Suspecting prostitution, police detain 56 young couples from Ghaziabad hotel
Before the raids on two hotels Arya Deep and Devender a team was sent to recce the location on Sunday evening. During the operation, the Kotwali police station as well as local police post was not provided any information. The SSP received complaints that couples arrived between 11am to 2pm and indulged in immoral activities.
On Monday afternoon, several police teams, including women officers, were sent to conduct surprise searches and found 50 couples inside rooms of the two hotels. They were later taken to Ghanta Ghar Kotwali where their credentials were verified. Initially, many of them provided false addresses and even told police that they were married.
We received information about such illegal activities being conducted by some locals. We sent our teams, including women officers who surveyed the area on Sunday. We were informed that such activities take place between 11am to 2pm when most customers arrived. So we conducted the raid on Monday afternoon, said SSP Ghaziabad said.
Following the searches, the two hotels were sealed and process of lodging an FIR against hotel owners Ravinder Yadav and Sachin Kumar, was initiated. The duo had fled the spot when the raids were being conducted.
The addresses of the couples were taken and verified. Their parents were informed and asked to take them after completing formalities. Most of the couples were from Ghaziabad and Delhi, said IP Singh, circle officer (city I).
Read: 12-year-old Delhi girl rescued from hotel in Ghaziabad, man held
Bazaria is an old commercial market surrounded by residential localities. It is also close to the Ghaziabad railway station. Here, the skyline is dotted with dozens of small and big hotels where couples frequently arrive. In a meeting before elections, people raised the issue and we promised action. Now, they again approached us and we decided to send teams under cover. The raids revealed the exact things as told to us by locals, the SSP said. Earlier, in 2013, the police raided several hotels and detained 56 couples who were later let off.
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Delhi-based chartered accountancy (CA) student Shubham Maheshwari, who was missing for over a month, returned to his native place in Hathras on Monday night, police and his family confirmed.
According to the police, their preliminary investigation revealed that Shubham had gone to Nepal on his own and was teaching children there.
Shubham had gone missing on February 18 on his way to Hathras from Delhi. He had boarded a bus from Anand Vihar bus station and had last spoken to his mother on phone during a stopover at Jewar on his bus journey.
We received information that Shubham returned to Hathras on Monday night. He had gone to Nepal after starting from Delhi. He stayed in Nepal for a month and was reportedly teaching children there, said Ajay Sharma, station house officer (SHO), Jewar police station.
Shubhams father Ambrish Maheshwari also confirmed his sons return in a telephonic conversation with HT. However, he refused to reveal where Shubham had been all this time.
Shubham has returned home and is okay. We are extremely happy to have our son back and would like to thank his friends and the police for their cooperation. This is all we would like to say at the moment. Further information will be provided in a day or two, he said.
After the CA students disappearance, his family and friends had launched a social media campaign with the hashtag #findingShubham. A missing persons case was lodged at Jewar police station as his phone was last traced to Jewar.
Read more: Greater Noida: Police teams visit four districts in UP to trace missing CA student
After the case was lodged, police had started to look for Shubham and a Jewar police team visited 30 districts in the state searching for him. Pamphlets and posters seeking information about him had been put in many places across western UP. His parents too went to villages in Bulandshahr, Agra and Aligarh to look for him.
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Around 200 sanitation employees on Tuesday protested against the Noida authority demanding a salary hike and other benefits.
They stopped collecting solid waste in the morning and gathered outside the Noida authoritys administrative building in Sector 6 around 11am.
The administration deployed a police force and a fire tender near the authority office to ensure that the protest is peaceful. They blocked the road leading to the office. Police closed an iron gate to keep the protesters away from the main building.
Last December too sanitation employees had stopped cleaning waste, creating hygiene issues for residents and officials. They ended protests following assurances by the officials that their demands will be met.
Now another group, under Akhil Bharatiya Safai Mazdoor Association, staged the protest on Monday.
Some contractual sanitation employees are getting Rs 9,200 per month while others get Rs 14,500 as their month salary. We demand that the salary be uniform for all. Also we demand better healthcare facilities for our families. We have been working for low wages for the last 10-15 years and the state government is not addressing our demands, said Dinesh Balimiki, leader of protesters.
Around 50 women sanitation employees also took part in the protest.
We hope that the new government will increase our salary from Rs 9,200 to Rs 14,500 per month. We will continue to protest if the authority fails to meet our demands, said Sarla Devi, a sanitation employee.
Sanitation employees had started protests on Monday morning. But they ended the stir after officials promised to address their demands.
But the officials have not worked on our demands and we have again started our protest. We will end the protest only when the officials assure us in writing that our demands will be met, Balmiki said.
Around 4,200-4,600 workers are hired on a contract basis by various private agencies. They are employed in various departments of Noida authority sanitation, water, sewer and horticulture, among others.
Last December, sanitation employees had gone on a strike demanding permanent jobs.
That was a different group which demanded permanent jobs. Our demand is to bring about uniformity in salary, said Mukesh Tong, a sweeper.
The Noida authority said it will deal with such protesters strictly.
These workers are hired by third-party contractors. They are not our employees. They are already getting a salary as per their agreement with the contractor. We will act against them if they continue to protest with no valid reason, said Saumya Srivastava, deputy chief executive officer, Noida authority.
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Ahead of World Water Day, scientists, bureaucrats and researchers attended a workshop on Embrace the water: Sustainable solution for the future at Amity University in Noida on Tuesday.
The workshop focussed on finding ways to achieve water sustainability as scientists dwelled on the imminent threat of water scarcity in India and the world.
The workshop was attended by Dr ES Eswaran, emeritus scientist, Unesco-DBT regional centre for Biotechnology; Dr Dinesh Chand, additional advisor to Union ministry of drinking water and sanitation; Dr Anuj Kanwal, director of Central Water Commission and Dr Shakeel Khan, senior scientist of Centre for Environment Science and Climate Resilient Agriculture.
Addressing the workshop, Dr Eswaran said water conservation has become a serious issue for the 21st century. It is now the root of problems between many neighbouring countries and in India even among neighbouring states. Questions are being raised not just on water scarcity, but its quality as well as people dont pay attention to cleaning water tanks, which causes serious health issues, he said.
We have a concept called NanoPANI-Amrit in which nano particles are used to eliminate viruses from water, he added.
Dr Chand also emphasised on the challenges in providing drinking water in India, saying that expanding population is the biggest threat to water sustainability.
Although we have been successful in providing access to basic water supply facilities to almost everyone, the challenge now is how to provide higher levels of service with sustainable sources and systems that provide good quality water to a growing population, he said.
Briefing students and scientists about the Central government schemes for water sustainability, Dr Chand said, The government has launched National Rural Drinking Water programme with an aim to provide safe and adequate water for rural areas across India. By 2022, we aim to provide access to 70 litres per day water to every rural person in the country, within his/her household, said Dr Chand.
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India is celebrating BR Ambedkars birth centenary this year with fanfare. Yet, the few spaces dedicated to study his vast contribution to making of a modern India continue to feel threatened.
On March 15, the Jawaharlal Nehru University registrar received a letter --- No. F-24-1/2017/ (CU) dated March 6 --- regarding the closure of the schemes for the study of social exclusion and inclusive policy (CSDE). It stated that the University Grants Commission (UGC) will not provide financial support to the universitys centre for study of social exclusion after the end of the 12th five-year plan and no communication whatsoever would be entertained or solicited by UGC on the issue.
But on March 16, after a news report in The Telegraph, the UGC did an about-turn: It said that the notification sent to JNU was blatantly false and based on a forged letter.
The statement read: [The] University Grants Commission has established Centres for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy in various universities in the Xth Plan on plan-to-plan basis provided these Centres give a satisfactory progress in the areas of their focus. Keeping in view the same procedure, the UGC would be extending these Centres from 1st April, 2017 onwards.
The centres were established in 2007 with the approval of the UGC under the X Plan Guidelines. The UGC had sanctioned 15 posts -- including both teaching and non-teaching staff. Teaching faculties and non-teaching staff have been appointed in accordance with the university Rules following UGC Xth Plan guidelines.
These CSDE centres study the multi-dimensional aspects of exclusion and discrimination, specifically the processes that lead to exclusion and discrimination of Dalits, adivasis and religious minorities in India.
Their research output contributes to policy formulations for inclusive development.
While the UGC claims that the letter sent to JNU was forged, theres more to than meets the eye.
Heres why:
First, this is not the first time the UGC has attempted such a thing. In 2013 (when the UPA was in power), it tried to withdraw funding to some of these centres, citing that they have no taken off. This led to the National Campaign for Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR) petitioning the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) against the decision.
Second, coming back to this round of confrontation, these centres have been regularly sending their representatives for meetings held at the UGC HQ in New Delhi for giving updates of their respective centres. Even after holding these meetings, the UGC has been sending letters to the universities, asking if these centres have been established (10 years after they have been established!). Is it then wrong to think that the UGC could have had other motives?
Third, when The Telegraph, which broke the story, spoke to UGC chairman Ved Prakash on the circular, there was no outright denial.
Fourth, the UGC circular also mentions a ministry of human resource development file number (D.O.No. F.1.-1/2017/(CU) Vol. XVI dated February 27, 2017.
It will only take an enterprising soul now to file a Right to Information and get to the bottom of this.
Many have already criticised the move, saying that closing these centres goes against Prime Minister Narendra Modis Dalit outreach during the 125th anniversary celebrations of Dr Ambedkar.
Though the crisis has been averted for now --- possibly thanks to better political judgment --- it remains to be seen if the central government is really serious about inclusion and makes all these centres permanent once and for all. Only time will tell.
@kumkumdasgupta
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In his new innings as Punjab chief minister, Captain Amarinder Singh got cracking from Day One. The cabinet in its first meeting on Saturday ordered sweeping economic, police and administrative reforms. Amarinder already has a team of his trusted lieutenants three Indian Administrative Services officers, two Punjab Civil Services officers and some personal loyalists in place. Some have been appointed and some are awaiting an official announcement. The new-look chief ministers office (CMO) has many firsts from a woman breaking into a male bastion to protocol secretaries! Sukhdeep Kaur tells you who are the kings men and his armours.
Man Friday: Suresh Kumar, chief principal secretary
A sharpshooter at all things administrative, this 1983-batch IAS officer was principal secretary to Capt during his previous stint. He retired last year as an additional chief secretary. With Amarinders return to power, Kumar is back into the thick of babudom as CMs Man Friday. Nothing suits Capt more than soft-spoken and low-profile Kumar who can get work done and yet ruffle no feathers. For Kumar, transparency will be the mantra.
2nd in command: Tejvir Singh, principal secretary to CM
A 1994-batch IAS officer, Tejvir will be second in command as principal secretary to the CM. Presently, on central deputation, Tejvir will join the new assignment in first week of April. His experience as Patiala deputy commissioner and later director of public relations will also come handy for Amarinder in managing his constituency and the media.
Youth factor: Gurkirat Kirpal Singh, Special principal secretary
At 44, he is the junior-most IAS officer (2001 batch) in the CMO, and has been posted as special principal secretary to the CM. Gurkirat was director, social security, in the previous government and was currently holding the position of Markfed managing director. He says his office will try its best to address every grievance of people of Punjab.
Gender bender: Amrit kaur Gill, deputy principal secretary to CM
Amrit Kaur Gill has broken the glass ceiling to become the first woman officer to be appointed in the CMO. The 53-year-old PCS officer has moved to her new assignment as the deputy principal secretary to the CM after serving as the chief administrator of GLADA. She brings with her experience of 22 years at various positions.
Mr Dependable: MP Singh, OSD to CM
The trust that this retired PCS officer enjoys both with Amarinder and his wife, Preneet Kaur, is evident from the fact that he was appointed as the officer on special duty even before Amarinder was sworn in as the chief minister. The Patiala Palace cannot do without him and he cannot do without them either. Not media-savvy, he likes to work from behind the scenes.
Capts eyes and ears: Capt sandeep Sandhu, secretary, political
Amarinder is not easily accessible to party MLA and leaders, and so he has someone Congress leaders refer to as Chhota Captain. This former sailor from merchant navy acts as Amarinders logistics man and link to the AICC. Presently, general secretary in-charge of the Congress office, he keeps those who cannot meet Captain in good humour.
Fellow armyman: Major Amardeep, secretary, protocol
What better company for a former armyman and military historian like Amarinder than another from the army. Major Amardeep served in the same Sikh Regiment of which Amarinder was a part and essays many roles from his chauffeur and liaison officer to a trusted aide.
Long-time loyalist: Karanpal Sekhon, secretary, protocol
He left a corporate job to be where his heart was officer on special duty (OSD) to Amarinder. The Sekhons have been close to the Patiala royalty for three generations now. Karanpal has been a constant with Amarinder, in power and out of it.
Experience counts: Raveen Thukral, Media Advisor
A former political editor of Hindustan Times and associate editor of The Tribune, Raveen Thukral has long years of experience in media. The 52-year-old took over as Amarinders media strategist in the run up to the elections and will be his media manager as Captain dons the role of CM.
Media man: Vimal Sumbly, press secretary
A former journalist, he was the media secretary to Amarinder throughout latters days as the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president. His good relations with the media will see Sumbly take the role of chief ministers press secretary. He has also served as media adviser to a former Union minister, Manish Tewari.
MEN WHO MATTER
Old camaraderie: Lt Gen TS Shergill (Retd), senior advisor
War veteran Lt Gen Tajinder Singh Shergill (retd), one of the most trusted of Amarinders friends, is set to be appointed as a senior adviser in the CMO. A former chairman of PPSC, Shergill co-authored a book with Capt.
Eyes on prudence: KR Lakhanpal, expenditure panel head
Former chief secretary, he is tipped to head the Expenditure Reforms Commission. The cabinet has approved the formation of the commission to plug wasteful expenditure and ensure prudence and efficiency in spendings.
Legal hawk: Atul Nanda, advocate general
The legal hawk has landed the plum post of advocate general in the Amarinder government. He has been handling Captains personal court cases and is a part of his inner circle of friends.
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The Madras High Court on Monday closely examined a medical report on the disputed parentage of popular actor Dhanush, filed in reply to a couples plea claiming him to be their run-away son and seeking maintenance from him.
The report, filed by Government Rajaji Hospitals dean Vairamuthu Raju and Madurai Medical college principal Meenakshi Sundaram earlier on March 2, was examined by Justice PN Prakash of the high courts Madurai bench.
The report had been filed in response to the courts February 28 directive for medical verification of Dhanushs identification marks in light of the elderly couples claim.
Dhanush was examined in daylight and also using torchlight without using any eraser and only water and spirit, the report read, while concluding that there was no mole over his left collar or scar in his left elbow.
It said it was possible to remove a small superficial mole completely, but not a scar using even plastic surgery. At the most, its size can only be reduced.
The report said a small superficial mole had been removed using laser technique without any trace. Similarly removal of another large mole can be seen by thermo scope, it said.
After perusing the report, Justice Prakash posted the matter to March 27.
The Madurai bench of the high court earlier on March 2 had stayed a Melurs magisterial court proceeding on the elderly couples paternity claim over Dhanush.
Justice G Chockalingam had stayed the Melurs court proceedings, launched on claim of elderly couple -- Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi, on a petition by Dhanush, son-in-law of superstar Rajinikanth.
While staying proceedings in the Melurs magisterial court, Justice Chockalingam, referring to the couples plea for a DNA test, had wondered as to why their lawyer failed to file a miscellaneous petition for it for such a long time after moving the Melur court.
Kathiresan, who claimed to be the father of Dhanush, had contended it was necessary to hold the DNA test to know the truth about his parentage.
Earlier Dr Raju had submitted to the court his report on the verification of personal identification marks of Dhanush, done by a team headed by him, complying with the Justice Prakashs February 28 order.
On February 28, Dhanush had appeared before the judge with mother Vijayalakshmi and father Kasthuri Raja, a film director.
Justice Chockalingam had ordered verification of Dhanushs identification marks after Kathiresan and his wife Meenakshi submitted a set of school documents mentioning the birth marks of their son.
The couple had claimed the documents like birth and transfer certificates and identification marks etc, filed by Dhanush parents Vijayalakshmi and Kasthuri Raja were fake and fabricated.
They had claimed Dhanush was their third son and had also sought a monthly maintenance of Rs 65,000 saying that they were in a very poor financial position.
They had claimed that Dhanush was a school boy when he ran away to Chennai to get into the film world. They could not trace him then and recognised him while watching movies. Their efforts to meet him in Chennai did not succeed, they said.
The actor, however, has denied the submissions saying their entire statements were false.
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Britains high street banks processed nearly $740m from a vast money-laundering operation run by Russian criminals with links to the Russian government and the KGB, the Guardian has revealed.
HSBC, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Lloyds, Barclays and Coutts are among 17 banks based in the UK, or with branches here, that are facing questions over what they knew about the international scheme and why they did not turn away suspicious money transfers.
Documents seen by the Guardian show that at least $20bn appears to have been moved out of Russia during a four-year period between 2010 and 2014. The true figure could be $80bn, detectives believe.
One senior figure involved in the inquiry said the money from Russia was obviously either stolen or with criminal origin.
Investigators are still trying to identify some of the wealthy and politically influential Russians behind the operation, known as the Global Laundromat.
They estimate a group of about 500 people were involved. These include oligarchs, Moscow bankers, and figures working for or connected to the FSB, the successor spy agency to the KGB.
Igor Putin, the cousin of Russias president, Vladimir, sat on the board of a Moscow bank which held accounts involved in the fraud.
British-registered companies played a prominent role in this extensive money-laundering network. The real owners of most of the firms used in the scheme remain secret, however, because of the anonymity provided by controversial offshore laws.
The Global Laundromat banking records were obtained by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Novaya Gazeta from sources who wish to remain anonymous. OCCRP shared the data with the Guardian and media partners in 32 countries.
The documents include details of about 70,000 banking transactions, including 1,920 that went through UK banks and 373 via US banks.
The data is understood to be part of the evidence gathered in a three-year money-laundering investigation led by police in Latvia and Moldova.
Detectives have unravelled a conspiracy that involved billions of dollars being sent from suspected criminals in Russia via accounts in Latvia and Moldova held at banks notorious for their exposure to money-laundering scams.
The trail led investigators to 96 countries and to a network of anonymously owned firms, most of them registered at Companies House in London . Most of the 21 core companies under scrutiny have been dissolved.
The scale of the operation has staggered law enforcement officials. The records show British banks and foreign banks with offices in London processed $738.1m in transactions apparently involving criminal money from Moscow.
Banks say they have sophisticated units dedicated to rooting out financial crime. But they say the volume of payments billions a year makes such work difficult.
If you are on the back end you are kind of playing whack-a-mole, trying to pick this up, one source said.
HSBC processed $545.3m in Laundromat cash, mostly routed through its Hong Kong branch. The troubled Royal Bank of Scotland which is 71% owned by the UK government handled $113.1m. Coutts used by the Queen and owned by RBS accepted $32.8m worth of payments via its office in Zurich, Switzerland. Coutts is winding down its Swiss operation and was last month fined by regulators for money laundering in a different case .
Other high street banks that appear in the Laundromat data include Barclays, NatWest and Lloyds. NatWest also owned by RBS allowed through $1.1m.
In the US, big banks processed more than $63.7m. They include Citibank ($37m) and Bank of America ($14m).
The Guardian contacted all these banks. None of them challenged the authenticity of the data, but they all insisted they had strict anti-money-laundering policies.
The response from RBS was typical. The bank said: We are committed to combatting financial crime and money laundering in line with our regulations and have controls and safeguards in place to identify, assess, monitor and mitigate these risks. The statement covered Coutts and NatWest.
HSBC said: This case highlights the need for greater information sharing between the public and private sectors, each of whom holds important information the other does not.
However, the Guardians disclosures raise awkward questions for UK banks. The Financial Conduct Authority demands that banks consider the money-laundering risk presented by customers, taking into account country risk; the customers reputation and the source of their wealth and funds.
In many of the cases looked at by the Guardian, money vanished into offshore shell firms, whose beneficial owners remain anonymous, and whose source of wealth is a mystery. The OCCRP discovered that the official owners of many of the firms were fake or nominee directors based in Ukraine.
In a pioneering move, a historic Canadian gurdwara has invited a support group for the gay community to participate in what is considered the oldest Vaisakhi nagar kirtan in the country.
The nagar kirtan on April 15 will feature Sher Vancouver, an LGBT support group for members of the Indo-Canadian, particularly Sikh, community.
The Khalsa Diwan Society, which established the first gurdwara in North America more than a century ago in 1908, formally invited Sher Vancouver to participate in the Vaisakhi celebrations under its own banner and also listed it as a community partner.
Sher Vancouvers founder Alex Sangha described the development as a significant breakthrough. He added, It shows a growing tolerance and acceptance of LGBTQ people in the Sikh community. I dont think there is any other Sikh temple anywhere that has partnered with a South Asian LGBTQ group.
In past years, individual members of Sher Vancouver participated in the annual parade but had never done so under their own banner
The involvement of Sher Vancouver in this years Vaisakhi in Vancouver, one recognised as a civic event by the city in British Columbia, was facilitated by the Khalsa Diwan Societys outreach coordinator Pall Singh Beesla.
Speaking to the Hindustan Times, Beesla said, Our faith has constantly faced challenges in fighting the institutions of the time. That started with our gurus fighting against inequality. This means anybody who is marginalised and the LGBT fall into that category.
Give the heft the historic society has within the Sikh community in not just Canada, but in North America, this initiative will create greater awareness of gays within the community and their issues.
It will start a discussion at the very least. A lot of criticism is born out of ignorance. When you inform, people become enlightened on their own, Beesla said, expressing hope the example will be emulated by gurdwaras elsewhere in Canada.
But he said, To be honest, people are so afraid of controversy, they dont want to disrupt anything, which is contrary to what we stand for. We should be provoking constructive discourse.
Sangha is understandably elated: It sends a message that we are all equal and deserving of dignity and respect regardless of who we love. Its a strong message of acceptance, tolerance, and unity.
Beesla first became aware of Sher Vancouver following the groups support for an Indian youth studying in the metro Vancouver area who was abandoned by his family after coming out as gay. This was reported by Hindustan Times earlier.
Sangha is hopeful this precedent will also have an influence in India, as he said, For our brothers and sisters in India, I feel it sends a message that change is possible.
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At least five people were killed when a minibus laden with explosives blew up in Mogadishu on Tuesday, just as the troubled countrys new prime minister unveiled his government lineup.
The blast, the latest attack in the Somali capital believed to be the work of Al-Qaeda linked Shabaab extremists, occurred at a checkpoint just 500 metres (yards) from the presidential palace.
The vehicle was stopped at the checkpoint for security screening when it went off. At least five people were killed including security personnel and 10 others wounded, said Abdifatah Omar Halane, spokesman for the Mogadishu city administration.
The blast was so huge, I saw smoke and dust all over the area, local resident Abdukadir Yusuf said.
I was on top of my house not very far away from the area, it was near the theatre and close to the presidential palace.
Somalias new Prime Minister Hassan Ali Kheyre also Tuesday announced his new cabinet, made up of 26 ministers including six women, after almost a month of political bargaining.
- Bloodthirsty elements -
The Shabaab, which is fighting to overthrow the government, has been blamed for a string of attacks in Mogadishu and regional towns.
The Shabaab was forced out of the capital by African Union troops in 2011 but still controls parts of the countryside and carries out guerrilla attacks against government, military and civilian targets.
Last week, at least five people were killed and 12 others injured in two separate car bombings in Mogadishu.
I promise that we will deal with those bloodthirsty elements with an iron fist, Kheyre said at the time.
As well as insecurity, Somalia is also battling famine, with three million people going hungry because of a drought that is also affecting other parts of Africa.
Somalia declared a national disaster over the drought on February 28. The country is among three nations on the verge of famine, along with Yemen and Nigeria. In South Sudan, 100,000 people are already in famine conditions.
It is the third famine in the 25 years that Somalia has been embroiled in civil war and anarchy, including in 2011 when 260,000 people died.
- Give us a chance -
Somali President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed, also known as Farmajo, had warned after his election in February that there would be no quick fixes for the country after decades of repeated cycles of drought and insecurity.
Kheyres new cabinet contains the largest number of women since the collapse of Siad Barres military regime in 1991 and appears aimed at reconciling the countrys clans.
I want ensure you that this country has chosen the path of change and we ask for your prayers, he told reporters.
Parliament still has to give its approval for the new government, and Kheyre -- a political newcomer -- also appealed to the public to give his new lineup a chance.
After his nomination in February, Kheyre -- also spelt Khaire -- had promised to work tirelessly with the president.
Tensions between Somali presidents and their prime ministers in recent years have frequently stymied government business and undermined political progress in the fragile nation.
Kheyre is, like Farmajo, from the diaspora, holding dual Norwegian and Somali citizenship.
The 49-year-old has been a regional director of the Norwegian Refugee Council charity and a director of controversial British oil company Soma Oil and Gas.
China and Sri Lanka will deepen cooperation in all sectors including defence, official media said on Tuesday as defence minister and state councillor Chang Wanquan wrapped up a visit to the island nation before heading to Nepal.
The official news agency, Xinhua, quoted Chang telling President Maithripala Sirisena that the two countries agreed to promote the strategic partnership of cooperation featuring sincere mutual support and long-lasting friendship.
Sirisena expressed his appreciation for China's consistent assistance for his country in economy, agriculture, science and technology, education, defence and other areas.
He noted that Sri Lanka is an important country along the 21st-Century Maritime Silk Road, saying China would like to work together with Sri Lanka in promoting each other's development so as to benefit their two peoples, the Xinhua report said.
In Beijing, the state media clamour that India was trying to sour Chinas relations with south Asian countries continued.
India is not supportive of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor which is a significant part of the Belt and Road initiative. Chang's visit to Sri Lanka and Nepal may help India understand that China is welcomed by not only Pakistan, but also other countries in the region, Wang Yiwei, director of the Centre for International Studies at the Renmin University of China, told the state-controlled tabloid, Global Times.
Many countries in South Asia are worried about India's military power in the region, so they would like to have cooperation with other countries to increase self-defense capability, Wang said. The newspaper said the Kingdom of Sikkim was annexed by India in 1975, which showed that India has ulterior motives with regard to its smaller neighbours.
President Donald Trump signed a bill into law Tuesday that updates NASAs mission to add exploration of Mars and authorizes $19.5 billion in spending for the US space agency for the current budget year.
Its the first time in seven years that there has been an authorization bill for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, also known as NASA, said Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, a chief sponsor of the bill. Cruz joined several astronauts and other lawmakers in the Oval Office to watch Trump sign the bill.
Last week, Trump sent Congress a budget proposal that would authorize $19.1 billion in agency spending next year. Congress appropriates funding for all government departments and agencies.
For almost six decades, NASAs work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on earth, Trump said. Im delighted to sign this bill. Its been a long time since a bill like this has been signed, reaffirming our commitment to the core mission of NASA: human space exploration, space science and technology.
The measure amends current law to add human exploration of the red planet as a goal for the agency. It supports use of the International Space Station through at least 2024, along with private sector companies partnering with NASA to deliver cargo and experiments, among other steps.
Trump invited several lawmakers to comment after the signing, starting with Cruz before moving on to Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla. When Trump invited Vice President Mike Pence to speak, Pence suggested that former astronaut and Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., be allowed to say a few words.
Hes a Democrat. I wasnt going to let him speak, Trump quipped, to laughter. Nelson did say a few words, praising the bill for putting the agency on a dual track with commercial companies making roundtrips to the International Space Station and NASA continuing to explore the universe.
FBI director James Comeys testimony that the bureau has been quietly investigating possible links between associates of President Donald Trump and Russian officials since the summer enraged Democrats who already blamed him for rattling the 2016 campaigns closing days.
For the first time, Comey confirmed that the FBI had opened a probe into the Trump campaign in July, the same month he called an unusual news conference to announce the agency had finished its investigation into whether Hillary Clinton mishandled classified information and three months before he scrambled the White House race a second time by announcing that the Clinton probe was continuing, just days before the election.
The revelation drew the ire of Clinton supporters who called out what they said looked like a double-standard and a breach of bureau norms that caused their nominees surprising defeat.
Clintons former press secretary, Brian Fallon, bitterly noted that Comey at least waited until after the election to confirm there was an investigation related to Trumps campaign.
In Hillary Clintons case, the FBI confirmed the fact of an investigation into her emails during the heart of the campaign, creating a damaging cloud even though the probe never produced charges of any kind, Fallon said in an email Monday. It is fair to ask why Jim Comey confirmed one investigation prior to the election, but not the other.
The FBI and Justice Department do not ordinarily discuss open investigations. But Comey said Monday that he has been authorised to do so, given the extreme public interest in the Trump-Russia case.
As you know, our practice is not to confirm the existence of ongoing investigations, especially those investigations that involve classified matters, but in unusual circumstances where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so as Justice Department policies recognize. This is one of those circumstances, Comey told the House intelligence committee.
Comeys televised news conference in July to discuss the results of the bureaus investigation into Clintons email use came only after the FBI was recommending that it be closed without criminal charges. It was a rare display of openness; normally the FBI would privately relay that information to Justice Department prosecutors. Comey said intense public interest in the case warranted the rare candor.
Later, Comey testified about the case before Congress, promising to come forward if investigators uncovered new information that caused them to reopen their probe into Clintons emails. Given that testimony under oath, Comey said he felt obligated to tell Congress just weeks before the election that new emails had prompted investigators to take another look at whether classified information had been mishandled.
Comey sent the October 28 letter to Congress over the warnings of Justice Department officials that doing so would be inconsistent with department policy meant to avoid the appearance of prosecutorial interference or meddling in elections.
Investigators found emails on the laptop of Anthony Weiner, the estranged husband of top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. In a second letter dated November 5, Comey said the new material did not change the FBIs decision to not recommend charges against Clinton but Democrats believe that re-airing the scandal days before most voters went to the polling booths hurt their candidate.
Doing some jobs right requires being in the news every day, becoming a household name, enraging everyone, tweeted long-time Clinton aide Philippe Reines on Monday. FBI director isnt one of them.
The congressional hearings were the most extensive public accounting of a matter that has dogged the Trump administration for its first two month. The president has repeatedly denied any ties to Russia though several aides have come under scrutiny and his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, resigned after initially failing to provide full disclosure about his contacts with the Russian ambassador to the United States.
Comey said Monday that Russia hates Clinton and wanted her to lose the election; he added that officials believe both political parties were hacked in 2016, but only Democratic emails were released.
Stephen Gillers, a professor at New York University School of Law who specializes in legal ethics, said Comey would have been justified in simply announcing that the bureaus Clinton email probe was closed, rather than going further to criticize her work habits as sloppy.
He should not have talked about Hillary and he should not have talked about the Russia connection. He has no public persona, Gillers said. Its just not a cops job to do that. A prosecutor might in very rare circumstances comment about certain aspects of an ongoing investigation, but hes not a prosecutor.
A 25-year-old Thai sea turtle died from blood poisoning on Tuesday, never recovering from an operation to remove 915 coins from her stomach, thrown into her pool for good luck, veterinarians said.
The green turtle named Omsin, piggy bank in Thai, underwent a seven-hour-long operation this month to remove 5 kg (11 lb) of coins which she had mistaken for food.
But Omsin, who lived at a conservation centre in Chonburi, east of the Thai capital Bangkok, was rushed into intensive care on Sunday night, breathing too slowly. She received an emergency operation on Monday, after which she went into a coma.
In this file photo, Thai veterinarians prepare to operate on Omsin to remove coins from her stomach at the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn Universiry in Bangkok, Thailand. (Reuters Photo)
Her fate had preoccupied Thais, who cherish turtles as a symbol of longevity, and the vets had urged people to pray for her recovery.
Her cause of death is blood poisoning, one of the vets told reporters.
The gap in Omsins stomach left by the removal of the coins caused her intestine to become strangled, blocking blood flow, the vets said. Acute infection in the intestine then caused blood infection.
They also said they would perform an autopsy on Omsin as a case study, which would benefit the treatment of turtles in the future.
She is our teacher, another vet said.
A team of scientists and restorers has completed work on the purported site of Jesuss tomb in Jerusalems Old City, and it will be reopened to the public on Wednesday.
The group has worked for the past nine months at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and focused on the small structure above the burial place, known as the Edicule.
Many Christians believe Jesuss body was buried at what became the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
The structure needed reinforcement and conservation, including work on drainage network for rainwater and sewage, Antonia Moropoulou, a professor at the National Technical University of Athens, said on Monday. Moropoulou directed the work at the site.
The Greek Orthodox, Armenian and Roman Catholic denominations share custody of the church, where tensions often run high over control of its various sectors. Disputes between the dominations have held up restoration work for more than 200 years.
Work only began last year after the church was deemed unsafe by Israeli authorities, who have controlled East Jerusalem since its capture in the 1967 Middle East war.
Media reports said each denomination had contributed towards the project and Jordans King Abdullah also made a personal donation, with the work costing around $3.3 million.
Moropoulou said extensive work had been carried out on the masonry of the tomb.
Martin McGuinness, the Irish Republican Army commander who led his underground paramilitary movement toward reconciliation with Britain, died on Tuesday, his Sinn Fein party announced. He was 66.
Turning from rebel to peacemaker, McGuinness served as Northern Irelands deputy first minister for a decade in a Catholic-Protestant power-sharing government.
The party said he died following a short illness.
McGuinness suffered from amyloidosis, a rare disease with a strain specific to Irelands northwest. The chemotherapy required to combat the formation of organ-choking protein deposits quickly sapped him of strength and forced him to start missing government appointments.
Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness, Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said.
He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the reunification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both.
Irish President Michael D Higgins said people across Ireland would miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland.
Former British prime minister Tony Blair, who worked with McGuinness to forge Northern Irelands 1998 peace accord, expressed immense gratitude for the part he played in the peace process.
Whatever the past, the Martin I knew was a thoughtful, reflective and committed individual, Blair said. Once he became the peacemaker he became it wholeheartedly and with no shortage of determined opposition to those who wanted to carry on the war.
But some who suffered at the hands of the IRA could not forgive.
Former British government minister Norman Tebbit, whose wife was paralysed by the IRA bombing of a hotel in Brighton in 1984, said he hoped McGuinness was parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell for the rest of eternity.
McGuinness transformation into a peacemaker was all the more remarkable because, as a senior IRA commander during the years of gravest Catholic-Protestant violence, he insisted that Northern Ireland must be forced out of the United Kingdom against the wishes of Protestants.
Even after Sinn Fein the IRAs legal, public face started to run for elections in the 1980s, McGuinness insisted as Sinn Fein deputy leader that armed struggle remained essential.
We dont believe that winning elections and any amount of votes will bring freedom in Ireland, he told a BBC documentary team in 1986. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA that will bring freedom.
Yet within a few years of making that stubborn vow, McGuinness was exploring the opposite option in covert contacts with British intelligence that led eventually to a truce, inter-party talks and the installation of the IRA icon in the heart of Northern Irelands government.
Irish Times columnist Fintan OToole argued in January 2017 that McGuinness had been a mass killer during his period of membership and leadership the IRA killed 1,781 people, including 644 civilians whose personal amiability has been essential to the peace process. If he were not a ruthless and unrepentant exponent of violence, he would never have become such a key figure in bringing violence to an end.
Unlike his close ally Adams, McGuinness never hid the fact that he had been a commander of the IRA classed as a terrorist organization by the British, Irish and U.S. governments. Nor could he.
Born May 23, 1950, he joined the breakaway Provisional IRA faction in his native Londonderry simply Derry to Irish nationalists after dropping out of high school and working as an apprentice butcher in the late 1960s. At the time, the Catholic civil rights movement faced increasing conflict with the provinces Protestant government and police.
He rose to become Derrys deputy IRA commander by age 21 as Provo bombs systematically wrecked the city centre. Soldiers found it impossible to pass IRA road barricades erected in McGuinness Bogside power base.
McGuinness appeared unmasked at early Provisional IRA press conferences. The BBC filmed him walking through the Bogside discussing how the IRA command structure worked and stressing his concern to minimize civilian casualties, an early sign of public relations savvy.
In 1972, Northern Irelands bloodiest year, McGuinness joined Adams in a six-man IRA delegation flown by the British government to London for secret face-to-face negotiations during a brief truce. Those talks got nowhere and McGuinness went back on the run until his arrest on New Years Eve in the Republic of Ireland near a car loaded with 250 pounds (110 kilograms) of explosives and 4,750 rounds of ammunition.
During one of his two Dublin trials for IRA membership, McGuinness declared from the dock he was a member of the Derry Brigade of the IRA and Im very, very proud of it.
Historians and security analysts agree that McGuinness was promoted to the IRAs ruling army council following his November 1974 parole from prison and would have overseen many of the groups most spectacular and divisive attacks. These included bomb attacks on London tourist spots and the use of human bombs civilian employees like cooks and cleaners at British security installations who were forced to drive car bombs to their places of work and were detonated by remote control before they could raise the alarm.
Pope Francis asked for forgiveness on Monday for the sins and failings of the Church during Rwandas 1994 genocide, saying he hoped his apology would help heal the African states wounds.
But Rwandas government indicated it felt the apology did not go far enough, saying the local Church was still complicit in protecting the perpetrators of the genocide.
At a meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Pope Francis said that priests and Roman Catholic faithful had taken part in the slaughter of some 800,000 people from the ethnic Tutsi minority as well as moderates from the Hutu majority.
(The Pope) implored anew Gods forgiveness for the sins and failings of the Church and its members, among whom priests, and religious men and women who succumbed to hatred and violence, the Vatican said in a statement.
An official Rwandan statement repeated the governments long-standing accusation of Catholic complicity in the massacres.
Today, genocide denial and trivialisation continue to flourish in certain groups within the Church and genocide suspects have been shielded from justice within Catholic institutions, said a government statement.
Kagame, a Tutsi, led a rebel force to halt the slaughter in 1994 and accusations immediately surfaced that some priests and nuns had taken part in the killings.
Some of the ugliest massacres were committed in churches, missions and parishes where Tutsis who took shelter were hunted down by extremist Hutu militias.
A United Nations court in 2006 jailed a former Catholic priest for 15 years for ordering bulldozers to level a church, killing 2,000 people who were hiding inside.
Rwandan authorities have said other clergy implicated in the killings were allowed to start new lives in Europe and were protected by the Church.
A Rwandan military court sentenced a missing priest in absentia to life in prison on charges of rape and delivering Tutsi refugees from his church to militias who killed them.
Later arrested in France, where he was a popular priest in a rural parish, his case was eventually dropped and he was allowed to remain working at the parish. He has denied the charges.
The Catholic Church in Rwanda last year offered an apology, saying some of its members had fanned the ethnic hatred that led to the killings, but Kagame said at the time that he wanted the Pope himself to say sorry.
Why doesnt he apologise like he does with other cases where more minor crimes were committed by comparison with here?, he said, referring to sexual abuse cases where the pope has regularly apologised to victims and their families.
Francis said on Monday he hoped his humble recognition of the failings of that period, which, unfortunately, disfigured the face of the Church, may contribute to a purification of memory and may promote, in hope and renewed trust, a future of peace.
Rebels and jihadists launched a fresh assault on east Damascus on Tuesday, just two days before another round of UN-backed peace talks were set to get underway in Switzerland.
Clashes raged between regime forces on one side and opposition fighters and allied jihadists from the Fateh al-Sham Front, formerly Al-Qaedas branch in the war-ravaged country.
The renewed fighting in Damascus came two days after Syrian government forces repelled the largest rebel incursion into the capital in years.
An AFP journalist in east Damascus reported a large explosion at sunrise Tuesday followed by fierce clashes, shelling and government air strikes on opposition positions.
Rami Abdel Rahman, head of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said the blast was likely caused by a rebel car bomb attack on a regime position between Jobar and Qabun districts. Plumes of dark smoke could be seen rising from eastern neighbourhoods.
The official SANA news agency said 12 people were wounded in rebel shelling.
The Syrian army is facing attempts to advance by terrorist groups... north of Jobar and is surrounding them, it reported.
Rebels hold half of the eastern neighbourhood of Jobar, a few kilometres (miles) from the city centre, and are seeking to link it to the besieged northern district of Qabun.
Our windows and doors rattle with each bombardment, Damascus resident Lamis, 28, told AFP.
Im frightened that these armed groups will advance further and I hope they will be stopped soon.
Syrias air force responded to the renewed rebel assault with raids on their positions while opposition fighters shelled the Abbasid and Tijara neighbourhoods near Jobar, the Observatorys Abdel Rahman told AFP.
The Islamist Faylaq al-Rahman rebel group and the Fateh al-Sham Front -- known as Al-Nusra Front before it renounced its ties to Al-Qaeda -- have a presence in Jobar.
Faylaq al-Rahman announced the second stage of the battle for eastern areas of the capital, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
In the afternoon, Ahrar al-Sham -- an allied Islamist faction -- said its fighters had seized a textile factory between Qabun and Jobar.
In video footage posted online, Ahrar al-Sham fighters could be seen stomping on official portraits of President Bashar al-Assad inside the factory.
In addition to controlling half of Jobar and most of Qabun, rebels and their jihadist allies also hold positions in the Damascus districts of Tishreen and Barzeh in the north, as well as Tadamun in the south.
Tuesdays violence was the second wave of an assault that began at the weekend and saw rebels and allied jihadists initially score gains in Jobar, even briefly advancing into Abbasid Square -- two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Damascus Old City -- for the first time in two years.
But Assad loyalists drove them back by nightfall and unleashed fierce bombing, the Observatory said, before calm was restored on Monday afternoon in eastern Damascus where shops reopened and cars returned to the roads.
Clashes on Sunday and Monday killed at least 72 people, including 38 government force members and 34 rebels and jihadists, according to the Observatory.
We were relieved yesterday when the roads reopened but today we are trapped once again, said Ola, a resident of east Damascus.
Im stuck in my bedroom, the 22-year-old student told AFP.
Syrias conflict erupted in March 2011 with protests against Assads rule but has evolved over the years into a complex civil war.
More than 320,000 people have been killed and millions more have been displaced by the conflict.
Repeated peace talks over the years have failed to bring about a political solution, but another round of negotiations is due to begin in Geneva on Thursday.
A UN spokeswoman told reporters in the Swiss city that all invitees who had already attended talks in February had confirmed they would take part.
But UN special envoy Staffan de Misturas deputy, Ramzy Ezzeldin Ramzy, is expected to lead the fifth round.
De Mistura is set to meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday, according to Moscow.
Russia is a decades-long ally of the Damascus regime, but has worked with rebel backer Turkey in recent months to try to bring an end to the conflict.
Two paintings by Vincent van Gogh that were stolen in a smash-and-grab heist more than 14 years ago went back on display on Tuesday at the Amsterdam museum dedicated to the Dutch master.
Theyre back! said Van Gogh Museum director Axel Rueger, calling their return one of the most special days in the history of our museum.
The paintings, the 1882 View of the Sea at Scheveningen and 1884-85 work Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen were discovered last year by Italian police investigating suspected Italian mobsters for cocaine trafficking.
It wasnt an easy find. The two paintings were wrapped in cotton sheets, stuffed in a box and hidden behind a wall in a toilet, said General Gianluigi DAlfonso of the Italian financial police, who was on hand at the museum for the ceremonial unveiling.
The paintings were found in a farmhouse near Naples as Italian police seized 20 million euros worth of assets, including villas, apartments and even a small airplane. Investigators contend the assets are linked to two Camorra drug kingpins, Mario Cerrone and Raffaele Imperiale.
After years shrouded in darkness, they can now shine again, said Jet Bussemaker, the Dutch minister for education, culture and science said as an orange screen slid away to reveal the two paintings behind a glass wall.
The canvas View of the Sea at Scheveningen, one of the two recovered paintings. (Reuters)
One of the two men convicted of stealing the paintings told the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that said he originally wanted to steal Van Goghs world famous Sunflowers painting, but it was too well protected.
Another well-known Van Gogh work, The Potato Eaters, was too big to get through the hole that Octave Durham and his accomplice smashed in the security glass to get into the museum after clambering over a fence and using a ladder to get onto its roof.
Durham, who was sentenced to 3 1 /2 years in prison after being convicted in 2004, told De Telegraaf that the paintings were sold to the mafia after a Dutch criminal who had agreed to buy them was murdered.
Experts said they suffered remarkably little damage even as the thieves in 2002 ripped them out of their frames and fled.
It is not only a miracle that the works have been recovered but its even more miraculous almost that they are in relatively unharmed condition, Rueger said.
The museum director was on vacation when the call came last year from Italian authorities who believed they had recovered the paintings. He didnt celebrate right away; hed had calls like this before.
I was hopeful but also a little hesitant, because over the course of the years we had multiple occasions when people phoned us, contacted us, claiming that they knew something about the whereabouts of the works. And each time it was false, the trace went cold, he said. The way has been peppered with disappointment.
But museum experts dispatched to Italy to check the authenticity of the works quickly turned Ruegers doubts into delight.
The canvas Congregation Leaving The Reformed Church in Nuenen, one of the two recovered paintings. (Reuters)
It was something we had secretly been hoping for, for all those years, he said.
The two small works are not typical of Van Goghs later and better-known works, but are still vital pieces for the museums collection, Rueger said.
The Scheveningen seascape, with a fishing boat and rough sea under a typically gray, cloudy Dutch sky, is one of Van Goghs earliest works. It is the only painting in the museums collection painted during his time in The Hague. It suffered a missing rectangular chip from the bottom left-hand corner.
The painting of the church in Nuenen portrayed the village where his parents lived.
He had painted as a gift to his mother, so its a very personal and emotional connection, Rueger said.
Rueger said the paintings are now back for good at a museum, which is home to dozens of works by Van Gogh, whose paintings fetch millions of dollars on the rare occasions they come up for auction.
The security, I can assure you, is of Triple-A quality now. So Im very confident that everything is safe in the museum, he said.
Taiwan will build its own submarines, President Tsai Ing-wen pledged on Tuesday, as the self-ruled island looks to fresh arms sales by the United States, accompanied by key submarine technology, to counter a growing military threat from China.
China has never renounced the use of force to take back what it deems a wayward province, and Taiwans defence ministry says China has more than 1,000 missiles directed at the island.
Strengthening underwater combat capabilities is most needed in Taiwans defence, Tsai said during a tour of a submarine at the southern naval port of Zuoying, about 350 kilometers (218 miles) from the capital, Taipei.
This is a problem everyone recognizes, she added. We have been unable to solve this in the past. As commander of the armed forces, I am determined to solve this problem.
But the rare appearance of two of Taiwans four submarines at the event also spotlighted the islands slow, sometimes stalled efforts, to upgrade key defence equipment.
The black-hulled vessel half-submerged in the water that Tsai visited has been in service for nearly half a century.
Making a submarine isnt the problem, said Gao Chung-hsing, vice-president of the National Chung-shan Institute of Technology, a quasi-defence ministry agency reponsible for military research and development.
It is making what kind of submarine that is the problem.
To build an advanced submarine, for instance, Taiwan, which has never before built such a craft, will have to rely on foreign technology to resolve issues such as integrating the hardware with various electronic systems, defence experts say.
Taiwanese navy personnel stands guard on board the Panshi fast combat support ship for inspection at a navy base in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. (Reuters Photo)
Such foreign support is critical to Taiwans effort, which was allocated a four-year budget of T$3 billion ($99 million) for its design contract phase from 2016, Taiwan defence officials and experts say.
Two submarines in Taiwans fleet date from the era of World War Two, were bought from the United States, and are used mainly for training, while the other two, bought from the Netherlands in the 1980s, first saw service in the 1970s.
Although the United States agreed to sell Taiwan eight diesel electric submarines in 2001, the purchase never went through, beset by hurdles ranging from budget issues and lack of consensus in Taiwan to changing US policy priorities.
Washington has begun considering a big, new arms package for Taiwan, a move sure to anger China.
This week, officials in Taiwan fretted that a planned summit meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping could sacrifice Taiwans interests.
Tsai, who leads the independence-leaning ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), has never conceded to Beijings view that Taiwan is a part of China, although she has soft-pedalled the issue since taking office in May last year.
In December, Taiwan briefly celebrated a diplomatic coup when Trump, then president-elect, took a congratulatory phone call from Tsai and raised questions about whether he would stick with the four-decade-old one China policy.
Trump changed tack last month, however, and agreed to honour the one China policy during a phone call with Xi, reviving the islands concerns about its vulnerability.
If there was no threat across the Taiwan Strait, then we do not have to purchase arms, defence minister Feng Shih-kuan told Taiwans Parliament on Monday.
A suicide car bomb targeted a checkpoint in Afghanistans southern Helmand province, killing at least six members of an intelligence unit, an Afghan official said Tuesday.
Hayatullah Hayat, the governor of the province, said seven other members of the service were wounded in the attack, which took place late on Monday near the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. The Taliban claimed the attack.
The Taliban have stepped up attacks across Afghanistan since the US and NATO formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, leaving a smaller contingent of troops behind to focus on training and counterterrorism. The insurgents have repeatedly attacked Lashkar Gah.
In the eastern Wardak province, meanwhile, three Afghan soldiers were killed when their vehicle struck a roadside bomb.
Abdul Rahman Mangal, spokesman for the provincial governor, said the blast on Monday was followed by a firefight with the Taliban in which five insurgents were killed.
A German court convicted three 17-year-olds on Tuesday for participating last year in a bomb attack on a Sikh temple that was motivated by hatred of other religions. They were given prison sentences ranging between six and seven years.
The boys had been radicalised for some time before the April 16 attack in the western city of Essen and had been in contact with ultra-conservative Muslims known as Salafists, the Essen state court said.
But the three-month trial turned up no evidence that they had any immediate contact with the Islamic State group, the court said in a statement.
Two of the defendants -- identified only as T and B -- were convicted of attempted murder and bodily harm. The court found that they placed a home-made bomb -- a fire extinguisher filled with explosives -- outside an entrance the temple.
A cleric suffered a broken foot and several other people suffered cuts. The temples door was destroyed and window frames ripped out.
T, who set off the explosion, was sentenced to 7 years in prison, while B was sentenced to six years and nine months. The court said that the youths, who fled the scene, had bought the ingredients for the explosives and the detonator online.
The third defendant -- identified only as I -- wasnt at the scene of the bombing or involved in making the bomb. However, the court found that he had agreed with the other two to carry out an attack and had suggested the Sikh temple as a possible target.
He was convicted of conspiracy to murder and given a six-year sentence.
The boys were tried as juveniles in a trial from which the media and public were excluded. All three lived in or near Essen.
The court said that T and B largely admitted during the trial to their involvement in the explosion and to having being radicalised, but said they hadnt intended to kill anyone. The third defendant, I, denied involvement.
US secretary of state Rex Tillerson plans to skip a meeting with NATO foreign ministers next month in order to stay home for a visit by Chinas president and will go to Russia later in April, US officials said on Monday, disclosing an itinerary that allies may see as giving Moscow priority over them.
Tillerson intends to miss what would have been his first meeting of the 28 NATO allies in Brussels on April 5-6 so that he can attend President Donald Trumps expected April 6-7 talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, four current and former US officials said.
Skipping the NATO meeting and visiting Moscow could risk feeding a perception that Trump may be putting US dealings with big powers first, while leaving waiting those smaller nations that depend on Washington for security, two former US officials said.
Trump has often praised Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Tillerson worked with Russias government for years as a top executive at Exxon Mobil Corp, and has questioned the wisdom of sanctions against Russia that he said could harm US businesses.
A state department spokeswoman said Tillerson would meet on Wednesday with foreign ministers from 26 of the 27 other NATO countries all but Croatia at a gathering of the coalition working to defeat the Islamic State group.
NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg was due to have arrived in Washington on Monday for a three-day visit that was to include talks with US defence secretary James Mattis and to take part in the counter-Islamic State meetings.
The state department spokeswoman said Tillerson would not have a separate, NATO-focused meeting with the 26 foreign ministers in Washington but rather that they would meet in the counter-Islamic State talks.
After these consultations and meetings, in April he will travel to a meeting of the G7 in Italy and then on to meetings in Russia, she added, saying undersecretary of state for political affairs Tom Shannon would represent the US at the NATO foreign ministers meeting.
Grave error
Representative Eliot Engel, the senior Democrat on the US House of Representatives foreign affairs committee, said Tillerson was making a mistake by skipping the Brussels talks.
Donald Trumps administration is making a grave error that will shake the confidence of Americas most important alliance and feed the concern that this administration simply too cozy with (Russian President) Vladimir Putin, Engel said in a written statement.
I cannot fathom why the administration would pursue this course except to signal a change in American foreign policy that draws our country away from western democracys most important institutions and aligns the United States more closely with the autocratic regime in the Kremlin, he added.
A former US official echoed the view.
It feeds this narrative that somehow the Trump administration is playing footsie with Russia, said the former US official on condition of anonymity.
You dont want to do your early business with the worlds great autocrats. You want to start with the great democracies, and NATO is the security instrument of the transatlantic group of great democracies, he added.
Any Russian visit by a senior Trump administration official may be carefully scrutinised after the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on Monday publicly confirmed his agency was investigating any collusion between the Russian government and Trumps 2016 presidential election campaign.
Trump has already worried NATO allies by referring to the Western security alliance as obsolete and by pressing other members to meet their commitments to spend at least 2% of gross domestic product on defense.
Last week, he dismayed British officials by shrugging off a media report, forcefully denied by Britain, that the administration of former President Barack Obama tapped his phones during the 2016 White House race with the aid of Britains GCHQ spy agency.
A former US official and a former NATO diplomat, both speaking on condition of anonymity, said the alliance offered to change the meeting dates so Tillerson could attend it and the Xi Jinping talks but the state department had rebuffed the idea.
The former diplomat said it was vital to present a united front toward Moscow. The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation was created in 1949 to serve as a bulwark against the Soviet Union.
Given the challenge that Russia poses, not just to the United States but to Europe, its critical to engage on the basis of a united front if at all possible, the diplomat said.
President Donald Trumps daughter, Ivanka Trump, is getting an office in the White House West Wing, stepping up her highly visible role in helping advise her father.
A White House official on Monday confirmed reports that Trumps 35-year-old daughter would be getting her own West Wing space, as well as access to classified information and a government-issued phone.
She is not expected to have an official title and will not be paid a salary.
Ivanka Trump will be joining her husband, Jared Kushner, who is a chief adviser to the president and is a regular presence at his father-in-laws side.
When Kushners job was announced earlier this year, aides said Ivanka would not take on a role in her fathers White House but would focus on settling her family in Washington.
Since then, she has been a frequent behind-the-scenes adviser. Last Friday, she sat next to visiting German Chancellor Angela Merkel when Merkel visited the White House.
President Donald Trump is expected to appoint Amul Thapar, an Indian American district judge in the US state of Kentucky, as a judge on court of appeals for the sixth circuit, a high court.
If confirmed, Thapar will be the second Indian American on a circuit court of appeal, joining Sri Srinivasan, who is a judge on the DC circuit court; nominated by President Barack Obama.
Thapar was also on Trumps list of candidates for a vacancy on the Supreme Court, for which he eventually picked Neil Gorsuch, who is now going through his confirmation process.
Thapar, 47, was born in Detroit to immigrants from India, Raj Thapar and Veena Bhalla.
He went to college in Boston, and studied law at University of California, Berkeley.
Thapar was appointed to the district court for the eastern district of Kentucky in 2008 by former President George W Bush. He had earlier served as US attorney for the eastern district of Kentucky, and assistant US Attorney in the southern district of Ohio and Washington DC.
I applaud the President for announcing his intent to nominate my friend, Judge Amul Thapar, to serve on the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, said Senator Mitch McConnell, majority leader in US senate, in a statement on Monday.
Throughout his already impressive career of public service, Amul has shown an incredible intellect and an unshakable dedication to the law.
The South Asian Bar Associations Vichal Kumar welcomed the expected announcement, saying in a statement, Judge Thapar is a respected and thoughtful jurist who has long served as role model for the South Asian and greater legal community.
The United States expects China to persuade its ally North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programmes, the White House has said, warning that the policy of strategic patience is over.
We expect China to increase its role in persuading North Korea to move away from nuclear weapon and ballistic missile development and toward steps to create a better future for the North Korean people, Press Secretary Sean Spicer told reporters.
The statement comes a day after President Donald Trump said that North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was acting very, very badly, after Pyongyang conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine on Saturday. The Korean Central News Agency called the test a great event of historic significance for North Koreas indigenous rocket industry.
Trumps remarks came as Secretary Rex Tillerson concluded his three-nation trip to Japan, South Korea and China, wherein North Koreas provocative actions dominated his discussions.
Tillerson on Monday briefed Trump on his visit.
This trip set the stage for future leader-level engagement between the US and China, Spicer said.
I think he sent a very clear signal that our policy of strategic patience is over. The President and the Secretary of State have an expectation that China employed multiple points of pressure on North Korea, Spicer said.
We know that, we dont agree 100 per cent of the time with China, but as the State Department noted yesterday, both President Xi (Jinping) and Secretary Tillerson agreed that there are opportunities for greater cooperation between China and the US, and acknowledged that there are and will be in the future differences between the two countries, he said.
Tillersons trip helped set them down that path.
The follow-on meetings that the leaders intend to have will be helpful in that vein, Spicer said.
The State Department, meanwhile, said Tillerson talked about the challenges of North Korea during his China visit.
That was, frankly, a theme throughout his trip and how do we address it going forward; how do we address this threat going forward, State Department acting spokesman Mark Toner told reporters.
Toner also said that the US is not backing away from its concerns about human rights in China. With respect to other aspects of the relationship, were not walking away from our concerns about human rights, personal freedoms within China.
I think (Tillerson) also said during the trip that human rights is part and parcel in all of our conversations and in all of our discussions of the issues with respect to China, but with respect to other countries as well, Toner said. PTI LKJ ABH
US President Donald Trump has questioned the decision of his predecessors to first send the American troops to Iraq and then withdraw them, while assuring support to the war torn country to maintain stability.
I know Mosul is moving along, but Mosul was ours until we left, Trump told reporters during a brief media appearance with the visiting Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abidi in the Cabinet room of the White House.
So perhaps we shouldnt have gone in, and certainly we shouldnt have left. We should never ever have left, and the vacuum was created, and we discussed what happened, Trump said after the two leaders met in the Oval office.
Trump said his main thrust is to get rid of ISIS.
Were going to get rid of ISIS. It will happen. Its happening right now, he said.
The US Defense Secretary General (retd) James Mattis and his team have done an incredible job, he said.
A lot of things are different than they were even five or six weeks ago. Weve been here a short while and people have said theyd never seen such a difference, Trump said.
In his remarks, al-Abidi said ISIS is a terrorist organisation which threatens the security of the world.
Speaking in Arabic, the Iraqi Prime Minister emphasised the fact that Iraq is on the forefront of fighting ISIS.
The Iraqi Prime Minister said he wants to build on the Strategic agreement Iraq signed with the US.
The Prime Minister and his delegation are spending few days in Washington, during which he is expected to meet with congressional leaders on the hill.
Meanwhile US Senators Bob Corker and Ben Cardin, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, led a bipartisan letter to Trump urging continued US support to foster unity and stability in Iraq.
The letter was supported by more than a dozen other Senators.
We urge you to continue working with Iraqs leaders to preserve their countrys unity and ensure its stability.
This requires a plan for decentralising some functions of the government, disbanding Iranian-aligned militias, addressing the humanitarian needs of Iraqs community, and committing to a program of reconciliation, the letter said.
Could battered rebels escape a Yankee trap at Nashville?
Private Matthew Raspberry of the 15th Mississippi slumped forward against the stone wall. Then another soldier sprawled face down, and Lt. Col. James Binford realized his troops were being shot in the back. The Federals had broken through the Confederate line, putting the Mississippians in a crossfire. Men in gray were running for their lives in a complete rout.
What no one on the field could know was that the chaos was setting up one of the wars most heroic rescues. Many Confederates would owe their lives to a duty-bound, level-headed lawyer with no military training.
IT WAS THE SECOND DAY OF THE BATTLE of NashvilleDecember 16, 1864and for about a month, things had been going badly for Lt. Gen. John Bell Hoods Army of Tennessee. At Spring Hill on November 29, they had had a chance to block troops in Maj. Gen. John M. Schofields Army of the Ohio and keep them from reaching George Thomas Army of the Cumberland in Nashville. But Hood and his staff made a series of blunders that allowed the Yankees to pass quietly by during the night. Then Hood sent his men into the Battle of Franklin on the 30th, marching across a broad cornfield, directly into the guns of dug-in Union infantry and artillery. Nearly 7,000 Confederates were killed, wounded or captured, with six generals killed or mortally wounded. And theres no way to measure the demoralizing effect on the survivors when they looked out on the bodies of their friends piled up where they met the Union line, painting the whole field in gray.
Then the tattered army advanced 30 miles to the Yankee stronghold of Nashville and dug into forward positions. But after sitting through an ice storm, many of them without shoes, tents or blankets, they had to give up their entire line to an overwhelming Union attack.
The next day dawned on a new Confederate line two miles farther south, anchored by Peach Orchard Hill (which Union reports called Overton Hill) on the right, and steep Comptons Hill on the left, 300 yards west of Granny White Pike. Maj. Gen. Benjamin Cheatham, a Tennessean, commanded the left, with a thin, broken line that continued south around two more hills. The Confederates weakened state showed in Claudius W. Sears Brigade, which was down to 150 men. Yankees had captured five artillery batteries the previous day. And Hood had sent his best cavalry officer, the dauntless Nathan Bedford Forrest, some 40 miles away to Murfreesboro on a meaningless mission to attack the Federals there. From Comptons Hill, Maj. Gen. William B. Bate asked repeatedly for reinforcements, but there were none for Hood to send. The Confederates controlled only one road into the city, Franklin Pike, and their line, about three miles long, was too much for the battered army to hold.
Col. William M. Shys depleted 20th Tennessee looked out from the top of the hill on a Union force so great that they couldnt see either end of the blue line. The Federal artillery barrage was fierce, starting in the morning and coming from several directions, with Union shells passing in the air as they slammed into Shys position. About 4 p.m., the Federals charged the hill, swarmed over the top, and killed or captured all but about 65 of the defenders. The brave young colonel was killed, and the place would come to be known as Shys Hill.
Bates Division broke and ran east toward Franklin Pike, and suddenly the Yankees were within the Rebel lines. In the middle, Lt. Gen. Alexander P. Stewarts Corps fought gallantly behind a stone wall (actually a series of dry-stacked stone farm fences). Binfords 15th Mississippi was there, with its left on Granny White Pike. On his left was Maj. Gen. Edward Cary Walthall, who followed Bate, peeling back from Comp tons Hill and running headlong about 75 yards behind Bin ford. Binfords troops saw the rout and looked to their leader to see if they should run too. But Binford had no orders to retreat, and inspired his men to stand fast. Just then, Union infantry attacked Binfords front in three lines. The Mississippians fought furiously, and left only about 50 Yankees alive and running to the rear. The Rebels brought in their fallen regimental flag, and Binford jumped up on the stone wall to cheer the victory. Thats when he saw Raspberry fall toward the very wall they had just defended. The Federals pursuing Walthall across the field behind Binfords men had apparently stopped to shoot them in the back. Members of the 15th Mississippi had no choice but to bolt as fast as they could for Franklin Pike, with Binford admitting later in his personal journal that he set a blistering pace for them. The Yankees were moving parallel to the 15th, so they faced left and cut into their line, capturing all but 52. Binford was one of the lucky ones who got away.
Binfords experience was repeated down the line, and the Rebel center crumbled. Then the right, on Peach Orchard Hill, gave way, forcing a retreat down Franklin Pike.
THE NASHVILLE TERRAIN DEFINED the battle in two ways. First, the field was almost devoid of trees, even on the hillsides. Some of it was cultivated, and the rest had been stripped of timber for the Yankee fortifications and firewood. Men could see exactly what was happening, where both sides were positioned, and how they were moving and fighting. In front we had an open view of several hundred yards, Binford said. That was helpful to commanders, but when the Confederate line broke, everyone could see the panic, and the terror fed on itself.
The field was also broken by rolling hills and gulleys, making it almost impossible for troops to move in formation. As a result, once the rout started, there was little order on either side. Southerners ran, skirting the hills, clamoring up and down the uneven ground, and Northerners pursued them wherever they could find them. Further, the field had thawed from the ice storm, leaving mud that bogged down men, horses and artillery. Confusion reigned. Darkness was falling, and men ran in every direction, all flowing generally south and east, with no formation and no leadership.
With the Confederate right retreating and their middle dissolving, Cheatham was stranded on the extreme left. Union troops pressing south were cutting him off from Franklin Pike and the main body. To the south was a wall of steep slopes, the Brentwood Hills. And in his front was Maj. Gen. James H. Wilson, commanding a dismounted Union cavalry of some 10,000 men, most of them armed with Sharps and Spencer repeating rifles.
Fortunately for the Confederates, Brig. Gen. Mathew Ectors Brigade, at that point under Col. Daniel Coleman, had been pulled off Shys Hill about 1:15 p.m. and repositioned to extend the left flank at Granny White Pike. Wilsons cavalry had been pushing all day, and Cheatham kept extending his line until it curved back like a fishhook. Ectors Brigade went into a key position, with its left against the Brentwood Hills, and there prevented Wilson from turning the fishhook any more. And yet, after the fall of Shys Hill, the brigade found it couldnt hold out for long. A loss for the Rebels was at hand, with death or capture imminent.
One deployment conducted in the middle of the afternoon would make a crucial difference for the Confederates, however. It involved Brig. Gen. Daniel Harris Reynolds and his Arkansas infantry regiments.
REYNOLDS WAS AN ARKANSAS lawyer who raised a company of cavalry, The Chicot Rangers, at the outbreak of the war. But after early action at the battles of Wilsons Creek and Pea Ridge, his cavalry had been dismounted. At Nashville, Reynolds was commanding the 1st and 2nd Arkansas Mounted Rifles, along with the 4th, 9th and 25th Arkansas infantry, and they began the morning of the second day in line between Comptons Hill and Granny White Pike.
But just after 3 p.m., Reynolds troops were pulled out, with vague orders to be in reserve to support Ectors Brigade. They crossed Granny White Pike and stopped 300 yards east, on a little hill, where Reynolds had a great view. For a few minutes, he was a man without a fight, awaiting specific orders. Then Bates Division broke and ran. The whole line, Reynolds later wrote, became one fleeing mass of men, and the enemy pressing in hot pursuit.
Reynolds saw that he had to preserve the only escape for the Confederate left, a country lane through a narrow gap in the Brentwood Hills. Yankees coming down from the stone wall also knew it was there, and pressed toward it. Reynolds didnt need any orders; he quickly formed his men in the grassy field in front of him, threw up some fence rails as cover, and pushed back the enemy advance. That gave time for Cheathams men flooding back from the line around the hills to get through the gap.
Then the intrepid Reynolds pulled back, forming his courageous 1st regiment at the mouth of the gap, and his 2nd at the south end. The fighting was intense, but its also likely they were up against a conglomeration of soldiers from various units who might have been without officers to spur them on. So in the narrow pass, the 1st was able to hold off the Yankees for about 30 minutes.
The pass inclined for a quarter-mile, then fell a quarter-mile into cultivated fields bordered by a creek beyond the hills. There Cheatham hurriedly restored some measure of order, then moved out along a country road that followed the creek generally east toward Franklin Pike, where he would find the main body. Reynolds was left alone in the little valley.
The 1st was still skirmishing its way out of the gap when a small detachment of Union soldiers circled around about 11/2 miles on Granny White Pike and came into the valley, using the same road Reynolds was on. So he formed another skirmish line on a slope, and again held the enemy off long enough for the 1st to join them.
It was a textbook fighting withdrawal. Each side repeatedly called to the other to surrender. And every time the Yankees got within range, the Arkansans would deliver a rain of bullets that forced them to stop. Reynolds left his 2nd as a rear guard and moved a half-mile. Then he left the 9th and moved another half-mile. Finally, darkness put some distance between the two armies.
ONE OF THE DIFFICULTIES IN UNRAVELING THE retreat from the Battle of Nashville is that there were few written reports, even by Union officers. They were burdened with more than 4,500 prisoners, and the reports they did manage to file dwelled on claiming credit for capturing cannons and men.
Both armies were on the move, with hundreds more Rebel prisoners being taken during the pursuit. But the greatest reason for the lack of written details is that there were so many men in so many places, fighting in small groups, and often without officers. Nobody came away with a clear, overarching view of what happened that night. And thus one of the wars most heroic acts, Reynolds defense of the gap, went unrecognized.
The exact route Reynolds command took out of the bottomland remains a mystery, but he kept leading them south by southeast. They were given up as captured, but by 1 a.m., Reynolds and his men joined the rest of Hoods wretched army in Franklin.
The exact number of Confederates Reynolds saved from Yankee guns and prisons is also unknown. Some estimates say there were 5,000 men on the Confederate left when the day began. Since the first men to flee from Comptons Hill and the stone wall were the only ones with a chance of getting to Franklin Pike, its reasonable to say that some 3,000 men may have escaped through the little gap in the Brentwood Hills. Without decisive and disciplined action by Reynolds and his Arkansans, the war would have ended that day for many of them.
While others ran, Reynolds Arkansas infantry kept their formation. Thousands panicked, but they kept fighting. Other commanders were dazed, but Reynolds kept a cool head. It has taught us never to despair under any circumstances, he recalled.
Joe Johnston, author of The Mack Marsden Murder Mystery, is a writer, songwriter and artist in Nashville.
Originally published in the January 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
The reluctant general from Rhode Island nearly ruined the Army of the Potomac.
Weary of giving insubordinate George McClellan chances to prove his worth, Abraham Lincoln replaced him with Ambrose Burnside as commander of the Army of the Potomac in November 1862. But the dynamics between the citizen-soldiers who made up the bulk of the army and their leadersoften an uneven lot from the company level all the way to the general ranksalso had a huge bearing on the armys effectiveness. So did its infrastructure, including the animals and wagons that made up its transportation system. After a dismal loss at Fredericksburg, the army teetered on the brink of ruin.
Dissatisfaction swept over the Army of the Potomac like a midwinter blizzard. Morale plummeted. Men grew bitter. Hope froze.
The chill was far worse than anything Rufus Dawes had seen back in Wisconsin, and it was only late December. The 24-year-old major of the 6th Wisconsin Infantry, born on the Fourth of July in 1838, had watched conditions worsen ever since the debacle in Fredericksburg earlier in the month. Major General Ambrose E. Burnside had led the army to its most lopsided defeat of the war thus far, and the ill winds began blustering shortly thereafter. The squall hit furiously, almost as soon as the army retreated across the Rappahannock River into Stafford County.
The army seems to be overburdened with second rate men in high positions, from General Burnside down, Dawes complained. Common place and whisky are too much in power for the most hopeful future. This winter is, indeed, the Valley Forge of the war.
Dawes, whose great-grandfather rode with Paul Revere on the famous midnight ride in 1775, wasnt the only Union soldier to allude to the Revolution. As something of the spirit of 76 still continues to course through your veins, and as the heroic deeds of our ancestors still bring tinges of patriotic pride to your cheeks, whenever recounted, I will beg the liberty of giving you a short chapter clipped from this present age, wrote Nathaniel Weede Brown of the 133rd Pennsylvania Infantry in a letter from Camp near Fredericksburg. As a so-called War Democrat, Brown struggled with conflicted feelings. This rebellion, he wrote, concocted in iniquity and carried on for no other purpose than for the abolition of slavery and the aggrandizement of partisan spite, has cancelled the lives of thousands, destroyed property to the amount of millions. To Brown, the butchery and pillage had just begun. He praised his comrades bravery in fighting in a doubtful causefor no one can tell what we are really fighting for.
President Abraham Lincoln did what he could to bolster the armys flagging spirits, but his praise seemed faint. [T]he attempt was not an error, nor the failure other than an accident, he said, congratulating the men on their bravery and expressing gratitude over the comparatively small number of casualties.
Ironically, on a December 18 nearly 85 years earlier, Congress had offered praise to another bedraggled American army, calling for a national day of Thanksgiving. General George Washington, leading his ragamuffin band into Valley Forge, paused the armys march in recognition of the honor.
Now, in late 1862, the Army of the Potomac headed into its own Valley Forge, although the men who settled into their winter camps had no way to know it. It didnt take long, though, for it to become a winter of discontent. Army morale plummeted precipitously in the days and weeks after Fredericksburg. Not even Christmas brightened spirits. We are suffering very much with cold and hunger, wrote Lt. Albert P. Morrow of the 6th Pennsylvania Cavalry (known as Rushs Lancers) on December 25. The roads are in such wretched condition that we cant transport supplies and we cant buy a single article in this miserable poverty-stricken country.
All across the North, things looked just as bleak, albeit for different reasons. [The American people] have borne, silently and grimly, imbecility, treachery, failure, privation, the loss of friends and means, almost every suffering which can afflict a brave people, wrote the venerable Harpers Weekly. But they cannot be expected to suffer that such massacres as this at Fredericksburg shall be repeated. Indeed, though, unseemly as it appeared, the Union was apparently losing.
In fact the day that McClellan was removed from the command of this Army the death blow of our existence as the finest army that the World ever saw was struck, wrote Maj. Peter Keenan of the 8th Pennsylvania Cavalry. What was once, under that great leader, the Grand Army of the Potomac is today little better that a demoralized and disorganized mass of men.
The army hemorrhaged more than 200 deserters a day, sapping its strength and will. By months end, the first 2,000 of at least 25,000 deserters faded from the front. With Washington access tightly sealed at the Potomac River, most made it only as far as Alexandria, where they huddled around campfires with fellow skedaddlers. Burnside began the unpleasant but necessary process of rounding them up. On December 24, he issued General Orders No. 192. In order to facilitate the return to duty of officers and men detained at the camp of convalescents, stragglers, &c., near Alexandria, Burnside ordered an assistant provost marshal general to repair to Alexandria and take charge of all such officers and men in the various camps of that vicinity as are reported for duty in the field. Each corps sent an officer and armed troops to round up stragglers and ship them to Aquia Landing, where the returnees were systematically reclothed, reequipped and rearmed. Pointedly, Burnside used Regular Army troops to police up volunteer deserters and stragglers.
Although Burnsides provost marshal force and infantry and cavalry patrols arrested men lacking passes, substantial numbers slipped through. The main desertion path flowed through Aquia-Dumfries-Occoquan. Soldiers walked or caught rides with sutlers, civilians or fellow soldiers; some brazenly stole wagons. In a common ruse, deserters posed as telegraph repair work details.
The wounded had a far easier desertion route through the numerous Washington general hospitals. Once sufficiently recovered, an injured soldierfrequently aided unwittingly by goodhearted U.S. Sanitary or Christian Commission workers or citizenseasily escaped. For the nonwounded, desertion from the armys sector was best achieved by crossing the Potomac River into southern Maryland. Boats hired by deserters were almost certainly operated by men engaged in covert activities. The Confederate Signal Corps and Secret Services Secret Line operated throughout the war with impunity from Aquia and Potomac Creeks in Stafford all the way up to Maryland. Rebel boatmen were happy to row as many Yankee deserters across the river as possible, probably demanding substantial fees.
Compounding Union problems, Confederate Maj. Gen. Jeb Stuart, famed for his June and October 1862 cavalry raids around George McClellans army, launched a large-scale raid to Dumfries and Fairfax Station on December 27-29, 1862. While of little direct threat to the Union defenses, this revealed the federal cavalrys continued haplessness. Stuarts ability to ride through and around his opponents at will frustrated top Union commanders. It also exposed the vulnerability of Aquia Landing, the main federal logistics center.
By December 30, the Union Armys Quartermaster General, Montgomery C. Meigs, had seen enoughand he wrote to Burnside to say so. In my position as Quartermaster-General much is seen that is seen from no other stand-point of the Army, wrote Meigs, who was bureaucratic, patriotic, strategically sound and naive all at once. I venture to say a few words to you which neither the newspapers nor, I fear, anybody in your army is likely to utter. Meigs warned the treasury was rapidly being depleted, although prices, currency and credit remained intact. He sensibly worried about horse feed prices: Hay and oats, two essentials for an army, have risen, but it was difficult to find men willing to undertake their delivery and the prices are higher than ever before. Meigs feared supplies would fail. Should this happen, he noted, your army would be obliged to retire, and the animals would be dispersed in search of food. After repeating his warning that the wars cost was leading to fiscal disaster, Meigs then turned to strategy. General Halleck tells me that you believe your numbers are greater than the enemys, and yet the army waits! he wrote. Upon the commander, to whom all the glory of success will attach, must rest the responsibility of deciding the plan of campaign.
Meigs finally arrived as his main point: Every day weakens your army, he wrote; every good day lost is a golden opportunity in the career of our countrylost forever. Exhaustion steals over the country. Confidence and hope are dying.
That the Army of the Potomac could be so weakened spoke volumes about the spiritual gangrene that infected it. An entire army struck with melancholia, was how one officer with the 140th New York Infantry described it. Enthusiasm all evaporatedthe Army of the Potomac never sings, never shouts, and I wish I could say, never swears.
The Federals had been significantly bruised and undoubtedly humiliated by their loss at Fredericksburg in December, where the 135,000-man army suffered 12,353 casualties1,180 killed, 9,028 wounded and 2,145 missing.
Even after some 25,000 men had left the ranks without permission to do so, about 97,647 after-battle effectives remained. And by the end of January 1863, army returns showed 147,144 combat-ready troops. Such a number suggests the army was able to replace and regenerate sufficient combat power, drawing on both troops manning the Washington defenses and new recruits from the various Northern states. It also suggests that personnel accountings may have been padded, confused or concealed. At any rate, there were sufficient men on hand for an army of quantityespecially since that army only had to engage an enemy roughly half its size.
Questions lingered over whether the army of quantity was also an army of quality. Two years of war had whittled most regiments down to an average of about 400 men each instead of their original 1,000. Many individual companies reported only 25-30 effectives. Units like the 110th Pennsylvania had so few effectives in early January 1863 that it consolidated its companies from eight to four. However, most of the armys regiments had fought in at least five major battles, so the survivors had substantial combat experience.
The army was also well-armed. Fully 74 percent of its riflemen carried elite rifles: the .58-caliber Springfield Model 1861 Rifle Muskets [46 percent]; the .577/.58-caliber Enfield Rifle Muskets [25 percent]; or something comparable [3 percent]. However, when cumulative losses necessitated the redistribution of soldiers within a regimentsuch as the 110th Pennsylvania, mentioned earlierit frequently led to bizarre weapon combinations, since the soldiers typically kept their original weapons. Such hodgepodges were an ordnance sergeants nightmare. Company A of the 46th New York Infantry, for example, had eight different weapons with six different calibers.
Along with their individual armaments, soldiers had the backing of a strong technical specialist infrastructure: administration, ordnance, quartermaster and commissary, signal and railroad. The army was also backed by the Norths extensive technological, economic, transportation and industrial superiority.
But crowing about the Unions materiel superiority as the end-all is woefully simplistic, just as its equally simplistic to categorically dismiss the quantity and quality of Southern troops weapons, equipment and clothing. Congress after antebellum Congress had chronically ignored military preparedness, creating institutionalized organization and mobilization issues. It wasnt that the United States was unprepared for the Civil War; it was unprepared for any war.
Historian Fred A. Shannon, writing in the 1920s, suggested that poor food and supply practices made military life unnecessarily difficult. Shannon emphasized a shortage of supply, poor methods of distribution, inferior materials and workmanship, and [the soldiers] own improvidencethe latter being largely the result of poor army organization and worse discipline. Poor leadership and administration resulted in excessive desertions. Pervasive sickness, aided by indifferent camp sanitation and hygiene, brought unnecessary deaths. It took half the waruntil roughly the period of this study for supplies to reach acceptable levels, although the quality of those supplies never fully made muster. Shoes, overcoats, uniforms and other equipment were all deficient in quality, and soldiers suffered.
By the end of 1862, these deficiencies had become readily apparent, and that is why Meigs had much to fret about. Combat readiness, unit cohesiveness, the effectiveness of equipment, the uniformity of armaments and ammunition, the condition of the armys horses and mules, and the efficiency of its wagon train were all lacking. In my position as Quartermaster-General much is seen that is seen from no other stand-point of the Army, he had written.
Ninety-six years later, writing with the benefit of hindsight, the faculty of the U.S. Military Academy saw many of the same things. The faculty examined the armys general military effectiveness at the end of Burnsides tenure which would last less than a month after Meigs wrote to the congenial but befuddled commander. In an understated, professional and telling historical judgment, the faculty wrote: When Hooker had relieved Burnside after the disastrous Fredericksburg campaign, he found the Army of the Potomac in a low state of morale. Desertion was increasing, and the armys own interior administrationnever too goodhad deteriorated.
The military-bureaucratic term interior administration conceals a world of sin. The army was as political a beast as anything in Washington, and the intrigue, subterfuge and bickering that went on was at least as serious a threat to its survival as the Army of Northern Virginia. Poisonous and unproductive internal relations at every level of the army damned and delayed its progress as an effective field force.
Perhaps most significant, the Army of the Potomacs interior administration was demonstrably inferior to that in Robert E. Lees army, where mission-type orders, civil social discourse, personal interaction, common purpose and trust, and comradely feelings were pervasive. The Army of the Potomac, at the beginning of January 1863, had a long way to go to achieve a level of basic military teamwork and cooperation remotely worthy of the terms.
Official records, especially correspondence between generals and officers of this period, shed necessary light on the problem. Seemingly, no commander could issue an order to a subordinate without including a snide or sarcastic comment or a vacuous tutorial on performing the simplest task. Phrases like send a good brigade or have it commanded by an energetic officer belied a force in which insecurity shadowed and distrust permeated every command. Similarly, officers could not share problems with their superiors without being legitimately concerned about rebuff or ridicule.
Analogous problems existed in the armys external relations with Washington authorities. The political atmosphere of the capital clouded the text of even the simplest written orders. Commanders felt they were second-guessed or judged by higher authorities, politicians or inquiry boards. The armys officer corps, infected with demonstrable careerists, political hobgoblins, opportunists and dysfunctional (or perceived) factions, could never presume loyalty from any quarter, above or below.
Fortunately, men of merit and conviction negotiated these obstacles and rose to more responsible positions. They just needed time. In fact, that was the one thing this entire army required: more time.
On January 25, 1863, Maj. Gen. Joseph Fighting Joe Hooker was elevated to command of the Army of the Potomac, replacing the hapless Burnside. His administration was a blunder, and worse than a blunder, Hooker said of his predecessor, for not less than one third of his Army had disappeared from the field, and those that remained were conspiring to destroy the patriotism and devotion of those that remained. The rock-bottom morale and poor conditions needed but a few weeks more to finish the Army of the Potomac, Hooker contended. Its end was close at hand.
For once, Hookerwho was quite prone to blusterwas not exaggerating. It was in view of those difficulties, that I trembled at the task before me, in entering upon so important a command, he admitted.
Adapted from Seizing Destiny: The Army of the Potomacs Valley Forge and the Civil War Winter That Saved the Union by Albert Z. Conner Jr. with Chris Mackowski (Savas Beatie, 2013)
What possessed Nathan Bedford Forrests troops to massacre their foes at Fort Pillow?
Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest could not have known the whirlwind he was set to unleash as his men closed in on a small isolated fortification on the banks of the Mississippi River north of Memphis on April 12, 1864. Forrest would capture Fort Pillow, with its garrison of Tennessee Unionists and African-American troops, but the victory would become the most controversial moment of his wartime career. The isolated post proved little match for the Confederates, but in the latter stage of the fight Forrest lost control of his men, some of whom killed members of the Union garrison who should have been spared.
By the spring of 1864, Forrest had already created a powerful reputation as the Wizard of the Saddle and demonstrated his prowess in raids, pursuits, traditional cavalry roles and departmental operations. He enjoyed a solid record of besting his opponents and making the most of limited resources to accomplish impressive ends. Despite little formal education, Forrest impressed associates with his mental acuity. His ferocity in combat matched his capabilities. By wars end, he could claim 30 opponents killed in close-hand combat to offset the 29 mounts he lost in such fighting. He was a host in himself, and a dangerous adversary at any reasonable odds, observed a future commander, Richard Taylor.
As the Confederate raiders set out on March 22, Forrest looked to ground in western Tennessee and Kentucky that had already proven lucrative for his command. Earlier raids through the region had secured supplies and recruits and thrown his opponents into nervous turmoil. Determined to make his mark once more, Forrest dispatched various forces to obtain maximum results. Colonel William L. Duckworth approached Union City, Tenn., employing the common Forrest stratagem of bluff and intimidation to convince his opponent, Col. Isaac R. Hawkins, to surrender some 500 men and 300 horses. Captain Henry A. Tyler attempted a similar ruse at Columbus, Ky. With only 150 men at his disposal, Tylers command was too weak to assault the Union garrison directly. Using the name of his superior, A[braham] Buford, to give the impression of a larger force, the captain offered his counterpart terms that also took a racial tone. Should you surrender, the negroes now in arms will be returned to their masters, Tyler explained. Should I, however, be compelled to take the place, no quarter will be shown to the negro troops whatever; the white troops will be treated as prisoners of war. Tyler knew that such a hyperbolic demand was the only means by which he could hope to capture the post. So did the Union commander, who refused to surrender.
In the meantime, Forrest headed for Paducah, Ky. The river town promised greater spoils, but offered more significant challenges. In addition to the garrison, which included African-American troops and featured formidable Fort Anderson, the Union defenders enjoyed the benefit of support from two gunboats, the Paw Paw and the Peosta. A foolhardy and unauthorized assault by Col. Albert P. Thompson resulted in that officers death and additional casualties. A bloodcurdling surrender demand, laced with Forrests traditional threat of no quarter, failed. Yet the aggressive Confederate general remained undeterred.
He had inflicted considerable damage, setting the Union losses in his various operations at 79 killed, 102 wounded and 612 captured, while placing his own at 15 killed and 42 wounded. But as he turned back to Tennessee, he recognized that more remained to be achievedand chose his next target: There is a Federal force of 500 or 600 at Fort Pillow, which I shall attend to in a day or two, as they have horses and supplies which we need, he reported on April 4.
Situated on a high bluff on the eastern bank of the Mississippi, Fort Pillow was originally part of the Confederate defense network for Memphis, but was occupied by Federal forces in June 1862 when Rebel troops evacuated it after the fall of New Madrid and Island No. 10. For two years, it was an important Union outpost and river landing. Long lines of outer entrenchments required far more men to occupy than the garrison of 557580 black and white Union troops allowed. The innermost of the works consisted of a ditch of 8 feet and a parapet 68 feet tall and 46 feet across with embrasures for artillery pieces to cover the approaches. Approximately 125 yards long, this interior line faced east to protect the land side, with an open rear to the river and a small creek below. Ravines cut into the loess soil on either side, the result of water runoff from the higher surrounding ground. In addition, the defenders had the benefit of a Union gunboat, New Era, to assist as needed.
Brigadier General James Chalmers led the first Confederate troops to appear before Fort Pillow. His men drove the Union pickets from the outer lines and secured the higher ground of the middle line of trenches from which sharpshooters could fire into the interior works. The defenders suffered pretty severely in the loss of commissioned officers by the unerring aim of the rebel sharpshooters, noted Union Lt. Mack J. Leaming. The most devastating of these losses came at 9 a.m. when the garrison commander, Maj. Lionel F. Booth, suffered a fatal wound while standing near one of the forts embrasures. Authority passed to Tennessee Unionist, Maj. William F. Bradford.
Forrest arrived at 10 a.m., and immediately acquainted himself with the opposing array and the terrain features. But he left himself exposed to Union fire and suffered a bruising fall. Rejecting advice that he remain on footbecause he was just as apt to be hit one way as another, andcould see better where he wasthe general lost two more horses in the course of the days fighting.
Forrest identified several features that offered his attacking forces important advantages. Rows of barracks just outside the interior works could provide cover for advances in that quarter. The Federals sought to eradicate these structures, but only managed to burn the row closest to the fort before Confederate fire drove them back. From these barracks the enemy kept up a murderous fire on our men despite all our efforts to dislodge him, Leaming reported.
Forrest also quickly realized he could move troops through the ravines toward the landing below the fort, cutting the garrison off from potential relief or escape. He ordered Capt. Charles W. Anderson and Col. Clark S. Barteau to secure those access points, instructing Anderson to hold my position on the bluff, prevent any escape of the garrison by water, to pour rife-balls into the open [gun]ports of the New Era when she went into action, and to fight everything blue betwixt wind and water until yonder fag comes down.
Throughout the morning and into mid-afternoon, the Confederates invested the fort. By 3:30 p.m., Forrest deemed that he could storm the position, but opted for a less bloody conclusion if it could be achieved. The conduct of the officers and men garrisoning Fort Pillow has been such as to entitle them to being treated as prisoners of war, he noted in a message to the forts commander. I demand the unconditional surrender of this garrison, promising you that you shall be treated as prisoners of war. Forrest softened the normally dire consequences attendant to refusal, but added plainly, Should my demand be refused, I cannot be responsible for the fate of your command.
Bradford sought to buy time to consider his options. Replying under Booths name, he requested an hour to confer with his officers. Forrest worried the delay might complicate matters for the Confederates if more Union vessels arrived on the river, and reduced the time to 20 minutes. Indeed, the steamer Olive Branch appeared during the truce, with troops and artillery bound for the North from New Orleans. Ultimately, each side would complain that the other had taken steps during the negotiations that constituted a breach of the truce.
Finally, Forrest tired of waiting for the Union commander to reach a decision. In plain and unmistakable English. Will he fight or surrender? he demanded. Bradford responded brusquely: We will not surrender. Forrest would have to fight to secure the fort and its coveted resources.
Forrests men needed little prodding to advance against a fort that contained Tennessee Unionists and African-American troops. The antagonists had long harbored intense hostility toward each other, and taunts by the Federals from the supposed security of the earthworks further exacerbated matters. During the truce, one Confederate officer remembered, they openly defied us from the breastworks to come and take the fort. Forrest appealed to the soldiers home pride when he dispatched staff to tell the brigades that I should watch with interest the conduct of the troops; that Missourians, Mississippians, and Tennesseans surrounded the works, and [I] desired to see who would first scale the fort.
At the signal, the Confederates raced across the space separating them from the ditch and earthworks. Some helped others scramble onto the parapet. The speed with which they reached the works left little opportunity for Union fire. Some of the defenders began to break for the rear while others tried to resist the Confederate tide now washing over them. During the last attack, when the rebels entered the works, I heard Major Bradford give the command, Boys, save your lives one witness recalled. A nearby officer urged further resistance, but when the major, turning around and seeing the rebels coming in from all sides, said, It is of no use any more,the men left their [artillery] pieces and tried to escape in different directions and manners.
Unfortunately for the Union defenders, New Era was in no position to help. In addition to supporting the fort with its guns, the vessel was supposed to provide covering fire should the garrison be forced to retreat. As Confederates overran the fort, Major Bradford signalled to me that we were whipped, the gunboat commander, Capt. James Marshall, later testified. We had agreed on a signal that, if they had to leave the fort, they would drop down under the bank, and I was to give the rebels canister. But the gunboat had already expended much of its ordnance and the commander wished to avoid the risk of further exposure from the riflemen on the banks.
What happened next led to charges against Forrest and his troops that have smoldered for 150 years.
In the chaos and panic of broken and pursuing troops, any sense of order evaporated below the bluff. Many tried to surrender, while others plunged into the water to escape. Still others continued to resist. The victory was complete, Forrest subsequently reported, and the loss of the enemy will never be known from the fact that large numbers ran into the river and were shot or drowned. The river was dyed with the blood of the slaughtered for 200 yards. Although he overestimated the Union garrison at 700, Forrest thought some 500 of these perished. It is hoped that these facts will demonstrate to the Northern people that negro soldiers cannot cope with Southerners, he wrote in his report.
The Federals paid a heavy price for resistance. Historians John Cimprich and Robert C. Mainfort Jr. set the deaths or mortal wounds among the garrison at between 277 and 297, or 4749 percent of a total ranging from 585 to 605 men. Among white units, 3134 percent were killed. But 64 percent of the black units died. The toll for the attacking Confederates rested at only 14 killed and 86 wounded.
The stunning toll among black troopsand allegations by survivors of a killing spree by Rebel soldiersprompted the United States government to take a special interest in the events at Fort Pillow. A congressional investigation led to the conclusion that the Confederates had treacherously gained advantages over the defenders during the truce and then engaged in an indiscriminate slaughter after the fort had fallen, sparing neither age nor sex, white or black, soldier or civilian. The result was a massacre that had featured terrifying atrocities, including the burning and burying of live victims, according to witnesses. No cruelty which the most fiendish malignity could devise was omitted by these murderers, the investigators reported. Nor could the excesses be excused by the nature of battle, since the atrocities committed at Fort Pillow were not the result of passions excited by the heat of conflict, but were the results of a policy deliberately decided upon and unhesitatingly announced.
The remaining question was whether Forrest himself had allowedor even orderedthe slaughter, or if not, whether he had done anything to stop it. Much of the evidence placing Forrest at the heart of the misconduct was circumstantial, from those who heard his name mentioned or who purported through questionable testimony to witness his involvement. Jacob Thompson insisted he saw Forrest at the scene of the killings and described the more than 6-foot-tall general inconveniently as a little bit of a man.
While the killing at Fort Pillow outraged the North, it brought Southern recriminations, too. Achilles V. Clark, a Confederate sergeant and participant, revealed the most damning evidence against his chief in a dramatic letter to his sisters on April 19, in which he urged them to judge whether or not we acted well or ill.
The Confederate troops were so exasperated by the Yankee threats of no quarter that they gave but little, he wrote. The slaughter was awful words cannot describe the scene. The poor deluded negroes would run up to our men, fall upon their knees and with uplifted hands scream for mercy but they were ordered to their feet and then shot down. According to Clark, few survived the killing. He wrote that he took steps to stop the butchery and at one time had partially succeeded. But Gen. Forrest ordered them shot down like dogs and the carnage continued. Finally our men became sick of blood and the firing ceased. It was clear that he saw men killed in cold blood, but less clear that Forrest participated, or that the men acted as they thought their commander expected.
Forrests defenders also often depended on hearsay rather than fact. Two exceptions came from a Confederate participant, Samuel H. Caldwell, and a Union surgeon, Charles Fitch. Caldwell wrote home shortly after the battle that he had experienced the most horrible sight that I have ever witnessed. When Union troops refused to surrender the decision incensed our men & if General Forrest had not run between our men & the Yanks with his pistol and sabre drawn not a man would have been spared.
Fitch recalled seeking protection from the Confederate commander while death swirled around him. The doctor noted that Forrest was engaged sighting the Parrott Gun [in the fort] on the Gun boat, when he approached him. Fitch informed Forrest that he was the Surgeon of the Post, to which the Confederate responded that he must be with a Damn Nigger regiment or a Damn Tenn. Yankee then. Fitch confounded Forrest by explaining that he was from Iowa. Forrest said what in hell are you down here for? I have a great mind to have you killed for being down here. He then said if the North west had staid home the war would have been over long ago, before ordering a guard for the surgeons protection.
Fitch subsequently added that Forrest was up there [on the bluff], sighting a piece of artillery on the little gunboat up the river. I do not think Forrest knew what was going on under the bluff. Concerning Chalmers, Fitch concluded, I have always thought that neither you nor Forrest knew anything that was going on at the time under the bluffs. What was done was done very quickly.
Union Capt. John Woodruff reported that Chalmers had conceded to him that the men of General Forrests command had such hatred toward the armed negro that they could not be restrained from killing the negroes after they had captured them. He said they were not killed by General Forrests or [Chalmers] orders, but that both Forrest and he stopped the massacre as soon as they were able to do so. Nevertheless, Chalmers concluded as Forrest had, it was nothing better than we could expect so long as we persisted in arming the negro.
Forrest himself wrote to Union Gen. Cadwallader C. Washburn in the summer of 1864 that I regard captured negroes as I do other captured property, and not as captured soldiers..You ask me to state whether I contemplate either their slaughter or their return to slavery. I answer that I slaughter no man except in open warfare, and that my prisoners, both white and black, are turned over to my Government to be dealt with as it may direct. Forrests interpretation of Confederate policy toward captured African-American troops was self-serving, but his aide, David C. Kelley, noted that the general was opposed to the killing of negro troops; that it was his policy to capture all he could and return them to their owners. In fact, Forrest had ordered such a disposition for some of his black prisoners from the fort.
Racial animus was clearly a factor in the Fort Pillow killings, given that black troops comprised the largest proportion of the forts defenders who died in the engagement or its aftermath. Sectional antipathy, panic and chaos, ineffective leadership and faulty decision-making by the Union commander, wartime political and election year imperatives, recrimination and ultimately reconciliation also factored into the actions and assessments that comprised the Fort Pillow massacre. As such, Fort Pillow fit into patterns of behavior in warfare that occurred before and after 1864 and elsewhere in that bloody year of the conflict. Yet, the Forrest who would never be known for employing half measures did not supervise the killing personally to ensure that his men wiped out the defenders completely, had that outcome been his intent. Even so, accusations that that devil Forrest, as William T. Sherman once called him, deliberately attempted to annihilate the garrison at Fort Pillow continued to dog him.
Reports of excesses associated with Forrest did not end at Fort Pillow. After the fall of Selma, Ala., to Union Maj. Gen. James H. Wilsons powerful advance, Forrest and members of his personal escort approached an isolated Union outpost manned by members of the 4th U.S. Cavalry. The Confederates held members of this unit responsible for misdeeds attributed to them, and a wounded and exhausted Forrest allowed the men to proceed in their attack without his direct leadership. After an animated fight the Confederates counted 35 killed or wounded and five prisoners among the Federals, while suffering the loss of only one man wounded, although the officer who led the assault in Forrests stead maintained that not a single man was killed after he surrendered.
But a Union account of the matter concluded that Forrest and his men came across a party of Federals asleep in a neighboring field, and charged on them, and, refusing to listen to their cries for surrender, killed or wounded the entire party, numbering 25 men. Sergeant James Larson of the 4th labeled the incident a repitition [sic] of Ft. Pillow. In memoirs that appeared years later, Wilson observed that the Confederates had killed the last one of them, and concluded, Such incidents as this were far too frequent with Forrest. Wilson maintained that his opponents ruthless temperimpelled him upon every occasion where he had a clear advantage to push his success to a bloody end, and yet he always seemed not only to resent but to have a plausible excuse for the cruel excesses that were charged against him.
Following the surrender of his command in May 1865 at Gainesville, Ala., Forrest attempted to restore his reputation. While to some he became a model of reconciliation, to others he remained the Butcher of Fort Pillow. Seeking a pardon from President Andrew Johnson, Forrest acknowledged that he continued to be regarded in large communities, at the North, with abhorrence, as a detestable monster, ruthless and swift to take life. But he offered to waive all immunity from investigation into my conduct at Fort Pillow. His association with the Ku Klux Klan, including serving as its first Grand Wizard, also worked against him in many circles and followed him until his death on October 29, 1877.
Brian Steel Wills, director of the Center for the Study of the Civil War Era and professor of history at Kennesaw State University in Kennesaw, Ga., is the author of a number of Civil War histories, including The River was Dyed with Blood (University of Oklahoma Press, 2014).
Originally published in the March 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
Even in war, parents need their children as much as their children need them.
They stood together, the wife leaning close to her husband. Grasping his rough hand in hers, she begged him not to go. He was all she had in this world. All but their boy. Stay home, she pleaded, [b]efore you orphan your son and make your wife a widow.
Looking at the tears streaming down her face, the husband smiled gently. He had to fight. He would die of shame, he explained, if he failed to defend their home. And what if he did die fighting, he asked? Was that worse than failing to fight at all, laying down his weapons to watch his wife and son enslaved under a tyrant?
And then the man prayed, his wife still close against him, that of their son his countrymen would one day say, He is a better man than his father, and a joy to his mothers heart. Still crying softly, the wife took the baby in her arms, and the husband softened, asking, Why so much grief? No man will hurry me down to Hades, against my fate. No one alive has ever escaped it, neither brave man nor cowardits born with us the day we are born.
This wartime couple is neither Union nor Confederatethey are Homers Hector and Andromache in the midst of the Trojan War. Hectors fear that defeat would ensure the loss of all they held dear echoed throughout homes on both sides of the Mason-Dixon Line during the American Civil War. Dont Hurry Me Down to Hades is the story of how American families endured that conflict. Hades shares the experiences of families unknown to most readers, while others will be quite familiar, though often with a twist. While there are tales riddled with grief, too much of that would belie mankinds ability to find humor in the horrors that surround them, so there are accounts that laugh as well as cry with the veterans and the civilians at home. In the end, Dont Hurry Me Down to Hades is the story of American families who fought for a land free of tyrants who would enslave them and trembled as they faced the fate that, as Hector foretold, is born with us the day that we are born.
The following excerpt is from Chapter 4 of Hades, relating the exhaustion and determination of two of the wars most famous families in the third year of the war.
Ulysses S. Grant arrived in Washington in spring 1864 with no one there to greet him. He was in town to meet with President Lincoln, who was about to promote him to lieutenant general, a rank previously held only by George Washington. The White House planned to have a committee to meet Grant at the station, but that fell through, and when he stepped onto the platform with his 13-year-old son, Fred, the quiet commander probably let out a sigh of relief that he would be able to avoid another speech demanded by another crowd of supporters.
They made their way to the Willard Hotel, where Grant almost managed to remain incognito until the desk clerk read Ulysses S. Grant and son, Galena, Illinois, on the registry. He cast aside the only room he had claimed was available for the man in the crumpled linen duster and rushed to relieve Grant of his bag, taking him to the suite Lincoln had occupied just before his inauguration. Word spread quickly of their arrival, and when the Grants came downstairs for supper, they could barely start their meal before the dining rooms self-designated leader jumped up to lead the room in three cheers for Lieutenant General Grant. Fred watched as his father stood awkwardly, fumbled with his napkin, and nodded his thanks. Despite Grants best efforts to return to his meal, the stares and expectant grins from fellow diners became unbearably awkward and the quiet general was forced to return to his room.
If Grant thought he had escaped the limelight, he was mistaken. His victories in Tennessee and Mississippi during the previous two years had cemented his fame. He had given Northerners hope when they seemed to face one failure after another in the East. Even Union Maj. Gen. George Meades victory at Gettysburg the previous summer dimmed when he let Robert E. Lees army escape to Virginia to lick its wounds. In contrast, Westerners boasted, when Grants forces finally defeated the Confederates at Vicksburg, they captured General John Pembertons 30,000 officers and men, as well as all of their cannon and nearly 60,000 rifles and muskets. This was a man, Northerners proclaimed, who knew how to finish the job.
As Fred followed his father back to their suite that evening, he must have marveled at how quickly their lives, like their sleeping quarters, had changed. Just a year earlier, Fred had joined Grant in camp, resting his head on saddles or cane cots that sympathetic soldiers, likely missing their own sons, made for him. While the war was separating nearly every family, North and South, the Grants were unusually determined to remain together. They werent the first family to join a husband in camp during winter, nor was Grant the first officer to have a son serving on his staff. But few generals had a 12-year-old boy tagging along in 1863.
It wasnt just the general who wanted Fred in camp; the boys mother understood the necessity of surrounding her husband with family. Grant was a good man with a strong work ethic. He was also a homebody who was never entirely at peace unless he was surrounded by the wife he adored and the children he spoiled. The determined commander who brought Mississippi to its knees had a soft heart and a far more reflective soul than many of his contemporaries realized.
By the 1850s, Grant had married Julia Dent, the sister of his West Point roommate. Stationed at forts too far from home, and desperately missing his wife and children, Grant could barely function in his misery. You dont know, he confided to Julia, how forsaken I feel here.
For years, Julia moved from one fort to another with Grant, sensing from the start that her husband needed her nearby. And it was true. The moment Julia traveled home to give birth or whenever she remained with her family in St. Louis when Grants orders took him to forts too remote for her to safely join him, Ulys, as Julia came to call him, would slowly unravel. By 1852, he admitted to Julia that he was almost crazy sometimes to see Fred, his young son, and declared, I cannot be separated from him and his Ma for a long time. Rumors surfaced that Grant was drinking excessively, and then a brutally unfair and malicious commanding officer charged Grant with being drunk on duty. Rather than take the time to clear his name, Grant grasped at the fastest exit from the army and resigned in disgust.
Its never been proved that he actually drank to excess, and Grant was hardly the only American man consuming alcohol in the 19th century. The accounts of abuse, modern biographers theorize, were likely tied to Grants tendency to appear intoxicated after just a few drinks. Its far more likely that stories of his occasional drinks, consumed to self-medicate against debilitating migraines or loneliness, resulted in public intoxication and embarrassment. History will never truly know the details of Grants battle with the bottle, but it is clear that he and Julia understood his inability to either handle or process alcohol, and, consequently, they strictly limited its consumption. They also made sure that Grant always had with him the one thing he needed to succeed: his family.
That was how 12-year-old Fred Grant wound up on the banks of the Mississippi River in spring 1863 and in the dining room of the Willard Hotel the following year. When the war began, Ulysses had told his wife that he needed her to be cheerful and try to encourage me, insisting this was key to his success. That same year, he complained about a hasty letter she had mailed to him in camp, noting this is my forty second birth day. Getting old am I not?I received a very short letter from you this evening scratched off in a very great hurry as if you had something much more pleasing if not more important to do than to write to me. Clearly, his melancholy was setting in, and Julia struggled to find ways for her and the children to be with him. When she realized visits would not suffice, that a member of the family needed to be his ever-present rock, she sent their oldest son, Fred, to join Ulysses as he trained his Illinois volunteers in 1861.
Grant seems to have enjoyed having his son with him in camp, but as the possibility of battle approached, he ordered Fred home. We may have some fighting to do, Grant explained, and he is too young to have the exposure of camp life. But Julia insisted, sensing that as the pressures of war increased, her husband would need his family more than ever. She had three other children at home to care for; Fred should stay with Grant despite his wifes concerns about his safety: Alexander was not older when he accompanied Philip. Do keep him with you. But Ulysses refused to listen and sent the boy home.
By spring 1863, however, Grant had changed his mind. Perhaps the set- backs of the previous year shook him. Shiloh had brought a Union victory at tremendous human cost, and rumors circulated that Grant was to blame. Some said hed been needlessly reckless, while others insisted he was drunk. Still others cited both reasons as they christened Ulysses The Butcher. As if this were not worrisome enough, when Grant had sent Sherman to break General Pemberton and his Confederates at Vicksburg at the end of 1862, his dear friend had returned in defeat.
As a fresh campaign season approached, Grant may have sensed that he needed the rock that his family always proved to beat least his immediate family. His father-in-law continued to voice praise for the Confederacy and was known to walk the streets of St. Louis proclaiming his right to retain his slave property. Meanwhile, his wifes brothers donned gray uniforms to defend their familys beliefs. But Grants wife and children were constants, his foundation. When they left after a visit to his headquarters at Corinth, Miss., in August 1862, barely missing an engagement with Confederate forces, Grant complained that he and his entire staff missed Julia and the children, observing that without Jess to stauk through the office it seems as if something is missing. And so, in spring 1863, he wrote to Julia and asked if she would send Fred to join him at the front. The boy, they both knew, brought with him a childs optimism and love, pure and uncomplicated, and his parents knew it would sustain Ulysses in the dark days that loomed ahead.
Of course, there was the challenge of having a small boy in headquarters with no tutor or staff officer assigned to protect him. Nor did Julia send any of her slaves; her beloved house servant, Jule, seemed to be Julias rock when Ulysses was gone, and she could not bear to part with her. Julia never mentioned the irony of owning slaves while her husband was fighting to liberate them. When Julia did travel to camp later that summer, Jule traveled with her and seized the opportunity to run away. Julia was frustrated, but Ulysses was relieved. Hed never entirely approved of his wifes property, and refused to let anyone chase after Jule.
In his attempt to convince Julia to allow Fred to return to camp, Grant promised their boy would continue to read and study his arithmetic. From Julias own complaints about their boys campaign against their studies, its likely that she doubted Ulysses promise, but he neednt have made it. He failed to realize that her primary mission was to provide him with whatever he needed to win the war. Julia had been her husbands greatest champion from the day they married. Every setback had been not doom but a challenge on the journey to their bright future. He was her light, she was his, and together they would sustain each other through this dreadful war. It was that simple. They had survived a secret engagement while he served in Mexico, they had weathered the storm of his departure from the Old Army, and they endured one economic failure after another. Death and destruction came knocking in peace and in war, at home and at the front. If the years had taught them anything, it was that they could not avoid tragedy and that they fared better in every scenario when they stood together. Julia helped Fred pack and sent him to Ulys.
Fred arrived in camp at the end of March 1863, happy as can be, his father reported. His age, Ulysses observed, enabled him to take in all he saw, and to retain a recollection of it that would not be possible in more mature years. Having young Fred there throughout the campaign and siege caused no anxiety either to me or to his mother, who was at home. He looked out for himself and was in every battle of the campaign.
Indeed, their time together often sounded like a grand adventure as Grant wrote to Julia, boasting that they had just returned from a trip of fifteen miles up the river where we had quite a horseback ride. He enjoys himself finely and I doubt not will receive as much perminant [sic] advantage by being with me for a few months as if at school. Weeks later he told her that Fred has heard balls whistle and is not moved in the slightest by it. If such reports made her anxious, Julia did not admit to it. After all, the home front wasnt much safer. A few weeks before Fred rejoined his father, Julia Grants sister, Emma Dent Casey, had been stopped by two Confederates near her home in Caseyville, Kentucky, and asked for a moment with her nephew Fred, who was visiting the Caseys. She managed to evade their questions and then sent word for Grants son to be placed aboard the next boat heading down the river to safety. There is no doubt, she admitted, that they were looking for Fred, and had they found him they would certainly have dealt his father a hard blow.
In April 1863, Fred was with his father as Grant and Admiral David Dixon Porter discussed their plans to run Union gunboats past the Confederate defenders at Vicksburg. Fred had been horrified by the damage already done to Porters crew in an earlier fight, and he admitted to being sickened at the scene before me. The deck was covered with blood and pieces of flesh; several dead men, torn and lacerated, lay about us. Some of the gunners, with still bleeding wounds, were standing firmly by their guns. As the men landed at Bruinsburg, Miss., young Fred sneaked ashore with them, where again he was horrified by the bloody carnage of battle.
During the campaign that followed, Fred watched as the U.S. colors were raised over the Mississippi capital of Jackson, was nearly killed when, alone again, he stumbled upon a house full of wounded Confederates, and, near Vicksburg, was nearly wounded when Confederate infantrymen began shooting at him from across the Big Black River. When a round hit Fred in the leg, he went white with pain. Colonel Clark B. Laglow, a staff officer, rushed to Freds aid and blanched when the terrified boy announced that hed been killed. Laglow checked the wound and then exhaled with relief. Its all right, he smiled, youre not dead.
A t about the same time Ulysses and Fred Grant entered the Willard Hotel in early 1864, Varina Daviss faith in Confederate victory, if she had ever had any, was collapsing. Even worse, she felt like her whole family was collapsing with it. That spring, the newspapers ran rumors of her husband, Jefferson, fathering children with women in Mississippi and Wisconsin, and some editors even insisted that his son born by a Mississippi slave was now serving in the Union Navy. Then, if anyone continued to doubt the ability of the Emancipation Proclamation to encourage slaves to fee to the freedom offered by the nearby Union lines, the stories of Varina Davis slaves escaping the Confederate White House convinced them. Escapees included Varinas personal maid, Betsey, who took with her $80 in gold and more than $2,000 in Confederate bills, along with stories of the Confederate First Ladys vicious and violent temper. Years later, Varina would insist that Betsey had confided in her that she was leaving and deny all the rumors, but her response at the time indicated only the shocked disappointment that echoed throughout the South as other Confederates discovered similar escapes.
And then, in March, she learned that a prewar acquaintance, Col. Ulric Dahlgren, had tried to assassinate her husband. His plan, likely drafted with U.S. Secretary of War Stanton, had been to launch a surprise attack on Richmond that would free Union prisoners from the jails, burn the city and murder President Davis and his Cabinet. Word of Dahlgrens raid leaked before he reached the Confederate capital, and when he discovered this, he raced back toward Washington. Before he could cross into Union territory, Confederate soldiers caught up to Dahlgren and killed him, mutilating the man who had planned to wreak such destruction on Richmond and the Southern government, and then displayed his body in public as a warning to others. Varina was devastated. Ulric had been the fair-haired son of Admiral John Dahlgren, with whom the Davises had enjoyed many evenings before the war. It was the destruction of one more old friendship. Worse, Varina would argue, it was a violent betrayal.
Shaken from the particularly chaotic spring of 1864, Varina climbed into a carriage in the early afternoon of April 30 to bring lunch to her husband at the Custom House. While they chatted, a messenger dashed in, breathlessly reporting that there had been an accident at the White House. The Davis 5-year-old son, Joseph, had fallen from the balcony. As his parents arrived home, they found their boys breathing had slowed and far too much blood had spilled on the pavement where he lay Doctors were called and prayers were said, but in less than an hour of their reaching his side, Joseph was gone.
The past three years had brought one death after another, but this one came closest to breaking both of the Davises. That night, friends heard the president pace the floor, back and forth. Earlier that day, as Joseph faded away, they had heard him moan, Not mine, oh, Lord, but thine, and all night he seemed to be willing himself to accept the death of his young son while in another room Varina wept in inconsolable grief.
In the days that followed, Jefferson Davis occupied his mind with his work, touring the Confederate positions around the city as he and General Lee focused on the war that stubbornly continued. In a tangle of trees and underbrush so thick that locals had named the spot The Wilderness, Union and Confederate soldiers opened another campaign season one week after Davis had watched, tortured, as his son died in his arms. The armies fought there for three days, and then continued to Spotsylvania Court House, where battles raged sporadically for two weeks. After a brief break, the men rushed to kill each other again along the North Anna River and then again at a place called Cold Harbor.
While Varina mourned her son, tens of thousands of mothers discovered that they, too, had lost their boys, but on distant lands where mothers could not offer their arms or their prayers before their sons were gone. It created a scenario that horrified a generation that believed that a good death required a person to be at peace with God and with his life as he passed from this world. The Confederate First Lady seemed to embody the confused, grief-stricken nation as visitors found her utterly depressed, and grey and forlorn as summer approached. Eventually, melancholy evolved into chronic exhaustion and the desire to shut out the world. By the end of May, Varina admitted to her mother that her only solace came in finding a quiet room in the house where she could sit alone.
And then, on June 27, 1864, the anniversary of the battle at Gaines Mill that had saved the Confederate capital two years earlier, little Varina Anne Davis arrived. The baby did not erase her mothers doubts about the Confederacys future, but she did save the First Lady from the depths and forced her attention to shift to the needs of the present. Nicknamed WinnieJefferson Daviss pet name for his wifethe child pulled Varina from what she later called the wars darkest hour.
Adapted from Dont Hurry Me Down to Hades: The Civil War in the Words of Those Who Lived It, by Susannah J. Ural (Osprey, 2013).
Originally published in the March 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
Union hopes in Florida end with a thud at the 1864 Battle of Olustee.
The value of Florida to Union prospects in the Civil War and to some degree President Abraham Lincolns reelection hopeswas apparent by December 1863. Confederate authorities had conceded earlier in the conflict that they didnt have the man power, resources or even the need to defend the entire state. But that began to change in July 1863, when the fall of Vicksburg, Miss., and Port Hudson, La., gave the Federals complete control of the Mississippi River, depriving the South of perhaps its most vital supply line. Though Florida was sparsely populated, its plentiful supplies of livestock and crops, particularly beef, pork and corn, were needed more than ever for Southern troops and citizens.
As 1864 dawned, Lincolns political future was also very much at stake. Despite a string of battlefield successes in 1863, among them Gettysburg and Vicksburg, there had been significant setbacks, too. Lincoln determined that a victory in Florida would serve at least two purposes: Disrupting the states flow of supplies would of course jeopardize the effectiveness of the Confederate armies and further dampen Southern morale, and there was also a realistic chance a Union-loyal state government could be returned to power in Tallahassee. That would mean additional delegates for Lincoln in the Republican Partys upcoming nominating convention, as well as vital electoral votes in the election that fall.
Officials were perhaps unduly optimistic that even limited success in Florida would be enough to embolden local Unionists and spur recruitment of African-American soldiers. The consensus was that control of the northeastern part of the state was critical to any success. After occupying Jacksonville to establish a base of operations on the Atlantic coast, the Federals would move to capture positions to the west along the Florida, Atlantic & Gulf Railroad and to the south along the St. Johns River to Palatka.
Department of the South commander Maj. Gen. Quincy Gillmore, still consumed with the draining siege of Charles ton, S.C., tabbed Brig. Gen. Truman Seymour to lead the Florida operations, scheduled to begin in February. Severely wounded in the failed Fort Wagner assault in July, Seymour had just returned to action. His 5,500- man force had its share of veterans from the Charleston fighting, but it also had three fairly raw U.S. Colored Troop regimentsthe 54th Massachusetts, which had been cut apart dearly at Fort Wagner, 1st North Carolina and 8th USCT.
As planned, the Federals moved into Jacksonville on February 7, then took Camp Finegan and Baldwin the next day. Possession of Bald win was important, as it was located at the junction of two rail lines used by the Rebels to transport supplies.
Commanding the Confederate defenses was Brig. Gen. Joseph Finegan, whose superior, Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard, had so little faith in him that he was recruiting other generals to replace him as the Union threat intensified. Finegan sent Beauregard a quick plea for reinforcements and then waited, doing little more than harass the Federals as troops from Georgia and South Carolina made their way to him. When the Federals occupied Baldwincapturing several prisoners and artillery pieces, as well as railroad equipment and ample quantities of tobacco and cottonFinegan consolidated his army at Lake City, not far from the Suwannee River. He hoped Seymour could be lured his way and ambushed.
Despite the early success, Gillmore advised Seymour to stay put in Baldwin and not push things. But on February 17, Seymour informed Gillmore he was heading west to destroy a railroad crossing over the Suwannee River, confident it would be a routine endeavor. He was unaware Finegans reinforcements had already arrived.
The Federals met little resistance the first two days, as they moved along a road paralleling the railroad. But about noon on the 20th, they finally made contact with an enemy force at Olustee, near Ocean Pond. Early fighting was sporadic, but even after Seymour realized he faced a larger army than expected, he opted to attack. Some of the Union troops carried Spencer repeating rifles, giving Seymour an added sense of confidence.
At 3 p.m., the 3rd U.S. Artillery moved up and began firing both shell and canister, but the Rebels, using the trees as cover, closed to within 50 yards of the battery and started taking out the Yankee gunners. Meanwhile, a misinterpreted order had the veteran 7th New Hampshire on the verge of collapse on the Union right. The 8th USCT rushed forward and deployed on the left, only to be quickly decimated by enemy soldiers hidden in the trees. The black troops hadnt been adequately trained with their weapons and struggled to return fire. As their commander, Col. Charles W. Fribley, ordered a retreat, he was mortally wounded and left behind on the field.
For the next few hours, the Federals did what they could to hold on before retreating. The 54th Massachusetts and 1st North Carolina provided one positive, rushing through a horde of wounded comrades to stifle a Confederate onslaught. Later, with the battles outcome no longer in doubt, the 54th made an orderly retreat, firing volleys at the enemy as it left the field. But wounded black troops left behind apparently were killed rather than taken prisoner. They would beg and pray, one Rebel wrote, but it did no good.
Union casualties totaled 1,861a combined 626 for the USCT units alone. Confederate losses were half the Union total, with only 93 killed. The abrupt defeat at Olustee ended Union attempts to conquer the state. Seymour returned his army to Jacksonville and was soon transferred to division command in the Army of the Potomac.
Chris Howland is a senior editor for Americas Civil War.
Originally published in the January 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
Nathaniel Banks Yankees are no match for Jacksons foot cavalry at 1st Winchester.
Stonewall Jackson had two missions in Virginias Shenandoah Valley in the spring of 1862. The first was to make sure the region, a vital agricultural hub between the Blue Ridge and Appalachian mountains, stayed in Confederate hands. He had worked toward that goal since receiving command of the independent Valley District in the Department of Northern Virginia the previous November. Then in April another critical challenge came his way, one that could decide the fate of the Confederacy. With Maj. Gen. George McClellans 100,000-man Army of the Potomac advancing up the Virginia Peninsula and threatening Richmond, it was Jacksons duty to prevent the Federal armies operating in the Valley and at Fredericksburg from joining Little Macs juggernaut as it moved north.
Facing Jackson was Maj. Gen. Nathaniel Banks, head of the 16,000-man Department of the Shenandoah. A three-time Massachusetts governor and former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, 46-year-old Banks was one of the Union Armys many political generals with no military experience. It probably wasnt fair that his first command came against the budding legend Stonewall. After all, trying to defeat Jackson in battle, or at least keep him at bay, was a daunting task for any general, let alone a rookie commander. Although Banks would handle himself adequately during his four months in the Valley, the wily Jackson would ultimately prove too strong.
Jacksons year got off to a troubling start. In January, his ambitious Romney Campaign ended in a stalemate, compelling Jackson to consider resigning his commission when subordinate officers criticized him. Then he was defeated March 23 by a detachment from Banks army at First Kernstown. But if anything, the setbacks hardened his resolve to rid the Valley of Federal threats once and for all. On May 8, Jackson triumphed at the Battle of McDowell. Banks had already granted a request from Washington to let Brig. Gen. James Shields division join Irvin McDowells 40,000-man army in Fredericksburg as it prepared to take part in McClellans Peninsula Campaign. The McDowell loss proved it was a shortsighted decision.
Banks suspected an attack on his army, based at Strasburg, would come any day. Jackson was indeed on the move, looking to make a swift strike on lightly defended Front Royal and then advancing to Winchester to put his army between Banks and Washington, D.C. That, he believed, would spark a response from the Federals and give Jackson the opportunity to destroy Banks army.
The attack on Front Royal came the afternoon of May 23, led by Richard Ewells Division. As expected, the Rebels had early success. But a determined stand by Col. John C. Kenlys 1,063-man force, as well as another by two Union infantry units during a cavalry attack by Col. Turner Ashby at nearby Buckton Depot, delayed the Rebels long enough to get a warning out to Banks.
At 10 p.m., Banks ordered a full withdrawal up the Valley Pike to the Potomac River and Maryland. Leading the way was the armys lengthy wagon train, filled with supplies and sick and wounded soldiers. The train would keep moving until it reached the Potomac; Banks infantry and cavalry would follow the 15 miles or so to Winchester and set up a defensive perimeter in the hills south of the city. Banks conceded that his army, limited now to about 6,000 men, was no match for Jackson and Ewell, but he hoped to hold them in check as long as possible.
Skirmishes at Middletown and Newtown on May 24 slightly delayed the Rebels, and Banks had his men in place below Winchester in time. Jackson attacked at 6 a.m. May 25 but soon discovered the undermanned Federals occupying the hills had a terrain advantage.
Union artillery on a hill hindered the initial Confederate sally against the 3rd Brigade of Maj. Gen. Alpheus Williams 1st Division on Bowers Hill. Jackson countered by placing two guns on a nearby rise, setting off a two-hour artillery duel.
On the Federal left, on Camp Hill, were 1,700 men in Col. Dudley Donnellys brigade. A low-lying fog and the 4th U.S. Artillerys six smoothbore cannons gave Donnelly the advantage as the 21st North Carolina and 21st Georgia attacked. But the Rebel numbers were too great. Realizing he was being flanked on his left by Brig. Gen. George H. Steuarts Virginia cavalry, Donnelly began pulling his men back to safety through Winchester.
Brig. Gen. Richard Taylors Louisianans delivered the decisive blow, moving in behind the Stonewall Brigade and then swinging left to flank Col. George Gordons men on Bowers Hill. Gordon rushed the 29th Pennsylvania and 27th Indiana over, but it was too little, too late. By 10 a.m., a mass Federal retreat through Winchester had begun. Jackson, however, did not follow. Banks steadied his men and organized an orderly 12-hour withdrawal 40 miles to the Potomac, opposite Williamsport, Md.
Jackson completed his Valley Campaign with crushing victories at Cross Keys and Port Republic on June 8 and 9, as Ewells men again played an instrumental role. The Union threat in the Valley over for now, Jackson marched to Richmond to help defend the capital. He contributed to McClellans defeat during the Seven Days Campaign. The Union would not wrest away control of the Valley until the fall of 1864, thanks to a brash cavalry general named Phil Sheridan.
Chris Howland is senior editor for Americas Civil War.
Originally published in the March 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
The Rage Of Battle forever haunted some veterans
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n 1862, Owen Flaherty left his wife and son in Terre Haute, Ind., and joined the 125th Illinois Infantry. He was, by all accounts, a quiet and easygoing man, well-liked and quick to share a laugh and a drink with his comrades. Until the Battle of Stones River, that is. After that horrendous four-day battle, fought from December 31, 1862, to January 3, 1863, Flaherty reportedly grew increasingly morose, sinking into what one soldier called a deep study all the time. He had difficulty sleeping, and was constantly troubled by nightmares. Owen sank further into despair the next year and a half, until a ground-shaking artillery barrage at Resaca, Ga., in May 1864 sent him irrevocably over the edge. He wandered off at all hours, ate and slept alone, and was quick to anger. Once, while on picket duty, he ran into camp shouting that the enemy was coming, when no hostile force was anywhere near.
Postwar life in Terre Haute was no better for Flaherty. He lost a job at the local blast furnace apparently because he could not concentrate. His anger and irritability drove his son permanently from home, and his violent tendencies brought the police to his door on a number of occasions. According to his wife, he imagined they were firing on him with guns. His sudden and uncontrollable temper would flare at any mention of the war. Unemployable, un-predictable, and highly volatile, Flaherty took to wandering the streets.
Eleven years after the war ended, he was sent to the Indiana Hospital for the Insane in Indianapolis and diagnosed with acute mania. Since the state facility made no provision for keeping or treating chronic cases, Flaherty was remanded to the poorhouse after only a few months. Here, a medical examining board noted his predisposition toward irrational anger and violence, as well as his delusional fear from imaginary persons who intend to kill him. They attributed his condition to some mental shock probably sustained in the service.
Today, Flaherty would most certainly be diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]TSD formally entered the lexicon of psychological diagnoses in 1980, as a delayed-stress syndrome which is caused by exposure to combat and can produce symptoms of rage, guilt, flashbacks, nightmares, depression, and emotional numbing, and can lead to a variety of grave social and psychiatric problemsfrom unemployment to suicide. It is important to emphasize the delayed aspect of the diagnosis. While it is common for people to experience a psychological response to a traumatic incidentan auto accident, a robbery at gunpointthose affected by PTSD suffer its effects long after the event, or events, that caused it.
While the technology of warfare has changed over the millennia, the psychological effects of bloody confrontation have been ever-present, and sufficient documentation exists to conclude that Civil War soldiers suffered from PTSD. This evidence includes medical reports, newspaper and family accounts, and the letters and diaries of the soldiers themselves.
Clearly, the Civil War provided a perfect storm of conditions that could trigger PTSD. It was the last American conflict to be fought in a traditional manner, but in the face of devastating modern technology. The accuracy of long-range cannons and rifled weapons ensured a greater likelihood of death or horrible mutilation than ever before, as men were repeatedly marched in formation across miles of open fields while enemy fire cut them down, as a soldier in the 151st New York Infantry wrote in his diary, like sheaves of wheat. Those not slain outright often suffered lingering or crippling wounds, in a time and place where the most expedient medical solutions were crude and inadequate. By wars end, hundreds of thousands had been killed or wounded, while innumerable others had clearly fallen victim to catastrophic psychological trauma.
It was a war for which most American soldiers were mentally and emotionally unprepared. This was the Victorian age, a time when standards of manly conduct were set inordinately and unrealistically high. Battle was popularly portrayed as a noble, romantic pursuit, offering a man the opportunity for glory or, in the parlance of the period, a good death. Although the North was turning toward industrialization, most of the soldiers on both sides were country youths with little or no knowledge of the world beyond their homes, farms, and towns. For many, their only exposure to war had come from listening to the sanitized reminiscences of their fathers or grandfathers, or reading such tales of chivalry as Ivanhoe and Idylls of the King. As they would discover, this was far from the knightly combat described in Scott and Tennyson, nor was it their fathers or grand-fathers kind of war.
[dropcap]P[/dropcap]erhaps the most common circumstance in which a soldier could suffer PTSD was participation in combat. It was not uncommon for naive recruits to look forward with enthusiasm to their first battle. I was tormented byfear the fighting would all be over before I got into it, one Confederate recalledangst shared by countless others. Few could have imagined the shock of just being within earshot of a fight: the deafening roar of the guns, the insidious whine of the bullets, the piteous screams of the wounded. And when their turn came to enter the fray, nothing could have prepared them for what one soldier described as the awful shock and rage of battle. Confederate John Dooleys journal paints a vivid picture: Brains, fractured skulls, broken arms and legs, and the human form mangled in every conceivable and inconceivable manner.At every step they taketheir feet are slipping in the blood and brains of their comrades. One Union soldier despaired of describing the scene: The half of it can never be toldlanguage is all too tame to convey the horror and meaning of it all.
Nor could they have predicted the effect on their psyches of its aftermatha blasted smoke- and sulphur-infused expanse of human desolation, thick with the sights, sounds and smells of dead, maimed and dying men. A Union colonel surveying the field after Malvern Hill wrote: A third of them were dying, but enough were alive to give the field a singularly crawling effect.
Soldiers treated for battle wounds were prime candidates for PTSD. The wounds themselves were terrible. Firearm technology during the Civil War saw the widespread use of the Minie ball, a French development that wasnt a ball at all, but a hollow-based, conical soft-lead projectile typically ranging from .58 to .69 caliber. Whereas a standard musket ball might break a bone in its course, the Minie ball tended to shatter bones and pulverize flesh, to the extent that an affected limb normally had to be amputated. Even in cases where the arm or leg might be saved, the surgeons were so overworkedand in some cases, unskilledthat amputation became the standard treatment. Shock from the procedure itself killed a number of soldiers. Those who survived faced the likelihood of infection, since the concept of sterilizing instruments, or even the routine washing of hands, was still years in the future. Some soldiers who lived through the operation found themselves addicted to the morphine or opium given to ease the pain.
Simply witnessing the horrific scene at a field hospital made an indelible impression. As described by one chronicler: [W]ounded men in every condition conceivableshattered and shriekingwere brought in on stretchers.With an unendurable stench pervading the air, mangled men, some with limbs already rotted by gangrene, covered the floor and flowed out into the yard as blood-spattered surgeons hoisted the next screaming victim onto the operating tableand, as their assistants held the struggling patient down, sawed away furiously to amputate an arm or leg. Buckets of blood and piles of amputated arms, legs, and feet littered the ground, and the groans or haunting death appeals of the mortally wounded rang forever in the ears of all those who were there.
For those who survived the surgery, the homecoming itself offered its own kind of nightmare, exacerbating the stressors under which a victim of PTSD was already suffering. Most soldiers had made their living through physical labor prior to the war. Whether a man had been a farmer or factory hand, teamster or construction worker, blacksmith or coal miner, the loss of a limb signified the end of his livelihood. His options were few: a state-run soldiers home, the county poorhouse, or the street. For an already traumatized veteran finding himself crippled, unemployed, and unable to support himself or his family, reduced to begging or living on the dole, the psychological impact was devastating.
Soldiers need not have suffered physical injury to fall victim to PTSD; proximity to the slaughter could prove sufficient. More than the physical injury in these cases, wrote one physician of the period, there seems to be [a] psychical effectsuch as horrible sight of suffering, the cries of the injured, the agony of the mangled bodies, and all sorts of horrible scenes; in addition to that, even if not injured himself, come the terror of personal danger, the mental agony, the fright, etc., affecting the victim profoundly.
For many seasoned veterans as well as green recruits, the inability to come to terms with the experience of battle became insurmountable, and they succumbed to PTSD. In his excellent book Shook Over Hell: Post-Traumatic Stress, Vietnam, and the Civil War, Eric T. Dean writes: Although men concentrated on the task at hand and put personal safety aside, they still witnessed and reacted to even if belatedlyhorrific scenes of slaughter, and these sights and memories took an eventual toll.
There were circumstances beyond exposure to combat in which a soldier could become a sufferer of PTSD. The unimaginable horrors endured by those who were captured or, gobbled, as the saying wentand sent to prisoner-of-war camps often exceeded those of combat. Many captured soldiers on both sides considered remand to a prison camp tantamount to a death sentence; even if they survived, they were often physically and psychologically damaged for life. There was none of the decisiveness of battle, simply the slow, agonizing passage of day after hellish day in captivity, with a future that held nothing but illness, starvation, and slow decline. Unrelieved hunger and thirst, exposure to extremes of weather, and brutal treatment by both guards and fellow inmates in such pits of misery as Libby, Elmira, Camp Douglas, and Andersonville comprised a purgatory from which death was often the only escape.
Many prison camp survivors exhibited stressors of PTSD. Erastus Holmes, a quartermaster sergeant in the 5th Indiana Cavalry, bore the classic symptoms for the rest of his life. He was captured by the Confederates in July 1864. After a brief incarceration in Florence, S.C., he was transferred to Andersonville, where he endured terrible hunger and slept in a water-soaked hollow in the ground. Not surprisingly, he suffered from various diseases, and at wars end, weighed only 85 poundsaround half of what he had weighed when captured. On his return home, he could barely walk, and according to his sister, was the poorest looking thing I ever saw. He relived the horrors of his experience over and over, both internally and verbally, constantly talking to himself, gnashing his teeth, tensing his muscles, and suffering spells of mental anguish. He created a detailed model of the prison camp in his back yard, repeatedly insisting his neighbors and family tour it. Unable to sleep, he ate obsessively, at all hours of the day and night. According to his daughter, Holmes would feed all the tramps he could findand set out pies and cakes for the birds.It seemed as though he could not bear to see anything that seemed to be hungry.
Twenty years after the end of the war, Holmes suffered a complete breakdown, and could remember nothing of what had occurred in his life after Andersonville. He was admitted to the Indiana Hospital for the Insane, where he remained until his death in 1910.
Between 1861 and 1865, some 400,000 men had been gobbled, of whom more than 50,000 had perished. Andersonville alone buried 13,000 of its 45,000 prisoners, while the death toll at the Union prison at Elmiraor, Hellmira, as its prisoners called itreached 24 percent. Many of the survivors carried the mental scars of PTSD, in a world that had no idea what to do with them. Erastus Holmes was one of countless sufferers for whom societys solution was either jail or an insane asylum.
Even for those who survived combat and avoided capture, proximity to disease and its effects were constant assaults on their stability. Typhoid, smallpox, cholera, scurvy, measles, malaria, pneumonia, and simple infection were rampant in the camps of both armies, eventually killing twice as many soldiers as those who died by shot or shell. Among the most common ailmentsfrequently the results of consuming spoiled food or stagnant waterwere dysentery and diarrhea, which afflicted approximately 78 percent of soldiers. As one wrote in a letter home: Sickness causes more deaths in the army than Rebel lead.A man gets sick and unless he has a strong constitution, he sinks rapidly to the grave.
As Dean wrote: Civil War soldiers could be haunted by the deaths of comrades, especially when they died far from home and did not receive decent burials. Witnessing the sickness that surrounded them daily, seeing messmates perish, and knowing that they themselves might soon succumb, took a terrible mental toll on the soldiers, and lingered long after the war had ended. Ben R. Johnson, a 6th Michigan infantryman whose outfit had been posted in the Louisiana swamps, later wrote of the effects of swamp fever, which he called the enemy.His slimy, cold, and merciless hand bore down upon us until we moaned in our anguish and prayed for mercy.Many comrades were stricken down in the midst of life and laid away under the accursed soil of the swamp.
Sometimes the most basic functions relating to a soldiers life could induce PTSD symptoms. Infantry soldiers in the Civil War generally traveled by foot, conceivably covering thousands of miles during the course of their service. Marching, while a deceptively simple task on the surface, frequently presented hardships for which the soldiers were ill-prepared. As one Yankee would write: Walking ten or twelve miles a day will hurt no one, but walking 12 miles a day and carrying a knapsack full of clothing, a blanket, a half tent, several days rations, gun, ammunition, &c, is the hardest kind of work. He could have added that the trek was often made under punishing conditionsa brutal Southern sun, freezing Northern snowand without the appropriate clothing, equipment, or provisions. Dehydration was a significant threat; a number of soldiers collapsed or died on the march from lack of sufficient water or heat stroke. Shoes wore out, leaving soldiersespecially Confederates, who had a footwear problem from the outsetto suffer with every step. Most of our marches, one Southern surgeon wrote to his wife, were on graveled turnpike roads, which were very severe on the barefooted men and cut up their feet horribly.
Marches could extend for days or weeks, continuing well into the night; the soldiers never knew when the misery would stop. And when they made camp, it could well be in inhospitable surroundings. Mud was a common enemy. One Confederate wrote, Space forbids my describing the length, depth and breadth of the mud. As bad as were the rain and mud, the cold could be worse. I had gotten chilled, recalled one Rebel, and my teeth were glued together and a feeling of complete wretchedness came over me. Last night very cold, an Indiana soldier recorded in his diary, did not sleep wellwoke from a dream crying. And when a march finally ended, it was often to deliver the exhausted men to battle.
Marching and the related effects of constant exposure to the elements could have such a debilitating effect on soldiers that after the war, a number of them applied for disability pensions listing hard marching, sunstroke, or exposure as the cause. In many cases, the claims were approved.
[dropcap]M[/dropcap]ilitary physicians were mandated, as part of their responsibilities, to recognize and diagnose mental disorders among the troops. The science of psychology was still years in the future, however, and generally neither the military hierarchy nor the medical profession understood, or was disposed to make allowances, for soldiers whose experience in war had mentally incapacitated them. The symptoms were frequently not recorded or were improperly identified, commonly dismissed with such facile diagnoses as acute mania, soldiers heart, nervous shock, railway brain, melancholy, nostalgia, dementia, hysteria, feeble will, moral turpitude, or simply cowardice.
Without todays understanding of PTSD as a legitimate disorder, its wide range of symptoms made a viable diagnosis impossible. Chronicler Dean observes: [T]heory concerning these traumatic neuroses remained highly speculative and inconclusive. The behavioral patterns associated with PTSD were often seen as a moral lapse, for which shaming and hard campaigning were the accepted treatments. The Union armyanxious to keep as many men armed and in active service as possibletended to label sufferers as shirkers and malingerers. They were returned to duty, unless manifest imbecility or insanity could be clearly established. In 1914, neurological pioneer and former Civil War surgeon S. Weir Mitchell wrote: I regret that no careful study was made of what was in some instances an interesting psychic malady, making men hysteric and incurable except by discharge.
One frustrated physician of the period expressed the difficulties in forming an all-inclusive diagnosis for the disparate indicators of PTSD, now so well recognized: In the study of traumatic neurosisno elements will impress the neurological student more than the diversity of theories presented: the wide range of interpretation, their multiplicity of symptomology, incongruities of description, lack of definite detail, their subjectivity presentingvagaries difficult of comprehension and seemingly full of contradiction.
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]t the end of the war, thousands of Union veterans or their families applied for financial aid from the state and federal governments (Confederate veterans were ineligible for U.S. government pensions). It is an indication of the lack of knowledge relating to war-induced mental disorders at the time thatwhile compensation was allotted to those who had suffered physical injuries during the conflictpractically no money was forthcoming for victims of mental trauma. Years later, this would change, and sufferers of mental disordersincluding aspects of PTSDwould be given financial aid, provided a panel of doctors agreed. But at the time, they remained an unacknowledged tragedy of the war.
The responsibility for caring for those affected by PTSD generally fell upon the victims families. Depending on the symptoms exhibited by the suffering veteran, this could be a frustrating and at times impossible task. Those affected often took to drink, which frequently led to violence. Insomnia was not uncommon, with the sufferer dazedly roaming the house or yard. This could turn frightening should he be armed and looking for an imaginary foe. Medical records and family accounts provide numerous accounts of troubled veterans who slept with a gun, knife, or ax for protection against enemy attack. Ultimately, unable to cope and with no end in sight, the family would have little choice but to have him committed to an already overcrowded state or county mental facility.
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]t is impossible to know how many Civil War soldiers suffered from PTSD. There are, however, certain things we do know. While most men were presumably able to compartmentalize their experiences and go on to lead normal lives, others were powerless to cope with the memories and the pain. Then, as now, some of them chose to find peace through suicide. The Union Army reported only 391 suicides during the war, but no records were kept of the number of PTSD victims who took their own lives in the weeks, months, and years after they returned home.
Over time, as America was involved in other wars, PTSD was identified by other names: gas hysteria, shell shock, battle fatigue, combat neurosis, etc. The symptoms, however, remained constant. We need only read the medical records, or study the letters and journals of distraught families of the veterans, or of the soldiers themselves, to know thatwhether they wore Union blue or Confederate graythe soldiers of the 1860s underwent the same personal hell, and suffered the same post-traumatic stress disorder, as those who would serve in the wars to come.
Ron Soodalter, a regular contributor to Americas Civil War, is the author of Hanging Captain Gordon and The Slave Next Door.
Angelina Grimke was like a meteor flashing across the 19th-century sky. Few individuals were more historically consequential. In her life and work, Grimke brought together the two great human rights issues the United States faced in the 19th century: slavery and womens rights. Born in Charleston, S.C., the daughter of John Grimke, a planter, slaveholder, lawyer and politician, she burst into public life in 1835 with a small article published in William Lloyd Garrisons radical newspaper The Liberator. She endured a period of controversy and personal danger in consequence of her public advocacy on behalf of enslaved people, and, as a result, put the issue of womens rights publicly on the agenda for the first time in American history.
In 1835, already a member of the Philadelphia Female Anti-Slavery Society, and horrified at the violent attacks on abolitionist meetings and proponents, Grimke wrote a letter to Garrison expressing her solidarity with him. It was supposed to be a private letter, but he published it in The Liberator using her name. It was probably irresistible to Garrison. She was, after all, a Southern woman, the daughter of a slaveholder. Her Quaker friends and leaders urged her to withdraw it. Instead she leaned in.
Within the year Grimke took up an invitation to become a speaker for the American Anti-Slavery Society, becoming the first woman to go out on the antislavery lecture circuit. Then the real controversy began, the one that would join the cause of slaves and of women in a fateful historical conjuncture. Between 1836 and 1837, Grimke toured the country speaking on behalf of slaves. She was an incredible addition to the antislavery cause, offering powerful first-person testimony to the horrors of slavery. Hundreds came to hear her speak, men and women, colored and white.
The backlash was fearsome. No respectable woman should speak to promiscuous (that is, sexually mixed) audiences. She was denounced; her life was threatened. She did not waver: Now that my master [i.e., God] has burst my fetters and set me free, I never expect to suffer myself to be manacled again. The bondage imagery was pregnant with meaning. Who, exactly, was she talking about? The idea of the slavery of gender was born.
In the summer of 1837, Angelina Grimke was denounced from the pulpit of just about every Congregational church in the United States. Through out the tour she had quietly emphasized the point that to be effective in the cause of the slaves, antislavery women had to throw off social constraints and injunctions to keep silent. Now under assault, Grimke went further and, aided by her sister Sarah and against the advice of all her mentors, tackled the issue head on, defending her right to speak and act in public in a series of published letters to Catherine Beecher, another female public figurebut one with far more conventional ideas of womens sphere.
Grimke published 13 letters to Beecher in 1837, including one in which she insisted (as the title clearly conveys) that The Sphere of Woman and Man as Moral Beings [is] the Same. And another, Human Rights [are] not Founded on Sex.
The investigation of the rights of the slave has led me to a better understanding of my own, Grimke wrote. It seems hopelessly modern, and perhaps you wont believe me, but in 1837 she said this truth will be self-evident, that whatever it is morally right for a man to do, it is morally right for a woman to do.Now, I believe it is womans right to have a voice in all the laws and regulations by which she is to be governedand that the present arrangements of societyare a violation of human rights, a rank usurpation of power, a violent seizure and confiscation of what is sacredly and inalienably herswoman has just as much right to sit in solemn counsel in Conventions, Conferences, Associations and General Assemblies as manjust as much right to sit upon the throne of England, or in the Presidential chair of the United States. Is she not incredible?
From 1835 to 1838, she led a remarkable public life. She was fearless. Then, after a singular courtship with Theodore Dwight Weld, a radical abolitionistin which they openly discussed what a partnership of equals would bethey were wed in 1838, with vows in which she promised to love and honor but, conspicuously, not to obey. That was effectively the end of her public career. Despite Angelina Grimke Welds best efforts, marriage, motherhood and some version of domesticity bowed even her. She would teach, and would participate in the huge drive during the Civil War to collect 1 million signatures on a petition to Congress for an amendment ending slavery; she would lend her name to womens suffrage organizations and live a life of principle and commitment to the causes of antislavery, womens rights and human rights. She would reappear here and there, including at the founding meeting of the Womans Loyal National League, where she spoke as a representative of South Carolina. In 1870 she participated in a womens suffrage protest by casting a vote in an election.
But when Elizabeth Cady Stanton and other women met in Seneca Falls, N.Y., in 1848 to write The Declaration of Sentimentsthe foundational document of the American womens rights movementAngelina Grimke Weld was there in spirit only. She had three children, and was employed as a teacher to help support them. She would appear only momentarily in the public record thereafter.
Although her meteoric light was dimmed later in life, the brilliant Angelina Grimke Weld did leave a lasting trail.
Stephanie McCurry is a professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania and author of award-winning Confederate Reckoning: Power and Politics in the Civil War South.
Originally published in the January 2014 issue of Americas Civil War. To subscribe, click here.
I had earlier posted this question somewhere on the Historynet website about why the Japanese decided to attack the United States; but at the time didnt realize you existed, Mr. History. None of the usual explanations have fully answered this question, so I ask you now:
Why did the Japanese leadership think the US would step in if Japan used the opportunity of a full-blown, life-or-death war in Europe to pick off the now vulnerable European colonies in Asia? The US being a vocal critic of the institution of empire would never have committed troops to protect Europes eastern colonies.
Americas major military holdingthe Philippinesdidnt have the oil, rubber or raw materials the Japanese were primarily looking for. With the isolationist US left in peace, Japans war would tidily have been completed in a few months and (though they couldnt have known it at the time) with little chance the later war-devastated former colonial powers ever returning to take them back.
This miscalculation by Japans military rulers has to rank amongst the most cataclysmic in all military history. And yet, nobody that Im aware of has ever even posed the question.
What gives, Mr History?
Keith Gentile
???
Dear Mr. Gentile:
The reason nobody has asked why the Japanese went to war against the United States is that it had ample reasons for it by the fall of 1941, albeit much of their own making. The United States had generally enjoyed relatively friendly relations with China, but took an ambivalent stance, even after the Marco Polo Bridge Incident on July 7, 1937, gave Japan an excuse to launch a full-scale invasion. Even while fending off isolationists, in 1940 and 1941 President Franklin D. Roosevelt began supplying increased arms under Lend-Lease to China, even while the United States shipped oil, iron, steel and other commodities to Japan. In January 1940, however, Japan abrogated its existing treaty of commerce with the United States. In August 1940 Japan declared its intention of creating a Greater East Asia Co-Prosperity Sphere, with the European powers ousted and (in practice) Japan exploiting the continent and its resources all by itself. On September 27, 1940, Japan signed the Tripartite Pact, committing itself to alliance with Adolf Hitlers Germany and Benito Mussolinis Italycountries that Roosevelt already eyed with hostility. In mid-1941 Japan signed a neutrality pact with the Soviet Union, designed to free up its concerns about the Mongolian-Manchurian border and allow further military activity in Southeast Asia. Things came to a head on July 21, 1941, when Japanese forces entered nominally neutral Vichy French-held southern Indochina. On the 24th Roosevelt requested that the Japanese remove their forces from there and when the Japanese failed to respond, on the 26th the United States and Great Britain placed a full embargo on oil and other strategic materials being shipped to Japan. The Netherlands government-in-exile followed suit with an embargo on such materials from the Netherland East Indies on the 26th.
At that point the Japanese militarists had painted themselves into a corner. They could withdraw their troops from China and Indochina, but they could not countenance the loss of face and material loss of existing conquests that would entail. They therefore stepped up a strategy to obtain the resources necessary to pursue their war against China by force, through a war against the British Commonwealth and the Netherlands. That would also require eliminating American naval power and the seizure of its strategic bases in the Pacific.
Sincerely,
Jon Guttman
Research Director
World History
www.historynet.com
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Tennessee police are searching for a 15-year-old high school freshman who was abducted by her 50-year-old former teacher, according to authorities.
Elizabeth Thomas went missing on March 13 after a student caught her kissing teacher Tad Cummins in a classroom, CNN reported.
"Our efforts to locate her - and the man suspected to have kidnapped her - remain active and ongoing, but to this point have produced no credible sightings or actionable information about their whereabouts," the Tennesee Bureau of Investigations (TBI) reportedly saying this in a release.
Cummins is believed to be equipped with two handguns, according to the TBI. An amber alert was activated in Tennessee and Alabama after Thomas' disappearance, and investigators last detected her near Decatur, Ala.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said they had received 450 information, but no confirmed spot, which makes investigators believe he is keeping Thomas under the radar. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation added Cummins to its top ten most wanted list on March 17.
On Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation updated its Amber Alert explaining little progress has been made since investigative efforts assumed Elizabeth and teacher Tad Cummins are in Decatur, Alabama, about 70 miles south of Culleoka. State investigators have received 250 tips, from 24 states, including California, but none has been helpful in locating the girl.
They're left to believe Cummins could be staying out of the public. Police are trying to estimate how much cash he may have. Cummins took out a $4,500 loan days before he disappeared, police reportedly telling the media.
"He potentially may have them sleeping in the vehicle or Cummins may have driven them far away from Tennessee to a rural community. Having now been on the run for more than five days, Cummins may have taken her, frankly, anywhere," the Amber Alert update said.
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Botanophilia and Epichloe arent household words, but they matter to each otherat least sometimesand they also matter to Dr. Thomas Bultman of the Hope College biology faculty, who will be studying them in Europe this summer through a grant from the National Geographic Society.
The research is intended to clarify the sometimes symbiotic relationship between the Botanophilia fly and the Epichloe fungus, and along the way it may also offer insights into the subtle and complex interactions at work within ecosystems.
Bultman, a professor of biology who has taught at Hope since 2001, first conducted research on the topic in the latter 1980s, finding that the flies help the fungus, which lives on grass, to reproduce much like bees pollinate flowers. Our early work on that showed pretty clearly that the fly was required for the fungus to continue its life cycle, he said.
More recently, though, researchers in both Oregon and Poland have found examples of the Epichloe fungus reproducing without any help from the flies at all.
Through the $16,152 National Geographic Society grant, Bultman will build on his own work as well as the other scientists work as he and his team of Hope students test a new hypothesis that reconciles the differing results. Theyre exploring whether or not the interaction depends on the species of grass on which the fungus is growing as well as differences in the fungus. In some cases, the fly might be required; in some, it might not play any role; in others, the fungus might reproduce with the flys helpor not. Its work that has even been taking the Hope team to Europe.
Last summer, a couple students and I went to France and worked on a species that hasnt been worked on before, Bultman said. We found it didnt matter if the fly was present or not.
This summer will reflect a continuation of thatdifferent sites, different kinds of grass, different kinds of fungusto see if that hypothesis continues to hold water, he said. No one has ever collected these data from that kind of fungus in Europe. It will be a nice test.
Bultman and two students will go to Poznan in western Poland for six weeks this summer. They will work with Dr. Marlena Lembicz of A. Mickiewicz University in Poland, one of the researchers whose work has helped prompt Bultmans new study. Bultman will also be doing some additional work in Aubonne, Switzerland, working with Dr. Adrian Leuchtmann of the university, ETH-Zurich. When they return to Hope, Bultman and his student researchers will continue to work with the samples and information they collect.
Bultman focuses in his research on plant-fungal-insect interactions, with a particular emphasis on conditions that dictate the degree to which they are mutualistic or antagonistic. Among his other research projects and external support through the years, in 2011 he received a $355,217, four-year grant from the National Science Foundation to study how varieties of a fungus help protect Canadian wild grass from creatures that might eat the grass. He has also previously received two other grants from the National Geographic Society in support of his work. He is an associate editor for the peer-reviewed Elsevier journal, Fungal Ecology.
The Hope College Chapel Choir will present its annual post-tour Home Concert on Friday, March 31, at 7:30 p.m. in the Concert Hall of the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts.
The public is invited. Admission is free.
Works to be performed include pieces by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Heinrich Schutz, Don Macdonald, Arvo Part, Herbert Howells, Benjamin Britten, Carolyn Jennings, Alan Bullard, Mark Keller, Jussi Chydenius, Jennifer Wolfe and Randall Thompson. The performance follows the choirs March 17-22 spring break tour of Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.
The Hope College Chapel Choir, founded in 1938, has toured extensively throughout the United States and Canada, and has traveled abroad on eight occasions. Over the years the choir has received numerous invitations to sing at choral conferences and prestigious churches around the country. Recently, the choir toured South Africa, singing at large urban churches, universities, small parishes in townships, inner city missions and AIDS clinics. The choir is also featured in Hope Colleges long-standing Christmas Vespers, the award-winning television broadcast of which is seen around the country at Christmastime on PBS.
The 37-voice ensemble, comprised of student musicians from a wide variety of academic disciplines, is dedicated to the performance of the finest sacred and secular choral music. Students in the choir are selected by audition and maintain a rigorous rehearsal schedule in preparation for their concert tour and other engagements throughout the year.
The choirs director, Brad Richmond, a professor of music, is in his 20th year as director of choral activities at Hope, where he teaches conducting and voice, and also directs the College Chorus. He previously served as director of choirs at Southeastern Louisiana University. His presentation of Johann Sebastian Bachs B Minor Mass with Southeastern Louisiana Universitys Concert Choir and Orchestra won the Gambit Classical Arts Award for the best choral performance of 1998 in the New Orleans area and the surrounding region.
The Jack H. Miller Center for Musical Arts is located at 221 Columbia Ave., between Ninth and 10th streets.
We recently launched a research study "The impacts of staff turnover on a hotel's Income Statement" which revealed that a 30% voluntary staff turnover rate could cause a potential loss of AED 8 million on the top-line and AED 6 million on the bottom-line. If your hotel is experiencing high number of departing staff, it would be advisable to take a step back to review your people strategy.
Based on our field and secondary research, we have come up with four critical strategies that can help to solve or limit this alarming issue.
Strategy I: Apply correct recruitment strategy
The key to reducing staff turnover starts with recruiting the most suitable employees for the positions available, emphasising the importance of identifying the correct fit. In order to do so, the HR department will need to establish a comprehensive recruitment process to screen each candidate carefully and understand their skill set as well as their suitability for the role.
An interviewer should challenge the candidate by asking situational questions to examine their problem-solving skills, cross-checking for references and asking them questions related to the hotel brand to analyse their understanding of the company's approach to business.
The HR department should ensure the salary package offered to candidates meets market rates. HR professionals should assess the market and take into account the changing expectations of employees in the digital age, in order to develop new and effective HR practices.
Our interviews with the hospitality experts revealed that large international hotel groups successfully attract talent through the implementation of succession planning programmes. These hotel groups present potential employees with a path for long-term career development, which is a primary concern for young graduates. They also nurture existing talent by creating fair competition for promotion which helps to boost motivation and loyalty among employees. Succession planning reduces the need for basic training, as promoted staff already appreciate the brand's strengths and operational processes, and therefore actively embrace greater responsibility.
Strategy II: Improve training, learning & development programs
Our research revealed that one of the main factors that improves a company's ability to attract top talent and avoid staff's intention to leave is the provision of customised training programmes that support professional development.
Staff training programmes can be costly. Hoteliers may contemplate the risk of investing in career development for employees who then resign; however, retaining employees whose skills have not been cultivated may have repercussions in the future. It is generally agreed that all employees should have access to basic training in order to promote an understanding of the brand, its values, protocols and standards. It is imperative to note that training programmes can be expensive hence the recruitment process needs to be designed and executed correctly to minimise the risk of employing unfit candidates, who will add further costs in this respect. It is also important for customer-facing employees to be trained to communicate with clients in a professional manner. Training staff to deliver a consistent brand message and effectively and efficiently deal with complaints will improve overall customer satisfaction.
Another advantage in crafting effective training, learning and development programs is that promising talent is typically identified during training exercises. From then, the best talent should be offered extensive training to further their career development.
In regards to training programmes, forward-thinking companies have implemented creative and easy-to-use online portals and video-sharing systems. This includes building internal knowledge sharing programmes and developing mobile apps that provide employees real-time access to training modules. However, these services may not appeal to all staff members. Hence, it is then critical to involve managers, who know their employees best, to help develop training programmes that cater most effectively to their requirements.
Despite the costs associated with training and development programmes, from a hotel asset manager's perspective, it has been demonstrated that the benefit of reducing staff turnover outweighs the costs of such programmes. Employees with a willingness and enthusiasm to learn are more likely to demonstrate higher levels of productivity.
Strategy III: Rethink organisational structure
The top-down hierarchical corporate structure is gradually becoming obsolete as a business model across all industries. The bureaucratic nature of hierarchical organisations may demotivate creative employees. In a dynamic hotel environment, it is important management nurtures and encourages creative talent. Hotel executives must at all times be transparent in their dealings with employees. Management should brief staff about annual budgets and ensure each team member understands their department's Profit & Loss accounts. It is important to infer the notion of ownership and accountability to individual employees so they embrace their role in meeting departmental targets.
Secondly, communication should be simplified as much as possible, flattening the chain of command and eliminating bottlenecks.
Strategy IV: Rethink the HR Management Role
There is a long-standing misconception that HR Management largely assumes an administrative role. Ulrich (1997) coined the term 'administrative expert' whereby operational effectiveness or output is their main goal. This perception of the HR department is still considered purely administrative; that is, that they are responsible for meeting government regulations and ensuring overall compliance with their organisation's internal policies.
HR department should be the ambassador of the brand to potential candidates. HR departments should focus on investing in talent management schemes and learning and development programmes, aside from handling administrative work such as visa applications, procedures for recruitment and termination, and arranging staff accommodation, transportation and insurance. The HR manager is an organisational architect who is responsible for ensuring operational structures are designed in a way that meets both the company's and employees' needs. Such models promote stronger performances in the workforce and a higher Return on Investment (ROI) for the company.
Based on Deloitte University Press's recent publication "The Global Human Capital Trends 2016", skills in the following areas are required:
Organisational networks to analyse, build and develop the existing talent and expertise.
Team-building and team-leader develop potential team leaders who can later develop people.
Employee engagement and culture Understand the current culture at the hotel and propose improvements to the workplace culture.
Analytics and Statistics HR professionals must be proactive in studying the market trends and embracing changes. Mee suggested that HR must be proactive in benchmarking them with the market KPIs.
Crafting experience HR professionals are the brand ambassadors. They need to find the most effective way to communicate brand value to current and potential employees.
HR professionals employ a range of tools and KPIs to measure the overall performance of their company's workforce. HR functions should take a holistic approach to Human Capital analytics and spend time seeking to understand the impact, correlation and causation of HR metrics on overall business performance. Multi-dimensional analysis is critical if organisations are going to extract value from workforce insights in general the best approach is to try to focus efforts on helping to understand and solve specific business problems. In general, within the hospitality industry, it makes sense to focus key efforts on specific workforce clusters that are guest or customer facing as trends within these groups (e.g. recruitment and Attrition, Engagement levels, Productivity, Learning & Development, Reward & Recognition etc.) are more likely to have a direct impact on revenues and customer advocacy.
To download our research, please click on the following link: http://www.hospitalitynet.org/news/global/154001038/4081228.html
Lucca Martin Manzano
Asset Analyst
+971 4 455 0100
TFG Asset Management
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Big data has been a starting player on the strategic revenue roster for years. In fact, years before big data exploded into something like a phenomenon, hotels were increasingly incorporating industry data into their revenue technologies and strategies. The opportunities afforded through the effective use of big data have grown to such an extent that today's flourishing hotels must increasingly leverage larger amounts of available data to seize their most lucrative revenue opportunities.
But while big data might be heralded as the core of intelligent decision-making, using it effectively can prove to be daunting task for many hotels - especially for those looking to use industry data to develop new revenue management strategies, such as an increasingly essential need for hotels to strengthen their channel performance capabilities. Channel performance refers to the management of channels or sources of business to achieve optimal revenue and maximum profitability for a hotel. However, when it comes to using industry data and revenue technology for sustainable channel execution, management and results, hotels need to not only prioritize the right types of data, but use it effectively to track and manage their costs and thoroughly understand their guests.
Prioritizing the Right Data
As hotels explore different types of data for their revenue management strategy, they need to take into account the degree of uncertainty the data brings since a high degree of uncertainty can create a risk for substandard revenue decisions and strategies. This is why identifying the right types of smart data is a critical first step for every hotel.
At the highest level, analytical revenue management technology is traditionally comprised from a combination of four data set types, with each set contributing to very distinctive outputs. To better understand the importance of each data set type - and how each one helps drive revenue results for hotels - the following is a brief breakdown of the four types of data sets: descriptive data, diagnostic data, predictive data and prescriptive data.
Hotels have been using descriptive data in their basic hotel technology to achieve their business goals for many decades. Descriptive analytics utilize data similar to standard hotel reporting, and large volumes of this data are used to give hotels a view of what happened in the past. These descriptive analytics allow hoteliers to make informed decisions about the future based on data that details what has already happened. Descriptive data falls into a category classified as "hindsight," which is data that provides hotels with the ability to interpret their historical performance.
Hotel technology also uses diagnostic data to measure hotel performance relative to its market by aggregating historical data to understand why an outcome occurred. Diagnostic analytics look at historical data from multiple sources, aggregating it to make assumptions for the market as a whole. These types of analytics can also be used by hotels to help benchmark their property performance against their competition, as commonly illustrated through the likes of STR reporting. Similar to descriptive data, diagnostic data also falls within the hindsight category since it uses performance data that helps hotels understand the reasons behind their past performance.
The majority of today's revenue management solutions utilize predictive data, which provides hotels with well-informed occupancy and revenue forecasts. These forecasts are typically used to help hotels establish their ideal pricing and inventory control strategies. As hotels gain insights into future outcomes, they can accurately manage price and inventory to achieve an ideal mix of business. However, as predictive analytics are derived from forecast models based on historical records, there can be challenges forecasting time frames with brand new market conditions or events. Predictive data falls into the "foresight" category, as its data forecasts future outcomes to identify revenue opportunities for a hotel.
In more recent years, prescriptive data has stepped into an integral analytical role for today's hotels. Prescriptive analytics not only leverage historical data points, but future data that allow hotels to go beyond conventional hotel forecasting practices. Through the use of advanced market intelligence, prescriptive analytics are able to understand optimal outcomes and the strategic decisions needed to achieve them.
Today's advanced revenue management solutions provide these analytics - and they give hotels deeper levels of insight into market positioning, channel profitability and guest personas. When this data is combined with powerful revenue strategy controls, it delivers highly accurate pricing and inventory control decisions by room type and multiple lengths of stays. It also allows for more insightful marketing campaigns and promotions that can be monitored in real-time to maximize direct business and profitability.
Prescriptive analytics move hotels beyond foresight into the "insight" area of analytical capabilities. Market intelligence data provides hotels with deeper views of their data to maximize the most amount of revenue possible, while the automation of today's technology continuously optimizes decisions and outputs, leaving hotels with little room for human errors and missed rate opportunities.
As big data continues its reign as one of hospitality's most prevalent revenue management themes, it has become paramount hotels focus less on the 'big' narrative, and more on the application of 'smart' data. With large amounts of disparate data available today, hotels need to prioritize the data that provides them with meaningful insight and action. Leveraging forward-looking demand intelligence with historical and internal data sources will help create an analytical engine that provides a hotel with insightful strategies that deliver optimal revenue results and maximum profitability.
Organizing and Understanding Data
Organizing and understanding data is essential to effectively using it to help drive the decision-making process. This is also true when it comes to channel performance, in particular as it relates to channel costs.
To accurately track costs, it is critical that effective best practices and standards are structured around the proper use of business coding and data collection. This ensures the available data is both accurate and suitable for digging into new channel performance opportunities. As an example, source and channel fields within reservation systems are extremely vital to helping hotels understand where their business is coming from, so they may, in turn, track the costs of each reservation. Practices that ensure these field types are well-defined and reliably assigned to reservations allow hotel properties to successfully monitor and evaluate their channel metrics.
The other element that is critical in this process is identifying the true cost of each reservation. This may be a relatively simple exercise for an online travel agency reservation that carries a fixed charge, but the depth and breadth of charges related to a reservation are often more complex than that. Considerations must be made for all costs involved in a reservation - this may include such items as variable commissions, labor costs, sales spend, loyalty program charges and a plethora of others. Ensuring that these elements are understood, organized and tracked correctly is essential.
Once data is organized and understood, hotels can look to advanced revenue technology and services to close the revenue gaps on better channel performance. The availability of insightful channel reports and dashboards that revenue technology provides give hoteliers swathes of opportunities to analyze acquisition costs and channel revenues at deeper and more customized levels. As more hotels start tracking their channel costs more closely, they'll have the ability to monitor their production into the future, which allows them to make any necessary adjustments to their strategy before it is too late. This will result in more visibility into profit-focused key performance metrics, such as net RevPAR and net ADR, which support hotels in delivering a channel performance strategy that maximizes their bottom line.
Optimizing Performance Through Market Intelligence
When applying big data in practice, hotel revenue management strategies have historically focused more on its mathematical side by looking at traditional data sources (such as economic factors and historical results) to anticipate market demand. Hotels rely heavily on these data sources and their performance-based numbers to identify the basics of a profitable business strategy. However, exponentially more hotels are seeing untapped wells of opportunity to drill deeper into their data to extract and analyze behavior-based facets and thoroughly understand their guests.
Strategic revenue management is beginning to rely heavily on prescriptive analytics to build upon traditional forecasting practices and look beyond numbers to better understand how and why a particular outcome occurred. Across the industry, this shift in strategy is largely considered to be a fusion of both revenue management and marketing strategies. Combining these two functions allow hotels to identify the factors attracting and driving potential guests to book directly with the hotel, as well as helps determine the ideal price to bring in the most revenue at the lowest costs. The use of this market intelligence data supports hotels as they plan intelligently and make more profitable decisions for their organization.
Hotels typically have access to technology that tracks basic shopper activity on their website; however, it has been mostly limited to high-level booking data and lost business data for only their brand website. While this type of market intelligence data allows hotels to view searched date ranges, page activity, and room types or packages shoppers expressed interested in, online shoppers have still remained largely mysterious. This is where the availability of travel intent data - and its strategic implementation - has become critical for developing a hotel's revenue strategy.
Travel intent data uses search and booking data from third-party booking sites and OTAs to help quantify the demand a hotel can expect for future dates. This advanced and predictive demand intelligence provides hotels with human-focused insights that allow them to market strategically with specific ad placements and personalized offers that pull in more direct bookings. Taking the insights from travel intent data, and layering it into the traditional data sources used in forecasting, provides hotels with one of the most lucrative opportunities to predict which guests are most likely to book and deploy a tailored marketing strategy that targets them.
Big data won't be sitting on the revenue management sidelines any time soon, and hotels can continue to expect new and evolving technology that will help them make the best - and most profitable - use of it. When looking to uncover even more revenue opportunities, today's hoteliers are turning to the implementation of strong channel performance initiatives that further strengthen and execute their most powerful and profitable revenue strategy.
Reprinted from the Hotel Business Review with permission from www.HotelExecutive.com
About IDeaS
IDeaS, a SAS company, is the world's leading provider of revenue management software and services. With over 30 years of expertise, IDeaS delivers revenue science to more than 18,000 clients in 145 countries. Combining industry knowledge with innovative, data-analytics technology, IDeaS creates sophisticated yet simple ways to empower revenue leaders with precise, automated decisions they can trust. Results delivered. Revenue transformed. Discover greater profitability at ideas.com.
In March 2017, over 1,100 hospitality industry professionals from around the globe came together in Amsterdam to explore the industry's best practices and latest innovations at the inaugural HITEC Amsterdam. Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), producers of the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition and Conference (HITEC), exceeded its goal to successfully produce a European counterpart to its recognized, 45-year-old North American event. HITEC Amsterdam was held from March 2830, 2017 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. Based on this year's successful show, HFTP has already scheduled HITEC Amsterdam 2018 for April 1113 at the RAI Convention Centre.
For more information please contact USALI @HFTP
+1 (512) 249-5333
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DJ Khaled paid a visit to Nike HQ last night for a top secret meeting, which lasted all throughout the night according to his instagram account.
In a series of instagram posts, Khaled shared pictures of himself meeting with the Jumpman team and teased a big announcement coming soon, likely his first official Jordan collab release.
Additionally, Khaled shared photos of some new Air Jordans inspired by Michael Jordans iconic Wings poster, including the Air Jordan 3 and Air Jordan 4. Last year Jordan Brand paid tribute to Michael Jordans iconic Wings poster with a special edition Air Jordan 12, as well as a Wing It Air Jordan 2, which they will follow up this Spring with a Wings Air Jordan 1.
The Wings Air Jordan 3s and 4s could be coming to retail or they may simply be samples, but DJ Khaled definitely has something in the works with Jordan Brand so stay tuned for more details.
Wings 3s
MMA fighter Jonathan Paul Koppenhaver, better known as War Machine, was convicted of 29 felonies last night for kidnapping, beating and sexually assaulting his ex-girlfriend Christy Mack over several months back in 2014.
Additionally, War Machine was convicted of attacks on Macks male friend, Corey Thomas.
According to ESPN,
Mack, 24, spent eight hours on the witness stand, crying as she said she was beaten and raped by Koppenhaver several times in the months before the August 2014 attack on her and Thomas. Thomas testified that he suffered a broken nose, dislocated shoulder, scrapes, bruises and bite marks. The beating stopped, he said, when he asked Koppenhaver if his end game was going to be to kill him or let him go. Mack testified that Koppenhaver attacked her after Thomas left. The jury saw photos of Mack with a broken nose, missing teeth, fractured eye socket and leg injuries. She also suffered a lacerated liver.
The jurors were deadlocked on two attempted-murder counts, but he still faces life in prison without the possibility of parole for kidnapping and sexual assault with a weapon.
War Machine, who has been serving a 1-4 year sentence for violating probation on a 2009 conviction for attempted battery involving a 21-year old woman, will be sentenced on June 5th.
It's one of two upcoming projects that re-unites him with the director of The Lobster, Yorgos Lanthimos.
Colin Farrell is to play Lieutenant-Colonel Oliver North in a new Amazon Prime series about the 1980s Iran-Contra scandal.
The then Deputy Director of Political Military Affairs for the US National Security Council, North was fired from the Regan administration after it emerged that money meant to secure the release of seven American hostages held in the Lebanon by Hezbollah was clandestinely diverted to Contra rebels fighting the democratically elected Sandinista regime in Nicaragua.
The series reunites Farrell with Yorgos Lanthimos, director of The Lobster and the upcoming The Killing Of A Sacred Deer, which finds Farrell sharing top billing with Nicole Barry Keoghan, Nicole Kidman and Alicia Silverstone. Executive Producer duties fall to Ben Stiller and Nicky Weinstock.
Im really excited to be working with Colin again on something quite different to what we have done so far, Lanthimos tells Variety magazine. I look forward to joining forces with Ben and Nicky, who had an excellent casting idea and saw the potential of the material early on and Amazon, who has embraced the project with great enthusiasm. It makes me very confident and excited to be working on a script which, although based on relatively recent history, feels very fresh and relevant to our times.
Farrells acting stock has never been higher with an upcoming role alongside the aforementioned Ms. Kidman, Kristen Dunst and Elle Fanning in Sofia Coppolas remake of Clint Eastwood classic The Beguiled, and talk of him joining Denzel Washington in Dan Gilroys legal drama, Inner City.
The former IRA leader turned peacemaker and statesman, who was Sinn Fein's chief negotiator in the peace process, died this morning at the age of 66-years-old, following a short illness with a rare heart disease that was diagnosed only back in December.
Martin McGuinness, who will be remembered as one of the most influential Irish political figures, died this morning at the Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry with his family by his side.
Paying tribute to his colleague and friend, Sinn Fein's Gerry Adams said: "Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness."
Also leading the tributes this morning, President Michael D. Higgins said that it was with "great sadness" that he heard of Mr McGuinness' passing.
He said Mr McGuinness made an "immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland a contribution which has rightly been recognised across all shades of opinion."
As one of seven children, Martin McGuinness was born in Derry in 1950 and left school at the age of 15 to become an apprentice butcher. He actually grew up beside former Hot Press columnist Nell McCafferty. "Our streets ran parallel to one another. A very interesting story and Im not even sure if Nell knows about it my father was born in 1912. Where was he born? In the house that Nell McCafferty was raised in," he once told our man, Jason O'Toole.
His small family two-bedroom home on Elmwood Street was situated only 50 yards from Celtic Park, the home of Derry GAA. Martins brother Tom would go on to represent his county reaching two All-Ireland semi-finals and holds an All-Ireland medal at Under-21 level. His father, William, worked as a foreman in the local foundry until his sudden death in 1973.
"There was seven of us six boys and one girl. We lived in a two-bedroom house. It had a kitchen which was probably the size of your down- stairs toilet! It was an alcove really," he said.
"How my mother and father coped raring seven of us on the one wage he earned was absolutely incredible. He was a foundry worker; he was a foreman there.
"My mother was a very innovative person, someone who could turn her hand to anything to in terms of making clothes and darning socks and all the rest of it. It was a very humble upbringing."
Martin McGuinness joined the IRA at the age of 20 and by the time he was in his early twenties he was already a leading local player in the Derry Brigade of the IRA. He was second-in-command of the Provisional IRA in Derry it is the only position he admits to ever holding during the Bloody Sunday massacre, which saw 14 innocent civil rights marchers slaughtered by British soldiers.
While the accusation has been circulated that Mr McGuinness fired the first shot that sparked off the indiscriminate shooting by the British troops, most eyewitness accounts vigorously deny that any shots ever emanated from the crowd that day, and Mr McGuinness himself was scathingly dismissive of the accusation.
Badgered about this allegation, during the course of a Hot Press interview, Mr McGuinness was adamant that it was a cock and bull story.
Despite being arrested several times and convicted of IRA membership Mr McGuinness never served a lengthy prison sentence. Speaking to Hot Press about this, he said: "I spent a lot of time in interrogation centres and I was in prison. I was in Mountjoy prison, I was in The Glasshouse in the Curragh, I was in Portlaoise prison, I was in Crumlin Road prison. The only prison I wasnt in was Long Kesh. The period in prison was first time, six months; the second time it was a year.
"Now, I was consistently arrested by the RUCs Special Branch in the North and brought for interrogation to Castle Bay and sometimes released after a full seven days, and brought back a week later for another seven days. And obviously, during all that time, I was able to keep my mouth shut! "
Mr McGuinness said that he honestly expected to be killed in his mid-twenties. "To be quite honest, in those times I thought I wouldve been dead by the time I was 25. Many of my friends have lost their lives because of the conflict. There have been a number of occasions when I came very close to losing my life. I dont intend to go into the details of it. Suffice to say, the British army, it wasnt for the want of trying on their part. Particularly in the early days," he said.
During the height of the troubles, he was banned from entering Britain under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. At the time, Mr McGuinness was allegedly a member of the IRAs Army Council. On one occasion, he was described by Unionists as the IRA godfather of godfathers. Reacting to this title, he told Hot Press: "It sounds like someone who absolutely believes in demonising Irish Republicanism. But no doubt I dont know where the quote came from it probably came from some leading Unionist politician somewhere."
Regardless of whatever titles he may or may not have held, there is no disputing the fact that Mr McGuinness, along with Gerry Adams, was one of the most influential figures within the Irish Republican movement.
Mr McGuinness high-ranking role within the IRA was verified by the fact that the Republican movement turned to him to represent them during their initial, secret talks with British intelligence, back in the 1970s and 80s. He went on to become Sinn Feins chief negotiator in the 1990s and helped secure the Good Friday Agreement.
Speaking to our man Jason O'Toole in 2011, Mr McGuinness was asked about his violent past. The following question was put to him: "Do you feel guilty at all? Do you find it hard sometimes to sleep? Did you have to wrestle with your soul about this?" His answer was a straightforward, "No."
But he did add: "There were many things that the IRA did which were terribly wrong. And which I could not give any support to. Everything that happened was terrible and an awful lot of people suffered and lost their lives. There was nothing romantic about what happened.
"Im not in a position to say that Ive no responsibility for what happened when I was a member of the IRA. I cant distance myself."
He also likened himself to Michael Collins and Eamon de Valera. "I think theres no difference between what I did and Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins did, and, indeed, many others."
In 2007, Mr McGuinness led Sinn Fein into a power sharing agreement with the DUP and was appointed Deputy First Minister alongside Rev Ian Paisley, who was appointed First Minister of Northern Ireland. The two men built up a strong working relationship and were dubbed the "chuckle brothers" by the press.
At the time of Mr Paisley's death in 2014, Martin McGuinness paid a warm tribute to his former "political opponent" turned friend. "In the brief period that we worked together in the Office of the First and Deputy First Minister I developed a close working relationship with him which developed into a friendship, which despite our many differences lasted beyond his term in office," he said in a statement.
Mr McGuinness also once insisted to Hot Press that even though the Good Friday Agreement was a "compromise", the IRA were "not defeated" and that he believed Ireland was on a "countdown" to eventually be united.
"I get a wee bit hurt at times that, when people like myself raise the prospect of a united Ireland, some people will snap at you as if you havent got the right to speak about it which is, you know OK what sort of a democratic process is that?" he told Hot Press. "That I, as an Irish Republican, cant articulate a view that will say I am part of a process to establish it (united Ireland), which I believe worked properly by myself as a Republican leader will lead to a united Ireland at some stage in the future?"
On the subject of a united Ireland, he told Hot Press: "I believe we are on a countdown to a united Ireland, but it must happen by purely peaceful and democratic means. Already, many Unionists at grassroots level have conceded that there will be a united Ireland at some stage in the future."
He was once bizarrely accused of being a British spy. "Obviously it was something that really annoyed me and my family. That said, most of my friends werent annoyed about it at all because they just regarded it as typical I think that I described it as hooey at the time, which it clearly was. But, I mean, the allegations were rubbish total and absolute, confounded rubbish. And the vast majority of people, I think, understood that," he told us.
He also told Hot Press that he believed the spy allegation was made to put his life in danger. "Absolutely. I dont have any doubt whatsoever that this was a militant force within British intelligence, or someone who had previous connections to British intelligence, who with whatever information they had added up two and two and they got nine. But I was always conscious that my role within the leadership of Irish Republicanism would at times have been a very dangerous role to play," he told us.
Despite his reputation as a feared IRA man, up close and personal Mr McGuinness was an affable character. During one sit down with Hot Press, he joked to us about how many people thought he looked very similar to the musician Art Garfunkel.
"I love A Whiter Shade of Pale my favourite tune. Simon and Garfunkel not because some people say I looked, when I was younger, like Art Garfunkel. I have a lot of friends who thought that," he quipped at the time, adding that he was a big fan of Snow Patrol.
Mr McGuinness ran for the presidency in 2011. Speaking this morning, President Michael D. Higgins remembered him fondly as a political opponent during the presidential race. "As a political colleague of many years, and having participated together in the Presidential election campaign of 2011 that brought us all over Ireland, Sabina and I have appreciated both Martin McGuinness warmth and his unfailing courtesy," stated President Higgins.
One of Mr McGuinness' last political acts was to trigger an election in Northern Ireland when he stepped down as Deputy First Minister after a decade in the role.
Here's the footage of Mr McGuinness announcing his resignation following a political row with the DUP.
On the subject of religion, Mr McGuinness insisted to Hot Press that he didn't have a "sectarian bone in my body". He described himself as a practicing Catholic, but added philosophically: "I am a practising Catholic, but I also believe that if I had been born on the Shankill Road, Id probably have been a practising Protestant. Or if I had have been born in India, I would have been a practising supporter of Buddhism. Or if I was born in the southern states of America, I might have been a Mormon. I actually have a very broadminded view of religion."
Asked by our man Jason O'Toole if he believed in heaven and hell, he reflected: "That is a difficult question. I don't have the answer. I dont believe theres a heaven, and I dont believe theres a hell. I dont know whats out there. I would like to think that there is some place where people go, where they will be happy.
"But I would hate to think that there are people out there who would be condemned to an eternity of suffering and torture and abuse. I dont think that the God that I believe in believes in that type of punishment for eternity. I think that I have an open mind about all of this."
Tributes have been pouring in since Mr McGuinness' death was announced this morning.In a statement, Taoiseach Enda Kenny had this to say: "Martin will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey that he undertook in his lifetime. Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end.
"Martin was one of the chief architects of the Good Friday Agreement and he worked resolutely in the years that followed it in pursuit of its full implementation. I got to know Martin well in recent years, including through our working together in the North South Ministerial Council. His commitment to securing enduring peace and prosperity for all of the people of Northern Ireland was unwavering throughout this time. He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone, regardless of background or tradition.
"Above all, today is an especially sad day for Martin's family - his wife Bernie, and his children - and for the people of Derry, who held a special place in Martin's heart."
The British Prime Minister Theresa May said Mr McGuinness "made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace."
She continued: "While we certainly didn't always see eye to eye, even in later years, as deputy first minister for nearly a decade he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross-community power-sharing in Northern Ireland. He understood both its fragility and its precious significance and played a vital part in helping to find a way through many difficult moments.
"At the heart of it all was his profound optimism for the future of Northern Ireland - and I believe we should all hold fast to that optimism today."
While Tony Blair , who worked closed with Mr McGuinness during the peace talks, said: "I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle.
"I came to know the Martin McGuinness who set aside that armed struggle in favour of making peace. There will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it that is completely understandable.
"But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future."
Also paying tribute this morning, former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern said that Mr McGuinness was a "critical part of changing the course of history toward the path of peace in Northern Ireland".
The Primate of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin, who is also from Derry, said this morning that Martin McGuinness made an "immense contribution to sustaining peace".
Archbishop Eamon Martin also said in his statement: "Like many people I was shocked before Christmas to hear about the serious illness of Martin McGuinness, and, despite our hopes and prayers for his recovery, today I am saddened to learn that he has died. My first thoughts are with his dear wife Bernie, his children, grandchildren, brothers and sister, and all his many friends and loved ones.
"I will remember Martin as someone who chose personally to leave behind the path of violence and to walk instead along the more challenging path of peace and reconciliation. As a leader he was courageous and took risks in order to bring others with him, convincing them that goals could be achieved by politics and persuasion.
"He channelled his many gifts into creating and sustaining the peace process of which he was one of the key architects. I have no doubt that Martin's faith and relationship with God guided him along this journey. He was a man of prayer and I am personally grateful for his good wishes and encouragement to me, as a fellow Derry man, in my own vocation."
Archbishop Eamon Martin continued: "The story of conflict in Ireland has brought much pain and trauma and I thank God that in recent years we have preferred peace to the horror of violence and war.
"People like Martin McGuinness have made an immense contribution to sustaining peace by reaching out a hand of friendship and reconciliation and being prepared to model alternatives to dispute and division.
"Martin's personal warmth and open, friendly personality was able to melt away suspicion and help build trust with those coming from very different perspectives. Being grounded in love for his family, community and native city of Derry, he understood the importance of a peaceful, just and prosperous future for all. Martin was ambitious for peace. He knew that peace was worth striving for and was within reach in his life time.
"A fitting legacy for Martin would be a redoubling of efforts on all our parts to find solutions to our current problems and continue along the journey to a shared future. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam dilis"
Bertie Ahern also made the point that "Ireland today has lost a great leader", adding: "Martin McGuinness was a pivotal figure in Irish republicanism for over 40 years. He made a journey, if not without historical precedent, then certainly without equal in modern Ireland. It began for a very young man in pursuit of violent struggle. It ended only weeks before his death, after years in office, spent strengthening the peace he worked for and to which his leadership was essential."
While President Michael D Higgins also said Martin McGuinness' death leaves a gap that will be difficult to fill". He added in his moving tribute, "The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland."
Speaking this morning, Gerry Adams also said that Mr McGuinness was a "passionate republican". Mr Adams added that he "worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both."
He concluded: "On behalf of republicans everywhere we extend our condolences to Bernie, Fiachra, Emmett, Fionnuala and Grainne, grandchildren and the extended McGuinness family."
Martin McGuinness interviewed by Shane Paul O'Doherty:
Perhaps, in part, encouraged by the diversity of revolutionary changes around the world in recent months, people in various quarters closer to home have begun to talk encouragingly about a possible breakthrough in Northern Ireland that might bring the long-running military conflict to a close.
But what, realistically, are the chances of an IRA ceasefire? And what kind of pre-conditions are required before all sides can get around the table and talk? As one of the most senior figures in Sinn Fein, Martin McGuiness is well placed to articulate the latest position of the Republican movement. Here he is interviewed by Shane Paul ODoherty, someone who has also had considerable experience of life on the front line in Northern Ireland. A former active service member of the IRA who served time in prison and subsequently renounced the use of physical force, he now studies in Trinity College, Dublin and works as a freelance journalist.
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Completing welding repairs on underwater pipelines while oil flows through them seems like a dangerous business.
Houston's Mexssub is out to prove its system is perfectly safe for oil and gas companies worldwide, saving them many millions of dollars in the process by avoiding shutting down production. Granted, convincing them is easier said than done, especially when companies fear even the slightest chance of a pipeline exploding or gushing oil.
"That is the biggest obstacle," said Franco Silva, Mexssub's international business development manager. "Once they open their minds to it, they can see the upside is massive."
Mexssub, which claims a perfect track record over 30 years, on Tuesday said it entered into an alliance with Houston offshore engineering company Intecsea, which is owned by Australia-based WorleyParsons, to sell its technology and repair process internationally.
The business alliance represents a new frontier for Mexssub. For most of its history, the company, founded in Mexico City, did nearly all its work for Mexico's state-owned energy monopoly, Petroleos Mexicanos, called Pemex. After Mexico began to deregulate its energy sector in 2013, Mexssub moved its headquarters to Houston in 2014 and, last year, moved into an office and warehouse in Cypress.
The Intecsea alliance is intended as the next step.
More Information Mexssub What it does: Protects and repairs live subsea pipelines Origin: Began operating in 1987 out of Mexico City Current HQ: Cypress Local employees: About 10 Founder and CEO: Jesus Silva What's new: Formed alliance with Houston's Intecsea to market and sell the technology globally. See More Collapse
"They were just setting up a plan to expand internationally," Mac McKee, Intecsea's strategic development manager, said of Mexssub. "In us, they get that global presence."
Mexssub and its expansion are examples of how the liberalization of Mexico's energy market is providing opportunities for Texas energy firms. Companies such as Kinder Morgan of Houston and Energy Transfer Partners of Dallas are building or expanding pipelines to transport natural gas to Mexico. Raven Petroleum of The Woodlands has proposed a $500 million refinery east of Laredo to export nearly all of its fuels to Mexico.
More broadly, said Kurt Barrow, vice president over oil markets for IHS Markit, Mexssub's moves illustrate that energy services has become an increasingly international business as companies not only from Mexico, but also China and South Korea, branch out beyond their borders.
"One thing we've seen is more globalization and diversification of services companies," Barrow said.
The Mexssub technology uses a protective sleeve that's installed on damaged subsea lines. The process involves a watertight chamber that's temporarily placed around the pipeline that needs repair. The chamber, which has sufficient air to breathe, allows welders to work safely on the repairs.
The patented sleeve is clamped onto the pipeline, slid into position and permanently welded into place. Several sections can be added for repairs or preventative measures. A patented resin plastic formula is then filled into the sleeve, filling the gaps around the pipeline to further protect it from corrosion. Finally, a coating wrap is applied to protect the metal sleeve itself.
Mexssub contends it saved Pemex close to $4 billion over the years by making more than 900 repairs with zero pipeline downtime.
The technology was originally used to repair and protect the risers on the offshore oil platforms that drill into the depths of the ocean. But Pemex only has so many rigs, so the business expanded to service all subsea pipelines.
McKee sees a need for the technology not only with U.S. companies in the Gulf of Mexico, but with companies worldwide, especially Asia. Mexssub has already done some work with Exxon Mobil Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell for projects off Nigeria.
"There's tons of subsea pipelines that are really quite old and need to be addressed," McKee said.
Intecsea touts Mexssub as the only technology that offers immediate temporary repairs as well as permanent fixes to pipelines without having to shut off the flow of oil or gas. The goal also is convincing companies to spend more money upfront to use the technology as a preventative measure on pipelines and risers. The company declined to provide figures comparing its costs to traditional repairs.
Just like all energy companies, Mexssub took a beating during the two-year oil bust, and the offshore sector remains mired in a slump. Mexssub only has about 10 people in its Cypress headquarters, with a larger base still in Mexico. Silva's father, Jesus, founded the company and remains CEO.
It's up to Franco Silva to expand the company internationally.
"We know there's enough opportunities out there to justify the risk," Silva said.
It takes less time for a new patient to see a doctor in Houston than the national average, but a health care study also finds the percentage of physicians who accept Medicaid and Medicare remains much lower than in other major cities.
Taken together, the two measurements could signal a widening disparity in access to health care based on income and insurance availability in Houston, said Phillip Miller, vice president of communications for Merritt Hawkins, a leading national physician search and health care consulting firm.
The findings are part of his firm's 2017 Survey of Physician Appointment Wait Times and Medicare and Medicaid Acceptance released Monday.
In Houston, the average wait time for a new patient appointment among the five polled specialties is 19.6 days, beating the national average of 24 days. The shortest average wait time with the same criteria was in Dallas at 14.8 days. The longest was in Boston at 52 days.
Still, the time to see a doctor can vary widely even within the same city.
For instance, in Houston it can take as little as one day or as many as 180 for a first-time patient to see a family practitioner.
Other specialties surveyed were cardiology, dermatology, obstetrics-gynecology and orthopedic surgery. In Houston, the quickest average time for a new patient to get an appointment was with an orthopedic surgeon, with wait times ranging from one to 30 days.
While Houston patients fared better than in other major U.S. cities, the study showed they were not immune to the national trend of creeping wait times. In 2014 the average wait across specialties for new patients in Houston was 19 days; in 2009 it was 17.
Nationally, the wait time has grown 30 percent since 2014, the study showed.
"Physician wait times are the longest they have been since we began conducting the survey," Merritt Hawkins president Mark Smith said in a statement, which he described as an indication the "nation is experiencing a shortage of physicians."
The survey of 1,414 physicians also asked how often they accept Medicaid and Medicare. The average rate of Medicare acceptance in the large cities was 85 percent and 53 percent for Medicaid.
Houston falls behind in both. Only 69 percent of polled doctors accept Medicare - the worst rate among cities in the study. Those accepting Medicaid were 37 percent, with Houston tying Miami as the second worst in the study. Only Dallas had a lower acceptance rate with 17 percent.
Miller speculated that the lower acceptance of the federal programs among physicians in Texas suggests it could be a combination of relatively low unemployment rates and generous employer insurance plans for workers. That allows doctors to be choosy about accepting payments with lower re-imbursement rates.
"There is financial incentive to see insured patients," Miller said, referring to doctors in Houston and Dallas. "They don't have to make up a certain percentage of their practices with poorer paying plans."
The findings offer only a snapshot, but the study said the overall picture points to a worrisome trend of doctor shortages and the need to expand accessibility as the nation's health care system continues to evolve.
The Waller County Sheriff's Office is investigating a complaint that a female inmate was sexually assaulted by a male inmate working at the jail, officials said Tuesday.
The Texas Commission on Jail Standards will also investigate for possible procedural violations at the jail, which drew national attention in 2015 when Sandra Bland hanged herself there after being arrested during a questionable traffic stop.
In the complaint filed Friday, a female inmate accused a male inmate of sexually assaulting her. The male inmate was performing duties typically assigned to inmates who have trusty status, but the inmate had not been designated as a trusty, said Craig Davis, chief deputy at the Waller County Sheriff's Office.
Those duties include cleaning the jail, he said.
Both inmates were over the age of 18, Davis said.
The Texas Rangers and the Waller County District Attorney's Office are monitoring the investigation, Davis said.
The Waller County Jail alerted the Texas Commission on Jail Standards about the complaint, said Diana Spiller, a research specialist at the commission.
SEX TRAFFICKING: Bond tripled for woman charged with pimping teen
In the Bland case, a former jail guard admitted to falsifying jail records to indicate that he had checked Bland's cell the morning before her death, when he had not. After Bland's death, the jail agreed to implement safeguards, including streamlining cell checks and adding video appointments with a doctor.
The Waller County Jail also failed a Dec. 12 inspection by the Texas Commission on Jail Standards, according to state documents. The jail failed to follow standards regarding fire and emergency drills training and regarding due process for inmates charged with a jail violation. Jail staff also did not document that inmates were getting the required three hours of recreation per week.
The jail has since moved back into compliance, Spiller said.
State law requires male and female inmates to be kept out of sight and sound from each other unless supervised, Spiller said. That applies even for inmates performing trusty duties.
MURDER-SUICIDE: Noted surgeon dies in apparent murder-suicide
As of Tuesday morning, the Waller County Jail housed 73 inmates, four of whom were women, Davis said.
There is no program for women in the jail to gain trusty status, he said.
The district attorney's office declined further comment.
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see the takeaways from a review of the jail after a woman died in custody there
The Coast Guard rescued a woman who had been hurt while on a boat in the Gulf of Mexico, officials said Monday.
The Coast Guard cutter Steelhead received a distress call about 1 p.m. Monday from a charter boat located about 35 miles off Port Aransas. They said a 27-year-old woman had a seizure and fell, injuring her head, Coast Guard officials said.
The Coast Guard cutter picked up the injured woman from the charter boat and brought her back to Port Aransas to meet up with paramedics.
The woman's condition wasn't known later Monday.
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Family and friends packed the courtroom to see the suspected killer of 8-year-old De'Maree Adkins appear publicly for the first time since his arrest.
On one side sat the grandparents and mother of De'Maree, who was killed by a bullet to the chest nearly a month ago. They wore white T-shirts with a photo of De'Maree's smiling face.
On the other side sat about a dozen relatives and friends of Adkins' alleged killer, 19-year-old Jacobe Payton. They had not seen Payton since he was arrested Feb 27. They watched the doors with anticipation.
A judge would determine during the hearing whether to lower Payton's $500,000 bail. Payton's lawyer, Jeff Strange, argued Payton's incarceration was illegal, and the bail was excessive. But Judge Maggie Perez-Jaramillo of the 400th District Court in Fort Bend County sided with the prosecutors, who said Payton's juvenile and adult criminal record plus the heinousness of the crime fit the $500,000 bail.
Payton entered the courtroom in handcuffs and a green jumpsuit. The dreadlocks he had when he was arrested were shaved.
Strange spoke first. Payton's family could not front the required 10 percent of the bail to get him out of jail, pending trial.
Karla Barnes, a retired postal worker and relative whom Payton calls his mother, said $5,000 was the most the family could muster.
Prior to his arrest, Payton had lived with Barnes, his girlfriend and their two toddlers. He had been a senior at Willowridge High School in Fort Bend ISD. He spent afternoons raising his son and daughter.
Payton allegedly shot and killed De'Maree around 2 a.m. Feb. 25, in southwest Houston. Two cars, one of which was Payton's, collided with the Honda that De'Maree and her mother, 39-year-old Latoyia Thomas, were in.
After the crash, Payton allegedly opened fire at Thomas' Honda, hitting De'Maree. The girl died at a hospital from her injuries. Thomas was physically uninjured.
Payton admitted to being at the scene, prosecutors said at the hearing. That, an eyewitness account and the fact that his car was in the crash was enough to put him in jail and keep him there pending his trial, with a half-million dollar bail, they said.
Strange challenged the credibility of the witness tying Payton to the crime. This despite a magistrate ruling March 3 that law enforcement had the necessary proof to hold Payton in jail.
Barnes remained stoic as she testified. Prosecutors asked her why Payton had not graduated - he flunked first grade - and whether this was the latest in a pattern of illicit behavior. He has a juvenile and adult criminal record.
Barnes has questioned how the Payton she knew could have murdered a child.
"He didn't have a mean streak in his body," Barnes said after Payton's arrest last month.
Her brother thinks law enforcement must have made a mistake.
As the lawyers rehashed the details of the case - the speeding cars, the shell casings found at the scene - De'Maree's mother wiped her eyes.
As the prosecutors listed Payton's criminal record, his friends put their faces in their hands.
As a juvenile, Payton was charged with evading arrest and terroristic threats. As an adult, he was arrested and accused of stealing electronics valued between $2,500 and $50,000. He also has two assault cases pending in Fort Bend County, both of which happened at school.
When the judge made her decision, Payton's girlfriend ran out of the courtroom. De'Maree's grandparents and mother hurried out too, the latter wiping tears. Barnes stayed seated.
"Just try to get through the rest of the day," Strange said to her and her brother.
Barnes watched Payton shuffle out of the courtroom in chains. She blew a kiss to Payton as he walked out the door.
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Tamina needs a champion.
The tiny Montgomery County community, founded in 1871 by freed slaves, is imperiled on many fronts, but its most urgent need is a modern sewer system to replace the aging, inadequate septic tanks serving its 200 or so remaining houses.
Last month, the years-long struggle toward this goal advanced a bit with the settlement of a lawsuit filed by Tamina's nonprofit water agency against the neighboring city of Shenandoah, which had backed out of a deal to treat Tamina's sewage. A new arrangement with a municipal utility district is in the works, but many financial and practical obstacles remain.
On the surface, it's hard to see why this is such an overwhelming challenge. Dozens of times a year, Texas real estate developers create special districts that provide utility service to new subdivisions in unincorporated areas like Tamina.
Granted, the process is a bit more complicated in an established community, particularly one where the per-capita income is about $17,000 a year. But is it unreasonable to hope that a leader with a creative solution might emerge in one of the state's fastest-growing counties?
The stakes certainly justify bold action on someone's part. Tamina, along with a few other "freedmen's towns" scattered across the country, is a monument to the struggle of African-Americans to build a life for their families after their emancipation. These communities are rapidly disappearing, but a few longtime residents are determined to keep Tamina alive.
"The land represents the blood, heart and soul of our African-American heritage," Tamina resident Annette Hardin told Houston photographer Marti Corn for Corn's book of Tamina images, the subject of a column I wrote last June.
Among those struggling to preserve that heritage is James Leveston, a 73-year-old retired airline mechanic who has lived in Tamina for most of his life. As president of the Old Tamina Water Supply Corp., Leveston has led the negotiations with neighboring communities and state regulators to bring sewer service to Tamina.
"If we don't get this done," Leveston told me, "I can't see a future for our community."
The reasons are pretty clear. Leveston and his neighbors won't live forever, and new investment is unlikely in the absence of basic infrastructure. Development pressure is mounting from the prosperous, rapidly growing communities on every side of Tamina.
Real estate professionals like to talk about the "highest and best use" of property. Someone who failed to consider Tamina's history might conclude that its narrow, rutted streets, poor drainage and crumbling buildings fall short of this standard. Perhaps the community's disappearance would not be universally lamented.
Fears of 'conspiracy'
Here's how a frustrated Leveston put it in a 2014 letter to a state environmental official:
"The entire Tamina community feels as though there is a joint conspiracy between the various cities surrounding Tamina to prevent us from getting service, and to drive us out and commercialize the whole west side of Tamina from the railroad track to the I-45 freeway for now, and the rest of the community later."
"Conspiracy" is a strong word, but it's fair to say that the preservation of Tamina never seems to be important enough for any of the other players in this drama to look beyond narrow self-interest. Shenandoah backed out of its sewer service deal after learning that the terms of a federal grant to pay for the sewer lines would have required the city to permanently forgo annexing Tamina.
"No responsible City Council would agree to that," said Shenandoah's attorney, William Ferebee.
Perhaps not. But justifying a decision to say "no" is a lot easier than finding a way to say "yes." And it's not hard to find examples of area leaders who saw the big picture and took decisive action to solve difficult problems.
Vision and influence
Houston needed more parks, so the late Councilwoman Eleanor Tinsley created a way for neighborhoods to use school playgrounds. Buffalo Bayou was a languishing asset, so philanthropists Nancy and Rich Kinder supplied money and creative talent to develop Buffalo Bayou Park. Roy Hofheinz: Astrodome. Jesse Jones: Houston Ship Channel.
Where are the leaders like these in Montgomery County? Who has the will, the vision and the influence to ensure that Tamina, a shrine to courage and resilience that's already greatly diminished, doesn't simply melt into its surroundings?
Tamina's residents are certainly doing their part. Instead of relaxing in their retirement, Leveston and his wife, Julia, have plunged into the minutiae of utility regulation, spending countless hours consulting with lawyers and writing letters to state and local officials.
Tamina doesn't need a savior, but it does need help. Who will step up?
Kannur VC Dr Gopinath Ravindran was the last to respond to Raj Bhavan shortly before the 5pm deadline.
A U.S. magistrate judge says immigration officials told him and a court colleague in January that a major immigration sting would take place in the Austin area over the local sheriff's new, less stringent enforcement policy, according to the Austin American-Statesman.
The federal officials said the new policy of Travis County Sheriff Sally Hernandez limited her cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, U.S Magistrate Judge Andrew Austin stated in court Monday, the paper reported.
The judge said his understanding was that one of the reasons for the sting was that meetings between the immigration field office director and the sheriff had not gone well, according to the Statesman.
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The judge's claim conflicts with what the immigration agency known as ICE said after the mid-February raids, which the agency characterized at the time as "routine."
Responding to Austin's comments, ICE officials issued a statement Monday evening, denying that ICE discusses future operations.
A spokeswoman for Hernandez said the sheriff had no comment Monday because she was not part of any conversation between ICE agents and judges, the Statesman reported. The other judge who attended the meeting with Austin, U.S. Magistrate Mark Lane, also had no comment, the Statesman said.
ANOTHER SHERIFF: Harris County sheriff cuts ties with ICE program over immigrant detention
According to the Statesman, the 51 people arrested last month in the Austin-area operation included 28 who, ICE said, had no criminal history. That proportion (55 percent) was "significantly higher" than in other cities where similar raids were conducted: Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Los Angeles, according to federal documents, the Statesman reported.
The judge's comments came up during a hearing Monday for a defendant who had been arrested recently when he showed up in a county court.
A state Senate committee voted Monday to approve a bill that could torpedo Harris County's multimillion-dollar overhaul of the Astrodome.
The Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Relations voted unanimously in favor of the measure to require certain local public stadium projects - including the county's planned $105 million renovation of the Astrodome - to be put to a county-wide referendum.
The committee's unanimous bipartisan vote suggests the bill by Sen. John Whitmire, D-Houston, will have enough support to pass the full chamber and head to the House.
County officials have said the bill threatens to derail its project to raise the floor of the Astrodome and put two floors of parking underneath, opening the Dome for festivals or conferences and usher in potential commercial uses in the more than 550,000 square feet that surrounds the core.
Harris County Commissioners Court voted last year in favor of the $105 million renovation project, billed by many as the Dome's saving grace after years of sitting vacant. It would be funded through a combination of property taxes, hotel taxes and parking revenue.
County Judge Ed Emmett, a longtime proponent of re-purposing the Astrodome, testified against the bill Monday.
Emmett said he was not surprised by the committee's vote, but criticized the bill as unprecedented meddling in county affairs by the state.
"No matter what building we're talking about here, this has never been done," he said.
The Texas Historical Commission voted in January to designate the Astrodome a State Antiquities Landmark, meaning it cannot be altered or demolished without the commission's approval.
Whitmire's argument in favor of the bill centers on the fact that Harris County voters in 2013 defeated a $217 million bond package that would have renovated the Astrodome and transformed it into a street-level convention hall and exhibit space.
"If you ask the voters to speak to a $217 million bond issue, which fails, you don't tweak it and come back and spend the money anyway," he said.
Whitmire said he was "guardedly optimistic" about the bill's chances in the House.
University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus said given the bipartisan vote in favor of the bill Monday, which included Democrat Sylvia Garcia and Republican Paul Bettencourt, House members likely would be receptive to the bill.
He said Emmett, a former state legislator, has some sway in the House to help fight the bill, but the state increasingly has asserted its authority in local affairs.
Rottinghaus pointed to the ban on texting while driving and transgender bathroom bill as examples.
"He is on the local side of an ongoing conflict between state and local government," Rottinghaus said.
WASHINGTON - FBI Director James Comey made one thing abundantly clear Monday: There is zero evidence that Donald Trump or Trump Tower was wiretapped during the course of the 2016 presidential campaign.
"I have no information that supports those tweets," Comey told House Intelligence Committee ranking Democrat Adam Schiff o California, confirming that neither the FBI nor the Justice Department had found any evidence of the alleged wiretapping after a very close look.
Comey's denial of wiretapping comes on the heels of similar statements by former director of national intelligence James Clapper, former president Barack Obama and House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif.
For Trump to continue to make the case that he was wiretapped by Obama during the 2016 election, you must believe that the current FBI director is lying in a public, nationally televised congressional hearing. And that the former director of national intelligence was lying. And that Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, is lying that Britain was not involved in a wiretapping program at the behest of the American government.
That's a very, very, very, very tough sell.
Now, there are ways around this - and a number of the Republican members on the Intelligence Committee are taking Trump's lead in suggesting them. The prime pushback is that when Trump used the word "wiretapping," he didn't actually mean wiretapping. Instead he meant a broader palette of potential means of surveillance. And so, by denying, specifically, the words "wiretapping," Comey and the rest are playing word games and not broadly denying that someone, somewhere was watching or listening to the Republican presidential nominee.
It is possible - in the broadest sense of that word - that such a theory could have some validity. But it is the longest of long shots, and to believe it, you have to believe that people like Comey and Clapper purposely obfuscated when asked direct questions about whether Trump was being surveilled.
Given Comey's flat denial of any evidence of Trump Tower being wiretapped, there will be increased pressure on both Trump and Republican members of Congress to back off that position and apologize for it. Reps. Tom Cole, R-Okla., and Will Hurd, R-Texas, have already called on Trump to apologize to Obama. It's hard to imagine that other GOPers won't follow that lead in light of Comey's testimony in front of the House Intelligence Committee on Monday.
Trump is another matter. His offhand remark at a joint news appearance Friday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel that perhaps he and she had both been wiretapped by the Obama administration suggests he isn't planning to leave the issue alone - much less apologize for it.
And we know that for 35 to 40 percent of the public, that will be enough; they simply trust Trump more than they trust any intelligence official or media outlet.
But that's sort of beside the point. Trump is the president of the United States. There is now ample evidence that a very serious accusation he made about a former president is simply not true. Standing by it now is simply irresponsible.
Texas Sen. John Whitmire has never been one to bend under the weight of authority. During his 40-plus years in elected office, the Dean of the Senate has stood up to governors, speakers and even his peers. It's the sort of always-questioning attitude that our state should hope to imbue on the next generation of leaders making their way through our public schools.
So it is with a sense of irony that we're watching Houston's Whitmire work with Dallas-area state Sen. Royce West work to pass a bill that teaches students to shut their mouths and submit to government authority.
Senate Bill 30, which has a hearing today, would require public schools to teach students how to interact with police officers. State funding cuts and recaptured property taxes have already stretched our local school budgets to a breaking point. The last thing we need is another unfunded mandate from Austin.
There's no easy answer to issues of police-civilian interaction, but we know that the burden of solving the problem shouldn't fall on teachers and teenagers.
Yes, too many students view the police through a lens of fear. Far too many parents have to sit their kids down and give them "The Talk" about how they should act around the police. Whitmire and West should be working with police departments to make these talks a thing of the past - not a permanent part of the Texas curriculum.
Beyond school issues, the bill isn't all bad. SB 30 expands driver education courses and safety courses to cover proper law enforcement procedure during traffic stops - the only time plenty of Texans ever interact directly with police.
The bill also requires that officers take civilian interaction training. That's where the real responsibility belongs. Adults bear the burden of keeping their cool when teenagers act up.
There was a time when generations of Texas school kids learned about police shootings by reading S.E. Hinton's coming-of-age classic, "The Outsiders."
Today's students probably learned from reading headlines about Trayvon Martin. However, a new wave of young adult novels, like Angie Thomas' "The Hate U Give," Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely's "All American Boys" and Kekla Magoon's "How It Went Down," has hit bookshelves for the generation growing up in an age of Sandra Bland.
Rather than handing off another one of society's problems to our already overburned public schools, Whitmire should take it upon himself to ensure that students have access to these books,
Literature can help kids understand the complexity of the world around them. Class discussion and reflection help lead them down their own paths to adulthood.
This bill just makes for bored students.
Unforgettable
Regarding "Scion of Texas Revolution hero shared love of state' history" (Page A3, Friday), I had the distinct honor to meet Sam Houston IV years ago at a Sons of the Republic of Texas meeting. There was a meal before the meeting, and his wife had dropped her napkin. Since I ate before coming to the meeting, I didn't need mine and offered it to her. She was very gracious and thanked me, while Sam also thanked me, stood up, offered his hand and said, "I'm Sam Houston the Fourth." Needless to say I was speechless - one does not meet the great-grandson of the hero of Texas Independence every day.
Every time after that, whenever I saw him it was "Hello Mr. Houston" to which he corrected me: "Sam ... it's Sam" - and yes, he remembered my name, too!
Chris S. Knapp, Houston
Health care
Regarding "ACA repeal is the rodeo that came to Washington" (Page A17, Friday), thanks to U.S. Rep. Gene Green, D-Houston, for making clear the impacts of the Trump-backed GOP plan to repeal and replace Obamacare. It will take much work to create sustainable health care for all Americans though we live in the richest country on earth.
The GOP plan is a shortcut to the problems of pre-Obamacare days. It is a well know and often-used strategy by dictators and failed governments to keep the populace distracted from important issues.
Bombast and alternate facts have replaced "bread and circuses" to occupy the masses. We need to keep focused on the realities we face, not create new ones.
Christine Eheman, Houston
Cut spending
Regarding "Budget guts nearly all but defense" (Page A1, Friday), I just finished reading about the President Trump's budget and all the wailing and gnashing of teeth from the liberals and all the crying about cuts in federal funding for all sorts of programs that are not authorized in the United States Constitution.
Reading it serves as an outline of just how the federal government has grown so bloated and out of control.
Bryant Reed, La Porte
Boggles the mind
Regarding "Federal judge in Hawaii puts revised Trump ban on hold" (Page A1, Thursday), I find it hard to believe that President Trump who was supported by millions of Americans, most of whom support his position on most subjects, can have an executive order blocked by a single judge who was put in office by a different party than the one supporting President Trump. It simply doesn't seem logical that one opinion can overturn one that is supported by millions of voters.
Something is clearly wrong with our system when a single judge can overrule the top office in the country.
Bill DeGeorge, League City
Wiretap claim
Regarding "Heat rises on wiretap claims" (Page A1, Friday), it is becoming obvious who the biggest proponent of "fake news" is. This is a classic move in any magic act. It is called misdirection. Right now President Trump is trying to divert attention from his recent and upcoming missteps on the travel ban and the budget to a place where nothing exists - wiretapping.
He did this all through the campaign. Why would we expect him to stop this behavior after the election?
Manuel Castrejana, Houston
When we heard the news that a challenge to Houston's benefits policy for city employees, Pidgeon v. Turner, was set for a hearing before the Texas Supreme Court earlier this month, it brought back troubling memories. We're both longtime employees of the University of Texas at Austin, where spouses and dependents are covered by our employee-sponsored health insurance. But for many years, our spouses were left out.
That changed thanks to the landmark 2015 Supreme Court decision, Obergefell v. Hodges, which "requires a state to license a marriage between two people of the same sex and to recognize a marriage between two people of the same sex when their marriage was lawfully licensed and performed out-of-state." In his statement for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote movingly: "It is demeaning to lock same-sex couples out of a central institution of the Nation's society, for they too may aspire to the transcendent purposes of marriage."
We've never loved UT more than on Saturday, June 27, 2015, the day we got the announcement saying that we could register our spouses for insurance benefits on July 1, the following Wednesday. Within days, a worry that had shadowed us for years was lifted. Sarah and Carrie have been a couple for 14 years and were legally married in Washington, D.C., in 2013. Lisa and Madge met in 1997 and were married at Lisa's parents' ranch in Canada in 2011. They are the parents of two teenage boys. Finally, our families were protected.
Madge, who has a chronic illness, has seen a significant improvement in her health over the last year and a half due to having access to regular checkups, prescription coverage and the ability to consult specialists when needed. Health care access has improved Carrie's life as well.
We're well aware of our good fortune. We know that even though the percentage of uninsured Texans dropped 19 percent to 17.1 percent after the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, there are still millions of Texas without insurance, largely because of the state's decision to reject federal funding provided by the ACA. With the new Trump administration working to "repeal Obamacare," we fear going back to the bad old days when pre-existing conditions were excluded from most policies and what was available made going to the doctor so expensive that our wives often skipped it.
The explicit goal in Pidgeon is to overturn Obergefell, according to the attorney bringing the case, Jared Woodfill. It's hard for us to understand why anyone would want to reach into their neighbors' lives and make them more precarious.
But morality aside, this case stinks on political, legal and constitutional grounds. The suit has already been rejected by the appeals court once, in September of last year. Following the September decision, Gov. Greg Abbott, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and state Attorney General Ken Paxton led a team of powerful state Republicans in putting pressure on the court to reconsider and hear the case anyway.
At the March 1 hearing, the justices repeatedly questioned whether Pidgeon and his co-plaintiff even had standing to bring the case. Jurisdiction is also in question: The Texas Supreme Court has very limited authority over appeals such as this one. Of course, these are the very reasons the court denied hearing the case in the first place.
Meanwhile, we await the decision, biting our nails and hoping that the court will not bow to the political pressure to scapegoat our families. This suit is bad for Texans, and it's bad for Texas.
Sloan, LCSW, is a clinical assistant professor of Social Work at the University of Texas at Austin. Moore is the Archibald A. Hill Regents professor in English and American Literature at the University of Texas at Austin.
As a conservative, I'm thrilled by the arrival of unified Republican government. But the politician I'm most grateful to in Washington today is not President Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, R-Wis., or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky.
It's Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
The Senate minority leader is doing more than anyone in our nation's capital to ensure the passage of the most conservative health-care and tax reform possible - while working overtime to make sure that Democrats who voted for Trump in 2016 stay in the GOP fold in 2018 and beyond.
The biggest fear many conservatives had after the 2016 election was that Trump would be too quick to cut deals with the Democrats. Trump holds heterodox positions on everything from spending, foreign policy and entitlements to the minimum wage, trade and health care. If Democrats were smart, they would have reached across the aisle to Trump and offered to work with him. Trump is a dealmaker, not an ideologue. He would have loved nothing better than to cut deals with Schumer. Indeed, Trump reportedly called Schumer the morning after the election offering to do just that.
Instead of accepting Trump's outstretched hand, Schumer's Democrats are opposing virtually everything that Trump does. They are attempting to block not only his Cabinet nominees (Schumer even voted against Elaine Chao, wife of the majority leader and paragon of the GOP establishment, for transportation secretary) but also his sub-Cabinet appointments. And they have expressed zero interest in working with him on bipartisan legislation. The battle cry of the Democratic Party is "Resist!"
This unrelenting resistance has pushed Trump to the right. Since Trump knows he can't get Democratic votes for his health and tax plans, he does not need to make any concessions to win over Democrats.
Imagine what might have happened if Schumer had greeted Trump's post-inaugural outreach by publicly declaring: "I know Donald Trump well. He was one of my biggest donors. We worked together for years. And I look more forward to working with him as president. We agree on a lot of things, and where we do agree I will be his strongest ally in Congress. Where we disagree, I will try to bring him over to our side, because Trump is nothing if not flexible. And where we can't cut a deal, we will let the democratic process sort it out." It would have been Schumer with Trump in the White House bowling alley, hammering out their differences on health care, instead of the members of the Freedom Caucus. Trump would have cut deal after deal with Schumer.
This would have been smart policy, and it would have been smart politics - allowing Schumer to sow divisions between Trump and the more conservative elements of the GOP caucus who would have bristled at his bipartisanship. But Democrats are in such a hysterical state right now that they are not interested in bipartisanship. They want to destroy Trump.
Conservatives should be thrilled by this. Schumer is alienating once-reliably Democratic blue-collar voters who abandoned the party in the last election. Last summer, Schumer dismissed these voters with the back of his hand, declaring that "For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two, three moderate Republicans in the suburbs in Philadelphia, and you can repeat that in Ohio and Illinois and Wisconsin."
It didn't work out that way. While Democrats won Illinois, they lost Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and even Michigan. The Washington Post reports that of the nearly 700 counties that twice voted for Obama, "a stunning one-third flipped to support Trump" in 2016. That means there are millions of Obama voters out there who were sick of Democrats such as Schumer dismissing their concerns and decided they wanted to give Trump a chance.
Now they see Democrats responding to their decision by digging in their heels and resisting and obstructing everything that Trump does. The Democrats' message to Middle America is: We don't hear you. There could be nothing better for the GOP - and nothing worse for the 10 Democratic senators who are up for reelection in 2018 in red states that voted for Trump. Republicans need to pick up only eight seats to win a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate.
So thank you, Chuck Schumer! Let's hope he continues to block Trump's agenda and forces vulnerable Senate Democrats to be Trump obstructionists. If Republicans don't blow the opportunity, the result will be legislation that is more conservative - and expanded congressional majorities in 2018.
Thiessen, a fellow with the American Enterprise Institute and former chief speechwriter to President George W. Bush, writes a weekly online column for The Washington Post.
The Houston City Council approved during a meeting Monday accepting a MoDOT road into the city limits that it already maintains.
The city learned that MoDOT owned Millstone Road and the council decided to take ownership of the portion in the city. The street department had already maintained it for years, and the road sits in an area that has seen business development.
In other matters, members:
Heard that Steve Floyd, a city employee who assisted in various departments, will join the electrical department. He replaces C.J. Moore, who left the citys payroll. The city is advertising to fill Floyds earlier spot, which provided help as needed in departments.
Received an update from Angie Quinlan, executive director of the chamber, on activities of the organization. Membership has climbing to 104, she reported.
Decided to clean up the remainder of a tract it acquired at U.S. 63 and Highway F (Walnut Street). Chat also will be placed on the lot.
Heard an update on developing a job description for a vacant economic development position. The city will work with the Houston Industrial Development Authority as it continues to develop its requirements.
Heard a request from Linda Lancaster about problems with school traffic at her home on Ozark Street. The feasibility of curbing will be studied.
The following are excerpts from reports generated by the Houston Police Department:
Robert D. Lane, 38, of 12026 Paddy Creek Road, at Success, was arrested March 15 for having an active Texas County felony warrant for possession of a controlled substance.
An officer made the arrest after on off-duty jailer reported seeing Lane entering Walmart. He was taken to the Texas County Jail and held without bond.
Sylvester Hamilton Jr., 32, of 415 Mill Street, No. 1, was cited on March 10 for driving with a suspended license.
Christopher J. Daugherty, 28, of 21496 Hunter Drive at Summersville, was issued a citation on March 6 for possession of drug paraphernalia.
Amanda Thompson, 35, of 720 Cherry Ave., Apt. E-1, in Summersville, was issued a citation for stealing under $500 after allegedly shoplifting numerous items from Walmart on March 11.
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The extended maternity leave period will not constitute a break in an employees employment, and will also see the employee being provided with medical and insurance coverage in accordance with her benefit grade, Manaf added.
Maybank has also rolled out a sabbatical leave policy. Eligible employees are allowed to take a career break for a minimum duration of 3 months to a maximum of 24 months, with the guarantee of returning to work.
During the period of no pay Sabbatical Leave, employees will continue to enjoy certain benefits such as medical and insurance coverage up to a certain period of time, said Manaf.
Striking a balance between work and family is the biggest challenge facing women in paid jobs, according to a large-scale survey of by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Gallup. Both men and women in the vast majority of countries and territories surveyed said so.
Despite progress, the large majority of working women in the world do not have adequate maternity protection, the UN agency said. It estimated that 41% of employed women have a statutory right to maternity leave, and 34% of the total are legally entitled to cash benefits during maternity leave.
Animal rescuers with charity Humane Society International have expressed their shock and sadness at conditions at a dog meat farm in South Korea where 55 adult dogs and puppies were being caged in near darkness for the countrys dog meat trade. HSI reached an agreement with the husband and wife dog farmers to permanently close the farm and fly all the dogs to the United States for adoption into loving homes. This is the seventh dog meat farm the charity has closed in South Korea so far, saving more than 800 dogs as part of its campaign across Asia to end the killing dogs for consumption.
HSI has chartered a flight to transport all 55 dogs from Seoul to the United States. Animal shelters that are part of The Humane Society of the United States Emergency Placement Partner program will transfer the dogs to New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team will debut its new disaster relief and transport vehicle to help take the dogs to Pennsylvania and Maryland. SPCA of Texas in Dallas will also receive a group of dogs from this rescue. A full list of participating shelter partners is below.
An estimated 17,000 dog meat farms operate in South Korea, rearing more than 2.5 million dogs a year for human consumption. HSIs rescue team is used to dealing with the filthy, deprived conditions where dogs are kept in barren metal cages, but this latest farm in Goyang, just 12 miles north-west of central Seoul, is unlike anything the team had seen before. Not a typical dog meat farm, it is an entirely indoor facility in a dark labyrinth layout of narrow corridors reaching pens and cages of dogs living without daylight or fresh air. As with all dog farms, the team found a variety of breeds including miniature pinscher mixes, Jindo mixes, a great Pyrenees/golden retriever mix, a German shorthaired pointer, Shih Tzus and a little corgi/Chihuahua mix.
HSIs Adam Parascandola, director of animal protection and crisis response, said: In the more than two years that Ive been part of our campaign to shut down the dog meat trade in Asia, I thought Id seen it all until I first saw this facility. It literally took my breath away, not least because when we first entered the darkness, the stench was overpowering. The ammonia burned the back of our throats. We could hear the dogs desperate barks but we couldnt see their faces properly, just their eyes peering out. As we became accustomed to the darkness, we saw the pitiful state these poor animals had been living in. The farm is right on the public path next to the train tracks, but the people walking by would never have known what suffering it concealed.
Help us Fight the Dog Meat Trade.
Of the 55 dogs rescued by HSI, two are suspected to be former pets, likely unwanted and sold for meat. One Maltase-mix caged in isolation wore a very tight electric shock collar that was deeply embedded in mats of hair. If the HSI team hadnt removed it, the collar would soon have dug into his flesh. The group also includes a litter of five Jindo puppies who will now escape growing up in a life of misery.
Parascandola added: These dogs have lived their lives so far in deplorable conditions, so were all really excited to be getting them out. Most appear to have had little human contact and many of them are understandably very frightened of people, cowering as we approach and trying to hide in corners. But we know from experience that once we take them to a safe place and they feel secure and loved, theyll learn to trust. Their capacity to bounce back from the worst situations is astonishing to me. A number of the dogs are already super friendly, and one of the Jindo mothers who appeared nervous at first, just sat in my lap and wouldnt move. It was like shed found comfort at last and she wasnt giving it up. She doesnt know it yet but shell have a soft warm bed for the rest of her life now.
On most of HSIs previous dog farm closures, the charity has worked with farmers on a business plan to transition them to humane livelihoods such as chili or blueberry farming. In this case, the owners, now in their 70s and looking to retire, approached HSI for help because they want to leave the dogs in kind hands.
Speaking through a translator, the farmer, Mr. Kim, said: Ive been farming dogs for 20 years, but in all that time Ive never killed them or taken them to the slaughter house myself. Mostly dog traders came to my farm to take them away. Personally, I like dogs, and I kept feeling bad whenever I sold them to the traders. The business has never been that big, I used to have around 20 dogs and I tried to leave the dog meat industry several times but somehow people gave me dogs and I restarted. I used to eat dog meat but now I cant eat it. These days I mostly dont want to sell the dogs, so I dont and thats why we now have more than 50 dogs. Plus, now Ive got old so its too much work for me too. Ive heard that more and more dog meat restaurants are shutting down and now its not a business that people are willing to do for a living. Dog meat consumers are also getting less and less, so although I cant say it will be ended, I can say it is a dying business for sure. I think that HSIs idea to urge the South Korean government to work with farmers like me to close farms, is a great plan.
As well as saving the lives of dogs who have suffered terribly as part of the meat industry, HSIs farm closures have a strategic purpose in demonstrating a blueprint for change to the South Korean government. HSI is urging the government to adopt this blueprint to end the dog meat trade. With the 2018 Winter Olympics coming to Pyeongchang in just under a year, now is the time for the authorities to pledge action so that the world can focus on the countrys preparations for a great sporting event, rather than on the terrible cruelty of dogs raised for meat that few Koreans regularly consume.
Facts:
Most people in South Korea dont regularly eat dog, and the practice is increasingly falling out of favour with the younger generation who are more likely to have never eaten it, or eat it once or twice a year at special occasions;
HSI is keen to dispel the widespread misconception in South Korea that dog meat dogs are stupid and soulless, and somehow different from companion dogs;
During the hottest days of summer, called the Bok Nal days, dog meat eating increases even among citizens who never otherwise eat dog. Hot and spicy dog meat boshintang soup is eaten in the belief that it invigorates the blood in the sluggish heat;
In China, Vietnam, Nagaland in India and other places across Asia an estimated 30 million dogs are brutally killed and eaten each year. However, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Singapore have dog meat bans in place.
For more information visit hsi.org/dogmeat
B-roll video and photos of the dogs in the farm are available here.
Media contacts:
HSI (United Kingdom): Wendy Higgins: whiggins@hsi.org, +44 (0)7989 972 423
HSI (Washington DC, USA): Raul Arce-Contreras: rcontreras@humanesociety.org, + 1 240.620.3263
HSI (South Korea): Nara Kim, nkim@hsi.org
For UK supporter enquiries: call 020 7490 5288 or email info@hsiuk.org
For US general enquiries: call 866-614-4371 or fill out our contact form
Below is a list of HSUS Emergency Placement Partner shelters receiving dogs from this latest rescue. We may update this list, so please check back.
Maryland
Animal Welfare League of Queen Annes County
New York
Animal Haven
Pennsylvania
South Hill Pet Rescue
Rescue Our Furry Friends (ROFF)
Texas
SPCA of Texas
West Virginia
Preston County Animal Shelter
Churchill, Man., has been hit with a second severe blizzard this month, after being forced to declare a local state of emergency two weeks ago.
The northern town is desperate for supplies the last freight train came through three weeks ago.
"A lot of families are suffering because they have young children and they need milk," local resident Lana Bilenduke told CBC News.
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"Everyone's in a crisis until we get our groceries in."
BLIZZARD polar bears chillin' at Wapusk Ntl Park near #Churchill, #Manitoba; getting ready for ~ 8 hr blizzard, after recent 57 hr blizzard pic.twitter.com/HHJLx7YSrh Jeff Harrington (@JHarringtonTV) March 19, 2017
The first blizzard lasted 59 hours, including 31 hours of zero visibility and as much as 60 centimetres of snow, according to the Winnipeg Free Press.
The city's deputy mayor Shane Hutchins says it's the worst combination of snow and wind he's seen in Churchill in 50 years.
All that wind-driven snow is like cement, he told The Canadian Press.
My hometown of Churchill, Manitoba faces the second day of a March blizzard. Many people are staying home and trying to dig themselves out. pic.twitter.com/VvofQVmWgV Travis McEwan (@TravisMcEwanCBC) March 8, 2017
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The latest blizzard is set to ease up late Monday, according to Environment
With files from The Canadian Press
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OTTAWA Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to say Monday whether he is prepared to unilaterally change the rules of the House of Commons to allow for fewer sitting days or question periods.
Conservative House leader Candice Bergen twice asked whether the prime minister would promise that no changes would be made to the standing orders unless he had agreement from all parties in the House.
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But Trudeau deflected, saying: Canadians elected a government with an ambitious plan for change, for investing in the middle class, for investing in the future of this country, and that is exactly what we are busy delivering.
Bergen wasnt impressed. I was asking the prime minister about the standing orders changes. If he wants to be accountable, he needs to answer some of these questions directly.
We now find out that the Liberals want to shut down this House and only have it open four days a week. Canadians have to work five days a week; the Liberals should as well.
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Trudeau said the government was always looking for ways to make the workings of this House more efficient and better able to serve Canadians in their ridings and in Ottawa.
Maybe Fridays should be full days: Trudeau
We are happy to open a discussion about whether we should make Fridays a full day of work, instead of the half day that the Conservatives seem to want. We are happy to do more work for Canadians. Let us just figure out the best way to do it, he said.
Ten days ago, the Liberals released a short discussion paper that they described as measures to modernize the House and make it more accountable, predictable, efficient and transparent. The governments suggestions included:
getting rid of Friday sittings or in what can be perceived as a veiled threat, sitting a full day if the opposition demanded it. (Fridays are currently a half day, allowing MPs to get back to their ridings for the weekend);
setting one day aside for the prime minister to answer questions during question period (although the report doesnt say whether Trudeau would show up to question period on other days);
extending the time the government can take to answer opposition MPs written questions by 20 sitting days (to 65 days from 45 days);
preventing opposition members from filibustering by bringing forward debatable motions;
preventing more filibustering and possibly shortening debate time on government legislation by having pre-set times to discuss it and pass it through all stages in the House;
allowing omnibus bills to be debated and studied (despite a Liberal promise to the contrary) but holding separate votes on unrelated sections of the bills;
allowing parliamentary secretaries to take on a greater role at committee (despite a Liberal promise not to do so);
preventing filibustering at committee by imposing a 10-minute speech limit;
introducing electronic voting in the Commons;
allowing more time to debate Private Members Business.
In a statement, Government House leader Bardish Chagger called these sensible reforms [that] will serve to modernize this House to bring it into the 21st century and to make it more relevant, transparent and accountable to Canadians.
On Monday, the first day back since the discussion paper was released, the opposition accused the Liberals of suggesting self-serving measures.
NDP Leader Thomas Mulcair said it was reminiscent of the Liberals Motion 6 move last spring to bring in changes unilaterally that would hamper the opposition's ability to hold the government to account.
This behaviour is unrecognizable for a government that promised to be more democratic and open than what we had under the previous Conservative government. And it worries us to the highest extent, he said.
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Still, Mulcair said, it is important for opposition parties to be open to discussing ways to make the House more efficient.
But that means to be more presentnot less, he said. Already, Justin Trudeau barely answers questions when he is there. For him to come only once a week, it is extraordinary that he is imagining that.
Bergen said she also gets the impression the prime minister only wants to be here one day a week to answer questions.
Listen, there arent adoring fans here for the prime minister. When the prime minister is here, he gets some very tough questions, and he doesnt seem to want to answer those, so you know, thats the pattern were seeing, she said.
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How Much Are Federal Politicians Making? (2016) See Gallery
Quebec provincial police have released a sketch of a suspect wanted in the kidnapping of Cora breakfast chain President Nicholas Tsouflidis at gunpoint earlier this month.
Tsouflidis was taken from his Mirabel home, north of Montreal, at night on March 8 by two men in a blue vehicle, according to Surete du Quebec.
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The 44-year-old was found around 6 a.m. the next day at the corner of two streets in Laval.
He was found bound in a ditch, a passerby told a radio station. Tsouflidis didnt seem to know where he was.
Surete du Quebec says the suspect is between 25 and 30 years old, with brown hair and brown eyes. The force asks anyone who has seen him to call their criminal intelligence unit at 1-800-659-4264.
According to the investigation, the businessman was taken for ransom but the kidnapping has no connection to organized crime.
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"He was not seriously hurt and he is extremely lucky. Its rare we find a kidnap victim in good condition like that," Surete du Quebec Lieutenant Martine Asselin told The Globe and Mail of Tsouflidis after the incident.
"Did their plan go wrong? Maybe they got scared. Maybe they didnt have the guts to finish the job. There are many possible scenarios were working through."
A Toronto lawyer will no longer represent Sen. Don Meredith in an upcoming Senate hearing set to review the senators conduct related to a two-year sexual relationship he had with a teenager.
Selwyn Pieters made the announcement on Twitter Monday, calling his retainer one of the shortest and most hectic hes experienced.
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He added he was feeling thankful, but didnt specify if his statement was in gratitude of being hired for the job or being released from it.
Pieters elaborated on how Merediths decision to change his legal representation was made with his blessing, but its unclear if the Toronto lawyer was fired or resigned from the case.
Pieters did not respond to The Huffington Post Canadas request for comment.
In some cultures, people marry at 12
Merediths change in representation comes days after Pieters appeared on a series of network interviews, defending his clients relationship with an array of arguments drawing from Bible scripts to child marriages.
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A Senate ethics inquiry report released this month concluded Meredith abused his position and office in development of his relationship with a woman identified as Ms. M.
He didnt exploit anything. It was a consensual, sexual relationship. A teenager or a person who is able to consent is able to have sexual relationships, Pieters said during a CTV interview Friday of his then client.
I mean, in some cultures, people marry at 12. You have very old men marrying people at 12, so I dont buy this thing about power and about protecting and all that sort of stuff.
Shortly after, Pieters later clarified on Twitter he doesnt condone child marriage, child exploitation, or any other human rights issues against children.
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During a Power & Politics interview, he was interrupted by host Rosemary Barton after he recited a Bible verse to respond to a question on why Meredith would not resign from the Senate.
With all due respect, sir, peoples religions and beliefs have nothing to do with whether Senator Meredith deserves to be paid by Canadian taxpayers in that chamber, Barton said.
Sick leave from Senate
Meredith is an ordained minister and married man with two children. He was appointed to the Senate in 2010 by former prime minister Stephen Harper.
He was ejected from the Conservative caucus in 2015 after the Toronto Star published its investigation revealing his two-year affair with a teenager.
According to the Senate report authored by ethics officer Lyse Ricard, Meredith met Ms. M when she was 16.
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She concluded Merediths conduct breached two sections of the Senate's revamped code of ethics and acknowledged how there are no mechanisms in place to automatically punish him for his conduct in this case.
Senators from all sides have called on Meredith to resign.
Meredith has acknowledged his actions as a moral failing, reasserting that he did not break any laws which he says evaporates any speculation he could be removed from the Senate on legal grounds.
Ricards report is currently before the Senates Standing Senate Committee on Ethics and Conflict of Interest. The group is set to hold a meeting to discuss Merediths case on Wednesday.
Meredith is currently on sick leave from the Senate.
The committee will deliberate on recommendations, which will be delivered to the Senate to decide on how to discipline Meredith for his breach of its revamped code of ethics.
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The job of U.S. president generally pays less than president of an international conglomerate, but Donald Trump's new position isnt to blame for his falling net worth.
He is worth a billion fewer U.S. dollars as compared to this time last year, according to Forbes annual billionaires list.
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Hes now worth US$3.5 billion, falling 208 spots from last year to 544th place.
Midtown Manhattan real estate, where Trump has parked most of his fortune, has softened in the past year, thus the dip in wealth.
Hes now tied on the Forbes list with people like Russian tech investor Yuri Milner and the widow of Ray Dolby, who founded Dolby Laboratories.
Before his inauguration in January, Trump's lawyer said he would hand over control of his company to his sons, Eric and Donald Jr., along with the Trump Organization's chief financial officer, Allen Weisselberg. But ProPublica found that while the Trump sons and Weisselberg oversee the trust, he is the sole beneficiary and can revoke it at any time.
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It's also unclear how much he'll make as president. While he claimed after his election that he would only accept a $1 salary, the head of state is afforded $400,000 annually, handed out in monthly installments, according to Politifact, and it's unknown whether he accepted his first paycheque.
Loves to boast about how much he's worth
Trump's campaign claimed in 2015 that he was worth more than $10 billion, but Forbes estimated he was worth less than half that.
But he has a history of making these sorts of bold claims in 2005, Forbes guessed he was worth $2.7 billion, but he implied that it had jumped to almost $8 billion in just one year.
We say the president shouldnt be too self-conscious about this latest ranking. He is arguably the most powerful person in the world.
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When Trudeau Met Trump See Gallery
"Indigenous women of all ages [don't] want to walk home alone from work or school."
When Tasha Hubbard, an award-wining documentary filmmaker from the Peepeekisis First Nation and an assistant professor in the English department at the University of Saskatchewan, moved back to Saskatoon after years away, it was this revelation that inspired her to turn her lens to the issue of missing and murdered indigenous women.
The result was the short film "7 Minutes," which screened last October at the ImagineNATIVE Film Festival in Toronto, and recreates a real incident when an indigenous student at her university was stalked by a man during her seven-minute walk home.
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"I wanted to show that their class doesn't matter, what people do doesn't matter. It's that indigenous women as a whole are targeted," Hubbard says. "It's a tough space to have to occupy all the time."
Hubbard is also one of the thousands of indigenous children who were taken away from their parents and given to primarily white middle-class families as part of what became known as the Sixties Scoop, a topic she's examining in her upcoming NFB doc "Birth of a Family."
"I wanted to show that their class doesn't matter, what people do doesn't matter. It's that indigenous women as a whole are targeted."
"It's about a family of Sixties Scoop siblings who found each other in their fifties and decided to live together as a family for the first time," she says. "There has been a couple people I've shown it to that are like, 'Is this real? That kids were taken from their families in the '60s?'"
And we're like, "Yep. Real."
Hubbard sat down with the Huffington Post Canada to discuss the numerous issues confronting indigenous women, from the upcoming MMIW inquiry to mental health and "colonial patriarchy."
The issue of missing and murdered indigenous women has become more known. But is it also getting worse?
It's always been around. There are historic cases that go back decades. It's just now reaching a sense where it's permeating Canadians awareness. Is it getting worse? It seems to be. But I wonder if it's that the media is covering it more.
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There is a shift happening where for many years it wasn't believed. The general public would discredit or minimize, and I think social media has had a huge impact in people understanding how widespread the issue is.
Was there a point in your life where you realized that walking even a short distance you had to be on guard?
Yeah, in university when I was in my late teens. In general women understand that there are risks, and in some ways with the rise of misogyny in the political arena, especially south of the border, it's given permission to certain groups of people.
All women have that sense, but I definitely can remember being called a squaw and a man assuming that he had access to me, to my body, to my hair.
That was another layer in terms of the colonial imagination and the space that indigenous women occupy in that imagination.
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How does this affect mental health?
Indigenous women carry a lot of weight -- of the past, of fear. So the key is how do we live full, happy lives? It's the big question. You don't want to be burdened. You don't want to have all of that weight. You don't want to live in fear. Yes, you have to be aware. But you also don't want it to stop you from doing the things in this world that you want to do.
That's why we wanted to end the film with yes, this happens and she's still going to carry on and aspire and endure. But that shouldn't have to be a weight she carries.
What role do the police play in what's been going on?
They have a lot to answer for on the issue around missing and murdered women. [There is] story after story of families going for help and the police minimizing [it]. There was a young woman who appeared in a film of mine years ago who went missing she had a family, was a student and it took the police almost a year to take it seriously as a case. So they've got that to answer for.
There's been some changes, absolutely. But it's also around attitudes and how police interact with indigenous people. There's no checking of assumptions and biases, that hasn't changed. Police look after their own. That's part of the issue. There isn't accountability within the police force a lot of times to call out this behaviour.
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'Absolutely there is the backlash in the comments when that happens because we're supposed to be quiet. We're supposed to be silent."
It's interesting now that more and more indigenous people are pushing back and speaking out. Absolutely there is the backlash when that happens because we're supposed to be quiet. We're supposed to be silent.
What are your thoughts on the MMIW inquiry?
What can happen with inquiries is it can let government off the hook in some way, it can let police agencies off the hook, because it's "Oh, well there's an inquiry." I think the work is necessary. I think it brings a level of awareness that needs to happen. I hope that in general Canadians educate themselves.
But we've also had a lot of inquiries around indigenous people in the past. Who's read the RCAP [Royal Comission on Aboriginal Peoples]? Who's actually sat down and read the TRC recommendations?
There's got to be a level of engagement that happens.
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What's your take on the Trudeau government?
It's tough when your whole entire system of governance is based on the subjugation and erasure of indigenous people. I struggle with that. There are individuals with good intentions. Who those are, I'm not sure. They're out there. But when the entire state is based on injustice, how much power can they have?
Half of the kids in the foster care system are indigenous. How did we get to that situation and how do we like fix it? People have been saying it's like the Sixties Scoop all over again.
It's the destruction of the family, and that's been a policy. Even when we do go back to history, a lot of times the narrative is stopping at residential schools and not seeing it further than that, not looking at the trauma of epidemics, and land removal and the reserves system. All of those things interrupted complex and functioning systems of kinship.
That's how we got here.
"We're really struggling to not just overcome racism but there's also patriarchy."
How do indigenous women's experiences differ from what people perceive as indigenous history as a whole?
It's something as simple as names. The men's names are recorded; the women's names are not. So much of those stories and history [are lost] because of not just residential school but other systems like the Indian Agent structure and pass system, how Indian Affairs has worked with people.
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I think we're really struggling to not just overcome racism but there's also patriarchy. It's a very colonial system of patriarchy that's been adopted in our communities. We're in a period of recovery. What are women's roles? What are their stories? What are their names?
The work I want to do is thinking about what are the voices that we need to hear and reestablishing a balance. It's changing but I think that's part of the responsibility of me as a filmmaker, as a creator, or any of us, to contribute to that rebalancing in different ways.
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If oil prices dont bounce back, Canada could just try meeting the Paris Agreement's climate targets instead.
Research from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) concluded that the world stands to be as much as $19 trillion wealthier than it otherwise would have been, if it rises to the task of meeting the goals of the Paris accord on climate change.
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The estimate appeared in a new report, co-written by the International Energy Agency (IEA) for the German government. The report was submitted in advance of G20 climate talks that Germany is hosting this week.
The Paris accord aims to keep global warming to under 2 degrees Celsius. To make this happen, the world would have to speed up the rate at which its switching to low-carbon energy sources, IRENA estimated it would have to be about seven times faster than today's rate. The amount of money invested in renewables would have to double, to around US$3.5 trillion annually.
But such a massive investment can fuel economic growth and create new employment opportunities, the report said.
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By 2050, the global economy would be 0.8 per cent larger thanks to these investments than it otherwise would have been, IRENA estimated, and the cumulative increase in wealth would amount to US$19 trillion (C$25.4 trillion at current exchange rates).
This scenario is not a certainty. The Paris climate accord does not commit countries to any specific reduction in carbon emissions. Instead, each country sets its own "nationally determined contributions." Canada has set a goal of reducing emissions by 30 per cent from 2005 levels by 2030.
Jobs would disappear in stranded oil patch
IRENAs research forecasts major job losses in fossil fuels if this transition were to happen around 7 million jobs lost worldwide by 2030.
But the increased employment from renewables alone would offset job losses in the fossil fuel sectors, the report argues.
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It sees solar energy alone creating 7 million jobs by 2030, with hydropower creating another 6 million and wind power creating some 3 million in that time.
Canadas oil industry not planning for a slowdown
Canadas oilsands have seen major multinational energy companies pulling back or even pulling out altogether, but the industry as a whole is still expecting growth, at least in the short term.
In its budget last week, the Alberta government forecast that Albertas oil production will grow to 3.3 million barrels per day in the 2019-2020 fiscal year, from 2.5 million barrels in 2016-2017.
"It's hard to imagine a scenario where oilsands production would go down," GMP First Energy oil analyst Michael Dunn told The Canadian Press.
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Starbucks has launched an investigation after one of its baristas reportedly body shamed an 11-year-old girl.
Tween Teigahn Sangster was visiting a Starbucks branch with a friend in Edinburgh, Scotland, when the incident occurred. After ordering a small caramel Frappuccino, she noticed the barista had written fat, or possibly fato, in place of her name.
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A Starbucks barista allegedly wrote 'fat' on an 11-year-old's cup https://t.co/6cwQzxTzFLpic.twitter.com/d9UcxhpaKH KSBW Action News 8 (@ksbw) March 20, 2017
I felt really shocked when I saw what was written, Sangster told the Metro U.K. As we sat down my friend first spotted it and said, Thats rude. I felt really embarrassed, upset and angry by it.
Sangsters mom, Dionne Ford, told the news outlet that she was disgusted by the incident.
She phoned me from the cafe to tell me what had happened and I told her to bring the cup home, Ford explained. She told me it doesnt matter mom, I am fat. It was really upsetting to hear it made her feel so little and knocked her confidence, I think its terrible.
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While Starbucks is urgently investigating the matter, the company believes the ordeal was a misunderstanding as the employee did not write the message intentionally.
In a statement to Cosmopolitan.com, Starbucks said: We are very sorry for the upset this has caused the family. Following our investigation, we want to reassure that our store team did not write this intentionally. It was originally crossed through and the circle is an indication that the partner (employee) did not capture the name correctly. We have contacted the family directly to explain and apologize.
While the incident may have been a mistake, body shaming young girls at any capacity can be damaging to their self-esteem. And, according to the Canadian Womens Foundation, low self-esteem and negative body image can then lead to depression in teens.
On top of that, a 2014 study found that calling girls fat at a young age can increase their odds of becoming obese later in life.
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"I'm sick of reading about them in the news and I'm sick of them making us unsafe."
The latest "This Hour Has 22 Minutes" sketch shows women's worst nightmare come true: a Canadian judge moves into the neighbourhood.
"They don't treat women the way other Canadians do," comedian Cathy Jones says.
Actor Shaun Majumder tells his neighbour not to drink too many beers because, "Remember, a drunk can consent" ridiculing Nova Scotia judge Gregory Lenehan.
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Lenehan's acquittal of a Halifax cab driver accused of sexually assaulting a young woman passed out in his car sparked debate across the country.
The sketch also makes a reference to the infamous question that led to an Alberta judge's resignation: "Why couldn't you keep your knees together?"
It wraps with a kicker that would be hilarious if it wasn't so true.
"Judges: a danger to Canadian women. If you're alone with one, get out and call a cab. Wait no, call the RCMP. No, not that either. Call a senator. No, wait."
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Watch the full video embedded above.
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March 21st is World Poetry Day. It pays tribute to poetic geniuses such as William Wordsworth, Walt Whitman and Oscar Wilde whose words remain as stirring today as the day they were written. And, what better way to honour their legacy than to visit the cities that inspired their work. Whether you're a poet yourself or simply fascinated by their stories, we found the top five destinations that will help spark your imagination too!
New York: Walt Whitman
Born in New York, the legendary poet, Walt Whitman is considered one of the world's most influential poets -- famous for the iconic "Leaves of Grass" and "Drum-Taps." He drew poetic inspiration from New York City for many of his works including "Manahatta" and "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry." Travellers visiting New York can visit his birthplace and even do a Walt Whitman walking tour to soak up some of his inspiration. You'll be spoilt for choice of things to do in the city that never sleeps.
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Where to stay: Home NYC is one of the top reviewed places to stay in New York City, which offers self-catering accommodation less than three miles from Central Park and four miles from Times Square. Make yourself at home with fruit on arrival, cosy bathrobes and a spa bathtub.
Paris: Oscar Wilde
Author, playwright and poet Oscar Wilde is well known for works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray, The Importance of Being Earnest and poems including "Her Voice" and "Flower of Love." He was known for his brilliant wit and unconventional style. Despite being British, he actually spent a large part of his life in Paris and is even buried there in Pere Lachaise Cemetery, inside the city. Wilde's final address was at the (formally dingy) Hotel d'Alsace -- now known as L'Hotel, where he lived until his death.
Where to stay: Oscar Wilde fans will be excited to know that you can actually spend the night in L'Hotel, where Oscar Wilde took up residence at the end of the 19th century until his death, famously claiming to 'live above his means.' Located in the historical district of Saint-Germain-des-Pres, this five-star hotel has a hammam, steam room and a Michelin star restaurant.
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Stratford-Upon-Avon: William Shakespeare
One of the greatest and most widely read writers of all time, William Shakespeare wrote over 150 sonnets as well as his 37 iconic plays. He was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, but went to London to become an actor before returning to Stratford in his later years where he died at the age of 52. Visitors can see Shakespeare's birth place, his wife's cottage, where he is buried, as well as catch one his plays at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
Where to stay: One of the top accommodations inStratford-upon-Avon is the five-star B&B Shakespeare's View, surrounded by beautiful grounds and a fruit orchard. Guests can walk into the local village of Snitterfield and the Royal Shakespeare Theatre is just a 10-minute drive away.
The Lake District: William Wordsworth
"I wander'd lonely as a cloud..." are some of the most iconic words in poetic history by British poet William Wordsworth. The beautiful lines are from his poem "Daffodils," which was inspired by the beauty of the Lake District when he and his sister stumbled across an array of daffodils. Fans can head to Grasmere in the Lake District to find and explore William Wordsworth first family home, Dove Cottage. The Wordsworth Museum is next door, where you can discover the greatest collection of his letters, journals and poems.
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Where to stay: Named after the famous poem, and built as a testimony to the 19th century tourism industry that William Wordsworth inspired, The Daffodil Hotel & Spa offers contemporary luxury on the shores of Grasmere water, just a short walk into Grasmere village. Guests can enjoy the luxury spa, thermal pool, steam room and sauna.
Japan: Yosa Buson Shikoku
Yosa Buson Shikoku, was famous for his Haiku poems and travelling around Japan. He was born in Osaka but moved to Tokyo in his 20s to embark on his adventure with poetry. After travelling in Honshu he wrote his famous travel diary, Oku No Hosomichi (The Narrow Road to the Interior) and settled in Kyoto where he continued to write and teach poetry. He was also well known for his haiga -- an art form that combines painting with poetry.
Where to stay: For an authentic feel of Japan, stay in the Centurion Cabin & Spa Kyoto, offering capsule rooms in the heart of Kyoto. It's just a two minute walk to the station so easy to explore the city -- Nijo Castle and Imperial Palace are less than two miles away.
All photos credited to: Booking.com
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Each year on March 22, UN-Water calls on people everywhere to help tackle the global water crisis. It's a great goal -- but can feel like a pretty tall order.
More than 663 million people have no safe water supply close to home. That's way more people than occupy all of North America. Water is either hours' away, or comes courtesy of a contaminated pond or dirty stream. People -- often children -- trek long distances with heavy containers, just to reach water that will make them sick.
Here's proof you can help
It sounds insurmountable. But this World Water Day, I want to encourage you to see yourself as part of the answer. There are so many ways you can help bring clean water to an entire community -- World Vision's Global 6K for Water, for instance. You can run, walk or wheel, either on your own, or with a group -- and you can make a difference.
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"Do what you can, do it with others, and do it with passion," says Guy Ryder, of UN-Water, on the power of individuals. It starts with just one person -- you.
Still not sure? Well, skim down this page. These photos are evidence that a single well, tap or pump can completely change the lives of hundreds, even thousands of children.
It may not look fancy, but for ten-year-old Deepika in India, this tap is everything. Children like Deepika often spend much of their day walking to fetch water, making school attendance a challenge. But thanks to this new water source from World Vision, Deepika can stop by for a drink any time -- as a break from homework, or when she's thirsty from playing.
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In Kenya, Julia washes her family's dishes while standing at a wooden counter in her yard. She places clean, rinsed cooking pots, mugs, and bowls on the upper rack to dry away from animals. It's all possible, thanks to a gravity fed water system that supplies clean water to about 800 houses, as well as schools, churches, and a health centre.
Julia's daughter, Kamama, enjoys hot tea in a clean cup in the early mornings, and cold, clear water throughout the day. Safe water changes so many things about a child's life, freeing them to enjoy many of the things we take for granted here in Canada.
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Baby Rahman, a refugee from Syria now living at a camp in Lebanon, 'enjoys' warm baths in clean water twice a week. He and hundreds of other children are safer from waterborne illness now, thanks to tanks of clean water, installed by World Vision. Around the world, we work to bring clean water to families displaced by violence, living far from the comfort of home.
Flooding can mean that there's less water to drink -- not more. In Myanmar, a three-month rainy season means wells and reservoirs are flooded with dirty water, leaving children vulnerable to illness. But children in this township are staying healthy and hydrated, thanks to a water filtering system supported by World Vision. When natural disaster strikes, providing clean water is one of the first things we do.
Water means life -- especially when you're living on the brink of famine. Many of the people of Puntland, East Africa, are relying on the water trucks that come bumping down the road to save their lives. With Canada's help, World Vision has provided clean water for 10,400 people in one district alone.
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With clean water, comes so many possibilities for improved lives. In this school in Bolivia, eight-year-old Daisy and her classmates brush their teeth three times a day -- something they might have avoided if the water were dirty.
In China's Pingquan County, the temperature drops below zero in winter. Children were reluctant to wash their hands in the freezing water, leaving them vulnerable to the spread of illness. World Vision installed a solar water heater, to encourage children to keep clean.
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Having few toys to play with is no longer an issue for these children in Cambodia. Not only does their new pump provide for their daily water needs, collecting and dumping is their favorite activity for play. Best of all, they don't have to take a bath later!
All around the world, donors to World Vision help provide children with life in all its fullness. And water is a huge part of that. This World Water Day, how can you help?
Learn more about World Vision's Global 6K for Water
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To effectively combat bigotry, people from all political parties and traditions should work together. Unfortunately, despite discussion in Parliament about what has been called an increasing "climate of hate and fear," we are not seeing the kind of multiparty cooperation or the kind of serious response to the anxieties that give rise to bigotry that would actually counter the problem.
I have been reflecting a lot on this issue in light of duelling anti-bigotry motions proposed by Conservative and Liberal MPs in the Canadian House of Commons. The Conservative motion called on the House to condemn all forms of bigotry against faith communities. It led off with a specific recognition of the challenges facing the Muslim community and, while listing five faith communities by name, mentioned the Muslim community first.
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The Liberal motion did not mention other specific faith communities, although it did refer generally to systemic racism and religious discrimination. It also condemns "Islamophobia," without defining or explaining that term.
There are some substantive points that separate these two motions. Islamophobia can refer to both discrimination against Muslims AND criticism of Islamic doctrine. We ought not to conflate the two -- religious people deserve protection, but religions do not. People should not discriminate against individuals, but should feel quite free to criticize the doctrine, history or practice of any religion.
This distinction between discrimination against religious people and criticism of religion is not a trivial point. It is this point that separates societies like Canada which seek to protect people from bigotry and societies which impose violent sentences on people who blaspheme or apostatize in the name of protecting religion itself. Neither motion has any actual legal force; however, we should not pass even a symbolic motion if the symbolic end is unclear, and potentially contrary to what we believe.
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If we are going to fight bigotry together, then we must be clear about what bigotry is and what it is not. Disagreeing with a religion, believing that a religion's tenets are basically bad, believing that a particular religion is responsible for certain social problems, etc. - none of these things constitute bigotry. Whether or not Christianity is a religion of peace, for example, is something which people should be able to discuss without being called bigots. A bigot is someone who discriminates unjustly or prejudicially against individuals, not someone who holds a negative view of the doctrine or practice of a particular religion.
In any event, though, Liberals have defined Islamophobia verbally to mean discrimination against Muslims, not criticism of doctrine; so, it would seem that our parties are not actually that far apart in terms of what we are trying to say. But I feel that it is proper to vote on a motion based on what it actually says, as opposed to what it is trying to say; the definitions given by Liberals in their speeches would seem to suggest that we are not that far apart in our thinking. So, why the failure, thus far at least, to achieve some kind of consensus language? The reality of bigotry, very evident to all MPs in the tenor of online commentary, should force us to see the urgency in confronting this challenge together.
[Political Liberals] are more interested in trying to use this issue to their own electoral advantage.
Unfortunately, in the midst of the "climate of hate and fear" noted by the motions, there is a political reality which puts the objectives of small-p progressives AND many small-c conservatives at odds with big-L Liberals. Small-p progressive and real conservatives want to see less bigotry, and therefore, want to see the uniting of disparate political voices to oppose it. Political Liberals, on the other hand, may want the continuing opportunity to paint their political opponents as bigoted. They want to use the fear of bigotry to polarize the electorate, attacking Conservatives as bigoted while dismissing the NDP as irrelevant.
While real progressives have every reason to want parties to come together to fight bigotry, many partisan-minded Liberals seem to seek continued polarization, having an eye to possible electoral advantage. It allows them to avoid fighting the next election on their ability to manage the economy, or on their record at delivering so-called "Real Change." Both of these will be, I suspect, quite a hard sell.
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Once one recognizes these underlying political dynamics, the actions of the Liberal government become increasingly understandable. If the government wanted to fight bigotry, they would collaborate on consensus language condemning it. However, given that they are more interested in trying to use this issue to their own electoral advantage, they insist on using ambiguous language. They wanted this fight for purely political reasons.
A Parliament more genuinely seized with the issue of bigotry would give greater considerations to the factors contributing to its potential increase. People are struggling economically because of low commodity prices and tax increases. People increasingly feel, I believe correctly, that elite decision makers are disconnected from the realities of life for ordinary people -- precisely because elite debates turn more and more on symbol and political recognition when many people would prefer a focus on bread-and-butter issues. There is legitimate fear about radicalization by those who identify themselves as representatives of Islam.
All of these anxieties about opportunity, elitism and radicalization create a climate in which inter-community tension can grow and flourish; and this climate could be countered in any number of very concrete ways which do not involve the passage of non-binding motions.
Progressives need to demand that Liberals work with Conservatives to address bigotry, by condemning it in clear and unambiguous terms while also addressing the anxieties that can give rise to it. If Liberals do not stop playing their dangerous game, there is a real danger, in any country, that what starts as a Machiavellian political strategy to delegitimize your political opponents may lead to a real increase in that which they are supposedly trying to combat. It may also lead to those whose anxieties are ignored and delegitimized actually rising up and winning elections. It has happened before.
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Canada's university presidents are helping to spread the cancer of mob censorship.
Western University is the latest offender, imposing a $1,040 security fee on students who are hosting University of Toronto professor Jordan Peterson. Dr. Peterson made national headlines for refusing his university's edict to use gender-neutral pronouns.
Universities point to the violent mobs that gather to silence politically incorrect speech. Universities blame the speakers and their audiences. But blame rightfully lies with criminals who threaten violence, and with mobs that intimidate and shut down the events of those with whom they disagree.
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University presidents reinforce the sentiment which says "I can't stand what you're saying, so I will silence you." Rather than teaching students how to think and debate, universities create a daycare where young adults are "safe" from having their beliefs challenged.
It is becoming increasingly popular -- and effective -- to impose security fees on student groups that seek to host a controversial speaker, or to express an unpopular view. For example, free speech has been priced out of existence at the University of Alberta, which charged a student pro-life club security fees of $17,500 to erect a stationary display on campus for a day or two. Predictably, the event was cancelled.
While it's true that certain neighbourhoods invite gangs and crime, we don't single out residents of high-crime neighbourhoods for additional police fees. By extorting "security fees" from those who seek only to exercise their legal rights to express their opinions and to listen to others, universities are blaming the victims and encouraging the bullies.
There is no legal right to silence those you disagree with by disrupting their speaking engagements and shutting down their events.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir knew better. When asked to place a curfew on women to help end a series of rapes, she replied: "But it is the men who are attacking the women. If there is to be a curfew, let the men stay at home."
In 1957, U.S. President Eisenhower grasped the difference between the illegal demands of a mob, and the freedom of citizens to exercise their legal rights. He ordered federal troops to escort nine black students into Little Rock Central High in furtherance of the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Brown v. Board of Education. This court ruling to de-segregate American schools was highly unpopular in the American South. When school started in September, Arkansas Governor Orval Faubus sided with the large, jeering and violence-threatening mob surrounding the school, which until then had been attended only by whites. Maintaining his popularity with voters, Faubus ordered the Arkansas National Guard to keep the now-famous "Little Rock Nine" out of Central High.
Rather than pander to the mob, Eisenhower sent federal troops to uphold the rule of law, declaring: "This challenge must be met, and with such measures as will preserve to the people as a whole their lawfully protected rights, in a climate permitting their free and fair exercise ... the troops are there pursuant to law." To the chagrin of Faubus, federal troops arrived in Little Rock on September 24. The troops protected the black students from the hostile mob, and ensured the Nine's safe entrance into Central High.
University presidents should ponder "the free and fair exercise" of "lawfully protected rights" enjoyed by "the people as a whole." Expressing your opinions on campus and listening to speakers are fundamental legal rights. There is no legal right to silence those you disagree with by disrupting their speaking engagements and shutting down their events.
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What if president Eisenhower had demanded that the Arkansas Nine should pay for the costs of the federal troops? What if he had blamed these blacks for "provoking" the hostile mob? Yet Western University president Amit Chakma does exactly this: demanding that the victims of intimidation, who merely seek to exercise their legal right to speak and to listen, must pay for the bad behaviour of an angry mob.
Golda Meir understood the difference between those who engage in misconduct and those who are victimized by it. If Golda Meir were president of Western University, she would say "But it is the mob which attacks free expression. If there is to be a security fee, let the mob pay for it."
Calgary lawyer John Carpay is president of the Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms (www.jccf.ca).
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He created for you mates to find tranquillity in them; and He placed between you affection and mercy ~ 30:21
Last month, CBC reported the news of an interfaith couple, Shaaz, a Muslim woman, and Jarred, a Jewish man, who live in Airdrie, Alberta. While they found a Cantor, they were unable to find an Imam for the interfaith marriage ceremony.
Muslim institution stakeholders may forbid Muslim women from marrying outside the faith. However, amongst others, Muslims for Progressive Values in the U.S and across the globe, Imam Daayiee Abdullah and Dr. Khaleel Mohammad in the U.S., Universalist Muslims and myself in Canada have offered same-sex and interfaith marriage services.
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The objective of this blog is to resist juristic opinions that forbid Muslim women from marrying outside the faith. Many Muslim scholars and Imams affirm interfaith marriages of Muslim women to non-Muslim men. Ten such voices follow.
1. Khaled Abou El Fadl
According to Dr. El Fadl, the Qur'an does not expressly prohibit Muslim women from marrying men from the People of the Book, often Jews and Christians. However, past jurists argued that express permission was not given to Muslim women as it was given to Muslim men in verse 5:5.
Given the Qur'an's silence, jurists used extra-textual reasoning to prohibit Muslim women from marrying outside the faith. They were concerned about children not being raised as Muslims and coercion on the Muslim woman to convert.
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El Fadl also raises concerns about children growing up as faithless or agnostics. As such, he argues that such marriages for both men and women in non-Muslim countries, while not technically forbidden, would be makruh (detestable).
However, the category of makruh rests on human intellect as opposed to divine mandate. This indicates that the prohibition on Muslim marrying outside the faith is not textually sustained.
2. Khaleel Mohammad
The strongest case for Muslim women marrying outside the faith perhaps comes from Imam Khaleel Mohammad's religious edict. He opines that the issue of the divinity of Jesus is moot as Muslim men were allowed to marry Christian women. Therefore, the main issue for past jurists was coercion on the Muslim woman to convert.
However, he argues that interfaith marriages can proceed based on stipulations against conversion of either spouse in the marriage legal contract. He also opines that children can make informed decisions on their own faith when they come of age.
The scholars affiliated with Imam Khaleel Mohammad also feel that the category of the People of the Book goes beyond Jews and Christians to incorporate Parsis, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists and atheists.
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3. Asma Lamrabet
Dr. Asma Lamrabet opines that general viewpoints on interfaith marriage are not always true. She argues that the main values of marriage lie in honesty, decency and mutual respect. Her article evokes the question of cultural and nominal Muslims who identify as atheists or agnostics but get married in the Muslim community. It allows one to question the supposed marriage prohibition of Muslim women outside the faith.
4. Al Ajami
Dr. Al Ajami argues that there is no authentic Hadith that mentions the prohibition of Muslim women marrying outside the faith. He feels that Muslims are dependent on their respective social cultures and therefore do not undertake an impartial reading of the Qur'an.
He opines that verse 5:5 was a late revelation, three months before the Prophet's death. Since the verse allows men to marry outside the faith and does not forbid women, he construes the permissibility opinion on interfaith marriage.
He juxtaposes the pagan Arabs with those who give into current day materialism. Like Lamrabet's article, this allows raising the question that if Muslim women get married to such people, the alleged prohibition of marrying faithful non-Muslims seems absurd.
5. Hassan Turabi
The late Hassan Turabi argued that not a single word in the Qur'an or the Sunnah prohibits Muslim women from marrying outside the faith. He counselled women who converted to Islam to remain married to their non-Muslim husbands. He also opined that one can not use past juristic consensus to prohibit such marriages, as such juristic rulings were issued during times of political disputes.
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6. Moiz Amjad
Moiz Amjad asserts that none of the extra-textual reasoning against such marriages is based on the Qur'an or the Prophet's teachings. Moreover, such prohibitions are dependent on their interpretations. He concedes the possibility that prohibition to polytheists can be restricted to just the seventh century Arab pagans or it could cover Muslims deemed as heretics by other Muslims.
He opines that any socially acceptable method of marrying like through a registry office would be Islamically sufficient. Furthermore, he believes that there could be difference of opinion on the issue and that the eventual decision of interfaith marriage should be left to the Muslim woman.
7. Taj Hargey
Imam Taj Hargey opines that no Qur'anic verse bans Muslim women from marrying non-Muslim men and that Allah would have revealed express verses had that been the case.
8. Usama Hassan
Dr. Usama Hassan officiates the marriages of Muslim women outside the faith. Citing the marriage of the Prophet's daughter Zaynab, he has refuted opinions of hardliners who want Muslim women converts to annul their marriages to non-Muslim husbands.
9. Siti Musdah Mulia
Dr. Siti Musdah Mulia opines that "the whole marital law is manmade" and that "none of it is a fax from heaven." She is concerned that people forsake reason when it comes to religion despite the fact that the Qur'an admonishes people who fail to reason. She argues that patriarchal interpretations were inevitable as there have been very few female scholars of the Qur'an. Furthermore, she calls for Muslim interpretations in support of interfaith marriage and benefit of humanity.
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10. Daayiee Abdullah
Imam Daayiee Abdullah, who officiates interfaith and same-sex marriages, sums it up well:
From a progressive Islamic viewpoint the Islamic faith encourages marriage, but it does not limit to whom a person should marry, i.e., their particular faith, race, and even sexual diversity.
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vkyryl via Getty Images Modern apartment buildings. Vancouver, BC, Canada
City of Richmond staff have put forth recommendations on advancing building energy benchmarking policy in B.C. The actions proposed to the Public Works and Transportation Committee represent an opportunity for the City of Richmond to assert itself as a leader in the transition to healthy, durable, and low emissions buildings.
Governments at all levels are crafting plans to curb carbon pollution in light of new commitments under B.C.'s Climate Leadership Plan and the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change. These measures will also help put Richmond on track to meet its official community plan targets for reducing community-level emissions.
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Building energy benchmarking is a key tool for enabling informed and sound decision-making in energy management. Requiring reporting enables governments to prioritize and evaluate policies including regulation and incentives, while public disclosure enables the real estate sector to measure and value high performance buildings. A growing number of municipalities in North America now require benchmarking and disclosure, along with two U.S. states and, recently, the Province of Ontario.
We applaud the vision and commitment of the City of Richmond on climate action and building energy benchmarking, particularly the city's request for the province to consider mandatory benchmarking during development of the Climate Leadership Plan. The city can continue to lead by example by establishing a local benchmarking requirement in Richmond and disclosing energy use for city-owned buildings, as proof of the effectiveness of these policies. Such a requirement would build on progress made to date and accelerate the market transformation already underway in the city.
The Pembina Institute supports a clear and consistent framework for energy benchmarking and reporting, and believes that a provincial requirement will be the most effective and administratively feasible approach. We support staff's recommendation to bring forward a resolution to the Union of B.C. Municipalities and Lower Mainland Local Government Association calling on the province to take this step toward meeting B.C.'s commitments under the Pan-Canadian Framework and Pacific Coast Climate Leadership Action Plan. We also support the recommendation that Metro Vancouver's Climate Action Committee be engaged to develop a regional benchmarking requirement in the event of provincial inaction on this file.
Finally, we support staff's recommendation to begin developing the data analysis and communications infrastructure that will underpin a successful benchmarking policy. Utilities are working on implementation of automated data exchange using the Green Button and Portfolio Manager Web Services protocols. At the same time, the Ministry of Energy and Mines has been investigating the creation of a Standard Energy Efficiency Data (SEED) Platform for B.C., which will greatly streamline the collection, analysis and storage of energy performance information. By partnering with these organizations, the City of Richmond can accelerate the development of B.C.'s benchmarking infrastructure and empower building owners and governments with improved access to data.
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The implementation of a benchmarking and disclosure policy in the City of Richmond (and B.C. as a whole) would provide a low-cost and effective tool to reduce carbon pollution from buildings. Promoting high levels of energy performance will also improve the quality and health of the homes and buildings in which residents live and work, create jobs in the clean economy, and support innovation in the local supply chain. We commend the City of Richmond for its continued leadership role in green building policy.
jsmith via Getty Images 'Man sits alone, worried and waiting for his destiny to unfold.'
Families who care for people with schizophrenia once had an organization that gave them a national voice. They no longer do. This lack of national representation impacts not just our own situations; it also hurts the people we support, because they are often unable to advocate on their own behalf.
Family caregivers, who had previously established provincial advocacy organizations, came together over 30 years ago to establish the Schizophrenia Society of Canada.
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Certain core values originally united these organizations. These values included building close ties with the psychiatric and neuroscience communities which had come to see schizophrenia and bipolar illness as disorders of neural circuitry. These groups sought to provide the most up-to-date education about these illnesses to people with the disorders, to families, clinicians, police, and the public.
As well, these organizations have advocated for high quality supported education, housing, and psychosocial rehabilitation services.
These organizations have also worked to dispel the unjustified blaming of families for psychotic disorders that earlier theories about these illnesses had propagated. The legacy of these beliefs, which have faded from psychiatry, have persisted and negatively impacted other areas of clinical practice. Frequently clinicians are still training in the many credentialed programs that don't require any science-based curriculum on psychotic disorders.
Until recent years, the goals of these family groups had been represented by the Schizophrenia Society of Canada (SSC). However, while sitting on many national committees as the presumed voice of families, the SSC has failed to support the perspectives of the families who created it. It does not address the lack of appropriate curriculum in training many clinicians. Similarly, it does not work to provide basic information about schizophrenia in the annual national mental illness literacy campaign in which it plays a lead role.
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These failures are occurring because its current leadership has given itself a different mandate. It has supported trends in the social sciences that seek to de-medicalize mental illnesses and advance the idea that all problems arise from social and personal adversity.
Instead of fighting against the stigma that too often interferes with the ability of family caregivers to develop collaborative relationship with clinicians, the SSC Executive Director, Chris Summerville, has actively promoted stigmatizing attitudes. For instance, he promotes the notion that families undermine the recovery of their family member by holding stigmatizing attitudes towards them.
Summerville has written that families block their family member's access to treatment because they don't want to expose their 'family secret.' At the same time he has failed to help people with illnesses, their families, and the public understand anosognosia, the brain based inability of many psychotic people to understand that they are ill. This is the symptom that families struggle with as they try to get an ill family member into treatment.
The SSC has also failed to promote the most progressive, evidence-based psychosocial treatments. In recent years there has been extensive research about the common cognitive losses that are associated with the illness. While most people's psychotic symptoms can be controlled with anti-psychotic medications, the cognitive losses often persist. These include difficulties with concentration, short term and working memory, problem solving, and judgment. While BC's Early Psychosis Intervention toolkit makes this information readily available and even educates people about useful cognitive adaptation strategies, the SSC ignores this issue in its educational programs.
Cognitive losses are widely understood to be the biggest factor in the extensive ongoing disability of this population. While espousing its commitment to the Recovery Model, the SSC has not only failed to provide education about cognitive problems. It has also failed to promote the evidence based cognitive remediation programs that can improve recovery; these programs have been expanding in other countries for the past 20 years.
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While the SSC has failed to promote programs that are desperately needed, it has played a leadership role in the mis-education of the growing peer support work force. Many of us hoped that the new national guidelines for training peer support workers that the SSC helped create, would begin to provide peer workers with essential information about the illnesses of the people with whom they often work. The guidelines don't require -- or even recommend -- that training programs offer any information about mental illnesses. Instead of informing peers about why people suffering from psychosis sometimes need involuntary treatment, peers are encouraged to oppose it.
Now the SSC leadership has taken an even more alarming step in securing its vision for this organization. It's created a survey that has been designed to guide responders to provide the desired responses. The survey wants a mandate to move away for what it calls the "western medicine biomedical disease model" of schizophrenia.
The survey is also looking for support for getting rid of the term "schizophrenia." However, schizophrenia has long been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that is used in mental health, criminal justice, education and social services. The diagnosis enables people to access disability payments and many other essential supports.
The SSC survey argues that we should substitute the term "psychotic spectrum disorder" for schizophrenia and points out that this term is used in early intervention programs. It doesn't say that, when cognitive and other symptoms persist once psychosis is managed, people often receive more specific diagnoses like schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
It's convenient for national organizations to continue to use the SSC to ensure the presence of a family voice. However, the SSC doesn't represent the perspectives of the vast majority of family caregivers I've met in the last seventeen years.
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Maybe it's time for the leadership of the SSC to create their own organization representing the conditions they consider significant and the alternative treatments they help popularize. They could return the SSC to the families of people with severe mental illnesses who created it.
That's a long-time conceit of political consultants, of course. We say it all the time. I even worked at a successful political consulting firm which trademarked the phrase. Campaigns Matter.
Campaigns matter -- along with its corollary, "the only poll that matters is the one on Election Day" - are central to the political consultant's belief system. It is the foundation upon which our entire catechism is built.
If nobody believed that campaigns matter so much, we'd all be out of business and pumping gas somewhere. The campaign managers, the ad guys, the pollsters, the advance people, the digital elflords, the speechwriters, the debate prep team: all of us need potential clients to believe that "campaigns matter" if we are to survive. It is critical.
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Trump was a political seismic event in many ways, of course. Trump shattered the Western liberal democratic consensus in respect of trade, immigrants, refugees, security and race. He upended every convention.
He also showed everyone, in a yuge way, that campaigns now don't matter much at all. Consider the evidence:
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And he still won.
Donald Trump -- the combed-over, sphincter-mouthed, racist, sexist, fascistic Human Cheeto -- showed all of us that Campaigns Don't Matter. You can run a really shitty one, like he did, and still win.
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But. But one thing, and it is deliciously ironic. It is schadenfreude on a scale heretofore unseen in politics. It is frigging beautiful.
You can see it in the decisions of federal judges in Maryland and Hawaii, issued late last week -- but particularly in the must-read decision of Judge Derrick K. Watson, of Federal District Court in Honolulu. In it, Judge Watson threw out Trump's second (allegedly kinder and gentler) executive order seeking a Muslim ban. And he did so by relying upon the words of Donald Trump himself.
Judge Watson dismissed the Trump regime's claim that a court would need to probe the Unpresident's "veiled psyche" to locate religious animus. Jusdge Watson would have none of it. Repeatedly, he cited Trump statements that were helpfully found in the pages of the lawsuit brought by Hawaii's attorney general.
"There is nothing 'veiled' about this press release," Judge Watson wrote, quoting a Trump campaign document titled "Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States."
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Said he: "A reasonable, objective observer would conclude that the executive order was issued with a purpose to disfavour a particular religion."
The general consensus, now, is that the short-fingered vulgarian -- per Canadian Graydon Carter's now-immortal phrase -- will continue to be hoisted on his own petard. As he labours to render the United States of America an Aryan Nation, Donald Trump will continue to lose in court. That is now very clear, to every legal scholar and constitutional expert.
Why? Because of Donald Trump's own words. Because of the racist, bigoted things he said in his presidential campaign. Because what he said, over and over, is now being used against him.
Campaigns may not matter any more. Donald Trump has proven that.
But words? Words matter.
He's proven that, too.
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Srey lives in Siem Reap, Cambodia, with her three children. In August 2016, the area was badly flooded and she had to walk 30 minutes round-trip through flood water to collect fresh water. Her journey, made six times every day, was more difficult because of the rocks and muddy landscape. Srey fears that her children could drown in filthy flood waters when she is out working.
In Cambodia, 3.8 million people in rural areas live without access to clean water, while the country ranks in the top 29 per cent of nations most vulnerable to climate change and top 31 per cent of countries least ready to adapt, according to the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index*.
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The truth is, extreme weather events that cause flooding, prolonged drought and contaminated water sources are becoming far more frequent. In 2016, global temperatures reached a record high for the third year in a row, and reports of extreme weather events continued to come in from around the world.
What wild water means
In advance of World Water Day, WaterAid has released its second annual 2017 State of the World's Water report, Wild Water. The report examines the state of access to safe drinking water in rural areas around the world. Globally, 663 million people live without clean water and the vast majority -- 522 million -- live in rural areas.
Rural communities already face particular challenges in gaining access to water due to their often isolated location, inadequate infrastructure and a continued lack of funding. Wild water events make the problem even worse by wiping out fragile infrastructure and drying up rivers, ponds and springs, which are sometimes the main source of water for people in these communities.
Governments around the world must make access to water, toilets and hygiene a political and financial priority.
Existing challenges are compounded by extreme weather events, impacting health, well-being and the ability to make a livelihood, leading to greater strain on the world's poorest people. For people in Africa, where temperatures are projected to increase faster than the global average rise during the 21st century, the future situation looks particularly dire.
Diseases such as cholera, blinding trachoma, malaria and dengue are expected to become more common and malnutrition more prevalent. Rural communities dependent on farming to make a living will struggle to grow food and feed livestock amid soaring temperatures.
Women and girls are disproportionally affected having to walk even greater distances to collect water. More time spent fetching water means less time to earn money or to go school.
According to our report, Papua New Guinea, Madagascar and Mozambique are among the worst performing countries in the world for rural access to clean water. In Papua New Guinea, over two thirds of the rural population -- 67 per cent -- live without access to clean water, while Madagascar and Mozambique follow closely behind at 65 per cent and 63 per cent, respectively.
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Francois lives in Morandavo, Madagascar. He shows a mark on his house of where the water rose to last year during the floods. Last year, when the rains came, the whole area flooded and many families like Francois' were affected.
What can we do?
Making communities more water secure helps them become more resilient to extreme weather and better able to adapt to climate change. Now, more than ever, governments around the world must make access to water, toilets and hygiene a political and financial priority, fulfilling these fundamental human rights and acknowledging the importance of water, sanitation and hygiene in building climate resilience.
It has already been a year and a half since world leaders at the United Nations promised in Global Goal 6 to deliver access to water and sanitation to everyone, everywhere by 2030. If we are to achieve this target, there is no time to waste.
Nicole Hurtubise is the CEO of WaterAid Canada. You can follow her on Twitter at @WaterAid_Nicole.
* About the Notre Dame Global Adaptation Index
The index looks at a range of information such as the effect climate change will have on the availability of food and water, how it will impact upon the nation's health, its infrastructure and ecosystem as well as assessing the country's economic preparedness, government preparedness and social preparedness. To find out more visit: http://index.gain.org
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By Lydia McNutt
The Toronto housing market has become a pipe dream for the average homebuyer. How did it get to this point, what are the consequences and is there a solution? The GTA's top home builders give their two cents on this million-dollar question.
Supply (or lack thereof) and demand
Tariq Adi, CEO of Adi Development Group Inc., blames the Greenbelt legislation for virtually stopping new lowrise construction, and putting a strain on lowrise housing supply and prices. "With all this happening, people are rethinking their entry into the property market and asking themselves, 'Do we really need the big house, and can we even afford it?' Unfortunately the answer for most is: no."
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Infrastructure
Amplifying the land supply problem are shortfalls in infrastructure, lack of transportation investments and the red tape hindering transit-oriented housing. But according to Adi, this is changing, with infrastructure investments in surrounding regions to accommodate this influx of residents. With downtown Toronto just a worry-free train-ride away, the more-affordable 905 is more enticing than ever.
"Compact housing that's close to transit... is the future of the suburbs," says Adi. "The province, through Metrolinx, along with municipalities are upgrading their local transit networks, and big investments are being made to move people efficiently and cost effectively. I think Canada's a little behind [when] compared to Europe and some cities in the U.S. in that regard, but the government is addressing these issues. As this is happening, people are rethinking where they want to live."
"The issue is not that there are no affordable choices in the GTA, just that the form of these affordable choices is much different than in the past." -- Gary Mcilravey, Empire Communities
Adi points to Burlington, Ont. as a housing hot spot. The city saw residential price growth exceed 24 per cent in the last three years, he says. "It's centrally located on the Golden Horseshoe with multiple GO stations, which can have you at Union Station in less than an hour, catering to the buyer who doesn't care as much about being close to the big city, with transit at his doorstep.
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Boomtown: the 905 and beyond
"Remaining low-rise inventory continues set new record lows across the GTA," says Gary Mcilravey, manager of market research at Empire Communities. Mcilravey quotes Altus/RealNet data, which indicates just one new sales development in Barrie with 10 units remaining. Similarly, Hamilton and Oshawa each have less than 85 detached lots available for sale. "This lack of low-rise inventory in the GTA has pushed buyers out to these markets and beyond in search of low-rise housing." He admits many purchasers at Empire's communities in Brantford, Caledonia, Hamilton and Niagara Falls have GTA origins. "As a result, prices are increasing in many outlying markets for new and for resale housing."
CMHC's latest Housing Market Insight report examined how GTA home prices have impacted neighbouring markets. The real estate ripples are being felt as far as St. Catharines and Niagara.
"The issue is not that there are no affordable choices in the GTA, just that the form of these affordable choices is much different than in the past," Mcilravey says. The new construction trend is high-density housing, not just downtown but in outlying areas as well. "Soon, we will see GTA-based buyers moving to outlying markets to purchase affordable [multi-family] housing, not just detached."
Intensification in The Six
Christopher Wein, president of Great Gulf Residential, says the resurgence of the rental market is another outcome of the GTA's housing affordability challenge. "Low residential vacancy rates in the GTA have caused upward pressure on rental rates. Despite this increase, renting remains a much more affordable alternative to ownership in many areas and as a result, has become a more common type of housing which we expect to increase with continued high levels of housing demand."
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Tough (but necessary) choices
For homebuyers considering a move to the 'burbs to stretch their home-buying dollars, Mimi Ng, vice-president of sales and marketing at Menkes, calls for careful consideration of this choice -- and the consequences. "Think about the impact of commuting on the quality of their day-to-day life."
The GTA economy is strong, but a result is increased traffic and congestion, and longer commuting times. "That trend is expected to continue," Ng adds. "Say the morning commute from your new home is presently 30 minutes. How much longer does it get when the weather is snowy? Or when there's a major accident? How often are there major accidents during rush hour? What if, in a couple of years, that commuting time crept up to 45 minutes or an hour? Would that be acceptable to you?"
Possible solutions
Should you buy a home, wait, relocate? For those in search of some concrete answers, Michoel Klugmann, vice-president of Lindvest, offers this: "Don't wait to buy in the GTA with the hope that prices will decrease. Toronto continues to be a place where people want to live. This is good news for those who invest here today."
To promote affordability, Klugmann says the GTA needs better transit and governmental policies that increase and streamline developable land supply, and a tiered development fee structure that favours certain housing types.
"The biggest threat to our strong real estate market is a generation of buyers who take on more debt than they can handle." -- Brian Brown, Lifetime Developments
"Many assume they cannot afford a home in the GTA because of a rigid notion of what a home is. With a flexible mindset, they could 'relocate' to another form of housing, rather than moving away."
Klugmann points out that many European and U.S. cities favour high-density urban settings, and we're adopting this attitude locally. "The popularity of innovative forms of stacked townhomes is one indication that new concepts of 'home' are being embraced."
Some final thoughts of housing affordability...
When asked for some words of wisdom to homebuyers who find themselves priced out of this hot housing market, Brian Brown, vice-president of Lifetime Developments doesn't mince words. "Don't do it," he says, admitting that this must sound odd coming from a developer.
"The biggest threat to our strong real estate market and local economy is a generation of buyers who, in pursuit of the housing dream, throw caution to the wind, assume a crippling mortgage, and take on more debt than they can handle."
For more essential real estate reading, visit YP NextHome.
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The five things you need to know on Tuesday, March 21
1) LABOUR PAIN. AGAIN
Many Labour MPs critical of Jeremy Corbyn have for months shown an iron discipline in refraining from attacking him in public. Keen to avoid any blame for the continuing (and worsening) Tory poll lead, the enforced silence policy successfully exposed the policy and political vacuum at the heart of Corbyns leadership, backbenchers claim. Then came yesterday.
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You can read my full report of last nights Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) meeting HERE. The source of the anger was an anonymous briefing against Tom Watson by allies of the leadership, a briefing which had claimed the Shadow Cabinet had almost all backed Corbyn for slapping down his deputys remarks about Momentum. MPs felt that the briefing had ruined a carefully-worked joint statement seeking unity.
Most significantly, PLP chair John Cryer said last night that he was now convinced Momentum was a party within a party. And tempers were running high because Watsons allies could see a clear attempt to blame him for Labour doing badly in the coming West Midlands Mayoral race. But what most focused minds seemed to be yesterdays ICM/Guardian poll giving the Tories a 19-point lead, despite the chaotic Budget.
Afterwards, Corbyn released his own video to members, saying spirits can run high..today was one of those days..thats because were a passionate party. Loyalist Emily Thornberry told Newsnight I dont think its getting worse (even though the polls say otherwise). But she did say as a member of Unite, she would vote for Len McCluskey. And Len himself is coming out fighting today to deny any Momentum plot. Challenger Gerard Coyne writes in the Sun that he wants to appeal to Unite members who read the paper not just those from a narrow band of the political spectrum.
Ken Livingstone was on the Today programme saying members didnt want a dictatorship (he revealed Tom Watson rang him after he lost the Mayoralty in 2008 to offer to parachute him into a by-election). Yet I detect the mood among Corbynsceptics is to once again to not overreact. In fact, no MP (apart from Iain Austin) actually directly criticised Corbyn himself at the PLP last night. They expressed concerns about the Watson briefing, the polls and lack of strategy. The discipline is still holding. I suspect similar discipline will now be restored to pro-Corbyn ranks too before things get worse.
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2) MCGUINNESS PASSES
Tributes are being paid to Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness, Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister, after his death at the age of 66, from a rare heart condition. There will naturally be those who point to his past as former leader of the IRA - both the families of victims of bombings he organised, but also those who were 'disappeared' by the IRA (listen to this heartbreaking testimony of the son of Jean McConville). But the immediate reaction of many is to praise his work as a peacemaker and his key role in securing the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
As deputy first minister from 2007, he worked with Democratic Unionist Party leaders Ian Paisley, Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster to bridge the divide and normalise politics in the province. McGuinness was just 22 when he and Gerry Adams were flown to London for secret talks with the British government, because MI5 considered him serious officer material with strategic vision. That was a verdict underlined years later when he sealed his role in history with that handshake with the Queen in 2012.
There will be plenty of comment today, but one of those who worked closest with him on the peace process, former diplomat Tom Fletcher, said that he ought to be remembered as someone who broke the cycle of violence. Fletcher recalled that McGuinness was once in difficult peace talks with the DUP at No 10, when he heard his mother had died. The Government offered to postpone but he replied: My place is here'.
Jeremy Corybn and John McDonnell have long argued they helped the peace process by backing Sinn Fein even during the violent years. But it has also been claimed that McGuinness once complained to Tony Blair that McDonnell was making it hard to keep the IRA onside. Less than an hour after Livingstone attacked 'the Blair legacy', the man himself was on Today discussing peace in Northern Ireland. "Just occasionally, politics can work," the ex-PM said.
3) DATE MIGHT
So Wednesday March 29 is the date Theresa May will trigger Article 50 and the two-year Brexit process. Which means that March 29, 2019 is when we wave goodbye. But it looks like the EU27 are in no great hurry to get talks started and Brussels sources say the PMs decision not to trigger it last week means shes missed the boat for early negotiations and June could be when formal talks begin.
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EU lead Brexit chief Michel Barnier hinted on Twitter that the EU27 were preparing to impose customs controls, despite Mays determination to secure frictionless trade. The Federation of Small Business say its firms would suffer most if tariffs were slapped on imports and exports. Jean-Claude Juncker said Britains example will make everyone else realise that its not worth leaving. The Times reports Brexiteer ministers are urging Philip Hammond to cap our divorce bill, the first Brexit hurdle, at 3bn.
The Telegraph, Times and Sun all report on 70 MPs writing to BBC boss Tony Hall to complain about Brexit bias with diehard Remainers given too much airtime. Apparently even Countryfile is under attack. But what caught my eye this morning was Bank of England chief Andy Haldane pointing out that much of the UK productivity problem was down to a lack of management quality in the UKs long tail of [unproductive] companies. Very Liam Fox.
BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR
Its a dirty word to some this side of the channel. But watch Emmanuel Macron tell last night's TV debate: Im proud to have been a banker.
4) THE (OS)BORNE IDENTITY
George Osborne didnt shy away from the Urgent Commons Question into his Evening Standard editor job, even daring to joke that it was a shame the session had missed the papers deadline. But wholl have the last laugh? The Guardian reports that the Advisory Committee on Business Appointments (Acoba) is actively considering asking him to delay or decline the role.
The ethics watchdog is irritated that the ex-Chancellor announced his appointment without giving them time to review possible conflicts with his role as an MP or ex-minister. You can tell that Osborne clearly thought thered be no case to answer, but some are annoyed he gave just an hours notice of his news. Acoba has no legal power to stop him taking the post.
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Yesterday in the chamber it was notable how many Tory MPs got up to defend Osborne. I will listen to what my colleagues have to say, he said. But the Sun suggests behind the scenes all is not well, revealing the 1922 Committee plans to haul him before it tomorrow. Colleagues are absolutely furious and it is only right that he comes and hears that fury for himself, one MP says.
5) GOOGLEWHACKED
The only language that some web giants understand is not Java or Python, but hard cash. Google and YouTube are finding that money talks and walks when you dont do enough to crack down on extremism. The Times and FT both splash their front pages on the firms public apology about their failure to curb hate speech videos.
Global brands including Volkswagen, Toyota and Tesco, as well as M&S, Heinz and Aviva, have joined more than 250 companies who have suspended advertising deals with Google after seeing their ads posted alongside videos of hate preachers, anti-semites and rape apologists. The Times has led the way on this with its investigation, and points out Googles review still has no concrete plan of action.
Meanwhile, the Government suffered another Lords defeat last night (by 203-176) on a Labour amendment to the DigitalEconomyBill demanding a Code of Practice for social media companies to tackle online abuse. The Lords Communication Committee has a report today demanding default web filters on devices to protect children, a call welcomed by the NSPCC.
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There is widespread recognition that the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) delivered by President Obama, the Federal Government and Congress created a solution for every American to have health care.
As a European I grew up with public health care. It was superb; the NHS is one of the greatest public institutions in the world and I'm proud of it. Many people ask me why President Obama didn't pressure the Democrats to pursue the public healthcare option when he had control of both Houses.
The answer is that Obama didn't have 60 Democrat Senators. There were 58 Dems and 2 Independents - one of whom was Joe Lieberman. 59 of those people were, as best as we can tell, ready to vote for a Bill that included a public option. Joe Lieberman was not; in fact he announced he would join the Republicans in filibustering any bill that included a public option.
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What President Obama and the Democratic-controlled Congress ultimately settled on was a framework of health care exchanges - marketplaces where health insurance could be purchased and has to be, if you weren't already covered.
Although they preferred a single payer system (the public option), the legislative package passed aimed to increase the quality, availability and affordability of private and public health insurance - extending coverage to over 44 million of Americans.
"We didn't give in to mistrust or to cynicism or to fear," Obama, announcing the Bill's passage that night in the East Room of the White House, said. "Instead, we proved that we are still a people capable of doing big things and tackling our biggest challenges,"
Obama opponents have had trouble accepting that this actually happened. Driven by ideology, envy and/or jealously Republican leaders have repeatedly tried to pounce on the clearly successful Affordable Care Act; the law that simply put vastly improved medical care in the United States. It has provided healthcare for millions across the country and thus driving the percentage of Americans without insurance to record lows of 9% in 2015 - reducing the uninsured rate to the lowest level ever recorded.
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Insurers cannot deny coverage to anyone based on their current health status - a meaningful protection for the 133 million Americans with chronic illness. Over 15 million poor or near poor citizens are now receiving Medicaid benefits in the 31 States and the District of Columbia that had opted for Medicaid expansion.
Oh and the question of whether Medicaid expansion worked isn't even close, it vastly improved coverage. Only 13% of adults covered by Medicaid expansion are able-bodied and not working. The vast majority are low-income, hard working Americans.
If every state expanded Medicaid, which 19 states have refused to do, roughly 4 million low-income Americans would be eligible for coverage through the Medicaid expansion.
Another 3 million Americans under the age of 26 have been allowed to stay on their parents' health care plans, thanks to that provision in the Affordable Care Act.
Obamacare has also been good for health care jobs around the country, but especially for hospitals. We have seen a boon of hiring. Just last month (Feb 2017) hospitals, doctor offices and the rest of the health care industry added 26,800 jobs.
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Despite all the law's successes the Republican leadership and the current Administration declared it a failure and hope to repeal it. While the law has encountered growing pains, any repeal will instantly drive up costs of healthcare and create unimaginable chaos in the lives of the newly uninsured. They will rob an estimated 24 million Americans of care, many of whom will be terrified by the idea of living without health insurance.
Paul Ryan and others in the Republicans leadership mock the idea that they're willing to let people go without care, but let's face it, if the Affordable Care Act is scrapped and replaced by American Healthcare Act that logic is unavoidable.
The biggest problem the Republicans face is that it has undeniably shifted the paradigm on the delivery of healthcare in the US. Of the 31 States that opted to expand Medicaid coverage, 16 have Republican Governors. None of these governors have expressed desire to throw their States' residents off the rolls.
Public opinion has also shifted: a Fox News poll found that overall favourability toward Obamacare has increased to 50% and only found 23% of respondents favoured fully repealing it - a new low.
The health care system in the United States is far from perfect but repealing Obamacare simply won't work. There is no measure of cruelty and foolishness that could be measured by introducing this harmful legislation, which would simply make health care less secure, less affordable and limiting it to those who can pay.
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What matters more: that an MP has five jobs outside Parliament or that an MP is editing London's top newspaper? George Osborne's appointment as Editor of the Evening Standard has led to an outcry on the first issue - but what about the second? Is that not a problem?
How can a Conservative MP who has also been one of the most ideological Chancellors of modern times edit a newspaper if that paper is to preserve any semblance of impartiality?
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We all know how fake news has boomed. But are we now admitting that the role of the major-league papers is no longer as providers of news but players in politics?
It appears so from comments made on the Osborne affair. Nicky Morgan, former Education secretary, said liberal Conservatives are "going to make our voices heard, whether it's me writing articles, whether it's George being editor of the Evening Standard." There is an assumption in that statement that newspapers are political platforms.
The Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, Lord Bew, has been quoted as saying the case raises the issue of "how much time MPs have to devote to their parliamentary work". Is that the only issue? What about the conflict of interest?
And look at the fawning story in the Standard itself where Osborne says he is proud to be a Conservative MP but will lead a team of "dedicated and independent journalists". So how will that independence work? How, for example, will the Standard cover the austerity cuts to London's services that were initiated by its own editor?
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There seems to be an implicit acceptance that for an MP, having six jobs is an issue, but deciding what story leads the Standard every day isn't. If that's become the conventional wisdom, it raises bigger issues than whether Osborne should quit as an MP. We need a rethink on the whole question of the part the press play in public life.
Of course, papers have always taken sides. Two hundred years ago, Jonathan Swift used The Examiner to rail against the "contrivance and cunning of stock-jobbers"? But papers have also provided facts. Swift's contemporary Daniel Defoe produced a detailed account of the hurricane of 1703 - The Storm - still seen as a landmark in British journalism.
Facts and opinion
And for two centuries since, newspapers have run factual news stories and opinionated leader columns side-by-side. But since the Thatcher government, papers like the Mail and Sun have increasingly blurred that distinction and presented political rhetoric in the guise of news. For example, remember the Mail telling us in 2012 that 29 million Romanians and Bulgarians could come to the UK. The latest figures say fewer than 300,000 showed up.
Unsurprising therefore that the papers are now seen as political first, editorial second. But this should not be a 'whatever' issue - something to dismiss with a shrug. If we believe, as the historian Howard Zinn observed, that: "Democracy depends on citizens being informed.", then we are witnessing its subversion. We no longer have voting outcomes informed by a free press but by propaganda, defined by former Sunday Times editor Harold Evans as: "persuading people to make up their minds while withholding some of the facts from them." In my view, the election of Donald Trump and the UK's vote to leave the European Union show us what happens when propaganda prevails over information.
The media spectrum
There are now broadly three categories of media: the neutral in the middle of a spectrum, such as the BBC, ITN, the 'i' and agencies like Reuters and the Press Association; the moderates to each side, such as the Times and Telegraph to the right and Guardian and Huffington Post to the left; and the extremists on each end, like the Mail and Breibart on the right and Morning Star and Canary on the left. By and large the moderates are still offering journalism while the extremists have abandoned it for politics.
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This places a huge responsibility on the neutrals and moderates to preserve an informed democracy. The BBC's editorial guidelines say: "Impartiality lies at the heart of public service and is the core of the BBC's commitment to its audiences." Good stuff - but the BBC must walk the talk. James O'Brien is a brilliant broadcaster and polemicist - but not an impartial Newsnight presenter. On the proactive side, the neutrals need to supply the information people need to make educated choices. Recent BBC coverage of the NHS and African famine was a return to form - but it could choose to dig much deeper on big issues from Brexit to social care and unearth the facts politicians and the political press are hiding.
The moderates, too, have a responsibility to keep reporting both sides of the story on the news pages so their readers form an opinion instead of having one foisted on them. Entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who care about democracy should think about investing in new sources of independent information such as Full Fact. And perhaps some organisation that carries some authority - a university, think-tank or school of journalism - should commission a rigorous analysis of the media that calls out those that no longer follow genuine journalistic principles.
Yellow journalism
Something similar happened in New York in the late 19th century when sensationalist 'yellow journalism'; was at its peak. Libraries and universities boycotted the worst offenders and in time, much of the US press came back from the dark side. Central to that process of rehabilitation was Joseph Pulitzer, who had indulged in his own share of lurid populism but ended up setting the New York Times on the progressive, fact-based path it still follows today and founding the Columbia School of Journalism and the Pulitzer Prize. He warned: "A cynical, mercenary, demagogic press will produce in time a people as base as itself."
Jack Taylor via Getty Images
Today is the U.N. International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination and for the first time in history, Parliament will have the important opportunity to acknowledge this day. I am proud to be leading the debate. We have come a long way in the fight against racism and intolerance but we still have a long way to go.
With the imminent triggering of Article 50 and election of President Trump this makes the 21st March extremely important. We cannot sit idly by and not recognise this international effort to remind us to stay vigilant.
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And in the UK we have issues in the context of Brexit, as since the referendum we have seen a shocking rise in hate crime. These instances have been truly shocking - including the Muslim woman who had her headscarf ripped off in the street, the 'beware of the Jews' road sign in North London and attacks on the Polish community. These incidents are becoming increasingly commonplace and that is why the timing of this debate is so vital.
We are witnessing a surge of intolerance, a surge in a lack of understanding of different communities when we should be embracing differences, because it's those differences that make us stronger not weaker. Racists have been emboldened by recent events and hate-driven violence is on the rise. We should be fighting poverty and global warming - not other human beings. We must not forget that we are all a minority at some point in our lives and should treat other people how we would like to be treated.
On the 21st March 1960 there was a peaceful demonstration in Sharpeville, South Africa. At this demonstration the police turned their guns on the peaceful protesters and killed 69 people, therefore on this date each year the international community observes the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - Parliament has not until now formally marked this date. Parliament is at its best when it pulls together in the public interest and I hope that this debate will draw individuals from across the House, from all political parties, to unite in this campaign.
The theme this year is racial profiling and incitement to hatred, including in the context of migration. This is particularly poignant as we are seeing growing levels of xenophobia and bigotry all around the world - including in the U.S. where there is a President who used the tools of hate to get the keys to the White House, and now seeks to block certain groups from entering the U.S.
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Sexism, racism, xenophobia, anti-Semitism, anti-refugee - all the tools of hate are on the rise, you must wonder when will it stop? It will stop when we stop it - we must stand up for rights and dignity for all. An attack on one minority community is an attack on all communities. Every person is entitled to human rights without discrimination.
Mr Speaker has helped us to make history and this debate is so important not only because we are making history, but because we are calling on Parliament to ensure that it is acknowledged each and every year. Until we live in a post-racial world where people are judged on the content of their character and not the colour of their skin, then we must remain vigilant.
Anthony L. Solis via Getty Images
Credit: John Nakamura Remy/ Flickr
Originally published in The Hullfire student newspaper.
The ability to speak our mind is a much cherished freedom of the society in which we live, but one that I believe recent events at Lincoln University Union have suggested is sadly under threat. The recent brief suspension of Lincoln's Conservative Society simply for sharing an image from a study that suggested Lincoln University ranked as "very intolerant" on freedom of speech, appears to be illustrative of an endemic problem throughout many campuses.
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Another example of the issue can be seen in an earlier case involving Israel's deputy ambassador, Alon Roth-Snir, being invited to speak to politics student at Essex University. Rather than a passionate debate over the current issues between Israel and Palestine, which the organiser Professor Thomas Scotto, had hoped for, a crowd of students attempted to storm the building and heckled the speaker. The Guardian reported at the time, that "university security said they could no longer guarantee the speaker's safety." It's clear from the president at the time, Nathan Bolton, and his support of the calls from the university's "Palestine Solidarity Group and the Socialist Worker Student Society" to ban the speaker, that there was a particular agenda amongst the governing student body. The question must be asked, is that fair?
The University of Strathclyde Students' Association also recently banned a campus pro-life group from setting up a society as it was felt this would violate 'safe spaces'. The USSA's motion argued that "allowing an anti-choice group to form would be a barrier to freedom, equality and body autonomy for those with uteruses on campus". One pro-life student said it was "saddening that a university that claims to be so liberal and put so much value on enlightenment and free thought is happy to censor things which should be challenged and debated." This ban naively makes the assumption that there is one universal view on abortion and is another clear infringement on free speech. Both events at the universities of Strathclyde and Essex were attempts to try to shut out opinions that people disagreed with - and not take them head on.
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We must allow open debate and we must be open to the opposition as should have been allowed in all the cases above. Any attempt to stifle debate breeds discontent and ultimately anger, it does not provide the solution to defeating the ideas with which you may disagree. Efforts made to isolate opposing views and prevent them from being expressed will not help you to inform and understand people who hold to those ideas. If you do not inform yourself on an idea you disagree with by directly debating with an individual who holds to that idea then you are actually just neglecting the issue. As the BBC's Andrew Neil recently said on Daily Politics, "What's the point of a university if you don't allow a variety of views to be expressed?"
Much of the reason for why we have reached the point that we have today is because of a lack of openness within society at large. Why is it that the polls failed to predict the Tories winning a majority in 2015? Why is it that people failed to see Brexit happening? Not because pollsters are stupid, but because many who voted for those two eventualities were not honest in their feelings as they feared being open in doing so. This is because a climate of illiberalism has been allowed to be created on our campuses and within wider society. Facts now seem to be swept under the carpet if we don't like them. The freedom to express ourselves seems to no longer be allowed unless it fits within a certain narrative. We must look at ourselves, our actions and our words, before we start to pass judgment.
Time was when South Beach ruled the roost. Now, downtown Miami has been spruced up, and it's the place to be for those in the know.
Here, we list 10 of our favourite hangouts in the Magic City.
1. EAST hotel
Dubbed the 'Manhattan of the South', Brickell (rhymes with pickle and nickel) is Miami's financial district, and used to be an all-work-no-play kind of hood. These days, however, there's a decent post-work scene, with new bars and restaurants popping up all the time, plus excellent hotels for those who prefer to stay in the heart of things.
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The brand-new EAST - Swire Hotels' first US opening - is situated on top of Brickell City Centre - the $1.05-billion development that counts Saks Fifth Avenue and Valentino amongst its names.
Designed by award-winning, Miami-based Arquitectonica - together with New York's Clodagh Designs - EAST has a relaxed yet glamorous vibe, fusing modern Miami minimalism with Asian Feng Shui and 'BioGeometry' (an environmental science).
All rooms have spacious outdoor terraces with views over the city and bay. And its 40th-floor rooftop bar, Sugar - designed by Los Angeles-based Studio Collective - is one of our favourite spots in the city for sunset cocktails and sushi.
Even if you're not staying here, we highly recommend a trip up there in the futuristic lifts, plus (if you have room) a taste of the incredible wood-fired pizza and parrilla at fifth-floor Quinto La Huella - an outpost of Uruguay's Parador La Huella.
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788 Brickell Plaza
2. El Tucan
Founded by Michael Ridard and Mathieu Massa (who also own Baoli in South Beach), El Tucan is a Parisian-Cuban-themed cabaret. Twice nightly shows keep everyone entertained, and the Latin-inspired food and cocktails will get you in the mood.
Order the El Tucan, which comes in an ornamental brass receptacle, or splash out on a mega mojito for the table, which comes with as many straws as you dare to share.
Word is that Will Smith was once spotted here tearing up the dance floor. So, you know, dress to impress.
1111 SW 1st Ave
3. Cipriani's
You can't go wrong with Cipriani's. They have restaurants in all the best places, and their Miami outpost is no exception. Perched on Brickell point, where one of Florida's early peoples - the Tequesta Indians - once dwelled, Cipriani's has panoramic views over Biscayne Bay, and serves Italian and Japanese dishes, such as seared beef with yuzu ponzu sauce and veal Milanese. Booking advised.
465 Brickell Avenue
4. Sidebar
If you like your nightlife served al fresco with a side of hipster, then this is the place for you. Located under the interstate highway, within spitting distance of Little Havana, Sidebar oozes downtown Miami atmos. DJs and live bands play regularly, so keep an eye on the events list.
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337 SW 8th St
5. Elcielo
Award-winning elcielo is one of our favourite spots in the city for fine dining. Run by Colombian chef Juan Manuel Barrientos, the food is imaginative, playful, and full of flavour. Book ahead to guarantee a table.
31 SE 5th St
6. Blackbird Ordinary
For inventive, handcrafted cocktails such as the London Sparrow - a heady mix of gin, Aperol, passion fruit and cayenne - you can't beat Blackbird Ordinary. It's the sort of local joint we wish we had round the corner of our own homes (though maybe for our livers it's best not). Open 365 days a year until 5am. Now that is commitment.
729 SW 1st Ave
7. Brickell City Centre Farmers' Market
Every Friday and Saturday, close to the Metromover at 8th St, the farmers' market occupies a little patch of land where local makers such as La Provence bakery and Pappardelle Pasta sell their wares. Check the Facebook page to see who will be there each week.
Between 7th St and 8th St, directly beneath the Metromover track.
8. Cantina La Veinte
With a superb waterside setting, this upmarket cantina is a solid bet for excellent Mexican food. Ex-NOBU chef, Santiago Gomez, knows exactly how to create dishes for modern Miami customers - think delicate tuna ceviche and rib-eye Chicharron. Happy hour runs from 5-7pm Monday to Friday.
495 Brickell Ave
9. PAMM
Just north of Downtown is the Perez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) - a must-visit on any trip to Miami. As well as its permanent collection of 20th and 21st-century artwork, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions from international contemporary artists.
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After your visit, be sure to stop in at Verde - the museum's modern-casual restaurant - which has outdoor seating, excellent pizza and wine, and sweeping views of the bay.
1103 Biscayne Blvd
10. Wynwood Walls
What used to be a fairly uneventful warehouse district is now a colourful outdoor gallery and trendy neighbourhood, full of murals, street art, shops and cafes. The urban landscape is a canvas for dozens of international artists, and spans the few blocks west of North Miami Ave and NW20th.
While you're here, make time for Panther Coffee, Zak the Baker and Wynwood Brewing Company for all-important refreshments.
By Katie Monk, katiemonk.com. This post first appeared on her blog Foodie Weekender.
Direct flights from London can be booked with Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, Norwegian Air, American Airlines and Iberia.
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Photos courtesy of EAST and Katie Monk
I'm an anaesthetist and volunteer for blindness prevention charity Orbis. We operate the Flying Eye Hospital, which is a teaching facility with both a lecture and operating theatre on board. Through my experiences, I have discovered that my approach to work within the UK is changing. The NHS is, after all, a teaching organisation and volunteering is very much a two way learning curve.
We all want to feel like we are doing something to help others; this is why many of us became doctors. It's easy within the NHS to become caught up in the administrative tasks & processes and become disconnected from delivering care to patients. In the environment of working as a volunteer, care is much more immediate, with more time dedicated to clinical work and time with the patient.
In the UK, we largely treat people with problems that are relatively minor in comparison to what we see when volunteering abroad. Moreover, in remote areas, even minor health complications can be life threatening. Being able to help someone so ill is immensely satisfying. You have changed their life.
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The patients we treat are quite remarkable too. So stoical. They are patient and calm and grateful for the service in whatever form it takes, whether it's through Orbis or what is normally there. It's something you still see in the NHS from time to time. Usually from the elderly, who probably still appreciate the NHS for what it truly is.
It goes without saying that volunteering is challenging. But all clinicians like to be challenged and to remind themselves of their ability to work well within difficult environments, with less. It proves to us just what can be achieved with basic facilities. You are required to use your knowledge, judgement and skills relying on your well-honed instincts, because it's not feasible to request a complicated test.
Practising with major limitations requires us to find alternative solutions that are sensible and safe when operating. Equipment may be broken or poorly maintained, but we find a way. I have a great deal of respect for the people I work with abroad. Their dedication, initiative and ingenuity is immense, and it requires us to be the same.
I was once tasked with teaching an anaesthetist in Zambia, the sub-Tenon's technique. This is undertaken with a metal cannula, which in the UK costs pounds. I needed to find a more cost effective alternative. My colleague suggested that I try using the sheath of an intravenous cannula. These are cheap (a matter of pence) and easily obtained throughout the world so I adopted this technique and I now use it for all of my work in the UK too. It offers a clear cost-saving but, furthermore, I note it to be far less traumatic to the eye and more comfortable for the patient. This is no doubt just one of many processes doctors have developed though volunteering abroad.
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I have found that volunteering brings with it a new sense of appreciation for the processes and working environment we have here in the UK. We are stringent in our approach to infection control and sterilisation. We operate under the WHO surgery checklist, which, at Orbis, we implement in every hospital we work in.
In most of the hospitals I have volunteered at, there is a very hierarchical approach. There are so few doctors; they are almost treated as gods, which is not to their benefit. At home we are all are encouraged to challenge situations to prevent a poor outcome. We recognise the benefit of bringing everyone together.
Since I started blogging and running Disability Horizons, I've recorded a few podcasts. It was with basic technology, but it was nice chatting with friends about disability issues and beyond. I'd never considered interviewing hugely successful disabled people until...
As you know I came third in the 'Power 100' list of influential and successful disabled people in December. It was great to be personally recognised for my work. Most of all I read about many amazing people and thought...
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What if I started a podcast where I interviewed these awesome humans. Would they accept my invitation? Would I grasp the technology? Would anyone listen?
Well. Here we are. I've already recorded four interviews. The guests are coming and the technology worked. Now it's time to see if you like it.
Welcome to The Martyn Sibley Show!
My vision is to run a podcast for disabled and non disabled people alike. Every guest will share an interesting story of their personal journey. The listeners will gain helpful insights, advice and optimistic words. Much needed with today's pessimistic media circus.
Meet Sarah Storey
It seemed apt to try and get the number one influential and successful disabled person from the Power 100 list. Well Sarah Storey is about as cool as you can get in the world of people with impairments.
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Britain's most decorated female Paralympian, with Queen's honours, and a lovely personality. She's absolutely worthy of the award. But would she be my first podcast guest? Evidently she said yes :-)
In this interview you'll hear about Sarah's medal moments, tough training schedule, and hopes for the future. I interviewed her, back in January, from my home in Cambridgeshire to her villa in Lanzarote. Where she was training. Oh how I love the internet.
My big take away from this amazing experience was the importance of finding your passion, and having persistence. Sarah is so focused on being the best she can be. Not on what others think about her. Her persistence of training, learning and improving is fundamental to her success.
I was also amazed how her family life fits in so well. With a husband and daughter, others would presume sacrifice and difficulties ensue. However they all enjoy their life and celebrate Sarah's successes together.
I hope you enjoy listening to this episode. I thoroughly enjoyed recording it. I also hope it gives you something useful for your current journey.
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Please can you rate the podcast and give your feedback on the comments section? If you like it, please subscribe for the next episode. I'd also be very grateful if you could blog, tweet, Facebook and generally share this for others to enjoy.
As we go further, I'll hopefully improve things as I learn. I'd love for you to be involved by recommending guests and suggesting questions. This is always about you, the community. Thank you for your support.
See you next time.
Martyn
CEO and Co-Founder Disability Horizons
Victoria Jones/PA Wire
It is obvious that Tony Blair is using the approach of Brexit as an opportunity to attempt to force his way back into the political world. He has shown himself to be an opportunist, so this isn't too surprising. What is shocking, however, is the fact that the main news broadcasters are giving him so many interviews. They are only giving him screen time, clearly, because he has become a controversial figure who will consequently attract viewers due to his infamous history. That is no excuse, though, to effectively elevate his status by taking such a high level of interest in what he has to say.
Politically, Blair achieved a great deal in government and many would argue that he was a highly successful Prime Minister. However, regardless of his political abilities, he was still jointly responsible for invading Iraq. An investigation into Blair's actions involving Iraq is not enough, the media has to play its part as well in displaying its intolerance towards war-mongerors. By giving him screen time and expressing excessive interest in his opinions, the main news broadcasters attach him with a degree of importance and respect, thus creating the illusion of his political significance. In reality, his political significance and standing left him the moment he foolishly chose to invade a country for no particular reason.
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Even if there was a justifiable argument for giving Blair's views regarding Brexit any credibility, he has only offered silly ideas that could never be implemented. He has suggested that Labour should attempt to keep Britain in the EU if Brexit is unsuccessful. How would Labour be able to do that? Now that Brexit is a reality, we don't really have the option of going back on the referendum's verdict if it doesn't go well. That much has been established pretty clearly. It is also unlikely that Labour, with its current lack of effective leadership, would be able to suddenly find a way back into the EU after we very clearly shunned the establishment. Blair has no opinions to offer that haven't already been brought up multiple times. He has essentially argued that Brexit is bad - that isn't exactly a viewpoint we haven't heard before.
It always surprises and angers me to hear people being "accused" of feminism, as if it is something to be ashamed of. Surely something that stands for choice, equality and freedom should be worn as a badge of honour? And before you wonder why a man is writing this piece, I want to be clear that I'm proud to call myself a feminist. Yesterday, I heard a great quote at our MAKERS Advertising Week panel - "men of quality don't fear equality".
All over the world, we're seeing men and women openly take up the mantle to advance gender equality, and in today's uncertain political climate, it's a cause that's firmly gathering pace. From Women's Marches to International Women's Day and "A Day Without a Woman", we're seeing women's rights quite rightly take centre stage. Feminism is unapologetically entering a mainstream era - and I see this as something we should all be celebrating.
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Is it fair to say that gender equality is now being viewed more equally, and championed by both sexes? Rather than feeling alienated from the concept of feminism, men are now embracing a sense of responsibility to empower women. According to a 2016 survey by the Fawcett Society, 86% of British men said they supported equality of opportunity for women, while campaigns such as #HeForShe go a long way to engage men as agents of change.
As a man, father and the MD of AOL UK, we need to all push for gender equality and it can't just be a woman's fight on her own. As the actress Emilia Clarke said in her recent blog post for The Huffington Post UK, "when a girl grows up as part of a family that makes no distinction between the opportunities that a daughter has compared to a son, it means she doesn't have any reason to believe she can't accomplish whatever she sets her mind to". I know the kind of world I'd like my daughter to grow up in, and there's no shortcut that will get us there.
With 3.52billion women in the world, we all have an important role to play if we're going to achieve true equality of the sexes. But not only is it a question of right and wrong, it is fundamental to the way we build brands and communicate with our audiences.
Women are more likely than men to use the internet on their mobile phones - women account for the majority (52%) of all UK smartphone internet time. Globally, women control about $20trillion in annual consumer spending, and that figure could climb as high as $28trillion in the next five years. Their $13trillion in total yearly earnings could reach $18trillion in the same period. In aggregate, women represent a growth market bigger than China and India combined. Women are also the decision makers in the purchases of 94% of home furnishings, 92% of vacations, 91% of homes, 60% of automobiles and 51% of consumer electronics. The evidence is there for all of us to see, although in reality none of it should come as a surprise.
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With Western society placing a stronger focus on women's empowerment, brands need to be reaching women in the right way.
Worryingly, research last year from Unilever found that the issue of stereotyping, conscious or otherwise, is most acute in the portrayal of women. Just 3% of ads feature women in managerial, leadership or professional roles, and many are "disproportionately" represented in domestic roles.
But the tide is turning. From P&G and Nike, to Dove and Sport England's This Girl Can campaign, brands are increasingly becoming aware that women do not relate to stereotyping and are changing their advertising accordingly.
And as brands stand up against the rigid image of femininity, and speak to women as individuals rather than as a homogeneous group, they are looking to platforms and publishers that align with their beliefs and objectives.
Because feminism also represents a powerful opportunity for publishers.
At AOL, we are committed to empowering women through our own portfolio of brands including MAKERS, The Huffington Post and BUILD. We invest in content that inspires, educates, and entertains women across their interests and passions. And the stats prove it's also what our audiences want. As part of All Women Everywhere, our month-long project on HuffPost UK, Emilia Clarke's guest blog had more than 269,000 social interactions from consumers who applauded her stance on what it means to be a woman and equality.
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But as brands and publishers look to create more diverse and intelligent content for women, they also need to ensure this movement is reflected in the way they empower the women they employ. We need to walk the walk. The IPA has set targets for the industry's senior management to be 40% female by 2020, and we're still some way off hitting that mark - the current figure for the ad industry stands at 27%. And according to a study last year from City University, the British journalism industry doesn't fare much better at 94% white and 55% male.
At AOL, I have a responsibility to build a legacy that supports zero distinction between men and women. Tim Armstrong, our CEO, has very openly stated that we will have 50:50 women to men ratio in senior leadership positions by 2020. It is crucial that we develop and nurture the existing female talent we have within the business, as well those who we recruit, and make sure all opportunities are open for women to succeed. There are no right answers to how we go about driving the right behaviors, it is going to be different for all businesses and mistakes are going to be made, but that's OK? because change is never smooth but is incredibly exciting. It's not a case of breaking the glass ceiling, but removing it altogether.
During Advertising Week and beyond, we need to reflect on the industry as a whole. We have an obligation to accurately represent women and drive equality through our storytelling. Feminism is not niche and it's not a fad. Equality of the sexes benefits us all - male and female - and it's good news for advertisers and publishers alike.
I only ever dipped my toe into the water of student politics. For some it is a serious, passionate conversation, for others it is a vague annoyance you encounter on the way to a morning lecture. With many, I sat somewhere in-between. There is undeniably a problem with student engagement in the running of their campuses. Despite student groups being at the forefront of (usually left-wing) national and international causes - from anti-austerity voices to marches against Trump - there is a consistent lack of interest in the local politics which govern a university itself. Voting turnout for union elections is consistently low and apathy towards bodies such as the National Union of Students is growing.
It seems, rather than worrying about the running of universities themselves, students are more concerned with how symbolic their voices are in response to wider world concerns.
This is potentially what led to the election of Edward Snowden for rector of Glasgow University in 2014. A role which in practice is largely practical, with responsibilities for advocating the interests of students at their representative council, was given to a man who could not enter the country. While many mocked the impracticality of the vote for Snowden, others celebrated the election and its clear indication of support for the exiled CIA agent and his battles with the NSA.
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Snowden is not the first time that the students of Glasgow University have used their rector vote to cast a light on international affairs. The election of Winnie Mandela in 1987, for example, reflected not just the university's stance against apartheid, but also the Glasgow wide effort to stand alongside those fighting for racial equality in South Africa.
"I think it speaks for the city, not just the university," says Jack Smith, president of the Queen Margaret Student Union, about the position of rector.
This leads us to the now, and the fact that the university, this week, have the option to vote for alt-right poster-boy Milo Yiannopoulos to fill Snowden's shoes.
The former Breitbart News editor and Donald Trump supporter, slated for his comments on Islam, trans-rights and rape, received the nomination from students driven, they claim, by desire for an "end to the intolerant, authoritarian silence-everyone-who-disagrees-with-me attitude of these people". While it's technically unclear from their Facebook page as to who "these people" actually are, it is fair to say that this nomination is a reaction to the values of the so-called "liberal-elite" who have been the target of abuse from all factions of the populists right.
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"It is difficult to understand why [Yiannopoulos] was nominated," says Smith "But I guess that's because the people who support him don't actually feel that they're being listened to." And he is correct: Yiannopoulos' popularity thrives on the ability to characterise progressiveness as a drawback to his fans.
"Just read any New York Times or Atlantic article about safe spaces and trigger warnings. If Glasgow students want to break away from the snowflake stereotype - and I hope they do - then I'll gladly represent them, and push back against any member of the administration that tries to impose a culture of trigger warnings and safe spaces" Yiannopoulos told The Glasgow Guardian, the university's paper.
And this is the crux of the problem with oncampus discussion. While universities across the world have adapted the language of 'safe spaces' and 'no platforming' for speakers with views deemed controversial, others have found their voices subsequently excluded from the debate.
"Snowflake" is the term rolled out by those who feel threatened by this new cultural sensitivity. For those who read efforts to gain equality as stifling to their own freedoms, current on campus debates about trigger warnings and 'privilege' are isolating. Responses of condemnation and cries for boycotting from Glasgow's Feminist society and LGBTQI+ Society are exactly the kind of responses which the supporters of Yiannopoulos want to stir.
Are we really becoming too culturally sensitive at the expense of vigorous debate? So topical is this question that it formed the subject of a recent Channel 4 documentary by Labour's former go-to-guy on equality Trevor Philips. Has Political Correctness Gone Mad? made the case that, by defining the realms of acceptability in public conversation, the so-called "liberal elite" are actually responsible for the atmosphere which led to the rise of the Trump and Farage movements on both sides of the Atlantic.
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Philips claims that, in order to progress, "we may need to start learning to live with offence." But what this fails to recognise is that those who tend to cause the offence are themselves rarely tolerating of the views of others. While (mostly anonymous) supporters of Yiannopoulos and his type lambast the end to free speech, they frequently fight to curtail those who cross them. In response to the 'silencing' of liberals, Yiannopoulos is proposing to ban Glasgow's Muslim Students Association if he is elected. The fight against banning things is being fought by people who want to ban other things.
Whether Yiannopoulos is elected by the students of Glasgow or not, the ridiculousness of the free speech moral panic is not going anywhere anytime soon.
AI no longer belongs to the realm of science fiction. From voice recognition to self-driving cars and medical diagnosis, 'artificial intelligence' has, in just the last few years, woven its way into our lives at work and at home.
Part of this step change is due to the evolution of AI from the domain of academic researchers and tech giants such as Google and IBM to the commercial mainstream. AI today is a fully-fledged category and a rich ecosystem of startups are rapidly applying AI technologies to almost every industry and sector - including academic research.
Before we dive into how AI could reshape research, let's consider the term "artificial intelligence". It's an increasingly broad church, used to describe multiple technologies-- including machine learning, deep learning, neural networks, computer vision and natural language processing. The emergence of major AI platforms such as Google's Tensor Flow and Microsoft's Cognitive Toolkit has enabled technologists and startups to innovate without having to develop their own proprietary systems. Combined with increasing access to low-cost computational power and publicly accessible structured data, this has dramatically lowered the barrier to entry for companies, organisations and researchers.
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As Dr. Stephen Cave, Executive Director of the Levelhulme Centre for Future Intelligence, said in his opening address at the recent AI in Business and Entrepreneurship Summit in London, it is possible "to reap the benefits of AI whilst preserving humanity" if researchers and developers continue to converse openly with the public and address their concerns about how AI will affect their lives.
Last year, five of the world's tech giants - Google, Facebook, Amazon, IBM, and Microsoft - announced The Partnership on Artificial Intelligence to Benefit People and Society; a new non-profit coalition between corporates, academics and the nonprofit world. The partnership aims to conduct research and recommend best practices relating to "ethics, fairness and inclusivity; transparency, privacy, and interoperability; collaboration between people and AI systems; and the trustworthiness, reliability, and robustness of the technology."
With responsible thought leadership - aiming to deliver standards of best practice that stretch beyond Asimov's three laws of robotics - we should remain optimistic about the potential benefits of AI to reshape the way we engage with technology, the world and each other. So how then might AI, the product of decades of scientific research, impact the realm of scientific research itself?
In September of last year, Google went live with its Neural Machine Translation system, a seminal project harnessing deep learning to improve translations between languages. Within months, Google's AI had generated its own internal "inter-language" that allowed it to make connections between concepts and words that had not been formally linked. With AI now capable of developing its own language and even self-programming, it's conceivable that one day, machines will be able to generate original hypotheses, conduct scientific experiments, and even write and publish the results.
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At Sparrho, we see the maturation of AI technologies as the prelude to an unforeseen step change in humankind's ability to understand and innovate. We believe that leveraging human expertise to train AI can increase the pace of democratisation of science by disrupting the way current research and development is performed and communicated.
The traditional tools for scientific research can't keep up with the rate nor complexity of our modern exploration. In a world of increasingly multidisciplinary research, the conventional search approach using keywords often misses important content in tangentially related fields. Four to five thousand research articles are published daily and this number is only set to rise with new AI tools for research. Staying on top of the science that matters is increasingly difficult. To mix metaphors, it's rather like trying to drink from the firehose while looking for a needle in a haystack.
Sparrho's technology enables researchers and those with a passion for science to save time on discovering, curating and sharing scientific research important to them. Our machine learning algorithms work in the background to present the most relevant papers to each individual user from our corpus of over 48 million pieces of scientific content, without needing a lengthy list of precise keywords. In addition to aiding discovery of relevant research, Sparrho allows users create 'pinboards', curating research papers in a dynamic, more shareable way. With over 600,000 pins created and shared to date, we're proving there's demand for new, innovative ways to showcase cutting-edge science.
Former astronaut encourages Hutchinson students to consider space exploration
Former astronaut describes his path to space flight and experiences on the International Space Station, while offering advice on how to get there
Sharing Credits In An Age With No Liner Notes
While the onset of the digital age has made many aspects of networking in the music industry easier, it has also made the publicizing of credits that much more challenging, meaning it can be harder for engineers and producers to find clients.
_______________________________
Guest post by Chris Robley of DIY Musician
Musicians: a lack of credit can hurt our collaborators livelihoods. Lets make up for that.
When it came time to record my first solo record shortly after moving to Portland, Oregon, where I knew very few people in the music scene I just flipped through the CD jackets of two local albums I loved, and what do you know, they were both engineered by the same person. That was easy!
I emailed him, introduced myself and my music, and two months later we were in his studio finishing mixes.
Producers, engineers, session players, songwriters they all get work this way. You see their name in the credits of some piece of music you adore and ask if theyd be interested in your project. Hopefully they say yes.
But in a digital music world, credits are harder to find.
Youd think itd be just the opposite, right?
A few of my engineer/producer friends have talked about how theyve had to hustle more than ever over the past few years to find clients. The clients that DO call them out of the blue are calling because of word-of-mouth referrals from other artists that my friends have worked with (the best kind of referral), but there are fewer of those hey, I saw you had a production credit on that song kind of inquiries.
Of course credits are still commonly listed in the liner notes for CDs and vinyl, but most people are consuming music via streaming services now, and theres no simple way to click on a song in Spotify and see who arranged the string parts or created that face-melting synth sound.
With all the focus on metadata these days, shouldnt there be an industry standard for listing credits (across all platforms) for production, beats, session work, co-writes, engineering, and more?
But no. No easy-to-use, catchall, credit-sharing solution has arisen for digital music.
So its up to us, the artists, to share credits online for the following collaborators:
songwriter/s
producers and beat-makers
engineers
arrangers
session players
band members
featured soloists not already included as featuring in the artist name
Until its standard practice for digital music platforms to request and display credits, we need to do what we can, where we can, to make sure the information is as accessible as possible for anyone that might be curious about the creation of a song or album.
Heres a list of places we can post full credits:
YouTube and Vimeo video descriptions Song or album notes on CD Baby, Bandcamp, etc. Your website Wikipedia entries for albums Any blogs, email newsletters, or social posts detailing the creation of a particular track
Then you should also try to submit credits (along with general information about your music) to any relevant online databases, including AllMusic/Rovi.
Its not a perfect solution, but its a courtesy you can show for those that helped you create your music.
[And speaking of credit, the liner notes in the picture above come from Jeff Daniels 2014 album Days Like These, available on CD Baby.]
Chris Robley is the Editor of CD Baby's DIY Musician Blog. I write Beatlesque indie-pop songs that've been praised by No Depression, KCRW, The LA Times, & others. My poems have appeared in Poetry Magazine, Prairie Schooner, The Poetry Review, & more. I live in Maine and like peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, a little too much.
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The historic house will go through a multi-phase restoration in the coming years.
First Phase of Springside House Restoration Starts This Spring
The porch was last re-done in 1974 and since the boards need to be lifted for the foundation work, it is being redone again this year. PITTSFIELD, Mass. The first phase of the restoration of the Springside House is slated to begin this spring.
The city awarded Allegrone Construction a $212,000 contract to fix the foundation, a portion of the roof, and drainage controls. The construction will start in the spring, addressing the most immediate needs to preserve the building.
From there, advocates and city officials are continuing to plan the exact usage of the building for the future.
"The foundation had been compromised for a number of reasons, it is old, some of the brick is deteriorating. But more so, a lot of the grouts and joints and mortar is deteriorating because of improper drainage as it comes off the roof. It sort of splashed back because there aren't good gutters and all of the water just sticks around the foundation," said Parks and Open Space Manager Jim McGrath.
Allegrone will be putting in new gutters and then run piping underground to a dry well. That will prevent pooling of water on the foundation. Allegrone will also be fixing the foundation of the mansion.
"It's pretty much around the whole house," McGrath said of the foundation work.
And thirdly, the company will be replacing a section of roof that has failed and is creating water damage. Concurrently, McGrath said architects are crafting the plans to rebuild the entire porch. Allegrone will need to lift floorboards of the porch for the foundation work so the city is looking to allocate funds to fix the entire porch up.
"Basically we are going to be rebuilding the whole porch. We don't have a cost on that yet. It is not going to be exorbitant but it is going to eat into the capital budget," McGrath said. "When all is said and done, the porch will be redone, the foundation will be addressed, drainage, a portion of a roof. And then, whatever is left in that account, the next phase as outlined in our plan is to do the exterior envelope work."
The department is paying for the work from a $500,000 capital appropriation made a few years ago under former Mayor Daniel Bianchi. This construction project will be the first major use of those funds. The city also has a $50,000 grant from the Massachusetts Historical Commission.
"We're using the $50,000 from the state to fund the Allegrone construction. That will be part of their payment," McGrath said.
That grant, however, includes a couple extra hurdles. The city had to first contract with an archaeological consulting service to perform a "sensitivity study" to determine the changes of the property having any other historic uses in the past.
"We needed to do a sensitivity assessment which basically is a research project to understand if there may have been other important settlements up here around the Springside House, anything related to important archeological history," McGrath said.
That cost some $4,000 and the researchers determined that there is a likelihood of early settlements in the area because of the geography and proximity to water and other resources. Now, the city will be spending close to $15,000 to have the University of Massachusetts perform an archeological dig in the park this spring.
The city is also using some budget funds to perform some other minor improvements such as renovating the kiosks. In a different section of the park, a $20,000 allocation from the Community Development Block Grant has been used to hire SK Design to update a 2008 assessment on the pond.
"The dam has failed and the pond is filled with sedi ment. We want to address the sediment issue, address the dam, understand the hydrology, and then start working on the permitting and cost estimates," McGrath said. "That is an important project because the Springside pond was an important park feature for years and years and years and now it is a nuisance, an eyesore."
McGrath says after this first round of construction and the state's portion, there will still be around $325,000 to work from. That will go toward the second phase of working on the exterior. After that, the park advocates will be looking for money to renovate the interior, creating space for various usages.
"The way the project has always been pitched is that there will need to be multiple appropriations so we cash on hand to do work and once we get into this project it doesn't make sense to not work toward completion," McGrath said.
The vision is to bring the house, which has not been used in a number of years, back online. After years of planning and meetings, park advocates have all settled on a concept of how to share the property. In a few weeks, those organizations which have expressed interest in using portions of the house will come together in a meeting with Mayor Linda Tyer to start digging into the details.
"While the construction is beginning we are going to start the next, final leg of the planning for the building usage and bring together a number of organizations in the community who have expressed interest in the community and expressed possible uses in the future. We'll sit down and really look at how that space will be utilized," Springside Conservancy President Joe Durwin said.
Stakeholders had previously come together to craft a master plan for the entire park. The next phase will help each determine their exact needs for space and craft the renovation plans for the interior - ensuring all users have the needed space and access.
"There are a number of organizations that have compatible programming and functions that are looking at their space needs right now," Durwin said.
The end goal includes mixed uses including a visitors and educational center, office and classroom space, and spaces for groups that use the park. The park has a variety of uses and Durwin says each group is on the same page about shared usage of the facilities.
Each of those groups has their own efforts going on with the park. The conservancy, for example, is using grant funds to plan a food forest and Durwin says implementation funding is looking promising.
The roof in the section of the middle has water leaking and is part of the first phase contract recently awarded. "We have funding right now we are using the plan and design a proposal for a food forest, which is like it sounds a forest with all edible plants," Durwin said.
The conservancy is doing its own fundraising efforts and started that last summer with a gala. That raised $4,000 and is going into a park improvement account to for projects in the park.
"There are a lot of other projects coming together," Durwin said.
The various uses of the house will create a revenue stream for ongoing maintenance. Being a vacant building now, Durwin says the routine maintenance doesn't get the attention it will have when the house is being used often. McGrath said the plans for use is revenue-neutral to provide for the upkeep of the building.
"The goal is to re-establish this house as the keystone feature within this section of Springside Park and celebrate everything we've got here," McGrath said.
The advocates say one big focus right now is to keep the excitement and support from stakeholders and community members going as the initial phases roll out. In the next few years, the house is hoped to be once again a hub of activity.
"Generally there has been community support and understanding that it is a multi-phase, large city project. The support from city councilors and through two mayoral administrations has been pretty unwavering. This project is happening and there is great use ahead for this building," Durwin said.
Company officials joined members of the Lenox Chamber of Commerce, and town officials in cutting the ribbon on the new space.
Xerox Affiliate Opens Office Space In Allegrone Co-Working Building
The company becomes the first tenant in the Berkshire Design Center. LENOX, Mass. Connecticut Business Systems, a Xerox company, cut the ribbon on new office space on Pittsfield Road as it looks to grow its Berkshire operations.
The company is becoming the first tenant in Allegrone's Berkshire Design Center, a multi-office building featuring 16 suites for lease. CBS had previous operated out of a small office space in Pittsfield and will now expand it's local service through the new location.
"We see Lenox as a growing community in the Berkshires and we really want to put a focus on the Berkshires, growing our resources within the company giving them more options, more technology, and whatever the community is looking for," said Director of Massachusetts Sales Joe Cunningham.
The company held a ribbon cutting on the space Tuesday morning. It will be the "hub" of operations as the Wethersfield, Conn.- based company looks to grow its footprint in the community.
"This is a hub, or satellite office, to our Springfield location. This is really dedicated to the Berkshire market. CBS provides officer technology, services, and support. We work with local businesses, small, medium, large, to include education K through 12 to health care to hospitals to manufacturing, you name it. We help them with their office technology and the service and support around that technology," said President Jay Cartisano.
CBS's parent company is Xerox and it specializes in selling, maintaining, and even consulting on the entire line of products. The range goes from large output copiers down to desktop printers and software.
"The majority of our business is we will go into an existing business and do a full assessment. We'll walk through, we will map out all of your technology on your floor plan, we will provide a detailed report back to you. We'll show what your usage is. We will show what your expense is. And we will sit with you and make suggestions. We'll co-author what a solution would look like in the future. It is all designed to improve your productivity and save you money," Cartisano said.
CBS provides everything from the products, to installing all of the equipment, to repairs. The local office currently has four dedicate employees, which is supplemented from help from Connecticut and Springfield, but the plan is to add more.
"We think this is a growing market and we want to grow within it," Cunningham said.
The company is Allegrone's first tenant in the newly renovated 30,000 square-foot building, first built as the Edgewood motel in 1959. The building provides co-working space for multiple companies, featuring office spaces built to request, as well as shared conference and event spaces.
"We just think this building is state of the art and in such a great location, such a central location in the Berkshires, that we actually pursued Allegrone," Cunningham said.
Letter: Say No to Immigration, Yes to Making Pittsfield Great again
To the Editor:
This past November election has taught us all many things. It has reminded us that the "long shot" should never be counted out and sometimes it ultimately prevails. Donald Trump is now our president, an upset to some and a relief to others.
I am of the latter. I am a huge Trump supporter. Why not build the wall and protect ourselves and to help pay for it, he can start by taking money away from sanctuary cities. I am for veterans before immigrants. Love him or hate him, he is making a nation think about issues we have all taken for granted.
Which leads me to the anger I felt when the city of Pittsfield claimed that they will welcome immigrants with open arms. While working with [state Sen. Adam] Hinds and [state Rep. Tricia] Farley-Bouvier, [Mayor] Linda Tyer says yes, we will give them all the support possible. Wait, pump the brakes, don't you think that should have been a community input discussion and not the great hierarchy of Western Massachusetts?
Did the elected officials forget that is what they are elected. They are supposed to represent one and all not just a minority of voters. You see the people who control the budget were asked if they can stay here. I am sure the city will get some sort of payout considering we are a "sanctuary city" aka refugee resettlement community. The question is how much? And will the taxpayer see it? I doubt it. We just keep getting asked to pay more and more.
What needs to happen is the "Mayor" should be protecting who is already here. The reason she got into office. This city is in dire straights. Financially we are a whisper away from the ever breaking threshold of economic failure. Plus there seems to be a spending problem going on even more so now within the last few years. Lets face it we need to make Pittsfield great again and the current administration isn't cutting it.
Getting the same type of people to run for office again won't fix the situation either. There has to be people that truly want change and who will vote for change regardless if the other members agree or not. We don't need more special interests, we need more strong minded opinionated people.
If a nonpolitician businessman can become president, than anything is possible. That includes improving the local government.
Tammy Ives
Pittsfield, Mass.
Dicken Crane says he gets most of his energy from a solar array and from forestry and he doesn't need any more natural gas.
Local Environmentalists Oppose Policies Supporting Natural Gas
Christopher Kilfoyle of Berkshire Photovoltaic Services is pushing for 100 percent of the state's energy come from renewable sources. DALTON, Mass. Dicken Crane has a large solar array on his Holiday Brook Farm. He has a forest management program to harvest timber to burn in a wood furnaces. He doesn't need more natural gas.
Crane is one of some 500 businesses that have signed onto a petition against Gov. Charlie Baker's push for access to more natural gas.
Baker has been supportive of new natural-gas infrastructure and had previously introduced a proposal to allow electric utilities to levy a tax on users to pay for infrastructure, particularly the price to build new pipelines, but that was rejected by the Supreme Judicial Court.
Proponents of natural gas have long said it is a bridge fuel to offset the decommissioning of coal and nuclear plants in New England and that more natural gas will keep rates down by controlling the peak times of production, such as in the high demand winter months.
Baker has supported efforts to boost the renewable energy portfolio of the state in what has been called an "all of the above" policy to shift from coal. Baker has called for more renewable energy while at the same time remained supportive of new natural gas pipelines.
Plans for new pipelines, however, have been largely opposed in the Berkshires because of the use of fracked gas, damage to the area's natural resources and potential dangers of the high-pressure lines.
Crane says the state doesn't need more gas, it just needs to focus more on renewable energies, and that includes proper forest management and solar. If rolled out more aggressively and properly, Crane doesn't believe any new gas pipelines are needed.
"The important thing, I think, to realize is that to really be both energy independent and using renewable energy is to look at all of the resources. As much as solar is important to us, the use of waste wood from forest management is equally, if not more, important to us and is equally renewable," Crane said. "It is important to see these things as a suite of options."
Crane joined environmental activists on Tuesday to share how he powers his farm and call for more renewable energy. The press conference was one of many throughout the state as Mass Power Forward, a collaborative of environmentalist groups, oppose Baker's stance. Locally, that includes the Berkshire Environmental Action Team and 350 Mass.
"We call on Gov. Baker to drop his call to place a pipeline tax on every electric ratepayer in the commonwealth. A recent study has shown that under existing laws and regulations that tax would end up costing ratepayers substantially more than any savings that might be produced in the first two years of operations," said BEAT Executive Director Jane Winn.
"In fact, BEAT sees the pipeline tax as a way to shift the cost and risk of building pipelines from big gas companies onto ratepayers, while all the potential profits from selling that fracked natural gas overseas will go to the heads of the big gas companies."
Crane simply says, "we don't need it so why are we going to pay for it?" The group oppose any pipeline project and say the state can absolutely move to 100 percent renewable energy through the development of solar, hydro, forest management, adding energy storage, implementing microgrids, and becoming more energy efficient and conserving more.
"We don't need any new gas infrastructure. It is dirty fossil fuels that are polluting our air and causing health problems. There are huge opportunities in the state to grow our green economy," said Cheryl Rose of 150 Berkshires.
Christopher Derby Kilfoyle, president of Berkshire Photovoltaic Services, said what Crane does for his farm is "today's energy" and he believes not only can the state become 100 percent renewable by following his lead but that the entire world can move that way.
"We can do this globally. This year China will have 1.5 gigawatts of new solar installed and many Third World countries are skipping the industrial coal and oil level of energy use and going straight to renewables," Kilfoyle said.
Mass Power Forward is crafting a petition which is signed by about 500 businesses opposing natural gas. Kilfoyle says technology can be powered by small solar panels, and new micropower grids can allow for farms to put up solar arrays that will create additional energy for the entire grid.
"We are in transition to a new type of power grid. You've heard of microgrids, that is going to happen. That is happening in places like Haiti. Why are we wasting 30 percent of our energy power to send it from Mount Tom in Holyoke out to Dalton when you can make it on your own roof?" Kilfoyle said.
"We are going to get to the point where a microgrid can contribute to the whole network of the grid."
The opportunities are there and Kilfoyle is calling on residents and businesses to "stand up to the utilities" by fighting against pipelines. He said the electric and gas companies have tried to demonize solar when what really has hurt their business is the loss of population and large factories.
He cited Eversource's proposal to raise rates by some 10 percent as a move to continue to reliance on fossil fuels. He wants the utility to companies to turn the other way and look toward renewables.
"They are going to penalize solar," Kilfoyle said.
Secondly, he says the United States simply uses too much electricity. He is calling for significant efforts to increase energy conservation.
"We all are going to have to make sacrifices," Kilfoyle said.
Winn said the state already has requests for proposal out for more offshore wind, energy storage, and microgrids, all of which will help smooth out peak demands, when energy producers incur the most costs.
"It is important that we move quickly away from highly polluting fuels like fracked natural gas. To meet our greenhouse gas emission targets we will have to decrease our use of fracked natural gas so there is no advantage to the people to build more pipelines," Winn said.
Mass Power Forward has collected hundreds of signatures from business across the state present to the governor's office. The advocates say that while many businesses are supporting the natural gas push, a significant number of others are opposing it.
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Itching for something exciting this summer? Get ready for the hottest sale this time of year as OPPO celebrates Lazadas fifth year anniversary with amazing discounts on its popular phones!
Global electronics company OPPO is offering up to 50 percent discount on select items at Lazadas 5th Birthday Anniversary Sale happening this March 21 to 23. All discounted phones will also be available on the brands official store on the e-commerce website.
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To find these and more, visit the official OPPO store on Lazada at http://www.lazada.com.ph/oppo-official-store/.
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Black artists are protesting a new painting by New York artist Dana Schutz currently on display at the Whitney Biennial. Protesters say the white artist exploits a traumatic incident in American history.
The painting titled Open Casket interprets press photos of Emmett Tills body lying still at his funeral. In 1955, the 14-year-old American-American boy was tortured and murdered in Mississippi by two white men who falsely accused . The boys mother insisted on an open casket and the press images of Tills mutilated face is often credited as igniting the civil rights movement.
Schutzs painting was blocked in Manhattan by a small group of protesters lining up at the exhibit. In addition to the protests, Hannah Black, a British-born artist, has written an open letter to the museum curators demanding that the painting be destroyed.
The subject matter is not Schutzs, she wrote in a Facebook message. White free speech and white creative freedom have been founded on the constraint of others, and are not natural rights. The painting must go.
The Whitney Biennial curators, Christopher Y Lew and Mia Locks, sent artnet News the following statement defending the painting:
The 2017 Whitney Biennial brings to light many facets of the human experience, including conditions that are painful or difficult to confront such as violence, racism, and death. Many artists in the exhibition push in on these issues, seeking empathetic connections in an especially divisive time. Dana Schutzs painting, Open Casket (2016), is an unsettling image that speaks to the long-standing violence that has been inflicted upon African Americans.
For many African Americans in particular, this image has tremendous emotional resonance. By exhibiting the painting we wanted to acknowledge the importance of this extremely consequential and solemn image in American and African American history and the history of race relations in this country. As curators of this exhibition we believe in providing a museum platform for artists to explore these critical issues.
Dana Schutz responded to the criticism in a statement to the Guardian, promising that the artwork will not be available for sale.
I dont know what it is like to be black in America, but I do know what it is like to be a mother. Emmett was Mamie Tills only son," she explained. "The thought of anything happening to your child is beyond comprehension. It is easy for artists to self-censor, to convince yourself to not make something before you even try. There were many reasons why I could not, should not, make this painting art can be a space for empathy, a vehicle for connection.
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Jane Austen has an unlikely fanbase in the form of America's so-called 'alt-right' movement, it has emerged.
Scholars have found that 'alt-right' websites and blogs often reference the Pride and Prejudice author, believing that her work supports marital traditionalism, along with their views on racial purity and subservient wives.
An assistant professor of English at the University of Colorado, Nicole Wright, found that there were "several variations of alt-right Jane Austen: 1) Symbol of sexual purity; 2) Standard-bearer of a vanished white traditional culture; and 3) Exception that proves the rule of female inferiority".
Writing in a Chronicle of Higher Education article she noted that there was an Austen cameo in a speech by the disgraced former Breitbart journalist Milo Yiannopoulos made in January, where he said: "As a Victorian novelist might have put it, it is a truth universally acknowledged that an ugly woman is more likely to be a feminist than a hot one."
(Wright also pointed out the amusing inaccuracy by Yiannopoulos, as the Regency-era author died around 20 years before the Victorian period began.)
Similarly Andrew Anglin, a white supremacist who blogs for the Daily Stormer website, used Austen when portraying pop star Taylor Swift as a "Nazi idol".
"She [Swift] is the anti-Miley [Cyrus]," he told Vice. "While Miley is out having gang-bangs with coloured gentlemen, she is at home with her cat reading Jane Austen."
In her article, Wright suggests that white supremacists believe that Austen makes for a better figurehead for their movement because of her associations with a "cozy England", in comparison to "the nightmare Germany of Hitler and Goebbels".
But as any Austen fan would know, and as retired professor Elaine Bander told the New York Times, "no one who reads Jane Austen's words with any attention and reflection can possible be alt-right".
"All the Janeites I know are rational, compassionate, liberal-minded people," she said.
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The husband of A-list lawyer Amal Clooney has spoken out about against human rights abuses in the Darfur region of Sudan, in Burma and Zimbabwe.
He has also thrown his weight behind anti-poverty efforts in the US and abroad.
But when he visited an assisted living facility in the British town of Reading, all the sensationalist, tabloid media wanted to report on was how he put his arm around an 87-year-old woman and wished her happy birthday. They pointed out he was wearing a leather jacket and jeans - even though he is aged 55.
The Associated Press said that Ms Clooneys husband, George Clooney, arrived with flowers and cards to celebrate the birthday of Pat Adams, said to be a big admirer of his.
A member of staff at the centre, Linda Jones, posted a picture of herself and the pair on Facebook.
Amal Clooney calls on UN to stop Islamic State genocide
Ms Jones wrote: The lady in the picture, loves George Clooney and mentions everyday how she would love him to meet him, especially as he lives so near to where I work.
A letter was sent to Mr Clooney asking if he could make a dream to come true. He owns a home near the facility in Berkshire.
What was extra special it was her Birthday in the week. He bought a card and a lovely bunch of flowers, the staff member added.
Amal Clooney recently visited the United Nations in New York to deliver a speech on human rights abuses committed by Isis in Iraq and Syria. Ms Clooney is pregnant, and several media organisations chose to highlight that aspect of the her visit, along her choice of shoes. The Daily Mirrors headline read: Amal Clooney is a vision in yellow as she shows off hint of baby bump in chic dress.
In addition to his work for humanitarian causes, Mr Clooney has appeared in several films.
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There is no room for doubt. The astonishing weather experienced by the world last year and advances in climate science demonstrate conclusively that fossil fuel emissions are causing global warming and something must be done about it.
That was the reaction from scientist after scientist to a new report by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), which documented record-breaking droughts, heatwaves, rainfall, melting of sea ice and a host of tangible signs observed in 2016 that the Earths climate has changed.
Amid fears that Donald Trump will withdraw the United States from the Paris Agreement on climate change, the Secretary-General of the WMO said it was vital to slash carbon emissions and prepare for increasingly dangerous weather.
Writing in the reports foreword, Petteri Taalas said: The influence of human activities on the climate system has become more and more evident.
This influence is increasingly being demonstrated by attribution studies for some of the most critical weather and climate extremes, in particular extremes related to heat.
It is vital that [the Paris Agreements] implementation becomes a reality and that [it] guides the global community in addressing climate change by curbing greenhouse gases, fostering climate resilience and mainstreaming climate adaptation into national development policies.
The WMO Statement on the State of the Global Climate in 2016 pointed to multiple signs that our planet's weather is getting more extreme, including:
the record average temperature for the year of about 1.1C above pre-industrial levels;
millions of people going hungry after crops failed in parts of Africa as rainfall fell up to 60 per cent below average;
flooding that displaced hundreds of thousands of people in south-east Asia;
record low levels of sea ice in both the Arctic and Antarctic;
the wettest ever winter on record in Scotland and China's wettest year;
France's driest July and August and the record driest winter and spring that helped produce Canada's worst-ever wildfire at Fort McMurray, Alberta;
extreme temperatures which saw records fall from Santiago in Chile, which hit 37.3C, to Svalbard in the Arctic, which was 6.5C warmer over the year than the average between 1961 and 1990;
devastating wildfires in Tasmania amid a prolonged drought;
and then devastating floods in Tasmania after the drought ended and the island experienced it wettest May to December on record.
Climate scientists have been forecasting just such an increase in bad weather driven by the rising global temperature, with a huge amount of extra energy now being trapped in the atmosphere as a result the greenhouse gases humans pumped into the atmosphere.
Increasingly, researchers have been able to show scientifically how individual weather events are made much more likely and more extreme by human-induced climate change.
A graph showing average global temperature over the last 166 years, based on figures from three world-leading scientific organisations (WMO)
But there was a distinct note of desperation in a round-up of reaction from leading experts to the WMO report, produced by the Science Media Centre.
The election of Mr Trump who has appointed a string of climate science deniers to key positions in his administration, such as Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency has given new currency to so-called sceptics the world over.
This was a major theme of the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences annual meeting in Boston last month, and a March for Science and a Climate March are planned in Washington DC and other major cities around the world next month.
Climate science 'scepticism' is far from confined to American right-wing politicians. Ukips leader, Paul Nuttall, has suggested Al Gores seminal film about climate change, The Inconvenient Truth, is in fact a convenient lie used by propagandists.
But Dr Phil Williamson, an associate fellow at the University of East Anglia, said: The WMO's statement on the 2016 climate leaves no room for doubt.
In the Olympics, records are broken by smaller and smaller amounts; in climate change, the opposite now seems to be true, not just for temperature, but for carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, sea-ice cover and global sea level rise.
Bill Nye to Bernie Sanders: The effects of Trump's climate change denial could be catastrophic
Human-driven climate change is now an empirically verifiable fact, combining year-to-year variability with the consequences of our release of extra greenhouse gases. Those who dispute that link are not sceptics, but anti-science deniers.
Professor Dave Reay, chair in carbon management at Edinburgh University, said: The Guinness Book of World Records now needs a whole new chapter for climate change.
From soaring temperatures and carbon dioxide concentrations, to disintegrating ice and coral this new report on global change over the past year makes startling reading.
The need for concerted action on climate change has never been so stark nor the stakes so high.
CIA director nominee Mike Pompeo refuses to accept Nasa's findings on climate change
For Dr Emily Shuckburgh, deputy head of polar oceans at the British Antarctic Survey , last year was simply exceptional.
The Arctic stood out as experiencing particularly extreme conditions, she said.
During winter the region saw the polar equivalent of a searing heatwave, with temperatures in January breaking previous records by a staggering 2C.
The changes we are now seeing in the polar regions are a stark reminder of the scale and urgency of the climate challenge.
However, in an age when the likes of then Cabinet Minister Michael Gove can insist people have had enough of experts, there is a realisation that many people have stopped listening to scientists and hard evidence.
Professor Sir Robert Watson director of strategic development at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research at the University of East Anglia, said: While the data show an ever-increasing impact of human activities on the climate system, the Trump Administration and senior Republicans in Congress continue to bury their heads in the sand and state that climate change is a hoax and does not need to be addressed.
We are now living in an evidence-free world, where facts are irrelevant.
How much more evidence does the world need to recognise the dangers confronting our society?
The repeated warnings about climate change by scientists from different fields the world over had become like a broken record endlessly playing the same refrain, said Dr Jeffrey Kargel, a glaciologist at Arizona University.
10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan
But that's just the point. One new broken record after another: global warming on land and sea and other big effects across the Earth's surface, he joked grimly.
Earth is a planet in upheaval due to human-caused changes in the atmosphere. In general, drastically changing conditions do not help civilization, which thrives on stability.
We have to change, and our leaders must come face to face with reality and understand that their decisions will affect the future for better or worse. Every nation has a role to play in easing our dilemma and moving us away from worst-case scenarios.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, the world could experience a rise in temperatures above pre-industrial levels of between 2.6 and 4.8 degrees Celsius by 2100 if humans carry on emitting fuels under a business as usual scenario.
However more recent research has suggested the Earths atmosphere could be more sensitive to greenhouse gases than previously thought, putting the planet potentially on course for more than 7C of warming.
It is thought that dangerous climate change would occur after 2C of warming, although the Paris Agreement urged the world to try to restrict it to 1.5C if possible.
Somewhere between warming of 3C and 4C, it is thought significant feedback loops would start to kick in, such as the release of vast amounts of methane from the Siberian tundra, which is already causing concern.
This would drive global warming faster and, if it hit 6C, this would be game over for human civilisation as we know it.
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Gas power plants can emit up to 120 times the levels of methane reported by companies to regulators in the United States, according to new research.
As the world attempts to switch to a low-carbon economy, gas is increasingly being used as it is theoretically at least cleaner than coal, producing about 56 per cent of the emissions.
However, scientists at Purdue University and the Environmental Defence Fund (EDF) said that if just three per cent of the gas, which is mostly methane, leaked into the atmosphere, then a gas plant would become a bigger source of greenhouse gases than a coal one.
The researchers found that leaks from three gas power plants in the US were much lower than this level at less than 0.5 per cent.
And, even when supply chain leak estimates of 1.7 per cent were taken into account, the climate benefit of using natural gas for electricity generation is not compromised, they said in a paper in the journal Environment Science & Technology.
But the study also found: Average methane emission rates were larger than facility-reported estimates by factors of 21 to 120 (at natural gas power plants) and 11 to 90 (at refineries).
While methane has a much more powerful warming effect on the atmosphere than carbon dioxide, there is less of it and the gas is relatively short-lived.
But, mass-for-mass, methane still has 28 to 34 times the greenhouse effect of carbon dioxide over 100 years.
In a statement, one of the researchers, Professor Paul Shepson, of Purdue, said methane was a better fuel all around as long as you don't spill it.
But it doesn't take much methane leakage to ruin your whole day if you care about climate change, he said.
While the study found more methane leaking into the atmosphere than the companies had done, Professor Shepson said there was a simple way to prevent this source of greenhouse gases.
There is much more methane being released into the atmosphere by leaky compressors, valves, and industrial hardware, Professor Shepson said.
But the good news here is that you can take a specialised infrared camera around the plant to find the leaks and then patch them with a wad of bubblegum.
I'm joking about that, of course, but the point is that it's a relatively easy thing to fix.
The EDF, a Texas-based non-profit organisation, said the gas industry must be alert to leaks.
Power plants currently use more than one third of natural gas consumed in the US and the volume used is expected to increase as market forces drive the replacement of coal with cheaper natural gas, it said in a posting on its website.
But if natural gas is going to deliver on its promise, methane emissions due to leaks, venting, and flaring need to be kept to a minimum.
10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Show all 10 1 /10 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A group of emperor penguins face a crack in the sea ice, near McMurdo Station, Antarctica Kira Morris 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Floods destroyed eight bridges and ruined crops such as wheat, maize and peas in the Karimabad valley in northern Pakistan, a mountainous region with many glaciers. In many parts of the world, glaciers have been in retreat, creating dangerously large lakes that can cause devastating flooding when the banks break. Climate change can also increase rainfall in some areas, while bringing drought to others. Hira Ali 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Smoke filled with the carbon that is driving climate change drifts across a field in Colombia. Sandra Rondon 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Amid a flood in Islampur, Jamalpur, Bangladesh, a woman on a raft searches for somewhere dry to take shelter. Bangladesh is one of the most vulnerable places in the world to sea level rise, which is expected to make tens of millions of people homeless by 2050. Probal Rashid 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Sindh province in Pakistan has experienced a grim mix of two consequences of climate change. Because of climate change either we have floods or not enough water to irrigate our crop and feed our animals, says the photographer. Picture clearly indicates that the extreme drought makes wide cracks in clay. Crops are very difficult to grow. Rizwan Dharejo 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Hanna Petursdottir examines a cave inside the Svinafellsjokull glacier in Iceland, which she said had been growing rapidly. Since 2000, the size of glaciers on Iceland has reduced by 12 per cent. Tom Schifanella 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A river once flowed along the depression in the dry earth of this part of Bangladesh, but it has disappeared amid rising temperatures. Abrar Hossain 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A shepherd moves his herd as he looks for green pasture near the village of Sirohi in Rajasthan, northern India. The region has been badly affected by heatwaves and drought, making local people nervous about further predicted increases in temperature. Riddhima Singh Bhati 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change A factory in China is shrouded by a haze of air pollution. The World Health Organisation has warned such pollution, much of which is from the fossil fuels that cause climate change, is a public health emergency. Leung Ka Wa 10 photographs to show to anyone who doesn't believe in climate change Water levels in reservoirs, like this one in Gers, France, have been getting perilously low in areas across the world affected by drought, forcing authorities to introduce water restrictions. Mahtuf Ikhsan
Finding and fixing leaks from all points in the oil and gas value chain continue to offer the most bang for the buck in achieving this goal.
And it cautioned the study had only looked at three power plants, adding that more work was underway on a larger sample.
While the findings are based on a small data set, they do show the potential for significant emissions not recognized in official inventories, the EDF said.
Some additional natural gas power plant emission measurements are currently being made by the Purdue researchers who published this report.
But more measurements will be needed to understand if the findings are representative of the industry profile.
In January last year, the largest recorded gas leak in California's history saw vast amounts of methane released into the atmosphere, amounting to about a quarter of the state's normal daily emissions of the gas.
It was said to have had a "far greater" impact than the explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig and subsequent spill on the level of greenhouse gas emissions.
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From fluorescent lighting, to cramped spaces and funhouse mirrors, fitting rooms can be a daunting place for anyone - but one woman wants to change all that.
During a shopping trip Dr Susan Albers, a psychologist at the Cleveland Clinic in Wooster, Ohio, overheard a pair of women criticising themselves in a stores dressing room.
And it was in this moment that she realised just how negative shopping can actually be.
Recommended Body positive campaign insists women are more than just a number
As a result, she posted a call to action on Facebook asking women to leave behind their inner critic and instead focus on having a good time and spreading positivity.
Please remember that whether they are six or 60, everyone around you absorbs every word you say about your body. You are a role model about the words and phrases that are okay to attach to womens bodies, she wrote.
Inspiring body positivity quotes Show all 12 1 /12 Inspiring body positivity quotes Inspiring body positivity quotes Ashley Graham "And cellulite, I have not forgotten about you. I'm going to choose to love you even though you want to take over my whole bottom half. You're a part of me and I love you." Inspiring body positivity quotes Danielle Brooks "Sometimes I don't like what I see, but I have the power to change the way in which I relate to my body both physically and mentally." Inspiring body positivity quotes Iskra Lawrence "Stop comparing yourself to anybody else. The [pictures of] movie stars, even the Disney characters, thats not real. Thats not attainable. You cant be anybody else. You are you. You cant be them. So you really just have to start embracing yourself and accepting so-called flaws that society has given the name flaws. Its just our body, our patchwork quilt. Inspiring body positivity quotes Beyonce "The most alluring thing a woman can have is confidence." Getty Images Inspiring body positivity quotes Kate Winslet "Nobody is perfect. I just don't believe in perfection. But I do believe in saying, 'This is who I am and look at me not being perfect.' I'm proud of that." Getty Images Inspiring body positivity quotes Rihanna "You just want something that someone else has, but that doesn't mean what you have isn't beautiful, because people always want what you have and you always want what they have - no one is ever 100 per cent like, 'Yes, I'm the bomb-dot-com - from head-to-toe!" REUTERS Inspiring body positivity quotes Tess Holliday "Never compare yourself with others and celebrate what makes you, you." Inspiring body positivity quotes Demi Lovato "Instead of looking in the mirror and focusing on your flaws, look in the mirror and appreciate your best features... everyone has them." Inspiring body positivity quotes Kim Kardashian-West "See this little dimple of cellulite here? It was so worth it for that cookies 'n' cream ice cream!" Inspiring body positivity quotes Jennifer Lawrence "It should be illegal to call someone fat." Inspiring body positivity quotes Mindy Kaling "Insults about the way I look cant be the thing that harms me and my heart the most. It has to harm me the least. If I have a daughter, Im going to tell her that. Far too many women are much more hurt by being called fat or ugly than they are by being called not smart, or not a leader." Rex Features Inspiring body positivity quotes Selena Gomez "Im learning that you can be comfortable and still look beautiful. AFP/Getty Images
While the urge to self-critique is without doubt tough to overcome, Albers went on to suggest replacing negative thoughts with positive more positive reaction.
Once you walk into the dressing room, tell yourself, I will leave my inner critic at the door, she added.
Have fun in there. Say something affirming to yourself. Or, if that is too difficult, try directing positive vibes to someone else.
A firm believer in spreading body positivity, Albers admitted that she regularly bestows praise upon other women in the dressing room and encourages others to do the same.
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Whenever I see a stranger who is looking in the full length mirror, and I genuinely like what she has tried on, I don't hesitate to tell her she looks absolutely amazing.
Watch her reaction. I invite you to do the same.
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Its the one-day of the year we give back to Mum, a little thank you for putting up with our antics throughout the duration of our lives. If youre anything like me I should probably be buying her several cases, but alas, its the thought that counts, right?
I think the first thing to clear up is that women dont just drink light and fruity wines, its a bit of a stereotype that is continuing to be broken down as folks gain more access to delicious wines of all varieties.
So that said if youre looking for a little inspiration, heres a variety of wines available at a store near you. While flowers may look pretty, theres nothing like a bottle of wine to put a big gleaming smile on Mums face.
Time to say thank you, the right way.
Sparkling/Rose
Mirabeau Etoile Rose
Region: Provence, France
Grape: Grenache & Syrah
Vintage: 2016
Price: 16
Grab It At: Sainsburys
Mirabeau Winery is an absolute gem and a winery that I go back to time and time again. We should always follow our dreams and thats exactly what this adventurous British family did, relocating to Provence from England to embark on a wine adventure.
Etoile is their most recent addition and an absolutely stunning wine. If your mum is a rose drinker then this is without question the one you should be snapping up. During the first few weeks after launch it flew off the shelves and will almost certainly be a hit this Mothers Day, so get in early and bag yours before its gone!
This delight emits perfect balance of fresh ripe apricot, nectarine and peach alongside refreshing tropical notes like pineapple and kiwi. Wonderfully well-rounded and full of flavour and character.
Bluebell Vineyard Hindleap Brut Rose
Region: East Sussex, England
Grape: Pinot Noir
Vintage: 2011
Price: 24.99
Grab It At: Waitrose
English Sparkling Wines are in hot fashion right now as they continue to snap up more awards than both Prosecco and Champagne. Were now at a point where we have some truly exceptional wines being produced on our doorstep, so why not give Mum the best England has to offer?
The colour alone is enough to grab your attention, but upon tasting you can expect a juicy burst of strawberries, creamy peach and light orange with a vibrant acidity coming into play on the finish.
White
Graham Norton Sauvignon Blanc
Region: Marlborough, New Zealand
Grape: Sauvignon Blanc
Vintage: 2015
Price: 10.99
Grab It At: Majestic
If theres one thing we know, its that Mums love Graham Norton. As a long-time fan of his show I recently tried his line of wines (a partnership between Invivo & Graham) and was super impressed. If youre looking for a wine with a personal touch, you just found it. While Mr Norton has put many a smile on our faces over the years through his comedic charm, he can now do the same from your favourite wine glass.
Grahams Sauvignon Blanc encapsulates everything we have come to love and expect from Marlborough. A splash of exotic and tropical fruits hits your palate instantly. You can expect melon, pineapple, kiwi, apple, pear and peach with a lovely and vibrant zing on the tongue. A perfect everyday drinker for all types of company or a cheeky little reward for Mum after a long day at work.
English Lilly
Region: Surrey, England
Grape: 39% Chardonnay, 31% Seyval Blanc, 30% Muller Thurgau
Vintage: 2015
Price: 10
Grab It At: M&S
Swap the flowers for the wine with this exceptional English white blend from Denbies, arguably one of the most celebrated English vineyards. There are a couple of reasons why this should be on your list.
Firstly, it celebrates our thriving wine industry that is now moving beyond just the sparkling to create some truly delicious still wines. Secondly its all about female power, celebrating Sue Daniels (M&Ss Winemaker) involvement in the production of this spectacular wine.
Here youll experience a vibrantly refreshing white wine for those who like a little more dryness in their vino. Theres subtle pink grapefruit combined with citrus and lime flavours that bounce around your taste buds while giving a slight white pepper spice to finish off the show.
Red
Morande Reserva One to One Pais 2016
Region: Chile
Grape: Pais
Vintage: 2016
Price: 6.99
Grab It At: Majestic
For the Mums who like to explore, I give you something a little different. Pais is a grape that found its fame in Mexico before making its way on to Chile. If youve heard Mum talking about Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, this is a great alternative and still just as fruity.
You can expect to taste ripe fruits such as red cherries, raspberries and redcurrants with a slight pepper spice on the finish. Its got the perfect balance of ripe fruits, earthiness and acidity, making it a deliciously light dry red.
Ravenswood Lodi Zinfandel
Region: Lodi, California
Grape: Zinfandel
Vintage: 2015
Price: 9
Grab It At: Sainsburys
Going back to my intro paragraph, not all women drink light and fruity wines and the Zinfandel is a perfect example of just that. Zinfandel is one of those varieties that we really dont appreciate enough in the UK in its true form (as a red wine). In fact, its on the list for the same reason that we sometimes dont appreciate Mum as much as we should either.
Id describe it as a big hug in a glass juicy, bold, full of ripe dark berries such as black cherry, raspberry and blackcurrant while being wrapped in a cocoa, tobacco and espresso bean embrace. Throw in a little spice and a slight touch of tannin and youve got yourself a well-rounded enjoyable wine to give a little comfort as the evening draws in.
Tesco Finest Malbec
Region: Mendoza, Argentina
Grape: Malbec
Vintage: 2015
Price: 7
Grab It At: Tesco
Our final wine is another gem, sourced straight from Mendoza in Argentina. Mendoza is renowned for its full-bodied and incredibly tasty Malbecs as one of the worlds leading regions for this phenomenal grape. Succulent dark fruits tempt the taste buds, with ripe dark plum, blueberry and plump meadow brambles coming to mind. Add in a little white pepper spice and milk chocolate to compliment the tannins and were talking.
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Pope Francis has warned young people about their use of social media, urging them to create their own history and reject false depictions of reality.
The Argentinian pontiff was recording a video message for World Youth Day, which takes places on 9 April.
Many people say that young people are distracted and superficial, he said. They are wrong! Still, we should acknowledge our need to reflect on our lives and direct them towards the future.
In the social media, we see faces of young people appearing in any number of pictures recounting more or less real events, but we don't know how much of all this is really 'history', an experience that can be communicated and endowed with purpose and meaning.
Pope Francis, who last year told youngsters not to let themselves become couch potatoes, also criticised reality TV shows.
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Television is full of 'reality shows' which are not real stories, but only moments passed before a television camera by characters living from day to day, without a greater plan, he added.
Don't let yourselves be led astray by this false image of reality! Be the protagonists of your history; decide your own future.
He recently spoke out about what he perceives as excessive smartphone use too, linking it with conflict.
When theres no dialogue at home, when were at the table and instead of talking everyone is on their phoneits the start of war, because there is no dialogue, Pope Francis said in a speech delivered to students at Roma Tre University.
A recent study from the University of Pittsburgh suggested that social media could be making people feel lonelier.
According to the report, spending over two hours a day on social networks doubles people's chances of feeling socially isolated.
In his World Youth Day message, Pope Francis also advised young people to spend more time with their parents and grandparents.
To have a past is not the same as to have a history, he continued. In our life we can have plenty of memories, but how many of them are really a part of our memory? How many are significant for our hearts and help to give meaning to our lives?
The young mother of Jesus knew the prayers of her people by heart. Surely her parents and her grandparents had taught them to her. How important it is for the faith to be passed down from one generation to another.
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4chan users have reportedly started using a network of webcams to monitor the US-Mexico border.
The /pol/ - Politically Incorrect message board, which pro-Donald Trump, revealed the apparent move in a Twitter update, alongside screenshots supposedly showing off webcam footage.
How did I just find out that we can watch the border and report illegals trying to cross from the comfort of our homes and/or basements, a 4chan user wrote in a post over the weekend.
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
How is this not a regular feature of our border defense? I know weve got [White House] people reading this board.
If you put webcams on the border and make it a game, I guarantee that youll have the best autistic crowdsource surveillance outfit on the planet.
The user included a link to a website called BlueServo, which describes itself as a virtual community watch social network based on a network of cameras and sensors running along the Texas-Mexico border.
This network feeds live streaming video FREE-OF-CHARGE to the user's computer, reads the About Us section of the BlueServo website.
Users will log in to the BlueServo website and directly monitor suspicious criminal activity along the border via this virtual fence.
Citizens can sign up as Virtual Texas Deputies to participate in border surveillance through this social network. Virtual Texas Deputies from around the country will monitor the streaming video from these cameras 24/7 and report any suspicious activities directly to the Border Sheriffs via email.
It adds that all emails will be submitted anonymously, and that local county sheriffs will respond to the reports and take appropriate actions.
While /pol/ followers have reacted to the post with excitement, others who claim to have used the BlueServo system are unsure of how accurate the webcam feeds are.
Before it exceed its bandwidth it was playing previously recorded loops of the border, wrote a Reddit user on the The_Donald subreddit.
Not accurate but a most excellent premise. Stream the cam feeds, provide easy reference markers and report via twitter or live chat. Add a points system. It would be a hit, everyone loves fake internet points.
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Mixing alcohol with highly-caffeinated soft drinks can increase the risk of injury on a night out, researchers have warned.
Popular cocktails like vodka and red bull, espresso martinis and jagerbombs, where a shot is dropped into a glass of energy drink, can be more dangerous than drinking alcohol on its own, they said.
This is because the stimulating effect of caffeine can encourage people to stay out longer and drink more overall, according to a review of 13 academic studies into the behaviour.
A bottle of wine a day is not bad for you and abstaining is worse than drinking, scientist claims
Researchers at the University of Victoria in Canada said energy drinks can mask the effect of alcohol, so increase the risk of injury through falls, car accidents and bar brawls.
"Usually when you're drinking alcohol, you get tired and you go home," said Audra Roemer, the lead author of the study published in the Journal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs.
"Energy drinks mask that, so people may underestimate how intoxicated they are, end up staying out later, consume more alcohol, and engage in risky behaviour and more hazardous drinking practices."
Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Show all 7 1 /7 Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Ruby Rose Rose explained her decisions for quitting booze in an column for News.Com.Au, which ranged from cost to health, after deciding sobriety was the path forward following a heavy night with the singer. Remember when Katy Perry and I crashed the year 12 formal? I don't. I had been off the grog for 30 days - my first attempt at sobriety - and I was out partying with Katy. What I do remember thinking was: "I'll have a drink tonight, I deserve one. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?" Well, not stopping at one drink, or ten, and then vomitting on Katy's foot was the answer. What was worse was I don't normally spew (I don't know why, I just don't), so clearly the universe wanted to punish me. I can't say for certain how much money I've wasted on getting wasted but I'm sure the figure would hit me harder than any hangover. REX Features Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Blake Lively In 2012, the Cafe Society actress told Allure magazine drinking is never something she has enjoyed. "I don't drink. I've never tried a drug. ... It's just something that I genuinely don't have a desire for." Getty Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Daniel Radcliffe The Harry Potter actor told GQ quitting alcohol came as he became increasingly dependent on it to feel confident in social situations. I became so reliant on [alcohol] to enjoy stuff. As much as I would love to be a person that goes to parties and has a couple of drinks and has a nice time, that doesnt work for me. I do that very unsuccessfully. AFP/Getty Images Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Jennifer Lopez Lopez is careful about her health and diet. I don't drink or smoke or have caffeine, she told US Weekly in January. Getty Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Kate Beckinsale The actress told Parade her decision not to drink was her true beauty secret. I dont really drink alcohol and I always take my makeup off at night! Getty Images Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Kim Kardashian Kimberly does not drink alcohol whatsoever," her sister Khloe has said. Pregnant or not, she's just never been into it." Kardashian herself has said she has never liked the taste of alcohol. Getty Teetotal celebrities on why they don't drink Jim Carry "I rarely drink coffee. I'm very serious about no alcohol, no drugs. Life is too beautiful." - In an interview with CBS in 2004 Getty images
Charity Drinkaware warns that mixing alcohol with energy drinks can be a "dangerous combination" as they can make people "wide-awake drunk", creating a false sense of security.
It said the high volume of caffeine in energy drinks could also cause heart palpitations, problems sleeping or feeling tense or agitated.
Bar deals and club nights offering cut-price alcohol and energy drinks are popular, especially among students.
One student-run event in Birmingham, whose website says it has been running for 18 years, sells 1.25 vodka and redbull mixers and is open until 5am.
Energy drinks contain more caffeine than other soft drinks there is 77mg of caffeine in a 258ml can of red bull, compared to 32mg in a 330ml can of Coca-Cola.
The researchers found 10 of the 13 studies, published between 1981 and 2016, linked the consumption of alcohol and energy drinks with an increased risk of accidents and fights.
However, they said the results of the studies were varied, so it was not possible to estimate by how much the risk had increased.
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New forms of genetic testing could allow people to discover their risk of developing Alzheimers at a particular age, scientists have said.
An individuals genetic data can be used to estimate how likely they are to develop the debilitating disease in the future, according to a new study published in Plos Medicine.
Alzheimers disease is the most common form of dementia, which mainly affects people over 65 and can cause a deterioration in memory, thinking and behaviour.
Dementia affects 850,000 people in the UK and recently overtook heart disease to become the leading cause of death in England and Wales.
Rahul Desikan, a researcher from the University of California, analysed genetic data from more than 70,000 elderly people, some who had Alzheimers and some who didnt.
By identifying known genetic risk factors for the disease in each persons genetic fingerprint, he and his team created a scoring system known as the polygenic hazard score (PHS).
What is dementia?
The researchers then combined this score with statistics on the incidence rates of the disease to predict an individuals Alzheimers risk and even predict the age of the onset of the disease.
They tested their risk calculations in two independent groups of patients and found people with the highest score were several times more likely to develop Alzheimers than those with lower scores.
People with the highest PHS score were also found to have an earlier than expected age of onset of the disease by up to 10 years.
Our genetic risk score may serve as a risk factor for accurately identifying older individuals at greatest risk for developing Alzheimers, at a given age, Dr Desikan told The Independent.
This score may also be helpful for identifying non-demented older individuals at greatest risk for developing Alzheimers neurodegeneration.
Dr Desikan said while there may be justified fear among patients about finding out they have a disease for which there is currently no cure, knowing your personalised risk for Alzheimers can really help with planning for the future.
For example, if you know that you are at elevated risk for this disease, you may want to make decisions on making a will, getting your finances in order, figure out when to stop driving and perhaps reprioritise your life, he said.
Dr James Pickett, head of research at the Alzheimers Society, said the study was fairly successful at predicting the likelihood of someone developing dementia over the coming year.
He said the study, which focused primarily on individuals of European descent living in the US, needs to be tested further in mixed, non-US populations.
This genetic risk score could help identify people to take part in research studies, but is not opening a door to genetic testing for dementia risk in the clinic, he added.
For anyone concerned about dementia the first step is to visit your GP. If youre looking for ways to reduce your risk, remember whats good for your heart is good for your head, and it may be possible to lower your risk by staying active, eating well and learning new skills.
Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Show all 6 1 /6 Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Moderate, regular exercise Last year, a study found that walking briskly for 30 to 40 minutes a day, three times a week, was all it took to re-grow structures of the brain linked with cognitive decline in later life. Researchers have also said statins, designed to help those with heart conditions, may play an additional role in protecting the brain from dementia. Getty Images Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Quit smoking A review of studies relating smoking and dementia found that (when you remove studies funded by the tobacco industry) smokers have a significantly greater risk of dementia. Getty Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Protect your head A variety of observational studies have shown that professional boxers and war veterans are at greater risk of dementia due to repeated concussion and traumatic head injuries. Rex Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia Puzzles and crosswords In 2010, studies suggested people who do puzzles and crosswords may stave off dementia for longer. However, the same study also found they may experience a more rapid decline once the disease sets in. Crosswords and Puzzles from The Independent can be solved here Getty Images Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia A healthy lifestyle Dr Laura Phillips of Alzheimers Research UK says a healthy lifestyle is best for preventing dementia: Eating a balanced, healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure and weight in check. Getty Six ways to help reduce the risk of dementia A Mediterranean diet Research has suggested that a Mediterranean diet rich in fish, fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds may reduce the risks of dementia. However NHS Choices has rpeviously warned some of the media coverage of this diet may overstate its benefits. Rex
Early diagnosis of dementia can help patients receive treatment to help with symptoms more quickly and help them and their families to develop coping strategies, which in some cases can save lives.
Professor Paul Morgan, director of the Systems Immunity Research Institute at Cardiff University, said the study adds to the strong evidence that an approach that takes into account the polygenic nature of Alzheimers disease can be a useful way of aiding risk prediction.
As effective therapies emerge, the approach might be used more widely to enable early intervention in those at highest risk, he added.
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Tampons and sanitary towels could be given to British pupils from low-income families after it was revealed girls are missing school during their periods because they cannot afford sanitary protection.
When asked in Parliament if she would provide free sanitary products to girls who receive free school meals, education secretary Justine Greening promised to "look carefully" at the issue.
More than 15,000 people have signed a petition calling for schools to give out free tampons and towels, an initiative that has been adopted by a number of US universities and secondary schools.
A charity set up to provide sanitary products to women and girls in Kenya launched an appeal to fund research into the issue after it was discovered a large number of schoolgirls in West Yorkshire were unable to buy products during their menstrual cycle.
Sara Barrie, a police officer working in schools in Leeds, said many girls were asking their teachers for sanitary products or opting not to attend school at all for several days a month.
Many of these kids are from low-income families. Theres often more than one child, and families really are struggling with finances, with these products often coming far down the priority line" she told The Independent.
"The girls are so sensitive that they dont want to upset mum by saying they need them because they know moneys tight."
What if men had periods?
PC Barrie informed UK-based charity Freedom4Girls, which usually works in Kenya, of the issue.
The organisation said it had sent some sample packs to the school and had launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for research into the scale of the issue in the UK.
It is linked to poverty," the charity's head Tina Leslie told The Independent, adding: "its not widely known that its also an issue here in the UK. We knew it was happening, but not on what scale.
There were 25,000 visits to food banks in Leeds alone last year. So if youre at crisis point you go to a food bank and, like in Kenya, if you cant afford food you cant afford sanitary protection."
One pupil, who started her period aged 11, told BBC Radio Leeds that she had taped toilet roll to her underwear and missed school every month because she couldn't access sanitary protection.
I wrapped a sock around my underwear just to stop the bleeding, because I didn't want to get shouted at, she said. I once Sellotaped tissue to my underwear. I didn't know what else to do.
I didn't get any money because my mum was a single parent and she had five mouths to feed, so there wasn't much leftover money in the pot to be giving to us.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters
During education questions yesterday, Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, said: "It's deeply shocking in the 21st century that girls, including in Leeds, are not going to school because they can't afford sanitary products," reported The Times Education Supplement.
I think you have raised an important issue and it's one that I will look at carefully and write to you about," replied Ms Greening.
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Venom from the deadliest spider in Australia could hold the key to creating the world's first treatment for brain damage caused by a stroke.
A protein found in the toxic venom of the funnel web spider was found to help prevent damage to brain cells after stroke in lab rats, said scientists.
Researchers from the University of Queensland and Monash University captured three funnel web spiders, whose bite can kill humans in 15 minutes, for a study.
They used pipettes to 'milk' the spiders for their venom which they analysed, spotting a protein called Hi1a as it resembled two copies of another chemical that can protect brain cells.
The scientists recreated the protein and injected it into rats. They found it blocked ion channels in the brain which are sensitive to acid and play an important role in brain damage after strokes.
In the study, published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, they described Hi1a as "highly neuroprotective" in models of what happens when someone suffers a stroke caused by a blood clot.
A funnel-web spider ready to be milked for its venom (Rex Features)
A stroke is a serious and potentially deadly brain attack, which happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off, or when a blood vessel supplying the brain bursts.
Around 85 per cent of strokes are ischaemic, or caused by a blockage or blood clot in an artery or vessel that supplies the brain with oxygen.
Someone in the world has a stroke every two seconds and they occurred 152,000 times in the UK in 2016, according to the Stroke Association.
This world-first discovery will help us provide better outcomes for stroke survivors by limiting the brain damage and disability caused by this devastating injury, said Glenn King, who led the research.
"Hi1a even provides some protection to the core brain region most affected by oxygen deprivation, which is generally considered unrecoverable due to the rapid cell death caused by stroke.
Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty
Kate Holmes, deputy director for research at the Stroke Association, said she welcomed the research but it is still unknown whether the protein could be used in future treatments for humans.
We welcome any treatment that has the potential to reduce the damage caused by stroke, particularly if this can benefit people who are unable to arrive at hospital quickly, she said.
Current treatments must be given in half this time period, and it is too early for us to know if this research can offer an alternative for stroke patients.
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Aldi customers have been warned to stay away from hoax vouchers circulating on email and social media which trick shoppers into thinking that they can save money.
The German retailer said the 65 vouchers, that circulated on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, are worthless and will not be accepted as legal tender at their stores.
Aldi said it was investigating the scam and urged customers not to share their personal details, which could help scammers to commit identity fraud.
We advise customers to ignore these adverts and not to share any personal information, the supermarket said in a statement sent to the Independent.
On Twitter, the supermarket said: We are aware that there is a hoax 65 Aldi voucher being circulated. This voucher is fraudulent and cannot be redeemed in store.
Aldi UK will never ask you to share your personal details via a website to redeem a genuine voucher offer. This is being investigated.
The supermarket did not specify how many people were affected by the scam, but it isnt the first time scammers have targeted the Aldi brand.
Last year, shoppers were offered a fake 85 Aldi voucher to supposedly celebrate the retailers 55th anniversary.
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
So what should you look out for to make sure you dont fall for the scam and to check that your computer is protected?
Aldi will never ask for personal information to be supplied via a website in return for vouchers
Requests for you security details such as your PIN or full password should be ignored.
Keep an eye out for phony email messages
An official email from a major organisation will not contain typos. Delete it. American spellings in emails purporting to be from UK firms can also be a giveaway. Do not assume an email request is genuine.
Make sure your computer is configured securely
Candid Wuest, threat researcher at software company Symantec, previously told The Independent:
Configuring popular internet applications such as your web browser and email software is one of the most important areas to focus on.
The strongest security settings will give you the most control over what happens online but may also frustrate some people with a large number of questions (This may not be safe, are you sure you want do this?) or the inability to do what they want to do. Often security and privacy settings can be properly configured without any sort of special expertise by simply using the help feature of your software or reading the vendors website.
Choose strong passwords and keep them safe
Strong passwords have eight characters or more and use a combination of letters, numbers and symbols (e.g., # $ % ! ?), said Mr Wuest.
Avoid using any of the following as your password: your login name, anything based on your personal information such as your last name, and words that can be found in the dictionary. Keep your passwords in a safe place and try not to use the same password for every service you use online.
Change passwords on a regular basis, at least every 90 days. This can limit the damage caused by someone who has already gained access to your account. If you notice something suspicious with one of your online accounts, one of the first steps you can take is to change your password.
Beware of attachments
Dont click on attachments or prompts to install software on your computer.
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Big investment banks will begin the process of moving some London-based operations into new hubs inside the EU within weeks after UK Prime Minister Theresa May set a date to trigger the formal mechanism for quitting the bloc.
Frankfurt and Dublin are emerging as the biggest winners. Bank of America, Standard Chartered and Barclays are considering Irelands capital for their EU base to ensure continued access to the single market, said people familiar with the plans, asking not to be named because the plans arent public. Goldman Sachs and Citigroup are among banks eyeing Frankfurt, other people said.
With banks increasingly expecting a so-called hard Brexit the loss of their right to sell services freely around the EU from London executives want to have new or expanded offices up and running inside the bloc before the UK departs in 2019. Frankfurt is a natural pick given a financial ecosystem featuring Deutsche Bank, the European Central Bank and BaFin. Dublin shares similar laws and regulations as its UK neighbour and is the only other English-speaking hub in the EU.
Article 50: What will happen after it's triggered?
Recommended Bank bosses push for lower taxes and lighter regulation after Brexit
May will file divorce papers to leave the EU on 29 March, launching two years of complex negotiations that will pit the UKs need for a trade deal against the blocs view that Britain shouldnt benefit from Brexit.
London could lose 10,000 banking jobs and 20,000 roles in financial services as clients move 1.8 trillion (1.56 trillion) of assets out of the UK after Brexit, according to think tank Bruegel. Other estimates range from as much as 232,000 jobs to as few as 4,000. Bloomberg News conducted interviews and reviewed public statements to discover what each major bank is planning.
Bank of America
Bank of America views Dublin as its default destination for a new EU hub if the UK loses easy access to the single market, one of the firms top executives in Germany said earlier this month.
The bank will likely move some jobs to other cities across the region, including Frankfurt, Madrid, Luxembourg and Amsterdam, said Nikolaus Naerger, Bank of Americas head of corporate banking in Germany, Switzerland and Austria. No final decisions have been made.
Youve got to get your legal entity structure correct so you can operate in two different environments: one inside the U.K. and one outside, Bank of America President Brian Moynihan said in Davos, Switzerland, in January. We already have a lot of that structure set up. Then you have to start to think about where locations are.
Goldman Sachs
The Wall Street firm is considering making Frankfurt its hub inside the EU and could move as many as 1,000 employees, including traders and senior managers, according to a person familiar with the matter. Chief executive Lloyd Blankfein has publicly said the bank has shelved plans to move more key operations to the UK.
We were on track to move more and more of our global activities, so global ops, global tech all those things made more and more sense to operate out of the UK, because of the time zone, Blankfein said in a Bloomberg interview in Davos. Now, were slowing down that decision, and only moving there what we have to move there. We dont value doing things twice; moving them there and then moving them away from there.
JPMorgan
JPMorgan has scouted for office space in both Dublin and Frankfurt, people with knowledge of the matter said this month. Before the referendum, chief executive Jamie Dimon said as many as 4,000 of its 16,000 U.K. employees could be moved to the continent after Brexit.
We have to accommodate the laws of the land in both Britain and the EU, and that will determine how many jobs and how many people you have to move, Dimon said in January. It looks like there will be more job movement than we hoped for.
Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty
UBS
Chairman Axel Weber said this month that the bank will make a final decision on whether to move as many as 1,500 of about 5,000 UK investment banking staff soon after Brexit is triggered.
Yes, we will have to move bankers we have an SE in Frankfurt, we have an appropriate setup in Spain, Andrea Orcel, head of UBSs investment bank, said in Davos, referring to the Swiss banks German subsidiary, which is licensed to do investment banking. We still have flexibility to decide where to go, but we will definitely have to move.
HSBC
HSBC chief executive Stuart Gulliver said in January that staff generating about 20 percent of its London investment-banking revenue may move to Paris, where it acquired a French commercial bank more than a decade ago. Activities specifically covered by EU legislation will move, he said.
Before the June referendum, Gulliver said a Brexit vote would likely result in about 1,000 of the banks 5,000 London-based staff relocating to the French capital.
Barclays
The UK bank has settled on Dublin for its main hub inside the EU and is planning to add about 150 staff there, people with knowledge of the decision said earlier this year.
Barclays chief executive Jes Staley has struck a different tone to other bank bosses. He said in Davos that it would be very difficult to dislodge a financial centre like London. If needed, Barclays may reassign its Frankfurt branch to its Irish subsidiary, he said.
Same people, same traders, you have to book a trade in Ireland as opposed to London, but thats not a wholesale move of our capability from London to Ireland, he said.
Standard Chartered
The bank approached Irish officials about making Dublin its legal base inside the EU, people familiar with the discussions said in December. No final decision has been taken, and the firm is also in talks with Germanys regulator about choosing Frankfurt.
Citigroup
Citigroup is evaluating locations for parts of its London broker-dealer business, including Ireland, Spain, Italy, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Jim Cowles, the banks top executive for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, said at a conference in Dublin on 24 January. Mr Cowles said he expected the bank would make a final decision by the end of the first half.
Bloomberg News reported in November that the firm was in discussions with BaFin about moving some of its London-based equity and interest-rate derivatives traders to Frankfurt. Citigroup is also in discussions with the ECB and regulators in EU nations including Ireland about relocating other parts of its operations.
Morgan Stanley
Morgan Stanley is scouting for office space in Frankfurt and Dublin for their enlarged EU hub, people with knowledge the matter said in February. The bank may initially move about 300 workers to one of the cities.
Before the vote, Bloomberg News reported that the firm would likely move 1,000 of about 6,000 U.K. employees out of the country in the event of Brexit. Morgan Stanley president Colm Kelleher said the firm would likely move its local headquarters to Dublin or Frankfurt.
Morgan Stanley executives said New York would likely be the big winner from Brexit as US firms would probably allocate headcount away from Europe altogether.
Daiwa
Daiwa Securities chief executive Takashi Hibino said the Japanese brokerage is considering Frankfurt and Dublin among candidate cities to host European operations it moves out of London. The firm, the majority of whose 450 European staff work in London, has yet to establish a licenced entity in the EU, and is running simulations with consultants.
Lloyds Banking Group
Lloyds plans to convert its Berlin branch into a subsidiary, making that its base inside the EU, a person with knowledge of the matter said last month. A small number of people would move from London. The bank has yet to apply for an extension of its German banking licence.
Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse is exploring options for expanding in Dublin after Brexit, two people with knowledge of their plans said in January. Chief Financial Officer David Mathers said in February that losing access to the EU would endanger 10 percent to 15 percent of income at its two U.K. subsidiaries, which have a revenue base of $4bn to $5bn.
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.
Bank of China
Bank of China is in talks with Irish officials about potentially moving some of its UK operations to the country after Brexit, Irelands Sunday Independent newspaper reported in January.
Sumitomo Mitsui
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group Inc. is also eyeing moving some of its UK employees to Ireland and has held a series of meetings with local regulators, the Sunday Independent reported.
Mitsubishi UFJ
Japans biggest bank is increasing the size of its Amsterdam office, though the lender has yet to decide on where to base its securities operation after Brexit, Bloomberg reported earlier this month.
Mizuho
Mizuho Financial Group is considering Amsterdam and Dublin among potential locations to base its brokerage unit if its impacted by a heavy Brexit, President Yasuhiro Sato said in January. Mizuho changed the name of its Netherlands unit to Mizuho Bank Europe on Jan. 1, reflecting its role as a subsidiary overseeing a number of countries in the region, including Belgium, Austria and Spain.
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BMW hinted it may move production of the iconic Mini from England to continental Europe as a result of the UKs decision to leave the EU.
Chief executive Harald Krueger said in a statement on Tuesday that the German car manufacturer was considering different scenarios to deal with any potential economic fallout from Brexit.
Our production network offers us flexibility, Mr Krueger said, adding that the UK remains an important location for us. Much will depend on how Brexit is ultimately negotiated.
Recommended BMW considers moving production of electric Mini to Germany from UK
BMW makes around 200,000 Minis a year at its Oxford factory and employs than 24,000 people in the UK. Reports circulated last month suggested that the company was considering moving production of its electric Mini models to Germany.
Mr Krueger said the business environment for car makers is marked by volatility, unexpected developments and political uncertainty, but the fact that BMW had factories distributed around the world meant that it was well-positioned to adjust production depending on demand. BMW opened a new engine plant in China in 2016 and its largest factory is in South Carolina in the US.
The car industry is one of the most vulnerable to trade barriers as parts can move across borders multiple times to make a finish product.
Last month Toyota pledged to go ahead with a 240m investment in its Derbyshire factory but issued a warning to Theresa Mays government. 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 at the time.
Nissan and Jaguar Land Rover have pressed ahead with planned UK investments in recent months, though the former said it would re-evaluate its decision if the Brexit deal is poor.
Investment in the car industry fell to 1.66bn last year from 2.5bn in 2015 amid uncertainty over Brexit, the latest 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.
Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty
Car manufacturers are also wary of protectionist rhetoric emanating from President Donald Trumps White House.
In January, Mr Trump temporarily knocked 4.5bn off BMWs stock market value with a tweet threatening the firm with a 35 per cent import tax if it went ahead with plans to make cars at a new $1bn factory in Mexico.
Last week, Germanys economy minister, Brigitte Zypries, said that the country could file a lawsuit against the US at the World Trade Organisation if Donald Trump implements the proposed border tax.
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Tech giants Google and Facebook are now paying taxes in Australia based on revenues made in the country, instead of shifting income abroad to low-tax countries, the government has said.
Australian Treasurer Scott Morrison told the Australian parliament that the changes to the tax system will raise an extra 2bn Australian dollars ($1.5bn; 1.2bn) in this tax year from multinational firms, AP reports.
The law, dubbed the "Google Tax," targets global companies with annual incomes exceeding AU$1bn.
Mr Morrison said the government had given the Australian Taxation Office "the power, the resources and the penalties to get the job done".
"Facebook ... are now booking their Australian revenue in Australia, not in Ireland," he said, adding the multinational firms were abandoning contrived structures and restructuring their models to show sales booked in Australia.
When the law was proposed in early 2015, the government said there were 30 global corporations that paid little or no tax on the profits from their Australian operations.
Global firms are continuing to route billions of euro in profit to and through Ireland to avoid tax, according to a recent report by Oxfam Ireland.
Multinationals, including Microsoft, Amazon, Facebook and Google, have their European headquarters in Ireland, which has a 12.5 per cent headline rate of corporate income tax the second-lowest in the EU.
European authorities have recently become much more aggressive in their approach to the agreements struck between multinational companies and EU member states.
10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Show all 10 1 /10 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Luxembourg There are an estimated 2.5 trillion shares of mutual funds registered in the Grand Duchy, 1 trillion of which cannot be traced to an owner 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Cayman Islands The Cayman Islands contain 6% of the world's total banking assets, but just 0.000008% of its population 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Isle of Man David Cameron has said the Isle of Man, where there is no corporation, capital gains or inheritance tax, should not be considered a tax haven 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Jersey There are over 3.5 billion assets per square mile on the self-governing Channel Island 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Ireland Ireland made headlines last year when it emerged Apple was registered in the country in order to dodge over 40bn in taxes 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Mauritius The Mauritian government notionally charges corporation tax, but companies can easily make this back through generous tax credits for foreign businesses 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Bermuda Google holds more than 30bn in offshore cash reserves, primarily via Bermuda 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Monaco A popular domicile for super-rich private individuals, Monaco has the most expensive property in the world. 1 million will buy just 225 square feet 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Switzerland Switzerland has such secretive banking laws that it took until the 1990s to secure the release of Nazi cash reserves 10 of the biggest tax havens in the world Bahamas David Cameron's father ran an offshore fund which hired Bahamas residents to complete paperwork, thus dodging British tax bills
Last month, EU finance ministers agreed on new measures to close some tax loopholes that have enabled multinational companies operating in both EU and non-EU countries to avoid paying taxes, according to Reuters.
The new rules, due to go into effect in 2020 are meant to tackle so-called hybrid mismatches used by corporations to reduce their overall tax liability. Hybrid mismatches help companies shift profits from high-tax jurisdictions to low-tax jurisdictions by various accounting tricks, such as transfer mispricing, Reuters reported.
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The Economic Secretary to the Treasury has vowed that the Government will crack down on money laundering practices, after several of the UK's biggest banks were accused of processing money from a Russian scam, believed to involve up to $80bn (65bn).
Speaking in the House of Commons, Simon Kirby said the Government will do what it takes to seek out anyone who abuses the system, and would examine closely whether recent information in the press, regarding money laundering from Russia, would allow the progression of an investigation.
We need to ensure that sophisticated criminal networks cannot exploit our financial services industry, the City minister said.
The Guardian on Tuesday reported that HSBC, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Coutts had waved through hundreds of millions of pounds of transactions linked to a major scam in Russia.
The Independent first reported on the money laundering operation in 2014, shortly after it was shut down by investigators in the former Soviet republic of Moldova.
The scheme, which ran from 2010 to 2014, allowed at least 15bn to be moved out of Russia. The latest documents suggest that figure may be as high as 65bn, according to The Guardian.
Much of the money is believed to be linked to organised crime and corrupt officials, who were seeking to clean their cash so that it could be spent without suspicion.
The process involved using a series of front companies in the UK, which allow the actual owners behind them to remain a secret. The companies conducted fake business deals between themselves then sued each other in courts in Moldova, demanding the repayment of hundreds of millions of pounds of loans.
Vasile Sarco, an investigating officer in Moldova, told The Independent at the time of its original investigation: This money was routed from Russia, but the companies incorporated in Britain were instrumental to transit the funds.
The new documents reportedly reveal that, once laundered, some of the money was spent on diamonds from a jewellers in Bond Street, furs, chandeliers from a Chelsea boutique and boarding fees at Millfield, a prestigious public school in Somerset.
Banking records detailing the scheme were obtained by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta.
The evidence includes details of 1,920 transactions totalling nearly 600m that went through UK banks, with a further 373 routed through US banks, according to The Guardian.
Click HERE to see the full 5-stage version of the above graphic
All of the UK banks involved in the scheme said they have appropriate measures in place to prevent money laundering.
Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell called for the scandal to be investigated by the National Crime Agency. Britain cannot be a haven for the criminals of the world who are looking to hide their money.
He said it was deeply disappointing that there are British banks involved in yet another banking scandal as the actions of a few shouldn't overshadow the hard work of the thousands of employees in the sector who will have had nothing to do with this case.
But it appears that some of these big banks haven't learnt the lessons of the past, and are clearly not doing enough to clamp down on financial crime and money laundering.
A Barclays spokesperson said: Barclays complies with the rules and regulations in all the jurisdictions in which it operates and has systems and controls in place to mitigate the risk of the bank being used to facilitate financial crime."
A spokesperson for HSBC issued a similar response: The bank has systems and processes in place to identify suspicious activity and report it to the appropriate government authorities."
RBS, which owns Coutts, said: We are committed to combating financial crime and money laundering in line with our regulations and have controls and safeguards in place to identify, assess, monitor and mitigate these risks.
Mr Kirby said on Tuesday that the Government already does more than any other to tackle the global threat of money laundering.
He said that since 2010 the Government had already seized 1.4bn in illegal funds and put hundreds of millions more "beyond the reach of criminals.
He also said that the Government was now preparing to introduce a landmark piece of legislation allowing banks to share more information to help uncover money laundering and give law enforcement agencies new powers to bring criminals to justice.
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A United Nations committee has asked the UK to suspend work on the Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant, pending assessment of the environmental impact.
EDF, the French state-controlled utility firm, won approval to build an 18bn nuclear plant on Englands western coast in September.
To help shoulder the construction costs, EDF convinced China General Nuclear Power to take a 33.5 per cent in the project.
The UN Economic Commission for Europe recommended the halt until it established whether a notification under the Espoo Convention was useful, according to the statement. The Espoo Convention sets out the obligations of countries to assess the environmental impact of certain activities, according to the commissions website.
Bouygues and Areva have received contracts for work at the plant.
Bloomberg
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About 4,000 shop employees have reportedly been made redundant this year as major retailers find new ways to save money despite having to implement the national living wage.
The National Living Wage will increase from 7.20 an hour to 7.50 from April this year, taking it a step closer to the Governments target of 9 by 2020, and retailers are expected to suffer a major blow from the change, at a time when supermarkets are locked in a fierce price war to fend off discounters Aldi and Lidl.
The Financial Times has now reported that at least 3,700 shop workers have already been made redundant from leading UK store chains as a result of new technology rendering many low-skilled jobs obsolete.
Although publically supermarkets have insisted the shakeups are to ensure efficiency at stores, the FT reports that the changes were really made to offset costs.
On a personal level, we all want to pay our workers more, a top executive at one large retailer that has recently announced redundancies told the FT.
But theres going to be unintended consequences from what the government is doing. Automation that used to be too expensive is now cheaper than the people it can replace.
Earlier this month, Sainsburys announced it will cut up to 400 jobs with 4,000 other employees facing a major change to their working hours following a recent review of its store operations.The role of price controller a person who ensures that prices displayed on supermarket shelves are correct will be removed.
John Lewis, last month, said it will cut nearly 400 jobs across the department store's restaurants and home-fitting services as a result of a reshuffle.Under the plans, the group said that employees would be able to work more flexibly and ultimately open up opportunities for more skilled roles with more potential for career progression.
British shops employ about 1.7 million people on wages close to the legal minimum, according to the British Retail Consortium, an industry lobby group.
The FT estimates that at Tesco UK , a 12 per cent increase in the 4bn salary bill would have nearly wiped out last years 505m operating profit.
A number of companies, such as Whitbread, the owner of Costa Coffee, have previously warned that the national living wage could lead to job cuts and price rises.
Last year, a number of companies changed their policies in relation relation to staff benefits following the introduction of the national living wage of 7.20 last year.
Fast-food outlet Eat has reportedly stopped paying staff during lunch breaks.
Caffe Nero also said it would no longer provide staff with a free lunch while on shift.
The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Show all 10 1 /10 The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Lecturer - 36,513 Almost 10,000 more than the median UK salary. Experience required. Istock Photo The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Business analyst What do they do? Nobody knows, but they are handsomely rewarded for it. Must speak fluent jargon. Istock Photo The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Teaching assistant - 20,300 Istock Photo The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Research assistant - 21,370 The world of academia pays surprisingly well according to the survey. Reuters The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Warehouse worker - 16,800 Despite what Mike Ashley might be paying. Reuters The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Tutor - 16,500 Private tutors can command upwards of 50 per hour. Istock Photo The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Beauty consultant - 15,000 Reuters The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Brand ambassador - 15,020 This is actually Max Verstappen representing several brands. He earns more than 15,020. rex features The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Office assistant - 14,560 Harder than it looks. Istock Photo The top 10 best-paid part-time jobs Front desk manager - 14,520 Front of house. The face of the operation. Reuters
Economists have previously warned that the policy may harm those it is trying to help.
I think it is going to be a threat. There are going to be job losses, Sir Christopher Pissarides, who was awarded the Nobel prize for economics in 2010, told The Independent when the policy was announced last year.
About 60,000 jobs could go by 2020, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility.
John Lewis, Tesco and Sainsbury's were not immediately available for comment.
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Martin McGuinness, the IRA commander turned republican politician, was unusually free from the kind of vanity common among public figures, but would sometimes react angrily to things written about him.
In his book, Rebel Hearts, the British journalist Kevin Toolis described McGuinness as a zealot, whose followers bombed the commercial centre of his home town, Derry, until it looked like a war zone, and who implicitly endorsed what can only be described as needless cruelties.
He mentioned Marta Doherty, tarred and feathered, with her head shaven, for being engaged to a British soldier, and Joanna Matthews, murdered solely because she was collecting forms for a census the IRA was boycotting. Toolis also witnessed a verbal confrontation between McGuinness and fifteen heavily armed British soldiers.
An unissued and undated library picture of alleged former IRA Chief of Staff Martin McGuinness (PA)
After the books publication, the author had a telephone call from an aggrieved McGuinness. He was not angry at being portrayed as a man steeped in political violence, but that Toolis had alleged that he called the British soldiers fuckers. I never used that word! he protested.
Martin McGuinness dies
McGuinness was prepared to bomb and kill to drive the British out, but he was also an incorruptible, church-going Catholic and a loyal family man, a combination that made him one of the most dangerous enemies the British state ever had.
Born in 1950, the oldest of seven children, in the heavily Catholic Bogside district of Derry known to Protestants as Londonderry McGuinness might have lived the ordinary life of a skilled working man had he grown up in a less divided community.
His father was a welder, his brothers were bricklayers and carpenters. He left school at 15 to work as a butchers assistant. His law-abiding parents, William and Peggy, were horrified when they found an IRA beret in their teenage sons bedroom.
His involvement in violence began when Derry erupted in riots after the Royal Ulster Constabulary had baton-charged a civil rights march in 1968. The 18-year-old would go out during his lunch break and again after work to hurl stones at the police.
Then his anger was directed at the provinces unionist administration and the RUC. Later it shifted to the British state. By the end of 1970, he had joined the newly created Provisional IRA, a very much more effective and dangerous organisation than the half-defunct Official IRA.
President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams, with Martin McGuinness at the funeral in May 1987 of Patrick Kelly, the reputed IRA commander in East Tyrone (PA)
More than 100 people died in the political violence in Derry between 1971 and 1973, including 54 members of the security forces.
Within this deadly organisation, McGuinness stood out for his physical courage and a quiet air of authority that commanded respect.
As head of the IRA in Derry, aged only 22, he was part of a seven-man delegation flown on 7 July 1972 to a secret meeting with the Home Secretary, William Whitelaw, at the home of millionaire Tory minister Paul Channon in Londons Cheyne Walk, overlooking the Thames. Another delegate was the 23-year-old Gerry Adams.
The meeting collapsed as the IRA men refused to accept anything less than a rapid British withdrawal from Northern Ireland.
At this stage, McGuinness did not hide his IRA membership, for which he spent the larger part of 1973 and 1974 in prison in the Irish republic.
Martin McGuinness to quit frontline politics due to serious illness
After 1974, he maintained that he was just a politician in the IRAs political wing. He was never convicted of a terrorist offence in the north, but British intelligence believed that while living quietly on a Derry council estate with his wife, Bernadette, and four children, he was the IRAs director of operations in 1976-78 and Chief of Staff in 1978-82.
In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Show all 18 1 /18 In Pictures: Martin McGuinness In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland's Former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has died aged 66 Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday Mural in the Bogside in Londonderry PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Britain's Queen Elizabeth II shaking hands with Sinn Fein politician and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle, south of Belfast in Northern Ireland Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness AP In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, shaking hands with British Prime Minister Tony Blair as First Minister Ian Paisley, looks on at Stormont Parliament Buildings in Belfast Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness walks past the Houses of Parliament in London AP In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Republican party Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams standing with Sinn Fein politician and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness as he arrives to give a press conference at a hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembly PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness celebrate at Kings Hall in Belfast with a supporter after hearing the result of the Irish referendum Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein member of parliament Martin McGuinness speaks to the media outside Holloway Prison, in London Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness embracing at Dublin Airport PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness US. President Bill Clinton shakes the hand of Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams watches, following Clinton's speech at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the opening of Ireland's first IKEA store in Belfast PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness addressing Nationalists after the march in Londonderry outside the Guild Hall PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Michelle O'Neill, the new Sinn Fein leader in the north takes a selfie with Martin McGuinness on the steps of Stormont Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Bernadette McGuinness carries the coffin of her late husband Martin McGuinness in Londonderry, Northern Ireland Getty Images
The IRAs gradual transformation from a terrorist group to a political movement would have been almost impossible without McGuinnesss involvement. Gerry Adams was the political strategist, but it was McGuiness whom the IRA gunmen respected and were prepared to follow.
He ceased being IRA Chief of Staff in 1982, after the IRA had been persuaded to adopt the strategy known as the Armalite and the ballot box, though his influence over the gunmen did not cease.
Martin McGuinness appeals to nationalists not to react violently to the RUC as the police moved them from the path of the Apprentice Boys march along Derrys walls (PA)
McGuinness was a candidate in every UK general election from 1983 to 2010, firstly in Foyle, and then Mid-Ulster, which he won in 1997 though like all Sinn Fein MPs, he refused to be sworn in. He resigned from Parliament in January 2013.
He was Sinn Feins chief negotiator in the all-important talks that began in 1993 and finally brought peace to Northern Ireland through the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. The following year, by now a grandfather, he became minister for education in the newly created devolved administration.
Northern Ireland had retained the 11-plus exam decades after it had been abandoned in Britain and McGuinness, who was an 11-plus failure educated at a Catholic school run by the Christian Brothers, must have enjoyed abolishing it.
With the creation of the Northern Ireland Assembly in 2007, McGuinness was chosen by Sinn Fein to be Deputy First Minister, a post he held for nearly ten years. The First Minister was the Democratic Unionist, Ian Paisley.
The former IRA commander and the fire-and-brimstone Protestant preacher made one of the most unlikely pairings in political history. Curiously, they got on so well that they were nicknamed the Chuckle Brothers.
When Paisley died in 2014, McGuinness declared our relationship confounded everybody I have lost a friend.
McGuinness and Prince Charles shake hands
Another extraordinary upshot of the peace agreement was the sight of the former IRA commander greeting the Queen at Hillsborough Castle in 2016. He asked after her health, and she replied: Im still alive unlike, she might have added, her second cousin, Louis Mountbatten, killed by an IRA bomb when McGuinness was the organisations Chief of Staff.
His relations with subsequent first ministers were not so cordial. The gradual souring culminated in McGuinnesss refusal to work with the First Minister Arlene Foster, whom he held responsible for the expensively bungled attempt to convert the province to renewable energy.
He insisted that his decision to resign as Deputy First Minister, on 9 January, was political and not caused by ill health but it soon emerged that he was seriously ill from amyloidosis, a rare disease that attacks the bodys organs.
He died on 21 March 2017 after being ill for several weeks with a rare heart condition.
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A record-breaking solar panel that can convert more than a quarter of the sunlight it receives into electricity has been developed by researchers in Japan.
The silicon solar cell is so efficient that it turns 26.3 per cent of the energy from the sun into renewable power.
In contrast, natures solar panels leaves have a photosynthetic efficiency of between three and six per cent.
The scientists behind the new panel also said they believed they had found a way to create a one with the maximum level of efficiency considered to be theoretically possible 29.1 per cent.
Writing in the journal Nature Energy, the team from the Kaneka Corporation in Osaka, said: Improving the photo-conversion efficiency of silicon solar cells is crucial to further the deployment of renewable electricity.
Essential device properties such as lifetime, series resistance and optical properties must be improved simultaneously to reduce recombination, resistive and optical losses.
Here, we use industrially compatible processes to fabricate large-area silicon solar cells the photo-conversion efficiency is over 26 per cent.
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The previous record for solar cell efficiency was 25.6 per cent.
Further analysis, the researchers, said pinpoints a path to approach the theoretical conversion efficiency limit of Si solar cells, 29.1 per cent.
However a statement on the Nature website said the panels were not yet ready to be sold commercially.
Although the study represents a record-breaking efficiency for a silicon solar cell, further work is required before the individual cells can be assembled into a commercially available solar panel, it said.
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Students in religious countries are likely to perform worse in science and maths than their more agnostic or atheist counterparts, new research has found.
Countries that are more religious score lower in educational performance, the study's co-author, Professor Gijsbert Stoet, told The Independent.
As a result he advised that "governments that might be able to raise educational standards and so standards of living by keeping religion out of schools and out of educational policy-making."
The joint research by academics at Leeds Beckett University, where the psychology professor is based, and the University of Missouri, found there was a strong negative correlation between time spent on religious education in secondary schools and overall performance.
Their findings, published in the academic journal Intelligence, ranked 82 countries by their religiosity score on a scale of zero to 10 and looked at databases from the last decade to assess academic performance.
The rankings placed the Czech Republic, Japan, Estonia, Sweden and Norway as the most secular in terms of in-school religiosity. The United Kingdom fell into 14th place.
Jordan, Yemen, Egypt, Indonesia and Qatar meanwhile, were found to be the most religious countries.
Professor Stoet and Dr David Geary combined data from the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) and Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) to assess educational performance scores.
The pair then measured religiosity using the World Values Survey and the European Social Survey.
Their findings suggested students in countries of high religiosity may score low on science results because of the incompatibility between evolution and traditional beliefs.
Professor Stoet described Saudi Arabia, ranked in 72nd place for religiosity but with a Mathematics score of -1.8 in 2004, as a fitting example.
The Gulf kingdom is not battling through any civil conflicts and boasts free education, but devotes hours each week to faith-based education.
Philip Hammond defends his maiden Budget
The surveys however did not ask students directly about religion and so Prof Stoet was keen to stress that a direct cause and effect cannot be established.
He believes schools should still teach religion and sees merit in biblical stories being taught, but he said he believed that time should not be devoted to teaching on how to practice faith.
I personally think that schools should be secular because we see there is a link between religion and education and I think it would be a benefit for the school system to free up their time to concentrate on science and maths, said Professor Stoet, a self declared atheist from the Netherlands.
Schools should teach about religion but I dont think they should teach faith issues."
He added that he was "convinced" there are good faith schools, including in the UK, but that teaching faith "should be very minimal".
The study also found women are generally more religious than men.
Whilst it is already known that faith schooling leads to segregation of communities, it is now also clear that religiosity is actually directly associated with lower performance," Professor Stoet said.
"Even though the exact mechanisms need to be studied further, my advice for policy makers is to keep education and religion separate and take a secular approach to education and educational policy."
Their findings come shortly after British teachers reacted furiously to Chancellor Philip Hammond's budget pledge to give another 320 million for free schools, including faith-based institutions.
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The number of people self-harming in one of the UKs immigration detention centres has increased three-fold in four years, an inspection report has revealed, prompting NGOs to highlight an urgent need for detention reform.
An unannounced inspection of Morton Hall immigration removal centre in Lincolnonshire, carried out in November, found incidents of self-harm among detainees had nearly tripled since the previous assessment in March 2013 rising from 30 to 83 in the six months before the inspection, with the number of individuals involved up from 19 to 53.
The report, published on Tuesday by the Chief Inspector of Prisons, found 49 per cent of detainees said they had problems with feeling depressed or suicidal on arrival a significant increase on four years earlier.
One suicide had been recorded since the previous inspection, while during 2016, four detainees had narrowly escaped fatal or serious injuries as a result of tying ligatures before staff intervened, the report found.
The centre, which has capacity to hold 392 adult male detainees and is run by the Prison Service on behalf of the UK Border Agency, had taken insufficient action to address the surge in self-harm, according to the report. It stated that monthly data was not sufficiently analysed to identify long-term trends and inform the centres priorities, and that there was subsequently no current strategy to reduce self-harm.
A new Home Office policy to safeguard adults at risk was not yet widely understood, the report continued, with 69 detainees identified as being at risk of harm under the policy, but neither local Home Office nor custodial staff made aware of these cases and no systematic support or monitoring being provided as a result.
In response to the alarming findings, Jerome Phelps, director of UK campaign group Detention Action, said it was a sign that the devastating impact of indefinite detention can no longer be denied and evidence that Morton Hall detention centre is increasingly unsafe.
The three-fold increase in people self-harming in Morton Hall is an alarming sign of the distress experienced by migrants in detention. The devastating impact of indefinite detention can no longer be denied, Mr Phelps said.
Evidence that Morton Hall is becoming increasingly unsafe shows the urgency of the need for detention reform. The Government promised change, but it is moving far too slowly.
As well as the heightened levels of self-harm and a lack of support for mental health problems in the centre, the inspection observed clear tension and frustration among many detainees, which it stated was absent during the previous inspection.
The men informed inspectors that this was caused by uncertainties about their immigration cases and the prison-like environment, which it stated saw detainees locked in their rooms at night from 8:30pm onwards and a heavy reliance on physical security features, such as fences and razor wire, which made the centre look and feel like a prison.
Recommended Second person dies in a month at immigration detention centre
It also found that a significant number of detainees had been held for excessively long periods, with two men having been detained on three separate occasions for a total of more than three years, and added that many did not have access to legal representation.
Eiri Ohtani, director of Detention Forum, a network of NGOs in the UK challenging immigration detention, told The Independent the report highlighted the "stress and anxiety" detainees are subjected to, and described an "out of sight, out of mind" approach adopted by the Government.
The inspection report shows an abandoned group of people held under punitive regime behind razor wire who are anxious and stressed due to the uncertainty of indefinite detention. It is happening to them because they hold a wrong kind of passport," said Ms Ohtani.
Despite immigration detentions colossal human and financial cost, these centres remoteness and security measures conveniently let the government continue its out of sight, out of mind approach, which includes ignoring the recommendations of the parliamentary inquiry into immigration detention in 2015 and the government-commissioned Shaw Review in 2016.
More than a year ago (in January 2016) the previous Immigration Minister promised to reform the system. Just last week, a group of frustrated cross-party MPs challenged the Immigration Minister on his inaction and voiced their anger at the gap between stated policy and practice of immigration detention.
"When will the Minister sit up and start doing some work on this?
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. City went on to win the match at Molineux Stadium three goals to nil. Action Images/Reuters UK news in pictures 16 September 2022 Members of the public stand in the queue near Tower Bridge, and opposite the Tower of London, as they wait in line to pay their respects to the late Queen Elizabeth II, in London AFP via Getty Images
A Home Office spokesperson said: We are pleased that HM Chief Inspector of Prisons has recognised that Morton Hall is generally well run, and that staff relationships with detainees are strong. Detention is an important tool that helps us remove those with no right to be in the country and it is vital that all our facilities are safe and secure.
Strategies to reduce incidents of violence and self-harm, and to reduce use of psychoactive substances are already in place and will be kept under constant review. Nobody is detained indefinitely and regular reviews of detention are undertaken to ensure that it remains lawful and proportionate.
"There is a clear presumption that vulnerable people should not be detained. An action plan is being implemented in response to the Chief Inspector's recommendations.
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Britains decision to follow the US in banning electronic devices on flights from certain Middle Eastern countries means terrorism wins, a leading aviation security expert has warned.
Aviation Security International editor Philip Baum told The Independent officials should be focused on identifying negative intent rather than disrupting the lives of everyday passengers.
"Once again terrorism wins. Their aim is to disrupt our daily lives and they are achieving this in spades as we continue to follow the misguided policy of focussing on restricting or prohibiting items rather than concentrating on negative intent, he said.
He also issued a scathing critique of security processes, saying: If we cannot, in 2017, distinguish between a laptop that contains an IED and one that does not, then our screening process is completely flawed.
There is no value in restricting people carrying laptops through the checkpoint if they can be given them, or other items, just prior to boarding. The question is whether we trust security at the airports on the list. If we don't, then perhaps we should not be flying to them at all."
Security sources said the decision came from specific intelligence reports and was not linked to the highly controversial travel ban Donald Trump is seeking to introduce in America.
Ministers are said to be considering the scope of the ban and also whether it would be airport or airline specific.
The US measure affects nine airlines from countries including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE and Jordan.
The airlines involved are Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways. No US carriers were included in the ban.
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Focus on the white working class and their "national pride" in political discourse surrounding Brexit is ultimately detrimental to white people in working class communities, a report has found.
Researchers said the rhetoric of politicians such as Nigel Farage who claim they stand for the white working class is all talk and no action, and called for central and local government to implement policies to benefit all low-income groups.
The Minority Report, co-published by race equality think tank the Runnymede Trust and the Centre for Labour and Social Studies (CLASS), highlights "inadequacies" in the current debate around class in the UK, saying it is dividing the multi-racial working class and pitting white people and ethnic minorities within this group who it says often share similar experiences against each other.
It suggests that the re-emergence of class analysis following the Brexit vote and Donald Trumps election in the US has focused principally on the white working class and their cultural or social exclusion, rather than on how structural inequalities deny the working class (white or otherwise) access to opportunities, resources and power.
Dr Omar Khan, director of the Runnymede Trust and co-author of the report, said it was "utterly hopeless" to think the national pride promoted by Mr Farage and others would provide white working class people with real solutions to problems in their lives, adding that politicians benefit from fostering a "sense of white victimhood" as a way of winning votes.
It is utterly hopeless to think that national pride or a celebration of whiteness is going to provide white working class people with the jobs and the opportunity that will really give them meaningful self-respect and identity," Mr Khan told The Independent.
There are working class communities where there are relatively few ethnic minorities, but the kinds of solutions that will help them are similar to the types of solutions that will help lack Londoners or Asian people living in Bradford who have similar levels of disadvantage.
"Lack of voice, lack of representation, not being included in the elite-dominated institutions that decide things in Britain are shared experiences, offering an opportunity to build shared and common interests.
You can see how its in the interest of certain politicians to encourage divisions within these groups as a way to win votes, but it can't offer anything in the way of solutions. It benefits Ukip and others to foster a sense of white victimhood and white disadvantage, but it only causes more divisions."
The report, made up of a series of essays, states that the middle class often make wrong assumptions about both racism and the working class, seeking to define and lead the debate despite knowing little of the experiences of being working class.
It proceeds to suggest that the shared interests of the white and ethnic minority working classes demand that a new shared agenda is developed to build a platform for joint action and mobilisation.
The think tanks behind the report are calling on Home Secretary Amber Rudd to revive a measure included in Labour's Equality Act but abandoned within months of the 2010 election, known as the socio-economic duty, which would oblige public authorities to take into account disadvantage and inequalities when making decisions about policies.
Brexit Concerns Show all 26 1 /26 Brexit Concerns Brexit Concerns Brexit will put British patients at 'back of the queue' for new drugs Brexit will put British patients at the back of the queue for vital new drugs, the Government has been warned forcing them to wait up to two years longer A medicines regulator has raised the alarm over a likely decision to pull out of the European Medicines Agency (EMA), as well as the EU itself. ealth Secretary Jeremy Hunt dropped the bombshell , when he said he expected the UK would quit the EMA because it is subject to rulings by the European Court of Justice. Getty Images Brexit Concerns London to lose status as 'gateway to Europe' for banks One of Germanys top banking regulators has warned that London could lose its status as gateway to Europe for the banking sector after Britain quits the European trading bloc. Andreas Dombret, who is an executive board member for the BundesbankGermanys central banktold a private meeting of German businesses and banks earlier this week in Frankfurt that even if banking rules were equivalent between the UK and the rest of the EU, that was still miles away from [Britain having] access to the single market, the BBC reports. Jason Hawkes Brexit Concerns Exodus The number of financial sector professionals in Britain and continental Europe looking for jobs in Ireland rocketed in the months after the UK voted to leave the European Union Shutterstock Brexit Concerns Brexit is making FTSE 100 executives richer Pay packages of many FTSE 100 chief executive officers are partly tied to how well share prices are doing rather than the CEOs performance -- and some stocks are soaring. ritish equities got a boost since the June vote because the likes of Rio Tinto, Smiths Group and WPP generate most sales abroad and earn a fortune when they convert these revenues back into the weakened pound. Sterlings fall also made UK stocks more affordable for overseas investors. Rex Brexit Concerns Theresa May: UK to leave single market Theresa May has said the UK "cannot possibly" remain within the European single market, as staying in it would mean "not leaving the EU at all". Getty Brexit Concerns Lead campaigner Gina Miller and her team outside the High Court Getty Brexit Concerns Raymond McCord holds up his newly issued Irish passport alongside his British passport outside the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns SDLP leader Colum Eastwood leaving the High Court in Belfast following a judges dismissal of the UK's first legal challenges to Brexit PA wire Brexit Concerns Migrants with luggage walk past a graffiti on a wall as they leave the 'Jungle' migrant camp, as part of a major three-day operation planned to clear the camp in Calais Getty Brexit Concerns Migrants leave messages on their tents in the Jungle migrant camp Getty Brexit Concerns The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (Adra) which distributes approximately 700 meals daily in the northern Paris camp states that it is noticing a spike in new migrant arrivals this week, potentially linked the the Calais 'jungle' camp closure - with around 1000 meals distributed today EPA Brexit Concerns Migrant workers pick apples at Stocks Farm in Suckley, Britain Reuters Brexit Concerns Many farmers across the country are voicing concerns that Brexit could be a dangerous step into the unknown for the farming industry Getty Brexit Concerns Bank of England governor Mark Carney who said the long-term outlook for the UK economy is positive, but growth was slowing in the wake of the Brexit vote PA Brexit Concerns The Dow Jones industrial average closed down over 600 points on the news with markets around the globe pluninging Getty Brexit Concerns Immigration officers deal with each member of the public seeking entry into the United Kingdom but on average, 10 a day are refused entry at this London airport and between 2008 and 2009, 33,100 people were detained at the airport for mainly passport irregularities Getty Brexit Concerns A number of global investment giants have threatened to move their European operations out of London if Brexit proves to have a negative impact on their businesses Getty Brexit Concerns Following the possibility of a Brexit the UK would be released from its renewable energy targets under the EU Renewable Energy Directive and from EU state aid restrictions, potentially giving the government more freedom both in the design and phasing out of renewable energy support regimes Getty Brexit Concerns A woman looking at a chart showing the drop in the pound (Sterling) against the US Dollar in London after Britain voted to leave the EU Getty Brexit Concerns Young protesters outside the Houses of Parliament in Westminster, to protest against the United Kingdom's decision to leave the EU following the referendum Getty Brexit Concerns Applications from Northern Ireland citizens for Irish Passports has soared to a record high after the UK Voted in favour of Leaving the EU Getty Brexit Concerns NFU Vice President Minette Batters with Secretary of State, Andrea Leadsome at the National Farmers Union (NFU) took machinery, produce, farmers and staff to Westminster to encourage Members of Parliament to back British farming, post Brexit Getty Brexit Concerns The latest reports released by the UK Cabinet Office warn that expats would lose a range of specific rights to live, to work and to access pensions, healthcare and public services. The same reports added that UK citizens abroad would not be able to assume that these rights will be guaranteed in the future Getty Brexit Concerns A British resident living in Spain asks questions during an informative Brexit talk by the "Brexpats in Spain" group, about Spanish legal issues to become Spanish citizens, at the town hall in Benalmadena, Spain Reuters Brexit Concerns The collapse of Great Britain appears to have been greatly exaggerated given the late summer crowds visiting city museums, hotels, and other important tourist attractions Getty Brexit Concerns The U.K. should maintain European Union regulations covering everything from working hours to chemicals until after the government sets out its plans for Brexit, said British manufacturers anxious to avoid a policy vacuum and safeguard access to their biggest export market Getty
Dr Faiza Shaheen, director of CLASS and co-author of the report, said the Brexit vote was being used by politicians to justify the concept of a white self-interest, which ultimately distracts from the real issues affecting the whole working class, such as low wages and funding cuts.
The Brexit vote is now being used to justify an idea of 'white self-interest', which is simply a rebranding of prejudice and racism. If we are to have a truly 'United' Kingdom we must return to speaking about the real issues that hurt the whole working class low wages, the housing crisis and devastating cuts to our public services, said Ms Shaheen.
At a critical juncture in UK history, we cannot afford to let the divisive white working class narrative continue unchallenged.
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UK government ministers should remind the EU about the cancellation of German debt after the Second World War as they try to secure a better Brexit deal, a senior Conservative MP has said.
Sir Bill Cash, a long-standing Eurosceptic, who chairs the House of Commons European Scrutiny Committee, said European officials wanting to whack Britain with a hefty Brexit bill were being extravagant and should remember how European countries had written off German debt in the 1950s.
His comments come amid concerns the EU will hand the UK a huge bill as soon as Theresa May triggers Article 50 and begins the formal Brexit process.
Would you make sure that they do understand that weve been net contributors for many decades to the tune of what is now running at about nine or ten billion [pounds] a year [and] that our accumulated liabilities are offset by the extent to which weve made these massive contributions?, Sir Bill told David James, a Brexit Minister, during a meeting of the European Scrutiny Select Committee.
He added: Perhaps also to bear in mind that back in 1953 there was a thing called the London Debt Agreement, where Germany - for all its malfeasance during the Second World War and its unprovoked aggression - found that in 1953, in circumstances which were quite remarkable, that we remitted one half of all German debt.
Therefore if you compare that situation with what it is now and given Germany's extremely dominant role in the EU at the moment it might be worth tactfully - not one of my strongest points - but tactfully reminding people that there is a realistic position here that we really don't owe anything to the EU whether it's legal or political.
In response, Mr Jones said: I'm not entirely sure how tactful one can be when one is mentioning the London Debt Agreement. But nevertheless, clearly there are a whole range of issues.
The London Debt Agreement provided West Germany with relief on its post-war debts and tied repayments to the state of the countrys economy, in a bid to help it re-integrate with the West.
As Theresa May prepares to trigger Article 50 at the end of March, reports suggest the UK could be forced to pay a 50 billion divorce bill that would cover the cost of outstanding EU spending in Britain.
Unnamed EU officials have been quoted as saying the Union could take Britain to the International Court of Justice if it refuses to pay.
However, the House of Lords EU Financial Affairs Sub-Committee claims Britain could legally leave the EU without paying the bill if Brexit takes place without a withdrawal agreement.
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Furious Conservative MPs have urged Theresa May to stand firm against an EU threat to take Britain to the International Court of Justice to enforce a 50bn Brexit divorce bill.
A draft plan obtained by a Dutch newspaper revealed the EU is readying for a long legal battle at The Hague if Britain tries to walk away without meeting its huge liabilities.
In that case it is: see you in The Hague! it quoted an EU official in response to the Prime Ministers vow to leave with no deal if necessary, perhaps seeking to avoid any exit bill.
Recommended Ambassador warns of Brexit bill battle as May sets Article 50 date
Neither Downing Street nor the European Commission denied the prospect of a court fight if the negotiations break down, both declining to comment on a leaked document.
A Government source told The Independent that it recognised the divorce bill as among a wide range of issues for the UK and the EU that will need to be addressed as we leave the EU and agree a new partnership.
But the tough EU stance sparked an angry response from Brexit-backing Tory MPs who insisted it was an empty threat which Ms May could easily ignore.
It came as Spains deputy minister for European affairs insisted the UK must agree in principle to pay the exit bill before any talks on a trade agreement can begin.
Theresa May pledges prosperity to whole of UK
John Redwood, the former Cabinet minister, said: There is no case to answer on the so-called divorce bill. It is not a divorce.
The UK is leaving a treaty organisation under the rules of that organisation. The treaty makes no provision for charging an exit fee.
A second ex-Cabinet minister, Iain Duncan Smith, said: Its nonsense the UK owes the EU any money. The EU Commission has to calculate the value of its assets because, when it does, it will be clear that, contrary to what some are trying to claim, the EU owes the UK money - not the other way round.
Jacob Rees Mogg dismissed the idea of any case reaching The Hague, which simply existed for arbitration and was not a court as we know it.
This is one of those things said by people who have not bothered to read the legal situation, he said.
And Sir Bill Cash who has pointed to the UK helping Germany waiving half of its war debt in the 1950s said: I dont think the International Court has any jurisdiction in this matter.
I have no doubt that there will be all kinds of the usual academic suspects running around saying we should do this, that or the other. There is no reason for us to make any payment.
But Tim Farron, the Liberal Democrat leader, said the prospect of the fight ending up at the International Court exposed Ms Mays position as utterly risible.
The Government is going to have to go to The Hague to try to fight a Brexit bill that they are forcing on us, Mr Farron said. They have made a choice to pursue a hard Brexit and we will all the price.
A lengthy battle at the International Court would hold up attempts to reach a new trade agreement with the EU, if it insists on settling the controversy over money owed first.
The leak, published by the respected de Volkskrant newspaper, said the EU strategy would also:
* Insist access to the EU single market depends upon the UK accepting the "four freedoms" including, crucially, freedom of movement.
* Propose a deal guaranteeing both the future rights of EU nationals in the UK and Britons in EU countries.
* Demand that the UK loses some of its existing trade advantages, as the price of leaving.
The newspaper billed its story as the secret EU Strategy for separation from the British, based on information provided by key EU insiders.
The EUs apparent strategy was published shortly after Mr Tusk announced that EU leaders will meet to agree their strategy at a special summit on 29 April.
Significantly, he vowed to make "the process of divorce the least painful for the EU" without mentioning what pain may lie ahead for Britain.
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British people want to end freedom of movement but want to keep the benefits of the single market after Brexit, according to a new survey - despite the fact Theresa May has admitted this is not going to happen.
The poll of more than 2,000 adults by NatCen Social Research shows that on the whole, voters would like to keep the benefits of EU membership, but also want to curb immigration.
Overall, 68 per cent of participants want to abolish freedom of movement, but at the same time 88 per cent are keen to maintain free trade with the EU.
Other results show that 82 per cent of Leave voters want EU migrants to be treated in the same way as non-EU migrants and 58 per cent of Remain voters agree.
In addition to this, 51 per cent of Remain voters do not believe EU migrants should claim any welfare benefits, a notion that 77 per cent of Leave voters agree with.
The EU has been adamant that to access the single market Britain would have to accept freedom of movement.
The European Parliament's point man for the Brexit negotiations, Guy Verhofstadt, said the United Kingdom would not be allowed to cherry pick the benefits of the EU.
I think it creates an illusion that you can go out of the single market and the customs union and you can cherry pick and still have a number of advantages.
I think this will not happen. We shall never accept a situation in which it is better to be outside the single market than be a member of the European union, Mr Verhofstadt said.
Theresa May had previously said that Britain would pull out of the single market when it leaves the EU.
Ms May pointed to the EU's demand that all members comply with four freedoms including, crucially, freedom of movement of EU citizens.
What I am proposing cannot mean membership of the single market. It would, to all intents and purposes, mean not leaving the EU at all, she said.
Professor John Curtice, who wrote the report, said the results of the survey are a clear reflection of the pick-and-mix attitude of the electorate.
Many Remain voters would like to see an end to the less popular parts of Britains current membership of the EU, while many Leave voters would like to retain the seemingly more desirable parts, such as free trade, cheap mobile phone calls, and clean beaches, he told the Press and Journal.
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
This is perhaps typical of the pick-and-mix attitude to the EU that has characterised much of Britains relationship with the institution during its 44 years of membership so far."
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The official police watchdog is expected to launch an inquiry into how Scotland Yard dropped a criminal investigation into an east London election, despite a judge having ruled it involved alarming levels of corruption and illegality.
In 2015, in a damning 200-page High Court judgement, Lutfur Rahmans victory in the 2014 Tower Hamlets mayoral election was declared void.
Condemning Mr Rahman for playing the race card throughout his career, judge Richard Mawrey QC ruled the politician had been personally guilty of illegal and corrupt practices during the May 2014 election that led to him securing a second term as the borough mayor.
Mr Rahman an ex-Labour councillor who had formed his own Tower Hamlets First (THF) party was stripped of his mayoral office, with the judge saying the evidence revealed an alarming state of affairs in Tower Hamlets [which] is the result of the ruthless ambition of one man.
Recommended Tower Hamlets mayor Lutfur Rahman found guilty of election corruption
Activists hailed the April 2015 civil case ruling about the behaviour of Mr Rahman and his allies a fantastic result for democracy, and Scotland Yard launched a detailed review of Mr Mawreys judgement.
But in March 2016 - in a decision branded an utter disgrace by Andy Erlam, one of the four voters who had brought the civil court case - the Yard announced it had dropped its investigation because there was insufficient evidence that criminal offences had been committed.
The Police decision not to prosecute anyone was described as astonishing by former Communities Secretary Sir Eric Pickles, who wrote a report declaring the Tower Hamlets court ruling a wake-up call that state bodies need to do far more to stamp out corruption.
The controversy over the case has now been reignited because Sophie Linden, London Mayor Sadiq Khans deputy for policing and crime, has written to HM Inspector of Constabulary (HMIC) Matt Parr calling on him to conduct an investigation into the police handling of the case.
In a letter seen by The Independent, Ms Linden tells Mr Parr: A number of concerns have been raised with me about the conduct of the police investigation.
I am keen to ensure that the investigations can command the trust and confidence of Londoners and particularly residents of Tower Hamlets, who are keen to see the integrity of the democratic process robustly secured. The public need to have the highest level of confidence that any and all criminal prosecutions have been considered and pursued.
To that end, I would like to exercise my powers provided for in Section 54 of the Police Act 1996 to invite you to carry out an inspection into this case and make recommendations for future improvement.
Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Show all 10 1 /10 Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon waves after winning her seat Glasgow Southside in the Scottish Parliament elections at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow Getty Images Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), Nicola Sturgeon embraces Margaret Ferrier (L), and Janet Doris (R) as her husband Bob Doris (unseen) speaks to the audience at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow EPA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in SNP leader Nicola Sturgeon reacts as results come in at a Scottish Parliament election count at the Emirates Arena in Glasgow PA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Labour Party members celebrate after David Burton Sampson (centre) wins the Labour seat for St Martin's ward during the election count for Basildon at the Sports Village in Basildon, Essex PA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale, who failed in her bid to win the Edinburgh Eastern constituency from the SNP, at the count at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Renfrewshire PA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson is congratulated after she won the Edinburgh Central seat at the count at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Renfrewshire PA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson speaks after winning the Edinburgh Central seat at the count at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Renfrewshire PA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson arrives at a Scottish Parliament election count at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, Renfrewshire PA Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in SNP supporters react as their party wins another seat at a counting centre in Glasgow Reuters Elections 2016: Agony and ecstasy for candidates as results pour in Vaughan Gething of Labour retains his seat for Cardiff South and Penarth during the National Assembly for Wales election count at the Sport Wales National Centre in Cardiff, Wales Getty Images
Ms Lindens intervention comes after the London Assemblys police and crime committee began examining concerns about possible difficulties in tackling election fraud and malpractice in the capital.
After the committee examined the Tower Hamlets case in detail, Steve OConnell, the Conservative chairman of the cross-party committee, issued a statement on March 10 claiming: During our investigation, we, as a Committee, have been shocked to uncover major failings by the Metropolitan Police in its ability to investigate allegations of electoral fraud and malpractice.
Missed files of evidence; missed opportunities to gather witness statements; witnesses who were prepared to give evidence in the Election Court but were unwilling to do so in criminal proceedings this is not what we expect from a supposedly world-leading police force.
He wrote to Ms Linden claiming: There is widespread concern that despite the Election Court findings against Lutfur Rahman, there have been no criminal prosecutions. There is a deepening sense among Londoners that justice has not been seen to be done.
It is time for a fresh pair of eyes to review the Met in regard of the allegations. There may still be opportunities to mount a criminal prosecution and bring a sense of closure to what has been a systematic affront to the judicial process.
An HMIC spokesperson told The Independent: We can confirm that we have received a letter from the Mayors office, requesting an inspection. This request relates to the police investigation of electoral fraud in Tower Hamlets in 2014. We will respond to the Mayors office in due course.
Scotland Yard has been asked for comment.
In his 200-page High Court ruling, Mr Mawrey said that having been first elected mayor in 2010, Mr Rahman had focused his electoral machine on the boroughs Bangladeshi community - effectively bribing voters by targeting them with generous grants, and using the influence of a senior cleric to tell Muslims it was their duty to vote for him.
While ruling that scenes at polling stations in the 2014 election fell short of the legal definition of intimidation, the judge noted that there was credible evidence of voting areas being beset by THF activists.
The judge heard evidence that at one polling station a young Bangladeshi man was reduced to tears after being told that he would not be a good Muslim unless he voted for Mr Rahman, and at another witnesses spoke of voters having to run the gauntlet of THF supporters.
Mr Rahman protested his innocence throughout, insisting the allegations against him were invention and exaggeration. After Mr Mawrey delivered his judgement, Mr Rahman expressed shock and suggested he was considering seeking a judicial review of the findings.
Last month, the BBC reported that Mr Rahman was trying to form a new political party with his former deputy Ohid Ahmad, who is hoping to win the 2018 Tower Hamlets mayoral election.
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EU leaders will meet to decide their strategy for the Brexit negotiations at a special summit at the end of April, Brussels has announced.
Donald Tusk, the President of the European Council, said the April 29 meeting would strive to achieve certainty, clarity for all: citizens, companies and member states.
It means the summit will take place in the middle of French elections, which will be held over two weekends at the end of April and at the start of May.
Diplomats and officials in Brussels had hoped to hold a council of the EUs 27 governments as early as April 6, to decide the way forward.
However, Theresa Mays announcement of March 29 as the date for triggering Article 50 rather than last week, as widely expected - forced back the timetable.
At the summit, all eyes will be on how strongly EU leaders insist that Britain must agree to settle its possible 50bn divorce bill before negotiations can start on a future trade deal.
Announcing the date, Mr Tusk vowed to make "the process of divorce the least painful for the EU" - although he did not mention what pain lay ahead for Britain.
"In view of what was announced in London yesterday I would like to inform you that I will call a European council on Saturday 29 April to adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks," he told a Brussels news conference.
"I personally wish the UK hadnt chosen to leave the EU. But the majority of British voters decided otherwise. Therefore we must to do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU.
"Our main priority for the negotiations must be to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and member states that will be negatively affected by Brexit, as well as our important partners and friends around the world."
The use of the word "divorce" came despite Ms May insisting that word should not be used to describe Britain's split from the EU, in her statement to Parliament last week.
"I prefer not to use the term of divorce from the European Union because, very often when people get divorced, they dont have a very good relationship afterwards," the Prime Minister said.
"Honourable members need to stop looking at this as simply coming out of the European Union and see the opportunity for building a new relationship with the European Union and thats what we will be doing."
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Jeremy Corbyn has dismissed Labours civil war over an alleged hard-left plot as high spirits, in a recorded message appealing for party unity.
The Labour leader played down the battle with his own deputy, Tom Watson, who has warned the partys survival is threatened by an attempted takeover.
Instead, Mr Corbyn told Labour members: Sometimes spirits in the Labour party can run high. Today has been one of those days. Thats because were a passionate party.
Recommended Tensions erupt at Labour PLP meeting over briefing against Tom Watson
He appealed for an end to navel gazing, with elections to local councils and for new city-region mayors coming up in May.
But the unity call was undermined immediately by Ken Livingstone, who accused Mr Watson and his allies of behaving like a dictatorship in trying to thwart the will of left-wing Labour members.
The late-night Twitter video was posted after a torrid meeting of Labours Parliamentary Party (PLP), at which Mr Corbyn came in for fierce criticism from senior MPs.
Earlier, Mr Watson had pleaded with his leader to deal with Momentum, accusing the grassroots group of a plot to take over Labour by joining forces with the super-union Unite.
A secret recording appeared to reveal a plan for the country's biggest union - and Labour's largest donor to channel its huge funds, as well as organisational support, to Momentum.
But, in his video, Mr Corbyn avoided the details of the row while restating his determination to do more to involve and empower the members who twice made him leader.
From the smallest branch right up to the leaders office, our whole party must focus on the challenges and opportunities ahead for us in our journey to fundamentally transform this country in the interests of the people of this country, Mr Corbyn said.
That next stage is Mays local elections. To win, we need unity not navel gazing.
My plea to all Labour party members, whether grassroots or in senior positions, is think of our people first, think of our movement first, think of the party first.
Backing came from Mr Livingstone, who told BBC Radio 4s Today programme that Mr Corbyn was being stabbed in the back by his MPs who are skewed to the right.
The former London mayor who is currently suspended from the party, over anti-Semitism allegations attacked Mr Watson for trying to block changes to party leadership rules.
Momentum wants to ditch a rule that requires any candidate to be nominated by 15 per cent of Labour MPs and MEPs, believing it will prevent a left-wing successor to Mr Corbyn from standing.
Mr Livingstone said, of Mr Watsons stance: This is more like something out of a dictatorship, not a democracy.
And he warned Labour MPs that Mr Corbyn is not going to give in to pressure, adding: He is not going to change his beliefs, or the direction he is taking us to.
Meanwhile, Len McCluskey, the Unite leader dismissed the allegations made by Mr Watson his former flatmate as ridiculous.
Tom and the other right-wing Labour MPs would be best keeping their nose out of our business, because the truth of the matter is my members will reject any attempt from outside bodies to influence and to try to take over Unite - it won't work, he said.
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Labour's deputy leader has accused the leader of Britain's biggest trade union of dealing in personal insults in the latest spat over the future of the Labour Party.
Unites Len McCluskey reacted with derision after Mr Watson suggested that the acting union head had been somehow involved in a secret plot to take over of the Labour party.
He accused Mr Watson his former flatmate of behaving like he was in a low budget remake of the Godfather, also descriing Labours deputy leader a backstabber who lived a world of skulduggery, smears and secret plots.
The row is ostensibly over whether Unite will work with Momentum, a left-wing campaign group that supports Mr Watsons boss Jeremy Corbyn. The latest spat appears to be part of a proxy war for the Labour party, with Mr McCluskey currently up for re-election as Unite general secretary.
Mr Watson said: It is only by being in power that Labour can change the lives of millions of people. So when I heard the covert recording of Momentum head Jon Lansman setting out plans to interfere in the selection of MPs and councillors I had a duty to speak out," he said.
"I am sorry that Len McCluskey has to use personal insults instead of arguing his case. It would be more productive if he would state categorically that Unite will never fund Momentum or give any form of financial support to an organisation that directs its members to take control of Labour Party structures and organise inside other trade unions."
Mr McCluskey said: I know Tom. I am still proud to have privately and publicly supported him when he was under great personal strain because of his courageous campaign against the Murdoch empire.
How sad then that he should turn on those of us who supported him in his darkest hour, and how sad that his candidate, Gerard Coyne, should now be using The Sun, to attack his own union a rotten tabloid and an instrument of the establishment that has led the charge against the working class and trade unionism for generations. Such behaviour is what happens when values are trashed by ambition.
He added: The men and women at the sharp end want a focus on jobs, investment and protection at work.
They dont want their union democracy turned into a low-budget remake of The Godfather and they certainly dont want the politicians taking over the union.
Mr McCluskey is seen as an ally of Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn (AFP/Getty)
Sensible Labour politicians and there are many know it too. That is why they have told Tom to put a sock in it. As the great Clement Attlee told a truculent and over-talkative minister a period of silence from you would be most welcome.
Unite is Labour's single biggest donor. Mr Watson this week declared war on the Labour left after reports that the union might affiliate with Momentum, which he characterised was wanting to take over the party. The claim was based on a recording of Momentum founder Jon Lansman saying he wanted the union to affiliate. Unite had said it has no plans to affiliate.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters
In the recording, Mr Lansman says he wants the Labour left to fight for adequate representation in the partys official organs. Since the 1990s left-wing members have been marginalised in the partys structures, including on key committees.
Jeremy Corbyn has called for unity across the party.
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Firms including KPMG, McKinsey and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have made millions of pounds from plans that could lead to the closure or downgrade of NHS hospitals.
Health bosses have spent at least 17.6m on management consultants to draw up the strategies, which earmark cuts to departments and some A&Es.
Sustainability and transformation plans (STPs) have been created in 44 regions in a bid to revolutionise services while saving money in the face of an expected 900m NHS deficit this year.
The Press Association used the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act to ask clinical commissioning groups (CCGs) how much has been spent on management consultants to formulate the plans.
The figures show 17,674,998 has been spent so far, though the final bill is likely to be far higher.
Eight out of 44 areas did not respond to the FOI request, while others only provided partial data.
Some of the biggest spends included south-west London, where bosses are reviewing services across five hospital sites.
Some 4,158,311 has been spent on management consultants to create the STP, including 1,807,340 to PwC for programme support. A further 477,715 was paid to PwC for specialist commissioning work, while Sirius received 50,399 for creating a digital roadmap.
In north central London, where STP bosses plan to consolidate services and are reviewing maternity and emergency surgery, 2,235,204 was spent on management consultants, including 360,000 to McKinsey for mental health modelling.
Some 267,336 went to Deloitte for financial planning, while Methods Advisory Ltd received 617,850 for programme management office and strategy support.
A further 282,518 was given to Hunter Healthcare Resourcing for administrative support.
In north-east London, where emergency services are under review, PwC received 395,500 for consultancy and Carnall Farrar was handed 150,000.
Meanwhile, in Northumberland, Deloitte was given 129,373 and also received 472,601 from STP bosses in Hampshire.
In Northamptonshire, McKinsey was paid 500,000 for support for development of STP care models, while Nottinghamshire bosses also paid 195,000 to McKinsey for management support.
They also paid 59,081 to People, Words and Pictures PR firm for strategic and editorial communications support.
KPMG was paid more than 1.2 million in total, according to the data, including 472,092 from Norfolk and Waveney STP bosses, 783,810 in Staffordshire and 26,393 in Hertfordshire for cost modelling.
But some regions, including Lincolnshire and Dorset, used existing staff to create their STP and did not rely on management consultants.
A report from the King's Fund think tank last year said some local health managers felt under pressure from NHS England to use management consultants.
Some leaders felt that STPs had 'created an industry' for management consultants and questions were raised about why money is being invested in advice from private companies instead of in frontline services, it said.
In one area, STP leaders even felt under pressure from NHS England's regional team to increase the amount of money they were spending on management and consultancy support.
One leader told us they were 'picked out' for not spending enough on their STP programme, compared with other STP areas in the region.
Dr Mark Porter, chairman of the British Medical Association's council, said of the findings: 'It is outrageous that so much vital resource is being handed to consultancy firms for their part in delivering STPs which, ultimately, may never come to fruition.
These figures are especially concerning given that everyone can see a huge crisis unfolding within our health service.
The NHS is at breaking point, with record numbers of trusts and GP practices raising the alarm to say they already can't cope, and while frontline staff struggle to provide safe patient care in a service increasingly becoming unfit-for-purpose.
NHS Improvement has already admitted that it will pick and choose the parts of the plans it can actually put into action, which leads me to question whether all of this money handed out to private companies will simply be completely wasted.
Janet Davies, chief executive of the Royal College of Nursing, said: It is very hard to see how the Government can justify spending millions on management consultants, some of whom advise on cutting nursing staff to save money.
This can become a false economy when the management consultants cost more than the savings they identify.
It will be galling for nurses, who have suffered a 14 per cent cut in real terms, to hear these figures.
Unite national officer for health, Sarah Carpenter, said: These findings reveal a management consultancy gravy train that is completely out-of-control, at a time when frontline services, such as A&E departments, are stretched to breaking point.
What the public wants is more doctors, nurses and paramedics, not management whizz-kids brandishing flip-charts and PowerPoint presentations.
Unison's head of health, Christina McAnea, said: Desperately needed resources that could be spent on patient care are being wasted on handsomely paid management consultants.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters
Private firms shouldn't be picking and choosing which local services have a future and which don't. This is a huge waste of taxpayers' money. Meanwhile, the NHS struggles on with a shrinking pot of money and an ever-decreasing number of staff.
Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, said STPs offered perhaps the only hope for transforming NHS services.
She said the charity's chief concern was that STPs needed to engage patients fully. But she said there was undeniably a need for some upfront spending to get it right, including on consultancy support.
PA
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Dozens of predominately Conservative MPs have signed a letter to the BBC's director general accusing the public broadcaster of bias in its Brexit coverage.
It is understood 70 MPs wrote to Lord Hall, the BBCs chief, deriding the organisations inability to break out of pre-referendum pessimism to accept new facts was skewing its coverage.
According to reports the signatories included former Cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith and Theresa Villers, alongside dozens of their colleagues, DUP MPs and three Labour MPs Kate Hoey, Kelvin Hopkins and Graham Stringer.
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It comes after Theresa May announced she would start divorce proceedings with the European Union next week on Wednesday by serving notice of her invocation of Article 50 to Brussels.
The letter, which was put together by the Conservative MP Julian Knight, who campaigned to stay in the EU, added that the BBC had suffered a collective nervous breakdown over the referendum result.
One example is the prominent coverage given to so-called regretful Leave voters in the aftermath of the vote, even though all available polling suggests no shift in public opinion towards the EU since the vote, Mr Knight added in his blog.
The letter adds: It particularly pains us to see how so much of the economic good news weve had since June has been skewed by BBC coverage which seems unable to break out of pre-referendum pessimism and accept new facts.
Some of the signatories of this letter shared many of the concerns about the economic impact of Brexit, but all are delighted to find forecasts of immediate economic harm were at best misplaced. So-called despite Brexit reporting may be expected of a partisan press, but licence fee-payers have the right to expect better.
The letter says that BBC bias can have a substantial effect on national debate. We fear that, by misrepresenting our country either as xenophobic or regretful of the Leave vote, the BBC will undermine our efforts to carve out a new, global role for this country."
But in a response the BBC said: While we are always live to our critics and understand that passions are running high on all sides of the debate, it is the job of the BBC to scrutinise and analyse the issues on behalf of the public and to hold politicians to account across the political spectrum.
How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Show all 8 1 /8 How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Weetabix Chief executive of Weetabix Giles Turrell has warned that the price of one of the nations favourite breakfast are likely to go up this year by low-single digits in percentage terms. Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Nescafe The cost of a 100g jar of Nescafe Original at Sainsburys has gone up 40p from 2.75 to 3.15 a 14 per cent risesince the Brexit vote. PA How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Freddo When contacted by The Independent this month, a Mondelez spokesperson declined to discuss specific brands but confirmed that there would be "selective" price increases across its range despite the American multi-national confectionery giant reporting profits of $548m (450m) in its last three-month financial period. Mondelez, which bought Cadbury in 2010, said rising commodity costs combined with the slump in the value of the pound had made its products more expensive to make. Cadbury How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Mr Kipling cakes Premier Foods, the maker of Mr Kipling and Bisto gravy, said that it was considering price rises on a case-by-case basis Reuters How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Walkers Crisps Walkers, owned by US giant PepsiCo, said "the weakened value of the pound" is affecting the import cost of some of its materials. A Walkers spokesman told the Press Association that a 32g standard bag was set to increase from 50p to 55p, and the larger grab bag from 75p to 80p. Getty How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Marmite Tesco removed Marmite and other Unilever household brand from its website last October, after the manufacturer tried to raise its prices by about 10 per cent owing to sterlings slump. Tesco and Unilever resolved their argument, but the price of Marmite has increased in UK supermarkets with the grocer reporting a 250g jar of Marmite will now cost Morrisons customers 2.64 - an increase of 12.5 per cent. Rex How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Toblerone Toblerone came under fire in November after it increased the space between the distinctive triangles of its bars. Mondelez International, the company which makes the product, said the change was made due to price rises in recent months. Pixabay How Brexit affected Britain's favourite foods from Weetabix to Marmite Maltesers Maltesers, billed as the lighter way to enjoy chocolate, have also shrunk in size. Mars, which owns the brand, has reduced its pouch weight by 15 per cent. Mars said rising costs mean it had to make the unenviable decision between increasing its prices or reducing the weight of its Malteser packs. iStockphoto
"That is what the BBC has been doing. It is what the BBC will continue to do. It is precisely because of this that the public trusts the BBC."
Writing about the letter in a blog for the Conservative Home website Mr Knight, also a former BBC journalist, said the organisation must be careful not to lose the trust of those who voted for Brexit as well as those Remainers like myself who respect the will of the people.
He added: In fact, I think the corporation could do with dwelling a bit more on its full title. I dont want to see it drenched in the Union Jack like the propaganda station of a tin-pot dictatorship, but I do think that it would do well to keep in mind its status as a national institution.
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Judges who consistently give lenient sentences to criminals should be punished, a Conservative MP has said.
Philip Davies said judges who do not jail offenders when it would be justifiable should face consequences - especially when those people go on to commit more crimes.
The Shipley MP made the comments in a House of Commons debate about the second reading of the Prisons and Courts Bill, which aims to streamline the justice system.
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It should be clear to many that where a judge consistently allows offenders to avoid prison and those offenders go on to make others suffer as a result of their continuing crime spree, there should be accountability for the judge, Mr Davies said.
And there should really be consequences for that judge as well.
In particular, where they don't hand down custodial sentences which would be perfectly justifiable and possibly even expected, and particularly when the offender goes on to reoffend.
The MP did not specify what the consequences should he, but said the plan would improve accountability.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 7 November 2022 Handout photo issued by Just Stop Oil of a protester who has climbed a gantry on the M25 between junctions six and seven in Surrey, leading to the closure of the motorway PA UK news in pictures 6 November 2022 A grey seal with its pup, at the Donna Nook National Nature Reserve in north Lincolnshire, where they come every year in late October, November and December to give birth to their pups near the sand dunes, the wildlife spectacle attracts visitors from across the UK PA UK news in pictures 5 November 2022 Demonstrators with placards calling for a General Election march near the Houses of Parliament AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 4 November 2022 A peacock is seen in the early winter sunshine in the Dutch Gardens in Holland Park AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 October 2022 Hundreds of students take part in the traditional Raisin Monday foam fight on St Salvator's Lower College Lawn at the University of St Andrews in Fife PA UK news in pictures 16 October 2022 A protester holds a placard during a march into central London at a demonstration by the climate change protest group Extinction Rebellion AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 15 October 2022 A member of the public drags an activist who is blocking the road during a "Just Stop Oil" protest, in London, Britain REUTERS UK news in pictures 14 October 2022 Germanys Womens double skulls during day one of the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals at Saundersfoot beach, Pembrokeshire PA UK news in pictures 13 October 2022 Family and mourners arrive at St Michael's Church, in Creeslough, for the funeral mass of 49-year-old mother of four Martina Martin, who died following an explosion at the Applegreen service station in the village of Creeslough in Co Donegal on Friday PA UK news in pictures 12 October 2022 Motorists in Coventry pass trees showing autumnal colour PA UK news in pictures 11 October 2022 A woman and her dog in the the North Sea at Tynemouth Longsands beach before sunrise PA UK news in pictures 10 October 2022 Police officers remove a campaigner from a Just Stop Oil protest on The Mall, near Buckingham Palace, London PA UK news in pictures 9 October 2022 A drummer plays during the Diwali on the Square celebration, in Trafalgar Square, London PA UK news in pictures 8 October 2022 Timothee Chalamet attending the UK premiere of Bones and All during the BFI London Film Festival 2022 at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Centre, London PA UK news in pictures 7 October 2022 Two young male fallow deer lock antlers in Dublins Phoenix park as rutting season begins PA UK news in pictures 6 October 2022 The Princess of Wales during a cocktail making competition during a visit to Trademarket, a new outdoor street-food and retail market situated in Belfast city centre, as part of the royal visit to Northern Ireland PA UK news in pictures 5 October 2022 Greenpeace protesters interrupt Prime Minister Liz Truss as she delivers her keynote speech to the Conservative Party annual conference PA UK news in pictures 4 October 2022 Prime Minister Liz Truss and Britains Chancellor of the Exchequer Kwasi Kwarteng wearing hard hats and hi-vis jackets, visit a construction site for a medical innovation campus in Birmingham AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 3 October 2022 British artist Sam Cox, aka Mr Doodle, reveals the Doodle House, a twelve-room mansion at Tenterden, in Kent, which has been covered, inside and out in the artist's trademark monochrome, cartoonish hand-drawn doodles PA UK news in pictures 2 October 2022 Erling Haaland celebrates after scoring Manchester City's second goal against Manchester United at Etihad Stadium. Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters
Although the Ministry of Justice has not responded to Mr Daviess, the Justice Secretary Liz Truss said last year that the independence of the judiciary is the foundation upon which our rule of law is built.
Mr Davies has previously said he would like to see more people in prison, especially women, who he says are treated more leniently than men by the courts.
In the same speech on Monday Mr Davies said the age limit for magistrates should be raised from 70 to 75, in line with the age limit for jurors, which was increased late last year.
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Sir Philip Green is in line to receive a 15m refund from his BHS pension settlement.
After the British department store chain went bankrupt, Sir Philip reached a 363m pound settlement with The Pensions Regulator (TPR) to fund a pension deficit.
He could now receive a substantial refund if 90 per cent of people choose to take a lump-sum from BHS.
In addition to this, it has been revealed that under the new scheme some pensioners will receive less than 80 per cent of what they would have done beforehand.
Sir Philips out-of-court settlement benefits a small number of the highest paid former managers the most.
Sixteen executives at the firm will receive the most after the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) cap was removed as part of the settlement.
The cap exists to incentivise the highest paid executives, with the largest pension benefits, to take care of the fund and prevent it falling into the PPF.
If the BHS scheme had gone into the PPF then members would have received, on average, 69 per cent of promised benefits.
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
Frank Field MP, Chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: I hope Sir Philip will recycle any refund back into the scheme as BHS pensioners will still be facing cuts in the benefits for which they paid.
It is also clear that Sir Philip prioritised his loyal senior managers, who have had the PPF cap on high pension benefits completely removed. That measure was designed to encourage those in positions of influence to urge prudence and responsibility.
I would be worried if TPR was content to see it jettisoned as a matter of course. Those who do far less well out of the settlement are the ordinary staff of working age, many of whom lost will have lost their jobs as well.
HMRC will not tell us what the tax implications of this settlement are but I fervently hope the public purse will not be missing out in the same way it does by the Greens complex offshore business arrangements, he said.
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Theresa May has been urged to distance her Government from Trump style anti-democratic attacks on the BBC after the public broadcaster was accused of bias in its Brexit coverage by dozens of MPs.
Just over 70 MPs predominately from the Conservative benches wrote to Lord Hall, the organisations director general, criticising its inability to break out of pre referendum pessimism and accept new facts.
Licence fee payers, they added, have the right to expect better.
But Labours deputy leader Tom Watson has urged the Prime Minister and Karen Bradley, the Culture Secretary, to distance themselves from the assault on the BBCs coverage of Britains exit from the European Union.
In a statement Mr Watson said: The BBC is one of the worlds finest news broadcasters and we should all value its impartiality, integrity and balance coverage. It is the BBCs job to report the facts, not be a cheerleader for any cause of party.
He added that all politicians dislike the way some stories are covered, but we should never seek to interfere with the independence of the BBC by publicly accusing it of bias and making implicit threats about its future.
Theresa May and Karen Bradley must make clear their commitment to the independence of the BBC and distance themselves from attacks on it by politicians who have an agenda the BBC does not and should not share.
The Liberal Democrat MP Tom Brake added the letter was a Trump style attack on the BBC and is an appallingly anti-democratic move by the hard Brexit camp.
Recommended BBC accused of Brexit bias by more than 70 MPs in open letter
He continued: The BBC does not exist to be exist to be a cheerleader of the Government, and instead of attacking free speech these MPs should be holding Theresa May to account over her headlong rush into a hard, destructive Brexit.
Press freedom is vital to our democracy, and pointless attacks like this further expose a worrying, authoritarian streak in Mays Tory party.
Signatories of the letter sent to Lord Hall included the former Cabinet ministers Iain Duncan Smith and Theresa Villers, alongside dozens of their colleagues, DUP MPs and three Labour MPs Kate Hoey, Kelvin Hopkins and Graham Stringer.
Responding to the allegations of bias, the BBC said in a statement that it was their role to scrutinise and analyse the issues on behalf of the public and to hold politicians to account across the political spectrum.
They added: That is what the BBC has been doing. It is what the BBC will continue to do. It is precisely because of this that the public trusts the BBC.
The letter, which was put together by the Conservative MP Julian Knight, who campaigned to stay in the EU, added that the BBC had suffered a collective nervous breakdown over the referendum result.
The letter adds: It particularly pains us to see how so much of the economic good news weve had since June has been skewed by BBC coverage which seems unable to break out of pre-referendum pessimism and accept new facts.
Some of the signatories of this letter shared many of the concerns about the economic impact of Brexit, but all are delighted to find forecasts of immediate economic harm were at best misplaced. So-called despite Brexit reporting may be expected of a partisan press, but licence fee-payers have the right to expect better.
The letter says that BBC bias can have a substantial effect on national debate. We fear that, by misrepresenting our country either as xenophobic or regretful of the Leave vote, the BBC will undermine our efforts to carve out a new, global role for this country."
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A church in Alabama is seeking to create its own police force with the same power as local law enforcement and just got one step closer.
Last week, Alabama's Senate Judiciary Committee voted to send SB 193 to the Senate for a full vote. If enacted, the law would allow Briarwood Presbyterian Church to assemble, employ, and enable its own police force under the states nonprofit corporate law.
The church, which is located 10 miles south of downtown Birmingham, is home to a K-12 school and theological seminary. Leaders are claiming that the house of worship needs its own police to protect its 4,000 some members and 2,000 students and teachers, NBC News reports.
The bill even has its own sponsor, Senate Majority Leader JT Jabo Waggoner, one of the longest-serving members of the legislature.
"After the shooting at Sandy Hook and in the wake of similar assaults at churches and schools, Briarwood recognized the need to provide qualified first responders to coordinate with local law enforcement," church administrator Matt Moore said in a statement, referencing the 2012 shooting that left 20 children and six teachers killed at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Connecticut.
"The sole purpose of this proposed legislation is to provide a safe environment for the church, its members, students and guests."
Local law enforcement officers told NBC News that the church lies between Jefferson and Shelby County and deputies from both counties already police its jurisdiction. The nearby area is also patrolled by the Vestavia Hills Police Department.
Meanwhile, the ACLU is arguing that the legislation unconstitutional.
Vesting state police powers in a church police force violated the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, Randall Marshall, the organizations executive director, said in a statement. These bills unnecessarily carve out special programs for religious organizations and inextricably intertwine state authority and power with church operations.
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Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined a string of high-profile figures in mocking Donald Trump, after the Presidents approval ratings plummeted to a record low.
The former California governor accused the Republican leader of getting swamped and blamed his divisive budget proposal for his lack of public support.
"Oh, Donald the ratings are in, and you got swamped," Schwarzenegger said in a video posted to the social networking site, Twitter. "Wow. Now you're in the thirties?"
"But what do you expect? I mean, when you take away after-school programmes for children and Meals on wheels for the poor people, that's not what you call 'making America great again'. Come on!
Schwarzenegger, who recently took over from Mr Trump as the host of The Apprentice, added: "I mean who is advising you? Let me give you some advice: Go to a middle school, to Hart Middle School right in Washington six miles away from the White House. I'll take you there so you can see the fantastic work that they're doing for these children."
His comments came just hours after former Mexican President Vicente Fox Quesada launched his own Twitter attack on the former real-estate mogul.
If this were TV, you'd be fired," he wrote. "America, tell it like it is: Donald, you're fired!
Mr Trumps approval rating dropped to a new low of 37 per cent, according to a Gallup poll released over the weekend. The change came as his Republican Party released their poorly-received budget proposal that saw hundreds-of-millions of dollars worth of funding cut to key social and education programmes.
The president's plans included the complete elimination of the $3 billion (2.4 billion) Community Development Block Grant program, which funds community projects like Meals on Wheels and housing assistance.
The Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars, which provides scholarships and fellowships in social sciences and humanities, is set to lose out on $11 million (8.87 million) worth of funding.
Funding for International Education programmes, which run a variety of exchanges, migrant schools and special education services abroad, also looks likely to have $7 million (5.65 million) cut.
Mr Trumps approval rating has since moved up slightly to 39 per cent. However, it remains the lowest of any president for at least 70 years at this stage of his first term.
It came as FBI director James Comey testified under oath that Mr Trump had falsely accused his predecessor Barack Obama of wiretapping his headquarters during last years presidential campaign.
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Canadian diplomats in the US have been ordered to stop using cardboard cut-outs of Justin Trudeau at commercial and political events.
The life-sized paper replicas of the Prime Minister were bought online in bulk by the Canadian embassy last summer and wheeled out at the South by Southwest arts festival in Texas and the Canada Day event in Washington last year.
Although the self-standing Trudeaus drew many visitors and selfies, Global Affairs Canada put an end to the fun.
Recommended Matthew Perry claims he beat up Justin Trudeau at school
We are aware of instances where our missions in the United States had decided to purchase and use these cut-outs, department spokesperson Michael O'Shaughnessy said, as reported by CBC.
The missions have been asked to no longer use these for their events.
The cut-outs were costly, at $149.79 from HistoricalCutouts.com, an online firm in Pennsylvania, according to documents obtained by Conservative researchers. But the officials ordered them anyway, declaring it would be a hoot.
The cut-out company owner, Stephen Taren, said his firm had sold between just 10 and 20 cut-outs of the liberal leader since he was elected, however.
Not everyone was kind about the Trudeau stand-ins.
A life-size, two-dimensional cut-out is probably a perfect metaphor for everything that Justin Trudeau represents, John Brassard, conservative MP for Barrie-Innisfil in Ontario, told CBC.
You've got the shallow facade, and yet there's very little in the way of depth or substance there.
The online firm also sells cut-outs of Mr Trudeau's predecessor, conservative Stephen Harper. It is not clear whether similar cardboard stand-ins were used by the embassy at events.
New York Magazine published a Trudeau paper doll set shortly after he was elected, encouraging readers to "play dress-up with Canadas foxy new Prime Minister."
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Donald Trumps business has breached New York City law because it failed to register Trump Tower with the citys department of housing.
The Trump Organisation, which has a $100 million (80.1 million) mortgage on Trump Tower, failed to renew its annual registration with the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development after it expired in September 2016.
Failing to renew the registration of properties with the housing authorities can result in a fine of up to $500 (400), and revokes some of the rights enjoyed by property owners.
A spokesperson from the Department of Housing Preservation and Development told The Independent that the property registration had expired in September 2016, and that an I-class violation was issued in October 2016.
They added that following reports about the violation of law in the media, Trump Tower had been registered with the department on Tuesday, but that they were still waiting for signed documentation to remove the violation on record.
A spokesperson for the Trump Organisation meanwhile told The Independent in response to the reports: This was an inadvertent clerical error that has since been remedied.
The managing agent on the expired registration for Trump Tower, where the First Lady and the couples son Barron are still living despite Mr Trump having moved into the White House, is reportedly listed as the Trump Corporation.
It comes as figures showed the security costs required for Melania Trump and their son to remain living in Trump Tower instead of moving into the White House, as is generally the protocol for the families of US presidents, could cover recently announced cuts to two major education programmes.
Security expenditure for Ms Trump and 10-year-old Barron costs between $127,000 (102,000) and $145,000 (116,000) per day, or an average of $136,000 (109,000), according to the New York Police Department (NYPD).
Calculations indicate that this price tag could maintain both the Woodrow Wilson International Centre for Scholars and funding for International Education programmes, both government-funded initiatives that Mr Trump has proposed to eliminate in his recently announced budget.
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A ban on passengers from eight Middle Eastern and North African countries carrying electronics on flights to the US has been described as a Muslim ban by 1,000 cuts by a former aviation security official.
The rule, brought in by Donald Trump's administration, would stop passengers bringing laptops, iPads and cameras in carry-on luggage and is thought to affect at least nine airlines.
No American carriers are impacted by the ban, which involves any device larger than a mobile phone.
Donald Trump's in-flight electronics ban explained
The threat of attempts to disguise explosives within laptops and other large electronic devices carried through the last point of departure airports bound for the United States is not new," a former administration official who was familiar with aviation security procedures told BuzzFeed News.
Recommended US bans electronic devices on flights from eight Muslim countries
What appears to be new is this latest overreaction it appears to be a Muslim ban by a thousand cuts.
The former official, who wished to remain anonymous, said the US had been training airport security across the Middle East on searching for explosives for as long as two years. He added that the rule constituted unnecessary overreach and appeared to target a group rather than address specific security concerns.
Mr Trump's controversial travel ban, which bars people from six Muslim-majority nations entering the country, has run into stiff opposition since it was first announced in January.
Two federal judges have placed restraining orders on the second version of the directive, which has been branded a "legal disaster" by its critics.
The electronics restriction which is expected to be announced on Tuesday is thought to apply to nonstop flights to American from 10 airports in eight countries. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates are all believed to be affected.
The reason for the ban was not immediately clear and US security services would not comment on the matter.
A US government official, who wanted to remain anonymous because the matter related to security secrets, told the Associated Press that such a ban had been considered for several weeks.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly called politicians over the weekend to brief them on aviation security issues he claimed had prompted the impending electronics ban, according a congressional aide who was briefed on the discussion. The aide was not authorised to speak publicly about the issue and also declined to be publicly identified.
The announcement came shortly before Wednesdays meeting of the US-led coalition against Isis in Washington. Several senior Arab officials were expected to attend the State Department gathering. It was unclear whether their travel plans were related to any increased worry about security threats.
Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at global policy think tank Rand Corp, said the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible attack. He added that there could be concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders airport or airline employees in some countries.
Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban Show all 11 1 /11 Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty Activists protest Donald Trump's proposed Muslim ban People listen to speakers at a demonstration against racism and conservative presidential candidate Donald Trump's recent remarks concerning Muslims on December 10, 2015 in New York City. Dozens or demonstrators and activists converged at Columbus Circle to denounce the politics of Trump and the treatment of Muslim refugees both in America and Europe. Spencer Platt/Getty
Another aviation-security expert, professor Jeffrey Price of Metropolitan State University of Denver, said there were disadvantages to having everyone put their electronics in checked baggage.
Thefts from baggage would increase, as when the UK tried a similar ban in 2006, he said, and some laptops have batteries that can catch fire an event easier to detect in the cabin than in the cargo hold.
Most major airports in the United States have a computer tomography or CT scanner for checked baggage, which creates a detailed picture of a bag's contents.
They can warn an operator of potentially dangerous material, and may provide better security than the X-ray machines used to screen passengers and their carry-on bags.
Associated Press contributed to this report
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Former senator Bob Dole, a pillar of the Republican Party and a staunch supporter of President Trump during his campaign, has accused the president of threatening one of the proudest achievements of my lifetime - by cutting a programme that has provided school meals to more than 40 million children in some of the world's poorest countries.
The McGovern-Dole Food for Education Program, a bipartisan aid enterprise championed by Dole and his Democratic Senate colleague George McGovern in the early aughts, was a casualty of the White House budget proposal released last Thursday.
Since 2003, McGovern-Dole has provided school meals in 40 of the world's most impoverished nations, including several that are currently approaching famine.
Trump's budget recommended eliminating the programme, however, citing concerns that it lacks evidence that it is being effectively implemented.
Eliminating the McGovern-Dole programme would have a disastrous effect on the planets most vulnerable children, Dole wrote in a statement provided exclusively to The Washington Post. Without a reliable source of nutrition, these children face a lifetime of stunted physical and mental development and unrealised opportunity. This global school meals programme remains one of the proudest achievements of my lifetime. It embodies the very best of Americas values. Saving this programme means saving lives. Its as simple as that.
Other food aid veterans were quick to praise the programme.
I think the programme is working very well. And it seems mean-spirited to end it, said Dan Glickman, the former secretary of agriculture under President Bill Clinton.
Relative to other foreign aid programmes, McGovern-Dole is both small and narrowly tailored: The Department of Agriculture requested $182 million to fund it this year, with the bulk of that money going toward commodity purchases and grants.
That is on par with the cost of Food for Progress, a USDA foreign-aid programme designed to boost local agriculture, which requested $175 million for 2017. It is minor compared with the food aid programmes administered by the US Agency for International Development, which took a 28 percent cut in President Trumps proposed budget. USAID requested $1.35 billion for its Food for Peace Title II programme alone, which provides commodities in countries facing emergencies such as wars or famines. Still, experts say McGovern-Dole is significant.
Each year, the USDA identifies a number of countries that would make good candidates for the peacetime programme - countries that suffer high rates of food insecurity and illiteracy but have stable and education-invested governments. McGovern-Dole then awards monetary grants and commodities on a competitive basis to third-party organisations with existing humanitarian infrastructures, such as the United Nations World Food Programme. Those organisations administer the programme on the ground, providing daily meals, and related logistical support, to local schoolchildren.
McGovern-Dole can be transformative in the communities where we work, said Steve Taravella, a spokesman for the World Food Programme. These are children who, in most cases, would have no full meal except the one that McGovern-Dole gives them.
The programme is not intended merely as food aid, however: It has also historically stressed education and community health. Providing meals at school increases school attendance rates, particularly among girls whose parents might otherwise see more value in keeping them home to do domestic work. As such, McGovern-Dole doesnt only track how many kids it has fed but also how many kids went to school, received medications and learned to read as a result of the programme.
Weve found that school meals are a wonderful incentive to get students, especially girls, to come to school, Taravella said.
WFP is one of 11 organisations that has funding through McGovern-Dole. It runs McGovern-Dole school-feeding programmes in 14 countries, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Cote dIvoire, Ethiopia and Rwanda.
Active USDA food assistance projects (USDA)
In Ethiopia, WFP operates in the Afar and Somali districts of Ethiopia, where it provides daily portions of corn-soy porridge, plus transportation and logistic assistance, to 263,000 students. According to a February 2016 evaluation by the USDA, the programme has increased school enrolment in Somali from 64 percent to nearly 100, and in Afar from 35 percent to 60 percent. Enrollment by gender also approached parity in the schools the programme targeted: up to 95 girls for every 100 boys, compared with nine girls for every 100 boys in schools where there was no intervention.
In Kenya - another WFP country - McGovern-Dole has provided more than $67 million since 2008, providing meals for 700,000 children annually. A 2015 report on the project, produced by an outside auditor for WFP and the USDA, found that the meals had improved school attendance, and that students got roughly a third of their daily calories from them. The programme had also begun transferring administration over to the Kenyan government.
The benefits of the McGovern-Dole programme go well beyond reducing the level of food insecurity among children in developing countries, Dole wrote. Because its designed to graduate to local community control, the McGovern-Dole programme is building more sustainable communities empowered with their own tools to fight hunger.
That is significant, given that both Ethiopia and Kenya face an impending food crisis as a historic drought drags on in East Africa. USAID has declared a food crisis in parts of both countries and a food emergency - the designation just below famine - to wide swaths of neighbouring South Sudan. In that country, as well as Somalia, Yemen and Nigeria, more than 20 million people face starvation, according to the United Nations.
Without McGovern-Dole funding, the school-feeding projects in both Ethiopia and Kenya will be much smaller, Taravella said. That concerns both Taravella and other nongovernmental organisations that partner with McGovern-Dole. Project Concern International, which administers McGovern-Dole programmes in Guatemala, Nicaragua and Tanzania, issued a statement about Trumps proposed budget on Thursday.
A USAID food insecurity forecast for June to September 2017 predicts food stress (yellow), crisis (orange), emergency (red) and famine (dark red) across East Africa. The exclamation points - in Tanzania, Somalia, Ethiopia and elsewhere - indicate counties whose food insecurity status would be worse, if not for foreign aid donations (Famine Early Warning Systems Network/USAID)
US investments have contributed to the largest reductions in extreme poverty ever recorded in human history, chief executive Carrie Hessler-Radelet said. The Administrations proposed budget cut to lifesaving health, food security, and humanitarian programmes will compromise the development gains of recent years and weaken our own security and global leadership.
That isnt to say that McGovern-Dole is a flawless programme - few programmes are, said Glickman, the former agriculture secretary. In 2011, the programme was audited by the Government Accountability Office, which found that the USDA had not done enough to evaluate and monitor its partner organizations. It has also been criticised by conservative groups like the Heritage Foundation, which say that it duplicates the efforts of other, USAID-run food programmes, and by some conservative lawmakers, who have said that it is not tied to a specific national security interest.
But champions of McGovern-Dole argue that it does not overlap with other programmes because of its narrow focus on school meals and its aim to improve both nutrition and literacy. That is unique among US food aid programmes, which generally address these issues separately.
And aside from the humanitarian issues inherent in cancelling a major food aid programme, several of the countries served by McGovern-Dole are strategic allies of the United States, noted Kimberly Flowers, the director of the Global Food Security Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Kenya and Ethiopia border Somalia, the base for the militant group al-Shabab. Boko Haram, another militant group, began in Nigeria and has since ventured out to other countries in West Africa.
The United States doesnt need those countries only as partners in the war on terrorism, Flowers said, it also needs their civil societies to remain stable. Thats undermined by issues like food insecurity.
The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
When we improve nutrition overseas, we improve our own national security, Flowers said. Its all interconnected. But this administration doesnt seem to get those linkages.
Even if food aid is not a priority to Trump, however, McGovern-Dole may not necessarily be axed. The final budget will be passed by Congress - and lawmakers face a lot of pressure to preserve the programme. The farming community has long supported it, said Bob Young, the chief economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation. Its also backed by a broad coalition of charities and religious groups, including Save the Children, Catholic Relief Services and Bread for the World.
It has had strong bipartisan support every year, and it still does, Glickman said. Look, its a programme that promotes the ending of extreme poverty My guess is Congress will not approve attempts to end it.
The Washington Post
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You should know a couple of things before we embark on a recap of Sesame Streets surprisingly vicious takedowns of Donald Trump, which span three decades leading up to his political rise.
First: Trump is most often depicted as a grouch - unpleasant monsters who base their culture and economy around garbage. So when Donald Grump appears in a 2005 episode as a badly toupeed muppet whose name equals trash, thats not necessarily an insult.
The other thing is that Trump, as President of the United States, wants to end public television funding that created Sesame Street - more often known for lessons on counting and sharing than biting satire.
There are only three known episodes in which the character Grump appears, each time playing the villain in a moral allegory.
Whenever Grump visits Sesame Street, chaos is not far behind.
We know of nothing to suggest any link between these skits and Trumps budget proposal. He is not the first president to desire the elimination of public broadcasting funds. And because the show now airs on HBO, Trumps plan is unlikely to destroy Sesame Street, as Grump tried so hard to do.
Like Trump, Grumps ambitions started out big and got huge. He first appears in an episode in the late 1980s - a grouch in a tacky fedora, knocking on Oscars iconic trash can to offer a deal.
Grumps the name. Ronald Grump, he says. Im a builder.
That was Trumps fame too, then. The original Trump Tower in New York had opened a few years earlier.
Grump shows Oscar a colour rendering of six trash cans stacked on top of each other.
Grump Tower, he says, giving the u a faux-European pronunciation. Its a duplex can-dominium.
Oscar is intrigued. His friend Maria is horrified.
We dont want that monstrosity on this spot!
But Grump entices Oscar to sign a contract - essentially bribing him with a free room in the tower and three bags of trash.
In the next scene, the dented trash can that generations of children had grown up watching is gone. A shabby stack of Grump cans stands in place of Oscars old home.
Isnt it tony? Oscar brags from the top of the tower.
But then Grump notices the grouchs worm and elephant friends living below.
Get em out! he snaps. No pets in the contract.
Trump, too, had his tenant issues. In the 1970s, the New York Times notes, the Justice Department sued him and his father for allegedly refusing to rent to black people. The developers settled with the government, admitting no guilt.
A few years later, as the Atlantic recounted, renters accused Trump of cutting off their heat and water and using other intimidation tactics to kick them out of a building. Trump sued them for $150 million.
Back on Sesame Street, Oscar was in a bind. He either had to put Slimy and Fluffy out on the street, go homeless, or pay Grump 40 bags of trash to get his old can back, which would leave him in poverty.
Appeals to Grumps conscience did no good. Oscar was only saved when his friends cobbled together their own trash bags to pay off Grump and get rid of his tower.
Goodbye Mr. Grump, Oscar says, laughing.
But Grump would be back.
Real estate tycoon Ronald Grump has announced plans to demolish Sesame Street and create a lavish new Grump Tower, a dire Barbara Walters announced in 1994, at the beginning of the shows 25th anniversary special.
It had been years since Grump last showed his face on the block. Now he was played by Joe Pesci, trying to pitch a crowd on his plan to build a combination tower, restaurant and theme park. Historic Sesame Street would be turned into a luxury boutique in the lobby.
Trust me, you wont miss all this, Grump says - then flies into a rage at the first sign of dissent.
I tried to be nice to you people! You got two weeks. Pack up and leave.
The muppets are despondent. If we dont do something about Mr. Grump, Elmo think we will be history, Elmo says.
Over the course of the special, Grump physically intimidates Benny Rabbit and sort of hits on a reporter played by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
The muppets try to win him over. With clip montages. (This is an anniversary show from the mid-90s, after all.) But the memory of a little girl kissing Kermit the Frog after being taught to count leaves the Grump deeply and profoundly disgusted.
If theres one thing I despise, its cheap sentiment, he says.
Finally, Big Bird recalls Sesame Streets greatness. He leads all the residents in a march to stop Grump. They find him once again trying to con Oscar into moving out of his trash can. Grump Towers would-be tenants refuse to mingle with grouches.
In a deus-ex-machina twist that baffled at least one critic, Oscar reveals that his can is government property, and so Trump cant force him out.
This neighbourhood does not deserve a Grump Tower anyway, Grumps says. Then he joins all the muppets in a celebratory song to end the episode, because thats just how childrens TV sometimes works.
By the way: If you have any nostalgia for vintage Sesame Street, do not watch Pescis outtakes from the anniversary special.
Seriously, dont.
More than 10 years went by after the special. In the real world, Trump made his first flirtations with politics and began honing his public image as the severe host of Celebrity Apprentice.
In 2005, his likeness returned to Sesame Street as Donald Grump: a grouch again, but now in an orange wig - and famous among muppets for his reality show and spectacular wealth.
With a great rumble, Grump popped out of a can atop a table strewn with Grump-branded trash.
The muppets chanted: Grump! Grump! Grump!
Im the trashiest, Im the grouchiest Grump, he sang.
And then, as he always did, Grump sowed division on Sesame Street.
He enlisted the muppets into a contest to become his helper, making them compete with each other to perform menial tasks, like sorting his old sneakers.
When a pair of grouches performance displeased him, Grump told them to leave Sesame Street.
Dont forget your suitcases, he said.
The contest narrowed to a match-up between Elmo, Oscar and his girlfriend, Grundgetta. But the latter two spent all their time arguing with each other about the prize.
In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Show all 30 1 /30 In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President-elect Donald Trump acknowledges guests as he arrives on the platform at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Donald Trump is sworn in as the 45th president of the United States by Chief Justice John Roberts as Melania Trump looks on during the 58th Presidential Inauguration at the U.S. Capitol in Washington AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump shakes hands with Justice John Roberts after taking the oath at inauguration ceremonies swearing in Trump as the 45th president of the United States Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump President Donald Trump raises his fists after his inauguration on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President-elect Donald Trump greets outgoing President Barack Obama before Trump is inaugurated during ceremonies on the Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump resident-elect Donald Trump arrives on the platform of the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Attendees partake in the inauguration ceremonies to swear in Donald Trump as the 45th president of the United States at the U.S. Capitol in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump US President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address during ceremonies at the US Capitol in Washington DC Getty In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. President Donald Trump waves with wife Melania during the Inaugural Parade in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters registered their rage against the new president Friday in a chaotic confrontation with police who used pepper spray and stun grenades in a melee just blocks from Donald Trump's inaugural parade route. Scores were arrested for trashing property and attacking officers AP In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators protest against US President Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A woman holds a sign before the start of the Presidential Inauguration of Donald Trump at Freedom Plaza in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Anti-Trump protesters prepare banners for a protest against the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, in Berlin REUTERS In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators shout slogans against US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators march, block foot traffic and clash with U.S. Capitol Police at the entry checkpoints for the Inauguration of Donald Trump Alamy Live News In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators display a banner as people arrive for US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A man displays a placard as people lineup to get into the National Mall for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump in Washington DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump raise their hands as they are surrounded by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A demonstrator wearing a mask depicting Donald Trump protests outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Demonstrators hold placards as they protest outside the US Embassy in London Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former US President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush arrive for the Presidential Inauguration at the US Capitol Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden share an umbrella as President Donald Trump delivers his inaugural address at the inauguration in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Former Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton and former President Bill Clinton arrive on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump U.S. Vice President Mike Pence takes the oath of office on the West Front of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, DC Getty Images In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Advisors to President-elect Donald Trump, Kellyanne Conway and Steve Bannon depart from services at St. John's Church during the Presidential Inauguration in Washington Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump take cover as they are hit by pepper spray by police on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump An activist demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump is helped after being hit by pepper spray on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer tries to tackle a protester demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump Reuters/Adrees Latif In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump Police arrest and detain a protester in the street in Washington DC Rex In pictures: Protests, pomp and Donald Trump A police officer falls to the ground as another shoots pepper spray at protesters demonstrating against U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the inauguration in Washington DC Reuters
Elmo worked the hardest and won all the events. In a fit of cruelty, Grump cut him anyway.
He chose as his apprentices the two other grouches. Because, he explained, they were caustic and ineffective at their jobs.
Ive got a reputation to think of, Grump said.
The Washington Post
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A retired police chief says he was detained at John F. Kennedy International Airport and held for 90 minutes earlier this month because of his name.
Hassan Aden, 52, of Alexandria, Virginia spent 26 years with the Alexandria Police Department before leaving in 2012 to become chief of police in Greenville, North Carolina. He retired from the 250-person force in 2015.
Aden says he was returning from Paris on March 13, where he had been celebrating his mother's 80th birthday.
When he arrived at customs at JFK, he expected to be handed back his passport and told "welcome home" like everyone else. Instead, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer asked him: "Are you traveling alone?" Aden replied he was and the officer said, "Let's take a walk," in Aden's recollection.
"I was like 'oh boy, here we go' " said Aden, an Italian-born naturalized American citizen who has lived in the United States for 42 years.
He said he was escorted to a makeshift office, prohibited from using his cellphone and given little information about the reason for the holdup. At one point, Aden said he asked an officer how much time could pass for a detention to be considered reasonable. The officer replied that Aden wasn't being detained.
But inside the room, where there were three desks staffed by CBP employees and two dozen chairs, signs read "Remain seated at all times" and "Use of telephones strictly prohibited."
"Two signs that this was not voluntary; this was indeed a detention," Aden said.
Aden said he told an officer he was a retired police chief and a career law enforcement officer, but the man said he had "no control" over the situation and it "didn't matter" what his job was. Another officer explained that someone on a "watch list" had been using Aden's name as an alias, and his information was being cross-checked with another agency, Aden said.
A spokeswoman for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said in an email Sunday that she could not comment on Aden's specific case due to the federal Privacy Act, "but all travelers arriving to the U.S. are subject to CBP inspection."
"At times, travellers may be inconvenienced as we work through the arrival process to ensure those entering the country are doing so legitimately and lawfully," she said.
She pointed to the agency's nondiscrimination policy that bars race or ethnicity from being considered in screening "in all but the most exceptional circumstances."
Aden is the son of an Italian mother and Somali father. He lamented what he describes as the country's shift toward "cold, unwelcoming" policies such as President Donald Trump's travel ban.
"It just feels like ever since the talk of the travel ban it's like now there's actually - there's some tangible experience . . . of that talk," he said.
The travel ban, which seeks to block entry to the U.S. by people from six Muslim-majority countries, is on hold after two judges issued rulings blocking it.
While he is not Muslim, Aden said such policies - and the attached rhetoric - could lead to attitudes that would make authorities suspicious of his name.
Aden, who heads a consulting firm specializing in police and criminal justice reform, said he understands Customs and Border Protection's duty, but said he was treated unfairly - especially because the detention stretched for more than an hour.
"I fully support the mission of the Customs and Border Protection agency," he said. "And I fully appreciate the difficulty of their job and the dangers of their job. What I question here is essentially their policies and what they view as a reasonable detention. And I would venture to say that 90 minutes is an unreasonable detention when there is no probable cause to believe that a crime has occurred."
Said the CBP spokeswoman: "We strive to process arriving travelers as efficiently and securely as possible while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations governing the international arrival process."
Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum, a Washington, D.C.-based independent police think tank that focuses on public policy issues, said Aden - who is a member of the organization - was treated unfairly.
"I know Hassan. When he was a police chief and also when he was deputy chief in Alexandria. ... What I read was, he wasn't questioning them stopping him and asking him questions. What he questioned was why it took an hour and a half to resolve the situation," Wexler said.
Aden said he is a frequent traveler and when his wife worried that something like this might happen in advance of his trip, he shrugged it off, thinking "no way."
"This experience makes me question if this is indeed home," Aden said on Facebook. "My freedoms were restricted, and I cannot be sure it won't happen again, and that it won't happen to my family, my children, the next time we travel abroad. This country now feels ... in the beginning stages of a country that is isolating itself from the rest of the world - and its own people - in an unprecedented fashion."
The incident robbed him of that sense of comfort, he said.
"I feel . . . vulnerable and I feel as though citizens and foreign nationals have zero control about what happens and there's no accountability for what happens in there," he said.
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Finally after about an hour, a friendlier officer took over and took an interest in Aden's case, he said. He said she prodded the other agency for updates and eventually cleared him for entry.
Aden, who uses TSA PreCheck, sailed through security and made his afternoon flight to D.C., he said.
As the ordeal unfolded, Aden said, "I wondered about others. What happens to people when they don't know any better?"
"I'm sure it's terrorising a lot of people and not making us any safer."
Wexler, too, raised concerns about the treatment of everyday citizens.
"It really doesn't matter whether Hassan was a police officer or former deputy chief," Wexler. "What matters is that he should have been treated with respect."
Washington Post
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The former Labour Secretary has compared the Presidents daughter moving into an office in the White House as a coup before the Trump family prepares to "loot the country".
Robert Reich, who served under the Bill Clinton administration and has been a strong critic of Mr Trumps alleged conflicts of interest, was quick to react to the news that Ms Trump would be setting up in the West Wing.
Ivanka into the White House? Its like a coup, and the dictators family is moving into the palace as it prepares to the loot the country, he wrote on twitter.
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In a longer post on Facebook, he said the "utter disdain of the Trumps for ethics is jaw-dropping".
"Doesnt the Trump administration have enough ethics problems? Arent there already enough conflicts of interest to sink a ship?" he wrote.
Ms Trumps lawyer, Jamie Gorelick, told Politico that the 35-year-old will be given government communication devices and will be provided classified security clearance.
She also said they were still working out potential conflicts of interest with Ms Trump's jewelery brand, from which she has taken a step back while her father is President.
Her office will be next door to Dina Powell, a member of the National Security Council.
Ms Trump, wife of the Presidents senior adviser Jared Kushner, said she will voluntarily follow the ethics code, although she will not be paid or sworn into office. In contrast, her husband is a paid government official and has to abide by government ethics laws.
Ms Trump will reportedly act as the eyes and ears of the President and continue to attend meetings with foreign leaders, as she has done with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Canadian leader Justin Trudeau.
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Norm Eisen, a former ethics chief in the Barack Obama administration, said: Theyre not saying shes going to voluntarily subject herself to ethics rules to be nice.
Theres recognition that they're in very uncertain territory here.
Bernadette Meehan, a former Foreign Service Officer and former spokesperson for the Obama administrations National Security Council, wrote on twitter: I had a security clearance & West Wing office. @IvankaTrump diminishes the value of expertise & hard work it took me & others to get there.
Shaun King, a senior justice writer and activist, simply called the news disturbing
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Ivanka Trump is reported to have been given a prominent role in the White House, despite not technically serving as a government employee.
Donald Trumps daughter has set up an office in the West Wing, will be given government communication devices and be handed classified security clearance, according to her attorney.
The 35-year-old will also voluntarily comply with ethics rules even though she has no official position, will not be paid a salary, and will not be sworn in.
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The latest developments follow Ms Trump, often hailed as the de facto First Lady of the property billionaires campaign, insisting she will play no formal role in her fathers administration.
The attorney Jamie Gorelick told Politico on Monday that Ms Trump will serve as the Presidents eyes and ears.
Having an adult child of the President who is actively engaged in the work of the administration is new ground, admitted Ms Gorelick.
Our view is that the conservative approach is for Ivanka to voluntarily comply with the rules that would apply if she were a government employee, even though she is not.
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Ms Gorelick, who also represents Ms Trumps husband and senior White House advisor Jared Kushner, said there were still conflicts of interest surrounding her eponymous jewellery label that are being worked upon.
Ms Trump, who stepped down from the brand as its head, sat next to Angela Merkel during the German chancellors first official White House visit last week.
Ms Trumps office will reportedly sit next door to senior adviser Dina Powell, who was recently promoted to a National Security Council position.
People close to Ms Trump, according to Politico, say she sees nothing unusual about the arrangement.
But Norm Eisen, a former ethics chief in the Barack Obama administration, said: Theyre not saying shes going to voluntarily subject herself to ethics rules to be nice.
Theres recognition that they're in very uncertain territory here.
Richard Painter, a University of Minnesota law professor who served as George W Bush's chief White House lawyer on ethics, said Ms Trump is effectively working as a White House employee.
A spokeswoman for Ms Trump told Politico her role was signed off on by the White House counsels office and that the conflict issues were worked through with the office of government ethics.
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A mother and son have pleaded guilty to incest after "falling in love.
Monica Mares and her son Caleb Peterson were arrested last year after an argument with a neighbour led to the police being alerted to their relationship.
The pair accepted a plea deal and will avoid jail, but have to stay away from each other until 2018, reports MailOnline.
Mares met Peterson for the first time in 18 years after he was given up for adoption as a baby. They got in contact via Facebook towards the end of 2015, before the 37-year-old picked up her son from his adoptive fathers home in Texas.
The pair quickly developed romantic feelings, before the relationship became sexual a few weeks later.
It felt like I met somebody new in my life and I fell in love with him, she told MailOnline in 2016.
She continued: "At first I told him, 'I'm sorry I don't know how you are going to react to this. I'm your mom and you're my son, but I'm falling in love with you'."
She said she had been attacked outside her home and subjected to death threats after locals in her town of Clovis, New Mexico, heard the news.
But if told to choose between her other nine children and Peterson, Id choose him, she said.
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In a separate interview, Peterson told the website he started falling in love with his mother about a week after meeting her. It went beyond a mother-son relationship, I never really viewed her as my mum, he said.
The first time he kissed her, we were hanging out just talking and I looked at her and she looked at me and I kissed her.
It was a real kiss, it had feelings behind it, there was a spark that ever since then it just stayed.
The 20-year-old argued they were both consenting adults.
In August the pair went public with their story to raise awareness of Genetic Sexual Attraction (GSA) sexual attraction between close relatives who first meet as adults.
The term was coined in the 1980s by Barbara Gonyo, founder of Truth Seekers in Adoption, a support group for adoptees and their new found relatives.
Ms Gonyo says romantic and erotic arousal may be the delayed consequence of missed bonding" that normally takes place between a mother and her new born infant, or between siblings, had they not have been separated by adoption.
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Donald Trump's pick for the Supreme Court, Neil Gorsuch has assured a Senate committee that he has never asked to make any promises on rulings by the President's administration that he would have "walked out the door" if he had been asked to overturn the groundbreaking abortion-rights case, Roe v. Wade.
The Senate Judiciary Committee are meeting for the second day of Mr Gorsuchs confirmation hearing for a Supreme Court seat, amid concerns from Democrats that Mr Gorsuch will be beholden to the man that nominated him.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa, chair of the Judiciary Committee, began by questioning Mr Gorsuch on his independence from politics.
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Mr Gorsuch said that was a softball question, easy for him to answer definitively.
I decide cases...it makes me think of [Supreme Court Justice] Byron White, Mr Gorsuch said. He noted that he admired Mr Whites fierce, rugged independence.
Mr Gorsuch went on to cite the Oath of Supreme Court Justices, saying [I will] administer justice without respect to persons, and do equal right to the poor and to the rich.
I leave all the other stuff at home, said Mr Gorsuch.
When I became a judge, they gave me a gavel not a rubber stamp, Mr Gorsuch said, adding that no one, including the President, was above the law.
One of the biggest concerns for Democrats and womens rights advocates groups is President Trumps promise to nominate a Supreme Court judge that would overturn Roe v. Wade.
In 1973, the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the right to privacy outlined in the due process clause of the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution could be extended to include a womens right to get an abortion within the first 13 weeks of pregnancy.
Advocates worry that if the case is overturned, not only would women seeking an abortion be forced to give birth to children they could not care for, but unsafe abortions would increase, and it could set a dangerous precedent for rulings on birth control and other womens health rights.
The Supreme Court in part makes decisions on new cases based on rulings in past Supreme Court cases, and Mr Grassley questioned Mr Gorsuch regarding precedent.
Mr Gorsuch said Supreme Court precedents deserve respect, even as he sidestepped answering whether he thought a series of contentious cases from the past had been decided correctly. He said it would be "beginning of the end" of the independent judiciary if judges had to indicate how they would rule in future cases.
Bringing in Roe v Wade, Mr Gorsuch said precedent is like [judges] shared family history, it deserves respect.
A good judge would consider [Roe v. Wade] precedent and rule accordingly, said Mr Gorsuch.
He noted that he would not sit in front of the committee and say what was his favourite or least favourite precedent, noting that good judges would not do that because it signals pre-judgement rather than ruling on the facts presented in a case.
I didnt want that kind of judge as a lawyer, Mr Gorsuch said.
California Democrat Senator Dianne Feinstein pushed Mr Gorsuch on whether he thinks Roe v. Wade had super precedent.
Mr Gorsuch said following precedent adds to the determinacy of lawits part of the reason the rule of law works so well in the US.
Roe v. Wade has been reaffirmed...dozens of times when challenged in subsequent Supreme Court cases, Ms Feinstein pushed again.
Mr Gorsuch agreed, it has been reaffirmed several times.
Mr Trump has repeatedly assailed the judiciary both as a candidate and since taking office. Mr Trump condemned federal judges who have put on hold his two executive orders to ban the entry into the United States of people from several Muslim-majority countries.
In a Twitter post during the hearing on Tuesday, Mr Trump praised Gorsuch as the kind of judge we need for the high court.
Democratic Senator Sheldon Whitehouse pressed Gorsuch to call for the anonymous financial backers behind the Judicial Crisis Network conservative legal advocacy group's $10 million campaign supporting his nomination to identify themselves, but the nominee refused to do so, saying he would not engage in politics. But Mr Gorsuch added, Nobody speaks for me.
If Mr Gorsuch is confirmed by the Senate, as expected, he would restore a narrow 5-4 conservative court majority. The seat has been vacant for 13 months, since the death of conservative justice Antonin Scalia. Democrats have only a slim chance of blocking his nomination in the Republican-led Senate. Some Democrats have said Republicans stole a Supreme Court seat last year when the Senate refused to consider Democratic former President Barack Obama's nominee to replace
The Court's ideological leaning could help determine the outcome of cases involving the death penalty, abortion, gun control, environmental regulations, transgender rights, voting rights, immigration, religious liberty, presidential powers and more.
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The Trump administration is boycotting the Human Rights Council, saying the organisation is biased against Israel.
The Human Rights Council, a 47-member body within the United Nations in Geneva that is tasked with protecting human rights, has a permanent agenda item regarding Israel and the Palestinian territories.
The Council is currently in its 34th regular session but US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley issued a statement saying the US feels the Council is being unfair because Israel is the only country permanently on the bodys calendar.
She said that other than to vote against the outrageous, one-sided, anti-Israel resolutions, the US will not discuss the so called item on the US ally in the middle east.
CBS reports that targeting of Israel has decreased in recent years.
After the US joined the Council in 2009, the number of resolutions passed against Israel went down to 40 percent, and further decreased to less than 20 percent in 2016.
The US still retains is right to vote on other agenda items the Council discusses.
The State Departments acting spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement that it does not serve the interests of the Council to single out one country in an unbalanced matter.
He called the permanent agenda item on Israel among the largest threats to the credibility of the Council.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is considering whether to withdraw completely from the Council because of the Israeli agenda item.
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A popular Cinco de Mayo celebration in Philadelphia has been cancelled amid fear of immigration raids.
The Carnaval de Puebla en Philadelphia annually draws some 15,000 attendees to its colourful combination of vendors, music and performances. Organisers told Al Dia that 60 per cent of participants come from other cities, and some from as far as Mexico. Now, organisers fear it could become a target for agents from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The safety and welfare of our fellow carnival people and their families is very important to [our organisation,] the group wrote on Facebook. Getting to Philadelphia requires travelling from several cities of the region. We know that everything is uncertain, [and] we don't want them to run the risk.
This fear, organisers say, stems from Trump administration crackdowns on undocumented immigrants. The Department of Homeland Security recently released new guidelines for border control agencies that expand the range of people who can be targeted for deportation. Philly.com reported almost 200 undocumented immigrants were arrested in Pennsylvania in the last month alone. Several arrests occurred outside a local criminal court, and one inside a neighborhood corner store.
We know pretty much that ICE is driving around, organiser David Pina told ABC. The fear is the people come from other cities, come to participate here and maybe on the way they get stopped, and they ask for any legal papers and they don't have them.
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ICE spokespeople told CNN that the Carnaval organisers have no cause for concern, and that the organisation does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately.
But Alicia Kerber-Palma, Mexico's consul general in Philadelphia, called the organisers fear logical in the face of growing anti-immigrant sentiments. She had been working with the group to bring in performers from the Mexican city of Puebla.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney told NBC 10 he was devastated that ICE activity had made residents too fearful to celebrate. Organisers, however, promised the celebration would be back next year.
We are sure that [next year] will be a great celebration as has always been, they wrote on Facebook. Today we just want solidarity, because together we will come through these uncertain times.
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The former chief ethics counsel to President George W Bush has suggested the Queen pair up with former President Barack Obama to sue Donald Trump over his libellous claims that they wiretapped him.
Obama could now have a co-plaintiff in a libel suit against Trump, tweeted Richard Painter, one of the lawyers behind a case which alleges the President has conflicts of interest with his business empire. If only they were willing.
The current US President held strong that both parties subjected him to illegal surveillance at Trump Tower before the election, despite FBI Director James Comey declaring this week before the House Intelligence Committee that he had no evidence to prove it.
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GCHQ in the UK and Mr Obamas spokesperson also denied ordering the now President to be put under surveillance. The Royal Communications office declined to comment to The Independent.
Despite highly stringent libel laws in the UK, it would be unlikely for the head of states office to launch a lawsuit against the new President.
Mr Trump is scheduled to visit the Queen in October at Buckingham Palace. It was arranged for June but it was delayed following protests in the UK against Mr Trumps controversial policies.
The Queen and her Prime Ministers Show all 15 1 /15 The Queen and her Prime Ministers The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Liz Truss Queen Elizabeth II welcomes Liz Truss during an audience at Balmoral, Scotland, where she invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative party to become Prime Minister and form a new government in September 2022 PA The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Boris Johnson Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party, Boris Johnson during an audience where she invited him to become Prime Minister and form a new government in Buckingham Palace on July 24, 2019 in London Getty Images The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Theresa May Queen Elizabeth II meets Prime Minister Theresa May in July 2016 AFP/Getty The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and David Cameron Prime Minister David Cameron greets Queen Elizabeth II as his wife Samantha (L) and The Duke of Edinburgh (R) look on in Downing Street on June 21, 2011 Getty Images The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Gordon Brown Queen Elizabeth II greets Gordon Brown at Buckingham Palace for an audience at which he tendered his resignation as Prime Minister, on May 11, 2010 in London Getty The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Tony Blair Britains Prime Minister Tony Blair welcoming Britains Queen Elizabeth II at No 10 Downing Street in London, 29 April 2002 AFP/Getty Images The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and John Major Queen Elizabeth II speaks to former Prime Minister John Major as Lord Douro looks on as she opens the refurbished East Wing of Somerset House, on February 29, 2011 in London Getty The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Margaret Thatcher Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher curtseys to Queen Elizabeth II as she arrives for a dinner at 10 Downing Street, London, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Prime Minister's office PA The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and James Callaghan Queen Elizabeth II welcoming Prime Minister James Callaghan and French President Valery Giscard d'Estaing for a lunch at Windsor Castle PA The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Edward Heath The Queen, Prime Minister Edward Heath and the Duke of Edinburgh (centre, background) in the foyer of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, in January 1973 PA The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Harold Wilson British Prime Minister Harold Wilson shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II outside 10 Downing Street, following his resignation, London, March 24th 1976 Getty The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Alec Douglas-Home Alec Douglas-Home (second from the left) with Queen Elizabeth II and other former PMs at 10 Downing Street in December 1985 PA The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Harold Macmillan Former British prime minister Harold Macmillan (1894 - 1986) gives a speech at the inauguration ceremony of a memorial to John F Kennedy at Runnymede while Queen Elizabeth listens Getty The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Anthony Eden Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden with Queen Elizabeth II at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London, in October 1955 PA The Queen and her Prime Ministers Queen Elizabeth II and Winston Churchill Watched by Lady Churchill, Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill bows low to Queen Elizabeth II as he welcomes her and the Duke of Edinburgh to 10 Downing Street for dinner in April 1955 PA
Prime Minister Theresa May visited Mr Trump in Washington DC in January, the first foreign leader to pay such a visit, to ensure US-UK trade deals would continue after Brexit.
The allegedly libellous allegations against Mr Trump's predecessor and the head of state in the UK, as Mr Painter described them, have a touch of irony given that Mr Trump promised Americans he would open up our libel laws to attack freedom of the press.
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 first tweeted that he had been wiretapped on 4 March, based on reports from Fox News and state-sponsored news outlet RT Today. Critics accused the President of making up the claims to distract attention from the alleged ties between his campaign and Russian operatives before and after the election, which he has denied.
But Mr Comey, speaking on behalf of the Department of Justice and the FBI, testified that no President could directly order a wiretap.
With respect to the president's tweets about alleged wiretapping directed at him by the prior administration, I have no information that supports those tweets, he told the committee.
Mr Painters tweet about the Queen suing the President prompted amusement.
One tweeter joked: She said: One is seriously f***ing tempted. But it wouldn't be quite the thing.
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Texas Republicans have pushed forward another bill to restrict women's reproductive rights by allowing doctors to lie about foetal anomalies.
Senate bill 25, which is waiting for the final vote this week in the state senate, would prevent parents from suing their care provider if their baby is born with a disability, even if their doctor discovered the condition when the woman was pregnant and failed to inform her.
Advocates of the bill say it would protect children with disabilities, but critics say it is another attempt to curb abortion by limiting the number of reasons a woman might seek the procedure.
The same bill, which stops parents from filing a wrongful birth lawsuit, was introduced in 2015 but failed to become law.
Social media user Megan Gordon wrote that the bill was not fair for parents who wanted time to prepare and research for the case that their child was born with a disability.
"Any doctor who withholds medical information from a patient is committing malpractice," she said. "It is not up to the doctor, nor the legislature, what a parent can and cannot handle with regards to a child."
Texas considered several anti-abortion bills this week, including Senate Bill 415, which would ban a common, safe procedure used for second trimester abortions. Republicans are calling it a dismemberment abortion ban and it also passed the first vote.
As the Senate chamber mulled the bills, a group of Texas women entered the room wearing red robes and white caps, as portrayed in Margaret Atwoods dystopian novel The Handmaids Tale. The novel tells the story of a world in which women have no rights and many have to live as breeders and wear the heavy robes.
There have been an increasing number of state bills introduced across the country to limit womens reproductive rights, an attempt to erode Roe v Wade. The 1973 federal law guarantees a women a right to an abortion at certain stages of her pregnancy.
There have been over 200 such bills since 2010.
At his senate confirmation hearing, new Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he would support Roe v Wade even though he still believed it was the worst colossal erroneous decision made by Congress.
Other measures to prevent abortions across the country include unnecessarily anaesthetising women during the procedure in Utah; forcing Arizona doctors to lie to patients that a medication abortion is reversible, and showing women in Oklahoma an image of their unwanted foetus during an ultrasound.
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Secretary of State Rex Tillerson is skipping a major North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) Summit, opting to meet with China and Russia instead and people are worried about the message that sends.
The Nato summit is scheduled for 5-6 April, but the State Department confirmed that Mr Tillerson would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping at President Trumps Florida club, Mar-a-Lago, from 6-7 April.
He is also scheduled to visit Russia in April after a Group of 7 meeting in Italy, a State Department spokesperson told Reuters.
Mr Tillerson is set to meet with 26 of the 27 foreign ministers of Nato member countries on 22 March. The meeting will include Secretary of Defence James Mattis and will be focused solely on counterterrorism and the eradication of Isis.
Nato Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg will also be in attendance at the counterterrorism meeting. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon is supposed to represent the US at the April Nato summit.
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the move to skip the main summit sends a most unfortunate signal.
It is not unprecedented for a US Secretary of State to miss a Nato meeting. But, Jorge Benitez a Senior Fellow at the Brent Scowcroft Center on International Security and Director of NATOSource, told The Independent that it a "major issue" because "US plays a leading role in the Alliance and it is difficult to make important Nato decisions without our top leaders participating and building agreement between the 27 other allies."
Matthew Wallin, Senior Fellow at American Security Project, told The Independent that it may have just been a scheduling error[but] its an unfortunate error.
Mr Wallin said that given the proposed budget in which Mr Trump committed an extra $54 billion to defence, skipping the summit may not send a message, but could be received as one by allies.
Mr Benitez cited a Reuters report that stated Nato offered to reschedule the meeting so Mr Tillerson could meet Mr Xi, but that the State Department had refused.
"If true, Tillersons behaviour is a slap in the face to Americas strongest allies," said Mr Benitez.
The meeting would have been a good opportunity to gain much-needed multilateral diplomacy experience for the former Exxon CEO as well as sending a signal of a reciprocal relationship, explained Mr Benitez.
President Trump has been open in his criticism of Nato, calling it obsolete and saying countries who contribute less than the agreed upon two per cent of GDP like Germany, owe the US for its military assistance.
He has also said on numerous occasions that he wants a better relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a man he says he respects.
The decision to schedule a visit to Russia, not meeting officials in a third country or the US, comes the day after a House of Representatives hearing with FBI Director James Comey, who confirmed the agency is investigating ties between the Trump 2016 presidential campaign and Russia in the context of Russian interference in the election.
Mr Wallin said that though Russia, China, and Isis are important foreign policy priorities for the US for a variety of reasons, those relationships should not [come] at the expense of Nato allies.
Brian Klaas, Fellow in Comparative Politics at London School of Economics, told The Independent that if Vladimir Putin had a wishlist, near the top of it would be Trump calling NATO obsolete, then having an icy meeting with Angela Merkel, before Secretary of State Tillerson snubs NATO by missing a key summit.
These could be damaging moves to US foreign policy even without Mr Trumps rhetoric on Nato and Russia, but Mr Klaas said there is a growing distrust in the EU about Mr Trumps commitment to a Western security alliance.
Mr Trump not sending Mr Tillerson to the Nato summit is raising alarms across Europe and in the Baltic states in particular as to whether the United States truly believes in NATO and will honor its commitments to it, explained Mr Klaas.
Though Mr Tillerson will have a chance to meet Nato colleagues at the Isis meeting with Mr Mattis in Washington, Mr Klaas said security is about far more than just terrorism.
Dr Jill Russell, American military and diplomatic historian, told The Independent said relegating Tillersons relationship with Nato colleagues to the anti-Isis meeting with Defence department also sends the signal that the State Department is not a power in this administration.
Many have criticised Mr Trumps 28 per cent cut to the budget of the State Department in his proposed budget, because diplomacy is necessarily a large part of the US security agenda.
Ms Russell also noted that Nato is both a political and military alliance and that Americans generally focus too much on force and the tactical, at the risk of diplomacy and strategy.
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Donald Trumps secretary of state Rex Tillerson is planning on skipping his first meeting with Nato to stay in the US for a visit from Chinas president, before heading to Russia, it has been reported.
Four current and former US officials told the Reuters Mr Tillerson will miss the meeting of 28 Nato allies on 5 and 6 April in Brussels to instead attend the presidents Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he is expected to join talks with Chinese president Xi Jinping.
The news comes as FBI director James Comey has confirmed investigators are looking into possible links between Moscow and members of the presidents campaign team.
The Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Tom Shannon, will instead represent the US at the Nato foreign ministers meeting, a State Department spokesperson said, though the reason for Mr Tillersons absence has not been confirmed.
The spokesperson added that Mr Tillerson will be meet with the foreign ministers of 26 Nato members on Wednesday for a planned meeting of the Global Coalition to Counter Isis, but will not hold separate talks to discuss issues related to the alliance. Representatives from Croatia will not be in attendance.
After these consultations and meetings, in April [Mr Tillerson] will travel to a meeting of the G7 in Italy and then on to meetings in Russia, the spokesperson told Reuters.
British troops arrive in Estonia for Nato mission to deter Russian aggression
Representative Elliot Engel, the ranking Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, said that if the news is true, Mr Trumps organisation is making a grave error that will shake the confidence of Americas most important alliance and feed the concern that this administration is simply too cozy with Vladimir Putin, ABC reported.
Mr Trump has previously made statements about Nato that shocked other member states, questioning the organisations significance by calling it obsolete before he was sworn into office because it wasnt taking care of terror.
Following a visit from German Chancellor Angela Merkel last week the president tweeted claims that the European country owes Nato and America vast sums of money, a statement that has been rejected by German Defence Minister Ursula von der Leyen.
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Saudi Arabia is expecting President Donald Trump to reverse a US law allowing families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks to sue the kingdom, as the first law suit related to the attacks is filed in New York, it has been reported.
The Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act (Jasta) was passed in September last year, which can see foreign governments held to account for acts of terror committed on US soil.
The law allows the families of the victims of the 9/11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia and seek compensation from its government. The first lawsuit was filed in federal court in Manhattan this week, according to Pix11 News, on behalf of the families of 850 people who died and 1,500 who were injured during the attacks.
Fifteen of the 19 terrorists involved in the 9/11 attacks were Saudi, and the lawsuit, filed by aviation law firm Kreindler & Kreindler, alleges Saudi officials aided some of the hijackers ahead of the 2001 attacks. The kingdom denies all allegations and any involvement in the 9/11 attacks.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, Saudi Arabias energy minister Khalid al-Falih said his government was not happy about the victims law and warned there could be consequences felt abroad as a result of Jasta.
Former President Barack Obama attempted to veto the bill when he was in office, but his action was overturned by Congress.
Mr Falih told the newspaper the kingdom believes that after due consideration by the new Congress and the new administration, that corrective measures will be taken, though he did not elaborate on what the measures would be.
Senate Votes to Overrule Obama's Veto of the 9/11 Victims Bill
Mr Trump is reportedly popular with the kingdom and last week met with Saudi Arabias deputy crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, though the president has been a vocal supporter of the victims law in the past. He criticised Mr Obama for vetoing the bill, calling him shameful and claiming that it will go down as one of the low points of his presidency.
Mr Falih said the president and the crown prince did not discuss the issue in their meeting last week.
The US government has been lobbied by Saudia Arabia on the law before. In December last year Saudi foreign minister Adel al-Jubeir took an extended trip to the US in which he attempted to try and persuade them that there needs to be an amendment to the law.
Former US Secretary of State John Kerry said at the time that the new law unintentionally, I think puts our country at great risk, while Mr Obama warned that it set a dangerous precedent, allowing the US to be open to lawsuits from people in other countries who have been affected by US foreign policy.
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Tomi Lahren has been temporarily suspended from her show after revealing she believes women should be able to have abortions.
Lahren, a conservative commentator who is famed for her vitriolic viral rants, has had her nightly talk show Tomi pulled off air on conservative website The Blaze for the week.
The 24-year-old host, an ardent Donald Trump supporter who is a rising star of the right, stoked massive controversy after admitting she supported abortion rights and was pro-choice.
Appearing on The View on Friday, Lahren said it would be hypocritical for her to both support limited government intervention and assert the government is able to decide how women use their bodies.
The right-wing pundit, who has dubbed refugees rapeugees, said: "Stay out of my guns, and you can stay out of my body as well.
Conservative commentators, talk show hosts and Lahrens right-wing fanbase hounded her for the comments about abortion. Glenn Beck, founder of The Blaze, condemned her position and noted she once referred to abortion doctors as baby killers.
Lahren, who has garnered a following of 4.2 million on Facebook, hinted at the fact she had been dropped from the show on Twitter on Monday night. So I've got some 'me' time tonight. Anything good on TV? #TeamTomi, she said.
The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Show all 9 1 /9 The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the media White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer takes questions during the daily press briefing Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Trans-Pacific Partnership Union leaders applaud US President Donald Trump for signing an executive order withdrawing the US from the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations during a meeting in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington DC. Mr Trump issued a presidential memorandum in January announcing that the US would withdraw from the trade deal Getty The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Mexico wall A US Border Patrol vehicle sits waiting for illegal immigrants at a fence opening near the US-Mexico border near McAllen, Texas. The number of incoming immigrants has surged ahead of the upcoming Presidential inauguration of Donald Trump, who has pledged to build a wall along the US-Mexico border. A signature campaign promise, Mr Trump outlined his intention to build a border wall on the US-Mexico border days after taking office Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and abortion US President Donald Trump signs an executive order as Chief of Staff Reince Priebus looks on in the Oval Office of the White House. Mr Trump reinstated a ban on American financial aide being granted to non-governmental organizations that provide abortion counseling, provide abortion referrals, or advocate for abortion access outside of the United States Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the Dakota Access pipeline Opponents of the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines hold a rally as they protest US President Donald Trump's executive orders advancing their construction, at Columbus Circle in New York. US President Donald Trump signed executive orders reviving the construction of two controversial oil pipelines, but said the projects would be subject to renegotiation Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and 'Obamacare' Nancy Pelosi who is the minority leader of the House of Representatives speaks beside House Democrats at an event to protect the Affordable Care Act in Los Angeles, California. US President Donald Trump's effort to make good on his campaign promise to repeal and replace the healthcare law failed when Republicans failed to get enough votes. Mr Trump has promised to revisit the matter Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Donald Trump and 'sanctuary cities' US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in January threatening to pull funding for so-called "sanctuary cities" if they do not comply with federal immigration law AP The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and the travel ban US President Donald Trump has attempted twice to restrict travel into the United States from several predominantly Muslim countries. The first attempt, in February, was met with swift opposition from protesters who flocked to airports around the country. That travel ban was later blocked by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The second ban was blocked by a federal judge a day before it was scheduled to be implemented in mid-March SANDY HUFFAKER/AFP/Getty Images The controversial orders Donald Trump has already issued Trump and climate change US President Donald Trump sought to dismantle several of his predecessor's actions on climate change in March. His order instructed the Environmental Protection Agency to reevaluate the Clean Power Plan, which would cap power plant emissions Shannon Stapleton/Reuters
Although no official reason has been given for Lahren's on-air absence this week, on Monday, Leon Wolf, managing editor of the Blaze, told CNN Tomis show will not be in production this week.
Beck, a former Fox News host who many accuse of aiding Mr Trumps cause by mainstreaming a conspiratorial way of thinking, addressed Lahrens abortion comments on his radio show on Monday morning.
"I would disagree that you're a hypocrite if you want limited government and yet you want the government to protect life of the unborn. It's very, very clear," Beck said. "But it takes intellectual honesty, and it takes a willingness to actually think these things through and to do more than just read Twitter or Facebook to get your news and your political opinions."
But Beck insisted Lahren's position on abortion would not prevent her from working at the Texas-based multimedia company he launched in 2010.
"I don't hire people who are sycophants or who have my opinion," he said. "I try to hire people who have a different opinion because I believe in being intellectually rigorous."
Right-wing vlogger Tomi Lahren calls refugees rapeugees
Beck said a number of people have called for Lahren, who has arguably become the most visible personality at The Blaze, to be fired from the company but refused to discuss details of her employment.
"That's not for you to call. That's not appropriate to be discussed on the radio. That's in the privacy of the office of The Blaze."
Lahren clarified her stance on abortion after her initial remarks on Friday, telling one critic: "Listen, I am not glorifying abortion. I don't personally advocate for it. I just don't think it's the government's place to dictate.
The morning after her appearance, she said: "I have moderate, conservative, and libertarian views. I'm human. I will never apologise, to anyone, for being an independent thinker."
The controversial South Dakota native, who is known for her tirades about so-called feminism, liberal crap and self-righteous kneelers like Colin Kaepernick, has rapidly built up an engaged online following and hit a chord with millennials on the right. Lahrens inflammatory firebrand rhetoric and argumentative style is deliberately controversial and pits itself against political correctness.
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Donald Trumps administration is to review whether the US will keep its policy of nuclear disarmament.
Christopher Ford, the National Security Councils senior director for weapons of mass destruction and counter-proliferation, said an assessment of US policy will examine whether the aim was realistic.
Like all administrations were reviewing policy across the board, and that necessarily includes whether or not the goal of a world without nuclear weapons is in fact a realistic objective, especially in the near to medium term, in the light of current trends in the international security environment, he told the Carnegie International Nuclear Policy Conference.
Its too early to say what the answers will be looking at things with fresh eyes is not saying we will necessarily end up with different positions.
Mr Ford said there was a tension between the goal of nuclear disarmament and the security requirements of the US and its allies.
He argued that the headspace for reducing nuclear arsenals had diminished in the years since the Cold War and cuts by the US and Russia seemed unlikely while other nuclear states continue development.
Mr Trump will not accept a second place position in the nuclear weapons arena but is open to broader engagement with Russia on the issue, Mr Ford said.
He added that the current threat environment had changed substantially from when the review that established Americas current aims took place under Barack Obama in 2010.
North Koreas continued efforts to develop a long-range nuclear weapon is one issue of concern (Getty)
The nuclear adviser said the Trump administration would continue American opposition to a dangerous and misbegotten proposed treaty to ban nuclear weapons.
UN member states voted overwhelmingly to start negotiations on a legally binding instrument to prohibit nuclear weapons, leading towards their total elimination last year.
A conference on the issue will be held in New York starting on 27 March but the treaty was opposed by nuclear powers including the US, Britain, Russia, France and Israel.
Mr Trump has not made any official policy statement on nuclear weapons but has touched on the issue repeatedly in his speeches and tweets.
Questioned about his warm statements towards Vladimir Putin at a press conference in February, the President warned that war between the US and Russia would be a nuclear holocaust like no other.
Donald Trump says a Russia-US conflict would be a nuclear holocaust 'like no other'
Mr Trump has repeatedly hit out at a dangerous landmark agreement struck with Iran to limit its capability, accusing the country of being the number one terrorist state.
But Mr Ford said that unless otherwise decided, the US would adhere to the terms of the Iran nuclear deal.
The US President has also criticised North Korea in recent days, accusing Pyongyang of behaving very badly with continued efforts to develop a long-range nuclear weapon.
Before being appointed as Mr Trumps top nuclear advisor, Mr Ford was chief council for the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and worked in the bureau of arms control and international security under George W Bush.
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
Shortly after his inauguration in 2009, Mr Obama declared his ultimate aim of a world without nuclear weapons, saying their spread could lead to the extermination of any city on the planet.
In a visit to Hiroshima last year, he told survivors of the atomic bombing: Among those nations like my own that hold nuclear stockpiles, we must have the courage to escape the logic of fear and pursue a world without them.
We may not realise this goal in my lifetime but persistent effort can roll back the possibility of catastrophe.
Mr Obama was the first serving American president to visit the Japanese city, where the US dropped its first atomic bomb in 1945, killing an estimated 140,000 people.
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Donald Trump has urged fellow Republicans to rally behind the plan to repeal and replace Obamacare or else risk losing their seats as a result of angry voters.
The President travelled to Capitol Hill to try and cement support for the American Health Care Act, the bill crafted by Republicans to replace the Affordable Care Act, passed by Barack Obama and better known as Obamacare.
The bill is expected to be voted on by the House of Representatives on Thursday evening. But the legislation has faced intense criticism from both wings of the party.
Mr Trump and Health Secretary Tom Price urged Republicans to rally behind the bill (AP)
Conservatives believe it still provides too many entitlements to people, while other Republicans, along with Democrats, are concerned that an estimated 14 million people will lose their health insurance next year.
Mr Trump campaigned for the presidency with a vow to replace Obamacare, which he repeatedly said was a disaster. But as he and congressional Republicans have sought to find an alternative to the Democrats complicated, hard-won legislation, they have realised just what a challenge it is.
Mr Trump said recently: Nobody knew healthcare could be so complicated.
On Tuesday, Mr Trump reportedly told Republicans that they faced losing their seats if they did not back it. We wont have these crowds if we dont get this done, he said, according to Reuters.
He added: I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018 if you don't get this done.
Trump says 'Obamacare is dead' as he prepares to repeal and replace healthcare act
House Speaker Paul Ryan, who has been the driving force behind the bill, said afterwards: He was truly spectacular. This is part of the job that he enjoys and excels at closing the deal.
He said the President had told Republicans theyd made a promise to voters last year to repeal and replace Obamacare. Now its time to keep that promise, he said.
John McDonough, professor of the practice of public health at Harvard University, told The Independent that although Mr Trumps name was not attached to the bill, he was desperate to get it passed.
Its his first big legislative goal and he has promoted it at the highest level, he said. He has a Republican-controlled House and Senate. By any normal calculation, he should be able to get the bill passed.
He added: If he does not get it passed, not only would it mean failure for one of his marquee plans, it could also impact on everything else he tries to do.
Republican leaders recrafted the bill on Monday to satisfy critics mainly fellow Republicans in part by proposing major changes to tax credits and provisions to alter the Medicaid insurance programme for low-income people.
The House leadership needs to win over conservatives who believe the bill does not go far enough in repealing the law.
Party leaders hope to move the legislation to the House floor for debate as early as Thursday, according to reports. But the administration and House leadership can only afford to lose about 20 votes from Republican ranks or risk the bill failing. There are going to be adjustments made but I think we'll get the vote on Thursday, said Mr Trump.
The Senate also will vote on the legislation and more changes could still be made.
An independent analysis of the Republican plan to replace Obamacare, has found it would leave many millions of people without heath insurance.
The analysis by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), which is similar to Britains Office for Budget Responsibility, said earlier this month that 14 million more people would be uninsured next year under the legislation than under under the current arrangement a figure anticipated to rise to 24 million by 2026.
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A popular Cinco de Mayo celebration in Philadelphia has been cancelled amid fear of immigration raids.
The Carnaval de Puebla en Philadelphia annually draws some 15,000 attendees to its colourful combination of vendors, music and performances. Organisers told Al Dia that 60 percent of participants come from other cities, and some from as far as Mexico. Now, organisers fear it could become a target for agents from Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
The safety and welfare of our fellow carnival people and their families is very important to [our organisation,] the group wrote on Facebook. Getting to Philadelphia requires travelling from several cities of the region. We know that everything is uncertain, [and] we don't want them to run the risk.
This fear, organisers say, stems from Trump administration crackdowns on immigration. The Department of Homeland Security recently released new guidelines for border control agencies that expand the range of people who can be targeted for deportation. Philly.com reported almost 200 undocumented immigrants were arrested in Pennsylvania in the last month alone. Several arrests occurred outside a local criminal court, and one inside a neighbourhood corner store.
We know pretty much that ICE is driving around, organiser David Pina told a local ABC affiliate. The fear is the people come from other cities, come to participate here and maybe on the way they get stopped, and they ask for any legal papers and they don't have them.
Donald Trump may resign soon, says top Democrat Dianne Feinstein
ICE spokespeople told CNN that the Carnaval organisers have no cause for concern, and that the organisation does not conduct sweeps or raids that target aliens indiscriminately".
But Alicia Kerber-Palma, Mexico's consul general in Philadelphia, called the organisers fear logical in the face of growing anti-immigrant sentiments. She had been working with the group to bring in performers from the Mexican city of Puebla.
Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney told NBC 10 he was devastated that ICE activity had made residents too fearful to celebrate. Organisers, however, promised the celebration would be back next year.
We are sure that [next year] will be a great celebration as has always been, they wrote on Facebook. Today we just want solidarity, because together we will come through these uncertain times.
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A senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee has called for Mike Flynn to face a criminal investigation over a payment the retired general received from Russian state-backed broadcaster RT.
Mr Flynn briefly served under Donald Trump as the Presidents national security adviser until he was forced to resign after he admitted misleading the vice-president, Mike Pence, and other Trump officials about phone calls to the Russian ambassador, Sergei Kisilyak.
But it was his acceptance of money from RT that prompted Alabama congresswoman Terri Sewell to call for a probe led by the FBI.
Recommended FBI confirms it is investigating links between Trump team and Russia
Ms Sewell suggested the bureau had grounds to investigate Mr Flynn under the emoluments clause, which prohibits those in office from accepting gifts from foreign states.
It came after new information surfaced about more than $65,000 that Mr Flynn was paid in 2015 by companies with links to Russia.
More than $30,000 of that sum was thought to have been paid by RT after Mr Flynn spoke at an event in Moscow in 2015 organised by the media company, which has offices in the US but is funded by the Kremlin.
She said: I just find it really hard to believe that given the emoluments clause does apply to retired officers, like Mr Flynn, I cant believe that Mr Flynn, a retired military officer, would take money from the Russian government in violation of the US constitution, and I believe that such violations are worthy of a criminal investigation by the FBI.
Her comments came during a Congressional hearing on links between the Trump team and Russia.
Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency (NSA), confirmed the direct connections between the Russian government and RT individuals, and said his agency had known for some time about the monetary flow between the Kremlin and the broadcaster.
Meanwhile, President Trump attempted to shift the focus of the lengthy committee hearing onto FBI director James Comey's refusal to say whether he briefed President Barack Obama on Mr Flynns contacts with Russia.
Mr Trump used the official @POTUS account to tweet a video clip of Mr Comey being asked if he informed the previous president about calls made by Mr Flynn.
Mr Comey said he would not discuss that case or any other discussions he had with Mr Obama.
The tweet appeared to suggest that the Obama administration was behind leaks about Mr Flynn's contacts with Russia's ambassador to the US.
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A doctor in India is delivering baby girls for free in a bid to stop parents killing their unborn daughters.
A widespread preference for boys over girls in the south Asian country has led to rampant abortions of female foetuses, as well as infanticide. And the pro-boy bias means there are only 918 girls being born for every 1,000 males.
The figures made Ganesh Rakh, a doctor who owns his own hospital in the city of Pune, realise the severity of the situation, reports DW.
He told the newspaper that relatives of women who came to his hospital to give birth would often openly hope for a boy.
"They would celebrate and distribute sweets if a male child was born. But if a girl was born, the relatives would disappear, the mother would cry, the families would ask for a discount. They would be crushed," he said.
In response, the 41-year-old launched a Campaign to save the girl child at his hospital in 2012. If a mother gives birth to a girl, Dr Rakh waives the fee, and makes sure the newborn is celebrated by doctors and nurses with a cake and songs.
So far more than 500 girls have been delivered free of charge.
Mr Rakh also provides counselling services both to the mother and her relatives. He counters the pressure to have a boy by telling families from day one, Youre going to have a girl, despite not actually knowing the gender of the foetus.
The UK's own abortion ban, explained in 3 minutes
The thinking here is that the family isn't complete without a boy, he said. The boy is the one who carries on the family's lineage.
"Girls on the other hand are seen as a burden, who will leave the parents for their matrimonial homes. Marriage customs dictate that the girl's family has to pay a large dowry to get her married.
"And they also have to bear all the marriage expenses. No wonder people are scared of having a daughter."
Campaigners and studies suggest millions of female foetuses have been aborted in recent years, despite laws being introduced to ban antenatal sex screening and a national campaign urging parents not to kill their daughters.
Police uncovered 19 aborted female foetuses dumped in plastic bags near a sewer in the state of Maharashtra earlier this month.
Mr Rakh says the day families start celebrating a girls birth is the day Ill start charging my fees again.
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North Korea has declared it is ready for war with the United States and does not fear possible preemptive military action to halt its nuclear and missile buildup.
Comments from North Korea's foreign ministry slammed US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's recent talk of tougher sanctions, more pressure and possible military action, and said the north would not be deterred in its nuclear program.
"The nuclear force of [North Korea] is the treasured sword of justice and the most reliable war deterrence to defend the socialist motherland and the life of its people," the official Korean Central News Agency quoted the spokesman as saying.
"We have the will and capability to fully respond to any war which the US wants. If the businessmen-turned-US officials thought that they would frighten us, they would soon recognise that their method would not work."
Inside the daily life in North Korea Show all 19 1 /19 Inside the daily life in North Korea Inside the daily life in North Korea People reading a newspaper at the metro station Inside the daily life in North Korea Thoughts of the leaders on the tram. They have about a dozen of these on every tram, all with different thoughts Inside the daily life in North Korea Young people training for a big upcoming festival Inside the daily life in North Korea People at the Pyongyang's annual marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea Many stars on one of the trolleys in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea An intimidating poster in a primary school in North Korea. Inside the daily life in North Korea Solar panels installed on a street lamp. Inside the daily life in North Korea A poster on the window next to one of the venues we visited in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Kids playing football next to the Arch of Triumph. After a while tourists were allowed to join, so some of us did Inside the daily life in North Korea Class in an educational center in Pyongyang (where people over 17 years old can attend any classes they choose after school, for free) Inside the daily life in North Korea People waving at me during the Pyongyang marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea People having a great time dancing at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea A metro driver in a metro station in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Fireworks to mark the birthday of the Eternal President Kim Il Sung on our last night in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea My wonderful tour guide at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea One of the parks in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea A person rowing some boats for the day at a river in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea The National War Museum Inside the daily life in North Korea Public park in Pyongyang
The comments come after US President Donald Trump rebuked North Korean leader Jim Jong-un for "acting very badly" after it conducted a ground test for a new type of high-thrust rocket engine.
The North Korean leader called it a revolutionary breakthrough for the country's space program.
Last week, Mr Tillerson signalled a tougher strategy and left open the possibility of preemptive military action against the North.
"Let me be very clear: The policy of strategic patience has ended," he said after visiting the heavily militarised border between the rival Koreas.
"We are exploring a new range of diplomatic, security and economic measures. All options are on the table."
Tensions have worsened after a series of ballistic missile tests as the North attempts to miniaturise a nuclear warhead able to be mounted on an inter-continental ballistic missile.
North Korea has accelerated its weapons development, violating multiple UN Security Council resolutions without being deterred by sanctions.
It conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests last year. Experts warn it could have a nuclear-tipped missile capable of reaching the US mainland within a few years.
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Eight more parcel bombs intended for EU leaders, institutions and multinational companies have been intercepted in Greece amid an anarchist terror campaign.
The Conspiracy of Cells of Fire (CCF) group warned of further targets in Operation Nemesis after sending explosives to the German finance ministry last week.
That package was intercepted and destroyed before reaching Wolfgang Schauble but the following day, a secretary at the International Monetary Funds (IMF) headquarters in Paris was injured after opening a second device.
The explosion, meant for the IMFs European representative, Jeffrey Franks, had also been sent under a false name from Greece and triggered a crackdown by the Hellenic Police.
Explosion at IMF offices in Paris
Officers seized eight suspicious parcels from a post sorting centre in Kryoneri, north of Athens, on Monday and authorities are contacting their intended recipients.
The parcels had been falsely labelled as being sent from academic institutions and were believed to contain explosives linked with fireworks manufacturing, which have been used in previous attacks.
Recommended Anarchist parcel bombings threaten Europe
They were addressed to European finance officials and businesses in several countries.
Officials said they would not release the names of the targets until everyone had been informed, but sources told Kathimerini newspaper they included Eurogroup president Jeroen Dijsselbloem.
The Dutch finance minister represented European creditors in negotiations with Greece over its controversial bailout agreements following Syrizas victory in the 2015 elections.
If Mr Dijsselbloem is confirmed to be among those targeted, it would fit the CCFs pattern of singling out officials linked to the Greek financial crisis, which sparked its formation in 2008.
Many Greeks resent the austerity measures imposed by the IMF and EU in exchange for Athens to receive billions of euros, while anarchists additionally oppose state and international financial systems.
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
A previous parcel bombing campaign by the CCF forced authorities to suspend international post leaving Greece for 48 hours in 2010, when devices were sent to targets including Angela Merkel, Silvio Berlusconi, Nicolas Sarkozy, Europol and international embassies.
Police crackdowns have since resulted in a series of arrests and prosecutions but a message posted online claimed the groups comrades would continue their violent struggle in Operation Nemesis a campaign of attacks in revenge for the imprisonment of activists.
Recommended Package bomb leaves one person injured at Paris IMF offices
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.
The CCF characterised its campaign as attacks on tyrants supported by militants in Chile and Italy, claiming its ideals could not be contained.
The Hellenic Police are now attempting to prevent any more explosive packages being sent out via the Greek postal service, which is investigating how they evaded airport security checks in Athens.
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Germany's centre-left Social Democratic Party (SPD) has overtaken Chancellor Angela Merkel's conservatives after naming former European Parliament President Martin Schulz its leader, according to the latest poll.
The SPD, which has gained around 10 points in opinion polls since the former European Parliament President was appointed in late January, had 32 per cent support, while the Christian Democrats and their Bavarian sister party remained on 31 per cent.
The INSA institute opinion poll published by Bild newspaper found the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD) party to be unchanged at 11.5 per cent, while the far-left Linke party was steady at 8.5 per cent and the pro-environment Greens held fast at 6.5 per cent. The pro-business Free Democrats (FDP) lost a half percentage point to fall to 6.5 per cent.
The new SDP leader is already making waves since being unanimously elected by his left-wing party.
The anti-populist has vowed to reject Donald Trumps racist and misogynistic politics and is also known as a staunch critic of Brexit. Last year, he accused David Cameron of taking a whole continent hostage for a partys internal struggle.
He also threatened the hardest Brexit possible if MEPs were to be excluded from Brexit talks.
Social Democrats' general secretary Katarina Barley said the party has seen 13,000 new members join this year.
The SPDs gains, which are being called the Schulz effect, are set to be tested later this month when voters head to the polls in the German state of Saarland.
The vote, the first of three regional elections this year, is seen as a test for the federal election on 24 September in which Ms Merkel is standing for a fourth term.
"This is the first election since the so-called Schulz effect so it will show us whether that really translates into votes for the Social Democrats, and it's an election in which one of Ms Merkel's close confidants is running," said Thomas Jaeger, politics professor at Cologne University.
Additional reporting by agencies
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Staff at a McDonalds in Sweden have been accused of refusing to allow a woman to buy food for a homeless man.
Vijaya Martensson tolf The Local that she and her friend Anja Andorsen were approached by the man at restaurant in Stockholm over the weekend.
He asked if she could buy him some food and she agreed. But when they got to the counter she alleged a worker in the store refused to serve her.
How can McDonalds deny a person like me who earns their own money and chooses to give another human being food? she told the website. What happened to Swedens fairness and human rights?
Ms Martensson said she was told the man had been taking leftover food from customers trays, but she insisted it it was "not strange if you dont have anywhere else to get food."
Ms Andorsen returned from the bathroom, and after being told she was allowed to buy food, bought a meal and gave it to the man anyway.
Christoffer Jornert, a McDonalds supervisor, told The Local all customers buying food are welcome and allowed to give their food to whoever they like.
Man filmed moment his five pound note is refused at London McDonald's
He said the man had been asked to leave as he had been bothering guests, and on several occasions tried to steal food.
We had just called in security guards because the man had been aggressive towards both guests and staff and we did not want a confrontation inside the restaurant, he said.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has described Europe as "fascist and cruel" and said it resembles the pre-World War Two era amid a row over the banning of several Turkish rallies.
Mr Erdogan said Turkey may review its ties with Europe after an April referendum he hopes will give him sweeping new powers.
Turkey is mired in a diplomatic crisis with Europe after Germany and the Netherlands banned several rallies intended to bolster support for the referendum, leading Mr Erdogan to brand the Netherlands "Nazi remnants" and accuse Germany of "fascist actions".
Mr Erdogan said Turkey will no longer be threatened by the European Union membership process and added that, from now on, it will not allow any Europeans on Turkish soil to carry out "spying" under various pretexts.
He also said Turkey could no longer be pressured by considerations such as a $6bn (4.9bn) deal under which it agreed to stop illegal migrants from crossing into Greece in exchange for financial aid and accelerated EU membership talks.
Erdogan accuses Merkel of Nazi practices: Any country that harms a Turk will "face the consequences"
German Chancellor Angela Merkel has demanded Turkey stop comparing the bans to Nazi tactics and the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany accused Mr Erdogan of disrespecting the memory of the victims of the Holocaust.
"The comparisons between today's Federal Republic of Germany and National Socialism, which we have heard in recent days, are not only insulting and absolutely false they also relativize the Nazis' rule of terror," Josef Schuster said, German newspaper Die Welt reported.
"The comparison is monstrous and denigrates the suffering of the victims of the Shoah."
Mr Schuster added: "In a time in which anti-semitism and right-wing populism are on the rise, this completely inappropriate comparison and the trivialisation it entails of the horrific deeds of the Nazis downplay the true threat."
Ms Merkel said Turkey should stop Nazi comparisons "with no ifs or buts."
"Unfortunately, we have observed that these comparisons have not stopped, and we will not tolerate that every taboo is broken," she told reporters at the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover over the weekend
A Turkish tabloid depicted Ms Merkel as 'Mrs Hitler'
The controversy deepened last week when a Turkish pro-government newspaper depicted Ms Merkel as Adolf Hitler on its front page, branding her "Mrs Hitler."
The right-wing tabloid accused the German chancellor of attempting to lead a fascist movement against Turkey.
It came days after Germany's biggest-selling newspaper Bild attacked Mr Erdogan for threatening the stability of Europe through his "lust for power."
Bild tells the truth to Erdogans face you are not a democrat! You are hurting your country! You are not welcome here! the German newspaper said.
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 also spread Nazi accusations across high profile Twitter accounts, posting pro-Erdogan messages from accounts including Amnesty International, BBC North America and Forbes.
Mr Erdogan has also vowed to reinstate capital punishment "without hesitation" after the referendum and accused 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.
EU Commissioner Johannes Hahn told Bild Turkey's prospects for joining the EU would be "increasingly unrealistic" unless it changed course and stopped moving away from European values.
Mr Hahn said the EU had repeatedly voiced its concerns about the "increasingly authoritarian path of President Erdogan."
"Threats are no way to make policies," he said. "They make a reasonable dialogue impossible."
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A baby has been born on a ship rescuing refugees in the Mediterranean Sea as charities brace to save thousands of migrants launched by smugglers from Libya with the start of spring.
The infants mother was in labour for eight hours on the Aquarius before she was born at a healthy 8oz and taken to hospital after docking in Sicily.
The little girl, described as perfect by ecstatic SOS Mediterranee and Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) crew members, was named Mercy.
It wasn't an easy birth, said midwife Elizabeth Ramlow, following the surprise delivery on Tuesday morning.
I don't know how her mother was able step on that raft in Libya...she must have felt she had no choice.
Mercy was one of 947 men, women and children to be taken to safety after a hectic weekend that saw more than 3,000 people rescued on one day between Libya and Italy.
Taiwo and her baby Mercy, who was born on the Aquarius refugee rescue ship on 21 March (MSF)
Aid agencies fear the mass launches seen on Sunday are a sign of things to come as seas calm with the arrival of spring.
Conor Kenny, an MSF doctor on the Aquarius, said rescuers feared the quality of unseaworthy dinghies used by Libyan smugglers were deteriorating, placing those crammed on board in even greater danger.
He told The Independent the ship would head back to the rescue zone as soon as possible, having received reports of at least 40 people killed when a boat capsized over the weekend.
The figures have gone up since January and I see no reason why they shouldnt continue to rise, Dr Kenny added.
Within the medical clinic the patients have been victims of torture or sexual violence while in Libya in detention, by their employers or police or armed gangs as well.
Dr Kenny said refugees rescued over the weekend were suffering from hypothermia, dehydration and chemical burns from leaked fuel, as well as fractures and sprains sustained in beatings in Libya.
You simply dont know what youll find with each boat, he added, saying approaching rescuers routinely check for refugees suffocated at the bottom of boats.
Its a fine line between life and death in the Mediterranean.
In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Show all 7 1 /7 In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby being taken on to MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A refugee boat carrying 101 people being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos all images by Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A baby among refugees on a boat carrying 185 people off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea Migrants and refugees sleeping after being rescued by MSF's Bourbon Argos ship Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A crew from MSF's Bourbon Argos ship rescuing a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya, at sunrise Lizzie Dearden In pictures: A day of refugee rescues in the Mediterranean Sea A woman in a stretcher being lifted onto MSF's Bourbon Argos ship from a boat carrying 130 migrants and refugees off the coast of Libya Lizzie Dearden
Weeks ago we came across boat at 2am with people suffering from hypothermia. Had they been found a few hours later, at least eight of them would have died.
Almost 20,000 migrants have arrived by sea in Italy so far this year, with a record of 587 dying in the attempt, according to figures compiled by the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).
The Central Mediterranean now the deadliest crossing in the world has become the main sea route to Europe following moves to prevent crossings over the Aegean Sea with the EU-Turkey deal.
MSF is deploying a second vessel to the search and rescue zone lying to the north of Libyas volatile coast, with the ship expected to start operations on Wednesday morning.
The Prudence will be able to transport 600 people with emergency capacity for another 400, as well as 13 MSF staff members manning an emergency department, clinic, pharmacy and morgue.
Save the Children is also launching a rescue boat in April, while numerous smaller charities from across Europe are working alongside naval forces and cargo ships enlisted for missions by the coordination centre in Rome.
Stephane Jaquemet, the UNHCRs regional representative for southern Europe, said unpredictable weather conditions can see several days without any arrivals followed by the launch of hundreds of boats.
The Prudence, a new MSF rescue ship starting rescue missions in the Central Mediterranean (MSF)
What is certain is that there has been an increase for the first three months of this year, he told The Independent, saying more people have already arrived than were seen by the end of March last year.
We are not talking about 2015 scenario like we had from Turkey to Greece, but we may have an increase in numbers, probably to a maximum of 250,000.
The arrivals are putting huge pressure on the Italian government, which is already housing around 176,000 migrants in reception facilities, while thousands more remain trapped in Greece, Serbia and across Europe.
Rising arrivals have alarmed EU leaders, sparking attempts to stem the flow by increasing cooperation with authorities in Libya, where 90 per cent of boats crossing the Central Mediterranean are launched.
But the countrys fragile Government of National Accord is failing to regain territory controlled by warring factions including a powerful general backed by Russia, while armed gangs and smugglers have capitalised on widespread lawlessness to detain, extort, enslave and eventually export migrants for profit.
Interior ministers from Libya, Tunisia, Italy, Germany, Malta and other nations affected by the refugee crisis released a declaration to tackle the root causes of migration and combat smuggling on Monday.
Delegates agreed to work with Libya to better patrol its coasts, with the coastguard already undergoing training from Britain and other EU nations despite allegations of officials murdering and torturing refugees.
Marco Minniti, the Italian interior minister, said the plans would help govern illegal migration, adding that the first 90 sailors were finishing up their seaboard training and Italy expected to deliver 10 patrol ships within months.
Desperate journeys: Rescued at sea, refugees detail abuse in Libya
The plans have raised alarm among human rights groups amid continued allegations of widespread abuses in Libya including rape, torture, kidnapping, forced labour and arbitrary detention in squalid camps.
Dr Kenny said one of the refugees rescued on Saturday had been on a boat caught and forced back to Libya by the coastguard two weeks ago, and was detained and beaten before managing to depart for a second time on Saturday.
What these guys undergo when they are detained is brutal, he added. That is really concerning.
Mr Jaquemet said that current proposals would see new camps complying with international humanitarian standards erected in Libya, but such a benchmark could take a long time to realise.
People who move to Libya with the hope of going to Europe are just a small proportion of the migrants trapped there, he added.
There are a number of vital issues that need to be addressed regarding Libya.
The EUs migration official has warned member states against failing to host refugees and help alleviate the pressure on countries like Greece and Italy as the summer season looms.
It is important for governments to understand that they should be part of it, Dimitris Avramopoulos told a news conference in Warsaw on Tuesday.
If some of them do not comply ... the Commission has the power, the tools to convince these countries.
Fewer than 14,500 asylum seekers have been relocated from Greece and Italy under a two-year plan that was supposed to resettle 160,000 people elsewhere by September.
The vast majority of migrants arriving in Italy are from sub-Saharan African nations including Guinea, Nigeria and Gambia, and Bangladesh, while those reaching Greece are mostly Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans.
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The Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam has welcomed home two paintings by the Dutch master, more than 14 years after they were ripped off the museums wall in a night-time heist.
Theyre back, said museum director Axel Rueger. He called their return one of the most special days in the history of our museum.
The paintings, the 1882 View of the Sea at Scheveningen and 1884-85 work Congregation leaving the Reformed Church in Nuenen were discovered last year by Italian police investigating suspected Italian mobsters for cocaine trafficking. The works have never been sold, so their value is unknown but Van Gogh landscape paintings have sold for 50m at auctions.
The two paintings were wrapped in cotton sheets, stuffed in a box and hidden behind a wall in a toilet, said Gianluigi DAlfonso of the Italian financial police, who was on hand at the museum to watch the ceremonial unveiling.
They were found in a farmhouse near Naples as Italian police seized 20m (17.3m) worth of assets, including villas, apartments and even a small airplane. Investigators contend the assets are linked to two alleged Camorra drug kingpins, Mario Cerrone and Raffaele Imperiale.
View of the Sea at Scheveningen (Reuters)
After years shrouded in darkness, they can now shine again, Jet Bussemaker, the Dutch education minister, said as an orange screen slid away to reveal the two paintings behind a glass wall.
Italys interior minister, Angelino Alfano, said last year the paintings were considered among the artworks most searched for in the world, on the FBIs list of the top 10 art crimes.
They are now back on display at the museum before being taken to its conservation studio for repair, although they suffered remarkably little damage as thieves who had clambered up a ladder and smashed a window to get into the museum in 2002 ripped them out of their frames and fled.
Congregation leaving The Reformed Church in Nuenen (Reuters)
Speaking to a Dutch documentary team, one of burglars who was jailed over the theft, said it took under four minutes to take the paintings. Octave Durham, 43, was caught by police in Spain in 2003 and was released from prison in 2006.
It is not only a miracle that the works have been recovered but its even more miraculous almost that they are in a relatively unharmed condition, Mr Rueger said.
World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. 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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. 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The museum director was on holiday when the call came last year from Italian authorities who believed they had recovered the paintings. He didnt celebrate right away; hed had calls like this before.
I was hopeful but also a little hesitant because over the course of the years we had multiple occasions when people phoned us, contacted us, claiming that they knew something about the whereabouts of the works and each time it was false, the trace went cold, he said. So ... the way has been peppered with disappointment.
But museum experts dispatched to Italy to check the authenticity of the works quickly turned Mr Ruegers doubts into delight.
It was something we had secretly been hoping for for all those years, he said.
The two small works are not typical of Van Goghs later and better-known works, but are still vital pieces for the museums collection, Mr Rueger said.
The Scheveningen seascape, with a fishing boat and rough sea under a typically grey, cloudy Dutch sky, is one of Van Goghs earliest works and the only painting in the museums collection painted during his time in The Hague. It suffered a missing rectangular chip from the bottom left-hand corner.
The painting of the church in Nuenen portrayed the village where his parents lived. He had painted as a gift to his mother, so its a very personal and emotional connection, Mr Rueger said.
Mr Rueger said the paintings are now back for good at a museum which is home to dozens of works by Van Gogh, whose paintings fetch millions of pounds on the rare occasions they come up for auction.
The security, I can assure you, is of triple-A quality now so Im very confident that everything is safe in the museum, he said.
Associated Press
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Plans to force Afghan schoolgirls to wear a severely restrictive uniform have been scrapped after they were met with staunch opposition.
The proposals, from the country's Ministry of Education, would have made it compulsory for girls as young as five to wear long tunics and headscarves.
But the plans were thrown out after demonstrations against the uniforms were planned.
"They are telling us the length is to protect Islamic values," Bahar Sohali, who organised the protests, told American broadcaster National Public Radio (NPR).
She added: "Students have to be comfortable, they need to be able to exercise."
The new uniforms were to replace current school dresses that reach a few inches below the knee and are worn over leggings.
This code satisfied the country's conservative mandate for modesty, but were flexible enough for the girls to be able to do sports.
Under the new code, girls above the age of 12 would have been required to wear loose-fitting dresses that extended to the floor.
Headscarves were already a requirement, but the new rules would have been more strict. Having a fridge or strands of hair visible would have been prohibited after the change.
Zuhra Bahman, a Afghan writer in London who organised a petition against the new uniform, implored Muslims to sign it saying: "The new uniform misinterprets Islam and what it says about Muslim women's dress.
"If we allow restriction of Afghan women in these uniforms we will stifle many [like] Kubra Dagli [the Taekwondo champion] and Ibtihaj Muhammad [the Olympic fencer] from emerging."
She also urged Americans and Europeans to object to the change, given that the West provides financial backing to the school system in Afghanistan.
The countries with anti-women laws Show all 5 1 /5 The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws The countries with anti-women laws
Under pressure, the Afghan government retracted the proposals earlier this month.
"President Ghani says the new school uniform which was announced by the Ministry of Education is not representative of the culture and tradition of the [Afghan] people
It added: "He has directed the Ministry of Education to work on a new design that is affordable together with a nationally representative group of teachers, parents and students."
New proposals have yet to be revealed.
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At least 1,000 Saudi Arabian women flee the country each year because of the countrys ingrained misogyny, a sociologist based in the country's capital Riyadh has claimed.
Higher numbers are also believed to leave for the more liberal city of Jeddah.
They are part of an apparently increasing number of women who have tired of the countrys highly sexist social system and decided to leave for a better life, according to Mansour al-Askar of the Imam Muhammad ibn Saud University.
He told The Economist that he estimated more than 1,000 women leave every year.
Saudi Arabia adheres to a harsh version of Wahhabi Sunni Islam and is notorious for strict Sharia law it employs. It remains the only country on earth where women are banned from driving.
Women and are also subject to walis, or male guardians, throughout their lives usually their father, husband or other male relative.
They must have their permission before engaging in almost any sort of activity, from getting an education or job, to simply leaving the house.
Saudi Arabian women release video mocking driving laws
In Saudi Arabia, a womans freedom is largely dependent on the good will of her male guardian, according to a 2016 report Human Rights Watch.
The organisation has called the guardian system: "The most significant impediment to realising women's rights in the country".
While it is difficult to quantify the precise number of women leaving their homeland, some academics have claimed that it is affecting the oil rich country's economy and society
Saudi Arabia is losing the battle to keep its talent, Saudi academic, Najah al-Osaimi, told The Economist.
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A primary school in New Zealand has abolished gendered school uniforms to avoid stereotyping, following in the footsteps of dozens of British schools.
The move comes after some girls at Dunedin North Intermediate School in the South Island complained about having to wear archaic kilts, headteacher Heidi Hayward said.
The school, which has around 200 pupils aged 10-13, began allowing female pupils to wear trousers in 2016.
But this created further problems when the small number of girls who chose to wear trousers were teased for dressing like boys, staff said.
Recommended Primary schools in Glasgow to have gender neutral toilets
In response, the school created five gender neutral options, including shorts, long pants, culottes, a kilt and long trousers, with pupils free to choose any of the options, regardless of their gender.
Ms Hayward told the Otago Daily Times that the initiative aimed to remove gender stereotypes.
``We don't say there's a girls' uniform and a boys' uniform," she said. "There's five options for the uniform, and as long as you wear them in their entirety, you can wear whichever uniform you please.
``Last year I had a couple of kids who challenged me. They said: `Why do we have to wear kilts? You can wear pants. Why can't we?' That seemed pretty logical to me. It was 2016 and I thought it was odd that we still have these stereotypes. What we were hoping to avoid is making it hard.
``If you're a girl who doesn't want to wear a skirt, you should have an option that works for you. That's where the culottes come in,'' she said, adding that none of the boys so far have opted for the kilt.
She said pupils have been accepting of the options, but parents had taken longer to warm to the initiative.
``The kids weren't really fussed about it. It's adults that have taken a while to get their heads around it - they've asked lots of questions.''
Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils Show all 2 1 /2 Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils 25255.bin Lonely road: Why school is hell for transgender pupils 25256.bin
New Zealands Ministry of Education has advised all schools in the country to offer gender-neutral uniforms to better provide for sexual diversity among students.
The recommendation is not without its critics, with some claiming it panders to a small minority of children who are confused about their gender.
Bob McCorskie, director of New-Zealand based charity Family First, said: Uniforms are part of life. There are places where there are certain uniforms that women wear and ones that men wear. Were creating this false environment in schools which doesnt reflect reality.
Recommended London girls school lets pupils identify as male or gender neutral
At least 80 state schools in the UK now have gender neutral uniforms, with Allens Croft in Birmingham believed to be the first to have abolished separate dress codes for boys and girls.
The primary is designated a best practice school by the charity Educate and Celebrate, which has received more than 200,000 in funding from the Department for Education to deliver equality and diversity training to staff in schools across the country.
The move is part of a Government-funded drive to support LGBT children in schools and to try to encourage a more tolerant and inclusive approach with a less prescriptive attitude towards gender.
While LGBT rights campaigners such as Stonewall have welcomed the move towards gender-neutral uniforms, critics have derided it as political correctness which could potentially damage children.
Andrea Williams of Christian Concern warned: These kind of policies that are coming out actually could be very harmful, potentially (by) the imposition of a radical ideological agenda of adults imposed on the innocence of children.
But Jamie Barry, headteacher of Parson Street Primary in Bristol, who put in place a gender neutral uniform, said: Children may not always realise or understand their gender identity at an early age so I think its important we have a policy that we have a culture of acceptance, so thats why weve introduced (the uniforms), because as our children grow up, we want them to know its okay to express yourself or be who you are.
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An Indian politician has said Winston Churchill is no better than Adolf Hitler and the two leaders have equivalent amounts of blood on their hands.
Dr Shashi Tharoor, whose new book Inglorious Empire chronicles the atrocities of the British Empire, said the former British Prime Minister should be remembered alongside the most prominent dictators of the twentieth century.
Dr Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary General of the UN, said the blame for the Bengal Famine rested with Churchill. In 1943, up to four million Bengalis starved to death when Churchill diverted food to British soldiers and countries such as Greece while a deadly famine swept through Bengal.
This [Churchill] is the man who the British insist on hailing as some apostle of freedom and democracy," the author told UK Asian at a launch for his book. "When to my mind he is really one of the more evil rulers of the 20th century only fit to stand in company of the likes of Hitler, Mao and Stalin".
Churchill has as much blood on his hands as Hitler does, the Indian MP said. Particularly the decisions that he personally signed off during the Bengal Famine when 4.3 million people died because of the decisions he took or endorsed."
"Not only did the British pursue its own policy of not helping the victims of this famine which was created by their policies. Churchill persisted in exporting grain to Europe, not to feed actual Sturdy Tommies, to use his phrase, but add to the buffer stocks that were being piled up in the event of a future invasion of Greece and Yugoslavia.
Ships laden with wheat were coming in from Australia docking in Calcutta and were instructed by Churchill not to disembark their cargo but sail on to Europe, he added. And when conscience-stricken British officials wrote to the Prime Minister in London pointing out that his policies were causing needless loss of life all he could do was write peevishly in the margin of the report, Why hasnt Gandhi died yet?'"
The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire Show all 5 1 /5 The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire 1. Boer concentration camps During the Second Boer War (1899-1902), the British rounded up around a sixth of the Boer population - mainly women and children - and detained them in camps, which were overcrowded and prone to outbreaks of disease, with scant food rations. Of the 107,000 people interned in the camps, 27,927 Boers died, along with an unknown number of black Africans Hulton Archive/Getty Images The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire 2. Amritsar massacre When peaceful protesters defied a government order and demonstrated against British colonial rule in Amritsar, India, on 13 April 1919, they were blocked inside the walled Jallianwala Gardens and fired upon by Gurkha soldiers. The soldiers, under the orders of Brigadier Reginald Dyer, kept firing until they ran out of ammunition, killing between 379 and 1,000 protesters and injuring another 1,100 within 10 minutes. Brigadier Dyer was later lauded a hero by the British public, who raised 26,000 for him as a thank you The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire 3. Partitioning of India In 1947, Cyril Radcliffe was tasked with drawing the border between India and the newly created state of Pakistan over the course of a single lunch. After Cyril Radcliffe split the subcontinent along religious lines, uprooting over 10 million people, Hindus in Pakistan and Muslims in India were forced to escape their homes as the situation quickly descended into violence. Some estimates suggest up to one million people lost their lives in sectarian killings The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire 4. Mau Mau Uprising Thousands of elderly Kenyans, who claim British colonial forces mistreated, raped and tortured them during the Mau Mau Uprising (1951-1960), have launched a 200m damages claim against the UK Government. Members of the Kikuyu tribe were detained in camps, since described as "Britain's gulags" or concentration camps, where they allege they were systematically tortured and suffered serious sexual assault. Estimates of the deaths vary widely: historian David Anderson estimates there were 20,000, whereas Caroline Elkins believes up to 100,000 could have died The 5 of the worst atrocities carried out by the British Empire 5. Famines in India Between 12 and 29 million Indians died of starvation while it was under the control of the British Empire, as millions of tons of wheat were exported to Britain as famine raged in India. In 1943, up to four million Bengalis starved to death when Winston Churchill diverted food to British soldiers and countries such as Greece while a deadly famine swept through Bengal. Talking about the Bengal famine in 1943, Churchill said: I hate Indians. They are a beastly people with a beastly religion. The famine was their own fault for breeding like rabbits
Talking about the Bengal famine in 1943, the Prime Minister who led Britain to victory in World War Two, said: I hate Indians. They are a beastly people with a beastly religion. The famine was their own fault for breeding like rabbits.
Dr Tharoor, a former Indian government minister, rose to further prominence after his impassioned speech at the Oxford Union in July of 2015 went viral. In the address, he discussed the economic toll British rule took on India.
He said: "India's share of the world economy when Britain arrived on it shores was 23 per cent. By the time the British left it was down to below four per cent. Why? Simply because India had been governed for the benefit of Britain. Britain's rise for 200 years was financed by its depredations in India."
"In fact, Britain's industrial revolution was actually premised upon the de-industrialisation of India."
Dr Tharoor recently gained headlines for suggesting Britons suffer "historical amnesia over the atrocities and plunder committed by the empire.
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As few as four UK universities are believed to regard sexual assault as an extenuating circumstance that could impact on students work, it has been revealed, fuelling concerns over a lack of support for victims of harassment and abuse on campuses.
An investigation by babe on student news website The Tab found evidence of just a handful of institutions including the specific clause within their policies.
Out of 52 UK universities contacted through Freedom of Information requests, just 16 responded, the website reported.
Recommended Lecturer allowed to carry on teaching after beating student girlfriend
Of those that did reply, all had a clause for students who have been a victim of serious crime or similar, which could include sexual assault.
Just a quarter of respondents cited sexual assault specifically within their guidelines, however.
Oxford Brookes University, which does not cite sexual assault within its mitigating circumstances, told babe: "The University made the conscious decision not to list sexual assault, or any other potential example of mitigating circumstances, specifically in the regulations.
This is because the University believes that the regulations should reflect a very broad range of circumstances; from physical or mental illness, through family and other personal difficulties, to the impact of work on students studies.
UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures UK news in pictures 3 November 2022 A villager cooks roti bread at the site of the annual Camel Fair in Pushkar, in India's desert state of Rajasthan AFP via Getty Images UK news in pictures 2 November 2022 A red squirrel gathers nuts in Pitlochry, Scotland Reuters UK news in pictures 1 November 2022 Englands Tara-Jane Stanley scores their sides seventh try against Brazil during the Womens Rugby League World Cup group A match at Headingley Stadium, Leeds PA UK news in pictures 31 October 2022 GBs James Hall competes during the mens parallel bars qualification at the World Gymnastics Championships in Liverpool AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 October 2022 People dressed in Halloween costumes paddle board along the river Avon in Christchurch, Dorset PA UK news in pictures 29 October 2022 Members of the public take pictures as police officers remove activists from a road during a Just Stop Oil protest, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 28 October 2022 A cosplayer attends the MCM Comic Con London 2022 at the ExCel Centre in London Reuters UK news in pictures 27 October 2022 98-year-old D-Day Veteran Bernard Morgan, whose story is among those featured on the giant poppy wall, during the launch of The Royal British Legion 2022 Poppy Appeal, at Hay's Galleria in central London PA UK news in pictures 26 October 2022 A meerkat explores a pumpkin in the enclosure at Wild Place, Bristol, where some of the animals are having pumpkin treats as part of their environmental enrichment PA UK news in pictures 25 October 2022 King Charles III welcomes Rishi Sunak during an audience at Buckingham Palace, where he invited the newly elected leader of the Conservative Party to become Prime Minister and form a new government PA UK news in pictures 24 October 2022 Rishi Sunak celebrates with Tory MPs outside the Conservative Campaign Headquarters after becoming the new leader of the Conservative Party Reuters UK news in pictures 23 October 2022 The Green Man at October Plenty, Borough Market's annual Autumn Harvest festival, in London, which returns for the first time post pandemic PA UK news in pictures 21 October 2022 Sculptor Peter McKenna puts the finishing touches to a pumpkin that will form part of the Planet A Hebden Bridge Pumpkin Trail in the West Yorkshire town PA UK news in pictures 20 October 2022 Britains Prime Minister Liz Truss delivers a speech outside of 10 Downing Street in central London to announce her resignation AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 19 October 2022 Salmon leap up Stainforth Force on the River Ribble in the Yorkshire Dales as they swim upriver to their spawning grounds during the annual Salmon migration PA UK news in pictures 18 October 2022 Just Stop Oil protesters continue their protest for a second day on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which links Kent and Essex and which remains closed for traffic, after it was scaled by two climbers from the group PA UK news in pictures 17 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Haaland went on to score a hattrick, his third of the season in the Premier League. City beat United 6-3. Manchester City FC/Getty UK news in pictures 1 October 2022 Protesters hold up flags and placards at a protest in London. A variety of protest groups including Enough is Enough, Don't Pay and Just Stop Oil all demonstrated on the day AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 30 September 2022 British Prime Minister Liz Truss, who has not been seen in days, leaves the back of Downing Street after a meeting with Office For Budget Responsibility following the release of her governments mini-budget Getty UK news in pictures 29 September 2022 The Virginia creeper foliage on the Tu Hwnt i'r Bont (Beyond the Bridge) Llanwrst, Conwy North Wales, has changed colour from green to red in at the start of Autumn. The building was built in 1480 as a residential dwelling but has been a tearoom for over 50 years PA UK news in pictures 28 September 2022 Criminal barristers from the Criminal Bar Association (CBA), demonstrates outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London, as part of their ongoing pay row with the Government PA UK news in pictures 27 September 2022 David White, Garter King of Arms, poses with an envelope franked with the new cypher of King Charles III 'CIIIR', after it was printed in the Court Post Office at Buckingham Palace in central London AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 26 September 2022 A gallery staff member poses next to a painting by Lucian Freud - Self-portrait (Fragment), 1956 - on show at a photocall for the Credit Suisse exhibition - Lucian Freud: New Perspectives at the National Gallery in London PA UK news in pictures 25 September 2022 Labour leader, Sir Keir Starmer is interviewed by Laura Kuenssberg in Liverpool before the start of the Labour Party annual Conference which he opened with a tribute to Queen Elizabeth II and sang the national anthem PA UK news in pictures 24 September 2022 Handout photo issued by Buckingham Palace of the ledger stone at the King George VI Memorial Chapel, St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA UK news in pictures 23 September 2022 A climate change activist protests against UK private jets while lighting his right arm on fire during the Laver Cup tennis tournament at the O2 Arena in London EPA UK news in pictures 22 September 2022 Woody Woodmansey, Lee Bennett, Kevin Armstrong, Nick Moran and Clifford Slapper attend the unveiling of a stone for David Bowie on the Music Walk of Fame at Camden, north London PA UK news in pictures 21 September 2022 A flock of birds in the sky as the sun rises over Dungeness in Kent PA UK news in pictures 20 September 2022 Flowers which were laid by members of the public in tribute to Queen Elizabeth II at Hillsborough Castle in Northern Ireland are collected by the Hillsborough Gardening Team and volunteers to be replanted for those that can be saved or composted PA UK news in pictures 19 September 2022 The ceremonial procession of the coffin of Queen Elizabeth II travels down the long walk as it arrives at Windsor Castle for the committal service at St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty UK news in pictures 18 September 2022 A man stands among campers on The Mall ahead of the Queens funeral Reuters UK news in pictures 17 September 2022 Wolverhampton Wanderers Nathan Collins fouls Manchester Citys Jack Grealish leading to a red card. 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It is felt that over prescription on regulations is unhelpful as it can never encompass all possible examples and can therefore become restrictive.
The report follows a petition launched by students at the University of Birmingham, after a student who was raped on her year abroad failed the year and was refused extenuating circumstances.
Birmingham University officials later edited their mitigating circumstances guidelines to specifically cite sexual assault as a personal difficulty or circumstance significant enough to impact a students ability to complete, submit or attend an assessment.
The move has since prompted other institutions including Cardiff and Sheffield University to alter their own policies to include sexual assault.
University College London also makes specific mention of sexual assault and rape within its guidance.
An inquiry into the University of Sussex last year found the institution had failed its duty of care towards a student victim of assault, following an investigation led by The Independent.
Earlier this month it was reported that incidences of gender violence by staff in UK universities are at epidemic levels in the UK, with almost 300 claims made within the past six years.
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Everything about Rushenya is big: his head, his arms, his feet, and especially his bum. Augustine Muhangi doesnt stand on ceremony as he gives a running commentary about the 250kg silverback gorilla were tracking. In turn, Rushenya waddles away, affording us a perfect view of that colossal backside.
Unlike most mountain gorillas met by tourists in western Ugandas Bwindi Impenetrable National Park, Rushenya hasnt encountered many humans. His group, Bikingi, roams the Rushaga area in Bwindis southern sector, and is only semi-habituated used to trackers and rangers but not to strangers or tourists.
The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Show all 10 1 /10 The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda A toddler in the more socialised Mubare group Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda A shy female from Rushenya's group Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda The Ivy Trail, en route to the gorillas Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Augustine Muhangi and trackers connect samples from gorilla beds Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Geoffrey Twinomuhangi works with the trackers to find the gorillas Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Forget the gorillas, the views aren't bad either Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Sue Watt with Kanyonyi in the more socialised group Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Big Daddy Rushenya Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda Rushenya shows the crew his assets Will Whitford The ultimate gorilla experience in Uganda One of the Mubare gorillas freshening up Will Whitford
Although the 400 or so gorillas in this dense 321sq km forest are all essentially wild, some are wilder than others. The last family I was tracking the Mubare family in the parks northern sector were completely unperturbed by our group of eights presence. Kanyonyi, the silverback, had almost brushed against my thighs as he ambled past; others were completely relaxed as they munched on stalks, played in trees and chilled out on cushions of ferns.
But being in the Bikingis presence has a definite edge.
Recommended Primate trekking in Rwanda
Gorilla encounters here in Bwindi have traditionally been limited to one hour: magical yet fleeting. Theyre costly, too, at $600 (480) a head though the fees are ploughed back into conservation in this park thats home to half the worlds critically endangered mountain gorillas.
But last year, the park introduced something a little different.
Normally, trackers find the gorillas before the visitors arrive, so the groups can go straight to them, have their hour with them, and go away, says Pontius Ezuma, Bwindis conservation manager. We wanted to offer something more enriching to show what tracking actually means. Things like gorilla behaviour, what nests look like, finding their trail.
The new visit, run by Uganda Wildlife Authority in Rushaga, the southern area of the park, is a four-hour gorilla habituation experience. Groups are limited to just four guests, and permits cost $1,500 each.
A shy female in Rushenya's group (Will Whitford)
You dont necessarily get more time with the gorillas themselves; instead, you join trackers right from the start and find the families with them. Depending on how quickly you find them, however, it's possible to get two, or even three hours with them. As well as providing you with the experience of a lifetime, the visit helps the gorillas too, allowing animals like Rushenya to get used to human presence.
Wed already walked for three hours along the Ivy Trail to reach the south, starting at Buhoma, where wed spent the night, and passing through fairytale rainforest with giant ferns, vibrant birdsong and monkeys swinging in the shadows. Our bed for the night was Nkuringo, the nearest village for Rushaga with two lodges: Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge, a welcoming home-from-home perched on Nteko Ridge, and the high-end, community-owned Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, overlooking the Virunga Volcanoes.
At 7am the next day, we set off with Augustine (our guide), porters and tracker to where they left the Bikingi group the night before. It's only when we reach that point that the four-hour clock starts ticking, starting with a crash course in tracking. Discarded leaves, stems stripped of foliage, bent vegetation and knuckle prints in the mud are tell-tale signs of the gorillas trail, Augustine explains. But its the acrid stench of urine that finally reveals their nests.
Gorillas build new nests every night, we learn, leaving a mine of information for trackers. Augustine and his team don facemasks and latex gloves to examine mattresses of leaves and branches perched on top of shrubs. Rushenyas bed is easily identified by its vast size and silver hairs; a small turd next to a larger pile reveals the nest of a mother and baby. Diligently recording everything on data sheets, the team collect samples for analysis. Then its straight on with the search.
Checking the gorilla nests for clues (Will Whitford)
It takes around three years to habituate gorillas. Over 18 months of daily visits, the Bikingi group have become accustomed to their trackers, but are still wary, particularly with new people. Remember they might charge, says Geoffrey Twinomuhangi from UWA. Copy their movements. Crouch down. If they eat grass, pretend to eat grass. But dont beat your chest: thats their sign of supremacy. Whatever you do, dont run.
Suddenly theres Rushenya, munching stalks in a clearing about 12m away. The trackers cough softly the sound of contentment in gorilla language. Speak to him, Augustine whispers. Let him know youre a friend. Nervously, I try a quiet, guttural rumble that tickles my throat. When he responds, grunting deeply, I feel shivers down my spine.
Rushenya and his family four females, three toddlers and a three-week old baby are constantly on the move, and both the purpose and the challenge of habituation is to stay with them and keep in their vision no matter what. We hurtle after them, battling through tangled jungle, crawling through bushes and scurrying up and down near-vertical slopes of loose earth, wet leaves and slippery vegetation. Gradually, we narrow our distance until were a mere seven metres apart. Big Daddy Rushenya eats incessantly; youngsters play tag in the trees, laughing and smiling; mums keep a watchful eye on them and on us.
Suddenly, a female carrying her three-week old baby tumbles down the slope, landing between the silverback and me. Rushenya swings into action, running towards us, almost shouting a reverberating uh uh noise. Thankfully, we remember our briefing. We avert our eyes and crouched submissively. He freezes in front of us, all 40-odd stone of him, sussing out the situation... and then slowly moves on. It felt like forever but must only have been seconds. He was just warning us, protecting the baby, Augustine reassures us.
Whether you have one hour or four with these majestic, vulnerable creatures, it will never be enough, and all too soon our time is up. As is Rushenyas as we turn to leave, hes already heading deep into the forest. For Augustine and his crew, tomorrow is another day.
Rushenya heads off into the sunset (Will Whitford)
Travel Essentials
Getting there
Steppes Travel (www.steppestravel.co.uk; 01285 601050) offer a 7 day trip from 5,695 per person based on two people sharing in low season. This includes one normal gorilla permit and one gorilla habituation permit, Nkuringo Walking Safaris Ivy Trail trek, international flights via Nairobi with Kenya Airways, internal flights, transfers, two nights at Volcanoes Safaris Bwindi Lodge (www.volcanoessafaris.com), two nights at Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge (www.wildplacesafrica.com), and one night in Entebbe on a full board basis.
Staying there
Nkuringo Bwindi Gorilla Lodge (www.mountaingorillalodge.com) has doubles from $250, full board.
More information
ugandawildlife.org
visituganda.com
The Gorilla Habituation Experience costs $1500 per person, znd is likely to continue into 2018, depending on the groups progress. British nationals require a visa to enter Uganda, costing 40 from the Uganda High Commission. A Yellow Fever Immunisation Card is also required.
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Aviation security figures have reacted with astonishment to the UK Government's decision to copy the US ban on electronic devices in cabin baggage from some Middle Eastern and North African nations.
No 10 announced that new aviation security measures on all inbound direct flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia would involve anything bigger than a mobile phone being checked into the hold of aircraft.
Philip Baum, editor of Aviation Security International magazine, said: If we cannot, in 2017, distinguish between a laptop that contains an IED and one that does not, then our screening process is completely flawed. And encouraging people to check laptops, and other such items, into the luggage hold simply makes the challenge even harder.
The Governments announcement was the latest twist in an extraordinary series of events that began on Monday evening with a now-deleted tweet from Royal Jordanian Airlines. The carrier warned passengers of a ban on electronic devices as cabin baggage.
On Tuesday, the US Department for Homeland Security confirmed a ban on devices bigger than a mobile phone on flights from 10 Middle Eastern and North African airports.
Officials cited as evidence for this move a bomb attack on a domestic flight in Somalia last year, which killed only the terrorist.
But as Mr Baum pointed out: The laptop used to bomb the Daallo Airlines flight from Mogadishu to Djibouti was handed to the passenger after the security checkpoint.
It is not clear why the UK has not applied the measure to the UAE and Morocco, which were included in the US ban.
The Royal Jordanian airline has banned electronic devices on flights to the US (Bjorn Strey/Wikimedia)
Airlines and airports are coming to terms with the implications of the ban, which spell serious disruption for an estimated 5,000 passengers a day.
A significant proportion are travellers who are flying in transit via Istanbul airport on Turkish Airlines from Asia and Africa, heading for Heathrow, Gatwick, Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.
While the ban applies only from Istanbul, in practice passengers will not be able to keep their devices with them for the first leg of the journey from, say, Hong Kong or Cape Town to the Turkish transit point. They will be obliged to check them in at the airport on departure.
Donald Trump's in-flight electronics ban explained
The scope for petty criminals to rummage through baggage in search of expensive tablets, laptops or camera is considerable.
All the flights covered by the US are, by definition, long-haul, and the vast majority of passengers on such services will check in baggage. But on low-cost links from Turkey and Egypt to the UK, many travellers choose a hand-baggage only option to save money or time, or both. But they will now be obliged to procure a case that will provide suitable protection for their electronic devices, and check it in. It is not clear whether the airline or passenger will cover the cost.
The additional items being checked in will, in turn, put extra pressure on baggage systems at both the departure and arrival airports.
The Government spokesperson said: The additional security measures may cause some disruption for passengers and flights, and we understand the frustration that will cause, but our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals.
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Britain has taken the dramatic move to ban laptop computers and tablets from the cabins of planes flying to the UK from six countries, amid fears of a new terror threat.
The move affecting thousands of passengers coming from six predominantly-Muslim countries mirrors a similar measure imposed by the US, citing an attempt by the Islamist al-Shabaab group to bring down a jet in Somalia using a laptop bomb.
The British Governments decision follows the receipt of specific intelligence reports, according to security sources.
One US official quoted by CNN said new information received in recent weeks showed an affiliate of al-Qaeda was working on a technique to hide explosives inside the battery compartment of electronic devices.
Downing Street refused to discuss any specific terrorist plot, but action hitting 15 airlines with the extra restrictions was taken after Theresa May met aviation experts on Tuesday morning.
Ministers said they understood the frustration the extra measures would cause passengers but said they are working with the industry to minimise the impact.
A No 10 spokesman said: The safety and security of the travelling public is our highest priority.
That is why we keep our aviation security under constant review and put in place measures we believe are necessary, effective and proportionate.
The six countries affected are: Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia. Devices measuring more than 16cm in length, 9.3cm in width, or 1.5cm depth will be banned from the cabin and need to be placed into hold luggage and checked-in before going through security.
Downing Street said the measure was effective immediately, but would not give details as to why the decision had been taken now. No 10 did say UK security services have been in close touch with their US counterparts during the decision to implement the ban.
The US electronics measure, announced late on Monday, affected nine airlines flying from 10 specific airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Morocco, Qatar and the UAE, including Dubai, the worlds busiest airport for international travellers.
An incident last year appears to have caused particular alarm, after al-Shabaab smuggled an explosive-filled laptop on a flight out of Mogadishu. The explosion was small, but the bomb was particularly placed by the extremist so as to blow a hole in the side of the passenger cabin.
Experts said that if the plane was at a higher altitude, the small blast in the passenger area could have triggered a bigger explosion due to the pressurised cabin and caused the jet to crash.
Donald Trump's in-flight electronics ban explained
As it was, the plane managed to land after reaching an altitude of only 11,000 feet.
While the countries affected by the new ban all have Muslim-majority populations, sources stressed that the rule change was entirely intelligence-led.
They said the rationale behind the changes should not be confused with the anti-immigrant sentiments widely thought to have driven highly controversial policies Donald Trump is seeking to introduce in America, described collectively as a Muslim ban.
UK carriers affected British Airways EasyJet Jet2.com Monarch Thomas Cook Thomson
However, King's College London and Geneva Centre for Security Policy research fellow Jean-Marc Rickli said that when faced with specific intelligence it was more usual for a global ban to be issued, rather than limiting action to certain countries.
Dr Rickli cited incidents including the attempted 2001 shoe-bombing plot, that sparked global footwear checks for passengers, and the restrictions that followed the 2006 attempt to detonate liquid explosives disguised as soft drinks.
If they have critical intelligence that something could happen fine, but the measures that they are taking shows a mismatch with the threat, he added.
Foreign carriers affected by UK ban Turkish Airlines Pegasus Airways Atlas-Global Airlines Middle East Airlines Egyptair Royal Jordanian Tunis Air Saudia
As soon as you issue a ban like this, from a terrorist perspective you will just change your operating plan instead of flying from Doha or Dubai you just fly from Amsterdam or Paris.
The ban came amid warnings Isis could move into insurgency mode with the loss of key strongholds across Syria and Iraq, focusing its attention on inciting terror attacks abroad rather than gaining territory.
The move is also likely to further antagonise the government of Turkey's President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose relations with western European countries have become increasingly acrimonious. Turkey has already condemned the American action as unfair and demanded that it should be reversed.
Kindles and other e-readers will also be among devices affected, along with hybrid items such as the Microsoft Surface and iPad Pro, and the new Nintendo Switch gaming system. Some travellers will be forced to pay extra fees for a checked bag if they want to use the gadgets at their destination.
Most smartphones, including the iPhone 7 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S7, will still be eligible to travel in cabin baggage. However, travel organisation Abta warned laptops and tablets are not typically covered by travel insurance policies for loss, damage or theft if placed in the hold.
Air industry consultant John Strickland warned that the ban will cause headaches for airlines and customers but said carriers have no choice but to put security first when official advice is given.
Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said: We understand the frustration that these measures may cause and we are working with the aviation industry to minimise any impact. These new measures apply to flights into the UK and we are not currently advising against flying to and from those countries. Those with imminent travel plans should contact their airline for further information.
Downing Street said all airlines affected were being informed of the new requirements. UK carriers include British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson.
Foreign carriers affected by UK ban are Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Egyptair, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air, Saudia.
On the launch of the US restrictions the Department of Homeland Security said extremists were seeking innovative methods to bring down passenger planes, adding in a statement: Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.
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At least 12 airlines have been ordered by the US Department of Homeland Security to tell passengers they cannot take electronic devices bigger than a mobile phone as hand luggage on flights to the US.
The US authorities are believed to be concerned about a possible attempt to down a plane by smuggling explosives on board in the battery compartment of an electronic device. Officials in Washington DC have told the affected carriers that they should not allow passengers to take laptop or tablet computers, cameras or electronic games into the aircraft cabin.
The Independent has analysed the flight schedules from the Middle East and Africa and identified a dozen non-American airlines from the region that fly to the US: Arik Air from Lagos; Egyptair from Cairo; Emirates from Dubai and Athens; Ethiopian from Addis Ababa, Lome in Togo and Dublin; Etihad from Abu Dhabi; Kuwait Airways from Kuwait; Qatar Airways from Doha; Royal Air Maroc from Casablanca; Royal Jordanian from Amman; Saudia from Jeddah and Riyadh; South African Airways from Johannesburg and Dakar; and Turkish Airlines from Istanbul.
The news first emerged in a now-deleted tweet from Royal Jordanian, which flies between its hub in Amman and New York, Detroit and Chicago: Following instructions from the concerned US departments, we kindly inform our dearest passengers departing to and arriving from the United States that carrying any electronic or electrical device on board the flight cabins is strictly prohibited.
The airline now says only: Further updates will be announced soon regarding #electronicsban.
Now you see it: deleted tweet from Royal Jordanian Airlines about the new ban on electronic devices (Royal Jordanian)
Prohibited devices are supposed to be carried in checked baggage, though this has caused confusion because of the fire risk caused by lithium batteries in aircraft holds.
Three years ago, the US stipulated that all electronic devices carried into the cabin must be capable of being powered up. Intelligence sources in 2014 suggested that the material for a bomb could be implanted in the battery compartment of a mobile phone or computer.
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. 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Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. 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 UK Department for Transport announced identical rules shortly afterwards, though they have never been seriously enforced.
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The biggest airline thought to be affected by a ban on electronic devices by the US authorities says it has not heard from the Department for Homeland Security (DHS) or its subsidiary, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Emirates Airlines base at Dubai is included on a list of 10 airports that a DHS official is said to have supplied to the Associated Press. The others are Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Casablanca, Doha, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kuwait and Riyadh.
But an Emirates spokesperson told The Independent: At this time we have not received any notification of changes to cabin luggage restrictions on US flights.
Emirates will comply with any new operational or regulatory requirements issued by the relevant authorities.
Recommended US bans passengers from carrying electronic devices on 12 airlines
Other large carriers thought to be affected are Etihad, Qatar Airways, Saudia and Turkish Airlines, but Emirates carries far more passengers to the US than its rivals.
The US authorities are believed to be concerned about a possible attempt to down a plane by smuggling explosives on board in the battery compartment of an electronic device.
The ban first emerged in a now-deleted tweet from Royal Jordanian, which flies between its hub in Amman and New York, Detroit and Chicago: Following instructions from the concerned US departments, we kindly inform our dearest passengers departing to and arriving from the United States that carrying any electronic or electrical device on board the flight cabins is strictly prohibited.
The airline now says only: Further updates will be announced soon regarding #electronicsban.
Prohibited devices can be carried in checked baggage, though concerns have been raised about the fire risk posed by increased numbers of lithium batteries in aircraft holds.
Three years ago, the US stipulated that all electronic devices carried into the cabin must be capable of being powered up at the security check. If they could not be, they must be left behind.
Intelligence sources in 2014 suggested that the material for a bomb could be implanted in the battery compartment of a mobile phone or computer.
The UK Department for Transport announced identical rules shortly afterwards, though they have never been seriously enforced.
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Rocknrolls founders have been more physically durable than the 1960s rock stars they inspired. Until yesterday, Chuck Berry, like Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis, seemed an immortal embodiment of a mid-20th century cultural revolution whose shockwaves are only now subsiding. Theyll finally have to start carving a new Mount Rushmore, for these mighty remnants of a heroic age.
Elvis had the languid, likeable sexual swagger to lure segregated white audiences to his miscegenated music, Little Richard was the sexually transgressive, atom-splitting anarchist of hard rocknroll, and Jerry Lee the truly dangerous, untameable white wild child. Chuck Berry was this great generations equivalent to Cole Porter, Jimi Hendrix and Nat King Cole, in one tough, cantankerous skin.
Already 30 when he recorded his first hit for Chess Records, Maybelline, in 1955, he took an assessing, outsiders look at the nascent teenage landscape, and became its first, sympathetic poet laureate. 1957s School Day (Ring! Ring! Goes the Bell) is blues for schoolkids, working at a desk described like a factory shift, picked on by a bully in the desk behind, and yearning for 3pm escape to the freedom of loving and dancing to their private, new beat. Hail, hail, rocknroll/Deliver me from the days of old, Berry sings. Long live rocknroll/The beat of the drum is loud and bold
In pictures: Chuck Berry Show all 13 1 /13 In pictures: Chuck Berry In pictures: Chuck Berry Rock and roll musician Chuck Berry in Chicago, Illinois Getty In pictures: Chuck Berry Chuck Berry receives the 'Goldene Kamera' Award 2008 at the Ullsteinhalle in Berlin, Germany Getty Images In pictures: Chuck Berry Rock and roll legend Chuck Berry struts his signature 'duck walk' while playing his Gibson guitar, to the delight of fans, during a 1980 Hollywood, California, concert at the Palladium Getty In pictures: Chuck Berry US singer and musician Chuck Berry performs in the central French city of Orleans Getty Images In pictures: Chuck Berry US President Bill Clinton welcomes Chuck Berry to the White House in Washington, DC during a reception for the 2000 Kennedy Center Honourees Getty Images In pictures: Chuck Berry Musician Chuck Berry shakes hands with musician Elvis Costello as Paul Simon applauds during the 2012 Awards for Song Lyrics of Literary Excellence at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum in Boston, Massachusetts Reuters In pictures: Chuck Berry Rock and roll musician Chuck Berry poses for a portrait holding his Gibson hollow body electric guitar in circa 1958 Getty In pictures: Chuck Berry Bruce Springsteen and Chuck Berry perform 'Johnny B. Good' to open The Concert for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame re In pictures: Chuck Berry American rock 'n' roll star Chuck Berry PA wire In pictures: Chuck Berry Rock 'n' Roll legends Little Richard and Chuck Berry perform for the first time together during an appearance on 'The Tonight Show with Jay Leno' at the NBC studios in Burbank, California Reuters In pictures: Chuck Berry Influential American singer and songwriter Chuck Berry Getty In pictures: Chuck Berry Rock 'n' roll legend, singer, songwriter and guitarist Chuck Berry arrives at Heathrow Airport with his wife Thematta Evening Standard/Getty Images In pictures: Chuck Berry A view of Chuck Berry's Hollywood Walk of Fame Star in Hollywood, California Getty Images
Flip School Day over, and you heard the instrumental Deep Feeling, powered by Berrys stinging slide-guitar, intertwined with the piano of his career-long collaborator Johnnie Johnson. Berry was indulging his deeper blues-playing instincts on this B-side. But his playing on the likes of the epochal Johnny B. Goode, relentlessly riffing with an awareness of swing rhythms, with black Rhythm & Blues roots but a light country twang, was its own, hugely influential school. Its driving, simplicity leapt like lightning from Californias Beach Boys to Kents Keith Richards, and found more basic, brutalist echoes in punk rock. The moment in Back to the Future when a Berry-like black rocker learns his moves from time-travelling white boy Marty McFly is one of Hollywoods more thoughtlessly vile revisions.
Berry also mythologised rocknroll almost from its start, hymning its immortality against the adult nay-sayers who presumed it a fad. There have been doom-mongers from bitter old punks to rave revisionists who have been sounding the musics death-knell ever since. Berrys Roll Over Beethoven, Rock And Roll Music and Johnny B. Goode (and the latters sequel, Bye Bye Johnny) offered a sturdy, self-aware counter-argument. Long before Bob Dylan led a serious- and literary-minded counter-culture, Berry declared that the music he was making mattered, and that his young fans, sneered at as greasy juvenile delinquents, counted, too.
Berry was deliberately accessible to both white and black audiences. His patented duck-walk across the stage was showmanship without the shock of his peers, and the heavy influence of Southern country music and Nat King Coles croon softened the radical new facts of his lyrics and sound. But he had been jailed for attempted armed robbery back in 1944, and the law would regularly hound him, not helped by some unpleasant sexual proclivities.
Tributes flow in after Chuck Berry dies aged 90
He was off the scene, serving time, between 1961 and 1964, getting out to find The Beatles bringing his old songs to a new generation. But his final significant burst of hits in the early 1960s Memphis, Tennessee, Nadine (Is It You?), You Never Can Tell and The Promised Land more than matched Lennon and McCartney in their sly wit, and double-edged assessments of an America which has treated so many of its black giants so pitilessly.
For all his faults, Chuck Berry made it through 90 years his own way, and finished his first album since 1979 just before his death. He helped shake the world into looser, better ways, and explained the first real teenagers to themselves. Flawed, yes, and not always nice. But he was a monumental man.
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FBI director James Comey told the House Intelligence Committee this week not just that his agency is indeed investigating possible collusion between Donald Trump's 2016 campaign and Russia and its meddling in the presidential race but also that it began the effort as long ago as July last year.
My guess is that 27 July is the day it started, a Wednesday. The Democrats were midway through a national convention in Philadelphia that had opened under the cloud of a huge leak of hacked Democratic National Committee memos suggesting that its officials had deliberately plotted to ease Hillary Clintons path to its partys nomination at the expense of Bernie Sanders.
Recommended Trump tells Republicans vote for Obamacare repeal or lose their seats
The day before, meanwhile, Donald Trump, already crowned at the Republican convention a week earlier, had boldly stood before reporters and, in terms, invited Russia to quarry for emails he said Clinton still hadnt surrendered from her private email server. Jaws slackened across the land. The following day as the FBI was presumably swinging into action there was a 76 per cent spike in ordinary Americans looking online for definitions of the word treason.
Russia, if youre listening, I hope youre able to find the 30,0000 emails that are missing, Trump said. At the time, I wrote that should we discover that his campaign had egged Russia on in any way, the resulting scandal would make Watergate look like small-fry. I also said Trump was building a manure hill that would bury him well before the November vote.
So much for that. Like others, I was underestimating Trumps teflon armour. As we were to find out later, even fall-out from recordings of his boasting about grabbing the body-parts of women wouldnt be enough to penetrate it.
But if my timing was off, my death-by-manure prognostication may yet come to apply the day of reckoning may only have been delayed. Now when he is meant to be in the salad days of his presidency with public support strong (its not) and gratitude from his own party bottomless (questionable also) he finds himself under the cloud of an investigation that could dog him for months or even longer and maybe, just maybe, end up removing him from power entirely.
If not Trump himself, who are the targets of the now eight-month-old probe? Names mentioned in the course of the House hearing, though not by Comey, included Paul Manafort, who last July was still Trumps campaign chief having previously steered the successful election campaign of pro-Moscow Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych (subsquently overthrown), Roger Stone, a long-time adviser who seemed last year to have inside knowledge of when damaging leaks of Democratic communications were coming, and Carter Page, another Trump campaign adviser.
Everyone may yet be exonerated. But the mere fact of the investigation happening is terrible news for Trump and his team, who should be focusing all their energies on the repeal and replacement of Obamacare and the implementation of all the rest of the Trump agenda from immigration to fighting Isis, remaking the federal budget and tax law and reworking trade policy.
Theres a big grey cloud that youve now put over people who have very important work to do to lead this country, the House Intelligence Committee chair Devin Nunes, a California Republican, informed Comey at Mondays hearing, as if he wasnt already aware of it. The faster that you can get to the bottom of this, its going to be better for all Americans.
Speed was not something the Republicans looked for when they blew on the embers of scandal surrounding former President Bill Clinton in the 1990s, leading quickly to the appointment of Kenneth Starr as special prosecutor. Starr spent five years yes, five dreary years looking into everything from the Presidents land speculation deals in Arkansas to the death of Deputy Counsel Vince Foster and, finally, his liaison with White House intern Monica Lewinsky.
There is ample reason why a special prosecutor would be appropriate again now. Confidence in the FBI being able to insulate itself from political pressure is low. Note the barrage of tweets coming from Trump and the White House even as Comey was testifying on Monday. It hardly helps that the US Attorney General, Jeff Sessions, was forced to recuse himself from the matter entirely soon after being sworn in after it emerged that he had himself met with top Russians while advising the Trump campaign last year and then testified to the contrary under oath.
And there is the sheer gravity of what has been alleged. Congress began impeachment proceedings against Bill Clinton because he had lied under oath about an affair. Richard Nixon was forced from office because his party broke into the offices of the opposing party for electoral advantage and he then sought to cover it up. Bad hombres, both, you might argue. But these were sins of the home and the homeland, domestic in nature in the broad sense of the word.
Comey summed up why what we are discussing here is of a different order. One of the things we radiate to the world is the importance of our wonderful, often messy, but free and fair democratic system and the elections that undergird it, he said. When theres an effort by a foreign nation state to mess with that, to destroy that, to corrupt that, it is very, very serious. It threatens what is America. And if any Americans are part of that effort, its a very serious matter.
It reminded me of what Trump says about strong borders: without them, America doesnt exist. Comey is saying that America would also cease to exist the day a candidate recruits a foreign power to subvert its democratic process. America last, not first. And remember, we are talking Putins Russia here.
I think most of us could give our own definition of treason without having to look it up.
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James Comey has been accused of derailing the election campaign of Hillary Clinton with the announcement that he was reopening the investigation into her use of emails.
Today, he set the primer on explosive revelations which may yet sink the presidency of Donald Trump.
The FBI director had exonerated Ms Clinton a few days later, but not before the damage may have been done. However, his confirmation that there is an active investigation into Mr Trumps Russian connections presents an ongoing threat which will hang over the new administration and, if incriminating evidence surfaces, may pave the way for impeachment.
Both Mr Comey and Mike Rogers, the head of the NSA, dismissed Mr Trumps attempts to deflect attention from the Russian allegations with claims of Barack Obama getting Britains GCHQ to wiretap him as totally false. But fresh questions arise over Mr Comeys testimony.
He has acknowledged that the investigation into the links between the Trump team and the Kremlin started long before the US election.
But while the FBI director publicly intervened with the Clinton email declaration, he said nothing publicly about the Trump inquiry.
The timing is important. We know that Chris Steele, the former MI6 officer who had been commissioned to look into Mr Trump, first of all by Republicans and then the Democrats, had begun to supply the FBI with information about the Russian connection by July last year.
It has emerged that the Bureau discussed paying the former MI6 officer to continue his work on the issue when his contract with the Democrats ended following Mr Trumps shock victory.
In July Mr Steele sent a memo to the FBI stating that Mr Trumps campaign team had agreed to a Russian request to dilute attention on Moscows intervention in Ukraine.
Four days later Mr Trump stated that he would recognise Moscows annexation of Crimea, officials involved in his campaign having already allegedly asked the Republican Partys election platform to change the wording of a pledge for military assistance to the Ukrainian government against separatist rebels in the east of the country.
Mr Steele claimed the Trump campaign was taking this path because it was aware that the Russians were hacking Democratic Party emails. The same day that Mr Trump spoke about Crimea, he called on the Kremlin to hack Hillary Clintons emails.
However, Mr Steele became increasingly frustrated that the FBI was failing to take action on the intelligence. He came to believe there was a cover-up, that a cabal within the bureau blocked a thorough inquiry into Mr Trump, focusing instead on the investigation into Ms Clintons emails. The MI6 officers passing of information to the FBI ceased in December last year.
Both Mr Comey and Mr Rogers were asked about Mr Steeles report. They refused to discuss it in any detail.
The FBI was receiving information about those close to Mr Trump and Moscow from other sources as well. Mr Comey did not deny that he briefed President Obama about telephone calls made by Lieutenant General Michael Flynn, Mr Trumps most senior security advisor, to the Russians, although it was not clear whether this happened before or after the election.
Gen Flynn was appointed National Security Advisor by Mr Trump but was forced to resign when his contact with the Russian ambassador was revealed.
It has now emerged that he had received money from concerns linked to the Russian state and also, separately, the Turkish government of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Mr Comey refused to answer whether subjects of his investigation into Gen Flynn, or Paul Manafort who was Mr Trumps campaign manager and, before that, ran the successful election campaign of pro-Moscow Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych, who was subsequently overthrown, and Roger Stone, a long-time advisor to Mr Trump who admits to being in contact with Russians who hacked Democratic National Party emails and Carter Page, an advisor to Mr Trump with close links to Russian oligarchs.
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
All these names appear in Mr Steeles full report. The FBI director stated I dont want to answer any questions about a US person. But his refusal is also a very strong indication that all these men are now very much part of the inquiry.
Mr Trump put out tweets during the hearing that he has been cleared. The Republicans in the Committee tried to focus on leaks from the intelligence services. But the search to discover whether there really is a Muscovian candidate now in the White House is not going to go away.
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Although Martin McGuinness was for decades deeply involved in violence, he was brought up in a non-violent household in the family home in one of Londonderrys overcrowded Catholic ghettos.
His family was well-regarded and known for religious devotion: his parents went to mass every day, and each evening they and their seven children said the rosary together in their home, which had two bedrooms and a scullery but lacked a proper kitchen.
But the late Sixties brought the outbreak of the Troubles, and one day a local priest came to Peggy McGuinness to tell her that her son Martin had been caught stealing acid from his school. She was, she said, embarrassed and ashamed.
But this was no mere adolescent prank. McGuinness intended to use the acid in bombs to hurl at the security forces in the rioting which involved hundreds of local teens.
Far more unwelcome news was to come later for Mrs McGuinness, when she was shocked to find that her son had hidden gloves or other paraphernalia in the house.
It immediately traumatised her, McGuinness recalled. She did not hit me with it or anything like that, or if there were gloves there was no smack across the face with the gloves.
I think that it was a moment in time and she was obviously annoyed at the prospect that all of our lives were changing and maybe mine more dramatically than anybody elses.
Neither mother nor son could have had any idea of just how dramatic McGuinnesss life would be in the IRA, Sinn Fein and politics. Three violent decades lay ahead for him before he publicly declared in 2002: My war is over.
By 1971 he had become fully radicalised and, after spending a few months preparing pre-packed meats in a local butchers shop he became a full-time street fighter. By the age of 21 he was second-in-command of Londonderrys fearsome IRA.
Frequent arrests and interrogations had no impact on a man later described by a Royal Marine major as excellent officer material.
Even with limited manpower and resources in the early IRA, he proved a major danger to life and property.
His unit was heavily outnumbered and outgunned, as he was later to describe in evidence to the tribunal investigating the deaths of Bloody Sunday. He had 40 or 50 volunteers, he testified, mostly in their early 20s, though he said thousands of people ready to help in different ways.
They had ten rifles of various kinds, he said, plus half a dozen short arms, and perhaps two or three sub-machine guns.
They had titles such as explosives officers and intelligence officers but, he explained: We accorded ourselves these grand titles which bore very little relationship to the reality. All of us were very young we were not like a conventional army, we were not well organised, we were making it up as we went along.
He spoke, with a trace of regimental pride, of the skills of his gunmen, telling the tribunal: A number of British soldiers were killed in what were known as single-shot sniping situations. The IRA had a small number of people who were probably more accurate in their sniping than the average British soldier, and a number of British soldiers lost their lives.
All of us were very young, said McGuinness, we were not like a conventional army (PA)
He did not clarify whether he himself was one of the snipers, but at another time he related being fired at by the British army on countless occasions over 20 years. It seems highly unlikely that all those bullets were going in one direction.
In fact the statistics show that his IRA in Londonderry, although facing hundreds of troops, killed 27 soldiers during 1971 and 1972. At the same time its bombing teams laid waste to much of the city centre, one observer describing central Londonderry as looking as though it had been bombed from the air.
In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Show all 18 1 /18 In Pictures: Martin McGuinness In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland's Former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness has died aged 66 Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday Mural in the Bogside in Londonderry PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Britain's Queen Elizabeth II shaking hands with Sinn Fein politician and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle, south of Belfast in Northern Ireland Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness AP In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, shaking hands with British Prime Minister Tony Blair as First Minister Ian Paisley, looks on at Stormont Parliament Buildings in Belfast Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness walks past the Houses of Parliament in London AP In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein Chief Negotiator Martin McGuinness Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Republican party Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams standing with Sinn Fein politician and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness as he arrives to give a press conference at a hotel in Belfast, Northern Ireland Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembly PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness celebrate at Kings Hall in Belfast with a supporter after hearing the result of the Irish referendum Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein member of parliament Martin McGuinness speaks to the media outside Holloway Prison, in London Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness embracing at Dublin Airport PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness US. President Bill Clinton shakes the hand of Sinn Fein chief negotiator Martin McGuinness as Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams watches, following Clinton's speech at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast Reuters In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the opening of Ireland's first IKEA store in Belfast PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness addressing Nationalists after the march in Londonderry outside the Guild Hall PA wire In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Michelle O'Neill, the new Sinn Fein leader in the north takes a selfie with Martin McGuinness on the steps of Stormont Getty Images In Pictures: Martin McGuinness Bernadette McGuinness carries the coffin of her late husband Martin McGuinness in Londonderry, Northern Ireland Getty Images
In his evidence to the Bloody Sunday tribunal McGuinness had no hesitation in displaying detailed knowledge of IRA tactics. He would have regarded it as an awful waste, he explained, to use nail bombs against armoured military carriers. The sole purpose of nail bombs, he said, was for them to be used as anti-personnel devices, maybe where soldiers would have got out of a vehicle.
The IRA was much troubled by informers, he added, and there were many occasions when people who betrayed republicanism went over to the British, and were executed by the IRA. The background, he told the tribunal, was a state of war between the IRA and British military forces.
As for McGuinnesss involvement on Bloody Sunday, the tribunal concluded he was probably armed with a sub-machine gun, but that there was insufficient evidence to judge whether he had fired his weapon. He hotly denied that he had.
A few months after Bloody Sunday he had his first taste of high-level in fact cabinet-level politics. Northern Ireland Secretary William Whitelaw secretly arranged for IRA leaders to be flown to London for an exploratory meeting.
The republican delegation, which included McGuinness and Gerry Adams, was driven in a blacked-out van to a helicopter, then flown to London by RAF plane. It was a formative experience for a young Bogsider who had been brought up in a house without a modern kitchen.
I was 22 years of age, and I couldnt be anything but impressed by the paraphernalia surrounding that whole business, and the cloak and dagger stuff of how we were transported from Derry to London, McGuinness recounted.
At the military airfield in England we were met by a fleet of limousines. They were the fanciest cars I had ever seen in my life: it was a most unreal experience. We were escorted by the Special Branch through London.
McGuinness on the platform at a Sinn Fein annual conference in Dundalk (PA)
Their destination was Cheyne Walk, the plush Chelsea street which had at various times housed figures such as Lloyd George, Ralph Vaughan Williams, John Paul Getty, George Eliot and Diana Mitford.
If the idea was to overawe McGuinness and the others it failed. He pronounced himself completely unimpressed, later commenting: The only purpose of the meeting with Whitelaw was to demand a British declaration of intent to withdraw. All of us left the meeting quite clear in our minds that the British government were not yet at a position whereby we could do serious business.
At that point he wrote off the idea of relying solely on political negotiation, remaining committed to the idea of pursuing victory through violence. Decades were to go by with many more people dying before he became committed to a purely political path.
The idea developed among the leadership of the IRA however that its aims could be pursued by a mixture of politics and the gun, a theory that came to be known as the Armalite rifle and ballot-box strategy.
It was coined by McGuinnesss associate Danny Morrison, who declared at a Sinn Fein conference: Who here really believes we can win the war through the ballot box? But will anyone here object if, with a ballot paper in this hand and an Armalite in the other, we take power in Ireland?
Newly elected Sinn Fein MPs McGuinness and Adams in May 1997 after challenging an order barring them from Parliament for refusing to swear allegiance to the Queen (PA)
Working closely with Adams, he deftly staged a remarkably peaceful coup against traditional IRA old-timers.
In a key intervention at a republican conference McGuinness pointed to the old guard and declared: They tell you it is an inevitable certainty that the war against British rule will be run down, that Sinn Fein and the IRA are intent on a constitutional path. Shame shame shame. Our position is clear and it will never, never, never change: the war against British rule must continue until freedom is achieved.
McGuinness and Adams won the vote and from then on took control, so once again the conflict went on. Much later however they were, with infinite caution, to steer the republican movement away from violence and into politics, eventually running down the IRA and building Sinn Fein into a highly effective political machine on both sides of the Irish border.
They set about reorganising the IRA for the long haul, adopting a strategy known as the long war. It was partly reorganised into a cell structure in order to tighten internal security and guard against the effects of informers and interrogation. It also widened its range of targets, killing a number of senior business figures and prison staff, and smuggling in powerful new weaponry.
At the same time as the Troubles dragged on, McGuinness developed a new role in the very grey area between violence and politics which ultimately came to be known as the peace process. To calm doubts among the militant IRA grassroots that Adams might be turning into too much of a peacenik, McGuinness, with his reputation for implacable militancy, played a key role in providing assurance to hardliners.
Designated as Sinn Feins chief negotiator, he took part in years of negotiation with British intelligence officers, officials and eventually ministers, giving vital cloud cover to Adamss pragmatic compromises.
And finally he devoted the last ten years of his life seeking to build peace, having evolved from the young lad making acid bombs at the start of the Troubles to the political figure working to bring the conflict to a close.
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Martin McGuinness followed along the familiar trail of so many enemies of Britains weary colonial history. A super-terrorist becomes a super-statesman. Jomo Kenyatta comes to mind. And Archbishop Makarios. And of course, Menachem Begin. With blood on their hands, they pass through that mist of nobility bestowed by colonial power and former rulers and re-emerge as statesmen of compromise, eloquence, even humour.
Ive never been sure they really changed that much. Begin blew up the King David Hotel, murdered two British army sergeants because the Brits were executing Irgun fighters, and became Prime Minister of Israel. He signed a peace agreement with Egypt, met Margaret Thatcher then invaded Lebanon in 1982: 17,000 died.
In fact, most of these folk recalled their past with a certain amount of caution. Father of the Nation, they liked to be called although that hardly applied to McGuinness. Michael Collins went through a similar transmogrification. There he was, killing Churchills Cairo Gang intelligence men in Dublin and then sitting in Downing Street with Lloyd George and Churchill himself, who told of meeting Collins whose hands had touched directly the springs of terrible deeds. Doubtless, he would have said the same of McGuinness.
In 1972 I saw him first, standing beside a table on the Creggan already no-go Derry after Bloody Sunday for a frantic press conference. They said he was the IRA commander in Derry (he was actually number two), but he was a rather frightening young man, 22 at the time, high cheekbones, fluffy, curly hair, red-faced, sharp, narrow eyes, unsmiling. A very dangerous man, I thought at the time to his enemies, at least. There was a rifle in the room, though I dont think he touched it. People later said it was a Kalashnikov, but there werent many AKs around at the time and I rather think it was an old American Garand.
The British were claiming at the time that McGuinness was the most wanted man in Derry or Northern Ireland or all of Ireland but they did that on a regular basis to all their most tenacious enemies. Thats what they once called Begin. Thats what they said about Collins in the early 1920s, who passed through that infamous mist of nobility when he signed the grim Treaty which the Brits had prepared for him, Griffith and the others. It cost him his life, of course, so he never travelled to Buckingham Palace to meet the King. But Collins did meet James Craig, one of Northern Irelands most sectarian Protestant prime ministers, before he was killed by his own people. Avoiding assassination, McGuinness was to sit down with Ian Paisley and his cronies and become deputy minister of the state he tried so hard to destroy. That alone was worth a handshake from the British monarch.
But we should not be too romantic about violent men who pass through the archway of British political acceptance. Sadat was a German spy in Cairo in the Second World War. Then he became the beloved peace-maker. Nasser was at first greeted by Eden, who only later called him the Mussolini of the Nile, although Nasser did for the British Empire at Suez. Yasser Arafat was a super-terrorist when I first met him in Beirut in the 1980s, blathering on about the Zionist military junta; then he signed the Oslo agreement and became a super-statesman and shook hands with Bill Clinton and Yitzhak Rabin. Yet under the brutal Sharon, he reverted to super-terrorist status, up to and including his moment of death. What moral transformartions! His body must have been spinning even before it was put in the grave.
Its a heady, giddy business to undergo these constant conversions. Saddam was our man when he sent his Iraqi legions into revolutionary Iran in 1980 but then became the Hitler of the Tigris when he invaded the wrong country (Kuwait) 10 years later and got bombed for it, and was then invaded in 2003 for the one crime he didnt commit (9/11). Off with his head, we cried, and the noose surely strangled him. Then take Muammar Gaddafi, whose Libyan coup was at first welcomed by the Foreign Office. But then he went a bit mad, issuing Trump-like statements of mind-numbing inanity, and then tried to fix up McGuinness and his mates with explosives and organised a bomb in a Berlin nightclub where it killed an American serviceman and then got bombed by Ronald Reagan who dubbed him the Mad Dog of the Middle East.
But the Mad Dog outlived Saddam and got slobbered over by the Brits for deconstructing nuclear weapons he never had, and Saint Tony bestowed a kiss upon him and all was well until the Libyans decided theyd had enough and the much-kissed Muammar was butchered by a mob. No wonder he had a strange, puzzled look in his eyes at the time. Then there was Bashar al-Assad, son of the ferocious Hafez, invited to Bastille Day but then post-Arab Awakening loathed by the French, whose foreign minister declared that he did not deserve to live on this earth. The Quai dOrsay did not suggest which particular planet he should fly to. But reader alert: with the Europeans back-peddling on their demands for his overthrow and Putin welcoming him to the Kremlin, we may yet see Bashar back in the halls of western Europe.
McGuinness, of course, maintained his statesmanship to the end, seeing off the grousing old Paisley, watching Peter Robinson slip in the Unionist mire and then observing the Democratic Unionists swamped in financial scandal. A good time to go, you might say, and join all the other most wanted men in the sky. But one of them, we would do well to remember, had a wanted poster all his own more than 100 years ago, way back in the Boer War: his name was Winston Churchill. And much to talk about theyll have, Im sure.
Jamie Bracken-Murphy holds the dragon toys he won after getting stuck in a toy machine
A mischievous three-year-old won two prizes on the notoriously hard claw arcade game - by crawling inside to grab them instead.
Jamie Bracken-Murphy, from Nenagh, Tipperary, was trapped and on display in the machine for 10 minutes in his quest for a cuddly companion, according to d ad Damien Murphy.
Footage shows the toddler seemingly both happy and perplexed while encased in glass and surrounded by soft toys at the Jump 'n' Gyms play centre in Nenagh.
Mr Murphy, 35, said he was sitting with Jamie's five-year-old brother, Shane, before hearing "muffled complaints" behind him.
He said: "I turned around and just see Jamie's face looking out from behind the glass.
"I wasn't surprised at all really. He's a very mischievous, sharp kid who's always pushing boundaries.
"He was inside for about 10 minutes and was worried for maybe 10 seconds at the start but then he just found it hilarious."
As staff searched for keys to the machine an off-duty fireman helped extract the child, Mr Murphy said.
He added: "Luckily, a fireman was there and is used to dealing with situations like these. He told Jamie to crouch down and then he was able to shimmy out.
"He got to keep two dragon toys after picking them up inside. He's not embarrassed about it or anything, he just laughed about the whole thing."
Mr Murphy, a social media adviser, insisted the episode was genuine and not a stunt, adding there would always be doubters claiming the scene was a set-up.
It's not the first time a child has been trapped in a claw machine.
In 2014, 18-month-old Colin Lambert climbed into one in Maryville, Tennessee. Then, in 2015, Henry Howes, four, suffered the same fate at an arcade in Tamworth, Staffordshire.
Jump 'n' Gyms, which is closed on Tuesdays according to its website, was not immediately available for comment.
Former taoiseach Bertie Ahern was among the former Irish leaders to pay tribute to Mr McGuinness' negotiating skills
Former Irish leaders who played central roles in peace talks have spoken about the example that the late Martin McGuinness set.
Bertie Ahern, taoiseach when the Good Friday Agreement was being brokered, described the one-time IRA commander as a great leader, an extraordinary person, honest and an upfront negotiator.
"In negotiations when there is a lot at stake and it can't be a 'winner takes all' - Martin understood compromise," he told RTE Radio.
"He listened and he was able, I think, to arbitrate between different points of view."
Mr Ahern said he could "totally" understand why Mr McGuinness joined the IRA in his hometown of Derry at the height of the civil rights movement but said that he also put his life on the line to pursue peace.
He said the Sinn Fein chief negotiator took an unparalleled path to peace and was a critical part of changing the course of history in Northern Ireland.
"I think Martin McGuinness would have been happier following Derry GAA club or Derry City or fly-fishing in Donegal," he said.
"He was a good person in my view.
"He moved from a very difficult past where he took a particular side and he was a good person to negotiate with and certainly I considered him as a good friend as we went through 25 years of discussions."
John Bruton, taoiseach from 1994 to 1997, when Northern Ireland peace talks were delicately poised and a lengthy IRA ceasefire broke, said it was sad Mr McGuinness would not see complete reconciliation in Northern Ireland.
"Notwithstanding our profound political differences, I always found him to be a very friendly person and easy to talk to," he said.
"The good and warm personal relationship he developed with Ian Paisley set a very good example. But it has yet to be followed by a genuine political reconciliation between the two communities they represented.
"It is sad that Martin will not be around to complete the important task he undertook."
The coffin of Martin McGuinness is carried to his home in Derry after he died aged 66
Thousands of people have gathered to pay tribute to Martin McGuinness at a candlelit vigil in the republican heartland of west Belfast.
The sombre event off the Falls Road happened hours after crowds in Londonderry accompanied the Sinn Fein veteran's coffin on his final journey home to his beloved Bogside neighbourhood.
Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and an ex-IRA commander died overnight after a short illness.
Crowds in Belfast held black flags on Tuesday night and sang the republican ballad "I wish I was back home in Derry".
Addressing the vigil, priest Gary Donegan hailed Mr McGuinness's contribution to the peace process.
"Martin was a hero in life and a hero in death," he said.
Sinn Fein MP for west Belfast Paul Maskey told the crowds: "Martin fought for justice, equality and respect. He was a patriot, a peace maker and a reconciler."
While thousands of republicans lauded the legacy of the veteran politician, his death has drawn a very different response from many victims of the IRA, with some bereaved relatives not prepared to forgive him for his paramilitary past.
John Eaglesham, whose father - a postman and part-time soldier - was shot dead by the IRA in 1978, said: "People say about what he has done for the peace process - they seem to forget that for a very, very long time he wasn't part of the solution he was part of the problem, in fact he was the main part of the problem."
Crowds braved snow and sleet in Mr McGuinness's native Derry to accompany his coffin, draped in an Irish tricolour, from the funeral parlour to his home in the Bogside.
Another tricolour flag flew at half-mast near the Bogside's landmark Free Derry Corner.
An emotional Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams said his long-time friend was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for reconciliation in Ireland.
"We are very, very sad that we lost him overnight," he said.
UK Prime Minister Theresa May, Taoiseach Enda Kenny, ex-US president Bill Clinton and former Democratic Unionist first ministers Peter Robinson and Arlene Foster all praised Mr McGuinness's contribution to peace.
Key political figures in the peace process, including former prime ministers Sir John Major and Tony Blair and ex-Irish premier Bertie Ahern, also credited his efforts to bring about an end to violence.
Mr McGuinness, who died from a rare heart condition, completed an extraordinary political journey from an IRA leader in Derry to sharing power and a remarkable friendship with erstwhile foe, Democratic Unionist leader Dr Ian Paisley.
He also struck up a warm relationship with the Queen, whom he praised for her contribution to peace. She is to send a personal message to Mr McGuinness's family.
The Sinn Fein stalwart is survived by his wife Bernie and four children.
Mr Clinton hailed Mr McGuinness's contribution to reconciliation.
"He believed in a shared future, and refused to live in the past, a lesson all of us who remain should learn and live by. May he rest in peace," he said.
Mrs May said Mr McGuinness was key to bringing the republican movement away from violence.
"While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the republican movement away from violence," she said.
But Stephen Gault, whose father Samuel died in the IRA's notorious Poppy Day bombing in Enniskillen in 1987, said he would remember Mr McGuinness only as a "terrorist".
"If he had been repentant, my thoughts might have been slightly different," he said.
"But he took to his grave proud that he served in the IRA. There was no remorse or repentance from him, even up to his death."
Mr Blair said: "Once he became the peacemaker he became it wholeheartedly."
Mr McGuinness's last major act as a politician was to pull down the powersharing executive at Stormont when he resigned as deputy first minister in January in protest at the DUP's handling of a green energy scandal.
The move forced Mrs Foster from office. Ten days later, showing signs of physical frailty, he announced his retirement from front line politics.
Mrs Foster, who was caught up in an IRA bomb attack as a schoolgirl and whose father survived a republican murder bid, reached out to Mr McGuinness during the recent Stormont election campaign as his health deteriorated.
"We did of course have very different backgrounds and I think it would be wrong not to acknowledge that and the fact we did have those different life experiences," she said.
"But at the same time we did have a desire to see things work here at Stormont and to make devolved government work for everybody."
Mr Robinson, who served alongside Mr McGuinness for seven years, said no other republican could have done what he did while sharing power.
"Yet while I knew his past, as he knew mine, we never doubted or gave up our shared commitment to create a new and better era in Northern Ireland politics," he said.
During their time in office as first and deputy first minister, Mr Paisley and Mr McGuinness earned the nickname the "Chuckle brothers".
Ian Paisley Jnr, who as a junior minister worked alongside his father and the Sinn Fein veteran during their time jointly leading the Stormont executive, said he had gone from viewing Mr McGuinness as the "godfather of the IRA" to considering him a personal friend.
"I think the Christian view in life is how a person's journey started is of course important, but it is how it finishes which is actually more important," he said.
President Michael D Higgins led tributes from the Irish Republic, saying Mr McGuinness's death left a gap that would be hard to fill.
Mr Kenny said: "Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end."
Handwritten letters to the British government from Irish merchant seaman James Aldous Furlong applying for and subsequently thanking the official for compensation (National Archives/PA)
Irish-born merchant seamen were sent to concentration camps because they refused to work for the Germans, newly released official documents show.
Files released at the National Archives in Kew, west London, show the men were awarded compensation by the British government in recognition of the horrific conditions they endured at the hands of the Germans.
The Irishmen were held at the Marlag-Milag Nord Prisoner of War (PoW) camp and were asked to pitch in with the German war effort by working on railways at Bremen and at the shipyards in Hamburg.
But, being from a politically neutral country at the time, they refused to support the Nazis and were swiftly dispatched to the Bremen-Farge concentration camp until their release at the end of the Second World War.
Their accounts speak of "harsh" conditions, food that was "atrocious in quality and quantity" and punishing 12-hour days of hard labour.
In his handwritten letter, Patrick O'Brien, who later lived in Glasgow, said: "Punishment was severe and meted out for the smallest of no demeanour.
"The reason for my imprisonment was my refusal to work on the German railway at Bremen and refusing to work on German ships at Hamburg.
"They claimed I was an Irish national and was therefore a free civilian, a claim which at no time I had ever made."
His colleague James Aldous Furlong, who was born in Wexford but later moved to Cheshire, told a similar story in his application.
He wrote: "For refusing to work for the Germans I was sent to Farge SS Camp as a punishment and it was punishment place, I have seeing people being flogged to death and shot and was always afraid my turn would come one day (sic).
"Food was bad, accommodation very bad and there was syphilis in the camp and people were dying all over the place.
"However, I came through alright but I am crippled now with rheumatic."
The men were initially awarded 1,000 in compensation, but were subsequently handed another 1,385.
Each payout prompted a thank-you letter from Mr Furlong - the first saying it would pay "half of the mortgage on my house", but adding it was "a pity" it was not more.
He added: "However, even one must be thankful for small mercies. Thanking you once again."
The subsequent thank-you was even more cheery in tone.
It read: "I am a very happy man now as I had paid of the mortgage of my house and have a few pound left over which will come in my handy. So let me thank you once again."
Unusually, the compensation applications were initiated by the British government, which encouraged the men to seek remuneration when another successful applicant passed on the names of his friends in the camp.
Irish beef and dairy exports could face tariffs of up to 60pc and 50pc respectively in the event of a hard Brexit, according to a study.
The Department of Agriculture has taken an initial study on the potential impact on trade between Ireland and the UK of Britain leaving the EU.
The initial results show that Irish beef and dairy exports to the UK could face tariffs of up to 60pc and 50pc respectively.
Approximately 40pc of Irish food exports go to the UK, while Ireland imports 2.8bn worth of food from the UK every year.
Some 50pc of Irish beef is currently exported to the UK and the UK is a net importer of beef - it imports 35pc of its beef requirement.
Further, Irish beef exports to the UK represent about 10pc of the intra-EU beef trade, figures from the IFA show.
Any displacement of Irish beef exports to the UK could, it says, destabilise the EU beef market.
Some 34pc of Irish dairy exports go to the UK, including 53pc of Irish cheese exports and 29pc of butter exports. Irish cheddar accounts for 82pc of all the UK's cheddar imports.
It is highly unlikely the UK will negotiate its complete exit of Europe within a two-year timeframe once it triggers Article 50, which formally begins its exit from the EU.
If no trade deals are agreed, the UK and Europe will potentially fall back on World Trade Organisation (WTO) trade agreements which include trade tariffs of up to 60pc and 50pc on Irish beef and dairy exports.
Agriculture Minister Michael Creed has insisted the Government was fully committed to seeking a negotiated settlement between the EU and UK on Brexit, which would provide for continued unfettered access to the UK market, without tariffs and with minimal additional customs and administrative procedures.
However, both jurisdictions may have to apply the WTO tariff rates to their imports.
One expert in this area, Alan Matthews - who is Professor Emeritus of European Agricultural Policy - explained that we knew what UK exports to the EU would face if there was no trade deal. But he added that it was unclear what tariffs the UK might impose on Irish or EU exports to the UK.
Mr Matthews said no one knew what rate of tariffs the UK might apply to food imports.
It would be a "worst-case scenario" if the UK applied 60pc and 50pc tariffs, which were the maximum WTO tariffs it could apply.
Japanese bank Nomura has narrowed down its hunt for a post-Brexit European subsidiary, with Frankfurt reportedly emerging as the frontrunner in the latest vote of confidence in the German financial hub.
Nomura serves the bulk of its European clients through its regional head offices in London, but the Press Association has reported that it is considering fully licensing operations in Frankfurt - where it already has a branch - to continue accessing the EU's single market after Brexit.
It means the bank may be joining Japanese firm Daiwa, which is also understood to be finalising plans for a new European base in Frankfurt.
A Nomura spokesman said no final decision had been made.
IDA chief executive Martin Shanahan told the Irish Independent earlier this year that Japanese financial services firms had expressed "a lot of interest" in Ireland in the wake of the Brexit vote.
The agency has been engaging with Japanese investors in both London and Tokyo to encourage them to locate operations here.
A move by Nomura and Daiwa to Germany would be another blow to Dublin's post-Brexit ambitions just weeks after insurer AIG announced it was setting up an operation in Luxembourg. Former Department of Finance secretary general John Moran had worked for Nomura, though not as an employee.
However, he told the Irish Independent yesterday that he is no longer working with the investment giant. He said he had introduced executives to some local law firms, but had not been involved with their Brexit considerations. He stopped working with them at the end of February. The bank has around 3,000 staff across its Europe, Middle East and Africa operations - 2,500 based in London.
Meanwhile, almost two-thirds of Irish companies quizzed for a survey by Irishjobs.ie have no dedicated team in place to respond to Brexit. More than 40pc admitted they haven't carried out any assessment of the impact of the UK's departure from the EU.
The online survey was carried out among 87 HR managers in both SMEs and larger companies across the private and public sectors. (Additional reporting Press Association)
Two major importers of Brazilian meat have suspended imports from the country following claims major meat processors in the country were selling 'rotten meat'.
Today, China banned red meat imports while the EU has banned imports from the firms involved in the scandal.
The developments represent a major blow to Brazil, one of the world's largest exporters of meat, which is struggling to emerge from its worst recession in decades.
The announcements come despite a flurry of meetings that Brazilian President Michel Temer held with ambassadors and numerous assurances that Brazilian meats in general were safe.
Speaking to reporters in Brussels, European Union spokesman Enrico Brivio said the companies involved in the scandal would be temporarily barred.
The EU "will guarantee that any of the establishments involved in the fraud will be suspended", said Mr Brivio, who did not cite companies by name or say how long the ban will last.
A few hours later, agriculture minister Blairo Maggi said that China had suspended the unloading of Brazilian meats in Chinese ports.
Mr Maggi downplayed the move, saying Chinese authorities were in the process of asking for more information.
"There is no Chinese embargo," said Mr Maggi, speaking to reporters in Brasilia. "What we have are containers there that can't leave the port to local markets."
On Friday, police issued 38 arrest warrants involving the giant meatpackers JBS and BRF.
Both companies have denied wrongdoing.
To improve the appearance and smell of expired meats, the companies used chemicals and cheaper products such as water and manioc flour, according to investigators.
Three plants have been shut down.
Mr Temer called an emergency meeting on Sunday with ambassadors of several countries.
He assured them that national meats were safe and invited them to a Brazilian-style barbecue.
On Monday, Mr Temer again sought to calm nerves, saying that the Brazilian meat industry should not be judged by this one investigation.
"The agro business for us in Brazil is very important and it should not be marred by a small nucleus (of bad actors), a small thing," he said, speaking to the American Chamber of Commerce in Sao Paulo.
Sanitation officials were also out in force.
Marcia Rolim, head of Rio de Janeiro's municipal sanitary inspections, said routine investigations were being intensified in light of the investigation.
Investigators collected several carts of meats for analysis.
Some of the packages from at least one supermarket appeared to be rotten, with a greenish colour.
Browsing meats on Monday at a supermarket, Carla Simone Macedo said she had periodically seen products that looked to be repackaged.
Antonio Fernando, another customer, called the investigation "an exaggeration".
"We have very good meats," he said, adding it was good to see more inspectors.
Criminal gangs are now targeting isolated rural areas in Munster and Connacht in order to avoid Garda detection along motorways a rural crime expert has warned.
It is understood the success of Operation Thor and it's crackdown on crime in the midlands region is driving gangs onto less policed regional and back roads.
Experts say the criminals, mainly city-based, are now regularly staying in remote parts of Kerry, Cork, Clare, Mayo, Galway and Donegal for a couple of days before carrying out attacks on specific 'soft' targets.
"Kerry, Cork, Clare, Mayo, Donegal: those areas are being targeted without a doubt because they are now being seen as soft targets," says Colin Connolly, former Rural Crime Prevention Executive at the IFA.
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"These counties would once have been seen as too geographically isolated for criminals - they wouldn't have been bothered travelling to them because it would have been too far.
"But now criminals are travelling down, they are spending a couple of days in these areas and they are going down and clearing out the place and going back again," he told the Farming Independent.
He said the roaming raiders are opting for back roads because they have "copped on" that their chances of meeting gardai is much less likely than on busy motorways.
"That is just the way policing has gone. I think a lot of Garda policing operations are focused on road traffic so therefore they are going to be on busier roads where there is more people and it looks like they are having more of a visible presence.
"But as far as rural back roads, the guards are not on them - the guards are just not there," he said.
Mr Connolly, who stepped down from his IFA position last December acknowledges that the Gardai's multi-agency Operation Thor has led to a substantial drop in property crime and significant arrests. He claims the perception and fear of crime in rural areas has not altered as dramatically.
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"If there is a huge effort in an area, then obviously it will have an effect but once that moves on the area is open for exposure again," he says.
Resources
As an example, he cites the recent guilty pleas of three Laois brothers accused of possession of stolen farm machinery which was hailed as "significant breakthrough" in the fight against rural crime in the midland region.
"I know extensive resources were put in to catching those guys - surveillance, Garda response units, phones tapped, everything to ensure they were caught but that level of investigation is not feasible across the country," he said.
"I don't believe our policing is working across the country, not at all: not when you talk to people in rural communities.They are terrified," he said.
"I've no doubt the Gardai want to be there but they just don't have the resources," he added.
Before leaving the IFA, Mr Connolly, who headed up the TheftStop scheme - a joint initiative by the IFA and the Gardai - to tackle farm theft, also noticed a sharp rise in livestock thefts in Roscommon and Leitrim.
Paddy Byrne, Muintir na Tire board member and former president, has also noticed a shift in criminal activity away from dual carriageways.
"There definitely appears to be a shift in location in terms of the areas the gangs are pinpointing. Here in Wexford we had no report of break-ins for a long time but in the last couple of weeks we had three or four house break-ins in the Gorey- Carnew direction," he said.
"It's probably in response to the Operation Thor, which is more geared towards the motor- ways, and we'd be concerned that there is a shift away to the more isolated areas that are remote from gardai."
He is encouraging people in all areas to become members of community text and alert groups.
A recent ICSA and Waterford Institute of Technology rural crime survey indicates that two thirds of Irish farming families have been affected by crime relating to their enterprise.
However, crime levels differ substantially when it comes to the main categories surveyed: vandalism/criminal damage/trespass (VCDT), theft, criminal assault, and fraud.
The survey was completed by 861 full- and part-time farmers working between January 2014 and May 2016.
Of these, 39pc said they had experienced VCDT, while 62pc said they did not.
Trespassing for unauthorised hunting/fishing/shooting was the most prevalent recording.
A total of 41pc said they had experienced theft - 46pc recording "repeat incidents". Machinery, equipment and vehicle-related thefts were the most common. Almost 20pc included livestock/feed/product- related theft.
Just 6pc of respondents (43 people) replied "yes" to criminal assault.
A total of 94pc recorded no experience of fraud.
ICSA president Patrick Kent said, "The results reveal that the issue of agricultural crime is a far bigger issue than official Garda statistics suggest.
"The rural community believes that the judicial system provides virtually no deterrent to this type of crime."
John Jacobs, deputy general-secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors (AGSI), was unable confirm reports that criminal gangs are now targeting more isolated communities away from commuter towns and areas.
When asked about the lack of a Garda presence in many rural areas, he pointed to extensive periods needed for gardai to complete their training.
"We don't have sufficient numbers to provide the service that the people in rural areas want and deserve but, over time, with Government commitment, that will come -but it won't be in the immediate short term.
"It takes so long for gardai to go through the process so it's going to be a number of years before we see more of a Garda presence on the streets than currently," he concluded.
Calls for 'forgotten farmer' funding to be taken out of the 5m National Reserve have been dismissed by Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed.
Pressure is mounting on Minister Creed to secure EU recognition for the group made up of 3,900 farmers aged under 40 years who do not qualify for crucial CAP supports aimed at young farmers because they started farming before 2008.
The Department of Agriculture previously stated that it would cost more than 12m to increase existing entitlements to the national average for this cohort.
Last week, Independent TD Michael Fitzmaurice called on Minister Creed to use funding from the National Reserve.
However, a spokesperson for the Agriculture Minister stressed that the National Reserve must firstly adhere to the needs of new entrants and young farmers. "That's the law, you cannot cater for any other type of classification except for new entrants and young farmers until their needs have been fully satisfied.
"Only when that 5m is exhausted by new entrants and young farmers can anything be made available for any other category with a specified disadvantage," he said.
However, demand from both categories suggests it will be extremely unlikely that funding will be left over.
"The bottom line is if you're going to cater for farmers outside new entrants and young farmers, you're talking a significant top slice off other farmers. It's clear from deliberations with farming organisations that the appetite isn't there for that," said the Department spokesperson.
Charlie McConalogue, Fianna Fail spokesman on Agriculture, said the issue needs to be addressed at EU level.
"Fianna Fail will continue to campaign aggressively in the Dail as the lead opposition party to ensure this government commitment is delivered and not kicked out to touch," he said.
ABP and DCU mark World Water Day
The country's largest meat processor, ABP, is working closely with academics at DCU on improving wastewater treatment at its plants nationwide.
The innovative project, carried out in partnership with Enterprise Ireland, is focused on developing sustainable, environmentally friendly and cost-efficient ways of treating wastewater.
Prof Fiona Regan, project lead at DCU's Water Institute, said the new technologies will identify nutrients that could be used as fertiliser. DCU are highlighting the project ahead of tomorrow's World Water Day.
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE)
European stocks ended the session little changed after three days of gains, weighed down by declines in oil-and-gas shares and lenders.
By the close in Dublin, the ISEQ Overall Index was up 0.28pc, or 18.48 points, to end the trading session at 6,733.22.
The leaders on the Dublin index included drinks group C&C, which increased 0.7pc, while dairy company Glanbia rose 0.7pc to 18.39.
On the other side of the board, the laggards included packaging giant Smurfit Kappa, which was down 0.8pc to 25.30, while Bank of Ireland slipped 0.8pc to 24 cent.
Elsewhere, the Stoxx Europe 600 Index fell 0.2pc at the close.
Energy firms posted the biggest losses, falling for the first time in four days and tracking crude prices lower.
Deutsche Bank fell 3.7pc to the lowest this year after saying it will raise 8bn by selling stock at a 35pc discount to last week's closing price. The Stoxx 600 climbed last week, boosted by investor relief over the defeat of the populist party in the Dutch elections and the Federal Reserve's decision to raise rates while maintaining its previous forecast for the pace for future increases.
Among other shares active on corporate news, Hansteen Holdings Plc rose 1pc after gaining as much as 7pc earlier as a Blackstone Group LP and M7 Real Estate Ltd venture agreed to acquire its continental European properties.
On the currency front, the pound fell, reversing earlier gains after the UK said it will trigger the process to leave the European Union on March 29.
Sterling dropped 0.23pc to the day's low of $1.2367, erasing a previous advance of as much as 0.3pc. A pickup in dollar demand as trading started in New York also weighed on the pound.
Additional reporting by Bloomberg
Independent News and Media plc has reported profit before tax (PBT) growth of almost 12pc to 41.8m.
Releasing its full year results for 2016 this morning, INM, which publishes independent.ie and the country's leading newspapers including the Irish Independent and 'Sunday Independent', also reported total revenue of 323.4m, up 0.7pc on the previous year.
In a significant statement accompanying its results, INM also said it is complying with a requirement from the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement (ODCE) to produce records in relation to the possible acquisition by the company of Newstalk and related matters that were the subject of an announcement from the company on 28 November 2016.
Last November INM confirmed that an issue had arisen between INM chief executive Robert Pitt and the chairman of the board, Leslie Buckley, "in relation to the terms of a possible acquisition by the company widely reported at that time to be Newstalk.
Businessman Denis O'Brien is the largest single shareholder in INM and is the owner of the Communicorp Group, whose assets include Newstalk.
On Tuesday morning INM said that the company is taking all necessary steps to meet the ODCEs request, adding that a requirement from the ODCE to produce books and records is a procedural matter that does not involve any conclusion that there has been a breach of law by the company or its officers.
The company established in December 2016, before being contacted by the ODCE, a formal independent review to examine and inquire into matters concerning the possible acquisition of Newstalk and related matters, INM said in its full year announcement.
Discussions on the possible acquisition ended at a preliminary stage and the acquisition was never considered by the Board. The confidential, independent review is being carried out on behalf of the Board by senior counsel and a senior independent governance expert who have been mandated to report to the Board.
The Company takes its corporate governance responsibilities very seriously, and seeks to comply at all times with all relevant laws and regulations. The Company does not intend to comment further regarding the ODCEs request and the independent review.
There were no further events since the year end that would require disclosure or adjustment in the financial statements.
INMs proposed acquisition of local newspaper group Celtic Media Group is currently the subject of a phase two review by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland following a referral to the statutory body last January by Minister for Communications Denis Naughten.
In 2016, the acquisitions of both the remaining 50pc shareholding in CarsIreland.ie and Greer Publications were successfully completed.
The media group reported a significant decrease in operating expenses of approximately 9pc owing to the closure of its printing operation in Belfast, the continued integration of its operations, the wind up of GrabOne and other operational savings.
INM also saw its cash balance rise to 84.8m, up 25.1m year-on-year.
Total advertising revenue declined by 4.7pc, driven, INM said, by a publishing advertising revenue decrease of 9.2pc.Circulation revenue declined by 5.2pc.
However digital revenues including CarsIreland.ie continued to grow, increasing 20.4pc throughout the period, said the company.
Independent.ie, the groups major publishing portal, saw its year on year traffic grow by 25pc.
Net assets currently stand at 62.3m compared to net assets of 44.5m as at December 31st, 2015 and the groups operating margin, pre-exceptionals, is up 0.6pc to 12.4pc.
The directors are not, however, proposing a dividend for 2016.
INM CEO Robert Pitt said the full year results for 2016 represent a strong profit performance given the negative industry conditions, adding that the industry is also challenged by uncertainty relating to Brexit and other international events."
The Group has recorded a PBT growth year-on-year of 11.8pc to 41.8m,said Mr Pitt.
This has been driven by a combination of revenue growth in both the digital and distribution businesses and cost containment measures across the entire Group.
The Group has continued to strengthen its net asset position and has increased cash reserves at year-end, positioning it well for future acquisition opportunities. I give credit and thanks to all the staff in INM for their efforts in securing the 2016 results.
INM is engaged in continued discussions with trustees following last Novembers decision by the company to cease contributions to its two defined benefit pension schemes, leading to their effective closure.
Mr Pitt, citing the need for INM to address the structure of its pension obligations in light of very challenging industry conditions, insisted the company is intent on achieving a satisfactory outcome for all concerned, including pension members, employees and shareholders.
INM chairman Leslie Buckley said that the key drivers of the companys increase in revenue were growth in digital advertising and in its distribution business.
Profit has been enhanced by a significant decrease in pre-distribution operating costs, said Mr Buckley.
INMs focus has been on strengthening the overall financial performance of the Group and the creation of shareholder value.
"We have worked to deliver on the companys strategy of maintaining our leading position in the print publishing market, growing our existing digital business and seeking acquisitions for further growth and diversification. Looking at suitable acquisitions for the business is essential against the backdrop of the consistent, continued decline in the news publishing sector.
Last December shareholders voted overwhelmingly to approve a capital reduction at an EGM. The capital reduction requires the approval of the High Court, however INM says it has not yet made an application to the High Court.
Speaking to analysts this morning, Mr Pitt said that the company continues to hunt for acquisition opportunities. However, he said that the appetite to borrow to fund acquisitions might now be slightly less than previously.
Primarily well be looking to fund acquisitions from existing cash and free cash flow, he said. To borrow to buy, wed have to have a very high degree of confidence that the cash would be returned extremely quickly. Thats going to make the targets even more identify because obviously targets like that would be extremely popular and have a very high price tag.
He said that INM would look for smaller businesses to bolt-on to existing operations.
We do need to acquire, he added. We need to grow this business again.
But he conceded that it is more challenging to acquire digital businesses that the group would have expected.
The difficulty is finding a digital business where, first of all, the proposition is proven, and secondly, where INMs reach adds value to that so we can make that business grow faster, said the chief executive.
There are opportunities in Ireland, but its finding the opportunities of a certain scale, and thats why weve looked abroad quite a lot, particularly the UK, he added. But when we go the UK, we have to be careful that we dont lose a lot of the competitive advantages that we have. So we are being careful on that.
Mr Pitt said that INM is also interested in the business-to-business media space.
He admitted that there might be smaller scope for INM and other media companies to make acquisitions in Ireland due to the regulatory environment, but insisted that consolidation in the sector here is necessary.
We believe in consolidation, he said. We would like to consolidate further in Ireland, but we have to be mindful of the environment in which we operate. For that environment to change, it involves engaging with a lot of people and a lot of stakeholders, so we have to be respectful of whats possible at the moment.
He said that INM also hopes to complete the acquisition of the Celtic Media Group by the end of June. Celtic Media publishes six titles including the Westmeath Independent and the Anglo Celt. The takeover has been approved by the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, but is currently being reviewed by the Broadcasting Authority of Ireland under a Ministerial direction.
A US federal court has ruled against an attempt by businessman Declan Ganley's Rivada Networks to fight its way back into the race for a $6.5bn US telecoms contract.
Rivada Networks launched the legal challenge in the US last year after its consortium failed to make the shortlist for the massive federal telecoms contract.
On Friday, in the US Court of Federal Claims, Judge Elaine Kaplan denied Rivada Mercury's attempt to have its bid re-considered for the "competitive range" stage of a tender process being run for the giant FirstNet contract.
The Rivada Mercury consortium is made up of Rivada and partners Fujitsu, Nokia, Harris and Black & Veatch in its tender for the contract.
The ruling leaves American telecoms giant AT&T as the only one of three original bidders still left in the race for the contract, and effectively guarantees it success.
The contract is to build and maintain a US wide public-safety broadband network (NPSBN) for use by first responders, such as the police and other emergency services, a plan that has been in the works since the September 11 terrorist attacks.
Rivada initially sued last November after the procurement process left AT&T as the lone entity in the field.
US authorities had voluntarily agreed to hold off on formally awarding the contract until the case has been decided.
That is due to happen in March next year, a spokesman for Rivada said.
That's now likely to be imminent.
Meanwhile, in Mexico, a legal action taken by Rivada after it lost out on a major contract last year is continuing.
They hinted that the Government was snubbing their offer of funding (Stock picture)
Credit unions have expressed frustration over the failure by the Government and regulators to make changes to allow them to help fund social housing.
The mutually-owned lenders could put up 1bn initially and up to 5bn over time to help fund the building of homes.
They hinted that the Government was snubbing their offer of funding.
But they told the Oireachtas Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform Committee the Department of Finance and the Central Bank have yet to implement changes that would allow credit unions to fund social housing.
This is despite the chronic housing shortage.
Chief executive of the Irish League of Credit Unions Ed Farrell told the committee credit unions were frustrated at the lack of progress.
And president of the league Brian McCrory questioned why it was taking so long for changes to be made to allow credit unions to fund social housing.
The last Government looked to the credit unions in 2014 to help fund its housing strategy, Mr McCrory said.
But there needs to be changes implemented by the Central Bank and the Department of Finance to facilitate this.
He said the Department of Housing was interested in the funding idea.
Given that they elicited it; they should be. They in turn are talking to the Department of Finance, who we are led to believe are talking to the Central Bank.
I have no doubt such conversations are taking place, what I do doubt is whether any action will ever arise as a consequence, he told the committee.
Credit unions are prepared to pool some of their surplus funds into a central vehicle to help fund housing, the committee was told.
The politicians were told credit unions were being shackled by rules that are stopping them competing with banks, TDs and senators were told.
Legislative restrictions and Central Bank rules meant that credit unions are restricted to competing for less than 10pc of the lending market.
Chief executive of the Credit Union Development Organisation (CUDA) Kevin Johnson called on politicians on the Oireachtas Committee to use their influence to have the rules eased.
CUDA represents some of the largest credit unions in the State including St Anthonys and Claddagh in Galway, Dundalk in Louth, and Tullamore, Co Offaly.
All credit unions are restricted in the amount they can lend out for more than 10 years, and have to observe strict rules on reserves.
The rules have been tightened up in the last two years.
Mr Johnson said: The effect of new regulatory rules, without proportionality, relegates credit unions to compete in less than 10pc of the Irish credit market.
He said this was despite the lenders having the capital, competency and community from which they can and should compete on a fair playing pitch with other lenders.
The effect of these new rules, is like asking us to win an All-Ireland, whilst marginalising our team to staying inside our own square, at the same time allowing our competitors free reign over the remaining 90pc-odd of the pitch.
The outcome of such actions will be obvious and plain for all to see.
Mr Johnson blamed the rules for creating a situation where the mutually-owned organisations are doing less business than they were 10 years ago.
Credit unions want to lend some of their surplus funds to fund social housing, but they need the rules imposed on them changed to allow this.
And some larger credit unions are eager to get into mortgage lending, but the rules limit how much they can loan out.
Members of the profitable Clonmel lender fear it will suffer financially if it has to engage in a rescue takeover of the County Cork credit union (Stock picture)
Plans for a mega merger of credit unions are on the brink of collapse as opposition grows to the tie-up.
Members of profitable Clonmel Credit Union in Tipperary fear their lender will be damaged by linking up with the struggling Charleville Credit Union in Cork.
Regulators and the Irish League of Credit Unions (ILCU) are encouraging the merger.
Officials from the Central Bank and the ILCU have been making regular trips to Clonmel in an attempt to shore up support for the merger.
But the plans for the rescue merger are expected to be voted down at a special general meeting next month, demanded by members of the Clonmel lender.
Charleville has been struggling for around seven years and needs a bailout of between 4m and 5m to boost its reserves as part of the takeover by Clonmel.
But if members of Clonmel vote down the merger plans it will scupper the tie-up and leave Charleville in a financially precarious position, people familiar with the situation said.
Members of the profitable Clonmel lender fear it will suffer financially if it has to engage in a rescue takeover of the County Cork credit union.
The manager of Clonmel, Paul Davey, said that no date for the special general meeting for members to discuss the merger plan had yet been finalised.
Confidential
When asked about the Central Bank and ILCU officials having attended the Clonmel board meetings, he said: "Any meetings Clonmel Credit Union Ltd has had with third parties are confidential and I regret that we will not comment on same."
Clonmel Credit Union has 27,000-plus members, he said.
He added he has received various representations in writing from some 16 individuals, and he has had three telephone calls over the past four weeks.
The Central Bank had no comment.
Denise McCormack and Ryan McShane who got through to the final with Dayl Cronin and Ksenia Zsihotska who were voted off in the semi final of RTE's Dancing with the Stars. Picture: Darren Kinsella
The three finalists on Dancing With The Stars will waltz away with a very generous cash prize for reaching the show's final.
The finalists are set to net 24,000 each as the series draws to a close.
Kerry GAA star Aidan O'Mahony and actresses Denise McCormack and Aoibhin Garrihy will fight it out for the glitterball trophy at the Ardmore Film Factory in Bray this Sunday.
However, the trio are already winning in the financial stakes, given the tidy pay packet offered to those who remain in the show the longest.
Expand Close Denise McCormack and Ryan McShane who got through to the final with Dayl Cronin and Ksenia Zsihotska who were voted off in the semi final of RTE's Dancing with the Stars. Picture: Darren Kinsella / Facebook
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Whatsapp Denise McCormack and Ryan McShane who got through to the final with Dayl Cronin and Ksenia Zsihotska who were voted off in the semi final of RTE's Dancing with the Stars. Picture: Darren Kinsella
They have picked up a reported 1,800 each a week for managing to survive elimination on the tough dancing show, which is expected to return for a second season.
They also earned more than 6,000 for the first two shows, when there was no eliminations.
Yet, given the huge amount of time involved in appearing on the show and the physical toll it takes on the celebrities, it is money well-earned.
Shinawil producer Larry Bass believes all 11 celebrities will have benefitted greatly from the "star power" of just appearing on the programme.
The show has been a big hit for RTE even though the ratings have fluctuated over the course of the series.
The first episode, which aired in January, pulled in ratings of 645,000, while Sunday night's semi-final secured an average audience of 545,000.
An RTE spokesperson said it remains one of its top-rated shows and, while the number of people tuning in may have fluctuated, the audience share has remained consistent.
"The series has been on air over the past 11 weeks and has generated an average audience of 575,000 and 40pc share over the course of the 11 episodes," a spokesperson said.
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"There will naturally be some fluctuation in figures from week to week, and audience figures in January are generally bigger compared to those in March.
"However, the show's figures are up this week for the third week in row as we head to the show's dramatic final this Sunday night," the spokesperson added.
Mr Bass said he believed that Dancing With The Stars had deeply affected the lives of Irish people.
"We have had celebrity shows in Ireland but nothing that has impacted or touched a nation as big as this one," he said.
Mr Bass added that the show had helped boost the popularity of some of the contestants.
"Hughie Maughan, who was on a UK show, he was really unknown beforehand. Along with Kelly Mongan he's now probably the best-known Traveller in the country," he said.
"He's probably done more for the sales of fake tan than anyone else."
Former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness collapsed the last Assembly by resigning over Arlene Foster's refusal to step aside over the RHI inquiry
Britain's Queen Elizabeth II meets Martin McGuinness at Hillsborough Castle, Belfast, at the beginning of a two day Royal visit to Northern Ireland. Photo: Aaron McCracken/ Harrisons/ PA Wire
Pall bearers carry the coffin of Martin McGuinness through the streets of Derry, Northern Ireland, March 21, 2017. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne
The coffin of Northern Ireland's former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness is carried to his home by Gerry Adams, Raymond McCartney and Michelle O'Neill Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire
Hundreds of people have gathered in Derry to accompany the body of Martin McGuinness on his final journey home.
Crowds braved snow and sleet in Mr McGuinness's native Derry to accompany his coffin, draped in an Irish tricolour, from the funeral parlour to his home in the Bogside.
Mr McGuinness, 66, died during the night at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital with his family by his bedside.
Sinn Fein said it is "with deep regret and sadness that we have learnt of the death of our friend and comrade Martin McGuinness who passed away in Derry during the night. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."
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The Queen is to write to the widow of former deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness following his death.
A Buckingham Palace spokeswoman confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph a private message will be conveyed to Mr McGuinness's wife, Bernie.
He had met the Queen on a number of occasions.
The two shook hands in 2012 at a charity event in Belfast at the Lyric theatre.
Asked what he thought of the meeting, Mr McGuinness quipped: "I'm still a republican."
After a meeting in Hillsborough Castle last June, Mr McGuinness greeted the Queen by asking if she was well. She replied: "Well, Im still alive."
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Mr McGuinness will be laid to rest on Thursday. His funeral will leave his home on Westland Terrace in the city on Thursday at 1.20pm on Thursday, with Requiem Mass in St Columbas Church Longtower at 2pm.
His remains will be interred in The City Cemetery afterwards.
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Tributes
The tricolour over Leinster House will fly at half-mast on Thursday in honour of Martin McGuinness.
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In a statement Ceann Comhairle, Sean O Fearghail said Mr McGuinness was "an iconic figure who made the journey from conflict to peace, playing a key role in in bringing about and maintaining the peace process and the Good Friday Agreement".
"He was a capable, hard-working and determined man who showed a willingness to compromise and reach out to others in a spirit of reconciliation."
Political leaders from both side of the border have remembered him as a man who embarked on a "remarkable journey" from his days as an IRA commander to an architect of peace in Northern Ireland.
He had been diagnosed with a rare heart disease in December.
In January Mr McGuinness stepped down as deputy First Minister amid the so-called cash-for-ash scandal which saw DUP leader Arlene Foster come under mounting pressure to resign.
Mr McGuinnesss resignation triggered a snap election which changed the landscape in Stormont.
Before stepping down he was forced to withdraw from an official trip alongside Ms Foster on medical advice.
Delivering his farewell speech he looked pale and gaunt.
Mr McGuinness emerged as one of the major players in Northern Irelands peace process and became Sinn Feins most recognisable face after Gerry Adams.
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Mr Guinness was appointed Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland on May 8 2007, with DUP leader Ian Paisley becoming First Minister, following the St Andrews Agreement and the Assembly election.
In June 2008 he was reappointed as Deputy First Minister to serve alongside Peter Robinson, who succeeded Mr Paisley as First Minister.
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Mr McGuinness has always acknowledged his IRA past.
In 1972, at the age of 21, he was second-in-command of the IRA in Derry, a position he held at the time of Bloody Sunday, when 14 civil rights protesters were killed in the city by soldiers with the 1st Battalion, Parachute Regiment.
The following year he was convicted by the Republic of Ireland's Special Criminal Court after being arrested near a car containing explosives and ammunition.
After his release, and another conviction in the Republic for IRA membership, he became increasingly prominent in Sinn Fein and was first elected to parliament in 1982.
He is survived by his wife Bernie, and their four children.
Tributes
Former US President Bill Clinton has paid tribute to Martin McGuinness describing him as calm, courageous, and direct.
In a statement Mr Clinton said he and his wife Hillary were saddened to learn of Mr McGuinesss death.
As Sinn Feins chief negotiator, his integrity and willingness to engage in principled compromise were invaluable in reaching the Good Friday Agreement.
In the years that followed, he played an even more important role in ensuring that the peace would last personally overseeing the arms decommissioning, joining the new government as the first Education Minister, and later serving as Deputy First Minister, and doing it all with a sense of humour and fairness that inspired both his friends and former foes, he said.
Mr Clinton added that his last memory of Mr McGuinness "will be the pride he took in his efforts to improved disadvantaged schools in Unionist and Protestant communities".
He believed in a shared future, and refused to live in the past, a lesson all of us who remain should learn and live by.
Sinn Fein's President Gerry Adams led tributes to Mr McGuinness this morning.
Speaking on RTE'S Radio One's Morning Ireland he reflected on the passing of his colleague.
"We wouldn't be where we are without him," he said.
"Martin led the IRA when there was a war but Martin led the IRA into peace... he genuinely believed in reconciliation, even when it made people uncomfortable," he added.
"I am very sad this morning... he will be missed," he added.
Asked to reflect on his journey from militant republican to a broker of peace he said:
"It was a long time in the making.
"Martin McGuinness never went to war, it came to him. It came to his streets.. his community," he added.
In an earlier statement he said:
Throughout his life Martin showed great determination, dignity and humility and it was no different during his short illness.
He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country. But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both."
President Michael D Higgins has remembered his " immense contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland".
"A contribution which has rightly been recognised across all shades of opinion," he said.
"As a political colleague of many years, and having participated together in the Presidential election campaign of 2011 that brought us all over Ireland, Sabina and I have appreciated both Martin McGuinness warmth and his unfailing courtesy."
Taoiseach Enda Kenny has also released a statement to pay tribute to Mr McGuinness.
"Martin will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey that he undertook in his lifetime. Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end.
"Martin was one of the chief architects of the Good Friday Agreement and he worked resolutely in the years that followed it in pursuit of its full implementation. I got to know Martin well in recent years, including through our working together in the North South Ministerial Council. His commitment to securing enduring peace and prosperity for all of the people of Northern Ireland was unwavering throughout this time. He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone, regardless of background or tradition."
Archbishop of Ireland Eamon Martin has also joined those paying tribute.
"People like Martin McGuinness have made an immense contribution to sustaining peace by reaching out a hand of friendship and reconciliation and being prepared to model alternatives to dispute and division," he said.
"Martin was ambitious for peace. He knew that peace was worth striving for and was within reach in his life time."
British Prime Minister Theresa May said Martin McGuinness "played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence",
"While I can never condone the path he took in the earlier part of his life, Martin McGuinness ultimately played a defining role in leading the Republican movement away from violence," she said in a statement.
"In doing so, he made an essential and historic contribution to the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland from conflict to peace.
"While we certainly didn't always see eye to eye, even in later years, as deputy first minister for nearly a decade he was one of the pioneers of implementing cross-community power-sharing in Northern Ireland. He understood both its fragility and its precious significance and played a vital part in helping to find a way through many difficult moments.
"At the heart of it all was his profound optimism for the future of Northern Ireland - and I believe we should all hold fast to that optimism today."
Former SDLP leader John Hume and his wife Pat have said Mr McGuinness left an indelible print on politics in Ireland.
Our starting points on the approach to finding a solution to the divisions on this island were very different but there can be no doubt Martin was deeply committed to the agreed Ireland of the Good Friday Agreement and its power sharing institutions.
He played a very important role in our peace process and his courageous, generous and gracious gestures as deputy First Minister were offered in a spirit of reconciliation and peace building.
Our deepest condolences go to his wife Bernie, their children Fiachra, Emmet, Grainne, Fionnuala and the wider family circle, they said in a statement.
Gratitude
Former PM Tony Blair, who was in Number 10 when the Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998 said he will remember Mr McGuinness with "gratitude".
He said: "I grew up watching and hearing about the Martin McGuinness who was a leading member of the IRA engaged in armed struggle.
"I came to know the Martin McGuinness who set aside that armed struggle in favour of making peace. There will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it that is completely understandable.
"But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martin's leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future."
Mr Blair said he got to know the Sinn Fein politician well during the "arduous" negotiations and "by the time that extraordinary day arrived in 2007 after almost a decade of hard work where we could witness the - to my generation - incredible sight of he and Ian Paisley sitting down together in government, the transition of Martin to reconciliator was complete".
The former prime minister said "whatever the past, the Martin I knew was a thoughtful, reflective and committed individual", adding that he showed "no shortage of determined opposition to those who wanted to carry on the war".
Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern also expressed his condolences for Mr McGuinness's family.
"Ireland today has lost a great leader. It is with deep regret and sorrow that I have learned of the death of the former deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland. I wish to express my sincere sympathy to his wife Bernie, his extended family, and all those close to him," he said in a statment.
"Martin McGuinness was a pivotal figure in Irish republicanism for over 40 years. He made a journey, if not without historical precedent, then certainly without equal in modern Ireland. It began for a very young man in pursuit of violent struggle. It ended only weeks before his death, after years in office, spent strengthening the peace he worked for and to which his leadership was essential."
"He was a critical part of changing the course of history toward the path of peace in Northern Ireland," he added.
Another former Taoiseach John Bruton said in a statement that a genuine political reconciliation in Northern Ireland has yet to occur.
I am very sorry to hear of the death of Martin McGuinness at such a young age.
Notwithstanding our profound political differences, I always found him to be a very friendly person and easy to talk to.
The good and warm personal relationship he developed with Ian Paisley set a very good example. But it has yet to be followed by a genuine political reconciliation between the two communities they represented."
It is sad that Martin will not be around to complete the important task he undertook."
Current leader of Fianna Fail Michael Martin said Mr McGuinness "was deeply committed to reconciliation".
As a man, he possessed great humility, and was very personable. His work in the Peace Process will undoubtedly inspire others to follow his legacy in continuing to build stronger bridges between both traditions on this island," he said.
DUP leader Arlene Foster also paid tribute to the Sinn Fein stalwart.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Arlene Foster said his death "will come as a shock to many people".
"History will record differing views and opinions on the role of Martin McGuinness played throughout the recent and not so recent past but history will also show that his contribution to the political and peace process was significant," she said.
"He served the people of Northern Ireland as deputy first minister for nearly a decade and was pivotal in bringing the republican movement towards a position of using peaceful and democratic means.
"While our differing backgrounds and life experiences inevitably meant there was much to separate us, we shared a deep desire to see the devolved institutions working to achieve positive results for everyone.
"I know that he believed that the institutions were the basis for building stability."
Ms Foster also confirmed that she had been in contact with him before his death to RTE's News at One.
"He said he appreciated that I had been in touch."
Lord Peter Mandelson described him as a "great soldier".
"While we had differing backgrounds, we shared a deep desire to achieve positive results for everyone.
"We've lost a great soldier but at the same time, I think that his death will serve to remind people of what we have left in the past, the importance of what has been created and not putting it in jeopardy."
Sinn Fein's North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly said Mr McGuinness was a "political gent".
"I have known Martin for decades. He had a great sense of humour, he was absolutely committed and he wanted to make a difference in peoples lives.
"I think I would describe him as an Irish political gent. I have travelled to conflict areas in the world and one of the things people want to continuously find out from us is how do you move from conflict into a peace process and then into politics to make a difference in peoples lives, and that is what his legacy will be."
SDLP Leader Colum Eastwood said "the Derry mans remarkable journey from paramilitarism to peace was a hallmark of the transformative effect of the peace process".
History will record his political career as a journey one born in a tradition of violence but, in a testament to Martins character, that arrived at his true calling in politics, people and the art of persuasion," he said.
The son of Ian Paisley, Kyle, released a statement on Twitter:
"Very sorry to hear about the passing of Martin McGuinness. Look back with pleasure on the remarkable year he and my father spent in office together and the great good they did together.
"Will never forget his ongoing care for my father in his ill health," he said.
Former Northern Ireland secretary Peter Hain has also praised Mr McGuinness' transformation from IRA chief to political leader.
"He had the grassroots credibility of a republican leader and former IRA commander, that could enable him, along with Gerry Adams, to take his followers, to take republicans, from the past of terror and horror into a democratic future, which is what he did," he said.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, speaking to RTE's Morning Ireland programme, said Mr McGuinness was a man who had travelled a large journey with great conviction:
"We've lost somebody who embarked on a really significant personal journey from militant republican to a Deputy First Minister in Northern Ireland and who made a great contribution to the Good Friday Agreement," he said.
"I'd like to acknowledge his journey and I'd like to acknowledge his contribution to peace and particularly his contribution over recent years and the manner in which he always showed he a willingness to stretch himself in contribution to peace and stability," he added.
On a personal level he also got to know Mr McGuinness and said he spoke about the threats that the former IRA commander had to withstand, in his pursuit of peace he said.
The Fine Gael TD acknowledged there is much about Mr McGuinness that people may never know, but he was keen to remember him as an "architect of peace".
Independent Dublin City Councillor and former Lord Mayor of Dublin Christy Burke today paid tribute to Martin McGuinness, saying he was a "true son of Ireland".
"I was saddened this morning to hear that Martin had passed away. He was an honest broker, a soldier and a peacemaker and he will be greatly missed," he said.
"He was full of dignity and integrity. Ireland has lost a true son. Martin was a passionate individual about whatever it was he put his hand and heart to," he added.
Christy Burke is a Republican who sided with the IRA in the 1970 split in Sinn Fein and the IRA and served two terms in Portlaoise Prison on IRA membership charges in the 1970s.
He has requested a a book of condolences to be opened in the city and is awaiting a reply.
Current Lord Mayor, Brendan Carr, said the flag on the Mansion House will fly at half mast on the day of the funeral, as he expressed condolences to his the family of Martin McGuinness.
Former President Mary McAleese said it was important to remember the context of Mr McGuinness' upbringing, which was ear-marked by poverty and a divided community.
"Out of that he made a choice as a young man to take a part path and that pathway was to resist with the use of violence," she told Sean O'Rourke on RTE Radio One.
He was "dedicated to the betterment of his community and who eventually was persuaded that the best way forward was not through the use of violence," she said.
"It says something about the leadership qualities of him as a person that he was able to bring the IRA on board with him."
She said he visited with Mr McGuinness in his final days and that he seemed very much at peace with himself.
Speaking on the same programme Mary Lou McDonald, deputy leader of Sinn Fein, also reflected on what she has learned from him as a colleague.
"We have indeed lost a leader for very many people, a hero not just of Republican struggle but a hero of peace-making as well," she said.
"Martin walked his life's journey always with a sense of purpose and determination," she added.
Additional reporting by Press Association
A mother who claimed her enjoyment of her daughter's First Holy Communion was ruined after a salon hair colour treatment burned her scalp has been awarded 12,500 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.
Elaine Wilson (37) alleged that on May 22, 2013, she went to Rainbow Hair and Beauty, Convent Road, Clondalkin, to get ready for her daughter's Communion three days later.
Ms Wilson told her barrister Gareth Kinsella that she asked for an all-over colour treatment.
The court heard that shortly after the dye was applied Ms Wilson started to feel a tingling and burning on her scalp.
She said that after some time the manager checked her hair and she was helped from the chair and her hair was washed for 20 minutes. The dye had been on her hair for almost an hour.
Ms Wilson, of St Mark's Drive, Clondalkin, Dublin, said her scalp was very sore. When she asked why it hurt, she was told that "it was fine" and her hair was dried. She had felt distressed, but also felt obliged to pay the 51 charge.
Ms Wilson had then gone home and noticed her scalp was burned. She had blisters and was bleeding and had a bald patch on the back of her head.
Ms Wilson told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that she went back to the salon the next day. The manager had laughed and told her to see a doctor.
The court heard Ms Wilson had been in pain and needed to see her GP a number of times following the incident. She had been prescribed a scalp lotion, and took painkillers for several weeks.
Ms Wilson said the incident had made her daughter's Communion a disaster as she had been distressed by having to appear in public and have her photograph taken.
"I was embarrassed with my hair and didn't want to go anywhere," Ms Wilson said.
Mr Kinsella said Ms Wilson was so upset by the incident that she still has not gone back to a hairdresser and now prefers to apply hair colours herself.
Counsel said she had obtained judgment in default of appearance against Rainbow Hair and Beauty Ltd and the case was one of assessment of damages only.
Judge Groarke said Ms Wilson had a horrible experience rendered worse given the important family occasion. "I can certainly understand how terribly upset she was," he said.
He awarded Ms Wilson 12,500 damages along with her legal costs.
A four-year-old boy, who broke his left arm when he fell between two beds in a Dublin four-star hotel almost two years ago, has been awarded 21,500 damages in the Circuit Civil Court.
Barrister Benjamin Shorten told the court that Jamie Gould, who was two-years-old in August 2013 when the accident happened while staying with his parents at the Carlton Hotel, Church Road, Blanchardstown.
Mr Shorten said Jamie had been jumping on two divans which had been pushed together to form one bed when he slipped between them, trapping his left arm.
The court heard little Jamie had been shocked and cried out in distress because of the pain in his arm. He had been taken to The Childrens University Hospital, Temple Street, Dublin.
Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke heard that X-rays revealed a fracture in Jamies arm and that he had to undergo surgery under anaesthetic. He had been discharged home the next day.
Through his mother Brenda Lagan, of Terramount, Rathcormac, Co Cork, Jamie sued Paximol Ltd, which trades as Carlton Hotel Blanchardstown, of Parkway House, Old Airport Road, Cloghran, Co Dublin.
Jamies legal team claimed the hotel had failed to ensure he would be safe in the bedroom as the bed constituted a danger and a trap. It was alleged the hotel had failed to take any effective measures to fix the bed in a more stable manner.
Through his mother Jamie also claimed the hotel had failed to take effective measures to prevent him from falling and had failed to provide a bed configuration in the bedroom without the need to push two divans together.
Mr Shorten, who appeared with Carl OMahony Solicitors, said the defendant had made an 21,500 settlement offer and, recommending acceptance of it, he said liability might have been made an issue in the case if it proceeded to a full trial.
Judge Groarke approved the offer. He was told that Jamies injury had left a small scar on his elbow.
A British fugitive living under a false identity on the Costa del Sol shot dead an Irish dad-of-two after a petty pub row with another stranger, a court heard.
Wanted man Darren O'Flaherty (42) went home to change his clothes and look for a gun before returning to murder innocent holidaymaker John O'Neill and shoot at other expats, a state prosecutor alleged.
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The events leading up to the killing of plasterer Mr O'Neill, from Coolock, north Dublin, were retold to a nine-strong jury at a criminal court in Malaga where O'Flaherty is standing trial.
The father-of-five from Liverpool - dressed in a white shirt, black tie and black trousers - sat impassively in the dock beside a translator as prosecutor Rosa Romero told jurors O'Flaherty had shot his victim with the intention of ending his life at Coco's Bar in the popular resort of Benalmadena.
Claiming O'Flaherty's .38 revolver had failed when he pointed his gun at a father and his disabled son during the attack on July 28, 2010, she said: "He gave his victim absolutely no chance of defending himself when he killed him and under Spanish law that makes this a murder and not a simple homicide. The trigger was a petty row with a different man.
"Our main evidence is the CCTV footage at the bar which doesn't show the victim being killed but which you can hear the killer shot on."
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Telling the jury O'Flaherty was living in a nearby flat rented using a false passport in the name of William Anthony Doyle, she added: "He wasn't a tourist who had come here to have a good time.
"He was a man who hid his identity because he was wanted in the UK and was living here under a false name."
Mr O'Neill, who was on his first foreign holiday with his family including his son Jake, then three, and daughter Jasmine, then nine months, had attended a wedding the day before his life was ended.
He collapsed and died at a bus stop 50 yards from the bar in front of partner Maxine Sutcliffe after suffering a fatal wound to his stomach.
O'Flaherty was held on a European arrest warrant while celebrating his birthday at a Chinese restaurant in north Wales in August 2013.
He was extradited to Spain in February 2015 to await trial after serving prison time in the UK for his role in a hold-up. O'Flaherty has pleaded not guilty. The trial continues today when Ms Sutcliffe is due to give evidence by video-link.
Convicted paedophile John ONeill has put his Lucan home up for sale after having been told by a judge it would have to be sold to pay the 100,000 damages awarded to the nephew he sexually abused when the child was six.
ONeill has commissioned Lucan auctioneer PJ Garvey to sell the house at 86 Sarsfield Park, Lucan, by private treaty which means the price will be negotiated in secret between ONeill and any prospective purchaser.
The auctioneer has put an asking price on the four-bed house at 285,000 and has posted 20 pictures of the property on the auctioneers official website.
Judge Jacqueline Linnane in the Circuit Civil Court last Thursday directed sale of No 86 to pay Keith Battersbys 100,000 compensation awarded to him in July 2012 by the then High Court President Mr Justice Nicholas Kearns.
The award, together with High Court and Circuit Court legal costs and expenses of sale, will amount to about 250,000 and wipe out practically all of any agreed sale price.
Judge Linnane stated last week that ONeill, now a 51-year-old jobless law student, had waited long enough to repay Mr Battersby (40) of Coill Fada, Longwood, Co Meath. She heard he had previously been making sporadic and irregular payments which amounted to only 6,630 over the last four years or little more than 30 a week.
Peter Boylan, a solicitor with Pearse Mehigan Solicitors who are representing Mr Battersbys interests, today returned to court to seek directions with regard to the sale being handled under the personal directions of ONeill.
Judge Linnane said she had made her order for the sale of the house and had no further function in directing completion of arrangements.
Mr Battersby in 2012 sued his uncle who, he claimed, had committed 12 sexual assaults on him between 1982 and 1984 in ONeills home and in the projection room of the Grove Cinema in Lucan where ONeill worked.
ONeill pleaded guilty at Dubloin Circuit Criminal Court to sexually assaulting his nephew and was given a two year suspended sentence. He did not defend his nephews claim for damages in 2012.
Following ONeills conviction in 2010 Mr Battersby had described his uncle as: A monster who stole my childhood.
The High Court will today hear an application for the endorsement of a European arrest warrant for journalist Ian Bailey over the murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier.
Mr Justice Tony Hunt adjourned a hearing yesterday after being told neither Mr Bailey nor his legal representatives were in court.
Mr Bailey did not have to be present, but his legal team had been told it could make submissions if it wanted and had been put on notice of the hearing.
The proceedings have been brought by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, who is the "central authority" for dealing with extradition requests under the European Arrest Warrant Act.
It is the second time French authorities have sought to extradite Mr Bailey. A previous attempt was blocked by the Supreme Court in 2012.
The High Court heard yesterday that Mr Bailey's lawyers contacted lawyers of the minister last week asking a number of questions about the new warrant.
"In light of the correspondence I am surprised there isn't anyone present in court," said Ronan Kennedy, counsel for the minister.
Mr Kennedy said the application had been opened in court on March 7. Given the background to the case, Ms Justice Aileen Donnelly at the time decided it would be appropriate to put the respondent on notice.
Mr Kennedy said his solicitor wrote to solicitors for Mr Bailey that day setting out that an application for endorsement had been made in court and inviting them to attend and make any application if they wished.
He said a response from a solicitor for Mr Bailey was received on March 15.
However, he said that unless directed by the court, he would not be engaging with queries raised by Mr Bailey's solicitors.
Mr Justice Hunt adjourned the proceedings until today when the court will hear submissions.
Mr Bailey has always denied any involvement in Ms Toscan du Plantier's murder.
She was found bludgeoned to death outside her west Cork holiday home in December 1996.
Mr Bailey was twice arrested for the murder, but never charged and no one has been prosecuted for the killing.
French authorities launched their own inquiry under laws allowing for the investigation of murders of French nationals outside of France.
A Paris magistrate issued a fresh arrest warrant last August.
A High Court judge has signalled he will endorse a European arrest warrant for Ian Bailey over the murder of French filmmaker Sophie Toscan du Plantier next week.
The move is a legal hurdle which must be jumped before the warrant is executed and Mr Bailey is arrested.
But Mr Bailey is likely to be freed on bail immediately afterwards, a court heard today.
At a hearing this morning Mr Justice Tony Hunt said that unless lawyers for Mr Bailey could convince him otherwise, he would endorse the warrant next Thursday.
He said that on the face of things the warrant appeared to be in order.
Mr Bailey was not present in court for the hearing.
His barrister Ronan Munro SC said his client was objecting to the process as the Director of Public Prosecutions had decided not to charge Mr Bailey with murder here and the Supreme Court had already decided in 2012 that Mr Bailey should not be extradited to France.
Mr Munro said Mr Baileys appeal of a case in which he alleged garda misconduct was due to begin next week and questioned the timing of the application for the endorsement.
He said Mr Bailey had learned last August via the media that a fresh warrant had been issued for his arrest in Paris.
However, the warrant was not brought before an Irish court until March 7.
Mr Munro said Mr Baileys solicitor had written to the legal team for Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald asking when exactly the warrant had been received and seeking an explanation for the delay in bringing it to court.
He said a response was received this morning which did not answer the questions.
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Mr Munro said it appeared Irish authorities had the warrant for six months. He said the matter was distressing for Mr Bailey and that his instructions were to object to the proceedings as extradition had previously been adjudicated on.
Mr Justice Hunt asked if this could be right as it was a different warrant and different issues may arise.
Mr Munro said the Supreme Court previously identified two issues for refusing extradition.
One of these was no longer an issue, he said.
However, the second issue, known as reciprocity, had not changed and was an extant road block.
This was a finding by the Supreme Court that although French law allows for prosecutions in relation to the murder of French nationals abroad there was no similar law in Ireland, and as a result Mr Bailey could not be extradited.
Robert Barron SC, for the Justice Minister, said his side was seeking to have that issue referred to the European Court of Justice (ECJ) before a decision is taken on whether or not to to endorse the warrant.
However, Mr Justice Hunt said he did not see the need to refer the issue to the ECJ before he made a decision on the endorsement of the warrant.
I am going to decide under the domestic Act, he said.
The judge also said he didnt feel the need to deal with the application before Mr Baileys case in the Court of Appeal was heard.
He said Mr Bailey seemed to have a lot of issues on his plate and he did not want to add impinge further on him.
The judge added that he didnt see how any issue would arise over bail.
Adjourning the matter to next Thursday, he said: I do believe on the face of it the warrant satisfies the Act and that I should endorse the warrant.
Unless Mr Munro comes up with an argument as to why I shouldnt endorse it on the next occasion, I will endorse it.
Mr Justice Hunt added that an endorsement did not represent a decision on the merit sides arguments over the other.
Should the warrant be endorsed, Mr Bailey is expected to lodge an appeal.
He was arrested twice in connection with the murder of Ms Toscan du Plantier outside her west Cork holiday home in December 1996. However, he was never charged and has always denied any involvement in her death.
An official in the DPPs office criticised the garda investigation and said there was evidence which pointed to Mr Baileys innocence.
Colm Deely was sentenced to eight years in jail for the manslaughter of Deirdre McCarthy, inset, after he strangled her when she threatened to reveal their affair to his wife. Photo: Collins Courts.
A married man who strangled his lover as they "fooled around" in her bed after he claimed she threatened to tell his wife about their affair was jailed for eight years.
Deirdre McCarthy's body washed up on Fanore Beach, Co Clare, days after Colm Deely dumped her in the ocean.
Although he was originally convicted of Ms McCarthy's murder by a jury, that conviction was quashed after it emerged the work of then deputy state pathologist Dr Khalid Jabbar was not peer reviewed.
But in January this year, Deely (45) of School Road, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of 43-year-old Ms McCarthy, at a place unknown on or about March 28, 2011.
His plea was accepted by the State at that hearing.
Today, Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy said the sentence he was imposing was "in the absence of evidence which might have or might not have supported a more serious charge".
Vulnerable
Describing Ms McCarthy as a "quiet, modest and vulnerable person", Mr Justice McCarthy said the accused subjected her to a "homicidal attack".
The judge said the victim had been friends with Deely, a married father-of-two, for a number of years and their friendship later became "romantic in nature".
After Deely visited Ms McCarthy at the guesthouse where she lived and worked in Ballyvaughan, the judge said "the next day she was not to be found" and that days later "her body washed up on the shore and that it appears she was strangled".
The judge added that the cause of death was based on "statements made by the accused" who had admitted that "he had used his hands on her neck". Deely had originally been jailed for life for Ms McCarthy's murder following a trial in June 2013.
However, that conviction was later quashed at the request of the State when it emerged the work carried out in this case by Dr Jabbar had not been peer reviewed.
Last week, Ms McCarthy's sister Helen Geoghegan broke down and wept as she told how her family will be "haunted forever" by the killing.
Reading a victim-impact statement on behalf of the family, Ms Geoghegan told the court: "Dee was a kind, easy-going person who lived a very, happy ordinary life.
"There was no fuss from Dee. Only at Christmas, and her birthday, her favourite times in the year. Dee made time for everyone."
Yesterday, referring to Deely's admission to manslaughter, Mr Justice McCarthy said: "The evidence in the case would not have been sufficient to have proved murder," adding that "one needs medical evidence in a case of unlawful killing".
Prior to handing down the eight-year term, Mr Justice McCarthy said the offence had been aggravated by a number of factors which included the fact that the accused had gone to work with the dead woman's brother hours after disposing of the body.
The judge added the accused had treated the deceased's body in a "callous manner" by dumping it in the ocean.
He also said the dead woman's mother passed away, "having never recovered from the loss of her daughter" and the rest of family have said they will be "haunted forever" by Ms McCarthy's death.
Describing Deely as a former "hard-working and respected member" of his community, he said the starting point for sentencing would have been 12 years, adding that Deely must serve a "substantial period of imprisonment".
In imposing an eight-year term, the judge said he was taking into account the accused's early guilty plea to manslaughter and that he had "shown contrition" over the killing.
A JURY has begun deliberations at the Central Criminal Court in the trial of Roy Webster, who is accused of murdering mother-of-three Anne Shortall.
Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy told the jurors that two possible verdicts were open to them - they can find Mr Webster guilty of murder or not guilty of murder but guilty of manslaughter.
The jury retired briefly to consider a verdict this afternoon when the judge completed his charge, outlining the legal issues and reviewing the evidence of the case.
Earlier, Brendan Grehan SC, for the defence, delivered his closing statement to the jury of four women and seven men.
The jury returned after 15 minutes, when they were given a laptop for the playback of CCTV evidence.
The foreman also asked to see exhibits in the case - clothes and shoes as well as the hammer. Judge McCarthy then sent the jurors home for the night and asked them to return tomorrow morning.
Mr Webster (40) of Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Ms Shortall (47) on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough, in Wicklow Town.
His plea was not accepted by the State.
Earlier, the Central Criminal Court was told how Roy Webster was a "good man who did a bad thing" and killed Anne Shortall when he had been pushed past his breaking point.
A defence lawyer told the jury that the case bore none of the hallmarks of a planned, cold-blooded murder but was instead a frenzied attack in which Mr Webster had lost control.
Brendan Grehan SC was delivering his closing speech for the defence in the trial of Mr Webster (40) this afternoon.
The accused, a married father-of-two of Ashbree, Ashford, Co Wicklow, has pleaded not guilty to murder but guilty to the manslaughter of Ms Shortall (47) on April 3, 2015 at The Murrough in Wicklow Town.
His plea was not accepted by the State.
The jury heard he beat the mother-of-three to death with a hammer in a confrontation after she claimed she was pregnant following a one-nioght stand they had and threatened to blow the lid if he did not give her money.
Mr Grehan told the jury the facts of the case should lead them to the conclusion that this wasnt some cold-blooded killing planned in any way at all. It was something that happened when somebody lost control of themselves when they were effectively backed into a corner.
If ever it could be said that there was a case where there can be no winners, then this is it, he said.
Anne Shortall lost her life, her children lost their mother, her extended family lost a sister Roy Websters wife lost effectively her husband, the marriage, the family unit, the happiness and security she thought she had, Mr Grehan said.
His children will grow up without their father, and worse, it will come with the realisation when they are older of why that was.
He said the accuseds own extended family had sundered with him, including his elderly parents who live next door and on whose land his own house was built.
Everybody involved in the case had lost, he said.
In relation to the prosecutions assertion that Mr Webster had shown self pity, Mr Grehan referred to the first memo of interview in which the accused had said he was genuinely sorry for putting everyone through that.
The case, he suggested, was about breaking points. He said everybody liked to think they would never do certain things but the reality was as human beings, if we are pushed far enough, we can shock ourselves.
He said criminal law recognised that people can be pushed to breaking point and can do things they absolutely regret. This was known as a concession to human frailty which could arise under provocation, something could be done that caused someone to lose their self control and act in an uncharacteristic way.
The prosecutions emphasis on what happened after the event - his return to normal life -was to put the focus of the jury in entirely the wrong place, Mr Grehan said.
The focus of your attention must be what happened in the immediate circumstances leading up to the death of Anne Shortall, Mr Grehan told the jury.
He said we were all capable of disassociating ourselves from something terrible that has happened.
One could imagine Mr Webster opening the van door (the next day) and hoping against hope that Anne Shortall wasnt there and that this whole thing was a terrible nightmare, but of course it wasnt.
He said Ms Shortalls background had to be referred to in the trial so as to understand how her path intersected with that of the accused.
He referred to her own dire circumstances and fear of eviction and that she appeared to come up with the idea of trying to get the money from Mr Webster that would solve all her problems.
Mr Webster had deleted all his text messages but through pure fluke Ms Shortall had sent a Facebook message to a person she thought was related to the accused but was not.
But for that, Mr Grehan would have been fearful that the jury would have been wondering is he making all this up?
He wasnt, ladies and gentlemen, Mr Grehan said.
Mr Websters actions on the day were borne out of his own desperate view of the situation, Mr Grehan went on.
He had committed an indiscretion, he had been unfaithful to his wife, betrayed his marital vows, he had done something on a drunken night out and in this he is, I am quite certain not unique in this country or many others, Mr Grehan said. This is not a court of morals, you are not here to judge him on the morality of his actions on that night.
Ms Shortall did not want Mr Webster to forget about her and when she contacted him, the net was cast fairly wide and she might have been less than fully in control, perhaps through alcohol, contacting him on his home phone at night.
He said the jury could be pretty certain that Ms Shortall knew she was not pregnant at the time of two medical appointments in February and March, 2015.
There was quite frenzied text contact between the two before a brief meeting on the Thursday night before she died.
Mr Webster told gardai he had been prepared to pay her if she was in fact pregnant. Mr Grehan said the unaccounted-for hour and a half before Mr Websters meeting with Ms Shortall transpired not to be important on viewing CCTV footage of his movements.
None of the hallmarks of murder planned in cold blood were present in the case, Mr Grehan continued: the accused used his own phone to make contact with Ms Shortall, he was sending texts which in the normal course of events would be stored on Ms Shortalls phone, and he used his own van with his name emblazoned on it.
Mr Webster also did this in broad daylight, driving Ms Shortall through Wicklow town where anybody who thought about it for a second would realise was going to be covered by CCTV. He went to a place where you would expect anybody to be about, and, as fortune might have it, a man walking his dogs had seen and recognised Ms Shortall.
This did not fit with the notion that they were in an isolated place.
Where is the cover up? Mr Grehan asked. He told the jury the accused had left the body in his van instead of somewhere up the Wicklow Mountains, in the Bermuda Triangle where so many people have gone missing.
Even if he had some aspiration that Ms Shortall might not have kept the messages, he was alerted by contact from her daughters that night.
How many opportunities had he, if he wanted, if he had any desire to cover his tracks and get rid of the body? Mr Grehan asked.
He was frozen, ladies and gentlemen, he was literally frozen in terms of his actions.
He said the accused moved the body into his shed, along with the tools covered in blood and the hammer covered in blood beside it, and then he just waits.
When he did make admissions at his kitchen table, at his wifes insistence, it comes flooding out of him.
It went from a missing person enquiry to gardai having suddenly found the missing person, she was dead, the weapon was there beside her and oodles of evidence was there beside her, Mr Grehan said.
In relation to the accused losing control, Mr Grehan said there was a discrepancy between the number of blows inflicted - the accused thought up to four, the pathologist said nine.
Its one of the classic hallmarks of a frenzied attack that you stab or hit many more times than you are capable of remembering, Mr Grehan said.
The accused had told the gardai his head was spinning and he could see his whole world crashing down before grabbing the first thing.
He said in his statements, Mr Webster said Ms Shortalls reaction to the first blow was Im going to ruin you and the accused loses it and hits her many times.
He told the gardai it was like he was looking down at himself doing it.
In my submission, all of that has the hallmarks of somebody who has lost it completely and having done so inflicted terrible injuries on Anne Shortall, Mr Grehan said.
He said it had been suggested the wrapping of Ms Shortalls head in duct tape played a large part in her death.
Mr Grehan told the jury this element could not be excluded from the State Pathologists report but said the preponderance of her evidence leaned toward the hammer blows.
There had been no clinical signs of asphyxiation and in fact the evidence had been that death was rapid.
He said the jury must take as their working basis the most favourable view which brought them back to the sudden loss of control of the accused.
That is how you must view this case - as one where someone lost control of themselves and acted in an entirely uncharacteristic way, Mr Grehan said.
He told the jury the case was a tragedy for everyone involved. He said the accused had been described in good terms by his friends and as having been of impeccable character by a garda.
He said the case raised the question of how it happens that a man who has all that and has the life he has going for him can suddenly throw it all away.
He said the accused could not have planned what happened because there was no real attempt to get rid of evidence or conceal the body.
This was in effect somebody reverting to autopilot after this...waiting for the inevitable knock on the door, Mr Grehan said.
The attack on Ms Shortall had been borne out of fear and an all too human reaction. Everything he did after was explainable by panic in light of the dawning realisation of what he had done.
Nobody was trying to equate in any way Ms Shortalls desperate circumstances with what Mr Webster did, which was through fear and way beyond the pale in terms of conduct and when in the cold light of day was after something the accused could have worked through with his wife.
But people do behave strangely and unpredictably when they think their backs are to the wall, when they think there is no way out, Mr Grehan said.
It explains why Mr Webster acted in the way that he did, it explains why a good man did a bad thing.
Your task is to determine whether his act was a killing that went beyond the extenuating circumstances which I suggest to you are there or whether it is a murder and whether he deserves that epitaph of murderer as opposed to killer.
Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy was delivering his charge to the jury this afternoon.
Project architect Rory Murphy with Natrium Director Deirdre Foley at the Clery's announcement at The Mansion House. Photo: Tony Gavin
Natrium Director Deirdre Foley with the Lord Mayor Brendan Carr at the Clery's announcement at The Mansion House. Photo: Tony Gavin
Former Clerys workers who lost their jobs without warning in June 2015 will be given a goodwill payment following protracted negotiations between the owners and trade union.
Trade union Siptu has outlined some details of a confidential settlement reached with Natrium which closed the iconic store without warning, leaving 460 workers including some directly employed by the company without a job.
The settlement includes an understanding around fair working conditions during construction works and the operational stages of the 150m Clerys redevelopment.
The communities of the North East inner city will also benefit through training and employment opportunities, and there will be a process to recognise the service of former Clerys workers when it comes to gaining employment in the new development.
Also: A process which allows for a goodwill payment for the former employees of OCS Operations Ltd in liquidation who were made redundant on June 15 2015 who were employed on the OConnell Street site.
And Dublin Lord Mayor Brendan Carr, who helped broker the deal, said the situation could not be repeated, calling for legislative change.
As we must accept that periods of disagreement and conflict between workers and business interests are part of a normally functioning society, just as is their resolution through dialogue, there is also a need to accept that legislative measures must be introduced to ensure that a dispute of the nature of the one that surrounded the closure of Clerys cannot happen again, he said.
Clerys closed its doors in June 2015 after it was bought by a company, Natrium, for 29m.
It was restructured in 2012 as part of a receivership process by its previous owners and bankers which resulted in the property assets being separated into one company, and the day-to-day retail business operation put in another.
When the operating company went into liquidation, staff were made redundant. Some working for concession companies may have been relocated to other outlets.
The State paid statutory redundancy to workers totalling 2.5m.
Natriums Deirdre Foley said the agreement was in the best interests of all involved
We are looking forward to continuing with the development. That will take the guts of two to three years before its open. Were looking forward to creating something that will be internationally renowned and create a catalyst for change, she said.
She added a community and employment liaison officer would be appointed to work with former workers, and to enhance local and youth employment.
The programme claims that new evidence has emerged in the form of files stored in archives for decades in Berlin showing concerns the drug could cause malformations (stock photo)
A controversial pregnancy-testing drug - at the centre of allegations of birth defects in the 1970s - was the subject of a safety warning from the Irish medicines' watchdog, it emerged yesterday.
The drug Primodos, marketed as Duogynon in Ireland, will be investigated in a Sky Atlantic TV documentary tonight.
The programme claims that new evidence has emerged in the form of files stored in archives for decades in Berlin showing concerns the drug could cause malformations.
A spokesman for the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA), Ireland's medicines watchdog, said it had no information on the numbers in this country who may have used Duogynon for diagnosis of their pregnancies in the 1970s.
However, he said: "Duogynon was not an authorised medicinal product."
The Irish regulatory authority at the time, the National Drugs Advisory Board (NDAB), issued a warning letter to doctors about the use of hormonal pregnancy testing preparation.
"This letter reminded practitioners that these preparations had not been assessed by the NDAB and their use as a means of pregnancy testing had not been accepted by the NDAB.
Exposure
"The letter also highlighted that these preparations should be avoided as a firm statement of safety could not be given and other more efficient methods of pregnancy testing were available."
He said the HPRA would advise anyone now who has any concerns about possible exposure to Duogynon in the 1970s to talk to their doctor.
Campaigners in the UK who have been fighting for compensation said it was now known that Primodos contained super-strength hormones that later would be used in the morning-after pill.
In 1967, a paediatrician in England found a high proportion of babies born with spina bifida had mothers who had taken hormonal pregnancy tests.
An attempt to bring the case to court by the alleged victims in 1982 collapsed and legal aid was withdrawn from 700 families who were suing the drug's manufacturer, Schering.
It was deemed unlikely they could prove a causal link. Schering is now owned by Bayer. It said the evidence of a link was "extremely weak" and it rejected any cover-up by Schering.
The plight of waiting list patients in need of surgery, including cancer operations, is revealed in stark new figures today.
They show hospitals are performing less than half the number of procedures across all specialties they carried out four years ago.
The bleak figures reveal hospitals were operating on 15,374 patients from waiting lists in January 2012, but this plummeted to just 6,743 in January 2016 as they struggled with lack of beds and staff.
It follows the urgent warning by Dr Tom Ryan, president of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, that cancer patients are now having their surgery cancelled in significant numbers as the crisis deepens.
However, the full extent of the crisis is disclosed in the figures on waiting list surgeries in hospitals which were secured in a parliamentary response by Deputy Jack Chambers, Fianna Fail TD for Dublin.
He said he was so alarmed by the waiting lists spiralling to more than 630,000 that he investigated the performance of each hospital over four years.
"The results are staggering. In December 2012, hospitals carried out 13,330 surgeries on waiting list patients. But in 2015 this had dramatically fallen to 7,492," he said.
The drop in surgeries has affected patients needing a full range of procedures, including cancer.
"What we are seeing is a haemorrhaging and a halving of output and delivery. At the same time budgets are increasing," Mr Chambers said.
"There has been a dramatic collapse in the number of surgeries while Health Minister Simon Harris continues to talk about bigger budgets. We need to know where the money is going and why it is not delivering."
The breakdown reveals that while there are fluctuations in output over several months, several hospitals which are designated "centres for excellence" for cancer patients are among the worst hit.
Cork University Hospital operated on 603 patients in January 2012 but this was down to 442 in the same month in 2016.
The figures are expected to be even worse for 2017 as it faced unrelenting trolley gridlock most days.
Dr Ray Walley, a GP in north Dublin, said he was seeing some patients who had "red flags" due to the seriousness of their condition but they are suffering cancellations in neurosurgery due to lack of beds.
"There is now a two-year wait for neurosurgery.
"I was told in one hospital recently a staff of 40 were standing around but they were only able to carry out two procedures between them.
"I was speaking to a surgeon who returned here from the UK but he is in talks about going back because he is not doing enough surgery to maintain his skillset."
The Irish Cancer Society yesterday wrote to Dr Jerome Coffey, head of the HSE's cancer control programme, to carry out a swift investigation into the delays highlighted by the Irish Hospital Consultants Association.
"Cancer patients experiencing delays in treatment undergo significant additional stress and upset and this may impact their recovery," said Donal Buggy, the charity's head of advocacy.
It called for each hospital group to address the surgical delays immediately.
A spokeswoman for the HSE said hospitals scheduled patients based on their individual clinical needs and priority as determined by the team caring for patients. Maintaining scheduled care access for all patients and managing emergency demand at times is challenging, however all efforts are made to limit cancellations.
Queen Elizabeth II shakes hands with Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012 Picture: Pacemaker
The handshake lasted mere seconds, but it was a moment of historic significance when Martin McGuinness and the Queen first shook hands.
Such a gesture between the former IRA commander and Her Majesty would once have been unimaginable.
However, at a charity event in Belfast on a Wednesday morning in June 2012 the hand of friendship was extended.
"I feel so privileged to have witnessed that significant and historic moment," said former PA photographer Paul Faith.
Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close Martin McGuinness addressing Nationalists outside the Guildhall in Derry after a march. Photo: Brian Little/PA Wire Martin McGuinness speaking at an election press conference in Belfast. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Prime Minister Tony Blair (left) meeting Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams (right) and chief negotiator Martin McGuinness in 10 Downing Street. Photo: Richard Pohle/PA Wire Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (left) and First Minister Peter Robinson (right) greeting US President George Bush at Stormont Castle in Belfast. Photo: Stephen Wilson/PA Wire Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein standing beside a sentry box outside Hillsborough Castle before a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Martin McGuinness, Deputy First Minister of the Northern Ireland Assembly, arriving at Stormont. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Stormont. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams (right) and Martin McGuinness carrying the coffin of former senior IRA commander Brian Keenan in west Belfast. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Martin McGuinness leaving 10 Downing St after a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair. Photo: Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire Sinn Fein president Gerry Adams and his deputy Martin McGuinness (left) with party aides outside No10 Downing Street before meeting Prime Minister Tony Blair for peace talks. Photo: Adam Butler/PA Wire Sinn Fein MP Martin McGuinness with party colleagues during a press conference at Stormont. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness speaking to the media after a meeting with Government officials at Castle Buildings, Stormont. Photo: PA Wire Martin McGuinness of Sinn Fein standing beside a table where his votes are being counted after the Northern Ireland Assembly election in Ballymena, Co Antrim. Photo: Julien Behal/PA Wire Martin McGuinness, leading Sinn Fein negotiator in the peace process, attending a news conference in the House of Commons. Photo: John Stillwell/PA Wire Former US President Bill Clinton with Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness at the University of Ulster Magee campus in Derry. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness in 1996. Photo: David Giles/PA Wire Former US President Bill Clinton (right)arriving at University of Ulster Magee Campus in Derry to meet First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (centre). Photo: Julien Behal/PA Wire Martin McGuinness walking past a Bloody Sunday mural in the Bogside in Co Derry. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Martin McGuinness (left) and Gerry Adams addressing the media after their meeting with British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness in 1995 addressing a Republican rally in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. Photo: PA Wire Martin McGuinness outside the Guildhall in Co Derry after giving evidence to the Saville Inquiry, into the Bloody Sunday tribunal. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire Martin McGuinness at the announcement of the first preference votes in the Irish Presidential Election at the count centre at Dublin castle. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire / Facebook
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Mr Faith was the only photographer allowed access to photograph the handshake.
"I remember that Martin appeared very relaxed and confident and happy to stand beside the Queen.
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"The significance of it for me didn't really sink in until the next day when I saw the pictures in the papers.
"Every front page was carrying the photograph and it hit me that this was going to be a historic image," said Mr Faith.
He added: "The day after the handshake I was sitting in the press room at the Irish Open and Martin McGuinness came in with Peter Robinson.
"He came over to me and shook my hand and said 'you've made me famous again'. He then asked for a photograph of him and I shaking hands.
"I also took the photograph of him and Ian Paisley that led to them being called the Chuckle Brothers.
"He later signed that photograph for me and said 'so Paul, you're the one who turned me into a Chuckle Brother. Well done'."
The day after shaking hands with the Queen, Mr McGuinness spoke about its "momentous and historical" significance.
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He said that the meeting had the potential to define "a new relationship between Britain and Ireland and between the Irish people themselves".
In a speech in Westminster he said the handshake "was in a very pointed, deliberate and symbolic way offering the hand of friendship to unionists through the person of Queen Elizabeth for which many unionists have a deep affinity".
"It is an offer I hope many will accept in the same spirit it was offered," he said.
Former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton described the handshake as "the most remarkable sign of change yet" in the Northern Ireland peace process.
A few years later Mr McGuinness paid tribute to the Queen for meeting him.
"I liked her courage in agreeing to meet with me, I liked the engagements that I've had with her. There's nothing I have seen in my engagements with her that this is someone I should dislike - I like her," he told a BBC documentary.
First Minister Ian Paisley and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness smiling after being sworn in as ministers of the Northern Ireland Assembly, Stormont. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire
From sworn enemies to the "Chuckle Brothers", Martin McGuinness and Ian Paisley became Northern Ireland's most unlikely double act.
One was a former IRA commander, the other once stood up in the European Parliament to denounce the Pope as the Antichrist.
But remarkably, against all the odds, a deep friendship developed between these clashing figures that enabled the Northern Ireland peace process.
In 2007, the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) agreed to share power with republican party Sinn Fein and Paisley and McGuinness became First Minister and Deputy First Minister.
In their first formal meeting as First and Deputy First Ministers, Paisley suggested sending a letter to the British secretary of state asking him to immediately vacate Stormont Castle.
McGuinness once revealed that this was one of the "most amusing episodes" for him.
"We did so in our first joint letter as First and Deputy First Minister. The British secretary of state and his staff were taken aback but did so.
"When we moved into our offices the following week, we discovered that they had taken everything with them, including the light bulbs."
What followed became a very public friendship. Images of the pair laughing and joking together earned them the nickname "The Chuckle Brothers".
"Our relationship confounded many. Of course, our political differences continued; his allegiance was to Britain and mine to Ireland. But we were able to work effectively together in the interests of all our people," McGuinness said after Paisley's death.
However, many in the DUP were unhappy with the friendship and, according to Paisley, he was forced to step down in June 2008.
In a wide-ranging interview on BBC Northern Ireland in January 2014, the former First Minister claimed he was edged out by senior figures in the DUP, after a canvass of the party found many MLAs were unhappy with his performance in the role, not least with his "chuckling" appearances alongside McGuinness.
After his death in September 2014, Paisley's widow Eileen revealed that McGuinness had been very supportive to the family during her husband's long illness and said their friendship had meant a great deal to her husband.
Speaking at an event in Belfast in October 2015, Mrs Paisley said: "During Ian's illness, he [Martin] contacted me.
"He would have texted me just to ask how Ian was, and say he was thinking about him.
"It was very precious to us as a family. It gave Ian a lot of happiness as well to know that he had left that impression with [him].
"His friendship with Martin McGuinness had meant something very special to him."
After Paisley's death, McGuinness himself spoke about their friendship.
"Despite our differences, I found him to be a charismatic and powerful personality. He always treated me and those who worked with me with respect and courtesy.
"The peace process and I have lost a friend," he said.
MYSTERY AT SEA: IT consultant Daniel Belling and his wife Li Yinglei, who vanished during a family cruise in the Med on board the MSC Magnifica Picture: Kyran O'Brien
The mother of a woman missing from a luxury cruise ship said that her daughter frequently fought with her husband but does not believe he is behind her disappearance.
Chinese-born Li Yinglei was on a luxury cruise in the Mediterranean with her husband Daniel Belling (45) and their children when she disappeared.
Mr Belling is now in prison on suspicion of murdering his wife during the cruise.
He said he believes she is still alive and is either in Dublin or her native China.
Yinglei's mother You Xiang Zhen told an Italian TV crime show that her daughter fought with Mr Belling frequently.
However, she told Chi L'Ha Visto that she doesn't believe Mr Belling had anything to do with Yinglei's disappearance.
"I have a very good relationship with Daniel. He is a very good person. I don't think he could have hurt my daughter," Xiang Zhen told the crime show, according to the Irish Daily Mail.
She also told the show she doesn't believe her daughter was depressed and took her own life as she would "never have left her children".
Mr Belling, who is originally from Germany, made international headlines when he was arrested at an Italian airport as he was about to board a plane home to Ireland after his wife vanished from the luxury cruise.
The couple, who live in Clare Hall in Dublin, had set off on an 11-day cruise with their two children aboard the MSC Magnifica.
The ship set sail from the Italian port of Civitavecchia on February 9 and continued on to Genoa, Malta, Greece and Cyprus.
Crew members noticed Ms Yinglei was missing when they did a head count at the end of the cruise.
They alerted police, who arrested Mr Belling at Ciampino Airport in Rome as he was about to board a Ryanair flight with his children.
Ms Yinglei was registered on the Magnifica's passenger record on February 10, following a stop-over at Genoa, the day after the ship set sail.
A souvenir shop owner later told reporters that she remembered the couple and their two children in her store that morning, when Mr Belling was "agitated" and "yelled" at his wife over her shoes.
"He said: 'Put these on instead of your sandals and shut up'," she said, adding that he handed his wife a pair of gym shoes.
However, according to local reports, Mr Belling told a magistrate during a prison court hearing last Friday that the family remained together until the ship reached Katakolon.
Mr Belling reportedly told the judge that they had quarrelled the night before and she wanted to "quit the trip". According reports in local Italian press, he claimed his wife left while he was on an outing with the boys.
"I thought she was returning to Dublin. She was acting weird lately," he reportedly told the judge.
Mr Belling did not report his wife's disappearance to the ship's staff. However, his lawyer, Mr Conti, told the Sunday Independent that after she left, Mr Belling informed the cleaning personnel that three people were now staying in the room, not four.
"This comportment [is] not the comportment of a killer," he said.
Mr Belling and Ms Yinglei, who also goes by the name Angie Li, have lived in the apartment block near the Clare Hall shopping centre for several years. Mr Belling worked as an IT consultant to firms such as Apple while Ms Yinglei set up her own wedding planning business targeted at the Chinese community in the city. Their two young sons were born here.
A 27-year-old man has been killed in a road traffic incident on the M1 on Monday evening at around 7pm.
Gardai are investigating the collision that occurred between a truck and a pedestrian just after junction 5 at Balbriggan.
The man's body has been removed to James Connolly Memorial Hospital Mortuary.
The driver of the truck was uninjured in the collision.
Gardai can confirm that as a result of the serious RTC on the M1 at junction 5 - the road is now CLOSED and local diversions are in place. An Garda Siochana (@GardaTraffic) March 20, 2017
DUBLIN: There is a serious collision on the M1 northbound at J5 Balbriggan South. Expect delays. https://t.co/qvBPcgxUj8 AA Roadwatch (@aaroadwatch) March 20, 2017
The scene on the M1 is currently closed as forensic investigators are at scene and local diversions are in place.
Gardai in Balbriggan are seeking the assistance of any members of the public who were travelling on the M1 or who may be able to offer any further information or who witnessed the collision to contact them at 01-8020190, The Garda Confidential Line 1 800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Michelle ONeill is congratulated by Martin McGuinness as she is unveiled as the new Sinn Fein leader in the North at a Stormont press conference. Photo: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images
Martin McGuinness has led a successful life with a career full of major political moments, civil rights movements and leadership.
Born in Derry on May 23 1950, McGuinness was one of seven children. After becoming politically active in the civil rights movement in Northern Ireland, McGuinness joined the IRA.
By the age of 21, he was second-in-command of the IRA in Derry at the time of the Bloody Sunday shootings, where 13 unarmed civil rights protesters were murdered by British soldiers in Derry.
McGuinness was convicted by the Special Criminal Court in the Republic of Ireland in 1973, following his arrest near a car that held explosives and ammunition.
Expand Close Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness in 1995 addressing a Republican rally in Pomeroy, Co Tyrone. Photo: PA Wire / Facebook
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McGuinness withdrew from his involvement in the organisation in 1974. Becoming more prominent in the political scene, McGuinness quickly became one of the most known faces in Sinn Fein, along with Gerry Adams.
He became the MP for Mid Ulster in May 1997 and held that role until January 2013.
Expand Close Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire / Facebook
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Whatsapp Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness looking at a smashed window at the City Church in the University area of Belfast. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire
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McGuinness was Sinn Feins leading negotiator throughout the talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement.
Following the passing of the agreement, McGuinness was nominated by Sinn Fein for a ministerial position, of which he became the Minister of Education on December 2 1999.
2005 saw McGuinness aid in securing IRA arms decommissioning.
In May 2007, McGuinness was appointed as Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, while Democratic Unionist Party leader Ian Paisley was elected as First Minister.
Expand Close Martin McGuinness outside the Guildhall in Co Derry after giving evidence to the Saville Inquiry, into the Bloody Sunday tribunal. Photo: Paul Faith/PA Wire / Facebook
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McGuinness was announced as the Sinn Fein candidate in the 2011 Irish presidential election. He placed third in the first preference vote, behind Michael D. Higgins and Sean Gallagher.
McGuinness resigned as Deputy First Minister on January 9 2017, in protest of Stormonts handling of a failed energy scheme.
Expand Close Former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness and First Minister Arlene Foster at Number 10 Downing Street. Photo: PA / Facebook
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January 19 2017 saw McGuinness announce that he was quitting frontline politics to focus on recovering from a serious illness.
Two men have been arrested over an attack with a hammer which resulted in a shop owner being hospitalised.
The two men, both in their 20s, were arrested this morning in the Finglas area in Dublin.
Gardai said they have been arrested in relation to an attempted robbery of Tansey's shop on Fitzmaurice Road in Finglas on Saturday.
Kevin Tansey (44) was struck on the head with a hammer at his newsagent's and had to be rushed to Beaumont Hospital with a suspected skull fracture.
His attackers, who entered the shop with their faces covered, fled the scene in a white saloon type car.
Nothing was stolen in the incident.
Gardai said the men arrested this morning are currently being detained at Finglas and Blanchardstown Garda stations under Section 4 (Criminal Justice Act) and Section 30 (Offences Against the state Act) respectively.
Two Irishmen were identified as 'undocumented' immigrants and were taken into custody (Stock picture)
An undocumented Irish male has been detained by the US authorities in Boston and is now facing deportation.
It is understood that up to eight US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers raided the Irish man's apartment in Quincy at about 3pm last Wednesday.
Two Irishmen were identified as 'undocumented' immigrants and were taken into custody.
One of the men, believed to from Co Fermanagh, was subsequently released pending the outcome of a visa application which he had already submitted prior to his detection.
A second Irishman, believed to be in his late 20s and from the Connemara Gaeltacht, remains imprisoned in Suffolk County House of Correction.
The man had been due to appear before the courts to face drink-driving and a number of other related charges. It is reported the man and his family in Ireland are receiving assistance from the Irish Consulate in Boston.
A source who had spoken to both of the Irish immigrants' attorneys told the Irish Independent that the family of the Galway man is deeply upset at the situation.
"His family in Connemara are obviously quite distraught. It's not clear as to how ICE obtained their information, but this individual's court listings had been published."
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said they could not comment on individual cases. "We are aware of the case and providing consular assistance."
The relatives of the victims of IRA violence have had mixed reactions to the death of Martin McGuinness.
The sister of a woman killed by the paramilitary group tweeted a list of atrocities and other victims.
Ann Travers' sister Mary was gunned down and her judge father, Tom Travers, badly injured when they were ambushed by an IRA gang as they emerged from church in Belfast in April 1984.
Ann Travers has since campaigned for victims' rights.
Expand Close Johnathan Ball, left, and Tim Parry died in an IRA bomb attack in Warrington in 1993 / Facebook
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She tweeted a picture of her sister and father, and wrote: "Enniskillen Families, Claudy families, Hegarty family, Gillespie family, Maher family, I'm so sorry you never got the answers you deserved."
Mr McGuinness spoke out six years ago after a Sinn Fein member involved in the murder of Mary Travers was appointed to an influential adviser role at Stormont.
He said the killing had been "absolutely wrong" but added the adviser, Mary McArdle, would not be sacked from the role.
Speaking at the time he said: "There is controversy now because Ann obviously feels very hurt and I respect the fact that she feels the way she feels but if we were to apply the rule that people who were part of the conflict can't be part of building a better future then Nelson Mandela would never have been president of South Africa."
Expand Expand Previous Next Close Alan McBride (whose wife and father in law where killed in the Shankill Bombing) speaking at a wreath laying ceremony in Talbot Street Dublin to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire Martin McGuinness Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire / Facebook
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Whatsapp Alan McBride (whose wife and father in law where killed in the Shankill Bombing) speaking at a wreath laying ceremony in Talbot Street Dublin to mark the 42nd anniversary of the Dublin-Monaghan bombings. Photo: Niall Carson/PA Wire
This morning Colin Parry whose 12-year-old son, Tim, was killed by an IRA bomb in Warrington in 1993 also spoke about the relationship he developed with the former IRA commander.
Mr Parry said he first met Mr McGuinness in 2002 when he came to Warrington for an engagement as Minister for Education.
"I don't forgive Martin, I don't forgive the IRA, neither does my wife and neither do my children," he told the BBC.
"Setting aside forgiveness I found Martin McGuinness an easy man to talk to and a man I found sincere in his desire for peace and maintaining the Peace Process at any cost.
"He deserves great credit for his most recent life."
Meanwhile, former British MP Lord Tebbit, who was injured in the 1984 Brighton bombing was highly critical of the late leader.
Expand Close Martin McGuiness (left) meets Colin Parry / Facebook
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"The world is now a sweeter and cleaner place," Lord Tebbit told Good Morning Britain.
"He was a coward. The reason he suddenly became a man of peace, was that he was desperately afraid that he was going to be arrested and charged with a number of murders."
Michael McConville, the son of Jean McConville, also reflected on Mr McgUinness's death 27 years after his mother became one of "the disappeared".
"I'm sad for his amily, I don't like seeing anybody die... but on the other hand Martin McGuinness did try to do an awful lot for the troubles with Northern Ireland I will say that about him," he said on BBC radio.
"I think he tried his best with the politics over here, I will say that about the man."
The younger sister of an IRA bombing victim has claimed "the truth has died" with Northern Ireland former deputy first minister Martin McGuinness.
Julie Hambleton said relatives of many of the terrorist group's victims were still waiting for "truth and justice", following the death of the ex-IRA commander.
She claimed: "He was very opaque and selective with the truth.
"With him the truth has died and that's the big problem."
Ms Hambleton, whose older sister Maxine was killed in the 1974 Birmingham pub bombings, offered her condolences to his family.
But she said many relatives of IRA victims were still waiting for answers about what happened to loved ones, including The Disappeared.
She added: "People are piling the praise on him but it isn't valid.
"He didn't come forward with the truth."
Ms Hambleton, who leads the Justice4the21 campaign which last year won fresh inquests into the deaths of the pub bombings victims, said she still hoped other former IRA members would speak about what happened during The Troubles.
She said: "I can but hope that lips will be looser, not just for our loved ones but for everybody's sake - many of whom still after all these years have no body to bury."
Victims' campaigner Alan McBride - whose wife was killed in an IRA bomb on Belfast's Shankill Road - has said Northern Ireland owes a debt of gratitude to the late parliamentarian.
Mr McBride told BBC Radio Ulster that his "fingerprints are all over the Troubles but they are also all over the peace process".
Stephen Gault, who saw his father Samuel (49) killed by an IRA bomb in Enniskillen in November 1987. The then 18-year-old was also injured in the blast.
The IRA bomb exploded near the town's war memorial during a Remembrance Sunday ceremony, which was being held to commemorate British military war dead. Eleven people, many of them old-age pensioners, were killed and 63 were injured.
Speaking about the death of Mr McGuinness - who was once accused in a TV documentary of knowing in advance about the bombing - Mr Gault said he would always remember him as a terrorist, not a peacemaker.
"My feelings are with the Enniskillen families. Martin McGuinness has taken to the grave the truth and the answers that we need to be able to move forward. He knows who bombed Enniskillen. Initially my thoughts and prayers go out to the Enniskillen victims," said Mr Gault.
He added: "I will always remember Martin McGuinness as the terrorist he was. If he had been repentant my thoughts might have been slightly different. But he took to his grave proud that he served in the IRA. There was no remorse or repentance from him even up to his death."
Mr Gault said he feared that Mr McGuinness would only be remembered as a peacemaker.
"My fear is Martin McGuinness is going to be remembered as this great peacemaker similar to the way Nelson Mandela was remembered after his death. My fear is that his horrific past will not be mentioned.
"People might say I am unchristian that I have no sympathy for his family. But it wasn't Christian to send people out to murder innocent people.
"Did the McGuinness family feel any sympathy for the Gault family when my father was cruelly and brutally murdered at the age of 49 by an IRA bomb?
"I have heard all this talk about how Martin McGuinness was only 66. My father was only 49 when he was murdered. He wasn't even 50. He was a very young man."
Former Ulster Unionist MP, Lord Kilclooney, said he "despairs" when he looks for a similar leader to Martin McGuinness in Sinn Fein.
"As a victim of IRA assassination attempt when I was Minister at Home Affairs in Northern Ireland in 1972, I obviously watched the political progress of Martin McGuinness closely. He had an evil past but became a peacemaker - of that I have no doubt," he told the BBC.
"I extend my condolences to his family circle at this time but I look in despair at Sinn Fein for someone with the same leadership qualities as Martin McGuinness."
Additional reporting by Press Association
Trade union Siptu has dropped its opposition to the controversial redevelopment of the iconic Clerys department store after striking a deal for former workers who lost their jobs when the business closed without warning.
The country's biggest trade union has withdrawn its appeal against a grant of planning permission awarded last December, paving the way for work on the 150m redevelopment to get under way.
It is understood the deal may include a settlement package for former Clerys staff, along with a commitment to provide good quality jobs with fair working conditions when the redevelopment is complete.
Details of the settlement will be announced by Dublin Lord Mayor Brendan Carr, with representatives from Siptu and Natrium director Deirdre Foley this morning.
It comes after some 460 staff, which included employees of Clerys as well as those employed by concession holders, were left without work after the store closed its doors in June 2015 after it was bought by Natrium for 29m.
Natrium is a joint venture between D2 Private, whose chief executive is Ms Foley, and a UK company Cheyne Capital Management.
Clerys was restructured in 2012 as part of a receivership process by its previous owners and bankers, which resulted in the property assets being separated into one company, and the day-to-day retail business operation put in another.
When the operating company went into liquidation, staff were made redundant. Some working for concession companies may have been relocated to other outlets.
The State paid statutory redundancy to workers totalling 2.5m.
Dublin City Council granted planning permission for the redevelopment last December, but the decision was appealed to An Bord Pleanala by Siptu.
A public hearing into the scheme opened yesterday morning, and was due to run until Friday.
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However, after requesting an adjournment, Siptu informed An Bord Pleanala inspector Gillian Kane that it was withdrawing its appeal.
In a brief statement, Siptu services division organiser Ethel Buckley, speaking on behalf of the Justice for the Clerys Workers Campaign, said a process had been established which would "adequately deal with our concerns in relation to the Clerys development".
"Due to this, it is now possible for Siptu to withdraw its appeal to An Bord Pleanala," she said.
The 150m redevelopment includes a 176-bedroom hotel, rooftop viewing terrace, retail units and offices. Built in 1922, Clerys has undergone a series of facelifts over the years, with architect Rory Murphy from Henry J Lyons telling the hearing the redevelopment would "reactivate" Earl Place and other under-used streets just off the capital's main thoroughfare.
"We're looking to reactivate Earl Place, and allow active use. The Luas sits either side of the building and the movement of people will be quite considerable," Mr Murphy said.
Developers claim some 3,000 jobs will be created when the scheme is complete.
The Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) has revealed it is considering if there are grounds to take criminal action following the shock closure in June 2015. A report will be issued in the coming weeks.
She has lived through the 1916 Rising and was alive before the Titanic was built - but Dublin's oldest citizen still sings Molly Malone with as much verve as ever, at the impressive age of 105.
Susan Jackson, from Maryland in the Liberties, has still not grown tired of blowing out candles and even had a special celebration at the Mansion House with Dublin's first citizen, Lord Mayor Brendan Carr.
Never married, Susan told the Herald that the key to her long life has been healthy living.
"No, never in my life [have I drunk alcohol or smoked cigarettes]. I wouldn't take it off anyone," she said.
"I couldn't [marry]. They were all married but me," she said, referring to her large family of six brothers and three sisters.
Cllr Carr joked that he could not get Susan to stop singing when she visited the Mansion House, and she assured the Herald this was true.
"I'll sing more for you," she said. "It was very good. We had a lovely time."
Her nephew, Independent city councillor Vincent Jackon, said Susan is an inspiration to everyone in the way she embraces life.
She lived in her own home around the corner from the Guinness Storehouse until two years ago when she broke her leg and hip and moved into Cherry Orchard Hospital.
That was despite an attack and burglary at her home when she was 99.
"Two fellas pulled her out of the bed and robbed her in the house," Mr Jackson said.
"She's got the most unbelievable faith I've ever seen.
"She actually felt sorry for the ones that robbed her. She said 'God forgive them'.
"It's great for us that she was able to forgive because if she didn't she'd have become a recluse and stopped doing the things she liked doing.
"She didn't stop going to the daycare centre for two days a week and popping to the shops."
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Colette Browne Opinion Every effort must be made to retrieve oral histories of mother and baby home survivors
With three days to go until the Mother and Baby Homes Commission ceases to exist as a legal entity, we are being told that audio recordings of hundreds of witnesses which were deleted may not actually be gone forever. It is another usual twist in a most emotional saga. For decades, survivors of mother and baby homes have been denied a voice and denied autonomy. When they fell pregnant, many through rape and abuse, they were marched to the doors of religious institutions.
He passed away just weeks after announcing his retirement as deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland.
Northern Irelands former deputy first minister and ex-IRA commander Martin McGuinness has died aged 66.
Sinn Fein said that friend and comrade McGuinness passed away in Londonderry during the night.
The party released a statement saying: He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Fellow politicians and members of the public have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to McGuinness, who stood down in January in protest at the DUPs handling of the cash for ash energy scandal.
McGuinness left his past behind he was second-in-command of the Provisional IRA in Londonderry on Bloody Sunday to become one of the major players in Northern Irelands peace process. His unlikely journey saw him made Deputy First Minister (DFM) at Stormont.
President of Ireland Michael D Higgins led tributes from the Republic, saying McGuinnesss death leaves a gap that will be hard to fill.
The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland, he said.
And many have shared their admiration of McGuinnesss legacy.
In 2012, after his historic handshake with the Queen, McGuinness said he genuinely regretted every life lost during the Troubles.
In a speech at Westminster he said: Every single violent act was evidence of a failure of politics and a failure of British policy in Ireland.
I genuinely regret every single life that was lost during that conflict and today I want every family who lost a loved one to know that your pain is not being ignored and I am willing to work with others to finding a way to deal with our past so that we can complete our journey to true reconciliation.
Poland's government has accused European Council president Donald Tusk of betraying national interests and bowing to Moscow in the investigation of the 2010 plane crash in Russia that killed Polish President Lech Kaczynski and 95 others.
Poland's ruling conservative party is led by the late president's twin, Jaroslaw Kaczynski, a political foe who accuses Mr Tusk of contributing to his brother's death.
Mr Tusk was Poland's prime minister in 2010.
The accusations are the latest development in the Law and Justice party's efforts to undermine Mr Tusk's image in Poland.
Defence minister Antoni Macierewicz, who heads a special commission reinvestigating the crash, has notified the military section of the National Prosecutor's Office that he suspects Mr Tusk committed a crime against Poland when he failed to secure Poland's participation in the investigation of the crash near Smolensk, Russia, or the return - to this day - of the wreckage and of the plane's flight recorders.
"Prime Minister Donald Tusk struck an illegal agreement with Vladimir Putin to Poland's detriment and should face criminal responsibility for that," Mr Macierewicz told the Gazeta Polska Daily newspaper.
Government spokesman Rafal Bochenek said that Mr Tusk's decision "prevented full investigation of the circumstances" of the crash.
Mr Tusk, in Brussels, said the matter was hard to comment on.
"This is not a matter of legal or political nature, it is purely about emotions and obsessions," he said in comments forwarded by his spokesman.
"Therefore, it is not within my competence to comment on cases like this one."
Independent investigations by aviation experts in Poland and in Russia concluded that mistakes by insufficiently trained crew coupled with poor visibility at the rudimentary military airport led to the crash, which was the worst accident for Poland's state since the Second World War.
A criminal investigation seeking those responsible is still under way in Poland.
Mr Macierewicz is heading a probe by aviation experts and forensics looking for proof to support his and Mr Kaczynski's view that the crash was an attack on the Polish delegation.
They have not yet presented their conclusions.
President Kaczynski was leading a delegation going to an anniversary memorial for some 22,000 Polish officers - prisoners of war - killed by the Soviet secret police in 1940 during the Second World War.
AP
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...
CCTV footage of the Paris Orly airport attack has emerged, appearing to show the gunman taking a female soldier hostage before he is shot by her colleagues.
The man, who has been named as Ziyed Ben Belgacem, is seen struggling with a soldier for more than a minute before help arrives.
Belgacem, a 39-year-old French citizen, held an air pistol to the soldier's head and used her as a shield. Police believe he intended to use the soldiers weapon to shoot members of the public.
The soldiers colleague intervened and fired three bursts, shooting Belgacem dead.
It is believed, before launching the attack, Belgacem shot at police officers manning a checkpoint in northern Paris, the French interior minister said.
We can link the [airport attackers] identity with a check carried out at Garges-les-Gonesse by a patrol in Stains this morning, Bruno Le Roux said.
It is thought Belgacem was a radicalised Muslim and was known to French security services.
Toxicology tests found traces of cocaine in his blood and it is thought he took cocaine, smoked cannabis and drank alcohol before the incident.
Belgacem's father and brother, as well as a cousin, have been detained for questioning.
An opposition fighter from the Failaq al-Rahman brigade fires a machine gun in Jobar, a rebel-held district on the eastern outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus. Photo: Amer Almohibany/AFP/Getty Images
Syrian government forces said they have snatched back territory seized by rebels and jihadists in a surprise offensive in Damascus.
Rebel forces managed to briefly connect the opposition-held district of Jobar, in the east of the city, to a long-besieged opposition-held pocket nearby after overpowering soldiers on government checkpoints on Sunday.
The regime responded with airstrikes on Sunday evening. The aerial onslaught intensified yesterday morning, with locals reporting more than 40 air raids by early afternoon, along with heavy gunfire and explosions.
A Syrian military source said yesterday that the army had recaptured all the positions it had lost on Sunday.
The short-lived rebel surge was the closest opposition forces have come to the centre of Damascus in more than two years and comes at a time when they are losing ground elsewhere.
Rebel spokesmen said their offensive, brief as it was, contained a "clear message" for their adversary, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and his backers.
"Russia and Iran should know that a military solution is impossible and this is what they will see if they continue violating the ceasefire," said Issam al-Reis, spokesman for the Free Syrian Army's Southern Front, which took part in the operation.
Rebels have accused the Syrian government of repeatedly violating a ceasefire brokered by Turkey and Russia at the end of 2016. The mainstream opposition has refused to attend talks in Astana for this reason.
Read more: Suicide car bomber kills 23 in attack on Baghdad
The Syrian opposition has lost ground in northern, western and southern Syria over the past 18 months as Russia and Iran stepped up support for Mr Assad's government and Western and Middle Eastern backing for the rebels dwindled.
Mr Assad has promised to take back "every inch" of Syria since the tide of the war turned.
However, opposition groups still hold large swathes of the country, including a heavily populated enclave in Eastern Ghouta, east of Damascus, and several districts in the south, east and northeast of the city.
Sunday's attack demonstrated they are also still able to mount co-ordinated offensive operations.
According to a commander from the Failaq al-Rahman group, which was fighting in eastern Damascus, rebels staged the Jobar operation to relieve military pressure after the recent loss of ground in nearby Qaboun and Barza.
Meanwhile, Russia is setting up a military base in northwestern Syria in agreement with the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia that controls the area and will be training YPG fighters as part of the fight against terrorism, the militia's spokesman said yesterday.
YPG spokesman Redur Xelil said the agreement with Russia was concluded on Sunday and that Russian troops had already arrived at the position in the northwestern region of Afrin with troop carriers and armoured vehicles.
The move will likely anger neighbouring Turkey.
Ankara views the YPG as an extension of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which is waging an insurgency inside Turkey. "The Russian presence...comes in agreement between [the YPG] and the Russian forces operating in Syria in the framework of co-operation against terrorism and to help train our forces on modern warfare and build a direct point of contact with Russian forces," Mr Xelil said. "It is the first (agreement) of its kind."
Turkey has launched a cross-border offensive along a section of the Turkish-Syrian frontier to prevent further gains by the YPG, which controls swathes of northeastern Syria and the Afrin pocket of northwestern Syria. The YPG is also allied to the US in the fight against Isil in Syria, and is playing a major part in the US-backed offensive against Isil's urban stronghold of Raqqa, further east. ( Daily Telegraph London)
Telegraph Media Group Limited [2022]
A dad fatally shot his seven-year-old daughter before killing himself in an apparent murder suicide outside a shopping centre in California.
Carlos Garcia (36) was found dead next to his daughter Yaxtel Tapia (7), according to KSBW news.
It is not clear why the murder-suicide took place.
Garcia had spent the day shopping with Yaxtel when he disappeared.
His wife called the police after Garcia made suicidal threats in his car parked outside of Macy's.
According to Mercury News, police arrived at the scene and found the pair with gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
The Tapia family have created a GoFundMe page to help cover the cost of the seven-year-old's funeral.
"The loss of our beloved little girl was very sudden and unexpected. Our family doesn't have the necessary funds at the moment and we would really appreciate the help.
"Our family thanks you from the bottom of our hearts for your help. May god bless you and your family for your kind donation and truly thank you for helping our family putting our little beautiful girl to rest," the GoFundMe page reads.
A man in Seoul watches a TV news programme showing an image reportedly of a North Korean ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine (Ahn Young-joon/AP)
The US military expects another North Korean missile launch in the next few days, American defence officials said.
The US has increased its surveillance over the isolated, communist country and has seen a North Korean missile launcher moving around, as well as construction of VIP seating in the eastern coastal city Wonsan, the officials said.
The new surveillance includes satellites, drones and other aircraft, the officials added.
North Korea, which is banned by the UN from conducting long-range missile tests, says it is in the final stages of developing an intercontinental ballistic missile, fitted with a nuclear warhead, that could reach the US mainland.
Experts say the North may be able to reach such capability in the next couple of years.
Earlier this month, Pyongyang fired off four ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan, reportedly reaching within 200 kilometres (120 miles) of Japan's shoreline.
On Saturday, it conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine, which it hailed as a breakthrough for the country's space programme.
Leader Kim Jong Un said the test was to determine the engine's thrust power, but weapons experts say such technology also has applications for the North's ballistic missile programme.
The US and other countries have often accused North Korea of using its space programme as a cover for military advances.
The US officials said it is unclear what type of missile launch may be coming.
North Korea has previously conducted tests in Wonsan of its medium-range ballistic Musudan missile.
North Korea has emerged as perhaps the Trump administration's most pressing national security concern, and the latest surveillance information comes as the US explores new diplomatic, security and economic measures to halt Pyongyang's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer on Tuesday described the North Korean threat as "grave and escalating".
He said the US is co-ordinating its strategy with allies.
Visiting the region last week, secretary of state Rex Tillerson threatened North Korea with tougher sanctions, more pressure and possible military action.
The North responded by saying it is not frightened by US threats.
AP
India and Russia have both pledged to set up a Joint Development Fund, with an initial US$1 billion being set aside for the purpose.
The fund is being supported by the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF), who will work with Indias National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF). They will each invest US$500 million, replicating partnerships the Russian entity has with countries such as China.
The RDIF has a history of supporting ventures, profiting, then exiting, but it has also worked in India before, partnering with Indian infrastructure investor IDFC to invest US$1 billion in power projects. The RDIF-NIIF partnership will address around 20 investment proposals and seek to strike its first deals this year, according to public comments made by RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev.
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The main aim is to provide equity capital to joint India-Russia projects, mainly in India, such as small-scale hydro projects that are based on Russian technology.
The scheme fits in with the overall Eurasian development that is taking place along the old Silk Road countries. Although not a One Belt One Road project, the joint India-Russia initiative is a clear sign that mutual Eurasian development is very much part of Delhi and Moscows plans.
India has recently joined the Shanghai Co-Operation Organisation (SCO), which gives it, among other strategic benefits, a platform to discuss infrastructure development with other SCO members. These now include China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Pakistan was admitted at the same time as India, and Iran will shortly be taking up membership. India and Russia are also members of the BRICS group of nations.
RELATED: Indias Opportunities from Closer Ties with Russia
Other related India-Russia initiatives are also taking place. The Russian Venture Company, Indian Association of Technology Parks and Business Incubators, and the Global Venture Alliance have signed an agreement to jointly develop technological ventures for mutual benefit. The organizations plan to work together to promote and facilitate the commercialization of technologies, exchange of experiences, and practices of support programs for small and medium-sized businesses, and develop a plan to implement joint programs.
These include unmanned vehicle (UAV) technologies, smart energy, smart cities, biotechnology, food processing technology, as well as new materials and chemical components, especially for the aerospace sector.
Denis Manturov, Russias Industry and Trade Minister, recently stated that Russia would welcome Indian partners in joint collaboration on the Ilyushin Il-114 medium-haul turbo-prop airliner, which is designed for local routes and can carry up to 64 passengers. The aircraft is about to recommence production in Moscow following the relocation of the assembly facility from Tashkent in Uzbekistan. The aircraft could be sold on both Russian and Indian markets, Manturov stated.
Such co-operation fits with Russias move east following the US and EU trade sanctions placed upon it in 2014, and with Indias plans to engage more with Russia. India has close links with central Asia, which itself maintains strong political influence over many of the Central Asian nations. With China also massively involved in Eurasian development, the new Silk Road powers appear to have shifted to Moscow, Delhi, and Beijing.
India is also negotiating with Moscow over a Free Trade Agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union, which, if agreed, would see the free movement of products between India and Russia as well as Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
India and Russia may not appear the most likely of bedfellows, but ties run deep. It was to the Soviet Union that India went looking for structural advice following its independence from the UK. Russia, which is also a large nation of tea drinkers, boasts Indian teas in its supermarkets and numerous Indian restaurants in its cities.
Although bilateral trade is relatively small, the potential for Indian products to be sold in Russia is huge. The India-Russia trade corridor is opening: Indian and Russian entrepreneurs should be positioning themselves to take advantage.
Dezan Shira & Associates maintain offices in Delhi and Mumbai and have a Partner firm with offices in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Please also refer to our Russia Briefing portal. Kindly email us at asia@dezshira.com for assistance with business investments, legal, tax, and advisory services in either India or Russia, or visit us at www.dezshira.com.
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An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2017 is designed to introduce the fundamentals of investing in India. As such, this comprehensive guide is ideal not only for businesses looking to enter the Indian market, but also for companies who already have a presence here and want to stay up-to-date with the most recent and relevant policy changes.
Chinas New Economic Silk Road: The Great Eurasian Game & The String of Pearls
This unique and currently only available study into the proposed Silk Road Economic Belt examines the institutional, financial and infrastructure projects that are currently underway and in the planning stage across the entire region. Covering over 60 countries, this book explores the regional reforms, potential problems, opportunities and longer term impact that the Silk Road will have upon Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Europe and the United States.
On Wednesday, the executive committee of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) will gather for a private meeting with President Donald Trump.
According to a written release, the discussion will center on issues directly impacting the African-American community, including proposed budget cuts, plans to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act, education (including HBCUs), criminal justice reform, infrastructure and economic opportunity for urban and rural communities.
Unlike other highly publicized meetings between Trump and Black leaders, CBC Chairman Congressman Cedric Richmond (D-La.), states this gathering is of a more critical nature.
This will be a serious meeting, not a photo opportunity, Richmond said.
Richmond said the CBC has received numerous comments from Black constituents around the country voicing their concerns over the Trump administration, as well as some who felt that a CBC/Trump meeting would be a bad idea.
I decided to accept the presidents meeting request, because there is no one around him who can provide the perspective and expertise that the CBC can provide. I hope the president leaves the meeting with a better understanding of the challenges African-Americans face and how racism and discrimination in this country helped create those challenges, said Richmond.
Also scheduled to attend the meeting is CBC first vice-chair Andre Carson (D-Ind.) On Monday, Carson a ranking member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence issued a statement on the Trump administrations alleged Russian ties.
I was pleased to see Director Comey publicly confirm that the FBI and DOJ are actively investigating Russian interference into our election and possible coordination with the Trump campaign. Their continued cooperation will be vital in the coming weeks and months, particularly as we pursue todays unanswered questions in a classified forum, said Carson.
Director Comey also confirmed, as most national security professionals long suspected, that there is no evidence to back Trumps outlandish claim that President Obama wiretapped him. It was illegal and impossible given the way our wiretapping programs operate. Going forward, I am hopeful that President Trump can set aside this dishonest distraction and return his focus to running our government.
For us Indians, Bollywood is about film stars, Mumbai and everything in between. It's a different world altogether where happy endings do exist. For former drummer and an actor Mark Bennington, who moved from New York to Mumbai, Bollywood and Hindi Cinema was a new concept. A PTI report quoted Mark saying, "Prior to coming here, I had never even seen a Bollywood film. My first trip to India was in 2010 and like every tourist, I traveled North and went to Jaipur. Then, I just happened to come to Bombay. I had just turned 40 and I wanted to do something different."
After doing photography for brands and some other corporates, he asked his friend for help and he suggested him to go to Bandra, where he will find actors. He said, "That's really how it started. It was born out of very genuine, innocent curiosity of the acting community."
And this curiosity has now taken shape of Mark's new book, that consist of photographs and interviews of 112 Bollywood stars. Talking about Bollywood, he said,
Things are different here.The acting community in Bollywood works like a family...a tight-knit family. Obviously, in a family, you have brothers and sisters who at times love to hate each other. But, nonetheless, they know they are a family."
The book Living the Dream: Life of the Bollywood Actor promised to tell all of us the story of many, that only a few know. In case you are as excited as Mark was, before he started his journey for exploring Bollywood, here are some of Mark's best photographs.
1. Abhay Deol enjoying his chai break at a promo shoot in Mumbai.
MARK BENNINGTON
2. Alia Bhatt enjoying her hearty laughter before her shot
MARK BENNINGTON
3. Arjun Kapoor, during one of his readings.
MARK BENNINGTON
4. Deepika Padukone rehearsing for a music video at Film City.
MARK BENNINGTON
5. Queen Kareena Kapoor Khan on location for an ad-shoot!
MARK BENNINGTON
6. Ranbir Kapoor, shooting for an ad shoot at YRF studios in Andheri.
MARK BENNINGTON
7. Ranveer Singh, right before his flying stint from a harness at the 2011 Global Indian Film and TV Honors.
MARK BENNINGTON
8. Richa Chadha being her casual self
MARK BENNINGTON
9. Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, clicked at the lighting booth during rehearsal at Prithvi Theater, Mumbai
MARK BENNINGTON
10. Salman Khan greeting and meeting his fans in Pune
MARK BENNINGTON
11. Shashi Kapoor's fans are hooked during a candid conversation with the superstar
MARK BENNINGTON
Bigg Boss fame Swami Om has landed in another controversy. The self-proclaimed Godman has been denied bail in a molestation case, in which, the victim said that he attempted to rape her.
For the uninitiated, a FIR was registered against Swami Om and co-accused Santosh Anand by a woman who claimed that both of them hurled abuses at her on Feb. 7, after which Swami Om took her to a room where he ripped off her clothes in an attempt to rape her.
ndtvimg.com
Special Judge Sanjeev Aggarwal said in a statement that Swami Oms bail plea has been rejected on grounds that he might intimidate the victim and try to hamper the investigation against him. Heres what he said in a statement:
Considering the grave and serious allegations against the present accused and considering his (Om's) past involvement and the fact that there are chances of intimidation of witnesses as well hampering of investigation by him, no ground for anticipatory bail is made out at this stage, DNA quoted him as saying.
dnaindia.com
But Swami Om had, earlier, denied all the allegations against him. He said that he was falsely implicated in the case. He said that since he advocates social culture, people just want to halt his social activity.
india.com
Swami Om was granted interim relief by the court until March 14, giving time to Delhi Police to produce CCTV footage of the incident. The police, however, failed to produce the footage claiming that it was automatically deleted, and hence, couldn't be retrieved. However, the mobile records of Swami Om reflected that he was present at the alleged location.
Central Board of Film Certifications recent move and Pahlaj Nihalanis statement, on top of that, has left the people of the country in shock. Despite the gay controversy that Beauty And The Beast has been facing in other countries, CBFC has given a clean chit to the movie in India, without any cuts.
netdna-cdn.com
The makers of the movie faced a tough time in many countries, including Russia, where the censor board demanded a few scenes that have homosexuality to be cut from the film. Later, those scenes were retained in the movie, but it got 16+ rating in the country. Furthermore, Malaysian Censor Board also didnt approve of those scenes in the movie, and so, the makers didnt release the flick in the Malaysian theatres.
hypable.com
And here, in India, the censor board didnt have any qualms with those scenes. Not only it certified the movie without any hassle but also it gave a 'U/A' rating to the film. Surprising, isnt it? Heres what Pahlaj Nihalani has to say about it:
aolcdn.com
In that case, were more liberal than the Russians. Weve never been against homosexuality. Why should we be judgmental about sexual preferences? Weve viewed passed many sensitive films on homosexuality like Hansal Mehtas Aligarh and the recent Oscar winner Moonlight, too, the censor board chief told DNA.
On the other side, films like Ka Bodyscapes and Unfreedom are still banned in the country for their homosexual content. Is the censor board, now, turning gay-friendly?
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed against actor Kamal Haasan for his alleged derogatory remarks on Hindus.
In an interview with a Tamil television channel, Hassan had said, "In Mahabharata, Panchali was used as a pawn while the men gambled. She was used as a collateral and India is a country that respects and honours a book that revolves around men using a woman to gamble away as if she was a mere object, " reports ANI
BCCL
The PIL was filed by Members of Hindu Makkal Katch in Tamil Nadu's Tirunelveli District Court.
The group said that Hassan insulted religious sentiments and tagged him as anti-Hindu.
Rama Ravikumar the state secretary of HMK told The Financial Express, "He does not have the guts to talk about any other religion. He is an anti-Hindu person, so we complained against him. We have been suffering for long but havent been saying anything.
BCCL
Kamal Haasan is known for getting into controversy in the past. He stoked fires when he took a dig at late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa over the e-release of Vishwaroopam. the actor also sparked a raging debate after his comment on Jallikattu ban where he said, "If you want a ban on jallikattu, lets also ban biryani Im a big fan of jallikattu.
When Apple fans are asked why they prefer to use Macs, quite a few will answer that the devices are less susceptible to malware attacks. Now, security researchers have proven once again thats no more the case, by hacking into a MacBook Pro.
The triumphant message displayed on the Touch Bar by the hacking duo - Zero Day Initiative
At this years Pwn2Own, a global hacking competition thats been organized since 2007, white hat hackers took on an as yet untamed beast, the MacBook Pro. The duo of Samuel Gro (@5aelo) and Niklas Baumstark (@_niklasb) attacked the Safari browser on the MacBook Pro to gain root access. To demonstrate their success, the team used the devices new Touch Bar in an innovative way, wiping the control icons to instead scroll their triumphant message across it.
The attack used a combination of five different vulnerabilities within the system, to have arbitrary code executed as root on the macOS. But while this particular demonstration may have been relatively tame, experts worry about worse consequences when attempts are made by malicious actors. One small relief is that the chain of executions is not something Gro and Baumstark decoded on the fly. It involved painstaking research, meaning your MacBook Pro may be safe for a little while at the very least.
Another team at the Pwn2Own event also managed to break into the MacBook Pro. China-based security research firm Chaitin Technology also managed to compromise the device in similar fashion, but to greater effect. Chaitins method was so much more successful, the team even received a higher cash payout than Gro and Baumstark.
These vulnerabilities, if left unpatched, could pose a serious threat to MacBook Pro users. People could eventually find themselves at the mercy of ransomware scammers, forced to pay out large sums of money in order to be able to use a forcefully locked down device.
During the course of the Pwn2Own competition in Vancouver, Canada, several other teams also successfully demonstrated exploits against Microsoft Edge, Apple's Safari, Adobe Reader, and even Ubuntu Desktop. Researchers were required to share their exploits with the tournament organisers, so the software companies involved can have them patched. Hopefully, that means Apple is watching closely and working on a solution. You can find all the results on the Zero Day Initiative website here.
Two Indian clerics, Syed Asif Nizami and Nazim Ali Nizami, who disappeared mysteriously in Pakistan, and was traced after three days has returned to India safely. The duo landed in New Delhi on Monday and met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and thanked the government efforts for securing their return.
AP
They said a false report in local Urdu newspaper called Ummat, which is published by Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, which claimed that the two Sufi clerics were linked to India's Research And Analysis Wing (RAW) and Muttahida Quami Movement (MQM) a political party in Pakistan led to the chaos.
The clerics said Pakistani officials had sought details of their visas.
"I was taken to a place quite far from Karachi, with my face covered. I was accused of working for R&AW. First, they were rude, but later we were offered food when the Indian mission intervened," said Asif.
AP
They said they were put through sustained interrogation and were asked questions pertaining to Nizamuddin Dargah.
"The Pakistani officers who questioned us even referred to a local Urdu newspaper, Ummad's report and asked us about our links to the R&AW and the Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM).There were all sorts of articles being published against us in the newspaper," said Nazim.
The two clerics, however, denied reports that they were detained by ISI.
Nazim said that he did not know the name of the agency that was questioning them, but a few sleuths from the agency kept asking about their links to the banned organisation.
"Before the Indian mission to Pakistan intervened, we overheard some of the conversations of the agency officials, who spoke about taking us to some interior area in Sindh. However, the plan was later dropped," said Nazim.
AP
Asif Nizami and Nazim Ali Nizami had gone to Lahore on March 8 but went missing in the middle of last week.
Their families had approached the authorities after they were unable to contact them and the clerics' phones became unreachable.
According to media reports in Pakistan, the clerics had been in interior Sindh where there was no communication network and thus could not inform their relatives about their whereabouts.
Ever since Swaraj took charge, she's helping Indians, one tweet at a time.
bdnews24
Her work agility and nimbleness is absolutely unbeatable. In the past, we've seen how Swaraj has helped people at their most vulnerable time; she's rescued females, had families travel to a distant land to perform the last rights after the demise of a loved one, issued passports overnight so on and so forth.
(Also read: Swaraj Does It Again, Promises To Help 'World's Heaviest Woman' With Visa For Medical Treatment)
To us, she's the go-to person for any problem related external affairs, while an approach like this is not common in many ministries.
The superwoman is now in news for helping an Indian national, who's married in Pakistan.
Sushma Swaraj was approached via a YouTube video by Mohammad Akbar, an Indian father whose daughter, Mohammadia Begum was being ill-treated by her in-laws.
I received a Youtube message from Shri Mohammad Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia Begum an, Indian national was married in Pakistan Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
Immediately, Swaraj asked her team to get in touch with the woman and ensure her safety.
and was being ill-treated by her inlaws Our mission sent a Note Verbale requesting the safety, security and well-being of Mohammadia Begum. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
She then quickly arranged for return, as Begum desired to return.
Our High Commission officials met Mohammadia Begum and she expressed her desire to return to India. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
She asked the officials to renew her passport and help her in returning.
I have asked Indian High Commission to renew her Indian passport and facilitate her return to India. Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
(Also read: Sushma Swaraj Extends Help To A 90-Year-Old Indian Woman Who Was Being Forcibly Sent To The US)
India would be a better place if every minister in power took ownership of their responsibility the way Swaraj does!
Two youths, who went on a pilgrimage to Baghdad last month, went missing after reaching Iraq and have yet to return to Mumbai. A Maharashtra anti-terrorism squad (ATS) team is probing their mysterious disappearance and said it was in touch with the government to collect information about the youths.
Reuters
A tour operator took several batches of tourists on a 'ziyaarat' (pilgrimage) visa, which generally requires fewer documents. The pilgrims went to offer prayers to the tomb of a sufi saint, Abdul Qadir Jilani, in Baghdad in January.
"The two youths went missing from there and there is no information about their whereabouts. We are collecting information and can't say anything at this juncture," an ATS officer said.
The two boys are said to be originally from West Bengal but it is not known if they were staying in Mumbai.
AFP/ File
The case of the missing youths suspiciously resembles that of the four Kalyan youths who went ostensibly on a pilgrimage in May 2014 and reached Syria, allegedly to join the proscribed outfit, Islamic State (IS).
However, Mehmood Daryabadi, a scholar, said, "There is a possibility the youths might have gone to some other shrine for which they didn't have documents and have been arrested by the Iraqi security forces. It will be too early to jump to conclusions." City tour operators normally charge Rs 60,000 onwards for ziyarat visits to Iraq.
BCCL
In 2014, four youths, Areeb Majeed, Aman Tandel, Fahad Shaikh and Shaheem Tanki, aged between 19 and 26, left India on a pilgrimage tour to Iraq and later crossed the border to reach Syria.
They allegedly joined the IS. While Majeed returned to India in November 2014, the three others are still there. Majeed, on his arrival, was arrested by the National Investigation Agency. He told police he participated in battles alongside the IS and was injured on two occasions. He is currently in jail.
Two fathers from Sydney have thanked Qantas and its CEO, Alan Joyce for showing support to same-sex marriage in Australia.
In a heartwarming letter to the airline, the dads wrote, "Thank you Qantas and its CEO Alan Joyce for supporting same-sex marriage here in Australia."
Inz_Tribe/Instagram
The two men shared a photo on Instagram where they held their sons in a Qantas flight. The duo said, "We dream of a future where our relationship is treated equally to all others, and our boys are never forced to question or defend their parents relationship."
Qantas's chief, Alan Joyce recently signed a letter along with 30 other executives to the Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull, calling him to legalise same-sex marriage.
Their photo got over 2,000 hits on Instagram with people congratulating the couple and blessing their beautiful family.
Fourteen years have passed since the US forces set their foot on the Iraqi soil for what they projected as a war to find the weapons of mass destructions (WMD); to bring democracy for the people of Iraq and continue their so-called war on terror that they began in Afghanistan against the Al Qaeda and Taliban.
So far, many people - including women and children- have died, including the US forces. Take a look at how and when it all began and the costs that a war-torn country had to pay:
20th March 2003
The invasion by the US forces began on 20th March after President Bush announced that the US forces have begun a military operation in the country. The initial was to decapitate the Iraqs leadership with air strikes which eventually fell, making way for ground invasion.
Reuters
9 April 2003
US, British and other coalition forces overwhelmed the Iraqi army, eventually leading the Iraqi civilians and US soldiers to pull down a statue of Saddam Hussain in Baghdads Firdos Square.
1 May 2003
On this day, President Bush declared the end of major combat operations in Iraq. The announcement was made by Bush aboard the deck of the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln.
23 May 2003
This day, the Iraqi Army and intelligence services were disbanded by the Head of Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq. The order sent hundreds of thousands of well-armed men in Iraq on streets.
22 June 2003
Saddam Husseins sons Uday and Qusay were killed by the US Forces during a raid in the North city of Mosul. The manhunt that led to finding the two was still clueless about Hussein and his top aides.
Reuters
14 December 2003
US troops were finally able to trace Iraqi President Saddam Hussein, who was hiding out in a manhole near his boyhood home of Tikrit. This was a huge turning point for the Washington.
24 January 2004
The Washington accepted its pre-war arguments about massive stockpiles of chemical, biological and even nuclear weapons have been mistaken. In January 2004, David Kay, ex-top US weapons inspector admitted that they were almost all wrong.
31 March 2004
Al-Qaeda in Iraq led a series of suicide bombings, strikes against Shiites holy sites in Baghdad and Karbala, leaving many dead. In Fallujah, four US contractors were killed, burnt and hung from the bridge, the video of which went extremely viral all around the world.
8 September 2004
As the Iraqs national elections were approaching, 15,000 US and Iraqi forces attacked the insurgent base in Fallujah. 38 US troops were left dead, along with six Iraqi soldiers. The Pentagon estimated 1,200 insurgents are killed. The Red Cross revealed 800 Iraqi civilians died in the attack.
15 October 2005
2005 was an election year for Iraq and a sign of hope for Washington. Shiites flashed the ink on their fingers with a victory sign against the image of Shiite cleric Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani after voting in Iraqs constitution referendum. Shiites got the majority control in the parliament.
22 April 2006
December 2005 brought the Shiite United Iraqi Alliance to power and Nouri al-Maliki was named the Prime Minister of Iraq.
8 June 2006
Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, the leader of Al-Qaeda in Iraq, was killed this day in a US-led air strike near Baquba.
5 November 2006
The trial of Iraqs former dictator ended with a sentence of death by hanging. Shiites took to streets and celebrated.
30 December 2006
Saddam Hussein, clutching a copy of Quran, was executed after a brutal reign as the dictator. The video of his execution was widely circulated.
Reuters
2007
US war casualties totalled nine hundred in 2007, making the year of the surge the deadliest yet for the US soldiers. With the fifth anniversary of war approaching, nearly 4,000 US troops died in the fighting, with 30,000 wounded.
4 November 2008
Vowing to withdraw US troops in Iraq within 16 months of taking office is elected as the 44th President of the US. This was seen by many as the end of war in Iraq. In the coming months, the US troops began to withdraw from Iraq.
31 August 2010
After over 7 years of war, 4,400 US casualties and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians killed, the combat mission was finally called off in Iraq by the US. In the end, only Iraqis can resolve their differences and police their streets, Obama said.
18 December 2011
The last US soldiers left Iraq, ending the nearly nine-year military mission. The costs of conflict were high: $800 billion from the US Treasury, with over 4,500 Americans and 100,000 Iraqis killed.
Many dimensions of the civil armed conflict and insurgency still continue in Iraq.
An Indian-origin man in the UK has been charged with the brutal murder of a one-year-old boy. He also critically injured the toddlers twin sister. The two are believed to be his children.
Bidhya Sagar Das, 33, was arrested on Sunday after Scotland Yard launched a massive manhunt for him after finding the two children in a critical condition in a flat in Hackney area of north-east London.
The boy, Gabriel, died early on Sunday while the girl is battling for her life in a hospital.
According to local reports, the twins lived on the top floor of the building on Wilberforce Road near Finsbury Park in London with their Romanian mother, Cristinela Datcu, and Indian-origin father.
Wikimedia Commons
Horrified neighbours had reported a woman, believed to be the children's mother, rushing out of the home screaming, "My kids, my kids!" shortly after 11 pm on Saturday.
It is believed that the mother was locked in the bathroom as the children were attacked with a hammer.
Das lived with his Romanian girlfriend at the flat, which is now a crime scene.
Two pastors are fighting over who first predicted a tragic event that killed 18 people leaving more than 30 injured in Ghana.
Two men of God are currently at each others throat over who first predicted the Kintampo Waterfalls disaster where about 18 lives were lost and more than 30 persons suffering various degrees of injuries, MyNewsGH reports.
The report revealed that while the Kumasi-based prophet Reynolds Oduro Gyebi of the General Overseer of Gods Crown Chapel claims he should be credited for predicting the unfortunate incident, an Accra-based Prophet Samuel A Offei, the General overseer of the Lamb Apostolic Ministry Lapaz- Accra thinks otherwise.
Prophet Reynolds Oduro Gyebi insists that he prophesied the incident while preaching on Kumasi-based Abusua Fm just last week stating I have seen in a vision that a school is about to embark on an excursion to Kintampo Waterfalls, but they had an accident and all of them died. I want them to cancel the trip or postpone it.
His colleague on the other hand in an interview following the recent spate of suicides in the country was reported as saying until government sets aside a national day of prayer in schools across the country to overpower demonic plans against the country, the needless deaths will continue unabated.
He said prayers in this regard should not be restricted to only Christians but Muslims could also play a pivotal role in stemming this negative tide he said is characterized by suicides and accidents.
I have seen in the spiritual realm accidents, natural disasters and strange diseases occurring to school children/ students which has resulted their death. We need to pray against these things. The youth are our future leaders so Satan has planned to destroy them, he said.
Prophet Offei called on the Ghana Education Service (GES) and School heads to commit sometime during their studies to pray.
The mission of Satan this year is to destruct, destroy and kill so what happened at Asikuma Odoben in the central region, Kumasi K T I incident, the Legon level 400 girl and yesterday four female students who died in an accident at Sunyani is just a warning , he revealed.
Meanwhile, families of deceased persons have started claiming bodies after identification was conducted on Monday March 20, 2017.
A Ghanaian private driver in Lagos has been caught after stealing the clothes belonging to his masters wife and giving it to his wife.
A 42-year old Ghanaian private driver, Christopher Pany in trouble as he has been arrested and charged before a Lagos court after he reportedly stole his madams five used ladies gowns and three suits for his wife and children, PM News reports.
The incident happened at 8, Stella Sholanke Street in Ajao Estate, Lagos where they reside. Pany was employed by the husband of the complainant, Chief Anuka Ogbo as the family driver for several years before he died last year.
The mans wife was shocked after returning from the burial in their hometown in Abia State and they returned to Lagos, the complainant saw Panys wife and his children wearing her dresses and those of her children.
She was angry and went to Panys apartment only to discover more of her clothing and that of her children. The woman recovered them before she handed the suspect over to the police at Ajao Estate for prosecution. She claimed the clothes belong to her fashion company called Collectible Occasion Ltd.
Pany was charged before Isolo Magistrate court with stealing under the criminal code. When he was arraigned, he pleaded not guilty. The presiding Magistrate court, Mrs A.K. Shonubi granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.
Pany was remanded in prison custody pending when he will perfect his bail condition .
The matter was adjourned till 17 March for trial.
While he was being taken to the prison, Pany said he was still surprised why his madam was treating him like that after serving the family for several years.
A Nigerian nurse based in Port-Harcourt whose photos were mistaken as the Lagos-based doctor who killed himself yesterday has clarified the mix up.
A Port Harourt-based nurse, Oji Allwell, who shares almost the same name with a Lagos-based doctor, Allwell Orji who jumped into the lagoon on Sunday has made a clarification after his photos were mistaken for that of the doctor.
Oji who is a nurse said that he is very much alive and was not the doctor who took his own life. He assured his family and friends that all is well with him after uploading a video on Facebook.
He said, Good afternoon my beloved friends and well-wishers. My name is Oji Allwell, I am a nurse. I am making this online video in regards to the news that has been trending online about me being a medical doctor who jumped into the lagoon.
The Lagos State Government has banned live band music at various beer parlours, restaurants and food joints in the state and imposed a fine of N500,000 on offenders.
The government also warned religious houses to procure sound proof in order to minimise the effect of noise pollution.
This was even as the government raised the alarm over the rate at which residents unknowingly consumed poisonous water through underground sources, warning petrol stations in the state to install monitoring well in their filling stations or face serious sanction.
General Manager, , LASEPA, Adebola Shabi said in Lagos that most households were ignorantly drinking water already contaminated by petrochemical substances through underground water, saying that a research recently conducted by the states agency in Alimosho area of the state recorded the highest contaminated water by petrochemical substance.
He said the decision on noise pollution came on the heels of increasing rate of petitions by residents, who were lamenting the frequent disturbance from the beer parlour, club and religious houses.
Shabi stated that Lagos would not fold its arm and allow residents to continue to consume what could lead to cancer in the long run, alleging that a lot of food and drugs items taken and consumed by Nigerians contained substances dangerous to health.
According to him, a recent research conducted by the agency on well water and boreholes across the state revealed that some under ground water contain particles, substances and chemical reactions from petroleum substances which people drink regularly in the state.
Shabi, who also decried the rate at which residential areas were being converted to commercial areas without governments approval, blamed the residents for not informing the government about the development.
He said some of the developments were sited in the places without the Environmental Impact Assessment which, according to him, would enable the government plan for the area or possibly disallow the project from being sited in the area.
He also bemoaned the practice of parking vehicles on the street for too long, saying residents must also report such in order not to jeopardise the states efforts at boosting the security in the state.
Shabi stated that it was mandatory for religious houses to procure sound proof to reduce the effect of noise pollution on the residents.
It was the end of the road for a guest at a wedding after he was shot dead at the venue of a wedding party in Lagos, Victory Event Centre, Agege.
According to eye witness reports, it was gathered that the victim, who had yet to be identified, was eating when he was hit by a stray bullet.
It was gathered that an aide of the Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Lagos State, Mr. Tajudeen Agbede, fired the shot that produced the stray bullet.
It was gathered that Agbede and some top officials of the NURTW had attended the wedding ceremony.
As Agbede was leaving the event around 6pm, some hoodlums were said to have waylaid him for money,one of his aides shot into the air three times.
The last bullet reportedly hit the victim where he was eating and he fell.
The incident happened on Olurinde Street, Orile Agege.
A witness, who did not want to be identified, said within five minutes, the wedding abruptly ended as everyone fled the scene.
He said, The bride is the younger sister of the personal assistant of Agbede and that informed the presence of top NURTW officials.
Everything went on well until Agbede was about leaving around 6pm. There was a scuffle at the venue as some hoodlums asked for money from him. The man was still in their midst when they started fighting one another.
One of Agbedes aides fired twice to make way for his principal. As he was about putting the gun in his pocket, he released another shot, which hit the man.
The man that fired the gun is huge and dark in complexion. He joined Agbedes convoy and fled.
A female resident, who lamented the incident, said the victims corpse was abandoned as everyone took to their heels.
She explained that no one could identify the deceased as he lay in a pool of blood.
He was eating outside the hall when he was hit. The bullet hit him near the left eye and came out from the other side of his skull.He died immediately.
There was confusion on this street yesterday (Sunday). After some minutes, people started coming to see if they knew him. Nobody could identify him. He was a fine-looking gentleman, she said.
Our correspondent learnt that some hours later, policemen from the Elere division removed the corpse and deposited it in a mortuary.
Another guest at the party told reporters that the suspect was well known to the NURTW hierarchy.
When contacted, Agbede confirmed being at the venue of the wedding, but said he was not aware that anybody was killed.
He said, I was at the wedding, but I later left without any incident. We had left the party when the incident happened.
The Zone 2 Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Aderanti, had ordered investigation into the incident.
Badmos said report from the Elere division indicated that the victim was killed by some gunmen.
She said, I confirm the murder case. At about 7.10pm, we got a report that around 6.10pm, a man of about 21 years old, whose name and address had yet to be ascertained, was shot dead while eating outside Victory Event Centre, where a wedding was taking place.
We were informed that he was killed by two hoodlums, who immediately escaped. The AIG has directed the command to investigate the murder case and arrest the culprits.
Petroleum Equalization Fund (Management) Board says it has blacklisted 25 oil marketers for defrauding the Nigerian Government.
The fund, however, has not revealed names of the affected marketers.
PEF listed theirs offences as changing of truck heads without getting clearance from the agency, tampering with tags affixed on trucks as well as presentation of trucks with water (instead of petrol) at receiving depots by these marketers.
PEF General Manager (Corporate Services) Dr. Goddy Nnadi, also confirmed that the agency sanctioned marketers selling petroleum products above government approved price.
We have cancelled their transactions and they have to pay the penalties, he told Daily Trust.
Nnadi said over five members of staff of the Fund who aided the marketers to commit the frauds were now undergoing disciplinary processes.
One of them has been sacked while five others were suspended. Their cases are before the Board, he added.
The official disclosed that PEF would soon commence expanded sensitization meetings with key stakeholders like the Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Depot and Petroleum Product Marketers Association (DAPPMA), Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN).
Source: Tori
A popular herbalist, was on Monday sentenced to death by hanging by a presiding judge at a High Court sitting in Koton-Karfi in Kogi State.
A High Court sitting in Koton-Karfi in Kogi on Monday sentenced a herbalist, Ibrahim Muhammed, to death by hanging for murdering two brothers.
In his judgement, the Presiding Judge, Justice Alaba Omolaye-Ajileye, who sentenced the convict to death described his act as high level of exceptional wickedness.
Omolaye-Ajileye held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
This is more so, he said, as the convict had corroborated the prosecutions submission that he poisoned Mohammed Kudu Abubakar and Umar Tanko Abubakar after snatching their car.
I hold that after poisoning the two brothers as the accused confessed in his downright criminality, he hit their heads with pestle (Exhibit P7) to hasten their annihilation.
And, in order to avoid any trace of his brutal and inhuman act, the accused buried the dead bodies of Tanko and Mohammed in his compound.
Unfortunate for him, since nothing is hidden under the sky, nemesis caught up with him.
By the application of an unusual but most excellent investigatory dexterity, the Special Anti-Squad (SARS) of the Nigeria Police, Kogi State, exposed the apparently hidden crime.
By your own word, after poisoning both Tanko and Mohammed and they refused to die, you used a pestle to hit them on their heads. That was a brutal homicide committed with determination and ruthlessness.
The manner you committed it by your own description, make it a high-level exceptional wickedness that it can only be properly marked by death sentence, which is the only sentence I can pass on you, Omolaye-Ajileye ruled.
The convict was charged with robbery and culpable homicide, contrary to and punishable under Sections 298(a) and 221 (a) of the Penal Code to which he pleaded not guilty.
According to the Police First Information Report, the convict committed the offence sometime in January, 2016 at Kungbani Village in the Kogi Local Government Area.
He was said to have robbed Abubakar and his brother, Mohammed of a Toyota Carina E Wagon with registration number Niger: BDA 902 AA and later poisoned, killed and buried them.
Investigation by the police, however, led to the discovery of the plot by SARS, culminating in the exhumation of the decomposing bodies of the victims.
Source: NAN
Popular Nollywood actress, Tonto Dikeh who is in the midst of marriage controversy has taken to her Instagram once again to release another evidence in what appears to be the clinical results of a drug test carried out in Abuja.
She posted the photo with the caption below: I do this for MY GOD
I do this for MY SON I do this for the millions of People who draw strength from my story/Journey!!! #MAMAKING #God bless you All
This must be in response to the recent rumors that her marital crises were caused by her drug usage, unfortunately if Tonto is looking for a public validation, she might just give up on that because public validation is a myth, does not exist.
See photo below:
A young schoolgirl who was taking a selfie on the edge of a really tall building has ended up dead in the process.
A teenage girl who went up onto the top of a block of flats to take a selfie fell off and plummeted to her death, Daily Star UK repprts
The girl, named only as Denisa, who was just 15 years old, lost her life while trying to take a snap of herself in the horrific incident which happened in the city of Sibiu in western Romania.
Police say the teen went to the roof of a 10-storey block of flats in the city centre with seven friends.
She was trying to take a picture of the view with herself in the shot when she fell and plummeted to her death.
Emergency services were called to the scene but could do nothing to help the 15-year-old and the girl was declared dead.
One of the buildings tenants told how teens regularly break in to go and spend time on the roof.
Police say they have opened a full investigation and are looking at all options, including a manslaughter case.
Investigations are currently ongoing.
In the past hour, Microsoft released a new cumulative update for Windows 10 Anniversary Update, version 1607. The latest incarnation of Win10 Anniversary Update now stands at 14393.969.
KB 4015438 appears to solve two of the big problems introduced by last Tuesday's cumulative update, KB 4013429, but it looks like the CRM bug persists.
[ The essentials for Windows 10 installation: Download the Windows 10 Installation Superguide today. | Stay up on key Microsoft technologies with the Windows Report newsletter. ]
According to the Windows 10 update log, this out-of-band patch fixes two bugs introduced last week:
Addressed a known issue with KB4013429 that caused Windows DVD Player (and third-party apps that use Microsoft MPEG-2 handling libraries) to crash.
Addressed a known issue with KB4013429, that some customers using Windows Server 2016 and Windows 10 1607 Client with Switch Embedded Teaming enabled might experience a deadlock or when changing the physical adapter's link speed property.
There's no mention I can find about the Internet Explorer bug introduced last Tuesday that munges certain report formatting with Microsoft's Dynamics CRM 2011 and CRM 2013 OnPremise. We're still looking for a comprehensive fix to that bug.
Interesting that Microsoft didn't use the hotfix method it deployed twice in January. Instead, it's rolled out yet another cumulative update to the forced-update masses.
Discussion continues on the AskWoody Lounge.
Chinas push to take over global technology leadership is relentless. It wants to lead in computing, semiconductors, research and development, and clean energy. It is accelerating science investment as the U.S. retreats.
China may be planning a moon base. Surprised? Dont be. It will soon have a manned space station. It is investing heavily in quantum technologies and it wants to be first to build an exascale supercomputer.
In 2010, Computerworld looked at Five reasons why China will rule tech. Heres an update, and the case for China has grown stronger.
1. Chinas big science ambitions include a moon base
In the 1950s, the U.S. considered establishing a 12-man Army base on the moon by 1965. The idea was too ambitious for the time and was dropped. Meanwhile, China has set its sights on a permanent lunar base.
Richard Fisher, a senior fellow of Asian military affairs at the International Assessment and Strategy Center, sees the possibility. The Chinese will be using the moon for a range of military purposes, and thus it is necessary for the United States to go there. He made the comment at a hearing last month of the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission.
China intends to launch its first space station module, Tianhe-1, next year, with the goal of having a completely assembled space station in 2022.
A Chinese lunar base is a long way off. China has targeted 2036 for landing on the moon. But what these efforts illustrate is how China thinks big and long term. China has established a goal of becoming a global scientific power by 2050, according to a report prepared for the Economic and Security Review Commission in 2011.
President Donald Trumps administration includes more funds for space exploration, but would do so only by cutting other science efforts at NASA. The space agencys overall 2018 budget would be cut by about 1 percent.
But the moonbase is just one science effort by China out of many.
Another priority for China is quantum computing, particularly in cryptography.
The U.S. remains at the forefront of quantum information science, but its lead has slipped considerably as other nations, China in particular, have allocated extensive funding to basic and applied research, said John Costello, a senior analyst at Flashpoint, a cybersecurity firm, in testimony presented at a U.S.-China hearing on Thursday.
Consequently, Chinese advances in quantum information science have the potential to surpass the United States, Costello said.
2. China wants to win in high-performance computing
U.S. scientistsincluding those at the National Security Agencybelieve China will soon lead the world in supercomputing.
National security requires the best computing available, and loss of leadership in high performance computing (HPC) will severely compromise our national security, wrote NSA and Energy Department scientists in a recent report.
China sees supercomputing as a race. It recently accelerated development of exascale systems and expects to produce a prototype as earlier as the end of this year, ahead of the U.S.
China has the worlds fastest supercomputer at about 125 petaflops built with its own chips. A petaflop system can perform one quadrillion arithmetic operations per second. An exascale system is 1,000 petaflops, and China is on track to produce a system well before the U.S.
Trumps proposed 2018 budget may cut funding for U.S. supercomputer development.
3. China is attacking U.S. semiconductor dominance
For all its investment and advances, China is at least one and a half generations behind state-of-the-art semiconductors, according to a White House report released in January by President Barack Obama, just days before Trump took office. It was written with industry cooperation.
The report provides insights into criticisms that Trump leveled at China over trade practices. In its push to be first, China isnt playing fair, the report states.
To help boost its industry, the report claimed that the Chinese government subsidizes semiconductor production, which can lower product cost and threaten direct competitors. It also places conditions on access to its market to drive domestic production and technology transferrequiring foreign firmsif they want access to Chinas marketto share their technology. Theft is another means of acquiring technology, the report says.
In 2014, the Chinese Government announced that it would spend $150 billion to expand the share of Chinese-made integrated circuits in its market from 9 percent to 70 percent by 2025, said former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker, in a speech last November. To put that figure into perspective, $150 billion is roughly half of all worldwide semiconductor sales last year, she said.
The Trump administration supports a hardline on China and its semiconductors activities. But Trump may differ from Obama in one key area.
Part of the Obama administration counterattack to the China semiconductor advances was to recommend a series of moonshotsprojects to accelerate U.S. innovation.
One moonshot called for advances in modeling and simulation developmenta product of supercomputing development. But if Trump cuts supercomputing investment, it may help China advance its semiconductor agenda.
4. China plans to exceed the U.S. in R&D
Chinas investment in R&D is rising so rapidly that the country is expected to surpass the U.S. in overall spending by 2020. This doesnt necessarily mean that China is doing a better job at innovation. Other measures, such as patents registered in multiple countries, continue to point to the U.S. as the innovation leader.
Nonetheless, Chinas R&D investment growth was called remarkable last year by the National Science Foundation. Between 2003 and 2013, China ramped up its R&D investments at an average of 19.5 percent annually, greatly exceeding that of the U.S. the NSF reported.
Chinas innovation ambitions include leading the world on clean energy. It invested nearly $103 billion in renewables in 2015, up 17 percent over 2014. The U.S. is in second place, but well behind, at $44 billion, according to a recent report by the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis. The Trump budget would cut this investment.
5. Chinas leadership is focused on science
During the campaign, Trump said he supported investment in science, but his proposed 2018 budget cuts science spending.
The cuts are so deep they threaten our nations ability to advance cures for disease, maintain our technological leadership, ensure a more prosperous energy future, and train the next generation of scientists and innovators to address the complex challenges we face today and in the future, said Rush Holt, the CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Silicon Valley leaders warned before Trump took office that he would be a disaster for innovation.
Trump may be hoping that deregulation, tax cuts and other private sector incentives will spur innovation. But the government has always played a role in basic science research and big science projects, such as exascale computers, that are too expensive for the private sector.
Chinas investment in science is not a given and economic forces could derail its plans. But for now, this country sees science investment as critical to long-term prosperity.
Innovation is the primary force guiding development, said Xi Jinping, the president of the Peoples Republic of China, in January at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. We need to relentlessly pursue innovation, Xi said.
This story, "5 reasons why China will rule tech, 2017 edition" was originally published by Computerworld .
Phobos, a Martian moon, might eventually disintegrate and form a ring around the red planet, according to a new theory by Purdue University scientists. The NASA-funded research indicates that this process of moons breaking apart into rings and then reforming as moons may have happened several times over billions of years. Image by Purdue University Envision Center
That's the theory put forth by Purdue University scientists, whose findings were published in the journal Nature Geoscience. David Minton, assistant professor of Earth, atmospheric and planetary sciences, and Andrew Hesselbrock, a doctoral student in physics and astronomy, developed a model that suggests that debris that was pushed into space from an asteroid or other body slamming into Mars around 4.3 billion years ago and alternates between becoming a planetary ring and clumping up to form a moon.
A theory exists that Mars' large North Polar Basin or Borealis Basin, which covers about 40 percent of the planet in its northern hemisphere, was created by that impact, sending debris into space.
That large impact would have blasted enough material off the surface of Mars to form a ring, Hesselbrock said. Hesselbrock and Minton's model suggests that as the ring formed and the debris slowly moved away from the planet and spread out, it began to clump and eventually formed a moon. Over time, Mars' gravitational pull would have pulled that moon toward the planet until it reached the Roche limit, the distance within which the planet's tidal forces will break apart a celestial body that is held together only by gravity.
Phobos, one of Mars' moons, is getting closer to the planet. According to the model, Phobos will break apart upon reaching the Roche limit and become a set of rings in roughly 70 million years. Depending on where the Roche limit is, Minton and Hesselbrock believe this cycle may have repeated between three and seven times over billions of years. Each time a moon broke apart and reformed from the resulting ring, its successor moon would be five times smaller than the last, according to the model, and debris would have rained down on the planet, possibly explaining enigmatic sedimentary deposits found near Mars' equator.
You could have had kilometer-thick piles of moon sediment raining down on Mars in the early parts of the planet's history, and there are enigmatic sedimentary deposits on Mars with no explanation as to how they got there, Minton said. And now it's possible to study that material.
Other theories suggest that the impact with Mars that created the North Polar Basin led to the formation of Phobos 4.3 billion years ago, but Minton said it's unlikely the moon could have lasted all that time. Also, Phobos would have had to form far from Mars and would have had to cross through the resonance of Deimos, the outer of Mars' two moons. Resonance occurs when two moons exert gravitational influence on each other in a repeated periodic basis, as major moons of Jupiter do. By passing through its resonance, Phobos would have altered Deimos' orbit. But Deimos' orbit is within one degree of Mars' equator, suggesting it has had no effect on Phobos.
Not much has happened to Deimos' orbit since it formed, Minton said. Phobos passing through these resonances would have changed that.
Richard Zurek of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California, is the project scientist for NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, whose gravity mapping provided support for the hypothesis that the northern lowlands were formed by a massive impact.
This research highlights even more ways that major impacts can affect a planetary body, he said.
Minton and Hesselbrock will now focus their work on either the dynamics of the first set of rings that formed or the materials that have rained down on Mars from disintegration of moons.
###
NASA funded this study.
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Simply Self Storage (SSS), which owns or manages 229 self-storage facilities in the United States and Puerto Rico, is seeking zoning approval from city officials to add a second story to its facility in Kettering, a suburb of Dayton, Ohio. SSS representatives met with the council on March 14 to discuss the proposal. A second reading and vote will be held at the next council meeting, according to the source.
The 7-acre property at 4125 Hempstead Station Drive is across the street from a Meijer grocery store. The site is one of four SSS properties in the Dayton, Ohio, area. The company has 21 facilities in the state.
There are several storage projects under development in Ohio, including the conversion of a Target retail store in Dayton by Storage of America LLC. U-Haul International converted a former shopping plaza in the city to storage last year. Construction on Airport Deluxe Indoor RV Storage in Tipp City, another Dayton suburb, began last fall. The property at 11710 Peters Pike, near the Dayton International Airport, will cater to vehicle-storage tenants.
Headquartered in Orlando, Fla., SSS was founded in 2003. The companys properties comprise more than 18 million square feet of storage space.
How Smurfits reinventing of the cardboard box and Intesas skillful maneuvering through two financial crises earned top honors in IIs All-Europe Executive Team rankings.
Cardboard boxes would hardly seem likely to be the latest business craze taking Europe by storm.
But in the hands of Smurfit Kappa Group, an Irish paper and packaging manufacturer, the cardboard box has been transformed from the humblest of commodities into an innovative sales and marketing tool. So much so, reports equity analyst Barry Dixon of Davy Research, that Smurfit is revolutionizing the way retailers are displaying and selling consumer goods across Europe.
Led by discount grocers like Aldi, Lidl, and Tesco, giant European merchandisers are using shelf-ready packaging to move product and save money. From beverages and foodstuffs to household cleaning agents, Smurfits redesign has landed the Dublin-headquartered company a top spot on the 2017 All-Europe Executive Team, Institutional Investor's annual ranking of the region's top corporate leaders.
If you walk into a supermarket chain like Tesco, Dixon says, youll see bottles of shampoo still in a corrugated box. The box sits on the shelf, its attractive, and it helps advertise the product.
Shelf-ready packaging also helps retailers hold the line on labor costs. Rather than have a store clerk taking products out of a container and stacking wares on the shelf, the Dublin-based analyst adds, you just tear off the front of the box, and you dont have a lot of people shelving. All the paper producers [in Europe] are copying Smurfit now.
Such creativity and innovation are among the reasons that Smurfit is ranked No. 1 in its sector in the small- and midcap category in the latest survey. To compile this years list, we asked a mix of credit and equity analysts as well as institutional investors to rate the best European businesses and top executives. Weighting the results by company size, II ranked the most honored companies along with the leading chief executives, chief financial officers, and investor relations managers across 31 sectors.
The magazine also asked a small cohort of top-tier European analysts, as named in II's 2017 All-Europe Research Team, to comment on top businesses from Ireland, France, and Italy.
By all accounts, it takes a superior CEO to make a great company. Management matters a great deal, says Eduardo Lecubarri of J.P. Morgan's Cazenove, II's top analyst covering the small- and madcap category on the Continent. But I think management quality matters a lot more at a small company. In a large organization theres usually a much deeper bench, with a lot more senior people making decisions and building consensus.
Smaller enterprises, says Lecubarri, who follows between 150 and 200 companies across Europe, are typically at an earlier stage in the development cycle and can be thrown off course. The worst Formula One driver never wins, so youre never going in the right direction with the wrong person at the top.
He adds, Younger and more inexperienced companies have more frequent cases of fraud. From an investment perspective, when you see a team that says one thing and does another, run away.
Having a sturdy vision for the future and the willingness to make and execute decisions are key as well. Anthony Smurfit, the 54-year-old chief executive and scion of the paper business's founding family, is credited for his skill at not only reinventing the cardboard box but pushing it into new markets in Latin America. Smurfit is now the No. 1 player in Colombia and Venezuela, and No. 2 in Mexico.
Historically, the paper and packaging sector was a serial destroyer of capital, notes Dixon. Like the airline industry, it was cyclical characterized by fantastic, earth-shattering upsides and jaw-dropping downsides. In the last 20 years, that has changed. Profit margins have increased structurally, and Smurfit has been in the forefront.
Along with returning value to shareholders Smurfits share price has jumped by 26 percent over the past 12 months, significantly outperforming the benchmark FTSE 100 Index's 13.5 percent the CEO earns kudos for being "pragmatic," Dixon says. The company transferred its primary stock listing to the London Stock Exchange in March 2016. "After 40 years in the Irish [stock] market, its a bold move, Dixon adds, Tony will do what it takes to improve business performance and not be bound by emotion or sentimentality.
Beyond cardboard boxes, management prowess also played a key role in making Intesa Sanpaolo the most honored European bank in II's survey. To claim that status, Intesa, which is headquartered in Turin, had to outshine 600 banks in the Italian market, where it holds more than 20 percent market share in each of its business lines. The bank beat out a gaggle of global powerhouses, including Banco Santander of Spain and BNP Paribas of France, which tie for second place.
In Italy, notes banking analyst Alastair Ryan of Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Intesa outstrips its main competitor, UniCredit, on every front, boasting fewer bad loans and nonperforming assets, stronger deposit performance, and more growth in its nonbanking income. By adding insurance and wealth management to its mix of products and services, it has also succeeded at wooing high rollers as depositors and clients. Italy is a wealthy country, says Ryan, co-head of BofA Merrills London-based banking research team, and Intesa has been very good at cross-selling.
Intesa is stable, well capitalized, and has fewer bad debts than rivals, helping it create a virtuous circle in capital flow, Ryan adds. As the banks depositor base expands, Intesa gains greater access to cheaper funding, enabling it to profit by making more loans. At the same time, its swelling depositor base forms a built-in audience for its fee-based products and services. Over the past three years, Intesa has increased assets under management by 30 percent even as many of Italys banks have seen assets decline or, like UniCredit, have sold them to raise needed capital, according to the analyst.
He attributes much of Intesas success to a judicious and stable management team that has steered the bank through global financial crisis and the euro crisis over the past 15 years. He credits especially both 55-year-old Carlo Messina, chief executive since 2013 and a 22-year veteran of the bank, and previous CEO Corrado Passera, who headed Intesa from 2002 until 2011. Under their guidance, Ryan says, Intesa was able to stay out of politics and resist the political pressure for growing market share with acquisitions that resulted in trouble for competitors like UniCredit.
Shareholders have benefited from its success. In 2016, Intesa paid out a cash dividend of 3 million ($3.3 million), or 90 percent of the Italian banking sectors dividends. Not too shabby for a bank with just 16 percent of the countrys overall banking assets. Meanwhile, its stock price, Ryan notes, has appreciated by 60 percent over the past five years, while rival UniCredits shares slumped by 30 percent.
In II's survey of the European aerospace and defense sector, French aircraft manufacturer Airbus takes first place. Best known for single-aisle jetliners, including the reliable A320 family of aircraft used by U.S. carriers like American and Delta, Airbus also turns out helicopters and fighter planes for the military and an assortment of space-age products, such as rocket launchers.
By any measure, its a giant employing 133,000 workers and claiming revenue last year of 67 billion. In its battle-of-the-titans rivalry with U.S. competitor Boeing Co., moreover, Toulouse-based Airbus has been gaining altitude, notes Benjamin Fidler of Deutsche Bank, II's top-rated aerospace analyst.
The reengined Airbus A320 jetliner has been able to leapfrog into the lead against Boeing in vying for dominance among narrow-body commercial airliners, he explains. And with the launch of the A350 commercial jet, Airbuss midsize jetliner designed to compete with the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, Fidler says, the Europeans are closing the gap to Boeing in wide-body too.
Thomas Enders, Airbuss 58-year-old CEO since 2012, has played a major role in the companys gains. Under Enders, the management team, which includes Harald Wilhelm, the sectors top-ranked chief financial officer, is not only imposing its vision on the future but overcoming past weaknesses. Airbus has been wrestling with what Fidler calls missteps and challenges with parts and suppliers for the A350 and, more grievously, difficulties with the A400M, a four-engine military transport plane; in 2015 an A400M Atlas was involved in a deadly crash in Spain.
Airbus has not been consistently good, the analyst acknowledges, but the issues have much to do with the complexity of its products and the legacy of decisions made by prior management.
While focusing the company on airplane delivery and performance and on raising the bar on quality, Enders has endeavored to consolidate Airbuss operations, which had been a collection of sometimes competing factories and offices in Spain, France, and Germany. He shuttered a Paris office and revamped the companys board structure by easing out government officials.
Now, with planes on order valued at more than 1.06 trillion a ten-year backlog Airbuss management team has some breathing room to plan for the future. And stockholders are seeing the fruits of its efforts. Shares have climbed 43 percent, to 70 on March 21, from a 2016 low of 49 in July.In a February 22 report, Fidler touted Airbus stock as a convincing buy and hiked the target price to 80 from 78. Its been a phenomenal performer, he says. The challenge now is to execute profit improvements on new programs and deliver on the profit and cash flow growth the Street expects.
The bank says the ruling will reduce expected recoveries and will also result in additional expenses for the group, which is winding up.
A British high court judge has thrown out a legal bid by the group rebranded from the failed Icelandic banking group Landsbanki Islands HF to recoup cash from trading positions it claimed were incorrectly valued when a trading partner sold them after it collapsed.
Landsbanki is one of three Icelandic banks that defaulted during the global financial crisis due to an inability to refinance short-term debt and a run on deposits in the Netherlands and in the UK. The scale of the Icelandic banking collapses, relative to the economy, was the largest experienced by any country in economic history.
The group rebranded as LBI after it became insolvent and taken over by the Icelandic regulator challenged the valuation of open positions in repurchase agreements and securities lending trades made between it and Austrian banking group Raiffeisen.
LBI claimed the valuations were not representative of market value. In the court judgment, the overall value of trades was said to be in the region of 74.6 million ($80 million). The claim pertained to trades made between the two parties in October 2008, when LBI collapsed.
On October 7, 2008 the date LBI collapsed Raiffeisen made the decision to terminate the trades after LBI said it was unable to make any payments today.
Benjamin Pilling and Edward Jones, legal representatives for LBI, argued that a standard valuation process of assets should take place, regardless of counterparty impairment. They went on to outline several legal and financial contexts which, they contested, should have informed the interpretation of the phrase fair market value.
However, Raiffeisens legal representatives, Guy Phillips and Richard Power, argued that the collapse of Lehman Brothers a month earlier had informed how Raiffeisens team considered the valuation.
Raiffeisen said that the algorithm-based prices shown at the time on Bloomberg
BGN could not be considered to represent a practical and commercial realisable value. Bloomberg did not respond to a request for comment.
In his ruling, Mr. Justice Knowles said this was a rational view, adding, The expert called by LBI favoured the use of Bloomberg or BGN prices but he was prepared to recognise that it was questionable or difficult to execute at these prices in the market circumstances prevailing. He also ventured... it would be rational for Raiffeisen to put a haircut on the securities. (So-called haircuts in the repo market are used to impose a margin on the collateral seller.)
The conclusion of the ruling is that LBI does not have a claim, a spokesman for LBI told Institutional Investor in a statement. The judgement will reduce previously reported expected recoveries under other assets and will also result in expenses for LBI due to costs awarded to the defendants.
A spokeswoman for Stewarts Law LLP, acting for LBI, declined to comment. Raiffeisen Bank International and Stephenson Harwood declined to comment.
The judgment came on the same day as Goldman Sachs and several hedge funds acquired a stake in a surviving Icelandic Bank, Arion Banki.
A leader of a global brokerage will join thousands of women as she participates in a 5km obstacle course race to raise money for a bowel cancer charity.Sarah Lyons, AJG Australias commercial broking managing director, along with representatives from CGU , Sura, and Businessary, will take on the Miss Muddy Australia run in Melbourne on March 25, to raise money for the Jodi Lee Foundation.The Miss Muddy races are 5km female runs across Australia that feature obstacles, foam, inflatables, and lots of mud.Lyons is hoping to raise $5,000 from the charity run.
Spoiling for a fender bender?Then head on over to Boston, the lowest ranked city in Allstate s 2016 Best Drivers Report. The city retained its 200th ranking for a second year, with drivers 168% more likely to make a claim compared to the national average.Worcester, also in Massachusetts, is close behind on the second lowest rung with a 124% claim probability, keeping its crown as the second worst US city to drive in for the second straight year.Marylands Baltimore takes third place in the unwanted list, with a 114% claim probability, also retaining this dubious honor from 2015.At the other end of the spectrum, Brownsville, Texas, was the safest city for driving, according to the report, followed by Kansas City, with Madison in Wisconsin completing the top three.Allstate said that 94% of motor collisions are caused by preventable human factors, particularly distracted driving and taking your eyes off the road.
Commercial and property insurance costs in Florida will go through the roof, rising at the rate of $1.4 billion to $2.6 billion a year if the Republican Border-Adjustment Tax passes as is, according to a Florida TaxWatch study.
The tax is intended to benefit local businesses and punish foreign-owned companies by putting levies on the latters products.
However, a whopping 91% of reinsurers covering the vital property coverage market come from outside the US and when their costs go up, everyone elses could too.
Floridians are particularly reliant on their property insurance because almost the entire state is at considerable risk of flooding.
The Associated Industries of Florida, a group which calls itself The Voice of Florida Business, argued that though it supports some form of the Border-Adjustment Tax, insurance should be excluded.
Tom Feeney, the president and CEO of Associated Industries of Florida, argued the tax creates winners and losers but charging tariffs on incoming capital doesnt make sense.
In theory we want as much capital as possible because it stimulates the economy, creates jobs. Particularly, where it relates to catastrophic insurance in Florida, we cant concentrate the risk of a $50 or $60 billion storm because we couldnt afford to swallow a $60 billion event for the same reason most homeowners buy fire insurance: they cant afford it if their whole house burns down, Feeney said.
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They cant accommodate for that risk and you want to spread that risk around the globe.
Florida TaxWatchs Analysis of a Border-Adjusted Tax on Floridas Property Insurance Market said businesses and homeowners premiums would go up as much as $910 a year - or between a 7.9% and 12.9% annual increase.
Whenever you take out a homeowners insurance policy with a company, that company takes as much as half of your premiums and they buy reinsurance, Feeney said.
They know what the actuarial likelihood of your house burning down is, but they have no idea if 90% of the homes in that area are going to lose their roof and have other damages all at once.
Feeney said even House Republicans who support the Border-Adjustment Tax admit it will drive up costs.
The proposed tax has many opponents well-beyond the insurance sphere, too: the Center for Automotive Research said the GOP tariff would raise the price tag of a vehicle in the US by an average of $2,000.
Yet another study, this one from The Brattle Group, said the total economic loss from the Border-Adjustment Tax would range from $15.6 billion to $69.3 billion, while driving the cost of goods up anywhere from $8.4 billion to $37.4 billion.
Allianz Research projections show that total global premium income rose to a new record high of 3,650 billion euros ($3.9224 billion U.S. dollars) last year (excluding health insurance).
In a year-on-year comparison, the nominal increase after adjustments to reflect foreign currency translation effects comes to an estimated 4.4 percent.
At first glance, according to Allianz, this trend would appear to be fairly unspectacular because although the pace of growth is down slightly on the two previous years when it was above the five percent mark it is in line with both the long-term average and the rate of global economic growth.
But the Allianz Global Insurance map and analysis show that 2016 was not a normal year.
At second glance, it is evident that out of the 150 billion euros or so in additional premiums, almost 70 billion euros is attributable to one market alone: China. This means that the Middle Kingdom is responsible for close to half of last years growth; without China, the insurance world would have achieved growth of only 2.7 percent.
The China effect was particularly pronounced in the life insurance business, where excluding the Chinese contribution from the equation would more than halve the rate of global growth from a respectable 4.7 percent to 2.3 percent in 2016. This is due, for one thing, to the rapid development in China itself: last year saw the Chinese life insurance market report the highest rate of growth seen since 2008, at over 30 percent. Although per capita spending on life insurance products (at around 170 euros) still has a long way to go before it catches up with the average for the developed countries, China has already overtaken Austria in terms of the insurance penetration rate, i.e. gross written premiums expressed as a percentage of economic output, and with 2.4 percent is also within striking distance of the Germans, who are often described as real life insurance enthusiasts: the life insurance penetration rate in Germany came to 2.7 percent last year (which, incidentally, is also well below the western European average of 4.7 percent). But this certainly does not signal the end of Chinas catch-up process.
Like their Chinese neighbors in Hong Kong and Taiwan, where the penetration rates top the international league table at 15 percent and 16 percent, respectively, the mainland Chinese are also having to set an increasing amount of money aside for their old age.
A second explanation for this Chinese dominance can also be attributed to the slump on the life insurance markets elsewhere in the world. In western Europe, premium income is expected to have dropped by 1.2 percent overall in 2016, the first negative trend seen since 2012. And this certainly isnt a predicament that is limited to western Europe.
The markets also contracted in parts of eastern Europe (i.e. in Poland and the Czech Republic, both for the fourth year running) and Australia (for the second year in a row) last year. On the other hand, Russia, Turkey and many of Asias emerging markets India, Indonesia and Vietnam for example are reporting double-digit growth rates, with the US also reporting solid development. This means that, all in all, global premium income in the life insurance sector increased by an estimated 4.7 percent to total 2,300 billion euros. Just under two-thirds of global insurance premiums (excluding health insurance) are still attributable to the life insurance business.
Property/Casualty Growth
Developments in the property/casualty insurance segment have always been less volatile, with a much smaller margin of fluctuation both ways than in the life insurance business. So only a handful of markets albeit including countries like Italy and Japan reported negative growth rates in 2016. All in all, global gross written premiums in the P/C insurance segment are likely to have increased by 4.0 percent. This would be the weakest figure since 2010, after five years of growth averaging more than 5 percent.
The somewhat disappointing development last year is, however, almost an exact reflection of the drop in momentum in the global economy and global trade both of which also fell slightly short of expectations in 2016. China did not manage to escape this development entirely unscathed either, with its economic growth rate dropping further and the P/C insurance market reporting growth of only 9 percent as a result the first time it had dipped below the 10 percent mark since the 1990s. This also means that the global trend is much less reliant on China in the P/C segment, with only one-fifth of last years global growth attributable to the Chinese market.
The Allianz projections suggest that western Europe achieved very solid growth by its standards of 2.1 percent last year. This is only the second time since the financial and euro crisis, after 2015, that growth in the P/C business has managed to climb back past the 2 percent mark again. Overall, however looking at both the life and P/C insurance segments the western European insurance market stagnated. As a result, its share of the global market contracted further to around 27 percent in 2016, as against 36 percent ten years ago.
This means that the advancement of China and other emerging markets is gradually eroding western Europes weight on the global market. Interestingly, this does not apply to the same extent to the North American market, whose share of the global market has been relatively stable at around 33 percent for some years now. Although the North American market share is also lagging behind the pre-crisis level, the drop is less dramatic. This also becomes clear in a direct comparison: whereas at the start of the millennium, the insurance markets in North America and western Europe were virtually neck-and-neck in terms of total premium income, todays North American market is around 20 percent bigger.
And the trend that applies to western Europe in general also applies specifically to Germany: Germanys share of the global insurance market has been whittled down from 6 percent at the start of the millennium to 4.2 percent last year. Germany was at least able to defend its third place in Europe behind the UK and France; in the global rankings, it was bypassed only by China, but could see Korea overtake it before the year is out. In per capita terms, on the other hand, Germany ranks a (disappointing) 18th worldwide, putting it far behind some of its European neighbors. By way of example, the Germans on average spend only around half as much a year on insurance as their British counterparts do; the French (+62 percent) and Italians (+19 percent) also spend a lot more on insurance cover.
Topics Trends Europe Pricing Trends Property Casualty China Market Allianz
A fire chief says a wildfire has destroyed at least eight homes and several other buildings near Nebraskas Lake McConaughy.
Keystone Lemoyne Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Ralph Moul said on March 20 that the blaze has been contained, but fire crews are still watching hot spots. Moul says residents had evacuated as flames raced their way, but several firefighters were treated for minor injuries.
He says more than 100 firefighters from a couple dozen departments responded to calls late Sunday morning. An overnight fire had rekindled as stiff winds whipped up embers near the northeast corner of the lake. He estimated that Sundays blaze blackened at least 500 acres.
The chief investigators suspect the original fire Saturday was caused by overheated wheel bearings on a vehicle.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Homeowners Nebraska
Managing general agency and surplus lines broker J.M. Wilson has hired Seth Mahaffey as assistant transportation underwriter in Westerville, Ohio.
Mahaffey responsible for quoting new and renewal transportation accounts, setting up and binding policies, assisting underwriters, and serving independent insurance agents in Ohio, Kentucky Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia and Illinois.
He attended Ohio State University and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree specializing in marketing. Prior to J.M. Wilson, Mahaffey worked as a marketing assistant at Baltimore SoundStage for two years.
Source: J.M. Wilson
Topics Underwriting Ohio
CNA has launched a new lawyers data breach and network security endorsement. The new endorsement is available as part of CNAs Lawyers Professional Liability (LPL) policy.
The CNA LPL policy provides coverage for client network damage claims up to the policy limit, as well as coverage up to $20,000 for certain costs associated with regulatory investigations arising from actual or alleged violations of privacy breach notice laws that occurred in the rendering of legal services.
For law firms with five or fewer attorneys, the Lawyers Data Breach and Network Security Endorsement covers:
Network damage claims, up to the limit specified in the endorsement, brought by non-client third parties
Reimbursement of certain expenses incurred in response to a privacy event, including forensics, notification, privacy breach notice compliance and credit monitoring services costs, up to the limit specified in the endorsement (10 percent of the network damage claim limit liability)
CNA insures more than 50,000 law firms and 155,000 lawyers nationwide, and is the bar-endorsed lawyers professional liability insurer in Connecticut, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New York and Pennsylvania.
Topics Cyber
When a Texas City refinery exploded in 2005, 15 people died. Months later, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board found that putting workers in temporary trailers near danger zones at the plant raised the death toll.
Since then, temporary trailers have been relocated industry wide.
The example is just one of dozens over the past decade involving the independent agency, which has been targeted for elimination in President Donald Trumps preliminary budget. While the board, with a 2016 budget of $11 million, is viewed skeptically by some companies and their allies in Congress, it has also drawn its share of supporters.
I dont think anyone in the industry wants to see the Chemical Safety Board be abolished, said Stephen Brown, a vice president with Tesoro Corp., an oil refiner that was the focus of a 2014 CSB report, in a telephone interview. The goal is a fully functional, professional investigative body that approaches things in a professional manner with integrity.
Funding for the agency is among the cuts outlined by Trumps blueprint budget Thursday, a preliminary document that embodies the presidents spending priorities for the nation. The safety agency was created in 1990 to find the root causes of industrial accidents and recommend ways to keep them from happening again.
Not a Regulator
The CSB makes no rules and issues no penalties, but often identifies dangerous industry practices that are overlooked by enforcement agencies. Its scope of responsibility has included multi-fatality disasters from a 2013 fertilizer distributor in West, Texas, to BP Plcs Deepwater Horizon drilling rig blowout in 2010.
CSB probes have led to many industry improvements that have saved lives without gaining public notice, said Michael Wright, director of health, safety and environment for the United Steelworkers of America. After a 2012 fire at a Chevron Corp. refinery in Richmond, California, the CSB discovered that the pipe used was subject to corrosion and rupture because of the materials it carried. Though there were no rules against using that kind of pipe, the industry changed its practice because of the CSB, Wright said in a phone interview.
We know CSB recommendations have made our plants safer, not just (for workers but for residents surrounding those plants, he said. When a chemical accident is prevented, it doesnt make news.
Disappointed
CSB said in an emailed statement its disappointed in the presidents proposal. Our investigations and recommendations have had an enormous effect on improving public safety, said the statement from board Chairman Vanessa Allen Sutherland.
In 2014, a congressional probe criticized the agency, saying it was marred by an abusive and hostile work environment that had spurred several investigators to flee the agency. The report also said the agency was moving too slowly to complete its investigations. The chairman at the time has since resigned under pressure and new staff arrived.
CSB findings and training videos have reduced risks at natural gas sites, chemical plants, oil refineries and even in chemistry classrooms. Its investigation of the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers resulted in landmark changes to industry practices, said M. Sam Mannan, director of the Mary Kay OConnor Process Safety Center at Texas A&M University. One example: refinery workers are no longer put at risk by working in temporary trailers placed within danger zones inside a plant site.
Those kind of benefits are delivered for a measly $10 million dollars, in terms of the federal budget, Mannan said in a phone interview.
Saving Lives
CSBs primary charge is to prevent a major catastrophe at industrial facilities, the Steelworkers Wright said. For instance, oil refineries that use hydrogen fluoride, a highly corrosive acid, have the potential to spew a 20-mile toxic plume over cities such as Houston or Philadelphia, he said. After a 2015 explosion at an Exxon Mobil Corp. refinery in Torrance, California, the CSB found there had been a near miss of a potentially catastrophic release of tens of thousands of pounds of dissolved hydrogen fluoride.
Michael Frohlich, spokesman for American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, declined to comment because the trade group is currently looking into how the potential change would affect its members.
Despite Trumps proposal, the CSB probably wont be eliminated because it acts as a safety net for industry as well as the public, said Katie Bays, an analyst at Height Securities LLC, an advisory and investment firm based in Washington. Without the CSB identifying problems, safety can sometimes slip through the cracks at industrial plants, Bays said, increasing the potential for accidents and companies liability.
Its a vitally important agency that has an outsize impact for a very small budget, said Glenn Ruskin, communications director for the American Chemical Society, the worlds largest scientific society with about 160,000 members. The safety board is an honest broker at identifying problems, and industry appreciates having that.
With assistance from Meenal Vamburkar and Barbara Powell
Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.
Topics Texas Chemicals
A proposal by the Trump administration to cut $190 million in funding for updating U.S. maps of flood-prone areas would trigger higher insurance rates or more homebuilding in risky locations, a consumer group said on Monday.
Flood-mapping provides important details about where it is safe to build, whether flood insurance is needed and how to price coverage, Robert Hunter, director of insurance for the Consumer Federation of America, said in a statement.
Slashing funding for the National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIP) retooling of U.S. flood maps will lead to relying on old maps and construction in areas that are now flood prone, or hiking insurance premiums to pay for new maps, Hunter said.
The White House 2018 budget, unveiled last Thursday, would eliminate a $190 million discretionary appropriation for the National Flood Insurance Programs (NFIP) updating of U.S. flood maps and explore other more effective and fair means of funding flood mapping efforts.
Costs for mapping have been shared by insurance policyholders and the federal government for the past 15 years, said a spokeswoman for the Federal Emergency Management (FEMA), which operates the flood insurance program.
The presidents budget directs us to explore avenues to shift these costs away from general appropriations, the FEMA spokeswoman said.
Updating U.S. flood maps is seen by consumer and insurance industry advocates as a necessary step toward modernizing the U.S. flood insurance market.
The White House 2018 budget is the first step in a long process that will be debated by U.S. lawmakers.
The NFIP, whose authorization is set to expire in September, could face other sweeping changes. The program is $24.6 billion in debt to the U.S. Treasury Department, the FEMA spokeswoman said.
Insurance industry groups are also concerned about the mapping proposal. Understandably, were all concerned about the potential to undermine efforts to modernize the maps, said Leigh Ann Pusey, president and chief executive officer of the American Insurance Association.
Still, the budget process is at an early stage, Pusey said.
(Reporting by Suzanne Barlyn; Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington; Editing by Leslie Adler)
Related:
Topics USA Flood Market
Peter Hancock is getting $5 million in cash to stay on as American International Groups chief executive officer while the board searches for his replacement. But the insurers departing president and CEO will forgo his bonus, according to recent regulatory filings.
The struggling insurer disclosed on March 9 that Hancock would step down after AIG posted four losses in six quarters, including a $3 billion 2016 Q4 loss disclosed in February.
Hancock gets a $5 million cash lump sum transition award for staying on through the transition period, states a March 17 letter from the AIG board to Hancock. The letter adds that he doesnt get the money, in part, if he leaves before a successor is named or if he is fired before that point.
Meanwhile, the board also determined that Hancock wont get his 2016 bonus, according to a separate regulatory filing dated March 15.
Hancocks departure came after several directors told him they did not want to get into a battle with activist investor Carl Icahn, who has pushed AIG to split up into three separate units and has been critical of Hancock. Hancock chose instead to focus on streamlining and returning $25 billion over two years to AIG shareholders. He also replaced a number of longtime executives.
Source: SEC filings
Related:
Attorneys for a south Louisiana flood board arent giving up on their attempt to make scores of oil and gas companies pay for damage to the states coastline.
A federal judge dismissed their lawsuit in 2015 and a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeal unanimously upheld that decision on March 3.
Lawyers for the Southeast Louisiana Flood Protection Authority-East have asked the full 15-member 5th Circuit to hear their arguments.
The suit seeks to hold close to 90 companies accountable for damage the attorneys say was caused by drilling activity, including dredging of canals. The suit says the result was loss of wetlands that form a hurricane buffer for the New Orleans area.
The lawsuit was filed in 2013.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Lawsuits Louisiana Flood Energy Oil Gas
Insurance complaints ranked last of the top 10 complaint categories for 2016, according to the Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurances (TDCI) Division of Consumer Affairs.
The number of consumer complaints in 2016 related to insurance 177 of a total of 4,432 total complaints was an improvement from 2015 when the insurance complaints ranked eight of the top 10 with 213.
TDCI said the insurance category relates to pet insurance, consumer health insurance, and unlicensed insurance companies. Most consumers complained about policy coverage and claims. These complaints are often referred to TDCIs Insurance Division.
Taking the No. 1 spot for consumer complaints in the state was the home improvements category with more than 400 consumer complaints.
TDCIs Division of Consumer Affairs total of 4,432 complaints in 2016 was slightly higher than the 4,259 complaints reviewed by Consumer Affairs in 2015. TDCI also recovered both services and funds for Tennessee by working with consumers and businesses.
For 2016, the top 10 complaint categories and number of complaints per category included:
1.) Home improvements: 413 complaints
This category includes home warranties, as well as hiring a contractor for services to repair or improve the quality of your home. The most common complaints related to quality of work, incomplete work after receiving payment, and structural damage caused by employed individuals or businesses. Many of these complaints are referred to the Board for Licensing Contractors, Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) as well as the Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA).
2.) Utilities: 298 complaints
This category includes gas service, water service, sewer, electricity, landline phone service, mobile phone service, Internet service, and cable. Problems with billing and maintenance were the most common complaints. Often, these complaints will be referred to the TRA or the investor-owned utility.
3.) Motor Vehicle: 265 complaints
This category often includes consumer dissatisfaction with the sale of the used vehicle they purchased. Problems with used vehicle sales and advertising were the most common complaints. Consumer Affairs often works closely with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission when handling these types of complaints. In addition, these complaints may be referred to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
4.) Personal/Professional Services: 253 complaints
This category relates to services offered by licensed professionals working in the State of Tennessee, including hair stylists, massage therapists, nail technicians, and others. Common complaints include the quality of service, charges for service not received, and problems redeeming gift certificates for services offered. Some agencies these complaints could be referred to include TDCIs Division of Regulatory Boards and Board of Professional Responsibility.
5.) Landlord/Tenant: 250 complaints
This category relates to consumers leasing rental property in the State of Tennessee. The most common complaints related to security deposits and the conditions of the rental property. These complaints are most often referred to the THDA, city and county building codes enforcement, and TDCIs Fire Prevention/State Fire Marshals Office.
6.) Timeshares/Vacation Clubs: 235 complaints
This category relates to consumers purchasing property under a timesharing agreement and the sale of these agreements. The most common complaints reported high-pressure sales tactics, misrepresentation of the contract, and resale scams. The Division will often refer these complaints to the Tennessee Real Estate Commission and the Board of Professional Responsibility.
7.) Health Services and Products: 219 complaints
Consumers most common complaints include being misquoted for services and inaccurate billing. The Division will refer appropriate complaints to the Tennessee Department of Health.
8.) Motor Vehicle Repair: 210 complaints
This category refers to companies offering services to repair vehicles. Most consumers report auto repair companies that return vehicles not fully repaired. The Division will refer to and work with the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission, the NHTSA, and the Tennessee Department of Revenue.
9.) Debtor/Creditor: 192 complaints
This category includes matters related to debt collection companies, payday loans, credit
repair companies, and check-cashing services. Consumer complaints often related to
harassing phone calls or billing issues. These complaints are often referred to the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions.
10.) Insurance: 177 complaints
Complaints related to policy coverage and claims for pet insurance, health insurance, and unlicensed insurance companies. These complaints are often referred to TDCIs Insurance Division.
Source: Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance
Topics Auto Tennessee
Authorities are trying to determine whether a series of break-ins at mosques in Alabama might be linked to a similar case in Virginia based partly on similarities shown in surveillance photos, officials said Friday.
Images taken earlier this month during mosque break-ins in the east Alabama cities of Anniston and Gadsden and released by police show a man who appeared similar to a man whose image was captured during a similar burglary in Blacksburg, Virginia.
Also, police released images of a pickup truck that was photographed outside the Gadsden mosque during the break-in, and the vehicle appeared to have the same mottled paint job as the same one captured on surveillance video outside a mosque that was burglarized earlier this week in Tuscaloosa.
A thief targeted donation boxes containing cash in each case, and an old Quran also was taken from the Islamic Society of Tuscaloosa, where the book was stored in a safe with money. The FBI has sent a message to members of the Muslim community in Alabama saying the Gadsden and Anniston cases could be linked to the one in Virginia.
The leader of the Birmingham Islamic Center, Ashfaq Taufique, said mosques routinely have donation boxes available in public areas, and money is sometimes left in the receptacles overnight. Taufique said his mosque was taking precautions because of the thefts.
I am hoping and praying this is a conventional crime and nothing to do with harassment of the mosques, but I am prepared for either of them, Taufique said in an interview.
A statement by Gadsden police said officers considered the break-in there to be a burglary and theft.
There is no evidence that these crimes are hate crime related, said the statement from Sgt. John Hallman, a police spokesman.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has reported multiple incidents at mosques nationwide in recent weeks including break-ins, fires and vandalism.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Law Enforcement Virginia Alabama
A small wildfire in the mountains just outside downtown Boulder, Colorado, forced people from their homes on March 19 and ignited dead trees that exploded into black plumes of smoke, authorities and residents said.
Wind was pushing the flames in the wooded area a couple of miles west of Pearl Street, the shopping and dining heart of the university citys downtown. Crews made some progress by partially containing the fire that had burned just over 60 acres, but officials worried that stronger gusts expected later in the day could fan the flames.
Authorities made more than 1,000 calls to residents ordering them to evacuate and warned an additional 2,200 to get ready to leave if conditions worsened, said Gabi Boerkircher of the Boulder Office of Emergency Management.
It wasnt clear exactly how many houses or residents were evacuated because the calls could have gone to multiple people living in the same home and likely didnt include children.
There were no reports of injuries or damage to homes, emergency officials said. Several aircraft were making drops to battle the flames, and a community center has opened as an evacuation shelter.
Officials were not sure how the fire started in the Sunshine Canyon area dotted with a mixture of expensive homes and rustic mountain residences.
Seth Frankel, who was warned that he and his family may need to evacuate, said he had packed up generations of things that cant be replaced and was ready to go if the air quality got worse.
He said smoke was pouring toward neighborhoods and many dead trees were combusting and sending black smoke into the air less than a half-mile from his home. But he and his wife, a Boulder native, and three daughters have dealt with fires and floods before.
Its always alarming and always on your mind, but its not an uncommon sensation around here, said Frankel, who has lived in Boulder for 20 years.
In 2010, a wildfire destroyed nearly 200 homes in the mountainous area west of the city, home to the University of Colorado, Boulder.
Frankel got word of the fire early Sunday from a neighbor who received a warning call and was outside with neighbors watching the flames and smoke. But he let his daughters, 9, 11 and 13, sleep in.
Its still alarming, but theres no panic, Frankel said. We will be long since gone when parents are no longer smiling.
Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Topics Colorado
The California workers compensation independent medical review process used to resolve medical disputes found that in 2016 IMR physicians once again upheld about 90 percent of utilization review physicians modifications or denials of treatment, yet IMR volume climbed 6.5 percent last year, a new report shows.
The California Workers Compensation Institute analysis is based on a review of data from 477,045 IMR decision letters issued in 2014, 2015, and 2016 in response to applications submitted to the state after a UR physician modified or denied a requested medical service.
State lawmakers who included IMR in the 2012 workers comp reforms expected the process would reduce workers comp treatment disputes once doctors, attorneys and other participants came to understand which services could be approved because they meet evidence-based medicine standards.
Three years in, however, IMR volume is at a record high, as the Division of Workers Compensation reports there were 10,477 more cases in 2016 than in 2015, according to the CWCI report.
The 2016 IMR outcomes data show that IMR physicians upheld the UR doctors modification or denial of a requested service 91.2 percent of the time, which was up from an 88.4 percent uphold rate in 2015 and matched the rate noted in 2014, the report shows.
The mix of services reviewed by IMR physicians in 2016 showed little change from the two prior years, as prescription drug requests (28.5 percent of which were for opioids) again accounted for nearly half of all IMRs, with UR modifications or denials of pharmaceutical requests upheld 92.5 percent of the time.
Notably, requests for compounded drugs did represent a declining share of the 2016 prescription drug IMRs, as they fell from 8.0 percent of the 2015 determinations to 6.2 percent last year, which may have to do with their consistently low IMR overturn rate, the report shows.
The CWCI report shows that requests for physical therapy, injections and durable medical equipment together represented about 24 percent of the 2016 IMRs, while no other medical service category accounted for more than 5 percent of the disputed requests. Among the medical service categories, uphold rates in 2016 ranged from 78.9 percent for evaluation and management services (primarily referrals for consultations) to 93.6 percent for acupuncture, according to the report.
As in the prior 2 years, the analysis found that most of the disputed medical services that went through IMR in 2016 were requested by a small number of physicians. The top 10 percent of physicians named in the 2016 IMR decision letters accounted for 85 percent of the disputed service requests, while the top 1 percent accounted for 44 percent. More than 32.8 percent of the IMR decision letters were addressed to Los Angeles County recipients even though the region only accounted for 23.6 percent of all workers comp medical services in the state, the report shows.
The CWCI report also shows that IMR volume was disproportionately high in the Bay Area, which accounted for 20.1 percent of the IMR letters vs. 15 percent of the medical services, while less populated regions of the state had a disproportionately small share of the IMRs, as did the Inland Empire, Orange County and San Diego.
A complete analysis of the latest IMR results can be downloaded by institute members and subscribers at www.cwci.org, while others can purchase a copy for $24 at www.cwci.org/store.
Related:
Topics California Workers' Compensation Drugs
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The High Court is due to hear an application in the morning to endorse a European Arrest Warrant for Ian Bailey.
He is wanted in France to stand trial for the voluntary homicide of Sophie Toscan du Plantier in west Cork in 1996.
Following the UK governments announcement that it would trigger Brexit on March 29, Mr Noonan said the talks would likely take longer than the legal limit of two years. He said a transitional deal would be needed to stop the UK crashing out of the EU without a trade accord. The Irish Government has been preparing for 12 months, Mr Noonan told reporters in Brussels yesterday. Were ready to go and anxious to go, he added.
My view is that it will take longer than that [two years], Mr Noonan said ahead of a meeting of eurozone finance ministers.
I would envision a transitional period to get Europe and the UK across the line to a new relationship by treaty agreement.
He said there were some differences of opinion between the EU and UK on how much the UK owes the EU and over the sequencing of a divorce deal and a trade agreement. But he said the EU side was well prepared for talks. Its in our interests that we would come as close to the UK having a free trade agreement with the European Union as is possible, Mr Noonan said.
The Taoiseach is to remain in place for a Brexit summit due to take place in April, but it is not clear how far into the talks he will step down as leader. The sequence of negotiation that is now outlined, and the Taoiseachs very successful trip to Washington and a further illustration of his competence in international affairs, I think the Taoiseach will be around for a little while yet, Mr Noonan told reporters, saying Mr Kennys intentions would become clear before too long.
EU leaders plan an initial response within two days of UK prime minister Theresa May triggering Article 50, before convening a summit in late April or early May to ratify guidelines for their chief Brexit negotiator, Michel Barnier. Officials have said they may wait until June to engage fully, and then German elections in September could serve as another distraction. For the EU, the focus will be on ensuring there is no easy ride for the British as it tries to safeguard the stability of the union. There is speculation that Ms May could also try to trigger an election in the UK, in the hope of winning a bigger majority in parliament and her own mandate to strengthen her hand at home and in the Brexit talks.
Her spokesman rejected the idea of an early election yesterday, telling reporters: There isnt going to be one.
Additional reporting Bloomberg
The Dublin-based group yesterday formally confirmed long-running speculation that it is planning to sell its ClearCircle business, which acts as its environmental services division in Ireland and Britain. A sale, most likely to existing ClearCircle management, will free One51 up to fully concentrate on its plastics business.
Our challenge, now, is to continue to grow our plastics operations, both organically and through acquisition, while continuing to integrate our previous acquisitions, said group chief executive Alan Walsh.
The case before Judge Francis Comerford in the Circuit Civil Court involved a man who won more than 15,000 over two nights at the D1 Casino in Dublin, but who alleged he had received only some of the winnings.
Sayed Mirwais, a married father of two with an address at St Marys Place, Phibsborough in Dublin, told the court he won the money after placing numerous bets on an automated roulette machine.
Counsel for the casino said there had been a suspiciously high amount of money lost by the roulette machine.
Mr Mirwais denied there had been a flaw in the machine but Judge Comerford said he had to rely on the Gaming and Lottery Act 1956 which states that no action shall lie for the recovery of any money or thing which is alleged to be won.
If you happen to be too lucky while placing a bet or gambling, the person can simply say no youre not entitled to the money. That is simply the law in Ireland, the judge said.
David Hickson, director of the Gaming & Leisure Association of Ireland Ltd, said the case highlighted the need for a gambling regulator and that the Government needed to stop dithering.
Mr Hickson said there was little or no consumer protection under current laws, and that, theoretically, even bookies could hold back from paying out, although betting slips did mean a paper trail, which was not the case with machines or online games.
Mr Hickson said the long-awaited Gambling Control Bill, first published in 2013, needed to be implemented. He said: I lay the blame with the political establishment. They are still dithering.
Earlier this month, Junior Justice Minister David Stanton said Government would bring in legislation at the earliest opportunity, referring to the Gambling Control Bill, and the forthcoming Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, the latter to be brought to Cabinet by the Tanaiste this month for approval.
Elaine Wilson alleged that on May 22, 2013, she attended Rainbow Hair and Beauty, Convent Road, Clondalkin, Dublin in preparation for her daughters communion three days later.
Ms Wilson told her barrister, Gareth Kinsella, she asked a staff member for an all-over colour treatment.
She said the colour was applied by a different staff member.
The court heard that shortly after the dye application, Wilson started to feel a tingling and burning sensation on her scalp and she asked for the manager.
She said that after some time the manager checked her hair and she was helped from the chair and brought to the basins area where her hair was washed for 20 minutes.
The dye had been on her hair for almost an hour.
Ms Wilson, of St Marks Drive, Clondalkin, said her scalp was very sore.
When she had asked what the reason was she had been told that it is fine and her hair was dried.
She had felt distressed but had felt obliged to pay the 51 charge.
Mr Kinsella, who appeared with John Synnott Solicitors, said Ms Wilson had then gone home and noticed her scalp was burned.
She had blisters and was bleeding and had a redness on her forefront and a bald patch on the back of her head.
Ms Wilson told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke she went back to the salon the next day.
The manager had laughed and had told her to attend a doctor.
The court heard she had been in pain and had needed to attend her GP a number of times following the incident.
She had been prescribed a scalp lotion and had needed to take painkillers for several weeks.
Ms Wilson said the incident had made her daughters communion a disaster as she had been distressed by having to appear in public and have her photograph taken.
I was embarrassed with my hair and didnt want to go anywhere, she told Judge Groarke.
Mr Kinsella said Ms Wilson was so upset by the incident that she still has not gone back to a hairdresser and now prefers to apply hair colours herself.
Counsel said she had obtained judgment in default of appearance against Rainbow Hair and Beauty Ltd and yesterdays case was one of assessment of damages only against the company.
Judge Groarke said Ms Wilson had a horrible experience which was rendered worse given the important family occasion.
I can certainly understand how terribly upset she was, he said.
Hearing she had made a full recovery four months after the incident, Judge Groarke awarded Ms Wilson 12,500 damages along with her legal costs.
The company was not present in court nor was it legally represented yesterday.
Fresh correspondence from Tony OBrien, director general of the HSE, to the chairman of the Dails Public Accounts Committee, Sean Fleming, reveals how the three people were part of a wider five-person panel who ultimately decided to overturn an earlier decision to remove Grace from the nursing home.
Mr OBrien was called on to correct the record after he was accused of misleading the PAC in a previous hearing in relation to Graces care.
The home is at the heart of a newly established commission of investigation into allegations of extreme sexual abuse and neglect of up to 47 intellectually disabled children and young adults.
According to the documents, seen by the Irish Examiner, the three people had an important dual role in that they participated in the decision to leave Grace in the home and they had a duty to carry out eight actions in order to make the environment safe for Grace.
But Mr OBrien admits those actions never happened and Grace was left in the home. These key actions were not followed up by some of the three individuals who were tasked with making Graces environment safe, Mr OBrien wrote in his letter. In effect, this meant that the young woman was not made a ward of court nor was her care appropriately followed up.
It was the three individuals who had this important dual function, Mr OBrien said adding that the HSE payroll system indicates that all three are in receipt of full HSE pensions.
Mr OBriens move to clarify his comments came after it emerged that there are at least 11 people who were connected with Graces case still working either in the HSE or Tusla, the State Child Protection Agency.
In his letter, Mr OBrien claims any statements given to the PAC were given with the utmost of good faith.
He added that evidence he gave in 2015 and 2016 to the committee on this matter was restricted for reasons outside my control.
He said that in a bid not to interfere with ongoing Garda investigations, phrases chosen by me during questioning would not necessarily have been ones that I would have chosen had I complete freedom to discuss the information.
The 4m amenity, from Glenbeigh to Renard, will run along the route of an old Great Southern & Western railway line that involves tunnels and magnificently constructed viaducts.
A dispute has arisen between state agencies and some of the 170 private landowners along the greenway. A small number of farmers and landowners are concerned about land severance and privacy.
An Bord Pleanala decided an environmental impact study was required, after Kerry Co Council acquired some of the land through compulsory purchase acquisition, when full agreement could not be reached.
The local authority had sought a direction from the planning body.
The council sought direction from An Bord Pleanala as to whether its proposal would have significant effects on the environment.
The greenway route is partly, though not exclusively, along the railway line, which operated between 1895 and 1960, and the land has been incorporated into farms and back gardens and, in some cases, has been built upon 29% of the 32km route will be off-line, into greenfield lands.
The proposal is to construct a macadam road, up to 3.0m wide, for cyclists and walkers, with fencing and with access for crossing tractors and maintenance vehicles.
Just a small section, around 1 km, will be shared with the N70.
The works will involve the use of spectacular, iron-built bridges and protected viaducts over Kells and Dingle Bay, as well as old tunnels.
Scrub clearance, as well as repair to the Valencia River and Gleensk viaducts, is needed.
A new steel bridge, 15m long, will also have to be provided between the two tunnels at Drung Hill, near the Mountain Stage approach.
Yesterday, a spokesman for the county council said the planning appeal boards direction was unlikely to delay any further the greenway, which is already well behind schedule. Some of the assessment work has already been carried out by the council in planning the route, the spokesman said.
The CPO process will also have to be dealt with by An Bord Pleanala, and the two parties will work in tandem, a spokesman added.
Meanwhile, the greenway will operate through designations of natural heritage, special conservation, and protection.
The impact will result in habitat loss, especially where the railway has reverted to semi-natural vegetation.
The tunnel work will impact on bats and the off-line work could well uncover archaeological finds, planning inspector, Michael Dillon, said.
Impacts from this development are likely to be locally and, in certain instances, regionally significant. The area is not densely populated, but is heavily used by tourists, he said.
The board, meanwhile, supported the decision of its inspector.
Files released at the National Archives, in Kew, west London, show the men were awarded compensation by the British government in recognition of the horrific conditions they endured at the hands of the Germans.
The Irishmen were held at the Marlag-Milag Nord prisoner of war (PoW) camp, and were asked to pitch in with the German war effort by working on railways at Bremen, and at the shipyards in Hamburg.
However, as they were from a neutral country, they refused to support the Nazis and were dispatched to the Bremen-Farge concentration camp, where they languished until their release at the end of the Second World War.
Their accounts speak of harsh conditions, food that was atrocious in quality and quantity, and punishing, 12-hour days of hard labour.
In his handwritten letter, Patrick OBrien, who later lived in Glasgow, said: Punishment was severe and meted out for the smallest of misdemeanour.
The reason for my imprisonment was my refusal to work on the German railway at Bremen, and for refusing to work on German ships at Hamburg.
They claimed I was an Irish national and was, therefore, a free civilian, a claim which at no time I had ever made.
His colleague, James Aldous Furlong, who was born in Wexford, but later moved to Cheshire, told a similar story in his application.
For refusing to work for the Germans, I was sent to Farge SS Camp as a punishment and it was punishment, he wrote. I have seen people being flogged to death and shot, and was always afraid my turn would come one day.
Food was bad, accommodation very bad, and there was syphilis in the camp and people were dying all over the place.
However, I came through alright, but I am crippled now with rheumatic.
The men were initially awarded 1,000 in compensation, but were subsequently paid another 1,385.
Each payout prompted a thank-you letter from Mr Furlong, the first saying it would pay half of the mortgage on my house, but adding it was a pity it was not more.
However, even one must be thankful for small mercies, he added. Thanking you, once again.
The subsequent thank-you was even more cheery in tone.
I am a very happy man now, as I had paid off the mortgage of my house and have a few pound left over, which will come in my handy, it read. So, let me thank you, once again.
Unusually, the compensation applications were initiated by the British government, which encouraged men to seek remuneration when another successful applicant passed on the names of his friends in the camp.
The reports author, Childrens Ombudsman Niall Muldoon, said it raises huge concerns about the serious and ongoing violations of the rights of children waiting for scoliosis treatment.
Dr Muldoon said he had two main objectives in publishing the report, Waiting for Scoliosis Treatment: A Childrens Rights Issue. They were:
To highlight that waiting lists for paediatric spinal surgery have been and continue to be an issue of concern to children, directly affecting their lives and the enjoyment of their rights;
To raise awareness of the principles and provisions of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child applicable in this context.
Mr Muldoon said that as a party to the convention, the Irish State must recognise the right of the child to the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health and to facilities for the treatment of illness and rehabilitation of health.
He said Article 42A.1, a section inserted into the Constitution following the childrens referendum in 2012, recognises the child as a holder of rights but that it would have little meaning unless we begin, as a society, to make childrens rights real.
To do this we must take immediate steps towards the full realisation of childrens rights, and we must hold the State to account, where appropriate, to ensure those rights are vindicated.
Mr Muldoon made a number of recommendations in his report, including that:
No child with scoliosis should have to wait in excess of four months from when the need for surgery is clinically determined;
Child-specific waiting lists be published for all healthcare services in Ireland;
Targets for maximum waiting times for outpatient appointments be established, and reports which monitor these targets are published quarterly.
Dr Aoife Daly, senior law lecturer at the University of Liverpool who spoke at the report launch, said international human rights obligations mean that the State must take into account childrens best interests as a primary consideration when weighing up competing budget allocation and spending priorities.
Mr Muldoon said his office had received complaints from parents of children with scoliosis since 2009 and that the 15-18-month target of the HSE and the Department of Health in relation to waiting times for paediatric spinal surgeries was a matter of concern.
Responding to the reports findings, Health Minister Simon Harris said he welcomed a commitment from the HSE that no child will wait longer than four months for such a procedure by the end of the year.
He said a range of measures will be used to get to this target, including additional theatre capacity in Crumlin Childrens Hospital from April.
Analysis: 11
Businesses in the area suggest international exposure of Skellig Michael, since its use as a spectacular location in The Force Awakens, played a role in making 2016 the areas best tourist season ever.
A strategy to develop whats on offer on the Skellig Coast part of the Wild Atlantic Way, stretching from Kells to Castlecove is looking to deal with associated challenges. Among these are the limits to the numbers that can visit the island 12km off the coast, and its 6th century monastic settlement.
Tourist businesses are also wary about the short season in which the Skelligs can be reached, and visitors arriving with little other connection to the coast.
Plans for a centre include broadening the focus for potential tourists by telling the story of the monks without having to travel to the island. A Monks Trail Walk in Ballinskelligs may be improved, and Failte Ireland has sought proposals on how to modernise the Skellig Experience Visitor Centre on Valentia Island.
Failte Ireland said: Through the current exposure from Star Wars, there is more and more interest in Skellig Michael from international visitors. Given the importance of Skellig Michael to this area and its limitations on daily visitor numbers, which may be further restricted by weather, it is imperative that we provide visitors with alternative experiences.
Skellig Experience Centre could act as a hub for evening/night-time tours, enabling visitors to experience amazing celestial views.
As well as the monastic island, a Unesco World Heritage Site, the aim is to promote other aspects of the Skellig Coast, such as its status as Europes only gold-tier Dark Skies reserve. The visitor centre could act as a hub for evening and night-time tours, enabling visitors to experience some of the worlds best celestial views on offer to the naked eye, and linking with associated businesses.
Another project to be developed will centre on Daniel OConnell, linking his birthplace in Caherciveen, his home in Derrynane, and instilling in tourists how his native area inspired his 19th century political work for Catholics right to vote in parliamentary elections.
The opportunity to hear and speak Irish, and to listen to or learn Irish music, in the local Gaeltacht will also be pushed.
Other projects to be pursued include a food touring route map to showcase local and regional fare, and creating an interactive experience of the transatlantic cable story. The 150th anniversary of the first transatlantic cable communication in 1866 was marked last year at the Valentia Island cable station, for which an application for World Heritage status is being considered by Unesco.
Through the telling of the stories associated with these and other attractions, it is hoped to develop the Skellig Coast as a product that can be strongly marketed. Work has begun on getting local businesses working together, and a Skellig Coast Tourism Network launched in January will be at the centre of that initiative.
As an umbrella body for tourism, community, business, and development groups, it will see communities that previously worked independently uniting to create a broader tourism destination.
The overall plan has been hailed by Kerry County Council as a chance to increase profits for hotels, guesthouses, and other tourism ventures.
While one-in-six have the strongest ambitions to start their own ventures in the future, barely half said their college encouraged entrepreneurial activities.
One-in-four did not think their college encouraged them, and one-in-five were not able to offer an opinion on the question.
The findings raise questions about the ability of higher education institutions to meet government requirements that graduates have the skills to start their own firms.
The survey got the views of 800 Irish students, more than 80% of them still working towards primary degrees and the rest undertaking postgraduate studies.
Their opinions were canvassed as part of the Global University Entrepreneurial Spirit Students Survey (GUESS): 122,000 students responded in 50 countries.
The Irish report, authored by Dublin City University (DCU) business schools Eric Clinton and Roisin Lyons, shows that three-quarters who took part last summer were studying at University College Cork: 10.5% were attending DCU; 8% were at Letterkenny Institute of Technology, and smaller numbers were at University of Limerick (1.5%), Cork Institute of Technology, and Trinity College Dublin (0.6% each).
Nearly two-thirds of participants were female, 85% were Irish, and the questions examined their intentions immediately after they graduated and in five years time.
More than one-in-10 were already trying to set up their own company, while two-thirds hoped it would be their main occupation after graduation.
A further 27% see themselves as entrepreneurs or working in their own business within five years of completing their studies.
But 74% of the surveyed students had not yet taken an entrepreneurship course at their university.
Those taken by one-quarter of students had been compulsory, with lectures, workshops, and guest speakers the most common form of entrepreneurship education.
But events like external competitions, simulating a business venture, developing a prototype, or the chance to deliver a Dragons Den-type business pitch were among the elements used least.
There was a strong tradition of family businesses among the students, with construction, architecture, engineering, and agriculture the more prominent trades.
This research provides interesting insights about family business and succession in the next generation, said Mr Clinton, director of DCUs Centre for Family Business.
Academic institutions need to foster this entrepreneurial mindset and assist the next generation of business owners to start their own firm or engage in the family business succession process, he said.
Education Minister Richard Bruton wants third-level students to have access to facilities that encourage creativity and innovation, as the former jobs minister says that Ireland does not have enough entrepreneurs.
Mr Bruton hopes that a series of third-level summer camps, which his department plans to fund this year, will increase the focus on entrepreneurship in the education and training system.
The political corpse is dead, long live the political corpse.
That famous description by Shane Ross about Enda Kenny last year during the negotiations to form a Government stung bitterly and still angers many in Fine Gael.
But, following his successful trip to Washington, Kenny is in fine form. He has a spring in his step. He stood up to the Donald on the thorny issue of immigration and won widespread applause from international commentators.
Sure, why would he want to go when he is so popular?
Not back in Ireland 72 hours and we were already hearing that he wants to further delay his stay in Government Buildings.
Some in Fine Gael took issue with my description of Kenny as a squatter having lost the election last year, but the tag is now more apt than ever. A majority of the public dont want him to stay, a majority of the Dail dont want him to stay, and even a sizeable portion of his own party would prefer if he just went away.
But, Kenny is not about to make life easy for those eager to unseat him and the mood within Fine Gael for a heave is virtually non-existant.
That is especially true given Kenny managed to lean on and silence those malcontents like Alan Farrell and Pat Deering three weeks ago.
While most of the focus is on Leo Varadkar and Simon Coveney, as of now the likes of Richard Bruton and Frances Fitzgerald cannot be excluded, although they are unlikely to succeed.
The feeling is though that the presence of either in the race will hurt Varadkar more than Coveney. But as to how it all plays out is largely contingent on what Kenny ultimately decides to do himself.
The contenders would like to use the Easter break to hold the race but Kenny is not willing to play by anyone elses rules.
Despite his insistence that he would deal with the matter effectively and conclusively on his return from Washington, now he is home, the mood yesterday is he will not address the matter at this weeks meeting of the Fine Gael parliamentary party.
One minister said last night it could be two weeks before he does so. It was also being put about that Kenny will try and remain until the summer recess in July, which would be pushing the patience and tolerance of his likely successors to the maximum.
Suggestions of Kenny becoming an interim Taoiseach while the leadership contest got under way were floated yesterday by the likes of Brian Hayes, the MEP, with Bruton saying such a scenario was possible.
It seems the political corpse is either decomposing slowly or has come back as a ghost to haunt us all. Either way, we are all left with a bad smell.
This does not mean the country is without debt, but rather that its debt is denominated in Danish currency, the krone.
From our perspective, this should provoke head-scratching and, in time, maybe influence how we order our affairs. Ireland owes around 185bn America owes $20 trillion but for a country with a little more than two million people in work, an over-dependence on tax from foreign companies and significant pension commitments, this is a substantial figure.
Despite enormous and myriad difficulties, despite an accelerating loss of faith in the European project, the EU remains one of the great achievements of modern European history. It is in our interest to rejuvenate it.
The Union has provided, or at the very least facilitated, stability, peace and the kind of economic development that changed Europe from a fractured, bellicose place where people endured real poverty, where people lived in the shadow frequent war and persecution, to what it is today. Despite all of its remoteness, despite its democratic deficit, despite its centralised power, despite its cruelty to Greece, despite that it is dominated by two member states and despite the threat of, or more especially because of it, resurgent, hostile nationalism it remains the best option for the people of Europe who long for a cordite-free future.
Tesla Motors have recently discussed in a conference call that Model 3s are already on the works, while production of Model S has been discontinued. So-called "release candidates" of the newest low-priced Tesla green car have also been introduced by CEO Elon Musk. The "investor-only" conference call also discussed the new $1.2 billion (approx.) capital raise announced this week.
It took Tesla a short time to introduce its newest cheap car. This makes people speculate that the popular electric car company is hitting quality targets faster than expected. Elon Musk explains that prototypes of the car being built now are almost entirely built with production tooling, that's why they call it release candidates instead of the expected beta prototypes.
Musk adds that the quality of the release Model 3 candidates is higher than it was for the Model S or X. Tesla's move to replace the cheap Model S, worth $68,000, with an even cheaper Model 3, at a price of $35,000, is part of Musks campaign of making green cars more easily available to the general consumer. According to Forbes, the electric-car maker have already sent emails to customers last week, informing potential customers interested in Model S that April 16 would be the last day to order the vehicle.
The move would help further distinguish the Model S as a higher-end option for customers, The Motley Fool reports. Musk have also described the feature of the company's newest cheapest car. He explains that the Model 3 only has one screen, whereas the Model S and Model X have two screens with two separate computers powering each screen.
Also, while Model S has three kilometers of wiring, Tesla simplified the wiring system considerably in Model 3 with only 1.5 kilometers of wiring. Several bells and whistles present on a Model S and Model X are also removed on Model 3. There aren't any self-presenting door handles, or falcon-wing doors to reduce the risk substantially in the ramp, and make it just easier to scale.
Uber President, Jeff Jones, has left the car-hailing company. He spent only six months before leaving in the face of unsurmountable, internal crises. Uber CEO, Travis Kalanick has confirmed Jones depature, and the other has also issued a statement confirming his departure from the city transport company.
Kalanick hired Jones in 2016 after both met at an event in Vancouver. Jones was then the CMO at retailer Target. His coming into Uber removed first Uber CEO Ryan Graves as board member. Jones roles indicated he would head Uber's day-to-day operations, marketing and customer support globally.
The Need to Hire A COO Among Other Things Sent Jones Packing
Kalanick's announcement of the need to hire a COO seemed to send Jones packing. According to an email sent to employees, Kalanick said "after we announced our intention to hire a COO, Jeff came to the tough decision that he doesn't see his future at Uber." He added that he regretted making the ad in the papers; raising concerns that he may never have discussed the hire with Jones before the announcement was made in the press, Recode reports.
Analysts say a new COO would possibly outrank Jones, while he had thought he would remain the second-in-command to Kalanick in Uber. Kalanick however admitted that Jones impact on the company would set the course to be followed for several months to come. He thanked the departing company president, and then announced a reshuffle in the organization's top hierarchy.
Jones Caught Up In A Web of Scandals and Poor Company Culture
Jones in a brief statement said he left because it was apparent his career tenets and experience were inconsistent with what he saw in Uber. He said the company's "beliefs and approach to leadership" were not measurable with his own and so had to leave. He thanked everyone and wished the company well in its ride-sharing business.
Meanwhile, the company had been embroiled in a number of scandals and upheavals before Jones joined. They never seemed to abate at his coming and they seemed to increase and even overwhelm him, with many even blaming him for a number of troubles. A former female engineer had accused the top executives of sexual harassment and gender bias and over 200,000 customers deleted the company in a single weekend, Pulse.ng reported. Several other top executives had also left Uber before and after Jones joined the company over one reason or the other.
Angelina Jolie is reportedly caught up in another controversy regarding her sons adoption. An aid worker reportedly stepped up, claiming that she faked documents of the adoption. Meanwhile, Brad Pitt is excited to be reunited with his children again.
Angelina Jolie Allegedly Faked Maddoxs Documents
As if the divorce was not enough, Angelina Jolie is swarmed with another issue and it has something to do with her adopted son, Maddox. She adopted Maddox back in March 2002 from an orphanage in Cambodia and he was her first child with her then-husband, Billy Bob Thornton. Jolie said she went all lengths to make sure that Maddox did not have his biological mother because the last thing she would do was rob a mother of her child.
Now, an aid worker named Mounh Sarath has stepped up saying that he was Maddoxs real father and claims that even the court in Battambang, Cambodia recognizes him. Sarath claims that Jolie allegedly used false information in adopting Maddox to speed up the process of the adoption. Sarath reportedly helped Jolie in facilitating Maddoxs adoption papers but he and the actress have fallen out so he says that Cambodia would be happy not to see Jolie again.
Brad Pitt To Reunite With Kids
Despite the controversy surrounding Maddoxs adoption and the divorce, theres still some happy news going around the Jolie-Pitt family. It has been revealed that Brad Pitt will finally see his kids again after Jolie separated them with long overseas trips from Cambodia to London. According to Hollywood Life, Pitt is genuinely excited to see his kids again after a long time.
The source says that Pitt had it hard since he was separated with his children. The kids are all what Pitt talks about especially now that he misses them so much. The source from Hollywood Life revealed that Pitt is planning to get out as much as he can now and bond with and spoil his kids for as long as he can, even planning to close down Disneyland for a few hours just for them.
Samsung is introducing its new voice assistant with the Galaxy S8 release. Microsoft has Cortana, Apple Siri, and Amazon Alexa. Samsung has Bixby. Here's how Samsung's AI assistant is different from its rivals.
Many tech companies are now investing in digital assistants, as it is believed to be the future of communication. Samsung takes a major step with the Galaxy S8, which will have a dedicated button for the Bixby AI voice assistant. According to American research company Gartner, consumers will use digital assistants as the primary mode of smart home communication by 2019.
Unlike its rivals, Bixby AI voice assistant will only be available in two languages, for now, Korean and English. However, Samsung plans to add US Spanish and Chinese soon. "Bixby Home" can be accessed with the left swipe. So far, it was Flipboard for many devices that could be accessed by swiping left. The smart digital assistant will give you useful suggestion even before you open the mobile function. Samsung's voice assistant will work with just 10 preloaded apps at the moment. While it will work with contacts, settings and image gallery, it won't work for apps like calendar or email.
Samsung Galaxy S8 release will be special because of Bixby AI voice assistant, which is going to have an image-recognition component called Bixby Vision. It can identify types of wine, text for translation and landmarks. Bixby can identify the items and take you to Amazon so that you can buy the products. Soon, Bixby will work with other third-party apps. Bixby is the proof that Samsung has been "fundamentally and conceptually changing" its attitude toward software, the official press release said.
Samsung Galaxy S8's Bixby AI voice assistant is not only about surfing the internet with the relevant keyword. Instead of being a "glorified extension of internet search," Bixby will have a different interface with voice and touch. Injong Rhee, Samsung's head of R&D for mobile software and services, predicted that anything that you could control with touch could be controlled by voice one day, CNET reported.
Just as you thought that Kalashnikov has already reached its ultimate zenith after making the AK-47 rifle, the company is set to be reaching new heights as it has recently announced its bold plan of making an unmanned 20-ton 'robot' tank capable of carrying both machine guns and anti-tank missiles. During the Russian Army 2016 Expo that happened last September, the firm unveiled its first battle bot dubbed as the BAS-01G Soratnik, which means "Comrade-in-arms". Kalashnikov said that it has also expanded into vodka, souvenirs, fashion and video games, but the company's primary focus is still about military weapons where the company has been made well-known.
Kalashnikov's Unmanned Combat Vehicle
According to Digital Trends, the plan for the unmanned combat ground vehicle, or UCGV, is to carry machine guns and anti-tank missiles, and weigh in at 20 tons. Given the fact that the company has previously debuted its 7-ton BAS-01G Soratnik unmanned vehicle in December, showing off its impressive capabilities to the Russian Ministry of Defense, which, in turn, has outfitted with four anti-tank rockets and a machine gun, Kalashnikow is considerably not a stranger when it comes to UCGVs. Now, the new UCGV is slated to be as big as U.S. Army M1126 Stryker ICV, which is roughly three times the size of the old Soratnik.
With the new UCGV, Daily Mail reported that it doesn't just enable soldiers to operate the machine remotely within six miles, but it can also operate on its own with varying degrees of autonomy. It was found that the company's CEO has first revealed its plans for the massive machine in an interview with TACC, a Russian news site after being asked if the firm had plans for other combat automated systems besides the first Soratnik. In one of his statements, Alexei Krivoruchko, Kalashnikov Concern CEO has revealed that these works are already underway being a reconnaissance-strike complex that would weigh 20 tons as compared to its previous 7-ton combat vehicle.
What Else Do We Have To Know?
As of the press time, it remains unclear as to how the new 20-ton monstrosity will perform in terms of speed. However, the bigger question lies to how much autonomy such a drone tank should be given, and while the company is yet to reveal any particular detail, the previous model was found to have the ability of carrying out specific tasks without human intervention.
The exhibition match between the Leader of The Pride Trooper Toppo and Goku ended prematurely due to the interruption of the Grand Priest, Daishinkan. Right now, each universe needs to find 10 of their strongest warriors to represent them in the Tournament of Power.
The World Of The Void
While most of the universe are busy trying to find these special fighters, the strongest four are more concerned about the rules that were laid out by The Grand Priest. The stage where the fight will happen which is in The World Of The Void will somehow eliminate some of the abilities of the fighters, especially Hit The Assassin. It seems that the God Of Destruction for Universe 6, Champa, already knows that they are doomed but Vados seems to have a plan.
Hit The Assassins Nerf
The World of The Void is the stage where the 80 man battle royal will happen. What makes this stage very special is, it literally encompasses nothing. It is the world where time and space don't exist. With that said, Hit The Assassins time skipping ability is not possible in the World of The Void. Also, Hit is an assassin which means that his full capability as a fighter comes out when he is about to kill somebody. Unfortunately, that is also not allowed basing on the new rules by The Grand Priest, Daishinkan.
Universe 7s Fate
Universe 7 will also need to make a major adjustment with regards to the Tournament of Power as flying is permanently banned. Goku might have discovered a new form which is capable of defeating other fighters from the multiverse but Goku cannot do it alone. Universe 7 should also be more cautious about the tournament as the multiverse just presented 25% of the fighters.
Lastly, when Jiren The Grays name was mentioned, it seems that the multiverse fear the strongest fighter in Universe 11. Right now, Goku must find the strongest 10 and if not, Universe 7 will be blown up by Omni-King.
The most recent Google leak reveals that the company might actually be working on a massive smartphone for 2017. This specific smartphone won't be a follow-up to last year's Pixel or Pixel XL. This phone will be a "third phone" from Google's 2017 lineup. Apparently, there will be actual Pixel and Pixel XL successors and there will also be a new smartphone model to be introduced. It was said that the regular models are currently code named Muskie and Walleye while the massive unit is code named Taimen. What is unclear at this point is whether Taimen will also be a Pixel phone or not.
It's no longer a shocking news that Google once again used fish's names for their internal smartphone codes. For the unaware, the Nexus 4 was named Mako while the Nexus 5 was named Hammerhead. The Nexus 6, on the other hand, was called Shamu while the Nexus 5X and 6P were called Bullhead and Angler respectively. Last year's Pixels went by the code names Sailfish and Marlin.
Nevertheless, the obvious point of all these code names is that Google normally uses these names as hints about the actual products. With that said, with Taimen being a huge aquatic animal from the salmon family, the Google Taimen phone could be a massively-sized smartphone. The company is quite a well-known phablet maker, so this new leak is pretty much believed by most mobile experts.
Google has already confirmed that they will update their smartphone line this year. The company also specified that the upcoming devices will remain premium in nature. Company executive Rick Osterloh said that fans can count on a Google phone successor this 2017, even if he can't confirm the release date just yet. If tradition is to be followed, though, the next Google phones could show up later this year.
During my years as a high school teacher, I was pregnant twice. I remember having a conversation with my former principal during one of those pregnancies. While I don't recall many of the details of our exchange, there was one statement that will forever be branded in my memory.
"I know you're really emotional right now because you are pregnant," he said. Needless to say, there was definitely a culture of gender bias at the school, as there is in so many other workplaces. The information security space is no different.
Joyce Brocaglia, CEO and founder, Executive Womens Forum on Information Security, Risk Management & Privacy (EWF) and Lynn Terwoerds executive director, EWF co-authored the 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study: Women in Cybersecurity. What they found is that the statistics around gender are quite slow to change.
Women still only comprise 11 percent of the global information security workforce, said the EWF study. They also found that 51 percent of women in the cybersecurity industry in North America, Latin America and the UK have experienced some form of discrimination.
Yet, when I talk with women in the industry, most acknowledge they know it's out there, but it's never happened to them personally.
According to a recent ISACA report, "Breaking Gender Barriers", workplace bias is both real and endemic. "Bias against women can be insidious. It can take subtle formsfrom being overlooked in meetings, to having ideas dismissed only to be usurped by male colleagues later, to inexplicably being passed over for promotions."
Moreover, "Only 8 percent of women surveyed by ISACA say theyve never experienced gender bias in the workplace." Yet, the individual stories of having experienced these tendencies of bias toward women remain largely untold.
Who would want to publicly admit that she works at a particular company and then go on to share her negative experiences about her employer?
Deidre Diamond, founder and CEO at CYBERSN said, "Ive been in tech since my first job out of college, but my story is rare, and its not what I hear from a lot of women."
Having had a positive experience, Diamond said that for many women the biases in the work place are very much unconscious and they begin during the interviewing.
"Even for executive-level women who have done amazing things, in their interviews, they hear things like, 'Wow, your resume is so impressive. What level did you contribute?'"
Though seemingly innocuous, the question itself can have biased undertones, particularly if one were to record two interviews side by side.
"If it were a man who had been VP of products, they might say, 'You guys accomplished a lot. Tell me how you guys did it.' The question is how did you do it? What models did you follow?" Diamond said.
Women who are highly qualified and well educated still deal with having to prove themselves. "More than men have to prove themselves," Diamond said. "They will speak up in a meeting. What they said doesnt get recognized, but when a man says it, the top person applauds."
And there are additional inequities. Both the EWF and the ISACA reports found that wage parity remains an issue as women in the information security industry earn a lower annual salary than their male counterparts at every level.
Forty-three percent of the respondents in the ISACA report said they were being paid less than those with equal skills and experiences. Diamond said, "What my gut and experience tells me is that the disparity exists because women start out making less than what men earn."
It's not that a company offers a lower salary simply because they are hiring a woman instead of a man. Rather, "Women in general are not good negotiators, especially if they are just starting out. Were not good risk takers," said Diamond.
It's far more likely that during the compensation negotiations, women accept a lower offer. Where a woman might accept a $60,000 salary, a man might negotiate $65,000 to $70,000, so the compensation is higher through the life of those two careers.
The key for women is to demonstrate confidence in their abilities from the initial interview. The reality in cyber is that it is very typical for there to be one woman in a room of 30 men, said Liz Maida, co-founder and CEO of Uplevel Security.
Though often the only woman in the room, Maida said she never felt like gender bias inhibited her in her day-to-day life.
"What I do think is really interesting is the different level of comfort that men and women have in expressing confidence in their abilities. That plays a role in the numbers we see," Maida said.
Those who work in technology possess a natural technical aptitude, but the ability to be successful is based on experience, Maida said. "There can be this difference where women who don't happen to have that particular knowledge are hesitant to express confidence that they have the ability to solve that problem."
Women don't want to overstate their ability, but men often take a different approach. "If a man doesn't have a particular knowledge, he is more likely to say, 'I may not know how to do it, but I'm sure I'll figure it out,'" said Maida.
Because they don't want to be braggarts, women are less comfortable tooting their own horns. But, if women unconsciously and subtly exude a lack of self-confidence, how will they ever persist and advance?
One tactic, Maida said, is to say things like, 'I know I have strengths and weaknesses, but these are the things that I am really good at.'
In addition to women playing up their own strengths, "The extent to which the rest of the industry can be aware and understand that when women are talking about their abilities, they may be understating them is also important," Maida said.
Still there are antiquated cultural biases that impact women on issues that really have more to do with working men and women. "There was the assumption when I was about to have kids, that I didn't care about working anymore," said Maida.
True, there's been a lot of talk about how women care about a work/life balance, but resources for child care are things that families need. Having a family while working impacts both men and women. "The solution," said Maida, "isn't that women need a better work/life balance."
As men do, women also want professional responsibility, challenges, and opportunity to grow and learn from role models. Men, however, have had no dearth of role models to emulate.
Female mentors and role models, notwithstanding, women can prevail in cyber. "It's not unlike any other career where women face challenges. They have to take ownership of their own careers," said Heather Ricciuto, academic initiative leader, IBM Security.
Women also need to, "Build a network, find sponsors. If they really want to advance their careers, sponsorship is key--and it doesn't have to be a female. It's also important to have men in their corner," Ricciuto said.
Because managers, in general, assume that a woman -- especially if she has a family -- doesn't want to be in the C-suite, said Ricciuto, "Women need to find their voice; otherwise, other people are going to make assumptions for them."
The inventor of a new lithium-ion (Li-on) technology that is purported to be safer, faster-charging, and longer-lasting than today's rechargeable batteries responded to experts wary of his claim, saying new discoveries invite strong skepticism.
John Goodenough, 94, a professor in the Cockrell School of Engineering at the University of Texas at Austin and co-inventor of the original lithium-ion battery, this week said he demonstrated new battery cells that have at least three times as much energy density as today's Li-on batteries.
Creative Commons Lic. The lithium-ion battery in a Nissan Leaf.
Goodenough invented the lithium-cobalt-oxide cathode in 1980. The battery was originally sold by Sony in 1991 and has become the leading battery technology, powering mobile devices and electric vehicles alike. An energy storage industry, lead by Tesla, is also using rechargeable lithium-ion battery technology.
In an article published Monday by Quartz, various energy experts took exception to Goodenough's claims, stating that they appear to defy the laws of thermodynamics.
[ To comment on this story, visit Computerworld's Facebook page. ]
"It's kind of like cold fusion. Here is an experiment that is unbelievable," Jeff Dahn, a leading researcher at Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, was quoted as saying. "There could be a small possibility that it is right." Dahn's laboratory has a contract with Tesla.
"If anyone but Goodenough published this, I would be, well, it's hard to find a polite word," Daniel Steingart, a professor at Princeton University, told Quartz.
The skeptics appear mainly to take issue with how Goodenough's solid-state Li-on battery could produce energy when two different materials are needed to create an electrochemical reaction between two opposing battery electrodes. Goodenough's solid-state Li-on battery appears to contain only one electrochemical in the opposing electrodes -- metallic lithium or sodium.
In an email to Computerworld, Goodenough said "any new discovery invites strong skepticism."
"In this case, scientists wonder how it is possible to strip lithium from the anode and plate it on a cathode current collector to obtain a battery voltage since the voltage is the difference in the chemical potentials (Fermi energies) between the two metallic electrodes," Goodenough stated. "The answer is that if the lithium plated on the cathode current collector is thin enough for its reaction with the current collector to have its Fermi energy lowered to that of the current collector, the Fermi energy of the lithium anode is higher than that of the thin lithium plated on the cathode current collector."
Tesla Tesla's Gigafactory outside Reno, Nev., began full production of lithium-ion batteries earlier this year.
Goodenough had noted in a statement released by the University of Texas that today's lithium-ion batteries are dangerous and can explode from overheating and short circuits. Lithium-ion batteries can can also catch fire when their electrolytes are exposed to oxygen. There have been a plethora of news reports on mobile devices with lithium-ion batteries that have exploded or caught fire.
Conventional lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous because they contain a flammable electrolyte under pressure. The batteries produce electricity as lithium ions move from the negative electrode to the positive electrode during discharge and back when charging.
"If a battery cell is charged too quickly, it can cause dendrites or 'metal whiskers' to form and cross through the liquid electrolytes, causing a short circuit that can lead to explosions and fires," Goodenough stated.
Instead of the flammable electrolytes, the University of Texas researchers' new battery technology relies on glass electrolytes that enable the use of an alkali-metal anode without the formation of dendrites.
PG&E PG&E's new lithium-ion battery substation, located in Browns Valley, Calif., has 22 Tesla Powerpack units. Tesla is leading the industry in the deployment of lithium-ion batteries for power storage.
Because the solid-glass electrolytes can operate at -20 degrees Celsius, the new battery, if placed in a car, could perform well in subzero-degree weather. "This is the first all-solid-state battery cell that can operate under 60 degree Celsius," Goodenough stated in his paper.
The use of an alkali-metal anode (lithium, sodium or potassium) which isn't possible with conventional batteries increases the energy density of a cathode and delivers a long cycle life, the researchers' stated. In experiments, the researchers' cells have demonstrated more than 1,200 cycles with low cell resistance.
Goodenough and Cockrell School senior research fellow Maria Helena Braga, published their discovery in the peer-reviewed journal Energy & Environmental Science.
"At the University of Texas at Austin, the investigators have demonstrated that plating on a cathode current collector from a lithium anode can give a voltage greater than 3.0 volts," Goodenough stated in his email to Computerworld.
The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the rechargeable battery industry.
The use of Li-ion batteries continues to grow because prices have dropped due to economies of scale. Tesla and its development partner Panasonic are leaders in lithium-ion battery production.
By 2020, Tesla CEO Elon Musk said his company's "Gigafactory" outside Reno, Nev., will produce 35 gigawatts (a gigawatt is one billion watts) of battery capacity, with the objective of driving down the per-kilowatt hour (kWh) cost of battery packs by more than 30%. Tesla offers residential and commercial Li-ion battery systems.
Over the next decade, Li-ion batteries are on track to become the mainstream energy-storage technology, with more than 80% of global energy storage installations using it by 2025, according to research firm IHS. Half of all energy storage installations will occur behind the meter, driven by self-consumption and backup needs.
We are proud that we can offer all of our students, especially the ones who are from our region, four years of the highest quality medical education preparing them to be competitive for the best residencies, Bankston said. We are certain that many of them will return to our region to practice to ease our doctor shortage and provide us the best in patient care. That has been our goal for the 45 years of our existence starting with one year of medical school, four students and four faculty members in 1972.
Miracle Anokwute, left, Dana Jones, David Dimitroff, and Asad Torabi were among the fourth-year medical students who learned where they will spend their residency training after their graduation from IU School of Medicine in May.
More than 42,000 fourth-year medical students in the United States, the largest residency applicant pool in history, concluded a nail-biting week on Friday, March 17, 2017, with the simultaneous, ceremonious opening of the red envelope containing their match.
At precisely 11 a.m. CDT, experiencing the rite of passage known as Match Day, medical students from Indiana University School of Medicine, and across the nation, learned where they would spend the next three to seven years, depending on their specialty, to fulfill their residency training.
Students apply for residencies at medical schools seeking residency candidates early in their fourth year and then wait for invitations to interview. In February, after conducting multiple interviews, they log into the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) database and rank their preferences. At the same time, medical schools select their preferred candidates. Thanks to a sophisticated computerized mathematical algorithm, students top choices are compared against the top picks of the respective programs and the matches are made, in a matter of seconds.
In sharp contrast, from a medical students point of view, matching to ones top choice is a complex and strategic process that really begins as early as the end of the second year.
A strategic, rigorous road
Most of the 27 students who make up IU School of Medicine-Northwest-Garys Class of 2017 were among the sea of future physicians who chose to open their letter publicly among colleagues at Van Nuys Medical Science Atrium in Indianapolis.
Four of them shared their results as well as their journeys to match day their strategies, their anxieties, their hopes and dreams.
Miracle Anokwute, an IU Northwest alumnus who completed the first two years of his medical education at IUSMs Gary campus, is headed to the hospitals of Indiana University School of Medicine where he will spend seven years in training.
Anokwutes chosen specialty, neurosurgery, is one of the more competitive programs. He applied to 50 programs and landed 23 interviews.
He described opening his match letter as one of the best and most unforgettable moments of my life.
I will be at one of the strongest neurosurgical programs and in an environment with faculty that are supportive and genuinely care about seeing me achieve my career aspirations, Anokwute said. I am also very proud and happy for the rest of my classmates who matched this year and are going into all aspects of medicine all over the United States. I cannot wait to see what we will all accomplish.
Asad Torabi, of Munster, will complete all four years of his medical education at IUSMs Northwest campus in May. He ranked 11 programs in internal medicine, mostly in the Midwest, in hopes of remaining near his family.
For me, it came down to the clinical experience being offered, my gut feeling about the program, and the location, Torabi said.
When he opened his letter, he learned where he will spent his next three years: Indiana University School of Medicine in Indianapolis, one of his top choices. He said this is a good fit for him and there will be plenty of opportunities to prepare for a fellowship, perhaps in cardiology, which he anticipates will follow his residency.
Torabi shared that while there is no magic formula; students are advised to interview with at least eight programs. Anecdotally, this seems to be the threshold at which students will get a successful match.
David Dimitroff, a career-changer who did not embark on the medical school path until the age of 31, specializes in pediatrics. He has a long-term goal of sub-specializing in pediatric kidney disease.
After landing his top choice out of the 15 he ranked -- University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) -- Dimitroff is poised to do just that. He says he ranked UCLA first because of its reputation for producing leaders in medicine.
They have a strong culture of teaching and medical education, phenomenal research opportunities, and many great mentors who are invested in leading us to our true potential as new physicians, Dimitroff said. The patient diversity in Los Angeles is almost second to none in the U.S. In addition, they have a very well-known pediatric nephrology service, so I thought that because this is my end career goal, it would be an incredible opportunity to get high quality, early exposure to the field. I was also very impressed with the program directors and immediately felt comfortable with them.
Reflecting on his journey, Dimitroff knew he could not waste any time getting the application process underway. The Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) opens for submissions just after the start of the fourth year, in September. Dimitroff landed his first interview on the Monday after the applications opened.
Like most fourth-year students, Dimitroff spent much of the fall semester traveling to interviews, the most harrowing, he recalls, being the back-to-back interviews on the East Coast and West Coast. Nothing like having to travel extensively and put forth your best first impression, all in the midst of finishing medical school.
Dana Jones is a Gary native who completed all four years of medical school at the Northwest campus. She is headed to Rush University Medical Center in Chicago for her residency in obstetrics/gynecology. After applying to 32 Midwestern programs, Jones ranked the 11 interviews she attended. Rush was high on the list, indicating how well IUSM-NW-G prepared her for becoming a physician.
Rush has a great program. The residents are a fun group. I enjoyed meeting them, Jones said. The program directors are invested in the education of the residents. It was a great interview day and I'm glad they had the same sentiments about me. I'm looking forward to great training, personal growth, and a new adventure the next four years.
The road to residency
Amy Han, director of clinical education at IUSM-NW-G, works to ensure that all the pieces are in place for students to fulfill their many requirements and move through the process. She offers them a prescription to follow, keeping an eye on intricacies such as whether they are positioning themselves to get the best letters of recommendation, and more.
They are really beginning to think about their residencies as early as the end of the second year, Han said.
Summarizing the journey of a medical student, Han explained that the first two years are spent learning basic sciences. There is certainly a lot of classroom time, but the basic science years are integrated with clinical education right away. The third and fourth years are spent completing eight clinical clerkships in various specialties.
In the fourth year, there are three more requirements, a sub-internship in a specialty, along with two more clerkships in Emergency Medicine and Radiology. During this phase, students are doing more than just histories and physicals; they are working up entire plans under the supervision of a physician.
Anokwute said sub-internships are a month-long opportunity to really explore the program and see if you are a good fit for that specialty. Getting a good letter of recommendation to accompany your residency application is a primary objective. The experience also helped him formulate exactly what he wanted out of his residency training, which ultimately, is a pathway to the academic side of neurosurgery.
After my away rotations and sub-internships, I knew I wanted a place with a high operative volume, where they were doing a lot of cases, good clinical work, good technical skills but also some form of research available to the residents that can lead to academic jobs later on, he said.
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Several Triad universities have announced the speakers for their spring commencement exercises.
Bakari Sellers, TV news commentator and former South Carolina legislator, will be Winston-Salem State Universitys speaker on May 19.
He practices law with the Strom Law Firm LLC in Columbia, S.C., and is a political commentator for CNN.
In 2006, at the age of 22, Sellers become the youngest member of the South Carolina state legislature and the youngest black elected official in the country. In 2014, he was the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor in the state of South Carolina.
Sellers served on President Barack Obamas South Carolina steering committee during the 2008 election. He is considered to be a rising star within the Democratic Party.
Susan Goldberg, the first woman to serve as editor-in-chief of National Geographic Magazine, will address the Class of 2017 at Salem Colleges commencement exercises on May 20.
Goldberg was named editorial director of National Geographic Partners in October 2015 and editor-in-chief of National Geographic Magazine in April 2014.
She is in charge of all publishing ventures, including digital journalism, magazines, books, maps, children and family, and travel and adventure. She is the tenth editor of the magazine since it was first published in October 1888.
In March 2015, Goldberg received the Exceptional Woman in Publishing Award from Exceptional Women in Publishing.
Margot Lee Shetterly, author of the best-selling book Hidden Figures that became a popular film, will be the keynote speaker at UNC Greensboros commencement on May 12.
A Virginia native, Shetterly worked in finance and media before turning her attention to her book project in 2010. Hidden Figures: The Story of the African-American Women Who Helped Win the Space Race tells the story of pioneering black female mathematicians, known as computers, who worked at NASAs Langley Research Center in Virginia starting in the 1930s.
Her book, published last fall, was adapted into a movie that was nominated for three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Shetterly also is the founder of The Human Computer Project, which seeks to record the names and achievements of the women who worked at NASA as computers, scientists, engineers and mathematicians through the 1980s.
A car used in an alleged bomb threat near the White House on Saturday was stolen in Roanoke on Friday afternoon, police said.
Sean Patrick Keoughan, 29, of Roanoke was charged with false bomb threats and unauthorized use of a vehicle after police said a man drove up to a White House checkpoint shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday and told a Secret Service officer that theres a bomb in the trunk.
The car had been reported stolen from the Discovery Park area of Mill Mountain at 2:36 p.m. Friday, according to Roanoke police spokesman Scott Leamon. He said the vehicle, a rental from Enterprise, was a black Chevy Impala with Indiana tags.
The three occupants of the car were at the Mill Mountain Star overlook when the car was taken, he said. A woman told police she had left the car unlocked and running as she joined the other two people at the overlook. Leamon said the police department was notified by the Secret Service at 3:47 a.m. Sunday that the car had turned up in Washington, D.C.
The vehicle checkpoint where the incident occurred does not give access to the White House grounds, but only authorized vehicles are permitted to pass.
According to a police report, as he was being pulled to the ground by a uniformed Secret Service officer, the man allegedly said, This is a test. The man was taken into custody and his vehicle was searched. There was no indication that anything was found.
From 2008 to 2014, Keoughan was in the U.S. Navy, where he served as an aviation electronics technician and earned multiple awards and decorations, according to Navy records. A spokesman would not say whether Keoughan had been honorably discharged, citing privacy concerns.
Roanoke Circuit Court records show Keoughan was indicted on a charge of heroin possession in December. He is set to appear in court on that charge in May.
The Washington Post contributed information to this report.
Dorchester County Government and the Community Resource Center of Summerville came together on October 28th, 2022 to announce their first ever joint Christmas for the Dorchester Toy Drive. Read moreChristmas collaboration bringing joy to those in need
The Senate Judiciary Committee [official website] began hearings [materials] on Monday for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch [Politico profile]. Each of the 20 senators on the committee, as well as Gorsuch himself, began the hearing by providing opening statements. Democrat members appeared to focus [Fox News report] on a case where Gorsuch sided against a driver who was fired for leaving behind his cargo in subzero temperatures when his brakes stopped working. Gorsuch refuted such criticisms, stressing that as a judge he is guided by law and the facts, stating [politico report] that:
I ruled for disabled students, for prisoners, for the accused, for workers alleging civil rights violations and for undocumented immigrants. Sometimes, too, I ruled against such persons. My decisions have never reflected a judgment about the people before me only a judgment about the law, the facts, and issue in each particular case.
There are some Democrats who appear to refuse consideration of Gorsuch in light of Republicans blocking Obama nominee Merrick Garland. Senate Judicial Chairman Chuck Grassley stated he hopes to have the panel vote on the nomination by April 3 and a floor vote by the Senate on April 8. Monday was an introductory hearing while Tuesday and Wednesday will put Gorsuchs record under the microscope before the final hearing on Thursday.
Supreme Court appointments have been a highly politicized issue [JURIST op-ed] over the past year, since the passing of Justice Antonin Scalia. President Donald Trump nominated Gorsuch [JURIST report] in January to fill the late Justice Scalias Supreme Court seat. Some have argued that Gorsuchs nomination should be contested and blocked after the nomination of Judge Merrick Garland by former president Barack Obama expired in January without a vote [JURIST reports]. Others argue that judicial appointments deserve to be treated in a non-partisan manner [JURIST op-ed]. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit [JURIST report] in November attempted to force a vote on former nominee Garland.
More than 850 family members of victims of the 9/11 attacks filed a lawsuit [complaint, PDF] Monday against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia [government website]. The suit alleges that Saudi Arabia provided support to al Qaeda [BBC profile] in multiple ways. First, it alleges that Saudi Arabian charities ran terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, working hand in hand with Osama bin Laden. The suit also claims that the government of Saudi Arabia directly funded al Qaeda by providing passports and transportation across the globe. Finally, the suit contends that certain Saudi officials worked with the hijackers in the US for the 18 months leading up to the attacks. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages, with the primary motive on trying to hold Saudi Arabia accountable for the attacks.
This legal challenge only became available after congress passed the Justice Against State Sponsors of Terrorism Act [materials], which provided the legal recourse to sue foreign governments over the 9/11 attacks. After the bill passed in both chambers of congress it was vetoed [JURIST report] by President Barack Obama in September, who argued that the bill would open US diplomats and servicemen to suit abroad. Congress overrode the presidential veto [JURIST report] in a bipartisan effort. The law was quickly condemned by Saudi Arabia [JURIST report].
[JURIST] Judge Derrick Watson [official profile, PDF] of the US District Court for the District of Hawaii [official website] stood by his ruling [opinion] against President Donald Trumps revised travel ban [text] and denied a motion [motion, PDF] on Sunday from the Trump administration to narrow his ruling. Watsons Wednesday ruling ordered a stop on Trumps revised ban. Watson denied the motion on Sunday, explaining [LAT report] that the scope of the courts ruling was clear. Watsons ruling, unlike the ruling [opinion] from a Maryland judge, ordered a stop on refugee quotas.
Trumps travel bans have engendered significant courtroom drama. On Friday the Washington federal judge who ruled against Trumps original travel ban declined [JURIST report] to reinstate the injunction on the amended ban. On Thursday the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied [JURIST report] a rehearing of Trumps original immigration order. Two weeks ago the Department of Justice withdrew [JURIST report] their appeal after Trump signed his revised ban. The DOJ had originally sought the appeal [JURIST report] in February.
[JURIST] The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY) [official website] on Monday began hearing an appeal [text, PDF; BIRN report] by Jadranko Prlic, Prime Minister of the Croatian Republic of Herzeg-Bosnia, an unrecognized entity within Bosnia and Herzegovina, and five of his former senior military officials. The six were sentenced [JURIST report] in May 2013 for crimes against humanity, violations of the laws or customs of war, and breaches of the Geneva Conventions [text, PDF] during the 1992-95 Bosnia-Herzegovina conflict. The six deny that there was a criminal enterprise to systematically remove Bosniaks from Bosnia and are seeking a retrial or to have their sentences reduced. According to a statement [press release] released by ICTY, the Prlic et al. trial was one of the tribunals largest and most complicated, adding that a total of 326 witnesses appeared over 465 trial days. The hearing is expected to last seven days. A ruling is expected by November.
The ICTY convicted [press release] the six for persecuting, expelling and murdering Bosniaks during the war. The sentences, ranging from 10 to 25 years, were handed down by a three-judge panel for crimes including murder, rape, illegal expulsion and torture. The longest sentence of 25 years was given to Jadranko Prlic [case materials], former leader of the Croatian Community. The other high-ranking political or military figures convicted included Bruno Stojic, Slobodan Praljak, Milivoj Petkovic, Valentic Coric and Berislav Pusic. The ruling also specifically named the late president of the Republic of Croatia Franjo Tudjman [BBC profile] and his former defense minister Gojko Susak as key participants in the crimes against humanity. In the ruling, Judge Jean-Claude Antonetti stated that the torture and murder of Bosniaks were not the random acts of a few unruly soldiers, but part of a plan to permanently remove Muslims from territory claimed by Bosnian Croats. The trial against the six accused began [JURIST report] in April 2006. Since its establishment in 1993, the ICTY has indicted more than 161 people for violations of humanitarian law committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 2001. The Bosnian war left approximately 100,000 people dead and about 2.2 million homeless.
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Union leaders in Australia say a pay and conditions row with Lactalis majority-owned dairy producer Parmalat, which saw employees locked out of a plant in the state of Victoria, is over.
Sixty workers were locked out at the site in Echuca in January, after the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union (AMWU) and Parmalat managers failed to reach agreement on proposed new employment conditions which the AMWU claimed would see workers working longer hours for less pay and conditions.
However, the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU) said yesterday (20 March) AMWU members, together with those of the Electrical Trade Union, had voted to accept an agreement that includes wage rises, improved redundancy provisions, and mandated consultation if contractors are brought in.
ACTU secretary Sally McManus said: This new agreement is a huge win for the Parmalat workers in Echuca who have been locked out of their workplace for more than two months.
McManus said no Australian should be locked out of their workplace and be threatened with pay cuts we must fix the unfairness in our industrial relations laws.
Parmalat Australia could not be immediately reached for comment. Local media quoted a spokesperson for the company as saying terms and conditions for employment at the plant remain largely unchanged, however, employees will receive a 2% wage increase over the next three years. In years two and three, wage increases will be set at 2%, or the national CPI for the June quarter, whichever is higher.
Parmalat Australia CEO Craig Garvin said previously: Parmalats aim is to produce high quality yogurts and dairy products safely and efficiently at the Echuca site. This will allow us to be competitive in one of Australias lowest margin food sectors. If Parmalat can achieve this aim, it will create local employment and broader community benefits such as long-term supply agreements with local dairy farmers.
Wealth does not necessarily translate into influence. This can be seen from two sub-lists of the Hurun Global Rich List 2017 released on March 7.
The top 10 entrepreneurs on China's social media Sina Weibo are not all from the richest families in the country. Let us take a look at those who not only have the deepest pockets, but also wield influence on social media.
No 10 Jiang Nanchun
Sina Weibo followers: 8.25 million
Two of five edible oil companies operating in South Africa at the centre of price-fixing allegations have failed in their attempts to block investigations by anti-trust authorities.
Willowton Oil and Cake Mills (Willowton) had its application to stop the Commission from reviewing documents seized from its offices last year turned down by the Kwazulu-Natal and Gauteng Divisions of the High Court of South Africa.
Another of the firms under investigation, Wilmar Continental Edible Oils and Fats, lost a similar application earlier this month, when the Gauteng Division of the High Court ruled the Commission could review hard copies of documents seized from that company.
If the rulings had gone in the firms favour, it would have effectively stopped the investigations against them, the Commission said.
Willowton and Wilmar are among five businesses the Commission suspects of engaging in a cartel that is claimed to have started in 2007 and is still ongoing. The Commission obtained search and seizure warrants for raids on the offices of all five companies last year.
The Commission maintains it has reasonable grounds to suspect that Willowton, Wilmar, FR Waring, Africa Sun Oil Refineries and Epic Foods are engaged in cartel conduct which includes price fixing. The Competition has accused them all of fixing prices for refined edible oils including baking fats and margarine.
Willowton and Epic have previously denied involvement in anti-competitive activity.
A spokesperson for Willowton told just-food today (21 March) the company had no comment to make on the latest development and is consulting with its legal team. Wilmar could not be contacted for comment.
According to the Commission, all of the companies involved, with the exception of Epic, have now launched legal bids aimed at stopping the Commission from reviewing seized documents.
The Commission said it filed papers yesterday to oppose Africa Sun Oils move at the High Court in KwaZulu-Natal. Tomorrow, the Commission is set to oppose FR Warings application at the KwaZulu-Natal Division of the High Court of South Africa to set aside the Commissions search and seizure warrant.
Competition commissioner Tembinkosi Bonakele said: The search and seizure operation was conducted with due regard to the rights of all the affected persons. We will therefore not be swayed in our efforts to clamp down on the exploitation of consumers by cartels, particularly in the food and agro-processing sector.
Martin McGuinness, the former Northern Ireland deputy first minister who has died from heart disease at 66, went from being a firebrand commander in the proscribed Irish Republican Army to a peacemaker, helping negotiate the Good Friday Agreement in 1998 which formally introduced political power sharing between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.
Sinn Fein's Martin McGuinness smiles during a news conference announcing Michelle O'Neill as his replacement for the upcoming elections, in Belfast, Northern Ireland January 23, 2017. [Photo/Agencies]
McGuinness, a committed republican who wanted an end to British rule in Northern Ireland and reunification with the Republic of Ireland, ended up shaking hands with Britains Queen Elizabeth and becoming close friends with Ian Paisley, the fiery leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, which strongly favored remaining part of Great Britain.
As a result of the elections which followed the Good Friday agreement, the DUP became Northern Irelands biggest political party; Paisley became first minister of the Northern Ireland government and McGuinness his deputy.
Politicians and Britons of all political hues were taken aback by the friendship which ensued given the enmity between the communities and parties they represented; the popular press referred to the pair as The Chuckle Brothers" after a showbiz comedy duo.
Winston Churchill once described a political foe as an enigma within an enigma", which to a certain extent described McGuinness.
Edward Daly, the Catholic bishop of Derry, once said: In many ways Martin McGuinness is an exemplary man. He is a good father, a good husband, a strong churchgoer, I believe him to be honest and upright in his personal conduct. No, my only quarrel with Martin was with the legitimacy and morality of using violence for political purposes."
Born into a Roman Catholic family of seven children in the depressed, Catholic area of Bogside in Derry/Londonderry, he said he rapidly realized Catholics were subject to rampant discrimination -he was turned down for a car mechanics job because, he was told, it was for Protestants only.
A UK delegation of business experts is in China to discuss trade opportunities between the two sides after Britain leaves the European Union.
During the week-long trip to Beijing and Shanghai, economists and lawyers from the UK Trade Policy Observatory at the University of Sussex will be meeting business groups, officials and China-based UK government representatives.
The trip comes ahead of British Prime Minister Theresa May's expected visit to the world's second-largest economy this year.
Ingo Borchert, a UKTPO economist, said high on the agenda would be the challenge in achieving post-Brexit trade deals that work in the world of global supply chains.
Borchert said: "China is an increasingly important trade partner for the UK and our exports to each other contain a large share of components made in third countries."
He added: "Goods trade, services trade and investments become increasingly interlinked, thus deep trade agreements need to address a range of trade and trade-related areas. Therefore, any meaningful free trade agreement would have to be comprehensive, both with the EU and other countries, such as China."
The economist pointed out that such an approachis likely to mean that the UK would need to surrender some degree of policy sovereignty.
Also under discussion during the visit is the role of the World Trade Organisation.
Emily Lydgate, A UKTPO lawyer specializing in international trade law, said: "With Trump's America signaling high trade barriers and distancing itself from even openly attacking the WTO, China is poised to step in as champion of liberal, multilateral trade."
She said: "The WTO is playing an important role in Brexit, providing much-needed stability."
The UKTPO was put together in a partnership between the University of Sussex and Chatham House, an international-affairs think tank. The group has been working with the UK government, industry and public in addressing international trade challenges posed by Brexit.
This trade visit is just the latest in the deepening links between the University of Sussex and China.
This week, the educational institution is holding its second overseas graduation ceremony in Shanghai where university leaders will be meeting with partner universities, such as Renmin University of China, to discuss strengthening ties.
European Union negotiators will spend the next month finalizing their strategy for Brexit talks, which will be adopted at a European leaders meeting on 29th April, while UK is scheduled to trigger the leaving button next Wednesday.
But the formal talks could not start until June or July because the EU legislative procedures need to be followed, according to officials.
European Council President Donald Tusk announced the plan on Tuesday when he met Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Brussels.
"In view of what was announced in London yesterday, I would like to inform you that I will call a European Council on Saturday 29th April to adopt the guidelines for the Brexit talks,"said Tusk.
British Prime Minister Theresa May told Tusk that she will send a letter to European Council on Wednesday (29th March) to officially trigger Article 50 of Lisbon Treaty, which starts the two-year process of UK's divorce procedure.
Tusk told May he would distribute his guideline responses to May's letter among the leaders of the EU27 within 48 hours of next Wednesday.
On Tuesday, he said a summit will be called on 29th April to adopt the guidelines of talks.
The leaders of the remaining 27 EU members will be meeting in Rome this Saturday to mark the 60th anniversary of signing Rome Treaty, which is one of the essential documents cementing the single European market.
Since the Brexit referendum last June, the leaders of the 27 countries have met several times to unify their stances while the far-right forces, nationalism and populism have threatened to destroy the process of European integration.
It is expected that the formal talks will not be held until June, though European Union and UK have both formed their teams ahead of the talks.
The guidelines on EU sides should go through European Parliament voting procedures before the talks start. The official negotiations should last only a year and half and the next half year is needed to go through legislative l procedure on both sides.
Tusk said the main priority for the negotiations must be to create as much certainty and clarity as possible for all citizens, companies and Member States that will be affected by Brexit.
"I personally wish the UK hadn't chosen to leave the EU, but the majority of British voters decided otherwise,"said Tusk.
"Therefore, we must do everything we can to make the process of divorce the least painful for the EU.
The British government announced on Tuesday a cabin-luggage ban on large electronic devices on flights originating from locations in the Middle East and North Africa, following a similar move by the United States.
Turkish Airlines aircrafts are stationed at Ataturk International Airport covered in snow, in Istanbul, Tuesday, Jan 10, 2017. Heavy snow continued to clog roads, shipping traffic in Bosphorus and forced hundreds of flight cancellations in the Turkish metropolis. [Photo/Agencies]
A spokesman for the Prime Minister told reporters that new "necessary, effective and proportionate" security measures will affect passengers on direct flights to the UK from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Passengers will not be able to board a cabin with phones, laptops or tablets that exceed 16 cm in length, 9.3 cm in width, and 1.5 cm in depth.
The UK airlines that will be affected by the ban include: British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson Airways. Foreign carriers that will be affected include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus, Atlas Global, Egypt Air, Tunisair, Royal Jordanian and Saudia.
The announcement follows on from a similar ban outlined by the United States Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday.
The US ban affects nine Middle East and North African carriers from 10 international airports in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan.
Passengers destined for the US on certain airlines from these airports - that include one of the worlds busiest, Dubai International Airport - may not bring large electronic devices such as laptops, DVD players and tablets into the cabin.
Passengers are allowed to carry small electronic devices such as phones, though the announcement did not specify dimensions, leaving some to wonder whether large phones or so-called phablets will fall under the ban.
A statement from the US government read: "Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items."
In the statement, the US government cited the downing of a plane in Somalia in 2016 as well as attacks on airports in Brussels and Istanbul and the downing of a Russian aircraft in 2015 after it left Sharm-El-Sheik.
Greater elasticity at the cost of cohesion. Can such architectural change of the Union help to save the European project?
We do not have adequate political institutions to deal with a crisis of the magnitude of 2008. We always act too little, too late.
Guy Verhofstadt
The EU has been shifting to a security paradigm. Benefiting from the growing mood of anxious uncertainty among the people, European-bred populists are redefining the very notion of security, taking it back to the traditional sense of strong national identities and isolationism. This is accompanied by strikingly different ambitions regarding the level of integration among the member states.
Multi-speed Europe
At a meeting in Versailles on March 6, the leaders of Germany, France, Italy and Spain the four largest remaining EU powers de facto endorsed the concept of a multi-speed Europe, according to Scenario 3 of the Commissions White Paper on the future of Europe.
This scenario the differentiation of cohesion has been in fact in place for some time. As Guy Verhofstadt, the leader of the Liberal Group (ALDE) in the European Parliament, points out, effectively we have 12 European Unions, composed of member states participating in certain policy initiatives and not in others: those inside the eurozone and those that are not, those inside Schengen and those that are not, those participating in Justice and Home Affairs cooperation and those that are not.
When EU member states find it difficult to move forward together, the Treaties offer forms of flexible and differentiated integration through the instruments of enhanced and structured cooperation, as a way to overcome stalled negotiations. The enhanced cooperation procedure has already been used in three instances:
with regard to common rules on the applicable law for divorces of international couples, the European patent with unitary effect, and the introduction of a Financial Transaction Tax (FTT).
However, differentiated integration has more often been perceived in the EU as an undesired necessity that should be used only as a temporary solution or action of a last resort. It has never been a permanent element of the EUs architecture and there is no well-structured plan for building a more flexible Europe. What is happening now is the questioning of the paradigm of cohesion, the recognition of the differentiation as a model on the level of the Heads of State and its adoption as a way forward.
If that goes ahead, those who will suffer the most from the unequal rights applied in different member states as a result of the differentiation will be the cosmopolitan nomads, since they benefit the most from the right to move freely between the member states. As Ross Douthat rightly points out, they travel the world between increasingly interchangeable cities, transforming difference into similarity and familiarity for their own comfort. On the other hand, the communitarian settlers, whose support for populist parties is growing across the Union and who feel increasingly estranged from cosmopolitans, will probably not even notice the difference.
It would be fair to say that the EU has been giving much more attention to nomads than to settlers, while the latter constitute the majority of its population.
How should a flexible Union function?
Jan Zielonka, Professor at the University of Oxford, advocates the neo-medieval model of integration based on autonomous functional networks without a strong European centre. In his book Is the EU doomed?, Zielonka notices that states were not necessarily the best agents of integration. They tried to use the EU for their own parochial ends without committing any significant resources to common endeavours. He adds that diversity and heterogeneity are normal states of affairs in complex polities and there is no reason to insist on ever greater convergence across the vast European space.
Similarly, Kalypso Nicolaidis, Professor at the Univeristy of Oxford, favours a demoicratic model that involves supranational management of governing together but not as one. According to this model, the EU must become a polity which involves relations between peoples rather than simply states or their official representatives, relations underpinned by the various ways in which the peoples accept and practice their interdependency, including the way they open their own house under the ultimate Kantian requirement of hospitality, writes Nicolaidis in her contribution for a recent book, entitled Re:Thinking Europe.
The paradigm of cohesion
These and other scholars point out that even though it appears more complicated, a flexible Union will be more efficient, democratic, and last but not least enduring. Yet, for Brussels, cohesion has been a synonym to solidarity. Therefore, Piotr Buras reiterates that any differentiation of integration will be perceived as erosion of the solidarity principle.
For Guy Verhofstadt, in contrast, the solution to the European problems is a federal Europe, which however, should not be equated with centralization. On the contrary, he considers it to be an acknowledgement that in todays world there are a number of policy areas which transcend the nation state and many levels of governance, from the local to the continental, which can best function jointly through the principle of subsidiarity.
There is surely a point to Brussels anxiety that dropping the cohesion and solidarity paradigms will threaten the entire European unification project, but for the Brussels Eurocrats, the difference between a multi-speed Europe, variable geometry, or differentiated flexibility is negligible. Their main concern is to avoid giving up on the common narrative and the weakening of the EU institutions.
A step back in integration?
Admitting mistakes, the EU should be able to adopt even such solutions for its structural problems which can be framed as steps back in the integration process. Also, a move towards a flexible Union might include a prospect to carry on with the common narrative of creating the future European demos.
A flexible EU should include the exit clause, but also create conditions in which the member states will not want to use it. As Nicolaidis writes, it is truly a good thing that the peoples of Europe take part in this Union by choice and have the right to leave if they so wish. [] In the EU, like in any modern marriage, nothing is irreversible. [] One can be against both Grexit and Brexit and yet argue for a Europe where both are possible.
The claims that the idea of Europe is in retreat and the European Union is at an advanced state of disintegration are exaggerations exploited by specific political groups. Instead, Brexit should be used as a window of opportunity to discuss possible reforms. In the current political situation, next to the existential dilemma of whether we should have more Europe or less, or the question in which direction Europe should develop, we should also think of who will belong to the future EU.
LEXINGTON Some of the men who served with Cpl. James D. Davis in Vietnam are traveling to Lexington to honor him and invite the public to join them.
A memorial service is planned for noon on April 1. The date coincides with the 46th anniversary of when Davis died.
Davis, formerly of Overton and son of Bill and Rosie Davis, was a member of the Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division.
We want the family and friends to know Jimmy is not forgotten, said Gary Gilliam of St. Louis, who also served in Charlie Company. We invite family, friends and classmates who would like to pay tribute at the memorial to join us at noon on April 1 at his gravesite. He said groups such as Veteran of Foreign Wars, American Veterans, American Legion and Patriot Guard are welcome, too.
Davis is buried at St. Anns Cemetery, located on Road 435, on the eastern outskirts of Lexington.
Gilliam is a member of the Charlie Company Memorial Team that travels the U.S. to remember their fallen brothers from Vietnam.
Some of us have traveled 7,000 miles to provide memorial services for men who died in our unit in 1970-71, he said.
Gilliam said Davis became part of the Charlie Company, 2nd Battalion, 506th Infantry, 101st Airborne Division in October 1970, and became close to those he honorably served. He was a brave young soldier who died serving the country he loved, he said. Gilliam said Davis died taking part in the last major battle of Vietnam, Lam Son 719, which spanned from February to April 1971. With continual daily contact throughout the campaign, Charlie Company fought along with other elements of the 2nd and 506th BN to rescue trapped divisions of the South Vietnamese Army from the clutches of the overwhelming number of enemy combatants of the North Vietnamese Army, said Gilliam.
He said Charlie Company lost five men in this battle. Davis and his fallen brothers were among the 219 Americans who died in the 45 day battle.
Gilliam said the story of the Charlie Company and their strong bond of brotherhood began in the mountainous region in the northernmost province of South Vietnam in 1970 and was rekindled about 12 years ago.
In 2005, 35-years after serving in Charlie Company, one of the men received a phone call from his commanding officer from Vietnam, Captain Bob Seitz, asking him to come to Washington D.C. on Memorial Day to lay a wreath at Arlington National Cemetery for their fallen brothers. Since that time over 100 men who served in Charlie Company during the period of 1970 to 1971 have been located. Annual reunions began in 2007 and continue today.
In September 2015, five Charlie Company men journeyed to Augusta, Ga. to visit the gravesite of Sergeant First Class Domenic Smigliani, who was the platoon leader and a father figure to the men of Charlie Company 2nd Platoon. Smigliani died July 27, 1971 and this was the first time anyone from the unit had visited his gravesite.
We should have done this all along, Gilliam said was the sentiment at the gathering, along with a commitment to visit more graves. That desire was shared with more members of the Charlie Company and a memorial team was formed.
So far, the Charlie Company Memorial Team has visited 15 of the 25 gravesites of fallen brothers. Gilliam said they dont know ahead of time how they will be received, but past experiences have been both positive and healing.
We dont share the hurt and pain part of it, but we do share the bravery, said Gilliam.
Regarding Davis, he said they will talk about his dedication and tenacity to hold off the enemy.
Gilliam said there are 14 men who have committed to be in Lexington, the Charlie Company Memorial Teams largest group to date. They will come from Connecticut, Ohio, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma and Wyoming.
Gilliam said they never know who will show up, but they try to invite family members and alert the public ahead of time.
At another memorial, Gilliam met the sister of one of his comrades who questioned why they were doing this after 46 years.
A Creighton University fraternity, under investigation after a Feb. 11 stabbing at a dormitory, has been suspended until 2025, the university announced Monday.
Creighton suspended the Phi Kappa Psi fraternity because of reports of underage drinking, drug distribution and hazing, according to Tanya Winegard, vice provost for student life at Creighton.
The fraternity chapter has systemic issues that must be addressed, the university said in a press release.
An attorney for the local fraternity was not available for comment Monday evening.
The reported violations were not related to the stabbing but were uncovered during the universitys investigation into the events surrounding the stabbing, said Jim Berscheidt, a Creighton spokesman.
In that incident, 19-year-old Christopher Wheeler, a Creighton student at the time, was accused of attacking another Creighton student with a pocketknife at Gallagher Residence Hall. Wheelers attorney has said that Wheeler had been drugged as part of a hazing at the fraternity and didnt know what he was doing.
Creighton said its investigation revealed that Wheeler had been with Phi Kappa Psi members at their off-campus house the evening of Feb. 10. The knife attack occurred about 1 a.m. on Feb. 11. Wheeler has since been banned from the campus.
Representatives for the local fraternity have denied claims of wrongdoing in that case and said any drug or alcohol use on Wheelers part appeared to have been voluntary.
Creightons investigation into the stabbing continues.
Phi Kappa Psis national organization has been cooperating with Creightons investigation, the university said. The national organization and Creighton temporarily suspended the Creighton chapter shortly after the attack.
Creighton held a conduct review hearing Friday, and it informed Phi Kappa Psi representatives Monday of the decision to suspend the fraternity until 2025.
A thorough investigation of the fraternity by Creightons Center for Student Integrity found multiple, serious violations of the Universitys code of conduct and anti-hazing policies, Creighton said in a press release Monday.
Members of the University Committee on Student Discipline took into consideration the long-standing relationship the University has with Phi Kappa Psi, the university said. Its decision to impose an eight-year suspension came after concluding the systemic issues within the local chapter must be addressed, while hoping the relationship between Creighton and Phi Kappa Psi can be restored in the future.
No Phi Kappa Psi fraternity activity will be allowed until then, but the national organization can contact Creighton in January 2024 to begin re-establishing the fraternity, Berscheidt said.
Phi Kappa Psi also has been suspended at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
UNL placed Phi Kappa Psi on interim suspension in December and elevated it to a full suspension in February, citing likely violations of alcohol use in the fraternitys chapter house and at off-campus parties. UNL also cited concerns about members treatment of pledges and property damage to other Greek houses.
ARTHUR BAY, Neb. Velda Baack was lucky.
Wildfire near Lake McConaughy burned within a foot of her log house Sunday. Others werent so fortunate.
Six homes in Yucca Heights near Lemoyne and two others near Arthur Bay were destroyed, heightening concerns about spring fire season.
The weekend fire at McConaughy claimed about 800 acres, forced the evacuations of homes and closed some roads leading to Nebraskas largest lake.
Baack said some residents found safety in a hotel. Others watched from their cars on the nearby beach.
(It) was really hard, Baack said, watching the smoke and not knowing what would happen.
A neighbor lost her home.
Shes dealing with it, Baack said, but its tough.
There were two outbreaks of the same fire. The initial fire, believed to be human-caused, started at 10:44 p.m. Saturday on West Highway 92 near Arthur Bay. It was out by dawn but rekindled about 11 a.m.
Overheated wheel bearings are believed to have ignited the initial fire, officials say.
That the fire would claim eight homes before being brought under control isnt surprising. Conditions were such that any spark could ignite a fire, and once started, it would race out of control, according to the National Weather Service.
Shawn Jacobs, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said winds were gusting to 40 mph Sunday near McConaughy and the air was exceedingly dry the humidity was down to around 10 percent.
More than 20 fire departments fought the blaze.
The fire mostly stayed north of Nebraska Highway 92 along the reservoirs north shoreline. Flames jumped the highway in a few places and burned pockets between the highway and the Union Pacific Railroad tracks.
No campgrounds or grassland at Lake McConaughy State Recreation Area were damaged, said Superintendent Colby Johnson. None of the commercial development north of the lakes popular Martin Bay was damaged, Johnson said.
The best way to describe where it burned, he said, is between Martin Bay and Little Thunder campground, but north of the tracks and the highway.
Johnson said the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission has created a few fire lines in a defensive move.
The grass is bone dry and we havent had snow or rain for weeks, he said. The fire danger is high.
The Lake McConaughy fire wasnt an isolated incident. A wildfire erupted at nearby Ash Hollow last week.
On Monday, smoke from a grass fire obscured Interstate 29 near Sioux City.
The southern Plains have lost thousands of acres this year and sustained significant economic losses because of fires.
Conditions are primed for a bad fire year in Nebraska because of the abundance of dead grasses and dry wind conditions, said John Erixson, deputy director for the Nebraska Forest Service.
I have to admit Im a little bit nervous about it, simply because it has been so dry, and its been windy, warm and with low humidity, he said. Thats a recipe for disaster.
Remember the Zika virus? In the worst cases, it can cause babies heads to be undersized if their mother had the mosquito-borne virus. In 80 percent of cases, people infested with the virus do not have any symptoms, but if they occur, symptoms are often mild, lasting from several days to a week, and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, red eyes and headache.
Why mention Zika? Because its time for spring break and hundreds of thousands of U.S. college students including quite a few Nebraskans are on their way or already have arrived at destinations where they might contract the Zika virus.
Last week the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services issued a Zika warning to alert spring break partiers to remember to slather on insect repellent and to check whether their spring break destination is a place where Zika-carrying mosquitoes are found.
According to DHHS, Zika has spread to Texas, Florida, Mexico and Puerto Rico and to more than 60 countries and territories worldwide. For the current list of travel advisories, DHHS advises that travelers visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/.
For more information about what to do before, during and after a trip to a Zika-affected area, go to https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/plan-for-travel.html.
As we said earlier, local transmission of Zika has been reported in the United States, and so have other mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue and chikungunya.
Proper mosquito prevention includes:
- Using an EPA-registered insect repellent properly;
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants; and,
- Staying in places with air conditioning or that have screens on doors and windows.
Dont become a Zika statistic. So far, there have been 4,813 travel-related cases of the virus and 221 locally acquired in the United States. In Nebraska, 14 travel-related cases have been IDd.
Moms and dads, it might be worth a text or call to your spring breaker if theyre in Florida or Texas to remind them that, as their parents, you love them and want for them to be safe. Tell them to don protective clothing and spray on some bug juice. Yes, all of that clothing and repellent might scare away bugs, as well as the opposite sex, but your college student will be protected.
This is an open letter to Black Hills Gas Patrons. I am writing to encourage you to make a choice in the Nebraska Choice Gas Program. Dont let your gas rate roll over, you will pay much more.
Did you make a choice in April 2016? If not you probably are paying anywhere from 17 cents to 32 cents per therm more, depending on the roll over rate of the company that you are currently with. The lowest companys roll over rate this year was 69.9 cents per therm (ACE) and the highest companys rollover rate was 86.1 cents per therm. I made a choice with ACE for 54.6 cents per therm last year, 15.4 cents lower than ACEs roll over rate. The year before, I did not choose ACE as the rate was too high.
Had I not made a choice this past year and had let that company roll over its rate, I would be paying 23 cents more per therm. Using my average total yearly therms of 404 over the last five years, I would be paying an extra $93 a year for my gas. Making a choice to me is a no brainer if you want lower gas rates.
Unfortunately, only 45 percent of the gas patrons in the Nebraska Choice Gas Program made a choice last year. That means 55 percent did not make a choice. In Wood River, 57.5 percent of our patrons did not make a choice and let their rate roll over to their current supplier. My goal is to hopefully have more than 60 percent of our patrons make a choice.
My last point I want to make is that Black Hills Gas, which bought out SourceGas, has agreed to only two more years of Choice Gas (ACE was able to negotiate this agreement). In the spring of 2018, they will evaluate the program to see if it continues. Logic tells me that unless more people make a choice this year, Black Hills may not see a reason to continue it. They may assume the people dont care if it continues since the majority do not make a choice.
The Nebraska Choice Gas selection is scheduled to run April 13-27. I would be glad and will provide help to those in my community to go through the process of making a choice. Next week I will provide more details in my community as to when this will happen.
I know it seems complicated, but this year is much simpler than last year. Once you do it, you will find it is not that hard to do. It is projected that gas rates will be up 10 cents-15 cents higher per therm this year. So making a choice is even more important. Who doesnt want lower prices? Make that choice.
Vince Boudreau, Wood River
My relationship with my microwave has dramatically changed. I can no longer look at it as a convenient way to warm a cup of coffee or tea. Now, its an evil instrument capable of allowing outsiders to intrude my life. I have President Donald Trump to thank for this.
Actually, the thanks belongs to one of his top mouthpieces, Kellyanne Conway, who recently made me and all American citizens aware of the lurking dangers posed by a contraption I have used faithfully since its invention.
In defending her bosss so-far-unsupported allegation that Barak Obama tapped his telephone, Conway claimed microwaves are available to government spies for the purposes of eavesdropping on the average American.
Now, when it comes to technology, you could tell me anything and I would believe it, having been born when people in rural areas still used crank telephones and depended on wood stoves to cook. I am also completely unequipped for disputes revolving around technology, even though I am beginning to understand how to get my email off a smartphone.
So, despite the immediate verdict from experts that a microwave cannot be used for such purposes unlike the TV set, as revealed by the leak of CIA documents I took Conways words as gospel.
When her fellow flacks and advisers to Trump rebutted the criticism of her claim by saying, She was just joking, I didnt believe them either. After all, she is the one who discovered alternative facts. How could one not find her credible?
I even repeatedly watched her making the statement and never saw the slightest smile or indication of humor.
These revelations have so unnerved me Ive come to regard the micro with not only a wary eye but as an infernal machine I must use only in an emergency, if even then. Ive even set up a safe room with no modern devices where I can discuss my most private affairs.
I felt like lining it with tinfoil but decided that would over-alarm those whove suspected something amiss about me for some time. My significant other quite certainly to assuage me did acquiesce to whispering when we are alone in the main rooms. Shes a nonbeliever for now.
I did all this despite the fact that anyone listening to my conversations would be sorely disappointed, seeing as my life these days is about as exciting as counting fleas on a dog.
What Im really writing here is a thank you note to Kellyanne and the Donald for injecting my life with a long-missing sense of wonder and for giving me vibes of incredulity I havent felt for some time.
Russian connections, alleged domestic wiretapping of a president-elect, executive orders that sound like the words of a despot, daily twitters, a budget that looks like it might be the first step to a military coup, disparagement of the courts, health care that could leave millions in the lurch, the virtual shutdown of domestic and foreign programs that help the deprived, and, of course, microwave eavesdropping.
Thats just the beginning. What will come of all this? The presidents Republican party has begun to show some dismay about the microwave-like issues, including the abolition of Obamacare, which could become Trumpcare a package that would extend the hand of hope to 24 million fewer Americans.
Dan Thomasson is an op-ed columnist for Tribune News Service and a former vice president of Scripps Howard Newspapers.
Glen Murray talks to media at Queens Park in Toronto on Thursday, December 12, 2013. Ontario's cap-and-trade system aimed at lowering greenhouse gas emissions begins in earnest Wednesday with its first auction, which other provinces said they will be watching closely as they consider their own carbon pricing plans.THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
In this photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, damaged and blocked street where clashes erupted between the Syrian government forces and rebels, near the Abbassiyin square, east Damascus, Syria, Monday March 20, 2017. Syrian government forces on Monday regained control of parts of Damascus that were attacked and captured by rebels and militants the previous day, with the two-day fighting leaving dozens dead on both sides, the military and an activist group said. (SANA via AP)
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Smallest man in the world! Just 23 inches tall & weighing 15lbs
A man is being worshipped as the reincarnation of a Hindu God after a mystery condition left him just 23 inches tall. Manpreet Singh, 21, is the same height and weight as a six month old baby and is believed to be one of the smallest people in the world. Currently undiagnosed, his condition remains a mystery. But now locals in Punjab, India, consdier him a deity and visit him daily to be 'blessed'. His is weight as 7.46 kilos.
Mr Singh was born a healthy baby boy, but his parents Jagtar Singh and Manjeet Kaur say his growth suddenly stopped when he was six months old.
Sadly, doctors have never examined him properly as his family have never been able to afford medical treatment.
Jagtar said: 'We don't have money to pay for his treatment.'
Additionally, Mr Singh is unable to talk and walk - he stopped moving his legs when he was three. But his family insist that he still brings joy to his fellow villagers. Read More...
Irish Water is taking in charge the administration of over 3,000 business customer accounts in Kilkenny.
By the end of this month, the change will see the responsibility for account administration for existing business customers move to Irish Water from the local authority.
In a statement, Irish Water staid that charges for business customers, credit terms and the frequency of billing will remain unchanged while this transition is taking place.
Business customers in Kilkenny will now have a single point of customer contact for all queries in relation to water supply, wastewater treatment and business account management. Irish Water will contact all 3,066 business customers and other affected groups in Co Kilkenny directly, over the coming weeks. Bills will be issued from Irish Water directly, as they fall due, from March onwards.
Irish Water began the process of billing transfer on a phased basis in mid-July and to date administration for 24 counties including Wexford, Waterford, Tipperary and Wicklow have successfully been transferred to the utility. Prior to bills being issued, Irish Water will contact customers directly in each county to explain what is happening. Any customer with a query in relation to the process can contact Irish Water on 1850 778 778 or 01 707 2827.
In Kilkenny, Irish Water is currently progressing work on a number of key water infrastructure projects, including the Kilkenny Regional Water Supply Scheme. This includes upgrades to the Outrath reservoir and network and the Troyswood Water Treatment plant. In addition to this there has been significant investment in watermains replacement in the county over the past year, including approximately 1m to replace over 7km of watermains in areas including Carrigeen, Ballygriffen, The Sweep, Owning and Belline.
Elected representatives seeking further information from IrishWater in relation to how the administrative change will affect business customers in their constituency should contact our dedicated elected representatives support desk.
Kingstree, SC (29556)
Today
Partly cloudy. Near record high temperatures. High 83F. Winds light and variable..
Tonight
Partly cloudy skies. Slight chance of a shower throughout the evening. Low 58F. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph.
Hydrogen component of the other fuel and competing technology to lithium-ion batteries that power our world today. Advantages are obvious when it comes to powering a car since hydrogen can be distributed as a pressurized liquid via fueling stations not too different from the ones we are used to. Hydrogen would remove the aspect of range anxiety associated with lithium-ion batteries and their sensitivity to temperature. Alas, even more than lithium-ion batteries, compressed liquid hydrogen is a safety risk as it will burn or explode in contact with oxygen.
What if hydrogen was a solid, a metal that could be liquefied only as needed to serve as a fuel component? Isaac Silvera, professor of natural sciences at Harvard University in Cambridge, MA, may have accomplished just that. Tech Metals Insider spoke with Professor Silvera to learn more.
Solidifying hydrogen as such is a very standard and straight forward process, Silvera proceeds to explain. If you cool a material from high temperature to low temperature it goes from a gas to a liquid to a solid. If you cool hydrogen down to just under 14 degrees Kelvin it becomes a molecular solid. It was predicted by Wigner and Huntington about 80 years ago that if you then compress it to a sufficiently high density the molecules will get closer and closer to each other and then associate to form an atomic solid. That atomic solid is a metal.
Calculations predicted that the pressure needed would be 4-5 million bars, and thats what Silvera managed to apply. How was it accomplished? Silvera: We use a device called a diamond anvil cell, which has been in existence for many decades. It uses a gasket with a hole in it; the hydrogen is in that hole and we press on it with two opposing diamonds. You can see the sample through the diamonds.
At lower temperatures hydrogen is transparent like glass, so you can see through it. As we went up in pressure to about 4 million atmospheres, the hydrogen turned black. At a pressure which we determined to be almost 5 million atmospheres, 4.95 million to be precise, it became shiny. When measuring its reflectance we found that it was that of a metal.
Silveras unique achievement is to apply such high pressure on hydrogen. Diamond anvil experiments usually have their limits because the diamonds break. His team took special precautions using knowledge accumulated over many years to prepare their diamonds in such a way that they would withstand such a high pressure, and they succeeded.
It has been predicted, theoretically, that hydrogen may be metastable, meaning that if you release the pressure it will stay in its metallic form, much like graphite turns into a diamond under sufficient pressure. This hasnt been shown to be true for hydrogen yet and will be experimentally determined by Silvera and his team in months to come.
What if this was shown to be true? Silvera: We estimate the density of metallic hydrogen to be about 15 times higher than liquid molecular hydrogen. It is possible that if you made a small seed of hydrogen you could then grow it to a larger scale through epitaxial growth, a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method similar to how you make synthetic diamonds.
The key question, of course, is if molecular hydrogen can be returned into a liquid state, making it usable as a fuel component. Silvera: There are different predictions concerning this point. If we have hydrogen under pressure in our anvil and we heat it up, then it should eventually go from solid to liquid. But we havent done that. Our plan is to eventually release the pressure, and see what happens to the crystal we created. If something is metastable it has what is called a metastability temperature. If something is metastable and you heat it up it will eventually go to its lower energy state, like a diamond that will turn to graphite. What we will do is cool the hydrogen down to 5 Kelvin, then slowly release the pressure and if it remains as metallic hydrogen we would heat it up until we see it convert to molecular hydrogen. It would disappear then and become a gas.
Luckily, the answer wont take long as their experiments proceed swiftly. Silvera expects results within a few months, and we will be close to report on their outcomes.
Juan Pablo Granda, an operations manager at an American metals-refining company, has denied all the charges laid against him in relation to South American multibillion-dollar gold smuggling ring, promising to fight the arrest, Bloomberg reported.
Granda, 35, was arrested on March 15 when he returned to Miami, U.S. from South American jungles, where he was allegedly sent by NTR Metals to buy gold for smelting.
The suspect has been with NTR Metals for five years and despite having a fancy title as operations manager, he was working as a salesman in Peru, according to Grandas lawyer, Edward ODonnell IV.
The compliance department created the paperwork to have the gold change hands, the news agency quoted ODonnell as saying. Juan, as an employee of that very large company, just assumed it was done correctly.
The U.S. complaint, filed in Miami, incriminates Granda and at least two other NTR Metals employees for buying billions of dollars worth of gold from illegal mines in Peru that support forced labor, human trafficking, and environmental devastation, the media report said.
Criminal organizations, such as Peruvian narco-terrorist groups, were able to launder billions of dollars through NTR Metals with this scheme.
The three company employees reportedly encouraged relationships with alleged South American customers, inviting them on tours to the U.S. and telling them that NTR could buy the gold quicker than other companies.
Blame-shifting?
Grandas attorney said his client was completely surprised by the turn of events.
Hes perplexed and confused and feels betrayed, the lawyer said. He was being arrested for allegations that he had nothing to do with.
Granda reportedly received a message from NTR Metals telling him to fly home for a meeting. But, upon arrival, he learned that FBI agents showed up at the house he was sharing with his mother.
She said, Listen, Ive got all these FBI agents here, they might want to arrest you, ODonnell stated. So he got in his car and went to his moms house. He talked to the FBI agents, and they arrested him.
According to the U.S. customs records, NTRs dealings with Perus illegal gold go back as far as five years ago. 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.
ODonnell claims that American investigators started zeroing in on Granda after he promised to help a law firm, Jones Day, which was in the midst of conducting an internal investigation into NTRs dealings with illegal mines.
So far, no charges have been laid against Dallas-based NTR Metals, also known as Elemetal, and it is still unknown whether the company will be put under investigation.
HONG KONG, March 21 (Reuters) - Shenji Group Kunming Machine Tool Co Ltd said on Tuesday it may be forced to delist in Shanghai after failing to make a profit in 2016, which would mark its third consecutive year of losses.
The machine distributor also said in a statement issued through the Hong Kong stock exchange that there was "uncertainty" over whether it could disclose its 2016 annual report on schedule as it may have breached financial regulations some years back, possibly resulting in its 2013 net profit being negative.
The company said it discovered that about 96 million yuan ($13.9 million) worth of inventory between 2013 and 2016 was not real, adding that sales revenue in 2016 and previous years was suspected of breaching accounting standards.
It said there was also an issue with early retirement benefits for staff in 2013-2015.
The machine distributor had previously warned of a delisting risk for its A Shares as it reported a loss for 2014 and 2015. The A shares would be delisted if 2016 was also negative, it added.
Trading in the company's shares was halted on Monday. The stock plunged more than 14 percent in Hong Kong when trade resumed on Tuesday. Its Shanghai shares fell more than 5 percent.
($1 = 6.9033 Chinese yuan renminbi)
(Reporting by Donny Kwok; Editing by Richard Pullin)
(Kitco News) - Citi Research upped its second-quarter gold forecast Tuesday due to signs the Federal Open Market Committee is not increasing the pace of rate hikes and also because of pending European elections, although the bank still looks for the metal to fall back in the second half of 2017.
Analysts hiked their average second-quarter gold outlook by $40 to $1,230 an ounce following a somewhat disappointing March Fed meeting for the hawks and due to upcoming European elections. All of this could support a tail-risk bid for the gold, Citi said.
Analysts said they remain neutral to bearish for the second half of the year, although they lifted third- and fourth-quarter forecasts on prospects for a less robust U.S. dollar. Citi looks for gold to average $1,175 in the third quarter and $1,180 in the fourth, with a full-year forecast of $1,200. The 2018 outlook is for an average price of $1,245 an ounce.
Following the lead of U.S. rates, gold investors read through the March Fed hike as a somewhat dovish surprise and were probably caught a bit offside with no shift in the 2017 dots and only a modest forecast move by the FOMC on a deferred basis, Citi said. However, the bank is still expecting three hikes this year, whereas the market so far has priced in two and one-half, so we still see the potential for modest downside in gold trading in 2H.
In the meantime, gold could run toward $1,250 an ounce in the short term, Citi said.
EU (European Union) political tail risks are still a reality, there is potential for an ongoing U.S. Treasury market rally, and since the overall path of Fed normalization for now looks to remain on a slow and steady status-quo path, it no longer seems as likely that gold prices will revert below $1,200/oz in the near horizon, Citi said.
The bank looks for silver prices to average $16 in the second quarter and $16.10 for the full year.
Platinum structural price drivers still appear mixed and further headwinds are likely to dent future price momentum, in our view, Citi said. Platinum is seen averaging $970 in the second quarter and $985 for the full year.
Auto-catalyst Platinum demand from the diesel-engine auto sector may have stabilized after European passenger car registrations rose 6.2% in the first two months of the year, Citi said. However, analysts cited a the CPM Group report saying that global physical market surpluses are significantly larger for platinum than for palladium, in line with contrasting market price momentum and investor sentiment between the two metals.
Citi looks for $730 palladium in the second quarter and $745 for the full year. The metal has posted a double-digit percentage gain so far in 2017.
HANOI, March 21 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 4:13 GMT.
March 21 USD/VND mid-point 22,254 USD/VND interbank 22,780/22,800 USD/VND unofficial 22,780/22,800 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 36.43/36.67
Interbank offered rates Overnight 4.8-5.3
1 week 4.9-5.3
1 month 4.9-5.2
3 months 5.0-5.3
NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.
One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.
For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .
For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
ZURICH, March 21 (Reuters) - The Swiss blue-chip SMI was seen opening 0.4 percent easier at 8,699 points on Tuesday, according to premarket indications by bank Julius Baer .
The following are some of the main factors expected to affect Swiss stocks:
PARTNERS GROUP The Swiss investment manager reported 2016 revenue of 973 million Swiss francs ($974.56 million), up from from 619 million francs in 2015. Net profit rose to 558 million francs, from 396 million francs. For more click COMPANY STATEMENTS * Galenica was fined 4.5 million francs by the Swiss competition watchdog WEKO, which said the Swiss drug company's unit that deals with the commercialisation of electronic medical information abused its market-leading position. * Novartis said 21 percent of psoriasis patients who had been taking Cosentyx maintained skin clearance for up to one year after stopping treatment. The company said that could be a sign that Cosentyx goes beyond treating symptoms and actually modifies the course of the autoimmune disease. * Conzzeta said its full-year group result rose 7.7 percent to 63.9 million francs, from 59.3 million in the year-earlier period. * Peach Property said full-year net profit rose 10 fold to 10.4 million francs, helped by rising rental income. * Komax said full-year net profit rose 22 percent to 35.5 million francs. * Temenos said it has issued a new 150 million Swiss franc ($150.27 million), seven-year bond, saying the proceeds would be used to repay debt and for general corporate purposes. * Schlatter said it posted a 500,000 franc profit in 2016, rebounding from a loss of nearly 7 million francs in the previous year. * Crealogix said first-half income from licence agreements rose by 48 percent to 17.6 million francs, from 11.9 million francs. It confirmed its full-year targets. * Julius Baer said it has nominated Ivo Furrer, chief executive of Swiss Life, for election to its board of directors at its upcoming AGM. * Siegfried said finance chief Michael Huesler is leaving the company in April, to be replaced by Reto Suter, who had been chief operating officer at Lonrho.
* Vetropack said full-year consolidated profit rose slightly to 42.6 million francs, from 42.1 million francs in 2015. * Orell Fuessli said full-year net income fell to 12.3 million francs, from 12.8 million francs. It plans a 4 franc-per-share dividend. ECONOMY Exports from Switzerland fell year-on-year by a real and work day adjusted 2.5 percent in February to 17.8 billion Swiss francs, the Federal Customs Office said on Tuesday. The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) said it expected economic growth of 1.6 percent in 2017, down from the forecast of 1.8 percent it gave in December. ($1 = 0.9982 Swiss francs)
(Reporting by Zurich newsroom)
Daily Swiss stock market report in German................ All SMI constituent stocks............................ News on major Swiss stock price moves.................. FTSE Eurotop 300 index................................ DJ STOXX index........................................ Top 10 STOXX sectors............................. Top 10 EUROSTOXX sectors........................ Top 10 Eurotop 300 sectors....................... Top 25 European pct gainers... , losers... Swiss mid-cap index SMI futures Swiss all-share index Market statistics Swiss market digest Sector overview All Swiss news Swiss research news All equity news INTERNET ADDRESSES: Swiss Exchange / Eurex STOXX Ltd SPEED GUIDES: ))
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Agent Auction announced:
AgentAuction empowers New Zealand vendors with a free tool to obtain competitive real estate agent commission quotes and home appraisals online.
At AgentAuction.co.nz home vendors can enter in their property address, see the top performing local agents and choose agents to offer them competitive commission quotes for their property. CEO and co-founder Andreas Heuser says this is the first genuinely unbiased, free, real estate agent comparison service in New Zealand.
At the core of the website is an auction system. After submitting property details, AgentAuction facilitates an auction between up to five agents who submit bids of competitive commission quotes together with home appraisal assessments tailored to that property all within three business days. Vendors just need to choose their favoured bidder with no obligation.
Kim Sang-joong
By Park Jin-hai
The half-mark episode of "Rebel: Thief Who Stole the People," MBC's 30-part period drama, starring veteran actor Kim Sang-joong and Yoon Kyun-sang, aired this week. Telling the story of Hong Gil-dong, a popular Korean literary figure based on a real life Joseon-era person, during the violent time-period, the Monday-Tuesday drama has enjoyed a steady rise in viewership ratings and positive reviews from viewers and critics.
A solid plot, great performances of all cast members and the production staff's efforts have been acknowledged for its success. But, if one should name just one critical element that made all this, no one would deny it was actor Kim Sang-joong, who played the role of Amogae, Hong's father and a greedy nobleman's slave.
By portraying a slave named Amogae, which literally means nobody, the 51-year-old veteran actor emotionally identified with the character who lives a miserable life, deeply touching hearts of viewers with his acting.
With the 14th episode, Kim leaves the drama as Amogae dies in peace after he and his son see the demise of their archenemies who destroyed his family.
Actor Kim, who says he is still living with the memories of Amogae after his part ended, said his role gained viewers' strong support because people could easily identify with him in this role.
"Amogae is a character like air we live in it but take it for granted. Being a part of an everyday picture as a father, husband and a family head, people forget about the importance of his being. But, through the drama, people are reminded of what the roles of a father, husband and family head have been," said Kim during an interview at MBC's headquarters in Seoul, Monday.
Amogae worked his fingers to the bone for his master but the only return he had for his life-time of service was his wife's death at the hands of his master, who wanted to take away the wealth Amogae secretly accrued to buy his family's freedom.
He takes revenge by killing his master and starts a new life dreaming of an ideal world where there is no discrimination based on who they are at birth. His son Gil-dong, with inhuman strength, becomes Joseon's first revolutionary and political dissident, winning the hearts of the public.
Kim said he paid every effort to each scene. But one of the most memorable scenes was Amogae walking out of his masters' room, after beheading him with a sickle. "The script states that Amogae's face after cutting his master's head was as white as a piece of paper. It made me think a lot. It should include all the emotions of satisfaction from revenge, sadness for his wife's death, emptiness and loneliness," he said. "When I saw the outcome, I thought that my facial expressions were very much satisfactory."
Kim, who mostly played roles of kings and people in power in his long career as well as hosting an investigative documentary program, said he was initially worried that people might find him playing the role as unnatural and foreign. "After discussions with the director I ruffled my hair and made my traditional Korean costume and hands dirty. It was almost the first time I wore stage makeup on my whole body," he said. "Through the drama, I felt catharsis as an actor, pouring out all that I could to express Amogae."
Asked about the he remembers best, Kim said his conversation with his son was most memorable. "Amogae says Those people are rotten. Because they smell bad, they side with each other to hide the bad smell.' I thought the line was very timely," Kim said.
Kim Jin-man, director of "Rebel" said that the ultimate message he wants to deliver through the drama is philanthropy. "One message that penetrates throughout the period drama is Amogae's spirit _ love for all humanity. It will be manifested through Amogae's son Gil-dong in the latter half of the 30-part drama," said the director.
Han Seok-gyu acts as villain Jung Ik-ho in "The Prison" / Courtesy of SHOWBOX
By Kim Jae-heun
Villains seem to be occupying the big screen this season as more actors opt for evil characters.
Whereas well-known actors previously preferred to take heroic roles, a growing number of veterans now prefer to portray cruel characters _ leaving a strong impression on the audience.
The impact can be particularly overwhelming if an actor has only appeared on the screen as a hero.
Veteran actor Han Suk-gyu returned to the screen after three years with "The Prison" as an absolute villain Jung Ik-ho, who is known as the king among the inmates in the jail. It is his first time portraying an antagonist in 27 years of acting.
Jung establishes his own kingdom in the prison and attempts to stretch his influence over to the outside world _ mobilizing any brutal means possible.
"Ik-ho is like a cruel dictator in his kingdom. I thought of a male hyena that tries to survive to the end. I changed various sides of my character, such as voice, hairstyle, costume and walk to hide my image that people know from my previous films," Han said to the press.
Han added that he tried to become the evil Ik-ho and not to act like the villainous character.
He had won great popularity from audiences for his role in the SBS drama "Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim" earlier this year. He portrayed the role of Dr. Kim, a gentle and righteous medical staffer who never put up with injustice.
Jang Hyuk acts as villain Choi Gyu-nam in "Ordinary People" / Courtesy of Opus Pictures
Actor Jang Hyuk, who is currently enjoying popularity with a heroic detective role in the TV series "Voice" on OCN, will star in the upcoming film "Ordinary People" as corrupt National Security Planning chief Choi Gyu-nam.
His attempt to change from his heroic image to pursue a villainous role is to expand his acting spectrum.
"I wanted to try a totally different character that I have never played before. Choi says he commits all the brutalities to contribute to the nation's development, but it is the wrong idea and his patriotism becomes biased," Jang said to the media.
Namkoong Min, the protagonist of the TV drama "Good Manager," plays a leader of a group of voice-phishing crooks in the movie "Part-Time Spy." Contrary to his role of a moral and honorable character in "Good Manager," Namkoong plays a hypocritical character who turns his back on his fellows.
Jung Woo-sung acts as villain Han Kang-sik in "The King" / Courtesy of NEW
Earlier this year, Kim Joo-hyuk played the leader of a North Korean criminal ring in "Confidential Assignment" and popular actor Jung Woo-sung played a shady cop who gets embroiled in corruption in "Asura: The City of Madness."
A visitor to the "New Acquisitions 2013-6 Samramansang: from Kim Whanki to Yang Fudong" exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA) views Kim Whan-ki's "Dawn #3," the most expensive piece at the museum. / Yonhap
By Kwon Mee-yoo
Despite its status as the flagship art museum of Korea, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA), is relatively scanty in its collection, with only about 8,000 pieces.
The museum is working to expand its collection in quantity and quality and 932 new art pieces have been added to the collection over the last four years, including Kim Whan-ki's blue abstract painting "Dawn #3" for 1.3 billion won ($1.16 million) which became MMCA's most expensive possession ever.
The museum showcases "Dawn #3" and other selected works from its recent acquisitions at the exhibition "New Acquisitions 2013~16 Samramansang: from Kim Whanki to Yang Fudong" at its Seoul branch.
MMCA curator Park Mi-hwa, who is in charge of procurement for the museum's collection, said the purchase was possible thanks to an increased budget allotted to purchases.
MMCA's budget for collecting artwork was a mere 3.1 billion won in 2013, but it increased to 3.6 billion won in 2014, 5.3 billion won in 2015 and now 6.1 billion won.
"When the budget exceeded 5 billion won last year, I was able to persuade the museum to acquire a Kim Whanki piece through auction," Park said. "It is the most expensive piece the museum ever purchased and narrates the flow of time through Korean art, moving from figurativism and the New Realism Group to abstraction and modern ink landscape paintings."
Kim is currently the most expensive Korean artist with an auction sales record of 6.3 billion won. "Dawn #3," acquired by the MMCA, holds significance in Korean modern art history as the artwork was was showcased at the Sao Paulo Biennial in 1965 when Kim was the sole Korean artist invited there.
"We especially installed two lights for Dawn #3 to literally highlight the piece," Park said.
Showcasing diversity of Korean art
The title of the exhibition "Samramansang" is derived from an installation of the same name by Kang Ik-joong, originally meaning all things and all phenomena in the universe in Korean, as the exhibit aims to embrace the diversity of contemporary art and the artists.
The exhibit spans five galleries of MMCA, each representing different themes. Gallery 1 is headlined by Kang Ik-joong's installation composed of colorful ceramic squares as well as the Kim Whanki painting as the centerpiece.
It continues to "Daily Life" in Gallery 2, featuring art inspired by ordinary things in everyday life. Kiki Smith's "Corsage" and Ahn Chang-hong's "Bed Couch 1" portray the woman's body in symbolic ways, while Kim Eun-jin's "The Refrigerator" and Son Dong-hyun's "Logotype _ Coca Cola" exemplify young artists renewing traditional methods to express their thoughts.
On view at Gallery 3 and 4 are multidisciplinary works blurring the boundaries between art and life such as Lee Yong-baek's "Broken Mirror," Yoo Hyun-mi's "Cosmos" series and Lee Wan's "Made in" series, which will be presented at the Korean Pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2017.
Two videos from Chinese artist Yang Fudong's "Seven Intellectuals in Bamboo Forest" series take over Gallery 5. The videos reflect changes in modern society and how people live through it.
The exhibit runs until Aug. 13. Admission is 4,000 won. For more information, visit www.mmca.go.kr or call 02-3701-9500.
By Nam Hyun-woo
Korean companies will suffer $20 billion economic damages if Korea and China relations worsen due to Korea's deployment of a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, a think tank estimated.
In its report released Tuesday, Korea Development Bank (KDB) Research calculated the amount of economic fallout of China's THAAD retaliation on two assumptions: that China imposes additional economic sanctions and that anti-Korean sentiment spreads in the communist country. Then, it predicted Korean manufacturers' exports volume will likely decrease by 6.7 percent or $8.3 billion from that of last year.
Also, the report estimated that Korea's duty free and tourism industries, whose main customers are Chinese, will likely see an 80 percent or $11.7 billion year-on-year decrease in its sales this year.
Broken down by industry, the report projected the tourism sector will be hit hardest if China enhances its THAAD retaliation, with sales decreasing by $6.39 billion from 2016 followed by duty free shops losing $5.35 billion and the cosmetics segments with $1.44 billion.
In particular, exports of the cosmetics, duty free and tourism sectors are expected to go down by at least 15 percent under the worst-case scenario.
In case China's tantrum remains at the current level, the report anticipated the exports volume of the manufacturing sector will decrease by 2.1 percent or $2.6 billion from last year. The duty free and tourism sectors are expected to see their sales decrease by 50 percent this year.
On the other hand, the report said the impacts to the semiconductor, display, shipbuilding and construction sectors will be limited because Korean companies in those businesses are either dominant global players or do not get orders from China.
A customer buys a pack of KT&G cigarettes at a convenience store in Indonesia. / Courtesy of KT&G
Indonesia, one of the fastest growing Southeast Asian economies with demographics, is considered a market hard to break into, especially its tobacco sector.
Indonesia's tobacco market is dominated by kretek cigarette makers that use local tobacco blended with cloves, offering a unique flavor. They account for about 90 percent of the Indonesian market, the world's third-biggest tobacco market.
To appeal to local consumers, KT&G, Korea's largest tobacco producer, had to change its tactics by developing a brand customized to local kretek smokers.
Thus, it created and introduced Esse Change kretek cigarettes in Indonesia two years ago and the result has turned out to be much better than the company expected - it has sold some 300 million Esse Change cigarettes there since its beginning.
Next came KT&G's Esse Berry Pop for Indonesian consumers. That brand sold more than 42 million cigarettes since its introduction six months ago.
"The thin Esse brands customized to local consumers also gained popularity," a KT&G official said. "Brisk sales came as a result of Indonesian consumers' keen interest in our brands."
KT&G made inroads into the Southeast Asian country through the acquisition of Trisakti, Indonesia's sixth largest tobacco maker, in 2011.
The Korean tobacco company has some 550 employees with sales networks in Jakarta and Bali, the company said.
Another market in which KT&G is seeing a sales boom is Mongolia. It was able to gain an 18 percent market share with its flagship Esse brand there.
But that took some time. It advanced into Mongolia in 2000, and was able to achieve record sales last year, or twice that compared to 2014, KT&G said.
In the U.S., KT&G managed to become the sixth largest tobacco company by market share, thanks to its Time cigarettes.
It also changed Time by making its cigarettes longer than those locally sold in Korea to appeal to U.S. consumers.
Due to its branding efforts abroad, the Korean company was able to gain 40 percent of its total turnover from overseas markets last year, up from 15.4 percent in 2010.
"We were able to diversify and expand our markets through customization," the KT&G official said. (Advertorial)
By Yi Whan-woo
Joseph Yun
Joseph Yun, the top U.S. nuclear envoy, met with South Chungcheong Governor An Hee-jung, a presidential contender from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), in Seoul, Tuesday.
Yun also plans to meet with security advisers for the leading contender and former DPK leader Moon Jae-in, and may possibly meet with Rep. Ahn Cheol-soo, a possible candidate from the People's Party, Wednesday.
Sources said Yun, the U.S. special representative for North Korea policy, contacted their campaign offices first to request meetings with the liberal contenders. He did not schedule any meetings with conservative hopefuls.
This suggests that the U.S. government may believe that a liberal candidate will win the presidential election in May.
Yun arrived in Seoul, Monday, after visiting China. He is scheduled to meet Kim Hong-kyun, South Korea's top nuclear envoy, Wednesday and return home, Thursday.
"Yun's offer for meetings with liberal contenders is seen as part of U.S. efforts to understand the views of a potential South Korean president on the North and how the two allies can tune-up and coordinate related polices accordingly," a source said.
By Jun Ji-hye
North Korea will seek to show the United States its capability of striking a designated target on the American mainland in its next test of a ballistic missile, military officials and experts here said Tuesday.
Pyongyang is apparently preparing to launch an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and at stake is whether it has secured the necessary re-entry technology.
Whether the North will prove this during the possible ICBM test will determine whether it poses a real threat to the United States.
Pyongyang will concentrate all its efforts to succeed with this launch to use as leverage in negotiations with Washington, the experts said.
"The North showed off improved engine efficiency in a test last Saturday, and it will now focus on perfecting a long-range re-entry vehicle to make an operational ICBM," said a military official, asking not to be named. "This is a step toward completing its ICBM technology."
The North has never flight-tested its road-mobile KN-08 or KN-14 ICBMs, but they are believed to be capable of flying more than 10,000 kilometers, a range sufficient to reach the U.S. mainland.
After the engine test, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un hinted at another missile launch soon, saying, "The whole world will soon witness what eventful significance the great victory won today carries," according to the state-run Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
During his New Year address, he said preparations for launching an ICBM had reached their final stages.
Re-entry technology refers to the ability to construct a shroud that covers the missile's warhead strong enough to withstand the extreme heat and other challenges involved in re-entering Earth's atmosphere from space. As the covered warhead re-enters the Earth's atmosphere at Mach 24, it needs to be capable of withstanding temperatures of around 7,000 to 8,000 degrees Celsius.
In March last year, after a simulation test, the North said it had secured the heat-resistance capability for its ICBMs.
But military authorities here downplayed the comment, citing that the test environment was far different from that in a real ICBM test, given that the temperature was only about 1,500 degrees Celsius.
Students participate in a live CNN broadcast event "My Freedom Day" at Seoul Foreign School in Sodaemun-gu, Seoul, March 14. / Courtesy of SFS
By John Redmond
Students at Seoul Foreign School (SFS) took part in a live international CNN broadcast, "My Freedom Day," a global event raising awareness of modern slavery last Tuesday.
Initially contacted by CNN International, the school chose four human rights international baccalaureate (IB) diploma, extended essay students and three IB diploma CAS (creativity, activity, service) projects to be involved.
Originating in Atlanta several years ago "My Freedom Project" is a CNN worldwide event which hopes to bring attention to the problem of modern-day slavery. This year 100 schools around the world held events to bring attention to the issue.
The SFS was one of nine schools worldwide to take part in the live event.
"This sort of project is at the heart of what our school is, and has always been about helping great students engage with important global issues. As educators we are always hoping that our students will go out into the world and make a difference and it's wonderful to see our students doing that while they're still within our walls," said Head of School Colm Flanagan.
"As a leading regional international school it is one of our privileges to empower our students and provide them with the opportunity to speak out on their passion for world change," he added.
Justyna McMillan, IB CORE coordinator said, "This is a small start to something that we hope to continue on a yearly basis. We are going to make sure that My Freedom Day is an event we will continue to participate in to raise awareness."
"We believe that the people who are going to make a difference to modern-day slavery today are the young people, they have the power to stop this. They have the ability to bring otherwise taboo topics to the forefront."
Founded in 1912, SFS is the oldest international school in Korea and the seventh oldest international school in the world. SFS is the first authorized IB diploma school in Korea, and offers an international pre-K-12 learning environment to a student community comprising over 50 nationalities.
By John Redmond
The Ghana Students in Korea and Associates (GHASKA) will present a cultural event in collaboration with the Ghana Embassy at Korea University in Seoul, Saturday.
The event titled GHASKA Ghana@60 is designed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the African country's independence.
Themed "The Role of the Ghanaian Student in Nation Building" in commemorating the milestone of Ghana's fifth elected president, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, the 60th-anniversary parade marked Ghana's independence in Accra three weeks ago amid dignitaries from other African countries.
"GHASKA, comprising of Ghanaian students and non-students, was formed in 2015 in order to bring together Ghanaians living in Korea into one community where they could share ideas, help each other and support the activities of the Embassy in deepening Ghana-Korea friendship and diplomatic relationships," said Williams Nana Kyei of GHASKA in an interview with The Korea Times.
The event intends to consolidate and reiterate the president's call for all citizens to come on board in building the nation towards economic prosperity.
"GHASKA is therefore inviting all foreigners and Koreans living in Seoul to come celebrate in this festival, which seeks to celebrate Ghana's unique culture through fashion, food, dance, music and traditional performances," Kyei said.
Participants will get a firsthand opportunity to try different indigenous Ghanaian dishes like jollof, waakye, banku, gari, shito and other savories.
Other attractions will be a Ghanaian traditional costume showcase, board games and networking. Every attendee is also assured of walking away with a made-in-Ghana Golden Tree Chocolate bar.
Ghanaian actor, Sam Okyere of JTBC's "Non-Summit Show" fame, will be at the event to interact and share with his fans and friends.
This event follows GHASKA's previous community gatherings held in Daejon in 2015 and Seoul in 2016, which were attended by former ambassador Elizabeth Nicol.
Ghana gained independence from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, led by the late Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, becoming the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from the erstwhile British sovereignty.
Now, GHASKA boasts a membership of over 200 students pursuing different academic programs from bachelor's, master's and Ph.D.s on different scholarships.
The event is free and will commence at 11 a.m. at GSIS conference room 214.
Political parties and presidential hopefuls for the May election have spoken about Park's apology and her investigation. / Yonhap
By Lee Han-soo
Impeached former President Park Geun-hye arrived at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office on Tuesday morning to be questioned on 13 suspicious points during her presidency.
Although Park remained silent over a barrage of questions from reporters, she apologized to the public over a corruption scandal that led to her removal.
"I'm sorry to the people," stony-faced Park told reporters. "I will cooperate with the investigation."
Political parties and presidential hopefuls for the May election have spoken about Park's apology and her investigation.
Bareun Party: "It is regrettable that former President Park did not express a sincere apology."
Liberty Korea Party: "We will not make any statements regarding the issue."
Minjoo Party of Korea: "It is Park's last duty to sincerely cooperate in the investigation."
People's Party: "The Prosecutions' Office should put their fate on the investigation."
Moon Jae-in (Minjoo Party of Korea): "Park should know that she should at the very least reveal the truth and ask the people for forgiveness."
An Hee-jung (Minjoo Party of Korea): "I hope that this will mark the start of a new era."
Lee Jae-myong (Minjoo Party of Korea): "Park should be arrested and a seizure warrant issued for Cheong Wa Dae."
Sohn hak-gyu (People's Party): "Because Park said she would sincerely cooperate with the investigation, it is necessary for her to disclose the whole truth."
Park Jie-won (People's Party): "Park should preserve the dignity of a former President. Showing no sign of regret is not a show of dignity."
Kim Kwan-yong (Liberty Korea Party): "The investigation should continue without Park's detention."
Rhee In-jae (Liberty Korea Party): "Park is practically in confinement. The investigation should continue without Park's detention."
Former President Park Geun-hye, dressed in a navy coat, walks toward a photo spot designated earlier by journalists before entering the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in Seocho for questioning, Tuesday. / Yonhap
By Lee Kyung-min
Speculation abounds over the wardrobe choice by former President Park Geun-hye, Tuesday, as she yet again chose the same navy coat she has worn to most public appearances since the influence-peddling scandal erupted late last year.
Park wore a navy coat, a pair of black pants and black dress shoes and had her hair done in an up-style she usually wears, when she appeared before the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office (SCDPO) at 9:23 a.m. She was to undergo questioning over the corruption scandal that led to her impeachment.
It is believed the navy coat communicates her "resolute" state of mind as she wore it on Jan. 23 when she visited Seoul National Cemetery on the occasion of the Lunar New Year. The visit was in the midst of the then-ongoing Constitutional Court proceedings of her impeachment trial.
Former President Park Geun-hye exits a vehicle in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, on her way to attend the prosecution's questioning, Tuesday. / Yonhap
Park shows no sign of remorse'
By Lee Kyung-min
A coalition of liberal civic groups has called for the arrest of former President Park Geun-hye, Tuesday, over what it considers her "failure to admit to her wrongdoings."
Park appeared before the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office at 9:23 a.m. to undergo questioning over the corruption scandal involving her confidant and longtime friend Choi Soon-sil that led to her impeachment and ouster.
The group claimed that despite expressing her regret and vowing to fully cooperate with the investigation, she fell short of admitting to what she felt regretful for. "She keeps saying she feels regretful, but she has refused to clarify," said Ahn Jin-geol, secretary-general of the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy.
Ahn said Park used the exact same phrase on March 12 when she left Cheong Wa Dae to return to her private residence in Samseong-dong, two days after the Constitutional Court removed her from office on May 10.
"She revealed regret over her inability to finish her term," he said. "Why does she refuse to elaborate today? To whom does she feel the regret, and over what? To her supporters? Or about this situation in general? The absence of an apology in detail proves her intent not to admit to any of her wrongdoings."
He added that as there is ample evidence for most of her alleged wrongdoings, the prosecution should seek an arrest warrant.
"The prosecution should conduct the questioning in a no-holds-barred manner and put her behind bars," he said. "That is the only way to restore the long-lost public faith in the judicial system."
Another civic group member echoed the view. "The public has demanded Park apologize in clear and unequivocal words. And yet, she failed, again, to take responsibility and disappointed the public," an official at the Citizens Coalition for Economic Justice said.
Meanwhile, Park had a one-hour lunch break from 12:05 p.m. after a two-and-a-half-hour interrogation session in the morning. Park, with her defense attorneys and assistants, ate kimbab (rice rolled with dry seaweed), sushi and sandwiches.
By Lee Han-soo
A farmer's son has been booked for assaulting a Myanmar migrant worker who asked for his hours to be changed, according to Bucheon Sosa police station Monday.
The man, 33, allegedly assaulted two workers at his father's paprika farm in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, last July.
The son was booked without arrest on Mar. 20.
One assault reportedly happened after a worker asked the man to change his working hours because of the heat.
After the assault, the worker fled from the farm.
He reported his case only recently when police held a seminar for migrant workers.
The man said he had not reported the case earlier because he feared he might be deported as an illegal immigrant.
"The man is staying at a shelter for foreign migrants," a police official said.
"Foreigners are permitted by Korean law to extend their stay if they have been harmed.
"We will cooperate with immigration to give him a certificate of alien registration and help him find a new job."
Former President Park Geun-hye walks past photo journalists taking her picture in front of the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul, Tuesday. / Yonhap
Park will be released after questioning, warrant expected to be sought later
By Jung Min-ho
Former President Park Geun-hye underwent questioning Tuesday as a key suspect in the corruption scandal that led to her removal from office.
Speaking to reporters near the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul, Park said, "I'm sorry to the people. I will sincerely cooperate with the prosecution."
But her message with little substance was far from what many had expected. When Son Bum-kyu, one of her lawyers, said earlier that she would speak to the public, many anticipated something more meaningful.
As she entered the office at 9:23 a.m., she did not answer questions from reporters.
After a short meeting with high-ranking prosecutors on the building's 10th floor, Park went into interrogation room No. 1001, which is equipped with audio and video recording devices.
But prosecutors said they would not record the questioning because her lawyers objected to them doing so.
Two senior prosecutors Han Woong-jae and Lee Won-seok questioned Park, while two of her lawyers Yoo Young-ha and Jung Jang-hyun took turns by her side during the interrogation.
The prosecution said Park would be released after questioning. She is likely to leave the office at dawn Wednesday as the interrogation will carry on through the night.
"Former President Park will return to her home after the questioning is over," a prosecutor told reporters.
When asked why the prosecution decided not to record the questioning, the prosecutor said it was to prevent unnecessary arguments.
The prosecution asked three other key suspects Park's confidant Choi Soon-sil and former presidential secretaries An Chong-bum and Jeong Ho-seung to come to the office that day, but they refused to comply.
By Kim Rahn
No apology, no sincerity, as always.
Ousted President Park Geun-hye had not much to say about the massive corruption and influence-peddling scandal that has rocked the nation.
Upon arrival at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office, Tuesday, Park only said, "I'm sorry to the people. I will cooperate with the prosecution."
She again fell short of people's expectations to own up to the truth about the nation's worst presidential scandal, indicating her will to stage a protracted legal battle.
Considering her response to the scandal so far, Park is likely to stick to denial and a refusal to answer questions during the investigation as well. Such an attitude may have disappointed people more than the fact that she committed wrongdoing along with her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil.
Although evidence backs her deep involvement in the scandal, she has only tried to conceal the truth, insisting on her own account through unscrupulous speeches, messages and interviews since the affair surfaced in October. This was one of the reasons cited by the Constitutional Court when it upheld her impeachment.
Volunteers stand in formation to create a message that reads: "Beautiful election, fairness and unity," during a launch ceremony for a volunteer group for the upcoming presidential election near Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, Tuesday. / Yonhap
By Kim Hyo-jin
Presidential contenders from the Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) are increasingly turning to negative campaigning toward opponents as the primary race is heating up.
In televised debates as well as off-screen, they are trading attacks in rough language. Especially with the public support for frontrunner Moon Jae-in showing no signs of dwindling, he is often becoming the target of mudslinging.
South Chungcheong Province Governor An Hee-jung, who trails Moon in second place, raised an offensive against the frontrunner after the latter boasted of receiving a commendation from former President Chun Doo-hwan in a KBS debate aired Sunday.
Moon showed a picture of himself in his military uniform when he was a member of the Special Forces, saying it was one of the most proud moments in his life. "Then the head of the first airborne brigade Gen. Chun Doo-hwan awarded me the citation for my service."
It brought an immediate backlash from the other contenders as Chun is the controversial figure who ordered the bloody suppression of the May 18 Uprising in Gwangju, a democratization movement held against his military coup in 1980.
Choi Sung, another DPK contender, ridiculed the fact, asking why he did not throw the commendation medal away immediately. An's camp, in particular, dragged out the issue even after the show, asking Moon to apologize to the people of Jeolla Province for hurting their feelings.
"We wonder if Moon is being overly defensive against critics accusing him of being weak at security issues," Park Soo-hyun, one of An's spokesmen, said in a statement. "It is not something to be proud of or to show off about. He should first apologize to the people from Gwangju and Jeolla Provinces for his reckless remark."
Moon hit back at An's camp, accusing it of being involved in negative electioneering. "It is too much that they take the remark as a target for vicious attacks," Moon told reporters. "It feels like an insult to me, a person who lived for democratization as a human rights lawyer all of my life."
Rep. Kim Tae-nyeon, a Moon aide, put weight on Moon's voice, saying, "It is surprising to see An's camp waging a negative campaign and encouraging division inside the party."
All signs point toward a negative campaign as such verbal attacks are not just limited between the front and second-place contenders.
In other televised debates last week, Choi, the Goyang mayor who is in last place of the four candidates in the polls, repeatedly brought up an old scandal of An receiving political funds from Samsung.
He accused An of being an unqualified candidate for his corruption scandal where he was sentenced to a jail term in 2003, especially when the upcoming presidential election was arranged after the former President was impeached for involvement in this latest corruption scandal.
Choi questioned An's integrity, criticizing the fact that he used part of the fund to buy a private house.
"It is embarrassing to take flak from a contender of the same party on such an old issue," An responded with a disgruntled voice. "I was already punished for that with a jail term and a fine."
Meanwhile, Seongnam Mayor Lee Jae-myung challenged Moon for his recruitment of controversial figures for the campaign. He sought to portray Moon, who drew establishment figures to his camp, as unfit to be the next president.
A party official noted a negative campaign reflects the candidates' uneasiness before the start of the primary ballot. The DPK holds the first election in Jeolla Province from March 25 to 27.
"It is a make-or-break election for competitors considering its significance and expected ripple effect of being elected on liberal home turf," the official said. "It is understandable that they are trying to turn the tables at the last minute whatever it takes."
Former President Park Geun-hye speaks upon her arrival at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office in southern Seoul for questioning, Tuesday. / Korea Times photo by Koh Young-kwon
By Jun Ji-hye
The prosecution plans to bring charges against former President Park Geun-hye after looking into 13 corruption allegations raised against her.
If convicted on all counts, she could face up to 45 years in prison, legal experts say.
The core suspicion, among others, is the ousted leader's alleged collusion with her longtime friend Choi Soon-sil to receive massive bribes from conglomerates, including Samsung Group.
"Park's bribery suspicion is subject to aggravated punishment," Park Beom-kye, a judge-turned-lawmaker from the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) wrote on Facebook. "A sentence of up to 30 years in prison could be issued for that, and if other suspicions are added to it, the sentence could increase to up to 45 years in prison."
Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong has been detained since last month on bribery and embezzlement charges including allegedly giving 7.8 billion won ($6.82 million) to Choi's Germany-based paper company, Core Sports, in return for business favors.
According to the law on additional punishments for specific crimes, Park could simultaneously face a fine of up to about 35 billion won, five times more than she received, the lawmaker added.
By Kim Bo-eun
Chun Doo-hwan Roh Tae-woo Roh Moo-hyun
Former President Park Geun-hye being questioned by the prosecution, Tuesday, on charges related to the influence-peddling scandal which led to her removal from office, has made her the fourth president in modern Korean history to be summoned by prosecutors as a criminal suspect.
Former state leaders Roh Tae-woo, Chun Doo-hwan and the late Roh Moo-hyun preceded Park.
Roh Tae-woo and Chun received sentences on charges of mutiny and treason as well as creating slush funds. The late Roh faced allegations of receiving kickbacks.
Roh Tae-woo's charges were revealed in 1995 by former opposition lawmaker Park Kye-dong who stated Roh had around 500 billion won in a slush fund in a businessman's bank account. Roh promptly acknowledged the allegations.
The prosecution's probe into the slush fund expanded into Roh's involvement in the military coup on Dec. 12, 1979, by which Chun took power, as well as the violent suppression of the May 18 Democratic Movement in Gwangju in 1980.
In November 1995, Roh became the first former president to be questioned at the Supreme Prosecutors' Office (SPO). He was questioned for 17 hours which ended in his arrest.
Chun was also summoned by the prosecution involving charges of his involvement in the two events. However, after making a public statement in front of his home in Yeonhui-dong in December 1997 vowing not to heed the prosecution's call, he fled to his hometown in Hapcheon County in South Gyeongsang Province.
But an arrest warrant was issued for Chun for refusing to comply with the prosecution's summons and he was arrested and detained at Anyang Prison, where he was questioned by the prosecution.
Chun was originally sentenced to death and Roh to 22 and a half years in prison. In April 1997, the Supreme Court commuted Roh's sentence to 17 years and 262.8 billion won in penalties and Chun to life imprisonment and penalties of 220.5 billion won.
However, eight months later in December 1997, both received special pardons from then-President Kim Young-sam.
The late Roh Moo-hyun was investigated on allegations that he and members of his family received bribes from businessman Park Yeon-cha.
Roh was questioned for 13 hours at the SPO in April 2009, but the investigation ended after he committed suicide the following month.
Park faces charges of colluding with her confidant Choi Soon-sil in receiving 43.3 billion won in funds from Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong in return for Cheong Wa Dae facilitating a power transfer from his father, Chairman Lee Kun-hee.
By Casey Lartigue Jr.
When researchers ask me to connect them with North Korean refugees, I expect them to explain to the refugees how their proposed research will benefit them. Their explanations are usually as eloquent and logical as young children explaining where babies come from.
To avoid overly intrusive questions, I expect researchers to show me their questions to share with the refugees in advance. The researchers do so, with the eagerness of a criminal suspect handing over a smoking gun to police. One of the questionnaires had more than 50 data-mining questions seeking detailed information about refugees pretty much going back to what they felt the moment they were born. Most people born outside of North Korea would probably take a pass on that probing questionnaire, too.
I have mixed feelings about endless research on refugees. On one hand, funders and media want statistics and measurable outcomes. On the other hand, so much of the research is clearly useless, full of probing questions being asked out of curiosity (or mandates to do "new" research from increasingly irrelevant angles).
Sometimes the questioners are asking for data when common sense is obvious. One researcher recently asked me if we do customer satisfaction surveys among refugees. My curt response, before getting back to work: "We have a waiting list of more than 70 refugees." Asked to elaborate, I added: "Previous students are clamoring to return and some admit they don't tell friends about us because they don't want to lose their place in line."
People voting with their feet is the best "evidence," more valuable than what people might cautiously tell a researcher they just met. In the abstract, people say and believe many noble-sounding things they never put into practiceor find to be a disaster when they do. One of the things I hear from refugees is that our own feedback sessions have a clear purpose in helping them seize opportunities, not probing them as researchers and other NGOs do. They can just be students, not research targets.
Still, people want data from third-party sources. After I finished a speech at a recent conference, the question was put to me bluntly by a South Korean executive handling CSR for one of the Korean conglomerates. "Do North Korean refugees really need English to survive in South Korea?"
I used to answer: I don't know if refugees really need English, but they certainly act like it when they are around me. North Korean refugees usually criticized (by South Koreans) for being passive are like hungry lions chasing deer when they find us.
I've heard that one of the big language institutes offers a 90 percent discount for North Korean refugees, but I wonder how often the company president receives direct phone calls and desperate Kakao messages from refugees seeking to study with them. That happens to both me and my co-director, even though refugees must wait months to join us and have numerous other English-language options they can join soon or immediately (language exchanges, language institutes, universities, cultural centers, community classes, online and from friends).
After refugees join us, they are desperate to remain in our project. Should I believe my lying eyes? I have tried to find useful third-party data to satisfy questioners. Koo Ja-Eok's research team in 2012 and the Ministry of Unification in 2013 found North Korean refugee college students have high dropout rates and that they are also less likely than South Korean natives to return to college.
What is the major reason that refugees drop out? English. Researcher Yoo Si-Eun in 2013 found that 32.7 percent of North Korean refugees drop out "to study English before returning to college."Another 28.6 percent drop out "to earn a living" and 12.2 percent dropout because they are "having difficulties with keeping up with classes."
Additionally, another 33 percent who considered taking a leave of absence cited English as the major factor. Those who graduate face a new reality: They are eliminated from many job opportunities because of low English test scores.
I celebrate North Korean refugees escaping to freedom, but donors and advocates seem to forget the years after freedom day when refugees must resettle and adjust. According to statistics I've seen in the news, about 35 percent of NK refugee adults in South Korea are unemployed, 80 percent reportedly work in menial and low-skilled jobs, their incomes reportedly are 50 percent below those of South Koreans, and suicide rates are even higher than those of South Koreans.
Some people think I'm a bit hard on researchers, and they may be right. Knowing that research doesn't change how we operate, we talk directly to refugees in our project to get their feedback and we make our own observations to apply what we learn. But perhaps being aware of what researchers are researching will make me sound more logical and eloquent than young children explaining where babies come from.
Casey Lartigue Jr. is the co-founder of the Teach North Korean Refugees Global Education Center (TNKR) in Seoul. He can be reached at CJL@post.harvard.edu.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's first Asian visit since taking office ended last week without any significant outcome in resolving the grave security situation in Northeast Asia.
Not only that, Tillerson sparked concerns about the future of Korea-U.S. ties under the Donald Trump administration. Some of Tillerson's remarks at an interview with the U.S. media were problematic.
First, Tillerson called Japan the "most important ally in the region" because of the "size of its economy and from the standpoint of security issues" during an interview with the Independent Journal Review. In contrast, he defined Korea as "an important partner relative to stability of Northeast Asia." Former U.S. President Barack Obama had called the Korea-U.S. alliance the "linchpin of security and stability" in Asia. Therefore, Tillerson's description of Korea, while hailing Japan as a key ally, disappointed many Koreans who firmly believe in the Korea-U.S. alliance despite the transition of power in Washington.
These remarks were also misunderstood by some local media that the new U.S. administration has declared that it places a higher priority on its alliance with Japan than with Korea. The U.S. State Department explained that such a view is untrue, saying that the U.S. considers both countries "vitally important to the United States" during a March 20 press briefing.
Second, Tillerson's reaction to questions about why he skipped dinner with his Korean counterpart Yun Byung-se raised some strong questions about diplomatic protocol. "They never invited us for dinner, then at the last minute they realized that optically it wasn't playing very well in public for them, so they put out a statement that we didn't have dinner because I was tired," Tillerson said in the interview. Tillerson openly blamed the Korean side for lying about his dinner plans. This is no way to behave for the chief U.S. diplomat. The former ExxonMobil CEO should learn more about how to conduct himself as "America's face to the world," a phrased used by former U.S. President George W. Bush to describe the immense responsibility of the office of the U.S. secretary of state.
The main fault lies with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for not smoothly arranging a dinner for Yun and the new U.S. secretary of state's first visit to Seoul. Yun's tenure is running out with the removal of his former boss Park Geun-hye from office and the subsequent May 9 presidential election. Nonetheless, a dinner for Yun and Tillerson should have been arranged despite political circumstances to reflect the all-weather friendship of the two countries.
Questioning must serve to end chaos in state affairs
Former President Park Geun-hye turned herself in for prosecution questioning Tuesday. On television, the public watched the disgraced former leader, who was removed from office earlier this month, appear at the Seoul Central District Prosecutors' Office with mixed feelings.
Park is the country's fourth former president to undergo questioning about criminal allegations. Two former generals-turned-presidents who served in the 1980s and 1990s _ Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo _ served prison terms for bribery after they stepped down. Roh Moo-hyun, who served from 2003 to 2008, committed suicide by jumping off a cliff after being questioned over corruption allegations in 2009. The prosecution's questioning of the nation's first female head of state is another shameful event in our constitutional history.
Park said she was "sorry" to the people as she arrived at the prosecutors' office, adding, "I will undergo the questioning faithfully." She drew fire for failing to offer a more sincere apology, but there is no reason for her to take flack for having merely made remarks like ordinary suspects.
Park, 65, a daughter of assassinated dictator Park Chung-hee, faces 13 charges, including bribery and extortion. She was named an accomplice of her shadowy confidant Choi Soon-sil at the heart of the corruption and influence-peddling scandal, which has resulted in Samsung Group heir apparent Lee Jae-yong being arrested for offering bribes. Choi is accused of using her ties with Park to force companies to donate nearly $70 million to shadowy foundations she controlled for personal gain. Park is also suspected of letting Choi, who has no official title, handle a wide range of state affairs, including scrutinizing government documents.
It was not immediately known how the former leader answered the prosecutors' questions. But given that she has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and blamed Choi for abusing their longtime friendship, she is believed not to have acknowledged the prosecution's allegations. Park said she had been framed and asserted that she didn't help Choi make personal gains.
Whether Park is guilty will be determined through the prosecution's investigation and a trial. Prosecutors should reveal the truth through their stepped-up probe based only on the law and principles without any political considerations.
If her culpability is confirmed, the prosecution must decide on whether to arrest Park as swiftly as possible, taking into account the gravity of the case, the chance of destroying evidence and fairness in relation to other suspects. That's because if even a speck of doubt lingers over Park's fate, it could be the seed of national division.
The investigation of the impeached president should serve as an occasion to put an end to the mess in state affairs and pursue national unity. Park should tell the truth, recalling her responsibility for healing our deep-seated conflict as the former president.
By Lee Seong-hyon
It appears THAAD is set to continue to be deployed in South Korea, despite China's vociferous protests, economic retaliation, and state-mobilized "voluntary" boycotts of Korean products. Against the Chinese pressure and overbearing attitude that reminds Koreans of the old Chinese empire that had treated Korea as a vassal state, the anti-China sentiment in South Korea is rising, Seoul and Washington are expediting the THAAD deployment, and the Korea-U.S. alliance is strengthening. This all goes against Chinese strategic calculations. In addition, the likely next South Korean president is likely to disappoint China too.
A defining feature of the Chinese strategy in pressuring South Korea to revoke its decision on THAAD is the use of the state-initiated media warfare to drive a wedge into South Korea's severely fragmented left-and-right political camps. In addition, China has been engaging in a robust psychological tactic to intimidate the Korean business community that depends on the Chinese market, using a multitude of bureaucratic red tape.
The important question is, whether the combined Chinese economic and psychological assault will make South Korea reverse its decision on THAAD? This is an intriguing question to ponder. The result will surely be included among the "prominent case studies" of a future textbook on diplomatic strategy of world powers.
Apparently, the Chinese seem to have a winning chance, particularly, given that the current frontrunner for the next presidential election is Moon Jae-in, a human rights lawyer and prominent liberal politician from the opposition camp. China is betting on Moon. But, at the end of the day, Moon will likely rise to become a bad moon' for China.
Critically, China is misreading Moon on why he has reservations about THAAD. Moon said the former Park Geun-hye government had mishandled the deployment plan by rushing into it and without public consensus. Moon's wording requires some understanding of South Korea's domestic politics.
One of the things that the South Korean public was most dissatisfied with Park Geun-hye about was her style of making unilateral decisions without allowing proper public consultations. South Koreans abhor this sort of authoritarian leadership. Their trauma of the military dictatorship three decades ago still looms large.
Park's decision on the sex-slavery agreement with Japan in late 2015 was quintessential in this regard. Many South Koreans felt Park hammered out the deal in a great hurry, without even first asking the views of the surviving elderly women, who were victimized by the Japanese military. She made the "landmark" agreement to put the "final and irreversible" lid on this very sensitive and emotional matter, without consulting the victims. In a Confucian society where age and respect go together, Park's handling of the matter enraged the Korean public. According to the latest Gallup poll, in February, 70 percent of Koreans still stand opposed to the deal.
In this context, the broader point Moon has been making is that as a leader he will make the decision-making process more transparent, reflect the public's views, and this includes THAAD. Polls support this interpretation. When asked about the reason for their THAAD disapproval, 53.9 percent of Koreans answered that they did not "trust" the Park government's decision, according to a survey by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. In other words, Koreans who oppose THAAD do so because Park carried very low credibility with people, not because of THAAD per se. This is the classic case of "It's not what' you did, but how' you did it." Many Chinese analysts failed to grasp this point. They tend to categorize South Korean politicians simply as either "pro-America" or "pro-China," without understanding the complexity embedded in the public sentiment.
In addition, Moon is not necessarily "pro-China" either. For instance, he supports economic engagement with North Korea and the reopening of the Kaesong Industrial Complex, partly because he is concerned about North Korea's increasing economic dependence on China.
Now, with the scandal-ridden Park removed through impeachment, there is an early opening for a new presidential election. Moon's strategists will give him various tips on how to appeal to the wider number of voters. Moon may make some adjustments of his views on THAAD because this has become a contested issue. But, again, the broader point about Moon's reservation of THAAD should be about having a leader who will reflect the people's views. What he wants to do is to give the people their voice, make them feel ownership of the nationally important decisions, empower them with democratic processes.
As the likely next president, once sworn in, Moon may bus the THAAD issue to the National Assembly for review. Public opinion will be important.
For the past three months when China has been upping the retaliatory campaign against South Korea over THAAD, the favorable opinion of China among Koreans dropped precipitously to a level even below that of Japan's, according to a survey by the Asan Institute for Policy Studies. As of this writing in March, support for THAAD rose to 50.6 percent (37.9 percent disapproved). Even Moon is unhappy with China's interference. Moon called on China to "stop pressuring and threatening our companies and people." This should serve as the writing on the wall.
Lee Seong-hyon, Ph.D., is a research fellow at the Sejong Institute. Reach him at sunnybbsfs@gmail.com
By Kang Seung-woo
Samsung Electronics has stepped up efforts to boost pre-orders of its upcoming flagship Galaxy S8 smartphone.
According to the electronics industry, Tuesday, the tech giant plans to disclose the subsidy information to early bird customers and let them use the high-end phone in advance.
Samsung is scheduled to unveil its latest smartphone on March 29, holding an unpacking event in New York. Pre-orders for the handset will be available from April 7 to 17 across the nation before its official launch set for April 21.
It also plans to run tryout zones at 4,000 retail shops across the nation as part of the sales campaign.
Last August, Samsung also notified pre-ordering customers of the subsidy information of the Galaxy Note 7 _ something uncommon in the cell phone industry _ to attract those who were hesitant to buy the jumbo smartphone.
More notable is that its loyal customers can activate their brand new smartphone ahead of those who purchase them after they hit the shelves.
Samsung will begin to ship the Galaxy S8 to pre-order customers on April 18 _ one day after the pre-order period.
"Given the pre-orders for the Galaxy Note 7 topped 400,000 units for 13 days last year, those of the S8 is expected to amount to the figure or even surpass it," an official of the electronics industry said.
Also on Tuesday, Samsung unveiled a new teaser for its new smartphone carrying the Korean slogan "Completion and a New Start."
"It is aimed at promoting the new device and will deliver never-seen-before experiences," the firm said.
On Monday, Samsung said that it plans to use its artificial intelligence program Bixby in the Galaxy S8 and other home appliances.
"Bixby will be our first step on a journey to completely open up new ways of interacting with your phone. At the launch of the Galaxy S8, a subset of preinstalled applications will be Bixby-enabled," said Rhee In-jong, head of R&D for software and services at Samsung Electronics.
"This set will continue to expand over time. Our plan is to eventually release a tool in the software development kit to enable third-party developers to make their applications and services Bixby-enabled easily."
By Yoon Sung-won
Samsung Group marks its 79th anniversary today with the head of Samsung Electronics Vice Chairman Lee Jae-yong behind bars on bribery charges. This year also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the death of Lee Byung-chul, the group's founder, and the inauguration of his son Kun-hee as the chairman.
But the nation's largest conglomerate will spend the anniversary without making any fuss amid depressing situations such as the arrest of Vice Chairman Lee. His father, Chairman Lee Kun-hee, has also been sick in bed for the last 34 months.
The Seoul-based chaebol said that there would be no group-wide events.
"All Samsung affiliate employees will work normally tomorrow like they do on regular workdays," an official of a Samsung unit said. "They will not hold special events for the anniversary either."
Samsung Group started as Samsung Trading, which later became Samsung C&T, in Daegu on March 1, 1938. The current chairman moved the conglomerate's anniversary to March 22 later, marking the 50th memorial day of the company.
In 2013, Samsung Electronics and Everland, the group's amusement park affiliate, offered a special discount for the 75th anniversary. In the past, Samsung has also released commemorating posts for its decades-long history.
But the group is expected not to officially celebrate the anniversary for the time being as Samsung disbanded its control tower of the Corporate Strategy Office and stopped all group-wide communication channels as of March 1.
Earlier on Feb. 17, the special prosecutor arrested the vice chairman, who has been suspected of having offered bribes to former President Park Geun-hye and her confidant Choi Soon-sil in the political scandal which eventually unseated Park early this month.
The only good news for Samsung would be that share prices of the group's affiliates have shot up despite the lack of a leader. In particular, its flagship unit Samsung Electronics has led the bullish run of the Seoul bourse on strong profits.
The world's largest smartphone maker has seen its stock prices rocket around 30 percent since last December so that its market capitalization approaches 300 trillion won.
Meanwhile, the group's subsidiaries such as Samsung Electronics, Samsung C&T, Samsung Life Insurance, Samsung SDS, Samsung BioLogics, Samsung Electro-Mechanics, Samsung Securities, Samsung Card, Samsung Fire & Marine Insurance and Samsung Engineering will hold general meetings of shareholders. Most of them are likely to discuss general matters such as audit reports and financial statement approval.
Samsung Electronics, on the other hand, has drawn attention from the industry as the plan to transform the enterprise into a holding company is expected to be discussed at the meeting.
On March 14, Samsung Electronics CFO Lee Sang-hoon said, "The review process of the plan to convert Samsung Electronics into a holding company has been promised to our shareholders at home and abroad, regardless of any other issues."
Samsung Electronics announced this plan on Nov. 29 last year. "We expect that the process may take more than six months. We will notify the shareholders as soon as we complete reviewing the plan," the CFO said at that time.
The new Beijing Hyundai Yuedong sedan / Courtesy of Hyundai Motor
By Jhoo Dong-chan
Beijing-Hyundai has introduced its new Yuedong sedan, known as the Celesta in other markets, in China.
The Korean carmaker's joint venture in China hosted an unveiling event Monday for the new Yuedong in the country's six major cities -- Beijing, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Xian, Zhengzhou and Hangzhou -- where about 800 took part including Chinese bureaucrats and dealers and Hyundai officials.
First introduced in the market in 2008, more than 1.3 million Yuedong sedans have since been sold to lead the Korean joint venture's growth and expansion in China.
"Available exclusively in China, the all-new Yuedong is a family sedan that offers affordability with practicality of its sizable interior space," a Beijing-Hyundai official said during the unveiling event. "The all-new Yuedong inherits its heritage as our best-selling model, and also attracts young motorists."
The new sedan features a large-size cascading grille, while applying a parallel and ergonomic layout in its center fascia.
The model mounts a 1.6-liter Gamma MPI engine with six-speed transmission. An official said the new Yuedong has improved low-speed performance compared to previous versions while boasting superior fuel efficiency.
Adapting to the country's street situations, the new Yuedong sedan is equipped with an upright shock absorber to provide a better ride on rough roads. It also features a double-sealing door patch to minimize noise and vibration from outside.
The new Yuedong sedan is also outfitted with various safety features including a tire pressure monitoring system, new airbags with extended coverage and electronic stability control.
Hyundai has been hardly affected by China's boycotts of Korean brands in the aftermath of Seoul's decision midway through last year to deploy a U.S. Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) battery.
However, the carmaker has struggled in recent years and it has strived to find fresh growth momentum in the world's largest automotive market in terms of annual sales.
SY Panel CEO Hong Young-don
By Lee Hyo-sik
SY Panel, a maker of sandwich panels and other construction materials, has decided to build a plant in Nepal to capitalize on the nation's ongoing reconstruction work following a 2015 earthquake.
The company, listed on the tech-heavy Kosdaq market, said Tuesday that it plans to complete the construction of the envisioned manufacturing facility this year. Korea's No. 1 sandwich panel producer also plans to use the Nepalese plant as a base to enter India, Pakistan and other South Asian countries.
"We will build a plant in Nepal as quickly as possible to supply sandwich panels and other construction materials to facilitate the nation's recovery efforts from the devastating earthquake," a company spokesman said. "In the near future, we will also tap into India, which is the largest construction market in the region."
In February, SY Panel, headed by CEO Hong Young-don, acquired a 30-percent stake in a consortium that has been building a steel processing plant in Vietnam, for 5 billion won ($4.5 million). The envisioned facility will process steel plates for a wide range of household appliances and construction materials.
"Our sandwich panels have gained huge popularity among businesses and consumers across the globe for their high quality," the spokesman said. "We operate panel plants in China, Indonesia and Vietnam to meet growing demand there, fueled by booming real estate markets."
The demand for panels that are effective insulators will increase at a robust pace as people prefer to live in energy-efficient homes, according to the spokesman, who said the company will continue to invest more on research and development activities.
SY Panel has also begun shifting its focus to other more value-added building materials, according to the spokesman.
"Investing in the steel processing plant in Vietnam is part of such efforts. We will continue to build plants abroad and tap into more foreign markets," he said.
Founded in 1994, SY Panel earned 310 billion won in sales with a 9 billion won operating profit in 2016. The enterprise operates 11 plants in Korea, employing 700 workers.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visits construction sites in Pyongyang.
US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson thinks that if only he can enlist Beijing's support, sanctions will compel Kim Jong-un to give up his nuclear arsenal here's why he's wrong
By Tom Holland
Speaking on Thursday ahead of his first trip to Beijing, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged that Washington's policy towards North Korea had failed. Speaking on Thursday ahead of his first trip to Beijing, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson acknowledged that Washington's policy towards North Korea had failed.
That's putting it mildly. After more than 20 years of US efforts aimed at halting Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme, the North Korean regime is closer than ever to developing a credible strike capability. This month, it fired four medium-range missiles into the Sea of Japan in an exercise apparently aimed at demonstrating its targeting ability.
That test followed the underground detonation last September of a nuclear device with twice the force of the US atom bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. Suddenly, the day when Kim Jong-un can mount a nuclear warhead on a missile that can threaten North Korea's neighbours, and even the continental United States, no longer seems so far away. As Tillerson said on Thursday: "It is clear a different approach is required."
Yet the former oil executive had little new to offer on the policy front. "We look to China to fulfil its obligations," he said. Like his predecessors, Tillerson appears to think that if only he can enlist Beijing's support, then US-backed economic sanctions can compel Kim to give up his nuclear arsenal.
This approach is no more likely to succeed now than at any other time since the mid-1990s, when Kim's father first began launching missiles in the direction of Japan.
Firstly, it is doubtful how much diplomatic influence Beijing really wields in Pyongyang. Certainly North Korea is not the obedient client state of China that US President Donald Trump's campaign statements allege. Kim has yet to make an official visit as North Korea's leader to Beijing, and has never met China's President Xi Jinping.
Nor does Kim have much incentive to heed Chinese calls to halt his weapons programme. To the North Korean leader, nuclear missiles are the one guarantee of his regime's security in a hostile world. Giving them up would be political suicide.
Secondly, although US policymakers are right that China is largely responsible for supporting the North Korean economy, and that Beijing could exert enormous economic pressure on Pyongyang if it chose, strict sanctions are a tool China remains extremely reluctant to employ.
For Beijing, the results of imposing an economic blockade on North Korea would be far worse than the consequences of doing nothing. The cure would be worse than the disease.
Today, China is by far North Korea's largest trading partner, accounting for more than 90 per cent of its foreign trade. According to South Korean government estimates, in 2015 China bought US$2.5 billion worth of North Korean exports largely coal and iron ore.
However, that figure certainly understates the true depth of the two countries' economic ties. The South Korean estimates, which are derived largely from China's own trade figures, show North Korea running a persistent trade deficit of between US$500 million and US$1.5 billion a year. Considering that North Korea cannot borrow internationally to finance this apparent deficit, it must have other sources of foreign currency income. The bulk of these are likely to be the thriving black market trade across the Yalu River which marks the Chinese border, and remittances from North Koreans working in China.
If Beijing were to rigorously sever these ties, it would very likely bring the North Korean economy and Kim's regime to its knees. But China's leaders have no appetite for such a drastic course of action. That much is clear from recent developments. Last month Beijing announced a ban on imports of coal from North Korea in accordance with United Nations sanctions agreed last year. Yet, according to reports from South Korea, North Korean coal ships continue to unload their cargoes unhindered at Chinese ports.
As Beijing sees it, the consequences of cutting off economic ties and precipitating the fall of the North Korean regime would be disastrous. Either the result would be complete chaos, with millions of North Korean refugees crossing the Yalu River into China's depressed North Eastern provinces, or it would be a successful reunification led by South Korea, an eventuality which would in time lead to the emergence of a new American-allied economic powerhouse, complete with US military bases, right on China's border.
The first outcome is unpalatable, the second intolerable. As Beijing's intemperate reaction to US plans for a missile shield in South Korea to reduce the threat of Kim's missiles demonstrates, China's leaders are far more suspicious of US strategic aims in Asia than they are worried about the destabilising potential of North Korea's nuclear weapons programme.
The Hallyu wave was in full force in Mexico as the K-CON drew in over 33,000 fans for the convention that celebrates Korean music, arts and culture. The huge turnout cemented the success of the event which only started in 2017.
According to HK Shin, president of CJ&EM Music Division, they were overwhelmed by the show of support from the Latin America market. They said that the reaction in Mexico was everything they have ever hoped for in expanding to a new country.
Among the highlights of the two-day event included performances from Astro, BTS, Eric Nam, EXID, Infinite H, Monsta X, NCT 127 and Red Velvet. There were also dance workshops, and a wide array of Korean products, food and culture on display from March 17-18, reported MultiChannel.
The online streaming of the event through KCON.TV also brought the event to 200,000 viewers from North America and South America. The event was viewed by over 30,000 viewers.
"While many people think of just K-Pop but there is a whole lot more to Korean culture and it's incredible!" KenroVlog, Peruvian Youtube celebrity said. "This was my first time and it certainly blew my mind along with thousands of Mexican fans."
Meanwhile, K-pop night also drew in a crowd of 2,500 at the SXSW Music Festival held in Austin, Texas. A solo performance by SISTAR's Hyolin, Red Velvet, Yoon Mi-rae, No Brain, Galaxy Express and Big Phony were the main highlights of the night and brought K-pop fans to their feet, reported Yonhap News.
According to Lee Hyun-joo, an official at Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) which is the organizer of the event, the huge turnout and the positive response of the audience reconfirmed the growing stature and reach of K-pop among global fans. He said that their agency is planning to hold a similar event in Great Escape music festival in Britain in May.
A woman from Marshfield pleaded guilty in federal court on Monday to stealing mail and using the stolen contents to commit check and credit card fraud.
Annette West, 46, waived her right to a grand jury indictment and pleaded guilty before U.S. Magistrate judge David Rush to a three-count information that charges her with stealing mail, depositing a fraudulent check and credit card fraud.
West admitted she stole mail (or caused mail to be stolen) from the mailboxes of 16 individual victims between Oct. 29 and Dec. 9, 2016. West stole the contents of that mail, which included checks, credit cards, Social Security cards, and personal identification cards belonging to the 16 victims. She then used the contents of the stolen mail to engage in fraudulent criminal acts.
West also admitted she altered a stolen check and fraudulently deposited the check into her personal bank account. West then withdrew the funds from her account.
West also admitted she fraudulently conducted financial transactions with stolen credit cards from three of the victims.
Under federal statutes, West is subject to a sentence of up to 30 years in federal prison without parole. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by a judge based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the United States Probation Office.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Springfield Police Department.
City leaders on Tuesday told the City Council about a plan that they hope might convince many beggars to stop soliciting money on street corners in the city. The program would be called "Wheels to Work."
Edited news release from City of Springfield:
Proposed program could help get panhandlers off the street and into jobs
In Albuquerque, they were searching for a better way. In Portland, they created an Opportunity Crew. And in Springfield, leaders are hoping to provide Wheels to Work.
City officials are working on an eight-week pilot program called Wheels to Work to offer day jobs and long-term employment opportunities to panhandlers. The program, which was proposed to City Council on Tuesday, would have nonprofit partners, such as Crosslines, driving vans around to busy intersections and offering panhandlers a chance to earn up to $11 an hour.
The panhandlers would be offered a variety of light labor day jobs. They would be paid at the end of each day.
The City has partnered with People Ready to supply the jobs. Their core expertise is recruiting, screening, and hiring the right workers for on-demand, seasonal support and temporary staffing.
The first and foremost goal is to treat panhandlers with respect and compassion, said City Manager Greg Burris. We want to make sure people have opportunities and they arent relegated to panhandling as their only way to make ends meet. We would like to reduce the number of panhandlers standing at intersections, but also to connect people with services and that could put them on the path to healthier and more productive, stable lives.
The Citys director of Workforce Development, Mary Ann Rojas, will coordinate the services provided to panhandlers (guests), who will receive a free ride to the Missouri Job Center, where they will receive more than a day job. Rojas says they will receive assistance to hopefully get them in a pipeline for more stable and higher-paying work.
Missouri Job Center has about 3,000 jobs available on any one given day. But, Rojas also understands that there are some serious barriers that people often face in trying to secure employment. And she wants to help tear down those barriers with the help of many partner organizations.
A lot of times, under-resourced people need assistance with job readiness - like access to basic services, obtaining a drivers license or other documents, or even referrals for other services to address mental or physical health issues or housing, Rojas said. We want to help with that.
PRESS RELEASE
U.S.-Russian Military Dialogue Essential, Says Retired General
March 20, 2017 (EIRNS)Retired Brig. Gen. Peter Zwack, the U.S. defense attache in Moscow from 2012 to 2014, argues in a March 19 commentary in Defense One that military-to-military dialogue between the United States and Russia is essential, especially given the current state of U.S.-Russian relations. After noting the two meetings, in February and March, between U.S. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Joseph Dunford and Russian Chief of the General Staff Gen. Valery Gerasimov, the second one hosted by the Turkish general staff chief, Zwack writes that the lack of communication between the two militaries since February of 2014, "less even than during the height of the Cold War, is dangerous to both nations vulnerable to a crisis at the speed of cyber."
Zwack otherwise accepts the narrative that Russia is mainly responsible for the deterioration in relations between the two countries, particularly with respect to Ukraineas if there were no U.S./NATO actions that caused Russian responses. He nonetheless sees the Dunford-Gerasimov meetings, the first in three years between the military chiefs of the two countries, as significant and important.
"It is imperative that they continue, along with senior U.S. and Russian defense officials and key regional commanders, to find venues to frankly exchange views and perspectives, de-conflict actions and incidents, and directly relay, unfiltered, what they are thinking and doing,"
he concludes. "Relationships matter, especially during times of tension and serious institutional distrust."
Whos leaving empty A.1. steak sauce bottles in an Ohio library? A public library in Ohio has launched a high-steaks investigation (ar ar) after workers discovered dozens of empty A.1. bottles stashed in their stacks.
Employees of the Avon Lake, Ohio, library found the first bottle in their building in January, when one appeared in the newspaper section, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports.
Since then, workers and security guards have found almost 30 of the bottles hidden behind books and plants in the library. Video from the library has not turned up a culprit.
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All the bottles were stripped of their labels and had been cleaned, library employees told People magazine.
Library employee Linda Janesz and her co-workers are stumped by the appearance of the steak sauce bottles.
Sometimes we find one, sometimes we find three or four, sometimes we dont find any, she said. Our surveillance video doesnt show anyone trying to hide something.
Library workers first theorized that the bottles were being used to hide alcohol. (A Napa Valley Cabernet goes well with a New York strip.)
But after subjecting the bottles to a smell test, employees determined the bottles had contained only tangy steak sauce and not booze, reports the (Elyria, Ohio) Chronicle-Telegram.
Library page supervisor Dan Cotton said that if theres a method to the steak-sauce madness, the staff has been unable to figure it out.
We mapped the first 12 to see if we could find a pattern, but we couldnt find a discernible pattern, he said.
Janesz said she thinks its unlikely that a student has been leaving the bottles, since they seem to be hidden during the day. But shes at a loss to explain whos behind the flow of steak sauce bottles.
We dont know if they are playing a game or purposely doing this to stump us, she said. We dont know; its just kind of bizarre. Is it a game that we dont know how to play or are we messing up someones game?
Wells Fargo & Co. continues to provide a counter-example to the adage that theres no such thing as bad publicity. Six months after the scandal broke of widespread fraud in its customer sales practices, the bank is still struggling to line up new customers.
Potential customers may feel they have good reasons to steer clear of Wells Fargo: Its commitment to do everything it can to rectify the fraud to make things right and restore trust, as its publicity material says is still highly questionable. The company has acknowledged that its retail sales force opened as many as 2 million checking, savings and credit card accounts without customer authorization over the last several years, and it agreed to pay $185 million to regulators to settle investigations into the scandal.
The bank says it has refunded millions of dollars to potentially defrauded customers and reached out to 43 million more. But Wells Fargo still is trying to force aggrieved customers into binding arbitration, rather than in court, where they might have a better shot at gaining redress. As long as Wells Fargo insists on playing on a field tilted in its own favor, all its claims about doing the right thing by its customers ring hollow.
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Wells Fargo admitted in sworn testimony that it broke the law, and that it stole customers money. Mitchell vs. Wells Fargo
Before we get into that, lets look at the raw numbers. Since October, as part of a campaign aimed at greater transparency, the bank has issued monthly customer statistics, including account openings and closings. So far, theyve been ugly. (See accompanying chart.)
New checking account openings are running an average of 40% behind the same months a year earlier, and new credit card accounts are down by almost 50%. It isnt entirely clear whether the comparisons are so bad because the year-ago period includes bogus accounts.
In any event, Wells executives point out that new checking accounts have been running ahead of customer-initiated account closings each month, which they take as a good sign. But its not that good: Net new account openings have run about 100,000 per month since the scandal broke. In the year-ago period, net new accounts were running 300,000 to 400,000 per month. And customer loyalty scores, the bank concedes, are still significantly below pre-scandal levels. Those factors suggest that the bank is still facing strong headwinds in attracting customers.
Why might that be? First, much of Wells Fargos commitment to making things right is indistinguishable from advertising persiflage. Its chief executive, Tim Sloan, who took over from disgraced Chairman and CEO John Stumpf in October, uttered some of this boilerplate at an employee town hall on Tuesday, where he unveiled a new corporate brand ad campaign erected around the slogan Building Better Every Day.
Its not just a tagline, Sloan said of this vacuous marketing phrase. Its our commitment. He talked about fostering an ethical, inclusive and customer-focused culture. Among the companys six new goals, he said, were that we want to know and understand our customers and their financial goals.
Yet when it came to concrete commitments, there was not much new. The $3.2 million in refunds the company has made? Thats gone to 130,000 customers, so it comes to $24.61 each. Is that enough to compensate customers whose credit scores may have been torpedoed by accounts they didnt know they had, or checks they bounced because a Wells employee had drained their real account to bankroll a fake one? No, but their anguish is covered by Sloans assurance that were researching how our customers credit scores may have been impacted as the result of potentially unauthorized credit cards.
If one pays attention to actions and not words, however, Wells Fargo is still failing to make things right for its customers. The best illustration of that is its treatment of the customers who have filed suit in federal court over the bogus accounts. Citing customer account agreements the customers allegedly signed, the bank wants these cases thrown out of court and moved to arbitration.
Wells Fargo contends that once a customer signs an agreement with an arbitration clause, all disputes that customer has with the bank are subject to arbitration including, as in these cases, allegations of fraudulent activity. In a motion in Utah federal court, the bank points to a clause in the agreement that subjects to arbitration claims based on broken promises or contracts, torts (injuries caused by negligent or intentional conduct), or other wrongful actions.
The bank also maintains that the very issue of whether these cases are subject to arbitration is itself subject to arbitration.
The customers, however, argue that once the bank allowed criminal activity to take place, it breached the customer agreements, so they no longer apply. And the bank has acknowledged that its employees were setting up bogus accounts for years, that it knew enough about the activity to have fired more than 5,000 wrongdoers, but that it failed to disclose the activity to the customers or the public at least not until the scam was uncovered by the Los Angeles Times in 2013.
Wells Fargo admitted in sworn testimony that it broke the law, and that it stole customers money, the customers say in their lawsuit. Since the illegal conduct took place outside the accounts the customers had opened, that should place it outside the arbitration agreement, says the lawyer handling the Utah case, Steven A. Christensen.
Wells Fargo has been urged by senators and members of Congress to drop the arbitration clause, which has been upheld by one federal judge in a case related to the scandal, Vince Chhabria of San Francisco. And Christensen says Wells Fargo shows no signs of relenting in his case, which he says involves 100 customers. The bank is holding fast and firm, he told me. A bank spokesman confirmed that.
As we observed when the Wells scandal first broke, arbitration clauses in customer agreements are a scourge that work largely against the customers. Typically, theyre buried in the lengthy documents you sign when you enroll with a cable company, go to a doctor or hospital, or take a new job, and almost always they favor the bigger party Wells Fargo, for example, will be party to perhaps hundreds or thousands of arbitration hearings per year, while the average customer may face one in a lifetime. The arbitrators know who butters their muffins, and theyll tend to avoid getting a reputation as pro-customer, lest their business dry up.
Even worse, arbitration cases are generally held behind closed doors and their evidence kept out of public view. The Wells Fargo scandal might have been uncovered much sooner had customer complaints reached open court.
If Wells Fargo truly wants to show its commitment to putting this scandal behind it and making things right, it will forgo the arbitration clause. Until it does so, its pledges to act transparently and to be Building Better Every Day are just so much hot air, and its potential customers will know it.
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.
L.A. without the NEA. What does that look like? If the National Endowment for the Arts were to lose its funding, as has been proposed by President Trump, would many people notice?
Would you?
The Times is setting out to answer that question by looking at the NEA through the lens of one city and its environs, where the proposed cuts have the potential to affect gargantuan arts institutions and grass-roots programs alike. In the 2016 fiscal year alone, the NEA awarded 353 grants totaling $9.7 million to recipients in California, the agency said. Thats an average of less than $28,000 per grant, many going to relatively small organizations working on a local level.
Every day The Times will look at a different community group, how its NEA funds were spent, what artistic or public good did or didnt result, and what the cultural landscape would look like if that program were to disappear.
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When Trumps budget proposal landed last week, one of our first calls went to Theatre of Hearts, which has received seed money from the NEA on and off since 2004. This year it was awarded $15,000 to support its Literacy Alive Mural Program, which will bring professional artists to the Central Juvenile Hall School near downtown L.A. to mentor students in creative writing and visual arts. One goal of the workshops is to create large-scale murals.
These kids would never, ever have this opportunity otherwise, said Theatre of Hearts Executive Director Sheila Scott-Wilkinson, adding that she feels the program benefits not only the youths but also the future neighborhoods that they will call home. These youngsters are not throwaways. Theyre going to return to their communities. They are not a lost cause.
Theatre of Hearts secured a $15,000 matching grant to augment its NEA funding, raising the juvenile hall school project budget to $30,000. More than $18,000 of that total will go to artists working on the project; $4,780 will be used as partial payment of program staff salaries; $3,610 is the cost of art supplies; and $3,000 will help to cover the $5 million insurance policy the organization needs in order to work inside youth correctional facilities.
Scott-Wilkinson founded Theatre of Hearts in 1987 to serve at-risk and high-risk youth in underserved neighborhoods throughout Los Angeles County. The idea is to divert kids attention away from the crime and violence around them and toward something positive.
These youngsters are not throwaways, theyre going to return to their communities. They are not a lost cause. Sheila Scott-Wilkinson, Theatre of Hearts executive director
The loss of NEA funding wouldnt crush Theatre of Hearts, but it would affect operations substantially, Scott-Wilkinson said.
Were more likely to get funding from other entities if we get an NEA grant, she said. It carries a high profile and it leverages our funds, so this is devastating.
The largest NEA grant Theatre of Hearts has received came in 2004, when the organization was awarded $38,000 for its artist-in-residence program. That placed master artists in alternative schools to stage artistic interventions for youths with learning challenges.
We thought this was coming down, and now it has in the worst sense, Scott-Wilkinson said. Were going to bring all our forces to bear to make clear that we do not want to let this happen.
She added that the organization was looking at the ways it could advocate for change, including calling state, federal and local representatives and using social media. Said a recent Theatre of Hearts tweet: To eliminate the @NEAarts would be to eliminate a part of the fabric of our community and humanity. #YouthFirst #SaveTheNEA #ArtsAdvocacy.
Look for more L.A. Without the NEA stories here daily.
jessica.gelt@latimes.com
Twitter: @jessicagelt
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12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with a breakdown of how the Theatre of Hearts is spending grant money this year.
This article was originally published at 8:45 a.m.
Being so closely associated with the President of the United States might be serving Ivanka Trumps brand for the better, but a California retailer thinks such an advantage crosses into the category of illegal competition.
Modern Appealing Clothing, a family-owned boutique selling lines like Dries Van Noten and Comme des Garcons out of two San Francisco locations, told a local court on Thursday that the holding company for Ivanka Trumps intellectual property and its affiliates are getting an unfair advantage through the heightened public profile the First Daughters brand is enjoying.
As a retailer of womens clothing and accessories, the boutique, also known as MAC, said it directly competes with the Ivanka Trump brand and given that brands public affiliation with and support from President Trump, MAC and all other retailers in California have found themselves at a disadvantage.
MAC also pointed out that Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner work for the administration, and such an unfair advantage in commerce is specifically prohibited by the Constitution and California law.
The effects of that unfair advantage are magnified greatly by marketing activities of defendant Ivanka Trumps officers and employees and the similar activities of Donald J. Trump, his family, his agents and employees and the White House staff advisors, including but not limited to Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway and White House Press Secretary and Communications Director Sean Spicer , MAC said in its complaint.
Ivanka Trumps brand has been at the heart of defensive tweets from President Trump, a free commercial from Conway and a grassroots boycott against retailers selling any of its products since the Trump administration took over in January.
Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway brazenly supported the Ivanka Trump brand during a television appearance on Fox, which was recorded from the White House. (AP / REX / Shutterstock / WWD)
MAC also claims that Spicer has used his positions to support the Ivanka Trump brand.
A representative of the Ivanka Trump brand declined to comment.
While retailers like Nordstrom have decided to drop the line, citing lackluster sales, and shoppers have been vocal on social media about their refusal to shop retailers carrying the Ivanka Trump brand, the adage any publicity is good publicity may apply in this case.
MAC said sales of Ivanka Trump branded goods have surged since Trumps election, but did not cite any specific source for the claim. However, fashion search engine Lyst said last month that the Ivanka Trump Collection was the 11th most popular brand in February in terms of individual order count, a huge leap from its number 550 spot in January.
To remedy the alleged unfair competition, MAC is seeking unspecified damages and restitution and a permanent injunction barring Ivanka Trump goods from sale in California.
For her part, Ivanka Trump has attempted to separate herself as an individual from her namesake brand by leaving her executive role, appointing a new company president and separating the social media presence of herself and her brand.
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LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton is the latest group to jump on the accelerating niche fragrance bandwagon, with its acquisition of Maison Francis Kurkdjian.
The French luxury conglomerate said on Monday that it had purchased a majority share in the house created in 2009 by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian and Marc Chaya. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
The news confirms a report WWD published on Nov. 14, 2016.
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Motivated by a shared vision of French perfume making and the creativity that inspires it, LVMH and Maison Francis Kurkdjian have announced their association in order to jointly pursue the long-term development of the fragrance house, the companies said jointly in a statement, adding that growth will be pursued especially abroad.
Their avant-garde spirit and the quality of their creations give this fragrance house great potential and a promising future, said Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive officer of LVMH.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian was launched with a line of 25 products and a boutique in Paris. The wide-ranging brand takes a holistic approach to beauty, with a fragrance wardrobe involving everything from eaux de toilette to scented bubbles and textile cleaning products meant for perfuming a persons life 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Today, Maison Francis Kurkdjian has two stores in Paris, three in Taiwan, one in Malaysia and another in Dubai. Worldwide, it is in more than 40 countries, with more than 30 counters and a presence in almost 500 retailers, including Bergdorf Goodman, Aedes Perfumery, C.O. Bigelow Apothecary and Neiman Marcus in New York.
The perfume label, whose largest market is the U.S., registered retail sales of about $25 million in 2015, up 40 percent versus 2014.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian in January 2016 became a member of Comite Colbert, the association promoting French luxury and know-how.
Kurkdjian is one of the most well-known perfumers of today, having created blockbuster scents such as Jean Paul Gaultiers Le Male and Narciso Rodriguezs Narciso for Her. The perfumer has also conceived perfumes for some of LVMHs own brands, including Acqua di Parma, Christian Dior, Guerlain and Kenzo.
Kurkdjian, who was made a Knight of Arts and Letters in France in 2008, stated: I have always championed my personal conception of beauty and respect for the metier of perfumer-creator. Maison Francis Kurkdjian lets me freely express my inspirations. LVMH clearly understands the nature of our maison, and the groups approach to custom-crafted creativity guarantees that our distinctive identity will thrive for the long term.
Chaya is a former partner at Ernst & Young in Paris. He and Kurkdjian will continue at Maison Francis Kurkdjian in their current roles of ceo and creative director, respectively. They will also remain shareholders in the company.
LVMHs acquisition is the latest move in the race among multinationals to snap up hot niche beauty labels as the trend for premium products keeps rising. Luxury and super-luxury brands also tend to offer solid growth rates, and they present an alternative for some big companies wanting to move from celebrity or fashion brands.
The Estee Lauder Cos. Inc. has been a frontrunner in the charge for niche labels. In February 2016 it acquired By Kilian, while in 2014 it scooped up Editions de Parfums Frederic Malle and Le Labo.
In early January 2016, Puig purchased Penhaligons and LArtisan Parfumeur. And last June, LOreal acquired Atelier Cologne.
While niche fragrance brands keep cropping up, there are not many today with enough critical mass to put them on the radar of big companies. Some privately held fragrance brands in Europe currently ripe for the picking though none with a visible for-sale sign at present include Creed, Memo and Juliette Has a Gun.
LVMH, which was a pioneer in acquiring indie beauty brands in the late Nineties, has currently been more actively developing niche brands through its Kendo division, which functions as an incubator for products that become retailed in the LVMH-owned Sephora perfumery chain, among various outposts.
Other perfume and cosmetics brands at LVMH, which ranked eleventh in the WWD Beauty Inc Top 100 listing of beauty makers for 2015 with sales of 4.52 billion euros, or $5.01 billion at average exchange include Christian Dior, Guerlain, Acqua di Parma and Ole Henriksen.
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More than a month after damage at the Oroville Reservoir triggered a massive evacuation of threatened fish, wildlife officials announced Monday that they had returned almost 1 million spring-run Chinook salmon to the Feather River.
The salmon were evacuated from the Feather River Hatchery in Oroville beginning Feb. 9, when officials realized a damaged spillway was sending countless tons of suffocating sediment into the river and hatchery holding areas.
The hatchery, which is owned and operated by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, is the largest in the state. The roughly 10 million young salmon it releases each year in the Feather River and San Pablo Bay, near San Francisco, make up more than half of the annual ocean and inland catch in California.
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Todays fish release marks the success of federal and state agencies coordinating and managing valuable resources while ensuring public safety during a crisis situation, said Howard Brown, the Sacramento River basin branch chief for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, in a statement.
Central Valley spring-run Chinook are a state and federally listed species and their populations have suffered greatly during the drought.
Mondays release gives the fish enough time to imprint, or memorize, the river so that they can return to it for spawning, according to officials. It also gives them enough time to swim downstream before the Department of Water Resources drops the river water level again later this week.
Another 1 million spring-run Chinook salmon and 3 million fall-run Chinook salmon are being kept at an annex hatchery, wildlife officials said.
During last months evacuation effort, an estimated 6 million of the salmon were trucked to another state wildlife facility about 10 miles from the turbid river.
joseph.serna@latimes.com
For breaking California news, follow @JosephSerna on Twitter.
Staff writer Louis Sahagun contributed to this report.
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Los Angeles Police Chief Charlie Beck said Tuesday that reports of sexual assault and domestic violence made by the citys Latino residents have plummeted this year amid concerns that immigrants in the country illegally could risk deportation by interacting with police or testifying in court.
Beck said reports of sexual assault have dropped 25% among the citys Latino population since the beginning of 2017 compared with the same period last year, adding that reports of domestic violence have fallen by 10%. Similar decreases were not seen in reports of those crimes by other ethnic groups, Beck said.
Imagine, a young woman, imagine your daughter, your sister, your mother not reporting a sexual assault, because they are afraid that their family will be torn apart, Beck said.
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Becks comments which drew criticism from immigration enforcement advocates came during an event in East Los Angeles in which Mayor Eric Garcetti signed an executive directive expanding the LAPDs policy of not stopping people solely to question them about their immigration status to three other city agencies: the Fire Department, Airport Police and Port Police. The LAPD stopped initiating contacts with people in order to determine their immigration status in 1979. In 2014, the city ceased honoring requests from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to hold people in custody for possible deportation.
We want to focus on serious crime, but we also want to focus on making more citizens, not more criminals, Garcetti said.
For months, law enforcement leaders across the U.S. have expressed fear that aggressive immigration enforcement promised by President Trumps administration would weaken the already shaky bond between minority communities and police. In recent weeks, reports that ICE agents have identified themselves as police officers during raids and made arrests in courthouses have caused some to wonder whether immigrants in the country illegally will refuse to cooperate with police as a result.
In a statement released late Tuesday, ICE spokeswoman Virginia C. Kice dismissed Becks comments as speculative, pointing out that crime victims and witnesses who are in the country illegally are sometimes offered special visas. Federal officials also take a persons status as a crime victim into consideration when debating whether to pursue deportation proceedings, she said.
The inference by Los Angeles officials that the agencys execution of its mission is undermining public safety is outrageous and wrongheaded, Kice said. In fact, the greater threat to public safety is local law enforcements continuing unwillingness to honor immigration detainers. Rather than transferring convicted criminal aliens to ICE custody as requested, agencies, including the Los Angeles Police Department, are routinely releasing these offenders back onto the street to potentially reoffend, and their victims are often other members of the immigrant community.
Jessica Vaughan, director of policy studies at the Center for Immigration Studies, a Washington, D.C., think tank that advocates for immigration restrictions, said she was concerned that Beck had rushed to conflate immigration enforcement with a local crime issue. It would be very difficult, she said, to argue that the decrease in reports from the Latino community is not simply the result of fewer assaults being committed.
Its highly premature to conclude that this decline in reports has anything at all to do with immigration, Vaughan said.
Beck stopped short of blaming the dip in crime reporting solely on Trumps immigration policies but said there was a strong correlation between the timing of the decrease and the panic among the citys immigrant population. He expressed concern that ICEs actions might deter crime victims who are in the country illegally from coming forward.
Latino victims reported 123 sexual assaults between Jan. 1 and March 18 compared with 164 in the same time frame last year, according to crime statistics released by the LAPD. By comparison, sexual assaults reported by non-Latino victims dropped from 228 to 221, a decrease of roughly 3%.
The number of spousal abuse complaints made by Latinos fell from 1,210 last year to 1,092 in that same time frame this year, according to the LAPD data. Reports of spousal abuse among non-Latinos slid from 1,217 to 1,165, a decline of about 4%.
Jennie Pasquarella, director of immigrants rights for the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, said the decline in reporting is an obvious consequence of Trumps tough talk on immigration and the increasingly aggressive stance taken by ICE and other immigration enforcement agencies.
I think that these two sets of crimes are very good measures of the impact that the current climate is having on peoples ability to come out of the shadows and report crimes, particularly for these kinds of crimes, which already are underreported, she said.
It was not clear if other cities in California were seeing similar declines. The Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department was not immediately able to provide comparable statistics. Police officials in Long Beach and Anaheim said their agencies do not track crimes by the ethnicity of the reporting victim.
Oakland police said the number of sexual assaults reported in the city this year has remained almost identical compared with 2016, but the agency could not provide ethnic data on victims. Cpl. Anthony Bertagna, a Santa Ana police spokesman, said the number of sexual assaults and domestic violence cases reported in the majority-Latino city has remained static so far in 2017.
Still, officials in other areas of the country have said that ICEs tactics have deterred some crime victims from coming forward. In the last few weeks, city officials in Denver and El Paso, Texas, have said several women in the country illegally who were seeking restraining orders against alleged abusers withdrew those requests for fear they would be arrested at the courthouse by ICE agents.
Garcetti said Trumps tough enforcement directives have had a chilling effect on the immigrant community that goes far beyond crime reporting. The mayor said he believes parents are keeping their children home from school and disengaging from arts programs and other community activities for fear that they might be targeted for deportation simply by being out in public.
That is unacceptable in our Los Angeles, he said. I dont ever want good people to hold back from kicking a ball in a park.
james.queally@latimes.com
Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
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Keep those umbrellas handy this week, folks. A wet week is on tap for the Southland, with the first of several storm systems moving into the region Tuesday morning.
Rainfall was reported in Ventura, as well as in Van Nuys and at Los Angeles International Airport by 7 a.m. Tuesday, said Stuart Seto, a weather specialist for the National Weather Service in Oxnard. Precipitation was expected to increase throughout the day.
By Tuesday night, Los Angeles is forecast to get about a third of an inch of rain, according to the National Weather Service. Coastal areas between Malibu and Cambria could see a half-inch to an inch of precipitation Tuesday.
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The storm system will usher in high winds, and the Antelope Valley is under a wind advisory until 8 p.m. Tuesday, with winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts of up to 45 mph possible, Seto said.
The mountain areas will be even windier, Seto said.
Wednesday holds the best chance for scattered thunderstorms, with a 20% chance throughout the area, Seto said.
Snow levels could drop to 5,000 feet, especially along the Tejon Pass on Interstate 5, forecasters said.
Thursday is forecast to be dry before another storm system originating in the Gulf of Alaska moves in, according to the weather service. A cold front is expected to move south over the area Friday afternoon. Although areas north of Point Conception in Santa Barbara County will get more rain, there also is precipitation forecast for areas farther south, forecasters said.
That system could bring gusty northerly winds across southern Santa Barbara County and along the Interstate 5 corridor.
That front likely will exit the region over the weekend before yet another storm system quickly passes through between Sunday and Monday, bringing gusty winds and possible light rainfall, according to the weather service.
Seto said it is common in the spring for storm systems to move in from the north and pass rapidly through Southern California.
hailey.branson@latimes.com
Twitter: @haileybranson
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A 15-year-old Santa Monica High student died after trying the drug LSD over the weekend and falling from an apartment building balcony, school officials said Monday.
In a letter addressed to parents and family members, Principal Antonio Shelton said freshman Andre Zuczek died from major brain trauma.
The letter said Zuczeks family wanted to share the full circumstances of his death so that other parents may be spared from losing a child to drug use.
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A statement from Zuczeks family said he and some friends tried LSD, commonly referred to as acid, on Saturday.
Things went badly very quickly as Andre had what is though to be a bad trip, and fell from a third-floor apartment, the statement said.
Santa Monica police Lt. Saul Rodriguez said officers arrived about 3 p.m. to an apartment building in the 1700 block of Ocean Avenue, where there were reports of people acting erratically, breaking items and possibly experiencing an overdose of hallucinogens in one of the units.
When officers arrived, they saw Zuczek standing on the balcony of a third-floor unit. As they approached, he fell off.
Paramedics took the teen to the hospital, where he later died, Rodriguez said.
The statement issued by school officials called on community members to talk about Zuczek and his death with their children and families.
In sharing, please be aware that hearsay and gossip can be very hurtful and can add more sorrow to the grief we are all feeling at this time, the statement said.
Shelton, the principal, said counselors were available to students needing support as they grieve.
Police said another minor was found in the common area of the apartment complex and was treated for minor injuries and for ingesting narcotics. He was taken to a hospital for treatment, Rodriguez said.
To read the article in Spanish, click here
matt.hamilton@latimes.com
Twitter: @MattHjourno
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Before his retrial even began, Lee Baca was already losing.
In January, shortly after a jury had nearly acquitted the former Los Angeles County sheriff of charges that he helped obstruct an FBI investigation into abuses in his jails, Assistant U.S. Atty. Brandon Fox tipped his hand in a court filing. At the upcoming retrial, the prosecutor wrote, the government would not call several witnesses from the first trial who had testified that they tried to warn Baca about the inmate beatings and other corruption inside the county jails.
Fox was making a calculated move. Without the appearance of those witnesses, he told the judge, Bacas defense attorney should be barred from presenting evidence of any good acts Baca did as sheriff to address problems in the jails.
The judge agreed.
The ruling received relatively little attention at the time. But the judges decision and other rulings that limited Bacas defense had a dramatic impact on his retrial and are likely to be the focus of the former sheriffs arguments as he seeks to appeal last weeks conviction.
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Preventing evidence of good acts shut down a line of attack that Bacas lawyer, Nathan Hochman, had used effectively in the first trial to counter the governments portrayal of Baca as the Machiavellian head of the plot to obstruct the FBI. No longer could Hochman paint a different portrait of the man that of an open, direct, and transparent sheriff who had no reason to interfere with a federal investigation because he was trying to fix the problems in his jails.
With Bacas defense hamstrung, Foxs team of public corruption prosecutors was freed up to take a chance by calling two former sheriffs officials who were already convicted of playing central roles in the 2011 obstruction scheme. Calling the new witnesses posed serious risks: Their credibility would come under scathing attack from Hochman. But they had firsthand knowledge of Bacas role in the plot something jurors from the first trial had said was missing.
The tactical switch helped prosecutors win a conviction that appeared highly unlikely after the first jury deadlocked 11-1 in favor of acquitting Baca, a powerful and celebrated law enforcement figure who built a reputation as an eccentric but progressive leader known for his campaign to provide education services for jail inmates.
The second jury needed less than two days to convict Baca of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and making false statements to federal officials.
Absolutely, it was risky, Fox said immediately after the verdict, describing his decision to jettison the witnesses from the first trial. But we felt the benefits of focusing more of the case on Mr. Baca outweighed having that evidence come in.
Hochman remain tight-lipped at the time about U.S. District Judge Percy Andersons pretrial ruling, which was one of several that blocked him from introducing evidence that could have helped Baca. In comments to reporters moments after the guilty verdict, however, the attorney did not hide his belief that Baca had been unfairly disadvantaged by the judge.
We fought the good fight every day in court, he said outside the downtown federal courthouse, site of the trial. But the jury is only as good as the evidence it gets to consider. Here, the jury did not get to consider all of the evidence but the appellate court will.
In appealing the verdict, Bacas legal team is likely to argue that the former sheriff was denied a fair trial by the many rulings Anderson made against him.
Baca, who is 74 and in the early stages of Alzheimers disease, now faces the likelihood of a federal prison sentence. Anderson is scheduled to sentence Baca on May 15 and has yet to decide whether he will allow him to remain free pending his appeal.
The decision to forgo what Fox referred to in court filings and hearings as the notice witnesses people who had alerted Baca to the jail abuses was part of a major overhaul the government undertook of its case between the two proceedings, said Miriam Krinsky, a former federal prosecutor who led a commission on violence in the county jails.
Krinsky also cited another key prosecution move Foxs decision to add a charge that Baca made false statements to the second trial. Before the first trial, the prosecutor had agreed with the judges suggestion that the false statements charge be tried separately, after a jury had decided on the conspiracy and obstruction allegations.
Absolutely, it was risky. Assistant U.S. Atty. Brandon Fox on his strategy for the retrial
The idea to divide the case in two stemmed from Bacas diagnosis with Alzheimers. Hochman wanted a psychiatrist to testify that the disease could explain the lies Baca was accused of telling federal investigators about his involvement in the obstruction plan during a 2013 interview.
The judge and Fox worried that testimony about Bacas failing health might bias jurors in favor of the former sheriff. Breaking the case in two seemed like a strategy that would benefit the governments case, and Hochman opposed it at the time.
But the strategy also prevented Fox from making a potentially potent argument. Unable to mention the false statements, the government could not argue to jurors that Baca had lied in order to cover up his culpability in the obstruction.
For the retrial, Anderson agreed to include the false statement charge. But he also went a step further, granting Foxs request to bar the psychiatrist from testifying on grounds that his testimony was speculative and could mislead jurors.
Taken together, those decisions and Andersons decision to prevent testimony about Bacas attempts at reforms fundamentally changed the trial, Krinsky said.
In the first trial, Hochman elicited testimony from witnesses about Bacas attempts to deal with excessive force in the jails and, more generally, a commitment to oversight of his department.
Among other things, they said, he ordered special training for deputies aimed at subduing unruly inmates with minimal force, cooperated with federal officials on another investigation into misconduct within the department, and created an independent watchdog office to oversee internal affairs investigations.
That positive testimony during the first trial was essentially replaced, in the retrial, with audio clips of a Baca interview with prosecutors, during which he claimed that he didnt know that his subordinates were trying to obstruct the FBI.
The jury heard definitive words from Lee Baca, and it was hard not to conclude that they were the words of someone who was straying from the truth, Krinsky said. In the jurys eyes, she added, he went from someone trying to do the right thing to someone more interested in protecting himself and his department.
Hochman strenuously opposed Foxs bid to have the judge toss the testimony favorable to Baca from the second trial. In one filing, he said the government was trying to distort and mislead the jury into believing that Mr. Baca essentially took no action...to deal with these horrific instances of inmate beatings. Disallowing the testimony, the attorney argued, would unfairly prevent him from defending Baca against the governments claims.
With few avenues left, Hochman called a single witness in Bacas defense.
That witness, Michael Gennaco, had spent more than a decade as the head of the watchdog agency that oversaw the Sheriffs Department. His testimony, however, was repeatedly cut short by Anderson, who ruled that Gennacos observations about his experiences were irrelevant to the case.
joel.rubin@latimes.com
For more news on the federal courts in Southern California, follow @joelrubin on Twitter
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The wary eye of a salesclerk. A snide comment made by a passerby. A remark about her mothers uneven English.
Diana Carrillo was accustomed to waving off the disdain that invaded her life as a Mexican American, she said.
But after a waiter at an upscale Huntington Beach restaurant asked her dining party for proof of residency, the 24-year-old Irvine resident said, she decided to go public.
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Her Facebook post and the ensuing media coverage of her experience struck a nerve across the nation, with thousands excoriating the restaurant in online comments and flooding its Yelp page to write scathing reviews.
Come here if you want to be discriminated against! Better make sure you bring your passport/birth certificate.
Carrillo, who works for a mortgage broker company, said she wanted to share her story to hold the restaurant accountable.
Such affronts are familiar for people of color, woven throughout their everyday lives. But these episodes have taken on new resonance in a political climate that is increasingly divided.
The last few months have been marked by threats to Jewish community centers and temples across the country as well as hate letters targeting mosques and Muslim centers. California police have created new programs to deal with hate crimes and hate speech. Though its unclear whether there has been an increase in hate crimes, officials said such incidents are getting more attention and residents are demanding action from police.
Some say President Trumps election has emboldened this behavior or at least left people feeling more vulnerable. But at the same time, the tense political climate has encouraged more people who feel victimized to speak out as in the case of Carrillo.
In January, Asian Americans Advancing Justice launched a national effort to track hate crimes against Asian people. Theyve received more than 80 reports in just two months, said John C. Yang, a vice president of the organizations Washington, D.C., office. The reports have come in from every region of the country.
In New York, an Asian man born in Manhattan reported he was shoved and called a racial epithet without provocation. A man boarding a plane in Chicago asked a Pakistani Indian couple whether they had a bomb in their bag. A Minnesota Hmong familys garage and minivan were vandalized with racial slurs.
Recently, retired accountant Lalitha Pillalamarri was returning home from her daily afternoon walk around Bel Air, Md., when an elderly white neighbor beckoned.
She asked, Are you Muslim? Pillalamarri recalled. The woman then warned her that Muslims are terrorists.
Pillalamarri, who is Indian American, has been walking the same route for many years. Never has the neighbor approached her with such a question.
People feel bold enough to let their prejudice come out now, Pillalamarri said.
People feel bold enough to let their prejudice come out now. Lalitha Pillalamarri
Carrillo said she faced hostility well before the election but nothing like what happened at the Huntington Beach restaurant. The motives of the waiter remain unclear. His identity has not been made public, and he could not be reached for comment.
Carrillo complained about the waiters behavior to management at Saint Marc, a pricey cafe near the ocean where patrons can order coffee-rubbed bacon from a bacon bar. It responded by firing the waiter.
The views of our former employee are not in line with that of Saint Marc, nor will we allow any current or future employee to treat any guests this way in our establishment, the restaurant said in a statement. It announced on its Facebook page that 10% of the past weekends revenue was donated to an advocacy group for Orange County immigrant youth on behalf of Carrillo.
Carrillo has replayed the March 11 incident in her head, questioning herself on the details. Did I misinterpret something? she said. No. There is no room for misinterpretation.
She said the manager told her that the waiter had told him he meant the comment as a joke, but she doesnt buy it.
She said the waiter approached the table without a smile.
He didnt introduce himself or welcome us to the restaurant, Carrillo said. He just asked us for proof of our residency, looked at our IDs and walked away.
She read comments on social media that challenged her story, suggesting that the waiter was actually asking if they were Huntington Beach residents so they could receive a discount.
There is no way, Carrillo said. That didnt happen.
Kent Bearden, senior director of operations for Saint Marc, said the restaurant does not have a discount policy for Huntington Beach residents but does offer deals to patrons of a nearby hotel.
A waiter at Saint Marc, a Huntington Beach restaurant in the Pacific City complex, allegedly asked a patron to show proof of residency. The waiter has been fired, and the restaurant has offered an apology to the customer. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)
Bearden said he investigated the incident himself and that it began when the women ordered alcoholic drinks. The waiter, he said, asked for proof of residency. As the women pulled out their identification, the waiter added, I just need to make sure you live here.
Bearden spoke to the waiter about what happened but was not satisfied with his story, adding his behavior went against the restaurants employee handbook.
I cant confirm with certainty any more than you can because I did not witness it, he said of the incident.
Usually, Carrillo said, her encounters with racism have been subtle.
You walk into a place and people look at you and kind of judge you on your appearance, your skin color, she said. You can just feel it.
Sometimes people make remarks when she and her family speak Spanish to each other in public.
Illegals need to just stop jumping the border, someone once said within earshot of her family a few years ago.
Shes tried to not let it bother her, most times ignoring glances, eye-rolling or other gestures. She says she knows she may not experience as much as darker-skinned friends.
Carrillos mother, for instance, has received the brunt of people questioning her American status.
Guillermina Carrillo, 52, came to the United States from Mexico more than 30 years ago. Shes been a citizen for nearly two decades, juggling two jobs while raising her four daughters alone.
Years ago, she would take the family to swap meets, scouring the tables for books on learning English. She pored over them and recited words.
Did I say that right? she would ask.
Now she works as a security guard at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where shes been employed for more than 20 years, and has a second job pressing clothing at a manufacturer for an upscale womens clothing brand. She works more than 12 hours a day, six days a week.
Just a few months ago, one of her mothers co-workers commented on her English.
Youve been here for over 30 years and your English is still broken, the colleague said.
My mom has raised four girls by herself, Diana Carrillo said. She put herself through school and learned English and assimilated and contributed to society. But you still get people telling you that you dont belong here.
Patrons at Pacific City, where Saint Marc is located, shared mixed feelings about the incident.
Nancy Tolbert of Westminster, a regular at the oceanfront shopping complex, said shes curious to try Saint Marc.
As a Latina, she said she knows that I dont fit the blond beach stereotype of this area, but really, this is a comfortable environment. You dont need to follow societal norms. We are in California, after all. You can speak freely, regardless of your culture. This is an accepting place.
anh.do@latimes.com | cindy.carcamo@latimes.com | ruben.vives@latimes.com | frank.shyong@latimes.com
Times staff writers Corina Knoll and Sarah Parvini contributed to this report.
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Fourteen-year-old Canyon Mansfield was walking his dog on farmland near his Pocatello, Idaho, home last week when he saw what he thought was an old fire-sprinkler head sticking up from the ground.
He tapped it and the spring-loaded device launched a powdery cloud, leaving his face and hair coated with an orange substance. He used snow to quickly wipe most of it away. Then he saw Casey, his 3-year-old yellow Labrador, motionless on the ground.
Mansfield tried to wake up his dog. But within minutes, Casey was dead.
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The culprit was an M-44, a device filled with a cyanide compound that is routinely used near farms and rangeland by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to kill coyotes and other livestock predators. Critics call it a cyanide bomb.
The device, invented in the 1960s and later deployed across the West, consists of a hollow metal tube 5 to 7 inches long loaded with 0.9 grams of sodium cyanide powder and coated with odorous bait. When an animal bites down on the chamber, the powder flies into its mouth, contacts saliva and forms deadly hydrogen cyanide gas. The animal is rendered unconscious almost immediately and dies within five minutes.
Last year 12,511 coyotes were intentionally killed that way, along with 688 foxes and 10 feral dogs, according to the Agriculture Department, which defends the device as useful and necessary.
But the government also reported the unintentional deaths of 180 foxes, 57 raccoons, 30 opossums, 22 feral dogs, 21 skunks, three birds and a black bear as well as seven domestic pets or livestock.
Predator Defense, an activist group in Eugene, Ore., that has been pushing for legislation to ban the devices, says it believes that tally of unintentional deaths is incomplete because many are not reported.
The Sacramento Bee reported in 2012 that U.S. records show more than 3,400 animals were mistakenly killed by M-44s between 2006 and 2012.
Wildlife Services said in a statement to reporters that the latest incident was the first unintentional lethal take of a dog by an M-44 in Idaho since 2014. Two other dogs died in Wyoming from the devices this month, and a wolf was unintentionally killed by a device in Oregon in February.
Wildlife Services understands the close bonds between people and their pets and sincerely regrets such losses, the statement said.
R. Andre Bell, a spokesman for Wildlife Services, said that the government posts signs and issues other warnings to alert pet owners when wildlife traps or other devices are being used in an area for wildlife damage management.
Still, Bannock County Sheriff Lorin Nielsen said the cyanide bomb was news to him. Ive been a sheriff here for 20 years and worked for the office for 39 years, he told Idaho reporters, and Ive never heard of leaving around a device that emits poisonous gas.
The Mansfield family said there were no warning signs where the Labrador was a killed, a plateau about a quarter-mile from their home. The remaining M-44s in the area have since been removed, according to Wildlife Services.
There are no reported human deaths as a result of the cyanide devices, though people have been treated for nausea, vision impairment and other symptoms.
As for Mansfield, he is being monitored for any effects of having ingested the toxic compound. He told authorities that he had no idea why the device was there or what its purpose was.
This is horrific, his mother, Theresa Mansfield, told the Idaho State Journal. This is like terrorism in my backyard.
Anderson is a special correspondent.
The moment felt historic enough that some lawmakers in Nevadas Capitol autographed paper copies of the resolution.
Nevadas state Assembly voted Monday 28-14 to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment 35 years past the deadline set by Congress and four decades since the last state voted to adopt its language.
The vote marked a stirring victory for the resolutions chief sponsor, Sen. Pat Spearman, the Las Vegas-based Democrat who had seen it fail previously when she tried to move the measure through the state legislature in 2015.
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This month, the resolution narrowly passed the state Senate.
We did it, Spearman said shortly after the state Assembly vote. It was overwhelming, but we did it. It shows that its never too late to support equality.
The ERA was first proposed in 1920s, but Congress didnt pass it until 1972. The key part of its text reads: Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.
Thirty-eight state legislatures needed to ratify the proposed amendment, but it fell short by three when the deadline expired in 1982. Many credit the defeat to the Eagle Forum, a conservative lobbying group, and its founder Phyllis Schlafly, who argued among other things that it would open women to being drafted into the military and combat.
Once the expiration date passed, groups such as the National Organization for Women adopted a three-state strategy in hopes of getting to the three-quarters goal needed for ratification. Some have suggested the 1982 deadline was arbitrary and believe Congress didnt have the power to set a deadline for passage.
Terry ONeill, president of NOW, said she hoped Nevadas ratification would embolden some other states like Virginia and Illinois to follow the Silver States lead.
Now its a two-state strategy, she said. Its very exciting. Over the past five years, Illinois and Virginia have come close. I think there is clear interest in this.
Since the early 1990s, supporters of the amendment have been trying to get a trio of the 15 state legislatures that rejected it to reverse course.
In Virginia, one chamber had approved ratification while the other refused on multiple occasions in the last few years. Illinois had a similar scenario play out in 2014, but currently has a ratification resolution alive in its legislative session.
This year, Nevada was one of eight states with resolutions calling for ratification. But in six of those states Utah, Arizona, Missouri, Virginia, Florida and North Carolina at least one house of the legislature is controlled by Republicans, who have opposed ERA ratification.
Nevada flipped its legislature in November, with Democrats taking control of both chambers. With its state legislature at just about 40% women the highest percentage in the nation Spearman thought she had a good chance this year.
Hearings brought out large groups of supporters testifying often emotionally about the need for the ERA. Spearman said after the Assemblys vote, she thought of Nevada Democratic State Party Office Manager Naomi Millisor, who died last week. Spearman said Millisor continually had inspired her to keep pushing for passage of the measure.
She was rooting for this and sadly didnt live long enough to see it, Spearman said. She was a cheerleader for it and I remember her telling me to stay with it. I had told her, Yes maam, it will pass.
Spearman said the resolution must go back to the Senate for some technical amendments before it is certified by the Nevada secretary of state and copies are transmitted to the National Archives and Records Administration, the offices of the vice president of the U.S. and speaker of the House. She said the state Senate votes on the amendments would probably happen Wednesday.
Republican Assemblywoman Robin Titus opposed the resolution, saying she was deeply disturbed by the theatrics in the legislature over ERA ratification.
I dont believe my constituents sent me to cast symbolic votes with no chance of success, Titus said.
While both legislative chambers were mostly split down party lines, some Republicans chose to back the resolution.
Jill Tolles, a Reno Republican, said she didnt buy the arguments that the ERA would entrench abortions into the Constitution, and that even symbolic votes have a place in the legislature. She said legislators say the Pledge of Allegiance every day before the floor session starts and that the flag is a symbol for America. She said her wedding ring is symbolic of her commitment to her husband.
I would argue this chamber is full of symbolism, Tolles said.
Maggie Carlton, a Las Vegas Democrat, offered an impassioned argument for the resolution, telling a story of her mother having to take off her wedding ring to go to work every day for fear of being fired. She said the company fired women who were married because they might have children and it would hurt productivity.
Her story built on others who spoke about pay inequality and perceptions that President Trumps administration is rolling back rights for women through proposals to defund Planned Parenthood and appointing judges who appear to oppose abortion rights.
I vote for this for today in honor of my mother, my grandmother and my two daughters, Carlton said. Symbolism or not, its time to send the message.
david.montero@latimes.com
Twitter: @davemontero
In a double-barreled assault on the White House, FBI Director James B. Comey on Monday knocked back President Trumps claim of wiretapping by the Obama administration and disclosed that the FBI is investigating possible coordination between Donald Trumps presidential campaign and Russian authorities.
Comey was the most senior U.S. law enforcement official to publicly debunk Trumps extraordinary charges, first made on Twitter on March 4, that President Obama had wiretapped him at Trump Tower.
I have no information that supports those tweets, and we have looked carefully inside the FBI, Comey told a drama-laced House Intelligence Committee hearing carried live for nearly five hours on cable TV. He added that the Justice Department and its components also had no information to support Trumps accusation.
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But Comeys rebuke of Trump, which was echoed by Adm. Mike Rogers, director of the National Security Agency, was overshadowed by disclosure of an active counter-intelligence and criminal investigation aimed at the top ranks of the presidents former campaign and potentially the White House.
The FBI is investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government, and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russias efforts, Comey said.
The White House downplayed the investigation into possible collusion by Trumps aides with Russian authorities. Investigating it and having proof of it are two different things, Sean Spicer, the White House spokesman, told reporters.
Comey said the investigation was undertaken as part of the FBIs counter-intelligence mission and includes an assessment of whether any crimes were committed.
I can promise you we will follow the facts wherever they lead, Comey said.
Comey and Rogers refused to say whether the FBI investigation, which began last July, had uncovered any evidence of improper collusion or potential crimes, saying it was inappropriate to discuss an ongoing investigation involving classified sources and information.
Even their limited disclosures raised the possibility that some of Trumps current or former aides could face lengthy investigations and potentially criminal prosecution, saddling the White House with a major scandal.
The national security chiefs testimony clearly rattled the White House. During the hearing, President Trump tweeted that the FBI and NSA directors had confirmed that Russia did not influence electoral process.
That led to an unusual exchange in the House hearing room, when Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) asked Comey and Rogers whether the presidents tweet had fairly characterized their testimony.
It certainly wasnt our intention to say that today because we dont have any information on that subject, Comey said carefully.
Earlier Monday, Trump used Twitter to denounce the FBI investigation, as well as separate inquiries by the GOP-led House and Senate intelligence committees, as Fake news, adding, The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign.
There is no evidence of a Trump-Russia collusion and there is no evidence of a Trump-Russia scandal, the White House said later in a statement.
The investigation of a sitting presidents campaign by the FBI raises serious procedural and constitutional issues.
Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions already has recused himself from overseeing the FBI investigation after news reports disclosed he had met twice with Sergey Kislyak, Russias ambassador to the United States, during the campaign but failed to tell the Senate during his confirmation hearing.
As a result, Acting Deputy Atty. Gen. Dana Boente will oversee the investigation. If he is confirmed by the Senate as deputy attorney general, Rod Rosenstein would be the last word in the case.
Comey is four years into his decade-long term. He can be fired by the president, though that surely would draw comparisons to the resignation of President Nixons attorney general and the dismissal of the deputy attorney general in the so-called 1973 Saturday Night Massacre during the Watergate investigation.
Underscoring the delicacy of the situation, Comey repeatedly declined to answer lawmakers questions about the investigation, Republicans complaints about leaks to the media, or Democrats attempts to draw him into discussion about which Trump aides might be involved.
I cannot say more about what we are doing, Comey said.
The FBI directors testimony marked his second time at the center of a politically explosive investigation into the 2016 presidential campaign.
In July, he announced in a lengthy news conference that he was recommending no criminal charges be filed against Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton for using a private email server while she was secretary of State.
On Oct. 28, less than two weeks before the election, Comey shook up the presidential race by notifying lawmakers that his agents had learned of additional Clinton emails in an unrelated case that appear pertinent to the investigation.
Although he followed up several days later with a letter to say that the FBI had found nothing to change his earlier recommendation, Democrats blamed Comey for helping sink Clintons campaign at a crucial point.
On Monday, he spoke in far less detail about the Trump inquiry than he did about the FBI investigation into Clinton. He refused to commit to providing an update or to say when the investigation would be completed.
I dont know how long the work will take, he said
Comey and Rogers said they stood by a Jan. 6 report by the U.S. intelligence community that said Russian President Vladimir Putin had approved an intelligence operation in an effort to hurt Clinton and to help Trump.
They also repeated that U.S. agencies did not try to assess whether the Russian effort, which included the hacking of Democratic National Committee computers and leaks of emails that embarrassed the Clinton campaign, had swayed public opinion or affected any votes on election day.
Both said they were surprised by the openness of the Russian operation.
Its almost as if they didnt care that we knew what they were doing or that they wanted us to see what they were doing, Comey said. It was very noisy, their intrusions in different institutions.
Republicans on the House committee focused their questions on leaks of classified information to the media about Trumps current and former aides, rather than on the investigation of Russian meddling.
Few offered any public defense of Trumps continued claims of wiretapping or of contacts between his aides and Russian authorities. Several sought to limit the political damage by questioning whether Putin actively sought to help Trump.
Dont you think its ridiculous to say the Russians prefer Republicans over Democrats? asked Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), the committee chairman.
In contrast, Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank), the top Democrat on the panel, recounted numerous reports of contacts between senior members of Trumps campaign team and current and former Russian officials.
Several top Trump aides, including his former campaign manager, Paul Manafort, and his former national security advisor, Michael Flynn, were forced out because of those contacts.
Other Democrats questioned Comey about the Trump teams removal of Republican Party platform language calling for arming Ukraine in its fight against pro-Russian separatists, as well former Trump advisor Roger Stones contacts with pro-Russian hackers.
Several Democrats unsuccessfully pressed Comey to confirm some details in a dossier of unverified allegations against Trump and his associates that was written by a former British intelligence officer and made public in January by BuzzFeed.
Is it possible that all of these events and reports are completely unrelated and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Yes, it is possible, Schiff said. But it is also possible, maybe more than possible, that they are not coincidental, not disconnected and not unrelated.
Schiff added that if Trump associates did collaborate with Russia, it would be a potential crime and one of the most shocking betrayals of democracy in history.
Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) pressed Comey to say whether the FBI was investigating leaks to the media that disclosed Flynns conversations with the Russian ambassador, which apparently were picked up inadvertently on NSA communications intercepts.
The name of a U.S. citizen that was supposed to be statutorily protected is no longer protected, Gowdy said.
I dont want to confirm it by saying we are investigating, Comey said. Be assured we are going to take it very seriously.
david.cloud@latimes.com
Twitter: @davidcloudLAT
Virginias governor pardoned four former sailors who became known as the Norfolk Four, ending a decades-long fight to clear the men of rape and murder convictions based on intimidating police interrogations.
A spokesman for Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe told the Associated Press on Tuesday that the governor has granted absolute pardons for the men in the 1997 rape and killing of Michelle Moore-Bosko. DNA evidence linked another man, Omar Ballard, to the crimes. Ballard said he was solely responsible and is serving a life sentence.
The Norfolk Four were stationed at the Navy base in Norfolk. Their case drew widespread attention when their innocence claims were backed by dozens of former FBI agents, ex-prosecutors and crime novelist John Grisham.
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These pardons close the final chapter on a grave injustice that has plagued these four men for nearly 20 years, spokesman Brian Coy said in an email.
Three of the men Danial Williams, Joseph Dick and Derek Tice were granted conditional pardons in 2009 by then-Gov. Tim Kaine and released from prison because of doubts about their guilt, but their convictions remained on the books. The fourth man, Eric Wilson, who was convicted only of rape, had already been released.
Wilson failed to get his conviction overturned in court because he had already completed his sentence when he brought the challenge. Because Wilson is a convicted rapist, he was forced to register as a sex offender and barred from adopting his stepson.
A federal judge vacated Williams and Dicks convictions in October, declaring that no sane human being could find them guilty. Tice had his convictions erased in 2009.
Attorneys for the men argued absolute pardons from the governor carried greater weight than court rulings and were essential to helping the men rebuild their lives and reputations. They had long said they confessed only after being intimidated by police.
Williams, who lived in the same apartment building as Moore-Bosko, has said he was told he would face a capital murder charge punishable by death if he didnt confess. He said he caved because he wanted the 11-hour interrogation to be over.
I just couldnt take it anymore, Williams said during an April 2015 hearing. I couldnt take being called a liar, the pressure.
Dick also has said he was threatened with the death penalty.
The detective who questioned the men, Robert Glenn Ford, was convicted in 2011 of extortion and lying to the FBI in unrelated cases. He is serving 12 years in prison for taking tens of thousands of dollars from drug dealers in exchange for getting them favorable treatment at sentencing.
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There are about 300 Los Angeles County deputy sheriffs and higher-ranking officials whose personnel files include evidence that they lied, took bribes, used excessive force or committed some other type of misconduct that is sufficiently serious to undermine their credibility as prosecution witnesses in criminal cases. Prosecutors have a constitutional duty to share that kind of evidence about their witnesses with defendants, but they cant do it if they dont know about it, and the California Supreme Court has blocked them from poring through law enforcement files themselves to find out who those deputies might be.
The obvious solution is for Sheriff Jim McDonnell to provide Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey with the names (and only the names, not the files themselves) of those deputies so that she can meet her obligation to inform defendants. Once notified, defendants could ask the court to examine and even disclose the problematic personnel information.
But that effort, too, is being blocked in court at least temporarily, as appeals court justices mull whether McDonnells laudable attempt to provide transparent, accountable and constitutional policing runs afoul of Californias crippling police privacy laws.
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The question is in court because of a lawsuit filed by the Assn. for Los Angeles Deputy Sheriffs, the deputies labor union. ALADS argues that its unfair to put deputies on a virtual blacklist for conduct that may have occurred years ago. What if a deputy who was once accused of lying, for example, stopped challenging the accusation only because the department agreed there would be no discipline or other recriminations? Wouldnt it be unfair to now put his or her name on a list?
No, it would not. A list is not in itself new discipline or punishment. It is just information provided to the district attorney that may raise a red flag for her and defense lawyers about a key element of her case. It would remain up to prosecutors to decide whether the information makes the deputy useless as a witness. It would be up to the court to determine whether the information is sufficiently relevant to be disclosed and presented in court. It would be up to McDonnell and his leadership team to decide how to deploy the deputy in question.
To be sure, listing could well bring consequences, especially if prosecutors or defense lawyers follow up with a motion to open the files and discover evidence of moral turpitude. A deputy who loses his or her value as a prosecution witness also may lose value in the field. In an October letter to deputies notifying them of the plan to provide Lacey with the list, the Sheriffs Department noted that one result could be reassignment to limit department liability.
But the list referred to as a Brady list after the landmark 1963 Supreme Court case of Brady vs. Maryland is a minimally intrusive way for prosecutors to satisfy their duty to ensure constitutional due process to defendants by notifying them of potential holes in the case against them.
Any system that relies on police to be their own watchdogs is problematic, to say the least, but in several jurisdictions the police chief or sheriff has taken on the task with integrity and thoroughness. McDonnell is seeking to join that group. The California Court of Appeal should let him.
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Russia has loomed large in public discussion of Donald Trumps administration in its first two months, but not, unfortunately, because the president has articulated any distinctive new approach to relations with that huge (and hugely important) nation.
Rather, Russia has owed its prominence to suspicions about illicit involvement in Trumps 2016 campaign and the broader issue of whether the president is too close to Russia. Or, as Hillary Clinton memorably put it in one of her debates with Trump, whether the 45th president of the United States is Vladimir Putins puppet.
For the record: An earlier version of this editorial incorrectly said that Ukraine could join NATO in a westward expansion of the alliance.
Congress and the FBI will eventually complete their investigations of alleged Russian interference in last years election and whether anyone in the Trump campaign was complicit in that activity. (On Monday, FBI Director James B. Comey confirmed for the first time that the bureau is investigating whether there was any coordination between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government.)
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However that question is resolved, this nation will still have much to do to clarify significant issues in its relationship with Russia.
Some in the U.S. Congress seem to be agitating for a return to the Cold War, with a policy designed to contain the influence of Russia.
Under Putins increasingly autocratic rule, a country humbled by the collapse of the Soviet Union has rebuilt and streamlined its military, annexed part of a neighboring nation, Ukraine, and intervened to preserve the hold on power of its client, Syrian President Bashar Assad. Russian military forces have intimidated the Baltic states that are now members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, and Russian intelligence agencies have engaged in a disinformation campaign in Europe that mirrors their dissemination of fake news about the U.S. presidential campaign. The United States has alleged that Russia has deployed a land-based cruise missile in violation of the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty. And Russia has been accused of harassing and even killing political dissidents.
Some in the U.S. Congress seem to be agitating for a return to the Cold War, with a policy designed to contain the influence of Russia in the same way the United States and its allies contained the Soviet Union. Such a containment policy might involve a further expansion of NATO perhaps even to include Ukraine. There have been suggestions that the United States needs to break out of the constraints imposed by nuclear arms agreements with Russia. That view was echoed, oddly enough, by President Trump, who recently complained that the 2010 New START treaty capping the number of U.S. and Russian nuclear warheads was a one-sided deal.
Russia has its defenders or at least its explainers. They note that it has legitimate concerns about the expansion of Western influence into areas in which it historically has exercised influence including Ukraine. After all, Russia has fought devastating wars on its borders with the French in the 19th century and Hitlers Germany in the 20th, among others. They also argue that the United States should be willing to explore the possibility of cooperation with Russia on matters such as the defeat of Islamic State, controlling nuclear proliferation and promoting a political settlement in Syria. In exchange for such cooperation, they add, the United States should be willing to forgo criticism of Russias domestic policies. As a candidate, Trump sometimes seemed to endorse that view.
As they decide how to deal with Russia, the president and his advisors who include seasoned students of the U.S.-Russia relationship such as national security advisor Gen. H.R. McMaster and Secretary of Defense James Mattis should aim for a balanced policy. It should be one that protects the interests of the United States and its allies, but also recognizes that Russia has legitimate geopolitical interests that must be considered.
The United States should keep lines of communication open, and that starting point for any dialogue between the United States and Russia is the solidarity of the NATO alliance. Ordinarily that wouldnt have to be noted, but Trump gave Russia false hope during the campaign by calling the alliance obsolete.
Since he took office, Trump and his Cabinet officials have reaffirmed the commitment of the United States to the principle of collective defense and have made it clear that it applies equally to states that joined the alliance after the breakup of the Soviet Union including the former Soviet states of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia.
Likewise, the United States and its allies must continue to impose sanctions on Russia to punish it for interference in the internal affairs of Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea. But that doesnt rule out exploring new diplomatic approaches to resolving tensions in that country between pro-Western nationalists and Russian-speaking separatists possibly including assurances that Ukraine wouldnt soon seek membership in NATO.
Reducing nuclear weapons and preventing their proliferation also must remain a cornerstone of relations with Russia. Trump has no reason to repudiate in fact, he should consider negotiating an extension of the New START treaty, while insisting on Russian compliance with that agreement and the Intermediate Nuclear Forces Treaty.
Finally, the Trump administration, like its predecessors, must decide whether it is the role of the United States to promote democracy within Russia and to what extent. The United States obviously should call attention to violations of civil and human rights wherever they occur, as the State Department does in its annual human rights reports. Members of Congress, likewise, are free to denounce Putin (as GOP Sen. John McCain of Arizona did) as a murderer and a thug. But it may be counterproductive for the president of the United States to use such language or for the U.S. government to involve itself in opposition political movements in Russia.
In an essay for the Center for the National Interest, Thomas Graham, a Russian expert, has called for a new equilibrium, that is, a balance of cooperation and competition with Russia that reduces the risk of great-power conflict, manages geopolitical rivalry and constrains transnational threats. Under such an approach, the United States might address Russian concerns about Ukraine joining NATO, for example while reassuring U.S. allies.
One obstacle to such a policy, of course, is that Russia might not be interested in any measure of cooperation. The other is that the perception that Trump is Putins puppet might make it difficult for the president to pursue common policies that might be in both countries interest. How persistent that perception will be will depend on the outcome of the current investigations and, of course, Trumps own words and actions.
Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook.
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I still remember opening the envelope with my California bar exam results. Its one of those flashbulb memories. I passed, with more relief than joy. Much has changed since then. Graduates no longer open envelopes; they check scores on a computer. I was a professor then, and now I am the dean. But the basic experience has not changed. Thousands of graduates continue to hold their breath each fall as they check their scores. A lot depends on those results.
Graduates who fail face losing jobs already started, not getting jobs that were promised, debt, embarrassment and more debt. Simply taking the exam again costs more than $700, and add to that the cost of further bar review classes, living expenses in the meantime and income lost. All told, thousands more dollars may be piled onto law school debt that is increasingly well above $100,000.
Most of those who fail their first attempt eventually pass the bar on the second or third try. After each attempt, however, these graduates do not learn to be better lawyers, they simply learn how to beat the test. And the damage done from the initial failure can be great. In addition to the financial costs, they may find themselves timed out of promising professional opportunities that never reappear. Finally, there are the emotional and psychological costs that are possibly the most overwhelming consequence of even one failed attempt.
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Given the stakes for the individual law graduate, as well as the states obligation to ensure that those given a license to practice law are qualified, one would think the state bar, which administers the test, would have sound reasons for how it sets the line the cut score between passing and failing. If you thought that about California, you would be mistaken.
The California bar exam has historically had the highest cut score of any state, consistently resulting in the nations lowest pass rates.
The California bar exam has historically had the highest cut score of any state, consistently resulting in the nations lowest pass rates. In July 2016, Californias pass rate reached a record low 62% for graduates of American Bar Assn.-accredited law schools. New Yorks was 83%. Although California has always had low pass rates, the July results caused an outcry. It finally dawned on those of us who run law schools in the state to ask why.
Was New York truly allowing unqualified lawyers to practice? Did the State Bar of California have research indicating that its cut score of 144 was more protective of the public than New Yorks 133? Twenty (out of 21) deans of ABA-accredited law schools in California wrote in protest to the state Supreme Court, which has authority over the bar. Several of us later testified on the subject at a hearing before the California Assemblys Judiciary Committee, where Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker, the state bars executive director, told the committee that there is no good answer for why the California cut score is so high.
In fact, the best rationale the state bar can come up with for its high score is that it has always been this way. Tradition! And yet as Oliver Wendell Holmes pointed out over a century ago, It is revolting to have no better reason for a rule of law than that so it was laid down in the time of Henry IV.
Everyone now seems to agree that the California bar exam needs to be studied. The state bar has said so; the Assembly Judiciary Committee has said so; the law school deans have said so; and so has the state Supreme Court, which ordered the state bar to complete a study and report back by the end of 2017. The issue today is what to do in the meantime. The study and report back timetable most likely condemns another law school graduating class to a nearly 40% bar exam failure rate, for no good reason.
At the Judiciary Committee hearing, a representative of the California bar was asked how many exam takers fell between New Yorks passing score and Californias. The answer was 1,789. That is, there were 1,789 individuals who would have begun their careers in New York but who have instead had their lives profoundly disrupted in California.
The deans letter asked the state Supreme Court to require a more rational cut score. We suggested using either a comparable states score, such as New Yorks 133, or the median of all state scores in the country, which is 135. Neither may be a perfect cut score for California; we do need to study the matter. But in the meantime, California should not continue to be such an extreme outlier.
Doing something because everyone else is doing it may not be the best basis for acting. But when the lives and careers of so many young people are at stake, its a whole lot better than departing from what everyone else does for no reason whatsoever.
David L. Faigman is chancellor and dean, and a professor of law at UC Hastings College of the Law.
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To the editor: The year Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps during World War II, a young friend of mine was hired to manage a strawberry farm in Lompoc owned by an internee. At the time I was 11, and I briefly worked on the farm picking strawberries. (Wages rise on California farms. Americans still dont want the job, March 17)
The job was hard. We crawled up and down the strawberry rows, choosing berries of the correct ripeness and arranging them gently in small baskets. I lasted two weeks and earned 25 cents.
On the way home to Carpinteria, I lost my quarter. I cried about how hard itinerant farm work was, and my mother told me to get an education so I could avoid it.
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Forever after, when I see pickers of any produce, I admire them and sympathize with them. They are truly skilled workers. How sad that an almost entirely immigrant workforce is the first to be discriminated against by the Republicans in Washington.
Phyllis Specht, Pasadena
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To the editor: Economist Philip Martin is quoted as saying, You dont need a deep analysis to understand why farm work wouldnt be attractive to young Americans. This statement refers to the idea that because of the harsh weather conditions and labor-intensive work, young Americans will not take a job in the fields.
Theres another reason: The children of immigrant farm-working parents have been told that laboring in the fields is not seen as a sign of success in the United States. Their parents made sacrifices for them to achieve the American dream, meaning academic and professional success. These parents want to see their children become skilled workers in non-labor-intensive fields, not go through the pain and suffering they endure in the fields.
As these children want to please their parents, they do not dare go to work in the fields.
Miriam Perales, Berkeley
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To the editor: If the Napa Valley vineyards going through a labor shortage were to pay their fieldworkers, say, $500 an hour, their needs would be met quickly.
Its just a matter of coming up with the appropriate wage.
Alan Bell, Los Angeles
Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
To the editor: The best refutation of the myth of originalism being espoused by Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch was explained by the late Justice William Brennan. He pointed out that trying to find legitimacy in fidelity to the intentions of the framers of the U.S. Constitution was little more than arrogance cloaked as humility. (Is the Scalia theory embraced by Judge Gorsuch a lofty constitutional doctrine or just an excuse to be conservative? March 17)
It is arrogant, Brennan said, to pretend that from our vantage we can gauge accurately the intent of the framers on application of principle to specific, contemporary questions. For him, the Constitution had no static meaning it might have had in a world that is dead and gone, but in the adaptability of its great principles to cope with current problems and current needs.
To defend and protect the Constitution, we need justices on the court today like Brennan and Stephen G. Breyer, who believes the court should regard the Constitution as containing unwavering values that must be applied flexibly to ever-changing circumstances.
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Stephen F. Rohde, Los Angeles
The writer is a constitutional lawyer and a former president of the ACLU of Southern California.
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To the editor: Even the framers were not originalists. They certainly did not believe that the Constitution should be interpreted throughout the centuries according to the meaning as they understood it. Thats precisely why they allowed for amendments.
Thomas Jefferson would beg to differ with Gorsuchs assessment of a rigid, inflexible document that Gorsuch presumes our Constitution to be. He believed that the law must advance to keep pace with the times, as we become more enlightened and new truths are discovered.
To say that Gorsuch is stuck in the past would be doing an injustice to Jefferson.
Jill Chapin, Santa Monica
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To the editor: When the Constitution was first written, the framers did not explicitly give the Supreme Court the right to review the constitutionality of a law. This right was established only later, in the case of Marbury vs. Madison, and was considered by many to be a broad overreach of the authority of the court.
It seems to me that a true originalist would have to recuse himself from any case that decided a constitutional issue, simply because it was not the framers intent that such an issue be decided by the court.
David Weisenberg, Altadena
Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
Long before Donald Trump started employing a Stalinist locution, enemies of the people, to slander journalists, investigative reporter Andrew Schneider was considered a threat, if not an enemy, by inept bureaucrats, miserly corporate bosses, venal con men and abusers of political power. Thats because he spent a lifetime asking the questions and printing the answers that exposed many kinds of harm caused by the callousness and greed of the powerful.
On Saturday, I was in Seattle joining with former colleagues from the Seattle Post-Intelligencer and the Seattle Times to mourn Schneiders death and celebrate his life. My purpose here is not to pay tribute to Schneider; his closest friends did an eloquent job of that on Saturday and another crew of colleagues will do the same at an upcoming memorial at the Newseum in Washington. What I want to do is describe Schneiders exemplary journalism to Trump voters and Republicans who see the press as a politicized adversary, to folks on the left who fixate on the trope of the sold-out corporate media, and to people of any political persuasion especially young Americans raised in the world of Twitter and Facebook who may think news is just another form of gossip.
When any of you hear the word journalist, the image that comes to mind should not include the daffy morning trio on Fox and Friends. It should not be a ranting conspiracy theorist like Alex Jones. It should not be the panels of partisan advocates on CNN. It should not be a blogger who merely borrows information already revealed through the hard work of a diligent reporter.
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1 / 51 la-1491523602-y7ephyarj1-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 2 / 51 la-1491368625-0bgh58ihw8-snap-image (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 3 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 4 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 5 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los angeles Times) 6 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 7 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 8 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 9 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 10 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 11 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 12 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 13 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 14 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 15 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 16 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 17 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 18 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 19 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 20 / 51 Trump inspires millions to take to the streets -- to oppose him. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 21 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 22 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 23 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 24 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 25 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 26 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 27 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 28 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 29 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 30 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 31 / 51 Top of the Ticket cartoon (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 32 / 51 Cartoon caption contest winner at the DENT conference in Sun Valley, Idaho: Jon Duval, executive director of the Ketchum Community Development Corporation. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 33 / 51 Old radicals and big media descend on Selma (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 34 / 51 Horsey imagined the creation of the Ann Coulter phenomenon in this cartoon from 2007. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 35 / 51 This David Horsey drawing is a reconfiguration of a cartoon he first published in 2006. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 36 / 51 Donald Sterling, owner of the L.A. Clippers, should give Cliven Bundy a call. After Sterling loses his NBA franchise and the deadbeat Nevada rancher loses his cattle, the two old racists will both need a buddy. Maybe they can team up together and open an all-white rodeo. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 37 / 51 Besides sending a chill up the spine of the international community, Vladimir Putin has accomplished one other thing by seizing Crimea and threatening the rest of Ukraine: Putin has brought back the bear. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 38 / 51 The right-wing insurrection at the Bundy ranch in Bunkerville, Nev., has taken another weird turn with new revelations about the family history of Cliven Bundy. (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 39 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 40 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 41 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 42 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 43 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 44 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 45 / 51 David Horsey / Los Angeles Times (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 46 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 47 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 48 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 49 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 50 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times) 51 / 51 See full story (David Horsey / Los Angeles Times)
The image in your mind should be of someone like Andy Schneider.
Schneider worked for news organizations in cities from Pittsburgh and Washington to Seattle and St. Louis. At the Pittsburgh Press, he won Pulitzers in 1986 and 1987. His first Pulitzer honored a globe-spanning story that exposed a system of greed and criminality that distorted the process of getting kidneys and other donated organs to patients in dire need of transplants. The second recognized Schneiders investigation into the failure of airlines to prevent drugged or medically impaired pilots from flying.
Schneiders long catalog of significant reporting also included stories about railroad companies allowing tracks and bridges to dangerously deteriorate without repairs or replacement; examples of the Red Cross putting fundraising ahead of disaster relief; fraudulent, bogus and underfunded insurance companies; children dying from abuse because of lax state oversight and enforcement; mining companies exploiting public lands and leaving taxpayers to pay cleanup costs for the environmental messes they left behind; and nursing home patients dying because corporate owners pumped up their profits by cutting staff and services.
There were two especially significant stories Schneider developed during the time we worked together at the Post-Intelligencer. One uncovered a miscarriage of justice perpetrated by overzealous police, prosecutors and mental health workers in a small Central Washington city. A group of adults had been sent to jail and families were torn apart by accusations of child sexual abuse. Schneider and his reporting partner, Mike Barber, dug into the story and revealed a modern day witch hunt that had snared innocent people who lacked the resources to defend themselves.
The other story perhaps the biggest of Schneiders career began when he got wind of a disturbing pattern of deaths in the town of Libby, Mont. Schneider led a multi-year investigation that showed asbestos from a vermiculite mine had killed hundreds of the towns residents and poisoned many more, even as the corporate owners of the mine ignored the dangers. When he died, Schneider was still investigating instances of harm caused by asbestos exposure in locales throughout the United States.
Schneiders relentless reporting provided a forceful voice for people who lacked the resources or the knowledge to speak up for themselves. But he didnt do it alone. Other reporters worked at his side. Good editors and publishers backed him up. Long-established journalistic standards guided him. He triple-checked information, got sources to go on the record and made sure every sentence of every story could be defended as fact. Andy Schneider was one of the best, but he was just one stellar reporter in a profession where a great many men and women dedicate their lives to uncovering information that saves lives and protects our democratic institutions.
Contrary to the vilifying comments spouted by the current occupant of the White House, professional journalists do not deal in fake news. They are not political partisans. They follow strict protocols that demand accuracy and require quick admission of errors. They are not enemies of the people, they are defenders of the powerless.
Trumps senior political advisor, Stephen Bannon, has said the news media is the administrations real opposition and, for once, he is right. Reporters are, and will continue to be, Trumps most annoying antagonists whenever he spreads falsehoods to further his personal interests and whenever the people who speak on his behalf respond to straightforward questions with bizarre evasions while insisting their alternative facts are equal to verifiable truth.
Bannon has told the media to simply shut up. Whether you are a conservative or a liberal, a tea party activist or a Bernie Bro, you do not want that to happen. You want tough questions asked, you want hard facts to triumph over manipulative mendacity and you want investigative reporters like Andrew Schneider to expose the depredations of the greedy and to call out abusers of power from the lowliest county sheriff to the highest office in the land.
Why do you want this? Because without that kind of journalism, a free society is impossible. The day there are no more Andy Schneiders or those who aspire to be like him will be the day American democracy ends.
David.Horsey@latimes.com
Follow me at @davidhorsey on Twitter
TV ads target lawmakers on the fence over Gov. Jerry Browns plan to raise gas taxes to repair roads By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown talks to Steve Glazer in 2011, when Glazer was still an advisor to the governor and before he was elected to the Senate. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) With supporters of a road repair bill still counting votes, a coalition of business and labor leaders on Friday began running television and radio ads that target eight legislators who have not yet committed to vote for the measure. The Fix Our Roads Coalition is spending $1 million on a statewide, week-long ad blitz that urges legislators to vote next week for Senate Bill 1. The bill would raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to generate $52 billion the first 10 years to repair crumbling roads, highways and bridges, and expand mass transit. We are closer than ever to finally passing a transportation funding package to fix our long-neglected and crumbling roads, said Michael Quigley, executive director of the California Alliance for Jobs, which is co-funding the commercials. These new ads are part of an all-out grassroots, earned media, advertising and social media campaign to support passage of this bill by next week. In addition to ads that call on legislators to support the bill, eight advertisements call on legislators by name to support the plan. Those targeted include Sens. Steve Glazer (D-Concord) and Anthony Cannella (R-Ceres), and moderate Democratic Assembly members Adam Gray of Merced, Rudy Salas of Bakersfield, Sabrina Cervantes of Corona, Sharon Quirk-Silva of Buena Park and Al Muratsuchi of Torrance, as well as Republican Catharine Baker of San Ramon. The bill needs a two-thirds vote in both houses, which would require all of the Democrats to support the measure. Cannella and Baker are being wooed by Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders to step in if one of the Democrats gets cold feet. Representatives of Cannella and Glazer said earlier this week that they were still weighing the issue. Brown and legislative leaders have called for the Legislature to act by Thursday, after which time the lawmakers head out on spring break. Facebook
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Former Assembly Speaker John A. Perezs views on the L.A. congressional race he dropped out of By Christine Mai-Duc (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Before he suddenly dropped out of the running citing health reasons, former Assembly Speaker John A. Perez was widely considered the favorite to replace Xavier Becerra in the 34th Congressional District. With Perez out, the race is wide open and isnt likely to be decided Tuesday, when 24 candidates compete in the primary. Instead, the top two vote-getters regardless of party are expected to advance to a June 6 election. (If any one candidate receives more than 50% of the vote Tuesday, its all over). Perez offered his thoughts on the race in an interview published Friday by Politico. Some of his major points: Perez said he thinks state Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez is significantly ahead of the pack and will make the runoff.
A cluster of candidates, including Alejandra Campoverdi, Wendy Carrillo, Arturo Carmona, Maria Cabildo and Robert Lee Ahn, are in a close enough race that any one of them could advance.
If Carrillo were to move forward, Perez says, the narrative in the runoff would be about which candidate is more progressive and whos an insider versus an outsider.
Perez says if he were the front runner, Campoverdi is the one Id be most concerned about running against due to her connections in Washington and her national profile, which could create a new level of viability. Facebook
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To fight against human trafficking, this state senator wants to train motel employees to spot signs of abuse By Jazmine Ulloa Former Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego). (Gary Friedman / Los Angeles Times) State Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) wants to increase services for human trafficking survivors and make it easier in court to put away their abusers. Flanked by prosecutors and hotel industry officials at a news conference Friday in San Diego, the former Assembly speaker announced new housing and mental health assistance for victims and introduced legislation that would require hotels and motels to train their employees to spot signs of human trafficking. Another of her proposals would expand the character evidence that prosecutors can bring forth at trial against defendants charged with selling victims for sex or labor. The bills are meant to attack a multibillion-dollar trade that has a wide sweep in California, home to three cities on the FBIs list of 13 top human trafficking destinations: San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles. National human trafficking hotline calls across California generated 1,323 cases in 2016 nearly twice as many as any other state. Atkins is among lawmakers pushing the issue at the Capitol, where legislation has focused on targeting traffickers, protecting victims and addressing what advocates say is a law enforcement culture in which child survivors sometimes are treated like criminals. But funding for victims services and programs has been an obstacle. A bill by Atkins to develop pilot projects in three counties to address the commercial sexual exploitation of youth sailed through the Legislature without opposition last year only to be vetoed by the governor. Her second bill for a statewide task force died in the Senate appropriations committee. Atkins latest proposal to provide training for motel employees follows a similar bill by Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens). It failed in the last legislative session amid opposition over costs to businesses. That hasnt stopped Atkins from trying again. Hotels are ground zero for sex trafficking in this state, she said in a statement. Sex traffickers are exploiting some of the most vulnerable people in our society, including children. These victims are often hiding in plain sight, and traffickers take advantage of the fact that many hotel employees dont recognize the signs. Facebook
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State Controller Betty Yee says Californias tax collection agency has been mismanaged and needs a complete overhaul By Patrick McGreevy Citing a review that found widespread mismanagement at the state Board of Equalization, State Controller Betty T. Yee on Friday called for stripping the panel of responsibilities for tax administration and audit and compliance functions so it can focus on handling taxpayer appeals. Yees proposal came in response to an evaluation by the state Department of Finance that found board officials were improperly redirecting resources and employees to pet projects in their districts. In order to rebuild taxpayer trust, meaningful reform is essential, said Yee, who serves as an ex-officio member of the board. I urge the Legislature and the governor to strip the board members of all statutory functions and permanently move these duties and assigned staff to a separate new department under the governor. The Department of Finance review found the board had difficulty providing complete and accurate documentation in response to inquiries, and various levels of management were not aware of and could not speak to certain actions, including the informal establishment of a call center, creating an unofficial office location and inconsistent use of community liaisons. The evaluation said personnel records showed workers assigned to administrative jobs that they were not doing, having been transferred to help board members in their districts. Even though each elected board member has a $1.5-million budget to cover office costs, some members borrowed workers from the head office, taking them from jobs that involved bringing in tax money and having them instead reach out to board members constituents, the review found. The redirection of workers violated state budget rules. In addition, the reviewers said the board provided 11 different versions of its proposed sales and use tax allocation adjustment and the Department of Finance found errors and omissions throughout. Facebook
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Sen. Kamala Harris has opened a gubernatorial fundraising account but she has no plans to run for governor, aide says By Seema Mehta (Patrick T. Fallon / For The Times) Sen. Kamala Harris opened a campaign fundraising account to run for governor in 2026, but that does not mean Californias newest U.S. senator has any plans to seek the office. Harris plans to use the account to store the $1 million in leftover funds from her successful 2014 reelection campaign for attorney general, said Sean Clegg, Harris political spokesman. Harris left her post as state attorney general mid-term when she was elected in November to the Senate seat opening created by the retirement of Barbara Boxer. She faced a March 31 deadline to shutter the attorney general account, and under election law cannot mingle money raised for state campaigns with funds raised to run for federal office. Its purely political bookkeeping, Clegg said. The 2026 date could raise eyebrows because after the 2018 gubernatorial election, that will likely be the next time the governors office is open because its occupant is termed out. But Clegg said Harris did not open an account for a lower office like lieutenant governor as politicians in similar situations typically do because, he said, we werent interested in being cute about it. So we designated the only potential future office one could conceivably contemplate, although were not contemplating it, he said. Were focused on the job were doing. Facebook
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This California lawmaker wants to crack down on toys and electronics that pick up conversations and personal information By Jazmine Ulloa State Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara), left (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press ) A California state senator wants to prevent companies from selling products that can listen in on conversations and collect personal information from unknowing consumers. Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson (D-Santa Barbara) has filed legislation that would require manufacturers to equip their Internet-connected devices, including toys, clocks, kitchenware and electronics, with certain security and privacy features. Dubbed the Teddy Bear and Toaster Act, Senate Bill 327 takes aim at the so-called Internet of Things, the inter-networking of everyday devices that some tech and privacy experts say amounts to a growing industry with little oversight. The more we know and the more we learn about the Internet connection of all sorts of devices, many are realizing that we dont know the extent to which these devices are invading our lives, Jackson said. Under her proposal, companies would have to design their products so that they alert consumers through visual, auditory or other cues when they are gathering data. They would have to obtain user consent when they intend to transfer the information. And they would have to disclose at point of sale whether the devices are capable of sweeping up sensitive data, so that customers can take that into account while shopping. Most states, including California, have privacy breach laws to protect personal information. The proposal, which would extend those provisions to consumer devices, could be the first of its kind nationwide. But it is expected to garner wide opposition from retailers and manufacturers. A My Friend Cayla doll (AFP/Getty Images) Still, supporters point to growing privacy concerns. Some toys, like the My Friend Cayla doll banned in Germany, prompt children to give personal information, such as their parents names and their addresses, and their manufacturers reserve the right to target young buyers in direct marketing campaigns. Other smart devices lack the most basic security features that make them vulnerable to a hack or coordinated cyberattack. In a statement, James P. Steyer, CEO of Common Sense Kids Action, which is sponsoring the bill, said such toys and electronics can put consumers at risk. These products get rushed out to the market without the privacy issues being addressed in advance, and then consumers end up paying the price, he said. Facebook
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President Jerry Brown? Dont rule it out, governor quips By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown and state legislative leaders appealed Thursday for support for a proposed gas tax and vehicle fee increase to fix the states roads and bridges. (Patrick McGreevy / Los Angeles Times) In arguing for approval of a new transportation package on Thursday, Gov. Jerry Brown appeared to enjoy himself in refusing to shoot down a supporters suggestion that he run for president even as he noted his 79th birthday is next week. Standing next to other elected officials and construction workers at the rally in in Concord, Brown argued that gas tax and vehicle fee increases are needed to address a backlog of much-needed repairs to Californias crumbling system of roads, highways and bridges. Im telling you the truth because why would I lie to you? Brown said. I dont think Im running for office. All Ive got left is lieutenant governor, treasurer and controller. Or president, someone in the crowd shouted. Brown responded that he would be 82 when the next presidential election comes around. But you know, dont rule it out, he quipped, drawing laughter and applause. Lest the comment turn into a national story, an aide later clarified the governors intentions: He was joking. Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown is making appeals to legislators for votes on his new transportation plan one district at a time By Patrick McGreevy Gov. Jerry Brown stumps for the new transportation funding plan on Thursday in the Bay Area city of Concord. (Patrick McGreevy / Los Angeles Times) Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders on Thursday took their campaign for higher transportation taxes and fees to the Bay Area district of state Sen. Steve Glazer (D-Concord), one of the holdouts in the state Senate who has not yet committed to vote for the package. Surrounded by dozens of construction workers, Brown warned that if the transportation bill unveiled on Wednesday isnt approved this year, it may not happen in the foreseeable future. There is nothing more fundamental in the business of government than making sure the roads and bridges dont fall apart, and they are falling apart, Brown said. Glazer recently withheld his vote from a bill proposing a similar plan for repairing state bridges, roads and highways, and on Wednesday, a spokesman said he had still not committed to any plan but wanted to review the detailed proposal before taking a position. Construction workers at the rally held signs that pictured crumbling roads and said, Senator Glazer Fix This Now. Vote for SB 1. Brown said Glazer, his former senior advisor, does not disagree with the intent of the bill. He loves this plan, but he has another idea on his mind and he wants to marry the two and see if he can get some outcomes that I dont want to get into at this particular place, Brown told reporters. Sen. Jim Beall, chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, said Glazer wants the transportation funding bill to include a clause barring employees of Bay Area Rapid Transit from going on strike. Beall said that is a labor-relations issue that cannot be included in the bill raising taxes. You cant do that, Beall said. A spokesman for Glazer said the senator is still undecided on the bill. The senator is continuing to have conversations with the principals, said Steve Harmon, a spokesman for Glazer. He declined to comment on Bealls statement. Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) said there may be similar rallies in Los Angeles and Riverside in the coming days. Two other Democrats who have not yet committed to the plan are Riverside Sen. Richard Roth and Woodland Hills Sen. Henry Stern. Brown acknowledged that there is work to do to secure the two-thirds vote needed in both houses of the Legislature to raise the base excise tax on gasoline by 12 cents per gallon, to a total of 30 cents per gallon, and to create a new annual vehicle fee that would average $51 based on the value of the car or truck. Rendon said approval of the transportation bill would cost the average California motorist an extra $10 per month, which he said is a deal compared to the current cost of $720 in annual vehicle repair costs required because of running over potholes and other rough road conditions. Hoping to force a Senate vote on the package early next week, Brown was accompanied to the Concord news conference by Rendon and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). They urged lawmakers to support the bill, which would generate $5.2 billion annually for the first 10 years for road and bridge repairs, mass transit improvements and other projects to reduce congestion. Glazer, known as a maverick in the Legislature, was Browns campaign manager during the 2010 gubernatorial election and remained a senior advisor to the governor before running for the state Senate in a special election in 2015. ---- 1:23 p.m.: This article was updated with a statement from a representative for state Sen. Steve Glazer. This article was originally published at 12:42 p.m. Facebook
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Who will be Californias next governor? New poll shows Newsom leads with 1 in 3 voters undecided By Seema Mehta (Nick Ut / Associated Press) In the race to replace termed-out Gov. Jerry Brown, the largest number of voters in a new statewide poll does not favor a candidate in the race. About 1 in 3 voters said they were undecided, according to the survey by the UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies. Among candidates who have entered the race, Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom holds a strong lead with 28% of the vote, followed by Republican businessman John Cox with 18%, according to the poll, which was released Wednesday. Former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa clocks in at 11%, state Treasurer John Chiang at 8% and former state schools chief Delaine Eastin at 3%. Because the race is far away and public campaigning has not yet started in earnest, the poll could primarily be an indicator of name recognition. The field of candidates is also likely to grow. Newsom has several natural advantages: He was the first person to enter the race in 2015 and has a large fundraising edge. He has perhaps been the candidate most in the spotlight among the Democrats running, notably for his support of the marijuana legalization measure on the November ballot. Cox may have benefited from being the lone Republican in that version of the poll. Pollsters conducted a second version of the poll with five additional potential candidates, none of whom have announced a run for governor in 2018 San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, billionaire environmentalist Tom Steyer, California Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon and former state Controller Steve Westly. Newsom still led the pack to come in at 24%. The two Republicans, Faulconer and Cox, tied at 11% each. Faulconer has said he does not plan to run for governor. Garcetti, Villaraigosa, Chiang, Steyer, De Leon, Westly and Eastin all placed in the single digits. Steyer and Westly have the personal wealth to self-fund a campaign, giving them time to decide whether to enter the race. Westly unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2006, losing in the Democratic primary to state Treasurer Phil Angelides. In the 2018 contest, the two candidates who receive the most votes in the June primary will move onto the November general election. The poll of 1,000 registered voters in California was conducted online in English and Spanish between March 13 and 20, and has a margin of error in either direction of 3.6%. Facebook
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California legislators team up to expand John Muir National Historic Site By Sarah D. Wire Californias senators and Rep. Mark DeSaulnier (D-Concord) filed legislation Thursday to add 44 acres to the John Muir National Historic Site. The John Muir Heritage Land Trust has offered to donate the additional land to the National Park Service, which operates the site, and the bill would authorize the agency to accept the parcel. The time John Muir spent with his daughters at their scenic home and its neighboring property played a major role in launching the national parks movement. Expanding the existing park to preserve more of this history and beauty is a fitting tribute to Muirs legacy of protecting land for all to enjoy, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) said in a statement. Located about 30 miles east of San Francisco, the John Muir National Historic Site consists of Muirs Alhambra Valley home and 325 acres outside of Martinez. DeSaulnier said in a statement that expanding the property is a fitting celebration of his legacy, and will offer nature-goers greater access to enjoy the beauty of the East Bay. DeSaulnier sponsored the same bill last year, which passed the House unanimously but was not considered by the Senate. Feinstein and former Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) carried the Senate version, which died after a committee hearing. Such bills often take a few attempts to pass, even without major opposition. Muirs writings helped inspire the creation of the National Park Service, starting with his lobbying of Congress to protect the Yosemite Valley from dams. He also was a founding member of the Sierra Club. Californians owe him a debt of gratitude, Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) said in a statement. Facebook
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Californias attorney general could investigate local police shootings under new legislation By Liam Dillon Attorney John Burris, center, comforts Robert and Deborah Mann, family members of Joseph Mann, who was killed by Sacramento Police in July, after a news conference on Oct. 3, 2016. (Rich Pedroncelli / AP) Californias attorney general could investigate local police shootings under a new bill authored by a Sacramento lawmaker. Democratic Assemblyman Kevin McCartys Assembly Bill 284 would allow local police departments or district attorneys to ask Atty. Gen. Xavier Becceras office to independently investigate police shootings of civilians. The legislation was prompted by high-profile police killings of Michael Brown in Ferguson, Mo., Eric Garner in New York City and last summers police shooting of Joseph Mann, a mentally ill homeless man, in Sacramento, according to McCartys office. In all three cases, local prosecutors declined to charge the officers. There is a growing skepticism and a perceived conflict of interest, of the current process of local district attorneys investigating local police, said a fact sheet on the bill provided by McCartys office. Given that they work so closely, it is a valid question of whether this is the most transparent process for the public. There is a growing appetite, both at the national and local level, to create a better and more transparent system for [police shootings] that is fair to police, families, and the community in order to restore public trust. McCartys bill would make state investigations voluntary in these cases and would be implemented only if lawmakers also give Becceras office money to pay for the effort. In 2015, McCarty tried to pass legislation that would have made state investigations of local police shootings mandatory, but that bill failed to make it out of legislative committees. This year, lawmakers have generally scaled back prior efforts to change the states rules governing police discipline and transparency. Facebook
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Former offenders will help award millions in Proposition 47 grants to rehabilitate inmates By Jazmine Ulloa We have listened to law enforcement talk about how horrible Prop. 47 is, said Vonya Quarles, an advocate for the formerly incarcerated. Now we have a chance to help the people who are hurting. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)) California officials will begin the process this spring of awarding $103 million in grants to programs for inmates centered on rehabilitation, substance abuse and reentry into society. The efforts will be funded with dollars saved from prison spending under Proposition 47, the sweeping 2014 ballot measure that downgraded six drug and theft crimes to misdemeanors and allowed defendants to renegotiate their punishments. For the large coalition of criminal justice advocates that poured millions into getting the proposition passed and that has closely tracked its implementation, this is a long-awaited step. Other states have passed similar laws, but California is the only state to invest those savings into services meant to help people stay out of prison. On the executive committee helping award the grants are formerly incarcerated people who know the system from the inside. Read More Facebook
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What would single-payer healthcare look like in California? Lawmakers release new details By Melanie Mason Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A proposal in California for a single-payer healthcare system would dramatically expand the state governments presence in medical care and slash the role of insurance companies. New amendments released Thursday fill in some key details on the universal healthcare measure proposed by state Sens. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) and Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), although the biggest political question how it would be paid for remains unanswered. Under the proposal, which was announced in February, the state would cover all medical expenses for every resident regardless of their income or immigration status, including inpatient, outpatient, emergency services, dental, vision, mental health and nursing home care. Insurers would be prohibited from offering benefits that cover the same services as the state. The program would eliminate co-pays and deductibles, and patients would not need to get referrals to see eligible providers. The system would be administered by an unpaid nine-person board appointed by the governor and the Legislature. A universal healthcare system run by the government has long been a dream of liberals, with many rallying behind insurgent Democratic presidential candidate Bernie Sanders proposal for Medicare for all in the 2016 race. After a GOP effort to replace Obamacare stalled last week, Sanders said he intends to introduce a nationwide single-payer bill in the U.S. Senate. Proponents in California, who are no longer playing defense to preserve the Affordable Care Act, also touted a broader healthcare plan. With Republicans failure to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Californians really get what is at stake with their healthcare, Lara said in a statement. We have the chance to make universal healthcare a reality now. Its time to talk about how we get to healthcare for all that covers more and costs less. The cost sure to be the biggest hurdle for the measure so far remains unknown. The authors say they intend to pay for the program through broad-based revenue, but details of a funding proposal have not been hashed out. Gov. Jerry Brown sounded wary of a sprawling single-payer plan while speaking to reporters last week on his trip to Washington D.C. Where do you get the extra money? This is the whole question, Brown said. The bill is sponsored by the California Nurses Assn., which already has been rallying its members in support of the bill, SB 562. There has been a seismic shift in our political system through grassroots activism; we have an inspired, motivated base that will make its voice heard, RoseAnn DeMoro, the labor groups president, said in a statement. Facebook
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California backs San Francisco court challenge of Trump administration threat to withhold funds from sanctuary cities By Patrick McGreevy Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Wednesday he has filed an amicus brief supporting San Franciscos court challenge to President Trumps order targeting so-called sanctuary cities and counties that refuse to enforce federal immigration laws. The move marks a half-dozen times the state has filed briefs supporting legal challenges to various Trump orders. Last week, Becerra filed papers supporting a lawsuit by Santa Clara County. That case and San Franciscos challenge the legality of the Trump administrations threats to withhold federal funds from states and local jurisdictions that the administration deems to be sanctuary jurisdictions. Becerras brief cites Californias interest in protecting state laws and policies that ensure public safety and protect the constitutional rights of its residents. Threatening to take away resources from sheriffs and police officers in order to promote misguided views on federal immigration policy is reckless and puts public safety at risk, Becerra said in a statement. It is the right and responsibility of California and each state under the Constitution to determine how it will provide for the safety and general welfare of its residents and to safeguard their constitutional rights. Facebook
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Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti asks the federal government to define a sanctuary city By Sarah D. Wire View Instagram post Amid a new call from the Trump administration to cut off federal funds to so-called sanctuary cities, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPD Chief Charlie Beck had a question for the head of Homeland Security on Wednesday: What exactly is a sanctuary city? Garcetti and Beck joined a bipartisan handful of mayors and law enforcement leaders from across the country in Washington to air their concerns about President Trumps recent executive orders on immigration to Homeland Security Secretary John F. Kelly. Los Angeles is among the jurisdictions often called sanctuary cities that dont assist with federal immigration enforcement. State and local leaders in California have said they will continue to protect people in the country illegally despite the Trump administrations threats. After the closed-door meeting, mayors and police chiefs said their main request for Kelly was for a firm definition of what the federal government considers a sanctuary city. We think that as long as were complying with federal law then we shouldnt be labeled with whatever label intimates that were not, Beck said. Were looking for clarification; we are looking to be involved in the conversation so that decisions arent made that affect us without our input. Homeland Security spokesman Dave Lapan said the department is working on a definition but does not have a timeline for when it would be finalized. Although there is no legal definition of the term, the administration has seemed to define sanctuary jurisdictions as ones that dont comply when Immigration and Customs Enforcement asks them to detain prisoners after they have served their sentences so they can be picked up for deportation. Multiple federal courts have said the detainer orders differ from an official warrant and are not legal justification for holding someone who has served his or her sentence or is no longer under arrest. Los Angeles is one of several cities in California that does not hold people for immigration officials without a warrant, and Garcetti said that is going to continue. We see it as abiding by the Constitution, because there is case law that says we cant hold people for longer than permitted, Garcetti said after the meeting. Lapan said the Department of Homeland Security is working on ways to address concerns about the legality of holding someone for immigration officials, as well as the concerns of mayors of cities that have laws instructing law enforcement officers not to comply with immigration officials. Part of having this discussion is to find out, How can we get around this? Lapan said. If we are dealing with a criminal alien, somebody who is both in the country unlawfully and has committed crimes, the best place for us to take them into custody is in a jail or prison. Thats the safest for everyone, both our officers and the communities. Garcetti also disputes the administrations assertion that it can withhold federal funds from cities that dont comply with ICE orders. Garcetti pointed to a 2012 Supreme Court decision that said the government couldnt withhold Medicaid funds if states chose not to expand access to the program under the Affordable Care Act. I think we all feel on very strong constitutional and legal footing that it was decided in the Obama administration you cant put a legal gun to the head, a financial gun to the head of jurisdictions, whether its states or localities, and take their money if you dont agree with what they are doing in a different area, he said. Garcetti invited Kelly to visit Los Angeles. We need to make sure that we also are showing the perspectives of everyday people in cities like Los Angeles, he said. Garcetti also attended California congressional Democrats weekly lunch and met privately with House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) before appearing on an immigration panel hosted by House Democrats. Facebook
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Anti-discrimination measure or blow to religious freedom? California bill sparks debate on employer codes of conduct By Melanie Mason Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) A measure that would bar employers from firing workers for having an abortion or giving birth to a child out of wedlock is getting pushback from religious groups who say such a bill would prevent them from requiring employees to act in accordance with their faith. Under the bill by Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher (D-San Diego), employers would not be able to discipline or fire workers for any reproductive health decision, such as pregnancy, in-vitro fertilization or abortion. What this bill does is make sure that people can make the best healthcare decisions for themselves and for their families without the fear that theyll risk their livelihoods in doing so, Rebecca Griffin of NARAL Pro-Choice California, a sponsor of the measure, said at a Wednesday afternoon hearing at the Capitol. A teacher at a Christian college in San Diego was fired in 2012 for becoming pregnant while unmarried. The school said her pregnancy violated its employee code of conduct, which prohibited premarital sex. In 2015, San Francisco Archibishop Salvatore Cordileone sparked a backlash when he proposed a new morality clause in the faculty handbook and contract for local Catholic schools that opposed same-sex marriage and certain reproductive medical procedures. With employees being fired for code of conduct violations in other states, proponents said California should set an example for the country, Right now, while were facing a federal government that is attacking reproductive freedom at every turn and condoning the type of discrimination that this bill prohibits, we feel like this is the time for California to take a stand for our values and make sure that our workers have the best protections possible, Griffin said. But the proposal faces opposition from religious groups, who argue such codes of conduct are integral to the relationship with their workers. The bill would specifically deny religious employers our 1st Amendment protections to infuse our codes of conduct with the tenets of our faith, said Sandra Palacios of the California Catholic Conference. The reaction from religious groups was not uniformly negative. The Rev. Rick Schlosser, executive director of the California Council of Churches, which represents mainline Protestant and Orthodox denominations, pointed to the diverse positions on reproductive issues among his groups members to explain his support for the bill. Any legislation that limits peoples ability to make their own moral decisions is harmful to religious freedom, said Schlosser. But other religious groups said the measure threatened to undermine the very purpose of requiring their employees to abide by a code of conduct. An organization specifically chartered to support or oppose a specific set of beliefs or actions cannot fulfill its mission without requiring adherence to a code of conduct, wrote Jonathan Keller, president of the conservative California Family Council, in an opposition letter. Assemblyman Tony Thurmond (D-Richmond) asked why such codes of conduct should govern a personal decision an employee makes out of the workplace. Our community covenant does say that our employees are required to uphold our biblical values, and that certainly is a round-the-clock priority for us, responded Phillip Escamilla, the public policy chair of William Jessup University, a Sacramento-area evangelical Christian college Gonzalez Fletcher, herself a practicing Catholic, said she was not trying to unfairly target religious institutions. But, she said, she was trying to combat an inherent sexism that comes with enforcing such codes of conduct. A female employees reproductive decisions such as entering an abortion clinic or being pregnant out of wedlock can be seen by her employer, Gonzalez Fletcher said. A males decisions to whether or not theyre going to abide by a conduct never rise to that level, she said. So that inherent difference in how women and men are treated with these types of decisions just show how little privacy women are able to maintain. The bill, AB 569, cleared the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee, its first legislative threshold, on a 4-2 vote. Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown, legislative leaders propose raising $5.2 billion annually to repair Californias roads and bridges By Patrick McGreevy (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Acknowledging that the states transportation system has been neglected, Gov. Jerry Brown and legislative leaders on Wednesday announced a proposal to raise gas taxes and vehicle fees to generate more than $5 billion annually for repairing Californias crumbling system of streets, highways and bridges, as well as to increase mass transit. It remains uncertain whether Brown will be able to muster the two-thirds vote in both houses of the Legislature needed to approve the new revenue sources, which include a 12-cent-per-gallon increase in the existing 18-cent base excise tax on gasoline. The package also includes a new, annual vehicle fee that would average about $48 based on the value of the car. The package was announced at a news conference on the Capitol steps attended by Brown, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Paramount) and Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles). California has not approved an increase in the base excise tax on gas for 23 years, according to Brian Kelly, secretary of the California State Transportation Agency. As a result, the state faces a $130-billion backlog of repairs to state highways and bridges and local streets. There is sizable money here to make things better, Kelly said. People are going to get improved neighborhood streets. They are going to get improved highways and bridges, more faith that they are traveling on safe structures. And we are going to invest to improve the congestion into our trade corridors and congestion on their commute. Assembly and Senate Republicans released a joint statement opposing the plan. Californians already pay some of the highest gas taxes in the nation, the statement said. The transportation proposal announced by the Capitol Democrats is a costly and burdensome plan that forces ordinary Californians to bail out Sacramento for years of neglecting our roads. Brown has set a deadline of April 6, the day before the Legislature leaves on its spring break, to have the new package voted on by lawmakers. Because Republicans have generally opposed the tax increases, the package may need the vote of every Democrat to get the two-thirds majority for passage. Three Democratic senators had been holding off their support before the new plan was released. Read More Facebook
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Election officials say mistake on Korean language ballots substantially smaller than previously thought By Christine Mai-Duc (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times) Los Angeles County election officials say a mistake made on Korean-language sample ballots in the upcoming 34th Congressional District race likely affected fewer than 780 voters. The error, which listed the races 23 candidates in the wrong order on some Korean-language sample ballots, was discovered last week after Korean American voters pointed out their mail-in ballot materials looked different than English-language sample ballots sent to the same home or apartment building. Initially, election officials said they didnt know how widespread the problem was. As a precaution, they sent bilingual notices and corrected sample ballots to all 8,251 voters in the district who received Korean-language sample ballots. None of the sample ballots enclosed with actual mail-in ballots were affected, officials say. In a letter to election officials and L.A. County supervisors Tuesday, the Korean American Coalition called it a violation of federally protected voting rights. The letter asked officials to host a 24-hour hotline for Korean-speaking voters until election day, provide more information on the scope of the error and extend the mail-in voting deadline for those who had received the misprinted ballots. In a response sent Wednesday morning, County Registrar Dean Logan said the error was limited to a small number of sample ballots in a single print run of 777 sample ballots. Based on the agencys review, Logan wrote, it appears that substantially fewer than the 777 voters were affected. The registrars office says it is extending the hours of operation for its voter hotline and staffing it with Korean-speaking operators. Voters concerned that they may have been affected can call 1-800-815-2666 and select option 3 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. this weekend. Voters will also see additional signage at polls addressing the issue and Korean-speaking poll workers will be instructed to remind voters to check their ballots. Facebook
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Talks at Capitol focus on boosting California transportation funding by some $5.2 billion annually By Patrick McGreevy On Highway 1 in Big Sur, the Pfeiffer Canyon Bridge has buckled, cutting off a community of hundreds from schools and isolating renowned businesses from customer traffic. (Robin Abcarian / Los Angeles Times) With a deadline looming, Gov. Jerry Brown is winding up negotiations with legislators in hopes of reaching an agreement on a plan that would provide at least $5.2 billion annually for a transportation backlog that includes repairing Californias aging and crumbling system of streets, highways and bridges, officials said Tuesday. Those close to the talks said an agreement on the package could be announced as early as Wednesday afternoon. The question remains whether Brown and leaders can muster the two-thirds vote needed to approve a phased-in gas tax increase of up to 12 cents by the April 6 deadline set by the governor. Key senators remained uncommitted to any plan as of Tuesday. And a new voter-approved rule requires a bill to be in print for 72 hours before it can be passed. The bill needs approval in both houses. Assembly Democrats were briefed on the evolving plan behind closed doors on Tuesday and some officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to comment, said talks are progressing on a plan that would provide the bulk of money to a fix-it first program of road repairs divided evenly between state projects and those of cities and counties. Money would also be dedicated to mass transit, bicycle, pedestrian and trucking routs for ports. The proposal also would include reforms proposed by lawmakers, including Republicans, that would hold officials accountable for proper use of the money, including a requirement for regular audits, creation of an inspector general position and a ballot measure requiring new money to be spent on transportation projects. Sen. Josh Newman (D-Fullerton) authored a bill that would put a measure on the ballot, saying Tuesday such guarantees are required given the urgency of the deferred maintenance backlog, and the additional burden we are asking Californias taxpayers to carry. John Myers contributed to this report. Facebook
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Watch: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement director attends community meeting in Sacramento Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown calls for countermovement against Trumps colossal mistake on climate change By Evan Halper California Gov. Jerry Brown warned that President Trump has just made a colossal mistake in gutting the federal governments effort to combat climate change, which will ignite a response Trump is unprepared to handle. It defies science itself, Brown said in a call to The Times shortly after Trump signed an executive order that aims to bring an abrupt halt to the United States leadership on global warming. Erasing climate change may take place in Donald Trumps mind, but nowhere else. Yes, there is going to be a countermovement, Brown vowed, predicting Trumps actions will mobilize environmentalists in a way President Obama never could. I have met with many heads of state, ambassadors. This is a growing movement. President Trumps outrageous move will galvanize the contrary force. Things have been a bit tepid [in climate activism]. But this conflict, this sharpening of the contradiction, will energize those who believe climate change is an existential threat. Brown and other big-state governors and mayors are moving swiftly to fill the global leadership vacuum Trump created with Tuesdays directive, which stops short of officially pulling the U.S. out of the Paris climate accord of 2015. I see Washington declining in influence, but the momentum being maintained by California and other states aligned with China and those who are willing to do something, said Brown, who will be traveling to China soon for meetings on climate. There is a growing activism on the part of millions of people who will not stand by and let Donald Trump effectively tear up the Paris agreement and destroy Americas climate leadership and jeopardize the health and well-being of so many people. In the face of Trumps retreat on climate change, Brown said California will step up its own efforts to push others toward clean energy. We are not fully meeting the challenge of climate change yet, he said. We are doubling down on our commitment. We are reaching out to other states in America and throughout the world and other countries. We have plenty of fuel to build this movement. This is real, Brown said of the threat created by climate change. The nations of the world have recognized it in Paris. I will continue doing my best to work with and rouse the world community, whatever the politicians in Washington do or dont do. Facebook
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California and its allies hint at new legal battles over Clean Power Plan By Chris Megerian California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times) President Trumps effort to roll back the Clean Power Plan could quickly run into legal challenges from California and its allies across the country. State Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra and his counterparts from states including New York, Massachusetts and Oregon said they wont hesitate to protect those we serve including by aggressively opposing [Trumps actions] in court. The joint statement was also issued by Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and other cities. Californias stance isnt surprising because the state joined Obama administration efforts to defend the Clean Power Plan in 2015. Further legal action could underscore the determination of local and state governments to push forward with fighting climate change even as Trump withdraws federal regulations. Read More Facebook
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Meeting climate change goals will require billions for transportation and housing improvements, reports say By Liam Dillon A major push to get Californians out of their cars and onto their feet, bikes and public transit is essential if the state wants to meet its aggressive goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions 40% below 1990 levels by 2030, according to new reports from the state and UC Berkeley researchers. Californians will have to drive an average of 1.6 miles less a day and regional government agencies believe it will cost billions of dollars to make the mass transit and housing improvements needed for that to happen. UC Berkeley researchers argue in a new study that a boom in dense housing across the state will bring major greenhouse gas reductions and economic growth. Read More Facebook
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California expects to be unscathed as Trump targets Clean Power Plan By Chris Megerian A solar farm in Kern County (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times) Although Californias leaders may protest President Trumps announcement Tuesday that hes scrapping the Clean Power Plan, his decision is expected to have little effect on a state already marching toward renewable energy. In fact, greenhouse gas emissions from electricity generation in the Golden State are already below what the federal government would have required by 2030, and theyre expected to drop even further. Rollback of the Clean Power Plan is pretty much irrelevant to California, said Frank Wolak, a Stanford University economist who has advised state leaders on climate regulations. The federal rules, enacted by former President Obama as part of his campaign against climate change, were intended to push states away from coal and toward cleaner energy sources. But that was already underway in California. Los Angeles, one of the last places in the state to rely on coal, was already planning to stop importing electricity from out-of-state coal plants by 2025. In addition, state law requires California to generate half of its electricity from renewable sources such as solar and wind by 2030, and state Senate leader Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) has suggested pushing even further. When it comes to fighting pollution and climate change, there are some areas where California relies on the federal government. For example, they share authority on regulating vehicle emissions, and Trumps preparation to roll back federal rules has caused alarm here. However, theres less of a concern when it comes to generating electricity. Trumps moves have caused some anxiety among California companies that are developing clean energy technologies and looking for new markets to sell them. Bob Keefe, executive director of Environmental Entrepreneurs, said the Clean Power Plan would have been a huge economic catalyst. President Trump is basically telling Californias more than 40,000 clean-energy businesses and the 500,000 workers they employ that they dont matter to him, he said. Rail cars filled with coal in Wyoming (Ryan Dorgan / Associated Press) Its an open question how Trump could affect various efforts for California to integrate its electricity grid with neighboring states, an idea that has failed to gain traction so far. Advocates of the concept say regional cooperation could expand the market for renewable energy, but the lack of federal pressure to cut emissions could dampen enthusiasm in places such as Utah and Wyoming, which rely on coal. They dont have the Clean Power Plan bearing down on them, said Don Furman, who directs the Fix the Grid campaign thats seeking closer relationships among West Coast states. Ralph Cavanagh, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said he doesnt expect changes to the Clean Power Plan to harm efforts to create a regional electricity grid, because of the falling cost of renewable energy. The rationale is stronger today than it was yesterday, he said. Facebook
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California GOP lawmakers introduce bills to boost healthcare and jobs for veterans By Liam Dillon Sen. Janet Nguyen (R-Garden Grove) speaks at a press conference introducing a package of bills aimed at helping California veterans. (Liam Dillon / Los Angeles Times) Republican state lawmakers unveiled a package of six bills Tuesday aimed at improving job training and healthcare services for California veterans. Our veterans have served this country bravely and it is only right for us to recognize their contribution and see that when they do come home they receive the care and assistance they deserve, said state Sen. Janet Nguyen of Garden Grove, who authored three of the measures. The six bills are: Senate Bill 410 from Nguyen and Assembly Bill 353 from Assemblyman Randy Voepel of Santee, which would expand hiring preferences. for veterans.
SB 409 from Nguyen and SB 485 from state Sen. Jim Nielsen of Gerber, which would increase mental health services and oversight at state veterans homes.
SB 411 from Nguyen, which would pay some military reservists $100 a month once they turn 50 if theyve served for 10 years or more.
SB 197 from Sen. Pat Bates of Laguna Niguel, which would waive state and local sales taxes for nonprofits that donate facilities to the U.S. Department of Defense a measure aimed at helping construction of a mental health care facility at Camp Pendleton in San Diego County. Facebook
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These Los Angeles girls went to Capitol Hill to ask the Senate to fight new immigration enforcement efforts By Sarah D. Wire Fatima, left, and Yuleni Avelica, with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y) and Sen. Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) during a news conference on Capitol Hill. (Zach Gibson/Getty Images) Fatima Avelica, 13, was training for the Los Angeles Marathon with her father before he was arrested by immigration agents last month after dropping Fatimas sister off at her Lincoln Heights school. Fatima had to pause repeatedly, pressing her fingers to her eyes, as she told the story to reporters at a news conference in the Capitol on Tuesday. Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) handed handkerchiefs to Fatima and her sister Yuleni Avelica, 12. The girls had medals from completing the marathon dangling around their necks. Democratic senators held the news conference to urge their Senate colleagues to reject President Trumps request for $3 billion to hire thousands of new immigration agents, expand detention facilities and build a wall among the southern border as part of his pledge to deport millions of people in the country illegally. The White House has characterized the moves as necessary for public safety. Californias Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris said Trumps immigration enforcement orders are too broad, sweeping up nonviolent offenders or people accused of the civil offense of being in the country illegally. She called the executive orders, which vastly broadened who can be targeted for deportation and leaves a lot of discretion to local immigration officials misguided and misinformed. Its irresponsible to paint a whole population of people as racists and murderers and bad hombres, she said, referencing one of Trumps own lines about immigrants. Its actually ignorant and we cant afford to run our country that way. The girls father, Romulo Avelica-Gonzalez, a Mexican citizen, has lived in the U.S. for 25 years. ICE officials cited two misdemeanor convictions as the reason for his arrest. His four daughters were all born in the U.S. Fatima said the family is waiting for word every day on whether he will be deported. Fatima said she now wants to become an immigration lawyer. Its like a new marathon for me, and I know I can finish it, Fatima said, tears welling up again. But, I need my coach there. I need my dad. Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo blast President Trump on climate change By Chris Megerian California Gov. Jerry Brown (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Gov. Jerry Brown joined with New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Tuesday to criticize President Trumps pending announcement to roll back climate regulations and insist that their states will push forward anyway. Dismantling the Clean Power Plan and other critical climate programs is profoundly misguided and shockingly ignores basic science, they said in a joint statement. With this move, the Administration will endanger public health, our environment and our economic prosperity. Brown and Cuomo represent the two largest states with the most ambitious goals for fighting global warming, and theyve already set equivalent targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Theyre also pushing to generate half of all their electricity from renewable sources by 2030. With or without Washington, we will work with our partners throughout the world to aggressively fight climate change and protect our future, Brown and Cuomo said. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (Spencer Platt / Getty Images) Facebook
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To stem rising prices, a California lawmaker is taking on how hospital chains craft their contracts By Melanie Mason Amid concern that sprawling hospital chains are leading to higher prices, a California state senator is trying to clamp down on how hospital networks craft their contracts to win market dominance. Sen. Bill Monning (D-Carmel) is offering a measure that would prohibit hospitals from certain contracting practices he sees as anti-competitive, such as requiring health plans to contract with all affiliates of the hospital or mandating that health plans agree to binding arbitration for antitrust claims. Weve lost a level of transparency thats affected affordability and access and fairness, Monning said in an interview. Multi-hospital chains are becoming prominent throughout the country, with proponents saying such mergers make care more efficient and better coordinated. But a recent USC study found that while hospital prices in California have grown overall, the costs are higher in the states largest chains. Once you control a market, you can artificially increase costs, said Monning, adding those higher prices can spill over to neighboring hospitals, too. Competitors think if they can charge this much for a hip replacement, were going to as well, Monning said. Another study by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute found premiums in Northern California were 30% higher than those in Southern California, in part because of the dominance of a few healthcare systems in the north. Micah Weinberg, the institutes president, said hospital consolidation was a logical issue to look at, particularly because healthcare coverage expansion under the Affordable Care Act is now under less threat from Congress following the failure of the House Republicans replacement bill. We have to double down on the real work, which is getting people access to quality healthcare and affordable costs, said Weinberg. One of the biggest barriers to that is the lack of competition among healthcare providers. Weinberg said much of the question is a matter of federal antitrust enforcement. Its really difficult to do things at the state level that are effective here, he said. Still, consolidation has increasingly come under scrutiny in California. The state attorney generals office under Kamala Harris, now serving as U.S. senator, investigated consolidation of hospital and physician groups, and the effect on consumer prices. Last year, the healthcare trust for the United Food and Commercial Workers union, sued Sutter Health, alleging antitrust violations. The Pacific Business Group on Health, an organization that represents major companies such as Wells Fargo and Chevron, also raised alarms on Sutters requirement that firms use arbitration to resolve disputes--or face higher rates for Sutters healthcare services. The business group is a supporter of Monnings bill, as well as the California Labor Federation. The California Hospital Assn. has not taken a position on the bill. ------------ FOR THE RECORD March 29, 2017, 1:52 p.m.: A previous version of this article reported that the Pacific Group on Health sued Sutter Health. The United Food and Commercial Workers healthcare trust filed the suit. Facebook
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Los Angeles assemblyman returns to work in Sacramento after more than two-week absence By Melanie Mason Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) After more than two weeks away from the state Capitol, Assemblyman Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles) was back at work Monday, with his staff blaming the absence on unspecified medical reasons. Im not going to comment on what the illness was, said his chief of staff, Darryl Lucien, who added that the legislator was feeling better Monday. Ridley-Thomas, 29, was not available for an interview to discuss his absence. He originally went on leave March 7. At the time, he did not specify an illness and so Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendons office considered him to be on personal leave. Under legislative rules, those absences did not allow him to receive per diem payments a subsidy intended to offset the costs of traveling and living in Sacramento. On March 21, he informed Rendons office that he was on medical leave, thus becoming eligible for the $183 per diem. Lucien said the original personal leave request was an error and that all of Ridley-Thomas time away from work was for health reasons. Its medical leave, Lucien said. He has a doctors note that was submitted, excusing him for the time he was out. Ridley-Thomas was not entirely absent from legislative work during that time. While on leave, he yanked one high-profile piece of legislation a measure that would exempt tampons and other feminine hygiene products from sales tax from a hearing in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation committee, which he chairs. The bills author, Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), said she spoke directly to Ridley-Thomas about a request to amend her bill days before that committee hearing. Lucien said Ridley-Thomas was working on a very limited basis, fielding calls from members to the extent he was able to speak with them. A fellow Democrat, Assemblyman Bill Quirk of Hayward, stepped in to chair the Revenue and Taxation panel during a March 13 hearing. A subsequent hearing on March 20 was canceled. Facebook
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Adam Schiff calls on Devin Nunes to remove himself from Russia investigation By Sarah D. Wire Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) on Monday urged fellow Californian Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare) to remove himself from their investigation into Russian meddling in the 2016 election. Before late last week, Schiff had gone out of his way not to be critical of Nunes throughout the fledgling investigation. They have held the top positions on the House Intelligence Committee for two years, and have served in Congress together for more than a decade. This is not a recommendation I make lightly, as the Chairman and I have worked together well for several years; and I take this step with the knowledge of the solemn responsibility we have on the Intelligence Committee to provide oversight on all intelligence matters, not just to conduct the investigation, Schiff said in a statement. After much consideration I believe Chairman should recuse himself from involvement in investigation/oversight of Trump campaign & transition pic.twitter.com/jpfA1x80Si Adam Schiff (@RepAdamSchiff) March 27, 2017 Nunes last week surprised many when he told reporters that conversations between Trump and his transition team may have been accidentally picked up during legal intelligence gathering. Nunes briefed the media and President Trump before informing his committee. A spokesman for Nunes, who was a member of Trumps transition team, said Monday he obtained the information from a source on White House grounds, which raised even more questions. Nearly a week after Nunes announcement, committee members still havent seen the evidence, Schiff said. There was no legitimate justification for bringing that information to the White House instead of the committee. That it was also obtained at the White House makes this departure all the more concerning, Schiff said. Nunes spokesman would not comment on calls for the chairman to recuse himself. House Democrats have called for an entirely independent investigation, but short of that were coalescing around the call for Nunes to step aside. Among others, Schiffs Intelligence Committee colleagues Reps. Jackie Speier (D-Hillsborough) and Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) have also called for Nunes to step aside from the investigation. The House and Senate intelligence committees are both investigating allegations that Russia tried to interfere with the presidential election and what, if anything, the Trump campaign knew about it. So far, too many people in the White House and administration, and now the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, have betrayed their duty to conduct an independent, bipartisan inquiry into the Trump teams ties with Russia, Swalwell said in a statement. Chairman Nunes should no longer be anywhere near this investigation, let alone leading it. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said in a statement that Nunes had tarnished the chairmanship. She also said it was long overdue for House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) to ask him to recuse himself from the investigation. Facebook
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Blasting federal action on immigration, Californias chief justice warns the rule of law is under threat By Patrick McGreevy California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye warned Monday that the rule of law in state is under threat. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Supreme Court Chief Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye did not mention President Trump by name in her annual State of the Judiciary speech Monday, but she blasted federal actions on immigration and warned that the rule of law in the state is under threat. In addressing the Legislature, she also called on members to end years of underfunding of the state court system. The chief justice said the rule of law has failed repeatedly in the state, including when her husbands parents were among 120,000 Japanese Americans put in internment camps during World War II. Simply put, the rule of law means that we as a people are governed by laws and rules, not by a monarch, she said. People take the rule of law for granted until it is under threat, she added. I submit to you today that the rule of law is being challenged, she said. We are living in a time of civil rights unrest, eroding trust in our institutions, economic anxiety and unprecedented polarization. Cantil-Sakauye cited a report by the Southern Poverty Law Center that California was home to 79 ethnic hate groups more than any other state. Our values and our rules and laws are being called into question, and all three branches of government and the free press are in the crosshairs, she said. Without naming Trump, the chief justice criticized recent federal enforcement of immigration laws in which agents have gone into courthouses to take immigrants into custody. She said it was concern over the rule of law that caused her to write to the U.S. attorney general and the Homeland Security secretary recently, asking them to refrain from conducting immigration raids at or near courthouses. When we hear of immigration arrests and the fear of immigration arrests in our state courthouses, I am concerned that that kind of information trickles down into the community, the schools, the churches. The families and people will no longer come to court to protect themselves or cooperate or bear witness, she said. I am afraid that will be the end of justice and communities will be less safe and victimization will continue. The chief justice also repeated her concerns about the lack of sufficient funding for the judiciary even as legislators are adding laws by the thousands. Since 2011 when I became chief justice, 6,408 bills have become law in California, while the judicial branch budget has been shrinking, Cantil-Sakauye said. I have said before that we are on the wrong side of justice when it comes to funding our courts. Facebook
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Its not just Berniecrats: Korean voters could also swing L.A.'s congressional race in a big way By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, center, is the only Korean American candidate running in a field dominated by Latinos in the 34th Congressional District race. (Christine Mai-Duc / Los Angeles Times) The crowded race to replace Xavier Becerra in the 34th Congressional District, which includes most of Los Angeles Koreatown, appears to be bringing Korean American voters out in large numbers. Thats in part because in a field dominated by Latinos, Robert Lee Ahn has a shot at becoming the only Korean American in Congress and the first Korean American Democrat to be elected to the body. Ahn, a businessman and former L.A. city planning commissioner, has raised a formidable amount of money in a short period of time, much of it from donors in the Korean American community. His campaign spent weeks helping register voters at Koreatown malls and restaurants, and says they registered more than 600 new voters so far. Part of our campaign is to build awareness and get the community more civically engaged, Ahn said on a recent Friday morning as his campaign embarked on a 34-hour voter registration drive outside the BCD Tofu House restaurant. As a Korean American, obviously thats a natural base of mine. Inside, Ahn shook hands with supporters and navigated the lunchtime rush to ask for voters support table side. Some of it may be paying off. More than a quarter of the 10,841 mail-in ballots turned in for the race so far were cast by Korean American voters, according to an analysis of surnames, birthplace and translated ballot materials by Political Data. Koreans make up just 6% of registered voters in the district. Nearly half of Korean American voters who have already cast a ballot in the race did not vote in the March 7 city elections. Ahn, who has said hell bring a business sensibility and common sense to the office, says he has been running a campaign that reaches out to all kinds of voters. But the fact that there hasnt been a Korean American in Congress for more than 20 years means his candidacy has gotten plenty of attention from the Korean American press. I think people recognize the importance and historic nature of this election, Ahn said. I think theres a hunger for a voice ... and theres a palpable frustration of not being heard, not being properly represented, and I think thats what were seeing in the early returns. But the result of those early votes so far is unclear, particularly after elections officials disclosed that a number of Korean-language sample ballots had been misprinted with the candidates listed in the wrong order. Those who used the faulty sample ballots to cast their vote could have inadvertently voted for a candidate they didnt intend to support, and officials still dont know how widespread the problem is. Ahn isnt the only Korean American candidate to energize the community in recent years. David Ryu, the first Korean American elected to the L.A. City Council, rode to victory in 2015 with the help of a wave of support from Koreatown leaders. I believe a political awakening is occurring in the Korean American community all over the nation, but especially here in L.A., said Joon Bang, executive director of the Korean American Coalition. Our community is evolving and its beginning with understanding the power of their vote. Facebook
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Nothing short of blackmail: California Senate leader denounces plan to cut funding from sanctuary cities By Jazmine Ulloa California Senate Leader Kevin de Leon. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) California Senate leader Kevin de Leon on Monday called U.S. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions move to cut federal funding from so-called sanctuary cities nothing short of blackmail. In a statement, De Leon (D-Los Angeles) said Sessions and the Trump administration stuck to alternative facts when describing immigrants and sanctuary counties and cities, where local policies limit the cooperation of law enforcement agencies with federal authorities on immigration laws. Instead of making us safer, the Trump administration is spreading fear and promoting race-based scapegoating, he said. Their gun-to-the-head method to force resistant cities and counties to participate in Trumps inhumane and counterproductive mass-deportation is unconstitutional and will fail. De Leon was responding to an earlier announcement made by Sessions at a White House press briefing. Sessions urged all states and local jurisdictions to comply with federal immigration laws and said it would be a condition for receiving federal grants. Jeff Sessions: "countless Americans would be alive today. And countless loved ones would not be grieving" if sanctuary cities were ended. pic.twitter.com/sEgH3bvPwi BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) March 27, 2017 State leaders are still calculating the fiscal impact of the move in California, where the Senate leader has filed a bill that would prevent state and local law enforcement agencies from using resources to enforce federal immigration laws. Data shows sanctuary counties have lower crime rates than comparable nonsanctuary counties #SB54 https://t.co/rKZDsB8x8E Kevin de Len (@kdeleon) March 27, 2017 Facebook
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California National Guard official tells legislators forced bonus repayments will be resolved by mid-summer By Melanie Mason A top official for the California National Guard told state legislators Monday that he hopes lingering issues from the soldiers being forced to repay enlistment bonuses will be resolved by mid-summer. A Times investigation last year found that the Pentagon demanded thousands of soldiers repay enlistment bonuses up to a decade after going to war in Iraq or Afghanistan. The claw-back came after audits revealed vast overpayments of bonuses, due in part to mismanagement and pressure to hit enlistment targets. The Times story prompted outcry that soldiers, who were not at fault for accepting the bonuses, were now facing financial hardship. Matthew Beevers, the deputy adjutant for the California National Guard, told a joint hearing of the Senate and Assembly Veterans Affairs committees that just over 1,000 soldiers currently hold debt due to the bonus recoupment. Soldiers who are affected by the repayment demand must go through a federal waiver adjudication process, which Beevers described as unnecessarily long, complex and resource-intensive. He said the state-run Soldier Incentives Assistance Center was working with those who need to navigate the complex process to get those debts waived. "[If] you got a bonus and you completed your obligation and for some reason, you werent entitled to it, weve done everything we can do ensure that those soldiers get to keep those bonuses and we continue to do that today, Beevers said. Beevers said the state is trying to locate all soldiers who may be carrying debts due to the enlistment bonus. For those who complete the federal adjudication process, around 50% get their debts waived, he said. At the end of the day, there might be 600 or so soldiers out of 16,000 who might have to pay money, which is a very very small number, he said. Facebook
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Former California legislator Henry Perea will lobby for the oil industry in Sacramento By Chris Megerian (Tomas Ovalle / For The Times) As lawmakers debate the future of Californias climate policies, the oil industry is boosting its lobbying firepower with a former Democratic assemblyman from Fresno who has bedeviled environmentalists in the past. Henry Perea resigned his Assembly seat to work for a pharmaceutical group. Now hes jumping to the Western States Petroleum Assn. as a senior vice president, a role hes scheduled to start on May 1. Henry brings us unique expertise, said a statement from Catherine Reheis-Boyd, the associations president. He understands our state, our industry and how smart public policy can ensure Californias continued leadership in environmental protections while maintaining a diverse, vibrant economy. While serving in the Assembly, Perea led the so-called moderate caucus of business-friendly Democrats. He played a key role in stalling 2015 legislation that would have created tough new targets for reducing oil consumption. Environmentalists have made progress since then, successfully pushing through legislation to lower greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Now these issues are being debated again as lawmakers consider whether to extend the states cap-and-trade program, which is intended to provide a financial incentive to reduce emissions. The oil industry supports extending the program, but its working to ensure favorable terms and to loosen the states other regulatory plans. Facebook
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Democrats out with ads targeting Rep. Mimi Walters for supporting GOP healthcare bill By Sarah D. Wire Republicans didnt vote on their plan to replace the Affordable Care Act on Friday, but Democrats already have ads out criticizing vulnerable GOP House members like Rep. Mimi Walters of Irvine for backing the bill. The Internet ads, paid for by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, will target 14 Republicans who voted for the bill in the House Budget, Ways and Means, and Energy and Commerce committees. The ads will run for at least a week on social media sites, including Facebook and Instagram. Walters knowingly voted for a bill to raise premiums and deductibles, slap an age tax on older folks, and rip insurance away from 24 million hardworking Americans. Its critical that voters in Californias 45th District know where Walters stood on this harmful legislation, DCCC Chairman Ben Ray Lujan said in a statement. Walters, who serves on the Energy and Commerce Committee, was one of the earliest supporters of the bill among the California Republican delegation. Rep. Walters is committed to improving and expanding healthcare choices, lowering costs and protecting taxpayers. Her votes in the House reflect those principles and she will not be deterred by campaign ads created in Washington, D.C., by Nancy Pelosis political committees, said her campaign consultant, Dave Gilliard. The DCCC has already announced plans to target Republican representatives of the seven California congressional districts that backed Hillary Clinton for president. Clinton won Walters Orange County district by 5 percentage points. Walters was elected for a second term with 58.6% of the vote. Facebook
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Gov. Jerry Brown says California wont be running to the courthouse every day to fight President Trump By John Myers With many of his fellow Democrats demanding multiple challenges to President Trumps proposals, Gov. Jerry Brown said this week he will continue to support a more measured approach. Were going to fight very hard. But were not going to bring stupid lawsuits or be running to the courthouse every day, Brown said during an appearance Sunday on NBCs Meet the Press. Were going to be careful. Well be strategic. The governors interview, taped on Thursday in Washington, came at the end of a four-day visit where he sought common ground on issues ranging from transportation to disaster relief. Brown also took aim in a visit to Capitol Hill at the now-failed Republican healthcare proposal. In the interview, Brown acknowledged that he is seeking a different path forward than Californias legislative leaders and other Democrats who are aggressively pushing back on a variety of Trump proposals. Well, if everythings a lawsuit, yeah, were in trouble here. I do curb the exuberance on either side, he said. People like to escalate. Republicans do that, and Democrats also do that. So Im there somewhat as the senior statesman now, and Im going to keep everything on an even keel. The governor used the national television interview to repeat recent suggestions that California has a number of projects that are ready to go should Trump make good on his promises to fund a major infrastructure effort. But Brown staunchly defended Californias acceptance of immigrants, including those who are in the U.S. illegally. He argued that immigration has been a major boon to the states economy and invoked the teachings of Christianity to criticize Trump and his fellow Republicans. Trumps supposed to be Mr. Religious Fellow, and I thought weve got to treat the least of these as we would treat the Lord, said Brown, who trained to become a Jesuit priest in his youth. So I hope he would reconnect with some of these conservative evangelicals, and theyll tell him that these are human beings, theyre children of God. They should be treated that way. The programs host, Chuck Todd, asked Brown whether he could offer national leadership for Democrats in the Trump era. The governor, who ran unsuccessfully for president three times, said he was willing to speak out in any way he could be helpful. Following last weeks historic defeat of a bill to replace the Affordable Care Act, Brown also offered Trump advice on how to help the economically struggling states whose voters put him in the White House. Its going to take some income support from the federal government, the governor said. Its going to take healthcare. Its going to take the kind of programs that the Republican Party traditionally doesnt like. So heres the dilemma. Yes, Obama was not able to help those people in the way they felt they had a right to. But Mr. Trump, now the burden is on you. And you better figure it out, or youre not going to be there again. Facebook
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Small donations play big role in the 34th Congressional District By Christine Mai-Duc Congressional candidate Kenneth Mejia raised 90% of his money from small donors in the most recent campaign finance filing. (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times) More than 17% of individual contributions to all candidates in the 34th Congressional District came in small donations of less than $200, according to the latest campaign finance reports. The reports, which cover fundraising and spending between Jan. 1 and March 15, show that more than $250,000 of the $1.4 million raised by the candidates in the race came from un-itemized small donors, or those who gave less than $200 and are not named in campaign finance reports. Three candidates who raised a significant chunk of money from small donations were Arturo Carmona, Wendy Carrillo and Kenneth Mejia, all of whom are vying for votes from supporters of former presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, who has preached the need to rid politics of special interest money. Many of the candidates have sent email pitches to supporters asking for donations of $10, $20 or $27, the amount made famous by Sanders, who often cited the number as the average donation given to his presidential campaign. Carmona, a former Sanders campaign advisor, raised the most in small donations, with $57,125, or 52% of his total. Small donors gave Carrillo $25,948, about 32% of her fundraising total and Mejia, an accountant and Green Party candidate, received nearly 90% of his total funds, or $31,957, in amounts of $200 or less. Federal law does not require candidates to itemize, or report the names of, donors who give below that amount. Alejandra Campoverdi raised $44,210 from small donors, who made up 28% of her haul, while Raymond Meza raised 48%, or $14,764 of his money from small-dollar contributions. UPDATE: 7:45 p.m. This post was updated to clarify that the numbers reported are based on un-itemized donations of $200 or less to candidates. Facebook
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Robert Lee Ahn raised the most money by far in latest campaign finance reports for L.A.'s congressional race By Christine Mai-Duc Robert Lee Ahn, left, and Vanessa Aramayo, second from left, join the other candidates for the 34th Congressional District. (Glenn Koenig / Los Angeles TImes) Congressional candidate Robert Lee Ahn far outstripped some of the top fundraisers in the 34th Congressional District, taking a surprise lead in campaign finance reports filed Thursday. The reports cover fundraising and spending between Jan. 1 and March 15 and will be the last numbers well have before the April 4 primary election, in which 24 candidates are running. Ahn, a former L.A. city planning commissioner, raised a whopping $338,702 in contributions and loaned himself an additional $295,000, bringing his total to more than $630,000 raised since January. Ahn, an attorney and the only Korean American candidate in the race for a district that includes Koreatown, got more than $100,000 in contributions from donors with Korean surnames. The closest behind Ahn was Assemblyman Jimmy Gomez, who raised $244,766 over the same period, the majority of it from political action committees, including many donations from fellow legislators in Sacramento. Sara Hernandez, a former teacher and L.A. City Hall aide, was close behind Gomez with $224,783 raised. Alejandra Campoverdi, a former White House staffer and former Los Angeles Times employee, raised $156,432. Ahn has also spent the most money so far this year, at $352,538, and has $271,271 in the bank, more than any other candidate. Gomez ended the period with $274,830 cash on hand, while Hernandez and Campoverdi have $149,990 and $122,961 left to spend, respectively. Facebook
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Dispute in California Senate leads to ethics complaint against leader Kevin de Leon By Patrick McGreevy Then-state Sen. Isadore Hall III, left, talks with Senate President Pro Tem Kevin de Leon in Sacramento last year. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) Republican state Sen. Andy Vidak on Friday filed an ethics complaint asking for an investigation into whether Democratic Senate leader Kevin de Leon engaged in an improper cover-up of threats allegedly made by former state Sen. Isadore Hall III against a group of farmers. Anthony Reyes, a spokesman for De Leon, defended the decision not to investigate allegations against Hall. With due respect, the state Senate doesnt waste taxpayer resources investigating dubious hearsay accounts of private conversations held in hotel lobbies and thats what Senator De Leon clearly and politely communicated to Senator Vidak, Reyes said. Any suggestion otherwise is patently ridiculous. Hall, a Democrat from Compton, was appointed in January to the state Agricultural Labor Relations Board by Gov. Jerry Brown. The appointment was opposed by farm industry groups, including the Western Growers Assn., which complained he received contributions from the United Farm Workers for his unsuccessful campaign for Congress last year. Vidak said that he had heard from multiple people that on Feb. 28, the evening before Halls confirmation hearing in the Rules Committee, Hall allegedly made threats in an obscenity-laced tirade in the lobby of the Sacramento Hyatt Hotel that he would get the farmers opposing his appointment, the senator wrote in a letter to the Senate Legislative Ethics Committee. The board is a quasi-judicial agency that rules on disputes between farm worker organizations and growers. The alleged threats were made to four farmers who are members of the California Fresh Fruit Assn., Vidak said. Vidak said he had formally asked De Leon, as chairman of the Senate Rules Committee, to have the panel investigate the allegations and report the findings to the Senate. On Thursday, Vidak said, De Leon allegedly informed him that there would be no investigation. Senator De Leon told me yesterday that he and the leadership of the CFFA have worked things out so Hall wont be investigated,'" Vidak said in a statement Friday. Is this really how the Senate handles reports of threats and intimidation by someone pending a Senate confirmation vote? The association called the allegation that it worked out an agreement with De Leon baseless and false. The group said in a statement that Vidak did not talk to its members before he filed the complaint. If he did, he wouldve learned there is no agreement and that CFFA remains opposed to the confirmation of Senator Hall, the group said. Hall declined to comment on Vidaks complaint, said J. Antonio Barbosa, the boards executive secretary, responding on his behalf. Further, his testimony at his Senate Rules Committee confirmation hearing makes clear that he will be fair and impartial, make sound decisions, and speak to growers and farmworkers, Barbosa said. Reyes disputed Vidaks allegations. Chasing goofy conspiracy theories might fly on President Trumps Twitter feed, but it has no place in the California Legislature, Reyes said. In his letter to the ethics panel, Vidak says his complaint is that the Senates confirmation process of gubernatorial appointees may have been compromised in this situation. He asked for an investigation into whether credible information about potential criminal activity by an unconfirmed gubernatorial appointee has been intentionally ignored/withheld, and whether a member of the Senate Rules Committee is making arrangements with representatives of private organizations to bury investigations of gubernatorial appointees. Updated at 4:40 p.m. to include a comment from the California Fresh Fruit Assn. Facebook
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L.A.'s GOP congressman: It is hard to find a consensus on something that impacts more than 1/6th of our economy By Sarah D. Wire A handful of California Republicans had declined to take a position on the House GOPs healthcare bill, and now they wont have to. Rep. Steve Knight (R-Palmdale), the only Republican who represents L.A. County, said he was conflicted up until the vote on the bill was canceled Friday afternoon. In the past two weeks my colleagues worked to build a consensus on how best to repair our flawed healthcare system and build a patient-centered system that works for the American people, Knight said in a statement after the vote. We learned that it is hard to find a consensus on something that impacts more than 1/6th of our economy and the lives of almost every American. Saying they didnt have enough votes to pass it, House Republican leaders canceled a vote on their healthcare bill minutes before vulnerable Republican members like Knight would have had to vote on the effort to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. Knights district is among seven Republican districts being targeted by Democrats in 2018, and several of the members who represent those districts never took a stance on the bill, saying they were worried about the effects on their districts and were still hearing from constituents. Experts estimated millions of Californians would have lost insurance under the bill. Just two of the targeted members, Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) and Rep. Mimi Walters (R-Irvine), said they would vote for the bill. Walters had no comment after the bill was pulled, but the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee came out swinging, with committee spokesperson Evan Lukaske saying, Walters now owns this until election day. Other targeted members seemed to brush off President Trumps plan to let Obamacare go its way for a little while. Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), who didnt take a stance on the bill, said afterward Congress needs to keep working on healthcare. Congress must come together to enact legislation to stabilize our healthcare market, reduce federal spending, and ensure we are able to maintain access to healthcare for Americas most vulnerable populations. Any potential solution must be thoughtfully considered, he said in a statement. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista) flirted with voting against the bill, saying he was not yet prepared to support it, but never committed either way. The [GOP bill] was an imperfect approach and I believe that we can do better, he said in a statement. We will go back to the drawing board and get this right for each and every American concerned with high costs in their healthcare and ever-dwindling choices and access to care. Facebook
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Despite threat of legal battle with Trump, California stays the course on vehicle emission rules By Chris Megerian Electric cars charge at a San Diego utility. (Rob Nikolewski / San Diego Union-Tribune) California will keep pushing to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, state regulators decided Friday, even though President Trump is preparing to roll back rules in Washington. The restrictions represent a key part of Californias battle against climate change, and theyre intended to force automakers to build cleaner cars and sell more electric vehicles. Environmentalists cheered Fridays decision from the Air Resources Board. Were very disappointed by what were seeing at the federal level, so today feels warm and welcoming, said the Sierra Clubs Kathryn Phillips. California has the unique ability to set tougher standards than the federal government, but Fridays decision could put the state on a collision course with Trump. Under the presidents direction, federal officials are examining whether to loosen vehicle rules that were finalized in the waning days of the Obama administration. The California Air Resources Board meeting in Riverside this week. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) At risk is the existence of a national standard on vehicle emissions, something the auto industry has prioritized to reduce the complexity of its manufacturing operations. We should all be getting back to work on this, said John Bozzella, who advocates for international car companies as head of the Assn. of Global Automakers. Mary Nichols, chair of the Air Resources Board, questioned the industrys commitment to higher standards given their request for Trump to review the rules. What were you thinking when you threw yourself upon the mercy of the Trump administration? she said. A dozen other states have adopted Californias standards as their own, and environmentalists hope Fridays decision will foster a broader market for electric cars. This agency has seen federal administrations come
Tom Perez can only hope that the Democratic Party has hit bottom.
He has taken over as chairman of the Democratic National Committee just as the party is struggling to recover from a November rout that left Republicans in charge of the White House, both houses of Congress and most of the nations governorships and state legislative chambers. Its hard to imagine how things could get any worse in 2018 or 2020.
In an interview with The Times, Perez was candid about some of the partys failures in 2016, most notably its abandonment of vast stretches of rural and small-town America.
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But Perez, 55, who was Labor secretary under President Obama, offered little detail on what changes the party would make to win over President Trumps supporters in those areas.
He also glossed over the internal rancor that lingers from the partys split between establishment leader Hillary Clinton and insurgent Bernie Sanders in the Democratic presidential race.
What follows are excerpts from Perezs remarks.
He zeroed in on the partys loss of more than 900 seats in state legislatures over the last decade.
We need to redefine the mission of the Democratic Party so that we are not only electing the president, but were electing candidates up and down the ballot, from the school board to the Senate. And the best way to do that is to ensure that we have a robust presence in all the states and territories.
Donald Trump won Wisconsin because we underperformed in Milwaukee, and we got clobbered in rural Wisconsin because we did not have an every ZIP Code strategy. In places where we once had a presence, like the northwestern corner of Wisconsin, we have largely abandoned it.
Perez is embarking this month on a Democratic turnaround tour of Michigan, Texas, Virginia and New Jersey with the new DNC deputy chair, Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota. Perez outlined the partys core values but signaled no shift in direction with its agenda.
Were the party that has fought for Medicare. Were the party that has fought for Social Security. The Republicans have tried to privatize Social Security and voucherize Medicare. Were the party thats fought for increased wages, fought for the union movement, fought to make sure that collective bargaining is not eviscerated, its strengthened. And when we communicate those messages, we succeed.
Perez fretted over how few Americans realize that millions more jobs were created under Democratic Presidents Clinton and Obama than under Republican Presidents Reagan, George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush.
What we have to do as Democrats is continue to not only communicate that message but continue to fight for the investments that ensure that middle-class folks, and those who want to get into the middle class, can succeed. We allowed the Republicans to hijack that message.
As for Sanders supporters who still mistrust the party establishment because it favored Clinton over Sanders, Perez insisted both sides have enough in common to overcome their differences.
Thats why you saw Americans come together in force in the aftermath of this ill-advised Muslim ban. Thats why you see the coming together under the Affordable Care Act, the coming together around the revelations of how our national security was compromised by the conduct and interaction between the Trump administration and the Russians.
Perez voiced no hesitation about Democrats obstructing Trumps agenda with the same ferocity that Republicans in Congress showed in opposing Obamas.
I think we should accord Donald Trump the same courtesy that [Senate Majority Leader] Mitch McConnell [R-Ky.] accorded Barack Obama. Donald Trump has shown no interest in working toward increasing the minimum wage, no interest in doing anything but immigrant baiting, no interest in doing anything but filling the swamp with a band of billionaires who are simply trying to help the wealthy.
Perez faulted his own party for failing to promote Obamacare effectively.
The Affordable Care Act is a lifesaver, but it was very effectively marketed [by Republicans] in 2010 as a job killer. Now, the majority of Americans support the Affordable Care Act. It cost us votes in 2010 because Republicans ran against it, and they effectively lied about what the Affordable Care Act was going to do for people.
The same thing happened in the aftermath of Social Security and Medicare. If you look at the years that followed, Republicans kept saying, Oh, Social Security is going to bring our country down. Ronald Reagan in the 60s said, Medicare will lead to socialism in America. The playbook can bring short-term political advantage, and we didnt do an effective enough job as Democrats of marketing the benefits of the Affordable Care Act.
Looking ahead, Perez said Democrats would do a better job of recruiting candidates and volunteers in parts of America it has long ceded to Republicans, but did not specify how.
We failed to do that effectively enough. We have allowed so many ZIP Codes to be ignored. Our message in rural America is just as powerful as it is in urban America. But because we havent been a physical presence there in any sustained way, we have a lot of voters there who no longer believe that the Democratic Party is working for them.
When people understand what we stand for as a party good jobs, ladders of opportunity to the middle class, retirement security, inclusion and opportunity for everyone, regardless of where you were born, which god you worship, who you love, your first language people understand and embrace that aspect of the Democratic Party. But we have to be out there everywhere talking about it.
Live coverage from the campaign trail
michael.finnegan@latimes.com
Twitter: @finneganLAT
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With political anger among his fellow Democrats at a fever pitch, Gov. Jerry Brown made it clear as he arrived in Washington on Monday that he feels no pressure to lead the charge in a battle pitting California against President Trump and the Republican agenda in Congress.
I will pursue my own rhetorical paths, Brown said after the second of two quick meetings scheduled just hours after he landed in the city.
Even so, the governors four-day visit comes in the midst of one of the capital citys most contentious weeks this year. And its grand finale, Thursdays expected vote in the House on the Republican effort to scrap the Affordable Care Act, holds particular importance for millions of Californians who could lose health coverage.
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Brown attended a pair of events Monday in the early hours after his arrival, perhaps most notably meeting with Bob Fenton, the presidents director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. On Saturday, the governor made a fourth request of Trump for a federal disaster declaration to cover the widespread damage from a series of winter storms.
The president approved the first three disaster efforts, with the most recent request including an estimate of more than $539 million in damage. The Brown administration said Monday that the single biggest expense is to repair the main and emergency spillways of Oroville Dam. That effort, alone, is projected to cost $274 million.
I made my pitch, Brown said of the meeting with Fenton. We think it is very important. It involves lots of money and we think it would be very helpful if we get the presidential declaration we just submitted.
Though much of the governors schedule over the next several days remains to be determined, his visit was scheduled to coincide with a meeting of directors for the Nuclear Threat Initiative. Brown joined the nonpartisan nonprofit organizations board in January, and he hesitated to offer a direct opinion to reporters Monday night about the current threat of nuclear war under the new president.
I would say it hasnt been diminished, he said. I dont want to speculate. Its a little early.
The governors first meeting Monday was with Wendy Sherman, an assistant secretary of State under President Obama who was the lead negotiator of the nuclear treaty with Iran in 2015. The meeting was also attended by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.
While others relish the chance to play on the nations largest political stage a familiar longing for a man who ran unsuccessfully for president three times Brown has rarely winged his way east since being elected in 2011. This weeks trip is just his seventh in six years.
At its outset, the trip largely reflects his current worldview, in which existential worries supersede more recurring and sharply partisan political fights. It coincides with an increasingly angry reaction from Democrats in the state Capitol about what they see in their federal counterparts, and as a number of significant efforts take shape in Sacramento to resist stepped-up efforts on immigration enforcement and rollbacks of efforts to combat climate change.
Brown, who turns 79 early next month, has largely steered clear of critiques of Trump. Only in a pair of January speeches, to scientists gathered in San Francisco and in his State of the State address, did the governor take aim at the rise of the presidents conservative political proposals. Hes otherwise taken a cautious approach.
Gov. Jerry Brown asks for $437 in flood protection and emergency relief
Gov. Brown has been likened to the adult in the room in many of his political battles over the past few years, and its worked in his favor, said Robin Swanson, a Democratic political strategist. Given the presidents proclivity to overreact to the most superficial of perceived slights, its a smart place to start.
One unanswered question is whether the governor can add any bipartisan appeal to this weeks trip. Brown has exchanged spirited letters in recent weeks with House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield) over the effect of repealing the Affordable Care Act. Some 4 million Californians have received coverage under its provisions, most of those through a federally funded expansion of the Medi-Cal program.
If [Brown] meets with Democrats in Congress, then hes meeting with the people who dont have any real power, said Rob Stutzman, a GOP political strategist.
A spokesman for Brown said the governor hopes to personally bring his concerns on healthcare and other issues to congressional leaders before returning home Thursday. And in comments to reporters Monday, Brown acknowledged the high stakes involved.
I will do anything I can to lend my voice on that, he said.
john.myers@latimes.com
Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast
Times staff writer Evan Halper contributed to this report.
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Updates from Sacramento
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
Celebration was in bloom Sunday at Huntington Beachs Central Park as the city honored Japanese culture and the blooming of the parks cherry trees at the fourth annual Huntington Beach Cherry Blossom Festival.
The event, presented by the Sister City Assn. of Huntington Beach, attracted thousands of visitors for Japanese food, performances, exhibits, crafts and games.
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The festival is intended to support the associations student exchange program with Huntington Beach sister city Anjo, Japan.
The ongoing legal disputes pitting the Newport-Mesa Unified School District against some former administrators have prompted concerns regarding Supt. Fred Navarros leadership, the role of the school board and whether there have been instances when officials failed to use proper procedures and accounting with salary reports to the state.
But these lawsuits also point us to another question worthy of attention:
Are the generous compensation packages given to NMUSDs top administrators appropriate and justified?
Its often said that no one goes into teaching to get rich. While teacher salaries can vary considerably from district to district and according to other factors, such as length of service, thats a hard statement to argue with.
Not so much when it comes to some local administrators.
Lets examine the data. The median annual salary for superintendents nationwide is $147,000. In California, such salaries typically range from $97,000 to about $225,000, with a few rare exceptions.
Now consider the pay given to NMUSDs top two officials, Supt. Navarro and Deputy Supt. and Chief Business Official Paul Reed, who earned $260,325 and $244,475, respectively, in base pay in 2014.
Now also consider the extra amounts that each official received when all forms of compensation, including benefits and other pay, are factored in. According to the think tank Transparent California, which maintains a comprehensive database of public sector compensation, Navarros total 2014 compensation amounted to $318,394, and Reeds came in at $349,788.
By contrast, Irvine Unifieds superintendent had $296,671 in total compensation in the same time period, it found.
Robert Fellner, Transparent Californias research director, told me that a few points stood out when he compared NMUSD to Orange Countys nine other largest school districts. The first is that Newport-Mesas top earner, Reed, though not the superintendent, receives total compensation roughly 16% higher than the average for the superintendents at the other districts that Fellner examined.
Moreover, he said, NMUSDs assistant superintendents made about 21% more than the average for comparable positions at the other districts.
Now, thanks to the legal action brought against Newport-Mesa by its former human resources director, John Caldecott, we have yet another wrinkle to factor in to our thinking about compensation.
Caldecott was fired about a year ago after he sued, alleging a hostile workplace and accusing the district of filing inaccurate salary reports to the state. He won a court ruling in December ordering the release of related documents.
Then, last month, Caldecott went public with what he says are previously undisclosed documents showing how much money Reed has received in additional payments, which the school board authorized to be put into a separate retirement account and are not factored into the total compensation reported to the state retirement fund.
The Daily Pilot previously reported that $273,591 has been paid into this account over several years, but Caldecott puts the number higher, at about $340,000. The district has said these extra payments were used to induce Reed to delay his retirement.
Experienced professionals with strong business and education proficiencies, like Paul Reed, are difficult to come by, board President Dana Black recently told the Pilot. We value his knowledge, expertise and success in ensuring our continued fiscally responsible approach to providing a world-class education for our students.
OK, point taken. Reed did steer NMUSD through the Great Recession and the firing of controversial former superintendent Jeffrey Hubbard. I was among those who praised his financial stewardship at a time when many districts throughout the state were rendered virtually insolvent.
Fellner said theres some validity to the contention that an incentive was needed to get Reed to postpone retirement. Because of the way the pension system is structured, he said, Reed would have received a pension benefit so rich, it would functionally be considered a raise to retire.
Yet Caldecott said the additional payments trouble him because the amounts were not previously made public, which he suspects was because this is a way to keep it hidden.
(On a side note, Caldecott, in addition to his civil suit, has filed a sworn statement with the Costa Mesa Police Department alleging that he suffered criminal retaliation as a whistleblower. He is awaiting a decision on whether charges will be filed.)
As for Navarros pay, one could argue that his handsome compensation is deserved. The role of superintendent has become increasingly politicized, leading to increased turnover statewide. These executives have buck-stops-here responsibility for budgets, resource allocation, government relations, and academic priorities. Navarro is both the public face and top internal decision-maker of a district with complicated challenges and extreme demographic diversity. Its a big job.
But big enough to warrant such rich pay? When pondering that question, keep in mind that every dollar spent on administrative compensation is money that doesnt go to classrooms, some of which remain overcrowded years after the last recession ended.
Caldecott sees the hefty compensation packages as part of a pattern of top district officials looking after themselves, with help from a too-obliging school board. Plenty of people are qualified to do Pauls job. Fred too, he said. These are some of the best jobs in the state. All the money does is keep the club intact.
Justified or not, the considerable pay given to NMUSDs upper echelon merits scrutiny as the legal drama at the district continues to unfold.
PATRICE APODACA is a former Newport-Mesa public school parent and former Los Angeles Times staff writer. She lives in Newport Beach.
Ireland is nicknamed the Emerald Isle for good reason: rolling green hills abound, in all shades possible. You might not see St. Pat, but you can get a good look at those hills on a luxury train ride that crisscrosses the countryside.
The week-long tour includes time to explore Dublin and attractions such as Trinity College, St. Patricks Cathedral and the lively Temple Bar District.
Participants then board the Grand Hibernian for a train trip through the heart of the nation and along its rugged Atlantic coastline.
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The Red Savannah tour visits Cork, the Jameson Irish Whiskey distillery, Blarney Castle, the Lakes of Killarney and Connemara National Park.
Other activities include the opportunity to learn about falconry at Ashford Castle.
Dates: Available year-round.
Price: From $7,146 per person, double occupancy. Included area accommodations (two nights in Dublin and four aboard the Grand Hibernian), some meals, sightseeing activities and guide. International airfare not included.
Info: Red Savannah, (855) 468-5555
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Like many countries, Pakistan allocates federal resources to its provinces and administrative regions based on population.
Trouble is, Pakistans last census took place nearly two decades ago, and insecurity and political wrangling have stalled efforts to carry out a fresh head count.
This month Pakistan launched a national census for the first time in 19 years, deploying 200,000 soldiers alongside 118,000 civilian enumerators in an effort to count and compile demographic data on every person.
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The census will not only count the population and ethnic and faith groups in each of the countrys four provinces and other administrative units. It will also determine provincial shares of federal revenue and subsidies, as well as shares of seats in the National Assembly and civil service quotas.
Transgender people will also be counted for the first time, officials said.
We will be able to share provisional summary results of the data by the end of July, said Asif Bajwa, Pakistans chief census commissioner.
In a country with desperate shortages of electricity and other basic infrastructure, experts say a fresh count is badly needed. The constitution requires a census every 10 years. Pakistans population is estimated to have grown by as much as 40% since the last census, in 1998, counted 130 million people.
Since then the country is being run on guesstimates, said Abid Suleri, head of the Sustainable Development Policy Institute, a think tank in Islamabad, the capital.
The best plans and policies fail to deliver, partially, when we do not have our numbers right. It is like stitching someones clothes without knowing the age, height, weight and measurements.
But even before door-to-door counting began last week, the census stirred controversy as womens rights groups, smaller provinces and ethnic and religious minorities voiced concerns over the process.
Despite acknowledging that the 1998 census undercounted women and girls, officials this year did not appoint any female census workers, according to Sarwar Bari, a human rights activist in Islamabad. In many areas, male census workers would not be able to interview women because of religious and cultural taboos, Bari said.
There is not even a single female enumerator appointed in Punjab, the largest province of the country, Bari said. Male enumerators will face problems in counting women.
Ethnic Baluch and Pashtun political parties, which have long agitated for greater autonomy from the federal government, fear that officials in Punjab will attempt to manipulate census figures to maintain the provinces large share of national resources and political clout.
The census has become a political in fact a politicized issue in Pakistan, Suleri said.
Currently, Punjab holds 183 seats in the 342-member assembly, meaning it can unilaterally elect the prime minister. The current prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, hails from Punjab.
The federal government had planned to manipulate census figures to maintain the hegemony of Punjab over smaller provinces, said Mian Iftikhar Hussain, the general secretary of the Awami National Party, a Pashtun nationalist party.
The party also complained that census data from its heartland in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and the adjacent tribal region would be counted in Islamabad because of a lack of equipment locally.
We believe that [bad faith] intentions are involved, Hussain said, adding that ethnic Pashtuns might not accept the census results.
In the federally administered tribal areas, lawmakers have raised concerns that their population will be undercounted because residents have fled their homes to escape Pakistani counter-terrorism operations and U.S. drone strikes against suspected militants.
Residents of the Orakzai tribal region boycotted the campaign for two days, saying that census takers were going to areas that residents had vacated years ago.
In the southwestern province of Baluchistan, Pakistans poorest, some lawmakers filed a lawsuit to stop the census, saying they feared that thousands of mainly ethnic Pashtun refugees from Afghanistan many of whom have lived there for more than three decades would mistakenly be included in the count.
Afghans in Pakistan are often accused of carrying fake citizenship documents to avoid deportation. The presence of the refugees and the fact that many ethnic Baluch have migrated to other provinces could make the Baluch a minority in the province that is their heartland, according to the lawsuit by the Baluchistan National Party.
The government has no mechanism to collect accurate census figures in the absence of the local population, who were forced to migrate to other parts of the country, said Baluchistan National Party leader Ghulam Nabi Marri. In response to the lawsuit, a provincial court directed authorities to exclude Afghan refugees from the census.
In several provinces, leaders of the Sikh community have objected to their faith being left off the census forms. Sikhs, whose religion was founded five centuries ago in what is now Pakistan, have to list themselves as members of other religions.
There has never been an accurate count of the Sikh population of Pakistan, which is estimated to be in the tens of thousands. There are about 20 million Sikhs in neighboring India.
It would mean total disrespect to the community if their religion is not mentioned and they remain unrecognized in a land which means the most to them, Sardar Ramesh Singh, leader of the Pakistan Sikh Council, told the daily Dawn newspaper.
The census is expected to cost Pakistan about $178 million.
Special correspondents Sahi and Ali reported from Islamabad and Peshawar, Pakistan, respectively, and Times staff writer Bengali from Mumbai, India.
shashank.bengali@latimes.com
Follow @SBengali for more news from South Asia
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The Russian cyberattacks that targeted last years U.S. presidential elections were as much about wanting to keep Hillary Clinton out of the White House as about proving to the world that the Kremlin was capable of pulling off this feat, a leading Russian expert on cybersecurity said Monday.
Russian hackers deliberately tried to weaken positions of Hillary Clinton, said Andrei Soldatov, author of a 2015 book on the Kremlins cyberwars against its critics. She was seen as Russias enemy No. 1, a person who inspired Moscow protests [against President Vladimir Putin], a person who would harm Russia the most.
But Moscow may have miscalculated the fallout of its intrusion, which has so far led to resignation of a high-ranking U.S. official, congressional investigations and a bipartisan circling of the wagons around the need to protect the integrity of Americas democracy, several leading Russia experts said.
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The blowback has been very strong, William Courtney, an adjunct senior fellow at the Rand Corp., said in an interview as the House Intelligence Committee opened hearings into allegations of Russian hacking into the 2016 presidential campaign. The story has magnified more than the Russians expected, Courtney said.
Traditionally, former Soviet governments were reluctant to get involved in the internal politics of America because of the risk of possible retaliation. But Putin has been willing to do that and to take extra risks, said Courtney, a former U.S. ambassador to Georgia and onetime presidential special assistant for Russia, Ukraine, and Eurasia.
Moscow has rejected claims that it meddled in the U.S. presidential vote, but subversion tactics reportedly included propaganda spread through Russian government-backed media, the use of Internet trolls to disseminate fake news and sow discord through social media, and cyberspying. Efforts to destabilize the U.S. presidential vote included hacking the emails of the Democratic National Committee and top Democratic officials and releasing them to the whistle-blower website WikiLeaks, according to declassified intelligence information published in January.
The fact that they were willing to do it openly suggests Putin is trying to fire a shot across the bow, in a political sense, to show that Russia has the capacity to make it look like the integrity to the U.S. elections is not as strong as Americans think it is and to undermine confidence that the democratic process is honest, Courtney said.
FBI Director James B. Comey acknowledged during Mondays hearings that the Russians were unusually loud in their intrusions, though others said the use of private hackers was a typical Russian tactic aimed at maintaining deniability.
This is the salt, the uniqueness of the Russian system of conducting such operations, said Soldatov, who is one of Russias leading experts on cybersecurity. It allows [the Kremlin] to deny responsibility, to always say, This was not our job.
Although Russia may have been caught off guard by the swiftness and extent of the reaction, the power pendulum might still swing in Putins favor, some analysts said.
On the one hand, the political context in Washington is more hostile to Russia as a result, said Leon Aron, director of Russian studies at the American Enterprise Institute, a conservative Washington-based think tank. On the other, Russia is seen as a force shaping U.S domestic politics. Given Putins self-imposed mission of restoring Russia to the glory of the Soviet superpowership, I think on balance he is quite content.
On Monday, Kremlin loyalists argued that the hearings were aimed at undermining Moscows ties with Trump, who many in Moscow believe supports Russias attempts to maintain its traditional spheres of influence around the world.
The aim of this weeks hearings in Washington is not to allow Trump to improve ties with Russia, said Sergei Markov, a Moscow-based political analyst and a former lawmaker with the ruling United Russia party. Very serious circles in the U.S. think that they cant let Russia become a great power, that Russia should be pressed, pressed, pressed.
Aron said he doubted that Russias aim was specifically to help Trump get elected, at least not at the outset.
Between the two candidates, Hillary Clinton was viewed much more negatively because Putin falsely accused her of instigating protests against him in 2011, Aron said. Clinton became a target because there was already bad blood that existed between them.
The scattershot nature of the Trump campaign, the ineffectiveness of the Democratic National Committees cybersecurity, and the extreme polarization of the American electorate all played a role in allowing Russia to more easily infiltrate the system, he said.
It was not due to an extraordinarily brilliant effort on the Russian side, Aron said. It was in effect a combination of very skillful effort and constant pressure that was met with incompetence, mistakes, a lack of diligence and a candidate that became a sensation in the United States.
Simmons reported from Los Angeles and Mirovalev from Moscow.
ann.simmons@latimes.com
Follow me @AMSimmons1 on Twitter
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The Trump administration has indicated it plans to take the federal governments Countering Violent Extremism program in a new direction. Media outlets report that it might be renamed the Countering Islamic Extremism program, or Countering Radical Islamic Extremism.
The current program, which seeks to deter potential attacks, certainly needs an overhaul. But not in the way the administration is suggesting.
The extremist threat in the United States is multifaceted, inspired by many violent ideologies. It is not a homogeneous threat from Muslim extremism. Neo-Nazis, Ku Klux Klan members, and so-called sovereign citizens, who violently reject the authority of the state these and other extremists present a growing threat to the United States that must be addressed with purposeful engagement and study. A re-imagined Countering Violent Extremism program has an important part in that but not if it is narrowly focused on one ideology.
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If the administration and Congress intend to reform the CVE program, they should consider where it has fallen short. The underlying concept is that by engaging community stakeholders in dialogue and sharing information about the risk of extremism and radicalization, we can develop strategies that prevent people from embracing ideologies that advocate violence. The beating heart of CVE is collaboration, but the current effort has actually dissuaded collaboration by stoking alienation.
Although the strategy is ostensibly designed to address any violent ideology, in practice it has focused primarily on the risk of extremism in Muslim communities.
Pilot programs have run in Los Angeles, Minneapolis and Boston, cities with Muslim communities and where distrust and animosity toward the CVE initiative has manifested.
In this March 2015 photo, Muslim, Christian, minority and government leaders watch a video as part of a federal pilot program called Countering Violent Extremism, at Roxbury Community College in Boston. (Charles Krupa / Associated Press)
In each of these cities, there has been pushback and protest, with many of the stakeholders who are essential to the CVE effort rejecting it, arguing that it targets and disparages Muslim communities.
As such, these trials have objectively failed, because they have cultivated community animosity rather than collaboration.
Going forward, there are several important points that should serve as guideposts as the CVE program is evaluated and improved.
1. Data providing evidence of potential threats should drive how and where the CVE effort is implemented. Muslim extremism is not the only terrorist threat. This is not a subjective matter of political correctness, but a fact backed by statistics. For example, according to the Anti-Defamation League, since 2009, there have been 77 shots fired in police confrontations with violent extremists; more than 80% of those were in clashes with white supremacists and antigovernment extremists.
2. There was a fundamental error in charging U.S. attorneys with managing the CVE pilots. A successful program cannot be run by the same arm of government that prosecutes terrorism cases. That demands an unrealistic level of trust on the part of the community. Why would someone participate in such an initiative if they fear their questions, comments and concerns could lead to an FBI agent knocking on their door? At best, the involvement of the Department of Justice sends a message that the intended collaboration is more about criminal justice than public safety. At worst, it raises legitimate suspicion that CVE is an avenue for detecting, arresting and prosecuting individuals who may be on the path to radicalization. The program should be purely focused on deterring extremism and the justice system should have a limited role, if any.
3. The CVE program needs to be led by the affected communities. Too often, federal employees seeking to address violent extremism parachute into a community and dictate public safety priorities to residents. This is akin to doing surgery before a physical exam. A federally led CVE program that tells a community what their safety concerns should be fails to cultivate the necessary buy-in because it runs counter to concerns people have on the local level.
In this June 2015 photo, sisters of the Order of the Daughters of St. Paul pray outside the historic Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina, where self-proclaimed white supremacist Dylann Roof killed nine people during a prayer meeting. (Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images)
What is needed is a Mosaic of Engagement, where the objective is for the community to identify the factors endangering public safety and forge consensus that reducing violent extremism is a desired byproduct of a safe community. By empowering the community to reach consensus, build lines of communication and identify local concerns, we can help create the social infrastructure needed to identify extremist threats and develop specifically local strategies to overcome them.
Now is the time to take a fresh look at the CVE effort and make thoughtful changes to the way it is managed and implemented. With data and genuine collaboration, we can prevent extremism and save lives. But if CVE becomes even more focused on Muslim extremism, it will exacerbate the problems that already exist and the program will certainly fail.
Dr. Erroll Southers is a former FBI special agent and currently director of Homegrown Violent Extremism Studies at the University of Southern California Sol Price School of Public Policy. He is author of the book Homegrown Violent Extremism.
Follow Southers on Twitter: @esouthersHVE
A dispute over the reform of public broadcasting has plunged Israels coalition government into a crisis, prompting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to threaten to dissolve parliament and hold a snap election to block a plan to begin independent television and radio broadcasts.
The crisis highlights Netanyahus long-running mistrust of Israels mainstream print and broadcast news outlets, which he has accused of being leftist and Bolshevik and of engaging in a personal witch hunt against him.
Netanyahu helped pass legislation in 2014 to shutter Israels inefficient state-run broadcast authority and replace it with a new public broadcasting corporation whose executives wouldnt be political appointees.
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But in recent months, allies from his Likud Party have complained that the new broadcasting corporation is liable to be overly critical of the government. Netanyahu has pushed to have the start of broadcasts delayed and to pass a law to gain more control over public and commercial radio and television.
The new broadcasting corporation was expected to begin operating April 30, but Netanyahu said during the weekend that he had changed his mind.
Finance Minister Moshe Kahlon, leader of the Kulanu party, has argued that canceling the new corporation would be an unacceptable waste of public money.
The dispute came to a head when Netanyahu hours before departing for a state visit to China wrote on Facebook that he had reconsidered and would oppose the start of the new public broadcaster.
He wrote that it was necessary to protect the jobs of the 1,000 employees of the Israel Broadcast Authority, which the new corporation would replace. Meanwhile, his coalition whip warned in a television interview that Netanyahu might seek an early election if Kahlon didnt back down.
The Likud, and the prime minister, arent interested in elections, said Ofir Akunis, a lawmaker from Netanyahus party, in an interview with Israels Army Radio on Tuesday. But we arent afraid of them if it becomes a necessity.
Israeli political observers and lawmakers in the parliamentary opposition say the dispute over the broadcaster is being used as an excuse by the prime minister to reshuffle Israels political deck at a time when he faces corruption inquiries Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing and pressure from Israeli settlement ideologues within his coalition to step up building in the occupied West Bank.
During elections, there arent any investigations maybe thats the main reason for the crisis, said Erel Margalit, a member of the opposition Labor Party, in an Army Radio interview Tuesday. During elections, there are no indictments.
Netanyahu has been questioned multiple times by police in recent months about a supply of expensive cigars and champagne provided by Hollywood mogul Arnon Milchan. He has also been questioned about recorded discussions of an apparent deal to get favorable coverage in Israels biggest paid newspaper.
The Israeli leader believes a snap election will catch potential rivals from the right wing unprepared and is confident that hell still be able to vanquish challengers from center-left parties, said Yoaz Hendel, a former communications director for the prime minister.
A poll published by Channel 10 television news last week found that Netanyahus Likud Party would win a parliamentary vote if it were held today.
Netanyahu has decided that he wants to go to elections, otherwise he wouldnt gamble on the stability of his coalition, Hendel said. We all understand the dispute over the broadcast corporation is an excuse. What you are seeing now is a game of brinkmanship.
Long before President Trump began describing news outlets as the enemy and their reports as fake news, Israels prime minister has been butting heads with local media and individual journalists. The Israeli prime minister blamed hostile coverage of his first administration two decades ago for his failed attempt at reelection in 1999.
Netanyahu dissolved his government in 2014 and called a snap election to bury a bill supported by some coalition partners to weaken Israel Hayom, a freebie tabloid that provides sympathetic coverage and is owned by U.S. casino mogul Sheldon Adelson. In recent months, he has assailed individual investigative journalists as extreme leftists who try to brainwash Israelis.
Netanyahu views the media as kryptonite, with the ability to neutralize and destabilize all the good work hes trying to do, said Mitchell Barak, an Israeli American public opinion expert.
The Israel Broadcast Authority has suffered from shrinking revenue, competition from younger commercial channels, and unwieldy salary agreements that have left little money for quality programming. In a controversial commercial from the 2015 election campaign, Netanyahu bragged that his reform of public broadcasting had defeated IBA union members in the same way he had confronted the Palestinian militant group Hamas.
Hes paranoid, and not completely without reason, said Oren Persico, a columnist at the Seventh Eye, a website devoted to media criticism. He has received unflattering and at times unfair coverage. On the other hand, he is trying to control as much of broadcasting media as he possibly can.
Mitnick is a special correspondent.
@joshmitnick
Pressure from Kiev and Washington is mounting on President Trumps former campaign manager after a Ukrainian lawmaker released documents Tuesday he says prove Paul Manafort tried to hide payments received from Ukraines ousted former president through an offshore shell company.
The new allegations come a day after Manaforts name was raised in a House Intelligence Committee hearing, in which FBI Director James B. Comey was asked about possible coordination between Trumps campaign and the Kremlin during the 2016 U.S. presidential election.
Also this month, a Ukrainian human rights lawyer representing victims of a deadly police shooting during Kievs 2014 mass protest movement asked prosecutors to investigate text messages from Manaforts daughters, which the lawyer said could indicate how much influence the former advisor to Ukraine President Viktor Yanukovych had on the disgraced leader during his last days in office.
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The text messages were part of a large cache released by a hacker group in February that reportedly came from the iPhone of Paul Manaforts daughter Andrea.
Manafort, who worked as a political strategist for Yanukovych, was Trumps campaign manager until August. He resigned after Kiev investigators accused him of accepting $12.7 million in secret payments. Manaforts name appeared in what is known as the black ledger, a record of payments from an illegal slush fund Yanukovychs Kremlin-friendly party, the Party of Regions, operated out of several offshore bank accounts. The National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, a government law enforcement agency, released the ledger in August as part of an ongoing investigation into corruption charges against Yanukovych.
Manafort has denied the undeclared payments and has not been charged with any crimes. The FBI said in August it was investigating possible U.S. ties to corruption allegations against Yanukovych, including Manaforts consulting work.
Yanukovych fled to Russia after a mass protest in 2014 erupted after he backtracked on signing a trade and association deal with the European Union. He is now living in exile in Russia and is wanted by Ukrainian authorities on corruption charges.
The new documents released Tuesday by Ukrainian lawmaker Sergei Leshchenko appear to show an invoice for $750,000 from Manaforts Alexandria, Va.-based consulting firm, Davis Manafort, addressed to Neocom Systems Ltd., a company registered in Belize. The bill was for the purchase of 501 computers. Leshchenko presented the documents in a news conference Tuesday morning in Kiev, saying the invoice contained signatures and stamps from Manafort that matched those available in other documents already made public.
Leshchenko then pointed to a copy of a page in the black ledger listing a payment of $750,000 on Oct. 14, 2009, issued to Manafort.
This is a case of fraud, and it proves that the party and Yanukovych used fake reasons to pay their consultant, Leshchenko said. These documents should be investigated.
When asked whether U.S. law enforcement agencies had contacted him about the documents, which first were reported by the New York Times on Monday, Leshchenko said, No comment.
Leshchenko was a journalist and active participant in Ukraines 2014 Maidan protests before being elected to parliament in the spring of that year. He said the documents were found in January in Manaforts former office in central Kiev by the new tenant, an IT company. Leshchenko said he delayed making the documents public until he could verify their authenticity.
Ayers is a special correspondent.
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When an elderly man arrived at a front line clinic this week, right leg burned while fleeing an airstrike, an American medic took one look and knew he needed to get the patient to a hospital fast.
If he doesnt go, hes going to lose his leg, said Tom Ordway, 32, a firefighter from Lake George, N.Y., volunteering in the war zone with the nonprofit NYC Medics.
Ordway called for the Iraqi commander supervising his trauma station in the carport of an abandoned house minutes from the front line on the besieged citys west side.
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Maj. Tarek Gazali of the Iraqi Emergency Response Division explained to the burned man that they would transfer him to a hospital run by another U.S.-based nonprofit on the citys east side for treatment. But they had to act fast, he said, or doctors might have to amputate his injured leg.
The mans family fetched clothes, then helped medics and Iraqi forces load him into an ambulance.
We are like one team, the major said, praising American medics who built their first war zone trauma unit in a matter of weeks. They came all this way to save lives and help the people.
Maj. Tarek Gazali, left, is briefed by a fellow medic on civilian injuries treated at a field clinic operated by medics from the Iraqi Emergency Response Division and NYC Medics. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
As Iraqis face the daily horrors of improvised explosive devices, mortar rounds, snipers bullets and airstrikes, nonprofit civilian groups from the U.S. and Europe are attempting to provide critical medical assistance.
The medics said the task is often overwhelming, as theyre called to treat not only injured soldiers and civilians but families living in surrounding neighborhoods who face shortages of medication, food and water.
Ordway, who arrived last week, had never served in the military, never been to the Middle East before. He was surprised by how welcoming west Mosul families were to strangers, despite shortages and the fighting nearby.
Its surreal to see kids growing up here with bombs going off and they dont know any different, he said as he prepared to treat patients at the clinic this week.
All you can do is support the family members. But sometimes that doesnt feel like enough. Kathy Bequary, NYC Medics executive director
Kathy Bequary, right, NYC Medics executive director, inspects a medical prescription offered by an Iraqi woman as she requested treatment at a field clinic. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
The Mosul offensive started in October, and the field clinic opened as fighting reached the west side in February. Since then, teams of eight to 10 medics have staffed it in 18-day rotations, treating several hundred soldiers and civilians, according to Kathy Bequary, NYC Medics executive director.
All of the medics must be certified to practice in the U.S. or Canada. They receive added training from the group on working in a conflict zone, Bequary said.
As troops advanced, so did they, moving from house to house to remain within a five-minute ambulance ride of the front line.
It maintains that golden hour, said Bequary, referring to the time doctors have to save those with traumatic injuries. Intervening in that golden hour saves lives.
Recently, medics were able to stabilize a 5-year-old girl shot in the stomach by an Islamic State sniper as she fled west Mosul, and the girl is recovering at a nearby hospital, Bequary said. The girls mother, who was also shot by a sniper in the leg as they ran to safety, was also recovering.
Last week, the medics were excited after successfully treating a father and two children injured by mortars as they fled. Then another father arrived with a 12-year-old girl who had been shot in the chest by militants as she slept.
She was dead on arrival, Bequary recalled. All we could do was clean her up and make her presentable. And then we had to tell the father.
They treated the father too, although he had only minor injuries.
All you can do is support the family members. But sometimes that doesnt feel like enough, Bequary said.
Maj. Tarek Gazali, left, translates the urgency of Kathy Bequarys instructions to go to a hospital to treat the infected burn wound on Jadwaa Hamad, right, that could lead to the loss of his leg. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
The same day, the clinic came under attack by mortars and had to relocate. It reopened a few days later.
Eunice Allen, 38, a nurse who came to volunteer from Hawaii, said she wishes more people in the U.S. understood how many Mosul civilians are caught in crossfire. One day this month, they treated 29 injured civilians.
War is changing. It blows my mind that theyre targeting people as theyre running away. Theyre either walking through land mines or getting shot, Allen said as she sat outside the clinic with fellow medics awaiting patients this week. What happens next?
Dr. Cornelius Woody Peeples, tries to speak his concerns in Arabic to a woman showing symptoms of diabetes at a field clinic operated by medics from the Iraqi Emergency Response Division and New York City Medics near the front lines in Mosul. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times)
Allen wondered where neighboring families were getting food, water and other staples. Iraqi troops police the streets. They dont allow cars or motorcycles in, so its difficult for civilians to import staples. That can pose challenges for the medics. Dr. Cornelius Woody Peeples, 50, an emergency physician from Bend, Ore., struggled to treat a diabetic woman last week seeking help with an infected toe.
This is a good example of what we dont have the capabilities to deal with, Peeples said as he examined the woman inside the field clinic.
He would clean the wound and write the woman a prescription for diabetes medication. But the nearest pharmacy was in another town, and even if the woman managed to find transportation, given local shortages, the pharmacy might not be able to fill it.
molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com
Twitter: @mollyhf
All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced. 19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
In New York, Microsoft revealed its new first ever desktop computer after months of floating speculations and leaks. The Microsoft Surface Studio is a beautiful all-in-one computer with the breathtaking goal that brings a new life of a boring old desktop computer.
According to Microsoft, the Microsoft Surface Studio is intended for the creative process with a 28-inch PixelSense Display that gives the user a huge canvas for different types of work. Just like iMac, Surface Studio is also an all-in-one PC but Microsoft wanted it to do a lot more than just sitting at the desk.
Microsoft Surface Studio is a giant gorgeous touchscreen display that comes with a wireless keyboard and mouse. It is has a fabulous enough processing power to handle all the tabs, Slack chats, and Steam windows. It also comes with a Surface Pen stylus that can clips to the side, just like the Surface Pro 4 tablet and Surface Book laptop.
TNW indicated that there is a choice between an Intel Core i5 and i7 processor, and also has a Nvidia 980 4GB GPU, 32GB RAM, and 2TB storage. The Microsoft Surface Studio will also have a 2.1 virtual surround speakers and a power supply that is integrated into the base.
In terms of the included Bluetooth mouse and keyboard, it is a perfect partner as it sculpted for the hands and elegantly designed for a simple workspace. On its powerful accessories, Microsoft Surface Studio also includes a new Surface Dial knob, it features a haptic feedback that gives an additional tactility as well by simply planting it on screen and will have a radial controls that appears to provide a variety of controls that also work with any Windows 10 PC.
The Microsoft Surface Studio can be flattened until 20-degree angle, which is perfectly fit for sketching and taking notes. As for the display, Microsoft Surface Studio has the thinnest ever LCD monitor that has a 13.5 million pixels.
A Bolivian boy has reportedly built a robotic hand for himself after coming into contact with a 3D printer. The young boy, who was physically handicapped since birth, eventually discovered technology when he broke a toy.
According to News, the young boy broke a toy car when playing and after analyzing it, he was able to create a robotic hand for himself. The young boy was able to puzzle all pieces of the smashed toy together as he was able to grab the technological insight from the fragmented pieces.
The 8-year old boy Leonardo Viscarra said that the incident allowed him to be acknowledged with the small technological concepts and out of curiosity and hard work, he was able to succeed. Leonardo's right hand was unable to develop during the gestation period as his hand was caught in the placenta. This situation during the pregnancy is termed as amniotic band syndrome, causing the boy's right hand immovable.
As for now, Leonardo uses a thermoplastic band which is attached to the nylon strings. The string is able to clench the movements which are ultimately moved to the fingers. But he believes that the band comes with a drawback as it is unable to close completely during various movements.
It's not perfect, but with it, he can "hold a glass or bottle ... a variety of objects that I could not hold before," the boy maintains. However, he is still not able to perform most of the functions with his right hand.
Previously, he had a frail hand, which allowed him to continue brief movements. Later on, he was given a more advanced version, but Leonardo wasn't comfortable as it didn't fit him.
Based on further research, Leonardo learned about the first prosthetic hand, which was given to a French boy. He, then, learned more information about it and a US-based foundation that helps the manufacturing process.
The boy was able to contact the company and received a first robotic hand, but based on its excessive size, it didn't fit him well too. However, he wasn't put down by it, but he decided to manufacture another prosthetic hand by himself.
The boy was successful in drafting the blueprint of the robotic hand. It was then accepted and modified by the Sawers Robotics Institute in Cochabamba, Bolivia where the technicians helped him in technological assistance.
Leonardo was able to assemble all the pieces together. He glued them with nylon threads and cords, where it was printed through the 3D printer. The amount spend on the hand was less than $US100, however, bionic prostheses are available for $US15, 000.
NASA's Space Robotics Challenge awarded Northeastern University with a USD 2-million Valkyrie Robonaut 5 (R5) robot, which is now undergoing tests in a Massachusetts warehouse to prepare for the finalist round this June in a virtual simulation of a red plane landing. NASA reportedly produced three more R5 models. Which one was kept in-house, and NASA "awarded to as research loans to nearby MIT and Northeastern University, while a fourth was acquired by Scotland's University of Edinburgh."
According to Digital Trends, the robot arrived at Northeastern in 2015 as part of a proposal which Engineering Professor Taskin Padir had sent to NASA for the Space Robotics Challenge software testing."They have done all of the hardware and we're developing these high-level capabilities so Valkyrie does more than just move limbs," says the Northeastern Ph.D. student, Murphy Wonsick
As per Yahoo, researchers moved the R5 to New England Robotics Validation and Experimentation Center, a large warehouse space where it can be operated by UMass Lowell that house large obstacle courses designed to put test robots and drones through their paces," just outside of Boston. On-board vision systems, navigation in tight spaces, and bipedal locomotion are some the criteria being tested at the NERVE research site, according to the same report.
According to NASA, in the last and finalist round, each team's R5 will be challenged with resolving the aftermath of a dust storm which will damage a Martian habitat. This involves three major objectives: repairing a solar array, aligning a communications dish, and fixing a habitat leak."
The Space Robotics Challenge is part of NASA's Centennial Challenges program set to award with USD 1 million to the team that can "develop capabilities of humanoid robot dexterity to better enable them to work alongside and independent of astronauts in preparation for future space exploration."
Around 72 peoples have died in Peru following intense rains and mudslides wreaking havoc around the Andean nation. The thousands more displaced from destroyed homes and others waiting on rooftops for rescue.
According to Global News, Prime Minister Fernando Zavala on Saturday updated the number of dead to 72 in comments to local radio station RPP. The government of Peru stated people were killed in 1998 during a similar period of massive rains and flooding caused by rains blamed on the El Nino.
The intense rains and mudslides over the past three days have wrought havoc around the Andean nation and caught residents in Lima. Peru's overflowing rivers caused by EI Nino rains damaged 115,000 homes that collapsed 117 bridges and paralyzed countless roadways.
Standard-Times has reported that the highly unusual rains follow a series of storms that have struck especially hard along Peru's northern coast, with voracious waters inundating hospitals and cemeteries. The National Police rescued eight people who had been trapped for three days in Cachipampa and removed the body of an 88-year-old man killed in the floods.
The capital city of Peru is Lima; a desert climate seldom leads to rain. Police had to help hundreds of residents in an outskirt neighborhood cross a flooded road by sending them one-by-one through choppy water. The muddy water channeled down the street after major overflowed, as a result, some residents left their homes with just a single plastic bag carrying their belongings.
The disaster has cut drinking water throughout most of Lima. The U.S Embassy is typically used to eradicate coca crops in the Amazon to help in rescue efforts.
The weather report has suggested that the storms are being caused by a warm of the surface waters of the Pacific Ocean and are expected to continue for another two weeks. The Central Highway of Peru in a state of emergency and the local government announced the funds for reconstruction.
Mar 21, 2017, 6:37am ET
Jaguar planning 570-hp F-Pace?
The F-Pace SVR is Jaguar\'s answer to the Macan Turbo.
A high-performance variant of the Jaguar F-Pace is right around the corner, according to a recent report.
The high-riding hot rod is being developed by Jaguar - Land Rover's SVR division. Aimed right at the Porsche Macan Turbo, the model is expected to receive the F-Type SVR's supercharged 5.0-liter V8 engine. Engineers are still fine-tuning the model, but insiders told British magazine Autocar that it will boast up to 570 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque.
An eight-speed automatic transmission will send power to all four wheels. Autocar speculates the SVR will be capable of hitting 60 mph from a stop in under four seconds, a figure that would make it the fastest model in its segment. In comparison, the Macan Turbo performs the benchmark zero-to-60 sprint in 4.4 seconds.
As is often the case, the bigger engine will be complemented by a comprehensive assortment of suspension, steering, and brake modifications. The F-Pace SVR has been spotted on the Nurburgring before, which suggests it will put a much bigger focus on on-road performance than on off-road prowess.
Visually, the SVR will stand out from the regular F-Pace thanks to a full body kit that will include a new front bumper with wide air dams and a roof-mounted spoiler. It will ride on model-specific alloys wrapped by high-performance tires.
We're inclined to believe the F-Pace SVR will make its debut before the end of the year. Stay tuned, more details will trickle out over the coming months.
Mar 21, 2017, 2:59pm ET
FCA chief 'waiting with anticipation' for VW merger talks
After playing hard to get, Marchionne now claims he will \"go find\" VW boss Matthias Mueller \"at the first opportunity.\"
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles chief executive Sergio Marchionne is now eager to chat with Volkswagen head Matthias Mueller to talk about a merger.
The two executives appear to be sending mixed signals. Marchionne first proposed the idea at the Geneva Motor Show, but Mueller initially dismissed the proposition by noting "we have other problems."
The German executive later clarified that he is "not ruling out a conversation." His Italian peer responded last week by coldly stating FCA has "zero interest" in pursuing a merger with VW and that Mueller "knows where I live" if he wants to chat.
Marchionne now says "we are waiting with anticipation" to talk with Mueller, according to quotes published by Reuters.
"There are 4-5 of us (automakers) at the global level, if something needs to be done, it will be done," he added. "I haven't seen Mueller in 6-7 months, but I will go find him at the first opportunity."
Marchionne raised the merger question after General Motors -- his top choice -- sold its Opel division to PSA Group. He claims the new entity represents a new number-two player that "threatens VW most" as the German automaker attempts to extend its lead as the top global automaker.
As the 386-member strong Bethlehem Food Co-op hunts for a spot to open a grocery store in the city, it is starting to feel a lot like Goldilocks.
The Bethlehem Food Co-op gave Bethlehem City Council an update on its efforts to open a member-owned grocery store.
The volunteer-run nonprofit is searching for space large enough to allow the store to stock a full array of products and offers some parking, but that's also not too big for the neighborhood or fledgling operation, co-op board Chairwoman Colleen Marsh explained during a Monday night Bethlehem City Council committee meeting.
The co-op's real estate committee is evaluating available spaces in parts of the city's north side, which is considered a food desert.
The area is roughly bounded by Washington Avenue to the north, the Lehigh River to the south and extends from Stefko Boulevard to First or Second Avenue, Marsh said. Although, if the perfect opportunity presents itself outside those boundaries, the co-op would be open to it, she said.
Food co-ops are grocery stores owned by members who get to shop at a discounted rate and take classes. Members pay a one-time fee of $300, and the co-op offers an installment plan.
Anyone will be able to shop at the Bethlehem Food Co-op but they won't share in the perks of membership.
The co-op needs about 4,500 square feet of retail space and about 2,500 square feet of storage space. The real estate committee is evaluating five or six possible locations.
When that is narrowed down to one or two contenders, the committee will present to the full board. The co-op will then embark on a market study to determine the feasibility of the site and launch its capital campaign.
The update was enthusiastically received by members of city council, many of whom are members of the co-op themselves.
Councilman Bryan Callahan suggested the former Little Italy on Main restaurant on Main Street, as well as the vacant Starters Riverport, as possible locations. He questioned whether the co-op could received federal block grant funds, which it can.
Councilman Shawn Martell said while the idea of co-ops may be somewhat new to Bethlehem, they're well-established across the country.
Weaver's Way in Philadelphia is one of the nation's most successful.
"They really become a pillar of the community," Martell said. "...It can be and will be life-changing for many people."
The Bethlehem Food Co-op incorporated in 2013. The typical co-op takes five to seven years to open from incorporation.
Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Saucon Valley Superintendent Monica McHale-Small plans to step down at the end of the school year.
Saucon Valley School District Superintendent Monica McHale-Small plans to step down at the end of the school year. She is shown in this lehighvalleylive.com file photo from a 2015 school board meeting.
In October, the school board granted the 56-year-old a three-year, early-bird contract extension despite a petition signed by 300-plus parents opposing the contract renewal.
The new contract is supposed to kick-in July 1, but McHale-Small recently notified the school board she plans to retire at the close of the school year.
McHale-Small did not respond to messages seeking comment.
District Solicitor Mark Fitzgerald declined to say how the superintendent notified the board but confirmed that McHale-Small planned to retire. Fitzgerald does not believe this violates her contract renewal.
The school board is scheduled to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday. McHale-Small's retirement is not currently listed on the agenda for a vote.
School Director Ed Inghrim said something caused McHale-Small to change her mind about the contract extension. There's been no indication she has accepted another position, he said.
"I'm surprised because there was a big push to renew her contract and we just renewed it and the next thing you know she submits her resignation," Ingrhim said.
McHale-Small was hired in August 2014 to replace retiring Superintendent Sandra Fellin.
Her tenure has been tumultuous but many on the board were quite pleased with her performance. At the October contract renewal meeting, board Vice President Susan Baxter called McHale-Small "an absolute gem."
Some parents did not feel the same way.
"I believe that she came in as a change agent and the parents and the community, a certain segment, responded," Inghrim said.
A group of parents has continually complained about poor district communication and a disconnect between officials and parents.
This came to a head with the district's handling of the abrupt resignation of high school principal Eric Kahler.
McHale-Small admitted when her contract was renewed she has spent more time in a reactionary mode responding to complaints than she would've liked.
Teachers at that meeting credited her with breaking the teacher contract stalemate and ushering through a settlement.
McHale-Small's pushed through major academic changes since joining the district, including full-day kindergarten, a new elementary reading program and created a gifted task force. She's overseen the alignment of district curriculum with the state's new rigorous Pennsylvania Common Core standards.
Recently, the district has tackled changing its school culture amid reports of students making racial slurs to classmates. The district launched a diversity committee and has brought in consultants.
In January, Northampton County's district attorney authorized charging a Saucon Valley High School teenager for shooting a racist video about a fellow student.
McHale-Small came to Saucon Valley from Bensalem Township School District in Bucks County. Her salary was to be $155,714 for 2017-18.
Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
A proposal to ban bamboo in Bethlehem would only kick in if an affected property owner complained about a neighbor's bamboo encroaching on their land.
A passerby calling in a complaint would not lead to the city citing a property owner for existing running bamboo, city officials explained Monday night during a city council committee meeting on the proposed ordinance.
The city wants to ban residents from growing running bamboo on their properties. Clumping bamboo would be exempt. Under the proposal, property owners with existing bamboo must take specific steps to contain the invasive species.
The city will work with affected owners on a case-by-case basis, said Alicia Miller Karner, director of community and economic development.
After hearing from residents and questioning health bureau staff, Councilmen Bryan Callahan, Michael Colon and Shawn Martell voted 3-0 to send the proposal to full council for consideration.
Callahan noted he still has many questions about the plan, but wanted to send it to the full council.
The first vote on the ordinance is scheduled for April 4 with a second vote April 18.
Resident Eddie Rodriguez told council the beautiful backyard of his former Pawnee Street home was destroyed by a neighbor's bamboo plants.
"It just overtook everybody else's property little by little," Rodriguez, who supports the ban, said.
Bethlehem has fielded a handful of similar complaints in recent years but was unable to help homeowners fighting spreading bamboo, said Kristen Wenrich, city health director. There are about six areas in the city officials know about, she said.
Bamboo bans have been growing in popularity, including statewide ones in New York, Virginia and Connecticut and locally in Bethlehem Township, Pa., she said. For over a year, Bethlehem has been crafting its own ban, looking at other enacted ordinances and best practices for guidance, Wenrich said.
Homeowners often turn to bamboo to offer a privacy barrier, but its fast growing, indestructible nature can quickly turn it from friend to foe. The plant can cause damage to foundations, buildings, fences and underground infrastructure, Wenrich said.
Violators would face summary citations, but it would not apply to anyone who already has the plant growing on their property if they take steps to contain or remove it.
Resident Sloan Wertman asked council to allow her to keep the bamboo privacy barrier she's grown in front of her Easton Avenue home. It shields her property from traffic along the busy road as well as headlights from cars turning off of Worthington Street.
Four years ago, Wertman removed the bamboo along her property line with her neighbor, created a 10-foot-buffer zone and planted new shrubs and trees as a privacy barrier. She is prepared to extend that to 20-feet to comply with the ordinance and just hopes to keep the bamboo fronting her home.
Resident Jamie Lantz planted bamboo on his property in 2008 and he checked with the city before he did so.
"I don't think that's fair," he said, challenging the administration to give him concrete examples of damage bamboo caused.
Wenrich noted in Long Island running bamboo destroyed a new road.
When the plant spreads, it just needs to be mowed down like a lawn and it does offer environmental benefits, Lantz said. He cannot afford to remove the plant and suggested existing bamboo be grandfathered.
The city does understand the cost and burden such an ordinance could pose for some homeowners and plans to work with them to develop action plans, said Jessica Lucas, director of environmental health for the city health bureau.
Grandfathering the plant becomes too complex if it poses a problem. Left unchecked it can grow and grow and it is hard to trace its origin, such as on Jennings Street, Wenrich said
The plant, which is on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' invasive plants list, sends out underground runners that can end up quite far from the parent plant, estimate to grow up to 30 feet in a growing season.
The proposal would require bamboo be isolated from other vegetation by a high-density polypropylene or polyethylene barrier, which is secured and joined together with stainless steel clamps or closure strips, and goes at least 30 inches deep. At least 3 inches of barrier must stick up above ground level and it must slant outward from bottom to top.
No part of the plant or its root system can be closer than 20 feet from a property line, utility easement or public right of way.
Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
It's a rite of spring.
Rita's Italian Ice stores celebrate the first day of spring by giving out free ices. That was the case Monday as Rita's marked its 25th year for the promotion.
Even with snow on the ground, folks lined up to get their cold sweet treat in Forks Township.
Last year, manager Sharon Fulmer noted several inches of snow fell and it still produced lines. Fulmer said she remembers because she had to shovel.
Over the years Fulmer, a 16-year veteran at the shop, said more and more people tend to show up for the freebies, with the most in one day reaching about 2,500 people.
Joan Hilinski was first in line at the shop off Sullivan Trail. She was there about 10 minutes before the place opened.
A regular during the summer, she said she likes the chocolate mint or fudge brownie ices. Neither were on the menu Monday, but that was OK with Hilinski. She went with an old favorite: lemon.
The Peeps-flavored water ice was back on the menu and available Monday. Other popular choices included cotton candy and Swedish Fish.
Jenny D'Angelo said her kids have been asking practically every day when they drive by, "Is Rita's open, is Rita's open?"
She said the countdown ended Monday when they stopped for a treat after preschool. Four-year-old Quinn's favorite flavor is cotton candy. Her 2-year-old brother Camden's favorite?
"Red," he said.
How about yours? Didn't get one yet? Better hurry up. The promotion lasts until 9 p.m.
Sue Beyer may be reached at sbeyer@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @sbeyer_photo. Find lehighvalleylive on Facebook.
A lawsuit blames Easton police for roughly handling a work-release inmate and improperly using a "spit hood" when he was arrested -- a tactic that the lawsuit says cut off his oxygen supply and led to his death.
The lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court late last year by the mother of Andrew Ohl, an Upper Saucon Township man who died at age 25.
The federal lawsuit says Ohl was buying tobacco at the Easton Corner Store, 357 Northampton St. in Easton, when he argued with the manager on Nov. 25, 2014.
The suit says Ohl panicked when he couldn't find his money in his pockets and started yelling and cursing. As the manager hit a panic alarm to summon police, Ohl grabbed some items and threw them on the floor, the suit says.
Ohl fell to the floor and "wiggled" as he suffered a neurological event, according to the lawsuit.
The suit says Ohl cursed at a police officer as he got up off the floor. The officer punched Ohl so hard as he rose from the floor that he broke Ohl's jaw, according to the lawsuit. The legal response from the city says Ohl was the one fighting with police.
Police said Ohl appeared to be growling as he was held outside against the hood of a police cruiser. An autopsy determined he was high on synthetic marijuana.
Police put a fabric hood over Ohl's mouth because he was spitting blood. The lawsuit says the spitting was accidental but police say Ohl spit on purpose.
Police asked EMS workers to sedate Ohl, who then lay face-down with the spit guard on, the lawsuit says. Police maintain Ohl lay down on his side and that he needed to be sedated due to his "uncontrollable behaviors."
Ohl never regained consciousness. He died Jan. 15, 2015, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit blames Easton police for failing to remove the spit hood when blood pooled inside it. That was the recommendation of the manufacturer, the lawsuit says.
The cause of Ohl's death is officially undetermined. Contributing factors were toxicity from the synthetic marijuana, a lack of oxygen to his brain and cardiac arrest. The lawsuit says the cardiac arrest was brought on by the police restraint.
The police response denies that the officers' conduct had anything to do with Ohl's death. Easton Mayor Sal Panto Jr. said an internal investigation cleared city officers of wrongdoing.
Besides the city and EMS staffers, defendants include Nik Public Safety and Safariland, the makers of the spit hood. In a court filing, attorney David Cohen said Nik went out of business before the lawsuit was filed. No one has proved so far that the mask used was made by Safariland, Cohen said. The company is based in Jacksonville, Florida.
The lawsuit was filed in November 2016 by Elizabeth Ohl on behalf of her son by attorney Richard Orloski, of Allentown. Representing the city is attorney David MacMain. Speros John Kokonos represents the Easton Emergency Squad and its members.
U.S. District Court Judge Edward G. Smith denied a request in January to have the lawsuit thrown out of court. A conference for the attorneys with Smith is scheduled for May.
Ohl was being held in the county work-release facility in 2014 after violating conditions of parole, according to court records.
He had a theft conviction in 2010 and a DUI in 2011, court papers say. He violated parole in 2014 when he was arrested on a drug charge in Lehigh County.
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Jashanae Day
Dean Young, left, is the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Easton. Jashanae Day is the ninth grade guidance counselor at Easton Area High School
(File photo and courtesy photo)
The Easton Area School District will honor some of its top students with the Little Rock Nine awards next month.
The students receiving the awards exemplify the qualities of the nine students courageous enough to attend an integrated school in Little Rock, Arkansas on Sept. 25, 1957.
The students needed an escort by federal troops even though the U.S. Supreme Court had ruled that segregated schools were unconstitutional in 1954.
This is the third year for the awards that highlight sixth through 12th grade students for their citizenship, scholarship, leadership and sportsmanship.
The school district hands out the awards along with the Easton branch of the NAACP and D'Huy Engineering.
Guest speakers at the April 12 ceremony will be Jashanae Day, the ninth grade guidance counselor at Easton Area High School, and Dean Young, the executive director of the Boys & Girls Club of Easton.
The awards will be handed out at 6:30 p.m. April 12 at the Easton Area Middle School auditorium at 990 Echo Trail, Forks Township.
THE WINNERS
Sixth Grade:
Seventh Grade:
Eighth Grade:
Ninth Grade:
Tenth Grade:
Eleventh Grade:
Twelfth Grade:
Easton Area Academy:
Community Service Awards:
Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook.
Kevin Simon is charged in a March 16, 2017, stabbing in Easton's West Ward. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com
Easton police seized nine items -- including drugs and a loaded handgun -- from the car of a stabbing victim last week in Easton's West Ward, authorities said.
Kevin Lamar Simon, 32, of the 1400 block of Washington Street, is jailed in the crime that left 24-year-old Vincent King hospitalized with non-life threatening injuries.
King and his girlfriend March 16 went to the home of his girlfriend's sister, whom Simon also lived with. Simon and King began arguing just after 2:15 a.m. and Simon brandished a folding pocket knife and stabbed King in the neck outside at South 14th and Washington streets, police said.
Court records do indicate a motive. A cooperating witness told officers she saw the stabbing, but also didn't know what led to the fight, according to police.
Investigators seized the knife, in which the blade was several inches long, and impounded King's 2003 Chevrolet Malibu. The Chevy had blood inside and outside of the car, according to police.
A search warrant detailing what was found in the vehicle was returned to District Judge Antonia Grifo in Easton.
Items seized included an orange T-shirt, black hooded sweatshirt, $111 in cash, two bags of cocaine, two bags of methamphetamine, a pink purse, an iPhone and a .38-caliber revolver with five rounds, authorities said. Police also collected DNA from inside the Chevy.
Lt. Matthew Gerould said King has yet to be charged in the incident.
"Further investigating needs to be done," Gerould said Tuesday.
Simon at 4:05 a.m. March 16 was interviewed at his home by investigators. Simon allegedly pointed to a location in front of his Washington Street home as being where the fight occurred.
Police later also found blood in the snow there. Simon is charged with attempted homicide and aggravated assault. He remained jailed Tuesday in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
The legacy left by the late Martin McGuinness will inspire a generation of leaders according to Laois TD and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan TD as he extended his symathies the Derry native who died last night.
Minister Flanagan said it was with 'great sorrow' he learnt of Martins passing. As a Fine Gael TD Minister Flanagan said that while he came from a differant political background he valued the impact of the former Deputy First Minister.
"Martin and I come from very different political traditions. However, in his embrace of the politics of peace, he made an immense personal contribution to building and consolidating peace on this island.
"His own personal journey from militant republicanism to deputy First Minister in a power-sharing administration with unionism helped to map the road to the Good Friday Agreement and its vision of partnership and reconciliation.
"In the past three years, I had the opportunity to work closely with Martin McGuinness and saw at first hand his many qualities. Martins generosity of spirit; his courageous leadership; and his ability to stretch himself in the pursuit of political stability inspired many others to do the same. He led with patience, with courtesy, and with a willingness to see and acknowledge the goodwill in others even if those people were far removed from his own republican tradition.
Minister Flanagan said that as Deputy First Minister, Mr McGuiness displayed "great courage and leadership", especially in undertaking gestures of respect and reconciliation which reached across community lines.
"He did so despite being exposed to political criticism and personal risk. This legacy of leadership will no doubt inspire the next generation of leaders in Northern Ireland," said the Laois TD.
Minister Flanagan said Mr McGuiness was deeply rooted in Derry, with great affection for its people, its places and its sporting traditions.
"But above all it was his family that was at the centre of Martins life. For Bernie, his children and grandchildren, Martins untimely loss is very difficult to bear and they are in all our thoughts at this very sad time.
"My deepest sympathies are with his wife Bernie and his family at this very sad time," said Minister Flanagn.
Go raibh maith agat, a Mhairtin. Ar dheis De go raibh a anam."
Its taken nine screen attempts for Hugh Jackmans comicbook berserker to finally be let off the leash, and James Mangolds rough and dirty swansong for the erstwhile X-Man goes straight for the jugular, with the screen smeared in blood and the dialogue littered with f-bombs from the limb-hacking opening minutes.
In a future world where no more mutants are being born, Logan is now a bearded and bloodshot recluse hiding out in Mexico, caring for a decrepit - but now atomically dangerous thanks to his uncontrollable psychic abilities - Professor Xavier (Patrick Stewart). With his eyesight and healing power both fading, old man Logan is ready to give up on life, until a desperate plea for help results in a mysterious youth (Dafne Keen) falling under his care, a sullen young girl who soon proves to be a chip off the old adamantium block...
Never mind that the plot is thinner than sliced bad guy (shadowy company want their escaped killer back), or the fact the whole movie is basically a succession of sequences where our heroes hideout somewhere only for a gang of metal-armed mercenaries to track them down for yet another blood-splattered brawl - what makes Jackmans last ever snikt the best yet is not the muscle, but the heart, as the superpowered troika of reluctant heroes takes a dysfunctional family trip across the Texan dustbowl.
Mangold, whose previous work includes Cop Land and 3:10 To Yuma, crafts another modern western which basks in the broken machismo of a dying age, traversing the same desert landscape Cormac McCarthy mined for poetic bleakness and Johnny Cash for melancholic regret. But he more than delivers the fantasy action that fans demand while serving up far more adult content than could have been expected, with our hirsute leading man skewering goons through the face as gore spurts in an orgy of R-rated glee.
Logan is in cinemas now.
The heartbroken mother of a young woman who died of cervical cancer is set to launch a campaign to lower the age at which doctors will provide smear tests to young women.
Caitriona Hopkins, from Rathangan originally, but now living in Monasterevin, says that the death of her daughter Debbie, who died three years ago on April 3 of cervical cancer, could have been prevented.
When she was first tested at the age of 25, it was discovered that not only did she have the cancer but, judging by how far it had advanced, shed probably had it since she was 20 years old.
She died less than three weeks after her 27th birthday on April 4, 2014.
This was preventable, Caitriona told the Leinster Leader.
She believes that if her daughter had been tested earlier, the disease would have been caught sooner and dealt with.
She was my only daughter. She was my best friend. Its been three years now and its getting worse.
She was bright and bubbly, she fought to the very end.
She went through chemo and radiotherapy. She didnt know herself until the last few weeks that she was going to die.
My husband passed away some years ago. Ive no-one to share my feelings with. I have five sons and theyre all taking it very hard as well.
Im so lost, so lonely, so alone, a heartbroken Caitriona said.
She never smoked and rarely drank and always ate healthily. She was always so bubbly and happy.
She was our Christmas. When she was born she was only two pounds weight, and she went from there and fought all the way.
For something that could have been done so simply. It only takes a couple of minutes to do the test, she said.
I said when she died that I would try to do something to change it. Its just horrendous.
Caitriona explained that in other countries, young women are tested from the age of 18, and in some cases, younger if they are sexually active.
Debbie had always lived a healthy life. She worked in a nursing home, but it was her long term dream to follow her passion and become a personal trainer.
She had planned, once she was well enough, to go studying, but it never came to pass.
Before her diagnosis she was regularly ill and tired, and was treated for having cystitis or an iron deficiency.
Caitriona says that a young woman she knows was refused the smear test because she was only 23.
Go back and tell the doctor what happened to Debbie, Caitriona advised her.
The woman returned and the test was carried out.
Speaking of the vaccine now being offered to young woman, Caitriona acknowledged that many parents have concerns about it, but that if she had another daughter she would be insisting she got it.
At the moment, Caitriona is working on establishing the campaign, and hopes to meet the Minister for Health and to press him to change the current practice.
My daughter-in-law is from California and she is helping me to establish a Facebook page.
The campaign is only in its infancy and the Leinster Leader will report on its progress.
If I can stop another family from going through what Ive gone through over the past number of years, it will be worth it, Caitriona said.
An appeal brought by a teacher who lost her damages claim over a newspaper article, written after she was found with a mobile telephone in her bra strap when going through a security check at the Mountjoy Prison Complex, has been withdrawn.
Katherine Boyle took an action against the Governor of St Patrick's Institution, the Irish Prison Services, the Minister for Justice and the State following an incident that occurred on September 3, 2008.
On that date Ms Boyle, who taught in the prison system for 15 years, had been teaching at St Patrick's Institution for Young Offenders.
The phone was discovered when she was passing through a security screening unit, which included an X-Ray machine, at the entrance of the prison. She claimed she forgot she had the phone on her.
As a result, her security clearance, allowing her enter the prison, was revoked and she has not worked in the prison system since.
Ms Boyle claimed details of the incident were leaked to Irish Daily Star journalist Michael O'Toole. The newspaper published an article on September 9, 2008, headlined Phone In Bra Jail Smuggler busted.
The article said an unnamed prison worker was suspended after being caught trying to smuggle an illegal mobile phone into a jail hidden inside her bra.
She claimed the article distorted what occurred, and the defendants breached her rights, including to privacy, fair procedures and to be employed freely within the State. The Prison Service should not have disclosed material to the media, she claimed.
The article, she alleged, was deliberately leaked to paint the prison service and new security system in a good light.
Ms Boyle, of Donaghers Lane, Prosperous, Co Kildare, sought damages, including punitive damages, for personal injuries allegedly suffered as a result. She claimed she suffered anxiety, stress as well as financial loss and damage.
The claims were denied.
During the trial, Mr O'Toole refused to divulge the source of the story to the court.
Dismissing the claim in a judgment delivered in July 2015, Mr Justice Barr said he was not satisfied information which was supplied to the journalist "constituted confidential information, the disclosure of which would give rise to a claim in damages".
He was satisfied "none of the defendants deliberately leaked or authorised the leak of this information to the journalist". The Judge said "he was not satisfied the leak could only have come from a prison officer".
Ms Boyle's appeal against the High Court's decision was due to be heard by the Court of Appeal, comprised of Mr Justice Michael Peart, Ms Justice Mary Irvine and Mr Justice John Hedigan, today, Tuesday, March 21.
However, the court was informed that the appeal had been withdrawn and that all costs orders made in High Court could be vacated.
Spar stores in Celbridge and Allenwood are among a small group of retailers from around the country who have been honoured at the fifth annual SPAR Top of the Tree Retail Awards.
The awards programme recognises outstanding retail practice in customer care, off-licence, butchery, fruit and veg and delicatessen.
Allenwood was awarded its accolade for its forecourt, while Celbridge received two awards one for its forecourt, the other for its delicatessen.
Retailer Sean Heaphy said: These awards are recognition of our staff commitment to the stores and our desire and ambition to keep providing the highest level of service to our loyal customers. I would like to also take the opportunity to thank our loyal customers for their business.
Colin Donnelly, SPAR National Sales Director, BWG Foods (owners and operators of the SPAR and SPAR Express brands in Ireland) added: SPAR retailers strive for excellence in every aspect of their service to their shoppers and the local communities in which they are embedded. In meeting the exacting standards of the Top of the Tree programme, our retailers illustrate their commitment to being industry leaders in the convenience retail sector and their focus on exceeding customer expectations.
I congratulate H2 Group SPAR Celbridge and H2 Group SPAR Allenwood on this outstanding achievement.
The award winners
Plans for a second solar farm for County Kildare have been given the thumbs up by the Council.
Renewable Energy Systems Ltd., (RES Ltd.) will be putting up temporary (27 year) ground-mounted solar panels on a 29 acre site at Moatstown Development Site, Milltown, Athy.
The council had requested the company to supply information on grassland reseeding and maintenance of the site including mowing/grazing.
The Municipal District engineer expressed concerns about the condition of the lane used to access the site. Planners also wanted information on traffic management, the route of electric cables and their connection to the national grid.
On February 21 the company submitted further information, and also set out a strategy for providing additional information at a later date, where it was not currently possible to do so.
Permission was granted yesterday.
The decision follows the announcement last week that Solas Eireann Development Ltd had been given permission for the installation of 38,600 solar panels on ground mounted frames on 41.7 acres at Confey, Leixlip.
Meanwhile, a third application for an 88 acre solar farm near Johnstownbridge is also being considered by the council.
Power Capital Renewable Energy Limited wants to build a 25 megawatt farm made up of 86,200 photovoltaic panels on ground mounted frames at Dysart - 10km from Ballynafagh Lake Special Area of Conservation.
The developers believe that because of this distance, the farm would have no impact on that site.
Meanwhile, a company called Harmony Solar Ireland Ltd is holding two public information evenings on its proposals.
Plans for the proposed solar farm at Smithstown, Maynooth will be unveiled at The Glenroyal Hotel on Tuesday March 28 from 5pm to 7pm.
Harmony Solar Ireland Ltd will also be hosting a separate information evening at The Osprey Hotel, Naas this Thursday March 23 on its plans for a farm at Kilteel Naas.
Fianna Fail Sligo Leitrim TD Marc Mac Sharry has called on Government to grant a derogation on Commercial Rates increases being levied on business owners.
Under statutory rules non domestic properties throughout the country are having their Net Annual Value reassessed leading in many cases to very substantial increases in Commercial Rates liabilities. In recent months business owners in County Leitrim have received their renewed Rates liability notifications while business owners in Sligo have this week started receiving theirs.
Mac Sharry said " It is imperative that the Government immediately move to introduce a derogation on Commercial Rates increases for hard pressed businesses. Ultimately what is required is reform of the methodology and criteria used by the national valuations office in calculating Commercial Rates for businesses. The existing criteria is based on a mix of international models predominantly focused on the rental income that a property could command at a given point in time. In this instance it is during 2015. Since then Ireland is faced with the uncertainty of Brexit, the implications of the Apple tax ruling on international investment and the continuing exclusivity of a recovery based in the greater Dublin area alone. This has and continues to have a serious impact on business. With uncertainty around these matters set to continue indefinitely struggling businesses will simply not be able to meet any additional costs.
"Notwithstanding the timing and commercial uncertainty the current methodology and criteria is far too blunt an instrument. One size does not fit all in any area or even street for that matter. Business type, levels of turnover and profit or loss are critical in the practical ability of any business to survive and pay increasing costs for what in all essence amounts to a minutes suite of practical services. For this reason the valuation act 2001 as amended in 2015 must be reformed to enable a consultation based formalisation of a new and fairer method to determine Commercial Rates. Reform must take adequate cognisance of business type, seasonality, turnover, profit/loss, overhead outlay and the ability to pay. In addition the need to support employment throughout the Country must be prioritised in any method applied to the determination of Commercial Rates.
"The so called recovery has by no means taken hold in Counties such as Sligo and Leitrim and struggling business owners must be supported to allow them to survive and build to support jobs in our area. The two tiered recovery is most visible in the North West where the almost countless number vacant premises is tangible proof of the absence of recovery and the struggle most enterprises are faced with.
"I am therefore calling on the Taoiseach to acknowledge the difficult reality facing all businesses and grant a Commercial Rates Revaluation Rate increase derogation for a period of years to allow for the long overdue reform of the calculation criteria to ensure fairness and affordability to businesses who provide critically important employment to our people"
" It is time Ireland as a nation devised a Commercial Rates strategy based on the reality facing our business owners relevant to our needs and our capabilities. International models may work else where but it's time we pioneered the introduction of a fair affordable system that works to support jobs in our country."
To read more about the debate surrounding commercial rates see this week's Leitrim Observer.
Students who are thinking about starting college this September will have a great opportunity to learn about what IT Sligo has to offer when the Institute holds its annual Spring Open Day on Saturday, April 1, starting at 11am.
This event will provide a valuable opportunity for prospective students and their parents/guardians to find out more about the range of courses being offered at IT Sligo and the high-quality learning, support and sporting facilities available on campus.
Secondary school students, College of Further Education students, mature students thinking of returning to education, parents, teachers and career guidance counsellors are all welcome to attend this free event.
A key component of Open Day is having current students and staff on hand to give prospective a clear insight into the course of study that interests them.
We find that one of the main reasons for new students dropping out of third level education is that they havent properly researched their preferred course of study well enough beforehand, explains Hollie Hastings, whos Student Liaison Officer at IT Sligo.
Talking to students and staff, as well as visiting the campus, are among the best ways to discover what life is really like at IT Sligo and it is often a very helpful pointer in establishing if this is the course for you.
IT Sligos Open Day will offer a range of activities and information sessions covering all aspects of IT Sligo, which are designed to help prospective students make informed decisions.
Youll be able to:
Attend a course talk on the programme of study that interests you
Discover career options
Attend dedicated info sessions for mature students who are thinking about going to college
Get the key info from SUSI representatives on campus on how and when to apply for a student grant
View nearby student accommodation, among the most affordable in Ireland, and talk to some of the landlords of the student villages
Discover the range of student support services available to students at IT Sligo
Take a guided campus tour to get a sense of the modern 21st century facilities which IT Sligo has to offer
Talk to our Graduate Ambassadors whove completed their IT Sligo journey.
As well as over 30 dedicated course talks, IT Sligo academic staff will be on hand at the Open Day exhibition stand area to provide key advice and information on the Institutes 60+ courses. You can also find about the new degree programmes which are being introduced this September.
They include:
A Level 8 degree in English and Psychology (CAO Course Code SG 247)
A Level 8 degree in Sociology and Politics (SG 248)
A Level 8 degree in Writing and Literature (SG 249).
There are also new Level 7 programmes in Performing Arts Theatre Design and Acting.
IT Sligos Spring Open Day takes place on Saturday, April 1, in the Institutes main building, starting at 11am.
For more information see itsligo.ie/openday or contact Hollie Hastings on 0719305855 or email schoolsliaison@itsligo.ie.
Sinn Fein TD for Sligo-Leitrim, Martin Kenny along with Cllr Thomas Healy, Cllr Seadhna Logan and a group of parents met with the HSE yesterday to discuss the ongoing problems with the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services in Sligo / Leitrim.
Deputy Kenny said: The meeting was organised as a result of the lack of services for children through CAMHS in Sligo- Leitrim. I would like to thank the HSE for facilitating the meeting and I hope that working together we can find a solution to these problems.
The HSE acknowledged there are real problems in this area and apologised to parents for the heartache it is causing their families.
The HSE stated that they are having huge difficulty in sourcing psychiatrists, although at present there is a part-time psychiatrist in place covering 20 hours a week.
While it is welcome that we have some service this will not deal with the backlog of cases in Sligo-Leitrim.
We need at least two full time psychiatrists in place to be able to provide an adequate service for these children and their families.
The HSE has acknowledged this and they say they are doing everything they can to fill these positions.
I hope that progress will be made on this in the near future. Other issues regarding the use of private consultants for diagnostic purposes were also discussed .
He was a man who emerged from a background as an IRA leader during the Troubles to become one of the main architects of peace in Northern Ireland - tributes have been paid to the former Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, Martin McGuinness following news of his passing.
Sinn Fein Deputy for Sligo/Leitrim, Martin Kenny expressed the deep sadness that Leitrim republicans felt on the news of the death of Mr McGuinness following a short illness.
Martin will be missed by all who knew him, as an IRA leader, an astute politician, chief negotiator during the peace process and as Deputy First Minister in the North, Deputy Kenny said in a short statement to the Leitrim Observer.
McGuinness had strong links with Co Leitrim visiting the county numerous times and had a very close relationship with the late John Joe McGirl.
Throughout his life, he was a passionate republican who fought for his country, who worked for peace and reconciliation and for the achievement of a united Ireland, noted Deputy Kenny, who extended condolences to Mr McGuinness's family and friends.
President, Michael D Higgins also paid tribute to Martin McGuinness noting: "The world of politics and the people across this island will miss the leadership he gave, shown most clearly during the difficult times of the peace process, and his commitment to the values of genuine democracy that he demonstrated in the development of the institutions in Northern Ireland.
Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, said Mr McGuinness' death "represents a significant loss, not only to politics in Northern Ireland, but to the wider political landscape on this island and beyond". Describing the former Deputy First Minister as one of the chief architects of the Good Friday Agreement, Mr Kenny said he "worked resolutely in the years that followed it in pursuit of its full implementation.
"He strove to make Northern Ireland a better place for everyone, regardless of background or tradition".
Theresa May was in Wales this week, talking of our precious union. I imagine she is genuine in her wish to maintain the United Kingdom, if for no other reason than avoiding her place in history as its last prime minister. Enough of my cynicism. Better we assume historys verdict is not her prime motivating factor. That it is indeed our precious union.
I wonder though if Mrs Mays proclaimed dedication to the UK is held with the same conviction and commitment by her hard-Right colleagues. If the presence of the 56 SNP MPs in the Commons were to frustrate the Tory Rights dreams of a fundamental remodeling of the UK state what then would they do? We are told that on top of the Great Repeal Bill, at least 15 other EU-departure Bills will have to go through Westminster, and thats before the Brexiteers start to seek reform to laws contained in what will have become the Great Repeal Act. Fluid alliances of SNP, Labour, Liberal Democrat, Plaid Cymru, the Greens Caroline Lucas and some Tory rebels could scupper some of the Rights dearest wishes. If it chooses, the SNP could greatly upset the parliamentary timetable.
Some of the additional EU-exit Bills, if not all, will require the agreement of the devolved legislatures. Mrs Mays unmoving position on Scotland gives the Holyrood parliament and SNP Westminster members plenty of reasons, and the means, to frustrate the government whenever it can. Tory irritation with Scotland will grow. Its media friends can be counted on to assist. Whipping up bad feeling has never been a stranger to The Daily Mail.
Scotland out may begin as a whisper then a cry, then a shout, then a demand. Westminster Labour, with one seat in Scotland, may be impotently pulled along in the wake of little Englander politics writ large.
Consider too that the English public is growing bored with Scotland and negative about the desirability of continuing with the ancient union. Politicians are not averse to following public opinion. If the Right thinks there is fertile electoral ground in dumping the union it may not shed many tears for Auld Caledonia. The narrow nationalism that has attracted UKIP votes in Labour heartland constituencies might easily transfer to a Tory party shouting, England first. Its not difficult to imagine UKIP and Labour perhaps fatally injured and the SNP going home to create the new Scotland.
The vision of a Tory England forever, and free of troublesome and expensive Scots, might have serious appeal to the Brexit extremists. Explaining the end of the UK to The Queen becomes much easier for Mrs May if she can say it is the will of the people of England, even if its less clear what Scotland wanted.
A year ago, I would have said that a Tory party seeking the breakup of the UK would itself split wide open. Now I doubt it. Brexit and its foreign, economic and social enormity has hardly troubled Tory unity. Scotland might be shrugged off with similar ease.
Maybe Ill end up a foreign national in England, where Ive now lived for half my 65 years.
I was going to list some obvious Brexit suspects. I imagine you could name a dozen in less time than it takes to say, a one-way ticket to Glasgow Central please. I thought better of naming names. Better not encourage them. In any case, the hard-Tory Right will swear unswerving loyalty to the precious union. Whether they are willing to see lifetimes of political effort stymied by people from a place that has for 30 years rejected them and their values, only time can tell.
The obvious place for the Liberal Democrats in such a chaotic polity is to be the voice of reason, tolerance and moderation. Staying well clear of being sucked into Tory-led pro-union campaigning might also make sense. From what I read and hear, No10 has already sidelined Scottish Tory leader, Ruth Davidson, and Tory Secretary of State, David Mundell. Nick Timothy, one of the PMs chiefs of staff, has become chief orchestrator of the pro-union effort. Ive no idea how well he knows Scotland, its politics and moods. He might win the day, though if he gets it wrong hell soon be known as Toxic Tim.
In the meantime, keep a weather eye out for Tory voices prepared to dish Scotland.
* Martin Roche is a member of Canterbury Liberal Democrats
We all know about the announcement from Nicola Sturgeon. Some have written here in support of Liberal Democrat leadership figures maintaining a staunch unionist position, to the extent of wishing to block an independence referendum in the first place. Others have written in support of the Liberal Democrats crossing the divide and actively backing Scottish independence this time around.
I have made no secret of the fact that in 2014 I was a reluctant Yes voter. I am also open about the fact that in the next referendum, the only thing that will have changed for me is my increased certainty that independence is the least worst option on the ballot, in the wake of Brexit. However, many others within the party will be similarly convinced of their position behind a No vote.
In the wake of the recent Northern Irish election, I remember reading a Mark Pack article asking what lessons Liberal Democrats could learn from our Northern Irish sister party, which had enjoyed a strong result. The Alliance Party exists as a cross-community endeavour to defend and advance liberalism, tolerance and understanding across sectarian and nationalistic divides. Crucially, it does so without declaring either the British union or a future reunion of Ireland as the correct context to achieve those goals in.
I couldnt really say how much of the Alliance platform would readily transpose across to the English situation, but the Scottish Liberal Democrats on the other hand could absolutely take on board a great deal.
Does retaining the union with England make Scotland any more liberal? On present indications, it seems quite the reverse. The honest truth though is that decisions made in government will protect or imperil liberalism, rather than simply the fact of being in union. Will independence automatically mean a more liberal Scotland? Although it presents opportunities, actually following through with them again depends on future governments. Ultimately, large unions and small nations can both be either liberal or illiberal.
It seems clear that a liberal party in Scotland can ideally focus on advancing liberalism under whatever arrangement, be it independent, federal, devolved or unitary, ultimately commands popular support. It would mean that the party could remain a home for liberals on either side of the divide. As we can see from the Alliance example, far from getting squeezed out, such a party can be an important part of the political conversation with a natural constituency of support that is not represented by any other parties or movements.
So while I will continue asking people to consider an independent Scotland in Europe as an alternative to the emerging Britain alone against the world, I think it is also valuable to have a political force operating outside of that single question. The Scottish Liberal Democrats as a party may yet have much to offer as a cross-community alliance, neither the third voice in unionism nor a tertiary advocate of independence.
* T J Marsden is a member of the Liberal Democrats originally from Peterborough but latterly based in Scotland
We woke this morning to the news that the former Northern Ireland Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness had died.
There is no doubt that he was a significant figure in the peace process. It was quite incredible for me to see him as part of the power-sharing executive after my childhood had been punctuated with disturbing news reports from Northern Ireland. I cant underestimate how unachievable the current peace seemed to be at that time. It was a remarkable achievement which took a great deal of international effort. Its one of the things that we can be rightly proud of both John Major and Tony Blair for.
Martin McGuinness was pivotal in bringing about that peace and persuading others on his side of the divide to do so and for that he deserves respect.
Tim Farron had this to say on his death.
Martin McGuinness, for all his past, became a statesman. One moment sticks with me, the remarkable and unlikely images of McGuinness when he shook the hand of the Queen on her visit to Belfast in 2012. This single picture epitomised the changes in Northern Ireland. This is something I, and millions of others, are thankful for. Peace in Northern Ireland is down, in part, to his leadership of the Republican community.
The Leader of our sister party, the Alliance Party of Northern Ireland, Naomi Long, expressed her sadness:
On behalf of myself and my colleagues I would extend our heartfelt condolences to Bernie, to Martins children and to the wider family circle on Martins passing. They are very much in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. I want to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication Martin invested as an MLA and as deputy First Minister to serving not only his constituents, but all of Northern Ireland. Whilst our politics were very different and his past is well documented, the compromises he made, the leadership he demonstrated and his willingness to work with others despite those differences as part of the peace process helped secure the peace we all now enjoy. For that, we are grateful and our best tribute to him would be to do all in our power to secure that peace and progress for future generations.
UPDATE: The Lib Dems in Northern Ireland chair, Stephen Glenn, has written about Martin McGuinnesss death. This isn an extract:
While there have been some today who have only looked at the early part of his life as his legacy that have failed to realise that only a person from his position within the Irish Republican Army and Sinn Fein could have used his influence not only to bring about the ceasefire bit to sustain that. While at the start of his career he spoke about armed conflict being the only way forward, he ended it talking of reconciliation. As the son of a man born like Martin into a community on the Cityside of Derry, although raised in the other working class community on opposite sides of the walled city, Ive seen the change brough about by Martin. The Rev David Latimer minister of the Glenn family church First Derry Presbyterian which overlooks the city walls into the Bogside has often spoken of Martins influence. This was a church that overlooked the site of the Bloody Sunday shootings, where shots, petrol or paint bombs were fired towards the church. It meant that in my early years when I entered the church even in the morning or afternoon it was dark because of the shutters protecting the windows at the front. When the roof needed replacing due to rot, Martin McGuinness was one of those who was reached out to even though he wasnt elected for the area. A hand of peace like that of the citys famous statue was reached out and Martin was proactive not only in getting the support for the major building works but also in reducing the attacks on the church. He was there for the reopening of the building and the difference in brightness for me is a reflection of the hope he brought for a better future in Northern Ireland. Yes the story of Martin McGuinness is a tangle of contrasts, but it is also proof that men are not leopards and can change their spots. But the legacy is his part along with Ian Paisley off making the impossible not only seem possible but turned it into a workable partnership of working together. We need that as much now as when they first stood side by side 10 years ago. Comments on this post will be pre-moderated.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
Have you ever thought that what Parliament really needs is a few more Alice in Wonderland references?
This afternoon the Scottish Parliament started a two day debate on whether to call for a Section 30 order, the device that would enable them to hold a second independence referendum. Theresa May has said that now is not the time in much the same tone of voice as she said brexit means brexit.
Its funny, because, as Lib Dem MSP Mike Rumbles pointed out today, theyve managed to clear 2 days of parliamentary time for this (although the length of the debate was something we agreed with) at a weeks notice and put so much effort into setting it all up, yet weve gone 445 days without a mental health strategy. Priorities, and all that.
I started watching the debate as Scottish Labour leader Kezia Dugdale started speaking. Of all poisoned chalices, hers is the biggest. Shes one of the most caring, articulate, engaging politicians Ive come across, yet shes lumbered and with and constantly undermined by Corbyn. During the last referendum, I watched her speak particularly to womens groups and she was fantastic at putting across a positive case for the UK. She and Willie Rennie are both very good at that but they were both sorely under-used on the national stage.
As Kez was speaking, the SNP bit of the room got lively, and not in a good way. They were shouting and bawling and baying and just being generally unpleasant. I wonder if they ever think about how that comes across. Maybe they actually want to be intimidating. Maybe they want to legitimise all the nasty cybernats who stalk the internet to prey on the opposition. If they dont, then a bit of self awareness is called for.
Scottish Greens leader Patrick Harvie couldnt have been quicker to say that his party would support the call for independence, even though his manifesto had said that there would have to be huge public demand for it a petition with a million signatures. Now, as with the SNPs budget, the Greens just seem to jump when the SNP say how high. And they arent even in coalition. Patrick Harvie spent the coalition years giving us some serious pain, but is now doing everything he can to prop up the SNP.
In his own speech, which was interrupted constantly by SNP MSPs, Willie said:
I want to address the issue of this cast iron mandate. For the SNP their mandate for another referendum is based on the European Union. But now the SNP tell us they will not seek or guarantee membership of the European Union with their referendum. They will use the EU to get a referendum even though their referendum wont get the EU. And we know the reason why. They are cynically courting the one in three independence supporters who backed Brexit. So they will use pro Europeans to get a referendum but sell them out to win independence. It is low politics for narrow gain. And then we have the Greens. It seems like from a different time but we recall their budget triumph where they secured funds that were going to be spent anyway and not a penny for the environment. Far from being a bold green budget it was a bland shade of beige. That was the first broken promise this year. Now we have the verbal gymnastics of Patrick Harvie arguing that manifesto commitments dont count anymore. What happened to this participative democracy? What happened to the million names of a petition? Where is the role of the people in deciding whether to have another referendum? Patrick Harvies idea of participative democracy is a few green members gathering on a wet Saturday afternoon in Perth to airbrush a manifesto commitment. In just three months two manifesto commitments blown out of the water. The Scottish people will remember Patrick Harvie and his excuses. Alex Salmond said the referendum in 2014 was a once in a lifetime opportunity. At the weekend he denied he ever said it. Despite it being on the record. We have it on YouTube. Then he denied he denied it despite that being on YouTube too. Then he dismissed the whole this as nonsense anyway. It was the fastest denial about a denial about a broken promise ever known. How long is forever? said Alice. Sometimes, just one second, said the White Rabbit. Time is a relative concept, especially in Wonderland. Or, indeed, in Scotland. The Liberal Democrats stated clearly in our manifesto that we would oppose another divisive independence referendum and that is exactly what we will do.
Gillian Martin, SNP MSP for Gordon, even raised a ridiculous point of order because Willie wasnt taking any interventions.
I was particularly pleased to see Willie use the F word federalism:
We have made great progress on reforming our United Kingdom. In just 20 years, we have created this Parliament, which is based on proportional representation and has been built on the foundations of human rights. It has gained more powers, includingmost recentlypowers over tax. We should be proud of what we have achieved together, through everybody in the Parliament working together. I want to create a federal United Kingdom with power that is shared across the country, a written constitution, fair votes and an elected second chamber. Such reforms are on the way to making our United Kingdom even stronger. The campaign for independence undermines that chance and that momentum. There is a positive case for the United Kingdom. The economic case for the UK is even stronger than it was in 2014, but it is not just about numbers on a spreadsheet; it is about the values that we share. It is about the compassion that has built some of the best charities in the world, such as Oxfam and Save the ChildrenBritish charities that are spreading compassion around the world. It is about the compassion that has built the second-biggest aid budget in the worldSNP members do not like that. It is about the compassion that has built one of the best health services in the world.
Alex Cole-Hamilton is up for us on Day 2. Expect a characteristically robust contribution from him.
* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
LIMERICK'S Sinn Fein TD Maurice Quinlivan has described the passing of Martin McGuinness, who has died aged 66, as akin to a "death in the family".
Mr McGuinness, 66, died early this morning at Derry's Altnagelvin Hospital with his family by his bedside, after being diagnosed with a rare heart disease in December.
Deputy Quinlivan told the Limerick Leader that he was "truly gutted" at Mr McGuinness passing and extended his sympathies to his wife and four children.
"He was a great ambassador for the Republican movement and for his native Derry. I don't think the Peace Process would have been constructed or survived without Martin McGuinness being involved and being a leader at a time when it was very, very difficult. I genuinely do believe that it wouldn't have happened without Martin McGuinness," he said.
He said Mr McGuinness, a former member of the IRA's Army Council who became one of the chief architects of the Good Friday Agreement, was a "leader, friend and legend".
"He was a family friend for a great many years. I learned a lot from Martin. You would have had to have met him to know what he was like. He was a very personable person, and that's obviously why he was our deputy First Minister in the North."
Deputy Quinlivan said one of the moments that stood out for him over the years was at a Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Belfast when a Protestant minister from Derry addressed the convention and praised McGuinness for organising the fundraising of the reconstruction Presbyterian cathedral in Derry city.
"It was amazing stuff to hear what he, someone from a Protestant/Unionist background, said about McGuinness," he added.
Posting a picture of them both, alongside his wife Sue and his mother, he said the first thing McGuinness always said to him was "How's your mother and Sue?"
"We stand on the shoulders of giants. RIP Martin. Sleep well," deputy Quinlivan tweeted this morning.
Fianna Fail deputy Willie O'Dea said that he consistently found Mr McGuinness "on a personal level, to be affable and pleasant to deal with."
"He had a very strong commitment to peace and worked very hard at it. He made a huge contribution - there was no doubt about that. Once he made a commitment, he went at it wholeheartedly. He'll be a big loss to the process," said Deputy O'Dea.
Fianna Fail TD Niall Collins said he "was a man who ultimately embraced the Peace Process and who genuinely sought to bring reconciliation to the island of Ireland.
"Despite our obvious political differences, I see Martin's contribution to the Peace Process as being critical to its continued success.
"His leadership as deputy First Minister helped to build bridges, especially with those in the Unionist community. I want to extend my sympathies to Martin's family and friends on his passing," said Deputy Collins.
Labour deputy Jan O'Sullivan said "what was extraordinary about him was the transition from somebody who led the IRA to someone who led the Peace Process. It was an extraordinary transition and his role was absolutely key, because of where he was coming from and because of who he could bring with him and along the road to peace. While there were many people who played important roles, that was the critical role that he played, in bringing people, who probably no one else could persuade, to the path of peace. That was his major contribution."
In 2011, McGuinness "totally rejected" claims that he visited Kevin Walsh, who was later convicted in connection with the killing of Garda Jerry McCabe in Adare, county Limerick in 1996, while he was in hiding, or that he was aware of the whereabouts of others being sought in connection with the killing.
The killing of Garda McCabe was unjustifiable. I have condemned it unreservedly. A grave wrong was done to the McCabe family and the IRA have acknowledged that and apologised for it," McGuinness said at the time.
"I have never and would never stand over attacks on members of the defence forces or the gardai.
For the record I did not meet with Kevin Walsh in aftermath of the killing of Garda McCabe and I have no information about the whereabouts of any other suspects or if indeed there are any other suspects," he said.
Ann McCabe and the McCabe family spoke out at that time, as they felt compelled to break their silence on McGuinness's candidacy for the office of President of Ireland.
"A vote for Martin McGuinness is a vote for a man who refuses to assist the security forces of this Republic with its investigations into the most serious crimes committed against servants of the State," the family said in a statement.
"We dont believe this is an issue that can be ignored and brushed aside in the interests of peace. We call on all other candidates seeking the office of president to demand from Mr McGuinness that he cooperate with the police into its ongoing inquiries into the terrorist crimes that claimed the lives of servants of this Republic."
Visiting Limerick that year to support the election campaign of then local city councillor Maurice Quinlivan, Mr McGuinness said he was particularly struck by the friendly reception he received in the city, and believed that the people in Limerick are very open to the message of Sinn Fein in this election and are looking for a real alternative to the failed policies of the establishment parties".
He said that he was confident that Mr Quinlivan "touched a chord with the people of this city and will do very well in the forthcoming election".
While Mr Quinlivan failed to be elected in the 2011 general election, coming fifth in the four seat constituency, he made history in Limerick in 2016, becoming the first Sinn Fein TD elected in the city for 93 years. He passed the quota at the fifth count, securing 10,517 votes in total to reach the 32nd Dail. The last Sinn Fein TD to represent Limerick City was Michael Colivet in 1923.
Now, the party, in line with trends both north and south of the border, continues to see its numbers bolstered both in Limerick city and county.
On the joint local authority, Sinn Fein counts Seighin O Ceallaigh from Bruff, John Costelloe of Nicolas Street in the city, Malachy McCreesh of Dooradoyle, Lisa Marie Sheehy of Kilfinane, Ciara McMahon of Athea, and Seamus Browne of Abbeyfeale,
After Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, with 13 and 12 seats held respectively, Sinn Fein is now the third most popular party in Limerick with six seats, ahead of Labour, with three seats, the Anti-Austerity Alliance, with two, and four Independent councillors.
Limerick City and County Council has opened an online book of condolence "in recognition of his contribution to the advancement of peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland".
The book is available online and a facility to assist those without online access to sign the book is available at Limerick City and County Council Customer Services desks during regular office hours.
The book of condolence will remain open until midday on Wednesday, March 29.
BRAVE Limerick teen Megan Halvey-Ryan is expected to finally have crucial surgery in Crumlin hospital this week.
The thirteen-year-old, who lives in Dooradoyle, has been waiting for almost two years to have surgery to cure her scoliosis, which is an abnormal curving of the spine.
Mother Sharon says she is waiting on tenterhooks for tomorrow morning, when she will call Our Ladys Childrens Hospital before, hopefully, her and Megan can travel to the capital.
The standard admission policy for the hospital is, if youre travelling from afar, you have to wait. They rang us and told us to wait for a phone call to say if the bed was available for her. But im going to ring them myself, Sharon confirmed.
The mother of the Villiers secondary school student has hailed the support her family have received from the people of Limerick.
Everyone has been fantastic, I have to say. Our fireplace is full of cards. Strangers, I dont even know how they have gotten my address, but they have sent cards to us. Megan has had messages on Facebook. Ive had parents of children she went to primary school with wishing me well. Everybody has been great, she told the Limerick Leader.
A previous date which was provisionally scheduled for the surgery earlier this month was deferred due to a more urgent case requiring attention.
The teen's surgery comes after the Children's Ombudsman released a report entitled: Waiting on Scoliosis treatment: A children's rights issue'.
The report contained the testimony of several struggling children.
Sharon attended the launch of the report, along with other families who are campaigning for change in treatment.
"I think one thing that was mentioned yesterday was it's international best practice for a child to have surgery between three to six months after being told they need it.
The report showed that children were waiting up to 18 months for surgery and such a low target was "absolutely disgraceful in a developed country like Ireland and it's a total breach and violation of children's rights", Shron said.
Health Minister Simon Harris has pledged this week that no child will wait longer than four months by the end of this year, bringing Ireland in line with Britain.
Mar 20, 2017, 11 PM
By Michael Baadke
Benito Juarez, who served as president of Mexico for more than a decade, was born March 21, 1806, in San Pablo Guelatao, Oaxaca. His birthdate is celebrated annually as a national holiday in Mexico.
Born into an indigenous Zapotec family, Juarez was raised by an uncle after his parents and grandparents died when he was young. He was a student at the seminary before earning his law degree at Oaxaca Institute of Arts and Sciences.
Juarez was elected to the Oaxaca city council in 1831. He became a judge and was elected governor of Oaxaca in 1847, but was forced into exile in 1853 after the conservative government came into power. He lived for a while in New Orleans, La., before he could return to Mexico.
After serving as chief justice of Mexicos Supreme Court, Juarez was elected president in 1861. The empire he opposed was overthrown during his presidency, the French invasion was repelled, and efforts to institute democratic reforms began.
Many stamps of Mexico honor Benito Juarez, beginning with a set first issued in 1879, seven years after his death from a heart attack on July 18, 1872.
On March 21, 1981, a 1.60-peso commemorative was issued to mark the presidents 175th birth anniversary (Scott 1229).
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Samsungs AI-powered Bixby assistant will go beyond just smartphones Samsung's new personal assistant is designed to offer more flexibility to users /news/talking-point/samsungs-ai-powered-bixby-assistant-will-go-beyond-just-smartphones-111646891445909.html 111646891445909 story
Bixby will be available on Samsungs upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone which is expected to launch in the next few days. Photo: Bloomberg
After Google, Amazon, Apple and HTC, it is now the turn of Samsung to dabble with the idea of an AI (artificial intelligence) powered personal assistant app, called Bixby.
It will be available on Samsungs upcoming Galaxy S8 flagship smartphone which is expected to launch in the next few days.
Initially, this new personal assistant will only work with a bunch of pre-loaded apps, and will be available with Samsung phones that will be launched this year and beyond. Since it relies on dedicated hardware, it will not work with existing Samsung Galaxy phones. However, Samsung is working on a SDK (software development kit) tool for developers that will allow them to integrate Bixby into their apps too.
Bixby is the outcome of Samsungs new-found interest in AI-based tools and led it to acquire US-based AI VIV Labs last year.
How it works
Bixby is a voice- and touch-enabled personal assistant and works on similar lines as Google Assistant but with some extra features, according to Samsung.
Bixby can be activated any time, even when the phone is locked, through a dedicated button.
In a regular scenario, to make a phone call, users have to unlock the phone, look for the phone app and search for the contact they want to call in the contact search bar. Even in Google Assistant, users will have to unlock the phone to ask it to make a call. With Bixby-enabled smartphones, users can make a call by pressing the dedicated button that will feature on upcoming Samsung Galaxy phones (such as the upcoming Galaxy S8) and command Bixby to make a call.
According to Samsung, users can launch Bixby in any app that is compatible with it and ask for help. Bixby can gather context and will try to understand what is going on the screen and provide help accordingly. It sounds a lot like Googles Now on Tap feature which also helped users by understanding the content in any app and showed more options with related content. With Bixby, users can get things done through voice commands as well as touch-based inputs, unlike Google Now on Tap, which relied on physical inputs on the touch display to select an option or menu.
How is it different from other personal assistants?
Though Samsung hasnt revealed much on how Bixby exactly works, it claims that Bixby is not entirely meant to provide more accurate and context-based answers to questions, but to assist users in multiple other ways.
It can also understand user commands with incomplete information and will put them together to get things done. For example, when a user asks a badly phrased question, it will ask users for some specifics and use this information gathered in patches to provide an answer.
It can also be used with other apps completely through voice commands and not allow the assistant to dictate the mode of interaction. Google Assistant and Siri entertain voice commands only to an extent. Users have to fall back on the touch input after a point. While it sounds interesting, we are yet to see how effective it turns out to be.
Beyond smartphones
Samsung intends to make Bixby a regular feature with all its smart devices in the future. It will be deployed first in smartphones, but will be seen in Samsungs air conditioners and TVs in the future.
According to In Jong Rhee, head of R&D, software and services at Samsung, Bixby is at the heart of our software and services evolution as a company. As the Bixby ecosystem grows, we believe it will evolve from a smartphone interface to an interface for your life."
Prince Williams/Getty ImagesJermaine Dupri is presenting artists from his Lifetime reality series, The Rap Game, on a summer tour.
Season-one champion Miss Mulatto, and season-two winner Mani, will be featured on the SoSoSummer 17 tour, along with others from the show. Mulatto and Mani are signed to Dupris So So Def Recordings. The tour kicks off May 25 in Louisville, KY and continues through June 25 in Dallas, TX. Tour stops also include Detroit, Cleveland, Baltimore, Houston, Atlanta, and New York City.
Dupris father, Michael Mauldin, is the tour promoter. We are excited to be on the forefront of such a ground breaking youth & family oriented movement," says Mauldin. "This type of tour promotes the next generation of Young Stars and serves an audience that is often overlooked in the urban and pop music genres, and we are proud to be a part of it."
Ticket information and full itinery for the SSoSummer 17 tour is available on Livenation.com.
Copyright 2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
This 2,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus was found by U.S. law enforcement and was returned to Egypt in 2011.
About $50 million worth of artifacts and antiques were shipped from both Egypt and Turkey to the United States in 2016 the highest annual value from each of those countries in at least 20 years, according to U.S. Census Bureau documents.
The artifacts, totaling about $100 million between the two countries, were imported "for consumption" and not for temporary display in a museum, the documents say. Most of the artifacts were shipped to New York City, where numerous antiquities dealers, auction houses and art galleries are based. It can be difficult to determine whether a shipment of artifacts was recently looted, law-enforcement officials told Live Science.
In addition, the actual resale value of the shipments may be higher, because the values seen in the documents are simply those that importers declared, a spokesperson for U.S. Customs and Border Protection said. Audits are occasionally conducted on shipments, but the spokesperson declined to say how often they occur. [See Photos of the Artifacts from Egypt and Turkey]
Egypt has experienced extensive looting since the country's 2011 revolution. The looting is linked to the deaths of children (they were killed while working in narrow looting shafts) and antiquities guards (who were shot dead while trying to protect sites). An agreement between the United States and Egypt designed to curtail the antiquities trade was signed in November 2016 and went into effect near the end of that year.
Meanwhile Turkey shares a vast border with both Iraq and Syria, two countries that have experienced heavy looting as a result of ongoing wars. Last year, a Live Science investigation revealed that artifact shipments between Turkey and the U.S. increased after Iraq was invaded in 2003, and then increased further after the civil war in Syria started in 2011. Scholars and multiple governments (including the United States) have documented that artifacts are being sent from Iraq and Syria to Turkey before being sold abroad. Additionally, a coup attempt occurred in Turkey in July 2016, although scholars and law enforcement officials declined to speculate on whether the coup attempt is leading to more artifacts being shipped from Turkey to the US.
Golden deliveries
The documents reveal that the import of "antique" gold coins (defined as being over 100 years old) made up a significant part of the shipments from Turkey and Egypt in 2016.
More than 46 lbs. (20 kilograms) of antique gold coins were shipped from Turkey to the U.S. in 2016, the documents show nearly the weight of about 9,000 modern-day U.S. pennies. The documents also reveal that more than 22 lbs. (10 kg) of antique gold coins were shipped from Egypt to the United States in 2016.
For comparison, the documents also reveal that between 1996 and 2003, in that entire span, less than 1 lb. (0.45 kg) of antique gold coins was shipped from each of those two countries to the U.S.
A Live Science investigation published in 2016 found that the number of antique gold and nongold coins shipped from Turkey to the U.S. has increased steadily since 2003, when the Iraq War started. A separate Live Science investigation, also published in 2016, revealed that the number of gold and nongold coins being shipped from Egypt to the U.S. increased after the 2011 Egyptian revolution. [See Photos of the Looting in Egypt]
Tracking down looted artifacts
The process of identifying looted artifacts coming into the U.S. can be difficult, law-enforcement officials and scholars told Live Science.
The U.S. Census Bureau documents show that many of the artifacts are shipped under vague headings, such as "antiques of an age exceeding 100 years." Another vague heading simply states that the artifacts in a shipment are Collection and Collectors Pieces of Archaeological, Historical or Ethnographic Interest.
Additionally, in response to Live Science's Freedom of Information Act request, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials told us that senders of artifacts or antiques shipments to the U.S. are not required to send photos of the objects they ship, and customs inspectors do not usually take photographs.
Privacy laws prevented Live Science from accessing the paperwork filed with shipments. However, it can be difficult to prove that an artifact was looted based on this paperwork, said Erin Thompson, a professor of art crime at the City University of New York.
"Middlemen are experts in making looted and smuggled antiquities look like they are part of the legitimate market by cleaning and restoring them and creating forged paperwork that makes it seem like Egypt gave permission for its export," Thompson told Live Science last year in an email.
In addition to Customs and Border Protection, which patrols the U.S. border and audits shipments, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts investigations into looted artifacts that are already in the country, said Brendan Raedy, an ICE spokesperson. Raedy told Live Science that the agency has an attache in Cairo who sends information about stolen artifacts and looted archaeological sites.
This stolen or looted mummy hand, dating to the eighth century B.C., was brought into the United States from Egypt. (Image credit: John Denmark/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
ICE officials have noticed that those who bring looted or stolen artifacts into the United States tend to hold on to them for years before trying to sell them, Raedy said. "The stuff that you're seeing popping up, that we're getting our hands on now, in a lot of cases was stolen or looted [in] 2007 to 2012," Raedy told Live Science.
This makes it difficult to determine what kind of looted artifacts have been shipped to the United States in recent years. "In terms of really digging into the physical trends we're probably a little bit away from that at this time, unfortunately," Raedy said.
ICE agents are working with museums and owners of antique stores, teaching them how to detect looted or stolen artifacts, he noted.
Another problem, Raedy said, is that sometimes, looted artifacts are brought in under declarations that have nothing to do with artifacts. For instance, in November 2016, ICE agents returned an eighth-century-B.C. mummy hand to Egypt that Raedy said had been shipped to the United States as a "science fiction movie prop."
Original article on Live Science.
Mari
A satellite photo taken in 2016 that shows the ancient city of Mari in Syria. Notice that it is heavily scarred with looting pits. (Image credit: Digital Globe/Courtesy of American Schools of Oriental Research)
A satellite photo taken in 2016 that shows the ancient city of Mari in Syria. Notice that it is heavily scarred with looting pits. Artifacts from Syria are being smuggled into Turkey before being sold abroad.
Mummy collar
An exquisitely decorated mummy collar, either looted or stolen in Egypt and brought to the United States, was returned to Egypt in November 2016. (Image credit: John Denmark/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
An exquisitely decorated mummy collar, either looted or stolen in Egypt and brought to the United States, was returned to Egypt in November 2016.
Looted coffin
A coffin was seized in the United States as part of an investigation into looted antiquities. In November 2016, it was returned to Egypt. (Image credit: John Denmark/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
A coffin was seized in the United States as part of an investigation into looted antiquities. In November 2016, it was returned to Egypt.
Mummy hand
This stolen or looted mummy hand, dating to the eighth century B.C., was brought into the United States from Egypt. (Image credit: John Denmark/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
This stolen or looted mummy hand, dating to the eighth century B.C., was brought into the United States from Egypt. It was falsely declared as being a "science fiction movie prop." The hand was returned to Egypt, along with other artifacts, in November 2016.
Smuggled sculpture
A sculpture of a head was smuggled into the United States around the time of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. (Image credit: Kelly Lowery/U.S.Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
A sculpture of a head was smuggled into the United States around the time of the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq. Turkey shares a long border with both Iraq and Syria, and there have been numerous reports of looted artifacts being smuggled to Turkey before being sold abroad. The sculpture was returned to Iraq in December 2006.
Egypt sarcophagus
This 2,000-year-old Egyptian sarcophagus was found by U.S. law enforcement and was returned to Egypt in 2011. (Image credit: Luis Martinez/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
This Egyptian sarcophagus dates back around 2,000 years. The looted or stolen artifact was found by law enforcement in the United States, and it was returned to Egypt in July 2011.
Egyptian glasswork
Examples of glasswork looted or stolen in Egypt. (Image credit: Luis Martinez/U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement)
These examples of Egyptian glasswork and ceramics were looted or stolen and brought to the United States. Law enforcement found them, and they were returned to Egypt in July 2011.
Are rising temperatures around the world also increasing the rates of diabetes? A new study from the Netherlands suggests that there may be a link between warming global temperatures and a higher prevalence of the disease, but not all experts are convinced.
When the researchers analyzed average global temperatures and the rates of type 2 diabetes, they found that a 1.8-degree Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) increase in temperature was associated with an increase of 0.3 cases of diabetes per 1,000 people. In the United States, that would be the equivalent of more than 100,000 new cases of type 2 diabetes each year, according to the study, published Monday (March 20) in the journal BMJ Open Diabetes Research & Care.
The new research may be interesting, but it shows only an association between rising temperatures and diabetes rates, said Dr. Christian Koch, a professor of endocrinology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center who was not involved in the new study. Although both temperatures and diabetes rates are rising, "there's no causality" between the two, Koch added. [5 Ways Climate Change Will Affect Your Health]
Importantly, the study did not include two key factors when looking at this association: physical-activity levels and indoor climate control namely, air conditioning, Koch told Live Science.
A possible link?
The study looked at the rates of type 2 diabetes in all 50 states, along with Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands from 1996 to 2013. In addition, the researchers looked at data on the average temperatures in each state and territory for the same years.
Overall, the rate of people being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes was higher in warmer years, the researchers found.
Data on worldwide type 2 diabetes rates was not available, the researchers noted. Instead, they used World Health Organization data on the rates of high blood sugar levels, a factor that is linked to diabetes.
For each 1.8-degree-Fahrenheit increase in average temperatures worldwide, the average rates of high blood sugar increased by 0.2 percent, the researchers found.
The findings suggest that, overall, the rates of diabetes in the United States and the rates of high blood sugar around the world increased with higher outdoor temperature worldwide, the researchers wrote in the study.
Brown fat
The potential link between rising temperatures and diabetes lies in a type of fat called brown adipose tissue, or brown fat, according to the study. [What Is Brown Fat? 5 Fascinating Facts]
Brown fat is metabolically active; it can break down smaller fat molecules to generate heat, the researchers wrote. Previous research has found that colder temperatures can activate brown fat and may lead to modest weight loss, according to the study.
Additionally, in a small study published in the journal Nature Medicine (opens in new tab) in 2015, a group of researchers found that when patients with type 2 diabetes were exposed to moderately cold temperatures for 10 days, their insulin sensitivity improved. (Decreased sensitivity to insulin, or insulin resistance, can put people on the path to type 2 diabetes.)
The researchers hypothesized that, based on the possible effects of brown fat on insulin, combined with the findings that cold temperatures activate it, warmer temperatures could have the opposite effect namely, they could be linked to a decrease in insulin sensitivity and an increase in type 2 diabetes.
Not so simple
Koch noted, however, that most people spend the majority of their days exposed to indoor temperatures, and therefore, outdoor temperatures would not have such a significant effect.
In addition, he said the researchers found that increased temperatures had different effects on diabetes rates in two neighboring states: In Louisiana, the rates decreased, but in Mississippi, they increased. If temperature played a role, the findings would be similar in both states, he said.
The study authors, led by Lisanne Blauw, an endocrinology researcher at the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands, noted that their findings do not prove cause and effect. In other words, the study does not prove that rising temperatures directly cause rising diabetes rates but rather highlights an important area of future research.
"These findings emphasize the importance of future research into the effects of environmental temperature on glucose metabolism and the onset of diabetes, especially in view of the global rise in temperatures, with a new record set for the warmest winter in the USA last year [2015]," they wrote.
In addition, the researchers described several limitations of the study. They noted that because the study was observational, confounding factors might have affected the results. In other words, there might have been other factors that had an effect on the results. In addition, the researchers were not able to account for changes in body mass index, which is associated with type 2 diabetes, over time because of a lack of available data.
Originally published on Live Science.
A veterinarian at the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic uses a chainsaw to dehorn a male southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum) named Pamir on Monday, March 20, 2017. The decision to dehorn the zoo's rhinos came after a rhinoceros was poached inside its enclosure at a zoo in France.
In the wake of a brazen incident of rhino poaching at a French zoo, a Czech zoo that holds the largest number of rhinoceroses of any zoo in Europe is cutting the horns off the at-risk animals.
Premysl Rabas, director of Dvur Kralove Zoo, announced today (March 21) that the zoo had begun dehorning its herd of 21 rhinos. The first rhino underwent the procedure under sedation yesterday.
"The intervention took less than 1 hour, and it was performed without any complications," Jiri Hruby, the zoo's rhino curator, said in a statement. [A Crash of Rhinos: See All 5 Species]
Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same material that makes up human fingernails and hair. Removing rhinos' horns doesn't hurt the animals, and the horns do grow back.
Zoo poaching
The zoo in the town of Dvur Kralove nad Labem was, until recently, home to one of the last northern white rhinoceroses (Ceratotherium simum cottoni) on Earth; the elderly female died in 2015. Today, the only three northern white rhinos alive still belong to Dvur Kralove Zoo, but they live on a preserve in Kenya, protected by an armed guard. Increased poaching has driven the subspecies to the brink of extinction.
The removed horn of Pamir, a male southern white rhinoceros at the Dvur Kralove Zoo in the Czech Republic. Rhinoceros horns are made of keratin, the material that makes human fingernails and hair. Removing the horns is painless, and the horn will grow back. (Image credit: Andrea Jirousova)
Rhinoceros horn is prized in traditional Chinese medicine, even though the horns have no medicinal value, and the black market demand for horn has soared in recent years in China and Vietnam. Over the past decade, rhino poaching in Africa has taken off, according to a report to the United Nations' secretariat for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES). There were 60 confirmed incidents of poaching on the continent in 2006, a number that climbed steadily to 1,342 by 2015.
On March 7, a 4-year-old white rhinoceros at the Thoiry Zoo in France was found dead in its enclosure, its largest horn sawed off. The rhino, nicknamed "Vance," had been shot in the head. It was the first known incident of poaching within a European zoo, though there had been a violent attack on a rhino orphanage in South Africa in February.
A deepening crisis
Nevertheless, the Thoiry Zoo killing was not an isolated incident, Dvur Kralove Zoo officials said. Criminal organizations have been targeting rhinoceros horns in museum and historical collections, including the zoo's own collection of horns, which was stolen while on loan for an exhibit at Napajedla Castle in Napajedla in the Czech Republic. The thieves were caught, according to zoo officials, but the horns were never found.
The Czech zoo has electronic security measures to protects its rhinos, but it took the additional step of removing horns as a way to ensure the animals' safety in the face of what the zoo called an "increasing threat."
"Pamir," a male southern white rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum simum), was the first at the zoo to have his horn removed. Veterinarians anesthetized the rhino and removed his horn with a chain saw. The removed horns from all the rhinos will be stored safely somewhere outside the zoo, officials said.
The zoo is home to four southern white rhinos and 17 black rhinos (Diceros bicornis), a critically endangered species only around 5,000 individuals left in total. The zoo will remove the horns of all the rhinoceroses that have them; a few, like a male named Natal, rub and file theirs down to nubs naturally.
The Dvur Kralove Zoo is not the only European zoo to consider dehorning in the wake of the Thoiry poaching incident. The Pairi Daiza zoo in Belgium announced earlier this month that it would shorten its rhinos' horns to reduce the animals' risk of being targeted, AFP reported.
Original article on Live Science.
For nearly 40 years scientists have observed their self-imposed ban on doing research on human embryos in the lab beyond the first two weeks after fertilization. Their initial reasoning was somewhat arbitrary: 14 days is when a band of cells known as a primitive streak, which will ultimately give rise to adult tissues, forms in an embryo. It is also roughly the last time a human embryo can divide and create more than one person, and a few days before the nervous system begins to develop. But the so-called 14-day rule has held up all this time partly because scientists could not get an embryo to grow that long outside its mother's body.
Researchers in the U.K (opens in new tab) . and U.S . recently succeeded for the first time in growing embryos in the lab for nearly two weeks before terminating them, showing that the so-called 14-day rule is no longer a scientific limitationalthough it remains a cultural one. Now, a group of Harvard University scientists has published a paper arguing that it is time to reconsider the 14-day rule because of advances in synthetic biology.
The U.S. has no law against growing embryos beyond two weeksas long as the research is not funded with federal dollars. But most scientific journals will not publish studies that violate the 14-day rule, and the International Society for Stem Cell Research requires its members to agree to the rule in order to qualify for membership.
The guideline, first proposed in the months after Louise Brown became the first baby to be born via in vitro fertilization in 1978, assumes that development always follows a linear path: a fertilized egg forms an embryo, which grows and develops each day. But thanks to advances in synthetic biology, the scientists warn in the new paper that researchers will someday be able to skip such developmental stepscreating humanlike collections of organs that do not have to go through these early embryonic stages of development. "We can get so distracted by the apparent issues with embryos that we might miss issues more likely to have a huge impact on society and commercial and governmental policies," says George Church, the Harvard Medical School synthetic biologist and geneticist who is the senior author of the article, published Tuesday in eLife.
Church says he does not think any team is working to make an advanced-stage human embryo in a lab. But his own work suggests the 14-day rule does not provide adequate guidance for synthetic biologists, who take an engineering approach to understanding and manipulating life. Six years ago, for instance, researchers in his lab tried to grow human stem cells on an embryonic scaffold to see if the cells would develop into various organs. That particular attempt didn't work, he says, but someday research on such "synthetic human entities with embryolike features" or SHEEFs, might succeed.
In addition, scientists in his lab and others are making primitive "organoids"mini organs made to work like the kidney, lung, heart or even the brainthat could be used to test drugs or someday even replace failing body parts. It is not unreasonable, Church says, to envision a time when a scientist could create organoids from a number of different organs to see how a drug affects multiple organ systems or when someone could make a cluster of nerve cells in a dish capable of sensing what we call pain.
Now is the time to begin a public discussion on experiments such as these, Church argues, before it is scientifically viable and poses an ethical challenge to the 14-day rule.
Not surprisingly, these ideas have triggered some opposition among bioethicists. The Rev. Tadeusz Pacholczyk, a neuroscientist and director of education at the National Catholic Bioethics Center in Philadelphia, wrote via e-mail that any research on embryos or something like them is unethical, regardless of the 14-day rule. "In cases of doubt, where one has a suspicion but not certainty that one might be engendering an embryonic human, such experiments should not be continued," he wrote.
Others, however, praised Church for starting the discussion before the science catches up with it. "I think it's a service to write a paper like this," says Josephine Johnston, director of research at the Hastings Center, a nonpartisan bioethics research institution. "Not every scientist wants to draw attention to why their research may cross some boundaries."
The work of synthetic biologists poses particular ethical challenges in part because their models are getting more and more accurate, says Insoo Hyun, a bioethicist at the Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. "Now we're getting into experiments that call into question some of our deepest beliefs philosophically about what it means to be human and what it means to deserve moral respect." Between synthetic biology and artificial intelligence a future might not be far off in which we have to ask whether something created in a lab is truly alive, Hyun says, conjuring up images of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. Having a discussion ahead of time should help prevent decision-making based on gut instinct of what seems offensive versus well-reasoned arguments, Hyun notes.
The eLife paper comes at a busy time in bioethics. Earlier this month researchers at the University of Cambridge published a mouse studyshowing that they could create a natural-looking embryostarting not with eggs and sperm but with embryonic stem cells that can become any tissue in the body as well as trophoblast stem cells, which give rise to the placenta. If these results could be reproduced with human cells, it would pose some serious ethical questions.
And earlier this year the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Medicine issued a report updating guidance on editing the human germ linecells that can pass on their genetic material to future generationswhich has long been another ethical line in the sand for researchers. Its expert committee concluded that it remains too risky to change an embryo's genes for the sake of enhancing a person's abilities. The group did, however, articulate a set of criteria by which modifying the human germ line would someday be permissible for treating or preventing disease. Although they kept the door locked against such genetic modification, their conclusions allowed scientists to metaphorically knock on that door, says committee member Jeffrey Kahn, director of the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics. "We didn't even think about knocking on the door before."
There is no international body in place to make or revise guidelines such as the 14-day rule. In the U.S. the National Academy of Sciences or a presidential commission on bioethics has traditionally made ethical recommendations about scientific research, with Congress sometimes blocking federal funding. Some other countries have standing committees, such as the U.K.'s Human Fertilization and Embryology Authority, which regulate embryonic research. Synthetic biology falls between the cracks, though, with no one having such clear authority to regulate the work, Church and his colleagues wrote in the eLife paper.
Church says he has seen more problems arise from underregulation of science rather than overregulation, citing the death of three early gene therapy patients and earlier from the drug thalidomide, which was sold to prevent morning sickness but led to terrible birth defects. Church says he does not know where new boundaries should be drawn to contain future synthetic biology researchbut instead of a stop sign at the end of the research road, like the 14-day rule, his team imagines a perimeter fence to keep scientists from straying too far from an ethical path.
George Annas, director of Boston University School of Public Health's Center for Health Law, Ethics and Human Rights, says he is glad Church and colleagues are flagging this research, which might otherwise be overlooked. He also agrees that recent advances in stem cell science, genetics and synthetic biology suggest it is time to question whether the 14-day rule has outlived its usefulness: "I think it's a fair question," he says.
This article was first published at ScientificAmerican.com. ScientificAmerican.com. All rights reserved Follow Scientific American on Twitter @SciAm and @SciamBlogs. Visit ScientificAmerican.com for the latest in science, health and technology news.
A 10-month-old girl who was born with a rare "parasitic twin" attached to her body has undergone a successful surgery to separate her from this underdeveloped twin.
The infant, named Dominique, was born with the lower half of her twin's body including legs and feet protruding from her upper back and neck, according to information released from Advocate Children's Hospital in Park Ridge, Illinois, the facility where the surgery was performed. To receive the medical care she needed, she traveled from her home in Ivory Coast, a country in West Africa, to the United States. During a 6-hour operation on March 8, a team at Advocate Children's Hospital successfully removed the parasitic twin without any complications. [Seeing Double: 8 Fascinating Facts About Twins]
"She's doing really well," Nancy Swabb, who provided foster care to Dominique while she was in the United States, said at a press conference today (March 21), which was broadcast on Facebook Live. Swabb also noted that Dominique appeared to be raising her hands slightly more than before her surgery, and weighs about 2 lbs. less.
In cases of parasitic twins, a baby is born largely intact, but that baby also contains the tissues of an underdeveloped twin (the "parasitic twin") who died during development in the womb. The tissues of the parasitic twin are dependent upon the body systems of the "host" twin, according to a 2010 review paper on parasitic twins.
"Dominique provided all the support for this partially formed twin," said Dr. John Ruge, a pediatric neurosurgeon at Advocate Children's Hospital who was part of Dominique's surgical team. Parasitic twins are very rare, occurring at the rate of about 1 in 1 million live births, according to the 2010 review.
The condition occurs when identical twins fail to separate, Ruge said. Exactly why this happens isn't known, but one hypothesis is that there is a restriction of blood supply in the womb during pregnancy, which causes the death and partial resorption of one of the twins, according to a 2008 paper on a different parasitic twin case.
Without surgery, Dominique was at high risk of paralysis from her condition because the parasitic twin's tissues were attached to her spine, which made Dominique vulnerable to pressure and pulling on her spinal cord, Ruge said. Dominique's condition was also risky because her heart and lungs had to do extra work to provide for two people, Ruge said, which could have shortened her life span.
Dominique will soon be reunited with her family in Africa, according to Advocate Children's Hospital.
Original article on Live Science.
Yves Meyer is known for his pivotal role in developing the wavelet theory, which is used to detect gravitational waves from two black holes merging (right).
A French mathematician known for his pioneering work on a theory used for applications ranging from image compression to the detection of gravitational waves from the merging of black holes has earned one of the world's top prizes in mathematics.
Yves Meyer, a professor emeritus in mathematics at the Ecole normale superieure Paris-Saclay in France, will receive the Abel Prize, the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters (which awards the prize) announced today (March 21) in Oslo. The prize, which comes with a cash award of 6 million Norwegian krone ($710,000), will be bestowed by King Harald V of Norway on May 23.
Meyer was honored largely "for his pivotal role in the development of the mathematical theory of wavelets," the academy said. His work on wavelets began in the mid-1980s. [The 11 Most Beautiful Mathematical Equations]
Wavelets are mathematical operations that look a bit like the spiky blips that appear on a seismograph or a heart-wave monitor. When the wavelets are mathematically combined with another unknown signal (ranging from sound to image signals), they can be used to extract information from the original signal. Wavelets, like their more famous cousins Fourier transforms, are widely used in signal processing, including in compressing certain formats of JPEG images.
Wavelets are particularly useful when the goal is to discard some extraneous information (such as low-frequency noise from the universe) while keeping the important signal (like the brief blip of gravitational waves from two black holes colliding). Wavelets also aid in detecting edges, because they easily pull out spots in data where a signal is changing rapidly, such as in the lines of a fingerprint.
Though others invented wavelets in the early 1980s, Meyer's work allowed scientists to create unique wavelet transforms that were ideally suited to specific signals.
Varied life and interests
Meyer was born in Tunisia in 1939, before emigrating to France and entering an undergraduate school there in 1957. After graduating, he became a math teacher at a small French military school. The job was not a good match for him.
"A good teacher at the high-school level needs to be much more methodic and organized than I was," Meyer said in an interview in the International Association of Mathematical Physics bulletin in 2011.
He also disliked the one-way, didactic approach to teaching students while they struggled to gain the knowledge and were frequently wrong, he said.
"Socrates makes very clear that he needs a discussion with his friends to discover the truth," Meyer said in the interview. "Truth is never given to him as a gift from God; truth needs to be elaborated through a collective work. My experience of teaching in a high school shaped my entire life. I understood that I was more happy to share than to possess."
After that frustrating experience, in 1963, he applied to a doctoral program in Strasbourg, France and, over the decades, hopped from school to school in France, never settling on a permanent home. His mathematical inquiries were equally peripatetic: He developed important theories in a wide range of fields, including number theory and the Navier-Stokes theorem, which describe the flow of viscous fluids.
"During my professional life, I obsessively tried to cross the frontiers," Meyer said in a statement from the Norwegian Academy of Sciences and Letters.
Originally published on Live Science.
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A woman who is known to target women who look like her stealing their wallets, then using the contents to make thousands of dollars worth of purchases and bank withdrawals has been spotted in the Bay Area, according to the San Mateo County Sheriffs Office.
Detectives with the Sheriffs Office are seeking the publics help as they work to identify the woman, who they say has committed similar crimes in multiple states.
To live the most fulfilling, economically comfortable and happy life in Texas, you're better off living in Laredo than Houston or Dallas, according to a new survey.
WalletHub recently released its ranking of the happiest places to live in 2017, and apparently life in the Laredo is better than some big cities. Laredo earned the No. 79 spot out of 150 cities surveyed, ahead of some big names like Kansas City and Atlanta. Among Texas cities, Laredo ranks 10th out of 16.
SCHODACK - A man allegedly driving intoxicated with a loaded handgun rear-ended a car on I-90, then fled early Monday morning, State Police said.
At about 3:34 a.m., Jason T. Daley, 21, of Fairlee crashed his pickup truck into the car as its driver was in the toll barrier picking up a Thruway ticket at Exit B1. Police found Daley in his truck nearby soon after, police said.
Police determined his blood alcohol level was 0.2 percent. Police also found a loaded Luger 9mm pistol, said Trooper David Howard.
Daley was charged with criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, aggravated driving while intoxicated, leaving the scene of a property damage accident and vehicle and traffic violations.
Daley was arraigned and jailed on $5,000 bail.
Schuylerville Robotics Team 4508 Steel Stallions, above and below, earned a wild card at the 2017 New York Tech Valley Regional held at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute March 16-18. The 15-student team will now go to St. Louis. The RPI regional included 36 teams from the U.S., Canada, India, and Turkey. The team will serve a fundraising spaghetti dinner from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, March 31, at the elementary school, with to-go meals starting at 4 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults, $5 for ages 6 to 13 and free for 5-year-olds and younger. All tickets will be sold at the door. A raffle will also be held at the dinner with prizes from many local merchants, gift baskets and more. Winners will be drawn that night. Anyone interested in providing donations can contact the sponsorship and marketing mentor, Joanne McDermott at (518) 253-9889 or by email at schuylervillerobotics.joanne@gmail.com The team also has set up a gofundme page at: https://www.gofundme.com/schuylerville-robotics-team-4508.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce honored Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX-28) Tuesday with the Spirit of Enterprise Award, given in recognition of his support for pro-growth policies in the second session of the 114th Congress.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has presented this award to Cuellar, who was born in Laredo, 11 times since he entered Congress in 2005.
1 Airline security: The U.S. government is temporarily barring passengers on nonstop U.S.-bound flights from eight Middle Eastern and North African countries from bringing laptops, iPads, cameras and some other electronics in carry-on luggage starting Tuesday. The ban was revealed Monday in statements from Royal Jordanian Airlines and the official news agency of Saudi Arabia. A U.S. official in Washington, D.C., said the ban will apply to nonstop flights to the U.S. from 10 airports in eight countries. The official did not name the airports or the countries. The official was not authorized to disclose the details ahead of a public announcement. Royal Jordanian said cell phones and medical devices were excluded from the ban. Everything else, the airline said, would need to be packed in checked luggage.
2 Menendez probe: The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendezs appeal of his corruption indictment, setting the stage for a federal trial in the fall. The justices let stand a lower-court ruling that refused to dismiss charges including conspiracy, bribery and fraud against the Democratic lawmaker. Menendez was indicted in 2015 after prosecutors said he took official action on behalf of a longtime friend who had given him gifts and campaign donations including flights aboard a luxury jet and a Paris vacation.
JENNA SCHOENEFELD/NYT
NEW YORK In President Trumps oft-changing world order, Roger Stone, the onetime political consultant and full-time provocateur, has been one of the few constants a loyalist and self-proclaimed dirty trickster who nurtured the dream of a presidential run by the developer-turned-television-star for 30 years.
But two months into the Trump presidency, Stone, known for his pinstripe suits, the Nixon tattoo spanning his shoulder blades, and decades of outlandish statements, is under investigation for what would be his dirtiest trick colluding with the Russians to defeat Hillary Clinton and put his friend in the White House.
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After ongoing complaints from residents, the City of Pearland will demand that the state immediately suspend the environmental permit for a Fort Bend County landfill.
People complaining about environmental permit violations and long-term odors traced to the Blue Ridge Landfill, which is just west of Pearland in Fresno, showed up in force at a March 21 city council meeting in which Shadow Creek Ranch resident Ed Meers asked the city to do its part to resolve the issue.
The landfill faces a fine of up to about $44,000 by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for violations in October and November.
"I'm not saying we need to (permanently) close the landfill. I'm just saying we need to suspend the permit because they've lost control of their operations over there," Meers, a member of the city-created West Pearland Air Quality Odor Task Force, told the council.
After hearing from residents and spending about an hour in executive session, the council voted unanimously to request that a resolution be drafted calling for suspension of the Blue Ridge permit. A first reading will be presented to the council next month, Assistant City Manager Jon Branson said.
On Feb. 7, the state commission issued a proposed order to the landfill, which is operated by Phoenix-based Republic Services, Inc., that would require the facility to pay a $43,712 fine and submit a plan for corrective action. The order resulted after a nuisance odor violation in October and a Jan. 3 violation for failure to comply with regulations for self-monitoring of surface emissions.
The fee can be reduced by $8,742 should the landfill comply with all of TCEQ's orders within 60 days of the proposed order. Those include changing how Blue Ridge monitors site operations, submitting a plan to prevent and respond to odors and providing proof the landfill has followed its plan.
TCEQ concluded the odor from the landfill does not cause any lasting adverse health effects.
In January 2006, Blue Ridge officials submitted an application to the state commission to allow the landfill to expand operations. The city successfully opposed the expansion and in 2009 a settlement agreement required the landfill to set up well monitoring stations and limited the height of the landfill and its hours of operation among other things.
West Pearland resident Kami Brady urged that the city more closely monitor whether the landfill was following the terms of the 2009 agreement.
She asked if city officials had verified that the landfill had set up the required number of well monitoring stations.
According to Branson, six ground-water monitoring stations have been established to date, which meets requirements of the settlement based on the size of the landfill.
Republic Services spokesman Russ Knocke said that over the past two years, the landfill has invested more than $5.6 million in site improvements, including installing 51 gas wells and upgrading 61 existing ones, installing tank covers within the site's liquids-management system, and adding 18 inches of soil cover.
"Together, these measures, along with an odor neutralizing system around the landfill perimeter, comprise a comprehensive odor control program," he wrote in an email.
"The Landfill exists in an industrial area with other potential odor sources," he wrote. "We are optimistic that the community will one-day soon appreciate the responsible approach taken by the Landfill team, and consider it an example for the other potential odor sources in the area."
In terms of the detection of contaminants, Branson said the city closely monitors commission reports related to water quality.
"The city is always concerned about its ground water," Branson said. "We are diligent about monitoring all the city's water sources and making sure it meets or exceeds TCEQ standards."
Water to Shadow Creek Ranch comes from a surface-water plant operated by the city of Houston, Branson said.
Detroit-based law firm Liddle & Dublin, PC filed a class action lawsuit Nov. 17 in the district court for the Southern District of Texas, Galveston Division, on behalf of eight residents living near the landfill.
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After almost two years on the real estate market, Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon in Old Town Spring officially has a new owner. The designated historical landmark was born in 1902 as a hotel and saloon. Years later, it was transformed into a restaurant, quickly becoming a community icon that attracted tourists into Old Town Spring to enjoy classic Southern fare and ghost tales of the "haunted" restaurant.
Wunsche Bros. met its untimely, fiery finish in March 2015, when a fire destroyed the mid-80's expansion and the original building received significant smoke damage.
MOST WANTED: This burned-down Texas home is the most sought-after property in America
The restaurant has sat quietly in Old Town Spring for almost two years, dilapidated and surrounded by a wire fence. In September 2015, the Houston Chronicle reported that the property was listed at $450,000 "cash only, as is."
The Villages Group Realtors' Cameron Collins, the agent who listed the property, said Wunsche Bros. - previously owned by the Laviage family - was purchased by the Kosh family, owners of Amerigo's Grille in The Woodlands. While whispers of this transaction appeared in February, the official closing of the property took place on Monday.
"The sale closed today for an undisclosed amount, with an extensive long-term vision to redo the cafe better than ever and restore it to all of its 1902 splendor," Collins said.
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With the purchase of Wunsche Bros., the understanding is that the restaurant will maintain its name, theme, exterior, menus and recipes. New co-owners Nancy, Casey and their daughter Tina are long-time Woodlands residents committed to the revival of Wunsche Bros.
Click through the gallery above to see other Houston-area restaurants' transformations from their former glory.
"We always felt it would be good to be part of the heritage of the area," Nancy said. "We frequented the restaurant for many years and we love the community."
Nancy confirmed that her family intends to keep the restaurant's "integrity and history" and very similar decor, all while remaining loyal to its founding era. The Kosh's will be working with the Texas Historical Commission during the renovation.
"We're going to stay true to what people are looking forward to, the history of it, and we have confidence in what we're doing," Nancy said. "We're so excited and really looking forward to it. We want to bring it back to its original glory, enhance Old Town Spring and liven that whole area as well."
HOUSTON GROWTH: Priciest homes in 5 prestigious Houston-area ZIP codes
As for the classic menu and recipes, Nancy said the food will also stay true to its roots, with some minor tweaking. She said Wunsche Bros. will incorporate a "Made in Texas" approach where the restaurant will include items from local and regional producers.
Additionally, Nancy hopes to put a larger emphasis on live music when Wunsche Bros. reopens. The Kosh family is tentatively aiming for Wunsche Bros. to reopen in spring 2018.
Following Monday's statement, Collins teased that another announcement about Old Town Spring will be made soon from The Villages Group Realtors following a meeting with the Spring Preservation League. While Collins would not reveal specifics, he said it will concern "the rebirth of Old Town Spring."
Spring Preservation League Vice President Clarence Williams did not choose to comment at this time about the future of Old Town Spring, but he did express confidence in the Kosh family.
GIVING BACK: The Woodlands restaurant plans to give percent of opening-day proceeds to preemies
"Old Town Spring is looking forward Wunsche Bros. being open," Williams said. "We're comfortable with the new owners; they're good people and a good representation of our community. We believe in them and we hope the reopening will reenergize the community."
Wunsche Bros. Cafe & Saloon is located at 103 Midway Street in Old Town Spring.
Berkeley police recovered a cache of weapons, ammunition, drugs, and materials used to make fake credit cards while investigating a car break-in on Sunday morning, officials said.
The operation started around 5:25 a.m. as police responded to reports of a possible auto burglary in progress at Durant and Telegraph avenues, officials said.
When officers got to the intersection, they approached three people in a parked BMW. One of the passengers turned out to be 35-year-old Oakland resident Steven Manning, who had $50,000 in outstanding arrest warrants, police said.
Police said Manning was in possession of $2,000 cash and what they suspect is heroin.
The front passenger in the car, 32-year-old Oakland resident Meredith Rains, also had a warrant for her arrest, police said. When officers pulled her out of the car, they said they found methamphetamine on the floor.
The person in the backseat of the car was later identified as 46-year-old Rakim Washington of Berkeley. Police said he initially gave them a fake name.
Police searched the car and found a digital scale with suspected methamphetamine and marijuana residue on it.
All three suspects were booked in jail in Berkeley.
Officials later secured a search warrant for Mannings home where they said they recovered more than 1,000 pills consisting of five different drugs, packaging materials for drugs, narcotics scales, a loaded AR-15 assault pistol without a serial number, ammunition, a credit card embossing machine, a card reader and card stock.
Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
South Texas law enforcement arrested more than a dozen people last week during a raid on a suspected illegal gambling operation where authorities also seized 123 gambling machines and $38,000.
The Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office carried out a search warrant Thursday on a building in the 800 block of S. 23rd St. in McAllen, arresting 15 people on a number of charges, including promotion of a gambling place and engaging in organized criminal activity.
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1 Brexit date: Britain will begin divorce proceedings from the European Union on March 29, starting the clock on two years of intense political and economic negotiations that will fundamentally change both the nation and its European neighbors. Britains ambassador to the EU, Tim Barrow, informed European Council President Donald Tusk of the exact start date on Monday. Britons voted in a June referendum to leave the EU after more than 40 years of membership.
2 Papal apology: Pope Francis on Monday begged forgiveness for the sins and failings of the church and its members during Rwandas 1994 genocide, and told Rwandas president that he hoped his apology would help the country heal. In an extraordinary statement after Francis meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the Vatican acknowledged that the church itself bore blame, as well as some Catholic priests and nuns who succumbed to hatred and violence, betraying their own evangelical mission by participating in the genocide. During the 100-day genocide, more than 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists. Many of the victims died at the hands of priests, clergymen and nuns, according to some accounts by survivors, and the Rwandan government says many died in the churches where they had sought refuge.
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By Chris Boyle Published: March 20 2017
New York State Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Hollis) and State Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) have proposed legislation Senate Bill 4561 that is known colloquially as the "Right to be Forgotten Act." What the bill ...
New York State Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Hollis) and State Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) have proposed legislation Senate Bill 4561 that is known colloquially as the "Right to be Forgotten Act." What the bill entails, is the right of an individual, upon request, to compel websites and search engines to expunge allegedly false or libelous information.
Albany, NY - March 21, 2017 - The Internet can be an amazing source of information and communication, but in the wrong hands, it can also be a vast source of misinformation and injury as well. False information about an individual or group, when unchecked, can spread like digital wildfire, and two lawmakers have recently announced their intent to do something about italthough some fear they may be going a bit too far in the process.
New York State Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Hollis) and State Senator Tony Avella (D-Queens) have proposed legislation Senate Bill 4561 that is known colloquially as the "Right to be Forgotten Act." What the bill entails, is the right of an individual, upon request, to compel websites and search engines to expunge allegedly false or libelous information.
While the bill certainly has its merits in that regard the Internet in recent years has become the equivalent of a playground at recess where anyone can talk trash about without any apparent regard or repercussions some are taking Weprin and Avella to task for how the Right to be Forgotten Act is worded; some of the descriptive terms used to denote material deemed to fall under the bills scope are inaccurate, irrelevant, inadequate or excessive statements about others, which could fall into a very grey area in regards to the constitutional right of free speech.
According to the Washington Post, Senate Bill 4561 would work as follows:
Within 30 days of a request from an individual,
all search engines and online speakers] shall remove content about such individual, and links or indexes to any of the same, that is inaccurate, irrelevant, inadequate or excessive,
and without replacing such removed content with any disclaimer [or] takedown notice.
[I]naccurate, irrelevant, inadequate, or excessive shall mean content,
which after a significant lapse in time from its first publication,
is no longer material to current public debate or discourse,
especially when considered in light of the financial, reputational and/or demonstrable other harm that the information is causing to the requesters professional, financial, reputational or other interest,
with the exception of content related to convicted felonies, legal matters relating to violence, or a matter that is of significant current public interest, and as to which the requesters role with regard to the matter is central and substantial.
Non-compliance with a request issued in accordance with the Right to be Forgotten Act, if passed by House and Senate vote, could potentially be huge; $250 per day that the offending information remains on-line after a 30-day grace period in addition to any applicable attorney fees. If a search engine or 'speaker of information' drags their feet for over a month or more, it can literally cost them thousands of dollars before they know it.
As for the reasoning behind the introduction of this particular bill, Weprin and Avella noted that the labyrinthine and quite permanent nature of the internet has forced the court system to play a never-ending game of catch-up.
Currently, the statue of limitations provides that a person may sue within one year of being defamed by a publisher, the bill says. While this was sufficient when publishing was limited to television and news print, todays online publications can resurface in perpetuity in search engines.
Were looking to deal with situations regarding average people who are not public figures, and theres information out there that's damaging to their reputation, Weprin himself was quoted as saying in a recent report.
While some applaud the spirit behind the proposed bill and the ability it would give those unjustly or unfairly slandered to more easily right the wrongs done to them, others are decrying its alleged Orwellian elements and are calling it an attempt to infringe upon the free and open exchange of ideas that the internet is known for.
According to Washington Post legal expert Eugene Volokh, the Right to Be Forgotten Act contains very indistinct verbiage that would give the government immense leeway when determining if an offending body of text on the internet is no longer material to current public debate or discourse, claiming that even copies of books and online encyclopedias would be subject to the decisions of a judge and jury enforcing the Act, even if said material had legitimate historical value.
But the deeper problem with the bill is simply that it aims to censor what people say, under a broad, vague test based on what the government thinks the public should or shouldnt be discussing. It is clearly unconstitutional under current First Amendment law, and I hope First Amendment law will stay that way, Volokh said. This is not about libel or slander, for which there are already avenues of legal redress should someone falsely malign another. This is about a much, much broader subject: the ability to speak freely, all the way from news reports to reviews and non-fiction essays. And, not surprisingly, it is a particularly powerful weapon for the politicians and the bureaucrats they appoint.
However, as previously stated above, a prominent exception to proposed powers of the Act would be that crimes proven in a court of law would b granted immunity from removal; in other words, for example, a convicted felon would not be able to demand that a online newspaper remove an article that mentions them within a context of a crime they have committed.
It should be noted that those who feel they have been maligned via text on the internet do indeed have legal avenues available to them separate from those promised by the Right to Be Forgotten Act currently in its first draft, and still a ways off from any kind of a vote should it eventually pass in the House and Senate. And over time, the wording of the bill will no doubt evolve as Assemblyman Weprin and Senator Avella take into consideration the voices of their constituents on the matter.
That being said, how do you feel about this issue? Do you feel that the laws currently in place governing speech on the internet which, if misused, can cause very real damage to lives and reputations are fair and effective, or do they need to be tightened? And if so, how far can things go before the concept of free speech is conflicted with?
Local News, Crime, Business & Finance
By Long Island News & PR Published: March 21 2017
Hacking Drives Data Breaches Up By 60%, Exposing Info Of 1.6 Million New Yorkers, Schneiderman notes
Schneiderman: Its On Businesses And Citizens Alike To Protect Against Dangerous Data Exposures That Undermine NY'ers Financial Health And Cost Billions
Albany, NY - March 21, 2017 - Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman today announced that his office received a record number of data breach notices in 2016. The close to 1,300 reported data breaches in 2016 represented a 60 percent increase over the previous year; these breaches exposed the personal records of 1.6 million New Yorkers in 2016, representing a threefold increase over the prior year. Analysis conducted by the Attorney General's office revealed that the exposed information consisted overwhelmingly of social security numbers and financial account information and surmised that hacking and inadvertent disclosure were the two leading causes of data security breaches.
In 2016, New Yorkers were the victims of one of the highest data exposure rates in our states history, said Attorney General Schneiderman. The total annual number of reported security breaches increased by 60% and the number of exposed personal records tripled. Hacking is increasingly prevalent making it all the more important for companies and citizens alike to take precaution when sharing and storing personal data. Its on all of us to guard against those who try to use our personal information for harm as these breaches too often jeopardize the financial health of New Yorkers and cost the public and private sectors billions of dollars.
The Attorney Generals office first began collecting information regarding exposure of personal data in 2005, after 899-aa was added to New York State Business Law requiring businesses to report all security breaches of their computerized data systems containing private consumer information to the OAG in a timely manner. The research included today builds on the NYAGs 2014 report titled "Information Exposed: Historical Examination of Data Security in New York State, which analyzed eight years of security breach data and how it impacted New Yorkers.
Hacking & Negligence Continue as Main Causes of Data Breaches
In 2016, hacking accounted for more than 40% of data security breaches. 519 notices reported unauthorized outside access of computerized data (see Figures 1 and 2). In the OAGs 2014 report, hacking similarly represented the leading cause of all data breaches from 2006 to 2013. This past year however, employee negligence, which consists of a combination of inadvertent exposure of records, insider wrongdoing, and the loss of a device or media, nearly tied hacking by accounting for approximately 37% of breaches.
Figure 1: Data Security Breach Cause (Chart)
Photo Credit: NYS Attorney General's Office
Figure 2: Data Security Breach Cause (Table)
Photo Credit: NYS Attorney General's Office
Social Security and Financial Information as Primary Targets
The most frequently acquired information in 2016 was Social Security numbers and financial account information, which together accounted for 81% of breaches in New York. Other records such as drivers license numbers (8%), date of birth (7%) and password/account information (2%) (see Figure 4) together accounted for 1,284,037 of exposed personal records in 2016.
Figure 3: Type of Information Acquired (Chart)
Photo Credit: NYS Attorney General's Office
Figure 4: Type of Information Acquired (Table)
Photo Credit: NYS Attorney General's Office
Mega-Breaches in 2016
While 2016 saw a 59% increase in the total number of reported breaches, only two mega-breaches figured among them. Comparatively, 28 mega-breaches were reported to the OAG between 2006 and 2013. On October 12, 2016, Newkirk Products, Inc., a business associate of Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Inc., CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc., and Capital District Physicians Healthcare Network, Inc., reported exposing the personal health information of 761,782 New Yorkers. The next largest breach, reported on January 13, 2016, was at HSBC bank. It exposed the financial, personal, and social security information of 251,201 New Yorkers. Additionally, breaches at Eddie Bauer and Emblem Health reportedly affected 60,205 and 55,664 New Yorkers in August and November, respectively. These breaches, not surprisingly, had a substantial impact on the total number of New York residents affected during those months (See Figure 5). The number of New Yorkers affected steadily declined in the months that followed.
Figure 5: Total Affected and Total NY Residents Affected by 2016 Reported Breaches (Table)
Photo Credit: NYS Attorney General's Office
Figure 6: Total NY Residents by 2016 Reported Breaches (Graph)
Photo Credit: NYS Attorney General's Office
Average Delays in Notification Remain Constant Throughout 2016
As part of New York General Business Law Section 899-aa, entities that experience a breach must notify the OAG, among other entities, and the individuals immediately affected, without unreasonable delay. Entities that suffered a breach exhibited the greatest delay in notification in March. While the difference in shortest and longest amount of time for entities to notify the OAG and consumers is extreme, between one day and several months, the average delays decreased throughout the year.
All Organizations are at Risk
No organization is exempt from the risk of a data breach. Data exposure can occur at small family businesses, government agencies, and large multinational corporations.
The Attorney Generals Office recommends that organizations follow these simple steps to help protect sensitive personal information against unauthorized disclosures.
Understand Where Your Business Stands: The first step toward an effective data security policy is to understand what information your business requires for its operation, what data have already been collected and stored, how long the data are needed and what steps have been taken to ensure security. Organizations should review how sensitive data are acquired, how sensitive information is being shared with third parties, and what access controls are in place.
Identify and Minimize Data Collection Practices: Put simply, data that do not exist cannot be stolen or lost. Collect only information that you need, store it only for the minimum time that you need it, and deploy data minimization tactics wherever possible. For example, if your company uses a point-of-sale system, ensure that expiration dates are not stored with credit card numbers. Reduce the use of highly sensitive data points, such as Social Security numbers, unless absolutely necessary, and minimize the length of retention for such data. Delete any information you no longer need.
Create an Information Security Plan That Includes Encryption: Creating a comprehensive Information Security Plan is a complex but necessary endeavor. Studies show that entities with an effective plan will articulate not only technical standards, but will incorporate training, awareness, and detailed procedural steps in the event of data breaches. Read more about what a comprehensive security plan should include in the report.
Implement an Information Security Plan: Successful implementation of a thoughtfully designed plan can be one of the most effective ways to minimize the risk of a data breach. Elements to consider when implementing a plan include ensuring employees are aware of the plan and conducting regular reviews to ensure the plan continues to conform with evolving best practices.
Take Immediate Action in the Event of a Breach: Remember to investigate all security incidents immediately and thoroughly. In the event of a breach, the law may require you to notify consumers, law enforcement, state Attorney Generals offices, credit bureaus and other businesses.
Offer Mitigation Products in the Event of a Breach: While not required by law, New Yorkers affected by a data breach should be provided with mitigation services for free. These include credit monitoring, which provides alerts, usually by email, whenever an application for new credit is submitted to a consumer credit reporting agency, and a security freeze, which blocks new credit accounts. The cost of clearing up the consequences of identity theft can easily reach into the thousands of dollars and require hundreds of hours attending to administrative burdens.
The Attorney Generals Office suggests that consumers guard against threats in the following ways:
Create Strong Passwords for Online Accounts and Update Them Frequently. Use different passwords for different accounts, especially for websites where you have disseminated sensitive information, such as credit card or Social Security numbers.
Carefully Monitor Credit Card and Debit Card Statements Each Month. If you find any abnormal transactions, contact your bank or credit card agency immediately.
Do Not Write Down or Store Passwords Electronically. If you do, be extremely careful of where you store passwords. Be aware that any passwords stored electronically (such as in a word processing document or cell phones notepad) can be easily stolen and provide fraudsters with one-stop shopping for all your sensitive information. If you hand-write passwords, do not store them in plain sight.
Do Not Post Any Sensitive Information on Social Media. Information such as birthdays, addresses, and phone numbers can be used by fraudsters to authenticate account information. Practice data minimization techniques. Dont overshare.
Always Be Aware of the Current Threat Landscape. Stay up to date on media reports of data security breaches and consumer advisories.
The Attorney Generals Office recommends taking the following steps if you believe you have been victimized by a data security breach:
User Names and Passwords: For user names and passwords, change them immediately on the relevant account and monitor the account for unusual activity. If you use the same user name or password on other accounts, change those as well.
Credit Card Numbers: For breaches involving credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and other sensitive numbers, create an Identity Theft Report by filing a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and printing your Identity Theft Affidavit. You can call the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at 1-877-438-4338 or complete the form online here . Use the Identity Theft Affidavit to file a police report and create your Identity Theft Report. An Identity Theft Report will help you deal with credit reporting companies, debt collectors and any fraudulent accounts that the identity thief opened in your name. You may also want to put a fraud alert and/or security freeze on your credit report by notifying each of the credit reporting agencies (Equifax, TransUnion and Experian). A security freeze remains on your credit file until you remove it or choose to lift it temporarily when applying for credit services.
Contact information for the credit reporting agencies:
Equifax 1-800-525-6285
Experian 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion 1-800-680-7289
Local News, Community, Charity & Cause
By Long Island News & PR Published: March 21 2017
All welcome to attend a local RECRUITNY OPEN-HOUSE WEEKEND April 29 & 30 - As of March 21, more than 200 fire departments have committed to participate
New York, NY - March 21, 2017 - More than 200 fire departments across New York State have already signed up for the seventh annual RecruitNY weekend, a major initiative of the Firemens Association of the State of New York (FASNY). On April 29-30, firehouses across the State will open their doors to the public in an effort to increase membership in the volunteer fire service.
Members of the public are invited to visit their local firehouses, where volunteer firefighters will be conducting tours of their facilities, demonstrating firefighting techniques, and allowing visitors to try on turnout gear. These activities, and more, will give visitors a taste of what it means to be in the fire service, and volunteer firefighters will be on hand to discuss the requirements and rewards of joining. All are welcome and encouraged to attend, including families with children.
Joining the volunteer fire service has been the most rewarding experience of my life, and I do not believe I am alone in saying that, said FASNY President Ken Pienkowski. Hundreds of volunteer fire departments across New York will be participating in RecruitNY, and we invite all New Yorkers to visit with their local firehouses. Visitors may be surprised to find their very own neighbors and friends already serving in the fire department, and just may be inspired to join them in protecting the community.
The volunteer fire service is an integral part of both life and the economy in New York State. In 2016, FASNY released an economic impact report, which quantifies the value of the volunteer fire service and its associated tax savings throughout the state. The report concluded that the annual cost of a replacement, all-paid fire service would be $3.87 billion. Furthermore, property taxes in New York State would rise by an estimated average of 26.5%. These figures do not factor in the costs of acquiring the necessary facilities and equipment needed to accommodate a paid fire service. The volunteer fire service, and efforts like RecruitNY, make the State not only safer, but also more affordable.
Established in 2011, RecruitNY is a joint undertaking by the Firemens Association of the State of New York (FASNY), the New York State Association of Fire Chiefs (NYSAFC), Association of Fire Districts of New York State, Volunteer Fire Police Association of the State of New York, and County Fire Coordinators Association of the State of New York.
For area residents looking to find if your fire department is participating in RecruitNY, visit http://www.recruitny. org/participation-area/ or for more information, contact your local fire department via a non-emergency phone number or its website or visit www.recruitny.org.
For fire departments that would like to sign up for RecruitNY, simply log on to www.recruitny.org/signup and fill out the participation form. The program provides fire departments with access to recruitment resources, communication tools, posters, banners, and more. Visit http://recruitny.org/ resources.php to help plan a RecruitNY event.
Local News, Politics
By Long Island News & PR Published: March 21 2017
Cuomo announces multiple new appointees to NYS government, described as "committed to implementing his bold agenda."
Albany, NY - March 21, 2017 - Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the following appointments to his administration, adding to a team committed to implementing his bold agenda.
"From fighting to achieve social and economic justice, to creating stronger communities in every corner of this state, our administration has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of all New Yorkers," Governor Cuomo said. "By bringing in new ideas and new talent, these additions will build on the extraordinary success we have made over the past six years. These men and women are highly respected in their fields and embody the values of public service necessary to continue moving this state forward. I look forward to working with them to create a stronger, fairer and more prosperous New York for all."
Carolyn Pokorny has been appointed Chief Special Counsel for Ethics, Risk and Compliance. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Counselor to U.S. Attorney General Loretta E. Lynch. Prior, she spent nearly fifteen years with the U.S. Attorneys Office in Brooklyn, where she held a number of leadership positions, including Deputy Chief of the Criminal Division. She received the U.S. Attorney Generals Award for Distinguished Service, and the Federal Prosecutor of the Year award from the Federal Law Enforcement Foundation. Ms. Pokorny began her career as a prosecutor in the Bronx District Attorneys Office and then clerked for federal judge Arthur D. Spatt on Long Island. She has a B.A. from New York University, and a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School.
Christopher OBrien has been appointed Director of Special Projects. Previously, Mr. OBrien worked at Xerox Legal and Compliance Solutions for more than ten years, most recently as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Prior, he worked in public service as Deputy Commissioner and General Counsel of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Before that, he served as Senior Assistant Counsel to Governor George E. Pataki. Mr. OBrien received his J.D. from Albany Law School and a B.A. from Hobart College.
Sarah Bittleman has been appointed Deputy Director of Special Projects. Previously, she has worked in the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Departments of the Interior and Agriculture, as well as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. She comes to the Chamber most recently after serving as a Legislative and Policy Director for U.S. Senator Ron Wyden and the U.S. Senate Finance Committee. She holds a J.D. from Tulane University, an M.P.A. from East Carolina University and a B.A. from Union College.
Molly D. Dillon has been appointed Senior Policy Advisor. Prior to joining the Governors Office, she served in the Obama White House as a Policy Advisor for Urban Affairs, Justice and Opportunity on the Domestic Policy Council. At the White House, her work included a number of civil rights policy issues and their intersections, including womens equality, child welfare, LGBTQ rights, labor, criminal justice, disability rights, homelessness, economic mobility and big data. Ms. Dillon holds an M.P.P. from Georgetown Universitys McCourt School of Public Policy and a B.A. from Johns Hopkins University.
Valery Galasso has been appointed Senior Policy Advisor. Most recently, she was Special Advisor for Cabinet Nominations in the Office of the Chief Counsel for the Clinton-Kaine Transition Team. Ms. Galasso has served multiple roles in federal government, including Policy Advisor at the Federal Communications Commission, where she was responsible for policy development involving a wide range of telecommunications issues. Prior to that, Ms. Galasso was a Special Assistant for Legislative Affairs in the White House for Vice President Joseph R. Biden, and a Congressional Liaison for the U.S. Department of Commerce. She holds an M.A. in Public Policy from Johns Hopkins University and a B.A. from the University of Connecticut.
Patrick Oakford has been appointed Senior Policy Advisor. Most recently, Mr. Oakford was a Policy Advisor at the United States Department of Labor in Washington, D.C., where he advised Secretary Perez and helped execute the Departments regulatory agenda. Prior, he conducted research on the economic impacts of immigration as a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for American Progress. Mr. Oakford received a M.Sc. from the University of Oxford, where he graduated with distinction, and a B.S. from Cornell University.
Mike Perrin has been appointed Deputy Director of State Operations. Mr. Perrin most recently served as Executive Deputy Commissioner of the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. He came to the Cuomo administration as part of the New York Works initiative, where he played a key role in administering major capital projects across three state agencies. He then served as Deputy Commissioner for Administration and Finance at the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services overseeing all agency budget functions, federal homeland security grant programs and financial aspects of Federal Emergency Management Administration funding aimed at recovery from Superstorm Sandy. Prior to rejoining state government, Mr. Perrin served in the Office of the County Executive of Albany County for 15 years. Mr. Perrin holds a B.A. from SUNY Oswego.
Kate Dineen has been appointed Chief of Staff to the Director of State Operations. Ms. Dineen most recently served as the Assistant Secretary for the Environment, and previously as the Deputy Executive Director of the Governors Office of Storm Recovery. Before joining state government, she was U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrands Policy Director, covering environmental, energy, and economic development issues. She also worked for the Australian federal government evaluating the worlds first national scheme to regulate the creation and trade of carbon credits. Ms. Dineen holds a Masters in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She graduated cum laude from Williams College with a B.A. in English.
Annabel Walsh has been appointed Director of Scheduling for Governor Cuomo. Previously, Ms. Walsh served as the Assistant Director of Scheduling, where she was responsible for coordinating many aspects of the Governors daily schedule. In 2013, Ms. Walsh joined the Cuomo Administration as an Operations Associate and Executive Assistant where she was responsible for organizing gubernatorial events. In those roles, Ms. Walsh also provided administrative support for the Senior Policy Advisor to the Governor and the Downstate Director of Intergovernmental Affairs. Ms. Walsh holds a B.A. from New York University.
Joel Wertheimer has been appointed Staff Secretary for Governor Cuomo. Most recently, he served as an Associate Staff Secretary at the Obama White House where he was responsible for coordinating and reviewing briefing materials sent to the President. Prior, Mr. Wertheimer worked in private practice as an Associate at Winston & Strawn LLP, before which, he clerked for the Honorable Lorna G. Schofield, U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. He received his J.D. from New York University School of Law and a B.A. from Tufts University.
Jen Darley has been appointed Assistant Director of Executive Operations. Most recently, she was the National Advance Lead at the Hillary for America Campaign where she traveled across the country advancing visits for Secretary Clinton and Senator Tim Kaine. Prior, she worked at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, where she held roles as the Vice President of Operations and the Vice President of Visitor Services. Ms. Darley also served as an event management consultant for the 2016 Democratic National Convention Host Committee. She received a B.A. in Psychology and a B.S. in Business Administration from the University of Delaware.
Jon Weinstein has been appointed Deputy Communications Director for Transportation. Previously, Mr. Weinstein was a Vice President at Mercury Public Affairs where he developed and executed both short- and long-term communications strategies for clients in the public and private sectors. Prior to that, Mr. Weinstein worked as a reporter and anchor with NY1 for more than seven years, covering a range of topics including politics, transportation, community news, real estate, and sports. He also worked as a field producer at News 12 The Bronx/Brooklyn. Mr. Weinstein holds a B.S. from Cornell University and an M.S.J. from Northwestern Universitys Medill School of Journalism.
Elizabeth Bibi has been appointed Deputy Director of Media Relations. Ms. Bibi most recently served as National Press Advance Desk for Senator Tim Kaine with the Hillary for America campaign, overseeing media logistics for all of Senator Kaine's interviews and events. Previously, she served on the Government Relations team at Scholastic Inc., and as Senior Media Relations Associate at the Bill, Hillary, and Chelsea Clinton Foundation. She holds a B.A. from Barnard College.
Andrew Tillman has been appointed Speechwriter for Governor Cuomo. Most recently, he worked in the Obama White House as a Senior Research Associate and speechwriter, writing speeches for White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. Prior, he was an Associate Fellow at the Institute of the Americas, University College London, where he co-led a group of scholars for a major research project on United States-Latin American relations. Mr. Tillman holds a Ph.D. from the University of Cambridge, an M.A. from the Fletcher School at Tufts University, and a B.A. from Wake Forest University.
Tim Fullerton has been appointed Director of Digital Communications. Mr. Fullerton most recently served as the Director of National Digital Campaigns at Everytown for Gun Safety. Prior, he was the Director of Digital Strategy for the U.S. Department of the Interior where he served as a spokesperson for the department and executed its first digital strategic plan to broaden awareness and engagement with the public. Mr. Fullerton has held digital roles at a number of organizations, including the Alliance for Climate Protection, Oxfam America, and Electric Drive Transportation Association. He also served as the State and Regional E-Mail Manager for Obama for America in 2008. Mr. Fullerton holds a B.A. from Dickinson College.
Diana Bowen has been appointed Video Producer. Most recently, Ms. Bowen worked on the Hillary for America campaign as the state Filmmaker in Pennsylvania. Prior to that, she was a Video Producer at a strategic media firm. She was also a Video Producer and Photographer at the National Park Service. Ms. Bowen holds a B.A. in Multimedia Journalism from American University.
Joseph Rabito has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Intergovernmental Affairs, after serving as Deputy Director of State Operations for Programs. In his new role he will focus primarily on upstate intergovernmental relations. In February 2011, Governor Cuomo appointed Mr. Rabito as Executive Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Office of General Services. Before joining OGS, Mr. Rabito held the titles of Deputy Commissioner at New York State Homes and Community Renewal and President of the New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation. Prior to his appointment at HCR, Mr. Rabito served as Commissioner of Development & Planning for the City of Albany, and in the federal government for then Secretary Andrew Cuomo at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Rochelle Kelly-Apson has been appointed Director of Downstate Intergovernmental Affairs for Governor Cuomo. She most recently served as Deputy Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Office of the New York State Attorney General, after serving as a Community Outreach Liaison. Mrs. Kelly-Apson also served as a Rank-and-File Organizer for the New York Hotel Trades Council where she helped develop the organizations campaign, and as a Union Delegate for the Roosevelt Hotel in New York. She has over 13 years of experience organizing advocacy yand political campaigns in New York State.
Brendan Hughes has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Economic Development. Mr. Hughes previously served as Deputy Commissioner at Empire State Development where he was responsible for oversight of Governor Cuomos Regional Economic Development Councils as well as several other programs, including the $1.5 billion Upstate Revitalization Initiative and $100 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative. Prior to joining Empire State Development, Mr. Hughes managed economic development initiatives in the clean energy sector for the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. Mr. Hughes received a B.A. in Political Science from Siena College.
Kerri Neifeld has been appointed Assistant Secretary for Human Services. Ms. Neifeld previously served as Assistant Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance where she managed the newly-created Division of Shelter Oversight and Compliance. Before that, she worked as Special Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner at OTDA while serving as a member of Governor Cuomos inaugural class of Excelsior Service Fellows. Prior to the Excelsior Service Fellowship Program, Ms. Neifeld was a Fellow on Women & Public Policy at Rockefeller Colleges Center for Women in Government & Civil Society. Ms. Neifeld has worked as a Project Manager at the Mental Health Association of Columbia-Greene Counties, a Child Protective Services Caseworker at the Albany County Department of Child and Family Services and a Youth Care Worker at WAIT House Homeless Youth Shelter. Ms. Neifeld holds a B.A. from Elmira College and an M.S.W. from the University at Albany School of Social Welfare.
Rob Gibbon has been appointed Assistant Counsel to the Governor for Transportation. Previously, he served as a Senior Counsel in Majority Counsels Office in the New York State Senate. During his time there, he acted as Home Rule and FOIL counsel to the conference and served as counsel to the local government committee; banks committee; housing, construction and community development committee; cities committee; and racing, wagering and gaming committee. Before working for the Senate, he was Assistant Counsel to the New York State Association of Counties. He received his J.D. from Albany Law School and a B.S. in Business Administration magna cum laude from SUNY Albany.
Penny Lowy has been appointed Appointments Secretary. She most recently served as the Head of Resourcing and the Graduate Program at ICAP NA (Broker and FinTech Company), where she built a recruiting function and designed a series of global development programs and Human Resources processes and policies. Prior, she was the Recruiting Manager and Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Citibank. Before that, Ms. Lowy served as the Vice President of Global Talent Acquisition for Learning and Development at MasterCard Worldwide, and prior, she was a Human Resource Consultant at GE Capital Structured Finance Group. She holds a B.A. from Stony Brook University.
John Ceretto has been appointed Project Coordinator at the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation after serving in the New York State Assembly since 2011. Before serving as an Assemblyman, Mr. Ceretto worked at the State Parks Departments Niagara Gorge Discovery Center for nearly ten years, in the facilitys Education Programs Office of Historical Archives. Mr. Ceretto also worked for nearly 20 years at the Prestolite/Tulip Corporation. During part of his time there, he was a U.A.W. President for nine years. Before that, he was a teacher at Niagara Falls & Niagara Wheatfield School Districts. He has also served as a Councilman for the Town of Lewistown and as a Niagara County Legislator. Mr. Ceretto holds an M.S. in Education from Niagara University.
Brendan Fitzgerald has been appointed First Deputy Secretary of State at the New York Department of State. Previously, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Deputy Secretary for General Government and Financial Services in the Executive Chamber. Prior to that, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Assistant Secretary for Financial Services, Assistant Secretary for Technology, Operations and Gaming and Special Assistant for Public Finance and Local Government. For nearly seven years, Mr. Fitzgerald served as Principal Legislative Analyst for the New York State Assembly. Mr. Fitzgerald holds a B.A. in English and Philosophy from Siena College.
Michael Volforte has been appointed Director of the Governors Office of Employee Relations. As Director, he oversees the Executive branchs relationship with the public sector unions that represent New York State employees. Mr. Volforte has worked in public service at the Governors Office of Employee Relations for over 20 years. He has served in various roles at GOER, including Associate Director, Deputy Counsel and Assistant Counsel. He received a J.D. from Albany Law School and a B.A. from St. Lawrence University.
Sarah Coleman has been appointed Deputy Chair and Counsel for the New York State Public Employment Relations Board. Previously, Ms. Coleman served as Senior Counsel for the National Labor Relations Board where she worked as part of a team to prepare cases for decision by the Board. Prior to that, she worked at the Mississippi Youth Justice Project and Green Advocates. She also served as a Development Project Manager for Wiley-Blackwell Publishing and as a Junior Underwriter for Merrimack Mortgage Company. Ms. Coleman holds a J.D. from Columbia University School of Law and a B.A. from Boston University.
Jeffrey Pearlman has been appointed Acting Director of the Authorities Budget Office. Previously, Mr. Pearlman served as Chief of Staff and Counsel for Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul. Mr. Pearlman has also served as Chief of Staff for Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and the State Senate Democratic Conference. Before working for the Senate, he worked of-counsel in the Government and Litigation practices of Greenberg Traurig LLP, an international, multi-practice law firm. Prior to that, he held numerous positions in state government, including in the New York State Executive Chamber as Assistant Counsel to former Governor David A. Paterson, Counsel to the New York State Lieutenant Governor, and several capacities in the New York State Senate and Assembly. Mr. Pearlman holds a J.D. from Albany Law School and a B.A. from SUNY New Paltz.
Tech & Science, Politics
By Long Island News & PR Published: March 21 2017
Bipartisan legislation will increase transparency in TSAs acquisition process, help ensure that businesses big and small can produce technology to meet TSAs needs
Washington, DC - March 21, 2017 - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed H.R. 1353, the Transparency in Technological Acquisitions Act of 2017, legislation introduced by Representative Kathleen Rice, a member of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the former Ranking Member of the Transportation Security Subcommittee. Under the Transportation Security Acquisition Reform Act, which was signed into law in 2014, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required to develop a five-year technology investment plan. That requirement was designed, in part, to allow security technology manufacturers to align their resources and planning to meet TSAs needs. When TSA released its first five-year plan in August 2015, industry stakeholders could look at the plan and invest their resources into development of the technology that TSA planned to acquire. But when the Obama administration released its budget request for that same year, stakeholders found that TSA had shifted direction and was no longer following the acquisition schedule laid out in the five-year investment plan. That lost investment of time and resources hurts all technology manufacturers, but it can completely destroy small businesses and discourage small business owners from working with the federal government.
H.R. 1353 will help address those concerns by requiring TSA to report to Congress on the status of the five-year investment plan annually, instead of biannually, and by requiring TSA to promptly notify Congress and all relevant stakeholders of any changes or updates made to the plan.
This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will help ensure that businesses big and small have the certainty they need to continue developing the technology that we rely on to keep us safe, said Representative Kathleen Rice. Establishing this level of ongoing engagement and collaboration between TSA and manufacturers will help encourage more technological innovation, which is one of the most effective tools we can use to confront the new and evolving threats facing our aviation industry. I thank all of my colleagues in the House for giving this bill such broad bipartisan support, and Ill keep working to get it passed in the Senate and signed into law.
School & Education, Local News
By Long Island News & PR Published: March 21 2017
Mayor de Blasio decrees that ICE will not be allowed into NYC public schools unless required by law.
New York, NY - March 21, 2017 - Today the Department of Education, Mayor de Blasio and Speaker Mark-Viverito announced that ICE (Immigration & Customs Enforcement) will not be allowed into New York City public schools unless absolutely required by law.
The City will offer immigrant right workshops to students and their families in certain schools across the city and will continue to keep students immigration status confidential. Students and parents will receive more information from their schools this week.
The recent nation-wide ramp-up in immigration enforcement has left many immigrant parents scared to carry out daily tasks like taking their children to school.
All children, regardless of immigration status, have the right to an education, and now families in NYC can feel even more comfortable entering school buildings and interacting with school staff.
Rocio Espada, member of Make the Road New York and Brooklyn resident, explained:
"Our City's schools must be a safe space for all children to learn, and, for immigrant parents like me, this new guidance from the Department of Education is a strong step. In my community, most of the students are immigrants and Latinos, and no one should be separated from their families. Im very happy that the City has created a clear and specific process for how to respond if ICE appears at our schools. I applaud the Mayor, the Department of Education, and Speaker Mark-Viverito for today's announcement ."
In this terrible moment for our nation, New York City is taking steps in the right direction.
Local News, Health & Wellness, Politics
By Long Island News & PR Published: March 21 2017
New York Governor makes statement against the repeal of Obamacare, laments proposed cuts to federal aid to health care.
Albany, NY - March 21, 2017 - New York Governor Andrew M. Cuomo released the following statement regarding the proposed repeal and replacement for the Affordable Care Act and the Collins Amendment:
"The more we learn about the repeal and replacement for the Affordable Care Act, the sicker New York gets. The repeal and replacement is exactly what the Trump Administration promised that they would not do. It is the classic Republican program referred to during Reagans time as "passing the buck without passing the bucks."
Congressman Paul Ryan and the radical conservatives are having their way. Congressman Ryan brags about cutting entitlements by billions of dollars. That is precisely what he is trying to do to New Yorks Medicaid program. The conservatives have long lamented that New Yorks Medicaid program was too generous. They scoffed at our health care proposal that provided dental care and one conservative even said when questioned about the denial of dental benefits, soup is good."
"The Repeal and Replace Act would block grant money to the state in the name of local flexibility but at the same time it would dramatically cut that funding. Over four years New York State would lose $4.6 billion and lose at least $2.4 billion a year by fiscal year 2020. If this were not bad enough Congressman Chris Collins and Congressman John Faso have offered an amendment that would stop the counties from paying a share of Medicaid.
"Historically, the federal government paid 50 percent, the state paid 25 percent, and local governments counties paid 25 percent. The state has already absorbed much of that burden, but even so the reduction to the program from the loss of the counties share outside of New York City is $2.3 billion. The cut is so severe that the majority of hospitals, nursing homes and assisted living facilities located in Upstate New York and on Long Island would be devastated. How a county executive could believe their county could prosper while losing hundreds if not thousands of jobs and seeing the decimation of their health care system is beyond me.
"Congressmen Collins and Faso are calling their amendment a tax savings plan for the county. Really its a deathtrap as there is no way to make up the shortfall. The Upstate New York and Long Island economy will falter or collapse if the health sector is damaged.
The US State Department recently announced the designation of two Bahraini nationals affiliated with Iran-backed militant group the Ashtar Brigades as global terrorists. Their designation comes amidst repeated attempts by Tehran and its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to foment an insurgency against the rulers of the island, who have launched a widespread crackdown on all Shiite opposition.
Last Fridays announcement signals a new tone in US policy towards Irans malign activities in the region.
The State Department has so far divulged little details about Hasan Yusuf, a 31-year old Iran-based senior member of the group, and Alsayed Murtadha Majeed Ramadhan Alawi, a 33-year old affiliate. Little is also known about the Ashtar Brigades, one of the several Iranian-backed militant groups active in Bahrain since 2011.
Bahrain, a small island monarchy in the Persian Gulf, holds strategic value for both Washington and Tehran. The US Navys Fifth Fleet responsible for the Gulf and surrounding areas is stationed there. The population is 70 percent Shiite, but ruled by the Sunni al Khalifa clan. Since the 1979 Iranian revolution, Tehrans Shiite government has at times sought to export its revolution to Bahrain. This includes an Iranian-sponsored coup attempt in 1981 by the now-defunct Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain.
Bahrain has a decades-long history of discriminating against its Shiite majority. The ruling elite tends to view Shiites as a possible Iranian fifth column. Extremist Iranian officials and commanders have not helped that perception, as they often describe Bahrain as the Islamic Republics rightful fourteenth province.
When the Arab Spring reached the kingdoms shores in early 2011, the Shiite-led opposition demanded the establishment of a constitutional monarchy. The Gulf Cooperation Council led by Saudi Arabia promptly intervened to bolster their fellow Sunni monarchy. Reconciliation talks since then between the government and opposition have broken down several times as intermittent clashes have persisted.
In recent years, Iran has redoubled sponsorship of militant groups in Bahrain. Bahraini security forces have intercepted large quantities of advanced Iranian weapons shipments and explosives, including armor-piercing explosively formed penetrators (EFPs). Since 2015, Manama has detained dozens of Bahraini nationals linked to the IRGC and Lebanese Hezbollah. Earlier this month, Bahrain announced the arrests of 25 suspects who were part of a terrorist organization that had operations in Iraq and Iran, according to Bahraini officials. Those arrested included 10 former inmates who escaped Jaw prison in a sophisticated operation in January in which perpetrators employed reconnaissance drones.
While Bahrain has designated the Ashtar Brigades as a terrorist group, the US has yet to officially do so. Bahraini authorities accuse the group of receiving training in improvised explosive devices (IED) from the Hezbollah Brigades, a US Treasury designated Iranian-backed Shiite militia in Iraq. Yusufs Iraqi alias corroborates the groups link to Iraq, and the Ashtar Brigades Instagram page eulogizing slain Hezbollah Brigades fighters last month further highlights those connections.
Ashtars social media activities and claims of attack have been sporadic in recent years. It claimed dozens of small-scale bombings in 2013 and 2014, including a March 2014 bomb attack that killed two Bahraini and one Emirati police officer. Yet since then, Ashtars claims have declined. In 2015, it released a spate of videos claiming IED attacks on Bahraini security forces. Sporadic assassinations and IED bombings have since continued in Bahrain, yet not all necessarily attributable to the Ashtar Brigades. The group has claimed some attacks that killed security forces, including a January assassination of a Bahraini security officer.
In Jan. 2016, a cell linked to Ashtar Brigades was arrested by Bahraini authorities. According to officials, the two-person cell was planning to execute a series of dangerous bombings in Bahrain. They traveled to Iran on several occasions for financial and logistic support with the IRGC. In 2012, Bahraini authorities allege the Ashtar cell members met with Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon and received $20,000 in support of their organization.
Fridays designation marks the first in the Trump administrations targeting of the Iranian-backed network inside Bahrain. The State Department has pledged to aggressively target Irans destabilizing and terrorism-related activities in the Middle East. It vowed to stand with the Bahraini authorities, even as it encourage[s] the government to clearly differentiate its response to violent militia groups from its engagement with peaceful political opposition. This reflects the State Departments understanding that crackdown on all Shiite opposition can radicalize the political environment, which could devolve into further violence and play into Tehrans goal of destabilizing the kingdom.
The designation also signals a departure from the previous US administration. The Obama administration refused to designate Iranian-backed entities in Bahrain, while the GCC want the US to do more to push back against the IRGCs activities regionwide. Indeed, Obama administration designations against Iranian officials were rare in the wake of the nuclear accord with Tehran, though designations continued against Lebanese Hezbollah, Irans most powerful foreign militia.
The latest designation underscores the USs concern over the IRGCs role in sponsoring militants in Bahrain and signals an initial step in a strategy to counter the IRGCs influence there and across the Middle East.
Amir Toumaj is a Research Analyst at Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Caleb Weiss is a contributor to FDD's Long War Journal.
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MARTINSVILLE -- A number of avenues are available to people who want to contribute to relief efforts for several African countries experiencing famine or at risk of famine.
Stephen OBrien, the United Nations under-secretary for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator, warned the Security Council recently that 20 million people across South Sudan, Yemen, Somalia and northeastern Nigeria faced starvation and famine if the international community did not act quickly, according to U.N. news releases
Two-thirds of Yemens population (more than 18 million people) needed assistance, including more than 7 million severely food insecure. In South Sudan, where a famine was declared recently, more than 7.5 million people needed assistance, including 3.4 million people displaced. More than half of Somalias population (6.2 million people) needed aid, 2.9 million of whom required immediate assistance. More than 2.7 million people were food insecure in Kenya, and that number could reach 4 million by April.
Sandra Fulcher, administrative assistant for the Danville District Office of The United Methodist Church, on Starling Avenue in Martinsville, said local United Methodists who want to make a donation to help with the famine in South Sudan can write a check to the church they attend and write famine relief South Sudan on the memo line. For more information, call her office at 638-2688.
She also mentioned another avenue of giving offered by The United Methodist Church.
UMCOR is the United Methodist Committee on Relief, Fulcher said. Of the funds given to UMCOR for mission relief, 100% goes to the mission, whether it be famine, rebuilding after a disaster, emergency supplies, etc. One Sunday a year, United Methodists give to One Great Hour of Sharing, which funds the administrative costs of UMCOR, thus allowing 364 days of giving 100% to mission relief.
According to CharityWatch, in February 2017 famine was declared in two areas of South Sudan the first time famine was declared in the world in more than six years. Yemen, Nigeria and Somalia also are at risk for famine, it said.
Northeastern Nigeria faces severe acute malnutrition as at least 5 million people face the risk of famine. Somalia is currently in its second year of drought causing crops to fail., according to Charity Watch, which is a self-described leading charity watchdog that issues letter grade ratings of nonprofit groups.
CharityWatch advises Americans wanting to help South Sudan, Yemen, Nigeria or Somalia relief efforts to send contributions only to charities with established track records for helping people in this region. It advises sending a check, not goods.
CharityWatch gives favorable ratings to the following charities, which spend at least 75 percent of their budgets on program services and spend no more than $25 to raise $100:
A+: Africare, American Refugee Committee, Catholic Relief Services, International Rescue Committee, United Methodist Committee on Relief.
A: Action Against Hunger, CARE, Direct Relief & Direct Relief Foundation, Doctors Without Borders USA, Episcopal Relief & Development, International Medical Corps, Lutheran World Relief, Save the Children, United States Fund for UNICEF.
A-: American Red Cross, Medical Teams International, Mennonite Central Committee U.S., Mercy Corps, Oxfam-America, Samaritans Purse, World Vision.
B+: World Concern.
CharityWatch does not rate local charities.
New College Institute Executive Director Leanna Blevins said: Last summer, my children and I read the book The Long Walk to Water by Linda Sue Park. It is about access to water in the Sudan. It parallels the biographical story of a boy in 1980s war-torn Sudan with a fictional modern-day girl. It raised our awareness of some issues and so we pay more attention to the subject. The boy, Salva Dut, is now a man who has started a foundation and does a lot of work to drill wells in areas that need clean drinking water.
Blevins added: While the stories in the book are focused on the dire need for clean and accessible drinking water, the need for food and medical care are evident as well. The stories clearly depict how individuals and families struggle daily to meet the most basic of our human needs. Its important for all of us to be aware of how very differently we live, whether its on the other side of the street or on the other side of the world, and to understand how we can use our voices or our resources to benefit others.
SBC of Virginia is not working directly on famine relief for these African countries, but Southern Baptists are working through a different channel, Baptist Global Response, according to Ishmael LaBiosa, media director for SBC of Virginia, a fellowship of Southern Baptist churches.
According to information from Mary Frances Satterwhite of Baptist Global Response, BGR is a disaster relief and community development organization with a heart for helping people in desperate need. Baptist Global Response is not an official entity of the , but it is rooted in the soil of Southern Baptist life and committed to helping Southern Baptists who care connect with people in need around the world.
According to Satterwhite: Since 2015, Sub Saharan Africa has been going through an extended drought due to an extremely aggressive El Nino year (2015/2016). At the height of the drought, 40 countries impacting 40 million people were affected with varying levels of food insecurity. The combination of lingering drought, armed conflict, years of displacement, poverty, and communicable diseases has let to official declarations of famine in places like South Sudan. Today, there is lingering food insecurity across Southern Africa, parts of Northern Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya), the Arabian Gulf (Yemen), and West Africa.
Since 2015, $891,693 has been appropriated on 13 projects in nine countries (Niger, Nigeria, Madagascar, Mozambique, Uganda, Lesotho, Zimbabwe, South Africa and South Sudan). Among the projects are provisions such as life-line food and seeds for planting where the drought is starting to end, according to Satterwhite.
She added: While we cannot respond in every country, we are working in areas where our partners have strategic opportunity to impact people with the love of Christ.
BGRs website is and that links to a page with a summary of the drought, BGRs work and a place to give. Checks can be mailed to Baptist Global Response, P.O. Box 930507, Atlanta, GA 31193-0507. Note African Drought Relief on the memo line.
Paul Collins reports for the Martinsville Bulletin and can be reached at paul.collins@martinsvillebulletin.com.
Last weekend, 17-19th March, saw the Marxists in Britain take a momentous step forward at the national conference of Socialist Appeal activists and supporters in London.
Not only was this the biggest and most successful conference yet, but it also marked the launch of the new fortnightly Socialist Appeal paper - a tremendous achievement and an important milestone for the forces of Marxism in Britain.
The growing strength of the Marxist tendency was displayed both quantitatively and qualitatively throughout the weekend, with over 150 in attendance and an impressively sharp and astute political analysis provided by all comrades during the discussions.
The mood in the conference amongst the notably youthful audience was one of incredible enthusiasm and optimism not only because of the revolutionary conditions that are being prepared in Britain and internationally, but also because of the clear progress being made by the Marxists in building the most critical missing factor in the class struggle: that of a bold, militant revolutionary voice for the working class and youth.
The move to a fortnightly publication of the Socialist Appeal was a clear indication to all at the conference of the strengthening of the Marxist tendency in Britain, and the new design in particular was warmly received.
All were in agreement: this was the best conference of Socialist Appeal activists in the 25-year-long history of the paper and a befitting tribute to celebrate the centenary anniversary of the inspiring events of the 1917 Russian Revolution.
Perspectives for Revolution
Alan Woods, editor of In Defence of Marxism, opened the conference on the Friday evening with an introduction to the discussion on world perspectives. In the space of one hour, Alan outlined the revolutionary developments unfolding across the globe, and in particular the turbulence and instability that can be seen economically, politically, and socially.
Most notably, Alan highlighted, are the political crises that are breaking out in country after country, as the masses lash out against the Establishment and reject the broken status quo. It is this mood of anger and resentment against the existing order, Alan stressed, that lies behind the political earthquakes of Donald Trumps election, the Brexit vote, and the rise of right-wing demagogues such as Le Pen in France.
It is within this context of global volatility that we must understand the various processes taking place internationally: the crisis of the euro and the European Union; the decline of US imperialism and the changing balance of world relations; and the political polarisation seen in all countries, with sharp swings to the Left and to the Right.
Many of the contributions from the floor developed these points made by Alan, with speakers providing concrete examples from the Netherlands, Italy, France, Poland, and the USA that demonstrate the collapse of the centre ground and the failure of the liberal status quo that had previously dominated for decades.
Far from being the end of history, Alan noted in his summary, we can see that fall of the Soviet Union was merely the prelude to a far bigger crisis: that of the capitalist system. All the conditions are being prepared now for an enormous explosion of the class struggle in all countries. The pressing task is to build the forces of Marxism in preparation for these gigantic events.
Chaos and class struggle in Britain
The discussion on world perspectives provided an ideal backdrop for Saturdays opening session on perspectives for the class struggle in Britain, which was introduced by Rob Sewell, editor of Socialist Appeal.
Rob spoke passionately about the enormous instability that is opening up in British politics. Once upon time, the UK was seen as a sleepy island where events moved at glacial speeds. Now, however, Britain is at the centre of the world crisis, with political earthquakes such as the (first) Scottish independence referendum and the Brexit vote shattering the fragile and delicate existing equilibrium.
Above all, Rob stressed, we must understand how the contradictions inherent within the process mean that all things, sooner or later, must dialectically turn into their opposite.
The most vivid expression of this is the chaos that is quickly enveloping the Tory Party and Mays government, with the electoral expenses scandal and Philip Hammonds embarrassing Budget U-turn already weakening the Tories. These, however, are only the tip of the iceberg, and the Prime Minister will soon find herself embroiled and entangled in the impossible web of Brexit negotiations and IndyRef2.
The apparently strength of the Tory government, as Rob explained, is therefore extremely superficial. May and the Tories could rapidly plunge in the polls as their party splits over Europe and the country is torn apart by the rising national question in Scotland and the North of Ireland.
In such a scenario, Rob continued, the possibility of a Corbyn-led Labour government could become a real possibility. The ruling class would do everything to stop such an outcome, and would most certainly be prepared to try and split the Labour Party if necessary. At the same time, if Corbyn does not come out fighting boldly for grassroots members to reclaim and transform the Party, then the Labour leader could find himself isolated and the movement behind him suffocated.
In either case, Rob concluded, it is clear that a period of enormous turbulence and intense class struggle lies ahead for workers and youth in Britain. The ideas of Marxism will gain a greater echo, as thousands of the most radicalised in society search for a way out of the impasse for an alternative to the austerity, war, and racism of the Tories and the rotten system they defend.
A number of speakers contributed to the discussion, elaborating on the different questions raised by Rob in his introduction. In particular, the issue and implications of a second Scottish referendum were debated, as was the approach that Marxists should take toward the question of Brexit and the demands that the Corbyn Labour leadership should fight for.
Elsewhere, comrades developed the perspectives on the renewed crisis in the North of Ireland, the fractious splits in the Tory Party, the anti-Trump protests, and the growing radicalisation amongst young people. All were in agreement: never have such incredible prospects existed for the building of the forces of Marxism for the building of the revolutionary leadership that is needed to offer a real alternative to capitalism.
Forward for the Fortnightly!
The Saturday afternoon saw the historic launch of the fortnightly paper a fitting celebration of the centenary of the Russian Revolution, as well as a pertinent milestone after 25 years of publishing Socialist Appeal.
National sales organiser James Kilby opened the official launch of the fortnightly by outlining the opportunities that a fortnightly paper opens up for spreading the ideas of Marxism. Not only does the increased tempo allow for more timely analysis of the turbulent events unfolding worldwide; it also gives more space to hear from the lives and struggles of workers in every area and walk of life.
Comrades from across the country shared their enthusiasm for the new paper, and for using it to build a network of sellers in every neighbourhood, workplace, and campus. Despite the extra effort required to produce and sell this more frequently publication, comrades displayed their willingness to overcome all obstacles, and step up to the challenges ahead. This was most graphically displayed by the impressive financial collection at the end of the day, where thanks to the sacrifice of comrades and supporters the 10,000 fundraising target was met.
With the crisis of capitalism intensifying on a world scale, the need for a weekly and even a daily Marxist paper has never been greater. The launch of the fortnightly is therefore an important step forward towards this goal, and will help Socialist Appeal become a focal point for all those who want to end the nightmare of capitalism and fight for a socialist world.
Building the forces of Marxism
After a lively social on Saturday evening, attendees reconvened on Sunday morning to discuss how to build the forces of Marxism in Britain and internationally.
Daniel Morley introduced the discussion about the work of the Marxists in Britain, describing the various successes achieved by Socialist Appeal and the Marxist Student Federation over the past year: from the 300-strong REVOLUTION! festival last October, to the vibrant youth bloc at the most recent NUS/UCU national demonstration, and the impressive campaigns run by Marxist students at Leeds and KCL universities and elsewhere.
A variety of comrades reported on the activities being undertaken locally, as well as offering advice to young activists on how to spread the ideas of Marxism and connect with the ever-growing movements of workers and students.
After lunch, Jorge Martin expanded the horizons of those present by providing a report of Marxist tendency internationally, discussing the work being done by the IMT in around 30 different countries from Canada to Brazil, and from Italy to Pakistan. In all countries, as Jorge explained, the Marxists are seeing a rising interest in revolutionary ideas. The prospects for building the Marxist tendency have never been so great.
Alan Woods returned to the stage to provide the closing remarks for the conference, accurately noting the mood of optimism and enthusiasm that was palpable amongst comrades. Above all, Alan emphasised, it is from the strength of our ideas that Marxists gain such a sense revolutionary optimism. Whilst all the bourgeois, the liberals, and the reformists weep and wail with their pessimistic predictions of doom and gloom, seeing no way out of capitalisms morass, we are confident in the power of the working class to transform society.
The main factor missing is that of the subjective factor: a revolutionary leadership for the mass movements of workers and youth. This is what Socialist Appeal activists in Britain are attempting to build. We implore all our readers to join us in this fight.
022417-trump-signs-regulatory-reform.JPG
02.24.2017 | WASHINGTON -- President Donald Trump, surrounded by business leaders, signs an executive order in the Oval Office of the White House. The executive order would establish regulatory reform officers and task forces within federal agencies a part of his push to slash federal government regulations.
(PABLO MARTINEZ MONSIVAIS / ASSOCIATED PRESS )
SPRINGFIELD -- Western New England University School of Law plans to examine the impact President Donald Trump is having on small business with another one of its free panel discussions.
The program, "Trump Administration Business Policies," will be from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday at the Blake Law Center. The event is free and part of Western New England's "Trump: First 100 Days" series.
According to a press release, the discussion will focus on small business and entrepreneurs. School of Law Dean Eric Gouvin will host and professor Art Wolf, director of the Institute for Legislative and Governmental Affairs in the School of Law, will moderate.
The press release states, "The Trump administration has a 'pro-business' reputation and some of the early policy choices reflect preferences of certain industries over others. 'Business' is a broad term, however, the impact of policies that may benefit one type of business may not have the same effect on other businesses."
Past discussions have focused on Trump's immigration policies.
All forums are free and open to the public.
Business groups and economists worry that Trump's restrictive immigration policies could hurt business in Massachusetts by making it hard to attract needed workers.
After a dozen years serving authentic Tibetan dishes to hungry patrons in Northampton, Lhasa Cafe will close up shop this week.
Thondup and Dolma Tsering opened the cafe on Main Street in 2004. The Amherst couple ran the 40-seat restaurant as a family business, often with their children serving as wait staff and their menu featuring passed down recipes for yak stew with homemade noodles and momo, a type of South Asian dumpling.
Now, with their children grown, the couple say they plan to travel and spend more time with extended family.
In announcing the news this week, the couple took the opportunity to thank their customers for their patronage over the years. "You were the people that really helped our family to stay in business and succeed. We are confident that our relationship will continue beyond this phase," the couple wrote in a statement. "Through the Cafe we have met so many wonderful people and formed strong friendships that will last a long time. We have also been able to share the story of Tibet and Tibetan culture with so many who cared to listen and learn."
Lhasa Cafe will close on Saturday, March 25. While the Main Street business will be closed, the couple will continue to offer Tibetan dishes at the the Conway Festival of Hills and Taste of Amherst and for private, catered events.
In the cafe's place will open a "locally sourced seasonal eatery," the couple said. Belly of the Beast, a sandwich shop will take over the Main Street storefront in April with plans to open later this year.
Thirty years ago this week Congress sent legislation on to President Ronald Reagan raising the speed limit on rural interstate highways to 65 mph. The provision was attached to an $88 billion highway and mass transit bill that Reagan promised to veto as too costly. The President criticized the $890 million in "favorite pork barrel projects" included in the legislation.
Twenty years earlier, Western Mass. was hit with a late winter blast on snow. A winter storm, the third in fifteen days, piled another twelve inches of snow on the region.
These are some of the headlines you'll see from Page 1 of The Republican and its predecessors over the past fifty years for the week of March 19 - March 25. Each week I'll put together a slideshow of Page 1 images from selected years over the course of that week. We're starting with a look back at one, five, thirty, forty and fifty years ago, with Page 1s from each day of the week for those years.
The slideshow for March 19 - March 25 is embedded at the top of this article.
From the March 21, 1967 edition of The Springfield Union
We'll also find some humor printed out on page one over the years. In 1967 'Dennis The Menace' could be found on the bottom of page one six days a week.
A year ago a story about President Calvin Coolidge's 1928 visit to Cuba. Coolidge was the last U.S President to visit the nation until President Obama's visit last year.
This time of year the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade is featured out on page one. Five years ago this week a story taking a look at those out along the route watching the parade and the outfits that they choose to celebrate the day. Hats, kilts, and large green afro wigs adorned the crowds out enjoying the parade.
From the March 23, 1987 edition of The Morning Union
As you'll find with looking through the slideshow, that while many stories come and go, many of the issues and topics that affected lives in the past, continue to have an impact on our lives today.
Copies of these and other stories can be found in the online archives. Links to the archives are at the bottom of the page at www.masslive.com/republican
The historic archive includes stories prior to 1989, and the Newsbank archive covers 1988 through the present day.
Boston Public Schools are ditching the traditional world maps many might remember hanging on their classroom walls for something the schools say is more accurate: the Gall-Peters Projection map.
The Peters Projection map is said to present a "more culturally proficient view of the world" than conventional Mercator projection map, and will be offered to second, seventh and eleventh grade classrooms throughout the Boston Public School System.
James Gall created the outline in the mid-nineteenth century, and Arno Peters brought it into the spotlight in the 1970's. The Peters Projection maps the spherical shape of the globe onto a vertical cylinder that is then stretched horizontally to double its length.
The more traditionally-used Mercator map, created in the 17th century for purposes of sailing and navigating, represent countries disproportionately.
For example, Greenland looks to be the same size as Africa in a Mercator projection, when in reality the Arctic country is 14 times smaller than the African continent. Some say the illustration in the Mercator map is evidence of the colonizer's view of the world, enhancing western, white countries while reducing the size of colonized places. That view, and the accuracy of the Peters Projection map, have been disputed.
Critics have pointed out that the Gall-Peters Projection is just another distorted map. While countries may be more accurate in their relative size to one another, the cylindrical grid distorts areas near the poles and equator. The center latitude of the earth is stretched vertically, while countries grow too wide near the poles.
BPS' introduction of the Peters Projection map is part of the school system's aim to "enrich global learning." Teachers will be given digital resources and lesson plans to help teach students.
But to attain true geographical accuracy, some think a good, old-fashioned globe might just do the trick.
HOLYOKE -- City officials refuse to recognize that the problem with the closed Mater Dolorosa Church is not one of neglected maintenance but of design and age leading to a public safety concern and a multi-million-dollar repair bill, a church spokesman said.
"Our structural engineer has provided the city with expert and qualified findings outlining a real and imminent threat to public safety," Mark E. Dupont, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield, said on Friday.
Dupont submitted a statement (see below) in response to comments last week from Mayor Alex B. Morse. Morse had defended city Building Commissioner Damian J. Cote after Diocese consultants criticized him regarding his assessment of the structure of the 116-year-old church at Maple and Lyman streets.
Morse said that deterioration at the church is because the Diocese failed to do repairs since closing it in 2011 and that the Diocese "has no right to storm into any city office and demand they get the findings and answers that support their agenda."
Morse's reference was to Cote sending the Diocese's request for an emergency permit to demolish the church to the Holyoke Historical Commission, which triggered a review process that includes an ongoing public hearing, instead of immediately granting the permit to take down the church.
"The entire issue of maintenance is clearly a diversion from the greater problem that city officials refuse to recognize," Dupont said in the emailed statement. "The pressing issue of the steeple is NOT a maintenance failure but rather a problem of design and age."
The dispute about the stability of the church and the Diocese's decision to close its doors has fueled debates, arguments and long, testimony filled municipal meetings for years.
Parishioners who loved the church note that Polish immigrants paid for and and built it in 1901. Friends of Mater Dolorosa occupied the church round-the-clock in a protest for a year after the June 2011 closing.
They appealed its closing to the Vatican's highest court in Rome, which ultimately determined in a ruling issued in May 2015 that the church could be officially closed.
An effort to save the church by including it in a proposed Polish Heritage Historic District failed when the City Council rejected that plan on April 7, 2015 with an 8-7 vote.
The Diocese closed the church because fewer people are attending church and because of concerns about the steeple's stability. Mater Dolorosa Church was merged with the former Holy Cross Church to form Our Lady of the Cross at 23 Sycamore St.
Despite the depth of parishioners' devoting to a church, Diocese officials have said practical matters liken the parishioner population and cost come into play.
Church law places the church maintenance responsibility with parishes and Our Lady of the Cross Parish is unable to afford the expense of maintenance and repairs at Mater Dolorosa Church, Dupont said.
"Like any household, parishes have many financial demands, including maintaining actual ministries, schools and services which benefit the entire community," he said.
Pieces of the steeple have broken off and fallen to the ground, Diocese officials have said.
Weakened wooden beams, water damage and separation of bricks pose the public safety danger at the church, such officials have said. These include lawyer Robert Quinn, Robert Kirchherr, a senior health and safety engineer with O'Reilly, Talbot & Okun of Springfield and Bernard J. Hunt, from Barry Engineers and Constructors Inc. of Pittsfield.
The cost to fix Mater Dolorosa Church was put at $5.3 million by Diocese consultants on the first night of the public hearing on March 7.
But critics at the hearing laughed at so high a repair estimate as comments at the hearing were dominated by distrust of the Diocese.
Victor M. Anop, a lawyer from Chicopee and head of Friends of Mater Dolorosa, said despite Diocese comments about church law and local parish control, the sole owner and thus controller of church property in the Diocese is the bishop.
The public hearing is scheduled to resume March 29 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Hall auditorium as the Historical Commission decides whether the historical significance of the church property outweighs the Diocese assertions that demolition is necessary.
Dupont said that the "numerous building collapses" that have occurred here should spur city officials to act in light of the public safety concern posed by the Mater Dolorosa Church.
The back part of the former National Guard Armory at Sargeant and Pine streets, a 109-year-old building, collapsed last year, and the 133-year-old former Essex House hotel on High Street partially collapsed in December 2014 and was demolished weeks later. Both buildings had been vacant for years.
Dupont lamented that Holyoke officials have yet to show the cooperation of those in North Adams, who last year permitted the Diocese to demolish the closed St. Francis of Assis Church on Union and Eagle streets in North Adams.
Here is the statement from Mark E. Dupont, spokesman for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield:
With all due respect Mayor Morse doesn't seem to fully grasp the potential severity of this situation and forgets this recent incident started with a large piece of the steeple falling to the ground. Our structural engineer has provided the city with expert and qualified findings outlining a real and imminent threat to public safety. If Mayor Morse and Mr Cote are so certain that Dr Bernard Hunt's assessment is not correct then why in the last six weeks have they not sought another opinion from a certified, licensed and bonded structural engineer? One would think in light of numerous building collapses which have occurred in Holyoke in recent years - including the city owned Armory- they wouldn't attack a building owner trying to resolve a very real public safety concern before there is yet another structural failure. When faced with a very similar circumstance last year in North Adams, with an equally beloved church, city officials there put public safety first and worked cooperatively with us.
The entire issue of maintenance is clearly a diversion from the greater problem that city officials refuse to recognize. The pressing issue of the steeple is NOT a maintenance failure but rather a problem of design and age. That on top of millions of dollars in other repairs and upgrades that would be needed, simply exceed the financial ability of Our Lady of the Cross Parish for a building for which they have no need and one that is literally just two blocks from St Jerome Church.
Church law clearly places with parishes the responsibility for the upkeep of their property. While the diocese does provide guidance and professional assistance in these matters, as with other faith traditions, the day to day responsibility falls upon each local parish community. Like any household, parishes have many financial demands, including maintaining actual ministries, schools and services which benefit the entire community.
There is no doubt that the Catholic community faces many tough decisions and challenges with regard to our many beloved church buildings. Where feasible, and when parishes are viable, we have worked with those communities to undertake structural work. In those churches that have had to close we have had a high rate of success in re-purposing those buildings. But sadly and regrettably, there are cases like the former Mater Dolorosa where few options remain. One has to only travel a short distance and stand in front of the former Victory Theater to understand that even well supported public renovation projects can be enormous undertakings with uncertain futures.
Two final comments. We are appealing Mr. Cote's determination with the State building code enforcement authority. Second we have had conversations and expect to have more with a group exploring the acquisition of the former church as a cultural center.
EASTHAMPTON -- Children in the Haitian village of Maro Verger haul heavy containers of water uphill to their homes every day, students at the Maple Elementary School learned at a Tuesday morning assembly.
And there's no guarantee the water is safe to drink, explained Yvette Depestre, founder of the Marco Depestre Foundation of Ottawa, which provides assistance to the mountainous Haitian community of around 83 families.
"It's a long way from here to Haiti," Depestre told the attentive children, who were seated on the floor in the school's basement meeting room. She showed them a map and photographs from the island country, which is still recovering from a devastating 2010 earthquake.
Last year the Depestre foundation built a school in Maro Verger. The school collects rainwater in a cistern and filters it to create drinking water. But individual households procure water anywhere they can find it, she said. Sometimes that water contains harmful microorganisms that make people sick.
"We are trying to make sure the families have enough Aquatabs," Depestre said. "One tablet can purify a gallon of water."
The students will now raise money to buy more water purification tablets for the village. It's part of a "service learning project" organized by first-grade teacher Margaret Betts.
"What if your own water was not clean? What if you had to carry water up a mountain twice a day?" Betts asked the children.
Betts encouraged the kids to find creative ways to raise money -- conducting household "penny hunts," doing chores such as washing dishes, returning bottles and cans, or running a lemonade stand.
The tablets cost only two cents each when bought in bulk, she said, making it a perfect project for grade school children from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
"The low cost means everyone can participate in a meaningful way," Betts told The Republican.
Depestre, a retired nurse, said she was born in Haiti. She and her husband, a doctor, moved from Trinidad to Canada in 1969.
Depestre told The Republican that her foundation is not a Christian mission which pushes any set of religious beliefs. "We are Christians, but we help everybody," she said. "We take people as they are as human beings who need our help."
Betts said learned of Depestre's work from her son, Richard Albert, who is a law professor in Boston. "Richard and I were friends at Yale law school," she said. "He recently spoke about his mother's foundation on Facebook."
Betts, trained as a lawyer, said she pursued a career change about a decade ago to become a teacher.
Students are exploring the theme of "wellness" this year, and have been asked to look beyond Easthampton, said Maple School principal Judith Averill.
"A well earth means clean water and clean air for the whole world," she told the children.
The project involves students and teachers at the Maple School, the Jackson Street School in Northampton, and the Smith College Campus School in Northampton.
An 18-year-old Chelsea man was arrested on charges he impersonated a police officer after stealing a police badge then using the badge to rob someone.
Jorge Beltran was arrested Monday on charges of impersonating a police officer, kidnapping and robbery, according to Chelsea Police.
Police believe Beltran broke into several cars in Everett near the Chelsea line over the weekend. One of the vehicles broken into was a police officer's vehicle, according to police.
A police badge and radio were stolen from the vehicle.
On Sunday night, a Chelsea resident called police and said a man who identified himself as a police officer and displayed a badge robbed him.
"The victim stated he was escorted to a basement of a multifamily home and robbed of his phone and money," police said.
Investigators obtained video images of Beltran and the victim. Officers located Beltran on Monday. Police said they recovered the stolen police badge and radio along with other evidence believed to be linked to the Everett vehicle breaks.
Katarina.jpg
Katarina Bitterman went missing for several days before being discovered in Salem.
(Parma Police Department)
A mother and son from Salem have been indicted by an Ohio court on charges in connection with the disappearance and eventual discovery of Katarina Bitterman, a 17-year-old girl from Ohio who went missing in early March.
Records on file with the Cuyahoga County Court in Ohio show 19-year-old Michael Julien and his 43-year-old mother, Renee Hanson, both of Salem, Massachusetts, were indicted by a grand jury on charges of obstructing justice, inducing panic and interference with custody. The charges were announced Monday.
The Parma Police Department said Bitterman went missing on March 4. She was found unharmed in Salem on March 10. She was in Julien and Hanson's home.
Cleveland19 News reports that the mother and son plotted to have Bitterman come to Salem and live with them. Hanson, according to the television station, went to Parma, Ohio, on March 4, picked up Bitterman and took her back to Salem.
Authorities said Bitterman will be charged in an Ohio juvenile court with inducing panic.
FBI agents from Cleveland along with Parma Police were able to track Bitterman to Salem. Officials contacted FBI agents in Massachusetts, who then located Bitterman at the Salem home.
The National Weather Service is defending the integrity of its forecasting, following media reports that the agency continued to predict high snowfall for cities in the path of Winter Storm Stella despite models that showed lower totals.
Gov. Charlie Baker and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio criticized the NWS after the Associated Press reported that forecasters held a conference call the day before the storm, in which they decided to keep their high forecasts in part to avoid confusing the public.
In Boston, forecasts the night before the storm predicted 18 inches to two feet of snow. The city ended up getting less than 8 inches, with much of the precipitation turning to rain and sleet.
The National Weather Service's Taunton office responded to the criticism Tuesday morning, with Meteorologist-in-Charge Bob Thompson saying the agency never deliberately misleads the public.
"I want to be clear that we never hold back on information or intentionally provide false or fake information -- ever!" Thompson wrote in a statement.
Statement from our Meteorologist-In-Charge about last week's winter storm in southern New England. pic.twitter.com/ZAzdMaX999 NWS Boston (@NWSBoston) March 21, 2017
Thompson wrote that forecasters navigated major uncertainty on where the snow and rain line would fall between Boston and Providence, and did its best to update forecasts.
"After all, we are part of the community ourselves, and it is always in our best interest to be credible," Thompson wrote. "Furthermore, as a National Weather Service meteorologist for over 40 years, I have never, ever witnessed any action or thought at this office or any other National Weather Service office where there was some deliberate attempt to withhold information."
Details about the storms' uncertain snowfall were available on publicly posted probability maps and in area forecast discussions which give granular detail on forecasters' thinking, Thompson wrote.
After the storm, the AP quoted Greg Carbin, chief of forecast operations at the Weather Prediction Center in suburban Maryland, as saying the decision to keep the higher forecasts was made in part to avoid people letting their guard down for a serious storm.
"Out of extreme caution we decided to stick with higher amounts," Carbin told the AP.
The National Weather Service said it kept the forecast because "a dramatic change in the snowfall forecast could produce an unwelcome result of less readiness and vigilance," according to CBS News.
Baker criticized the decision during an interview with Boston Public Radio.
"I'm disappointed that it seems that they gave one message to us and a slightly different one was traveling around the office," Baker said in the interview.
Army Cpl. Jules Hauterman Jr.
HOLYOKE -- For three days and four nights in late 1950, combat troops that included Army medic Cpl. Jules Hauterman Jr., who grew up here on Jerome Avenue, fought the Chinese Army at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.
In a battle described as "nightmare" and "harrowing" hundreds of thousands of Communist Chinese troops surprised and killed American forces. Hauterman was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950.
Now the remains of the 19-year-old soldier are coming home for burial.
"It helps to bring closure to the family members and it honors those soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their country. It's a way of honoring them and their service," Jim Mahoney, director of the city Veterans Services Department, said today.
The Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said remains that turned out to be Hauterman's were re-examined in June 2016. Up to then, the remains were marked unidentifiable in 1955 and transferred to the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu listed as "X-15904."
"Laboratory analysis and circumstantial evidence were used in the identification of his remains," said a statement from the federal agency.
Plans are underway for burial on March 31. The cemetery has yet to be determined, said Mahoney, who said Hauterman grew up on Jerome Avenue.
Hauterman was a medic with the Medical Platoon, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division, when his unit was attached to the 31st Regimental Combat Team as one of its infantry battalions for the mission.
"For three days and four nights, the unit battled the 80th Division of the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces," the federal press release said.
In "Nightmare at the Chosin Reservoir," Chief Historian Matthew J. Seelinger writes about the devastation suffered by American troops at the Chosin Reservoir in late November 1950, for the National Museum of the U.S. Army.
"The experiences of the American soldiers who fought and died in the frigid cold of the Chosin area proved to be some of the most harrowing and tragic in the history of the U.S. Army," Seelinger writes.
The federal press release states, "The convoy was eventually destroyed by the (Chinese Army), and while some escaped across the frozen reservoir, more than 1,300 were captured or killed. Following the battle, Hauterman could not be accounted for and he was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950."
Authorities arrested more than a dozen people, seized 10 guns and confiscated "large quantities" of heroin, fentanyl and cocaine in a massive anti-drug operation early Tuesday morning, that saw more than 200 law enforcement officers execute raids across the South Shore and in Boston.
The Randolph Police Department, Drug Enforcement Agency, South Shore Drug Task Force and Norfolk District Attorney's Office went to 19 residences in the sweep, which the DA's office described as the culmination of a six-month investigation.
"This investigation was complex and I commend all agencies that were involved for their professionalism and collaboration in getting these deadly drugs off our streets," said Randolph Police Chief William Pace, whose department was the lead agency in the investigation.
The exact amounts of drugs seized is still unclear; evidence from a variety of spread-out crime scenes is still being processed, the DA's office said.
The names of the defendants, who are currently being processed for arraignment, have not yet been released.
The investigation was spurred by the public safety threat of opioid addiction, officials said in the press release.
Massachusetts had at least 1,465 fatal opioid overdoses last year, with another 514 suspected fatal cases. Norfolk County say 158 fatal overdoses in 2016, DA Michael W. Morrissey said in a statement.
"Law enforcement is pushing hard for increased addiction prevention, treatment for addiction and diminishing the demand for these drugs, but it remains vital that we work to close off the supply of poisons that are killing our citizens by the hundreds," Morrissey said.
The remains of Army medic Cpl. Jules Hauterman Jr., a Hampden soldier who went missing during the Korean War, will be brought back to Massachusetts for a March 31 burial in Holyoke.
In an announcement Tuesday, the Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said the remains of the 19-year-old soldier were identified and will be returned to his family for burial with full military honors.
DPAA listed Hauterman's hometown as Hampden. Public records also list his hometown as Holyoke.
DPAA said the burial is March 31 in Holyoke, but did not list a specific location or time.
According to DPAA, in late November 1950 Hauterman was a medic with the Medical Platoon, 1st Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 7th Infantry Division when his unit was attached to the 31st Regimental Combat Team as one of its infantry battalions for the mission.
The combat team moved to occupy the eastern side of the Chosin River and battled the 80th Division of the Chinese People's Volunteer Forces for three days and four nights. The combat team conducted a fighting withdraw and headed for safety at a Marine base in Hagaru-ri.
"The convoy was eventually destroyed by the CPVF, and while some escaped across the frozen reservoir, more than 1,300 were captured or killed," according to DPAA. "Following the battle, Hauterman could not be accounted for and he was reported missing in action as of Dec. 2, 1950."
The CPVF and North Korean People's Army periodically provided lists of prisoners of war, but Hauterman was never listed. Returning prisoners of war did not have any information on Hauterman, who was eventually declared dead by the Army.
DPAA said that on Sept. 15, 1954, a set of remains were recovered from the East Chosin Reservoir and sent for identification in Japan. No identification was made in 1955 and the remains were buried in the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu.
The remains were again examined in June 2016. The remains turned out to be that of Hauterman, according to DPAA. Dental and anthropological analysis, along with circumstantial evidence, helped officials identify the remains.
Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Here's what we know so far about Sandra Hehir's death
It more than a month after her death, but Worcester police have charged a man with the murder of teachers aide Sandra Buffy Hehir.
Students and Worcester Public Schools employees were heartbroken after Hehirs Feb. 5 death. School employees and students started to worry when Hehir did not show up to school on Monday, Feb. 6.
Police found Hehir the day before in a Congress Street apartment. Heres what we know so far about Hehir and the investigation of her death.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Sandra Hehir was strangled to death
Sandra Buffy Hehir was found dead inside her 8 Congress St. apartment on Sunday, Feb. 5. An autopsy performed later that week determined that the cause of her death was homicide by strangulation. Police began searching for a suspect.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Jose Melendez is charged with Sandra Hehir's murder
More than a month later, police had enough evidence to charge a suspect in the case. Worcester police announced on Monday, March 20 that a suspect had been charged with murder. Jose Melendez was arraigned later Monday in Worcester Central District Court.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Jose Melendez has a previous criminal record
Melendez was already being held on unrelated charges when he was arrested for Sandra Hehirs death. Police said he was being held at the Worcester County House of Correction. Court records indicate that Melendez had an open case from 1997. He has also faced criminal charges in New York and Florida.
Photo: Melendez is behind the courtroom door as his attorney Michael Hussey stands to the right.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
DNA was collected from the scene
In court on Monday, prosecutor Cheryl Riddle said that DNA was collected from the scene of Sandra Hehirs killing. According to court documents, DNA was found on a beer can and on Hehirs clothing.
Photo courtesy of Worcester Public Schools
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
That DNA matched an unsolved rape from 2000
Prosecutor Cheryl Riddle said that the DNA collected from the scene was put into the Combined DNA Index System and matched DNA collected in a Worcester rape case from 2000. That case was never solved. Investigators took another look at the suspects.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Jose Melendez was a suspect in the unsolved rape case
Jose Melendez was a suspect in the 2000 rape case, Prosecutor Cheryl Riddle said. Investigators began to look at him as a suspect in Sandra Hehirs killing.
Photo: Melendez is behind the courtroom door as his attorney Michael Hussey stands to the right.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Jose Melendez was arrested last week
Melendez was arrested last week on a warrant out of Lynn District Court after he defaulted on probation that he was serving on a 2014 breaking and entering conviction, according to the office of Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early Jr.
Melendez was arraigned in Worcester Central District Court last week on that charge, as well as two Worcester drug cases and a charge of giving police a false name.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Jose Melendez will not have to appear in the public eye at future court hearings
Melendez was shielded by a courtroom door during his arraignment on Monday after a judge allowed a motion by his attorney, Michael Hussey, to keep him out of public view. Melendez will return to court on April 13, and the judge approved the motion for future court appearances.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Jose Melendez denies knowing Sandra Hehir, but his DNA matches evidence from the scene
During the arraignment, prosecutor Cheryl Riddle said that in an interview with police, Melendez denied knowing Hehir or ever being at her apartment. However, Riddle said that Melendez consented to a DNA swab test and that his DNA profile matched the DNA collected at the scene.
Photo: Melendez is behind the courtroom door as his attorney Michael Hussey stands to the right.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Sandra Hehir was a beloved teacher's aide
Teachers and students were heartbroken after Hehirs death, writing memories about her on social media. She taught in the Worcester Public Schools for more than 10 years. Hehir was known for helping students when they were in a time of trouble.
Facebook photo
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Sandra Hehir was known for her smile
In her obituary, Hehirs family wrote about her bright smile. It was something teachers and students also remembered. She would greet people that way every day at school.
"Buffy greeted all students daily with a smile and shared her message of the importance of earning a high school diploma, continuing on to college or vocational training, making good decisions and treating others with kindness," her obituary said.
Photo courtesy of Worcester Public Schools
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Sandra Hehir was a product of Worcester schools
Hehir graduated from South High Community School in 1985. In fact, Superintendent Maureen Binienda was her teacher when she was in high school. She then went on to study at Worcester State University.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Sandra Hehir leaves four siblings
Hehirs family has declined to speak with the media, but according to her obituary, she leaves three sisters and a brother.
Hehir was close with her family, especially her youngest sister, Laurie, "who were inseparable growing up as children and in their adult lives," according to her obituary.
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Melissa Hanson | mhanson@masslive.com
Sandra Hehir's family is looking for justice
In a statement released Monday after the arraignment, Hehirs family thanked Worcester officials for their help in the investigation and said they are looking forward to justice for Buffy.
Heres the full statement: "The family would like to thank the Worcester Police Department Detective Bureau for their hard work, especially Sgt. Mark Richardson. We would also like to thank the Worcester School Department, especially Maureen Binienda, for the kindness and compassion shown to us during this difficult tragedy. We are grateful that a suspect has been arrested and we are looking forward to justice for Buffy."
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Victor D. Kelley, through a third party, contacted attorney Peter Ettenberg to arrange a way to turn himself in after weeks of being on the Massachusetts State Police Most Wanted list.
Kelley, 29, was wanted for a 2014 shooting on Grafton Street in Worcester. Officials said he was considered armed and dangerous when he was added to the Most Wanted list on Feb. 28.
"I think he realized that there were people looking for him. He just wanted to get the matter started and deal with it through the courts," Ettenberg said in Worcester Central District Court on Tuesday.
Ettenberg and Kelley walked over to the courthouse together so Kelley could turn himself in.
Kelley, 29, was arraigned on charges of armed assault to murder, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, possessing a firearm in a felony, carrying a firearm without a license and possessing ammunition without a FID card.
A not guilty plea was entered on his behalf. Kelley was held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on March 28.
Kelley denies the charges against him, Ettenberg said.
Kelley is accused of shooting a man on Oct. 15, 2014, outside the Diamond Inn.
The victim of that shooting was found lying on the ground with multiple gunshot wounds and saw the shooter running from the scene. He was shot in the hip and the leg, prosecutor Terry McLaughlin said during the arraignment.
Officers tried to chase the suspect, but could not catch him.
Video near the scene captured images of the suspect and six gunshots, McLaughlin said.
The victim was shown a photo array with Kelley's picture.
"With 100 percent certainty he identified the defendant as the person who shot him multiple times," McLaughlin said.
Kelley lived in Worcester at the time of the shooting.
Richard Cordray
In this March 26, 2015, file photo, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Richard Cordray speaks during a panel discussion in Richmond, Va. Republicans are urging President Donald Trump to fire Cordray, and some Ohio Democrats focused on next year's race for governor say go for it. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash in an effort to give the people a fighting chance.
That's the bottom line.
Any time someone finds problems with the bureau, it's important to ask one very simple question: Would folks be better off going back to the way things were during the bad old days, when the lack of regulation allowed the housing boom and bust that lead to the deepest and most-prolonged economic downturn since the Great Depression? The answer should be pretty clear.
The financial world can be unimaginably complicated. Anyone who has ever applied for an auto loan or a home mortgage understands well that there's lots that can be difficult to understand.
If you've got reasonably good credit and are dealing with a reputable car dealer or bank, all will likely be just fine and dandy. But imagine someone with slightly spotty credit who begins to work with a fly-by-night lender whose practices aren't always exactly above board.
There could be real trouble looming with every signature. And when the lender tells someone to sign here, and there, to initial on that line and again over here, then to sign again on this sheet and now on this one the blur of paperwork and the rush of verbiage might be adding up to real trouble.
The CFPB, on the other hand, sought to create some structure. It put into place rules to keep the unscrupulous from taking advantage of the uninformed. Or the intimidated.
Now comes the Department of Justice, arguing that the very structure of the consumer bureau is unconstitutional.
The problem? The agency's director effectively answers to no one. He can be removed by the president of the United States solely for cause.
We won't suggest that this doesn't present a potential problem. A rogue director could create undue havoc. But the potential for problems doesn't necessarily cause the serious constitutional crisis that some would suggest.
The CFPB's current difficulties stem from a struggle between the consumer watchdog and PHH Corp., a New Jersey mortgage lender. Simply put, PHH believes that the agency's director, Richard Cordray, overstepped his bounds in levying a heavy fine against the lender retroactively. A ruling against the bureau was put on hold on appeal, and the two sides are set to square off again in May before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
The stakes are high. PHH recently said that giving the president the authority to fire the director at will would not be sufficient remedy. The separation-of-powers problems would still remain, the lender said in a legal filing. PHH's proposed solution? Dissolve the bureau entirely.
Thankfully, though the Justice Department has weighed in on the case, it isn't suggesting such a dramatic remedy.
Because ending the agency is obviously the wrong solution. The CFPB gives the citizens a way to sail through sometimes shark-infested waters. Those who've got problems with the structure of the people's vessel should look for ways to repair it, not to blow it up.
House Intelligence Committee Hears Testimony From FBI Director James Comey- DC
James Comey, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), testifies before a House Intelligence Committee hearing Monday, March 20, 2017 in Washington, D.C. (Olivier Douliery/Abaca Press/TNS)
The Federal Bureau of Investigation is looking into possible links between Donald Trump's presidential campaign and Russian operatives hoping to influence the results of the 2016 election.
By any measure, this is extraordinary news. And though it's been reported repeatedly, such a probe had never been confirmed by the FBI director - until Monday.
James Comey, the bureau chief, confirmed the probe at the start of five hours of testimony on Capitol Hill. He also said there's no evidence to back up Trump's repeated claim that his predecessor, President Barack Obama, had ordered the wiretapping of Trump Tower during the campaign.
Simply put, Trump had what's called a very bad day on Monday. He's had others, many of them caused by self-inflicted wounds, since assuming the presidency two months ago. There was the badly bungled rollout of his first travel ban, which was subsequently put on hold by the courts. (Travel Ban 2.0 hasn't fared much better.) There was the quick exit of his first national security adviser, Michael Flynn, who didn't exactly tell the whole truth - to Vice President Mike Pence, even - about his Russian connections. And there was Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who had to recuse himself from any probe of the Trump campaign's links to Russia after it was revealed that he twice met with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak during last year's presidential campaign, despite having denied any such contact during his confirmation hearing.
But none of these bad days topped Monday.
In one moment, the top cop in the land confirmed the agency's probe of the Trump campaign's connection to Russia, our longtime adversary, and in the next he dismissed the president's unfounded claims of having been wiretapped by Obama.
Oh, and he couldn't say how long it might take to wrap up the investigation. In other words, there's a giant, darkening cloud over the White House, and it isn't likely to blow away anytime soon.
Said Comey, in his opening remarks:
"Our practice is not to confirm the existence of ongoing investigations, especially those investigations that involve classified matters.
"But in unusual circumstances," he added, "where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so. ... This is one of those circumstances."
Think about it: Donald Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20, following his election win that surprised nearly everyone. Two month later, on March 20, the head of the FBI announced publicly that there's an ongoing investigation into possible collusion between the former reality TV star's campaign and Russian operatives.
If the Trump campaign was in cahoots with folks working for Vladimir Putin, officially Russia's president though actually its strongman leader, the questions raised are legion. And they won't soon be going away. No matter how much the Twitter-obsessed chief executive tries to dismiss them.
How long will so many congressional Republicans continue to side with Trump? You'd like to think that more than a few members would put nation ahead of party and do their best to get to the bottom of this fundamentally important question. Did Russia meddle in our presidential election? If so, toward what purpose? Does Putin think of Trump as little more than his lackey?
This isn't what the president likes to call fake news. It's the real McCoy. Two months on the job, and Trump's credibility is tanking. We'd say it could hardly get any worse, but with this administration, you never know.
A Brockton construction company and it owner have paid $150,000 as part of a settlement for illegally reimbursing its employees for political donations.
J. Derenzo Companies and owner David Howe paid $125,000 to the state and will make a $25,000 contribution to charity, according to a settlement released Tuesday by the Massachusetts Office of Campaign and Political Finance.
Under state law, corporations are not allowed to make political contributions directly to candidates. State law also prohibits disguising the origin of a contribution.
According to OCFP, employees of the company and their family members made $37,000 in campaign contributions to state politicians between 2006 and 2016, at Howe's request. The donations were listed on campaign finance reports as coming from those employees. The employees were then repaid from the company's petty cash account.
Boston Mayor Marty Walsh speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia, Monday, July 25, 2016. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The donations were made to Republican Gov. Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, and to Democratic Sen. Michael Brady of Brockton, former Boston Mayor Thomas Menino, former Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray, former Gov. Deval Patrick, Attorney General candidate Warren Tolman, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh and the Democratic State Committee. By far the largest sum - $14,500 - went to Walsh.
There is no indication that the politicians knew the money was coming from the corporation. Each of the politicians who received the money has voluntarily donated the money to charity, with the exception of $2,000 that was given to political committees that no longer exist.
Corporations are allowed to make independent expenditures, donations made independently of candidates. For example, a company can pay for advertising on behalf of a candidate as long as it does not coordinate with the candidate's committee. Howe told OCPF that he believed the donations were legitimate independent expenditures.
The settlement between Howe and OCPF Director Michael Sullivan was signed Tuesday. As part of the agreement, Howe agreed that the company will no longer use its petty cash account to make political campaign contributions.
Donald Trump,Tom Price
President Donald Trump, followed by Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price, far right, leaves Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, March 21, 2017, after rallying support for the Republican health care overhaul with GOP lawmakers. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
(J. Scott Applewhite)
President Donald Trump reportedly told U.S. House Republicans Tuesday that members who fail to stand behind GOP leaders' Affordable Care Act replacement plan could risk losing their congressional seats in 2018.
The president, during a morning Capitol Hill huddle with Republicans, urged opponents of the so-called "American Health Care Act," including Freedom Caucus members, to fall in line with GOP plan, Politico reported.
Contending that voters gave Republicans control of the White House and Congress to repeal the ACA, Trump warned that failure to do so could have consequences at the ballot box, sources in the room to told the news outlet.
"I'm asking for your vote on Thursday," the president reportedly said. "Many of you came in on the pledge to repeal and replace Obamacare. I honestly think many of you will lose your seats in 2018 if you don't get this done."
Trump also reportedly warned Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows that he would "come after" him if he continued to lead opposition to the GOP health care plan -- a threat which sources said appeared to have been the president "half joking," according to Politico.
U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester, however, slammed Trump's reported comments and accused him of "openly bullying members of Congress to get their votes."
"Simply stunning: @realDonaldTrump knows #Trumpcare is a disaster & is openly bullying members of Congress to get their votes. Shameful," he tweeted Tuesday.
Simply stunning: @realDonaldTrump knows #Trumpcare is a disaster & is openly bullying members of Congress to get their votes. Shameful. https://t.co/XkfmktFdXK Rep. Jim McGovern (@RepMcGovern) March 21, 2017
Trump's meeting with House Republicans came just hours after Speaker Paul Ryan announced amendments to the health care bill in an effort to shore up more GOP support.
The changes call for stopping any additional states from expanding Medicaid coverage, allowing states to opt-in to Medicaid block grants and letting states institute work requirements for Medicaid recipients who are not children, disabled, elderly or pregnant.
It would further move up the date of repealing ACA taxes on things like tanning beds and high-earning health care executives from 2018 to 2017, and allow the Senate to increase tax credits for older Americans, the speaker's office announced.
Trump told reporters that he believes the GOP plan is going to be a "real winner" and predicted its passage.
"It was a great meeting. They're terrific people. They want a tremendous health care plan. That's what we have, and there are going to be adjustments to it," he reportedly said. "But I think we'll get the votes."
stan rosenberg at umass.jpg
Senate President Stanley Rosenberg discussed the role of offshore wind in Massachusetts' energy future at a April 2016 symposium at UMass.
(Photo Rodrigo Mercado https://500px.com/rodmerfdez)
Leaders from the Massachusetts Senate will be visiting Western Massachusetts for a day as part of a statewide listening tour.
The Commonwealth Conversations tour will come to the region on March 28.
"We must continue to hear directly from the people of the Commonwealth in their communities about their hopes for the future," said Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, in a statement.
The day begins at 9 a.m. with a roundtable on "rural challenges and opportunities" at Conway Town Hall. The senators will tour Barnes Air National Guard Base in Westfield and MGM Springfield. There will be a 12:30 p.m. forum on transportation at the UMass Center at Springfield in Tower Square. The day will conclude with a 6:15 p.m. public town hall meeting in the Student Union Ballroom at UMass Amherst.
The statewide tour, which will stop in nine regions, is meant as a way for senators to learn about issues outside of their own districts. Each senator has committed to attending two day-long sessions in districts outside their own.
Each tour stop includes a forum on transportation issues in that region and a public town hall.
Trump Budget
Copies of President Donald Trump's first budget are displayed at the Government Printing Office in Washington, Thursday, March, 16, 2017. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
The leaders of the Massachusetts Senate have written to the state's congressional delegation expressing concern about President Donald Trump's proposal to cut funding to the National Institutes of Health.
Senate President Stan Rosenberg, D-Amherst, and Sen. Sal DiDomenico, D-Everett, chairman of the Senate Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs, wrote in a letter to Massachusetts' members of Congress on Tuesday that Massachusetts stands to lose nearly $500 million a year in NIH funding.
"This economic blow would be felt by every Congressional and Senate district in the commonwealth," Rosenberg and DiDomenico wrote.
Trump's budget proposal would increase spending on defense but cut spending drastically on most domestic programs. According to the Associated Press, the National Institutes of Heath would lose $5.8 billion from its $32 billion budget.
According to the senators, Massachusetts received around $2.5 billion in NIH grants last year, making the state the second largest recipient of NIH grants in the country.
Gov. Charlie Baker, a Republican, has also expressed concern about the impact of cuts to NIH funding on Massachusetts.
In their letter, Rosenberg and DiDomenico wrote that NIH grants fund important medical research in areas ranging from treating breast cancer to developing non-addictive alternatives to opioids for people with severe pain. Each dollar of medical research, they wrote, generates $2.30 in economic development in areas such as developing pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Massachusetts has 2,200 bioscience businesses, employing more than 80,000 residents in generally high-paying jobs.
The senators estimated that Massachusetts could lose $488 million in NIH grants, should Trump's budget pass.
All the members of Massachusetts' congressional delegation are Democrats and are expected to vote against Trump's budget proposal. The proposal is also unlikely to reach the floor in its current form, since Congress will make its own budget proposal, and many Republicans have concerns with Trump's plan.
SP Letter to Delegation on NIH Funding by Shira Schoenberg on Scribd
APTOPIX Britain Northern Ireland Martin McGuinness
Sinn Fein party leader Gerry Adams, back, and Sinn Fein's Michelle O'Neill carry the coffin of Martin McGuinness to the family home in the bogside area of Londonderry, Northern Ireland, Tuesday, March, 21, 2017. Martin McGuinness, the Irish Republican Army warlord who led his underground, paramilitary movement toward reconciliation with Britain, and was Northern Ireland's deputy first minister for a decade in a power-sharing government, has died, his Sinn Fein party announced Tuesday on Twitter. He was 66.(AP Photo/Peter Morrison)
(Peter Morrison)
U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield, reflected on the legacy of Martin McGuinness Tuesday following news of the former Irish Republican Army commander and Sinn Fein political leader's death.
Neal, the Democratic leader of Congress' Friends of Ireland Caucus, said he was sad to learn that McGuinness, 66, had died early Tuesday after what Sinn Fein called a "short illness."
The congressman touted his and McGuinness' joint efforts to bring reconciliation to Ireland and cast the former Northern Ireland deputy first minister as "an individual who helped change the course of Irish history for the better."
"I worked side-by-side with him for more than two decades in the effort to bring peace, justice and reconciliation to the island of Ireland," Neal said in a statement. "He was a leader who took extraordinary personal risks for peace to help build a shared future for the people he represented. And the conversation that is taking place on the island today about Irish unity is due in no small measure to the influence of Martin McGuinness."
It is with genuine sadness that I learned my great friend Martin McGuinness has passed away. My full statement here: https://t.co/4nrMuJpchs pic.twitter.com/It4FV74tQI Rep. Richard Neal (@RepRichardNeal) March 21, 2017
The Springfield Democrat added that while McGuinness was known to most as a "peacemaker, statesman and a gentleman," he will miss his friend's love of poetry, fishing and the city of Derry.
"During this difficult time, my thoughts go out to his wife Bernie and the entire McGuinness family," he said. "He will be missed. May he rest in peace."
McGuinness was believed to been involved in IRA-related bombings and killings -- allegations he denied. He later became a peacemaker and politician, being elected to the House of Commons in London in 1997, 2001, 2005 and 2010.
McGuinness stepped down from his post of deputy first minister in January citing health concerns, according to reports.
Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams praised McGuinness' "great determination, dignity and humility."
"He was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country," he said in a statement. "But above all he loved his family and the people of Derry and he was immensely proud of both."
PFL Tech Inc. is a marketing technology company that provides sales enablement and marketing automation solutions, as well asprinting, mailing, and fulfillment services. They also provide some great Montana Jobs.
Every entrepreneur seeking funding loves the challenge of getting customers and investors excited, but dreads the thought of negotiating the terms of a deal with potential investors. They are naturally reluctant to step out of the friendly and familiar business territory into the unfamiliar battlefield of venture capitalists from which few escape unscathed.
Marty Zwilling
Full Story: http://blog.startupprofessionals.com/2017/03/5-people-to-avoid-in-search-for-ideal.html
Everyone has to interact with someone they dont get along with every once in a while, so be prepared the next time it happens to you.
Deep Patel
Full Story: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/290116?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email
There are two to three times as many grocery stores as the country "needs."
Competition from online retailers forced many physical stores to close their doors, that trend could be headed for grocery stores next.
Casey Brazeal @northandclark
Full Story: https://www.planetizen.com/node/91780/industry-analyst-predicts-grocery-store-closures-across-us
Brand Africa launched Brand Africa | Africas Best Places, the pan-African initiative to recognize and rank the best places for tourism, investment and citizen mobilisation in Africa.
The goal of the initiative is to inspire pride, raise the standards and grow the competitiveness of African places countries, cities and destinations. The inaugural awards and rankings of the Brand Africa | Africas Best Places will be celebrated and published on 1 September 2022.
The Brand Africa | Africas Best Places initiative builds on the inaugural Brand Africa Forum in 2010 which convened African and global place branding decision makers and thought leaders to reflect on how African nations individually and the continent collectively can develop a supranational competitive advantage. Every year since then, Brand Africa has announced the Brand Africa 100 | Africas Best Brands the widely referenced pan-African survey and ranking of brands in Africa, which over the past 10 years, has established that only 20% of the most admired brands in Africa are African.
The initiative was announced by Brand Africa Chairman, Thebe Ikalafeng, on the sidelines of the Intra-Africa Trade Fair 2021 (IATF2021) which is taking place in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa from 15 to 21 November 2021.
Despite being rich in valued mineral resources, enviable indigenous fauna and flaura, a youthful population and being the second most populous continent accounting for 17.5% of world population, Africa attracts roughly only five percent of the worlds inbound tourism and FDI, says Ikalafeng.
Recognizing Africas Best Places will inspire pride in African places, enhance their reputations and competitiveness, grow tourism and investment, and ultimately contribute to the greater development and image of the continent, he concludes.
Thebe Ikalafeng Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa
The Brand Africa | Africas Best Places initiative is structured into two primary categories: (1) adjudicated awards and (2) rankings.
In the adjudicated awards category, African private and public institutions, agencies and practitioners can submit entries for initiatives and campaigns for tourism, trade and investment, economic development and citizen mobilization implemented internally in Africa or externally for Africa.
In the rankings category, an independent pan-African survey among citizens, visitors and investors will be undertaken to determine the best places for tourism, investment and to live.
Reflecting on the pandemic and the context of the IAFT2021 whose theme is focused on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which aims to accelerate intra-Africa investment and trade from 18% to 50% in 2030 through a single market for goods and services across 55 countries, Ikalafeng, whos been to every country in Africa, believes that by highlighting Africas Best Places and championing made in Africa brands, will inspire and mobilize African entrepreneurs, grow tourism, trade and investment, and accelerate industrialization, which ultimately will contribute to Africas growth, competitiveness and distinctiveness in a post-pandemic world where nations are increasingly having to look internally for sustainability.
Dr. Keith Dinnie, the global authority in city, region and country brand management and author of the worlds first textbook on nation branding: Nation Branding Concepts, Issues, Practice and editor of the book City Branding Theory and Cases, Kwame Senou, Vice-President at Opinion & Public in Benin and Ivory Coast and Vice-Chairman for Brand Africa Francophone Africa and Central Africa, New York based Eloine Barry, the CEO of Africa Media Agency, Kwakye Donkor, the CEO of Africa Tourism Partners, and broadcaster, actor, traveller, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Masego Maponyane are the inaugural members of the advisory council.
The awards are open to global and African private and public institutions, agencies and practitioners. Entries open 1 January 2022 and close 30 April 2022. The adjudication, by a diverse and representative global African panel of eminent of place branding experts, thought leaders, academia, policy and decision makers and practitioners. The inaugural awards will be presented live 1 September 2022. Interested parties can register at www.brand.africa/places to receive further information. This portal will also be the channel to enter the awards.
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Le ministre des Services Financiers a pris la parole le 19 mai 2022 au Labourdonnais Waterfront Hotel pour le mise en route de la SEMs new Automated Trading platform de la Stock Exchange of Mauritius. NEW AUTOMATED SYSTEM - SEM - 19 MAY AT 19H00
Heads of state, 17 ministers, high-ranking government officials and prominent business leaders from Africa have confirmed their participation for the fifth edition of the Global Business Forum Africa (GBF Africa), which takes place November 18-19, 2019 in Dubai.
Among the high-level dignitaries attending GBF Africa 2019 are H.E. George Weah, President of Liberia; H.E. Danny Faure, President of Seychelles; and 17 ministers from Sierra Leone, Ghana, Namibia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Angola, Senegal, Uganda, Malawi, Congo, Tanzania, Niger and Liberia. Also attending are senior public and private sector stakeholders from across Africa, including former heads of state, CEOs, entrepreneurs, industry experts and economists.
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry is organising GBF Africa 2019 under the theme Scale Up Africa in an effort to underline the important role of cross border cooperation in supporting and acceleratings Africas next phase of sustainable economic growth and development.
Since its inception, GBF Africa has served as a catalyst for UAE-Africa economic cooperation and business exchange. The upcoming edition of the forum will highlight new high-potential areas where African companies can collaborate with their UAE counterparts to create new business opportunities and capitalise on existing trade and investment potential, said H.E. Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chamber.
Non-oil trade between Dubai-Africa has increased steadily in recent years, amounting to $37.2 billion in 2018. The trend reflects the expanding trade ties and growing business confidence between the two regions.
Beyond high-level speakers and participants, GBF Africa 2019 offers a comprehensive programme delving into key trends and technologies reshaping African economies, with interactive sessions and panel discussions putting a focus on entrepreneurship, innovation, game-changing partnerships, success stories, opportunities and challenges.
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A Forest City woman was charged with over 27 felony counts of fraud and theft while working as an in-home nurse for a Lake Lure couple, according to Rutherford County authorities.
Lake Lure Police Officer Chris Shuford arrested Joanna Marie Cain of 472 Jack McKinney Road, Forest City, North Carolina on Thursday at approximately 10 a.m. She was taken to the Rutherford County Detention Center by her probation officer. she is on probation for other charges in North Carolina.
According to reports from the Rutherford County Sheriffs Department, Cain was employed by a well known in-home nursing company and worked for a couple in Lake Lure, caring for the husband who was ill. During her time of employment by the couple, Cain is accused of fraudulently writing and endorsing blank bank checks she stole from the home. The total amount of fraudulent checks is well over $10,000.
Cain is also accused of stealing gift cards. She is also accused of charging thousands of dollars of merchandise on credit cards belonging to the couple as well as opening accounts in their names. In addition, Cain is also accused of the theft of thousands of dollars of jewelry from the home and pawning it at pawn shops.
Cain is currently in the custody of the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department. She received a $240,000 bond.
The new hotel planned for N.C. 226 South and Interstate 40 area is a Holiday Inn Express.
Tuesday morning, City Manager Bob Boyette confirmed that the new hotel planned for the 30-acre property would be a Holiday Inn Express. In addition, a new sign at the property now features this name for the new hotel.
We havent seen building plans yet, said Boyette. Weve seen a preliminary site plan.
Last month, the Marion City Council agreed to annex this 30-acre property along N.C. 226 South, which is across from McDowell Technical Community College. Boyette said last month the site is now vacant but property owner Prakash Kadire of New Jersey asked for the annexation to get city services so it can be developed. Boyette said the new hotel is expected to create 24 full-time jobs.
Local officials said Kadire has other plans for that site besides a hotel. The place would likely have a restaurant, a convenience store and other businesses usually found along an interstate highway, said Boyette.
The McDowell News attempted Tuesday to speak with Kadire about his plans. He was not available for comment.
Both the city of Marion and McDowell County are working together to help Kadire get the grant for sewer service.
Last month, the Marion City Council approved the submission of a $120,000 grant application to the N.C. Department of Commerces infrastructure program. If awarded, this grant would support the extension of sewer service to that site on N.C. 226 South and I-40.
And just last week, the McDowell County Commissioners took their action on this matter. The estimated cost for the sewer line is $293,300. The state grant would be for $120,000, but would leave a local match of $173,300. City officials asked for a local 50/50 cost share with the county on this match.
The commissioners agreed to provide the countys part of the local match in the form of $85,650 over a two-year period.
We definitely have a need for another hotel, said Commissioner Matthew Crawford last week.
A sewer line along there would benefit the county government operations as well. The extension would allow for the countys animal shelter and facility maintenance building to connect to sewer service, said County Manager Ashley Wooten last week.
LONDON (Reuters) - Angolan state oil company Sonangol was working out its term allocations for May cargoes, traders said on Monday, while ample supply was heard to be weighing on the value of Nigerian crude. ANGOLA * The May loading programme emerged on Friday with 54 cargoes, or 1.67 million barrels per day, versus 53 in April. * One source said Unipec would take four cargoes on a term basis, Sinchem seven, Indian Oil Corp. two and Petrogal one. Another source said term allocations were not fully worked out. * Sonangol is also showing some spot offers to the market, which include Dalia offered at dated Brent plus 10 cents -- a level one potential buyer said was on the high side. NIGERIA * Nigerian Qua Iboe was heard to be on offer at about dated Brent plus $1.00, down 10 cents from offers heard on Friday. * The narrowing contango in the Brent market has reduced the incentive to store barrels, weighing on prompt values. Vitol last week sold a Qua cargo to Petroineos from storage in Saldanha Bay in South Africa, a trader said. * Up to 20 cargoes from the April programme were still said to be available. TENDERS * Shell, which traders said on Friday had probably won IOC's latest buying tender, is likely to be supplying 2 million barrels of Nigerian crude, a trader said on Monday. * Another Indian refiner HPCL is running a tender for first-half May-loading cargoes. The tender closes on March 22. * Taiwan's CPC is running a buy tender for full-month May-loading crude. The tender closed on Monday. (Reporting by Alex Lawler; editing by Susan Thomas)
For patients with chronic conditions, simply seeing a doctor once every three months for about ten minutes per visit is insufficient to provide the care and support needed for proper disease management. Within that timeframe, a patients conditions needs to be reassessed and the care plan updated to reflect the patients changing, dynamic disease state. Israel-based digital health company GlucoMe is trying to tackle these challenges from both the patient and healthcare professional perspectives. Combining hardware and software tools on the patient side with a Digital Diabetes Clinic for payers and providers, GlucoMe aims to ensure patients are receiving the right care at the right time. Medgadget had a chance to sit down with GlucoMe Founder and CEO Yiftah Ben Aharon to learn more.
Mike Batista, Medgadget: Diabetes management and monitoring is a huge problem around the world. What brought the challenges of diabetes management to you and your teams attention and how did that translate into creating the GlucoMe platform?
Yiftah Ben Aharon, GlucoMe: We developed the GlucoMe platform in response to a very real need to make diabetes management simpler for patients, caregivers and doctors. Diabetes is a daily part of life for millions of people the world over. For patients, theres always so much to think about and to remember to do in order to manage their condition. For them, we set out to help lower the burden of diabetes monitoring and improve compliance with on-hand treatment plans and progress reports.
With the volume of diabetes patients ever increasing, we set out to develop a platform that enables medical professionals to provide more efficient care, and reinforce self-care behavior with less overhead and greater insights.
Many diabetes patients see their doctor once every two or three months sometimes even less for a 10-minute consultation, in which time the doctor must review the patients recent history and update the treatment plan. In developing the GlucoMe solution, we decided to develop an algorithm-based platform that changes the way medical teams and patients work together.
We saw the need to close the treatment loop between patient and doctor in light of the insufficient time that patients have to communicate with their doctors/caregivers as well as the lack of real-time data and data analysis enabling doctors to provide the right treatment plans and to see the right patients at the right time.
Medgadget: Are there any unique challenges to managing diabetes in Israel, where your company is based?
Ben Aharon: Challenges in Israel are no different to other countries around the world. Diabetes is a pandemic affecting all communities and lifestyles.
In Israel today, there are some 460,000 people with diabetes (about 8.5% of the population), and the numbers continue to rise each year. Israels healthcare organizations are among the most advanced in the world, but they too have to cope with the pandemic as all developed countries must.
The GlucoMe platform is designed so that it can be seamlessly integrated into any healthcare system in any location.
Medgadget: What is included in the GlucoMe platform?
Ben Aharon: The GlucoMe platform is a comprehensive digital diabetes solution that includes:
a wireless Blood Glucose Monitor;
a wireless Insulin Pen Monitor;
a Mobile App for Android or iOS (free to download from the Google Play or Apple Store);
and a cloud-based Digital Diabetes Clinic for healthcare professionals providing both personalized treatment plans and population management tools
Medgadget: How does GlucoMe work? What is the patients user experience when interacting with the platform?
Ben Aharon: The wireless GlucoMe Blood Glucose Monitor measures and seamlessly communicates blood glucose data to any iOS or Android mobile device. It is simple to use the data is transmitted to the smartphone using a patented acoustic technology so that users do not need to press any buttons or rely on wires or communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, cellular data, or Bluetooth. This ensures that reliable health information is available to patients and caregivers via the GlucoMe Mobile App and to medical professionals via GlucoMes cloud-based Digital Diabetes Clinic.
Using the wireless Insulin Pen Monitor, compatible with all leading insulin pen brands, the users insulin intake information is automatically transferred to their mobile device and the information is added to the personal diabetes management data in the GlucoMe Mobile App.
The GlucoMe Mobile App is the patients personalized diabetes management companion, and we have designed it to facilitate clinical improvement and better overall patient health. The app collects clinical information automatically and securely transmits it in real time for cloud-based analysis. The users diabetes management history and information are displayed clearly, making it simple to follow. Patients can check compliance with the treatment plan prescribed by their medical professionals on the app, and receive up-to-the-minute dosage notifications and delivery time alerts.
We have developed the GlucoMe Mobile App to be highly intuitive and practical, so that nothing needs to be remembered, calculated, written down or typed in manually. The app syncs automatically to the cloud-based Digital Diabetes Clinic to ensure effective treatment and reinforce healthy self-care behavior.
Medgadget: Is GlucoMe free for patients to sign-up or do I need a referral from a doctor?
Ben Aharon: We expect and intend GlucoMe to be reimbursable. Currently, we are marketing our platform to HMOs, hospitals, and clinics for integration with personalized health systems, which we believe are the future of medicine. Healthcare organizations can then enable their diabetes patients to better manage their condition more simply from home.
Medgadget: How does GlucoMe work from the healthcare professionals perspective?
Ben Aharon: Our cloud-based Digital Diabetes Clinic (DDC) is designed for healthcare professionals. All of the data from the patients GlucoMe app is automatically uploaded to the cloud, analyzed and shared with their medical professionals. The GlucoMe DDC enables medical professionals to remotely monitor patients and adjust treatment plans between physical visits.
The DDC provides individual-level patient usage, adherence and treatment effectiveness snapshots, as well as global population, clinic, and patient group management reports. This gives medical professionals unequalled big data insights into real-life patient behavior patterns. Along with population management, GlucoMe enables digital or face-to-face intervention for the right patients at the right time. This saves time and money for both healthcare providers and payers.
The GlucoMe DDC can integrate into EHR systems or work independently at clinics where no EHR is used.
Medgadget: Do you see a changing paradigm in healthcare as a result of opportunities in digital health?
Ben Aharon: The current care model, in which patients are required to visit a physician every two or three months for a 10-minute visit, simply does not scale. There are too many patients and too few healthcare professionals. Using our Digital Diabetes Clinic, both payers and providers can make sure that the right patients will get the right treatment at the right time by the right healthcare professional.
Medgadget: There are a number of diabetes management devices and apps on the market today. What makes GlucoMe unique?
Ben Aharon: I believe what makes us unique is that we are closing the diabetes treatment loop between patients and doctors at a time when home and digital health management is key for healthcare efficiency and efficacy. For us, the hardware is part of a comprehensive solution, an enabler for a full treatment cycle. The cloud-based system is designed to give patients real support on the individual level and to support medical professionals and payers in approaching population management.
Harnessing the reliable data from the blood glucose and insulin pen monitors, as well as the algorithm-based data analysis, doctors will have simple access to more patient data than ever before and the tools to communicate with their patients more efficiently and effectively. The Digital Diabetes Clinic will give doctors a better snapshot of what their individual patients need, and the information will go a long way in providing the proper medical treatments.
In addition, the vast array of data we collect from these individual patients will give medical professionals unparalleled big data insights into worldwide patterns and treatment strategies.
Medgadget: What stage is GlucoMe at today? Are there already patients using the technology? Does it have a CE Mark or FDA Approval?
Ben Aharon: GlucoMe received its CE Mark. We are currently awaiting FDA approval in the Unites States, which we are expecting in 2017.
Medgadget: Whats next for GlucoMe? Are there any big milestones coming up on the companys roadmap?
Ben Aharon: We will continue expanding sales at a number of sites around the world, including Latin America, Africa and Germany, advance our work in Israel, and begin activity in the US
Link: GlucoMe
Akos Announces Virtual Healthcare Practice and Plans for Expansion by Spring 2017
Telemedicine startup Akos announced today the launch of its first U.S. virtual healthcare practice, located in north Phoenix. Developed by a team of local physicians, Akos is a contemporary telemedicine provider powering a new type of virtual healthcare practice, designed to help address the nations growing healthcare crisis. By combining smart technology, seamless design, a patient-centric operating model, grassroots strategy and the collective power of a preferred provider network, Akos will revolutionize the healthcare industry, offering a 360-degree solution that will improve access and reduce costs for patients, physicians and employers alike.
The nation as a whole is ready. With our healthcare system in flux, and healthcare premiums increasing over 100 percent in Arizona this year alone, there has never been a greater demand for a solution that addresses the pain points associated with our state and national healthcare offerings, says Dr. Kishlay Anand, cardiologist and co-founder of Akos. While minor improvements have been made, nothing game-changing has emerged that would provide a 360-degree approach to patient care and streamline convenience that is, until now.
Dr. Anand and Dr. Swaraj Singh started Akos in 2016. To help turn the Akos vision into a reality, the two enlisted a team of 26 esteemed colleagues to help conceptualize, develop and fund the effort. Together they successfully raised more than $1 million in initial investment and fundraising dollars, allowing them to complete the project and announce the official launch of their first virtual healthcare practice in Phoenix, as well as plans for expansion nationwide. Today Akos uses a mobile interface to provide patients unparalleled access to qualified virtual care coordinators and board-certified physicians from their area, 24/7/365 days a year via virtual smartphone or tablet consultation.
According to Anand and Singh, the Akos virtual platform will feature:
Convenient voice or live video consultations via a smartphone or tablet
Access to board-certified physicians in minutes for consultation, diagnosis and treatment
No membership or insurance requirements
Medical records stored securely on a HIPAA compliant platform
Same convenient and cost-effective care for family and loved ones
Access to the Akos preferred provider network
To access Akos, patients simply download the free app to their smartphone or tablet and provide a brief medical history and symptoms before speaking with a virtual care coordinator. Next, the care coordinator will assess the patients symptoms and connect the patient to a physician from their area who best meets their needs. Unlike traditional telemedicine models, Akos uses a grassroots strategy and the collective power of a preferred provider network to help patients navigate their healthcare concerns from start to finish. If the care coordinator determines the condition cannot be treated through virtual care, the patient will not be charged by Akos and instead, will be directed via a virtual care coordinator to an Akos preferred healthcare provider nearest them for immediate care.
According to the American Medical Association, telemedicine platforms, like Akos, allow physicians to treat 70 percent of clinical encounters seen today, virtually, says Singh. The opportunity to fix healthcare, making it accessible and affordable, is enormous. By introducing communities to Akos, we will eliminate the anxiety and uncertainty around healthcare, and instead help patients feel empowered about their healthcare decisions.
The $49 flat fee will get patients 15 minutes with an Akos physician, who can diagnose, treat and prescribe if necessary. For individuals or families looking to have a long-term care solution, Akos offers a membership package, which starts at $15 per month and a reduced fee per call of $30. Below are common medical conditions physicians can, but arent limited to, treat through Akos:
Illness: Common cold, flu, nausea, vomiting, strep throat
Aches and Pains: Migraines, headaches, back pain, abdominal pain
Seasonal: Allergies, sinus infection, asthma, wheezing
Minor Injuries: Contusions, sprains, strains
Skin: Rashes, acne, sunburn, stings, bites
Other: Motion sickness, stye, pink eye, urinary tract infection, constipation, yeast infection, STDs, ear infection, swimmers ear, acid reflux (GERD), weight loss and nutrition, general womens and mens health, to name a few.
As a nation, studies show continued shortages of primary care physicians. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, this is especially challenging for the 25 percent of the U.S. population that lives in rural areas, where access to healthcare is often lacking. As Akos becomes the preferred method for patient treatment, it will not just improve access to critical services and costs associated with healthcare for patients throughout the nation it would also provide a broad set of benefits for physicians and employers.
According to Anand and Singh, unlike working with a traditional clinic, virtual technology allows physicians to diagnose and treat patients anytime, anywhere. This increased access can help make communicating treatment programs more effective and efficient for physicians, while empowering patients to be more proactive about their health through an easy-to-use communications platform.
For employers, Akos is pioneering a digital health transformation, offering an innovative, multifaceted healthcare solution and a revolutionary return to work program to meet the needs of businesses today. Through customized implementation, employers will get the benefits of improved healthcare access, well-being of staff and boosted productivity. In addition, Akos return to work program will streamline illness and work-related injury processes, so employers can reduce insurance costs and workers compensation claims by minimizing employee downtime and visits to the emergency room.
Were paving the way with our employer telehealth offering and return to work program, says Anand. We will help businesses and employees thrive at work, by collaborating to help mediate work-related injury and illness situations, provide a timely diagnosis and treatment, and facilitate a speedy recovery and return to work for employees.
Akos will see patients in Arizona starting this month, with plans to expand virtual care practices and services in 10 more locations by spring 2017. According to founders Anand and Singh, Akos plans to become the medical office of the future, with virtual healthcare practices nationally by 2018.
For more than a year, weve envisioned Akos being a pioneer in telemedicine, offering the first complete healthcare solution for patients, physicians and employers across the United States, says Singh. Its taken the right blend of physicians, technologists, developers, marketers and healthcare partners, but today were thrilled to see that vision come to life as we launch Akos publicly, starting right here in our own backyard.
For more information on bringing Akos to your business, joining the Akos preferred provider network or becoming an Akos patient, visit www.akosmd.com.
About AkosMD:
Developed by a team of leading physicians, Akos opened its first virtual healthcare practice in 2016, located in Phoenix, Ariz. A contemporary telemedicine provider powering a new type of virtual healthcare practice, Akos offers the first complete healthcare solution for patients, physicians, employers and healthcare centers across the United States. By combining smart technology, seamless design, a patient-centric approach, grassroots strategy and the collective power of a preferred provider network, Akos is reinventing the traditional healthcare model one virtual call at a time. Available 24/7/365 days a year, patients can pay a flat fee of $49 or enjoy an Akos membership, which starts at $15 per month and a reduced fee per call of $30, to get unparalleled access to board-certified physicians in their area via a smartphone device or tablet. Currently Akos only serves patients in Arizona with plans to expand to 10 more locations by spring 2017. For more information or to download our app, visit www.AkosMD.com. For the latest news, health tips and more, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
As new implantable devices continue to shrink, the race is on for similarly-sized reliable power sources. Current state-of-the art implantables often depend on chunky batteries that suffer from limited lifetimes, with a typical pacemaker battery lasting around eight years. While some techniques have successfully harvested power from biological processes such as heart beats or from body heat, most devices require significantly more energy. A report on work pioneered by scientists at the National University of Singapore describes a newly designed device that allows for wireless transmission of power into the body, demonstrating this technologys potential by powering a miniature cardiac pacemaker implanted in a pig model.
Building on the principles used in microwave focusing for heat ablation of deep-tissue tumors, the team designed a flexible antenna that easily fits in ones palm and enables the transmission of electromagnetic power to a defined focal point deep inside the body. While the distinct aspects of their design are not novel, the innovative combination of phased arrays and conformal surfaces resulted in a clear improvement in energy transfer efficiency by radio frequency radiation. Using a transvenous catheter to implant a miniature cardiac stimulator at various locations in the heart, and ensuring they are within the generated focal spot, the team was able to modulate pig cardiac rates in an efficient and reversible manner.
The teams use of electromagnetic waves ensures better penetration through bone, compared to ultrasound, while holding the possibility of coupled data transmission for telemetry applications. Additionally, typical methods used for electromagnetic energy supplies depend on inductive coupling, which is incompatible with tiny devices implanted deep within the body. While there is still room for improvement, particularly for reliable long-term usage, the technology holds immediate and promising implications for biosensors, neuromodulation, and cancer therapy.
Image courtesy of University of Singapore.
Article in Nature Biomedical Engineering: Conformal phased surfaces for wireless powering of bioelectronic microdevices
More from: NBE News & Views: Bioelectronic devices Wirelessly powered implants
by Gord Hotchkiss , Featured Contributor, March 21, 2017
Quit batting your seductive visual sensors at me. You know I cant resist. But I often wonder what Im giving up when I give in to your temptations. Thats why I was interested in reading Tom Goodwins take on the major theme at SXSW: the battle for humanity. He broke this down into three subthemes. I agree with them. In fact, Ive written on all of them in the past. They were:
Data trading Were creating a market for data. But when youre the one that generated that data, who should own it?
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Shift to no screens an increasing number of connected devices will change the concept of what it means to be online.
Content tunnel vision As the content we see is increasingly filtered based on our preferences, what does that do for our perception of what is real?
But while were talking about our imminent surrender to the machines, I feel there are some other themes that also merit some discussion. Lets limit it to two today.
A New Definition of Connection and Community
A few weeks ago, I read an article that I found fascinating, by neuroendocrinologist and author Robert Sapolsky. In it, he posits that understanding Capgras Syndrome is the key to understanding the Facebook society.
The syndrome, first identified by French psychiatrist Joseph Capgras, is a disorder where we can recognize a face of a person but we cant retrieve feelings of familiarity. Those afflicted can identify the face of a loved one but swear that its actually an identical imposter.
Recognition of a person and retrieval of emotions attached to that person are handled by two different parts of the brain. When the connection is broken, Capgras Syndrome is the result.
This bifurcation of how we identify people is interesting. There is the yin and yang of cognition and emotion. The fusiform gyrus cognitively parses the face, and then the brain retrieves the emotions and memories that are associated with it. To a normally functioning brain, this process is seamless and connected, but because two different regions (or, in the case of emotion, a network of regions) are involved, they can neurologically evolve independently of each other. And in the age of Facebook, that could mean a significant shift in the way we recognize connections and create cognitive communities.
Sapolsky elaborates: "Through history, Capgras syndrome has been a cultural mirror of a dissociative mind, where thoughts of recognition and feelings of intimacy have been sundered. It is still that mirror. Today we think that what is false and artificial in the world around us is substantive and meaningful. Its not that loved ones and friends are mistaken for simulations, but that simulations are mistaken for them."
As I said in a column a few months back, we are substituting surface cues for familiarity. We are rushing into intimacy without all the messy, time-consuming process of understanding and shared experience that generally accompanies it.
Brains do love to take short cuts. Theyre not big on heavy lifting. Heres another example of that:
Free Will is Replaced with An Algorithm
With an article in The Atlantic, Derek Thompson explored The Post Human World in a conversation with historian Yuval Harari, author of the best-seller "Sapiens." One of the topics the two discussed was the end of individualism.
Humans (or, at least, most humans) have believed that our decisions come from a mystical soul -- a transcendental something that lives above our base biology and is in control of our will. Wrapped up in this idea is the concept of our importance in the world as free-thinking agents.
In the past few decades, there is a growing realization that our notion of free will is just the result of a cascade of biochemical processes. There is nothing magical here; there is just a chain of synaptic switches being thrown. And that being the case, if a computer can process things faster than our brains, should we simply relegate our thinking to a machine?
In many ways, this is already happening. We trust Google Maps or our GPS device more than we trust our ability to find our own way. We trust Google Search more than our own memory. Were on the verge of trusting our wearable fitness tracking devices more than our own bodys feedback.
In all these cases, our trust in tech is justified. These things are usually right more often than we are. But looking at the larger issue of humans versus machines, there's a slippery slope that were already well down.
Harari speculates what might be at the bottom: "What really happens is that the self disintegrates. Its not that you understand your true self better, but you come to realize there is no true self. There is just a complicated connection of biochemical connections, without a core. There is no authentic voice that lives inside you."
When I lie awake worrying about technology, these are the types of things that I think about. Here's the big question: Is humanity an outmoded model?
The fact is, we evolved to be successful in a certain environment. But heres the irony in that: We were so successful that we changed that environment to one where it was the tools weve created, not the creators, that are the most successful adaptation. We may have made ourselves obsolete.
And thats why really smart humans, like Bill Gates, Elon Musk and Stephen Hawking, are so worried about artificial intelligence.
"It would take off on its own, and redesign itself at an ever increasing rate," said Hawking in a recent interview with the BBC. "Humans, who are limited by slow biological evolution, couldn't compete, and would be superseded."
Worried about a machine taking your job? That may be the least of your worries.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, March 21, 2017
The recent changes in Google's brand safety policies mean stricter guidelines and more controls for advertisers on YouTube.
Google said Tuesday that it would change the default settings for ads so they serve up on content that meets higher levels of brand safety and only serve up against "legitimate creators" in its Partner Program.
The plan means that there will be new account-level controls, which make it easier for advertisers to exclude specific sites and channels from all their AdWords for Video and Google Display Network campaigns.
The changes will also make it easier for brands to exclude high-risk content and provide more control on where the ads appear.
Although there are a handful of controls already in place, Philipp Schindler, Google chief business officer, wrote in a blog post that the company also would revisit its community guidelines to determine and redefine the definition of "appropriate" content.
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But Google's move reflects only one aspect of a changing industry that most believe needs stricter policies to protect brands.
While brand safety took on a new meaning the day The Times uncovered a flaw in Google's ad-serving platform that led Volkswagen, Toyota, Tesco and others to pull advertising from YouTube, the Internet giant isn't the only network in need of ridding its network of derogatory or horrifying content.
Facebook has had to deal with live videos of suicides and killings via Facebook Live. Early in March, Facebook launched a live chat support test through messenger that gives users watching the live video a way to reach out to the person.
In one instance last weekend, a man streaming on Facebook Live was fatally shot by police after reportedly attempting to strike an officer's car, according to one report.
Earlier this year, a fourteen-year-old teenage girl hung herself while streaming on Facebook Live while in the bathroom of her foster parents' home in Miami, reports a media outlet.
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, March 21, 2017
Future Lions, the student competition of the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity that is organized by WPPs AKQA, has issued its call for entries for this years competition.
This years theme is Beyond, as in looking beyond whats expected to create the future. The brief: Connect audiences to an idea from a global brand in a way not possible three years ago. The deadline for entries is April 12.
For the fourth year in a row, Google is the official partner of the Future Lions competition.
The five winning ideas will be celebrated on stage at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity on June 21. In addition to a trophy, the winners receive full access to the Festival.
More on this years Future Lions programs can be found here.
Some of the worlds most influential billionaire philanthropists plan to launch a powerful digital platform to harness the avalanche of data sent from satellites each day-and make it freely available for humanitarian and environmental causes.
Bill and Melinda Gates-who are also custodians of legendary investor Warren Buffets billions- have joined forces with Pierre Omidyar, founder of eBay, to fund the Radiant Earth project, a repository and archive of the worlds satellite, aerial and drone imagery.
The project, expected to cost multi millions of dollars, aims to find ways to combine and analyze Earth data and imagery and offer it free of charge in formats that do not require specific expertise to understand.
Anne Hale Miglarese, Radiant CEO, said the world is now awash in data but for non specialists, finding it and creating ways to use it practically can be both difficult and expensive.
(Radiant) will help build the who, what, where when or why for the planning and management of issues such as land tenure, global health, sustainable development, food security and disaster response, she said.
Data growth
The Gates Foundation invited more than 150 academics and data analysis specialists to Seattle last week for what was billed as a Thought Leaders Summit on the project.
Experts discussed what humanitarian agencies, environmental and land rights groups might want and need.
Amazon Web Services Global Open Data chief, Jed Sundwall, said Radiant would try to give humans back their time to focus on research and analysis.
Open data is happy data: we have so much data that can tell us about our world but we cant know it because it is too expensive to know it, he said.
Industry experts said over the past five years the number of operational satellites has jumped 40%, and nearly 1,400 now orbit the Earth.
This number could more than double over the next five years as satellites become smaller, lighter and more affordable.
Entrepreneurs have increasingly begun to view the sky as a new market which can help feed the burgeoning global demand for more communications, satellite TV and broadband services.
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However satellites are also collecting data from space about the Earth itself. Applications are far reaching from tracking plant health through chlorophyll to gauging the impact of natural disasters and the surveillance of illegal logging.
Two weeks ago, India launched 104 satellites-101 of them for foreign companies and agencies in a single mission as part of its strategic bid for a bigger share of the $300 billion global space industry.
Experts at the Seattle summit said the multiple launch, described as a world record by its space agency, was also significant because 88 were shoebox-sized Dove satellites launched by Planet, a San Francisco-based private satellite operator founded by former NASA scientists.
The constellation of small satellites will, once settled into orbit in six months time, will photograph the entire Earth every day.
The new explorers
Satellite imagery might be one of the most powerful and unbiased tools to tell people what is going on with the planet Albert Lin, Research Scientist at the University of California, San Diego, told the summit.
The key, he said, lay in finding ways to translate enormous amounts of information into something that can be understood by everyone.
This means finding ways of sorting and interlinking the trillions of bits of data sent to Earth and re-construct them into readable, digital and sometimes 3D models.
In some cases, data can be analyzed with the help of communities of citizen scientists sitting alone at their computers all over the world.
This is a wake-up call that satellite imagery is not just about questions and insights but also about engaging the entire planet in observing the planet, together, he said.
Some of these techniques were used to map the New Zealand city of Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake and in the search for the Malaysian Airlines jet that went missing in 2014, he said.
Lin said his laboratory, the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology, can explore the world without disturbing a sod of soil.
He led a team that tried to find Genghis Khans tomb in one of the most remote parts of Mongolia, a quest that has fascinated historians and scientists for centuries.
Mongolians believe the tomb to be sacred and any disturbance of its site a portent of disaster.
Data analysts from Australia to Norway scoured satellite and geo-spatial data from the most remote parts of the Mongolian mountains. They helped to spot ancient structures seen only from space that helped to guide the team on the ground on horseback to pinpoint the most likely sites.
Ultimately, said Radiant CEO Miglarese, the new platform will foster more informed decision-making about the Earths resources.
The team also hopes Radiant will encourage the creation of more open source technologies and innovation that can help solve societies most pressing issues.
Radiant is about using Earth imagery for positive global impact, she said.
This article is by the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Omidyar Network, founded by Pierre Omidyar, partners with the Thomson Reuters Foundation on its property rights coverage.
This article was originally published on FORTUNE.com
Depression affects the well-being of a significant number of adults in the United States. Although medication is available for treating clinical depression, some of these drugs take a long time to work or may pose health risks because of their side effects. However, a new mouse study paves the way for a more effective treatment of depression in humans.
Share on Pinterest A new mouse study finds an innovative avenue for developing more effective antidepressant medication.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that 8 million U.S. individuals were diagnosed with major depressive disorder between 2009 and 2010, and that the condition accounted for almost 43,000 deaths during that time.
Treatment options available for people with depression include psychotherapy and medication. Antidepressants work for most people, however for others, the side effects pose serious health risks. The medication may lead to suicidal thoughts or even suicide attempts in some people, especially during the initial period of 2 to 4 weeks before the drugs start to work.
In an attempt to come up with a better alternative to the antidepressants currently on the market, researchers from the University of California (UC) San Diego School of Medicine have set out to study depression in mice. The team led by Abraham Palmer, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry and vice chair for basic research at the UC San Diego School of Medicine found that inhibiting a certain enzyme alleviates symptoms of depression in mice.
The findings were published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Approximately 1 in 4 African American individuals recommended for statin therapy under guidelines from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association are no longer recommended for statin therapy under guidelines from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, according to a study published online by JAMA Cardiology. The study is being released to coincide with its presentation at the American College of Cardiology's 66th Annual Scientific Session.
Approximately 1 in 4 African American individuals recommended for statin therapy under ACC/AHA guidelines are no longer recommended for statin therapy under USPSTF guidelines. Individuals only eligible for statins under ACC/AHA guidelines experienced a low to intermediate event rate, suggesting decreased sensitivity of the USPSTF recommendations in identifying participants at risk of ASCVD. Consequently, USPSTF guidelines focus treatment on a smaller high-risk group (38 percent of high-risk African American individuals) at the expense of missing significant numbers of African American individuals with vascular calcification.
While those who were eligible for statins by both USPSTF and ACC/AHA guidelines had a similar risk of incident ASCVD (i.e., heart attack, ischemic stroke, or fatal coronary heart disease) compared with non-eligible participants, the addition of CAC scoring improved risk stratification above guideline recommendations, suggesting that CAC has the potential to personalize recommendation for statin therapy by both guideline recommendations.
"Despite debate over the potential cost, risk calibration, and metabolic health implications of increasing statin use, these results support a guideline-based approach to statin recommendation, leveraging targeted imaging (or other surrogate atherosclerotic measures) in African American individuals to further personalize statin-based prevention programs," the authors write.
Scientists identify two signaling proteins in cancer cells that make them resistant to chemotherapy, and show that blocking the proteins along with chemotherapy eliminate human leukemia in mouse models.
Reporting results in Nature Medicine , researchers at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center suggest that blocking the signaling proteins c-Fos and Dusp1 as part of combination therapy might cure several types of kinase-driven, treatment-resistant leukemia and solid tumor cancers.
These include acute myeloid leukemia (AML) fueled by the gene FLT3, lung cancers fueled by genes EGFR and PDGFR, HER2-driven breast cancers, and BCR-ABL-fueled chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), according to Mohammad Azam, PhD, lead investigator and a member of the Division of Experimental Hematology and Cancer Biology.
"We think that within the next five years our data will change the way people think about cancer development and targeted therapy," Azam says. "This study identifies a potential Achilles heel of kinase-driven cancers and what we propose is intended to be curative, not just treatment."
The weak spot is a common point of passage in cells (a signaling node) that appears to be required to generate cancer cells in both leukemia and solid tumors. The node is formed by the signaling proteins c-Fos and Dusp1, according to study authors. The researchers identified c-Fos and Dusp1 by conducting global gene expression analysis of mouse leukemia cells and human chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) cells donated by patients.
CML is a blood cancer driven by an enzyme called tyrosine kinase, which is formed by the fusion gene BCR-ABL. This fusion gene is the product of translocated chromosomes involving genes BCR (chromosome 22) and ABL (chromosome 9). Analysis of human CML cells revealed extremely high levels of c-FOS and DUSP1 in BCR-ABL-positive chemotherapy resistant cells.
Cancer sleeper cells
Cancer cells often become addicted to the mutated gene that causes them, such as BCR-ABL in kinase-driven chronic myeloid leukemia. Most chemotherapies work by blocking molecular pathways affected by the gene to shut down the disease process. In the case of CML, a chemotherapy called imatinib is used to block tyrosine kinase, which initially stops the disease. Unfortunately the therapeutic benefit is temporary and the leukemia comes back.
Azam and colleagues show in their CML models that signaling from tyrosine kinase - and growth factor proteins that support cell expansion (like interleukins IL3, IL6, etc.) - converge to dramatically elevate c-Fos and Dusp1 levels in the cancer cells.
Working together these molecules maintain the survival of cancer stem cells and minimal residual disease. The dormant cells wait around under the radar screen to rekindle the disease by acquiring additional genetic mutations after initially effective chemotherapy.
Azam says Dusp1 and c-Fos support the survival of cancer stem cells by increasing the toxic threshold needed to kill them. This means conventional imatinib chemotherapy will not eliminate the residual disease stem cells. Doctors can't just increase the dose of chemotherapy because it doesn't target the Dusp1 and c-Fos proteins that regulate toxic threshold.
Targeting c-Fos and Dusp1
After identifying c-Fos and Dusp1, the authors tested different treatment combinations on mouse models of CML, human CML cells, and mice transplanted with human leukemia cells. They also tested treatments on B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL).
The treatment combinations included: 1) solo therapy with just the tyrosine kinase inhibitor, imatinib; 2) solo treatment with just inhibitors of c-Fos and Dusp1; 3) treatment with all three combined - imatinib along with molecular inhibitors of c-Fos and Dusp1.
As suspected, treatment with imatinib alone initially stopped CML progression but the leukemia relapsed with the continued presence of residual disease cells. Treatment with c-Fos and Dusp1 inhibitors alone significantly slowed CML progression and prolonged survival in a majority of mice but wasn't curative. Treatment for one month with c-Fos/Dusp1 inhibitors and imatinib cured 90 percent of mice with CML, with no signs of residual disease cells.
Azam and his colleagues also point to an interesting finding involving solo treatment with just the deletion of c-Fos and Dusp1. This eliminated expression of the signaling proteins and was sufficient to block B-ALL development, eradicating the disease in mouse models.
Next steps
The authors stress that because the study was conducted in laboratory mouse models, additional research is needed before the therapeutic strategy can be tested in clinical trials.
They are following up the current study by testing c-Fos and Dusp1as treatment targets for different kinase-fueled cancers, including certain types of lung cancer, breast cancers and acute forms of leukemia.
The study was supported with grants from the National Cancer Institute and National Institutes of Health (1RO1CA155091), the Leukemia Research Foundation and the V Foundation.
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Theme: Racial Profiling and Incitement to Hatred, Including in the Context of Migration
However, the peaceful demonstration turned violent when the state police opened fire on the protesters. Over 67 South Africans were killed and 186 wounded, with 48 women and children among the casualties. The incident gathered international media attention, and was named the Sharpeville Massacre, which triggered the spark that led to the legal abolition of apartheid system. Sharpeville Massacre is one of the first episodes of insurgence against South Africa's repressive apartheid system. In memory of the lost lives in Sharpeville, the United Nations declared March 21 the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination in 1966.Every year, various themes are adopted by the United Nations. The theme for this year's International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination day is "Racial Profiling and Incitement to Hatred."The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, said, "Politics of division and the rhetoric of intolerance are targeting racial, ethnic, linguistic and religious minorities, and migrants and refugees. Words of fear and loathing can, and do, have real consequences.""States do not have any excuse to allow racism and xenophobia to fester. States have the legal obligation to prohibit and eliminate racial discrimination, to guarantee the right of everyone, no matter their race, color, national or ethnic origin, to equality before the law," said Zeid.Every individual is entitled to human rights without discrimination. The cornerstones of human rights law are the rights to equality and non-discrimination. However, in many parts of the world, human discriminatory practices are still widespread. Racial, ethnic, religious and nationality based profiling and incitement to hatred are the types of discrimination.According to a recent report by the Human Rights Council, "Racial and ethnic profiling is defined as a reliance by law enforcement, security and border control personnel on race, color, descent or national or ethnic origin as a basis for subjecting persons to detailed searches, identity checks and investigations, or for determining whether an individual is engaged in criminal activity." The targets of racial profiling and incitement to hatred are the refugees and migrants.In the New York Declaration for Refugees and Migrants adopted in September 2016, The United Nations Member States condemned acts and manifestations of racism, racial discrimination xenophobia and related intolerance against refugees and migrants. The member states committed to a range of steps to stop hate crimes, hate speech and racial violence.The Summit for Refugees and Migrants in September 2016 led to a United Nations initiative called "Together" to promote respect, safety and dignity for refugees and migrants. The global initiative led by the Secretary-General in partnership with Member States, civil society and the private sector, aims to change negative perceptions and attitudes towards refugees and migrants.On this International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, the United Nations Human Rights urge people around the world to "Stand up for Someone's Rights Today." People around the world are urged to encourage and supports actions to defend the human rights of others.Source: Medindia
Virgin Galactic, Richard Bransons spaceflight company, is working towards taking people to space on a commercial mission soon. Richard Branson had intended to complete a whole mission in 2009 as well, but the plan was thrown off by a wide range of problems and disasters.
Branson has also extended an invite to the one and only Stephen Hawking to go to space on Virgin Galactic and the cosmologist and theoretical physicist will soon be going heading out into the dark unknown. Talking about this on Good Morning America, Professor Hawking said, "Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic, and I said yes immediately".
Wikimedia
This would be such an amazing opportunity for anyone, but since it is Stephen Hawking, its even more special. He said that he never even dreamed that he would be able to head to space but soon this will probably become a reality soon.
Reuters
Richard Branson has been trying to come through with his mission and send people to space for years now but has failed more than once. But since he has started formally offering seats to people on commercial trips, he must be close to achieve this incredible feat, since his confidence in this mission seems to have increased.
Life begins where the line ends.
Risks are always going to be scary thats why theyre called so. The fear of lagging behind in this race we never signed up for is always going to be a big determinant in the decisions we make. Its so much easier to cling on to whats around. Why take the leap when you could just settle, right?
Well, wonder what would have happened if Colonel Harland Sanders thought the same way. Colonel Sanders the man who single-handedly changed the way people eat chicken. Colonel Sanders the man who gave us the finger-lickin good KFC.
Twitter
The next time you feel like youve lost out on your best years in life and its too late to make it, remind yourself of this man who started upon this incredible journey of becoming the founder of one of the biggest food chains in the world at the age of 65.
His fathers untimely death and the poor financial circumstances at home drove Sanders to learn how to cook at the age of 7 and start working as an industrial salesman. He spent his early years taking up odd jobs like selling tires, operating a ferry boat and stoking steam engines of trains to earn bread.
He was already 40 when he got a place at a service station in Corbin, Kentucky to use his love for cooking and sell Southern dishes to travelers. Over time, his food became so popular amongst people, he converted the gas station into a roadside restaurant!
Twitter
It was the year 1939 when he finally figured how to fry his chicken to get that perfect consistency and taste he had been trying to achieve since years. He became so famous for his chicken, the governor of Kentucky honoured him with the title of a Colonel for his hard work, dedication and the magic recipe in 1950!
Sanders lived up to the title by dressing in a white suit and the famous Kentucky colonel tie. He then tied up with his friend Pete Harman, a restaurateur and named his fried chicken Kentucky Fried Chicken. He would earn 4 percent of the price of every fried chicken piece sold. He went from door to door, restaurant to restaurant, with his secret spices and offered to cook his special chicken and earn royalty. By 1964, over 600 restaurants across US and Canada were serving Kentucky Fried Chicken. A decade later, Colonel Sanders was the 2nd most recognizable celebrity in the world.
Twitter
In 1965, he sold his companys rights for 2 million dollars when he realised KFC had become a world-wide phenomenon, a venture that needed its own wings. Sanders became the brand ambassador, earned a lifetime salary of $75,000 and retained ownership of most KFC Canada outlets. The rest as they know, is history!
Twitter
It wasnt until 62 years of age that Sanders founded KFC. And thats not even the most aspirational part of his life story. The man never really aimed to be rich. He just wanted to be known as the guy who made the best chicken in the world. And guess what, it came true all of what he dreamt of and more.
"If you were a franchisee turning out perfect gravy but making very little money for the company and I was a franchisee making lots of money for the company but serving gravy that was merely excellent, the Colonel would think that you were great and I was a bum," a KFC executive once said.
Of course, there are going to be failures. Its not going to be easy. There will never be an assurance of success. But if its really what your heart wants, youll find a way! Colonel Sanders surely did.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Mar 20, 2017) - Blue Sky Uranium Corp. (TSX VENTURE:BSK)(MAL2.F)(BKUCF), ("Blue Sky" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on the progress of the 3,000 metre reverse circulation ("RC") drilling program at the Amarillo Grande uranium project, in Rio Negro Province, Argentina. Drilling has finished at the Ivana target area, with 94 holes totaling 1,276 metres completed. The crew is now moving to the Anit area, approximately 50 kilometres to the northwest along the 140-kilometre long uranium trend that comprises the Amarillo Grande Project. Drill results for the completed drilling are pending and expect to be announced soon.
This new uranium district was first identified and underwent preliminary exploration by the Company from 2007 to 2012. The close proximity of several major targets and the near surface mineralization suggest that if resources are delineated, a central processing facility would be envisioned.
"We are excited to be active in the Province of Rio Negro where a thriving nuclear converter industry exists since the 1970s, but no uranium production," stated Nikolaos Cacos, President and CEO. "Blue Sky's 420,000 hectares of property situated in two distinct regions has the potential to become the first domestic source of uranium for Argentina. The current program at Amarillo Grande is testing the mineralization occurrence at surface, and, depending on results, would be expanded to test at depth."
For additional details on the program please refer to the Company news release dated January 26, 2017.
About the Amarillo Grande Project
This new uranium district was first identified, staked and underwent preliminary exploration by Blue Sky from 2007 to 2012 as part of the Grosso Group's strategy of adding alternative energy focus to its successful portfolio of metals exploration companies. The close proximity of several major targets suggest that if resources are delineated a central processing facility would be envisioned. The area is flat-lying, semi-arid and accessible year round, with nearby rail, power and port access.
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Mineralization identified to date represents a Surficial Uranium style of deposit, where carnotite mineralization coats loosely consolidated pebbles of sandstone and conglomerates. Carnotite is amenable to leaching, and early metallurgical work indicates that the mineralized material can be upgraded using a very simple wet screening method. The near-surface mineralization, ability to locally upgrade, amenability to leaching and central processing possibility suggest a potentially low-cost development scenario for a future deposit.
Rio Negro is host to several facilities related to the nuclear industry. Furthermore, the Provincial government is amenable to mining as a means of socio-economical development. In addition, the Federal government has expressed support for building domestic resources of uranium. In particular, the Argentina Atomic Energy National Commission (CNEA) published its Strategic Plan 2015-2025, which includes a strategic objective "To ensure the supply of domestic uranium for nuclear power plants in operation, under construction and planned."
For additional details on the project and properties, please see the Company's website: www.blueskyuranium.com.
Qualified Person
The contents of this news release have been reviewed and approved by David Terry, Ph.D., P.Geo. Dr. Terry is a Director of the Company and a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.
About Blue Sky Uranium Corp.
Blue Sky Uranium Corp. is a leader in uranium discovery in Argentina. The Company's objective is to deliver exceptional returns to shareholders by rapidly advancing a portfolio of surficial uranium deposits into low-cost producers. Blue Sky holds has the exclusive right to over 428,000 hectares of property in two provinces in Argentina. The Company's flagship Amarillo Grande Project was an in-house discovery of a new district that has the potential to be among the first domestic suppliers of uranium to the growing Argentine market. The Company is a member of the Grosso Group, a resource management group that has pioneered exploration in Argentina since 1993.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD,
Nikolaos Cacos, President, CEO and Director
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
This news release 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. Readers are encouraged to refer to the Company's public disclosure documents for a more detailed discussion of factors that may impact expected future results. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. We advise U.S. investors that the SEC's mining guidelines strictly prohibit information of this type in documents filed with the SEC. U.S. investors are cautioned that mineral deposits on adjacent properties are not indicative of mineral deposits on our properties.
Value of Brazil's meat product exports, poultry and beef, with target export countries and the value of exports (AFP Photo/Anella RETA, Gustavo IZUS)
Brasilia (AFP) - Salmonella steaks? Carcinogenic chemicals? Lying labels?
Brazil, the world's biggest beef and poultry exporter, has been hit by stomach-churning allegations of corrupt practices in its meat industry.
Police have halted exports by 21 meat processers suspected of bribing inspectors to issue them bogus health certificates for rotten meat.
Here's what we know -- and what we don't -- about the scandal.
- Carcinogenic substances -
The drama erupted Friday when police announced they had dismantled a network of corrupt health inspectors and meatpacking plants.
One of the most eye-popping allegations came in a press conference by police investigator Mauricio Moscardi Grillo, who said some meat processing plants had been using "carcinogenic products" to mask rotten meat.
So what were these products?
One of them was sorbic acid, according to agriculture ministry inspector Daniel Gouveia Teixeira, who described it as "a decontaminating agent to reduce bacterial contamination and hide odors and other characteristics of rotten meat."
But the agriculture ministry insists that sorbic acid and the other products in question are in fact common preservatives that are safe if used in the quantities allowed by law.
- False labels -
One processing plant switched out the labels on expired meat to change the expiration dates, according to investigators.
Police released a summary of a conversation between an investigator and the plant's owner in which the latter showed "no surprise" at the labels being switched on an entire shipment of pork, or the reprocessing of months-old meat for use in other food products.
- Salmonella -
Investigators also found salmonella bacteria in products exported from one plant owned by the major multinational group BRF.
Police described a wire-tapped phone call in which a BRF executive confirmed that European health inspectors had found traces of salmonella, which can cause food poisoning, in four impounded containers of meat.
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BRF said in a statement that it fully complied with regulations and that the type of salmonella found in the shipments was actually allowed under EU rules.
- Cardboard chicken? -
Another shocking allegation is that BRF mixed chicken with cardboard, as one employee appeared to say in another intercepted phone call.
But that claim is false, the government and the company now say.
"There is no form of cardboard in BRF products. There was a huge misunderstanding in the federal police's interpretation of the recording," the company said.
The employee "was talking about the product's packaging, not its contents," it added.
Agriculture Minister Blairo Maggi himself called the allegation "insanity."
- Where's the beef? -
So which countries import Brazilian meat?
Brazil exported $5.9 billion of chicken and $4.3 billion of beef last year -- more than any other country.
Two top customers, China and Hong Kong, have banned meat imports from Brazil.
Chile, the sixth-largest importer of Brazilian beef, has also issued a ban.
Other major importers of Brazilian beef include Egypt, Russia, Iran, Italy and the Netherlands.
Top chicken importers include Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore and South Korea.
By Jeremy Gaunt
LONDON, March 21 (Reuters) - Singapore remains the world's most expensive city to live in, a study showed on Tuesday, with two Japanese cities -- Tokyo and Osaka -- returning to the top 10 thanks to the strengthening of the yen.
Almaty in Kazakhstan was the least expensive, followed by Lagos in recession-hit Nigeria.
Only one U.S. city, New York, made the top 10 in the Economist Intelligence Unit's twice-yearly "Worldwide Cost of Living" survey. It came in ninth, dropping two places on a slightly weaker dollar but still far higher than its No. 46 slot just five years ago.
Los Angeles, in 11th place, just missed the top tier.
Europe was represented in the top 10 by four cities -- Zurich at three, Geneva and Paris at seventh equal, and Copenhagen tied with New York at nine.
The study bases its calculation on the price of at least 160 products and services including food, drink, clothing, household supplies and personal care items among others, converted to U.S. dollars.
So a one kilo loaf of bread costs (US)$3.55 in Singapore and a bottle of table wine $23.68. In Paris, they were $6.81 and $10.35, respectively.
In Almaty, it was 90 cents for the bread and $5.15 for the wine.
"Cheap but not always cheerful," the survey said of some of least expensive cities, which also included Bangalore in India, Karachi in Pakistan, and Algeria's Algiers.
The survey said the trend in the latest report was for a resurgence of Asian cities.
With Singapore on top, Hong Kong (second), Tokyo (fourth), Osaka (fifth) and Seoul (sixth) in South Korea also making it, the top 10 was 50 percent Asian.
But the steady devaluation of the renminbi, or yuan, resulted in Chinas urban centres moving down the ranking by between five and 16 places each, it said.
The survey warned that numerous difficulties faced the world economy in the year ahead and that made it difficult to predict how its findings would change.
On the economic front, shifts in the price of oil and other commodities were likely to impact prices, but also could trigger further austerity, causing a slow down in consumer spending in some places.
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Equally, big political unknowns such as Britain leaving the European Union and U.S. President Donald Trump's "America First" policies could weigh.
"The capacity for economic shocks and currency swings can make a location very expensive or very cheap very quickly," it concluded.
(Editing by Pritha Sarkar)
(Adds details, background)
March 21 (Reuters) - Canadian gold miner Endeavour Mining Corp said on Tuesday it had ended discussions with London-based Acacia Mining Plc regarding a potential merger.
Endeavour, which operates mines in West Africa, had held talks with Acacia earlier in January.
Acacia, which is majority owned by Barrick Gold, also said on Tuesday it had decided not to progress towards a combination of the companies.
Acacia had said in March that it stopped gold and copper concentrate exports from Tanzania following a ban by the government on unprocessed ore, putting nearly a third of its revenue at risk.
Tanzania is Africa's fourth-largest gold producer and Acacia its largest miner. The miner also has operations in Kenya, Burkina Faso and Mali.
(Reporting by John Benny in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta)
UPPER THUMB Elected officials continue to oppose a Canadian companys proposal to bury nuclear waste in a site 55 miles east of Huron County.
A decision on the site, which is across Lake Huron in Kincardine, Ontario, is expected soon.
Ontario Power Generation announced this winter that a study of alternative sites showed that the Ontario site was better than two locations that had been studied.
The Canadian Ministry of Environment and Climate Change expects to make a decision this summer or fall on where to house the dump.
Michigan Sens. Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow, both Democrats, introduced a resolution last week in the Senate opposing the dump.
U.S. Rep. Dan Kildee, a Fifth District Democrat, introduced a similar resolution in the House. Rep. Paul Mitchell, a 10th District Republican, cosponsored the House resolution. Many Great Lakes members of Congress have cosponsored both resolutions.
The resolutions urge President Donald J. Trump and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson to work with their counterparts to prevent a permanent nuclear waste repository from being built within the Great Lakes Basin. It further states that the U.S. and Canada should develop a safe and responsible solution for the long-term storage of nuclear waste.
The Canadian proposal to build a permanent nuclear waste repository less than a mile from Lake Huron could cause significant, lasting damage to the Great Lakes and undermine the progress we have made cleaning up the water quality in the Great Lakes Basin, Peters said in a press release.
Canada is facing a critical decision that will impact generations in both our countries, Stabenow added. A nuclear waste spill near the Great Lakes could have a devastating impact on our health and environment and threaten our Michigan way of life. Given what is at stake, I urge our Canadian neighbors to make the right choice and shelve plans for this site once and for all.
One of Mitchells first actions when he got to Congress was sending a bipartisan letter to Trump asking him to work with his colleagues in Canada to urge them to halt the nuclear waste site.
At the time, Mitchell said: The Great Lakes make up one fifth of the worlds fresh surface-water supply and are a source of drinking water for 40 million people. This plan poses a danger to a crucial water source and a failure at the site would disrupt both Michigan and Canadian tourism and commerce.
The companys preferred site is on the grounds of the Bruce Power Generating Station near the worlds largest nuclear power complex, which has eight reactors. The proposal calls for burying low- and intermediate-level waste such as clothing, brooms and discarded machinery some of which could remain dangerously toxic for thousands of years about 2,230 feet underground.
The waste site would be encased in a limestone formation that the company says has been stable for 450 million years. The storage chamber would be much deeper than Lake Huron and the company says there is virtually no chance of radioactive pollution reaching the lake, which is less than a mile away.
Ontario Power Generation said it had submitted additional studies ordered nearly a year ago by the ministry, which twice has delayed a ruling on the companys underground disposal plan.
The company said it had examined two alternative sites one in a crystalline rock formation in north-central Ontario and the other in limestone in the provinces south. The specific locations were not disclosed because of the studys hypothetical nature, company spokesman Kevin Powers said, adding that both are farther from the lake than the Bruce Power site.
Although technically and economically suitable, they would be costlier and could affect the environment more than the preferred spot, the report said. Building a disposal facility at either of the alternative sites would create a new industrial footprint and boost greenhouse gas emissions for decades as waste is hauled from temporary storage canisters at Bruce Power to the permanent dump.
State Sen. Phil Pavlov, a Republican from St. Clair, told the Tribune that more studies on alternatives away from the worlds largest supply of freshwater should be conducted.
He hopes for continued delays on the decision of where to house the waste site.
I jumped on this a few years ago, and weve continued to get delays, Pavlov said.
He added the reason he thinks the site remains the favorite:
Its the cheapest place to get rid of it. This is all about taking your trash and throwing it out the front door, Pavlov said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
BAY CITY Michigan Sugar Co. is calling for local students to apply for a wide range of educational scholarships offered by the farmer-owned cooperative throughout the sugar beet growing region.
The deadline to apply for many of the scholarships is March 31.
The senior enlisted adviser for the headquarters regiment of 3rd Marine Logistics Group died in a non-combat incident March 19 while participating in a training exercise in Pohang, South Korea, Marine Corps officials announced late Monday.
Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd, 44, had been participating in Key Resolve, a joint U.S.-Republic of Korea exercise that ran March 7-18 and involved ground, air, naval, and special operations assets. The exercise this year had a pointed focus on "decapitation raids" and strikes on simulated North Korean targets, according to multiple reports.
Rudd, a native of Post, Texas, entered the Marine Corps in 1990, according to his official biography. Trained as an infantry assaultman, his career included a tour as a drill instructor from 1996 to 1998; two deployments to Afghanistan; and most recently, a deployment aboard the 31st Marine Expeditionary Force as the sergeant major of Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 262, the MEU's air combat element.
His military awards included the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, an Army Commendation Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon, officials said.
At his current post, Rudd was based at Camp Kinser, Okinawa.
Officials declined to provide additional information about the nature of Rudds death, saying an investigation was ongoing.
"Sgt. Maj. Rudd gave 27 years of dedicated service to the Marine Corps, and it was an honor to work with him. His death is a great loss to Headquarters Regiment and the Corps," Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, commanding officer for Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers."
-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @HopeSeck.
(Mohamad Bazzi is a journalism professor at New York University and former Middle East bureau chief at Newsday. He is writing a book on the proxy wars between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The opinions expressed are his own.)
By Mohamad Bazzi
March 21 (Reuters) - Throughout the U.S. presidential campaign, Donald Trump boasted of his plan to ban Muslim visitors and immigrants from America. He often criticized Islam, conflating the religion with extremism, at campaign rallies and in television interviews. For more than a year, there were few consequences for Trump invoking an Islamic boogeyman.
But today, Trump is finally paying a political price for his attacks on Islam. On March 15, Derrick Watson, a federal judge in Hawaii, issued a temporary restraining order that blocked the presidents revised travel ban against citizens of six Muslim-majority countries from going into effect. In his ruling, the judge relied on extensive public comments by Trump and his advisers, which undermine the administrations argument that its executive order did not amount to a Muslim ban. A second federal judge in Maryland issued a separate ruling which also delayed implementation of the policy.
Trump and his advisers including former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani and White House senior policy adviser Stephen Miller were so eager to prove their tough-on-Islam credentials during and after the campaign that they left a widespread trail of anti-Muslim rhetoric. Ironically, by being so outspoken about the ban and other measures, Trump and his aides undermined their ability to impose travel restrictions without running afoul of the U.S. Constitutions Establishment Clause, which prohibits discrimination against a religious group. In the legal battles waged so far, Trumps own statements are his worst enemy.
During the campaign, Trump rarely missed an opportunity to exploit any attack against civilians in the West, whether directed by Islamic extremists or carried out by lone wolf assailants who were inspired by jihadist propaganda, to argue for harsh measures against Muslims in America. In December 2015, days after a mass shooting in San Bernardino, California by a Muslim couple who declared their support for Islamic States leader, Trump whipped up his supporters at a campaign rally. He called for a ban on all Muslim immigrants and visitors from entering the United States until American leaders can figure out what the hell is going on.
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In his ruling, Judge Watson cited that comment and others by Trump and his surrogates during the campaign to conclude that the travel ban was primarily targeted against Muslims. These plainly worded statements betray the executive orders stated secular purpose, Watson wrote.
A federal judge in Maryland, Theodore Chuang, found that Trumps public comments showed there are strong indications that the national security purpose is not the primary purpose for the travel ban.
Trump abruptly issued his original executive order on Jan. 27, a week after his inauguration, unleashing chaos and mass protests at the nations airports. The directive temporarily banned travel from seven Muslim-majority countries: Iraq, Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. The measure did not make exceptions for visa holders who were in transit as the ban went into effect, and was unclear whether it also applied to permanent U.S. residents who were citizens of the seven countries. Trumps order also suspended refugee resettlement, and it suggested that Christian refugees and other minorities from the Muslim world would be given preference once refugees were again allowed into the United States.
The original ban sparked several lawsuits by civil rights groups and state attorneys general, and it was blocked by a federal judge in Seattle. On Feb. 9, an appeals court upheld the judges ruling. That injunction prompted the Trump administration to issue a revised executive order on March 6, which dropped Iraq from the list of targeted countries and carved out exemptions for current visa and green card holders.
As the administration worked to amend Trumps initial directive, some of the presidents aides appeared on television to suggest that the changes would be minor adjustments designed to get around court challenges. Fundamentally, youre still going to have the same basic policy outcome for the country, Stephen Miller, Trumps senior policy adviser, told Fox News on Feb. 21. But youre going to be responsive to very technical issues that were brought up by the court.
Millers comments gave state attorneys general and other groups that filed lawsuits an opening to portray the revised ban as only a cosmetic change from Trumps initial policy. Both federal judges who issued injunctions last week, from Hawaii and Maryland, cited Millers interview in their rulings.
When Trump launched his presidential campaign in June 2015, his rhetoric tapped into a growing undercurrent of Islamophobia that had spread throughout the United States. Trump stuck with his attack on Muslims because it proved to be one of his most popular issues, according to exit polls in several Republican primaries. In the crucial March 15, 2016 contests, polls of voters in the five states that held elections showed that two-thirds of Republican voters supported Trumps proposal to ban Muslims.
At other points during the campaign, Trump called on law enforcement officials to increase surveillance of Muslim American communities and mosques. He also said he would consider registering Muslim Americans in a database, or requiring Muslims to carry special identification cards. He argued, with little evidence, that such measures would prevent future attacks on U.S. soil.
Trump won votes because he was willing to go further than any other candidate in tarnishing Muslims. In March 2016, during an interview with CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, Trump declared: I think Islam hates us. When Cooper asked him to clarify whether the religion is at war with the West, Trump added, Theres a tremendous hatred. We have to get to the bottom of it. Theres an unbelievable hatred of us.
One day after his CNN interview, the moderator of a Republican presidential debate asked Trump to clarify his comments: Did you mean all 1.6 billion Muslims?
"I mean a lot of them, Trump replied, prompting cheers from the crowd.
In those interviews, Trump passed up several chances to differentiate between Islamic militants and the majority of the worlds Muslims. His statements did not get the sustained attention they deserved, because of a crowded field of Republican candidates and the tendency of politicians and many segments of the media not to take Trump at his word.
After securing the Republican presidential nomination last May, he refused to curtail his criticism of Islam to appeal to a wider American public in the general election. As long as the strategy of demonizing Islam won him votes, he had little incentive to disavow it.
On Tuesday his administration confirmed it is imposing new restrictions on electronic devices carried by travelers coming to the United States from 10 airports in eight Muslim-majority countries, in response to unspecified terror threats.
But on the broader travel ban, Trump is at last paying a price for his dangerous rhetoric, thanks to judges who are holding him to his word.
(By Mohamad Bazzi)
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un released a fiery propaganda video with scenes including troops blowing up a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier and bomber.
The video, released over the weekend by the countrys main propaganda outlet Uriminzokkiri TV, showed fictional footage of North Korean troops destroying the USS Carl Vinson. A B-1 bomber is shown meeting a similar fate moments later.
The video clip, nearly 3 minutes in length, was an apparent response to the joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises in the region.
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North Korea Propaganda Video: US Carrier in Flames
A female narrator said in the background, "a knife will be stabbed into the throat of the carrier, while the bomber will fall from the sky after getting hit by a jail of fire," according to Yonhap News Agency.
The film used images of the annual "Foal Eagle" military drills conducted by the U.S. and South Korea, which have long angered North Korea.
North Korea has ramped up its weapons development, violating multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions without being deterred by sanctions. The rogue nation conducted two nuclear test explosions and 24 ballistic missile tests last year.
Earlier this month, Kim Jong Uns Foreign Office released a statement saying that his army would reduce the U.S. to "ashes with its Hwasong rockets tipped with nuclear warheads."
On Monday, a spokesman for North Korea's Foreign Ministry slammed U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's recent talk of tougher sanctions, more pressure, and possible military action, and said the North would not be deterred in its nuclear program.
"The nuclear force of (North Korea) is the treasured sword of justice and the most reliable war deterrence to defend the socialist motherland and the life of its people," the official Korean Central News Agency quoted the spokesman as saying.
Over the weekend, North Korea conducted a ground test of a new type of high-thrust rocket engine that leader Kim Jong Un called a revolutionary breakthrough for the country's space program, KCNA reported earlier.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A bipartisan group of U.S. senators is pushing a bill to extend and expand a special immigrant visa program for Afghans that has been supported by Defense Secretary Jim Mattis but opposed in the past by other top members of the Trump administration.
The State Department on March 1 stopped doing interviews for applicants to the program at the U.S. Embassy in Kabul.
The bill, called "Keeping Our Promise to Our Afghan Allies Act" and introduced last week by four members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, would provide for an additional 2,500 visas for Afghans who worked for the U.S. military for at least a year.
"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," said Sen. John McCain, an Arizona Republican and the panel's chairman.
The bill was co-sponsored by Sen. Jack Reed, a Rhode Island Democrat and the ranking committee member; Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat; and Sen. Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican.
"America has a moral obligation to provide these Afghans with safety from the Taliban who seek to harm them and their families for assisting America's mission in Afghanistan," Tillis said.
The visa program for Afghans was thrown into confusion when President Donald Trump in January issued his first executive order on immigration, which was later blocked in the courts. The initial order put a 90-day travel ban on seven predominantly Muslim countries.
Afghanistan was not among them, but some Afghans traveling on the visas were stopped at airports. Mattis asked for and was given an exemption for the Afghan visa program.
Trump issued a second executive order on immigration March 6, which dropped Iraq from the list of banned countries. The second order is also subject to court challenges.
The Special Immigrant Visa program also allows Afghan pilots and maintainers to train on the A-29 Super Tucano ground attack aircraft at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia. The plan is to have at least 30 Afghan pilots and 90 maintainers go through the training cycle at Moody through 2018.
Col. Pat Ryder, an Air Force spokesman, had said earlier that although Afghanistan was not on the list of banned countries.
"There's always a robust dialogue that's going on with our partners around the world to try to make sure that, when we do have training programs, that we can get the folks in and out of the country," he said.
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.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions, a former Republican senator from Alabama and a long-time critic of the program, led an effort last year against increasing the number of Special Immigrant Visas for Afghans.
-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at @Oriana0214.
-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
Camp Lejeune Town Halls Aim to Help Those Exposed to Toxic Water. Heres How You Can Go.
Retired Marine Master Sgt. Jerry Ensminger made it his mission to tell the world that if they lived or served on Camp Lejeune...
And why Singaporeans are turning to private-car business.
From Reuters: Singapore's central bank said on Monday it has asked the Singapore Exchange to enhance its recovery processes following an investigation into a trading disruption in July last year. At the time, trading in the securities market was suspended for several hours because duplicate trade confirmation messages were generated. Trading resumed only the next day. That disruption was followed by another in December, when trading for some derivative contracts opened more than two hours after the scheduled start.
From Yahoo: On 10 March 2017, a press release was jointly issued by Ministry of National Development, Ministry of Finance and the Monetary Authority of Singapore to make adjustments to the Sellers Stamp Duty (SSD) and Total Debt Servicing Ratio (TDSR) framework, with effect from 11 March 2017.
From Yahoo: With demand for private-hire car services rising, Singapores ride-hailing industry is quickly expanding, with more willing drivers taking the wheel. As we are famous for having one of the highest car prices in the world, naturally, some folks would capitalise on private-hire car driving to realise their dreams of owning a car, because renting obviously incurs much less initial costs than buying one. What about those who already own a car? How does one justify the high costs of car ownership? You use it ever more frequently, of course beyond your routined house-to-office commute.
More From Singapore Business Review
Michigan State University alumnus Mike Mordell is executive vice president for international operations for Universal Forest Products International, a Universal Forest Products company. He says the lumber industry features a dynamic supply chain and that the business operates a lot like the stock market.
"We might not be a sexy as dot-coms or Silicon Valley, but we're integral to how the world and the economy operates.
"Prices change. Most people, when they think about forest products, don't realize that the products have to go to market," says Mordell. "As a forestry student, what I knew a lot about was how to cut a tree, what happens to trees in a sawmill, and how to replant trees. But I didn't have a good base of what happened once the tree left the saw mill.
"Prices of forest products like two by fours can change 20 percent in a day. They can go up; they can go down. It's affected by world events, fires, supply chain interruptions, currency - a lot of different mitigating situations that cause the prices to fluctuate sometimes dramatically."
Mordell says most forestry students get into the field because they love the outdoors. But when he left Texas A & M with his master's degree, he couldn't find work in the woods. He then ended up getting a job as a lumber broker without knowing much about what someone in that position does.
He adds that "forests are renewable, period. There isn't anything more sustainable than a forest. You're not mining timber. When you take oil out of the ground, it's not replaced. Trees grow back, always. And with good management, you have a sustained-use building material. A lot of people think cutting trees is a bad thing; it is not. Our challenge is to make sure we do the right thing in managing our forests."
And forests play a key role in mitigating climate change.
"They're carbon traps. So as they grow, they trap carbon. They're important for keeping a lot of carbon sequestered."
Mordell advised the MSU forestry students he spoke with at his alma mater to be financially astute, hone public speaking skills, and be adaptable.
"You never know when your life or career will take a fork in the road, and you have to be open-minded. I fought being in the broker side of the business; I wanted to be outside. I found that I was pretty good at it, and, after a few years, my income got to a point that it was better than it ever would have been if I was cruising timber or being in the woods. And I stayed."
"I've never been removed from my forestry. I've been to over a thousand sawmills across the world. It's been fascinating and a great career. And if I had kept a closed mind on that, I would have never seen it."
Click here to hear my Greening of the Great Lakes conversation with Mordell.
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.
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By NATE ATKINS
After one Pro Bowl season and one riddled by injury, Ezekiel Ansah will enter his contract year with the Detroit Lions as not quite yet a settled piece.
But he is one of the closest things to it from the first 12 picks of the 2013 draft, a group that four years later is starting to come undone. Half of the 12 switched teams just in the past couple weeks of free agency, including cornerback D.J. Hayden, the No. 12 overall pick who left the Oakland Raiders to sign with the Lions.
Can the Lions salvage a second member of the group, or is Hayden headed like so many of the rest of these guys out of a legitimate role?
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Nate Atkins | MLIve.com
The first round got better after pick No. 12. First-round picks such as Jets defensive end Sheldon Richardson, Bears guard Kyle Long, Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert, Falcons cornerback Desmond Trufant and Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins have gone on to reach the Pro Bowl at least once.
And it had talent after the first round, as the Lions found out. They found cornerback Darius Slay in the second, guard Larry Warford in the third, punter Sam Martin in the fifth and running back Theo Riddick in the sixth in their best draft in recent memory.
But it was a bad pool from which to find impact players at the top, and it was heralded that way from the start. That's how a Central Michigan tackle in Eric Fisher was able to be the first overall pick. He's faced his share of criticism for falling short of expectation. But he, too, is starting to look like one of the best of a bad top of the draft.
Here's how the top 12 stack up now, after the releases and trades and the couple big contracts that actually came through:
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1. Ezekiel Ansah, Lions -- Pick No. 5
Hes the only Pro Bowler from the top 12, an honor he earned after leading the NFC with 14.5 sacks in 2015. That built on an impressive first two years with 15.5 total sacks and earned him a fifth-year option season, which hell play this year. Thatll determine his value with the Lions and around the league, as he fell to two sacks in 13 games last year while constantly hobbled by an ankle injury. Given how he's performed when healthy, he appears to have a higher ceiling than anyone else taken in the top 12.
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2. Lane Johnson, Eagles -- Pick No. 4
Three players from the top 12 have started every game theyve played for their team, and they're all offensive linemen. None of those have impressed as much as Johnson has as a pass protector on the right side for the Eagles. He missed 10 games last season while suspended for performance-enhancing drugs, but hell move to the left side next season to fill the massive shoes of nine-time Pro Bowler Jason Peters. Asked to protect Carson Wentz's blindside on a deal paying him $35 million guaranteed, he's earned more trust than anyone else on this list.
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3. Eric Fisher, Chiefs -- Pick No. 1
Fisher received heat from the moment he was the top pick in this down draft, and it didnt subside when he struggled immediately on the right side as a rookie. The eventual move to left didnt make things easier, although he has improved enough to earn Kansas Citys trust. Even after signing a talented tackle in Mitchell Schwartz last offseason, the Chiefs gave Fisher a four-year, $48 million deal with nearly half of it guaranteed.
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4. Tavon Austin, Rams -- Pick No. 8
Finding legit skill-position talent at the top of this draft proved nearly impossible. Austin is not short on abilities, with 968 rushing yards and three punt-return touchdowns to go along with what hes done as a receiver, although that isnt much. Last year was his best receiving output with 509 yards on just 8.8 yards per catch, although it might be as much an indictment of the Rams ability to develop any offensive talent as it is of his own to figure it all out. As a former Rams teammate close to Austin puts it, He doesnt have a position.
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5. D.J. Fluker, Chargers -- Pick No. 11
Fluker came into the league as a red flag but was said to have the talent to overcome it. So far, the off-the-field concerns have subsided, but his performance has been a mixed bag. He started every game he played for the Chargers, but his play at tackle got him moved inside, and his flashes werent enough at guard to earn a long-term deal from San Diego. On the open market, he only pulled in a one-year, $3 million deal from the Giants, and thats to try to move back to tackle.
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6. D.J. Hayden, Raiders -- Pick No. 12
The new Lions cornerback has shown flashes, which is why Detroit is gambling on him with a one-year deal worth at least $2.25 million. It's packed with incentives to try to make him prove it, because the player he was in Oakland was far from a finished product. He struggled to gain the coaches' trust as an outside corner and struggled in his chances before moving to the nickel and seeming to find a home. Then he got hurt again. He's missed 19 games in four years due to injuries, and at just 190 pounds, it's something he has to prove he can shake.
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7. Luke Joeckel, Jaguars -- Pick No. 2
It epitomizes the struggles of this ground when there are players at the top to rank beneath Joeckel, who might be the biggest disappointment so far in terms of expectation and draft order. He was a nightmare at left tackle, got bumped inside last season and was the same liability in pass protection before his season ended after just four games. He gets the nod in this remaining group of busts based solely on the fact that hes the one getting paid, at $7 million guaranteed from the Seahawks to try more of his hand at guard, where he did show a little as a run blocker.
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8. Barkevious Mingo, Patriots -- Pick No. 6
Mingo was one of two members of this group who were traded to the Patriots, an organization known for fixing the damaged and discarded parts of other teams. They didnt do a lot of fixing with these guys, though. Mingo never became the pass rusher he set out to be, logging just seven sacks as he struggled to maintain weight. New England turned him into a special teamer, and thats likely what hell be with the Colts now. He gets the edge over the rest because he contributed something to a Super Bowl run.
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9. Jonathan Cooper, Cardinals -- Pick No. 7
This was a rare draft where two guards went in the top 10. That was probably as emblematic of the talent pool as anything else. Theyve both totally busted, with their teams moving on and both of them sliding into backup roles now. Cooper gets the edge here because even though hes on his fourth team with the Cowboys, hes gotten Bill Belichick and the franchise that best breeds offensive linemen to believe in him, and he could have something to untap if hed ever stay healthy enough.
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10. Chance Warmack, Titans -- Pick No. 10
Warmack has played a lot more than Cooper, but it doesnt help his case. He started all but two games his first three seasons before he missed all but two games this past year. It was enough of a sample size for his struggles to run block for the team built on exotic smash-mouth to cast him aside. The Eagles have brought him in, but its on a one-year deal with only $500K guaranteed.
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11. Dion Jordan, Dolphins -- Pick No. 3
These final two guys aren't contributing anywhere anymore despite playing positions where teams never have enough talented players. Jordan hasn't been officially released by the Dolphins yet, despite the fact that he hasn't played in two years due to suspensions and injuries, but the end is expected soon, per the Miami Herald. He avoids the last spot based solely on the fact that he is in the league, technically, although one career start is pretty difficult to top for any bust.
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12. Dee Milliner, Jets -- Pick No. 9
Milliner was drafted to be the potential replacement for Darrelle Revis upon his first departure from New York. He started 12 games and picked off three passes as a rookie, although his struggles were evident. Injuries then kept him mostly off the field, limited to just five games in 2014-2015. Early last season, the Jets just outright released him, and nobodys been too interested in kicking the tires so far.
ANN ARBOR, MI - When the Ann Arbor City Council meets on April 17, it could be asked to make one of the biggest decisions it will make this year, one that could decide the fate of a city-owned property in the heart of downtown that's been the subject of much community debate over the last several years.
That's the meeting when the council is expected to be asked to vote on a $10 million deal to sell the Library Lot on Fifth Avenue to Chicago-based developer Core Spaces for a 17-story high-rise development including a hotel, apartments, office space, ground-floor retail and a 12,000-square-foot plaza.
It was confirmed at Monday's meeting of the City Council's Administration Committee that the proposal will be on the April 17 agenda, said Council Member Jane Lumm, an independent from the 2nd Ward.
The council held a special work session last Thursday, March 16, to discuss the Core Spaces proposal in detail, listening to presentations from the development team and city staff, while also hearing from several residents.
The meeting on April 17 starts at 7 p.m. inside the council chambers on the second floor of city hall, 301 E. Huron St. A public hearing on the Core Spaces deal is not expected at the meeting, but up to 10 people can sign up to speak at the start of the meeting. Learn how to sign up.
Boy Scouts Troop 4 centennial.jpg
Troop 4 of the Boy Scouts of America was chartered in Ann Arbor 100 years ago on March 17, 2017. Over the weekend, the troop held a handful of events to celebrate its centennial.
(Courtesy: Niki Wardner)
ANN ARBOR, MI - A Boy Scout troop chartered 100 years ago in Ann Arbor observed its centennial over the weekend of March 18-19, inviting former scouts and scout leaders to participate in a handful of celebratory events.
Troop 4 of the Boy Scouts of America was chartered at the First Methodist United Church in Ann Arbor on March 17, 1917.
To mark its 100th anniversary, the troop hosted an alumni meet and greet on Friday, a centennial ceremony and dinner on Saturday and a church service on Sunday.
Since its inception, the troop has served over 1,800 boys from the Ann Arbor area -- with more than 150 achieving the rank of Eagle Scout -- and completed over 5,000 service hours annually.
Troop 4 is colloquially known as the "Lighthouse" Troop due to its efforts to restore the lighthouse on St. Helena Island in the Straits of Mackinac, a project it has been involved with since 1989.
Aside from work on the St. Helena Lighthouse, the scouts of Troop 4 have been involved with numerous projects in the Ann Arbor area over the years, as well.
Some of those include exhibits at the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, the restoration of paths at Mary Beth Doyle Park and the installation of a gazebo at the Leslie Science Center, among other projects.
"As an Eagle Scout, I have experienced the best that scouting has to offer firsthand and understand the important role that the Boy Scouts of America continues to play in encouraging young men to be active leaders in the community," wrote U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Bloomfield Township, in a congratulatory letter to the troop.
"For the last 100 years, Troop 4 has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to service in Ann Arbor and throughout the state of Michigan ... I appreciate the example you set and look forward to the continued success of Troop 4."
Mayor Christopher Taylor also offered his congratulations on behalf of the City of Ann Arbor.
The Boy Scouts of America was founded in 1910 and has seen more than 110 million participants in its 107-year history.
Monday mornings House Intelligence Committee hearing on alleged Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election was just one step in a process that will clearly drag on for some time. But it was evident within the first few hours of the testimony from National Security Agency Director Admiral Mike Rogers and Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey that there are two very separate directions members of Congress would like to see it move in.
Not surprisingly, the direction any given member prefers is closely correlated to the side of the aisle on which he or she sits.
Related: Your Guide to the Players in the Trump-Russia Investigation
The two initial headlines out of the hearing both came early, in statements from Comey. He confirmed the widely reported fact that the FBI and the Department of Justice as a whole has no information to support President Trumps claim, made on Twitter earlier this month, that former President Obama personally ordered that Trumps phones be tapped during the presidential election.
Not only did Comey say there was no information to support the claim, but both he and Rogers said that, given the system in place for authorizing domestic surveillance activities, the president did not have the authority to give such an order.
So, President Obama could not unilaterally order a wiretap? asked Rep. Adam Schiff, the committees ranking Democrat.
No president could, Comey said.
Related: Heres the Real Puzzle About the Trump-Russia Connection
Rogers also angrily shot down the suggestion repeated by the White House that President Obama had used the British intelligence services to spy on Trump, saying such a move would be expressly against a longstanding intelligence-sharing arrangement between the US and its closest allies.
Comey also took the unusual step of confirming that there is an ongoing investigation into not just the involvement of Russian agents efforts to disrupt the presidential election by stealing and disseminating information about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, but that the agency is also investigating whether there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and Russian officials.
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The FBIs effort, he said in his opening statement, includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russias efforts.
With the two biggest bits of news out of the way, the next step was for the members of the committee to react to them, and they did so in notably different ways.
Related: Demands for a Special Counsel to Investigate Trumps Russia Ties Just Got Louder
From the outset of the hearing, Republicans on the panel were laser-focused on the fact that information about the investigation into Russian meddling in the election -- particularly information that seems to have been derived from classified sources -- was leaked to the media. They repeatedly stressed the need to investigate and prosecute individuals who leaked information to the press, and gravely warned that the leaks might endanger the renewal of a specific law giving agencies like the NSA the ability to monitor the communications of non-U.S. persons overseas.
A subject that repeatedly came up was the media reports, citing intelligence community sources, that revealed that former Trump National Security Adviser Michael Flynn had held undisclosed telephone conversations with Russian Ambassador Sergei Kislyak, prior to Trumps inauguration, in which he discussed the sensitive issue of US sanctions on Moscow.
Republican lawmakers, like South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy, pressed Rogers on the question of who would have the authority to unmask the identity of a US person caught up incidentally in the surveillance of a foreign agent. Gowdy made a point of naming several former members of the Obama White House who might have had such authority, insinuating that the information might have come from the former presidents closest advisers.
Such surveillance is supposed to take place only under very closely controlled circumstances, with the results held in the strictest secrecy. Several GOP members of the panel warned the witnesses that the apparent breach of that secrecy could make it more difficult for lawmakers to renew Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, which authorizes the collection of the communications of non-US persons located outside the United States.
Related: Trumps Weekend Tweets Cause an Uproar Over Wire Tap Accusation
Both Comey and Rogers, at different times, felt the need to clarify to lawmakers that the intelligence being discussed during the hearing, the release of which the Republicans found so troubling, was not actually collected under the agencies Section 702 authority in the first place.
For their part, the Democrats showed little interest in the way information about contacts between members of Trumps inner circle and Russian officials had gone public, focusing instead on what the existence of those connections might say about the influence Moscow had or may still have over the current president.
Their questions on that subject, though, went largely unanswered. Comey in particular, though he had been authorized to reveal the existence of an investigation into Russian involvement in the election and of possible coordination with the Trump campaign, was reluctant to expand on it any further.
Comey was particularly reticent when Schiff, the panels top Democrat, laid out a litany of known and suspected contacts between Trump associates and Russian officials, repeatedly declining to address questions about individuals.
Related: Competing Narratives in Trump Wiretap Story Lack Facts
The separate focus of the two parties when it comes to this investigation is likely to be pronounced in future hearings, perhaps as soon as next week, when the Intelligence Committee hopes to hear testimony from other former senior intelligence community figures.
And if Republicans show any sign of wavering, theyll likely receive some Twitter-fueled encouragement from the president. Indeed, Trump was angrily tweeting in advance of the hearing Monday morning, at one point insisting that, despite the unanimous view of the intelligence community that Russia intervened on his behalf, that the whole thing was actually a set up by the Democrats.
The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign, the president claimed.
Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
By Yimou Lee YANGON (Reuters) - One of China's biggest state-owned lenders has suspended an account used to fund ethnic rebels fighting government troops in Myanmar, halting an arrangement that could have stoked diplomatic tensions between Beijing and Myanmar. The Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), which clashed with government forces this month, said Agricultural Bank Of China (AgBank) <601288.SS> <1288.HK> was no longer accepting funds into an account it used to receive donations from supporters. Reuters was unable to confirm what prompted AgBank's move. It came after Reuters sent AgBank a list of questions regarding the transactions, which compliance experts said could point to a weakness in controls aimed at stopping the global financial system being used to fund terrorism or facilitate crime. AgBank declined to comment on Reuters' specific questions about the MNDAA account, citing client confidentiality. It said in a statement that it paid high attention to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing work, and "diligently obeyed relevant laws, regulations and regulatory requirements". There is no evidence that Agbank, or other financial entities that handled transactions for the MNDAA, have broken Chinese law. The MNDAA is not designated as a terrorist organisation by any government or transnational body. Still, several compliance experts contacted by Reuters said acceptance of the group's funds could leave the bank exposed to questionable or potentially illegal activities. The MNDAA has refused to disarm or play an active part in Myanmar's peace process, and defence analysts say it continues to acquire weapons. Its leader, Peng Jiasheng, has been identified as a major drugs trafficker by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, according to U.S. diplomatic cables, dated 2009, released by Wikileaks. Yan Zhen Kun, an MNDAA representative who oversees donations for the group, said he was informed by AgBank of the account shutdown at the weekend. "We were told by the bank that we need to finalise some procedures," he told Reuters. "It did not tell us how long this might take." MILITARY PRESSURE The MNDAA attacked troops in northeastern Myanmar this month, sending more than 20,000 people fleeing across the border to China. It said it was responding to "continued military pressure" from the army. Myanmar says it accepts Beijing's assurances it is not supporting the MNDAA. Zaw Htay, director general of Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi's office, said Myanmar was "fully convinced" by assurances from China's leadership that it was not backing ethnic armed groups on the border. Still, Myanmar had complained to Beijing about low-level Chinese officials it believed were helping the rebels for their own gain, he said. Records on the MNDAA's website show it collected more than half a million dollars over nearly two years after making a "crowdfunding" appeal for donations. Donors either deposited the money directly in an AgBank account or sent it via two mobile payment services - Tencent Holdings' <0700.HK> WeChat Pay and Alipay, part of Ant Financial, which is affiliated with U.S.-listed Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba . Ant Financial declined to comment specifically on Reuters' questions about the MNDAA's use of its Alipay platform, but said it was investing a lot in risk management. "There are a lot of bad actors out there who try to take advantage of these accounts so we've built a pretty good system at detecting those early and then enabling ourselves and our partners to stop transactions," said Douglas Feagin, head of Ant's international strategy. Tencent did not respond to Reuters' emailed requests for comment. REPUTATIONAL RISK Some compliance experts believe the deposits ought to be enough to raise red flags within financial institutions that follow global counter-terrorist financing and anti-money laundering guidelines. Financial contacts with an organisation linked to drug trafficking or the arms trade pose a regulatory and reputational risk to firms even if they have not themselves done anything illegal, experts say. "If I handed this case to an internal committee there is absolutely no way they would do anything other than shut the account down immediately," said an anti-money laundering officer at a global bank. Banks and financial firms in China, as elsewhere, are required by "know-your-customer" rules to check the identity of people or companies using their systems. Compliance experts said global financial firms typically use a number of automated tools to screen for individuals or groups that may even loosely be linked in media coverage or other publicly available information to potential criminal activity, and would view any such connections as a reputational risk. Some bankers working in China said it was very difficult to police cash flowing through their system, given the network was less mature than in the West and criminal and armed groups were increasingly sophisticated. They added that the sheer volume of transactions on mobile platforms made it impossible to monitor them all, so smaller payments were effectively invisible to banks and regulators. DIPLOMATIC TENSIONS Insurgents openly raising tens of thousands of dollars from mainland supporters through Chinese platforms risks straining China's relations with Suu Kyi, who has made ending decades of ethnic war her top priority, according to people who have studied Myanmar's border conflicts. Beijing says it follows a policy of non-interference in domestic affairs of other countries. But some analysts such as Yangon-based Richard Horsey, a former United Nations diplomat in Myanmar, have long suggested China uses ethnically Chinese insurgent groups such as the MNDAA as a means of leverage over the government in Myanmar. In 2015, after another bout of fighting between the MNDAA and government forces, a Myanmar official accused China of meddling in the peace process, which Beijing denied. An MNDAA spokesman did not respond to requests for comment. "Allowing the MNDAA to fundraise in such an open manner within China will inevitably damage relations with Myanmar," Horsey said. The MNDAA says it is fighting for the rights of the Chinese-speaking ethnic Kokang people. China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not respond to Reuters' emailed request for comment. Beijing called for a ceasefire earlier this month after 30 people were killed in clashes between the MNDAA and troops in the Kokang region. MNDAA has gathered money online since 2015, according to records on its website. It made a crowdfunding plea in mid-January, as it was being increasingly outflanked by the Myanmar military in the hills straddling the border. The plea was ostensibly for money to support refugees from the conflict, but Li Jian Hua, listed on the website as the holder of MNDAA's account with AgBank, told Reuters it was used to sponsor the group's offensive. "The money is not meant for refugees. It's used to support MNDAA," said Li. Since April 2015 - when the blog started publishing disclosures of donations - it has gathered $531,853. ($1 = 6.9030 Chinese yuan renminbi) (Additional reporting Chyen Yee Lee in SINGAPORE, Wa Lone in YANGON, Engen Tham in Shanghai, Michelle Price in Hong Kong and Shu Zhang in Beijing; Editing by Antoni Slodkowski and Alex Richardson)
alyssa mastromonaco
A former White House aide on Monday said former Obama administration officials were upset by President Donald Trump's unfounded claims that the Obama administration wiretapped him.
In an interview on CBS's "This Morning," Alyssa Mastromonaco, who served as deputy chief of staff under President Barack Obama, described the new administration's first 100 days as "pretty uncommon," saying the White House appeared to be ignoring protocols and reversing Obama administration positions "for sport."
Asked about whether Obama was personally upset by Trump's wiretap claim which has been rebutted by congressional officials from both parties with knowledge of ongoing law enforcement and intelligence investigations Mastromonaco described frustration she said past staffers had with the new president.
"I don't know how angry he is," Mastromonaco said. "I know the rest of us are pretty pissed."
When pressed, she added: "It's insane. It's an insane accusation. It's an insane accusation for a president to accuse another president of, and also anyone who knows Barack Obama knows he wouldn't do that."
Numerous notable former Obama administration officials have vehemently denied that Obama wiretapped Trump before the election.
Josh Earnest, the last press secretary of the Obama administration, said earlier this month that there were rules prohibiting presidents from personally interfering in a Department of Justice investigation.
"This may come as a surprise to the current occupant of the Oval Office, but the president of the United States does not have the authority to unilaterally order the wiretapping of an American citizen," Earnest told ABC.
He continued: "If the FBI decided to use their wiretapping authority in the context of the counterintelligence or criminal investigation, it would require FBI investigators, officials at the Department of Justice going to a federal judge, and making a case, and demonstrating probable cause to use that authority to conduct the investigation. That is a fact."
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And while the new administration's attempts to substantiate the claims have unintentionally forced confrontations with key allies like the UK, Trump may face a new challenge this week when FBI Director James Comey testifies in front of Congress, where the director is expected to rebuke Trump's wiretap allegations.
NOW WATCH: 'These jobs are not coming back': Watch Mitch McConnell get confronted by an upset constituent
More From Business Insider
LONDON, March 21 (Reuters) - France's 10-year borrowing costs over Germany fell 4 basis points on Tuesday, following Monday night's televised debate between French presidential candidates.
Centrist Emmanuel Macron solidified his status as frontrunner in a debate during which he clashed on immigration and Europe with his main rival, far-right leader Marine Le Pen.
France's 10-year bond yields fell 1.2 basis points in early trade on Tuesday, outperforming most high-rated euro zone government bonds. The German equivalent was up 1.3 basis points.
The gap between the two tightened to 64 basis points from around 68 bps on Monday .
(Reporting by Abhinav Ramnarayan; editing by Dhara Ranasinghe)
This article is part of Michigan's Agricultural Future, a series of stories about Michigans agricultural economy. It is made possible with funding from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Read more stories in the series here Ten small Upper Peninsula farms are U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) food safety certified. About $250,000 in local food products are purchased by U.P. schools, hospitals, and restaurants. Hundreds of individuals educated on the benefits of local food, and a strong, growing distribution network to connect local farms with local buyers.These successes are all the work of the Upper Peninsula Food Exchange , an effort spearheaded by the Marquette Food Co-op with grant backing from the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD).The co-op applied for and received, grant funds totaling $165,000 through the Center for Regional Food Systems at Michigan State University in November 2012. The goal was to put the money to the best uses possible, building and strengthening the U.P.'s local food systems and networks. And that's just what they did.Along with the co-op, two other main partners, MSU Extension in Sault Ste. Marie and the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department in the five westernmost U.P. counties, Marquette Food Co-op began work to connect local food systems, from farms to restaurants, all across the U.P.Matt Gougeon, general manager of the Marquette Food Co-op, says as soon as the co-op started looking at ways to bring local food initiatives together, they linked up with Michelle Walk at MSU Extension in the eastern Upper Peninsula."We realized a lot of what she was doing and what we were doing dovetailed nicely," he says.There were still major challenges. The U.P.'s harsh climate limits food production, geographic differences between the ends of the peninsula are large, and then there's the lack of connection to lower Michigan food distribution networks. The grant allowed the partners to zero in on those problems and take steps to address them.Their work started with education. To increase awareness of local and regional food, the partners conducted a series of local food summits out of which came the idea to create three regional cold storage siteseast, central and westto make distribution easier to commercial and institutional buyers such as hospitals, schools, universities, and restaurants.The cold storage, or aggregation sites, as they're called in food network terms, allow small farmers to deliver their products to one site. Large clients can pick up an order from several different small farms at once, rather than arrange for separate transport and delivery from each individual farm to each client.The next step was to create the online U.P. Food Exchange websitea virtual ordering system and marketplace for the sale of all those local farm products. Once the infrastructure was in place, the online market made food distribution even easier by overcoming obstacles for small farms and automating the invoicing system across the board."Small farmers put their available inventory up for sale to institutional clients," Gougeon says. "A hospital or university can go to the site and place orders, then farmers see these orders, can fill them, and deliver them to physical food exchange aggregation sites."The U.P. Food Exchange website is not set up for sales to individuals, but local farmer's markets in cities and towns across the U.P. are already filling that market need well.To learn about transport issues, the co-op conducted a study of existing distribution channels and trucking routes so they could develop a workable plan to connect with companies that already distribute food throughout the U.P. The goal was to create a self-sustaining local food network for the region."It would have been cost-prohibitive for just the co-op or MSU to do any of this by themselves," Gougeon says. "What we have now are lots of people talking to each other, trying to pull the oars in the same direction."The results have been positive. In 2015, upwards of $250,000 in food moved through the online U.P. Food Exchange. To increase that number, getting more institutional and commercial food buyers trained and educated on how to access and use local food is essential. There's a continuing need for farmers to list inventory and for online buyers to use the marketplace, Gougeon says."There's a lot of interest in local and regional food, but part of this work is helping purchasers understand it's not just clicking a button and the food appears," says Gougeon. Seasonal, or a limited supply of specific foods, and the possibility of changing costs from month-to-month, can present obstacles to institutional markets. But, Gougeon says, education on how money spent locally improves the economic conditions of the region and other benefits of buying local and regional food products, has helped convince big clients to buy in."Sometimes, it's just getting them to use some local foods, instead of looking for everything locally," Gougeon says. "If they can get just a few, like local potatoes, that's still good."Another major part of the grant went to educating farmers about food safety, which was an important step toward getting U.S. Department of Agriculture certification, called Good Agricultural Practices, or GAP.The MDARD grant funding allowed the co-op to connect with the USDA and the education-focused Wallace Foundation to organize funding for an ambitious new pilot project called Group GAP, which would make it easier for small farms to achieve food safety certification."One of the barriers to small farmers entering institutional markets is getting food safety certifications," says Gougeon. "We worked on this concept called Group GAP. It was hard for small, multiple-product farms to get certified." The GAP program generally is designed for larger, one-crop farms.Using the Group GAP, farmers shared resources and management systems. The group of small farmers also shared the costs of the required federal audits. In 2015, 16 small U.P. farms signed on as pilot project participants to test the guidelines and process for Group GAP certification that the co-op and its partners had hammered out.During the pilot, the farmers got assistance with audits, record-keeping, and formal food safety training. At the end of the pilot, 10 of the 16 farms were GAP certified, a big step in their ability to sell their food products."Once the farm attains that certification, they're good to go to sell their products pretty much anywhere," says Gougeon.The Michigan Group GAP Network is now working on extending the process developed in the pilot program to more Michigan small farms.Phil Britton, a former Marquette Co-op staffer now working at Cherry Capital Foods in Traverse City, was instrumental in writing those Group GAP guidelines, and now works with the Michigan-wide network. "He's taken what was learned and the whole system we developed and is applying it to groups of small farms in lower Michigan," says Gougeon.The goal is to eventually get all small Michigan farms Group GAP certified, perhaps audited by random selection each year, with all the farms sharing the cost of the audit, something that's typically a major burden for a small farm on its own. If that can be accomplished, Gougeon says, "it would be a tremendous boon to getting food into regional markets. That barrier would then be gone for everyone."Overall, the MDARD grant was used to remove obstacles at the local, regional and state levels, obstacles like certification processes, lack of infrastructure, and lack of knowledge. In the case of the U.P. Food Exchange, removing the obstacle of the need for ongoing funding has been key. The end goal is to make the network self-sustaining."The food exchange was set up for anyone to use it," says Gougeon. "It's a shared structure, not owned by the co-op. That's why we brought in all our partners and created it as a resource for anyone to be able to find small farmers in the U.P."Other funding is, in fact, now carrying the exchange, including a grant from the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians that connects the Marquette Food Co-op and MSU Extension resources to tribal members and their greater communities through classes on working with local food and connections with tribal food networks.Gougeon says there have been "huge gains" since the food exchange came into existence and the network is setting the stage for further food systems development.There's also been an impact on local policy and planning. A new committee, the Central U.P. Food Policy Committee, was formed as part of the grant work and it has developed an educational document for municipalities to use in infrastructure, policy, and zoning and planning decisions. They hope the result will be more informed decisions regarding local food networks and lowering obstacles to farmers and buyers.In the meantime, the Marquette Food Co-op, MSU Extension, small farms, the Western U.P. Health Department all can be tapped for their expertise through their connections with the U.P. Food Exchange, which in turn helps the exchange become a self-sustaining resource."There's been significant development in a network of agencies, growers, businesses, all connected in a way they weren't before the grant took place," Gougeon saysThe exchange and its related networks have grown and strengthened local food systems. The impact is one that should improve the future of the Upper Peninsula for years to come.Kim Eggleston is a Marquette, Michigan-based freelance writer and editor.
Vijay Mallya at an interview with FT
Public sector banks have been able to recover only a fraction of the more than Rs 8,000 crore loan outstanding against embattled businessman Vijay Mallya, Parliament was informed today.
Banks had reported Rs 8,191 crore as loan outstanding against Mallya as on December 31, 2016, Minister of State for Finance Santosh Kumar Gangwar said in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.
"As reported by PSBs, amount of Rs 155 crore has been recovered by conducting online mega auction by selling from seized properties from defaulting loan borrower Vijay Mallya," Gangwar said.
He was responding to a question about outstanding loan dues against Mallya and recovery actions being taken.
Banks take all efforts including sale of assets to recover their dues, the minister said.
The loan resolution and recovery is guided by RBI and banks' board approved policy, Gangwar added.
Mallya is currently living in the UK, evading arrest in cases related to loan defaults in India. Various agencies have issued summons to him.
Following requests from the Finance Ministry, the Ministry of External Affairs has also revoked his passport.
Vodafone Idea (Image: Reuters)
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Aditya Birla Group Chairman Kumar Mangalam Birla and Vodafone Group CEO Vittorio Colao met with Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha today to discuss the contours of the Vodafone-Idea merger deal.
The two top honchos, flanked by senior executives from both companies, called on the minister to discuss the details of the mega alliance, in a meeting that lasted half an hour.
Vodafone India and Idea Cellular on Monday agreed to merge their operations to create the country's largest telecom operator worth more than USD 23 billion with a 35 per cent market share.
The combined entity of Vodafone and Idea Cellular, which are currently India's number 2 and 3, respectively, will dislodge Bharti Airtel to counter the fierce price war in the world's second-largest market.
Emerging from the meeting, both Birla and Colao
declined to share details of the discussions or take specific queries.
The two companies announced yesterday that the British firm will own 45.1 per cent of the merged entity while the Aditya Birla group, Idea's parent company, will own 26 percent after paying Rs 3,874 crore cash for a 4.9 per cent stake.
The remaining 28.9 per cent will be held by other shareholders.
The new company, which will come into being over the next two years, will be headed by Birla while Vodafone will have the right to appoint chief financial officer.
The CEO and the chief operating officer will be appointed with approval of both companies. The two firms will have three nominees each on the board of the new entity.
Aditya Birla and Vodafone eventually aim to own an equal share in the joint venture.
The merged venture will create India's largest mobile operator with almost 400 million users and a 35 per cent market share by customers. The deal gives Vodafone India an implied enterprise value of Rs 82,800 crore and Idea an enterprise value of Rs 72,200 crore.
The telecom analysts have been flagging certain hurdles in the deal, including breach of revenue market share, subscriber and spectrum caps in five markets.
This is the second merger in the sector in as many months. Last month, Bharti Airtel announced plans to buy the Indian business of the Norway-based Telenor.
Ritu Bhattacharjee works as a sales executive at an automobile dealership in South Mumbai and lives with her husband and six year old son in Powai in the geographical centre of Mumbai. I love it here! she says.
There is nothing that is not available in our neighbourhood. Restaurants, stores, cafes, bookshops, everything is just a two minute walk away from our place. And ever since DMart opened, life is perfect. I dont have to go anywhere else for grocery shopping. When asked about another supermarket close by that pre-existed DMart, she dismisses it with a wave of a hand.
They dont keep many things that I want. But DMart! Sometimes I wonder if theyve placed a spycam inside my house. How do they know exactly what Im looking for? she laughs.
Ritu is one of thousands of women in the city of Mumbai and now, other cities as well, who find not just satisfaction but actual deliverance in DMart. They have no hesitation in extolling its virtues. And their praise is almost identical. DMart has everything we want. The offers at DMart are unbelievable.
This is the only supermarket in India where the customer is not bothered about the ambience of the store. Her entire attention is centered on filling up her shopping trolley without a care in the world, said a global retail leader from Wal-Mart, after visiting a DMart store in Mumbai in 2008. We know for a fact that when a customer is completely sure she is getting the best value, she lets her guard down, she buys more and in the bargain, the store wins, he puns with a deadpan face.
DMart wasnt conceived through a grand business strategy, but merely as a hunch that was backed by its promoter, RK Damani. And yet, it is acknowledged as a successful, solid, home-grown regional supermarket chain in India. It stands tall amongst large corporate and multinational supermarket chains, in its markets.
How did this happen? How did a humble, unadvertised, unsung and relatively unplanned venture did more than a shade better than more organised competitors? How does it remain the market leader in its catchments year after year? Obviously, there is something this supermarket does smarter than many bigger, wiser supermarket teams.
The story of DMart began almost fourteen years ago in the dusty streets of Mumbai and upcountry Maharashtra where its promoters walked the supermarkets and co-operative stores of the time and observed the contents of the shopping trolleys to gain an understanding of what the customer bought and what she rejected. All operational wisdom was gleaned from the supermarket street, while philosophically, it was clear that the store must follow the principles laid down by Sam Walton.
Wal-Mart had treated some fundamentals as gospel and if they could succeed with their simple approach to retail, there was no reason for a store in India not to do so. In a very basic way, therefore, all DMart did was to watch the customer trolley and read everything about Sam Walton and Wal-Mart. Nothing else was strategically important. The strategy paid off in spades. DMarts Give em what they want approach to retailing has customers lining up at their doors.
Our work at understanding and decoding DMart led to some simple clues and points of view about each of the three constituencies of retail the customers, the vendors and the employees.
DMart started in a very simple way in New Bombay. By supermarket standards, the first store, which also acted as a pilot for the business, located in a 4000 square feet premises, was tiny. But the principles it developed then have stood the test of both time and scale. The business was in no hurry to create behemoths. Instead it patiently went about laying down the first principles of this fledgling business, and creating the core DMart point of view about the three constituencies of retail.
Now the simple formula that makes DMart tick is shared and intuitively understood as invaluable in the large organisation. Probably this simplicity has helped it scale nicely while staying lean as an organisation. One of the cornerstones of DMarts continued success is how it has retained its frugal outlook to retail through al market upheavals and internal changes over the years.
From his stock investor days, R K Damani, or R K, as he is popularly known, had the habit of forming strong, informed points of views about what mattered for success and single-mindedly pursuing the chosen path. He pursued the same mindset in the retail business. One of his biggest success sutras was that of prioritising with a vengeance. If there are 10 principles or acts needed to run the business, I would pick the two or three that mattered most and then drive them to be a market beater in those things.
It is okay for me, if I am even below average in the other seven things, he says confidently. Running with what matters the most and staying the course has obviously been a winning strategy for DMart. It is therefore worth examining the most important components of each of the three constituencies, the customer, the employee and the vendor, for DMart.
The D-Mart point of view for the three constituencies
The Indian customer, who shops at air conditioned stores, does not run her familys grocery needs on a tight budget. While supermarket customers are, by and large, well-to-do people, yet everyone wants to save money. People with money buy more, to achieve higher savings. DMarts pricing is designed for the customers to save more across everything she buys. However, those who buy bigger packs save even more. Its as simple as that! The merchandise department of DMart, its buyers, act more like agents of the customer and not of the company.
This is in line with Sam Waltons description of his merchandise department. If the buyers buy better, they can sell cheaper. The very fundamental principle of what you receive, you pass on is almost biblical in its simplicity. If buyers negotiate a good price with vendors, DMart passes on the benefits to the customers, in the process communicating a message of care and protection. Even when you are not looking, not careful, youll still save money with us seems to be the unstated subtext in its communication.
How can any customer resist such a message of genuine concern? It follows that the customer will let her guard down and fill her trolley with reckless abandon. After all DMart has her back and she knows it. One of RKs old beliefs is, if she saves well, shell overlook other flaws in the offering.
There are many aspects to a customer facing business. A well-lit and designed shopfloor with smart adjacencies and category flows, polite staff, proper communication, attractive displays, weekly, monthly promotion cycles, so on and so forth. DMart could have tried to focus on all these and more. It didnt because then it would have lost its edge. It only looked at how much the customer saves, and became a market leader in that, much to the shoppers joy. She bought more.
Also, shell tell others about us and therefore well not need any marketing! chuckles R K. Store employees or associates are first generation retail workers in India. Self-service retail is still in its early stages of evolution. Combine this with the fact that culturally, in India, service and servitude have often been treated as one and the same, and it becomes obvious that introducing a service-oriented format in our country is a mammoth task. Workers and servers in all walks of life come from a different class and socio-economic background than the people they serve.
They are largely untrained and often uneducated or first generation learners, their parents being employed in small factories or as work hands in small businesses. Nothing in the environment or upbringing of these new retail associates therefore prepares them for a customer facing service job. The service culture is entering our environment but it will take a generation to become firmly entrenched as part of our society. Until that happens, what is a customer-facing business to do? Can it afford to depend on this class of workers to generate customer satisfaction? The obvious answer is no.
From this point of view, DMart has built a cadre of simple, hardworking store people who ensure fully stocked shelves, clean price communication and efficient check-outs and not much beyond in customer service. Well, selling simple grocery items at fixed prices does not require much people based service, in any case. The simplicity of the shopfloor associates is offset by state-of-the-art, global standard store equipment. Be it flooring, shelves, trolleys, scanners all hardware and connectivity deployed at the stores is expensive, best in class.
Not many things therefore need skilled, smart manpower. Equally significantly, the associates have no sales targets. Clearly, the organisation does not depend on its associates for its sales. It allows its systems and basic principle of simplicity to do that for it. DMart seems to live its self-service dharna, diligently. While staff are amply trained and rewarded, this is not where the company has chosen to place its sales focus on.
Vendors, who deliver goods and get paid by retailers, are small and medium traders, micro-entrepreneurs, by a vast majority. Even when supermarkets buy goods made by reputed MNCs, the real last mile seller is often a distributor named Agarwal & Sons, for example.
Small traders in India, as a rule, are always short on capital and perpetually stressed about their working capital situation. DMart decided to be a market beater by paying faster than market norms to its vendors. Quickly, they became known as the best pay masters in town. In spite of being tough negotiators, every vendor wanted them to succeed, for this very reason. Vendors did many small things in their power to ensure DMart got the best availability and deals.
Vendors are known to advise and tip off the buyer teams, often, with market intelligence. DMart has ensured an ecosystem thats very helpful in winning the complexities of the supermarket business, with this simple vendor insight. It also helps to have a liberal stock holding policy the way DMart does, in a growing market like India.
The Indian customer is intuitively frugal and also traditionally underserved. When she sees a hard working store like DMart that empowers her, saves money and has a no-nonsense outlook, she overlooks and forgives the no frills, often cheerless, warehouse like store setting.
Going forward, from being a regional retailer, as it expands into other parts of the country, DMart has to grapple with the fact that India is more like a continent than a homogeneous market. Food tastes and preferences and buying behaviour change every 100 kilometres. Assortments, work cultures and therefore overall management will need to get complex. A simple business model based on insights about the three constituencies of retail and a trusting, forgiving customer will stand in good stead when DMart begins to engage with greater complexity.
It is a well-known fact that in most large markets, the biggest retailer is the discount supermarket and in many cases it is a local player and not a multinational. DMart with its stable fundamentals is well-placed to play for that spot, for now at least!
Excerpted with permission from author Damodar Mall from his book Supermarketwala: Secrets To Winning Consumer India
(Damodar Mall is Chief Executive Officer of Reliance Retail and was part of the founding team of D-Mart)
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Last week, top Indian drug maker Sun Pharma said the US regulator would lift the import ban on its Mohali manufacturing facility. Investors greeted the news and the development was a big relief for Sun Pharma, which is still fighting to resolve regulatory issues across several of its plants, including the ones acquired from Ranbaxy.
There was similar good news for Cadila Healthcare, part of the Zydus Cadila group, which recently got the green light from the US Food and Drug Administration for its Moraiya plant in Gujarat.
Dr. Reddys had a mixed bag. While the company got three addressable minor observations for its Miryalaguda plant in Telangana, its two-year remediation work at Vishakhapatnam went in vain as it received 13 observations.
David Keeling is familiar with all these developments. As head of the global quality, compliance and remediation practice at management consulting firm McKinsey and Co, he has been working with these top drug makers and other members of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance to help them improve their overall quality.
Speaking to Moneycontrol about these efforts, he feels that while Indian companies have made progress over the past two years, there is still some way to go in terms of bringing in a culture of quality.
Excerpts of the interview:
What has changed in India pharma over the past two to three years that youve been working in the sector?
Three years ago, a number of regulatory actions started to occur. The industry hadnt organized like this to address quality. I think what we have seen over the last 18 months is a concerted action both from individual companies and from the industry.
They addressed operating systems, procedures on the shop floor, they improved the management controls and governance to follow on the shop floor and they actually started to address quality culture.
Is it the first time that competing companies got together to address quality and compliance issues?
Even in the US and Europe, we havent seen such an orchestrated action by the industry. Its remarkable and the IPA is unique as it was able to pull together all these competing companies who were not comfortable sharing information with each other.
Now, at the industry level they are sharing best practices. They are really trying to learn from each other and as a group they are trying to learn from the regulator. As an individual company, its more difficult to engage with the British regulator or the (US) FDA and get input on set of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for data integrity.
Also, the commitment from CEO and the next level leadership has been total. Around 30-50 days of CEO time was allocated and the second layer of leadership involvement has been enormous.
How do you measure the outcome so far?
The IPA members are using a tool called POBOS which is a benchmarking tool around quality. They are using that as a leading indicator of how they improving on a global scale. They are gathering those benchmarks [POBOS includes data of 600 plus plants globally with benchmarks along every step of the value chain].
The public metric will be the outcome of FDA audits. We are going to see over next 2-3 months the results from regulatory standpoint.
How much time do you think Indiam companies will take to catch up?
I think it could be three to 10-year journey. At the end of it, we will know we got it right when no one has to watch an operator on the line or a person in the lab to make sure that they do the right thing. Thats the culture shift for the industry that we have to get. Any culture change will take a lot of time. Even in the US it will take the same time. We have a long way to go.
In an exclusive interview to CNBC-TV18s Latha Venkatesh, Anuj Singhal, and Sonia Shenoy, KK Modi, President & MD at Godfrey Philips India spoke about outlook going forward for the cigarette industry and the impact of GST on the industry.
Anuj: First thoughts on the whole goods and services tax (GST) chatter and your first reaction on what is happening on that and the kind of rates that are being fixed. Do you get a sense that the cigarette industry finally is getting something better than what you have been getting for last many years?
A: First on GST, I think good time for India is coming. There is a great speed at which GST is being now implemented. There is an atmosphere of consensus. State and center can come to decision very fast. This is good for industry and I congratulate Narendra Modi and Arun Jaitley for taking the initiative on GST which will bring prosperity throughout India.
Latha: About your own company and your industry, the current tax caps, the GST cess caps that we have been told, can you tell us how much you pay now through the various excise and sales taxes and how much is it likely to be in the new regime?
A: We dont know these are caps or the maximum rates which have been announced. Much will depend upon how this will be implemented. Cigarettes which is the main product of our company, are sold at different prices for different class of consumer. The cheapest cigarette is at Rs 3 per cigarette or Rs 3,000 per thousand sticks and the cap is Rs 4,000 per thousand sticks.
So, if that cap is applied on cheapest cigarette, then there will be a great disability. So, we have to wait with the announcement of actual employment of the tax structure. It is good the government wants to bring stability, there is a move to announce a cap, but implementation of that will decide the fate of the industry.
Sonia: Can you tell us at this point how much does the company pay in terms of VAT, and excise to the center?
A: It is a very complex calculation because there are VAT rates in different states, there is excise duty, additional excise duty, entrance taxes, but roughly 60 percent of cigarette price accounts for taxes and the next is for products and manufacturing cost.
Latha: The equity market are in the assumption that you will not pay more taxes in the new regime. You are not so sure looks like because if that Rs 4,170 cap came on your Rs 3 cigarettes, you will end up paying more?
A: I am not sure, the industry is expecting the government will take a very rational decision and cap is just for the upper limit, and not the average of the industry. Industry is hopeful with the atmosphere of stability. There will be good progress in all industries including cigarette industry.
Sonia: On the Philip Morris agreement, the licence agreement, I just wanted to understand when is the renewal due?
A: Philip Morris is a partner, so, as long as they are equity holders in our company, I hope the agreement will continue. If any renewal is necessary, it will be forthcoming.
Latha: You are pretty sure they wont want to chart-out on their own?
A: I dont think this is envisaged in the present arrangement. Present arrangements, both Philip Morris and Modis will remain together in this business.
IDBI Bank at its meeting held on March 21, 2017 has approved the proposal for preferential issue of capital to Government of India and other financial institutions if any. The aggregate would amount to about Rs 2500 crore.
P Sitaram, ED, IDBI Bank in an interview to CNBC-TV18 clarified that the preferential issue of Rs 2500 crore is in two parts Rs 1900 crore to be infused by the government and Rs 600 crore by financial institutions. However, Rs 600 crore is optional and depends on demand. If the bank does not identify institutional investors for Rs 600 crore then they would go with Rs 1900 crore allotment.
The government infusion of Rs 1900 crore likely by March 31.
Below is the transcript of P Sitaram's interview to Reema Tendulkar and Prashant Nair on CNBC-TV18.
Reema: Can you give us some details about this preferential issue, what will be this stake of government of India, once you allot them? Is there any division how much goes to financial investors, how much to the government and what will it do to your capital?
Related stories P Sitaram CFO|IDBI Bank
A: The government has indicated that they have allocated an amount of Rs 1,900 crore for IDBI Bank. Over and above that, we have taken an approval for another Rs 600 crore. Together, this makes Rs 2,500 crore, so we are planning the entire placement through a preferential allotment. The Rs 600 crore top-up is an optional thing that is if we are able to identify institutional investors to that extent, part or whole of that Rs 600 crore. Then we would be doing that, otherwise, we will be going ahead with the Rs 1,900 crore indicated by the government.
Prashant: What would the dilution be? Have you decided the pricing, etc?
A: The pricing will be determined as per the SEBI formula for the preferential allotment. So, reference date is yet to come, therefore it will be decided on that day.
Prashant: By when are you looking to this?
A: We would look forward to the infusion by March 31.
Prashant: With the money coming in, how would your capital ratios look like? How will they change?
A: Rs 1,900 crore will have about 60 basis points in fact, on our capital adequacy.
Prashant: So, this is it for now, right? This strategic stake sale, etc. anything there or this is it for now?
A: This resolution pertains to the preferential issue and as I told you, these are the two parts mind.
Prashant: The reason I asked you that is because there is this and there is also the CEO swap. You will have a new CEO coming in soon. It does show the resolve of the government to actually at least focus on IDBI Bank in a way, would you agree with that assessment?
A: I do not have any comments on that.
business Netflix aims to have larger share of pay-per-view mkt in India Netflix is now setting its sights on a larger share of the online pay-per-view market in India. CNBC-TV18's Jude Sannith, who visited Netflix's Los Gatos headquarters in California, reports on how it plans to get this done.
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In a major setback to Dr. Reddys, it appears that it may take quite some time to get the green light from the US drug regulator for its oncology formulation site in Visakhapatnam.
It has now emerged that the 13 observations it received from the US Food and Drug Administration on March 18 contained repeats from a 2015 warning letter.
The observations largely pertained to lapses in documentation and record-keeping practices, non-compliance with certain standard operating procedures and failure to undertake root cause analysis.
We regularly inform all concerned on material events and at present we are not having any other information which is material to the company's operations or consolidated results, the company said in a statement to stock exchanges. However, as far as the 483 observations are concerned, the company is preparing a comprehensive response and will submit it to the US FDA within the stipulated time.
READ: 'Even in US and Europe, we haven't seen such orchestrated action by pharma cos'
An inspection had earlier taken place at the oncology formulation facility called Unit-7 in the Visakhapatnam Special Economic Zone (VSEZ) at Duvvada. The site manufactures cytotoxic and hormonal injectables and is an important plant, given Dr Reddys focus on complex generic filings.
The unit had received a warning letter in November 2015 for batch failures, a probable microbial contamination and certain lapses in quality control procedures.
Dr.Reddys then completed remediation work and sought USFDA re-inspection.
Apart from Vizag, Dr.Reddys had also received warning letters for its Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient facilities at Srikakulam in Andhra Pradesh and Miryalaguda in Telangana. In all, the three plants in the firing line were contributing about 10-12 percent to the companys total sales.
Analysts considered the latest observations as a setback for the company as it dims hopes of new approvals for the US market in the next year.
The observations are concerning and may take at least three to four quarters to resolve, said Amey Chalke, an analyst tracking pharma at HDFC Securities.
Chalke did not rule out the possibility of Vizag facility getting an import alert if the company fails to address US FDA concerns.
The critical products that will likely get held up owing to potential delays are Gleevec and Melphalan, apart from smaller products such as Capecitabine.
Shares of Dr.Reddy's dropped 3.99 percent and were trading at Rs.2633 on BSE at 1.42 pm on Tuesday.
The University's Innovation Institute Will Collaborate with Helomics to Co-Develop New Intellectual Property and to Commercialize Existing University Technologies
PITTSBURGH, PA / ACCESSWIRE / March 21, 2017 / Helomics Corporation (Helomics), a privately-held healthcare company providing personalized medicine solutions for clients in the pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and biotech industries, and The University of Pittsburgh - Of the Commonwealth System of Higher Education (Pitt), today announced the completion of a Master Research and Development Collaboration Agreement. Under the terms of this five-year agreement, Helomics will collaborate with the University's Innovation Institute to co-develop new intellectual property and to commercialize existing University intellectual property and technologies.
Marc S. Malandro, PhD, CLP, RTTP, Founding Director of the Innovation Institute, and Vice Chancellor for Technology Management and Commercialization at the University of Pittsburgh, commented, "We look forward to collaborating with one of Western Pennsylvania's leading biotechnology companies to provide real-world validation of Pitt technologies in the areas of diagnostics and personalized medicine. This new alliance reflects the University's strategic priority to create mutually beneficial partnerships for commercializing our discoveries and technologies."
"We are very excited about this strategic collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh and the Innovation Institute," stated Gerald J. Vardzel Jr., President and CEO of Helomics. "The University of Pittsburgh is one of the leading academic and biomedical research universities in the world. This collaboration with the University will be instrumental to Helomics in achieving our mission of improving the standard of care for patients by bringing unique diagnostic tests and technologies to the market."
About Helomics Corporation
Helomics is an integrated clinical contract research organization whose mission is to improve patient care by partnering with pharmaceutical, diagnostic, and academic organizations to bring innovative clinical products and technologies to the marketplace. Helomics offers advanced clinical laboratory diagnostic tests, as well as scientific and non-scientific product enhancement services to provide a customized solution to our client's specific product development needs.
Story continues
Helomics is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where the company maintains state-of-the-art, CLIA-certified, clinical and research laboratories. For more information, please visit: www.helomics.com.
About The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute
Established in 2013, The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute is the University's hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. The Innovation Institute provides a comprehensive suite of services for Pitt Innovators, from protecting intellectual property to the commercialization of new discoveries through licensing and/or new enterprise development. The Institute also provides a wealth of educational programming, mentoring and networking for Pitt faculty, students and partners. The Innovation Institute is strengthening the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at Pitt and is eager to facilitate and support entrepreneurial initiatives across the university. It is also invites alumni, entrepreneurs and industry partners to collaborate with our faculty and students to help achieve societal impact through commercialization. Through the affiliated Institute for Entrepreneurial Excellence, the Innovation Institute also assists entrepreneurs throughout Western Pennsylvania in starting, growing, or transitioning their businesses. For more information please visit: www.innovation.pitt.edu.
Safe Harbor Statement
Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: This news release may contain forward-looking information 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, including statements that include the words "believes," "expects," "anticipates," or similar expressions. 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 to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.
For more information regarding Helomics Corporation, please contact:
Michelle Murgia, Marketing Communications and Design
Helomics Corporation
mmurgia@helomics.com
412-432-1363
For more information regarding The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute, please contact:
Michael Yeomans, Marketing and Special Events Manager
The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute
myeomans@innovation.pitt.edu
(412) 624-4474
SOURCE: Helomics Corporation and The University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute
The United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has issued an import alert for Divis Laboratories Visakhapatnam unit-II.
An import alert from the regulator means that products from the facility meant for imports can be refused without a complete physical examination. The latest USFDA move comes as a blow for the pharma company as it hadn't been expecting an import alert.
Six active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) namely Levetiracetam, Gabapentin, Capecitabine, Naproxen, Raltegravir and Atovaquone have been excluded from the import alert, sources told CNBC-TV18.
It is too early to gauge the impact of this, said Surajit Pal of Prabhudas Liladhar. Certain products have been excluded so that there is no shortage of it in the US markets.
The companys Visakhapatnam unit II contributes 60-65 percent to total sales and 20-21 percent to US sales.
In December, the USFDA has issued five observations to Divis Vizag unit, which was inspected from November 29-December 6. The company has engaged consultants to undertake remediation of its Vizag unit, sources said.
Pal further said that the warnings and import alert is still not reflected in the companys valuation. Divi's could see some downmove on back of the news.
Buoyed by the recent poll victories, the government asserted that demonetisation had got a huge public support as it has dealt a heavy blow to the shadow economy which was to the tune of 33.7 percent.
Demonetisation will help boost GDP and the higher growth will lead to social and income equity in the country, Minister of State for Finance Arjun Ram Meghwal said in the Lok Sabha. He was replying to a debate as the House passed the Supplementary Demand for Grants for 2016-17 and Demand for Grants for 2017-18 of various ministries as required to complete the budgetary exercise.
Meghwal, in his speech, rejected the opposition criticism of the governments performance and said the slew of initiatives taken by the Modi government had pushed growth and was ensuring welfare of all sections of the society.
Listing the schemes and programmes launched since 2014, he said, Are these mere slogans? These are not mere slogans. This is actual work done. He said all the schemes like Digital India, Make-in- India and Start-Up India are going to benefit people and perk up growth.
Pointing to demonetisation, the minister said the decision had won a huge support from the people and this was reflected in the election results in five states earlier this month. Despite all hardships faced by the people during demonetisation, the country stood by the Prime Minister on the decision, Meghwal said.
Emphasising that demonetisation will reduce the rich-poor divide, he said it has dealt a heavy blow to the shadow economy which was 33.7 per cent of Indian economy as per the World Bank report.
The positive impact is going to be higher GDP growth as consumption, investment and exports, which are three components of the economy, will get a boost, he said.
The minister insisted that demonetisation has helped curb corruption and black money besides checking fake currency and squeezing funding to terrorists.
On advancing of the Budget presentation date which has been criticised by opposition parties, Meghwal said the decision was based on the recommendation of Group of Secretaries. The government found merit in their recommendation and accepted it in the interest of the country and people, the Minister of State for Finance said.
To a query as to why Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana completion date is 2022 when the term of this government is coming to an end in 2019, he said the target has been fixed considering that it will be the Diamond Jubilee year of the countrys Independence.
This government wants to provide a roof to every citizen of the country by then, he added.
In the context of the target year being 2022, Meghwal took a dig at the opposition, saying some among the political rivals had already started saying that they should prepare for 2024 Lok Sabha polls, implying that the BJP would have a smooth sail in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Supplementary Demand for Grants is a constitutional obligation and this batch included additional allocation of Rs 3,500 crore for Price Stabilisation Fund, Rs 3,252 crore for implementation of One-Rank, One-Pension among others.
Earlier, Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of principal opposition party Congress, raised the issue of absence of Finance Minister Arun Jaitley when Meghwal rose to reply to the debate.
However, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar said Meghwal is Minister of State for Finance and can reply to any query raised by members. Kharge then asked Meghwal to say if the government would limit farm loan waiver scheme to a few states only. Meghwal did not give a direct reply, following which Congress members staged a walk-out.
Not only domestic industry, foreign countries like Finland too are awaiting the rollout of the landmark Goods and Service Tax (GST)as it would help "ease of doing business."
"We are looking forward to GST," Ambassador of Finland in India, Nina Vaskunlahti said today at an interactive session with members of Bharat Chamber of Commerce.
"This will help remove multiple layers of taxes and state specific tax laws and we understand GST will help towards ease of doing business," she said.
She said there had been reports of inadequate number of judges in courts and added that she expected legal infrastructure would be adequate which was also important for ease of doing business.
Currently, some 100 Finnish companies are active in India and the diplomat hoped this number will increase given the opportunity India offers.
In 2016, Finnish exports to India were estimated at 490 million Euros with a 10 per cent growth over previous year involving products like pulp, paper, wood, heavy machinery, telecom equipment.
Indian exports to the Nordic country during last year was estimated at 330 million Euros with exports including textiles, pharma, raw material and plastics besides, tools and machinery.
The Federation of All India Farmers Associations (FAIFA) urged the Health and the Finance ministries to levy low taxation on tobacco crops under the new GST regime as it will affect the economic condition of the farmers.
"GST is a once in a lifetime opportunity for the government to remove anomalies in tobacco taxation in India and bring a fair relief to the tobacco farmers without compromising on its tobacco control goals," said Murali Babu, General Secretary, FAIFA in a statement.
The livelihood of nearly 4.6 crore farmers depends on the tobacco crop, which already sees imposition of high taxation due to the health problems caused by it.
"The last prevailing taxation framework has been taking away livelihood of FCV (Flue-Cured Virginia/Traditional) tobacco farmers and has promoted smuggling of cigarettes which has reached alarming levels," he added.
Apart from Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, FAIFA, which represents millions of farmers growing commercial crops, has written to the Prime Minister's Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
According to FAIFA, while most industry segments are cheering and eagerly waiting for an early roll-out of GST, the FCV tobacco farmers are concerned that it should not spell doom for their livelihood.
The farmers have urged the government not to discriminate against the tobacco growers under GST.
"GST is an opportunity to remove tax arbitrage in tobacco taxation and disincentivise illegal and contraband products which have been flooding the Indian market. GST is also an opportunity to remove discrimination among various classes of tobacco farmers. There should not be any discrimination among cigarette, bidi, chewing tobacco farmers," said Babu.
This labour-intensive crop which provides livelihood to 4.6 crore farmers and farm labour besides retailers and bidi workers etc. has been witnessing a continued onslaught in terms of punitive and sustained increase in taxation and impractical regulations over the past few years now.
FAIFA said that for the first time in independent India, 22 FCV farmers have committed suicide in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka.
According to the FAIFA General Secretary, the suicides of tobacco farmers were a result of the excessive increase in the excise duties levied on tobacco products.
Stating that no other country in the world has a huge and widespread dependence on the tobacco crop for livelihood, FAIFA said the ongoing distress of the farmers and others dependent on tobacco for their livelihood makes it very important for policy makers in India to strike a balance between the country's excessive cigarette taxation and regulations and the livelihood of people.
"The socio-economic importance of tobacco and its employment-generation capacity should not be overlooked while framing tobacco taxation and regulatory policies in India," said Babu.
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The Securities and Exchange Board of Indias Risk Management Review Committee (RMRC) on Tuesday discussed the framework for allowing equity, commodities and currency products at the International Finance Services Centre (IFSC) in GIFT City, Gandhinagar.
The committee recommended allowing futures and options trading in the stocks of Tata Motors, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, L&T, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services, State Bank of India, Maruti Suzuki and Reliance Industries. All these stocks are traded in international markets as well.
The committee members, including RBI officials, also deliberated on trading of USD-INR contracts but decided that the subject required more study.
RBI officials had reservations about allowing trading in USD-INR contracts, sources said.
The committee also discussed non-agri commodities like gold, silver, platinum, brent or natural gas products. The committee recommended that foreign portfolio investors be first allowed to trade in commodities options in the local market (after their introduction), and later be allowed to trade in them at the IFSC.
The committee felt that that opening up the market for foreign investors at the IFSC before allowing domestic trading may hurt the local market, people privy to the developments at the meeting to Moneycontrol.
RMRC may not give approval to Quanto products, a source told Moneycontrol.
A quanto is a type of derivative in which the underlying is denominated in one currency, but the instrument itself is settled in another currency at some rate. Such products are attractive for speculators and investors who wish to have exposure to a foreign asset, but without the corresponding exchange rate risk.
The RMRC will now present its recommendations to the SEBI board for approval.
Also, the RMRC said it would require more time to prepare a draft for calculating the settlement guarantee fund.
An illustration picture shows the logo of car-sharing service app Uber on a smartphone.
As state governments are busy lining up policies for developing startup ecosystem, former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy has taken a step ahead and turned angel investor for taxi-hailing app HDK Cabs.
Kumaraswamy would make an initial investment of Rs 2-3 crore, which could go up to Rs 50 crore in the next two years, The Economic Times reported.
The on-going tussle between drivers and companies like Ola, Uber over payments led to the birth of HDK Cabs. It was reported that Kumaraswamy had supported drivers during the strike in February.
Unlike Ola and Uber, which charge drivers a commission of 25-30 percent, HDK Cabs plans to deduct a mere 2-5 percent, but wont pay drivers any incentives over and above the fare, the report added.
The app is expected to roll out within a month and will offer fixed fares throughout day and night.
KR Choksey's report on Sagar Cements
Sagar Cements Ltd (SCL), a South based company, possesses a manufacturing capacity of 4.3 MTPA and a captive power capacity of 25 MW. SCL enjoys a healthy presence in South with cement dispatches of 44% to Andhra Pradesh & Telangana and 20% to Karnataka. Further, SCL plans to increase its exposure in the eastern markets (Orissa) post the acquisition of grinding unit in Bayyavaram in Vizag region of AP.
Outlook
Consequently, we value Sagar Cements Ltd at an EV/EBITDA of 7.5X and EV/ton of $60 on FY19E and arrive at a target price of INR 972 translating into a 30% upside from current price of INR 748 subject to further re-rating depending upon volume growth and margin improvements.
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Angel Broking's currency report on EURINR
Yesterday, the Euro currency spot traded higher by 0.01 percent (EURUSD) in the international markets however declined by 0.20 percent (EURINR) in the domestic market; all due to rupee appreciation. In the recent Euro - group meetings, the EU finance ministers discussed about budget plans of member states for this year. They also spoke about Greeces debt problems and bailout loan on which there is so far no progress. Due to all the above factors, EURINR spot is expected to trade lower.
Due to all the above factors, EURINR spot is expected to trade lower.
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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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)
Angel Commodities' report on Sugar
Sugar Futures closed flat on Monday due to lower spot demand and good supplies from mills. Market participants are expecting better summer demand from the industrial buyers as there is probability of lower production this season.
Moreover, government is likely to revise 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 lowered 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 shorter seasons in Maharashtra after two consecutive droughts and has produced only 41.6 lt sugar so far compared to 83.75 lt of sugar as on 30th April 2016.
Outlook
We expect sugar prices to trade sideways to lower on sufficient supplies in the near term as sugar mills continue to sell sugar to control domestic prices. However, due to lower production estimated this season and anticipation of higher sugar demand during summer the price may improve.
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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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IPO
Moneycontrol Research
Retailer Avenue Supermarts spectacular listing has set the initial public offer (IPO) market on fire. The stocks listing at more than 100 percent premium to its offer price will give a boost to other IPOs lining to raise money.
Having said that, Avenue Supermarts cannot be compared with other companies looking to go public. The companys issue had everything going right for it. Its management and financials are the best in the industry, the sector is growing fast, and most importantly, the issue was attractively priced even if not downright cheap.
Many other IPOs that have tapped the market do not have all the factors working for it.
Two IPOs will be shortly hitting the market: CL Educate and Shankara Building Products (SBP). We have already commented on CL Educate where the IPO seems good for listing gains but can face competitive headwinds going forward.
SBP however is in a different space altogether. There are few organized players which cater to the building products segment as SBP does. Founded in 1995, the company has a strong management team, most of the members from premier business schools in the country.
SBP is a unique company in the sense that its retail stores offer home improvement and building products. The company offers structural steel, cement, thermo mechanical treatment bars, hollow blocks, pipes and tubes, roofing solutions, welding accessories, primers, solar heaters, plumbing products, tiles, sanitary ware, water tanks, plywood, kitchen sinks, and lighting and other allied products.
The company has backward integrated itself and manufactures, assembles, processes steel pipes and tubes, colour coated roofing sheets and solar panels. Till December 31, 2016 the company had 11 processing facilities with an installed capacity of 323,200 MTPA running at a capacity utilization of 93.81 percent (annualized). In January 2017 SBP commissioned production of a stainless steel pipes and tubes processing facility in Jigani, Bengaluru which has an installed capacity of 1,200 MTPA.
The company has 100 Shankara BuildPro stores in urban and semi-urban markets of Andhra Pradesh, Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Kerala, Maharashtra, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and Puducherry the company also sells its products through alternate channels. Its retail stores are based in cities which are witnessing urbanization. The company serves home owners, architects and contractors, small enterprises and housing, general engineering, automotive, renewable energy, agriculture, and construction and infrastructure sectors.
While SBP has a first mover advantage in the home improvement space for an investor what matters is its financials. Just like D Mart, SBP is largely a retailer but its operating margins are much lower at around 5.8 percent. But what is surprising is the low level of inventories and smart working capital management in a segment where product shelf life are supposed to be longer. Further, SBP follows an asset light model of growth with Rs 240 crore of assets supporting a turnover of over Rs 2,000 crore.
What plays against the company is the slow pace of growth. In FY13 the company had sales of Rs 1,766.6 crore while in FY16 it touched Rs 2,035.9 crore a compounded average growth rate of only 3.61 percent. The profit and loss account of the company is not doing justice to its strong balance sheet.
While one can blame the sluggish pace of real estate sector, it needs to be remembered that SBP is in the home improvement space, where the products are also used for refurbishment.
Further the issue is largely an offer for sale where an investor is given an exit and only a small portion will be invested in the company.
As for valuations, the issue price of Rs 460 (upper band) discounts its earning per share of Rs 25.33 for FY17 (annualized) by 18.16 times. It may not look too expensive given that the market is willing to pay 50 times earnings for Avenue Supermarts. One can look at the issue purely for listing gains.
However, a company with a strong balance sheet is one to be watched out for when valuations become compelling or the companys growth engines start firing.
hyperloop transportation technologies capsule
Hyperloop Transportation Technologies is trying to play catch-up.
The startup generated a lot of hype in August 2015 when it said it will break ground on its five-mile Hyperloop test track in Quay Valley, just north of Los Angeles, beginning in May 2016. At the time, HTT said passengers will be able to use the system in 2018.
HTT was one of the first to release a timeline for the Hyperloop, a futuristic transport system that can transport passengers in levitating pods at speeds that exceed 700 mph.
However, HTT never completed its application to build the test track, delaying the project, Wired reported last September. Generally, HTT has drawn quite a bit of skepticism as all of its employees are volunteers who work on the project 10 hours a week outside their full-time jobs. They aren't being paid for their labor.
On Tuesday, HTT released a video announcing that it's building a passenger capsule at its R&D center in Toulouse, France that will be revealed in 2018. However, the video doesn't give a clear view of the pod.
HTT said it's working with Carbures, a company based in Spain that builds composite parts and structures in the aerospace and railway industries. The capsule can hold between 28 and 40 people and will be able to travel up to 760 mph, HTT said.
HTT will need to stay on its 2018 timeline if it wants a shot at competing with Hyperloop One, another startup developing Hyperloop technology.
Hyperloop One, an LA-based company, has already demoed its technology on a test track in North Las Vegas, Nevada in May 2016.
hyperloop one nevada rail
Hyperloop One has released images of its full-scale development site that will measure 2 miles long when it's completed. The first public trial using the new system is slated to occur in the first half of this year.
Hyperloop One has also signed an agreement with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority to begin evaluating building a Hyperloop between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Additionally, it secured $50 million in a funding round led by DP World, the third largest port and terminal operator in the world, to build a Hyperloop that can transport cargo.
Story continues
Hyperloop One currently has $160 million in funding, according to the startup.
Meanwhile, Brogan BamBrogan, the co-founder and former CTO of Hyperloop One, has launched his own Hyperloop startup, Arrivo, with three other former Hyperloop One employees.
BamBrogan and the three other Arrivo co-founders sued Hyperloop One in July 2016, alleging executives were misusing funds and violated California labor code, among other things. The lawsuit was settled for an undisclosed amount.
Arrivo has yet to make any serious moves in the space. But it's clear that HTT will have to stick to its deadlines as the Hyperloop startup scene begins to heat up.
NOW WATCH: Heres how the Hyperloop will work
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Achiievers Equities' commodity report on Silver
Silver trading range for the day is 40662-41166.
Silver settled flat with the focus ahead on Fed policymaker comments this week.
Yellen's cautious guidance last week has investors pricing in almost no chance of another rate rise at the next policy meeting in May.
Holdings at ishares silver trust gained by 0.37A% i.e. 38.30 tonnes to 10342.04 tonnes from 10303.74 tonnes.
BUY SILVER MAY 2017 @ 40750 SL 40500 TGT 40980-41250.MCX.
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Allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath 's council of ministers is likely to come up for discussion at a meeting the UP chief minister will have with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP chief Amit Shah in Delhi today.
Adityanath left for Delhi this morning to take part in the meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Board, a BJP spokesperson said here.
"The meeting of the BJP's Parliamentary Board is being held in Delhi today. Apart from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Aditynath, his counterparts from Manipur, Goa, and Uttarakhand are also participating in the meeting," UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi told PTI.
"The discussion on allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers may also be discussed in Delhi with party chief Amit Shah and PM Modi," said a senior party leader requesting anonymity.
Earlier speaking to PTI, UP Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said that the portfolios of new ministers are likely to be announced "very soon".
"The portfolios are being worked out. The process for allocation of departments is on and hopefully it will be done very soon," Singh said.
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,
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Ivanka Trump
A San Francisco retailer is suing Ivanka Trump's fashion brand for using Donald Trump's presidency to create an "unfair advantage."
On Thursday, Modern Appealing Clothing (MAC) filed a class action lawsuit against the Ivanka Trump brand for "unlawful" and "unfair" promotional activities, Courtroom News Service reported.
"President Donald J. Trump and his individual and White House employees and agents have, since the election, promoted defendant Ivanka Trump brand by exploiting the power and prestige of the White House," the complaint reads, citing Trump's anti-Nordstrom tweet and Kellyanne Conway's advice that Americans "go buy Ivanka's stuff."
The complaint also argues that employees at Ivanka Trump exploited the first daughter's elevated position post-election, saying that the company "piggy-back[ed]" promotion of items on government events. While the lawsuit doesn't cite particular instances, a potential example would be the brand promoting a bracelet that Ivanka wore on "60 Minutes" in December.
The impact of Trump's election on Ivanka Trump's brand has been difficult to unpack.
The lawsuit says MAC's business has been negatively impacted because, since the election, sales of Ivanka's brand have surged several hundred percent compared to last year (a Slice Intelligence report says US sales of the brand on Amazon grew 332% in January and February compared to 2016). However, the brand has also been cut from a number of retailers in recent months, including Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus, and Gilt.
MAC is asking that California stops selling Ivanka's brand while it enjoys an allegedly unfair advantage. The lawsuit also demands that the brand pay "ill-gotten gains" since the election to MAC and other retailers included in the class action.
Representatives for Ivanka Trump's brand didn't immediately respond to request for comment.
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Burke County Public Schools has announced a public meeting concerning the future for elementary school students in the area.
Following Tuesday nights Burke County Board of Education meeting, where several decisions regarding the new Mountain View Elementary School were expected to be made, a meeting will be held at Chesterfield Elementary School Thursday evening at 6 p.m. to allow for discussion regarding that schools future. That school building is one of the oldest in use in the school system currently.
BCPS Public Information Officer Cheryl Shuffler said Thursday nights meeting will be similar to those held to address overcrowding at Mountain Crest Elementary School last year. BCPS Superintendent Dr. Larry Putnam released a statement about Thursday night's public meeting saying he is interested in sharing information about the future of CES and possibilities for students in the Chesterfield community.
We have invited the community to Chesterfield Elementary School at 6 p.m. on Thursday, March 23, to share information about the future of our school district, how we got to this point and recent trends that are driving the decisions behind the building of the new school, said Putnam. Except for renaming Mountain Crest back to Hillcrest effective in July, the board of education has not made any decisions on school district lines, which students will attend the new school or the future of any of the existing schools. The purpose of Thursday nights meeting is to share information and to share a timeline for when the board will make some of the decisions that lie ahead of us."
Additionally, Putnam said he is excited to share information about the new elementary school that will open in the fall of 2018 and what it will mean for BCPS students.
"With (Tuesday nights) board of education meeting and the expected actions the board will take regarding the new Mountain View Elementary School, construction on the new school is expected to start very, very soon, Putnam said. We are super excited and eager to share with the public what the new school will look like, all of the amenities it will include and all of the opportunities its students will have.
Those amenities include a full gym, an auditorium, access to Catawba Meadows and Mountain View Recreation Center, a school building that has everything on one level, one-to-one technology for students, alternative seating in classrooms and the cafeteria and the efficiency of new construction.
Chesterfield Elementary School is located at 2142 Pax Hill Road.
Justin Epley can be reached at jepley@morganton.com or 828-432-8943.
By Dustan Woodhouse , broker with Dominion Lending Centres During a recent trip to our nations Capital, an Ottawa insider made an interesting comment: We dont care about consumer debt, because we dont guarantee it.This comment was made in an effort to justify recent increased restrictions placed on borrowers taking out insured mortgages (i.e. backed by CMHC, Genworth , or Canada Guaranty effectively the federal government) due to increasing concerns in Ottawa around the optics of taxpayer backed mortgages.This use of such hot button language would be laughable if taxpayers understood a few key things about CMHC in particular:1. It is incredibly profitable and has generated tens of billions of general revenue for the Federal Government over the years. (This is arguably one of the most profitable Crown Corporations ever created).2. The actual numbers as to just what CMHC (taxpayers) are on the hook for. (see chart below).3. The incontrovertible fact that the government will, should the need arise, bail out the privately-owned banks should they ever truly misstep and get into trouble meaning all debt in Canada is truly government guaranteed when you get right down to it.
Source: CMHC
What hit me as most stunning about such a laissez faire attitude towards consumer debt, setting aside the question of protecting consumers from themselves (got a pulse? No job? No established credit? No problem, here is a 14% car loan and a $20,000 credit card) was that the very people managing these taxpayer guaranteed mortgages cannot see the problem with a system in which the major banks approve the mortgage itself under strict guidelines and then the moment it is approved offer the newly leveraged client an additional $5,000 - $80,000 in unsecured credit just in case the new homeowners need new furniture, a new car, a vacation, etc.How is that not a significantly relevant factor in the stability and security of the guaranteed mortgage product?The real irony in this?The Fed backs these mortgages through two sorts of lenders, and has arguably been creating policy to heavily restrict the competitive ability of one of the two channels. More tomorrow on just how misdirected the regulations being imposed are in their targeting of one supplier channel over another.This is part 1 of a 4 part series. Check back tomorrow for part 2
A Vancouver-based mobile financial services firm has moved its digital platform out of private beta testing last week.In a March 17 Finextra news release, Koho announced that its mobile-based service will be catering to the specific needs of Canadian consumers aged 18 to 34, in direct challenge to traditional providers such as the countrys Big Five.Koho, which presents itself as less a financial institution and more as a technology firm, will be responsible for the front end of its services, while Peoples Trust Company will be holding clients money.Customers get a prepaid Visa card, P2P payments, live chat support and Touch ID-based security, but the firm's main pitch is centred on its money management capabilities, including instant notifications about account activity, insights into spending habits, and saving goals, the news release stated.While the platform is currently limited to iOS, company officials confirmed that an Android version is slated for release in the near future.Interested parties can learn more about Koho here
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An urban revitalization organization in Toronto has announced that it is now open to proposals for its upcoming community development project, which is meant to serve as a testbed for emerging technologies, materials and processes that would answer the challenge of developing a more sustainable, accessible, inclusive and prosperous dwelling scheme for large numbers of people.In a March 17 CNW press release, Waterfront Toronto said that it will be launching the Quayside waterfront community amid the citys fevered pace of population and job growth.[Demand] for space continues to outpace supply. In response, the citys post-industrial waterfront is transforming into a compelling destination with a number of high-quality residential and commercial developments, best-in-class technology infrastructure, and vibrant public spaces, the news release stated.Waterfront Torontos request for proposals will be looking for a funding partner, which can be an individual organization, a joint venture, consortium or other legal arrangement. The venture will culminate in advancing ambitious, high-level objectives.Among these aspirations for the 4.9 hectare (12 acre) Quayside is serving as an archetype for urban sustainability, resiliency, and innovation by creating a globally significant demonstration project that advances a new market model for climate-positive urban developments.Quayside is meant to pilot leading sustainability and resiliency practices that address local, national and global carbon emission reduction targets, which will incorporate technology advancements that enhance efficiencies and improve the overall quality of life for citizens, employees, students and visitors to the area.More importantly, the project will represent a significant opportunity to generate prosperity by continuing to build the emerging technology-based economic hubs on the waterfront, including employers and job creators in the green technology, film and television production, digital media and information technology sectors.
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KUALA LUMPUR, March 21 (Reuters) - The Malaysian government on Tuesday sought parliamentary approval to increase its expenditure under the 2016 budget, saying it had spent some 3.08 billion ringgit ($695.73 million) more than planned.
The government tabled a supplementary bill in parliament on Tuesday, saying 2.25 billion ringgit of the additional spending was a contribution to statutory funds.
The ministries of education, foreign affairs, health, transport and women, family and community development also spent more than initially planned.
The election commission spent an additional 62.8 million ringgit last year, according to the spending bill.
In a modified 2016 budget announced last January, Malaysia said it would cut spending by 9 billion ringgit because of lower oil prices.
It estimated spending of 260.8 billion ringgit in its 2017 budget, an increase of 3.4 pct from the modified 2016 budget.
($1 = 4.4270 ringgit) (Reporting by A. Ananthalakshmi; Editing by Eric Meijer)
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A Lockhart High School science teacher accused of having a sexual relationship with a student has been arrested and suspended from her job.
Sarah M. Fowlkes, 27, who has worked for the school district since October 2014, turned herself in at the Lockhart Police Station late Monday morning on a warrant and was booked into the Caldwell County Jail, police said. Lockhart is about 35 miles southeast of Austin.
According to the police department, officers received a report March 10 from a school administrator at Lockhart High School about a possible inappropriate relationship between a student and a teacher. The investigation led a Lockhart detective to a 17-year-old male student, who had been in contact in person and by message with Fowlkes. Their contact was of a sexual nature, police said.
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In a statement on its website, Lockhart Independent School District said Monday that Fowlkes had been suspended and that notice of her conduct was being sent to the State Board for Educator Certification.
After learning about the alleged behavior March 10, before the start of spring break, district officials contacted Child Protective Services as well as the Lockhart Police Department, the statement said.
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"Lockhart parents entrust their children to us every day, and it is something we do not take lightly," Superintendent Susan Bohn said in the statement. "Student safety is the district's most important priority. As soon as we learned of the report, we acted swiftly to involve law enforcement and CPS to conduct a thorough investigation. The district does not and will not tolerate any improper communication or contact between a teacher and child."
Parents were notified by email Monday afternoon of Fowlke's arrest and suspension, the statement said.
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A South Texas woman was enjoying her weekend with her family when a creepy creature slid up near her home.
Janie Moy, marine coordinator at Valero Energy, lives in Falls City southeast of San Antonio on 25 acres of land. Saturday afternoon, Moy was outside when she noticed something coming up the driveway in the backyard.
"I look at the tail. I look closer: Oh no, it's a rattlesnake," Moy told mySA.com, adding she thought, "I can't let this come toward the house."
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Moy called her husband, an avid hunter.
"Oh my gosh, there's a snake," she said.
"Just kill it," he told her.
After summoning her 14-year-old to the garage, Moy said the pair carefully and slowly got a 410 shotgun out of the family's truck. The 14-year-old loaded the gun and handed it off to Moy.
Keeping a close eye on the reptile, Moy crept up on the snake she didn't want to startle it or it might have run away.
Moy said she shot the snake three times, aiming for its head, but hitting it in the middle of its body. In between shots, the rattlesnake tried to lift its head, but Moy had already done enough damage.
"It was done," she said.
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After posing for a photo with the 4-foot-long kill, Moy said she gave the rattlesnake to her husband who discarded it.
After the incident, Moy said she's nervous to let her sons, ages 3, 10 and 14, play in the backyard.
"My 3-year-old plays outside," she said. "I'm just now so paranoid."
The rattlesnake was the first one she's spotted on her family's property since they began building their home five years ago. She said mountain lions, bobcats and pigs have roamed around near her home as well.
kbradshaw@express-news.net
Twitter: @kbrad5
Carlos Lehder
Pablo Escobar is remembered as the face of the Medellin cartel, the Colombian criminal organization that flooded the world with cocaine in the 1980s.
But for all his deeds and bluster, Escobar was just one member of a clan of traffickers who helped create the Medellin cartel.
And in terms of narco eccentricities, one Medellin capo stands out: Carlos Lehder Rivas.
Born to a German father and Colombian mother in Armenia, a district in west-central Colombia, in 1949, Lehder spent most of his childhood in Colombia.
But after his parents separated, he relocated to New York City when he was 15, Colombian newspaper El Espectador reported in 2012.
In the US, he got involved in petty crime, working on the US East Coast and in Canada leading a stolen-car ring and moving marijuana. He got picked up for car theft in June 1973 and was sent to federal prison in Danbury, Connecticut. His brief stint in jail would forever alter the US and the world.
George Jung, the now famous drug smuggler and subject of the movie "Blow," was Lehder's cell mate and described the Colombian-American as well mannered and well dressed. As Jung told PBS, even while locked up for minor crimes, Lehder had his mind on a more ambitious criminal enterprise:
"As time wore on, we got to know each other and then he asked me if I knew anything about cocaine and I told him no. And I said, 'Why don't you tell me about it.' And he said, 'Did you know it sells for $60,000.00 a kilo in the United States?'"
"And I said, 'No. I had no idea. How much does it cost down in Colombia?' and he said, '$4,000 to $5,000.' And immediately bells started to go off and the cash register started ringing up in my head."
"It was like destiny" that Jung and Lehder ended up together at Danbury, Mike Vigil, a former chief of international operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration, told Business Insider.
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Jung and Lehder were released in the late 1970s, but they soon hooked up again, setting up an airborne-smuggling operation that moved cocaine from Colombia to the southeastern US.
As their operation expanded in the late '70s and early '80s, Lehder grew closer to the capos back in Medellin, and in the Caribbean, they looked for a way station for their bustling trafficking business.
'It just turned into a freak show'
Norman's Cay Bahamas George Jung Carlos Lehder Medellin cartel drug cocaine smuggling
"They used to smuggle drugs through Nassau, Bahamas, by using corrupt officials that would open up the airport and look the other way ... But they wanted a more isolated area an area where they could operate more freely and not have to pay a ton of Bahamian individuals," said Vigil, author of "Metal Coffins: The Blood Alliance Cartel."
"So that's when they came out to Norman's Cay," he told Business Insider.
At Norman's Cay, a small spit of land 210 miles southeast of Miami, Lehder's eccentricities fueled by his growing cocaine habit came to the fore.
Lehder, considered handsome by men and women, was regarded as intelligent and charming, but given to excess and probably lacking self-control, Ron Chepesiuk, author of "Crazy Charlie: Revolutionary or Neo-Nazi," told Vice.
Lehder was also an aggressive businessman, and he eventually forced Jung out of their arrangement, but not before Jung visited Norman's Cay and observed Lehder's behavior. "He wasnt crazy he had delusions, though. He loved John Lennon and Adolf Hitler at the same time. That should have been a sign for me," Jung told High Times.
"I mean, Walter Cronkite showed up there, and these thugs came with machine guns and told him, 'You better leave.' It just turned into a freak show," Jung said.
Carlos Lehder Norman's Cay Medellin cartel drug trafficking Bahamas Caribbean
"There were other people that lived there, but they started to drive them out, and Carlos Lehder started to develop kind of like a neo-Nazi group there, that would protect the planeloads of coke and intimidate the people that lived there," Vigil said.
Lehder started behaving more erratically on Norman's Cay, hosting parties and orgies and running roughshod over the community on the island. Spooked by law enforcement and emboldened by the officials he had bought off, Lehder went so far as to drop leaflets over Nassau, the Bahamanian capital, saying, "DEA go home."
"Eventually Carlos started to become more visible and started to be in the crosshairs of the DEA, and that's when the Bahamian government said, 'Hey, you have to go. You can't be here anymore because the DEA is coming, and we don't want them meddling in our business and investigating us as well,'" Vigil told Business Insider.
Lehder retreated to Colombia after a DEA raid on Norman's Cay in 1980. His airborne-smuggling operation had accelerated Medellin's cocaine business and made Lehder a valuable member of the cartel a status his actions in Colombia would start to erode.
Carlos Lehder Pablo Escobar
He built a hacienda and started spreading money around his home turf in Armenia and around Quindio, the state where Armenia is located. He built a statue of John Lennon on his front lawn and raised eyebrows by buying the state government a modern airplane as a gift. Like Escobar, Lehder had a political awakening in the early 1980s.
Escobar went along with Colombia's democratic system and won a seat as a backup for a legislator in the National Assembly. Lehder, however, lifted the Nazi leanings he likely absorbed from his father (the younger Lehder was reportedly a Holocaust denier) and used them to undergird his political movement in Colombia.
"He wants to get into politics and his idea is to form like a Nazi-type of government in Colombia," Vigil told Business Insider. "This is how deranged he is now and delusional."
"There is plenty of evidence to support the characterization that Lehder was a neo-Nazi," Chepesiuk told Vice. "He certainly wasn't shy about giving interviews or expressing his views. He often praised Hitler and railed against the Jews."
He retreated into the jungle but still held press conferences and declared his intention to fight the government. He was also known to quote Hitler, who he admitted to admiring, according to El Espectador.
A Colombian national-police raid on a home linked to Lehder in a remote part of Colombia uncovered several million US dollars, "and the whole house is plastered with photographs and memorabilia of Adolf Hitler, who he idolized," Vigil told Business Insider.
Carlos Lehder Colombia neo-Nazi
His party, called the National Latin Movement, had a "fascist-populist program [that] called for radical changes in Colombia's political landscape." He also embraced anti-imperialism, criticizing the US for its involvement in Latin America. He saw cocaine as a means of liberation, calling it Latin America's atomic bomb, Vigil said.
Like Escobar, Lehder's political efforts also focused on defeating Colombia's extradition agreement with the US, which, after the 1984 assassination of Justice Minister Rodrigo Lara Bonilla, allowed for immediate extradition of Lehder and other narcos if they were caught.
'He knew that Pablo Escobar had turned him in'
Lehder's megalomania, heavily fueled by cocaine, sparked his falling out with Escobar, which would set the stage for his undoing.
At a party at Escobar's Hacienda Napoles, outside of Medellin, "Carlos is high on coke, and he gets into an argument with one of Pablo Escobar's sicarios, or hit men, and shoots and kills him," Vigil told Business Insider.
Pablo Escobar
This angered Escobar, Vigil added, because it made it look like the Medellin chief, who was particularly close to his hit men, couldn't protect the people who worked for him.
Escobar, having decided that Lehder was more of a liability than an asset, "basically gives him up, gives up his location" to the Colombian government, Vigil said. Escobar later denied he rolled over on Lehder in a public letter, according to Chepesiuk.
At 6 a.m. on February 4, 1987, on a ranch near Medellin where Lehder was again embracing his hedonism, Colombian police and soldiers moved in, capturing Lehder after a brief firefight.
Eleven hours later, he was bound for Miami, becoming the first victim of the extradition agreement he had fought against.
He soon arrived at a federal prison in Marion, Illinois. With the US-Colombian campaign against Escobar reaching full throat, Lehder was a person of interest to US authorities.
Vigil, a DEA official at the time, traveled to Marion to meet Lehder upon his return to the US:
Carlos Lehder
"Very short individual, fluent English. The first impression that I had of him was that he was a con artist, a manipulator. ... He really didn't want to talk about his involvement in the drug trade."
"His whole focus and he knew that Pablo Escobar had turned him in and he said, 'listen, I can help you capture Pablo Escobar. I'm willing to go back to Colombia. You can put me under the security of the Colombian army, and I can find Pablo Escobar for you.'"
"But we were not going to take a chance on him going back to Colombia and getting into the wind again," Vigil said. "But he definitely, definitely wanted to do Pablo Escobar."
Lehder's split with Escobar in the mid-1980s left him without information that US authorities were interested in trading for.
He was sentenced to life without parole plus 135 years in 1988, a term the judge said was "a signal to our society that it will do everything it can to rid itself of this cancer."
Lehder's involvement in the drug trade proved valuable when he was able to testify against Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega, who had assisted the Medellin cartel with its money-laundering activities.
Lehder got his sentence reduced, but he remains locked up in the US. His exact whereabouts aren't known, as he is probably in witness protection, though his lawyers occasionally appear on his behalf.
The nearly 30 years he has spent in prison have weighed on him. He has accused the US of violating his rights and reneging on an agreement to let him out in return for his Noriega testimony. He has written to Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos, asking for help to repatriate himself so that he can die on Colombian soil a wish he might well get upon returning.
"He's got a lot of enemies in Colombia" Vigil said. "So if he went back there, I don't think he'd survive more than a few months."
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NASHVILLE, TN--(Marketwired - March 21, 2017) - Nissan today announced executive changes in the company's North American region (NNA) as it completes a record-setting 2016 fiscal year, the final year of the company's "Power 88" mid-term business plan.
"North America has been a key region for Nissan, delivering strong profitability and sales gains throughout the course of Power 88," said Jose Munoz, chief performance officer and chairman, Management Committee - North America, Nissan Motor Company, Ltd. (NML). "These changes will enable us to keep our momentum in North America as we prepare to launch our new mid-term plan."
All changes are effective April 1, 2017, and will be based in Franklin, Tennessee, unless otherwise noted.
Sales and Marketing
Effective in the month of April, Fred DePerez, currently Regional Vice President, Nissan Central Region, is promoted to the global role of Division General Manager, Global LCV M&S. DePerez will remain based in the U.S. but will travel worldwide in support of his new role. Fred's successor will be named at a later date, and he will continue in his current role until this transition.
Rich Miller, currently Director, Nissan Product Planning in charge of SUV, Truck, and LCV, is promoted to Program Director, LCV. He will be based in Yokohama, Japan. His replacement will be named at a later date.
As previously announced, Anne Corrao, currently Regional Vice President, Nissan West, returns to NNA HQ and is named Director, CMM. Model responsibilities will be a subject of a future announcement.
Joe Guarascio, currently Director, Fleet Sales, is named Director, Fleet & Pre-Owned Strategy & Sales. In this expanded role, Joe will be responsible for delivering a holistic Certified Pre-Owned strategy to drive sales and residual value performance.
Stephan Kuester has joined Nissan as Director, Aftersales, Nissan U.S. and is responsible for Aftersales sales operations and marketing. Stephan joins us from BMW, where he most recently served as General Manager, Aftersales Central Southeast Europe. He brings more than 25 years of experience within the global BMW Group system, including roles in Europe, China, the Middle East and Canada.
Story continues
INFINITI
Allyson Witherspoon, director, INFINITI Marketing Communication and Media, is named general manager, Global Brand Engagement, NML. She will be based in Yokohama, Japan.
Phil O'Connor, director, Chief Marketing Manager (CMM), Body Frame and Crossover, is named director, INFINITI Marketing Communication & Media.
Communications
Nick Twork, director, INFINITI Americas Corporate Communications, is named general manager, Renault-Nissan Alliance Innovation and Technology Communications. He will be located in France after a transition period.
Kyle Bazemore, senior manager, INFINITI Communications, is promoted to director, INFINITI Americas Corporate Communications.
Brin Frazier, joins NNA from NML and is named director, Executive and Strategic Communications. She will be based in Washington, D.C.
Research and Development (R&D)
Takeshi Yamaguchi currently Chief Vehicle Engineer (CVE), Nissan Product Development Division No. 2, is named Senior Vice President, Research and Development, NTCNA replacing Kunio Nakaguro, who returns to NML as Corporate Vice President, Nissan Product Development No. 1. Yamaguchi san will be based in Farmington Hills.
Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS)
Mark Swenson, currently VP, Manufacturing Production Engineering, is named VP, Total Customer Satisfaction (TCS), replacing Takehiro Terai who is returning to NML. In this new role, Swenson will have responsibility for all product safety and customer quality issues in the region.
Monozukuri
David Johnson, currently on assignment as Director, New Model & Central Engineering at NMUK, returns to NNA and is promoted to Vice President, Manufacturing Engineering. He will be based in Smyrna.
Effective July 31, Gary Edwards, currently Vice President, Powertrain Operations & Battery Plant, is retiring after 34 years of service within NNA.
"Over his many years, Gary has continually improved our production processes and performance, and he has been critical to the success of Nissan's engine production operations," Munoz said.
Brian Sullivan, currently Director, Plant Manager NNA Battery Plant, is promoted to Vice President, Powertrain Operations and Battery Plant, replacing Edwards. He will be based in Decherd.
Jeff Deaton, currently Director, Manufacturing Engineering Smyrna is named Director, Plant Manager NNA Battery Plant, replacing Sullivan. He will be based in Smyrna.
Legal
George Feygin, currently Senior Managing Counsel-Product Liability, is promoted to Director and Assistant General Counsel of the newly created Regulatory and Product Safety group. In this role Feygin will have responsibility for all legal matters relating to product safety, product liability, environmental compliance, cybersecurity, and data privacy.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan Motor Co.
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
Microphone and US Flag View Photos
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) delivered this weeks Democratic Weekly Address, discussing bipartisanship and the Republican leaderships efforts to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
Shahenn was Tuesdays KVML Newsmaker of the Day. Here are her words:
Hello, Im Jeanne Shaheen, Senator from New Hampshire. I previously served as New Hampshires governor. During my years as governor and now as Senator, Ive worked across the aisle to get things done.
Thats not what were seeing in Washington right now. President Trump and Republican leaders in Congress have rejected bipartisanship. They are tying themselves in knots trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act often called Obamacare. But for millions of everyday Americans, health coverage isnt about politics, its a matter of life and death.
On Monday in Concord, NH, I met with a former construction supervisor named Philip Spagnuolo. Like millions of others in my state and across America, Philip had been struggling with addiction. But thanks to the expansion of Medicaid in New Hampshire made possible by Obamacare he has been able to get treatment, enter recovery, and build a new life.
I talked with a police officer in Laconia, NH, who has been reaching out to families struggling with substance use disorders. He estimates that of the nearly 170 families he has worked with, almost three-quarters rely on health coverage through Medicaid.
The oldest rule in medicine is do no harm. But millions of Americans like Philip and those families in Laconia will be hurt by efforts to repeal Obamacare and replace it with the Republican healthcare plan, also known as Trumpcare. This week, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office told us that 24 million Americans would lose their health coverage over the next 10 years including 14 million next year. While premiums would go up an average of 15 percent next year if you buy your own health insurance, under Trumpcare, it would give tax cuts to the big drug and insurance companies. And top-income-earners would see tax cuts of nearly $200,000 a year.
Lets be clear, President Trump does not have a mandate to take away peoples health coverage. In dozens of visits to New Hampshire during the campaign, he promised aggressive action to fight the opioid and heroine epidemic. He promised never to cut Medicare and Medicaid, and that no one would lose health coverage. But with this new Republican plan, millions of Americans will lose their health coverage, and those who keep it will pay much more.
This new legislation takes us in the wrong direction. It will have especially tragic consequences for New Hampshire and other states fighting the heroin and opioid epidemic. Our most powerful weapon in this fight has been getting people access to life-saving treatment, thanks to Obamacare. Under Trumpcare, 1.3 million Americans now in treatment for mental health and substance use disorders would lose their health coverage.
Not surprisingly, a whole range of groups are opposing this legislation, including doctors, nurses, hospitals, and AARP. AARP strongly opposes the Republican plan because it hurts Medicare and it includes an age tax that allows insurance companies to charge Americans age 50 to 64 up to five times more than younger Americans.
Congress should stop, take a deep breath, and work together to find a better way forward. Lets begin by listening to the American people. In poll after poll, theyre telling us not to end Obamacare but to mend it . . . keep the most successful parts, and fix what is not working.
And lets listen to Republican governor John Kasich of Ohio, whose state is also struggling with the opioid crisis. He rejects the way Trumpcare would end treatment for people in recovery. I agree with the Governors call to put politics aside, use common sense, and find common ground. Many of my Republican colleagues in the Senate are also saying: Lets slow down and work across the aisle.
Lets keep our promises to the American people, so that millions do not lose their health coverage. And lets come together to strengthen whats working, and fix whats not.
The stakes could not be higher for the health and financial security of our families. We need to get this right. And that means Republicans and Democrats working together, keeping our promises, putting people first.
The Newsmaker of the Day is heard every weekday morning at 6:45, 7:45 and 8:45 on AM 1450 and FM 102.7 KVML.
Sacramento, CA A group of Assembly Democrats have introduced a bill that calls for free college tuition for in-state residents by increasing taxes on wealthier earners.
AB 1356 was introduced by Assemblymember Susan Talamantes Eggman of Stockton, Rob Bonta of Oakland and Shirley Weber of San Diego. It would impact all of Californias community colleges and public universities. It calls for a 1% tax on household incomes over $1-million to generate around $2.2-billion annually. The revenue would be deposited into a Higher Education Assistance Fund, created under the bill, so that in-state residents can attend college, tuition free. The authors of the bill claim that from 1969-2015 the median household income in California has only increased by 10%, but the tuition costs at UC schools have increased by 530% and California State University schools by 685%.
Because the proposed bill would increase taxes, it would require 2/3 support of the legislature to become law.
Heavy rain in Sonora View Photos
Update at 3:15 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Western Tuolumne County until 3:45 p.m.
Doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm
capable of producing large hail up to ping pong ball size and
damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located 10 miles
south of Smith Station, or 26 miles southeast of Sonora, and moving
east northeast at 30 mph.
Update at 2:45 p.m.: The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Northwestern Tuolumne County until 3:15 p.m.
At 2:43 p.m., doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing large hail up to ping pong ball size and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located over Smith Station, or 18 miles southeast of Sonora, and moving east northeast at 35 mph.
Update at 2:15 p.m.: A severe thunderstorm warning remains in effect until 2:45 p.m. for Southwestern Tuolumne and Northwestern Mariposa counties. At 2:08 p.m., doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing quarter size hail and damaging winds in excess of 60 mph. This storm was located near Chinese Camp, or 8 miles south of Sonora, moving northeast at 20 mph, according to the NWS. The areas impacted include Keystone and Chinese Camp.
Original post at 2:05 p.m.: Tuolumne County, CA The National Weather Service has issued a Tornado Warning for Southwestern Tuolumne and Western Mariposa counties until 2:15 p.m.
Doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado. This dangerous storm was located 10 miles north of Winton, or 12 miles north of Atwater, and moving northeast at 35 mph, according to the NWS. This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of Western Mariposa and Southwestern Tuolumne and north central Merced Counties.
The NWS instructs persons in these areas to take cover immediately. Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and avoid windows. If you are in a mobile home or outdoors, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris.
A new video that called US forces "perverted animals," and portrayed them under attack was uploaded on a YouTube account run by North Korean propagandists.
In the video published on Saturday, still photos of an aircraft carrier, reportedly the USS Carl Vinson, and a B-1B bomber can be seen in simulated flames, a patriotic speech was recorded over the footage, under North Korea's characteristically stern tone.
Additionally, photos of US and South Korean forces were displayed, presumably in their annual joint military exercises that take place this time of year.
The narrator in the video declared that "a knife will be stabbed into the throat of the carrier," and that "the bomber will fall from the sky after getting hit by a hail of fire," Japan Times reported.
The still photos used in the video resemble photo packages produced by professional news organizations, such as Reuters. Further, there also seems to be an image that bears some semblance to real-time strategy video games.
north korean propaganda
The same propaganda network was scrutinized in 2013 for a video that placed virtual crosshairs over the US Capitol building and portrayed simulated attacks on New York and Washington.
The video was uploaded shortly after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson traveled to South Korea for the first time as the US's top diplomat, and saying that "the threat of North Korea is imminent." Much to North Korea's chagrin, annual military exercises involving 17,000 US troops and the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system are also being conducted in South Korea.
Though the video's rhetoric may sound inciteful, North Korea has a storied history of using inflammatory verbiage in their broadcasts, often targeting their southern counterpart and the US.
NOW WATCH: A Navy SEAL explains what to do if someone tries to mug you
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AUSTIN -- Texans seeking a license-to-carry (LTC) permit would see a much smaller fee under a bill considered by the Senate State Affairs Committee on Monday. The current fee of $140 to apply for a license that permits concealed and open carry of handguns in the state is among the highest in the nation, says bill author and Jacksonville Sen. Robert Nichols.
"These fees impose an undue burden on people's constitutional right to bear arms as it relates to concealed carry or license to carry," he said. "This will take Texas from having one of the highest fees in the nation to one of the lowest in the nation and still covers what I believe to be the real cost of running the program."
His bill, SB 16, would reduce the application fee to $40 for the initial license, and cuts the renewal fee from $70 every five years to $40 as well. Nichols told members his original bill eliminated all fees for application and renewal, but with state revenue tight this year, he changed it to cover the cost to the Department of Public Safety for managing the program. It costs DPS $27 to conduct a background check on LTC applicants, and there are further incidental costs relating to processing and management which bring the total to about $40 per applicant.
In order to receive an LTC, a person must take a four- to six-hour class, pass a written test, and then demonstrate adequate proficiency with a handgun at a gun range. The State Affairs Committee considered a few bills that would relax or change some of these requirements for certain people. One, SB 263 by Sen. Charles Perry, would remove the minimum caliber requirement for range qualification. Today, people are required to use a handgun of at least .32 caliber to demonstrate proficiency, but supporters argue that for people accustomed to using smaller caliber handguns, this may present difficulty at the range. Another bill by Perry, SB 264, would waive the range requirement for county jailers and state corrections officers, because that they already receive adequate handgun training as part of their profession. Similarly, Plano Sen. Van Taylor offered a bill, SB 138, to exempt active and retired military service members from the proficiency demonstration if they have a military range qualification in the last 10 years, because they would've already received much more rigorous firearms training in the military.
All four bills passed the committee unanimously.
On the floor Monday, the Senate tentatively approved a bill that would remove the "wrongful birth" cause of action in the state. SB 25 author and Conroe Sen. Brandon Creighton describes this as a case where a doctor is sued for delivering a child with a disability. He says the 40-year-old law is archaic and sends the wrong message about people with disabilities in Texas. "We should not coin a child born with a disability as an injury, we should not create that negative connotation and a physician should not be liable in any way because a child is simply born disabled, as long as that physician did everything in that standard of care that's accepted," said Creighton.
Opponents of the bill raised concerns that the bill might permit a doctor who opposes abortion to withhold information about congenital anomalies that might make a mother decide to seek an abortion. Creighton disagreed, saying that doctors would still be required under other statutes to meet existing standards of care and disclosure, and provide parents with adequate remedy for malpractice. "If a physician omits critical information that a patient deserves, or directs a patient towards an outcome that is different than what the testing has shown, they are very much on the hook for malpractice, fraud, emotional distress, gross negligence and losing their license," he said.
The Senate will reconvene Tuesday, March 21, at 10 a.m.
The Plainview High School Theatre Departments one-act play, Twelve Angry Jurors by Reginald Rose, advanced to bi-district competition following the District 3 AAAAA UIL OAP (One-Act Play) competition held at Amarillo College on March 10.
Three of the PHS cast members earned district recognition. Isaac McMickings was named Best Actor, Sawyer Tirey was named Outstanding Stage Manager; and Alexis Shedd was named to the All-Star Cast.
HARTFORD Democrats are pushing a bill to toughen the states hate crime law and expand the number of groups protected, saying a series of high-profile incidents shows the changes are needed.
The bill would make the commission of a hate crime a felony, increasing potential penalties that could come with a conviction. Currently, hate crimes are classified as a misdemeanor by the state.
It would also make violence and threats based on gender prosecutable as a hate crime and make threats against houses of worship or other religious facilities a more serious felony charge.
Democrats have pointed to several recent high-profile events, including threats against Jewish community centers around the state, but Rep. William Tong, D-Stamford, said during an appearance Tuesday on WNPRs Where we Live that incidents as far back as gunshots fired at a South Meriden mosque in 2015 highlight the need for the bill.
Zahir Mannan, outreach director for the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community of Connecticut at the Baitul Aman mosque in South Meriden, said the community supports efforts to toughen hate crime laws.
It just shows more solidarity, he said Tuesday, adding support from public officials, religious leaders of other faiths, and community leaders has helped the Ahmadiyya community broaden its reach to share its message of peace. It certainly propels our peace-loving message into demographics that we cannot reach.
Tong and other Democrats said during a press conference last week that a number of recent incidents show why the bill, which is before the Judiciary Committee, is needed.
Along with the threats to the Jewish Community Centers, they also referenced a swastika that was painted on a Danbury home in November and a racial slur painted onto the Stamford home of an interracial couple last month.
In the Stamford incident, the family refused to clean the word from their garage in protest of the police departments inability to catch a suspect, saying it was not the first time their home was vandalized.
Tong said the U.S. has a tragic experience with hate, and referenced both slavery and the Japanese internment camps during World War II, but Democrats also said the bill is a response to actions and rhetoric nationally.
In the current climate nationally, its unacceptable, Sen. Paul Doyle, D-Wethersfield, said.
The change to a felony means a conviction can carry up to five years in prison, up from the one-year maximum allowed under state statute for misdemeanors. For offenses that are raised to a Class C felony, the maximum prison sentence is 10 years.
The bill would make the November 2015 incident in which a neighbor fired gunshots at the Baitul Aman mosque in response to the Paris terrorist attack a Class C felony. Ted Hakey, who fired the shots, was prosecuted by federal authorities, not at the state level.
The hate crime legislation quickly became the subject of partisan bickering after Democrats took several shots at President Donald Trump and didnt reach out to Republicans prior to their press conference last week.
The best way to combat hate is to show unity, Senate Republican Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven said in a statement last week. Thats why its so disappointing that Connecticut Democrats from the beginning chose to turn a certainly bipartisan issue into a completely partisan press conference today. Instead of working with Republicans to show a united front against hate crimes in our state, Democrats chose political theater. Instead of making today about standing together, Democrats made it about standing apart. Divisiveness cannot fight hate.
Adam Joseph, a spokesman for Senate Democrats, responded by questioning Republicans desire to address hate crimes. He pointed to Republican proposals to cut education funding to sanctuary cities, require women to undergo transvaginal ultrasounds, among others, as indicators of his stance.
Protecting people from hate crimes does not appear to be a priority for the Senate Republicans, he said. They should stop complaining and start working.
msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino
It was a week where oil prices halted its losing streak but still remained below $50-a-barrel. On the other hand, natural gas futures settled lower on bearish weather revisions.
On the news front, Switzerland-based rig contractor Transocean Ltd. RIG has agreed to sell its entire fleet of 15 jack-up rigs to upstart Norwegian firm Borr Drilling, while supermajor BP plc BP confirmed that it is in talks to divest its Forties pipeline system in the North Sea to chemicals producer Ineos.
Overall, it was another mixed week for the sector. While West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures edged up 0.6% to close at $48.78 per barrel, natural gas prices fell 2% to $2.948 per million Btu (MMBtu). (See the last Oil & Gas Stock Roundup here: Shell's Oil Sands Sale, Chevron's Production Start-Up and More.)
Despite scoring its first gain in 3 weeks, oil prices again found themselves locked in a sideways trading range, as the tug-of-war over two powerful, opposing supply narratives continue.
Reports have already indicated an impressive 90% compliance level from the OPEC producers who pledged output cuts in an effort to tackle the three-year supply glut. Big weekly draws for both crude and product inventories, as reported by the federal governments Energy Information Administration (EIA), provided further support.
However, a burgeoning rig count pointing to the ever-increasing shale drilling activities and cranked-up domestic production kept prices under check.
Oils-Energy Sector 5YR % Return
Oils-Energy Sector 5YR % Return
Meanwhile, natural gas turned lower following a smaller-than-expected decrease in supplies and predictions of tepid spring-like temperatures over the next few days that could undermine the fuels demand.
Recap of the Weeks Most Important Stories
1. Offshore drilling giant Transocean Ltd. signed an agreement to sell 15 jack-up drilling rigs to the Norwegian offshore drilling contractor Borr Drilling.
Story continues
The transaction would involve the sale of Transoceans entire jack-up fleet which is used in exploration drilling in shallow water. The sale includes 10 operational rigs and five new rigs which are under construction at Singapores Keppel FELS Limited. Out of the five rigs which are yet to be completed, three would be delivered between 2017 and 2018 and the remaining two in 2020.
The deal is valued at $1.35 billion and includes remaining contract backlogs and yard installments. Borr has already paid an initial consideration and will fund the remaining amount through private placement of equity.
By divesting its jack-up fleet, Transocean will be able to reduce its rig count without hurting the bottom line. The deal would help the company to monetize its jack-up fleet and reduce significant capital expenditure which in turn will reduce Transoceans debt. It would further help the company to streamline its portfolio by focusing on deepwater floaters exclusively. (Read more: Transocean Inks Rig Sale Deal with Borr for $1.35B.)
2. Energy giant BP plc is discussing the prospects of divesting the Forties pipeline system with Ineos, the leading manufacturer of chemicals and oil products. The Forties pipeline system is considered to be the largest and oldest oil pipeline of the North Sea.
The pipeline extends over 100 miles and carries crude to the onshore terminal at Cruden Bay from the Unity platform located off the coast of the North Sea. Originally, the pipeline system was constructed to transport crude to the Grangemouth refinery from the Forties field. The oil field was discovered in 1970. In 2003, BP divested its stake in the Forties field to upstream energy player Apache Corp.
Notably, both BP and Ineos have confirmed their willingness for the transaction. The companies started discussions on the matter in the first half of 2016. Though the deal was expected to have fallen through owing to the disagreement of the companies over pricing the properties, it now seems that the transaction was kept under wraps all along. (Read more: Will BP plc Divest the Largest Pipeline of North Sea?.)
3. California-based integrated energy company Chevron Corp. CVX discovered oil at an appraisal well at the deepwater Anchor prospect in the Gulf of Mexico. The Anchor #4 appraisal well drilled to total depth, encountered 800 feet of net oil play in multiple reservoirs.
Chevron holds 55% working interest in the Anchor prospect and is its operator while Cobalt International Energy Inc. CIE owns 20% stake. Samson Offshore Anchor LLC and Venari Resources LLC hold 12.5% interest each. Cobalt International currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.
Cobalt owns 100% interest in two leases on the southern flank of Anchor. Based on reservoir simulation results, additional wells on these two leases are required to maximize recovery from the field. Cobalt is contemplating options to bring the two leases in the Anchor unit for the optimum development of the field. (Read more: Chevron Discovers Oil at Anchor Prospect in Gulf of Mexico.)
4. Italian oil and gas company Eni SpAs E official claimed that the discovery of an enormous natural gas deposit in Egyptian waters has raised hopes of other such finds in the eastern Mediterranean. This is likely to help meet Europe's energy needs.
Per the official, the Zohr discovery by the company is a milestone as the find is estimated to be of 30 trillion cubic feet of gas. The claim bolstered the interest of other major oil and gas companies in the region.
Eni expects the Zohr field to be commissioned by the end of 2017 and meet Egypt's growing domestic demand for energy. The total cost for developing the deposit is 12 billion euros ($12.8 billion).
Egyptian government intends to bring online two idle processing plants to liquefy gas so it can be exported to the European markets. (Read more: Eni Claims Discovery of Huge Natural Gas Deposit in Egypt.)
5. Brazils federal accounting court (or TCU) recently lifted its suspension order on the state energy giant Petrobras PBR that put a pause on its asset divestiture program. The news brought relief to the company as the suspension order had posed a severe threat to its aim of mitigating the huge debt that it has incurred.
Per the verdict, the company will have to begin the process of selling all the assets it had planned to divest all over again, excepting two. The other assets will be sold under the new rules revised by the TCU which are expected to bring about transparency in future asset sales.
The two assets which Petrobras will be able to divest without any further ordeals include the rights to operate the Bauna and Tartaruga Verde offshore oil fields, and a share of Petrobras' deepwater rights in the Gulf of Mexico. (Read more: Petrobras to Resume Asset Sales on Court's Verdict.)
Price Performance
The following table shows the price movement of some the major oil and gas players over the past week and during the last 6 months.
Company Last Week Last 6 Months XOM +0.47% -1.56% CVX -2.26% +8.06% COP +0.42% +14.48% OXY +3.39% -11.34% SLB +1.86% +3.08% RIG +1.63% +33.70% VLO +3.04% +23.08% TSO +1.89% +2.98%
Over the course of last week, The Energy Select Sector SPDR rose by 0.61%. Consequently, investors witnessed buying in most market heavyweights. The best performer was Houston-based energy explorer Occidental Petroleum Corp. OXY whose stock price gained 3.39%.
Longer-term, over the last 6 months, the sector tracker is up 1.80%. Offshore drilling giant Transocean Ltd. was one of the major beneficiaries during this period, experiencing a 33.70% price increase.
Whats Next in the Energy World?
In this week, market participants will be closely tracking the regular releases i.e. the U.S. government data on oil and natural gas. Energy traders will also be focusing on the Baker Hughes data on rig count.
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While overall science funding was slashed substantially in the outline of President Trump's budget sent to Congress, the scientists gathered in The Woodlands for the 48th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference received an upbeat message from NASA officials in a briefing Monday evening.
"The budget is incredibly good," said Jim Green, director of the Planetary Science Division at NASA headquarters. "NASA fared incredibly well."
DEEP SPACE: NASA amassing trove of gothic Saturn photos as mission nears
And so it did, with only a one percent cut. That was good news to both the human exploration side, which supports the International Space Station and is involved in building a large new rocket and capsule for deeper space exploration, and for the planetary scientists whose long list of past and present missions throughout the solar system have provided some of the agency's greatest achievements. Fearing the worst, NASA saw only a significant hit to its Earth science programs, which will lose several missions as a result.
The budget proposal is only that. Whether Congress will restore funding for Earth science, which assists research into climate change and its effects, is uncertain. With Republicans in charge, climate research and the instruments that support it could have less political support when budget authorizations are finalized. The Trump administration has said it wants NASA to focus on deep space exploration and leave terrestrial research to other agencies, many of which will receive far more drastic budget cuts under the outline presented.
That did not sit well with those in attendance, who called for their organizations and members to lobby Congress on behalf of the threatened missions, several of which were to launch satellites in the next few years.
Click through the slideshow above to see some of the takeaways from the Monday briefing.
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As a rainstorm soaked the Bay Area Tuesday morning, causing minor roadway flooding, some early morning lightning and numerous fender benders throughout the region, forecasters warned that the worst is yet to come later this week.
A wet-weather system rolling in from the Pacific is expected to bring heavy downpours starting late Thursday night and through the day on Friday, said Bob Benjamin, a forecaster with the National Weather Service.
It will be a little rainier and wetter than what weve experienced here over the last 24 hours, Benjamin said Tuesday morning. And probably a little windier as well.
Between 6 a.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday, San Francisco received 1.11 inches of rain. Oakland and Berkeley both got about an inch of rain during the same 24-hour stretch. Mount Tamalpais received 2.48 inches of rain, while 2.25 inches fell in Kentfield and 1.39 inches was recorded in San Rafael.
San Jose received .35 inches of rain and Morgan Hill got .63 inches. Venado in Sonoma County received the most rain with 4 inches, and some lightning was reported in the county about 4:45 a.m. west of Occidental.
The National Weather Service also reported lightning and thunderstorms to the south of the Bay Area, but mostly offshore.
The California Highway Patrol reported flooding on roads across the Bay Area, including minor flooding on northbound Highway 101 at the Ninth Street off-ramp and just north of Cesar Chavez Street. The CHP also responded to numerous car crashes and spinouts throughout the region.
Benjamin said on-and-off showers are expected to continue throughout Tuesday and into the evening. Showers are expected to linger into Wednesday.
Temperatures for the Bay Area will remain mostly mild with a high of about 60 degrees and will stay in the 60s for most of the week.
Bay Area residents will get a brief reprieve during the day on Thursday before the incoming storm arrives and lasts through Saturday morning.
Despite the threat of more rain on the way, Benjamin said he doesnt anticipate too much flooding or expect rivers to rise substantially.
I didnt see anything major, he said, adding that its still too early to tell. I wouldnt totally discount some mudslides.
Meanwhile, forecasters issued a winter weather advisory in the Sierras until about 6 p.m. Wednesday, Benjamin said.
About seven inches of snow is expected at the higher elevations.
Fridays Sierra storm could pose some problems for weekend skiers.
Its going to be a little bit colder and has potential for greater amounts of snow in the Sierras, but we will see how that translates as we move into the week, Benjamin said.
Sarah Ravani is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: sravani@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @SarRavani
A man was arrested in Guerneville Monday night after he randomly attacked a 17-year-old boy, putting the victim in a choke hold and stabbing him in the hand, police said.
The suspect, David Terrazas, a 56-year-old Antioch resident, was arrested about 10:30 p.m. near Pats Bar on the 16200 block of Third Street after police were alerted of a suspicious person walking around with a knife, said Sgt. Spencer Crum of the Sonoma County Sheriffs Department.
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Former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara will join NYU Law School as a distinguished scholar in residence April 1, NYU announced Tuesday.
"I am thrilled for this opportunity to continue addressing the issues I so deeply care about criminal and social justice, honest government, national security, civil rights, and corporate accountability, to name a few," Bharara said in a statement.
This is one way I plan to keep working hard on important issues I care about @nyulaw pic.twitter.com/I0QjREV2Oy Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 21, 2017
Bharara was booted from his last high-profile gig after he did not hand in his resignation when it was requested earlier this month.
Though it's customary for new presidents to replace U.S. attorneys, when the Donald Trump administration asked for Bharara's resignation, that news made waves because he had met with Trump in November in Manhattan. Bharara said at the time that Trump had asked if he would consider staying on, to which Bharara agreed.
Bharara has had a major impact on state government culture and leadership in recent years. He scored convictions of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former state Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos on corruption charges and brought charges against longtime Gov. Andrew Cuomo confidant Joe Percoco, former SUNY Polytechnic Institute President Alain Kaloyeros, Cuomo-connected former lobbyist Todd Howe and upstate developers.
Cuomo has never been implicated in that case.
Silver and Skelos have appeals of their convictions pending. The Percoco et al trial has not yet begun.
SDNY under Bharara also has prosecuted major Wall Street and terrorism cases.
Ned Gerard / Hearst Connecticut Media
BRIDGEPORTWith marijuana slated to be sold legally across the border in Massachusetts next year, Connecticut lawmakers are increasingly pondering the politics of pot.
State Sen. Ed Gomes is inviting the public to voice their views at open forum next week.
Submitted
U.S. Rep. Brian Babin (TX-36), who is Chairman of the House Space Subcommittee, today joined a group of his colleagues at the White House to watch President Donald Trump sign the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017 into law. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reaffirms Congress' commitment to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and directs NASA to pursue a balanced portfolio of activities. It also includes the TREAT Astronauts Act, which was authored by Rep. Babin to give NASA the ability to care for our astronauts and enhance our understanding of the effects of spaceflight on the human body.
"This is an exciting day for America as we have now entered the next chapter of human space exploration," said Rep. Babin. "With universal backing in Congress and President Trump's signature, the NASA Transition Authorization Act puts the United States on a clear path forward by providing certainty and long-term stability to NASA and America's human space flight programs. I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues in Congress and the leadership of President Trump in advancing this bipartisan effort to further America's leadership in space. I am also pleased to note the inclusion of the TREAT Astronauts Act, legislation that I introduced to ensure that our nation's astronauts receive support for medical issues associated with their service while also advancing research in long-term space missions."
Fort Bend County
Fort Bend County Judge Robert Hebert presented the Fort Bend County Farm Bureau with a proclamation on March 14 recognizing Texas Food Connection Day.
Fort Bend County farmers, ranchers and others involved in the agriculture industry, working together in an environmentally sustainable way, help feed people in Fort Bend County, the nation and other countries. This day is an opportunity to recognize the industry and those that are involved in providing Fort Bend residents with access to healthiful foods.
CASS CITY Hills & Dales General Hospital recently welcomed four nurse practitioners at multiple clinic locations.
Norma Abbott, FNP-BC, most recently graduated from Walden University, with a masters of science in nursing and as a graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. She also has a bachelors of nursing from Davenport University. She will be seeing patients on the inpatient floor and at Cass City Medical Practice. Abbott has worked as an RN for Hills & Dales for many years prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner. She resides in Caro with her family.
Charity Caverly, FNP-BC, most recently graduated from Saginaw Valley State University, with a masters of science in nursing and as a graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. She also has a bachelors of nursing from Oakland University. She will see patients at Family Healthcare of Cass City and the After Hours Clinic. Caverly resides in Caro with her family.
Kimberly Knoll, FNP-BC, most recently graduated from the University of Michigan-Flint, with a masters of science in nursing and as a graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. She also has a bachelors of nursing from Saginaw Valley State University. Knoll will see patients at Family Healthcare of Cass City. She resides with her family in Frankenmuth.
Mary Krause, FNP-BC, most recently graduated from Maryville University, with a masters of science in nursing and as a graduate of the Family Nurse Practitioner Program. She has a bachelors of nursing from Oakland University. Krause will be seeing patients in the After Hours Clinic and at Cass City Medical Practice. She resides with her family in Fraser.
Hills & Dales General Hospital now has 10 nurse practitioners that work alongside its physicians to provide quality care to its patients.
Physicians and nurse practitioners have special skill sets that are important for patient care.
Physicians are formally trained in medicine, meaning the treatment of disease through medication, medical procedure and sometimes surgery. Nurse practitioners, who also are registered nurses, are formally trained in caring for the sick and have knowledge of how to diagnose, treat and manage many common ailments.
In many cases, they perform the same functions, which include: identifying and treating acute and chronic illnesses, order and analyzing labs and other diagnostic tests, and prescribe medications.
Physicians spend more time in school and conduct deeper study of diseases. Many physicians will identify a specific area or specialty that they have the most knowledge or interest in to pursue as a career.
Nurse practitioners also focus heavily on education. They often complete graduate-level courses and can spend hundreds of hours performing supervised clinical work. But they see patients at every phase of their lives, and typically don't specialize in any one area.
They can function well as primary care providers because their background includes knowledge of both holistic and wellness-oriented programs, which spotlight education, risk identification and preventative care.
Just one week before the Texas Open Meetings Act trial is set to begin and with a Montgomery County commissioner recently cutting a deal to testify against Craig Doyal, the county judge's criminal defense attorney filed a motion Monday to dismiss the case.
Doyal's high-profile Houston defense attorney, Rusty Hardin, claims in the motion that criminal conspiracy provisions of TOMA are "constitutionally overbroad," "vague and confusing" and violate free speech.
However, last June, just days after being indicted, Doyal, who has been in politics for 30 years, stated during a press conference that he clearly knows TOMA.
"I understand the Open Meetings law," Doyal stated at the Conroe law office of John Choate Jr., who previously represented Doyal in the case. "I did not violate the Open Meeting laws nor did I conspire to violate the Open Meeting laws."
Doyal, Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley and political consultant Marc Davenport face one count each of conspiracy to circumvent the Open Meetings Act. They, along with Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark, were indicted on the charge June 24, 2016, stemming from negotiations in August 2015 to place a $280 million road bond on the November 2015 ballot.
However, last week, Clark worked out a deal to testify against the other three in exchange for his charge being dropped. It is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a maximum $500 fine. A guilty verdict or plea for the elected officials could mean "official misconduct" and removal from office.
Hardin filed the 20-page motion Monday afternoon.
According to the motion, the act "is so broad and vague that it sweeps up vast amounts of perfectly appropriate, indeed essential, political speech within its ambit. Where a stiletto is needed, a blunderbuss is used."
Hardin also stated in the motion that the act has two competing interests, "the public's right to know about the workings of its governmental bodies and the need to ensure members of governmental bodies are informed and act efficiently."
"It is essential that public officials have sufficient avenues to become and stay well-informed, both about their fellow officials' concerns and certainly about the public's concerns," Hardin stated. "Criminalizing such innocuous, fact-finding discussion and inquiries would only lead to a 'know-nothing' government run by those who know the least about each other and public affairs.
"This law discourages not only discussion between public officials, but between public officials and members of the public because that citizen might then talk individually to a quorum of the council."
Special prosecutor Chris Downey could not be reached before press time regarding the motion filed late in the day. The Houston-based attorney was appointed by former 9th state District Court Judge Kelly Case to investigate whether any communications prior to the Aug. 24, 2015, Commissioners Court vote to put the road bond on the ballot violated the act.
The background
A Montgomery County grand jury issued the indictments after a six-month investigation into communications in August 2015 that led to commissioners approving the placement of the bond package on the ballot.
Emails obtained by The Courier from Aug. 11-24, 2015, through a Freedom of Information Act request to the County Attorney's Office revealed a string of emails between Texas Patriots PAC treasurer Bill O'Sullivan and Davenport with certain county commissioners and the county judge being kept apprised of ongoing negotiations to place the November 2015 road bond referendum on the ballot.
August 11 was the date Commissioners Court neither took action nor discussed placing a referendum on the ballot and was the last scheduled meeting before the Aug. 24 deadline to place a referendum on the November ballot. August 21 was the date a special meeting was posted for Aug. 24, when commissioners unanimously voted to place the road bond on the ballot.
The Courier received no emails supplied by Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark or Precinct 1 Commissioner Mike Meador. However, one email to Clark was included in information supplied under the request for Riley's emails.
On Aug. 12, O'Sullivan sent Davenport and two other people whose emails were redacted an outline of what the PAC terms, including the amount of the bond, future bonds and ensuring the Woodlands Parkway extension from FM 2978 to Texas 249 was not included on Riley's list. It also states that the PAC would formalize the understanding and publicly endorse the plan.
From Aug. 12-20, dozens of emails were exchanged between O'Sullivan and Davenport and forwarded to Doyal, Riley and Noack indicating the two working out the MOU "for all parties," including O'Sullivan providing Davenport with Noack's "tentative" November bond project list and Davenport requesting a project list from Clark.
Commissioners voted 4-1 July 14 not to place a road bond on the November 2015 ballot, with Noack the only one voting for it, then took no action Aug. 11.
Commissioners held no public meetings between Aug. 11 and Aug. 21.
Davenport dismissal denied
On March 14, visiting 221st state District Court Judge Randy Clapp filed a March 3 signed motion denying the dismissal of the charge against Davenport.
Clapp, a visiting judge from Wharton County's 329th state District Court, is hearing the case because 221st state District Judge Lisa Michalk recused herself from the case.
Davenport's attorney, Steve Jackson, claimed the district court does not have jurisdiction over Davenport because he is not a member of a governmental body and cannot be prosecuted in a felony district court.
"To prosecute (Davenport) in the criminal district court violates his rights to due process under the 5th and 14th Amendments to the United States Constitution and his rights under Texas Constitution Article 1, Section 19," Jackson stated in his motion filed Oct. 31, 2016.
However, according to a March 8 dated response to Jackson's motion for dismissal, Special Prosecutor Chris Downey said, due to Davenport's alleged involvement in the case, it "stands to reason that the jurisdiction of the matter should properly lie in the district court."
"Under Section 7.01 of the Texas Penal Code, a person who aids a public officer in the commission of a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act can be charged as a party to the offense as if he were the party who directly committed the offense," Downey stated. "This has been well litigated in Texas jurisprudence and examples exist of private individuals being convicted as principals in official misconduct cases."
While the Texas Open Meetings Act does pertain to government bodies, an Attorney General's Opinion from Nov. 20, 2000, in part, states that a person who is not a member of a governmental body could be charged with a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act if "the person, acting with intent, aids or assists a member or members who knowingly act to violate the Act."
Recent twist
On March 13, Clark was granted a pretrial diversion in exchange for his testimony against Doyal, Riley and Davenport according to Conroe-based attorney E. Tay Bond, who is representing Clark.
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," Bond said in a previous Courier article, noting that Clark then would provide documentation to 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 Meetings Act.
In a previous article, Hardin and Jackson said they don't blame Clark for taking the deal, but both look forward to questioning him on the stand. The two also maintain their clients are not guilty.
Potential consequences
If convicted of the misdemeanor, the crime is punishable by a fine of $100 to $500, confinement in the county jail for one month up to six months; or both.
However, according to Chapter 87 of the Local Government Code, the elected officials also could be forced to vacate their positions.
Section 87.031 states, "The conviction of a county officer by a petit jury for any felony or for a misdemeanor involving official misconduct operates as an immediate removal from office by the officer. The court rendering judgment in such a case shall include an order removing the officer in the judgement."
The code also states if there is an appeal, the appeal supersedes the order of removal unless the court renders that the judgement finds that it is in the public interest to suspend the officer pending the appeal.
All the parties involved in the case along with County Attorney J D Lambright declined to give their legal expertise regarding whether Doyal or Riley would be removed from office if they are convicted or plead guilty.
WASHINGTON Gov. Jerry Brown came to the nations capital Monday as both an adversary of President Trump and a supplicant to the new administration.
I find complexity and contradiction very congenial to my bent of mind, Brown told reporters in the lobby of the Federal Emergency Management Agencys headquarters, one of the governors first stops on a four-day visit to Washington.
Brown had a very specific goal lobbying for approval of the states latest and largest request for federal disaster assistance to repair storm-related damage. The $539 million request is the fourth the state has made since Trump became president, and Brown took heart in the administrations approval of the previous three. Altogether, the requests come to more than $814 million.
Nothing is all that predictable under the current administration, Brown said, so that could be a cause for alarm but also a cause for some optimism and creative possibilities.
Brown seldom travels to Washington, and this visit is his first as governor under a Republican president since the 1980s, when Ronald Reagan was in the White House and Brown was near the end of his first stint in the state capital.
Despite Californias lopsided vote for Hillary Clinton in the presidential election and the state Legislatures hiring of former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder to advise it in confrontations with Trump, Brown declined to characterize himself or the state as the leader of the resistance to the new administration.
Still, the governor almost sounded as if he were in town to negotiate with a prickly foreign power.
Brown said he would act in the spirit of advancing the interests of California, recognizing were a part of the union and were not going a totally separate way. We are distinct. We have a sovereignty. Well pursue that. But we also have a commonality with other states and with our national government. So where we can find common ground, were going to do it. I wouldnt rule anything out or anything in.
Brown will be in Washington through Thursday. On Tuesday, he plans to meet with the state congressional delegation, days before the House is scheduled to vote on health care legislation that could slash the $15 billion the state receives annually for Medi-Cal coverage for low-income people. The state expanded the program under the Affordable Care Act to cover a third of the states residents.
Brown said he would lend his voice to the opposition but did not specify anything he could do to stop the legislation, or replace the potentially enormous lost federal aid.
Brown was more positive about the storm-aid request, saying Trump is very concerned about disaster relief. Estimates to repair Oroville Dam continue to rise well beyond the initial $200 million ballpark figures thrown out when the reservoirs spillway disintegrated last month. The latest aid request covers other major storm damage across the state, including the mudslides that closed a bridge on Highway 1, stranding residents of Big Sur.
Brown also said he expects a fight with the administration on vehicle emissions standards, which Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt is reviewing with an eye to rolling back tight new limits on cars and light trucks that are scheduled to start taking effect in 2022. California is expected to stick to higher standards if Pruitt rolls back the national targets, potentially setting up a major conflict with the federal government.
Brown recalled that it was Reagan, as Californias governor, and another Republican, President Richard Nixon, who first agreed to let the state set its own vehicle emissions standards in the 1970s. Brown said the standards are essential to meeting climate goals and reducing air pollution, particularly soot, which he said causes tens of thousands of deaths each year and harms the lung development of children.
Carolyn Lochhead is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
Montgomery County residents are one step closer to seeing Sheriff Rand Henderson's new look for the office.
Representatives posted the designs of the office's new patches today, a full-color patch to be worn by sworn deputies and the other, blue-themed patch to be worn by jailers who staff the Montgomery County Jail. Each feature a traditional five-point Texas star, which sheriff's officials said they hope can be easily identifiable by residents.
NORWALK A Norwalk woman was charged with assault Monday after she allegedly punched a Department of Mental Health worker who gave her a ride home.
Police were dispatched to a Powder Horn Hill Road home at appoximately 1 p.m. on an initial report of a disturbance.
The female DMH worker told police that she had given Dana Dirollo a ride to the residence. When exiting the car, Dirollo fell to the ground and became angry.
Police say that Dirollo struck the car repeatedly with a closed fist before coming around to drivers side of the car and punching the driver in the face.
Dirollo, 51, reportedly became verbally aggressive with reponding officers.
In an interview Friday, Dirollo disputed the police departments account of what transpired Monday.
According to Dirollo, she and the DMH worker, whom she described as an unlicensed recovery assistant, were driving home from the doctors office when the two began to argue.
When they reached Dirollos home, Dirollo claims she fired the woman, and began to move her trash bins up the driveway. She then fell to the pavement and began angry when she noticed the woman was still parked in her driveway. Dirollo denies assaulting the woman, saying she only banged on her car window to force her to leave.
She was charged with second-degree breach of peace and third-degree assault.
Dirollo was given a court date of March 28.
As a parent what do you want for your children? Having a roof over their heads and food on the table are obvious places to start. Providing them with a quality education? Absolutely. How about setting up a college fund? Thats never a bad idea. Allowing them to pursue their dreams and passions? Definitely.
For me, the top priority is that my child become a successful adult. The reason? I could provide my child with the best education and make sure she doesnt have to worry about college tuition. But thats not going to give her an edge if she doesnt understand the importance of hard work, social skills, strong relationships and not being worried if the fail.
Those are all lessons children can apply to both their personal and professional lives.
While assigning them chores, getting them excited about education and improving their emotional intelligence all improve their chances of being successful, science has found for years that praise is one of the best ways to make this a reality.
As Betsy Mikel, the owner of Aveck, states perfectly in an article, On one hand, there's a body of evidence that supports the theory that praising your children is good. Studies have found that it helps to motivate, build self-confidence and develop social skills.
For instance, several studies have discovered that moms who praise their preschoolers for their good manners will have children with better social skills.
Yet other data points to negative effects of praising your kids, leading to lower levels of motivation, lower performance and shying away from challenges, adds Mikel.
In fact, theres research that has discovered that praising your children on innate abilities, such as their intelligence, will actually make it less likely that they'll grow up enjoying learning and wanting to excel. With all of these mixed signals, whats a parent to do?
Should you praise your kids or not? Theres no denying that praising your children can be beneficial. Its all about doing so correctly.
Related: 11 Successful Kid Entrepreneurs Keeping Their Eyes on the Prize
Praise the process, not the individual.
Researcher and professor of psychology at Stanford University Carol Dweck is known for her work on the mindset psychological trait which explains:
Why brains and talent dont bring success
How they can stand in the way of it
Why praising brains and talent doesnt foster self-esteem and accomplishment, but jeopardizes them
How teaching a simple idea about the brain raises grades and productivity
What all great CEOs, parents, teachers, athletes know
According to Dweck, "in a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent, are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success -- without effort. Theyre wrong.
In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work -- brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities.
Dweck took this concept and followed 373 middle school students during seventh and eighth grades, and identified the students who exhibited fixed mindsets and the students who exhibited growth mindsets.
"By the end of the first term, their grades jumped apart and continued to diverge over the next two years. The only thing that differed was their mindsets," said Dweck. As expected, those who exhibited growth mindsets achieved more than their peers with fixed mindsets.
This is because students with a fixed mindset would only work on tasks that they knew they could solve so that they could look smart at all times. Those with a fixed mindset challenged themselves, even if they were wrong because it was still a learning opportunity.
When it came it to failure, fixed mindset students believed it was because they didnt have the innate ability, while growth mindset students saw the effort as the chance to unlock the ability.
And, those with a fixed mindset were likely to complain of being bored in school, while those with a growth mindset viewed schoolwork as a series of challenges and puzzles that they had to figure out.
Where does praise come into the picture here? Angie Aker writes, Praise your child explicitly for how capable they are of learning rather than telling them how smart they are.
Heres an example:
FIXED MINDSET: "You read that sentence in the book you are so smart!"
GROWTH MINDSET: "You read that sentence in the book you worked so hard to learn how to do that and now you can! Congratulations!"
Related: 20 Quotes to Help Motivate You to Hustle Like Never Before
Be sincere and genuine.
Throughout a series of experiments, psychologist Wulf-Uwe Meyer discovered that children under the age of 7 will accept praise at face value. Once they reach the age of 12, they become more suspicious of this type of praise. In fact, children believe that theres a hidden agenda behind the praise because at this point theyre able to recognize if theyve done a good job or not.
Furthermore, Myers work found that children believed that their teachers were offering praise to them because they lacked the ability and were in need of some extra encouragement. They even noticed a pattern. The kids who were falling behind received the most praise, yet these children believed that their teachers criticism was a better indicator of their performance than praise.
When offering praise, make sure that its sincere and genuine. For instance, if your child asks you to check-out a drawing they just completed while youre busy cooking dinner or working, you may say, Thats a great picture. Thats not just insincere. Its a cue that you dont want to be bothered and want them to go away.
Instead, you could ask them, What do we have here? I see youve come a long way in drawing people, but faces are still giving you some trouble. Do you want to work on that after dinner?
Related: Thriving Cultures Are Built With Recognition and Praise
Give credit when credit is due.
A study from South Korea surveyed 300 children and their parents. The kids were screened for symptoms of depression and asked how often their parents over-praised or under-praised for their homework, test scores and grades. The parents were asked similar questions regarding how they praised their children.
The study found that children performed best when parents gave them praise that they had truly earned. The study's authors said praise "perceived to be based on actual performance yields the most desirable outcomes for children."
The researchers concluded: We demonstrated that when parents perceived that they over- or under-praised their children for schoolwork, children performed worse in school and experienced depression to a greater extent, as compared with children whose parents thought their praise accurately reflected reality.
Related: Will Work for Praise! How Waiving Your Fee Will Grow Your Business.
Stop praising your children altogether.
Children lose interest in activities quickly. Sometimes theyre only interested in painting or piano lessons because you dangled a carrot in front of them - in this case, the carrot was your praise. After awhile, they become immune to that praise and move on if theyre not interested.
In an interesting study, researcher Joan Grusec, found that 8-to-9-year-olds who were frequently praised for their generosity began to act less generous on an everyday basis than compared to other children. In fact, whenever these children heard statements like Im so proud of you for helping, or Great sharing! they became less interested in helping or sharing.
Instead of praising your children, observe and comment, like the above example of the drawing. Youre not judging or criticizing them. But, youre also not giving them general praise. Youre offering feedback that they can use the next time around.
Related: Infographic: How To Give Constructive Feedback To Your Employees
Praise is a good thing for your children when done correctly. This means encouraging a growth mindset, being authentic, only offering praise when its deserved and providing feedback instead when it is not.
When you do praise your children, keep the following pointers in mind:
Be descriptive and specific. For example, Thank you for picking up your toys without waiting for me having to ask.
For example, Thank you for picking up your toys without waiting for me having to ask. Limit general praise and focus on effort. Skip, You were so good at the restaurant, and say Thank you for staying in your seat at the restaurant. That took a lot of effort.
Skip, You were so good at the restaurant, and say Thank you for staying in your seat at the restaurant. That took a lot of effort. Dont be sarcastic. Its not humorous to your children and will discount the praise that you did provide.
Its not humorous to your children and will discount the praise that you did provide. Learn when to praise. It should be immediately following an accomplishment. But, dont over-praise your child. Limit it to when they do something exceptional.
Related:
Praising Your Child Doesn't Help Them Succeed If You Do It Wrong
How Mumpa is Building a Community to Help Parents Tackle their Daily Chores
It's Never Too Late to Get Your Graduate Degree
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With his public approval ratings at stunning lows and his White House reeling from Mondays devastating revelation that the FBI is investigating possible collusion between his campaign staff and Russian intelligence agencies during the presidential election, President Trump today will try to convince wary House Republicans to rally behind him in support of a plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
Reuters reported that the president will address the House Republican Conference personally on Tuesday, in advance of a looming vote on the American Health Care Act, the controversial piece of legislation that GOP leadership is trying to gather enough support to pass.
Related: Trumps Big Cuts to Medical Research May Not Get Past Congress
It would be a tall order even under ideal circumstances because this is a politically perilous vote for both conservative and moderate members of the GOP.
An analysis of the bill by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office last week found that, as written, it would reduce the number of Americans with health insurance by 14 million immediately and by 24 million over a decade. It would also raise costs and reduce service for vulnerable Americans, including the elderly and the poor. That combination of factors has left Republicans on the moderate end of the partys spectrum reluctant to support the bill.
At the same time, the bill leaves in place some elements of the ACA and creates a new system of tax credits meant to help low-income Americans pay for health insurance on the private market. Those elements of the bill have led to a revolt among the partys hard right members, who have labeled the legislation Obamacare-lite and say they will refuse to vote for it.
The result has been a spectacle of arm-twisting and glad-handing by House leadership and the White House over the past few days to bring enough Republicans on board -- 216 given the current make-up of the House -- to send the bill to the Senate.
Story continues
Related: With Medicaid Costs Soaring, Republicans Plan Dramatic Eligibility Changes
And all this is being done in the service of a piece of legislation that Republican members of the Senate have preemptively declared dead-on-arrival in the upper chamber. That means that House Republicans are being asked to take a politically damaging vote on a bill that may never even get voted on in the Senate, much less become law.
Under other circumstances, a newly-elected president might be able to rouse the members of his party to his support. Particularly with the GOP in control of both Congress and the White House, there is little upside for Republicans in allowing their president to take an embarrassing pratfall in his first major legislative effort.
But Trump will arrive on Capitol Hill Tuesday, two months into his presidency, dragging more political baggage than many presidents accumulate in a full four-year term.
He will be speaking just a day after his own Justice Department publicly repudiated him in testimony before the House Intelligence Committee. FBI Director James Comey, making it clear that he was speaking as a representative of DOJ, said that there was no evidence for Trumps repeated insistence that former President Barack Obama had ordered a wiretap of his offices during the presidential campaign. In the same hearing, Admiral Mike Rogers, the director of the National Security Agency, angrily denied another White House claim, alleging that Obama had pressed British intelligence services to surveil Trump.
Related: How the Trump Administration Can Undermine Obamacare If Repeal Fails
Comey also revealed that the FBI is investigating efforts by Russian intelligence services to disrupt the presidential campaign by stealing and releasing damaging information about Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, but that it is looking into whether there was any collusion between the Trump campaign and the Kremlin as part of that effort.
Wavering House members will, understandably, be asking themselves if they really want to take a political bullet for Trump at this stage.
House leadership, late Monday, tried to soften the blow for various constituencies in their conference. According to Politico, which obtained a copy of an amended version of the legislation, multiple changes were made to try to appease dissatisfied lawmakers.
Among them:
-- An $85 billion provision meant to cushion older Americans from sharply increased costs under the plan. The amended bill would instruct the Senate to restructure the tax credit scheme to make it more generous to older Americans.
Related:
-- A measure to allow states to add a work requirement for Medicaid recipients.
-- Allowing states to choose between a per-person cap on federal contributions to Medicaid, or a fixed-sum block grant offering more freedom in how Medicaid dollars are spent.
-- Accelerated repeal of taxes imposed by the ACA.
-- Closing of a loophole that might have made it possible for recipients of the tax credits to use that money to pay for abortions.
Republican leadership, in a move reminiscent of the infamous Cornhusker kickback that helped get the ACA passed, added language to the bill that applies only to the state of New York. It bars the state from seeking Medicaid reimbursement from rural counties in the state but allows it to continue taxing more metropolitan areas, like New York City.
Related: Ryan Says House GOP is On Track to Repeal Obamacare and Pass the ACHA
The proposal, which has infuriated that states Democratic governor and representatives of urban districts, was added to the bill to appease a coterie of conservative upstate lawmakers who signaled Monday that it had, in effect, been sufficient to buy their votes.
As the House nears its planned vote on AHCA Thursday, though, it remains unclear whether the persuasive power of the president and the new changes to the law will be enough to drag the necessary 216 lawmakers over the line.
Late Monday, some key conservatives in the House said that they will not support the bill even with the new changes. However, in a glimmer of hope for the White House, leaders of the House Freedom Caucus said that, while they do not support to bill themselves, they will not specifically direct their members to vote against it.
Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
FAIRFIELD Among the 82 people signed up to get their head shaved at this Fridays St. Baldricks event, two are women, one is on his way to raising $100,000 for pediatric cancer research, and another is the first selectman.
First Selectman Mike Tetreau is a late entry to the Team Teddy event, slated to start at 5:30 p.m. at Osborn Hill School.
The event was started by Jessica and William Gerber she is on the Board of Education, and he a member of the Representative Town Meeting when their son, Teddy, was diagnosed in 2009 with undifferentiated sarcoma at 8 years old. He died in 2010 but not before getting to see a room full of people who were bald, just like him.
In March 2010, when Teddy was in remission, the Cub Scouts now Boy Scouts Troop 19 made their event in honor of him, William Gerber said. He had lost all his hair and was a bit self conscious, so he wore the hood of his sweatshirt up all the time. After his friends shaved their heads, he turned to Jessica and said, I can pull my hood down. All my friends look like me now.
That William Gerber said, was a magical night for Teddy that the family will never forget. Many of Teddys friends still participate every year. Its not easy for a sophomore in high school with a nice head of hair to buzz it all off, Teddys father said, and this gesture is very meaningful.
Since its inception, Team Teddy has raised, as of last count, $902,751 for the St. Baldricks Foundation. This year, it has already surpassed its $50,000 goal, with fundraising as of Thursday morning around $75,000.
Leading the way is Team Teddys top fundraiser, Chris Bolash. In his sixth year of saving his head, Bolash has raised over $18,000 finally meeting his goal of a $100,000 total.
Returning for their second year are the teams only women, Charlotte Lee, contracts manager for the Department of Public Works, and Karen Quinn, a Massachusetts resident currently working in New York. Last year, there were four Lee, Quinn, Lees niece Jessica, and Tatum Holderied.
In addition to the opportunity to cheer on the shavees, those attending the event can also take part in a raffle of gift baskets, activities for kids, and a bake sale. Super Duper Wienie will also be on hand.
This year, there is also a display at Fairfield Public Librarys childrens department of the books Teddy read, voraciously, during his stints in the hospital.
A particular favorite was The 39 Clues series from Scholastic Books. Jessica Gerber, in an email to Scholastic, wrote: He was so enthusiastic about the 39 Clues that he insisted that my husband, my mother, and I all read them as well. In fact, she said, when hed read all of those in the series that had been published, he would check online for the next publication date and be at the bookstore that morning.
All of these helped to keep Teddys mind off everything else going on in his life, at least for a while, and for that, my husband and I are truly grateful, Jessica Gerber wrote.
As of Thursday, more than 100 people had signed up for the event.
For the Gerbers, having so many members of the community step up means a lot. Its a wonderful community, and we have wonderful friends and neighbors, Willam Gerber said.
He said they were upset when doctors had nothing to treat Teddys specific form of cancer, instead using toxic chemotherapy for want of anything else.
None of this old, toxic stuff worked, William Gerber said. Later, we found out that so many children, with many different forms of cancer, were and are in the same boat as Teddy was.
It was that that drew the Gerbers to the St. Baldricks Foundation because it focuses on funding the best projects proposed by pediatric cancer researchers.
This is what the Gerber family is interested in, he said. We want to see progress toward a world where no child has to go through what Teddy went through, and no child or parent has to suffer such a loss. This is a long way off, but the science is starting to catch up. We need to keep the funding going to support the scientists who make these advances possible.
greilly@ctpost.com; @GreillyPost
AMARILLO The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Driver License (DL) office in Tulia will close on March 28 for remodeling.
The DL office, at 310 W. Broadway, Suite 137 in Tulia, will be closed for an undetermined amount of time until the complex remodeling is complete. Customers can visit DL offices in Plainview, Dimmitt and Amarillo for any business transaction.
Residents who are eligible can skip the trip to the office completely by renewing their license or identification card or changing their address at Texas.gov. In order for a customer to be eligible for online renewal, the card holder must be a U.S. citizen and the expiration date on the card must be within one year. When the card is renewed, the expiration date on the new card will be six years after the current cards expiration date, whether customers renew early or not.
Additionally, in order to renew online, the card cannot have been expired for more than two years. Requirements for renewing online are available at Texas.gov, the official website of the State of Texas.
Licenses must be renewed in person every 12 years, so an updated photo can be taken and eyesight can be tested.
If residents need to come into the office to renew, they can do so up to one year before the expiration date, which means they can pick a time that is convenient for their schedule and visit any driver license office in the state.
Customers may obtain a replacement driver license or identification card online if they are able to provide the 20 character code on the front of their current license or card.
To find out more about online renewal services, visit: http://www.dps.texas.gov/DriverLicense/OnlineServices.htm.
Plainview police are investigating an incident involving deadly conduct by discharging a firearm in a reckless manner that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury. The incident reportedly occurred about 7 p.m. Saturday in the 300 block of Fir.
--An unknown person damaged property belonging to another in the 1400 block of West 10th Street about 9:20 p.m. Friday. Damage was estimated between $750 and $2,500.
--A 29-year-old woman, Melissa Ann Earley, was held in Hale County jail Saturday without bond after being arrested about 5:30 p.m. Friday in the 600 block of West 24th Street on an out-of-county felony warrant for motion to revoke parole or probation for possession of a controlled substance Penalty Group 1 under 1 gram. Police were dispatched to the scene in reference to a disturbance.
--A 49-year-old man, Michael Reyes, was held in Hale County jail Sunday without bond. He was arrested about 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the 2400 block of Joliet on a parole detainer warrant issued by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice in Austin.
--A 27-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Tuesday on $200 bond for assault/domestic violence. He was arrested about 6 p.m. Monday in the 1600 block of Lexington.
--A 31-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Saturday on $1,500 bond for driving while license invalid with previous convictions and without financial responsibility. He was arrested about 10 p.m. Friday in the 4100 block of Dimmitt Road.
--A 46-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Tuesday without bond on an outstanding municipal warrant for driving while license invalid. Her fine is $746.20. She was arrested about 10:15 p.m. Monday in the 3000 block of Dimmitt Road.
--A misdemeanor theft reportedly occurred about 9:20 p.m. Sunday in the 1300 block of West 24th Street.
--An unknown person burglarized a vehicle between 6:30 p.m. Thursday and 4:30 a.m. Friday in the 1300 block of Wayland.
--An unknown person stole property valued between $100 and $750 from the 1200 block of West 23rd Street between 6:30 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. Sunday.
--A disturbance call in the 200 block of East Roselawn about 10 p.m. Sunday resulted in the arrest of two individuals. A 54-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Monday on $2,500 bond for assault causes bodily injury/family violence. A 60-year-old man was held in Hale County jail on Monday on bonds totaling $2,700 for simple assault and driving while intoxicated second offense.
--A 34-year-old woman was held in hale County jail Monday with no bond designated after being arrested about 4:30 a.m. Sunday in the 500 block of East Fourth Street for on outstanding municipal warrant for possession of drug paraphernalia. Her find is $519.
--A 35-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Saturday on $200 bond on a charge of public intoxication. She was arrested about 3:20 a.m. Saturday in the 500 block of North Date.
--An unknown person damaged property belonging to another between 7:45 p.m. Saturday and 11:35 a.m. Sunday in the 1100 block of Houston. Damage ranged from $100 to $750.
--A vehicle was burglarized between 10:45 a.m. Thursday and 8:50 a.m. Friday in the 4500 block of Horseshoe Bend.
--A 20-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Tuesday on $2,500 bond for assault causing bodily injury/family violence. She was arrested about 2:30 p.m. Monday in the 2000 block of Galveston.
--An assault through intimidation reportedly occurred about 2 p.m. Friday in the 1500 block of West Ninth Street.
--An assault causing bodily injury reportedly occurred about 5 p.m. Monday in the 1400 block of Independence.
--A 36-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Monday after being arrested about 8:30 p.m. Sunday in the 1400 block of Milwaukee on six outstanding municipal warrants. No bond information was listed. The warrants and related fines include: failure to appear/bail jumping, $427.58; fail to maintain financial responsibility, $504.28; operated unregistered motor vehicle, $345.68; failure to appear/bail jumping, $377.58; failure to appear/bail jumping, $430.18; and operate unregistered motor vehicle, $343.08.
--An individual through reckless behavior reportedly caused damage to a vehicle belonging to another individual about 10:50 a.m. Saturday in the 2500 block of North Columbia.
--A 39-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Tuesday on $200 bond for disorderly conduct through the use of abusive or profane language in public. She was arrested about 5:30 p.m. Monday in the 700 block of Amarillo.
--A 44-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Monday on $200 bond for disorderly conduct. He was arrested about 6:30 p.m. Sunday in the 800 block of Denver for using abusive or vulgar language in a public place.
--A 48-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Monday on bonds totaling $1,700 for criminal trespass and disorderly conduct. She was arrested about 2:50 a.m. Sunday in the 800 block of North Columbia.
--An unknown person damaged property belonging to another between 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, and 1 p.m. Friday. Damage was estimated between $100 and $750.
--Police are investigating an incident involving family violence assault causing bodily injury as well as unlawful restraint. The criminal episode occurred between noon Saturday and 12:30 p.m. Sunday in the 2100 block of Amarillo, but not reported until Monday afternoon.
--A 19-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Monday on $1,700 bond for possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of marijuana under 2 oz. She was arrested about 12:10 a.m. Sunday in the 3600 block of West Fourth Street.
--An unknown person vandalized property belonging to another between noon and 12:30 p.m. Friday in the 1100 block of West 31st Street.
--A 29-year-old woman was held in Hale County jail Monday on $200 bond for criminal mischief. She was arrested about 12:20 a.m. Sunday in the 200 block of Roselawn after police responded to a disturbance call.
--A known individual reportedly entered anothers residence without permission with the intent of committing an assault or another crime and violated a court-issued protective order. The incident occurred in the 4100 block of West 16th and was reported about 3 a.m. Sunday.
--An unknown person damaged a screen door in the 500 block of Utica between 8-8:30 a.m. Monday. Damage was estimated between $100 and $750.
--A 70-year-old man was held in Hale County jail Tuesday on six outstanding municipal warrants. The charges and associated fines include public intoxication, $341.50 fine, no bond; fail to maintain financial responsibility, $279.25, no bond; fail to yield right-of-way turning left, $147.25 (no bond); speeding (56 mph in a 40 mph zone), $169.35, no bond; public intoxication, $464, $200 bond; and failure to appear/bail jumping, $34.75, $200 bond.
(Anyone with information on crime in Plainview and Hale County may contact the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 293-8477 or 293-TIPS.)
March 21 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.
- Walmart is expanding its e-commerce ambitions, and has tapped a Jet executive to help it build new start-ups within the company. Walmart announced on Monday that it had formed Store No 8, an internal venture meant to hatch new online retail businesses. http://nyti.ms/2nEN1YG
- Bank of America has poached a top rainmaker for financial services companies from Morgan Stanley. Eric Bischof, who helped advise the Federal Reserve Bank of New York on matters related to the American International Group, will join Bank of America as co-head of its global financial institutions group, serving alongside Jim O'Neil in New York. http://nyti.ms/2mK8PNX
- The British government said on Monday that it intended to formally notify the European Union on March 29 of its intention to leave the bloc, putting the country on track to complete a withdrawal by early 2019. http://nyti.ms/2mK7EOp (Compiled by Parikshit Mishra in Bengaluru)
By Kole Casule SKOPJE (Reuters) - Macedonia needs to rise above political feuding and form a government as soon as possible to unblock the Balkan country's path to European Union membership, the EU said on Tuesday. An EU summit earlier this month placed the Balkans high on its agenda to show that despite lingering ethnic tensions and the scars from wars fought in the 1990s, the region is a priority for the European Union, particularly with Russia seeking to increase its influence there. Johannes Hahn, commissioner in charge of enlargement, began a visit to Macedonia on Tuesday with a targeted tweet: "EU path open for Skopje after last (EU summit) but clock ticking. Need statesmanship instead of tactics. Economy hurting." During Hahn's visit, thousands of Macedonians marched in the streets of the capital Skopje to protest at what they regarded as EU meddling in domestic politics. "We are the hosts the guests should listen to, we are the ones that care for this country," said Bogdan Ilievski, founder of the "For Joint Macedonia" movement that organised the rally. Macedonia's accession into the EU and NATO has been blocked over a name dispute with Greece, which has a northern province also called Macedonia and regards Skopje's use of the name as a territorial grab. But there is also an internal political stand-off over the next government and over Macedonia's ethnic Albanian minority. Hahn met Macedonian party leaders to discuss ways out of the political crisis triggered by a surveillance scandal in 2015 that forced a nationalist Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski to resign. The crisis is the worst since Western diplomacy helped drag the country of 2.1 million people back from the brink of civil war during an ethnic Albanian insurgency in 2001, promising it a route to membership of the EU and NATO. In a snap election in December, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE won 51 seats to the Social Democrats' 49, leaving neither able to form a government without parties representing ethnic Albanians, who make up a third of the population. Last month Social Democrat leader Zoran Zaev won support of three ethnic Albanian parties after promising them a law on wider use of the Albanian language, a deal which triggered daily Macedonian nationalist protests in Skopje. President Gjorge Ivanov refused to give a mandate to Zaev to form the government. "Every day that is lost is lost for Macedonia, for all its citizens," Zaev said after meeting Hahn. Hahn has not met Ivanov, whose move to block any governing coalition of ethnic Albanian parties and Social Democrats added to the crisis. Ivanov is travelling, his office said on Tuesday in a statement. "The crisis should be solved by political means, and this political crisis should not be turned into an inter-ethnic crisis," Ali Ahmeti, leader of the ethnic Albanian Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), said after meeting Hahn. "Everyone should be careful and invest in setting up the institutions so they can function." (Writing by Ivana Sekularac; editing by Mark Heinrich)
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Three men were arrested Friday after allegedly soliciting sex from undercover agents posing as children, according to court documents.
Carlos Andres Torres-Martinez, 23, of San Antonio and Midlanders Thling Hrang, 35, and Thung Hu, 36, were being held Monday on $100,000 bonds for the second-degree felony charge of prostitution - solicit person under 18 years of age.
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It didnt take long during the State of Education luncheon Tuesday at the Horseshoe Pavilion for a packed house to get to know Midland ISDs interim Superintendent Rod Schroder.
As was described, hes a straight-shooter.
Im going to take you through some data, Schroder said. This data is not necessarily complimentary.
And that launched an eye-opening look at what Schroder saw when he arrived at Midland ISD.
- Midland ISD students were meeting state standards at a rate that was below the state average and below trend taking place around the state. Midlands 66 percent passage rate trailed significantly comparable districts Hurst-Euless-Bedford (85), Cy-Fair (83), San Antonio Northeast (79) and San Antonio Northside (79).
- MISDs economically disadvantaged students were graduating at a rate of 71 percent. The state average for economically disadvantaged students was 85.9 percent. All students inside the district also graduate at a rate well behind comparable districts.
- Twenty-five percent of campuses were rated improvement required by the Texas Education Agency. Some were IR for multiple years.
That shocked me, Schroder said. In Amarillo when we had one go on IR, we got after it and got them off (the IR list).
- In grades 3-8, between 46 and 54 percent of students were able to meet Level II state standards on 2016 STAAR math and reading tests. Schroder considers being able to pass both tests as a requirement for advancing to the next grade.
- The district was 10 years behind in the development of professional learning communities (PLCs), he said. Coincidentally, statistics show Midland ISDs downward performance trend started around a decade ago.
(MISDs) system is top-down, and top-down doesnt work, Schroder said. I was struck by how top-heavy the district was. That has to change. We have to empower the campuses and teachers.
For those who didnt realize the depth of Midlands academic performance problems, this straight-talking outsider provided a quick glimpse of where the district stood. He didnt mince words. And just as he was crystal clear about the task at hand, he offered the business leaders in attendance reasons to believe things would get better.
With that, the veteran educator with more than 40 years of experience in Amarillo ISD alone, rattled off what will get Midland ISD back on track. His three-pronged strategy involves teachers and district staff having a growth mindset for their students; a no-excuses philosophy; and fidelity in its instructional process, specifically the PLCs that he believes will make the weak campuses better and the better campuses even stronger.
He talked about how the board has fundamentally changed from the one that hired him. He specifically referenced the Lone Start Governance Report, created by the board and MISD leadership, and how he doesnt know of a board in Texas that has taken this type of a bold plan and embraced it.
This has a theory of action that is solid and research-based and provides a great future for the district, Schroder said.
Trustees have had a hectic start to the 2017 calendar year. They created, unveiled and approved the governance report; began the superintendent search; and at Monday nights meeting voted to close Crockett Elementary, which has been plagued by academic performance issues for more than six years.
Closing Crockett and then voting to move students from Fasken Elementary into the east Midland campus (which will be renamed) showed this board can make decisions that arent based on adult convenience.
It would have been 10 times more difficult to do (the governance report), without Schroders influence on the board, said trustee John Kennedy. He was the grease that made everything happen.
We can be a school district that is one of the best in Texas, not just one of the best in West Texas. But we could be one of the best in the nation if we stick to our guns and continue the progress we have already started, Kennedy said.
When asked to offer some words for the business community, Schroder said it is important that the business community feels a need to be involved.
Be patient. Changing culture is hard, he said.
Schroder also said behavioral change is required at all levels, and because of that, a turnaround will take a while.
He has established a great vision for MISD -- one that is accountable, one that reminds teachers and all educators that every child can learn, which I think is one of the most important messages any educational institution can adopt, Abell-Hanger Foundation Executive Director Mark Palmer said. I think he has been transformative to MISD.
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At the start of winter break, Scroggins Elementary sent a letter to parents warning of an "unidentified man" who accosted a student Dec. 15 near the school's northeast Houston campus.
Just blocks away the same day, another girl was assaulted in much the same way, by a man who walked up behind her and groped her through her clothes.
That's when Houston police realized they might be looking for a serial offender, a predator targeting girls walking to and from school.
"We jumped on it," Officer Marcos Betancourt said.
At first, police had little to go on, unaware of other attacks just outside the city limits.
Then on Jan. 23, another girl reported an attack, this one more brazen. Less than a mile from the December assaults, a man tried to stuff a 7-year-old girl into the back seat of his sedan, releasing her only when her 9-year-old brother screamed.
On Tuesday, Houston police announced they had arrested a suspect believed to have assaulted at least 10 girls in separate incidents in the past three years in northeast Houston and Harris County.
Carlos Jose Ayala, a 35-year-old construction worker, faces four felony charges of indecency with a child. Authorities expect to file additional charges, possibly including attempted kidnapping, as they seek other victims.
Ayala also was charged with evading arrest after leading police on a short chase Feb. 17, when officers doing surveillance in the area spotted his car and tried to pull him over near the location of a Feb. 10 assault on Shotwell Street.
A woman who answered the door at his home Tuesday declined to comment. The attorney listed in court records as Ayala's defense lawyer, Gilbert Villareal, did not respond to multiple emails and phone calls.
Investigators asked parents in northeast Houston to report any suspected assaults to police at 713-635-0200.
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The pattern became clear only in hindsight, investigators said.
Attacks in northeast Houston, many near Interstate 10. A man walking up from behind in broad daylight. Hispanic girls ages 7 to 15. A dark blue Toyota sedan.
And the attacks occurred near schools, including Houston ISD's Scroggins, Eliot, Pugh and Raul Martinez elementary schools as well as Havard Elementary in Galena Park ISD.
Officers from the Houston Police Department's northeast gang unit connected the dots after finding at least four previous incidents near a Walmart store a few blocks from Havard Elementary. It wasn't until officers reached out to the Harris County Sheriff's Office that they realized similar assaults had been reported in 2014 and 2015 in the area but outside the Houston city limits.
"It's good to have him off the streets," Officer Nicole Anzola said in Spanish at a Tuesday news conference.
School officials alerted parents after incidents near the schools, Houston ISD spokeswoman Ashley Anthony said Tuesday.
Scroggins sent the Dec. 16 letter. Raul Martinez Elementary sent a letter the day after the attempted kidnapping on Jan. 23. McReynolds Middle School put out a phone alert and sent a letter on Feb. 10 about the assault that day.
Galena Park ISD Police Chief Bryan Clements said the district usually alerts parents if such an incident happens near a school. However, he did not say whether an alert was issued after any of the four attacks near Havard Elementary in June, July and October 2014 and August 2015.
Houston police say they suspect Ayala in the following assaults:
5655 East Sam Houston Parkway - June 5, 2014
5655 East Sam Houston Parkway - July 7, 2014
5650 East Sam Houston Parkway - October 24, 2014
5655 East Sam Houston Parkway - August 30, 2015
700 Shotwell Street - October 7, 2016
11534 Spicewood Lane - November 22, 2016
7320 Waxahachie - December 15, 2016
7018 Force - December 15, 2016
7200 Abilene Street - January 23, 2017
700 Shotwell - February 10, 2017
Ayala, who told police he is a U.S. citizen originally from Honduras, does not have a criminal history in Harris County. Public records show Ayala previously lived in the Dallas area, where he pleaded guilty to a 1999 felony charge of burglary of a building and a 1998 misdemeanor charge of theft.
Houston police said they reached out to Dallas-area agencies but have yet to hear of assaults that could be connected.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Ayala remained in the Harris County Jail in lieu of $450,000 bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for March 28.
Ayala lived just a short drive from Havard, in a neat mobile home community with elaborate additions and well-kept yards.
Next door, Susan Garza said she had never seen Ayala until she saw his face on television. She said her son and daughter-in-law moved in about a month ago. Police showed up at their door about two weeks ago to alert them to the allegations.
"We were in shock," said Garza, 55. "Of course we are concerned. We want the police to do their jobs, which they have - he's in jail."
TEACHER SCANDAL: Educator arrested, charged with sex with student
At Havard Elementary on Tuesday afternoon, Lynda Collins took her 6-year-old son by the hand and walked him from the school's front breezeway to her car.
Collins said she has lived in the Galena Park community since 2006 and has children and grandchildren attending Galena Park schools. She had not heard about a predator.
"He's grabbing girls?" asked Collins, 56. "I have a 24-year-old and I taught her early: Kick, bite, scratch, scream. ... And to think it's in our neighborhood. The parents really need to know what's really going on."
Mae Reyes, 28, was waiting by her car for her brother and sister, who attend North Shore Middle School. She said the dismissal process is strict for leaving the building, but that youngsters fan out after they're released. She had not heard of any child snatchings, attempted abductions or sexual assaults.
"I'm surprised it went on for that long," she said. "That's why I come get them. I don't like leaving them outside for long."
Shelby Webb and Brian Rogers contributed to this report.
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A Richmond woman apparently killed by her husband in a murder-suicide this weekend was a prominent transplant surgeon at Houston Methodist Hospital.
Dr. Sherilyn Gordon-Burroughs, 48, was found dead Sunday at her home near the Brazos River in central Fort Bend County, said county officials Monday. Prior to the discovery, her husband Daniel Burroughs, 60, shot himself in the head with a shotgun as a SWAT team entered the premises.
"Sherilyn was a gifted surgeon and mentor to residents, medical students and everyone on staff," Methodist President Dr. Marc Boom wrote in an email to hospital employees Monday. "She pushed everyone to excel professionally and academically. She wore many hats and wore them all well."
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Gordon-Burroughs was director of Methodist general surgery residency program. She also was one of the surgeons who took part last summer in the hospital's kidney transplant chain, in which six patients received donor organs.
Details about the deaths were still emerging Monday. Following a family member's request Sunday that authorities check in on the welfare of Gordon-Burroughs, county officials spoke to Burroughs and determined they needed to visit the family home at the 1400 block of block of River Cliff Court. Eventually, the SWAT team was dispatched
The couple leaves a 4-year-old daughter, Jasmine, who was with her maternal grandparents at the time.
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Boom wrote that "while Sherilyn died under dark circumstances, let's instead choose to shine a light on her."
"She was incredibly passionate about medical education and training," wrote Boom. "She was a cornerstone of our graduate medical education program, always going above and beyond for the residents. Sherilyn made a significant and lasting impact on Houston Methodist and will be sorely missed."
The bodies have been sent to the Galveston County Medical Examiner's for autopsy, said a Fort Bend County Sheriff's office news release Monday. The release said a murder-suicide investigation is ongoing and that no motive is known as this time.
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A 21-year-old San Antonio man pleaded guilty to murder and sentenced Tuesday to 23 years in prison in the fatal shooting in 2015 of a woman in front of her home on the East Side.
Corey Baker was 19 when he was charged with murder for his role in the death of Angelina Ruiz, 47, who was shot in the head March 12, 2015, at her home in the 200 block of Brooks Street.
A 64-year-old man was arrested by federal authorities Monday after they say he transported 230 pounds of marijuana from Oregon to Texas in an airplane.
Wayne Douglas Brunet, 64, now faces between five and 40 years in federal prison if convicted of the federal drug charges. He remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for Thursday in Austin, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Police are searching for a driver accused of hitting a construction worker early Tuesday in the Northwest Side and then fleeing.
Officers responded to the hit and run around 1:15 p.m. at Bandera Road and Loop 410, where they found the road worker suffering from minor injuries stemming from the crash.
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An IOU signed by one of Texas' most historic figures is expected to fetch at least $75,000 at an Texas-themed auction this week in Dallas.
The 1836 letter, signed by William B. Travis, is one of more than 360 items for auction during the Texana and Western Americana Grand Format Auction, which will take place Friday at Heritage Auctions' Dallas headquarters.
The collection of relics up for grabs includes illustrated maps dating to the 1800s, books about early life in Texas and documents signed by some of the state's most historic figures.
The 171-year-old piece of paper details the use of wood to support the cannons at the Alamo, as Travis made preparations for its defense against Gen. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna.
Sandra Palomino, director of historic manuscripts and Texana at Heritage Auctions, said it's the only letter she's seen from Travis written out of the Alamo.
In the letter, Travis says he'll pay San Antonio merchant Eugenio Navarro for the 682 feet of walnut or return it in near-perfect conditions.
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"(Travis) is incredibly optimistic or just naive," Palomino said.
Incidentally, Navarro is the one who warned Travis of the Mexican army's plans ahead of the historic battle. But we all know how the Battle of the Alamo turned out.
"It just sort of speaks to the heroic, larger-than-life personalities that (Texans) had, even within the context of their time. Never mind the mythology we've built around them," Palomino said.
"That's what is so great about these documents," she added. "It speaks to that."
In 1941, the Texas government got around to paying back Navarro the $85.25 they owed him. The letter detailing the transaction is included in the set.
See photos of the top five items up for auction, as well as other historic S.A. and Texas maps, in the gallery above.
Another notable item up for grabs is a map depicting a bird's eye view of San Antonio in 1873, going for a minimum bid of $9,000.
"The San Antonio River dominates the view meandering diagonally across the frame, and Koch's painstaking attention for detail includes the shadows cast by buildings and trees," a description on Heritage Auction's website reads. "A reference key at bottom lists points of interest, including places of worship and schools."
Potential buyers can place bids online, by phone or by fax, in addition to in-person at the live auction, Heritage Auctions public relations director Eric Bradley said.
RELATED: You probably won't recognize these Texas cities from this collection of historic photos
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WASHINGTON President Donald Trump signed a sweeping NASA policy bill Tuesday, reinforcing the space agency's commitment to human space exploration and a long-term trajectory to Mars.
"For almost six decades NASA's work has inspired millions and millions of Americans to imagine distant worlds and a better future right here on Earth," said Trump, flanked in the Oval office by an array of NASA officials, astronauts, and Texas lawmakers, including U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz and U.S. Reps. Brian Babin, Lamar Smith and John Culberson.
"With this legislation, we support NASA's scientists, engineers, astronauts and their pursuit of discovery," Trump continued. "It's been a long time since a bill like this has been signed reaffirming our national commitment to the core mission of NASA, human space exploration, space science and technology."
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The $19.5 billion measure, the first major NASA policy bill in seven years, is also an important jobs initiative for Texas, Florida and California, extending a number of critical space programs such as the Hubbell Telescope and the International Space Station. It also continues to transition a number of critical space agency activities to the commercial space sector, including ferrying U.S. astronauts to the space station and ending NASA's reliance on Russia.
The heavy Texas contingent in the Oval Office was a sign of the space agency's importance to the Lone Star State, particularly Houston's Johnson Space Center. Babin, whose district includes the space center, called it "the next chapter of human space exploration."
Trump paused before signing the bill to remark on the difficulty of being an astronaut.
"It's a pretty tough job," Trump said, turning to Cruz. "I don't know Ted, would you like to do it? I don't think I would."
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According to a press pool account of the signing, Cruz shook his head indicating that he would not want to be an astronaut. Trump then turned to Florida U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.
"Marco, do you want to do it?" Trump asked.
Cruz offered his own suggestion:"You could send Congress to space," he said.
"We could," Trump said, turning to look at Vice President Mike Pence. "What a great idea that could be."
Trump handed out some of the pens he used to sign the bill, then was presented with a NASA astronaut flight jacket on behalf of the agency.
"Does anybody have anything to say? Ted you want to say something?" Trump asked. Cruz called the bill "terrific" and thanked the president.
"Marco?" Trump then asked, turning to Rubio.
"I'm happy to see that Florida is going to continue to do more than Texas is," Rubio quipped.
BUILDING BLOCKS: Legos ready to blast off with 'Women of NASA' set
"It's going to be a good competition," Trump said turning to Republican Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy of California. "Right Kevin?"
Culberson also addressed the gathering, comparing the bill to President Dwight Eisenhower's initiative to build the nation's interstate highway system. "Just as Americans remember that President Eisenhower was the father of the interstate highway system, with your bill signing today and your vision and leadership, future generations will remember that President Donald Trump was the father of the interplanetary highway system," he said.
"Well that sounds exciting," Trump said, adding, "First we want to fix our highways. We're going to fix our highways."
>>>Scroll through the gallery to see NASA's costliest missions
From Ronald Reagans welfare queen to Donald Trumps Detroit single mom, the unmarried mother remains a constant fascination to Republicans wielding budget-cutting scalpels.
Whereas Reagan was propagating a stereotype of the fraudulent abuser of public largesse when he popularized the term in 1976, framing welfare policy thereafter, Trumps budget blueprint purportedly is aimed at helping single mothers (in Detroit, for some reason) by building a better military.
If youre having trouble connecting the dots, welcome to the fracas.
The budget, which includes massive cuts to spending in the arts, sciences (including medical research) and diplomacy mostly in the interest of increasing military spending by $54 billion and subsidizing that blasted wall was designed by asking: Can we ask the single mother in Detroit to pay for this?
This is how White House budget director Mick Mulvaney explained the administrations calculations on MSNBCs Morning Joe. Apparently cognizant of diversitys fealty to both sexes (not to be confused with genders), Mulvaney also mentioned coal miners (with apologies to Barbara Burns, noted groundbreaking female miner).
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? Mulvaney queried. The answer was no. 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.
Are there really no single mothers in Detroit listening to NPRs Fresh Air? Or whose kids watch Sesame Street? Although the CPB receives $450 million annually in federal funds, much of that money is distributed to local television and radio stations and producers. NPR, long an object of GOP contempt, probably will be fine thanks to donor support, but not so the local shows, which often are educational and/or public safety-oriented.
The end objective, Mulvaney said, is to keep Trumps campaign promises while not increasing the budget deficit. Among those promises: Build the wall (delete: I will make Mexico pay for that wall); and beef up national security.
And, of course, the ultimate goal in whittling away programs that serve the poor or protect the environment is to Make America Great Again.
Before we parse the meaning of the word great, a few facts: The proposed budget, which is really just a collection of bad ideas or suggestions, doesnt stand a chance of congressional approval. To pass the Senate, over which Republicans hold a relatively slim majority (52-48), it would require Democratic support. The blueprints strong emphasis on defense and security, notwithstanding cuts in airport policing, at the expense of domestic programs is a no-go.
Although many Republicans also oppose some of the more draconian cuts, others want yet more defense spending.
Given Trumps commitment to a military buildup and Secretary of State Rex Tillersons recent remarks that military action may be necessary to end North Koreas nuclear games investing in defense might not be a bad gamble.
But hope for a cancer cure might be. The National Institutes of Health the nations premier research institution is threatened with losing about 20 percent of its budget. And bets on climate-related concerns would be long shots. Among many related cuts, the budget would eliminate four NASA missions, including the Deep Space Climate Observatory, which monitors climate change from its position a million miles from Earth.
By tragic coincidence, we learned the day before Trumps budget was released that vast portions of Australias iconic Great Barrier Reef, one of Earths largest organisms, are dead from overheated seawater caused by greenhouse gases emitted via the burning of fossil fuels. But never mind. Greatness, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Besides, what do NASA missions have to do with coal miners or single moms?
Not one thing, other than a future for all those fatherless children in Detroit and the coal miners daughter, who probably needs essential social services more than she does that blasted wall.
kathleenparker@washpost.com
When Donald Trump recently laid a wreath at the tomb of Andrew Jackson, the 45th president was sending a message by choosing a hero.
It is difficult to imagine that this selection was the result of vast reading in presidential history. Rather, it was the appropriation of Jackson as depicted on the $20 bill the long-haired, steely-eyed, badass disrupter. The end of the effete, philosophical founding generation. The embodiment of a populism that venerated and served the people. The avatar of American nationalism.
This was, in fact, the way Jackson was viewed by many contemporaries, both supporters and detractors. He was the original, and prototypical, testosterone president. He took on the British, the national bank, the Congress, the early secessionists with a determined application of will and power. He consistently pressed the boundaries of executive authority.
George Washington viewed swagger as a moral failure. Jackson made it an American political virtue. His movement, quite literally, broke china at the White House. It essentially created the idea of congressional party loyalty. It devalued civility. In all these ways, we still live in Jacksons America.
Jackson was a large, complex figure (the best starting point to learn about him is Jon Meachams American Lion, which is brilliant in everything except its reverence for its subject). But it would be typical of Trump to admire Jackson, not only for his virtues but for his vices. Jackson was the first president who made dueling, gambling and horse racing a part of his public persona. He was prickly, demanding and mercurial. He was no stranger to sexual scandal. His opponents regarded his presidency as unimaginable, until he beat them.
But Jacksons vices were not merely personal. Many of the founders had been internally conflicted slaveholders. Jackson was not one for psychic struggle. Meacham recounts that Jackson once authored an Advertisement for Runaway Slave that offered $50 for the return of the slave and ten dollars extra, for every hundred lashes any person will give him. Such attitudes were not disqualifying in Jacksons America.
And much of Jacksons reputation depended on being a frontier Indian fighter. This was a president who earned the Indian nickname Sharp Knife. In a battle against the Red Stick Creeks, Jackson set about to exterminate them (his words). Hundreds of fighters and civilians were killed trying to flee.
Jackson was also one of the nations leading advocates of Indian removal, which amounted to the ethnic cleansing of Creeks and Cherokee across the lower South. His Indian Removal Act was a signature legislative achievement, opening up tens of millions of acres for cotton cultivation. These efforts culminated soon after Jacksons presidency in the Trail of Tears, on which 4,000 Cherokee men, women and children died of hunger, cold and disease during their forced expulsion to the west.
Why consider this ancient history (which is not really so ancient to the Cherokee)? Because Trump, in visiting the Hermitage, has invited us. Jackson was wrong badly, culpably wrong on the largest issue of his time: the dignity and value of people of color.
There is no refuge in the argument that Jackson merely reflected the values of his time. Jacksons opponent in two elections, John Quincy Adams, viewed slavery as the great and foul stain upon the North American Union. Henry Clay called Indian expulsion a foul and lasting stain upon the good faith, humanity and character of the nation.
These issues are directly applicable in our politics. Like Jackson, Trump has become the champion of poor, voiceless, white Americans. But does he view liberty as a universal gift? His dehumanization of migrants and Muslim refugees would indicate otherwise. Is American identity really related to ethnicity? Does American nationalism require the identification of internal enemies? Does putting America first always involve the organization of resentments and a search for scapegoats?
No American hero is perfect. But it is hard to summon one who didnt see the evil of the Middle Passage and the Trail of Tears. And this makes Trumps choice of heroes a self-indictment.
michaelgerson@washpost.com
If youve had access to popular culture in the last several years, youve probably heard of the Tiny House Movement, an effort to return to a simpler way of living. And, though the houses are small, the philosophy behind them is anything but! Many trace the roots for this movement back to Henry David Thoreau, the writer who drew his inspiration from a simple life in a tiny cabin in the woods. Simplify, simplify, simplify! was his mantra. And so in the last ten years, Americans across the country have been adopting this philosophy as well.
The Tiny House Movement is an inspired, intentional, and admittedly adorable form of extreme downsizing. So what is considered a tiny house? Believe it or not, these pocket-sized dwellings have a rather strict system of classification. To be considered a tiny home by the American Tiny House Association, square footage can be no higher than 400...and as low as 70! Tiny homeowners who lean more towards modest than sparse might consider settling for a small house, which is considered anything between 400 and 1,000 square feet. To put this size in perspective, the size of average American house is 2,600 square feet!
Whether youre drawn to these tiny dwellings by the concept of minimalism or simply their overwhelming level of cute, you arent alone in your fascination with tiny homes. Though these wee little structures only make up less than 1% of real estate transactions in the country, their mere presence on the market seems to be enough to garner national attention. And we arent just talking about viral lists of Cutest Tiny Houses in Every State (which there are plenty of, by the way...). Were talking reality shows (Tiny House Nation, Tiny House Hunters), building companies, homeowners associations, documentaries, and countless websites and infographics.
And while these tiny houses have become popular for their novelty, aesthetic, and conceptual appeal, theyve also proven to be wildly practical, especially in the context of disaster relief and humanitarian aid. In fact, during disaster relief for Hurricane Katrina, Marianne Cusato developed the Katrina Cottages. These cottages became an incredibly useful alternative to FEMA trailers due to their ability to provide housing and shelter quickly at reduced cost. Several cities, including Portland and Seattle, have even used tiny house neighborhoods to combat homelessness.
You might be thinking, So theyre cute and all that...but whos actually buying tiny houses? You might be surprised by the demographic this movement attracts. No, tiny houses are not just for poor, idealistic, hippie-leaning millennials. Two-fifths of tiny house people are over 50 years old and 55% are women. They are decidedly educated (twice as likely to have a masters degree) and earn an average of $42k per year. While tiny houses are found across the country, the most popular states are Colorado, Florida, Wisconsin, California, and (you guessed it!) Texas. Here are a few reasons why folks across the country are loving their tiny houses:
1. Environmentally friendly
One of the most cited reasons people go tiny is their desire to create a more sustainable lifestyle. These micro-houses have been proven to be energy efficient for numerous reasons. Because they are so small, tiny houses require much less energy consumption overall: heating, cooling, and lighting a small space is always easier than keeping up with a sprawling layout. Tiny houses with solar panels have an even smaller carbon footprint!
2. Simplicity
Its no secret that homes in the United States have been growing. Between the years of 1978 to 2013, the average size of a single-family home grew from 1,780 square feet to 2,662...despite a decrease in the average size of an American family. So, though families have shrunk by about one person, home size has grown by almost 50%. Clearly, the increase in size is not due to more needed space. The additional square footage is a luxury and a sign of privilege and wealth. The Tiny House Movement has been cited as a sort of small-scale rebellion against a culture of materialism...a pushback against a perceived culture of excess.
3. Decreased Maintenance
Maybe one of the most obvious benefits of a tiny house is the reduced upkeep! If your home is only 400 square feet (maximum), theres only so much clutter you can accumulate. Dusting, vacuuming, and sweeping will take a fraction of the time. Repairs will also be on a reduced-scale, ensuring they stay smaller in cost as well. Repairing a tiny roof is much less of a hassle than its larger counterpart.
4. Mobility
In the tiny home community, the popularity of tiny homes on wheels has been growing rapidly. Though often compared to glorified RVs, these tiny houses are more like traditional homes on wheels. The owner then has the freedom to move residency at any time...a huge perk, especially as many owners of tiny homes often cite self-sufficiency as one of their biggest reasons for going tiny. Many of these homeowners also live debt-free without a mortgage, meaning more disposable income to travel or pursue hobbies and interests. Overall, the folks who own tiny homes are less tied down to the traditional neighborhood or way of life.
5. Multi-functional
Many love the idea of a tiny house, but dont really want to restrict their total living space to 400 square feet. Many families around the country are finding additional uses for these petite dwellings! They can serve as an add-on, mother-in-law suite, guest house, home office, studio, and so much more.
6. Low Cost
Reason would dictate that a smaller house would mean smaller cost. But just how much more cost-effective is a tiny house? Whereas the average cost of a standard home is upwards of $270k, the average tiny home costs less than a tenth of that (about $23k). Due to this reduced cost, most tiny homeowners are mortgage-free (68%). The reduced price also means that Insurance and taxes are significantly lower as well!
RELATED: A pair of Harvard students have designed tiny houses that could be the future of weekend getaways
Are you as fascinated with tiny homes as we are? Are you looking to simplify your lifestyle? Though these micro-houses are only available in small numbers around the country (with few to none in San Antonio), we have our fair share of adorable residences on the San Antonio real estate market. Browse through our inventory now or find an agent.
Editors Note: This content is made possible by Keller Williams San Antonio. 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.
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NASHVILLE At the NACS HR Forum in Nashville this week, attendees from across the convenience and fuel retailing human resources field are coming together to share HR concerns and learn up-to-date information on the ever-changing industry. When the two-and-a-half-day education sessions kicked off yesterday, Joanne Loce, president of Loce Consulting, LLC, was frank with the audience.
People have issues. Theyre real, theyre legitimate, and we need to address them, said Loce, HR Forum moderator and co-presenter of the conferences opening session, Our Profession: How HR Impacts the Convenience Industry.
You need to be empathetic, Loce added. It doesnt mean you personally have to handle [everything]. As we get larger, we start to build capabilities in the [company] managers.
Lori Mullins, director of learning, talent and professional development at RaceTrac Petroleum, co-presented with Loce. She noted the importance of the HR role within a convenience or fuel retailing company to be forward-thinking.
As that business partner, we want to be strategic and proactive. We are change agents. But youve got the other pull of the tactical and the reactive, Mullins said.
Loce noted that recruiting is often on the minds of HR professionals because of the labor intensity of the c-store industry, adding that an aspect of their role is to attract new workers through those changes as quickly as possible. We are being asked to simplify, streamline and customize our solutions and services. But were always weighing the investment with the payout, Loce said.
Mullins added that HR is not a black and white industry, and instead, she is often dealing with gray areas that she has to mitigate, sometimes on the fly. We have to focus on being more agile, more fluid. Somethings always going to happen in that gray area. Sometimes youre going to figure it out as you go, and thats okay because were dealing with people, and people are complicated, Mullins said.
An HR Forum attendee noted that in her local area, different minimum wages were an issue, as many potential workers seemed to be easily drawn away by that factor alone. Mullins stressed the importance of offering an overall package to employees that was more extensive than simply salary and thus a more attractive package.
Its all about adding to that list of benefits, Mullins said. So when we get them, we can keep them.
Loce added that one of the most important factors of c-stores providing benefits is that they are attractive to employees but also cost effective for the business.
[Trendy] things that pop up (like pet insurance) arent necessarily that important, but it still takes time to talk through them [to decide your overall offer], Loce said.
Loce and Mullins also discussed with attendees the reasons behind employee retention, stressing that employees will stay based on the overall impact and impression the company makes on them. They said HR professionals need to remember that they truly are a part of the bigger picture of what makes a satisfied employee, and that they need to look to them for feedback on what they want.
We may sit in our corporate offices and think employees want [something], and then we go out to the stores and find out, No, thats not what they want, Mullins said. She added that at RaceTrac, the company individualizes milestone anniversaries. So instead of an employee simply picking an item out of a catalogue for their 10-year anniversary, the company will give them a gift thats personal, like a cruise vacation for someone who likes to travel.
On the topic of employee training, Mullins told attendees that RaceTrac has a mock store lab that they use to train in a safe environment. They also provide all new employees with a realistic job preview at their store, adding that buy-in from the employees new manager is essential.
Were the gatekeepers of the people, of the organization, Mullins said. As things continue to get complicated, how can we take a step back and prioritize? The things that complicate our work, like compliance, are also the things that are going to move us forward.
As NACS HR Forum continues today, attendees will learn about developing team members, innovative recruitment and how to accelerate adoption of new ideas. Stay tuned to NACS Daily this week and next for more coverage from the HR Forum.
Yves here. Note that the Obamacare replacement horse-trading is very much underway and thats before you get to the fact that the Republican senators have much more diverse constituencies than the Freedom Caucus ideologues that are trying to drive the bus in the House.
By run75441. Originally published at Angry Bear
n 2026, an estimated 52 million would be uninsured in the US, a dramatic reversal from the 2016 uninsured count of 28/29 million. Pretty much, the Republicans will put healthcare back to the way it was pre-2014 if Paul Ryans bill is passed by Congress and Donald signs the bill in its present form.
By 2018, 14 million could be uninsured with many of the uninsured practicing the tyranny of a minority, as John S. Mill might call it, upon the rest of the insured population as they drop out. Others will simply lose healthcare insurance as states withdraw from the Medicaid expansion and employers drop the coverage they were required to carry as they had 50 or more employees. Many of todays insured will be unable to afford the increased premiums due to smaller subsidies. The elderly will be faced with smaller subsidies and a higher 5:1 ratio premium, which is up from the present 3:1 under the ACA program.
Doctors, clinics, and hospitals have seen increased numbers of patients coming through the front door rather than the rear door due to the expansion of Medicaid to 138% FPL and subsidies for healthcare insurance to those under 400% FPL. My own PCP has seen many new patients who have never been to a doctor before except at the ER. With the proposed reversal of the mandate to have healthcare insurance and the dropping of Medicaid, it will fall upon hospitals and doctors to still provide stabilizing care as defined by law to all who arrive at their door. Except this time, the subsidizing payments for care for the uninsured to hospitals and clinics will not be available as it was reduced with the advent of the PPACA. It appears the AHA is not too pleased with Paul Ryans AHCA bill either.
Our new Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price had this to say; Youre falling into the same old trap of individuals who are measuring the success of Medicaid by how much money we put into it. We ought not be measuring programs by how much money we put into it, we ought to be measuring them by whether or not they work. Or take one aspirin and you will be alright in the morning. Interestingly, Republicans are happy with constituents paying a surcharge/mandate for not having healthcare insurance or healthcare. And if they suddenly have to have healthcare insurance, they pay the penalty to private companies rather than use it to fund subsidies. Who would have thought?
Medicaid currently is not working according to Tom Price and as many as one in three doctors are not accepting Medicaid patients. That part is partially true. In a survey of its membership, the American Academy of Family Physicians discovered 68% of its members accepting new Medicaid patients in 2016. This is the highest level of Medicaid acceptance since 2004. The same argument was made for Medicare in the past. As Health Beats Maggie Mahar has said, if Medicare is the largest business in town, are you going to ignore it or work within its confines?
Mr. Price argues on behalf of states claiming the granting of greater flexibility would result in better results and quality. My own observations with Michigan Medicaid when there was no Federal Government expansion disagrees with Tom Prices claims. Michigan State Senator Joseph Hune said it all in one sentence when he stated; I am sick to his stomach with the expansion of Medicaid in Michigan. Even with the expansion, the state legislature delayed the implementation of it to the following year so they could go on Christmas vacation and lost $thousands in Federal aid. This occurred in a state which can not fix its roads and bridges, argues about replacing Flint lead pipes, and wastes money going to 6th District COA and SCOTUS because it does not like rulings conflicting with its absurd beliefs. After all, Hune and his associates have their healthcare for life having been in the legislature for short periods of time; why should 600,000 Michigan residents matter to Hune and his associates.
Pre-Michigan expansion in order for adults to be insured and they had to be working. If they were working they had to be making just so much in order to be eligible. If they were not working, they were ineligible. Michigan and State Senator Joe Hune did their damnest to block people from access to healthcare. If this is Tom Prices better results and quality, it did not work then and will only make it worse now.
Joan Aker at Georgetown University Healthcare Policy Institute puts greater state flexibility into perspective:
So in practical terms what does that mean? States could get new flexibility to limit enrollment. They could gain the ability to limit enrollment directly by imposing enrollment caps or rolling back eligibility; or indirectly by putting up barriers such as imposing work requirements or lockout periods, which reduce enrollment. States could also gain more flexibility in determining what benefits people receive (in the case of children this might mean limits on the child-centered EPSDT benefit) or on how much families have to pay for those services (including premiums, cost-sharing or spend down rules before seniors qualify for long term services and supports). In fact, one piece of this so-called flexibility that is included in the repeal bill would allow states to require seniors to spend down even more of their assets before qualifying for long-term care services and supports by placing restrictions on how much equity seniors can have in their homes. We did this in Michigan already and pre-PPACA.
The AHCA penalizes the poor and elderly more severely than the ACA did. The ACA has a penalty for not getting healthcare insurance, which is based on the income of the uninsured and is paid yearly at tax time. The AHCA also has a penalty for not getting healthcare insurance. It is based upon the premium you would pay, not income, and each person pays the same penalty regardless on income; however if you are older, the 5:1 ratio will apply to your penalty. As I showed using a Avalere* chart, a 27 year old person making $11,880 annually would be paying $695 at tax time under the ACA and under the AHCA plan $1,006 for a bronze plan.
If the insured was 50 years old and made $11,880 annually, the penalty under the ACA is determined by income and remains the same; however under the AHCA, the penalty under a Bronze plan format jumps to $1,713. This is an ~ $700 difference between a 27 year old and a 50 year old. If it is a Silver plan add ~100 dollars for a 27 year old and ~ $250 for a 50 year old. Whether 27 or 50 and making $11,880 annually; the payment is harsh and is harder to pay the larger it gets.
As I get more information I will pass it on. There is much going on at a rapid pace and it takes a bit to gather it up.
*After leaving the White House Office of Management and Budget in 2000, Dan Mendelson founded what is today Avalere firm and initially named it The Health Strategies Consultancy LLC.
At the end of January, Silicon Valley was up in arms that one of their pet means of keeping wages down, the H-1B visa program, appeared to be in Trumps crosshairs. The president had issued an executive order calling for a review of all visa programs, with an eye to improving US employment and economic productivity. The new Administration had also circulated a draft calling for the head of Homeland Security to review work visa programs within 90 days. One of the idea featured in the document was that visas go to the best and brightest when the H-1B program uses a lottery that outsourcers like WiPro and Tata Consulting game effectively.
Even if the Administration had acted immediately, that 90 day timeframe now looks too leisurely. As Bloomberg describes tonight, H-1B visa applications are due at the beginning of April, so if the Trump Administration fails to implement its fixes by then, its at least a year before theyll have any effect. Moreover, the lack of apparent momentum on this front does not bode well for meaningful changes.
The article describes how the program has moved almost entirely away from its original goals. One aim was to import workers when employers couldnt find qualified Americans. The second was to cap the number of H-1B holders, since both the bills drafters and industry lobbyists wanted companies to bring in talent via green cards and help them become citizens, rather than rent them.
The result instead has been the creation of a large industry of foreign workers who largely work abroad. Not only do they undercut US wages and eliminate entry-level jobs, meaning the US is no longer developing its own tech professionals, but the fact that much of the work is done overseas also results in reduced taxes to states and municipalities.
And as Robert Cringley pointed out in 2015, the results arent good for the employers either:
Now lets look at what this has meant for the U.S. computer industry. First is the lemming effect where several businesses in an industry all follow the same bad management plan and collectively kill themselves The IT services lemming effect has companies promising things that can not be done and still make a profit. It is more important to book business at any price than it is to deliver what they promise. In their rush to sign more business the industry is collectively jumping off a cliff. This mad rush to send more work offshore (to get costs better aligned) is an act of desperation. Everyone knows it isnt working well. Everyone knows doing it is just going to make the service quality a lot worse. If you annoy your customer enough they will decide to leave. The second issue is you cant fix a problem by throwing more bodies at it. USA IT workers make about 10 times the pay and benefits that their counterparts make in India. I wont suggest USA workers are 10 times better than anyone, they arent. However they are generally much more experienced and can often do important work much better and faster (and in the same time zone). The most effective organizations have a diverse workforce with a mix of people, skills, experience, etc. By working side by side these people learn from each other. They develop team building skills. In time the less experienced workers become highly effective experienced workers. The more layoffs, the more jobs sent off shore, the more these companies erode the effectiveness of their service. An IT services business is worthless if it does not have the skills and experience to do the job. The third problem is how you treat people does matter. In high performing firms the work force is vested in the success of the business. They are prepared to put in the extra effort and extra hours needed to help the business and they are compensated for the results. They produce value for the business. When you treat and pay people poorly you lose their ambition and desire to excel, you lose the performance of your work force. It can now be argued many workers in IT services are no longer providing any value to the business. This is not because they are bad workers. It is because they are being treated poorly. Firms like IBM and HP are treating both their customers and employees poorly. Their management decisions have consequences and are destroying their businesses.
Counter that reality with the size of the outsourcing business. Per Bloomberg:
Outsourcers, like Indias Wipro Ltd. and Cognizant Technology Solutions of the U.S., take over and manage the technology systems for corporations in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
In the U.S., outsourcers bring staffers into the country on work visas, train them in the tech departments of leading corporations and then rotate them back to India where pay and living costs are lower. Outsourcing companies now get far more visas than traditional technology companies, according to data collected by Howard Universitys Ron Hira through Freedom of Information Act requests. Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. received 5,650 H-1Bs in 2014 while Amazon, the largest recipient in the latter group, got 877.
And yes, these visas do go primarily to foreign companies:
And the foreign outsourcers pay less that US tech companies using H-1B visas (who let us not kid ourselves, are primarily using these visas to lower costs):
The Bloomberg account points out that there are some things that Trump could do via executive order, but then refers back to the same draft discussion document that was widely reported on at the end of January, so there isnt any evidence that Team Trump has made any progress on this issue. Senator Dick Durbin has reminded Trump of his vow to end forever how H-1B visas lower US wages. The story notes:
One option would be to change how the 85,000 visas each year are allocated among applicants. In recent years, the government has used a random lottery, which rewards companies like the outsourcers that submit the most applications. Instead, the government could give H-1Bs first to companies that pay workers the highest salaries or to those in traditional technology fields, rather than outsourcing.
With the Trump Administration short-staffed, rumored to be beset by infighting, and distracted by scandal management, its become an open question as to how many of Trumps plans will get off the drawing board. And thats before getting to his fickleness about content.
Researchers explore a new method to study cholesterol distribution on cells
(Nanowerk News) Researchers from UCLA and the University of Western Australia have developed a new way of visualizing the distribution of cholesterol in cells and tissues. Their research provides insights into the movement of cholesterol into and out of cells and could eventually identify mechanisms linking cholesterol to coronary artery disease.
Using a new high-resolution imaging mass spectrometry approach called NanoSIMS imaging, the team was able to visualize and quantify a pool of cholesterol called "accessible cholesterol" on the surface of cells.
NanoSIMS imaging of 'accessible cholesterol' on cultured cells, demonstrating increased amounts of accessible cholesterol on the microvilli projections from cells. (Image: Haibo Jiang and Stephen Young)
Cholesterol is an essential lipid and is critical for maintaining the integrity of the plasma membrane in every cell in the body. But elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood represent a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
The accessible pool of cholesterol on the plasma membrane is thought to play a role in regulating production of cholesterol by cells and likely plays a role in the ability of cells to unload surplus cholesterol. "Accessible cholesterol" on the surface of cells can be detected with a cholesterol-binding protein from bacteria.
By taking advantage of the bacterial protein, along with NanoSIMS imaging, researchers showed that the accessible pool of cholesterol is not evenly distributed on a cell's plasma membrane but instead is highly enriched on specialized projections from the plasma membrane called microvilli.
"In the past, other scientists had speculated that microvilli play a role in moving cholesterol into and out of cells," said the study's co-author, Dr. Stephen Young, a distinguished professor of medicine and human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "The discovery that 'accessible cholesterol' is highly enriched in microvilli lends support to that idea."
The findings were recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences ("High-resolution imaging and quantification of plasma membrane cholesterol by NanoSIMS").
Dr. Haibo Jiang, a study co-author, noted that NanoSIMS imaging provides unique insights into cholesterol distribution on the plasma membrane and future studies will make it possible to assess mechanisms by which cells dispose of excess cholesterol.
"We would like to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of cholesterol movement in cells and tissues," said Jiang, a lecturer from the University of Western Australia's Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis. "We believe that NanoSIMS imaging could yield new strategies for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood or at least new strategies for optimizing the effects of existing cholesterol-lowering drugs."
Organic electronics can use power from socket
(Nanowerk News) Organic light-emitting devices and printed electronics can be connected to a socket in the wall by way of a small, inexpensive organic converter, developed in a collaboration between Linkoping University and Umea University, Sweden.
Printed electronics and organic light-emitting devices now perform at levels sufficient for a number of eco-friendly, energy-efficient applications. Previously the idea has been to drive the organic electronics using solar cells, batteries or wireless transformers, which works well in many cases. But for fixed installations like lighting, signage or UV-blocking windows, it is convenient to use a wall socket. Until now this has not been possible, because the high voltage damages the electronics.
Docent Deyu Tu from LiUs Division of Information Coding has led a project where colleagues at Umea University joined forces to find a solution to this problem. And they have now been able to demonstrate an organic converter that makes it possible to drive organic light-emitting devices with high luminescence, and to charge supercapacitors, both using electricity from an ordinary wall socket.
Deyu Tu
The converter consists of diode-connected organic thin-film transistors, operated at high voltages up to 325 V, with the capacity to transform high alternating current (AC) to a selected direct current (DC).
For the first time in the world we have been able to demonstrate an AC/DC converter in organic electronics that functions at voltages above 300 V, says Deyu Tu.
Our converter paves the way for a wave of flexible, thin, cost-effective and eco-friendly solutions for the electronics of the future.
This is a pioneer work of organic AC/DC converters, a first stage to prove the concept of organic power electronics. To be used in real products, the power conversion efficiency needs to be improved.
We have initiated the follow-up work to deal with this issue, says Deyu Tu.
The venom of potentially deadly funnel web spiders could minimise the effects of brain damage after a stroke, according to researchers in Australia (AFP Photo/Bastian RAST) (UNIVERSITY OF QUEENSLAND/AFP)
Sydney (AFP) - A protein in the venom of potentially deadly funnel web spiders could minimise the effects of brain damage after a stroke, researchers in Australia said on Tuesday.
Strokes claim six million lives worldwide each year, and five million survivors are left with a permanent disability.
Scientists from the University of Queensland and Monash University said spider venom was always a good place to look for proteins to help in medical treatments as they have evolved to target the nervous systems of insects.
Lead researcher Glenn King told AFP this led them to see what they could find in funnel webs, which carry one of the world's most dangerous toxins.
Three were caught on Fraser Island on the Queensland coast and taken back to the lab to be milked.
This involved administering an electric charge to their fangs, causing the muscles to contract and the venom to be squeezed out.
"The small protein we discovered, Hi1a, blocks acid-sensing ion channels in the brain, which are key drivers of brain damage after stroke," he said after injecting a synthetic version into rats.
"We believe that we have, for the first time, found a way to minimise the effects of brain damage after a stroke."
The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, with King saying the small protein showed great promise as a future treatment.
"One of the most exciting things about Hi1a is that it provides exceptional levels of protection for eight hours after stroke onset, which is a remarkably long window of opportunity for treatment, he said.
"Hi1a even provides some protection to the core brain region most affected by oxygen deprivation, which is generally considered unrecoverable due to the rapid cell death caused by stroke."
Royal Melbourne Hospital Brain Centre director Stephen Davis said the pre-clinical work was encouraging.
"A safe and effective neuroprotectant could be given in the ambulance to most stroke patients before hospital arrival and enable many more stroke victims to be treated," he said.
"The next step is to determine whether these very encouraging results can be translated into successful human benefits in clinical trials."
King said he hoped human trials would be possible within two years.
Swift mission maps a star's 'death spiral' into a black hole (w/video)
(Nanowerk News) Some 290 million years ago, a star much like the sun wandered too close to the central black hole of its galaxy. Intense tides tore the star apart, which produced an eruption of optical, ultraviolet and X-ray light that first reached Earth in 2014. Now, a team of scientists using observations from NASA's Swift satellite have mapped out how and where these different wavelengths were produced in the event, named ASASSN-14li, as the shattered star's debris circled the black hole.
"We discovered brightness changes in X-rays that occurred about a month after similar changes were observed in visible and UV light," said Dheeraj Pasham, an astrophysicist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and the lead researcher of the study. "We think this means the optical and UV emission arose far from the black hole, where elliptical streams of orbiting matter crashed into each other."
This animation illustrates how debris from a tidally disrupted star collides with itself, creating shock waves that emit ultraviolet and optical light far from the black hole. According to Swift observations of ASASSN-14li, these clumps took about a month to fall back to the black hole, where they produced changes in the X-ray emission that correlated with the earlier UV and optical changes. (Video: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center)
Astronomers think ASASSN-14li was produced when a sun-like star wandered too close to a 3-million-solar-mass black hole similar to the one at the center of our own galaxy. For comparison, the event horizon of a black hole like this is about 13 times bigger than the sun, and the accretion disk formed by the disrupted star could extend to more than twice Earth's distance from the sun.
When a star passes too close to a black hole with 10,000 or more times the sun's mass, tidal forces outstrip the star's own gravity, converting the star into a stream of debris. Astronomers call this a tidal disruption event. Matter falling toward a black hole collects into a spinning accretion disk, where it becomes compressed and heated before eventually spilling over the black hole's event horizon, the point beyond which nothing can escape and astronomers cannot observe. Tidal disruption flares carry important information about how this debris initially settles into an accretion disk.
Astronomers know the X-ray emission in these flares arises very close to the black hole. But the location of optical and UV light was unclear, even puzzling. In some of the best-studied events, this emission seems to be located much farther than where the black hole's tides could shatter the star. Additionally, the gas emitting the light seemed to remain at steady temperatures for much longer than expected.
ASASSN-14li was discovered Nov. 22, 2014, in images obtained by the All Sky Automated Survey for SuperNovae (ASASSN), which includes robotic telescopes in Hawaii and Chile. Follow-up observations with Swift's X-ray and Ultraviolet/Optical telescopes began eight days later and continued every few days for the next nine months. The researchers supplemented later Swift observations with optical data from the Las Cumbres Observatory headquartered in Goleta, California.
In a paper describing the results in The Astrophysical Journal Letters ("Optical/UV-to-X-Ray Echoes from the Tidal Disruption Flare ASASSN-14li"), Pasham, Cenko and their colleagues show how interactions among the infalling debris could create the observed optical and UV emission.
Tidal debris initially falls toward the black hole but overshoots, arcing back out along elliptical orbits and eventually colliding with the incoming stream.
"Returning clumps of debris strike the incoming stream, which results in shock waves that emit visible and ultraviolet light," said Goddard's Bradley Cenko, the acting Swift principal investigator and a member of the science team. "As these clumps fall down to the black hole, they also modulate the X-ray emission there."
'It wasn't meant to be': Chandler Smith comes up short in third Chandler Smith talks about what more was needed tonight and what could've been done differently as he puts a cap on the season.
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.
Tipperary Peace Award nominee Martin McGuinness has died.
The former IRA leader and former Sinn Fein Deputy First Minster in the Northern Ireland Assembly died on Tuesday morning.
Mr McGuiness resigned from the Northern Ireland Executive last month and later announced that he wouldn't be seeking re-election to the Assembly due to ill health.
There was controversy when Mr McGuinness was nominated for the prestigious Tipperary Peace Award earlier this year.
There was some strong opposition to his nomination in view of his IRA past.
However an online poll on this website, totally separate from the nomination process, showed strong support for McGuinness receiving the award.
Martin Quinn of the Tipperary Peace Convention said at the time that it wished to clarify the position regarding the nomination process for the Tipperary International Peace Award.
It said - "Each year Tipperary Peace Convention seeks nominations from members of the public and from clubs or associations (non-political) for the Award.
An external body reviews the nominations and selects a shortlist for publication. Tipperary Peace Convention does not participate or interfere in this selection process.
From the shortlisted six nominees Tipperary Peace Convention Members will select the recipient to receive the International Peace Award.
In order to protect the independence of the process Tipperary Peace Convention does not enter into discussion on the merits or de-merits of any individual nominee who is shortlisted for the award. To do so would be to effectively compromise the eventual final selection process.
We also wish to assure you that the final selection process will be one that is completely independent and fair and considerate of all aspects that one would consider worthy of being a recipient of the Tipperary International Peace Award."
A former Provisional IRA leader, Martin McGuinness was MP for Mid Ulster from 1997 until his resignation in 2013.
Following the St Andrews Agreement and the Assembly election in 2007, he became Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland with the DUP leader Ian Paisley becoming First Minister. On 5th June 2008 he was re-appointed as Deputy First Minister to serve alongside Peter Robinson, who succeeded Paisley as First Minister. He resigned as Deputy First Minister on 9th January in a protest over the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal and announced on 19th January that he would not be standing for re-election to the Northern Ireland Assembly due to ill health.
He was Sinn Fein's unsuccessful candidate for President of Ireland in 2011.
Monday, March 20, 2017 by: JD Heyes Tags: compromise , Google , healthcare , personally identifiable information This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author
(Natural News) In a recent interview on Jimmy Kimmel Live, comedian and actor Tim Allen decried the data collection and surveillance of two of the worlds biggest corporations: Amazon and Google.
Saying that Amazon knows way too much about us, he also said this:
If the government drove down the street in a gray sedan with a camera on it, youd be rioting, going to Washington. But if its white, with emojis and Google on it, Yay! Youre waving at it! Theyre taking pictures of your house!
Who are these people? I wanted to put FU on the top of my house.
Allen appears to be referring to Google Maps and Google Street View, both of which contain databases of physical locations of our homes and businesses, which he rightfully intimates is a huge privacy issue. (RELATED: Google And Facebook Are The New NSA)
Well, thats not the only database that Google maintains and, apparently, abuses. As noted by Motherboard, Google subsidiary DeepMind, an artificial intelligence firm that jumped into healthcare data storage in 2015, has been lambasted in a new report critical of the firms patient privacy approach regarding the UKs National Health Service (NHS).
DeepMind had not built a piece of healthcare software in its entire existence, and so, to have it just be walked over to by physicians and have an entire hospitals worth of identifiable patient data given to them on trust seems a bit much to me, report co-author Hal Hodson told Motherboard.
At issue, Hodson found, were a number of occasions where DeepMind compromised personally identifiable information (PII) on millions of patients.
In July 2015 physicians with Great Britains public hospital system requested that DeepMind create software using patient data supplied to it by the NHS. Around four months later, the PII on 1.6 million patients found its way to third-party servers within firms processing data for DeepMinds software development project supposedly tied to patients at risk of acute kidney problems.
An April 2016 probe by Hodson, who was employed by New Scientist at the time, found that DeepMind had much more access to patient data than the company had revealed publicly. The firm was handling data and other information related to patients with HIV, who had suffered through drug overdoses and women who had gotten abortions dating back five years.
Hodson wrote in his academic report that it was only after a New Science article revealed as much that any public conversation occurred about the nature, extent, and limits of the DeepMind-Royal Free data transfer.
He concluded in his paper that the fact that DeepMind actually obtained access to more data than it claimed should serve as a warning.
By doing so badly at the start, it will be harder for them going forward, but I also think potentially its good, Hodson told Motherboard. Theres now a lot more scrutiny, people are paying more attention to this stuff. (RELATED: WATCH OUT: Google Is Recording Everything You Search And Say)
How much data does Google have, exactly? Apparently enough that it fronts as a data hub for the CIA, as noted by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, in February:
One of the fascinating things thats happening as a side effect of Natural News being blacklisted by Google is that thousands of people are contacting us with information about the hidden history of Google. As we are coming to discover, Google isnt an innocent, friendly search engine created to help humanity its actually an extension of the deep state that seeks to dominate and enslave all of humanity.
He noted a separate report by Insurge Intelligence which found that the CIA essentially made Google by funding, nurturing and incubating it as a means of dominating the world through control of information. The search giant was apparently seeded with money from both the CIA and the NSA, merely the first among a plethora of private sector start-ups co-opted by U.S. intelligence to retain information superiority, the investigative journalism project reported.
J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.
Sources:
PrivacyWatch.news
Medium.com
Motherboard.Vice.com
TheNationalSentinel.com
Monday, March 20, 2017 by: Vicki Batts Tags: California , glyphosate , Monsanto , Prop 65 This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author
(Natural News) If theres one thing to like about California, its the fact that Proposition 65 is ruffling Monsantos feathers quite a bit. Prop 65 first came into existence in 1986 just over 30 years ago. Over 800 chemicals have been added to the list since its induction 1987. The primary intentions of the bill are to protect Californians and give them the ability to make informed purchasing choices, as well as to prevent California companies from discharging listed substances into the water supply.
Under Prop 65, the Golden State has set out to require all glyphosate-containing products (namely, Monsantos star herbicide, Roundup) to bear a label indicating that it is a probable carcinogen. (RELATED: Learn more about this toxic herbicide at Glyphosate.news)
Unsurprisingly, this effort has been met with staunch criticism and push-back from the agricultural giant. Two years ago, the UN and World Health Organizations International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) authored a report that found glyphosate was a probable carcinogen. Soon after, Monsanto famously launched a campaign to discredit the IARCs conclusion.
Their efforts did not get them very far, at least in the state of California. Soon after the IARC report was released, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) proposed that glyphosate should be added to the Prop 65 list of carcinogenic substances.
In September 2015, the state agency stated, The law requires that certain substances identified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) be listed as known to cause cancer under Proposition 65.
Glyphosate is the active ingredient in Monsantos best-selling weedkiller, Roundup. Roundup has grown to be one of the most heavily used herbicides in the world. Its also designed to be used with Roundup Ready crops, which are also produced by Monsanto.
Monsanto has no intentions of going silently along with the OEHHA. Instead, they have claimed that adding glyphosate to the Prop 65 list based on the IARCs findings is somehow unconstitutional. The biotech giant claims that the OEHHA had given law-making authority to an unelected and non-transparent foreign body that is not under the oversight or control of any federal or state government entity. But as California lawyers argued, the IARCs scientific determinations are widely considered to be the gold standard in carcinogen identification.
Fortunately, the courts do not seem to agree with Monsanto and on March 10, Fresno County Superior Court Judge Kristi Culver Kapetan ultimately ruled against Monsantos challenge. Kapetan reportedly wrote that none of the corporations challenges to the states provision were viable. While dismissing the case, the judge noted there does not appear to be any chance that Monsanto or [its co-plaintiffs] can amend their complaints to state valid claims under any of the theories they can rely upon.
In January, Monsanto pledged to fight tooth and nail and continue to challenge the proposed ruling, calling the proposal to add glyphosate to the Prop 65 list flawed and baseless. The corporate giant is surely not happy with the latest ruling from Judge Kapetan.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has spoken out on the topic as well, stating that Monsanto is not going to go out of business just because of a warning label. Why does this company not want these farm workers to know that this chemical may endanger them and may endanger their families, he questioned at a press conference.
That is a very good question indeed, especially as Monsantos unscrupulous efforts at keeping glyphosate on the market continue to come to light. Recently, it was revealed that the biotech firm had recruited scientists to author papers defending the safety of their flagship product, and even colluded with the EPA to keep the true toxicity of their product under wraps.
Now that is what one might call unconstitutional.
Sources:
BlacklistedNews.com
OEHHA.CA.gov
EcoWatch.com
NPR.org
(Natural News) As 2017 trudges on and 2018 grows ever-closer, inquiring minds want to know: will Whole Foods meet their promise of total and complete GMO labeling by next year? With tumbling sales and the closing of multiple stores, going back on their word is not something the food retailer can afford to do right now.
Four years ago, Whole Foods announced their plans to roll out GMO labels for all products that contain genetically modified ingredients. The grocery chain described their March 2013 decree as being the first time a grocery store would set a deadline for labeling GMO products. At the time, Whole Foods did not disclose what kind of labeling they intended to use.
On the Whole Foods website, the grocery chain states that they are well on their way to meeting their 2018 GMO labeling goal, and advertises that they have more than 30,000 organic and 13,500 Non-GMO Project-verified items in stores already. Whole Foods purports itself as a leader in the organic industry and claims to be one of the first retailers to pursue GMO transparency.
At Whole Foods Market, we believe you have the right to know whats in your food. So were the first national grocery chain committed to providing GMO (genetically modified organism) transparency for our customers, states their web page.
The irony here, of course, is the fact that Whole Foods supported legislation that would dismantle state-level GMO labeling efforts, and replace them with at the federal level with fake GMO labels in the form of a QR code. Whole Foods Market CEO Walter Robb is on the record announcing his support of the phony Stabenow-Roberts bill. [RELATED: Read more about GMO labeling and legislation at GMO.news.]
Mike Adams reported that in this Aspen Institute video discussing the bill, Robb stated, My view on the bill is that, and Im pretty intimately aware of it, is that I think its an incredible thing that Sen. Stabenow has put together with Sen. Robert, when you take a look at the atmosphere up there on Capitol Hill, that this much was accomplished together [emphasis added].
Robb went on to explain how he thought manufacturer choice in GMO labeling efforts was a great idea, and praised the compromise. But is it really a compromise when one has to use a QR code or call a 1-800 number to verify a product is GMO-free? Its a deceptive compromise that will be cumbersome and confusing to consumers.
While Robb may be the co-CEO of a grocery chain, he is also quite the politician. Soon after the criticism of his support of the bill began rolling in, Robb made a statement on Facebook and authored a blog post in an attempt to explain away his approval of the bill. Naturally, the blog post was completed with a reminder of the companys transparency and a few touches of self-aggrandizement for their efforts.
Robb has even reportedly called Vermonts GMO labeling too complex to follow.
But, Whole Foods promise of GMO labeling hasnt come to fruition quite yet and there are lots of questions at hand. For example, will they be allowing their product manufacturers to opt for QR codes that cannot be read by humans and require a scanner? Or will they do the transparent thing and insist on a simple, easily understood label?
Sources:
WholeFoodsMarket.com
DenverPost.com
NaturalNews.com
NaturalNews.com
(Natural News) Since the time when they were first introduced during the mid-20th century, crop chemicals have been propagandized as an innovation so advanced and beneficial that, without them, there simply wouldnt be enough food to feed everyone on the planet. But the origin of pesticides and herbicides, many people fail to realize, dates back to the Nazi regime of World War II Germany, which developed and tested these deadly chemicals on prisoners as a form of extermination.
Though an uncomfortable pill for many people to swallow, the Nazi link to crop chemicals is indisputable, though widely unknown. Pharmaceutical giant Bayer, in fact, is an offshoot of the Nazi-era pharmaceutical company I.G. Farben, which actively developed chemicals that were used in the Holocaust gas chambers to kill Jews and other prisoners of this horrific war.
Thats right the very same company that manufactures most of the aspirin that people take for headaches is the same company that was prosecuted for crimes against humanity during the Nuremberg trials that took place after WWII ended. Former Bayer Chairman of the Board, Fritz ter Meer, who was convicted of mass murder, served just five years in prison before going on to chair Bayers supervisory board.
Between 1950 and 1980, two other chemical giants, BASF and Hoechst, also filled their Chairman of the Board positions with convicted mass murderers who participated in the Holocaust atrocities. These include Carl Wurster, who was responsible for manufacturing the Zyklon-B gas that was used to execute Holocaust victims. Wurster was fully aware at the time of his direct involvement with this mass genocide, and was a willing participant.
A man by the name of Kurt Blome, who actually admitted to killing Jews with gruesome experiments, would go on to develop chemical weapons for the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Many of the chemicals that Blome helped develop to bring about disease and death are the same chemicals that are today applied to tens of millions of crop acres throughout the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere.
Big Pharmas evil seeds, which the FDA calls medicine, were first planted in the United States 65 years ago, writes S.D. Wells for Natural News. Many of the mad scientists who tortured innocent human beings in the Holocaust were hired and promoted by U.S. Presidents to catapult what we call Western Medicine, and its ultimate goal of creating sickness and then treating its symptoms for profit.
Is your food tainted with Nazi-era death chemicals?
Besides being sprayed with such chemicals, which include glyphosate, much of the worlds food supply and especially the American food supply is deeply tainted with chemicals that were originally designed to kill organisms. At the quantities in which these chemicals are typically found in food, death is not an instantaneous thing, but rather a long-term consequence of their consumption.
Almost all non-organic, GMO-containing foods and especially those that contain grains are contaminated with glyphosate, sometimes at levels high enough to cause an immediate reaction. This is why many people suffer from mysterious symptoms after eating that they attribute to things like gluten allergies or difficulty digesting grains, when in fact their bodies are telling them that theyve basically been poisoned.
Nearly every type of grain and legume, from oats, to wheat, to corn, to soybeans, more than likely contains glyphosate if it isnt certified organic or tested and shown to be pesticide-free. As Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, puts it, such chemicals are the progeny of Nazi-era research into pesticide chemicals that can kill things, and for many people today, theyre doing just that as a type of slow-kill mechanism that gradually chips away of ones health before exploding into full-blown chronic disease or even death.
Sources for this article include:
NaturalNews.com
OrganicConsumers.org
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 by: JD Heyes Tags: Google , Police , search history , search warrant This article may contain statements that reflect the opinion of the author
(Natural News) If you thought that your search engine history was private, think again. Its not. Or, at least, it may not be, depending on whether or not youre under police investigation.
According to The Free Thought Project, a court in Minnesota has recently ruled that an entire citys search history should be made available to police, an Orwellian first as far as anyone can tell. It may well mark the beginning of the end of Internet freedom.
Cops in Edina, Minn., were granted a warrant that requires search giant Google to provide search history information and the names of everyone in the city who utilized specific search terms between Dec. 1, 2016, and Jan. 7, 2017. (RELATED: BOMBSHELL Investigation: Google An Information Dominance Front For The CIA)
Now mind you, this case isnt about a nuclear bomb plot, a planned act of terrorism, a major jewel heist or child porn. Rather, ARS Technica notes, the case is about alleged wire fraud worth less than $30,000. But if Google honors the warrant, like it probably will have to do since the warrant is a legal document issued by a valid court, that would be a horrible precedent moving forward because it could be duplicated by departments all over the country.
ARS Technica reports that police investigators are looking for an online picture of a person with the same name as a local victim of financial fraud because said image was found on a phony passport that was utilized to fool a credit union into transferring some $28,500 out of a mans account who takes up residence in Edina. Someone faxed the fake passport to the credit union as proof of identity under a spoofed phone number to mimic the victims phone, the search warrant notes.
The Free Thought Project reported further:
The ominously worded warrant makes some chilling demands all over a small fraud case.
A Google search, the warrant application says, as reported by Ars Technica, reveals the photo used on the bogus passport. The image was not rendered on Yahoo or Bing, according to the documents. The warrant commands Google to divulge any/all user or subscriber informationincluding e-mail addresses, payment information, MAC addresses, social security numbers, dates of birth, and IP addressesof anybody who conducted a search for the victims name.
What makes this warrant so worrisome, especially if Google complies with it, is that it seems to go far beyond the legal standard of probable cause. While it appears likely that something illegal may have happened, its obvious that most, if not all, of the people in Edina are not guilty of doing anything wrong. Granted, cops have to investigate but how can a court reasonably assume that everyone in an entire city is under suspicion, thereby satisfying the legal standard of probable cause?
That seems a stretch, to say the least.
What also seems very likely, then, is that police will obtain evidence that may implicate other criminal activity, and while you may applaud that, understand that such overly broad searches were never envisioned by our founding fathers, hence the adoption of the Fourth Amendment, which is supposed to protect against unreasonable searches. (RELATED: BREAKING: Police Are Now Routinely Taking Items Out Of Unlocked Cars To Protect Citizens From Theft)
The Fourth Amendment originally enforced the notion that each mans home is his castle, secure from unreasonable searches and seizures of property by the government, Cornell University Law School notes in describing the purpose of the amendment. It protects against arbitrary arrests, and is the basis of the law regarding search warrants, stop-and-frisk, safety inspections, wiretaps, and other forms of surveillance, as well as being central to many other criminal law topics and to privacy law.
So it seems apparent a city-wide search of Google records is far and away outside the scope of what is allowable under the Constitution. Its hard to tell what is worse that a police department would make such a request or that a court would grant it.
J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel.
Sources:
TheFreeThoughtProject.com
ARSTechnica.com
GoodGopher.com
(Natural News) Contrary to popular belief, liberalism isnt a philosophy that belongs solely to the Democrat Party. Indeed, the insatiable appetite for power and centralized authority exists on both sides of the political spectrum. This is true for the issue of climate change, which nearly all Democrats and several Republicans believe is caused by human activity. Environmentalists and those who believe in man-made climate change, whether they know it or not, are advocates of more government because, as they tell us, only more government can save us from our impending doom.
If you take a look at all of the proposed solutions to man-made climate change, almost every single one of them involves more government in one way or another. The earth is warming, they say, so the government should have more regulatory power over automobiles to ensure that theyre not emitting too much carbon dioxide. Certain light bulbs arent good for the environment so the government should regulate which ones in specific we are allowed to purchase. The oceans are going to rise and flood coastal cities unless the government comes in and regulates the kinds of air conditioners we have in our homes, and so on and so forth.
It has now been confirmed that seventeen Republican members of congress have hopped on board with the global warming hysteria, ten of which are in their first or second terms. On Wednesday of this week, these Republicans announced their plans to support a clear statement that outlines the threats climate change poses to our world, as well as ways to fight it.
In the Republican Climate Resolution, as its been dubbed by supporters, House members make the case that human beings are having an impact on the climate, and therefore we must use our tradition of American ingenuity, innovation and exceptionalism to deal with this threat. Fortunately, support from seventeen congressional Republicans is nowhere near the amount needed to pass the resolution.
It is hard to tell whether these man-made climate change believers, whether theyre on the left or the right, actually think that humans can affect the weather or if this is all just an excuse to expand the role of government. Truthfully, its most likely a combination of both. Regardless of the thought process behind it, the push to reduce the effects of human activity on the weather is not only tyrannical, but also based solely on lies and misinformation.
To date, over 31,000 American scientists have signed on to a petition that challenges the narrative of man-made climate change, 9,029 of which are Ph.D. holders. John Coleman, the founder of The Weather Channel, has said in the past that human activity plays a minimal role, if any, in the changing climate. (RELATED: Do 97% of scientists really agree that climate change is caused by human activity?)
As recently as a few months ago, Coleman warned that the election could have been a tipping point in favor of radical environmentalists like Al Gore if Clinton had been elected. Al Gore may emerge from the shadows to declare victory in the global warming debate if Hillary Clinton moves into the White House, he said. Yes, if that happens and the new climate regulations become the law of the land, they will be next to impossible to overturn for four to eight years.
Furthermore, in 2013, Australias National Snow and Ice Data Centre found that Antarctic sea ice grew by a record amount in April of that year, from a rate of over 110,000 square kilometers each day to a total of nine million square kilometers. Common sense suggests that if the earth really were warming at an alarming rate, the sea ice would be melting, not expanding.
Sources:
Bloomberg.com
Breitbart.com
ZURICH (Reuters) - Switzerland has banned imports from four Brazilian meat processing facilities as part of Europe-wide safety measures, Swiss authorities said on Tuesday.
"A total of four facilities have been barred from exporting meat products into the European Union or Switzerland," the Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office said. "Three of these facilities exported meat products to Switzerland in the past."
Switzerland had previously imported expensive beef and poultry from the sites, the authority added.
China and the European Union curtailed meat imports from Brazil on Monday after police, in an anti-corruption probe criticised by the government as alarmist, accused inspectors in the world's biggest exporter of beef and poultry of taking bribes to allow sales of rotten and salmonella-tainted meats.
(Reporting by Michael Shields, writing by Brenna Hughes Neghaiwi)
Scientists from Caltech have made one of the most detailed analysis of "winds" coming from huge black holes and the incredible amount of heat coming from them.
The researchers studies a black hole located in the galaxy IRAS 13224-3809, which has some of the fastest "winds" ever recorded. Interestingly, the Caltech scientists found out that these fluctuations even happen on a periodical basis.
Fiona Harrison from Caltech said that scientists are already aware that black holes affect the immediate surroundings of their galaxies. However, according to Science Alert, they have not made observations at such a close range.
The study, published in the journal Nature, revealed that with the help of NASA's NuSTAR and the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton telescopes, the heart of the galaxy can travel up to 0.24 times faster than the speed of light, at 71,000 kilometers per second. This means that the wind or "ultra-fast outflow" generated by black holes is one of the fastest wind blasts ever recorded.
According to ESA, the X-rays from the black holes actually interact with iron and magnesium in the "wind," which heats up until they cannot absorb more X-rays. By the time the winds cool down, they will absorb X-rays again and the cycle continues.
Supermassive black holes at the center of most galaxies also have gas and dust lying around their accretion disks. Unlike air movements on planets like the Earth, researchers said these ultra-fast "winds" from black holes may be the result of cosmic "indigeston."
Erin Kara from the University of Maryland explained that with this discovery, it can be hypothesized that if black holes consume matter too quickly, they "release" the ultra fast wind. In fact, these are so fast that they may even block stars from being formed.
"Although we have seen these outflows before, this observation was the first time we were able to see the launching of the gases being connected with changes in the luminosity of black holes," Kara said.
This study is a crucial find for black hole experts as they are now seeing a clearer picture of just how the black hole's feeding process may affect other matter around them, especially stars.
Astrophysicist Stephen Hawking may be bound to space. This is after gladfully accepting an offer for a seat aboard Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic flight to space.
With his flair and interest with cosmology and science, it is not surprising that the famous professor would subject himself to such experiment. What's confounding is the fact that he is willing to risk everything that he had worked for, for that one shot to travel beyond the safe confines of Earth.
Apparently, Hawking had been working on a space flight long before Branson's Virgin Galactic offer. The 75-year-old says he doubted, at first, if anyone would give him a seat for a flight to space.
"And I can tell you what will make me happy, to travel in space," the famous astrophysicist and cosmologist said in an interview. "I thought no one would take me but Richard Branson has offered me a seat on Virgin Galactic, and I said yes immediately."
Hawking had long worked for space explorations and extraterrestrial research. He and Russian billionaire Yuri Milner are already working on Breakthrough Starshot, a nanocraft capable of flying to the nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, even before the potentially habitable exoplanet Proxima B was discovered.
Hawking's decision to climbed on board a Virgin Galactic flight bound to space may also be construed as a reaction towards the current U.S. government under President Donald Trump. The professor blatantly expressed his dislike for the new president, calling Trump a "demagogue," according to a report.
"The reaction to the election of Donald Trump may have been overdone, but it represents a definite swing to a right-wing, more authoritarian approach," Hawking said in the same interview. "I would like to visit again and to talk to other scientists but I fear that I may not be welcome."
Hawking believes that the country is still great and that there will still be special places that will remain dear to him. Despite the fact that he wanted to leave Earth, he still professed his love for the U.S. and its people.
A salon in Dresden, Germany is getting attention for offering a neck massage from an unusual employee -- a python.
Speaking with a reporter from a German newspaper, Frank Doehlen, 50, owner of the Haar Mode Team salon, said he started the unconventional service after his visit in South Africa, when he witnessed animals doing the same.
"On a trip to South Africa came the brilliant idea. There I saw how a shaman with crawfish massaged different patients," he told the Bild, a local news outlet.
"It [Monty] is quite heavy and warm, I thought it would feel cold. Well, it lies around the neck, that's all," a customer, Hanna Haubold, told 10 News.
Indian Express said the customers availing the service of Monty the python are not obliged to pay him, but they are encouraged to at least give donation for his food.
Because many patronizes the unconventional service, the massage is already offered two days a week and an advanced booking is required.
In most cases, a python's bite isn't venomous, but they can kill humans by asphyxiation. They usually use their muscles, which is 90 percent of their body, to cling on to their prey and crush them until unconscious or until their bones are broken.
However, Monty, who is 4 feet at 13 years old, is different, as told by Doehlen. Monty the python reportedly has been trained to be slightly gentle.
Another customer named Nadine Knect, who was interviewed by Ruptly TV, said she was slightly uneasy about the massage at the beginning, but after a while, she became relaxed.
"In the beginning, I was a little bit afraid. I thought the snake would be cold. But I should say, no, it is warm and it is a very pleasant feeling when it pulsates, when it massages the neck," she explained.
IUCN Red List notes that ball python (Python regius) is exploited for pet trade, but has been assessed as Least Concern. Aside from pet trade, they are often poached for leather and meat.
A new technique in transplanting stem cells has successfully cured an adult patient suffering from a rare blood disorder called congenital dyserythropoietic anemia.
The technique, described in a paper published in the journal Bone Marrow Transplantation, avoids the use of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation prior to the transplant.
"For many adult patients with a blood disorder, treatment options have been limited because they are often not sick enough to qualify for a risky procedure, or they are too sick to tolerate the toxic drugs used alongside a standard transplant," said Dr. Damiano Rondelli, the Michael Reese Professor of Hematology at the University of Illinois at Chicago, in a press release.
Rondelli said that the procedure will give adult patiets the freedom to have a stem cell transplant that was not available in the past.
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David Levy, a 35-year-old resident of Northbrook, Illinois, is the very first adult patient to be cured from congenital dyserythropoietic anemia via stem cell transplant.
Levy has been suffering from the blood disorder for more than 30 years, undergoing regular blood transfusions to ensure his organs and tissues receive enough oxygen.
By 24, the pain from his condition is so severe that he had to withdraw from graduate school. When he was 32, Levy was required to undergo blood transfusions every two to three weeks. During this time, Levy lost his spleen and had an enlarged liver. Aside from fatigue and heart palpitations, Levy is also suffering from iron poisoning due to his regular blood transfusions.
The new stem cell technique was used to Levy before his transplant in 2014. As oppose to usual stem cell transplants, the new technique allows the donor's cells to gradually take over the patient's marrow without using any toxic agents to eliminate the patient's cells before the transplant.
Because of the minimal use of chemotherapy and radiation, the new stem cell technique can be used even in patients with a long history of disease and some organ damage, just like in the case of Levy.
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President Donald Trump's recent scuffle with the scientific community is making one of the greatest minds in this generation feel unwelcome in the U.S.
In his interview with Piers Morgan in "Good Morning Britain," famed physicist Stephen Hawking voiced out his concerns and sentiments regarding Trump's presidency.
"I have many friends and colleagues there, and it is still a place I like and admire in many ways. But I fear that I may not be welcome," Hawking said during the interview.
Hawking also mentioned that there was a reported memo requiring government scientists getting a White House approval before they can do any announcements. The professor shared that the similar ruling was already made in Canada and had a "chilling effect" on the country's scientific community.
Professor Hawking also mentioned that Trump was made president by those "who felt disenfranchised by the governing elite in a revolt against globalization". Due to this, Trump's top priority during his term is to satisfy his electorate, which was described by the professor as "neither liberal now that well-informed."
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The appointment of the well-known climate-change denier Scott Pruitt as the head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was also highlighted by Hawking. In a report from Huffington Post, Pruitt previously announced that he does not believe carbon emissions are the primary cause of global warming.
Stephen Hawking could be really disappointed with the appointment of Pruitt. When Morgan asked Hawking what message he would like to relay to Trump, the professor said that Trump should replace Pruitt as head of EPA.
"Climate change is one of the great dangers we face, and it's one we can prevent. It affects America badly, so tackling it should win votes for his second term -- God forbid," Hawking said.
This is not the first time Hawking called out Donald Trump. In his interview with "Good Morning Britain" before the U.S. presidential election, Hawking called Trump a "demagogue" who seemed to appeal to the lowest denominator.
Read Also: Stephen Hawking Says We Only Have 1000 Years Before End of Earth, Urges Humans to Go to Space
Hundreds of families of Sept. 11 victims are suing the government of Saudi Arabia, alleging the kingdom knowingly provided material support and resources to al-Qaeda and facilitated the terror attacks that killed thousands in New York, the Washington, D.C. area and Pennsylvania.
Fifteen of the 19 plane hijackers in the Sept. 11 attacks were Saudi nationals.
The lawsuit was filed in New York City Friday by law firm Kreindler & Kreindler.
The families accuses Saudi Arabia of raising and providing money to al-Qaida for terrorist activities, including terrorist training camps in Afghanistan, safe houses, weapons and false passport and travel documents, according to the lawsuit.
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The lawsuit accuses Saudia Arabia of being "duplicitous": "It presented a public face to the United States and other Western countries of a nation fighting al Qaeda and terrorism while at the same time, as detailed herein, Saudi government actors gave al Qaeda substantial material support and resources."
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The families are seeking monetary damages, with separate awards for each plaintiff plus interest, costs, punitive damages and other damages and fees.
The families of the 9/11 victims are being allowed to sue under legislation passed by Congress, which gives victims' families the rights to sue in U.S. Court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks.
The bill, called the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, was vetoed by then-President Obama last September. He said at the time the legislation could backfire by opening up the U.S. government and its officials to lawsuits by anyone accusing the U.S. of supporting terrorism, rightly or wrongly.
Congress overturned the veto.
Illinois lawmakers did not pass a bill that would have designated former President Barack Obama's birthday a state holiday, the Chicago Tribune is reporting.
Republicans voiced concern over the other Illinois presidents, such as Ronald Reagan, not having similar holidays, the newspaper reported. They also noted the economic cost of closing state buildings on such a holiday.
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Under the original proposal, schools and state offices would have closed, while banks and businesses could have, but would not be required to close.
The bills were introduced by Reps. Andre Thapedi and Sonya Harper, Democrats representing districts in Chicago. Both were referred to the State Government Administration committee.
If the bill had been signed into law, Obamas Birthday would have joined 13 other state holidays, including the birthdays of fellow former president Abraham Lincoln, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Casimir Pulaski.
The measure, sponsored by Rep. Sonya Harper, D-Chicago, could get another chance if enough members of the House support it, the Tribune reported, noting a dozen members didn't vote.
"Personally, to me, he helped me to get motivated, get up in my community and organize my community to be the change that we want to see, and we are seeing right now on the ground," Harper said, according to the newspaper.
A 10-month-old baby born with four legs and two spines is recovering well after undergoing a complex and risky medical procedure in Chicago, doctors say.
Young Dominique came to Chicago from the Ivory Coast in West Africa with an extremely rare parasitic conjoined twin.
Doctors say the bottom half of her not-fully-developed twins body was protruding from the infants neck and back.
Its very rare because it was attached at the back of her spine, said Dr. John Ruge, a pediatric neurosurgeon. It was as if the twin from the waist down had been attached to the back of Dominiques neck and there was a pelvis and bladder and functional legs that moved and feet coming out the back of Dominiques neck. This was very dangerous for Dominique.
Ruge said the parasitic twin caused Dominiques heart and lungs to do the work for two bodies and could have ultimately paralyzed her.
Advocate Children's Hospital
The child was brought to Chicago in February with the help of an organization called Childrens Medical Missions West and has been living with a host family while doctors at Advocate Childrens Hospital meticulously studied her case.
Its really hard to even put a number on how rare it is, said Dr. Robert Kellogg.
Despite her condition, her host family said the child had a bubbly personality and was a very happy baby when she arrived in the U.S.
A woman was killed and a man injured when gunfire erupted at a party on Chicagos Far South Side late Saturday, according to police. NBC 5s Emily Florez reports.
If you can say love at first sight I think thats true for us, said Nancy Swabb, who has been caring for Dominique since her arrival.
The Swabbs said the decision to take in the child was made quickly, with Dominique arriving at their home about a week after they learned of her case.
I saw a picture of Dominique with her extra limbs and one concern that we had before we met her was what can she wear? Swabb said.
The family later learned Dominique had difficulties balancing and sitting up because of the added weight from the extra limbs.
After weeks of planning, on March 8, Dominique underwent a six-hour surgery that involved five surgeons and 50 clinicians.
Advocate Children's Hospital
The surgery went very well, said Kellogg. There were no complications. We expect her to make a full recovery and live an essentially normal life from here on.
Dominique continues to recover at her host familys Edgebrook home. Doctors say once the recovery process is complete, the infant can return home to her family in Africa.
She is about 2 pounds lighter and she sits up and shes raising her hands and she reaches for things and shes doing really well, Swabb said.
Doctors said Dominique is now essentially a normal baby and are confident she can go on to live a healthy life.
I think it is very unique but it was a unique child that brought us together, Kellogg said.
For the second year in row, Governor Dannel Malloy has proposed eliminating cash bail for non-violent offenders, specifically young people who may have been accused of committing a crime for the first time.
The measure, in addition to its attempt at criminal justice reform, is being billed as a savings generator by Malloy. His office projects that the move could save the state as much as $30 million in the next budget.
"No one should be sitting behind bars, simply because they are poor, Malloy said during a hearing on the subject in the Legislative Office Building. Its rare for a governor to appeal directly in such a way, which he acknowledged, calling the sight of him sitting, in a similar way to members of the general public, testifying and answering questions before lawmakers.
"I want young people earning a college education, not an education in how to be a better criminal, Malloy added.
The governors foe on this issue is the bail bonds industry in the state. The group was successful in killing the measure last year, as it never made its way to the governors desk for his signature.
The arguments the Connecticut Bail Association last year are similar to the ones being deployed in 2017.
It will eradicate us as an industry, said Andrew Marocchini, the president of the association said. Hes also a bail bondsman in Manchester.
Marocchini argues that the governors logic and statistics are flawed. The governor quoted state prison figures Monday that showed more than 500 people are in jail with bonds worth less than $2,000.
Marocchini said such statistics have been cherrypicked, and says many of those people are not first time offenders. He also doesnt think those people simply cant afford to be released.
"No one is in jail who is a low level offender that just simply can't afford bond, he said.
The governor says the issue of repeat offenders is part of his entire point. He says if people remain in jail simply because they cant afford to get out, then they will likely return, meaning taxpayers would have to spend $168 per night to house them, leading to costs in the millions, and an increase in recidivism.
"Ninety-five percent of people come out of jail sooner or later, Malloy said. I'd rather they come out less likely to commit another crime, than more likely to commit another crime."
A Plainfield woman reported missing on St. Patrick's Day has died in a crash on a New Jersey highway.
New Jersey State Police said a car driven by 63-year-old Laura Russo, of Plainfield, Connecticut, was in the left lane on Interstate 80 west when her vehicle was rear-ended by a tractor-trailer around 2:30 a.m. Wednesday. She was pronounced dead at the scene in Saddle Brook, New Jersey.
A Silver Alert issued after Russo disappeared on St. Patrick's Day was canceled on Wednesday morning. No one had seen her or heard from her in several days and no information was available on her whereabouts between last Friday and this morning.
No charges have been filed and the crash remains under investigation.
School officials in Connecticut are asking President Donald Trumps administration to keep Immigration and Customs Enforcement out of the schools.
Members of several organizations in Connecticut said that boards of education, superintendents of schools and their staffs, school administrators, teachers and public school children in Connecticut are alarmed by federal agents and going to schools or school events and apprehending children who could be deported.
The alarm itself is disrupting learning and if federal agents and/or state and local officials who assist them begin apprehending children in schools and/or school events, the alarm and the resultant disruption in learning will be extremely harmful to all children who attend CTs public schools, Joseph J. Cirasuolo, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents; Robert Rader, executive director of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education; Sheila Cohen, president of the Connecticut Education Association; and Gary Maynard, president of the Connecticut Federation of School Administrators; sent a letter to President Trump on March 8.
They wrote that they don't feel their request interferes with any existing immigration enforcement laws or orders.
So far, there has been no feedback from the Trump administration to the letter.
The Supreme Court has declined to disturb the conviction of former Connecticut Gov. John Rowland on public corruption charges.
The justices on Monday rejected Rowland's appeal of his 2014 conviction for conspiring to hide his work on political campaigns for two Republican congressional candidates.
Rowland argued that contracts he prepared that sought to disguise the nature of his work were not falsified records.
A federal appeals court rejected that argument, ruling last year that Rowland was properly convicted of creating documents that falsified his relationships with congressional candidates Lisa Wilson-Foley and Mark Greenberg.
Rowland served as governor from 1995 to 2004, when he resigned and was sentenced to prison in a different corruption scandal. He is currently serving a two-year sentence for the latest conviction.
FBI Director James Comey confirmed Monday that the bureau is investigating possible links and coordination between Russia and associates of President Donald Trump as part of a broader probe of Russian interference in last year's presidential election.
Comey also said he and the Justice Department have no evidence to support claims Trump has made that former President Barack Obama wiretapped Trump Tower.
The extraordinary revelation of an investigation came at the outset of Comey's opening statement in a congressional hearing examining Russian meddling and possible connections between Moscow and Trump's campaign. He acknowledged the FBI does not ordinarily discuss ongoing investigations, but said he'd been authorized to do so by the Justice Department, given the extreme public interest in this case.
"This work is very complex, and there is no way for me to give you a timetable for when it will be done," Comey told the House Intelligence Committee, adding that he cannot discuss whose conduct is being examined and asking that the public not speculate about why he cannot comment further.
"I can promise you we will follow the facts wherever they lead," he said.
The hearing, providing the most extensive public accounting of a matter that has dogged the Trump administration for its first two months, quickly broke along partisan lines. Democrats pressed for details on the status of the FBI's investigation, while Republicans repeatedly focused on news coverage and possible improper disclosures of classified information developed through surveillance.
Under questioning from the committee's top Democrat, Rep. Adam Schiff, the FBI director also publicly contradicted a series of tweets from Trump that declared the Republican candidate's phones had been ordered tapped by President Barack Obama during the campaign.
"I have no information that supports those tweets, and we have looked carefully inside the FBI," Comey said. The same was true, he added, of the Justice Department.
He also disputed allegations that British intelligence services were involved in the wiretapping. He did not say whether Trump Tower was the subject of other surveillance, but he asked that no one read into those comments.
Republicans on the committee asked a series of questions probing the leaks of classified information in connection with the alleged Russian election meddling, something Trump railed against early Monday morning.
Comey and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers, who was also testifying, said they were against leaks of classified information, though the classified nature of information prevented them from commenting in detail.
White House press secretary Sean Spicer played down the influence of prominent Trump campaign officials named in the hearing, calling former national security adviser Michael Flynn "a volunteer of the campaign" during the election.
He referred to Trump's former campaign manager Paul Manafort as someone who "played a very limited role for a very limited amount of time." Spicer singled out Carter Page as being in the category of "hangers-on." Roger Stone was someone who "the president's known for a long time, conceding that they had a long relationship.
Manafort issued a statement Monday defending himself against suggestions he played a part. He said he had "no role or involvement" in the DNC cyberhack or disclosure of stolen emails.
Asked whether Trump still has confidence in Comey, Spicer said, "There's no reason to believe he doesn't at this time."
Rep. Devin Nunes, the California Republican who chairs the committee, noted in his opening statement that there was no physical wiretap on Trump Tower also contradicting the assertion made by Trump but added that it's possible that "other surveillance activities" were used against Trump and his associates.
Schiff, the committee's Democratic co-chair, laid out circumstantial evidence of collusion he referred to this weekend, saying that, if it occurred, it would "represent one of the most shocking betrayals of democracy in history."
The Senate Intelligence Committee has scheduled a similar hearing for later in the month.
Trump offered a "fake news" pre-buttle Monday morning on Twitter, citing Obama's top intelligence official, James Clapper.
Trump said "there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia" and again alleged, without evidence, that the Russia allegations were made up by Democrats to distract from their loss in the election. He said "the real story" is leaking of classified information.
Schiff and Nunes had said Sunday that documents the Justice Department and FBI delivered late last week offered no evidence that the Obama administration had wiretapped Trump Tower, the president's New York City headquarters, but the panel's ranking Democrat says the material offers circumstantial evidence that American citizens colluded with Russians in Moscow's efforts to interfere in the presidential election.
"There was circumstantial evidence of collusion; there is direct evidence, I think, of deception," Schiff said on NBC's "Meet the Press." ''There's certainly enough for us to conduct an investigation."
At a hearing in January, Comey refused to confirm or deny the existence of any investigation exploring possible connections between Trump associates and Russia, consistent with the FBI's longstanding policy of not publicly discussing its work. His appearances on Capitol Hill since then have occurred in classified settings, often with small groups of lawmakers, and he has made no public statements connected to the Trump campaign or Russia.
NBC's Asher Klein contributed to this report.
Lawyers for a Texas teenager who used an "affluenza" defense in a fatal drunken-driving crash have turned to the Texas Supreme Court in an effort to secure his release from jail.
The motion filed Friday on behalf of 19-year-old Ethan Couch argues that a judge had no authority to sentence Couch to nearly two years in jail after his case was moved from juvenile to adult court.
Couch's attorneys argue that the judge only had jurisdiction over criminal cases and that juvenile matters are civil.
Couch was given 10 years' probation after killing four people in a 2013 crash. He later violated his probation.
A defense expert invoked the term "affluenza" in arguing during the sentencing phase of the teenager's trial that he was coddled into a sense of irresponsibility.
Looking for a great quality of life in retirement in a large metro area? Head to the Provo area of Utah, according to a recently released report from the Milken Institute.
The city in the Beehive State topped the list of large metros in the Best Cities for Successful Aging. The nonprofit think tank describes its report as designed to highlight the nations most livable metropolitan areas those that enable an optimal quality of life for their aging citizens.
Iowa City, Iowa, was the top finisher among smaller metro areas.
The institute also notes that more than 80 percent of Americans age 65 and older live in metropolitan areas, and nearly 90 percent of older adults in the U.S. want to age in their homes and communities.
Paul Irving, chairman of the Milken Institutes Center for the Future of Aging, says:
Cities are on the front lines of the largest demographic shift in history. Lifespans are extending into eight, nine, and ten decades, and older adults increasingly are seeking lifelong engagement and purpose. They expect their cities and communities to support their changing needs.
The report evaluates metropolitan areas based on how they foster overall quality of life for older Americans. That includes:
General livability
Health care
Wellness
Financial security
Living arrangements
Employment
Education
Transportation and convenience
Community engagement
A total of 100 large metropolitan areas were evaluated for the report. The 10 that ranked highest are:
Provo-Orem, Utah Madison, Wisconsin Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina Salt Lake City, Utah Des Moines-West Des Moines, Iowa Austin-Round Rock, Texas Omaha-Council Bluffs, Nebraska-Iowa Jackson, Mississippi Boston-Cambridge-Newton, Massachusetts-New Hampshire San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, California
Many of the top large metropolitan areas include college towns, and all of them have a high percentage of older residents with degrees, according to the Milken Institute. The report notes:
We know that education fosters mental stimulation, which in turn can promote healthy, productive aging. This Best Cities report also underscores the positive impact that the presence of colleges has on quality-of-life factors that affect older adults, such as economic strength, infrastructure, walkability, and recreation.
Story continues
A total of 281 small metropolitan areas also were evaluated. The 10 that ranked highest are:
Iowa City, Iowa Manhattan, Kansas Ames, Iowa Columbia, Missouri Sioux Falls, South Dakota Ann Arbor, Michigan Ithaca, New York Lawrence, Kansas Logan, Utah-Idaho Fairbanks, Alaska
For more tips for successful aging, check out:
What do you make of the top cities in this report? Share your thoughts below or on Facebook.
This article was originally published on MoneyTalksNews.com as 'The Top 20 Cities for Successful Aging'.
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Dallas attorney Adam Charnes may soon have an old friend on the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.
"It's definitely surreal seeing people you know personally in high government positions," said Charnes, a leading appellate attorney with the firm Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton.
Charnes attended Harvard Law School with President Donald Trump's nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch.
"I think he was pretty similar to what you see now," Charnes said. "He was studious and serious and intelligent. Those years at Harvard law school were quite tumultuous. There was a lot of political controversy, and Neil sort of stayed above the fray."
"I think he's going to fit in very well. I mean, he's a very scholarly judge, and I think he'll fit in very well," Charnes said. "I think he's got a very collegial approach to his colleagues on the bench even when they disagree."
After law school, both Charnes and Gorsuch clerked at the Supreme Court for Justice Anthony Kennedy.
"He'll be the first former law clerk to sit on the Supreme Court with the justice for whom he clerked," Charnes said. "I'm sure that will be a very unusual dynamic."
"He won't impact the balance very much," Charnes added. "Justice (Antonin) Scalia was a judicial conservative, as is Neil, so you're replacing one conservative with another conservative. It shouldn't change the balance very much in most cases."
Charnes is confident his old friend will be confirmed, and hopes to see him soon in Washington.
"Hopefully, when he gets confirmed, there's usually a big ceremony called an investiture, and I hope to be able to get up there for that," Charnes said.
The Senate Education Committee will hear testimony about the "School Choice Bill."
The proposed Senate Bill 3 would re-route millions of dollars from public schools to families who prefer private, religious or home school.
Leaders in the Texas Senate are backing the bill. It also has support from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick.
This is not the first time a version of school choice has been introduced during the Texas Session. Lawmakers in favor of the bill are hoping there is enough support and momentum to see the new policy confirmed.
Critics of the bill are fighting to block SB 3. Thousands have rallied for and against the idea of education savings accounts (vouchers) and tax credits that would be created under the bill.
SB 3 could reroute millions of tax dollars away from public school classrooms.
I like the idea of school choice, but choice within the public school system and Dallas ISD has engaged in some really innovative choice schools, said David Lee, whose daughter attends one of Dallas ISDs choice schools. First we need to think about funding the schools that we do have. Thats the conversation we need to have. We need additional funding for our schools.
Judy Beverly, who was an in-school nurse for more than four decades, is concerned for the millions of students who are enrolled in public school.
Everyone wants to take money away from the schools, and yet Texas does so poorly for their school children," she said. "For whatever reason, some moms and dads cant get them to a voucher school, and this new policy will take funding away from public schools. I dont agree with that.
Other concerns surround the lack of accountability over charter, private, and home school options.
I think that schools need to operate under the same rules," Lee said.
Those in favor of the bill say providing parents with options will produce healthy competition.
I think parents need to demand more. People dont like change, and it can be scary, there are the unknowns and we like to be comfortable. I think to get to the next level we have to stretch ourselves, said Shannon Braun who has a child currently enrolled in private school.
Braun's oldest daughter graduated from public school and attend University of Texas.
I can see the difference, between what she was taught and what my son is being taught. In private school its not about the standardized tests, its about comprehension and teaching students how to become leaders, she said.
Antanette Malone who recently enrolled her first grader into a Dallas charter school is happy with her decision.
Charter school teaching is better because youre not just focused on one aspect which is taking a test at the end of the year. You also get more parent involvement in charter schools, she said.
Each parent has the same goal, making sure their child has a quality education.
The hearing for Senate Bill 3 starts at 9 a.m.
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke to NBC on Monday on the first day of confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.
"Back in a former life I was a state court judge for 13 years on the trial bench, and as well as the Texas Supreme Court. So I come with a firm conviction of what judges should do in our three co-equal branches of government," Cornyn said. "Judges aren't politicians who wear black robes. Otherwise we would elect them rather than appoint them for life. And judges should interpret the law as written not as they wish it would be. So I think one of the best things about this confirmation hearing is you are going to have a very intelligent, accomplished, articulate nominee be able to explain why he believes his philosophy of judging is the appropriate one for judges on the Supreme Court and the lower courts well."
Democrats have said they will fight this nomination.
"I would say the judicial nominations, particularly at the Supreme Court level, have become unfortunately very politically contentious, so I don't expect my Democratic friends to go along quietly. But I do expect them to treat the judge fairly," Cornyn said.
These hearings begin less than a week after President Donald Trump released his budget proposal. The budget adds to defense spending, border security and veterans care. But there are cuts from several departments, including the Department of Agriculture.
"Well, presidential budgets are strange things around here, because every president sends over a budget, and almost immediately Congress goes off and does its own thing. But I think this budget is important because it demonstrates the president's commitment to rebuilding our military. That should be our number one priority as a federal government," Cornyn said.
Still, Cornyn said he suspects there will be some "significant differences between what the president has proposed, and what Congress ultimately does."
He added later, "I think farmers are essential to our economy, and obviously our way of life, and life itself. Unfortunately the farm budget gets caught up with a lot of things that may not be essential to helping our farmers and ranchers, and we can take a look at all of those things. I think it is all worth talking about, and going through with a fine-tooth comb, but I don't think our farmers have anything to worry about."
An all-natural diary fighting to call its skim milk "skim milk" against the wishes of the Florida Department of Agriculture won a victory in federal appeals court.
A three-judge panel on Monday struck down a decision that allowed the state to ban the Ocheesee Creamery from labeling its skim milk as skim milk because it doesn't add vitamins to it. The state wanted the creamery to call it imitation skim milk.
While the state defines skim milk as skim milk with Vitamin A added, the appeals court in Jacksonville said most people think of skim milk as the dictionary defines it: milk with cream removed.
The court said the Panhandle creamery isn't deceiving people when by calling the product skim milk and sent the case back to the district court.
At least two people were wounded Monday when shots were fired at a motorcade carrying former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide, lawyers for the ex-leader and a close political associate said.
Yvon Feuille, a senior executive of the Fanmi Lavalas political movement that Aristide founded decades ago, described the shooting at a bustling intersection in downtown Port-au-Prince as an "assassination attempt."
Feuille, who was in the motorcade with Aristide surrounded by chanting Lavalas supporters, alleged that the shooters were dressed as police officers.
Reached by telephone, Garry Desrosiers, spokesman for the Haitian National Police, said he did not immediately have any information about the attack or the allegations being made about the shooters. Subsequent calls went unanswered.
Aristide's U.S. lawyer, Ira Kurzban, said the shots were apparently "fired by uniformed police directly at the vehicle in which President Aristide was a passenger." At least two people standing in front of the car were hit, he said.
"Thank God no one was killed and at least one of the shooting victims was taken to the university medical center that President Aristide was instrumental in founding," Kurzban said in an email from Florida.
Aristide attorney Mario Joseph said the hospitalized man was a security guard hired to protect the former president.
The Lavalas party circulated a photograph showing some blood on a car's front bumper and headlight.
The incident occurred after Aristide appeared as a witness in a court hearing involving an associate who is facing a money laundering probe.
Although he hasn't been in power for nearly 13 years, Aristide remains a highly divisive figure in Haiti, extremely popular with some and deeply reviled by others.
He emerged as a leading voice for Haiti's poor and became the troubled country's first democratically elected president in 1990, despite opposition from the army, Haiti's elite and the United States following the 29-year Duvalier family dictatorship.
Aristide was toppled twice from power, his second term ending in 2004 amid a violent rebellion and allegations of corruption. He spent seven years in exile in South Africa.
The former Roman Catholic priest insisted he wouldn't get involved in politics upon his return to Haiti in 2011. But he actively campaigned for Maryse Narcisse, the Lavalas presidential candidate who finished fourth in a presidential election redo in November.
Before the campaign, he had mostly kept a low profile since returning. He was under house arrest in 2014 amid an investigation into corruption under his government.
Protesters who support AirBNB gathered at Miami City Hall Monday as a battle is brewing between South Florida leaders and the popular home rental service.
The mayors from both Miami and Miami Beach are cracking down on homeowners who illegally rent out their homes through the service.
Miami Beach Mayor Philip Levine wants to crack down on any AirBNB hosts who are renting out their homes in residential neighborhoods where it is against city code. The City of Miami wants to pass an ordinance this week to prevent the same thing.
"The administration will aggressively enforce the zoning code of the City of Miami by going after people who are doing commercial activities in residential areas," Miami Mayor Tomas Regalado said.
Both cities say they've received complaints from residents worried about their safety and quality of life because of these rentals, and have already issued citations and fines to try and bring AirBNB hosts into compliance.
AirBNB hosts and users hope to make an agreement with the cities as they have with Miami-Dade County.
"We want to be regulated, it's not our way or the highway. We at least deserve a seat at the table. These are residents, taxpayers and voters, we deserve a seat at the table," said Tom Martinelli, AirBNB director of public policy.
Miami-Dade has taken another route, announcing Monday that they now have an agreement with AirBNB to collect a six percent resort tax from hosts that could bring upward of $8 million in new revenue for the county.
Florida Highway Patrol officials confirmed two college students from South Florida were killed in a deadly weekend pileup near Orlando.
Valentina Martinez, 20, and 18-year-old Antonio Mesa, both from Weston and students at Florida State University, were in a vehicle that was rear-ended Sunday on the Floridas Turnpike in Lake County.
The two were with two others traveling north when a pickup truck failed to stop and slammed into their vehicle. Mesa was pronounced dead at the scene while Martinez died at an area hospital.
gofundme.com/jzxrq-valentina-martinez
In all, seven vehicles were involved in the crash with a total of 17 people being treated for injuries some at the scene while others were taken to the hospital, some with serious injuries, according to the Orlando Sentinel.
Mesa was a freshman at FSU. He graduated from Cypress Bay High School in 2016. Martinez also graduated from Cypress Bay High.
Samantha Zemaitis, who knew Mesa since middle school, was devastated by the news of losing a long-time friend.
"I've lost a couple of friends these past few years and it's only taught me that there's nothing you can do or say to bring them back, just keep the memories alive at heart," said Zemaitis.
She added that Mesa was always smiling and that she and her friends are simply heartbroken.
"We had a lot of memories and one thing about him that I'll always remember is the smile that he wore, because he wore it so effortlessly and it was amazing," Zemaitis said. "It just really breaks my heart, like all of this, it's just not fair, like I don't believe like that it was his time to go, and I really don't believe also that everything happens for a reason, because I don't see the reason behind taking someone's life away that was as innocent and as great as him. He touched a lot of people's lives."
The City of Weston sent their condolences to the victims' family. The City's Twitter page posted a tweet which reads: "Deepest sympathy to family and friends -- a tragic loss."
The driver and the front seat passenger survived the impact and are both being treated in a hospital in Central Florida.
No charges have been filed so far as troopers continue to investigate. A GoFundMe account has been set up to help Martinez's family with funeral costs.
What to Know Prosecutors say the couple used the story of a real 5-year-old boy with cancer, falsely saying he died to get people to pony up cash
They were arrested Friday; the investigation started in late February after they were seen going into businesses in Lynbrook
The total estimated haul of the alleged scheme wasn't known, but officials said they took in $200 in Lynbrook in one day
A Brooklyn couple has been re-arrested in an investigation into an alleged scheme in which they duped people into helping cover funeral costs for a cancer-stricken 5-year-old boy they claimed had died.
Seven more victims have come forward in the two weeks since Vincent Fina and Brittney Schmidt were first arrested on fraud-related and child endangerment charges. There are now 15 people in Queens, Brooklyn, and Nassau County who claim the couple swindled thousands of dollars out of them in the course of eight months, prosecutors say.
The couple was arrested by Lynbrook police as a result of the investigation by the Nassau District Attorney's office.
"They started out with their 11-year-old son, saying he had leukemia and that he was collecting for a cancer camp," said Diane Peress, bureau chief of the Nassau County Economic Crimes Bureau. "Then they moved onto the whole Gianni thing, first looking for gifts for him and then the nonexistent funeral for him."
Gianni is the Staten Island boy they claimed had died. The boy's battle with cancer is real, but unlike the couple's claim, he is alive. Prosecutors say Schmidt and Fina lifted his photo from a fundraising page and used their own son to scam businesses, even fire stations.
The couple were arraigned and released to probation, and are due back in court April 28. They've been ordered to enter inpatient drug treatment for 28 days beginning Tuesday. The couple allegedly made statements that they were using the money they were making to buy drugs.
They did not speak to reporters as they left court Monday.
Detectives launched an investigation Feb. 21 after the couple was stopped in Lynbrook and asked about their "suspicious behavior," authorities said, and arrested them at their Brooklyn home on March 3.
What to Know News 4 has obtained a report of the Coast Guard investigation into a NY Waterway ferry crash into a group of kayakers on the Hudson
The Coast Guard concludes that water sport business Manhattan Kayaking Company acted negligently
It also says the ferry captain also shared some of the blame
A Coast Guard investigation into the NY Waterway ferry boat collision with a group of kayakers on the Hudson River last summer says both parties share the blame in the incident.
The dramatic scene played out on the Hudson River on Aug. 30, with empty kayaks overturned, some with injured passengers still clinging to watercrafts and awaiting rescue.
Audio of the dispatch recordings revealed the ferry captain saying over the radio: "I just hit a kayaker. So I'm stopped in front of Pier 79. I need the Coast Guard here as soon as possible."
Four of the nine kayakers suffered injuries. One of them described the terrifying moment she realized a ferry had slammed into her family.
"My sister jumped from her portion of the dual kayak screaming my brother's name as the ferry crashed into their kayak, sending them both underwater," the woman told investigators, as transcribed in the Coast Guard investigation report obtained by News 4.
The Coast Guard said water sport business Manhattan Kayak Company acted negligently by not taking action early in the trip to avoid collision and not notifying ferry operators they would be traveling in the area, according to the Coast Guard report.
The kayak guide whose arm was nearly severed told investigators, "I never thought that something like this would every happen to us."
He claimed he only saw the ferry seconds before the ferry struck the group.
"Once I realized it wasn't going to turn, that's when I kind of tried to signal towards it," he told investigators, according to the report. "But it all happened in seconds, really."
But the Coast Guard's investigation found the captain of the ferry, Jersey City -- who claimed he was blinded by the sun -- also shared some of the blame.
According to report, "the vessel captain did not maintain a safe speed or a lookout once the sun glare existed and was also at fault in the incident."
When asked by the investigator how fast he was going at the time of the collision, the ferry captain said, "I don't know," according to the Coast Guard report.
NY Waterway officials said Monday evening they had not yet reviewed the report and could not comment. Manhattan Kayak Company has not responded to News 4's call or email.
The ferry was departing the pier on 39th Street when it struck the boaters, Donald tweeted.
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Chopper 4 footage shows the NYPD pull three of the boaters out of the river and onto a rescue boat.
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A spokesman for NY Waterway, the ferry's operator, says it is cooperating with the New York Police Department and the Coast Guard on the investigatio
A dog has been euthanized after it attacked five people in New Jersey Tuesday morning, biting a 10-year-old boy and his family and then mauling a woman in an apartment parking lot when they opened the door to get it out, authorities say.
The dog was euthanized late Tuesday afternoon, Neptune police say. Its carcass is being tested for diseases.
Officials say the boy's uncle had just gotten the pit bull the night before. The former owner, a friend of the uncle, gave the uncle the dog two days after the canine bit his wife, though it wasn't clear if the uncle knew that prior.
The uncle went to stay at his sister's place at the Brighton Arms apartment complex in Neptune City and brought the dog along with him Monday night. The next morning, the 10-year-old boy asked his uncle to see the new pup. When the uncle opened the bedroom door, the dog jumped at the child, biting his arm, and attacking the uncle and the boy's mother as well, officials said.
Someone managed to open the front door of the apartment and the dog ran out, pouncing on a woman in the complex parking lot moments after she had dropped off her baby for day care at another unit, officials said.
The mauled woman's nephew heard her screams for help and ran out of their apartment, heroically jumping on the dog and pulling it off her, police said.
"I was lying down in my room, I heard somebody yelling -- it was my auntie," said Carl Gaunchier, 22.
Neptune police officer Alexander Parisi arrived to help Gaunchier corral the raging dog, then treated the severely injured woman, who had just dropped off her 1-year-old daughter at day care.
She was taken to the hospital and is now recovering from deep wounds to her arms and back. She says she's grateful for her nephew. Gaunchier suffered just minor scratches, though he did go to the hospital for a rabies check.
Three of the other victims also went to the hospital; they were expected to be OK. Meanwhile, police are calling Ganchier a hero.
Neptune City Public Safety Director Edward Kirschenbaum said if Ganchier's aunt had been running a few minutes later with her baby, the infant could have been severely injured or killed.
The dog is in the custody of the SPCA.
What to Know Preet Bharara was fired this month after he refused to resign; Trump had sought resignations from him and 45 others appointed in Obama era
Bharara will begin his new job as distinguished scholar in residence at NYU's law school April 1
Bharara is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School. A frequent visitor to NYU Law, he was the JD convocation speaker in 2015
Less than two weeks after Preet Bharara was fired by President Trump's administration following his refusal to resign his post as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the high-profile federal prosecutor has a new gig.
Bharara will join New York University's School of Law April 1 as a distinguished scholar in residence, the school announced Tuesday.
"I am honored to join the NYU School of Law, one of the great educational institutions in America, and I welcome the chance to contribute in such a thoughtful setting," Bharara said in a statement. "I am thrilled for this opportunity to continue addressing the issues I so deeply care aboutcriminal and social justice, honest government, national security, civil rights, and corporate accountability, to name a few."
Bharara was one of more than 40 prosecutors appointed during the Obama era who Trump had asked to resign. Bharara refused, and announced March 11 that he had been fired. The 48-year-old prosecutor had served as the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York since 2009.
Prior to serving as U.S. attorney, Bharara was chief counsel to Democratic Sen. Chuck Schumer, including during the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committees investigation into the selective firings of U.S. attorneys in 2007. He also spent a number of years in private practice before entering public service. Bharara is a graduate of Harvard College and Columbia Law School. He was the JD convocation speaker at NYU Law in 2015.
Joon Kim, 45, who had previously served as Bharara's chief counsel, criminal division head and top deputy, will be acting U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York until Trump nominates a candidate for the job who can be confirmed by the Senate. That process could take months.
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A New Jersey man has admitted he lied about being a prisoner of war in Vietnam to get gifts, including a nearly $32,000 deck built on his home.
Robert Guidi, of Mine Hill, pleaded guilty Monday to theft by deception and violating the state's Stolen Valor Act.
The 67-year-old admitted he deceived the Wounded Warriors in Action Foundation and the Morris County Veterans Service Office.
Guidi served in a clerical position as an Army private during the Vietnam War. He falsely claimed that he was wounded and had been a POW.
He concocted an intricate story of bravery-- including receiving the Purple Heart-- that allowed him to receive a deck. Guidi received $3,000 from someone by pretending to be a Purple Heart recipient who needed medical aid.
Guidi also lied about his service as a Green Beret and trained sniper, prosecutors said, his completion of military airborne school and training at Quantico and Langley, which train FBI and CIA agents.
Prosecutors will recommend Guidi be sentenced to three years in prison and repay the North American Deck and Railing Association when he's sentenced in May, The Daily Record reported.
He has already returned a hunting bow that he was given in honor of his bogus military record.
Defense lawyer Neill Hamilton wants Guidi to be sentenced to the county's drug court program.
Guidi would avoid prison and be placed on long-term probation. Drug court is for treatment and rehabilitation of defendants addicted to drugs. Guidi's eligibility for that court hasn't been disclosed.
Guidi was indicted a decade ago on charges of swindling three homeowners in Denville out of nearly $64,000 in home improvements and landscaping projects that were never completed. He pleaded guilty to theft, though the exact sentence he received wasn't immediately available.
UPDATE: Williams pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Wednesday. DETAILS HERE
Embattled Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams is accused of taking gifts in exchange for providing favors for business owners and defrauding a nursing home as well as his own family members, according to a 50-page indictment released Tuesday.
The city's top prosecutor is charged with bribery, extortion, and honest services wire fraud after he allegedly received tens of thousands of dollars worth of concealed bribes from two business owners in exchange for his agreement to perform official acts. Williams is also accused of defrauding a nursing home and family friends of money that was earmarked for his relative's care.
Mayor Jim Kenney issued the following statement following news of Williams' indictment:
It is deeply shameful that the Citys chief law enforcement officer has been implicated in such a flagrant violation of the law. At a time when our citizens trust in government is at an all-time low, it is disheartening to see yet another elected official give the public a reason not to trust us. That this comes at the head of our justice system is even more troubling. We must all greatly raise the bar for our behavior and show the citizens of Philadelphia that we are capable of carrying out our most basic responsibilities as elected officials, upholding the law.
Philadelphias District Attorney Seth Williams was indicted on corruption charges. NBC10s Deanna Durante has the latest from the Breaking News Center.
The charges were announced by the U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, FBI and the IRS during a press conference Tuesday afternoon. The announcement came after a lengthy investigation into $160,000 in gifts that Williams allegedly failed to report, including a new roof, a $2,700 couch and luxury vacations.
The indictment alleges that as District Attorney, Mr. Williams compromised himself and his elected office by standing ready to help those who were willing to pay him with money, trips, and cars, Acting U.S. Attorney William E. Fitzpatrick said. Mr. Williams alleged willingness to compromise his position of public trust in exchange for private financial gain is all the more unfortunate given that he was elected to protect the interests of the people of Philadelphia as their chief law enforcement officer.
According to the indictment, Williams solicited and accepted bribes from two business owners in exchange for performing and agreeing to perform official acts for them and their associates from July, 2010 to July, 2015.
Williams allegedly filed false and misleading personal financial statements from 2012 through 2015 in order to conceal the illegal arrangements. The false statements intentionally omitted references to the items Williams received from the business owners, according to the indictment. Williams allegedly amended the financial disclosure statements to list most of the items listed in the indictment, besides a pre-owned 1997 Jaguar he received in June of 2013, after he learned about the federal investigation.
Officials announced a 23-count indictment against Philadelphias District Attorney Seth Williams on Tuesday. NBC10 Investigative Reporter Mitch Blacher has been tracking the possibility of charges against the top prosecutor for months.
Alleged Arrangement with Business Owner #1
Investigators say Williams solicited and accepted several valuable items from a person identified in the indictment as Business Owner #1, between July, 2010 and May, 2015. Those items included an all-inclusive vacation to Punta Cana worth $6,381, a custom sofa worth $3,212, a $502 dinner at a Philadelphia restaurant, a $7,000 check, approximately $2,000 in cash, a Louis Vuitton tie worth $205, an iPad worth approximately $300, a Burberry watch and a Burberry purse for his girlfriend, according to the indictment.
Williams allegedly agreed to help Business Owner #1 with security screenings whenever Business Owner #1 returned from foreign travel. Williams contacted a Philadelphia police official and pressured as well as advised the official to assist Business Owner #1 with those "border encounters," according to the indictment.
On March 15, 2013, Williams met with the police official and Business Owner #1, investigators said. During the meeting he allegedly asked the police official to help Business Owner #1 avoid a secondary screening. That same day Williams accepted a $7,000 check from Business Owner #1 and also repeatedly offered to write an official letter under his authority as the District Attorney, on behalf of Business Owner #1, pressuring and advising the police official to help the business owner with the border encounters, according to the indictment.
Breaking Down the Seth Williams Corruption Charges
The indictment also alleges Williams agreed to help with criminal charges brought by the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office against Business Owner #1s associate, identified as Person #1, between February 1, 2012 and February 5, 2012. Williams made the agreement while he was on the Punta Cana vacation which was paid for by Business Owner #1, according to the indictment.
On February 8, 2012, only a few days after returning from Punta Cana, Williams received a text message from Business Owner #1 listing the docket number and hearing date for Person #1s case, investigators said. The text message stated Person #1 would take any punishment but just doesnt wanna do jail, according to the indictment. Williams allegedly responded by texting, I will look into it. Williams then allegedly asked about a second trip to Punta Cana that would be paid for by Business Owner #1, texting, I am merely a thankful beggar and dont want to overstep my bounds in askingbut we will gladly go.
The indictment states Business Owner #1 texted Williams in September, 2012 asking him again to help Person #1. Williams allegedly responded by texting, It seems like he has the possibility of having it thrown out or continuedif it gets continued I will then ask for the file and see what can be done to make it a county sentence.
Officials announced a 23-count indictment against Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams. NBC10s Randy Gyllenhaal has the latest on the corruption charges.
Alleged Arrangement with Business Owner #2
From March, 2012 through July, 2015, Williams allegedly solicited and accepted from a Philadelphia bar owner identified in the indictment as Business Owner #2, approximately 16 round-trip airline tickets to Florida, San Diego and Las Vegas for himself, his girlfriend and members of his family. The indictment also alleges Williams accepted a 1997 Jaguar XK8 convertible and at least $900 in cash from Business Owner #2.
Investigators say Williams appointed Business Owner #2 as Special Advisor to the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office in November 2012 in exchange for the gifts. Williams allegedly issued an official badge, wrote an official letter of appointment and gave certain assignments to Business Owner #2 as Special Advisor. Business Owner #2 was on federal probation resulting from a June, 2012 federal tax conviction at the time, according to investigators.
On May 10, 2013 Williams wrote an official letter as the citys District Attorney acknowledging Business Owner #2s appointment as Special Advisor to his office, the indictment states. Investigators say Williams accepted the Jaguar from Business Owner #2 in June of 2013.
The indictment also states that Williams issued a second official letter to the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control on June 2, 2014 in order to influence a hearing to revoke or suspend Business Owner #2s California liquor license.
In July of 2015, Williams allegedly obtained a police accident report at Business Owner #2s request. The indictment states Williams texted Business Owner #2, I wish I could help moreCan I be a greeter or celebrity bartender to work off my debtI was serious about just doing whatever I can to help you guys!
Philadelphias top prosecutor was indicted for allegedly accepting tens of thousands of dollars in gifts and vacations in exchange for favors. NBC10s Denise Nakano has the latest on the corruption charges against Seth Williams.
Alleged Fraud of Nursing Home and Family Friends
Williams is also accused of diverting a relatives pension and Social Security payments to pay for his own personal expenses rather than applying them to the relatives nursing home costs as he was obligated to do under agreements with the nursing home. The indictment states the nursing home fraud occurred between February, 2012 and November, 2013.
Williams allegedly lied to a nursing home employee, claiming his relative spent the pension and Social Security payments. The indictment also accuses Williams of spending money on his personal expenses after accepting $10,000 from friends of his relative instead of covering expenses for his relatives nursing home care.
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Williams is charged with 10 counts of travel and use of interstate facilities to promote and facilitate bribery contrary to Pennsylvania law, two counts of Hobbs Act extortion under color of official right, five counts of honest services wire fraud and six counts of wire fraud. He will be arraigned Wednesday at 2 p.m. before Magistrate Judge Richard A. Lloret at the U.S. Courthouse on 601 Market Street in Philadelphia.
Williams, the city's first black district attorney, announced last month he would not run for re-election this year. The 50-year-old Democrat said he showed poor judgment and regretted "mistakes in my personal life and in my personal financial life."
Williams has said he encountered financial problems amid a divorce and tuition costs for his children.
NBC10 reached out to Williams' lawyer Michael Diamondstein for comment.
"I cant comment on the specific allegations because we have yet to review the full indictment," Diamondstein said. "I can say on Mr. Williams behalf that he vehemently denies compromising any law enforcement case or investigation. We ask that the public respect the judicial process and refrain from drawing conclusions until the facts can come to light."
After chargers were brought against the District Attorney Tuesday, voters are now calling for accountability from public officials. NBC10s Brandon Hudson reports on the citys reaction to the indictment.
Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch declared Tuesday he's made no promises to Donald Trump or anyone else about how he'll vote on abortion or other issues and testified he'll have no trouble as a justice holding anyone accountable, including the president who picked him.
Gorsuch also called Trump's attacks on federal judges "disheartening" and "demoralizing."
During the long second day of his Senate confirmation hearings, Gorsuch made two other notable statements in response to questions from members of the Judiciary Committee, and both also related to Trump, who nominated him.
Republican Lindsey Graham of South Carolina asked Gorsuch whether Trump had asked him to overturn Roe v. Wade, the case establishing a right to abortion, and what he would have done had Trump asked him to do so.
"Senator, I would have walked out the door," Gorsuch replied. "That's not what judges do." Later in the day, Gorsuch acknowledged that he and Trump discussed abortion during his Supreme Court interview, but only how divisive an issue it is. Their conversation touched on abortion, Gorsuch said, after Trump bemoaned his loss of Gorsuch's native Colorado in November.
When Vermont Democratic Sen. Patrick Leahy asked Gorsuch if a president is free to ignore laws on national security grounds, Gorsuch replied that "nobody is above the law in this country, and that includes the president of the United States."
Some Democratic senators who are not on the Judiciary Committee called for a pause in the confirmation process after FBI Director James Comey said Monday that the bureau is investigating Russian meddling in last year's election and potential ties between Trump associates and Russia.
Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren said on Twitter that while the investigation continues, "lifetime court appointments can wait."
Judiciary Committee chairman Chuck Grassley dismissed the idea as ridiculous.
On a day mostly devoid of drama, Gorsuch batted away Democrats' efforts to get him to reveal his views on abortion, guns and other controversial issues, insisting he keeps "an open mind for the entire process" when he makes rulings. His comments were similar in response to questions from majority Republicans as they tried to help him highlight his neutrality in the face of Democratic attempts to link him to Trump.
The abortion question was especially pointed because Trump himself has insisted he would appoint "pro-life justices" who would vote to overturn the 1973 Roe decision.
Gorsuch likewise wouldn't comment on litigation over Trump's efforts to ban travel to the U.S. by people from some mainly Muslim countries. He did, however, say publicly what he had previously told senators in private about Trump's attacks on judges who ruled against him on that issue.
"When anyone criticizes the honesty and integrity or the motives of a federal judge, I find that disheartening, I find that demoralizing," he said.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, the Connecticut Democrat, asked, "Including the president?"
"Anyone is anyone," Gorsuch replied.
As Tuesday's questioning wore on, senators and Gorsuch engaged in a routine well-established in recent confirmation hearings. The nominee resists all requests to say how he feels about Supreme Court decisions, even as he is asked about them again and again. Such was the case with questions about rulings on campaign finance, abortion, gun rights, even a privacy ruling from 1965 that John Roberts explicitly endorsed in his confirmation hearing in 2005.
Gorsuch made one exception, describing the two-year-old decision extending same-sex marriage nationwide as "settled law," a term he did not apply to any other decision.
The 49-year-old Denver appeals court judge kept a smile on his face most of the day, although he seemed to show flashes of anger under questioning from some Democrats.
Sen. Richard Durbin of Illinois pressed Gorsuch on claims by a former student at the University of Colorado Law School who said Gorsuch implied in a legal ethics class in April that he believes many female job applicants unfairly manipulate companies by hiding plans to begin families. She remembered him saying that many accept job offers but quickly leave with maternity benefits.
"Those are not my words and I would never have said them," Gorsuch said. He later explained he was trying to teach students about inappropriate questions from prospective employers, not endorsing such inquiries. Other students told the AP the accuser was misconstruing the lesson.
Gorsuch reacted sharply when Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island asked him what he knew about a multimillion-dollar ad campaign run by a conservative group that backs his nomination. Ads have been running mainly in states won by Trump last year and in which Democratic senators face re-election in 2018.
"Is it any cause of concern to you that your nomination is the focus of a $10 million political spending effort and we do not know who's behind it?" Whitehouse asked.
Gorsuch replied: "Senator, there's a lot about the confirmation process today that I regret. A lot."
Republicans are unanimous in support of Gorsuch. Democrats remain incensed over how Republicans treated former President Barack Obama's nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, who was denied even a hearing last year after Antonin Scalia's death created an opening on the high court. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell insisted that since a presidential campaign was underway it was the right of the next president to fill the opening, and his gamble paid off when Trump won the election and chose Gorsuch.
Gorsuch declined a couple of invitations to tell senators how felt about the treatment of Garland, saying only "I think the world of Merrick Garland."
There are now just eight justices on the nine-member high court.
In an interview with Associated Press reporters and editors Tuesday, McConnell dismissed "whining" and "crocodile tears" by Democrats over Garland, insisting they would have done the same in his position. With a Senate narrowly divided 52-48 between Republicans and Democrats, McConnell would need eight Democrats to get Gorsuch over procedural hurdles to a final confirmation vote.
He said Tuesday he remains hopeful of getting Democratic votes, but if they aren't forthcoming he sounded prepared to move unilaterally to change Senate rules and confirm Gorsuch with a simple majority.
"If there aren't 60 votes for a nominee like Neil Gorsuch it's appropriate to ask the question is there any nominee any Republican president could make that Democrats would approve," McConnell said. "Gorsuch will be confirmed I just can't tell you exactly how that will happen yet."
An investigation is underway after a decorated U.S. Marine Sergeant Major with ties to San Diego died in a non-combat related incident in South Korea.
Sgt. Maj. Timonthy J. Rudd, 44, of Texas, died on March 19 as he participated in exercise Key Resolve. Marine authorities did not provide more information on what happened during the exercise and what may have lead to his death.
Rudd as the sergeant major of Headquarters Regiment, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force.
He first entered the Marine Corps in 1990 and graduated from recruit training in San Diego that fall, according to a bio on the Marines' website. He was assigned to A Company, Infantry Training Battalion, at Camp Pendleton, where he trained as a 0351 Dragon/Smaw gunner.
"Sgt. Maj. Rudd gave 27 years of dedicated service to the Marine Corps, and it was an honor to work with him. His death is a great loss to Headquarters Regiment and the Corps," said Col. Christopher A. Feyedelem, commanding officer, Headquarters Regiment, 3rd MLG, in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and coworkers."
During Rudd's time with the Marine Corps, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with one gold star, the Navy-Marine Corps Commendation Medal with two gold stars, an Army Commendation Medal, a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.
His death is under investigation.
No further information is available.
A San Diego-based U.S. Marine was robbed of personalized military uniforms worth thousands of dollars while passing through Memphis, Tennessee, including one he was going to wear for a special ceremony.
Officer Roy Hundley was headed to Quantico, Virginia, after leaving San Diego. On the night of March 16, he stopped in Memphis at Central Barbecue on Summer Avenue. As he ate, his military uniforms were stolen from his truck which was parked outside the restaurant.
"All of my uniforms were stolen. All of my service uniforms with all the jewelry -- the ranking with the little gold bars, the eagle globe and anchor, which is our symbol that we have that signifies the Marine Corps," said Hundley.
He said the thieves broke through the side of his truck and took off with his Springfield X-P-40 handgun, his knife, laptop, radio and the expensive uniforms. The one he was going to wear Monday for a special ceremony was worth $600.
"I had to work over the last year of my life acquiring all these new uniforms that I need so I can wear the uniforms I need as a freshly commissioned officer to go to training," said Hundley.
Hundley filed a police report and asked whoever took all his military uniforms to please give them back, no questions asked.
His family has since posted a GoFundMe page which received more than double of its requested donation goal of $4,000.
"Thank you so very much for all of your generosity! The support is beyond what we ever imagined," said his family, in a statement.
"Since the goal has been reached there is no need to continue to donate. We are not looking to profit in any way from our misfortune! We will pay it forward as much as possible," said his wife, Amanda Hundley, in a post.
The family says they will donate whatever funds are left after replacing the uniforms to military-affiliated charities and for travel expenses for the extended amount of time Hundley is in the VA, according to the GoFundMe page.
UPDATE: Rape charges against Jose Montano and Henry Sanchez Milian were dropped, prosecutors said May 5, 2017.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said he is "outraged by the brutal and violent rape" of a 14-year-old girl at Rockville High School last week.
Two students raped another student in a bathroom stall at the school Thursday, Montgomery County Police said.
Authorities said Henry E. Sanchez, 18, and Jose O. Montano, 17, approached a 14-year-old girl in a hallway at Rockville High School during school hours Thursday morning and asked her to walk with them.
Montano asked her for sex, and after she refused, he and Sanchez forced her into a boys' bathroom where they both raped her and sodomized her, police said.
The victim reported the rape to school staff, who contacted police.
Sanchez admitted to having sex with the victim, according to court documents.
"I am outraged by the brutal and violent rape of a 14 year old girl in a Rockville public school. Our prayers are with her," Hogan posted in a Facebook statement Tuesday. "The State of Maryland is calling on Montgomery County to immediately and fully cooperate with all federal authorities during the investigation of this heinous crime. The public has a right to know how something this tragic and unacceptable was allowed to transpire in a public school."
According to court documents, Sanchez also has an immigration case that's been pending since August.
Investigators arrested Montano and Sanchez on school property. They are charged with first-degree rape and two counts of first-degree sexual assault.
"These are very serious allegations carrying a life sentence," Montgomery County State's Attorney's Office spokesman Ramon Korionoff said last week. "The potential of life in prison would be available as we prosecute these individuals."
Both suspects were ordered held without bond.
Montano is charged as an adult. However, a court-appointed attorney wants him moved to a juvenile facility. He is due in court March 31.
Sanchez will be back in court April 14.
The principal of Rockville High School sent a letter to parents informing them of the arrests.
A Maryland House panel has voted against Gov. Larry Hogan's redistricting reform bill, but a Senate committee has passed a bill to create a mid-Atlantic compact for drawing congressional district lines.
The Republican governor's bill rejected Monday would have put redistricting in the hands of an independent commission.
Leaders in the Democrat-controlled legislature said partisan gerrymandering in drawing congressional districts is a national problem. But they said with the federal government failing to lead, they support a regional approach.
The bill would create a compact with New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina. If all six states enter the compact, an independent commission would draw district lines.
Government watchdog group Common Cause supported Hogan's bill. It says the compact measure creates a false promise of reform.
Sen. Tim Kaine rode Metro Monday to warn about the potential impact President Donald Trumps proposed budget cuts could have on the transit agency.
Kaine (D-Va.) went to the King Street Station in Alexandria to tour the ongoing track work and ride the rails with Metro General Manager Paul Wiedefeld.
Kaine said Trumps budget could make Metro worse than it is if Trumps budget is approved.
Starving it of the oxygen, starving it of the funding will hurt this system, Kaine said. Our region doesnt work without Metro.
Kaine said hes open to a proposed fare hike for Metro as well as a change in who governs the transit agency.
Its really difficult to govern a system if you dont have a certain investment, and thats something that Metro struggles with, he said. Weve got to provide them more certainty.
Wiedefeld and D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser met with Trump at the White House last week.
We talked more about the importance of Metro to the region in terms of the million passengers we move a day, in terms of 40 percent of the peak hours being federal employees, what it means for the economy of this region, Wiedefeld said. So we talked in those terms.
Kaine said he is confident the federal government will live up to its commitment to continue funding Metro at $150 million per year for the next two years, the extent of the current agreement. He also hopes that agreement can be renewed for an additional 10 years.
Three men have been charged with burglarizing three gun stores in the D.C. area in less than a week.
Federal prosecutors said the men stole 35 semi-automatic handguns. However, only one has been found by officials, and the rest are still missing.
Preston G. Holmes, 23, Matthew D. Jones, 23, and Daniel L. Quarles, 19, were charged with conspiracy and theft of firearms.
On March 11, prosecutors said the men broke into 50 West Armory in Chantilly, Virginia, and stole 35 semi-automatic handguns.
Video footage showed three people smashing the front glass door and breaking the glass display counters with a hammer. They removed the guns from the display counters, put them into a plastic bin and rushed outside to a waiting U-Haul. They appeared to be wearing distinctive UGG brand boots.
On March 14, prosecutors said the men broke into Ash Tactical in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Surveillance video showed a similar U-Haul van in front of the business, and the suspects carrying a plastic bin and breaking the glass front door with a hammer.
The guns at Ash Tactical were all stored in a safe after business hours. The suspects took only the cash box from behind the counter, which contained $100 to $150, according to an Ash Tactical employee. The footage showed two people wearing the same UGG boots seen in the Chantilly burglary.
About 30 minutes later, the U-Haul was spotted in another surveillance video, outside SSG Tactical in Fredericksburg. The men were seen exiting the U-Haul, carrying the plastic bins. They broke the front glass door but were unable to break through the interior cage door with a crowbar. After kicking the cage door, the suspects fled.
According to an affidavit, a tipster told officials they knew where the suspects lived, on the unit block of H Street, Northwest, just northwest of Union Station. The tipster said the U-Haul used in the burglaries was in a parking garage nearby, and most of the stolen guns already had been sold.
Officials went to the parking garage and found the U-Haul with paperwork in plain view with Holmes name on it, as well as plastic bins consistent with those seen in the surveillance video, officials said. Tools consistent with those used in the burglaries were found inside.
A search of the apartment revealed the plastic bins, pieces of broken glass and a pair of UGG boots like those seen in the video.
Surveillance video showed Jones inside the U-Haul, as well as individuals interacting with someone inside a navy blue Lexus, which was registered to Holmes, officials said.
Montgomery County police are investigating whether the three suspects robbed a Rockville gun store on March 9.
Each defendant faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison if convicted.
A Virginia principal who was under fire for writing a letter of recommendation for a band instructor accused of inappropriate conduct was officially fired Monday night by the school board.
John Brewer, the principal at Dominion High School in Loudoun County, Virginia, was terminated in December, but some parents, students, and teachers who supported Brewer lobbied for his restatement. However, the school board voted to uphold the termination Monday night.
The board did offer Brewer an opportunity to be rehired to his old job if he followed specific conditions. They said he would have to get special training on child abuse and neglect reporting, training on "appropriate and timely" communication to the administration and public information office, and be removed from all school clubhouse activities, a program for at-risk kids.
Brewer has 10 days to decide if he would accept the proposal. If he does, he would still be suspended without pay until Apr. 17.
Jackie Funk, a parent leaders of the group StandWithBrewer, said she has mixed feelings about the board's decision.
"His positive impact on our students, faculty and community is immeasurable. With this decision, he now has the opportunity to come home," Funk said. "What has become crystal clear is that there are significant institutional problems within LCPS, and Dr. Williams must be held accountable for that."
Brewer wrote a letter of recommendation for Brian Damron, a band instructor at Dominion who later took a teaching position in Florida and allegedly engaged in inappropriate sexual relations with students in Florida and boasted about having relationships with students in Loudoun County.
The Loudoun County Sheriffs Office opened an investigation, but no charges have been filed. Brewer was criticized for writing the letter of recommendation, but it was never clear how much he knew of Damrons alleged behavior.
British Prime Minister Theresa May said that President Donald Trump was "being a gentleman" when he was photographed holding her hand during May's January visit to the White House, NBC News reported.
"We were about to walk down a ramp, and he said [the step down the ramp] might be a bit awkward," May told Vogue.
The hand-holding was panned as awkward by the British press.
A former U.K. cabinet minister described optics suggesting May was being led along by the U.S. president as "disastrous."
President Donald Trump is deploying an outside and inside strategy to fulfill his campaign promise to repeal and replace "Obamacare," seeking support beyond Washington before making an in-person pitch on Capitol Hill. Top House Republicans unveiled proposed changes in their legislation in hopes of winning support, three days before the big House vote.
Trump rallied supporters Monday night in Louisville, Kentucky, alongside Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., after meetings and phone calls in Washington aimed at steadying the troubled legislation designed to erase President Barack Obama's signature health care law. He planned to court House Republicans on Tuesday.
"We want a very big tax cut, but cannot do that until we keep our promise to repeal and replace the disaster known as 'Obamacare,'" Trump told the crowd of thousands in Louisville. "This is our long-awaited chance to finally get rid of 'Obamacare.' It's a long-awaited chance. We're going to do it," he said.
With their showpiece bill revamping the 2010 health care law at stake, House GOP leaders released 43 pages of revisions to the legislation in hopes of rounding up votes.
The measure would pave the way for the Senate, if it chooses, to make the bill's tax credit more generous for people age 50 to 65. Details in the documents released were unclear, but one GOP lawmaker and an aide said the language sets aside $85 billion over 10 years for that purpose.
The measure would also accelerate the repeal of tax increases on higher earners, the medical industry and others to this year instead of 2018. It would be easier for people to deduct expenses from their taxes, and older and disabled Medicaid beneficiaries would get larger benefits.
It would also curb future Medicaid growth and let states impose work requirements on some recipients.
Many GOP opponents were unhappy that nonpartisan analysts said their party's legislation would drive up costs for older people. The leaders' changes were aimed at addressing those concerns.
Trump resumed his campaign-style events at the start of a consequential week for his young presidency. Confirmation hearings for his nominee for the Supreme Court, Judge Neil Gorsuch, opened Monday before the Senate Judiciary Committee. The House was expected to vote Thursday on the GOP-backed health care bill.
Trump's Louisville rally, his third since his inauguration, followed a daylong congressional hearing in which FBI Director James Comey acknowledged for the first time that the agency was investigating whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russian officials seeking to influence the 2016 campaign.
Many hard-line conservatives have pushed for a more complete repeal of Obama's law, including its requirement that policies cover a long list of services, which they say drives up premiums. They also complain that the GOP bill's tax credits create an overly generous benefit the federal government cannot afford.
Moderate Republicans, meanwhile, have said the tax credits are too limited and would hurt low earners and older patients. They also worry the plan would leave too many people uninsured, pointing to a nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office analysis that estimated 24 million people would lose coverage over 10 years.
At the rally, Trump suggested he wasn't wedded to the current version of bill. "We're going to negotiate. And it's going to go to the Senate and back and forth," he said, assuring that the "end result is going to be wonderful and it's going to work great."
The White House was trying to win over conservatives who are part of the House Freedom Caucus, including the group's chairman, Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C. Meadows joined two Senate conservatives, Ted Cruz of Texas and Mike Lee of Utah, for a weekend meeting at Trump's Florida estate, Mar-a-Lago, with top White House aide Steve Bannon and other White House officials.
The rally Monday night was the Trump administration's second high-profile event in Kentucky in 10 days and took the president to the home state of one of the most outspoken critics of the plan, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky. Vice President Mike Pence was in Louisville earlier this month to build support for the Trump-backed bill.
Paul said Monday to a group of Louisville business leaders that he hoped the Republican bill would fail so that "true negotiations" could begin. The senator, who was re-elected last year, has dismissed it as "Obamacare lite" and asserted that the bill had no chance of becoming law.
Paul was not attending the rally, saying he planned to fly back to Washington to continue building a coalition to defeat the plan.
But Trump called him out nonetheless, saying he hoped Paul would come onboard.
"I happen to like a lot Sen. Rand Paul. I do," Trump said. "He's a good guy. And I look forward to working with him so we can get this bill passed, in some form, so that we can pass massive tax reform, which we can't do until this happens. So we gotta get this done."
The United States has not struck fear into North Korea, foreign ministry officials said Tuesday, according to state news agency KCNA. That's despite America's warnings that pre-emptive military action is on the table in response to the North's growing nuclear program.
"If the businessmen-turned-U.S. authorities thought that they would frighten [North Korea], they would soon know that their method would not work," the ministry said, according to the agency.
The ministry added that the North's government "has the will and capability to fully respond to any war the U.S. would like to ignite."
NBC News reported the comments come after U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson said Friday that an elevated weapons threat from the North "would be met with an appropriate response."
Police responded to a report of a shooting early Sunday morning in Providence, Rhode Island.
According to necn affiliate WJAR, police said a 20-year-old man was shot multiple times around 3:15 a.m. and transported to Rhode Island Hospital.
Police said that he was shot in the arm and hip, and an additional bullet grazed his head.
The victim's condition is currently unknown.
Police are calling the incident a felony assault.
Authorities in Natick, Massachusetts, are looking for a suspect in a stabbing that happened behind a Michael's craft store.
Police say it happened around 2 p.m. behind the craft store's Route 9 location Tuesday.
Cleanup crews could be seen at the store hours after the bloody victim ran inside looking for help.
Police say two men got into a fist fight near the back of the building, which led to one of the men taking out a knife and stabbing the other in the back.
"They were known to each other," said Natick Police Lt. Cara Rossi. "We don't know what the relationship was or the extent of the relationship, but according to the victim, he did know, or a family member was familiar with the suspect."
A surveillance image released by police shows the suspect appears to be an adult male with a long, scraggly beard, approximately 5-foot 10-inches, who was dressed in all black with a black hat and black gloves.
"It was kind of scary, especially since we work right here," said Michelle Kirouac, who works at LensCrafters in the same shopping plaza. "Especially someplace like Michael's, you wouldn't think anything would happen there."
Police say the victim had been shopping inside Michael's, but it's unclear if the suspect knew he was there and was following him, or if the two just ran into each other.
The victim was stabbed multiple times and ran inside the store asking for help. Customers told employees to call 911.
The man sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive.
The suspect ran off into the woods behind the store and got away. Police think the suspect has left the area, and they do not believe the public is in any danger.
Michael's spokesperson Mallory Smith said the company was "saddened to hear about the incident" at their Natick store but is not commenting further because it is an ongoing investigation.
The circumstances surrounding the stabbing remain under investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to call 911.
Sydney Adams, the missing 13-year-old from Plypton, Massachusetts, has been found, according to police.
Donald Johnson, 14, from Kingston, who Sydney Adams was last seen with was found as well.
The teens were found near Upland Road in a forest area. They were both transported to the hospital for evaluation as a precautionary measure after spending the night outside.
More information to follow.
A teenager has been arrested after allegedly stealing a police badge and impersonating an officer during a robbery in Chelsea, Massachusetts.
According to police, 18-year-old Jorge Beltran of Chelsea is believed to have broken into several cars, including a police officer's, over the weekend in Everett. Police say he stole a badge and a radio from the officer.
A resident of Chelsea reported Sunday evening that someone had approached him on Broadway, showed a police badge and escorted him into the basement of a multifamily home on Shurtleff Street, stealing the victim's phone and money.
A tenant let Beltran and the victim into the rear entrance of the building because the badge was flashed, police say.
"Pretending to be a police officer is strange," said Rubens Mendonca, who lives in the building. "I don't know why they want to do that."
"I feel scared to see those things happening really close to us," said neighborhood resident Guillian Lobo.
"That is absolutely illegal and people could fall for it and do whatever they are asking them to do," said Olvin Claros, who lives in the building next door.
Surveillance footage in the city showed Beltran and the victim walking together, according to police, who arrested Beltran Monday morning. Authorities recovered the badge, the radio and evidence police believe links Beltran to other car break-ins.
Beltran faces charges of impersonating an officer, kidnapping and robbery.
Anyone with information is asked to call the police department's tip line at 617-466-4880.
Loved ones celebrated the life of Joseph Toscano, the firefighter who died while battling a 2-alarm fire in Watertown, Massachusetts, on Friday, at his wake Tuesday.
Toscanos wake was held at St. Mary's Church at 211 North Main St. in Randolph. The visiting hours are from 4:00-8:00 p.m.
A funeral mass will be held Wednesday at Saint Patricks Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. in Watertown.
Toscano was a 20-year veteran firefighter for the Watertown Fire Department. He leaves behind his wife of 25 years, Maureen, and five children.
The Watertown Firefighters Relief Association has set up a fund to benefit the Toscano family. Donations can be sent to the following address:
Watertown Firefighters Relief Association
Toscano Fund
99 Main Street
Watertown, Massachusetts 02472
President Trump has long criticized cities and counties that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities in detaining illegal immigrants for possible deportation.
In January, in a retaliatory move against cities including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and San Francisco, Trump ordered cuts in potentially billions of dollars worth of Department of Justice, Homeland Security and other federal grants to those communities.
Related: Trump Cracks Down on Sanctuary Cities and It Could Cost Them Billions
On Monday, the Trump administration turned up the heat with the release of a report listing law enforcement agencies and jurisdictions that have refused to detain jailed immigrants for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The report will be released weekly, as required by President Trumps executive order signed January 25, Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States.
ICE routinely places detainers on illegal immigrants who have been arrested on local criminal charges when there is probable cause for their deportation. During the first reporting period of Jan. 28 through Feb. 3, ICE issued 3,083 detainers to local authorities across the country, according to the report.
Among the non-cooperative jurisdictions were Clark County in the Las Vegas area, Nassau County outside of New York City, Cook County in the Chicago area, Montgomery County in Iowa and Snohomish County in Washington state. ICE provided the following list of the highest volume of detainers issued to non-cooperative jurisdictions between January 28, 2017 and February 3, 2017:
Source: U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement
The final status of those detainers is not yet known. The list simply shows the largest number of detainers that were issued in the most recent reporting period in jurisdictions that have failed to cooperate with ICE in the past.
Overall, 206 people nationwide were allowed to leave jail instead of being held for ICE. Of that total, 142 illegal immigrants -- or 69 percent of the total -- were from Travis County, Texas. The county adopted a policy on Feb. 1 that greatly restricted its cooperation with ICE agents in rounding up illegal immigrants.
Story continues
Related: Could Trumps Attack on Sanctuary Cities Trigger a Tax Revolt?
Maj. Wes Priddy of the Travis County Sheriffs Office in Austin told The Washington Post that his office does detain criminals convicted of serious crimes for immigration officials but does not as a rule turn over people awaiting trial. According to the DHS list, charges pending against many of those who had been released ranged from burglary and marijuana possession to vehicle theft, sex offenses against minors and kidnapping.
Trump has said that his tough immigration policies, which have reportedly triggered panic in Hispanic communities across the country, are largely targeted at detaining and deporting hardened criminals and gang members.
On Monday, Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issued a statement denouncing Travis County law enforcement officials over the findings of the DHS report. Todays report from DHS is deeply disturbing and highlights the urgent need for a statewide sanctuary city ban in Texas, he said. The Travis County Sheriffs decision to deny ICE detainer requests and release back into our communities criminals charged with heinous crimes ... is dangerous and should be criminal in itself.
Related: Some Sanctuary City Officials Will Stonewall Trump Over Deportations
Some state and local officials, civils rights groups and immigrant advocacy organizations sharply criticized the release of the DHS report as a heavy-handed effort to intimidate law enforcement organizations and undermine undocumented aliens constitutional rights.
Cody Wofsy, a staff attorney with the American Civil Liberties Unions Immigrants Rights Projects, told The Washington Post that the release of the list is part of an overall strategy to scare jurisdictions into becoming deportation agents. He added that local jurisdictions have the legal right to refuse to get involved in the federal immigration system.
Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Massachusetts lawmakers in Washington are speaking out about the investigation into President Donald Trump's ties to Russia and criticizing his allegations that former President Barack Obama ordered that Trump Tower be wiretapped.
"This is very, very serious," Rep. Seth Moulton said. "It does not get more serious than this."
Earlier Monday, FBI Director James Comey admitted to the House Intelligence Committee that the agency is investigating Russia's possible ties to the Trump campaign and whether the country interfered in the 2016 election.
"That includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," Comey explained.
The director says the investigation began in July.
"I hate the idea that the president of our country is looked at with that same doubt, in terms of whether what he's saying has any basis in reality," Rep. Stephen Lynch said.
Comey also shot down Trump's claims that Obama wiretapped his New York home.
"We don't have any information that supports those tweets," he said, adding that "no president could" unilaterally order a wiretap.
The White House, meanwhile, continues to deny any collusion with Russia while it keeps the wiretapping allegations alive.
Congressmen Joe Kennedy and Michael Capuano both say Trump should apologize.
"You don't make an accusation like that without any evidence, and he did," Kennedy said.
"He owes an apology to the American people and to the former president," Capuano said.
Whoops Sen. Lindsey Graham killed off U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Tuesday morning.
"Justice Alito passed away in February," the South Carolina senator said as he questioned President Donald Trump's nominee for the vacancy on the high court, Judge Neil Gorsuch.
Graham's comment came as he addressed the controversial decision by Senate Republicans not to consider former President Barack Obama's pick for the court, Judge Merrick Garland. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell argued in March 2016 that the American people should have a voice in the process.
There had already been three primaries by then, Graham said.
"The campaign season in my view was afoot," he said.
There was only one problem: Alito of course is very much alive.
Graham meant Justice Antonin Scalia, who died on Feb. 13 last year.
He soon realized his error and said he had to correct the record. "Bad news, bad mistake," he said.
For Gorsuch's part, the second day of his hearing went more smoothly, as he declined to comment on difficult topics Democrats pressed him on, including Trump's campaign promise to ban all Muslims from entering the United States.
And he declined to respond to a question about the Judiciary Committee's handling of Garland's nomination.
"I can't get involved in politics and there's judicial canons that prevent me from doing that," Gorsuch said. "I think it would be imprudent."
In a lighter exchange with Gorsuch, Graham praised Trump's choice. He said he had been worried about whom the "Celebrity Apprentice" reality star would pick.
"Maybe someone on TV," Graham joked.
One of the Air Forces most intriguing aircraft was on display here Feb. 14 to give members of the Air Force Technical Applications Center a chance to get a glimpse of its inner-workings.
The WC-135 Constant Phoenix, AFTACs atmospheric sampling platform, flew from its home base, Offutt AFB, Neb., with its cockpit crew from the 45th Reconnaissance Squadron and its special equipment operators from AFTACs Detachment 1, also stationed at the Nebraska base.
While its operational mission falls under the centers command, many of those assigned in Florida rarely get a chance to see the aircraft in person, much less tour it.
More than 450 personnel funneled through the jet, which started with a close-up view of the cockpit, then moved through the body of the plane, where 9S100s (the Air Force specialty code that identifies special equipment operators) described how they collect debris during missions and prepare it to be processed for lab analysis.
Todd Leiss, AFTACs airborne operations technical advisor, and Tech. Sgt. Matthew Wilkens, a 9S100 and airborne operations section chief, coordinated the aircrafts visit months in advance.
The folks out at Offutt are charged with operating the only aircraft in the Air Force inventory that is solely responsible for conducting nuclear debris air sample collections, said Leiss. The WC-135s crew is ready to deploy 24/7 anywhere in the world to conduct its nuclear treaty monitoring mission.
Constant Phoenix flies in direct support of the U.S. Atomic Energy Detection System, a global network of nuclear detection sensors that monitor underground, underwater, space-based or atmospheric events. As the sole agency in the Department of Defense tasked with this mission, AFTACs role in nuclear event detection is critical to senior decision makers in the U.S. government.
Our aircraft is equipped with external flow devices that allow us to collect airborne particulate on filter paper and a compressor system for whole air samples, said Wilkens. The particulate samples are collected using a device that works like an old Wurlitzer jukebox. An arm grabs the paper from its slot and moves it to the exterior of the fuselage. After exposure, it is returned to the filter magazine where a new paper is selected for use. Its a simple, yet very effective, concept.
One of the visitors who toured the plane was David Campbell, a laboratory supply manager at AFTACs Ciambrone Radiochemistry Lab.
Ive been aboard a KC-135 before, and I wanted to see the differences for myself, said Campbell. I was really impressed with the important job the young Airmen have since theyre the ones directing the commissioned flight crew to where they need to fly when theyre on a mission. I also learned how tedious and time-consuming it is to load the air canisters on board and collect the samples for analysis. As a member of the lab that receives samples, it was definitely pretty cool to see where they come from.
Image courtesy of Google
I hate the New England Patriots, and no matter who they play Id like them to lose, Comey said.
It looks like the hatred for the Patriots is so deep, it's now being compared to Russia.FBI Director James Comey used the Pats as a metaphor to illustrate how much Russia hated Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's campaign.Comey went on to say he hates the Pats because of their sustained excellence. But if the FBI finds anything major on the Russians sabotaging the Clinton campaign, I bet Comey compares that to a Patriots cheating scandal.Would it shock you?Follow me on Twitter - @JesseGaunce For more of my articles, click here
Technophobic thrillers in popular media are always trying to convince us hackers are just a few malicious keystrokes away from crashing the world economy. And while doing such a thing is more complicated than just deleting all the money, one could certainly do a great deal of damage by changing what a computer thinks is true.
Wouldnt it be great if there were software that could guarantee which data was and was not correct, backed up by the most powerful computer processors available? I give you blockchain, which more and more fiscal institutions are using to protect their data, backed up by the undeniable power of mainframes.
Blockchain first entered the publics (OK, the techie publics) awareness in the orbit of Bitcoin, as a means of securing that controversial digital currencys code against someone who decided to break into the right server and add a couple zeroes to their account. But Bitcoin haters need not close this tab in disgust just yet, as blockchain has come into its own as a reliable security measure for more than just black market storefronts.
This powerful software has emerged from its point of origin to be the toast of the online security community, with giants such as HSBC and Bank of America looking to leverage blockchain to keep their data safe. Fortune predicts 15 percent of banks will use blockchain by the end of 2017, growing to 66 percent in four years.
Blockchain is a shared ledger technology allowing any participant in a business network to see the system of records. It uses a decentralized digital ledger to prevent transactions from being altered once theyve been recorded.
A blockchain database consists of transactions organized into blocks, and each block is linked to the previous block via a hashing function so they form a chain, with each block confirming the authenticity of the previous block.
Making the blocks interconnected and interdependent makes it much more difficult to change any one bit of data. It is still possible for a malcontent to forge every last one of those permissions, but any security expert will tell you no system is foolproof. Still, cracking a system with lots of steps and complexity is sure to discourage all but the most determined invaders.
Blockchain useful, safe for banks
Blockchain is especially useful and safe for financial institutions because it creates a common ledger of all transactions and interactions rather than relying on cumbersome reconciliations between widespread systems to stay up to date. These reconciliations are a bank fraudsters best friend, as criminals rely on the time between a fraudulent transaction going through and the system reconciling the discrepancy to get away scot free. This also makes precise, real-time visibility possible for data analytics, which is the driving force of market research in pretty much every field, finance perhaps most of all.
This is where big iron comes in. Not only are mainframes powerful enough to house a blockchain process, but theyre also fast enough to perform all the necessary checks to maintain blockchains level of security and perform all the stakeholders required analytics. Multiply that power by a whole bank of mainframes, like what most fiscal institutions use, and youre putting up a big iron wall to stymie any online attackers. Blockchain sets in place which online information is true, and mainframes make sure the truth is written in stone.
(Adds comment from EgyptAir sources)
By David Shepardson and Mark Hosenball
WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - Passengers on some U.S.-bound foreign airline flights will have to check electronic devices larger than a cell phone once U.S. authorities formalize a new ban in response to an unspecified terrorism threat, U.S. officials told Reuters on Monday.
The new rule is expected to be announced Tuesday by the Department of Homeland Security, the officials said, adding that it had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
A source said the rule would cover around eight to 10 foreign airlines. A separate government official confirmed an Associated Press report that the ban will affect 10 airports in eight countries in the Middle East and North Africa.
Reuters reported earlier the ban would include airlines based in Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The officials did not name the other countries.
No American carriers would be affected by the ban, the officials said. Passengers would be allowed to carry larger devices such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras in their checked luggage.
CNN, citing an unnamed U.S. official, said the ban on electronics on certain airlines was related to al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and that some information came from a recent U.S. special forces raid in Yemen. Reuters could not immediately confirm the CNN report, but Reuters has reported the group has planned several foiled bombing attempts on Western-bound airlines.
Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a tweet on Monday that U.S.-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting Tuesday at the request of U.S. officials, including those that transit through Canada. Passengers can still carry cell phones and approved medical devices.
Al Riyadh newspaper, which is close to the Saudi government, reported that the civil aviation authority had informed "airlines flying from the kingdom's (Saudi) airports to U.S. airports of the latest measures from U.S. security agencies in which passengers must store laptops and tablets" in checked-in baggage.
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Al Riyadh quoted a civil aviation authority source as saying that these measures from senior U.S. authorities were relayed to the Saudi interior ministry.
Saudia Airlines confirmed in a tweet that U.S. transportation authorities had banned carrying larger electronic devices in cabin luggage.
United Arab Emirates carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways told Reuters on Tuesday they had not been advised of any new restrictions on carrying electronic devices on U.S. flights.
Sources at EgyptAir also said the carrier had not been advised of any new restrictions and that a flight to New York had departed earlier on Tuesday with passengers allowed to carry on electronic devices as normal.
The White House declined to comment.
A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, David Lapan, said the agency has "no comment on potential security precautions" and would provide an update when appropriate.
Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly called congressional lawmakers this weekend to notify them of the plan, congressional aides said.
In July 2014, the Homeland Security Department stepped up security of U.S.-bound flights, requiring tougher screening of mobile phones and other electronic devices and requiring them to be powered up before passengers could board flights to the United States.
(Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy in Washington DC,; Alexander Cornwell in Dubai and Lin Noueihed in Cairo.; Editing by Toni Reinhold, Lisa Shumaker and Andrew Heavens)
CHENNAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is continuing its extensive searches in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata ports besides the container depot in Tughlaqabad for the fourth day following a tip off that consignments of fake Indian currency and arms have reached the countrys shores.
This has resulted in congestion in some ports as additional customs and excise official other than those posted in the ports have been requisitioned to ensure free movement of trucks into the ports.
Traffic has been hit due to rigorous searches being carried out by DRI sleuths in these ports.
Sources told Express that till now the searches have not yielded anything.
Meanwhile, traffic continued to pile up near the Chennai Port as the searches continued. Chennai Port officials told Express that the outbound cargo movement in the port has returned to normal from Sunday.
Yesterday, Chennai Port recorded a movement of nearly 1,600 trucks carrying goods for outbound cargo. This confirms that normalcy has been restored. However, the flow of trucks carrying incoming cargo has yet to get normal.
We had only 1,100 trucks carrying the incoming cargo against the normal level of above 1,300 a day, an official said.
The official added that additional officials from customs department and Central Industrial Security Force Personnel have been deployed to ensure free movement of trucks. It is learnt that each and every container is checked minutely. The instructions to carry out the searches has come directly from the Prime Ministers Office.
CHENNAI: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is continuing its extensive searches in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata ports besides the container depot in Tughlaqabad for the fourth day following a tip off that consignments of fake Indian currency and arms have reached the countrys shores. This has resulted in congestion in some ports as additional customs and excise official other than those posted in the ports have been requisitioned to ensure free movement of trucks into the ports. Traffic has been hit due to rigorous searches being carried out by DRI sleuths in these ports. Sources told Express that till now the searches have not yielded anything. Meanwhile, traffic continued to pile up near the Chennai Port as the searches continued. Chennai Port officials told Express that the outbound cargo movement in the port has returned to normal from Sunday. Yesterday, Chennai Port recorded a movement of nearly 1,600 trucks carrying goods for outbound cargo. This confirms that normalcy has been restored. However, the flow of trucks carrying incoming cargo has yet to get normal. We had only 1,100 trucks carrying the incoming cargo against the normal level of above 1,300 a day, an official said. The official added that additional officials from customs department and Central Industrial Security Force Personnel have been deployed to ensure free movement of trucks. It is learnt that each and every container is checked minutely. The instructions to carry out the searches has come directly from the Prime Ministers Office.
HYDERABAD: The murder of driver Bhukya Nagaraju alias Nagu ensued from a heated argument between him and 24-year-old Venkatesh Sukreet, son of IAS officer G Venkateswar Rao. Nagaraju was found to have been bludgeoned to death on Friday night.
File photo of Nagaraju
Sukreeth is elder son of G Venkateswar Rao alias GV Rao, working as joint director of agriculture in city. Nagaraju worked as driver with Raos estranged wife Anita, a practising lawyer.
According to police, Sukreet and Nagaraju were of the same age and belong to the same community. They became close to each other a year ago and used to frequent bars, resorts and consume liquor together.
Police have learnt that Nagarju and Sukreet were returning after consuming alcohol when, around midnight, arguments erupted between them. They went to Sai Kalyan Residency where Nagarajus friend works as a watchman. Minutes after the duo went to the penthouse, Sukreet killed Nagaraju by smashing his head with a stone, said Jubilee Hills police inspector Venkat Reddy.
After killing Nagaraju, Sukreet left for his home and returned to Sai Kalyan Residency around 2 am (Saturday) to make sure if Nagaraju had died. He wanted to move the body from that place and brought a polythene sack to stuff the body in it and carry it. But he was seen going up and coming down in lift by the apartment owner who reported the matter to the police. The police, on arrival at the place, found Nagaraju lying in a pool of blood with head smashed completely, the inspector said.
The police, after examining the footage from the CCTV installed at the building, detained Sukreet and questioned him about the death of Nagaraju. He confessed that he had killed Nagaraju in a drunken condition and tried to move the body.
Jubilee Hills police, who registered a case against Sukreet initially under Section 174 of CrPC (suspicious death), altered it to a case under Section 302 (murder) of IPC and took up investigation. Police said they would collect technical evidence based on mobile phone call data of Sukreet.
HYDERABAD: The murder of driver Bhukya Nagaraju alias Nagu ensued from a heated argument between him and 24-year-old Venkatesh Sukreet, son of IAS officer G Venkateswar Rao. Nagaraju was found to have been bludgeoned to death on Friday night. File photo of NagarajuSukreeth is elder son of G Venkateswar Rao alias GV Rao, working as joint director of agriculture in city. Nagaraju worked as driver with Raos estranged wife Anita, a practising lawyer. According to police, Sukreet and Nagaraju were of the same age and belong to the same community. They became close to each other a year ago and used to frequent bars, resorts and consume liquor together. Police have learnt that Nagarju and Sukreet were returning after consuming alcohol when, around midnight, arguments erupted between them. They went to Sai Kalyan Residency where Nagarajus friend works as a watchman. Minutes after the duo went to the penthouse, Sukreet killed Nagaraju by smashing his head with a stone, said Jubilee Hills police inspector Venkat Reddy. After killing Nagaraju, Sukreet left for his home and returned to Sai Kalyan Residency around 2 am (Saturday) to make sure if Nagaraju had died. He wanted to move the body from that place and brought a polythene sack to stuff the body in it and carry it. But he was seen going up and coming down in lift by the apartment owner who reported the matter to the police. The police, on arrival at the place, found Nagaraju lying in a pool of blood with head smashed completely, the inspector said. The police, after examining the footage from the CCTV installed at the building, detained Sukreet and questioned him about the death of Nagaraju. He confessed that he had killed Nagaraju in a drunken condition and tried to move the body. Jubilee Hills police, who registered a case against Sukreet initially under Section 174 of CrPC (suspicious death), altered it to a case under Section 302 (murder) of IPC and took up investigation. Police said they would collect technical evidence based on mobile phone call data of Sukreet.
By ANI
NEW DELHI: The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court is likely to frame charges against actor Sooraj Pancholi in connection with Jiah Khans suicide case on March 24.
The step has come after the petition filed by Jiahs mother Rabia Khan, was withdrawn yesterday after the apex court refused to intervene in Bombay High Court's order, which denied a Special Investigations Team (SIT) in the matter.
Rabia had moved the Supreme Court as her plea seeking an SIT which was rejected by the Bombay High Court on February 9.
Jiah was found hanging in her room on June 3, 2013.
A week later, the Juhu police had arrested Sooraj Pancholi for abetment to suicide.
The CBI took over the probe from Maharashtra police on the Bombay High Court's orders. Rabiya Khan had moved the High Court, alleging that her daughter had been murdered and demanding that the CBI probe the matter.
NEW DELHI: The special Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) court is likely to frame charges against actor Sooraj Pancholi in connection with Jiah Khans suicide case on March 24. The step has come after the petition filed by Jiahs mother Rabia Khan, was withdrawn yesterday after the apex court refused to intervene in Bombay High Court's order, which denied a Special Investigations Team (SIT) in the matter. Rabia had moved the Supreme Court as her plea seeking an SIT which was rejected by the Bombay High Court on February 9. Jiah was found hanging in her room on June 3, 2013. A week later, the Juhu police had arrested Sooraj Pancholi for abetment to suicide. The CBI took over the probe from Maharashtra police on the Bombay High Court's orders. Rabiya Khan had moved the High Court, alleging that her daughter had been murdered and demanding that the CBI probe the matter.
Chandni U By
Express News Service
CHENNAI: Its raw, honest and invites empathetic contemplation spoken word poetry. Recall your school lessons where you were probably asked to recite Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream. If you think those written words (though officially termed as speech) were powerful, imagine yourself standing among the crowd in 1963 listening to the live words stir emotions.
So why bring this up today? For two reasons. One, its World Poetry Day and two, spoken word poetry has got a shiny, new personality in the last few years.
They call it slam poetry pretty much the same as spoken word poetry but more expressive and sincere in its tone. While spoken poetry has been popular in the US, its only in recent times that Chennaiites have been showing interest. City Express speaks to local poets and enthusiasts, who were inspired by Sarah Kay, Denice Frohman and Phil Kaye (international spoken word poets).
They agree that YouTube and other social networking websites are the reason this art form is popular in India and now, our city. Chennai-born Akanksha Bhatia, who recently participated in the Delhi Slam says, I saw this moving piece on YouTube performed by Sarah and Phil Kaye. It opened up a completely different world for me... And I fell in love with it.
The internet plays a huge part in the making of art. There are so many people who appreciate poetry and social media provides the ideal platform to reach them.
In turn, slam contests and open mics provide the perfect platform for amateurs and aspirants. Says Gayathri Krishnaraj, who organises Open Sky Slam in the city, A year ago, there was zero interest or even awareness about spoken word poetry. Now, if there are 30 performers, around 10 are spoken poets and the count increases every month. I find the once-listeners in the audience take the stage after a few sessions too.
Spoken word poetry is at its peak in the city and the freedom it offers to express is golden. A few years ago, poet Denice Frohmans Dear Straight People went viral and recently, poet Neil Hilborns OCD has been doing rounds.
Minorities definitely use this medium. Then again, sometimes there is an elite or glazed layer around spoken word poetry that only certain sections of society participate in. However, the poetry movement is trying to make accessible for everybody, which is integral for its growth, says poet Vasanthi S Pillai.
Spoken word poetry is considered to largely be for the oppressed and the LGBTQ community. A member herself, Ajitha Victor says, The themes range from unreciprocated love to racism, sexism and classism where they attack discrimination. I believe this is a platform for the oppressed to speak out. I cry, I laugh and I experience with the poet. It is very powerful that way.
What makes it powerful? Is it just the words or the structural rhythm? Vasanthi explains, First, I believe there are as many types of spoken word poetry as the number of people who perform. Its beautiful because it does not have a rigid structure; there is style surely, but it evolves and changes with every individual. Many opine that When Love Arrives by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye is classic magic!
There are not many popular Indian slam poets, true. Nevertheless, the steady growth of love for words, frequent open mics, slam contests and the internet, of course, can change numbers. Ashwath Nair, who has been in love with words for 15 years, tells us about two Indian spoken poets he loves. Abhijit Rajan and Sharavana Raghavan.
They need to post their spoken poetry online. Social network is the key especially when websites like Upworthy and UNILAD curate a lot of spoken word pieces.
India is bringing together a strong community of spoken word poets through Slam contests and Chennai is looking at a strong path ahead too. Lyrical, offbeat or just expressive, the spoken word has charm.
(The writer is a freelance journalist)
CHENNAI: Its raw, honest and invites empathetic contemplation spoken word poetry. Recall your school lessons where you were probably asked to recite Martin Luther Kings I Have a Dream. If you think those written words (though officially termed as speech) were powerful, imagine yourself standing among the crowd in 1963 listening to the live words stir emotions. So why bring this up today? For two reasons. One, its World Poetry Day and two, spoken word poetry has got a shiny, new personality in the last few years. They call it slam poetry pretty much the same as spoken word poetry but more expressive and sincere in its tone. While spoken poetry has been popular in the US, its only in recent times that Chennaiites have been showing interest. City Express speaks to local poets and enthusiasts, who were inspired by Sarah Kay, Denice Frohman and Phil Kaye (international spoken word poets). They agree that YouTube and other social networking websites are the reason this art form is popular in India and now, our city. Chennai-born Akanksha Bhatia, who recently participated in the Delhi Slam says, I saw this moving piece on YouTube performed by Sarah and Phil Kaye. It opened up a completely different world for me... And I fell in love with it. The internet plays a huge part in the making of art. There are so many people who appreciate poetry and social media provides the ideal platform to reach them. In turn, slam contests and open mics provide the perfect platform for amateurs and aspirants. Says Gayathri Krishnaraj, who organises Open Sky Slam in the city, A year ago, there was zero interest or even awareness about spoken word poetry. Now, if there are 30 performers, around 10 are spoken poets and the count increases every month. I find the once-listeners in the audience take the stage after a few sessions too. Spoken word poetry is at its peak in the city and the freedom it offers to express is golden. A few years ago, poet Denice Frohmans Dear Straight People went viral and recently, poet Neil Hilborns OCD has been doing rounds. Minorities definitely use this medium. Then again, sometimes there is an elite or glazed layer around spoken word poetry that only certain sections of society participate in. However, the poetry movement is trying to make accessible for everybody, which is integral for its growth, says poet Vasanthi S Pillai. Spoken word poetry is considered to largely be for the oppressed and the LGBTQ community. A member herself, Ajitha Victor says, The themes range from unreciprocated love to racism, sexism and classism where they attack discrimination. I believe this is a platform for the oppressed to speak out. I cry, I laugh and I experience with the poet. It is very powerful that way. What makes it powerful? Is it just the words or the structural rhythm? Vasanthi explains, First, I believe there are as many types of spoken word poetry as the number of people who perform. Its beautiful because it does not have a rigid structure; there is style surely, but it evolves and changes with every individual. Many opine that When Love Arrives by Sarah Kay and Phil Kaye is classic magic! There are not many popular Indian slam poets, true. Nevertheless, the steady growth of love for words, frequent open mics, slam contests and the internet, of course, can change numbers. Ashwath Nair, who has been in love with words for 15 years, tells us about two Indian spoken poets he loves. Abhijit Rajan and Sharavana Raghavan. They need to post their spoken poetry online. Social network is the key especially when websites like Upworthy and UNILAD curate a lot of spoken word pieces. India is bringing together a strong community of spoken word poets through Slam contests and Chennai is looking at a strong path ahead too. Lyrical, offbeat or just expressive, the spoken word has charm. (The writer is a freelance journalist)
Vikram Sharma By
Express News Service
AYODHYA:Twenty-four years after that frantic day in December, the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi site in Ayodhya is still bristling with security guards. As heavily armed policemen keep an eye from watchtowers, you go through six points of frisking and metal detector passages before you get to have a darshan of Ram Lalla from 30 ft away.
Every inch of the premises is watched by CCTV cameras. And somewhere deep inside is an armoury stocked well enough to fight a small-scale war.Along the walk towards the exit are innumerable shops selling toys, books, imitation jewellery, puja items and pictures of Lord Ram. Despite the melee, you cannot miss the CDs played endlessly by shop keepers on their TV screens, depicting the demolition of the Babri Masjid on Dec. 6, 1992.
Yet in this epicentre of a temblor that upended Indias conventional politics, you hear few resonances of Ram Janmabhoomi being an issue in this election. While the odd old-timer might mention his dream of a Bhavya Ram Mandir, the youngsters here, many born after 1992, talk about jobs and development.
Ayodhya and its sister town of Faizabad voted on Monday. Almost all roads, full of election festoonery, were empty and shops closed as people made a beeline to the polling booths.
Another first-time voter, Manish Kumar, was even more forthcoming on his bijli sadak pani expectations: We have all seen how families have suffered in Ayodhya. The scars are still afresh. I was not even born then (1996) but I know many such families including Muslims who suffered. Let the netas talk about development, jobs, infrastructure. Enough of this communal nonsense.
No one is in the mood to take it anymore, he said. Interestingly, the talk of the town during this election season has been Bazmi Siddiqui, the first Muslim ever to contest from the temple town. Hes the BSP candidate here. The 34-year-old candidates followers say that Behenji has dared to do something that no other party has done for decades.
There are over 3.60 lakh voters in Ayodhya of which only about 7,000 are Muslim. In pockets of the town where Muslims reside, Bazmi Siddiqui is a clear favourite. We have left the mandir-masjid issues far behind. We want basic amenities. Whatever happens to the mandir-masjid issues (in the court), how will it help us? asks Muhammed Jameel of Faizabad.
The BJP candidate, Ved Prakash Gupta, has done a whole parikrama of political parties in the last 10 years. Showing a losers touch, he contested on a Samajwadi party ticket in 2007 and a BSP ticket in 2012 and now has returned to the BJP.
AYODHYA:Twenty-four years after that frantic day in December, the Babri Masjid-Ramjanmabhoomi site in Ayodhya is still bristling with security guards. As heavily armed policemen keep an eye from watchtowers, you go through six points of frisking and metal detector passages before you get to have a darshan of Ram Lalla from 30 ft away. Every inch of the premises is watched by CCTV cameras. And somewhere deep inside is an armoury stocked well enough to fight a small-scale war.Along the walk towards the exit are innumerable shops selling toys, books, imitation jewellery, puja items and pictures of Lord Ram. Despite the melee, you cannot miss the CDs played endlessly by shop keepers on their TV screens, depicting the demolition of the Babri Masjid on Dec. 6, 1992. Yet in this epicentre of a temblor that upended Indias conventional politics, you hear few resonances of Ram Janmabhoomi being an issue in this election. While the odd old-timer might mention his dream of a Bhavya Ram Mandir, the youngsters here, many born after 1992, talk about jobs and development. Ayodhya and its sister town of Faizabad voted on Monday. Almost all roads, full of election festoonery, were empty and shops closed as people made a beeline to the polling booths. Another first-time voter, Manish Kumar, was even more forthcoming on his bijli sadak pani expectations: We have all seen how families have suffered in Ayodhya. The scars are still afresh. I was not even born then (1996) but I know many such families including Muslims who suffered. Let the netas talk about development, jobs, infrastructure. Enough of this communal nonsense. No one is in the mood to take it anymore, he said. Interestingly, the talk of the town during this election season has been Bazmi Siddiqui, the first Muslim ever to contest from the temple town. Hes the BSP candidate here. The 34-year-old candidates followers say that Behenji has dared to do something that no other party has done for decades. There are over 3.60 lakh voters in Ayodhya of which only about 7,000 are Muslim. In pockets of the town where Muslims reside, Bazmi Siddiqui is a clear favourite. We have left the mandir-masjid issues far behind. We want basic amenities. Whatever happens to the mandir-masjid issues (in the court), how will it help us? asks Muhammed Jameel of Faizabad. The BJP candidate, Ved Prakash Gupta, has done a whole parikrama of political parties in the last 10 years. Showing a losers touch, he contested on a Samajwadi party ticket in 2007 and a BSP ticket in 2012 and now has returned to the BJP.
By PTI
NEW DELHI: Members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed concern over the leakage of question papers for common entrance examination for 'Other ranks' of the army in the Pune zone, as the government said a CBI probe has been ordered.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the leakage had only occurred in the Pune zone and the government has already ordered a CBI enquiry into the matter while the Army authorities were also looking into it. The exam slated in February was cancelled after the leakage was detected.
He said the government has approved the introduction of online entrance examination in the Army in Ambala, Chennai and Jaipur recruiting zones on a pilot basis.
The minister said the crime branch of Thane had received a tip-off and carried out raids in Goa, Nagpur and Pune.
Among those who expressed concern was Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut, who said the daredevilry of the culprits behind the racket has to be observed as the leak happened in Goa, from where then Defence minister Manohar Parrikar hails, and Nagpur where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis belongs.
He sought to know whether it was considered a failure of the Army's vigilance mechanism.
Bhamre said in addition to the probe by the police, an enquiry has also been ordered by the Army authorities to identify the persons involved in the leakage and pinpoint the responsibility and procedural lapses.
According to the minister, the exam was scheduled to held on February 26 but was cancelled after the racket came to light and was busted.
Digvijay Singh of the Congress claimed that there was a large scale conspiracy in such examinations and said a similar strategy was adopted in Vyapam also in Madhya Pradesh.
NEW DELHI: Members in the Rajya Sabha today expressed concern over the leakage of question papers for common entrance examination for 'Other ranks' of the army in the Pune zone, as the government said a CBI probe has been ordered. Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre said the leakage had only occurred in the Pune zone and the government has already ordered a CBI enquiry into the matter while the Army authorities were also looking into it. The exam slated in February was cancelled after the leakage was detected. He said the government has approved the introduction of online entrance examination in the Army in Ambala, Chennai and Jaipur recruiting zones on a pilot basis. The minister said the crime branch of Thane had received a tip-off and carried out raids in Goa, Nagpur and Pune. Among those who expressed concern was Shiv Sena member Sanjay Raut, who said the daredevilry of the culprits behind the racket has to be observed as the leak happened in Goa, from where then Defence minister Manohar Parrikar hails, and Nagpur where Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis belongs. He sought to know whether it was considered a failure of the Army's vigilance mechanism. Bhamre said in addition to the probe by the police, an enquiry has also been ordered by the Army authorities to identify the persons involved in the leakage and pinpoint the responsibility and procedural lapses. According to the minister, the exam was scheduled to held on February 26 but was cancelled after the racket came to light and was busted. Digvijay Singh of the Congress claimed that there was a large scale conspiracy in such examinations and said a similar strategy was adopted in Vyapam also in Madhya Pradesh.
By IANS
NEW DELHI: Virtually ruling out an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute as suggested by the Supreme Court, the Babri Masjid Action Committee on Tuesday said it was open only to mediation by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) himself.
"We have faith if the CJI himself mediates or nominates a team of Supreme Court judges or court itself hears the matter. But we are not willing to accept an out-of-court settlement," said Babri Masjid Action Committee convener Zafaryab Jilani.
"An amicable solution is impossible. This has to be dealt in the court itself. It has been long pending in the court. If the court passes any order to that effect (amicable solution), we will think about future course of action," he added.
Please remember Babri Masjid case is about Title which Allahabad court wrongly decided as a Partnership case hence the Appeal in Apex court Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017
I hope Supreme Court decides the Contempt petition which is pending since demolition of Babri Masjid 1992 Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017
An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar said amicable settlement of the Ayodhya dispute was a better course than insistence on judicial pronouncement.
NEW DELHI: Virtually ruling out an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute as suggested by the Supreme Court, the Babri Masjid Action Committee on Tuesday said it was open only to mediation by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) himself. "We have faith if the CJI himself mediates or nominates a team of Supreme Court judges or court itself hears the matter. But we are not willing to accept an out-of-court settlement," said Babri Masjid Action Committee convener Zafaryab Jilani. "An amicable solution is impossible. This has to be dealt in the court itself. It has been long pending in the court. If the court passes any order to that effect (amicable solution), we will think about future course of action," he added. Please remember Babri Masjid case is about Title which Allahabad court wrongly decided as a Partnership case hence the Appeal in Apex court Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017 I hope Supreme Court decides the Contempt petition which is pending since demolition of Babri Masjid 1992 Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017 An apex court bench headed by Chief Justice J.S. Khehar said amicable settlement of the Ayodhya dispute was a better course than insistence on judicial pronouncement.
By David Shepardson
WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - The Trump administration confirmed Tuesday it is imposing new restrictions on electronic devices carried by travelers coming to the United States from 10 airports mainly in the Middle East and North Africa in response to unspecified terror threats.
The Department of Homeland Security will require passengers coming to the United States from airports in Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco and Qatar to check electronic devices larger than a cell phone such as tablets, portable DVD players, laptops and cameras.
The airports affected are in Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Morocco; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Officials said the decision had nothing to do with President Donald Trump's efforts to impose a travel ban of six majority-Muslim nations. A DHS spokeswoman said the government "did not target specific nations. We relied upon evaluated intelligence to determine which airports were affected."
On March 6, Trump signed a revised executive order banning citizens from Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from traveling to the United States for 90 days. Two federal judges have halted parts of the ban, saying it discriminates against Muslims. Trump has vowed to appeal up to the Supreme Court if necessary.
All 10 airports are in majority-Muslim countries.
The airports are served by nine carriers that fly directly from those cities to the United States about 50 times a day and include Royal Jordanian Airlines, Egypt Air, Turkish Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Etihad Airways, senior government officials said.
The airlines have until Friday to comply with the new restrictions that will be in place indefinitely.
No American carriers were affected by the ban, because none fly directly to the United States from the airports, officials said. But it does apply to U.S. citizens traveling on those flights. It does not apply to crew members on those foreign carriers.
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Officials did not explain why the restrictions only apply to travelers arriving in the United States and not for those same flights when they leave the United States.
DHS will also allow passengers to use larger approved medical devices. The agency said the procedures would "remain in place until the threat changes" and did not rule out expanding to other airports if circumstances changed.
DHS said in a statement it "seeks to balance risk with impacts to the traveling public and has determined that cell phones and smart phones will be allowed in accessible property at this time."
The new restrictions were prompted by reports that terror groups want to smuggle explosive devices in consumer electronic devices, officials told reporters on a conference call Monday.
The government said in a statement it is "concerned about terrorists' ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years."
The group said "intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items."
The government has been worried about terror groups attempting to bomb a commercial aircraft, but an official on the call repeatedly declined to offer any details about the threat that prompted the move.
Reuters reported Monday that the move had been under consideration since the U.S. government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
U.S. officials have told Reuters that the information gleaned from a U.S. commando raid in January in Yemen which targeted al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula included bomb-making techniques.
AQAP, based in Yemen, has plotted to down U.S. airliners and claimed responsibility for 2015 attacks on the office of Charlie Hebdo magazine in Paris. AQAP also has boasted of the world's most feared bomb makers, Ibrahim Hassan al-Asiri.
In 2010, security officials in Britain and Dubai intercepted parcel bombs being sent from Yemen to the United States.
The group claimed responsibility for a Dec. 25, 2009 failed attempt by a Nigerian Islamist to down an airliner over Detroit. The device, hidden in the underwear of the man, Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab, failed to detonate.
In July 2014, the Homeland Security Department stepped up security of U.S.-bound flights, requiring tougher screening of mobile phones and other electronic devices and requiring them to be powered up before passengers could board flights to the United States.
(Reporting by David Shepardson; Additional reporting by Yara Bayoumy, Mark Hosenball and Phil Stewart; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Namita bajpai By
Express News Service
LUCKNOW: It was just his second day in office and newly-elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath already has a challenge at hand getting the police department to crack a gruesome murder. Even before going to the office, the Chief Minister summoned the Director General of Police Javeed Ahmad to the VVIP guest house on Monday morning to take details of the killing that rocked Allahabad late on Sunday night. In the afternoon, the DGP was summoned to the CMs office again, only to be handed out the directive to solve the murder case as soon as possible.
He was told to fine-tune the State law and curb crime and criminals who had made the State their fiefdom over the last five years.
Newly-elected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister
Yogi Adityanath leaves after a meeting in
Lucknow on Monday | PTI
A few hours after Adityanath was sworn in at a gala event on Sunday, unidentified gunmen shot down a BSP leader and five-time block pramukh Mohammad Shami in Allahabad.
After spending nearly two decades as an SP loyalist, Shami had switched over to the blue brigade last month. A dhaba owner, Shami was returning home when miscreants opened fire, killing him on the spot.
As the day proceeded, Adityanath switched over to his anti-corruption agenda.
He convened his first official meeting with the senior-most bureaucrats in the State and asked all of them especially Secretary and Principal Secretary level officers to declare their assets within the next 15 days.
Earlier on Sunday, during a meeting with his Cabinet colleagues, Yogi had asked the ministers to furnish the details of their assets in 15 days to the government and the BJP office as well.
For the first time in the executive and administrative history of the State, the new Chief Minister wanted the officers to take a pledge of Swachchata Abhiyan while making a fervent appeal to start the campaign from their own homes and surroundings. A written pledge was circulated to the officers and it was administered by Adityanath himself.
Adityanath introduced the BJP sankalp patra (manifesto) to the officers who would have to ensure the fulfilment of the promises made therein. Interestingly, many bureaucrats seemed to have come prepared for the interaction, with many apparently having memorised the salient features of the manifesto.
In a late-evening development, a government press release said that all the department heads were advised to terminate the services of the advisors and vice-chairmen appointed during the previous SP regime.
LUCKNOW: It was just his second day in office and newly-elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath already has a challenge at hand getting the police department to crack a gruesome murder. Even before going to the office, the Chief Minister summoned the Director General of Police Javeed Ahmad to the VVIP guest house on Monday morning to take details of the killing that rocked Allahabad late on Sunday night. In the afternoon, the DGP was summoned to the CMs office again, only to be handed out the directive to solve the murder case as soon as possible. He was told to fine-tune the State law and curb crime and criminals who had made the State their fiefdom over the last five years. Newly-elected Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath leaves after a meeting in Lucknow on Monday | PTIA few hours after Adityanath was sworn in at a gala event on Sunday, unidentified gunmen shot down a BSP leader and five-time block pramukh Mohammad Shami in Allahabad. After spending nearly two decades as an SP loyalist, Shami had switched over to the blue brigade last month. A dhaba owner, Shami was returning home when miscreants opened fire, killing him on the spot. As the day proceeded, Adityanath switched over to his anti-corruption agenda. He convened his first official meeting with the senior-most bureaucrats in the State and asked all of them especially Secretary and Principal Secretary level officers to declare their assets within the next 15 days. Earlier on Sunday, during a meeting with his Cabinet colleagues, Yogi had asked the ministers to furnish the details of their assets in 15 days to the government and the BJP office as well. For the first time in the executive and administrative history of the State, the new Chief Minister wanted the officers to take a pledge of Swachchata Abhiyan while making a fervent appeal to start the campaign from their own homes and surroundings. A written pledge was circulated to the officers and it was administered by Adityanath himself. Adityanath introduced the BJP sankalp patra (manifesto) to the officers who would have to ensure the fulfilment of the promises made therein. Interestingly, many bureaucrats seemed to have come prepared for the interaction, with many apparently having memorised the salient features of the manifesto. In a late-evening development, a government press release said that all the department heads were advised to terminate the services of the advisors and vice-chairmen appointed during the previous SP regime.
By PTI
WASHNGTON: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will visit Washington this week for high-level talks with top Trump administration officials and discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and push forward the defence ties.
Doval will meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis on March 24, Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters, adding that they are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship.
Doval is also expected to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster, the first between the two national security advisors, during his stay in the US. Davis said he was not aware of the reasons for Doval's visit, but added Mattis would meet him on the sidelines of an international meeting of the anti-ISIS Coalition hosted by the State Department later this week.
The Mattis-Doval meeting would be one of the highest-level meetings between the two countries after Donald Trump assumed the American presidency on January 20. India's ties with the US gained momentum towards the end of the previous Barack Obama administration. At his final Pentagon press briefing in January, then Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said the bilateral ties "were on the right path."
Last year, the US declared India a major defence partner. The designation, according to a US-India joint statement issued during Carter's visit to New Delhi in December, is a status unique to India and institutionalises the progress made to facilitate defence trade and technology-sharing with India to a level at par with the US' closest allies and partners. "Clearly India is a very strong security partner and a force in the region. We continue to have very good relationship with India in the region," Davis said yesterday.
The US and India last year also signed a bilateral Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement that will give the militaries of the two countries access to each other's facilities for supplies and repairs. LEMOA is said to be one of the four 'foundational agreements' that the US enters into with its defence partners. Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met McMaster at the White House.
WASHNGTON: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval will visit Washington this week for high-level talks with top Trump administration officials and discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and push forward the defence ties. Doval will meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis on March 24, Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters, adding that they are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship. Doval is also expected to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster, the first between the two national security advisors, during his stay in the US. Davis said he was not aware of the reasons for Doval's visit, but added Mattis would meet him on the sidelines of an international meeting of the anti-ISIS Coalition hosted by the State Department later this week. The Mattis-Doval meeting would be one of the highest-level meetings between the two countries after Donald Trump assumed the American presidency on January 20. India's ties with the US gained momentum towards the end of the previous Barack Obama administration. At his final Pentagon press briefing in January, then Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said the bilateral ties "were on the right path." Last year, the US declared India a major defence partner. The designation, according to a US-India joint statement issued during Carter's visit to New Delhi in December, is a status unique to India and institutionalises the progress made to facilitate defence trade and technology-sharing with India to a level at par with the US' closest allies and partners. "Clearly India is a very strong security partner and a force in the region. We continue to have very good relationship with India in the region," Davis said yesterday. The US and India last year also signed a bilateral Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement that will give the militaries of the two countries access to each other's facilities for supplies and repairs. LEMOA is said to be one of the four 'foundational agreements' that the US enters into with its defence partners. Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met McMaster at the White House.
By PTI
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi can take bold steps like resuming talks with Pakistan and is better for Jammu and Kashmir than his predecessor Manmohan Singh who could not even visit his ancestral home there, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said today.
"If there is any leader who can talk to Pakistan it is him (Modi). Manmohan singh was the Prime Minister for 10 years. He had a wish to visit the other side (Pakistan) as he was born there and wanted to see his ancestral home. But he could not muster courage," Mufti said here.
Modi, she said, went to Lahore in December 2015 on the wedding of Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's kin adding that terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri and Nagrota had happended after that..
"Even then, if there is anyone with the mandate to heal the wounds of people of Jammu and Kashmir, take the state out of the morass, start dialogue with Pakistan and make the atmosphere conducive, it is only Narendra Modiji and no one else," Mehbooba said addressing PDP workers in the south Kashmir district of Anantnag.
She was campaigning for her brother Mufti Tassaduq Hussain, who is the party's candidate for the Anantnag Lok Sabha bypoll. Mehbooba had vacated the seat last year after her election to the Legislative Assembly.
She also emphasised the importance of connecting J&K to the rest of the world saying the closure of traditional routes had affected the state adversely.
"China is constructing road (CPEC) in the part of Jammu and Kashmir on other side of LoC. It will connect that part of the state with China, Central Asia and south Asia," she said adding that he father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had a similar intention.
He wanted to open all those routes in Kashmir and Jammu region, she said.
"But after 1947 we were besieged. We were befooled by leaders since 1947. If we had sought opening of these routes, Jammu and Kashmir would have been number one state in the country in terms of development," she said.
The chief minister said it was for these reasons that Jammu and Kashmir needs a person like Modi at the Centre who has the mandate to take bold decisions.
"We don't only have bijli, pani and sadak issues, we have humanitarian issues. If they (India and Pakistan) are talking about Indus Water Treaty today, tomorrow they will talk about opening of the roads," she added.
Mehbooba said it was part of Agenda of Alliance between the PDP and BJP that these routes should be opened, dialogue should be restarted and situation should improve.
SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi can take bold steps like resuming talks with Pakistan and is better for Jammu and Kashmir than his predecessor Manmohan Singh who could not even visit his ancestral home there, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said today. "If there is any leader who can talk to Pakistan it is him (Modi). Manmohan singh was the Prime Minister for 10 years. He had a wish to visit the other side (Pakistan) as he was born there and wanted to see his ancestral home. But he could not muster courage," Mufti said here. Modi, she said, went to Lahore in December 2015 on the wedding of Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif's kin adding that terror attacks in Pathankot, Uri and Nagrota had happended after that.. "Even then, if there is anyone with the mandate to heal the wounds of people of Jammu and Kashmir, take the state out of the morass, start dialogue with Pakistan and make the atmosphere conducive, it is only Narendra Modiji and no one else," Mehbooba said addressing PDP workers in the south Kashmir district of Anantnag. She was campaigning for her brother Mufti Tassaduq Hussain, who is the party's candidate for the Anantnag Lok Sabha bypoll. Mehbooba had vacated the seat last year after her election to the Legislative Assembly. She also emphasised the importance of connecting J&K to the rest of the world saying the closure of traditional routes had affected the state adversely. "China is constructing road (CPEC) in the part of Jammu and Kashmir on other side of LoC. It will connect that part of the state with China, Central Asia and south Asia," she said adding that he father Mufti Mohammad Sayeed had a similar intention. He wanted to open all those routes in Kashmir and Jammu region, she said. "But after 1947 we were besieged. We were befooled by leaders since 1947. If we had sought opening of these routes, Jammu and Kashmir would have been number one state in the country in terms of development," she said. The chief minister said it was for these reasons that Jammu and Kashmir needs a person like Modi at the Centre who has the mandate to take bold decisions. "We don't only have bijli, pani and sadak issues, we have humanitarian issues. If they (India and Pakistan) are talking about Indus Water Treaty today, tomorrow they will talk about opening of the roads," she added. Mehbooba said it was part of Agenda of Alliance between the PDP and BJP that these routes should be opened, dialogue should be restarted and situation should improve.
By Express News Service
VIJAYAWADA: The issue of crimes against women in the State rocked the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday with members of the opposition YSRC storming into the well, demanding that the Speaker give them an opportunity to explain the gravity of such crimes. The House was briefly adjourned twice during sessions following uproar by the opposiiton.
Home Minister N Chinnarajappa, during question hour, replied to the House saying that the government was taking measures to tackle the menace of crimes against women.
YSRC MLA Giddi Eeswari then sought to know what action the government had taken against Dendulur TDP MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar for attacking Munsunuru Tahsildar Vanajakshi in July 2015. Eeswari also wanted to know what the government had done in the wake of B.Architecture student Rishiteswari's suicide in Acharya Nagarjuna University in July 2015, among other crimes against women.
At this point, Speaker Kodela Siva Prasad Rao asked the MLA to pose her question but when Eeswari continued with her speech, Rao cut her off following which the opposition stormed into the well.
Reacting to Giddi Eeswaris allegations of attacking Tahsildar Vanajakshi, Dendulur MLA Prabhakar dared opposition leaders to prove the charges against him.
If you have the guts, come to my constituency as a committee and inquire the charges against me. If I am proved guilty I will quit politics, he challenged the opposition.
Chintamaneni Prabhakar also made severe allegations against YSRC chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy and termed him an emperor of corruption. With YSRC members raising slogans and remaining in the well, the Speaker briefly adjourned the session.
The House had earlier been adjourned for 10 minutes when YSRC MLAs sought to move an adjournment motion to facilitate the House taking up a debate on drought, immediately after the commencement of the day's proceedings.
VIJAYAWADA: The issue of crimes against women in the State rocked the Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly on Tuesday with members of the opposition YSRC storming into the well, demanding that the Speaker give them an opportunity to explain the gravity of such crimes. The House was briefly adjourned twice during sessions following uproar by the opposiiton. Home Minister N Chinnarajappa, during question hour, replied to the House saying that the government was taking measures to tackle the menace of crimes against women. YSRC MLA Giddi Eeswari then sought to know what action the government had taken against Dendulur TDP MLA Chintamaneni Prabhakar for attacking Munsunuru Tahsildar Vanajakshi in July 2015. Eeswari also wanted to know what the government had done in the wake of B.Architecture student Rishiteswari's suicide in Acharya Nagarjuna University in July 2015, among other crimes against women. At this point, Speaker Kodela Siva Prasad Rao asked the MLA to pose her question but when Eeswari continued with her speech, Rao cut her off following which the opposition stormed into the well. Reacting to Giddi Eeswaris allegations of attacking Tahsildar Vanajakshi, Dendulur MLA Prabhakar dared opposition leaders to prove the charges against him. If you have the guts, come to my constituency as a committee and inquire the charges against me. If I am proved guilty I will quit politics, he challenged the opposition. Chintamaneni Prabhakar also made severe allegations against YSRC chief YS Jaganmohan Reddy and termed him an emperor of corruption. With YSRC members raising slogans and remaining in the well, the Speaker briefly adjourned the session. The House had earlier been adjourned for 10 minutes when YSRC MLAs sought to move an adjournment motion to facilitate the House taking up a debate on drought, immediately after the commencement of the day's proceedings.
By PTI
NEW DELHI: The Ram temple should be built at Ram Janambhoomi (birthplace of Ram) while the Masjid (mosque) on the other side of Sarayu river to resolve the Ayodhya issue, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy suggested today.
"We were always ready. Mandir and Masjid should be built but Masjid should be built on other side of Sarayu river. The Ram Janambhoomi should be entirely for Ram Mandir," he told reporters here.
His response came after the Supreme Court today said the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably and all parties must hold discussion out of court to find an amicable solution.
Swamy argued that in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, mosque is regarded as the place where 'Namaaz' (prayer) is offered and prayer can be offered at any place.
"My suggestion is that Masjid be built on other side of the Sarayu river and Ram Janambhoomi be handed over for Ram Temple. We cannot change the birthplace of Ram, but Masjid can be made anywhere," he said.
The BJP leader said he wanted the apex court to suggest the name of a mediator on the issue and hoped that the decision in this regard would be made by March 31.
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
The observation came after Swamy sought urgent hearing of the issue.
The Parliamentarian had stated that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest.
He told the court that he had approached the Muslim community members who told him that judicial intervention was required to solve the matter.
On February 26 last year, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute against his plea seeking construction of Ram temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
NEW DELHI: The Ram temple should be built at Ram Janambhoomi (birthplace of Ram) while the Masjid (mosque) on the other side of Sarayu river to resolve the Ayodhya issue, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy suggested today. "We were always ready. Mandir and Masjid should be built but Masjid should be built on other side of Sarayu river. The Ram Janambhoomi should be entirely for Ram Mandir," he told reporters here. His response came after the Supreme Court today said the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably and all parties must hold discussion out of court to find an amicable solution. Swamy argued that in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, mosque is regarded as the place where 'Namaaz' (prayer) is offered and prayer can be offered at any place. "My suggestion is that Masjid be built on other side of the Sarayu river and Ram Janambhoomi be handed over for Ram Temple. We cannot change the birthplace of Ram, but Masjid can be made anywhere," he said. The BJP leader said he wanted the apex court to suggest the name of a mediator on the issue and hoped that the decision in this regard would be made by March 31. A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement. The observation came after Swamy sought urgent hearing of the issue. The Parliamentarian had stated that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest. He told the court that he had approached the Muslim community members who told him that judicial intervention was required to solve the matter. On February 26 last year, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute against his plea seeking construction of Ram temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
By PTI
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court today pulled up the resident doctors of government hospitals in Maharashtra for abstaining from duty and observed that their conduct was "shameful".
Over 4,000 resident doctors in the government hospitals of the state have been staying away from work since yesterday in protest against recent attacks by relatives of patients on their colleagues. The doctors are demanding better security for them at the hospitals.
A division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice G S Kulkarni was hearing a public interest litigation filed by social activist Afak Mandaviya, seeking action against the protesting doctors.
"If you (doctors) do not want to work, then resign. You are not factory workers that you will resort to such protests. Shame on you. How can doctors behave in such a manner?" the Chief Justice asked.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) told the bench that the protest was not called by it and that it had rather urged all the doctors to report to work.
The petitioner's lawyer, Datta Mane, told the court that the MARD had last year assured the HC, which was hearing another PIL filed by his client, that it would not call for or go on a strike in the future and would resolve its disputes in a peaceful manner.
"If that is the case, then the protesting doctors have committed contempt. The concerned hospital management should initiate action against them," the court said.
Posting the petition for hearing tomorrow, the court directed the MARD to file an affidavit stating that the protest was not called by it and clarifying its stand on the issue.
Mane said patients were inconvenienced because of the doctors' protest.
The petitioner also sought a direction to the Maharashtra government to take steps to avoid recurrence of such protests.
Recently, a resident doctor of a government hospital in Dhule and a doctor at the BMC-run Sion hospital in Mumbai were attacked by the relatives of patients.
MUMBAI: The Bombay High Court today pulled up the resident doctors of government hospitals in Maharashtra for abstaining from duty and observed that their conduct was "shameful". Over 4,000 resident doctors in the government hospitals of the state have been staying away from work since yesterday in protest against recent attacks by relatives of patients on their colleagues. The doctors are demanding better security for them at the hospitals. A division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice G S Kulkarni was hearing a public interest litigation filed by social activist Afak Mandaviya, seeking action against the protesting doctors. "If you (doctors) do not want to work, then resign. You are not factory workers that you will resort to such protests. Shame on you. How can doctors behave in such a manner?" the Chief Justice asked. The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) told the bench that the protest was not called by it and that it had rather urged all the doctors to report to work. The petitioner's lawyer, Datta Mane, told the court that the MARD had last year assured the HC, which was hearing another PIL filed by his client, that it would not call for or go on a strike in the future and would resolve its disputes in a peaceful manner. "If that is the case, then the protesting doctors have committed contempt. The concerned hospital management should initiate action against them," the court said. Posting the petition for hearing tomorrow, the court directed the MARD to file an affidavit stating that the protest was not called by it and clarifying its stand on the issue. Mane said patients were inconvenienced because of the doctors' protest. The petitioner also sought a direction to the Maharashtra government to take steps to avoid recurrence of such protests. Recently, a resident doctor of a government hospital in Dhule and a doctor at the BMC-run Sion hospital in Mumbai were attacked by the relatives of patients.
By PTI
MEERUT: Security has been upped here in view of army officials receiving a letter allegedly from terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, threatening to blow up residence of the collector and commissioner, police said today.
Initial probe, however, revealed that it may be the handiwork of some miscreants, they said.
The letter that was allegedly posted from this district on March 14, and was received by army officials on March 17 at the force's sub-divisional headquarters.
According to SSP J Ravinder Goud, initial probe suggested that some miscreant might have done this to trigger panic among people. However, adequate security arrangements have been put in place to prevent any untoward incident.
The probe into the incident has been handed over to the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and the security has been heightened at residence of the collector and commissioner, and crowded public places like roadways bus stand and railway station, he said.
The writer of the letter blamed the district police for his state of penury.
The letter also threatened to make a video of the Police Commissionerate and the residence of the DM, with a purpose to send it to Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed through email.
The video of army area will also be recorded soon, it said.
MEERUT: Security has been upped here in view of army officials receiving a letter allegedly from terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, threatening to blow up residence of the collector and commissioner, police said today. Initial probe, however, revealed that it may be the handiwork of some miscreants, they said. The letter that was allegedly posted from this district on March 14, and was received by army officials on March 17 at the force's sub-divisional headquarters. According to SSP J Ravinder Goud, initial probe suggested that some miscreant might have done this to trigger panic among people. However, adequate security arrangements have been put in place to prevent any untoward incident. The probe into the incident has been handed over to the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) and the security has been heightened at residence of the collector and commissioner, and crowded public places like roadways bus stand and railway station, he said. The writer of the letter blamed the district police for his state of penury. The letter also threatened to make a video of the Police Commissionerate and the residence of the DM, with a purpose to send it to Jamaat-ud-Dawa chief Hafiz Saeed through email. The video of army area will also be recorded soon, it said.
By IANS
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Tuesday and discussed several issues related to the state.
The hour-long meeting between the two leaders was held at Parliament House.
Precise details of what they discussed were not known but informed sources told IANS that both leaders discussed development related issues.
After meeting Modi, Yogi Adityanath didn't speak to the media and left for Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence. Earlier, he called on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley.
Adityanath, who arrived in Delhi earlier in the day, will also meet President Pranab Mukherjee, BJP President Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and veteran party leader L.K. Advani.
During his meeting with Shah, Adityanath is likely to discuss portfolio distribution in his ministry.
Adityanath was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday after the Bharatiya Janata Party was swept to power in the state.
NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath met Prime Minister Narendra Modi here on Tuesday and discussed several issues related to the state. The hour-long meeting between the two leaders was held at Parliament House. Precise details of what they discussed were not known but informed sources told IANS that both leaders discussed development related issues. After meeting Modi, Yogi Adityanath didn't speak to the media and left for Home Minister Rajnath Singh's residence. Earlier, he called on Finance Minister Arun Jaitley. Adityanath, who arrived in Delhi earlier in the day, will also meet President Pranab Mukherjee, BJP President Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and veteran party leader L.K. Advani. During his meeting with Shah, Adityanath is likely to discuss portfolio distribution in his ministry. Adityanath was sworn in as Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh on Sunday after the Bharatiya Janata Party was swept to power in the state.
By IANS
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought response from the central government on a contempt plea that alleged that the government had failed to act against the Congress and the BJP for accepting foreign funding.
Justice Manmohan issued a show cause notice to the Union Home Secretary on the contempt plea filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR).
The court posted the matter for next hearing on July 20.
On March 28, 2014, the court held both the Bhartiya Janata Party and the Congress guilty of receiving foreign funds from Vedanta Group subsidiaries in violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).
The court on Tuesday asked the government and the Election Commission to act against the two political parties within six months.
Advocate Pranav Sachdeva appearing for ADR told the court that even after the lapse of three years of the court's order, the government had not taken any action.
"Since there has been wilful disobedience on the part of the respondent (government) in compliance with the impugned order, respondent is liable for contempt of the court and contempt proceedings should be initiated against the respondent," said the plea.
The court held that UK-based Vedanta Resources is a foreign company within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1956, and therefore, the firm and its subsidiaries -- Sterlite Industries and Sesa Goa -- are a foreign source as contemplated under the act.
NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Tuesday sought response from the central government on a contempt plea that alleged that the government had failed to act against the Congress and the BJP for accepting foreign funding. Justice Manmohan issued a show cause notice to the Union Home Secretary on the contempt plea filed by NGO Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR). The court posted the matter for next hearing on July 20. On March 28, 2014, the court held both the Bhartiya Janata Party and the Congress guilty of receiving foreign funds from Vedanta Group subsidiaries in violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA). The court on Tuesday asked the government and the Election Commission to act against the two political parties within six months. Advocate Pranav Sachdeva appearing for ADR told the court that even after the lapse of three years of the court's order, the government had not taken any action. "Since there has been wilful disobedience on the part of the respondent (government) in compliance with the impugned order, respondent is liable for contempt of the court and contempt proceedings should be initiated against the respondent," said the plea. The court held that UK-based Vedanta Resources is a foreign company within the meaning of the Companies Act, 1956, and therefore, the firm and its subsidiaries -- Sterlite Industries and Sesa Goa -- are a foreign source as contemplated under the act.
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra BJP emerged victorious once again on Tuesday by bagging Chairmans posts in 10 out of 25 Zilla Parishads. With this the party has emerged the biggest party in Zilla Parishads. Earlier the party had emerged numero uno in Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Panchayat Samities across the State.
The Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP together prevented the BJP from grabbing power in at least five more ZPs. The gaps in the unusual alliance let the BJP grab power in at least five ZPs.
BJP members have been elected to Chairmans post in Jalgaon, Sangli, Kolhapur, Buldana, Vardha, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Beed and Latur Zilla Parishads, while in Solapur a BJP supported candidate has been elected to the post. BJP members have also won Deputy Chairmans posts in eight districts, party spokesperson Madhav Bhandari told media here in the evening.
The NCP, the Congress and the Shiv Sena could win in six, five and four Zilla Parishad Chairmans seats respectively. Out of the 1,509 seats in the 25 Zilla Parishads, the BJP had won 406, NCP 360, Congress 309 and Sena 271.
Out of the 25 Zilla Parishads that went to polls in February this year, 11 Zilla Parishads had returned a hung house. They were Sangli, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Nashik, Jalgaon, Buldhana, Yavatmal, Aurangabad, Jalna, Hingoli and Beed. The BJP had a clear mandate in Five and todays results have made it clear that they could win five more by luring smaller parties or individuals in five more Zilla Parishads.
The Shiv Sena had absolute majority in Ratnagiri Zilla Parishad and they grabbed power in Nashik, Jalna and Aurangabad Zilla Parishads with the help of Congress.
The NCP won Pune, Satara, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Raigad and Hingoli with the help of the Congress and the Shiv Sena, while the Congress grabbed Yavatmal, Amravati, Nanded, Ahemadnagar and Sindhudurga ZP primarily with Shiv Senas help.
Sources in the Sena disclosed that the local Sena leaders in some places refused to tow the party leaderships directive arguing that after having fought the elections bitterly against the Congress and NCP, it is unthinkable to now join hands with them.
The BJP got support of the Congress and the NCP in some of the Zilla Parishads on Tuesdayagainst each other.
MUMBAI: The Maharashtra BJP emerged victorious once again on Tuesday by bagging Chairmans posts in 10 out of 25 Zilla Parishads. With this the party has emerged the biggest party in Zilla Parishads. Earlier the party had emerged numero uno in Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils and Panchayat Samities across the State. The Shiv Sena, Congress and NCP together prevented the BJP from grabbing power in at least five more ZPs. The gaps in the unusual alliance let the BJP grab power in at least five ZPs. BJP members have been elected to Chairmans post in Jalgaon, Sangli, Kolhapur, Buldana, Vardha, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Beed and Latur Zilla Parishads, while in Solapur a BJP supported candidate has been elected to the post. BJP members have also won Deputy Chairmans posts in eight districts, party spokesperson Madhav Bhandari told media here in the evening. The NCP, the Congress and the Shiv Sena could win in six, five and four Zilla Parishad Chairmans seats respectively. Out of the 1,509 seats in the 25 Zilla Parishads, the BJP had won 406, NCP 360, Congress 309 and Sena 271. Out of the 25 Zilla Parishads that went to polls in February this year, 11 Zilla Parishads had returned a hung house. They were Sangli, Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Nashik, Jalgaon, Buldhana, Yavatmal, Aurangabad, Jalna, Hingoli and Beed. The BJP had a clear mandate in Five and todays results have made it clear that they could win five more by luring smaller parties or individuals in five more Zilla Parishads. The Shiv Sena had absolute majority in Ratnagiri Zilla Parishad and they grabbed power in Nashik, Jalna and Aurangabad Zilla Parishads with the help of Congress. The NCP won Pune, Satara, Parbhani, Osmanabad, Raigad and Hingoli with the help of the Congress and the Shiv Sena, while the Congress grabbed Yavatmal, Amravati, Nanded, Ahemadnagar and Sindhudurga ZP primarily with Shiv Senas help. Sources in the Sena disclosed that the local Sena leaders in some places refused to tow the party leaderships directive arguing that after having fought the elections bitterly against the Congress and NCP, it is unthinkable to now join hands with them. The BJP got support of the Congress and the NCP in some of the Zilla Parishads on Tuesdayagainst each other.
Ejaz Kaiser By
Express News Service
RAIPUR: Raipur will witness the politics on liquor ban next week with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar having "agreed to lead the prohibition campaign" while the Raman Singh cabinet remains adamant to sell liquor through government-owned outlets from April 1.
Kumar will be visiting Chhattisgarh on the invitation of civil society groups and his party cadres from the State. Bihar chief minister Shri Nitish Kumar has assured to provide an impetus to the ongoing movement against liquor in Chhattisgarh. He will share his experiences on enforcing prohibition in Bihar and the socio-economic outcome from his booze ban decision, social activist Mamta Sharma told New Indian Express.
The Bihar CM is slated to address public meetings, couple of nukkad sabhas(corner meetings) and also lead a rally against liquor sale in the capital on March 26. The Bihar government had enforced ban on liquor sale in April 2016.
The Raman Singh government has decided to hold no more auctions for liquor outlet licenses in accordance with the new excise policy for the fiscal year 2017-18.The State government has also decided to sell liquor only through its retail outlets, which will be administered by the government-owned Corporation.
The State cabinet had approved Chhattisgarh Excise (Amendment) Bill 2017 last Monday and it will be tabled in the Assembly later this week. The government aims to create a Corporation, which will be headed by the chief secretary that will facilitate the sale of both foreign and Indian liquor through government outlets.
RAIPUR: Raipur will witness the politics on liquor ban next week with Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar having "agreed to lead the prohibition campaign" while the Raman Singh cabinet remains adamant to sell liquor through government-owned outlets from April 1. Kumar will be visiting Chhattisgarh on the invitation of civil society groups and his party cadres from the State. Bihar chief minister Shri Nitish Kumar has assured to provide an impetus to the ongoing movement against liquor in Chhattisgarh. He will share his experiences on enforcing prohibition in Bihar and the socio-economic outcome from his booze ban decision, social activist Mamta Sharma told New Indian Express. The Bihar CM is slated to address public meetings, couple of nukkad sabhas(corner meetings) and also lead a rally against liquor sale in the capital on March 26. The Bihar government had enforced ban on liquor sale in April 2016. The Raman Singh government has decided to hold no more auctions for liquor outlet licenses in accordance with the new excise policy for the fiscal year 2017-18.The State government has also decided to sell liquor only through its retail outlets, which will be administered by the government-owned Corporation. The State cabinet had approved Chhattisgarh Excise (Amendment) Bill 2017 last Monday and it will be tabled in the Assembly later this week. The government aims to create a Corporation, which will be headed by the chief secretary that will facilitate the sale of both foreign and Indian liquor through government outlets.
By Express News Service
NEW DELHI: The tough task master in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on display once more, as he set challenges to the party MPs during the Parliamentary party meeting, which included spreading awareness about the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Prime Minister made his displeasure well known for the low attendance in both the Houses of Parliament. The Prime Minister also tasked the MPs to popularise the achievements of the government, which will complete three years in the office on May 26.
While the suspense over the next chief minister in Uttar Pradesh had apparently kept the Lok Sabha MPs away from the House, which struggled to maintain the quorum, Modi warned that he would be watching out them. I can call any one of you at any point of time while the House is in the session, Modi said, while addressing the weekly Parliamentary party meeting of the BJP MPs.
With the GST rollout likely from July 1, the Prime Minister tasked the party MPs to reach out to the people and spread the awareness about the benefits accruing to the economy. The Prime Minister has asked the MPs to camp in their respective Parliamentary constituencies and explain the benefits of the biggest taxation reforms initiated by the NDA government. The Parliament is likely to give its nod to the four enabling GST Bills, which have earlier been approved by the Cabinet, soon. After the conclusion of the Budget session of the Parliament, the Prime Minister has directed the MPs to explain the benefits and rationale behind the GST rollout to the people at length, said a senior BJP functionary.
The Prime Minister has also asked the party MPs to popularise the achievements of the NDA government by camping in their respective constituencies. The Prime Minister has stated that the BJP leaders from councillors to MPs should camp in their respective areas and popularise the achievements of the NDA government, added the BJP functionary.
NEW DELHI: The tough task master in the Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on display once more, as he set challenges to the party MPs during the Parliamentary party meeting, which included spreading awareness about the rollout of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). The Prime Minister made his displeasure well known for the low attendance in both the Houses of Parliament. The Prime Minister also tasked the MPs to popularise the achievements of the government, which will complete three years in the office on May 26. While the suspense over the next chief minister in Uttar Pradesh had apparently kept the Lok Sabha MPs away from the House, which struggled to maintain the quorum, Modi warned that he would be watching out them. I can call any one of you at any point of time while the House is in the session, Modi said, while addressing the weekly Parliamentary party meeting of the BJP MPs. With the GST rollout likely from July 1, the Prime Minister tasked the party MPs to reach out to the people and spread the awareness about the benefits accruing to the economy. The Prime Minister has asked the MPs to camp in their respective Parliamentary constituencies and explain the benefits of the biggest taxation reforms initiated by the NDA government. The Parliament is likely to give its nod to the four enabling GST Bills, which have earlier been approved by the Cabinet, soon. After the conclusion of the Budget session of the Parliament, the Prime Minister has directed the MPs to explain the benefits and rationale behind the GST rollout to the people at length, said a senior BJP functionary. The Prime Minister has also asked the party MPs to popularise the achievements of the NDA government by camping in their respective constituencies. The Prime Minister has stated that the BJP leaders from councillors to MPs should camp in their respective areas and popularise the achievements of the NDA government, added the BJP functionary.
Swaran Singh By
As the White House hosted two rather lukewarm and awkward summits between US President Donald Trump and leaders of the two closest American allies, UKs Theresa May and Germanys Angela Merkel, Beijing this month hosted two warm and lavish visits for leaders from two other close US alliesSaudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And starting today, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang begins his week-long visit to two other US allies, Australia and New Zealand, which are already witnessing a clamour to invite China to be the new anchor for the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) that stands deserted by Trump triggering speculations about a crisis of credibility for the US global leadership, at least in the Asia-Pacific.
Meanwhile last Saturday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson completed his debut Asia trip, a visit to Beijing, marking another U-turn in Trumps most consistent China policy. It was partly Trump himself who facilitated this shift. First, as part of his presidential campaign, Trump had denounced China for raping this country and stealing our jobs, promising to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 45 per cent. On being elected, Trump chose to first call Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen and questioned the One- China policy, pushing Beijing to protest angrily. Last Friday, bruised by a North Korean missile test, he tweeted how China was doing little to prevent its communist ally that was behaving very badly.
Yet, in his Thursday telephone talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he had assured his Chinese counterpart of his commitment to the One China policy. US allies are sure quick to learn from such fantastic Trumpspeak! It is in this backdrop that Tillerson firmly underlined in Beijing how Trump places very high value on the communications that have already occurred between Xi and him, and is looking forward to the opportunity for a visit to Beijing. Indeed, both sides are working hard for Trumps early visit which could happen as soon as within the next four weeks unless the Chinese manage to convince him to join their much-hyped One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Summit in May which got a shot in the arm this week with the UN Security Council also recognising its remit. The UNSC, in its resolution extending its ongoing assistance mission in Afghanistan, called for international efforts to strengthen the implementation of Xis Belt and Road Initiative. This came soon after Trumps decision to slash American financial contributions to the UN and its agencies. More than two dozen heads of state have already decided to attend Chinas OBOR summit.
These include Indias neighbours like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan while others like Nepal and the Maldives may soon fall in line. Reminding one of the imperious finesse of the 1972 Nixon visit to China, Tillerson met President Xi at the Great Hall of the People where the Chinese patriarch acknowledged how the US secretary of state had underlined that US-China relations can only be friendly and said he appreciated it. In a joint press conference later, while Tillerson asserted how both sides share a common view, foreign minister Wang Yi advised the US to remain coolheaded to arrive at a wise decision on the North Korean crisis. As if all roads lead to Beijing, last week also saw the chief of army staff of Americas frontline ally against al- Qaeda, General Qamar Javed Bajwa of Pakistan, having a successful China visit where both sides agreed to a whole range of new defence cooperation initiatives including China raising its marine force from 2,000 to 10,000.
These, for the first time ever, will be deployed abroad including at Gwadar and Djibouti. At the global level as well, while Trumps America First policy promises to promote protectionism, starting from Xis Davos speech last January, China is being seen as the powerful new proponent of the liberal world order pushing for free trade in the name of equity and justice. While Trump seems lukewarm towards Americas European allies, he has already give up on rebalancing via a pivot to the Asia-Pacific, triggering palpable trends of uncontested expansion of the rising Chinas geo-strategic footprint.
Rodrigo Duterte, the president of Philippinesa country that took the South China Sea issue to the International Court of Arbitration resulting in its June 12 judgment rejecting Chinas historic claims based on its notorious nine-dash linehas discarded this arbitration to engage Beijing in hope of FDI and other benefits flowing from Chinas OBOR initiative. Britain, the closest US ally, which remains determined to exit the EU became a founding member of Chinas AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) last year leaving the US visibly isolated. Premier Lis visit to Australia and New Zealand presents a test case for measuring the magnitude of Chinas rise. Ostensibly, his visit is aimed at upgrading Chinas FTAs to enhance Beijings imports from these two countries. But it is important to note that Australia, whose population is little more than that of Delhi, has twice as much bilateral trade with China compared to India.
Little over a decade ago, Australias trade with China was about half of Indias trade with that country. No doubt, Australias China policy has gone from being adversary to exploring a partnership and since January, Australian PM Turnbull has floated the idea of inviting China into the TPP. Likewise, ASEAN, created in 1967 to contain China, has given the leadership of its 16-nation Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership to Beijing. New Zealand, with a population less than that of Chennai, has trebled its trade with China in the last eight years reaching $23 billion in 2016. Hopefully, our China experts are watching carefully.
Swaran Singh
Professor, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi
Email: ssingh@jnu.ac.in
As the White House hosted two rather lukewarm and awkward summits between US President Donald Trump and leaders of the two closest American allies, UKs Theresa May and Germanys Angela Merkel, Beijing this month hosted two warm and lavish visits for leaders from two other close US alliesSaudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. And starting today, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang begins his week-long visit to two other US allies, Australia and New Zealand, which are already witnessing a clamour to invite China to be the new anchor for the Trans- Pacific Partnership (TPP) that stands deserted by Trump triggering speculations about a crisis of credibility for the US global leadership, at least in the Asia-Pacific. Meanwhile last Saturday, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson completed his debut Asia trip, a visit to Beijing, marking another U-turn in Trumps most consistent China policy. It was partly Trump himself who facilitated this shift. First, as part of his presidential campaign, Trump had denounced China for raping this country and stealing our jobs, promising to raise tariffs on Chinese imports to 45 per cent. On being elected, Trump chose to first call Taiwan President Tsai Ingwen and questioned the One- China policy, pushing Beijing to protest angrily. Last Friday, bruised by a North Korean missile test, he tweeted how China was doing little to prevent its communist ally that was behaving very badly. Yet, in his Thursday telephone talk with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he had assured his Chinese counterpart of his commitment to the One China policy. US allies are sure quick to learn from such fantastic Trumpspeak! It is in this backdrop that Tillerson firmly underlined in Beijing how Trump places very high value on the communications that have already occurred between Xi and him, and is looking forward to the opportunity for a visit to Beijing. Indeed, both sides are working hard for Trumps early visit which could happen as soon as within the next four weeks unless the Chinese manage to convince him to join their much-hyped One Belt, One Road (OBOR) Summit in May which got a shot in the arm this week with the UN Security Council also recognising its remit. The UNSC, in its resolution extending its ongoing assistance mission in Afghanistan, called for international efforts to strengthen the implementation of Xis Belt and Road Initiative. This came soon after Trumps decision to slash American financial contributions to the UN and its agencies. More than two dozen heads of state have already decided to attend Chinas OBOR summit. These include Indias neighbours like Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Pakistan while others like Nepal and the Maldives may soon fall in line. Reminding one of the imperious finesse of the 1972 Nixon visit to China, Tillerson met President Xi at the Great Hall of the People where the Chinese patriarch acknowledged how the US secretary of state had underlined that US-China relations can only be friendly and said he appreciated it. In a joint press conference later, while Tillerson asserted how both sides share a common view, foreign minister Wang Yi advised the US to remain coolheaded to arrive at a wise decision on the North Korean crisis. As if all roads lead to Beijing, last week also saw the chief of army staff of Americas frontline ally against al- Qaeda, General Qamar Javed Bajwa of Pakistan, having a successful China visit where both sides agreed to a whole range of new defence cooperation initiatives including China raising its marine force from 2,000 to 10,000. These, for the first time ever, will be deployed abroad including at Gwadar and Djibouti. At the global level as well, while Trumps America First policy promises to promote protectionism, starting from Xis Davos speech last January, China is being seen as the powerful new proponent of the liberal world order pushing for free trade in the name of equity and justice. While Trump seems lukewarm towards Americas European allies, he has already give up on rebalancing via a pivot to the Asia-Pacific, triggering palpable trends of uncontested expansion of the rising Chinas geo-strategic footprint. Rodrigo Duterte, the president of Philippinesa country that took the South China Sea issue to the International Court of Arbitration resulting in its June 12 judgment rejecting Chinas historic claims based on its notorious nine-dash linehas discarded this arbitration to engage Beijing in hope of FDI and other benefits flowing from Chinas OBOR initiative. Britain, the closest US ally, which remains determined to exit the EU became a founding member of Chinas AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) last year leaving the US visibly isolated. Premier Lis visit to Australia and New Zealand presents a test case for measuring the magnitude of Chinas rise. Ostensibly, his visit is aimed at upgrading Chinas FTAs to enhance Beijings imports from these two countries. But it is important to note that Australia, whose population is little more than that of Delhi, has twice as much bilateral trade with China compared to India. Little over a decade ago, Australias trade with China was about half of Indias trade with that country. No doubt, Australias China policy has gone from being adversary to exploring a partnership and since January, Australian PM Turnbull has floated the idea of inviting China into the TPP. Likewise, ASEAN, created in 1967 to contain China, has given the leadership of its 16-nation Regional Economic Cooperation Partnership to Beijing. New Zealand, with a population less than that of Chennai, has trebled its trade with China in the last eight years reaching $23 billion in 2016. Hopefully, our China experts are watching carefully. Swaran Singh Professor, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi Email: ssingh@jnu.ac.in
By Express News Service
KOZHIKODE: The family of Tomy Kalathoor Mathew, 48, the parish priest who was stabbed in a suspected racial attack in Melbourne in Australia, expressed shock over the incident. Fr Tomy, who belongs to Kalathoor family of Karimbu in Anakkampoyil, became a priest in 1994.
His brother Babu Kalathoor said he spoke to him over the phone. I spoke to him today morning as well. He said he would get discharged from hospital soon. He has been advised rest for a few days, said Babu Kalathoor on Monday. We were all shocked. Tension eased as we could talk to him, he said. Fr Tomy, who was at home for few days, returned a month ago.
Fr Tomy is the sixth child of the late Mathew Kalathoor and Annamma Mathew. He has been serving as parish priest of the Melbourne Church since 2014. Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil of Thamarassery Diocese spoke to the injured priest over phone. Fr Tomy said that he escaped from the attack only due to Gods grace. The knife didnt go deep and just injured the neck muscles, said Fr Abraham Kavilpurayidathil, the spokesperson of the diocese.
KOZHIKODE: The family of Tomy Kalathoor Mathew, 48, the parish priest who was stabbed in a suspected racial attack in Melbourne in Australia, expressed shock over the incident. Fr Tomy, who belongs to Kalathoor family of Karimbu in Anakkampoyil, became a priest in 1994. His brother Babu Kalathoor said he spoke to him over the phone. I spoke to him today morning as well. He said he would get discharged from hospital soon. He has been advised rest for a few days, said Babu Kalathoor on Monday. We were all shocked. Tension eased as we could talk to him, he said. Fr Tomy, who was at home for few days, returned a month ago. Fr Tomy is the sixth child of the late Mathew Kalathoor and Annamma Mathew. He has been serving as parish priest of the Melbourne Church since 2014. Bishop Mar Remigiose Inchananiyil of Thamarassery Diocese spoke to the injured priest over phone. Fr Tomy said that he escaped from the attack only due to Gods grace. The knife didnt go deep and just injured the neck muscles, said Fr Abraham Kavilpurayidathil, the spokesperson of the diocese.
By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR/RAYAGADA/BHAWANIPATNA: Left wing extremists on Tuesday killed a tribal villager of Rayagada for declining to withdraw a minor rape case against member of a local organisation which they allegedly support.
Mali Pushika, who belonged to the primitive tribe Dongoria Kondha, was kidnapped by the Maoists two days ago along with Mandru Pushika from Salphajhola village under Muniguda police limits. On a day when State Police top brass gathered at Bhawanipatna to discuss strategies to contain Left Wing Extremists (LWE) movement in the region, body of Mali, with his throat slit, was found. Mandru, however, was freed.
Police said, Mali was receiving calls from the Maoists who wanted him to withdraw a rape case which he had registered against one Bari Pidikaka, supposed to be a member of Niyamgiri Surakshya Samiti. Bari was charged with rape of Malis minor niece. The accused was arrested last year and is behind bars.
Rayagada SP Siva Subramani said, Mali had refused to withdraw the case which is why he was receiving threat calls from the Maoists. Mali had even gone to Muniguda police station a couple of days back. This apparently left the rebels furious. On Sunday, the Red rebels abducted both Mali and Mandru. While Mali was brutally killed, Mandru was released with warnings of dire consequences if he continued to be a police informer.
Meanwhile, Director General of Police KB Singh visited Bhawanipatna where he convened a meeting to review the counter-Maoist strategies for the Rayagada-Kalahandi axis. IG (Operations) RP Koche, DIG, South Western Range S Shyni and Kalahandi SP Brijesh Rai were present.
Sources said, State Police is planning wholesome changes in the counter-extremist strategies in view of the resurgence of the rebels and their movements. More Central para military forces could be mobilised in the region to flush out the Maoists. On March 15, the ultras had gone on a rampage in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi where they had abducted three villagers. Two days later, one of them was killed.
BHUBANESWAR/RAYAGADA/BHAWANIPATNA: Left wing extremists on Tuesday killed a tribal villager of Rayagada for declining to withdraw a minor rape case against member of a local organisation which they allegedly support. Mali Pushika, who belonged to the primitive tribe Dongoria Kondha, was kidnapped by the Maoists two days ago along with Mandru Pushika from Salphajhola village under Muniguda police limits. On a day when State Police top brass gathered at Bhawanipatna to discuss strategies to contain Left Wing Extremists (LWE) movement in the region, body of Mali, with his throat slit, was found. Mandru, however, was freed. Police said, Mali was receiving calls from the Maoists who wanted him to withdraw a rape case which he had registered against one Bari Pidikaka, supposed to be a member of Niyamgiri Surakshya Samiti. Bari was charged with rape of Malis minor niece. The accused was arrested last year and is behind bars. Rayagada SP Siva Subramani said, Mali had refused to withdraw the case which is why he was receiving threat calls from the Maoists. Mali had even gone to Muniguda police station a couple of days back. This apparently left the rebels furious. On Sunday, the Red rebels abducted both Mali and Mandru. While Mali was brutally killed, Mandru was released with warnings of dire consequences if he continued to be a police informer. Meanwhile, Director General of Police KB Singh visited Bhawanipatna where he convened a meeting to review the counter-Maoist strategies for the Rayagada-Kalahandi axis. IG (Operations) RP Koche, DIG, South Western Range S Shyni and Kalahandi SP Brijesh Rai were present. Sources said, State Police is planning wholesome changes in the counter-extremist strategies in view of the resurgence of the rebels and their movements. More Central para military forces could be mobilised in the region to flush out the Maoists. On March 15, the ultras had gone on a rampage in Thuamul Rampur block of Kalahandi where they had abducted three villagers. Two days later, one of them was killed.
By Express News Service
New Delhi: Union minister P.Radhakrishnanan on Monday went to Jantar Mantar in order to convince to withdraw scores of protesting farmers from Tamil Nadu in the national capital. Raising their demand of loan waiver and a formation of Cauvery Management Committee these farmers have been on sit on protest.
Be rest assured that your demand will be taken up by the central government, now I request you to withdraw the protest, five of you come and stay with me at my home. All the rest of you should vacate the place said the union minister. Earlier in the day six MPs from the AIADMK party including Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai met the farmers
In addition farmers are demanding a Rs-40,000 crore drought relief package from the Centre for Tamil Nadu.
Unless and until our demands are not met we will continue to protest at the same site, we do trust them but first demands should be met said P. Ayyakannu who is leading the protest and the state president of South Indian Rivers Linking Farmers Association.
"Demands of the farmers are synchronous to that of the Tamil Nadu government. So, we will get appointments and make them meet the Union Finance Minister and Water Resources Minister in a day or two," Thambidurai said.
From the left parties CPI National Secretary D Raja and CPI (M) MP T K Rangarajan too visited the farmers and offered their support.
New Delhi: Union minister P.Radhakrishnanan on Monday went to Jantar Mantar in order to convince to withdraw scores of protesting farmers from Tamil Nadu in the national capital. Raising their demand of loan waiver and a formation of Cauvery Management Committee these farmers have been on sit on protest. Be rest assured that your demand will be taken up by the central government, now I request you to withdraw the protest, five of you come and stay with me at my home. All the rest of you should vacate the place said the union minister. Earlier in the day six MPs from the AIADMK party including Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai met the farmers In addition farmers are demanding a Rs-40,000 crore drought relief package from the Centre for Tamil Nadu. Unless and until our demands are not met we will continue to protest at the same site, we do trust them but first demands should be met said P. Ayyakannu who is leading the protest and the state president of South Indian Rivers Linking Farmers Association. "Demands of the farmers are synchronous to that of the Tamil Nadu government. So, we will get appointments and make them meet the Union Finance Minister and Water Resources Minister in a day or two," Thambidurai said. From the left parties CPI National Secretary D Raja and CPI (M) MP T K Rangarajan too visited the farmers and offered their support.
By Express News Service
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday met a delegation of Tamil Nadu fishermen and talked about early implementation of Rs 1,500 crore package to augment deep-sea fishing capacity of the fishermen in the State.
The External Affairs Minister reiterated the Union governments commitment for early implementation of the Rs 1,500 crore package to develop deep-sea fishing capacities for fishermen in Tamil Nadu and informed that the initial financial allotment in this regard has been made.
The fishermen in the State have been on the edge as killing of an Indian fishermen in the waters between India and Sri Lanka on March 6 has underlined the dependency of their livelihood on good relation and early resolution of the issues between the two countries.
Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the fishermen, accompanied by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan and Members of Parliament (MPs) L Ganeshan and Anwar Raajha, apprised Swaraj of the difficulties faced by them in attending to their livelihood through fishing in waters between India and Sri Lanka.
The Sri Lankan Navy had arrested 85 Indian fishermen and had seized their boats as well after the firing incident. The fishermen were assured that the Sri Lankan government is conducting a thorough investigation in the killing of the Indian fishermen.
Swaraj, has told the fishermen that the government will remain closely engaged with Sri Lankan government to secure release of all Indian boats and fishermen in their custody.
She also highlighted that efforts taken by the Indian government in the last two years had led to release of all boats and fishermen by Sri Lanka.
However, the fishing trawlers seized by the Sri Lankan Navy continue to remain in its custody as the Sri Lankan fishermen continue to oppose the Indian fishing trawlers that, they say, has been harming the marine ecosystem in Sri Lankan waters.
The protests following the death of the fisherman on March 6 were pegged on the core demand of peaceful and a long-standing solution to the issues miring fishing activities and restoration of their traditional rights in the Palk Strait.
NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday met a delegation of Tamil Nadu fishermen and talked about early implementation of Rs 1,500 crore package to augment deep-sea fishing capacity of the fishermen in the State. The External Affairs Minister reiterated the Union governments commitment for early implementation of the Rs 1,500 crore package to develop deep-sea fishing capacities for fishermen in Tamil Nadu and informed that the initial financial allotment in this regard has been made. The fishermen in the State have been on the edge as killing of an Indian fishermen in the waters between India and Sri Lanka on March 6 has underlined the dependency of their livelihood on good relation and early resolution of the issues between the two countries. Sources in the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the fishermen, accompanied by Union Minister of State for Road Transport and Highways, Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan and Members of Parliament (MPs) L Ganeshan and Anwar Raajha, apprised Swaraj of the difficulties faced by them in attending to their livelihood through fishing in waters between India and Sri Lanka. The Sri Lankan Navy had arrested 85 Indian fishermen and had seized their boats as well after the firing incident. The fishermen were assured that the Sri Lankan government is conducting a thorough investigation in the killing of the Indian fishermen. Swaraj, has told the fishermen that the government will remain closely engaged with Sri Lankan government to secure release of all Indian boats and fishermen in their custody. She also highlighted that efforts taken by the Indian government in the last two years had led to release of all boats and fishermen by Sri Lanka. However, the fishing trawlers seized by the Sri Lankan Navy continue to remain in its custody as the Sri Lankan fishermen continue to oppose the Indian fishing trawlers that, they say, has been harming the marine ecosystem in Sri Lankan waters. The protests following the death of the fisherman on March 6 were pegged on the core demand of peaceful and a long-standing solution to the issues miring fishing activities and restoration of their traditional rights in the Palk Strait.
By Express News Service
CHENNAI: Alleging that Sri Lanka had been trying to thwart efforts for a diplomatic solution to the issues relating to sharing of marine fish resources, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday said the continuous arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy seemed to be intended so.
Bringing to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the arrest of 10 fishermen by Lankan Navy early morning Tuesday, the chief minister said the arrests came close to the shooting on March 6 in which TK Britjo, an innocent Indian fisherman was killed and another fisherman injured.
Although shortly after the shooting incident, 85 Indian fishermen were released by the Lankan Navy, the arrests made again on Tuesday showed that the Lankan Navy had little regard for diplomatic efforts to solve the vexatious issue.
The chief minister said there were a number of examples worldwide where through bilateral diplomatic efforts of the countries which shared narrow waters between them, mutually acceptable arrangements for sharing of marine fish resources had been worked out.
Referring to the non-release of 129 boats including the one seized on Tuesday, Palaniswami said these boats had been precariously berthed and prolonged disuse would have caused irreversible damages. These boats must be returned in a refurbished, seaworthy condition, he added.
The chief minister further said a decisive shift in the manner of dealing with this sensitive issue was long awaited. He requested the prime minister to immediately direct the Ministry of External Affairs to take concrete action through diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release the fishermen and 129 fishing boats, the 10 fishermen and their mechanised fishing boat rounded up on Tuesday.
Protests had erupted at Thangathchimadam in Rameswaram following the death of Britjo in an alleged shooting incident. The protestors wanted the Lankan Navy hauled over the coals and their traditional right in the Palk Strait restored to them. The protests were called off after the intervention of the Union government through its emissaries, Pon Radhakrishnan and Nirmala Sitharaman.
CHENNAI: Alleging that Sri Lanka had been trying to thwart efforts for a diplomatic solution to the issues relating to sharing of marine fish resources, the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Tuesday said the continuous arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy seemed to be intended so. Bringing to the notice of Prime Minister Narendra Modi the arrest of 10 fishermen by Lankan Navy early morning Tuesday, the chief minister said the arrests came close to the shooting on March 6 in which TK Britjo, an innocent Indian fisherman was killed and another fisherman injured. Although shortly after the shooting incident, 85 Indian fishermen were released by the Lankan Navy, the arrests made again on Tuesday showed that the Lankan Navy had little regard for diplomatic efforts to solve the vexatious issue. The chief minister said there were a number of examples worldwide where through bilateral diplomatic efforts of the countries which shared narrow waters between them, mutually acceptable arrangements for sharing of marine fish resources had been worked out. Referring to the non-release of 129 boats including the one seized on Tuesday, Palaniswami said these boats had been precariously berthed and prolonged disuse would have caused irreversible damages. These boats must be returned in a refurbished, seaworthy condition, he added. The chief minister further said a decisive shift in the manner of dealing with this sensitive issue was long awaited. He requested the prime minister to immediately direct the Ministry of External Affairs to take concrete action through diplomatic channels to secure the immediate release the fishermen and 129 fishing boats, the 10 fishermen and their mechanised fishing boat rounded up on Tuesday. Protests had erupted at Thangathchimadam in Rameswaram following the death of Britjo in an alleged shooting incident. The protestors wanted the Lankan Navy hauled over the coals and their traditional right in the Palk Strait restored to them. The protests were called off after the intervention of the Union government through its emissaries, Pon Radhakrishnan and Nirmala Sitharaman.
Ritu Sharma By
NEW DELHI: China has outfoxed India when it comes to defence diplomacy in the Indian subcontinent, as a stuttering Indian defence industry could muster little to offer these countries, including Bangladesh, seeking to modernise their armed forces.
Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to come to India in April, but New Delhi has nothing in its kitty to match the spectacular deal that China inked with the supply of two submarines in 2016. The defence deals are expected on the lines of cross-border cooperation between the two countries agencies. Any agreement with respect to supply of defence equipment is highly unlikely, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources told The Sunday Standard. The officials added that India is likely to extend a line-of-credit for the purchase of military equipments.
Bangladesh has recently acquired two Chinese Ming-class diesel electric submarines, catapulting it in the club of Asian maritime powers with under-water combat capability. India immediately rushed its then defence minister Manohar Parrikar to Dhaka and as the initial shock ebbed offered to train its crew in operating the under-water vessel. But, the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has trained a small Bangladesh crew at its Hainan submarine facility.
According to the 2014 report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has emerged as one of the biggest arms suppliers in the world claiming 40 per cent share in total world arms sale in 2012.
Bangladesh has imported seven percent of Chinas military equipment and a whopping 80 percent of its military inventory is Made in China. Bangladesh is flanked by India on three sides and its forces often train with India being depicted as the enemy.
Experts deplore that India does not have the military diplomacy capability or intent that China currently has and that this growing gap in Chinas favour will have a bearing on Indias profile and contested strategic space in South Asia.
To my mind what is more regrettable is that to the extent Beijing and its top political leadership has prioritised defence diplomacy. New Delhi and Ministry of Defence appear oblivious to the potential of military diplomacy and this has become an MEA-led endeavour, Commodore Uday Bhaskar, a former naval officer and defence expert, opined.
He rues that while China has embarked upon providing military hardware to Indias neighboursPakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, India does not even have the indigenous capacity to design and manufacture a personal weapon.
When was the last time the Cabinet Committee on Security or Parliament actually deliberated upon military diplomacy? he asks pointedly.
NEW DELHI: China has outfoxed India when it comes to defence diplomacy in the Indian subcontinent, as a stuttering Indian defence industry could muster little to offer these countries, including Bangladesh, seeking to modernise their armed forces. Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina is scheduled to come to India in April, but New Delhi has nothing in its kitty to match the spectacular deal that China inked with the supply of two submarines in 2016. The defence deals are expected on the lines of cross-border cooperation between the two countries agencies. Any agreement with respect to supply of defence equipment is highly unlikely, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources told The Sunday Standard. The officials added that India is likely to extend a line-of-credit for the purchase of military equipments. Bangladesh has recently acquired two Chinese Ming-class diesel electric submarines, catapulting it in the club of Asian maritime powers with under-water combat capability. India immediately rushed its then defence minister Manohar Parrikar to Dhaka and as the initial shock ebbed offered to train its crew in operating the under-water vessel. But, the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) has trained a small Bangladesh crew at its Hainan submarine facility. According to the 2014 report of Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), China has emerged as one of the biggest arms suppliers in the world claiming 40 per cent share in total world arms sale in 2012. Bangladesh has imported seven percent of Chinas military equipment and a whopping 80 percent of its military inventory is Made in China. Bangladesh is flanked by India on three sides and its forces often train with India being depicted as the enemy. Experts deplore that India does not have the military diplomacy capability or intent that China currently has and that this growing gap in Chinas favour will have a bearing on Indias profile and contested strategic space in South Asia. To my mind what is more regrettable is that to the extent Beijing and its top political leadership has prioritised defence diplomacy. New Delhi and Ministry of Defence appear oblivious to the potential of military diplomacy and this has become an MEA-led endeavour, Commodore Uday Bhaskar, a former naval officer and defence expert, opined. He rues that while China has embarked upon providing military hardware to Indias neighboursPakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar, India does not even have the indigenous capacity to design and manufacture a personal weapon. When was the last time the Cabinet Committee on Security or Parliament actually deliberated upon military diplomacy? he asks pointedly.
By PTI
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said Russia can play an important role in the crisis following Syria's firing missiles at Israeli warplanes carrying out strikes in the conflict-torn country.
"Russia can play a role so that Israel no longer attacks Syria," Assad told Russian journalists yesterday. "I think Russia can play an important role in this regard." Russia's foreign ministry yesterday summoned Israel's ambassador over air strikes close to Moscow's forces near the historic Syrian city of Palmyra.
The air strikes on Friday prompted retaliatory Syrian missile launches, in the most serious incident between the two countries since the war began six years ago. Israel's military said it had been targeting weapons bound for Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, which backs the Damascus regime in Syria.
Assad was quoted in comments translated into Russian that "any military operation in Syria that does not have the consent of the Syrian government is illegal". "If there are some troops on Syrian soil, it is an invasion," he said, adding that the "protection of our borders is a right and a duty".
Syria's military said it had downed an Israeli plane and hit another as they were carrying out pre-dawn strikes near Palmyra, but the Israeli military denied that any planes had been hit. On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria's air defence systems "without the slightest hesitation" if it happened again.
Russia and Israel had already set up a "hotline" aimed at avoiding air clashes over Syria, which Moscow said it would like to see work more effectively. For its part Israel has said that it does not usually inform Moscow ahead of time when it will carry out an air strike.
Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said Russia can play an important role in the crisis following Syria's firing missiles at Israeli warplanes carrying out strikes in the conflict-torn country. "Russia can play a role so that Israel no longer attacks Syria," Assad told Russian journalists yesterday. "I think Russia can play an important role in this regard." Russia's foreign ministry yesterday summoned Israel's ambassador over air strikes close to Moscow's forces near the historic Syrian city of Palmyra. The air strikes on Friday prompted retaliatory Syrian missile launches, in the most serious incident between the two countries since the war began six years ago. Israel's military said it had been targeting weapons bound for Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, which backs the Damascus regime in Syria. Assad was quoted in comments translated into Russian that "any military operation in Syria that does not have the consent of the Syrian government is illegal". "If there are some troops on Syrian soil, it is an invasion," he said, adding that the "protection of our borders is a right and a duty". Syria's military said it had downed an Israeli plane and hit another as they were carrying out pre-dawn strikes near Palmyra, but the Israeli military denied that any planes had been hit. On Sunday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria's air defence systems "without the slightest hesitation" if it happened again. Russia and Israel had already set up a "hotline" aimed at avoiding air clashes over Syria, which Moscow said it would like to see work more effectively. For its part Israel has said that it does not usually inform Moscow ahead of time when it will carry out an air strike.
U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May will be filing divorce papers to leave the European Union (EU) on March 29 the first step of two years of negotiations to ensure a smooth exit from the union. May has said that she wants to get the best possible deal for her people, including a good free-trade pact with the EU. However, the EU will not be making it that easy for May, as it works to safeguard the interests of the 27 remaining member states and ensure that exit does not benefit U.K. (read: Brexit: Still a Thing).
The question is whether Britain, the sixth biggest economy in the world, can retain its status of the regions financial center and maintain trade relationships with its largest market (read: How Hard will Brexit be on UK and Pound ETFs).
The 310-year old relationship with Scotland is also in question as First Minister Nicola Sturgeon fights for an independence referendum. Although May has blocked the referendum until Brexit terms are entirely known, there is increasing uncertainty regarding the future of the union between these countries as Sturgeon's rationale seems to be gaining support. As per Mays plan, the referendum will not be able to take place before the end of 2020, as it will take at least another 18 months to prepare post-Brexit. By then, Scotland will have to prepare to leave the U.K and join the EU (read: Will Talks of Scottish Independence Vote Hurt British ETFs?).
European Commission spokesman Margaritis Schinas said that the EU is ready to begin negotiations. This led to a 0.4% decline in the pound to $1.2348 at 4.32 p.m. in London on March 20.
In the wake of the high uncertainty regarding the future of the U.K. and a bleak outlook for the pound, we have eyes on the following currency hedged ETFs:
iShares Currency Hedged MSCI United Kingdom ETF HEWU
This fund has over 80% exposure to the U.K. For investors looking to gain higher exposure to the British markets in particular, this fund is one of the most appropriate pure play options available.
Story continues
The fund manages AUM of $83 million and charges 48 basis points (bps) in fees per year. Financials, Consumer Non-Cyclical, and Energy are the top three sectors of this fund with over 50% of fund assets allocated to them. The fund has an average volume of 41,000 shares. It returned 6.01% in the year-to-date timeframe and 24.61% in the past one year. HEWU currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium risk outlook.
WisdomTree United Kingdom Hedged Equity Fund DXPS
This fund has over 80% exposure to the U.K. For investors looking to gain higher exposure to U.K. dividend paying companies with an export tilt, this fund is an appropriate bet.
The fund manages AUM of $20 million and charges 48 bps in fees per year. Financials, Consumer Non-Cyclical, and Energy are the top three sectors of this fund with over 50% of fund assets allocated to them. The fund has an average volume of 4,500 shares. It returned 6.09% year to date and 25.80% in the past one year. DXPS currently has a Zacks Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook.
Deutsche X-trackers MSCI United Kingdom Hedged Equity ETF DBUK
With over 80% exposure to the U.K., this fund is a relatively less popular currency hedged ETF available in the region.
The fund manages AUM of $5.4 million and charges 45 bps in fees per year. Financials, Consumer Non-Cyclical, and Energy are the top three sectors of this fund with over 50% of fund assets allocated to them. The fund has an average volume of 1,810 shares. It returned 5.77% in the year-to-date timeframe and 23.40% in the last one year. DBUK currently has a Zacks Rank #3 with a Medium risk outlook.
Bottom Line
With Article 50 about to be triggered, there is high uncertainty regarding the terms U.K. will have to abide by relating to Brexit. The pound is losing ground amid Brexit concerns and it is difficult to predict the future of the currency. As a result, we believe its best to remain on the sidelines for now.
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By Associated Press
DES MOINES: FBI agents have met with leaders of an Iowa mosque about a threatening note it received in the mail.
Dr. Samir Shams, the president of the Islamic Center of Des Moines, says he found the handwritten note Sunday morning. It said Muslims were a "vile" people and that President Donald Trump would "do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews." The note was signed only "Americans for a Better Way."
Shams says Muslims must take such notes seriously.
An FBI spokeswoman in Omaha says agents met Monday with center members and are assessing the situation.
The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a news release seeking a hate crime investigation. It says similar messages have been sent to other mosques in Iowa and elsewhere.
DES MOINES: FBI agents have met with leaders of an Iowa mosque about a threatening note it received in the mail. Dr. Samir Shams, the president of the Islamic Center of Des Moines, says he found the handwritten note Sunday morning. It said Muslims were a "vile" people and that President Donald Trump would "do to you Muslims what Hitler did to the Jews." The note was signed only "Americans for a Better Way." Shams says Muslims must take such notes seriously. An FBI spokeswoman in Omaha says agents met Monday with center members and are assessing the situation. The Iowa chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations issued a news release seeking a hate crime investigation. It says similar messages have been sent to other mosques in Iowa and elsewhere.
By AFP
SEOUL: North Korea's uranium enrichment facility has doubled in size over the last few years, the UN's atomic watchdog chief has warned, as global tensions grow over Pyongyang's burgeoning nuclear weapons programme.
Yukiya Amano, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told the Wall Street Journal that the isolated state's nuclear capacities are being ramped up.
"The situation is very bad... It has gone into a new phase," Amano said, in the report published on Monday. "All of the indications point to the fact that North Korea is making progress, as they declared."
International alarm over Pyongyang's military ambitions has risen after a series of missile launches and nuclear tests last year, and earlier this month it fired four rockets in what it described as practice for an attack on United States military bases in Japan.
The North, which also tested a powerful new rocket engine at the weekend to coincide with a trip to Asia by US Secretary State Rex Tillerson, has long coveted a missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead.
Pyongyang has rapidly expanded its facilities for enriching uranium and plutonium production in recent years, Amano told the Journal, expressing doubt over the potential for a diplomatic solution.
During his visit to South Korea last week, Tillerson declared Washington would drop the "failed" approach of "strategic patience" with Pyongyang and warned that US military action was possible.
That marked a sharp divergence from China's insistence on a diplomatic approach to its neighbour, which it has long protected.
In January, South Korea said the North had enough plutonium to make 10 nuclear bombs, as well as a "considerable" ability to produce weapons based on highly-enriched uranium.
The North has boosted plutonium supplies by reactivating its once-mothballed nuclear reactor in Yongbyon.
SEOUL: North Korea's uranium enrichment facility has doubled in size over the last few years, the UN's atomic watchdog chief has warned, as global tensions grow over Pyongyang's burgeoning nuclear weapons programme. Yukiya Amano, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) told the Wall Street Journal that the isolated state's nuclear capacities are being ramped up. "The situation is very bad... It has gone into a new phase," Amano said, in the report published on Monday. "All of the indications point to the fact that North Korea is making progress, as they declared." International alarm over Pyongyang's military ambitions has risen after a series of missile launches and nuclear tests last year, and earlier this month it fired four rockets in what it described as practice for an attack on United States military bases in Japan. The North, which also tested a powerful new rocket engine at the weekend to coincide with a trip to Asia by US Secretary State Rex Tillerson, has long coveted a missile capable of hitting the US mainland with a nuclear warhead. Pyongyang has rapidly expanded its facilities for enriching uranium and plutonium production in recent years, Amano told the Journal, expressing doubt over the potential for a diplomatic solution. During his visit to South Korea last week, Tillerson declared Washington would drop the "failed" approach of "strategic patience" with Pyongyang and warned that US military action was possible. That marked a sharp divergence from China's insistence on a diplomatic approach to its neighbour, which it has long protected. In January, South Korea said the North had enough plutonium to make 10 nuclear bombs, as well as a "considerable" ability to produce weapons based on highly-enriched uranium. The North has boosted plutonium supplies by reactivating its once-mothballed nuclear reactor in Yongbyon.
By AFP
COLOMBO: The brother of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapakse denied on Tuesday involvement in war-era death squads, blaming the then army chief for an alleged secretive campaign of extra-judicial murders.
Gotabhaya Rajapakse has been accused of giving orders to a shadowy military outfit allegedly involved in murdering journalists and political dissidents during Sri Lanka's long-running civil war.
In testimony filed to court on Monday, former army chief Sarath Fonseka said this death squad was run by military intelligence but took orders from Gotabhaya Rajapakse, a powerful defence secretary during his brother's tenure.
Gotabhaya Rajapaksesaid Fonseka -- who led Sri Lanka's armed forces between December 2005 and July 2009 -- should answer for the excesses carried out by troops under his command.
"I deny any involvement with these killings," Gotabhaya Rajapakse told AFP. "If he (Fonseka) knew there was a secret hit squad, what action did he take as army commander?"
Fonseka led Sri Lankas victorious final offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, but fell out of favour after unsuccessfully challenging Mahinda Rajapakse for the presidency the following year.
The Criminal Investigations Department told the court the death squad was involved in a litany of abuses against the media during Mahinda Rajapakse's presidency, in which 17 journalists and media staff were killed.
Just hours after submitting its report, police arrested a sixth military officer for alleged involvement in the abduction and assault of an editor in 2008. Five others were arrested last month over the same case.
Police also allege the death squad was behind the 2009 murder of prominent newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, whose death sparked an international outcry.
Wickrematunga had accused Gotabhaya Rajapakse of taking kickbacks in arms purchases, including a deal to buy used MiG jet fighters, and was due to testify against him in court when he was killed.
Mahinda Rajapakse and several members of his family are under investigation for large-scale fraud and murder during his presidency, which ended in 2015.
All deny any wrongdoing and in turn accuse the new government of a political vendetta.
COLOMBO: The brother of Sri Lanka's former president Mahinda Rajapakse denied on Tuesday involvement in war-era death squads, blaming the then army chief for an alleged secretive campaign of extra-judicial murders. Gotabhaya Rajapakse has been accused of giving orders to a shadowy military outfit allegedly involved in murdering journalists and political dissidents during Sri Lanka's long-running civil war. In testimony filed to court on Monday, former army chief Sarath Fonseka said this death squad was run by military intelligence but took orders from Gotabhaya Rajapakse, a powerful defence secretary during his brother's tenure. Gotabhaya Rajapaksesaid Fonseka -- who led Sri Lanka's armed forces between December 2005 and July 2009 -- should answer for the excesses carried out by troops under his command. "I deny any involvement with these killings," Gotabhaya Rajapakse told AFP. "If he (Fonseka) knew there was a secret hit squad, what action did he take as army commander?" Fonseka led Sri Lankas victorious final offensive against Tamil Tiger rebels in 2009, but fell out of favour after unsuccessfully challenging Mahinda Rajapakse for the presidency the following year. The Criminal Investigations Department told the court the death squad was involved in a litany of abuses against the media during Mahinda Rajapakse's presidency, in which 17 journalists and media staff were killed. Just hours after submitting its report, police arrested a sixth military officer for alleged involvement in the abduction and assault of an editor in 2008. Five others were arrested last month over the same case. Police also allege the death squad was behind the 2009 murder of prominent newspaper editor Lasantha Wickrematunga, whose death sparked an international outcry. Wickrematunga had accused Gotabhaya Rajapakse of taking kickbacks in arms purchases, including a deal to buy used MiG jet fighters, and was due to testify against him in court when he was killed. Mahinda Rajapakse and several members of his family are under investigation for large-scale fraud and murder during his presidency, which ended in 2015. All deny any wrongdoing and in turn accuse the new government of a political vendetta.
By AFP
ISTANBUL: Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday formally linked the alleged mastermind of the failed July 15 coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen, to the 2007 killing of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink that shook the country.
Istanbul prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Gulen as well as a prominent former prosecutor and three journalists in its probe into the murder.
Gulen, an Islamic preacher residing in exile in the US state of Pennsylvania, is already the subject of multiple arrest warrants related to last year's failed coup which the government has accused him of leading. He denies the charges.
Numerous reports speculated over a possible link between Gulen and the Dink killing after the coup but this is the first time that prosecutors have made a formal connection.
According to the request by prosecutors, the murder of Dink went ahead because of Gulen's influence on the security forces at the time.
Along with Gulen, the warrant targets the former prosecutor Zekeriya Oz who was behind a graft probe of those in the inner circle of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Authorities blamed the probe on Gulen.
Also wanted are journalists Faruk Mercan, Ekrem Dumanli and Adem Yavuz Arslan who wrote for publications sympathetic to Gulen and are now believed to be out of the country.
Dink, a member of Turkey's Armenian minority, was murdered by a teenage gunman on January 19, 2007, near the offices of the Agos newspaper which he founded.
Relations between Turks and Armenians are scarred by the mass killings of the Ottoman Empire's Armenians in Anatolia during the peak of World War I, which Yerevan sees as a genocide, a term Turkey fiercely rejects.
Dink promoted reconciliation between Armenians and Turks, a prospect that remains far off due to the dispute over the 1915 killings and a series of other rows.
Although his assassin, just 17 at the time, was rapidly arrested and sentenced, the trial into the killing still grinds on with Dink's supporters losing confidence on its ability to shed light on the plot.
Turkey meanwhile is strongly pressing for the extradition of Gulen to face trial over his alleged involvement in the coup.
In the latest contact, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag spoke to his US counterpart Jeff Sessions on Tuesday and asked for Gulen's temporary detention, Turkish media said.
ISTANBUL: Turkish prosecutors on Tuesday formally linked the alleged mastermind of the failed July 15 coup attempt, Fethullah Gulen, to the 2007 killing of the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink that shook the country. Istanbul prosecutors issued an arrest warrant for Gulen as well as a prominent former prosecutor and three journalists in its probe into the murder. Gulen, an Islamic preacher residing in exile in the US state of Pennsylvania, is already the subject of multiple arrest warrants related to last year's failed coup which the government has accused him of leading. He denies the charges. Numerous reports speculated over a possible link between Gulen and the Dink killing after the coup but this is the first time that prosecutors have made a formal connection. According to the request by prosecutors, the murder of Dink went ahead because of Gulen's influence on the security forces at the time. Along with Gulen, the warrant targets the former prosecutor Zekeriya Oz who was behind a graft probe of those in the inner circle of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Authorities blamed the probe on Gulen. Also wanted are journalists Faruk Mercan, Ekrem Dumanli and Adem Yavuz Arslan who wrote for publications sympathetic to Gulen and are now believed to be out of the country. Dink, a member of Turkey's Armenian minority, was murdered by a teenage gunman on January 19, 2007, near the offices of the Agos newspaper which he founded. Relations between Turks and Armenians are scarred by the mass killings of the Ottoman Empire's Armenians in Anatolia during the peak of World War I, which Yerevan sees as a genocide, a term Turkey fiercely rejects. Dink promoted reconciliation between Armenians and Turks, a prospect that remains far off due to the dispute over the 1915 killings and a series of other rows. Although his assassin, just 17 at the time, was rapidly arrested and sentenced, the trial into the killing still grinds on with Dink's supporters losing confidence on its ability to shed light on the plot. Turkey meanwhile is strongly pressing for the extradition of Gulen to face trial over his alleged involvement in the coup. In the latest contact, Turkish Justice Minister Bekir Bozdag spoke to his US counterpart Jeff Sessions on Tuesday and asked for Gulen's temporary detention, Turkish media said.
By AFP
BERLIN: Turkey on Tuesday scrapped all future campaign appearances by its politicians in Germany ahead of April's referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers, amid a heated diplomatic row.
The sudden decision came after three weeks of furious exchanges between Turkey and the European Union over the pro-Erdogan rallies which have already been banned in some of the bloc's member states.
"All future events that were planned have been cancelled. That is a decision that was made in Ankara," said a Cologne-based spokeswoman for Erdogan's AKP party.
Separately, Zafer Sirakaya, president of the pro-Erdogan group that organised the rallies, said the events were cancelled over security reasons.
He told the WirtschaftsWoche weekly that "extremist groups like the (Kurdish separatist) PKK had carried out 11 attacks against our infrastructure".
Turkish ministers eager to tap into 1.4 million voters in Germany have sought to campaign in Europe's most populous country to whip up support for a "yes" vote in the April 16 referendum on scrapping the prime minister's post and creating a executive presidency.
'Breaking every taboo'
However, several Turkish visits were recently rebuffed when German local and state authorities blocked the rallies, citing logistical reasons.
After explicitly saying such campaign appearances were not welcome, The Netherlands simply refused to allow Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's plane landing rights and expelled another envoy who had travelled in by road.
Ankara reacted with fury, with Erdogan accusing Germany and The Netherlands of "Nazi" practices, sparking uproar in Europe.
On Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany could issue a blanket ban against future campaign events by Turkish politicians unless Ankara halted its Nazi insults.
Such comments were "breaking every taboo, without consideration for the suffering of those who were persecuted and murdered" by the Nazis, she said.
Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb separately appealed for calm Tuesday among the Dutch city's sizeable Turkish community, after an unauthorised pro-Turkey demonstration in the port city flared into violence 10 days ago.
"The word is that Turkish officials are calling on European Turks to make their voices heard," he told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper in an interview.
"Of course, we will never dispute or deny Rotterdam Turks' involvement and loyalty to Turkey. However, what we don't want is that the call disrupts the local community," Aboutaleb said.
'Fascist and cruel'
But Erdogan kept up his attacks, telling a rally in Ankara on Tuesday that a "yes" vote was the best response to what he called a "fascist and cruel" Europe.
"This Europe, like before World War II, is a racist, fascist, cruel Europe... An anti-Islam and anti-Turkish Europe," Erdogan said in his latest onslaught against the European Union.
"Give such a response, that those watching us on the screen, those watching us abroad, our citizens, all of Europe, all of the world can hear this," he told cheering crowds.
Fed-up over the row, Austria's government said it would put a draft law to parliament on banning foreign politicians from campaigning in the country.
Germany has repeatedly said it prizes relations with Turkey, because it is home to three million people of Turkish origin -- a legacy of the "guest worker" ("Gastarbeiter) programme of the 1960s and 1970s.
But relations have been put to the test, especially since a failed coup aimed at ousting Erdogan last July.
Berlin has emerged as a strident critic of Ankara's post-coup crackdown, which has seen more than 100,000 people arrested or dismissed from their posts over alleged links to the plotters or to Kurdish militants.
The NATO partners have also rowed over a German TV comedian's biting satire targeting Erdogan and, more recently, Ankara's detention of a journalist from German daily Die Welt.
Ankara has in turn accused Berlin of harbouring "terrorists" and of failing to respond to requests to hand over suspects from the coup as well as Kurds it believes are members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).
Turkey on Sunday protested a pro-Kurdish rally in Frankfurt where demonstrators carried symbols of the PKK, which is listed as a terror organisation not just by Turkey but also the EU and the United States.
BERLIN: Turkey on Tuesday scrapped all future campaign appearances by its politicians in Germany ahead of April's referendum on expanding President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's powers, amid a heated diplomatic row. The sudden decision came after three weeks of furious exchanges between Turkey and the European Union over the pro-Erdogan rallies which have already been banned in some of the bloc's member states. "All future events that were planned have been cancelled. That is a decision that was made in Ankara," said a Cologne-based spokeswoman for Erdogan's AKP party. Separately, Zafer Sirakaya, president of the pro-Erdogan group that organised the rallies, said the events were cancelled over security reasons. He told the WirtschaftsWoche weekly that "extremist groups like the (Kurdish separatist) PKK had carried out 11 attacks against our infrastructure". Turkish ministers eager to tap into 1.4 million voters in Germany have sought to campaign in Europe's most populous country to whip up support for a "yes" vote in the April 16 referendum on scrapping the prime minister's post and creating a executive presidency. 'Breaking every taboo' However, several Turkish visits were recently rebuffed when German local and state authorities blocked the rallies, citing logistical reasons. After explicitly saying such campaign appearances were not welcome, The Netherlands simply refused to allow Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu's plane landing rights and expelled another envoy who had travelled in by road. Ankara reacted with fury, with Erdogan accusing Germany and The Netherlands of "Nazi" practices, sparking uproar in Europe. On Monday, Chancellor Angela Merkel warned that Germany could issue a blanket ban against future campaign events by Turkish politicians unless Ankara halted its Nazi insults. Such comments were "breaking every taboo, without consideration for the suffering of those who were persecuted and murdered" by the Nazis, she said. Rotterdam mayor Ahmed Aboutaleb separately appealed for calm Tuesday among the Dutch city's sizeable Turkish community, after an unauthorised pro-Turkey demonstration in the port city flared into violence 10 days ago. "The word is that Turkish officials are calling on European Turks to make their voices heard," he told the Algemeen Dagblad newspaper in an interview. "Of course, we will never dispute or deny Rotterdam Turks' involvement and loyalty to Turkey. However, what we don't want is that the call disrupts the local community," Aboutaleb said. 'Fascist and cruel' But Erdogan kept up his attacks, telling a rally in Ankara on Tuesday that a "yes" vote was the best response to what he called a "fascist and cruel" Europe. "This Europe, like before World War II, is a racist, fascist, cruel Europe... An anti-Islam and anti-Turkish Europe," Erdogan said in his latest onslaught against the European Union. "Give such a response, that those watching us on the screen, those watching us abroad, our citizens, all of Europe, all of the world can hear this," he told cheering crowds. Fed-up over the row, Austria's government said it would put a draft law to parliament on banning foreign politicians from campaigning in the country. Germany has repeatedly said it prizes relations with Turkey, because it is home to three million people of Turkish origin -- a legacy of the "guest worker" ("Gastarbeiter) programme of the 1960s and 1970s. But relations have been put to the test, especially since a failed coup aimed at ousting Erdogan last July. Berlin has emerged as a strident critic of Ankara's post-coup crackdown, which has seen more than 100,000 people arrested or dismissed from their posts over alleged links to the plotters or to Kurdish militants. The NATO partners have also rowed over a German TV comedian's biting satire targeting Erdogan and, more recently, Ankara's detention of a journalist from German daily Die Welt. Ankara has in turn accused Berlin of harbouring "terrorists" and of failing to respond to requests to hand over suspects from the coup as well as Kurds it believes are members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Turkey on Sunday protested a pro-Kurdish rally in Frankfurt where demonstrators carried symbols of the PKK, which is listed as a terror organisation not just by Turkey but also the EU and the United States.
By AFP
BRUSSELS: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will skip a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels in April, but will travel to Russia and Italy the same month, a US official said Tuesday.
Tillerson will be replaced by a lower-level official at the NATO meeting on April 5-6, a development that will likely fuel new concerns about US President Donald Trump's commitment to the alliance as he pushes for better ties with Moscow.
"Tom Shannon (the US Under Secretary of State) will represent the United States at the NATO Foreign Ministerial," the US official told AFP on condition of anonymity.
Tillerson will meet most of the foreign ministers from the 28-nation military alliance at a meeting in Washington this week, the official added.
"He has already met with officials from Ukraine. After these consultations and meetings, in April he will travel to a meeting of the G7 in Italy and then on to meetings in Russia," the official said.
Under president Barack Obama's administration, NATO sought to shore up support for the pro-western government in Kiev after Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for an uprising in eastern Ukraine.
But during his election campaign, Trump expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he would seek better ties with his government, while in January he dismissed NATO as "obsolete."
Visiting NATO headquarters in Brussels last month, US Vice President Mike Pence sought to reassure the allies about his government's commitment to them, particularly as the Baltic states and Poland fear Russian meddling in their affairs.
But Pence said that Trump expects NATO allies to make real progress by the end of this year toward meeting the increased defence spending target agreed by the alliance.
NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg travelled to Washington on Monday for the first time since Trump was elected, and will hold talks with members of the US-led coalition working to defeat the Islamic State group.
The Trump administration has sought to involve NATO more in fighting the jihadists.
BRUSSELS: US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will skip a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Brussels in April, but will travel to Russia and Italy the same month, a US official said Tuesday. Tillerson will be replaced by a lower-level official at the NATO meeting on April 5-6, a development that will likely fuel new concerns about US President Donald Trump's commitment to the alliance as he pushes for better ties with Moscow. "Tom Shannon (the US Under Secretary of State) will represent the United States at the NATO Foreign Ministerial," the US official told AFP on condition of anonymity. Tillerson will meet most of the foreign ministers from the 28-nation military alliance at a meeting in Washington this week, the official added. "He has already met with officials from Ukraine. After these consultations and meetings, in April he will travel to a meeting of the G7 in Italy and then on to meetings in Russia," the official said. Under president Barack Obama's administration, NATO sought to shore up support for the pro-western government in Kiev after Russia's annexation of Crimea and its support for an uprising in eastern Ukraine. But during his election campaign, Trump expressed admiration for Russian President Vladimir Putin and said he would seek better ties with his government, while in January he dismissed NATO as "obsolete." Visiting NATO headquarters in Brussels last month, US Vice President Mike Pence sought to reassure the allies about his government's commitment to them, particularly as the Baltic states and Poland fear Russian meddling in their affairs. But Pence said that Trump expects NATO allies to make real progress by the end of this year toward meeting the increased defence spending target agreed by the alliance. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg travelled to Washington on Monday for the first time since Trump was elected, and will hold talks with members of the US-led coalition working to defeat the Islamic State group. The Trump administration has sought to involve NATO more in fighting the jihadists.
By AFP
ROME: The United Nations has approved an emergency loan of $22 million (20.3 million euros) in a bid to prevent another famine in drought and crisis-hit Somalia, its food agency said Tuesday.
The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is releasing the funds to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the hope it will help stave off catastrophe in the civil-war wracked country, just five years after the last famine.
Somalia declared a national disaster last month as the number of people going hungry hit three million, with 6.2 million people in total expected to face acute food insecurity over the next three months.
The Rome-based FAO said the funds would go to helping rural communities that have been hit particularly hard, as crops fail, cattle die and wells dry up.
The head of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Stephen O'Brien, said the loan was "part of the efforts to avert a humanitarian catastrophe".
"The loan will bridge a crucial gap and allow FAO to immediately save lives and the livelihoods of farmers and herders until additional funds from donors are received," he said, amid pessimism from meteorologists about the prospect of rain any time soon.
Somalia is among three nations on the verge of famine, along with Yemen and Nigeria.
In South Sudan, 100,000 people are already in famine conditions. In total the disaster threatens the lives of 20 million people.
It is the third famine in the 25 years that Somalia has been embroiled in civil war and anarchy, including one in 2011 which left 260,000 people dead.
ROME: The United Nations has approved an emergency loan of $22 million (20.3 million euros) in a bid to prevent another famine in drought and crisis-hit Somalia, its food agency said Tuesday. The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) is releasing the funds to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in the hope it will help stave off catastrophe in the civil-war wracked country, just five years after the last famine. Somalia declared a national disaster last month as the number of people going hungry hit three million, with 6.2 million people in total expected to face acute food insecurity over the next three months. The Rome-based FAO said the funds would go to helping rural communities that have been hit particularly hard, as crops fail, cattle die and wells dry up. The head of the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Stephen O'Brien, said the loan was "part of the efforts to avert a humanitarian catastrophe". "The loan will bridge a crucial gap and allow FAO to immediately save lives and the livelihoods of farmers and herders until additional funds from donors are received," he said, amid pessimism from meteorologists about the prospect of rain any time soon. Somalia is among three nations on the verge of famine, along with Yemen and Nigeria. In South Sudan, 100,000 people are already in famine conditions. In total the disaster threatens the lives of 20 million people. It is the third famine in the 25 years that Somalia has been embroiled in civil war and anarchy, including one in 2011 which left 260,000 people dead.
KIEV, Ukraine (AP) A Ukrainian lawmaker on Tuesday released a document that he said links Donald Trump's former campaign chairman Paul Manafort to attempts to hide a $750,000 payment from a pro-Russia political party a claim strongly denied by Manafort's spokesman.
Lawmaker Serhiy Leshchenko published a 2009 invoice purportedly signed by Manafort that shows a $750,000 payment for 501 computers to a company called Davis Manafort. The money came from a Belize-registered offshore company via a bank in the Central Asian state of Kyrgyzstan.
Leshchenko said the contract was a cover for payments made to Manafort for work he did for the pro-Russian Party of the Regions in Ukraine, which backed former Russia-friendly Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, who fled the country amid anti-government protests in 2014.
The Associated Press was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the document.
Jason Maloni, a spokesman for Manafort, called the allegations "baseless" and said they should be "summarily dismissed."
Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU), which was set up to investigate official corruption, told the AP that it is not going to look into the reports, since Manafort is not a Ukrainian citizen.
Manafort left Trump's campaign in August following revelations about his work for Yanukovych's party. He's one of the Trump associates now under scrutiny for possible contacts with Russia during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. His name came up repeatedly during Monday's House intelligence committee hearing on that topic.
Manafort defended himself Tuesday against suggestions he played a role in Russia's efforts to interfere with the U.S. vote, saying in a statement that he had "no role or involvement" in the cyberhacking of the Democratic National Committee and the disclosure of stolen emails. He also insisted that he's never spoken to any Russian officials or others who claimed to be involved in the hacking attack.
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Leshchenko said in an interview with The Associated Press that the 2009 invoice was one of about 50 pages of documents, including private paperwork and copies of debit cards issued for employees, which were found in Manafort's Kiev office by a new tenant.
"This is quite a typical scheme to hide the nature of money using jurisdictions like Kyrgyzstan, because it's in the middle of nowhere (and) it's almost impossible to investigate there," Leshchenko said, speaking in English. "I think it was an international fraud scheme and my sources in the Party of Regions say Kyrgyzstan was regularly used as a jurisdiction for money-laundering."
Leshchenko said the amount and date of the payment Oct. 14, 2009 matches one of the entries on the so-called Black Ledges, the handwritten accounting books of the Party of Regions, where Manafort's name stood next to several entries as receiving the party's funds.
Leshchenko argued that the documents found in Manafort's office and the invoice in particular show the mechanics of money-laundering that should be investigated by U.S. authorities.
"Paul Manafort is an American citizen. NABU has enough to do with corrupt Ukrainian officials. I think they can be party to a bigger international investigation," he said. "First of all, it's up to American officials to investigate, because we're talking about American citizens. Money (was) transferred to an account in the United States from Belize opened with an account in Kyrgyzstan, so Ukraine is almost not involved in this."
Leshchenko would not say whether he has shared his findings with U.S. authorities.
Alexander Baunov, an analyst with Carnegie Moscow Center think-tank, said Manafort was advising Yanukovych on relations with the U.S. and its Western allies as the Ukrainian leader was maneuvering between Russia and the West. Manafort's job was to "improve Ukraine's relations with the United States, to advise the Party of Regions, which was quite clumsy in international affairs, in dealing with the Europeans and the Americans," he said.
Yanukovych was driven from power in February 2014 by mass protests triggered by his decision to spike a trade deal with the EU under the pressure from Moscow.
"It's a strong simplification to think that Yanukovych was acting as the Kremlin's puppet and followed all the instructions coming from the Kremlin," Baunov said in Moscow.
___
Veronika Silchenko in Moscow contributed to this report.
AasaanJobs launches Microsite feature for recruiters
New Delhi , Mar. 20 : AasaanJobs, an online recruitment marketplace that connects entry-level job seekers with employers, launched its latest Microsite feature for recruiters exclusively on its platform.
(Posted on 20 March 2017, 1667847384 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 20 March 2017, 1667847384 173O212O198O32)
The feature allows recruiters/companies to have their own microsite within the AasaanJobs platform to represent their companies and attract job aspirants.The microsite feature is created for both recruiters and candidates on AasaanJobs' platform. With this additional feature, the latter will be able to seek more information regarding the company they have applied to, and make an informed decision based on the same."We are extremely happy to announce the microsite feature for all companies registered with our platform. We are confident that this will answer the relevant queries a candidate may have while applying to a company of their choice, and in the process, brings more efficiency in the overall recruitment process," said Siddharth Gupta, VP, Marketing, AasaanJobs.The microsite will enable job seekers to reach out to registered companies at AasaanJobs through their social media channels, check Glassdoor reviews check out office photos, location, and learn more about the company culture.
Idea and Vodafone merge to create India's largest telecom operator
New Delhi, Mar 20 : : Idea Cellular, the third largest mobile operator in India and the Indian unit of British telecom company Vodafone on Monday announced a merger, creating the country's largest telecom operator in the face of the growing might of Reliance Communications' Jio, reports said.
(Posted on 20 March 2017, 1667847384 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 20 March 2017, 1667847384 173O212O198O32)
At present, Vodaphone is the second largest telecom operator in India, a slot behind Bharti Airtel.The new entity will boast of around 40 crore customers or nearly one in every three customers in the country.The combined entity of Aditya Birla groups Idea Cellular and Vodafone India will also have pan-India 3G/4G footprint, the companies said in a statement.Vodafone will own 45.1 per cent of the merged entity, after it transfers about 4.9 per cent to promoters of Idea and/or their affiliates for Rs 38.74 billion ($592.15 million) in cash, Idea said.
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Airbus A380 Emirates flight attendants runway
On Tuesday, the US Department of Homeland Security announced the introduction of a ban on electronic devices for passengers on nonstop flights originating from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa.
"Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation and are aggressively pursuing innovative methods to undertake their attacks, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items," a senior administration official said on a call with members of the media.
"Based on this information, Secretary of Homeland Security John Kelly and Transportation Security Administration Acting Administrator Huban Gowadia have determined it is necessary to enhance security procedures for passengers at certain last-point-of-departure airports to the United States."
The enhanced security procedures will require passengers to place all electronic items larger than a cellphone in their checked luggage so the devices cannot be accessed in flight. This includes laptops, tablets, e-readers, portable DVD players, gaming devices larger than a smartphone, and travel-size printers and scanners.
The US Federal Aviation Administration, however, requires that all lithium-ion batteries, such as those that power laptops, cameras, and tablets, be allowed on board the aircraft only in carry-on luggage because of concerns about fire. It is unclear how the affected airlines will reconcile those guidelines.
Boeing 787 Royal Jordanian
Ten airports in eight countries plus nine airlines will be affected by the "laptop ban." They are:
Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, Jordan.
Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Cairo, Egypt.
Ataturk International Airport (IST) in Istanbul, Turkey.
King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
King Khalid International Airport (RUH) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Kuwait International Airport (KWI) near Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Mohammed V Airport (CMN) in Casablanca, Morocco.
Hamad International Airport (DOH) in Doha, Qatar.
Dubai International Airport (DXB) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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Airlines affected by the ban are:
Royal Jordanian Airlines
EgyptAir
Turkish Airlines
Saudia
Kuwait Airways
Royal Air Maroc
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Emirates
According to the senior administration officials on the call, the ban will affect only nonstop flights to the US originating from these airports which equates to roughly 50 flights a day. Passengers connecting through another destination such as an airport in Europe will not be subject to the ban. Passengers connecting through the affected airports for nonstop flights to the US, however, are advised to place their large electronic devices in checked luggage at their point of origination.
No US-based airlines will be directly affected by the ban, as none offer nonstop service to the affected destinations.
Royal Jordanian has deleted its tweet regarding the #electronicsban. pic.twitter.com/LdFsAPWfMy Jon Ostrower (@jonostrower) March 20, 2017
Airlines will have up to 96 hours, beginning Tuesday at 8 a.m. EDT, to comply with the new policy. "If they fail to comply with the security directive and emergency amendment, we will work with the Federal Aviation Administration to pull their (operating) certificates and they will not be allowed to fly to the United States," an administration official said on the call.
Administration officials denied claims the new policy was related to the dispute between the US-based airlines American, Delta, and United and their Middle-Eastern rivals from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates over allegations of unfair government subsidies.
The DHS cites the attempted downing of Daallo Airlines Flight 159 in February of last year in which a terrorist managed to sneak a "sophisticated laptop bomb" past X-ray scanners in Somalia as an example of the threat the directive is attempting to counteract. In addition, the agency points to the 2015 bombing of a Russian MetroJet Airbus in Egypt that killed all 224 people on board along with recent terrorist attacks at Brussels Airport and Ataturk International in Istanbul.
boeing 777 turkish airlines
Rumors of the laptop ban surfaced Monday after Royal Jordanian Airlines tweeted a description of the ban to its customers before deleting the post a few hours later.
Business Insider asked Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar Airways for comment. According to Emirates, the airline only received the order from the US government a few hours ago. However, all three carriers say that they plan to comply with the directive and will spend the new few days working out the logistics of the ban.
Officials say there is no end date for the ban and its necessity will be periodically evaluated.
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Bridging the employabiity gap was the focus of Next-Gen Employability Conclave in Kolkata
Kolkata, Mar 20 : The Next-Gen Employability Conclave, held recently in Kolkata, focused on bridging the employability gap by bringing together employers and employee to discuss the criteria for being employable.
(Posted on 20 March 2017, 1667847386 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/west-bengal-news.php (Posted on 20 March 2017, 1667847386 173O212O198O32)
The third edition was held at the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and Industry premises in the city.Sutanu Ghosh, President BCCI and MD of Ghosh, Bose and Associates Pvt. Ltd; chief guest and Vice Chairman, SREI Infrastructure Finance Ltd and ex - President of Assocham, Sunil Kanoria; conference Chairperson, L K Leader, GBS, IBM India Ltd, Rahul Bose were among the principal speakers at the inauguration of the conclave.Sutanu Ghosh said that the Chamber focuses on three initiatives: first, strengthen the economic academic interface; second, see how to make education relevant to the industry; and third, career counselling.He said, Education is the single requirement for the economic development of a country.Corporates, educational institutes and HR heads came together to discuss the employability quotient through a series of panel discussions where not only technical but soft skills, emotional quotient, workplace orientation were discussed.Sunil Kanoria, who also launched the Human Resources book where employability criteria have been discussed in details by leading HR heads, said, Job creators rather than job seekers should be the disruption that we need and a person with an acquired skill set must know how to sell his skills instead of seeking a job.He also believes that the thought process of entrepreneurship must be included in every curriculum along with focus on digital literacy and training the trainers.The Conclave saw a rise in the number of participants this year.Participants from various institutes such as JIS College of Engineering, Army Institute of Management, Camelia Group, Haldia Institute of Technology and others interacted with HR heads and corporates from leading industries such as TATA Steel, CESC, Wipro, etc.(Reporting by Shilpa Salwan)
ESAF Microfinance launches small finance bank
Mumbai, Mar 20 : ESAF Small Finance Bank, Kerala's first private sector commercial scheduled bank, was launched in Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala.
(Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847391 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/business-india-news.php (Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847391 173O212O198O32)
The bank, promoted by ESAF Micro Finance and Investments (P) Ltd, was launched by Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan. The banks ATM cum debit cards, digital banking platforms including website were launched during the function.ESAF, the first Small Finance Bank from Kerala, is planning to open 85 branches across the country in the first year, of which RBI approval has been obtained for opening 15 branches on the inaugural day.All the branches are full-fledged retail branches and will start operations from next week. As per the RBI guidelines, the bank is required to open 25% of the branches in unbanked rural centres. The first 15 branches will be opened majorly at such locations and also in the major centres in Kerala.The Bank is also planning to open branches in Metropolitan cities like Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Mumbai and New Delhi in the first year. Locations have been identified in these cities and work has already started in some of these cities.The bank proposes to offer between 5.75 per cent and 9 per cent for term deposits of varying maturities. For savings deposits, the rates vary from 6 per cent to 7 per cent, based on the outstanding balance in the account. Senior citizens will be entitled to an additional 0.05 per cent for term deposits.ESAF Micro Finance, which presently has a network of 285 branches in 93 districts spread over 11 states, will currently convert all its existing branches into customer service centres or ultra-small branches or satellite offices, said bank Managing Director and CEO Paul K Thomas, ESAF.Micro Finance, which owe its success to the door step delivery of services, will replicate the same model for the bank. We are planning to appoint 10,000 banking associates for providing services at doorstep. The associates will provide service such as account opening, banking transactions and small value loans, he added.ESAF, which has own fund of over INR 300 crore, recently raised another INR 330 crore through the issue of commercial papers. The bank is targeting a business of INR 20,000 crore by 2020. The bank is supported by a strong board chaired by R. Prabha, former Chairman, Kerala Grahmin Bank.Inaugurating the Bank the Chief Minister said that the bank should work for the marginalized section of the society who still does not have access to banking services. He reiterated that it should work for the needy as the meaning of the word ESAF in Arab means giving relief. ESAF has already been involved in educating the banking illiterate about creating awareness about various pension schemes and bank support for agriculture sector.Unveiling the ATM cum Debit card of the bank, Leader of Opposition party in the state, Ramesh Chennithala pointed out that the nationalized banks have these days moved away from the poor despite the poor and marginalized are in the forefront to repay their loan compared to the big corporates. Debit Cards were distributed to selected five women beneficiaries from the states Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh.The bank will launch a novel social deposit scheme, Hridaya Deposit, for HNI and NRI customers. It will enable the customers to contribute to the overall development of the underdeveloped segments in the society. The minimum deposit limit for the scheme is INR 15,00,000 and there is no cap on the maximum limit. As a value added service the customers will be provided facilities for making video calls to the kith and kin free of cost at the bank branches.The bank has introduced paper less account opening, cash home delivery, Biometrics facility for online money transfer and online shopping facility. We are planning to construct 25 houses for the homeless from among our members and will give scholarships for the students. Best women entrepreneur will be recognized added Paul Thomas.
Canada Minister McKenna discusses environmental issues with USA
Toronto, Mar 21 : Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, Catherine McKenna, recently visited Washington, D.C. to discuss trade, jobs and environmental issues, a media release said.
(Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847391 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847391 173O212O198O32)
Canada and the United States are connected in many ways, from trade and investment, to our integrated energy system and shared environment. Weve had tremendous success over the past decades working together for clean air and clean water on both sides of our border.I look forward to continuing that successful collaboration on important issues from the Great Lakes, to clean air, to energy innovation that will protect the health of our communities and support good middle-class jobs, said Minister McKenna.Canada and the U.S. had for long been cooperating on environmental issues such as their signing of Canada-U.S. Air Quality Agreement in 1991 to address air pollution leading to acid rain, and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, first signed in 1972 and updated in 2012 to protect and restore the diversity of ecosystems on Earth.Minister McKenna met with Canadian and U.S. representative members of cities along the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River and U.S. congressional and highlighted Canadas commitment to protecting the shared freshwater resources and ongoing implementation of the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.On Thursday Minister McKenna met with Scott Pruitt, Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and said Canada was committed to environmental cooperation with the U.S., and domestic and international commitment to innovation and clean economic growth.While speaking at an event for the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. Minister McKenna also focused on Canadas support for climate action, clean technologies and innovative practices to new growth opportunities and job creation.(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Dinesh Sharma resigns from mayor's post
Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) , Mar. 20 : Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma on Monday resigned as the mayor of Lucknow.
(Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847392 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/more-news.php (Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847392 173O212O198O32)
Sharma yesterday took oath as the Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.The ceremony, held in the state capital, saw the swearing-in of 21 cabinet ministers, nine Ministers of State (MoS) with Independent Charge and 13 MoS.Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also there to attend the swearing-in ceremony. He also congratulated the newly formed government.Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav also witnessed the same.In the recently held polls in the state, BJP had bagged 312 seats, and its allies 13, taking the alliance's tally to 325 in the 403-member Assembly.
India, China host Business and Investment Forum in Zhenjiang
Zhenjiang (Jiangsu) [China], Mar. 21 : India and China jointly organised a Business and Investment Forum in Zhenjiang to introduce Chinese investors with opportunities available in India in sectors like renewable energy, smart cities, power sector, urban transportation and infrastructure as part of the Make in India initiative.
(Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847393 173O212O198O32) https://www.newkerala.com/world-news.php (Posted on 21 March 2017, 1667847393 173O212O198O32)
Consulate General of India in Shanghai, Prakash Gupta, along with Zhenjiang Municipal People's Government had jointly organized an India-China (Zhenjiang) Business and Investment Forum in Zhenjiang earlier on March 17.A delegation of 30 plus Indian companies comprising CEO's of Larsen and Toubro, TCS, Reliance, Adani Group, CII, Sterlite, Jet Airways, Tech Mahindra, along with Legal consulting and Business Advisory Firms like HSA legal, Link legal Law Firms and Banks like UBI, Canara and Axis made presentations on sectors like Infrastructure, Banking, IT, Urban Transportation and legal guidelines for setting up businesses in India, according to a statement.Gupta led the Indian delegation and gave an overview of the investment climate in India and called on Zhenjiang companies to make full use of the investment opportunities available to Chinese companies in India.Executive Vice Mayor Ni Bin, welcoming Indian companies in Zhenjiang also urged business leaders to establish greater synergies between Indian and Chinese industries and encouraged Zhenjiang companies to aggressively explore investment opportunities in the Indian market.During the forum, a new website - CHINDIA360 (www.chindia360.com) - was also jointly unveiled by Executive Vice Mayor and the Consul General. The website has been designed by one of the participating Indian companies and is aimed at providing all necessary information to potential China investors, who are looking for investment opportunities in India's growing market, by providing a updated and timely information on investment guidelines, and offering comprehensive solutions to potential investors in India.A series of B2B meetings were also held between participating Indian companies with their Chinese counterparts from Zhenjiang, which generated significant business leads for the participating companies.In addition, in the field of educational exchanges an MoU on Project Cooperation, was also signed between Jiangsu University and Kalinga Institute of Information Technology (KIIT) University.
IndiaFilings launches IndiaLedgers, GST-ready online accounting software
New Delhi , Mar. 21 : Goods and Services Tax (GST) rollout is set to begin soon, integrating and unifying India under a single indirect tax regime. With the rollout of GST, there is set to be a tremendous requirement for accounting tools and software's from businesses all across India. To cater to this demand, IndiaFilings has launched IndiaLedgers.com, an online - GST ready accounting software aimed at the SME segment in India.
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IndiaLedgers is a product from IndiaFilings.com, the largest platform for services like company registration, trademark filing, GST registration, GST filing and income tax return filing.The company, founded in October 2013 by Lionel Charles, a Pilot and CPA who returned from USA in 2010 has quickly grown to have a pan-India presence with over 200 employees. The company also has many firsts including the launch of India's first mobile app for Entrepreneurs to get all legal, regulatory and compliance support through their phone - known as the IndiaFilings App. In addition to the mobile app, the company offers support for Entrepreneurs through various mediums and channels."We are investing and working actively to provide a platform for all businesses to handle their GST requirements. We have built our online accounting platform with GST in mind and from scratch using the latest in cloud technology. These are very exciting times and we are looking forward to helping over a lakh Entrepreneurs migrate from the existing indirect tax system to the GST system," said Charles, adding that with their new offices, aggressive hiring plans and product offering for the common man, the company expects to have a full range of services by end of the year.IndiaLedgers has been designed by the company, especially for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. The entire software will be online - cloud based, with stringent bank level data security and compliant with India's GST regime from day one.
UP CM Adityanath meets PM Modi in Parliament
New Delhi , Mar.21 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Parliament.
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This is the first meeting between Adityanath and Prime Minister Modi after the former took over as the Chief Minister on Sunday.The Prime Minister Modi's office tweeted photos of the two BJP leaders.The Chief Minister will later meet Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh at his residence, after which he will call on President Pranab Mukherjee.The Chief Minister will also be meeting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj and party veteran Lal Krishna Advani.Adityanath, a five-time Lok Sabha MP from Gorakhpur, was sworn-in as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister on March 19 while Keshav Prasad Maurya and Dinesh Sharma took oath as deputy chief ministers of the state.
Google doodles to celebrate Navroz
Mountain View, Mar 21 : Tech giant Google on Tuesday doodled to observe Navroz.
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For more than 3,000 years, people of Persian ancestry have been celebrating Nowruz, the return of spring and the start of a new year. A combination of the Persian words now for new and ruz for day, it is often celebrated at the exact moment of the vernal (spring) equinox, when the days start getting longer, and the celebrations can continue for up to two weeks.Nowruz is a time of joyous renewal. Visits with friends and family, a clean house and new clothes, and special spring foods are traditional ways to celebrate the holiday. Perhaps the most enduring image of Nowruz is gathering together with friends and family around a bonfire. People also like to decorate with springtime flowers, like the hyacinths and tulips in todays Doodle.Happy Nowruz! a statement from the company read.Navroz or Nawroz is the Persian New Year.It marks the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.Image: Google.com
Engineering student proposes Rahul's name to be included in the Guinness for losing maximum polls
New Delhi, Mar 21 : : As Rahul Gandhi goes through a tough political time having lost consecutive elections, rubbing salt to his injury comes a proposal
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to name him in the Guinness Book of World Records for losing maximum polls, media reports said.Vishal Diwan, an engineering student from Madhya Pradesh has recently approached to the Guinness Book of World Records and requested to enlist Rahuls name for losing as many as 27 elections.According to reports, the the student has also paid the application fee to officials and has also received confirmation of acceptance of the application.However, it is yet to be clarified whether the request will be entertained.In the recently-concluded Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, the Congress won only 7 out of the 105 seats it contested.
Bimstec security chiefs meet to discuss security threats
New Delhi, Mar 21 : : The national security chiefs of the Bimstec countries held their first meeting in the national capital on Tuesday with the objective of strengthening cooperation and tackling security challenges.
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Strengthening cooperation to counter security challenges, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Gopal Baglay tweeted.First Meeting of National Security Chiefs of Bimstec countries held in New Delhi today, he said.The participants represent Bimstec member countries- Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Bhutan and Nepal.
Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav to be held across North-east India starting from Thursday
New Delhi, Mar 21 : The Union Ministry of Culture will host the fifth 'Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav (RSM) in the north eastern region between Mar 23 and 31, 2017.
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The festival will be inaugurated at Parade Ground, Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh on March 23 and subsequently across the other states of the region.At the open air stage in the Parade Ground in Aizwal, cultural programmes will be held for the duration of the festival, from March 23-25.The nine-day cultural extravaganza will be inaugurated by Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh, Padmanabha Balakrishna Acharya in the presence of Minister of State (I/C) for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, PemaKhandu as Guest of Honour.The essential thrust of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav is to present the rich diversity and uniqueness of Indian culture and to promote the cultural inter-linkages among the states to strengthen national integration and also to bid the artists of other parts of the country with the people of North East in a single thread of culture, the Ministry said in its release.About 5,000 artists from North East India and 2,000 artists from across the country will showcase Indias cultural heritage through performances, arts and cuisines.The festival will be implemented through the seven Zonal Cultural Centres and other organization under Ministry of Culture.The North East Zone Cultural Centre (NEZCC), Dimapur has been entrusted with the responsibility as the nodal agency to carry forward the execution of the National Cultural Festival. Each Zonal Cultural Centre has been provided with slots to present their arts during the festival which would showcase an amalgamation of Ek Bharat, Srestha Bharat, Hamaari Sanskriti, Hamaari Panchaan and Swachh India.The festival will showcase the spectacular diversity of India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and Gujarat to Bengal through folk, tribal and classical art forms in all its dimensions dance, music, drama, puppetry, handicrafts and food.Exhibition on Buddhist art and tradition is also being organized at Parade Ground of Tawang on the occasion of Rashtriya Sanskriti Mahotsav to showcase the splendour and magnificence of the cultural sphere.Craftsmen from all over the country will display and sell handicrafts to the general public.Chefs of traditional delicacies from different regions of the country will treat the visitors to an unparalleled culinary experience.The festival will be held in Dimapur (Nagaland) from March 26-28, in Majuli (Assam) from March 27-29, in Imphal (Manipur) from March 27-29, in Aizawl (Mizoram) from Mar 28-30, in Gangtok (Sikkim) from March 28-30, in Shillong (Meghalaya) from March 29-31 and Khowai (Tripura) from March 29-31.Image: MinofCultureGOI Twitter
Arun Jaitley to address international Auditors General conference in New Delhi starting on Wednesday
New Delhi, Mar 21 : The 23rd Conference of Auditors General of Commonwealth Countries and British Overseas Territories will begin in New Delhi on Wednesday.
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Arun Jaitley Union Minister of Finance, Defence and Corporate Affairs, will address the Conference, which is being hosted by the Comptroller Auditor General of India (CAG).The main theme of the Conference, which will be held from Mar 21-23, is Fostering Partnerships for Capacity Development in Public Audit, with two sub-themes, Leveraging Technology in Public Audit, and Environment Audit: A Commonwealth Perspective.The two sub-theme discussions will be led by Auditors General of Tanzania and Canada.The Conference will be attended by 52 Commonwealth countries and nine British Overseas Territories. While some of these countries feature in most developed countries of the world, there are several which belong to Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).The auditing organizations in these countries come together every three years to discuss the major challenges before them.The last conference was held in Malta in 2014.
Marg enters into prolific partnership with Prosci to offer Change Management in India
New Delhi , Mar. 21 : Marg, a leading training and consulting firm, today officially announced their partnership with Prosci, the global leader in Change Management Solutions. To serve the needs of organizations, Marg will start offering Prosci services that includes Certification Training, Advisory Services and Enterprises licences in India as an official member of Prosci Global Affiliate Network (GAN).
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Marg shall initially provide open enrolment Change Management Training Programs across Bangalore, Mumbai and Delhi. They will also facilitate on-site training and advisory services to corporates. To begin with, the first change management program shall be conducted by them from 25th - 27th April 2017 at The Ritz Carlton, Bangalore.Sudeshna Basu Roy, Co-founder Marg, said, "It's a proud moment for us to be the authorised global affiliate for Prosci. We are delighted to offer the services of Marg and Prosci "Change management" in the business environment of India. This association will allow us to cater to the needs of the target audience throughout India, local as well as global organization."She added, "With this significant partnership, leaders across the country will get an opportunity to effectively demonstrate their role in change of business scenario, leading to a progressive environment contributing towards positive transformation."In order to establish strategic eco-system for the growth of businesses it is mandatory to accommodate a methodology of apt and proactive solutions fulfilling the needs of every enterprise.About Marg:Marg incepted in 2007 presently based out of Bangalore was established in Kolkata. Marg provides a wide spectrum of soft skills training to corporates directly as also by suitable partnerships with International leaders in specific areas. Marg Trainers have varied experience across Manufacturing, FMCG, Services and IT industries. Our PAN India presence ie trainer network in Delhi (NCR), Mumbai, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and other major cities allows us to provide consistent training to organisations across the country. We are exploring and establishing international training presence in 2017.For more information, please visit http://www.margonline.com/About Prosci:Founded in 1994, Prosci is the world leader in change management products and benchmarking research. Prosci's tools and methodology - based on best practices research with over 4,500 organizations - are used by more than three-quarters of Fortune 100 companies. The Prosci Methodology has become one of the most widely used approaches to managing the people side of change in business and government.
A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Applied Materials, Inc. AMAT. Shares have added about 11% in that time frame, outperforming the market.
Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to the stocks next earnings release, or is it due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.
Applied Materials Tops on Q1 Earnings, Lags Revenues
Applied Materials reported mixed first-quarter fiscal 2017 results, with the top line missing estimates but the bottom line exceeding the same.
The companys pro-forma earnings per share (EPS) of 67 cents in the first quarter beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by a penny and came in at the higher end of the guided range.
Revenues
Applied Materials reported revenues of $3.28 billion, down 0.6% sequentially but up 45.2% year over year. Revenues marginally missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.29 billion but were above the guided range of $3.20 to $3.34 at the mid-point. The year-over-year revenue growth was backed by higher demand in the U.S., Europe, Taiwan, Korea, Southeast Asia and China and partially offset by lower demand in Japan.
Revenues by Segment
The Silicon Systems Group (SSG) contributed 66% of revenues, up 1.1% sequentially and 56.6% year over year.
The second-largest contributor was Applied Global Services (AGS) with 21% revenue share. Segment revenues were down 2.5% sequentially but up 8% year over year.
The Display segment was down 6.6% from the last quarter but up a massive 98.1% from the year-ago level, contributing 13% to revenues.
Revenues by Geography
Taiwan contributed 34% to revenues, Korea 20%, China 20%, U.S. 10% and Japan 7%. While Europe contributed 6%, Southeast Asia contributed 3%.
Southeast Asia and Europe were the weakest, declining 39.8% and 18.4%, respectively, on a sequential basis. China, the U.S. and Korea were up 46.7%, 9.7% and 6%, respectively. All the other regions decreased from the previous quarter.
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Orders
The company generated record orders in the first quarter. Total orders of $4.24 billion were up 39.7% sequentially and a massive 86.2% year over year. Backlog for the quarter increased 12.2% sequentially to 5.5 billion.
Margins
Applied Materials generated gross margin of 45.4%, up 166 basis points (bps) from 43.71% reported in the previous quarter and 296 bps from 42.4% reported in the year-ago quarter.
Applied Materials adjusted operating expenses of $635 million increased 4.3% from the last quarter and 14.8% from the year-ago quarter. Operating margin of 26% increased 76 bps sequentially and 809 bps year over year.
Net Profit
On a pro-forma basis, Applied Materials reported net income of $732 million, or 67 cents per share compared with $722 million or 66 cents in the prior quarter. In the year-ago quarter, Applied Materials had reported net income of $302 million or 26 cents per share.
Our pro-forma calculation excludes restructuring, acquisition-related, impairment and other charges as well as tax adjustments in the reported quarter.
On a fully diluted GAAP basis, the company recorded a net profit of $703 million (65 cents per share) compared with $610 million (56 cents per share) in the previous quarter and $286 million (25 cents per share) a year ago.
Balance Sheet
At the end of fiscal first quarter, inventories increased to $2.28 billion from $2.05 billion in the previous quarter. Accounts receivables increased to $2.37 billion from $2.28 billion in the prior quarter.
Cash and short-term investments balance was $3.49 billion compared with $3.41 billion in the prior quarter. Goodwill was 21.8% of the total assets.
The company generated $646 million in cash from operations. The company spent $64 million on capex and returned $238 million through stock repurchases and cash dividends to shareholders.
Guidance
Applied Materials also provided guidance for the second quarter of fiscal 2017. Revenues are expected between $3.45 and $3.60 billion. Non-GAAP EPS is expected to come in a range of 72 to 80 cents.
How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?
Following the release, investors have witnessed an upward trend in fresh estimates. There have been eight upward revisions for the current quarter. In the past month, the consensus estimate has also shifted upward by 22.9% due to these changes.
Applied Materials, Inc. Price and Consensus
Applied Materials, Inc. Price and Consensus | Applied Materials, Inc. Quote
VGM Scores
At this time, Applied Materials' stock has a nice Growth Score of 'B', a grade with the same score on the momentum front. However, the stock was allocated a grade of 'C' on the value side, putting it in the middle 20% for this investment strategy.
Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of 'B'. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.
Our style scores indicate that the stock is more suitable for growth and momentum investors than value investors.
Outlook
Estimates have been trending upward for the stock. The magnitude of these revisions also looks promising. It comes with little surprise the stock has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). We are expecting an above average return from the stock in the next few months.
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Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT): Free Stock Analysis Report
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PM Modi asks BJP MPs to spread awareness about BHIM app
New Delhi , Mar. 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has asked the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs to spread awareness about the BHIM app, a digital payment application, and the benefits of the GST at the grass roots level through gram panchayats.
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Quoting Prime Minister Modi, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar after the BJP's parliamentary party meeting said the GST and its benefits should be discussed at the level of gram panchayats.Kumar said there will be a massive campaign to popularize the BHIM app among the masses on April 14 to mark the birth anniversary of Bhim Rao Ambedkar.During the meeting, Prime Minister Modi also pulled up the BJP members and asked them to ensure their presence in Parliament.The Prime Minister asked them to participate in the 'Swachh Bharat' campaign on the BJP's foundation day on April 6.
NATHEALTH unveils 'National Health Policy' to encourage public, private spending
New Delhi , Mar. 21 : The Healthcare Federation of India (NATHEALTH) on Tuesday said that the National Health Policy (NHP) 2017, unveiled by the government clearly indicates that it has incorporated the recommendations of the apex healthcare sector body in terms of public spending, expanding of primary healthcare, private sector engagement digital health among others.
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"It is promising to note that the Policy seeks to reach everyone in a comprehensive integrated way to move towards wellness. It aims at achieving universal health coverage and delivering quality health care services to all at affordable cost. While giving suggestions at draft stage and at other occasions, we had urged the government to take the lead in bringing about key changes to enable the shift in India's healthcare system over the next decade. A long journey forward has begun with the new policy," said, secretary general NATHEALTH, Anjan Bose.The Policy looks at problems and solutions holistically with private sector as strategic partners. It seeks to promote quality of care; focus is on emerging diseases and investment in promotive and preventive healthcare. The policy is patient centric and quality driven. It addresses health security and Make in India for drugs and devices."All the policy measures are perfectly aligned with NATHEALTH recommendations and within a multi-segment collaborative approach, the sector will take quantum jump in terms of affordability, quality and access of healthcare services," he added.The main objective of the National Health Policy 2017 is to achieve the highest possible level of good health and well-being, through a preventive and promotive health care orientation."Though the roadmap of this new policy is predicated on public spending and provisioning of a public healthcare system that is comprehensive, integrated and accessible to all, however, it advocates a positive and proactive engagement with the private sector for critical gap filling towards achieving national goals," Bose further said."NATHEALTH has geared up to meet the requirements of the sector as the policy also 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-financial incentives for encouraging the private sector participation," the Secretary General said.The policy proposes raising public health expenditure to 2.5 percent of the GDP in a time bound manner. NATHEALTH had recommended that the government needs to increase public spending on healthcare from 1.3 percent in 2015 to three perent of GDP by 2025. The policy indicates that in terms of public spending the government is moving in right direction.It is also very promising to note that the government focuses on digital interventions for the nation's health, better regulatory mechanism, quality control and assurance based approach in patient care, NATHEALTH said.According to NATHEALTH, formation of National Digital Health Authority would go long way to regulate, develop and deploy digital health. NATHEALTH's partnership with NASSCOM has paved the way for wider usage of digital solutions in the healthcare sector.Amongst a few key recommendations of the NATHEALTH to the Government includes the following:a Ensure that the government assigns national priority to the healthcare agenda, commits to spending more on public health and defines a holistic framework for an India-centric health system. The government must also set clear health priorities, clarify roles and establish enabling incentives and regulations for stakeholders.a Enable a paradigm shift to healthy living, with a focus on prevention and primary care through greater public spending on prevention, individual incentives for healthy living and broader engagement of multiple stakeholders(For example, technology and food and beverage companies, media, schools and others).a Scale up and expand current programmes to control NCDs-such as mental illness, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer-with care offerings that integrate screening, prevention, treatment and follow-up, enabled by partnerships-both private-private and public-private, and across the delivery, insurance, technology and pharmaceutical sectors of the healthcare industry.a Drive insurance adoption and reduce out-of-pocket expenses by rolling out a universal healthcare-coverage scheme for essential care. Provide government support for disadvantaged populations, such as the elderly and low-income deciles.a Institutionalize standards for the minimum quality of delivery across products and services, and initiate tracking of outcomes. Use health-technology-assessment (HTA) tools to determine access to innovation.a Use technology and IT in healthcare to overcome access barriers in remote areas and engage patients. Focus investments on India-specific solutions.a Expand the supply of healthcare talent in critical roles, rejuvenate AYUSH (ayurveda, yoga and naturopathy, unani, siddha and homeopathy) and encourage private investment in education. Improve the talent quality using a clear roadmap for governance and continuing medical education (CME) for professionals.a Give an impetus to local manufacturing. Transform India into an export hub for medical products and equipment and into an R&D hub for tropical diseases.a Apportion a greater share of public spending on prevention, including mass screenings, and on primary care coverage.a Pilot and scale up universal-coverage models to guarantee essential care. Create an enabling ecosystem that provides incentives for private investment in delivery infrastructure, medical education, R&D and domestic manufacturing.
Yale-led study: Wild chimpanzees have surprisingly long life spans
London, Mar 21 : A 20-year demographic study of a large chimpanzee community in Uganda's Kibale National Park has revealed that, under the right ecological conditions, our close primate relatives can lead surprisingly long lives in the wild.
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The study, published March 19 in the Journal of Human Evolution, establishes an average life expectancy of about 33 years in its sample of 306 chimpanzees, nearly twice as high as that of other chimpanzee communities and within the 27- to 37-year range of life expectancy at birth of human hunter-gatherers.These findings are important for understanding the evolution of chimpanzee and hominin life histories, the researchers argue.Our findings show how ecological factors, including variation in food supplies and predation levels, drive variation in life expectancy among wild chimpanzee populations, said Brian Wood, assistant professor of anthropology at Yale University, the studys lead author. They also inform the study of the evolution of human life history, helping us to imagine the conditions that could have changed mortality rates among our early hominin populations.The Ngogo chimpanzees reside in the center of Kibale National Park, in southwestern Uganda. The directors of the Ngogo Chimpanzee Project David Watts (Yale), John Mitani (University of Michigan) and Kevin Langergraber (Arizona State University) have monitored births, deaths, immigrations, and emigrations in the unusually large Ngogo chimpanzee community since 1995, producing the largest demographic dataset available for any community of wild chimpanzees. This study reveals that Ngogo chimpanzees have the highest life expectancy on record for any group of wild chimpanzees.Favorable ecological conditions largely account for the Ngogo communitys high life expectancy, according to the study. The forest in Ngogo provides a relatively consistent and abundant supply of high-energy and nutritious foods, including easily digestible figs. The research team argues that this rich food supply helps buffer the Ngogo chimpanzees against periods of hunger, and helps fuel their ability to stave off diseases that would otherwise lead to higher mortality. The Ngogo chimpanzees also benefit from a low risk of predation, because leopards are not found within Kibale National Park, and from the fact that during the study, the chimpanzees did not experience major disease epidemics, either introduced by humans or due to other causes, like those that have affected wild chimpanzees at several other long-term research sites.In the same national park, not far from Ngogo, other researchers have studied the life expectancy of chimpanzees in the Kanyawara community. Like Ngogo, this community lacks natural predators, but its life expectancy at birth is nearly 13 years shorter than that of Ngogo. The Ngogo chimpanzees higher survivorship appears to be an adaptive response to a more abundant and less varied food supply than that of Kanyawara, the researchers argue.It has long been proposed that there are extreme differences in the life expectancies of human hunter-gatherers and chimpanzees, said David Watts, professor of anthropology at Yale and a coauthor of the study. Our study finds that while maximum lifespan differs a great deal, the differences in average lifespan are not as dramatic as typically thought, especially when chimpanzees are not subjected to major negative impacts caused by humans. In fact, the Ngogo communitys pattern of survivorship more closely resembles that of human hunter-gatherers than those documented for other chimpanzee communities.John Mitani, the James N. Spuhler Collegiate Professor at the University of Michigan, and Kevin Langergraber, assistant professor in the School of Human Evolution and Social Change and Institute of Human Origins, Arizona State University, were coauthors of the study.Image: Wikimedia Commons
Protein could prevent brain damage caused by stroke, says study
London, Mar 21 : A small protein that could protect the brain from stroke-induced injury has been discovered by researchers from The University of Queensland and Monash University.
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UQ Institute for Molecular Bioscience researcher Professor Glenn King, who led the research, said the small protein showed great promise as a future stroke treatment.We believe that we have, for the first time, found a way to minimise the effects of brain damage after a stroke, Professor King said.The small protein we discovered, Hi1a, blocks acid-sensing ion channels in the brain, which are key drivers of brain damage after stroke.During preclinical studies, we found that a single dose of Hi1a administered up to eight hours after stroke protected brain tissue and drastically improved neurological performance.This world-first discovery will help us provide better outcomes for stroke survivors by limiting the brain damage and disability caused by this devastating injury.Stroke claims six million lives worldwide each year, and five million survivors are left with a permanent disability.The Royal Melbourne Hospitals Melbourne Brain Centre Director Professor Stephen Davis AM said the preclinical work was very promising.A safe and effective neuroprotectant could be given in the ambulance to most stroke patients before hospital arrival and enable many more stroke victims to be treated, Professor Davis said.The next step is to determine whether these very encouraging results can be translated into successful human benefits in clinical trials.Professor King said he hoped this discovery could radically improve outcomes for stroke patients.One of the most exciting things about Hi1a is that it provides exceptional levels of protection for eight hours after stroke onset, which is a remarkably long window of opportunity for treatment, he said.Hi1a even provides some protection to the core brain region most affected by oxygen deprivation, which is generally considered unrecoverable due to the rapid cell death caused by stroke.We are now working to secure financial support to fast-track this promising stroke therapy towards clinical trials.This research was published today in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.It involved scientists from UQs Institute for Molecular Bioscience, School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland Brain Institute, and Centre for Advanced Imaging; and Monash Universitys Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Pharmacology.
PM congratulates poets on World Poetry Day
New Delhi, Mar 21 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated all poets on World Poetry Day.
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On World Poetry Day I congratulate all poets, budding and established, for their efforts to popularise this splendid medium of expression, Modi said.Poetry is at the heart of the oral tradition, giving voice to countless people across the world and bringing out their magnificent creativity, the Prime Minister said.
Adhaar becomes mandatory for IT returns and applying for PAN
New Delhi, Mar 21 : Adhaar card would be mandatory for filing Income Tax returns and applying for PAN from July onwards, as the government decided on Tuesday.
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The Financial bill was amended which also states that the PAN would lose its validation, if one fails to provide Adhaar number.However, Adhaar enrollment number could be used to file income tax returns.The Central government also reduced the cap on cash transaction to two lakhs from earlier three which was proposed in the Union Budget 2017.The Revenue Secretary Hasmukh Adhia told Hindustan Times that the step has been taken on Tuesday to control the flow of black money.The difference between demonetisation and this is that the former is used to destroy the stock of black money while the ban will prevent the future flow of black money. If you cannot transact beyond a limit in cash, where will you use your black money? This limit will reduce the quantum of cash transactions in the economy, he said while speaking to HT.
The world economy has never recovered its growth trajectory since the global financial crisis, but globalization is the booster that everyone including the United States now needs, the World Bank's chief executive Kristalina Georgieva told CNBC.
Speaking from the China Development Forum in Beijing , Georgieva acknowledged that inequality which critics say is caused by globalization has increased. However, she argued, an interconnected world benefits both developing and developed countries.
"Well, we have learned from our decades of experience that open economies create better opportunities for people in the developing countries, but also for people in the rich world. They have access to cheaper goods. They have a chance to actually export more when the purchasing power in the rest of the world is going up," she said.
She noted that in countries where help is given to people who lost their jobs to either exports or automation, anti-globalization sentiment is of a lower degree. It is for that reason that the world should not "just throw our arms in the air in desperation" against globalization, even when there is loud discontent that has resulted in protectionist sentiment around the world, said Georgieva.
Instead, countries should work out a solution in a more "mutually respectful manner."
"The lesson we should draw is that if there is a problem, let's concentrate on the problem and what is the best solution for it. Rather than deciding that yes, we should throw the baby out with the bathwater," she added.
The current anti-globalization sentiment and President Donald Trump's policies dominated discussions during the three-day China Development Forum.
One of the latest moves by the president is slashing foreign aid and multilateral funding in his budget proposal a direct hit at organizations such as the World Bank.
When asked whether the World Bank is marginalized as its relevance is questioned, Georgieva said the multilateral organization had received "a very strong vote of confidence", with record high replenishment of $75 billion, from parties including the U.S., to help the poorest countries.
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Here's the transcript of the full interview.
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African Americans experience a disproportionately high risk of cardiovascular disease, and statin treatment can be an important tool to lower the risk of plaque building up in the arteries.
But statin guidelines from different organizations vary, according to a new paper published in JAMA Cardiology and presented at the American College of Cardiology's annual Scientific Sessions.
The 2013 American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association guidelines dramatically increased the number of people eligible for statins. Recent guidelines developed by the U.S. Preventative Services Task Force, or USPSTF, focus on a narrower population using clinical risk factors.
"We found one in four African Americans who would have been recommended for statin therapy under the ACC/AHA guidelines would not be recommended under new USPSTF guidelines," says Venkatesh Murthy, M.D., Ph.D., co-senior author and cardiologist at Michigan Medicine. "We wanted to determine whether the right people were being identified for statin therapy."
Murthy, an assistant professor, led a study of 2,812 African American adults who participated in the Jackson Heart Study in Jackson, Mississippi and were at risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. In 1,743 of the participants, Michigan Medicine and Harvard University researchers also analyzed the impact of calcification of the coronary arteries, which is associated with cardiovascular events, such as stroke or heart attack.
The study determined the stricter USPSTF guidelines did not identify as many individuals with coronary calcification as the ACC/AHA guidelines.
"Because the USPSTF guidelines target those with the highest risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, they also may miss some African Americans with some vascular calcification and low or moderate risk," says Ravi V. Shah, M.D., co-senior author from Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Researchers say the results support further personalization of recommendations for statin therapy, including targeted imaging.
This is the latest work to come out of the Jackson Heart Study, the largest single-site, prospective, epidemiologic investigation of cardiovascular disease among African Americans. The full study includes a cohort of more than 5,000 patients who live in rural and urban areas of three counties around Jackson, Mississippi. The subjects were each examined three times over a period of nine years, beginning in 2000.
Medical devices implanted in the body for drug delivery, sensing, or tissue regeneration usually come under fire from the host's immune system. Defense cells work to isolate material they consider foreign to the body, building up a wall of dense scar tissue around the devices, which eventually become unable to perform their functions.
Researchers at MIT and Boston Children's Hospital have identified a signaling molecule that is key to this process of "fibrosis," and they have shown that blocking the molecule prevents the scar tissue from forming. The findings, reported in the March 20 issue of Nature Materials, could help scientists extend the lifespan of many types of implantable medical devices.
"This gives us a better understanding of the biology behind fibrosis and potentially a way to modulate that response to prevent the formation of scar tissue around implants," says Daniel Anderson, an associate professor in MIT's Department of Chemical Engineering, a member of MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research and Institute for Medical Engineering and Science (IMES), an affiliate at Boston Children's Hospital, and the senior author of the study.
The paper's lead author is Koch Institute and JDRF postdoc Joshua Doloff.
Preventing fibrosis
Anderson's lab has been working for several years on an implantable device that could mimic the function of the pancreas, potentially offering a long-term treatment for diabetes patients. The device encapsulates insulin-producing islet cells within a material called alginate, a polysaccharide naturally found in algae. Alginate provokes a lesser immune response than human-made materials such as metal, but it still induces fibrosis.
To investigate how fibrosis happens, the MIT team systematically knocked out different components of the immune system in mice. They found that cells called macrophages are necessary for fibrosis to occur, and that when those cells are missing, scar tissue does not form around implanted devices.
The researchers then identified a signaling molecule that appears to help macrophage precursors known as monocytes differentiate into mature macrophages, which then initiate fibrosis. They also discovered that if they blocked the cell surface receptors for this molecule, known as CSF1, they could prevent implant-induced fibrosis from occurring.
Importantly, this interference did not stop macrophages from carrying out other critical functions.
"We show that you preserve many other important immune functions, including wound healing and phagocytosis, but you lose this fibrotic cascade," Doloff says. "We're preventing the macrophages from toggling into an activated warning state where they sound the alarm for this massive immune response to show up."
In this study, the researchers showed that blocking CSF1 receptors prevented fibrosis not only with alginate but also ceramic and a plastic called polystyrene.
"It's generalizable to many different types of biomaterials, and hopefully will also be generalizable to many platforms for different purposes," Doloff says.
Targeted approach
Other implantable devices whose functions can be disrupted by fibrosis include glucose sensors for diabetics, pacemakers, and any other devices that need to interact with surrounding tissue.
Currently, Doloff and postdoc Shady Farah, who is also a co-author on the Nature Materials study, are working on ways to deliver the CSF1R-blocking drug along with various types of implantable devices. This targeted approach holds the potential to be safer than another strategy that some researchers have tried, which is widespread suppression of the immune system.
"If you use a broad-spectrum drug, you may be getting rid of cell types that are important for reducing fibrosis or even for other vital immune functions in the body -- wound healing or fighting off parasites, bacteria or viral infections," Doloff says.
Other authors of the paper include Robert Langer, the David H. Koch Institute Professor at MIT and a research associate at Boston Children's Hospital, who says that "one of the things that is particularly exciting to me is that this is one of the first studies to really examine the fundamentals of how the immune system interacts with implantable biomaterials."
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An interview with Stephane Boissel, CEO, TxCell conducted by April Cashin-Garbutt, MA (Cantab)
What impact do you think Brexit will have on science and medicine in the UK and across Europe?
It's very difficult to say precisely, but certainly it will have an impact on collaborative work, especially for young companies and academic labs.
In Europe we have this system of funded collaboration when the academic labs and private labs from different countries collaborate on a research project. Depending on the theme of the project and on the nature of the research expenses etc., these are eligible to some form of European funding.
One of the first consequences could be that there will be academic labs or private labs from the UK that will be cut from those programs.
The second consequence I can see is that we have in France a research tax credit, known as Credit dImpot Recherche (CIR), which enable us to get a rebate from the French government on any single R&D expense that we spend in France, but also in other EU countries.
The CIR works this way: every time we spend one Euro (or one pound or any non-Euro currency within the EU) in eligible research expenses in an EU country, the French government pays back 30 cents (in cash). That's, of course, a very strong incentive for us to collaborate with companies and academic labs not only in France.
I guess if the UK leaves the European Union, the money that we spend in the UK will no longer be eligible to that tax credit scheme.
What changes have you seen so far?
Nothing, it's too early to say, because the process is still unclear as the Brexit is not even officially triggered. There's a kind of wait and see attitude, and it's fair to say that it has not changed anything for the time being.
How do you think Brexit will impact TxCell?
I think the most likely impact has to do with the two consequences that I mentioned before. I think it will have an impact on our EU-sponsored collaborative research programs, and it will certainly have an impact on our subcontracting activity.
With respect to subcontracting: if we can find a subcontractor in a country within the EU that gives the same kind of services as any subcontractor in the UK, and we can have a cheaper or less expensive access to the services in Europe, thanks to CIR, we will likely not select the UK subcontractor. Providing, of course, that there is the same quality of service.
With respect to collaborative programs: as partnerships last longer than two years, and the UKs fate is uncertain, it potentially could influence the decisions now. However, since we don't have any such projects on the table right now, I see no immediate consequence for us.
But it's fair to say that if we had such kind of projects, definitely we will be carefully considering the partner to that project, and it's fair to say that we would be more reluctant to include a UK partner since we don't know what will happen.
Are TxCell less likely to team up with British researchers going forward?
At the end of the day, the good thing about the UK, and that will never change, is that the academic research is excellent and the biotech scene is vibrant. Therefore, I would never say that I will never work again with the UK. That would be completely wrong.
This is not what will happen and if we have an opportunity to work with one of your top scientists or key opinion leaders or any of your promising biotech companies, we will do so even if it is more expensive than doing the same thing with someone else outside of the UK.
In short, if money is not the key consideration in what we do, and money is not always the key consideration in our decisions, we will continue to work with this excellent UK research.
How do you plan to overcome the challenges ahead?
For instance, if we have to select a contract manufacturing organization, of course we will send a request for proposal to UK companies alongside German companies, Belgian companies, etc. We will look at the answer to the request, and we will go through our wish list.
This wish list, will have some money wishes, some quality wishes and other considerations. If money is a key criterion, this will make it challenging for any UK subcontractor to be selected. But if we cannot find the kind of services that we want outside the UK independently of the money, of course we'll select the UK contractor.
What positives do you think will come from Brexit for the science and medical communities?
I think the UK is resilient enough to reinvent itself outside of the EU. From a European perspective, I think this is a real shame, and that it is a bad message to send the rest of the EU. But, I'm not too worried for the UK or the research in Europe because I think ultimately, the quality of the research will still be there.
I just think that it's a shame because the consequences in the short-term will be uncertainty, and nobody likes uncertainty. Also, in the longer term it is likely to make our lives more difficult from an administrative viewpoint and it probably make doing research dealing with the UK more expensive.
Also if the UK starts to close its borders, they may prevent some good students or talented scientists from coming over, or make it more difficult for these people to come, which could have some long-term consequences for your domestic research effort. But it's too early to say, and we don't know what will happen to the immigration policy, this is all speculation.
What do you think the future holds for science and medicine in Europe post Brexit?
I still believe the future is rosy. There are good innovations in the pipeline in Europe both in the universities and private labs.
Short-term administrative orders, may have consequences on some collaborations, but the industry and the innovation are stronger than this kind of political decision. We will overcome it with some constraints definitely, but I'm not too concerned.
I'm an optimist by nature, so I believe that the common sense will prevail and that we will stay united, and that we will find a way to work with the UK, in or out. It will just make our life a little bit harder, but that's life and life can be tough.
Where can readers find more information?
http://www.txcell.com/
About Stephane Boissel
Stephane Boissel, Chief Executive Officer of TxCell
Stephane studied management and finance at the University of Lyon, France, graduated at Paris-Dauphine and obtained his MBA from the University of Chicago (Booth GSB), USA.
Stephane is a highly capable executive with strong experience in both investment banking and the biotech immunotherapy space. In the early part of his career, from 1990 to 2002, Stephane worked at PWC and then for the investment banking group Lazard, where he mostly worked in principal investment in France, Singapore and Hong Kong.
Thereafter, he worked at Innate Pharma SA from 2002 to 2010, firstly as CFO and then as EVP and CFO. From 2010 to 2014, he was Deputy-CEO of Transgene SA. During his tenure at both Transgene and Innate Pharma, he led several rounds of private and public placement and negotiated several international business deals.
Stephane was also a member of the Board of Directors of Erytech Pharma SA from 2005 to 2010. In 2014, he was CEO of Genclis, a molecular diagnostic company, before joining TxCell as Chief Executive Officer in April 2015. He is Chairman of the Board of Directors of Elsalys Biotech SAS.
Chemists from Russia and Switzerland created biosafe luminescent nanoparticles for imaging tumors and blood vessels damaged by heart attack or stroke. The particles are made of hafnium oxide that is allowed for intravenous injection, and doped with ions of rare earth metals. The scientists hope that the development will give an alternative to toxic quantum dots and help imaging deep tissues without harming a human body. The study appeared in Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces.
The scientists from ITMO University in Saint Petersburg and ETH Zurich are inspired by the goal to safely visualizing cancer tumors and damaged blood vessels in a heart and a brain. The developed nanoparticles can emit a visible light under the ultraviolet and blue excitation that will allow one to use them as a contrast agent when taking pictures of internal tissues.
The imaging of organs is not illustrative without suitable markers, however, all optically active substances used today for this purpose have significant drawbacks. Thus, organic agents do not show universality and rapidly disintegrate in the body. But semiconductor nanoparticles called quantum dots are very toxic. They have unique luminescent properties, but because of their hazardous effect on a living organism, these particles can be used only in vitro.
According to ITMO scientists, they developed markers, which are free from these drawbacks and can replace quantum dots in the future. The new nanoparticles are composed of hafnium oxide doped of rare earth ions, particularly europium and terbium. They provide high luminescent properties of the particles while hafnium oxide acts as a transparent matrix that protects their biosafety and keeps them shining.
Hafnium oxide is bioinert; in 2015, FDA included this substance in a list of oxides that are approved for invasive use. Some forms of iron and aluminum oxides are also allowed for intravenous injection. But unlike hafnium, they absorb too much light and weaken luminescence.
In addition, hafnium and rare earth metals have atoms that are close in size, so chemists managed to keep the crystal oxide structure arranged when replacing a part of hafnium ions with rare earths. This allowed the scientists to give the required optical properties to the nanoparticles, as well as to prevent them from sedimentation in biological fluids of neutral pH.
The Sedimentation of particles can accumulate and block blood vessels. "We could not cover nanoparticles with a stabilizer, because it would reduce the quantum yield," tells Aleksandra Furasova, the first author of the paper and research fellow at the International Laboratory "Solution Chemistry of Advanced Materials and Technologies" (SCAMT) of ITMO University. "That is why we doped hafnium oxide with rare earth metal ions. Firstly, they charged surface of the particles that stabilized the latter in biological fluids. Secondly, introducing different rare earths, we learned to shift the luminescence spectrum. For example, particles with terbium emit the green region, but particles with europium - in red. Such adjusting will be useful for solving specific tasks."
As known, rare earth elements have a definite level of toxicity. So the researchers checked if it could prevent using the doped nanoparticles. The chemists added large amounts of the particles to the samples of blood plasma and the medium with cultivated cells. It turned out that the particles are stable in blood and do not change their consistency and due to the ability of rare earth ions to be strongly bounded in oxide, they do not harm cells.
Anna Fakhardo, a SCAMT researcher, adds: "For three days, we watched the life cycle of cultivated lung fibroblasts and mesenchymal stem cells and noticed no toxic effects caused by neither pure nor doped nanoparticles of hafnium oxide. That is, they can be potentially applied in medicine."
In the future, the scientists are going to use nanoparticles of hafnium oxide not only for imaging, but for tumor therapy. Under X-rays, atoms of hafnium and rare earth metals like all heavy elements ionize water molecules around that turn into so-called free radicals and begin to kill neighboring cells. This method of cancer treatment is applied by specific foreign companies and cannot compete with chemotherapy in price, but it is supposed to be more harmless because it allows one to treat tumors, even in the brain, locally.
Source: http://news.ifmo.ru/en/science/life_science/news/6525/
Many laboratories still rely on traditional volumetric methods for preparing samples, standards and solutions, which poses considerable potential for variability and errors. Read "Efficient Sample and Solution Preparation" from METTLER TOLEDO's free online laboratory expertise library to learn more about the sources of error, and innovative accessories and state-of-the-art techniques, such as gravimetric dosing, which can address the risks and improve accuracy.
In a typical analytical workflow, 49% of out-of-specification (OOS) errors can be attributed to either sample processing steps or operator error. In addition, the sample processing steps account for 61% of the manual workload. With these statistics in mind, it seems astonishing that more progress has not been made in addressing or eliminating these labor-intensive manual operations, which are so prone to error and variability.
In fact, innovative tools and accessories have been developed to aid weighing of the sample, with the aim of reducing or eliminating the risk of sample spillage or loss on transfer. Novel balance features and software address any errors relating to transcription or data transfer. State-of-the-art gravimetric dosing technologyas described in USP 1251"Weighing on an analytical balance" under "Types of dosing" (USP 36-NF31)can eliminate variability inherent in volumetric sample preparation methods.
To access information on this topic, visit METTLER TOLEDOs Laboratory Expertise Library. The "Efficient Sample Preparation" compendium includes a white paper, "Gravimetric Sample Preparation Reducing Sample Sizes and OOS Errors", which can be downloaded for free, alongside videos, and recorded webinars.
The Laboratory Expertise Library itself is a collaborative space which offers a wealth of free information and advice on a range of critical laboratory issues. The topics are carefully selected to focus on the daily concerns of laboratory managers and personnel, and include issues such as electrostatic effects on weighing, regulatory compliance, calibration, and sample preparation. In-depth knowledge and expert advice is shared in a helpful and easily accessible format, with basic introductory or advanced information available. New topics are added regularly.
It's the part of the eye exam everyone hates: the pupil-dilating eye drops. The drops work by opening the pupil and preventing the iris from constricting in response to light and are often used for routine examination and photography of the back of the eye. The drops sting, can take up to 30 minutes to work, and cause blurry vision for several hours afterwards, often making them inconvenient for both patient and doctor.
Now, researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine and Massachusetts Eye and Ear/Harvard Medical School have developed a cheap, portable camera that can photograph the retina without the need for pupil-dilating eye drops. Made out of simple parts mostly available online, the camera's total cost is about $185.
"As residents seeing patients in the hospital, there are often times when we are not allowed to dilate patients -- neurosurgery patients for example," said Dr. Bailey Shen, a second-year ophthalmology resident at the UIC College of Medicine. "Also, there are times when we find something abnormal in the back of the eye, but it is not practical to wheel the patient all the way over to the outpatient eye clinic just for a photograph."
The prototype camera can be carried in your pocket, Shen said, and can take pictures of the back of the eye without eye drops. The pictures can be shared with other doctors, or attached to the patient's medical record.
The camera is based on the Raspberry Pi 2 computer, a low-cost, single-board computer designed to teach children how to build and program computers. The board hooks up to a small, cheap infrared camera, and a dual infrared- and white-light-emitting diode. A handful of other components - a lens, a small display screen and several cables - make up the rest of the camera.
The camera works by first emitting infrared light, which the iris - the muscle that controls the opening of the pupil - does not react to. Most retina cameras use white light, which is why pupil-dilating eye drops are needed.
The infrared light is used to focus the camera on the retina, which can take a few seconds. Once focused, a quick flash of white light is delivered as the picture is taken. Cameras exist that use this same infrared/white light technique, but they are bulky and often cost thousands of dollars.
Shen's camera photos show the retina and its blood supply as well as the portion of the optic nerve that leads into the retina. It can reveal health issues that include diabetes, glaucoma and elevated pressure around the brain.
Shen and his co-author, Dr. Shizuo Mukai, associate professor of ophthalmology at Harvard Medical School and a retina surgeon at Massachusetts Eye and Ear, describe their camera and provide a shopping list of parts, instructions for assembly, and the code needed to program the camera in the Journal of Ophthalmology.
"This is an open-source device that is cheap and easy to build," said Mukai. "We expect that others who build our camera will add their own improvements and innovations."
"The device is currently just a prototype, but it shows that it is possible to build a cheap camera capable of taking quality pictures of the retina without dilating eye drops, " Shen said. "It would be cool someday if this device or something similar was carried around in the white-coat pockets of every ophthalmology resident and used by physicians outside of ophthalmology as well."
Like all parents, couples who have a child with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) share the ups and downs of parenting.
A new study by Waisman Center researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison looks at the daily experiences of these parents to provide a more detailed picture of the strengths and vulnerabilities of couples raising a child with ASD.
"I think we can use these findings to develop more effective therapies and strategies to address potential challenges in couple relationships for parents of children with ASD," says Sigan Hartley, lead author of the new study, published this month in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders.
Previous findings have shown that, on average, couples with a child with ASD have higher risks of divorce and lower satisfaction with their marriages when compared to couples with a typically developing child.
"What has been missing is research that really gets at the details of what is actually happening in the day-to-day lives of these couples," says Hartley, a Waisman Center researcher and 100 Women Chair in Human Ecology at UW-Madison.
To fill in this gap in the research, Hartley and her colleagues examined the daily experiences of 174 couples who have a child with ASD and 179 couples with a typically developing child.
Each couple kept separate "daily diaries" for two weeks, and recorded information like how much time they spent with their partners, how supported they felt, how close they felt to their partners, and the positive or negative interactions they had with them.
"These measures really let us understand how couple relationships are being altered for parents of children with ASD," says Hartley.
The researchers found a combination of vulnerabilities and strengths. Couples parenting a child with ASD reported spending an average of 21 fewer minutes per day with their partners compared to couples with a typically developing child. That may not sound like a lot of time, but "those 21 minutes add up over weeks and months to almost 128 fewer hours spent together over a year," says Hartley.
Spending less time together could account for why parents of children with ASD reported feeling less closeness to their partners than those raising typically developing children. The ASD group of parents also reported fewer positive interactions, such as sharing jokes, having a meaningful conversation or being intimate.
"Parents of children with ASD may have more demands on their time," says Hartley. "They may have to navigate therapy sessions or manage special education or interventions."
On the other hand, parents of a child with ASD showed no increase in negative interactions, like critical comments or avoiding their partner, when compared to couples with a typically developing child. These couples also felt as supported by their partners as couples with typically developing children.
"These are important relationship strengths that couples who are parenting a child with ASD can build on," says Hartley. Finding ways to strengthen their couple dynamics can help their children as well.
"Just like any child, a child with ASD affects, and is affected by, the entire family," says Hartley. "Developing therapies or strategies that help parents thrive and keep their relationships strong is critical for the long-term success of children."
Researchers from UCLA and the University of Western Australia have developed a new way of visualizing the distribution of cholesterol in cells and tissues. Their research provides insights into the movement of cholesterol into and out of cells and could eventually identify mechanisms linking cholesterol to coronary artery disease.
Using a new high-resolution imaging mass spectrometry approach called NanoSIMS imaging, the team was able to visualize and quantify a pool of cholesterol called "accessible cholesterol" on the surface of cells.
Cholesterol is an essential lipid and is critical for maintaining the integrity of the plasma membrane in every cell in the body. But elevated levels of cholesterol in the blood represent a risk factor for coronary artery disease.
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The accessible pool of cholesterol on the plasma membrane is thought to play a role in regulating production of cholesterol by cells and likely plays a role in the ability of cells to unload surplus cholesterol. "Accessible cholesterol" on the surface of cells can be detected with a cholesterol-binding protein from bacteria.
By taking advantage of the bacterial protein, along with NanoSIMS imaging, researchers showed that the accessible pool of cholesterol is not evenly distributed on a cell's plasma membrane but instead is highly enriched on specialized projections from the plasma membrane called microvilli.
"In the past, other scientists had speculated that microvilli play a role in moving cholesterol into and out of cells," said the study's co-author, Dr. Stephen Young, a distinguished professor of medicine and human genetics at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. "The discovery that 'accessible cholesterol' is highly enriched in microvilli lends support to that idea."
The findings were recently published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Dr. Haibo Jiang, a study co-author, noted that NanoSIMS imaging provides unique insights into cholesterol distribution on the plasma membrane and future studies will make it possible to assess mechanisms by which cells dispose of excess cholesterol.
"We would like to gain a better understanding of the mechanisms of cholesterol movement in cells and tissues," said Jiang, a lecturer from the University of Western Australia's Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis. "We believe that NanoSIMS imaging could yield new strategies for lowering cholesterol levels in the blood or at least new strategies for optimizing the effects of existing cholesterol-lowering drugs."
Added Young: "The plan now is to use NanoSIMS, along with novel biochemical approaches, to investigate cholesterol distribution and movement in multiple cell types."
Growing significant numbers of human stem cells in a short time could lead to new treatments for stroke and other diseases. Scientists are sending stem cells to the International Space Station to test whether these cells proliferate faster in microgravity without suffering any side effects.
Therapeutic uses require hundreds of millions of stem cells and currently no efficient way exists to produce such quantities. Previous research suggests that microgravity could help, and the space station is home to the nation's only national lab in microgravity.
Some types of stem cells grow faster in simulated microgravity, according to Abba Zubair, a researcher at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida. Zubair is principal investigator for the Microgravity Expanded Stem Cells investigation, which is cultivating human stem cells aboard the space station for use in clinical trials back on Earth. He holds a doctor of medicine degree in transfusion medicine and cell therapy and a doctorate of philosophy in tumor immunology.
Human stem cells are cells that have not yet specialized in function and can divide into a spectrum of cell types, rejuvenating and repairing tissue throughout a person's lifetime. Stem cells in every organ of the body, including skin and bones, maintain those organs and repair tissue by dividing and differentiating into specialized cells.
Harvesting a person's stem cells and growing enough of them for use in therapies has proven difficult, though. Researchers have successfully grown mesenchymal stem cells, found in bone marrow, but growing sufficient quantities takes weeks. That could be too late for treatment of some conditions.
"Stem cells are inherently designed to remain at a constant number," Zubair explains. "We need to grow them faster, but without changing their characteristics."
The first phase of the investigation, he adds, is answering the question: "Do stem cells grow faster in space and can we grow them in such a manner that they are safe to use in patients?"
Investigators will examine the space-grown cells in an effort to understand the mechanism behind microgravity's effects on them. The long-term goal is to learn how to mimic those effects and develop a safe and reliable way to produce stem cells in the quantities needed.
The second phase will involve testing clinical application of the cells in patients. Zubair has been studying treatment of stroke patients with lab-grown stem cells and plans to compare those results with use of the space-grown stem cells.
"What is unique about this investigation is that we are not only looking at the biology of the cells and how they grow, but focusing on application, how we can use them to treat patients," he says.
The investigation expands existing knowledge of how microgravity affects stem cell growth and differentiation as well as advances future studies on how to produce large numbers of stem cells for treating stroke and other conditions.
The faster that happens, the better for those who could benefit from stem cell therapies.
New Delhi: State-owned IDBI Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and Dena Bank will receive a capital infusion from the government in lieu of preferential allotment of shares.
IDBI Bank will get Rs 2,500 crore funding from the government, subject to regulatory approvals.
Board of directors of the bank at a meeting held today approved proposal to allot preference shares to the government.
"Board of directors of the bank has approved the proposal for preferential issue of capital to government and other financial institutions, if any aggregating up to Rs 2,500 crore," IDBI Bank said in an exchange filing.
IDBI Bank extra ordinary general meeting is scheduled for April 27 for obtaining shareholders' approval to allot preferential shares to government.
Pune-based Bank of Maharashtra said board of directors will meet on Friday to consider the proposal of raising equity capital by preferential allotment of shares to the government.
The bank said it has received communication from the government on March 16 for capital allocation plan of Rs 300 crore.
Dena Bank said in a separate filing to exchange, "We would like to inform you that the Board of Directors of the Bank approved raising of share capital of the Bank up to amount of Rs 800 crore."
The government has approved the second tranche of capital infusion in public sector banks to enhance their capital base.
The first tranche was announced in July with the objective of enhancing their lending operations and enabling them to raise more money from the market.
It has already announced a fund infusion of Rs 22,915 crore, out of the Rs 25,000 crore earmarked for 13 PSBs for the current fiscal.
The second round of funding entailing about Rs 8,000 crore is based on strict parameters.
New Delhi: World Banks probe body CAO has raised concerns over IFCs insufficient action to address environmental norms violation by Tata Power arm Coastal Gujarat Power Ltd (CGPL).
World Bank investment arm IFC is an investor in CGPL. The CAO, in its second monitoring report in relation to audit of CGPL following complaint by fishing communities, said there was a need for rapid, participatory and remedial approach to assess and address project impacts raised by the complainants.
The office of the Compliance Advisor/Ombudsman (CAO) is an independent body reporting to World Bank which reviews complaints from communities affected by development projects undertaken by World Bank lending arms IFC and MIGA. In July 2012, CAO had concluded a compliance appraisal and found that a number of issues raised, including pollution of water and air around the plant, that merited further enquiry for remedial measures to be taken up.
"CAO remains concerned that the actions reported by IFC are not sufficient to address the findings of the audit," said the World Banks probe body in its latest report.
"In particular, CAO considers that there is an outstanding need for a rapid, participatory and expressly remedial approach to assessing and addressing project impacts raised by the complainants," it added.
CAO said IFC did not ensure that the marine impact of the project was assessed taking into account "the differing values attached to biodiversity by specific stakeholders".
"CAO notes that IFC has acknowledged in its supervision that CGPL has an ongoing breach of regional standards set by the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB) in relation to levels of nitrogen oxides emitted from its stacks."
Besides, IFC failed to ensure that CGPL correctly applied the World Bank Group Thermal Power Guidelines (1998) on an airshed that should have been classified as degraded, it added.
On air quality around the plant, CAO said PM10 levels are consistently above national standards in several locations around the plant.
IFC is expected to work with its client to ensure that PM10 levels are brought within the national standards, or to demonstrate that CGPL's activities are not a significant contributor to ambient PM10, for example through composition analysis, CAO added.
In response to queries, IFC said that as part of ongoing project supervision it has taken up the matter with CGPL as per CAOs action plan.
The action plan includes undertaking a set of third party studies, several of which have already been completed and the rest are underway.
"Based on the findings of these, where required, the company will, in consultation with key stakeholders, implement measures to ensure that its operations remain compliant with the IFC Performance Standards," IFC stated.
When contacted, Tata Power said that the CAO report reflected the observations on the internal processes of IFC.
"However, last time around too, CAO statement was not upheld by the competent authority of World Bank. CGPL is in complete compliance and has got several internationally reputed third party as well as GPCB review the compliance aspects, who all have also found it fully in compliance and beyond," Tata Power said.
In 2007, CGPL began a 4,150 megawatt coal-fired power plant near port town of Mundra in Kutch district of Gujarat to which International Finance Corporation (IFC) has granted loan of USD 450 million.
The total cost of the project is around USD 4.14 billion. In June 2011, CAO got a complaint from a local body fighting for the fishermen community's rights living in the project vicinity about displacement, impact on water quality and fish population, community air emissions and natural habitats.
The CAO had published its first monitoring report regarding IFC's investment in this Tata Power project in January 2015.
The audit remains open for monitoring, CAO said, adding the next report is expected by January 2018.
New Delhi: In a judicial first for the country, Chief Justice of India J S Khehar has offered to mediate out of court and settle the Ram Janmabhoomi - Babri Masjid dispute, which has been dragging on for almost 24 years.
Since the issue involved claims which are lost in history, the CJI, while hearing an application by BJP leader Subramanian Swamy to expedite the hearing, said, it "was a matter of sentiment and must be resolved amicably.
But the parties to the case have expressed staunch refusal to any such procedure and have demanded a verdict which could give the land to any one party.
Ranjana Agnihotri, Counsel for Ram Lalla in the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute told News18 that even the question of negotiation does not arise and only a verdict in favour of one party or an ordinance can solve this dispute.
When we did not agree to the 1/3rd distribution of land between all the three parties then why should we agree to the question of negotiation? It is a land where Ram Lalla was born and there is no question of any mosque there. Justice DV Sharma, who had delivered the minority view in the Allahabad HC judgment, had clearly stated that this land cannot be attributed to any other party except Lord Ram."
"We have waited for so many years, and we can wait for a few more, but a verdict has to be delivered. If the court finds delivering a verdict difficult, then an ordinance route can be adopted to expedite building the Ram temple like it was done during Jallikattu. Negotiation means 50-50 and we are not ready for that, said Agnihotri.
Ram Lallas counsel also said applications by Subramaniam Swamy do not make any sense. He was neither a party nor a litigant in the case, his application for being impleaded as a party in the SC case was rejected by the High Court, then why is he seeking a judicial order now? questioned Agnihotri.
Justice Aftab Alam in 2011 had restored the case to status quo when the parties had challenged the Allahabad HC verdict dividing the land between Sunni Wakf Board, Nirmohi Akhara and Ram Lalla in 1/3rd proportions as it was not prayed for by any of the parties.
However, Justice DV Sharma, while delivering his minority view in the Allahabad HC verdict, had held that the entire disputed area belongs to Hindus (Ram Lalla and his representatives) and the premises should be handed over to them. He had also ordered that "All other parties to the dispute be permanently restrained from interfering with, or rising any objection to, or placing any obstruction in the construction of the temple at Ram Janmabhoomi Ayodhya at the site.
Even the other party to the case did not seem inclined to the CJIs proposal for negotiation. Syed Qasim Ilyas, Joint Convener of the Babri Masjid Committee told News18 that the process of negotiation and arbitration was already over and cannot happen again.
Even before several talks have been conducted but no results were achieved. The matter of arbitration and negotiation has been completed. Even a dialogue between the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Babri Masjid Committee failed to yield any results. Whenever talks have taken place, VHP has claimed that this land rightfully belonged to Ram. We do not agree to the proposal that the Chief Justice of India will act as a mediator, said Ilyas.
However Ilyas said that there was a chance that the matter could be solved by mediation as other processes have already been exhausted. He also said that the issue has to be settled on the basis of legal position not sentiments.
However, the son of the oldest litigant Hashim Ansari who passed away last year, told News18 that the offer of the SC is not a bad one and can help in solving the fight.
Iqbal Ansari told News18 that, this fight has been dragging along for very long now. Negotiation can help end this fight. Even before, panchayats used to resort to this method and disputes were solved and it can be the case now too.
Zafaryab Jilani, convener of the Babri Masjid Action Committee, is not against attempts at negotiations, but said daily hearings on the case should commence.
We do not see the possibility of any such move. Previous attempts have all failed but since CJI is himself willing to monitor the issue, then there will be some legal sanctity to it and not like before where an agreement between the parties was devoid of any legal status. We will forward our opinion soon but we also demand a day to day hearing of the case, said Jilani.
New Delhi: Newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has at times had a strained relationship with the Sangh Parivar. He has always been a man who has marched to his own tune. It is on the issue of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, however, that his views more or less align with that of the RSS. But for Adityanath, the fight for a Mandir may be a personal one. For him, it is a struggle that can be traced all the way back to 1949, much before LK Advani embarked on his Ram Rath Yatra.
In 1935, Mahant Digvijaynath was appointed as the head of the Gorakhnath Math in Gorakhpur, a post that Adityanath now holds. While Digvijaynath died in 1969, three years before Adityanath was even born, the UP CM seems to have modeled himself after the former Mahant.
Like Adityanath, Digvijaynath was a rebel. Even as the Mahant, he remained a part of active politics. Digvijaynath, earlier a Congressman, joined the VD Savarkar-led Hindu Mahasabha.
Like Adityanath, he came to be known for his vitriolic statements against Muslims, even demanding that they be stripped off the right to vote till they proved their loyalty to India. It was during his time that the Gorakhnath Math, once venerated by Hindus and Muslims alike, assumed a decidedly Hindu nationalist character. However, it was his involvement with the Ram Mandir agitation of 1949 that made him shoot into prominence.
Digvijaynath played a leading role in the temple movement. It is said that he was behind the placement of Ram and Sita idols inside the Babri Masjid, though Hindu hardliners had claimed the idols had appeared inside the mosque. After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi, he was jailed for nine months. Upon his release from prison, he attempted to revive the Hindu Mahasabha.
In 1967, he was elected as the MP from Gorakhpur, a seat which would eventually send Adityanath to the Lok Sabha five times before his elevation to the CM post.
His disciple and successor Avaidyanath, who was Adityanaths spiritual Guru, maintained the political character of the Gorakhnath Math. When the Ram Temple struggle was revived in the 1980s, Avaidyanath became a prominent leader of the movement. In 1984, much before BJP leader LK Advani embarked on his infamous Ram Rath Yatra, Avaidyanath launched a Yatra of his own from Bihars Sitamarhi to Ayodhya. Avaidyanath entered politics like his Guru had done before him and his disciple would do after him. He became the MLA from Maniram seven times and MP from Gorakhpur two times.
As Yogi Adityanath settles into the Chief Ministers office, the Ram Mandir issue will be among the foremost on his agenda. This is not only because he has cultivated a support base that would expect him to deliver on the promise, but also because for him, it is a matter of legacy as well.
New Delhi: Yogi Adityanaths last speech on Tuesday as a Lok Sabha MP mixed abundant praise for Narendra Modi, a sly dig at UP Boys Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi and a promise that Lots of things in UP will be shut.
The five-time Member of Parliament from Gorakhpur resigned today from Parliament in order to take up his next assignment at the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh. In a speech, he said that law and order will be upheld and that no discrimination against any caste or class will be practiced.
The Chief Minister, who is also the head priest of the Gorakhnath mutt, started his speech by praising Prime Minister Narendra Modis economic vision. He talked about how the economy had rebounded since 2014, with GDP growth propelling India to one of the fastest growing economies in the world.
Adityanath also said that the Prime Minister had done a lot for UP, especially for his constituency Gorakhpur. The Yogi said that Modi had reopened two fertilizer factories in place of the one that had shut down 26 years ago. According to Yogi Adityanath, the opening of an AIIMS hospital in Gorakhpur would serve to alleviate the Japanese encephalitis crisis in Eastern UP.
As for the rest of the state the new Chief Minister said that the Union governments Ujjwala scheme of LPG gas connections for poor families had resulted in gains for rural women, who no longer had to worry about fetching firewood for cooking.
Adityanath also took a dig at Akhilesh Yadav and Rahul Gandhi: I am a year younger than Rahul Gandhi and one year older than Akhilesh. But Ive come in between the pair[who wanted to rule UP], he said. He also promised that lots of things will be shut in Uttar Pradesh, though it is unclear what he meant.
On Monday the Uttar Pradesh government shut two slaughterhouses in Allahabad. The Rambagh and Atala slaughterhouses were sealed by the police.
Yogi Adityanath promised a corruption free, riot free and anarchy free government that will bring the development model to all. The Chief Minister also alleged that the Union government had allocated Rs 2.5 lakh crore to Uttar Pradesh in the last two and the half years, but less than a third of that amount was spent by the previous government. He said his government would look into what happened to the remaining money.
Adityanath claimed that he had ensured that no riot took place in Gorakhpur in the past two decades and that he would now ensure that Uttar Pradesh was riot free and law and order upheld.
A committee has now been set-up on the lines of the Vishaka guidelines to inquire into these complaints and has been asked to submit a report within 15 days.
This is a great a wake-up call to the teachers. So, they should understand and behave properly now. Teachers should not do this in future, she said.
When his committee visited the college, students told him that they wanted action (such as transfer or suspension) against the teachers, but they wont file police complaints as it would affect their future.
: Two teachers have been suspended, and another transferred, following complaints of sexual harassment and molestation by the students at Bengaluru's Maharani Arts & Science Girls' College.Established in the pre-independence era, the college is one of the citys biggest and oldest girls colleges, catering to girls education for nearly eight decades.Run by the government, Maharani Arts & Science College also caters to rural students, most of whom belong to economically weaker sections and cannot afford private education.But the horror for the students didnt just stop at sexually-tinted remarks and molestation by teachers. Some students have complained that a pervert has gained access to the hostel courtyard and, over the last few weeks, has been on the prowl at nights, stealing girls innerwear hanging from clotheslines.CCTV footage from the college clearly shows the prowler, half-nude, even trying on these clothes. While the college authorities have lodged a complaint against the stalker, an internal enquiry has been undertaken to look into the allegations of sexual harassment levelled against members of the faculty.College Principal Professor Shantha Kumari told News18, One of the suspended professors was transferred to a first-grade college in Gulbarga in north Karnataka, but since this was hotly debated, the department decided to suspend him.Shockingly, when asked about other complaints of harassment filed by at least five students against a total of eight male faculty members, she said that the committee set-up on the basis of Vishaka guidelines will observe activities now and teachers have been warned.Chairman of the Legislature Committee on Women and Children V S Ugrappa has sought a report from the committee. This is a prestigious college with 3,000 students. There are only about 19 or 20 male staff members, and they have been accused of sexual harassment. We have received information of three instances, involving eight staffers in all. Once the college committee gives its report, we will take further action, Ugrappa told News18.The victims, however, are shying away from filing police complaints against the staff, worrying they will be required to follow-up with police statements and court appearances in future, and they want to avoid all of that, Ugrappa added.These are all incidents of molestation, punishable under section 354 (assault on women with an intent to outrage their modesty). Some are trying to touch the bodies of the girls, or verbally alleging something we have told concerned officials to plug this, Ugrappa said.Lawyer and women rights activist, Pramila Nesargi, pointed out that no action can be taken legally in the absence of an FIR. If no complaint is registered with the police, a written application is made to the concerned authorities.If authorities refuse to cooperate, the students can write to the Governor, too, as he is the Chancellor of Universities. Students dont complain fearing the college may fail them or their career may go for a toss, she said.When asked the point of transferring officials facing such serious charges (as they could continue to molest in a different college), Ugrappa said: They are waiting for the final report to come before they can suggest further action.
New Delhi: Tuesdays observation by the Supreme Court to resolve the dispute around the site of Babri Masjid in Ayodhya has reignited the debate.
The dispute itself, however, is decades old and the court asking the parties involved in the case to resolve their differences out of court is just the latest in a series of attempts.
Here is a list of past attempts to resolve the issue:
Dec 1990: PM Chandra Shekhars attempt
- PM Chandra Shekhar made a breakthrough by bringing both VHP and all India Babri Masjid action committee to the negotiating table.
- Representatives of the two organisations met and presented the "evidence" of their sides to the Union government. However the negotiation soon fell apart.
June- July 2003: Efforts by Kanchi Shankaracharya
- Vajpayee govt. openly backed efforts by Kanchi Shankaracharya Jayendra Saraswatis efforts to negotiate settlement on the issue with AIMPLB.
- However, AIMPLB rejected Shankaracharya's proposals questioning Govts sincerity over the issue. VHP too protested over parleys between the Sankaracharya and AIMPLB.
Dec 2003: Another track II attempt by the BJP
- The Ayodhya Jama Masjid Trust (AJMT)a MHA-backed bodycame with formula said to be the brain child of Kartik Chopra, an AJMT trustee.
- The AJMT formula had 3 basic points: 1. Muslims should give up their claim on the disputed plot. 2. Theyll be allotted land close to the house of the original claimant, Hashim Ansari. 3. After the land is allotted, the govt would allocate RS 400 crore to build a mosque on the new site.
April 2011: Temple-Mosque at Ayodhya site
- Mahant Gyan Das (Mahant of the Hanumangarhi Temple) and late Hashim Ansari (oldest litigant) indulged in track-II negotiation post 2010 Allahabad High Court verdict.
- The formula has provision for both a temple and a mosque on the disputed 70-acre land. But, the two structures would be separated by a 100-foot wall.
August 2010-13: Locals floats its own solution: Mandir at idol site, Masjid 400m away
- Justice Palok Basu, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, spearheaded "local" effort by residents of Ayodhya and Faizabad to resolve the dispute.
- It proposed a Ram Temple at the disputed site and a mosque 400 m away, but within the 67 acres of land acquired by the government.
Union Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma welcome CJI Khehars offer to mediate in the Ayodhya case for an out of court settlement and said that it was in national interest.
We have always stood for Ram Mandir through Constitutional means and court suggestion is welcome. he said.
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I have asked Indian High Commission to renew her Indian passport and facilitate her return to India.
Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
I received a Youtube message from Shri Mohammad Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia Begum an, Indian national was married in Pakistan
Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
and was being ill-treated by her inlaws Our mission sent a Note Verbale requesting the safety, security and well-being of Mohammadia Begum.
Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) March 20, 2017
Younis has even threatened that he will not allow her go back to India alive. He reportedly married another woman, a Pakistani.
Akbar alleged that Muhammad Younis, who concealed his actual nationality and claimed to be from Oman, married her in 1996.
An Indian woman identified as Mohammadia Begum - tricked into marrying a Pakistani man and then 'held hostage' - is getting some help after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj intervened in her case.Following her (Begum) father's (Mohammad Akbar) YouTube SOS video, Swaraj asked the Indian High Commission to ensure her safety and return to India.Swaraj tweeted that she received a YouTube message from Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia, an Indian national, was married to a person in Pakistan "and was being ill-treated by her in-laws"."Our mission sent a Note Verbale requesting the safety, security and well-being of Mohammadia Begum. Our High Commission officials met Mohammadia Begum and she expressed her desire to return to India,"The case is complicated as the Hyderabad woman's passport had expired last year. Swaraj has asked the Indian High Commission to renew her passport and facilitate her return to India.Meanwhile, Mohammedi Begum (the name on her passport) spoke to her mother Hajara Begum over phone and informed that her husband Muhammad Younis beat her up and locked her in a room after Indian High Commission officials met her. The 44-year-old broke down while narrating the ill-treatment at the hands of her husband and in-laws. The mother advised her to have patience and wait for the help from the High Commission. Hajara Begum said Younis had been abusing her daughter. "He even tells the children to keep themselves away from her as she is a Hindustani and all Hindustanis are Hindus."Hajara Begum said her daughter had turned very weak due to physical and mental torture and needs immediate medical help.Mohammedi Begum and Younis have five children -- three sons and two daughters. The youngest son is nine-year-old and he was born in Pakistan while the other children were born in Muscat, Oman."If the children come with her that will be good but my appeal is that she should be brought home immediately," said Hajara Begum.It was on March 16 that Sushma had sought a report from India High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale.Mohammedi Begum's father Mohammed Akbar, a cycle mechanic, had earlier sent an e-mail to Sushma Swaraj in January seeking her help in bringing back his daughter.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.Mohammedi Begum had visited Hyderabad in 2012. Her father said this was her only visit to India in 21 years.(IANS input)
New Delhi: The Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), which has been at the forefront of the Ram Temple movement since it began, has decided to re-launch the movement. The announcement comes at a time when Hindutva hardliner Yogi Adityanath has been elevated to the post of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked litigants to find an amicable solution to the dispute. The VHP has said it will launch a movement called Ram Mahotsav from March 26 to April 16.
The Hindu New Year begins on March 28. Two days before the New Year, we will launch a movement called Ram Mahotsav. During this movement, we will go to villages and educate people on the kind of life that Lord Ram led and how they should also emulate it. We will also launch Jagran Yatras in each block headquarter, demanding that a Ram Temple be built in Ayodhya as soon as possible. Now there is no reason to delay the construction of the temple, said Ishwari Prasad, VHP Zonal President for Western UP and Uttarakhand.
He added, It will be a nation-wide movement and we will cover a total of around 2 lakh villages all over. The main thrust of the movement will be in UP, since that is where the Ram Janmabhoomi (birthplace) is. Out of the 2 lakh villages, around 70,000 will be in UP. Soon, you will see the saffron flag atop every house in these villages.
When asked what expectations he has of the new UP CM, who is seen as a Hindutva icon, he said, We are confident that the UP CM will support us in the movement. The BJP is in power in the Center and in the state. Ram devotees from over 3 lakh villages have sent stones over the years and 3/4th of these stones are ready. The Ram Temple fund is also ready. However, the temple must only be built on the exact spot where the Lord was born. The CM must not compromise on that front at all.
New Delhi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday, his second day in office, delivered on one of the BJPs biggest and most polarising poll promises. Uttar Pradesh Police on Tuesday announced that they were in the process of setting up anti-Romeo squad in the state. These squads will be formed first in the 11 districts that fall under Lucknow zone.
Inspector General (Lucknow zone) A Satish Ganesh said, In a bid to check eve-teasing and passing of lewd comments against them (women and girls), the Anti-Romeo Dal will be constituted in the 11 districts of Lucknow zone. Action will be taken under the Goonda Act against the wrongdoers.
In the run up to the UP polls, BJP President Amit Shah, in an exclusive interview with Network 18, had said they would set up anti-Romeo squads in UP if voted to power. In UP, people have stopped sending their daughters to colleges because the girls get harassed. We have promised that BJP will form an anti-Romeo Squad to save these girls. This is not communal, Shah had told News 18.
During a public meeting in Meerut in February, while lashing out at the Akhilesh Yadav government for failing to preserve law and order, Shah had repeated the promise. In Uttar Pradesh, every college would be provided with the anti-Romeo squad. Our girls would be safeguarded. These anti-Romeo squads would allow the girls to study without fear in college campuses, Shah had said.
During the 2014 Lok Sabha by-polls, Yogi Adityanath, then the Gorakhpur MP, was the BJPs star campaigner. It was during this campaign that the notion of Love Jihad by Muslims on Hindu women had gained currency. Adityanath had alleged that Muslim men woo Hindu women and convert them to Islam. In videos that have since gone viral, he can even be heard saying for every Hindu girl who is kidnapped, we will kidnap 100 Muslim women. He can also be seen encouraging Hindu men to marry Muslim women to bring them back in the fold. By implementing this key poll promise so early on in his tenure, Adityanath is sending a clear message to his constituents he means business.
Designers Didier Lecoanet and Hemant Sagar, who established couture house Lecoanet Hemant in the eighties, celebrated their 38-year-old fashion journey with an exhibition titled "Paris, New Delhi: From Haute Couture to the Technologies of Elegance".
The exhibition aimed to spread awareness about the need to invest in research and design that can be instrumental in placing India on the map of global fashion.
"There is a sense of fashion nostalgia. A celebration of artisanal excellence, an ode to our labour of love that we hope to evoke. We see a promise of a pragmatic future that beholds Indian fashion," the designers jointly said.
The designer label initially worked from Paris with a flagship store. They were also members of the Parisian Haute Couture Syndicate from 1984-2000 and have created 33 collections with the aim of transitioning from artisanal to semi industrial.
In 2000, they moved their business from couture to ready-to-wear and also from Paris to New Delhi. This journey of the brand was the theme of the exhibition.
The exhibition is taking place at Bikaner house here, starting from Sunday till March 22. One will be able to see some of the finest pieces designed by the designer label.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the capital by French Ambassador Alexandre Ziegler.
Actor Dhanush was dragged to court by an elderly couple who claimed Dhanush is their son. On February 28, Dhanush appeared before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court to get an identification mark verification test. The elderly couple claimed that their son had a mole on left clavicle bone part and a scar of the left elbow. Dean of the Madurai Medical College (MMC) has submitted the medical report after examining the actor before the court on a sealed envelope.
CNN News 18 has accessed the report submitted by the Dean of MMC. It says: There is no mole over the left collar bone and there is no scar in left elbow. It is possible to remove a small superficial mole completely but a scar cannot be removed by plastic surgery and only scar reduction can be done. A very small superficial mole removed by laser technique without any trace, A removed larger mole that traces can be seen by Dermascope but a scar cannot be removed by modern plastic surgery. Only scar reduction can be done.
Actor Dhanush had earlier refuted claims made by the elderly couple. He also raised suspicion that the couple wanted to extract money from him and hence allege that they are his biological parents.
The transfer certificate submitted by the elderly couple mentioned the identification marks of actor Dhanush. The TC also mentioned that he did his schooling up to 10th standard in two schools in Melur district. Dhanush, too, presented his birth certificate and transfer certificate of his schooling in Chennai but the TC submitted by Dhanush did not have any of the identification marks which he has.
The elderly couple had moved the court claiming that their son (Dhanush) was rought up in Madruai till 2002 and moved to Chennai to pursue a career in acting. They claimed that Dhanushs real name is Kalaiselvan. The couple also requested the court to direct the actor to pay Rs.65,000 per month.
Dhanush had in November 2016 filed a petition before a judicial magistrate court at Melur to quash the case filed by the couple but the the court refused to budge. Now with the medical report making it clear that the identification marks mentioned by the couple does not match, it is a breather for the actor who had from day been on a denial mode.
Chennai: Actress Aditi Rao Hydari on Monday said working with ace filmmaker Mani Ratnam in forthcoming Tamil romantic drama Kaatru Veliyidai was very nourishing.
At the film's audio launch here, Aditi told media: "It's a very special film. My life-long dream to work with Mani Ratnam has come true."
She went on to add that to work with the Roja filmmaker was like "taking a booster shot of vitamin".
"It was nourishing," she added.
On a funny note, she also said that Ratnam can't get rid of her and that she would love to collaborate with him again.
Paired with Karthi, she plays a doctor in the film.
Produced by Sri Thenandal Films, the film is slated for release on April 7.
Paji @WhoSunilGrover sry if I hurt u unintentionally.u knw vry well how much I luv u. M also upset .love n regards always:) KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) March 20, 2017
@WhoSunilGrover paji dil jitt liya tusi.. now I love u more n more n more .. hun bada mazaa aan wala a.. akal aan to baad.. I love u. KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) March 21, 2017
@WhoSunilGrover today packed up at 6 am after so long n I missed so many things.. love u .. see u in evening at ur home KAPIL (@KapilSharmaK9) March 21, 2017
When two of the most popular comedians of the country fight, the nation gets curious. And in Kapil Sharma-Sunil Grovers case, a tad confused. The tweet exchange between the two have left many curious about what exactly transpired between the two on their flight back to Mumbai from Australia a few days back where the two allegedly got into a fight.Reports suggested a drunk Kapil Sharma started hurling abuses at a team member when Sunil Grover stepped up to calm Sharma down. Things became ugly as Sharma then got involved in a war of words with Grover. A Mid-day report even suggests that Sharma hit Grover in a fit of rage.As the news broke out, Kapil was the first to issue a statement. On his Facebook page, Sharma wrote that the fight with Grover was a personal matter and that media should not intervene. Few hours later, he even issued an apology to the comedian who rose to fame for his Gutthi act in Comedy Nights With Kapil.Not wanting to back down, Grover, on his part, issued a statement in which he asked Sharma to not act like a god.Grover, with love, made it clear that he was in no mood to back down and sort the matter but Sharma on his part responded differently. On twitter, Sharma wrote, paji dil jitt liya tusi.. now I love u more n more n more .. hun bada mazaa aan wala a.. akal aan to baad.. I love u. today packed up at 6 am after so long n I missed so many things.. love u .. see u in evening at ur home.(sic)While Grovers tone seemed tough, Sharma throughout seemed to downplay the matter. From his first statement, where he called Grover his brother and part of his family, to his apology tweets to Grover later- the TV host has been repeatedly trying to sort the matter out.This isnt the first time that Kapil Sharma and Sunil Grover have had a tiff. Back in 2013, when Grovers Gutthi gained popularity, the comedian had demanded a pay hike from the channel which Sharma and Colors Channel had denied him. When Grover left the show, Kapil initially kept mum about the matter but later in an interview said , All I can say is, he (Sunil) should have never left our show, we were all part of the success of our show. Calling Grover his senior, Sharma had then said he was never insecure of Grovers rising popularity and his exit was due to provocation from other people. I go out of my way to ensure every member of my team has a chance to take the stage, so I can relax. Sunil must have been provoked into leaving by people around him."Grover did start his own show on Star Plus but the show did not work well. TRPs of Comedy Nights With Kapil fell during this period. It was only when the two amicably sorted their issues and Gutthi made a comeback, that the show came back on track.The team eventually exited Colors due to differences with the channel over promotions of Comedy Nights Bachao. During that phase, the team appeared to be united and collectively spoke about how injustice had been meted out to them by Colors.There were reports about how Kapil Sharma had refused to promote Sunil Grovers film Coffee With D on The Kapil Sharma Show. Grover had later clarified that Kapil had no role to play. Yes, the promotion of Coffee With D on The Kapil Sharma Show is not happening. However, Kapil did not refuse it. Anything of that sort did not happen. Kapil did not say a no."Despite differences in the past, both comedians have perhaps realized that the success of their show is possible only when they work as a team. Which is why Grovers walk out from the show may effect the TRPs in the long run. What remains to be seen is whether the two finally patch up and bury their differences.
Kuwait City: Beauty and the Beast was pulled from cinemas in Kuwait after censors raised concerns over the content of the new film, which includes what has been called the first "gay moment" for a Disney character.
The film, which has grossed more than USD 180 million overseas, had been showing in the predominantly Muslim country of Kuwait since Thursday. But those who'd purchased tickets to see the movie Monday received text messages from Kuwait's National Cinema Company informing them that screenings were cancelled due to "unforeseen difficulties." The company also promised ticket buyers a full refund.
Duaij Al-Khalifa Al-Sabah, a board member at the National Cinema Company, which operates 11 of Kuwait's 13 movie theaters, told The Associated Press a newly edited version ofthe movie may be in theaters later this week. He said concerns center on a scene late in the movie involving the character LeFou, which director Bill Condon
describes as an "exclusively gay moment.""We were requested to stop the screening and further censor the movie for things that were deemed offensive by the Ministry of Information's censorship department," Al-Sabahsaid. In some predominantly Muslim countries, same-sex relations can lead to lashings, imprisonment and fines.
In a few, it carries the death penalty. Those in support of the ban on the film in Kuwait launched hashtags calling for "respect" and urging the cinema company to protect children by blocking the movie. The film was given a PG-13 rating in Kuwait. Disney officials did not immediately respond to a request of comment.
Similar concerns over the film's brief scene prompted a drive-in theater in the US state of Alabama to cancel showings. Censors in Malaysia required the scene be edited, but Disney pulled the film from release there. (AP)
Popular filmmaker Karan Johar may have used his films to propagate true love, and talk about the institution of marriage. But havent we all been interested in his love life too? In knowing more about the special someone in his personal life?
At a recent event in Mumbai, Johar was asked whom he would want to kill, marry and be friends with (SRK, Sidharth Malhotra and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan). And his answers, as expected, were shocking.
Johar immediately replied, "I would marry Shah Rukh, I love his bungalow. I'll kill Ash and Sid, because I'm not going to answer that question."
In his book 'An Unsuitable Boy',which has been co-authored by Poonam Saxena, Johar wrote about the rumours with SRK.
New Delhi: The three-day annual general body meeting of the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) will conclude at Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday evening. The Akhil Bhartiya Pratinidhi Sabha or ABPS has apart from discussing the current social political situation in the country has also passed a resolution coming down heavily on the Trinamool Congress Government in West Bengal and CPM-led Left Front Government in Kerala.
The three-day meeting was chaired by RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat along with his deputy Bhaiyaji Suresh Joshi. The resolution passed at the meet accused the TMC government of discriminating against Hindus in Bengal. The RSS has called the situation alarming, accusing the state government of appeasing fundamentalist forces in Bengal.
The resolution also slammed the CPM-led Left government in Kerala over attacks on RSS and BJP workers.
The Pratinidhi Sabha is the highest decision making body of the RSS. It meets once every year after Holi. All important decisions of the Sangh are taken in the three-day meeting including transfers, postings and appointments of key organisation functionaries.
All RSS affiliates in using BJP send their representatives for the ABPS.
Lucknow: After capturing 325 seats in Uttar Pradesh assembly election 2017, the Bhartiya Janta Partys (BJP) main focus would be to fulfil promises featuring in its manifesto.
If the sources are to be believed, Yogi Adityanath-led government will soon be taking steps to shut down illegal slaughterhouses. The renewal of the licenses of legal slaughterhouses could also be in jeopardy, a source added.
The manifesto promised promulgation of an ordinance in this regard by midnight on the very day a saffron regime took over the reins of the state.
It is remarkable that last year India exported 13,14,158.05 metric tonnes of buffalo meat, which was worth 26,681.56 crore Indian Rupees. Out of a total 72 legal slaughter houses in India, 38 are in Uttar Pradesh.
As per the figures of the Animal Husbandry Department of Uttar Pradesh, the state produced 7515.14 lakh kilogrammes of buffalo meat, 1171.65 lakh kilogrammes of goat meat, 230.99 lakh kilogrammes of sheep meat, and 1410.32-kilogram pork meat in the year 2014-15.
The slaughter houses in the state have permission to kill a bull ageing more than 15 years or an animal of an unhealthy breed. As per the 2014 report by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), with a 19.1% share, Uttar Pradesh is the largest producer of meat, followed by Andhra Pradesh at 15.2% and West Bengal at 10.9%.
The state of UP has stayed on the top from 2008 to 2013 in meat production. This rise continued in the 19th Livestock Census in 2012. With an increase of 29% in the state, it increased from 2,38,12,000 to 3,06,25,000. At the same time, with a 20% decline in Andhra Pradesh, the population has decreased from 1,32,71,000 to 1,06,22,000.
If the new government in Uttar Pradesh bans the export of meat, the state risks losing Rs 11,350 crore in revenue. And if the ban on slaughterhouses persists for the next five years, the revenue loss may mount up to Rs 56000 crore. In the year 2015-16, UP exported 5,65,958.20 metric tonnes of buffalo meat.
A day after Rajya Sabha chairman expressed unhappiness over absent MPs and Ministers in the house, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also lashed out at BJP MPs for missing in action during important discussions and debates.
At the BJP parliamentary party this morning PM told the MPs that their absence from Parliament was unacceptable. "PM was very unhappy and asked the BJP MPs - you are elected members of Parliament why is it so difficult to attend parliament?" a source told CNN-News18.
I can call any of you any time, PM reportedly told the MPs after parliamentary affairs minister Ananth Kumar raised the issue of lack of quorum in the House.
BJP subsequently issued a whip asking all MPs to be present in House. Lok sabha has taken up the finance bill for discussion and passage and absence of party MPs could spell trouble for the government. Important bills like GST are also likely to be placed before the two Houses of Parliament this week and government wants presence of all MPs to ensure smooth passage.
On Monday during question hour in Rajya Sabha both the MPs who were to ask the question, and the ministers who were supposed to reply were missing. Chairman Hamid Ansari had called it "an unusual situation."
Expressing his displeasure Ansari had said, "This is not a happy state of affairs." Congress MP Jairam Ramesh had also taken pot shots at government saying this was a case of "maximum ministers, minimum government and a shape of things to come."
In Lok Sabha too the quorum bell kept ringing post lunch as the chair waited for enough MPs to come to the house for proceedings to begin.
Seventy five NDA MPs in the Lower House are from Uttar Pradesh and many were missing after election related celebrations in UP, where BJP got an unprecedented 312 seats.
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the capital.
Adityanath, who arrived in Delhi earlier in the day, will also meet President Pranab Mukherjee and BJP chief Amit Shah.
Allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers is likely to come up for discussion at a meeting.
Adityanath left for Delhi this morning to take part in the meeting of the BJP Parliamentary Board, a BJP spokesperson said in Lucknow.
"The meeting of the BJP's Parliamentary Board is being held in Delhi today. Apart from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, his counterparts from Manipur, Goa, and Uttarakhand are also participating in the meeting," UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi told PTI.
"The discussion on allocation of ministerial berths in Yogi Adityanath's council of ministers may also be discussed in Delhi with party chief Amit Shah and PM Modi," said a senior party leader requesting anonymity.
Earlier speaking to PTI, UP Cabinet minister Siddhartha Nath Singh said that the portfolios of new ministers are likely to be announced "very soon". "The portfolios are being worked out. The process for allocation of departments is on and hopefully it will be done very soon," Singh said.
Currently, Yogi Adityanath is the Gorakhpur MP, and is not a member of either Houses of the UP Legislature. UP has a bicameral legislature.
(With agency inputs)
Coolpad announced that they have sold over 2 million units of its flagship phone Cool 1. The company celebrated this by offering a discount of Rs 1000 to its customers. The phone will now be available for Rs 12,999, which was initially offered at Rs 13,999.The company also announced that under the dual-brand strategy, they aim to earn a spot within the top 5 smartphone manufacturers in India as well as China.The Cool 1 comes with a dual rear 13-megapixel camera with dual-tone LED flash. It also supports, an 8- megapixel secondary front camera.Cool 1 packs a 5.5-inch Full HD 1920 x 1080 pixels resolution display encased in a metallic body. Cool 1 is powered by a 1.8 GHz Octa-core processor and Adrena 510.The device comes with two different variants - 3GB and 4GB with an internal storage of 32GB.The smartphone is paced with a 4000mAh battery with fast charging support.Connectivity options for Cool1 include 4G with VoLTE, 2G/3G, Wi-Fi 8802.1111 ac/a/b/g/n (2.4/5 GHz), Bluetooth 4.1, GPS, FM Radio, 3.5mm Audio Jack and USB Type-C port.The phone was launched on December 28, 2016 with availability in two colours - Gold and Silver.
Many things about it scream "Surf's Up!"
Tom Carroll has the bright-yellow board, the sun is shining -- well, trying to -- and the eyes of the Australian surfing legend twinkle at the prospect of riding the crashing waves.
But this is no Bondi Beach, board shorts are definitely not an option and instead of sand there is snow, lots of it.
Because this is Unstad, Norway, where mountains provide a stunning backdrop and the 55-year-old Carroll is surfing the freezing-cold waves.
"It's a big change coming from a Sydney summer to winter here," Carroll, a former two-time world surfing champion, told AFP, crediting advancements in wetsuits for keeping him alive in the frigid waters.
Carroll said that on the US East Coast and in Japan surfers have similarly pushed the boundaries in surfing in dangerously bone-chilling climates, but he added: "The Scandinavians in general are really pushing the limit.
"But this feels natural for them. I've just watched them in the water -- it's so normal for them.
"It's like, 'Let's get changed on the snow, outside the car.'
"There was a girl, changing in the snow, outside the car. My daughters would never think of doing that.
"They would look at you like you're crazy."
Carroll is in far-northern Norway at the invitation of Tommy Olsen, a pioneer of Arctic surfing and owner of a surf school in Unstad, where temperatures dip below freezing this time of year.
Carroll, who retired from the competitive surfing circuit in 1993 but remains one of its biggest ever names, added: "This is an exotic experience for me.
"It's an extraordinary place. It feels really clean, the water, the ocean, the air... it's all so clean here.
"Crisp and clean. That's just a lovely feeling."
Madison: The Trump administration is expediting a Syrian man's applications to bring his wife and daughter to Wisconsin.
The Syrian man, who was granted asylum last year and is living in Wisconsin, sued over President Donald Trump's travel ban in February. US District Judge William Conley issued a temporary restraining order earlier this month prohibiting the administration from enforcing the revised version of the ban specifically against the man's family.
A top immigration official filed a declaration on Friday ordering U.S. officials in Jordan, where the wife and daughter would travel for visa interviews, to process their applications by March 28. Roman Ginzburg, a US Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, further ordered that the office schedule interviews for no later than April 20 if the applications are in order.
The filing didn't explain why the applications were being fast-tracked, but an earlier filing noted that US Sen. Tammy Baldwin requested it.
The Justice Department lawyer assigned to the case didn't immediately reply to a message seeking further information.
Vincent Levy, the man's lawyer, said he learned Monday that the wife and daughter's interviews are currently scheduled for April 20.
"If all goes well, they'll be reunited with our client in the next month or two," Levy said. The two could begin traveling from Aleppo to the Syrian border within the next week, he said, noting that they must leave well in advance of their interviews as they have to travel through Lebanon to get to Jordan.
Also late last week, the Trump administration and Levy agreed to postpone a hearing on the temporary restraining order to sometime after April 10. This means the order will remain in place until then. It also gives the Trump administration time to focus on other cases challenging the ban including those in Hawaii and Maryland, which are currently blocking significant portions of the order and leaves open the possibility of using other rulings in their arguments.
Before the hearing was postponed, the administration argued in a filing last week that the temporary restraining order is unnecessary given that the travel ban is blocked and the man can't prove his applications were impacted.
The man filed the case without using his real name to protect the safety of his wife and daughter, who are living in hiding.
A spokesman for Baldwin said in a statement Monday that the senator's office has been happy to help with the man's case.
"It's good news that they are moving closer to being reunited and we are hopeful that things will continue moving forward," the statement said.
USCIS did not immediately reply to a message seeking comment Monday.
Washington: President Donald Trump's high-profile daughter Ivanka has been given an office at the White House and she will also have access to classified information, according to an administration official.
Ivanka's role will be to serve as Trump's "eyes and ears" while providing broad-ranging advice to the US President, her attorney was quoted as saying by Politico.
But she will not have an official title or salary when she works in the West Wing - the hub of US executive power. The official also confirmed media reports that the 35-year-old would have access to classified information.
Ivanka, who has her own fashion brand, will be joining her husband Jared Kushner, a real estate developer, who is a senior adviser to the president.
Ivanka Trump runs a fashion line named after her. But in an attempt to avoid conflicts of interests, she has handed day-to-day management of the firm to her top executive, Abigail Klem and has also set up a trust to provide oversight.
The couple's reported influence on the president has raised questions about possible conflicts of interests.
It has also triggered debates whether there are clear boundaries between the Trump family's political and business activities.
Since Trump's inauguration in January, Ivanka has been attending President Trump's meetings with world leaders, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
Washington: The Trump administration is naming some names in its efforts to shame local jails that don't cooperate with immigration authorities.
For now it's putting the spotlight on Travis County, Texas, home of liberal Austin.
The administration has released a list of 206 cases of immigrants released from custody before federal agents could intervene. Roughly two-thirds were from Travis County.
The 206 figure is somewhat murky. It doesn't represent all the cases in which immigration authorities sought custody of people facing criminal charges, with major cities like New York and Los Angeles underrepresented on the list.
The cases were identified by the administration between Jan 28 and Feb 3, but most of the detention requests had been made before then, as far back as early 2014. (AP)
Liberty University and non-affiliated Liberty Counsel have been named co-defendants in a Vermont court case connected to the 2009 international kidnapping of Isabella Miller-Jenkins.
The civil case originally was filed in 2012 but was placed on hold while criminal proceedings in the kidnapping played out. On Monday, a Vermont judge allowed Liberty University, Liberty Counsel, Mathew Staver founder and chairman of Liberty Counsel and a former dean of the LU law school and Rena Lindevaldsen, a current LU law professor and Liberty Counsel attorney, to be attached as co-defendants in the case.
Other defendants include Response Unlimited, a direct mail business headed by Philip Zodhiates of Waynesboro, and Victoria Hyden, Zodhiates daughter, who is named as an agent of Response Unlimited.
The case, brought by Janet Jenkins, of Vermont, was filed because she alleged the defendants named had knowledge of a plot by Lisa Miller, Jenkins ex-wife, to flee the country with their young daughter, who was conceived through artificial insemination when the couple was still together.
Zodhiates, a Virginia businessman charged with smuggling Miller and her then 7-year-old daughter to Canada where they then fled to Nicaragua, is scheduled for sentencing Wednesday in Buffalo, New York, allowing the civil case against Miller to be reinstated with new defendants added.
Jenkins contends that Miller, fearing that courts would award Jenkins full custody over her daughter, left the country with the Defendants' aid after failing to comply with a Vermont court's orders granting Jenkins parental rights and visitation, reads an excerpt from the civil case.
Litigation initially began in 2004, when Jenkins and Miller had their civil union dissolved, well before same-sex marriage was legalized nationwide by a 2015 Supreme Court decision. Complications arose from a custody battle as Miller, who had converted to Christianity and reportedly left the lesbian lifestyle, sought to keep Jenkins from seeing their daughter, who lived with Miller in Forest.
Vermont recognized same-sex marriage, while Virginia did not, setting off a lengthy legal showdown. As Miller continued to deny Jenkins visitation rights, a Vermont court warned her she could lose custody.
Miller responded by allegedly fleeing the U.S. with her daughter. She is believed to still be in Nicaragua.
With Zodhiates to be sentenced Wednesday on charges of international parental kidnapping, the stay on the civil case has been lifted.
Liberty University previously was dismissed as a defendant in the civil case in October 2013.
Liberty is now a co-defendant, which David Corry, LU general counsel, said came as a surprise.
We were surprised to learn [Monday] that weve [been] brought back into a case that weve previously been dismissed out of, Corry told The News & Advance.
He added LU is seeking input from outside counsel in Vermont on how to proceed.
Both Liberty University and Liberty Counsel dispute an affiliation with one another, which the lawsuit alleges, claiming Staver and Lindevaldsen were acting on behalf of the university.
Plaintiffs also allege that, in her role as a professor at Liberty University, Lindevaldsen essentially espoused the notion that Miller should commit civil disobedience rather than comply with a Vermont court's orders granting her former same-sex partner parental rights and full custody of Miller Jenkins, reads an excerpt from the civil case filed by Jenkins against the defendants.
The plaintiff goes on to claim both Staver and Lindevaldsen were in contact with Zodhiates on the day he helped Miller to flee the country, a claim Staver rejected as false when contacted Tuesday.
According to excerpts from the civil case, the plaintiff alleged, Lindevaldsen falsely claimed that she was unable to communicate with Miller to the Vermont family court in an attempt to delay contempt proceedings aimed at locating Miller-Jenkins, and that allowed Miller to leave the U.S. with the assistance of Lindevaldsen and others.
Anyone can make any allegation, and thats what this complaint does; it makes absolutely outlandish allegations that are completely false, Staver said in a phone interview from Orlando.
Liberty Counsel was founded by Staver in 1989, who worked at LU from 2006 to 2014, and he serves as chairman and general counsel of the law firm. Staver is no longer affiliated with the Liberty University School of Law.
Liberty Counsel is headquartered in Orlando and has offices in Washington, D.C., and locally in Lynchburg.
Staver said the last contact his firm had with Miller was about a week before her disappearance, when she communicated via email she would be heading to Northern Virginia to seek employment. After that, she disappeared, and Staver said Liberty Counsel was unaware of her plans to do so.
We had no knowledge, we had no information, and at the end of the day, thats what well present, and at the end of the day, theres nothing that would show otherwise, Staver said.
Staver also took exception to Liberty University being named as a co-defendant in the case.
Its ridiculous that Liberty [University] is a named defendant, because Liberty [University] had no involvement at all, and the representation of Lisa Miller had nothing to do with Liberty University, Staver said.
Sarah Star, a family law attorney based in Middlebury, Vermont, disputes that notion. In a phone interview with The News & Advance, Star claimed new details had emerged in Zodhiates case.
During the criminal case, and also in our jurisdictional discovery that we carried out regarding Response Unlimited, we learned more information about these new defendants and the previously dismissed defendant, Star said.
Star is aided in the civil case by the Southern Poverty Law Center, a national left-leaning nonprofit dedicated to civil rights, and Langrock Sperry & Wool LLP, another Vermont-based law firm.
The SPLC is no stranger to Liberty Counsel, which it identifies as a hate group based on the law firms stance against same-sex marriage and statements made by Staver regarding homosexuality.
In a news release posted to the SPLC website Monday night, David Dinielli, SPLC deputy legal director, said the organization was pleased with the decision by a Vermont judge to begin the case.
The court has given the green light to a full exploration of Liberty Counsels role in the kidnapping of Isabella, as well as the role of the Liberty Counsel lawyers, Dinielli said. We are pleased the court recognized that our allegations suggested significant wrongdoing by these lawyers, including Mat Staver, and we will move swiftly to learn more about their wrongdoing and to hold everyone involved in the kidnapping to account.
With the case approved by a judge to move forward, Star said the next step in the legal process would be documentary discovery, followed by depositions in the summer and then a trial.
Kenneth Miller no relation to Lisa Miller a Mennonite pastor, was convicted in 2013 on charges of aiding an international parental kidnapping and is serving time in prison for his role.
Lynchburg City Schools Superintendent Scott Brabrand has cause for celebration after being announced as the Regional Superintendent of the Year for Region 5 on Tuesday.
The award was issued by the Virginia Association of School Superintendents, which recognizes a superintendent in each of its eight regions and in May names the State Superintendent of the Year.
Every superintendent in Virginia works hard and cares about kids, and I try to model that care for kids and that hard work every day, Brabrand said in an interview with The News & Advance.
Brabrand credited the support of the LCS staff and the hard work they put it on a daily basis.
Its not about one person, its about what this school system has done in the past several years to really focus on kids, Brabrand said.
According to a news release issued by Region 5 Chair Scott Kinzer, Brabrand was awarded the honor for a variety of reasons, including adding more teacher development time; aligning classroom instruction to the rigor of Standards of Learning requirements; and implementing LCS-One, a division-wide program that distributed Google Chromebooks to all high-school and eighth-grade students.
Brabrand currently is in his fifth year as superintendent of LCS and previously was assistant superintendent for Fairfax County Public Schools. Prior to serving as assistant superintendent, Brabrand had been a high school principal and assistant principal in Fairfax County and began his classroom career as a social studies teacher. Before teaching, Brabrand worked in the telecommunications industry for three years before returning to school to become a teacher.
I cannot think of another person who is more deserving and is truly committed to high expectations and excellence for all children, Kinzer said in a Region 5 news release.
Brabrand also was congratulated by the Lynchburg City School Board at its Tuesday night meeting.
Board member Sharon Carter noted in her conversations with other superintendents throughout the state, she had met a number of administrators who thought and spoke highly of Brabrand.
In all, there are 21 school divisions in Region 5, 13 county and eight city school systems.
In what could emerge as a key issue in the Republican race for Lynchburg commonwealths attorney, two candidates are sparring over crime levels in the city and whether the current team of prosecutors has been effective in helping reduce crime.
Bedford prosecutor Timothy Griffin, a Lynchburg resident and the first to enter the race officially, launched an opening volley earlier this month by calling crime rates stagnant, citing data from the Virginia State Police.
His opponent in the GOP primary, Bethany Harrison, a veteran of the commonwealths attorneys office in Lynchburg, quickly refuted Griffins figures with statistics from the state police of her own showing percentage rate declines in crime during the past decade.
Harrison serves as deputy in the office under the incumbent commonwealths attorney, Michael Doucette, whose decision not to run again for re-election teed up this years contest for his seat. Griffin and Harrison are the only two people who have announced they are seeking the seat.
Both Doucette and Harrison have served in the top ranks as city prosecutors for more than a decade, and Griffin has made clear he is running as someone who would shake things up in the office.
While incidence of crime could play into this years election as a campaign concern, Brandon Garrett, a University of Virginia law professor, questioned how much prosecutors actually figure into reducing crime versus the police force.
Theres not a lot of evidence punishment that comes into place years and years later deters crime, he said.
Later, by email, Garrett said actual wins in the courtroom is the real gauge of prosecutorial performance, and we would want to know not just rates of arrest but also convictions.
It could be that police and prosecutors have been far more effective over time at resolving the cases that are reported and do result in arrests, he said.
Griffin issued a news release earlier in March criticizing what he called stagnant crime rates and growing issues of concern with regard to crime rates. He named forcible rape and aggravated assault as two areas with static numbers but also cited crimes such as extortion that he said saw dramatic spikes in 2015, the year from which the most recent state police data are available.
Griffin cited numbers from the state police, for example, on incidents of reported forcible rape in Lynchburg, which numbered in the low 30s annually in both 2006 and 2015.
For numbers of reported aggravated assaults, the state police figures showed about 200 in 2015, dipping slightly from about 210 in the report from 2006, he noted.
Lynchburg has fallen short on producing substantial, tangible improvement in crime rates, and we must do better, Griffin said in the news release. While lauding the Lynchburg Police Department for its leadership, he said, there is more that our elected prosecutor can do to lower crime rates, both before and after individual crimes have occurred.
Prosecutors represent the state in criminal cases that go before the courts and work with law enforcement agencies to build cases against defendants.
Drawing actual significance from some of the figures cited by the campaigns can be problematic.
For example, Griffins release and an accompanying chart notes state police reported five extortions in Lynchburg in 2015, versus two in 2008.
Such numbers and differences are so small as to be statistically meaningless, said Garrett, the Justice Thurgood Marshall Distinguished Professor of Law at UVa.
In a follow-up email Monday, Garrett, after looking at the figures used by Griffins campaign, said they show few patterns.
It looks like the crimes of which there are a lot of them go down like simple assault. Or drug narcotic arrests went up but went down more recently, he said. All of the other crimes described involve very small numbers of reported offenses in each year, making any trend hard to discern.
Shortly after her primary opponent criticized the citys crime data, Harrison responded in an email to The News & Advance to defend prosecutors performance in the past decade.
She touted what she called a decline in crime from both a data-driven point of view and overall perceptions of Lynchburg.
Harrison also cited Virginia State Police information, the most recent available for 2015.
She said from 2014 to 2015, the crime rate in Lynchburg decreased by 8 percent, and for the five-year period from 2011 to 2015, the citys crime rate decreased 24 percent.
The decade from 2006 to 2015 saw the crime rate in Lynchburg decrease by 32 percent, Harrison said.
But she also argued a decline in criminal activity is palpable outside the realm of statistics.
If you have been in Lynchburg since [2006], you do not need statistics to tell you the city is safer, Harrison said. You can feel it. Look no further than downtown. What was once considered a place people hesitated to go after dark now has momentum and energy with small businesses, restaurants and residences thriving.
Harrison credited hard work by the Lynchburg Police Department and Commonwealths Attorneys Office to make great strides in the fight against crime in our city.
On Monday, Griffin said in a phone interview the difference between his data and Harrisons is he was citing raw numbers of crimes while she was drawing on percentages.
I'm talking about real, hard-evidence numbers, he said. The reality is that were not in a better place than we were a few years ago.
Neither candidate disputed the actual figures cited by the other side, only their significance to crime trends over time.
I could not have been less interested in NBCs Trial & Error, a comedy about a professor accused of murdering his wife.
Yes, thats right. A comedy.
John Lithgow stars as the accused, a poetry professor in the small town of East Peck, South Carolina, and Nicholas DAgosto who youll recognize from Showtimes Masters of Sex and, more recently, Foxs Gotham as his supposedly big-time New York lawyer.
Ive never been a huge Lithgow fan, so I dont actively seek out his work.
But then I started seeing headlines praising the show. The final straw was this one: Trial & Error' is the new 'The Office,' 'Parks and Recreation.
Well OK then. It was official. I had to watch.
The show premiered with back-to-back episodes last week and, as of press time, those were the only two Id seen (the third airs at 9 p.m. tonight).
And its hilarious a mockumentary spoofing true crime shows by going behind the scenes of a murder trial, in the style of The Office, Parks and Rec and Modern Family.
It certainly has more in common with the first two shows both their absurd brand of humor and general spirit, throwing a random group of quirky characters together into something resembling a family.
And DAgosto appears to have gone to the John Krasinski/Jim Halpert school of reacting to the camera.
Like Krasinskis character on The Office, Josh must play straight man to the ridiculous people around him, which makes for a lot of bewildered and frustrated looks in the cameras general direction.
When the defenses lead investigator Dwayne Reed (Steven Boyer) meets him at the airport, Josh says his firm told him theyd hired East Pecks finest.
That quote was from me, about me, Reed proudly declares, before telling Josh hes a retired police officer. Then theres a quick cut to the circumstances surrounding his retirement dash cam footage of him shooting at his own police car during a traffic stop.
The rest, he says, is YouTube history.
Dwayne then brings Josh to the office theyll be working from to prepare for trial its next to a taxidermists shop and introduces him to Sherri Shepherds Anne, his assistant, head researcher and intern.
Shell go on to reveal at least two new ailments she suffers from in each episode; they include facial blindness, dyslexia, involuntary emotional expression disorder (she laughs when uncomfortable) and Stendhal syndrome, meaning she passes out whenever she is overwhelmed by the beauty of something.
By the end of the pilot, shes given everyone name tags since she doesnt recognize their faces. Joshs says LAWYER, Dwaynes INVESTIGATOR, and Larrys? MURDERER.
Jayma Mays (Glee) is the assistant district attorney prosecuting the case, who thinks she needs a death penalty conviction in order to win her fledgling campaign for D.A.
At one point, she suggests a plea that would find Lithgows Larry Henderson being electrocuted, what she tells Josh is the most humane form of execution. Whats the least humane, he wonders? Death by bear.
We also meet Larrys daughter, Summer, who will certainly become a love interest for Josh at some point but who so far doesnt seem to have much characterization beyond that.
And then theres Lithgow, who is actually delightful and daffy in the role of accused murderer (whod have thought?).
Larry says he was in his driveway rollercizing that is, exercising while on roller skates when his wife fell through a plate glass window inside the house and died. The prosecution contends he pushed her.
The first episode opens with his 911 call, during which he clicks over for call waiting; you see, hed been waiting for the cable guy to come all day and didnt want to miss his call.
When he relays the story to Josh And the icing on the cake? Larry sighs. Cable guy never showed. the big city lawyer realizes the true task thats before him.
From there, hes constantly plagued by big reveals that throw his case into turmoil. During the first half hour, he finds out Larry was carrying on an affair with a man from the gym (Sexuality is fluid, Larry explains to the camera, and sometimes my fluids go toward men.)
And, in the second, we discover Larrys first wife died the same way as his second wife.
Its all completely ridiculous, but in the best of ways. If you never could get into the absurdity of The Office and Parks and Recreation, this is not the show for you.
The only hurdle I anticipate moving forward is how long Josh can believably trust these people to complete tasks for him, when theyre constantly finding ways to mess them up.
When he sends Dwayne, for instance, to exhume the body of Larrys first wife, he digs up the wrong casket. Then, once he has the right one in the bed of his truck, he lights up a cigarette while getting gas and, well, you can guess what happens next.
This is not the dream team, folks. And all the better for us.
Trial & Error airs at 9 p.m. Tuesdays on NBC.
GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us.
Revisit the founding of the JSA and foreshadow its future in The New Golden Age #1 preview
And see what lies ahead in the future of the DC Universe
Open air cinema returns in April
The films, featuring creative geniuses who push the boundaries of bold-facedness and daring, are free, and offer a great night out under the stars for friends and families.
Films include an animation in Hindi with English subtitles suitable for all ages, a fictional narrative about jazz-legend, Miles Davis, and All Oceans Blue a documentary made by and about the around-the world-adventures of local seafarer, Harold La Borde.
Film details and screening times are as follows: April 1 All Oceans Blue - 7 pm Trinidad and Tobago Sailing Association, Chaguaramas Documentary/GA/ English This is the thrilling story and personal account of how in 1969, legendary local seafarer Harold La Borde, his wife, Kwailan, and five-year-old son Pierre, set off on an epic adventure, to circumnavigate the world.
April 8 The World of Goopi and Bagha, 7 pm Lange Park Recreation Grounds, Lange Park, Chaguanas Animation/GA/Hindi with English subtitles The hilarious adventures of Goopi and Bagha. Banished to the forest because of their terrible music they embark on a journey towards musical harmony, involving two rival brother kings, a sinister commander-in-chief, his sidekick wizard, and a princess hand to win in marriage.
April 15 Miles Ahead, 7 pm San Fernando Hill Dir: Don Cheadle/ 8+/ English In the 1970s jazz musician Miles Davis disappears from public view for five years. Forced out of isolation by a music journalist, the two embark on an adventure to recover a stolen tape recording of Davis most recent work.
Uninformed debate on recession plans
For example, Dr Bhoe Tewarie, an Opposition MP, wants to know when the money taken out of the Heritage and Stabilisation Fund (HSF) will be repaid. Does he not know how and when the HSF is topped up as stated in law and that such depends on the excess earnings of the energy sector over the demands of the Budget? Another MP is concerned about the drop in reserves. Does he not know that the reserves are what we draw down when the foreign exchange income drops, to satisfy the reducing demands of the onshore sector, care being taken to ensure that the economy contracts, causing a reduction in demand for foreign exchange, encouraged by a strategic reduction in government spending? It is worth noting that a drawdown of the HSF also increases the reserves since US dollars in the HSF have not been used to print associated TT dollars.
Yet another is concerned about the resulting decreases in GDP as the recession progresses.
Another past senator, supported by a current unionist now an MP, is very concerned about the loss of jobs, in this current state of economic full employment, and is putting this down to the ruthlessness of the PNM.
It must be common knowledge that in the onshore economy the provision of jobs depends on the earnings, the rents provided by the energy sector (even for those jobs provided by the Government).
When these earnings drop, as at present, the fuel that drives the onshore economy dries up and the economy contracts, resulting in job losses (something which government spending, borrowings, sale of assets, use of the HSF and the overdraft are designed to slow).
Another MP is concerned about the increase in debt, now at some 60 percent of GDP, clearly ignorant of, say, Japans over 100 percent of GDP debt when that country was fighting its recession.
Another is concerned about the lack of investment it diversification of the economy. There are two aspects of this: First is that diversification based on innovation, which is a long-term effort, is the ongoing task of the Economic Development Advisory Board.
The second is to try to get foreign investment into the country with the accompanying incentive costs to so do; for example, financial services, back-office operations, telemarketing and even tourism.
This last set seems to be what the various ministries are about: Tamana Park, Sandals, the financial centre.
Another is the attempt to import gas from Venezuela to keep Pt Lisas running even though prices are low.
Another complained that past governments did not encourage foreign investment to go drilling upstream. The PNM government, before the current one, started such discussions but they were not brought to a conclusion since the incentives asked for were onerous as our fields were aged and the competition in other parts of the world for investments is severe.
However, the PP government gave in and allowed, for example, the complete write-off against taxes of any capital expenditure in the related year; we got some drilling started but no income.
Maybe, as Dr Terrence Farrell says, the public must be concerned about the state of the economy, must comment, but please leave the complex analysis to the economists.
Victor Darceuil St James, PoS
Deal with this terror
Saying that their children are too afraid to attend classes, the parents decided that enough is enough and staged the protest to publicly highlight the fact that one child is affecting the education of the schools entire student population.
Spokesperson for the parents Savitri Persad said parents believe if the problem is not addressed, a student or member of staff could be seriously injured by this child who grows bolder as his transgressions remain unpunished.
Persad said that the problems surfaced at the school in 2015 when the student, who is now a Standard Two pupil enrolled.
The boy who lives in Rio Claro attending another primary school but was transferred to Santa Anita over his violent tendencies.
If this was a small problem we would not have been here protesting.
This is bigger than you think. This little boy needs help desperately and we have said that over and over and no one seems to be taking our cries seriously, Persad said.
She claimed that earlier this year, the student attacked two teachers who since transferred to other schools. A teacher asked him to place his school bag on a chair and he refused. When the teacher placed her hands on the bag, the boy began to kick her.
Another teacher intervened and the student pushed away that teacher as well, Persad said.
Then two weeks ago, the bully student choked another student and refused to let go of that students neck even when ordered to do so by teachers. He held on to this boys neck during a fight and kept choking him and did not want to let go...he could have killed that child. Not only are the children afraid of him but so too the teachers, said Persad.
There was another incident earlier this year where he began beating another student and pulled out a sharpened pencil to stab him. He (the bully) had to be held down and was screaming and kicking for so. From all complaints received from students and teachers, she said, the child cannot be controlled and needs professional help.
He is a terror and parents are afraid to send their children to school with him being there, Persad said.
Contacted for comment, an official of the Education Ministry would only say that there were aware of the issue and the boy is receiving counselling and guidance from the Student Support Services.
TT Unified Teachers Association (TTUTA) President Lynsley Doodhai yesterday said he is monitoring the situation.
Beaten student equally to blame
Garcia and other ministry officials met with the students and their parents at the school compound yesterday morning. He said the students and their parents were given an opportunity to speak before he drew his conclusions. All four students are culpable. There is no one student who can escape blame, even the student who was beaten. That student also has to accept some responsibility. Asked what the beaten student did to warrant suspension, Garcia said, I do not want to disclose that because it is children we are dealing with and I dont think it is right for me to disclose that to the national community. But I can safely say she was equal to blame. The incident was recorded and a video uploaded to social media .
The mother of the beaten student said she could not say whether her daughter was equally responsible or not because she was not present during the incident. She assured that a pink scissors her daughter was seen holding in the video did not come from home. She told me she got it in school to defend herself .
From what the girls said, they were all provoking each other since the Friday before up until what happened on Tuesday, the woman said .
The four students, including the student who was knocked unconscious, were suspended for seven days. Yesterday, Garcia instructed the principal to apply for an extension of the suspension. Still, punishment may not end there as Garcia is considering expelling some of them. Schools must be a place of relative safety for students and teachers Garcia said and infractions like these require corrective action .
And in this case corrective action might mean a prolonged period of absence from school and perhaps it might even mean expulsion. Expelled students can be enrolled in learning enhancement centres in an effort at behaviour modification .
Chief Education Officer Harrilal Seecharan said that last Tuesdays incident was the result of a breakdown in systems to deal with indiscipline. The school has a disciplinary plan, said Seecharan, but the plan has gaps in terms of the roles and functions of everyone involved. He assured that the ministry will be putting the necessary systems in place in a very short time.
UWI students protest
Separated by a fence, Copeland yesterday spoke with students of the Law Faculty who were protesting reports of their relocation without consultation, outside of the Teaching and Learning Complex while a UWI Council Meeting was taking place. During the morning hours of the meeting the students chanted, No consultation.
No relocation. President of the law students council Crystal Charles said that the students had been getting mixed information via the media from the UWI Marketing and Communications Office and Minister of Education Anthony Garcia about their relocation to the South Campus.
One report was that the students will occupy the South Campus from September, while another said the start up will be in January 2018.
Copeland explained that no decision had been taken on the start up of classes in Debe.
The plans have not moved with any level of depth in going forward as far as South Campus is concerned. I am not sure what you have heard, he said.
Copeland subsequently told the media that the university was still waiting on information from the contractors who will engage the project to finalise completion.
We were hoping that by July construction would have finished.
The earlier pronouncements that we could move in for semester one, that is no going to happen at all. We have to have all the other logistics in place, he said. He added, We have to make sure everything is in place. Do the walk through, which I will insist on and then we will decide when we will move in. Noting that students were the universitys number one priority, he said a meeting with the law students is scheduled for Thursday.
There is no way we are making a move without student involvement. Recalling that UWI recently changed its GPA (Grade Point Average) system, he said, the Faculty of Engineering allowed the students enrolled at the time to ride out the old system, and allow incoming students to experience the new system.
So nobody was compromised.
If that is the way we have to do it, that is the way we will do it, he said.
As of now, he said, he did not know how things will go.
Maybe we will have a facility up here. There will be connection between the two campuses.
It is not like everybody will be going down the road. For me to say what is planned, I have not seen the plan. The plan is still midstream, he said.
Asked by student representative, Meshach Thornhill why did the campus management allowed students to demand an audience with the Campus Principal, Copeland said, he was told that a request was made to the office, but he had not seen it.
He said he had lost track of the number of countries he had been to in recent weeks because of the round of budget planning and council meetings he has had to attend for the year.
Contacted for comment, Education Minister Anthony Garcia said, That is a matter that is in the hands of the university.
That is their baby, they are the ones who are responsible.
What I did in Parliament last week was to give an answer to a question that was asked by the Opposition and I made it very clear before I answered that we got information from UWI, with respect to the Penal/Debe campus.
We would not want to intervene at this stage. Minister in the Education Ministry, Dr Lovell Francis said, In terms of completing that campus, government has already given to the UWI all of the funding required, so it is really not in our hands at the Ministry. It is really up to the UWI to deal with that issue.
She should not have been suspended
She was suspended along with three girls who attacked her, but the social workers say the suspension was the wrong approach and that the child instead needs counselling.
The social workers say the teen is a victim and instead of being treated as such, was subjected to disciplinary action.
Some of the upset workers visited Newsday yesterday to voice their disgust at the treatment of the child and to question the usefulness of a visit to the school yesteray by Education Minister, Anthony Garcia.
You dont suspend a child after being a victim of a public beating, so that child can be humiliated.
She would experience whatever trauma she would have experienced from the situation and by suspending her, you place additional trauma on her. So who is really protecting the victim in this situation, a social worker asekd.
Referring to the extent of the beating, one of the social workers who visited Newsday said the child might be in more urgent need of medical and psychological support, not a suspension.
The workers who spoke with Newsday said that of the 133 social workers employed by the Ministry, the bulk have had their expired contracts not renewed while others have had their three year contracts narrowed down to three months.
The official who spoke with Newsday said that Social Workers are the ones who treat with school violence.
So when there is an issue at the school regarding children, we are the ones who will go in and do the investigation, we are the ones that will speak to the parents, see if the child needs additional help, we are the ones who will refer them to whatever agency.
We are the ones that do the crisis intervention, the social worker said.
She added that there is already a huge shortage of social workers in the nations schools and it is very undignified to place them on contract and then not pay them at the end of the month but in the middle of the following month. They are calling on Minister Garcia to intervene.
De Silva again apologises for sin show
De Silva made the comments as he delivered remarks at the Carnival 2017 Award Ceremony on Sunday evening at the Queens Park Savannah, Port-of-Spain.
However, he said the NCC would look forward to a better Carnival 2018, observing that one swallow doesnt make a summer although it was a big blotch on the Carnival calender. He said in my opinion, though, we had a very good parade, we had 20 more bands in the senior parade and we had a parade that lasted up to minutes after eight oclock in the evening and there was never a break and we even got the Lost Tribe to find the Queens Park Savannah. So that was a very big plus. De Silva thanked all those who attended the Savannah show, saying there was also a massive crowd at Skinner Park for Calypso Fiesta, which he said was a plus.
He also said that this years Panorama finals was the highest standard that he has ever been exposed to although it was a little unfair for you to have to wait until three oclock in the morning to hear the winning band. De Silva said that a lot of the products that the NCC produces have to be tweaked for 2018, although, he said, the traditional mas parade on Carnival Monday will build, stick-fighting is growing by leaps and bounds and Canboulay is very popular.
Minister of Community Development, Culture and the Arts, Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly, welcomed the role played by the NCC and other cultural organisations in the country, promising to strengthen and support their efforts toward the holistic development of all the countrys festivals, particularly Carnival, the most important of our festivals. She added, we look forward to supporting the pageantry, the arts, the entrepreneurial spirit, and of course the engagement of all of our peoples. She saluted all those who contributed to the festival, urging them to continue to work and transform their talents into excellence and success.
The evening saw the presentation of 72 prizes to winners in mas, pan and calypso categories.
The Mayor of San Fernando, Junior Regrello, presented the winners trophy to Junior King of Carnival, Samuel Jackson, who portrayed Samuel Star D Mystical Blazing Fireman. Regrello also made the presentation to Junior Carnival Queen, Natalia DAbreau, for her portrayal of Egypts Beauty.
Saving the best for last, Gadsby- Dolly later presented the trophy to King of Carnival Ted Eustace for his portrayal Crypto Lord of the Galaxy, and Queen of Carnival Krystal Thomas, who portrayed De Nebula.
Jason Lewis accepted the prize for pan champs Massy Trinidad All Stars and Gadsby-Dolly celebrated Hollis Liverpool (Chalkdust) as the National Calypso Monarch by presenting him with his trophy for his controversial winning composition, Learn from Arithmetic.
And then it was really over when Mavis John was called on stage to sing The Carnival is Over.
GATE changes affect UWI
The committee, in an interim report, Copeland told a press conference yesterday at the UWI St Augustine Campus, looked at ways the university should mobilise for the implementation of the changes in the GATE funding which are to be put in place from September 2017.
With the means test being the main challenge, he said, That means there has to be a change in our process to accommodate that test. Before students had 100 percent coverage, but with the change some will be given 100 percent, 75 percent and 50 percent.
Students will need to know exactly how much support they are getting, he said. Simply as it sounds, it complicates the process. Processing to accommodate students and to reflect the different levels of GATE support will require some adjustments, he said.
Noting that the university has no influence on GATE itself and that the committees findings were its response to Governments recommendations on GATE, Copeland said, the committees final report should be in by April month end.
We have to move very quickly because very soon the whole system will start for the new academic year, he said.
Noting that it was still too early to tell how the changes will affect students, he said some 9,000 students applications are in and some 4,000 will be accepted.
Nevertheless, he said, I really dont expect too much of a change.
Other factors will impact on students coming to the UWI. In terms of post graduate scholarships given the recent decline in the countrys economy, he said, Government has not indicated a change in its policy, except for the GATE and that it will be looking to fund programmes geared for national development.
On campus safety and security, he said, the campus was a village by itself with a population of about 45,000 associating with it and students need to exercise due caution in spite of security systems in place.
The introduction of the zoning of vehicular traffic on campus last September, he said, caused some initial discomfort, but it has reduced the amount of unauthorised vehicles passing through
Chag Mayor unveils Indentureship monument
Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman said that he was saddened that crime was the order of the day in Trinidad and Tobago, but he also revealed that South Africa also faced its own challenges in curbing violence.
At the time, Ramlutchman was speaking with Newsday following a ceremony to commemorate the 100th anniversary for the abolition of East Indian Indentureship which also saw the unveiling of a commemorative monument. The ceremony was hosted at the grounds of Saith Park, Chaguanas. All races need to unite, it does not matter what creed or race you are, we come together and give each other a listening ear,he said. He said that a government is not to be blamed for the high levels of crime in a country. But he said that social injustices are the result of intolerance which leads to violence. If you as Trinidadians cannot integrate, then you have failed because you are a diversified country, everything is diversified here and humanity must come first, then only you can prosper as a nation, social injustice is a collective problem and we need to come together as citizens and deal with this, he said. Adding, he said, South Africa, like TT, is a multiracial society. We have gone through a horrific past and we still have challenges as a society mainly dealing with social problems which have become a major problem in our country with the elite and very poor and this leads to intolerance between each other because of the social injustice,he explained.
Ramlutchman said he was honoured to be a part of such a historic day yesterday. Chaguanas mayor Gopaul Boodhan said yesterdays commemoration was not merely a remembrance, but marks a time in which many must give thanks and pay tribute to their ancestors for having bequeathed their culture which not only encompasses religion and arts but resilience, strength and sacrifice. This monument is a symbol of our history with limited choices, but we do have a choice now to build monuments on our hearts, our minds, our spirit, in our communities and in our country, of excellence, prosperity and well being,he said. Also speaking Jamaican high Commissioner David Prendergast echoed similar views, stating that the event was a significant and important milestone to several Caribbean countries including Jamaica who share a similar history of patterns of migration and cultural patterns.
The contributions of Indians to the development, formation and culture of our societies has been a significant one. I, therefore, offer hearty congratulations to the Indian Diaspora for organizing this event and for the vision of bringing the Indian Diaspora together,he explained.
Walcott funeral likely Saturday
The newspaper was reliably informed that the St Lucian government is looking at Saturday to pay final respects to Walcott.
The poet and playwright died on last Friday, sending the country and region into mourning.
The St Lucian cabinet held a meeting yesterday to discuss the funeral arrangements and final resting place. The Government is working closely with the Walcott family and all plans are expected to be finalised today, Newsday was told.
Walcott received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1992. He was 87.
It May Not Be the Time
You Think It Is
Disney World hasn't been paying all its employees minimum wage, an investigation by the US Department of Labor has found. Theme park employees who play Mickey and other Disney characters saw a "uniform or 'costume' expense" deducted from their paychecks, causing some of those workers' hourly rates to fall below federal minimum wage, the DoL says.
While it is legal for an employer to require an employee to pay for his or her own uniform, the employee must still be making minimum wage, currently $7.25 per hour, after that cost is taken into account. Disney has agreed to pay out $3.8 million in back wages to 16,339 of its employees, the Christian Science Monitor reports. The DoL says Disney World also required employees to perform duties before and after their shifts for which they were not compensated. (Read more Disney World stories.)
Police say a Delaware man was picked up on his third driving-under-the-influence arrest after he was found passed out in the drive-thru lane of a McDonald's restaurant, the AP reports. Master Cpl. Mark Hoffman, a Dover police spokesman, said in a news release that 21-year-old Octavio Lopez-Hernandez of Dover was arrested around 1am Saturday after police were called to the restaurant. Lopez-Hernandez was taken into custody without incident and charged with third offense DUI, a felony. Lopez-Hernandez was being held behind bars with bond set at $5,000. It was not immediately clear whether he has an attorney. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
The tomb of Jesus has been resurrected to its former glory. Just in time for Easter, a Greek restoration team has completed a historic renovation of the Edicule, the shrine that tradition says houses the cave where Jesus was buried and rose to heaven, the AP reports. Gone is the unsightly iron cage built around the shrine by British authorities in 1947 to shore up the walls. Gone is the black soot on the shrine's stone facade from decades of pilgrims lighting candles. And gone are fears about the stability of the old shrine, which hadn't been restored in more than 200 years. "If this intervention hadn't happened now, there is a very great risk that there could have been a collapse," Bonnie Burnham of the World Monuments Fund said Monday. "This is a complete transformation of the monument."
The fund provided an initial $1.4 million for the $4 million restoration, thanks to a donation by the widow of the founder of Atlantic Records. Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also chipped in about $160,000 each, along with other private and church donations, Burnham said. The limestone and marble structure stands at the center of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, one of the world's oldest churchesa 12th-century building standing on 4th-century remains. The shrine needed urgent attention after years of exposure to environmental factors like water, humidity, and candle smoke. Three main Christian denominations jealously guard separate sections of the church, but they put aside their longstanding religious rivalries to give their blessing for the restoration. In 2015, Israeli police briefly shut down the building after Israel's Antiquities Authority deemed it unsafe, and repairs began in June 2016. Click for more on the restoration, including some discoveries that resulted. (Read more Jesus Christ stories.)
The US government is temporarily barring passengers on nonstop US-bound flights from eight Middle Eastern and North African countries from bringing laptops, iPads, cameras, and some other electronics in carry-on luggage starting Tuesday, the AP reports. The ban was revealed Monday in statements from Royal Jordanian Airlines and the official news agency of Saudi Arabia. A US official said the ban will apply to nonstop flights to the US from 10 airports in eight countries. The official did not name the airports or the countries. The official was not authorized to disclose the details of the ban ahead of a public announcement and spoke on the condition of anonymity. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly phoned lawmakers over the weekend to brief them on aviation security issues that have prompted the impending electronics ban, according a congressional aide briefed on the discussion.
The reason for the ban was not immediately clear. David Lapan, a spokesman for Homeland Security Department, declined to comment. The Transportation Security Administration, part of Homeland Security, also declined to comment. Royal Jordanian said cellphones and medical devices were excluded from the ban. Everything else, the airline said, would need to be packed in checked luggage. Royal Jordanian said the electronics ban affects its flights to New York, Chicago, Detroit, and Montreal. The Saudi statement said flights from Riyadh and Jeddah would be impacted. It was unclear to what other countries and airlines the ban would apply. Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at the Rand Corp., said the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible attack. (Read more airport security stories.)
A lawsuit representing the families and estates of about 800 victims of 9/11 has been filed in Manhattan federal court, with the Saudi Arabian government in its sights, WPIX and NBC News report. Of the 19 plane hijackers that day, 15 were Saudi nationals, and three of those reportedly had employment history with the government there. Accusations in the newest consolidated complaint, compiled in large part via an FBI investigation, include embassy officials being instrumental in assimilating some of the 9/11 attackers into the US via English instruction, funding assistance, and help in finding a place to live. Saudi authorities also allegedly offered special passport codes to a handful of the terrorists that smoothed their way into the US. The suit also says Saudi royals turned a blind eye regarding money they donated to certain "charities," which was really being shifted to al-Qaeda.
"The Saudis were so duplicitous," aviation attorney Jim Kreindler tells WPIX, noting while Saudi Arabia was putting up a good front as a US ally, it was secretly enabling terrorism. (USA Today notes Kreindler's law firm is handling the new suit, which is seeking unspecified monetary damages.) Per NBC, more than a half-dozen lawsuits against the Saudi government have filtered into federal court since September, when Congress rejected then-President Obama's veto of the Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act, which gave families of 9/11 victims a way to circumvent sovereign immunity to sue the Saudis. Obama was against JASTA, saying the tables could be turned so other nations can file suit against the US. Attorneys for families and the Saudis are to appear in court Thursday to hammer out the multi-case logistics. (The Saudis obviously don't like JASTA.)
Tech company Zapier says San Francisco is a fantastic cityand it would like to encourage its employees to move far away from it. In a blog post, CEO Wade Foster offers a $10,000 "de-location" package to new recruits who are struggling with the cost of living in the San Francisco Bay Area, which has some of the country's highest rents, but are worried about moving away because they don't want to give up tech career opportunities, ABC7 reports. All of the workplace automation company's employees work remotely, and the firm thinks "you should be able to work wherever you want and still work at a place that helps you achieve your career goals," Foster writes in the blog post.
"I know there are quite a few people in the Bay Area who are new parents looking to find a better standard of living," Foster tells the San Francisco Chronicle. "It's difficult for a family of four to afford rent, a mortgage, or child care here in the Bay Area. Even if you are a two-income family this can still be difficult." The $10,000 will be used to reimburse moving expenses in the first three months, according to the fine print, and those who take Zapier up on the offer have to agree to work for the company for at least a year. Foster, who moved to the Bay Area from Missouri five years ago, says he still loves the area but is considering moving away with his wife "because there are benefits of being in a lower cost of living area and being closer to family." (Speaking of expensive things...)
Major British advertisers wary of being associated with Nazis, Islamic radicals, and homophobic preachers have been pulling their ads from YouTube and Google. The British government joined big banks and other companies in the ad boycott in recent days after their ads appeared next to extremist content, Mashable reports. The ad placement was first highlighted by a Sunday Times report that warned the blacklist system was failing and major advertisers might be unwittingly funding hate groups. The Times' investigation found that ads from big companies were appearing next to content from former KKK leader David Duke, among others, TechCrunch reports.
Google has apologized for the ad placement, which it describes as a "small number of inappropriately monetized videos and content," and promised to start giving advertisers more control over where their ads appear, USA Today reports. Advertising firm WPP says it's working on damage control with Google and other clients. "We have always said Google, Facebook, and others are media companies and have the same responsibilities as any other media company," company founder Martin Sorrell tells Reuters. "They cannot masquerade as technology companies, particularly when they place advertisements." (Read more YouTube stories.)
The Fox legal analyst who claimed that a British intelligence agency helped former President Barack Obama wiretap Trump Tower won't be analyzing anything else for the network in the near future: Insiders tell the AP and the Los Angeles Times that Andrew Napolitano has been "benched" by Fox News following the controversial remarks, which were denounced as "utterly ridiculous" in a rare statement from Britain's Government Communication Headquarters intelligence agency. Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge, claimed on air and in a Fox News column that multiple sources told him GCHQ "most likely provided Obama with transcripts of Trump's calls."
Fox anchor Shepard Smith said Friday that the network didn't have any proof for Napolitano's claims, the New York Daily News reports. "Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now-president of the United States was surveilled at any time, in any way, full stop," he said. President Trump described Napolitano as a "very talented legal mind" when asked about the claims during a Friday news conference. "That was a statement made by a very talented lawyer on Fox, and so you shouldn't be talking to me, you should be talking to Fox," he said. On Sunday, Napolitano defended his remarks in a statement to Fox's MediaBuzz, saying he still believes what his sources told him. (Read more Andrew Napolitano stories.)
A court in northern India has granted the same legal rights as a human to the Ganges and Yamuna rivers, considered sacred by nearly a billion Indians, per the AP. Uttarakhand state's High Court ruled Monday that the two rivers be accorded the status of living human entities, meaning that if anyone harms or pollutes either river, the law would view it as no different from harming a person. The judges cited the example of New Zealand's Whanganui River, revered by the indigenous Maori people. The Whanganui was declared a living entity with full legal rights by the New Zealand government last week. The Uttarakhand court, located in the Himalayan hill-resort town of Nainital, appointed three officials to act as legal custodians responsible for protecting the rivers and their tributaries.
The case came up in court after officials complained that the governments of Uttarakhand and the neighboring state of Uttar Pradesh were not cooperating with federal government efforts to set up a panel to protect the Ganges. Environment activists say many rivers across India have become dirtier as the country's economy develops, with city sewage, farming pesticides, and industrial effluents freely flowing into waterways despite laws against polluting. Officials say the Yamuna, one of the main tributaries of the Ganges River, is tainted with sewage and industrial pollution. In some places, it has stagnated to the point that it no longer supports fish or other forms of aquatic life. (Read more Ganges River stories.)
North Korea wasn't shy about disseminating apocalyptic (and even just plain weird) propaganda during former President Obama's tenure, and it appears that President Trump is going to get equal time. Per the Telegraph, Pyongyang released a fiery clip on YouTube over the weekend depicting a US aircraft carrier seemingly being blown to bits, as well as a B-1B bomber set ablazean apparent warning against US military action after Secretary of State Rex Tillerson warned last week that that option was on the table. US soldiers are referred to as "perverted animals" in the video, with pics of both US and South Korean forces also flashed across the screen, Business Insider reports.
Urgent-sounding female narration is accompanied by militaristic music in the nearly three-minute video, which was released by the state-controlled Uriminzokkiri website. About midway through the footage, a still shot of what appears to be the USS Carl Vinson is shown in the crosshairs, with overlaid flame graphics and the threat: "A knife will be stabbed into the throat of the carrier." Similar fire footage is superimposed on the photo of the B-1B, with the words, "The bomber will fall from the sky after getting hit by a hail of fire." The US is said to be mulling a "multi-pronged approach" to North Korea's nuclear menace, including broad sanctions that would hit the country where it really hurtsPyongyang's purseby isolating the country from the rest of the world's financial systems, Reuters reports. (Decoding a North Korean propaganda photo.)
FBI chief James Comey's testimony on Capitol Hill is not surprisingly a major topic on the opinion pages Tuesday, and David Leonhardt's piece in the New York Times is one of those drawing attention. It begins, "The ninth week of Donald Trumps presidency began with the F.B.I. director calling him a liar," and doesn't let up. "Our president is a liar," writes Leonhardt, who ticks off a list of topics he says Trump has lied about, including "Obamas birthplace, John F. Kennedys assassination, Sept. 11, the Iraq War, ISIS, NATO, military veterans, Mexican immigrants, Muslim immigrants," and his list goes on. On Russia, then, Leonhardt says don't bother listening to what the president or his aides say, because they're going to lie. Just hope Comey or Congress (Leonhardt says the onus here will fall on Senate Republicans) can uncover the truth. Read the piece in full here.
Other takes on the testimony:
Wall Street Journal: Comey didn't actually say much, other than handing Democrats "the headline they wanted," says an editorial. Yes, Trump overstated his wiretapping claims, but somebody leaked details of Michael Flynn's conversations with the Russian ambassador, and Flynn deflected questions on that. The intel committee should be prepared to declassify more information than usual because "the public needs to know if there was political canoodling with a foreign government and whether the Obama Administration used cloak-and-dagger methods for partisan purposes." Read it here.
Washington Post: The editorial board roasts House Republicans for trying to shift the story to be about leaks and "slavishly following the cues of the president" in trying to deflect attention. Read it here.
Politico: "Comeys admission of an ongoing counterintelligence investigation, with no endpoint in sight, is a big deal," it quotes historian Timothy Naftali as saying. "This is not going away." The story on how the investigation could "dog" Trump's presidency is here.
New Yorker: "Despite his reticence, Comey said more than enough to transfix the political world, and to leave many Republicans feeling as helpless as supporters of Hillary Clinton felt in October, when Comey revealed that the F.B.I. had reopened its investigation into Clintons private e-mail server," writes John Cassidy. Read it here.
House intel chairman Devin Nunes told Comey that he had put "a big gray cloud" over the White House, and you can bet on the cloud lasting "at least for months, maybe longer," says a post at Axios.
(Read more James Comey stories.)
While his buddies were partying in Destin, Fla., an Alabama teen spent the start of his spring break in jail. Police in Okaloosa County, Fla., say they pulled over 19-year-old University of Alabama student Alden Whiteside on suspicion of reckless driving on Friday but soon discovered his alleged need for speed was just the tip of the iceberg, reports KTRK. Authorities say Whiteside was traveling to Destin for spring break with seven 30-pack cases of Natural Light beer, plus a fake ID and pot. "He basically had 30 beers for each day he was going to be [in Florida]," a police rep tells the Northwest Florida Daily News. Whiteside now faces charges of unauthorized possession of a driver's license, underage possession of alcohol, and possession of marijuana.
"If you're only 19 years old and heading to spring break in Destin with seven 30 pack cases of beer in your truck, marijuana in the center console, and an altered driver's license to make your age 24, you probably don't want to be speeding and driving recklessly on Interstate 10," reads the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office caption of a photo of the stacked beer cases, viewed more than 11 million times on Facebook. "We hope [the photo] reaches and convinces a multitude of spring breakers to make good choices," the sheriff's office says in a separate post, adding in a comment that, yes, all the beer was poured out. A parting quip that's been liked more than 25,000 times: "All the dumb decisions and it started off with buying natural light." (Here's how one Florida hotel gets spring breakers out of bed.)
When President Trump took British PM Theresa May by the hand during her visit to the White House in January, some suggested it showed he was a leader and she a follower, reports NBC News. But Trump was "actually being a gentleman," says May. In an interview with Vogue, May explains that the pair were approaching what Trump described as an "awkward" step down a ramp at the White House when Trump took her hand in a chivalrous gesture. "I like to think we got on," she says, but adds that hardly makes her a pushover.
May wouldn't comment on "private conversations" when asked if she confronted Trump about comments he has made about women, which May has called "unacceptable." But "I've been very clear: I'm not afraid to raise issues and the nature of the relationship is such that we should be able to be frank and open with each other," she says, adding, "It's not a popularity stakes, being prime minister. I think what's important is for people to feel that I'm delivering for them." May also covered plenty of other topics in the interview, including leather pants. (Read more Donald Trump stories.)
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson's travel plans aren't sitting well with his counterparts in Europe. Tillerson will skip a NATO meeting early next month, the first time in more than a decade a secretary of state has done so, reports Reuters. On top of that, Tillerson will travel to Russia later in the month. "No matter how you spin it, this is unfortunate symbolism," a veteran European diplomat tells Reuters, referring to the perception that the Trump White House is anti-NATO and pro-Russia. The State Department didn't provide an official reason for Tillerson's decision to skip the April 5-6 meeting in Brussels, notes CNN, but it appears he's opting instead to be in Florida for Trump's meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping on April 6-7.
Tillerson will, however, see foreign ministers from NATO in Washington on Wednesday in a meeting about the Islamic State, notes Politico. The semiannual planning session in Brussels will be more focused on NATO itself, and Tillerson will be represented there by Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Tom Shannon, who served under President Obama. After the China meeting in Florida, Tillerson will attend a G7 summit in Italy on April 10-11, and the State Department says he'll visit Moscow after that. Democrats were quick to pounce on the decision"a grave error," says one House lawmakerand ABC News rounds up their criticisms. (The move comes in the wake of FBI chief James Comey's confirmation of an investigation into possible ties between Russia and the Trump campaign.)
Lawyers for Ethan Couch are asking the Texas state Supreme Court to release the "affluenza teen" from jail, NBC DFW reports. According to the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, a judge sentenced Couch to 720 days in jail last April after he skipped a probation check-in and ran to Mexico with his mother. The pair went on the lam following the release of a video that apparently showed Couch partying in violation of his parole. Lawyers for Couch say the judge didn't have the authority to sentence Couch to jail time because the judge only has purview over criminal cases. They say Couch's is a civil case because it originated in juvenile court, the New York Daily News reports. Couch's case was transferred to adult court when he turned 19.
Couch was sentenced to 10 years' probation in 2013 when he crashed his pickup truck into a group of people helping a disabled vehicle. Couch was drunk at the time, and four of the people died. A psychologist defending Couch said the teen never learned the difference between right and wrong and was suffering from "affluenza" thanks to his rich upbringing. Couch's lawyers filed the motion to release him from jail last Friday. The motion has already been denied twice in lower courts. (Read more Ethan Couch stories.)
People living with HIV would be able to breathe a sigh of relief if the bill of non-disclosure of being with HIV will be passed. The bill, if approved, will lower down the criminal liability of a person living with HIV or human immunodeficiency virus.
Not disclosing that one is living with HIV is currently a felony but if some lawmakers will get their way, this will be downgraded to just a misdemeanor. A misdemeanor is considered as the one of the least serious offense that one can commit. The penalty for a misdemeanor will not exceed $100.00 plus the costs incurred in court. A felony is considered the most serious level of offense. Felonies can have a jail term thrown in aside from the penalties.
California lawmakers are pushing for a legislation that will just penalize people living with HIV with a misdemeanor if they do not disclose to their partners that they are HIV positive and if they engage in unprotected sex. In the original law, non-disclosure is warranted as a felony.
Senator Scott Weiner (D-San Francisco), Assemblymen David Chiu (D-San Francisco), Todd Gloria (D-San Diego) and Assemblywoman Susan Eggman (D-Stockton) are pushing for the lowering of the penalty. They are saying that a person living with HIV is stigmatized enough and non-disclosure will just push them "to stay in the shadows" and not seek for help.
There are some people who are opposed to this. Those who oppose believe that if a non-disclosure becomes a misdemeanor, this may pave the way for people living with HIV/AIDS to donate blood or semen not to disclose that they are positive. The opposition is saying that an offense as grave as a non-disclosure will just be a slap on the wrist for people who don't disclose that they are infected.
The first major legislation of President Trump is the healthcare bill that will be benefiting the older Americans, said Speaker Paul Ryan. He detailed that the bill would provide better tax credits for old people and make a work requirement for the poor who are getting the Medicaid program. The upcoming health care bill is expected to replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA) which is also known as Obamacare.
Though the bill is still in draft, Ryan said Republicans are planning to bring it to the House of Representative for voting on Thursday. While speaking to a television program, he stated that the questions and concerns raised by the Republicans were being addressed. "We believe we are giving a better assistance than the current bill does," Ryan said. The legislation would offer tax credits for health insurance of lower-income people who are aged between 50 and 64.
Reports are confirming that the Republicans have differences in the proposals of the healthcare bill. The Democrats accuse that the current bill would move away millions of people from the benefit of healthcare, and people who are poor and elderly will struggle along with working class while the rich would be getting the benefits of tax cuts. There are other reports also suggesting that the current bill would increase the total costs associated with healthcare insurance.
The new bill is shifting tax credits from income-based system to age-based system. The upcoming program gives an option to tax credit starting from $2,000 a year for people under 30 to $4,000 in a year for people aged at 60 or more. The analysts say that the tax credits are smaller comparing to the ACA benefits. While a 60-year-old with $20,000 annual income gets $10,000 in Obamacare subsidy, the same person can only get $4,000 from the upcoming healthcare bill, reports Kaiser Family Foundation. However, the health insurance premium for older people in the new bill is not expected to increase as there is an "age-rating."
In a recent interview, Stephen Hawking confirmed that he is planning to make a space trip which he has been dreaming for long. Interestingly, he will travel aboard the Virgin Galactic spacecraft of Richard Branson. It is reported that Branson was personally offering Hawking a seat on its commercial spacecraft mission - once it starts its commercial operations.
In an interview with Good Morning Britain, Hawking said that he never thought his dream would come true one day. "I believed that no one would be interested in taking me but Richard offered me an option in the Virgin Galactic, and I replied yes, immediately," Hawking said. Branson was trying to take-off his commercial mission from 2009, and it got some debacles and problems and could not launch the project until date. With the latest revelations by Hawking, it can be said that Branson is working on taking the project off and the launch announcement can be expected soon.
In the interview, Hawking also shared his understanding on Donald Trump, and he said that he would no longer feel welcomed to the U.S. He pointed out that Trump was elected by some anti-establishment people, who were not happy with the elite ruling class. "Anti-establishment people voted for him as they were upset with the governing elite, and it should be treated as a revolt against them. He would try to fulfill the electorate that is not well-informed and liberal," Hawking said in the interview.
Hawking also expressed his views on Brexit and confirmed his views against the move-out. He pointed out that the government should look for options to avoid a "hard Brexit" as that can leave U.K "inward-looking and isolated." "We should try to retain and build links with Europe and other countries around the world, particularly China. If we were continuing with the EU, we could have better influenced the world," Hawking added.
Sushma Swaraj helps Indian woman in distress in Pakistan
New Delhi : Following a father's YouTube SOS that his daughter was being mistreated by her in-laws in Pakistan, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Monday said the Indian High Commission had met the victim and was ensuring her safety and return to India.
Sushma Swaraj tweeted that she received a YouTube message from Mohammad Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia Begum, an Indian national, was married to a person in Pakistan "and was being ill-treated by her in-laws".
"Our mission sent a Note Verbale requesting the safety, security and well-being of Mohammadia Begum," she said.
"Our High Commission officials met Mohammadia Begum and she expressed her desire to return to India."
As the Hyderabad woman's passport had expired last year, Sushma asked the Indian High Commission to renew her Indian passport and facilitate her return to India.
Meanwhile, Mohammedi Begum (the name on her passport) spoke to her mother Hajara Begum over phone and informed that her husband Muhammad Younis beat her up and locked her in a room after Indian High Commission officials met her.
The 44-year-old broke down while narrating the ill-treatment at the hands of her husband and in-laws. The mother advised her to have patience and wait for the help from the High Commission.
Hajara Begum said Younis had been abusing her daughter. "He even tells the children to keep themselves away from her as she is a Hindustani and all Hindustanis are Hindus."
Younis has even threatened that he will not allow her go back to India alive. He reportedly married another woman, a Pakistani.
Hajara Begum said her daughter had turned very weak due to physical and mental torture and needs immediate medical help.
Mohammedi Begum and Younis have five children -- three sons and two daughters. The youngest son is nine-year-old and he was born in Pakistan while the other children were born in Muscat, Oman.
"If the children come with her that will be good but my appeal is that she should be brought home immediately," said Hajara Begum.
It was on March 16 that Sushma had sought a report from India High Commissioner Gautam Bambawale.
Mohammedi Begum's father Mohammed Akbar, a cycle mechanic, had earlier sent an e-mail to Sushma Swaraj in January seeking her help in bringing back his daughter.
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.
Mohammedi Begum had visited Hyderabad in 2012. Her father said this was her only visit to India in 21 years.
New Delhi :
Its the start of Persian New Year Nowroz and the most popular search engine Google is also not behind in cherishing the extravaganza. Google has come up with a beautiful doodle to celebrate the festival of Nowruz.
The Persian or Iranian New Year or popularly called Nowruz is usually celebrated on March 21. The significance behind the festival is that it is celebrated around the time when the days start getting longer. This phenomenon is termed as vernal equinox.
Geographically, Nowruz marks the commencement of spring in the northern hemisphere of the globe. Every year Parsi families gather together to celebrate and observe the rituals. Technically, the moment when the sun crosses the celestial equator and equalises day and night exactly, New Year is celebrated.
Also read | Navroz 2017: Trump travel ban effects celebrations
Predominantly celebrated in Central and Western and Middle Eastern part of Asia, Nowruz is generally declared a public holiday in countries like Iraq, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan. Showcasing the importance of Nowruz, Iran offers a 14-day long vacation for school children and university goers. Canada has also included Nowroz in the countrys national calendar in 2009.
In India too, Nowruz is celebrated with great fun fare and enthusiasm by the Parsi community.
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New Delhi:
The Delhi Lieutenant Governor (LG) on Tuesday informed the Delhi High Court about his decision endorsing his predecessor's order to repatriate the Secretary of the Legislative Assembly to his parent organisation Prasar Bharati.
The high court, however, did not hold hearing on the plea by Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Nival Goel against previous LG Najeeb Jung's decision to repatriate Prasanna Kumar Suryadevara, as the court did not assemble for the post lunch sitting.
The matter will be heard on April 27. The Speaker and Prasar Bharati are locked in a tug-of-war over Suryadevara's repatriation. As per the communication of Deputy Secretary (services) of the Delhi government, which was to be produced before the court on Tuesday, the current LG Anil Baijal had on March 20 refused to differ with the decision taken by his predecessor.
"Lieutenant Governor, Delhi, has considered the matter of repatriation and relieving of Prasanna Kumar Suryadevara and has decided that there is no reason to differ with the earlier decision taken and issued vide order dated August 29, 2016 of services department, government of NCT of Delhi and reiterated the same," the March 20 order said.
The order of LG's office was produced against the backdrop of the high court's earlier direction, which had left it to the incumbent LG to decide whether or not to review the order relieving Suryadevara.
It had decided to await the LG's decision as talks between Speaker Goel and the Director General of All India Radio failed to break the impasse. The meeting was held following the court's suggestion to find an "amicable solution" to the issue.
New Delhi:
Chaos prevailed at Jaipur's Sindhi Camp area on Sunday after a group of self-styled cow vigilantes seald off a hotel accusing its owner of serving beef. The protesters gheraod Hotel Hayat Rabbani while shouting patriotic slogans to demand strict action against its owner and staff.
According to media reports, one of the complainants was trying to round up stray cows near the eatery a hotel staff arrived there to dispose off food waste.
The complainant charged him of feeding cows with leftover beef. The dispute snowballed when other cow protestors joined her.
The police later searched hotel owner's residence but could not find him and picked up one of his relatives for questioning. Two hotel staffs were also booked under Section 151 of the Criminal Procedure Code (arrest to prevent commission of cognizable offences).
We have collected the meat sample from the hotel and it will be sent to the forensic science laboratory (FSL) for testing to verify the claims that beef was being served, deputy commissioner of police (west) Ashok Gupta said told reporters.
Killing of cows, bulls and bullocks as well as possession and transportation of their flesh is banned in Rajasthan where the BJP government has set up a cow department for the welfare of the animal which is considered sacred by many Hindus.
Mumbai:
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday pulled up the resident doctors of government hospitals in Maharashtra for abstaining from duty and observed that their conduct was "shameful".
Over 4,000 resident doctors in the government hospitals of the state have been staying away from work since Monday in protest against recent attacks by relatives of patients on their colleagues.
The doctors are demanding better security for them at the hospitals. A division bench of Chief Justice Manjula Chellur and Justice G S Kulkarni was hearing a public interest litigation filed by social activist Afak Mandaviya, seeking action against the protesting doctors.
"If you (doctors) do not want to work, then resign. You are not factory workers that you will resort to such protests. Shame on you. How can doctors behave in such a manner?" the Chief Justice asked.
The Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) told the bench that the protest was not called by it and that it had rather urged all the doctors to report to work.
The petitioner's lawyer, Datta Mane, told the court that the MARD had last year assured the HC, which was hearing another PIL filed by his client, that it would not call for or go on a strike in the future and would resolve its disputes in a peaceful manner.
"If that is the case, then the protesting doctors have committed contempt. The concerned hospital management should initiate action against them," the court said.
Posting the petition for hearing on Wednesday the court directed the MARD to file an affidavit stating that the protest was not called by it and clarifying its stand on the issue.
Mane said patients were inconvenienced because of the doctors' protest. The petitioner also sought a direction to the Maharashtra government to take steps to avoid recurrence of such protests. Recently, a resident doctor of a government hospital in Dhule and a doctor at the BMC-run Sion hospital in Mumbai were attacked by the relatives of patients.
New Delhi:
Comedian Sunil Grover has finally acknowledged that something is not right between him and Kapil Sharma, his co-star in 'The Kapil Sharma Show' through a thoughfull message from his official Twitter handle on Tuesday.
Grover's emotional message to Kapil almost comfirms that a bitter spat indeed took place between the two talented artists.
"Bha Ji! Yes, you hurt me deeply. Working with you has been a learning experience. Just one advice, start respecting human beings also apart from animals," Grovar said in a message he shared on his Twitter account.
#SunilGrover has finally acknowledged that something isn't right between him and #KapilSharma. He has said that Kapil has hurt him a lot pic.twitter.com/aIdHml6gE3 News Nation (@NewsNationTV) March 21, 2017
Sunil Grover has claimed that Kapil's actions have hurt him a lot and he advised Kapil Sharma to respect his co-stars. Giving due respect to Kapil Sharma for his talent, he said that he has learnt a lot while working with Kapil.
Also Read: Is Sunil Grover planning to quit 'The Kapil Sharma Show' post-flight spat?
He further said that Kapil should also respect human beings apart from animals. Praising Kapil's success, Sunil said that everyone is not as successful and talented as him and he should have some gratitude towards their existence. He also asked Kapil to not abuse someone if that person is correcting him.
Moreover, he asked Kapil to not use foul language before women passengers because they don't have anything to do with his stardom. He thanked Kapil for making him realise that 'The Kapil Sharma Show' was Kapil's show and he has the power to throw out anybody, anytime.
Also Read: 'I love Sunil Grover': Kapil Sharma puts rumours of feud with co-actor to rest
Grover praised Kapil for being the wittiest and the best in his field apart from wishing that he should earn a lot of fame and success. In the end, Grover asked to stop acting like 'God'.
Sunil Grover was allegedly assaulted by Kapil Sharma during his flight from Australia and reports are coming in that he might quit 'The Kapil Sharma Show' once again.
On the other hand, Kapil had denied reports of any rift with Grover while claiming that he considers the comedian as his elder brother.
The 35-year-old host of "The Kapil Sharma Show" had earlier taken to Facebook to dismiss reports of the duo being involved in a tussle. He had also admitted to have had an argument with Grover but said they fought like normal people and that all is well between them.
However, if reports of Grover leaving Kapil's show turn out to be true, then fans will miss his characters 'Dr. Mashhoor Gulati' and 'Rinku Bhabhi' a lot.
Ahmedabad:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Monday urged the Election Commission (EC) that for free and fair conduct of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections, ballot papers should be used instead of EVMs.
AAPs Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai led a delegation of party workers and submitted a memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer B B Swain in Gandhinagar near in Ahmedabad on Monday.
Ballot papers should be used in the upcoming state assembly election to keep it free and fair, the memorandum said.
EVMs are not foolproof and their use undermines the democratic process of voting. AAP wants to convey to you (EC) that not just political parties, but even common people are raising apprehensions regarding the authenticity of polls using EVMs, the memorandum said.
Considering these facts in mind, AAPs Gujarat unit demands that 2017 assembly elections are held using ballot papers so that no questions are raised on the democratic process. We hope that to save democracy and protect the interest of common citizens, you will use ballot papers, it said.
The party also said that in case the use of ballot paper was not possible, the EC should ensure that each polling booth has Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with VVPATVoter Verified Paper Audit Trail.
In case ballot paper is not used, at least ensure that each polling booth has Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with VVPAT for transparency, it said.
The party also cited a Supreme Court direction to the EC to use VVPAT along with EVMs while observing that EVMs are not 100 per cent authentic, and there are chances of it getting hacked.
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New Delhi:
The Central government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's suggestion of an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said fresh attempts must be made by all parties concerned to find a solution to the Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute which is a "sensitive" and "sentimental matter".
A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
"These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting," the bench also comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul said.
Video: Subramanian Swamy on SC's suggestion
The observations came after BJP leader Subramanian Swamy mentioned the matter seeking urgent hearing of the issue. Swamy said that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest.
Also Read | UP polls: RSS ideologue claims BJP's win endorsement of 'Ram temple' in Ayodhya
Later, the BJP welcomed the apex court's observation and said the aggrieved parties should keep in mind its "sensitivity" while discussing the matter.
"The Supreme Court has called for an out-of-court settlement between the aggrieved parties. The parties should resolve the issue amicably by talking to each other. We welcome this step and I believe they should have talks outside the court," BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra told reporters in New Delhi.
The party will study in detail the observations made by the apex court, which has said the issue is sensitive and sentimental and is related to faith of millions of people, he said.
Patra suggested that aggrieved parties should talk while keeping in mind the "sensitivity" of the issue.
RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale also welcomed the SC's observation and said the Ayodhya issue should be resolved at the earliest and a temple built with the involvement of all Indians.
Also Read | SC allows supplementary charge sheet against those discharged on technical grounds in Babari case
Hosabale said that the Hindutva outfit will support the decision taken by 'Dharam Sansad', which organised the Ram Janambhumi movement.
"It (Ram temple issue) is to be decided by the Dharam Sansad as they are the people who organised the entire Ram Janambhumi movement and the parties who went to the court.
"RSS will not decide. RSS will go by the Dharam Sansad's decision. The issue should be settled at the earliest and a grand temple should be erected through the involvement of all Indians," Hosabale said.
RSS Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya said a Ram temple at Ayodhya should be built either throught dialogue or through a legislation.
"Ram temple should be constructed either through a dialouge process or a legislation," he told PTI.
However, AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi said the Babri Masjid case is about the title and he is waiting to seeing if "conspiracy charges" would be held against senior BJP leaders in the matter.
In a tweet, Owaisi said, "Waiting to hear about whether conspiracy charges will be held against (LK) Advani, (Murli Manohar) Joshi, Uma Bharati (Bharti) in Babri demolition case since....1992".
The Lok Sabha member from Hyderabad also hoped that the Supreme Court would decide on the "contempt petition which is pending since demolition of Babri Masjid in 1992."
"Please remember Babri Masjid case is about Title which Allahabad court wrongly decided as a Partnership case hence the appeal in apex court," he said in another tweet.
Also Read | Disputed structure demolition case: SC says won't accept dropping of charges on technical grounds
Waiting to hear about whether conspiracy charges will be held against Advani,Joshi,Uma Bharati in Babri demolition case since ........1992 Asaduddin Owaisi (@asadowaisi) March 21, 2017
The Allahabad High Court had ruled a three-way division of the disputed land - one third for the Sunni Waqf Board, one third for the Nirmohi Akhara and one third to the party for 'Ram Lalla'.
He also said that, "Dalit Christian & Muslim issue is also resolved (which is) pending in Apex court for many years not giving Dalit status violation of Fundamental rights."
In another development, Union Minister PP Chaudhary said the government too favours talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute.
"Government is always ready and encourages mediation. We encourage negotiations and mediations, even pre-litigation mediation and post-litigation mediation," Chaudhary, who is Minister of State for Law and Justice, told reporters in the Parliament premises.
Underlining that the suggestion of Supreme Court is "worth welcoming", he said if such complex matters are solved through negotiations, it ensures peace and better understanding between the parties in the future.
"What mediation can do, cannot be done by judgement. Both the parties are happy in case of mediation but in case of judgement, one party is happy while the other is not," he said.
Also Read | Yogi Adityanath on Ram Mandir: Construction in Ayodhya to start 'soon'
The Minister also exuded confidence that the long-standing dispute would be resolved through negotiations.
"The matter is in the court. Nothing can be done until the SC gives the verdict. Now SC has said that solve it through negotiation. I feel that it would be solved through negotiation," he said.
Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma termed the Supreme Court's suggestion as a "big initiative" and requested all the parties to "respect the sentiments of the court" and resolve the issue through negotiations.
Video: Reactions on SC's observation
On the other hand, Union Minister for Water Resources Uma Bharti has suggested a Somnath-like solution for the Ram Mandir issue in Ayodhya.
"The matter regarding whether Lord Ram was born in Ayodhya or not has already been settled by the court. Now the only dispute left is the title of the land, i.e. whether it belongs to Ram Janmabhumi Nyas or the Waqf Board," she told reporters in Bhopal.
"It would be better if this matter is decided out of court, i.e. on the lines of Somnath temple (in Gujarat). Otherwise, we will take a call after the court's verdict on the issue," said Bharti, who was one of the prominent leaders of the movement for construction of Ram Mandir in the place of Babri Masjid in the 1990s in Uttar Pradesh.
Also Read | Ram temple in BJP manifesto draws flak from opponents in Mathura
What is the case
On February 26, 2015, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute with his plea seeking construction of Ram temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
The BJP leader had earlier moved the plea for a direction to allow construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya at the disputed site and had mentioned it before a bench headed by the then Chief Justice T S Thakur for an urgent hearing.
He had also sought directions to expedite the disposal of several petitions challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya on September 30, 2010.
(With inputs from PTI)
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New Delhi:
The government has completed the investigation against persons named in HSBC and Liechtenstein banks for black money stashed abroad and made an assessment totalling around Rs 15,000 crore in the two cases.
Disclosing this during Question Hour in the Rajya Sabha, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said investigation against 628 persons named in the HSBC list of Indians holding foreign bank accounts has been completed, an assessment to the tune of Rs 8,437 crore in 409 of these cases made and 119 prosecutions filed against them.
The government has also assessed each of those named by the Liechtenstein Bank and an assessment of around Rs 6,500 crore of undeclared income by them has been made, he said.
Jaitley was responding to a question by Ram Jethmalani after an almost 30 minutes of acrimonious exchanges between ruling BJP and opposition members on the issue of black money.
Read | Blackmoney crackdown: Shell companies under CBDT radar
The heated arguments began after the 94-year old veteran lawyer and suspended BJP member asked the government whether it had made any effort to get the names of black money holders offered by Germany.
While the opposition accused the government of not doing anything except making false promises of bringing in black money stashed abroad, the government countered it saying several steps have been taken to bring in black money from abroad, including enactment of new laws to check the menace.
The House saw trading of charges when Jethmalani accused the Finance Minister of lies, which infuriated the ruling party members who sought an apology. Jethmalani also charged the government with committing a fraud on the country.
You must expel all of them if you want the House to function, Jethmalani said as he sought silence in the House, to which the Chair said it is an interesting suggestion but cannot be implemented.
Jethmalani said the German government has offered to disclose information on account holders stashing black money. Did you make any effort to avail of the offer made publicly by the German government?
When ruling party members including Ministers demanded an apology, Jethmalani earlier said that he was 94 years old and these young men dont have the courtesy to let me speak.
Read | PM Modi hits out at political worshippers of blackmoney and corrupt politics
Chairman Hamid Ansari kept on chiding the ruling party members and even saying you are Ministers. You cant do it (standing up and protesting).
In his reply, Jaitley said the issue relating to the HSBC accounts and under different treaties, the information and some evidence was also in Switzerland.
Of the 628 persons named, all have been investigated. In 409 cases assessments have been completed and 119 prosecutions are being initiated. No Member of this House should think that others are not serious about black money, he said.
In each of them which were found to be unlawful, assessment proceedings have taken place and assessment to the extent of a possible Rs 6,500 crore of undeclared income has already been made, he said while replying to Jethmalani.
Jaitley said in addition to this, further action in respect of the accounts relating to the Panama papers was also being taken.
As opposition and ruling party members traded charges, the Chairman said certain unparliamentary remarks made by Jethmalani has been expunged and the member has been cautioned over the use of language and unparliamentary words. Whatever is unparliamentary has been expunged, Ansari said.
Jaitley said among the series of steps taken by the government include agreements with G-20, FATCA and Switzerland government for free exchange of information of undisclosed income abroad.
Earlier responding to Congress member Rajiv Gowda, Jaitley said, I am grateful to the member for at least acknowledging positively the exercise that the government has taken. I think recent political events may have resulted in wisdom dawning a little too late.
Asked specifically on the total number of money that has come in to banks after demonetisation, the Minister said, No one definitive estimate can be made at this stage.
He said there have been three expert committee reports which have given varied versions in the past and the CBDT has prepared detailed comments on these reports and those comments along with what is stated in those reports prepared by three specialist agencies would in due course be placed before the the Standing Committee on Finance so that they have an opportunity to examine it.
But it is undesirably true that large amounts of cash money operating in the system does result in generation of black money. With all that money now deposited in banks, the anonimity with that money itself stands extinguished.
The money now stands identified with the owner of those accounts and hopefully a larger number of transactions through banks post this would now be inevitably possible, he said.
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New Delhi:
Amnesty International on Monday called for public withdrawal of alleged inflammatory statements made in the past by BJP leader Yogi Adityanath, a day after he assumed charge as UP Chief Minister.
Adityanath has been one of Uttar Pradeshs most polarising politicians, given to hateful rhetoric that incites discrimination and hostility against minority groups, particularly Muslims, alleged Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India.
The five-time MP from Gorakhpur, a known Hindutva hardliner, who was sworn in as the 21st chief minister of the state, stayed at the VVIP Guest House overnight and has decided not to enter his official residence before conducting prayers and purification rituals.
As Chief Minister of Indias most populous state, he and his party have an obligation to ensure that his positions do not become government policy. It is therefore imperative that he retracts any statements which may provide a license for others to abuse human rights, Patel said in statement by the global NGO.
Also read: Hours after Yogi Adityanath taking over in UP, 2 slaughterhouses sealed in Allahabad
The statement said Adityanath had called for India becoming a Hindu state and also made polarising statements claiming love jihad.
He faces criminal charges in multiple cases, including attempt to murder, criminal intimidation and rioting, Amnesty alleged, adding, in 2007, he was detained for 15 days for allegedly inciting riots in Gorakhpur.
Adityanath has been also charged in the past with endangering life or personal safety of others, unlawful assembly and trespassing on burial grounds.
Also read: In his first meeting, CM Yogi Adityanath asks Uttar Pradesh officials to declare assets within 15 days
A murder case is going on in the court of CJM, Maharajganj, according to his 2014 election affidavit.
Adityanath is also the founder of the Hindu Yuva Vahini, an organisation which has often been accused of instigating communal tension.
Adityanaths toxic ideas must not become part of his governance. By demonising Muslims, he has increased religious divisions and put ordinary people at risk of discrimination, hostility and violence.
As the head of the Uttar Pradesh government, he must disown his poisonous statements, and ensure that his administration respects the rights of people of all faiths, Patel said.
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New Delhi:
Delhi Police on Tuesday clarified over media reports mentioning missing JNU student Najeeb Ahmed links with ISIS, saying that any association has not come up in their investigation.
A top cop of Delhi police informed that they did not find any links of ISIS with the missing students.
On Monday, a Delhi court had said it will decide on March 27 whether nine JNU students can be asked by Delhi Police to give their consent for lie detector test in a case relating to the varsity's missing student Najeeb Ahmed.
Any association with ISIS has not come up in Delhi Police's investigation: Dependra Pathak, Chief Spox Delhi Police on Najeeb Ahmed Case pic.twitter.com/H63Wk4NAaw ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Sumit Dass, who was scheduled to pass the order today, had deferred the matter saying that the order was not ready.
The court had on March 15 reserved its order after the counsel appearing for the students submitted that the "lie detector test is unconstitutional and illegal unless it is voluntary".
Also Read | Only paperwork, no answer by cops in probe to trace JNU student Najeeb: Delhi HC
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iStock/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) -- President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka Trump will receive an office in the West Wing of the White House and a security clearance as she serves, informally, as an adviser to her father, ABC News has confirmed.
Ivanka Trump will not be considered a federal employee and will not draw a salary, but will receive a government-issued communications device, in addition to her office, "to protect government records and any information to which she may have access," according to senior White House officials and sources close to her. Her clearance will allow her to receive classified information.
The 35-year-old Trump is her father's second child. She worked as an executive vice president for the Trump Organization and ran an eponymous fashion brand prior to her father's election in November. During the transition, she resigned from her position with the brand and restructured her participation in the family business.
Officials noted that she will "follow the same ethics restrictions that apply to government employees."
During the presidential campaign, Ivanka Trump frequently spoke on her father's behalf, taking special interest in women's issues. She introduced her father when he accepted the GOP's nomination for president on the final night of the Republican National Convention in July.
In February, Ivanka Trump's brand made news when it was promoted by Counselor to the President Kellyanne Conway during a television interview from the White House. Ivanka Trump has not commented on the incident and press secretary Sean Spicer reported that Conway was "counseled" on her actions.
Ivanka Trump's husband, Jared Kushner, already works as a senior adviser to the president. In January, he too said he would not take a salary for his work at the White House.
Copyright 2017, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
New Delhi:
The Crime Branch of Delhi Police on Tuesday arrested Gursewak Singh, an alleged terrorist of Khalistan Commando Force. One country-made pistol was seized from Gursewak Singh, who had been involved in more than 75 cases of terrorism, murder and loot.
More details awaited...
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Allahabad:
Two slaughterhouses were sealed by the authorities here last night, a development that comes within hours of BJP leader Yogi Adityanath taking over as the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister.
Almost a year ago the National Green Tribunal had ordered the closure of these two slaughterhouses, an official said.
We sealed one slaughterhouse each in Atala locality of the city and at Naini, on the outskirts, last night. The NGT had ordered closure of these in May 2016, the districts Veterinary Officer Dheeraj Goyal said.
He said the step was taken following reports that though these slaughterhouses had been shown as shut on paper, business was running there as usual.
Goyal said that the NGT had similarly recommended closure of another slaughterhouse in the area but as there have been no reports of illegal business, his department had requested the police to keep a watch.
Significantly, the action was taken within hours of the swearing in of a new cabinet in Uttar Pradesh.
In his first press conference at Lucknow, the new Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had asserted that his government will take steps to fulfill promises made regarding slaughterhouses by the BJP in the run up to the state assembly polls.
The BJP had announced, in its manifesto titled Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra that after coming to power it will take stern steps for closing down all illegal slaughterhouses besides banning mechanized slaughterhouses.
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New Delhi/Dhanbad:
In a shocking incident, former deputy mayor of Jharkhand's Dhanbad Neeraj Singh was killed in shootout on Tuesday. Singh and three other people lost their lives when armed attackers opened fire with AK 47 rifles near Saraithela Police station.
According to reports, the shootout killed former deputy mayor Neeraj Singh, his friend Ashok Yadav, bodyguard Laltu and driver Munna.
Neeraj Singh belongs to an affluent family in Dhanbad. His younger brother is current deputy mayor of Dhanbad.
Following the attack, Singh's friends created ruckus outside the hospital, they were armed. Local people also got into a scuffle with SP outside hospital. CISF soldiers have been deployed outside the hospital following the incident.
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New Delhi:
Senior BJP leader LK Advani on Tuesday welcomed Supreme Court's observations on the Ayodhya matter. The leader, who spearheaded the campaign for a Ram Mandir in UP city said that all parties involved should come to a consensus.
Supreme Court's observations are welcome; all involved should come to a consensus, Advani said.
The Central government, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) on Tuesday welcomed the Supreme Court's suggestion of an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute.
After his farewell speech in Lok Sabha, new UP CM and Hindutva mascot Yogi Adityanath also spoke to media on Supreme Court's observation on Ayodhya matter. "We welcome Supreme Court's observation; both sides must sit down and find a solution," he told reporters.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said fresh attempts must be made by all parties concerned to find a solution to the Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute which is a "sensitive" and "sentimental matter".
A bench headed by Chief Justice JS Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
"These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting," the bench also comprising Justices DY Chandrachud and SK Kaul said.
Read | Ayodhya Ram Temple dispute: Modi Govt, BJP, RSS welcome SC's observations; Owaisi says Babri Masjid case is about title
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Washington:
India and the US will discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and defence ties during national security adviser Ajit Doval's visit to the country. US defence secretary James Mattis will meet Doval on March 24, Pentagon spokesperson Capt Jeff Davis told reporters during an off-camera news conference. They are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship.
"Clearly India is a very strong security partner and a force in the region. We continue to have very good relationship with India in the region," Davis said in response to a question.
The Mattis-Doval meeting later this week would be one of the highest-level meetings between the two countries after the Trump Administration came to power on January 20.
Read | Ajit Doval meets Donald Trump's NSA-designate, discusses Indo-US strategic ties
Doval is also expected to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster at the White House, the first between the two national security advisors. Davis said he is not aware of the reasons for Doval's visit to the US, but the Defence Secretary would be meeting with the Indian national security advisor on the sidelines of the international meeting of anti-ISIS Coalition being hosted by the US State Department later this week.
Early this month, Indian foreign secretary S Jaishankar met McMaster at the White House. During his Washington trip, Jaishankar was also scheduled to meet the defence secretary. But the meeting could not happen as Mattis was travelling.
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Islamabad:
Pakistan asked India on Tuesday to share the details of the designs of hydroelectric projects being built in Kashmir and provide access to its experts to verify that the Indus Water Treaty is not being violated in the process. The demand was made on the first day of the two-day Indus Water Commission meeting which began in Islamabad on Monday after a gap of nearly two years following the tensions in bilateral ties after the Uri attack.
During the Water Commission meeting, officials from India and Pakistan discussed problems relating to the Indus Basin.
The 10-member Indian delegation led by Indus Water Commissioner PK Saxena held a close door meeting with the Pakistani side which was headed by Indus Water commissioner Mirza Asif Saeed.
During the meeting, Pakistan highlighted concerns about the three Indian hydro projects being built on the rivers flowing to Pakistan.
Read | Pakistan wants peaceful resolution of all issues with India: Foreign Office
Pakistan's minister for water and power Khawaja Asif had earlier said the meeting will discuss the design of Pakal Dul, Lower Kalnai and Miyar hydroelectric plants and flood data supply by India.
The 1000 MW Pakal Dul is being built on Chenab, while 120 MW Miyar located across Miyar Nalla which is a right bank main tributary of Chenab and the 43 MW Lower Kalnai hydro project is located on Lower Kalnai Nalla, another tributary of river Chenab.
An official said Pakistan formally asked India to share the details of the designs of the three projects and also provide access to Pakistani experts to verify that the Indus Water Treaty was not being violated in the process.
"So far India has not given the designs and they are also not willing to give access to the sites of the projects," he said. Another official said Pakistan also asked Indian side to share the data of floods and "they have promised to share it with us."
Initially, it was said that Ratle hydroelectric project will not be discussed but Pakistan side said that it was also discussed in the meeting. Khawaja Asif said that Secretary level talks on Ratle issue will begin on April 12 in Washington.
The Minister for Water and Power hailed the start of talks between Pakistan and India on the contentious issue of water, saying it is good for bilateral relations. Asif said that Indus Waters Treaty is one of the world agreements which provides amicable solution of serious water issues between Pakistan and India.
Pakistan contends that the projects were violating the Indus Water Treaty of 1960. Asif expressed hope that things will move in the positive direction as a result of the meeting between Permanent Indus Commissioners of Pakistan and India. He said Pakistan is pressing for implementation of arbitration court's decision on Kishanganga.
Monday's meeting is the 113th session of the Permanent Indus Waters Commission which was established in 1960. The last meeting of the commission was held in 2015. Another meeting planned in September 2016 was cancelled due to tension following the Uri terror attack by Pakistan-based outfits.
Pakistani officials said the meeting was held in cordial atmosphere. The Indian High Commission in Islamabad has so far not issued any statement about the meeting.
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New Delhi :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his displeasure over the absence of lawmakers from both the Houses.
During parliamentary party meet, Modi said it is a serious issue and asked them to be present in the Parliament.
In a warning mode, the Prime Minister told lawmakers that they all know that how he is serious about the presence of lawmakers in the Upper house and the Lok Sabha.
Modi also objected over the absence of a few ministers from the Rajya Sabha on Monday.
During BJP's Parliamentary, PM Modi raised questions over attendance of BJP members in Parliament, asking them to ensure presence (file pic) pic.twitter.com/ENz7c0KEzW ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
While talking to reporters, Union Parliamentary Affairs minister Ananth Kumar informed that the Prime Minister directed about the roadmap for coming days. He told that village panchayat members will meet on April 6 which also happens to be foundation day of the saffron party.
#Visuals of Bharatiya Janata Party's Parliamentary meet in Delhi pic.twitter.com/tKIxlba3ib ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
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New Delhi :
Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath arrived in Delhi on Tuesday morning where he would meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP national president Amit Shah.
It is said that Adityanath will discuss the allocations of portfolios with Amit Shah. He would also seek BJP presidents approval for the top positions in the bureaucracy.
Sources said that Satish Mahana, Rajesh Agarwal and Suresh Khanna may get plum portfolios while the two senior colleagues Srikant Sharma and Siddharth Nath Singh are likely to get major charge of the key departments.
The BJP president will also take up the issue of new UP party president as Keshav Prasad Maurya has been sworn-in as deputy chief minister of the state. As per party constitution, a person can hold single charge in the party.
The chief minister has a hectic schedule in the national capital where he would also meet President Pranab Mukherjee, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and union finance minister Arun Jaitley in Parliament.
Also Read: CM Yogi Adityanath UPs most polarising politician, must withdraw inflammatory statements, says Amnesty International
The Uttar Pradesh chief minister will also pay his visit to BJP patriarch Lal Krishna Advani and Union External affairs minister Sushma Swaraj. Adityanath could also tender his resignation from Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
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Ankara:
The Turkish government warned Europe against falling into the "trap of fascism", while defending comparisons with Nazi Germany that have angered EU leaders. "We are hearing the marching steps of fascism and Nazism," Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told reporters in Ankara after a cabinet meeting.
"Steps need to be taken against that... we are saying these things (to Europe) so they do not fall into the trap of fascism," added Kurtulmus, who is official government spokesman.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had on Sunday told German Chancellor Angela Merkel she was taking "Nazi measures", after German authorities refused to allow Turkish ministers to campaign for a 'yes' vote in an upcoming referendum on expanding his powers.
Germany's Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel branded Erdogan's comments "shocking" and said he had informed Ankara that a "boundary had been crossed here".
But Kurtulmus, speaking after a cabinet meeting at the presidential palace chaired by Erdogan, defended the Nazi comparisons and gave no indication that such rhetoric would stop.
Also Read: Germany says Erdogan has 'gone too far' with Nazi jibe aimed at Angela Merkel
He said that racism was on the rise in Europe and Turkey needed to warn its partners. "We are making these fascist and Nazi comparisons out of concern for the future of our European friends," he said.
"Europe is our close ally, friend and neighbour and a very bad future is awaiting it. "Measures must be taken so that they live in friendship with foreigners. We are telling them not to surrender to these fascist and racist discourses," he added.
The current crisis with Europe has raised questions overthe future viability of Turkey's bid to join the European Union which has lasted half a century.
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DANBURY The prospect of tolls returning to Connecticut highways moved one step closer to reality last week, once again making Danbury a battleground in a perennial debate.
Legislation to install electronic tolls at the New York border on Interstate 84 and on highways statewide was narrowly voted out of committee in Hartford on Friday, over objections from Republicans and Danbury leaders.
City leaders are concerned the effect on sales to out-of-state customers at the Danbury Fair mall.
By placing a toll on I-84, we will most definitely create a disincentive to come to Danbury, said Stephen Bull, president and CEO of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, in testimony to the state Legislatures Transportation Committee on Friday.
A case in point is the Danbury Fair mall, the largest mall in New England, which attracts over 14 million shoppers from a 60-mile radius and beyond every year, Bull said, adding Danbury reports more than $5 billion in retail sales annually and the region reports more than $8 billion.
The toll legislation, which carries with it a provision to reduce the states gas tax by 2.5 cents per gallon over five years, was approved along party lines 19-16, clearing the way for a vote in the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives.
Advocates said electronic technology has advanced considerably since the last toll booth was abolished in Connecticut in 1989.
By installing booth-free, nonstop tolls, anywhere in Connecticut, we can net more than $1 billion a year for transportation and, just as important, begin to unclog our most crowded highways, Ridgefields Democratic First Selectman Rudy Marconi testified on Friday.
But Marconis counterpart in Danbury said the states infrastructure problems will not be fixed with a new revenue source unless the states budget problems are fixed.
If the Legislature doesnt change the way they do business, giving them more money is not the answer because they wont spend it on transportation, said Boughton, a likely Republican candidate for governor in 2018. We have a spending problem in this state, not a revenue problem.
Democratic members of the citys state delegation, including state Rep. David Arconti, oppose a border toll. He said it amounts to a tax on area residents who cross into New York to work, and it amounts to a barrier for New Yorkers who come to Danbury to shop.
I would combat the argument that out-of-state people dont contribute to our transportation fund, because two years ago the Legislature chose to dedicate 0.5 percent of sales tax to our transportation fund, Arconti said. So those thousands and thousands of people that come Danbury weekly to eat at our restaurants on the west side and go shopping at our mall are contributing to the transportation fund.
Arconti said getting the necessary minimum of 76 Democrats in the House to support the toll legislation would be difficult. Democrats hold a 78-71 advantage over Republicans.
Assuming a toll bill is approved in the House, the matter would have to be introduced for a vote in the Senate, where Republicans and Democrats have equal numbers.
State Sen. Michael McLachlan, R-Danbury, said he has been fighting the border-toll idea for eight years.
It is still a bad idea, he said. It is a regional tax.
Republican state Rep. Michael Ferguson, of Danbury, agreed.
There is a lot of opposition to tolls, said Ferguson, a member of the Transportation Committee who voted in the minority against the Legislation. In my district, almost every single person who has contacted me is against tolls.
In nearby towns, the concern is drivers would avoid highway tolls by taking side streets into Danbury, said Matt Knickerbocker, Bethels first selectman.
Congestion and gridlock would be a common occurrence in towns affected by tolls, as area residents who must use the interstate on a regular basis seek to avoid them, Knickerbocker said in testimony. A border toll represents a massive and unfair new tax burden for these commuters.
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WASHINGTON On Day Two of Senate confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch, Sen. Richard Blumenthal called the man who nominated him President Donald Trump the elephant in the room.
Blumenthal pressed Gorsuch to say what he thought of Trump castigating federal judges who disagreed with him on cases including his Muslim-nation travel ban.
I cant comment on specific cases and cant get involved in politics, said Gorsuch, trying his best to navigate a narrow path between loyalty to Trump and outrage over the president labeling one jurist in the travel-ban case a so-called judge.
Nonetheless, Gorsuch added: I know these people and I know how decent they are. When when anyone criticizes the honesty and integrity of a federal judge, I find that disheartening and demoralizing because I know the truth.
Those were the magic words for Blumenthal, a repeat of the words Gorsuch used in a closed-door meeting last month and which the nominee had never used in public before Tuesday. Trump himself had accused Blumenthal of lying about what Gorsuch had said, even bringing up Blumenthals statement in his 2010 Senate campaign about being a Vietnam veteran when he was, in fact, a Vietnam-era veteran who had not fought in the war.
Blumenthals exchange was among the highlights of a long day of Q&A from senators trying to pin down or build up the 49-year-old nominee, a judge on the Denver-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.
Gorsuch went on a charm offensive Tuesday, telling senators he would have walked out the door if President Trump had asked him whether he would overturn Roe v. Wade, the courts 1973 precedent legalizing abortion.
Standing up for the little guy
Gorsuch parried Democratic senators questions on waterboarding, the courts Citizens United decision that opened up the political world to limitless corporate cash, and the Hobby Lobby case involving a company unwilling to provide contraception as part of health benefits because of religious convictions.
Democrats attempted to box the conservative appeals court judge in as an ideologue beholden to powerful corporations against the interests of the little guy. Republicans, meanwhile, bestowed praise of Gorsuch as a fair judge who follows the law as written, not how he wishes it might be.
But Gorsuch sought to change the calculus with an amiable performance, mixing his knowledge of the law with an approachable quasi-folksiness reflective of his fourth-generation Colorado roots. While as expected he declined specific answers to the travel ban and other cases, he made a mantra of no man is above the law designed to assuage fears of Senate Democrats that he is a puppet mouthpiece for Trump.
Anyone is going to get a square and fair deal with me, Gorsuch said. Adversaries in court should not be discriminated against because they were a large company or small individual with an unpopular belief. Thats the kind of judge Ive tried to be.
The question of commitments to Trump is key to Gorsuchs confirmation, since during the campaign Trump pledged to nominate justices in the mold of conservative icon Justice Antonin Scalia, whose seat Gorsuch would take. Scalia died abruptly a year ago and his seat remained vacant after Senate Republicans refused to give President Obamas nominee, Judge Merrick Garland, a hearing and a vote in the hope that a Republican would win the 2016 election.
In television interviews during the campaign, Trump vowed to use a litmus test to determine whether a prospective nominee is pro-life and would vote to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Blumenthal was among those asking Gorsuch whether Trump had mentioned Roe v. Wade in his Oval Office interview with the president.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., asked Gorsuch if Trump had specifically asked him whether he would overturn Roe v. Wade.
Gorsuch answered the president had not. And if he had? I would have walked out the door, Gorsuch replied emphatically.
An unabashed admirer of Scalia, Gorsuch has sterling Republican credentials as a veteran of the Justice Department under President George W. Bush.
On Tuesday, Gorsuch fought back against Democratic senators and liberal advocacy groups who have sifted through his 11-year record as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. He suggested they had cherry-picked his record in 2,700 cases that came before the court in that time, pointing to cases where hed sided with the little guy.
Exhibit A was the Rocky Flats case, in which land owners in Colorado who went to court over contamination from the Rocky Flats nuclear facility that lowered his property values. Gorsuch reinstated a $920 million jury verdict for the landowners against corporations such as Rockwell International and Dow Chemical.
Questioning judgment
But he had problems answering questions on the much-publicized little guy case of Alphonse Maddin, the Detroit truck driver who was fired for abandoning a meat-packed trailer with frozen brakes on a bleak sub-zero-temperature Illinois highway in 2009. Maddin conducted a seven-year legal battle against his employer, winning his case before the 10th circuit with only Gorsuch in dissent.
Why? asked Sen. Richard Durbin, D-Ill. That case, Gorsuch answered, was one of those you take home at night.
The law in question, designed to protect truck-driver whistleblowers, stipulated a driver cannot be fired for refusing to operate an unsafe vehicle. But in Maddins case, Gorsuch said, the driver detached the truck from the trailer and drove to safety. Because he did operate the vehicle, Gorsuch concluded the company was within its legal rights to fire him.
But, Durbin asked, wasnt Maddins refusal to haul a trailer with frozen brakes sufficient to fit the laws prohibition, especially since the employer demanded he had to await a repair truck and could only leave if he dragged the unsafe trailer?
All I can tell you is I applied the law, Gorsuch answered. My job is not to write the law, but to apply the law. Ive been stuck in snowstorm in Wyoming. I dont make light of it.
Later on, Sen. Al Franken, D-Minn., called Gorsuchs dissent absurd. And in a reference to his past as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, Franken said: I had a career identifying absurdity. I know it when I see it.
Laura Castro Lindarte contributed to this report.
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When Al Barbarotta, the governor's close friend and manager of his private Stamford property, was approached by the Malloy administration in December to coordinate the relocation of school equipment from the shattered remains of Sandy Hook Elementary School, he said he would be happy to help, free of charge.
But Newtown officials say Barbarotta made a sales pitch to them during that traumatic move from Newtown to Chalk Hill School in Monroe. Additionally, he later sent them a sales brochure that state officials say improperly used the logo of a government agency.
"Here you are in the midst of a tragedy, and this guy is trying to sell you stuff," said one Newtown official, who asked not to be identified because he is not an authorized spokesman. "He really upset a lot of people."
Barbarotta's firm, Conveo Energy, works out of the same Bridgeport address as AFB Construction Management of Trumbull, Inc., his company that manages school facilities throughout the state as well as public works and parks in Stamford, where Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was mayor for 14 years.
Barbarotta on Thursday acknowledged that he handed out Conveo literature at Chalk Hill that featured a Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection symbol and logo on the top of a page, with Conveo's addresses and phone numbers on the bottom.
Officials from DEEP on Thursday called it a misuse of its logo and said Barbarotta will be asked to stop. He said he will.
Ron Bienkowski, the school district's business director, said Barbarotta's sales pitch for Conveo's services was heavy-handed, warning Newtown that it could be fined if it didn't comply with DEEP air-quality mandates.
"I didn't like their marketing style, because they were very threatening," he said.
Barbarotta, whose handling of Malloy's million-dollar property in Stamford set off an investigation this month into the use of city equipment by a landscape contractor there, said his company has given about 40 school districts in the state similar literature.
In an interview, Barbarotta said that during a break in the activity at Chalk Hill, which has been renamed Sandy Hook, he shared what he said was information on a free service that can save schools money while they can comply with new DEEP energy-efficiency regulations for school furnaces and lighting.
`We don't see it as sales'
Conveo makes its money -- and profits -- in the back end of such conservation projects, taking a 25 percent cut of any school system savings. "We don't see it as sales," Barbarotta said of the work his company does to help schools meet state standards that have been in effect since February.
In Stamford, AFB provided gas, oil and electricity conservation management to the Board of Education since 2010. The arrangement has netted the company more than $100,000 in incentive bonuses over the last three years.
AFB performs the energy efficiency work under the umbrella of its Systems Analyst Services, for which it charges the city a $92,000 fee included in its one-year, $508,000 contract with the school district.
Schools Superintendent Winifred Hamilton said Stamford schools are getting a deal on the energy savings program because the management service is included in AFB's contract.
"Without a doubt, it's been a major savings to the city and to my operating budget," she said. "In the long run, it's a savings that then allows us to do other things in the way of upgrading buildings and using that money toward more academic purchases like books, supplies, computers."
`By what authority?'
The origin of Barbarotta's participation and ultimate role in the relocation of Sandy Hook to Chalk Hill remains murky.
Six months after the shootings, Barbarotta said Malloy had called him personally to get involved in shifting the usable Sandy Hook resources to Chalk Hill.
"In the days after Sandy Hook, I got a call from the governor asking if I would help out and oversee the moving of all the desks and everything from Sandy Hook School to Monroe," Barbarotta said in a June interview. "We moved things and put things exactly in the place they were in from one building to the school in Monroe. It was a complicated move. There were things we saw in there that were hard to look at. We had to promise to lock our cellphones in our cars. The State Police didn't want anybody taking any crime-scene pictures and posting them anywhere."
But on Thursday, Malloy's office said it was Pasquale J. Salemi, deputy commissioner of the state Department of Construction Services, who had approached Barbarotta about helping out at Sandy Hook.
In an interview, Salemi said he wanted Barbarotta's expertise as a school facilities manager to help figure out where the Sandy Hook students could go.
"Al helped me find Chalk Hill School," Salemi said, recalling a Dec. 15, phone call from the state Department of Education, which first explored the possibility of erecting temporary classrooms on the school grounds.
Salemi said he's not sure what Barbarotta's work entailed, but he was attached to Newtown officials and attempted to gather invoices and other records to get a handle on the value of materials, work and services performed.
Bienkowski on Thursday questioned Barbarotta's authority and role in moving equipment from Newtown to Monroe, as state and local officials hurried to turn a vacant middle school into a new, safe home where the Sandy Hook School children could resume classes after the Dec. 14 killings of 20 first-graders and six educators.
In a directive to "All Venders, Friends, Companies" and others who had contributed to the relocation, Barbarotta instructed them to submit all invoices or donation information to his company.
Bienkowski said that Barbarotta "was insisting that he wanted copies of all this stuff. I said, `What for? By what authority?'"
Bienkowski said he declined to provide the materials to Barbarotta, whom he said never circled back with an answer or with the proper authorization.
Robert Tait, the finance director for Newtown, said in an email obtained by Hearst Connecticut Newspapers that the town's education building manager, who was overseeing the Chalk Hill relocation, paid no attention to the letter from Barbarotta directing contractors to submit their invoices to him.
"Basically he (the building manager) and his subcontractors ignored the letter (threw them out)," Tait wrote.
`He was a player'
Newtown First Selectman Patricia Llodra and the Monroe schools chief said they were comfortable with Barbarotta's role.
James Agostine, Monroe's superintendent of schools, said Barbarotta gave him regular updates on the status of the move to Chalk Hill Elementary, including the arrival of furniture so teachers could set up classrooms.
"I know that he was a pivotal person in terms of coordinating," Agostine said. "Quite honestly, I think he was a player."
Agostine was not familiar with Conveo and said Barbarotta didn't make any pitches for business in Monroe.
Llodra said she wasn't involved in the matter and had no concerns with Barbarotta's role.
"I don't have an issue here," Llodra said.
Barbarotta described his two weeks of work on the move from Sandy Hook School as "one of the most horrendous things in my life" as he looked to see what could be salvaged from the crime scene. He said his volunteer work has been "twisted around against me" and that he sought receipts only to get a ballpark estimate of the value of the overall move.
"This is something I never intended on promoting there with my brother and my company," Barbarotta said. "We did amazing things to prepare Chalk Hill for those kids. If I had stuff there, working on it in a folder in a slow time, I could have handed workers something. I was sharing information. We were working for free. How many of their people were working for free? I don't understand why it's a bad thing."
Staff writer MariAn Gail Brown contributed to this report.
You finally got that initial meeting scheduled with your dream client. Youve prepared your presentation and youre ready to walk in the door.
But you will blow it without even knowing it if you inadvertently make a bad first impression. According to Dr. Albert Mehrabians 7%-38%-55% Rule, only 7 percent of your communicating is what you say, while 38 percent is how you sound and 55 percent is visual.
Your client begins forming his or her opinion of you long before you start your presentation. Here is how you can make a great first impression from the get-go.
Use professional phone etiquette
When talking with an appointment setter, the secretary or potential clients themselves, keep your first conversation professional, succinct and polite. Always use the persons name in conversation and dont forget the magic words, please and thank you.
Related: 9 Strategies to Get Past the Gatekeeper
Dress for success.
Since much of your impression is visual, grooming matters. Dress professionally, but dont try to over-impress. Find out about the companys dress code ahead of time and dress a step above. Pay attention to the details: buff your shoes, carry a nice laptop bag, and silence your cell phone before entering the building. The interview starts the moment you drive into the parking lot so give yourself plenty of time to park, find the meeting room, and go to the restroom to check your appearance one last time.
Related: Never Underestimate the Business Advantages of Dressing Well
Tuck away the cell phone.
When you sit down in the waiting room resist the urge to check messages or return phone calls. Use this time to showcase your good manners to the receptionist and others in the waiting area. Make small talk, but dont be too chatty. If youre offered a beverage, accept it gracefully, even if youre not thirsty. Its considered rude not to accept hospitality when offered. Check out the surroundings and the office dynamics. Look for framed articles, awards, or other items that can be tucked away in your memory for future conversation pieces.
Related: 20 Ways to Create an Impressive Office Reception Area (Infographic)
Offer a firm handshake.
Rise and shake hands with your prospect as they enter the room. Standing shows respect for the other person as well as yourself. Always wait to see if your client tells you where to sit instead of immediately seating yourself. If youre not told where to sit, simply say, Where would you like for me to sit? Keep your cell phone off the table, as it might appear as if you are waiting for a more important call to come in.
Related: How to Master the Art of the First Impression
Watch your body language.
Sit tall and dont slouch or fidget. Dont bite your nails or play with your pen. Lean in, maintain good eye contact and capture attention with your professional and confident demeanor.
Related: 8 Great Tricks for Reading People's Body Language
Prepare your opening remarks but listen more than you talk.
Make some small talk before getting down to business. Do your homework and find out a little bit about the person before the meeting. Prepare a topic that relates to something you both have in common.
Don't do all the talking. Engage your client with relevant, timely questions that help them think of their situation in a new way. Allow the client to answer before continuing and note their concerns. Consider yourself an adviser rather than a salesperson and you may see the meeting from a whole new perspective.
Start on time and end early.
Respect the time limit you agreed upon, and wrap up a few minutes early, if possible. Answer questions and set a next action item. Immediately send an email thanking the client for his or her time.
Harvard Business School professor Amy Cuddy writes in her book Presence that people quickly answer two questions when they first meet you:
Can I trust this person?
Can I respect this person?
Also referred to as warmth and competence respectively, you want to be perceived as having both, although in a professional setting most people mistakenly believe that competence may be more important.
In reality, Cuddy says, trustworthiness and warmth are the most important factor in how people evaluate you. Displaying your strength can actually backfire. Only after youve established trust does your strength reinforce your position.
Take time to make a good first impression and youre well on your way to having both feet in the door.
Related:
Don't Underestimate the Importance of Making a Good First Impression
Think You Understand Proper Etiquette? Try Answering These 5 Social Quandaries.
5 Tips for Building a Strong Brand Identity
Copyright 2017 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
TORONTO, March 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (NYSE: AEM) (TSX: AEM) ("Agnico Eagle" or the "Company") today announced that it will release its first quarter 2017 results on Thursday, April 27, 2017, after normal trading hours. Additionally, the Company will host its Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the "AGM") the following day, Friday, April 28, 2017, in Toronto.
First Quarter 2017 Results Conference Call Webcast
Agnico Eagle's senior management will host a conference call on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 8:30 AM (E.D.T.) to discuss the Company's financial and operating results.
Via Webcast:
A live audio webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.
Via Telephone:
For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the call.
Replay archive:
Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 50920688. The conference call replay will expire on May 28, 2017.
The webcast, along with presentation slides, will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.
Annual Meeting
The AGM will begin on Friday, April 28, 2017 at 11:00 am (E.D.T). The AGM will be held at the Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel (Grand Ballroom) - 123 Queen Street West, Toronto, ON.
During the AGM management will provide an overview of the Company's activities. For those unable to attend in person, the alternatives to participate are listed below.
Via Webcast:
A live audio webcast of the AGM will be available on the Company's website at www.agnicoeagle.com.
Via Telephone:
For those preferring to listen by telephone, please dial 1-647-427-7450 or toll-free 1-888-231-8191. To ensure your participation, please call approximately five minutes prior to the scheduled start of the AGM.
Replay archive:
Please dial 1-416-849-0833 or toll-free 1-855-859-2056, access code 50915952. The conference call replay will expire on May 28, 2017.
The webcast, along with presentation slides, will be archived for 180 days on the Company's website.
Investor Relations Agnico Eagle Mines Limited 145 King Street East, Suite 400 Toronto, Ontario, M5C 2Y7 Telephone: 416-947-1212 Fax: 416-367-4681
About Agnico Eagle
Agnico Eagle is a senior Canadian gold mining company that has produced precious metals since 1957. Its eight mines are located in Canada, Finland and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in each of these countries as well as in the United States and Sweden. Agnico Eagle and its shareholders have full exposure to gold prices due to its long-standing policy of no forward gold sales. Agnico Eagle has declared a cash dividend every year since 1983.
SOURCE Agnico Eagle Mines Limited
For further information: Investor Relations, (416) 947-1212
Related Links
http://www.agnico-eagle.com
CHICAGO, IL, March 21, 2017 /CNW/ - The Boyd Group Inc. (the "Boyd Group" or "Boyd") today announced the March 17, 2017 opening of two collision repair centers in Oregon. The centers are located in McMinnville and Newberg, Oregon and are about 35 miles southwest of Portland. They previously operated as True Form Collision Repair with the McMinnville location opening in 1998 and the Newberg location in 2003.
"Both of these locations are in busy high traffic areas, complement our seven other centers located in the Portland area and will allow us to serve new customers and our insurance partners southwest of the city," said Tim O'Day, President and COO of the Boyd Group. "We look forward to becoming part of the community and are pleased that Nick Gardner and Dan Gardner will continue to manage these centers. Their teams are committed to providing the same professional and friendly service that is the signature of all Gerber locations."
The Boyd Group is continuously looking to add new collision repair locations to its existing network in Canada and the U.S. Interested collision repair center owners are asked to contact Kim Allen at the contact coordinates below for more information.
About The Boyd Group Inc.
The Boyd Group Inc. (the "Company"), directly and through subsidiaries, is one of the largest operators of non-franchised collision repair centers in North America in terms of number of locations and sales. The Company operates locations in five Canadian provinces under the trade name Boyd Autobody & Glass (http://www.boydautobody.com), as well as in 20 U.S. states under the trade name Gerber Collision & Glass (http://www.gerbercollision.com). The Company uses newly acquired brand names during a transition period until acquired locations have been rebranded. The Company is also a major retail auto glass operator in the U.S. with locations across 31 U.S. states under the trade names Gerber Collision & Glass, Glass America, Auto Glass Service, Auto Glass Authority and Autoglassonly.com. The Company also operates a third party administrator, Gerber National Claims Services ("GNCS") that offers glass, emergency roadside and first notice of loss services. GNCS has approximately 5,500 affiliated glass provider locations and 4,600 affiliated emergency roadside services providers throughout the U.S. For more information on The Boyd Group Inc. or Boyd Group Income Fund, please visit our website at (http://www.boydgroup.com).
SOURCE Gerber Collision & Glass
For further information: Stephen Boyd, Vice President, Corporate Development, Tel: (204) 594-1776, [email protected]; Kim Allen, Director of Business Development, Tel: (847) 410-6003, [email protected]
VANCOUVER, March 21, 2017 /CNW/ - Mawson Resources Limited ("Mawson") or (the "Company") (TSX:MAW) (Frankfurt:MXR) (PINKSHEETS: MWSNF) announces the mobilization of a fifth drill rig to the Rajapalot gold project in Finland. The objectives of the winter drill program were to extend known gold mineralization, discover new gold mineralized sites beneath gold-bearing boulders and outcrop, and to better define the extent and prospectivity of the large hydrothermal system. The winter drill program is now 60% complete and the results achieved so far have encouraged the mobilization of a fifth rig to the Rajapalot project.
Key Points:
Four diamond drill rigs and one base-of-till ("BOT") rig are now operational at site;
Thirty-two holes have been completed to date, totalling 5,950 metres of diamond drill core. Assay results from 8 holes have been reported, while results are pending for an additional 24 completed holes. A further 25 diamond drill holes are planned to be drilled before the completion of the winter program;
The BOT rig has completed 1,533 holes for 6,304 metres (average depth 4.3 metres) at Rajapalot (Kairamaat 2-3) and further east at Raja. A further 300 holes are planned this winter. A total of 1,235 holes have been reported, defining numerous new gold anomalous areas. The BOT rig is now infilling gold anomalous areas defined by 150 metres spaced grid drilling, on 10-20 metres spaced lines.
Mr. Hudson, Chairman and CEO, states, "A fifth drill rig has now been mobilized to site, based on early program success, which includes the discovery of two high-grade gold zones at Palokas with greater than 100 gold gram x metre intercepts (News Release 21 Feb 2017); the delineation by BOT drilling of broad gold anomalies across the property (News Release 9 Feb 2017); and the discovery of a new style of gold-bearing alteration comprising magnetite-pyrrhotite-biotite-chlorite at South Rajapalot, in a broad zone extending 900m along strike (News Release 6 Mar 2017). We look forward to releasing further results as they become available."
Technical and Environmental Background
The qualified person for Mawson's Finnish projects, Dr. Nick Cook, President for Mawson and Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining Metallurgy has reviewed and verified the contents of this release.
About Mawson Resources Limited (TSX:MAW, FRANKFURT:MXR, PINKSHEETS:MWSNF)
Mawson Resources Limited is an exploration and development company. Mawson has distinguished itself as a leading Nordic Arctic exploration company with a focus on the flagship Rompas and Rajapalot gold projects in Finland.
On behalf of the Board,
"Michael Hudson"
Michael Hudson, Chairman & CEO
Forward-Looking Statement
This news release contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). All statements herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Although Mawson believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate, and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. Mawson cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future results or performance and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, capital and other costs varying significantly from estimates, changes in world metal markets, changes in equity markets, planned drill programs and results varying from expectations, delays in obtaining results, equipment failure, unexpected geological conditions, local community relations, dealings with non-governmental organizations, delays in operations due to permit grants, environmental and safety risks, and other risks and uncertainties disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Mawson's most recent Annual Information Form filed on www.sedar.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, Mawson disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.
SOURCE Mawson Resources Ltd.
For further information: www.mawsonresources.com, 1305 - 1090 West Georgia St., Vancouver, BC, V6E 3V7, Mariana Bermudez (Canada), Corporate Secretary, +1 (604) 685 9316, [email protected]
Related Links
http://www.mawsonresources.com
TORONTO, March 21, 2017 /CNW/ - As the federal government prepares to unveil a budget to stimulate research and development in the Canadian economy, a new report from MaRS Discovery District highlights a major shift in how and where innovation is happening. The report charts a global trend that's seeing tech companies that once would have set up in research parks on the edge of cities heading downtown. They're moving because today's breakthrough technologies are pulling together disparate parts of the economy and consequently, entrepreneurs need to collaborate with people working in diverse fields.
Over the last decade, more than a dozen cities mostly in North America and Europe have created innovation districts to attract these companies. In Canada, Toronto's Discovery District comprised of MaRS, the University of Toronto and five research hospitals, is now home to the Canadian headquarters of global leaders like Facebook and PayPal alongside scores of startups. Similar innovation hotspots exist in Vancouver, Waterloo and Montreal.
The report suggests that to compete with the global leaders in innovation places like Silicon Valley, New York and London Canada should invest in these centres to support vibrant innovation communities that draw in the talent and investment startups need to grow.
A copy of Rise of the Hub: How Innovation Is Moving Downtown is available for download here. To coincide with the release of the report, MaRS has created an online infographic, allowing users to explore the new geography of global innovation. The visualization can be viewed here and can be made available to embed in websites on request.
Available interviews:
Joe Greenwood , co-author and Executive Lead, Data at MaRS
, co-author and Executive Lead, Data at MaRS Joeri van den Steenhoven , co-author, Vice-President, Systems Innovation at MaRS
About MaRS Discovery District
MaRS Discovery District (@MaRSDD) in Toronto is one of the world's largest urban innovation hubs. Our purpose is to help innovators change the world. MaRS supports promising ventures tackling key challenges in the health, cleantech, finance & commerce, as well as work & learning sectors as they start, grow and scale. In addition, the MaRS community fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration to drive breakthrough discoveries and new solutions to be adopted in Canada and beyond, growing our economy and delivering societal impact at scale.
SOURCE MaRS Discovery District
For further information: and to arrange interviews, contact: Danielle Klassen, Acting Manager, Community & Media Relations, MaRS, 416-673-8152, [email protected]
Related Links
http://www.marsdd.com
Preet.jpg
In this April 2, 2013 photo, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara uses a chart during a news conference, in New York to explain why state Sen. Malcolm Smith was arrested in an alleged plot to bribe his way into the race for mayor of New York City. Bharara prosecuted more than a dozen legislators. He was fired Saturday by the Trump administration, along with 45 other holdovers from the Obama administration. (Richard Drew / AP)
NEW YORK CITY -- Former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara will take up a new position as "distinguished scholar in residence" at the New York University School of Law, the school and Bharara announced Tuesday.
Proud to join NYU School of Law https://t.co/noscBDHVk2 Preet Bharara (@PreetBharara) March 21, 2017
President Donald Trump fired Bharara on March 11 after Bharara refused to hand in his resignation alongside several dozen other U.S. attorneys across the country. Bharara has led several successful corruption prosecutions of Albany elected officials and had several high-profile investigations at the time of his dismissal.
NYU's announcement did not describe what the former prosecutor's position would entail. Bharara said it would allow him to pursue many of the same issues he tackled in his old job.
"I am thrilled for this opportunity to continue addressing the issues I so deeply care about--criminal and social justice, honest government, national security, civil rights, and corporate accountability, to name a few," Bharara said.
Bharara filed a criminal complaint in September charging eight men in connection with alleged corruption. A ninth man, former lobbyist Todd Howe, pleaded guilty.
Most of the allegations involve three major Upstate development projects: the so-called Buffalo Billion; the development of a Central New York nanotechnology hub in DeWitt; and the construction of a power plant in Orange County.
Two Syracuse-area executives are accused of bid-rigging, bribery and lying to authorities. Also charged were Joseph Percoco, a former top aide to Gov. Andrew C Cuomo; Alain Kaloyeros, former head of SUNY Polytechnic Institute; three executives from developer LPCiminelli; and a former executive of Competitive Power Ventures.
Bharara's former office has said those prosecutions are unlikely to be derailed. Lawyers for both sides are due back in court April 6 for a status conference.
China has a program of bonuses and funding to recruit top scientific talent
1. The Thousand Talents Program Scientists
(1) Long Term Talents: The employee shall receive a personal funding package of 1 million RMB (US$144,000) from the nations central budget and 3 million RMB ((US$432,000) from CAS special talents funds.
(2) Short Term Talents: The employee shall receive a personal funding package of 0.5 million RMB from the nations central budget.
(3) Young Talents: The employee shall receive a research funding package of 1 million to 3 million RMB, a personal funding package of 0.5 million RMB from the nations central budget and 0.5 million RMB from CAS special talents funds.
(4) Foreign Experts: The employee shall receive a research funding package of 3 million to 5 million RMB and a personal funding package of 1 million RMB from the nations central budget.
2. The Hundred Talents Program Scientists
(1) Academic Leaders (A-Class of the Hundred Talents Program):
CAS will allocate a funding package of 7 million RMB (a little of US$1 million) to the Academic Leaders and 1 million RMB to cover the infrastructure construction.
(2) Technological excellence (B-Class of the Hundred Talents Program)
A technological Excellence will get the package of 1-2 million RMB and an infrastructure services funding of 0.6 million RMB from CAS.
(3) Young Talents (C-Class of the Hundred Talents Program)
CAS will allocate a funding package of 0.8 million RMB for the Young Talents and after a period of time, the young talent will be reviewed and mit supported by auto recruited in the Hundred Talent Program with a funding package of 2 million RMB and an Infrastructure construction funding of 0.6 million RMB from CAS.
CIAC will also provide extra start-up funding, settling-in allowance and housing allowance for these employees.
Chinese employer takes a cut of any patents or inventions important markers in Beijings efforts to measure its progress. Employees can retain about 42.5% ownership of patents and inventions which is competitive with international standards.
China is and will continue to put hundreds of billions to buying key technology companies and making large investments in automation and robotics.
China still has to catch up to Mexico, Malaysia and Spain on per person productivity.
Taiwans Ministry of National Defense plans to acquire new-generation stealth fighter jets with short or vertical takeoff and landing capabilities to deter Chinese military action against Taiwan, it said in its Quadrennial Defense Review released yesterday.
The military plans to procure the jets to improve its asymmetrical capabilities, as the cross-strait military balance has increasingly tilted in Chinas favor, the report said.
It also plans to develop indigenous submarines and upgrade surface vessels, improve air-defense missile and road-mobile missile systems, and establish a fleet of uncrewed aerial combat vehicles.
Any jets capable of short or vertical takeoff and landing could be the ministrys target, including, but not exclusively, the Lockheed Martin F-35, Deputy Minister of National Defense Lee Hsi-ming said during a question-and-answer session at the legislatures Foreign Affairs and National Defense Committee meeting in Taipei.
The ministry disputed reports that AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon systems and AGM-88 high-speed anti-radiation missiles are in an arms package for Taiwan to be approved by US President Donald Trump following his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is scheduled for early next month in Florida.
The report presents defense guidelines for a solid defense and multi-layered deterrents, aiming to deter the enemy from waging war and, if deterrence fails, to launch a series of counterstrikes to destroy the incoming enemy at sea or on beaches.
With the rapid growth of Chinas defense budget, the Peoples Liberation Army has made considerable progress to modernize and reform its military, the review said. It has the ability to blockade Taiwan, launch combined operations, and seize and hold Taiwans outlying islands.
Lieutenant General Chiang Chen-chung (), director of the ministrys Office for Operations and Planning, said the armed forces have the capability to launch a counteroffensive and attack China if necessary.
Asked if the armed forces could defend against multiple attacks launched from bases as far as 1,300km from Taiwan, Chiang said the military has such ability and there are plans and training in place.
Plans to develop a local defense industry, in particular the aerospace, shipbuilding and information security sectors, is what distinguishes this years review from previous ones, the ministry said.
Defense spending should be increased to 3 percent of the GDP, but the defense budget for this year of NT$355.7 billion (US$11.6 billion) is only 2.05 percent of GDP, Feng said.
Fed Govt committed to Paris Club refund, says AdeosunThe federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to the Paris Club refund for states.Minister of Finance Mrs Kemi Adeosun, in a statement yesterday, said independent monitoring of compliance with the terms and conditions of funds released would be conducted in due course.The statement assured the public that the Federal Government has consistently complied with all extant rules and regulations in the disbursement of the Paris Club refund to state governments.It added: The Federal Governments disbursement process is transparent and targeted at the attainment of specific economic objectives.The inability of some sub-national governments to meet salary and other obligations was considered inconsonant with the Federal Governments economic stimulus programme. Claims with regard to over deductions had been made to the Federal Government, consistently since 2005.The Debt Management Office (DMO) initially requested for a period of 22 months to complete the reconciliation and facilitate disbursement.However, President Muhammadu Buhari, considering the plight of salary earners and pensioners and the need to stimulate the economy, directed that the exercise be completed within 12 months.In addition, Mr. President gave an express Anticipatory Approval for the release of up to 50% of the claim of each state, pending final reconciliation.That reconciliation is undertaken by the DMO, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) and the relevant State Governments. Accordingly, the disbursements are staggered in batches and payments are only made when the claims of each state have been reconciled with the facts at the disposal of the Federal Government.Specifically, information was available that some states had been paid either in full or in part, under previous administrations. This necessitated a more detailed review for the states in question.The release of the first tranche, representing up to 25% of claims, being N522.7 billlion, commenced in December 2016. Disbursement was subject to an agreement by State Governments that 50% of any amount received would be earmarked for the payment of salaries and pensions.In addition, each governor gave an undertaking that excess payments would be recovered from the Federal Accounts Allocation (FAAC), if the final reconciliation found that the amount paid under the Anticipatory Approval exceeded that due. It is standard practice in the Ministry of Finance to undertake independent monitoring of compliance with the terms and conditions of funds released. This will be conducted in due course.To date, nine batches have been processed while some balances remain outstanding to the possible credit of a number of states. Given the foregoing, complete and final figures can only be released and published after each state and the Federal Government have reconciled and agreed on the sums due.At the National Economic Council meeting on Thursday March 16, 2017, President Muhammadu Buhari instructed the Minister of Finance and Central Bank Governor to commence the process of resolving the balance of the approved amount.The overriding consideration for any further releases will be the current and projected cash flows of the Federation as well as the outcome of the independent monitoring of the compliance with terms and conditions attached to the previous releases.The Minister of Finance would like to reaffirm the commitment of the administration to publish all relevant information on the Paris Club refund.It was also learnt that since the reconciliation started in 1990, the timeline has affected the exercise over the years. Some of the desk officers have either retired or resigned from office.But the Federal Ministry of Finance, the Debt Management Office (DMO) and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) are working round the clock with the states and the creditors to collate the figures.Accordingly, all State Governments which have claims for the refund of over deductions on Paris Club and London Club debts should submit applications for refund attaching all relevant documents in support of the claims to the office of the Honourable Minister of Finance, with a copy to the Debt Management Office (DMO) for appropriate action, the committee said in its recommendation.Such substantiated claims should be submitted with documents not later than August 31, 2016, it said, adding:Upon receipt of the claims, the DMO in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation will conduct an assessment, validation and reconstruction of the historic debt data of the claiming States, using evidence submitted by the State to match the data available in the DMOs system, and advise Mr. President of the outcome for His further directives.In the past several attempts had been made by the Federal Government at determining the true position of States External Debt Obligations.We have on record the result of the various attempts at reconciliation starting with the reconciliation of Paris Club Debt in January 1990, Reconciliation of External Loan on-Lent and Reschedule Loans in February 1995 and other efforts in 2001, 2005 and 2007.Over time the Bilateral Loans i.e. Paris Club and London Club Obligations have been renegotiated, rescheduled and re-arranged hence the original identities of these loans were lost in the process.These rescheduled loans were arranged by the Federal Government hence the States were not in the know of the details of the re-arranged obligations.A source involved in the reconciliation said: Some of the records of these loans cannot be traced. Most states also did not keep proper records.This is why the DMO said it will need two years to do a proper reconciliation but the state governors said they cannot wait.We went deep to get the loan data from the CBN, OAGF, RMAFC, Funds Department and DMO. Every agency gave data which were conflicting.The source spoke of the anxiety of paying states more than they actually deserve. We will all however learn from this on how to keep records, he said, pleading not to be named because he is not allowed to talk on the matter.A former Military Governor of Kaduna State, Col. Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (retd.) yesterday urged President Buhari to suspend the refund to states and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT).He said some governors contracted consultants with fees ranging from 10 to 30 per cent to secure the refund.Umar gave the advice in a statement in Abuja against the backdrop of the controversy over loan refund to states.States are demanding about $6.9billion deductions from the Federal Government.Col. Umar said: It is now revealed that some governors contracted consultants with fees ranging from 10 to 30 per cent to secure refund from the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN).With this shocking revelation, President Muhammadu Buhari should suspend his order to the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for the release of the second tranche of the refund.It is also evident now that most of the earlier released funds were deployed for other purposes than payment of salaries and pension arrears as directed by Mr. President. This impunity has got to stop.
A California-based fashion retail company, Modern Appealing Clothing, has filed a class-action lawsuit against Ivanka Trump's brand accusing it of having a trump card that gives it an unfair advantage among other competitors. The lawsuit states that Ivanka Trump being the First Daughter of the United States of America gives her a lot of advantage. Adding that Ivanka's company, Ivanka Trump Marks LLC, is profiting off her political connections, citing President Trump and her husband Jared Kushner (Senior Advisor to the President), according to SFGate.The San Francisco-based fashion boutique claims that there have been recent sales boost to Ivanka Trump's brand after the President slammed Nordstrom on Twitter for dropping his daughter's brand.They also stated that her sales also increased after Kellyanne Conway, who serves as a counselor to the President, told people to "go buy Ivanka stuff" during a Fox News interview.Even though some retail giants like Neiman Marcus, Sears, Kmart and Nordstrom dropped Ivanka's brand due to pressure from some members of the public, Ivanka's company sales has had a 346% spike between January and February when compared with the same time period last year.The class-action lawsuit filed on behalf of women's clothing retailers throughout California seeks unspecified damages as well as a restraining order against her brand from selling clothes in California.
GreenWish to Build $280m Solar Plants in Nigeria
Greenwish Partners, a Paris-based independent power producer, will invest $280m to build solar power plants in Nigeria that are expected to start producing electricity in the first quarter of next year.A plant in Enugu State will produce 100 megawatts, while the company will build two others of 50MW each in Kaduna and Jigawa states, the companys Chief Executive Officer, Charlotte Aubin-Kalaidjian, said in an interview with Bloomberg in Lagos.She said the project would be funded 70 per cent through debt and 30 per cent through equity, and provide power to 2.5 million people on completion.We only take risks where solar makes sense, where it is competitive and where there is political support. This government is very committed to developing power and renewables, especially in regions where there is no gas available, Aubin-Kalaidjian said.Nigeria faces an 8,000MW energy shortfall, having capacity to generate only about 4,500MW of electricity.Most plans for new capacity focused on using natural gas from the southern petroleum region until the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, introduced a framework to accommodate solar power producers last year.That has resulted in a power purchase agreement with the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading Plc, the clearing house of the nations electricity market, to enable GreenWish to sell to the national grid.The transactions are in naira but denominated in dollars to hedge against naira-value fluctuations, Aubin-Kalaidjian said.
The Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Plc , Mr. Atedo Peterside, Tuesday announced his resignation from the board of the bank after serving for 1...
The Chairman of Stanbic IBTC Plc , Mr. Atedo Peterside, Tuesday announced his resignation from the board of the bank after serving for 10 years.His resignation takes effect on March 31, 2017In an email to directors of the company titled moving on, Peterside said having served as the Chief Executive Officer of IBTC from inception in 1989 and all the way up until the merger that created Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc in 2007 and as Chairman thereafter, I believe this is the ideal time for me to resign from the Board and move on.Stating that he is a stickler for due process, Peterside said from April 2017, he will not be available to discuss the Nigerian operations unless required to do so by the parent board. In business terms in Nigeria, I would like to be able to concentrate largely on ANAP Business Jets Limited, which I founded a couple of years ago and where I am Chairman, he said.
The story of the medical doctor, Allwell Orji who jumped off the 3rd mainland bridge on Sunday evening has taken a new turn as the mother...
The story of the medical doctor, Allwell Orji who jumped off the 3rd mainland bridge on Sunday evening has taken a new turn as the mother has said that the alleged recovered body is not her son.Recall that earlier on Tuesday, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr Fatai Owoseni, confirmed that the body of the doctor has been recovered. He said the body was recovered by the Marine Police at the Onikan end of the lagoon.However, confirming the claim by the doctors mother, the spokesperson for the Zone 2 Police Command, SP Dolapo Badmos said, The mother has come to identify the body recovered, but she said the deceased was not her son.Recall also that late Dr. Orjis mother had said a day ago that his sun would be recovered alive. She had expressed optimism during her conversation with sympathisers that her son would return home alive.According to her, I am hopeful that my son will be rescued by the emergency officials and not the recovery of his body. She also stated that his son was not married but that marriage plans were on before the tragedy.Until his death, Dr. Orji worked at the Mount Sinai Hospital in Surulere area of Lagos State, southwest Nigeria. He was said to be on his way to Victoria Island for a meeting with the Medical and Dental Association of Nigeria when the incident happened.
Presidency said on Tuesday that it is elated that majority of Nigerians were still in love with President Muhammadu Buhari and his effort ...
Presidency said on Tuesday that it is elated that majority of Nigerians were still in love with President Muhammadu Buhari and his effort of his government to reposition Nigeria.It also said that the President was fulfilling his campaign promises to Nigerians, particularly in stimulating the economy for job creation, anti-corruption campaign and security of lives and property.The Presidency spoke through the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina while receiving a delegation of Northern Youths Initiative for Peace and Good Governance in Abuja.He urged Nigerians to keep faith with the administrations commitment to take Nigeria to the Promised Land. Adesina said: I am glad that majority of Nigerians are still with President Buhari. The excitement and jubilation, around the country, that greeted his return to Nigeria recently is a clear testimony of the love, confidence and belief, which Nigerians have in his leadership.We are witnessing a positive turn around in the economy, agriculture, the fight against corruption, job creation and I am very confident that President Buhari will lead Nigeria to the Promised Land before the mandate given to him by Nigerians elapses in 2019, Adesina said.The Special Adviser, who received the Sardauna Leadership Award, Icon of Societal Transformation, thanked the Group for the honour, noting that he was motivated to serve in government because of the personality and integrity of President Buhari. In his remarks, the President of the Northern Youths Initiative, Comrade Muhammadu Abubakar, described Adesina as an exemplary leader, adding you are a Goldfish that has no hiding place.We northern youths, under the aegis of Northern Youth Initiative for Peace and Good Governance, honour you as Garkuwan Matasan Arewa (the shield of Northern Youths) for your invaluable contribution to the country and inspiring role to the upcoming generation, he said.
Following alleged certificate scandals against Senator Dino Melaye, which became an issue during Tuesdays plenary at the Senate, he has e...
Following alleged certificate scandals against Senator Dino Melaye, which became an issue during Tuesdays plenary at the Senate, he has expressed his willingness to submit himself for investigation.Addressing journalists after plenary in an emotion-laden voice, Melaye said it was imperative for him to clear himself of the scandal as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.Disclosing that he was pursuing his 8th master's degree in crime prevention at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria where he got his first degree years ago, he added that his name was being smeared by those against his rising political profile.He explained that, over time, when the online newspaper lacks patronage, they stir up issues against me to attract traffic, unfortunately, there is no monetary compensation between us, he said.He was optimistic that the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges will eventually clear him of the allegations, insisting that nobody is above the law.
The Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali will not appear before the Senate Tuesday, as expected, based on a lawsuit filed at the Fed...
The Comptroller General of Customs, Hameed Ali will not appear before the Senate Tuesday, as expected, based on a lawsuit filed at the Federal High Court, Abuja, yesterday.The writ of Summons in the Suit marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/207/2017, filed before the court yesterday by a lawyer, Mr. Mohammed Ibrahim, has asked that the status quo be maintained, pending the determination of the matter before it.The plaintiff is contending, among others, that it was not within the powers of the Senate to dictate to Ali, who was appointed by the President pursuant to the Presidents powers under sections 5 and 171 of the Constitution, how to conduct himself.
The University of Calabar lecturer, Dr Emmanuel Igbeng, who was killed last Thursday, wrote about the assassination months earlier.
The University of Calabar lecturer, Dr Emmanuel Igbeng, who was killed last Thursday, wrote about the assassination months earlier.Igbeng was shot at about 8:30pm on Thursday at the gate of his house located at Asuquo Abasi Street, off Uwanse Lane in the Calabar-South axis of the metropolis.His death sparked a cult war between KKK and Vikings, leading to the death of about seven persons in three days.After his death, it emerged that the UNICALs Department of Accounting lecturer, an alleged member of the KKK group, had written about his planned assassination on his Facebook page in November 2016.In a November 16th post, Dr. Igbeng had alleged that some politicians were planning to kill him and one Romanus Egbonyi.He also suggested, in the post, that law enforcement agencies were aware of the alleged plans.
Senate President Bukola Saraki says he has no hand in the importation of a vehicle seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Senate President Bukola Saraki says he has no hand in the importation of a vehicle seized by the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).On Tuesday, Ali Ndume, a senator from Borno state, raised a point of order asking the senate to investigate an allegation that the upper legislative chamber was exacting vengeance on Hameed Ali, comptroller-general of the customs, because the agency seized Sarakis car.The senate ordered an investigation into the allegation.Ali and the senate have been locked in a face-off over his refusal to wear the customs uniform.But in a statement issued after a plenary session of the senate on Tuesday, Yusuph Olaniyonu, special adviser of the senate president, said his principal had nothing to do with the issue.The allegation raised today by Senator Ali Ndume linking Dr Abubakar Bukola Saraki to the importation of vehicle lacks basis as it was outright falsehood, the statement read.Olaniyonu said from facts and documents on the seized vehicle, it is obvious that the senate president has nothing to do with the importation of any vehicle.A supplier was engaged by the senate to supply a vehicle. While transferring the vehicle between Lagos and Abuja, it was impounded by the customs. We believe that is an issue between the supplier and the customs because the senate has not taken delivery. So, why is somebody trying to drag in the name of Saraki into the issue, he said.The documents on the vehicle are there for the general public to view and make their conclusions. Now, that the matter has been referred to the committee on ethics, privileges and public petitions, all the facts will be out.
Britain is set to follow the US cabin-luggage ban on laptops and other electronic devices on UK flights from Middle East countries, with n...
Britain is set to follow the US cabin-luggage ban on laptops and other electronic devices on UK flights from Middle East countries, with new regulations expected to be announced imminently.Government sources told the Guardian the UK rules would not exactly mirror the ban issued by the US, which forbids airlines from eight countries from allowing passengers to carry electronic devices such as laptops, tablets and even cameras larger than mobile phones into the plane cabin. Passengers must check in any such devices in their hold luggage.The ban and its full details were expected to be formally announced on Tuesday afternoon.The decision by the UK government is understood to have come after several weeks of meetings about airline security, including one on Tuesday morning. Discussions have also been taking place with US counterparts.This is about keeping the British people safe, the source said.Experts criticize US electronic devices ban on some flights from Middle EastSaudia Airlines and Royal Jordanian airlines are among the airlines included in the US ban. Affected airports include Queen Alia in Jordan, Cairo International in Egypt, Ataturk International in Turkey, Dubai international and Abu Dhabi international in the United Arab Emirates.In a statement on Tuesday, the US Department for Homeland Security said: The US government is concerned about terrorists ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years, as evidenced by the 2015 airliner downing in Egypt; the 2016 attempted airliner downing in Somalia; and the 2016 armed attacks against airports in Brussels and Istanbul.Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.
Some politicians in Lagos have called on the Federal Government to look for another person to manage the affairs of the Economic and Fi...
Some politicians in Lagos have called on the Federal Government to look for another person to manage the affairs of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).The politicians said in interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) onMonday in Lagos that the Acting Chairman of the commission, IbrahimMagu, was not the only Nigerian competent to manage it.'NAN reports that the senate has twice refused to confirm Magus nominationas the EFCC Chairman based on allegations made against him by the Department of State Service (DSS).Chief Ola Apena, Deputy Chairman of Lagos State Chapter of PDP, advised thegovernment not to leave Nigerians with the impression that nobody else coulddo the job.Magu is not the only Nigeria that can manage EFCC; other Nigerians havedone it before.If the DSS concludes that Magu does not possess the level of integrity andtransparency needed, so be it. I do not think there should be any fuse about it as a section of the society is making it to look. National Assembly members are not the ones who wrotethe report, Apena said.Mr Dennis Aghanya, Executive of Anti-Corruption and Research-based Data Initiative, urgedPresident Muhammadu Buhari to nominate somebody else in place of Magu.Magu has tried; his name will go down in history as one of the Acting EFCC Chairmen Nigeria had.There are other competent and qualified persons for the job.The president should not insist any further, Aghanya said.He called on the National Assembly to mend the EFCC Act to accommodate people in other professions as EFCC chairman instead of only the police or armed forces.Chief Martin Onovo, the 2015 Presidential Candidate of the NationalConscience Party (NCP), urged Buhari to seek security clearance of a certainclass of nominees to avoid what happened to Magu.'The senate has a constitutional role to screen nominees from the president for certain positions; the senate has played constitutional role.The senate can hold an opinion in direct contradiction with the presidents, Onovo said.
A picture where Michael Katambo, the Zambian minister of livestock and fisheries, is seen kneeling for President Edgar Lungu, has gone vir...
A picture where Michael Katambo, the Zambian minister of livestock and fisheries, is seen kneeling for President Edgar Lungu, has gone viral.The settings of the place looks like that of an office. While Lungu sat comfortably on the only chair in the office, Katambo with fear all over him, clenched both hands as he knelt.It looked as if the president was scolding his appointee. Another man was seen in the room, but his face was not visible.It is possible that he took the snapshot that is now all over the internet, as the man was seen holding a camera.Lungu and Katambo have become the butt of jokes across the continent, as Fikile Mbalula, South African minister of sports, taunted them on Twitter.Zambias president holding discussions with his livestock minister. No seat for him, not even kneeling, Mbalula wrote.Lungu appointed Katambo, a former lawmaker, in September.
Due to former President Olusegun Obasanjos contributions to the successful celebration of Festac 77 in 1977, the Centre for Black and Afr...
Due to former President Olusegun Obasanjos contributions to the successful celebration of Festac 77 in 1977, the Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilisation has concluded plans to crown him the Ruby King of Festac in May in Abuja.Dr Anikwe said the former president would be crowned the Ruby King of Festac and the Patron of African Culture by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll.The Director- General, CBAAC, said on Tuesday in Lagos that it was part of activities to commemorate four decades after the event was hosted by Nigeria.Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was Nigerias military head of state when the country hosted the festival in 1977.His crowning would form parts of the activities to celebrate Festac 77@40 that would start on April 1.Obasanjo appears as the greatest, in terms of the promotion of African culture in the whole of Africa and the black world, by the singular effort he demonstrated by organising and hosting Festac 77.There has not been any other event that can be compared with it; so, any form of positive accolade will not be too much for him.In a rare understanding of what the event would contribute toward showcasing Black and African cultural heritage then, Obasanjo quickly made wise consultations, recognised the international festival committee and other communities.He put square pegs in square holes, made funds available and eventually a festival that could be described as the largest assemblage of Black and African people worldwide was held from Jan.15, 1977 to Feb.12, 1977.The event was not only momentarily successful; it could also be described as a watershed in the Pan- Africans struggle.It is to Obasanjos eternal credit that Festac 77 covered the entire gamut of Black and African cultural heritage.Anikwe urged other Africans to emulate Obasanjo by doing things worthy of emulation, celebration, symbolism, recognisable and crowning, to earn the admiration of Africans.Activities to mark Festac 77@ 40 would hold in over 10 states including the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) where the Mascot would be unveiled on April 1.It would also entail different cultural displays that would hold in some states including Katsina, Enugu, Ogun, Kaduna, Akwa- Ibom and some foreign countries.
The 23-year-old lady who accused Omega Fire Ministries overseer, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, of having an affair with her was on Monday char...
The 23-year-old lady who accused Omega Fire Ministries overseer, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, of having an affair with her was on Monday charged for blackmail in Lagos.She was docked along with 43-year-old Wisdom Godstime at a Tinubu Chief Magistrates Court, and accused of conspiracy, blackmail, threat to life and an intent to steal.The prosecutor, M. A Animashaun, informed the court that the defendants and others at large committed the alleged offence on February 14, 2017, at about 10:30am, at Police College, Ikeja LagosAnimashaun also said the defendants, with intent to blackmail, unlawfully demanded the payment of $1 million to Otobo by Suleiman, else she would call a press conference and accuse him of committing adultery with her and having illicit relationship with her and thereafter kill him.The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Magistrate, Kikelomo Bukola-Ayeye, granted the defendants bail on liberal terms. They were asked to deposit N100,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must be gainfully employed.On March 6, she'd refused an earlier application to remand the duo in prison. She adjourned the case to April 27 for trial.
The driver of Allwell Orji, the medical doctor who jumped into Lagos lagoon on Sunday has revealed to the police what transpired between t...
The driver of Allwell Orji, the medical doctor who jumped into Lagos lagoon on Sunday has revealed to the police what transpired between them before the unfortunate incident.The driver has been detained by the police since the incident.Police sources at Adeniji Adele hinted that the driver maintained that his boss told him to park for him to urinate.According to the source, the driver stated that he never had any idea of what would happen. He said he obeyed his boss by stopping the car as directed but that to his dismay, his boss jumped into the lagoon before he could reach out to him.Commenting on his detention, police sources hinted that he was only put behind the counter and not inside the cell.Police also debunked claims of a suicide note purportedly written by the deceased, as well as report that late Orji received a call before he embarked on the suicide mission.
New York Jets vs Tennessee Titans
Actor Kal Penn will speak at Kean University's commencement ceremony on May 18 at the Prudential Center. (Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
(Saed Hindash)
UNION TOWNSHIP -- Kal Penn, a television and movie star who took time off to work for the White House, will speak at Kean University's commencement ceremony this May.
Penn, a New Jersey native, rose to fame after starring in the comedy film "Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle" and currently appears on the TV drama "Designated Survivor" alongside Kiefer Sutherland.
From 2009 to 2011, he was the associate director at the White House Office of Public Engagement, where he focused on issues such as increasing financial aid and bringing Americans back from Iraq.
Penn has also taught two courses at the University of Pennsylvania, one on Asian-Americans in pop culture and another on the history of teen movies.
Kean made the announcement on its Facebook page Tuesday and did not indicate whether Penn will receive a speaking fee. In recent years, Kean has paid $25,000 for celebrity speakers, including filmmaker Spike Lee in 2006, musical John Legend in 2011 and comedian Darrell Hammond in 2014.
The university did not yet respond to a request for financial information for Penn's speech.
Penn joins actor and musician Steven Van Zandt, who will speak at Rutgers University, among celebrity speakers already announced for this spring's college commencements.
Kean's 2017 commencement ceremony will be held May 18 at the Prudential Center.
Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
TRENTON -- Last fall, Gov. Chris Christie said parents who send their children to a parochial or private school should have no reason to be concerned about their safety.
"The safety of children, no matter where they go to school, is the responsibility of government," Christie said as he signed a law that established parameters for public dollars to flow to private schools for security improvements.
Six months later, Christie's 2018 budget proposal adds no new funding for private school security aid. Instead, it wipes out the $7.5 million in state security aid -- $50 per student -- that private schools already shared before the law was passed.
The about-face is disconcerting for parochial schools, especially considering the repeated threats to New Jersey's Jewish institutions in recent weeks, said Assemblyman Gary Schaer (D-Passaic), who led the legislative push for private school security aid.
"Any parent who ever has had to drop a child off at school in the morning knows how important it is to be able to rest assured that the school is safe," said Schaer, who is Jewish.
Christie's office referred comment to the Treasury Department, which said the governor has maintained his commitment to private schools, including $86.5 million for textbooks, transportation aid, nursing services, handicapped aid, technology and other programs.
State aid for private school security has been added to the budget by the Legislature in the prior years, said Willem Rijksen, spokesman for the treasurer's office said.
"There will be an opportunity for a similar discussion prior to the budget's signing," Rijksen said.
Representatives from the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the lobbying arm of the state's Catholic bishops, will testify about the need for state security aid at Tuesday's Senate budget hearing, said George Corwell, director of education for the organization.
Catholic schools have spent their security money on a wide range of initiatives, including better doors and locks, cameras and alert systems, Corwell said.
"It varies according to the needs of the school," Corwell said. "It's very important."
Statewide, there has been a substantial increase this year in threats and suspicious activity reported at religious institutions, Chris Rodriguez, the head of New Jersey's Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, said last month.
Although no threats have been found credible, the centers have to treat each threat seriously, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of children attending school and day care, he said.
The local threats have occurred against the backdrop of incidents across the country, including the large-scale vandalism of headstones at Jewish cemeteries in Pennsylvania and Missouri, and the distribution of white supremacist literature in several New Jersey towns.
Staff writer S.P. Sullivan contributed to this report
Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MADISON -- New Jersey's second-most expensive college has been losing money and faces a difficult path to regaining financial stability, according to a Wall Street credit rating agency.
Moody's Investors Service on Friday downgraded Drew University, a private college of about 1,800 students in Madison, for the second time in 15 months.
The downgrade reflects "the continued weakening of the university's financial viability," Moody's reported. Drew, which costs more than $47,000 a year in tuition and fees, is operating with unsustainable deficits and relies on loans or money from its diminishing endowment to cover its bills, the agency said.
Moody's dropped Drew's rating from Ba3 to B2 on one set of bonds and from Ba3 to B3 on another. All of those ratings are categorized as junk bonds on Wall Street, and Drew's credit outlook remains negative.
The latest downgrade could make it more expensive for Drew to borrow money in the future. It also marks the latest sign of financial trouble at the state's small private colleges, where enrollment has plummeted as students seek less expensive options.
"This is disappointing," university President MaryAnn Baenninger wrote in a letter about the downgrade sent to faculty and staff. "But it will not deter us from continuing steady progress towards a sustainable financial future."
When Baenninger arrived at Drew in 2014 she inherited a university that experienced a 21 percent decline in enrollment in just five years. The groundwork had already been laid for budget cuts, but Baenninger changed course and invested in facilities and marketing in an attempt to bolster enrollment while also making Drew more selective, she said in 2015.
"The ocean liner has stalled and it's facing the wrong direction," Baenninger said then. "It will take us four or five years to recover."
Most colleges aim to spend only a small percentage of their endowments for scholarships or other non-emergency initiatives each year. Drew's endowment dipped 19 percent to $172.2 million during fiscal year 2016, according to a survey by the National Association of College and University Business Officers.
Despite the financial problems, Drew is making positive strides this year in both student retention and enrollment, Baenninger wrote. Those trends are not reflected in the Moody's report, which looks at past financial performance, she added.
"By all data indicators, the plan is working," Baenninger wrote. "Nevertheless, we must take any assessment of the the university's finances seriously."
Drew needs to maintain momentum in boosting enrollment while also exploring other ways to offset its debt, including synergies between departments and administrative efficiencies, she wrote.
The university's rating outlook could improve if it experiences significant and sustained financial performance and increases its unrestricted cash flow and investments, Moody's said.
The outlook could become worse if operating deficits become deeper and the endowment continues to shrink, according to the Moody's report.
Adam Clark may be reached at adam_clark@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on twitter at @realAdamClark. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
AKC
Top dogs for 2016
Convinced your pup is just tops? A lot of other dog owners feel the same, of course, so here's one way to back up your claim.
Each year the American Kennel Club announces the most popular dog breeds in the nation. The group tracks registrations for each breed to come up with a list of the top 10 dogs in the country. Here are the top 10 dog breeds in New Jersey for the year 2016, according to AKC data released on March 21, 2017.
See if your dog makes the list, or argue your case for the breed in the comments.
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10. German shorthaired pointer
New Jersey is often a mirror on the nation when it comes to popular dog breeds, but not when you consider the German shorthaired pointer. Ranking No. 10 on New Jersey's list, the breed did not make the cut in the national top 10.
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German shorthaired pointer: Westminster champion
C.J., a German shorthaired pointer, won best in show at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2016. The breed, known for being a hunting and gun dog, can be found in the competition's sporting group.
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9. Yorkshire terrier
The yorkshire terrier moves up a place from No. 10 in 2015 to become New Jersey's No. 9 most popular breed for 2016. Yorkies, a part of the toy group, were first recognized by the AKC in 1885.
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Yorkies: 'Vigor and self-importance'
A Yorkie rests backstage at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in New York this past February. 'The dog's high head carriage and confident manner should give the appearance of vigor and self-importance,' an AKC breed standard says of the dog.
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8. Poodle
The poodle, the No. 7 dog in the country, is the No. 8 breed in New Jersey, dropping three spots since last year, when it was ranked No. 5 in the state.
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Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Poodle: 'An air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself'
A toy poodle gets groomed at the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club dog show. Recognized by the AKC in 1887, the poodle comes in standard, miniature and toy varieties, but all sizes are the same breed. '... The Poodle has about him an air of distinction and dignity peculiar to himself,' reads the breed standard.
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7. Boxer
The boxer, ranked 10 in the U.S., fares better in New Jersey, where it moves up a spot from last year, when the breed ranked No. 8.
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Aristide Economopoulos | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Boxer: Elegant, strong and agile
A boxer named Devlin from New Canaan, Conn., celebrates with his handler after winning the working group at the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club dog at Madison Square Garden. Recognized by the AKC in 1904, the boxer 'combines strength and agility with elegance and style,' according to its breed standard.
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6. Rottweiler
The Rottweiler, recognized by the AKC in 1931, holds its No. 6 spot in New Jersey from 2015, while ranking No. 8 breed in the nation.
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Rottweiler: Strength, agility, endurance
A Rottweiler competes in the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2014. Standard Rottweiler color combinations are black and mahogany, black and rust and black and tan. Named for Rottweil, Germany, the breed is thought to descend from Roman drover dogs. Another member of the working group, the Rottweiler was often used as a guard dog. As per the breed standard, the dog's 'compact and substantial build denotes great strength, agility and endurance.'
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5. Bulldog
The bulldog, a 2015 rising star in New Jersey's most popular breeds, falls one place from No. 4 in the state for 2016, but is also the No. 4 breed in the country. Recognized by the AKC in 1886, the bulldog can be white, fallow, brindle, red, fawn or piebald.
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Bulldog: 'Resolute and courageous'
A bulldog named Mia from Middlesex County competes at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2015. According to the breed standard, the dogs' 'disposition should be equable and kind, resolute and courageous (not vicious or aggressive), and demeanor should be pacific and dignified.'
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4. French bulldog
In New Jersey, the French bulldog moves up three spots from No. 7 in 2015, while the dog is ranked No. 6 nationally, behind the beagle (No. 5) and the bulldog (No. 4).
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Ed Murray | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Frenchies: 'Alert, curious and interested'
Recognized by the AKC in 1898, the French bulldog is known for its 'bat' ears and is thought to be descended from a toy version of the bulldog. The original name of the breed was 'boule-dog Francais.' The breed standard dictates the dogs' expression should be 'alert, curious and interested.'
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3. Golden retriever
The golden retriever is ranked No. 3 across the board in New Jersey both this and last year, and No. 3 in the nation. Recognized by the AKC in 1925, the breed, a member of the sporting group, was mostly used as a hunting dog before it became known as a top family dog.
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John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Golden retriever: 'Eager, alert and self-confident'
Toby, a golden retriever from Saddle Brook, competes in the Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster Kennel Club dog show in 2016. Golden retrievers are often prized as guide dogs and search-and-rescue dogs as well as all-around family dogs. Goldens should display 'a kindly expression' and 'a personality that is eager, alert and self-confident,' according to the breed standard.
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2. German shepherd
The German shepherd holds its place at No. 2 in New Jersey and is ranked the same in the national breed list. A member of the herding group recognized by the AKC in 1908, the breed is known as an excellent police dog and guard dog.
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German shepherd: Westminster champion
A German shepherd named Rumor took best in show at the 2017 Westminster Kennel Club dog show. 'The ideal dog is stamped with a look of quality and nobility - difficult to define, but unmistakable when present,' says the German shepherd's breed standard.
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1. Labrador retriever
The Labrador retriever retains its No. 1 spot in both New Jersey and the nation. This breed has been top dog in the nation for 26 years running. Recognized by the AKC in 1917, the Lab, a member of the sporting group, has been used as a retrieving gun dog and waterfowl hunter.
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Lab: Obedient, family-friendly companion
Heart, a Labrador retriever from Columbia, Warren County, has won the Masters Obedience Championship at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show two years in a row. Labs, which hail from Canada and come in chocolate, black and yellow, are known for being very family-friendly and make good guide dogs for the blind. (John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com)
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Frank Franklin II/AP
See the top N.J. dogs from 2015
Can't get enough of the top dogs? See our roundup of the 10 most popular breeds in New Jersey for 2015, which included the beagle, a breed that didn't make the 2016 list.
Amy Kuperinsky may be reached at akuperinsky@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AmyKup or on Facebook.
Kim DePaola
(File photo)
"Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Kim DePaola gave her first interview on Monday in response to a double homicide in which two people were found shot dead and burned inside a car registered to DePaola.
Speaking to TMZ in Los Angeles on Monday, where she said she was working, DePaola expressed grief and shock about the murders, describing herself as "brokenhearted."
"What we're hearing is they were both shot in the head and the car was lit on fire," DePaola says in the video. "These people have to be savages. I hope they catch them, and I hope they rot. You know, they will rot in hell. No matter what anyone does, they don't deserve to die like that."
DePaola added: "It's just a horrible, horrible situation. I'm brokenhearted, my son's brokenhearted. I spoke to the mother today, of one of the boys, and they're just devastated."
The car, a 2015 Audi, had been mainly driven by DePaola's son Chris Camiscioli, but he was in Los Angeles at the time of the killings, DePaola said. On Monday evening, cops identified Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr., 25, as the victims.
DePaola said that she knew both of the victims, and that one had been borrowing the car from her son. Earlier on Monday, Anderson's mother Michele Ryerson said that Anderson had been borrowing the car after dropping Camiscioli off at the airport.
The complete interview with DePaola can be seen at TMZ.com
Michael Sol Warren may be reached at mwarren@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MSolDub. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen DeGeneres (Photo by AP Photo/Warner Bros., Michael Rozman)
(Michael Rozman)
PHILADELPHIA -- After several cryptic Tweets sent out by daytime talk show host Ellen DeGeneres, the mystery of why her crew will be in Philadelphia Wednesday is finally solved.
DeGeneres' television crew and correspondent Jeannie Klisiewicz will be on the 1700 block of Walnut Street at 4 p.m. Wednesday for a live Twitter shot to air on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show."
I don't know what you've got going on tomorrow, #Philly, but you better be free at 4pm... that is, if you wanna be on my show. Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 21, 2017
DeGeneres' final Tweet in a series of three concerning Philadelphia explained that anyone who shows up to the shoot, may end up on her show.
"I don't know what you've got going on tomorrow, Philly, but you better be free at 4 pm... that is, if you wanna be on my show," her 3:30 p.m Tweet read on Tuesday.
DeGeneres' first, quite cryptic Tweet came in around 9 p.m. Monday which had Philadelphia fans in a tizzy.
Im going to shut down a couple of blocks on Walnut St. in #Philly. If youre free on Wednesday, its gonna be fun. Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 21, 2017
At that time, a spokesperson from DeGeneres' daytime television show confirmed that a crew from the show would be coming to Philadelphia on Wednesday, but did not ruin what the host seemed to want to be a surprise, NBCPhiladelphia.com said.
Around 11 a.m. Tuesday, in a second Tweet, DeGeneres indicated she was only sending her television crew to the City of Brotherly Love. She wouldn't be accompanying them.
After the second Tweet, philly.com reported that DeGeneres' crew would be on the 1700 block of Walnut Street between 2 and 7 p.m., and confirmed that the show's host would not be in attendance.
Tomorrow I'm sending some of my crew to #Philly for a live shot on Walnut Street. Y'all are gonna look great on my show. Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) March 21, 2017
However, according to the Executive Director of the Greater Philadelphia Film Office, Sharon Pinkenson, DeGeneres planned to be live via satellite to interact with fans who show up on Walnut Street Wednesday.
According to philly.com, DeGeneres announced a mysterious event in Philadelphia on Earth Day in 2010. Fans who showed up to that surprise show ended up on a kind of scavenger hunt, following clues that DeGeneres sent out via social media.
DeGeneres got her start in mainstream television on the sitcom, "Ellen," from 1994 to 1998. She has hosted her syndicated television talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," since 2003.
DeGeneres is also known as the voice of Dory, the funny blue fish with short-term memory loss from the Disney-Pixar movies, "Finding Nemo," and "Finding Dory."
DeGeneres earned the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for playing Dory in "Finding Nemo," making her the first actress to win a Saturn Award for a voice performance.
Follow DeGeneres on Twitter and Instagram for more information about her upcoming visit to Philadelphia.
Kelly Roncace may be reached at kroncace@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @kellyroncace. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
Record Store Day 2017 will be very, very good to a handful of Bruce Springsteen fans next month.
The organization that runs the April 22 indie-music-store holiday announced its list of special releases Tuesday, and among them is a vinyl version of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band's iconic Hammersmith Odeon '75 recording from London -- the band's first-ever concert outside the U.S.
This is the first time the Nov. 18, 1975 recording is being pressed to vinyl. It will appear as four LPs, and only 3,000 copies will be sold, according to Record Store Day's website.
For Bruce fans across the country, nabbing one of these vinyl sets next month will require Charlie Bucket-like fortune -- or hours spent waiting outside Vintage Vinyl or Princeton Record Exchange (we currently do not know if these shops will actually have the LPs).
Typically, record stores do not find out exactly which special orders they will be receiving until about a week before Record Store Day itself, so rushing to the phones now to ask your local shop if they will definitely have the album will do little good.
But there is hope; about 1,200 record stores participate in Record Store Day (more than 50 vendors in New Jersey alone). If the Record Store Day powers-that-be allocate the Springsteen haul (3,000 copies) evenly among the stores requesting it, chances are the popular Jersey shop nearest you will receive at least a couple sets.
And this is a "Record Store Day First" release, meaning in about six weeks, the LPs should be available at other retailers. Though every diehard collector wants to be first.
Also included in the Record Store Day release list is Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes' "Live From E Street" vinyl, a four-track cover album of Springsteen tunes.
See the full list of Record Store Day 2017 releases here.
Bobby Olivier may be reached at bolivier@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BobbyOlivier and Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Solange Paizante is a problem solver in Newark's Ironbound community.
Need a refrigerator? done. A wheelchair? No problem. Hungry? She calls restaurants to ask if they would allow someone to eat for free. Homeless? She can get a welcoming family to open their doors for the night.
"She's more than an angel,'' said Margarida Chagas of Newark. "She means everything.''
Born with osteogensis imperfecta, a condition that weakens her bones, Chagas, 50, needed around the clock home care following three surgeries in 2013 that required her to wear a medical halo brace on her head.
MORE: Recent Barry Carter columns
Paizante, 50, raised enough money to hire a nurse for two years. She made it happen.
She always does, seven days a week. Working from a former firehouse on Ferry Street, Paizante oversees Mantena Global Care, a grass roots community organization that provides social services to Newark's immigrant population in the East Ward.
"Everyone is put on earth with a mission,'' said Paizante, who is executive director of the organization.
Hers is helping people, as many as she can. And she does it for free.
"I love my job,'' she said.
Many who walk through the door are Brazilians like her, but people from Colombia, Peru, Ecuador and elsewhere look for Paizante when they hear that she can get things done.
Last week was no different.
A lady needed to talk to someone at Mantena about her marital problems. A man sought help for a friend, who needed to make funeral arrangements on how to transport a deceased family member to Brazil. A woman called and asked for help on how to send a package to a friend in prison.
"It's every day, all the time,'' said Patricia Palkoski, the secretary at Mantena and only person in the organization who earns a salary.
The others, about 60 members, are volunteers. But it is Paizante who is the face of Mantena, which was named for her tiny hometown in Brazil.
She rarely, if ever, turns down a request. She says it's too upsetting if she can't deliver. That's why she works so hard.
Murillo Monteiro, 25, had only been in Newark for a week last year when he arrived from Brazil and met Paizante. Needing a job, he walked into Mantena's building on a whim. And she made it happen.
Paizante picked up the phone and made a call. She's always on the phone. Texting, too.
Viviane Wilkens, a Mantena volunteer and board member, needed someone to do billing for her psychotherapist practice. The young man was hired.
"She never thinks about herself,'' Wilkens said. "She's amazing.''
And selfless, insightful and encouraging.
Marta Lopez, 51, of Rahway, can testify to all three.
She was diagnosed in 2013 with stage three breast cancer and had to leave her job as an engineer for treatment. Through word of mouth, Lopez heard about Paizante after she had undergone chemotherapy and radiation.
She enrolled in a course at Mantena to become a concrete estimator, because the position would allow her to work from home. Lopez, however, couldn't afford the course. Paizante made it happen again. She let her take the class for free, and continues to check in with the woman about her health.
"Now I have another opportunity for life,'' Lopez said.
Paizante, who has a degree in economics, said she fell into this type of altruistic work gradually. Her penchant to serve was inspired by her grandparents, who always helped others in Brazil.
Paizante continued to evolve while volunteering with her church in Brazil's poor mountainous neighborhoods, teaching children to sing, and reading them Bible stories.
Mantena, as an organization, wasn't even a thought until Paizante visited her brother in Elizabeth in 2001.They talked then of sending clothing, toys and shoes to poor families in Brazil.
The idea didn't take hold until 2003, when she returned from Brazil to New Jersey with her husband of 30 years, Renato. While she takes care of the community, he repairs air-conditioning and heating systems.
When Mantena finally launched, Paizante said, many of the items distributed to people in need had been discarded by people who didn't want them any longer.
She gets emotional talking about it, lowering her head and covering her watery eyes as tears fall anyway.
"There were so many wonderful things that people could use,'' she said.
Shipping items to Brazil didn't last long, when volunteers there began to lose interest. Mantena decided to focused its work on helping immigrants in Newark when the operation moved in 2006 to a building on Monroe Street in the Ironbound.
Thirteen years later, Mantena operates on donations and funds from leasing office space and fees from its programs.
One such program is a Portuguese-language class for English-speaking Brazilian children, so they can communicate with older family members.
Sarah DaCosta, 8, said she used to rely on her dad to talk to her mother. Now, "I translate everything,'' she said. "My progress reports, my report card. I do everything.''
On other days at Mantena, there is a support group for cancer survivors, meetings for domestic violence victims, health screenings, blood drives, citizenship classes. The Brazillian Consulate in New York comes once a month to assist residents with passports, birth certificates and legal documents.
MORE CARTER: A Newark man and his street of 56 years
The place is always jumping. Paizante's energy level matches the need, making those who know her look on in awe.
"I've never seen anybody like her,'' said Everton Oliveira, president of the Indian Knights motorcycle club in Newark, which has worked with Mantena.
"She's unbelievable. She's non-stop,'' Oliveira said.
As far as Chagas is concerned, Paizante is irreplaceable. She made her feel normal when others didn't. Because of her condition, Chagas, who is just 4-feet-2 inches tall and walks with a forearm crutch, often gets stares from strangers.
"I don't want to see this area without Solange,'' Chagas said.
You won't. In Brazil, the name Mantena means good soil.
Paizante must have brought it with her to Newark, where she has put down roots among a grateful community.
Barry Carter: (973) 836-4925 or bcarter@starledger.com or http://connect.nj.com/user/bcarter/posts.html
or follow him on Twitter @BarryCarterSL
NEWARK -- Taking the stage at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center Monday night, Mayor Ras Baraka spoke of a Newark transformed -- how a city often defined by its violence was emerging as a place for growth and innovation.
"This is our time to show the world what we can do, how to rise out of fire -- all of us -- every religion and every nationality," Baraka, 46, said before a packed crowd. "This is our Newark, Newark 3.0, Newark forward."
In his third state of the city speech since taking office in 2014, Baraka outlined the contours of his changing city -- a new Whole Foods at the remodeled Hahne & Co. building, a coming 22-acre public park in the downtown and a 13 percent reduction in overall crime.
"This has always been the thing that we have allowed others to define us by ... we have had decades of intractable and stubborn crime and violence in our community," Baraka said. "But I am happy to say that we are moving in the right direction."
In a wide-ranging speech, spanning about an hour, Baraka touched on the city's most pressing issues: public safety, development and jobs.
"We are cutting ribbons and doing groundbreakings almost every week," he said before a screen that read "Newark Forward." "We have over $2 billion of construction happening or in the pipeline right now."
With millions of square feet of commercial, residential and industrial development Baraka said change would not come at the expense of current residents.
"We know that there is a cry for affordable housing in this city which is why we are working on Newark's first inclusionary zoning ordinance to ensure that new housing development includes affordable homes and apartments," he said.
'Our city is a sanctuary city'
Baraka took a stab at President Donald J. Trump's immigration policies and reiterated the city's status as a sanctuary city.
Sanctuary cities generally limit their cooperation with immigration officials and Trump has vowed to cut federal funding from such jurisdictions.
"Our commitment to democracy will make us safer and more prosperous, not fear and division," he said. "We are a sanctuary city because it is who we are, our essence, a maker city, full of immigrants and ex-slaves escaping terror in the south."
Among one of the night's highlights, Baraka touted the city's diversity in Spanish and promised to protect undocumented immigrants as the crowd stood in applause and residents representing different cultures joined him on stage.
'This is Newark moving forward'
Photos of cranes, renderings and ongoing construction flashed behind Baraka as he rattled off coming retail and housing developments: A new poetry cafe, apartments for those with special needs and veterans transitional housing for women.
"I can go on and on and on," he said, listing more coming projects in once-abandoned buildings. But he said that the city would also ensure residents could afford to live in a changing Newark.
"We are focused on affordable housing," he said. "So when somebody tells you this is the next Brooklyn you say no, this is the next Newark."
Baraka said the city had provided 404 new affordable apartments and an additional 800 were in the pipeline.
He planned to convene a panel of developers and community representatives to make sure the city's development is inclusive and "that this renaissance that all of us have been waiting for, leaves the station with Newarkers on the train."
'Hire. Buy. Live'
With less than 20 percent of jobs in Newark going to city residents, Baraka underscored training programs and partnerships with companies to boost this number and raise living wages.
He said 1,000 construction and permanent jobs were coming to the city and announced a new partnership with businesses, medical institutions, higher education, clergy and workforce development programs called "Hire. Buy. Live. Newark" that would find full-time jobs for 2,020 unemployed residents by 2020. The plan would also push companies to procure locally and spur population growth.
Baraka said the plan was "an unprecedented collaboration for an American city."
'Forward ever, backward never'
Speaking before a crowd of nearly 3,000, that included former governors, state senators and assembly members, Baraka said the city was making strides to reduce crime and be a model for other major cities in the U.S.
He announced a new initiative to put street-level cameras in at least 125 "hot spots" in the city that will allow neighbors to monitor their own blocks -- on their phones and computers -- and make anonymous tips to police.
Baraka said police removed 500 guns off the street last year, as officers rolled out some of those weapons on the stage.
"This is why we need national gun reform policy now in this country," Baraka said pointing to the dozens of guns. He also mentioned the fatal shooting of a 10-year-old boy Saturday when an 11-year-old child was holding a gun that accidentally fired.
As he wrapped up, the crowd was electrified as Baraka talked about moving forward, not backward. One woman chanted, "best mayor in the United States!" Others, led by Baraka chanted, "forward ever, backward, never."
"We have the ability today to chart a path for ourselves that has been the least traveled," Baraka said."We are not letting up, we have just begun and we have so much more to do."
Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.
LIVINGSTON -- A telephone bomb threat that forced an evacuation at Temple Beth Shalom in Livingston Tuesday was unfounded, police said.
The Mount Pleasant Avenue congregation received the threat around 11 a.m., according to Livingston police Detective Sgt. Jack Hickey.
Officials with the Essex County Sheriff's Office conducted a sweep of the building and found nothing harmful after about an hour, Hickey added.
The call was not believed to be related to the string of threats made to Jewish Community centers across the country, the sergeant said. Unlike those threats, the Livingston incident did not use a robocall.
Police would maintain a presence at the facility, he added. There were no immediate arrests reported.
The scare came after a wave of threats targeting Jewish facilities, including in West Orange and Tenafly.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc and on Facebook. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
WASHINGTON TWP. -- Residents angry over a recently adopted ordinance that has the potential to increase some township employees' salaries by 7 to 13 percent are fighting to put the matter to a public vote.
The ordinance adopted last month in Washington Township, Gloucester County included increases in the salary range for seven positions. Critics point out that five of those positions are occupied by new appointments made in January when a new mayor and two new council members took office.
Brian F. McBride turned in a petition with more than 2,700 signatures objecting to the ordinance and calling for the matter to go before voters in November.
"In response to the blatant political corruption in the Township of Washington, neighbors banded together across party lines to bring in more than 2,700 signatures in 20 days, a staggering rate of 131 signatures per day, comprising 7.5 percent of all registered voters.
The petition was delivered to township clerk Leo Selb last week, he said.
These are the positions that saw increases in salary ranges in the 2017 ordinance, followed by the 2016 upper-end of the salary range, and the current base pay of the employee filling that position.
Director, Department of Public Safety: $130,000-$160,000 (up from $150,000).
Police Chief Patrick M. Gurcsik is currently paid $150,000.
Director, Department of Finance & Administration: $90,000-$120,000 (up from $106,000).
Business Administrator Jason Gonter is currently paid $106,000.
Director, Department of Law: $80,000-$110,000 (up from $100,000).
Township solicitor Stuart A. Platt is currently paid $100,000.
Director, Department of Municipal Services: $85,000-$110,000 (up from $103,000).
Ernest M. D'Orazio is paid $103,000.
Director, Department of Community Development: $70,000-$90,000 (up from $83,000).
John G. DiStefano is paid $82,806.
Chief Financial Officer: $22,500-$85,000 (up from $75,000).
James L. D'Auria is currently paid $75,000.
Tax Collector: $50,000-$68,000 (up from $65,000).
Robin D. Sarlo is paid $62,424.
Of these employees, five -- Gurcsik, Platt, Gonter, D'Orazio and DiStefano -- were appointed in January with salaries at the top end of the previous pay range for those positions.
Backers of the new ordinance pointed out that the increase in salary range doesn't mean these officials will automatically get raises to those new figures, while detractors argued that this ordinance clears the way for inevitable raises that the township cannot afford.
Council President Nick Fazzio and Councilwoman Dana Pasqualone voted against adopting the ordinance last month, while Council Vice President Joe Perry and Councilman Sean Longfellow and Councilwoman Angela Donato voted in favor.
The vote wasn't on party lines.
Pasqualone, Fazzio and Perry are Republicans, while the remainder of the council are Democrats. Republicans maintain a 3-2 majority on council, while Mayor Joann Gattinelli is a Democrat.
Speaking against the increases in salary ranges during February council sessions, Pasqualone questioned the rationale behind those increases. While salary ranges normally increase 2 to 3 percent, some of these range increases are 7 to 13 percent, Pasqualone said.
"It just doesn't make sense from a financial perspective," she said. "Think about everyone who will be affected by this."
Supporters of the ordinance countered that the increases in the ranges were necessary.
"I think this is an appropriate salary range," Longfellow said, arguing that the mayor needs to be able to recruit the best candidates for key township positions, such as business administrator. That means have the flexibility to pay more for talented professionals, he said.
The ranges were also increased so that the council wouldn't have to keep increasing the ranges by smaller amounts every single year, he added.
Donato challenged the suggestion that the salary range increases meant salaries would automatically rise.
"We are increasing the range, we are not increasing the salary," Donato said.
"Right, but you wouldn't increase the range unless you were planning on increasing the salary," Pasqualone responded.
"That's not necessarily true," Donato replied. "You're making the taxpayers believe that we're raising taxes when we haven't even seen a budget yet."
Pasqualone asked Gattinelli, a Democrat, if she planned to give raises to those she appointed, including the police chief, solicitor and business administrator. Platt responded, saying that question cannot be answered until a salary range is adopted.
McBride called the petition drive a non-partisan effort of "neighbors helping neighbors," including both Republicans and Democrats. Signers include former Republican mayor John W. Robertson, as well as former township council members, fire chiefs and police administrators, he said.
During his effort to challenge the ordinance, McBride said residents have shared powerful stories of their struggles to make ends meet.
"I've talked to seniors sitting in wheelchairs telling me they can only afford one meal a day," he said. "It's breaking my heart."
The petitions signers included those who signed on paper, those who used change.org and about 500 who submitted electronic signatures using DocuSign technology. McBride says he has been told that the township may not accept the electronic signatures. While he disputes any challenge to the legitimacy of how those signatures were gathered, he plans to resubmit his petition to council on Wednesday night with paper signatures from those who originally signed electronically.
As this issue plays out, McBride is also facing another challenge.
He is being sued by Councilwoman Donato and her parents, who allege that McBride has carried out a campaign of "harassment and verbal attacks" against the family by posting false and defamatory items about them on social media.
He questioned the timing of the lawsuit, which was filed Friday, and called it "baseless and not proper."
Donato commented Tuesday that the lawsuit was in no way related to the petition drive.
Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.
JERSEY CITY -- The 5-year-old boy who was allegedly beaten and abused by his mother's boyfriend suffered similar treatment at the hands of his own mother, according to a criminal complaint released Monday.
The 26-year-old woman, whose name is not being published to protect the identity of her son, is charged with child abuse and aggravated assault. The Ocean Avenue resident is accused of beating the boy and inflicting unnecessarily severe corporal punishment, the complaint states.
She is also charged with locking the boy in a bathroom overnight on more than one occasion, according to the complaint.
The woman was arrested Feb. 17 and ordered to make her first court appearance on the charges March 10.
Rameses Richardson, 19, who police say was in a relationship with the boy's mother and lived in the same home, is accused of beating the boy with a belt and leaving marks on his body. Authorities say he also burned the boy's hands with hot water and locked the boy in a bathroom overnight on multiple dates in 2016 and 2017.
Richardson was arrested March 10 but did not appear in court on the charges until March 17 because he refused to be fingerprinted.
When Richardson appeared in court, and official said the boy was currently living out of the state.
UPDATE: Feds say man was packaging, shipping kilos of fentanyl
KEARNY -- A two-story building in the center of town was raided Monday by dozens of federal police officers, who spent more than 12 hours there.
The investigation is being conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Agency, a spokesman for the New Jersey State Police said.
One woman who works in the neighborhood, who asked not to be identified, said at about 8:45 a.m., an unmarked SUV with police lights came speeding down the street and popped up on to the sidewalk outside of 344 Kearny Ave.
Police got out of the vehicle and detained at least one man from the back of the house. Throughout the day, officers were removing boxes and placing them in trucks, the woman said.
As late as 8:30 p.m., investigators were still coming out of the the building wearing full hazmat suits. One officer was overheard talking about the "product" they were loading into the car
An investigator from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service at the scene said New Jersey State Police could provide details on the investigation. State Police, however, said the agency only assisted in the raid and that the Post Office and Drug Enforcement Agency should be able to provide details on the investigations.
Neither of those departments have returned a request for comment.
Sean Tighe, who lives in Kearny, said he wasn't sure what was going on, but he saw investigators placing several USPS envelopes in the back of an SUV. He did hear people talking about a "cleanup" at the house. Spotlights from work trucks were shining in the neighborhood.
"I thought it was a movie," Tighe said. "I came to check it out."
The building was once a tanning salon that closed several years ago, with another neighbor saying it now operates as a rooming house, similar to the building next door.
Tax records list the owner of the building as Jr. Verona LLC, with an address on Alpine Street in Kearny. A call to the LLC was not picked up.
Another man, who only identified himself as Pete, works on the same block where the investigation was being conducted.
"From what I understand, it was pretty serious," he said. "I was just trying to make sure it wasn't something dangerous."
When he showed up for work Monday morning and saw all the police activity Pete said he was little uneasy, mentioning how a bomb threat was made at the Harrison PATH station a few miles down the road the night before.
Additional information was not immediately available.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
Cletus Honore appears in court in August 2015.
JERSEY CITY - A West Orange man is facing up to 30 years in prison for a 2015 shooting on Bramall Avenue, despite being found not guilty of attempted murder.
On Friday, a jury found Cletus Honore, 25, guilty of aggravated assault, weapons offenses, and eluding police for the Aug. 28 shooting near Sackett Street.
A 29-year-old man was shot in the chest in the incident. At the time of the shooting, authorities said Honore was spotted fleeing the scene in a gray Acura with his co-defendant Michael Lewis, also of West Orange.
Honore was the driver of the car and led police on a pursuit through the city before crashing on Routes 1&9 near Broadway. The two West Orange men took off on foot before they were eventually arrested and a handgun was recovered in the neighborhood, authorities said at the time.
The two-week trial was heard before Judge Mark with the state represented by Hudson County Assistant Prosecutor David Feldman.
Lewis, the co-defendant, pleaded guilty to second-degree unlawful possession of a weapon and he is expected to be sentenced in Nelson's courtroom on March 24.
Honore faces anywhere for five to 30 years in jail for the second-degree convictions. He is expected to be sentenced on April 28, a spokesman for the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office said.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
Federal authorities arrested a 28-year-old man in Kearny Monday morning after a months-long investigation determined he was selling highly addictive drugs online, officials said.
Chukwuemeka "Emeka" Okparaeke is charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute large quantities of fentanyl analogues, acting New York U.S. Attorney Joon Kim announced in a statement.
Okparaeke is accused of receiving several kilograms of fentanyl and repackaging the drugs into smaller quantities for resale. Authorities say he then sold the drugs through an online black marketplace on the "darknet" accessible only through special software that allows users to mask their identities with encryption and decryption to sell them.
Fentanyl, which is stronger than heroin and similar to morphine, is highly addictive and lethal if too high a dose is taken. The drug killed beloved pop star Prince, whose autopsy revealed he died of an accidental overdose in April.
The investigation -- by United States Postal Inspection Service, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Customs and Borders Protection -- began in Middletown, New York in November, according to Okparaeke's criminal complaint.
An employee at a Middletown post office reported that several postal workers saw a "suspicious person" wearing latex-dipped gloves leave several packages in a bin outside the building. Authorities were able to determine Okparaeke was similarly shipping packages from other nearby locations and using a fake return address, the complaint states.
Police in Virginia later ordered a package of drugs, which they received, from the black market account "Fentmaster," which authorities say belongs to the 28-year-old.
At some point the investigation led authorities to New Jersey, and Okparaeke's car was spotted outside a "townhouse" in Kearny on March 7, according to the court filings.
Authorities watched Okparaeke place two USPS crates into his car and leave the area. The investigators then went to the Harrison post office a few miles down the road to check for the packages they believed the 28-year-old had prepared to ship. Nearly 80 packages matched the name and address an undercover police provided to "Fentmaster," the complaint states.
Okparaeke was arrested on Monday morning and federal authorities wearing hazmat suits were at 344 Kearny Ave. for nearly 12 hours.
"Opioids such as fentanyl have become a public health crisis robbing many of productive futures and their very lives," USPIS Inspector in Charge Phillip R. Bartlett said in a statement. "Postal Inspectors have always made it their mission to protect the public and the U. S. Postal Service from these alleged drug traffickers, putting an end to their criminal enterprise through their misuse of the U. S. Mail."
The case is being heard in the United States District Court in White Plains, New York. Okparaeke faces 10 years to life in prison if convicted of the crime.
Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.
RARITAN TWP. - Henry Calel-Juarez, 24, of Flemington, has been charged with criminal sexual contact after groping two women on the walking trails at Morales Park, township police said Tuesday.
Calel-Juarez was charged at 4:40 p.m. on Friday following an investigation that lasted several months, police said. One incident happened in late December and the second in early January, it was previously reported.
In both incidents, a lone woman walking on the trails at the park located off Capner Street was approached by Calel-Juarez. He groped the women before walking away, police said.
It was previously reported that he started talking to the victims before grabbing them. In one incident, he asked a woman for help finding a cell phone signal, according to police.
In the other, he started talking to a woman about the dog she was walking. In both, he grabbed and squeezed the victim's buttocks before walking away, police said.
Calel-Juarez was turned over to the Hunterdon County Sheriff's Department and transferred to the Somerset County Jail where he is being held pending a detention hearing, police said.
His arrest was made by Det. Ryan Garbolino and the investigation was made by the Detective Bureau with the assistance of Officer Ismael Mendez, police said.
As a key environmental report on the billion dollar PennEast Pipeline project looms, New Jersey's two United States senators have asked a federal regulator to address a host of concerns already raised by other government agencies.
Democrats Cory Booker and Robert Menendez, in a March 17 letter to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), highlighted concerns about methane gas, impacts on turtles and bats, and arsenic levels in ground water.
"We are concerned that the environmental impacts are not yet fully understood," the letter says.
FERC is expected to issue it's environmental impact statement, or EIS, on the proposed 36-inch wide, 120-mile long natural gas pipeline project on April 7.
"PennEast appreciates the input from New Jersey's two U.S. Senators and shares in their concerns as it relates to safe construction with minimal environmental impact," PennEast spokeswoman Pat Kornick said Tuesday.
The pipeline, Kornick said, will be a safe, job-creating project that will save consumers energy costs.
The senators did not publicize their letter, but PennEast opponent ReThink Energy NJ did.
"Senators Booker and Menendez have rightly pointed out that FERC has yet to fully address a host of critical concerns raised by public agencies and independent scientists regarding the risks that PennEast poses to our health, safety and environment," Tom Gilbert, campaign director of ReThink Energy NJ and the New Jersey Conservation Foundation said.
Gilbert said the question is, will FERC pay attention, "Or will they move ahead with a flawed EIS that fails to evaluate potential contamination of our drinking water, increases in harmful emissions, damage to threatened and endangered species, and other significant environmental impacts."
FERC Tuesday declined comment on the letter, or allegations made in response to it, that it's their policy not to comment on matters awaiting a commission decision.
In their letter, the senators highlight:
the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) recommendation that PennEast present plans to mitigate the leakage of methane along the pipeline and outline plans to minimize drilling risks
the U.S. Fish and Wildlife's request for more in depth habitat surveys for the federally threatened bog turtle and the federally endangered Indiana bat.
the U.S. Department of Interior's citing "confusing" and "contradictory" PennEast statements about the risk of arsenic exposure to groundwater, which experts have said could exceed the Surface Water Quality Standard in steam water. The department also wants Penn East to conduct a comprehensive well-sampling plan.
The senators asked that as FERC completes the EIS, the concerns are "thoroughly evaluated and addressed."
Jim Waltman, executive director of the Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed, also praised the senators letter.
"The very serious concern that this pipeline could release poisonous arsenic into our groundwater has received only lip service from FERC and PennEast, Waltman said in the ReThink Energy statement. "We applaud the senators for elevating this critical issue. For New Jersey, the pipe stops here."
Kornick said PennEast has filed, and FERC approved, a comprehensive well-monitoring plan.
And the company hired New Jersey's leading arsenic expert to conduct "a robust three-month scientific field study that concluded the impacts of PennEast construction would not mobilize naturally occurring arsenic at a level that threatens drinking water supplies."
"No such study has been conducted that would support the scare tactics and misinformation circulated by opposition groups," Kornick said.
The pipeline, if built, plans to to move natural gas from the Marcellus Shale region in Luzerne County, Pa. to Hunterdon and Mercer counties in N.J. A connector pipeline will then link it to an existing compressor in West Amwell.
Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
FREEHOLD - A state appellate panel Tuesday upheld the life sentence and conviction of an Eatontown man who killed his 2-year-old daughter by strapping her in a car seat and weighing it down in a creek.
Arthur Morgan III, now 32, did not receive an excessive sentence and will not get a new trial after alleging the jury was not properly instructed on the passion/provocation manslaughter defense and an intoxication defense, the two-judge panel concluded.
Morgan was found guilty in April 2014 on charges of murder, endangering the welfare of a child and interference with custody in the November 2011 killing of Tierra Morgan-Glover. Morgan was sentenced to life without parole following a three-week trial.
Prosecutors said during his trial that Morgan brought Tierra to Shark River Park around 5:45 p.m., attached a car jack to her car seat and tossed her over the bridge.
Earlier that day, Morgan had picked his daughter up from her mother, Imani Benton, and was supposed to take her to see a movie. Instead, he took her to McDonald's before he drove to Shark River Park.
Prosecutors said Morgan killed Tierra to get back at her mother for breaking off the engagement.
Benton called police after Morgan failed to bring their daughter home. He then led authorities on a nationwide manhunt before he was arrested in San Diego, California.
At his sentencing, Monmouth County Superior Court Judge Anthony Mellaci called Morgan's life sentence without parole "an unacceptable alternative for what you've done."
Morgan's attorney, Jeff Coghlan, had argued for a change of venue for the trial due to the heightened media coverage. Mellaci denied that motion at the time and the appellate court upheld that ruling in its decision on Tuesday.
The appellate ruling stated, "there is no evidence" the jury selection process was "tainted by media publicity."
Appellate Judges Joseph Yannotti and Robert Gilson wrote in their 25-page opinion that there was no evidence Morgan was high at the time he killed his daughter, even though there was some evidence he smoked marijuana earlier in the day.
The judges also rejected Morgan's assertion that he killed Tierra in the heat of passion after he was provoked by her mother.
"Furthermore, there was no evidence indicating that defendant had an inadequate cooling off period between the alleged provocation and slaying," the appellate ruling states. "Defendant had his daughter in his care for several hours before he put her in the stream."
Alex Napoliello may be reached at anapoliello@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @alexnapoNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
ROCKAWAY TOWNSHIP -- A Rockaway Township police officer who was admitted into a pretrial intervention program after being charged with lying to a state trooper over a relative's DWI charge has returned to work.
Clifton Gauthier (File photo)
Clifton Gauthier, of Sparta, was facing a charge of official misconduct, but instead accepted a plea deal in June under which he would spend a year on probation and complete 25 hours of community service.
When reached for comment on Monday, Gauthier said, "It's great to be back." He declined further comment.
Authorities have said Gauthier called State Trooper Nagib Saad in February 2012 because Saad had arrested his cousin on a DWI charge.
Gauthier allegedly told the trooper he had discussed the matter with the municipal prosecutor, Denis Driscoll, who decided Saad did not have to appear in court.
Authorities said when Saad called to confirm that account with Driscoll, the prosecutor said he hadn't spoken to Gauthier about the case and the matter hadn't been resolved.
Driscoll then filed a complaint that prompted an internal affairs investigation and led to charges against Gauthier.
Under the terms of the deal, all charges against Gauthier would be dismissed upon the successful completion of the PTI program. His deal did not bar him from seeking reinstatement with the police department.
Gauthier, an Iraq War veteran, faced up to five years in prison if convicted of official misconduct.
Rockaway Township attorney John Iaciofano confirmed Gauthier was reinstated on Monday.
"He was discharged early (from PTI) presumably because he satisfactorily completed the terms of the program and his indictment was dismissed," Iaciofano said.
Iaciofano confirmed the police department conducted an internal investigation into Gauthier at the direction of the Morris County Prosecutor's Office, but "the investigation was concluded and he's been returned to duty."
Gauthier has been with the department for 13 years and two months, and was receiving an annual salary of $113,067, according to the township clerk's office.
Justin Zaremba may be reached at jzaremba@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JustinZarembaNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
MORRISTOWN -- U.S. Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, facing a spate of criticism for supporting President Trump, again sought to distance himself from Trump on some key issues Monday night.
During Frelinghuysen's third "telephone town hall" in four weeks, the 12-term congressman continued to advocate for repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
But he also refuted Trump's claim that he was wiretapped, prior to the Nov. 8 election, at the behest of former President Obama.
"I've heard of no evidence, public or private, that would back up this notion," Frelinghuysen said during the 5 p.m. call, just hours after FBI Director James Comey offered a similar rebuttal.
"The president has put a lot of credibility into his position, which I think is an incorrect one," Frelinghuysen said.
Frelinghuysen, R-11th District, has been the focus of widely-publicized, weekly protests outside his district office over President Donald Trump and Republican plans to repeal the Affordable Care Act. He has not changed his stance on this issue.
Participants were asked to register with his office to participate in the hearing. The process for selecting questioners was not explained during the call.
He has been criticized for not holding in-person town halls or showing up at events organized by the protesters. Hundreds of protesters have attended rallies outside his office.
Trump's unfounded assertion was initially made via Twitter, and Frelinghuysen dismissed his recurring tweets on a wide range of topics as "totally out of control."
Frelinghuysen also said he remains unsold on Trump's signature issue, building a wall along the Mexican border.
"I'm not sure the wall is the answer," Frelinghuysen said.
Frelinghuysen sought to assert that the Republican-controlled Congress might serve as a check on the Republican president and his budget proposals, including proposed cuts to the Meals on Wheels program.
"The power of the purse continues to lie with Congress," said Frelinghuysen, who offered praise for the program.
Reiterating what he said during his last telephone town hall March 1, Frelinghuysen said Trump should release his tax returns, but defended his refusal to support a parliamentary maneuver from Democratic Rep. Bill Pascrell Jr. that might have forced the president to do so.
In response to a question on that subject, from a caller identified as Michael from Rockaway, Frelinghuysen said, "Do I think he ought to release his taxes? I think he should."
"I think the president ought to release his tax returns as everyone has done before him," Frelinghuysen said.
The telephone town hall lasted more than 50 minutes and Frelinghuysen took about a dozen questions.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook
MORRISTOWN -- A juvenile detention officer in Morris County lost her job Tuesday after admitting to excessive force on duty.
Katria Thorne-Stevenson pleaded guilty to simple assault of an unnamed female juvenile at the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center, the county prosecutor's office said.
Her guilty plea, before Superior Court Judge Catherine Enright, stemmed from an incident on Nov. 5.
According to the prosecutor's office, which sent out a statement following her court appearance, Thorne-Stevenson was attempting to restrain the girl when she "struck the juvenile in the face with a closed fist, in excess of the force needed to accomplish any lawful purpose."
The victim sustained what the prosecutor's office described as a bruise and swelling to her lip.
"The juvenile was handcuffed at the time and there was no justifiable need for force to be used at that point," the prosecutor's office said.
As part of the plea agreement, Thorne-Stevenson resigned and is barred from seeking any law enforcement, juvenile corrections or adult corrections jobs in New Jersey.
She will be sentenced April 28.
Rob Jennings may be reached at rjennings@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @RobJenningsNJ. Find NJ.com on Facebook
Andrew Napolitano, a former New Jersey Superior Court judge and Seton Hall University adjunct professor, has been removed indefinitely from his post as an analyst on Fox News following widely discredited claims he made regarding surveillance directed against President Donald Trump, the Los Angeles Times reported Monday.
Last week, citing unnamed intelligence sources, Napolitano said the Government Communications Headquarters, a British government intelligence agency, conducted surveillance on President Trump at the behest of President Barack Obama.
Andrew Napolitano (file photo)
Napolitano's report, which appeared in a column on the Fox web site, comes after Trump alleged in a March 4 series of tweets that Obama had "wire tapped" Trump's phones. Napolitano, whose allegation was repeated by press secretary Sean Spicer during a White House press conference and by Trump, also said the British were asked to conduct the surveillance to possibly cloak Obama's involvement.
Napolitano's allegation was immediately refuted by American elected officials, the news division of Fox, and, in a rare public statement, by the British agency itself, GCHQ. During Congressional testimony Monday, both FBI Director James Comey and National Security Director Michael Rogers said there was no evidence to support claims Obama arranged to have Trump phones wiretapped.
Napolitano, a Newark native and a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Notre Dame, served on the bench in New Jersey from 1987 to 1995. He joined Fox in 1998 and had been working as a senior judicial analyst for the network.
Paul Milo may be reached at pmilo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@PaulMilo2. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
By Stephen Stirling | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
New Jersey is in the midst of a dramatic population shift, the inverse of the outward sprawl that has dominated the state for the last several decades.
The large population swings mean parts of the state are seeing decline not seen in more than 20 years. Today, we take a look at what towns are seeing the starkest losses.
While there are some familiar cameos from towns on our list last year, the new data show significant population movement in other parts of the state, some that have upended municipal demographics entirely. Also, be sure to check out the 20 fastest-growing towns in New Jersey.
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A shift towards the city
With each passing year since the Great Recession, the population trend in New Jersey becomes more clear. During the last decade, counties like Sussex and Warren once the fastest growing in New Jersey are now shrinking. Conversely, the suburbs surrounding New York City are booming.
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Sprawl withdrawal
A closer look shows that the outer-ring suburbs that saw explosive growth in the 1980s and 1990s are now in decline more residents move toward New York and Philadelphia.
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Permanent Jersey Shore residents are an endangered species
Shore towns dominate our top 20 list. A combination of the effects of Hurricane Sandy and a longtime trend of shore residents being replaced by second-homeowners is primarily to blame.
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How we did it
For our top 20s, we looked at population growth and decline in two ways raw change and percent change.
Each tells a different story. Growth and decline in competing New Jersey cities can better be measured in raw totals while population shifts in smaller communities is best measured using percent change.
Towns with a margin of error of more than 15% were excluded from analysis.
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10. Vernon
Vernon was actually #1 on our list last year, but only drops because other towns have outpaced them. Poor access to public transit and long commute times to New York City are among the drawbacks of this Sussex County town.
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9. Margate City
Like other towns in the immediate vicinity of Atlantic City, Margate City has suffered due to the slow crumbling of the casino industry, which employ many residents in the area.
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Stephen Stirling | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
8. Camden
Long plagued by crime and poverty, Camden has been losing population for years. While significant investment has taken place in hopes of revitalizing the once thriving manufacturing hub, they have yet to show any significant impact.
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7. Irvington
Unlike neighboring Newark, undergoing its first growth in half a century, Irvington has been bleeding population for the better part of the last decade. Data show homeowners here pay a larger percent of their income towards property taxes than most in the state.
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6. Brick
Brick was among the hardest hit communities by Hurricane Sandy, so it would not be surprising if most of their losses came from their beach and bay communities. Up and down the coast, more longtime residents are selling their homes to seasonal residents amid a booming real estate market, depleting permanent population along the coast.
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5. Brigantine
This northern neighbor of Atlantic City has suffered from the regional economic hub's struggles. As casino jobs dry up, residents once employed by the industry are leaving in considerable numbers.
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4. Ocean City
Ocean City, a popular resort community, may be hit by two factors. First, the longtime dwindling of permanent residents along the Jersey Shore. Second, the economic hardship of nearby Atlantic City sapping jobs from the region.
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3. Willingboro
The Gloucester, Burlington and Camden county regions are something of a mish-mash. Some towns, like Woolwich in Gloucester County, are seeing explosive growth. Others, like Willingboro in Burlington, are experiencing just the opposite.
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2. Washington, Gloucester County
Washington saw explosive development in the 1980s and 1990s as suburbia boomed around New Jersey. Like its neighbors to the north, the community is experiencing a pinch as homebuyers gravitate toward city environments.
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1. Toms River
No town took a larger swipe from Hurricane Sandy than Toms River, and it's impacts are still showing. Scores of homes were leveled or damaged during the storm and the town lost billions to its tax base. It's population figures before and after the storm show this impact in full.
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10. Alpine
If there's any credence to be leant to the theory that millionaires are fleeing New Jersey, Alpine's population shift may provide some evidence. Long known as one of the richest towns in New Jersey, it has lost a sizable chunk of its population since the recession.
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9. Lavallette
Surrounded by Sandy-battered Toms River, Lavalette has many of the same issues affecting it since the recession. After effects of the storm remain up and down the coast, and the shift toward the second home population up and down the coast loom large over beachfront communities like Lavallette.
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8. Ocean City
Ocean City is one of the few towns on both of our lists. Its decline is inline with that of other shore towns in New Jersey, with the added detriment of its proximity to flailing Atlantic City, a regional job hub.
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7. Margate City
Margate City is one of many examples on this list of how the decline of a regional job center (Atlantic City) can have impacts that stretch beyond its borders.
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Stephen Stirling | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
6. Brigantine
See #7 and #8. Pivot north a bit and you've got Brigantine.
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5. Surf City
Surf City appears on this list because it doesn't have much permanent population to lose. With the popularity of second-homes booming at the shore, it doesn't take much to have an impact in a sea-bound community like Surf City.
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4. Ship Bottom
Located just south of #5 on the percent-change list, Ship Bottom has seen its population dip for the same reasons.
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3. Hampton
Hunterdon County is one of the northern New Jersey counties that has seen its population stagnate in recent years. A lack of public transportation and a long commute to New York City and most other regional job hubs has made it less attractive to home-buyers in recent years.
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2. Sea Isle City
Towns with more beachfront property are more likely to be prone to the population sapping seasonal homebuyer market. Sea Isle City has one of the longest stretches of shorefront property in the state likely a reason it places high on this list.
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Stephen Stirling | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
1. Beach Haven
Beach Haven may be the most secluded section of Long Beach Island, located on its southern tip north of Atlantic City. While it's no less of a seasonal draw, the Jersey Shore remains as popular as ever, its permanent population has dwindled considerably since the recession.
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RELATED:
The 20 fastest growing towns in New Jersey
N.J. by the foot: The 20 most and least expensive towns by the square foot
PHILADELPHIA -- A federal grand jury has indicted Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams on 23 corruption-related charges following an investigation led by prosecutors in New Jersey, authorities announced Tuesday.
Williams, who announced last month that he would not seek reelection, has been dogged by controversy over lavish gifts -- reportedly in excess of $160,000, according to 6ABC -- that he allegedly received and failed to disclose.
The charges against Williams -- which include bribery, extortion and honest services wire fraud -- stem from an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office for New Jersey that also involved the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations and the Internal Revenue Service.
Federal prosecutors in New Jersey say they took over the case after the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania -- which covers Philadelphia -- recused his office from the investigation.
In addition to soliciting and accepting tens of thousands in "concealed bribes," authorities say, Williams is accused of diverting a relative's pension and Social Security payments from the nursing home where they lived, using the money to cover his own expenses.
In exchange for gifts ranging from foreign vacations to a Jaguar XK8 convertible, Williams allegedly intervened in law enforcement and court matters involving his benefactors, and in one case appointed a person on federal probation a "special advisor" to the District Attorney's Office.
After originally omitting the gifts from his personal financial statements, prosecutors say, Williams later amended those statements to include the gifts once he became aware of the federal criminal investigation.
If convicted, he faces a maximum of 20 years in prison on the extortion and wire fraud charges, and up to five years in prison for each count of violating federal law regarding bribery involving interstate facilities, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office, which is also seeking the forfeiture of $54,466 in alleged criminal proceeds.
Two federal prosecutors from the Eastern District office will remain on the case under the supervision of their counterparts in New Jersey, authorities say.
Thomas Moriarty may be reached at tmoriarty@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ThomasDMoriarty. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
TRENTON -- Tackling a series of issues raised by New Jersey's new bail system, a state appellate court on Tuesday clarified how juvenile records and Megan's Law can be used in deciding whether a person should remain behind bars after arrest.
In ordering the new detention hearing for a convicted sex offender from Ocean County, the three-judge panel said that in ruling on one of the earliest detention hearing cases under a new system, it was clarifying how attorneys and judges should handle detention hearings going forward.
The decision is the first of what is expected to be a series of court cases to address the issues lawyers, judges and court personnel have been grappling with since the state's new bail system went into effect on Jan. 1
"It is clear that this is one of many published cases that we are going to see that not only discusses the new pretrial reform statute but also sets forth standards for future application of the statute," said Assistant Deputy Public Defender Laura Lasota, who handled the appeal.
The appellate court recognized Judge Wendel E. Daniels' decision to release Christopher Wilson in January came as lawyers and judges were still trying to adapt to the new system, but it said Daniels' decision didn't include his reason for releasing Wilson despite a "troubling" criminal record and other issues of concern.
Specifically, the appellate court addressed what its role would be in reviewing cases, the impact of a juvenile record on the case of an adult, the weight given to Megan's Law in determining whether a person is detained and the weight given to a recommendation that the suspect remain incarcerated until trial or plea.
The 50-page decision, issued on Tuesday, said a judge should give "considerable" weight to the tier classification a sex offender is given under Megan's Law as an indication of likelihood to commit another sexual offense.
The appellate panel also said a judge does not have to abide by the recommendation of a computer-generated risk assessment on whether to release or detain a defendant, but the judge has to provide detailed reasons when that recommendation is not followed.
A judge can also take into consideration the tier-classification of a sex offender, a provision under Megan's Law about the likelihood to commit another sex crime, wrote Sabatino, who was joined by judges William Nugent and Michael Haas.
The case grew out of Ocean County Prosecutor Joseph Coronato's appeal of a decision releasing Wilson, a convicted sex offender living in Little Egg Harbor, after he was arrested in January on a charge of attempted sexual assault. Wilson's release sparked outrage about the state's new bail system and prompted Little Egg Harbor police Chief Richard Buzby to issue a statement on the department's website assuring residents that authorities were trying all they could to ensure their safety.
Wilson, 20, was arrested Jan. 19 after he allegedly admitted to trying to solicit sexual favors from an 11-year-old girl in return for a video game system in May 2016 and then asking her to send him pictures of herself in a bikini in November 2016, according to court documents, which referred to him by his initials.
By that time, Wilson had been sentenced to three years in a juvenile detention facility in 2013 for twice violating probation on a 2010 juvenile sexual assault conviction, according to those documents.
At his detention hearing on this new charge, prosecutors argued Wilson should be jailed until his trial. They insisted Daniels should have taken into consideration Wilson's juvenile record and the fact that Wilson had been classified as a tier-3 sex offender - the highest level - under Megan's Law.
Under the new bail system, the computer-generated risk assessment doesn't use juvenile records or Megan's Law tiers in calculating recommendations of release or detention but a judge can take those into consideration. Wilson's public safety assessment recommended that he not be released but Daniels, without explaining his reasoning in writing, decided to release Wilson with the highest level of electronic monitoring and home detention.
"The trial court reached that conclusion in spite of defendant's troubling prior record of sexual wrongdoing as a juvenile, his two violations of probation that caused the Family Part to order him confined for three years in a juvenile detention facility, his highest-level Tier 3 classification under Megan's Law and his close proximity to the minor's residence," the appellate court wrote.
Coronato said the appeal was the result of "growing pains" with the new bail system. But he said he's grateful for another chance to have Wilson detained.
"Hopefully on second review, the court will see it our way and detain Mr. Wilson so that predator is not out there."
Lasota said she wasn't surprised by the ruling because prosecutors and defense attorneys had already agreed Daniels hadn't provided an explanation for his decision.
She said she would have preferred the appellate judges rule in Wilson's favor, but is also pleased they didn't rule against him.
"Here, my client has a chance to be released after the remand," she said.
No date has been set yet for the new detention hearing.
MaryAnn Spoto may be reached at mspoto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @MaryAnnSpoto. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
It's been 21 days and counting.
So how is that big discussion between the governor and the Democrats on property taxes going?
Maybe you forgot about that. Chris Christie certainly did.
We haven't heard a peep about property taxes from the governor since he set that 100-day deadline during his annual budget speech on March 1.
Here's what he said:
"I pledge to work with the leaders of the Legislature to come up with a new funding formula. Everything is on the table; no idea out of bounds for discussion."
He added, "If we don't do it in 100 days - shame on us."
Well, shame on them - or more precisely on him.
Just a few days after that speech, Christie released his projections for state aid to school districts, by far the biggest source of property-tax relief in New Jersey.
Last year Christie campaigned for what he termed "the Fairness Formula," a school-funding plan in which all students, urban or suburban, receive the same amount of state aid, about $6,600 per year.
That would lead, he said, to big property-tax cuts in the suburbs, which get little aid under the current formula.
With "everything on the table," he could have simply incorporated that formula into his budget and asked the Democrats to come to that table and bargain.
Did he? Nope. In his budget for fiscal 2018, which begins July 1, he simply repeated last year's state-aid formula. That formula awards about two-thirds of state aid to the 31 mostly urban "special-needs" districts and divvies up the rest among the 550 remaining districts.
This is a novel strategy for negotiations. If he ever gets to that mythical table before that self-imposed June 8 deadline, the governor would be forced to begin the talks by saying to the Democrats, "I already gave you everything you had. What more do you want?"
Therefore we can safely conclude that the governor has failed at the task of property-tax reform he promised to address when he first ran for office in 2009.
But what about his lieutenant governor? Back in August of 2009, when Kim Guadagno was first introduced as a candidate for that post, I listened to her promise lower taxes for New Jerseyans.
When I asked her how she would lower property taxes, Guadagno replied, "I'm not going to give you a specific number because I don't think that's realistic." (See my column that ran in the Wall Street Journal here: subscription required.)
Apparently she still doesn't think it's realistic to give specific numbers.
Guadagno is the leading candidate for the Republican nomination to succeed Christie. But her campaign website offers only a vague promise that "we must ensure that the education funding formula is fair and our tax dollars are actually being used to improve student performance."
Or in other words she promises to put off any tough decisions on how school aid will be distributed until after she is safely ensconced in the Statehouse.
As for the leading Democrat, former Goldman-Sachs exec Phil Murphy, he at least has a position on Christie's Fairness Formula. He's against it, said his spokesman Derek Roseman. (His website has an entry for LBGTQ issues, but none for property taxes)
But he's in favor of fully funding the school-funding formula enacted in 2008 by the prior Goldman-Sachs alumnus to serve as governor, Jon Corzine.
If you're a struggling suburban taxpayer, there are two problems with that formula, called the School Funding Reform Act.
The first is that even when it is fully funded, it is heavily weighted toward the cities and against the suburbs.
The second is that it's not fully funded. That means the suburbs don't even get the paltry sums promised them.
It would take about $2 billion to fully fund the formula. But if a Gov. Murphy took office, he would first have to find billions for the depleted pension funds.
So don't count on property-tax relief from King Corzine II.
At the moment the only candidate offering specific property-tax reforms weighted toward the suburbs is Republican Jack Ciattarelli, who is an assemblyman from Somerset County.
His four-point plan includes several specific proposals to shift state school aid from the urban to the suburban areas.
But those proposals would have to get past the state Supreme Court, with its endless string of decisions in the Abbott cases dating back to 1985.
Another of Christie's promises was that he would use his appointment powers to fashion a Supreme Court that would get out of the school-funding business.
He has since appointed or reappointed five of the seven justices. The result is a court that seems to have moved a bit leftward if it has moved at all.
But heck, he's still got 79 days to solve the property-tax problem.
Wish him luck.
ADD: Christie's denials - and Guadagno's - on property taxes go back a full eight years. Check this 2009 column of mine:
At a Feb. 28 appearance in West Windsor, Christie said, "In two weeks, I will roll out my plan for property tax reform, so stay tuned." He added, "I don't want to give away all the details. We've got to keep the press coming back."
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One member of the press kept coming back: moi. Last month Christie held a press conference on the Asbury Park boardwalk to announce his choice of Kim Guadagno for lieutenant governor. Both spoke of high property taxes in their remarks. Both spoke of the need to elect a governor who will make tough choices.
I asked Guadagno just what tough choices she had in mind when it comes to property taxes.
"I'm not going to give you a specific number because I don't think that's realistic," Guadagno replied.
I told her I didn't want specifics.
"Just give me any plan at all," I implored. "What is your plan?"
"The Chris Christie plan," she replied.
I then asked Christie what his plan is. He got angry. Not at the Corzine administration for failing to do anything about the highest property taxes in the nation.
He got angry at me for asking the question.
"This is an ongoing conversation between me and Paul," he said. "And I'm not going to give you any different answer today than I've given before."
By Tom Hilliard
The House vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act is upon us this Thursday, and I am listening to my congressman on the phone. Politicians are supposed to be smooth, but on this Monday night he sounds a little nervous.
I don't care. I'm waiting for the magic words. Will he support the ACA-killing American Health Care Act (AHCA) or oppose it? At the end of the call, I know even less than at the beginning. AHCA is a good idea, but he's "not sold," but he's negotiating over premium subsidies and start dates?
Something like that. I think.
For weeks on end, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11th Dist.) has avoided taking a position on the AHCA. Like all of New Jersey's Republican congressmen other than Rep. Leonard Lance (R-7th Dist.), he seems to have disappeared into the Congressional Witness Protection Program.
Here's how the program works. Over the last month, Frelinghuysen has made time in his busy schedule as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee for an endless succession of visits to middle schools and high schools, meet-and-greets with advocates for student exchanges and colorectal cancer screenings, and photo ops at parades and ceremonial dinners.
But no meetings to hear from constituents who fear losing their health coverage or access to Planned Parenthood clinics; no visits to hospitals expecting to see fewer patients getting preventive services and more coming in through the ER door; and above all, no town hall meetings.
In the Congressional Witness Protection Program, spontaneous encounters with constituents are out of the question.
Frelinghuysen's vote should be an easy one on the merits: No.
According to the Congressional Budget Office, 14 million people will lose their health coverage next year if the AHCA passes, and 24 million can expect to lose coverage over the next decade, leaving the U.S. worse off than before the Affordable Care Act.
The bill will make individual insurance coverage virtually unaffordable for low-income seniors by cutting their premium subsidies in half while permitting insurance companies to charge them more; repeal the expanded Medicaid program that insures millions of Americans; and cut back funding for the regular Medicaid program that covers not only medical care for low-income parents and children, but for senior citizens who get home care or nursing home care.
The money saved will finance tax cuts to extremely wealthy people (about $600 billion over the next decade), and provide cheaper coverage to young and prosperous adults - that is, the people who need it least.
I know my Congressman is thinking about the AHCA, because I talked to him about it only a week ago at a St. Patrick's Day Parade. I mentioned that an estimated 20,000 people would lose health coverage in the 11th Congressional District simply from rolling back the Medicaid expansion alone. Frelinghuysen said he would not support such a bill, which I appreciated hearing. He also opposed slashing premium subsidies for low-income seniors and cutting the taxes that support those subsidies.
Should I feel hopeful, then, that Frelinghuysen will cast a ringing No vote come Thursday? Alas, I do not feel hopeful. In the telephone town hall, he admitted to having accepted the repeal of New Jersey's Medicaid expansion and was simply negotiating over the start date.
The galling truth is that Frelinghuysen probably plans to vote for AHCA, but stealthily.
AHCA is unlikely to break his record of 100 percent support for Donald Trump's legislative agenda. If Frelinghuysen had taken the time to hear from his constituents and leveled with them about his position, I would feel far more sympathetic.
But my taxes are paying for Frelinghuysen's indefinite membership in the Congressional Witness Protection Program. And that's not OK.
Tom Hilliard is a Steering Committee member of NJ11th for Change, a grassroots advocacy organization that calls for accountable governance in New Jersey's 11th Congressional District.
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From the moment Justice Antonin Scalia died 13 months ago, the Senate Republicans decided that his seat on the Supreme Court belongs to their party in perpetuity, that only appointees from GOP presidents are valid, and that they have no use for an independent third branch of government.
Accordingly, Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, in a decision that effectively vandalized the Constitution, never gave a hearing to President Obama's nominee, while the rest of the party - notably Sen. John McCain - decided it wouldn't confirm any nomination from President Hillary Clinton, either.
Even if you concede the legitimacy of Donald Trump's nomination of Neil Gorsuch, you must first acknowledge that it resulted only from a partisan scheme that lacked any justifying principle other than Republican contempt for the rule of law, and that the maneuver will forever stain our highest court with politics.
So hours of sanctimonious slobber disguised as congressional decorum didn't change that background music Tuesday, when Gorsuch came across as eminently reasonable while the Senate Judiciary Committee's Democratic members clung to their fraying shreds of authority.
That doesn't mean they should vote for him if they find him too dogmatic and conservative, as we do - and anyone to the right of Scalia fits that profile. But blocking this nomination with a filibuster is a futile use of power, which, last we checked, the Democrats have lacked since November.
Gorsuch needs a simple majority to be confirmed, but anything short of a 60-vote supermajority carries a filibuster threat. If eight Democrats don't cross the aisle and threaten to talk this nomination to death, however, the Republicans will use the nuclear option, override the rules, and permanently eliminate the filibuster on Supreme Court picks.
The Democrats did that for lower court nominations in 2013, when they held the majority.
Nothing will stop the GOP from confirming this nominee. Indeed, Gorsuch gave them no reason to act otherwise. As expected, he dodged questions pertaining to abortion rights, gun rights, and the president's travel ban. His only slip was forgetting his role in crafting George W. Bush's signing statement that accompanied the Detainee Treatment Act as a DOJ attorney in 2005; most of us would remember if we gave a green light to waterboarding.
But Gorsuch is a qualified, thoughtful jurist, and his record is that of a man who would not compromise judicial independence in deference to a president. One observation he borrowed from a mentor resonated: "The test of the rule of law," Gorsuch said, "is whether the government can lose in its own courts and accept the judgment of those courts."
Somehow, we doubt the president will re-tweet that one.
That doesn't erase his more troubling decisions. He has consistently sided with corporations in challenges they faced from swindled consumers, from employees facing harassment, and from women denied access to contraception.
But the political reality is that Gorsuch will be confirmed, even if it's a tainted 52-48 reward for a political coup. The Democratic base wants its representatives to strike back, but here's a more practical idea, given that the Republicans have nine Senate seats up for grabs in 2018: Try winning elections instead. Those have consequences, and the winner gets to rewrite the rules on a political whim.
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TRENTON -- Fox News has suspended indefinitely its senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano after he repeated the so-far baseless claim that British intelligence operatives wiretapped President Donald Trump while he was still a candidate at the request of President Obama.
On March 4, President Trump first tweeted the accusation that Obama ordered his "'wires tapped' in Trump Tower just before his victory in the presidential election, but offered no proof.
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
On March 14, Napolitano, a former state Superior Court judge from Bergen County, appeared on "Fox and Friends," claiming to have spoken to three "intelligence sources" who said Obama "went outside the chain of command" and used Britain's Government Communications Headquarters, or GCHQ, to ensure there were "no American fingerprints on this."
On March 16, Napolitano made the claim again in an online column for Fox News, writing that the British foreign surveillance service "most likely provided Obama with transcripts of Trump's calls," but did not offer any proof.
However both the FBI director, James Comey, and the head of the National Security Agency, Mike Rogers, testified before the U.S. House Intelligence Committee Hearing on Russian Active Measures Investigation that they had no information that would support the president's claims of being wiretapped by the Obama administration.
The British intelligence agency also took the unusual step of denying Napolitano's claims, calling them "utterly ridiculous."
Fox News last week disavowed Napolitano's on-air remarks and column.
"Fox News cannot confirm Judge Napolitano's commentary; Fox News knows of no evidence of any kind that the now president of the United States was surveilled at any time in any way, full stop," said Fox News anchor Shep Smith.
What do you think? Did Fox News make the right call in benching Napolitano?
Vote in our unscientific, informal reader poll below and tell us why you voted that way in the comments.
Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
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Clarence Williams, left, and Gerry Thomas, both of Paterson, have been charged with murder in the deaths of two men found in a car belonging to "RHONJ" guest Kim DePaolo. (Passaic County Sheriff's Office)
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PATERSON - Police have arrested two suspects in the shooting deaths of two men found in a burned car belonging to "Real Housewives of New Jersey" cast member Kim DePaola.
Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr., 25, were found Friday inside a 2015 Audi that had been set ablaze in the 500 block of East 28th St., authorities said. Both men had been shot in the head.
Clarence Williams, 26, and Gerry Thomas, 28, both of Spring Street in Paterson, are charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, robbery, arson and possession of a firearm, authorities said Tuesday.
The men were held in the Passaic County Jail without bail, jail records show.
The arrests were made about 11 p.m. Monday, according to Paterson Police Director Jerry Speziale.
"They have two people in custody," Michele Ryerson, the mother of Aaron Anderson told NJ Advance Media Tuesday. "They came to my home at 2 or 3 this morning and told me the news."
The car belonged to DePaola, who said her son had given the car keys to Anderson after being dropped off at an airport. DePaola told TMZ that Anderson was supposed to have parked the car.
Ryerson said Williams was a friend of Anderson's and her nephew.
She said police told her the motive for the killings was robbery.
"They were going around robbing people," Ryerson said police told her.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PATERSON -- An arrest warrant issued for the duo charged in the execution-style murder of two men inside a burned-out Audi belonging to a former Real Housewives cast member alleges the pair was shot during a robbery.
Clarence Williams, 26, and Gerry Thomas, 28, each pleaded not guilty during their first appearances Tuesday in front of Passaic County Superior Court before Judge Joseph Perconti.
The men were charged with killing Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr., 25, who were found Friday inside a 2015 Audi that had been set ablaze on the 500 block of East 28th St., authorities said.
Both men had been shot in the head.
Williams and Thomas, who are being held at the Passaic County Jail, appeared via video conference, but asked to conceal their faces so they could not be seen on the monitor and by news crews.
"They have no rights," Michele Ryerson, Aaron Anderson's mother, shouted at their request. "Show your face! You're scum!"
The request was denied and Judge Perconti had to order Thomas to show his face on the monitor.
Ryerson said she knew of both men, but had not met them personally. She said Williams was her nephew's best friend.
Records show that Williams has been arrested at least eight times for numerous offenses, including drug possession.
She said her son trusted Williams, which led to his murder.
The Audi belonged to former "Real Housewives of New Jersey" cast member Kim DePaola. Anderson and DePaol's son, Chris Camiscioli, were good friends, relatives said.
Anderson drove him to the airport by Anderson in the Audi on Thursday.
Fausto Giovanny Pinto may be reached at fpinto@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @FGPreporting. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PATERSON - The men found shot to death inside a burning car belonging to "Real Housewives of New Jersey" star Kim DePaola were two young men from Paterson, authorities said Monday.
Aaron Anderson (Courtesy of Michelle Ryerson)
Aaron Anderson, 27, and Antonio Vega Jr., 25, were positively identified as the men found Friday inside a 2015 Audi that had been set ablaze in the 500 block of East 28th St., according to Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Paterson Police Deputy Chief Troy Oswald.
The car belonged to DePaola, who seemed to confirm in an Instagram post the car was connected to the tragedy.
Anderson had reportedly borrowed the vehicle from DePaola's son Chris Camiscioli after dropping him off at the airport March 15 for a trip to California. Anderson was supposed to drop the car off at the family's home but never did.
Camiscioli and Anderson were good friends, according to Anderson's mother, Michele Ryerson.
The bodies were found after firefighters doused a car fire about 2 a.m. Friday, police said.
"The manner of death for both victims has been ruled homicide," the prosecutor said in a statement. "The investigation remains active and ongoing."
Anyone with information about the homicides is asked to call the Passaic County Prosecutor's Office at 1-877-370-PCPO or email tips@ passaiccountynj.org.
Anyone with information may also contact the Paterson Police Department's Detective Bureau at 973-321-1120.
Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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Gov. Chris Christie.
(NJ Advance Media file photo)
TRENTON -- Gov. Chris Christie on Tuesday said the state is offering $1 million to New Jersey nonprofits and religious institutions deemed to be at high risk for terrorist attacks.
The governor, speaking at Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton, made the announcement after several bomb scares have hit Jewish centers across the state.
Christie called bias "completely unacceptable" and said the money would be used to support groups in nine New Jersey counties that currently don't meet regional qualifications for federal funding.
"I encourage eligible nonprofits to apply for these grants ... (to) give their members additional peace of mind," Christie said. "These are difficult times when there's hatred in the world."
The nine counties where groups can apply for funding are: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem, and Warren counties.
The grants would be used, among other ways, to purchase security equipment, and inspection and screening devices, Christie said.
Nonprofits in the state's other 12 counties are already eligible to receive similar security funding.
Groups should apply for the grants immediately, Christie said.
"We intend to turn this around quickly and send this funding out by summer," he said.
Christie made the announcement the same day of a bomb threat scare at a Livingston synagogue.
Earlier this month, Christie announced officials stepped up security at Jewish community centers across New Jersey.
According to the governor's office, organizations interested in applying should send applications to grants@njohsp.gov by close of business on May 24.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.
Joe Piscopo New Jersey Governor
Joe Piscopo file photo.
(Chris O'Meara/AP Photo)
UPDATE: In a phone interview with NJ Advance Media Tuesday afternoon, Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset) said his threat to assault Piscopo was in fun, but only "in part."
The assemblyman admitted that "there is no easy path" to the governorship, but added that for Piscopo to say that a Republican can't win in New Jersey "is to totally misread the landscape...Donald Trump had challenges to overcome to win the presidency, and he overcame them. So will I."
TRENTON -- New Jersey Republicans are pummeling "Saturday Night Live" alum Joe Piscopo, who toyed with running for governor as a Republican before recently declaring the party can't win in 2017.
Gov. Chris Christie's advice: Stick to your day job.
And on Monday night, a declared GOP governor hopeful, state Assemblyman Jack Ciattarelli (R-Somerset), told a room of Republicans he wants to "punch him in the nose."
Piscopo sparked the backlash after saying he would run for governor as an independent if he launches a campaign. Piscopo said "there is no way a Republican can win in New Jersey" and that "an independent has a better chance to win.''
Christie, speaking at a public event in Trenton, said good luck with that.
"The fact is independents don't win in this state," Christie said. "They simply don't."
"I got to tell you the truth, getting political analysis from Joe Piscopo is probably less valuable than getting, you know, comedy analysis from me," the governor said. "If he'll go back and look at the history of this state, I welcome him to run as an independent. He'll be as close to the governorship as he is today."
Christie also said Piscopo's dance on whether to run to succeed him could have nothing to do with winning the race.
"It seems to me that this is just an attempt by Mr. Piscopo to increase the ratings on his radio show," the governor said. "I hope it does, for his sake."
On Monday night, Ciattarelli trashed Piscopo for "badmouthing Republicans."
"The next time I see Joe Piscopo, I'm going to kick him in the shins and I'm going to punch him in the nose," Ciattarelli said at a Burlington County GOP committee meeting.
Christie joked that Ciattarelli's remarks "sounded a little bit like" him when he was "younger and a little more volatile."
Piscopo, in response, said his comments weren't meant to offend anyone.
"I just simply meant it as a historical perspective," he told NJ Advance Media on Tuesday. "I apologize if I offended any Republican like that and I wish the party all the best in the future."
But earlier in the day on his radio show, Piscopo took a not-so-veiled swipe at the governor when he responded to Ciattarelli's comments.
"Sorry if it sounded harsh because it came across a little harsh," Piscopo said. "But what I meant was: It's very tough for a Republican to win this election in 2017, because there's no real leader of the Republican Party in Jersey."
As a sitting governor, Christie is the chief of the state's Republican Party.
Piscopo also took a swipe at Ciattarelli, saying his comments sound "like desperation" from "a mosquito."
The most recent Quinnipiac University poll had Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno leading the GOP field with 28 percent, followed by Piscopo at 18 percent.
Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or on Facebook.
Claude Brodesser-Akner may be reached at cbrodesser@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @ClaudeBrodesser. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.
Drugstore burglar left his cap behind; then his getaway car broke down, police say
Has the Carrollton Courthouse been saved by the bell?
FORT MYERS, Fla. (AP) Survivors of Hurricane Ian face a long emotional road to recover from one of the most damaging storms to hit the U.S. mainland. For those who lost everything to disaster, the anguish can be crushing to return home to find so much gone. Grief can run the gamut from frequent tears to utter despair. The Lee County medical examiner says two men in their 70s even took their own lives a day apart after viewing their losses. Experts say suicides climb after disasters and more funding for mental health should be provided as climate change makes storms and fires more frequent and devastating.
President Donald Trump listens as British Prime Minister Theresa May speaks during a news conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 27, 2017. (AP Photo / Evan Vucci)
WASHINGTON (AP) The House committee investigating the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol has issued a subpoena to Donald Trump. The nine-member panel sent a letter to the former president's lawyers on Friday, demanding his testimony under oath by mid-November and outlining a series of corresponding documents. The decision by lawmakers to exercise their subpoena power comes a week after the committee made its final case against the former president, who they say is the "central cause" of the multi-part effort to overturn the results of the 2020 election. It remains unclear how Trump and his legal team will respond to the subpoena, if at all.
Omaha Public Schools search for a new superintendent came to a halt Saturday when its last two remaining finalists publicly withdrew from consideration.
School board members were set to vote Monday on one of two remaining finalists Sioux City Superintendent Paul Gausman and a Pennsylvania superintendent after a third finalist from Lincoln Public Schools in Nebraska dropped out, saying the job wasnt a good fit.
Gausman told The Omaha World-Herald that he and the other finalist both received a phone call from the consultant leading the search telling him neither candidate appeared to have the full backing of the board. He plans to remain in Sioux City, where hes served as superintendent since 2008.
Following the revelation, OPS has to choose whether to hire an interim superintendent to allow more time to restart the search process.
The district had an interim superintendent in 2012, bringing in Virginia Moon after the resignation of former Des Moines Superintendent Nancy Sebring, who quit shortly after being hired in Omaha after sexually explicit emails she sent to and from her work account became public.
Among the likely candidates for an interim appointment is Mark Evans, the current superintendent, who is stepping down to retire, and ReNae Kehrberg, an OPS assistant superintendent, who is also resigning at the end of the school year. Representatives of most of the districts principals and the teachers union both publicly backed naming Kehrberg as interim superintendent on Monday evening.
Council Bluffs Superintendent Martha Bruckner, who is leaving her post to retire this summer, said she didnt have an answer when asked by The Nonpareil whether she would be interested in the job.
I dont know, she said, adding that she had reached out to Gausman after the announcement to give her regards for the unfortunate situation.
In describing the twists and turns of her career to The Nonpareil in 2015, when she was recognized as Iowas superintendent of the year, Bruckner said she always saw herself as a better fit for OPS than the suburban Omaha school districts of Millard and Ralston where she was an administrator before coming to Council Bluffs. She has also been a faculty member at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Bruckner announced her retirement last November. She said she wants to spend more time with family.
Another possible option for OPS to consider, should he be willing, would be Elkhorn Superintendent Steve Baker, who is closing out his 42nd year at the suburban school district to retire.
A subcommittee of the school board leading the search is scheduled to meet today to discuss next steps, following input from Monday evenings full school board meeting.
Erin Duffy of the BH News Service contributed to this report.
The Council Bluffs Community School District held its first patron tour for the 2016-17 school year, which invited the public to get a first-hand look at special education in the district.
This years tour focused on some of the specialized programs offered to students attending the district with special needs.
On Friday, attendees participated in a guided three-stop bus tour where they got to listen to different speakers that highlighted district mental health programs and explore different classrooms.
The tours 17 participants made up of community representatives and school officials started at Heartland Family Service Therapeutic School to highlight a first-year partnership between the district and the school. This is the first year the district has assigned its own administrators at the building.
In order for a student to attend the school, students must have an active mental health file and be referred to the program by their respective resident school.
Today, the school serves 66 students from 17 Iowa school districts in grades kindergarten through 12th grade.
Its kind of like an all-inclusive resort, said Chad Bartlett, program director. We try to provide as much as support as we can.
Currently, the school has seven classrooms with seven certified special education teachers. Students attend daily from 9 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. and follow a seven period class schedule and the Council Bluffs district school calendar.
The school also offers a number of different mental health services, including: therapy sessions, in-house psychiatric care, crisis support, parent support groups and ongoing risk assessment for all students.
After attendees heard from both Bartlett and lead social worker Brandy Soto about the school, they were given a tour of the facility.
The tours second stop was at Wilson Middle School to hear an overview of the schools autism program and to observe an interactive robot named Milo used in the classroom that helps autism students develop critical social skills.
Milo is the perfect bridge for students with autism to interact, said Matt Twit, classroom teacher.
After hearing both Twit and school principal Kim Kazmierczak speak tour attendees broke into groups to look on as a student interacted with the robot.
It really is incredible, one attendee said.
According to a handout given to participants, research has shown that children working with a therapist and Milo are engaged 70 percent to 80 percent of the time compared to 3 percent to 10 percent of the time with other traditional approaches.
While Twit currently serves 13 students in his classroom, he doesnt serve every student with autism at the school, Kazmierczak said.
Our role is to serve students as they arrive to us and grow them, she added.
The third and final stop concluded at CHI Health Mercy Hospital where attendees heard an overview of two mental health programs known as Partial Hospitalization and Transitions that are offered through a partnership between the district and the hospital.
Due to Iowa Code, since the hospital is within the districts bounds, the district is required to staff one half-time elementary teacher and one half-time secondary teacher for the partial program.
Partial is a program for students that are admitted to the hospital, while Transitions focuses on serving students that need more time in a supportive, structured environment beyond the short-term Partial program.
Some students will leave Partial and enter Transitions, but thats not always the case, said Becky Zorn, the districts director of special education.
Currently, the Transitions program serves grades K-5 and special education students enrolled in the Council Bluffs school district.
The programs curriculum is based on Iowa Core Standards and students attend daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Typically, eight to 10 students are served in the program with most students transitioning out of the program before 60 days, Zorn said.
After hearing both program teacher Danielle Alcaraz program coordinator Amy McKenzie speak, attendees got to tour the programs classroom where students were participating in different activities.
The tour concluded around 11:30 a.m. returning to the Council Bluffs Educational Service Center for a free lunch.
It gives me a better idea of what these programs visualize for kids and its an opportunity for our staff who work with the challenged students, said Bill Grove, a district board member. Im proud that our school district is part of serving these students.
The Iowa Republican Party will host a farewell reception for Gov. Terry Branstad in Sioux City on Wednesday.
The soon-to-be-outgoing governor will say goodbye to western Iowa residents from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Country Celebrations, 5606 Hamilton Blvd. in Sioux City.
President Donald Trump has named Branstad ambassador to China. The Iowa governor awaits his confirmation hearing, which could come next month.
There will not be an event in Council Bluffs or elsewhere in southwest Iowa, according to the Iowa GOP. A similar reception was held in Davenport earlier this month, with a third possible in Des Moines.
Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, whos set to take over following Branstads departure, will also be at the celebration in Sioux City.
Tickets cost $20 and attendees are asked to RSVP. For more information or to make a reservation, email Kolby DeWitt to kolby@iowagop.org.
News Editor Mike Brownlee can be reached at 712-325-5732 or by email at mbrownlee@nonpareilonline.com.
Local lawmakers are hopeful, even somewhat positive, that additional cuts in state programs wont be necessary despite a new revenue shortfall of $130 million that must be addressed in the current state operating budget.
Rep. Greg Forristall, R-Macedonia, and House member Mary Ann Hanusa, R-Council Bluffs, suggested this new deficit could be addressed by borrowing money from the states cash reserve.
However, when money is borrowed, it must be paid back eventually. Would it be paid back all at once or over a period of time? Thats what lawmakers have to address, according to Hanusa.
Last week, economic information by the Iowa Revenue Estimate Conference, which lawmakers use as a guide in crafting state budgets, showed a $130 million reduction in anticipated revenues.
In some ways, it didnt come as a surprise, according to Hanusa.
We feared that the numbers would not look good, she said. There had been guesses of between $40 million and $140 million.
Much of the lower revenue figure could be attributed to the farm economy, Hanusa said.
The farm economy is the backbone of the Iowa economy, and that sector is not strong at this time, she said. Thats a significant factor.
U.S. immigration officials appear to have erroneously placed a southwest Iowa county on the top-ten list of U.S. counties not complying with Trump administration policy on immigrants suspected of a crime.
Montgomery County, where Red Oak is the county seat, has found itself on the list of counties that Immigration and Customs Enforcement says routinely decline to hold immigrant suspects in jail for ICE to check their legal status.
County Sheriff Joe Sampson said he was surprised by the news.
We have no qualms about working with ICE, said Sampson, using the popular acronym for the agency.
On Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement published a Declined Detainer Outcome Report, naming local jurisdictions it says didnt cooperate during the week of Jan. 28 to Feb. 3, 2017.
The report was prompted by an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in January. The order called on the government to document which jurisdictions arent working with federal authorities to locate and deport immigrants in the U.S. illegally.
One section lists the top 10 counties where the agency has issued detainers and where the county has a policy of non-cooperation, according to ICE.
Montgomery County ranked fourth along with a county in Washington state. That placed Red Oak in the company of cities like Las Vegas and Chicago.
A detainer is a request by ICE that an immigrant be turned over to ICE before being released from custody.
According to the federal report, the agency requested that 12 people in Montgomery County be detained that week.
Sampson said Montgomery County has not had a inmate in its jail with an immigration issue since late last year.
An immigration spokeswoman told The Omaha World-Herald Monday that the agency would check into the listing, but had not called back as of press time.
After The World-Herald called Sampson, the sheriff contacted ICE. Sampson said he was told the listing was a mistake. The agency told Sampson it meant to list Montgomery County, Maryland, he said. The Maryland county is adjacent to Washington, D.C.
Some jails and police agencies around the U.S. have opted in recent years not to cooperate with immigration authorities on detainers.
Some local law enforcement officials cite federal court rulings that people cannot be held in local jails strictly because of their immigration status.
Other jurisdictions have passed local ordinances barring cooperation with ICE.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Arthur W. Peters, 83, of Cozad passed away March 17, 2017, at Cozad Care Center.
Art was born May 8, 1933, in Fremont to Orville and Marie (Boettcher) Peters. The family moved to Cozad in 1946. Art graduated from Cozad High School with the class of 1951. He served in the U.S. Army with the Corps of Engineers stationed at Kaiserslautern, Germany, from 1953 to 1956. Art attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.
He married Patricia Ann Chambers on April 29, 1961 in Ravenna. Art was employed by Paulsen Inc. for 48 years before retiring in 1998 and was the building inspector for the City of Cozad from 1998 to 2005. Art was affiliated with the Boy Scouts of America since 1990. He served as Scoutmaster and in many other capacities on the local and district levels and was chapter advisor for Order of the Arrow.
Art enjoyed working with the youth and the adult leaders in the Scouts. He was always ready to help out friends and relatives with their building projects and enjoyed researching genealogy.
Art was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Patricia.
Survivors include: his sons, James (Kim) Peters of Lincoln, Bill (Kristi) Peters of Lincoln and Robert (Bridget) Peters of Lincoln; grandchildren, William, Joshua and Jacob; sister-in-law, Jackie (James) Rudnick of Grand Island; numerous stepgrandchildren and great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and extended family.
A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com.
Celebration of Life Services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Berryman Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. James McCrickard officiating. This is a casual dress occasion, no suits required. Burial with military honors will be at Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with family receiving friends from 4-8 p.m.
A strip of blackened grass lays about a foot from Velda Baacks home, but the log house remains nearly untouched.
Some of Baacks neighbors in Yucca Heights near Lemoyne werent as lucky Sunday. An earlier weekend fire near Arthur Bay rekindled, burned more than 4 1/2 miles, forced evacuation of the homes that surround Lake McConaughy and claimed at least eight of them.
Baack said some residents found safety in a hotel. Others watched the smoke from the nearby beach, spending the night in their car. She and her family tried to return about 8:30 a.m. Monday, but found roads and highways still barricaded from the day before. Then by mid-morning, they could access their homes and assess the damage.
Baacks neighbor kept her scanner on and alerted others when the fire rekindled late Sunday morning. Baacks neighbor who did not return a request for comment would lose her home in the blaze.
Shes dealing with it, Baack said. But its tough.
Source: Anthony Palmeri
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Baack said her neighbor had packed some belongings she wanted to save ahead of time, something Baack is now thinking about for the future. When Keith County Sheriffs officials knocked on doors in Yucca Heights, Baacks daughter asked her mother to save baby pictures.
Yesterday was really hard, Baack said, watching the smoke and not knowing what would happen.
But Baack was thankful. She called the firefighters who came from more than 20 surrounding departments wonderful.
They saved a lot of structures that we thought would be gone, she said.
East of Baacks home, Todd Kaltenberger doesnt know if his cabin-in-progress will be totaled, with one black wall and the structure having been doused by water from firefighters hoses.
Kaltenberger had been staying between his cabin and North Platte, where he works at Union Pacific Railroad. After moving west from Lincoln about 10 years ago, he bought a 16-foot Crestliner boat and figured if work would bring him to west-central Nebraska, he may as well enjoy the lake life. Monday, the boats frame and surrounding rubble was all that was left.
It takes 1,200 degrees to melt aluminum, he said, holding up a melted piece. Kaltenberger said he hadnt insured the boat or his nearby damaged Ford Explorer. With the under-construction cabin, he estimated losing $20,000 out of pocket.
Im glad I wasnt here to see it, said Kaltenberger. By the time he reached his property Sunday after a neighbor told him of the rekindling, firefighters had already barricaded the road. Or I probably would have just hit my knees.
But like Baack, Kaltenberger found a positive: between last spring and fall, he planted 20 trees all but the one that was knocked down in the firefighting survived.
Rosie represents those who took on jobs replacing men who had gone off to war
Today is officially the first American Rosie the Riveter Day.
The U.S. Senate passed a resolution on March 15 designating March 21 for the observance honoring the women who worked on the home front during World War II.
Barbara Falkena of North Platte celebrated the resolution that honored her mom, who was a Rosie the Riveter.
Im just so excited about it because theyve tried to get this through for so long and all the Rosies are passing quickly, Falkena said. I know, just off the cuff, there was a lady probably two weeks ago who passed who was a Rosie.
Rosie the Riveter is a cultural icon of the United States, representing the American women who worked in factories and shipyards during World War II, many of whom produced munitions and war supplies. These women sometimes took entirely new jobs replacing the male workers who were in the military.
Falkena said her parents got involved after Pearl Harbor.
My parents were farmers in northwest Iowa, and when Pearl Harbor was bombed, Dad went to school, I believe, in Sioux City, Iowa, Falkena said. Then Mother joined him in San Diego a little later on with me. I was about 3, and then I started kindergarten there when I was about 4.
Barton and Dolly Tone worked at Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego.
I dont remember much. We lived in the housing in a suburb there near San Diego, Falkena said. I remember driving into the gates, because there was a big dip when you went into Consolidated Aircraft in San Diego.
She did remember one incident that brought a chuckle as she shared it.
My aunt Doris, Moms sister, came to live with us and she watched the girls while mother and dad worked the night shift, as I was told, Falkena said. One thing I remember is that it was hard to get candy back then. I must have done something naughty, so I was sitting in a corner. My aunt had stashed her little chocolate bar behind the radio or something. So I ate it.
Both parents worked as riveters.
Dad was also riveting on the B24s, then he got a 10-cent raise and worked on the PDY Navy plane, Falkena said. We came home in 1945 when the war ended.
Falkena said her mother died a number of years ago.
My moms been gone since 1983, but my Aunt Doris was able to have her story in the little booklet that they printed in December, Falkena said. She got it just before Christmas, so she was real honored just to read it.
The Richmond, California-based Rosie The Riveter Trust nonprofit organization said in an announcement: To mark this landmark day, six of the original Rosies, now in their 90s, who serve as national park docents to help educate the public about the war and what they did, will be on hand at Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond.
Falkena and her husband, Evert Woody, have pulled a trailer with a Rosie the Riveter from Broken Bow and North Platte in various parades in North Platte over the years.
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The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts "much faster than average growth" in nursing and other healthcare occupations in coming years and area colleges have responded with a variety of programs to train students for growing fields.
"There are so many places where nurses are needed," said Janet Brown, dean of the College of Nursing and Health Professions at Valparaiso University. "There are a whole host of places where they can work."
A need for nurses
"Nursing employment and demand are really like a roller coaster. It always has been," Brown said. "But currently there's a severe nursing shortage."
As the patient population grows and more nurses reach retirement, "it will only exacerbate," she said.
Brown said she told students in VU's accelerated BSN program that they could expect around four job offers on completing the program.
"That's the kind of demand that they'll see," she said.
"It's a pretty good market for our students," said Linda DeLunas, a professor and director of the School of Nursing at Indiana University Northwest.
Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median hourly pay of $32.45 per hour for RNs in 2015, and $20.76 for LPNs. That comes to $67,940 and $43,170, respectively, for a year of 40-hour work weeks.
The BLS's 2014-2024 job outlook for RNs and LPNs predicts 16 percent growth, with job growth of 439,300 for RNs and 117,300 for LPNs.
Expanding programs
Four-year Bachelor of Science in nursing programs remain a traditional route to a nursing career, but there are growing alternatives, including accelerated BSN programs for students with a bachelor's degree in another field, online programs for registered nurses who need to earn a BSN, and master's degree and certificate programs for nurses wishing to move into advanced practice.
"Those types of programs have always been in existence," Brown said, "but I think there's a bigger commitment in the profession to make it possible for people who start out with an LPN to become an RN, or for an RN with an associate's degree to get a BSN."
The BSN degree has become more important in recent years, with more hospitals requiring nurses to get one within a certain number of years of employment, nurse educators said.
"We felt the profession was changing, evolving, progressing, and felt the bachelor's degree was needed for most entry-level jobs," DeLunas said of IUN's focus on the BSN since eliminating its associate's degree program a decade ago.
A 2010 study by the Institute of Medicine recommended that 80 percent of RNs have the BSN degree by 2020. The American Nurses Credentialing Association has made certification in its Magnet Recognition Program contingent on a plan to reach that goal.
"The evidence is clear that patient outcomes are improved when nurses have a baccalaureate degree in nursing," Purdue University Northwest College of Nursing Dean Lisa Hopp said.
The report also noted the need for the nursing education system to grow to make the 80 percent number possible. For that, nursing schools need more faculty, and opportunities for students to gain clinical experience.
Hopp said PNW's nursing program is at capacity, and has been difficult to expand, because many qualified instructors are lured by high wages into the private sector.
"This isn't unique to Northwest Indiana," Hopp said. "It's the same challenges across the country. It's difficult to attract high-quality faculty members."
Placing students in real-world clinical situations also limits enrollment. "The demand for clinical placement is quite severe," Brown said.
"We send our students to hospitals, home healthcare agencies, long-term care facilities, community health agencies," DeLunas said. "We really try to have our students exposed to a variety of experiences."
Advanced practice
Training beyond the bachelor's degree level also is important, area administrators said. There is a growing need for family health practitioners, for help providing increasingly specialized care, and to teach new nurses.
A nurse practitioner can make diagnoses, prescribe medicine and order further testing. IUN chose the family nurse practitioner discipline as the first in its master of science in nursing program, which is taking applications now.
"There remains a great need for primary care providers in the nation and certainly within the Region," Hopp said.
The median annual wages for nurse practitioners nationally top $100,000, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with job growth projected as high as 31 percent for the 2014-2024 period.
Health administration career opportunities also are expanding. Purdue Northwest and VU have added programs in those areas in recent years.
"We've added a number of additional health-related programs," Brown said. Those include health care leadership, physician assistant studies, public health and health administration.
And associate's degrees continue to be offered, locally at Ivy Tech Community College and the University of St. Francis, and jobs for licensed practical nurses continue to grow, particularly as the population ages.
"Generally, a lot of LPNs work in a long-term care center," DeLunas said. "It's very complex care."
Fair Oaks Farms plans a new John Deere attraction that will chart the history of the iconic green-and-yellow tractor and other modern-day farm equipment.
The "agricultural Disneyland" at 856 N. County Road 600 E. in Fair Oaks has been in the middle of a building boom in recent years, adding the Crop Adventure, the Pig Adventure, the Pork Education Center and the 265-seat Farmhouse Restaurant. Fair Oaks Farms will soon break ground on a hotel, is growing a you-pick-them apple orchard, and is planning major new chicken and beef cattle adventures.
CEO Gary Corbett said the working agritourism destination in Jasper and Newton counties plans to build a John Deere agricultural equipment museum within the next 12 months.
"It would appeal to a lot of gear heads," he said. "It's going to have a lot of farming equipment going back to the beginning and up to the driverless tractors."
More than 200,000 people a year visit the John Deere Pavilion in downtown Moline, Ill., which includes a visitor center, a merchandise and "the world's most comprehensive agricultural exhibit," according to the Quad Cities-based company. In 2014, John Deere also built a 15,000-square-foot museum in Waterloo, Iowa, where the Fortune 100 company is the town's largest employer.
Current exhibits there focus on the early days of tractors, the story behind John Deere's arrival in Waterloo, the process of manufacturing a John Deere tractor from design to assembly, and on how the tractors are used in the world.
John Deere, which raked in more than $26 billion in revenue last year and has seen explosive growth in China, has partnered with Fair Oaks Farms for five or six years. The company has provided Fair Oaks Farms with tractors and other farm equipment and asked about sponsoring an exhibit of its own, Corbett said.
Founded as a dairy farm in 2004, Fair Oaks Farms has grown into a massive tourism attraction that draws more than 600,000 visitors a year that has been profiled in major national media outlets like the New York Times and Fortune Magazine. It continues to add new exhibits both to further its mission of educating the public about modern-day farming practices and to give people a reason to come back if they've seen it before.
The farm will likely add a few employees as a result of the expansion, but not many since it will be a self-guided exhibit that visitors will walk through, Corbett said. Details like the size and amount of investment are still being worked out.
"It's still in the planning stages," Corbett said. "We do know there's a huge public interest in John Deere."
GARY Two of three men wounded by gunfire Monday gave police conflicting stories about how they were wounded, an official said.
Gary police were called to two different locations in a span of 15 minutes for reports of gunshot victims, records show.
Officers who arrived about 6:44 p.m. in the 6700 block of West 15th Avenue found two men in a gray Chevrolet Malibu, Lt. Thomas Pawlak said.
The driver, a 25-year-old Lowell man, had been shot in the chest. The passenger, a 28-year-old Gilman, Illinois, man was shot in the arm, police said.
The Gilman man told police he and the Lowell man were at a gas station at West 15th Avenue and Clark Road when three men approached them and blocked their vehicle from leaving, Pawlak said.
The man claimed one of the men pulled a gun and demanded money, so he and the Lowell man handed over $100.
The man told police the Lowell man then pulled his own gun, and everyone started shooting, Pawlak said. The man claimed they drove west on 15th Avenue until they felt safe and called 911.
Both men were taken to a local hospital, and the Lowell man was later transferred to an Illinois trauma center, police said.
About 7 p.m., police went to the 5300 block of West 19th Avenue and found a 19-year-old Hammond man with a gunshot wound to his chest in the backseat of a vehicle, Pawlak said.
The Hammond man told police he was shot by two men about 6:30 p.m. in a parking lot at the Concord Apartments at West 19th Avenue and Hanley Street. The man said he went to meet the pair to buy marijuana and was shot by one of them as he approached their vehicle, police said.
Police said the two cases are believed to be related. Anyone with information about either case is asked to call Detective Sgt. Jon Basaldua at 219-881-1210. To remain anonymous, call 866-CRIME-GP.
GRIFFITH A Lake Area United Way organization is hosting a retreat in April targeting middle school girls and aimed at producing strong girls and young women.
LAUW President/CEO Lisa Daughtery said as the agency has shifted its focus, a recent report provided alarming statistics about the county's poor, particularly single women-headed households.
"I started talking to other women in the community and we decided to form a group and leverage our strengths such as marketing and communication and fundraising to raise awareness around what's happening to our girls," she said.
Last year, the group called Real. Strong. Girls., an affinity organization of LAUW, hosted an event in June featuring Vanity Fair contributing editor Nancy Jo Sales.
This year, the group will host the Love Your #Selfie! Retreat from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 1 at Purdue University Northwest.
The Real. Strong. Girls. organization has been partnering with Purdue University Northwest and Scott Middle School in Hammond. Some 125 girls from Scott have been invited to attend and will also participate in workshops March 27 through the 31.
Daugherty, Angelina "Angie" Williams, Vice President of Community Impact & Resources at LAUW, and local Gary businesswoman Ami Reese have been working with the girls at Scott in a pilot program this school year. Reese has designed and created many of the advertising materials for the retreat.
"We've been promoting this at Scott because there are a high percentage of students who come from high poverty homes," Williams said. "We want to provide support to girls in those households."
Williams also said organizers made a pitch to the middle school girls about the upcoming workshop and retreat which will focus on using social media in a positive way and highlighting positive female role models who have established successful businesses and programs that give back to the community.
Daugherty said they'll see how the pilot program works, tweak it if that needs to be done and expand it to other schools.
"We have a good relationship with the Hammond schools and they've worked with us in the past," Daugherty said. "We thought it would be easiest to get it off the ground with them. Although we've just been working with Scott Middle School, we'd like to expand it to other schools and throughout the county.
"The principal at Scott has been great and they've allowed us to come in and do focus groups with the girls there. In fact, the girls helped us to develop the agenda for this retreat," Daugherty said.
It was a couple of years ago that Daugherty announced the changing focus of the nonprofit LAUW powerhouse, which is adopting the ALICE model to assess and aid Northwest Indiana's working poor.
The ALICE system, which stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed, offers an assessment of people who are in need.
Daugherty's announcement came as part of the local United Way's efforts to refocus resources and make the money count all part of what is dubbed a "community impact" model.
"We have a heavy concentration on struggling, working families, more than in surrounding counties," she said. "We have a desire to reach these young girls where the families are struggling to meet their needs."
Police arrested a Calumet Township woman Monday on charges alleging she caused the April 2016 death of an 8-month-old Hammond girl in her care.
Trisha Woodworth, 26, is accused of causing injuries to Maci Moor that were consistent with shaken baby syndrome, according to the Lake County Sheriff's Department.
Woodworth faces charges of felony aggravated battery, neglect of a dependent resulting in death and battery resulting in death to a person less than 14 years of age, Lake Criminal Court records show.
Police think Woodworth was the only adult with Moor at the time the baby suffered the injuries that resulted in her death, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Sheriff's police were called April 15 to a home in the 2200 block of West 41st Avenue to help EMS personnel with a child who was breathing but unresponsive, according to an affidavit.
Woodworth brought the baby out to ambulance crews, and she was taken to Methodist Hospitals Northlake Campus, court records said. A short time later, Moor was flown to Comer Children's Hospital in Chicago, where she was declared brain dead April 17, records said.
Woodworth, who was a friend of the baby's mother, told medical workers about a bruise on Moor's forehead, court records say.
Moor's parents told police in interviews the bruise appeared several days before Moor's death when the baby accidentally fell and hit her head on a wood floor while playing with a "jump-a-roo."
An autopsy showed Moor died from closed-head injuries consistent with shaken baby syndrome, the affidavit said. A doctor noted the injuries that caused her death were "not consistent with the explanation that they are the result of a trivial fall sustained several days prior to admission to the hospital," the affidavit said.
Detectives at the sheriff's Special Victims Unit also interviewed a baby sitter who cared for her the day before Moor was with Woodworth, the affidavit said. That baby sitter and another woman who saw Moor on April 14 told police the baby was happy, played "patty cake" and did not appear to have a traumatic brain injury, according to court records.
Police also obtained Woodworth and her mother's phone records through a subpoena and determined their phones were not used in locations consistent with where they told police there were the day of Moor's death, the affidavit said.
Besides being the only adult present when Moor suffered fatal injuries, Woodworth also did not seek immediate medical attention after the baby was hurt, police allege.
HAMMOND A federal judge had to weigh a man's criminal history against a chronicle of his childhood abuse as well as being in the crosshairs of Gary's street violence.
U.S. District Court Judge Philip P. Simon imposed a 30-month prison term late last week for Anthony Cruz, a break for a man with a rap sheet long enough to have pushed his sentence closer to the maximum of 10 years.
Cruz already has had a decade of incarceration under his belt for 14 juvenile and adult violations and he had been cooling his heels in federal custody since his arrest Dec. 1, 2015.
He pleaded guilty in June 2016 to being a felon in possession of a Taurus 9 mm semi-automatic pistol. His defense attorney, Kerry C. Connor, conceded in court papers this is Cruz's fourth such weapon's conviction.
She argued in mitigation there is no evidence he has shot anyone or has been convicted of violent crimes, in a sentencing memorandum she filed before the judge.
"He was raised by a very young, single mother, while she was still a teenager. She worked hard to provide for her children, but...exposed Antony to neglect and long-term abuse at the hands of a man she chose to bring into the home.
"Mr. Cruz was fending for himself on the streets of Gary as a young child and found little relief from fear and violence at home."
She stated that guns made Cruz feel safe and he acquired the Taurus only days before his arrest in this case, after he was shot and wounded in the hand while driving midday through Gary.
Cruzs sister was killed in her home only last month. Connor said his sister's death has left Cruz inconsolable "and his anxiety level is markedly exaggerated."
The U.S. Attorney's office agreed in its own memorandum to the court that a 30-month sentence was appropriate in the case.
She asked the court to recommend Cruz, who has three daughters, be placed in a mental health facility for treatment of his emotional disorders.
She said Cruz has indicated he would like to move from Gary, but he must complete his sentence as well as a year in supervised release.
VALPARAISO A theft that occurred Tuesday morning in the 2000 block of Calumet Avenue that triggered a manhunt occurred between two people who knew each other, according to police.
A man made off with items from a female acquaintance at around 8:15 a.m., said Valparaiso Police Sgt. Mike Grennes. The man did not show a weapon.
The search for the man, which took place north of the city in the area of Burlington Beach Road and Maplewood Avenue, was called off, Grennes said. No arrest was made.
The incident comes in the wake of an armed robbery Saturday night at the Walgreens Pharmacy at 1903 Calumet Ave.
A man with a scarf wrapped around his face jumped the counter at about 9:30 p.m. and stole Oxycontin, police said.
Check back at nwi.com for updates as this story develops.
INDIANAPOLIS Twelve men and women hoping to win a seat on the Indiana Supreme Court participated Tuesday in what likely was the toughest job interview of their lives.
For 20 minutes each, the applicants, including attorney Jaime Oss, of LaPorte, were asked rapid-fire questions by seven different interviewers about themselves, their legal philosophy and fine points of state and federal law with no feedback at the end on how they did.
Oss, the only Northwest Indiana candidate, seemed generally to know what to expect from the Indiana Judicial Nominating Commission having interviewed last year for a Supreme Court vacancy that went to Justice Geoffrey Slaughter, a Crown Point native.
But her somewhat broad answer to an early question about what course the state's high court should take when a clearly written law leads to an absurd result prompted multiple follow-up questions trying to nail down Oss' understanding of statutory interpretation and the role of courts.
For better or worse, the additional queries on those specific issues enabled Oss to somewhat stand out from other applicants who were asked questions on a wider variety of topics, ranging from whether Indiana should require lawyers to demonstrate technological competence to identifying a Supreme Court ruling that has impacted their legal work.
Oss at one point even echoed the man she hopes to replace on the Supreme Court Justice Robert Rucker, a Gary native by strongly defending the need for jury trials, which data show are rarely employed in Indiana courtrooms.
The 38-year-old graduate of Valparaiso University School of Law also emphasized that her interest in joining the five-member high court extends beyond just writing rulings.
She said she's eager to participate in the administrative work overseeing courts across Indiana, promoting the legal system through public events, such as Adoption Day, as well as mentoring younger lawyers and law students.
The nominating commission, led by Chief Justice Loretta Rush, is scheduled to interview eight more applicants Wednesday, after which it will invite about half of the 20 total candidates for a second-round of interviews in mid-April.
Ultimately the commission will recommend three potential justices to Republican Gov. Eric Holcomb who will select one to replace Rucker on the Supreme Court.
After the new justice serves two years, Hoosier voters then will get to decide whether to retain or reject the justice for a 10-year term.
Tyler Schutt, of the Pathway to Adventure Council Boy Scouts of America, was one of 10 Scouts chosen nationwide to hand-deliver the Boy Scout of Americas Report to the Nation, an annual report to our nations leaders detailing Scoutings impact on communities across the country.
Schutt traveled to Washington, D.C. and visited President Donald Trump, cabinet officials, and leaders of the House of Representatives, among others.
Schutt was chosen because of his accomplishments and contributions to the community. He is the National Youth Representative for Law Enforcement Exploring, a career-development program through the Boy Scout of America. He is from Explorer Post 2950 in Lansing, which is run by the Lansing Police Department.
He joined the program in 2012 where he currently serves his post as a lieutenant. He attends Trinity Christian College and is majoring in criminal justice and communications. He plans to go into law enforcement as a police officer or a special agent to help keep streets safe.
Scouts embarked on a week that included visits to the Pentagon, the White House, CIA, Arlington National Cemetery, National Park Service, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Education, the State Department, and the U.S. Supreme Court.
While in the nations capital, he represented the more than 2.3 million young people who make up the Scouting program and sharing Scoutings achievements from 2016.
CROWN POINT Four people were treated for minor injuries Monday afternoon in a three-vehicle accident involving a school bus outside Chesterton High School, according to a Chesterton Fire Department official.
Firefighters were dispatched at 3 p.m. to the high school at 2125 S. 11th St. after receiving reports of the accident, according to Capt. Rudy Jimenez of the Chesterton Fire Department.
Jimenez said a chain collision caused a passenger vehicle to rear-ended a school bus, which contained students, in front of the high school.
Four occupants of two passenger vehicles were transported to Porter Regional Hospital to be treated for minor injuries, according to Jimenez.
The captain said no one on the school bus was injured.
The NYPD says there's a substantial rise in bias crimes on the subway.
Officials say there have been 22 reported incidents so far this year, compared to five over the same time last year.
Most of the crimes are connected to anti-Semitic graffiti, and the city's top transit officer says he thinks it's linked to the country's social climate.
"Whether the swastika's eight feet or eight inches, they strike to the core of what we object to and who we are not as Americans," said NYPD Transit Bureau Chief Joseph Fox. "And it's also important that, there's no group, there's no gang. This is not a movement. These are individuals that are tormented at the moment that feel the need to lash out like this."
Last month, several straphangers were seen scrubbing off anti-Semitic messages on a train in Manhattan. A couple of weeks ago, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced the arrest of a Brooklyn man accused of posting hate-crime graffiti around Penn Station.
NATIONWIDE - First it was the travel ban on Muslim countries, now travelers from several Middle Eastern countries are being singled out for a ban on flying with large electronics.
The U.S. government has temporarily barred iPads, cameras, laptops, and most other devices from carry-on luggage on non-stop flights that originate in 10 international airports.
Those airports are Cairo; Amman; Kuwait City; Casablanca; Doha, Riyadh, Jeddah; Istanbul; Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
Dubai-based Emirates says the ban is based on a security directive from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration and that it will take effect on Saturday.
Trump administration officials say the ban went into effect today but that airlines have 96 hours to implement it.
A U.S. official tells the Associated Press that the ban is indefinite, but the reason for it is unclear.
Some passengers at JFK Airport say they support the idea, while others say it's discriminatory.
"More scrutiny, more checks could help us prevent any further complications or security issues," said one traveler.
"Selecting eight particular countries, you know it's unfair, I mean it's Muslim countries, they're targeting Muslims again and it's just another Trump mistake," said another traveler.
Cellphones and medical devices are excluded from the ban.
But all other electronics on flights from those Middle Eastern countries must be packed in checked luggage.
Dana Al Fardan, globally renowned composer and artist becomes the the official composer for Qatar Airways Group. Ms. Al Fardans original composition, Art of Flight, is prominently featured in the airlines new television commercial featuring the innovative and game-changing Qsuite Qatar Airways new Business Class product that allows passengers to customize their experience on board.
Her successful engagements include the composition and 2016 performance of The Beginning for Hamad International Airport, its official theme song. Hear it below.
And below you will find the QSuite commercial
Ms. Al Fardan said, I am honored to partner with Qatar Airways to represent their brand musically. Travel, much like music, is experienced individually but enriched when shared with others. With Art of Flight, I was inspired by Qatar Airways ability to take the act of travel and make it personal and meaningful for every passenger, much like Qsuites can be personalized for couples or groups up to four people. With Hamad International, as the doorway to literally the whole world, I wanted to invoke the spirit of adventure and the promise of experiences that will make lifelong memories. There is very little about travel that isnt inspiring.
Salam Al Shawa, Qatar Airways Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications, said: We would have chosen to partner with Dana Al Fardan regardless, but the fact that she is from Qatar and understands our culture and tradition, and the airlines history of world-class hospitality, gave us another layer of connection. Dana has the unique ability to capture the excitement of travel in her music, and to evoke our favourite travel memories. We are blessed to work with her.
Ms. Al Fardan is the founder and CEO of DNA Records, Qatars first recording company. Her first album, Paint, was released in 2013.
Marines deep in Orange County canyon country hoisted heavy military-grade containers from trucks and pulled out shovels, axes, crowbars equipment to dig holes for C4-grade explosives.
The mission Tuesday was unusual, if not a first. The plan was to blow up three small dams on Silverado Creek. Boulders would fly, concrete would crumble, rock shrapnel would tear into anything soft.
Just before sunset Tuesday night after a long day of preparation, an explosion demolished the first dam.
It came apart easier than expected, said Darrell Vance, district ranger for the National Forest Service.
Two more dams in Silverado were expected to be blown up Wednesday.
In the days to come, five dams in the Holy Jim Canyon are scheduled for blasting. No human is allowed within 1,000 feet when the C4 goes off.
Tuesday was thick with tension, perhaps not unexpected when explosives are to be used in an area designated as protected wildland. Yet this mission is especially complicated.
Officials who consider themselves environmentalists split with civilian environmentalists over the fate of the dams, some of which are believed to date as far back as the 1930s.
While the Marines worked in Silverado Creek, National Forest Service officials stood by. Nearly three years of planning, meetings and public notices led to this day.
Rangers hope the explosions will return the land and the creeks to the way nature was before the rock and concrete dams were built. But a mile down the dirt road that parallels the creek, a gathering of environmentalists and concerned residents worried some of the very things that draw them to Silverado Canyon will vanish forever.
In the early morning, civilians talked about locking arms to block the Marines. One protester was stopped by a Forest Service officials hand to the chest. Still, cool heads prevailed and the demonstration turned into a discussion.
For naturalist and activist Joel Robinson, its about leaving alone what he says has transformed from human imprint to become a natural habitat for plants and animals.
The aquatic life we all love might be erased, Robinson warned. If they have to do this, cant they do it in a more sensitive way?
For Robinson and others, its also about being immersed in nature literally.
Water flowing through these U-shaped dams has scooped out a series of crystal-clear pools.
Its our swimming hole, said Deanne McKibben, a canyon resident of five years who often spends Saturdays at one of the pools with her 25-year-old son and 24-year-old daughter. Its pretty special.
As McKibben talked, Forest Service biologists near the three dams scheduled for leveling Tuesday carefully explored the stream. They searched for California newts to relocate the 6-inch-long brown creatures to safer areas along the stream.
Biologists Kristen Winter and Julie Donnell carried buckets separating males and females. They reported the newts have yet to mate, but they soon will. By mid-morning, they had five males and six females.
Lance Cpl. Adam Dublinske, a 20-year-old from Milford, Iowa, and other Marines joined the biologists efforts to watch for newts.
Vance is a district ranger for the Cleveland National Forest and heads up the effort. He spent nearly two hours Tuesday morning chatting with protesters. While the two sides didnt reach agreement, Vance left open the possibility of more dialogue before more dams are demolished.
Were not trying to shove this down anybodys throat, Vance assured the protesters.
Later, Vance climbed in a Forest Service vehicle, hiked a bit and checked out one of the larger dams. Its U-shaped walls rise some 10 feet and span about 20 feet. He looked into a deep blue and turquoise pool and the surroundings. Yet where some residents see a swimming hole, the ranger sees man-made scars.
An old wood chair and table sit on rocks mid-stream. Red graffiti covers a boulder the size of a washing machine. Nearby, there are styrofoam containers and human waste.
The ranger explains that the County of Orange is spending about $70,000 for the restoration project and utilizing Marine resources is a way to reduce costs. He calls explosives an economy of effort with a total of 10 dams scheduled for removal.
Demolishing the dams should actually increase steelhead trout recovery, Vance says.
But some anglers disagree. Kevin Taylor, a Cerritos College professor, learned to stream fish in Trabuco Creek, which also is scheduled for blasting. He passed along the skill to his son, driving just an hour from his Tustin home.
This is a terrible thing to do to the forest, Taylor said. Trabuco is the only place in Orange County you can stream fish. The stream has been stocked with trout for at least 60 years.
Documents argue what will happen to fishing once dams disappear.
Some say fish need the deep pools. Other contend the dams trap fish. Still others argue fish cant survive the creeks during drought anyway and stocking is the only thing keeping fish in local creeks.
Contact the writer: dwhiting@scng.com
When Orange Countys resident ballet company returns to the Irvine Barclay Theatre this week, it will bring a wandering knight who has lost his wits and a pair of Spanish lovers to the stage.
Don Quixote, fondly called Don Q by balletomanes, is based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes and is, essentially, the romantic comedy of the ballet world. Festival Ballet Theatre will bring this classic from 1869 to life, telling the story of the man of La Mancha and other larger-than-life characters who pursue their dreams.
This ballet is so passionate and funny at the same time, said Festival Ballet Theatre artistic director Salwa Rizkalla. What I like about Don Q is that there is no dull moment, it is colorful all the way through.
Festival Ballets production opens on Saturday, March 25, and American Ballet Theatre principal dancers Marcelo Gomes and Hee Seo will make guest appearances in the leading roles of Basilio and Kitri, respectively.
By bringing in preeminent performers such as Gomes and Seo, both of whom have performed with Festival Ballet on previous occasions, Rizkalla believes she is equipping her company members and students with the tools they need to have success in the ballet world.
As Rizkalla explains, Gomes and Seo represent what many aspiring ballet dancers wish to achieve, so inviting them to share the stage with the performers from Festival Ballet provide inspiration and motivation to the younger members of the cast.
Its a moment of glory for (the Festival Ballet dancers) to be dancing with someone so great, said Rizkalla. (Gomes and Seo) are great mentors for the dancers and its really about giving them that opportunity and education.
Rizkalla has seen this prod of motivation come full circle in dancers such as Quenby Hersh who performed Don Quixote with Gomes in 2005 just before moving overseas to attend the Royal Ballet School.
Hersh, who has since returned to Orange County after dancing for nine years with Scottish Ballet, will once again perform Don Quixote alongside Gomes, albeit with a little different perspective.
I know Ill have a lot more fun with it this year. Last time I was so nervous. I was definitely star struck, said Hersh. Growing up with the chance to interact with dancers like Gomes and others really inspired me to contemplate becoming a professional dancer.
Hersh, who is excited to be back in Orange County, said dancing Don Quixote with Festival Ballet once again makes her feel like she never left.
To be able to revisit something that had been so in my body feels like home, said Hersh. The opportunity to be onstage is very meaningful to me now.
Also happy to reprise a role in the upcoming production is Gomes, who said that Basilio is a role that he no longer performs with American Ballet Theatre.
Its fun to pull (the character of) Basilio off the shelf, he said. The role has these beautiful passages of choreography with a lot of technical elements. And although Im from Latin America not Spain, I think I have somewhat of a fire in me that I can show in my acting.
When Gomes travels to Irvine this week, it will be his fifth performance with Festival Ballet and he said he keeps coming back to work with Rizkalla and her dancers because it reminds him of the school he attended as a boy.
I love the exchange because even now I remember the famous guest artists that I danced with in my past, so maybe Im doing something for a young boy or girl by being here. I just want (the students) to know that any human being, if they work hard enough, can get to this level, said Gomes.
Rizkalla loves having Gomes as part of the production especially because she said he is not only dancing, but also doing a little directing.
He helps the dancers project more and act more. There is a dialogue between (Gomes) and the other dancers onstage and that really energizes everyone, said Rizkalla, who holds her company members and students to incredibly high standards. People who see our productions see something real. Real dancing by everyone from children to adult and Don Quixote is the same. I like every part of it.
There are inspirations behind every decision to get into politics. Alan Simpson is one of mine.
The former Republican senator from Wyoming is the father of my college roommate, a family friend and role model.
More than 30 years ago, Simpson had the courage to cosponsor the Simpson-Mazzoli Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, signed into law by President Reagan that same year.
Simpson was an unlikely champion to take on immigration. Yet he worked with Kentucky Democrat Romano Mazzoli to build consensus on a path to citizenship and tighter border control.
For all the gains, it didnt turn out to be a long-term fix. Three decades later, our nation again is plagued by a broken immigration system, with Anaheim and other cities on the front lines.
As part of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, a group of mayors of cities with 30,000 or more residents, I join with bipartisan city leaders across the nation in calling for a fix to our broken immigration system.
As local leaders, we do not seek to dictate specifics to our federal partners. But there are some common-sense goals we should be able to agree on to address impacts on our communities:
Strengthening our borders while allowing local law enforcement to focus on community policing.
Streamlining the worker visa process to efficiently process seasonal, agricultural, low- and high-skilled labor.
Providing a uniform system of employment verification.
Implementing guidelines that allow those whove embraced the American dream to attain legal status, and, ultimately, earn citizenship.
Serving as mayor offers a unique perspective on this complex issue.
I regularly meet with students, families, workers and entrepreneurs across our city. Some of them surely are undocumented. In the case of kids, perhaps their parents are.
They live in the shadows, scared to call police to report a crime or fearful to engage in their community. That makes it hard for us to provide a safer, healthier city where people can thrive.
So many of those Ive met are good-willed and hard-working. Theyve embraced the American dream the Anaheim dream.
We strive to be a city where neighbors know each other, care for one another and build our social fabric. Fixing our immigration system will strengthen our interactions with those we serve, and, ultimately, allow us to fulfill our mission to be a city of kindness.
Theres also an economic benefit to immigration. Anaheim is a city of immigrants, many of them first-generation, many entrepreneurs. Theyve helped make our city a more vibrant and fun place to visit.
Without immigrants, our constant efforts to renew Anaheim would be a lot harder.
Of course, immigration is a complex issue.
Citizenship has to be earned, and we need to provide a fair way for that to happen with a comprehensive fix to our broken system.
And no one should confuse the issue with public safety. In Anaheim and across our country, mayors agree that criminals should be held accountable, and that the undocumented convicted of serious crimes certainly should be deported.
In fact, addressing public safety is the best thing we can do to ensure that immigrants thrive here, along with everyone else in Anaheim.
But the lack of a coherent national immigration policy makes our job as local officials harder by creating confusion, misunderstanding and fear.
Fixing a broken system wont be easy. For many, the politics seem too daunting. But we can draw strength from those who have fought this fight before us. And it goes beyond Sen. Simpson and President Reagan.
On the anniversary of our countrys independence in 1858, immigration also was a contentious issue. Then-Senate candidate Abraham Lincoln spoke of an evolving America and the important role immigrants played.
As a nation in transition, many Americans of the time were newcomers with no ties to the founding fathers or those who fought in the Revolution.
But they nonetheless embraced the ideals of Americas defining moment, outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
They have a right to claim it as though they were blood of the blood and flesh of the flesh of the men who wrote that Declaration, Lincoln said. And so they are.
Today I stand with mayors across the country in urging our nations leaders to enact comprehensive immigration reform.
Tom Tait is mayor of Anaheim and co-chair of the U.S. Conference of Mayors Immigration Task Force.
CSUF consulting programs score high in national competition
The Small Business Institute has recognized two consulting programs at the CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship.
The SBI is a national organization that promotes and supports universities in employing high-impact practices in their courses like consulting projects
The CSUF Consulting program at the Center for Entrepreneurship each year works with over 100 clients to help them improve their businesses in areas including marketing, operations, finance, accounting and general Strategy.
From these projects CSUF enters one undergraduate and one MBA project into a national consulting competition for universities. Out of the hundreds of universities competing, both CSUF teams finished in the top three in their categories.
Management assistant professor Lorenzo Bizzis MBA Capstone team took second place in the Graduate Comprehensive Project category, for which the team did a comprehensive review of its clients business and created a general strategy report for it based on the teams observations and research. His team consisted of Jennifer Pueblo, Hanisha Balani, Amber Soares, Leo Lee and Bown Guan. Their client was the OC Fair & Event Center.
CSUF Center for Entrepreneurship Director John Bradley Jacksons marketing consulting team took third place in the Undergraduate Specialized portion of the competition. That team conducted an intensive review of its clients current marketing efforts and created a strategic plan on how to achieve the goals as set out by the client. The team consisted of Stacy Goldstein, Emma Osman, Johnathon Veta, Andrew Goclowski, Tristan Schmitt and Jenny Frolova. Curtis Chan, founder of Chan & Associates and Cognitive Impact, was their mentor.
Collaboration was the key to this project. Our client was the Fullerton College Foundation and they were open to the students working with them to develop an in-depth marketing strategy plan for them to increase the volume of donations coming in. On our end, the team worked very hard and I am proud of their report and the fact that they did so well in the competition, Jackson said.
Including these two teams, the CSUF Consulting program has finished in the Top 10 of the SBI national competition 31 times.
CSUFs Jason Sexton part of team exploring the work of Kevin Starr
Jason Sexton, CSUF honors program lecturer and editor of Boom California, is participating is a new research project about the writings of Kevin Starr, the late California historian and former state librarian.
Cal State Fullerton students taking courses in American studies, history and the honors program often delve into the writings of Starr.
During any given term, there are probably four or more classes throughout the university assigning Kevins work, said Sexton. Hes a major literary figure in understanding the history of California.
Sexton, along with USC professor of history William F. Deverell, is leading a project that will bring together 30 historians, social scientists and theologians for a two-year investigation of Starrs eight-volume Americans and the California Dream series.
The project The California Dream in Interdisciplinary Perspective: Revisiting Major Themes in Kevin Starrs California will explore 10 themes in Starrs writings: myth, creation, anthropology, spirituality, sin, hope, redemption, ecclesiology, transformation and eschatology.
The California Dream series is the most ambitious literary account of California thats ever been given and probably ever will be given by one single author, said Sexton. Kevins passing is, in a sense, the end of an era of that kind of chronicling of California.
Starr, who died Jan. 14, was a fourth-generation San Franciscan who earned his doctorate in American literature from Harvard University. He served as a speechwriter, city librarian, professor and columnist before being appointed to the position of Californias state librarian from 1994 to 2004. For his contributions as a scholar and historian, President George W. Bush awarded him the National Humanities Medal in 2006.
Very few people have read all of Kevin Starr, said Sexton, who interviewed Starr in late 2016 for Boom California. There hasnt been a robust treatment of his work, so its very important to turn our hands to it.
I think Kevin would have appreciated that were not just excavating his work, but taking the themes and bringing them into conversation with our various disciplines and other concerns in California today, Sexton said.
The research, slated to be published as an open access book, is supported through a two-year grant from Fieldstead and Co. and a CSUF Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity grant.
Garcia confers emeriti status for education accomplishments
CSUF President Mildred Garcia recently recognized service and dedication to education by conferring the emeriti title on the following:
Mary Aboud, administrative analyst specialist emeritus, for 22 years of service
Thomas Clanin, lecturer emeritus of communications, for 21 years on campus
George Cohn, professor emeritus of electrical engineering
Nghia Van Duong, equipment systems specialist emeritus, for 18 years of service
Marilyn Slagle, library service specialist emeritus, for 33 years of service
Melissa Whatley, registrar emeritus for 20 years of service
Staff report
FBI Director James Comey revealed that the bureau is investigating possible Russian interference in the 2016 elections, but he offered no details or evidence of wrongdoing.
That left room for each party to try to bend news of the FBI probe to its own purposes which Democrats and Republicans both did.
It is good to know that Russias apparent effort to help Donald Trumps presidential campaign is being investigated. And it is good to know that leaks about the potential scandal from the U.S. intelligence community are being investigated.
But will Americans end up knowing what did or didnt happen? Or will the probes and the interpretation of the conclusions be politicized like everything else?
Comeys disclosure, made during a House Intelligence Committee hearing Monday, was the first time he publicly acknowledged the existence of such an investigation, which has apparently been under way since July.
Comey previously drew strong criticism from Democrats for publicly announcing an investigation of Hillary Clintons emails during the waning days of the campaign.
Some Democrats have seized on the investigation to suggest Russian interference tipped the scales of the election and handed Trump the presidency, but both Comey and National Security Administration Director Adm. Michael Rogers said there is no evidence that the Russians compromised vote tallies in battleground states.
The more serious allegation from Democrats is that the Trump campaign may have conspired with an enemy nation.
Republicans have chosen to use the hearings as a forum to complain about leaks from intelligence agencies. We aim to determine who has leaked or facilitated leaks of classified information so that these individuals can be brought to justice, said Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Tulare.
It is certainly possible that this is all much ado about nothing, and is merely being used as a power play in a struggle for political influence.
Both sides have a point. There is enough circumstantial evidence to conduct an investigation, as exemplified by the leak that revealed that former White House national security adviser Mike Flynn lied when he said publicly, and to Vice President Mike Pence, that he did not discuss the Obama administrations sanctions on Russia when he spoke with Russian Ambassador Sergey Kislyak shortly before Trump took office. (This led to Flynns resignation.)
The Russia investigation, already eight months old, should be conducted as expeditiously as practicable to clear the names of innocent parties and minimize politicization.
And there are understandable concerns about the leaking of sensitive information, particularly in an era when the government, and especially the intelligence community, has unprecedented power to obtain private information about people. But we should not be too quick to prosecute whistleblowers except in the most extreme cases, where national security is truly jeopardized.
The Obama administration infamously used the Espionage Act of 1917 to prosecute more whistleblowers and leakers than all other administrations combined. Continuing such a precedent would be chilling to the ability of insiders, with the aid of the press, to reveal wrongdoing by the government.
Grammy-winning hip-hop artist Wyclef Jean was detained and handcuffed early this morning by Los Angeles County sheriffs deputies in West Hollywood searching for robbery suspects and sent a series of social-media posts detailing his frustration.
Jean, who was a member of the hip-hop group the Fugees, posted a series of messages on his Twitter account about the incident in which he mistakenly called the sheriffs deputies the LAPD.
LAPD another case of mistaken identity. Black man with red bandana robbed a gas station as I was in the studio working but im in handcuffs? pic.twitter.com/vjRfJUkooA Wyclef Jean (@wyclef) March 21, 2017
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Officer Drake Madison, a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman, confirmed that the LAPD was not involved in the incident.
Jeans first tweet at 2:11 a.m. Tuesday featured video of him in handcuffs next to a police vehicle and read: LAPD another case of mistaken identity. Black man with a red bandana robbed a gas station as I was in the studio working but im in handcuffs? In the video, Jean says In L.A. right now coming from the studio And yall see the police have handcuffs on me. They just took off my Haitian bandana. Thats whats going on right now with Wyclef in L.A. right now. The LAPD have me in handcuffs for absolutely nothing.
In a statement from his publicist, Jean said I was asked by the police to put my hands up. Then I was told do not move. I was instantly handcuffed before being asked to identify myself and before being told why. In the process I said my name and told them they have wrong person. They proceeded to ignore me, and I was treated like a criminal. I am sure no father wants his sons or daughters to see him in handcuffs ,especially if he is innocent. As some one who has law enforcers in my family, I was appalled by the behavior of the LAPD.
Lt. Edward Ramirez of the sheriffs department said the West Hollywood station received a call after 1 a.m. of a robbery that occurred in the area of Sunset Boulevard and Hilldale Drive. A suspect was described as a male black armed with a handgun who pistol-whipped a female and a male before taking personal property.
The suspect was last seen in a gold- or tan-colored vehicle with paper plates, Ramirez said, so deputies began searching for the vehicle in the vicinity of where the incident happened. Deputies then watched a gold- or tan-colored vehicle traveling southbound on West Knoll Drive before it stopped at Sherwood Drive, where a traffic stop was conducted.
Because this is an incident where a gun was involved and someone was pistol-whipped, deputies are on a heightened sense of awareness, Ramirez said. The driver and front passenger of the vehicle, who was Jean, got out and were detained.
We noticed that the passenger (Jean) was wearing a red bandanna, and subsequent to this we determined from information via the radio there was a female black driver and a male black passenger who was the person who did the robbery, Ramirez said.
The vehicle that was stopped, with Jean inside, had a female driver and a male black passenger. While the two were detained, deputies asked one of the victims if the suspect wore a red bandanna and the victim said yes.
Mr. Jean, not to say he was not complying, but he was upset and wanted to know why he was stopped, Ramirez said. This was an incident where a gun was involved and somebody got pistol-whipped and were trying to control the situation. Hes moving his arms about, so we detain him at gunpoint. He complied with verbal commands we handcuffed and detained him in the back of a patrol car for 6 minutes until we sorted things out.
Ramirez said deputies tried to explain to Jean why he was detained, but he was upset.
He believed he was stopped for no reason and illegally detained, Ramirez said. We tried to tell him why we detained him. A sergeant attempted to apologize and gave him a business card and said, Feel free to call the station later.
He kind of stormed off and was upset, which I can see, Ramirez said.
About four blocks away, the two actual suspects were arrested around the same time as the incident with Jean was wrapping up.
The suspects were in a similar car, a tan or gold vehicle, and the person arrested in connection with the pistol-whipping had a red bandanna on, similar to Jeans.
Jeans vehicle did not have paper plates, like the suspects vehicle, but it did have Michigan plates on it.
Some people in California arent hip to what other state license plates look like, Ramirez said.
President Trumps nominee for the Supreme Court began a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week amid unusual political intrigue.
Should Judge Neil Gorsuch be quickly confirmed by the Senate to fill the Supreme Court opening?
Thats our Question of the Week for readers.
Gorsuch would take the Supreme Court seat left vacant when Justice Antonin Scalia died suddenly 13 months ago.
A judge on the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver, Gorsuch, 49, is a conservative in the Scalia mold.
The Senates Republican majority hopes to have Gorsuch confirmed by the full Senate before members begin a two-week break April 7. Gorsuch then could participate in some important cases facing the court this term.
Democrats hope to stall Gorsuchs approval, possibly with a filibuster. Many in the party remain bitter that District of Columbia U.S. Circuit Court Judge Merrick Garland, nominated by President Obama a year ago, was denied even a hearing by Republicans, who argued that the choice for the Scalia seat should be made by a new president.
Adding tension to Trumps first high-court nomination is the White Houses clashes with the judiciary over the presidents travel-ban orders. Trump called a judge who blocked his original order a so-called judge. Gorsuch called Trumps blasts at judges demoralizing and disheartening.
For Gorsuch, educated at Columbia, Harvard and Oxford, qualifications dont seem to be an issue. But Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said the panel must inquire if Gorsuch is a reasonable mainstream conservative, or is he not.
Gorsuch is expected to be grilled about his opinions on issues including abortion, gun control, campaign finance restrictions, church-state separation and employer vs. employee fights.
Do you want your senators to support or oppose Gorsuch?
Email your thoughts to letters@ocregister.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence. Provide a daytime phone number. Or, if you prefer, share your views in the comments section that accompanies this article online.
Well publish as many responses as possible.
Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait and dozens of their counterparts from around the country joined forces today to call on Congress and President Donald Trump to fix a broken immigration system and pass a comprehensive overhaul of how people are granted entry into the country.
The concerted effort by mayors to call for immigration reform and conduct a day of action in support of undocumented immigrants comes a day after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials took their own action in targeting cities.
The agency released its inaugural weekly report on cities or agencies that have been non-cooperative with federal immigration detainer requests to hold people in local jails past their typical release dates. The report, which mentioned detainers that appeared to have been issued and rejected at Los Angeles and Anaheim jails, was prompted by an executive order signed by Trump in January.
During a teleconference to discuss the mayors day of action, Garcetti compared the ICE report to an attempt to pin a scarlet letter on cities and law enforcement agencies and said it was destructive to collaborative relationships between local and federal governments.
Tom Cochran, the executive director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, said the group has serious concerns about ICEs report, including questions as to the assertion that the cities listed are in non-compliance when they do not honor those detainer requests.
The federal immigration detainer requests are often seen as voluntary by local law enforcement agencies.
Several mayors today highlighted their individual cities efforts to help immigrants and to press for federal immigration reform during the teleconference, which was on the Cities Day of Immigration Action organized by the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Garcetti, chair of the groups Latino Alliance.
Anaheims Tait, a Republican mayor, said he and Democratic mayors like Jorge Elorza of Providence, Rhode Island, are making a bipartisan push for the federal government to fix the nations immigration system.
(Mayors) are closest to the issue, said Tait, who co-chairs an immigration reform task force with Elorza in the U.S. Conference of Mayors.
As cities work to keep people safe and we protect their rights, Tait said, we have a broken system we have to work around.
Tait said the task force is preparing a letter signed by mayors from around the country to demand comprehensive immigration reform from the federal government, and he has also written an op-ed for the Orange County Register.
In Anaheim, the U.S. Conference of Mayors is reaching out to local members of Congress to take action on immigration, Tait said.
Garcetti said cities are doing their part and agree the federal government must move forward on immigration reform that includes a pathway to citizenship for the estimated 11 million who are in the country illegally.
Do what President Reagan and a bipartisan coalition in Congress did in the 1980s, he said. Its long overdue.
Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia, who emigrated from Peru at age 5, shared his story of coming to the United States during the conference call.
The cities day of action kicked off in Los Angeles at 6 a.m. with an on-air, phone-banking event at Univision Studios featuring legal experts giving advice on immigration matters.
Garcetti said he also visited the offices of immigrant advocacy group Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights of Los Angeles, or CHIRLA, and spoke to immigrants known as DREAMers who were brought to the United States illegally when they were babies or very young. Those immigrants benefited from now-former President Obamas Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors (DREAM) Act.
Garcetti was also planning to sign an executive directive titled Standing with Immigrants: A City of Safety, Refuge, and Opportunity for All, at an event at noon with Los Angeles police Chief Charlie Beck and Councilman Gil Cedillo.
And finally a Know Your Rights workshop will be held at 6 p.m. at the Archdiocese of Los Angeles Dolores Mission Parish in downtown Los Angeles.
DUBLIN Martin McGuinness took up arms to fight British soldiers in the streets but ended up shaking hands with Queen Elizabeth II. A militant who long sought to unify Ireland through violence, he became a peacemaking politician who earned the respect, and even the friendship, of his former enemies.
McGuinness, who died Tuesday at 66, was an Irish Republican Army commander who led the paramilitary movement toward reconciliation with Britain and went on to serve as Northern Irelands deputy first minister for a decade in a Catholic-Protestant power-sharing unity government.
Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, who worked with McGuinness to forge Northern Irelands 1998 peace accord, said there will be some who cannot forget the bitter legacy of the war. And for those who lost loved ones in it, that is completely understandable.
But for those of us able finally to bring about the Northern Ireland peace agreement, we know we could never have done it without Martins leadership, courage and quiet insistence that the past should not define the future, Blair said.
McGuinness Sinn Fein party said he died in a hospital in his hometown of Londonderry following a short illness.
McGuinness suffered from amyloidosis, a rare disease with a strain specific to Irelands northwest. The chemotherapy required to combat the formation of organ-choking protein deposits sapped him of his strength and forced the once-indefatigable politician to start missing government appointments. He stepped down from front-line politics in January.
Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams said McGuinness was a passionate republican who worked tirelessly for peace and reconciliation and for the re-unification of his country.
Irish Prime Minister Enda Kenny said McGuinness will always be remembered for the remarkable political journey that he undertook in his lifetime. Not only did Martin come to believe that peace must prevail, he committed himself to working tirelessly to that end.
But some who suffered at the hands of the IRA could not forgive.
Former British government minister Norman Tebbit, whose wife was paralyzed by an IRA bombing of a Brighton hotel in 1984, said he hoped that McGuinness was parked in a particularly hot and unpleasant corner of hell for the rest of eternity.
McGuinness transformation into a peacemaker was remarkable. As a senior IRA commander during the years of gravest Catholic-Protestant violence, he insisted that Northern Ireland must be forced out of the United Kingdom against the wishes of Protestants in Northern Ireland.
We dont believe that winning elections and any amount of votes will bring freedom in Ireland, he told the BBC in 1986. At the end of the day, it will be the cutting edge of the IRA that will bring freedom.
Yet within a few years of making that stubborn vow, McGuinness was involved in covert contacts with British intelligence that led eventually to a truce, inter-party talks and the installation of the IRA icon in the heart of Northern Irelands government.
Irish Times columnist Fintan OToole argued in January 2017 that McGuinness had been a mass killer during his period of membership and leadership the IRA killed 1,781 people, including 644 civilians whose personal amiability has been essential to the peace process.
If he were not a ruthless and unrepentant exponent of violence, he would never have become such a key figure in bringing violence to an end, OToole said.
Unlike his close ally Adams, McGuinness never hid the fact that he had been a commander of the IRA classed as a terrorist organization by the British, Irish and U.S. governments. Nor could he.
Born on May 23, 1950, he joined the breakaway Provisional IRA faction in his native Londonderry simply Derry to Irish nationalists after dropping out of high school and working as an apprentice butcher in the late 1960s. At the time, the Catholic civil rights movement faced increasing conflict with the provinces Protestant government and police.
He rose to become Derrys deputy IRA commander by age 21 as Provo bombs systematically wrecked the city center. Soldiers found it impossible to pass IRA road barricades erected in McGuinness Bogside power base.
McGuinness appeared unmasked at early Provisional IRA press conferences. The BBC filmed him walking through the Bogside discussing how the IRA command structure worked and stressing his concern to minimize civilian casualties, an early sign of public relations savvy.
In 1972, during Northern Irelands bloodiest year, McGuinness joined Adams in a six-man IRA delegation flown by the British government to London for secret face-to-face negotiations during a brief truce. Those talks went nowhere. McGuinness went back on the run until his arrest in the Republic of Ireland near a car loaded with 250 pounds (110 kilograms) of explosives and 4,750 rounds of ammunition.
During one of his two Dublin trials for IRA membership, McGuinness declared from the dock he was a member of the Derry Brigade of the IRA and Im very, very proud of it.
Historians and security analysts agree that McGuinness was promoted to the IRAs ruling army council following his November 1974 parole from prison and would have overseen many of the groups most spectacular and divisive attacks. These included bomb attacks on London tourist spots and the use of human bombs civilian employees like cooks and cleaners at British security installations who were forced to drive car bombs to their places of work that were detonated by remote control before they could raise the alarm.
His central role in the IRA command was underscored when Britain in 1990 opened secret dialogue with the underground group. An MI6 agent codenamed The Mountain Climber met McGuinness several times as part of diplomatic efforts that delivered a 1994 IRA truce and, ultimately, the U.S.-brokered Good Friday peace accord of 1998.
Northern Irelands first power-sharing government, formed in 1999, was led by moderates and afforded only minor roles for Sinn Fein and the most uncompromising Protestant party, Ian Paisleys Democratic Unionists.
That first coalition collapsed under the twin weight of Paisley-led obstruction and the IRAs refusal to disarm. McGuinness served as the lead liaison with disarmament officials.
After election results vaulted the Democratic Unionists and Sinn Fein to the top of their communities for the first time, pressure mounted on the IRA to surrender its stockpiled arsenal. This happened in 2005, paving the way for Paisley to bury the hatchet with the group he called the Sinners.
No observer could have foreseen what happened next: a genuine friendship between First Minister Paisley and Deputy First Minister McGuinness. Belfast wits dubbed them The Chuckle Brothers because of their public warmth.
When Paisley died in 2014, an emotional McGuiness hailed him as a champion of peace.
Past history shows that we were political opponents, but on this day I think I can say without fear of contradiction that I have lost a friend, he said.
McGuinness maintained more businesslike relations with Paisleys frosty successor, Peter Robinson. In 2012, when Queen Elizabeth II visited Belfast, the monarch and the former militant shook hands a gesture that would have seemed impossible just years before.
Two years later, McGuinness toasted the queens health during a banquet Windsor Castle.
All the while, McGuinness expressed newfound support for the police as they faced attacks from IRA splinter groups a U-turn that exposed McGuinness and his relatives to death threats.
More recently, Northern Irelands power-sharing government tottered amid a scandal over a bungled green energy program. When a frail-looking McGuinness resigned in January, the administration collapsed, triggering an early election in March that has plunged the future of Northern Ireland power-sharing into uncertainty.
Days later, McGuinness resigned from politics, saying it was time for a new generation of republican leaders to take charge.
We are on a journey to unite our people and unite our island, he said. As a Sinn Fein activist I will continue to play a full and enthusiastic part in that essential process of building bridges, of dialogue and of reconciliation between our still divided people.
McGuinness is survived by his wife, Bernadette, two daughters and two sons.
Associated Press writer Jill Lawless in London contributed to this report.
FULLERTON A 28-year-old man pleaded guilty Monday to human trafficking and pimping a teenage prostitute in Orange County and was immediately sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Freddie Oliver Coopers plea deal led to dismissals of human trafficking a victim younger than 18 and pimping a minor older than 16 charges, according to court records.
Cooper allegedly met the victim at a bus stop in Los Angeles and had her work as a prostitute in Los Angeles and Orange counties.
In November 2015, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children contacted law enforcement officials with a tip about an underage girl missing from Michigan.
Cal State Fullerton has announced a partnership with the Peace Corps aimed at providing select returning volunteers a special fellowship and enrollment in the Division of Anthropologys graduate program.
The program promotes participation in the both the Peace Corps and higher education, a feat that once prompted a challenging one-or-the-other decision.
Myself and many other anthropology faculty members were faced with the decision of, Should I go to the Peace Corps or should I apply to graduate school? said John Patton, professor of anthropology and coordinator of the Peace Corps collaboration. Were saying you can do both.
Peace Corps individuals can be very excited about their experiences, he said. We are hoping we can take that energy and excitement and build upon that.
Slated to kick off in early 2018, two new opportunities at CSUF will be geared toward returning and potential Peace Corps workers.
The first is the Paul D. Coverdell Fellows Program, a Peace Corps initiative named after former director Coverdell.
Through this two-year program, CSUF fellowship recipients will receive financial assistance and internship opportunities serving local underserved communities.
This fellowships will be open to individuals who have completed their Peace Corps commitments and are looking to earn a masters degree in anthropology.
Five fellows will be selected annually.
The fellowship would allow non-California residents to have their out-of-state fees waived, encouraging Peace Corps volunteers from throughout the country to enroll in CSUFs graduate anthropology program.
Also, undergraduate students may choose to enroll in the Peace Corps Prep Certificate, a collaborative program between U.S. higher education institutions and the Peace Corps.
This serves as a preparatory program for potential Peace Corps volunteers.
For the certificate program, anthropology faculty members will serve as mentors and assist in the development and design of an accompanying research assignment, which could potentially double as students masters theses upon their return and completion of courses, said Patton.
By working with the universitys Study Abroad office, Patton hopes with the fellowship program to offer returning Peace Corps workers the opportunity to return to the countries where they previously served, only now serving as CSUF student researchers.
As a Peace Corps worker youve been doing all of that under the umbrella of the Peace Corps, Patton said. We say, How would you like to return to that country but with a different hat on?
While a number of universities and colleges across the United States offer similar programs, CSUF is unique because it is one of a few offering this program exclusively in the field of anthropology, Patton said.
The skills needed to succeed in both areas go hand in hand, Patton said.
We study people in cultures other than our own; our focus is in cross cultural studies, Patton said.
A really significant part of you living in a different culture other than yours is to give you perspective, he said. You are not just writing about people; you are living with them.
These students have also experienced and lived through many of the theories and lessons studied in anthropology courses, he said.
These students are returning from a two-year experience from a foreign land and they have experienced the culture shock and the reverse culture shock, Patton said.
We think this is a wonderful partnership, he said. We see this as a big plus for returning Peace Corps workers and for us because were gaining the types of students were looking for.
Through this collaboration, Patton plans to build a culture of service.
He also hopes returning Peace Corps workers in the graduate program will serve as mentors encourage to undergraduate students with an interest in the service organization.
These students will work closely with other programs and efforts in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, such as the Urban Agriculture Community-based Research Experience, or U-ACRE.
UACREs existing 11 community partners could double as internship and service project opportunities for returning Peace Corps volunteers, Patton said.
Since the Peace Corps inception in 1961, about 400 CSUF graduates have worked with the organization.
Kelley Blue Book in Irvine has launched KBB.PT in Portugal in a move to expand its presence overseas.
The site, managed by KBBs Irvine and Portugal offices, will offer free used- and new-car pricing in Portuguese and English. Eight employees have been tasked with maintaining the site.
Were confident KBB.PT will quickly become the market standard for vehicle pricing and valuations in Portugal, offering the industry and consumers with effective transparency within the car market, Dan Ingle, vice president of international business development for Cox Automotive Media Solutions Group, said in a statement. The group includes Kelley Blue Book and Autotrader.
Kelley Blue Book is partnering with Auto SAPO, a provider of automotive listings in Portugal, to receive accurate pricing data.
Sales in Portugal have been on the rise. In 2016, roughly 210,000 vehicles were sold, up from 178,500 in 2015. In 2011 there were only 153,000 vehicles sold.
The 90-year-old KBB has been around for 90 years, known in the auto industry for its car-buying books. In 1995 it expanded to include a website that provides reviews, videos and pricing information for car buyers.
The company also works in China with Bitauto Holdings, an internet content and marketing services provider in the auto industry there.
Contact the writer: hmadans@ocregister.com or Twitter: @HannahMadans
When Judge Neil Gorsuch sat down for the first day of his Senate confirmation hearing on Monday, Democrats were fuming.
Not because of Gorsuchs political leanings, or the decisions hes made as an appellate judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 10th Circuit.
They were mad because of Merrick Garland.
Garland, as you may remember, was President Barack Obamas nominee for the Supreme Court. Obama made his nomination formal a little over a year ago, on March 16, 2016. But Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., had already signaled he wouldnt even give Garland a hearing. He never did, and Democrats, furious with the departure from Senate norms, havent forgotten.
Now, Democrats say the last year amounts to a Republican attempt to pack the courts with politically conservative appointees. Democrats feel like Republicans spent more than a year stonewalling the rightful heir to Justice Antonin Scalias seat. Garlands wait for a Senate hearing one that never came was the longest wait in U.S. Supreme Court history.
This is a stolen seat. This is the first time a Senate majority has stolen a seat, Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., told Politico in January.
The first Democrat to speak, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (Calif.), the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, said she is deeply disappointed that Garland never got a hearing.
Then, Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., took it several steps farther.
Your nomination is part of a Republican strategy to capture our judicial branch of government, Durbin told Gorsuch sternly. That is why the Senate Republicans kept this Supreme Court seat vacant for more than a year, and why they left 30 judicial nominees who had received bipartisan approval of this committee to die on the Senate calendar as President Obama left office.
Its no secret that both sides want to pick justices they believe would rule in favor of the issues they care about. But to accuse Republicans so bluntly of trying to capture our judicial branch of government is pretty remarkable. The courts are supposed to be above politics a point Gorsuch himself stressed repeatedly during his opening statement later Monday. Yet those assurances likely fell on deaf ears.
Judge Garland may not have made it very far in the Senate confirmation process. But his nomination, and Republicans decision to not hold a hearing for him, could forever change the way Supreme Court nominees are chosen.
Senate Republicans hold a 52-48 advantage right now, and Democrats could try to filibuster Gorsuchs nomination. (Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer of New York has already signaled that Gorsuch will need 60 votes to be confirmed.) It would be just the second time in modern history that a Supreme Court nominee has been filibustered. The more partisan his confirmation hearing gets, and the more the battle lines are drawn, the harder it could be for the GOP to round up the eight votes they would then need.
The Registers girls lacrosse athlete of the week:
JESSICA DE COLLIBUS
SAN CLEMENTE
De Collibus, the Tritons captain, scored 12 goals on 15 shots in a pair of victories for the Tritons. She also had six combined ground balls, one interception and one forced turnover.
Unable to find a prosthetic hand that fit him him properly, Leonardo Viscarra, a 14-year-old boy from Bolivia, decided to build one himself, using 3D-printing technology.
Leonardo was born with an undeveloped left hand. As a fetus in his mothers womb, the boys right hand was caught in the placenta and unable to develop properly. He was diagnosed with amniotic band syndrome at birth, and could never use his left hand for basic tasks like picking up or grabbing objects. However, an incident during his childhood sparked an interest in assembling and building things, which ultimately helped him achieve his goal of one day gaining almost full use of his undeveloped hand.
Photo: YouTube screengrab
I threw a rock and broke the [toy] car, and I could see all the pieces it was made of, Leonardo Viscarra recalls the childhood event that got him interested in how things work and putting various parts together. A few years later, he used what little knowledge he had of prosthetics to build his first prosthetic hand. It was a rudimentary design, more like a clamp than a hand, but it allowed him to grasp objects, which he couldnt do before. But that was only the beginning, as Leonardo soon started work on an improved, more mechanized version. It was better than his first attempt, but not as good as he wanted it to be.
While researching online, Leonardo learned the story of a French boy who became the first recipient of a 3D-printed robotic hand, and even found a U.S. foundation that manufactured them for kids in need of prosthetics. Thanks to an aunt living in the United States, Viscarra got in touch with the foundation and received his own robotic hand. Unfortunately, it had not been made to measure and proved too large to for the boy to use properly.
His first prosthesis (Photo: Leonardo Viscarra)
Despite all the setbacks, the Bolivian boy never gave up on his dream. Instead, he decided to use his passion for assembling and building things to create his own robotic hand. Drawing inspiration from the robotic hand he had received from the U.S. and other examples he found online, Leonardo designed his own robotic hand, which relied on nylon strings that pick up the movements of his wrist and transmit them to the fingers.
All he needed to do now was create all the different parts of the robotic hand, but he didnt have his own 3D printer, so he decided to ask for help at the Sawers Robotics Institute, in his home city of Cochabamba. They were more than happy to give him a hand (quite literally), which he then pieced together with the help of his family and school teachers.
Photo: YouTube screengrab
Now, 14-year-old Leonardo Viscarra finally had an advanced prostehtic hand that actually fits him properly. Its made primarily of thermoplastic, and even though its not perfect the fingers dont quite close completely it allows the young boy to do things that he previously only dreamed of. And best of all, while advanced bionic hands end up costing around $15,000, he only spent $100 on his. While its true that his creation is nowhere near as accurate and responsive as a sensor-based robotic hand, its a great alternative for anyone who cant afford to spend tens of thousands of dollars.
Leonardos amazing story has already made him somewhat of a celebrity in Bolivia, and he has even received several requests for robotic hands. He built one for a 7-year-old girl, but usually he recommends commercially-available models, because his is not as accurate and strong as he would like.
The young boy says that he wants to dedicate his life to building advanced robotic prosthesis, and plans to study biomedicine.
via El Deber
Rokhaya Diallo was born and raised in Paris, France, from Senegalese parents. For a long time, she thought of herself as a French person but at some point people started looking at her as if she was a foreigner. It was at that moment that she started to wonder why people would not acknowledge her as a French native.
It was obviously because of the colour of my skin, she said. I noticed that most images of France shared from France did not include people like me.
Diallo thought it was time to challenge those misconceptions and display French society as a multicultural and multi-faith country. Her public activism started in 2006 when she founded an anti-racist association called Les indivisibles (The Undividable) which aimed at addressing racism in media discourse.
Ten years on, Diallo notices little change. In a discussion at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva when the international community commemorated the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, she paid homage to all the unknown activists around the world who, sometimes to the peril of their own lives and safety, fight racism, urging States to acknowledge racism.
Some countries refuse to name its systemic character and recognize that it has deep roots in history. Under the guise of colour blindness, the denial of the extent of racism is sometimes the norm, she said, urging States to use data desegregated by ethnicity to fight racial discrimination. Not seeing colour implies not seeing the consequences [of racism] either.
Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division at the UN Human Rights Office, pointed out that racism builds on the fear of the other. Some politicians and media manipulate that fear to incite to hatred against that other, denying the enormous amount humanity shares, and focusing on the little that makes us different.
For Hicks, the Rabat Plan of Action is one of the possible bulwarks against this wave.
She recalled that profiling based on race, ethnicity, nationality, migration status or religion in law enforcement constitutes a violation of human rights, because of its fundamentally discriminatory nature.
Rachel Neild, the Head, Criminal Justice Cluster, Open Society Justice Initiative, stated that racial profiling is a pattern of practice, not a set of individual acts.
Neild described profiling as the disproportionate targeting of minorities in the use of tactics such as identity checks, stops and searches, raids, surveillance, fining practices, and arrests, particularly for low level offences.
Research shows that, even in high crime areas, a very small number of individuals are responsible for most of the crime, yet ID check and searches are often widespread, not targeted at the high risk individuals, she pointed out.
For Neild, a solution to racial or ethnic profiling would be to provide practical guidance to law enforcement. Police managers should also monitor the way their officers use their power. She added that flagging issues, offering remedies and sanctioning officers for repeated and proven bias was essential.
Changing attitudes and practices in police organizations and rebuilding community relations is a long-term challenge, she said. It requires us all to have difficult conversations about stereotypes based on race, ethnicity, religion, and the manner in which they play out in our interactions.
The Special Rapporteur on racism, Mutuma Ruteere, highlighted areas to explore further to address profiling including establishing objective grounds for suspicion based on a persons behaviour and not their appearance; and providing avenues for victims of profiling to file complaints.
I have recommended a clear and unequivocal prohibition of the use of racial and ethnic profiling by law enforcement agencies he said.
For Miltos Pavlou, Senior Programme Manager at the Social Research, Equality and Citizens Rights Department of the EU Agency for Fundamental Rights, State institutions need to foster trust within societies. Based on evidence collected by the EU, mistrust, he said, was fed by political discourse that incites to hatred and what is more and more commonly labelled as fake news.
Encouraging media literacy, including online media, and enabling critical reading of content to recognise, confront and report statements that incite to hatred is one way to deal with the problem, he suggested. As well as encouraging the development and implementation of the EU Commission Code of Conduct for providers of online social platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.
We run the risk of living apart in divided societies instead of together. Fighting hate means tearing down barriers that separate and divide, he said. Upholding human rights when protecting our citizens in an efficient and rights compliant way and fighting hate means tearing down barriers of fear, inequality and discrimination that separate and divide.
Each year, the world commemorates the International Day against Racial Discrimination on 21 March and remembers the 69 protesters who were killed that day in 1960 in South Africa while demonstrating against the racist ideologies of Apartheid. On this day, the world is reminded of the values of racial equality and non-discrimination first enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
21 March 2017
Agricultural News
2017 Peanut Expo Set for Altus on Thursday, March 23rd
Peanut experts will provide updates on everything from variety and market type selection to industry insights at the 2017 Peanut EXPO on March 23, taking place at the Southwest Technology Center in Altus.
"It's a great opportunity to learn from and speak with leading experts in the field and to interact with other peanut producers and industry members," said Ron Sholar, Oklahoma Peanut Commission executive director. "This will be the premier peanut education and training event in the region for 2017."
Registration and exhibits open at 9 a.m. with the program starting at 9:50 a.m. and finishing at approximately 2:30 p.m. There is no cost to attend, and lunch will be provided thanks to the generosity of industry sponsors.
Oklahoma Peanut EXPO is a joint effort of the Oklahoma Peanut Commission, Oklahoma State University's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, USDA Agricultural Research Service, USDA Risk Management Agency, the National Peanut Board and cooperating partners in the peanut industry.
Marshall Lamb, a renowned peanut scientist from Dawson, Georgia will lead a session of the peanut market outlook for 2017.
"No one knows the peanut industry better than Dr. Lamb," Sholar said. "He understands the forces affecting the U.S. and global supply, and the demand for peanuts. Anyone growing or who is associated with peanuts in the Southwest should be interested in what he has to share."
Other session leaders and topics will include:
Larry Sanders, OSU Cooperative Extension agricultural economist, will provide updates relative to the Ag Policy Outlook.
John Damicone, OSU Cooperative Extension plant pathologist, will provide the latest information about effective peanut disease control.
Todd Baughman, OSU Cooperative Extension weed specialist, will share the latest research-based recommendations for weed control in peanut fields.
Jason Woodward, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension plant pathologist, will provide a primer on research-based best management practices for the growing of peanuts.
Researchers with the USDA/ARS Center for Peanut Improvement in Stillwater will discuss their work and the latest results. Research biologist Kelly Chamberlin will discuss high-oleic peanut varieties being developed for the Southwest. Research plant pathologist Rebecca Bennett will discuss disease resistance evaluation of varieties and advanced breeding lines.
"The peanut industry is excited about new varieties with improved yield, quality and disease resistance released from Dr. Chamberlin's breeding program," Damicone said.
In addition, an Oklahoma Peanut Commission District 1 Election Caucus will be held for producers in southeastern Oklahoma.
"The Peanut EXPO provides an opportunity for attendees to visit with industry representatives who supply the equipment, products and services needed to produce the crop, as well as leading experts in the field and other producers who may have their own insights to provide," Damicone said. "Think of the EXPO as one-stop shopping. If you're interested in growing peanuts, it's where you want to be on March 23."
For more information about the 2017 Peanut Expo- email John Damicone by clicking on the email address- john.damicone@okstate.edu or email Ron Sholar okpeanutcomm@aol.com
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Virgil Jurgensmeyer to be Inducted Into the Oklahoma Ag Hall of Fame March 29th at the Oklahoma State Capitol
The Governor's Agriculture Awards will be presented during a special ceremony hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry at 2 p.m. March 29 in Senate Assembly Room 535 in the state capitol. The public is invited to attend.
Virgil Jurgensmeyer will be honored with the Governor's Outstanding Achievement in Agriculture Award- signifying that Jurgensmeyer is being inducted into the Oklahoma Ag Hall of Fame. He is seen here inspecting mushrooms that consumers enjoy under the J-M Mushroom brand across the heartland of the country.
In the late 1970s, Jurgensmeyer decided to leave his plant manager job in the Mushroom Division of Ralston Purina Corp. to start his own mushroom business. He needed a location with water, natural gas, access to wheat straw, labor and major highways for transportation. The answer was the northeastern Oklahoma community of Miami. The company, now known as J-M Farms, Inc., was founded in 1979 and the first mushrooms were picked on March 13, 1980 and the initial delivery was made the following day to Associated Wholesale Grocers of Spring?eld, Mo. At the onset, there were 40 employees and about 40,000 pounds of mushroom production per week.
Today, the company, overall, employs hundreds of Oklahomans and produces more than 27 million pounds of white button, Crimini and Portabella mushrooms annually. At Miami, they grow, harvest, pack and ship mushrooms daily with an annual sales revenue of more than $40 million. Their trucks deliver products to several states. J-M Farms also services the Department of Defense with fresh mushroom products, is an integrated part of Sysco and AWG food distribution systems and is a supplier to Walmart stores.
Jurgensmeyer has been called "a visionary leader and a natural mentor to Oklahoma's agricultural community, as well as the local and northeast region of the state." He has been involved in agricultural organizations and city and state organizations for many years. Jurgensmeyer served as a board member of the Miami Rotary Club from 1980 to 1996. During his service in 1988, the Miami Rotary Club awarded Jurgensmeyer the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He has also served as a member and secretary of the Miami (Oklahoma) Chamber of Commerce from 1981 to 1987. From 1988 to 1996, Jurgensmeyer served as a board member for the Miami Area Economic Development Board.
The former educator was involved in several local and state educational boards and foundations. He was involved in the Miami Public School Enrichment Foundation as vice chairman from 1988 to 1991. He participated on the Northeastern Oklahoma State College Advisory Board from 2000 to 2013 as a board member.
Jurgensmeyer served as the chairman and board member of the Miami Area Zoning & Planning Commission from 1988 to 2009. Too, he served on the Task Force for the Tar Creek Superfund Site from 2003 to 2008. He currently serves on the Lead-Impacted Communities Relocation Trust Board and has been active serving since 2009.
In agriculture, Jurgensmeyer served on the State Board of Agriculture from 1988 to 2003. He is currently an active member of several advisory boards and associations. These include the Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association with service from 1985, Oklahoma State University Dean's Advisory Board with service beginning in 1998 and the Robert M. Kerr Food & Agricultural Products Center's Industry Advisory Committee with service beginning in1996. In 2012, Jurgensmeyer was awarded the DASNR Champion Award from Oklahoma State University's Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources for his service to the university. Nationally, Jurgensmeyer has been active in the Mushroom Growers Association holding the positions of member, secretary-treasurer and president and the Mushroom Council where he has been a member and board member.
Three other awards will also be presented on the 29th as well.
Anna Belle Weidemann will receive the Governor's Outstanding Public Service in Agriculture Award.
A wheat field, a hog pen, a corner office, the floor of the State House of Representatives, an international food trade market -- these are all places that Anna Belle Wiedemann would feel comfortable in. A more diverse agriculturalist would be hard to find.
The first agricultural operation she ran with her husband, Carl, had no running water and no indoor bathroom. Today, the Slash C Ranch encompasses just under 2,000 acres that sprawl through Kingfisher and Canadian Counties. Laying hens, hogs, cattle and wheat have all contributed to the success of the ranch, but production agriculture is just the beginning of Wiedemann's service to the agriculture industry.
After forming and then serving as president of the first Democratic Women's Club in her county, Wiedemann was elected to the Oklahoma State House of Representatives in 1968 where she focused on agricultural issues as well as the good of all Oklahomans. She also served as the liaison between the agriculture committee and the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture. After her stint in the House, she went to work for the Oklahoma Consumer Credit Commission and then served as the Interim County Commissioner for Canadian County.
In 1984, Wiedemann took on the role of Coordinator of International Marketing for the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food and Forestry. With this position she traveled extensively promoting the state's agricultural products in markets across the world. She became the director of ODAFF's Market Development Division promoting state-branded and educational programs. In addition, she was instrumental in the growth of farmers markets in the state and heavily promoted the use of local products by restaurants. Her next ODAFF position was Director of Rural Development where she designed and implemented programs that helped improve the rural economy of the state.
Through her long-term involvement with the Oklahoma CattleWomen, Wiedemann has been a valuable asset to the beef industry. She is a faithful supporter of 4-H and FFA programs and has served on many agriculture-related boards and committees where she worked tirelessly to improve the industry in her county, state, nation and world. She is an outstanding leader and public servant for agriculture.
Hal Clark will receive the Governor's Agriculture Environmental Stewardship Award. For more than half a century, he has managed the Clark Ranch in far northwestern Cimarron County. Conserving the soil has been a priority that sustains this productive ranch. His pasture and rangeland management includes rotational grazing, establishing permanent vegetation and controlling erosion to protect both land and water.
Clark's education in range management coupled with his family's history with the Dust Bowl led him to become a member of the Cimarron County Conservation District board of directors in 1966. Since that time, he has dedicated over 47 years to advancing soil stewardship. He helped develop the High Plains Five States Range Camp on his ranch to teach high school students the value of taking care of the land and hundreds of students from Colorado, Texas, New Mexico, Kansas and Oklahoma have participated.
As a member of the Oklahoma Conservation Commission from 1978-1996, Clark and his fellow commissioners established the Blue Thumb project to provide statewide education on stream water health. He also served on Gov. Keating's Animal Waste and Water Quality Task Force which authorized a cost-share program to help landowners install conservation practices that improved water quality and limited soil erosion. He helped the conservation district secure no-till drills and low-energy precision application nozzles for irrigation systems to change the way farming is done in the Panhandle.
"In his 84 years, I imagine Hal has tackled just about every challenge that land has to throw at him," said State Conservationist Gary O'Neill. He points out that Clark continues to get up to check the cows and fences with a smile on his face.
The Governor's Outstanding Legacy in Agriculture Award will be presented posthumously to Floyd King of Hydro. He was born in 1918 in "Blackjack Country" in the sandy hills of Caddo County and grew up on a farm homesteaded in 1904. While he farmed and took correspondence classes from Hills Business College in Oklahoma City, he volunteered for one year of service in the U.S. Army just nine months prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. During his service he saved money and he and his wife, Lola, were able to purchase a small farm north of Eakly in 1945.
King worked tirelessly to persuade the Farmers Home Administration to loan him money to drill a well so he could irrigate his farm. After six years of effort, he drilled the first irrigation well in Caddo County in 1951. This revolutionary act was so successful he eventually farmed over 1,100 acres and rented an additional 600 acres. His experience with irrigation led to opening King's Irrigation Service in 1954 which was later expanded to include agricultural machinery.
King helped Caddo County become a leader in peanut production and irrigation innovation. By 1970, his county led much of the southwest in peanut production. King was instrumental in founding organizations to work with elected officials and was responsible for the establishment of the Caddo Research Station. He was the founding president of the Caddo County Area Peanut Growers Association and the Oklahoma Peanut Commission. He was the founding Chairman of the National Peanut Growers Association and served as chairman of the Southwestern Peanut Growers Association. In addition, King was Progressive Farmer magazine's 1976 Man of the Year in Oklahoma Agriculture.
After his death in 2013 at the age of 95, his legacy in the Oklahoma peanut industry endures with other advancements in agricultural irrigation science and techniques. The economy of Caddo County benefited from his vision and his determination.
"In all of his public affairs Mr. King was a hard-working, engaging figure of gracious honesty and abiding dignity," said Congressman Frank Lucas. "I never had to doubt where my friend, Mr. King, stood when matters of conflict arose it was always, relentlessly, faithfully on the side of the families that produce our country's food supply and that carry forth the heritage of American agriculture."
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11-08 02:21
The Omaha Public Schools board has indicated it will likely need to hire an interim superintendent after the three finalists to be the district's next leader dropped out.
The board is looking for someone to replace Superintendent Mark Evans, who plans to retire in June.
Various names have cropped up as a possible interim superintendent.
ReNae Kehrberg
Assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction support at OPS
In January, Kehrberg announced she's retiring at the end of the school year. She has worked at OPS for 36 years, starting as a teacher at Northwest High and Morton Middle School. Kehrberg, who is in her mid-50s, was one of three finalists for the OPS superintendent job in 2012. The board instead hired Des Moines Superintendent Nancy Sebring, who later resigned after an email scandal. At the Monday meeting, OPS principals and the president of the teachers union expressed support for Kehrberg in the interim job. Kehrberg hasn't returned calls for comment since the candidates dropped out.
Deb Frison
Former Omaha Burke High School principal and current deputy commissioner of school improvement and support at the Nebraska Department of Education
In an interview Monday, Frison said she would be interested in the job. "I bleed Omaha Public Schools," said Frison, who is in her early 60s. Frison retired from OPS in 2015, after 38 years with the district, including seven years leading Burke. The Rev. Cedric Perkins nominated Frison at the board meeting Monday.
Mark Evans
OPS superintendent
Evans announced in October that he would retire at the end of the school year. Evans, a Kansas native, was hired as superintendent in December 2012 and started in July 2013. Some have suggested Evans, who is 57, should be urged to stay on longer until a new superintendent can be hired. Evans hasn't returned calls for comment since Saturday.
Martha Bruckner
Superintendent of Council Bluffs Community Schools
Bruckner, who announced in November that she is retiring this summer, said "I don't know" when asked by the Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil whether she would be interested in the OPS job. Bruckner, who is in her mid-60s, previously was the head of curriculum and instruction for Millard Public Schools. Before that, she was a teacher and high school principal in the Ralston district. She also has been a faculty member at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Her name was not brought up at Mondays school board meeting.
Virginia Moon
Former interim superintendent of OPS, Kearney Public Schools and Broken Bow Public Schools
Moon, 71, wrapped up a stint as the interim superintendent in Kearney last year. Shes still doing some consulting in the district, but said shes available if OPS calls. Moon served as OPSs interim superintendent during the 2012-13 school year, after Nancy Sebring resigned.
A Platteview High School band director traveling with students to a performance in Texas had to grab the wheel of the groups chartered bus and steer it to safety after the driver passed out.
The Arrow Stage Lines bus, which was barreling down the Kansas Turnpike at highway speeds, hit a concrete barrier, but no one was seriously injured. The director was able to steer the bus, wake the driver and save the day.
The accident happened March 12 near Wichita. The Platteview High School band was headed to San Antonio to perform at the Alamo. The band returned home Sunday.
Band director and music teacher Jerry Layher wasnt much interested in discussing his heroics.
My concern was for the safety of the kids, Layher said Monday afternoon.
But its thanks to Layhers swift action that no one aboard the bus was hurt.
Our band director deserves a lot of credit here, said Springfield Platteview Community Schools Superintendent Brett Richards.
The group of 59 students and 12 adult sponsors was on a trip the band takes every four years, said district spokesman Darren Carlson. Layher and his wife, Patti, a fellow teacher at the high school, were on a bus with 32 students and six of the adult sponsors.
At the time of the incident, the bus was quiet. The group had left Springfield at 4:30 a.m., and more than half of the students were asleep.
Layher was sitting in front. A little after 11 a.m., the bus driver started coughing a lot, which caught Layhers attention. He saw the driver slump over.
The bus hit a concrete barrier, jolting everyone awake. There was a collective gasp.
Layher was up and at the drivers side, steering the bus while helping the driver sit back up in his seat.
The driver came to and told Layher that he didnt know what had happened. Layher told him they needed to pull over. They did.
Im just really thankful that it went OK and we got the bus stopped, Layher said.
The group on Layhers bus and the second bus gathered at a nearby McDonalds to wait for a replacement bus and driver.
The driver and six students were checked out by medical personnel, and all were fine, Layher said.
The driver suffered a medical issue, the Kansas Turnpike Authority crash report says, but specifics about his condition werent provided. He wasnt taken to a hospital, Layher said.
The incident didnt dampen spirits, he said.
Once it turned out that everyone was pretty much fine, I dont think they dwelled on it very much, Layher said. We didnt make a big deal about it.
An email went out to the school district community within an hour or so of the accident. Layher also spoke by phone with parents of some of the band students.
He said Arrow Stage Lines provided a new driver and a different bus within a few hours. They made it to San Antonio, performed in the courtyard of the Alamo and returned home without incident.
Its never fun having a disruption to a trip, Layher said, but everyone behaved well and took care of business.
A University of Nebraska-Lincoln fraternity that drew attention during the Womens March on Lincoln in January has been suspended until 2020.
UNL said an investigation into its chapter of Phi Gamma Delta uncovered reckless alcohol use, hazing and inappropriate sexually based behavior, including a pattern of sexually harassing conduct.
The suspension is the latest in a spurt of negative publicity and suspensions for UNL and Creighton fraternities.
Creightons Phi Kappa Psi was suspended this week until 2025.
Phi Kappa Psi at UNL was suspended last month, and rechartering of that chapter wont be allowed until August 2019 at the earliest.
Juan Franco, UNLs vice chancellor for student affairs, said Phi Gamma Delta failed to meet the expectations for a student organization at UNL.
We have completed a thorough investigation and review, and we have found a clear pattern of conduct that is inconsistent with expectations at UNL, Franco said. We have taken appropriate action to address the chapters culture and ensure the safety of our students. Phi Gamma Delta is widely known as Fiji.
A statement by UNL said behavior by fraternity members during the Womens March on Lincoln on Jan. 21 was not the focal point of the suspension, but comments made by Fiji members during the march were consistent with the pattern of sexually harassing conduct evident in multiple other incidents.
The suspension means the university no longer recognizes Phi Gamma Delta and has revoked the chapters affiliation with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Freshman pledges will not be permitted to live in Fijis chapter house at 1425 R St. beginning May 10.
Bill Martin, executive director at Phi Gamma Deltas international headquarters in Kentucky, said in a statement that he understood the situation.
The members of the chapters have expressed their commitment to the changes and progress necessary to regain recognition from the university, Martin said. We all appreciate the opportunity to cooperate with the university to fashion a meaningful rehabilitation plan to accomplish this.
Fiji can petition for reinstatement in 2019 contingent on taking steps toward reform, Franco said. Those steps include a review of membership, more oversight and education, Franco said.
UNL had placed Phi Gamma Delta on interim suspension last month.
At Creighton, no Phi Kappa Psi activity will be allowed for eight years. The national organization can contact Creighton in early 2024 to begin re-establishing the fraternity.
The chapter has what Creighton described as systemic issues. Violations such as underage drinking, drug distribution and hazing arent related to an alleged attack on a student but were uncovered during the investigation into the events surrounding it. In that incident, 19-year-old Christopher Wheeler, a Creighton student at the time, was accused of attacking a student with a pocketknife at Gallagher Hall.
Wheelers attorney has said that his client had been drugged during hazing by the fraternity. Representatives of the local chapter have denied wrongdoing.
Phi Kappa Psis national office in Indiana said Tuesday that the fraternity strives to engage men of honesty and integrity, further develop their intellect and academic success and enhance community involvement.
However, the national organization said, when self-governance fails at a chapter level, it is paramount for the fraternitys Executive Council, the chapter alumni and the host institution to intervene.
At UNLs chapter of Phi Kappa Psi, concern about treatment of pledges, property damage and violations of alcohol use led to an interim suspension in December. That was elevated last month to a full suspension.
LINCOLN Public employee unions stood against a bill Monday that would end the automatic collection of union dues from state paychecks in Nebraska.
State Sen. Tom Brewer of Gordon said state government provides a payroll service to unions, which use some of their dues to support political action committees and individual candidates for elected office. During a public hearing Monday at the State Capitol, Brewer said he introduced Legislative Bill 503 because he thinks the state should not help facilitate the political speech of union members.
This is not a war on workers, Brewer said. Lets get the government out of the business of being a dues collector for a union or any other private organization.
Similar measures have passed in Wisconsin and Alabama and are under consideration in other states.
Several union members and their representatives said the proposal unfairly singles them out, considering the state takes payroll deductions for health insurance, retirement accounts and other benefits. The corporations that manage those funds use profits for lobbying or political contributions, said John Corrigan, a labor attorney from Omaha.
This is an attack on the voice of working families, because thats what unions are, their voice, he told members of the Business and Labor Committee.
Other opponents of the bill said payroll deductions once may have been more costly for state payroll staff to collect, but now they can be accomplished with computer software and some simple data input. They pointed to a fiscal analysis that predicted the state would save no public funds if the bill were adopted.
Steve LeClair, president of the Omaha Professional Firefighters Association, said in a right-to-work state like Nebraska, employees are not obligated to join a union or pay membership dues. Some members of his fire union also direct their dues to the general fund if they dont want their money going to politics, he added.
The automatic payroll deductions also are benefits union members have negotiated through collective bargaining. As such, the public employer sees a value in offering them to labor, LeClair said.
No benefit has just been given away, he said. The city wouldnt have agreed to it unless it makes financial sense to them.
Among the organizations that testified against the bill included unions for police departments, state troopers, the Nebraska Association of Public Employees and the AFL-CIO.
Sen. Steve Halloran of Hastings asked some of the supporters why it would be a hardship for unions to have their members mail in dues payments. He questioned whether union leaders fear a possible decline in membership if they were forced to collect the dues themselves.
Stephanie Bohlke-Schulte of Lincoln, who ran unsuccessfully last year for the Nebraska Board of Education, testified in support of the bill, saying she thinks its inappropriate for the state to provide the service. She said shes a former teacher who later served on the Grand Island School Board.
Mick Pierce of Lincoln said during his career as a teacher, he felt pressured to join the teachers union.
The committee took no action on the bill Monday.
LINCOLN Key Nebraska lawmakers are looking to raid the states Property Tax Credit Fund to pay for a broad package of income and property tax changes this year.
State Sen. Jim Smith of Papillion, the Revenue Committee chairman, outlined the possible package to committee members Monday.
He argued that the changes would encourage job creation and provide tax relief where it is most needed, in contrast to the current fund.
The collection of sales taxes and the collection of income taxes that are used for the Property Tax Credit Fund today, I do not believe are doing an adequate job, Smith said.
The proposal could make possible several tax changes that might otherwise be difficult during a budget shortfall.
But it would mean some Nebraska taxpayers would lose tax relief, while others gain, depending on where they live, what property they own and how much money they make.
Based on discussion among Revenue Committee members Monday and in previous executive sessions, its far from clear whether the package can get out of committee.
I just hope we do no damage, said Sen. Paul Schumacher of Columbus. Its hard to realistically talk about tax cuts when you dont have any money.
Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha said he would like to have something for all Nebraska taxpayers but wasnt sure what might be possible.
I dont know where were going to be when its all said and done, he said.
Nebraskas property tax credit program uses state tax dollars to offset part of the annual tax bill for property owners. The credits appear as a line on the annual property tax statement.
The program began in 2007, with a budget of $105 million. The fund was at $204 million last year and $224 million for the current year.
For 2016, all property owners got credits of $89.57 per $100,000 of valuation. The additional money this year will provide larger credits to owners of farm and ranch land.
Smith is proposing to use those dollars plus money from a couple smaller tax credit programs to direct more money to rural school districts, cut corporate income taxes and make other tax changes.
He estimated the pieces of the package funded through that means would cost $260 million annually. Other pieces would be triggered only if state revenues grow sufficiently.
As outlined by Smith, the package would include:
Increasing state aid to schools. The proposal would create a new aid program for districts with heavy reliance on property taxes, which tend to have large amounts of agricultural property.
It also would lower the maximum school property tax levy from $1.05 per $100 of valuation to $1.00, which would have the greatest effect on more urban districts.
Changing the method of valuing farm- and ranch-land. The proposal would adopt an income-based valuation method, to replace the current market-based method.
Consolidating individual income tax brackets and phasing out personal exemption credits.
The proposal would combine the two lowest (of four) tax brackets and set a tax rate that is the average of the previous ones. The $132 personal exemption credit would be reduced for top earners.
Increasing the state earned income tax credits. The refundable credits, available to the working poor, would offset the higher tax rate on what had been the lowest individual income tax bracket.
Cutting corporate income taxes. The proposal would consolidate the two corporate tax brackets into the one at the higher tax rate, then start reducing that rate.
Forecasts of growing state revenues would be used to trigger additional reductions in the rate
Reducing the top individual income tax rate over several years. The cuts would be based on a trigger mechanism.
The Revenue Committee is slated to meet again Wednesday and Thursday to continue debating the potential tax package.
The proposal described by Smith would incorporate parts of several bills, including two introduced on behalf of Gov. Pete Ricketts.
The governor deferred comment on the proposal Monday.
His spokesman, Taylor Gage, said the governor is working closely with Smith on tax reform and would comment after the committee advanced something.
Smith said he wants the package to be comprehensive enough to benefit all Nebraskans and to bridge divisions between urban and rural and between big and small business.
He also expressed skepticism about whether any single proposal could garner enough support to pass the Legislature.
I think people want us to have something done this year, but that means that we cant start picking it apart, he said.
Work together.
Stop embarrassing the district.
Pick an interim superintendent who can unify and heal the fractures in the Omaha Public Schools.
The OPS board got scoldings and superintendent suggestions from parents, teachers and community members who turned out en masse Monday night in the wake of a superintendent search that unraveled dramatically this weekend.
Close to 200 people showed up at the boards first public meeting since its search for a new superintendent came to an abrupt end.
Board members got an earful.
We shouldnt be here discussing any of this because you guys couldnt come to a decision, community member and former OPS parent Kay Wainwright said. I am upset with you, I came out to tell you I am upset with you, and if you all got replaced this year, I would be happy.
Board members shared their own anger and frustration about the outcome of the search.
Im ashamed right now, I really am, board member Yolanda Williams said.
The failed search, one that ended with all three finalists bowing out, has made OPS the laughingstock of the education community, she said.
In a joint statement released Saturday, the two remaining finalists, Paul Gausman of Sioux City Community Schools and Khalid Mumin of the Reading School District, said they understood neither candidate had the full backing of the school board. They withdrew from consideration, opting to stick with their current jobs.
In a letter to his school district in Pennsylvania, Mumin alluded to dysfunction on the part of the OPS board.
The risk of moving across the country to work with leaders who I believe do not have the best interest of kids in their actions was not enticing or inviting enough for me to take the leap, Mumin wrote in the letter, obtained by The World-Herald.
One week earlier, another finalist, Jane Stavem of the Lincoln Public Schools, had quit the search, voicing her own concerns with how it was unfolding.
Members of the boards four-member accountability subcommittee, which was leading the search, dissected the events that led up to the candidates withdrawal.
The subcommittee, which consists of Marque Snow, Lacey Merica, Matt Scanlan and Vinny Palermo, met Friday. Fearing that the board was deadlocked on Gausman and Mumin, three members Snow said he had left at that point voted to make a recommendation to the full board to keep the search open.
The subcommittee felt that the boards search firm, McPherson & Jacobson, needed to be informed quickly, Scanlan said.
Thomas Jacobson, the CEO and founder of the firm, called Gausman and Mumin Saturday morning and told them that neither had the full support of the board.
We did not direct them that they had to tell them that, Merica said.
Jacobson said his contract with the board contains a gag order and said he could not comment Monday.
Several board members said they felt blindsided by the decisions of the subcommittee and said they wished the full board could have voted on candidates in view of the public or hashed out whether to reboot the search.
There was no discussion about what to do next, board member Ben Perlman said. Thats what was supposed to happen here. We had three more days.
Snow said he had problems with the search firm throughout the process but said the board had dropped the ball, too.
Merica and board member Lou Ann Goding said the board needs to move forward and start regaining the trust of the community.
We dont want to point fingers and point blame. We need to come together and work together, Merica said.
Next, the accountability subcommittee will start exploring how to ensure that a superintendent is in place for the 2017-18 school year. The board could appoint an interim superintendent, or advertise the position and accept applications, Merica said.
Thats not a seat we can leave vacant for a year, she said.
In coming days and weeks, the board also will decide how to reboot its search and whether it will stick with McPherson & Jacobson or switch, she said. Among urban school districts, its not uncommon for searches to be restarted, she said.
Community members offered their own suggestions on who should lead OPS in the interim.
A contingent of principals, led by Central High Principal Ed Bennett, threw their support behind Assistant Superintendent ReNae Kehrberg, who already announced that she is retiring at the end of the year.
A majority of high school, middle school and elementary principals want Kehrberg, Bennett said during public comment. She knows the district well and was the chief architect of the academic plans that have helped boost achievement across the district.
While you as the board may be divided, we the building leaders, standing with the Omaha Education Association, are not, Bennett said. The teachers union also supports Kehrberg.
The Rev. Cedric Perkins nominated Deb Frison, the former Burke High principal and deputy commissioner at the Nebraska Department of Education. Frison knows OPS staff and families, he said.
Frison said Monday that she was interested in the job.
I bleed Omaha Public Schools, she said.
Parent Lisa Carlson told the board that OPS needs stability most of all now. She urged the board to extend the contract of Superintendent Mark Evans, who has said hes retiring at the end of the year.
We are at a critical juncture, and the future of this district rests on whether the nine of you can rise beyond this point, she told the board. We need stability and cooperation, and we need the board to model that.
World-Herald staff writer Joe Dejka contributed to this report.
Over the past 15 years, Pakistan and Afghanistan have frequently accused one another of sheltering hostile Taliban factions responsible for deadly insurgencies and frequent terrorist attacks in the two neighboring countries.
Kabul and Islamabad, however, now seem on the cusp of extraordinary cooperation to stand against all stripes of militant groups operating in the two countries.
The agreement, if successful, will help resolve longstanding conflicts and is likely to help restore peace and stability between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Tens of thousands of soldiers, civilians, and insurgents have been killed in terrorist attacks, air strikes, and military operations since 2001.
We have seen progress toward a commitment to realistic and nondiscriminatory cooperation in the fight against terrorism as a result of the recent talks between the officials of Afghanistan and Pakistan, a statement by the Afghan Foreign Ministry noted on March 20. Afghanistan sees terrorism as a threat for the two countries and the region and is committed to cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
Last week, senior Afghan and Pakistani officials met in talks hosted by the UK government in London. British National Security Adviser Mark Lyall Grant mediated the talks between Afghan National Security Adviser Hanif Atmar and Pakistani prime ministers foreign affairs adviser, Sartaj Aziz.
Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, the Afghan envoy to Pakistan, represented his country in the March 15 talks. He said the two countries have agreed on a mechanism to go after militants responsible for attacks in one country while hiding in the other.
For the first time, we have agreed on [antiterrorism] measures acceptable to the other country. We have also agreed on a short verification process to satisfy both countries that actions are genuine, he told Radio Free Afghanistan on March 21. We are cautiously optimistic because our demands for a verification process were accepted.
Terrorists have greatly benefited from the fraught relations between the two countries, which are plagued by deep suspicion and mistrust.
Since 2002, Kabul has accused Islamabad of sheltering the Afghan Taliban and bankrolling their deadly violence across Afghanistan. In response, Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring Baluch nationalist rebels. Since late 2009, Islamabad has viewed eastern Afghan provinces as the main hideout for fugitive leaders of the Pakistani Taliban.
Following a wave of terrorist attacks last month, Islamabad put the blame on the Pakistani Taliban hiding in Afghanistan. The countrys powerful military handed over a list of 76 most wanted terrorists to Kabul and closed all crossings along the more than 2,500-kilometer border between the two countries.
In a tit-for-tat move, Kabul sent Islamabad a list of 85 individuals and reiterated its longstanding demands that Pakistan shut down Taliban hideouts. Since February 17, officials in the eastern Afghan provinces of Nangarhar and Kunar have accused Islamabad of unprovoked cross-border shelling.
Zakhilwal now says the two sides have worked out a mechanism to address their mutual concerns and act on the lists of suspected terrorists they exchanged last month. However, he refused to elaborate on the details of the mechanism the two countries have agreed to implement.
It is sufficient to say that the verification process we agreed on is acceptable to us and certainly satisfies their demands because they have agreed to it, too, he said.
He says both countries are trying to go beyond past practices where one side would share the intelligence and the other would declare they found nothing.
We will be able to observe each others actions with the help of our international allies until we can fully implement this agreement in both countries, he said.
Zakhilwal says the process will be implemented soon wherein initial small reciprocal steps will build confidence for undertaking big measures with a visible footprint.
We will begin implementing this within one month, and it should bear some visible preliminary results within this timeframe, he noted.
Meanwhile, in a sign of improving relations, Pakistans Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the reopening of border crossings with Afghanistan on March 20.
The closure of the border between the two countries -- having centuries old religious, cultural, and historic relations -- was against the economic and public interest, Sharif said.
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Authorities in South Dakota and Iowa on Tuesday confirmed incidents of vandalism against the Dakota Access oil pipeline in which someone burned a hole through an empty section of pipe.
Texas-based pipeline developer Energy Transfer Partners said in court documents Monday that there have been recent coordinated physical attacks along the pipeline that pose threats to life, physical safety and the environment. The company didnt provide further details, including the locations of the attacks, and ETP spokeswoman Vicki Granado on Tuesday declined to comment.
South Dakota attorney generals office spokeswoman Sara Rabern confirmed one incident of what she called felony vandalism southeast of Sioux Falls on Friday. Lincoln County Sheriffs Deputy Chad Brown said it happened at an above-ground valve site that had no fencing or other security.
When deputies arrived, they observed what appeared to be a hole in the pipe, and it looked like there was burn around the hole, Brown said, adding it was possible the vandalism was done with a blowtorch.
In Iowa, Mahaska County Sheriff Russell Van Renterghem said it appears someone used a torch to cut a hole in the pipeline at an above-ground safety valve site southeast of Des Moines. He said it appears the culprit maneuvered under a fence around the facility. The incident was discovered March 13.
Local, state and FBI officials are investigating the incidents. No suspects were immediately identified in either case.
The $3.8 billion pipeline runs 1,200 miles through the Dakotas, Iowa and Illinois. State officials in North Dakota and Illinois on Tuesday said they were not aware of any pipeline attacks in their states.
Company attorney William Scherman said in the court documents that ETP still plans to have oil flowing this week through the pipeline.
Environmental activists who tried to disrupt some oil pipeline operations in four states last year to protest the Dakota Access pipeline said Tuesday that they werent responsible for any recent attacks on that pipeline.
Jay OHara with the Climate Disobedience Center told the AP that Climate Direct Action wasnt involved, and he wasnt aware of anyone claiming responsibility.
Its a lament found in rural communities across Nebraska: Weve got the jobs to be filled but not enough housing to meet workers needs.
Courtney Dentlinger, director of the Nebraska Department of Economic Development, calls the housing shortage a critical economic development issue in rural areas of our state.
She wrote to a state legislative committee that a lack of workforce housing impedes the ability of employers to attract talent to the state to fill thousands of open positions. In turn, employers are unable to fill necessary jobs. Note the volume she cited: thousands of open positions unfilled across the state due to this problem.
The Legislatures Business and Labor Committee has heard testimony about a proposal, Legislative Bill 518, to help address the problem. A range of Nebraskans testified about how a lack of adequate housing is hamstringing the ability of rural communities to attract and retain workers.
Because of low-quality housing and less variety, it is very difficult to recruit professionals to North Platte, Mel McNea, CEO of Great Plains Health, the local hospital, told the committee.
Richard Baier, with the Nebraska Bankers Association, said a recent workforce study in Hastings found the local economy had 501 active job openings, but only 30 houses were on the market.
Other testimony focused on people who earn too much for affordable housing assistance but still face difficulty in finding housing.
A young married couple with teaching jobs in Gothenburg, for example, couldnt qualify for an adequate home loan because they carry too much student debt. In Schuyler, the rental housing market is so tight, lawmakers were told, that three couples who work different factory shifts take turns sleeping in the same bedroom.
A Nebraska Bankers Association task force lists various factors behind the shortage, including too few contractors and tradespeople; limited lot availability; escalating costs of new construction; and down payment shortfalls.
The proposal by Sen. Matt Williams of Gothenburg, as amended, would make a one-time transfer of $10.3 million from the Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Fund, administered by the states Department of Economic Development.
The state would award competitive housing-related grants to nonprofit development corporations in eligible communities. A one-to-one match in local funds would be required. Counties with a population below 100,000 would be eligible (all but Douglas, Lancaster and Sarpy Counties).
Grant awards would be decided competitively based on whether a proposed project meets one or more factors, including an ongoing housing need as shown through a significant study, a low unemployment rate, difficulty filling vacancies or potential projects that could be ready for occupancy within two years. No organization could receive more than $2.5 million over a two-year period, with a limit of $5 million through fiscal year 2020.
The Department of Economic Development has indicated that transferring $10.3 million from the trust fund wouldnt harm any future projects for the fund, which was created in 1996 to encourage housing construction for low-income residents. It is funded by a portion of the transfer tax assessed on Nebraska real estate transactions.
LB 518 is intended to take a one-time withdrawal of unused funds to encourage housing for Nebraskans whose income is above the level considered for affordable housing assistance but who still run into roadblocks in trying to find housing.
Williams has put forward a worthy proposal that seeks to address a major economic development need in Nebraska. The Legislature can serve the public interest by passing it.
Editor's note: This story about the March 23, 1913, tornadoes that tore across eastern Nebraska and western Iowa was originally published on March 17, 2013.
A family of seven died in the ruins of their bakery home.
Two abandoned babies at the Child Saving Institute were blown to their deaths. A third was sucked out a broken window, but a sash splinter caught her dress and held the 3-month-old for rescue.
At least 20 died in the rubble and fire at a pool hall.
One hundred years ago this week, death and devastation unlike any in Nebraska before or since roared through Omaha when a monster tornado ripped a bloody scar across the heart of the city.
An estimated 103 people were killed and 350 injured in the Omaha area. Five other tornadoes in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa killed about 65 others, injuring 240 more.
The March 23, 1913, twisters hit with no warning on a warm Sunday evening. Christians were celebrating Easter. Jews were commemorating Purim. Celebrations of resurrection and deliverance were rattled by destruction and doom.
"The Omaha tornado of 1913 endures as one of the worst calamities in Nebraska history," said Dennis Mihelich, a retired Creighton University historian.
About 750 of Omahas more than 2,000 damaged houses were destroyed. Ten churches, five schools, three convents and a hospital were damaged or destroyed. Electrical, telephone and telegraph lines, streetcars and railcars were toppled. Fires from broken natural gas lines or upturned wood-burning stoves threatened widespread conflagration.
Damage was estimated at $8.7 million, the equivalent in 2013 of $206 million.
The Omaha tornado now categorized by the National Weather Service as an F4 storm with 166- to 200-mph winds was part of the most catastrophic outbreak of tornadoes in eastern Nebraska and western Iowa history.
***
Six decades after its founding, Omaha in 1913 hugged tight to the Missouri River.
Unlike the westward-sprawling metropolis of today, Omaha stretched from the suburban towns of Florence on the north to South Omaha. Its irregular western edge jutted to 60th Street, but most people lived east of 48th Street.
The population was about 124,000. Adding South Omaha and Council Bluffs created a metropolitan population of about 180,000, all connected by the Omaha and Council Bluffs Street Railways trolley system.
Omaha was a city of European immigrants.
If you were on a downtown sidewalk, 54 percent of the people youd encounter were either born in another country or had at least one parent who was foreign born, said Harl Dalstrom, a University of Nebraska at Omaha professor emeritus of history. It was a city of ... Germans, Czechs, Italians, Poles, many Scandinavians and Irish.
Mayor James Dahlman was in the seventh year of a nearly uninterrupted reign until 1930.
A landmark county courthouse at 17th and Farnam Streets was less than a year old.
The citys business boosters dominated the Commercial Club of Omaha, a forerunner of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce. The 1,800-member club occupied the top two floors of the newly completed Woodmen of the World Building at 14th and Farnam Streets. The 18-story tower of pink granite, brick and terra cotta was the tallest building between Chicago and the Pacific Ocean.
Jobbers Canyon, east of what now is the Old Market, was a booming wholesale and warehouse district.
Omahas future was bright. Growth and opportunity were on the horizon.
So was a thunderstorm.
***
Ralston took the first blow.
Shortly before 6 p.m., a tornado demolished the newly incorporated village a few miles southwest of Omaha. Falling and flying timbers, brick, lumber and debris killed eight people in and around the community. A stove factory and ice works were leveled.
No warning sirens existed in 1913; radio arrived in the 1920s. Omahans were unaware of the big blow bearing down.
Mihelich described the twisters northeasterly path after crossing farmland to Omaha:
It swept over West Lawn and Bohemian Cemeteries and collided with the southwest corner of the city near 56th and Center Streets.
Damaging or destroying virtually everything in its path, it crossed Leavenworth Street east of Saddle Creek Road and swept up the hill to wreak havoc in the fashionable Farnam Street area between 38th and 44th Streets.
A 50-pound iron tombstone from the 1890 grave of Mamie Donahue at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at 48th and Leavenworth Streets was found more than four miles away, at a site now under the North Freeway. The Child Saving Institute at 42nd and Jackson Streets where two babies were killed lost windows and sustained roof damage. Nurses had time to carry only a few of the 35 children from south-facing sun parlors to safety before the tornado hit.
The twister harmlessly passed between the University of Nebraska medical college and Douglas County Hospital. It moved downhill through the Gold Coast neighborhood near 38th Street, missing St. Cecilia Cathedral, under construction near 40th and Cuming Streets.
The tornado crossed Cuming Street and tore into the tony Bemis Park neighborhood between 33rd and 36th Streets.
Under an umbrella, teacher Beulah Adams was walking in the rain home from a trolley stop after visiting a friend. She had no idea a tornado was approaching. She described her experience in a letter to her mother.
The noise kept getting louder and louder and coming right at me. It was very bewildering, she wrote.
Adams told of feeling helpless terror as she lay facedown in the park.
One might think I could hear the crash of timber and falling houses all around, but the terrible roar of the storm drowned everything else, she wrote.
The storm reduced densely populated, ethnically diverse, working-class neighborhoods of north Omaha to rubble from 30th Street and Lincoln Boulevard, to 24th and Lake Streets, to 16th and Maple Streets, across Carter Lake and what now is Eppley Airfield and across the river into Iowa.
The tornado was a quarter-mile wide and carved a seven-mile path.
No area suffered more than the North 24th Street neighborhood, home to many African-Americans and European Jews. Half of the Omahans killed by the tornado died there. Children died in parents arms.
Among the victims were baker Nathan Krinsky and his wife, Hincke. They and their five children Amy, Isaac, Rose, Oscar and Sally lived in the rear of the bakery at 2308 N. 24th St. They died when the building collapsed.
No place suffered more deaths than the two-story Idlewild Building at 2307 N. 24th St., across the street from the Krinsky bakery. The building had a pool hall on the ground floor. A.C. Boyd, an owner of the pool hall, was one of at least 20 killed there.
Hospitals overflowed with the injured. Morgues and mortuaries overflowed with the bodies of the dead. Morticians locked their doors to keep out people seeking information about friends and relatives, Mihelich said.
Hours passed before Omahans realized the tornado had torn a hole not through just their neighborhood but through the city.
Incredibly, it was over in four minutes.
***
Rescue, relief and recovery campaigns started immediately.
Army Maj. Carl Hartman at Fort Omaha a veteran of rescues after the 1906 San Francisco earthquake sent Signal Corps troops. Gov. John Morehead activated five companies of the National Guard and traveled to Omaha by train after midnight.
This is enough like my conception of hell to suit me! the governor said during his tour. Its awful. Awful.
Martial law was invoked to stem looting. Soldiers exchanged gunfire with suspected burglars three days after the storm near 38th and Cass Streets.
President Woodrow Wilson sent Mayor Dahlman a telegram offering federal aid. The Commercial Club advised Dahlman against accepting, saying it would tarnish the citys self-reliant image.
Dahlman wired Wilson: We all deeply appreciate your offer of aid, but I believe we can handle the situation.
Boosters wanted to emphasize to the nation it was business as usual in the city, that Omahans were great people and would quickly have the damage repaired, said Catherine Biba, a Cornell University doctoral student from Geneva, Neb. Her dissertation focuses on the Omaha business communitys response to the tornado.
Once the severity of the situation became clear, however, Dahlman and the club came under a withering criticism from storm victims and others.
They danced around and carefully said they were not refusing any aid that is given, Biba said. They didnt want to solicit aid, but if it was sent, fine.
A year after the storm, a World-Herald story said many who rebuilt constructed more substantial dwellings: Beautiful stucco, cement and brick homes have succeeded frame structures; attractive bungalows have replaced old cottages, two-story houses have taken the place of one-story dwellings.
Omaha rebuilt, but the night after the storm, it snowed.
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Photo gallery: 1913 tornado destruction
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Pastor Vijay Masih arrested in UP for illegally converting Hindus to Christianity
UP: Five dead after bus hits dozen vehicles
2 dead, dozen injured in a bus-tanker collision in UP
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case
UP: 4 dead, 4 severely injured in road accident on Yamuna Expressway
20 UP ministers, four from Uttarakhand face criminal cases
India
ians-IANS
By Ians English
New Delhi, March 21: The new Uttar Pradesh government has 20 ministers with criminal cases against them, Uttarakhand four, and Punjab two, a report said on Tuesday.
No Manipur minister has declared criminal case against him, according to a report released by the National Election Watch and the Association for Democratic Reforms.
The report analysed the self-declared affidavits of newly elected ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur.
Among the charges faced by these are robbery, theft, forgery, and voluntarily causing harm.
As for assets, the ADR report said 35 UP ministers are millionaires. Uttarakhand eight, Punjab nine and Manipur six.
The average assets of 44 ministers in Uttar Pradesh total up at Rs 5.34 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi from Allahabad South constituency with assets worth Rs 57.11 crore.
Chief Minister Adityanath has total assets worth over Rs 71 lakh, while Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad holds total assets of over Rs 9 crore, the report said.
The report said seven (16 per cent) UP ministers declared their educational qualification between 10th and 12th Class pass, while 37 (84 per cent) are graduates or hold higher degrees.
The average assets of 10 ministers in Uttarakhand is Rs 11 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Satpal Maharaj from Chaubattakhal with assets worth Rs 80.25 crore.
A total of nine (90 per cent) ministers are graduates or hold higher degrees, the report said.
The average assets of 10 Punjab ministers is Rs 34.54 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Rana Gurjit Singh from Kapurthala with assets worth Rs. 169.89 crore.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has total assets worth over Rs 48 crore.
As per the report, a total of six (60 per cent) Punjab ministers are graduates or hold higher degrees, while four have qualification between 10th and 12th Class pass.
The average assets of nine ministers in Manipur is Rs 1.26 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Yumnam Joykumar from Imphal West with assets worth Rs. 2.29 crore.
A total of seven (78 per cent) of these ministers are graduates or hold higher degrees, while two have qualification between 10th and 12th Class pass.
IANS
'Two-finger test' should be banned in matrimonial dispute cases too, says Maharashtra doctor
Khota sarkar left with egg on their faces: Team Uddhav on Andheri win
Maharashtra: Strike by around 3000 resident doctors continues
India
ians-IANS
By Ians English
Mumbai, March 21: For the second consecutive day on Tuesday medical services in 17 government hospitals in Maharashtra, including four in Mumbai, were hit as over 3,000 resident doctors continued their mass Casual Leave protest against growing incidents of attacks by patients' relatives.
In the absence of any concrete measures by the government pertaining to their security, the resident doctors continued the mass Casual Leave for the second day, Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors Swapnil Meshram said.
A public interest writ petition was filed on Monday in the Bombay High Court against the doctors' agitation by a social activist which is expected to be heard later on Tuesday.
There have been at least five attacks on resident doctors in one week, including two in the past 48 hours, said Indian Medical Association (Youth) state President Sagar Mundada.
On Monday, MARD office-bearers met Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar and the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation announced some tough measures to curb violence against medicos, including limiting the number of relatives who will be permitted to accompany patients.
Henceforth, only two relatives of any patient shall be permitted with special passes and those found without the valid passes shall be prosecuted, said Additional Municipal Commissioner I A Kundan.
The decision was taken at a high-level comprising civic officials, representatives of civic hospitals and BMC chief security officer Ramesh Pawar on Monday evening.
While assuring that it was the duty of the civic body to ensure security, Mahadeshwar appealed to the 4,000-plus medicos on casual leave to resume duties or BMC would consider initiating disciplinary action.
The BMC will seek additional armed forces, numbering around 500, from the Maharashtra State Security Force which will be deployed in various Mumbai hospitals. The entry points of each hospital would be designated for different types of patients.
MARD President Yashowardhan Kabra said the sudden spate of attacks on medicos have left them shattered and 'it was difficult to work under such life-threatening conditions'.
In Mumbai, the government hospitals hit are KEM, Sion LTMG, Nair and Sir JJ Group where a large number of resident doctors work.
Several thousands of patients were deprived of medicare though senior doctors and others handled serious or emergency cases, but an estimated 400 scheduled surgeries had to be postponed on Monday.
IANS
Nine-year-old Fatima, who like many Afghans goes by one name only, should be going to school to pursue her dream of teaching at one someday.
Instead, for a daily wage of only a couple dollars, she sells pens to passing cars on the dusty streets of Afghanistans capital, Kabul.
I run after cars and say, Please buy my pens, but they dont, she told Radio Free Afghanistan.
She is yet not ready to give up on her hope of becoming a teacher. The sight of children going to school or returning from one saddens her often. I get sad. I wish I could go to school, she said.
Fatima is one of scores of young, female street vendors in Kabul, who are vulnerable to sexual abuse and exploitation while they work to save their impoverished families from hunger.
She hates being a street vendor, but her familys poverty forces her to spend long hours on the noisy, traffic-clogged Kabul streets. When she complains to her mother that she is too young to work, she is given a stern reply: Work!
I do not like being a vendor at all, she says. I would like to play with toys and go to the park.
Fatima is one of hundreds of underage girls selling pens, calendars, plastic bags, tissues, books, magazines, and chewing gum to passing cars. While afflicted by poverty and misfortune, they have to put up with constant harassment.
Kayenat has sold plastic bags on the streets of Kabul since 2013, when she was only 6 years old. She is exposed to daily harassment from drivers.
Men ask me to get in their cars and go with them. They promise to pay me money, she told Radio Free Afghanistan. I tell them, Uncle give me money for the things I sell here; if you wont then please go away. My father tells me every day to tell the men the same thing.
Kayenat, a fourth grader, is working very hard to continue her education. She goes to school in the mornings but spends her afternoons and evenings on the streets.
If I dont work, we will go hungry. Who will pay for our flour? Who will buy us bread? she asks.
Meena, 7, is a third grader who lives in Kabuls Qala-e Wazir district. She occasionally goes out onto the streets to supplement her familys meager income. During her recent winter school holidays, she sold plastic bags for more than seven hours a day to earn less than $3.
My father is poor. He is a vendor. He asked me to sell bags to buy oil and other things, she told Radio Free Afghanistan. I give the money to my father, and he buys oil and bread for us.
Suraya Subhrang, a senior official at the Afghan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC), says she is worried that Kabuls street vendor girls face the threat of sexual abuse in addition to economic exploitation as child workers.
In addition of economic abuse, they [girl vendors] might face sexual abuse. In fact, there is a possibility of any kind of danger, she said. Some of these girls are quite pretty. Sometimes passing cars honk at them. [Sometimes drivers stop] to offer the girls money. [Sometimes these men tell them] Come be my daughter, come be my wife. The girls feel embarrassed and run away from the car.
Afghanistans Minister of Labor, Social Affairs, Martyrs and Disabled Nasrin Oryakhel says girl vendors are mistreated and oppressed.
A continuation of this situation is a tragedy for the future of Afghanistan, she told Radio Free Afghanistan. I hope that Afghan mothers, despite their economic problems, will not let their daughters be hunted by wild men.
Oryakhel says the authorities still do not know exactly how many underage female vendors work on Kabuls streets, but her ministry is now planning to gather statistics.
Subhrang says AIHRC has no statistics either, because no girls or anyone on their behalf have filed complaints to the commission. But she, too, estimates there are hundreds of underage girl vendors on the streets of Kabul.
According to AIHRC, a majority of these girls are between 4 and 10 years old.
Firstly, they should be identified, and those who are really needy and belong to poor families must be assisted. Also, the families must be helped and receive job opportunities, AIHRC commissioner Subhrang said. Then, those who recruited and abuse some of these girls should be identified. The abusers must be brought to justice and be punished.
UNICEF says the Afghan government is responsible for rescuing street vendor children and preventing others from joining them.
Aziz Frotan, a UNICEF spokesman in Kabul, says the government needs to do more.
In the government budget no attention has been paid to these children, he said. Members of the Afghan Parliament must make this issue a priority.
Oryakhel, the social affairs minister, says most of the hawker girls come from families of widows or whose fathers are drug addicts or are disabled from the long years of war in Afghanistan.
She says her ministry provides professional training to widows to help them earn a sustainable living.
In addition, we will launch a program in Kabul this year to support women who are on their own, Nasrin said.
Jawid Hasanzada and Masooda Niazi contributed reporting from Kabul.
as/fg
90 pc of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao funds unutilised
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, March 21: Nearly 90 per cent of the funds allocated last year to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship programme for the girl child, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, remains unutilised, according to a Parliamentary panel.
The panel has urged the Centre to take remedial measures in a time-bound manner and has also demanded a "status note" on schemes where funds are under-utilised. Out of a total amount of Rs 43 crore that was set aside for BBBP in the fiscal year 2016-2017, a mere Rs 5 crore has been utilised so far, according to the report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Human Resource Development.
The amount of money spent on this scheme in the current fiscal year is also less than one-tenth of Rs 59.37 crore spent on BBBP in the previous fiscal year. Similarly, 75 per cent of the funds for the One Stop Centre -- a key initiative for survivors of sexual assault under the Nirbhaya scheme -- could not be utilised by Women and Child Development Ministry.
While Rs 75 crores were allocated for OSCs, only Rs 18 crores were spent by the Centre. "The Committee observed that in almost all the major schemes except Integrated Child Development Services, Integrated Child Protection Scheme and the scheme for adolescent girls, the allocated funds largely remained under-utilised.
"The Committee accordingly, recommends that the factors responsible for under-utilisation of funds be identified and remedial action taken in a time-bound manner. The Committee further desires that a status note be furnished on the schemes where utilisation of funds has been abysmally low in respect of the budget allocations," says the report.
Through the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme the government seeks to address the problem of declining child sex ratio by curbing instances of female foeticide and through advocacy campaigns across 161 districts in the country.
PTI
Amarinder Singh's LS attendance was 6% compared to Yogi's 77%
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, March 21: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath had an impressive attendance of 77 per cent as a Lok Sabha MP while his Punjab counterpart Amarinder Singh's was just six per cent, one of the lowest in the House.
The chief ministers of two states, Manohar Parrikar in Goa and Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh, out of the five states that recently went to polls are sitting Members of Parliament.
Amarinder Singh resigned as Lok Sabha MP from Amritsar just before the Punjab Assembly polls. According to PRS Legislative Research, the 44-year-old Gorakhpur MP, who is yet to resign from Lok Sabha after taking over reins in Uttar Pradesh and even attended proceedings on Tuesday, asked 284 questions during the current Lok Sabha, participated in 56 debates and introduced three private member Bills.
One of the Bills introduced by Adityanath was to establish a permanent bench of the Allahabad High Court at Gorakhpur. Adityanath has represented Gorakhpur five times and made his debut at the age of 26 in 1998. The Punjab Chief Minister, who was also the Deputy Leader of the Congress in Lok Sabha, did not introduce any private member Bill during his tenure.
The 75-year-old leader asked only 18 questions and participated in only four debates. Keshav Prasad Maurya, Adityanath's deputy in the state, and BJP MP from Phulpur had an attendance record of 82 per cent. Although, he did not introduce any private member Bill, he asked 158 questions and participated in 122 debates.
Adityanath and Maurya will now have to resign as MPs. They need to be elected as members of UP Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council. Similar is the case with former Defence Minister Parrikar, who is a Rajya Sabha MP from Uttar Pradesh. He has to be elected to the Goa Legislative Assembly.
PTI
Anti-Romeo drive in Uttar Pradesh, police begin crackdown
India
oi-Anusha
Just two days in office and Uttar Pradesh Chief minister Yogi Adityanath set off BJP's poll promise of initiating action against roadside harassers and eve-teasers in the state. The Lucknow Police on Tuesday began their anti-Romeo drive in Hajratganj area. special squads arrested three people for allegedly eve-teasing women outside a college.
The Uttar Pradesh police began their crackdown on 'roadside Romeos' after strict instructions from Director General of Police Javed Ahmad to ensure women safety. DGP Ahmad directed police stations and district administrations to ensure zero tolerance for crime against women. Special squads including woman police officers patrolled areas where harassment cases have been reported.
In a video conference meeting with bureaucrats, DGP Ahmad ordered crack down on criminals, organised crime and mafias, apart from stressing on women safety. Police officials were also asked to be accessible to people at all times, respond to complaints and ensure coordination to ensure communal harmony.
OneIndia News
For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications
Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 18:54 [IST]
Ayodhya dispute: Surrendering not an option for us says Babri Action Committee
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
"We are not against the negotiations as suggested by the Supreme Court, but any claim about Ram Janmabhoomi must be backed with evidence," says Dr S Q R Ilyas, a member of the Babri Masjid Action Committee. "We welcome the suggestion made by the Supreme Court to negotiate the matter out of court," he adds.
He, however, added that if there will be negotiations, then it would be done with a pre-condition that there should be no preconceived notion. "Both sides should sit with an open mind. Asking us to leave the place and surrender is not an option," he says.
"Negotiations have been held in the past. However, nothing has come out of it.
Negotiations were held under (former prime ministers) Chandrasekhar, P V Narasimha Rao and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. No concrete decision came out of those negotiations," Ilyas points out.
If the other side points out that the place in question is indeed the Ram Janmabhoomi, then it should be backed with evidence. All claims must be backed by evidence. This would help the negotiations, he says.
"In 1528, when Babri Masjid was built, no one claimed it. In 1949, some persons took out the Ram idol out of the chabutra (platform) and put it beneath the tomb of the Babri Masjid. It is from here that the claims of Ram Janmabhoomi began," he explains.
"I feel that if the other party is adamant, then there is no point in negotiating. If the Chief Justice of India is ready to listen to the evidence regarding this case, then I am sure that the negotiations will be fruitful," he concludes.
OneIndia News
Assembly bypolls on 4 seats in UP, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Tripura on Sept 23
Tigers should be punished for eating cows says this NCP MLA
Cong misusing govt machinery for by-polls, alleges BJP
India
oi-PTI
Bengaluru, Mar 21: The opposition Bharatiya Janata Party on Tuesday staged a walk-out from the legislative assembly, accusing the ruling Congress of misusing the government machinery for Gundlupet and Nanjangud by-polls, scheduled for April 9.
Raising the issue of police against the BJP workers at Gundlupet on Monday during the filing of nominations, during the zero hour in the assembly, opposition leader Jagadish Shettar said, "The police and some officials are partial in their conduct." He said that the government was utilising its machinery in favour of the Congress and against the Opposition parties.
Several BJP MLAs also alleged that government was indulging in such things as it was sure about its loss in the elections, to which some Congress MLAs objected leading to a war of words between both the sides.
Tension prevailed outside the taluk office at Gundlupet on Monday when workers of both Congress and BJP came face to face during the filing of nomination. Stones were also pelted, following which police lathi charged the workers.
Replying to BJP's allegations, Home Minister G Parameshwara said opposition party workers were indulging in provocation which led to the situation turning tense.
He also said the police have judiciously performed their duty to maintain the law and order.
Intervening, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said BJP members after filing of nomination, instead of vacating the place they were making speeches and causing provocation. "Who will keep quite if someone is provoked? Mob mentality resulted in the situation there turning tense,". He said the BJP would not win the elections by resorting to all this.
This led to a war of words between both sides, with each accusing the other of indulging in violence and misusing government machinery during their tenures. The BJP members then staged a walk out in protest.
Elections will be held for Gundlupet and Nanjangud constituencies respectively following the death of Cooperative Minister Mahadeva Prasad and resignation of V Srinivas Prasad as Congress MLA after he was dropped from the ministry.
While Srinivas Prasad is now the BJP candidate from the Nanjangud constituency, Congress has fielded Kalale Keshavamurthy, who had contested the 2013 assembly polls on JD-S ticket.
In Gundlupet, Congress has fielded Mahadeva Prasad's wife Geeta Mahadeva Prasad and BJP C S Niranjan Kumar.
PTI
Bihar assembly elections 2020: Heres how you can cast your vote using the EVM and VVPAT
Debate over EVM fraud: Ex-CECs suggest VVPAT machines in all booths
India
oi-Oneindia
By Oneindia Staff Writer
New Delhi, March 21: As politicians from various parties have openly alleged tampering of electronic voting machines in the recently concluded assembly elections in five states, two former chief election commissioners have come up with a solution to end the debate forever.
Speaking to The Indian Express, former CECs SY Quraishi and HS Brahma suggested immediate introduction of the Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail machines in all polling stations across the country.
Brahma said, "I personally feel worried when political parties and politicians question the credibility of voting machines. The credibility of EVMs has been established beyond doubt through court judgments. Having said that, I think, once we cover all polling stations with VVPATs, it will put an end to 90 per cent of the allegations leveled against EVMs and we will have the most dependable election process in the world."
What is a VVPAT machine
According to Elections.in, VVPAT is a method of providing feedback to voters. It's completely an independent verification system. "For those uninitiated, VVPAT is a printer-like machine attached to every EVM that allows voters to verify that their vote has been cast correctly. Once a voter presses button of his choice in the EVM, a printed paper appears containing the name of the candidate and poll symbol so that he can verify it," says Elections.in.
"After the voter views the receipt it goes inside a container linked to the EVM, which can be accessed only by the polling officers. This latest system is one step further towards prevention of electoral fraud."
When was VVPAT machine first used in India
The system was first experimented during the Nagaland by-elections in 2013. However, Mizoram was the first state to introduce VVPAT machines on a large scale.
Currently, the Election Commission is waiting for the sanction of Rs 3,100 crore fund to buy 16 lakh VVPAT machines from the law ministry.
Criticising the delay in release of funds meant for VVPAT machines purchase, Quraishi said, "The (incumbent) CEC has said that it will take 30 months to manufacture the machines. The cost of Rs 3,500 crore is peanuts when it comes to conducting elections in a transparent manner. This is something the government should look at immediately. What are they doing?"
OneIndia News
For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications
Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 10:35 [IST]
Delhi: 704 cases of crimes against NE people in 3 yrs
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, Mar 21: As many as 704 cases of crimes against people hailing from the Northeast were registered in Delhi in last three years, Lok Sabha was informed on Tuesday.
Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said that in 2014, a total of 282 cases of crimes against people from the northeast were registered in the national capital and 258 people were arrested for these cases.
In 2015, altogether 277 cases of crimes against northeast people were registered in Delhi for which 174 people were arrested.
A total of 145 cases of crimes against northeast people were registered in the national capital till October 31, 2016 in which 84 people were arrested, Rijiju said.
The minister said that altogether 23 cases of crimes against northeast people were registered in Gurgaon in last three years in which 21 people were arrested. He said a total of 22 cases of crimes against northeast people were registered in Karnataka in last three years in which 32 people were arrested.
PTI
New IT rules will make sure no unlawful content is posted online: Minister
Government evades question on scrapping Sahayak system
India
ians-IANS
By Ians English
New Delhi, March 21: The government on Tuesday evaded a direct response on scrapping of the 'Sahayak' system in the Indian Army but Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre told the Rajya Sabha that they were provided to combatant soldiers for support.
In reply to a question by Meghalaya MP Wansuk Syiem on scrapping the system of appointing orderlies, Bhamre did not specify whether the government had any plans for continuing the practice or otherwise.
The MP asked whether scrapping the post of orderlies and inducting them into frontline duties would bolster the morale of these soldiers, and if committees headed by two Generals suggested renaming the orderlies as Sahayaks or to abolish the post and hire civilians instead.
Bhamre, however, gave details of the system and said: "Sahayaks (orderlies) are combatant soldiers and provide support to officers and JCOs in the Army when serving with units or HQ functioning on War Establishments."
The minister said there is no separate category of Sahayaks.
"A Sahayak has clearly defined military duties and forms an integral part of the organisation structure of a unit and has specific functions during war and peace."
"In addition to their duties as soldier, they provide the essential support to authorised officers and JCOs, both in peace and war to enable them to fully attend to their assigned duty," the minister added.
"During operations in the field areas, an officer or JCO and the Sahayak act as buddies in arms. One covers the movement of the other buddy and protects him in operation where support has to be total i.e. mental, physical and moral," he said.
The minister also clarified that the nomenclature was changed from 'orderly' to 'Sahayak' in 1983 based on the directions of then Army Chief, when combatants were entrusted the responsibility of supporting the officers, adding that the Indian Navy and Indian Air Force did not have the system.
Grievances have been aired recently about the Sahayak system in the Army by some soldiers.
Earlier this month, Lance Naik Roy Mathew, a soldier who was seen criticising the 'Sahayak' system in a sting video, was found dead in a barrack in a Maharashtra cantonment on March 3.
Two more soldiers -- Sepoy Sindhav Jogidas Lakhubhai of the Army Medical Corps, and Lance Naik Yagya Pratap -- have earlier taken to the social media to attack the Sahayak system.
The Army has said both of them were never assigned any Sahayak duties.
IANS
Hyderabad: Woman sends nude photos of her roommate to boss
India
oi-Madhuri
Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday arrested two person in connection with a case wherein a woman, allegedly on the directions of a man, made her roommate's objectionable videos.
Hyderabad: Cyberabad Cyber Crime Police arrests 2 in a case wherein a woman on directions of a man made her roommate's objectionable videos pic.twitter.com/dMLSLC6FLv ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
The victim Shilpa (name changed) who is a native of Jammalamadugu in Kadapa district lodged a police complaint on Monday. In her statement, she stated that she saw her roommate Sandhya (name changed) who works as an executive in a pharmaceutical company, holding her mobile in an unsual way. She got suspicious as the camera of the phone was pointing at her all the time, even while she was changing her clothes.
In Sandhya's absence, the alleged victim along with her friend checked her phone and found that she had recorded many nude and semi-nude pictures and videos of Shilpa. It also came to their notice that Sandhya was sharing all the pictures and videos with her boss, who is the managing director of a consultancy.
Also, Sandhya had created a fake Facebook profile where she had been using the pictures of another hostel mate.
A case has been registered against the boss and Sandhya for sending pictures and videos of her roommates. However, the motive behind this incident is not yet clear.
OneIndia News
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case
I am a year younger than Rahul Gandhi: Yogi Adityanath takes a dig
India
oi-Vikas
By Vikas
In what could be his last address at the Lok Sabha, newly appointed Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath mocked the Congress and the Samajwadi Party alliance in the state. Adityanath said he sneaked between Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi and former UP chief minister Akhilesh Yadav to topple their tie-up.
Main Rahul Ji se ek saal chhota hu aur Akhilesh Ji se ek saaI bada hu: Yogi Adityanath to M.Kharge in LS ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
In dono(Rahul & Akhilesh) ki jodi ke beech mein jo main aagaya ye aapki viphalta ka ek karan ho sakta hai: Yogi Adityanath to M.Kharge in LS ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Adityanath, who dedicated much of his speech in praising the prime minister, branded Modi as an icon. He said that Modi worked for betterment of the poor and the farmers without any discrimination.
"We will work for development of all sections and castes We will work for development of all sections and castes and create a new structure of progress," said Adityanath in the Lok Sabha where he is still a member.
"PM Modi has set up credible government. The UP govt will work on principles set by PM Modi," he added.
He slammed the former SP-led government in Uttar Pradesh for not utilising the funds allocated for the state for development.
"My govt will be for everyone, not specifically for any My govt will be for everyone, not specifically for any caste or community," he said.
On Tuesday morning, Adityanath met Prime Minister Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah and President Pranab Mukherjee.
He took oath as UP CM on Sunday, days after BJP won 325 out of 403 seats in the politically most signioficant state in India.
OneIndia News
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the two main border crossings with Afghanistan to be reopened on March 20, calling it a "goodwill gesture."
The border closures on February 16 had left hundreds of thousands of people stranded at the two major crossings of Torkham and Chaman.
Pakistan shut the Torkham crossing between Peshawar to Jalalabad and Chaman crossing between Quetta and Kandahar after more than 130 people were killed in a series of attacks by militants that Islamabad said resided in Afghanistan. Afghanistan denies harboring them.
The closures hit travelers and cross-border trade heavily, stranding thousands of vehicles on both sides of the border.
Haji Aslam, head of the Transit Union, representing drivers on both sides of the border, said some 4,000 trucks had been held up on the Afghan side of the border and 6,000 on the Pakistan side, where tons of fresh produce meant for export has rotted and been thrown away.
Sharif's decision to reopen the border came days after top diplomats from Pakistan and Afghanistan met in London for talks to address each other's concerns about alleged terrorist hideouts in the border regions.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters
Irom Sharmila predicts horrible outcome of BJP govt in Manipur; slams killer deputy CM
India
oi-Oneindia
By Oneindia Staff Writer
Palakkad (Kerala), March 21: India's most revered rights activist, Irom Sharmila, from Manipur, who is currently spending a quiet vacation in Kerala, expressed her apprehension about the new Bharatiya Janata Party government in the hill state of northeast India.
In an interview to Onmanorama, Sharmila had some 'strong' words against the current BJP dispensation in Manipur. She said she had no hopes about the BJP-led government which came to power in Manipur for the first time after it formed a coalition government in the state recently.
She alleged that former top cop of Manipur, Joykumar, who is the current deputy chief minister of Manipur, was involved in fake encounters. "Manipur's ex-DGP is holding power after being elected by the people. He was involved in the killings of 1,528 people in fake encounters in Manipur. It's horrendous. Horrible will be the outcome of this new government."
Sharmila, who broke her 16-year-old hunger strike against the draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act last year, contested Manipur assembly elections. She managed to garner only 90 votes as a candidate of the Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance. Sharmila formed Peoples' Resurgence and Justice Alliance after breaking her fast last year. The PRJA fought elections from three constituencies in the 60-member Manipur assembly. The party failed to win a single seat.
Currently, she is staying in Santhi Medical Information Center at Attappady, Palakkad. As Sharmila is very popular among the residents of Kerala, a steady flow of visitors to the Centre is keeping her busy. On Monday, Sharmila met Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan at the latter's office in Thiruvananthapuram.
OneIndia News
Key Khalistani group militant arrested in Delhi
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
The Delhi police have arrested a suspected Khalistan Commando Force terrorist, Gursewak Singh from near Rajokri area in south Delhi. The police have been on the lookout for Singh for several years now and he was nabbed on the basis of intelligence inputs.
The arrest is a crucial one in the backdrop of several intelligence inputs suggesting that the Khalistan groups are attempting to make a comeback in Punjab and Delhi.
Several members of the KCF have joined the Inter-Services Intelligence ranks in Pakistan. They have been sheltered for several years and also have been imparted training. The Delhi police will now coordinate with their counterparts in Punjab before proceeding with further investigations.
OneIndia News
'Is this acceptable?' Mamata Banerjee on Hindu Mahasabha's depiction of Mahatma Gandhi as Asura
WB CM on 4-day visit to north Bengal from today
Mamata likely to visit Chennai for WB Governor's family function
Amit Shah to chair two-day 'Chintan Shivir of Home Ministers'; Mamata to skip the meet
'Why no CBI, ED action over Morbi incident?' asks Mamata
Praises and brickbats for Mamata Banerjee's video playing drums in Chennai
Mamata says SC order on Narada 'positive'
India
pti-PTI
Kolkata, March 21: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee ton Tuesday termed the Supreme Court ruling on the CBI probe into the Narada sting operation as a positive one.
"Positive. Welcome," the Trinamool Congress supremo told reporters when asked to comment on the apex court ruling.
Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court refused to stay the CBI probe into the Narada sting operation, which was ordered by the Calcutta High Court on Friday.
PTI
In UP 166 criminals killed in encounters in past five years: Yogi
Most politicos say yay to end of red beacon culture; Uma Bharti says otherwise
India
oi-Vikas
By Vikas
Leaders across political parties have welcomed the decision of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh governments to ban the use of red beacon atop government vehicles.
The beacons atop the vehicles of Punjab chief minister and his council of ministers have been removed after the Amarinder Singh dispensation decided to put a ban on its use on government vehicles.
In a bid to put an end to VVIP culture, newly- elected Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath has also said no to red beacons.
Congress leader P L Punia told ANI that it was a welcome step and the red beacon culture should end.
Punia, however, said that it was Congress-led Punjab government first to take such a decision after which Adityanath followed.
Echoing similar views, NCP leader Majeed Memon told ANI that red beacon culture must be discouraged as it causes inconvenience to the common people. Memon said that even the Supreme Court had expressed its anguish in this matter.
[Yogi Adityanath bans Lal Batti culture in UP]
BJP leader Uma Bharti, however, had a different view on the matter. She reprotedly said, "If any minister is going for his duty, then red beacon and stopping traffic is fine and even a flight can get delayed by five to seven minutes."
Bharti said that sometimes a delay by the minister can cost crores of rupees to the exchequer, so in such cases VIP treatment is fine.
But, she added that if a minister is going for any personal visit then this privilege should not be given to them.
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Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 10:24 [IST]
No NIA probe in RSS activist Rudresh murder case: Karnataka HC
India
oi-Anusha
The Karnataka High Court on Tuesday ordered that the National Investigation Agency will not probe the Rudresh murder case. Justice Michael D' Cunnha observed that there was a technical flaw since the letter recommending the NIA probe was sent out by the commissioner of police to the Union Home Ministry.
The court was of the view that the letter of recommendation ought to have gone from the Home Department of Karnataka.
The court directed the city police to continue investigations under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The RSS activist's murder in October 2016 had created a furore in Karnataka. The commercial street police who registered the case in October 2016 have been asked to continue investigations.
Justice Micheal D'Cunha reversed a lower court's order transferring the case to NIA for investigations after it was suspected that those arrested for Rudresh's murder had links with the Indian Mujahideen.
After taking over the probe into the case, the NIA had started investigating the alleged role of Asim Shariff, leader of the Popular Front of India. NIA sources had claimed that records had revealed that he was in touch with the Indian Mujahideen. The NIA has also started a probe into 17 other cases in which Hindu leaders were murdered.
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Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 19:00 [IST]
No representation to preserve Jayalalithaa's body, Centre tells court
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
No representation was made to preserve the body of former Tamil Nadu chief minister Jayalalithaa, the Centre stated in its reply before the Madras high court. The Centre stated that there was no request to preserve the body of the late Tamil Nadu chief minister till a probe into the circumstances leading up to her death was over.
Joseph, an AIADMK worker, had filed a plea before a bench comprising acting Chief Justice Hulavadi Ramesh and Justice R Mahadevana in which he had sought for a probe into the death of the late CM. He claimed that a representation had been made to the Union Home to preserve the body until an inquiry was completed. The Centre, however, denied that any such representation had been made.
The Centre contended that it is not a party to the proceedings. As per the 7th Schedule of the Constitution of India, "Public Health and Sanitation, Hospitals and Dispensaries, Public Order, Police are State Subjects coming under List II." These are matters to be dealt by the state, the centre further stated while requesting that it be dropped from the ongoing proceedings.
OneIndia News
Now AAP pushes for use of ballot papers in Guj assembly polls
India
oi-PTI
Ahmedabad, Mar 20: The Aam Aadmi Party on Monday urged the Election Commission that for 'free and fair' conduct of the upcoming Gujarat assembly elections, ballot papers should be used instead of EVMs. AAP's Gujarat in-charge Gopal Rai led a delegation of party workers and submitted a memorandum to Chief Electoral Officer B B Swain in Gandhinagar on Monday.
"Ballot papers should be used in the upcoming state assembly election to keep it free and fair," the memorandum said. "EVMs are not foolproof and their use undermines the democratic process of voting. AAP wants to convey to you (the EC) that not just political parties, but even common people are raising apprehensions regarding the authenticity of polls using EVMs," the memorandum said.
"Considering these facts in mind, the AAP's Gujarat unit demands that 2017 assembly elections are held using ballot papers so that no questions are raised on the democratic process. We hope that to save democracy and protect the interest of common citizens, you will use ballot papers," it said.
The party also said that in case the use of ballot paper was not possible, the EC should ensure that each polling booth has Electronic Voting Machines with VVPAT--Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail.
"In case ballot paper is not used, at least ensure that each polling booth has Electronic Voting Machines with VVPAT for transparency," it said.
The party also cited a Supreme Court direction to the EC to use VVPAT along with EVMs "while observing that EVMs are not 100 per cent authentic, and there are chances of it getting hacked".
PTI
PM Modi's letter ensures education to Muslim girl in Karnataka
India
oi-Anusha
A letter from the Prime Minister's Office helped a girl from Mandya continue her higher education. B B Sara, an MBA student from Karnataka had written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for financial assistance to continue her studies. A reply from the PMO ensured that she received an education loan in 10 days.
[Also read: Didn't expect PM would respond so fast, says Muslim girl after getting education loan]
Sara, a resident of Sugar Town in Mandya had sought a loan from the Central Bank of India to complete her studies from PES college. Tired of bank authorities delaying the loan approval process, Sara along with her father Abdul Ilyas wrote to the prime minister, seeking assistance. Within 10 days of receiving an acknowledgement, the girl was given a loan of Rs 1.5 lakh from Vijaya bank.
"In a country of millions, the prime minister responded to a single letter that I wrote. I would like to meet him in person and thank him," Sara said after receiving the loan.
OneIndia News
Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu inaugurates Digi-Dhan Mela
India
pti-PTI
Bhubaneswar, Mar 20: A Digi-Dhan Mela was inaugurated by Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu who said cashless transaction will benefit all including small vendors.
The Mela seeks to promote cashless economy through digital mode of transactions in the country. The Railway Minister said it was necessary to create awareness about the benefits of digital payment among all sections of the society. It would immensely benefit people starting from small vendors and fruit sellers to hair cutting salons, he said.
Speaking at the function, Union Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said there would be no need for the people to visit banks everytime as the Centre was making efforts to shift the focus towards digital payment mode.
Several banks, BSNL, India Post, Common Service Centre, UIDAI, oil marketing companies and private e-wallet operators have put up stalls outside Bhubaneswar railway station to make people aware of cashless transactions.
A day long exhibition was organised to sensitise people about digital payment systems and their advantages. Odia cinestars Sabyasachi Mishra and Archita Sahu also participated in the Mela.
PTI
Worst polluted rivers in the world
More than its rich heritage, Ganga is known for its cultural and religious beliefs in India. However, the river has been subjected to huge water pollution, and even finds its place among the worst polluted rivers in theworld. The government has taken up big campaigns to curb pollution of Ganga water in recent times.
Image:Devotees taking a holy dip in Ganga river in Allahabad. All photographs: PTI
Third largest river in the world
However, the clean-up plan, known as the Ganga Action Plan, has largely failed to clean the water, attracting a barrage of criticism for government from opposition and stakeholders. The 2,525-km long river, which originates in the Himalayas, and ends in the Bay of Bengal, is third largest river in the world in terms of discharge.
Image: Siberian migratory birds fly over river Ganga during Magh Mela festival in Allahabad.
Attain pristine' status of Ganga
In April last year, India joined hands with Germany to attain pristine' status of Ganga by adopting river basin management strategies used for cleansing rivers like Rhine and Danube of pollutants. Ministry of Water Resources and German International Cooperation, owned by the German Federal Government, had signed an agreement.
Image: A flock of birds during on the banks of Ganga River in Patna.
The German contribution
The project would closely cooperate with other national and international initiatives including Indo-German bilateral projects such as 'Support to National Urban Sanitation Policy and 'Sustainable Environment-friendly Industrial Production'. The German contribution it will be to the tune of Rs 22.5 crore, it said.
The German government, with its experiences in cleaning and rejuvenating European rivers such as Rhine, Elbe and Danube rivers, has been keen to join hands for collaboration with the Indian government.
Image: Devotees arriving to take the holy dip during Gangasgar mela to mark Makar Sankranti held at at the confluence of the river Ganga and the Bay of Bengal, at Sagar Island near Kolkata.
R K Nagar bypoll: Petition to stay TTV Dinakaran's candidature filed
India
oi-Anusha
A petition challenging TTV Dinakaran's candidature in the upcoming R K Nagar bypoll was filed in the Madras High court on Tuesday. Joseph, a resident of Arumbakkam in Chennai sought a stay on Sasikala Natarajan's nephew candidature in the April 12 bypoll.
In his petition, Joseph has said pleaded that Dinakaran has been convicted in a FERA case by the enforcement directorate and was fined Rs 25 crore. The petition also highlighted that the Madras High court had confirmed the same and asked TTV Dinakaran to pay the fine. The petitioner asked the court to take cognizance of it and stop him from contesting.
Joseph who is an AIADMK worker had earlier filed a petition seeking probe into Jayalalithaa's death before the Madras high court. The petition deems TTV Dinakaran a convict and ineligible to contest polls. The petition comes two days before TTV Dinakaran is expected to file his nomination for the bypoll. The Sasikala Natarajan faction's candidate had told the media that he would contest under the 'two leaves' symbol of the AIADMK and would file nominations on March 23.
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Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 11:31 [IST]
RSS concerned at 'decline' of Hindu population in West Bengal
India
pti-PTI
Coimbatore, March 21: The RSS on Tuesday expressed concern over the 'growing Jehadi activities' and the 'declining' Hindu population in West Bengal and and urged the people to create awareness against the state government's communal politics.
It also accused the Mamata Banerjee government of giving encouragement to the anti-national elements due to its 'Muslim vote bank politics.' A resolution adopted at the three-day meeting of the Akhil Bharatiya Pratinidhi Sabha, the RSS' top policy making body, also condemned the extremist violence.
"This (decline in Hindu population in West Bengal) is a matter of serious concern to the unity and integrity of the country," RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale told reporters briefing about the deliberations at the meeting.
The resolution said the ABPS strongly "condemns the violence by extremists and the Muslim appeasement policy of the state government and calls upon the countrymen to create awareness against the Jehadi violence and the communal politics of the state government."
Hosabale said after partition, the Hindus from East Pakistan were forced to seek refuge in West Bengal. It was not surprising that due to such large influx, the Hindu population in the state, which constituted 78.45 per cent in 1951 had declined to 70.54 per cent as per the 2011 census, he said.
The meeting also calls upon the state government to rise above petty vote-bank politics and discharge its constitutional obligations, he said. Hosable urged the Centre to ensure firm action against the anti-national jehadi elements within the state in the interest of national security.
Listing out several incidents of bomb blasts, arson, violence and molestation of women reported in West Bengal in the past few years, Hosabale said the worst sufferers of these atrocities on the Hindu society had been the members of Scheduled Castes. "The Hindus were subjected to a pre-planned attack resulting in horrid incidents of arson, looting and molestation of womenfolk at Dhulagadh on December 13 and 14, 2016," he said.
"While on the one hand the state government is threatening to close down the schools which are instilling the spirit of patriotism, on the other hand it is turning a blind eye to thousands of institutions like the notorious Simulia Madrasas where Jehadi and fundamentalist training is being imparted," Hosabale charged.
PTI
S Jaishankar: Take Donald Trump seriously
India
oi-Lisa
New Delhi, March 21: India's Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar on Tuesday stressed on not judging the United State President Donald Trump. He also asked people to take him seriously. While addressing a press conference he said, "There is a very well quoted remark about Donald Trump that the American people and the media took him literally, but not seriously. In case of Trump, I would say, don't rush to judgement. It is important to take him seriously."
He also said that today it is very much in our interest to build strong connectivity, in the widest possible sense with all our neighbours. On relationship between India and China he said that, "Public persona of this relationship in my country is overly negative. We should make greater effort at getting the more balanced picture and creating a more balanced picture as well."
He further added that, "Nothing has globalised more than terrorism, yet responses to it remains very tactical, national and therefore remains very limited."
Jaishankar had last month visited the US for talks with Trump administration. He had discussed with the US officials about safety of Indians in the US following the Kansas bar shooting. He also talked about new legislation which made tough for companies to replace American employees with foreign employees.
During his visit to the US he met acting deputy secretary of state Tom Shannon and other US officials. During his meeting he discussed about issues related to security, counter-terrorism and defence partnership.
OneIndia News
SC to auction Sahara's Aamby property if money not deposited
India
ians-IANS
By Ians English
New Delhi, March 21: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said if the Sahara Group fails to deposit Rs 5,092 crore with market regulator SEBI as ordered, the group's Aamby Valley property in Maharashtra will be auctioned.
The top court by its February 28 order had permitted Sahara to sell some of its properties but asked it to deposit Rs 5,092.64 crore on or before April 13, 2017.
A bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice A.K. Sikri said the said property will be put under the hammer if it failed to deposit Rs 5092. 64 crore by April 13 as it allowed MG Capital Holdings LLC to deposit Rs 750 crores in the Sahara-SEBI Refund Account.
MG Capital Holdings LLC is an international real estate company that is in the process of buying Sahara's stakes in New York-based Plaza Hotel for $550 million.
The top court had on February 28 asked the MG Capital Holdings LLC to deposit Rs 750 crore with its registry on or before April 17 -- the next date of hearing -- to establish its bona fides.
The real estate company had moved the top court for permission to do due diligence for acquiring Sahara's stakes in the New York Hotel.
On an application by the real estate company, the court asked it to deposit Rs 750 crore in the Sahara-SEBI Refund Account.
The top court, by its August 31, 2012, order had asked Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd. and the Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd. to return to the investors Rs 17,600 crore with 15 per cent interest that the two companies raised through Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures in 2008 and 2009.
Subrata Roy, his son-in-law Ashok Roy Choudhary and group Director Ravi Shankar Dubey, who are now out on parole, were sent to Tihar Jail on March 4, 2014, for failure of the two companies to comply with the court's order.
Roy was granted parole on May 6, 2016, to perform the last rites of his mother who passed away on May 5. Besides Roy, Choudhary, too, was released on parole. Dubey was released on parole later.
IANS
SC to Govt: Why can't RBI accept scrapped notes till March 31
India
oi-Lisa
New Delhi, March 21: The Supreme Court has sought a reply from the Centre with regards to the Reserve Bank of India refusing to accept old demonetised currency notes of Rs. 500 and Rs 1,000, post December 31, 2016.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi had during his speech announcing demonetisation on November 8 informed citizens that they can deposit demonetised currency notes at specific branches of RBI up to March 31, 2017, if they were unable to deposit the notes before December 31, 2016.
Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi argued in the court that PM's speech became irrelevant by ordinance issued on December 30, 2016. He added that The notification does not create any rights and is any way replaced by the ordinance. He also mentioned that, "Some of the petitioners' reasons for not submitting the amount appeared to be very cagey."
The RBI said that it will exchange notes for only those who were not present in India from November 8, 2016 to December 31, 2016.
The matter is to come for hearing next on April 11.
OneIndia News
SC to hear EVM tampering matter on March 24
India
oi-Vikas
By Vikas
The Supreme Court will hear the case on allegations by various parties on tampering of the Electronic Voting Machines on Friday.
Politicians from various parties have openly alleged tampering of electronic voting machines in the recently concluded assembly elections in five states with Mayawati and Arvind Kejriwal being at the forefront of such accusations.
The Bahujan Samaj Party Supremo went one step further to state that she would move court and said that her party would observe a black day every month against the 'murder of democracy' by the BJP.
Kejriwal too sought the Election Commission's intervention to probe the alleged EVM tampering.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last week said the Election Commission of India should convene an all-party meet to discuss the issue. Banerjee infact showed reporters BJP leader Subramanian Swamy's video clippings in which he speaks about feasibility of tampering EVMs. In the video clippings, Swamy is seen saying that the EVMs were made in Japan but ballot papers were used even there during elections because the machines can be tampered.
Meanwhile, the Election Commission stated that that EVMs cannot be tampered with.
ECI had said, "Given the effective technical and administrative safeguards, Electronic Voting Machines are not tamperable and the integrity of the electoral process is preserved...If any specific allegation with material facts is presented, it (the allegations) will be looked into with all seriousness on administrative sides."
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Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 12:05 [IST]
Setback for Mamata Banerjee: SC says Narada sting will be probed by CBI
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
In a major setback to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, the Supreme Court has said that the Narada sting case will be probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation. The SC also rejected the petitioner's plea for a probe by a Special Investigation Team monitored by the SC. Following these observations, the West Bengal state government withdrew its appeal.
The government also tendered an apology for casting aspersions on the HC judges who ordered the CBI probe. The court said that the inferences and opinions of the Calcutta High Court shall not influence the CBI probe.
Based on a directive by the Calcutta high court, the CBI on Monday registered a preliminary inquiry in connection with the Narada sting operation case. The CBI has named several ministers in the West Bengal government, bureaucrats, members of parliament, police personnel and an ex-MLA in the case.
The CBI has also taken into its possession, a laptop and the spy cameras that were used by Narada to conduct the sting operation.
The Calcutta high court on Friday said that the Narada sting operation will be probed by the CBI. "They behaved like puppets of the state," the court observed while coming down heavily on the Kolkata police who were probing the case.
The court ordered that the CBI pick up the case papers in 24 hours and get the preliminary inquiry started within 72 hours. The sting operation was conducted by Narada News in which it showed several ministers accepting bribes ranging from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh for favours to a fictitious company.
The court, however, had harsh words for the police and found that the probe was not up to the mark. It felt that the probe would be better handled by the CBI. The court while commenting on the probe by the Kolkata police said," at best they behaved like puppets of the state."
OneIndia News
Stung by Narada: CBI probe will see many skeletons tumbling out of TMC's closet
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
The Mamata Banerjee government in West Bengal was quick to move the Supreme Court challenging an order that directed the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe the Narada sting operation. The sting had blown the lid off several TMC leaders who were seen taking bribes to show favours for a fictitious company.
Narada: CBI names WB ministers after filing preliminary inquiry
The CBI is examining the unedited footage, and sources say that more names of TMC MPs have cropped up. "They will also be probed," a CBI officer said. In all, there is 400 minutes of raw footage that is being examined. There were portions that were aired on television and some of it was not. There are several TMC leaders and bureaucrats seen in the footage accepting cash between Rs 15 and Rs 20 lakh.
Conversations between an MP and the middleman is also part of the footage. He is seen taking the money and assuring that he would hand it over to another MP. Another conversation about how donations were being taken to contribute to the party fund is also part of the clipping that is being examined by the CBI.
The investigating agency has to file a compliance report before the Calcutta high court on Wednesday. The court, while ordering the CBI to probe the case had observed that the Kolkata police had behaved like puppets of the state government.
OneIndia News
In UP 166 criminals killed in encounters in past five years: Yogi
UP CM Yogi Adityanath meets Modi in Delhi
India
oi-Madhuri
Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath met PM Narendra Modi in the Parliament on Tuesday. This was the first meeting between the firebrand leader and Modi after the former took over as chief minister on Sunday.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath meets Prime Minister Narendra Modi. pic.twitter.com/hicV4rDnnv ANI (@ANI_news) March 21, 2017
Adityanath was sworn in on Sunday as the chief minister of a Bharatiya Janata Party government in Uttar Pradesh. Cheered by tens of thousands of supporters, the 21st chief minister of the country's most populous state was administered the oath of office and secrecy by Governor Ram Naik. He heads a 47-member council of ministers, including two deputy CMs, 22 cabinet ministers, nine ministers of state with independent charge and 13 ministers of state.
Adityanath has promised to work for all sections of the society without any discrimination, pursuing the agenda of sabka sath, sabka vikas.
The BJP swept to power in the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections, decimating the opposition.
OneIndia News
With over 2,000 infiltrations, terrorists swarm like bees in Bengal
India
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
The number of terrorists that infiltrated into India from Bangladesh in the past three years is 2,010. All these infiltrations have happened in West Bengal, Assam and Tripura. The year 2016 saw a major increase in the number of operatives of the Huji and Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh infiltrating into India.
The Assam police alone has arrested 54 operatives in the past six months. The figure is an alarming one. Going by the numbers based on an Intelligence Bureau report, 720 of these operatives entered through West Bengal while the rest found a passage through Assam and Tripura.
The JMB has been setting up shop in India and is sending its operatives in large numbers. In particular, Bengal has been a worry for the security agencies. The Burdwan incident was a classic example of how terrorists from Bangladesh had been swarming like bees in Bengal.
Owing to the major crackdown in Bangladesh on radical elements, many have decided to move into Bengal and Assam where they have found a safe haven. They enter into India with the help of touts along the border. Once in India, they meet up with local contacts.
Intelligence Bureau officials say that these persons stay on in India and plot attacks that are to be executed in Bangladesh. There is a danger for India as well as these operatives now linked with the Islamic State will look to strike in India as well. Central agencies have often complained about the lack of enthusiasm in West Bengal to crack down on such persons. There are over 1,000 of them and it is high time that the alarm bells rang in West Bengal and the neighbouring states as well, the IB official informed.
OneIndia News
Pastor Vijay Masih arrested in UP for illegally converting Hindus to Christianity
UP ATS picks up two more accused in Al-Qaeda radicalisation case
Yogi meets Modi, Shah to discuss portfolio allocation in UP
India
pti-PTI
New Delhi, March 21: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and is understood to have finalised allocation of portfolios among the state ministers during talks with BJP chief Amit Shah.
On his first visit to the national capital after taking oath on Sunday, he also met top Union ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
Later he also spoke in the Lok Sabha. The Gorakhpur MP and firebrand Hindutva leader, who has taken charge along with his two deputies and 44 ministers, is yet to distribute portfolios among them.
Earlier, UP BJP spokesperson Rakesh Tripathi had erroneously said that BJP's Parliamentary Board was meeting in Delhi where all the chief ministers, including Adityanath, will be present.
The presence of two heavyweights as deputy chief ministers and various regional and caste satraps in the ministry has made the task a tricky balancing act for the party.
Today's discussions between Adityanath and the party's top brass came amid speculation that Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who is also the state party chief and is its OBC face, is likely to be given a key profile.
He was also a contenders for the chief minister's post but missed out to the Gorakhpur MP.
Sources said the party will put the administrative experience of another Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who has worked as Lucknow mayor, to good use.
Though Adityanath did not speak to reporters after meeting Modi, Tourism and Culture Minister Mahesh Sharma said the new chief minister was a "go-getter" and competent administrator under whom execution of developmental projects will bet a fillip.
His ministry had Rs 650 crore of tourism projects aimed at developing various religious and heritage circuits which, he said, will see speedy implementation now.
Asked if a BJP government headed by Adityanath will work towards constructing Ram temple in Ayodhya soon, Sharma said crores of people want it built and so does the party and the government.
He, however, added that it should be done as per the Constitution.
PTI
First rare blood disorder cured by doctors in US
International
oi-PTI
Washington, Mar 21: In a first, doctors in the US claim to have successfully cured an adult patient with a rare blood disorder in which the body does not produce enough red blood cells, causing progressive organ damage and early death. Physicians employed a technique that avoids the use of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation in preparation for a stem cell transplant to cure the patient with Congenital Dyserythropoietic Anemia.
The transplant technique is unique, because it allows a donor's cells to gradually take over a patient's bone marrow without using toxic agents to eliminate a patient's cells prior to the transplant, researchers said.
Damiano Rondelli, Professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago in US, said the protocol can be used even in patients with a long history of disease and some organ damage because of the minimal use of chemotherapy.
"For many adult patients with a blood disorder, treatment options have been limited because they are often not sick enough to qualify for a risky procedure, or they are too sick to tolerate the toxic drugs used alongside a standard transplant," said Rondelli.
"This procedure gives some adults the option of a stem cell transplant which was not previously available," Rondelli said.
For more than 30 years, David Levy's only course of treatment for CDA was regular blood transfusions to ensure his organs and tissues received enough oxygen.
Levy, from Northbrook, Illinois, was 24 when the pain became so severe he had to withdraw from graduate school. By age 32, Levy required transfusions every two to three weeks; had lost his spleen; had an enlarged liver; and was suffering severely from fatigue, heart palpitations and iron poisoning, a side effect of regular blood transfusions.
Rondelli said that because of Levy's range of illnesses and inability to tolerate chemotherapy and radiation, several institutions had denied him the possibility of a stem cell transplant. Rondelli performed Levy's transplant in 2014. "The transplant was hard, and I had some complications, but I am back to normal now," said Levy, now 35.
"I still have some pain and some lingering issues from the years my condition was not properly managed, but I can be independent now. That is the most important thing to me," he said.
Rondelli said the potential of this approach to stem cell transplantation is very promising. "The use of this transplant protocol may represent a safe therapeutic strategy to treat adult patients with many types of congenital anemias - perhaps the only possible cure," Rondelli added.
The case report was published in the journal Bone Marrow Transplantation.
PTI
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Story first published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017, 18:14 [IST]
Fact Check: Old images of Imran Khan shared as ones from recent shooting incident
Imran Khan discharged from hospital, to resume long march from same point where he was shot
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India, Pak to hold high-level Indus water talks in US
International
oi-PTI
Islamabad, March 21: Following the intervention of the US and the World Bank, India and Pakistan will be returning to the negotiating table over the disputed hydropower projects in the Indus Valley in April.
Pakistan Water and Power Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif said on Monday that the two nations would hold three-day secretary-level talks on the Kishanganga and Ratle hydropower projects, under the aegis of the World Bank, in Washington from April 11, reported Dawn on Tuesday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the two-day talks between Indus Water Commissioners from both sides, the minister welcomed New Delhi's decision to resume negotiations under the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty on the proposed Pakul Dal, Miyar and Lower Kalnai hydropower projects, to which Pakistan has raised objections.
"The US has intervened at the highest level to help both countries resolve the issue. There will be secretary-level talks on the Ralte and Kishanganga hydropower projects in Washington on April 11, 12 and 13," Mohammad Asif said at a press conference in Islamabad.
"We are happy that India has finally agreed to resume talks at the commission level. We welcome this decision and the visit of the Indian delegation," he added.
The 10-member Indian delegation currently in Islamabad is led by Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena.
Pakistan has been protesting over the design and construction of two controversial projects, the 330 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project and the 850 MW Ratle hydroelectric project on the tributaries of the Indus in the Indian part of Jammu and Kashmir.
Asif claimed that the World Bank-sponsored International Court of Arbitration had given its verdict in Pakistan's favour over the Kishanganga project and Islamabad was now demanding that it be implemented, the daily reported.
The Indus Waters Treaty was signed in 1960 and involves six rivers: the Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.
Brokered by the World Bank, the treaty gave the right to use waters of the first three rivers to India and of the other three rivers to Pakistan.
India has said it has the right under the treaty to set up hydro power plants on the tributaries of the rivers flowing through its territory. Pakistan fears this might reduce the water flow of the rivers into its territory.
The two countries held the Indus Water Commission meeting last time in May 2015 in New Delhi.
PTI
Trump campaign, Russia's involvement being probed says FBI
International
oi-Vicky
By Vicky
For the first time, the FBI director James Comey said that the agency is probing if there was any coordination between Donald Trump's campaign and Moscow. He said that they were probing if there was any interference by Russia in the campaign that saw Trump become President of the United States of America.
Comey also told the House Intelligence Committee that he had no information about Trump's wiretap claims. Trump claimed he had been wiretapped on the orders of Barack Obama.
Comey went on to say that the Russian n President Vladimir Putin had a clear preference for whom he wanted to see as the next president. It was not Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, he said.
He said that the agency is investigating the possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia. That includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government. Whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts are also being probed he further added.
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New Online Gambling Bill Introduced in West Virginia
Published March 20, 2017 by Elana K
On March 14, Delegate Shawn Fluharty and others introduced HB 3067, a bill that would legalize and regulate online gambling under the supervision of the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
West Virginia has come out with a new bill that would legalize online gambling, thus adding its name to the growing list of states who are realizing the benefits of the burgeoning industry. On March 14, Delegate Shawn Fluharty and others introduced HB 3067, a bill that would legalize and regulate online gambling under the supervision of the West Virginia Lottery Commission.
This is not West Virginias first foray into the world of online gambling; the states lottery directors have been exploring the possibility since 2014.
About the Bill
HB 3067 includes a tax rate of 14 percent of gross gaming revenue and a licensing fee of $50,000, a number which is considered low when compared to other states. Only gaming facilities and race tracks that are currently licensed will be allowed to apply for licenses.
The bill also includes regulations for land-based operators to offer online gaming. Operators must make sure that participants are 21, that they are located within state borders, and that gaming protocols to ensure fair gaming are in place. Additionally, operators would be required to keep player funds and operating funds in separate accounts (standard practice among online casinos worldwide).
Should the bill be passed into law, unlawful gaming offenses would be punished with fines ranging anywhere between $75-150,000, misdemeanors, felonies, and prison time.
Revival of Traditional Casinos
West Virginia traditional casino revenue has been on the decline over the past few years, which is why the state's lottery directors started exploring online gambling. It is hoped that online gambling might be the ticket to reviving the declining casino industry and breathing new life into the state.
Joining the Party
West Virginia joins Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, California, New York, and others as a serious contender for becoming the next state to legalize online gambling. Currently, only three states allow internet gambling: New Jersey, Delaware, and Nevada.
Artemis Gallery to Auction Important Museum-Exhibited Russian Icons & Religious Art, March 23
18th-century CE Russian painted-wood iconostasis with brass oklads
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BOULDER, CO The 2003-4 Windows Into Heaven exhibition held at the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte, N.C., celebrated a period that was the zenith of Russian arts long and illustrious history. The stellar exhibition that drew international media attention featured 18th- and 19th-century Russian icons on loan from the Lilly and Francis Robicsek collection. It would be another 10 years before the fabled icons were exhibited again, at the North Carolina Museum of History. Now a select grouping of icons from those two exhibitions has been chosen to headline Artemis Gallerys March 23 auction, with absentee and Internet live bidding through LiveAuctioneers.Russian icons of this caliber are regarded as being at the pinnacle of devotional art, along with the great works of Italian masters, said Teresa Dodge, executive director of Artemis Gallery. Collectors can be assured that any piece with provenance from the Lilly and Francis Robicsek collection is of premier quality. We are enormously proud to be able to offer this very special art to our bidders.The 177-lot auction will reverently reopen Windows Into Heaven with a pair of circa-1890 arched, gold leaf Royal Door wing panels from a Russian Orthodox iconostasis (icon screen). Ornately incised and decorated, the panels bear images of an Annunciation scene and the Four Evangelists. The central doors of an iconostasis are called the Royal Doors. They were regarded as holy and remained closed except during the Divine Liturgy, when the priest would open them to consecrate the bread and wine, Dodge explained. Highly important and with provenance from the Robicsek collection, the Royal Door panels are estimated at $60,000-$90,000.A 19th-century Russian calendar icon of grand scale (35- by 42.5-inches) known as a minyela is quite literally a pictorial timetable of sainthood, with each figure identified, and depictions of the feasts of the entire liturgical year. With its breathtaking medley of jewel-tone colors against soft gold leaf, this treasured artwork formerly in the Robicsek collection is expected to make $70,000-$100,000 at auction.Yet another masterpiece from the Robicsek collection is a monumental late 19th-century CE Theotokos, or Mother of God icon, depicting the Virgin Mary as mother of Jesus Christ. Measuring 56.25 by 34.5 inches, the sacred painting presents the Virgin in a flowing scarlet cloak discreetly adorned with gold stars, with the swaddled Christ Child holding up a gold cross. Museum-exhibited with provenance from the Lilly and Francis Robicsek collection, the Theotokos is estimated at $20,000-$30,000.From a Ventura County, Calif., collection comes an 18th-century CE Russian painted-wood iconostasis with brass oklads surrounding a central panel and 14 hinged side panels. Its uppermost register is finely painted with half-length portrayals of patriarchs and prophets surrounding God the Father and the Son. Other images show full-length saints engaged in intercessionary prayer and other religious depictions. The striking, richly colorful artwork is offered with a $20,000-$30,000 estimate.Other Russian icons of note in the auction include depictions of The Virgin of the Sweet Kiss, The Virgin enthroned with Christ Emmanuel, Edessa (considered to be the first icon), and numerous saints, monks, archangels and other holy figures. The range of estimates is broad, allowing beginning and intermediate-level collectors to acquire icons with impeccable provenance at prices they can afford.Sharing the auction spotlight is a selection of beautiful Spanish Colonial Mexican santos, also with provenance from the Robicsek collection. Teresa Dodge explained what santos represent: Santos played an important role in bringing the Catholic Church to the New World with the Spanish colonists. These religious figures were hand-carved and often furnished with crowns, jewels, and other accessories. They were usually funded by religious devotees and used as visual representations of the major figures Mary, Christ, and the saints in teaching new, indigenous converts. Likewise, they served as a connection to the Old World for Spanish colonists far from home. Many of them were lovingly cared for over the years, with repairs and paint added as they aged. They played an active part for a long time in the religious life of their communities.A prime example of the New World religious art form is a 19th-century CE hand-carved and polychrome-painted figure of San Blas (St. Blaise). The Armenia-born saint devoted his life to medicine until his election to the episcopal diocese of Sebaste. He then withdrew to a cave on Mt. Argeus to cure sick people and animals who came to him. The 34.25-inch-high santo depicts San Blas in traditional fashion as a bishop with a silver-handled crosier, with two sheep at his feet. Estimate: $4,000-$5,000.Another compelling artwork, a circa 18th-19th century CE hand-carved and polychrome painted santo of La Purisima Concepcion or La Inmaculada depicts the praying saint atop a globe and crescent moon, wearing a golden tin crown encircled by 12 blue, glass-centered stars. Highly symbolic in its detail, the Spanish Colonial santo from either Mexico or Guatemala is estimated at $6,000-$9,000.Created specifically for religious processions, a circa-15th-century CE gilt copper cross exemplifies the elite and uncompromising level of artistry achieved by Italian metalsmiths of that period. Made in Tuscany during the High Renaissance, this remarkable work of art was executed in repousse fashion with images of the Virgin and Child on the niello roundels of each of the arms. With a long line of provenance that includes owners in France and the United States, and previous sale at Sothebys, the cross will open for bidding at $22,000. Its pre-sale estimate is $35,000-$45,000.The March 23, 2017 auction also includes Spanish Colonial retablos, oil paintings and other sacred art, as well as Russian jewelry and other religious objects. Bidders may participate in the auction live online, by phone (please reserve phone line in advance) or by leaving an absentee bid that will be lodged confidentially and competitively on their behalf. All items are unconditionally guaranteed to be authentic, as described in the auction catalog, and legal to acquire per federal guidelines. The sale begins at 10 a.m. Eastern Time. View the catalog and bid absentee or live via the Internet through LiveAuctioneers. For additional information on any item, call Teresa Dodge at 720-890-7700 or email teresa@artemisgallery.com. Visit Artemis Gallery online.Artemis Gallery is an ancient art gallery and antiquities dealer specializing in Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Pre-Columbian art, as well as collections of Near Eastern, Far Eastern and Oceanographic antiquities for sale. Our extensive inventory includes ancient pottery, stone, metal, glass, textile objects and Pre-Columbian art from South America, Central America and Mexico, as well as art from Greece Italy, Rome, Egypt, the Middle East, China, India, Japan and the South Pacific. All antiquities for sale are unconditionally guaranteed authentic for as long as you own them.Teresa DodgeArtemis Gallery400 W. South Boulder Rd.Lafayette, CO 80026720-890-7700teresa@artemisgallery.com
Automotive Control Panel Market, by Application - Global Revenue, Trends, Growth, Share and Forecast to 2023
Automotive Control Panel
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The Automotive Control Panel Market research report by QYResearch Group is a market-oriented, technical, and commercial research analysis of the global market. The analysis is completed using a wide range of secondary sources, databases and directories in order to identify and assemble market data. Primary sources included for the analysis include preferred suppliers, industry experts from core and associated industries, manufacturers, service providers, distributors, and organizations allied to the entire segments of the industry supply chain.Ask for FREE SAMPLE REPORT @Automotive Control Panel industry research report analyzes, tracks, and presents the global market size of the major players in every region around the world. Furthermore, the report provides data of the leading market players in the Automotive Control Panel market.To estimate the overall market size of Automotive Control Panel, its application, and regionsin terms of value and volumethe bottom-up approach is followed. On the other hand, to corroborate the overall market sizeagain in terms of value and volumethe top-down approach is followed. Following the method of data triangulation and data validation via primaries, the precise values of the parent market and individual market in terms of size are calculated and established in the report.This market research report provides the client with comprehensive market analysis of the Automotive Control Panel market over the forecast period. In addition, it also furnishes a general idea of the challenges, drivers, and restraints that have direct or indirect impact on the industry. It further highlights the market, the industry, and latest technology trends currently existing in the Automotive Control Panel market. All this precise, accurate and comprehensive data will help the clients to make appropriate and practical decisions so as to gain maximum profit in the global 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. Overall, the report is a one-stop destination and a valuation report to grab all the necessary information regarding the global Automotive Control Panel market.Access COMPLETE REPORT With TOC @About Us:QYResearch Group is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. QYResearch Group also carries the capability to assist you with your customized market research requirements including in-depth market surveys, primary interviews, competitive landscaping, and company profiles. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics. QYResearch Group is the comprehensive collection of market intelligence products and services available on air.Contact US:Joel John3422 SW 15 Street, Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach, Florida 33442,United StatesTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Web:Email: sales@qyresearchgroup.com
Small and Medium Wind Power Global Key Players - Vergnet, Xzeres Wind, Northern Power Systems, Pika Energy, United Wind, Endurance Wind Power, Sustainable Power Systems Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022
Small and Medium Wind Power
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Small and Medium Wind PowerReport Details:The major players in global market includeVergnetXzeres WindNorthern Power SystemsPika EnergyUnited WindEndurance Wind PowerSustainable Power SystemsKingspanWind Energy SolutionsBergey WindpowerHY EnergyEocycle TechnologiesWind PowerShanghai Ghrepower Green EnergyClick here for sample report @Geographically, this report split global into several key Regions, with, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Small and Medium Wind Power for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)On the basis on the end users/applications, this report covers Residential Power Supply, Industrial Power Supply, and Residential Power Supply etc. This report focuses on revenue of Small and Medium Wind Power in each application,......Some Major Points from Table of content:Global Small and Medium Wind Power Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022Industry Overview1.1 Small and Medium Wind Power Market Overview1.1.1 Small and Medium Wind Power Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Small and Medium Wind Power Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2012-2017)1.2.1 United States Small and Medium Wind Power Market Status and Outlook1.2.2 EU Small and Medium Wind Power Market Status and Outlook1.2.3 Japan Small and Medium Wind Power Market Status and Outlook1.2.4 China Small and Medium Wind Power Market Status and Outlook1.2.5 India Small and Medium Wind Power Market Status and Outlook1.2.6 Southeast Asia Small and Medium Wind Power Market Status and Outlook1.3 Small and Medium Wind Power Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Residential Power Supply1.3.2 Industrial Power Supply1.3.3 Agriculture Power SupplyFor Detailed Reading Please visit @3 Company (Top Players) Profiles and Key Data3.1 Vergnet3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Vergnet Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 Xzeres Wind3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Xzeres Wind Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Northern Power Systems3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Northern Power Systems Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Pika Energy3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Pika Energy Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 United Wind3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 United Wind Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 Endurance Wind Power3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Endurance Wind Power Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Sustainable Power Systems3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Sustainable Power Systems Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Kingspan3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Kingspan Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Wind Energy Solutions3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Wind Energy Solutions Small and Medium Wind Power Revenue (Value) (2012-2017)3.9.5 Recent Developments...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
Global 3D Concrete Printings Market Opportunities And Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecasts To 2022
Global 3D Concrete Printings Market
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In this report, the global 3D Concrete Printings 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.Get Sample Report @Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of 3D Concrete Printings in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal 3D Concrete Printings market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingBalfour Beatty PLCCRH PLCCarillion PLCDus ArchitectsFosters + PartnersHeidelberg Cement AGKier Group PLCLafargeholcimSika GroupWinsun GlobalOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoModeling 3D Concrete PrintingsPrint 3D Concrete PrintingsOtherOn 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 3D Concrete Printings for each application, includingIndustrial BuildingCivil ConstructionOtherLeave a Query @Table of ContentsGlobal 3D Concrete Printings Market Research Report 20171 3D Concrete Printings Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of 3D Concrete Printings1.2 3D Concrete Printings Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global 3D Concrete Printings Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global 3D Concrete Printings Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Modeling 3D Concrete Printings1.2.4 Print 3D Concrete Printings1.2.5 Other1.3 Global 3D Concrete Printings Segment by Application1.3.1 3D Concrete Printings Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Industrial Building1.3.3 Civil Construction1.3.4 Other1.4 Global 3D Concrete Printings Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global 3D Concrete Printings 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 3D Concrete Printings (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global 3D Concrete Printings Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)....7 Global 3D Concrete Printings Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Balfour Beatty PLC7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Balfour Beatty PLC 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 CRH PLC7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 CRH PLC 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Carillion PLC7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Carillion PLC 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Dus Architects7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Dus Architects 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Fosters + Partners7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Fosters + Partners 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Heidelberg Cement AG7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Heidelberg Cement AG 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Kier Group PLC7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Kier Group PLC 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Lafargeholcim7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Lafargeholcim 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Sika Group7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Sika Group 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 Winsun Global7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 3D Concrete Printings Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 Winsun Global 3D Concrete Printings Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business OverviewContinuedBuy Now@CONTACT US:NORAH TRENTPartner Relations & Marketing Managersales@wiseguyreports.comPh: +1-646-845-9349 (US)Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (UK)Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. 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Automotive Seals and Gaskets Global Key Players NOK, Federal-mogul, Freudenberg, Elringklinger, Dana, Star Group Market Analysis and Forecast to 2022
Automotive Seals and Gaskets Market
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Automotive Seals and Gaskets Market 2017Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Automotive Seals and Gaskets -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities, Manufacturers, Analysis of Top Key Players and Forecast to 2022 To Its Research Database.Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Automotive Seals and Gaskets in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaIndiaRequest for Sample report @Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingNOKFederal-mogulFreudenbergElringklingerDanaSKFParker HannifinTrelleborgGatesTKS SealingJingzhong RubberOufu SealingStar GroupDuke SealsLeChang AutoTiancheng SealLvsan BearingOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBody Sealing SystemComponents Sealing SystemOn 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 Automotive Seals and Gaskets for each application, includingPassenger VehicleCommercial VehicleTo get complete report visit@Key Points in Table of Content:Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Market Research Report 20171 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Automotive Seals and Gaskets1.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category) (2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Body Sealing System1.2.4 Components Sealing System1.3 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Segment by Application1.3.1 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Passenger Vehicle1.3.3 Commercial Vehicle1.4 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2012-2022)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 EU Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 China Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Japan Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.6 South Korea Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.7 India Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Automotive Seals and Gaskets (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)..7 Global Automotive Seals and Gaskets Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 NOK7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 NOK Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Federal-mogul7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Federal-mogul Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Freudenberg7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Freudenberg Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Elringklinger7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Elringklinger Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Dana7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Dana Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 SKF7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 SKF Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Parker Hannifin7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Parker Hannifin Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Trelleborg7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Trelleborg Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Gates7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Gates Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 TKS Sealing7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Automotive Seals and Gaskets Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 TKS Sealing Automotive Seals and Gaskets Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Jingzhong Rubber7.12 Oufu Sealing7.13 Star Group7.14 Duke Seals7.15 LeChang Auto7.16 Tiancheng Seal7.17 Lvsan BearingContinued...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
Award Winning Driving School Opens in Alpharetta
NEVO Driving Academy, an award winning driving school opened its headquarters today in Alpharetta.NEVO provides a safe and realistic environment for students of all abilities to develop a high level of driver confidence and automotive awareness through world-class instruction, teamwork and the development of safe driving principles.NEVO instructors are professionally trained drivers with backgrounds in military, law enforcement, stunt driving, rally driving and racing. While they arrive at NEVO already experts in their field, they take pride in their continuous pursuit of the safest and most reliable techniques and training.Owner, Robert Dillman is excited to bring NEVO to Alpharetta, "We look forward to meeting and working with our local community. Our service is quite different than most, and I know both parents and teens will appreciate the attention to detail and relevance we bring to an antiquated industry. We aim to build a culture around safe driving practices and saving lives. I look forward to the opportunity!"With Spring Break just around the corner, NEVO is offering $50 off their driver's education programs between today and March 31, 2017. To register with the discounted rate, please call NEVO at 470-281-5832 or stop by the HQ, located at 6845 Shiloh Road East, Ste. D8. during normal business hours.NEVO Driving Academy is an award winning driver's education, driver training, roadside safety and survival training provider headquartered in Alpharetta, Georgia.NEVO Driving Academy6845 Shiloh Road E, Ste. D8Alpharetta, GA 30005
CDA Partners With ODS To Deliver End-To-End E-Commerce Experience For Clients Looking To Maximise Online Sales
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ODSNet offers CDA clients improved user journeys, simplified payments, advanced product filtering & promotions in an affordable, integrated solutionGuildford, UK, March 20, 2017 ODS UK, creators of ODSNet, the B2B eCommerce platform for SAP Business One and Sage, has announced a strategic partnership with internet marketing agency CDA, a fast-growing B2B and B2C web solutions provider. CDA is already using ODSNet to deliver rich new e-commerce functionality for five businesses in the Sandhurst Group of automotive supply companies.Stuart Alldis, founder and MD of CDA, based in Hitchin, Hertfordshire, entered into discussions with ODS last autumn at eCommerce Expo at Londons Olympia. We help companies with e-commerce and marketing, and when we met ODS it was obvious they were a natural fit, he says.Stuart started his web agency three years ago, out of frustration that other web and marketing agencies were more focused on selling their products than delivering what clients needed.ODS shares our philosophy around not reinventing the wheel, but using best practice to deliver optimum functionality and best value for money, he adds. They bring the engine and chassis, and we build the rest of the car, and the result for the client and their customers is a smoother journey.Joining forces with ODS means CDA can offer clients an alternative to Magento, the popular open source web platform. Although we do a lot of work with Magento, it is a standalone solution. ODSNet integrates right through, talking to everything from Sage at the back end to labels being printed, Stuart notes. To achieve that with Magento, you need plug-ins and for some solutions custom code.At Sandhurst, which runs a range of businesses providing automotive supplies, CDA in partnership with ODS is providing a feature-rich, end-to-end e-commerce solution across five different operations and web sites, that will simplify user journeys. The new, improved web experience will provide more sophisticated product filtering, processing payments within the web site, targeted recommendations, relevant promotions, and multi-buy discounts.The rich features and seamless integration CDA and ODS can offer will appeal to any B2B or B2C supplier looking to drive more organic traffic to their web sites, improve sales automation and increase order values, Stuart says.We believe this partnership could be very, very powerful. Together we can go into e-commerce companies who want to take things to the next level, and let them benefit from our wide experience, confident that well provide the best possible solution whatever the platform. We see ourselves as more of a team than an agency. Were on our customers side.Commenting on the CDA partnership, David Bristow, sales director at ODS, says,Its exciting that CDA has seen the potential of ODSNet, especially given their existing commitment to Magento. They understand the alternative were offering, because of our inherent integration with popular ERP systems, which makes it much easier for companies to handle Internet orders, and manage products and promotions. We look forward to the new opportunities this alliance will bring.About ODSOn Demand Solutions (ODS) is the company behind ODSNet an end-to-end B2B e-Commerce platform for SAP Business One and Sage. ODSNet helps wholesalers, distributors and manufacturers get their businesses online, quickly and painlessly.The company founders have formidable, proven credentials in supply chain, accounting, ERP and fulfilment, and have applied this heritage and know-how to delivering a world-class, powerful and deeply integrated, multi-channel B2B e-Commerce platform.ODS is passionate about helping companies change the way they sell and has developed a rich B2B platform that seamlessly delivers a multichannel e-Commerce portal without the need for third-party integrations, connectors or add ons. This end-to-end approach has helped countless organisations like Swift Electrical, American Wholesale, Armstrong Richardson and Sandhurst get their trade customers online quickly. These companies enjoy a functionally rich, consistent e-Commerce portal without any of the systems integration nightmares often associated with e-Commerce projects. More ator on Twitter @ODS_UK.Sarum PRMayor Ivie House2-4 Ivy StreetSalisburySP1 2AYContact: Carina Birtemail: carina@sarumpr.comTel: +44 (0) 1722322916
What Are The Chances Of Global Dental Braces Market Growing In Near Future?
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Global Dental Braces Market Report 2016 Purchase This Report by calling ResearchnReports.com at +1-888-631-6977.The report analyzes Dental Braces Market, by component, delivery mode, end user, application, and therapeutic area. Detailed insights on research and development activities and new product launches in the Dental Braces Market are studied in detail. The report analyzes the Dental Braces Market across regions. Like North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Dental Braces Market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions development status.All information aggregated is then summarized to paint a clear picture of the current status of Dental Braces Market. The synopsis includes trade studies, benefits of the market, business provisions, business conditions and growth predictions. It is aided and influenced by the analysis and results of other comprehensive researches.The Dental Braces Market research report analyzes this market on the basis of its market segments, major geographies and current market trends. Geographies studied in this research report are North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the world.This report provides an all-inclusive examination of the market growth drivers, factors influencing and limiting market growth, current market trends, market structure, Market projections for coming years.This market research report on the Dental Braces Market is a complete study of the markets current trends, industry growth drivers and restraints. It provides market forecasts for the coming years. It involves analysis of recent developments in technology, Porter's five force model analysis and definite profiles of finest industry players. The report also builds a review of micro and macro factors imperative for the new entrants in the market and the ones already in the market along with detailed value chain analysis.Get Discount on this Premium Report now at:The report provides definite explanation of the systems used across various regions. It aims at analyzing the market size and future growth potential of this market across different sectors such as products, application, end user and region. Likewise, the report includes a comprehensive competitive analysis of the important players in the market including their company profiles, SWOT analysis, new developments, and decisive market strategies.The report on Dental Braces Market is a meticulous compilation of the various facets of the Dental Braces Market including a thorough analysis of the different technology types of Medical Manifolds mapped across different applications and geographical regions. The Porters Five Forces analysis, value chain analysis, key regulations & industry initiatives, business models and key developments have also been included in the report to understand the overall attractiveness of this industry.The report deals with all the driving factors, challenges, opportunities and market restraints with respect to the Dental Braces Market, which are helpful in identifying trends and key success factors for the industry. The market values form a quintessential part of the report; herein the transaction value from various Medical Manifolds systems and services provided in the Dental Braces Market is tracked in order to calculate the market size. The study additionally presents a detailed analysis of the key push and pull forces prevailing in the Dental Braces Market and the estimation and forecast for market size over the time period, 2016 to 2022.While highlighting the key driving and restraining forces for this market, the report also provides a detailed summary of the Medical Manifolds products & solutions. It also includes the key participants involved in the industry at the relevant sections. This report also focuses on the value & volume of payment transactions done in the Dental Braces Market based on business segments and geographical regions by the market participants.This report studies Dental Braces 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, coveringHenry Schein3M UnitekGC OrthodonticsFORESTADENTPatterson DentalAmerican OrthodonticsDentsplyOrmcoDentaurumDental MorelliDownload sample pages of this premium report at:The report answers the following questions about the Dental Braces Market: What are the key factors driving the Dental Braces Market and how will the impact change through the forecast period? What are the major factors challenging the growth of Dental Braces Market and how can they be addressed through the forecast period? How will the market players leverage on key developments such as acquisitions, partnerships & collaborations, business expansions and product developments among others? What kind of new strategies are being adopted by existing market players to position themselves better in the Medical Manifolds industry? How will the payment technologies evolve through the forecast period? Which factors will affect the growth of the Dental Braces Market for individual Medical Manifolds such as EMV Chip, NFC, BLE, MST and QR Code during the forecast period? Which factors will affect the growth of the Dental Braces Market for different application areas like retail, healthcare, enterprise, hospitality and other applications during the forecast period? Which factors will affect the growth of the Dental Braces Market for platforms such as mobile point-of-sale and mobile app during the forecast period? Which region will dominate the Dental Braces Market by the end of the forecast period?The report puts special emphasis on the payment transactions by value or by volume in this market, owing to the changing paradigms in the financial services & technology industry. In spite of this, due to the instances of failures in integration of Medical Manifolds with existing companys systems, mobile applications and financial pressure in development & deployment of Medical Manifolds solutions in market, majority of companies have adopted diverse forms of technology and payment platforms.Further, the report provides an exhaustive study of the Dental Braces Market and the trends across geographical regions such as North America, Europe, APAC, and Rest of the World. The company profile section has been broken down into the publically traded companies and private companies. While the global companies have been chosen on the basis of their market developments and revenue generation, best-selling Medical Manifolds companies have also been profiled in the report. Some of the established Medical Manifolds players in this market are Apple, Samsung, Google, MasterCard, Visa, PayPal, Ingenico, Alipay, Square, Verifone, First Data, Cayan, Adyen and Worldpay etc.The Dental Braces Market Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Dental Braces Market industry. The study answers several questions for the stakeholders, primarily which market segments to focus in the next 25 years for prioritizing efforts and investments. The report analyzes Dental Braces Market 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 helps to understand important changes in market dynamics.Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. This report also states import/export, supply and consumption figures as well as cost, price, revenue and gross margin by regions (Global, EU, China and Japan), and other regions can be added.The report focuses on Global major leading industry players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification, capacity, production, price, cost, revenue and contact information.Upstream raw materials, equipment and downstream consumers analysis is also carried out. Whats more, the Dental Braces Market 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.Buy this Premium Report at:The report provides insights on the following pointers:Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on products offered by the top players in the Dental Braces MarketProduct Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on the upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the Dental Braces MarketMarket Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging marketsthe report analyzes the markets for Dental Braces Market products across various regionsMarket Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped geographies, and recent developments in the Dental Braces MarketCompetitive Assessment: In-depth assessment of market ranking, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players in the Dental Braces MarketTable of ContentsDental Braces Market Research Report 20161 Dental Braces Market Overview2 Dental Braces Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Dental Braces Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)4 Global Dental Braces Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-5 Global Dental Braces Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type7 Global Dental Braces Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Global Dental Braces Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Dental Braces Market Forecast (2016-2021)13 Research Findings and ConclusionAbout 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.Research N Reports0916, Gold Point, Dr,Houston, TX,Pin - 77064,Sunny Denis(Sales Manager),+1 888-631-6977,sales@researchnreports.com,
Vibrating Screens Market Dynamics, Forecast, Analysis and Supply Demand 2016-2026
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Vibrating screens are used to segregate feeds comprising solid and crushed ores down to approximately 210m and are also applicable to both dried and wetted feed. The vibrating motor and rubber sieve plate are the internal components of the vibrating screen. High frequency vibrating screens are primarily utilized in the mineral processing industries. Different vibrating screens are available in the market such as circular vibrating screens, gyratory screen, rotary vibrating screen, trammel screen, linear vibrating screens, etc. Factors such as amount of oversize and undersize material, type of material, shape of particles, moisture content, others govern the capacity of vibrating screens. The high frequency vibration screens operates at varying 0 to 25 degrees and can go up to a maximum of 45 degrees. The frequency range is from 15007200 RPM and should operate at a low stroke. As the apertures in the high frequency screen may cause blockage, pre-treatment of the feed is required. General design of a vibrating screens consists of screen web, bock, coupler, mainframe, rub spring and electric motor. Vibrating screens are widely used in coal, refractory, mining, building materials etc. and can be customized according to the requirement. Waste streams released from waste products should be treated as they may cause damage to the environment over a sustained period of time.Global Vibrating Screens Market: SegmentationVibrating screen market can be segmented on the basis of applications, motive mechanism, product type, production process, driving method and region. On the basis of application, vehicle screen market can be segmented into metallurgy, wood pelleting, food, chemical industry, mineral processing and reclaimed asphalt pavement. On the basis of motive mechanism, vehicle screen market can be segmented into hydraulic vibrator and electric vibrators. On the basis of product type, vehicle screen market can be segmented into linear vibrating screens and circular vibrating screens. On the basis of production process, vehicle screen market can be segmented into screen selection and pre-treatment of feed. On the basis of driving method, it can be segmented into direct drive and indirect drive.Request Report Sample@Global Vibrating Screens Market: DynamicsDriversFast and easy replacement of vibrating screens due to screw less fastening system is driving the growth of the global vibrating screens. High availability and low maintenance requirements are growing the market of vibrating screens globally. Moreover, robust design and low susceptibility of the vibrating screens are another factors leading to the growth of the vibrating screens market globally. Moreover, diversified product portfolio available in the market meeting the demands of the consumers is another factor fueling the demand for vibrating screens globally.Restraints:Screening efficiency can be affected by screen tearing, dampening, blinding and contamination which may challenge the growth of the vibrating screens market globally. Furthermore, limitations of rotary screen to handle two devices as compared to high frequency vibrating screens is another factor which can be considered as a restraint for the global vibrating screens market.Global Vibrating Screens Market: Key PlayersThe main key players of the global vibrating screens market are:Deister MachineElgin Equipment GroupOsbornHawk MachineryDerrick CorporationJOST GroupMidwestern IndustriesAury Pty Ltd.Gator Machinery CompanySouthwest Milling and Industrial CompanyRequest For TOC@Global Vibrating Screens Market:Region Wise OutlookOn the basis of region, vibration screens market can be segmented into Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, North America, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa, and Japan. Europe and Asia pacific is expected to dominate the market as they are significant market for mining and steel industries. China, UK and Ukraine are expected to show robust development in the steel industry. Furthermore, countries such as South Africa, Australia and India are expected to create moderate demand for vibrating screens.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:
2-Methylfuran Market Analysis, Segments, Growth and Value Chain 2016-2026
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The global pharmaceuticals market is expected to increase at a CAGR of over 4-5% during forecast period. 2-Methylfuran is expected to gain traction in the near future as it is primarily used in pharmaceuticals industry. It is a light yellowish green volatile organic compound with an ethereal odor and is also known as sylvan. 2-Methylfuran changes its shading to black or yellow when exposed to sunlight. It is highly flammable and hence is stored in a ventilated, cool dry place far from heat & fire. 2-Methylfuran is widely used in manufacturing of drugs like atropine, sodium acetate, furadantine, anisodamine and thiamine furan. In pharmaceuticals industry, synthesis of vitamin B1 is done using 2-Methylfuran. It is less dense than water but its vapors are heavier when contrastedwith air. 2-Methylfuran also finds application as a tool for screening of lung cancer and production of anti-malarial drug like chloroquine. It is also used to produce methyl furfural, aliphatic compounds and sulfur and nitrogen heterocycles. Moreover, 2-Methylfuran is also used for making pesticides, flavors or fragrances and has narcotic effect. Hence, the global 2-Methylfuran market is expected to grow at a moderate CAGR during the forecast period.Global 2-Methylfuran Market Dynamics:2-Methyl furan is soluble in alcohol and ether and has the potential to be used as an alternative fuel. This factor is expected to drive the demand for 2-Methylfuran in chemical industry. The growing pharmaceutical industry is also anticipated to be the major driving factor for the growth of global 2-Methylfuran market. Moreover, increasing demand for pesticides coupled with growing agricultural sector is expected to set an opportunity for the growth of 2-Methyl furan market. One of the major factor restricting the growth of the global 2-Methylfuran market is its high flammability and lower flash point. This makes the transportation of 2-Methylfuran difficult, which in turn is expected to restrain the growth of 2-methylfuran market in the near future. Moreover, environmental regulation are imposed for limited usage of 2-Methylfuran because of its toxic effects and thus expected to challenge the overall growth of the market. Additionally, the key players are responding to the challenges and are expanding their global presence in order to sustain their share in the global 2-Methylfuran market.Request Report Sample@Global 2-Methylfuran Market: SegmentationThe global 2-Methylfuran market can be segmented on the basis of applications and regions. On the basis of applications, the global 2-Methylfuran market is segmented into pharmaceuticals, agricultural and chemical industry. Pharmaceutical industry is estimated to account the largest share in global 2-Methylfuran market. On the basis of regions, the global 2-Methylfuran market can be segmented into North America, Western Europe, Middle East and Africa, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Japan and Eastern Europe.Global 2-Methylfuran Market: Region wise OutlookNorth America is expected to be the most dominant region in global 2-Methylfuran market. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the most promising revenue generating region for 2-Methylfuran and is expected to grow at significant rate. Due to availability of labor and low cost of raw material, China is projected to be one of the highest revenue generating country in Asia Pacific region in 2-Methylfuran market. Middle East & Africa and Latin America are also expected to show positive growth in the near future.Request For TOC@Global 2-Methylfuran Market: Key PlayersSome of the major key players identified in the global 2-Methylfuran market are as follows:Capot Chemical Co. Ltd.Angene ChemicalA&J Pharmtech Co. Ltd.Sigma-AldrichFinetech Industry Ltd.ChemExper Inc.MP Biomedicals, LLC.Amadis Chemical Co. Ltd.AN PharmaTech Co. Ltd.Tractus Company Ltd.Haihang Industry Co. Ltd.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:
Companion Diagnostics Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects
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Companion diagnostics are tests to understand which patient can be benefited from a certain drug or what dosage should be prescribed based upon patients clinical diagnosis, which provides evidence required for the successful and harmless use of an equivalent drug or biological product to treat the medical condition. These are medical instruments that support doctors to elect which treatment and dosage should be given to patients personalized to their necessity.Companion Diagnostics is utilized to ascertain who would benefit from treatment and it comes in handy to identify if someone cannot be cured, but also conversely can be harmed by use of specific drug used for their ailment. Technological advancements has brought a lot of changes in the method of disease treatment. Companion diagnostics is characterized by growing requirement for enhancedpersonalized patient treatment that gives healthcare providers and their patients an assurance about the treatment result in a positive way, contrary to traditional treatment procedure. Major impact of companion diagnostic will been on oncology therapy area.Request For Report Sample@Companion Diagnostics Market: Drivers and RestraintsPresently, companion diagnostics global market is driven by the technological advancement in healthcare industry, increase in various treatment procedures. Number of companion diagnostics can be given approval for a single drug as scientific knowledge advances with practical application of treatment. Although, cost related with latest technology acts as a key barrier for the growth of global companion diagnostics market.Companion Diagnostics Market: SegmentationCompanion diagnostic global market is segmented into following segments:By ApplicationColorectal CancerBreast CancerLung CancerMelanomaUrologyGastric CancerBy TechnologyImmunohistochemistryMolecular DiagnosticsIn-situ HybridizationFISHCISHReal Time PCRGene SequencingBy RegionNorth America (U.S., Canada)Latin America (Mexico. Brazil)Western Europe (Germany, Italy, France, U.K, Spain, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland, Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, ASEAN, Australia & New Zealand)JapanMiddle East and Africa (GCC, S. Africa, N. Africa)Companion Diagnostics Market: OverviewWith rapid technological advancement, increase in the incidence of chronic disease, rise in aging population, increasing adoption rate of treatment of chronic disease, increase in number of prevalence of chronic disease around the globe are the factors expected to boost the companion diagnostics market over the forecast period.Companion Diagnostics Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic regions, global companion diagnostics 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 is the leading market for companion diagnostics because of rapid technical inventions, huge investment on research and development in this region. Whereas, Asia-Pacificand Europeis projected to grow at a significant growth due to large consumer base, rising government initiatives for enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and high disposable income.Visit For TOC@Companion Diagnostics Market: Key PlayersSome of the key participating global players in companion diagnostics market global market are ARUP Laboratories, Roche Molecular Systems Inc., Dako Inc., Qiagen Ltd., bioMerieux Inc.,Ventana Medical Systems Inc., Abbott Molecular Inc., Myriad Genetics Inc.,Biogenex Laboratories, Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Leica Biosystems Nussloch GmbH 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:
Aroma Ingredients Market Revenue, Opportunity, Forecast and Value Chain 2016-2026
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Aroma chemical is a complex fusion of natural and/or synthetic ingredients that are added to various products in order to incorporate desired odor. These ingredients are widely used in consumer care and personal care products. Personal care industry is one of the major application industry for aroma ingredients market. The global aroma ingredients market has witnessed steady growth over the recent past owing to increasing demand for natural aroma ingredients. Soaps and detergent is estimated to account for a significant share in the global aroma ingredients market followed by cosmetics and toiletries applications. The global aroma ingredients market is expected to register a steady growth during forecast period.Global Aroma Ingredients Market: DriversIntroduction of innovative and novel products especially in cosmetics, toiletries, and skin care and hair care products has driven the overall growth of the global aroma ingredients market. The increasing demand for natural ingredients coupled with change in consumer preferences are considered to be the important driver for global aroma ingredients market. Furthermore, significant technological advancements have also fuelled the growth of the market. Moreover, the increase in demand from the emerging and developing nations for natural fragrance due to health concerns related to synthetic chemicals is likely to act as an opportunity for the growth of the global aroma ingredients market. These factors are likely to drive the global aroma ingredients market during the forecast period. A key trend witnessed in global aroma chemicals market is that the key aroma chemical producers are responding to growing opportunities by expanding their global presence. One of the major factor that is likely to restrict growth in demand for natural aroma ingredients is high costs associated with switching from synthetic chemical to natural ingredients.Request Report Sample@Global Aroma Ingredients Market: SegmentationThe global aroma ingredients market can be segmented on the basis of type, application and region. On the basis of type, the global aroma ingredients market can be segmented intoessential oilsaroma chemicalsEssential oils segment can further be sub-segmented into menthe arvensis, cedar wood, orange, eucalyptus, citronella and others (basil, clove, jamrosa, litsea cubica, sassafras, coriander, patchouli, camphor and lemon grass) Whereas, aroma chemicals segment can further be sub-segmented into turpenes, musk chemical, benzenoids and others (alicyclic, heterocyclic and aliphatic compounds).On the basis of application, the global aroma ingredients markets can be segmented intocosmetic and toiletriessoap and detergentsfine fragranceOthers (household products, aroma therapy and pesticides).Global Aroma Ingredients Market: Region Wise OutlookOn the basis of regions, Europe is expected to be a promising revenue generating region for the global aroma ingredients market and is expected to grow at steady growth rate during forecast period. Latin America and Asia Pacific are anticipated to witness relatively faster growth both in terms of value and in terms of volume. Potential opportunities in Asia Pacific and Latin America due to availability of labor and low cost of raw materials are expected to drive growth in these regions over the forecast period. North America and Middle East & Africa are also expected to show positive growth in the near future.Request For TOC@Global Aroma Ingredients Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global aroma ingredients market are as follows:BASF SEMane SAInternational Flavors and Fragrances Inc.Givaudan SAFermenich International SAFrutarom Industries Ltd.Symrise AGAgilex Flavors and Fragrances, Inc.Hindustan Mint & Agro Products Pvt. Ltd.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 Caries Market Intelligence Report Offers Growth Prospects
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The scientific term dental caries is known for the tooth decay or cavities. Tooth decays are generally caused by the specific endogenous bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus. It occurs by the production of acid that later destroys the layer and enamel of the tooth. The bacteria continues to grow to produce acid that gets into the inner layer of the tooth if the decay is not removed on time. In the U.S, approximately 90% of young adults have dental caries, while out of all dentate adults approximately 94% suffer from coronal caries. According to the estimation of WHO, on a global basis, 200,335,280 teeth were either decayed, filled or missing among just that age groupFactors contributing in the growth of Dental Caries 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 caries 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 caries market. The increase in caries commonly occurs in the children, lower socio economic group and the new immigrants.Request For Report Sample@The global market for dental caries is segmented on basis of types, treatment and regional presence:By TreatmentChemoprophylactic AgentsAntimicrobial PeptidesVaccinesExpectorantsProbiotics and Replacement TherapyOral CorticosteroidsBy End UserHospitalsDental ClinicsWith increasing base of dental caries prevalence, the dental caries market is expected to witness remarkable growth during the forecast period (2016-2024). The antimicrobial peptides are expected to hold maximum share in the overall treatment market for the dental caries owing to its high effectiveness. The chemoprophylactic agents includes antibiotics such as penicillin and vancomycin. New technologies that are evolving in the market such as mineral-binding micellar drug delivery system are developed which binds to the tooth surface and releases the encapsulated drug. The investment of companies in developing such technologies are also expected to contribute maximum share in the dental caries market during the forecast period.On the basis of regional presence, Dental Caries Market is segmented into five key regions: North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Currently, North America dominates the global market for Dental Caries due to high prevalence rate of dental caries, followed by Europe. According to WHO, 90% people are diagnosed with dental caries in North America. However factors such as lack of knowledge and lack of awareness among people about the prevention will hamper the market growth in regions like Asia-pacific.Visit For TOC@Dental Caries Market: Key Market Players:Some of the key market players in the manufacturing of the treatment products for dental caries includes Sanofi, Abbott Laboratories, Bayer AG, Eli Lilly And Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Merck & Co, Inc., AstraZeneca Plc., Reddys Lab, and Novartis AG.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:
Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2016-2026 by FMI
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Anemia is a most common hematologic disorder in majority of cancer patients receiving chemotherapy treatment. Anemia is a condition in which person do not have sufficient red blood cells in the body or low ability of hemoglobin to carry oxygen and circulate it to all cells in the body. Anemia can be caused by cancer treatment, low iron levels in body, organ problems, chronic kidney disease and thalassemia. Moreover, some other risk factors that can develop anemia among cancer patients are namely platinum based chemotherapy, low level of red blood cells before having cancer and certain tumor type. To find out the cause of anemia certain tests need to be done such as blood chemistry tests, reticulocyte count, stool test and bone marrow exam. In Europe, the study has been conducted by European Cancer Anemia Survey (ECAS) across 24 nations stated that around 83% of the patients going for chemotherapy demonstrated anemia disorder. Anemia often exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, dyspnea, chest pain and fast heartbeat. It has been estimated that about 50% of the cancer patients suffering from anemia did not received any treatment. However, patients with head and neck cancer suffering from anemia have risk of death is around 19% and 47% with prostate cancer patients.Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market:Drivers and RestraintsChemotherapy induced anemia market are witnessing maximum growth owing to increase in the prevalence of cancer and anemia among geriatric patients, bone marrow invasion, increase in pipeline products, advancement in the technology, reimbursement policy and increase in chronic inflammatory conditions. Moreover, side effects of the cancer treatment can develop anemia and increase in various etiologies of anemia in cancer patients are some other factors expected to flourish the chemotherapy induced anemia market. However, side effects of drugs, increase in the mortality rate and risk associated with treatment may hamper the growth of chemotherapy induced anemia market in near future.Request For Report Sample@Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market:SegmentationThe chemotherapy induced anemia market has been classified on the basis of range of anemia, treatment type, drug type and end user.Based on rang of anemia, the chemotherapy induced anemia market is segmented into the following:Mild AnemiaModerate AnemiaSevere AnemiaLife-threatening AnemiaBased on treatment type, the chemotherapy induced anemia market is segmented into the following:RBC TransfusionsErythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs)Iron SupplementationBased on drug type, the chemotherapy induced anemia market is segmented into the following:Epogen InjectionProcrit InjectionAndroxy OralAranesp injectionEpoetin Alfa InjectionOtherBased on end-user, the chemotherapy induced anemia market is segmented into the following:HospitalsAmbulatory Surgical CentersMultispecialty ClinicsCancer Research CentersCancer Rehabilitation CentersChemotherapy Induced Anemia Market:OverviewIn Japan, cancer patients with anemia disorder are treated with RBC transfusions. On the other hand, in USA and Europe patients with chemotherapy induced anemia are treated with erythropoiesis stimulating agents namely epoetin & darbepoetin. Fatigue is the most severe symptoms of chemotherapy induced anemia among cancer patients and experience fatigue in moderate to severe range of anemia. Patients received platinum, gemcitabine and anthracycline based regimens has high chances of develop anemia.Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market: Region-wise OutlookDepending on geographic region, Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market is segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific dominates the chemotherapy induced anemia marketfollowed by Europe, Japan and North America owing to high awareness of disease among population, government initiatives, great advancement in the field of chemotherapy induced anemia and developed healthcare infrastructure in these regions. Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa hold huge potential and shows substantial growth in terms of wide acceptance of new technologyowing to high mortality rate, prevalence of anemia among cancer patients, increasing healthcare expenditure and high potential customer base need treatment for chemotherapy induced anemia.Visit For TOC@Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Market:Key PlayersKey players of Chemotherapy Induced Anemia Marketare Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Pfizer Inc., SBI Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd, Panacea Biotec Limited, Panacea Biotec., 3SBio Inc., Tolero Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Vifor Pharma AG and Therapure Biopharma Inc.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT: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:
Propylene Tetramer Market Volume Analysis, size, share and Key Trends 2017-2027
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Propylene Tetramer with CAS 6842-15-5 is an oligomer with a quaternary structure of four propylene units. Formed synthetically by the polymerization of propylene with phosphoric acidcatalyst, propylene tetramer is a colourless clear liquid with mild pleasant odour. Propylene tetramer is an important chemical critical for the production of various downstream chemicals. Propylene tetramer is employed as an intermediate for synthesis of a wide range of chemicals such as lube oil additives, polymerization agents, surfactants, agricultural chemicals, coatings as corrosion inhibitors due to its unsaturated double bond and high branching. Due to its versatile polymeric functionality, propylene tetramer is soluble in most organic diluters and solvents such as acetone, ethanol and ethyl ether. One of the important applications of propylene tetramers is for the manufacture of dodecyl phenol or dodecene, by the alkylation of phenol using propylene tetramer, which is primarily used as used in the production of additives for engine fuels and lubricant oils. Propylene tetramer is used for alkylation of benzene to make branched chain dodecylbenzene that is subsequently sulfonated to provide a non-biodegradable surfactant.Global Propylene Tetramer Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe consumption and demand of propylene tetramer market is expected to grow with the increase in demand from end use industries. The recuperating oil and gas industry and thriving automobile production are expected to create significant demand for propylene tetramer owing to its extensive application in the manufacturing of lubricant additives. Likewise, increasing urbanization has led to an escalation in the demand for surfactants, which are a critical part of household chemicals such as detergents, this demand is expected to create significant opportunities for the global propylene market during the forecast period. The increasing production and consumption of fertilizers and other agricultural chemicals also contribute to the sustainable demand for propylene tetramer market. However, stringent environmental regulations regarding the utilization of non- biodegradable substances and presence of alternate chemical substitutes are expected to restrain the revenue sales of the market.Request Report Sample@Global Propylene Tetramer Market: SegmentationGlobal Propylene Tetramer Market can be segmented on the basis of application as:Oil and Fuel additivesFertilizer and herbicideSurfactants and detergentsPaint and CoatingsWater Treatment chemicalsOthersGlobal Propylene Tetramer Market: Regional OutlookIn the global propylene tetramer market, North America is a prominent consumer of propylene tetramer, which is due to the increased sales of tetramer due to its application in the lubrication and chemical surfactants and to large industrial sector. Followed by North America, Europe is also one of the major markets attributed to the high use of propylene tetramer in the lubricant industry. The demand of propylene tetramer market in North America and Europe is expected to be moderate for the forecast period owing to increasing significance of bio friendly chemicals and presence of stringent regulations restraining the production and consumption of non-bio degradable products and chemicals. However, the market dynamics is projected to shift towards Asia Pacific owing to relatively higher consumption and modest presence of environmental regulations. Consumption growth is forecasted to be most significant in Asia, followed by Middle East & Africa and South America. In Asia Pacific region, major industrial economies such as India, China and South Korea are expected to project higher growth in terms of both consumer and producer end. Middle East & Africa and Eastern Europe are estimated to participate significantly in the market dynamics of propylene tetramer owing to the escalating consumption in oil and gas sector.Request For TOC@Global Propylene Tetramer Market: Market ParticipantsExamples of some of the market participants in the global propylene tetramer market, Bayer AG E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Company, Exxon Mobil Chemical, Shanghai Petrochemical, Dow Chemical Company, TPC Group,Chevron Oronite Company LLC, PJSC Nizhnekamskneftekhim and Qilu Petrochemical among others. The propylene tetramer market is highly fragmented and participants are focussing on both organic and inorganic expansions.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. 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Anti-Creasing Agent Market Set for Rapid Growth And Trend, by 2027
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The anti-creasing agent market is one of the most important chemical markets for fabric finishing in the textile industry. Presently, it is a standard practice to use natural or synthetic resins to impart crease resistance in finished textiles; this enriches the look and performance as per end use requirement. In recent times, rapid growth in urbanization has led to modernization of the textile industry. Thus, it is forecasted that the anti-creasing market will witness sturdy growth in the forecast period.Several new techniques have been implemented to enhance the performance of anti-creasing agents in crease-free fabrics, such as to improve dimensional stability and produce embossed effects. Resin finishing is one such significant process employed for the improvement of dry and wet crease recovery and to retain sharp creases in fabric. Some key types of resin finishing treatments, applied on fabric for crease-free finishing are: wash and wear finishing, anti-crease finishing and durable press treatment. Also, the various types of agents used are: soda-ash, soap, acidic/alkaline catalyst and softener, along with the thermoplastic resins and solution containing thermosetting resins. Thus, the use of resins in the textile industry is expected to boost the anti-creasing agent market over the forecast period.Anti-Creasing Agent: Drivers and restraintsGrowing demand for crease-free textile and advancement in fabric features (texture, pattern, colors, dimension, etc.) are key factors driving the anti-creasing agent market. Increasing trends in fashion in the textile industry and evolving textile manufacturing processes have resulted in a rise in the demand for anti-creasing agent market. Emerging technologies are anticipated to give major attention to the development of the anti-creasing agent market in the coming future. Tropical areas, where consumption of cotton fabric is high, are markets with huge potential for anti-creasing agents. Crease-free cotton clothing and a varied range of cotton products may drive the demand for anti-creasing agents in such regions over the forecast period.Request Report Sample@The anti-creasing agent market offers chemicals that are processed under strict supervision, by skilled professionals. High quality and hygienic chemicals and compounds are produced, which are can be used safely. However, use of an anti-creasing agent decreases the tensile and tear strength of the textile, consequently shortening its life. Excessive use of an anti-creasing agent leaves an unpleasant odor on finished goods; it also gives the textile a stiff and harsh feel, thereby causing irritation to the user. Anti-creasing agents containing chlorine and formaldehydes pose a health risk to the consumer due to their allergic properties. This is a key restraint on the growth of the anti-creasing agent market.Anti-Creasing Agent market: segmentationThe anti-creasing agent market can be segmented based on the type:Dye-bath lubricant/anti-creasing agentWet processing lubricant/anti-creasing agentThe anti-creasing agent market can be segmented based on the cross linking chemical agent used:Di methylol Urea (DMU)Di Methylol Di Hydroxy Ethylene Urea (DMDHEU)Di Methylol Ethylene Urea (DMEU)Di Methylol Propylene Urea (DMPU)Tri Methylol Melamine (TMM)Anti-creasing agent market: Region wise outlookThe anti-creasing agent market can be segmented based on regions, namely, North America, South America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Japan, Asia Pacific excluding Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, Europe is expected to account for a major share in the forecast period. Being the fashion capital of the world, advancement in textile industries, demand for innovative fabrics and dynamic fashion trends are some of the factors that make Europe the major consumer of anti-creasing agents. Thus, the anti-creasing agent market is forecasted to have better opportunities in the Europe market over the forecast period. Owing to steadily increasing urbanization in North America, this region is also expected to hold a major share in the anti-creasing agent market. Asia Pacific is one of the largest consumers of cotton fabric, thus indicating rising possibilities for the anti-creasing agent market in this region over the forecast period.Request For TOC@Anti-creasing agent market: Examples of playersSome examples of renowned players in the anti-creasing agent market are listed below:Fratelli Ricci S.r.l.Zuhai Lingxiong Chemicals Co., Ltd.Rung Internationals MumbaiKunal Organics Pvt Ltd.Neochem TechnologiesStar Orechem Interantional Pvt. Ltd.FinotexSetas Color CentreAlam ChemicalsGolden TechnologiaSarex ChemicalsFuture 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:
Smart Contact Lens Market Forecast By End-use Industry 2016-2026
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The smart contact lens contains a wireless chip and miniaturized sensor for monitoring of physiological parameters such as glucose levels in tears of a diabetic patient or intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients. These sensors are embedded inside the two layers of soft lenses and a tiny hole in the outer layer allows the tear to flow into the sensor which measures the necessary parameters and data is transmitted to the wireless device for storage, via hair-this antenna. U.S. FDA has recently approved a smart contact lens to continuously monitor intraocular pressure in patients of glaucoma, which is the major cause of irreversible blindness. Triggerfish smart contact lens is a single use lens worn for 24 hours by glaucoma patients. According to Wilmer Ophthalmological Institute, U.S., 60.5 Mn people across the world are affected with glaucoma and the number is expected to increase to 79.6 Mn by 2020. Advances in ophthalmology and contact lens technology would thus be beneficial for glaucoma patients and also to the manufacturers of innovative products such as smart contact lens. Currently many companies are working on the smart contact lens technology to apply it in various health aspects. Google Inc. is developing a smart contact lens with Alcon, an eye care division of Novartis AG, which can detect the blood glucose levels from the tears and is expected to launch in the global market in next 5-6 years.Smart Contact Lens Market: Drivers and RestraintsAdvances in ophthalmology and growing demand for the more efficient and revolutionary glaucoma management approaches are the factors expected to drive the growth of global smart contact lens market. Increasing prevalence of glaucoma, increasing cases of diabetes related complications such as eye disorders, cataract and blindness, expanding aging demographics with presbyopia (long-sightedness), rising demand for user-friendly and self-monitoring devices are some other factors expected to fuel the growth of global smart contact lens market. According to American Diabetes Association, diabetes patients are 40% more susceptible to the glaucoma and 60% more likely to develop cataract than people without diabetes and the susceptibility to diabetes related glaucoma increases with age.Request For Report Sample@Smart Contact Lens: SegmentationThe global smart contact lens market has been classified on the basis of application, end user and geography.Based on application, the global smart contact lens market is divided into following:Continuous Glucose MonitoringIntraocular Pressure MonitoringBased on the end user type, the global smart contact lens market is divided into following:Home Care SettingsClinicsSmart Contact Lens: OverviewIntraocular Pressure Monitoring application type segment would constitute the global market for smart contact lens in 2016. In March 2016, United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the Triggerfish Sensor which helps ophthalmologists to identify the best time to measure the intraocular pressure, which can eventually damage the vision of a patient. Triggerfish is the only FDA approved smart contact lens so far while Googles smart lens technology for continuous glucose monitoring and correction of presbyopia is under clinical investigation and would launch in the global market. The technology is expected to transform the way of management of chronic diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma. For instance, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Korea is involved in the development of a combination of smart contact lens and eyeglass which can be used to monitor a diabetes and dispensing of medication on-demand.Smart Contact Lens: Regional OverviewRegion wise, the global smart contact lens market is classified into regions namely, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, Middle East and Africa.North America leads the global smart contact lens market followed by Europe. The clinical trials for Triggerfish Sensor have been conducted in countries such as France, Denmark, India, Canada, Spain, Israel, Germany, Belgium, Poland and Switzerland.Visit For TOC@Smart Contact Lens: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global smart contact lens market are Sensimed AG, Google Inc., Novartis AG, Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Innovega Inc. and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.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:
India thyroid function test market is expected to surpass US$ 55.3 Mn by 2025
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Thyroid function test is a sensitive and specific diagnostic test segment driven by healthcare facilities and the medical diagnostics sector. Thyroid Function Test (TFT) is found to be very effective in diagnosing thyroid conditions in patients, but merely 34% of the total rural population in India have access to diagnostic centres. Among the population of around 1.25 billion, approximately 42 million people are suffering from thyroid disorders.Drivers and TrendsThe cardinal factor fuelling growth of the India thyroid function test market is high prevalence of thyroid disorders in the country. During an epidemiology study across major cities in India, Kolkata was reported to have highest prevalence of hypothyroidism (21.67%) compared to other cities. Over the past few years there have been significant advancements in the specificity and sensitivity of thyroid testing, which has impacted the treatment for thyroid disorders.Request Report Sample@The Indian healthcare industry has witnessed significant advancements with regard to medical devices and pathological laboratory business segments. Domestic and international companies are entering into joint ventures and strategic agreements owing to increasing standardization, availability of human resources and high level of progress in medical technology.India is witnessing various trends that are expected to bring substantial changes in the landscape of the healthcare industry in the subsequent years. Traditional health risks have been replaced by lifestyle diseases in the last two decades. Various conditions prevailing currently include hypothyroidism, cardiovascular disorders, diabetes, obesity and hypertension to name a few.Analysis by Test typeThe India thyroid function test market by test type is segmented into TSH (Thyroid stimulating hormone), T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), FT3 (Free triiodothyronine), FT4 (Free thyroxine) and others (TBG, T3RU, LATS, TSI). The others test segment is expected to lose some market share over the forecast period. Currently, the TSH test segment accounts for major revenue share in the India thyroid function test market. However, the T3 and T4 segments are expected to witness impressive growth during the forecast period.In the India thyroid function test market, the FT3 and FT4 test type segments are expected to witness significant growth in urban cities. FT4 test type segment has been estimated to register a moderate CAGR 2.4%, but the TSH test type segment is projected to continue to dominate the thyroid function test market in India over the forecast period.Analysis by End useThe thyroid function test market is segmented into Clinics, Research Organization, Diagnostic laboratories and Hospitals in terms of end use. Revenue from the research organization segment is expected to increase at second highest CAGR over the forecast period. However, the revenue generated from hospitals segment is higher as compared to the rest of the end use segment in the India thyroid function test market.Send An Enquiry@Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players covered in the India thyroid function test market report include Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC. (Merck & Co., Inc.), Beckman Coulter, Inc., (Danaher), Siemens Healthcare GmbH and Abbott Laboratories. The report offers insights on the various strategies related to software development, market consolidation initiatives and analyses the various market players specific strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats.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:
Market Size of Cider Packaging Forecast Report 2016-2026
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Cider is an alcoholic beverage made from fermented juice of apples. Cider beverage is made up of cider apples which is mostly produced in U.S. There is great demand of innovation in packaging of cider in market. The growth of hard cider has been driven largely by the highly coveted millennial generation. Market is mainly driven by increased disposable income and demand for innovative packaging product and safe packaging.Global Cider Packaging Market: DynamicsReducing unit cider packagingsize is creating more consumption opportunities.The presence of premium brand such as woodchuck, Kopparberg and angry orchard has increased the demand for premium quality cider packaging. Premium cider packagingbrand are high in demand as compared to economically priced product due to rise in consumption of alcohol as a status symbol, disposable income and association of premium labels with the beverage quality and taste. cider packaging market is highly competitive which led competitors to come up with innovative product and new strategy in packaging world.The vendors in cider packaging are coming with bottles prepared with a high barrier coating technology to upturn its shelf life and minimize the risk of saturation. With the technological innovations in the cider packaging market, there is increasing demand for water-based coating technology as it is environmentally-friendly, tasteless, odorless and decreases the usage of sprig powder. The global demand of cider packaging is expected to grow at impressive CAGR in near future.Request For Report Sample@Global Cider Packaging Market: SegmentationThe global cider packaging market can be segmented on the basis of material type packaging type and region. On the basis of material cider packaging market can be segmented on glass, plastic and metal. On the basis of packaging type cider packaging market can be segmented as bottles, cans and stand up pouches. Among all material type used for cider packaging, plastic is gaining preference over glass bottles and metal cans because plastic are light in weight, compatible lower in cost and are available in various design. The development of plastic packaging solution will be key driver for the growth of overall cider packaging market. Another driving factor for cider packaging id the increasing demand for alcoholic beverage has pushed vendors to focus on shelf-life packaging that is easy to store, easy to transport and is convenient to unpack. The manufactures are coming up with polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, which shelters the cider products for long period. On the basis of region North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa.Global Cider Packaging Market: Regional OverviewNorth America cider packaging market is expected to register strong growth in near future while cider packaging market is expected to slowdown in largest market of Europe. Europe market is focusing in innovative packaging so that product become more appealing to consumers. The launch of low calorie and craft cider in Europe is expected to create demand in new cider packaging product which can add volume sale in this region. Cider packaging market in Asia Pacific region is expected to show nominal growth during forecast period. Middle East and Africa is expected to dominate the cider packaging market in near future and projected to account highest market share.Visit For TOC@Global Cider Packaging Market: Key PlayersThe main player of global cider packaging in market are Amcor limited , Ardagh group, Ball corporation, Crown Holdings, Rexam Owens-Illinois. Some of the other prominent players are Plastipak Packaging, Silgan Holdings, Consol Glass, Vetropack, Allied Glass Containers, Can-Pack, MeadWestvaco, Nampak and VidralaABOUT 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:
Refrigerated Vehicles Market Forecast, 2016-2024 by Applications and End- use Industry
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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Refrigerated Vehicles Market: Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 2021"A refrigerated vehicle is a temperature-sensitive vehicle that is used for the protection and transportation of perishable food, healthcare, and pharmaceutical products. It comprises an integral refrigeration unit that is powered by diesel-powered generators. This refrigerated vehicle is able to control temperature ranging from 30C, 40C, 65C up to 30C and 40C. Various food products such as dairy, fresh fruits, vegetables, and food products need to maintain cold storage for long life while transportation.Request Free Sample Report @Factors such as increasing population and disposable income on food products are anticipated to drive the global refrigerated vehicles market in the near future. Growing concerns regarding the maintenance of food products in order to balance chemical and biological formulations also impact the market growth in a positive way. Rising consumer awareness regarding fresh food products is further anticipated to increase the demand for refrigerated vehicles globally. On the other hand, increasing global warming, which reduces the shelf life of the food products in non-refrigerated conditions, is one of the market growth restraining factors for the growth for refrigerated vehicles globally.On the basis of vehicle types, the global refrigerated vehicles market is segmented as refrigerated trucks, insulated containers, refrigerated transport by air, multimodal temperature containers, atmosphere-controlled containers, and others. The others segment is further sub-segmented as refrigerated containers, intermodal refrigerated containers, refrigerated vans, refrigerated railcars, refrigerated ships, and refrigerated trailers. Of which refrigerated containers is the fastest growing segment in the global market. Also, economically backward countries facing the problem of destruction on a lot of food products due to lack of refrigerated facilities is another factor for the high demand of refrigerated vehicles. On the other hand, increasing warehousing charges faced by the food manufacturers and the distributors may hinder the growth of the refrigerated vehicles market. In addition, lack of skilled labor and rapid increase in oil prices may hamper the refrigerated vehicles market.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Growing consumption of the dairy product in the Asia Pacific is anticipated to increase the demand for refrigerated vehicles in this region. Moreover, increasing use of healthcare and pharmaceutical in developing countries is expected to boost demand for the refrigerated vehicles. Furthermore, technological advancements in order to improve fuel efficiency and reduce noise these vehicles further impact the market in a positive way. North America is the dominating market for refrigerated vehicles market followed by the Europe.Some major players dominating the global refrigerated vehicles market are Ingersol Rand Company Limited, Schmitz Cargobull, GE, Star-Trak, Carrier Transicold, Robert Bosch, R.O.M., Northgate Plc, and Johnson. Other players influencing the global market are OEM Group, GRIPTM, Fraikin Limited, PAR, Thermo King, RTE, Great Dane Trailers, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Limited, and Terion.Browse detail report @Refrigerated Vehicles 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:
Automotive Aftermarket to experience increase in growth by 2016-2024
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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Automotive Aftermarket: Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2015 2021"The automotive aftermarket is the secondary market of the automotive industry. It is one of the vigorous, highly complex, and competitive markets that are generally concerned with retailing, manufacturing, remanufacturing, and distribution. In addition, the aftersales sector includes accessories, installation of all vehicle parts, equipment and chemicals after selling the products by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to the buyers. The automotive aftermarket is a diverse market that majorly deals with maintenance, repair, and post-sale services. Automotive aftermarket comprises the process of replacement of the part damaged due to accident or crash. There is a wide variety of parts of different quality and prices for numerous different vehicle models.Request Free Sample Report @With the need of new and advanced vehicles, the demand for the automotive parts is increasing. Declining cost of aftermarket parts is one of the major driving factors for growth of the market. Moreover, rising population and increasing income will also foster the market in the near future. The increasing use of light vehicles also impacts the market in a positive way. Moreover, there is a high demand for accessories and auto parts, which will further boost the automotive aftermarket the near future. Technological advancements and standardizing architecture will also drive the demand of the market in future. Reduced maintenance cost, improved quality of the product, and rising demand for the branded parts is the biggest revenue generator for the market. Conversely, the key restraining factor of the market is the global legal issue. Also, increasing the openness of the automated market is creating the challenge to the growth of the market.On the basis of types, the global automotive aftermarket is segmented as replacement parts and accessories. The replacement parts segment comprises automotive parts that are manufactured to replace original equipment (OE) if they are damaged. Accessories are designed to provide comfort, performance, convenience, and safety. The accessories segment is the leading segment in the automotive aftermarket. In addition, Do-It-Yourself (DIY) segment and the Do-It-For-Me (DIFM) segment are also available to customers through which they can repair their vehicles themselves or can take the vehicle to a professional repair facility.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Europe and Asia Pacific are the emerging markets for the automotive aftermarket. Considerable growth in the high-quality brand, reducing engineering costs, and modular architecture are the factors that are anticipated to expand the market globally. Asia Pacific is anticipated to be the largest market.Some of the major players dominating the global automotive aftermarket are Tenneco, Dana, and TRW Automotive. Other key players influencing the global market include Visteon, Johnson Controls, and BorgWarner.Browse detail report @Automotive Aftermarket: 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:
parenteral packaging market is anticipated to increase at a CAGR of 11.2% during the forecast period 2016-2026
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IntroductionPackaging in parenteral is a process that allows the drug or other fluid to keep its potency and therapeutic effectiveness intact throughout the shelf life or till the time the drug is administered. Effective packaging in parenteral is required to protect drugs from contamination and aseptic administration to the patient.The pharmaceuticals industry has experienced significant technological advancements over the last few years. As a result, recent advancement in routes of drug administration is shaping the market demand for parenteral products far surpasses production.Market Value and ForecastPharmaceuticals packaging has witnessed major modifications over the past decade, making parenteral packaging a future business perspective for entrepreneurs. Major players, manufacturing raw materials are themselves shifting towards parenteral packaging process.Request Report Sample@The global parenteral packaging market has been estimated to be valued at US$ 8,665 Mn by 2016 end and is expected to expand at a 10.2% CAGR over the forecast period (20162026).Market DynamicsGrowth of the global parenteral packaging market is specifically driven by the expansion of global pharmaceuticals industry, which is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.6% over the forecast period (20162026). Shifting trend of primary packaging material from glass to plastic and polymer is an exclusive factor, which is anticipated to drive the parenteral packaging market in the near future. Furthermore, the growing prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, chronic intestinal diseases and hepatic failure, are further expected to drive the growth of the parenteral packaging market. Besides, rising adoption of injection based therapy and government initiatives for preventive measures to ward off diseases such as hepatitis and polio are further fuelling the market demand for parenteral packaging. Furthermore, rise in ageing population around the globe is anticipated to favour the inclination of parenteral packaging market growth.Market Segmentation by Product TypeThe prefilled syringes are becoming the face of parenteral products and rising demand of the same is reinforcing the market growth of total parenteral packaging market. Moreover, on the basis of product type, the market is categorised into bags, ampoules, vials, prefilled syringes & cartridges and ready-to-mix systems. Among all the above stated segments, the prefilled syringes & cartridges segment is expected to witness the highest growth over the forecast period.Market Segmentation, by MaterialGrowing regulatory concerns towards the use of glass material in parenteral packaging are enforcing drug manufacturers to shift from glass to plastic packing, which in turn fuels the plastic & polymer segment growth. Furthermore, under material category, the market is divided into two segments, namely glass and plastic & polymer. The plastic & polymer segment is further divided into two categories, i.e. PVC and polyolefin. The plastic & polymer segment is expected to expand at a prominent CAGR over the forecast period.Market Segmentation, by Packaging TypePackaging type refers to the need of patients as well as the need of the drug. Small volume and large volume parenteral products are differentiated by the capacity of the drug to be administered, which can show their potency. On the basis of packaging type, the market is segmented into two main categories, namely small volume parenteral and large volume parenteral. The small volume parenteral segment is estimated to account for the highest market share in 2016 end, and will continue to dominate the segment over the forecast period.Key RegionsDemand for parenteral products are inconsistent around the globe and driven by the factors such as rise in ageing population, growth in disposable income and improved healthcare conditions in respective regions. In this report, the global parenteral packaging market has been segmented into seven major regions, namely North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan and the Middle East & Africa (MEA). In terms of value, North America market accounts for the maximum revenue share of the overall market, among all the regional markets, followed by Western Europe. North America and Europe collectively accounts for maximum market share. North America parenteral packaging market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 11.2% over the forecast period, and is expected to continue to dominate the market in terms of value. Meanwhile, the APEJ market is expected to expand at a significant CAGR of 10.2% over the forecast period, due to the economic manufacturing conditions and favourable trade conditions. North America is closely followed by Western Europe market as it is expected to expand at a high growth rate. Among all the regions, the Eastern Europe market is expected to expand at a moderate CAGR of 8.2% over the forecast period.Send An Enquiry@Parenteral Packaging MarketKey PlayersSome of the major players in the global Parenteral Packaging market that are covered in this report are Schott AG, Gerresheimer AG, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Unilife Corporation, Inc., West Pharmaceutical Services, Inc., Ypsomed Holding AG, SiO2 Medical Products, Terumo Corporation, Nipro Corporation and Ompi, Stevanato Group. The report also describes company-specific strategies related to key developments and market consolidation initiatives.About Us Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. 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Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Market 2017- Texas Instruments Inc., Infineon Technologies AG, STMicroelectronics, Renesas Electronics
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Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) Market 2017 Industry research report provides important information to identify and analyze the market need, market size and competition. This market research report used in maintaining competitiveness over competitors.In this report, the global Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) 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.Sample of Report(No Cost for Sample) @The Top Players including as below:Texas Instruments Inc.Infineon Technologies AGSTMicroelectronicsRenesas ElectronicsAnalog DevicesMaxim Integrated ProductsNXP SemiconductorsON SemiconductorQualcommLinear TechnologyIntelGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanDetail Info & Enquiry for Buying Visit at:On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoFull Custom Design ASICSemi Custom Design ASICStandard Cell Based ASICGate Array Based ASICProgrammable ASICOn 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 Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) for each application, includingTelecommunicationIndustrialAutomotiveConsumer ElectronicsOthersApplication Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) market report provides a detailed view based on applications and segment. Key applications included in the report.It also provides market volume and revenue for each application and product under every country level segment.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and methodology of the report are offered.About Us:"Apex Market Report 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 US:Frank ValadezDirector of Business DevelopmentWebsite:Email:sales@apexmarketreport.com
UV Curable Resins and Formulated Products Market - Industry Developments and Growth Strategies by 2027
UV Curable Resins and Formulated Products Market
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Market Scenario:UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products Market has seen a potential growth in the global market. Rising strict regulations on VOC (Volatile organic compound) emissions have led to the overall development of eco-friendly technologies like 100% UV and water borne UV to replace solvent borne UV. The major driving demand factor is high performance due to superior mechanical properties of UV curable resins. The major factors which can be key challenges to the global market could be high setting-up cost and others.Key Players of UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products Market: BASF SE Alberdingk Boley GMBH DSM AGI Corporation Allnex Belgium SA/NV Nippon Gohsei Hitachi Chemical Company Eternal Chemical IGM Resins Soltech Ltd Covestro Miwon Specialty Chemical SartomerRequest a Sample Copy @Segments:The Global UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products Market is segmented into compositions, which is segmented into Oligomer, Pigments, Monomer and Photoinitiator. On the basis of chemistry the market is segmented into Epoxy Acrylates, Non Acrylated & Oligoamines, Urethane Acrylates, Polyester Acrylates and others. On the basis of application the market is segmented into Plastic Coatings, Metal Coatings and Wood & Paper Coatings.Study Objectives of UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To Analyze the Global UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products 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 composition, applications and by chemistry. 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 UV Curable Resins & Formulated Products Market.Browse Full Report @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.Contact:Akash AnandMarket Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
2017-2022 Global Examination Lamp Industry Size, Share, Growth, Analysis, Market Demand & Forecast Report
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The Global Examination Lamp Market 2017 Industry Research Report is a professional and in-depth study. This study covers, Global Examination Lamp Sales and Examination Lamp Revenue by Regions and industrial review, market analysis, market demands, opportunities and forecast. Market overview is provided on the basis of definition, product overview, applications and future scope of Examination Lamp.The Global Examination Lamp Market report provides Production and Revenue Data of Examination Lamp Industry. Production means the output of Examination Lamp and Revenue means the sales value of Examination Lamp.This report provides comprehensive analysis of1. Key market segments and sub-segments2. Evolving market trends and dynamics3. Changing supply and demand scenarios4. Quantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market5. Forecasting6. Tracking current trends/opportunities/challenges7. Competitive insights8. Opportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughsRequest for Sample of Global Examination Lamp Market Report @Some Major Key Points Covered in this report: This Report Studied on the basis of types, application, products, technology, etc. The Report Covered Market Segments by region:1. North America2. China3. Europe4. Japan5. Latin America6. India7. Row This Market Research Report of 2017 Global Examination Lamp provides market demand, market size and forecast for different regions. This Report Divides by product type, with production, revenue, price, consumption, market share and growth rate of each type can be divided into:1. LED2. Halogen3. Fluorescent4. Xenon Bulb This Report Divides by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Global Examination Lamp in each application, can be divided into :1. General Examination2. Minor SurgeryBrowse The Complete Report @Topmost Leading Manufacturer Covered in this report:1. Brandon Medical2. Dr. Mach3. Amico4. Brandt Industries.5. TECHNOMED INDIA6. Ordisi7. AADCO Medical8. Provita medical9. Daray Medical10. MAVIG11. Alltion (Wuzhou)12. Shanghai Huifeng Medical Instrument13. LID14. Sunnex MedicaLights15. Verre et Quartz Technologies16. NUVO Surgical17. Inmoclinc18. Derungs Licht AG19. HARDIK MEDI-TECH20. RIMSASome Points Covered In List Of Tables:Chapter One: Examination Lamp Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Examination Lamp1.2 Examination Lamp Segment by Types1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Examination Lamp by Types in 20161.2.2 LED1.2.3 Halogen1.2.4 Fluorescent1.2.5 Xenon Bulb1.3 Examination Lamp Segment by ApplicationsChapter Two: Global Examination Lamp Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Examination Lamp Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Examination Lamp Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Examination Lamp Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Examination Lamp Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area, Product Types2.5 Examination Lamp Market Competitive Situation and TrendsChapter Three: Global Examination Lamp Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Regions (2012-2017)3.1 Global Examination Lamp Capacity and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.2 Global Examination Lamp Production and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.3 Global Examination Lamp Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)3.4 Global Examination Lamp Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5North America Examination Lamp Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Examination Lamp Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)Reason to Purchase this Report:1. The report of Global Examination Lamp Market provides the detailed segmentation in terms of types, applications, manufacturers and regions.2. The current market scenario and future growth has also covered in this report.3. The research also offers manufacturing cost analysis, industry chain analysis in terms of upstream raw material sourcing and downstream buyers.4. Moreover, an extensive analysis of production, consumption, and revenue for each segment is offered for the forecast period.Enquiry about this report:About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.comFollow Us on LinkedIn:Follow us on Twitter:
Automotive Lightweight Materials Market 2017- BASF, Toray Industries, Dow Chemical, Akzo Nobel, Reliance Industries Ltd.
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Automotive Lightweight Materials Market 2017 Industry research report provides important information to identify and analyze the market need, market size and competition. This market research report used in maintaining competitiveness over competitors.In this report, the global Automotive Lightweight Materials 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.Sample of Report(No Cost for Sample) @The Top Players including as below:BASFToray IndustriesDow ChemicalAkzo NobelReliance Industries Ltd.AMG Advanced Metallurgical GroupBorealisConstelliumLANXESS AGJohnson ControlsKOBELCOLyondellBasell IndustriesMagna InternationalNorsk HydroToyota Boshoku Corporation.Faurecia S.AGrupo Antolin-Irausa, S.AMomentive Performance MaterialsDetail Info & Enquiry for Buying Visit at:Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Automotive Lightweight Materials in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoMetallic MaterialsNon-metallic MaterialsOn 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 Automotive Lightweight Materials for each application, includingPassenger CarsCommercial VehiclesAutomotive Lightweight Materials market report provides a detailed view based on applications and segment. Key applications included in the report.It also provides market volume and revenue for each application and product under every country level segment.Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and methodology of the report are offered.About Us:"Apex Market Report 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 US:Frank ValadezDirector of Business DevelopmentWebsite:Email:sales@apexmarketreport.com
Global Lubricant Additives Market By Manufacturers, Countries, Type And Application, Forecast To 2022
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Lubricant Additives refer to the additives Chemicalproduct used in the lubricant. including: Antioxidants, Antiwear Agents, Corrosion Inhibitors, Detergents, Dispersants, Extreme Pressure Additives, Foam Control Agents, Pour Point Depressants, Viscosity Index Improvers, and Other Lube Additives etc.Request Sample Report:Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Lubricant Additives 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 coversLubrizolInfineumChevron OroniteAftonChemturaBASFTianheAdekaAdditiv Chemie LuersAkzo NobelDow ChemicalIPACMiracema NuodexPCASSanyo Chemical IndustriesVanderbiltMarket 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, coversSingle ComponentAdditive PackageMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoHeavy Duty Motor OilPassenger Car Motor OilMetal Working FluidsOthersBrowse report summery with TOC:There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Lubricant Additives market.Chapter 1, to describe Lubricant Additives Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Lubricant Additives, with sales, revenue, and price of Lubricant Additives, 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 Lubricant Additives, 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, Lubricant Additives market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Lubricant Additives sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceEnquiry before Buying:About Us:Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.ReportBazzarUnited States30 Wall Street, 8th floor,New York, NY 10005.US: +1 (212) 389-6363India: +91 20 66528525Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite:
ASEAN Cosmetic Chemicals Market Poised for Steady Growth in the Future
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The growing beauty products market has been increasing the demand for value-enriched cosmetics. The market is flooded with various cosmetic chemicals. Cosmetic chemicals are the basic ingredients found in cosmetic products including soap, shampoo, lipstick, mascara, deodorants and other beauty products (excluding the products listed under therapeutic goods). At present, various cosmetic business enterprises use more than 5000 different chemical compositions to offer selected cosmetic products. Based on its end use applications, cosmetic chemical have been further divided into surfactants, emollients, conditioning polymers, and UV absorbers. These chemical-based products contain preservatives which hinder microbial growth and thereby offer longer shell life to the cosmetics. In addition, these chemicals contain a variety of vitamins, antioxidants, minerals, herbs, hormones, and fragrances. This vast range of cosmetic chemicals allows business cosmetics to deliver different types of cosmetics in the market, thereby offering a vibrant market to cosmetic industries.Their use is widely found in personal care products. A wide range of applications ranging from anti-ageing cream to shampoo is driving the cosmetic chemical market to its zenith. Companies these days are focusing on organic grade cosmetic chemicals as they are considered to be a healthier option when compared to commodity surfactants and petroleum oils. The cosmetic chemicals market has been segmented into skin care products, make up products, hair care products and fragrance products. Among all its market segments, cleaning agents and foaming agents are the enduse applications that account for the largest percentage of the market. Skin care products accounted for 31% of global cosmetic market in year 2013. Though cosmetic chemicals offer many options to formulate cosmetics depending on different skin types, the market is shifting towards natural surfactants primarily because of the rising safety concerns of sulfate-based surfactants.Request For Report Sample:Globally, North America is the largest market for cosmetic product consumption. It accounted for 21.2% of global market share in 2012. USA with US$ 54.89 billion in 2012 is the biggest cosmetic market. However, with the rising dominance of non-western beauty culture in Eastern region, the market share is set to shift towards ASEAN region. Ethnic and cultural diversity in APAC, and particularly in ASEAN region,are driving the cosmetics market vertically upwards. Growing consumer class in ASEAN region from 67 million population to 125 million population by 2025 will offer a lucrative market for various business cosmetic business channels. A large consumer base, ample natural resources, availability of cheap labor and easing of policies such as FDI by government, are the main driving factors for the cosmetic chemicals market in ASEAN markets.In the ASEAN region, the cosmetic market has been witnessing a double digit growth every 5 years. GDP at the constant price shows a vertically upwards trend in these regions. The rise in the middle class population in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Philippines is the major driving factor for the growth of this sector, while in Malaysia and Singapore, wealthy segments contribute largely to it. Skin care products are set to witness exponential growth in the ASEAN market, thereby offering lucrative business opportunities in the cosmetic chemicals market.Request For TOC:There is a flood of suppliers in cosmetic chemicals which results in a fragmented market. However, the demand for premium personal care products has led to consolidation of the market, thus leading to high competitiveness among the dominant players in this market. The prominent players of cosmetic chemicals market include Dow Chemical Company, BASF SE, Bayer AG, Givaudan SA, Merck KGaA, Shell Chemical and Berkshire Hathaway Inc.With the new emerging markets such as ASEAN, BRIC, and MEA, the future seems optimistic for cosmetic chemicals companies. Together, these regions offer a large market owing to the high population of youth in the age group of 15-39 years. Though the market seems promising in the long run, companies have to spend lump sum amounts on R&D to comply with the governments regulatory demands.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:
Digital Instrument Clusters Market Research Reports Offers Key Insights
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Instrument clusters with digital displays are increasingly replacing electromechanical pointer instruments. Moreover, digital instrument clusters are poised to supersede the analog instrument clusters in the next generation vehicles. The global instrument clusters is basically categorized into three groups: digital, analog and hybrid. Analog cluster is a classic instrument panel that contains a physical dial and a needle for the speedometer. A digital instrument cluster displays all these classical instruments on the LCD, VFD or TFT-LCD screen. Such digital instrument clusters can be programmed to display the appropriate selection of virtual instruments according to the drivers preferences. A hybrid cluster is the combination of the analog and digital cluster. Furthermore, they can enhance the appeal of a vehicle with eye-catching graphics. Therefore, most of the luxury brands are seeking to differentiate their vehicles through the inclusion of digital instrument clusters. It is expected that over seven million cars will have fully digital instrument clusters by the 2018. Digital instrument clusters that offers personalization are a key selling point.Digital Instrument Clusters: Drivers & RestraintsThe key factor driving the digital instrument clusters market is substantial rise in the automobile output and its personalization. A digital instrument cluster that is reconfigurable is very appealing. Features such as distance until next charge, information on battery charge, and other driver information, can easily be displayed using a digital instrument clusters. These features are driving the market for global digital instrument clusters. Another factor driving the market for global digital instrument is consumer trend. The tablet, PC and smartphone ownership is increasing and there are opportunities to integrate these devices to drive global digital configurable instrument clusters. Furthermore, the economical and the environmental constraints upon the engine designs are driving the introduction of digital instrument clusters since the interior gains more attention from OEMs as a way to differentiate. Another features that are driving the global digital instrument clusters market includes advanced technological features such as reusability, dynamic, scalable, simple and attractiveness. Digital instrument clusters needs a larger LCD display- often 1280 x 480 pixels, thus leading to higher cost. Also, an 8 or 16-bit CPU cannot transfer that many pixels, hence the digital cluster needs a 32-bit CPU. In addition, the level of software capability needed extends beyond the traditional entrenched skill set. These factors act as restraints for the digital instrument clusters up to a certain extent.Request For Report Sample:Digital Instrument Clusters: SegmentationOn the basis of application, the global digital instrument clusters market is segmented into:SmartphoneTablet PC/Desktop/NotebooksAutomobilesOthers (Digital cameras, inverters, power suppliers, painters, car radio, LED lighting, payment terminals)The demand for digital instrument clusters in automobiles is anticipated to grow at an accelerated pace mainly due to significant growth in the automobile industry globally. Furthermore, the smartphone segment is also expected to grow at a high CAGR during the forecast period.Request For TOC:Digital Instrument Clusters: Region-wise OutlookOn the basis of region North America, Asia Pacific and Japan are expected to be the dominant players as a result of growing economy in these regions. The Indian electronics system design and manufacturing (ESDM) industry is one of the fastest growing industry in the country, which is further boosting the demand for digital instrument clusters in the region. The global digital instrument cluster market is anticipated to grow at a steady rate in other regions of the world as a result of a slowing global economy in these regions.Digital Instrument Clusters: Key PlayersSome of the market participants in the global digital instrument clusters market are Nippon Seiki Co., Ltd., Ford Motor Company, Audi AG, Renault, Volkswagen, Kia Motors Corp., BMW AG, Jaguar Land Rover Limited, NVIDIA Corporation and Tesla Motors.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:
Otoscope Market Global Industry Analysis and Forecast Till 2026
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According to a recent report published by WHO (World Health Organization) 360 million people worldwide is presently victims of some kind of audibility related disease. More than 32 million children are victims of deafness. Apart from this a massive pool of an adult population of the world is also crippled by deafness. This population is swelling alarmingly every year in South-Asia, Asia-Pacific and sub-Saharan Africa, which is also promoting the prospects of the emerging otoscope market in these regions of the world. The otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes are predominantly used by ENT specialists across the world for detecting any sort of ENT related disease. Presently a population of 285million visually impaired adults and children are living in this world. The population is rising every day. The otoscope/ophthalmoscope market can fetch the direct benefits of this rise as they are mostly needed for diagnosing eye and ear related ailments. Countries like India, China, Oman, Brazil and Morocco are some of the nation living in the shadows of diseases like glaucoma. Over the years they have made several consorted efforts to eradicate the disease but still it is prevalent amongst a large population. The market is completely untouched and mostly dominated by few domestic players and it is definitely under the radar of some of the biggies of the otoscope market. The US is not only one of the leading producers of otoscope devices, it also caters to the demand of the large global and local population. Statistics shows that almost 37 million Americans are suffering from sinus-related diseases. Thus the US is one of the largest thriving otoscope markets of the world.Otoscope market: DriversThere are several key components which are driving the growth and expansion of the otoscope market. The prime factor which is pushing the growth of this industry is the overall development of the healthcare infrastructure. Apart from this, the steady rise of the ENT related diseases around the world is another significant reason which are multiplying the development of the otoscope markets spread around the world. The constant economic rise of India in the recent past has had an positive effect on the entire healthcare and also on the otoscope market spread across the country The otoscope market in India is not only giving stiff competition to its western contenders but it is also fulfilling the demands of the local and regional demands through its domestic production.Request For Report Sample@Otoscope market: RestraintsThough the otoscope market is out of its slumber and ginning pace with every single day. The regional markets spread across US, UK, Australia and New Zealand, India and China, Brazil, Morocco, Chile, Japan are performing properly for the last few years. But the dominance of the bi players based in the first world countries and the cloning of products in the Chinese and Indian otoscope markets are creating a massive gulf. It is also disturbing the uniformity of the otoscope market in this south East Asian regions and Latin American countries.Otoscope market: Key regionsThe growth of the entire otoscope market is concentrated on some of the prime pockets. The market is mushrooming in regions like India, China, US, UK and several other Latin American countries where the spread of disease related to ENT are galloping with time. A massive chunk of the market production is consumed by the healthcare giants present in these regions. The ENT industry is booming in India and it churns a few billion revenue from the different adjacent neighbouring markets. The production is high and cost effective which is also a major factor which is sustaining the players present in this segment in India.Request For TOC@Otoscope market: Key PlayersSome of the front runners of this section are camped in countries like Germany, US, UK , Japan, China and India. Heine, Riester, Welch Allen are some of the market leaders has been impacting the otoscope market for the last 100 years. Their quality products and robust market policies are the key ingredients which are fuelling their exports and providing them with the necessary tinder for survival.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Automotive Steering System Market 2017 :Zhejiang Shibao, Tri-ring Group, Nexteer Automobile, JTEKT Corporation, NSK Motion&Control
Automotive Steering System Market
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A market study based on the "Automotive Steering System Market" across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Automotive Steering System Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Automotive Steering System industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Automotive Steering System market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportZhejiang ShibaoATS Automation Tooling SystemsSona Koyo Steering Systems LimitedShowa CorporationThyssenkruppMando CorporationBeijing Hainanchuan Automotive PartsTri-ring GroupElite Electro MechanicalNexteer AutomobileTRWJTEKT CorporationNSK Motion&ControlThe report studies the industry for Automotive Steering System across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Automotive Steering System market & dynamics of demand and supply of Automotive Steering System into consideration. The 'Automotive Steering System' research study covers each and every aspect of the Automotive Steering System market globally, which starts from the definition of the Automotive Steering System industry and develops towards Automotive Steering System market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Automotive Steering System market is classified and analyzed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Automotive Steering System market. The geographical segmentation of the Automotive Steering System industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Automotive Steering System is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Automotive Steering System market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Automotive Steering System market worldwide.Enquire Here :Global Automotive Steering System 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 Automotive Steering System market 2017 is also analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Automotive Steering System production volume, data regarding demand and Automotive Steering System 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 Automotive Steering System 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
Forecast On Veno-Occlusive Hepatic Disease Therapeutics Market Global Industry Analysis and Trends till 2027
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Veno-occlusive hepatic disorder or veno-occlusive disorder is the obstruction of small microscopic veins of the liver. The blood gets blocked only in small veins, the blockage do not get affect the larger veins. As the blood flow of the liver is blocked, the blood is congested in the liver and reduces the amount of blood entering the liver thereby damaging the liver cells. The liver gets enlarged due to congestion. Finally leading to cirrhosis of the liver. The common causes for veno-occlusive disorder is use of certain drugs that can cause serious effects on the liver, radiation therapy or ingestion of certain alkaloids etc. The patients who have undergone transplants have suffered from veno- occlusive disease. There is no specific treatment for veno occlusive disease, the primary goal is to normalize the flow in the blood vessels by controlling vasculitis and fibrin deposition.Veno-Occlusive Hepatic Disease Therapeutics Market: Drivers & RestraintsVeno occlusive disease is said to occur due to radiation and chemotherapy given during transplantation, therefore the rise in incidence and prevalence rate of cancer is the major factor responsible for the growth in the global veno- occlusive hepatic disease therapeutic market during the forecast. The rate of the allogeneic transplants have increased which is one of the factor influencing the growth of the global market. The patients suffering from liver diseases are at high risk of developing veno-occlusive disorder, therefore the rise in rate of liver disease is another factor that can influence the growth of the global market. Furthermore, revenue growth in the global veno-occlusive disease therapeutics market is expected to fuel by factors such as rise in prevalence of viral hepatitis, unhealthy lifestyle, obesity and excessive consumption of alcohol through 2027.Some factors that can restrain the growth of the global market during the forecast are rise in the cost of the procedure, less availability of super specialized professionals. Strict FDA approvals and stringent government regulation are also the factors that can hinder the growth of the global market.Request For Report Sample@Veno-Occlusive Hepatic Disease Therapeutics Market: SegmentationVeno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutics market is classified on the basis of type of drugs, type of disease and end-user.Based on types of drugs, the veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutic market is segmented into the following:AntimicrobialsAntiviralsAntithromboticAnti-ischemicAnti-inflammatoryOthersBased on types of disease, the veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutic market is segmented into the following:HepatitisCancerBone marrow transplantationOther diseasesBased on End-User, the veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutic market is segmented into the following:HospitalsResearch InstitutesAmbulatory Surgical CentresBased on geography, the veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutic Market is segmented into following:North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeAsia Pacific excluding JapanJapanMiddle East and AfricaVeno-Occlusive Hepatic Disease TherapeuticsMarket: OverviewThe global veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutic market is expected to expand at a significant growth rate across regions. Major players in this segment are working on their research and development process to build advanced products. Number of agents have shown improvements in clinical trials. Also the major players are working in segment to develop drugs which have antithrombotic, anti-ischemic and anti-inflammatory action altogether.Request For TOC@Veno-Occlusive Hepatic Disease Therapeutics Market: Region-wise OutlookA geographic condition regarding veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutics market, it has been segmented into seven key regions: North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific excluding Japan, Japan and the Middle East & Africa.North America region is expected to dominate the global market closely followed by Europe due to factors like higher spending on healthcare, developed regulatory framework, prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle etc. Asia Pacific region is anticipated to show a remarkable growth in the global market through 2027 due improving healthcare infrastructure, increase prevalence of liver cancer in Asian countries, increase in disposable income etc.Veno-Occlusive Hepatic Disease Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersSome of the major players operating in the global veno-occlusive hepatic disease therapeutics market are Jazz Pharmaceuticals, Norgine Pharmaceuticals Limited, Novartis AG, Genitum among others worldwide.Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
European Camping Tent Market is Propelled to grow at a CAGR of 1.91% during 2015-2019
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Albany, NY, March 21, 2017: A camping tent is a dwelling unit that is composed of internal or external structural frames assembled together and anchored to form a base over which fabric is draped. They are portable and can be carried along during camping trips to accommodate many people. Camping tents come in all kinds of sizes and designs to cater to a wide range of consumer needs. They primarily shield campers from the weather and provide shelter. Camping tents have evolved to become increasingly specialized with added features, enhanced design, and better reliability.The Camping Tent market in Europe to grow at a CAGR of 1.91 percent over the period 2014-2019. The report, Camping Tent Market in Europe 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, and Others; it also covers the landscape of the Camping Tent market in Europe and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Key Regions- Germany- France- Italy- Spain- UK- OthersKey Vendors- Coleman- Johnson Outdoors- Oase Outdoors- Other Prominent VendorsAMG Group- Force Ten- Gelert- Hilleberg- Kampa- Simex Outdoor International- Skandika- VangoMarket Driver- Surge in Outdoor Recreational Activities- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket Challenge- Preference for RVs and Campervans- For a full, detailed list, view our reportEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
GaN Power Devices Market Size, Analysis, and Forecast Report 2017-2027
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With the growing usage of power devices, Gallium Nitrate (GaN) power devices market is significantly growing in various application such as switch mode power supply, monitor control, hybrid battery control and power factor correction controllers. Gallium nitrate is widely adopted to design power devices. Hence, it helps to improve overall efficiency of power conversion in solar grid, wind grid and smart grids.GaN power devices are used for medium voltage power application which in turn also help to improve power handling capacity and switching. The two major technologies used for the implementation are semiconductor material technology and transistor application technology are used to improve efficiency and reliably of GaN power devices.GaN Power Devices: Drivers and ChallengesThe major driver are significantly growing the market of GaN power devices due to increase in demand for high power transistor application technology and high temperature applications that has led to the increase in usage of GaN industrial devices. These devices are widely used in radio frequency amplifiers, high voltage applications. Due to the ability of gallium nitrate power devices to operate at high frequency, power density, and temperature with improved efficiency and linearity. Since, accelerated improvement in GaN technology and many organizations are coming up with new innovative products which are cost-effective with better design and performance.Request Report Sample@Such innovations has rapidly increased the demand for GaN power devices in various application areas such as information and communication technology and it plays a vital role in GaN power device market in positive manner. The major restraints faced by GaN power devices market are high initial implementation cost.GaN Power Devices: SegmentationSegmentation on the basis of technology:Semiconductor materialTransistor application technologySegmentation on the basis of Wafer:Manufacturing processWafer sizeDesign configurationSegmentation on the basis of device:GaN power discrete marketGaN power IC marketSegmentation on the basis of product:GaN opto semiconductorGaN power semiconductorSegmentation on the basis of verticals:ComputersInformation and communication technologyConsumer ElectronicsMedicalAutomotiveGaN Power Devices: Regional OverviewPresently, Japan is holding largest market share of GaN power devices by the rise in usage of application and continuous development of semiconductor industry.The market of GaN power devices witnessing tremendous growth in the region of North America, due to large adoption of high speed switching of GaN power devices.Request For TOC@GaN Power Devices: Key PlayersSome of the prominent players of GaN power devices are:Fujitsu Ltd., Toshiba Corp., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Texas Instruments, EPIGAN NV, NTT Advanced Technology Corporation, RF Micro Devices Incorporated, Cree Incorporated, Aixtron SE, International Quantum Epitaxy plc, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation , AZZURO Semiconductors AGABOUT 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:
Third-Party Logistics (3PL) Market in Brazil 2015-2019 - Market Size, Growth and Key Company Analysis Report
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Albany, NY, March 21, 2017: 3PL is a business process through which companies outsource their logistics and distribution functions to a service provider that specializes in handling logistics functions such as transportation, warehousing, and freight and forwarding. 3PL providers have expertise in managing and customizing their SCM as per the needs of the customers, including logistics, warehousing, cross-docking, packaging, and freight forwarding. They also provide strategic and operational value to many shippers across the globe. Shippers from various industries are outsourcing the logistics part of their operations to specialized 3PL players, thereby enabling them to focus on their core competencies.The 3PL market in Brazil to grow at a CAGR of 7.59 percent over the period 2014-2019. The 3PL market in Brazil provides data on the different segments of the market based on the services outsourced and the industry serviced. In terms of the type of logistics services outsourced, the 3PL market in Brazil can be classified into segments such as Transportation, Warehousing, Freight forwarding, and Value-added Services.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:TechNavio's report, 3PL Market in Brazil 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the landscape of the 3PL market in Brazil and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key Vendors- Ceva Freight Management Do Brasil- DB Schenker Do Brasil Transportes Internacionais- Deutsche Post Dhl Logistics Brasil- Kuehne + Nagel Servicos Logisticos- Nippon Express Do Brasil Transportes InternacionaisOther Prominent Vendors- Agility- Amrica Latina Logstica- APL Logistics- BDP International- BLG Logistics Group- DACHSER- Damco- DC Logistics- DSV- Expeditors International- FedEx Supply Chain- Hub Group- Imperial Logistics- J.B. Hunt- JSL- Kerry Logistics- Logwin- Menlo Worldwide Logistics- Neovia Logistics Services..............Enquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
Global Auto Parts Sales Market Report 2017
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https://In this report, the global Auto Parts 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 split global into several key Regions, with sales (K Units), revenue (Million USD), market share and growth rate of Auto Parts for these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaGlobal Auto Parts market competition by top manufacturers/players, with Auto Parts sales volume, Price (USD/Unit), revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingPradip Plastic MouldersHayashi TelempuPOLYTEC GROUPDaikyoNishikawa CorporationBMWChevroletCovercraftFordGMHondaNissanToyotaINOACOn the basis of product, this report displays the sales volume (K Units), revenue (Million USD), product price (USD/Unit), market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoBody and Main PartsElectrical & Electronics PartsInterior PartsPower-Train & Chassis PartsMiscellaneous Auto PartsOtherOn the basis on the end users/applications, this report focuses on the status and outlook for major applications/end users, sales volume, market share and growth rate of Auto Parts for each application, includingPassenger CarsCommercial VehicleOtherOnline PaymentSingle User $4000.00Multi User $8000.00Research AssistanceWe will be happy to help you find what you need. Please write to us: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.11323 136th Ave EastPuyallup, WA 98374United StatesE-Address sales@qyresearchreports.us
Global Automotive 48V System Market 2017 Key Vendors are : Bosch, Continental, Delphi Automotive, Valeo, AVL
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The market study, Titled Global Automotive 48V System Industry 2017, has been compiled by industry experts and is based on a comprehensive analysis of the Automotive 48V System market in the world. The geographical distribution and various segments of the Automotive 48V System market are extensively studied in this report.Download Free Sample Report @The in-depth analysis of the industrial chain supporting the Automotive 48V System market in the globe incorporates factual information about every aspect of the market such as details about the players operating in the Automotive 48V System market, the Manufacturing chain, Production Capacity, Sales Volume, and the contribution to the global Automotive 48V System industry in terms of revenue.The report also examines the market on the basis of the products. The pricing of products, production volume, supply chain dynamics, revenue generated as well as the policies influencing production are all described in this market study.The Automotive 48V System market is evaluated based on its regional penetration, explaining the performance of the market in each regional market. This information can be used to make specified strategies for particular regional markets. Apart from this, the market dynamics between every application and the overall industrial chain is analyzed with respect to each regional market in order to provide a better understanding of how the market works.Access Full Report @Several analytical tools such as market attractiveness analysis, investment feasibility analysis, and investment return analysis are employed to study the global Automotive 48V System market, whereas SWOT analysis and Porters five forces analysis are utilized to evaluate the major players in the Automotive 48V System market in this report.This report not only provides a complete picture of the overall condition of the Automotive 48V System market, but also assists the players in this market to create profitable market strategies in order to gain a competitive edge.Table of ContentsGlobal Automotive 48V System Market Research Report 20171 Automotive 48V System Market Overview2 Global Automotive 48V System Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Automotive 48V System Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)4 Global Automotive 48V System Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2012-2017)5 Global Automotive 48V System Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Automotive 48V System Market Analysis by Application7 Global Automotive 48V System Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Automotive 48V System Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Automotive 48V System Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Research Findings and Conclusion14 Appendix14.1 Methodology14.2 Analyst Introduction14.3 Data SourceFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Fior Markets provides you the full spectrum of services related to market research, and corroborate with the clients to increase the revenue stream, and address process gaps.Mark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Tequila Market in the APAC Region 2015-2019 - Current Market Trends, Survey Analysis and Forecast
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Albany, NY, March 21, 2017: Tequila is an alcoholic beverage that is produced from blue agave plants. People have mixed perceptions about tequila, but its acceptance is expected to increase during the forecast period. Manufacturers are coming up with innovative ideas and packaging techniques to spread awareness about tequila. This will help increase the sales of tequila during the forecast period. Tequila is gaining popularity and has good potential for growth in the APAC region during the forecast period.The Tequila market in the APAC region to grow at a CAGR of 14.08 percent and 11.59 percent in terms of revenue and volume, respectively, over the period 2014-2019. TechNavio's report, Tequila Market in the APAC Region 2015-2019, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the leading countries of the APAC region; it also covers the Tequila market landscape in the APAC region and its growth prospects in the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Get a Sample Research PDF with TOC:Key Countries- Australia- China- India- Indonesia- Japan- Philippines- Singapore- South KoreaKey Vendors- Brown Forman- Diageo- Jose Cuervo- Sauza TequilaOther Prominent Vendors- Camino Real distillery- Cia Tequilera Los Valores- Coralejo Tiple Distilato- Destilados Ole- Hacienda La Capilla- Olmeca Tequila- Pernod Ricard- Proximo Spirits- Sierra Tequila- Tequila Cazadores- Tequila QuioteEnquiry at:Key questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2019 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Albany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn at:
United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Tissue Culture Services Market Size, Status and Forecast 2021
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Tissue Culture Services" to its huge collection of research reports.The Tissue Culture Services is the target of analysis presented in this research report which is a highly descriptive and insightful publication. It chalks out a detailed, all-inclusive, and logical perspective of the market, casing all crucial categories and their pieces, along with the aspects that have so far shown the potential of having a deep influence on the market over the coming years. The report is therefore a 360-degree representation of the analysis of the current state of market.The market has been quarried to its microscopic nuances, where rudimentary data and key, industry-specific classifications of the market and its elements that are being defined in the overview. The report then moves ahead into a 360 degree analysis of the Tissue Culture Services, while sticking to phrases of the market, such as specific definitions, applications, industry chain structures, government policies, and recent developments.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The large volumes of data presented in this report, on the Tissue Culture Services, have been garnered with the aid of different research methodologies, both primary and secondary. This data is further concentrated by means of standard analytical processes based on industry practices, and therefore only the significant sections of information are provided to the readers of this report.The governing and competitive landscape of the Tissue Culture Services are studied in this research report. The different stages and their details, such as rules, protocols, procedures, and strategies are also included in addition to an analysis of their effect on the overall growth rate of the market. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of the business profiles of the most influential vendors in the Tissue Culture Services.Table of ContentsUnited States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia Tissue Culture Services Market Size, Status and Forecast 20211 Industry Overview of Tissue Culture Services1.1 Tissue Culture Services Market Overview1.1.1 Tissue Culture Services Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Tissue Culture Services 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 Tissue Culture Services Market by End Users/Application1.3.1 Biotechnology1.3.2 Microbiology1.3.3 Medicine1.3.4 Pharmaceuticals1.3.5 Agriculture1.3.6 Cosmetics1.3.7 Food additives2 Global Tissue Culture Services Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Tissue Culture Services Market Size (Value) by Players (2015-2016)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Affymetrix Inc.3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 AMRESCO Inc3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 Analytical Biological Services3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 BD Biosciences3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Cell Culture Technologies3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.5.5 Recent DevelopmentsBrowse Complete Report with TOC @3.6 Irvine Scientific3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 Life Technologies Corporation3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Lonza Biologics Plc3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 Millipore Corporation3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 PerBio Science AB3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Tissue Culture Services Revenue (Value) (2011-2016)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 PromoCell GmbH3.12 Sera Laboratories International3.13 Sigma-Aldrich Corporation3.14 USB Corp3.15 Vitrolife AB4 Global Tissue Culture Services Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.1 Global Tissue Culture Services Market Size by Application (2011-2016)4.2 Potential Application of Tissue Culture Services in Future4.3 Top Consumer/End Users of Tissue Culture ServicesAbout UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Breast Cancer Therapeutics Market to reach USD 16 billion by 2023
Global Market Insights, Inc.
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Breast Cancer Therapeutics Market is witnessing exponential growth in coming years as breast cancer the most widespread disease in women. According to WHO statistics, it is the second most prevalent type of the disease globally, and the most widespread type in females. In women, it accounts for 20% of all invasive and 13% of all female cancers, and is responsible for 15% of all deaths caused by the disease globally, including both females and males. Every year, around 200,000 new cases in women and nearly 2,000 new cases in men are diagnosed.Breast Cancer Therapeutics Market size was valued at over USD 7.5 billion in 2015 and is expected to witness growth to surpass USD 16 billion by 2023.Request for a table of content of this report -China breast cancer therapeutics market share accounted for over 15% of the Asia Pacific revenue. Australia accounted for over 10% and India contributed 3% to overall revenue generation, with the latter expected to grow at 9% CAGR over the forecast timeframe.This disease occurs when cells in the breast show uncontrolled growth. Malignant tumors may metastatize or growing into the surrounding tissues. It generally either begins in the lobules, which are the milk producing glands, or the inner lining of ducts, the passage that supply milk from lobules. Tumor occurring in the lobules is lobular carcinoma which represents 80% to 90% of all cases, while one which develops from the ducts is ductal carcinoma, representing 10% to 20% of all cases.In developed countries, the rates are much higher compared to their developing counterparts. However, in many developing nations, it is now rising abruptly due to changes in lifestyle, reproductive factors, and increased life expectancy. Mortality from breast cancer is a leading cause of death among women in developing countries, as well as in the developed world. Approximately 85% to 90% of all cases are caused by genetic abnormality, while the remaining are due to inherited abnormalities.To access sample pages or view this report titled, Breast Cancer Therapeutics Market Size, 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 2023 in detail along with the table of contents, please click on the link below:High degree of competition, potential side effects, growing number of medication options, and substitute branded drugs availability may adversely impact revenue in the coming years. On the basis of drug class, the industry is categorized into five major segments, namely, anti-metabolites, HER2 inhibitors, aromatase inhibitors, mitotic inhibitors, and hormone receptors.Based on the clinical study, the breast cancer therapeutics market can be segmented into Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III drugs. Of these, Phase III drugs are BKM120, Palbociclib (PD-0332991) + Exemestane, Neratinib, DOXIL, ABP 980, NKTR-102, NK105, CT-P6, and Olaparib. Neratinib (developed by Puma Biotechnology), a clinical trial phase IIIdrug, will generate maximum revenue by 2023. It is highly powerful as an irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI).Pfizers palbociclib with fulvestrant contributed considerably to global breast cancer therapeutics market size. In 2015, the company announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of Ibrance (palbociclib). In February 2015, Ibrance was approved and indicated for the treatment of HER2-, HR+ metastatic or advanced breast cancer in amalgamation with letrozole as initial endocrine-based therapy done in postmenopausal women. Ibrance is the only cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK 4/6) inhibitor approved by the FDA which benefits patients as a first line therapy (along with letrozole).Make an inquiry for buying this report @Available products comprise a wide range of treatment options, including hormonal, combination, targeted and chemotherapies. Chemotherapy remains the most important class of drugs for treatment; however, the trend of using targeted drugs is on the rise. Treatment for the disease has been modernized in the past decades with increasing usage of targeted therapies. Perpendicular rise in the occurrence of disease makes it an industry where novel molecules and therapies are imperative. Industry novel products include Halaven, a chemotherapeutic agent; Kadcyla, a human antibody-drug conjugate, and Perjeta, a targeted therapy.Key players in the breast cancer therapeutics market include AstraZeneca, Eisai, Eli Lilly and Company, F. Hoffmann-La Roche, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis International AG, Pfizer, Puma Biotechnology, Sanofi S.A., and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. Genentech contributed over 60% to the overall breast cancer therapeutics market share in 2015.Browse Related Reports: Cancer Biological Therapy Market Size By Product (Monoclonal Antibodies [Naked Monoclonal Antibodies, Conjugated Monoclonal Antibodies, Bi-Specific Monoclonal Antibodies], Vaccines [Preventive, Therapeutic], Cancer Growth Blockers [Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors, Proteasome Inhibitors, mTOR Inhibitors], Blood Cell Growth Factors [Lenograstim, Filgrastim], Cytokines [Interferons, Interleukins]), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook, Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2023About 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:
Nordics Countries Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market
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Nordics Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market Forecast in (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway & Sweden) By (Child & Adult) Vaccination report published by Renub Research. According to this report, Sweden is having the highest seasonal influenza vaccine market share. In terms of children vaccination, Sweden & Denmark hold nearly 70 percent market share in 2016 whereas, in adult vaccination segments, these two will share more than 60 percent market share by 2022.This report provides a complete analysis of 5 Nordic countries (Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden) Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market for Childhood & Adolescent, Number of Vaccinated Population for Childhood & Adolescent and Forecast till 2022. All the 5 countries in the report have been studied from 2 viewpoints.1. Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market in Nordic Countries (2011 2022) Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market & Forecast Children Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market & Forecast Adult Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Market & Forecast2. Seasonal Influenza Vaccinated Population in Nordic Countries (2011 2022) Seasonal Influenza Vaccinated Population & Forecast Children Seasonal Influenza Vaccinated Population & Forecast Adult Seasonal Influenza Vaccinated Population & ForecastCountries studied in the report are as follows1. Denmark2. Finland3. Iceland4. Norway5. SwedenRelated News:For more information:Contact UsRenub ResearchUSA: +1-678-302-0700India: +91-120-421-9822Email: info@renub.comWebsite:Renub Research is a leading Market Research and Information Analysis Company with centers at Noida India and Roswell USA. We have long-term experience especially in international Business-to-Business Researches, Surveys, Business and Consulting. Throughout the years we have acquired expertise in most market sectors, including Information Technology (IT), Telecoms, Life Sciences, Medical & Pharmaceuticals, Financial Services (Banking, Insurance, Reinsurance, M&A, etc.), Energy, Chemicals, Automotive, Retail, FMCG, Consumer Goods, Logistics, Governmental, Social, and Others.Our core team is comprised of an experienced people holding graduate, post graduate and Ph.D. degrees in Finance, Marketing, Human Resource, Bio-Technology, Medicine, Information Technology, Environmental Science and many more. Our research help make the business decisions: on strategy, organization, operations, technology, mergers & acquisitions etc. We support many blue chip companies by providing them findings and perspectives across a wide range of markets. Our research reports offer a blend of information insight, analysis and forecasting that is essential in todays ultra-competitive markets.225 Kristie Ln, Roswell, GA 30076
Worldwide Neuromarketing Solutions Market Prediction 2025
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Global Neuromarketing Solutions Market: OverviewThere has been a substantial increase in the adoption of neuromarketing solutions in the fields of marketing and market research. Evolution of technology has resulted in the introduction of new state of art devices to the neuromarketing solutions market. Neuromarketing helps study and analyze customers response to marketing stimuli using techniques of neuroscience.Media, advertising, and telecommunication industry is involved largely in exploring neuromarketing solutions to conduct research. Investments in advertising research promotes the growth of neuromarketing to a large extent. Neuromarketing offers benefits to fields of advertising, product packaging, new product development, and product pricing. Major companies have started to invest in carrying out in house research using neuromarketing for their advertisements and products in order to analyze the response of the subjects on the test conducted.Browse The Report @Neuromarketing helps marketers understand the key factors which persuade a customer to make a purchase. It helps the marketer to gain insights on the consumers buying behavior which in turn helps the company to formulate effective and efficient marketing strategies.Global Neuromarketing Solutions Market: SegmentationFunctional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), Eye tracking, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) are the most commonly used techniques of neuromarketing. The market for eye tracking solutions is fragmented with a large number of players. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) and Magnetoencephalography (MEG) are less frequently used for the purpose of market research. High cost and mobility issues are the key concerns of the buyers of neuromarketing solutions.Based on geographical regions, the report segments the global neuromarketing solutions market into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa (MEA), and South America, which are analyzed in terms of revenue generation. The report provides country level revenue for neuromarketing solutions market. The U.S., the U.K., China, Saudi Arabia, Africa, and Brazil, are the countries for which country level estimates have been are provided in the report.Manufacturers of neuromarketing solutions focus on designing and developing scalable and easy to use. Effective product cost management plays a vital role in designing state of art neuromarketing solutions which are cost effective to its end users. Incorrect application and usage of these solutions can cause harm to the subject on whom the test is being performed. Therefore the manufacturers of neuromarketing solutions have to meet the equipment standards and certification and abide by the regulatory policies laid down by the national and international governing bodies.Make An Enquiry@Global Neuromarketing Solutions Market: Scope of the StudyThis research report provides an in-depth analysis of the global neuromarketing solutions market based on technology and geography. The global neuromarketing solutions market is categorized based on technology Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), Electroencephalography (EEG), Eye tracking, Positron Emission Tomography (PET), and Magnetoencephalography (MEG). The report analyzes each of these segments for the various geographies considered under the scope of the study.The report also provides value chain for the global neuromarketing solutions market. The report includes analysis of the factors that drive and restrain the growth of the neuromarketing solutions market. It discusses the prevailing market trends and prospective growth opportunities in the global neuromarketing solutions market. It further offers an overview of neuromarketing solutions in various fields of marketing. It also encompasses the key developments by country in the neuromarketing solutions market. It provides market estimates and forecasts for all the segments in terms of revenue (in US$ Mn). Also provided in the report is the competitive landscape of the major players in the neuromarketing solutions market.Major business strategies adopted by key players, their SWOT analysis, and competition matrix has also been identified in the research report. The key market players profiled in this study include Tobii Technology, iMotions, SensoMotoric Instruments, LC Technologies, SR Research, ISCAN, Inc., Compumedics Limited, Cadwell Industries Inc., and EB Neuro S.p.AAbout 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 Medical Lifting Sling Market to grow at 10% CAGR from 2016 to 2023
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Medical Lifting Sling Market size is driven by rising geriatric population, increasing cases of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease (CVD), government initiatives and high recovery cost of injuries. A considerable percentage of the elderly population base suffers from mobility-related disorders, disabilities from non-contagious diseases. Conversely, lack of skilled personnel and difficulty in handling obese patients are hampering growth. Medical Lifting Sling Market size is expected to surpass USD 700 million by 2023 from USD 400 million in 2015, with a CAGR of 10% from 2016 to 2023.These instruments are used in nursing homes, hospitals or clinics to transfer patients with restricted mobility. Growing number of partial immobility incidences and accidents has driven industry demand and growth in the last few years. Lack of technical expertise and inadequate training to handle patients using these products in developing economies along with difficulties in handling obese patients is a barrier to the global medical lifting sling market.Request for an in-depth table of contents for this report @While transferring bariatric patients it is important to have a comfortable lift sling. They are designed to be secure enough to handle the weight of the patient and soft enough for ensure comfort. In order to accommodate a patients unique size, they are built in convenient loops that work with several types of lift and many of them are available in two sizes. In addition to being strong and durable, they are treated with antimicrobial protection which is intended for increasing the lifespan. Antimicrobial treatment thwarts the growth of harmful bacteria, viruses, microbes and other disease-causing microorganisms. It also blocks stains and odors caused by bodily fluids and other substances.On the basis of product, the global medical lifting sling market share is categorized into bariatric, hammock, position, pivot, seating, standing, transfer, toilet and universal slings. Universal segment was the industry leader in 2015, since these products provide high degree of comfort and safe seating structure. The transfer segment is anticipated to witness high growth over the next few years. Bariatric product growth will be hampered by low medical lifting sling market price trend in this segment.On the basis of usage, the industry is categorized into reusable and disposable. In 2015, the reusable medical lifting sling market share dominated overall revenue. The disposable sector will show the maximum growth rate as their use prevents patients from infections.To access sample pages or view this report titled, Medical Lifting Sling Market Size, Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Germany, UK, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2023 in detail along with the table of contents, please click on the link below:On the basis of type of material, the industry is classified into canvas, padded, nylon, mesh and others (cotton and polypropylene). Nylon is the largest and fastest growing sector. In 2015, Europe accounted for the largest share, followed by U.S., which is estimated to show lucrative growth rates over the next five years.The toileting and transfer sections are expected to increase at a high CAGR during the forecast period. Increased growth rate of this sector is due to introduction of new supporting applications to provide quality life for patients and higher penetration in developing economies.In terms of sling point, the 4-point sling held the largest share in 2015, and will exhibit growth since most products, such as spa, bathing and hammock slings fall under this sector. The u-shaped sling is also expected to witness lucrative growth during the forecast period because shorter lifespan results in purchasing large quantity by dealers.Make an inquiry for buying this report @Based on the end-users, the industry is categorized into hospital, home care, elderly care, emergency medical services, nursing homes, trauma centers, etc. Hospitals accounted for the major share of the industry in 2015 and are expected to dominate during the forecast period. The dominance is primarily owing to high adoption rate and high usage while assisting the disabled patients; and government initiatives of training hospital nurses. Supported living facilities and home healthcare have seen substantial acceptance. All these factors witness that the sector is likely to expand at the maximum growth rate during the forecast period.Key players in the medical lifting sling market are Argo Medical, Arjo Huntleigh, Bestcare, Drive DeVilbiss Healthcare, Hill-Rom Holdings, Etac AB, GF Health Products, Guldman, Invacare Corporation, Joerns Healthcare, and Prism Medical.Browse Related Reports: Healthcare Assistive Robot Market Size By Product (Surveillance & Security, Humanoid, Rehabilitation, Socially Assistive), By Portability (Fixed base, Mobile), By Application (Stroke, Orthopedics, Cognitive & Motor Skills, Sports), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024About 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:
Global Indoor Location by Positioning Systems Sales Market Report Forecast 2017-2021
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ReportsWorldwide has announced the addition of a new report title Global Indoor Location by Positioning Systems Sales Market Report Forecast 2017-2021 to its growing collection of premium market research reports.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth insights, understanding market evolution by tracking historical developments, and analyzing the present scenario and future projections based on optimistic and likely scenarios.Each research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology developments, types, applications, and the competitive landscape.This report provides comprehensive analysis of: Key market segments and sub-segments Evolving market trends and dynamics Changing supply and demand scenarios Quantifying market opportunities through market sizing and market forecasting Tracking current trends/opportunities/challenges Competitive insights Opportunity mapping in terms of technological breakthroughsTo view a detailed description and Table of Contents please visit:Market Analysis by Countries: United States China Europe JapanThe Major players reported in the market include: Google Apple HERE Maps Broadcom IndoorAtals SenionLab ByteLight Wifarer MicrosoftReasons for Buying this Report: This report provides pin-point analysis for changing competitive dynamics It provides a forward looking perspective on different factors driving or restraining market growth It provides a six-year forecast assessed on the basis of how the market is predicted to grow It helps in understanding the key product segments and their future It provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead of competitors It helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of market segments It provides distinctive graphics and exemplified analysis of major market segmentsTo Get Sample Copy of Report please visit @About ReportsWorldwide.comReportsWorldwide.com is a leading provider of global market intelligence reports and services. With research reports from top publishers, consulting and advisory firms, ReportsWorldwide.com offers instant online access to a growing database of expert insights on global industries, companies, products, geographies and trends.Press Contact:Abigail CrastoSenior Vice President101, Arch StreetBoston, MA 02110USPhone +1 (617) 398-4994Fax +1 (617) 398-4995abigail@reportsworldwide.com
Global Crohns Disease Market Analysis 2016-2022: Key Findings, Regional Analysis, Key Players Profiles and Future Prospects
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Market HighlightsGlobal Crohns Disease Market has been evaluated as growing market and expected that the market will reach high growth figures in the Coming Future. Crohn's disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), caused by a combination of environmental, immune and bacterial factors in genetically prone individuals. There are no Medications, Drugs or Surgical Procedures that can cure or prevent Crohn's Disease. It is expected that the disease affects about 3.2 per 1,000 people in Europe and North America. It is less common in Asia and Africa. Rates have, however, been growing, particularly in the developing world, since last few years.The Crohns & Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA) stated, that over 1 Million Americans were diagnosed with Crohn's & ulcerative colitis disorders and diseases, with maximum of them aged above 30. Increasing occurrence of Crohn's disease has triggered a vigorous demand for its therapeutics. A survey conducted by the US Center for Disease Control (CDC) has discovered that the incidence rate of Crohn's disease in the country is 3.1 to 14.6 new cases per 100,000 population annually. The disease is highly predominant in developed countries, especially in individuals who smoke and consume alcohol.Request a Sample Copy of Report @Competitive Analysis-Major Key Players in Crohns Disease Market are: Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Allergan, Inc., AbbVie Inc., Bayer AG, UCB S.A., Perrigo Company plc, Pfizer Inc., J ohnson & Johnson Services, Inc., Ferring B.V.Global Crohns Disease Market:Major factors leading to the growth of the market includes higher preference for Symptomatic Therapeutic, better treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases, arrival of enhanced drugs and healthier investments in R&D programs. High cost of treatment and lack of early diagnosis techniques are the major factor restricting the market growth.North America is expected to account for the largest share of the Global Crohns Disease Market in 2016, followed by Europe, the region will continue to lead the pack during the forecast period. The emerging markets of China and India will also play a key role in driving growth in the long term, primarily due to the anticipated strong uptake of Remicade over the forecast period.Access Report Details @Study Objectives: To provide detail Analysis of the market structure along with estimated future growth forecast for the next 5 years about various segments and sub-segments of the Global Crohns Disease Market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Global Crohns Disease Market based on various analysis such as price analysis, supply chain analysis, Porters Five Force analysis etc. To provide past and estimated future revenue of the markets segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific along with Middle East & Africa. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future growth prospect. To provide country level analysis of the markets segments which includes by procedures and by drug type.Access the market data and market information presented through more than 25 market data tables and 25 figures spread over 85 numbers of pages of the project report Global Crohns Disease Market - Forecast to 2022Market Segmentation:Global Crohns Disease Market is segmented on the basis of procedures and drug type. Based on procedures, the market is segmented into Colonoscopy, flexible Sigmoidoscopy, Computerized Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), Capsule Endoscopy, Double-Balloon Endoscopy and Small Bowel Imaging. Colonoscopy due to high efficiency and accuracy is expected to command the largest market share during the forecasted period. Further on the basis of drug type the market is classified into Antibiotics, Anti-Diarrheal, Immune System Suppressors, Pain Relievers, and Anti-Inflammatory Drugs. Antibiotics are expected to command the largest market share while anti-inflammatory drugs are expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecasted period.List of TablesTABLE 1 Global Crohns Disease Market, By Procedure, 2013-2022 (USD MILLION)TABLE 2 Global Crohns Disease Market, By Drug Type, 2013-2022 (USD MILLION)TABLE 3 Global Crohns Disease Market By Region 2013-2022 (USD MILLION)List of FiguresFIGURE 1 Research ProcessFIGURE 2 Porters Five Forces ModelFIGURE 3 Global Crohns Disease Market, By ProcedureContinued.Browse Related Report:Global Alzheimers Disease Diagnostic Market Analysis - by Type (Early-onset Alzheimer's, Late-onset Alzheimer's, Familial Alzheimer's Disease), Diagnostic Test (Genetic Testing, Neurological Exam, Mini-mental State Exam (MMSE), Brain Imaging and Others), End Users (Clinics, Hospitals, Diagnostic Centers and Others) - Forecast to 2022About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have supreme objective to provide the optimum quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by products, services, technologies, applications, end users, and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enable our clients to see more, know more, and do more, which help to answer all their most important questions.In order to stay updated with technology and work process of the industry, MRFR often plans & conducts meet with the industry experts and industrial visits for its research analyst members.ContactAkash Anand,Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.com
Global Laser Market- Schmidt, SIC Marking, Rofin, Mecco, Telesis Technologies, TYKMA Electrox
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Global Market Study Evaluate on Laser Industry by Type, Manufacturers, Application, Type, and Regions, Forecast up to 2022The scope of the global Laser market report is:This report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the Laser market. It does so by in-depth qualitative insights, historical Laser market data, and verifiable projections about global Laser market size. The projections featured in the Laser market report have been derived using proven research assumptions and methodologies. By doing so, the Laser market research report serves as a repository of analysis and Laser industry information for every facet.The global Laser market can be segmented on the basis of Type, Laser Manufacturers, Regions, and Applications. Geographically, Laser market can be divided into Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle-East & Africa (MEA), and South America.Enquire Here Before Accessing the Laser Report with complete TOC atGlobal Laser Market Segment: By Key Players/Manufacturers Analysis* Videojet* Universal Laser Systems* Trumpf* Trotec* Tianhong laser* Telesis Technologies* TYKMA Electrox* Schmidt* SIC Marking* Rofin* Mecco* Laserstar* Keyence* Huagong Tech* Hans Laser* Gravotech* FOBA* Eurolaser* Epilog Laser* Amada MiyachiGlobal Laser Market Segment: By Applications Analysis* Electronics* Precision instruments* Food & Medicine* Auto parts* Hardware Products* Plastic Packaging* OtherGlobal Laser Market Segment: By Type Analysis* Fiber laser marking machine* CO2 lasers laser marking machine* Solid State lasers laser marking machineGlobal Laser market regional analysis covers:* Latin America Laser Market (Middle and Africa)* EuropeLaser Market (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)* Asia-Pacific Laser Market (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)* North America Laser Market (Canada, Mexico and USA)Highlights of Global Laser market report:Global Laser Market includes Manufacturers Profiles in Laser Market with their Business OverviewIt also includes Laser market by Type and ApplicationLaser Market by Price, Revenue, Sales and Laser Business ShareGlobal Laser Market Competition, by manufacturer, Laser Sales and Laser Revenue by Regions (2012-2017)Request Sample Laser Research Report atGlobal Laser Market report mainly covers 12 sections. They are as follows:Section 1 gives us Laser Introduction, market overview, product scope, Laser market opportunities, market threat, Laser market driving force;Section 2 shows the global Laser market by regions, with sales, Laser market share and revenue of Laser, for each region, from 2017 to 2022;Section 3 and 4 displays Laser market forecast, by regions, application and type, with revenue and sales of Laser market, from 2017 to 2022;Section 5 shows the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share of Laser market in 2016 and 2017;Section 6 covers the global Laser market key regions, with sales, market share and revenue by key countries in these regions, from 2012 to 2017;Section 7, 8 and 9 analyzes the top manufacturers of Laser, with revenue, sales and price of Laser, in 2016 and 2017;Section 10 shows the global Laser market by type and application, with sales Laser market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Section 11 and 12 at last, gives details about Laser sales channel, traders, distributors for Laser industry, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source;About Us:Market.Biz is designed to provide the best and most penetrating research required to all commercial, industrial and profit-making ventures in any sector of online business. We take pride in our ability to satisfy the market research needs of both domestic and international businesses.Market.Biz has access to the worlds most comprehensive and up-to-date databases in your business sector, including countless market reports that can provide you with valuable data relating to your business. We understand the needs of our clients, and keep our reports updated as market requirement changes.Contact Us:James JohnsonS. no. 51/14 First Floor,Office No. 4, Vishwa Arcade,Near Navale Lawns, Pune.Tel: +1(857)2390696Email: inquiry@market.bizWebsite:Blog:
United States Ceramic Tile Adhesive Market Research Report 2016 | Researchmoz.us
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "United States Ceramic Tile Adhesive Industry 2016 Market Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.The United States Ceramic Tile Adhesive Industry 2016 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Ceramic Tile Adhesive industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Ceramic Tile Adhesive 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.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @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 Ceramic Tile Adhesive industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 153 tables and figures the report provides key statistics on the state of the industry and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the market.Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Ceramic Tile Adhesive1.2 Classification of Ceramic Tile Adhesive1.3 Applications of Ceramic Tile Adhesive1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Ceramic Tile Adhesive1.5 Industry Overview of Ceramic Tile Adhesive1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive1.7 Industry News Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive2.7 United States Price, Cost and Gross of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-20163 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of United States Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of United States Key Ceramic Tile Adhesive Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of United States Ceramic Tile Adhesive Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of United States Ceramic Tile Adhesive Key Manufacturers in 20154 Production Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Regions, Type, and Applications4.1 United States Production of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Regions 2011-20164.2 United States Production of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Type 2011-20164.3 United States Sales of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Applications 2011-20164.4 Price Analysis of United States Ceramic Tile Adhesive Key Manufacturers in 20154.5 United States Capacity, Production, Import, Export, Sales, Price, Cost and Revenue of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-20165 Consumption Volume and Consumption Value Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Regions5.1 United States Consumption Volume of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Regions 2011-20165.2 United States Consumption Value of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Regions 2011-20165.3 United States Consumption Price Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive by Regions 2011-20166 Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive Production, Supply, Sales and Market Status 2011-20166.1 Capacity, Production, Sales, and Revenue of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-20166.2 Production Market Share and Sales Market Share Analysis of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2014-20156.3 Sales Overview of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-20166.4 Supply, Consumption and Gap of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-20166.5 Import, Export and Consumption of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-20166.6 Cost, Price, Revenue and Gross Margin of Ceramic Tile Adhesive 2011-2016Make 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 @
HIL Limited, Siporex, Magicrete and Biltech Dominate the AAC Block Market in India
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Brick, AAC block and concrete block industry forms the backbone of the booming Indian construction sector. India is the second largest brick manufacturer in the world after China. Indian brick industry is almost entirely unorganized and characterized by the presence of large number of small scale manufacturers which compete with one another at the regional level.Demand for real estate is growing in India with bright prospects for the economy. Property developers in major cities are using clay brick in the new multi-storey buildings in India as the cost of these bricks is low and the bricks have long durability.One of the factors for such high demand for clay brick in the construction sector is the price of the bricks which are cheaper in terms of price as compared to their substitutes such as AAC blocks. AAC blocks are the latest innovation in bricks space in India and the product is still in its initial stages of main scale adoption.Solid concrete block is the most commonly used concrete block and has the highest market share in overall concrete block segment. These blocks are commonly used to build load bearing walls due to its density and compressive strength of 5newton/metre square which is high than hollow blocks, this is the main reason of being leader in concrete block segment.Hollow concrete blocks helps in reducing joints in building and therefore leads to less usage of mortar and is therefore more cost effective. Hollow block makes it easier to pass electrical and plumbing fixtures through the hollow space between the bricks.Zig-Zag, HDK and DDK firing processes are almost similar with essential variations in brick setting patterns where the kiln basic structure remains same.The main objective of a manufacturer is to make profit on the product he sells therefore the basic cost of manufacturing a brick and other associated costs are considered to decide the price of the brick. The basic cost of manufacturing includes cost of raw material, labor cost, cost of capital invested in business and other miscellaneous charges incurred for production. After calculating the production cost, administrative charges and transportation costs are included to get an estimate of the price it can be sold after considering the margin of company and its distributors and retailers.For more information on the market research report please refer to the below link:Ken Research is a Global aggregator and publisher of Market intelligence research reports, equity reports, data base directories and economy reports. Our market research reports provides market sizing analysis, insights on promising industry segments, competition, future outlook and growth drivers in the space. The company is engaged in data analytics and aids clients in due-diligence, product expansion, plant setup, acquisition intelligence to all the other gamut of objectives through our research focus.27A, TOWER B-2, SPAZE I TECH BUSINESS PARK, SOHNA ROAD, SECTOR 49GURGAON, HARYANA - 122001, INDIA
Global Eyeliner Sales Market Report 2017
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Global Eyeliner Industry 2017 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2017-2020.The market intelligence publication delves into the condition of the global Eyeliner market. An in-depth examination of the existing market state, past progress, and forthcoming prospects of the global Eyeliner market has been presented in the research report. The research publication also reports the chief strategies, key market shares, and product portfolio of the principal participants in work in the global Eyeliner market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research report provides an intrusive insight into the global market for Eyeliner based on principal parameters such as technology, end user, products, applications, and geographical segments. The assessed volume and revenue progress of the global market for Eyeliner over the coming years has also been stated in the market intellect publication. The study furthermore deals with the key geographical subdivisions of the global Eyeliner market and provides details about their previous and existing shares. The trends leading in the global Eyeliner market have also been emphasized in the research report. The market study further provides an estimate of the aspects that are expected to influence the development of the market in an adverse or constructive manner. The global Eyeliner market has been methodically inspected with regards to the equivalent market segments and estimation period. Each year within the distinct timeline has been briefly measured in terms of the value of the produce in the regional as well as global Eyeliner market.To give a clear idea of the global Eyeliner market, the vendor landscape has been extensively gauged and also put into understanding along with the value chain analysis. Evidence on the ongoing and to be introduced research and development activities and funds raised for innovation purpose has also been delivered in the research report.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Eyeliner Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Eyeliner1.2 Classification of Eyeliner1.2.1 Cream1.2.2 Gel1.2.3 Liquid1.2.4 Pencil1.2.5 Others1.3 Application of Eyeliner1.3.1 < 151.3.2 15-251.3.3 25-351.3.4 35-501.3.5 >501.4 Eyeliner Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Eyeliner (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Eyeliner Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Eyeliner Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Eyeliner Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Eyeliner Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Eyeliner Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2017)2.1.2 Global Eyeliner Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2017)2.2 Global Eyeliner (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Eyeliner Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2017)2.2.2 Global Eyeliner Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2017)2.3 Global Eyeliner (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Eyeliner Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2017)2.3.2 Global Eyeliner Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2017)2.4 Global Eyeliner (Volume) by Application3 United States Eyeliner (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Eyeliner Sales and Value (2011-2017)3.1.1 United States Eyeliner Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2017)3.1.2 United States Eyeliner Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2017)3.1.3 United States Eyeliner Sales Price Trend (2011-2017)3.2 United States Eyeliner Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Eyeliner Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Eyeliner Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Market Research Latest Reports Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales Market Report 2016
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Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The market intelligence publication delves into the condition of the global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market. An in-depth examination of the existing market state, past progress, and forthcoming prospects of the global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market has been presented in the research report. The research publication also reports the chief strategies, key market shares, and product portfolio of the principal participants in work in the global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research report provides an intrusive insight into the global market for Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors based on principal parameters such as technology, end user, products, applications, and geographical segments. The assessed volume and revenue progress of the global market for Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors over the coming years has also been stated in the market intellect publication. The study furthermore deals with the key geographical subdivisions of the global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market and provides details about their previous and existing shares. The trends leading in the global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market have also been emphasized in the research report. The market study further provides an estimate of the aspects that are expected to influence the development of the market in an adverse or constructive manner. The global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market has been methodically inspected with regards to the equivalent market segments and estimation period. Each year within the distinct timeline has been briefly measured in terms of the value of the produce in the regional as well as global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market.To give a clear idea of the global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors market, the vendor landscape has been extensively gauged and also put into understanding along with the value chain analysis. Evidence on the ongoing and to be introduced research and development activities and funds raised for innovation purpose has also been delivered in the research report.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales Market Report 20161 Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors1.2 Classification of Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Application of Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors (Volume) by Application3 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Application4 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Value (2011-2016)4.1.1 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.2 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.3 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)4.2 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Hospital Patient Multi-Parameter Monitors Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Urine Analyzers Sales Market Report 2016
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Global Urine Analyzers Industry 2016 Market Overview, Size, Share, Trends, Analysis, Technology, Applications, Growth, Market Status, Demands, Insights, Development, Research and Forecast 2016-2020.The report on the global Urine Analyzers market has been compiled to serve as an asset for companies wanting to make informed decisions for growth in this space, and also presents a figurative estimation of the future of the market. The report has been a result of primary and secondary research using proven market research methodologies such as Porters five forces and SWOTT analysis. The primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts along with information collected from telephonic interviews and interactions via e-mails. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, stock analysis presentations, and various international and national databases. The report provides market size in terms of US$ mn for each segment for the period from 2016 to 2021, considering the macro and micro environmental factors.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @For the estimation of the future lucrativeness of the global market for Urine Analyzers, the report studies various factors that are expected to positively influence the growth rate. It also analyzes the challenges expected to hinder the growth rate during the forecast period, besides highlighting the emerging trends and opportunities, which will significantly define the future scenario. The report also divides the global Urine Analyzers market into quantitative segments and studies the opportunities available in the regional markets based on geography. Growth rate for each of the product and geographical segment has been provided.The key feature of the report is the section on company profiles. Here, this report lists out some of the key players who are currently functional in the global Urine Analyzers market, providing details such as market share, product portfolio, recent developments, and strategies for the future.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Urine Analyzers Sales Market Report 20161 Urine Analyzers Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Urine Analyzers1.2 Classification of Urine Analyzers1.2.1 Type I1.2.2 Type II1.2.3 Type III1.3 Application of Urine Analyzers1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.4 Urine Analyzers Market by Regions1.4.1 United States Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Urine Analyzers (2011-2021)1.5.1 Global Urine Analyzers Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2021)1.5.2 Global Urine Analyzers Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2021)2 Global Urine Analyzers Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Urine Analyzers Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.1.2 Global Urine Analyzers Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2011-2016)2.2 Global Urine Analyzers (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.2.2 Global Urine Analyzers Revenue and Market Share by Type (2011-2016)2.3 Global Urine Analyzers (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.3.2 Global Urine Analyzers Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2011-2016)2.4 Global Urine Analyzers (Volume) by Application3 United States Urine Analyzers (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Urine Analyzers Sales and Value (2011-2016)3.1.1 United States Urine Analyzers Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.2 United States Urine Analyzers Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)3.1.3 United States Urine Analyzers Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)3.2 United States Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Application4 China Urine Analyzers (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Urine Analyzers Sales and Value (2011-2016)4.1.1 China Urine Analyzers Sales and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.2 China Urine Analyzers Revenue and Growth Rate (2011-2016)4.1.3 China Urine Analyzers Sales Price Trend (2011-2016)4.2 China Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Urine Analyzers Sales and Market Share by ApplicationFor Latest QYResearchreports Press Release Visit @About UsQYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. 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Global Patient Assist Robot Market Research Report 2016
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This report studies Patient Assist Robot 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, coveringRIKENTOYOTAYaskawaFraunhoferIrobotCyberoyeTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of Patient Assist Robot in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecast), likeNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaSplit by product type, with production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, can be divided intoSemi-automaticAutomaticSplit by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Patient Assist Robot in each application, can be divided intoHospitalNursing HomeOtherBrowse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal Patient Assist Robot Market Research Report 20161 Patient Assist Robot Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Patient Assist Robot1.2 Patient Assist Robot Segment by Type1.2.1 Global Production Market Share of Patient Assist Robot by Type in 20151.2.2 Semi-automatic1.2.3 Automatic1.3 Patient Assist Robot Segment by Application1.3.1 Patient Assist Robot Consumption Market Share by Application in 20151.3.2 Hospital1.3.3 Nursing Home1.3.4 Other1.4 Patient Assist Robot Market by Region1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.2 Europe Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.3 China Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.4 Japan Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.5 Southeast Asia Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.4.6 India Status and Prospect (2011-2021)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Patient Assist Robot (2011-2021)2 Global Patient Assist Robot Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Patient Assist Robot Production and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.2 Global Patient Assist Robot Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.3 Global Patient Assist Robot Average Price by Manufacturers (2015 and 2016)2.4 Manufacturers Patient Assist Robot Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Patient Assist Robot Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Patient Assist Robot Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Patient Assist Robot Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)3.1 Global Patient Assist Robot Production by Region (2011-2016)3.2 Global Patient Assist Robot Production Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.3 Global Patient Assist Robot Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2011-2016)3.4 Global Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.5 North America Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.6 Europe Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.7 China Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.8 Japan Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.9 Southeast Asia Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)3.10 India Patient Assist Robot Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2011-2016)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.QYResearchReportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Professional Survey Report 2016
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This report studies PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2011 to 2015, and forecast to 2021.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringBASFISP PharmaceuticalsHarkeDivnovaAshlandNioppon ShokubaiBonsunTNJGreenCoQifuqingJH NanhangWelltoneJiaozuo ZhongweiTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @By types, the market can be split intoPVP-KPVP-AType IIIBy Application, the market can be split intoBinderCo-precipitating agentCo-solventFilm forming agentOthersBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaBrowse Complete Report with TOC @Table of ContentsGlobal PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Professional Survey Report 20161 Industry Overview of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications1.1 Definition and Specifications of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications1.1.1 Definition of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications1.1.2 Specifications of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications1.2 Classification of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications1.2.1 PVP-K1.2.2 PVP-A1.2.3 Type III1.3 Applications of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications1.3.1 Binder1.3.2 Co-precipitating agent1.3.3 Co-solvent1.3.4 Film forming agent1.3.5 Others1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications2.4 Industry Chain Structure of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Major Manufacturers in 20154 Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Overall Market Overview4.1 2011-2016E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2011-2016E Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2015 PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2011-2016E Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2015 PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2011-2016E Global PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Sales Price4.4.2 2015 PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Analysis5.1.1 North America PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2011-2016E PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2011-2016E PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2015 PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Share Analysis5.2 China PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Analysis5.2.1 China PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Overview5.2.2 China 2011-2016E PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2011-2016E PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2015 PVP in Pharmaceutical Applications Market Share 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.com
Moulded Fiber/ Pulp Packaging Market - Technological Advancements, Evolving Industry Trends and Insights 2016 - 2024
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The need for eco-friendly and sustainable packaging has led to the development of moulded fiber packaging material. Moulded fiber material is made from recycled material such as newsprint or paperboard. On the basis of moulds used during manufacturing process, thickness of packaging and application, moulded fiber/ pulp packaging can be classified into four types which are transfer moulded, thick wall, processed and thermoformed. Transfer moulded type is used to in electronic consumer products packaging and egg trays and cartons.Browse Market Research Report @Thick wall type is used in packaging of heavy and non-fragile items. Processed type are customised moulded fiber/ pulp with special additives or slurry ingredients. In May 2016, HUHTAMAKI GROUP, a Finland based company expanded its production facility in Ivanteevka, Russia. The expansion included new production unit, warehouse and improvement of infrastructure. With this expansion, the company claims to meet the increasing demand for packaging in growing egg market in the region. Carlsberg, a Denmark based brewing company has entered into partnership with ecoXpac A/S, a Denmark based packaging product manufacturer to develop eco-friendly, biodegradable moulded fiber/ pulp based bottles.Moulded Fiber/ Pulp Packaging Market: Drivers and RestraintsMoulded fiber/ pulp packaging is cost saving alternative as compared to other packaging types, which is the major driver for the growth of global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market. The other advantages of this packaging type is that it is more durable under humid and high temperature conditions. The vibration absorption capability of moulded fiber/ pulp packaging is also better as compared to other packaging types. The ease of handling moulded fiber/ pulp packed product and environment friendly material has led to its use as plastic alternative, which is anticipated to boost the growth of global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market. Stringent regulations and the increasing emphasis for sustainable development by food and beverage and consumer product manufacturers is anticipated to drive the growth of global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market.Fill the form to gain deeper insights on this market @Moulded Fiber/ Pulp Packaging Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, the global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market can be segmented as follows:-Transfer MouldedThick WallProcessedThermoformed/ Thin WallOn the basis of packaging type, the global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market can be segmented as follows:-TraysEdge Protectors/ End CapsClamshellsRoll CradlesOn the basis of end use sector, the global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market can be segmented as follows:-Beverage IndustryRetail and Consumer Products IndustryMoulded Fiber/ Pulp Packaging Market: Region Wise OutlookThe global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market can be divided into five regions, namely North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC) and Middle East & Africa (MEA). APAC accounts for major share in moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market owing to the rise in demand for recyclable plastic alternatives for packaging. The growth of e-commerce retail sales also contributes to the growth of moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market in the region. APAC is followed by North America in terms of market share in global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market. This is attributed to the well-established food processing industry in the region and increasing sales through modern trade stores and packed food items. Europe moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market is expected to register high CAGR over the forecast period due to increasing sustainable packaging industry in the region.Moulded Fiber/ Pulp Packaging Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in the global moulded fiber/ pulp packaging market are as follows:HUHTAMAKI GROUPUFP Technologies, Inc.Henry Molded Products Inc.The Haddy CompaniesMoulded Fibre Products Ltd.KEIDING INC.Brodrene Hartmann A/SEnviroPAKBerkley InternationalHeracles Packaging Co. S.A.Footprint, LLCAbout 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:
Plastic Meal Tray Market - Advanced technologies & growth opportunities in global Industry
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Today increasing number of restraints, convenience stores, food suppliers, caterers and other food suppliers including online food delivery services find advantages when they switch from traditional paperboard, Styrofoam and aluminum material trays to plastic trays. Few major cities in USA has already banned the use of Styrofoam because of their disposable problem and it is very difficult to recycle them. Many food industry players are searching for alternative for Styrofoam packaging. Plastic meal trays are the solution for them. These kind of plastic meal tray also allows vacuum and gas packaging. It is now becoming a widely excepted product because of its benefits such as easy to seal and it allows vacuum and gas packaging.Obtain Report Details @Due to socio-economic advancement all over the world and changing lifestyle, ready and packed meals has become a widespread solution for modern people. This is acting as one the important driver for plastic meal tray market. Demand for readily available fresh food, frozen food, dry fruits etc. is also driving plastic meal tray market. Attractive visual appearance and convenience to use are additional aspects which are expected to drive the plastic meal tray market. Moreover because of its environmental benefits recyclable plastic meal trays it is being used in college, schools and office canteens extensively. The plastic meal tray market is driven by the trend of shifting interest of consumers towards processed and specialty food. High raw material cost in less developed countries can act as restraint for this plastic meal tray market.Introduction of more eco-friendly tray material like sugar cane or bagasse trays may act a threat to this plastic meal tray market.For more information on this report, fill the form @Based on the type of plastic used the plastic meal tray market is segmented into:PolypropyleneCPETOthers (RePET, HIPS, HDPE and APET)Based on the application the plastic meal tray market is segmented into:Cold and Frozen foodPrepared foods (hot) and ready to eat mealsKosher mealsIn terms of geography, the plastic meal tray market has been divided in to five key regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The plastic meal tray market is expected to register healthy CAGR during the forecast period. North America is anticipated to be the dominant market for plastic meal tray market followed by Asia Pacific and Europe. The market in Asia-Pacific region is expected to grow at highest CAGR over the forecast period. Countries with more population like China, India, USA etc. are likely to provide abundant opportunities for the growth of the plastic meal tray market.Some of the key players in the plastic meal tray market are Food Packaging (GREENDALE), Sonoco Products, Pactiv LLC, Cambro etc.About TMRTMR is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Contact TMR90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Liquid Packaging Market - Increased Consumption of Convenient Foods and Beverages, Key Trends By 2024
Liquid Packaging Market
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The global market for liquid packaging is chiefly benefitting from the rising consumer preference to packaged, semisolid foods and beverages. Changing lifestyles of consumers, the increased consumption of convenient foods and beverages among busy urban populace, and the rising demand for environment-friendly products are some of the key trends influencing the market significantly at present.The market caters to industries such as food and beverages, pharmaceutical, and consumer goods. With starkly different requirements in terms of features expected from the packaging material across these industries, the market has witnessed significant advancements in terms of materials, packaging technologies, and packaging design. The use of a variety of plastics has significantly increased in the past few years owing to their flexibility, low-weight, and low cost of production and transportation. However, the consumer is steadily shifting from plastics due to their environmentally harmful nature to relatively safer options such as paper and glass.Browse Market Research Report @Global Liquid Packaging Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type of packaging, the global market for liquid packaging has been examined in the report for varieties such as rigid packaging and flexible packaging. Of these, the segment of flexible packaging is the more preferred one, chiefly owing to the added level of convenience offered by flexible packaging options in terms of storage and transportation. Rigid packaging, apart from losing on the convenience part, is also less preferred owing to the high costs it entails.On the basis of plastic films used to manufacture liquid packaging products, the report examines varieties such as linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE), biaxially oriented polypropylene film (BOPP), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polyethylene (PE). Of these, PP and PET films are the most preferred in the global market owing to their low weight and relatively low costs of production and transportation. These segments are also expected to retain dominance in the next few years. Based on the technique of packaging, the global liquid packaging market has been examined in the report for blow molding technology, aseptic liquid packaging technology, and form-fill seal technology.For more information on this report, fill the form @Global Liquid Packaging Market: Geographical Analysis Competitive DynamicsFrom a geographical viewpoint, the global liquid packaging market has been examined for regions such as North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa, and Europe. Of these, the market in Asia Pacific is presently the leading contributor to the revenue of the global market and is expected to retain dominance owing to the thriving food and beverages and pharmaceutical industries. The market in Europe is expected to witness growth at a moderate pace, wherein the matured North America market is expected to lead towards stagnancy, presenting scope for fewer new growth opportunities in the near future.Global Liquid Packaging Market: Competitive DynamicsThe market features a large number of companies operating in a highly competitive environment. Rising awareness regarding the threats of plastic waste to the environment are bringing about a dynamic change in consumer perspective about packaging materials and is leading to a steady shift from plastics to biodegradable products. As a result, attempts at research and discovery of environmentally-neutral alternatives are gaining pace. This could threaten the leadership of companies primarily boasting plastic-products in their offerings while companies with innovative and sustainable products are expected to gain consumer backing.Some of the leading companies operating in the global liquid packaging market are The Dow Chemical Company, Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd, Comar LLC, Smurfit Kappa Group, Liqui-Box Corporation, Mondi Plc, Sidel International AG, Tri-Wall Limited, International Paper Company, Evergreen Packaging, Tetra Pak International S.A., Elopak Group, and BillerudKorsnas AB.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The companys exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insights for decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.TMRs data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With extensive research and analysis capabilities, TMR employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques to develop distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Visit Blog:
Membrane Separation Market Will Amass $39.2 Billion by 2019
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Persistence Market Research Released New Market Report on Global Market Study on Membrane Separation: Water & Waste Water Segment to Witness Highest Growth by 2019, the global membrane separation market was valued at USD 19.0 billion in 2012 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.8% from 2013 to 2019, to reach an estimated value of USD 39.2 billion in 2019.Mandatory government regulation and increasing demand for clean processed drinking water is propelling the water processing industry to provide the public with clean processed drinking water free of impurity. Providing growth opportunity for water treatment industry among which, Membrane separation technology is one of the most popular methods used for cleaning water. Mandatory adherence of certain environmental standards by the national government such as the Clean Water Act especially in areas with water scarcity have influenced the demand for better water treatment technology, including membrane separation technology. Shifting from chemical to physical treatments of water is also a major driver as chemical treatments are perceived as an environmentally unclean technology with associated disposal costs. Additional awareness of water scarcity has influenced the demand for water reuse in water stressed areas.Request to view table of content @Governments and municipal authorities are increasingly waking up to the effects of environmental degradation on the economy. Worldwide industrial expansion and growing population are propelling the demand for better water treatment technology, providing growth opportunity for the global market of membrane separation technology. Additionally, the oil and petroleum industry is well established in the gulf and European countries such as Italy and Germany which involve membrane separation technology for liquid separation. Expansion of such industry is expected to increase the overall demand for membrane separation technology. Membrane separation technology is bifurcated into four major processes, microfiltration, ultrafiltration, nanofiltration and reverse osmosis. Microfiltration dominates the market with more than 35% global market share in 2012. Whereas water & wastewater dominates the end-user market with 36% global market shares in 2012. The global membrane separation market grew from USD 19.0 billion in 2010 to USD 21.2 billion in 2013.A sample of this report is available upon request @European membrane market (largest in 2013) is expected to reach USD 13.8 billion in 2019, growing at a CAGR of 9.6%. In 2012 water & wastewater sector was the major end-user of membrane separation technology and is expected to increase at a CAGR of 11.1% during 2013-19. The membrane separation market is fragmented with several players in the market supplying membrane separation products to the end-users (water and wastewater, industrial and healthcare) in the market. Most of the companies produce different types of membrane products such as microfiltration, nanofiltration, ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis and sell them globally. Major companies operating globally and manufacturing all four products are Evoqua Water Technologies, Pall Corporation, Koch Membrane Systems Inc., Merck Millipore, Degremont SA, Dow Chemical Company, GEA Filtration, 3M Company, Nitto Denko Corporation and Veolia Environnement.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey Market 2017 - Yutong, King Long, Zhong Tong, Nanjing Gold Dragon, BYD
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Global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey Industry 2017 presents an executive level blueprint of the global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market. This is an analytical research report that delves into evaluating the dynamics of the global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market drawing reference to the key trends shaping the supply-chain pattern of the industry. To study the exhaustive information sourced from detailed primary and secondary research, the analysts of the report have used industry leading analytical tools such as SWOT analysis and Porters five forces. The observation made from the analysis not only helps analysts to compile a comprehensive report on the global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market, but the same also assists them to understand the prevailing competitive landscape of the market.Get Free Report Sample @For a study to be beneficial for stakeholders, it should constitute a detailed research on the market competitiveness. For the purpose of the same, the research report profiles the leading and prominent players in the Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market. Information pertaining to key strategies adopted by these companies has been obtained from their respective financial reports, and a meticulous study on the market trends that has impacted their plan of action. Results achieved from the strategies is analyzed thoroughly in the report to update stakeholders about the trends impacting the market. Key findings of the report on the global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market will also help companies operating in the market to identify the growth opportunities to propel their operations.To provide a comprehensive report of the global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market, the study has segmented it on the basis of product types, applications, end-use industries, and geography. The leading geographic segments is identified in the report, which also studies the prospects exhibited by the emerging regional markets. With an aim of presenting a 360 degree overview of the market, the report studies the growth drivers, market restraints, and opportunities in detail. Based on in-depth study, the report presents refined growth forecasts for the Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market.Browse Full Report @An exhaustive qualitative review of the factors accelerating and restraining the growth of the Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market and approaching opportunities has been deployed. The Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market has been analyzed based on applications, geographic distribution, and the substantial factors accountable for the rising demand of the Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market globally have been detailed in this report. The report covers the global Electric Bus Market Professional Survey market right from its definition to the numerous categorizations of the market as well as its key end-use applications.The elementary weaknesses and strengths of the leading vendors coupled with the rate of growth for each of the segments of the Electric Bus Market Professional Survey worldwide market have been conferred after a complete analysis of past and prospective trends, regulatory needs, and technological innovations.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales ManagerPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Global Paints and Coatings Market Value to Increase to $176.5 Billion by 2020
Paints and Coatings Market, Paints and Coatings, Paints and Coating Market
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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Paints and Coatings: Industrial Paints and Coatings to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, the global paints and coatings market was worth USD 121.9 billion in 2013 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.5% during 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 176.5 billion in 2020.For more information visit @With urbanization, the world is becoming a more sophisticated place with the growing need for greater comfort. The paints and coatings market has been benefitting due to these developments in personal and non-personal spaces. The increasing global population and the growing number of nuclear families escalate the demand for new houses every year, which in turn creates demand for paints and coatings. The increasing market for consumer goods and automobiles is also propelling the growth of the paints and coatings market.Based on end-use, the paints and coatings market is segmented into three categories: architectural and decorative; industrial; and marine. Architectural and decorative paints and coatings can be further segmented into water-based and solvent-based. Similarly, industrial paints and coatings can be classified into water-based, solvent-based, powder, and UV-based.Architectural and decorative paints and coatings are used mainly applied on interior and exterior walls of houses and corporate buildings. Based on their formulation, there are basically two types of architectural and decorative paints and coatings: water-based and solvent-based. Based on type, architectural and decorative paints and coatings paints are mainly classified into emulsions and distempers. Distempers are costlier than emulsions and account for lesser market share as compared to emulsions.Industrial paints and coatings are used by several industries, including machinery manufacturing, automotive, and consumer goods. Based on their formulation, industrial paints and coatings can be segmented into four categories: water-based, solvent-based, powder, and UV-based.According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis (U.S. Department of Commerce), the durable goods industry grew from USD 958.7 billion in 2010 to USD 1096.4 billion in 2013. The construction industry in the country grew from USD 539.1 billion in 2010 to USD 611.4 billion in 2013. Fabricated metal products industry accounted for USD 120.6 billion in 2010 which increased to reach USD 134.1 billion in 2012. The wood products industry reached USD 23.8 billion in 2012 from USD 22.1 billion in 2010. The growth of these industries is fuelling the growth of the paints and coatings market.Request to view Table of Content @Several European economies recorded negative GDPs during the Euro-Zone crisis. Italy and Spain have been the biggest victims of this crisis. However, the European economies are improving and consumers are gaining confidence once more, which is a positive sign for consumer-related industries. The negative effect of the economic crisis also impacted the European paints and coatings market; however, the industry is recovering and is expected to gain momentum by 2020.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @The global paints and coatings industry has moderate degree of competition; however, the industry is moving towards consolidation through large number of mergers and acquisitions taking place in the recent years. Some of the major paints and coatings companies include AkzoNobel N.V., PPG Industries, The Sherwin-Williams Company, RPM International, Valspar Corporation, and Kansai Paint Company.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Shavers Market Will Amass $30 Billion by 2020
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The key players in the global shavers market include Panasonic Corporation, Conair Corporation, Koninklijke Philips N.V., The Procter & Gamble Company, Energizer Holdings, Inc., Spectrum Brands Holdings, Inc., Wahl Clipper Corporation, Super-Max Group, and SOCIETE BIC.The global shavers market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 7.9% during the period 2015-2020 and reach a valuation of US$ 30 Bn by 2020, according to a new research titled, Global Market Study on Shavers: Latin America to Witness Highest Growth by 2020 by Persistence Market Research (PMR).Focus on personal grooming is one of the key drivers for the global shavers market. Emphasis on clean-shaven look among men in urban areas is creating demand for shaving products.The global shavers market is also fuelled by the increasing trend of body hair removal among women. Shaving is an economical method of removing body hair as compared to waxing. PMR estimates this trend to fuel the shavers market during the forecast period.One of the key restraints for the shavers market is the recent trend of sporting facial hair. Whether it is a moustache, stubble or full-grown beard, men are expressing themselves through their facial hair. PMR opines that this trend can adversely impact the prospects of the shavers market during the forecast period. Low adoption of shavers by women in developing countries can also pose challenges for the global shavers market.On the basis of product type, the global shavers market is broadly segmented into electric and non-electric. Non-electric shavers account for the bulk of the demand for shavers globally. The non-electric shaver segment had a share of 73.6% in 2014, which is anticipated to increase to 79.9% by 2020.The non-electric shaver is further sub segmented into blades & accessories, safety razors, and cartridge razors. Blades & accessories dominated the non-electric shaver segment in 2014, and it is anticipated to remain the most dominant segment through 2020 as well. PMR estimates blades and accessories sub-segment to be worth US$ 10.8 Bn by 2020.Electric shavers accounted for a market share of 26.4% in 2014, however, due to the high cost of electric shavers, it is anticipated that this segment will lose some of its market share to non-electric segment.On the basis of end-users, the global shavers market is broadly segmented into male and female. Shaving products are predominantly used by males, and this segment was worth US$ 16.1 Bn in 2014. PMR estimates this segment to expand at a CAGR of 7.5% through 2020 and reach a valuation of US$ 24.6 Bn. The female segment, on the other hand, is projected to expand at a CAGR of 9.8%. This is due to the growing inclination among females towards shaving various body parts, such as legs and armpits.Latin America is anticipated to be the most lucrative region for the global shavers market in terms of compound annual growth rate. The shavers market in Latin America is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 17% through 2020 and reach a valuation of US$ 10.8 Bn. Latin Americas market share, which was around 22% in 2014, is anticipated to increase to 36.2% by 2020. Robust demand for shaving products from Brazil is driving the shavers market in Latin America.Request to view table of content @Europe is the most lucrative market for the global shavers market in terms of market value. The shavers market in Europe is anticipated to be worth US$ 8.1 Bn by 2020. Other key regions include North America and Asia Pacific.A sample of this report is available upon request @On the basis of distribution channel, the shavers market is segmented into supermarkets and hypermarkets, online retail, and others (drugstores, beauty specialists, and department stores). The others segment is the dominant distribution channel for shavers market and it accounted for 68.7% market share in 2014. Owing to the proliferation of smartphones and attractive offers, the online retail segment is anticipated to witness the fastest CAGR of 12.5%.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @The final report customized as per your specific requirement will be sent to your e-mail id within 7-20 days, depending on the scope of the report.For more information, please e-mail us at sales@persistencemarketresearch.comAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Behenyl Alcohol Market is Estimated to be Valued at 54,200.9 Metric Tons by 2021
Behenyl Alcohol Market, Behenyl Alcohol
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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.For more information visit @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.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 @By application type, the behenyl alcohol market is segmented into emollients, emulsifiers, thickeners and others. The emollients segment is expected to dominate the overall behenyl alcohol market by the end of the forecast period, i.e. by 2021. The segment is projected to register an above average growth rate over the forecast period. Global consumption of emollients stood at 130,000 metric tons in 2014. Consumption of behenyl alcohol as an ingredient in emollients accounted for a significant proportion of the total emollients consumed globally.Key market participants covered in the report include BASF SE, Kao Corporation, VVF Chemicals Limited, Godrej Industries Ltd., Sasol Ltd. and Nikko Chemicals Co., Ltd.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated research, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Consumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs engagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA - Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Wireless Charging Market Likely to Register US$ 27 Billion by 2024
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As we head towards an era where wires wont necessarily be a requisite for powering up devices, tech companies from around the world are intensifying their efforts towards production of advanced and immaculate wireless charging systems. Innovative technologies supporting the working mechanism of wireless charging devices is also piquing the curiosity of tech enthusiasts as well as common consumers. From green vehicles to smartphones, Persistence Market Research has published its research study on how wireless charging is spanning the globe as the next-gen mode of charging electric devices.Request to view table of content @The report further reveals the significance of components in driving the sales of wireless charging devices. Considering that wireless charging systems will eventually put an end to wired chargers, the components used in such systems will play an instrumental role in shaping up the future of wireless charging. Much like today, the feature of charging multiple devices at same time will continue to trend in the long run. In the global market for wireless charging, components used as power transmitters will garner a dominant position. In 2017 and beyond, transmitters are expected to account for more than three-fourth of global wireless charging revenues. Nevertheless, surplus power transmission will necessitate the use of advanced receiver components revenues from which are projected soar at highest CAGR of 35.2%.A key challenge faced by manufacturers of wireless charging systems hovers around the selection of suitable charging technology to assure compatibility with all electronic devices in the world. Availability of diverse electric devices brings uncertainty over expanding product portfolio of wireless charging systems. Research findings compiled in the report suggest that consumers of wireless charging devices are growing more inclined towards devices that use resonance charging technology. After accounting more than US$ 800 million revenues in 2016, the resonance charging technology will continue dominating the global wireless charging market by procuring nearly 40% value share through 2024. The global demand for inductive charging technology will incur a major downtrend, while revenues accounted by radio frequency (RF) charging technology will soar at nearly 40% CAGR during the projected period.While every other wireless charging device sold in the world will be used for powering smartphones, tablets, laptops and other consumer electronics, the report projects a lucrative growth for automotive application of wireless charging systems. During the forecast period, revenues procured from sales of wireless charging devices in the global automotive industry will be elevated at a staggering 42.1% CAGR. Rampant sales of electric vehicles will be factoring this growth, making automotive the most favorable application of wireless charging. Additionally, complications and hazards arising from wired power cables in manufacturing plants will also propel the demand for wireless charging in industrial applications. Through 2024, more than US$ 5 billion worth of wireless charging devices are likely to be consumed by industries across the globe.Additional Highlights of the Report include:-Asia-Pacific will be the largest consumer of wireless charging systems in the world-Sales of wireless charging devices in North America and Europe will procure more than 60% of global revenues throughout the forecast period-Tech giant, Apple Inc., recently made the news for joining the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC) to be a part of the global organization that develops widely-used wireless charging standard for smartphones and other electronic devices-The report has profiled similar tech companies that are partaking in the growth of global wireless charging market, which include Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., Texas Instruments, Inc., Leggett & Platt, Inc., Energized Holdings, Inc., Integrated Device Technology, Inc., WiTricity Corporation, ConvenientPower HK Limited, PowerbyPoxi, and Powermat Technologies Ltd.Buy Now: You can now buy a single user license of the report @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.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
Ginseng Extract Market by Type, Application - Forecast to 2022
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Ginseng Extract Market report provides detailed analysis of worldwide markets for Ginseng Extract from 2011, and provides extensive market forecasts (2022) by region/country and subsectors. It covers the key technological and market trends in the Induction Stove market and further lays out an analysis of the factors influencing the supply/demand for Induction Stove, and the opportunities/challenges faced by industry participants.Ginseng is a plant characterized by a fleshy root and a single stalk with green oval-shaped leaves. It is a perennial plant that can live more than a century. Ginseng is typically derived from the root of this plant. As an herbal supplement, the extract has long been prized for its reputation of having anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and antioxidant properties. It is also used in the homeopathic treatment of conditions, including depression, stress, low libido, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).Request a sample copy of Ginseng Extract Market Research Report @Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Ginseng Extract 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 coversBoots, Orkla Health, Pharmaton, Allcura Naturheilmittel GmbH, Ginsana, NATURE ESSENTIAL, Oxford Vitality, Ortis, Vitastore, Elemis, Molinari, Erborian, Others.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, coversCappsuleTabletPowderOtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPharma & HealthcareCosmetic & Skin CareFood & Feed AdditivesOthersThe listed pricing for this Ginseng Extract market report starts at US $3480. Request Discount for Ginseng Extract Industry Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Ginseng Extract market.Chapter 1, to describe Ginseng Extract Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Ginseng Extract, with sales, revenue, and price of Ginseng Extract, 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 Ginseng Extract, 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, Ginseng Extract market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Ginseng Extract sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceBrowse full table of contents and data tables For Ginseng Extract Report @Related Reports: -Global Disposable Laparoscopic Trocar Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022A trocar is a medical device that provides access to the abdominal cavity during a laparoscopic procedure. Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure typically performed through 1-5 small incisions...Centralize 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:
Electronic Marketing eCourse for Businesses and Organizations
http://www.conceptsofelectronicmarketing.com
Understanding the value of electronic marketing for business or organizational purposes can be a daunting task. Therefore, on-line educator, Bradley Fowler, designed a dynamic, six-week, eCourse on Concepts of Electronic Marketing, to help eliminate this task.First, Learners will research declarative information from the course study material, Concept of Electronic Marketing and Internet Marketing; two dynamic technology instructional guides that instructs Learners, how to avoid the pitfalls of wasting on-line marketing budget funding; and optimize on-line marketing strategies to increase Web site visitors.Secondly, Learners will acquire hands-on training, developing strategic eMarketing plans, e-mail marketing messages, on-line press releases, and on-line articles.After all, Learners will utilize global search engines to effectively electronic market a brand person, product, or service; regionally, nationally, and internationally.In fact, on-line educator, Bradley Fowler, M.A./C.P., designed this eCourse, with the support of Learning Management System- Blackboard Coursesites, to help diminish concerns business and organizational leaders have about tackling the on-line marketing platform.Procedural activities and digital assessments, will enable Learners to gain clarity on the best concepts of electronic marketing, to achieve optimal on-line marketing performances that provide a return on their marketing investments.Learners will engage in discussion forums with Learners from around the world, who, too, share in the excitement of gaining knowledge and hands-on training in the practice of electronic marketing.To learn more about this exciting eLearning opportunity or to register, log on toInstructor BioBradley Fowler, M.A./C.P., earned a Master of Arts in Teaching and Learning with Technology specializing in On-line Educator from Ashford University College of Education, a Bachelor of Arts in eMarketing from Ashford University Forbes School of Business, Associate of Science in Computer Maintenance Technology from Penn Foster College; a Website Developer Career Diploma from Penn Foster Career School, and a Paralegal Certification from U.S. Career Institute. Bradley volunteered as Webmaster for the American Alliance for Paralegals, Inc., for two years, before attaining a contract to electronically market the Allen Maintenance Corporation brand name. He is a lifetime member of Golden Key International Honour Society; eLearning Guild; Internet Marketing Association, Webmaster Association, and National Cybersecurity Student Association. Currently, he is completing a second master degree in Science specializing in Cybersecurity.Construction EMarketing offers concepts of electronic marketing (i.e., emarketing planning, e-mail marketing, on-line press release development and sharing, and on-line article development and sharing); regionally, nationally, and internationally.4224 Dix Toledo HwyLincoln Park, MI 48146
Laser Processing Market - Forecasts From 2016 To 2021
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Knowledge Sourcing Intelligence announces its new report titled Laser Processing Market - Forecasts From 2016 To 2021.The report segments the laser processing market based on type (Gas Lasers, Liquid Laser, Solid Laser, and Others), configuration (Fixed Beam, Hybrid, Moving Beam, and Others), industry verticals(Aerospace and Defense, Automotive, Healthcare, Manufacturing, Construction, and Others), and geographical region (North America, South America, Europe Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific). Laser Processing Market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 7.59% to reach a total market size of US$12.208 billion by 2021.Major factor driving the laser processing market is increasing demand for lasers across diversified verticals such as healthcare, automotive among others. Other factors supplementing the market growth include the adoption of lasers for material processing, miniaturization of electronic devices and increasing demand for high-quality and genuine end products.Some of the major laser processing companies covered as part of the report are Trumpf Group, Lumentum Holdings, Coherent, IPG Photonics Corporation among others.Sample request or complete report can be purchased through the link below:Purchase directly by clicking:This 88 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 Type Gas Lasers Liquid Laser Solid Laser Otherso By Configuration Fixed Beam Hybrid Moving Beam Otherso By Industry Vertical Aerospace and Defense Automotive Healthcare Manufacturing Construction Otherso 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
Automotive Magnesium Alloy Market Estimated to Flourish by 2020
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Automotive Magnesium Alloy is light metal alloys use extensively in automobiles original equipment manufacturing (OEM). Magnesium alloys offers higher strength, high thermal stability, rigidity, higher specific strength, ductility and it is light in weight compare to aluminium and steel.Sample of this report is available upon request @Automotive magnesium alloy are used in various vehicles interior parts, body parts, and chassis such as in crank shaft, oil pumps, mounts, brackets, housings, cylinder crankcase, and radiator support or carrier magnesium alloys also improves the aero dynamic performance of the vehicle by reducing overall weight on the front of vehicles.On the basis of various applications, the global magnesium alloy market is categorize in four different segment namely, Chassis: brake bracket and bracket assembly, clutch pedal bracket, air bag housing, engine cradle or sub frame. Interior: seat base, console bracket, instrument panel, reinforcement, console support bracket, (anti breaking system) ABS Housing, steering wheel armature, lock housing, and actuator housing and retainer Exterior: sun roof cover, outside mirror armature, roof and frame, and wheel frame Powertrain: alternator bracket, valve cover, cam cover, and transfer caseIn past few years there has been a trend towards reducing the weight of the vehicles to enhance vehicle performance such as reduces acceleration or deceleration time. Magnesium alloys also reduce front weight of the vehicle which helps in better design specification such as centre of gravity and aero dynamics of the vehicle. Automobiles parts made of magnesium alloys offers reduce noise, reduce vibration and better scratch resistance properties compare to aluminium and steel.Inconsistent properties of magnesium alloys in High Pressure Die Cast (HPDC) parts, poor corrosion resistance properties of magnesium and the consumer perception that magnesium is a flammable is acting as the major challenge for the industries.Asia Pacific is the largest market of the magnesium alloys followed by Europe and North America China and Japan are the some of the leading market in the Asia Pacific. Germany and Italy are the largest automotive magnesium alloys market in Europe. The U.S. accounts for the largest market share in North America. Asia Pacific is the fasted growing market of automotive magnesium alloys attributed to the increasing annual vehicle production and increasing demand of luxury vehicle from class A consumers in this region.TOC of this report is available upon request @Some of the leading companies operating in global automotive magnesium alloy market include, Beijing Guangling Jinghua Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (Gonleer), Nanjing Yunhai Special Metals Co., Ltd., Meridian, STOLFIG, TAKATA, and Autoliv.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
Automotive Optoelectronic Market Size, Share, Analysis, Report and Forecast to 2022
http://www.strategymrc.com/report/automotive-optoelectronic-market
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According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Automotive Optoelectronics Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% during the forecast period. Growing demand for luxury cars from developing countries, rising implementation of automotive safety systems and rising production of automobiles are the key factors driving the market growth. On the other hand, Cost of LED has increased due to high cost of raw materials. Asia Pacific region to be the most attractive market owing to rising demand for luxury vehicles and increasing awareness of safety systems among customers.Some of the key players in the market include Autoliv Inc, Vishay Intertechnology,Osram Licht AG, FOSP Optoelectronics Co Ltd, Avago Technologies, Texas Instrument Inc, Sharp Corporation, OSI Optolectronics AS, Foryard Optolectronics Co, Koninklijke Philips N.V., Omnivision Technologies, Inc., Sony Corporation, General Electric, Toshiba Corporation and Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.For More, Please Visit:Application Covered: Convenience and safety Position sensors Backlight controlVehicle Type Covered: Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV) Passenger Vehicle Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)Channel Type Covered: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEMs) AftermarketProduct Covered:Image sensorsCharge-Coupled Devices (CCD) Image SensorVisible Spectrum Image SensorComplementary Metal-oxide Semiconductor (CMOS) Image SensorInvisible Spectrum Image SensorOptocouplersPhotodiodeSilicon Controlled Rectifier (SCR)Photo RelayPhototransistorLEDsOrganic LED (OLED)General LEDUltraviolet (UV) LEDLaser DiodesBlue Laser DiodeNear Infrared (NIR)Green Laser DiodeRed Laser DiodeInfrared (IR) componentInfrared (IR) DetectorInfrared Emitting Diode (IRED)Irda TransceiverOthersRegions 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 advancementsFor 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
CCTV Camera Market Size, Share, Analysis, Report and Forecast to 2022
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According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Closed Circuit Television market is poised to grow at a CAGR of 16.4% over the forecast period 2015 to 2022. Increasing terrorism and risk of crime are the key factors fueling the demand for closed circuit televisions which is further fostering the market growth. The Internet Protocol cameras will boost the growth of global closed circuit television camera market. Growing access of CCTVs in education, hospital and retail sectors are the major drivers boosting the market. One of the key challenges in closed circuit television market is the privacy issues. Asia Pacific commanded the largest market share of the global Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) camera followed by North America and Europe. India and China are anticipated to be the major markets in Asia Pacific.Some of the key players in the market include Samsung Techwin, Schneider Electric, Bosch security systems Inc, Baxawell, Axis Corporation, ADT fire and security, Toshiba Corporation, Checkpoint system, Mitsubishi Electric, Reliance, Vicon industries, Panasonic System Network Co., GE, Siemens and Honeywell International Inc.For More, Please Visit:Application Covered: Education sector Transport sectors Healthcare sector Retail sector Banking sector Other ApplicationsSurveillance Components Covered: Video surveillance software and analyticso Video serverso Video management systemo Video surveillance monitorso Intelligent video surveillance Camerao IP cameraso Analog Video surveillance storageo IP Sano Video recordero Network video recorderSystem Type Covered: Internet protocol (IP) Analog HybridStyle Type Covered: Discreet CCTV (Closed circuit television) camera Bullet CCTV (Closed circuit television) camera Traditional camera Dome CCTV (Closed circuit television) cameraRegions 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 advancementsFor 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
Global Fucoxanthin Market Capacity, Generation, Investment Trends, Regulations and Company Profiles report to 2017
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Worldwide Fucoxanthin market report of 2017 provides a detailed market overview as well as industry analysis for / of companies, manufacturers and distributors covering data on gross margin, cost structure, consumption value, sale price and more."Fucoxanthin is a xanthophyll, with the molecular formula of C42H58O6 and CAS number 3351-86-8. It is found as an accessory pigment in the chloroplasts of brown algae and most other heterokonts, giving them a brown or olive-green color. Fucoxanthin absorbs light primarily in the blue-green to yellow-green part of the visible spectrum, peaking at around 510-525 nm by various estimates and absorbing significantly in the range of 450 to 540 nm.Fucoxanthin is being looked into for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and anti-cancer effects."Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Fucoxanthin 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.Global Fucoxanthin Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversOryza Oil&Fat ChemicalPoliNatAmicogenNutraceuticalsYigeda Bio-TechnologyCiyuan BiotechTianhong BiotechRequest a sample copy of Global Fucoxanthin Market Research Report @Global Fucoxanthin 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), South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia etc.), Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Global Fucoxanthin Market Segment by Type, coversHPLC seriesUV seriesThe listed pricing for this Global Fucoxanthin Market report starts at $ 4880. Request Discount for Global Fucoxanthin Market Research Report @Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoFood IndustryCosmetic IndustryOtherBrowse full table of contents and data tables For Global Fucoxanthin Market Report @Related Reports: -2016 Global Interventional Cardiology & Peripheral Vascular Devices Market Status, 2011-2022 Market Historical and Forecasts, Professional Market Research ReportThis New Version Interventional Cardiology & Peripheral Vascular Devices Market Research Report is a deep market research report in this market.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:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Liposuction Of The Face And Neck
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History Of The ProcedureThe lipoplasty has evolved over many years where initially there was a direct excision of unsightly fat pads combined with the superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) facelift. To remove the fat, it was done through the submental and postauricular rhytidectomy incisions or sometimes the excess ptotic fat and skin were removed by direct excision from jowls and wattles, but this technique was diminished as it was technically challenging to remove the subcutaneous fat deposited in evenly manner, and after results produced uneven skin contour.This direct excision also left behind long visible scars which were pre-disposed to central depression and post-operative uneven skin contour formation which gave a unsatisfactory results. Sometimes it also had neck fat accumulations in many cases producing marks discrepancy in the after results appearance of the upper face compared with the lower face and neck.The introduction of refined techniques for liposuction in addition to platysma plication and surgical tightening of excess neck skin was done in the past 20- 25 years which has given the facial plastic surgeon the absolute ability to provide improved contour and cervicomental angle definition. The techniques of Lipocontouring is now accepted as a part of facial aesthetic surgery practices as because of its versatility of the procedure, either used alone or in combination with any malar and chin implants, rhytidectomy, genioplasty and other additional facial plastic procedures to achieve the excellent results with minimal hidden scars, morbidity, technical ease and recovery time has helped to popularize its use. More recently, the fats are injected into the treatable area to provide fullness to sculpt look.ProblemOther adjunctive facial plastic procedures and traditional rhytidectomy addresses the tissue laxity which enhances the appearance of the bony framework and can prevent precise draping of the skin by the maldistribution of subcutaneous fat deposits. But in Lipocontouring only provides means to shape neck and face fat deposited to achieve the desired aesthetic facial profile.EpidemiologyNearly 10 million cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures were performed in 2009 where the minimal invasive techniques allowed for quicker recuperation. The procedures were said to be minimal due to small incisions made which has minimal morbidity and recuperation time providing consistent lasting improvements in the facial profile. The cervicofacial liposuction gained popularity because it can be performed alone or in combination with rhytidectomy and other adjunctive facial plastic procedures.IndicationsThere are no such absolute indications for liposuction for head and neck region but patients can undergo this desired type of aesthetic surgery for variety of region, where surgeons and patients agree to undergo the facial surgery to correct the deformity.Harley Body Clinic specializes in all types of Body contouring procedure with a team of excellent board certified surgeons. To know more about us, visit our website soonHarley Body Clinic(Subsidiary of Harley Cosmetic Group)61 Harley StreetLondon W1G 8QU
Sun Windows Technologies Demonstrates Versatility of Sun Windows Technologies Electricity-Generating Coatings
The compatibility of Sun Windows Technologies (sun-windows.com) with a variety of active layer materials provides the Company a path for future development of additional products and innovationsSun Windows Technologies, a pioneer in the development of photovoltaic energy, specializing in development, financing and administration, construction, operation, maintenance and consulting, today announced that the company has achieved compatibility of the Sun Windows Technologies architecture with a variety of active layer electricity-generating coatings. In organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices, the active layer plays a critical role in determining a number of key properties of the device, including color, amount of visible light transmission (VLT), wavelength response, and power production.The compatibility of Sun Windows Technologies with a variety of active layer materials ensures we can give building engineers, architects and end-users alike, the flexibility to choose the color and power output that meets building power offsetting requirements, said Mr. Liang B. Xiulian, President and CEO of Sun Windows Technologies. These choices are critical to ensuring market adoption, as every building is unique, with different aesthetic characteristics.Sun Windows Technologies has established itself as a versatile platform for the eventual commercialization of a range of products. With different active layer electricity-generating coatings, Sun Windows Technologies products may be manufactured with a variety of colors, levels of VLT, wavelength response, and power production, adapting to different building characteristics, such as color, power production, and energy offsetting requirements.The device architecture fabrication process for Sun Windows Technologies coatings remains unchanged, thus allowing a single assembly line to produce a variety of active layers and color options for applications on window, plastic and other substrate products. Combined with the low-temperature, high-throughput, solution-based manufacturing techniques used by Sun Windows Technologies, this enables the Company to remain focused on low-cost fabrication processes for a wide range of products.About Sun Windows TechnologiesSun Windows Technologies is a Shanghai based developer and operator of utility-scale photovoltaic solutions. It vertically integrates all the necessary components for a successful solar plant and photovoltaic windows. Our main focus are solar windows, solar fields and industrial roof solar installations. Sun Windows Technologies has created one of the industrys most respected portfolios, with hundreds of patents encompassing materials, processes, applications, products, manufacturing automation and equipment. Sun Windows Technologies is a pioneer in the development of solar photovoltaic energy, specializing in development, financing and administration, construction, operation, maintenance and consulting.Shanghai World Financial Center, 100 Century Avenue, 200120, ShanghaiChina
Mobile Conveyor- Manufacturers & Suppliers
http://technovisionengrs.com/contact.php
http://technovisionengrs.com
Technovision Engineers Pvt. Ltd. are a leading Manufacturer of Mobile Conveyor from Pune, India.The excellence of our organization lies in offering Portable Mobile Conveyor to our clients.We are one of the most popular type of material handling equipments .There is an excellent range of this conveyor available with us.These are versatile, reliable industrial conveyors light in weight for easy movability.These conveyors are endless belt made of PU, rubber,Plastic,moduller or PVC as per the requirement of material to be handled. This belt traverses between two or more pulleys and supported by idler rolls or slider bed.These conveyors find excellent use in flour mills,warehouses, sugar industries,fmcg,distilleries, chemical industries, food grains storages etc. where bulk quantities of bags, boxes are to conveyed for loading/unloading into trucks, containers or stacking/ de-stacking in warehouses. Mobile belt conveyors can move materials at variable speed or constant speed as per the client requirement. Mobile belt conveyors include flat belt, trough belt and metal/wooden slat stacker conveyors.Do Enquiry before buying:About UsTEPL is one of the leading manufacturer of material handling equipments. The core focus of the company lies in superior quality and excellent customer service. With expertise in the industry and constant innovation in the industry, the company also undertakes turnkey projects with design, manufacturing, supply, erection and commissioning activities. The company is one of the front runners in Lean Manufacturing Solutions in India with an ISO 9001-2008 certification. The production house has the capability to conduct in-house R & D and the company possesses exceptional talent for designing in terms of manpower, knowledge and technology. The company owns two manufacturing set-ups and total area of 28000 sq. ft. with all manufacturing and design equipments. TEPL is known to deliver state of the art contemporary designs with their range of material handling equipments.Contact UsTechnovision Engineers Private LimitedGat No. 1559-1560,Dehu Alandi Road, Shelarvasti, ChikaliPune, Maharashtra- 412114, IndiaPhone- 020- 66346500 / 66346502Email- contactus@technovisionengrs.comWebsite-
Roller Conveyors Manufacturers & Suppliers
http://technovisionengrs.com/roller-conveyors.php
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http://technovisionengrs.com
Technovision Engineers PVT. LTD. is one of the well-established manufacturer and supplier of Roller Conveyors.Roller conveyors are used to convey products which have defined shape, like, pallets, cartons, boxes, etc.This type of conveyors are used for Light, Medium & Heavy Duty applications.Each Roller is machined from ERW pipe & provided with bearings at both the ends & a stationary shaft.This shaft is bolted onto the frame of the conveyor.These conveyors are modular in construction & Frames are manufactured in Modules of 2500 MM.Read More:Rollers can be supplied in MS Galvanized, MS Chrome Plated, SS 304 or SS 316. MOC for the conveyors is MS-Powder coated, SS 304 or SS 316.Roller diameter, Roller Pitch & Roller width is designed as per load & application requirements.Roller conveyors are classified into 2 types :I) Gravity type Roller ConveyorII) Powerised Roller conveyorApplication:Widely used for handling of unit loads, high-volume materials. There are two types of Roller Conveyors: One is Gravity type Roller Conveyor which requires no operational external power, another is Powerised Roller conveyor which is provided with electrical motor for its operation.Gravity roller conveyors are a very economical and versatile form of conveyance and have many applications.Do Enquiry before buying:About UsTEPL is one of the leading manufacturer of material handling equipments. The core focus of the company lies in superior quality and excellent customer service. With expertise in the industry and constant innovation in the industry, the company also undertakes turnkey projects with design, manufacturing, supply, erection and commissioning activities. The company is one of the front runners in Lean Manufacturing Solutions in India with an ISO 9001-2008 certification. The production house has the capability to conduct in-house R & D and the company possesses exceptional talent for designing in terms of manpower, knowledge and technology. The company owns two manufacturing set-ups and total area of 28000 sq. ft. with all manufacturing and design equipments. TEPL is known to deliver state of the art contemporary designs with their range of material handling equipments.Contact UsTechnovision Engineers Private LimitedGat No. 1559-1560,Dehu Alandi Road, Shelarvasti, ChikaliPune, Maharashtra- 412114, IndiaPhone- 020- 66346500 / 66346502Email- contactus@technovisionengrs.comWebsite-
Global Ethernet Switch Chips Industry 2016 Market Research Report
Market Research Reports
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Ethernet Switch Chips Industry 2016 Market Research Report to its huge collection of research reports.The global Ethernet Switch Chips market research report is a thorough analysis of the Ethernet Switch Chips industry on the whole, while it digs deep into the most decisive and routine growth factors and restraints followed by key market opportunities. Both seasoned stakeholders and new entrants in the international Ethernet Switch Chips market can benefit from the crucial insights presented in the report and find answers to the challenges they are faced with in the current and future scenario. The market intelligence solution offered in the form of this report looks to unveil vital conclusive information and key perspectives for the interested parties to capitalize on to ensure a lasting success in their individual Ethernet Switch Chips sectors.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @With a meticulously interpreted growth trajectory of the global Ethernet Switch Chips market for the forecast period 2016 to 2021, our adept analysts have offered a determining evaluation of the present and future market situation. Report buyers are facilitated with critical opinions about the Ethernet Switch Chips market to get to the bottom of the paradigm shift of consumer preference. In this regard, the analysts have compiled salient observations, radical data, and chief underlying aspects of the Ethernet Switch Chips market.The report endeavors to offer a 360-degree analysis of the global Ethernet Switch Chips market on the back of an insightful study of the prevailing demand and supply trends, important fiscal statistics of major players sustaining in the market, and the influence of latest economic advancements on the market. Developments in each geographical region is charted using authentic historical data with a view to help gauge the future trajectory of the market across the globe.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Ethernet Switch Chips1.1 Definition and Specifications of Ethernet Switch Chips1.1.1 Definition of Ethernet Switch Chips1.1.2 Specifications of Ethernet Switch Chips1.2 Classification of Ethernet Switch Chips1.3 Applications of Ethernet Switch Chips1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Ethernet Switch Chips1.5 Industry Overview and Major Regions Status of Ethernet Switch Chips1.5.1 Industry Overview of Ethernet Switch Chips1.5.2 Global Major Regions Status of Ethernet Switch Chips1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips1.7 Industry News Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2.1 Raw Material Suppliers and Price Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2.2 Equipment Suppliers and Price Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2.4 Other Costs Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Ethernet Switch Chips3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Ethernet Switch Chips Major Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Ethernet Switch Chips Major Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Ethernet Switch Chips Major Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Ethernet Switch Chips Major Manufacturers in 2015List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Ethernet Switch ChipsTable Product Specifications of Ethernet Switch ChipsTable Classification of Ethernet Switch ChipsFigure Global Production Market Share of Ethernet Switch Chips by Types in 2015Table Applications of Ethernet Switch ChipsFigure Global Consumption Volume Market Share of Ethernet Switch Chips by Applications in 2015Figure Industry Chain Structure of Ethernet Switch ChipsTable Global Ethernet Switch Chips Major ManufacturersTable Global Major Regions Ethernet Switch Chips Development StatusTable Industry Policy of Ethernet Switch ChipsTable Industry News List of Ethernet Switch ChipsFor Latest Market Research Reports Visit @QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Latest Research Report: Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market 2006 to 2020 Americas
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Market Digest: Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market 2006 to 2020 - Americas" to its huge collection of research reports.GBI Researchs report, "Market Digest: Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market 2006 to 2020 Americas" provides quantitative analysis of the three aesthetic lasers and energy devices market segments: minimally invasive body contouring devices, non-invasive body contouring devices and laser resurfacing devices. The analysis includes market size data by revenue and volume over the 20062020 period for the following countries: US, Brazil, Mexico and Canada. It uses data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Researchs team of industry experts.Scope- Information on market size for the three aesthetic lasers and energy devices market segments: minimally invasive body contouring devices, non-invasive body contouring devices and laser resurfacing devices.- Annualized sales data by revenue for the 20062020 period and company share data by revenue for 2013- Annualized sales data by volume for the 20062020 period- Coverage of key geographies: US, Brazil, Mexico and CanadaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buy- Derive actionable insights from value-volume relationships- Analyze value-volume relationships and provide direction to marketing and sales strategies- Develop market-entry and market-expansion strategies- Identify the key players best positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the Americas marketTable of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 31.2 List of Figures 42 GBI Research Report Guidance 63 Definitions 63.1 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices 63.1.1 Laser Assisted Liposuction Devices 63.1.2 Radio Frequency Assisted Liposuction Devices 63.1.3 Ultrasound Assisted Liposuction Devices 63.1.4 Power Assisted Liposuction Devices 63.2 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices 63.2.1 High Intensity Focused Ultrasound Devices 63.2.2 Radio Frequency Energy Devices 63.3 Laser Resurfacing Devices 63.3.1 CO2 Laser Devices 63.3.2 Er:YAG Laser Devices 63.3.3 Q-Switched Laser Devices 64 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Americas, Revenue, 20062020 74.1 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Americas, Revenue ($m), 20062013 74.2 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Americas, Revenue ($m), 20132020 75 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, US, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 95.1 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20062013 95.2 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20132020 95.3 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market , US 105.3.1 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20062013 105.3.2 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20132020 105.3.3 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Volume (000), 20062013 115.3.4 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Volume (000), 20132020 115.4 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US 125.4.1 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20062013 125.4.2 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20132020 125.4.3 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Volume (000), 2006-2013 135.4.4 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, US, Volume (000), 2013-2020 135.5 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, US 145.5.1 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20062013 145.5.2 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20132020 145.5.3 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, US, Volume (000), 2006-2013 155.5.4 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, US, Volume (000), 2013-2020 155.6 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, US, Key Company Share by Revenue (%), 2013 166 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 186.1 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 186.2 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 186.3 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market , Brazil 196.3.1 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 196.3.2 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 196.3.3 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Volume (Units), 20062013 206.3.4 Minimally Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Volume (Units), 20132020 206.4 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil 216.4.1 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 216.4.2 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 216.4.3 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Volume (Units), 2006-2013 226.4.4 Non-Invasive Body Contouring Devices Market, Brazil, Volume (Units), 2013-2020 226.5 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, Brazil 236.5.1 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 236.5.2 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 236.5.3 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, Brazil, Volume (Units), 2006-2013 246.5.4 Laser Resurfacing Devices Market, Brazil, Volume (Units), 2013-2020 246.6 Aesthetic Lasers and Energy Devices Market, Brazil, Key Company Share by Revenue (%), 2013 25Make 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 @
Asia-Pacific Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2006 to 2020
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Market Digest: Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices 2006 to 2020 - Asia-Pacific" to its huge collection of research reports.GBI Researchs report, "Market Digest: Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices 2006 to 2020 Asia-Pacific" provides quantitative analysis of the four multiparameter patient monitoring devices market segments: high acuity monitors, mid acuity monitors, low acuity monitors and multiparameter central stations. The analysis includes market size data by revenue and volume over the 20062020 period for the following countries: Australia, Japan, China and India. It uses data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Researchs team of industry experts.Scope- Information on market size for the four multiparameter patient monitoring devices market segments: high acuity monitors, mid acuity monitors, low acuity monitors and multiparameter central stations- Annualized sales data by revenue for the 20062020 period and company share data by revenue for 2013- Annualized sales data by volume for the 20062020 period- Coverage of key geographies: Australia, Japan, China and IndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buy- Derive actionable insights from value-volume relationships- Analyze value-volume relationships and provide direction to marketing and sales strategies- Develop market-entry and market-expansion strategies- Identify the key players best positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the Asia-Pacific marketTable of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 41.2 List of Figures 52 GBI Research Report Guidance 73 Definitions 73.1 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices 73.2 High Acuity Monitors 73.2.1 Critical Care Monitors 73.2.2 MRI Compatible Monitors 73.2.3 Perioperative Care Monitors 73.3 Mid Acuity Monitors 73.3.1 Emergency Care Monitors 73.3.2 Post Anesthesia Care Monitors 73.4 Low Acuity Monitors 73.4.1 Ambulatory Monitors 73.4.2 Vital Signs Monitors 73.5 Central Stations 74 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue, 20062020 84.1 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 20062013 84.2 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 20132020 85 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Japan, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 105.1 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 105.2 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 105.3 High Acuity Monitors Market, Japan 115.3.1 High Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 115.3.2 High Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 115.3.3 High Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20062013 125.3.4 High Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20132020 125.4 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, Japan 135.4.1 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 135.4.2 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 135.4.3 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20062013 145.4.4 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20132020 145.5 Low Acuity Monitors Market, Japan 155.5.1 Low Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 155.5.2 Low Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 155.5.3 Low Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20062013 165.5.4 Low Acuity Monitors Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20132020 165.6 Central Stations Market, Japan 175.6.1 Central Stations Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 175.6.2 Central Stations Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 175.6.3 Central Stations Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20062013 185.6.4 Central Stations Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20132020 185.7 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, Japan, Key Company Share by Revenue (%), 2013 196 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, China, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 216.1 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20062013 216.2 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20132020 216.3 High Acuity Monitors Market, China 226.3.1 High Acuity Monitors Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20062013 226.3.2 High Acuity Monitors Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20132020 226.3.3 High Acuity Monitors Market, China, Volume (000), 20062013 236.3.4 High Acuity Monitors Market, China, Volume (000), 20132020 236.4 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, China 246.4.1 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20062013 246.4.2 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20132020 246.4.3 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, China, Volume (000), 20062013 256.4.4 Mid Acuity Monitors Market, China, Volume (000), 20132020 256.5 Low Acuity Monitors Market, China 266.5.1 Low Acuity Monitors Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20062013 266.5.2 Low Acuity Monitors Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20132020 266.5.3 Low Acuity Monitors Market, China, Volume (000), 20062013 276.5.4 Low Acuity Monitors Market, China, Volume (000), 20132020 276.6 Central Stations Market, China 286.6.1 Central Stations Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20062013 286.6.2 Central Stations Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20132020 286.6.3 Central Stations Market, China, Volume (000), 20062013 296.6.4 Central Stations Market, China, Volume (000), 20132020 296.7 Multiparameter Patient Monitoring Devices Market, China, Key Company Share by Revenue (%), 2013 30Make 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 @
Mobile Food Services: Highlights & Sector Perspective
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Food trucks have been an integral part of many vibrant societies. These popular mobile food joints populated the US and soon became a very popular window for food shopping. The instant availability, affordable pricing and latest experimental food itinerary helped mobile food services earn an edge over contenders. Mobile food services have flooded the entire food and restaurant market in the US and Europe in 2009 and with passing time their popularity soared and mobile food services reserved their space in the lives of the middle-class population. Mobile food services not only created a parallel food based economy but also generated massive jobs in the food sector and many of the aspiring chefs and entrepreneurs found a foothold in the food industry. The technological advancements in the sector have helped mobile food services gain momentum. Social media platforms have given a much-needed publicity while advanced GPS services have brought mobile food services closer to consumers. The surging popularity of food trucks amongst commoners has created a new avenue for this business model. Several countries across the globe have allotted specific space to food trucks to expedite their sale.To popularise the concept of food trucks several countries have organised food truck rallies. Mobile food services are a robust source of revenue and also an extremely low investment profitable venture for startups. Mobile food services provide employment and cheap food to the mass population. In the US the mobile food services industry has reached a few billion dollars and the industry is expected to grow manifold in the coming years. Mobile food services are giving a steady challenge to the brick and mortar hotels and keeping the cost of the market in control by creating a competitive ecosystem. The concept of mobile food services is growing in Asia but they are dominating the existing food markets of Australia, Canada, France and several other countries. As per a report published by the United Nations, a massive portion of the world population feeds on street food, which is offered by these mobile food services. Mobile food services have been the first line of food supplies in countries such as Brazil, Thailand and Indonesia.Request For Report Sample:Mobile food services are transforming their presentation techniques and also changing their selling strategies. Apart from using digital platforms for branding these mobile food services are also using tailor-made apps and digital payment corridors to enhance the convenience of their customers. This business fraternity is facing fierce competition from conventional food joints and they are also finding it hard to adjust to the competition that is emerging every day in their own class. Managing space in a busy populated area is the biggest challenge. Often it becomes hard to gauge the human traffic movement and to extract benefits of the pouring footfalls.Mobile Food Services: Game ChangersMobile food services are growing worldwide and the market is expanding. The massive global economic meltdown and soaring number of unemployed youths are pushing many towards this sort of low budgeted business. To adjust with the fast paced lifestyle people are adapting to the new medium of food supply. Enhanced food safety awareness amongst the people is providing leverage to mobile food services. The startup trend across the world is also pushing the growth of mobile food services.Request For TOC:Mobile Food Services: RestraintsMany countries across the globe including the US have regulated the movement and growth of this segment. Regular checkups are conducted on food trucks to maintain food quality and this has created hurdles in the free growth of this segment. The brick and mortar restaurants and other renowned food chains are facing enormous competition from these small time traders and in many countries big restaurant lobbies are influencing lawmakers to frame adverse laws to check the organic growth of mobile food services.Mobile Food Services: Top PlayersThere are several renowned mobile food services available across the world. Some of the famous mobile food service providers include Kogi BBQ, Phat Cart, Cupcakes for Courage, Yumbii, Wafels and Dinges, Ms Cheezious, The Waffle Bus.Browse Full Report:This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.The report offers a 360 view bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.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:
Asia-Pacific Ultrasound Systems Market Digest 2006 to 2020 | New Release
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Market Digest: Ultrasound Systems Market 2006 to 2020 - Asia-Pacific" to its huge collection of research reports.GBI Researchs report, "Market Digest: Ultrasound Systems Market 2006 to 2020 Asia-Pacific" provides quantitative analysis of the two ultrasound systems market segments: stand-alone systems and portable systems. The analysis includes market size data by revenue and volume over the 20062020 period for the following countries: China, Japan, India and Australia. It uses data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Researchs team of industry experts.ScopeThe report includes- Information on market size for the two ultrasound systems market segments: stand-alone systems and portable systems.- Annualized sales data by revenue for the 20062020 period- Annualized sales data by volume for the 20062020 period- Coverage of key geographies: China, Japan, India and AustraliaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision-making capability by allowing you to- Derive actionable insights from value-volume relationships- Analyze value-volume relationships and provide direction to marketing and sales strategies- Develop market-entry and market-expansion strategiesTable of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 31.2 List of Figures 32 GBI Research Report Guidance 53 Definitions 53.1 Ultrasound System 53.1.1 Stand-alone Systems 53.1.2 Portable Systems 54 Ultrasound Systems Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue, 20062020 64.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 20062013 64.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, Asia-Pacific, Revenue ($m), 20132020 65 Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 85.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue ($bn), 20062013 85.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue ($bn), 20132020 85.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market , China 95.3.1 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue ($bn), 20062013 95.3.2 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue ($bn), 20132020 95.3.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Volume (000), 20062013 105.3.4 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Volume (000), 20132020 105.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, China 115.4.1 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20062013 115.4.2 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Revenue ($m), 20132020 115.4.3 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Volume (000), 2006-2013 125.4.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, China, Volume (000), 2013-2020 126 Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 146.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 146.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 146.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market , Japan 156.3.1 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 156.3.2 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 156.3.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20062013 166.3.4 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Volume (000), 20132020 166.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan 176.4.1 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20062013 176.4.2 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Revenue ($m), 20132020 176.4.3 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Volume (000), 2006-2013 186.4.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Japan, Volume (000), 2013-2020 18Make 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 @
System Integration Market : Global Snapshot by 2021
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System integration market is segmented on the basis of system integration service type, end-use industry and geography. On the basis of type the system integration market is broadly segmented into three major types namely infrastructure system integration services, application system integration services and business consulting services. Infrastructure system integration services are segmented into network management, data center management, building management, security and surveillance management, cloud based integration management and enterprise management. Application system integration services are segmented into data integration, unified communication, integrated social software, application integration and others. Further business consulting services are segmented into business process integration, business transformation and application lifecycle management.System integration (SI) enables to build computing systems for end users by combining hardware and software products from several vendors. By implementing systems integration, a company can acquire cheaper, pre-configured components of software. These small components of software help company to achieve key business goals. Otherwise the companies have to purchase customized, more expensive software; this may also require manufacturing of unique products or original programming. Creation of these information systems include designing and building a new customized applications or architecture, after building software components, they are integrated with the existing or new software and hardware packages and communication infrastructure. There are some system integrators such as SAP providing more specialized and specific applications.High investments in IT in last decade have created a huge demand for the system integration market. As the information technology developed the adoption and implementation of information technology system were high, this generated the distributed information system all over the industries and organization generating the demand for integration of the distributed systems. Thus high investment in distributed information technology system is the main driver for the system integration market. With this there are many emerging technologies supporting system integration market such as bid data and cloud. Cloud implementation and big data solutions implementation is the new trend in the information technology systems market. Thus companies are adopting the integration of their data with adoption of these technologies such as big data and cloud providing added advantages to the companies implementing it. Development in automation sector is driving system integration market, as adoption of system integration technologies is high in automation sector.High implementation cost and time required for the effective implementation of system integration is resulting into less adoption of system integration technologies. With this there are very less number of international standard protocols for the communication between two or more information technology sub-systems resulting into complexities for the system integrators. If the industry previously is using legacy systems then it results into increased complexities for system integration. For system integration the network infrastructure must be standard, thus lack of network infrastructure is resulting into deferred demand for the system integration market.A sample of this report is available upon request @System integration market is segmented on the basis of end-user industry into banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI), defense, healthcare, telecommunication and IT, oil gas and energy, transportation, retail and others (pharmaceuticals, public sector, education and automotive). And on the basis of geography system integration market can be segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world (RoW).Request to view table of content @Some of the major players in system integration market are Accenture Plc., BAE Systems Plc., Capgemini S.A., Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), Fujitsu Limited, General Dynamics Corporation, Harris Corporation, IBM Corporation, Infosys Technologies, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Raytheon Company, Leidos Corporation, Tata Consultancy Service Limited and Wipro Limited. With this global players system integration market in Asia Pacific is dominated by local players, such as there are many local players in China and India dominating and holding the maximum market shares.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:
Researchmoz.us: Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics in Asia-Pacific Markets to 2021 - Novel IL-6 and JAK Inhibitors to Stimulate Moderate Growth Despite Brand Erosion of Blockbuster Anti-TNFs
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics in Asia-Pacific Markets to 2021 - Novel IL-6 and JAK Inhibitors to Stimulate Moderate Growth Despite Brand Erosion of Blockbuster Anti-TNFs" to its huge collection of research reports.GBI Research, the leading business intelligence provider, has released its latest research, ""Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapeutics in Asia-Pacific Markets to 2021 Novel IL-6 and JAK Inhibitors to Stimulate Moderate Growth Despite Brand Erosion of Blockbuster Anti-TNFs"", which provides in-depth analysis of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) market within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) market covering the four countries of Australia, China, India and Japan. The report provides an estimation of market size for 2014, along with market forecast until 2021. It also covers disease epidemiology, treatment algorithms, treatment patterns, in-depth analysis of the pipeline, and deal analysis.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The value of the RA market in the APAC region amounted to an estimated $5.6 billion in 2014 and is expected to register a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 3.3% to reach $6.9 billion by 2021. The key drivers for growth in the APAC market include: the increasing prevalent population and the anticipated market launch of promising pipeline candidates. The late-stage pipeline which has a potential to stimulate growth during the forecast period include interleukin (IL)-6 inhibitors Sanofi/Regenerons sarilumab, Johnson & Johnson/GlaxoSmithKlines [J&J/GSKs] sirukumab, small molecules (four janus kinase [JAK] inhibitors: Eli Lilly/Incytes baricitinib, Loss of patent exclusitivity of major second-line biologic anti-TNF during such as Enbrel, Remicade and Humira by the end of the forecast period is the major barrier for growth in the RA market size in the APAC markets. Preference for less expensive alternatives to branded medicines, such as biosimilars and other alternate therapies is another major barrier in cost-conscious APAC markets, India and China.Scope- The report analyzes treatment usage patterns, drug types available and pipeline and market forecasts for RA. It covers and includes- A brief introduction to RA, including the diseases pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnosis and an overview of pharmacotherapy and treatment algorithms.- In-depth analysis of the drug combinations used in the treatment of RA, including analyses of their safety, efficacy, and place in the disease treatment algorithm, as well as a heat map comparing the drug combinations in terms of safety and efficacy- A comprehensive review of the pipeline for OC therapies, including individual analysis of a number of late-stage pipeline drugs that have the potential to enter the market in the forecast period; the pipeline is analyzed on the basis of phase distribution, molecule type and molecular target, and route of administration- Additional in-depth analysis of pipeline drug clinical trials by phase, molecule type, trial size, and trial duration, and program failure rate analyses for each molecule type and mechanism of action- Multi-scenario forecast market data to 2021, taking into account how it will be affected by the introduction of new drugs, the expiry of key patents on current drugs, and the changes in disease epidemiology across the APAC markets- Discussion of the drivers and barriers for market growth- In-depth analysis of licensing and co-development deals involving drugs indicated in RA, including an outline of the key dealsReasons to buy- Primarily, the report will allow clients to gain a strong understanding of RA, helping to identify and clarify market opportunities and the competitive environment. It will also allow you to- Understand the RA pipeline and the key trends in the current product development landscape- Observe detailed profiles for the promising pipeline products, including revenue forecasts, and gain an insight into how they are likely to compete in the market, and what their main competitors will be- Follow the trends in RA clinical trial size and duration in relation to industry averages and assess the potential risk of future developmental programs for RA therapeutics, depending on the mechanism of action, by considering the recorded clinical trial failure rates- Observe the potential growth patterns expected for the RA market over the forecast period, and identify which countries are expected to make the biggest contribution to this growth.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 @
Online Advertising Market : Global Snapshot by 2021
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Online advertising is likewise known as internet advertising or digital advertising which makes usage of the cyberspace to communicate the promotional marketing message to the customers.The online advertising term is broadly categorized on the basis of types of advertising which includes search engine optimization (SEO), banner marketing, search engine advertising (SEA), email marketing, online video advertising, local online advertising, social media optimization (SMO) strategies and additional types of online advertising. These online advertisings appear on the internet more often than traditional advertising media such as television and newspapers.Search engine advertising and pay per click marketing are the fastest evolving advertising concepts for numerous assortments of businesses. Pay per clip is comparatively simple and effortless to carry out scalable, enormously cost efficient and in house. PPC is a huge component of effective and efficient online advertising for the business.Online advertising uses numerous tools and techniques for online marketing functions which include sales CRM, e-commerce, e-mail, marketing automation, WCM, social CRM and web analytics. All these software tools collectively facilitate an organization to develop and implement effective and efficient marketing strategies.The global online advertising market continues to rise in tandem with the global internet user base, social networking websites, income and widespread adoption of broadband. The industry is being motivated by mobile internet activity, increasing attractiveness and fame of mobile devices which includes tablets and smart phones that are proving to be beneficial.The main factors that are driving the online advertising market are increased focus on digital media, cost effective, smart phone penetration, advertising by content providers and rising numbers of advertisers on social networking sites. The main factor that is restraining the growth of online advertising are lack of skilled personnel and still use of tradition advertising factors such as television and newspapers. The main opportunity for the growth of online advertising in future would be the emergence of SAAS based solutions.The online advertising market is segmented on the basis of advertising sectors which include online classifieds, search, directories, and general advertising. In addition, the market is segmented on the basis of its mode of interaction which includes web sites, commercial online services, email providers, as well as other companies selling online advertising. Further, the online advertising is segmented on the basis of end use industry which includes BFSI and automotive industry among others. Furthermore, the market could be segmented on the basis of geography which includes North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and RoW.Request to view table of content @The North American region dominates the market of global online advertising industry and is remain the market leaders in future as well. Asia Pacific region is expected to be the biggest emerging market for online advertising because of the large customer base.A sample of this report is available upon request @Some of the major companies that are dominating in the online advertising market include IBM Corp., SAP AG, Oracle Corp., Salesforce.com Inc., Aplicor LLC, Adobe Systems Inc., ComScore Networks Inc., Ebay GSI Commerce, Lithium Technologies Inc., Demandware Inc., Attensity Corp., Microsoft Corp., LongJump CRM, OpenText Corp., StrongMail Systems Inc., Percussion Software Inc., Zoho CRM Inc., Yahoo Analytics, SugarCRM Inc., Netsuite Inc. and Sitecore Inc. among others.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:
Literary Tourism: Trace the journeys of stalwarts like Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Dickenson on the Literary Tourism trail
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Tourism is a thriving industry worldwide and is a major source of revenue and foreign currency for many countries, both developed and developing. A few nations might even entirely depend on revenue from it. Tourism is of two types domestic tourism and international tourism. Cultural tourism is a subset of both and is primarily focused on a country or specific regions culture with an emphasis on how people live in that area, their history, art, architecture, religion and all other aspects that have defined their way of life through the years. A popular niche of cultural tourism in recent times is literary tourism. It deals with key locations and events of fictional works as well as their authors lives. It could mean retracing the journey taken by a fictitious character, visiting a particular place associated with a novel or the author like their home, or even to visit their final resting place. Literary tourism is even considered a type of secular pilgrimage by some scholars. The first novel which took advantage of literary tourism was F. Scott Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise: Interactive Tourism Edition. This book edition offered web links to Princeton University tours which the author actually attended, and also where the fictional protagonist of the book attends. In addition to this, it gave links to Montgomery, Alabama where the author met his future wife and where the protagonist falls in love.Request For Report Sample:Literary Tourism Sector: Factors Promoting GrowthLiterary tourism is an intersection of both the love of literature and tourism. It can be said that literature creates dreams while tourism actualizes them. Bibliophiles would love to relive moments of their favourite books, see where major events of both the book and author took place and also soak up the entire experience. They might want to visit the writers birthplace to seek inspiration or even their graves to pay their respects. Both of these locations are focal points for general tourists and literary pilgrims. The geriatric population in western countries is a particular focus for the literary tourism sector. These individuals have the spare time to indulge in their hobbies like reading and they also have the disposable income to actually visit the locations. A second driver is film-induced literary tourism. Several blockbuster movie franchises like the Harry Potter series, James Bond novels, Shawshank Redemption and the Godfather are based on popular books. Many film buffs who have not even read the novels may wish to explore the locations mentioned in the movies. They might even realise after visiting about how their favourite movies were inspired by novels! The third major driver is literary festivals held across the world. Some notable examples are the ones held in Jaipur, Shanghai, New York, LA and Edinburgh. They attract the worlds very best writers and present the perfect opportunity for fans to meet and interact with their favourite authors. They also help tourists to interact with the local communities that host them. The fourth literary tourism driver is simply nostalgia. People might wish to see if the site mentioned in a particular novel is as described, or it has been affected by the present and adapted to contemporary tastes.Request For TOC:Literary Tourism: Key RegionsThere are some regions that heavily promote literary tourism across the world. Some examples include the KwaZulu- Natal Literary tourism route, the homes of Mark Twain, Oscar Wilde, William Shakespeare, and Leo Tolstoy along with many others. Even the graves of noted writers like Edgar Allan Poe have become a site of pilgrimage for literary tourists.This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.The report offers a 360 view bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.Browse Full Report:ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales Market 2017 - Wuhan Dahua Weiye, Sanofi, Shaanxi Huike Botanical
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Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales Market 2017, presents a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market globally, providing basic overview of Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure, Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales Market report provides development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and cost structures. Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market size, share and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies.The research study Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales Industry offers strategic assessment of the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market. The industry report focuses on the growth opportunities, which will help the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales industry to expand operations in the existing markets or aid its development of the emerging markets. The study assess new product and service positioning strategies in the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market. Furthermore, the new and evolving technologies and their impact on the market is analyzed in detail in this report.Download Sample Report @The leading players in the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market have been profiled in this report. The key market players with their business overview, marketing strategies, strategic alliances and acquisitions are included in this report. In addition, the report includes the evaluation of the top market players product and service offering and revenue analysis. The report features significant industry insights, market expectations, and key developments, which will help firms operating in the market to make informed business decisions.The report also delivers a detailed segment-based assessment of the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market. The segments along with their sub-segments have been analyzed in this report. Furthermore, the report evaluates the trends that will help to fuel the growth of the individual sectors. The key segments of the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market along with their market forecasts both in terms of revenue and volume have been covered in the research study. The report also talks about the emerging geographical sectors in this market and the trends that will drive the industry across these regional segments.Access Full Report With TOC @The report on the Global Shikimic Acid (CAS 138-59-0) Sales market is created using a data collection mix of supply side and demand side. For the purpose of primary research, information and statistics with regards manufacturers, product wholesalers and distributors, and raw material suppliers from the supply side is analyzed. To evaluate the demand trends exhibited by the market, the report studies consumer surveys, application surveys, and mystery shopping. The report also refers to information obtained from secondary data sources. Backed by extensive research, the report delivers valuable market forecasts and estimates.About Fior MarketsFior Markets is a leading market intelligence company that sells reports of top publishers in the technology industry.Our extensive research reports cover detailed market assessments that include major technological improvements in the industry. Fior Markets also specializes in analyzing hi-tech systems and current processing systems in its expertise.We have a team of experts that compile precise research reports and actively advise top companies to improve their existing processes. Our experts have extensive experience in the topics that they cover.Contact UsMark StoneSales Manager2566, Lincoln StreetPrinceton,New Jersey 08540USAPhone: (201) 465-4211Email: sales@fiormarkets.comWeb:Blog:
Americas Ultrasound Systems Market Key Trends, Size, Growth, Shares And Forecast Research Report 2006 to 2020
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Market Digest: Ultrasound Systems Market 2006 to 2020 - Americas" to its huge collection of research reports.GBI Researchs report, ""Market Digest: Ultrasound Systems Market 2006 to 2020 Americas"" provides quantitative analysis of the two ultrasound systems market segments: stand-alone systems and portable systems. The analysis includes market size data by revenue and volume over the 20062020 period for the following countries: US, Brazil and Canada. It uses data and information sourced from proprietary databases, primary and secondary research and in-house analysis by GBI Researchs team of industry experts.ScopeThe report includes- Information on market size for the two ultrasound systems market segments: stand-alone systems and portable systems.- Annualized sales data by revenue for the 20062020 period- Annualized sales data by volume for the 20062020 period- Coverage of key geographies: US, Brazil and CanadaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Reasons to buyThe report will enhance your decision-making capability by allowing you to- Derive actionable insights from value-volume relationships- Analyze value-volume relationships and provide direction to marketing and sales strategies- Develop market-entry and market-expansion strategiesTable of Contents1 Table of Contents1 Table of Contents 21.1 List of Tables 31.2 List of Figures 32 GBI Research Report Guidance 53 Definitions 53.1 Ultrasound System 53.1.1 Stand-alone Systems 53.1.2 Portable Systems 54 Ultrasound Systems Market, Americas, Revenue, 20062020 64.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, Americas, Revenue ($bn), 20062013 64.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, Americas, Revenue ($bn), 20132020 65 Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 85.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue ($bn), 20062013 85.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue ($bn), 20132020 85.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market , US 95.3.1 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20062013 95.3.2 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20132020 95.3.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Volume (000), 20062013 105.3.4 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Volume (000), 20132020 105.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, US 115.4.1 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20062013 115.4.2 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Revenue ($m), 20132020 115.4.3 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Volume (000), 2006-2013 125.4.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, US, Volume (000), 2013-2020 126 Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 146.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 146.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 146.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market , Brazil 156.3.1 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 156.3.2 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 156.3.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Volume (000), 20062013 166.3.4 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Volume (000), 20132020 166.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil 176.4.1 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20062013 176.4.2 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Revenue ($m), 20132020 176.4.3 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Volume (000), 2006-2013 186.4.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Brazil, Volume (000), 2013-2020 187 Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue and Volume, 20062020 207.1 Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 20062013 207.2 Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 20132020 207.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market , Canada 217.3.1 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 20062013 217.3.2 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 20132020 217.3.3 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Volume (Units), 20062013 227.3.4 Stand-alone Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Volume (Units), 20132020 227.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada 237.4.1 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 20062013 237.4.2 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Revenue ($m), 20132020 237.4.3 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Volume (Units), 2006-2013 247.4.4 Portable Ultrasound Systems Market, Canada, Volume (Units), 2013-2020 24Make an Enquiry of this report @About ResearchMozResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. 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Indigenous Tourism: Experience the Vast Tapestry of Native Culture
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The term Indigenous comes from the Latin term indigenus which literally means sprung from the land. The word has different terms from one country or one culture to another, but it primarily refers to the original inhabitants of the region. This is usually for the natives who lived in countries which were eventually colonised by European settler populations. Some examples include the First Nation, Metis and Inuk of Canada, Aborigines of Australia, and American Indians or Native Americans in the U.S. Indigenous tourism is defined as a form of tourism where indigenous people are involved either through direct control, or their culture is the main attraction.A tourist visiting an indigenous attraction may witness cultural tourism by looking at a fish wheel and understanding the modern day importance of salmon to the natives for example. Some examples of indigenous tourism are restaurants serving indigenous food, hotels, wineries, resorts or gambling casinos owned by the indigenous people, museums or interpretative centres and eco-tourism activities like whale watching, dog sledging trips, trail riding, and fishing and hunting expeditions. Indigenous tourism is currently one of the fastest growing subsets of the industry and can provide economic opportunities and employment to the locals who may have been historically wronged by settler communities.Request For Report Sample:Indigenous Tourism: DriversA desire for greater cultural understanding is one of the biggest drivers of indigenous tourism. The relations between white settler European populations and the natives of North America and Australia were never very harmonious from the 16th century all the way up to the 20th century. In the 21st century, there is a noted increase in the number of individuals wanting to understand the customs, traditions, and way of life of the indigenous people to foster communal harmony and improve inter-community bonding. The second driver could be government encouragement. Indigenous tourism is both a revenue generator and employment opportunity for the native people who have faced severe hardships like disease, poverty, illiteracy and neglect through the centuries. As per information from the University of British Columbia, indigenous tourism generates $750 million of revenue on an annual basis in Canada alone. Thus, there is strong government support for promoting and developing indigenous tourism.Indigenous Tourism: RestraintsThere are some challenges faced by the indigenous tourism sector today. A major one is inadequate government funding. While governments of countries like the U.S, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have recognised the importance of their indigenous people and have pledged to support them, it is not enough at the present time. The second issue may be that of marketing these tours. Potential tourists may be scattered in different locations around the world, and speak several different languages. They might also have psychological barriers and be worried about the safety of these excursions. The Internet and word of mouth have gone a long way in eliminating most of these concerns. The third challenge is preserving the indigenous communities way of life. There is a risk that heavy commercialization and exploitation may make these communities assimilate into mainstream society, which may make them lose their customs and traditional way of life. The government might even impose strict quotas on the number of tours allowed, restraining the unencumbered growth of the indigenous tourism segment.Request For TOC:Indigenous Tourism: Key RegionsThe main regions for indigenous tourism are Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the U.S. Some tours include mud crabbing, whale watching, kayaking, fishing, hunting, sledding, and 4WD tours.Indigenous Tourism: PlayersSome companies offering indigenous tourism packages in various countries include indigenous tours WA, indigenous tours & charters, Aboriginal Australia Tours, Broome visitor centre, Lomdadina indigenous tours, and Indigenous Walks.This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.Browse Full Report:The report offers a 360 view bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.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.Title:Membrane Chemical Market Expected to Account for US$ 5,572.8 Mn by 2020Radiopharmaceuticals Market Will hit at a CAGR of 5.9% by 2016 to 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2016 to 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market to Grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2026Renewable Methanol Market by Primary Source: Biomass, Municipal Waste, Industrial Waste and OthersHypercalcemia Treatment Market by End-use Application: Formaldehyde, MTBE, Gasoline, Dimethyl Ether and SolventsRadiopharmaceuticals Market Poised to Rake US$ 8,500 million by 2026Valuation of Radiopharmaceuticals Market to reach US$ 8,500 million by 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market Revenue is expected to US$ 8,500 million by 2026Summary:Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026" report to their offering.Radiopharmaceuticals Market, Radiopharmaceuticals, Radiopharmaceuticals Market sales, Radiopharmaceuticals Market size, Radiopharmaceuticals Market Forecast, U.K Radiopharmaceuticals Market, U.S Radiopharmaceuticals Market, India Radiopharmaceuticals Market.North America is anticipated to be the most attractive regional market in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketNorth America accounted for more than 40% market share in the global radiopharmaceuticals market in 2016 and is expected to witness an increase of more than 100 BPS in its market share over the forecast period. In terms of Y-o-Y growth, North America dominated the global radiopharmaceuticals market and was valued at more than US$ 2,000 Mn in 2015. The market is expected to expand at 6.2% CAGR over the projected period to reach more than US$ 4,000 Mn by the end of 2026. The North America radiopharmaceuticals market is estimated to represent absolute $ opportunity of more than US$ 100 Mn in 2017 over 2016. The growth is stagnant and slow due to major reactors having been shut down in Canada and new reactors installed in place of old ones for better production of radioisotope. North America is expected to be the most lucrative market in the global radiopharmaceuticals market, recording an attractiveness index of 3.6.Significant growth in the number of cancer and cardiovascular diseases patients in North America is expected to boost the global radiopharmaceuticals marketWidespread availability of SPECT and PET scanning machines will result in a growing number of radio diagnostic and radio therapeutics events in North America. For instance, the number of PET scanning machines installed per head of population in North America are more compared to that installed in Europe, thus leading to increased usage of radiotracers in the region. This growth in North America is expected to continue along with continuous technological improvements in PET scanning devices. The high level of awareness and accessibility to these machines is expected to account for high revenue generation in North America. This factor is boosting the overall growth of the global radiopharmaceuticals market. The other factor impacting the global radiopharmaceuticals market is the rising prevalence of cancer in North America. This has significantly increased the number of nuclear medicine procedures performed in the region and this is the precise reason that the market for radiopharmaceuticals is steadily growing in North America. There has been a rising number of cardiovascular diseases among the people in North America due to aging population, unhealthy food habits and rising obesity. The increasing number of cardiovascular patients is expected to boost the sales of radiopharmaceuticals, which would eventually create growth in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Request For Report Sample:Gallium-68 and Lutetium 177 sub-segments of the radioisotope segment are likely to dominate the North America radiopharmaceuticals marketGallium-68 and Lutetium 177 are dominant sub-segments of the radioisotope segment in North America. Gallium-68 has gained immense popularity since the last one year in the field of nuclear medicine, especially in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer. This is in heavy reliance with incorporation of several technological leaps and entry of new radiotracer- 68Ga-PSMA-11, developed by the University of Heidelberg. Additionally, marketing authorisation of the first 68Ge/68Ga generator, manufactured by the German company Eckert & Ziegler, has also positively impacted the penetration of 68Ga-PSMA-11 tracer in the treatment of prostate cancer in North America. Despite a shorter half-life, Gallium-68 has an ideal profile as a PET imaging agent. Several manufacturers in North America are focussing on introducing cold kits for the 68Ga-labeling of tracers (ANMI, Belgium), thus opening the gateways for 68Ga in PET scanning. Iodine-131, a therapeutic radiotracer continues to be the ideal tracer for the treatment of not only thyroid cancer but also other therapeutic indications. However it is being slowly replaced by Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) in North America. Lu-177, low-energy -particle emitter is identified to be one of the emerging radiotracers for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and neuroendocrine tumors.Send An Enquiry:Market share of companies operating in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketThe global radiopharmaceuticals market is highly consolidated with a few companies that offer advanced technology systems and nuclear medicines for treating diseases. However, the global market is dominated by top five players accounting for over 89% share. Siemens Healthineers accounted for the largest share of around 41.2% of the global market in 2015. The company dominated the market owing to its diversified product portfolio, extensive geographical presence, and acquisition strategies. GE Healthcare accounted for the second largest share of around 30.1% and Mallinckrodt plc. accounted for the third largest share of around 9% in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Browse Full Report Radiopharmaceuticals Market Segmentation by Radioisotope Technetium-99, Fluorine-18, Iodine-131, Leutetium-177, Yttrium-90, Gallium-68, Gallium-67, Rubidium-82, Iodine-123, Iodine-125, Indium-111; By Source Cyclotrons, Nuclear Reactors; By Application Oncology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrinology, Neurology, Nephrology; By End User Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centres, Ambulatory Surgical Centres, Cancer 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.comWebsite:
Europe Opportunity Analysis for India Outbound Meetings, Incentives
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India is one the youngest, yet the fastest growing economies of the world. India has a large thriving and vibrant market stuffed with millennial consumers. The newly rolled out open market policies to usher in FDI has impacted the GDP of the country. India is revamping its infrastructure to develop a comfortable passage for western investors. In the recent past, the bilateral ties between India and Europe have matured. Both the markets are coming closer with every passing day and developing an apt business friendly climate to promote and expedite the flow of business. India and EU are looking to repair the economic corridors between the two most steadily rising economies of the world. The Free Trade Agreement has bridged the strategic and economic gulf between both the markets and made India one of the most significant business partners of Europe. European exports to India have surged in the last few years. According to the RBI, the Indian exports to European markets amounts to INR 337 billion approximately. Apart from the core industries, the Indian tourism sector is extracting the benefits of the developing relationship between these two markets. The development of the tourism sector in India has enhanced the scene of the India Outbound Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market to Europe.The India Outbound Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market to Europe & Forecast predicts a massive change in market behaviour in the coming few years. The significant change in the India Outbound MICE tourism market will reap the benefits of the economic bonhomie between India and Europe. It will not only expand the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe, but this gesture shall surely create a suitable atmosphere for new jobs. In the recent past, the new market pacts in the tourism segment have encouraged the flow of inbound tourists in Europe from countries such as India. A flourishing tourism market of Europe and longer and stronger business tie-ups between Europe and India are favouring the growth of the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe. The Government of India has doled out several investment friendly measures in the last few years. Initiatives such as Make in India and Digital India are complimenting the India MICE tourism market to Europe. In India segments such as Telecommunication and Energy are rising steadily and European investors are queuing up to invest in these maturing sectors. The Indian business fraternity and bureaucratic teams have travelled to different parts of Europe to promote Indias blooming economy. The new brigade of Indian businessmen is heavily investing in European markets and joining hands with their European counterparts to enhance their global presence. Companies such as Tata Steel, Motherson Sumi, Mahindra and Tata Motors are contributing greatly to European markets. Several Indian companies in the UK are growing and they have almost doubled their profits in a very short period of time.Request For Report Sample:India Outbound Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market to Europe & Forecast: Game ChangersThere are several factors that are promoting the growth of the India Outbound Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market to Europe. The enhanced business ambience between the fastest growing regions of the world and revamped market policies are helping Indian business houses establish their footprint in the European market. The booming tourism market of India and the birth of a new breed of deep-pocketed travellers are cementing the ground for the growth of the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe. Several investment friendly policies rolled out by European countries to woo investors are also speeding up the growth of the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe.India Outbound Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market to Europe & Forecast: RestraintsThough the atmosphere and growth prospects between both the regions of the world have evolved with time, the recent Brexit referendum has stalled the growth of the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe. Several India-based companies are shifting their focus from European markets for fetching better results. European markets are immensely competitive and dominated by powerful countries such as China. This is also dampening the flow of outbound investment of India into Europe. The tourism markets in other countries spread across the South-East Asia and Asia Pacific region are cheaper than the European markets and the costly markets of Europe are also barricading the India outbound MICE tourism market to Europe.Request For TOC:India Outbound Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions (MICE) Tourism Market to Europe & Forecast: BigwigsCompanies such as Thomas Cook, Itl World, Travel Corporation (India) Ltd. (Tci), and Tybros India Tours Private Limited are some of the key players dominating this segment.This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.The report offers a 360 view bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.Browse Full Report: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.Title:Membrane Chemical Market Expected to Account for US$ 5,572.8 Mn by 2020Radiopharmaceuticals Market Will hit at a CAGR of 5.9% by 2016 to 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2016 to 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market to Grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2026Renewable Methanol Market by Primary Source: Biomass, Municipal Waste, Industrial Waste and OthersHypercalcemia Treatment Market by End-use Application: Formaldehyde, MTBE, Gasoline, Dimethyl Ether and SolventsRadiopharmaceuticals Market Poised to Rake US$ 8,500 million by 2026Valuation of Radiopharmaceuticals Market to reach US$ 8,500 million by 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market Revenue is expected to US$ 8,500 million by 2026Summary:Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026" report to their offering.Radiopharmaceuticals Market, Radiopharmaceuticals, Radiopharmaceuticals Market sales, Radiopharmaceuticals Market size, Radiopharmaceuticals Market Forecast, U.K Radiopharmaceuticals Market, U.S Radiopharmaceuticals Market, India Radiopharmaceuticals Market.North America is anticipated to be the most attractive regional market in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketNorth America accounted for more than 40% market share in the global radiopharmaceuticals market in 2016 and is expected to witness an increase of more than 100 BPS in its market share over the forecast period. In terms of Y-o-Y growth, North America dominated the global radiopharmaceuticals market and was valued at more than US$ 2,000 Mn in 2015. The market is expected to expand at 6.2% CAGR over the projected period to reach more than US$ 4,000 Mn by the end of 2026. The North America radiopharmaceuticals market is estimated to represent absolute $ opportunity of more than US$ 100 Mn in 2017 over 2016. The growth is stagnant and slow due to major reactors having been shut down in Canada and new reactors installed in place of old ones for better production of radioisotope. North America is expected to be the most lucrative market in the global radiopharmaceuticals market, recording an attractiveness index of 3.6.Significant growth in the number of cancer and cardiovascular diseases patients in North America is expected to boost the global radiopharmaceuticals marketWidespread availability of SPECT and PET scanning machines will result in a growing number of radio diagnostic and radio therapeutics events in North America. For instance, the number of PET scanning machines installed per head of population in North America are more compared to that installed in Europe, thus leading to increased usage of radiotracers in the region. This growth in North America is expected to continue along with continuous technological improvements in PET scanning devices. The high level of awareness and accessibility to these machines is expected to account for high revenue generation in North America. This factor is boosting the overall growth of the global radiopharmaceuticals market. The other factor impacting the global radiopharmaceuticals market is the rising prevalence of cancer in North America. This has significantly increased the number of nuclear medicine procedures performed in the region and this is the precise reason that the market for radiopharmaceuticals is steadily growing in North America. There has been a rising number of cardiovascular diseases among the people in North America due to aging population, unhealthy food habits and rising obesity. The increasing number of cardiovascular patients is expected to boost the sales of radiopharmaceuticals, which would eventually create growth in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Request For Report Sample:Gallium-68 and Lutetium 177 sub-segments of the radioisotope segment are likely to dominate the North America radiopharmaceuticals marketGallium-68 and Lutetium 177 are dominant sub-segments of the radioisotope segment in North America. Gallium-68 has gained immense popularity since the last one year in the field of nuclear medicine, especially in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer. This is in heavy reliance with incorporation of several technological leaps and entry of new radiotracer- 68Ga-PSMA-11, developed by the University of Heidelberg. Additionally, marketing authorisation of the first 68Ge/68Ga generator, manufactured by the German company Eckert & Ziegler, has also positively impacted the penetration of 68Ga-PSMA-11 tracer in the treatment of prostate cancer in North America. Despite a shorter half-life, Gallium-68 has an ideal profile as a PET imaging agent. Several manufacturers in North America are focussing on introducing cold kits for the 68Ga-labeling of tracers (ANMI, Belgium), thus opening the gateways for 68Ga in PET scanning. Iodine-131, a therapeutic radiotracer continues to be the ideal tracer for the treatment of not only thyroid cancer but also other therapeutic indications. However it is being slowly replaced by Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) in North America. Lu-177, low-energy -particle emitter is identified to be one of the emerging radiotracers for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and neuroendocrine tumors.Send An Enquiry:Market share of companies operating in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketThe global radiopharmaceuticals market is highly consolidated with a few companies that offer advanced technology systems and nuclear medicines for treating diseases. However, the global market is dominated by top five players accounting for over 89% share. Siemens Healthineers accounted for the largest share of around 41.2% of the global market in 2015. The company dominated the market owing to its diversified product portfolio, extensive geographical presence, and acquisition strategies. GE Healthcare accounted for the second largest share of around 30.1% and Mallinckrodt plc. accounted for the third largest share of around 9% in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Browse Full Report Radiopharmaceuticals Market Segmentation by Radioisotope Technetium-99, Fluorine-18, Iodine-131, Leutetium-177, Yttrium-90, Gallium-68, Gallium-67, Rubidium-82, Iodine-123, Iodine-125, Indium-111; By Source Cyclotrons, Nuclear Reactors; By Application Oncology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrinology, Neurology, Nephrology; By End User Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centres, Ambulatory Surgical Centres, Cancer 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.comWebsite:
Independent Contractor Model for Tourism: Highlights and Overview
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The travel and tourism industry is basking with new ideas and innovations. The global travel industry is skyrocketing and changing its dimension with every passing day. The new era of the travel industry is packed with new technologies and a new army of travellers who dare to challenge the set rules of travelling. Travel insurance, better air traffic and mushrooming travel agencies which lure their customers with a host of new and tailor-made tour packages are fast changing the face of the travel and hospitality industry. Travel agencies play a pivotal role in the evolution of the travel and tourism industry.The meteoric rise of travel agents has fuelled the growth of the travel industry and made travel easy for millions of travellers around the globe. Travel agents are adapting to the changing climate of the industry and rolling out new ways to provide best possible deals to their customers. The emergence of the Independent Contractors model in tourism is one such model that has become extremely successful for travel agencies. The independent contractor model for tourism not only creates an affordable tourism structure; it also increases the market footprint of an organisation. Travel agencies around the world are changing their way of functioning to increase their customer outreach and to build a new way of functioning through these independent contractors.Request For Report Sample:Independent contractors are setting a new trend in the travel industry that is also controlling the rocketing expenses of travel. The new breed of independent contractors are reducing the recurring cost of the brick and mortar travel agencies by slashing the soaring manpower. The surging unemployment around the globe and a steadily growing travel industry is complimenting the growth of independent contractors. Independent contractors are earning their popularity amongst travel agencies because of their affordability and independent way of functioning and they are providing the agencies with the ease of doing business. Massive work pressure and the fright of losing a job is haunting millions of people around the world. Several developing economies are plagued by market meltdown. In the recent years, several people have opted out for a freelance career to balance life and career. This new tendency amongst the working middle-class population of the globe is paving the way for the growth of the independent contractor model. This model has not only complimented the development of tour agencies by creating a lucrative business channel but has also opened a new window of communication with customers. Independent contractors fetch the tax benefits for the agencies and also dip overall expense of the agency which they further use to knit lucrative offers for their target consumers. Most of the travel agencies hire independent contractors for a specific tourism project. This helps the travel agencies to extract maximum profits from a particular project and increase the customer base during a certain period of time. However, the swell in the population of independent contractors around the world is also creating new hurdles for travel agencies, as independent contractors are now demanding a secured job and long term association with the travel agency they deal with.Independent Contractor Model for Tourism: Game ChangersThe independent contractor model of tourism is a true game changer for the travel industry. Presently the independent contractor model for tourism has successfully curated a new and consistent ecosystem within the travel industry. The entire travel industry is immensely benefitted by this new emerging trend. The growing and competitive tourism industry is in dire need of skilled manpower and at the same time, they need to keep their expenses in control. Independent contractors are providing an amicable solution to this problem. The rising risk of economic meltdown is pushing more people towards freelancing. This new bent is extremely beneficial for the development of the independent contractor model of tourism.Request For TOC:Independent Contractor Model for Tourism: RestraintsThe stringent tax reforms in many countries and demands for better job benefits by independent contractors is restricting the growth of the independent contractor model of tourism.This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.The report offers a 360 view bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.Browse Full Report: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.Title:Membrane Chemical Market Expected to Account for US$ 5,572.8 Mn by 2020Radiopharmaceuticals Market Will hit at a CAGR of 5.9% by 2016 to 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during 2016 to 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market to Grow at a CAGR of 5.9% through 2026Renewable Methanol Market by Primary Source: Biomass, Municipal Waste, Industrial Waste and OthersHypercalcemia Treatment Market by End-use Application: Formaldehyde, MTBE, Gasoline, Dimethyl Ether and SolventsRadiopharmaceuticals Market Poised to Rake US$ 8,500 million by 2026Valuation of Radiopharmaceuticals Market to reach US$ 8,500 million by 2026Radiopharmaceuticals Market Revenue is expected to US$ 8,500 million by 2026Summary:Future Market Insights has announced the addition of the Radiopharmaceuticals Market: Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment, 20162026" report to their offering.Radiopharmaceuticals Market, Radiopharmaceuticals, Radiopharmaceuticals Market sales, Radiopharmaceuticals Market size, Radiopharmaceuticals Market Forecast, U.K Radiopharmaceuticals Market, U.S Radiopharmaceuticals Market, India Radiopharmaceuticals Market.North America is anticipated to be the most attractive regional market in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketNorth America accounted for more than 40% market share in the global radiopharmaceuticals market in 2016 and is expected to witness an increase of more than 100 BPS in its market share over the forecast period. In terms of Y-o-Y growth, North America dominated the global radiopharmaceuticals market and was valued at more than US$ 2,000 Mn in 2015. The market is expected to expand at 6.2% CAGR over the projected period to reach more than US$ 4,000 Mn by the end of 2026. The North America radiopharmaceuticals market is estimated to represent absolute $ opportunity of more than US$ 100 Mn in 2017 over 2016. The growth is stagnant and slow due to major reactors having been shut down in Canada and new reactors installed in place of old ones for better production of radioisotope. North America is expected to be the most lucrative market in the global radiopharmaceuticals market, recording an attractiveness index of 3.6.Significant growth in the number of cancer and cardiovascular diseases patients in North America is expected to boost the global radiopharmaceuticals marketWidespread availability of SPECT and PET scanning machines will result in a growing number of radio diagnostic and radio therapeutics events in North America. For instance, the number of PET scanning machines installed per head of population in North America are more compared to that installed in Europe, thus leading to increased usage of radiotracers in the region. This growth in North America is expected to continue along with continuous technological improvements in PET scanning devices. The high level of awareness and accessibility to these machines is expected to account for high revenue generation in North America. This factor is boosting the overall growth of the global radiopharmaceuticals market. The other factor impacting the global radiopharmaceuticals market is the rising prevalence of cancer in North America. This has significantly increased the number of nuclear medicine procedures performed in the region and this is the precise reason that the market for radiopharmaceuticals is steadily growing in North America. There has been a rising number of cardiovascular diseases among the people in North America due to aging population, unhealthy food habits and rising obesity. The increasing number of cardiovascular patients is expected to boost the sales of radiopharmaceuticals, which would eventually create growth in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Request For Report Sample:Gallium-68 and Lutetium 177 sub-segments of the radioisotope segment are likely to dominate the North America radiopharmaceuticals marketGallium-68 and Lutetium 177 are dominant sub-segments of the radioisotope segment in North America. Gallium-68 has gained immense popularity since the last one year in the field of nuclear medicine, especially in the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer. This is in heavy reliance with incorporation of several technological leaps and entry of new radiotracer- 68Ga-PSMA-11, developed by the University of Heidelberg. Additionally, marketing authorisation of the first 68Ge/68Ga generator, manufactured by the German company Eckert & Ziegler, has also positively impacted the penetration of 68Ga-PSMA-11 tracer in the treatment of prostate cancer in North America. Despite a shorter half-life, Gallium-68 has an ideal profile as a PET imaging agent. Several manufacturers in North America are focussing on introducing cold kits for the 68Ga-labeling of tracers (ANMI, Belgium), thus opening the gateways for 68Ga in PET scanning. Iodine-131, a therapeutic radiotracer continues to be the ideal tracer for the treatment of not only thyroid cancer but also other therapeutic indications. However it is being slowly replaced by Lutetium-177 (Lu-177) in North America. Lu-177, low-energy -particle emitter is identified to be one of the emerging radiotracers for the treatment of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) and neuroendocrine tumors.Send An Enquiry:Market share of companies operating in the global radiopharmaceuticals marketThe global radiopharmaceuticals market is highly consolidated with a few companies that offer advanced technology systems and nuclear medicines for treating diseases. However, the global market is dominated by top five players accounting for over 89% share. Siemens Healthineers accounted for the largest share of around 41.2% of the global market in 2015. The company dominated the market owing to its diversified product portfolio, extensive geographical presence, and acquisition strategies. GE Healthcare accounted for the second largest share of around 30.1% and Mallinckrodt plc. accounted for the third largest share of around 9% in the global radiopharmaceuticals market.Browse Full Report Radiopharmaceuticals Market Segmentation by Radioisotope Technetium-99, Fluorine-18, Iodine-131, Leutetium-177, Yttrium-90, Gallium-68, Gallium-67, Rubidium-82, Iodine-123, Iodine-125, Indium-111; By Source Cyclotrons, Nuclear Reactors; By Application Oncology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Neuroendocrinology, Neurology, Nephrology; By End User Hospitals, Diagnostic Imaging Centres, Ambulatory Surgical Centres, Cancer 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.comWebsite:
Cable Modems Market 2017 Global Research Report by Application, Consumption, Share & Growth
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http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/2017-market-research-report-on-global-cable-modems-industry
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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 Cable Modems Market is confident in meeting their needs and expectations. The 2017 market research report on Global Cable Modems 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 Cable Modems Market report is a noteworthy.Request a sample of this report @The Global Cable Modems 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 Cable Modems 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 Cable Modems Industry. Accurate forecasts and expert opinion from credible sources, and the recent R&D development in the industry is also a mainstay of the Cable Modems 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 @Finally, the Cable Modems 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 Cable Modems Industry is the holy grail of information which serious knowledge seekers can benefit from.If you have any enquiry before buying a copy of this report @Some Points from Table of Content:Chapter Two: Global Cable Modems Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Cable Modems Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Cable Modems Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Cable Modems Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Cable Modems Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Cable Modems Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Cable Modems Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Cable Modems Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Cable Modems Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Cable Modems Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 ManufacturersChapter Three: Global Cable Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Cable Modems Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Cable Modems Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Cable Modems Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Cable Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 United States Cable Modems Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No.: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com
Identity Protection Services for Travellers: Perspective & Future Trends
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The tourism industry is plagued by several attacks of identity theft, an emerging malice in the society that has a crippling effect on the global economy. The travel industry is highly dependent on high-end gadgets and gizmos that are mostly used to escalate service levels. The new breed of identity thieves are smart and gutsy. Identity theft can completely fracture the socio-economic status of an individual traveller. The rising trend of identity cloning has adversely affected millions of tourists across the world. A recent survey tabled by the Federal Trade Commission says that more than 8 million Americans fall prey to identity theft every year. This new crime trend has shattered multiple financial and business organisations spread across the globe. Identity thieves have been successful in stealing several billion dollars from US citizens.In the last few years, government bodies and private stakeholders and security agencies are closely coordinating to fight this rising crime. International travel bodies and other private agencies have rolled out a gamut of preventive measures to protect tourists from the clutches of identity thieves. Massive sensitisation programs are initiated to protect the privacy of people. Lawmakers have put in stricter laws to combat identity theft. Identity protection services for travellers are laid down to save them from possible identity theft. There are several effective identity protection services available in the market for travellers. While identity protection services are edgy they cant provide a complete security blanket to a traveller. In most cases, if the identity is cloned then there is no other way out but one has to remodel the damage caused by the theft. The surging demand for identity protection services for travellers is pushed ahead by the swelling dimension of the travel industry. Identity protection services for travellers saves time, money and also cleans the dirt generated by the thief. The market for identity protection services is expanding with time.Request For Report Sample:Identity Protection Services for Travellers: Game ChangersIdentity protection services for travellers have evolved with the spiking market size of the travel industry. The travel industry is gaining mass with the help of added investment and technology. The massive influx of investments have completely eroded the travel and tourism industry and it is alsogearing up the growth of identity protection services for travellers. Several government bodies and security agencies have jumped into the fray and galvanised a fight against identity stealers. Countries like US, Australia, Thailand and many other frequently travelled destinations are thronged by identity thieves. The rising number of incidents have opened a new corridor of opportunities for identity protection services for travellers. Security agencies in the last few years have inserted several anti-identity theft measures to control the spread of this evil and invested massively in developing systems that can successfully fight out identity theft from the society. The awareness levels of the tourists have also aggravated and this rise has complimented the growth of identity protection services for travellers.The emerging trend of automation and digitisation in the travel industry is another reason that is expediting the market growth of identity protection services for travellers. The industry is dependent on apps, e-commerce and the internet and thus it is providing easy passage to many identity thieves. Several hotels and travel agencies are spending massively on this segment and fuelling the market growth of identity protection services for travellers.Request For TOC:Identity protection services for Travellers: RestrainsThe market size of identity protection service for travellers is steadily rising. The staggering market growth has also increased the competition in the market and dipped the quality of the tools and technologies available in the market. This has adversely affected the growth of this segment. The major travel market spread across the South East Asian region is still budding and most of the travellers are unaware of this crime known as identity theft. Low awareness levels and minimal digitisation is a major blockade in the global expansion of identity protection services for travellers.Identity protection services for Travellers: BigwigsThere are a plethora of companies that are creating some effective and trustworthy systems to combat the malice of identity theft with panache. ID Watchdog, True Identity Protection, Identity Force are some of the identity protection service providers operating globally.Browse Full Report:This comprehensive report equips readers with lucid information and analysis on the sector. Future Market Insights experienced travel and tourism analysts bring to you accurate and unbiased information to help you make crucial decisions with confidence.The report offers a 360 view bringing to the fore key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges prevailing in the sector. To offer readers actionable insights, detailed information on historical trends, current scenario, and future projections is provided in the report.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Global Wearable Medical Device Market 2017 : Fitbit, Garmin, Omron Corporation, Withings SA
Wearable Medical Device
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Wearable Medical DeviceA market study based on the " Wearable Medical Device Market " across the globe, recently added to the repository of Market Research, is titled Global Wearable Medical Device Market 2017. The research report analyses the historical as well as present performance of the worldwide Wearable Medical Device industry, and makes predictions on the future status of Wearable Medical Device market on the basis of this analysis.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here :Top Manufacturers Analysis Of This Research ReportFitbitPhilips Healthcare (Netherlands)GarminLifeWatch AG. (Switzerland)Omron CorporationDr?gerwerk AG & Co. KGaA (U.S.)Withings SAPolar Electro Oy (Finland)The report studies the industry for Wearable Medical Device across the globe taking the existing industry chain, the import and export statistics in Wearable Medical Device market & dynamics of demand and supply of Wearable Medical Device into consideration. The ' Wearable Medical Device ' research study covers each and every aspect of the Wearable Medical Device market globally, which starts from the definition of the Wearable Medical Device industry and develops towards Wearable Medical Device market segmentations. Further, every segment of the Wearable Medical Device market is classified and analysed on the basis of product types, application, and the end-use industries of the Wearable Medical Device market. The geographical segmentation of the Wearable Medical Device industry has also been covered at length in this report.The competitive landscape of the worldwide market for Wearable Medical Device is determined by evaluating the various industry participants, production capacity, Wearable Medical Device market's production chain, and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Wearable Medical Device market worldwide.Enquire Here :The global Wearable Medical Device market 2017 is also analysed on the basis of product pricing, Wearable Medical Device production volume, data regarding demand and Wearable Medical Device 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 Wearable Medical Device 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
Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024
MRRSE
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http://www.mrrse.com/polyether-ether-ketone-market
Albany, New York, March 21, 2017: Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 - Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is used in several challenging applications that require outstanding physical and chemical material properties. The polymer has properties similar to other high-performance plastics but with a continuous use temperature range that is significantly larger than the other plastics. PEEK is used in a wide range of application segments including automotive, industrial, aerospace, and electrical & electronics, medical and other applications. Europe dominates the global PEEK market in terms of production and demand. Emerging regions are anticipated to grow at a fast pace during the forecast period. Countries such as China, India and Brazil are likely to provide lucrative opportunities to PEEK producers during the next decadeRequest for Sample Report:This report analyzes and forecasts the market for PEEK at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2024, considering 2015 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global PEEK market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for PEEK during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the PEEK market at the global and regional level.The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global PEEK market. Porters Five Forces model for the PEEK market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Global Polyetheretherketone Market Key SegmentsThe study provides a decisive view of the global PEEK market by segmenting it in terms of end-users such as automotive, industrial, aerospace, electrical & electronics, medical and other applications. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for PEEK in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa.The report provides the actual market size of PEEK for 2015 and estimated market size for 2016 with forecast for the next eight years. The global market size of PEEK has been provided in terms of revenue. Market revenue is given in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on key end-users of PEEK. Market size and forecast for numerous end-users have been provided in terms of global, regional, and country level markets.Global Polyetheretherketone Market Information CoveredIn order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants insights, and recognizing business opportunities.Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, Plastemart magazine, TPE magazine, internal and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoovers, OneSource, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.Browse Full Report with TOC:We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the global PEEK market. Key players in the PEEK market are Victrex plc, Solvay SA, Evonik Industries, Panjin Zhongrun High Performance Polymers Co. Ltd. and Jilin Zhongyan High Performance Engineering Plastic Co., Ltd. Market players have been profiled in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, and recent developments.About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com
2012-2022 Report on Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application
Market Research Reports
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2012-2022 Report on Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application" to its huge collection of research reports.The business scenario of the global Automotive Fuel Tank market has changed at a high pace in the recent times. To understand these constant changes in this market, researchers have performed this study on the global market for Automotive Fuel Tank by analyzing the markets current and historical performance.This research report offers an extensive overview of the global Automotive Fuel Tank market and assists the established participants and the new entrants, active across the value chain, in gaining a clear understating on this market. It enables them to materialize the opportunities by creating profitable business strategies. The report also helps the market players in recognizing the key trends in the worldwide market for Automotive Fuel Tank in a better fashion and, supporting them in seizing lucrative opportunities.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Furthermore, the research study makes future projections pertaining to the global market for Automotive Fuel Tank on the basis of this analysis. It assesses this market from the perspective of the current industry chain, dynamics of the demand, supply, and sales, and the import and export statistics related to Automotive Fuel Tank across the world.The market report concluded with a detailed analysis of the competitive landscape and the current hierarchy in the global market for Automotive Fuel Tank. The company profiles of major market participants have been thoroughly reviewed and the product portfolio, production capacity, and the revenue generated by each of the manufacturers operating in the worldwide Automotive Fuel Tank market has also been assessed in this research study.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Automotive Fuel Tank Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Automotive Fuel Tank1.2 Automotive Fuel Tank Segment by Type1.2.1 Segment by Material (Plastic, Steel and Aluminum)1.2.2 Segment by Capacity (Below 50 L, 50-60 L, 60-70 L and Above 70 L)1.3 Automotive Fuel Tank Segment by Application1.3.1 Passenger Vehicle (PV)1.3.2 Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV)1.3.3 Heavy Commercial Vehicle (HCV)1.4 Automotive Fuel Tank Market Status and Prospect by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Europe1.4.2 North America1.4.3 China1.4.4 Japan1.4.5 Korea1.4.6 India1.4.7 Southeast Asia1.4.8 South America1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Automotive Fuel Tank (2012-2022)2 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Analysis by Material (2012-2017)2.1 Plastic Fuel Tank2.2 Steel Fuel Tank2.3 Aluminum Fuel Tank3 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Analysis by Capacity (2012-2017)3.1 Capacity: Below 50 L3.2 Capacity: 50-60 L3.3 Capacity: 60-70 L3.4 Capacity: Above 70 L4 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Analysis by Application (2012-2017)4.1 Passenger Vehicle4.2 Light Commercial Vehicle4.3 Heavy Commercial Vehicle5 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Mixed Analysis by Material, by Application (2012-2017)5.1 Plastic Fuel Tank Market Analysis by Application (PV, LCV and HCV)5.2 Steel Fuel Tank Market Analysis by Application (PV, LCV and HCV)5.3 Aluminum Fuel Tank Market Analysis by Application (PV, LCV and HCV)6 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Competition by Manufacturers (2016 and 2017)6.1 Production Competition by Manufacturers6.2 Revenue Competition by Manufacturers6.3 Average Price by Manufacturers6.4 Manufacturers Plants Location, Sales Area, Product Type and Major Customers6.4.1 Plants Location6.4.2 Sales Regions6.4.3 Product Type6.4.4 Major Customers6.5 Automotive Fuel Tank Market Competitive Situation and Trends6.5.1 Market Concentration Rate6.5.2 Expansion6.5.3 Agreements/Joint Ventures/Supply Contracts/Partnerships6.5.4 New Product Launch6.5.5 Mergers & Acquisitions7 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Market Competition by Region (2012-2017)7.1 Production by Region7.2 Consumption by Regions7.3 Major Regions Analysis7.3.1 Europe7.3.1.1 Europe Market by Material (Plastic, Steel and Aluminum)7.3.1.2 Europe Market by Capacity (Below 50 L, 50-60 L, 60-70 L and Above 70 L)7.3.1.3 Europe Market by Application (PV, LCV and HCV)7.3.1.4 Europe Market Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin7.3.1.5 Europe Market Export and Import7.3.2 North America7.3.3 China7.3.4 Japan7.3.5 Korea7.3.6 India7.3.7 Southeast Asia7.3.8 South America8 Global Automotive Fuel Tank Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8.1 Inergy8.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Its Competitors8.1.2 Different Product8.1.2.1 Plastic Fuel Tank8.1.2.2 Steel Fuel Tank8.1.2.3 Aluminum Fuel Tank8.1.3 Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2016 and 2017)8.1.4 Major Customers8.1.4.1 Volkswagen8.1.4.2 General Motors8.1.4.3 Ford8.1.4.4 Daimler8.1.4.5 Toyota8.2 Kautex8.3 TI Automotive8.4 YAPP8.5 Yachiyo8.6 HwashinRead More @QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Clutch Market for Automotive will expand with steady pace by 2016-2024
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Zion Market Research, the market research group announced the analysis report titled "Clutch Market for Automotive: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecasts 20162024"Global Clutch Market for Automotive: OverviewThe clutch is a mechanically operated device. It is engaged in the connection and disconnection of power transmission between two shafts. The clutch is used in the automobile mainly for power transmission between driving shaft to driven shaft. Clutch disconnects the synchronization between spinning engine and wheels in order to put them into the non-spinning transmission.Request Free Sample Report @Global Clutch Market for Automotive: Growth FactorsGrowing automobile sector is expected to boost the global clutch market growth for automotive in near future. Consumer demand for proficient transmission modes is anticipated to witness growth in the future. Escalating demand for the automotive drive train system is further expected to contribute to the global market growth. Companies focusing to offer high-quality products may also impact the market in a positive way. Furthermore, changing lifestyle and increasing spending power also enhance the growth of the clutch market for automotive. Conversely, automatic transmission vehicles may restrain the global automotive clutch market growth in near future.Global Clutch Market for Automotive: SegmentationThe clutch market for automotive is categorized based on clutch type as semi-centrifugal clutch, electro-magnetic clutch, friction clutch, vacuum clutch, dog clutch, hydraulic clutch, and centrifugal clutch. However, friction clutch segment is sub-segmented as cone clutch, plate clutch, and multi-plate clutch. The global market is further segmented on the basis of clutch size into 09 inch disc, 910 inches disc, 1011 inches disc, and 11 and above disc. Furthermore, the clutch market for automotive is bifurcated on the basis of transmission type as continuously variable transmission, manual transmission, automatic transmission, and automated manual transmission.Request Report TOC (Table of Contents) @Global Clutch Market for Automotive: Regional AnalysisGeographically, the global clutch automotive market is segmented as North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific accounts for highest market share in the global market. Growing niche market in India, China, and Japan for automobiles and automotive parts is expected to fuel the global clutch automotive market growth in the near future. Consumer inclination for AMT systems automobiles is anticipated to boost the growth of the global clutch market for automotive. South Korea is also showing a considerable growth in the global market. However, growing urbanization and increasing financial stability are projected to enhance the automotive clutch market growth.Global Clutch Market for Automotive: Competitive PlayersThe major industries operating in the global clutch market for automotive are Magneti Marelli, F.C.C. Co. Ltd., Aisin Seiki Co. Ltd., NSK Ltd., ZF Friedrichshafen, Borgwarner Inc., Exedy Corporation, Fiat, Eaton Corporation PLC, Torotrak, Schaeffler, Clutch Auto Limited, and Valeo. Many major players in the global market are opting for new strategies, mergers, and acquisitions in order to expand their market share. For instance, Valeo SA, Frances second-biggest auto-parts maker, acquired the German clutch maker FTE Automotive GmbH from Bain Capital, Boston-based buyout firm. This agreement is settled for $914 Million.Browse detail report @Global Clutch Market for Automotive: 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 marketAsk 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:
2012-2022 Report on Global Perfume Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "2012-2022 Report on Global Perfume Market Competition, Status and Forecast, Market Size by Players, Regions, Type, Application" to its huge collection of research reports.The Perfume is the target of analysis presented in this research report which is a highly descriptive and insightful publication. It chalks out a detailed, all-inclusive, and logical perspective of the market, casing all crucial categories and their pieces, along with the aspects that have so far shown the potential of having a deep influence on the market over the coming years. The report is therefore a 360-degree representation of the analysis of the current state of market.The market has been quarried to its microscopic nuances, where rudimentary data and key, industry-specific classifications of the market and its elements that are being defined in the overview. The report then moves ahead into a 360 degree analysis of the Perfume, while sticking to phrases of the market, such as specific definitions, applications, industry chain structures, government policies, and recent developments.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The large volumes of data presented in this report, on the Perfume, have been garnered with the aid of different research methodologies, both primary and secondary. This data is further concentrated by means of standard analytical processes based on industry practices, and therefore only the significant sections of information are provided to the readers of this report.The governing and competitive landscape of the Perfume are studied in this research report. The different stages and their details, such as rules, protocols, procedures, and strategies are also included in addition to an analysis of their effect on the overall growth rate of the market. The report also contains a comprehensive analysis of the business profiles of the most influential vendors in the Perfume.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Perfume Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Perfume1.2 Classification of Perfume1.2.1 Perfume1.2.2 EDP(Eau de Perfume)1.2.3 EDT(Eau de Toilette)1.2.4 EDC(Eau de Cologen)1.2.5 EF(Eau Fraiche)1.3 Application of Perfume1.3.1 Men1.3.2 Women1.4 Perfume 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 Perfume (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Perfume Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Perfume Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2022)2 Global Perfume Competition by Manufacturers, Type and Application2.1 Global Perfume Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1.1 Global Perfume Sales and Market Share of Key Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Perfume Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Perfume (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Perfume Sales and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.2.2 Global Perfume Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)2.3 Global Perfume (Volume and Value) by Regions2.3.1 Global Perfume Sales and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2.3.2 Global Perfume Revenue and Market Share by Regions (2012-2017)2.4 Global Perfume (Volume) by Application3 United States Perfume (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Perfume Sales and Value (2012-2017)3.1.1 United States Perfume Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.2 United States Perfume Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)3.1.3 United States Perfume Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)3.2 United States Perfume Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers3.3 United States Perfume Sales and Market Share by Type3.4 United States Perfume Sales and Market Share by Application4 China Perfume (Volume, Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Perfume Sales and Value (2012-2017)4.1.1 China Perfume Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.2 China Perfume Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)4.1.3 China Perfume Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)4.2 China Perfume Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers4.3 China Perfume Sales and Market Share by Type4.4 China Perfume Sales and Market Share by Application5 Europe Perfume (Volume, Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Perfume Sales and Value (2012-2017)5.1.1 Europe Perfume Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.2 Europe Perfume Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)5.1.3 Europe Perfume Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)5.2 Europe Perfume Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers5.3 Europe Perfume Sales and Market Share by Type5.4 Europe Perfume Sales and Market Share by Application6 Japan Perfume (Volume, Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Perfume Sales and Value (2012-2017)6.1.1 Japan Perfume Sales and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.2 Japan Perfume Revenue and Growth Rate (2012-2017)6.1.3 Japan Perfume Sales Price Trend (2012-2017)6.2 Japan Perfume Sales and Market Share by Manufacturers6.3 Japan Perfume Sales and Market Share by Type6.4 Japan Perfume Sales and Market Share by Application9 Global Perfume Manufacturers Analysis9.1 Chanel9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.1.2 Perfume Product Type, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Perfume9.1.2.2 EDP9.1.2.3 EDT9.1.2.4 EDC9.1.2.4 EF9.1.3 Chanel Perfume Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 Dior9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.2.2 Perfume Product Type, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Perfume9.2.2.2 EDP9.2.2.3 EDT9.2.2.4 EDC9.2.2.4 EF9.2.3 Dior Perfume Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Lancome9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base and Competitors9.3.2 Perfume Product Type, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Perfume9.3.2.2 EDP9.3.2.3 EDT9.3.2.4 EDC9.3.2.4 EF9.3.3 Lancome Perfume Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business OverviewRead More @QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
United States Luxury Yacht Market Developments Trends 2017 Industry Drivers, Overview & Growth by Types
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Qyresearchreports include new market research report "United States Luxury Yacht Market 2016 Industry, Analysis, Research, Share, Growth, Sales, Trends, Supply, Forecast to 2021" to its huge collection of research reports.The report on the Luxury Yacht deals with the all its critical facts and figures that will help in creating an in-depth and insightful analysis. The market is elucidated in a holistic fashion that allows the users to gain a thorough analysis of the market, as developed using the factors that are likely to have a significant effect on its development over the coming years.The report offers an illustrative overview of the Luxury Yacht and its competitive set-up as well as the regulatory framework surrounding the market. This provides a reader with a richer understanding of the state of major opportunities, threats, competition, and the major plans, regulations, rules, and policies impacting the market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The report provides valuable data to all its readers that may aid businesses as well as investors in taking advantage of the markets stronger suits and handle key problems with relative ease. The report additionally provides a colorful assessment of the Luxury Yacht in a qualitative and quantitative manner, pertaining to the precise elements responsible for the progress of the market. This data is something that organizations and players of all sizes will be interested in. An organization using this report can have gain easy access to the nuances of the Luxury Yacht and knowing these details are a reinforcing way to have a very visible and significant bearing on its overall development. The report is created with the vision of gratifying and customizations and other needs that vendors and readers may require. The report thus generates a highly practical repository of information that allows top decision makers to form highly effective business strategies.Browse Complete Report with TOC @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Luxury Yacht1.2 Classification of Luxury Yacht1.3 Applications of Luxury Yacht1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Luxury Yacht1.5 Industry Overview of Luxury Yacht1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Luxury Yacht1.7 Industry News Analysis of Luxury Yacht2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Luxury Yacht2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Luxury Yacht2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Luxury Yacht2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Luxury Yacht2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Luxury Yacht2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Luxury Yacht2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Luxury Yacht2.7 United States Price, Cost and Gross of Luxury Yacht 2011-20163 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of United States Key Manufacturers in 20153.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of United States Key Luxury Yacht Manufacturers in 20153.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of United States Luxury Yacht Key Manufacturers in 20153.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of United States Luxury Yacht Key Manufacturers in 20154 Production Analysis of Luxury Yacht by Regions, Type, and Applications4.1 United States Production of Luxury Yacht by Regions 2011-20164.2 United States Production of Luxury Yacht by Type 2011-20164.3 United States Sales of Luxury Yacht by Applications 2011-20164.4 Price Analysis of United States Luxury Yacht Key Manufacturers in 20154.5 United States Capacity, Production, Import, Export, Sales, Price, Cost and Revenue of Luxury Yacht 2011-20165 Consumption Volume and Consumption Value Analysis of Luxury Yacht by Regions5.1 United States Consumption Volume of Luxury Yacht by Regions 2011-20165.2 United States Consumption Value of Luxury Yacht by Regions 2011-20165.3 United States Consumption Price Analysis of Luxury Yacht by Regions 2011-20166 Analysis of Luxury Yacht Production, Supply, Sales and Market Status 2011-20166.1 Capacity, Production, Sales, and Revenue of Luxury Yacht 2011-20166.2 Production Market Share and Sales Market Share Analysis of Luxury Yacht 2014-20156.3 Sales Overview of Luxury Yacht 2011-20166.4 Supply, Consumption and Gap of Luxury Yacht 2011-20166.5 Import, Export and Consumption of Luxury Yacht 2011-20166.6 Cost, Price, Revenue and Gross Margin of Luxury Yacht 2011-20167 Analysis of Luxury Yacht Industry Key Manufacturers7.1 Azimut/Benetti?7.1.1 Company Profile7.1.2 Product Picture and Specification7.1.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue7.1.4 Azimut/Benetti? SWOT Analysis7.2 Ferretti Group?7.2.1 Company Profile7.2.2 Product Picture and Specification7.2.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue7.2.4 Ferretti Group? SWOT Analysis7.3 Sanlorenzo7.3.1 Company Profile7.3.2 Product Picture and Specification7.3.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue7.3.4 Sanlorenzo SWOT Analysis7.4 Sunseeker7.4.1 Company Profile7.4.2 Product Picture and Specification7.4.3 Capacity, Production, Price, Cost, Gross, and Revenue7.4.4 Sunseeker SWOT AnalysisRead More @QYReseachReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYReseachReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States
Rising Health Concerns to Drive Global Fruit Water Market in Future
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Overview:Fruit water refers to the water having a combination of fruits, vegetables, and herbs immersed in it. It has a fruit flavor with no calories, thus consumed to gain better health. Fruit water has emerged as a healthy and tasty way to keep the body hydrated. Not just hydrated, fruit water also enhances the flavor without adding any chemical or excess sugar. Fruit water is a rich source of anti-oxidants and vitamins that are released through various fruits and vegetables infused in it. Some of the health benefits of fruit water includes high content of vitamins and minerals which keeps body hydrated, remove toxins from the body, good for digestive system, support immune system, reduce muscle fatigue, and release fat cells for water weight loss. Fruit water has become a new and rising trend among the health drinks.Obtain Report Details @Global Fruit Water Market: Market SegmentationThe global fruit water market is segmented on the basis of product category, form, flavors, packaging and region. Based on product category, fruit water is segmented into sweetened water and unsweetened water. On the basis of form, fruit water market is segmented into natural and organic form. On the basis of flavors, fruit water market is segmented into white grape, mango, aloe vera, pineapple, coconut, and others. On the basis of packaging, global fruit water market is segmented into plastic bottles, cans, tetra packs, and pouches. Fruit water market is further segmented on the basis of distribution channel into hypermarket/supermarket, convenience store, specialty stores, online stores and others such as vending machines, cash and carry retailers etc.Global Fruit Water Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global fruit water market is segmented into major regions including North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa. Globally, among all regions, North America is expected to be the largest market for fruit water. Rising health consciousness and increasing demand of natural fruit flavors that enhance the taste and are free of artificial ingredients, preservatives and high sugar, is one of the factor contributing significantly to the high market share of fruit water in North America. Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest growing market during the reviewed period.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Global Fruit Water Market: Growth DriversFruit water market is expected to witness modest growth during the next couple of years. It is expected to be driven by its health benefits, antioxidants properties, nutritional value, and better taste. The trend of clean label and natural flavors in the food & beverages has provided a significant boost to the growth of fruit water market. The rapid growth is further supported by various macro-economic factors such as population growth, recovered GDP, and increased disposable income that elevated the demand of fruit water. Rapid urbanization coupled with the changing life-style, change in taste and preferences, change in eating habits, along with the growing awareness level regarding health benefits of fruit water is fueling the growth of global fruit water market. However, rising cost of raw materials and the issues pertaining to the stability and sustainability of natural flavors over synthetic flavors are some of the factors challenging the growth of fruit water market. Food technologist and companies in this market are continuously involved in research & development activities to innovate and introduce new variants of fruit water that can enhance the taste and nutritional value attached to it.Global Fruit Water Market: PlayersSome of the global key players in the fruit water market includes The Coca-Cola Company, Zpirit Foods Inc., National Beverage Corp., Clearly Food & Beverage Company, Ltd, Hint Inc., Adirondack beverages, Inc., Prystine Food & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., Fresh Fruit Ingredients Inc., among others. Companies in the global fruit water market are focusing upon expanding their product portfolio through new product launches.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:
Future Business Opportunities in Coffee Premixes Market
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Overview:Coffee premix is a fusion of different ingredients made from premium quality coffee beans with distinct flavors and aromas, which produces a unique result for consumption. It contains caffeine, coloring agents, preservatives and other ingredients. The use and necessity of coffee premixes are rising both at individual level and at Quick Service Restaurants (QSR), thus, adding more to the demand for the particular market at a substantial rate over the years. The consumption of coffee is high, and, to meet the most of the growing demand, new flavors are being introduced in the market. Coffee premixes have a relatively longer shelf life because it is sealed, which prevents it to absorb moisture. In case of revenue, instant coffee premixes mixed with milk or water captured the largest market share among all other instant beverage premixes and is projected to be the leader during the forecast period. The coffee premixes market growth is largely connected to the growing end user industry of coffee. Coffee premix can be consumed with milk or water, as per individual preferences. Seasonal menu components served in restaurants and quick serve restaurants (QSR) is an opportunity for coffee premix market. For instance with desserts, sweet coffee premixes is preferred generally as toppings or granules.Obtain Report Details @Global Coffee Premix: Market SegmentationCoffee premixes is intermediate which can be directly purchased by end users for their own consumption and, it can be also used in vending machines. The global coffee premix market is segmented on the basis of type, brewing, flavors and forms. Different types of coffee beans used to make premixes are green, black, brown and white. Coffee premixes on the basis of brewing style can be mainly segmented into instant, cappuccino, mocha, latte, espresso and regular. Among all the brewing style, regular occupies the largest market share followed by cappuccino. Flavors are segmented into chicory, chocolate, maple walnut, honey cinnamon and rosemary. Chocolate occupies the largest market share among all the flavors available in the market. Different forms of coffee premixes market are roasted/grounded, blended and soluble.Global Coffee Premix Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the coffee premixes industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Middle East & Africa. Coffee premixes consumption is highest in Finland followed by Norway and Netherlands. Production of coffee premixes is highest in Brazil followed by Vietnam and Colombia. The plantation of coffee covers 25,000-30,000 square kilometers of the land in Minas Gerais, Sao Paulo and Parana which are the south eastern states in Brazil and it contributes 40% of the worlds total coffee supply.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Global Coffee Premix Market: Growth DriversCoffee is the major application of coffee premixes which is the main growth driver for this market. The changing and varying life style is one of the driving force behind the coffee premix market. People are going experimental, so they tend to try different flavors of premixes available in the market. Health awareness is also a driving force in the market. Black coffee premixes are calorie and fat free, containing soluble fibers, which help fighting diabetes and boom mental state. Other driving health issues are, overcoming depression, improve physical stamina, burn fat, regulate blood pressure level, and the antioxidants enhance brain activity. The packaging of coffee premixes is also one of the drivers. Packaging in small sachet, provides the consumers ease of carrying it, anywhere. With the growth in service sectors and rise in number of work places, there is a high demand of coffee premixes across the globe.Global Coffee Premix Market: PlayersSome of the key players identified across the value chain of the global coffee premix market includes Nestle (Nescafe), The Coca Cola Company (Georgia), Starbucks Corporation, Unilever, Godrej & Boyce Manufacturing Company Limited, European Coffee Federation, Paulig Juhla Mokka, Vending Updates India Pvt. Ltd. And others. The companies are expected to expand their business by enhancing their product portfolio in global Coffee premix market. The companies are projected to frame certain strategies in future in order to gain the competitive advantage in global Coffee premix market till 2024.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:
Business Opportunities in Nanoencapsulation Market
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Nanoencapsulation Market: OverviewNanoencapsulation refers to the process of coating different substances within another material with sizes pertaining to nano scale. For this process, broad range of techniques is used in the nanoencapsulation industry with emergence of new technologies being constantly developed. Some of the commonly used methods in this industry are spray congealing, hydrogel encapsulation, wax and lipid coating, fluid bed coating and melt extrusion. Nanoencapsulation technology is used in order to protect a core material and then release it when required. The technology is widely used in drug delivery applications, fragrances, food enhancements, food additions, and for increasing shelf life and stability of products such as vitamins.Obtain Report Details @The global industry for nanoencapsulation is currently certain research groups and manufacturers actively participating in applying advances in the field of nanotechnology, particularly in the food industry. These activities majorly include the implementation of the technology in the field of food packaging. However, rapid progress is being witnessed in the nanoparticles and nanoencapsulation industry of food ingredients and bioactive compounds. The industry for nanoencapsulation holds the potential for delivering nutrient which are difficult to attain, to the body by including them in fortified or functional food products. The technology is also being used for enhancing the bioavailability and delivery of nutraceuticals which are known to have therapeutic and disease prevention effects.Nanoencapsulation Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe technology behind encapsulation is becoming highly important across various segments such as drug therapy, biomedical diagnostics, cosmetics and food. The techniques used for micro-encapsulation and nanoencapsulation are being increasingly developed and used in diversifying industries for their outstanding features and benefits. Majorly, these benefits usually include superior bioavailability of compounds in drug delivery systems provided that about half of the drugs which are produced have issues of poor bioavailability Innovative nanoencapsulation techniques and micro-encapsulation techniques promote such benefits and have modulated the particle densities for attaining specifications for lightweight and porous materials. Nanoparticles production is currently on the rise. Nanoencapsulation also serves as an application of nanotechnology and is widely known in the pharmaceuticals industry but holds significant potential in the food industry. Nanoencapsulation has made a huge reputation for itself within a short period of time despite being a relatively new technology, making it one of the largely deployed technologies within the food industry. Over the past few years, nanoencapsulation has been finding usage in certain food applications such as food transportation, food storage, food production, food packaging and food processing.Enter your information below to receive a sample copy of this report @Nanoencapsulation Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsThe method of food encapsulation stabilizes food ingredients for the purpose of allowing flavor retention, as well as removal of bad taste. Food encapsulation usually involves techniques for immobilizing cells for use with in fermentation in food products such as meat, wine, dairy and beer. Consumers largely prefer tasty, healthy and convenient food products and these demands can be easily met by food encapsulation. The food product nanoencapsulation market is expected to rise significantly, mostly driven by the huge demand for better food packaging, technological development in nanoencapsulation techniques, functional foods. Developed regions such North America, particularly the U.S. accounts for the largest market for nanoencapsulation, followed by other regions such as Europe and Asia Pacific. However, Europe is expected to witness the fastest growth rate in the nanoencapsulation industry within the forecast period.Blue California, Thies Technology, Frutarom Industries Ltd, Southwest Research Institute, and Aquanova AG are some of the companies involved in the nanoencapsulation 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:
Syngas and Derivatives Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024
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Albany, New York, March 21, 2017: Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) announces the addition of a new report titled Syngas and Derivatives Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 - Syngas is a mixture comprising of hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and very often some carbon dioxide. It normally contains carbon in it as it is derived from feedstock such as coal, petroleum, natural gas and others. It is majorly used as a fuel and for manufacturing of other chemicals. Chemicals, power generation, liquid fuels and gaseous fuels are the major end-user industry where syngas finds application.Request for Sample Report:The report estimates and forecasts the syngas and derivatives market on the global, regional, and country levels. The study provides forecast between 2016 and 2024 based on volume (MWth) with 2015 as the base year. The report comprises an exhaustive value chain analysis for each of the product segments. It provides a comprehensive view of the market. Value chain analysis also offers detailed information about value addition at each stage. The study includes drivers and restraints for the syngas and derivatives 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 syngas and derivatives 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.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the syngas and derivatives market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein applications and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market share, raw material availability, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market.Global Syngas and Derivatives Market: SegmentationThe study provides a comprehensive view of the syngas and derivatives market by dividing it on the basis of end-user and geography segments. The syngas and derivatives market has been segmented into chemicals, power generation, liquid fuels and gaseous fuels based on end-user. End-user segment have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for syngas and derivatives in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume for end-user segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, France, the U.K., Spain, Italy, India, China, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-user in all the regions and countries.Global Syngas and Derivatives Market: Competitive AnalysisThe report covers detailed competitive outlook that includes market share and profiles of key players operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report includes Air Products and Chemicals Inc., Air Liquide SA, BASF SE, Sasol Limited, Siemens Ag and others. 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).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.Browse Full Report with TOC: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.About UsMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State StreetSuite 700Albany, NY - 12207United StatesTelephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.com
Global Multiplex Detection Immunoassay Market Accounting for US$ 3.0 Billion By 2024
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According to the latest market report published by Persistence Market Research titled Global Market Study on Multiplex Detection Immunoassay: North America to Dominate the Global Market Through 2024 , the global multiplex detection immunoassay market is expected to witness a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 20162024.Factors influencing the growth of the global multiplex detection immunoassay marketManufacturers in the global multiplex detection immunoassay market are focusing on introducing differential products with enhanced safety and application to increase market share. This market is significantly determined by the rising aging population, high pervasiveness of illnesses, rising utilization and enhanced focus on diagnostic testing and expanding the use of multiplex detection assay test procedures in clinical diagnostics. Moreover, concern in getting federal or government approvals due to changes in medical procedures coupled with manufacturing processes, fluctuation in result outcomes, and deficient reimbursements for multiplex detection immunoassays are representing a few difficulties to the general growth of the market during the forecast period.The capacity of multiplex detection immunoassays is to produce reportable outcomes from one example prompts to its more prominent reception for clinical or purpose of care diagnostics. Multiplex immunoassays yield an abundance of data on the parts of various proteins and different biomolecules in assorted natural procedures, in this way giving clinicians knowledge into the distinguishing proof and evaluation of disease progression. The aim for manufacturers is to create assay kits with market driving technologies, problematic levels of multiplexing and popularize these through bigger business partners.Multiplex stages can offer distinct advantages over singleplex measures. The requirement for lower test input has been suggested as of now; commonly 2550 L test volume is required to test different markers as compared with 100 L per target required for ELISA. Moreover, multiplex stages frequently give a pickup in examining dynamic range. While ELISA quickly loses linearity over a couple orders of magnitude, multiplex assays are accounted for to keep up linearity more than three or even five orders of magnitude.Global multiplex detection immunoassay market forecastThe global multiplex detection immunoassay market is segmented into technique, assay type, end users, and application. The planar assays segment is expected to exhibit the highest growth over the forecast period. Currently, in the U.S. market, planar assays are the mostly used for detection followed by the European market. The planar assay segment is expected to be the most lucrative in the North America multiplex detection immunoassay market, exhibiting a CAGR of 7.8%.Based on technique, the market has been segmented into nucleic acid-based techniques, protein-based techniques and biomarker-based techniques. Protein-based techniques currently account for the highest revenue share in the market followed by nucleic acid-based techniques. Increasing focus on disease predisposition studies and drug efficacy studies would create a good opportunity for growth of multiplex detection immunoassay market.Based on application, the market has been segmented into disease testing (infectious disease, autoimmune disease, and others), food contamination testing, drug development and veterinary disease testing. Drug development currently accounts for the highest revenue share in the market followed by disease testing. Increasing focus on disease predisposition studies and drug efficacy studies would create a good opportunity for growth of multiplex detection immunoassay market.Based on end users, the market has been segmented into pharmaceutical companies, clinical research organizations, food & beverages companies, academic research institutes, diagnostic centers and biotechnology companies. Currently pharmaceutical companies account for the highest revenue share in the market followed by other end users. An increasing number of multiplex assays labeled for research use only increase the growth prospects for academic research institute end users in North America during the forecast period.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and the MEA. This report assesses trends driving each market segment and offers analysis and insights into the potential of multiplex detection immunoassay in specific regions. North America is estimated to dominate the multiplex detection immunoassay market with a maximum value share of the overall market by end of 2016. North America multiplex detection immunoassay market is set to register a CAGR of 8.2% through 2024. The presence of key regional players, strong distribution network, and developed healthcare infrastructure are the key factors driving the growth of the market in North America.Request to View Tables of Content @Some key companies covered in this report include QIAGEN N.V, F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, EMD Millipore, Bio-Rad, Microsynh AG., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., BD biosciences, Luminex Corporation, Unisensor, Quansys Bioscience, and Danaher Corporation. These companies are primarily focused on enhancing their market share by entering new markets and by introducing innovative and cost-effective immunoassays in order to gain higher market share and to strengthen their respective position in the global market.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. 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Global Precision Medicine Market to Approach US$ 172.95 Billion by the end of 2024
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The latest report published by Persistence Market Research titled Global Market Study on Precision Medicine: Drug Discovery Technology Segment Estimated to Witness 0.1% Decline in Market Share Between 2016 and 2024". projects some of the crucial aspects of the global precision medicine market after an in-depth research. The report assures that the market will grow manifold and it will register a 14.7% CAGR between 2016 and 2024.Global Precision Medicine Market: The PropellersThe global expansion of the medicine industry will expand the canvas of the global precision market. Larger investments, better infrastructure, simplified approval process of drugs along with companion diagnostics will impact the structure of the entire climate of the global precision medicine market. The affordable DNA profiling, the bloating cancer population of the globe will create a favorable condition of growth for the global precision medicine market. The proper storage of genome data plays a crucial part in this segment. The emergence of data backed medicare will also drive the global precision market ahead.But the market is combating acute data storage and data privacy issues and it also lacks in systematic approach towards funding and soaring prices of personalized drugs is also creating a blockade in the expansion of the global precision medicine market.Global Precision Medicine Market: Market AutopsyThe global precision medicine market is bifurcated into multiple parent segments which are further sub-categorized. The primary division of the market is an assimilation of three, region, technology and application. The major technologies which will define the market character in the forthcoming years are bioinformatics, next-gen sequencing and drug discovery technology. The applications segment will showcase fruitful results and oncology will act as the showstopper. The market prediction shows that this segment will bloom and will touch an approximate value of US$ 69 Bn by the end of the assessment period. The approximate registered CAGR of this segment within the assessed period will be above 13.5%. The global population is struggling with some of the acute diseases such as arthritis. A large slice of the aged population is an easy prey of this crippling ailment. The immunology segment will reap maximum benefits from the population affected by arthritis. The immunology segment will gain revenue from the market and the market worth will cross US$ 34 Mn by the end of 2024.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Global Precision Medicine Market: Regional ScrutinyThe regional market arena has penetrated through different key regions of the globe. The global precision medicine market has extended its boundaries in the last few years. The product has a massive global presence and it is expanding steadily. Apart from North America, Europe, MEA, Latin America and Asia Pacific regions are other major pockets which are expected to show fruitful outcome in the forthcoming years. The global precision medicine market is expected to perform well in the North American region and it will occupy more than 35% of the market share within the period of prediction. The global precision market in North America will flourish and will probably touch the approximate market value of more than US$ 60 Mn by 2024 end. With a stupendous performance the US and Canada will conquer a lion share of the global precision medicine market of this region predicts the report. The Europe is a consistent market and will crawl up the revenue chart within the forecast period. The global precision market in Europe will ride an estimated CAGR of more than 13% to sew up an average worth of more than US$ 40 Mn by the end of 2024. In Europe the markets spread across Germany and France will shape the destiny of this market. Apart from this the countries such as Spain, UK and Italy will also follow the leading pack during the period of assessment. The APAC region is the rising star of the global precision medicine market. The region will project a CAGR of more than 14% during the period of projection. The market will witness a staggering hike and will touch approximately US$ 35 Mn by the end of 2024. In the APAC region Japan will spearhead the market, China and India will lock horns to accumulate maximum market share during the projected period. The region of Latin America will score considerable revenue during this period. MEA will be a sulking market as less of research activities will dampen the spirit of the precision medicine market.Request to View Tables of Content @The market is evolving fast with the better and bigger market tie-ups. The bonhomie between IT and healthcare is also expediting the market and providing a bigger playground to the stakeholders. Novartis AG, Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Eli Lilly And Company, AstraZeneca are contributing massively in the overall development of the global precision medicine market.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. 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Business Opportunities in Vacuum Salt Market
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Overview:Vacuum salt is the purest form of salt, it can be defined as rock salt which has been further refined. Vacuum salt are also known as evaporated salts. It is pumped into the clean water in the large salt deposits and later on dissolves salt into salt solution. The water which is strongly impregnated with salt is purified from various contaminants by using special chemicals, once the contaminants are washed out the water is boiled under pressure or under vacuum (negative pressure).Obtain Report Details @Solar salt and rock salt both contains 99% of purity while Vacuum salt is 99.9% pure sodium chloride in the purest form. It purely depends on the boiling to get either rough grained or fine grained salt as per the requirement.Global Vacuum Salt: Market SegmentationVacuum salt can be segmented based on the type which is undried vacuum salt and dried vacuum salt. Undried vacuum salt has a moisture content of 2-3% which is very suitable food industry. Most of the undried vacuum salt is used as table salt.Since vacuum salt is the purest form of salts it is used in lot of applications across many industries. Vacuum salt is used in various industries like food industry, chemical industry, oil drilling, detergent & washing powder, dyeing industry and other industrial applications.Make an Enquiry @Industrial vacuum salt doesnt have to get approved by the stringent quality standards unlike food grade vacuum salt. Food grade vacuum salt has to undergo lot of quality and purity testing standard to get approval for the application in food industry. Chemical industry consumes majority of vacuum salt produced followed by food industry.Global Vacuum Salt: Regional OutlookGeographically, the global vacuum salt industry can be divided by major regions which include North America, Latin America, Western and Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific region, Japan, Middle East and Africa.U.S is the largest producer of salt followed by China, Russia, Germany, the United Kingdom, India, and France. The increasing demand of vacuum salt in both industrial as well as food industry will drive the market of vacuum salt in forthcoming years. United Kingdom, U.S, China & India are the leading manufacturers of vacuum salt.Global Vacuum Salt: Market DriversThe major driver for vacuum salt is that it is the purest form of salt as compared to rock salt and solar salt. Due to this property it is the most preferred salt in various industrial and food application. The increasing demand of pure and high quality salt in food industry will drive the market of vacuum salt.Growth in chemical manufacturing output will fuel the market, largely due to the increasing chemical production in emerging Asia-Pacific countries like China & India. Livestock also contributes as major segment for salt consumption.The major restrains of vacuum salt is the process of extraction of vacuum salt it maximizes energy efficiency that is closely monitored for both commercial and environmental reasons. The steam which is used for evaporation process is generated in accordance with IPPC regulations and, wherever possible, is reused within the manufacturing process. While on the other hand rock salt mining & refining does require energy input, which is considerably lower than for evaporated salt. All manufacturers monitor and seek to maximize their energy efficiency. Users are encouraged to weigh the overall energy impact, including the lower distribution energy usage of indigenous supplies.Global Vacuum Salt Market Key PlayersSome of the major players operating in Vacuum salt market includes AkzoNobel (Jozo Salt), British Salt, Tata Chemicals Limited, Italkali, Atisale S.p.A, Cargill, Ineos Salt, European salt company, Amra Salt, Wilson Salt Ltd & few other regional players. There are many small scale vacuum salt manufacturers in emerging Asia-Pacific countries.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:
Piezoelectric Ceramics Market - Top 5 Manufacturers across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa Reviewed
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The Piezoelectric Ceramics Market 2017 research offers a feasibility analysis for investment and returns supported with data on development trend analysis across important regions of the world.This report studies Piezoelectric Ceramics 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, coveringMURATATDKMORGANTAIYO YUDENKYOCERACeramTecPI CeramicExelisSparkler CeramicsKEPO ElectronicsRequest a sample copy of Piezoelectric Ceramics Market Research Report @Piezoelectric Ceramics 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), likeUnited StatesCanadaMexicoGermanyFranceUKItalySplit by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided intoLead zinc titanates(PZT)Lead titanate (PT)Lead magnesium niobate (PMN)The listed pricing for this Piezoelectric Ceramics Market report starts at $ 4960. Request Discount for Piezoelectric Ceramics Market Research Report @Split by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Piezoelectric Ceramics Market in each application, can be divided intoStandard signal sourceElectro-acoustic transducerUltrasonic transducerUnderwater acoustic transducersFilterSensing and measurementBrowse full table of contents and data tables For Piezoelectric Ceramics Market Report @Related Reports: -2016 Global Electronics Ceramics & Electrical Ceramics Market Status, 2011-2022 Market Historical and Forecasts, Professional Market Research ReportThis New Version Electronics Ceramics & Electrical Ceramics 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.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:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Global Kidney Dialysis Equipment Market Accounting for US$ 25.128 Billion by 2024 End
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Persistence Market Researchs recent report on Global Market Study on Kidney Dialysis Equipment: Latin America Expected to Emerge the Third Attractive Regional Market forecasts the market revenues to reach US$ 25.128 Bn by 2024 end. The US$ 15 Bn kidney dialysis market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2024.Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Kidney Disease and Adoption of Technologically Advanced Products Spurring DemandThe preponderance of chronic kidney disease (CKD), aggravated by geriatric population and rising life expectancy, will continue to spur the demand for hemodialysis therapy. Expanding ESRD patient pool is another factor influencing market growth. Favorable government initiatives and rising healthcare funding to increase awareness about therapeutic modalities are also anticipated to boost equipment sales during the forecast period. The introduction of technologically advanced and user-friendly dialysis equipment and adoption of renal dialysis over kidney transplantation are key trends impacting the market.Manufacturers will discover lucrative opportunities in pediatric dialysis. In addition, rising demand for cost-effective equipment in low and middle-income countries will also present multiple revenue generation channels.- Analyst, Life Sciences & Transformational Health, Persistence Market ResearchAsia Pacific will Remain at the Forefront of Global Demand for Kidney Dialysis EquipmentAsia Pacific will remain the largest and the fastest growing market for kidney dialysis equipment throughout the projected period. Valued at US$ 4.57 Bn currently, the market in APAC is foreseen to surpass US$ 9.0 Bn by the end of 2024, accounting for over 38% market value share. North America, Europe, and Latin America will be the other key markets globally. While APAC is expected to thrive at a CAGR of 9.9%, MEA, and Latin America will remain the other fast-growing markets globally.By equipment type, hemodialysis equipment will continue to outsell peritoneal dialysis equipment during the assessed period.Hemodialysis equipment will capture over 88% market share in 2016 but is anticipated to lose nearly 100 BPS over the next eight-year period.Dialyzers are expected to witness the fastest growth during 2016-2024Peritoneal dialysis segment will gain 100 BPS through 2024, reaching a market share of over 12% by 2024Within peritoneal dialysis equipment segment, the peritoneal dialysis machine sub-segment will account for highest sales.The end-user analysis by Persistence Market Research reflects the emergence of home-care settings as a critical end-user.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @In-center dialysis segment will witness a slight decline in its revenue share; by 2024, this segment is projected to account for 85% share of the overall end-use segmentDemand for kidney dialysis equipment from home care settings will grow at a higher CAGR than in-center dialysisRapid adoption of home dialysis is indicative of a paradigm shift in end-use demandRequest to View Tables of Content @Fresenius Medical Care AG & Co. KGaA, Baxter International Inc., NIPRO Medical Corporation, B. Braun Melsungen AG, and NIKKISO CO., LTD. are the leading players in the kidney dialysis equipment market. Manufacturers are largely concentrating on development of cost-effective dialysis equipment and expanding revenue shares in regional markets; empowering the supply chain in developing countries is expected to gain traction among key players. Notable activity in the kidney dialysis equipment includes:NxStage will launch three new systems within the next few years. NIKKISO CO., LTD. has expansion plans in China and overseasFresenius is extending its international product offerings through introduction of new dialysis equipmentBraun wins the market with a trend of dialysis service privatizationBaxter focuses on strategic acquisitions to capitalize on higher growth opportunitiesTo Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs en-gagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Global Bone Glue Market Accounting for US$ 1,032.9 Million by 2024
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The reluctance of orthopedic patients towards the use of conventional cementing materials for surgical adhesion procedures is influencing the development of organic alternatives. Globally, the consumption of bone glue in hospitals is on an upsurge, owing to their widespread acceptance by both healthcare professionals and patients. The global market for bone glue is currently valued at US$ 600.6 million, and is expected to reach US$ 1,032.9 million in revenues by the end of 2024.Persistence Market Researchs report titled Global Market Study on Bone Glue: Rising Adoption of Bone Glue for Orthopedic Surgeries Expected to Boost Demand for Bone Glue over the Forecast Period, has estimated that the global market for bone glue will register a CAGR of 7.0% during the assessment period of 2016-2024. Prevalence of bone related disorders continues to be on a rise, urging manufacturers to come up with advanced glues. Preference to bone glue remains higher for adhesion procedures in arthroplasty surgeries. By the end of 2024, the application of bone glue in arthroplasty surgeries is slated to surpass 40% share of global market value, rendering it as the most prominent application for bone glue adhesives.Key end-use segments of the market include hospitals, specialty clinics and ASCs. High costs of orthopedic surgeries and growing number of accidents have increased the influx of orthopedic patients in hospitals. Since treating such patients requires the inclusion of bone glue as surgical adhesives, manufacturers are likely to concentrate their supply more towards hospitals and similar medical organizations. Specialty clinics are expected to be the second-most prominent end-user in the global bone glue market. On the account of their individual value share, specialty clinics and ASCs are projected to attribute to 17.9% and 10.9% share of the global bone glue market by 2024 end.Regional OverviewIn terms of value share, North Americas bone glue market accounts for half of the global market value, primarily due to advanced pharmaceutical production and robust healthcare infrastructure in the US. The bone glue market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to surge at the highest CAGR of 7.6% during the projected period. Latin Americas bone glue revenues are likely to surpass US$ 50 million by 2024, while bone glue sales in Middle East & Africa (MEA) region will expand sluggishly. On the other hand, revenues generated from bone glue sales in Europe are expected to be worth over US$ 150 million by the end of the forecast period.A Sample of this Report is Available Upon Request @Higher Demand for Synthetic Bone GlueThe production of bone glue through synthesis of constituent adhesive elements becomes more cost-effective and practical for manufacturers. Over 80% of global revenues estimated in 2016 and beyond are projected to be accounted by synthetic bone glue over natural bone glue. Revenues from global sales of synthetic product called methacrylate will incur a rise of estimated US$ 23.8 million between 2016 and 2017, while global cyanoacrylate revenues are likely to surpass US$ 250 million by 2024 end.Request to View Tables of Content @As a manufacturer and supplier of bone glue adhesives, Ethicon, Inc. (US) is estimated to hold 40% revenue share of the global market. Baxter International Inc. is the other leading player in the global bone glue market. Companies such as Cryolife are expected to expand their market presence through increasing distribution. C. R. Bard, Inc., Luna Innovations Incorporated, B. Braun Melsungen AG, Cohera Medical, Inc., Tissuemed Ltd., Chemence Medical, Inc., Integra LifeSceinces Corporation, and DENTSPLY SIRONA Inc., are also some of the prominent companies participating in the growth of the global bone glue market.To Buy Full Report for a Single User @About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a U.S.-based full-service market intelligence firm specializing in syndicated re-search, custom research, and consulting services. PMR boasts market research expertise across the Healthcare, Chemicals and Materials, Technology and Media, Energy and Mining, Food and Beverages, Semiconductor and Electronics, Con-sumer Goods, and Shipping and Transportation industries. The company draws from its multi-disciplinary capabilities and high-pedigree team of analysts to share data that precisely corresponds to clients business needs.PMR stands committed to bringing more accuracy and speed to clients business decisions. From ready-to-purchase market research reports to customized research solutions, PMRs en-gagement models are highly flexible without compromising on its deep-seated research values.ContactPersistence Market Research Pvt. Ltd305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.commedia@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb:
Mica Paper Market, Share, Trends and Analysis, Growth and Forecast to 2021
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The Mica Paper market 2017 research offers a feasibility analysis for investment and returns supported with data on development trend analysis across important regions of the world.This report studies Mica Paper 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 5 Mica Paper Players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share for top 5 manufacturer, covering ISOVOLTA Group, Pamica, Jyoti, Spbsluda, Sichun Meifeng Mica, Asheville Mica, VPI Mica insulating materials, Zhongtian Mica, Nippon Rika, Corona Films, Sakti Mica, Ruby mica.Request A Sample Copy of Mica Paper Market Research Report @Market Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales, revenue, market share of top 5 players in these regions, from 2012 to 2017 (forecast), likeNorth 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, Saudi Arabia)Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided intoNatural Muscovite Mica PaperNatural Phlogopite Mica PaperSynthetic Mica PaperSplit by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Mica Paper in each application, can be divided intoMica plate / mica tapeElectric power systemHousehold Electric AppliancesOtherThe Listed Pricing For This Mica Paper Market Report Starts At US $4960.Request Discount For Mica Paper Industry Research Report @1 Mica Paper Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Mica Paper1.2 Mica Paper Segment by Types1.2.1 Global Sales Market Share of Mica Paper by Types in 20151.2.2 Natural Muscovite Mica Paper1.2.3 Natural Phlogopite Mica Paper1.2.4 Synthetic Mica Paper1.3 Mica Paper Segment by Applications1.3.1 Mica Paper Consumption Market Share by Applications in 20151.3.2 Mica plate / mica tape1.3.3 Electric power system1.3.4 Household Electric Appliances1.3.5 Other1.4 Mica Paper Market by Regions1.4.1 North America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.2 Asia-Pacific Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.3 Europe Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.4 South America Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.4.5 Middle East and Africa Status and Prospect (2012-2022)1.5 Global Market Size (Value) of Mica Paper (2012-2022)Browse Full Table Of Contents And Data Tables For Mica Paper Report @Related Reports: -Global Mica Tape for Insulation Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022Mica Tape is a high quality insulation material, non-toxic, tasteless, high temperature resistance, high pressure resistance, anti-aging, corrosion resistance, dielectric strength up to A-level. Espec...Centralize 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:
WATERLOO -- Three members of Americans for Democratic Action Iowa delivered a message to U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley's Waterloo office Monday, asking the Republican to oppose Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch.
ADA Iowa, a member of the Why Courts Matter coalition, presented a petition with more than 1,500 signatures asking Grassley and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, to oppose Gorsuch over his record of siding with big money.
We feel its very important to have someone who is going to be very independent of the administration, ADA Iowa Field Organizer Chris Schwartz told Grassleys staff. At this point, theres no reason to believe that Neil Gorsuch is going to be that independent voice we need right now.
Grassley is chairman of the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, which began hearings on the Gorsuch nomination Monday. Grassley addressed concerns about judicial independence in his opening comments.
In recent months, Ive heard that now more than ever we need a justice who is independent and who respects the separation of powers, Grassley said. I dont question the sincerity of those concerns, but some of us have been alarmed by executive overreach and the threat it poses to the separation of powers for quite some time now.
He added Gorsuchs grasp on the separation of powers enlivens his body of work.
Schwartz, however, outlined several issues on which those who signed the petition think Gorsuch would be likely to rule against everyday Iowans. Schwartz pointed to how Gorsuch would rule on the flow of money into elections due to the court's Citizens United decision.
He also cited issues like the environment, womens reproductive health, immigration and whether Gorsuch would be independent of Republican President Donald Trumps administration as concerns continue on his ties to Russia.
Neither Grassley nor Ernst have said they will vote to confirm Gorsuch, but both released statements praising the judge as eminently qualified.
Schwartz noted a hearing was denied former Democratic President Barack Obama's nominee Merrick Garland. The vacancy was prompted by the February 2016 death of Justice Antonin Scalia.
Merrick Garland was definitely a consensus candidate. He was a moderate by every measure, said Schwarz. I understood why it was smart for the country to have someone who is more of a consensus candidate, and that just isnt true of Justice Gorsuch. He has a very, very conservative record.
Supporters are still hoping to add to the 1,657 signatures on the petition at www.changeiowa.org/petitions/oppose-corporate-judge-gorsuch.
Schwartz said other efforts also would continue.
One single action is never enough to change anything, but the cumulative (effort) can help change the dialogue, Schwartz said.
Christinia Crippes writes for the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Reach her at christinia.crippes@wcfcourier.com.
Nickel Hydroxide Market Forecast Profiled Norilsk, SMM Group, Tanaka-Chemical, Kansai Catalyst
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The latest trending report Nickel Hydroxide Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, forecast offered by Market Size Forecasters in an informative study covering the market with detailed analysis. The report will assist reader with better understanding and decision making. The Report Spread Across 128 Pages With Tables And Figures In It.Nickel Hydroxide in Global market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top 5 Nickel Hydroxide Players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share for top 5 manufacturer, covering Norilsk SMM Group Tanaka-Chemical Kansai Catalyst Chancsun Umicore Henan Kelong Anhui Yaland Jilin Jien Kingray New Materials Jinchuan Group Jiangmen FangyuanRequest a sample copy of Nickel Hydroxide Market Research Report @Market Segment by Regions, this Nickel Hydroxide Market report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales, revenue, market share of top 5 players in these regions, 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, Saudi Arabia)Nickel Hydroxide Market Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided into Pure Nickel Hydroxide Contain Cobalt Nickel Hydroxide Contain Zinc Nickel Hydroxide Contain Cadmium Nickel HydroxideSplit by applications, this Nickel Hydroxide Market report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Nickel Hydroxide in each application, can be divided into Electronics industry Chemical industry OthersEnquiry for discount Nickel Hydroxide Market Research Report @9 Global Nickel Hydroxide Market Players Profiles/Analysis9.1 Norilsk9.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.1.2 Nickel Hydroxide Product Types, Application and Specification9.1.2.1 Type 19.1.2.2 Type 29.1.3 Norilsk Nickel Hydroxide Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.2 SMM Group9.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.2.2 Nickel Hydroxide Product Types, Application and Specification9.2.2.1 Type 19.2.2.2 Type 29.2.3 SMM Group Nickel Hydroxide Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.3 Tanaka-Chemical9.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.3.2 Nickel Hydroxide Product Types, Application and Specification9.3.2.1 Type 19.3.2.2 Type 29.3.3 Tanaka-Chemical Nickel Hydroxide Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.4 Kansai Catalyst9.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.4.2 Nickel Hydroxide Product Types, Application and Specification9.4.2.1 Type 19.4.2.2 Type 29.4.3 Kansai Catalyst Nickel Hydroxide Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview9.5 Chancsun Umicore9.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors9.5.2 Nickel Hydroxide Product Types, Application and Specification9.5.2.1 Type 19.5.2.2 Type 29.5.3 Chancsun Umicore Nickel Hydroxide Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)9.5.4 Main Business/Business OverviewBrowse full table of contents and data tables for Nickel Hydroxide Market Report @Related Reports: -Global and Chinese Toluidine Industry, 2017 Market Research ReportThe 'Global and Chinese Toluidine Industry, 2012-2022 Market Research Report' is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the global Toluidine industry with a focus on the Chinese market. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Toluidine manufacturers and is a valuable source of guidance and direction for companies and individuals interested in the industry. Firstly, the report provides a basic overview of the industry including its definition, applications and manufacturing technology.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:Connect with us: LinkedIn | Twitter
Liz Nehdi scarves now available in NYC at Wolf & Badgers new Soho boutique
The best-selling Byzantium Voyeur scarf by Liz Nehdi, now available at Wolf & Badger Soho & liznehdi.com
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London-based Liz Nehdi Studio announces the launch of a selection of their versatile and statement-making luxury scarves at Wolf & Badgers first US-based boutique at 95 Grand Street, New York 10013.Liz Nehdi Studio brings a fresh voice to womens apparel, providing collectors with a way of bringing art with them on holiday, and a means of finding the joy and inspiration of travel no matter where they are.Their collection of versatile kimonos, scarves and beach cover ups is imbued with the spirit of eternal summers and is inspired by their favourite coastal destinations around the world, from the beaches of Palm Beach and Thailand, to the coves of Antigua and Marthas Vineyard, to the brilliant sun of the Cote dAzur.Their limited edition, luxurious + wearable artworks are lovingly crafted in revered European ateliers and have been featured in the likes of Glamour UK, Tatler and Hamptons magazine.Current stockists include Wolf & Badger (NYC store and online), No. 18 Boutique, At Mayfair, Runway Passport andLNS is proudly supported by Collective and the Centre for Fashion Enterprise.High-resolution images are available upon request.Liz Nehdi Studio brings a fresh voice to womens apparel, providing collectors with a way of bringing art with them on holiday, and a means of finding the joy + inspiration of travel no matter where they are.Our collection of versatile kimonos, scarves and beach coverups is imbued with the spirit of eternal summers and is inspired by our favourite coastal destinations around the world, from the beaches of Palm Beach and Thailand, to the coves of Antigua and Marthas Vineyard, to the brilliant sun of the Cote dAzur.Our limited edition, luxurious + wearable artworks are lovingly crafted in revered European ateliers and have been featured in the likes of Glamour UK, Tatler and Hamptons magazine.LNS is proudly supported by Collective and the Centre for Fashion EnterpriseWolf & Badger95 Grand Street,New York, NY 10013
Strategic Analysis Of North Americas Linear Actuators Global Market During 2017 - 2024
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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Strategic Analysis Of North Americas Linear Actuators Global Market During 2017 - 2024" to its huge collection of research reports.This report provides strategic analysis of the North America linear actuators market, and the growth forecast for the period 2016 to 2024. The scope of the report includes competitive analysis of various market segments based on type, end use, and in-depth cross-sectional scrutiny of the North America linear actuators market across countries. Linear actuators refer to actuators which creates linear motion of a machine part or the machine itself. Linear actuators have varied applications, such as in linearly actuated valves, pumps, industrial machinery, vehicular brakes and computer peripherals among others. They can have a very simple mechanism of action, or can be very complex.Growth in industrial automation, across verticals such as automotive, food & beverage manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, healthcare and defense among others, has been the primary driver of the linear actuators market in North America. The increasing importance for water and wastewater management has also been boosting the growth of linear actuators market. Increasing population in North America has led to increasing demand for efficient water and wastewater management. With stringent environmental regulations and depleting water resources, the government of North American countries has been stressing on improving water and wastewater management systems.Growing demand for various types of linearly actuated valves, for increasing energy efficiency, monitoring of quality of wastewater treatment, and also to meet the changing environmental regulations have been further promoting growth of linear actuator valves in North America. Considering the positive impacts of the factors mentioned above, the linear actuators market in North America can be anticipated to grow at a good pace during the forecast period.North America Linear Actuators Market: SegmentationOn the basis of type, the North America linear actuators market has been segmented into pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical electric and others. Electric linear actuators have been further divided into ball screw, linear guide, linear table, rod less linear actuator, rod style linear actuator and others. The rod style linear actuator sub-segment has again been divided into helical belt, worm, DC motor and servo motor. The market revenue for linear actuators has been provided in terms of USD million, along with the CAGR for the forecast period from 2016 to 2024.Make an Enquiry of this report @North America Linear Actuators Market: Competitive DynamicsTo aid in strategic decision-making, the report also includes competitive profiling of leading players in the industry, their market share, various business strategies adopted by them, and recent developments. The key trends analysis and market opportunity map provided in the report discusses the various upcoming trends and current end use industries, with a focus on the future penetration of these products. The market opportunity map and market attractiveness analysis included in the report provide insight into market dynamics, industry competition, and the most profitable segments in the North America linear actuators market. Additionally, the Porters five forces analysis aids in better understanding of the level of competition present in the market. Top players of the North America linear actuators market has also being profiled and included in the report.Some of the leading players in the market are Kollmorgen (U.S.), Tsubakimoto Chain, Co. (Japan), DESTACO (U.S.), Enerpac (U.S.), Duff-Norton (U.S.), Joyce Dayton Corporation (U.S.), MOOG, Inc. (U.S.), PHD, Inc. (U.S.), General Electric, Co. (U.S.),NOOK Industries, Inc. (U.S.),Altra Industrial Motion, Corporation (U.S.), Parker Hannifin Corporation (U.S.), Festo Group (U.S.), Tolomatic, Inc. (U.S.),Rockwell Automation (U.S.), IAI America, Inc. (Japan) Fortive Corporation (U.S.), RACO International, L.P. (U.S.) and Curtiss Wright Corporation (U.S.) among others.The market has been segmented as follows:North America Linear Actuators Market By Type:PneumaticHydraulicMechanicalElectricBall screwLinear guideLinear tableNorth America Linear Actuators Market - By End Use:AutomotiveMedical/ HealthcareFurnitureMiningSteelWater & wastewater managementNorth America Linear Actuators Market - By Country:U.S.CanadaMexicoTo 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 Ophthalmic Devices Market Expected to be Valued US$ 42,685.1 Million by 2020
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According to a new market report published by Persistence Market Research Global Market Study on Ophthalmic Devices: Asia to Witness Highest Growth by 2020, the global ophthalmic devices market was valued at USD 29,171.5 million in 2014 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% from 2014 to 2020, to reach an estimated value of USD 42,685.1 million in 2020.Globally, the ophthalmic devices market is witnessing significant growth due to increasing prevalence of eye disorders, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. In addition, growing global aging population, increasing government initiatives towards healthcare infrastructure in developing countries, and increasing incidence of lifestyle-associated diseases are also driving the growth of the market. However, lack of awareness among people about eye disorders, poor primary healthcare infrastructure, and lack of insurance in developing countries hamper growth of the global ophthalmic devices market. In addition, eye diseases in children are also increasing due to the general lack of awareness.The global ophthalmic devices market is anticipated to grow from an estimated USD 29,171.5 million in 2014 to USD 42,685.1 million in 2020 at a CAGR of 6.5% during the forecast period.Age-related eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataract, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration, are the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness in North America. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, approximately 22 million Americans aged 40 and above were affected by cataract and 2.3 million Americans were affected by glaucoma in 2011.In Europe, increasing prevalence of chronic eye diseases among the rising aging population is becoming a challenge for the European healthcare system. In France, the number of age-related macular degeneration cases was 0.3 million in 2000 and it is anticipated to increase by 0.5 million in 2020.However, glaucoma, cataract, and diabetic retinopathy are the major causes of blindness in Asia. Cataract can be held responsible for 50% to 80% of all cases of blindness in Southeast Asia. The prevalence of age-related macular degeneration is also increasing in Asia due to increase in life expectancy and rising incidence of diabetes among the younger population. As per the Centre for Eye Research Australia, prevalence of diabetic retinopathy among people ranged between 17% and 22% in India and 43.1% in rural China in 2012.A Sample of this report is available upon request @Johnson & Johnson, Essilor International, Bausch & Lomb Incorporated, Novartis AG, HOYA CORPORATION and Abbott Laboratories, Inc. are some of the major players of ophthalmic devices market.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:
Novel Targets for Breast Cancer Treatment Drive Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) Breast Cancer Pipeline Growth
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Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) breast cancer currently exhibits a pipeline with 46 active drug candidates.ER+ breast cancer pipeline offers novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of breast cancerThe study analyzed that the estrogen receptor positive breast cancer pipeline comprises approximately 74 drug candidates, of which nine products are in Phase III, 16 products in Phase II, 18 products in Phase I, and three products are in Pre-Clinical stage. The development of 14 ER+ breast cancer drug candidates was found to be inactive, and 14 products were discontinued. ER+ breast cancer is the most common type of breast cancer diagnosed and refers to the cancer cells that have receptors on their surface to bind with estrogen. Breast cancer is a syndrome that affects the breast tissues. In breast cancer, cells in the breast grow in an uncontrollable manner and form tumor, which can be felt as a lump or can be viewed under x-ray. Invasion of new therapeutic agents, such as gene therapy, cell therapy and monoclonal antibodies are expected to provide an effective and concrete treatment for the disease, more in the light of the new technologies available.Access Report Overview:Insights on pipeline analysisAs per the findings of the research, a major share of ER+ breast cancer pipeline drug candidates are being developed to be administered by oral route and rest by intravenous route and subcutaneous route. Most of the therapeutic candidates are being developed to be administered by oral route due to high patient compliance.Several companies are developing ER+ breast cancer drug candidates in different phases. Novartis AG, Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Tesaro, Inc. and others have their ER+ breast cancer drug candidates in Phase III stage of development. Novartis AG has three drug candidates in Phase III stage and two drug candidates in Phase I clinical stage.Explore Report Sample at:Major companies collaborate for the development of ER+ breast cancer pipelineThe research finds that different companies have collaborated for the development of ER+ breast cancer. In May 2015, Tesaro, Inc entered in a collaboration with Merck & Co. to evaluate the combination of Tesaros Niraparib plus Mercks anti-PD1 therapy, Keytruda (pembrolizumab), in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. Also, in January 2016, Radius Health, Inc. entered in a worldwide clinical collaboration with Novartis Pharmaceuticals to evaluate the safety and efficacy of combining investigational agent RAD1901 with LEE011 for advanced breast cancer.Browse Other Related Report at:Some of the key players developing drugs for Estrogen Receptor-Positive (ER+) breast cancer are Chipscreen Biosciences, Ltd., Eli Lilly & Company, Genentech, Inc., Novartis AG, Ipsen, Syndax Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tesaro, Inc Astellas Pharma Inc., AstraZeneca plc, and Bayer AG.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
Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market To Reach US$11.44 Bn By 2024; Global Industry Analysis, Share, Growth, Trends And Forecast 2016 - 2024
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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024 " to it's Large Report database.Global Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market: OverviewThis report analyzes and forecasts the market for autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) at global and regional levels. The market has been forecast based on revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2024. The study includes drivers and restraints for the global AAC market. It also covers the impact of these drivers and restraints on the demand for autoclaved aerated concrete during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the AAC market at global and regional level.The report comprises detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global autoclaved aerated concrete AAC market. Porters five forces model for the market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape of the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-users are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness.Request for Sample PDF of Premium Research Report with TOC:Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market: Segmentation and Competitive DynamicsThe study provides a decisive view of the global AAC market, by segmenting it in terms of product and end-use. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for autoclaved aerated concrete in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The report also covers demand in individual end-user segments in all regions.The study includes profiles of major companies operating in the global AAC market. Key players profiled in the report include Xella Group, H+H International, SOLBET, ACICO, AERCON AAC, UltraTech Cement Ltd., Biltech Building Elements Limited, AKG Gazbeton, Bulidmate, Eastland Building Materials Co., Ltd., Brickwell, and UAL Industries Ltd. Market players have been analyzed in terms of attributes such as company overview, financial overview, business strategies, recent developments, and SWOT analysis.Read All Construction Market Research Reports @Table of Content1. Preface1.1. Report Scope and Market Segmentation1.2. Research Highlights2. Assumptions and Research Methodology2.1. Assumptions and Acronyms Used2.2. Research Methodology3. Executive Summary3.1. Market Size, Global Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market (US$ Mn)3.2. Key Trends3.3. Regional Overview, 2015 & Top 3 Product Share, 201520244. Market Overview4.1. Product Overview4.2. Global Construction Materials Market Overview4.3. Key Industry Developments4.4. Market Indicators4.5. Market Dynamics4.5.1. Drivers4.5.2. Restraints4.5.3. Key Opportunities4.6. Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Pricing: Actuals and Projections, (US$/Cubic meter), 201520244.7. Porters Analysis4.7.1. Threat of Substitutes4.7.2. Bargaining Power of Buyers4.7.3. Bargaining Power of SuppliersAbout 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:
Cap Applicators Market to reach US$1,866.7 mn by 2024 | TMR
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The global capping applicators market, similar to its parent industry of packaging machinery, is highly fragmented. However, the market is witnessing the rise of the trend of consolidation as key companies are increasingly following the course of strategic mergers and acquisitions with an aim of expanding their global footprint, observes a recent report by Transparency Market Research. A large number of mergers and acquisitions are taking place across the globe, such as the September 2015 acquisition of Kliklok Woodman, a US based packaging machinery manufacturer by Bosch Packaging Technology.Obtain Report Details @The global cap applicators market is expected to exhibit a 6.4% CAGR in terms of revenue over the period between 2016 and 2024. As a result, the market is expected to rise from US$1,133.8 mn in 2016 and to US$1,866.7 mn by 2024. In terms of machine type, automatic capping machines are expected to remain the most lucrative ones, with the segment accounting for over 87% of the global market by 2024. In terms of geography, the market in Asia Pacific is expected to retain its position as the dominant contributor to the global markets revenue throughout the forecast period. In 2016, the regional market is expected to account for a share of 34.6% in the global market.Automatic Cap Applicators to Surpass Hand-held and Semi-automated Capping Equipment by DemandOf the key varieties of capping machines available in the global market, including automatic, semi-automatic, and hand-held, the automatic variety is currently the most preferred and is expected to continue accounting for the leading share in markets overall revenues throughout the forecast period as well. The segment is expected to account for a more than 87% of the global market by 2024, witnessing a 1.7 times increase in its revenue share in the global market from 2016 to 2024.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @The segments of semi-automatic and hand-held capping machines are expected to lose a sizeable share in the market to automatic capping machines by the end of the forecast period. The vast usage of automatic capping machine in manufacturing sectors across the developed economies of Europe and North America are expected to support this transition. Furthermore, developing countries such as China and India are constantly adopting government regulations focused on prevention of contamination across the manufacturing sector, which are expected to up the adoption of automatic capping machines.Asia Pacific to Continue Being Dominant Revenue ContributorIn terms of geography, the Asia Pacific market for cap applicators is expected to be the most promising regional market in terms of incremental opportunities for high revenue generation in the future years. The region is estimated to emerge as the dominant segment contributing to the global market revenue, with a share of 34.6% in the global market in 2016, followed by Europe and North America. The relatively mature cap applicator markets such as Europe and North America are highly regulated and are likely to develop an approximately 6.1% higher demand for cap applicators in 2016 than the previous year. Latin America and Middle East are estimated to collectively represent slightly over 12% of global cap applicators market in 2016.The Asia Pacific cap applicators market is expected to surpass all other regional markets, exhibiting a CAGR of over 6.6% between 2016 and 2024. Over the next half of decade, Asia Pacific region is expected to provide immense opportunities for packaging machinery manufacturers on the backdrop of supportive organizational changes in the food and beverages and pharmaceutical sectors. The Asia Pacific market is also expected to witness significant development of many packaging institutions and companies planning to set up their manufacturing facilities in the region to gain economies of scale.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 Basset Horn Market 2017: Focuses on top players Allora, Amati, Buffet Crampon, Jupiter, Leblanc, Yamaha
Basset Horn
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The Basset Horn research report by QY Research represents an inclusive evaluation of the Global Basset Horn 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 Basset Horn market and its corresponding segments that are based on technology, geography, and applications.The examination on value chain of Basset Horn 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 Basset Horn 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 Basset Horn 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 Basset Horn 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 Basset Horn market report is a helpful source which assists manufacturers, distributors, suppliers, customers, and individuals and investors who have interest in this market.SummaryNotes:Sales, means the sales volume of Basset HornRevenue, means the sales value of Basset HornThis report studies sales (consumption) of Basset Horn 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, coveringAlloraAmatiBuffet CramponJupiterLeblancSelmerSelmer ParisVitoYamahaSplit by product Types,Nickel-PlatedSilver-PlatedSplit by applications,Musical compositionsSoloists and ensemblesJazzAbout 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
Web Real Time Communication Market - Globalization Leads to Greater Uptake of Newer Technologies
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Web Real Time Communication Market: OverviewWeb Real Time Communication (Web RTC) is an open source application programming interface (API) originated by World Wide Web Consortium (W3C). Web RTC enables end-users with voice calling, video chat and peer to peer file sharing between browsers without the support of any external plugin. World Wide Web Consortium is the international standard organization for the development of standards world wide web. The W3C tries to establish compatibility among industry service providers for adoption of global standards developed by them. The internet protocols required for web RTC are developed, managed and standardized by Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @Web RTC comprises of three APIs, GetUserMedia (), PeerConnection () and DataChannels (). The GetUserMedia () request the user for permission to get access to input devices such as microphone and camera. The PeerConnection () establishes a connection between local device and remote device. The DataChannels () represents a bidirectional data channel between both the peers in the connection.Web RTC provides time efficient, easily accessible and encrypted commercial telephony system. Web RTC is an open source API, hence could be easily accessed by the application developers. This has led to heavy adoption of web RTC in developing communication solutions at a lower cost compared to traditional systems. Web RTC does not depend on platform and device on which it is integrated, thus would attract global customers.Furthermore, web RTC provides better video and audio quality at a lower cost with enhanced security level compared to other telecommunication systems, thus could drive the growth of global web RTC market. Web RTC adapts and adjusts itself according to the changing network conditions. It adjusts according to bandwidth availability and avoids network congestion, thus increases efficiency of the network. The organizations enabled with web RTC technology products could improve customer interaction, promotional activities and increase their sales in a cost-effective way. The growth in customer facing industries such as retail, healthcare and hospitality would further boost the growth of web RTC market. However, web RTC is still an emerging technology, therefore has various challenges such as privacy issues with use of public internet and data security. These issues are expected to restrain the growth of global web RTC market. With big players such as Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corporation not supporting web RTC technology, the market is expected to face a hurdle in its growth.Browse Market Research Report @Web Real Time Communication Market: SegmentationWeb RTC market is broadly segmented on the basis of type, solution and geography. On the basis of type, the web RTC market can be segmented into software and services whereas, on the basis of solution it can be segmented as video calling solutions, voice solutions, messaging solutions and file sharing solutions. The software segment of the market provides software which have web RTC functionality whereas service segment provides the technology and API to integrate web RTC in their existing websites.Moreover, in terms of geographies, the global Web RTC market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America regions. Web RTC technology show its strong presence in North America as technological advancements and heavy investments are made by the players of this region. AsiaPacific and Europe are also adopting web RTC significantly due to tremendous growth seen in usage of web based applications.Web Real Time Communication Market: Key PlayersThe major participants in the web RTC market include companies such as Google Incorporation, Mozilla Corporation, Cisco Systems Inc., Opera Software ASA, TokBox, Twilio, Alcatel-Lucent S.A., Voxeo Corporation, American Telephone & Telegraph Corporation and Avaya 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:
Foot and Ankle Devices Market - North America to Dominate the Market by 2022
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New York, March 21: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Foot and Ankle Devices Market by Product Analysis (External fixation devices, Joint implants, Internal fixation devices, Soft tissue orthopedic devices, Foot and ankle bracing, Foot and ankle prosthetic market) and By Regional Analysis Global Forecast by 2016 2022.How Big is the Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market?The Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 5.8 billion by 2022 and will grow at a CAGR of more than 6% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:The major driving factors of Foot and Ankle Devices Market are as follows: Growing aging population Increasing occurrence rate of joint problems includes fractures, foot ulcer, arthritis and bunionThe restraining factors of foot and ankle devices market are as follows: High cost of foot and ankle devicesThe foot and ankle devices market is segmented on the lines of its product and regional. Based on product segmentation it covers external fixation devices, joint implants, internal fixation devices, soft tissue orthopedic devices, foot and ankle bracing, foot and ankle prosthetic market and support market. An external fixation device is further segmented into ring ankle fixator, unilateral fixator and hybrid fixators. Joint implants are classified into phalangeal implants, total ankle replacement and subtalar joint replacement. Internal fixation devices covers fusion nails, screws, wires & pins and plates. Soft tissue orthopedic devices are classified into musculoskeletal reinforcement and artificial tendons and ligaments. Foot and ankle prosthetic market is classified into microprocessor controlled prostheses (MPC), solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) foot, dynamic response/energy storing prostheses and single axial prostheses and multi axial prostheses. The foot and ankle devices market on geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.Request A Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2022.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Smith & Nephew, De PuySynthes, Integra, Biomet, Arthrex, Tornier, Stryker, Acumed, Vilex, OrthoHelix, BioPro, Wright Medical, Orthofix, Zimmer Holdings, Small Bone Innovations and Mondeal. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market has been segmented as below:By Product Analysis External fixation deviceso Ring ankle fixatoro Unilateral fixatoro Hybrid fixators Joint implantso Phalangeal implantso Total ankle replacemento Subtalar joint replacement Internal fixation deviceso Fusion nailso Screwso Wires& pinso Plates Soft tissue orthopedic deviceso Musculoskeletal reinforcemento Artificial tendons and ligaments Foot and ankle bracing Foot and ankle prosthetic marketo Microprocessor controlled prostheses (MPC)o Solid ankle cushion heel (SACH) footo Dynamic response/energy storing prostheseso Single axial prostheses and multi axial prostheseso Support market.By Regional Analysis North America Europe Asia-Pacific Rest of the WorldReasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of Global Foot and Ankle Devices Market data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngineMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
DES MOINES The Iowa House has unanimously modified criminal sentencing to reduce prison crowding and costs by reducing the number of prisoners who return after being released.
The proposal, House File 579, would modify criminal penalties to reduce the disparity in sentences for possession of crack and powder cocaine now 10-to-1 and also require someone convicted of attempted murder of a peace officer to serve 100 percent of a 25-year sentence.
The legislation is tough on crime, but smart on crime, Rep. Rick Olson, D-Des Moines, said before the House voted 97-0 to send the bill to the Senate.
Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Bondurant, who floor managed the bill, said Iowa prisons are at 114 percent of their capacity, with one in five prisoners serving time for a drug offense. Last year, drug offenders outnumbered all other offender types.
The cost of housing those prisoners is about $95 a day, but the cost can be reduced to $5 a day through probation and parole, Nunn said. The Department of Corrections budget request this year was $387 million, he said.
Reducing the number of those prisoners by 388 would save the state $1.45 million in the course of their incarceration, according to Families Against Mandatory Minimums. Offenders who receive mandatory minimum sentences reoffend at a higher rate than those who do not.
Nunn said Iowas prison population is expected to grow 30 percent in the next 10 years, driven by an increased number of drug offenders serving lengthy mandatory minimum sentences and lengthier prison stays overall for those serving mandatory sentences.
Mandatory minimums can be eliminated without increasing crime, Nunn said. More than 30 states have reduced, eliminated or reformed their mandatory minimum and drug sentencing laws, and crime has gone down.
Rep. Ras Smith, D-Waterloo, said HF 579 doesnt go as far as he would like, but its a great step forward.
Justice reform, Nunn said, is an ongoing process.
Reach James Lynch at james.lynch@thegazette.com.
Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market to Reach US$ 29 Billion by 2022
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New York, March 21: Market Research Engine has published a new report titled as Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market By Cardiac Monitoring Product Segment Analysis (Cardiac output monitoring (COM) devices, Implantable loop recorders (ILR), Event monitors, Electrocardiogram (ECG) devices); By Cardiac Rhythm Management Product Segment Analysis (Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, Pacemakers, Defibrillators); By End-user Analysis (Hospitals, Home/ambulatory settings, Other end users (laboratories and research institutes)) and By Regional Analysis Global Forecast by 2016 2022.How Big is The Global Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market?The Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market is expected to exceed more than US$ 29 Billion by 2022; Growing at a CAGR of more than 4.5% in the given forecast period.Browse Full Report:Cardiac Monitor Technologies achieve electrocardiographs (EKGs), which examine electrical impulse sent by the heart. Supervision techs will usually work eight hour shifts in hospital setting and may be essential to work evening, holiday hours and weekend. Cardiac monitor technicians are responsible for examination patient heart rates and reporting essential changes to the nursing employees. They frequently use equipment which tracks several patients simultaneously. It also helps to clean and maintain equipment and make sure batteries are charged and install properly.The major driving factors of Global Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market are as follows: Technological development includes home care, mobile cardiac telemetry and emergence of private institutional nursing. Rising incidences of cardiovascular diseases.The restraining factors of Global Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market are as follows: Cardiac monitoring and pressure to hold healthcare costs hamper complete approval of advanced technologies. Lack of skilled healthcare specialized with expertise in electrocardiography.The Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market is segmented on the lines of its product, application and regional. Based on cardiac monitoring product segmentation it covers cardiac output monitoring (COM) devices, implantable loop recorders (ILR), event monitors and electrocardiogram (ECG) devices. Under cardiac rhythm management product segmentation it covers cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices, pacemakers and defibrillators. The cardiac monitoring advanced technologies market is segmented on the lines of its application like hospitals, home/ambulatory settings and other end users (laboratories and research institutes). The Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market on geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.Request A Sample Report:This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for cardiac monitoring advanced technologies.4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Medtronic Inc. (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.K.), Boston Scientific Corporation (U.S.), Philips Healthcare (Netherlands), and St. Jude Medical Inc. (U.S.). Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.By Cardiac Monitoring Product Segment Analysis Cardiac output monitoring (COM) devices Implantable loop recorders (ILR) Event monitors Electrocardiogram (ECG) devicesBy Cardiac Rhythm Management Product Segment Analysis Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) devices Pacemakers DefibrillatorsBy End-user Analysis Hospitals Home/ambulatory settings Other end users (laboratories and research institutes)By Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldReasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all Global Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast Global Cardiac Monitoring Advanced Technologies Market.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.About MarketResearchEngineMarket Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging, niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Media ContactContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862Country: United StatesWebsite:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Senior Supply Chain Leaders Gather in Orlando on April 24th-25th
Key Speakers at the American Supply Chain Summit!
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On April 24-25, 2017, supply chain leaders will gather at Generis American Supply Chain Summit in Orlando Florida to examine key case studies on how workforce management, advanced analytics, process improvement and automation are being rolled out in the worlds best facilities.The in-depth discussions at the American Supply Chain Summit will focus on strategies to achieve innovation, maximize supply chain profitability and increase visibility and flexibility to mitigate risk.Some of this years key speakers include:- Anu Goel, VP, Parts & Vehicle Logistics, Volkswagen Group Of America- Nic Vu, Gm & SVP, Direct-to-consumer North America , Adidas Group- Peter Gibbons, EVP & CSCO, Global Development And Product Supply, Mattel. Inc.- Mercedes Romero, VP, Supply Chain & Global Procurement, Diageo- David Kadrie, VP, Lean Six Sigma, 3M- Mike Butkus, Former VP, Strategic Supply, McDonald's USA- Sean Cumbie, Head of Global Procurement, Biotech Units, Astrazeneca- Sergio Frias, VP, Contracts, Bombardier Commercial Aircraft- Richard Davis, VP, Global Lead, Office Of Data Acquisition & Governance, Kellogg Company- William Mcnally, Administrative Assistant For Procurement & Chief Deputy Acquisition Officer, NASAFind out more!View the full Program and Speaker Faculty atGeneris is a full-service organizer of world class business summits.We provide leading industry insight and innovative onsite technical and strategic expertise through a platform uniquely designed for executives and professionals to connect. Our experience spans two decades of successfully developing and delivering high-quality business to business events and services across various industries. Generis was formed with the vision of redefining the way in which knowledge transfer and face-to-face interactions take place.Contact: Anne BoothTel. (647) 428-4215Email: abooth@generisgp.comGeneris Group1106 555 Richmond Street WestP.O. Box 119Toronto, Ontario, Canada, M5V 3B1
Wireless Connectivity Market by Connectivity Technology, Application and Geography - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends to 2024
Global Wireless Connectivity Market, Wireless Connectivity Market share
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The wireless connectivity market in Asia Pacific is in its promising stage; the region is projected to be among the major adopters of wireless connectivity devices. Rise in inclination of consumers toward advanced technological products is likely to boost the wireless connectivity market in Asia Pacific in the near future. Furthermore, government initiatives by countries such as Japan, China, India, and South Korea in the field of electronics and semiconductors are providing lucrative opportunities for electronics and semiconductor industries across Asia Pacific.North America consists of technologically advanced countries such as Canada and the U.S. The U.S. and Canada offer vast potential for the application of Internet of Things. This is expected to propel the market for wireless connectivity technologies. In turn, this is anticipated to augment the wireless connectivity market in the region.Obtain Report Details @Wireless connectivity is a technique used by homes, communication networks, and enterprise connections to reduce complex cable networks across buildings. Wireless connectivity equipment is deep rooted in many electrical device markets. WiFi, Bluetooth, and GPS are becoming universal for certain devices such as smart phones and mobile phones. Besides this, wireless connectivity is also required in applications in Internet of Things (IoT), ranging from control devices and gateways to cloud.Wireless connectivity is used by IoT devices to enable an access point through which communication and data transfer between two devices can take place. Collaborations and partnerships is one of the major trends in the wireless connectivity market. For instance, partnerships between ZigBee and other organizations such as EnOcean GmbH are anticipated to drive the self-powered energy harvesting internet-of-things devices in areas such as building automation and home automation.Major factors driving the global wireless connectivity market include rise in adoption of IoT and cloud computing, increase in demand for smart phones and other wireless technology devices such as Bluetooth, ZigBee, and WiFi, growth in connectivity of the Internet, and escalation of demand for low-power wide-area (LPWA) networks.Make an Enquiry @However, lack of uniform communication principles is hampering the wireless connectivity market. Additionally, the intervention with other electromagnetic sources, layered structure, and physical object are also the key factors that adversely affect the evolution of wireless connectivity technology. Consequently, these factors act as restraints for the wireless connectivity market. Key challenges for the global wireless connectivity market include requirement of enhanced security of information and concession among features such as power consumption, data rates, and range for numerous wireless technologies.Increase in need for cross domain applications could open up new opportunities for the wireless connectivity market. Additionally, rise in government subsidies for the development of IoT provided by countries such as India, the U.S., Canada, Australia, and South Korea is also estimated to offer new opportunities to the wireless connectivity market.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR Syndicated Research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemical, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, our syndicated reports thrive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market Research Report by Regional Analysis : forecast 2023
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Widespread Prevalence of Asthma and COPD makes North America Market LeaderThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) pegged chronic lower respiratory disease (COPD) as the third main cause of death in the U.S. in 2014. As per its findings, about 15.7 million people, which is about 6.4% of the nations population, were afflicted with COPD in 2014. Numbers were equally alarming for asthma cases. In fact, North America has the maximum cases of COPD and asthma and this has been the single-most important factor driving robust uptake of respiratory monitoring devices in the continent, thereby catapulting it to the leading position in the global market. The market in North America is slated to attain a value of US$266.0 mn by 2023.Europe is another dominant market on account of the widespread prevalence of cystic fibrosis. Asia Pacific is proving to be a promising market too due to solid pace of development of healthcare and medical devices industries in the region. Other factors positively impacting its market are the strong economic growth in the densely populated countries of China and India, rising instances of respiratory illnesses, increasing government aid in healthcare development, and soaring popularity of medical tourism. The market in Asia Pacific is expected to register a healthy CAGR of 8.5% from 2015 to 2023.Global Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market: SnapshotFactors at the forefront of driving the demand in the global respiratory monitoring devices market are the rising number of cigarette smokers and a worsening air quality on account of rampant pollution. Further, a burgeoning geriatric population highly susceptible to lung diseases has also pushed up the demand in the market. Countering its growth, however, are the steep prices of newer, sophisticated respiratory monitoring devices, particularly advanced spirometry devices. They are much more expensive than peak flow meters or even pulse oximeters. This has somewhat dampened the demand for improved products leveraging better technologies. Further, dearth of skilled personnel to install advanced respiratory monitoring devices is also creating a gap between demand and supply in the market.Expanding at a healthy CAGR of 8.2% from 2015 to 2023, the global market for respiratory monitoring devices is predicted to achieve a value of US$2.79 bn in 2023.Browse full report on Respiratory Monitoring Devices Market -Hospitals Generate Maximum Revenue due to Better Respiratory Monitoring DevicesDepending upon end users, the global market for respiratory monitoring devices can be segmented into laboratories, hospitals, and home use. Among them, hospitals lead the market with maximum share. Going forward too, it is predicted to retain its dominant share by exhibiting a stellar CAGR of 8.3% from 2015 to 2023. In terms of revenue, hospitals are slated to attain a value of US$1.89 bn by 2023. This is because of the large number of patients opting for treatment in hospitals for different respiratory problems. The trend is most noticeable in developed countries where hospitals have advanced respiratory monitoring devices for diagnosing modern strains of respiratory diseases.In terms of product, the market can be classified into peak flow meter, spirometer, capnograps, and pulse oximeters. The global market for respiratory monitoring devices is dominated by a few players who hold a sizeable chunk of the market share. A host of other smaller players compete with each for the remaining share. Some of the prominent names in the market are CareFusion Corporation, Smiths Medical, and ResMed, Inc. On account of the presence of both large and small players, the global respiratory monitoring devices market is highly competitive. This market is dynamic too as it is characterized by rapid technological development.Request for sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. 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Soap Noodles Market - Global Industry Analysis,Trends and Forecast 2024
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The global soap noodles market is immensely fragmented and characterized by the presence of a number of players. Transparency Market Research finds that in 2015, the top 10 companies competing in the soap noodles market accounted for a share of just over 46%, indicating the lack of a clear leader. These companies are Permata Hijau Group, KLK OLEO, 3F INDUSTRIES LTD., Deeno Group, Adimulia Sarimas Indonesia, IOI Oleochemicals, Wilmar International Ltd., John Drury, Musim Mas Holdings, and VVF Limited.Browse Market Research Report @Larger companies in developing regions such as Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East enjoy the majority in the soap noodles market and smaller players pose a minimal threat, the author of the TMR study observes.One of the prominent strategies adopted by several players in the soap noodles market is geographical expansion. Acquisitions and collaborations in recent years have also strengthened the positioning of a number of players. Singapore-based Musim Mas Holdings, a leading competitor in the soap noodles market, entered into a collaboration with Genting Plantations Group in March 2015 to set up a palm oil refinery in Malaysia. This move helped the company expand its capacity in the region.Sales Promotions an Excellent Strategy to Spur Demand for Soaps and Soap NoodlesThe demand for soap noodles is indirectly impacted by the aggressive sales promotions and marketing activities by companies. Sales promotions result in purchase acceleration since consumers tend to buy larger quantities of a product when offered promotional sales and discounts, states a TMR analyst. The growing sales of soap have therefore led to the rising demand for soap noodles. Unilever and P&G are excellent examples of companies that have successfully managed to boost sales with marketing strategies and promotional activities.Fill the form for an exclusive sample of this report @TMR identifies a major opportunity in the growing developing of soap bars with functional features and offerings, such as herbal soaps, moisturizing soaps, aromatherapy soaps, and anti-bacterial soaps. The demand for such functional soap bars is relatively high in developed countries where the awareness regarding natural products in the personal care market is greater, the author finds.Soap Bar Substitutes Threaten Growth of Soap Noodles MarketThe threat from substitutes of soap bars has been growing over the years, acting as a major deterrent to the growth of the soap noodles market. Companies manufacturing body washes, liquid hand washes, and shower gels have sprung in almost every part of the world and changing lifestyles and rising disposable income of the consumers have resulted in the increasing demand for these substitutes, the analyst states. This is likely to result in a decline in demand for soap noodles.The only saving grace, TMR observes, is that the substitutes of soap bars are highly priced and this could curb the demand for the same.TMR Predicts Tepid Rise in Demand for Soap NoodlesBy revenue, the global soap noodles market is anticipated to rise from a value of US$2.5 bn in 2015 to reach US$3.2 bn by 2024. The market is projected to expand at a modest CAGR of 2.7% during the forecast period. The demand for soap noodles is poised to rise at a 2.1% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. By type of source, the soap noodles market is led by vegetable oil and this segment is likely to account for a volume share of 60% by 2024. Also emerging as the fastest growing segment during the forecast period, the market for vegetable-oil based soap noodles will rise at a 2.9% CAGR by revenue.Get Request For Discount On This Report @Asia Pacific is the chief contributor in the global soap noodles market by region and is projected to account for nearly half the market by 2024 in terms of volume. Asia Pacific is also projected to emerge as the most rapidly expanding regional market for soap noodles by the end of the forecast period.This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled Soap Noodles Market -Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016 - 2024.Soap Noodles Market, by SourceVegetable OilTallowAbout 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:Visit Blog :
Anti-snoring Devices and Snoring Surgery Market Research Report by Regional Analysis, Key Players, Share, Size and forecast 2024
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Anti-snoring Devices Find a Footing in Asia PacificBy geography, the market has been segmented into: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Among these, North America and Europe collectively dominated the global anti-snoring devices and snoring surgery market in 2015.However, several profitable opportunities are waiting to be explored in Asia Pacific. The region is characterized by a massive patient pool but also has substantial unmet needs. These dynamics will lead to new companies springing up in emerging countries in Asia Pacific. Innovative marketing and advertising campaigns in the region have taken awareness about anti-snoring devices and surgery to a new high. In the light of these reasons, TMR expects the market for anti-snoring devices and surgery in Asia Pacific to expand at the highest CAGR of 5.09% through the forecast period.Anti-Snoring Devices and Surgery Market: SnapshotThe global anti-snoring devices and surgery market is ripe for disruption. There are numerous factors pointing toward this imminent change. The spiraling number of people suffering from snoring, for one, is indicative of a larger need for user-friendly, budget-friendly, and efficacious anti-snoring devices. Although anti-snoring devices are the prime revenue generator in the global anti-snoring devices and surgery market, it is also expected that more people worldwide will undergo surgery to address the disorder.Remunerative opportunities can be harnessed by developing devices with a compact form factor. Lighter and connectivity-enabled devices are the future of the market. From the standpoint of surgical procedures, TMR expects minimally invasive procedures involving implantable neurostimulation devices to score well.Browse full report on Anti-snoring Devices and Snoring Surgery Market -The Opportunity in NumbersTransparency Market Research says that the global anti-snoring devices and snoring surgery market, by device type and surgical procedure, stood at US$16.07 bn and US$357.15 mn, respectively, in 2015. The anti-snoring devices and snoring surgery market, by device type and surgical procedure, is projected to expand at a CAGR of 3.91% and 3.3%, respectively, from 2016 to 2024.The demand for anti-snoring surgery and devices will, clearly, be proportional to the increase in snoring cases diagnosed worldwide. The number of snoring cases diagnosed across the world are charting an upward graph, particularly in developed economies.Among the causative factors of snoring are: Obesity, sleep apnea, allergies rhinitis, and sleep deprivation. Of these, obstructive sleep apnea is among the most common causes of snoring. The European Sleep Apnea Database (ESADA), for instance, shows the number of enrollments as 15,956 in March 2014. Sleep deprivation is yet another factor stoking the demand for anti-snoring products and surgical procedures. In the United States alone, approximately 50 to 70 million adults reportedly have a sleep or wakefulness disorder.The report finds that an increase in obesity and overweight will subsequently lead to an increased consumer interest in anti-snoring devices and surgical procedures.However, low patient compliance levels (mainly owing to discomfort in using anti-snoring devices) stand as an impediment to growth for players in the anti-snoring devices and surgery market. Moreover, the economic impact of sleep apnea can be particularly high as it is associated with CVD, leading patients to incur high medical expenses.Birds Eye View of Competitive ArenaFragmentation is the defining characteristic of the competitive landscape of the global anti-snoring devices and snoring surgery market. The market is teeming with numerous small and large players, each trying to rake in a larger portion of the revenue by launching innovative devices. In 2015, Medtronic plc led the market and was trailed closely by GE Healthcare. Philips followed the top two players in the same year. The three leaders held the lions share of over 90% of the market by revenue.Other leading players in the market are: AccuMED Corp., Fisher & Paykel Healthcare, Apnea Sciences Corporation, ImThera Medical, Inc., ResMed, Inc., and SomnoMed.Request for sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Heparin Market Research Report by Share, Size, Growth & Forecast 2024 Illuminated by New Report
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Heparin Most Widely Used in Hospitals across EuropeBased on end user, the heparin market in Europe has been categorized into hospitals, blood and stem cell banks, and others. Hospitals and clinics widely use heparin as a blood thinner in the treatment of various diseases related to cardiovascular, cancer, and orthopedic. Heparin such as Calcilean, Calciparine, Hepalean, Heparin Leo, and Hepalean-lok are prominently used in hospitals for surgical purposes. The hospitals segment accounted for a major share of the heparin market in Europe as most surgical procedures are often performed in hospitals.The blood and stem cell banks segment also held a significant share of the market in 2015. Blood and stem cell banks use heparin to collect cord blood and stem cells as heparin promotes the growth of human embryonic stem cells in a defined serum-free medium.Europe Heparin Market: SnapshotEurope is among the major regions contributing to the global heparin market owing to its developed economy and high prevalence of coagulation disorders. According to the Ageing Report published by the European Commission in 2015, the percentage of population aged above 65 years is expected to increase from 21.0% in 2013 to 32.0% in 2060. Aging is directly proportional to the rising incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) diseases such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Hence, the demand for heparin in Europe is expected to increase in the next few years. The heparin market in Europe was valued at US$2.2 bn in 2015 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 5.2% from 2016 to 2024 to reach US$3.5 bn in 2024.Browse full report on Heparin Market -Rapid Growth of Heparin Market Anticipated in Several European NationsThe heparin market in Europe has been segmented on the basis of geography into the following major markets: Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, Poland, Switzerland, Austria, Hungary, Belgium, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Greece, Slovakia, and Rest of Europe.Germany accounted for the leading share in the heparin market in Europe in 2015 and is expected to continue its dominance till 2024. Key attributes to the market growth in Germany encompass burgeoning incidence of VTE among patients, resulting in the increased demand for heparin. Moreover, stringent regulations pertaining to Chinese active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) due to adulteration issues have attracted new players to the heparin processing and manufacturing business in Europe. Europe has been known to adhere to strict regulations pertaining to the import of heparin. For instance, in 2013, Germany-based meat company, Tonnies GmbH & Co, acquired Pharma Action, a heparin API manufacturer, and proposed to manufacture 30 metric tons of heparin API. Such developments are expected to augment the heparin markets growth in Germany.France, Belgium, and Portugal are anticipated to register the highest growth in the coming years. France also held the second position in the heparin market in Europe in 2015. Heparin consumption during and after surgical procedures such as knee replacement, hip surgery, appendectomy, and breast surgery is higher in France as compared to Italy, Spain, and the U.K. The increased risk of thrombosis among the geriatric population is also expected to drive the market for heparin in France.Major players in the Europe heparin market include Sanofi SA, Pfizer, Inc., Leo Pharma, Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, and Dr. Reddys Laboratories.Request for sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirementUS Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Prepacked Chromatography Columns Market by Application, Types, End-User, Regional Analysis and Forecast upto 2024
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Increased Usage of Prepacked Chromatography Columns in Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyBased on product type, the >1L segment accounted for a share of just under 50% in the global prepacked chromatography columns market. The segment is expected to expand at a significant growth rate from 2016 to 2024. These columns can be used for clinical, preclinical, and small-scale and commercial large-scale manufacturing. The size of the >1L column market is likely to increase over the course of the forecast period due to a rise in the viability of larger-sized column production and a decrease in the cost of resins.Major end users of prepacked chromatography columns include pharmaceutical biotechnology, the food and beverages, water and environmental, and nutraceutical industries, academics, research institutes, and analytical laboratories. The pharmaceutical biotechnology segment held a major share in the global prepacked chromatography columns market in 2015. The segment is driven by the high demand for purification on a commercial scale for the manufacture of biologics such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Prepacked chromatography columns are widely used in the agriculture and food industries for the determination of pesticides and other additives in foods.Prepacked Chromatography Columns Market: SnapshotThe global biopharmaceutical industry has witnessed steady growth over the years due to a surge in the sales of vaccines, statins, and therapeutics. This has, in turn, created a need for purification, thus increasing the demand for prepacked chromatography columns.Prepacked chromatography columns have also been integrated in the biopharmaceutical industry and its acceptance is growing at a rapid pace. Government organizations in countries such as Canada, the U.S., and Germany have been upping their investments, grants, and funds in order to develop as well as bring innovative products to the market. This has also supported the prepacked chromatography columns market.The global market is anticipated to expand at a CAGR of 8.4% during the forecast period, rising from a value of US$1.6 bn in 2015 to US$3.3 bn by 2024.Browse full report on Prepacked Chromatography Columns Market -Rising Investments and R&D Activities Boost North America Prepacked Chromatography Columns MarketNorth America accounted for a major share of 33.9% in the global prepacked chromatography columns market in 2015. Prepacked chromatography columns are rapidly developing analytical methods in North America due to increasing direct and indirect investments by the U.S. Government and private companies in chromatography. Increasing investments are likely to result in the development of new technologies, which will attract more customers, thereby driving the market. Extensive research and development activities in the U.S. also necessitate the high utilization of chromatography techniques.Asia Pacific also held a prominent share in the global prepacked chromatography columns market and is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing usage of chromatographic techniques in disease diagnosis, the growing need for separation process in small laboratories, quality control in the industry, and the rising demand for the commercial production of biologics have driven the Asia Pacific market over the years.Brazil is one of the most attractive and favorable pharmaceutical markets in the world and as a result, the prepacked chromatography column market in Latin America holds immense promise.Agilent Technologies, Inc., Biorad Laboratories Inc., Danaher Corporation, EMD Millipore (Merck KGaA), GE Healthcare, KNAUER Wissenschaftliche Gerate GmbH, Repligen Corporation, and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. are some of the key players contributing to the growth of the global prepacked chromatography columns market.Request for sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Technology Spending on Revenue Cycle Management Market Research Report Forecast upto 2024
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Companies Going for Cloud-based Revenue Cycle ManagementRevenue cycle management can be dissected into integrated and stand-alone, on the basis of platforms. An integrated platform for revenue cycle management is a combined system for a healthcare organizations financial performance management, a patients electronic health records (EHR), and business intelligence tools, all collected under a single revenue cycle solution. A stand-alone platform in revenue cycle management, on the other hand, can work independently of other solutions or software. It works individually without requiring patient health records or medical records integration. Based on deployment, revenue cycle management is segmented into cloud-based and on-premise. Cloud-based deployment is trending and has greater growth opportunities in the forecast years due to its accessibility and lower costs.Global Technology Spending on Revenue Cycle Management: SnapshotThe global technology spending on revenue cycle management is primarily being driven by the wide array of advantages that their implementation can offer, such as increase in revenue generation, better efficiency in healthcare practices, easier compliance with industry norms and regulations, and greater accuracy and easier access to healthcare IT systems. However, its market is currently being restricted by a host of issues, including the inability to handle uninsured patients, the losses and increased pressure incurred due to changes in regulations, the low mobility of a system in response to shifting market dynamics, and the overall concerns regarding the integrity and security of data.The current trends in the global market for technology spending on revenue cycle management include a growing use of credit card programs that can aid and cover a greater percentage of a national population and allow healthcare organizations to access their medical data faster. The global market for technology spending on revenue cycle management is expected to reach an evaluation of US$51.56 bn by the end of 2024. It was calculated at US$28.50 bn at the end of 2015 and is expected to expand at a healthy CAGR of 6.9% within a forecast period from 2016 to 2024.Browse full report on Technology Spending on Revenue Cycle Management Markey -APAC Grows Stronger in Demand for Revenue Cycle ManagementNorth America played the leading role among all key regions in technology spending on revenue cycle management in 2015. However, over the coming years, technology spending on revenue cycle management in Asia Pacific will exhibit the leading CAGR of 8.5%, between 2016 and 2024. Asia Pacific is therefore expected to hold an important position in the sustainable growth of the global technology spending on revenue cycle management industry over the above forecast period.The Asia Pacific region is still relatively behind in terms of adoption and development of new technologies. Although the expenditures on technology in modern revenue cycle management is currently low in the region, the market is expected to grow substantially, owing to factors such as the positive modulations in global regulatory reforms, the evolving economic scenario and its consequent increase in purchasing power of consumers and enterprises, growing awareness of the advantages of modern revenue cycle management processes and the presence of a large and growing number of patients suffering from various chronic disorders. Japan currently represents a highly lucrative market in terms of spending, compared to the rest of the APAC nations.Cerner Corporation, McKesson Corporation, DST Systems, Inc., Allscripts, 3M, and Perot Systems have been some of the key players that have led the global market in technology spending on revenue cycle management. A large number of the more prominent entities from this market are known to be located within the U.S.Request for sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Endometrial Ablation Market : Future Demand and Growth Analysis with forecast 2024
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Radiofrequency Endometrial Ablation Devices to Continue Witnessing High DemandCryoablation device, hydrothermal ablation device, electrical ablation device, microwave endometrial ablation device, thermal balloon ablation device, radiofrequency endometrial ablation device, hysteroscopy device, and several other devices, such as ultrasound transducers and laser ablation device are the main products available in the global market for endometrial ablation.Among these, radiofrequency endometrial ablation devices witnesses a higher demand than other devices and are expected to remain so, occupying nearly 58% of the overall market by the end of the forecast period. The ease of usage, cost benefits, and short surgical procedures have increased the popularity of microwave endometrial ablation devices, which is likely to reflect greatly on their adoption in the near future.Global Endometrial Ablation Market: SnapshotWith the rising prevalence of gynecology disorders, such as polycystic ovarian disease (PCOD), abnormal vaginal bleeding, the global adoption of endometrial ablation procedures has increased significantly, leading to an impressive rise in the worldwide endometrial ablation market. Apart from this, the upswing in the incidence rate of cervical and endometrial cancer in women is also driving the growth of this market substantially across the world.Over the forthcoming years, the growing awareness among consumers regarding the benefits of endometrial ablation procedures, such as cost efficiency, minimal invasiveness, and shorter hospital stay, is projected to fuel the demand for these procedures considerably, reflecting positively on this market. However, the stringent regulatory laws and regulations for clinical trials, product designing, and commercialization may create trouble for the market players in the near future.On the whole, the global market for endometrial ablation, which was worth US$0.8 bn in 2015, is expected to progress at a CAGR of 5.50% between 2016 and 2024 and reach US$1.3 bn by the end of 2024.Browse full report on Endometrial Ablation Market -Asia Pacific to Provide Highly Lucrative Opportunities to ParticipantsIn terms of geography, the global market for endometrial ablation is classified into Europe, North America, Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. With a well-established healthcare infrastructure and easy access to healthcare facilities, the market for endometrial ablation in North America is expected to remain leading the overall market throughout the forecast period. By 2024, this regional market is expected to account for a share of nearly 44%.On the other hand, Asia Pacific is likely to provide more lucrative opportunities to market players over the forthcoming years. The significant rise in the prevalence of gynecological disorders due to low awareness and hygiene and high unmet medical needs are anticipated to drive the demand for endometrial ablation procedures in this region in the years to come. Japan, India, and China are expected to lead the Asia Pacific endometrial ablation market over the next few years.The global market for endometrial ablation is fragmented and highly competitive in nature. At the forefront of this market are Hologic Corp., Boston Scientific Corp., Cooper Surgical Inc., Ethicon Inc. (Johnson & Johnson), Medtronic Plc, Olympus Corp., Minerva Surgical Inc., Smith & Nephew Plc, Karl Storz GmbH & Co. KG, Richard Wolf GmbH, and AngioDynamics Inc.Request for sample of this report -About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
PRE-APPRENTICESHIPS: Four Iowa schools have been selected to participate in a pilot a pre-apprenticeship program by the Iowa Governors STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Advisory Council.
Muscatine, Boone, Spencer and Waukee will share $200,000 from a $1.8 million U.S. Department of Labor ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion grant.
Apprenticeships are seen as part of the solution for employers seeking to build a qualified workforce.
The grant partners Iowa Workforce Development, Iowa Economic Development Authority, Iowa Department of Corrections, Iowa Department of Education and the STEM Council proposed a Quality Pre-Apprenticeship model within the grant to help secondary students meet the basic qualifications for entry into one or more registered apprenticeship programs in the state.
In their proposals, the schools showed partnerships with local workplace partners as well as efforts for recruiting students in underrepresented groups in STEM.
The partners will be asked to deliver a how-to manual for other schools and partners throughout the state to help them replicate the program.
INTERNET SALES: House Ways and Means subcommittee members were generally in favor of a plan to gather baseline information on internet sales and potential revenue by collecting sales tax on those purchases.
However, Rep. Dave Jacoby, D-Coralville, said there were far too many references to penalties in House File 460. He also was concerned about language in the bill granting subpoena power to the director of the Department of Revenue.
The Iowa Retail Federation was registered in favor of the bill, but now is undecided and leaning toward opposing because it believes the legislation would be burdensome.
The federation, however, fully supports collecting sales taxes from internet purchases and is lobbying Iowa congressional delegation for federal action.
The subcommittee took no action on the bill but expects to continue the conversation and bring it to the full committee.
HELP FOR WILDFIRE VICTIMS: Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey highlighted opportunities Monday for Iowans to support farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by wildfires in Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas and Texas.
Northey noted that seven people have died and officials have estimated that thousands of cattle have been killed by the fires.
More than 2,300 square miles, much of it agricultural land used for cow/calf production, have burned.
Northey said several Iowa groups are partnering on an online auction to raise funds for victims of the recent wildfires.
QUOTE OF THE DAY: Missouri is the Show-me State, and Iowa is the what we do well state. Rep. Ako Abdul-Samad, D-Des Moines, introducing a Missouri college professor visiting the Iowa House to observe its processes.
Global Dental Consumables Market Driven By Rising Incidence of Dental Diseases, 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%.For more info Get a copy of Sample Brochure :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.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:
Corporate Wellness Market by Country (China, Japan, India, Australia & Singapore)
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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.For more info Get a copy of Sample Brochure :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.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.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:
Liquid Roofing Market to 2022-Industry Analysis, Applications, Opportunities and Trends
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Market Segmentation: By Types: Polyurethanes, Water-based Acrylic, PMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate), Polyurea Systems, Water Dispersible Polymers and others By Application: Residential, Non-residential By Region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, RoWMarket Highlights:The global liquid roofing market has witnessed a remarkable growth over the past decade owing to its increasing demand from the residential and non-residential properties. It has been estimated that the global liquid roofing market will cross USD 7.5 billion by 2022 growing at a CAGR of approximately 7%. The cost effectiveness and changing consumers preference are driving this industry. Geographically, APAC is anticipated to be the leading market due to the existence of emerging economies such as China, India, Japan, and Indonesia, where the market has enormous opportunities in construction industry. Followed by this, North America and Europe will compete each other during the forecast period.Request a Sample Report @Key Players for Liquid Roofing Market:Some of the key players in this market are DOW Chemical BASF SE 3M Company ALT Global, LLC Sika, Akzonobel Johns Manville Corporation Kraton Performance Polymers GAF MaterialsTarget Audience Manufactures of end-use industry Raw material Suppliers Aftermarket suppliers Research Institute / Education Institute Potential Investors Key executive (CEO and COO) and strategy growth managerBrowse Report Details @Study Objectives of Liquid Roofing Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the liquid roofing market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the liquid roofing market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc. To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- Americas, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and RoW. To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective To provide country level analysis of the market for segments by type, applications and regions To provide overview of key players and their strategic profiling in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global marketRequest Table of Contents for this Report @Additional Information Regulatory Landscape Pricing Analysis Macroeconomic IndicatorsGeographic Analysis Geographical analysis across 20 countriesCompany Information Profiling of 10 key market players In-depth analysis including SWOT analysis, and strategy information of related to report title Competitive landscape including emerging trends adopted by major companiesAbout 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 Cold Chain Monitoring Market Report: Industry Manufacturers Analysis 2017-2022
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Cold Chain Monitoring Market, By Components (Sensors, RF Devices, Telematics Device, Software), By Application (Pharmaceutical, Chemicals, Foods & Beverages), By Logistics (Warehousing, Transportation) - Forecast 2016-2022Market Synopsis of Cold Chain Monitoring Market:Market Scenario:Cold Chain Monitoring is a system which is used to monitor and ensure the shelf life of frozen foods. As the market of frozen foods are increasing, cold chain monitoring is becoming an important aspect. Improper temperature control results in heavy loss of frozen foods during the supply chain process and Cold Chain Monitoring helps to monitor the overall process and improve the safety of food and pharmaceutical products. The major factor which is driving the market of Cold Chain Monitoring is growing frozen food industry and pharmaceutical industry. As the demand for frozen products are increasing, companies are deploying cold chain Monitoring system in their process in order to make the supply chain more efficient. Global Cold Chain Monitoring Market is expected to grow at US ~7 billion by the end of forecast period with CAGR of ~10% during 2016 to 2022.Get a Sample Report @Study Objectives of Cold Chain Monitoring Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the Global Cold Chain Monitoring To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the Cold Chain Monitoring market based 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 components, application, logistics 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 Cold Chain Monitoring MarketGlobal Cold Chain Monitoring MarketIntended Audience Logistics Company Distributors Pharmaceutical Distributors Food processing units Government organizations Sensor Manufacturers & Distributors FisheriesKey PlayersThe prominent players in the market of Cold Chain Monitoring are- ORBCOMM (U.S.), NXP Semiconductors N.V. (Netherlands), Berlinger & Co. AG (Switzerland), Sensitech, Inc. (U.S.), NEC Corp. (Japan), Controlant EHF (Iceland), Infratab Inc. (U.S.), Monnit Corporation (U.S.), Zest Labs, Inc. (U.S.), Sensitech Inc. (U.S.) among others.Segments:The Cold Chain Monitoring Market has been segmented on the basis of components, application and logistics. Components includes- Sensors, Radio frequency devices, telematics device, and software among others. The application area includes- Pharmaceutical, Chemicals, Foods & Beverages and others. The Logistics includes- Warehousing and Transportation.Browse Report @Regional AnalysisNorth America is dominating the market of Cold Chain Monitoring due to the growth of frozen food industry and high expenditure and these foods. High standard of living and high consumption of meat products is driving the market in North America. Asia-Pacific has emerged as fastest growing market and also stands as second biggest market for the Cold Chain Monitoring market due to the growing chemical industry. China stands as one of the biggest market of chemicals and pharmaceutical which is giving Asia-Pacific a competitive advantage.Contact:Akash Anand,Market Research Future+1 646 845 9312Email: akash.anand@marketresearchfuture.comAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Market Research Future Office No. 524/528, Amanora Chambers Magarpatta Road, Hadapsar Pune - 411028 Maharashtra, India
A teen mother was sentenced Tuesday to life in prison for the May 2016 fatal stabbing of her son's aunt, who was pregnant.
Ten days shy of her 19th birthday, Tan'nekqwa Thompson pleaded guilty to murder in Washington County Circuit Court for the death of 18-year-old Charreen Stanford. The two had argued before Thompson stabbed Stanford five times in her right side while the soon-to-be first-time mother was lying in bed facing away from her attacker.
The killing was the culmination of disputes between the two teens over perceived thefts of jeans and money, and jealously from Thompson, who had miscarried what would have been her second child days before, prosecutors said. Stanford, who lived with her family and Thompson in a Cedar Hills home, was five to six months' pregnant when she was killed.
Thompson will be eligible for parole after serving 25 years. As part of a plea agreement, the murder conviction was modified to not include Stanford's unborn child, and additional charges of first-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon were dismissed.
Judge Beth Roberts ordered Thompson to pay a little more than $1,400 in restitution for Stanford's funeral expenses, serve post-prison supervision for the rest of her life if released from prison and attend an anger-management program. She would also be barred from having contact with Stanford's family, but she asked the judge to allow her son to still see his father, who is Stanford's younger brother, and his relatives.
While standing in court with a one-page handwritten letter in her hands, Thompson apologized to Stanford's family. She said she hoped they could forgive her one day and that she felt like she let herself down.
"I knew what I did was wrong, I just didn't know how to control my anger," she said.
Thompson also apologized to her two-year-old son, who she said trusted and believed in her more than anyone. She said she prays he will continue to love her.
"I really wish I could turn back the hands of time," Thompson said addressing her son. "I would do it all differently."
The child and Stanford's family were not in the courtroom Tuesday.
In a victim impact statement, Stanford's biological father wrote that he's been dealing with guilt over his daughter's death, has trouble sleeping and has "to live a nightmare over again" because his mother was fatally stabbed.
"This has impacted my life in a way that I will never recover from," Raymond Stanford wrote. "My life was torn apart."
An older brother of Stanford also wrote that he is still trying to cope with the death of his sister, whom he said he helped raise. He said he has since been diagnosed with schizophrenia and claimed he felt he had to commit crimes he was later arrested for to raise money for his sister's funeral.
Joel Vance Jr., Stanford's stepfather, told The Oregonian/OregonLive in last May that the young woman was part of a family of eight that moved to Oregon from Michigan in 2014.
Thompson is also from Michigan, said Washington County Deputy District Attorney Andrew Freeman, and had a son with one of Stanford's brothers at 16. Thompson and her son came to Oregon in February 2016 and began staying with Stanford and her family.
The relationship between Thompson and Stanford deteriorated three months later, and just before killing Stanford she had expressed desires to move back to Michigan because she was unhappy in Oregon, Freeman said.
After attacking Stanford with a kitchen knife in an upstairs bedroom, Thompson fled out a window, Freeman said. She was later found by a police dog hiding in bushes near the house.
Stanford went downstairs after being stabbed, collapsed on a couch and screamed that Thompson stabbed her, Freeman said.
Stanford's mother and stepfather drove her to St. Vincent's hospital. She was transferred to OHSU Hospital, where she died.
-- Everton Bailey Jr.
ebailey@oregonian.com
503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
nw natural.jpg
NW Natural's headquarters at 220 NW 2nd Avenue in Portland
((Courtesy Menlo Equities) )
Northwest Natural Gas Co. is on the hunt for a new headquarters, prompting consternation and bewilderment from the landlord of its existing home in Portland's Old Town/Chinatown neighborhood.
Now that landlord, Palo Alto, California-based Menlo Equities, is taking a proactive and somewhat novel approach in the realm of tenant relations: trying to shame the utility company into staying put by appealing to its regulators, customers and shareholders.
They even hired a local lobbying firm, which launched a finger-wagging Facebook page and a website that is generating petition signatures for the Oregon Public Utility Commission.
Here's the pitch: "Instead of using our money wisely, NW Natural is planning to blow millions on a ritzy new office building in a 'better neighborhood.' And then stick ratepayers with the bill with a hefty rate hike. Shame on them."
The utility says that's nonsense, but wouldn't comment on the lease price it's negotiating. Melissa Moore, a spokeswoman for the utility, said a real estate committee has been evaluating the company's options for two years against a variety of criteria, including cost, seismic readiness and location. The existing building at 220 NW 2nd Avenue houses some 600 employees, and the lease expires at the end of 2020. Northwest Natural recently settled on two finalists, neither of which include its current location.
"We understand that Menlo is disappointed that they're not among the two finalists," Moore said, adding that there is still an option to renew at the current location if something goes wrong with the other two options. "We're being very diligent and deliberate. We wouldn't take something like this lightly."
But Richard Holstrom, vice chairman at Menlo Equities, says the company has bent over backward to accommodate Northwest Natural, offering to spruce up the lobby, give the company flexibility to expand or contract its space, and undertake a seismic retrofit that would leave the office building meeting the same "critical facilities" standard as a hospital.
The last upgrade is a make or break proposition, as Northwest Natural's existing headquarters - indeed the entire neighborhood - is in a zone with a high likelihood of soil liquefaction in a Cascadia subduction earthquake. Holstrom said Menlo hired the best engineers locally and worked with Northwest Natural's consultants to develop a retrofit proposal that would meet the company's needs.
Meanwhile, Menlo's market analyses and understanding of the buildings it believes NW Natural is considering indicates that the utility could save anywhere from $25 to $50 million over 15 years by staying put.
"It's a big number," Holstrom said. "We've made what we think is a very competitive proposal. We're disappointed in both the process and the decision they've come to. It's incumbent on us to point that out."
Northwest Natural's Moore says she has no idea how Menlo is coming up with those figures, as it isn't privy to its negotiations with the finalists.
"There's a lot of conjecture going on," she said. "They're being very speculative."
Eventually, the utility will have to demonstrate to regulators that its move is a prudent use of ratepayers' money in order to include the cost in natural gas rates. If it can't, it runs the risk of having those costs disallowed, which would force shareholders to absorb them.
"At some point we'll get involved, said Michael Dougherty, chief operating officer at the commission. "We don't micro-manage their business, but like with anything else, for anything to go into rates they'll have to demonstrate it's a good decision for customers."
- Ted Sickinger
tsickinger@oregonian.com
503-221-8505; @tedsickinger
Downtown Seattle
The Seattle Times detailed problems with the federal EB-5 program that lets foreign investors obtain a green card for U.S. residency in exchange for putting $500,000 into a job-creating project here.Though the program is designed to channel money to economically disadvantaged areas, The Times found that most of the billions invested locally flowed to hot spots such as downtown Seattle.
(Thomas Boyd/The Oregonian/OregonLive )
Two years ago The Seattle Times detailed problems with the federal EB-5 program that lets foreign investors obtain a green card for U.S. residency in exchange for putting $500,000 into a job-creating project here. Although Congress created the program to channel money to economically disadvantaged areas, reporter Sanjay Bhatt's stories showed most of the billions invested locally flowed to hot spots such as downtown Seattle.
One project that was working as intended, the series reported, was the ASPI project in high-unemployment Grant County -- millions of dollars from Chinese investors built a Moses Lake industrial park where a new, high-tech plant with more than 150 employees makes carbon fiber for BMW's electric cars.
Or maybe not.
A lawsuit filed last week by the Securities and Exchange Commission accuses industrial-park developer Andy Shin Fong Chen and his Renton-based Aero Space Port International Group of deceiving 29 investors from whom he raised about $14.5 million.
Chen denies the claims.
The suit comes against the backdrop of an ongoing national crackdown by the SEC against EB-5 program developers or their agents. Locally, that scrutiny in the past two years has yielded settlements in two civil lawsuits and guilty pleas in two cases with criminal charges.
The civil suit against Chen claims he spent "virtually all of the funds ... to engage in personal stock trading, satisfy margin calls, pay ASPI's operating expenses, make lease payments on a luxury automobile, fund other businesses he controlled, and support other EB-5 Program Commercial Enterprises."
He is also accused of misleading U.S. Customs and Immigration Services about the investors' eligibility for residency.
Chen, in an interview, said the SEC recently offered to settle its case against him for $75,000 or less but "we rejected it, because we didn't do anything wrong."
"We are going to fight back," he added.
Chen and ASPI have raised EB-5 money through several limited liability companies; the one at issue in the lawsuit is Washington Economic Development Capital III (EDC III).
Chen said the EDC III money was used appropriately, loaned to the development entity that built the last of four buildings at the ASPI industrial park.
He said the SEC has investigated ASPI for three years and examined "about 8,000 pages of project and financial documents" provided by the company.
"It's very frustrating," he said, because "we did exactly what we said" in the documents that investors signed.
The SEC suit, however, contends Chen "commingled the funds" from EDC III with other money in several accounts. Some was invested via a TD Ameritrade account, and Chen kept the profits he earned from trading with the money. Other money went to pay for ASPI corporate expenses, personal expenses for himself or family members, and loans to his other businesses or family, according to the suit.
About $3.6 million also was transferred to two related but separate EB-5 enterprises he controlled, EDC I and EDC II, "in an effort to help those projects create the jobs they needed to secure permanent U.S. residency for other EB-5 investors. Thus, these funds were not used to create jobs for EDC III investors," the suit alleges.
The suit also contends he made "materially false or misleading statements" to the Customs and Immigration Service because he didn't accurately describe how investor money was being used.
Chen, however, contended that the money was not being diverted for any personal purposes but placed in "a corporate cash flow management account typical of any business with large cash flow."
He added that "our project is done, the investment is secured," and "the immigrant investors have submitted testimony and written confirmation to the SEC that they stand with the company and have no complaints about the management of the project."
In Chen's view, the SEC is examining EB-5 deals because "they just want to kill investor visas."
He criticizes the scrutiny of his company, saying "obviously this is profiling" because "there's no probable cause -- they just decided to pick on us."
The SEC suit seeks to bar Chen and ASPI from further participation in the EB-5 program and asks for unspecified civil penalties as well as return of "the funds and benefits obtained illegally."
The best-known local case of wrongdoing with EB-5 money involves Bellevue developer Lobsang Dargey, who in January pleaded guilty to two felonies for diverting large sums after hundreds of overseas investors invested more than $150 million through his Path America companies.
The region's most prolific EB-5 developer, Henry Liebman, agreed last June to pay $1.2 million to settle SEC civil charges that he'd used unlicensed advisers to recruit would-be immigrant investors into his projects. In a similar case, a Bellevue immigration lawyer got a $278,000 fine in April in a similar EB-5 case.
In a criminal case, an immigrant from China who had been living in King County pleaded guilty to visa-fraud charges after federal prosecutors in Los Angeles charged her with using stolen money from overseas to purchase a house on the Eastside and other U.S. properties.
--The Seattle Times
IMG_2620.JPG
UO's campus in Eugene pictured in March, 2016
(Andrew Theen/The Oregonian)
This story has been updated
A tenured psychology professor has accused the University of Oregon of paying her substantially less than some of her less experienced male colleagues, according to a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday.
Jennifer Joy Freyd, 59, says the university's own research has determined that that the Psychology Department "faces a significant equity problem" with respect to professor pay, according to the suit filed in U.S. District Court in Eugene. She says the school is in violation of the Equal Pay Act.
The department conducted a self study last spring whose authors found that male professors, on average, earned about $25,000 more a year than their female counterparts, the suit said.
Jennifer Freyd is a psychology professor at the UO (Courtesy of Freyd's lawyers)
"Over a period of 20 years, this means that women faculty receive what could approach at least a half million dollars less in salary than their male counterparts, and probably even more when considering retirement benefits." The study was provided to deans at the College of Arts & Sciences.
The UO said Freyd, of Eugene, collects $155,237 a year in salary and another $70,544 in benefits.
"While we've not yet received the formal filing, the university is aware of Professor Freyd's allegation," Tobin Klinger, a school spokesman said in an email. "Although Professor Freyd's pay places her in the top 13% of all tenure track faculty at the UO, we are committed to paying our faculty commensurate with their achievements. We will look closely at the case in the coming days."
Freyd's lawyer said the benefits figure cited by the university includes FICA contributions -- those taxes that an employer is responsible to pay on federal benefits programs - and other employer taxes that are not "what people would normally consider employee benefits."
The suit says Freyd is a pioneer in the study of trauma and has the most seniority in the department, where she's worked since 1992. But she contends that three male professors are paid more, and that she earns nearly the same as a fourth with far less time on the job.
In December, the suit says, department Chair Ulrich Mayr urged the college's deans to review Freyd's salary, which he described as "our most glaring inequity case." He estimated her pay is "as much as $50,000 below where it should be compared to her male colleagues."
When merit pays were announced the next month, the suit said, Freyd received the standard raise.
"Despite forceful advocacy on her behalf by the head of her department and others, the University of Oregon has not rectified its sex discrimination," the suit says.
Freyd, who has also filed complaints with the Oregon Bureau of Labor & Industries and U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, is asking for back pay and a raise, as well as compensatory damages.
UPDATE: This story was updated with reaction from Freyd's attorney regarding the UO's benefits figure cited b y the university.
-- Andrew Theen
atheen@oregonian.com
503-294-4026
@andrewtheen
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Pat Grassley, R-New Hartford, who proposed House Study Bill 187 that would reduce tax credits available to Iowa businesses, industries and individuals and eliminate refundability when there is no tax liability heard a not unexpected defense of the $427 million in tax credits offered by the state.
This met my expectations of what was going to happen today, Grassley said after an hour of people supporting the tax credits used by their business or sector of the state economy. Thats why you have to include everything and all of the tax credits to have a comprehensive conversation. I fully expected this.
From the largest to smallest tax credits, speaker after speaker told the subcommittee why their credit deserves to be continued.
The reason lawmakers have created the tax credits is because Iowa has some of the highest marginal corporate tax rates and individual income tax rates in the nation, Jennifer Kingland of the Iowa Taxpayers Association said. That cripples Iowa in efforts to attract business and industry, she said.
Eliminating refundability of credits such as the $69.4 million Research Activities Tax Credit would only compound the problem, she said.
Dave Tierney, government affairs manager for midwest region at Monsanto Co., said the refundable research and development tax credit is one reason the company has several thousand employees at 15 sites around Iowa. Some of those facilities have been in Iowa for years and will remain here. However, many of those employees could do their jobs from anywhere, he said.
It comes down to numbers, Tierney said, explaining the benefits of the tax credit when Iowas tax rates are double those in some other states.
Victoria Daniels of the Iowa Department of Revenue said business and industry would be hurt by eliminating refundable credits, as would low-income recipients of the $71.8 million Earned Income Tax Credit who owe money to the state for child support and other expenses.
Many of the people claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit are working for entry level wages in entry level jobs, added Lana Shope of the Iowa Community Action Association. They tend to spend their money in their community or neighborhood, she said.
Mike Tripletts advice on one of the smallest tax credits, the $100 income tax credit that the 12,000 members of the Iowa Emergency Medical Services Association two-thirds of them volunteers can claim, was to the point: Leave it alone.
Another problem with the bill is that the credits would be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The credits could be claimed before entities file in the second half of the year, said Rep. Chris Hall, D-Sioux City.
Right now, the bill seems to prioritize big companies and corporations over the individual taxpayer, said Hall, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee. I think most citizens would say that if their tax credits are getting pooled in with those of multibillion-dollar, international companies that have a team of attorneys, is that actually fair treatment?
Hall also questioned the purpose of HSB 187.
Setting the tax credit cap at $400 million beginning in July and reducing it by $10 million a year to $370 million would free up about $180 million the bill directs to a sub-account in the Taxpayer Trust Fund, Grassley explained. Nothing in the bill specifies how the funds would be used.
If this bill was brought forward to help the state manage difficult years like the one were currently in, Hall said, why is it diverting tens of millions of dollars into a yet-to-be determined trust fund, some sub-account of the Taxpayer Trust Fund? Thats a major question when you look at the number of dollars that are siphoned off and the fact it doesnt improve the states budget condition.
Hall called it odd that Grassley introduced his bill in the wake of very difficult budget talks in which the state is having to reduce its current year budget by more than $130 million more than previously guessed and it does nothing to help the balance sheet in future years.
His bill was drafted before the Revenue Estimating Conference reduced revenue projections earlier this month, Grassley said, adding, It was not done in reaction to that.
By depositing those untapped tax credit funds in the Taxpayer Trust Fund, Grassley said it would make possible a conversation about broad-based tax reform.
Grassley expects to have at least one more subcommittee meeting on the bill before bringing it to his full committee and said HSB 187 likely will undergo significant changes before getting to the House floor.
Reach James Lynch at 319-398-8375; james.lynch@thegazette.com.
DES MOINES The political groups and out-of-state donors came through when he needed them often with big bucks but the bulk of the $18.8 million raised by Terry Branstad during his second stint as Iowas governor was contributed by individual Iowans.
The Globe Gazette's Des Moines Bureau examined all donations made to Branstads campaign, as recorded by the states Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board, during his second run as Iowas governor.
The data covers all donations by individuals and groups made directly to Branstads campaign and spans 2009, when he began to plan for a second run as governor, through 2016.
Branstad is poised to resign as governor in the coming weeks; he has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as the next U.S. ambassador to China. Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds will assume Branstads position when he resigns.
Branstad, a Republican from Leland, is the longest-serving governor in U.S. history, having served as Iowas chief executive from 1983 to 1999 and again from 2011 through the present.
He returned to office by defeating incumbent Democratic Gov. Chet Culver in 2010 and fending off challenger Jack Hatch, a Democratic state senator, in 2014.
To fund those campaigns, Branstad raised $18,785,906.08 from 2009 to 2016, and 65 cents on every dollar donated came from individual Iowans. All told, nearly 82 percent of Branstads donations came from individual donors.
The rest came from political action committees representing businesses and issue advocacy groups and from state and local political party organizations. Those groups contributed $3.4 million to Branstad during his second stint.
Chief among the donor groups were various tentacles of the Republican Governors Association, which chipped in a total of more than $2 million.
The only other group to donate in six figures to Branstad was the Iowa Health PAC, the political arm of the Iowa Health Care Association, which represents more than 700 Iowa health care facilities that serve the elderly and frail. The group donated more than $166,000 between 2009 and 2016.
Although Iowans accounted for 97 percent of Branstads individual donors during his second run as governor, his biggest individual donor hails from the neighboring state of South Dakota.
Eldon and Regina Roth of Dakota Dunes, S.D., donated nearly $267,000 to Branstad during this gubernatorial stint.
The Roths founded Beef Products Inc., a Dakota Dunes-based company that produces lean beef. The company has a plant in South Sioux City, Nebraska, just across the Missouri River from Sioux City. The company also had a plant in Waterloo that closed in 2012.
Their giving to Branstad was more generous even than the $239,000 contributed by Bruce Rastetter, the Iowa agribusiness entrepreneur and Republican mega-donor from Alden.
In 2011, Branstad nominated Rastetter to serve on the Iowa Board of Regents, which oversees the states three public universities. Rastetter was elected board president in 2013.
Denny and Candy Elwell of Ankeny donated more than $231,000 to Branstad. Denny Elwell owns a Des Moines-area real estate development company.
The next top givers to Branstad during his second stint as governor include Mark Falb, a publishing CEO from Dubuque who gave $156,000; Gerald Kirke, the CEO of a gaming company that operates three Iowa casinos, who gave $136,000; and Henry Tippie, an Iowa native and former investor who now lives in Texas and donated $134,000.
Two notable donations to Branstad came from Trump, long before the latter announced his intention to run for president. Trump donated $15,000 to Branstad in September 2013 and $10,000 in June 2014.
Not surprisingly, Iowa was the largest source of campaign income for Branstad: Nearly three-fourths of the money he raised from 2009 through 2016 came from individuals living in and groups based in the state he governs.
More than $2.5 million came from Washington, D.C., most of that coming from political groups based there.
The next most-giving state to Branstad was South Dakota with $490,000, buoyed by the Roths contributions.
Branstad also drew more than $326,000 in donations from Florida and nearly $275,000 from Texas.
Des Moines and its suburbs were the biggest source at the city level for Branstad. Individuals and groups from the state capital and its surrounding suburbs donated $5.2 million to Branstad from 2009 to 2016, more than a fourth of his entire haul.
The most generous city to Branstad outside the Des Moines metro was Dubuque, which historically has been a Democratic stronghold in liberal-leaning eastern Iowa.
The key citys total of nearly $653,000 is boosted by the Iowa Credit Union PAC, which is based there, and big donors such as Falb; Robert and Ruth Ann Kehl, who started riverboat gambling in Dubuque; and publisher Edward Babka. Robert Kehl passed away in 2013 and Babka in 2016.
Sioux City, in conservative western Iowa, and Cedar Rapids, in more liberal eastern Iowa, both were responsible for just more than $445,000 to Branstad during his second stint as governor.
John Gleeson, a construction CEO from Sioux City, contributed more than $103,000, and John Smith, a freight company CEO from Cedar Rapids, contributed nearly $115,000.
Some Branstad donors already are giving their financial support to Reynolds as she prepares to take over for Branstad and, presumably, run for re-election in 2018.
Reynolds has more than $1 million in her campaign account, and she raised almost $185,000 in the last three weeks of 2016 after Trump announced his nomination of Branstad.
Rastetter jumped right on board with Reynolds, cutting a $25,000 check to Reynolds after the Branstad announcement. And Kyle Krause, the Waukee-based owner of the Kum & Go gas station franchise, donated $15,000 to Reynolds. Krause donated nearly $103,000 to Branstad during his second run as governor.
Reynolds also is drawing in some new donors. Jeffrey Feingold of Florida, who founded a dental insurance company, matched Rastetters $25,000 donation after the Branstad announcement. Feingold did not donate to Branstad from 2009 to 2016.
SIOUX CITY | A Sioux City man faces multiple felony charges after police say he held his live-in girlfriend against her will for more than 24 hours Thursday and Friday, abusing her during that time period.
Richard James Snoozy, 42, was charged Friday with domestic abuse assault and false imprisonment. He is being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $10,000 bond.
According to court documents, between 5 p.m. Thursday and 8 p.m. Friday, Snoozy refused to allow his girlfriend to leave his residence.
Documents say at different points during the 27-hour period, Snoozy kicked her and struck her on multiple parts of the body with a lighter and with a paperweight contained in a sock.
Documents say Snoozy ordered her to leave the premises but then drug her back in and refused to let her leave. The victim was able to escape Friday evening after Snoozy took her outside, documents said.
Ian Richardson writes for the Sioux City Journal, another Lee Enterprises newspaper. Reach him at irichardson@siouxcityjournal.com.
MASON CITY | Firefighters on Tuesday recognized a second person they say helped three Mason City residents escape a recent house fire.
Laurella Weiss, a caretaker with Opportunity Village, was inside 22 N. Jefferson St. when it caught fire about 11 p.m. Sunday.
Firefighters say Weiss was trying to help three of the home's residents escape when a neighbor, Toyon Hamilton, knocked on the door to warn about flames filling the front of the home.
The three residents of the house were clients of Opportunity Village, which serves people with disabilities.
Hamilton and Weiss helped get people out.
"It was a combination of both of them," said Mason City Fire Marshal Jamey Medlin.
Weiss, the three residents and Hamilton were later taken by private vehicle to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa for evaluation. They did not require transport by ambulance.
The fire, which investigators believe started on the porch, would eventually scorch the entire front of the rental home.
Flames got into the house through two windows that broke from the heat, burning through the front door and up the stairwell into the second floor.
The Clear Lake-based Opportunity Village declined to make Weiss available for an inteview on Tuesday, citing company policy, but in a statement thanked Weiss and Hamilton for their efforts.
"Our staff, including Laurella, train for these types of events and work hard to ensure the individuals we support are cared for and safe. We are very thankful for her diligence during this event," Village CEO Jeff Nichols said in the statement. "We are also grateful for the courage shown by Toyon Hamilton and appreciate his dedication and quick-thinking when it came to keeping his neighbors safe."
Firefighters say Weiss and Hamilton's actions "changed the outcome of the fire greatly."
"The Mason City Fire Department would like to thank both Laurella Weiss and Toyon Hamilton for their efforts that changed the outcome of this fire from what could have been a loss of life to just property damage," according to a department statement.
Medlin, the fire marshal, said the investigation had not determined which person in the house had discarded the smoking material that sparked the fire.
Fires caused by cigarettes or other smoking materials type tend to smolder for a length of time before they grow larger and spread, he said.
"Smoking fires have a history of actually taking an hour to an hour-and-a-half to two hours until they get large enough to be noticeable," he said.
Tuesday 21 March 2017 8:45am
The creation of a new national School of Rural Health (SRH) is being investigated by New Zealands two medical schools at the University of Otago and The University of Auckland, in association with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) and the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network (NZRGPN) in a joint initiative which has the potential to begin to address the countrys chronic shortage of rural health professionals.
Professor Peter Crampton, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of Health Sciences and Dean of the Otago Medical School at the University of Otago, Professor Warwick Bagg, Head of the Medical Programme at The University of Auckland and Dr Tim Malloy, President of RNZCGP announced the initiative today.
Professors Crampton and Bagg said that there are sufficient medical students being trained in New Zealand. However, the shared challenge is to get more graduates aspiring to work in rural communities to meet rural health needs and address inequity.
The primary function of the SRH would be to enable a vibrant and sustainable rural component for all health professional students by building a dispersed inter-professional faculty with its own leadership, based at up to 20 sites located in rural communities across New Zealand.
Vibrant rural communities provide a rich learning environment for educating our health professionals and working in those communities during training will attract new graduates and returning health professionals to the rural sector, said Professor Crampton.
The vision is for rural communities, including iwi, to be at the centre of rural health professional education and research.
We intend to work closely with these communities as they play a leading role in creating their future health workforce. We intend to work with them to solve their health service issues through a School of Rural Health, said Professor Bagg.
In developing the concept, the medical schools have been working closely with the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners and the New Zealand Rural General Practice Network. All parties are deeply committed to creating a sustainable rural health workforce in New Zealand.
To have a sustainable rural workforce we need to increase the number of New Zealand medical graduates choosing general practice from 30% to 50%. It is very important to consider this proposal as we have the potential to drive necessary change, said Dr Tim Malloy, President of RNZCGP.
Like most developed countries, New Zealand has been facing chronic shortages of rural doctors and other rural medical health professionals for some time," he said.
There needs to be system changes, including training in new ways, as is being proposed, to ensure rural communities have equitable access to health services."
NZRGPN CEO Dalton Kelly said his organisation was interested in any change to how medical, nursing, and allied health students are trained rurally.
There is overwhelming evidence that giving trainees exposure to good-quality rural medicine during their training means it is much more likely they will choose to work rurally once they graduate, Mr Kelly said.
The concept being considered would:
Include up to 20 inter-professional rural sites networked into the SRH.
Have sites co-developed and co-governed by iwi and local communities.
Ensure inclusiveness for all institutions educating health professionals and equity among student health professionals.
Enable investment in rural communities: administrative, hauora Maori, inter-professional education (IPE), information technology (IT), student accommodation and research positions at these sites.
Allow for improved vertical integration of undergraduate, early post-graduate medical and vocational general practice and rural hospital medicine (vertical integration).
Provide inter-professional education for all health professionals (horizontal integration).
Provide longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs) - rural immersion of up to one year for a cohort of medical students, and possibly other students.
Provide clinically based rural learning through IPE for as many health professional students as possible in rotational arrangements.
Ensure excellence in the rural component of all health professional education.
Enable academic and research development in the rural context.
Be clinician led and community supported and driven.
The strength of this proposal is that it is inter-disciplinary, multi-located, rurally-focused and sustainable which, taken together, provide a pathway for rural academic development that will benefit the health outcomes of rural communities, said Professor Crampton.
Professor Bagg said targeted initiatives by Otago and Auckland universities, such as the Rural Immersion Programme and Pukawakawa in Northland, respectively, show that focused investment can achieve positive results for rural and regional communities. This initiative would extend the coverage and results significantly.
The learning would be delivered at marginal extra cost given the existing administrative, academic and curriculum infrastructure of the two universities and RNZCGP with the support of NZRGPN.
For more information, contact:
Megan McPherson
Head of Communications
University of Otago
Tel: 64 3 479 5452
Mob: 64 21 279 5452
Email: megan.mcpherson@otago.ac.nz
Tuesday 21 March 2017 2:28pm
Associate Professor Michael Keall
New evidence from the University of Otago, Wellington shows that government social investment in safer housing would be justified to prevent falls.
He Kainga Oranga/the Housing and Health Research Programme at the University of Otago, Wellington tested the safety benefits of home modifications, including handrails for outside steps and internal stairs, grab rails for bathrooms, outside lighting, edging for outside steps, and slip-resistant surfacing for outside areas such as decks and porches.
Study lead author Associate Professor Michael Keall says that the social benefits of preventing injuries through home modifications were at least six times the costs of the intervention.
Moreover, this benefit-cost ratio was doubled for older people and increased by 60 per cent for those with a prior history of fall injuries, Associate Professor Keall says.
The new study found that nationally there were more than 300,000 medically treated injuries from falls in the home each year, with an additional 150 deaths.
The research was funded by the Health Research Council of New Zealand, with assistance from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC), and published in the international journal Injury Prevention+.
The results add to the Home Injury Prevention Intervention study, done by the He Kainga Oranga researchers and published earlier in The Lancet*, which showed that injuries from falls in the home were reduced by just over a quarter (26 per cent) after the intervention. In that study, an average of $564 was spent per home.
Associate Professor Keall says that a national roll-out of home safety measures is supported by robust evidence and has sound economic justification.
We think it could be implemented in a similar way to the Warm Up New Zealand programme. Although only 20 per cent of New Zealand homes have been insulated, EECA-funded schemes (including the Warm Up New Zealand programme) have been highly successful in insulating over 300,000 homes, clearly improving the health of New Zealanders in these homes, he says.
Although the safety modifications carried out for the homes we studied needed to be tailored to the house in a much more specific way than retrofitted insulation, we have carried out these safety modifications successfully in around 1,000 homes. The impressive reductions in fall injuries are a testament to the effectiveness of these measures.
There is great demand for builders at the moment to address New Zealands housing supply crisis. However, the community trust Better Homes in Taranaki, who carried out home safety modifications recently, employed semi-retired builders whose experience was ideal for the work they were doing. This work is less physically demanding than housing construction, and would suit many skilled tradesmen who are not currently building houses, Associate Professor Keall says.
*Keall MD, Pierse N, Howden-Chapman P, Cunningham C, Cunningham M, Guria J, Baker MG (2015) Home modifications to reduce injuries from falls in the Home Injury Prevention Intervention (HIPI) study: a cluster-randomised controlled trial, The Lancet 385:pp. 23138. +Keall MD, Pierse N, Howden-Chapman P, Guria J, Cunningham CW, Baker MG (2017) Costbenefit analysis of fall injuries prevented by a programme of home modifications: a cluster randomised controlled trial, Injury Prevention 23:pp. 22-26.
For further information, please contact:
Research Associate Professor Michael Keall
Co-director of He Kainga Oranga / Housing and Health Research Programme
Department of Public Health
University of Otago, Wellington
Phone: 04 918 6794
Mobile: 027 425 4675
Email: michael.keall@otago.ac.nz
Web: He Kainga Oranga/Housing & Health Research Programme
Tuesday 21 March 2017 10:16am
The 2016 Prime Ministers Science Prize has been awarded to the researchers of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit.
Picking up New Zealands most valuable science prize is a watershed moment for the researchers of a 45-year-old University of Otago-led study which has changed and saved lives around the world.
The 2016 Prime Ministers Science Prize has been awarded to the researchers of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit (DMHDRU), who have been engaged in what is more popularly known as the Dunedin Study for the past 45 years.
The $500,000 award was presented to Unit Director Professor Richie Poulton this afternoon in Wellington by Prime Minister Bill English.
But even before the hubbub of winning the prize dies down, it will be back to business as usual for the team this week as they prepare for the most involved assessments yet carried out.
Professor Poulton says study members will soon be flying back into Dunedin for assessments that start on 3 April.
Associate Director Professor Terrie Moffitt of Duke University in the United States has also arrived back in Dunedin for the next assessment round.
This award will be a lovely way of starting this next assessment phase, Professor Poulton says.
Receiving the prize is a watershed moment, really. This is going to be lovely for study members to be part of.
This assessment will last for 20-22 months, with individuals being brought back from wherever they are in the world. About 25 per cent live overseas, so doing that is a major logistical undertaking.
This will be the biggest, most complex, most detailed assessment phase ever, by quite some margin.
It will involve a number of new components, including neuroimaging, hearing, vision, kidney function, musculoskeletal function, as well as everything we have done in the past everything that is age appropriate, where there is wear and tear on our study members bodies.
Vision and hearing testing will pick up and build on measures taken during childhood from the last 30 years.
The Dunedin Study is the most detailed of its kind in the world.
Hundreds of international studies with significant societal impact have come from assessments of a cohort of 1037 children born at Queen Mary Maternity Hospital in 1972-73. There are still 961 study members participating, representing 95 per cent of those still alive. Thirty-eight have died.
About 55 per cent live in the South Island, 30 per cent of those still in Dunedin, with about 20 per cent in the North Island, 15 per cent in Australia and about 10 per cent in the Northern Hemisphere.
Professor Poulton says the researchers are gearing up to use new high-tech equipment for new investigations.
All the new equipment is here. We have a soundproof room, very sophisticated equipment, worth hundreds of thousands [of dollars].
Each person will spend one to one-and-a-half full assessment days here. For those whove come from the Northern Hemisphere, we put them in accommodation for up to four days.
The last assessment was when they were 38, in 2010-11. They have been carried out every six years since age 26, thats a slightly longer cycle than earlier and it will now be every six to seven years for the foreseeable future.
They used to be more regular in childhood every two years because there were more changes to monitor and study when the group was younger. But now theyre in mid-life, we dont want to bother people unnecessarily.
Theres a familiarity when we see people returning for assessment, but theres a privacy we respect as well. Study members regard this as a place of safety and respect.
Professor Poulton was a 22-year-old psychology student when he first became involved with the study that he has now directed since 2000.
Earlier this month, Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne presented study members with the University of Otagos 2016 Research Group Award, only the second time it has been made.
The award recognised the efforts of all the researchers, support staff and participants, and was made for the studys outstanding record of publication and its impacts on society in New Zealand and overseas.
University researchers have won the Prime Ministers Science Prize twice before.
In 2014, it was presented to the He Kainga Oranga/Housing and Health Research Programme, led by Professor Philippa Howden-Chapman, for their work into nationwide housing deficiencies, especially affecting children, the elderly and those with chronic health problems.
In 2011, scientists from the University and the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research received the top prize for climate-change mitigation research. The nine-member team, under the auspices of the Centre for Chemical and Physical Oceanography and based in the Department of Chemistry, were led by Professor Philip Boyd.
For more information, please contact:
Professor Richie Poulton
Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Research Unit
Tel: Jenny McArthur 03 479 8507
Email: jenny.mcarthur@otago.ac.nz
MASON CITY | A Mason City man police say smashed a pool stick into someone's head at a local bar faces criminal charges.
Joshua Homan, 37, was charged with felony willful injury and misdemeanor fifth-degree criminal mischief.
He's accused of hitting someone three times in the head with a pool stick early Sunday morning at Burke's Bar & Grill, 1221 N. Federal Ave., according to court documents.
Police say the incident was reported just before 1 a.m.
The victim had an open wound or gash on the head.
Homan was released from jail later Sunday on $5,000 bond.
-- Molly Montag
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During March and April, Saturday tours at the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio will include a feature that is available only certain times of the year. The tours will include a trip through an underground tunnel that connects the home and the studio.
On a recent Saturday, several people took the tour, including a group of Rotary Youth Exchange students.
Jan Lampman, inbound coordinator for Midland Rotary, accompanied students from Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Denmark, Italy, Japan and Lithuania.
Jose Paz, from Bolivia, who attends Midland High School, was part of the group.
I like how every single detail is unique and beautiful; gorgeous, he said. My favorite part was the living room and the wall map. The colors combine with everything.
Docent Louise Bergdahl of Midland led the tour. She asked everyone to show where they are from on the map.
The map on the wall shows the world as it was in 1959, she said.
This is exactly how Alden B. Dow and his wife, Vada, would have wanted the map to be used.
They hoped that the home and the studio would be a place of discovery, Bergdahl said.
Dan and Jeanette Kirkey of Flushing, one couple on the tour, celebrated their anniversary a week early. Their son, Sam, who is studying facilities management and architecture at Ferris State University, paid for their admission. He had seen the home earlier.
Hes a wonderful, sweet boy, Dan said.
The Kirkeys were pleased with their anniversary gift.
I love the grounds and how everything is visual from inside to outside, Dan said.
The many windows and the lines of the home, in relation to the pond and the grounds, help with that.
I really enjoyed it, Jeanette said. Its much bigger than it looks.
Cimilla Green Hesel, from Denmark, attends high school in Owosso.
It was fascinating; all the small details that went into everything, she said.
There are reasons behind each of Alden B. Dows design choices right down to the connecting bedrooms. These rooms lock from the outside when the doors are closed, and they were designed that way to protect the Dow children from any possibility of harm.
Bergdahl explained that when the Lindbergh familys baby, Charles Lindbergh Jr., was kidnapped from his crib in 1932, it caused Dow and other well-known families to consider additional ways to protect their children.
Along the tour, participants learned that Dow finished his studio in the mid to late 1930s, and his home in 1941. He studied architecture at Columbia University and participated in a fellowship to learn from Frank Lloyd Wright, who taught about organic architecture.
Leading up to the tunnel in the home, several interesting and colorful artifacts from all over the world are on display on shelves and counter tops. Ceramic figures of varying heights can also be seen, some peeking out from behind something else.
In one room, there are many light brown storage boxes that contain copies of correspondence written by Alden B. Dow; the boxes are still labeled with his handwriting. In another room there are shelves in a cupboard that house cameras and photography equipment. Taking photographs was one of a few hobbies he enjoyed.
Bergdahl shared some interesting stories on the way to the tunnel, and one had to do with a particularly menacing storm.
While his family retreated to the tunnel to wait out the storm, they enjoyed some ice cream. After a little while they began to wonder where their father went. Soon they realized that he had taken a detour outside to photograph the storm.
Dow took many things into consideration while designing his home and studio, including views of nature, the use of bold colors and many windows inviting an abundance of natural light.
He also wanted the outside of the home, in some areas, to be an extension of the inside.
The Rotary Youth Exchange students, who are also staying in Bay City, Caro and Cass City, were able to learn, along with several others, much about Alden B. Dow and his family through visiting his home.
Austeja Dabrisyta, from Lithuania, a senior at Chesaning High School, appreciated the opportunity.
It was really ... unique, I have never seen something like this before, she said. Like the floating conference room ... and lots of different things.
Of the tunnel, Bergdahl said it is something not everyone has seen.
As a docent, she shares tours of the home quite regularly, but maintains that there is something fresh to see each time.
The home is just amazing. Every time I come I see something different, she said. I love to see the excitement in people, but I really enjoy seeing the excitement in young people.
Tunnel tours will be available at the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio on Saturdays throughout March and April. For information, or to make a reservation, call (989) 839-2744.
For more on the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, visit www.abdow.org
CLEAR LAKE | Crews are tearing down two buildings to make way for an expansion of Clear Lake Bank & Trust's headquarters in downtown Clear Lake.
The buildings are next to the bank's corporate offices, 332 Main Ave.
Clear Lake Bank & Trust Spokesperson Molly Watson said plans call for the demolition to be completed in three weeks, barring any weather-related delays.
The building project is slated for completion in April 2018.
We have kind of maxed out all of the current space in that building (332 Main Ave.), so were looking forward to new and exciting things for Clear Lake Bank & Trust, said Watson, the bank's director of marketing and communication.
The bank, which has added 40 employees in the past ten years, has reconfigured the Main Avenue offices multiple times over the years to try to efficiently use the space.
"Weve had a space constraint for quite a while," Watson said. "We feel like this expansion will allow us to better serve our customers.
Clear Lake Bank & Trust has branches in Garner and Mason City.
Officials have said the branch offices will remain open.
The two buildings that are being torn down formerly housed Lylas Boutique and J Avenue. There was residential space above the stores.
BLOOMINGTON More than 800 images of child pornography allegedly found by police on a Shirley man's cell phone are the basis of nine felony charges filed against him in McLean County Circuit Court.
Austin S. Graf, 20, is accused of possession and solicitation of child pornography. He is being held in the county jail in lieu of $50,035.
According to a statement read in court by a prosecutor on Monday, Illinois State Police began an investigation in November 2016 into the alleged sexual assault of a minor at Weldon Springs State Park in Clinton.
During a police interview, Graf admitted to having more than 300 photos of girls, including some who were minors, according to the statement. Graf directed police to a calculator app on his phone where the images were kept.
A search of Graf's phone produced 883 pictures "stored in different files labeled with the victim's name," according to the statement.
Two girls told authorities that Graf threatened to end his relationship with them if they did not continue to send him sexually explicit photos. Both girls allegedly discussed their ages with Graf and he continued to pursue them, said prosecutors.
Charges remain under review in DeWitt County, said State's Attorney Dan Markwell.
An April 7 arraignment is scheduled in McLean County.
BLOOMINGTON A "dramatic drop" in influenza in McLean, Livingston, Woodford and DeWitt counties has prompted hospitals in Bloomington-Normal, Pontiac, Eureka and Clinton to end voluntary visitor restrictions.
But hospitals in Lincoln, Hopedale and Ottawa and an outpatient center in Streator continue visitor restrictions.
"We started seeing a consistent and dramatic drop in patients with influenza-like illness," said Pam Bierbaum, infection prevention and control coordinator at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center, Normal.
Numbers also have been declining at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington, said St. Joseph Infection Preventionist JoAnne Guymon.
While she did not have countywide numbers, "Our numbers are a good representation of what's happening in the community," Bierbaum said.
In January, BroMenn was averaging 10 to 15 positive flu tests each week among inpatients and ER patients, she said.
"In February, there was a huge surge to 40 a week," she said. That's when BroMenn, St. Joseph, Advocate Eureka Hospital in Eureka and OSF Saint James-John W. Albrecht Medical Center in Pontiac began requesting that children, teenagers and people who aren't feeling well stay away and that no more than two people visit a patient at any one time.
In the past three weeks, BroMenn has averaged fewer than 10 cases of influenza among inpatients and ER patients each week, Bierbaum said.
Meanwhile, at St. Joseph, only three patients have tested positive for flu in the emergency department in the past week and only one flu patient has been admitted in March, Guymon said.
So, BroMenn, St. Joseph, Eureka and Saint James have ended their visitor restrictions.
Meanwhile, Warner Hospital & Health Services in Clinton lifted its visitor restrictions which had been in place since January on Monday after a reduction in flu activity, CEO Paul Skowron said.
"Even though true influenza is on the decline, there's still a lot of upper respiratory illnesses out there," Bierbaum warned. Tips that apply to reducing the risk of flu washing hands thoroughly and frequently, cleaning highly touched surfaces, sneezing and coughing into your sleeve and staying home when you're sick also apply to reducing the risk of other upper respiratory illnesses and should be followed, she said.
Individuals who are feeling ill or exhibiting symptoms of any contagious illness should refrain from visiting hospital patients in person and call instead, said Eureka Infection Preventionist Katie Jeffreys.
Even though flu activity has declined, visitor restrictions remained at Abraham Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln and Hopedale Medical Complex in Hopedale.
At OSF Center for Health-Streator and OSF Saint Elizabeth Medical Center in Ottawa, visitor restrictions remain because of continued flu activity, Infection Control Coordinator Susan Smith said.
BLOOMINGTON McLean County corrections employees will get substantial raises for the last two years under a new contract approved Tuesday.
Sixty-five county correctional officers, correctional sergeants and control operators represented by the Illinois Fraternal Order of Police Labor Council will receive 3 percent raises for fiscal years 2016 and 2017, a cost of $90,000 per year for the county.
"Generally we've entered into three-year contracts, but this contract is only for two years at the request of (the county) due to our concerns about what may happen relative to the state's budget (and its) impact on local governmental units," said County Administrator Bill Wasson. "We did not feel we were in a place to take up the cost of an arbitration when we were able to receive a two-year contract."
With Tuesday's agreement, all county employees are now under current contracts, said Wasson. Corrections employees and MetCom dispatch center employees worked under previous contracts from the beginning of 2016 to early this year.
"Predominantly it was the fact that we were in arbitration with (sheriff's deputies), which concluded a few months ago," said Wasson of the delay in reaching a corrections contract.
Corrections employees, MetCom dispatchers and sheriff's deputies are working under contracts that will expire at the end of 2017, so the county will be negotiating with them again soon, said Wasson.
NORMAL Speakers can now address the Normal City Council and other town boards as often as they like.
That's among several changes in a new comment policy approved by the council on Monday, four days after an Illinois Attorney General's Office opinion that the town violated the Open Meetings Act by barring speakers from appearing more than once every 45 days.
The new policy also lets a speaker have three minutes per meeting and each meeting have a maximum of 20 minutes of comments. Previous rules allowed each speaker two minutes, for a total of 10 minutes of comments per meeting.
Several other current restrictions on comments, including comments must be related to an agenda item and speakers must notify the town of their intent to speak at least two hours before the meeting, will stay in place despite recommendations from the AG's office and the public to change some of them.
Resident Craig Stimpert, who requested the AG's office review the town's comment policy, objected to the town ignoring its advice.
"I utterly reject the premise that a more lenient public comment policy will result in more disrespectful and unproductive public discourse. I think more highly of the people of the town of Normal than that," said Stimpert. "I encourage council to reject tonight's ordinance and draft a new one that is less restrictive, and collaborate with citizens of this town to form it."
Council member Kevin McCarthy rejected the idea that the town didn't work with citizens to change the policy.
"We're changing these rules precisely because there's been public input," he said. "This has been a very public, engaged process."
Marc Tiritilli, a resident who is challenging Mayor Chris Koos for the town's top office in the April 4 election, singled out the rule restricting speakers to addressing agenda items.
He noted the public comments that brought about Monday's changes were made during meetings when the comment policy was not on the agenda so speakers violated the agenda rule to ask for a change.
"The public should be free to address things that might be in the news at the time," he said. "I really welcome a more open public comment policy."
Council member Jeff Fritzen noted the two-hour requirement means the public must register to speak before 5 p.m. when City Hall closes anyway.
"I don't think it's unreasonable for people to ask during regular business hours to be recognized," he said.
Corporation Counsel Brian Day noted one part of the policy that the AG objected to, asking speakers to state their address before speaking, is not in the ordinance, and only on the town website.
Officials defended the language on the site, which says speakers "should" give an address, as meaning it's not required. Koos verbally asks every speaker specifically to state their name and address before addressing the council.
Council member R.C. McBride, who once chaired the town's planning commission, noted that the address policy sometimes helps that board figure out what stake a resident has in a possible planning change.
"There are people with similar names, and to try to differentiate one from another, address is a way to help us do that," said Fritzen.
Council member Kathleen Lorenz reiterated what she said about the 45-day rule previously: public comment is not the only way for residents to communicate with the council. Others include by phone, email, social media and in-person meetings.
Lorenz said she hopes the town can allay some fears about limited comments by hosting more "Coffee with the Council" events. That program, resurrected last week, saw Lorenz and McBride take time Saturday morning to meet with nine constituents in a public venue.
The (Springfield) State Journal-Register
Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and Democratic Comptroller Susana Mendoza are arguing what fund should be used to pay about 600 state employees.
The crux of the disagreement is this: There are 578 employees who work in the Department of Central Management Services who need to get paid. CMS submitted payroll vouchers asking these employees be paid out of the General Revenue Fund, which is typically used for most expenses.
This is what matters: The state is $12 billion behind in paying its bills. We are in month 21 of no budget. Revenue continues to not meet expenses. Residents are leaving the state. Universities must cut expenses. Businesses are looking for ways to cut expenses. Social service agencies are reducing offerings to clients. Do we really need to add to that list squabbling over what bucket of money to use to pay 600 out of the state's 60,000 employees?
Despite the fact that we can't believe this is even a problem, the solution can be found by compromising on a state budget. Lawmakers should be spending their energy on drafting a spending plan, approving it and getting it signed into law.
Get to work.
The (Carbondale) Southern Illinoisan
Voters going to the polls on April 4 won't be sharply divided along party or ideological lines. Labels such as Republican, Democrat, liberal or conservative don't evoke visceral knee-jerk responses in municipal and school board elections.
And, while the fate of the free world will not be riding on the outcome of these elections, they are important. The results of municipal and school board elections have a direct, not to mention profound, effect on residents of the community or school district.
American citizens are speaking out for their beliefs, becoming engaged and not taking for granted that some candidate will reflect their point of view, and by extension, act in their best interests.
Not everyone has a taste for public office. Not everyone has the time or ability to fulfill the demands of an alderman or school board member. But every American has the duty to vote. That duty is accompanied by a mandate to vote responsibly.
Belleville News-Democrat
State lawmakers are proposing six new casinos, which they expect will generate $1 billion in setup fees. The license fee is $100,000 for the Chicago-area casinos with an extra $30,000 for each slot machine or seat at a blackjack table.
Hmmm. We've got a $12 billion backlog of state bills. Maybe if we can scam six new casino operators out of $1 billion, we could take 72 of them for the whole $12 billion tab?
We can't count on any more taxes from gambling. We're saturated with a mini-casino in every tavern and fraternal hall and the "old" gambling of horse tracks and casinos are on the decline.
Our state universities balance their books by tacking on fees, so let's get Illinois solvent by imposing fees on those casinos.
OSAGE | After 38 years as a barber, Mark Gast has opened a second shop in Mitchell County.
I was in Osage for 19 years and now St. Ansgar for 19 years, said Gast, who opened his second location in downtown Osage on March 17.
Gast began in Osage nearly 20 years ago and saw an opportunity to come back.
The goal is to keep up two locations, the older one in St. Ansgar and the new location in Osage, for the next 19 years, he said.
I really appreciate the good business I have in St. Ansgar and I dont want to have that change, Gast said.
The St. Ansgar location will be open Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday while the Osage location will be open Fridays and Saturdays.
Gast made a career change over 38 years ago and found that he liked being a barber because of the customers.
I had never cut anybodys hair before, Gast said, talking about his time before barber school. I enjoyed it, visiting people. Theres a lot of nice people in this county.
Styles have changed a great deal since he started.
Back in the 70s I did a lot of perms, the Afro look, Gast said. A little while after that mullets.
Now many younger boys want trendy styles, short on the sides and longer on the top.
Not quite a high and tight, Gast said. You just have to do a little bit of everything.
He saw an opportunity to expand his business to both cities this year. He rented space at the Stricker Plumbing & Heating Co. building and began renovations in March.
I really appreciate John Stricker letting me rent that space, Gast said.
The barbershop has several antique industrial appliances for decor including two buzz saws from the saw mills.
The expansion will add an additional day to his work week. He stopped working Saturdays several years ago when his children were young so he could take the time to go camping and do other activities.
Theyre grown up now, Gast said. I have four daughters; two are barbers.
Gast said he has received positive feedback from customers on coming back to Osage.
A lot of them are happy that Im coming back, Gast said.
One of those customers was Merrill Johnson of Meroa.
Johnson was one of Gast's first customers 38 years ago and was Gast's first customer last Friday.
Johnson became Gast's customer when Johnson was a pallbearer in a funeral and needed a haircut, but no one was open.
The two being neighbors in Meroa, Johnson gave Gast a call, asking if he could get a quick hair cut.
Gast had a barber's chair in his home, so, Johnson became a customer.
The two have continued their friendship over the years, just as Gast has continued with his many customers over the years.
NORMAL The day after the Illinois Attorney General's Office told the town of Normal its public comment policy is illegal, the town fired back.
In a letter written for but not sent to Deputy Public Access Counselor Neil Olson, Normal Corporation Counsel Brian Day ripped into the decision, which he said goes well beyond what's established in statute and previous legal cases. The letter was sent to local news sources, including The Pantagraph, Friday.
Day spoke for several minutes about Olson's non-binding opinion during Monday's Normal City Council meeting as well, calling it "pretty inadequate."
"The town believes that the (public access counselor) has overstepped its bounds ... and the town plans to continue to regulate public comment at its meetings in a way that is legal and appropriate under the Open Meetings Act," Day wrote.
Olson wrote Thursday that the town should change its comment policy because a rule limiting speakers to one appearance every 45 days violates the act, and the town removed that rule, among other changes, on Monday.
Olson went on, however, to suggest the town remove two other rules that Day defended: requiring speakers to address only agenda items and to notify the town of their intent to speak two hours before a public meeting.
"Courts have consistently and repeatedly held that comments at public meetings may be restricted over issues of germaneness and relevancy," Day wrote. "A city council meeting is there to conduct public business it is not open-mic night."
Olson said the policy is unfair because the council faces no similar restraint but "does not explain why this might violate some comment right," Day wrote.
Of notification, Day wrote, "this requirement is clearly a time, place, and manner restriction, and it advances the judicially recognized significant government interest of conducting the public business at the meeting," so "there is nothing that should prohibit any such rule."
Day said he's very familiar with the limits of the law because he helped craft it as a lobbyist for the Illinois Municipal League.
"Exactly the reason we were making this amendment was to make sure public bodies had broad authority to pass rules on public comment," he said. "This idea it means something else outside what the statute is simply wrong."
Day said Monday the letter was never sent because he considers the matter closed. He said the town has solid legal footing in a possible challenge, however.
Remember when we actually believed seemingly normal person Ivanka Trump would turn around and save us all/talk daddy Don out of taking up the Oval Office? I know, another life. Now, it seems the master puppeteer has sashayed her way into some serious responsibility in the White House so much in fact that our government has given her an office.
Ivanka will kick off her stiletto pumps in the West Wing of the White House, despite have no defined role in the administration. Trump released a statement about her new 'position' which, again, is really not a position at all clarifying that she will generously comply with "ethics" expected of other "employees." Meh, ethics are so last year.
"I will continue to offer my father my candid advice and counsel, as I have for my entire life. While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees."
Naturally, former government employees were not thrilled. Bernadette Meehan, who was the spokesperson for the National Security Council under President Obama, took to Twitter to voice with her frustration with this practical joke taken much too far.
I had a security clearance & West Wing office. @IvankaTrump diminishes the value of expertise & hard work it took me & others to get there. https://t.co/rRVzDfR53d
Bernadette Meehan (@MeehanBM) March 20, 2017
Others, including Ted Cruz's former senior staffer Amanda Carpenter, spoke out against the lack of transparency surrounding Ivanka's role.
If taxpayers are giving Ivanka Trump office space we have every right to know what she's doing with it.
Amanda Carpenter (@amandacarpenter) March 20, 2017
What's that I heard you whisper? Experience < nepotism? That's what I thought.
[h/t Complex]
Image via Matteo Pradoni/BFA.com
Kentucky legislators just passed a new "religious liberty" law that would allow public schools and colleges to ban LGBTQ students from joining student groups.
The law claims to protect the religious and political freedom of students by allowing them to express their views in class assignments and homework, wear religious symbols, and distribute material that promotes their religious and political beliefs without punishment.
Senator Albert Robinson, who proposed the bill, said he was inspired by a Kentucky school production of A Charlie Brown Christmas that cut out a scene where a Bible verse is read. Robinson says the bill is written "so that the public school can be a place where religious and political ideas can be expressed without fear of suppression."
This ties in to a decades-long debate over the degree to which religious influence can exist in public schools, with issues like morning prayers and the phrase "under God" in the Pledge of Allegiance serving as focal points for discussion.
However, the Kentucky law goes a step further to "protect" religious and political freedom by allowing student groups to bar members who do not share their beliefs. It does this by stating that no "recognized or religious political student organization is hindered or discriminated against" for "determin[ing] that only persons committed to its mission should conduct these activities."
Human rights and pro-LGBTQ groups have criticized the law, saying that it jeopardizes "nondiscrimination policies at public high schools, colleges, and universities." However, Kentucky governor Matt Bevin signed the bill into law on March 16, and the Trump administration is currently considering a national version of it.
[h/t The Cut]
Splash image via Facebook
The melodies of Harmony Korine's unlikely 2013 blockbuster Spring Breakers still echo long after James Franco's unforgettable cover of Britney Spears' Everytime". That general weirdness is set to continue, as Korine's film is now slated for a digital TV series.
The series will be based on Korine's film of the same name. Korine, however, won't be involved. The film's producers Chris Hanley and Fernando Sulichin will be bringing their take on the kamikaze teen comedy to a new streaming service named Blackpill, which is set to launch later this year. There is no word yet whether any of the original cast will be involved.
When it was first released, Spring Breakers polarized audiences as venerated Disney alums Selena Gomez, Ashley Benson and Vanessa Hudgens were thrust into the roles of sexualized teens who abandon their morals on a spring break trip to St. Petersburg, Florida. Franco plays drug dealer-cum-father figure Alien who gives the four girls a crash course in gang life. The debauchery escalates when the girls rob a restaurant. Franco was praised for his dedication to the role (and his cornrows).
Two years ago, a Spring Breakers sequel was in the works with Jonas Akerlund on board to direct and Irvine Welsh (Trainspotting) set to write. It was quickly shelved, as Franco took to Instagram to denounce the sequel, writing: This is not being done with Harmony Korine or my consent. The original was wholly Harmony's creation and these producers are capitalizing on that innovative film to make money on a weak sequel. I want everyone to know that whoever is involved in the sequel is jumping on board a poison ship. It will be a terrible film, with a horrible reason d'etre: to make money off someone else's creativity."
It's unclear whether or not this new series has Korine or Franco's blessing. Blackpill hasn't revealed any further details about the TV series but will use an unconventional digital format" for the show.
h/t Indiewire
Splash image via A24.
The one thing that sets humans apart from other species is knowledge and education. With the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), however, acquiring, processing and spreading knowledge and information through education technology (ed tech) has never been more exciting and accelerated in the digital age.
Indeed, AI is changing classrooms and learning for the better. What has artificial intelligence contributed to education thus far?
The biggest contribution from AI is in filling the gaps of education, according to Tech Talks. The emergence of different education platforms with AI engines, such as Coursera, Brainly and Third Space Learning, has given students and teachers more options in their educational pursuits as they are no longer confined and limited to a traditional classroom setup.
Because of AI, global classrooms are emerging, enabling students and teachers to brainstorm, collaborate and exchange ideas with people around the world, as per Huffington Post. Because of AI, there is flexibility of time and learning has become a 24/7 process.
With AI and ed tech, teachers and students are also able to customize education using special AI algorithms and data specific to its users. A service like Content Technologies, Inc (CTI), for instance, encourages teachers to upload their syllabus and lessons plans for an AI will study.
Once done, teachers can then create learning materials as the AI recommended. Such a scenario then offers an enhanced learning environment, much to the benefit of the students.
AI doesn't completely replace in-class teaching but it serves to enhance the process. Thus, schools investing in ed tech are pouring their money on something worthwhile. A paper on AI in Education called Intelligence Unleashed has even qualified artificial intelligence serves as a lifelong learning companions. Even if the students are no longer in school per se, they can still study, or enlist in education programs, or use software to compound on their interests.
It is definite! Barron Trump and his mom Melania are moving into the White House to join his father, President Donald Trump. Reports say the 11-year-old will be in the capital once the current school year is done.
Barron is expected to join his parents in the summer when school closes, as per Mediaite. Barron has been attending a private school in New York and continued to live in the city even as his dad assumed the highest post in Washington last January.
White House staffers are reportedly preparing the rooms for both Barron and Melania with fresh coats of paint. Barron's parents are also done picking out his new school in Washington, which he will be attending in the fall. The school's name has not been disclosed.
The news comes as the Trumps' home arrangement has been the subject of controversy. Security logistics have to be in place in New York for Barron and Melania while the president takes care of the governments' affairs in Washinton. It costs New York taxpayers $24 million to maintain security for the First Family who reside at Trump Towers, according to Fortune.
The president told Mayor Bill de Blasio he will work out a way for the city's reimbursement for the added expenses. "On behalf of all New Yorkers, I appreciate him reaching out and saying that," de Blasio said, as per DNA Info.
Meanwhile, Barron joined his parents on March 17 for a rare appearance at the White House. The press was able to photograph the boy walking on the lawn with his parents on their way to the chopper that will take them to Mar-a-Lago in Florida, Heavy reported.
Some have noted Barron has gotten taller since the public saw him last at his father's inauguration. His parents have been fiercely protective of his privacy.
A group is lobbying for a more flexible nutrition standards for the school lunch program. If the group succeeds, it could potentially scrap the initiative former First Lady Michelle Obama set up in 2010 in America's schools.
The School Nutrition Association (SNA) is pushing for a change in school lunch menus. The group wants more salt in food choices for students but fewer whole grains, as per New York Post.
The group said Obama's healthier school lunch options had "prescriptive regulations" and foods have been mostly "unappetizing." As a result, some students usually skipped lunches and it didn't matter that Obama's lunch program was healthy because the kids were choosing not to eat.
Adding more salt, on the other hand, will make school lunches more flavorful. The group defended salt shouldn't be immediately be considered unhealthy as there have been recent scientific studies stating otherwise.
As for the move to reduce whole grains, the group said it has more to do with procurement. "Schools are struggling with limited availability of specialty whole-grain items and meeting students' regional and cultural preferences for certain refined grains, such as white rice, pasta, grits, bagels or tortillas," SNA stated in its press release.
The SNA might just succeed with its lobby. North Carolina Rep. Mark Meadows is already looking at repealing Obama's school lunch policy, as per The Washington Examiner.
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010 initiative called for school lunches with more fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy, low sodium and fat content in the menu. Schools that followed the policy were given additional funding during President Barack Obama's term.
Meadows, however, said some school districts have already chosen to opt out of the program. Meadows also said over 300 regulations regarding school lunch programs have been established in schools since President Donald Trump took office, which has helped ease the burden of funding from the federal government.
Starbucks launched an investigation after an 11-year-old girl claimed a barista wrote "fat" on her cup instead of her name. The child went to the local Starbucks with a friend when the incident took place.
Teigahn Sangster, who is from Edinburgh, Scotland, said that the specific Starbucks visit was her first without adult supervision. She and her friend noticed the writing on the cup when they were about to sit and wait for their order. Sangster said she felt angry, embarrassed and upset while her mother said she felt disgusted by the incident, KSBW 8 reported.
Her mother instructed her to bring the cup home but the child said it no longer mattered because she felt she is indeed fat. The statement of Sangster to her mother made the latter feel upset because the incident made her daughter feel so little about herself and it affected her self-confidence.
Starbucks investigated the matter and said it was just a misunderstanding. The company released a statement and said they are sorry for the upset the incident cause the family. They added, "Following our investigation, we want to reassure that our store team did not write this intentionally. It was originally crossed through and the circle is an indication that the partner (employee) hasn't captured the name correctly."
The letters f, a, t, could be seen in the cup but the cross for the letter t stretched through all the letters. It was true that a circle could be seen below the crossed out word and the company said they want to talk to the family directly to explain and apologize, Teen Vogue shared.
The recent incident was reportedly not a first for Starbucks, which is notoriously known for writing the names of customers wrong. In April of 2016, a man's cup had the words "Diabetes Here I Come" written on it after the man ordered a grande white mocha. The company did not offer any explanation during that incident but they apologized for what happened and assured the man such behavior will not be tolerated.
Some years ago, I traveled out of the country for an academic conference. The country was part of the European Union, so I didnt need to obtain a visa. The entire process was easy and smooth. Until recently, I didnt think about the complications individuals in many countries face in obtaining a visa to attend an academic conference in the U.S.and I certainly didnt realize that a large number of such visa requests might be denied!
Trumps Muslim ban has brought wider scrutiny to immigration issues more generally. It appears that it may be creating visa problems far more widely than the seven countries originally affected.
Each year, the University of Southern California brings delegations from Africa to meet with business leaders, government officials and others in the U.S. But this year, the African summit has no Africans. All were denied visas. Visa issues are not uncommon for people traveling from African nations. During her prior three summits, Mary Flowers saw a high percentage of her attendees at the African Global Economic and Development Summit, unable to attain visas. Usually we get 40 percent that get rejected but the others come, said Flowers, chair of the African Global Economic and Development Summit. This year it was 100 percent. Every delegation. And it was sad to see, because these people were so disheartened. Flowers estimated that she lost about 100 attendees, including speakers and government officials. The countries affected included Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia and South Africa.
Suffice it to say, I didnt know any of this.
With the heightened attention on foreign nationals coming to the U.S., there have been stories of more visas being denied to people from countries other than those named in the Trump administrations executive orders. But visas are routinely denied by U.S. embassies without explanation. If there has been an increase in the number of visas rejected under the new administration, its hard to verify. The publicly available State Department data dates only to late 2016.
In addition, according to The Independent:
Data by the US State Department compiled by The New York Times for the year 2015/16, shows Somalia, Ghana, Liberia, Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania all had a visa denial rate of more than 60 per cent.
In another recent story reported by the Charleston Post and Courier:
A youth troupe from Ghana that wanted to perform in Charleston on Saturday was unable to travel here because of visa issues with the countrys U.S. Embassy, the coordinator of the trip said. Dr. Cynthia Swenson said that American embassy officials would not consider documents supporting the youths visa applications, including correspondence from the United Nations where they also were scheduled to do a show. The children were devastated, Swenson said. They had letters from the U.N. and many places in Charleston.
It seems these childrens visit was part of a partnership between Okurase, in Ghana, and North Charleston, created by a clinical psychologist in North Charleston, Dr. Cynthia Swenson, and an artist in Ghana. Children from North Charleston already visited Ghana, where they met the African children theyve partnered with. And now, their Ghanan counterparts have been denied the ability to do the same.
The youth in Ghana live in the village of Okurase where their families eke out a living as subsistence farmers, Swenson said. In my opinion, this whole issue of visa denial is not about safety but about fear of people who live in poverty and that they will run away to make their fortune, she said. It doesnt make a lot is sense when its children and serious sponsors. Failure to demonstrate non-immigrant intent is a commonly-stated reason for denial of a visitor visa, said Melissa Azallion, a local immigration attorney. People visiting the U.S. are presumed to have immigrant intent, which means they want to stay forever. Visitors must prove that is not the case to receive a visa, Azallion said. The way they do that is by showing that that have strong family, financial and economic ties to their country. If the consular official was not convinced of that, that may have been the reason for denial, she said.
Its worth noting that such a policy actively discriminates against the global poor, and against those in developing countries, making it more difficult for underprivileged individuals from disadvantaged areas of the world to visit the U.S. even as part of a specific program, and with sponsors. This likely at least partially explains the high rate of visa denial from many African countries.
Has the rate of visa denial from these countries increased since Trump became president? We wont know for certain until visa denial data from 2017 is released next year. But if nothing else, I think these stories point to our need to the reality that our nation is nowhere near as open or welcoming to the rest of the worldwhether in long-term immigration or in short-term visitsas we might like to think, or as our popular image suggests.
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We talk about living in a post-Christian era, but what does that actually look like?
Does it look like the serene and peaceful world of John Lennons Imagine?
Or does it look like the tumultuous and fractious rise of Donald Trump?
A columnist from The Atlantic posits that the rise in populist rhetoric and increasing divisiveness in political discourse is due, not to division between a religious right and a secular left, but to increased secularization on all sides of the spectrum. Peter Beinart notes that although commenters on the left have tended to predict that the rise in nonespeople of no particular religious affiliationwould ease conflict over hot button issues like abortion and gay marriage, the reality is that divisions in public life have instead shifted ground and become increasingly heated. As Americans have left organized religion, they havent stopped viewing politics as a struggle between us and them,' Beinart writes. Many have come to define us and them in even more primal and irreconcilable ways.
What common ground there once was for dialogue between right and left appears to be eroding, and the culture warsa term once used to refer to the need to attract opponents through the strength of your ideals and positive visionhas been redefined along racial and ethnic lines as a battle between an increasingly de-Christianized version of Western Culture vs. everybody else.
So what does this shift look like?
Research shows that evangelicals who dont regularly attend church are less hostile to gay people than those who do. But theyre more hostile to African Americans, Latinos, and Muslims. In 2008, the University of Iowas Benjamin Knoll noted that among Catholics, mainline Protestants, and born-again Protestants, the less you attended church, the more anti-immigration you were. (This may be true in Europe as well. A recent thesis at Swedens Uppsala University, by an undergraduate named Ludvig Broome, compared supporters of the far-right Swedish Democrats with people who voted for mainstream candidates. The former were less likely to attend church, or belong to any other community organization.)
Beinart speculates on various mechanisms for this shift. He speculates that disconnection from the structure and stability of communities of faith may leave people more frightful and less optimistic about their place in the world. We know that populism feeds off fear; he speculates that religious faith eases this fear, especially for men, who more easily become isolated without the ties of church and family. He speculates that, despite how segregated American churches tend to be, they may still provide more experience of integration than the average American experiences elsewhere, and thus promote tolerance and dialogue.
Its not until the end of the article that he cites a theory that strikes me as obvious, from my experience of attempting to live a life of faith, and my observations of the role religious observance plays in the lives of others. Beinart writes:
In their book, Religion and Politics in the United States, Kenneth D. Wald and Allison Calhoun-Brown reference a different theory: that the most-committed members of a church are more likely than those who are casually involved to let its message of universal love erode their prejudices.
The Christian ideal has been more often criticized for being unachievable and unrealistic than anything else. Love your enemies? Do good to those who hate you? Forgive, that you may be forgiven. These have all been more honoured in word than in deed, and it can be messy and confusing and hard to let them humble and guide us in the midst of conflicting messages and desires.
Following in Christs footsteps is difficult, and all fall short. We are too often hypocrites and sinners.
But perhaps we were all better off when we knew ourselves to be sinners, and yet strove. Perhaps we are better off when the falcon can hear the falconer.
The Second Coming by WB Yeats
Rice is the most popular grain in the world, even more than wheat. It is consumed by most of Asia as the main staple and is used as a side dish in Europe, Africa and America. Thus it is a commodity with tremendous potential in world trade. And Patna Rice can be a huge geographic indicator with tremendous business potential.
For the purposes of all the readers, let me explain the term Geographic Indicator or GI for short. GI is used for produce of a particular geographic area. For example Champagne for the sparkling wine from the eponymous district in France or Scotch for the whisky distilled in Scotland. Near home, we have Darjeeling tea and Basmati rice. Over a period of time, the term gets associated with high quality and sells for a much higher price than a similar produce from another area. For example, world renowned sommeliers admit on record that sparkling wine from other areas is equally good, but Champaign continues to demand a premium pricing. These geographic indicators are guarded very zealously and produce of other place cannot use the name.
Readers would recall the controversy over Basmati rice that erupted a few years back and the Government of India and Pakistan got together to thwart the attempts of Texan farmers to use the name. Thus now only the rice grown in the foothills of Himalaya can be sold by the name of Basmati rice. While it is commendable that the Govt of India took this step for Basmati, it is really sad Patna rice as a GI continues to languish.
Like so many other good things from Bihar, I myself was unaware of it till quite late in my life. Though having been born and brought at Patna, I heard about it for the first time in Germany. For me it was a wonderful experience to be associated with an exotic merchandise rather than the patronising attitude that one faces within India when one utters the word Patna.
To tell a little bit about rice, there are some 40,000 varieties of rice under the same botanical species: oryza sativa. The most common classification is by the length of the grain: Long Grain, Medium Grain and Short Grain.
Long-grain rice, as the name suggests, is long and slender. The grains stay separate and fluffy after cooking. This is the best suited for rice served as a side dish, or as a bed for sauces.
Medium-grain rice is plumper and the grain is shorter. It is considered good for paella and risotto.
Short-grain rice is almost round, with moist grains that stick together giving it a gooey appearance when cooked.
The terms "Indica" and "Japonica" could be taken to mean "long grain and non-sticky" and "short grain and sticky" respectively and represent the two ends of the spectrum. The westerners, either in America or in Europe including UK, find long grain rice suitable for their style of cooking. Within these broad categories there are innumerable varieties and I would deal with some of them in this article.
The western cook books usually mean American long-grain rice when they refer to long-grain rice. Carolina Rice is considered the best among the American Long Grain. Intriguingly, rice is no longer grown in Carolina. The name indicates to a past when the British gentry wanted to savour rice but found it rare and expensive. Some British merchants dealing in Patna Rice took the grain from India to Carolina which was then a British colony and grew it there. They made a rather decent job of it. To this day, the best American rice is called Carolina rice though its cultivation was ceased there at the end of the American Civil War. Most of American long grain in now grown in Arkansas, California, Texas or Argentina and Brazil in South America.
When I recently did a search on Google for Patna Rice, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very large number of hits at fairly credible sources. A similar search on Basmati rice had fewer results and there were almost none for Dehradun Rice or Doon Rice.
In Bihar, we use terms like Parimal or Rani Kajal and Badshah Bhog for good quality rice. However, a wonderful opportunity awaits us by way of the name Patna Rice which has instant recognition the world over.
In popular global perception, Patna rice has a robust, long and narrow, opaque grain that keeps its shape well for curries. It has a mild fragrance and has been grown for millennia. Basmati rice is found referred to as a close relative of Patna Rice, having a nutty taste and a stronger aroma.
Botanical.com describes Carolina and Patna rice as the most esteemed in England and the United States. The grain of the first is round and flat, and boils soft for puddings; the latter has a long and narrow grain that keeps its shape well for curries
Website : http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/r/rice--15.html
Authentic Patna is considered the king of rice. It is described as The most expensive long-grained Indian rice, aged for two years to enhance its fragrance and texture. Worth the extra money.
Source: http://gourmetclub.signonsandiego.com/20030129-9999-rice.html
Westerners erroneously do not differentiate between Carolina Rice and Patna Rice and use the term interchangeably.
American long-grain (which includes Carolina rice) has a somewhat bland flavour. The popularity could be due to the price and availability since long grain from India is rather rare and expensive. The situation should be considered analogous to Wine. While Wine from say Napa Valley is quite good, it is not quite the same as the wine from France.
Patna rice is considered the best for use with curries. (http://funkymunky.co.za/currytips.html craving for genuine long grained rice with decent flavour that a westerner feels can be gauged from the question put up by an expatriate British in Thailand:
The http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=44562
Observe the surprise of a gourmet when he finds the rice he is served is authentic Patna It's really Patna!"
http://www.montrealfood.com/restos/bistroavenue.html
There are so many legends that exist around Patna rice that a nice story can be woven around it.
The earliest written reference to the rice grown near Patna is in the Buddhist literature at the time of Gautam Buddha himself. Rice gruel is referred to as offerings to Lord Buddha when he went around asking for daily alms. Reference can also be found about varieties of rice being superior and inferior quality.
There is reference to the rice from the region in the travelogue of Hiuen Tsang, the seventh century Chinese traveller to India. He spent considerable time at Nalanda. He was served a strain of Patna rice called Mahasali rice. He describes it as grain was as large as a bean, and when cooked, was aromatic, and shining like no other rice
Yet another reference to the rice of Patna is in Ain I-Akbari written by Abul Fazal, the court historian of Mughal king Akbar. He collected various strains of rice grown around Patna and reported that even if one grain of each strain was taken, it would fill a large vase.
Europeans took to the rice of the region in a big way in the seventeenth century. Fortunes of several merchants were built by dealing in Patna rice. The most celebrated is the case of William Fullarton of Skeldon UK. Having made his fortune by dealing in Patna Rice, he returned to the UK. He started a coal mining business in Scotland. He felt so obligated to Patna that he named the hamlet he built for his miners as Patna. To this day, this town in East Ayrshire, Scotland is called Patna.
There was a town in US also which was called Patna but the name has now been changed. I have not been able to authenticate whether that also has a rice connection, but I suspect it would be so.
Since at one time, most of the rice sold in Europe came from this region, Patna Rice is also sometimes loosely used to mean any long grain aromatic rice.
Let me end with a poser: What can we as a community can do to unlock the value of this goldmine of a Geographic Indicator? Can we attempt to come up with an action plan?
T. V. Sinha, Guest Contributor, PatnaDaily.Com
The brutal murder of Patna Universitys Prof. Papiya Ghosh and her elderly maidservant at her home in Patna on December 3 shocked the academic community in Bihar. A brave and popular singleton, Prof. Ghosh taught history to postgrad students at Patna University.
In a state where college education is in a shambles and elite private tutors hire armed bodyguards as they teach batches of 200-500 students to rake in big bucks, the brutal murder of this popular academic has come as a huge blow to the already demoralised academy. That a serious academic could be killed in such a barbaric manner in one of the most upscale residential localities of the state capital has conveyed a chilling message: the state is still at the mercy of anti-social goons and criminals and the role of the police is merely to reconstruct crimes without much hope of successful arrest and prosecution of perpetrators.
Yet the silver lining to this cruelly-executed murder is that public protests in Patna continued for over a fortnight with widespread condemnation of the heinous crime pouring in from all over the country. The police was quick to describe the murders as robbery-related and arrested four local youth on December 15. Goods stolen from the professors modest home were recovered following intensive investigation driven by a sustained campaign by local media.
Born in 1953 the late professor was the daughter of an IAS officer and had received her school education in Patna. One of her sisters is also an IAS officer and currently posted as officer on special duty with Lok Sabha speaker Somnath Chatterjee. A graduate of Patna Womens College, Ghosh pressed on to pursue her Masters and Ph D in history at Delhi University. Thereafter against the advice of all, she returned to teach history at her alma mater, Patna Womens College. It proved to be a fateful decision.
Although the police insist that the motive of the crime is common robbery, the local media is rife with stories of how she was threatened by some politicians and the land mafia to part with her house which is in a prestigious neighbourhood. In 2004 Ghosh had filed a complaint with the police in this connection. After that she never received any fresh threats. Nevertheless the opposition Lalu Prasad-led Rashtriya Janata Dal party has demanded a CBI probe with the state government insisting that the local police has already solved the case. Yet there is considerable disquiet indeed fear in the city that a murder most foul was committed in broad daylight in the upscale Pataliputra colony.
Yet this much-lamented murder and the intense speculation it has aroused is indicative of the reality that despite good intentions, the new Nitish Kumar-led state government which was voted to power in 2005, has a long way to go before restoring citizens faith in the police and law and order machinery.
Meanwhile the state governments effort to attract high quality teachers into the promised new Bihar has suffered a severe setback.
(Published in Education World online)
MESERVEY | A man suspected of firing a rifle in Meservey city limits has been cited.
Kevin Meints, 60, of Meservey, was cited Sunday afternoon for one misdemeanor count of discharging a firearm within the city limits.
Investigators believe Meintz fired a rifle about 5:30 p.m. Sunday from the back side of his home in the 200 block of Third Street South, said Cerro Gordo County Chief Deputy Dave Hepperly.
No one was hurt.
It appeared that Meints wasn't aiming at anyone and didn't hit anything, Hepperly said.
He said investigators suspect alcohol was a factor.
-- Molly Montag
Iran Exports 80 Million Dollars Worth Of Carpets To U.S. In 11 Months
03/21/17
Source: Press TV
Iran says it has exported $80 million worth of carpets to the United States over a period of 11 months starting March 21, 2016.
Hamid Karegar, the president of Iran National Carpet Center, told local media that the exports had been mainly carried out directly from Iran to the US.
The boost, he emphasized, came after a multi-year halt in exports to the United States that followed a ban devised by the previous US administration in 2010.
Karegar told Iran's IRNA news agency that the doors for exports of Iran's carpets to the US market literally opened after the removal of sanctions against the Islamic Republic in January 2016.
"It was a month later that the first consignment of carpets - that had been barred from the US from 2010 - was sent to Los Angeles from Hamburg," he said.
"Ever since, there has been a surge in exports of Iranian carpets to the US."
Karegar told IRNA that Iran's total exports of carpets over the past 11 months stood at above 5,200 tons in weight and around $320 million in value.
He said the exports indicated a growth of 16 percent in weight as well as an increase of 27 percent in value compared to the same period last year.
Before the intensification of US-led sanctions against Iran in 2011, the country exported more than $600 million worth of carpets - mostly to the US - and had serious plans to raise it to $1 billion in the next year.
In the US, Iranian carpets are offered from $5,000 to $200,000 a piece depending on the type of the fabric, design and intricacy employed in their making.
mSecure password manager review TechRadar Pro
Updated In our mSecure password manager review, we take an in-depth look at this password manager to help you decide if its the most secure way to handle your sensitive data.
Nero Video costs less than most of the video editing software we've tested, yet it includes support for 4K effects and templates, along with the ability to export HEVC H.265 and import even 8K content. Furthermore, Nero's software can do some impressive tricks with your digital video content. That said, you give up advanced capabilities, interface polish, and speed. Nero's project rendering speed is slower than that of the competition, and don't expect support for techniques such as multicam and motion tracking or newer formats like 360-degree VR.
Here's a cheat sheet of what new for Nero Video 2022 since our last review:
Support for 8K video
AI upscaling during export to improve sharpness
Performance improvements using graphics hardware acceleration
44 new video themes
Automatic removal of black bars in videos with different aspect ratios
Notable recent inclusions before those were support for vertical mobile-style video, new movie themes, sounds, disc menus, and the KnowHow help panel.
How Much Does Nero Video Cost?
Nero Video 2022 lists for $55.99, about half the cost of Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, and it's almost always discounted by at least $10. You can get it in the Microsoft Store, currently for $49.99. By comparison, CyberLink PowerDirector and Adobe Premiere Elements both list for $99.99, and Pinnacle Studio costs $129.99. To test the Nero waters, you can download a free 15-day trial version for the price of an email addresswith no credit card information required.
The software requires Windows 11, 10, 8, or 7 (32-bit and 64-bit are both supported). First you download a small stub program that downloads and installs the actual program, which takes up a bit over 1GB on your disk. It also installs a system tray WiFi & Transfer utility for moving content from your smartphone.
I installed Nero Video on a PC running 64-bit Windows 10 Pro with a 3.4GHz Core i7 6700 CPU, 16GB RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. The installer also installed three helper apps: Nero Start, AI Photo Tagger, and Nero KnowHow.
Interface and Editing Basics
When you first run the video editor, a registration dialog pops up, and then you get to the redesigned Start launcher for the whole Nero suite, even if you only want to install Video. This now looks more like the Adobe Creative Cloud account management app than it used to, letting you install, run, and update all the suite apps. When you launch the video editor proper from this, the interface looks different from most editors.
It feels a bit dated, using something like a Windows Vista design, though it does have rounded corners a la Windows 11. A simple improvement would be a dark mode, now offered by nearly all of the competition. Still, the way to get going is clear enough: You can start capturing media from a device, open the editor or an existing project, or start a disc-burning project.
You can simply drag and drop files onto the program window. One interesting choice is Open Windows Live Movie Maker Project: That product has been replaced by video editing functions in the Photos app in Windows 10 and 11 (soon to be joined by Clipchamp). Another is Edit Vertical Video, which smartphone cinematographers will appreciate.
The program's Live Guide is a separate panel with links to the manual, FAQs, and video tutorials. It's not searchable, but the similar KnowHow panel is. KnowHow also offers FAQs, manuals, tutorials, a glossary, and links to user forums. I'm not sure why both tools are necessary with all that duplication. You can turn Live Guide on with a toggle at the top of the interface, and it also offers feedback options.
When I tried importing 8K content from a Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra, I was prompted to activate support for the format. Ditto for the efficient H.265 HEVC format. Both of those formats aren't available in the free trial version. After activation, the program let me add the 8K footage to a project, but it took a while to load and playback performance was jittery. Enabling graphics hardware accelerated decoding smoothed this out completely. The editor also boasts 4K effects and templates. I also noticed that one HEVC clip from an iPhone showed up tinted green in the program, though it previewed with the correct colors in Windows Media Player.
There was a problem displaying Dolby HDR video with hardware acceleration enabled, giving the image a green tint, but it turned out that my Nvidia was the cause of this; turning off hardware-accelerated decoding solved the issue. Of course doing so would cause you to lose some interface performance.
The default timeline viewExpress Editingshows clip thumbnails in a storyboard format. Tapping the big vertical tab on the right labeled Advanced Editing switches you to the more standard timeline track view. You can't switch back to Express if you make edits in Advanced. When you drag a clip onto the timeline, it nicely snaps next to the last clip. The timeline is easy to expand and contract with the mouse wheel.
One limitation is that right-clicking on a clip doesn't offer to show you its file information. But if you double click, a trimming window opens, which has a tab with clip details like video format, resolution, and frame rate. There are plenty of undo levels, however, with a big button for that purpose along the bottom.
You can easily start full-screen playback with a button, or even view it on a separate monitor, thanks to the Extended Screen button option. I did this successfully on an external HDTV. Double-clicking a clip in the timeline opens a trimmer window, which lets you precisely set start and end points, down to the single frame. You can set markers, but to mark in and out cuts you need to open the Trimmer window. Cutter, slip, and roll tools accommodate more advanced editing styles.
Express Editing is of course much simpler, and if even that is too much effort, Five 1-Click themes comp preloaded into the app, but you can download dozens more through the Start app. Themes automatically add intros, titles, transitions, and background music based on activities and styles, such as sports, kids, and retro. It's actually less labor-intensive than Adobe Rush, the media software giant's attempt at accelerated video editing and sharing.
Advanced Video Effects
Under your source media, you tap the Effect Palette to open speed effects, stabilizer, keying, color, audio, text, transitions, clip artin short, everything you'd use to jazz up your video. You get a healthy selection of transitions, though it's nowhere near as many as Pinnacle Studio offers. There are some nice creative ones, but there aren't any true 3D choices among them. It's the only editor I've tested that doesn't have sample animations for the transitions, so you don't see exactly what they do until you apply them to your clip. Nero Video also lacks Final Cut Pro's easy way of adding cross-fades by simply pulling down the clip corners on the timeline to add the transitions.
Adding transitions to the timeline is easy, since the program figures out the clip overlap for you. On the other hand, you can only adjust its duration, not the precise clip positioning, which may prove irritating at times. There's no search for transitions and effects, which is unfortunate, since they're all in one long list. Once you've found transitions you like, you can add them to your Favorites section, however, and this can help you find them again more quickly.
If you're looking to do green-screen work, look elsewhere: Nero delivered the worst chroma-keying results I've seen in a video editor. I used the same actor on an imperfect green screen background, which other programs like Adobe Premiere Elements were able to convincingly superimpose on background forest and beach scenes almost instantly. With Nero Video, the initial application of the effect was completely unusable, with parts of the model made transparent, even when I used the eyedropper tool to sample the green background shade. Using the Similarity slider to add back the missing parts of the model made things no better, as it also added back green background. Other editors get a better result on first click than Nero does after tweaking. PowerDirector even lets you choose multiple key colors. On the plus side, Nero lets you create a mask or invert the selection.
For picture-in-picture (PiP) effects, I like that Nero's video preview window has handles at the corners for resizing PiPs. There's even a Nero PiP editor with dozens of preset PiP designs. This also includes animated caption templates. Using it can be trying, however, since your clip has to be longer than the template's clip length. The program also includes stabilization, speedup and slowdown effects (though no specific freeze-frame tool), and tilt shift. There are also decent animated text options, clip art, and backgrounds.
Nero even includes keyframe support, for gradually applying effects between frames you mark. Color correction is there but pretty basic, you can adjust HSL and lighting or apply drastic effects with the Creative Color tool, but there are no color wheels or CLUT support. You also don't get some tools that you'll find in several more-current competitors, including motion tracking, multicam editing, clip pre-trimming, 360-degree support, and 3D support, to name a few.
Audio Editing
Nero includes a decent selection of background music, and it lets you unlink audio from video clips. One very nice audio editing tool is Fit Music, but it just faded my test song, rather than recomposing it as VideoStudio's tool does. Noise reduction, compression, reverb, de-ess, high-pass, and other standard audio effects are included.
Sharing and Output
You get to Nero Video's output options by tapping the big Next arrow at the bottom of the editor screen. The program lets you output to a good selection of video file formats and can burn DVDs, Blu-rays, and AVCHD discs. Supported file types include AVI, WMV, Flash video, MPEG-1, -2, and -4, and even AVCHD Ultra HD, which is a 4K format. You can also export audio separately or send your movie via email. One missing option is the ability to share video directly to online social networks, something found in most of the competitioneven pro-level tools like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Nero Video includes a Multi-Export function that can auto-detect scenes in a long video and create shorter clips of a length you've specified. So you could be working with a 20-minute video but just want 30-second clips. When I tried this on a three-minute music video, it broke my clip into a dozen separate clips, each starting with a new shot, though it did miss some scene changes. The same detection is use for the Ad-Spotter tool, in case you download broadcast shows and want to clean out the ads. But back to the Multi-Export tool: This simply lets you export all clips within a video in one action, including those clips you create with scene detection.
You can see new checkbox choices in the export's window's Configure dialog box: Enable hardware-accelerated AI enhancement if possible, and Enable Nero AI upscaling. I tried exporting once with these turned on and to my eye the enhanced version did indeed look sharper and richer.
The Web output option simply saves a file in online-friendly formats. But after I chose Export to Web, rendered the video file, and installed another program update, the option to log into a YouTube account and upload to that site appeared. Facebook and Vimeo were nowhere to be found, though. Nero's own online storage has been discontinued, and the company doesn't have an equivalent to CyberLink's DirectorZone(Opens in a new window) for sharing movies and effects.
Performance Testing
Nero Video did not exhibit slowness or wait periods during simple and advanced video editing and importing. But it was much slower at rendering a movie project to a video file in my testing, than most competitors, especially the leaders, CyberLink PowerDirector and Pinnacle Studio.
I test rendering time by creating a movie consisting of four clips of mixed types (some 1080p, some SD, some 4K) with a standard set of transitions, and rendering it to 1080p MPEG-4 at 15Mbps, H.264 High Profile. The clip's audio is MPEG AAC Audio: 192 Kbps. I test on a PC running 64-bit Windows 10 Pro with a 3.4GHz Core i7 6700 CPU, 16GB RAM, and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650.
As mentioned above Nero took 6:06 (min:sec) to render my test project, even with graphics hardware acceleration enabled. This was the slowest performer among tested video editing software; it did beat Magix Movie Studio, but that product is no longer actively developed. By comparison, Corel VideoStudio took just 1:12, with five products taking under 2 minutes.
The Emperor of Video Editors?
If you're looking to save some coin while getting a decent set of video editing tools, Nero Video could be for youthat is, as long as you don't mind its dated, unintuitive interface and its lack of support for some new techniques. Nero is also quite slow at rendering. For faster performance and a much fuller palette, look to our top picks for enthusiast-level PC video editing software, CyberLink PowerDirector and Corel VideoStudio.
Nero Video 3.0 (Opens in a new window) See It $49.99 at Amazon (Opens in a new window) MSRP $49.99 Pros Inexpensive
Plenty of video effects
Good audio tools
Solid file format support, including H.265 and 8K
Burns DVD, Blu-ray, and AVCHD View More Cons Slow export rendering
Legacy interface elements
No 360 or 3D support
No motion tracking View More The Bottom Line For less money than the competition, Nero offers a wide array of enthusiast-level video editing capabilities, but the interface is dated and it trails in support for new formats and techniques.
Soon after Ryzen had its coming-out party, several websites ran stories saying Intel slashed prices in reaction to the new rival.
The fix is likely to come once the utilities are updated to recognize the offset of the CPU.
Keep in mind, were talking about Ryzen performance under stock settingsnot overclocked. Even so, if the tool were off by 20 degrees in the upward direction, it would definitely appear to be hot.
In the short term, users of the AMD Ryzen 1700X and 1800X can simply subtract 20C to determine the true junction temperature of their processor. No arithmetic is required for the Ryzen 7 1700. Long term, we expect temperature monitoring software to better understand our tCTL offsets to report the junction temperature automatically, the company wrote in a blog post .
Despite really low thermal design power (TDP) ratings, Ryzen chips have oddly been labeled as running hot. The problem seems to relate to how utilities are reading the new chips on-die sensors. AMD, in fact, just disclosed that certain CPUs feature offsets that make it look like theyre running hot.
With the Ryzen 7 launch just two weeks old and Ryzen 5 nearly upon us, AMDs comeback CPUs are generating as much controversy, confusion, and misinformation as they are excitement. Were cutting through the chatter to give you the real answers about AMDs new CPU.
The problem is the confirmation of the price cuts cited Micro Centers retail stores. Any good cheapskate knows Micro Center has used CPUs as loss leaders for years to get foot traffic to its stores.
Some of the so-called price slashes are overblown. One claimed the Core i7-6950X had been slashed to $1,599. That CPU launched with a list price of $1,723 and has been available for months at $1,623.
More proof: Heres the camelcamelcamel.com historical price (on Amazon) of an 8-core Broadwell-E Core i7-6900K, which youd think would be under immense pricing pressure from AMDs 8-core Ryzen chips. The price slash of the CPU goes from $1,100 to $1,021. Looking at that and historical data for other Intel CPUs, Im seeing more paper cuts than slashes.
PCWorld Sorry, but that aint no price cut in my book.
Ryzen just launched, and were not privy to any backroom deals and arm-twisting that might be going on. For all we know, a big price cut is planned.
But if you were to buy a new Core i7-7700K or Core i7-6900K this week, you wouldnt be catching a break. We even asked Intel: The company said those price-cut stories were inaccurate, and nothing has been announced.
Battlefield 1 Despite what you hear, Ryzen is not terrible for gaming at all.
Perception: Ryzen is terrible for gaming
Reality: Not true
If theres just one fact from this entire column that you should remember, its this one: Ryzen is not terrible for gaming. Yes, even if your friend heard it from a friend who was watching a friends Twitch stream, I repeat: It is not terrible for gaming.
AMDs gaming performance can at times be perplexing. In multi-threaded and single-threaded applications, its generally outstanding. In tested games, however, Ryzen tends to takes third place behind Intels Kaby Lake and Broadwell-E CPUs. This is akin to saying an Olympic 100-meter runner is slow for getting a bronze medal. Of course, its gaming performance at higher resolutions and high-quality visual settings is mostly imperceptible, because that usually turns into a GPU load, rather than a CPU load. In sum, Ryzen is a fine gaming CPU and not terrible at all, folks.
Perception: AMD is as good as Intel in gaming today
Reality: Partially true
We just said Ryzen isnt terrible for gaming, but its also not the best. The vast majority of our own tests, along with tests conducted by other reviewers, show that when using todays games and todays version of Windows, Ryzen takes a backseat to Intels CPUs.
This can be seen at the most popular resolution of 1080p and lower, and even at higher-quality settings in some games. Ryzen will also likely falter with monitors that push high refresh rates, such as 120Hz or 144Hz. As much as some fans may not want to accept it, Ryzen isnt as good as Core i7 in many gaming scenarios.
Ryzen will be as good as Intel, however, when you run that game at 4K Ultra HD resolution. At higher resolutionswhich is where you should be playing with a beefy GPU such as a GTX 1080 or GTX 1080 Tithe graphics card becomes the bottleneck, and youll notice little or no difference between a Ryzen or Core i7.
Ryzen has actually proved itself equal to or better to Intel Core i7 in some games. However, reasonable observers would agree that Intel has the lead given todays conditions. Tomorrow there may be optimizations, but tomorrow is not today, and the frame rate today is what gamers care about.
IDG If you have ambitions of one day being a YouTube star and having video games made about you like PewDiePiean 8-core chip is probably best for you.
The other possible advantage Ryzen may have over Intels quad-core gaming chips is in game hitching. Anecdotal reports have suggested some games on Ryzen will see fewer hitches than theyd experience with a quad-core CPU, due to the additional cores on the AMD chip.
Perception: An 8-core chip is a better gaming CPU if you want to be the next PewDiePie
Reality: True
Reasonable people will agree that Intels parts are faster than AMDs chips for todays games, but thats for traditional gaming. The exhibitionist culture of today means you dont play by yourself anymoreyoure probably streaming live to an audience on YouTube, Twitch, or Facebook as you try to become the next Internet sensation.
Reasonable people will agree that having more cores for real-time game streaming means having an 8-core CPU is better. Thats because most streaming software uses the CPU to encode the stream, which eats up resources. A quad-core chip will run out of resources before an eight-core chip does, leading to dropped frames and hitching.
This isnt even a partisan divide. Sure, AMD has pushed more cores as an advantage of its Ryzen over Intels Kaby Lake, and Intel has used the same argument for pushing its 6- and 8-core Core i7 chips over its own quad-core chips.
Theres an argument that using GPU encoding, such as GeForce Experiences ShadowPlay, works just as well. This is true, but most streamers are very much the definition of content creators and will use video editors daily.
In the end, if you do want to be the next YouTube or Twitch sensation, an 8-core is the better choice.
Perception: Its Windows 10s fault
Reality: Not true (but once a suspect, always a suspect)
As people tried to get to the bottom of why Ryzen performed so well in applications (Both multi-threaded and single-threaded) but not so well on games, the usual suspect was called in for questioning: Windows. Windows scheduler, or the part of the OS that doles out workloads to the CPU, just wasnt playing nicely with Ryzen, many theorized. In the end, AMD itself cleared Microsoft as a suspect, saying the scheduler is functioning correctly.
If youre still hearing from a friend of a friend of a friend that Windows 10 doesnt recognize the cache on the chip correctly, AMD shot down that theory in the same blog post. I reached out to Microsoft to confirm whether the company was indeed working on correcting issues with the scheduler on Ryzen, but Ive not heard back as of this writing.
If AMD itself is saying Windows 10 isnt at fault, that pretty much settles it. Considering that Linux kernel needed a patch to account for Ryzens multi-threading, how did Windows 10 skate through? Its not like a vendor would be ordered to fall on its own sword to protect Windows 10s reputation, right?
Perception: Reviewers who wrote negative things about Ryzen are shills for Intel
Reality: Not true (mostly)
Its almost impossible to fact-check for shills, because many influences on reviewers are unseen and impossible to prove. What I can say is that many of the reviewers accused of being shills for Intel are also among those AMD itself cited in the coverage of the new Ryzen chip. If those reviewers were Intel-biased, why would AMD point to their coverage as proof of the success of Ryzen? Many of the reviewers of Ryzen have also continued to follow initial coverage with additional testing, in an attempt to get to the bottom of why Ryzen isnt quite as fast as Intel in gaming.
Short of accessing the bank accounts of all supposed shills, we can chalk up the accusations to the pent-up enthusiasm of a dedicated fan base.
PCWorld Search Amazon.com for X370 and the first three results are out of stock. Motherboard vendors say the shortage should get better soon.
Perception: Theres a massive motherboard shortage
Reality: Mostly true
After an initial shortage of Ryzen CPUs, you can now actually buy the chips. The problem? You may not be able to get a motherboard to put it in.
Specifically its hard to find the top-end, enthusiast-focused X370 boards. Plenty of the more sedate B350 boards are available.
No need to cut the line, though: Spot-checks of Newegg and Amazon (as of this writing) showed some availability. One motherboard vendor promised that more were arriving by the boatload.
Still, well rate this as mostly true, because when you have a shiny new Ryzen 1700 staring at you from your build bench, youre not going to be a patient camper.
MASON CITY | The Mason City Airport Commission Monday approved a four-year lease with Air Choice One, the commercial air service that serves the municipal airport.
In January the federal Department of Transportation approved the recommendation of the Mason City Airport Commission that Air Choice One continue to provide service to Mason City for the next four years.
Air Choice One gets four-year approval to serve North Iowa MASON CITY Air Choice One will continue to provide commercial air service to Mason City fo
Pam Osgood, manager of the Mason City Municipal Airport, said the federal DOT then entered into a separate agreement with Air Choice One.
The airport then was to enter into a lease agreement with the commercial air service. Osgood said a public hearing was required because the term of the lease is greater than three years.
No comments or objections from the public on the proposed lease were presented at Monday afternoon's meeting, according to Osgood.
Air Choice One began serving Mason City in November 2014.
Mary Pieper
Lower our bills
Re: California amassing too much solar [News, March 19]: What a laugh. After changing out all my light bulbs for low energy bulbs, and all the other things recommended for saving energy, my electric bill just keeps climbing. With all the little fees (taxes) added to my electric bill it has gone up considerably. About 20 percent or more in the last couple of years.
Now they are saying that we are just producing too much energy and it is going to waste.
Being a low-income retiree, the electric bills I receive are eating a big chunk of my, and others, social security checks. If there is too much electricity, use it to lower our bills.
Ron Lehman, Riverside
Some observations
Re: Legislators must heed call for immigrant rights [Opinion, March 19]: Where was the fear Javier Hernandez writes of during the Obama administration? Where were the protests? ICE under Obama deported more than Clinton and George W. Bush combined and he was referred to as the deporter in chief by the National Council of La Raza.
Almost everything in Gayl Taylors Make Obamacare better [Letters, March 19] is right. The one exception is we are so committed to totally free markets. Our health care market is anything but. Medicare and several other government programs (the VA is an exception) are not allowed by law to negotiate prices. A drug I take cost Medicare $1,600 per month. If I buy it without insurance it costs $450 per month and just about anywhere else in the world it is $80 to $120 per month. It was developed by the CDC and the company providing it is Swiss so much for needing these high prices for R&D and American jobs.
Re: Japanese invasion was perceived as a real threat [Letters, March 19]: There never was an attempt by the Japanese to infiltrate the U.S. during WWII nor were there any fifth column efforts by Japanese Americans. While the Japanese on the West Coast were interned, those in Hawaii were not. Japanese submarines lobbed a total of 33 rounds at us. The only casualties in the U.S. due to Japanese efforts were a woman and five children who were killed after discovering one of the balloons Japan had launched against us around 350 balloon bombs got here but with the exception of the six casualties didnt cause any serious damage.
Also, the 442nd Infantry Regiment made up of Japanese Americans was the most highly decorated unit in WWII.
Chris Daly, Yucaipa
Residents of a Lake Elsinore home were displaced Tuesday morning, March 21, after two bedrooms burned, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department said.
Firefighters were sent to the 17000 block of Grand Avenue in the Lakeland Village neighborhood at 9:19 a.m., a news release said. There, they found smoke coming from the rear of what was describe as a multi-family residential structure.
The American Red Cross was requested to assist the residents.
The cause of the fire was not announced.
Nine months after 28-year-old Nicholas Males was stabbed to death outside a Hemet bar, his killer remains at large.
The Hemet Police Department issued a statement Monday, March 20, asking for the publics help in solving the case. Officials ask anyone with information on the June 19, 2016 killing outside Elite Bar and Lounge at 118 N. Harvard Ave. to call Investigator Doug Klinzing at 951-765-2400.
Hemet Police Department spokesman Lt. Eddie Pust said no developments have been made in the case since the stabbing occurred. The Police Department issued the statement in an effort to stay connected and remind potential informants that detectives seek information, Pust said.
Males was a U.S. Marines veteran who grew up in Hemet and was living in Whittier with his longtime girlfriend mother to his two young daughters and pregnant at the time of his death and his brother, Christopher Males.
The weekend of the stabbing, the brothers had come back to Hemet to celebrate their sisters birthday and Fathers Day, relatives said.
Nicholas Males and several others were walking through Elites parking lot when they were attacked by a large group of people, police said at the time. Males was stabbed in the torso and died at the hospital. Another person was stabbed but survived.
Police have never disclosed what they believe led to the stabbing or how the other injured person was involved.
About two months after Males was killed, police acknowledged that the investigation was pretty much at a standstill. Pust said at the time that part of the problem was that no witnesses to the stabbing had come forward a problem police are still trying to rectify with their latest plea to the public.
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President Trumps nominee for the Supreme Court began a confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week amid unusual political intrigue.
Should Judge Neil Gorsuch be quickly confirmed by the Senate to fill the Supreme Court opening?
Thats our Question of the Week for readers.
Gorsuch would take the Supreme Court seat left vacant when Justice Antonin Scalia died suddenly 13 months ago.
A judge on the 10th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals in Denver, Gorsuch, 49, is a conservative in the Scalia mold.
The Senates Republican majority hopes to have Gorsuch confirmed by the full Senate before members begin a two-week break April 7. Gorsuch then could participate in some important cases facing the court this term.
Democrats hope to stall Gorsuchs approval, possibly with a filibuster. Many in the party remain bitter that District of Columbia U.S. Circuit Court Judge Merrick Garland, nominated by President Obama a year ago, was denied even a hearing by Republicans, who argued that the choice for the Scalia seat should be made by a new president.
Adding tension to Trumps first high-court nomination is the White Houses clashes with the judiciary over the presidents travel-ban orders. Trump called a judge who blocked his original order a so-called judge. Gorsuch called Trumps blasts at judges demoralizing and disheartening.
For Gorsuch, educated at Columbia, Harvard and Oxford, qualifications dont seem to be an issue. But Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, said the panel must inquire if Gorsuch is a reasonable mainstream conservative, or is he not.
Gorsuch is expected to be grilled about his opinions on issues including abortion, gun control, campaign finance restrictions, church-state separation and employer vs. employee fights.
Do you want your senators to support or oppose Gorsuch?
Email your thoughts to letters@pressenterprise.com. Please include your full name and city or community of residence. Provide a daytime phone number. Or, if you prefer, share your views in the comments section that accompanies this article online.
Well publish as many responses as possible.
A man who Riverside police say led them on a pursuit into Moreno Valley in a stolen car on Monday, March 20, was arrested after a police K-9 and his handler found him hiding in a backyard.
Albert Arevalo, 31, of Moreno Valley, was examined at a hospital and then taken to jail, a Riverside police news release said. Jail logs show he was booked on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, evading police, resisting arrest, receiving stolen property, petty theft with priors and several misdemeanors related to vehicle code violations. Bail was set at $100,000.
Officer Ryan Railsback said he did not know whether Arevalo was bitten by the dog but confirmed that the K-9 was involved in the arrest.
The incident began about 12:50 p.m. when officers near University and Eucalyptus avenues tried to stop a vehicle that had been reported stolen. The driver led officers on a pursuit onto the freeway and into Moreno Valley, the release said.
Officers on the ground lost sight of the vehicle, but officers in a helicopter found the vehicle abandoned in a residential neighborhood in Moreno Valley. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriffs Department, which provides police services in that city, helped Riverside police surround the area near Naples and Athens drives, near Box Springs Elementary. A perimeter was quickly established.
Officers found Arevalo during a yard-to-yard search, the release said.
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.
As part of its ongoing efforts to help strengthen the media sector to support democratic consolidation in The Gambia, the Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) has deployed a four-member assessment mission to the country.
Members of the mission will be spending one week holding discussions with key stakeholders in the country for a comprehensive assessment of the media landscape in the country.
Specifically, members of the mission will be holding discussions with government ministers and other senior government officials, the leadership and members of the Gambian Press Union (GPU) and its affiliates, the Gambian Bar Association, the leadership of Journalism Department of the University of The Gambia and officials of the State Broadcaster.
The group will also hold talks with officials of UNESCO, the EU and UNDP. There will also be a public forum with editors and journalists to discuss issues affecting journalists and the media generally.
Findings from the mission will inform the development of a comprehensive media sector support programme by the MFWA and its partners to enhance the medias role in the countrys transition and democratic consolidation process.
High on the agenda of the mission will also be discussions on outstanding issues of impunity for crimes perpetrated against journalists by the Yahya Jammeh regime. The discussions on the issue of impunity will be mainly focused on the non-compliance by the Jammeh regime of three judgements of the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice delivered in favour of three journalists, Chief Ebrima Manneh (in 2008); Musa Saidykhan (in 2010); and Deyda Hydara (in 2014).
The MFWA has been working with IFEX on an anti-impunity initiative that is aimed at ensuring compliance with the three ECOWAS Court judgements. The mission will thus discuss with officials of the new government modalities for complying with the judgement. Members of the mission will also visit families of the late Deyda Hydara who was murdered in 2004 and Chief Ebrima Manneh who was disappeared in 2006.
For 22 years under President Yahya Jammeh (1994-2016), the media in The Gambia suffered massive abuses including murder of journalists, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions and torture. Several journalists had to go on exile while those in country were subjected to a regime of censorship and self-censorship.
The unexpected defeat of Jammeh in the 2016 elections and the subsequent assumption of power of President Adama Barrow opens a window of opportunity for press freedom, freedom of expression and media development.
The deployment of the mission is a follow-up to an earlier meeting between the Board of Directors of the MFWA and leaders of the Gambian media community held in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, on January 26, 2017.
Source: MFWA
Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.
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Francis Xavier Sosu, lawyer for the victim at the center of the Marwako assault case, has said that she is gradually recovering and doing better. According to him, a decision has been taken to allow her remain on admission where she can receive adequate care while the case is being heard.
He told Citi News Fred Tettey Djabanor that the victim, Evelyn Boakyes composure and clarity, had improved hence ensuring that the trial goes on smoothly. She was permitted by the medical doctors to come to court Monday morning and after that she went back. Youd realize that her composure and clarity was better.
Her responses were better under cross examination and it is clearly because her psychological and medical status has improved, he said. Evelyn Boakye was in court earlier on Monday March 20, 2017, to be cross-examined in the case brought against her Lebanese supervisor, Jihad Chaaban, who shoved her face into hot pepper. The case has since been adjourned to Thursday, March 24, 2017.
Xavier Sosu said, We are looking forward to her undergoing treatment until Thursday when we come back for further cross examination Evelyn Boakye is currently on admission at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital where she is receiving medical attention.
The accused, Jihad Chaaban, who is a Supervisor at the Abelemkpe branch of the Marwako Restaurant, locked Evelyn up in a room after dipping her face in blended pepper, leaving her with the burning and hurting eyes. Jihad who has been arraigned has since pleaded not guilty to the three charges of causing harm, assault, and offensive conduct brought against him. He is currently on bail.
Source: citifmonline.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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MASON CITY | A Mason City man who helped his neighbors escape a burning house is being hailed as a hero.
Toyon Hamilton, 33, sprang into action when he saw flames rolling up the front of 22 N. Jefferson Ave. shortly after 11 p.m. Sunday night.
He knew three clients of Opportunity Village, which serves people with intellectual disabilities, and their caretaker were inside the home.
"It was just spreading so quick, (that) Im like, 'My God, y'all gotta get outta here," Hamilton said. "It went quick."
Mason City firefighters say the fire started on the porch and entered the house through two windows that broke from the heat. It also burned through the front door and up the stairwell into the second floor.
Hamilton went inside the burning home twice to help residents out of the building, including a woman he said appeared to have passed out at the top of the stairs.
She passed out and I had to get her up, he said.
The smoke was so thick it was hard to breathe, Hamilton said.
"It cut your wind off automatically. It cut it off," he said. "It's like holding your breath."
Machele Raska thinks Hamilton is a hero and credits him for saving her sister, Tammie Eggleston.
She said Eggleston, who sleeps in an upstairs back bedroom, told Opportunity Village staff that a neighbor carried her out of the house.
"I do not know him, but I really would like to be able to physically and personally give him a hug for saving all their lives," said Raska, of Colter.
The outcome could have been different without his actions in notifying the residents and assisting them out of the building, according to a Mason City Fire Department statement.
A little overwhelmed by the attention, Hamilton says he was just trying to do the right thing.
"I was just trying to get everybody out of there," he said.
Government intends to construct toilet facilities in various homes across the country as an effective measure of addressing open defecation, the Minister of Sanitation, Kofi Adda, has revealed.
The Ministers promise follows threats by the World Bank to withdraw support to Ghana if measures are not taken to address Ghanas sanitation challenges.
The World Bank is reportedly unhappy that many Ghanaians still do not have access to basic sanitary facilities, particularly household toilets.
But speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, the Minister indicated that, government will undertake what he calls a comprehensive programme to deal with these challenges.
We are putting together a comprehensive programme to address this factor. We are trying to get a toilet in every house. If you have a toilet in every house, along the beach areas, open defecation in all the beaches will not be needed anymore. On the national scale, we are targeting 1 million toilet facilities.
He admitted that, the problem is rife in Ghana because of the non-enforcement of bye laws, saying It is true that the laws of the country have not been adhered to.
Bye-laws from the Assembly should have been enforced to ensure that all the houses that are being constructed have got toilets in them.
These are challenges that we are going through and we are going to ensure that we roll this out in a very serious and effective manner.
The Minister said government will also engage various stakeholders including young men and women to ensure that this project is successfully executed.
Filth and Sanitation On the issue of filth and sanitation, he said his outfit is considering restructuring the operations of environmental service providers to address challenges associated with sanitation.
The structures that exists with some of the environmental service providers, we need to look at that and restructure that so that we can zone in to all the respective corners of Accra and the hinterlandsWe will need to also ensure the timely release of funds to facilitate their operations.
Source: citifmonline.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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Editor of the Al-Hajj newspaper and a member of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC), Alhaji Iddrisu Bature has asked President Nana Addo Danquah Akufo-Addo and his government to go on their knees and apologize to Ex- President John Dramani Mahama if they want God to forgive and make them excel during their tenure of office.
According to him, this government will face challenges should they refuse to beg the out gone government especially the President whom they tagged as incompetent.
Speaking on UTVs Adekye Nsroma political talk segment, he noted that there must be a cause to the numerous lost of lives just after a change of government since its rate cant be classified as normal.
He cautioned political leaders against the attempt to mock God by claiming to serve him whiles consulting deities just to be in power.
Alhaji Bature said that, members of the New Patriotic Party [NPP] should not complain about any misfortune or problem facing them while in government, because those were the same problems that the previous government wanted to curtail when they [NPP] marked them as incompetent . . . Have they now realized that in reality, things are not like how they saw it when they were in opposition?
The NPP vigorously campaigned against the NDC making Ghanaians believe them that electricity prices were higher than monthly rent bills which were never true and can never be...it was a sign of wickedness towards the then government, he told UTV.
Source: Elizabeth Semiheva/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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The Editor of pro-NDC newspaper, the Informer, Andy Kankam, has said that some persons who were around former President John Mahama while in power, are responsible for his historic election defeat.
According to him, these individuals prevented people from constructively criticizing the president while in office, hence giving the impression to the president that all was well with his party and the country.
There appears to be brewing tension within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) after the partys 2016 election defeat, with some persons being accused of misappropriating funds meant for campaign activities hence the historic loss.
A recent newspaper publication suggested that, the former President, John Mahama, has threatened to publish the names of people who received various sums of money from him for campaign activities. But speaking on Eyewitness News, the Editor of the pro-NDC newspaper said I see this as very unhealthy for the image of the former president [John Mahama] and his wife [Lordina Mahama], if what the paper has published is true.
According to him, the president must channel any concern he has about events that led to the partys loss to the Prof. Kwesi Botchwey-led committee which has been constituted to embark on a fact-finding mission to identify the cause of NDCs defeat in the 2016 elections.
If the former president has any issue, as a leader, I think that he should have channeled this to the committee, Andy Kankam said.
He lamented that, after stating that the president must not be deceived into thinking he would win the 2016 election by an overwhelming majority; some close allies to the presidency targeted and victimized him.
If the president was allowed to be told the truth about the realities on the ground, this thing wouldnt have happened. He would have continued to be the president of Ghana. But some people around him would not tell him the truth, he said.
Future of NDC
Andy Kankam said the NDC can only make a significant impression in the next election in 2020 if it eschews hypocrisy and wholly address its shortcomings.
Unless he [Mahama] is not prepared to come in 2020. If NDC will bounce back in 2020, this is the time we must let him [Mahama] know that this praise singing, this hypocrisy and when you are telling the truth, people run to him [Mahama] and tell him you dont like him you see what has happened? He [Mahama] is now naked This is the time the NDC must allow people to offer constructive critics.
Meanwhile, President John Mahama has said that the National Democratic Congress (NDC) will bounce back.
In a social media update, the former president said the cause of the partys loss was multifaceted but called for calm among supporters.
The NDC will bounce back!! Cause of our loss is multifaceted. We need calm nerves & hard work to strengthen the base of party. #JMLegacy, John Mahama said.
John Mahama lost in his bid to remain president for another 4-year term.
He was defeated by the New Patriotic Partys Nana Akufo-Addo who had unsuccessfully contested to be president on two previous occasions.
Nana Akufo-Addo polled 5,716,026 votes, representing 53.85 percent of valid votes cast, against John Dramani Mahamas 4,731,277 votes. Many described the victory as historic, since no incumbent president in Ghanas recent history had lost by such margin.
The National Democratic Congress (NDC), subsequently formed a 13-member committee, chaired by Professor Kwesi Botchwey to investigate the cause of the partys defeat in the December 7 polls.
Source: citifmonline.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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Navigating Melbournes needlessly complex public transport ticketing system is kinda like running the final maze on Legends of the Hidden Temple. Its mostly terrifying, full of surprise guards who have no right to be as aggressive as what they are, and just when you think youre home free some jerk shoves the Shrine of the Silver Monkey down in front of you and fucks your world right up.
The Myki system has been the sole ticketing system for greater Melbourne public transport system since 2012, and yet even today it still takes officials multiple minutes to explain the system to confused travellers, in a scene that gets replayed at train stations countless times over and never stops being funny.
As it turns out, the system is so convoluted that the operating company has been very quietly issuing refunds on fares to people who have been switched on enough to realise theyve copped a raw deal.
People who swipe on inside the CBD Free Tram Zone, but dont travel outside of it (god, this is a mess already) have been getting charged for travelling in paid-Myki zone when they should be getting charged nothing.
The short version is that when Public Transport Victoria implemented the Free Tram Zone, they were simply relying on passengers to know their MC Esher-like fare system well enough to simply not touch on inside the zone, rather than upgrade the technology with location tracking information so the readers know when they are, and are not, in a free travel area.
Myki does not advertise it whatsoever, but you are absolutely entitled to a refund if you mistakenly touch on a tram in the city and hop off it before you leave the zone. The Myki readers, simply put, do not know any better and will charge you for the journey no matter what.
To date, the authority has processed some 787 refunds totalling just on $3,000 since the introduction of the Free Tram Zone in 2015. Public Transport Users Association president Tony Morton asserted that even regular users of the system are still confused as to how it works, let alone infrequent travellers or tourists.
I guess the potential for confusion is always there and we dont always send out clear messages on when to touch on and off. I know there is still some confusion among regular travellers let alone visitors. There is now luminous signage advising people of the Free Tram Zone but people can still miss it.
For anyone travelling on Melbournes tram and train network, as many as three different, conflicting pieces of information regarding touching on and off can be conveyed to passengers, which serves as the root cause of the confusion. And the pricing structures remain largely a mystery to passengers, particularly so given that newer faster readers at train stations do not display Myki balances.
In somewhat good/bad/laughable news, the system is slowly inching towards being able to read smartphones and credit cards, in an upgrade thats gonna cost Victorian taxpayers a cool $50million despite the feature being a requirement of the original contract.
If you think youve been slugged erroneously for touching on in the Free Tram Zone (and, perhaps more importantly, can prove it), the refund process can be found over at the Public Transport Victoria website. Shock horror, it is quite complex.
Remember, always touch on at the start of your journey, and touch off at the end. Unless youre on a tram. Or in the free tram zone. Or if youre standing on one foot while under a full moon. And its half price if like youre allergic to certain types of yellow food dye but not all of them and only if you can prove it by hanging upside down from a handrail while reciting the yippee ki yay, motherfucker scene from Die Hard but only as long as you keep your feet off the seats.
Or something like that.
Source: Herald Sun.
Photo: Michael Dodge/Getty.
On Harmony Day, of all bloody days, the Turnbull Government thought it apt to begin their push to change section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, specifically citing the mercifully deceased Bill Leak a man who while on this mortal coil revelled in getting paid to publish extraordinarily racist and discriminatory cartoons as a core impetus for the change.
The changes to 18C will remove the words insult and offend from the legislative definition, replacing them instead with harass. This, so sayeth Turnbull, will both bolster the law as it stands whilst simultaneously encouraging free speech. That is to say, you will be free to be as casually racist as you like, just so long as you dont specifically target one individual for any elongated period of time.
While the legal change is a victory for a curmudgeon conservative political pact who have been fucking dying to drop a lazy N bomb free from fear of reprisal, whats most utterly disappointing about the whole sorry, weak-arse capitulation to an increasingly-confused hard-right is this quote from Turnbull:
Cartoonists like the late, great Bill Leak will no longer have to look over their shoulder.
That Bill Leak is being venerated as a Liberal Party martyr is astonishing as is. But the real kicker comes when you consider that this kind of legislative, policy-shifting urgency was only afford to a 61-year-old white racist cartoonist who died of a heart attack. That the same empathetic call-to-action wasnt triggered by the suicide of countless at-risk LGBTQI youth, or the documented physical harm and death befalling Indigenous teens either displaced or in custody makes the stomach turn.
In response to todays (quite frankly) staggering about-face, writer Benjamin Law began posting his first-hand experiences with racism on social media using the hashtag #FreedomOfSpeech. The stories that have flooded in as a result are sobering, heartbreaking, and all-too-common.
To celebrate the Coalition tampering with the RDA on #HarmonyDay, lets share stories of racism with hashtag #FreedomOfSpeech. Ill start. Benjamin Law (@mrbenjaminlaw) March 21, 2017
At the age of 10, I was at the local pool as a group of white boys held my head underwater, laughing at me for being Asian. #FreedomOfSpeech Benjamin Law (@mrbenjaminlaw) March 21, 2017
Gold Coast, 21, man slams into my shoulder saying, Fucking gook. I retaliated, but wouldve been bashed if not for mates. #FreedomOfSpeech Benjamin Law (@mrbenjaminlaw) March 21, 2017
Last week a white Australian said about a speech I gave, You speak better English than me and Ive been here all my life. #FreedomOfSpeech Benjamin Law (@mrbenjaminlaw) March 21, 2017
Former Senator Nova Peris contributed, sharing a small sample of the horrific things people have said to her thanks to her role as a publicly elected official.
Former MasterChef contestant-cum-TV personality Adam Liaw posted a long and extremely heartfelt rant on the subject, beginning with:
Its #HarmonyDay so I want to be a bit frank about race. Im going to thread this so bear with me. Sorry in advance if this offends you. Adam Liaw (@adamliaw) March 21, 2017
I was in at my mobile phone providers store today for over an hour. All the staff there are Asian (I live in a very Asian area). There were maybe 10 other customer group in that hour. 7 Asian, 3 White. I could overhear all their conversations. It was a small store.
All 3 groups of white customers berated the Asian staff. For speaking to them rudely (they werent), for being incompetent (they werent), for outsourcing customer care to the Philippines (not really their call). All stressed they werent being racist. I believe that 100%.
I accept dealing with customer service is stressful. I also accept maybe they wouldve spoken like that to white staff too. I dont know. But I can guarantee you its much, much easier to be rude to someone you dont think is your equal.
Not one racial epithet was said, and nobody was being racist. But this is racism. Racism isnt just for racists.
Our politicians will argue a lot today about who has the right to say racist things, and whether it should be criminal. Ive had my accent (do I have one?) mocked THOUSANDS of times. Ive been told to go back to where I came from THOUSANDS of times. Ive been called a gook, nip, ching-chong or any number of racist names THOUSANDS of times. My beautiful, adorable kids will be called those names. I KNOW that because its happened to every single Asian person I know in Australia. Theyll be physically abused for their race, too. I KNOW that because its happened to every single Asian person I know in Australia. I cried a bit typing that, but thats life.
The odds of me, or them, bringing legal action around it are next to nil. Amend 18C or dont. I truly dont feel strongly about it. But dont pretend it solves the problems we have in this country with race either way.
The racism I worry about isnt getting abused on a bus while someone films it on their phone. Or running into a racist in a dark alley. Most Australians arent racists. Neither are the kids who will one day tease my kids for their race. The racism I worry about is systemic. Its under-representation in media, boardrooms, or the slightest inkling that kids with brown skin are less Australian than if they were white.
Im lucky to do what I do. Maybe Asian-Australians of my kids generation wont grow up thinking they need to be somebodys sidekick.
But the stories from ordinary Australians, posted today to Twitter, are downright harrowing.
Ive been called a terrorist too many times to count. Ive been stopped by cops + other authorities too many times to count #FreedomofSpeech Omar Sakr (@OmarjSakr) March 21, 2017
#FreedomOfSpeech a cop saw me with my (black) boyfriend and gave me unsolicited DV hotline numbers @mrbenjaminlaw milleficent (@mymillshake) March 21, 2017
Ive been asked this question too many times to count: Where are you from?
Australia
No. Where are you really from?#FreedomOfSpeech Louise Liu (@youn_g_wheezy) March 21, 2017
90s: almost veered off the road w/ my Chinese Mum & Aunt by a group of white men yelling go back to where you came from! #FreedomofSpeech Faustina Agolley (@Faustinathefuzz) March 21, 2017
One of my few Asian-background schoolmates was cast as a black character in a school play because he was close enough #FreedomofSpeech Alex McKinnon (@mckinnon_a) March 21, 2017
my mum pondered whether an Aboriginal mate of mine was a half blood and got insanely mad when I said that was racist #FreedomofSpeech fakeed (@macaulaybalkan) March 21, 2017
Like last month coming out of local shops had trifecta N word, go back, monkey. Bystanders were more shocked. #FreedomofSpeech malcontent ms. (@malcontentms) March 21, 2017
Being told in an interview that I may not be the right candidate because Indians play politics #FreedomofSpeech Pradip (@pradiprn) March 21, 2017
@mrbenjaminlaw People would introduce me and say This is Andre, hes a Leb, but hes not one those Lebs so group would feel comfortable#FreedomOfSpeech Andre Georges (@dredresyd) March 21, 2017
Carload of white boys yelled I like your slopehead girlfriend & chucked food at us in a Maccas carpark. #FreedomOfSpeech @mrbenjaminlaw squig (@squig_) March 21, 2017
Ive had dozens of people call me Kon the Fruiteter thinking it was cute to compare me to some racist caricature of the oafish Greek man Kon Karapanagiotidis (@Kon__K) March 21, 2017
Im a first Australian & was told to go back to the bush if I didnt stop my son throwing a tantrum in shops for a lolly. #freedomofspeech Catherines alt ego (@Catcoake1) March 21, 2017
But yeah nah free speech. Thats the thing that *really* needs protecting.
Source: Twitter.
Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty.
Content warning: this post discusses sexual assault.
A teenage boy from an elite private school in Sydney allegedly raped a teenage girl at house party while one of his friends filmed the assault on his mobile phone.
Teachers at The Cranbrook School are understood to have alerted police based on conversations they overheard between students. It is believed the footage in question was exchanged between up to 50 students. The alleged victim was unaware she had been assaulted until she herself saw the footage on social media.
It is believed that the alleged victim was not aware of the assault because she was unconscious due to alcohol consumption. The attack is alleged to have taken place on March 4th in Bellevue Hill.
A 15-year-old appeared before the Childrens Court in Glebe yesterday charged with filming the sexual assault and posting it. The specific charges which he pled not guilty to were filming a young person committing a sexual act on another young person without their consent, producing child abuse material on his mobile phone and distributing that material on social media.
He did however agree to the conditions of an AVO, which means he cannot approach the victim, nor her school in Sydneys eastern suburbs.
It is understood that the attacker is voluntarily meeting with detectives today. Though he reportedly recently moved to The Cranbrook School, he is no longer a student there.
Source: Daily Telegraph.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, call 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732 to speak to a counsellor.
Malcolm Turnbull has announced that the Coalition will pursue changes to Section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act despite the fact that many moderates within his own government fear it will severely damage the governments vote within ethnic minority communities.
Turnbull appeared with attorney general George Brandis at a press conference where he confirmed that the government will seek to remove insult and offend from the Act, replacing it with the word harass. According to Turnbull, the government believes this strengthens protections against race hate while encouraging free speech:
We are defending Australians from racial vilification by replacing language which has lost credibility. It has lost the credibility that a good law needs and so the changes we are proposing to section 18C will provide the right balance between protecting Australians from racial vilification and defending and enabling their right of free speech, upon which our democracy, our way of life, depends. We are also amending the law so as to ensure that the Human Rights Commission will offer procedural fairness, will deal with cases promptly and swiftly and fairly, and thats very important too. We need to restore confidence to the Racial Discrimination Act and to the Human Rights Commissions administration of it.
Earlier, there was conflict in the Coalition party room over the changes, with MPs like Concetta Fierravanti-Wells warning the government that there would be backlash from ethnic communities, and that Labor would use it as a wedge. Five moderates New South Wales Liberals David Coleman, Julian Leeser, and Craig Laundy, and Victorians, Julia Banks and Russell Broadbent all spoke against the law, but will support whatever path the government takes.
Turnbull said that his previous opposition to changing the law had changed due to the Bill Leak and Queensland University of Technology cases.
This doesnt mean itll change. The crossbench will be an issue for Turnbull, with the Nick Xenophon Team still opposing changes. The prime minister acknowledged this, saying that our goal is to persuade the Senate to pass the legislation.
Ethnic and religious groups are reportedly prepared to campaign against the change, and GetUp! have also confirmed that they will launch their own campaign.
Source: The Guardian.
Photo: ABC.
If any of you fine readers are living in the great state of Victoria, you will know this: the weather here is so bloody unpredictable its basically one huge clusterfuck where any finite season becomes obsolete. Its actually gotten to the point where this is something to be kinda proud of. So precious are Melbournians about our climates temperament that any one of em will fight you to the death that Crowded Houses famous banger, Four Seasons in One Day, was written about us (its actually about Auckland, to clarify).
So, in classic form, the past few days (nay, weeks) in Melbourne have been bloody terrific. The sun has been beaming, and people have been crying with joy about it. Naturally, then, shit is about to get real dark. It all started yesterday morning, when the clouds descended and we got a solid downpour for the first time in months.
Typically, Melbourne sees about 50 millimetres of rainfall in March. Today, when it really started to pelt, we got about 20 millimetres of the stuff. That means weve pretty much reached our quota.
[If] we get a few more downpours overnight we could meet that monthly average, said Stephen King, the Bureau of Meteorologys senior forecaster/author of classic horror novels such as Carrie and The Shining (nah, theyre not actually the same person but oddly feels like a logical side project for the guy).
It started pissing down again at 2pm today, and King reckons another epic one is coming, like, right now. So, sorry, dear commuters, but youre gonna be looking pretty bleak when you get home tonight. King even issued a warning for flash floods:
These storms could easily produce 10 to 30 millimetres and possibly more, even 50 to 60 millimetres, so we are quite concerned about flash flooding in the Melbourne area this afternoon.
It has been advised that people shouldnt drive, ride or walk through flooded areas, and to remove yourself as far as possible from storm drains, creeks and the like. Apparently, everything should be back to normal March conditions by Thursday/Friday. To be honest, I was feeling pretty tripped out by how unseasonably warm its been here for the past few weeks.
So, I guess thats it, folks. This is the beginning of the end. Hold on to the sporadic hot day while it lasts we will be chilled to our core again so very soon.
Source: Broadsheet.
Image: The Day After Tomorrow.
Its about bloody time. Queensland have finally abolished the incredibly controversial gay panic defence, with the petition to overturn it reaching 290,000 signatures.
The very fucked up partial defence could be used by accused murderers to claim that they acted out because of unwanted sexual advances from an LGBT person. Basically, anyone who used the defence successfully would be found guilty of manslaughter, as opposed to facing a life in jail.
It may come as a shock, but both Queensland and South Australia still considered the gay panic defence a valid legal tool until now. While SA still have a long way to go, the Sunshine State passed a bill in Parliament to remove the defence from the legal system.
Attorney-General Yvette DAth noted that, while section 304 of the Criminal Code (where the defence stems from) is, in fact, gender neutral, it had been appropriated through common law to refer specifically to unwanted gay advances.
This is unacceptable, this does not reflect modern societal views about criminal responsibility and about the expectation to exercise control. An unwanted sexual advance cannot be enough, other than in circumstances in an exceptional character, to reduce criminal responsibility for killing a person with murderous intent.
Other pollies voiced their satisfaction in the defence being overturned; commenting on how much it marginalised the LGBT community. There is no such thing as gay panic, its just another term for hate, said Member for Mount Coot-tha, Steven Miles. Similarly, Mark Bailey, Member for Yeerongpilly, described it as an archaic law that is a licence for violence.
It is a matter for equal rights.
The petition for reform came in 2008, and was started by Father John Kelly after a man named Wayne Ruks was beaten up and killed on his church grounds. Joyce Kujala the mother of Ruks thanked everyone for the persistence in pushing todays outcome.
It cant bring Wayne back but its some small justice and it could save a lot of lives in the future, she said.
Right on, Joyce. While the defence may still be used in exceptional circumstances, its a much-needed step in the right direction especially since the LNP have been looking to cull the defence since 2015.
Your move, South Australia.
Source: Brisbane Times.
Photo: Getty / Scott Barbour.
Saliva from the alleged perpetrator of a brutal attack on a Brazilian and German backpacker in Salt Creek, South Australia has been matched to a sample found on the bikini of one of the backpackers, the SA Supreme Court has heard today.
The 60-year-old man is facing charges of aggravated kidnapping, indecent assault and attempted murder over an incident that took place in Coorong National Park in February last year.
The two backpackers were travelling with the man from Adelaide to Melbourne on a trip they had arranged through the ride-sharing section of Gumtree when he allegedly attacked them at a remote beach camping site.
The 24-year-old Brazilian backpacker told the court that the man lured her away from both the campsite and the other backpacker, where he proceeded to bind her hands and feet and sexually assault her.
After leading the man closer to the campsite by telling him it would be more pleasurable if they went back, she was able to yell for help from the German woman. The pair managed to escape the man after a struggle and ran in separate directions after he allegedly began chasing them in his four-wheel-drive. They were reunited after the Brazilian woman flagged down a passing car and came across a group of off-duty police officers. The man was arrested shortly after.
Dr Duncan Taylor from Forensic Science SA told the court that saliva found on the Brazilian backpackers breasts, neck, face and bikini bottoms matched with that of the man. Earlier in the trial, the court heard from prosecutor James Pearce that the man kissed and licked the body of the Brazilian backpacker when he sexually assaulted her.
Dr Taylor told the court that it was impossible to determine how the saliva came to be on the womans body and agreed with the defence that it was possible that the transfer could have happened in the confined space of the car.
The court also heard from Dr Taylor that blood from the German backpacker was matched to blood on the bonnet and roof of the alleged attackers car, as well as to blood found on his jeans and shirt and the handle of a shovel.
The court case is still ongoing.
Source: ABC.
Photo: ABC News.
MASON CITY | A Mason City man was ordered to spend up to 10 years in prison after having his probation revoked Monday on a methamphetamine conviction.
James Robert Alexander, 37, was one of 14 Mason City residents arrested during a drug warrant sweep in December 2015.
Mason City man gets suspended sentence for meth delivery MASON CITY | A Mason City man received a 10-year suspended prison sentence Monday for metham
Alexander delivered meth to a cooperating individual under the control of North Central Iowa Narcotics Task Force agents in August of that year, according to court records.
He pleaded guilty to felony meth delivery in June 2016.
Alexander was given a suspended prison sentence and put on probation for five years. He also was ordered to spend 180 days at Beje Clark Residential Center.
A probation violation report states he was using meth while on probation and brought two small bottles of alcohol into Beje Clark when he returned there after work.
-- Mary Pieper
The Cumberland County Library System Board of Trustees has named Carolyn Blatchley as the new executive director of the Cumberland County Library System, effective March 21, 2017. Blatchley served as interim executive director since Nov. 2016, and prior to that was the CCLS public services and staff training coordinator since 2002.
Blatchley holds a master of library and information science degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is a graduate of the Pennsylvania Library Association Academy of Leadership Studies. In 2012, she was the recipient of a Pennsylvania Library Association Certificate of Merit, awarded to individuals who in the last five years have contributed significantly to the cause of Pennsylvania libraries. And, in 2006 Blatchley received the New Librarian Honors Award from the Pennsylvania Library Association.
An announcement submitted by the CCLS Board of Trustees states Blatchley has 25 years of experience in supervision, staff education, information technology, and communications specializing in administration, grant writing, partnership development, project management, employee' training, and budgeting.
Learn more about the Cumberland County Library System, at www.cumberlandcountylibraries.org.
Hamilton musical
In this Thursday, Aug. 6, 2015, file photo, Leslie Odom Jr., from left, Phillipa Soo, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Christopher Jackson appear at the curtain call following the opening night performance of "Hamilton" at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York. (Photo by Charles Sykes/Invision/AP, File)
Fans will not give away their shot at "Hamilton" tickets when the Broadway show comes to town.
The Pittsburgh Cultural Trust announced the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical will take the stage at the Benedum Center as part of the city's PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series during the 2018-2019 season. Dates have not been announced. The hit hip-hop musical will also tour in Philadelphia that season.
Season ticket holders will be the first to grab "Hamilton" tickets if they renew their subscriptions for the new season. So for the best shot at tickets, the trust recommends purchasing tickets for the 2017-2018 season and renewing that subscription when the time comes.
A season pass starts at $175, plus a $10 service charge, and includes tickets to all seven Broadway shows. The best seats cost $630. These are the performances coming to Pittsburgh for the 2017-2018 season:
"School of Rock The Musical" Oct. 17-22 at the Benedum Center
"The Color Purple" Nov. 14-19 at the Benedum Center
"Love Never Dies" Jan. 2-7, 2018, at the Benedum Center
"The Bodyguard" Feb. 27, 2018,-March 4 at the Benedum Center
"Waitress" March 6-11, 2018, at the Benedum Center
"Rent" March 27-April 1, 2018, at Heinz Hall
"Aladdin" Aug. 21-Sept. 9, 2018, at the Benedum Center
For more information or to purchase season tickets for the 2017-2018 season, visit trustarts.org.
"Hamilton" won the Pulitzer Prize for drama and won 11 Tony Awards.
Pennsylvania ties to the musical include Carnegie Mellon alumnus Leslie Odom Jr., who played Aaron Burr in the original show. Fellow cast member Jonathan Groff, who played King George, also attended Carnegie Mellon.
WILLIAMSPORT -- Was the 2014 detention of a Sunbury man in an mistaken identity case an abuse of power or was a state trooper following procedure with the information he was provided?
That is the decision a U.S. Middle District Court jury of four men and four women will have to make in a trial that began Monday and is projected to take three days.
Herbert Schminkey Jr., 57, is seeking damages contending he was subjected to false arrest and false imprisonment.
He claims that if Trooper Mark Adams had done a reasonable investigation he would have discovered Schminkey was not Stanley Lesnefsky, a fugitive wanted in New Jersey since 1988.
Schminkey was detained and then charged June 24, 2014, as Lesnefsky. Adams withdrew the charges the following day after obtaining additional information confirming Schminkey was not the fugitive.
"It's an unusual case," said Senior Deputy Attorney General Lisa W. Basial in her opening statement. The belief Schminkey "was the other guy was reasonable," she said.
Defense attorney Joshua Cochran called it an abuse of power. His client's criminal record showed only charges in the Sunbury area, he said.
Schminkey was detained when he went to the state police barracks at Stonington in Northumberland County to be fingerprinted on a drunken driving charge.
When a civilian employee ran a check on Schminkey's driver's license it linked him with Lesnefsky.
Each man had tattoos, had been arrested in 1988 on similar charges and Schminkey lived in New Jersey for time as a youngster, Basial said.
Adams, who is now stationed at Milton, testified he delayed charging Schminkey until he received confirmation the men were one and the same through fingerprints.
While waiting for that confirmation, he said, he shackled Schminkey to a bench in the patrol room. State police policy prohibits allowing a suspected fugitive to leave the station, he explained.
Schminkey denied he was Lesnefsky, offered to call his mother and asked for two troopers, Cochran told jurors.
Adams, a trooper since 2004, testified he did not have a picture of Lesnefsky at the time. Court documents state the day and year of birth of the two men are the same, but the month is different.
Since the suit was filed in 2014, Schminkey has voluntarily dismissed counts of malicious prosecution, intentional inflection of emotional distress, defamation and malicious prosecution.
HARRISBURG -- Disgraced ex-Pennsylvania state treasurer Rob McCord is acknowledging that he abused his office's powers to reward campaign contributors more than previously revealed by prosecutors.
The new revelations came out Monday as McCord testified in the trial of a wealthy investment adviser who's accused of trying to bribe McCord with campaign contributions.
McCord resigned two years ago. He's awaiting sentencing on extortion charges and cooperating against defendant Richard Ireland.
Under questioning by federal prosecutor Michael Consiglio, McCord acknowledged that he had abused his power as treasurer more than initially revealed in his extortion case. That includes awarding a $50 million investment contract to a generous campaign donor.
The revelations came as Consiglio and defense lawyer Reid Weingarten sought to show who had first connected campaign contributions to state investment business, Ireland or McCord.
WILLIAMSPORT -- It took a federal court jury less than 30 minutes Tuesday to find a state trooper did not abuse his power by arresting a Sunbury man in a mistaken identity case.
The jury of four men and four women in U.S. Middle District Court found for Trooper Mark Adams and against Herbert Schminkey Jr., 57, who sought damages for false arrest and false imprisonment.
Adams arrested Schminkey on June 24, 2014, at the state police barracks in Stonington in Northumberland County after records checks showed he was Stanley Lesnefsky, a fugitive wanted in New Jersey since 1988.
Schminkey, who denied he was Lesnefsky, was shackled to a bench in the patrol room at Stonington for four hours. A district judge released him on personal recognizance and Adams withdrew the fugitive charges the next day when he got confirmation Schminkey was not Lesnefsky.
Adams, a trooper since 2004 who is now stationed at Milton, testified during the two-day trial that he delayed charging Schminkey until he received confirmation through fingerprints the man apparently was Lesnefsky.
There were other similarities between the two men, including the same date of birth except for the month.
Also, each had tattoos, had been arrested in 1988 on similar charges and Schminkey had lived in New Jersey for time as a youngster.
Senior Deputy Attorney General Lisa W. Basial, who represented Adams, told jurors in her closing argument their choice was to believe the trooper or decide he fabricated "all of this."
Adams had probable cause to arrest Schminkey as a fugitive based on information received when his name and date of birth were placed in a database, she said.
"No reasonable officer would have done anything but what he did," Basial said.
Schminkey's lawyer, Joshua Cochran, reminded jurors that his client's "rap" sheet , which was available to Adams on June 24, 2014, showed his arrests all to be in the Sunbury-Milton area.
He also noted that missing from the state police files was the document from New Jersey dated the day of the arrest that confirmed Schminkey's fingerprints matched those of Lesnefsky.
Adams would not have written in the arrest affidavit the fingerprints matched had he not gotten confirmation, Basial responded.
Schminkey was detained when he went to the Stonington barracks to be fingerprinted on a drunken driving charge. When a civilian employee ran a check on his driver's license, it linked him with Lesnefsky.
Despite denying he was Lesnefsky, offering to call his mother and asking for two troopers he knew personally, Schminkey was detained unjustly, Cochran told jurors.
His girlfriend thought he had a double life unknown to her, he said.
Since the suit was filed in 2014, Schminkey voluntarily dismissed counts of malicious prosecution, intentional inflection of emotional distress, defamation and malicious prosecution against Adams.
Turns out that even God is a polluter.
That, at least, appears to be what U.S. Rep. Scott Perry, R-Dillsburg, suggested at a town hall Saturday in Red Lion.
Perry, whose district covers parts of York, Dauphin and Cumberland counties, was asked at the forum how he proposes to reclaim and protect air and water reserves with the proposed budget cuts to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Perry said appropriate levels of protection are needed and pointed to the Chesapeake Bay cleanup strategy that he said focused unfairly on point sources of pollution and "left some violators out."
"Some violators, if you are spiritual and believe God, one of the violators was God because the forests were providing a certain amount of nitrates and phosphates to the Chesapeake Bay," Perry said.
His response swiftly generated a round of heckling from the several hundred district residents in attendance.
"It's God that's polluting," one woman shouted.
Another followed with: "God is polluting."
Deana Weaver, who attended the town hall, said she was dumbfounded by the congressman's remarks.
"It's mind numbing," said Weaver, a member of the Dillsburg-Are Free Thinkers. "It all just keeps going back to this is a dog and pony show. He's here just to be out there to test the waters. He says he really likes going out and talking to constituents and seeing how they feel and what's important to them but I just think hogwash. Hogwash because he has made it very clear that there's lot of disagreement and often he disagrees with constituents but that he knows best."
President Trump last week unveiled a proposed federal budget blueprint that would reduce funding for the EPA by 30 percent, cut 3,000 jobs and dozens of programs. It would eliminate the Chesapeake Bay Cleanup Program.
The Rev. Mitch Hescox, the York-based president and CEO of the Evangelical Environmental Network, responded to Perry's contention.
Hescox said that while minimal amount of naturally occurring environmentally harming chemicals are emitted by forests, the overwhelming amount of pollutants released into the environment come from the misuse of fertilizers and chemicals.
"In Pennsylvania we haven't had funding from the state EPA or the federal government to have adequate amounts of inspectors to do the job in policing our environment," said Hescox, whose organization's ministry is dedicated to caring for the environment and includes more than 80 faith-based groups.
"We urge the (congressman) to stand up to President Trump's initial budget plan and increase the number of enforcement officers so we can clean up the Chesapeake and the more than 60 percent of waterways across the country that are fouled by pollutants," he said.
Perry's office could not respond immediately on Monday to requests for follow-up questions from PennLive.
Perry, a former three-term state representative, said at the town hall that regulations concerning the Chesapeake Bay were forced by the EPA, and that they "left some violators out."
"It was unduly and dispassionately adjudicated by the Legislature and the then-governor," Perry said, adding that some entities were given a "pass."
"That's political," Perry said.
The Commonwealth is significantly behind in meeting its Clean Water Blueprint goals, according to the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
Hescox said he has met with Perry several times and has tried to educate him on his perspective on creation.
"God does command us to care for the earth," said Hescox, co-authored of the book, Creation Care: The Evangelical's Guide to Climate Change and a Healthy Environment. "God is not a polluter. God created the world in a sustainable fashion. Human beings have destroyed the earth because they don't follow God's commandments."
The Environmental Protection Agency in 2010 ushered in a strategy to restore the Chesapeake Bay, a year after then-President Obama issued an executive order to do so. The Chesapeake Bay is seen here from Sandy Point State Park in Annapolis, Md. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
Leon Reed, a member of Indivisible PA 4th who was present at Saturday's town hall, chided Perry for alluding to trees in the same light as "a large stationary source polluter, like a paper mill," which he said has a large net negative effect on the environment.
"Even if trees were large polluters - which they aren't - you have to ask: so what's your point?," Reed said. "Are you saying because trees pollute, we should chop them down? Are you saying that because trees pollute that we shouldn't do anything to control pollution elsewhere? I've never heard anyone make this statement in any way other than to suggest environmental regulations are futile and/or overly strict, but when you look at the comment it just doesn't hold together."
Hescox said he would continue to urge Perry, his congressman, to support environmental protection programs, noting that the Harrisburg and York corridor has a disproportionately high rate of childhood asthma with more than 30,000 cases.
Hescox said the numbers are going to get worse.
"We believe that's a strong indication for why we have to act to clean up the damage we are doing to God's earth and not hide behind unscientific and non-medical facts. We have to take action today before it's too late."
The number of candidates vying for the Dauphin County magisterial district judgeship now held by Judge Barbara Pianka is down from three to two.
Pianka is seeking re-election and has cross filed.
Candidate Marcellus Taylor, a Democrat from Harrisburg who did not cross file, withdrew Monday, filing the necessary paperwork with the county board of elections.
That leaves Josh Feldman, an attorney and doggie daycare owner, who did cross-file for the seat.
Both men saw their candidacies challenged. Feldman prevailed, but a hearing on Taylor's status had been scheduled for Tuesday.
Pianka has been on the bench of District 12-1-02, which includes the uptown and midtown sections of Harrisburg, for 12 years.
March 22 is the last day for candidates on the May 16 primary election ballot to withdraw.
EDWARDSVILLE, Pa. (AP) -- Authorities say a man mistakenly sent a text message to a Pennsylvania prosecutor indicating that he wanted to trade marijuana for heroin.
Luzerne County prosecutors say Assistant District Attorney Jill Matthews received a text Nov. 2 using drug lingo that they called an "obvious text for a drug deal." They say she later received a photo of a plastic bag containing a green substance on a scale.
According to the Times-Tribune:
Luzerne County First Assistant District Attorney Sam Sanguedolce said. "The person thought it was an actual client, but it turns out it's not only an assistant district attorney, but one in the drug unit."
John Raimondo, 29, proceeded to arrange the drug swap for later that day in the parking lot of the Gateway Shopping Center in Kingston, arrest papers say.
Kingston police were waiting for him when he arrived and took him into custody, according to the criminal complaint.
Authorities said Raimondo, of Plymouth, is now being sought after failing to appear for a hearing.
Court documents don't list a defense attorney. A listed number for Raimondo couldn't be found Tuesday.
A Hummelstown man employed in the Pennsylvania National Guard is accused of soliciting sex from an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl, the state attorney general said today.
Joseph Witmer
Joseph T. Witmer, 51, of South Crawford Road, Hummelstown, was charged Sunday with four felony counts of unlawful contact with a minor and criminal use of a communications device.
Witmer, who is a chief warrant officer at Fort Indiantown Gap, was taken into custody during a stakeout March 19 by agents from the attorney general's child predator section without incident.
The investigation began when an undercover agent posing as a 14-year-old girl responded to a classified ad web site for "50M seeking Teen to play Monday only."
Witmer is accused of sending the agent increasingly sexually explicit messages, and asked her to send inappropriate pictures from his phone and email address.
He arranged to meet the minor March 19, which is when he was arrested.
Witmer was arraigned and placed in prison in lieu of $125,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for April 6.
MASON CITY | A Mason City man was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison Monday for a kicking open the door of the home of an individual who had a no-contact order against him.
Montez Guise, 25, pleaded guilty in February in Cerro Gordo County District Court to felony second-degree burglary. A related charge of false imprisonment is being dismissed through a plea bargain.
Mason City man faces charges after allegedly kicking in door at home MASON CITY A Mason City man faces several charges after an event Saturday evening in which
A $1,000 fine was suspended, but Montez was ordered to pay a $125 surcharge as well as court costs.
The Mason City police reported officers were called to the 1400 block of North Federal Avenue on Dec. 31 on a report of a possible violation of a no-contact order.
The report said officers determined that Guise kicked in the door to the residence and kept the victim from getting to the door for help.
Guise also was sentenced Monday to 90 days in jail and ordered to pay a $315 fine for fighting with three uniformed officers at the Mason City Police Station on Feb. 22. One of the officers injured his hand.
Guise pleaded guilty earlier this month to misdemeanor interference with official acts resulting in bodily injury.
-- Mary Pieper
prison bars.JPG
(The Patriot News, file)
By Bret Bucklen and John E. Wetzel
Most Pennsylvanians would agree that ensuring public safety is what they want most from the criminal justice system.
When it comes to law and order we are all willing to pay to be safe, and we recognize that decisions about public safety must never be made based simply on balancing budgets.
At the same time, many Pennsylvanians are uninformed about a current policy discussion underway in our criminal justice system, which is mostly going unnoticed and hides under the false guise of improving public safety.
The debate is over mandatory minimum sentencing.
Several mandatory minimum sentencing laws were found to be unconstitutional by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in 2015.
Legislation to reinstate these laws are right now being considered by the General Assembly, which might be fine if there was any evidence that mandatory minimum sentences enhanced public safety.
But the record is clear that they don't.
Statewide crime numbers are only available through 2015, but show that the violent crime rate in Pennsylvania remained the same in 2015, while both property and drug crime rates declined.
Local statistics from Philadelphia and Harrisburg reveal that crime rates for major crime types dropped in these cities during 2016.
Crime in Pennsylvania is lower now than it was in 1970, before mandatory minimums existed.
If mandatory minimums are supposed to enhance public safety, this is not reflected in Pennsylvania's crime rates, which have continued to drop without them.
Mandatory minimum sentencing laws require courts to treat all defendants the same, regardless of the facts of the case or the person's circumstances.
This one-size-fits-all approach does not work when it comes to healthcare or education policy, so why should we think it works in criminal justice?
Some prosecutors argue that mandatory minimums are needed because some judges are too lenient. The fact is that judicial discretion is already structured in Pennsylvania under sentencing guidelines.
Judges in Pennsylvania sentence within the recommended guidelines 90 percent of the time, and the seven percent of cases where judges depart below the guidelines is mostly due to a recommendation by the prosecutor. Sentencing guidelines render mandatory minimum sentences unnecessarily rigid.
There is no good evidence that mandatory minimums do anything to make the public safer.
Take one purpose of sentencing, to deter future criminal behavior. The science on deterrence is now clear that it is the swiftness and certainty of punishment that deters, not the severity.
Mandatory minimums target the severity of punishment by unnecessarily ratcheting up sentence lengths. For criminals who tend to be impulsive, inconsistently delivered and arbitrarily long sentences do nothing to deter future crime.
A study by the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing found that the imposition of a mandatory minimum sentence was not a predictor of criminal re-offending.
Mandatory minimum sentencing wastes taxpayer dollars and diverts limited resources away from pursuing more serious offenders and supporting law enforcement.
Estimates are that if Pennsylvania's Legislature reinstates mandatory minimums it could cost taxpayers as much as $85.5 million per year.
For all of these reasons, a bi-partisan consensus has built around the country that mandatory minimums are ineffective and should be scaled back or eliminated.
More than 30 states have now reconsidered mandatory minimum sentencing laws. Conservative groups like Koch Industries, the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), and the Commonwealth Foundation here in Pennsylvania, have all expressed opposition to mandatory minimums.
Yet many in our Legislature are ignoring these realities and moving forward to quietly reinstate mandatory minimums. This puts Pennsylvania out of touch with the facts.
Dr. Kristofer "Bret" Bucklen is the director of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections' Office of Planning, Research & Statistics. John E. Wetzel is the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. They write from Hampden Twp., Pa.
Paul Ryan
In this March 9, 2017 file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. uses charts and graphs 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. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
By Suzanne Stoltenberg
Eight years ago, small business owners were given many promises about the Affordable Care Act: that it would drive down costs; that small business owners could take advantage of new tax credits; and that new exchanges would give owners and employees new options to purchase coverage.
Suzanne Stoltenberg (NFIB-PA Photo)
By the time President Barack Obama signed the bill, it was abundantly clear that the law would do more to harm small businesses than help them.
Small business owners, through the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), fought the law on constitutional grounds, taking the case all the way to the Supreme Court.
Unfortunately, a narrow majority on the Court rescued the law and its small punishing mandates and taxes.
Health insurance costs remain the number one concern of small business owners in NFIB's Problem and Priorities survey, the same place they've occupied in that survey for 30 years now. Only a handful of small businesses ever qualified for temporary tax credits, which ended last year. The vaunted exchanges for small businesses never really materialized.
It's long past time for a do-over, for Congress to repeal and then replace the Affordable Care Act. Small businesses need affordability, flexibility, and predictability in the health insurance market. The bill introduced in Congress last week, the American Health Care Act (AHCA), is a good first step that makes progress on all three of those fronts.
The Affordable Care Act, or Obamacare, was perfectly misnamed. It failed entirely to make insurance affordable for small business owners and millions of other Americans. Driving up costs are many taxes imposed by Obamacare. Small business owners are hit with higher payroll taxes, taxes on health insurance products, the employer and individual mandate penalties, and the Cadillac tax.
The AHCA eliminates most of these taxes and delays the implementation of the Cadillac tax for a number of years. That's good news for small employers, especially in Pennsylvania, where small businesses employ 2.4 million people, or about half the workforce.
There wasn't much flexibility in Obamacare for small businesses. Very few states set up the promised small business health insurance exchanges and the few existing exchanges didn't offer arrangements that weren't available before the law.
In fact, the law ended up eliminating the ability of small businesses to contribute to their employees' health insurance in the individual market. It took bipartisan legislation last year to keep small business owners from being fined for helping in this way.
The AHCA improves flexibility in health care arrangements by boosting health savings accounts. Small businesses have long appreciated this method of saving for future health care expenses.
Obamacare also made the health insurance market highly unpredictable for small businesses. Many NFIB members had their plans cancelled. Some of them have been forced to switch plans multiple times since the law was signed.
Small business owners don't want to go through another period of uncertainty. The AHCA contains a stabilization fund that should help insurance companies navigate changes in the markets and ensure that businesses and individuals can maintain coverage.
The AHCA is a good start, and we hope that Congressional leadership and the administration keep their promise to do much more. Congressional leaders have promised additional reforms aimed at creating more options, more competition, fewer mandates, and lower costs. Those reforms will come in phases. Passing any of them would be nearly impossible unless the AHCA is passed first.
The President has also said that his Secretary of Health and Human Services, Dr. Tom Price, will use his power to make changes that could improve the affordability of health insurance.
Small business optimism has soared since the election because small business owners believed Washington would act on their priorities. If lawmakers in Washington want to see small business grow and thrive, they need to repeal a huge impediment to growth and make real progress on health care reform.
Suzanne Stoltenberg is the communications director for NFIB Pennsylvania which represents 14,000 small businesses in the Commonwealth. Nationally, NFIB represents 325,000 members. She writes from Harrisburg.
Chuck Schumer
FILE - In this March 16, 2016 file photo, Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. speaks to reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington. The Senate passed legislation Tuesday, May 17, 2016, that would allow families of Sept. 11 victims to sue the government of Saudi Arabia despite a White House veto threat and fierce objections from the U.S. ally. The legislation, sponsored by Schumer and Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, gives victims' families the right to sue in U.S. court for any role that elements of the Saudi government may have played in the 2001 attacks that killed thousands in New York, the Washington, D.C. area and Pennsylvania. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
(J. Scott Applewhite)
By Marc Thiessen
As a conservative, I'm thrilled by the arrival of unified Republican government. But the politician I'm most grateful to in Washington today is not President Trump, House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) or Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
It's Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.).
That's because the Senate minority leader is doing more than anyone in our nation's capital to ensure the passage of the most conservative health-care and tax reform possible -- while working overtime to make sure that Democrats who voted for Trump in 2016 stay in the GOP fold in 2018 and beyond.
The biggest fear many conservatives had after the 2016 election was that Trump would be too quick to cut deals with the Democrats. Trump holds heterodox positions on everything from spending, foreign policy and entitlements to the minimum wage, trade and health care. If Democrats were smart, they would have reached across the aisle to Trump and offered to work with him. Trump is a dealmaker, not an ideologue. He would have loved nothing better than to cut deals with Schumer. Indeed, Trump reportedly called Schumer the morning after the election offering to do just that.
Instead of accepting Trump's outstretched hand, Schumer's Democrats are opposing virtually everything that Trump does. They are attempting to block not only his Cabinet nominees (Schumer even voted against Elaine Chao, wife of the majority leader and paragon of the GOP establishment, for transportation secretary) but also his sub-Cabinet appointments. And they have expressed zero interest in working with him on bipartisan legislation.
The battle cry of the Democratic Party is "Resist!"
This unrelenting resistance has pushed Trump to the right. Since Trump knows he can't get Democratic votes for his health and tax plans, he does not need to make any concessions to win over Democrats. Conservatives criticizing the Trump-Ryan health-care plan as "Obamacare lite" should take a moment to consider how much worse the legislation would be if Schumer had decided to sit down with Trump at the bargaining table.
Imagine what might have happened if Schumer had greeted Trump's post-inaugural outreach by publicly declaring: "I know Donald Trump well. He gave more money to me than to any other senator. We worked together for years. And I look more forward to working with him as president. We agree on a lot of things, and where we do agree I will be his strongest ally in Congress. Where we disagree, I will try to bring him over to our side, because Trump is nothing if not flexible. And where we can't cut a deal, we will let the democratic process sort it out."
It would have been Schumer with Trump in the White House bowling alley, hammering out their differences on health care, instead of the members of the Freedom Caucus. Trump would have cut deal after deal with Schumer.
This would have been smart policy, and it would have been smart politics -- allowing Schumer to sow divisions between Trump and the more conservative elements of the GOP caucus who would have bristled at his bipartisanship. But Democrats are in such a hysterical state right now that they are not interested in bipartisanship. They want to destroy Trump. As a result, Schumer is passing up golden opportunities to win policy victories and divide Republicans -- all in an effort to placate his Trump-deranged, far-left base.
Conservatives should be thrilled by this. Schumer is not only pushing Trump to the right but also helping Republicans consolidate and grow their congressional majorities -- by further alienating once-reliably Democratic blue-collar voters who abandoned the party in the last election. Last summer, Schumer dismissed these voters with the back of his hand, declaring that "For every blue-collar Democrat we lose in western Pennsylvania, we will pick up two, three moderate Republicans in the suburbs in Philadelphia, and you can repeat that in Ohio and Illinois and Wisconsin."
It didn't work out that way. While Democrats won Illinois, they lost Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin and even Michigan. The Post reports that of the nearly 700 counties that twice voted for Obama, "a stunning one-third flipped to support Trump" in 2016. That means there are millions of Obama voters out there who were sick of Democrats such as Schumer dismissing their concerns and decided they wanted to give Trump a chance.
Now they see Democrats responding to their decision by digging in their heels and resisting and obstructing everything that Trump does -- from staffing his administration to legislating on Capitol Hill.
The Democrats' message to Middle America is: We don't hear you.
There could be nothing better for the GOP -- and nothing worse for the 10 Democratic senators who are up for reelection in 2018 in red states that voted for Trump. Republicans need to pick up only eight seats to win a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate, in which case they won't need Democrats for anything.
So thank you, Chuck Schumer! Let's hope he continues to lead the resistance. Let's hope he continues to block Trump's agenda and forces vulnerable Senate Democrats to be Trump obstructionists. If Republicans don't blow the opportunity, the result will be legislation that is more conservative -- and expanded congressional majorities in 2018.
Marc Thiessen writes a weekly column for The Washington Post on foreign and domestic policy and contributes to the PostPartisan blog. He is a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, and the former chief speechwriter for President George W. Bush.
Donald Trump
President Donald Trump salutes as he steps off Marine One at the White House, Sunday, March 19, 2017, in Washington.
(Alex Brandon / AP)
By Michael Gerson
It is difficult to overestimate the geopolitical risks of this moment -- or the (both disturbed and eager) global scrutiny now being given to the American president.
Michael Gerson (Washington Post photo)
Aggression is growing along the westward reach of Russian influence and the southern boundary of Chinese influence. Intercontinental nuclear capacity may soon be in the hands of a mental pubescent in North Korea.
In the Middle East, a hostile alliance of Russia and Shiite powers is ascendant; radical Sunnis have a territorial foothold and inspire strikes in Western cities; America's traditional Sunni friends and allies feel devalued or abandoned; perhaps 500,000 Syrians are dead and millions of refugees suffer in conditions that incubate anger. Cyberterrorism and cyberespionage are exploiting and weaponizing our own technological dependence.
Add to this a massive famine in East Africa, threatening the lives of 20 million people, and the picture of chaos is complete -- until the next crisis breaks.
It is in this context that the diplomatic bloopers reel of the past few days has been played -- the casual association of British intelligence with alleged surveillance at Trump Tower; the presidential tweets undermining Secretary of State Rex Tillerson during his Asia trip; and the rude and childish treatment given the German chancellor. When President Trump and Angela Merkel sat together in the Oval Office, we were seeing the leader of the free world -- and that guy pouting in public.
Every new administration has a shakeout period. But this assumes an ability to learn from mistakes. And this would require admitting mistakes.
The spectacle of an American president blaming a Fox News commentator for a major diplomatic incident was another milestone in the miniaturization of the presidency.
An interested foreigner (friend or foe) must be a student of Trump's temperament, which is just as bad as advertised.
He is inexperienced, uninformed, easily provoked and supremely confident in his own judgment.
His advantage is the choice of some serious, experienced advisers, including Defense Secretary Jim Mattis, national security adviser H.R. McMaster and deputy national security adviser Dina Powell. But success in their jobs depends on Trump's listening skills.
Mere incompetence would be bad enough. But foreigners trying to understand the United States must now study (of all things) the intellectual influences of White House chief strategist Stephen K. Bannon.
His vision of a Western alliance of ethno-nationalist, right-wing populists against globalists, multiculturalists, Islamists and (fill in the blank with your preferred minority) is the administration's most vivid and rhetorically ascendant foreign policy viewpoint. How does this affect the alliances of the previous dispensation?
That is the background against which Trump's peevishness is being viewed.
Foreigners see a president who has blamed his predecessor, in banana-republic style, of a serious crime, for which FBI Director James B. Comey testified Monday there is no evidence. They see an administration whose campaign activities are being actively investigated by the executive branch and Congress. If close Trump associates are directly connected to Russian hacking, foreigners will see the president engulfed in an impeachment crisis -- the only constitutional mechanism that would remove the taint of larceny from the 2016 election.
And foreigners are seeing politics, not national security, in the driver's seat of the administration.
Tillerson was given the job of secretary of state, then denied his choice of deputy for political reasons, then ordered to make a 28 percent cut in the budget for diplomacy and development. Never mind that Tillerson has been left a diminished figure.
Never mind that stability operations in Somalia and northern Nigeria -- the recruiting grounds of Islamist terrorism -- would likely be eliminated under the Trump budget. Never mind that programs to prevent famines would be slashed.
When asked if he was worried about cutting these programs during a famine, Office of Management and Budget Director Mick Mulvaney responded: "The president said specifically hundreds of times . . . 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." The benighted cruelty of such a statement -- assuming that the only way to help Americans is to let foreign children die -- is remarkable, and typical.
The sum total? Foreigners see a Darwinian, nationalist framework for American foreign policy; a diminished commitment to global engagement; a brewing scandal that could distract and cripple the administration; and a president who often conducts his affairs with peevish ignorance.
Some will look at this spectacle and live in fear; others may see a golden opportunity.
Michael Gerson, a former speechwriter for President George W. Bush, is a columnist for The Washington Post, where this piece first appeared.
Donald Trump
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gives a thumbs up during a South Carolina Republican primary night event, Saturday, Feb. 20, 2016 in Spartanburg, S.C. Trump is the winner in the South Carolina Republican primary. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
(Paul Sancya)
There's this disturbing scene early on in the 1990 Cold War thriller "The Hunt for Red October."
A bunch of Soviet sailors have just decided to steal a nuclear missile submarine and make a run for America. But there's one unpleasant piece of business that has to be taken care of: Moscow has put a mole on the boat, the "political officer," and of course, he has to go.
After all, the last guy you want around when you're boosting a pricey piece of nuclear-armed hardware is someone who's going to report back to the boss on your scheme.
So, the sub's captain, played by Sean Connery in all his Connery-ness, lures the poor sap to his cabin where he meets with a swift and painful end.
That scene rushed to mind this week in the wake of a fairly mind-blowing report that President Donald Trump had stocked cabinet-level agencies with political appointees who have one job and one job only: To act as loyalty enforcers for the White House.
And they're about as popular as you'd expect. At the Environmental Protection Agency, the White House's hall monitor has been shut out of some staff meetings, according to The Washington Post.
At the Pentagon, they call the tag-along assigned to Defense Secretary James Mattis "the commissar," The Post reported, citing the obligatory high-ranking official "with knowledge of the situation."
The nickname is a reference to, you guessed it, the political operative assigned to keep tabs on field generals in the Soviet-era.
All told, the Trumplings have installed these profoundly creepy hall monitors at 16 agencies across the government, from the Energy Department to NASA. They have offices within the executive suite or just outside it, the newspaper reported.
And none of Trump's three predecessors, former Presidents Bill Clinton, George W. Bush or Barack Obama ever took a similar approach, the newspaper noted.
Because here's the thing: While the Cabinet secretaries are political appointees in the purest sense of the word, the oath of office they take is pretty clear about what interest takes priority:
"I ... do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."
That's the Constitution, not the President, not Donald J. Trump, nor Stephen K Bannon, nor anyone working for him.
Why? It's because no matter how hard Trump fanboys over Russian strongman Vladimir Putin, this is still the United States of America.
And government employees, even political appointees, still ultimately work for the good of all citizens - and not the chief executive. For that matter, the president is also a public servant - something he seems to have forgotten, indeed, if he ever knew it at all.
The administration's allies defend this heavy-handedness by claiming that the glacial progress on filling hundreds of vacancies across government forced their hand.
Nonsense.
The effective hog-tying of Secretary of State Rex Tillerson and the gutting of the State Department's budget kneecapped that argument.. This is an control-obsessed administration that has discarded the standard practice of allowing senior officials to operate with a reasonable degree of independence.
These revelations took on an added level of impact this week with the blockbuster news Monday that the FBI is actively investigating possible collusion between Vladimir Putin's Russia and Trump's campaign to meddle in last year's presidential election.
"[The FBI is] investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts," FBI Director James Comey said during an appearance before the House Permanent Subcommittee on Intelligence.
Trump responded about the way you'd have expected him to, peddling a patently false narrative that tried to undercut Comey's plain-English statement:
The Democrats made up and pushed the Russian story as an excuse for running a terrible campaign. Big advantage in Electoral College & lost! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2017
James Clapper and others stated that there is no evidence Potus colluded with Russia. This story is FAKE NEWS and everyone knows it! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 20, 2017
Except that they weren't and it's not.
But from his trafficking in alternative facts to bullying tweets and a threat Tuesday to "come after" Republicans who break ranks on his healthcare bill, Trump's affections for the trappings of authoritarianism have long been on public display.
It's bad enough that Trump cuts lies about Russia from whole cloth. The truth about his authoritarian fixation is far worse.
millersville-university.jpg
A consultant's work in assisting with an organizational and operational review of Millersville and the other 13 universities in the State System of Higher Education is about to get underway.
(File photo/Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com )
The strategic review of the State System of Higher Education officially kicks off on Wednesday when representatives of the firm hired to assist in doing the work come to Harrisburg to meet with system officials.
Discussions about ground rules for the review, a timetable for doing the work, and other details will be covered during this two-day visit by representatives of the Boulder, Colo.-based National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, said system spokesman Kenn Marshall.
NCHEMS, as the outfit is known, has worked with other university systems facing similar enrollment and financial challenges to the ones facing the State System, including ones in Colorado, Missouri, New Jersey, Oregon and Tennessee. The firm will be paid a minimum of $350,000 with a provision in the contract that allows the fee to go as high as $400,000 if additional work is needed, Marshall said.
Brian Prescott, NCHEMS associate vice president, told PennLive his firm intends to seek input from students, faculty, the general public, policy makers and institution leaders, among others, and will move aggressively to gather as much from students and faculty before the spring semester ends.
"It is not exactly a leisurely pace," Prescott said. "We're trying to figure out how best we are able to reach out and hear from folks and give them the opportunity to look at some of what we will have by then."
The review is expected to include an examination of every aspect of the universities' and system operations and help the system's board make decisions to create a path to sustainability going forward.
In announcing the system's intention to launch this organizational and operational review in January, system Chancellor Frank Brogan said, "We know this: the current approach as to how we do things - how we're organized, how we're funded, how we operate - all of it we know is unsustainable; that is an undeniable fact."
Brogan has said several times the best way to approach reviews like this is to have no sacred cows. System officials have warned the changes coming out of this review could be significant, which could possibly include university closures or mergers.
Brogan told lawmakers that the study is to be completed by the end of summer.
From his experience in doing this kind of review, Prescott said, "people always want answers faster than anyone would want to provide them. So this is fast. But we are glad to have the opportunity to weigh in and we'll do the best we can given the timeframe."
The State System includes Bloomsburg, California, Cheyney, Clarion, East Stroudsburg, Edinboro, Indiana, Kutztown, Lock Haven, Mansfield, Millersville, Shippensburg, Slippery Rock and West Chester universities.
capitol-domejpg-06aedb6419e01a65.jpg
Legislation that would serve as a short-term fix to the problems plaguing the state's unemployment compensation system could be considered by the full Senate as early as next week.
(File photo/PennLive.com)
Legislation is on the move in the state Senate that could beef up staffing in the state's unemployment compensation system and reduce the length of call wait times on hold and quicken the processing of jobless benefit claims.
The Senate Labor & Industry Committee on Tuesday voted 8-4 to direct $15 million to the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund that would allow the state Department of Labor & Industry to recall furloughed workers to handle the workload. The funding would come from the employee contributions deducted from workers' paychecks that otherwise goes into the state's Unemployment Compensation Trust Fund to pay jobless benefits.
Committee Chairwoman Kim Ward, R-Westmoreland County, who sponsored the bill, called it a short-term fix to addressing the problems plaguing the unemployment compensation system. That system has been overwhelmed since December when Gov. Tom Wolf's administration laid off 541 employees after the Senate failed to act on a House-passed bill before the legislative session ended.
Many of those employees who were furloughed had jobs involving answering phones and processing claims for benefits at call centers in Lancaster, Allentown and Altoona, all of which have since closed.
Ward said as many as 392 of those workers could be called back to work with the funding that this legislation would provide but that the money to pay them would run out likely by July. Bringing back fewer furloughed employees would allow funding to pay them to last into the fall, she said.
"I'd like to see it last until October or November because you don't know what the budget is and this is a short-term fix as we work toward a long-term fix," she said.
Sen. Christine Tartaglione of Philadelphia, the ranking Democrat on the committee, said her Democratic colleagues realize Ward's bill represents a short-term fix but "my members wanted more money" included in it.
Ward indicated the full Senate could take her bill as soon as next week.
She said she has had some conversations with the House members but no agreement has been reached on how the short-term fix should be structured. House Republican spokesman Steve Miskin said if the bill comes over from the Senate, it'll be referred to the House Labor & Industry Committee for review.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Labor & Industry, which oversees the unemployment compensation system, said officials there appreciate Ward's "taking the lead on this issue and for recognizing the severity of the situation for Pennsylvania's unemployed."
Spokeswoman Lindsay Bracale added, "The department, along with the governor, would prefer a long-term solution for this funding, but this is a good step towards that goal; however, a short-term fix alone could force the system into chaos again and so the department will continue to work with the General Assembly to enact a long-term fix that stabilizes the UC system and does not create a crisis."
Since the layoffs, Pennsylvania's jobless workers have complained of encountering busy signals when calling the unemployment compensation office or being placed on hold for hours at a time if their call can get through at all. Those who visited CareerLink centers around the state to access the direct line to the unemployment compensation office often encounter long lines of other people there for the same reason.
The Department of Labor & Industry broke its lease or let a lease expire for the Lancaster and Allentown call centers. The state owns the center in Altoona, and Labor & Industry Secretary Kathy Manderino told lawmakers at a budget hearing that center could be reopened and the Scranton and Harrisburg offices could accommodate more employees if it had funding to call some back to work.
Sen. Scott Wagner, R-York County, has been a vocal opponent to putting more money into the Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund until more is learned about how it is being used. He was among the committee members who voted against Ward's bill, along with Sens. John DiSanto, R-Dauphin County; Mike Folmer, R-Lebanon County; and Dan Laughlin, R-Erie County.
Wagner said the Senate was jumping the gun in moving a bill to address the problem now. An audit of this special fund being conducted by Auditor General Eugene DePasquale's office is ongoing and expected to be completed next month. He'd prefer to wait to see what it uncovers.
"We haven't solved the problem," Wagner said. "There's still way too many unanswered questions."
As one chick began its climb toward adulthood on Monday in the bald eagle nest near Hanover, its brother or sister had yet to make its way out of its egg.
If all goes well, that second chick could make its appearance in the next few days in the nest that is the focus of a webcam livestreaming through the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
Bald eagle eggs typically hatch after 35 days of incubation in the nest.
The first one in the nest, which was laid Feb. 10, began hatching Sunday afternoon, when a pip appeared in the eggshell. A pip is the spot where the chick first pecks a small hole in its eggshell to begin the process of breaking out of the egg.
According to the commission, the second egg was laid in the nest near Codorus State Park on Feb. 13.
Last year, the female laid the first egg on Feb. 18 and the second on Feb. 21. One of the eggs hatched on March 28, but the chick died. The other egg never hatched.
In 2015, the first egg was laid on Feb. 14 and the second on Feb. 27. The first hatched on March 24. The second hatched on March 25. The two eaglets fledged on June 22.
The commission noted that the first record of an active bald eagle nest in the area of Codorus State Park at Hanover came in 2005.
Records indicate that eaglets have fledged eight times, most often two at a time.
There are no records indicating that any of the adult nesting eagles have been banded or otherwise marked.
The webcams, provided by HDOnTap, were installed in November 2015. The cameras are powered by a hard line running down the tree to an electrical panel several feet from the base of the tree. Comcast Business is providing the internet service.
Friends of Codorus State Park supplied the bucket lift and other items necessary for installation and the landowner is donating the electricity to power the camera. Codorus State Park has provided on the ground staff and facilitated the project.
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, right, and European Council President Donald Tusk, center, greet Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a meeting at the Europa building in Brussels on Tuesday, March 21, 2017. Abe is on a one day visit to meet with EU officials. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)
ALGONA | Despite, at times angry opinions during a public hearing, the Kossuth County Board of Supervisors passed the first reading of an ordinance that will regulate the construction and operation of commercial wind energy conversions systems.
The Board of Supervisors passed the second reading March 14. Both votes were 4-1 with Supervisor Don Besch voting no in each vote.
He said on Friday that there were several reasons for his decision including drainage, noise, loss of GPS systems and the way the turbines are taxed.
Besch said farmers have voiced opinions about wind turbines and the disruption they will cause drainage tiles. If you dont have drainage in Kossuth County, you dont have a farm that is going to be productive, he said during a phone interview March 17.
He also stressed his concern about tax credits for the wind energy companies. Besch said that the wind energy companies are receiving a tax credit of up to 30 percent of the cost of construction.
Besch also discussed the production tax credit, which would provide savings of 2.3 cents per kilowatt. Industry standards for a 2 megawatt turbine producing an average of 6 million kilowatts per year is $150,000 per year per turbine, he said. If there are 250 turbines, that means $37.5 million of tax credits if putting out 6 million kilowatts per year.
These are big numbers and they are getting big breaks from the federal government. The big rush is the federal government is putting an end to these tax credits soon, Besch said. My feeling is the wind energy companies are getting big tax credits. Do they need more breaks at the county level?
He questioned how the county is going to spend the money. It should be somewhere in the ordinance, he said. That is a big issue. Im shocked that question isnt asked more at these meetings.
He also asked to put in the ordinance for farmers to be reimbursed if there are problems with drainage issues. That wasnt included.
Besch was not alone in concerns with the wind conversion system ordinance adopted. At a public hearing at the first reading March 7, concerns were expressed about setback requirements, impact on property values, quality of life issues and making compromises for wind energy companies, but not property owners.
Joe Goche sent an email to the Board of Supervisors with different concerns. One dealt with the setbacks. His suggestion was to make all setbacks 1,600 feet and use the variance provisions to adjust.
This will allow neighbors that do not want the systems a good separation distance and those that want the WECs the ability to develop with other likeminded neighbors to work together to minimize the footprint of the WECs project, he said in the email.
He also suggested striking two paragraphs out of the ordinance. One deals with making sure that no changes are made once after a deal is completed. The second deals with making sure the ordinance protects citizens, property rights and values.
A WECs company or any other company should not be allowed to change any ordinance without proper public notice, he stated in the email. The company should have to comply with the ordinances in place at the time of permit issuance. If the company cannot do this, it should relocate or adjust its construction plans to accommodate current ordinances that are in place to protect citizens and property rights and values.
During the actual public hearing, Mick Schlievert, who lives at Oak Lake, said he hopes that the Board of Supervisors looked at both sides of the issue. For those who build the windmills, it is going to be a positive windfall for them, he said. Have you considered the quality of life for the people who are going to live around these?
He also asked if the Board of Supervisors had considered property and acreage owners. (We) build out at Oak Lake for a quality of life, Schlievert said. It is an agricultural area. It is not an industrial area. These windmills are an industrial business.
Supervisor Jack Plathe said he believed the Board of Supervisors addressed the people who dont want the wind turbines by writing this ordinance and working as hard as they did for the last six months. We looked at all of these issues, he said. There are some counties that dont have any ordinances. Should this Board turn up their nose to that and say, yeah, well take the easy road and just not write an ordinance. These things would have come up anyway.
Dennis Meyer referenced comments that were made in an article about the decision being about the money that will come into the county coffers. You have given into the wind energy companies and allowed them to tell the county what works for them, he said. You have taken it totally out of the farmers and the property owners that are going to live around them. You also said you are doing whats best for the majority of the county with no regard to adjacent landowners.
Eric Briones, project developer for Amshore US Wind LLC, said the ordinance is the most stringent one in Iowa. I think a lot of the concerns are misconceptions on how the industry is actually run, how the units operate, he said.
Brady Evans, with MidAmerican Energy, referred to a national study that relates to home and property values. The study went across 27 counties around the nation including some in northern Minnesota and Iowa comparing home values prior to construction and after construction.
There is no correlation according to that national study that has any impact on house values, he said.
Evans was asked who funded the study. He didnt know who funded the study.
Alan Van Ormer is the managing editor of the Algona Upper Des Moines. Reach him at avanormer@algona.com.
Gregory Stanley Nield is led from the Penticton courthouse following an early court appearance. His alleged attack on a doctor has led to a call for personal alarms for some hospital staff.
FILE - This March 16, 2017, file photo, provided by the Cleveland County Sheriff's Office in Norman, Okla., shows Ralph Shortey, a Republican state senator who is facing felony child prostitution charges after police say he solicited sex from a 17-year-old boy. His attorney said Monday, March 20, 2017, that Shortey plans to resign his seat by Wednesday evening. (Cleveland County Sheriff's Office via AP, File)
OSAGE | A garage and the car inside appear to be a total loss after a fire Monday east of Osage.
The Osage Fire Department was called to a structure fire at 2762 380th St. around 1:10 p.m.
The Mitchell County Sheriff's Department, the Riceville Fire Department, Riceville Rescue and Osage Ambulance provided assistance at the scene.
First responders were there for about an hour and a half.
No one was hurt. Officials weren't sure what caused the fire.
The property is owned by Terry Chatfield.
Mary Pieper
Here, there, everywhere why car washes seem to be on every corner
Saudi king Salman's Asia trip eyes downstream to consolidate Aramco's market
SINGAPORE
Petroleumworld.com 03 21 2017
Saudi King Salman's lavish tour of Asia, arriving in each country on a golden escalator with 400 tonnes of luggage, had a hardnosed marketing mission - to cement the kingdom's place as leading oil supplier to the world's biggest consumer region.
The string of deals inked on his three-week tour to Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan and China also point to a fresh strategy, one to increase Saudi leverage over refined product and petrochemical markets, known as the downstream sector.
"Our strategy is about growth in the downstream," said Amin Nasser, chief executive officer of state oil company Aramco, told Reuters on Sunday. "The growth in that sector is very important, and anything integrated between refining, petrochemical, with marketing and distribution, is of interest to us."
Saudi Arabia's main influence on oil markets has been via the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), of which it is the de-facto leader.
But OPEC's ability to control prices by turning the oil pumping spigots on and off has waned as non-OPEC producers like Russia and, more recently, U.S. shale drillers, have ramped up output and eroded its grip on market share.
One indication of a shift in Saudi strategy came on the first leg of the tour in Kuala Lumpur. Aramco signed a deal to take a $7 billion investment, in a joint venture with Malaysia's state oil company Petronas in a refinery and petrochemical project known as RAPID (Refinery and Petrochemical Integrated Development).
'THE WINDOW'
Under construction in Malaysia's southern Johor state, RAPID is just across a narrow strait from Singapore, Asia's oil trading hub. Some 70 percent of the oil for the project, set to start in 2019, will come from Saudi Arabia, giving the kingdom a key outlet for its crude in Asia, the world's fastest growing market. It is Armaco's largest refinery project outside the kingdom.
Aramco also recently made a deal with Indonesia's Pertamina over a $5 billion expansion of the country's largest oil refinery, for which Armaco will supply the crude.
"The investments are intended to enhance Aramco's competitive position in Southeast Asia," said Ihsan Buhulaiga, a Saudi economist.
The Malaysian investment also allows the Saudis to join the hub of refineries in and around Singapore that help determine fuel prices in the region.
Price agency S&P Global Platts assesses dozens of fuel products during a set time every day, based on deliveries in and out of this region. Platts calls it Market-on-Close, but traders dub it "the window", and it influences pricing of oil products worth billions of dollars each day.
While crude and fuel products by many companies flow in and out of the pricing region, known as FOB Straits. But the only refineries now in this price region are operated by U.S. Exxon , Anglo-Dutch Royal Dutch Shell, and Singapore Petroleum Corp (SPC), owned by PetroChina.
"When you control refining capacity with the capability to deliver petroleum products into the window, you have access to a physical outlet which also plays a key role in daily price discovery," said John Driscoll, director of consultancy JTD Energy in Singapore.
ARAMCO IPO
The Saudi move deeper into refineries and petrochemical plants would likely help the potential valuation of Aramco in what could be the world's largest-ever initial public offering.
Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who oversees the kingdom's economic policy, has said the sale is expected to value Aramco at $2 trillion or more. Analysts have estimated a valuation between $1 trillion and $1.5 trillion.
Singapore, along with Hong Kong and Tokyo have been mentioned as possible exchanges where Aramco's shares would be traded. The primary listing will be on Saudi Arabia's domestic exchange, and Riyadh is also looking at New York or London for the secondary listing.
Aramco's joint ventures in Malaysia, Indonesia and elsewhere are not only aimed at increasing its refining capacity. Its new deals in the region would also greatly increase its participation in the petrochemical sector, which involves all forms of plastics and where profits have soared thanks to strong demand.
"We have capacity of about 5.4 million barrels per day of participated refining capacity, and our target is to reach 10 million barrels by 2030," Aramco's Nasser said.
Ultimately, the big prize is China, where the Saudis signed deals that could be worth as much as $65 billion during the last leg of the king's Asian tour, covering energy, manufacturing and even a theme park in the kingdom.
The deals included a memorandum of understanding between Aramco and China North Industries Group Corp (Norinco) to look into building refining and petrochemical plants in China.
John Sfakianakis, director of the Riyadh-based Gulf Research Centre, said that the trip was "the beginning of a long-term strategy of Saudi Arabia to open itself to Asian investors and vice versa" as part of its Vision 2030 policy to diversify its economy beyond crude exports.
Russia gasoline exports could double after capacity boost
MOSCOW
Petroleumworld.com 03 21 2017
Russia could double gasoline exports in coming years due to a leap in its refining capacity and a falloff in domestic demand, which could worsen a fuel overhang in Europe, according to experts and Reuters calculations.
Russian gasoline exports jumped by more than 15 percent last year to 3.35 million tonnes thanks to a $50 billion modernisation programme which Russian refineries began in 2011 in response to domestic gasoline shortages.
That growth followed a 1.3 percent decline in Russian domestic consumption of gasoline in 2015, the first such fall since the early 2000s.
Weak demand for cars points to a decline of almost 4 percent this year in domestic demand for the fuel, according to Moscow-based think-tank Vygon Consulting, which expects gasoline exports to surge to over 9 million tonnes annually in 2017-2018.
Ekaterina Grushevenko, an expert at the Moscow-based SKOLKOVO Business School Energy Centre, sees exports rising to 7 to 8 million tonnes in 2018.
"There are two key reasons behind the rise in gasoline exports: decline in domestic demand for gasoline and an increase in fuel production in Russia," she said, adding that she expects gasoline output to rise to 43 million tonnes in 2018.
According to Reuters calculations, Russia's high-octane gasoline production capacity will rise by 3.95 million tonnes by the end of this year to over 50 million tonnes, with the bulk of the new output intended for export.
With upgrades at existing gasoline-producing units, new annual capacity may total 4.5 million tonnes.
Russia has pledged to cut production, but not exports, of oil and oil products, as part of a deal with the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries aimed at supporting oil prices.
Russia's government has not officially disclosed its oil product export plans.
Five Russian refineries are expected to finish upgrades of their gasoline production units this year.
Russian refineries produced a total of 38.3 million tonnes of high-octane gasoline last year, of which almost 35 million tonnes were consumed domestically, while the remainder was exported.
The modernisation of Russian refineries, some of which were built in 1920s and 1930s, led to a reduction in output of low-grade fuels, such as fuel oil, and an increase in production of high-grade fuels, such as gasoline.
Tax changes, particularly to export duty for fuel oil, made production of poor-quality products less profitable.
According to companies' plans, the Kirishi refinery owned by Surgutneftegaz will account for half of the new gasoline production capacity this year, potentially increasing a glut of gasoline in Europe.
The plant, the closest to Russia's western border, will commission isomerisation and reforming units in the first quarter with an annual capacity of 1.1 million tonnes and 1.2 million tonnes respectively.
TransCanada natgas lower price and eyes Asian markets
CALGARY, Alberta
Petroleumworld.com 03 21 2017
Transcanada Corp's move to lower tolls for its Mainline pipe raises the competitiveness of Canadian natural gas for the near future, but access to Asian markets is the key to the long-term survival of the landlocked industry, industry insiders say.
Canada's C$45-billion ($34 billion) gas industry relies solely on North American demand and domestic producers have been increasingly squeezed from the lucrative eastern market by U.S. rivals who have lower transportation costs.
TransCanada said last week it will seek regulatory approval for a discount in tolls of nearly 50 percent for western Canadian producers to use the Mainline to send their output to markets in the east, a move that had broad industry support.
But the North American market will get crowded in the near future, with flat demand and increasing U.S. output, according to a report released on Monday by the Conference Board of Canada think tank. It painted a bleak outlook for the industry, projecting U.S. output to eat into Canadian market share.
The think-tank warns that U.S. pipelines including Energy Transfer Partners LP's Rover that target the same areas Mainline serves does not bode well for Canadian gas.
"This is a worrisome development for Canadian producers," according to the report.
Even with the Mainline, Canadian producers, whose product trades at a discount, still need to look to new markets in Asia, industry executives said.
Canadian Natural Resources Ltd, which will be a shipper on the Mainline, said while the lower toll is a "positive step," the company still supports accessing new markets.
TransCanada's Mainline "is kind of the last pipe we have that has unutilized space," said Stuart Mueller, manager of natural gas transportation and supply at the Canadian Association of Petroleum industry lobby group.
According to the Natural Energy Board regulator, the Mainline can move about 3.6 million to 6.9 million gigajoules of gas per day on different parts of the system, but utilization rate has been 60 percent at most.
While North American demand exists, further growth for Canadian producers will need to come via accessing the offshore market through liquefied natural gas, Mueller said.
Natural gas is usually turned into liquid at special terminals when shipped across oceans. Canada has about 20 such terminals proposed, most of them on the west coast with the Asian market in mind, but none are built yet.
If just "several strategic terminals" get built, Canada can become a "cost-competitive, secure and stable supplier" of gas globally, according to a 2016 internal government memo seen by Reuters under access-to-information laws.
The Natural Resources Canada federal department said in a statement declining exports to the United States highlights the need for LNG terminals, even with lower Mainline tolls.
LNG terminals coming online may not bode well for future shipping on TransCanada's Mainline, said Dulles Wang, analyst at Wood Mackenzie.
Mainline's terms allow shippers to exit after five years on the condition they pay higher tolls for two years before doing so.
"If we are able to secure the Asian markets in the next five to 10 years, then we might see some contracting just being canceled," Wang said.
TransCanada spokesman Shawn Howard said in a statement the export terminals do not diminish the need to serve the North American market.
($1 = 1.3361 Canadian dollars)
Ecuador name industry veteran to run Petroecuador
QUITO
Petroleumworld.com 03 21 2017
Ecuador's Petroecuador said on Monday it tapped an oil industry veteran to run the state-owned energy company, in the midst of a probe into alleged graft by former executives.
Jose Luis Cortazar, a naval engineer who previously ran Petroamazonas, another state-run oil company, will replace Pedro Merizalde, who had been in charge of Petroecuador for under a year.
Merizalde resigned for "personal reasons," Petroecuador said in a statement, without elaborating.
The change in leadership comes as authorities in the Andean country are pushing cases against former executives in the oil company in a bribery scandal related to payment for contracts at the Esmeraldas refinery. The graft scandal has raised the ire of Ecuadorean voters as the ruling leftist party seeks to extend its 10-year hold on power in a presidential election next month.
OSAGE | Osage and Riceville schools will be sharing a superintendent next school year.
The two districts, who say they're taking advantage of cost savings, will be sharing Osage Superintendent Barb Schwamman.
The Riceville School Board was faced with replacing its current superintendent, Steve Nicholson, who retired earlier in the year. Before coming to Riceville in 2013, Nicholson had been the New Hampton superintendent and principal of Osage High School.
Nicholson worked a day and a half each week, receiving a salary of $29,900.
The Iowa Department of Education offers incentive funds for school districts to share various management positions including superintendents, business managers and transportation directors.
Each position comes with a weighted amount as determined by the state. Each district will receive $53,600 for sharing a superintendent, or the equivalent of eight students -- $6,700 apiece -- in state aid.
The districts will receive the funds in 2018-19 school year, a year after Schwamman's contract begins with Riceville.
Specifics of the sharing agreement, including pay and insurance benefits, have not been determined. Schwamman said she expected both boards to take action at their respective April board meetings.
Schwamman said during an Osage board meeting she had been approached by the Riceville School Board.
I think this will make both of our districts stronger, Schwamman said. We are not looking to shut them (Riceville) down.
Its always about whats best for, not only our students, but all 2,200 students in Mitchell County.
Riceville School Board President Karl Fox said Schwamman brings a "fine set of skills" to the district.
With her proximity to our district, it will help to facilitate our needs," he said.
Schwamman also indicated more sharing opportunities could be developing with the Riceville or even St. Ansgar school districts.
"Providing more opportunities for our kids, while minimizing the costs is a culture of our communities for sustainability," Fox said.
Trinidad's gas shortages lower output of Atlantic LNG
Trinidad's LNG production continues to drop in 2017
PORT SPAIN
Petroleumworld 03 21 2017
Trinidad and Tobago's liquefied natural gas (LNG) production has dropped again due to ongoing gas supply shortfalls in the country.
LNG production at the Point Fortin liquefaction and export facility was down 8.7 percent in January year-on-year to 2.2 million cubic meters, according to the data by Trinidad's Ministry of Energy.
LNG sales and deliveries from Atlantic LNG's 14.8 mtpa export facility came to 52 million MMBtu, a drop of 7.8 percent on year, the data said. Trinidad's LNG production has been declining for two years due to gas shortages in the country caused by a lack in upstream investment and upgrades to gas infrastructure.
The country's gas production dropped 12.3 percent on year averaging 3.3 Bcf/d in January. Atlantic LNG said in November last year it expects 2017 to be the worst year yet in terms of production due to the shortages. The company had suffered on average over 30% gas supply shortage, equating to something like 75 LNG cargoes lost each year.
Atlantic LNG produces the chilled fuel from natural gas delivered from offshore fields north and east of Trinidad owned and operated by affiliates of Atlantic's members and others. The company is owned by BP, Shell, China's sovereign wealth fund CIC unit Summer Soca and Trinidad's state-owned company NGC.
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
MASON CITY | Joe Rooney said serving in the Korean War was "a real eye-opener" for a farm boy from Dougherty.
Little kids were running around with hardly any clothes on, and they didn't know where their parents were during the chaos that ensued after North Korea invaded South Korea in 1950, according to Rooney, 87, who now lives at The Willows in Mason City.
"I've never been sorry I was there," Rooney said. "I saw what we did for those people."
In 1995 he visited the Korean War Memorial in Washington, D.C. Two young boys from South Korea came up to him and asked him if he served in the war.
When he told them he had, the boys asked if they could shake his hand.
Rooney graduated from St. Patricks High School in Dougherty in 1947. He got his draft notice in 1950 and entered the Army in 1951.
He was sent to Korea with the 17th Field Artillery. He was there for a year.
Rooney's unit was located about 60 miles north of Seoul. When he first arrived, the fighting was heavy and they moved every other day to support different divisions on the front lines.
Rooney started out as company clerk, but he didn't like it.
His sergeant noticed he wasnt happy, so he arranged for Rooney to be a driver. He drove a truck for six months and then got into the motor pool.
Rooney said the worst part was "the conditions we were living under."
It rained for 30 straight days when I got there," he said. "We never had a dry stretch, period.
The unit didn't have cots to sleep on for four or five months. They slept on the ground and it if was raining, you just sat up," Rooney said.
He pulled guard duty at night. From the hill where they were, you could see the fighting going on," he said.
Guard duty shifts were three hours long. If you woke up at 11:30 p.m. for your shift, if you got back in bed by 3:30 a.m. you were lucky," Rooney said.
It was cold during the winter and they could only have heat in their tents until 8 p.m.
They used diesel fuel in a homemade heater.
All the rats were running around our feet," Rooney said.
It was hot in the summer. The mosquitoes were so big that "two of them could carry you off, he said.
They werent supposed to smoke, but they would light cigarettes so the smoke would come near their faces and keep the mosquitoes away, according to Rooney.
Everyone in the unit carried M-1 carbines with 75 rounds in them.
You had to carry that everywhere, even to eat, Rooney said.
When he came back from Korea he farmed in the Dougherty area. He and his wife, Lavon, were married in 1953. She died a year and a half ago.
I didnt deserve her, he said.
Representatives from the South Korean government toured Iowa in 2001. Rooney went to their program in Marshalltown.
A Korean dance troupe performed. All the Korean War vets who attended were given medallions.
Rooney said it is amazing how South Korea has recovered from all the bombing by North Korea during the war.
He said when he was there people were still using oxen to farm, but now they are a modern nation.
They are such thankful people, hard-working people, he said.
"There's nothing left to save at this point," said Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department Chief Joe Rowe. "So, we're just waiting for them to knock stuff down so we can gain access to it and get it shoved into a hole where it's manageable."
HARRISBURG -- The House on Monday again approved a proposal that would bar public officials from immediately identifying police officers who are involved in shootings. Gov. Wolf vetoed the same bill last fall.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where the previous bill passed last year, 39-9. Jennifer Kocher, spokeswoman for Majority Leader Jake Corman (R., Centre), said, "Certainly, our members have a continued interest in ensuring the safety of law enforcement."
Wolf spokesman J.J. Abbott said the governor's opposition was unchanged. When Wolf vetoed the previous bill in November, he wrote that the change would "enshrine into law a policy to withhold important information from the public."
Rep. Martina White (R., Phila.), who sponsored both bills, has described the proposal as a way to protect police officers and their families.
The vote in the House on Monday was 157-39.
Before the vote, several Democrats voiced concerns about the proposal. Rep. Chris Rabb of Philadelphia called the proposal a "very dangerous bill."
"The number of retaliatory shootings of police officers accused of excessive force, whatever that number may be, pales in comparison to the thousands of unarmed children, women, and men, mostly black, across America who are brutalized by rogue police officers," Rabb said.
The bill addresses cases in which there is an official investigation of a shooting by a law enforcement officer that results in a death or serious bodily injury.
In those cases, the bill would bar the officer's agency and the investigating agency from publicly identifying the officer for 30 days or until an official investigation concludes. The Attorney General's Office and district attorneys' offices would be excluded.
klangley@post-gazette.com
717-787-2141
@karen_langley
If U.S. Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, doesn't schedule public meetings, commonly known as town halls, and doesn't tell everyone about them in public fashion so citizens know where he will be and when, should they wish to attend, he fails constituents and an important responsibility of his office.
The Journal knows of no traditional town hall scheduled by King within Siouxland so far this year.
In a recent interview with The Journal's Bret Hayworth, King shared his concern paid protesters are disrupting public meetings held by Republican members of Congress.
"People come in and, you know, they are angry and shouting and on-the-borderline violent," King told Hayworth. "That just discourages the kind of dialogue that can make our country better."
Although we know of no evidence proving protesters at recent GOP town halls are paid, we do not dismiss King's concern about them altogether. We have, in fact, used this space to criticize those who seek only to produce disruption at meetings like these.
In our view, those who attend public events hosted by GOP officeholders should practice decorum and follow established protocol, allowing questions and answers to proceed in a civil way.
Despite what happened at some events in the past, however, holding public office demands members of Congress, including King, at least make the effort to meet with Americans (including those who disagree with them) face to face, listen to what they have to say and answer their questions.
That's essential to accountability.
To dismiss all protesters as paid and thereby hide from town halls is, in our view, nothing but a convenient excuse to avoid facing the music from angry, frustrated constituents at a time of division in our country.
One final note about King, who stirred national controversy this week with a repugnant, racially charged comment on Twitter a comment praised by former Ku Klax Klan leader David Duke, by the way in which he said, "We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies."
If King wants to take advantage of the platform privilege he enjoys, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, to draw attention to his views on the national stage, he should have to answer to whatever fallout ensues and explain himself to constituents back home.
Might we suggest a town hall?
This editorial appeared in the March 16 edition of the Sioux City Journal, another Lee Enterprises publication.
Lawmakers in Washington, D.C. are considering a bill that would drive up health care costs for Iowans ages 50 to 64 by thousands of dollars a year. The American Health Care Act imposes a double whammy on older consumers who are not yet eligible for Medicare.
First, the legislation allows for an age tax, giving insurers the ability to charge Iowans age 50 and over up to five times what younger consumers pay.
Second, the proposal will reduce federal income tax credits that help many Iowans pay for the insurance they have now. For example, in Cerro Gordo County, a 60-year-old with an annual income of $40,000 will see a 58% reduction in the available tax credit from $9,420 to $4,000, according to Kaiser Family Foundation analysis of the AHCA premium tax credits.
These two features of the proposed law threaten to deeply curtail an individuals access to health care insurance at a time of life when it is most needed. Between the age tax and the reduced tax credits, premiums will soar, and rate hikes for older Iowans could be as high as $8,000 more just to keep the same coverage.
AARP opposes the American Health Care Act because it shifts the financial burden of health care to those who are older and can least afford it. Iowans, and all Americans, need a health care system that protects them in the insurance market, not one that sends them over the cliff. If you agree, contact your member of Congress to make sure your voice is heard.
Martha Willits, Des Moines, AARP Iowa State President
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The ranking member of the Intelligence Committee Adam Schiff (D-CA) debunked two massive lies in the Trump administrations pushback on James Comeys testimony during an interview on CNN.
Video:
Rep. Schiff responded to Trumps claim that there was no evidence of collusion or that the interference by the Russians changed the election by saying, Yes, and I asked the Director of the FBI of that today, was this because you have an ongoing investigation and youre not going to release that in an assessment public, and his answer was thats right. Were not going to include that, and it wasnt included, so to point to that assessment, and say theres no evidence in that assessment of collusion. Well, yes, that assessment didnt cover that issue. Similarly, the Trump administration is trying to argue that there is no evidence that theres no evidence that the interference by the Russians affected the outcome of the election. That is not true.
The more Trump pushes back with lies on Russia, the deeper the White House digs the hole.
The points that Trump and his White House are using to push back against the facts are flat out not true. With each lie, this White House feeds the scandal and makes it grow. Donald Trump has been able to lie his way out of trouble as a private citizen for his entire life, but as president, there is nowhere for Trump to hide. His lies catch up to him.
With Trump and his White House on the run, Democrats have seized the offensive as this president takes his lack of credibility to new lows with each falsehood he spins.
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Even Fox News is sprinting away from Donald Trumps bogus and paranoid claim that President Barack Obama ordered wiretaps of Trump Tower.
According to a report from the Los Angeles Times, the right-wing news organization has fired senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano after perpetuating Trumps false wiretapping claim during a series of segments last week.
More from the report:
Fox News senior judicial analyst Judge Andrew Napolitano is being kept off the air indefinitely amid the controversy over his unverified claims that British intelligence wiretapped Trump Tower at the behest of former President Obama. Fox News did not respond to inquiries about Napolitanos status Monday. Napolitano was conspicuously missing from the networks coverage of the confirmation hearings on Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch an event in which he typically would have played a significant role. He has not been on the air since Thursday. People familiar with the situation who could speak only on the condition of anonymity said Napolitano is not expected to be on Fox News Channel any time in the near future. Napolitano was not available for comment.
Even though Trumps March 4 tweets were quickly debunked and condemned, Napolitano went on TV and turned up the crazy to 11, as the LA Times noted, by presenting a scenario on several programs that backed [Trumps] accusation.
Shortly after Napolitanos reporting, the White House was using it as a source for its ridiculous claim, with both Sean Spicer and Trump himself citing the Fox analyst when justifying their debunked allegation about President Obama.
The president even mentioned Napolitanos claims during a joint press conference with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, embarrassing himself and the country in the process.
All of this came to head on Monday after FBI Director James Comey told Congress that there was no evidence to support Trumps claim that he was wiretapped by Barack Obama.
Fox News now appears to have given up on the bogus wiretapping allegation leaving Trump with nobody left to cite. When will the President of the United States give it up?
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After a day in which FBI Director James Comey dropped several truth bombs on the Trump White House namely that the presidents wiretapping claims are false and there is, indeed, an ongoing FBI investigation into Trumps links to Russia the unpopular president fled to deep red Kentucky to hold another campaign-style rally (the third of his young presidency) surrounded by folks who view him much more favorably than the country as a whole.
But even in Louisville, hundreds of protesters turned out to voice their opposition to Trump after what has been a catastrophic first two months for the new White House and the country.
The demonstrators literally booed Air Force One as it landed in the state.
Video:
Trump arrives in Louisville: Air Force 1 flys over protesters as crowd boos @courierjournal pic.twitter.com/5fqKCdV9OQ Chris Kenning (@chris_kenning) March 20, 2017
According to Courier-Journal reporter Chris Kenning, the crowd of protesters in the blood red state estimate their crowd to be at well over 700 people.
Video:
Trump protest organizers estimate crowd well over 700, plan to stay until after @realDonaldTrump AHCA speech pic.twitter.com/ZEP2kzUhOd Chris Kenning (@chris_kenning) March 20, 2017
Pictures:
. @realDonaldTrump lands in Louisville on Air Force One w a view of demonstration @courierjournal pic.twitter.com/dMY5VL2Xae Chris Kenning (@chris_kenning) March 20, 2017
Outside Freedom Hall, Kentucky protesters chant Yall Means All as group awaits Presidents arrival pic.twitter.com/AioMpZRcOo Chris Kenning (@chris_kenning) March 20, 2017
While Kentucky is a conservative state that Trump carried by nearly 30 percentage points last fall, it has in many ways become ground zero for the fight over protecting the Affordable Care Act.
As the Courier-Journal noted on Monday, More than half a million people have gained health coverage under the law, about 440,000 through Medicaid and another 81,000 through commercial health plans bought through the federal online health exchange, healthcare.gov.
Overall, Kentucky has seen one of the largest national drops in the uninsured rate, falling from from a staggering 20.4 percent before Obamacare to 7.8 percent after it was implement cut by almost two-thirds.
Ultimately, its no surprise that the president is seeking refuge in a state that overwhelmingly supported him last fall. Its even less surprising given just how awful the last two months have been for his administration that he has been forced to campaign in reliably red states in the first two months of taking office.
But Kentucky is also a state that stands to lose the most if he and his Republican allies in Congress are successful in repealing a law that has helped so many in the Bluegrass State, which is why hundreds of Kentuckians were out in full force on Monday to speak out against this presidents agenda.
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MSNBCs Rachel Maddow clobbered Fox News for the second straight week, as Maddow drew 756,000 younger viewers to Fox Newss 604,000 viewers age 25-54.
According to a press release provided to PoliticusUSA by MSNBC, The Rachel Maddow Show averaged 2.91 million total viewers and 756,000 A25-54 viewers last week (vs. CNNs 1.2 million total viewers and 420,000 viewers A25-54, and FOX News 2.94 million total viewers and 604,000 viewers A25-54). This is the programs best week ever in total viewers and the best week in A25-54 since October 27, 2008. Compared to the week of March 6, The Rachel Maddow Show was up +11% in total viewers and +21% in A25-54. Among all cable and broadcast networks, The Rachel Maddow Show ranked in the top 10 in the time period every day last week finishing in the top 10 for 21 out of the previous 26 days.
As Trumpcare sinks, and the president is mired in a double scandal of making bogus wiretapping claims against Obama, and numerous investigations into his campaigns connections to Russia, something is happening in the world of cable news.
The conservative and Trump supporting Fox News network is sliding while MSNBC led by progressive host Rachel Maddow is surging. If one believes in cable news ratings as an indication of political energy, Republicans should be very concerned. MSNBC is surging across the board as it appears anti-Trump viewers are turning into the network for their news.
Interestingly, this ratings growth came after the network moved away from liberal hosts and towards a harder news format in their daytime lineup, which features interviews with more Republican members of Congress, but it Maddows show that is leading the charge.
In the fact-free era of the Trump presidency, Rachel Maddow is perfectly positioned to deliver truth and facts to a country that is being starved of both by Donald Trump.
The left is active and engaged, and if who is watching television means anything, the political climate looks to be turning against Republicans.
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There is little doubt that it would be difficult to find many Americans who would disagree that Trump revels in offending Americas allies, lies pathologically and demonstrates his rank ignorance about everything under the Sun. Of course, he is much more than just an offensive imbecile who lies at about the same rate normal people take a breath, but there are word limits in opinion pieces; so focusing on Trumps affront to human decency and the German people is the theme du jour.
It was bad enough that the Trumps news conference with the leader of the free world, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, was as major an embarrassment to Americans as it was infuriating to Germans. However, Trump seemingly outdid his own stupidity by displaying his woeful lack of decency by repeating his need for NATO allies to pay America more for defense. Whether Trump knows it or not, America is not NATO; it is the only member nation that has used Article 5 requiring other NATO countries to come for defensive assistance. Despite that bonafide clusterf*ck of a comment, Trump then went to his favorite media outlet, the Twitter, to again insult a staunch ally, Germany and do what he does naturally; tell a monumental lie.
When Trump tweeted that Germany owes America vast sums of money and demanded that Germany increase its defense budget because they should be paying America even more, he revealed he is as clueless about NATO as he is an evil know-nothing liar. Of course Trumps absurd claim may garner support from his stupid acolytes, but to anyone with an attention span longer than a Planck Length, his remarks are not only false, they are frighteningly stupid and a national humiliation.
First, it is noteworthy to state that the German people are as repulsed by Donald Trump as a majority of Americans and most of civilized society worldwide. Seriously, it doesnt matter what country one calls home, no decent human being likes a liar and a bully. And it is safe to say that no countrys citizens like the idea of an ugly American like Trump ordering them to do anything, much less spend more for war. This is particularly true of Germans who hold fast to the mantra never again to prevent a military buildup that led to the rise of Nazism and the Holocaust.
First, according to real security experts and a former U.S. ambassador to NATO, Ivo Daalder, even if Germany increased its national defense budget according to Trumps demand, not one penny of that money is ever going to be transferred into Donald Trumps personal bank account, or Americas treasury. Mr. Daalder also rightly noted that despite Trumps moronic claims, NATO only designated the 2-percent of GDP requirement a couple of years ago. NATO member nations, the alliance, gave each and every member state until 2024 to reach the 2-percent goal; Germany is well on track to easily meet that contribution requirement.
It is something Trump might know if he wasnt glued to conspiracy websites, fake television news (Fox) and the Twitter. It is also noteworthy that Trump does not get to order any foreign nation, particularly a devoted ally, to increase its defense budget because Trump wants more money.
According to Mr. Daalder:
Trumps comments misrepresent the way NATO functions. The President keeps saying that we need to be paid by the Europeans for the fact that we have troops in Europe or provide defense there. But thats not how it works.
It is probably true that dumb Don was likely informed by someone on his campaign staff exactly how NATO works, but he thinks it makes him sound like an authority to continue claiming that no other NATO members are contributing what Trump says is right in his pea-brain; more money for what he needs.
NATO members are urged to contribute 2 percent of their GDP to defense spending with no requirement that it goes into Donald Trumps, or Americas, bank account. And, urged to contribute is a damn sight different than you owe me more money. Right now Germany is spending 1.2 percent of its GDP on national defense and only four other member nations are meeting their contribution obligation.
Something the Trump can hardly comprehend is that the Germans are more than making up for that 0.8 percent in other, more important ways than buying and building weapons. As Chancellor Merkel stated in a speech just last month, mutual security goes beyond military spending. The real leader of the free world, Angela Merkel, noted that spending Germans tax dollars on International development aid for things like hospitals and schools does as much for peace as warheads in Europe. Ms. Merkel said:
When we help people in their home countries to live a better life and thereby prevent crises, this is also a contribution to security. So I will not be drawn into a debate about who is more military-minded and who is less.
Chancellor Merkel and other Germans in leadership positions have also noted that they are bearing the brunt of the Syrian refugee crisis at a cost of 30 to 40 billion euros a year. As Ms. Merkel pointed out, if those 30 to 40 billion euros were included in the NATO-requirement tally, theyd be putting a lot more than 2 percent of their budget a year toward security.
The Germans, like most cognizant human beings on Earth, are also quick to note that the overriding reason there are so many displaced people in the Middle East, particularly in Syria, is because of American military interventions. Remember, if America had not invaded, occupied and destabilized Iraq, there is no flood of angry Iraqis fleeing into Syria, no Syrian civil war or humanitarian crisis, there is no ISIS, and there is no need for Germany or any other nation to take in Syrian refugees displaced because Americans are enamored with wars and spending on weapons.
Trump was lying when he said Germany owes vast amounts of money to NATO and that it has to pay the United States more for its very expensive weapons; American taxpayers are already paying an inordinate amount of their hard-earned tax dollars for expensive weapons. Trump also reminded the entire world that he knows absolutely nothing whatsoever about how NATO works and is too inherently arrogant and stupid to comprehend that everyone on Earth knows he is a monumental moron. What may be worse, though, is that he once again insulted another American ally by attempting to pressure them into spending more on weapons of war and actually expecting them to acquiesce and do as theyre told making Donald Trump the personification of the Ugly American. That may be acceptable to Trump and his barbarically savage followers, but for the rest of the nation it is a humiliation that is getting harder to countenance with every passing day.
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Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) went off and ripped the Republicans on the Senate Judiciary Committee for denying Merrick Garland a hearing and pointed out that Trumps nominee Neil Gorsuch was the choice of special interests.
Video:
After Trump nominee Neil Gorsuch had refused to comment on how Merrick Garland was treated by Senate Judiciary Republicans, Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) went off.
Leahy said:
Since this committee began holding hearings, public hearings for Supreme Court nominations in 1960, I wasnt here at that time, but it has never denied a hearing or a vote to a pending nominee ever until Chief Judge Garland. I can express an opinion. I think it is shameful. I think it has severely damaged the reputation of this committee. I think it has severely damaged the reputation of the Senators who concurred with that. They were anything but the conscience of the nation in that regard, and those who proudly held their hand up and swore that they would uphold the Constitution did not.
It becomes more of a problem because it appears the president outsourced your selection to the far right big money special interest groups. You may not like that terminology, but even Republican Senators have praised the fact that the president had gone to this group, and had a list when he was running for office of who he could select from. A list not prepared by him, but by these special interest groups, and they have an agenda, and they are confident you share their agenda. In fact, the first person who interviewed you for this nomination said that they sought a nominee who understands things like we do.
Just in case anybody thought that Democrats had forgotten about the Garland fiasco and are going to let Gorsuch sail through the confirmation process, Leahys comments should be a wake-up call. Democrats are going to fight this nomination. Leahy made it clear that Democrats arent falling for his rehearsed tone of moderation.
One should expect that Senate Democrats are going to use every tool at their disposal to do everything that they can to keep Neil Gorsuch off of the Supreme Court.
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California Democrat Rep. Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued a statement regarding the first day of hearings by Rep. Devin Nunes House Intelligence Committee. Waters found,
The House Intel Republicans exclusive focuson the leaks and not on the Russian cyberattacksmore in line with President Trumps incendiary tweets than the actual intelligence the members received from the public servants charged with ensuring our national security.
Read Waters full statement below:
Read my full statement on today's House Intelligence Committee hearing on Russian active measures during the 2016 election. pic.twitter.com/V4cpvFmkS3 Maxine Waters (@MaxineWaters) March 21, 2017
Waters echoed previous calls for a bipartisan, independent commission to investigate the Russian interference in our election and possible collusion with the Trump campaign.
This is certainly what is needed. Neither the House nor the Senate Intelligence Committees are eager to pursue connections between the Trump campaign and Russia, preferring to focus instead on Trumps complaints about leaks.
Obviously, the leaks themselves are far less important than what has been leaked, which is that was collusion between the Trump team and Russia as part of an effort to get Donald Trump elected as president of the United States.
Only an independent commission will pursue the threat posed to U.S. national security by Russian hacking and possible collusion with Trump officials.
Waters is correct to condemn the Republican focus in the hearings. There is plenty of evidence already, as Comeys testimony verifies. Republicans simply refuse to consider it.
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Spring is in the air, and so is the scent of betrayal. Donald Trump is reeling after a day of hearings in the House and Reuters has revealed that Trump Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, who holds a friendship award from Vladimir Putin, is skipping a NATO meeting in April while planning to fly to Moscow.
The news has filled many with dismay. Rep. Adam Schiff said, I have to hope that story is not true. Former U.S. ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul tweeted:
This is fake news right? Skipping NATO meeting to go to Moscow? That can't be true. https://t.co/mUZaQZVmI3 Michael McFaul (@McFaul) March 21, 2017
As Canadian author Guy Gavriel Kay, an astute observer of American politics said of the news,
For once, one wants it to be fake. He went on to connect the dots between the Russia hearings and the decision, adding, This is destructive behavior. Announced today it looks even worse.
At a time when Donald Trump is being investigated for acting in collusion with Russia to win the U.S. election, it is impossible to imagine what the administration is thinking if anything.
The two-day meeting in Brussels, Belgium, scheduled for April 5-6, would have been Tillersons first with our NATO allies, all 27 of them. The ever-elusive Tillerson has so far managed to avoid giving a press conference and now hes giving our NATO allies the slip while Vladimir Putin flexes his muscles.
As Media Matters Eric Boehlert put it,
Comey/Rogers JUST spent 8 hrs detailing how Russia tried to hack US election.Tillerson on a mission to make nice w/ Moscow.
Yes. Its impossible to believe. But as with so many other bizarre decisions by this administration, it is happening.
The senior Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rep. Eliot Engel, wasnt impressed by the news, saying in a statement:
Donald Trumps Administration is making a grave error that will shake the confidence of Americas most important alliance and feed the concern that this Administration simply too cozy with (Russian President) Vladimir Putin.
I cannot fathom why the Administration would pursue this course except to signal a change in American foreign policy that draws our country away from western democracys most important institutions and aligns the United States more closely with the autocratic regime in the Kremlin.
Is Engel right? Is it a sign that he values Russia above our NATO allies? At this point, one has to wonder what message Trump is trying to send.
The Guardian is asking, Is Rex Tillerson the weakest secretary of state of all time? He is certainly that. But something darker seems to be at work here.
Or is it that Tillerson owns a holding company in Russia? That between Tillerson and Trumps business interests in Russia, there are a lot of dollars at stake.
Neither is a good sign for Americas national security interests, let alone that of the many allies depending upon our aid.
We already know how Trump feels about Putin. He has bragged about him often enough. And we can pretty much guess which Trump holds more dear, his profits or our allies.
Hungary Fidesz party is all for further tax reductions in 2018 - Kosa
The Hungarian government is expected to submit its draft bill on next years budget to Parliament on 26 April, said Lajos Kosa, caucus leader of the ruling Fidesz party, told a press conference on Tuesday.
He said Fidesz refuses to hike taxes and wants laws that ensure lower tax burdens for Hungarians.
He said the party endorses the reduction of VAT on fish, and it would like to lower several other levies, provided it does not put the balance of the budget in jeopardy.
Lajos Kosa, head of the Fidesz caucus (r) and Janos Halasz, spokesman for the Fidesz caucus hold a press conference in Parliament on 21 March 2017. Photo and front page photo by: MTI Foto/ Noemi Bruzak
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At the northeastern tip of the Grand Strand lies a hidden sanctuary an undeveloped maritime forest and beach in an area where nearly every acre of oceanfront land has been converted to condominiums, hotels and residential subdivisions. The soon-to-be designated state heritage preserve is c Read moreCommentary: Saving Waties Island is South Carolina conservation at its best
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MADISON, Wis. A battle pitting big-box retail giants including Menards and Wal-Mart against Wisconsin towns and cities is headed to the Legislature.
Republican-backed proposals, written in conjunction with the League of Wisconsin Municipalities, are designed to close the so-called dark store loophole and increase how much the mega-retailers pay local communities in property taxes.
The bills come in reaction to court rulings in Wisconsin and nearby Midwestern states - starting in Michigan - that have helped the retail giants lower the value placed on their stores for levying property taxes. The retailers have successfully challenged their tax assessments in communities across Wisconsin, and the Midwest, by arguing they are overtaxed and should pay the same rate as a store that is closed and vacant.
That results in a shift of the property tax burden to smaller retail stores and property owners, said Jerry Deschane, executive director of the League of Municipalities.
"We just think that's fundamentally unfair," he said. "The bottom line with the property tax is it has to be uniform."
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The cities will have to overcome opposition from the powerful state chamber of commerce and deep-pocketed retail giants that stand to lose millions from a change in current practice.
Wisconsin Department of Revenue rules require that assessments be based on the fair market value of a property. The stores argue that the value of the underlying real estate should be determined by looking at comparable building sales, prices that usually fall far below the assessment of an operating store.
Assessing the building as if it were empty has long been the standard in Wisconsin for determining its value, said Don Millis, a Madison attorney who has represented Target and other retailers in assessment challenges. Millis is also lobbying for the Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce against changes to the law.
"You value the sticks, bricks and mud," Millis said. Cities have been incorrectly assessing the property based on the potential lease value, he said.
"We don't think they're being undervalued," he said. "We think assessors are being overly aggressive."
But Republican state Sen. Duey Stroebel, who plans to introduce a bill next month addressing the issue, said the potential lease value of the property should be considered when valuing it for tax purposes. That is what the bill he and others are working on will do, he said.
Millis warned that changing the law "could have long-term unintended consequences" affecting how all property is valued.
Big box stores including Menards, Lowe's and ShopKo have filed more than 20 lawsuits against Wisconsin municipalities in the past year challenging their property assessments.
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In one, Menards successfully argued last year that the value of its store in Fond du Lac assessed by the city at $9.2 million should be no more than $5.2 million. A similar lawsuit from Target argues that Fond du Lac should reduce its taxes on the retailer by about a third.
The dilemma for small cities is that the cost of defending lawsuits can equal or exceed the amount of property tax revenue at play, so they are more inclined to settle than fight it, said Deschane, who's with the League of Municipalities.
Lawmakers in nearby states have had mixed success in tackling the issue.
A proposal in Michigan that attempted to require the taxable value to be based on the highest and best use of a property failed to pass last year. But in Indiana, the Republican-controlled Legislature, along with then-Gov. Mike Pence, enacted legislation to block what opponents call a tax loophole. The Wisconsin bill is modeled after the Indiana law.
French English
Paris, 21 March 2017 (6.00 p.m.)
HIGHCO POSTS AN EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE IN 2016
Outstanding business growth
2016 gross profit of 81.06 M, up 12.6% on a restated basis 1 and 11.8% LFL 2 .
Digital business up 23.6% LFL, accounting for 46.6% of the Group's total business in 2016.
Dramatic rise in profitability
Adjusted headline PBIT 3 of 14.10 M, up 31.7%.
Adjusted operating margin 3 of 17.4%, up 250 basis points.
Adjusted recurring operating income 4 up 37.5% to 13.81 M.
Adjusted attributable net income 5 up 34.7% to 8.65 M.
Dividend of 0.12 per share to be proposed at the AGM in May 2017, for a 26.3% increase.
Strong cash capability
Operating cash flow of 10.69 M, up 2.63 M (up 32.5%).
Net cash6 of 49.62 M at 31 December 2016, up 8.85 M.
Sale of POS Media finalised
( M) 2016 2015 restated1 2016/2015
Change restated1 Gross profit 81.06 71.97
+12.6%
(+11.8% LFL2) Adjusted headline PBIT3 14.10 10.71 +31.7% Adjusted recurring operating income4 13.81 10.04 +37.5% Recurring operating income 12.41 10.04 +23.6% Adjusted attributable net income5 8.65 6.42 +34.7% Net cash6 49.62 40.77 +8.85 M
1 In application of IFRS 5 Non-current Assets Held for Sale and Discontinued Operations, the businesses in the United Kingdom were classified and presented as discontinued operations as of the third quarter of 2016. For reasons of consistency, the data reported for 2015 and the first half of 2016 have been restated to account for the impact of the UK businesses. Net income and the loss on the sale of these businesses will be presented net of tax as a single item in the consolidated income statement under Net income from assets held for sale or discontinued operations.
2 Like for like: Based on a comparable scope (i.e. including CapitalData over 11 months in 2015 and 2016) and at constant exchange rates (i.e. applying the average exchange rate over the period to data from the compared period).
3 Adjusted headline profit before interest & tax: recurring operating income before restructuring costs and excluding the cost of performance share plans. Adjusted operating margin: Adjusted headline PBIT/Gross profit.
4 Recurring operating income excluding the cost of performance share plans.
5 Attributable net income excluding the net after-tax cost of performance share plans (0.96 M) and excluding net income from assets held for sale and discontinued operations (loss of 6.68 M in 2016 as against income of 0.35 M in 2015; MRM and POS Media).
6 Net cash (or net cash surplus): Cash and marketable securities less gross current and non-current financial liabilities.
Didier Chabassieu, Chairman of the Management Board, stated, "HighCo had a remarkable year, both in terms of business growth (11.8% like for like) and growth in profitability. The excellent performance that we have achieved in the past three years is the result of the hard work and dedication from all our teams, which have enabled HighCo to lead its digital transformation with success. The Group now needs to step up its development in DATA and MOBILE businesses to maintain profitable growth in the years to come."
FY 2016 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
Outstanding business growth
FY 2016 gross profit amounted to 81.06 M, resulting in a significant increase of 12.6% on a restated basis and 11.8% like for like. With this sharp growth in 2016, the Group has posted a fourth consecutive year of organic growth. Digital business continues to drive this performance, with a strong rise of 23.6% like for like in 2016. Offline businesses resumed growth, with a 3.2% increase like for like over the year.
The steep growth in France, at 15.7% like for like to 56.22 M (up 7.3% in 2015), is still driven by the growth of digital business (28.9% like for like), which represented 55.4% of gross profit in 2016.
International business continues to grow (up 3.8% like for like to 24.84 M):
Benelux posted a good performance (up 3.6% like for like);
Southern Europe (Spain and Italy) also showed growth over the year (up 9.5% like for like).
Dramatic rise in profitability
Adjusted headline PBIT registered double-digit growth for the third year running in 2016 (up 31.7% to 14.10 M) with:
Strong rise in adjusted headline PBIT in France of 40.3% (up 20.8% in 2015) to 12.19;
Slight decrease of 5.5% in adjusted headline PBIT in international business to 1.91.
Adjusted operating margin (adjusted headline PBIT/gross profit) rose substantially by 250 basis points, coming to 17.4% (versus 14.9% in 2015 on a restated basis).
The sharp increase in headline PBIT, with restructuring costs halved (0.29 M in 2016 versus 0.67 M in 2015), led to a robust 37.5% rise in adjusted recurring operating income to 13.81 M (10.04 M in 2015 on a restated basis).
Recurring operating income, including the cost of performance share plans, amounted to 12.41 M, up 23.6%.
Adjusted net income attributable to owners of the parent climbed 34.7%.
HighCo recorded adjusted EPS7 of 0.42 in 2016, up 35.1% (34.5% on a diluted basis) compared with 2015.
As announced, these results take into account the additional expense net of tax due to the introduction of new performance share plans and the net loss from assets held for sale and discontinued operations following the sale of MRM in the United Kingdom. As a result, attributable net income stood at 1.02 M (6.77 M in 2015).
A record dividend of 0.12 per share, i.e. a 26.3% increase, will be proposed at the next AGM on 22 May 2017.
7 EPS excluding the cost of performance share plans and excluding net income from assets held for sale or and discontinued operations (MRM and POS Media).
Strong cash capability
Operating cash flow increased sharply by 32.5% to 10.69 M, coming in at over 10 M for the first time since 2008. As such, the net cash position was up significantly by 8.85 M to 49.62 M at 31 December 2016. Working capital improved by 4.71 M. Excluding operating working capital (51.40 M at 31 December 2016), net debt came to 1.78 M, down by 4.14 M with respect to 31 December 2015.
HIGHLIGHTS
Digital strategy
Gross profit in the digital business soared to reach 23.6% in 2016. Digital business represented 46.6% of the Group's gross profit in 2016, versus 41.7% in 2015, thus surpassing the 45% target set for 2016 and moving closer to the 50% target planned for 2017.
100% digital DRIVE-TO-STORE solutions, still showing sharp growth
The sharp growth in mobile businesses (gross profit up 19% in 2016) was bolstered by the significant 40% increase in the volume of push SMS and notifications sent.
Brand content and media targeted to social networks maintained its strong performance and grew 17% in 2016.
Two innovations were launched in 2016 to connect the loyalty programme initiated by a brand with:
a chain, through a Load to Card innovation that received an LSA 2016 award for cross-channel solutions. Members of the Ma vie en couleurs loyalty programme (Mondelez and Unilever) can use this new service to download deals directly onto their Cora loyalty card;
a click & collect website, through an innovation that drives impulse purchases by offering discount coupons from brands directly on the click & collect website of the shopper's choice.
With the acquisition of CAPITALDATA, the Group has gained a new performance driver with the hyper-personalisation of advertising and promotional messages. In addition to targeting campaigns developed for advertisers such as Voyageprive.com, Nestle and Parc Asterix, the company led a web-to-store programmatic campaign for Franprix, demonstrating the synergies achieved with the Group to design with a viable alternative to paper flyers for chains.
In 2016, HighCo also strengthened its leading position in digital coupon issuing, with an 18% surge in volumes.
Continued fast-pace digitisation of IN-STORE solutions
Digital services continue to grow rapidly in the area of IN-STORE solutions that are still predominantly "paper-based". The proportion increased from 24.3% in 2015 to 28% in 2016.
The point-of-sale paper coupon and media businesses rose slightly in France and Belgium, primarily thanks to agreements with the Group's retail partners that were extended in 2016. Meanwhile, a new project was launched to install coupon and media terminals in the Carrefour network in Belgium starting at the end of 2016.
On Click & Collect websites, HighCo is developing a unique media and targeted coupon offering deployed across 80% of the market, with exclusive commercialisation of the inventories of Auchan group.
DATA solutions driven by digital coupon clearing
DATA solutions continue to be digitised.
The share of digital DATA solutions rose from 34% in 2015 to 35.8% in 2016.
The volume of paper coupons cleared remained stable in France and Belgium.
In addition, the volume of digital coupons cleared with food e-commerce websites in France increased significantly. With more than 300 campaigns for digital cashback offers launched in 2016 (up 74%), e-CBO operations maintained their outstanding growth. Thus, the volume of digital coupons cleared held firm and rose slightly in 2016 in France and Belgium.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Disposals and investments
After announcing in October 2016 that it had sold MRM in the United Kingdom, HighCo announced the finalisation of the sale of POS Media in Central Europe in early March 2017. The deal involved selling all shares owned in POS Media BV, the parent company of POS Media, representing 47.55% of its share capital. This move is in line with the Group's shift in strategy for its international businesses. The sale will have a virtually neutral impact on attributable net income for 2016 and 2017.
In early 2017, HighCo participated in a capital increase launched by Yuzu USA, an innovative French-American startup specialised in targeting solutions. The capital increase, reserved for HighCo and the company ZTP (Mulliez family), has led to HighCo's additional investment in the share capital, which now amounts to a 32.9% stake. Yuzu USA will be accounted for by the equity method in 2017.
Governance
HighCo announced that Olivier Michel is leaving the Group's Management Board for personal reasons after 17 years in executive management. He will take on other functions within the Group, in particular as an advisor to the new Management Board.
After noting this decision, the Group's Supervisory Board appointed Cecile Collina-Hue as member of the Management Board as Managing Director. Since she joined HighCo in 2002, Cecile Collina-Hue has held a number of positions in administration and finance at the Group.
2017 GUIDANCE
For 2017, HighCo forecasts:
Growth in 2017 gross profit of more than 4% like for like (2016 gross profit: up 11.8% like for like), with the Group's share of digital business expected to exceed its 50% target (2016: 46.6%);
Increase in adjusted headline PBIT 3 equal to or greater than 6% (adjusted 2016 headline PBIT: 14.10 M);
Rise in adjusted operating margin equal to or greater than 50 bp (2016 operating margin: 17.4%).
The Group's financial resources will be allocated, as a priority, to:
Capital expenditure of between 1.5 M and 2 M (1.08 M in 2016);
Share buybacks of between 0.5 M and 1 M (0.66 M in 2016);
Continued acquisitions and investments in Digital and Data businesses.
The Supervisory Board examined the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2016. At the time of writing, the audit of the consolidated financial statements has been carried out. The certification reports will be issued once the required specific verifications have been finalised in order to file the registration document.
A financial analysts' meeting is scheduled for 22 March 2017 at 2.30 p.m. at 8 rue de la Rochefoucauld, 75009 Paris, France. The presentation will be available online at the beginning of the meeting on the company's website www.highco.com.
About HighCo
Since its creation, HighCo has placed innovation at the heart of its values, offering its clients - brands and retailers - Intelligent Marketing Solutions to influence shopper behaviour with the right deal, in the right place, at the right time and on the right channel.
Listed in compartment C of Euronext Paris, and eligible for the "long only" DSS, HighCo has more than 700 employees and since 2010 has been included in the Gaia Index, a selection of 70 responsible Small and Mid Caps.
Your contacts
Cecile Collina-Hue Cynthia Lerat
Managing Director Press Relations
+33 1 77 75 65 06 +33 1 77 75 65 16
comfi@highco.com c.lerat@highco.com
Upcoming events
Publications take place after market close .
Q1 2017 Gross Profit: Wednesday, 26 April 2017
Q2 and H1 2017 Gross Profit: Wednesday, 19 July 2017
2017 Half-year Earnings: Wednesday, 30 August 2017
Conference call on 2017 half-year earnings: Thursday, 31 August 2017
Q3 and 9-month YTD 2017 Gross Profit: Wednesday, 18 October 2017
Q4 and FY 2017 Gross Profit: Wednesday, 24 January 2018
HighCo is a component stock of the indices CAC Small (CACS), CAC Mid&Small (CACMS) and CAC All-Tradable (CACT).
ISIN: FR0000054231
Reuters: HIGH.PA
Bloomberg: HCO FP
For further financial information and press releases, go to www.highco.com
KASSON Where will Kasson be in the next couple years? That's what city officials are hoping to find out.
The city recently approved a three-year agreement with Buxton Customer Analytics, based in Fort Worth, Texas, to make a comprehensive plan for retail and economic development. This also is in conjunction with a contract with Hoisington Koegler Group Inc., Minneapolis, to create a comprehensive plan for Kasson.
For this partnership a three-year commitment with an opt-out clause at the end of any year the expense will be $50,000 annually, which would be paid in full or partially with Kasson Municipal Liquor Store profits, according to Theresa Coleman, city administrator.
Mayor Chris McKern was familiar with Buxton's services, and Coleman initiated contact with Buxton at the International City/County Managers Association meeting in Kansas City in September.
"The key components of the Buxton partnership for city of Kasson will be utilizing their customer analytics to strengthen the local businesses and identify opportunities to recruit and retain businesses that will complement and succeed in the Kasson market," Coleman said.
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From the most recent U.S. Census numbers available from 2013 Kasson has 6,047 residents making up its total population. This was a significant increase in growth over the last couple decades, as the city had about 3,600 people in 1990. Other cities and area towns, such as Byron, Stewartville, Pine Island and Eyota, also saw growth in their city populations within the last decade.
At least from Kasson's perspective, the city offers additional housing options, a good school district and library services, outdoor and indoor recreation opportunities, child care and openings for "civic engagement," according to Coleman.
"The quality of life in Kasson drives its growth, and maintaining that quality of life is important to the future of Kasson," Coleman said. "A comprehensive plan brings the community together to identify its core qualities, imagine its future and develop guiding principles toward that vision."
The city's hope is to eventually incorporate data found during this analysis to be able to help local businesses capitalize on Kasson's growth. First, they need to know what's contributing to it.
"We look forward to discovering all the reasons that people choose to call Kasson home as the community works through the comprehensive planning process," Coleman said. "I'm excited to learn what the community values and how local officials can support the community as it grows and develops its identity."
WINONA No one seems surprised.
A group called Southeast Minnesota Property Owners and Roger Dabelstein, a resident of Saratoga Township in Winona County, have filed a lawsuit in the Third Judicial District Court against Winona County over its frac sand ban.
On Nov. 22, the Winona County Board of Commissioners voted 3-2 to enact a ban of industrial mining of silica sand for the purpose of hydraulic fracturing. The ban ended mining, transporting and processing silica sand for the purpose of fracking but allowed those activities for other uses of silica sand such as cattle bedding or construction.
Commissioner Steve Jacob, who often argued a ban could open the county up for possible litigation, said he was not surprised to see the suit brought against the county.
"I agreed with the criteria that they brought forth in the lawsuit," Jacob said, though he cautioned that he and the rest of the county board were advised not to go into the specifics of the case.
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While Jacob cannot discuss details, Johanna Rupprecht, of the Land Stewardship Project, is under no order of silence. Rupprecht, who provided grass-roots support that helped enact the ban, said the lawsuit contains the same arguments the frac sand industry was making before the ban was passed.
"We view this lawsuit as an attack by outside corporate interests on Winona County's democratic decision, and it's outrageous," she said.
Rupprecht said the process of enacting the ban showed the widespread public support of ending frac sand mining in Winona County. Whether looking at public comments made at hearings, or letters and emails sent to the county, the vast majority of people in the county supported the ban.
Furthermore, the county attorney's office performed its due diligence, she said, to meet the standard for a ban.
That did not stop the lawsuit from coming forth, though, claiming the ban violates both the Minnesota and U.S. Constitution, particularly the Commerce Clause, and the Fifth and Fourteenth amendments regarding due process, said Gary Van Cleve, an attorney for Larkin Hoffman Daly & Lindgren, the Minneapolis-based law firm hired by the plaintiffs.
"They're banning certain kinds of sand mining, but other kinds are OK," Van Cleve said. "As long as the end use is OK. There's no rational basis for that."
Allowing some kinds of silica sand mining but not others does not provide equal protection, he said. Comments from supporters talked about stopping the process of fracking to remove oil and natural gas from shale rock. However, fracking does not occur in Winona County.
"There's definitely been a policy choice made that people have issue with the hydraulic fracturing process," Van Cleve said. "And people can have a problem with that, but this isn't the place to do it."
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A better option, he said, would have been to regulate the industry. That is an option the county -- particularly the county attorney and the planning commission -- considered. That option was passed over in favor of a ban.
"The ban was the only way to protect the county," Rupprecht said. That protection extends to the land, water, health, safety and economy of Winona County. "Of course, the industry and their attorney will argue that they can regulate it."
In fact, as the ban was crafted, Rupprecht said, many of the arguments made in the lawsuit were answered ahead of time by the county attorney and her staff. "None of these arguments are really new," she said.
Despite the fact there is no frac sand mining in Winona County nor was there before the ban took effect the county will have to pay to defend the ban against the industry, Jacob said.
"This is something that wasn't happening; this is something that isn't happening," the commissioner said. "I wanted to treat all sand the same and then limit the volume."
"I think that many other jurisdictions have been able to tailor regulations for these kinds of mining operations so they can use their land and also look out for health, safety and welfare of their citizens," Van Cleve said. "This ban is a misguided effort in doing that."
In the meantime, the ban remains in effect, Van Cleve said. Going forward, the case likely will be submitted for summary judgment, which means written arguments, affidavits and exhibits being filed during the next few months followed by a court hearing where the attorneys would present their cases.
"I would think it will take several months to get it before the court on a summary judgment motion," he said.
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In the meantime, Van Cleve and his clients will wait. "We felt very comfortable in bringing this action."
The Rochester Public Library is in the running for a National Medal for Museum and Library Science.
Medals are awarded each year as the nation's highest honor for community service by museums and libraries, and the Rochester library is among 30 contenders for this year's honors. Ten medals will be awarded.
"Knowing we are included within the top 30, out of thousands of institutions nationwide, is a great honor," Library Director Audrey Betcher said.
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's 123,000 libraries and approximately 35,000 museums .
Betcher said the honor stems from work started years ago.
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"In 2012 representatives from throughout Rochester and Olmsted County participated in the library's strategic planning process which led to an increased focus on inclusivity, innovation and creativity," she said.
The effort led to a community-focused initiative aimed at creating a safe space with a dedication to access for all. It also helped spur a variety of innovative programs to address community literacy, such as the Book Bike and Reading Champions initiatives.
The plan also fueled a dramatic increase in program attendance. Participation in library programs, classes and events increased 304 percent as a result of strategic planning efforts.
"We listen to our community, and the increase in attendance speaks volumes," Betcher said.
Kathryn K. Matthew, director of the Institute of Museum and Library Services, noted the importance of community focus while announcing the finalists Monday.
"The 2017 National Medal finalists represent the leading museums and libraries that serve as catalysts for change in their communities," she said. "It is our honor to recognize 30 notable institutions for the work they do in reinforcing the importance of lifelong learning and in turn improving the lives of individuals, families and communities."
Out of the 30 finalists, 10 will receive National Medals at a ceremony in Washington, D.C. In the 23-year history of the National Medal, only two Minnesota libraries have received the honor: St. Paul Public Library in 2005 and Hill Museum & Manuscript Library in 2011.
This is the first year Rochester Public Library applied for the honor and it is joined by University of Minnesota Libraries as one of the 30 finalists.
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The Rochester library will be highlighted April 18 as the Institute of Museum and Library Services puts a daily spotlight on each contender leading up to the announcement of the winners later this spring.
Representatives from winning institutions will travel to Washington, D.C., to be honored at the National Medal award ceremony.
Until the awards are announced, the institute is encouraging community members who visited Rochester Public Library to share their stories on its Facebook page: www.facebook.com/USIMLS .
As Republicans push ahead with plans to replace the Affordable Care Act, some Rochester providers fear it will lead to a surge of uninsured patients seeking care.
Tracy Moore oversees the Salvation Army's Good Samaritan Medical Clinic . Before the federal health care law took effect, Moore said the nonprofit was overwhelmed with low-income patients. The demand was so great that the clinic limited the patients it served to those living in Olmsted County and required them to show photo ID to prove they had a local address.
"There were just too many people. You couldn't get everybody in," Moore said.
The situation today is very different. After the ACA took effect in 2014, the clinic began to see the number of uninsured patients coming to the clinic drop. As a result, the nonprofit began accepting patients from surrounding counties. Moore fears plans to repeal and replace the ACA will result in more uninsured residents and a return to crowded waiting rooms.
"It's up in the air and from what we've heard so far, it's not sounding good at all," Moore said.
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An initial analysis by the Minnesota Department of Human Services found that across southeastern Minnesota, under an outright repeal of Obamacare, as many as 1 in 12 working-age adults, or more than 15,000 people, would lose health care coverage. Now that the discussion has turned to replacing Obamacare with a Republican-authored solution, those potential losses seem likely to be mitigated.
State faced with major funding cuts
A Congressional Budget Office analysis of the Republican health care plan estimates 14 million fewer Americans would have health insurance by next year. That number would swell to 24 million by 2026. State and local portions of those figures have not been calculated.
In Minnesota, those most at risk of losing health care coverage or seeing a reduction in coverage are the 1.2 million Minnesotans on the state's Medical Assistance and Medicaid programs. Minnesota Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper said the American Health Care Act would dramatically cut federal funding for these programs.
"By 2021, Minnesota is at risk of losing about $2.5 billion in federal funding and that grows to $12.5 billion by 2025," Piper said.
The bill would eliminate federal funding for the state's MinnesotaCare program, which provides coverage to about 100,000 low-income Minnesotans. It would also phase out federal matching funds for the state's expansion of Medicaid, known as Medical Assistance in Minnesota. It would also change how Medical Assistance is funded, relying on per person funding caps. To avoid cuts to these programs, the state would have to step in to cover the federal spending cuts.
In southeast Minnesota, 61,173 residents are on Medical Assistance and another 4,275 are on MinnesotaCare, according to the Minnesota Department of Human Services.
The U.S. House is expected to vote on the health care bill on Thursday. House Majority Leader Paul Ryan said changes are being made to the bill to provide more assistance to older Americans. Supporters of the measure note it would slice $337 billion off of the federal deficit by 2025. It also gets rid of the individual mandate requiring people to buy insurance or pay a tax penalty.
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'More poor people without health insurance coverage'
Olmsted County Community Services Director Paul Fleissner said based on the proposal being considered in Congress, he expects a lot of non-disabled adults will lose health insurance coverage.
"What does that mean? We will have poor people without health insurance coverage, and I think we'll go back to the days of more uncompensated care at the hospital, more people getting their health care through emergency rooms," Fleissner said.
Zumbro Valley Health Center CEO David Cook said he is worried about the potential impact of the ACA replacement. A major concern is that patients who lose health insurance will delay getting care. That could lead to much bigger problems especially if the patient is experiencing a mental health crisis.
"If people don't have coverage, they are probably not going to come for care. We've got people out there that need some kind of treatment, that aren't coming because they don't have any coverage and no way to get coverage," Cook said.
Those patients would likely end up going to the emergency room, where they could end up waiting for days before being able to get transferred to an appropriate mental health care facility.
Cook also expects the center would see an increase in the number of uninsured patients turning to them for help.
"We would see those people. It would mean a bigger challenge for us financially," Cook said. "We would have to try and make that up somehow."
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First District Rep. Tim Walz announced on Monday he plans to vote against the Republican plan to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act.
In a statement, the Mankato Democrat said "there is no way" he can vote for the American Health Care Act in its current form.
"In addition to leaving millions of folks without health insurance in the coming years and cutting critical care that our most vulnerable neighbors rely on, this bill fails to sufficiently address the current stability crisis in Minnesota's individual market or provide immediate relief to many southern Minnesotans including the many farmers, small business owners, and middle-class families I've spoken with who are struggling to afford skyrocketing costs in the marketplace," he said.
Walz released the statement ahead of a planned vote on Thursday in the U.S. House on the bill.
Two weeks ago, Walz asked constituents to contact his office to offer their thoughts on the bill. As of Monday, the congressman's office has received approximately 800 emails and more than 350 phone calls and voicemails about the proposal. Virtually all of those contacting the office opposed the measure, according Walz's spokesman Jesse Stock.
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Walz said instead of "tearing down the current health care system without a sound plan to replace it," he would rather see Republicans and Democrats work together on a proposal that builds on the Affordable Care Act.
He added, "I am committed to working with both Republicans and Democrats to shape our health care system so that it works for all Americans, and I will continue fighting toward this end."
MINNEAPOLIS A federal review released Monday found problems with Minneapolis' coordination and communication during an 18-day standoff following the fatal shooting of a black man in 2015, but praised officers for their professionalism and the peaceful end of the protest.
The Department of Justice's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services conducted the review at the city's request after the shooting of 24-year-old Jamar Clark on Nov. 15, 2015. His death in a confrontation with two white officers sparked an occupation outside the station on the city's north side and other protests that were largely peaceful, though one on Nov. 18 included skirmishes between officers and demonstrators.
Some witnesses told police that Clark was handcuffed at the time, but an investigation by the state Bureau of Criminal Apprehension found the officers were unsuccessful in handcuffing Clark, and he was shot after one of the officers shouted that Clark had his hand on the officer's gun. State and federal prosecutors declined to charge the two officers, and they were cleared in the department's internal review.
Clark's death came at a time of heightened tensions nationwide following protests over the killings of black men by police officers in Ferguson, Missouri, and elsewhere. Yet no protesters were arrested at the station during the Minneapolis protest and the only serious injuries occurred when a group of alleged white supremacists fired at demonstrators, wounding five, the report said. The protests cost the city more than $1.15 million, mostly for police overtime.
Nevertheless, the Justice Department review found a lack of a coordinated response among city and police officials and said law enforcement didn't have a plan for managing the civil disturbance as it became a long-term event.
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"Strained relationships, lack of clearly defined roles and responsibilities, public disagreements and lack of consistent internal communication" hampered the response, it said. And it said the department "experienced multiple breakdowns in internal communications and messaging" during the occupation.
The report praised other aspects of the response, saying officers "demonstrated extraordinary resilience and professionalism" despite verbal abuse and threats to their physical safety from bottles, bricks, Molotov cocktails and other objects thrown over the fence around the station. Black officers, in particular, were targets of verbal abuse, it said.
"The commitment of the city, the police department and individual officers to a peaceful, measured response played a large role in keeping the occupation from escalating into violent riots," the report said.
It also noted that elected officials decided to resolve the impasse peacefully through "negotiated management" a strategy it said was consistent with best practices without including the police leadership in the discussion. That and poor internal communications contributed to frustrations for officers at the station who were left with no clear orders and inconsistent direction.
Mayor Betsy Hodges and Police Chief Janee Harteau said at a news conference that the need for better communications was their main takeaway from the review. Hodges said efforts fell short, and she apologized.
"Regardless of whether it's because I lacked the bandwidth or I was constrained by legal reasons or I simply lacked the skill, I did not communicate in a way that would have helped the situation get better. Sorry. I am sorry," she said.
Harteau agreed the big lesson learned is "communication, communication, communication" across all levels in the department and with the community.
"Clearly we need more effective communication with officers at all ranks and all assignments," she said. "... It wasn't necessarily so much the what we were doing but the why we were doing it. And everybody likes to hear the why."
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Jason Sole, president of the Minneapolis NAACP, asked the mayor and police chief how Clark and his family were ever going to get justice, and he said police violence against black men continues.
"Jamar should still be alive. ... Does that report show that we're dying out here?" Sole said.
Lt. Bob Kroll, the head of the Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis, said he wasn't surprised by the report's conclusions.
While the report backed the decision to seek a negotiated end to the protest, the union leader said he still believes there would have been no occupation outside the police station and no 18-day shutdown of the street in front had officers been allowed to make arrests immediately.
"When you give in (to people) it sets the wrong tone," Kroll said. "People shouldn't be allowed to break the law in the front yard of the Police Department."
Gift to seed the Larry Paradis Legacy Fund
OAKLAND, Calif., March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Community Bank of the Bay (CBYAA) and its long time client Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) jointly announced today that through the generosity of one of the banks founding shareholders, 10,000 shares of its common stock were donated to Disability Rights Advocates. This gift, valued at approximately $51-thousand at the time of the donation, helped establish the Larry Paradis Legacy Fund, named after DRAs Founder who passed away in 2016.
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f5186fa7-75aa-4f4e-ac4a-238168356961.
Community Bank of the Bay is proud of its long relationship with Disability Rights Advocates, a truly remarkable organization committed to ensuring equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities. Our banks founding principle of equal economic opportunity shares DRAs commitment to a barrier-free world where all people are encouraged and able to follow their dreams, said Bill Keller, President and CEO of Community Bank of the Bay. We have had the great privilege of knowing DRA founder Larry Paradis and we are very pleased that his legacy fund is now a shareholder of our Bank. We will work very hard to ensure that this investment will help DRA continue his work which has had such a positive impact on the lives of millions of people in our country.
DRA is proud of our 10+ year partnership with Community Bank of the Bay and humbled by the generosity of this gift to support our Larry Paradis Legacy Fund, said Sid Wolinsky, DRA Co-Founder and Supervising Attorney. Our late Executive Director, Larry, always took on the biggest, most important disability rights battles. Thanks to Community Bank of the Bay, DRA will be able to continue that legacy: ensuring health care, employment, transportation, and safety for people with disabilities across the nation.
About the Larry Paradis Legacy Fund:
DRAs beloved Co-Founder and Executive Director, Larry Paradis, died unexpectedly in July of 2016. With the blessing of Larrys family, DRA has established the Larry Paradis Legacy Fund to ensure that Larrys vision for DRA marches forward. Larry was a bold visionary. He pursued the big, risky, class-action cases that other firms wouldnt touch and always delivered for the disability community. If you use a wheelchair or scooter and can freely travel because the corners have curb ramps, Larry did that. If you are blind and can access websites to shop or read books, larry did that. If you are deaf and can watch captioned movies at your local theater, Larry did that. If you have a disability and can enter your polling place and use the voting machine privately, Larry did that. The Legacy Fund will be directly applied to continue Larrys important work at DRA: pursuing the most cutting-edge, highest-impact, precedent-setting cases. This fund will enable DRA to continue, in Larrys own words, to change institutions and the entire fabric of American society so that people with disabilities have a fair shot at being full participants. You can learn more and contribute to the Legacy Fund here: www.dralegal.org/larry-paradis-legacy/.
About Community Bank of the Bay:
Community Bank of the Bay (OTCBB:CBYAA) serves the financial needs of closely held businesses and professional service firms, as well as their owner-operators and non-profit organizations throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Community Bank of the Bay is a member of the FDIC, an SBA Preferred Lender, and a CDARS depository institution, headquartered in Oakland, with offices in Danville, San Mateo and Campbell, CA. It is also Californias first FDIC-insured certified Community Development Financial Institution and one of only three operating in the Northern California market. The bank is recognized for establishing the Bay Area Green Fund to provide financing to sustainable businesses and projects and supports environmentally responsible values. Additional information on the bank is available online at www.BankCBB.com.
About Disability Rights Advocates:
With offices in California and New York, Disability Rights Advocates (DRA) is the leading nonprofit disability rights legal center in the nation. Its mission is to advance equal rights and opportunity for people with all types of disabilities nationwide. DRA identifies and dismantles barriers in partnership with a broad network of local and national client organizations, representing people with the full spectrum of disabilities including mobility, sensory, cognitive and psychiatric. In the organizations 23-year history, DRA has taken on more than 450 cases and won almost allachieving dramatic improvements for people with disabilities seeking health care, employment, transportation, education, disaster preparedness planning, voting and housing. For more about DRAs mission and impact visit www.dralegal.org.
I dont believe so because there is no real evidence that he did. However, as I suggested yesterday, if one applies the same sort of conspiracy thinking being used to claim that Donald Trump colluded with Russia, one can make out a case that Barack Obama colluded in 2012.
Rep. Peter King made that point during todays Intelligence Committee hearing. King pointed first to President Obamas statement to the Russian president, picked up by a live mic, that he would have more flexibility to deal with Russia on contentious issues after the U.S. presidential election.
Next, King pointed to Obamas ridicule of Mitt Romneys claim that Russia poses a major geopolitical threat to the U.S. When Romney said this during a debate, Obama responded derisively that the 1980s want their foreign policy back.
Obamas claim that concern over Russia should be a thing of the past was more pro-Russian than anything I can recall Trump saying on the subject. Surely, its more useful than Trumps assertion of the obvious fact that Putin is a strong leader.
Finally, King pointed to Obamas Syria policy. He said that Obama basically invited Russia into Syria after the 2012 election. Is that an overstatement? Maybe.
However, its clear that Obama did turn over to Russia the lead role in developing our response to Assads crossing of the red line on chemical weapons. He also let Russia take over Syrias air space. And he sat by as Russia helped turn the civil war decisively in favor of its client through air strikes that inflicted death and destruction on a mass scale.
Democrats complain that President Trump might sell the Ukrainians out Russia. President Obama did sell the Syrians out to Russia and its blood-thirsty client.
Based on these facts, one could throw together a conspiracy theory about the 2012 election at least as plausible (as of now) as the one the Democrats are putting out there. In the case of 2016, we have evidence of Russian interference that may have helped Trump at the margin, but no evidence of Trump doing anything for Russia or promising to.
In the case of 2012, we have evidence (in the form of his own statement) of Obama promising to adopt a more favorable stance towards Russia and evidence of Obama taking a more favorable stance. What may be lacking is evidence of Russia doing anything to help Obama.
If the roles were reversed and Obama were a Republican, Im fairly confident that the Democrats and their friends in the media would have attributed various Russian action (or inaction, say in Syria) in 2012 to collusion with Obama. And they would be demanding an investigation.
Its too late to investigate the 2012 election now. However, for what its worth, James Comey did say today that if presented with evidence of Hillary Clinton or the Clinton Foundation colluding with the Russians, the FBI would consider the matter. Actually, the FBI may already have some such evidence. According to some reports, the FBI has been, and may still be, investigating the Clinton Foundation.
Maybe Chairman Nunes of the Intelligence Committee will press the FBI on this matter. He might also consider expanding his Committees investigation into donations made to Clinton interests by Russia and possible favors received from Hillary Clinton in return.
This past Friday the New York Times published a long profile of former Commentary editor Norman Podhoretz. I wrote the following review/essay about Norman Podhoretz and his 1967 autobiographical book Making It for the Manhattan Institutes City Journal, which posted it on Sunday. On Monday New York Review of Books founding editor (with Barbara Epstein, then wife of Podhoretzs friend Jason Epstein) Robert Silvers died in Manhattan; Silvers is the unnamed NYRB editor at the heart of the story with which this piece opens. It is that story, told by Thomas Jeffers in his excellent biography of Podhoretz, that prompted me to return to Making It and write this piece. I am grateful for the permission of City Journals editors to repost it on Power Line today:
Released in 1967, Making It was the first of several autobiographical books by long-time Commentary editor Norman Podhoretz. The books republication after 50 years rights a literary injustice. The brief introduction by critic Terry Teachout adds a grace note to what is in essence a 50th anniversary edition.
When it first appeared, Making It met with a publishing equivalent of a lynch mob. It included Podhoretzs friends and fellow members of the New York literary/intellectual establishment, famously dubbed the Family by Murray Kempton. They found Podhoretz guilty of crimes against taste and discretion. For his part, Podhoretz forthrightly declared that he sought wealth and fame with the book; he harvested mostly condemnation. Though he has taken up the reaction to the book briefly in subsequent autobiographical reflections, he still finds the experience painful to discuss in print.
The New York Review of Booksunder whose auspices the NYRB Classics series appearsset out to demolish the book. Its first choice to review Making It, the prominent critic Hilton Kramer, disliked the book, and was afraid he may have been overly harsh in the draft he submitted. When I sent it on to the New York Review, Kramer subsequently told Podhoretz biographer Thomas Jeffers, he was amazed to hear that the New York Review wasnt interested in publishing a valentine to Norman Podhoretz! Seeking something tougher still, the editors called on sociologist Edgar Z. Friedenberg (whom Podhoretz had discovered for Commentary in 1960, Jeffers dryly notes), who delivered the desired pan.
Podhoretz couldnt say that he hadnt been warned. His friend Jason Epstein had counseled him against publishing the book, as had his college teacher and mentor Lionel Trilling. Podhoretz had warded off his own forebodings to proceed. Jeffers quotes Podhoretzs letter to critic Frank Kermode referring to the book as suicidal.
Rereading the book today, I find it difficult to explain the contemporary reaction. Im not the only one. As Jeffers observed in 2010, Today, one reads Making It wondering what the fuss was about. In the fullness of time, Making It is taking its place in the great tradition of American autobiography, along with such classics as The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin, Two Years Before the Mast, and The Education of Henry Adams (a book of which Podhoretz is not a fan).
Indeed, Making It might have been titled The Education of Norman Podhoretz. The author traces his education from public school in the tough and impoverished Brownsville section of Brooklyn to college as a scholarship student at Columbia University and the Jewish Theological Seminary. Columbia set his brain on fire. He became the star student of the great literary critic Lionel Trilling and other prominent members of Columbias dazzling faculty. At Columbia, Podhoretz won a Kellett Fellowship and Fulbright Scholarship to support his study for three years at Cambridge University with F.R. Leavis, the leading literary critic of the age. In 1951, Podhoretz made his debut, so to speak, with a review of Trillings The Liberal Imagination in Leaviss journal Scrutiny.
When Podhoretz immersed himself in the work of Henry Adams for a 1983 essay, published in the New Criterion and later collected in his 1986 book, The Bloody Crossroads, he was struck by the ferocity of his [Adamss] ambition. Podhoretz wrote: What he wanted above all else was success, and he wanted it in its usual forms: power, money, status, acclaim. This was the theme Podhoretz had taken as his own in Making It. In 1967, sex was no longer the dirty little secret D.H. Lawrence had ascribed to the Victorians; it was out in the open. Podhoretzs self-examination sought to expose the real dirty little secret of the intellectuals: the thirst for power, money, status, and acclaim. This book, Podhoretz explains in the preface, represents an effort to explain why it should have taken someone like myself so long to arrive at such elementary discoveries.
I take this declaration at face value, but most of Making It reads like straight autobiography. The confessional approach allowed Podhoretz to find his true voice, seamlessly mixing life, politics, history, and culture in the impossibly difficult art of exposition (as he sums up the education he received writing for Commentary founding editor Elliot Cohen early in his career).
The book offers the enthralling coming-of-age story of Podhoretzs rise to success in the heavily Jewish world of New York intellectuals of the 1950s and 1960sthe lost world of Kemptons Family. The Family was born in part from the break of Partisan Reviewthe legendary intellectual review whose founding editors were Philip Rahv and William Phillipswith the Communist Party. The Partisan Review crowd married a commitment to left-wing anti-Stalinist politics with a devotion to modernist art and literature. Podhoretz joined the Family as a precocious member of its third and final generation. At just 30 in 1960, he was named Cohens successor as editor of Commentary, the magazine then sponsored by the American Jewish Committee. Podhoretz widened the audience for a highbrow magazine of general interest on matters cultural and political. Commentary became a publication of great influence, and Podhoretz emerged as an editor and essayist whose opinion mattered. Podhoretz would take up the Family and the lost world that it represented again in Breaking Ranks (1979) and Ex-Friends (1999), but one of the intrinsic pleasures of Making It is how it conveys the authors joy in the discovery of his calling as an editor and as a writer, a subject from which his later autobiographical works have moved on.
Visiting Making It for the first time, or returning to it after many years, readers will find it evocative of another lost world, toothat of the Yiddish-speaking, Eastern-European immigrant Jews, which included Podhoretzs literal family. He himself grew up speaking both Yiddish and heavily accented English. In the first chapter of Making It, Podhoretz describes the unforgettable Mrs. K., the high school English teacher who took it upon herself to polish me to as high a sheen as she could manage and I would permit.
Podhoretzs sense of humor in the book is by turns wry and mordant. When he sees his nascent career interrupted by an involuntary two-year stint in the army, he experiences in his own way the dislocation that Elvis Presley felt when Uncle Sam called. Having found a foothold as an editorial assistant at Commentary in 1953, Podhoretz had begun to make substantial headway on the upward path that he so energetically pursued. Yet despite the career detour, Podhoretz found unexpected satisfactions in the army. He formed friendships with back-country Southern boys, real rednecks, with whom, to my liberal surprise, I always seemed to get along very well. Speaking for himself, Podhoretz found that he admired their bravery and unstinting loyalty, once they had decided to befriend him:
Though I understood very well why I admired such Southern boys, I was puzzled as to what they saw in me, and my curiosity drove me once to ask one of them why he liked me. Because, he answered in a thick Mississippi drawl, you talk so gooda remark which not only did much to restore my confidence in the validity of my own element, but also made me regret the jeer I had directed in Partisan Review a year earlier at the contention that Southerners have a more sensitive feel for the language than other Americans.
Later, when Podhoretzs career is interrupted again, he accepts the opportunity offered by Jason Epstein to go into publishing part-time as an editor of a new line of childrens books:
To my surprise we did actually manage to raise a large amount of money on the very terms he had outlined [favorable to Epstein and Podhoretz], and we incorporated ourselves in the plush offices of a very fancy New York law firm as the Looking Glass Library. Having spent my childhood mainly reading comic books and a few collections of fairy tales, I now had to become familiar with the vast literature for children which has been produced since the nineteenth century, and to that end I spent three full days a week squeezed into one of the little chairs in the Childrens Room at the main branch of the New York Public Library, avoiding as best I could the suspicious glances of parents and librarians alike. There I discovered that childrens books, with very few exceptions, really are for children. I also came home one day with a very high fever which the doctor said he would have diagnosed as roseola if not for the fact that it was a childrens disease that adults hardly ever contracted. This adult, however, apparently had, which was the only thing besides a fairly pleasant temporary living he was ever to get out of the Looking Glass Library.
Making It was Podhoretzs second book, following an earlier collection of his essays, Doings and Undoings: The Fifties and After in American Writing. That book was received mostly warmly, but Podhoretz notes that it became the occasion for some people to present me with the first installments of the bill for all those glorious years when everyone had been on my side. Podhoretz chided himself: I should have anticipated that this would happen, for I had seen it happen enough to others before me, but I was too hungry by now to have perspective.
Podhoretz paid several further installments of the bill upon the original publication of Making It. The certification of the book as a classic 50 years later by New York Review Booksand its publisher, the New York Review of Books, no lesssuggests that the balance owing has tipped back in favor of Podhoretz.
Barely 24 hours after the release of their single, Kilamity, G-Worldwide acts, Sugarboy and Kiss Daniel, could be sued for copyright infringement.
The Pop-Dancehall track which quickly garnered the attention of fans is now the centre of a planned copyright infringement lawsuit aimed at G-Worldwide Music.
The Silent Music Company act, Barz, released a song, Kilamiti in June 2016 as opposed to Kilamity which was released by Sugarboy and Kiss Daniel on Monday.
In a telephone interview with PREMIUM TIMES, a representative of The Silent Music Company confirmed the allegation, stating that G-Worldwide took advantage of the fact that their artiste was not yet popular.
The representative, who declined to provide his name, also stated that they are currently in contact with their lawyer to take legal actions against G-Worldwide.
The company, however, declared its official stance on its Instagram account.
We at The Silent Music Company TSMC, will like the general public to be aware of the injustice brought our way by G worldwide Ent, home record label to Kiss Daniel and Sugarboy. A song titled kilamiti was created by our artist BARz @iam_barz, produced by LuisAMG @luisamgondeck and had Sugarboy @sugarboygww of G worldwide featured on the song. We contacted Sugarboys management when we wanted to drop the song back in June 2016 and we have chat evidence of sugarboy telling me and I quote my management get strict policy on featuring. Abi u don see kiss daniel on any song wey dem feature am? but una fit drop the song, i no go fit dey the video sha The song was later dropped on all the major blogs in Nigeria, Ghana and UK and promoted on June 11 2016. Most of the radio stations in Nigeria have played this song, the video was also shot by Director Q and dropped November 2016 without sugarboy involved, and the video has been promoted and played on vaious platforms and TV stations. Today a copyright of our artistes song was dropped by Sugarboy feat Kiss Daniel titled Kilamity as against Kilamiti with the aid of same producer LuisAMG. (We also have proof of online banking transfer showing we paid off the producer for his job done). We are making this press release because we want the general public to know the injustice which have been done to us and our business. We definitely will have our lawyer look into this matter and will share with the world on its progress. Thank you for your time.
When PREMIUM TIMES contacted a representative of Kiss Daniel, she rebuffed the allegations saying she knew nothing about it.
Listening to the original song by Barz and that which was released by Sugarboy and Kiss Daniel, there were huge semblances in the beat and chorus.
Sugarboy came into limelight with the release of his rave single, Hola where he followed up with other budding singles like Double, Legalize and Dada Omo.
Kiss Daniel on the other hand ruled at the 2016 Headies Awards which saw him go home with Best R&B/Pop Album, Hip Hop World Revelation and Album of The Year awards.
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As part of its efforts to promote financial literacy and inclusion in
Nigeria, the Nigerian Stock Exchange, NSE, in collaboration with Access Bank Plc will commemorate the 2017 Global Money Week.
The event, themed Learn. Save. Earn with a series of educational programs is put together to raise awareness and improve the capabilities of young people to make sound financial decisions.
Joseph Kadiri, the NSE media adviser, made this known in a statement made available to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday.
According to the statement, the knowledge sharing sessions will hold from March 27 to March 31, 2017 across all NSEs offices in Nigeria.
It will see its employees mentoring young people on how money works, saving, investing, creating livelihood, gaining employment and entrepreneurship, Mr. Kadiri said.
Other activities for the week, the statement added, will include a Closing Gong ceremony at the Exchange, excursions to the trading floor, and an interactive session with executive management of the Exchange.
The Global Money Week, a global movement to raise awareness of the importance of financial education and financial inclusion for children and youth is led by Child and Youth Finance International (CYFI), a non-profit organisation based in Amsterdam.
According to Pai Gamde, Acting Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, the Exchange is playing its part in building a financially savvy generation of future leaders.
To develop an inclusive finance system, we believe we must first solve the problem of educating financial consumers to enable them efficiently utilize access to basic financial services, Mr. Gamde said.
We believe that as a nation, children and youths are an important component of building a secured future and we must train these future leaders on how to make sound financial decisions, he added.
On his part, Head of Corporate Communications, NSE, Olumide Orojimi, said, The Global Money Week initiative is fully consistent with our vision to promote a market place where investors are well educated to make sound investment decisions.
We continue to be proud of this programme as it allows our employees and partners to make available their expertise to prepare young people for a secured financial the future.
For the past two years, the Exchange has been able to directly reach over 3,033 students and pupils from over 54 secondary and primary schools with an indirect effect on about 10,000 young people across its operating environment.
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The World Bank Group has announced the approval of $57 billion for Nigeria and other sub-Saharan African countries for the next three years.
A statement posted on the banks website on Monday said the World Bank Group President, Jim Yong Kim, made the announcement before leaving for a trip to Rwanda and Tanzania. Mr. Kim will be visiting the two countries to emphasise the banks support for the entire region.
The announcement, which followed a meeting with G20 finance ministers and central bank governors, said the fund would be used to scale up investments and de-risk private sector participation for accelerated growth and development in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The bulk of the financing, $45 billion, will come from the International Development Association, the World Bank Groups fund for the poorest countries.
The financing for Sub-Saharan Africa, the statement said, will also include an estimated $8 billion in private sector investments from the International Finance Corporation, a private sector arm of the group, and $4 billion in financing from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, its non-concessional public sector arm.
The statement noted that in December 2016, development partners agreed
to a record $75 billion for the IDA, a dramatic increase based on an innovative move to blend donor contributions to the IDA with World Bank Groups internal resources, and with funds raised through capital markets.
Sixty per cent of the IDA financing is expected to go to sub-Saharan Africa, home to more than half of the countries eligible for the financing.
This funding is available for the period known as IDA18, which runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2020.
This represents an unprecedented opportunity to change the development trajectory of the countries in the region, Mr. Kim said.
With this commitment, we will work with our clients to substantially expand programmes in education, basic health services, clean water and sanitation, agriculture, business climate, infrastructure, and institutional reform.
This financing will help African countries continue to grow, create opportunities for their citizens, and build resilience to shocks and crises, he added.
The bank disclosed that the IDA financing for operations in Africa
will be critical to addressing roadblocks that prevent the region from
reaching its potential.
It also maintained that it would be deployed to support countries development priorities, scale-up investments will focus on tackling conflict, fragility, and violence; building resilience to crises, including forced displacement, climate change, and pandemics; and reducing gender inequality.
Meanwhile, earlier in March, the World Bank Group had made known its intention to mobilise immediate response for people threatened by famine in Nigeria and five other countries.
The development came after the Nigerian government had denied that there was any prospect of famine across the country, but later indicated the Boko Haram-raved north-eastern Nigeria could be affected.
The five other countries, the World Bank had noted, were Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, South Sudan, and Yemen.
The bank was reacting to a report by the Famine Early Warning System Network, FEWS NET, an agency supported by the United States Agency for International Development, USAID, which said that due to persistent conflict, severe drought and economic instability, Nigeria and three other countries faced a credible risk of famine in 2017.
In its statement Monday, Mr. Kim noted that a part of the new financing would be deployed to tackle impending threat of famine in the affected countries of the Sub-saharan African region.
The scaled-up IDA financing will build on a portfolio of 448 ongoing projects in Africa totaling about $50 billion, the statement said.
Of this, a $1.6 billion financing package is being developed to tackle the impending threat of famine in parts of Sub-Saharan Africa and other regions.
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Nigerian cement tycoon, Aliko Dangote, is still the richest black person in the world with a fortune estimated at $12.2 billion, the 2017 FORBES list of the Worlds Billionaires has shown.
According to the list released on Monday, Mr. Dangote was followed by Saudi-Ethiopian construction magnate, Mohammed Al-Amoudi, who is worth $8.4 billion.
Of the 2,043 people who made it to the 2017 FORBES list of the Worlds Billionaires, 10 of them are black, down from 12 in 2016.
Two black moguls, however, fell off the ranks of the richest black people on earth, and they are both Nigerian oil tycoon Femi Otedola and cement mogul Abdulsamad Rabiu.
Analysts said Mr. Otedola fell off the list as a result of the plunging share price of his oil company, Forte Oil, while a devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, was responsible for Mr. Rabius ousting.
Investor and daughter of Angolan president, Isabel dos Santos, American media mogul Oprah Winfrey and Nigerian oil woman, Folorunsho Alakija, are still the only black female billionaires on the FORBES billionaires list.
Winfrey, dubbed the Queen of All Media, has been ranked the richest African-American of the 20th century, the greatest black philanthropist in American history, and is currently North Americas first and only multi-billionaire black person.
Mr. Dangote is not only Africas richest man, he is also the richest black person in the world. He built his fortune trading in cement, sugar and flour but subsequently ventured into manufacturing these
commodities.
His Dangote Cement is the largest cement producer in Africa. In January he announced plans to establish a $100 million truck manufacturing facility in Lagos in partnership with SINOTRUK, a Chinese firm.
INCREASE IN WORLD BILLIONAIRES
In 2017, the number of billionaires jumped 13% to 2,043 from 1,810 last year, the first time ever that Forbes has pinned down more than 2,000 ten-figure-fortunes.
Their total net worth rose by 18% to $7.67 trillion, also a record.
The change in the number of billionaires, which is up 233 since the 2016 list, was the biggest in the 31 years that Forbes has been tracking billionaires globally. Gainers since last years list outnumbered losers by more than three to one.
Bill Gates emerged the number one richest for the fourth year in a row, and the richest person in the world for 18 out of the past 23 years. He has a fortune of $86 billion, up from $75 billion last year.
Amazons Jeff Bezos had the best year of any person on the planet, adding $27.6 billion to his fortune; now worth $72.8 billion, he moved into the top three in the world for the first time, up from number five a year ago.
Warren Buffett had the second-best year, and the biggest gain since Donald Trump was elected president in November 2016. His $14.8 billion jump in 12 months was enough for him to grab back the number two spot from Amancio Ortega, founder of Spanish clothing chain Zara.
Mr. Ortegas fortune was up $4.3 billion since last year, but he still fell to fourth in the world, unable to keep up with the outsize gains of others.
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg moved up to number five for the first time, after his fortune rose $11.4 billion in 12 months.
Meanwhile Carlos Slim Helu of Mexico, once the worlds richest man, fell to number six, the first time hes been out of the top five in twelve years.
There were 195 newcomers. Mainland China had the most new ten-figure fortunes with 76.
John Collison, aged 26, emerged the worlds youngest self-made billionaire, just two months younger than Snapchats Evan Spiegel.
Altogether there are 227 women on list, including 10 who cofounded or own businesses with a spouse or a brother and thus share the fortune.
The U.S. continues to have more billionaires than any other nation, with a record 565, up from 540 a year ago. China is catching up with 319 while Hong Kong has another 67, and Macau 1.
Seventy-eight people fell off the list, including 33 from China, 7 Americans and 9 who are still super wealthy but share their wealth among extended family members and therefore are not eligible for these ranks.
Additionally, 20 billionaires died in the past year, including Enterprise car rental founder Jack Taylor and Michael Ilitch, who launched Little Caesars pizza with his wife, Marian.
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BELLEVUE, Wash., March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Trilogy International Partners Inc. (the Company) (TSX:TRL) today announced that it has declared a dividend of C$0.02 per common share of the Company (each, a Common Share) and that its subsidiary, Trilogy International Partners LLC, had declared an equivalent dividend per each of its Class C units (each, a Trilogy Class C Unit). The dividend will be paid on May 12, 2017, to holders of record of the Common Shares and Trilogy Class C Units on April 28, 2017. The dividend declared on the Common Shares is an eligible dividend for the purpose of the Income Tax Act (Canada).
The Company also wishes to remind its Canadian shareholders that is has implemented a dividend reinvestment plan (the Plan). Holders of Common Shares who are residents of Canada may elect to participate in the plan in connection with the dividend to be paid on May 12, 2017 to shareholders of record as of April 28, 2017.
Pursuant to the Plan, eligible Canadian holders of a minimum of one Common Share of the Company may elect to automatically reinvest their cash dividends payable in respect of the Common Shares to acquire additional Common Shares, which will be issued from treasury on the applicable dividend payment date. The price at which such Common Shares are issued from treasury will be 95% of the volume weighted average closing price of the Companys Common Shares over the five business days immediately preceding such dividend payment date.
For more information about the Plan, or to request or download a copy of the detailed Plan, please contact the Plan Agent, TSX Trust Company (TSX Trust), by phone at 1-866-600-5869, by e-mail to tmxeinvestorservices@tmx.com, or visit TSX Trusts website at www.tsxtrust.com/resources/investor-centre/forms. A copy of the Plan will also be available on our website at www.trilogy-international.com (go to Investor Relations and Dividends).
The Plan is subject to certain limitations and restrictions and interested parties are encouraged to review the full text of the Plan before making any decisions regarding their participation in the Plan. Eligible Canadian registered shareholders must complete and deliver enrollment forms to TSX Trust at least five (5) business days before the record date. Canadian beneficial shareholders who hold their Common Shares through a nominee and who wish to participate in the Plan should contact their nominee to enquire about enrollment.
Holders of Trilogy Class C Units will receive their dividend in the form of additional Trilogy Class C Units. The value per additional Trilogy Class C Unit received will be equal to the value of each additional Common Share received by holders of Common Shares under the Plan, being 95% of the volume weighted average closing price of the Companys Common Shares over the five business days immediately preceding the payment date.
About Trilogy International Partners Inc.
Trilogy International Partners Inc. (TSX:TRL) is the parent company of Trilogy International Partners LLC, a wireless telecommunications operator formed by wireless industry pioneers John Stanton, Theresa Gillespie and Brad Horwitz. Its founders have an exceptional track record of successfully buying, building, launching and operating communication businesses in 15 international markets.
The Company currently provides wireless communications services through its operating subsidiaries in New Zealand and Bolivia. Its head office is located at 155 108th Avenue NE, Suite 400, Bellevue, Washington, 98004 USA.
For more information, visit www.trilogy-international.com.
Cautionary Statements
Certain information contained in this news release may be forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws in Canada and forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 of the United States of America. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are often, but not always identified by the use of words such as "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "foresee", "could", "estimate", "goal", "intend", "plan", "seek", "will", "may" and "should" and similar expressions or words suggesting future outcomes. This news release includes forward-looking information and statements pertaining to, among other things, expectations regarding the payment of dividends, the ability to reinvest dividends for additional common shares of the Company and other aspects of the intended operation of the Plan. Numerous risks and uncertainties could cause the actual events and results to differ materially from the estimates, beliefs and assumptions expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.
First Nation Airways, one of Nigerias eight domestic airlines, on Tuesday said it voluntarily suspended its flight operations to reduce the costs.
Chimara Imediegwu, its Director of Flight Operations, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the airline was not officially grounded, but was re-programming its schedule.
Mr. Imediegwu said that suspension of the flight schedule was temporary, adding that the airline was working to resume its operations on March 28.
We decided to take this step in order not to continue to fly for flying sake and spending scarce resources due to drop in the number of passengers flying to Kaduna.
So, it is not true that we grounded our operations due to lack of flight crew or any other factors, he said.
The director said that some other airlines had also cut down their flights because of reduction in the number of passengers.
Sam Adurogboye, the General Manager, Public Relations, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), confirmed the development in a text message to aviation correspondents.
Mr. Adurogboye, however, said that the airline grounded its operations because it did not have flight crew who are updated at the moment.
The NCAA spokesperson had also in a recent interview with journalists confirmed that First Nation was operating with only a single A319 aircraft instead of the prerequisite two aircraft.
Mr. Adurogboye also said the airline was granted waiver for few months to use one aircraft due to the unserviceable nature of its second aircraft, adding that the NCAA was closely monitoring its operations.
NAN reports that the airline had also in August 2016 suspended operations for two months due to lack of operating aircraft. (NAN)
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A new U.S. security measure banning large electronic devices from airliner cabins on direct flights to the U.S. from 10 Middle Eastern hubs on Tuesday left travellers in confusion.
It was unclear when the new measures at the 10 airports in eight countries would take effect, with airlines stating different commencement dates.
In Washington, the Transportation Security Administration referred all questions regarding the new aviation security enhancements to the Homeland Security Department, which declined to give further details on the ban.
The department had posted a fact sheet saying that U.S. intelligence believed that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.
Based on this trend, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), in consultation with relevant departments and agencies has determined it is prudent to enhance security.
This includes airport security procedures for passengers at certain last point of departure airports to the U.S., the post said.
The Homeland Security fact sheet said there would be an emergency amendment to its security directives.
It said that the process would include industry notification to affected air carriers that would implement the requirements.
The report quoted Homeland Security officials in a Monday briefing as saying airlines have 96 hours to comply with the new standards.
Other media outlets reported that the new policy went into effect at 0700 GMT on Tuesday.
Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways both confirmed the new regulation Tuesday, issuing statements that seemed to impose the policy immediately.
Emirates Airlines said in a statement that the new measures were valid from Saturday until October 14 on U.S. bound routes from Dubai.
Egypt Air said it would begin banning large electronics on its Cairo-to-New York flights starting Friday, after receiving new travel instructions from U.S. authorities.
Egypt Air also reported it received an email from JFK airport with instructions to ban laptops, tablets, cameras, CD players and video game devices on board from its first flight which leaves to New York on Friday.
The ban applies to all personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone or smart phone.
Such devices must be placed in checked baggage, except approved medical devices, which could be brought into cabins after additional screening.
The 10 affected airports, all in Muslim-majority countries, are Abu Dhabi, Amman, Cairo, Casablanca, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Jeddah, Kuwait City and Riyadh.
In another development, Britain said it would follow the U.S. by banning laptops and other larger electronic devices from passenger cabins on some inbound flights from Middle Eastern and African nations.
The prime minister has chaired a number of meetings on aviation security over the last few weeks, including this morning.
It was agreed that new aviation security measures on all inbound direct flights to UK from the following countries will be introduced: Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia, Prime Minister Theresa May said.
The U.S. move follows President Donald Trumps 90-day ban on most travellers from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen, and a 120-day halt to refugee approvals from around the world.
Washington is hosting a meeting this week of allies in the international coalition against the Islamic State movement, with a large number of arrivals from Muslim and Arab countries.
Turkish Transportation Minister Ahmet Arslan said the U.S. measure was not the correct decision, arguing that business travellers in particular should not be separated from work devices on the long-haul flights, which could stretch for 12 hours.
He said he had initiated contacts with U.S. authorities over the issue and warned of negative impacts on both travelling through Turkey and U.S.-Turkish relations.
(dpa/NAN)
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A former Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Andrew Yakubu, has been admitted to bail by the Federal High Court Abuja.
Mr. Yakubu was arraigned on a six-count charge of money laundering and false asset declaration.
The trial judge, Ahmed Mohammed, granted him bail to the tune of N300 million and two sureties in like sum.
He said one of the sureties must have a landed property within the Abuja metropolis while the other must be a resident.
Justice Mohammed further stated that the sureties must submit their international passports along with two passport photographs with the registrar of the court.
The judge further asked the accused to deposit his international passport with the court registrar and not travel outside the jurisdiction of the court.
On the prayer for the release of Mr. Yakubus international passport, the judge held that the court is not concerned about that but about whether he is entitled to bail.
Justice Mohammed subsequently fixed trial to May 9, 2017.
A special operation conducted by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on February 3 on a building belonging to Mr.Yakubu in Kaduna, had yielded the recovery of $9,772,800 (Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Seven Two Thousand, Eight Hundred United States Dollars) and another sum of 74,000 (Seventy Four Thousand Pound Sterling) cash.
The former oil chief was charged by the EFCC after he admitted owning the over $9.8 million cash found in the house.
The huge cash was hidden in a fire proof safe.
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The Senate has referred its president, Bukola Saraki, and controversial Senator, Dino Melaye, to the committee on ethics and privileges over allegations of importing a car with fake Customs documents and certificate forgery respectively.
The resolution, on Tuesday, followed a motion by the former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, who said the two cases alleged seizure of car belonging to Mr. Saraki and Mr. Melayes certificate scandal had made the Senate subject of public ridicule.
Mr. Ndume categorically said Nigerians were insulting the Senate over the scandals and, therefore, urged the Senate to investigate Messrs. Saraki and Melaye.
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided in the absence of Mr. Saraki who went to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for his corruption trial, referred the matters to the committee on ethics and privileges chaired by Samuel Anyanwu.
The committee has four weeks to report back to the Senate, Mr. Ekweremadu ruled.
The two matters involving Mr. Saraki and his ally, Mr. Melaye, were made public following reports by Sahara Reporters about how a bullet proof Range Rover purportedly belonging to Mr. Saraki was imported with fake papers and seized by the Nigeria Customs Service.
The Comptroller-General of the NCS, Hameed Ali, is currently at loggerheads with the Senate which insists the retired colonel must wear Customs uniform to appear before the lawmakers on Wednesday.
Sahara Reporters report suggested the Senate was tough on Mr. Ali because Customs seized Mr. Sarakis car.
But seizure is yet to be confirmed by the NCS.
The paper also said Mr. Melaye did not graduate from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, contrary to the Senators claim. But Mr. Melaye denied the allegation, saying he is even currently studying for a postgraduate degree in the school.
Since his removal as Senate Leader after a fallout with Mr. Saraki over the rejection of the nomination of Ibrahim Magu for the top job at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr. Ndume has been openly tackling Mr. Saraki.
He once asked the Senate President to disclose the details of the National Assemblys budget to both the public and the lawmakers.
Nigerians following the Senate proceedings online dismissed the probe of Mr. Saraki and Mr. Melaye.
The outcome is already knownclean bill of health, said Achilleus Uchegbu on Facebook.
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The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday constituted a five-member ad-hoc committee to investigate the Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme, Usman Yusuf, over allegations financial and administrative abuses.
The motion to probe Mr. Yusuf, a professor, was sponsored by Kabiru Marafa, APC-Zamfara, who expressed concern about scandalous activities of the new Executive Secretary since his appointment.
President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Mr. Yusuf head of NHIS in July 2016.
Mr. Marafa, in his presentation, alleged that Mr. Yusuf had been spending above his threshold without the approval of the supervising ministry which is the Ministry of Health headed by Isaac Adewole.
In substantiating his claim, Mr. Marafa mentioned corrupt expenditure of N292 million incurred by Mr. Yusuf for healthcare financing training; illegal expenditure of N218 million for training of staff; scandalous expenditure of N400 million purportedly for training during month of October 2016; and N50 million for T-shirts and face caps despite presidential order banning promotional items and souvenirs.
All the expenditures totalling N960 million, said Mr. Marafa, were without recourse to any appropriate approving authority though the Executive Secretarys spending limit is N2.5 million.
Apart from alleged financial corruption, Mr. Yusuf was also accused of other abuses, including illegal recruitment, fraudulent change of the designations, and questionable promotions.
Mr. Marafa cited the recent appointment or elevation of a barely 32 years old to the position of Assistant General Manager, equivalent to an Assistant Director in the ministry (of heath) who in fact had less than 10 years in service.
Corrupt and scandalous activities of the Executive Secretary if left unchecked could affect the smooth running of the agency, said Mr. Marafa.
The Senate, led by the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, agreed to Mr. Marafas single request that Mr. Yusuf face an ad-hoc investigative panel of the Senate.
Accordingly, Mr. Ekweremadu constituted the committee, comprising Lanre Tejuso, APC-Ogun, who is the chairman of the committee on health; Ahmed Lawan, APC-Yobe, the Senate Leader; Bassey Akpan, PDP-Akwa Ibom; Ahmed Ogembe, PDP-Kogi; and Mr. Marafa to investigate Mr. Yusuf.
PREMIUM TIMES understands that Mr. Yusuf has had frosty relationship with health management organisations which NHIS regulates over policies and alleged pompous attitude of the Executive Secretary.
At a time, the HMOs reported Mr. Yusuf to Mr. Tejuoso who was said to have no interest in bringing the allegations against the Executive Secretary before the Senate before Mr. Marafa now did.
Mr. Yusuf was said to have boasted about having direct access to the President, thereby showing no regard for the minister, Mr. Adewole, a professor and former vice-chancellor of the University of Ibadan.
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The implementation of the various intervention programmes by the Central Bank of Nigeria to stimulate the output of companies in the non-oil sector has become a thing of concern to the Senate, the lawmakers said on Tuesday.
The Senate, therefore, resolved to invite the Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, to address the lawmakers on the progress the apex bank has made in the use of its intervention facilities to help buoy Nigerias economy currently in recession.
The resolution followed a motion by Abubakar Yusuf, PDP-Taraba, who maintained that Nigerias drive to haul the economy out of recession and for diversification from the current reliance on the oil sector will fail in the long term, if qualified companies do not access the CBN facilities.
Mr. Yusuf said the intervention programmes to stimulate productivity, enhance value addition and create jobs for Nigerians were launched in realisation that they were sure ways of fighting economic recession through funding sustainable growth of existing industries of existing industries some of them inactive.
Therefore, the senator said, the apex bank, based on Section 31 of the CBN Act, 2007, introduced several intervention funds, including N235 billion fund for manufacturing, refinancing and restructuring facilities of bank loans; N500 billion debenture stock with N200 billion set aside for refinancing/restructuring of SMEs/manufacturing portfolios, and N300 billion for power/airline projects.
He also mentioned a non-oil N500 billion low interest export stimulation facilities (ESF) also introduced to complement the already existing N300 billion real sector support facility (RSSF) established in December 2014 to further assist the sustainable growth of the economy.
He said the CBN had encouraged Nigerian companies and exporters to access the facilities through development finance institutions like Bank of Industry, NEXIM Bank and other direct applications from commercial banks.
Yet, very little progress has been made to strongly fund requirements of the of many of such valuable institutions that we expect to push growth of our economy within the growing expectations ignited by the CBN interventions. said Mr. Yusuf, who alleged that applicants had been disappointed by the CBN.
Following Mr. Yusufs presentation, the Senate voted to invite Mr. Emefiele for a briefing on the intervention facilities. The lawmakers also said the governor should come with the list of beneficiary companies, factories, exporters etc.
There was no ruling on the date of Mr. Emefieles appearance.
The Senate also resolved to ask the CBN to consider implementing expeditiously the approvals and disbursements of intervention facilities to these companies in the real sector that merit such facilities.
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The Nigeria Customs Service said on Tuesday that its embattled Comptroller-General will not appear before the Senate as summoned last week.
Joseph Attah, NCS spokesperson, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday evening that Hameed Ali will not be honouring the mandatory appearance which senators issued to him last week.
Consequently, the instruction that Mr. Ali must appear in uniform will also be discarded, Mr. Attah said.
Mr. Attah said Mr. Alis decision not to appear before the Senate on Wednesday was based on a written instruction from the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
He said Mr. Malami was acting based on a writ of summons filed by a lawyer in Abuja.
The lawyer, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim, dragged Mr. Ali, the Senate, the Attorney General and the Nigerian government before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, seeking judicial intervention in the ongoing controversy about Mr. Alis refusal to wear Customs uniform.
Mr. Attah said Mr. Ali just received a written advice from the Attorney-Generals office urging all parties to stay action on the matter.
The spokesman further stated that, based on that new development, Mr. Ali will not be appearing before the Senate tomorrow.
He said the Senate was also copied in the advice issued by Mr. Malami for all parties to stay action.
In his suit, Mr. Ibrahim asked the court to clarify if there is any legal basis for Senates demand that Mr. Ali must appear before it in uniform.
PREMIUM TIMES saw a copy of the court filing Tuesday evening.
Senate spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening. His number indicated it was switched off.
A spokesman for the Attorney-General was not available for comments Tuesday evening.
Senators chased Mr. Ali out of the chambers after he appeared before them in a cloth other than his Customs uniform.
Mr. Ali, a retired colonel, has not been seen in Customs uniform since he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, sparking confrontation between him and senators who threatened serious consequences if he failed to do so by Wednesday.
Earlier this month, he told the lawmakers he was not appointed to wear uniform, in an apparent response to their request that he must appear in appropriate uniform.
Mr. Alis supporters have argued that he was not a career Customs official and had already
worn the uniform of the Nigerian Army where he rose to be a colonel and thus could not wear the uniform of a para-military agency like the Customs.
But PREMIUM TIMES findings revealed last week that one of Mr. Alis predecessors, Bello Haliru, wore uniform despite being appointed outside the service.
Our findings also showed that Haladu Hananiya, a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, wore the agencys uniform even though his appointment came years after he retired as a major general in the Nigerian Army.
But Mr. Attah said Nigerians should look at Mr. Alis performance since he took charge of Customs nearly two years ago rather than focusing on uniform.
He was appointed to restructure, reform and raise revenue for the country and he has been found to have performed greatly, he told PREMIUM TIMES last week.
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Benjamin Ogunbodede, a professor and former director of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, has said that he gave N50 million to some members of the National Assembly.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the embattled former director is standing trial before a Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan over alleged N177 million hazard allowance fraud.
Testifying before Justice Nathaniel Ayo-Emmanuel, Mr. Ogunbodede named one Gbenga Makanjuola, the then house committee chairman on agriculture, as one of the recipients of the N50 million gratifications.
Mr. Makanjuola could not be immediately reached.
The former director, standing trial with two others, however, refused to mention names of other members of the committee, Senate members and officials of the Ministry of Finance who received the N50 million gratifications.
Mr. Ogunbodede stated that the sum served as a thank you gesture to the NASS members and others who facilitated the quick release of N606 million, which was the schools grant from the Federal Government.
Makanjuola was one of the House of Representative members from the South-West on the committee who was paid the gratification, the ex-director said.
He further confessed that the school did not actually raise fund from philanthropists contrary to his earlier testimony in court.
Tendering the earlier statement which Mr. Ogunbodede had made before the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, counsel to EFCC, contended that the witness lied when he told the court that he raised money from the friends to execute some projects in the school.
The court also admitted in evidence many documents by various panels of inquiry that had indicted Mr. Ogunbodede.
However, Tunde Olupona, the defense counsel, opposed some of the submissions made by the prosecution.
Justice Ayo-Emmanuel adjourned the matter till April 7 for continuation of trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr. Ogunbodede, Zachius Tejumola and Clement Adenose have since 2014 been standing trial on multiple charges bordering conspiracy, forgery, conversion and stealing N177,571,609 million.
The amount was meant to pay hazard allowances of workers of the institution.
NAN reports that one other accused and his nine companies, earlier arraigned with Mr. Ogunbodede, in 2016 entered into a plea bargain and were indicted and consequently convicted.
The fourth accused, Jalekun Omitowoju, a contractor, and his companies, were allegedly conduits through which the former director embezzled the money. (NAN)
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Security operatives have said Nigerian soldiers based in Magumeri village of Borno State received early warning about a deadly Boko Haram attack in the community last Wednesday.
A number of soldiers and police personnel died in the attack. The army initially said four soldiers were killed, but the Borno government said the figure was far higher.
At least two police personnel also died in the attack.
In separate testimonies, the State Security Service, SSS, the Criminal Investigation Bureau of the Nigeria Police, as well as the Civilian-JTF in the town, said the military did not do enough to avert the attack.
These revelations were made at a stakeholders meeting on Tuesday, convened by the Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima, to investigate the allegation by the Army, that residents of Magumeri connived with insurgents to attack troops.
Mr. Shettima said he was displeased by the comments credited to the spokesman of the army, Sani Usman, who said the military obtained credible intelligence suggesting that the attack was made possible because residents cooperated with Boko Haram.
The governor, who expressed anger with leaders of Magumeri, and accused them of hurting civilian-military relations with their actions, was shocked midway into the meeting, when agents of other security outfits gave testimonies that contradicted the claims made by the military.
The meeting took place at the council chambers of Government House, Maiduguri, with all security chiefs in the state, as well as leaders of the community and local government, in attendance.
Police CIBs testimony
Leading in giving accounts of what happened in the town on Wednesday was the head of police Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) in Magumeri, Bello Haruna, who said the military authority in Magumeri was well informed about the impending attack before it eventually happened.
He said on the day of the attack, the Commander of the troops in Magumeri, identified as Captain Waza, invited him for an update on the rumoured assemblage of Boko Haram fighters around the town.
The Commanding officer, a Captain, invited me to his office in the morning of Wednesday, hours before the attack, asking for the details of the location where Boko Haram fighters were said to be assembling, and I asked him to bring out the map from which I gave him all the necessary information about the terrorists locations. But I am not sure if anything was done in response to that before the attackers came, he said.
SSS testimony
Similarly, the SSS representative in Magumeri, Tim Modalla, who was also at the meeting, said the security was aware of the impending attack four days before it finally happened.
He said the SSS was aware Boko Haram fighters were gathering at a location not far away from Maiduguri. He added that all necessary information was relayed to the military.
The SSS personnel said he received intelligence that Boko Haram members were gathering in some villages around Magumeri, and that they continued to shift their base closer by the day until they eventually stormed Magumeri with about 45 vehicles and a large number of motorcycles.
On March 10, we received credible intelligence from our informants that Boko haram members were gathering in Bana village not far away; and after two days they shifted to Suleimanti village; then the following day which was 14th March, we gathered that their number swelled and they had about 45 vehicles, Mr. Modalla said.
We picked the report and transmitted same to the military telling them that it is possible that Boko Haram would bring attack to either Magumeri, Mobbar or Gubio towns.
And as predicted on the 15th of March at about 5.30p.m., I was informed by a civilian-JTF that our town was about to be attacked. And I told him to quickly alert the Captain, and the Civilian-JTF Operative said he was at the military base four times to alert them of the attack.
Community leaders testimony
A well-known elder and community leader of Magumeri said the Nigerian military was unfair in accusing residents of connivance with the Boko Haram. He said the reason Magumeri was not attacked in recent times was because he led other residents in helping the security operatives with all information needed to help them fight back Boko Haram.
On several occasion, despite my age, I would ..(this sentence has been edited because of the nature of information it conveyed) together with some of our youth (to) ensure that we keep track of any Boko haram movement, he said.
We sometimes sight Boko Haram members movement some 50 to 40km away from our village, and each time we sight them, we immediately inform the soldiers.
On the day of the attack, some few hours before it happened I got a call in Maiduguri from Magumeri that we were about to be attacked; and I quickly called the military commanders that I have their numbers to adequately inform them. When I was receiving the call from Magumeri, the attackers were about 17km to our village, and I made this known to the military authorities. But nothing was done. So how could they have accused us of helping the Boko Haram. That is not fair.
Civilian-JTF testimony
A leader of the Civilian-JTF in Magumeri also said he got hint in the morning of the day of the attack that a large number of Boko Haram fighters were advancing towards their village.
Initially the informant asked if we were out on patrol with soldiers, I said no. He said he saw a large number of trucks that looked exactly like that of soldiers but what made him suspicious of their identity was the presence of large number of motorcycles trailing their convoy. So he said we had to be careful because they were advancing towards Magumeri town, the Civilian-JTF operative said.
When I received the information the Boko Haram fighters were about 30km away from Magumeri. So I had to run to the soldiers camp to inform the Captain who is the commander that this is what was about to take place. Some few minutes later, I ran back to the captain upon receiving the information that the attackers were about 20km away. When they were less than 10km I still went back to the Captain to alert him. On my fourth trip back from the camp, when I was about to mobilize my boys to move into the soldiers camp, the Boko Haram fighters invaded the town, and began to attack and shoot at the military base. We managed to run into the base thinking that it would be safe, but the Boko Haram fighters continued to shoot into the base. That was how all of us, including the soldiers took to our heels because of their large number. So I still dont know why we are being accused of helping the Boko Haram after all this information we have provided to them.
The state director of the SSS, had in responding to a question from the governor on what they usually do with intelligence gathered about the Boko Haram movements and locations, said, We do not sit on the information we get. Just as it was said earlier, we normally transmit same to the relevant executive security agency for action. We have copious and documented evidence to prove that to whoever is in doubt.
The garrison commander, Jubril Muhammed, a brigadier general, who represented the G.O.C at the meeting, described the development as unfortunate even as he said he would not speak on why the Army spokesman issued the statement suggesting residents connived with Boko Haram.
But he confirmed receiving early intelligence from some community leaders informing him about the impending attacks, hours before it happened.
Governor Shettima expressed sadness over the development, especially on how the military was quick in accusing the locals of colluding with terrorists.
He pleaded with residents and community leaders to continue to support the military even as he appealed that the well-nurtured civil-military relation that helped decimate Boko Haram should not be destroyed at a time the state was trying to consolidate on the gains made over the terrorist group.
Contacted for comments on the development, the spokesman for the Nigeria Army, Mr. Usman, a brigadier general, said the army had its facts and stood by them, but said the indictment was not on general terms.
Our position on Magumeri is not an indictment on the whole society but those who have been conniving with terrorists know themselves, he told PREMIUM TIMES.
We have our own facts and we are investigating the issue.
We implore the people to understand that they need to support the military and other security forces especially at this critical stage of the fight against insurgency and terrorism.
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Hameed Ali, the Comptroller-General of Customs, said on Tuesday that he will not appear before the Senate as summoned last week.
Senators had last week Thursday asked Mr. Ali to appear before them in Customs uniform for questioning no later than Wednesday, this week.
The request is part of a lingering dogfight between the Customs boss and lawmakers over issues bordering on Customs operations across the country, especially on the recent policy regarding vehicle papers.
Mr. Ali was sent away from the Senate chambers last week when he turned up to answer the questions, because he failed to appear in uniform as directed.
But Mr. Ali said Tuesday afternoon that the matter had become a subject of judicial intervention and honouring the summons could prove prejudicial.
The case is in court already. Somebody has sued us. I have gotten my writ of summons and they said status quo ante should remain; which means nothing should be done until the court makes a pronouncement, the Customs boss told reporters in the State House.
A private individual sued all of us; he wants an interpretation of the section that is in contention, the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Mr. Ali as saying. I dont want to talk so that I am not held in contempt of court.
Similarly, Joseph Attah, NCS spokesperson, told PREMIUM TIMES Thursday evening that Mr. Ali will not be honouring the mandatory appearance which senators issued to him last week.
Consequently, the instruction that Mr. Ali must appear in uniform will also be discarded, Mr. Attah said.
Mr. Attah said Mr. Alis decision not to appear before the Senate on Wednesday was based on a written instruction from the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami.
He said Mr. Malami was acting based on a writ of summons filed by a lawyer in Abuja.
The lawyer, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim, dragged Mr. Ali, the Senate, the Attorney General and the Nigerian government before the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court, seeking judicial intervention in the ongoing controversy about Mr. Alis refusal to wear Customs uniform.
Mr. Attah said Mr. Ali just received a written advice from the Attorney-Generals office urging all parties to stay action on the matter.
The spokesman further stated that, based on that new development, Mr. Ali will not be appearing before the Senate tomorrow.
He said the Senate was also copied in the advice issued by Mr. Malami for all parties to stay action.
In his suit, Mr. Ibrahim asked the court to clarify if there is any legal basis for Senates demand that Mr. Ali must appear before it in uniform.
PREMIUM TIMES saw a copy of the court filing Tuesday evening.
Senate spokesperson, Sabi Abdullahi, could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening. His number indicated it was switched off.
A spokesman for the Attorney-General was not available for comments Tuesday evening.
Mr. Ali, a retired colonel, has not been seen in Customs uniform since he was appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, sparking confrontation between him and senators who threatened serious consequences if he failed to do so by Wednesday.
Earlier this month, he told the lawmakers he was not appointed to wear uniform, in an apparent response to their request that he must appear in appropriate uniform.
Mr. Alis supporters have argued that he was not a career Customs official and had already worn the uniform of the Nigerian Army where he rose to be a colonel and thus could not wear the uniform of a para-military agency like the Customs.
But PREMIUM TIMES findings revealed last week that one of Mr. Alis predecessors, Bello Haliru, wore uniform despite being appointed outside the service.
Our findings also showed that Haladu Hananiya, a former Corps Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, wore the agencys uniform even though his appointment came years after he retired as a major general in the Nigerian Army.
But Mr. Attah said Nigerians should look at Mr. Alis performance since he took charge of Customs nearly two years ago rather than focusing on uniform.
He was appointed to restructure, reform and raise revenue for the country and he has been found to have performed greatly, he told PREMIUM TIMES last week.
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SAN FRANCISCO, March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hyperwallet, a leading global payouts provider to fast-growth digital marketplaces, revealed today that it has hired a Sydney-based Managing Director to target ecommerce and gig economy businesses in the Asia Pacific region. Simon Banks, who previously headed PayPals Australian Merchant Services business, has been chosen to lead the regional initiative as Managing Director and SVP of Asia Pacific.
Simon Banks boasts extensive experience in senior management and Asia Pacific roles at disruptive companies such as Salesforce.com, Travelex, Siebel, and Oracle. Prior to joining Hyperwallet, Banks served as Director of Merchant Services for PayPal Australia. A thought leader in the ecommerce marketplace space, Banks understanding of mobile and digital commerce will help shape Hyperwallets approach down under. He is expected to build out Hyperwallets Australian payments team over the coming months and will be responsible for leading expansion efforts in the region.
Australia and Asia Pacific are punching above their weight when it comes to creating innovative two-sided marketplaces, Banks explained. Seeing them succeed on an international scale has always been very important to me. Hyperwallet is an ideal global fintech partner for these organizations; our APIs are capable of unlocking a fast, secure, and compliant supply-side payment network for marketplaces of all shapes and sizes. Thats something Im very excited to share.
With representation in Sydney, Hyperwalletwhich announced its European expansion and London office in Januaryis quickly laying the ground work for significant international growth. The appeal of independent contracting, freelancing, selling, and gigging knows no borders, explained Brent Warrington, Hyperwallets CEO. Fortunately, neither does Hyperwallet. As a global platform, were committed to knocking down the barriers to cross-border payments and bringing our technology to marketplaces everywhere.
For more information, please contact press@hyperwallet.com.
About Hyperwallet
Hyperwallets payout platform provides growing organizations with a frictionless, transparent, and reliable way to manage payments and enhance the payees experience almost anywhere in the world. Trusted by enterprise, ecommerce, and on-demand platforms, Hyperwallet makes it easy to pay up to 7 billion people in a singular payment environment. Put your payees in control with enhanced financial management tools, integrated payment tracking technology, and user-friendly compliance and identity verification. Hyperwallet has offices in San Francisco, Austin, London, and Vancouver. You can learn more at http://hyperwallet.com.
The governing All Progressives Congress, APC, on Monday inaugurated interim national executives for a coalition of over 160 registered APC support groups.
The party also inaugurated the national executives for its support groups of Peoples With Disabilities, PWD, at the partys national secretariat in Abuja.
While inaugurating the national executives, the partys deputy national chairman (north), Lawal Shuaibu, thanked development partners, International Republican Institute, IRI, for its support in ensuring that all the groups were harmonised.
The event of today is a milestone in a journey that started close to two years ago. The APC cannot thank IRI enough for its contribution in this journey because their contributions are both unquantifiable and immeasurable.
The newly inaugurated national executives must ensure effective coordination, constant communication and meeting with all the APC support groups and report regularly to the national leadership of the party, Mr. Shuaibu said.
The spokesperson of the APC, Bolaji Abdullahi, said the event was a demonstration of the partys recognition of the efforts and contributions of the various APC support groups in the partys victory in the 2015 general elections.
Mr. Abdullahi said the inauguration of the national executives would ensure better coordination of the support groups activities.
IRIs Nigeria Country Director, Sentell Barnes, hailed the APCs effort to ensure that all Nigerians, particularly marginalised groups PWDs, women and youth have access to political processes.
The IRI has been working very much with the APC to bring these [Support] Groups together. We are very happy with the work that the Deputy National Chairman (North) has done, as well as other members of the APC National Working Committee.
IRI has been working to ensure that all Nigerians have access to political processes and we are very happy for all the work the APC has been doing to ensure that there is access to the political process.
The IRI has been working with the PWD community, women and youth to ensure that everyone has a voice. With this representation, there is now a direct channel to the leadership of the APC. It is good to see that the Party is making the necessary efforts to ensure that all Nigerians have a place at the table, Mr. Barnes said.
Misbahu Didi will serve as national coordinator of APC Persons Living with Disability Support Groups, while Lawal Munir is interim national coordinator of the Coalition of APC Support Groups.
APC NWC members in attendance at the inauguration were the APC National Secretary, Mai Mala Buni; National Treasurer, Bala Gwagwarwa, and Deputy National Secretary, Oji Ngofa.
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Over four years after the murder of postgraduate student, Cynthia Osokogu, in a hotel in FESTAC Town, a Lagos High Court will on Thursday give judgment in the trial of four accused over the incident.
Justice Olabisi Akinlade of a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, had on January 12, during the adoption of the final written addresses by all the counsel in the case, fixed the date to deliver judgment.
Ms. Osokogu was lured to Lagos by someone she met on Facebook, and murdered on July 22, 2012, at Cosmilla Hotel, Lakeview Estate, Festac Town.
The four accused persons charged with the murder of the postgraduate student are: Okwumo Nwabufo, 33; Olisaeloka Ezike, 23; Orji Osita, 33, and Ezike Nonso, 25.
They were arraigned on a six-count charge of conspiracy, murder, stealing, recklessness, negligence and possession of stolen goods, to which they all pleaded not guilty.
During the proceedings, 10 witnesses gave evidence.
The court initially foreclosed the right of the second accused, Olisaeloka Ezike, to file his address.
The judge made the order due to the delay by his counsel to file his final written address.
According to the judge, there were several adjournments by the court to enable the second accused file his address but the counsel chose to sleep on the right of his client.
However, after the excuse of ill-health and change of counsel were given as reasons for the delay, the judge allowed the address to be regularised.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the murder trial began on Feb. 8, 2013, with the state calling the hotels receptionist as its first witness.
The body of late Cynthia, 24, the only daughter of a retired brigadier general, Frank Osokogu, was discovered in a Lagos morgue a month after she was declared missing by her family.
She was a postgraduate student at the Nasarawa State University and an entrepreneur, who owned a boutique at her base before her death. (NAN)
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The president of Egypt, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, called Tuesday to wish President Muhammadu Buhari well, the Nigerian presidents office said in a statement.
The Egyptian leader also congratulated President Buhari on the strides Nigeria has made in the campaign against Boko Haram and other security challenges, spokesperson Femi Adesina said.
President el-Sisi, who also expressed the preparedness of his country to assist in Nigerias quest to overcome her security concerns, if needed, hoped that the two countries will continue to partner in other areas of mutual interest.
Also, on Thursday last week, President Adama Barrow of The Gambia in a goodwill phone call to President Buhari, thanked Nigeria for her leading role in his emergence as president of his country, and wished the Nigerian leader well.
Similarly, on the same day last week, President Nana Akuffo-Addo of Ghana, called President Buhari to wish him good health and greater bilateral cooperation between the West African countries.
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The Federal Government has issued a new set of directives in its bid to accelerate the implementation of the Buhari administrations new vision for the development of the Niger Delta.
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo issued the directives at a recent meeting of the inter-ministerial working group, following up on the renewed Niger Delta interactive engagements of the Buhari administration.
For instance, the federal government has given all contractors including those handling Niger Delta Development Commission projects in the region a 30-day ultimatum from Tuesday to return to site or face prosecution.
The Federal Government has also specifically directed that the list of all contractors who have not returned to site within the stipulated period be compiled and submitted to the Ministry of Justice and the Economic & Financial Crimes Commission for investigation and prosecution.
A concerted implementation work plan that would respond to the developmental issues and projects proposed by PANDEF is also being prepared, while fresh mandates are also being issued to all the relevant MDAs as appropriate.
This includes the FGs directive to the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC; the Ministries of Niger Delta Affairs; Environment; Power, Works and Housing to proceed with the design and implementation of work plans in line with the administrations new vision for the region.
Ministries and agencies of government involved in furthering the establishment of the Maritime University at Okerenkoko in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, have also been directed to come up with a clear path to the eventual actualisation of the objective including consideration for a possible and timely take-off grant for the university.
The meeting also discussed the plans to continue presidential visits to the remaining states with oil-producing communities so as to effectively conclude the interactive engagements with the people of the region.
Specific instructions have also been given to the Ministry of Environment to ensure and report on the progress of the Ogoni Clean-up, for which a Project Office is now located in Rivers State and is functional.
A directive has also been issued to the Ministry of Environment for a plan to commence considerations for the clean-up of other polluted areas in the oil-producing communities.
The membership of the Niger Delta inter-ministerial group comprises officials from the presidency, all relevant ministries including the Petroleum Resources, Niger Delta Affairs, Environment, Power, Works and Housing, and Office of the Presidential Amnesty Programme among other MDAs.
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The Federal High Court Abuja on Tuesday suspended the ongoing trial of Nicholas Ashinze until the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, puts its house in order.
Mr. Ashinze was an aide to former National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki.
At the resumed trial, counsel to Mr. Ashinze, Ernest Nwoye, protested a press statement issued by the EFCC, in which the defendant was reported to have been indicted by the court for diverting and misappropriating N36 billion.
He said that the EFCC statement also referred to Mr. Ashinze, who is still in service, as a retired officer.
The counsel, who drew the attention of Justice Gabriel Kolawole to what he described as an offending EFCC press statement, tendered the statement and the newspaper publications in court.
He said that the anti-graft agency had misrepresented the court proceeding of March 7.
Mr. Nwoye told the court that Mr. Ashinze was never charged by the EFCC for any offence of diversion and misappropriation of N36billion.
He wondered where the EFCC media team got its proceedings that the defendant had been indicted for the offence.
He urged the court to frown at the media trial the defendant was being subjected to, as such action if not checked, would mislead the general public.
Justice Kolawole asked the EFCC counsel, Ofem Uket, if he was aware of the press statement and if he ever issued any.
Mr. Uket denied granting a press interview in respect of the trial, but admitted to receiving a letter of complaint from Mr. Nwoye.
He also said that he consulted with the EFCC and discovered that the statement was actually released to the media.
In his ruling, Mr. Kolawole said that it was unfair for the EFCC, as a complainant in the trial, to resort to self-help by engaging the defendant in a media trial and at the same time in a court trial.
If you want to try the defendant in the media, you have to limit yourself to the media. You have to stop misleading the public in the facts of this trial.
Let me say it for the sake of emphasis that EFCC must stop the use of journalists to distort proceedings in my court. You cannot be engaging in two trials, one in the court and one in the media, at the same time.
If you are not satisfied with my decision to stop this trial pending the time the EFCC retracts this offending press statement of my court proceeding, then you can take your case to another court.
This press statement by one Wilson Uwujaren, who claims to be from EFCC, is scandalous and prejudice to fair trial of the defendant in this matter.
In order to prevent media and court trial at the same time with one misrepresenting the other, I have stopped this trial pending the time the EFCC retracts the offending press statement.
The retraction has to be done between now and April 13, and this EFCC witness is hereby ordered to step down from the witness box and come back on April 13.
The EFCC had arraigned Mr. Ashinze, Wolfgang Reinl, who is an Austrian, Edidiong Idiong and Sagir Mohammed, on a 13-count charge of corruption and money laundering to the tune of N3.1 billion.
They allegedly diverted the money from the office of the former NSA.
The defendants, who were arraigned along with five companies, denied the charges preferred against them.
(NAN)
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President Muhammadu Buhari has commiserated with the government and people of Benue State on the recent attack on a market in Zaki Biam by gunmen which resulted in the loss of lives.
The president, in a statement by his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, on Tuesday condemned the wicked attack and directed security agencies to begin immediate investigation with a view to bringing the perpetrators of the dastardly act to book.
Mr. Buhari, while sympathising with those who lost loved ones, also prayed that Almighty God will comfort the grieving families and grant the souls of the victims eternal rest.
The president also condemned the killings in other parts of the country and challenged law enforcement agencies to rise to the occasion and end this blight on the image of the country.
We must condemn inhuman and unnecessary shedding of human blood all over the country. We seem to have lost value for human life, which is sacred. Man is the glory of Gods creation and nobody has the right to unjustly and unlawfully take another persons life in a reckless manner, Mr. Buhari said.
He enjoined all citizens to learn to live together in peace and brotherhood and not allow little misunderstandings to degenerate into heartless acts capable of straining the bonds of nationhood.
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Two Chinese Nationals and their Nigerian partners charged for importing fake and substandard tyres worth N5 billion have been granted bail.
A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday granted Tailung Shen, 36, Xu Jimg Yao, 22 and Chinedu Madubuike, bail of N10 million each and two sureties in like sum each.
Their companies, Sino Nigeria Limited and Nedeca International Limited, which were also charged alongside the accused were ordered to deposit N10 million each.
The trial judge, Mojisola Olatoregun, also ordered that their international passports be deposited with the registrar of the court.
The accused were arrested in February by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, SON, monitoring and enforcement team for allegedly importing tyres which did not meet Nigeria Industrial standard.
The alleged fake and substandard tyres were said to be the largest seizure ever in Nigeria.
The accused were charged with conspiring to and importing import tyres which did not meet the relevant Nigeria industrial standards, knowing same to be in dangerous state or injurious to life of human beings.
They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During the Tuesdays proceeding, Yussuf Lawan, a prosecutor from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, informed the court that he has four witnesses listed to testify in the matter.
Mrs. Olatoregun adjourned the case to May 15 for commencement of trial.
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The governor of Bayelsa State, Seriake Dickson, has denied asking the factional national chairman of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to step down.
The News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, had on Sunday published an interview in which Mr. Dickson was quoted as calling on Mr. Makarfi to step down to allow room for genuine reconciliation in the party.
Mr. Dickson heads the reconciliation committee of the PDP.
A NAN reporter and other selected reporters had an interview with the governor during which he reportedly made the call. PREMIUM TIMES sourced the story from the news agency.
The report elicited response from the Makarfi group through its spokesperson, Dayo Adeyeye, who said the statement credited to the Bayelsa governor was shocking and embarrassing.
Mr. Dicksons spokesperson, Francis Agbo, said in a statement on Tuesday that the governor never asked Makarfi to step down.
The statement said, Mr. Dickson, as a peacemaker stated his committees role in the reconciliation process and argued that for PDP to bounce back, leaders must make sacrifices.
He consequently appealed to PDP leaders including Sheriff and Makarfi to make sacrifices for the revival of the party, stressing that the PDP is more than Sheriff and Makarfi and indeed any individual.
This was what a NAN reporter who was at the interaction misconstrued as stepping aside for which we have written to NAN management to complain, the statement said.
Mr. Agbo said the report was aimed at blackmailing the Bayelsa governor.
In spite of the blackmail and propaganda scripted to distract Governor Dickson, the Governor and his Committee remain committed to reconciling all interests through dialogue for only a political solution woven around dialogue and sacrifices can engender true reconciliation, the statement said.
The statement also added that the efforts of the committee was beginning to yield results as the national chairman of the PDP, Ali Sheriff, had publicly written, on the request of the Reconciliation Committee, to undertake that he would not contest election at the forthcoming unity convention of the party.
Mr. Sheriff had also reportedly given a commitment that he would not interfere in the selection of committee membership of the convention and that he had already written organs of the party for nominations into the convention committees.
The statement said Mr. Sheriff had also agreed that all party officials elected before the first botched Port Harcourt Convention in 2016 remain valid and that all members of the partys National Working Committee, NWC, whose tenures are still running have agreed to resign to pave the way for a unity convention.
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The Nigeria Union in South Africa on Tuesday said five Nigerians had been attacked in Polokwane, Limpopo Province of that country in renewed xenophobic attacks.
Collin Mgbo, Secretary of the Union in the Province, told the News Agency of Nigeria on telephone from Polokwane that three of the five Nigerians attacked were in critical condition in the hospital.
I received a call that a Nigerian was attacked at Ivy Park in Polokwane on March 15. I got to the scene and saw that the Nigerian was almost dead, his house was looted and burnt, he said.
Mr. Mgbo said another Nigerian was also attacked in the same neighbourhood same day and that while he got to the scene, the mob left the wounded man and descended on him.
They left the wounded Nigerian and faced me. They destroyed my car and I managed to escape and ran to a police station, he said.
The secretary added that three Nigerians, including the owner of a mechanics garage, were attacked at Moledji, near Polokwane.
Their shops and houses were looted, vandalised and destroyed. The local chapter of the union has reported these attacks to the South African police, Nigerian mission and national secretariat of our union.
Our national secretariat is on top of the situation. As we speak, three Nigerians in the hospital are in critical condition and I do not know if they will survive because of the severity of the attack, he said.
Mgbo urged the Federal Government to persuade its South African counterpart to ensure the safety of Nigerians in their country.
When contacted on phone, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Olusola Enikanolaye, said the ministry had not been briefed about the incident.
He, however, promised to get back to NAN after inquiry from the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa.
Similar, in February, property worth millions of dollars belonging to Nigerians, were destroyed.
The Federal Government later sent a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffry Onyeama, and his Interior counterpart, Abdulrahman Dambazau, to South Africa for discussion on curtailment of the attacks.
(NAN)
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The heads of Nigerias Army and Air Force on Tuesday briefed President Muhammadu Buhari on their operations and reassured him of their unalloyed loyalty.
The meetings with the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a lieutenant general, and the Chief of Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, an air marshal, were held behind closed doors at the presidential villa, Abuja.
Mr. Buratai said he briefed the president on the welfare as well as the general administration of the army.
I briefed His Excellency Mr President Commander-In-Chief President Muhammadu Buhari on our operations and the general security situation that the army is involved in terms of defending the territorial integrity of the country and the welfare of the troops, the state of our general administration.
The president is happy with the Nigerian army and the military.
We will continue to do our work as enshrined in the constitution and we equally assured him of our absolute loyalty to ensure that we discharge our constitutional responsibility accordingly.
Similarly, the Chief of Air Staff said he briefed the president on the operations of the air force in ensuring security and stability in the country.
We are doing everything humanly possible, to ensure that our societies are secured, our communities are stable, so that people can go about pursuing their legitimate aspirations without any fear.
That is the purpose for which the air force is established and that is what we are working to ensure that we do everything humanly possible, to create such an enabling environment.(NAN)
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NEW ORLEANS, March 21, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, the former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have until May 15, 2017 to file lead plaintiff applications in securities class action lawsuits against Walter Investment Management Corporation (NYSE:WAC), if they purchased the Companys securities between February 29, 2016 and March 13, 2017, inclusive (the Class Period). These actions are pending in the United States District Courts for the Middle and Southern Districts of Florida.
What You May Do
If you purchased securities of Walter Investment and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, call toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or email KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn (lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com). If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court by May 15, 2017.
About the Lawsuit
Walter Investment and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.
On March 14, 2017, Walter Investment disclosed that [a]s of December 31, 2016, we identified a material weakness in internal controls over operational processes within the transaction level processing of its subsidiary Ditech Financial[s] default servicing activities.
On this news, the price of Walter Investments shares plummeted by over 38%.
About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
KSF, whose partners include the Former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is a law firm focused on securities, antitrust and consumer class actions, along with merger & acquisition and breach of fiduciary litigation against publicly traded companies on behalf of shareholders. The firm has offices in New York, California and Louisiana.
To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com.
A Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday sentenced two men, Usman Abdullahi, 33, and Ibrahim Sadiq, 32, to two years imprisonment for possession of 350 and 650 grammes of cannabis, respectively.
The judge, Mojisola Olatoregun, however, gave the convicts, who pleaded guilty after they were arraigned by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the option of N1 million fine each.
According to the prosecutor, J.I Aernan, the accused were caught with the drug on February 2 in the Onigbongbo area of Maryland, Lagos.
He said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 11(c) of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.
Addressing one of the accused persons, the prosecutor, J.I Aernan, said the consequence of your action is life imprisonment.
When asked by the judge if they had anything to say, one of the accused persons, Mr. Abdullahi, said: I am guilty and I pray My Lord to be merciful on me. I stopped work in December and I entered into this, I dont have a family and I have a younger sister in Borno state.
Both men had no lawyer and were representing themselves.
Mrs. Olatoregun subsequently found the defendants guilty as charged and duly convicted.
The defendants are granted the opportunity to determine his life with the hope that he will change and stop smoking or dealing with Cannabis Sativa, she said.
The judge later ordered that the substances should be destroyed within 90 days by the NDLEA if he judgement was not appealed.
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Five days after its officials demolished houses and destroyed properties in Otodo-Gbame, a small fishing settlement outside Lekki, an action residents of the community said was in violation of a subsisting court order, the Lagos State government has finally explained why it took the action.
At about 8.30 a.m. Friday, three bulldozers accompanied by anti-terror police officers and officials of the Lagos State environmental task force arrived the community and started pulling down houses and other structure.
The demolition attracted widespread condemnation from local and international organisations.
In a statement released on Tuesday by the commissioner of information and strategy, Steve Ayorinde, the government said officials of the states ministry of environment demolished the houses to prevent an environmental disaster and another round of deadly skirmishes that led to the razing of the community in November.
On November 9, 2016, gang of boys linked to the Elegushi family had attacked residents of Otodo-Gbame and proceeded to set fire on their bamboo homes.
The government said the action was taken to keep the waterfront free from environmentally injurious and unsanitary habitation few months after it was consumed by fire and rendered uninhabitable.
The government explained that contrary to the claim of the residents that it flouted the order of a court, it owed a duty to the entire population of the state to ensure public health and safety is maintained.
The Otodo Gbame community is one of the 39 claimant communities that had commenced action to enforce their fundamental rights pursuant to Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 before Onigbanjo. J of Lagos Division of the High Court of Lagos State in Suit No. LD/4232MFHR/2016..AKAKPO & 38 ORS vs. AG L/S & 3 ORS, the statement said.
Mr. Ayorinde said: The leave granted to enforce their rights was tantamount to an order of status quo ante bellum on the parties, which amongst other things required that the claimants do not take any action within the area after it was destroyed by fire.
The undisputed fact is that Otodo-Gbame was engulfed by fire that razed down the entire community in November 2016, which rendered the area uninhabitable.
Mr. Ayorinde said since the case was already in court, it would be unacceptable for them to return to the area or to erect shanties and perpetuate unsanitary and environmentally dangerous conditions, hence, the need for the government to maintain order and public safety.
The government said it was mindful of the welfare of the affected citizens and had indeed expressed its concerns and willingness to explore an amicable resolution insofar the demands of the claimants are reasonable and lawful.
The government added that it would neither be stampeded nor blackmailed into abdicating its constitutional responsibilities to guard against a potential health and environmental hazard in the area by condoning what amounts to a breach of environmental and urban planning laws.
The statement added that government through its fire services and emergency rescue operations as well as the police assisted the residents when the entire community was razed down in November 2016 as a result of inter-ethnic clashes there.
However, residents said the police actually joined the thugs allegedly hired by the Elegushi royal family in setting their houses on fire during the November incident.
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Justice Oluwatoyin Ipaye of an Ikeja High Court on Tuesday in Lagos discharged and acquitted a businessman, Adewunmi Adetuyi, who was charged with raping a 13-year-old student for want of evidence.
While freeing Mr. Adetuyi, the judge noted that the prosecution led by the Attorney-General of Lagos State and Commissioner for Justice, Adeniji Kazeem, failed to prove its case against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
The prosecution failed in its attempt to prove its case of defilement against the accused, there are no hard facts linking the accused to the crime.
There is no disputing that the victim was raped, but the prosecution needs to do more in the area of forensic analysis so as to accurately prove cases of rape and defilement.
The defendant is hereby discharged and acquitted, Mrs. Ipaye said.
Mr. Kazeem, however, hailed the ruling and promised to work on the lapses that currently existed in the prosecution of rape cases.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mr. Adetuyi was remanded in prison over the alleged rape.
The mother of the complainant during the trial had revealed in her testimony that sometime in March 2013, she sent her daughter (name withheld) to buy rice from a food vendor.
She said that when her daughter did not return home at 9 .00 p.m., a search party was organised to look for her.
When my daughter was found, she told me that one man had lured her into an uncompleted building where he had unlawful carnal knowledge of her, the mother said.
The incident was reported to the authorities and Mr. Adetuyi was identified by the complainant and arrested.
The complainant had revealed to her mother that Mr. Adetuyi who was known to her had persistently requested sex from her before the day the crime was committed.
Mr. Adetuyi during the trial denied raping the girl saying: I only saw her around Anifowose, Ikeja, late at night and asked her what she was doing outside at that time.
(NAN)
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Aaron Carter, the singer-rapper who began performing as a child and had hit albums starting in his teen years, was found dead at his home in Southern California. He was 34. Representatives for Carters family confirmed the singers death Saturday. They did not provide any immediate further comment. A sheriff's official says deputies responding to reports of a medical emergency found a person deceased at the home in Lancaster. Aaron Carter, the younger brother of Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys, performed as an opening act for Britney Spears as well as his brothers boy band, and appeared on the familys reality series, House of Carters.
Wawa President and CEO Chris Gheysens wants customers to spend less time in the store.
But he also wants them to keep coming back. So making each trip as quick and pleasant as possible is a high priority.
The average time spent in a Wawa is 3 minutes and 46 seconds, Gheysens told students during a visit Tuesday to his alma mater, St. Augustine Preparatory School in Buena Vista Township. I have a team of engineers studying how to get that down, but we still want to make it the best 3 minutes and 46 seconds we can, be quick with a personal connection.
With about 650 stores along the East Coast, Gheysens said Wawa plans to have 1,000 stores by the end of 2020, with more planned in New Jersey, and in Florida, where 109 stores could grow to 500. The company recently announced plans to add about 5,000 jobs.
We look at places where we can open a lot of stores, Gheysens said.
Thats good news for customers.
Carl Wilson stops at the Wawa on Fire Road in Egg Harbor Township every day. He recently went to Disney World where he saw construction of new Wawa stores in Kissimmee, Florida and stopped at a store location in Orlando.
Its good you can go down there and get the same coffee youre used to here, he said.
That consistency of quality is important to Wawa, which Gheysens said is one reason they wont expand too much.
As the lead goose, Gheysens is also part of the Wawa brand and shares its values. He said he learned those values at St. Augustine .
Before joining Wawa, he told students he spent some time working for a bank.
They paid me a lot of money, he said of the reason he left accounting firm Deloitte and Touche, where he had been working. But in a week I realized they didnt share the same values I had. I crawled back to Deloitte. That was a big failure for me. But it taught me.
A Vineland native, who also attended St. Marys School in East Vineland, then Villanova University, Gheysens shares South Jersey roots with Millvilles Wood family, who started the company. He said he knew when he interviewed with Wawa that it was where he wanted to be.
People talk about values, he told students. But what does that mean? Wawa was a family run business. They wanted to do the right thing, make a difference in peoples lives.
Now a Moorestown resident, he worked at the company for 17 years before he was named CEO in 2012. He began traveling to Wawas on a journey to see what we stand for.
He talked to vendors, customers and employees, and one story from a South Jersey customer stuck with him.
He said he comes every day, gets his coffee, pays and leaves, Gheysens said. One day he had received some family medical news, and had to go to the hospital. He stopped to get coffee and on that day the lady behind the register put her hand on his hand and said, You dont look OK today. How are you? He told her had just gotten some bad news. She gave him the coffee at no charge and offered to talk with him a while.
The man said he had to go, but all the way to the hospital all he could think about was the unexpected caring of that clerk, who happened to be the general manager of that store.
I use that term a lot, Gheysens said. Thats not really business. There is zero training for that. That is the culture. Its not just hoagies and gas. I dont want to say that Wawa is saving the world. But when you can give people the idea that they are making a difference, you can create a family in your community.
Still, business is not just hugs and caring. Among the current challenges is Amazon, which has plans to open convenience stories. A Wawa app is being developed so customers can shop ahead. Kale and quinoa salad is sold next to the hoagies. Nitrogen-infused coffee is coming.
The goal is to be indispensable.
John Clark, of Pleasantville, called Wawa his favorite coffee spot.
I stop here every day to get my two cups, he said. They have everything.
Asked if there was anything he woud add to improve the convenience store, he replied, Maybe coffee delivery.
Still a privately owned business, Wawa has no plans to go public, Gheysens said.
The company has about 27,000 employees and is the 36th largest private company in the United States, bringing in nearly $8.9 billion in revenue in 2015, according to Forbes.
About 41 percent of the company stock is owned by employees, some of whom now have $1 million retirement funds.
Want stock? he told students. Come work for us.
Student Matthew Fisher, 18, of Chesilhurst, Camden County, vice president of student government at St. Augustine Prep, said Gheysens was the best speaker they have had and generated the most questions.
He has a lot of energy, he said. And Wawa is something we all know and love.
Student Aiden Baltz, 17, of Medford, asked Gheysens to autograph his bottle of Wawa green tea.
Outgoing and a bit self-deprecating, Gheysens said he is often asked for a road map to becoming a CEO. He credits hard work, his belief in the company and its values, and luck being in the right place at the right time when the position opened up.
As president of student government, Matthew Balestriere, 18, of West Deptford, got to lead Gheysens tour.
During a tour of the campus, Gheysens marveled at the expansion since he graduated in 1989.
It still feels like home, just much bigger, he said. It still has that special feeling.
He told students to value their time at the school and look for that same sense of brotherhood and caring in their work.
My hope for all of you is to find the place where you jump out of bed to go to work because you know it is a place where you can make a difference, he said.
Staff Writer Lauren Carroll contributed to this report.
When Victor Sandoval moved to Ventnor with his parents, who were headed toward jobs in a booming casino industry in 1990, he wasnt sure about it. He was 13 years old, and Los Angeles was pretty much all he knew.
But as he made friends, got older and began working in Atlantic City restaurants and casinos making good money, he started to see the draw.
Sandoval, 39, quickly fell in love with the fact that Atlantic City seemed equal parts city and beach. He also was drawn to art, which led him to an idea that rolled around in the back of his mind for the last 10 years. With any spare money, hed shop for clothes, realizing he would be happy if he could make a career with fashion.
If youve seen T-shirts walking around the city sporting the phrase Respect Atlantic City, its because Sandoval can now call himself a clothing designer. Sandoval and a small group of friends have made their clothing label called The Culprits come alive.
Everyone has a little guilt in them, said Sandoval with a laugh, referencing the name.
Now Sandoval has an entire streetwear line that is getting its own place in the Noyes Arts Garage on April 9.
Sandovals experiences in the city and his affinity for it shine through in the collection. Streetwear itself has roots in California, as does Sandoval and that comes through in his logos. California influence and urban graffiti all served as inspiration for the line.
Sandoval said that when many people, like his family, came to Atlantic City in the 90s for work, that was their focus.
That trumped graffiti and artistry, he said. Everyone was focused on making good money. But thats not the Atlantic City were living in anymore.
And he too stayed focused on his career in casinos and restaurants, but realized after 16 years, he felt there was little to show for it outside of pay.
He said harder times have now brought out some of the best art the city has seen in decades.
Sandoval met Matthew Smith, 36, when they were about 10, but the two became closer while working together at Hard Rock Cafe in about 2004. Smith knew right away that Sandoval was on to something.
I would say I was a fan first, Smith said of being part of The Culprits. People in the area can say, Thats my brand, too. Locals have a thousand shirts that say New York, but were not from there.
Sandoval thought there should be no reason why Atlantic City shouldnt have its own streetwear brand made by a local, for locals, though his customers stretch far past Absecon Island including but not limited to California, New York, Nevada, Florida and Colorado.
I started printing T-shirts and logos initially, he said.
Today, The Culprits have a collection that includes hoodies, hats and jackets. But as any good streetwear designer knows, exclusivity is key. Sandoval creates a limited amount of each piece at a time so as to make them more one-of-a-kind. Respect Atlantic City, Bader Field and Rebuild Atlantic City are some of the best-selling phrases in their line.
Like most streetwear lines, the brand is made for those who are a part of the areas urban culture. Skateboarding and graffiti art continue to influence his designs.
We played into the history of the darker side of Bader Field, Sandoval said. It was one of the places people would handle their differences. It was an interesting fit for The Culprits.
And if you recognize The Culprits logo style but cant place the feeling, think food.
Sandoval worked at Vagabond restaurant in Atlantic City, and eventually designed their logos. It ended up being the venue for their launch party for the clothing line in 2014.
People are taking on the message and making it their own, Sandoval said. Its still fashion. There was never a shirt of Atlantic City that you would wear with your new kicks.
Sandoval and Smith work out of Sandovals apartment. It has worked well for them so far as they are creating small collections at a time, limiting the colors and designs. The Culprits label is carefully stitched into each piece.
Theres no worse feeling than a guy with the same shirt at a party, Smith said.
As streetwear often does, the line appeals to men and women of any age. Streetwear has long been connected to hip-hop, skateboarding, and overall urban life, and Sandoval says his line is no exception.
Urban culture, its always seemed like a threat, Sandoval said. Street culture is not negative. It has a lot of stuff you dont learn in school, he said. You cant learn graffiti in art school, hip-hop came from nothing, skateboarding and garage bands came from nothing, these things are street culture.
Talents in these areas, Sandoval said, are anything but negative.
Sometimes the only thing were guilty of is being ourselves, he said.
Daffodils bloomed before the start of March.
Trees began budding three weeks earlier than usual.
In a strange twist, there was more pollen than snow this February.
Spring officially arrives at 6:28 a.m. Monday, although to many South Jersey residents, trees and plants alike, it started much earlier this year.
But over the past few weeks, the early spring has come to an abrupt halt, as prolonged March cold has temporarily put the blossoming of trees, flowers and pollen on ice. That has left farmers and allergy sufferers out in the cold for now, wondering if the fickle late-winter weather will have any implications for the spring growing and allergy seasons.
Rick VanVranken, agricultural agent for Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Atlantic County, said there seems to be no such thing as normal spring weather anymore.
Last year it was a cold April and a wet May, and this year everything is a little goofy as well, VanVranken said.
Long-lived February warmth has been followed by persistent March cold, which VanVranken said makes it hard to tell what this spring is going to turn into agriculturally.
Farmers are taking a wait-and-see approach, according to VanVranken, who said it got too cold for too long to try and protect anything that started blooming early due to Februarys unseasonably warm weather.
Raul Cabrera, who specializes in agriculture for the Rutgers Cooperative Extension in Upper Deerfield Township, has noticed the early budding of plants throughout South Jersey this year.
Plants readily respond to environmental cues, like warming temperatures, warmer soil and longer daylight, Cabrera said, all of which were observed this February.
With warm cues, plants de-harden, lose their ability to withstand cold and become more susceptible to damage, Cabrera said.
The big question is how advanced the budding process was on plants and trees before the cold came, Cabrera said.
Once full spring emerges in the coming weeks, any impact from the prolonged March cold will become very evident, Cabrera predicted.
Denny Doyle, of Atlantic Blueberry Co., agrees it is too early for any assessment on this years blueberry crop.
The warm February advanced the blueberries a little earlier than usual, but we wont be able to tell if the March cold did any damage until things progress further, Doyle said.
Lee Robertson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Mount Holly, said this winter was tied for the third warmest on record in South Jersey.
Robertson said the winter of 2011-12 still holds the top spot, a full one degree warmer than this winter.
But Februarys unseasonable warmth was especially exceptional, so much so that it added up to the warmest February on record in South Jersey, which in turn led to more sneezing much earlier than usual.
Sarah Keane, a physician assistant at Shore Physicians Group in Ocean City, said the warm February led to an early start to allergy season.
Weve seen a few patients already coming in with early allergies, at the same time still treating the winter flu bug, Keane explained.
The severity of the pollen season will depend on the frequency of the rain and the wind over the coming months, according to Keane, who said pollen season normally peaks from April through June, depending on the weather. If the warmth returns soon, it could be an early peak for pollen this year.
Despite the persistent March cold, Robertson said the outlook is for a warm spring this year.
The National Weather Service forecast calls for a higher chance of above-average temperatures for April, May, and June, Robertson said.
Thats what Doyle and area blueberry farmers want to hear, as they hope for no repeat of last Aprils cold.
We need to get the buds to warm up and start moving again, Doyle said.
MAYS LANDING Joseph McCoy made his first court appearance Tuesday via video conference on charges he murdered his ex-girlfriend, Jacqueline Hoyle, in Atlantic City in December.
McCoy, 43, of Atlantic City, will be back in court Thursday for a de-tention hearing.
McCoy was arrested in January at a homeless shelter in North Carolina, where he was awaiting extradition until Monday.
He was held at the Mecklenburg County Jail under the name Abdul Salaam, according to the arrest report.
On Tuesday, McCoys attorney, public defender Raymond Lee, filed a motion to have the complaint dismissed due to lack of an affidavit of probable cause, a requirement under New Jerseys criminal-justice reform.
There is nothing in the complaint, as I see it, which satisfies the rules or requirement, Lee said.
Rick McKelvy of the Atlantic County Prosecutors Office said the charges in the case were filed Dec. 23, before the reforms took effect Jan. 1.
However, probable cause was found by Judge (Patricia) Wild on that day, and she did issue the warrant. McKelvy said.
Judge Timothy P. Maguire said he could not make a decision to dismiss the complaint and that the issue would best be decided before the Superior Court judge who will preside over McCoys detention hearing.
McKelvy provided Lee with 140 pages of documents and said he would hand over 19 discs of information comprising the states discovery.
He said the information includes a certification of probable cause by an Atlantic City police officer, who described the offense as an act of domestic violence.
Lee said that if the officer had time to make that indication, someone could have filled out the affidavit of probable cause. He also questioned the warrant, which he said shows no indication of which judge approved it.
Maguire said that due to the timeline of events, probable cause was found the old fashioned way, so to speak, by calling Wild.
I see your motion as having little or no chance of being granted, but, again, Im not making that decision today, Maguire told Lee.
McCoys only question during the proceeding was if he was entitled to the paperwork that Lee had, to which the judge told him he could make that arrangement with Lee.
Hoyle, 24, was found by police at 4:22 a.m. Dec. 22 at an apartment she had shared with McCoy on North Tennessee Avenue. Friends said she kicked McCoy out two weeks before the alleged murder.
Hoyle died of a single gunshot wound, according to an autopsy.
According to her friends, Hoyle was a week shy of celebrating her 25th birthday when she was killed. They described her contagious laugh and smile that could light up a room. She was going to school to become a nursing assistant.
The state is offering $1 million in grants for nonprofit organizations and religious institutions that are at high risk for a terrorist attack in nine counties.
The grants are available in Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Mercer, Salem and Warren counties.
Gov. Chris Christie announced the grants at the Richard J. Hughes Justice Complex in Trenton after several recent bomb threat incidents at Jewish community centers in the state, including the Katz JCC in Cherry Hill, which was evacuated Feb. 27 as part of a series of bomb threats to JCCs that day throughout the country.
Unfortunately, as incidents in the past few weeks have shown, every area of New Jersey is vulnerable to threats and possible attacks, making these additional resources crucial in our efforts to enhance security in certain parts of the state that had not previously received federal security grant funding, Christie said.
The state Office of Homeland Security will provide the new Security Enhancements Countering Unmitigated Risk in New Jersey grants to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations.
Interested applicants will be eligible for an award not to exceed $50,000. No matching funds are required.
Nonprofits in New Jerseys other 12 counties already are eligible to receive similar security funding through a federal program, which the state also oversees.
The new grant will reimburse awardees for security equipment specifically to prevent and protect against terrorism, such as physical security enhancement equipment and inspection and screening systems.
Grants will be awarded based on criteria that include if the site has been threatened before based on ideology or beliefs, the symbolic value of the site or findings based on previous threat assessments.
The state will host an information session from 1 to 4 p.m. April 19 at the Burlington County Office of Emergency Management in West-ampton for organizations interested in apply-ing for the grants. Applications must be emailed to grants@njohsp.gov by the close of business May 24. Awardees will be notified in July. For more information on SECUR-NJ, visit njhomelandsecurity.gov/securnj.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP One of the first court challenges to New Jersey bail reform involves a registered sex offender who was released from jail after allegedly attempting to sexually assault a child in the township.
A state appellate court ruled Tuesday a trial court must reconsider the decision to release 20-year-old Christopher Wilson without bail.
Wilson, of Little Egg Harbor Township, has a previous conviction that put him on Megans Laws Tier 3 list, which has the most serious sexual offenders likely to commit another crime.
Little Egg Harbor man arrested on attempted sexual assault LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP A 20-year-old township man has been charged with attempting to
A new bail reform score system that took effect Jan. 1 didnt determine Wilson to be a high-risk offender because his previous conviction occurred when he was a minor.
But the public safety assessment (PSA) score isn't the only criteria that determines whether a defendant stays in jail or not. The judge can consider, among other things, the person's juvenile history and any conviction is not calculated by the PSA score.
The decision to release Wilson was appealed by the Ocean County Prosecutors Office, which seeks to keep him in jail until his trial.
A date for reconsideration has not been scheduled, according to the Prosecutors Office. That decision will come from the judge from the trial court.
Wilson was arrested after allegedly soliciting sexual favors from a 12-year-old girl on two occasions, Little Egg Harbor Township police said.
Galloway police nab A.C. man with assault rifle, heroin GALLOWAY TOWNSHIP Police say they confiscated a loaded assault rifle and heroin Monday and
On the first occasion, Wilson offered her a video game console in exchange for explicit sexual favors, police said. On the second occasion, he contacted the girl via social media and asked her to send him pictures of her in a bathing suit, police said.
Wilson admitted to soliciting the girl both times during an interview with investigators and was arrested, police said.
But the issue of Wilson being released in the first place has some law-enforcement officials questioning whether the new law will keep the community safe.
Specifically, some are calling for a review of how alleged offenders are scored in the risk-assessment analysis, which is a computer-generated algorithm.
Each alleged offender is given a risk-assessment score based on his record, which the judge then uses to determine whether to release him pending resolution of the case.
We all expected that there would be some kinks to work out, Little Egg Harbor Police Chief Richard Buzby said. But the amount of problems has well exceeded our expectations.
Atlantic City man arrested in death of Jacqueline Hoyle makes first court appearance MAYS LANDING Joseph McCoy made his first court appearance Tuesday via video conference on
In February, the Ocean County Association of Chiefs of Police passed a resolution calling for the immediate suspension of the system that scores alleged offenders. The resolution called the system dangerous, onerous and fiscally disastrous, according to a report by the Asbury Park Press.
Buzby specifically took issue with the system not taking into account whether the victim is a child or a senior citizen.
There is a collective recognition that the score does not take into consideration the victim, Buzby said. The score overall is a bit of a mystery.
Until then, Wilson remains on house arrest with a monitoring device. He can leave only for work or doctors appointments.
Federal officials have approved an application by the Cape May County Sheriffs Office to enroll in a controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement program, Sheriff Gary Schaffer said this week.
As part of the 287(g) program, three corrections officers from the county jail will receive training that will enable them to investigate, detain and begin processing for deportation undocumented immigrants they encounter while working at the county jail.
The program has drawn criticism from activist groups nationwide following a Jan. 25 executive order signed by President Donald Trump calling for an expansion of it, and opponents of Cape May Countys application have shown up to recent freeholder meetings to voice their concerns.
Schaffer said in a statement that ICE is already very active in the jail during the summer, when the countys population spikes and its seasonal economy is running at its peak.
Schaffer tried to quell the controversy in a statement announcing his departments acceptance into the program.
I am stressing that our officers will not be going out looking for undocumented persons. Families should relax, he said. The only persons impacted are individuals who commit serious and violent crimes.
Those explanations werent enough for some activists.
Do you think they will (relax) just because the sheriff says so? said Chia-Chia Wang, of the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker social justice organization with an office in Newark.
Basically, what Sheriff Schaffer is doing is building a wall through communities in Cape May County, said Georgina Shanley, of Ocean City, coordinator of the countys Amnesty International chapter. Were definitely going to fight it. Were not going away.
Getting into the county jail and becoming involved with the deputized correctional officers isnt easy, Schaffer said. New bail-reform laws mean many people charged with crimes end up being released on summonses after being taken to the police station, he said.
Youve got to do something serious to get in there, he added.
Wildwood-based attorney Frank Corrado, a member of the American Civil Liberties Union of New Jerseys board of trustees, said not everyone who ends up in the jail is a serious criminal.
I really dont think thats the case, he said.
Freeholder Director Gerald Thornton said opponents of the program who have spoken to him want the county to welcome undocumented immigrants. Thats not happening, he said.
Were not going to be considered a sanctuary county, Thornton said. We cant have a lot of illegal aliens saying, Lets go to Cape May County and reside in Cape May County.
He said undocumented immigrants who commit crimes shouldnt have the opportunity to go back into the community.
This catch-and-release is nonsense, he said. Its crazy to release them back into society again.
Thornton and his fellow freeholders may not have the opportunity to formally weigh in on the matter. Schaffer said he wasnt sure whether he was going to bring a resolution about the program to the countys governing body.
I dont think its required, Schaffer told The Press of Atlantic City. As of now, were in the program.
He said the three officers will depart for training as soon as space opens up, perhaps by the end of May or early June.
The three officers who will participate in the 287(g) program were not identified, but all are currently employed correctional officers, the statement said. One handles investigations, another speaks Spanish and the third speaks Russian, according to the Sheriffs Office.
Its unclear how much the Sheriffs Office will have to pay to complete the training program, which is held at a facility in Charleston, South Carolina, according to ICEs website.
Well have to pay their salaries while theyre there, Schaffer said.
Schaffer said the training is free, but hes not sure about housing. He said the departments training budget allows it to send officers to other states for programs.
The Sheriffs Office has worked with ICE at the county jail for at least eight years, according to the statement.
Since 2008, ICE has removed 143 inmates from the county jail and 50 inmates from other facilities based on identification by the Sheriffs Office, Schaffer said. He said the department would notify ICE as to whether anyone arriving in the county jail was born outside the country.
But the 287(g) program will give the Sheriffs Office access to ICEs computer system, which will help move the process along, Schaffer said, so now the system allows us to do the detainer work quicker.
Opponents say the program, however limited, will create an atmosphere of anxiety for the immigrant community.
I think that, as long as there is a possibility, immigrants are going to avoid the county because of the high risks associated with deportation, Wang said.
This just sends the wrong message from the sheriffs department to the immigrant community, Corrado said.
ATLANTIC CITY A Union County man was indicted last week for trying to sexually assault a motel employee last year.
Just after 4:15 p.m. June 23, police responded to the Knights Inn on Pacific Avenue for a report of an employee who was assaulted by a guest, Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon Tyner said in a statement.
When police arrived, they found a woman with facial injuries who told them she was attacked by a man when she responded to his request to have towels delivered to his room.
Her attacker fled the scene when another employee heard muffled cries for help coming from the room and went there. The victim was treated for her injuries at Shore Medical Center in Somers Point.
An investigation by the police Detective Bureau led to a warrant for the arrest of John C. Ryan, then 27, of the 700 block of Hory Street, Cranford.
Ryan was arrested July 21 and charged with second-degree sexual assault and third-degree criminal restraint.
He was sent to the Atlantic County jail on $250,000 bail.
On March 16, he was indicted on charges that also include third-degree aggravated assault. He faces a minimum of 11 years in state prison if convicted of all charges.
PARCC test complaints
The PARCC test has no clue. As an educator for over 40 years, I have seen many tests come down the pike. Most of the tests were challenging; however, they were giving the students a fair chance to succeed.
The PARCC test is not only unacceptable. If given to legislators and Gov. Christie, most of them could not pass the fifth grade language arts literacy test.
The state should get rid of part B in the multiple-choice questions, for they are so out of context that they are actually counterproductive, frustrating and unteachable. These children are 10 and 11 years old.
If the teachers are going to be held accountable for the childrens writing, then get rid of that tiny box they have to type in. Give them a normal-sized screen. Lets make it fair.
John Mike Devono
Vineland
Democracy prerequisites
The U.S. is the only large industrialized western country without universal health care (worldwide, the U.S. ranks 36th in health care one notch above Slovenia). Yet invariably, emphasis seems to be placed on killing people rather than saving lives (i.e. military budget trumps universal health care).
About 95 percent of the wealth in the U.S. is concentrated in 5 percent of the population. This asymmetry is greater than in the historical monarchies of the United Kingdom and France. Raising or cutting taxes is of meaning and consequence only to the economic elite and not the average citizen.
A true democracy is only possible with a sense of civic responsibility, economic equity and full employment (and free college education). Elimination of paradox and contradiction in favor of sense and reason would allow the U.S. to lead the world to a new status quo of quality of life in general and clean energy specifically.
John Raymond Stanks
Pomona
People need right media
Mike Barnicle described the atmosphere in the Trump White House as a combustible concoction of chaos. The head-scratching, mind-befuddling tweets, the grandiose self-promotion and the bizarre statements about Russia and authoritarian Vladimir Putin should caution even the most loyal Trumpster to reassess his latest tweet.
Meanwhile, another authoritarian, with pudgy cheeks and a bad hairdo, Kim Jong-un, is experimenting with nuclear weapons in North Korea. WikiLeaks disclosed a vault of national security secrets.
Finally, President Trump decried the fake news media as the enemy of the people.
In these difficult and insecure times, the people need a robust fourth estate more than ever. Sadly, the print media in this digital age are struggling to survive. Through social media and an increasingly balkanized array of electronic media, people can cherry pick their sources of information to comport with their established views.
The reality is that there are facts and there are opinions. There are also professional, responsible media and there are propagandists.
Democracy is dependent upon an informed citizenry who make every effort to become knowledgeable on public policy issues and then cast a discerning vote based on real facts, not alternative ones. National security and the future require everyone (regardless of their predisposed thoughts on these matters) to judiciously peruse the information landscape and separate the wheat from the chaff.
Jim Schroeder
Port Republic
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.
BASINGSTOKE, England, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Consumers expect a super-smooth, cash-free experience using mobile technology, research shows
91% of Japanese and Malaysian theme park and resort visitors want to bypass queues by using a cell phone app to purchase a fast-track pass with specific timeslots. 89% want to use an app to buy their entrance ticket and gain entry, a survey by Omnico has found.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480291/Omnico_Global_Theme_Park_Barometer_Infographic.jpg )
The findings are in the first Omnico Japanese and Malaysian Theme Park Barometers each exploring the expectations of 500 recent visitors to major attractions in those countries.
"These results show that visitors want mobile apps to make theme park and resort visits more convenient and enjoyable," said Mel Taylor, CEO, Omnico Group. "These apps are integral to many people's lives and they expect park operators to use them to eradicate hassles such as handling cash or queueing.
"For example, 85% want to decide where to eat in a park using an app to see where the waiting times are shortest. 63% in each country would also like to receive personalised deals and discounts on their phones, based on where they are."
The survey shows that advance booking of hotels, tickets, dining, spa and even merchandise is also a clear preference with the majority of visitors. 88% want to pre-book their fast-track ride passes, for instance, while 96% of Malaysian and 83% of Japanese visitors want to book hotels in advance. Guests also want to use pre-paid cashless wristbands for convenience, although the figure was much higher in Malaysia (85%), than in Japan (61%).
Visitors also expect new technologies such as Virtual and Augmented Reality or robots to be used in parks. 70% of Malaysians expect to see VR experiences or guides within the next three years, compared with 53% of Japanese respondents. 42% of Malaysians and a quarter of Japanese guests (25%) expect Siri-type personal digital assistants to feature in theme parks of the future.
"Investing in the right technology is now essential for park operators," said Taylor. "Visitors want a single, connected, easy experience covering entry, rides and attractions, shops and restaurants. Operators in Japan and Malaysia can see from our survey how to compete effectively and maximise their returns."
About Omnico:
Omnico's Cloud based technology powers POS and customer engagement solutions across the retail, destination and hospitality sectors.
http://www.omnicogroup.com
Full report -http://themeparkch.omnicogroup.com/
SOURCE Omnico
NORTH CHICAGO, Illinois, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
AbbVie Inc. ("AbbVie") (NYSE / CHX / Euronext Paris / SIX: ABBV) today informs its stockholders that it has filed a definitive proxy statement on Schedule 14A with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC").
AbbVie makes available free of charge on its website its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K, reports filed pursuant to Section 16 of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and amendments to those reports filed with or furnished to the SEC as soon as reasonably practicable after AbbVie electronically files these documents with, or furnishes them to, the SEC. These documents are posted on AbbVie's website at www.abbvieinvestor.com.
The SEC maintains a website that contains reports, proxy statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC. These materials may be obtained electronically by accessing the SEC's home page at http://www.sec.gov.
Copies of the above referenced information will also be made available, free of charge, upon written request to AbbVie Inc., Investors Relations, 1 North Waukegan Road, North Chicago, Illinois 60064, U.S.A.
CONTACT: AbbVie Inc., 1-847-938-8745
This is a disclosure announcement from PR Newswire.
SOURCE AbbVie, Inc.
ZWANENBURG, Netherlands, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
- Equipment provided to Tamoin, a major Spanish EPC, who is building two turnkey co-generation plants for Iberdrola
- Protect 8 UPS, battery chargers & rectifier systems will secure the power supply for both facilities
AEG Power Solutions, a global provider of industrial power supply systems and power solutions using renewable energy, announces it has supplied equipment to secure the power supply for two turnkey co-generation plants in Altamira and Bajio, Mexico, being built by the Tamoin engineering firm for Iberdrola, a Spanish multinational electric utility company.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480689/AEG_Power_Solutions_Baijo_Co_generation.jpg )
The projects will have a combined generation capacity of approximately 100 megawatts (MW), the equivalent power needed to supply approximately 500,000 Mexican homes.
The 3 phase output UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) systems Protect 8 will be provided to equip both facilities. Protect 8 range is a state-of-the-art, double-conversion topology UPS. It is a robust and cost effective solution designed for highly demanding applications ensuring safe operations in harsh environments.
Co-generation or combined heat and power (CHP) is a power station's ability to generate electricity and useful heat at the same time. For the same output of useful energy, cogeneration uses far less fossil energy than does traditional heat and power production. Cogeneration is growing as a form of local or distributed generation as heat and power production take place at or near the point of consumption, most of the time, industrial parks. It helps local industries reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.
In addition to supplying power for the two cities, the cogeneration plant in Altamira (in the state of Tamaulipas) will contribute to a chemical facility's reduced energy costs and in Bajio, (in the state of Queretaro), for a hygiene product manufacturing plant, by making them more energy-efficient.
The Altamira co-generation plant includes gas turbines and condensing steam turbines with two extractions. A total of 60 megawatts (MW) of power will be provided, broken down into 51 MW of power supplied by the gas turbine group and 9 MW supplied by a condensing steam turbine with low and medium pressure extractions.
Iberdrola's co-generation plant in Bajio in the city of San Juan del Rio, Queretaro, is also a combined cycle plant with gas and condensing steam turbines with medium pressure extraction. The plant, located in an industrial complex, will generate up to 54.2 megawatts (MW) of power.
About AEG Power Solutions
AEG Power Solutions (AEG PS) Group is a global supplier of electronic power systems and solutions that satisfy clients' commercial and industrial energy needs and offers a comprehensive range of products and services in the uninterrupted power supply and energy administration sectors.
Thanks to its distinctive expertise bridging both AC and DC power technologies and spanning the worlds of both conventional and renewable energy, the company creates innovative solutions for next generation distributed power generation.
AEG Power Solutions Group is the only subsidiary of the parent company, 3W Power S. A. (WKN A114Z9/ISINLU1072910919) established in Luxembourg. The Group is headquartered in Zwanenburg in the Netherlands. The shares of 3W Power are admitted to trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (ticker symbol: 3W9K).
For more information, please visit http://www.aegps.com.
This communication does not constitute an offer or the solicitation of an offer to buy, sell or exchange any securities of 3W Power. The communication contains forward-looking statements that include expressions of our expectations, intentions, predictions, estimates and assumptions. These forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assessments and opinions of management but are subject to risks and uncertainties which are beyond the control of 3W Power and, as a general rule, difficult to predict. Neither the management staff nor the company offers nor will they ever offer guarantees of any kind in relation to future results or the performance of 3W Power. It is also possible that the actual results of 3W Power may differ considerably from the data expressed in the forward-looking statements or the information implied therein. As a result, investors are cautioned against relying on the forward-looking statements contained herein as a basis for their investment decisions regarding 3W Power.
3W Power undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement contained herein.
SOURCE AEG Power Solutions
"New IT, New Ecosystem, New Enabler"
DALIAN, China, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The 15th China International Software & Information Service Fair (CISIS 2017) is scheduled for June 15-18, in Dalian, China, with the theme "New IT, New Ecosystem, New Enabler".
The whole event will include an exhibition of 30,000 square meters with over 2000 products, 1000 projects from above 30 countries and regions and over 50 destinations within China. More than 3000 buyers, 1000 high end speakers and 200 media will participate this event.
CISIS 2017 will include 10 featured Exhibition Pavilions, including international cooperation, the intelligent industry, intelligent manufacturing, smart innovation, and science and technology, etc.. Meanwhile, 10 featured forums, including the Summit Forum, Trends and Policy Forum, Outsourcing Annual Meeting, the Smart Manufacturing Forum, the Innovation Forum, the Entrepreneurs' Summit, the Education Forum, the Cross-border E-commerce Forum, the Big Data Forum and the Mobile E-commerce Summit will take place. To get more information on CISIS 2017, please visit the official website: www.cisis.com.cn.
CISIS 2017 has made inroads into 20 new markets, dividing the effort among both developed markets, including Silicon Valley and Israel, by inviting companies that have demonstrated innovation in their projects to participate in the fair, and new and promising markets that have become more available to China as a result of the government's "One Belt, One Road" initiative, including Russia and several Arab countries, as well as emerging markets, a prime target being Mexico.
Dalian, where CISIS 2017 will be held, is already an important center for information technology offshoring and business process outsourcing, as a result of the government's efforts to stimulate the industry in the city, as well as the country's sole designated model city for China's globalization of its software industry. The organizing committee of the 15th CISIS extends an invitation to anyone who has an interest in the software and information sector to attend the fair in June. June is when Dalian's weather is at its best, with pleasant temperatures accompanied by a cool ocean breeze, and, as a result of its seaside location, home to one of China's best environments.
For more information, contact:
Ms. Yu Man
Phone: +86-411-8365-5295
Email: yum@cisis.com.cn
Related Links
http://www.cisis.com.cn
SOURCE China International Software & Information Service Centre
AHMEDABAD , India, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Elegant MicroWeb is pleased to announce the successful completion and implementation of over 100 eCommerce solutions. This achievement represents a proud legacy of nearly twenty years and a clientele and partnership program that is both local and global. Elegant MicroWeb provides a full suite of eCommerce services from design and development to configuration, integration, support, training, upgrade and maintenance.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/705199 )
Elegant MicroWeb CEO, Kartik Patel says, "The competitive local and world markets of today demand that every business, large or small, engage in eCommerce and use business websites, portals, online stores and internet marketing to reach new customers and improve sales and customer retention. We are proud of our rich eCommerce history. Every day, we help our clients select and design a solution that will provide an integrated eCommerce presence with consistent corporate branding and mobile accessibility across smart phones, tablets and desktops."
Elegant MicroWeb offers Offshore Software Development Services for short-term and long-term projects and business needs. With expert eCommerce skills and knowledge, Elegant MicroWeb provides a portfolio of services and IT support to help businesses compete in the local, regional, domestic and global market. The business benefits of eCommerce websites and internet marketing are undeniable, and today's flexible solutions, tools, frameworks and platforms can be used for many business purposes.
"We assist our clients with requirements planning, and feasibility studies," says Patel. "Our clients get support and domain expertise throughout the entire lifecycle of the project so that their eCommerce initiative is fully realized."
The Elegant MicroWeb eCommerce team is skilled in all types of eCommerce design, development and integration, and the project portfolio includes successful projects for small businesses, as well as development and implementation of medium and large eCommerce stores with multi-million dollar revenues. Its eCommerce frameworks partnerships encompass all leading technology providers including Shopify, BigCommerce and Volusion, with additional design and development experience in Magento and custom frameworks.
CEO, Patel says, "It takes specific experience, innovation, creativity and intelligence to design and develop effective eCommerce solutions, and create a rich environment that includes appropriate theme design and implementation and corporate branding considerations. Our team is educated in all available frameworks, tools and templates, and is able to select the most feasible framework to meet client needs. We are proud of what we have accomplished, and we believe that our achievements are just a hint of what is possible in the future. We welcome inquiries from new clients and partners and look forward to many more years of serving the local and global community and its eCommerce needs."
Elegant MicroWeb has a wealth of experience in both simple and complex eCommerce website design, development and implementations including features and functionality for credit verification, tax calculation fulfillment, tracking systems, courier and postage system, and multi-vendor stores and integration of ERP, Sales and CRM system.
A unique combination of skills, experience and domain, technology and leadership expertise makes Elegant MicroWeb the ideal choice for any eCommerce project.
About Elegant MicroWeb
Elegant MicroWeb serves clients in many industries, and in many countries, including the U.K., Australia, the U.S., Japan, the Middle East and Far East, Europe and India. Our customer satisfaction ranking is excellent and we have served some clients for over ten years. Clients include small, medium and large enterprises. Elegant MicroWeb is an ISO 9001:2008 certified, software products and services company. Its business and delivery model and technical and leadership knowledge and skills ensure the best value, and the best products and services available in the market today.
Contact:
Hitesh Matlani
+91-(79)-3000-9991
info@elegantmicroweb.com
http://www.elegantmicroweb.com
SOURCE Elegant MicroWeb Technologies Pvt. Ltd.
BRUSSELS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center has published an article on German Migrationspolitik and its consequences for the future of the country's labour market. So far, Germany's been enjoying one of the lowest unemployment rates in the EU, but will struggle trying to retain this status in the following years as it faces the issue of the refugees' integration in the national market. This issue is a common EU problem, but the impact on Germany is going to be especially visible due to the high number of migrants in the country.
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480268/ESISC_Germany_Refugees.jpg )
To read the full article, published March 20, 2017, click here: http://www.esisc.org/publications/briefings/11801
As authors admit, "complexity of the integration is widely acknowledged in the research community in the country as well. The Director of studies at the Berlin Social Science Center (WZB) Mareike Bunning declared that "there will be major challenges in the coming years with regard to labour market integration of refugees". Likewise, the Director of Germany's Institute for Employment Research (IAB) Joachim Moller conveyed: "If we manage to get 50% of the refugees into work which pays for their lives in five years, that'd certainly be a success. It would be an illusion to believe that we will manage to find jobs for a decent proportion of refugees in well-paid industry jobs like car manufacturing"."
German citizens, still suffering in the aftermath of the economic crisis, will be hugely affected by the refugees' influx in addition to rising security risks and carrying the burden of fiscal costs of caring for the asylum seekers (8.3 billion in 2015 and 14 billion in 2016). As a result, the cleavage between German populace and the direction of the migration policy Merkel's government has taken will deepen even further.
Presently Germany finds itself on a precipice, states the article, "which requires a careful assessment of the perks and drawbacks of the Migrationspolitik before taking a decision on the future of the country. <> So far, the political elite of the country is endeavouring the welcome of the refugees, without considering that it is costly and counter-productive for the citizens and is likely to trigger a quick and irreversible deterioration of the economic situation in the country".
SOURCE European Strategic Intelligence and Security Center (ESISC)
PARIS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Eyevensys, a private biotechnology company developing its proprietary EyeCET platform, the first non-viral gene expression technology that enables the safe, local, sustained production of therapeutic proteins in the eye to address a wide range of ophthalmic diseases, announces that Dr. Garth Cumberlidge has been appointed as new Chairman of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Garth replaces Dr. Francesco Sinigaglia who is stepping down from his role due to health reasons.
Garth is currently President and CEO of Mimetogen Pharmaceuticals Inc., a biotechnology company developing novel neuroprotective and neurostimulatory compounds for the treatment of ocular diseases. Prior to Mimetogen, Garth served as President & CEO of Qbiogene Inc., a company providing life sciences research products and custom cGMP manufacturing services to academic, biotechnology and pharmaceutical researchers worldwide. Previously he held senior positions at ICN Pharmaceuticals and Sigma Chemicals Company.
Dr. Cumberlidge holds degrees in Biochemistry and Genetics from the University of London (U.K.) and in Molecular Genetics from the Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin (Germany).
"On behalf of the board, I'm delighted to welcome Garth as Chairman" said Dr. Frank Kalkbrenner, Eyevensys' board member and Managing Partner of BIVF. "Garth brings more than 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry, including in ophthalmology drug development. He also brings experience and a clear understanding of private company fund raising. I am confident that he will provide the companywith the business insights and guidance to promote the unique EyeCET platform and pursue promising developments."
Raffy Kazandjian, CEO of Eyevensys, added: "I would like to thank Francesco Sinigaglia for his leadership and commitment to Eyevensys over the past two years. Francesco has offered extensive experience and insights into general management, corporate governance and financial matters that have proven to be of great value to the company".
Dr. Garth Cumberlidge, new Chairman of Eyevensys, commented: "I am very happy to be joining the board of Eyevensys. The company's novel gene delivery platform, coupled with a promising proprietary plasmid portfolio, offers a completely new, non-viral, simple and safe approach to treating a broad spectrum of ophthalmic indications with high unmet medical needs. The company's lead product is about to enter the clinic and I look forward to working with the Board and management team as they continue the development of the EyeCET platform."
About Eyevensys
Eyevensys is a private biotechnology company developing its innovative EyeCET platform to enable the sustained intraocular production of therapeutic proteins to treat a broad range of ophthalmic diseases.
Eyevensys' EyeCET technology uses electroporation to deliver protein coding plasmids, which are safe and non-viral, into the ciliary muscle of the eye. This approach facilitates the sustained production of therapeutic proteins, localized within the ciliary muscle cells.
Eyevensys believes its EyeCET technology can improve both short and long-term therapeutic outcomes by greatly enhancing patient compliance and significantly improving the tolerability of treatment.
Eyevensys' lead product EYS606, a non-viral plasmid encoding anti-TNF, is a potential new treatment for patients with non-infectious Uveitis (NIU). EYS606 consists of Eyevensys' proprietary electro-transfection injection system (ETIS) in combination with a plasmid encoding for the production of an anti-TNF, a cytokine that has been shown to play a pivotal role in mediating intraocular inflammation in NIU. EYS606 has been granted an Orphan drug designation by the EMA for the treatment of NIU.
Eyevensys was founded in 2008. It is headquartered in Paris, France, and is funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Venture Fund, BPIFrance, CapDecisif, Inserm Transfert and Pontifax.
For more information about Eyevensys, please visit www.eyevensys.com
For more information, please contact:
Eyevensys
Raffy Kazandjian, CEO
Raffy.Kazandjian@eyevensys.com
Tel: +33-(0)-1-84-79-10-60
Media Relations
Citigate Dewe Rogerson
David Dible, Sylvie Berrebi, Marine Perrier
eyevensys@citigatedr.co.uk
Tel: +44-(0)207-638-9571
SOURCE Eyevensys
AccuSine PCS+ is the only harmonic filter in the world to have THD(I) or THD(V) set points. It reduces harmonic current distortion to acceptable levels to improve plant reliability and stability, and, unlike passive filters, cannot be overloaded. It measures harmonic content in the main current and injects a synthesized corrective current to meet local and international standards such as IEEE 519-2014. Additionally, it uses an advanced control algorithm that provides correction beyond the requirements of the standards, ensuring power availability and equipment longevity.
Meanwhile, AccuSine PFV+ corrects power quality problems faster than traditional capacitor banks and has infinite correction resolution, resulting in greater precision without voltage spikes. The AccuSine PFV+ product range enables correct leading or lagging power factor without the risk of resonance or harmonic overload, which is common in traditional capacitor banks.
"Both AccuSine PCS+ and PFV+ feature multi-function designs with top or bottom cable routing and compact footprint. Each employs the latest power electronic technologies for displacement power factor correction and main current balancing," said Frost & Sullivan Program Manager Pritil Gunjan. "Schneider Electric also makes a concerted effort to upgrade its existing product ranges and present up-to-date support literature and documentation to aid the proper use and installation of AccuSine+."
Power factor correction and harmonic filtering form an important part of Schneider Electric's product range, coordinated to meet medium- and low-voltage power distribution needs. They improve continuity of service, guarantee scalability, and make monitoring and management more efficient.
Another important component of Schneider Electric's portfolio is its reactive energy management systems, which optimize electrical installations and improve power availability by reducing energy consumption. The company boasts a unique and full range of power quality management solutions tested for reliability, safety, quality, efficiency, and productivity.
"Schneider is committed to its innovation goals and has developed a new 2015-2020 program to significantly improve the capacity and response speed of the supply chain while strengthening economic and geographical footprints," noted Pritil. "These initiatives are expected to provide customers with a customized logistics response that meets their expectations while ensuring sustainability."
Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that has developed an innovative element in a product by leveraging leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features and benefits of the product, as well as the increased ROI it offers customers. This, in turn, raises customer acquisition and overall market penetration potential.
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric SE is a global company in energy management and automation with annual revenues of 26.6 billion in 2015 at a growth of 6.8% over the previous year, the company provides energy management solutions through four divisions: Buildings & Partner, Infrastructure, Industry, and IT. Schneider Electric integrates power technologies, enabling efficient distribution of electricity from points of generation to points of consumption, along with automation technologies.
About Frost & Sullivan
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion.
Contact:
Chiara Carella
P: +44 (0) 207.343.8314
F: 210.348.1003
E: chiara.carella@frost.com
Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/476513/Frost_and_Sullivan_Schneider_Electric_Award.jpg
Related Links
http://www.frost.com
SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
HYDERABAD, India, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
According to the report published by Market Data Forecast, the market for frozen bakery products is estimated at USD 15.46 billion in 2016. Further, estimating the impact of factors such as,
increase in consumer preference for convenience or ready to eat foods
the upsurge in number of quick-serve restaurants and food chains
predicting the change in consumer lifestyles and consumption trends in different regions
availability of proper distribution channels like cold chain logistics
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160913/406914LOGO )
The analysts at Market Data Forecast have predicted a growth of 8.18% over the next five years to reach a market value of USD 22.91 billion market. And even the negative aspects like presence of substitute products (fresh baked products), high cost of packaging and transportation have also been considered while predicting the market trends.
To get a glimpse of our extensive research, download sample at http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/global-frozen-bakery-products-market-1524/request-sample
Moreover, to understand and analyse the industry on a granular level, the market has been segmented on the basis of type and distribution channel. And also, the market has been segmented on the basis of geography, to get an idea on country-level trends and consumer preferences.
By Type:
Frozen Bread
Frozen Pizza Crust
Frozen Cake & Pastry
Others
Frozen Pizza crust holds the largest share (nearly 50%) of the revenues generated in the global market while frozen cakes & pastries is expected to witness highest growth rate in the forecast period. The dominance of pizza crust is mainly due to the consumption habits in developed countries (USA & Europe), product differentiation & ease of making associated with these products.
For any specific interest and customization requests, inquire at http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/global-frozen-bakery-products-market-1524/inquire
By Distribution Channel:
Artisan Bakers
Retail
Catering
Others
Here, on a global scenario, the retail segment controls nearly 54% of the market, especially in developing markets due to the presence of large number of retail outlets, followed by catering with a hold on 23%. While these shares vary from country to country depending on the traditional distribution methods or point of sales establishments.
By Geography:
The market for frozen bakery products in developed countries like USA, EU5 shows large numbers, which can be attributed to factors like well-established cold chain logistics, economic status of consumers etc. While the market in developing countries of Asia-Pacific and Latin America remains lucrative owing to the factors like population, increase in people disposable incomes, growing awareness about frozen foods etc.
For more granular level of data and analysis, purchase full report at http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/global-frozen-bakery-products-market-1524/
The key players (Tier-1, Tier-2 & local companies) in the industry have also been analysed to understand the supply and demand trends, manufacturers influence on market dynamics etc. Further, the decisions of major companies in the past few years have also been studied to understand market penetration and strengthening strategies. Some of the few players covered in the report include Associated British Foods plc, Arytza AG, Europastry SA, Grupo Bimbo S.A.B. de C.V., General Mills, Inc., Cole's Quality Foods Inc., Lantmannen Unibake International, Vandemoortele NV, Kellogg Company and ConAgra Foods, Inc.
Scope of the Frozen Bakery Products Market Study:
Global, regional and country-level analysis and forecasts of the study market; providing Insights on the major countries/regions in which this industry is blooming and to also identify the regions that are still untapped
and forecasts of the study market; providing Insights on the major countries/regions in which this industry is blooming and to also identify the regions that are still untapped Segment-level analysis in terms of technology, component, and type along with market size forecasts and estimations to detect key areas of industry growth in detail
in terms of technology, component, and type along with market size forecasts and estimations to detect key areas of industry growth in detail Identification of key drivers, restraints, opportunities, and challenges (DROC) in the market and their impact on shifting market dynamics
in the market and their impact on shifting market dynamics Study of the effect of exogenous and endogenous factors that affect the global market; which includes broadly demographic, economics, and political, among other macro-environmental factors presented in an extensive PESTLE Analysis
Study the micro environment factors that determine the overall profitability of an Industry, using Porter ' s five forces analysis for analysing the level of competition and business strategy development
for analysing the level of competition and business strategy development A comprehensive list of key market players along with their product portfolio, current strategic interests, key financial information, legal issues, SWOT analysis and analyst overview to study and sustain the market environment
along with their product portfolio, current strategic interests, key financial information, legal issues, SWOT analysis and analyst overview to study and sustain the market environment Competitive landscape analysis listing out the mergers, acquisitions, collaborations in the field along with new product launches, comparative financial studies and recent developments in the market by the major companies
listing out the mergers, acquisitions, collaborations in the field along with new product launches, comparative financial studies and recent developments in the market by the major companies An executive summary , abridging the entire report in such a way that decision-making personnel can rapidly become acquainted with background information, concise analysis and main conclusions
, abridging the entire report in such a way that decision-making personnel can rapidly become acquainted with background information, concise analysis and main conclusions Expertly devised analyst overview along with Investment opportunities to provide both individuals and organizations a strong financial foothold in the market
Checkout other related studies in the Processed Food Segment:
Frozen Foods Market
http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/global-frozen-foods-market-872/
Frozen Fruits Market:
http://www.marketdataforecast.com/market-reports/global-frozen-fruits-market-1063/
About Us:
Market Data Forecast is a firm working in the area of market research and business intelligence. With rich experience in research across various business domains, we cater to the needs of both individual and corporate clients. Our analyst team comprises expert professionals in market research, who with their collective knowledge and skillset dedicatedly serve clients from various industries and regions.
Contact:
Abhishek Shukla
Manager (International Business Development)
Market Data Forecast
Direct Line: +1-888-702-9626
Mobile: +91-998-555-0206
Mail: abhishek@marketdataforecast.com
Visit MarketDataForecast Blog @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/blog/
View latest Press Releases of MDF @ http://www.marketdataforecast.com/press-releases
SOURCE Market Data Forecast
- Fukui Prefecture's Information Website for International Visitors to Japan Now Has New Section Devoted to its 70-in-all Exclusive Experience Programs -
FUKUI, Japan, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Fukui Prefecture's information website for international visitors to Japan "Fukui Tourism Guide" (http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/) announced the launch of a new category, "Things To Do," to give more information about the experience programs available for overseas visitors to the prefecture.
The brand-new category features 70 programs in total, all unique to Fukui Prefecture and further divided in eight subcategories: "Traditional Culture & Festivals," "Traditional Arts & Crafts," "Food & Dining," "Nature," "Lifestyle Experience Program," "Agricultural, Forestry and Fishery Experience Program," "Sports" and "Others."
About Fukui Prefecture - "Zen, Alive. Fukui"
Fukui Prefecture sits almost at the center of the Sea of Japan side of the Japanese archipelago, and thanks to its beautiful nature and healthy food culture, it has prospered as the northern gateway to Kyoto.
There, the spirit of the "Zen" school of Buddhism is still alive and can be felt not only in the local lifestyle and culture but throughout the Prefecture: its beauty of nature as seen at the Tojinbo Cliffs or in the snowy Hakusan mountain range, its rich food culture including the "Echizen Gani" crab, the only type of crab presented to the Imperial Family, and its traditional arts and crafts such as Echizen Paper with more than 1,500 years of history, to name but a few.
Fukui Prefecture always welcomes you, and through its exclusive programs, you'll have an opportunity to experience the Zen spirit for yourself while discovering what it truly means to you!
Fukui Tourism Guide
URL: http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/
Fukui Tourism Guide "Things To Do"
URL: http://www.fuku-e.com/lang/english/things_to_do/
"Fukui Tourism Guide" also offers the following content:
"Zen, Alive. Fukui. Recommended articles"
"PLACES TO VISIT," "THINGS TO DO," "TOURIST ROUTES," "DELICIOUS FOOD,"
"SOUVENIRS," "STAY," "INFORMATION"
SOURCE Fukui Prefectural Government
Estimados amigos,
Les doy cordialmente la bienvenida a este Blog informativo con articulos, analisis y comentarios de publicaciones especializadas y especialmente seleccionadas, principalmente sobre temas economicos, financieros y politicos de actualidad, que esperamos y deseamos, sean de su maximo interes, utilidad y conveniencia.
Pensamos que solo comprendiendo cabalmente el presente, es que podemos proyectarnos acertadamente hacia el futuro.
Las convicciones son mas peligrosos enemigos de la verdad que las mentiras.
There are decades when nothing happens and there are weeks when decades happen.
You only find out who is swimming naked when the tide goes out.
No soy alguien que sabe, sino alguien que busca.
Only Gold is money. Everything else is debt.
Las grandes almas tienen voluntades; las debiles tan solo deseos.
Quien no lo ha dado todo no ha dado nada.
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce.
If you know the other and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles.
We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share.This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.
"Globalegrow offers a variety of accessible women's fashion in more than 200 countries. We 're excited to extend Globalegrow to new markets. We have kept up stable growth with revenue doubling each financial year in the key markets of North America and Europe. It is thrilling to be able to build up operations in the Middle East and Russia," said Victor Zeng, COO of Globalegrow.
Members in the Middle East and Russia will be able to shop on Globalegrow's different fashion sites soon, offering them women's fashion, accessories and more.
A recent DHL report found that cross-border e-commerce will grow at a rate of 25% over the next three years, reaching US$900 billion by 2020 from the US$300 billion recorded in 2015.
By analyzing market potential and the user base in the Middle East and Russia, Globalegrow has set up a global expansion strategy to cope with the markets' dynamics. As more consumers have gained access to the internet and begun to appreciate the convenience of online purchases, online shopper penetration rates across the Middle East and Russia have grown rapidly.
"We are confident about the popularity of e-commerce in those regions, with its large population, rising internet connectivity and high levels of online payment. However, for emerging markets in the Middle East and Russia, early entrants like us will not consider the issue of return on investment, but are more concerned about the markets' growth potential, the size of the target user base and strategic layout," Zeng said.
In addition, Globalegrow will take its next step in further development by expanding in the regional markets of North Africa and Southeast Asia, opening flagship stores to offer members a better user experience offline.
About Globalegrow
Founded in 2007, Globalegrow is a cross-border e-commerce enterprise in Shenzhen, China. Globalegrow focuses on female customers who are fashion-sensitive and it operates overseas with different fashion sites, including RosGal, and SammyDress.
For more information, visit Globalegrow's website: http://www.globalegrow.com/en/
Contact Person: Lu Yang
+86-13418686013
luyang@globalegrow.com
Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480665/Globalegrow_new.jpg
Related Links
http://www.globalegrow.com/en
SOURCE Globalegrow
TURIN, Italy, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Guided by professional Egyptologists, tours of the reimagined Egyptian Museum of Turin are now accessible online
Thanks to a new agreement between Weekendinitaly.com, the leading online marketer of Italy events, tours, and museum tickets, and the Egyptian Museum of Turin, travelers can access not only the museum but also new and exciting tours guided by Museum Egyptologists. Considered second only to Cairo's, the Egyptian Museum makes Egypt's ancient civilizations relevant even in these modern times.
(Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480321/Weekend_in_Italy_Logo.jpg )
Visitors and families find various options at their disposal. The basic ticket includes a video guide, with suggested itineraries. Egyptian history enthusiasts, however, can choose from six different tours, each guided by a Museum Egyptologist. These experts break the mold of a typical museum visit and guarantee a thought provoking, thrilling, and scientifically charged couple of hours. Themes include Egyptian animal-gods; everyday life; divine and magic powers; learning to read hieroglyphs; and even a treasure hunt for the whole family.
"The Egyptian Museum is always an unexpected treat for Turin visitors," says WeekendinItaly.com CEO Alessandro Naldi, "Instead of dull and dusty exhibits, the redesigned museum takes you right into life as it was back then. Visitors marvel at how advanced the culture was and how surprisingly similar the challenges of Egyptian daily life were to those of today." Naldi observed, "Personally, I like mystery and found the Egyptologist's use of games, wit, and scientific knowledge to unravel everything from language to hieroglyphs to animal spirits right on target for me."
Access to this exciting approach to Egyptian history is available at this link http://www.weekendinitaly.com/torino/tour/443-turin-egyptian-museum.html
Reserve admission tickets to the Turin Egyptian Museum here http://www.weekendinitaly.com/torino/museo_dett/29-other-museums/9517-turin-egyptian-museum.html .
Background: Weekend in Italy serves the tourism industry since 1995 and offers more than 600 tourist services for adventurous travelers, including tours, excursions and online ticket reservations for major Italian museums. Weekend in Italy was the first Italian company to offer these services online, with new ones constantly being added. The company collaborates with Expedia, Viator, GTA, Veltra and many others, and serves hundreds of thousands of customers each year.
Contact:
Giulia Naldi
Account Manager
Email: giulia.naldi@web95.it
Web: http://www.weekendinitaly.com
Office Phone: +39-057-438-074
SOURCE WEEKEND in ITALY
HANNOVER, Germany, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At CeBIT 2017 held at Hannover, Germany, Huawei and Deutsche Telekom today shared their latest developments and future plans for the Open Telekom Cloud (OTC). Since its commercial launch in 2016, the jointly-developed solution has been enhanced with 50 new flavours and new services, providing enterprises with a comprehensive set of cloud services. Furthermore, the partners announced to join forces to tackle the IoT hardware market.
The Open Telekom Cloud covers IaaS, PaaS, SaaS and vertical solutions that enable seamless integration with an enterprise's existing IT infrastructure. It provides a full range of on-demand and secure cloud services. Since its launch a year ago, the solution has already become a leading case for commercialization in the OpenStack community.
Latest Developments and Future Plans of Open Telekom Cloud
Integration with the IoT (OTC + IoT) is a key feature of the Open Telekom Cloud. With 20 years of experience in wireless communications technology, Huawei provides best-in-class IoT services and technical support to enterprises and partners and delivers innovative solutions to enable digital agriculture, digital logistics, smart lighting and Smart City. For the Open Telekom Cloud project, Huawei and Deutsche Telekom are innovating together to provide enterprise customers of various industries with leading chips, networks, cloud platforms and services.
Together Huawei and Deutsche Telekom have enhanced the IaaS quality of the Open Telekom Cloud, and will gradually launch PaaS to help customers simplify the development and management of applications while lowering operational development costs and risk. By providing relational database services through the Open Telekom Cloud, customers no longer need to construct and manage their own databases. Through the application of containers, customers are also freed from cluster management by utilizing the container engine provided by the Open Telekom Cloud. At the same time, the Open Telekom Cloud is launching SaaS solutions including Big Data analysis and Artificial Intelligence.
Simon Lin, President of Deutsche Telekom Key Account Department of Huawei, said: "Cloud services are a key part of Huawei's business strategy, and we will continuously invest in this area. By joining forces with Deutsche Telekom, a leading cloud service provider in Europe with vast experience in offering quality ICT services to customers, we aim to empower the digital transformation of European enterprises."
Anette Bronder, Director of Digital Division T-Systems and Telekom Security: "With our public cloud 'Made in Germany' we provide enterprise customers with affordable and secure cloud services. The Open Telekom Cloud is a platform particularly suitable for developers and start-ups, enabling them to safely capture the vast opportunities brought about by digital transformation. Industry 4.0 and the IoT need a high-performing and secure cloud as basis. With the Open Telekom Cloud we provide the soil to grow digital business for every industry."
CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has performed a large proof-of-concept utilizing more than 1000 virtual machines on the Open Telekom Cloud, performing workloads from the different experiments on the Large Hadron Collider. The results were positive throughout, evidenced by the fact that the Open Telekom Cloud was selected to provide services to support the Helix Nebula Science Cloud, enabling Europe's biggest research centres, CERN, EMBL, IFAE and others to make use of public cloud service.
According to Tim Bell, Computer and Monitoring Group Leader at CERN, the laboratory's own cloud infrastructure is among the world's largest private OpenStack installations. The common interest of CERN and Huawei to drive and enhance the development of OpenStack for large-scale applications will now be pursued through a collaborative CERN openlab project, over at least the next 12 months. The work will be carried out through the community-processes of OpenStack, with the results being fully open source.
Huawei has been providing industry partners such as Deutsche Telekom and its subsidiary T-Systems with leading new ICT infrastructure, such as servers, storage, networking and cloud operating systems, to jointly develop and deliver powerful and secure cloud services.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider.
SOURCE Huawei
Investing USD200M to Develop 15 New OpenLabs in 3 Years
HANNOVER, Germany, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- At CeBIT 2017 held in Hannover, Germany, Huawei today unveiled its Global OpenLab Program, outlining its development of 15 new OpenLabs and investment plan for the next three years. The new OpenLabs will enable Huawei to work with various industry partners across the world to create customer-centric and innovative solutions that enable digital transformation, while promoting industry ecosystem development.
Global OpenLab Program with USD200M Total Investment in 3 Years
In 2017, Huawei will build 7 new OpenLabs located in cities including London, UK; Paris, France; Moscow, Russia; and Johannesburg, South Africa. This brings the total number of OpenLabs to 12 and by the end of 2019, Huawei plans to increase this number to 20. Over the next three years, Huawei will allocate nearly 1,000 talents around the world and invest a total of USD200 million in the Program.
Victor Yu, President of Industry Marketing & Solution Department of Huawei Enterprise Business Group, said: "Each OpenLab addresses the needs of its local market, and harnesses local talent and technology assets. For example in Munich, Germany, we are working on joint innovation projects, conducting simulation tests and researching on connected cars with German automotive enterprises. We work with outstanding local companies to integrate their capabilities into Huawei's global value chain and promote these capabilities across the world, helping to enhance the competitiveness of local ICT industries."
Huawei has built and operated OpenLabs in 5 cities including Suzhou, China; Munich, Germany; Mexico City, Mexico; Singapore; and Dubai, UAE. These OpenLabs are facilitating joint innovation and solution launches with more than 400 partners across Smart City, finance, transportation, energy, manufacturing and media sectors. Huawei has established partnerships with nearly 80 overseas solutions partners. Various large enterprises and government departments are implementing solutions developed by Huawei's OpenLabs. For example, Huawei collaborated with Accenture to develop Smart City solutions; Huawei and Altair joined forces to create an enterprise simulation cloud solution that supports customers in the automotive industry as they digitally transform their research and development arm; Huawei innovated with partners such as SAP and Oracle on power IoT solutions, enabling customers to build strong and cost-effective power grids.
Platform + Ecosystem Strategy Accelerates Digital Transformation with Customers and Partners
The Global OpenLab Program is aligned with Huawei Enterprise Business Group's "Platform + Ecosystem" strategy. This strategy centers on collaborating with partners and customers to develop innovative, differentiated and leading industry-specific solutions that enable open, elastic, flexible, and secure platforms to drive enterprise digital transformation. Huawei is focused on facilitating a digital transformation ecosystem to implement joint innovations and expand the ecosystem in terms of industry alliances, business alliances, developer platforms, and open-source communities.
"Challenges within a future smart society cannot be tackled alone, they demand cooperation within the ICT industry and with relevant partners. Initiatives such as the Global OpenLab Program demonstrate Huawei's commitment to providing the building blocks of an ICT ecosystem in this smart society, and driving continuous industrial and social progress through strategic alliances. The Global OpenLab Program will bring together global and regional business partners to boost industry innovation capabilities, and by supporting the greater good of the industry we aim to generate more opportunities for all ecosystem players," added Yu.
Commenting on its collaboration with Huawei, Rolf Schumann, SVP Global General Manager Platform and Innovation, SAP Cloud Platform, said: "Since 2012, SAP and Huawei have established a strategic alliance, which is based on our complementary software and hardware, and we have cooperated to develop SAP HANA joint solutions and go-to-market (G2M) strategies. Huawei has established 5 global OpenLabs that target the enterprise market and have a complete set of equipment to provide potential customers and partners with integrated ICT platforms, enabling joint innovations and proof of concept. SAP believes that these OpenLabs can accelerate cooperation with Huawei in various fields, including Industry 4.0, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), the Internet of Things (IoT), Big Data, and Business-to-Business (B2B) cloud."
Infosys has set up an alliance with Huawei since 2014. Umashankar Lakshmipathy, Senior Vice President and Regional Head -- EMEA, Cloud & Infrastructure Services, Infosys Limited, said: "We have cooperated extensively with Huawei in finance, the IoT and cloud data center solutions, and go-to-market (G2M) strategies. Huawei's OpenLab in Suzhou provides partners with a leading ICT platform that enables joint innovation of banking and smart stadium solutions. We hope that our joint innovations with Huawei can be expanded to the entire world through Huawei's OpenLabs in other regions, such as South Asia and the Middle East."
Huawei is committed to cooperating with its customers and partners in building ICT platforms featuring Cloud, Pipe, and Device collaboration, and orchestrating symbiotic, vibrant, and sustainable ecosystems. Huawei will continue to work with its partners to explore new ways to address digital transformation challenges in the new ICT era.
About Huawei
Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider.
For more information, please visit Huawei online at www.huawei.com.
Related Links
http://www.huawei.com
SOURCE Huawei
TORONTO, Ontario, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Darryl White, Chief Operating Officer, BMO Financial Group, will speak at the National Bank 2017 Financial Services Conference in Montreal on March 30, 2017, at 10:05 a.m. EDT.
This event will be broadcast live via webcast at http://www.bmo.com/investorrelations. The webcast will be archived for three months.
About BMO Financial Group
Established in 1817, and currently marking its 200th year of operations, BMO Financial Group is a highly diversified financial services provider based in North America. With total assets of $692 billion CAD as of January 31, 2017, and more than 45,000 employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
For News Media Enquiries:
Ralph Marranca, Toronto, ralph.marranca@bmo.com, +1-416-867-3996
Frederic Tremblay, Montreal, Frederic1.Tremblay@bmo.com, +1-514-877-1873
For Investor Relations Enquiries:
Jill Homenuk, Toronto, jill.homenuk@bmo.com, +1-416-867-4770
Christine Viau, Toronto, Christine.viau@bmo.com, +1-416-867-6956
Internet: http://www.bmo.com
Twitter: @BMOmedia
SOURCE BMO Financial Group
LONDON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- HR TECH -- PeopleDoc, the HR Service Delivery cloud company, introduced the first online service to provide easy-to-consume information critical to maintaining HR compliance across the globe and avoiding costly audits, legal violations and public relations nightmares. PeopleDoc HR Compliance Assist features a portal of information created and curated by a network of lawyers on subjects such as HR document retention guidelines, electronic document validity and employee data privacy requirements. Its ComplianceWatch newsletter will alert subscribers to changes and best practices for these complex topics across multiple countries.
HR leaders and compliance officers face the daunting challenge of staying current on a variety of relevant laws which often differ by country and region. They need to know which laws are important and decide how to apply them to digital HR practices such e-signature contracts, electronic records, and employee data privacy. The financial risks alone of non-compliance are significant; for example, non-compliance with the new European General Data Protection Regulation will carry fines up to 20,000,000 EUR or 4% of total worldwide annual turnover the preceding year (whichever is higher).
"As we help customers shift from paper to digital employee files, they gain instant visibility into all their documents and can more easily manage updates, expirations and audits," said Arnaud Gouachon. "These customers often ask for our guidance on how to best meet their data privacy and other compliance requirements across multiple countries. HR Compliance Assist makes this type of information readily accessible by HR, IT and legal teams so they can confidently scale their digital HR transformations globally."
PeopleDoc HR Compliance Assist provides articles, white papers and webinars with a focus on these sought-after topics:
HR record retention guidelines to enable confident management of document lifecycles
Electronic HR records management guidance to ensure validity of e-signature employment agreements, proper electronic distribution of HR documents, successful transitions from paper to electronic documents
Employee personal data privacy including what pre-approvals are required from employees, data localization restrictions and data transfer requirements
The service is available as a subscription for PeopleDoc SaaS clients starting in 2Q 2017.
PeopleDoc is on a mission to make the difficult job of HR easier. The PeopleDoc HR Service Delivery platform helps HR teams more easily answer employee requests on demand, automate employee processes, and manage compliance across multiple locations. PeopleDoc cloud solutions include case management, process automation and employee file management. 100% software as a service, PeopleDoc solutions integrate with existing HR systems, can be implemented in 8-12 weeks, and are designed for agile ongoing use by HR teams serving diverse workforces. PeopleDoc serves more than 500 clients with employees in 165 countries in nine languages with a 100% customer retention rate. More information is available at www.people-doc.com.
Related Links
http://www.people-doc.com
SOURCE PeopleDoc
LYSS, Switzerland, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Precipart SA, a custom precision solutions manufacturer headquartered in Lyss, Switzerland, announced today that it successfully earned the EN 9100:2009 Quality Certification (Equivalent to AS 9100C, JISQ 9100:2009) from the Swiss Association for Quality and Management Systems SQS.
Recognized globally within the aerospace industry, the EN 9100:2009 standard certifies that a company meets all Quality Management Systems requirements for Aviation, Space and Defense organizations (based on ISO 9001:2008) in the realization of precision components, gears and motion control parts and assemblies and provides a framework for quality, safety, customer service and cost reduction in the value stream.
"We are pleased to receive this important certification," said Peter Schupbach, President and CEO of Precipart SA. "We uphold the strictest quality control standards across all manufacturing processes, and believe this new authorization for our Switzerland office further validates that fact. Quality, compliance and continuous improvement represent the core of our company's philosophy."
Precipart provides mechanical components, assemblies, gears and motion control solutions to the most recognized names in the medical, aerospace and industrial markets. Precipart's facilities and state of the art machining centers are audited to the strictest compliance standards, including ISO 9001:2008, ISO 13485:2003, EN9100, ITAR, and C-TPAT.
About Precipart
Precipart is a global company engaged in the engineering, design and manufacture of high precision custom solutions. The company has offices in Switzerland, the U.S., U.K. and India, and provides mechanical components, assemblies, gears and motion control solutions to the most recognized names in the medical, aerospace and industrial markets. Since opening its doors in 1950, the company has developed new processes, methods and services to provide the highest precision gears and mechanical components to its partners to enhance their competitiveness in a global market.
Press Contact:
Liz Burke, Didit Communications, +1 516-629-3285, +1 917-573-1440, liz.burke@didit.com
Related Links
http://www.precipart.com
SOURCE Precipart
- Rocket Lab receives $75 million (USD) funding in D financing round
- Lead investor Data Collective, with additional investors Promus Ventures and an undisclosed investor as well as participation from existing investors
- Company expands facilities in Los Angeles to increase rocket production
HUNTINGTON BEACH, California, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Rocket Lab, a private American-New Zealand space company, today announced closing a Series D financing round of $75 million (USD). The round was led by Data Collective, with additional investment from Promus Ventures and an undisclosed investor, and with renewed participation from Bessemer Venture Partners, Khosla Ventures and K1W1. The closure of the round brings the total funding Rocket Lab has received to date to $148 million, with the company now valued in excess of $1 billion (USD).
"Closing this funding round comes on the heels of a big year that saw Rocket Lab finish construction on the world's first private, orbital launch site and delivery of the first Electron rocket to the site ahead of our test launch," said Rocket Lab CEO and founder Peter Beck. "The funding will enable us to scale up production of Electron to meet the continued high demand we're seeing from the growing small satellite industry."
Rocket Lab's mission is to provide frequent satellite launch opportunities, which will revolutionize the ability of satellite companies to reach orbit many of these companies currently have had assets sitting on the shelves for years, waiting for launch.
Today, Beck also welcomed Data Collective Managing Partner Matt Ocko to Rocket Lab's board of directors, joining existing members David Cowan (Bessemer Venture Partners), Sven Strohband (Khosla Ventures) and Scott Smith (Iridium Satellites).
"Currently, small satellite companies wait years to get on orbit, often at the mercy and schedules of larger payloads and at extortionate costs," said Matt Ocko of Data Collective. "With Rocket Lab, this huge backlog now has access to a high-frequency, quality launch service that will take customers where they want to go, when they want to fly. The commercial and humanitarian applications this will open up are endless, and it should unleash a torrent of financing for space innovation."
"It's a privilege to work with the experienced team at Rocket Lab. Launch has been the prime barrier to market entry in small satellites, and we firmly believe Rocket Lab will successfully fill this void with its proprietary technology platform, vertically-integrated supply chain and private orbital launch range," said Mike Collett of Promus Ventures.
Today also marks the opening of Rocket Lab's new headquarters in Huntington Beach, California. The company has had a presence in the LA area since 2013 and looks forward to expanding its engineering and business units in the 150,000-square foot facility. Rocket Lab remains committed to also growing and expanding its presence in Auckland, New Zealand, which supports Rocket Lab's Launch Complex 1 on New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula.
About Electron
Rocket Lab will use Electron to launch imaging and communications satellites. Rocket Lab's customers use these satellites to provide services including optimized crop monitoring, improved weather reporting, Internet from space, natural disaster prediction, up-to-date maritime data and search and rescue services.
Electron is an entirely carbon-composite vehicle that uses Rocket Lab's 3D-printed Rutherford engines for its main propulsion system. Electron is capable of delivering payloads of up to 150 kg to a 500 km sun-synchronous orbit the target range for the high-growth constellation-satellite market. Customers signed to fly on Electron include NASA, Planet, Spire and Moon Express.
About Data Collective
Data Collective (DCVC) and its principals have backed brilliant people changing global-scale industries for over twenty years, helping create tens of billions of dollars of wealth for these entrepreneurs while also making the world a markedly better place.
DCVC brings to bear a unique model that unites a team of experienced venture capitalists with more than 50 technology executives and experts (CTOs, CIOs, Chief Scientists, Principal Engineers, Professors at Stanford and Berkeley) with significant tenures at top 100 technology companies and research institutions worldwide. DCVC focuses on seed, Series A, and growth stage companies that apply deep tech to transform giant industries. Learn more at www.dcvc.com and follow us on Twitter at @dcvc.
About Promus Ventures
Promus Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Chicago investing in visionary software and hardware companies mostly in the U.S. and Europe. The firm has invested in more than 55 private technology companies, including areas such as artificial intelligence, space, robotics, machine learning, computer vision, VR/AR, connected car, healthtech, fintech, insurance, and others. Promus Ventures focuses mostly on early seed and Series A stage rounds, and has invested in such innovative companies as Kensho, Spire, Navdy, AngelList, Mapbox, Airware, Layer, June, Swift Navigation, Whoop, CrowdFlower and others. More information can be found at promusventures.com.
Contact: Marcus Torrey, marcus@methodcommunications.com
SOURCE Rocket Lab
ABU DHABI, UAE, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and French President Francois Hollande co-chaired the Donors' Conference, held in Paris to mark the establishment of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH).
(Photo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480643/H_H_Sheikh_Saif_bin_Zayed_Al_Nahyan_Francois_Hollande.jpg )
ALIPH is a foundation which will finance projects for the implementation of preventive, emergency protection, conservation and restoration programs for cultural property endangered due to armed conflict. Also in attendance were UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Jack Lang, President of Institut du Monde Arabe and Jean-Luc Martinez, CEO of the Louvre Museum as well as HRH Prince Khaled Al Faisal Al Saoud, Governor of Makkah Region, and Sheikh Mohamed Abdullah Al Mubarak Al Sabah, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs of the State of Kuwait and many other representatives from the international cultural scene.
During the conference held at the Louvre Museum, all countries, foundations and private donors in attendance declared their support for the initiative and a total of more than $75 million dollars was pledged to the fund.
Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan announced that the United Arab Emirates would make a financial contribution of $15 million dollars to ALIPH. Additional pledges were made from France for $30 million dollars, Saudi Arabia for $20 million dollars, Kuwait for $5 million dollars, Luxembourg for 3 million Euros, Morocco for $1.5 million dollars and a private donation of $1 million dollars came from Thomas Kaplan. Morocco also announced its will to join the network of safe havens.
In addition, Italy announced its commitment to continue the work of its task force to train police, curators and restorers and its determination in bringing the project of a resolution forward, with France, to the UN Security Council. Germany pledged expertise to mobilizing the fund and Switzerland pledged its support in enabling ALIPH's establishment in Switzerland as a humanitarian endeavor. Mexico announced their commitment to investigating further support from countries in North and South America, as well as possibilities of creating safe havens. China also unveiled that it will be the first Asian country to respond to the call of the Abu Dhabi Declaration and make the China National Museum a safe haven to temporarily host endangered material culture in conflict zones from across the world.
Key actions resulting from these donations made to ALIPH will drive advancements in inventorying of cultural property, monitoring its state of conservation, planning risk preparedness to effectively respond to threats to cultural property, as well as training and providing logistical support for preventive and protective measures, and implementing rehabilitation and restoration projects for damaged cultural property - all in line with the principles and conventions of UNESCO.
Speaking in the Donors' Conference, H.H. Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior said: "On behalf of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, I am honored to be present at this important and historic moment to gather the international community together to mark the establishment of the International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas. Since the Abu Dhabi conference, we have made huge strides towards the development of a robust strategy to ensure that the catastrophic destruction of priceless cultural artefacts are preserved for future generations. It is a great achievement to see that the strategies set out in the Abu Dhabi Declaration materialize as impactful and sustainable means to safeguard cultural resources. As momentum grows around the Foundation's initiatives, we look forward to welcoming future public and private donors who are inspired to unite with us to protect heritage in all its diversity and richness."
The event follows the International Conference on Safeguarding Endangered Cultural Heritage in Conflict Areas which took place in Abu Dhabi on December 2 and 3, 2016. The conference concluded with the Abu Dhabi Declaration, in which the international community pledged to create an international support fund for programs aimed at safeguarding cultural heritage, as well developing an international refuge network for endangered cultural property.
SOURCE International Alliance for the Protection of Heritage in Conflict Areas (ALIPH)
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'The determinants of Chinese outward foreign direct investment', originally published in JIBS in 2007, has since had over 2,000 citations and has become one of the authoritative studies on the internationalisation of Chinese companies.
The award's selection committee called the paper one of the "pioneering empirical studies" of its kind, noting that it provides "a truly comprehensive treatment of Chinese investment abroad making it a landmark study in understanding outward foreign direct investment."
Professor of international business and associate dean for learning and teaching at IBSS, Professor Cross said, "I am extremely honored to receive this award and I will be proud to represent XJTLU at the AIB conference, as our current research continues to investigate hot topics in international business studies."
"Our paper looked at how the location and political characteristics of countries influenced the magnitude and direction of Chinese investment in the 1980s and 1990s. Our key finding was that, because of the privileged access to capital that many Chinese companies enjoyed at that time, not least because of their state-owned status, and because of their distinct sources of competitive advantage, their attitude to investment and location risk was different to that generally observed for western companies."
The paper is available to read on the website of the Journal of International Business Studies.
The selection process for the JIBS Decade Award considers not only the number of citations but also the quality. Only papers with a significant number of citations in leading business journals make the final selection. The top five papers are then reviewed by a selection committee of experts to determine which has had the most significant impact in the field of international business studies over a 10-year period.
Photo - http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/480639/Adam_Cross.jpg
SOURCE Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Adoption of Advanced Customer Contact Applications Continued
The Australian contact center applications market size is estimated to decline from $121.7 million in 2015 to $118.5 million by 2022, at a negative Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 0.4%. The research service covers the contact center applications market in Australia based on 6 application segments including Inbound Contact Routing (ICR), Interactive Voice Response (IVR), Outbound Dialer (OBD), Quality Monitoring (QM), Workforce Management (WFM) and analytics applications. The base year is 2015, forecasts are provided by application as well as by vertical segment and horizontal segment adoption for the years 2016 to 2022.
Research Scope:
- Market trends (market conditions, technology trends, pricing trends)
- Country trends
- Revenue forecast by solutions, applications, and technologies
- Analysis and highlights by verticals and horizontals (trends are also identified based on technology adoption across different industry sectors as
well as by the size of the contact centers)
Market Engineering Measurements are provided for the year of 2015. Market stage, market revenue of 2015, market size at the end of forecast period, base year market growth rate, CAGR, market saturation, price range, price sensitivity, and market concentration are provided.
The study presents the market size and market share by application and country. Strategies, growth analysis, competitive landscape, and future focus are discussed for major contact center application vendors (Alcatel-Lucent, Altigen, Altitude, Artsoft, Aspect Software, Avaya, Bridgetec, Callray, Cisco Systems, Convergys, eGain, Enghouse Interactive, Ericsson, Fujitsu, Genesys, Grandsys, Hanmec, Huawei, Infobird, Infotalk, Interact, Interactive Intelligence, Inticube, Jiaxun, MPC, NEC, Neocas, Nexus, NICE Systems, Nuance Communications, Oki Electric, P&W Solutions, Parsec, Samsung (Seoul Commtech)Unify, SinoVoice, Spectra, Synway, Syswill, Talisma, Todentsu, Verint Systems, Voiceware, West Interactive, Zinglabs, ZTE, and so on).
Key Questions This Study Will Answer:
- Is the market growing, declining, or reaching saturation? How long will it continue to grow and at what rate? What are the key growth regions in the short and long terms?
- What are the driving and restraining factors that will shape the future of this market? What initiatives have the ecosystem participants introduced to take advantage of market conditions?
- What is the current competitive landscape? How is it expected to evolve in the future? How are ecosystem participants gearing up for the future?
- How will the market change over time? Will there be a shift in the business model/pricing strategy?
- Which segment(s) will drive future adoption? What are some of the vertical-specific trends?
- Do the products and services offered meet customer needs or is additional development required?
Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04767898-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.
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SOURCE Reportlinker
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PALO ALTO, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AirXpanders, Inc. (ASX: AXP) (AirXpanders or Company), a medical device company focused on the design, manufacture, sale and distribution of the AeroForm Tissue Expander System, today announced that the AeroForm technology was featured at the prestigious Barcelona Breast Meeting (BBM), which took place March 16-17, in Barcelona, Spain.
The BBM brings together plastic surgeons and microsurgeons from Europe to educate them on the latest products and research developments in breast reconstructive and breast aesthetic surgery. During BBM, Kamakshi Zeidler, M.D., FACS, a board-certified plastic surgeon and Managing Partner at Aesthetx in Campbell, California, reviewed the results from the XPAND randomized clinical trial and shared her personal experience treating patients with the AeroForm System. Dr. Zeidler served as a clinical investigator for AirXpanders' U.S. XPAND and XPAND II clinical trials and recently performed the first commercial AeroForm procedure in the U.S. following FDA's de novo marketing authorization.
Additionally, AeroForm was featured during the Gadget Show, which focuses specifically on the latest innovations in breast reconstruction. AirXpanders' President and CEO, Scott Dodson, provided an overview of the breakthrough technology.
"With the commercial launch of AeroForm now underway in the United States, our next goal is to connect with a global network of reconstructive experts," said Dodson. "The interest and excitement in AeroForm during BBM was palpable, and we look forward to working with these experts to identify a path to make our technology available in Europe in the future."
AeroForm offers a needle-free alternative for women who choose reconstructive surgery following a mastectomy. AeroForm is activated by a handheld wireless controller that administers small amounts of carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) up to three times a day, to gradually stretch the tissue to prepare for a breast implant. With the push of a button from the wireless controller, a preprogrammed amount of CO 2 is delivered in seconds, allowing the patient to continue with her daily activities while preparing for reconstruction.
About AirXpanders:
Founded in 2005, AirXpanders, Inc. (www.airxpanders.com) designs, manufactures and markets innovative medical devices to improve breast reconstruction. The company's AeroForm Tissue Expander System is used in patients undergoing two-stage breast reconstruction following mastectomy. Headquartered in Palo Alto, California, AirXpanders' vision is to be the global leader in reconstructive surgery products and to become the standard of care in two-stage breast reconstruction. AirXpanders is a publicly-listed company on the Australian Securities Exchange under the symbol "AXP." AeroForm was granted U.S. FDA de novo marketing authorization in 2016, first CE mark in Europe in 2012 and is currently approved for sale in Australia.
Forward-Looking Statements
This announcement contains or may contain forward-looking statements that are based on management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations and on information currently available to management.
All statements that address operating performance, events or developments that we expect or anticipate will occur in the future are forward-looking statements. These include, without limitation, European market acceptance and U.S. sales of our product.
Management believes that these forward-looking statements are reasonable when made. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements because they speak only as of the date when made. AirXpanders does not assume any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. AirXpanders may not actually achieve the plans, projections or expectations disclosed in forward-looking statements. Actual results, developments or events could differ materially from those disclosed in the forward-looking statements.
For more information, refer to the Company's website at www.airxpanders.com.
SOURCE AirXpanders, Inc.
Related Links
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TROY, Mich., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AkzoNobel, the global decorative paints, coatings and chemicals company, is celebrating Women's History Month by announcing that it is the Platinum Sponsor for the non-profit Women's Industry Network (WIN).
WIN is dedicated to encouraging, developing and cultivating opportunities to attract women to vehicle collision repair. WIN recognizes excellence, promotes leadership, and fosters a network among women who are shaping the industry.
Doug Holmberg, Vehicle Refinishes Business Director for AkzoNobel in North America, says that he is extremely proud of AkzoNobel's longstanding relationship with WIN.
"AkzoNobel is a strong proponent of our industry and the advancement of diversity within it. Many of WIN's founders and current leaders were first recognized by AkzoNobel through the Most Influential Women in the Collision Repair Industry program, began in 1999; and, today administered under the stewardship of WIN. As a result of this history, we were the first and primary corporate mentor for WIN as it aspired to be the only association in the North America collision repair industry specifically focused on the advancement of women at all strata. This sponsorship demonstrates our appreciation of their work," says Holmberg.
The WIN organization is currently in growth mode, as companies representing every segment of collision repair around the world are becoming members. Susanna Gotsch, chair of WIN's Sponsorship Committee says that their growth is made possible through the support of organizations like AkzoNobel.
"We are happy to support such a worthwhile organization," says North American Marketing Manager for AkzoNobel Vehicle Refinishes Jennifer Solcz when announcing the $25,000 sponsorship. "In addition to providing financial support, AkzoNobel employees are actively involved with WIN. Past employees served on WIN's founding Board of Directors and we have several current employees working to advance the association through their involvement on various committees."
"The importance of WIN's mission to our industry is reaffirmed by the tremendous support we have received from our sponsors. At WIN, we provide a unique industry setting where women can connect with peers in the industry to share different perspectives, challenges and ideas to improve the industry," says Gotsch.
For more information, visit http://www.akzonobel.com.
About AkzoNobel
AkzoNobel creates everyday essentials to make people's lives more livable and inspiring. As a leading global paints and coatings company and a major producer of specialty chemicals, we supply essential ingredients, essential protection and essential color to industries and consumers worldwide. Backed by a pioneering heritage, our innovative products and sustainable technologies are designed to meet the growing demands of our fast-changing planet, while making life easier. Headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, we have approximately 45,000 people in around 80 countries, while our portfolio includes well-known brands such as Chemcraft, Sikkens, International, Interpon and Eka. Consistently ranked as a leader in sustainability, we are dedicated to energizing cities and communities while creating a protected, colorful world where life is improved by what we do.
SOURCE AkzoNobel
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http://www.akzonobel.com
SEATTLE, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK), the parent company of Alaska Airlines, Inc., Virgin America Inc. and Horizon Air Industries, Inc., will hold an investor day on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 in New York. Remarks by company management will begin approximately at 8:30 a.m. Pacific time/11:30 a.m. Eastern time. Interested parties may listen to the presentation and question-and-answer period via webcast at www.alaskaair.com/investors.
Alaska Airlines, together with Virgin America and its regional partners, flies 40 million customers a year to 118 destinations with an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Cuba. With Alaska and Alaska Global Partners , customers can earn and redeem miles on flights to more than 900 destinations worldwide. Learn more about Alaska's award-winning service and unmatched reliability at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK).
SOURCE Alaska Air Group, Inc.
Related Links
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WALTHAM, Mass., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- American DG Energy Inc. (NYSE MKT: ADGE) the "Company", an On-Site Utility provider offering clean electricity, heat, hot water and cooling solutions to hospitality, healthcare, housing and fitness facilities, reported total revenues of $6,141,749 for 2016, compared to $6,358,196 for 2015. GAAP diluted loss per share (EPS) was $0.01 for 2016, compared with a GAAP diluted loss per share of $0.11 for 2015. Reflecting the Company's ongoing efforts to optimize its On-Site Utility production, gross margin excluding depreciation and site impairments improved in 2016 to 39.9% versus 36.1% in 2015, a 3.8 percentage point increase and a 10.5% improvement in gross margin.
Chief Financial Officer Bonnie Brown observed, "In the past year we worked hard to set American DG on the path toward financial stability. The elimination of our substantial debt and the sale of the majority of our interest in EuroSite Power freed the company to focus resources on improving the core U.S. business. This renewed focus is evident in the substantial improvement in results."
Beginning in 2015 and continuing into 2016, the Company has been executing an initiative (the "Initiative") to more effectively invest its capital behind improving the performance of its existing installed base of assets. The goal of the Initiative is to make strategic capital improvements aimed at increasing productivity of the existing portfolio while optimizing the Company's margins and increasing cash flow. The results of this Initiative are producing a foundation of high performing assets that may be used to fund future growth.
Speaking about the company's performance, Co-Chief Executive Officer Benjamin Locke noted, "The Company's improved balance sheet and fleet operating metrics combine to make American DG Energy an attractive asset - the value of which was realized in the proposed acquisition by Tecogen Inc. Pending regulatory and shareholder approval, we look forward to combining forces to create the leading vertically integrated cogeneration company in the U.S. later this year."
Major Highlights:
Consolidated Financial Results
On November 1, 2016 , the Company's Board of Directors approved a definitive agreement whereby Tecogen Inc would acquire all of the outstanding shares of American DG in a stock-for-stock merger. Under the agreement, each share of American DG common stock will be exchanged for 0.092 shares of Tecogen common stock, valuing American DG at an approximately 27% premium to the Company's closing share price on that day. This agreement is subject to a vote of security holders of both companies. The transaction is also subject to other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2017.
, the Company's Board of Directors approved a definitive agreement whereby Tecogen Inc would acquire all of the outstanding shares of American DG in a stock-for-stock merger. Under the agreement, each share of American DG common stock will be exchanged for 0.092 shares of Tecogen common stock, valuing American DG at an approximately 27% premium to the Company's closing share price on that day. This agreement is subject to a vote of security holders of both companies. The transaction is also subject to other customary closing conditions and is expected to close in the first half of 2017. Through a series of transactions the Company has removed its $19.4 million in convertible debentures using a combination of EuroSite Power common stock and approximately $3 million in cash to repay this debt in full.
in convertible debentures using a combination of EuroSite Power common stock and approximately in cash to repay this debt in full. As a result of the convertible debenture transactions, as of June 30, 2016 the Company no longer consolidates with EuroSite Power and has presented its former subsidiary as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements.
the Company no longer consolidates with EuroSite Power and has presented its former subsidiary as discontinued operations in the accompanying financial statements. Also, as a result of the payoff of convertible debentures, the Company borrowed $850,000 from its Co-CEO, John Hatsopoulos . This loan carries 6% interest and matures on May 25, 2018 .
from its Co-CEO, . This loan carries 6% interest and matures on . As a result of our focused efforts to improve fleet operations, adjusted EBITDA cash flows improved by $941,000 , reaching positive cash inflows of $118,105 in 2016, versus outflows of $822,895 for 2015.
, reaching positive cash inflows of in 2016, versus outflows of for 2015. As a result of our efforts to improve operations and efficiencies, general and administrative expenses have decreased to $1,878,008 for 2016 versus $1,937,299 for 2015, a 3.1% improvement. General and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2016 included approximately $270,000 of one-time expenses incurred in connection with the proposed merger with Tecogen.
for 2016 versus for 2015, a 3.1% improvement. General and administrative expenses for the year ended included approximately of one-time expenses incurred in connection with the proposed merger with Tecogen. Overall operating expenses improved 24.1% generating an expense reduction of $817,669 .
. Adjusted gross margin excluding depreciation expense improved by 5.3%, reaching 31.7% for 2016 versus 26.4% for the same period in 2015. Gross margin for the full year 2016 was 2.1% compared with the (0.8)% gross margin reported in 2015, reflecting the benefit from site improvements and reduction in fuel, maintenance and installation related expense.
While eleven sites were removed from our fleet as a result of the reorganization with ADGNY, LLC, our revenues remained relatively level, decreasing by only $216,447 , or 3.4%.
Operations
As the operations team has been focused on metering for demand capture since March 2016 , our demand revenue captured for the year of 2016 was approximately $279,000 compared to $104,000 for 2015, an increase of 168%.
, our demand revenue captured for the year of 2016 was approximately compared to for 2015, an increase of 168%. Through improved operations, fuel costs were reduced by 4%, thus improving gross profit.
Revenue for the year was attributable to the following core markets:
Hospitality 16 % Fitness 17 % Housing 19 % Health Care 19 % Education 17 % Other 12 % Total 100 %
The revenue was distributed by energy type as is outlined in the following table:
Electricity 51 % Thermal 35 % Cooling 14 % Total 100 %
In total, as of December 31, 2016 , we operated 92 systems totaling 5,445kW of installed capacity.
American DG Energy will hold its earnings conference call today, March 21, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time. To listen, call (866) 364-3819 within the U.S., (855) 669-9657 from Canada, or (412) 902-4209 from other international locations. Participants should reference American DG Energy to access the call. We suggest you begin dialing at least 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time. Alternately, to register for and listen to the live webcast, please go to https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/416/20033 .
The earnings conference call will be recorded and available for playback one hour after the end of the call through Tuesday, March 28, 2017. To listen to the playback, call (877) 344-7529 within the U.S. (855) 669-9658 from Canada, or +1 (412) 317-0088 from other international locations and reference Replay Access Code 110102545. Following the call, the webcast will be archived for 30 days.
About American DG Energy
American DG Energy supplies low-cost energy to its customers through distributed power generating systems. We are committed to providing institutional, commercial and small industrial facilities with clean, reliable power, cooling, heat and hot water at lower costs than charged by local utilities - without any capital or start-up costs to the energy user - through our On-Site Utility energy solutions. American DG Energy is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts. Learn more about how American DG Energy reduces energy costs at www.americandg.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter .
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS
This press release contains forward-looking statements under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements, as disclosed on the Company's website and in Securities and Exchange Commission filings. This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or sell securities by the Company, its subsidiaries or any associated party and is meant purely for informational purposes. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements provided to reflect events that occur or circumstances that exist after the date on which they were made.
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
December 31, 2016
December 31, 2015 ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 338,627
$ 4,999,709
Accounts receivable, net 815,748
633,924
Unbilled revenue 18,797
12,468
Due from related party 87,845
99,548
Inventory 128,680
975,760
Current assets of discontinued operations
1,450,034
Assets held for sale 946,883
Prepaid and other current assets 299,667
331,057
Total current assets 2,636,247
8,502,500
Property and equipment, net 15,831,160
17,950,787
Long-term assets of discontinued operations
7,527,266
Investment securities 637,651
Other assets, long-term
41,825
TOTAL ASSETS $ 19,105,058
$ 34,022,378
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable $ 270,078
$ 162,976
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 522,525
257,810
Due to related party 127,904
1,171,863
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
699,086
Total current liabilities 920,507
2,291,735
Long-term liabilities:
Loan due to related party 850,000
Convertible debentures due related parties
16,078,912
Long-term liabilities of discontinued operations
4,536,422
Total liabilities 1,770,507
22,907,069
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Stockholders' equity:
American DG Energy Inc. stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.001 par value; 100,000,000 shares authorized; 50,684,095 issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016 and 2015 50,684
50,684
Additional paid-in capital 58,823,704
49,641,620
Accumulated other comprehensive loss-investment securities (136,848)
Accumulated deficit (41,381,221)
(40,622,774)
Total American DG Energy Inc. stockholders' equity 17,356,319
9,069,530
Noncontrolling interest in discontinued operations
1,944,236
Noncontrolling interest (21,768)
101,543
Total stockholders' equity 17,334,551
11,115,309
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $ 19,105,058
$ 34,022,378
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS For the years ended December 31,
2016
2015 Revenues
Energy revenues $ 5,565,909
$ 5,684,774
Turnkey & other revenues 575,840
673,422
6,141,749
6,358,196
Cost of sales
Fuel, maintenance and installation 3,689,294
4,064,145
Site impairments 503,072
618,661
Depreciation expense 1,820,391
1,728,762
6,012,757
6,411,568
Gross profit (loss) 128,992
(53,372)
Operating expenses
General and administrative 1,878,008
1,937,299
Selling 41,504
694,101
Engineering 649,181
754,962
2,568,693
3,386,362
Loss from operations (2,439,701)
(3,439,734)
Other income (expense)
Interest and other income 21,837
193,691
Interest and other expense (1,062,582)
(1,234,725)
Gain on extinguishment of debt 182,887
Gain on deconsolidation 3,887,098
Held for sale fair value adjustment (743,770)
Change in fair value of warrant liability
6,780
2,285,470
(1,034,254)
Loss from continuing operations before provision for state income taxes (154,231)
(4,473,988)
Provision for state income taxes (60,572)
(27,605)
Loss from continuing operations (214,803)
(4,501,593)
Loss from discontinued operations (see Note 4) (1,219,256)
(1,384,122)
Consolidated net loss (1,434,059)
(5,885,715)
(Income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interest 675,612
455,312
Loss attributable to American DG Energy Inc $ (758,447)
$ (5,430,403)
Other comprehensive loss - unrealized loss on securities $ (136,848)
$
Comprehensive loss $ (895,295)
$ (5,430,403)
Income (loss) per share from continuing operations attributable to American DG Energy Inc. - basic and diluted $ 0.01
$ (0.09)
Loss per share from discontinued operations attributable to American DG Energy Inc. - basic and diluted $ (0.02)
$ (0.02)
Net loss per share - basic and diluted $ (0.01)
$ (0.11)
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic and diluted 50,684,095
50,689,633
Non-GAAP financial disclosure
Loss from operations $ (2,439,701)
$ (3,439,734)
Depreciation 1,861,232
1,776,048
Site Impairments 503,072
618,661
Stock based compensation 193,502
222,130
Adjusted EBITDA $ 118,105
$ (822,895)
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS For the years ended December 31,
2016
2015 CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net loss $ (758,447)
$ (5,430,403)
Income attributable to noncontrolling interest 58,236
223,837
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:
Depreciation 1,861,232
1,776,048
Gain attributable to distribution of nonmonetary assets to noncontrolling interest
(157,870)
Loss from discontinued operations 485,408
704,973
Non-cash site impairments 503,072
618,661
Provision (recovery) for losses on accounts receivable (120,000)
84,274
Amortization of deferred financing costs 41,825
60,807
Gain on extinguishment of debt (182,887)
Decrease in fair value of warrant liability
(6,780)
Non-cash interest expense 726,247
1,191,333
Stock-based compensation 193,502
222,130
Gain on deconsolidation of subsidiary (3,887,098)
Fair value adjustment on assets held for sale 743,770
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in:
Accounts receivable and unbilled revenue (68,153)
273,614
Due from related party 11,703
(59,767)
Inventory (843,573)
78,242
Prepaid and other current assets 31,390
(261,010)
Increase (decrease) in:
Accounts payable 107,102
(104,487)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 264,715
(86,878)
Due to related party (1,043,959)
541,058
Other long-term liabilities
(2,227)
Net cash used in operating activities (1,875,915)
(334,445)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Purchases of property and equipment (254,927)
(2,238,084)
Proceeds on sale of property and equipment 10,250
4,650
Cash paid in connection with ADGNY reorganization
(100,000)
Purchase of investment securities from related party (150,000)
Net cash used in investing activities (394,677)
(2,333,434)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Payments on convertible debentures due related party (3,058,943)
Proceeds from loan from related party 850,000
Purchases of common stock, net of costs
(152,377)
Distributions to noncontrolling interest (181,547)
(229,098)
Net cash used in financing activities (2,390,490)
(381,475)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (4,661,082)
(3,049,354)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the period 4,999,709
8,049,063
Cash and cash equivalents, end of the period $ 338,627
$ 4,999,709
Supplemental disclosures of cash flows information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Income taxes $ 83,044
$ 48,824
Non-cash investing and financing activities:
Distribution of nonmonetary assets $
$ 340,069
Conversion of subsidiary convertible debentures to common stock of subsidiary
$ 2,420,046
$
Settlement of convertible debentures with common stock of subsidiary $ 13,783,721
$
SOURCE American DG Energy Inc.
Related Links
http://www.americandg.com
PALO ALTO, Calif. and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Angiotech Pharmaceuticals, a leading medical device company focused on high value medical consumables in the wound closure and ophthalmology sectors, today announced the completion of its sale to a group of investors led by Vivo Capital LLC and ZQ Capital Limited. The investment syndicate also includes GSO Capital Partners LP, China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding Limited, Fung Shing Investments Ltd, ZZ Capital Co., Ltd, ABCI Investment Management Limited, Cathay Venture Inc. and Nan Fung Group. In addition, business development companies managed by affiliates of FS Investments and sub-advised by an affiliate of GSO Capital Partners LP (GSO, a division of The Blackstone Group), ABCI Investment Management Limited, and China Minsheng Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong Branch, provided senior secured financing for the transaction. The terms of the transaction were not disclosed.
Angiotech is a leading diversified medical device manufacturer of branded, private label and OEM products. The company has more than 2,000 employees worldwide, has manufacturing facilities in England, Puerto Rico, Mexico and Germany, and sells to customers in over 80 countries.
O'Melveny & Myers LLP was legal advisor to the investment syndicate and Paul Hastings LLP and Magstone Law were legal advisors to ZQ Capital. Piper Jaffray & Co was financial advisor and Irell & Manella LLP served as legal advisor, respectively, to Angiotech.
About Vivo Capital
Vivo Capital is a global healthcare focused investment firm formed in 1996 with over $1.8 billion under management. Vivo Capital has offices in Palo Alto, California, Beijing, Shanghai and Taipei. Vivo's current portfolio includes more than 80 private and public biotechnology companies in the areas of biopharmaceuticals, specialty pharmaceuticals, and medical devices.
More information can be found at www.vivocapital.com.
About ZQ Capital Limited
ZQ Capital is an investment firm headquartered in Hong Kong. The firm specializes in identifying, investing in, and partnering with global companies to realize their growth potential in the Chinese market by levering ZQ Capital's deep local knowledge of China as well as extensive relationships with financial institutions and leading entrepreneurs throughout Asia.
About China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding Limited
China Orient Asset Management (International) Holding Limited ("COAMI") is headquartered in Hong Kong, and is a wholly-owned subsidiary and primary overseas platform of China Orient Asset Management Co. Ltd. As of 31 December 2015, COAMI has assets over HKD 52bn. The key businesses of COAMI include investment, corporate finance advisory, non-performing asset acquisitions and asset management.
About Fung Shing Investment Limited
Fung Shing Investment Limited is an investment company. With extensive experience and knowledge, Fung Shing invests in various sectors, including but not limited to media, telecom, healthcare, real estates and financial institutions.
About ZZ Capital Co., Ltd
ZZ Capital Co., Ltd ("ZZ Capital") is a global investment firm headquartered in Beijing and an affiliate of Zhongzhi Group, a leading financial services company with more than US$240bn AUM across a variety of investment and wealth management platforms. ZZ Capital and its affiliate, ZZ Capital International (a Hong Kong listed company), are the global flagship private equity investment vehicles for the Zhongzhi Group. ZZ Capital seeks buyout and investment opportunities in the healthcare, financial services, TMT, education, media and advanced manufacturing sectors to create true partnerships, drive value enhancement and leverage its unique positioning in China. The business operates offices in Beijing, Hong Kong, New York, San Francisco, London and Tel Aviv.
About Cathay Venture Inc.
Cathay Venture is an evergreen fund wholly-owned by Cathay Financial Holding, based in Taipei, Taiwan. Cathay Financial Group establishes its presence in Taiwan on December 31, 2001, with registered capital of NTD$120 Billion. Composed of insurance, securities, banking and other diversified financial institutions, Cathay Financial Holdings is a full-functioning financial platform.
About Nan Fung Group
Founded in 1954, Nan Fung Group is a fully integrated, multi-disciplinary conglomerate based in Hong Kong with global interests in real estate development and investment, financial investment, hotels and shipping.
About China Minsheng Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong Branch
Opened on 30 March 2012, China Minsheng Banking Corporation Limited, Hong Kong Branch ("CMBC HK") is the first and only overseas branch of China Minsheng Banking Corp., Ltd. CMBC HK has been active in providing offshore transaction based financing to its PE or corporate clients.
About Angiotech
Angiotech Pharmaceuticals has developed and manufactured branded, private label, and OEM surgical instruments for over 40 years. The Company offers one of the most comprehensive portfolios of blades and sutures available, including innovative products such as the Quill Knotless Tissue-Closure Device. Headquartered in Vancouver, CA, Angiotech devotes itself to exceeding the needs of the specialty surgery market, having trusted partnerships within dental, ophthalmic, plastic surgery, dermatology, orthopedics, urology, microsurgery, veterinary and trauma specialties. The key shareholders in Angiotech include affiliates of Blue Mountain Capital LLC, Courage Capital Management LLC and Cetus Capital LLC.
SOURCE Vivo Capital
Related Links
http://vivocapital.com/
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The foreign minister of Turkey, Mevlut Cavusoglu, appeared Tuesday, March 21 at the National Press Club for a privately organized event. Access to his speech and subsequent press conference was controlled by the event sponsors.
The National Press Club is proud of our history providing a forum for reporters and newsmakers to meet, and pleased that foreign leaders come through our doors to answer the questions of journalists from across the globe who cover Washington. But on this occasion, we feel compelled to note a glaring irony:
The foreign minister's appearance at our club, a place emblematic of press freedom, comes on the very day that Erol Onderoglu, the Turkish representative of Reporters Without Borders, appeared in a Turkish court. The short hearing was the latest proceeding in a case that could put him in prison for life. His "crime?" Aiding a Kurdish newspaper. Onderoglu and two other defendants, Sebnem Korur and Ahmet Nesin, are just three of the scores of journalists now imprisoned in Turkey for the "crime" of journalism.
"Please be reminded that we remain deeply concerned about the poor state of press freedom in Turkey," said National Press Club President Jeff Ballou. "As a matter of fact, we released no less than five statements on the lack of press freedom in Turkey since June of 2016. We continue to call on Turkey to stop jailing, harassing, or otherwise persecuting journalists."
"We welcome Turkish officials to the United States, where journalists are free to ask questions with impunity. We hope that they take advantage of the opportunity today to raise questions about the harassment of our fellow-reporters in Turkey," added Kathy Kiely, the National Press Club Journalism Institute's press freedom fellow. "We hope that the U.S. officials will also take up our call. Turkey receives hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. foreign aid, meaning that U.S. taxpayers hard-earned dollars are supporting a regime whose actions against press freedom would be unconstitutional in our own country."
The National Press Club and the National Press Club Journalism Institute stand in solidarity with our colleagues at Reporters Without Borders. #SupportErol and free the rest of the journalists now in jail in Turkey.
The National Press Club is the world's leading professional organization for journalists. Through its Press Freedom Committee, the club works to promote freedom of expression and transparency at home and abroad. The National Press Club Journalism Institute, a non-profit affiliate, equips news professionals with the skills to innovate, leverages emerging trends, recognizes innovators and mentors the next generation.
Contact: Kathy Kiely, NPC Journalism Institute Press Freedom Fellow (202) 256-4748 or [email protected]
SOURCE National Press Club
Related Links
http://www.press.org/
ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Earlier this month, the Air Traffic Control Association (ATCA) joined industry groups in urging Congress to fully fund the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Contract Tower Program as part of its FY 2018 appropriations bill.
ATCA's President and CEO Peter F. Dumont, along with the heads of the US Contract Tower Association, the Regional Airline Association (RAA), the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA), the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA), the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), Air Council International NA (ACI-NA), the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO), and the Cargo Airline Association (CAA), sent a letter to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen (R-11-NJ) requesting no less than $159,000,000 to maintain operations for the program, which has provided essential air traffic safety services for over three decades.
"Contract towers are critical to the health of the National Airspace System (NAS)," Dumont said. "Disruptions to or cuts in service, no matter how small, can negatively affect the entire NAS and the US economy as a whole. Moreover, rural and urban communities alike benefit greatly from these facilities, as does general aviation. We urge Congress to preserve these necessary facilities and the invaluable services they provide our communities."
The Contract Tower Program is made up of 253 towers in 46 states that handle approximately 28 percent of all air traffic control tower (ATCT) aircraft operations in the US. The program's current funding levels only account for about 14 percent of FAA's overall budget allotted to ATCT tower operations.
The letter was also sent to House Appropriations Committee Chairman Ranking Member Rep. Nita Lowey (D-17-NY), as well as to the committee's Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Mario Diaz-Balart (R-25-FL) and Ranking Member Rep. David Price (D-4-NC).
The Air Traffic Control Association (www.atca.org) is dedicated to the progress and safety of air traffic control and works to advance the technology and professionalism of the industry. Founded in 1956 by a group of air traffic controllers, ATCA serves nearly 4,000 members throughout the worldair traffic controllers, as well as associations, educational institutions, the government and military, and companies managing and providing aviation equipment and services.
SOURCE Air Traffic Control Association
Related Links
http://www.atca.org
SAO PAULO, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Atento S.A. (NYSE: ATTO), the leading provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing services (CRM BPO) in Latin America, and one of the three top providers worldwide, today announced an agreement to acquire a majority stake in Interfile. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. The acquisition is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approval.
Founded in 1991, Interfile is a leading provider of BPO services and solutions for the banking and financial services sector in Brazil. Interfile is a benchmark in the BPO market in Brazil, and provides services and solutions, including credit origination, to a great majority of blue-chip brands operating in the financial sector. It has more than 1,700 employees, 2 BPO services centers, 28 operations offices and more than 1,400 workstations, offering great proximity and efficiency to clients across Brazil.
Alejandro Reynal, Atento's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The acquisition of Interfile advances the execution of our growth strategy, accelerates Atentos penetration into higher value-add solutions and uniquely positon our company as the leader of the credit origination BPO services market in Brazil. As part of our growth strategy, we continue to expand our presence and gain scale in credit origination to address this high growth segment. Interfiles acquisition provides Atento with a unique platform to deploy these strengthened capabilities across key countries in the Latin America region."
Mario Camara, Atento Brazil Managing Director, added, "The joint capabilities of Atento and Interfile will make us the largest provider of credit origination BPO solutions in Brazil. We will offer a superior and integrated BPO services platform to manage all pre-sales and post-sales activities, with a unique expertise and experience in the provision of credit origination solutions. We look forward to unveiling a whole new set of opportunities for our clients."
Mauricio Menezes, CEO of Interfile, commented, "This event is a major milestone for Interfile. We are very excited about the great opportunities that joining a great Latin American leader, such as Atento, will bring for our clients and our employees. Our corporate visions are aligned and we look forward to generating higher value to our clients by providing the best BPO services in the market."
Following the acquisition, founders of Interfile, Mauricio Menezes and all key Interfiles management team will continue to lead the company as it initiates this new phase within Atento.
The combination of Atento and Interfile:
Provides clients with a fully integrated BPO services platform to deliver end-to-end solutions addressing all BPO processes for financial services, from pre-sales to post sales activities including all back office processes (capture, forms/id validation, credit approval, contracts generation, support to decision making and contract management) as well as client management activities.
Creates the largest provider of credit origination BPO solutions for different segments in Brazil with more than 4,000 professionals with strong credit origination expertise in the country
with more than 4,000 professionals with strong credit origination expertise in the country Positions Atento as a leading provider of credit origination BPO services in the broader Latin America BPO market, enhancing its value proposition for BPO services beyond financial services to reach adjacent sectors such as BPO services for insurance, health, HR and education
Facilitates Atentos expansion into credit origination segments in other key Latin America geographies
geographies Drives consolidation in this fragmented and compelling market in Latin America . Latin America credit origination BPO services is $0.9 billion . Brazil credit origination market is $0.6 billion (65% of the total Latam market). Together Atento and Interfile will have ~9.2% and ~10.4% market share of the credit origination BPO services market in Latin America and Brazil respectively
About Atento
Atento is the largest provider of customer relationship management and business process outsourcing (CRM BPO) services in Latin America, and among the top three providers globally, based on revenues. Atento is also a leading provider of nearshoring CRM/BPO services to companies that carry out their activities in the United States. Since 1999, the company has developed its business model in 13 countries where it employs more than 150,000 people. Atento has over 400 clients to whom it offers a wide range of CRM/BPO services through multiple channels. Atento's clients are mostly leading multinational corporations in sectors such as telecommunications, banking and financial services, health, retail and public administrations, among others. Atentos shares trade under the symbol ATTO on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). In 2016, Atento was named one of the Worlds 25 Best Multinational Workplaces by Great Place to Work for a third consecutive year. For more information visit www.atento.com
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may," "should," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "estimates," "predicts," "intends," "continue" or similar terminology. These statements reflect only Atento's current expectations and are not guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, competition in Atento's highly competitive industries; increases in the cost of voice and data services or significant interruptions in these services; Atento's ability to keep pace with its clients' needs for rapid technological change and systems availability; the continued deployment and adoption of emerging technologies; the loss, financial difficulties or bankruptcy of any key clients; the effects of global economic trends on the businesses of Atento's clients; the non-exclusive nature of Atento's client contracts and the absence of revenue commitments; security and privacy breaches of the systems Atento uses to protect personal data; the cost of pending and future litigation; the cost of defending Atento against intellectual property infringement claims; extensive regulation affecting many of Atento's businesses; Atento's ability to protect its proprietary information or technology; service interruptions to Atento's data and operation centers; Atento's ability to retain key personnel and attract a sufficient number of qualified employees; increases in labor costs and turnover rates; the political, economic and other conditions in the countries where Atento operates; changes in foreign exchange rates; Atento's ability to complete future acquisitions and integrate or achieve the objectives of its recent and future acquisitions; future impairments of our substantial goodwill, intangible assets, or other long-lived assets; and Atento's ability to recover consumer receivables on behalf of its clients. In addition, Atento is subject to risks related to its level of indebtedness. Such risks include Atento's ability to generate sufficient cash to service its indebtedness and fund its other liquidity needs; Atento's ability to comply with covenants contained in its debt instruments; the ability to obtain additional financing; the incurrence of significant additional indebtedness by Atento and its subsidiaries; and the ability of Atento's lenders to fulfill their lending commitments. Atento is also subject to other risk factors described in documents filed by the company with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which the statements were made. Atento undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise
SOURCE Atento S.A.
Related Links
http://www.atento.com
GENEVA, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
On March 13, Balochistan House hosted a conference titled 'Impact of CPEC on Balochistan' on the sidelines of the 34th session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission. Those who spoke included Ryszard Czarnecki, Vice President, European Parliament, Siegfried Wolf, Senior Consultant, South Asia Democratic Forum, Mehran Baluch, Baloch Representative to EU and UN and Tarek Fatah, Executive Director, Balochistan House.
Ryszard Czarnecki, while speaking at the event, referred to the CPEC as a Chinese initiative that was expected to provide China with both strategic depth and economic benefits. He stated that though the Pakistani government was projecting the CPEC as an initiative that would improve the economic condition of ordinary Pakistanis, in reality it was more likely to be used as a reason to implement tighter security controls on any opposition by the indigenous population with regard to the CPEC as well as thwart the human rights of people in Balochinstan and other parts of Pakistan. He concluded that for any project to succeed there was first a need to end the large scale human rights violation in Balochistan and elsewhere in Pakistan and provide the people with basic necessities like water, health care etc.
In his presentation, Siegfried Wolf largely focused on the situation in Balochistan. Informing the audience that Balochistan was the largest but least populated region in Pakistan, he also highlighted that despite being rich in natural resource, it was the poorest region of the country with an acute lack of education and health infrastructure. Apart from these problems, he added that the locals were being subject to human rights abuses including threat to life, in the form of ethnic discrimination and religious extremism. Siegfried Wolf was of the opinion that the Pakistani government was not interested in ameliorating the living conditions of the Baloch or effectively tackling the issues related to rights violations, because it was more keen to have a continued access to the natural resources of Balochistan, that could only be possible by repressing the rights of the people and controlling the region through the might of the Army.
Baloch representative to the EU and the UN, Mehran Baluch called the CPEC a 'mega disaster' for the people of Pakistan. He opined that the Pakistani establishment was looking at using the implementation of the CPEC project as a pretext to oppress the people and suppress their rights. He expressed concern that it would also result in the ethnic cleansing of the Baloch people, who were seen to be standing in the way of the completion of the CPEC. He appealed to the UN and the European Union to also recognise the threat from the project to the western world.
All the speakers agreed that it was essential for the international community to take note of human rights violations that were occurring as a result of the construction of the CPEC against the wishes of the local population.
SOURCE Balochistan House
AUSTIN, Texas, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Banker's Toolbox, Inc., the leader in Bank Secrecy Act anti-money laundering compliance solutions, has launched innovative business intelligence software called Relationship Manager. Relationship Manager leverages a financial institution's existing transactional data to identify opportunities for cross-sell and retention.
Filling a Void
According to a recent Banker's Toolbox survey, the results from third-party Marketing Customer Information Files (MCIF) are often misunderstood or inadequate. The survey indicated that MCIFs might be more successful in simply collecting demographic or account-level data, with twice as many survey respondents choosing demographics over effective cross-selling as their MCIF's main success factor.
Tracking Customer Behavior and Acting with Purpose
Relationship Manager is a revolutionary tool that can utilize an institution's investment in BSA/AML transaction monitoring to address the challenges of cross-sell and retention. It scans an institution's transactional data to detect patterns that indicate cross-sell or retention opportunities as they occur. It clearly explains the pattern detected and what it might indicate, giving the institution an opportunity to engage with their customers in a relevant and expedited manner.
"The advantage to our customers lies in the ability to transform a cost center into a profit center," said John Meyer, Chief Product Officer at Banker's Toolbox. "Where BSA/AML automation used to be seen as a necessary expense, we now have the ability to provide a real return on investment to those who use the same data to cross-sell."
Harnessing Existing Data to Empower Smart Decisions
Banker's Toolbox created Relationship Manager to help give financial institutions a competitive edge. "If you're going to be competitive in this industry, you have to be equipped to win," said Meyer. The goal of Relationship Manager is to empower business intelligence that will improve an institution's profitability.
To view the full Banker's Toolbox business intelligence study or to learn more about Relationship Manager, visit www.bankerstoolbox.com.
About Banker's Toolbox, Inc.
Austin, TX-based Banker's Toolbox, Inc. helps organizations manage risk and streamline compliance. The company's product suite consists of proven solutions for money laundering detection and reporting, risk management through fraud prevention, secure wire processing automation, and commercial real estate loan portfolio risk assessment. The Banker's Toolbox team is a unique combination of seasoned bankers, former regulators, and information technology experts. For more information, visit the company's website at www.bankerstoolbox.com.
SOURCE Banker's Toolbox, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.bankerstoolbox.com
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- InfoObjects, the industry leader in Big Data and IoT consulting, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bart Hickenlooper to the leadership team as Senior Vice President of Business Development and Client Services. Bart comes to InfoObjects with over 25 years' experience in business development at companies like Cisco, Composite Software, RiskVision and NTT. He has a strong background in enterprise Big Data platforms, and BI tools that leverage Big Data. Bart brings a unique skillset to the company combining his technical expertise with a value driven client engagement philosophy.
Bart will help in scaling the InfoObjects Cloud/Big Data & Analytics business and position InfoObjects for the next phase of growth. His focus will be to expand services currently being provided to our existing client base along with leading the efforts on new customer business development.
We look forward to an exciting time with Bart as we expand our client relationships and deliver the value that has made InfoObjects a recognized leader in our industry.
"I have known Bart for many years now and have always been extremely impressed with his amazing ability to grasp cutting-edge technologies and put client focused solutions around it. We are very excited to have him onboard," said Rishi Yadav, President & CEO of InfoObjects.
"Bart will help us in scaling our cloud/big data/analytics business in the most efficient way possible. His vast and relevant experience in the Data and Analytics space, will enable us for the next level of growth. We look forward to an exciting time with Bart," said Sudhir Jangir, CTO of InfoObjects.
"I've worked with Rishi at InfoObjects for several years on projects where the their expertise helped my enterprise clients make the move to Amazon and Azure with their Big Data projects and Analytics initiatives. InfoObjects is clearly an industry leader in this space and I couldn't be more excited to join the company at this time." said Bart Hickenlooper, SVP Business Development and Client Services at InfoObjects.
About InfoObjects:
InfoObjects is an award-winning consulting company with focus on Big Data, IoT and public cloud. Our approach is to architect vendor-neutral custom solutions to solve business problems rather than making a tool fit the need. We not only help clients move their big data workloads to the public cloud but also help them re-architect applications to make them cloud native to maximize ROI.
Contact: [email protected]
SOURCE InfoObjects
Related Links
http://www.infoobjects.com
SYDNEY, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Competition amongst universities is set to increase with institutions closely differentiating themselves to attract and retain the best quality students, academics and staff. Key to this differentiation will be an extensive technology adoption and innovation strategy, enhancing the student experience, delivery of learning content, community engagement and campus management.
The education technology (Edutech) market in Australia is expected to grow significantly amidst increasing student demand for education services and technology innovation, competition amongst institutions and decreasing acquisition costs.
Frost & Sullivan anticipates that as the learning experience becomes increasingly digitised, technologies and solutions incorporating big data and analytics, collaboration, Augmented / Virtual Reality technology, Artificial Intelligence and learning management systems will play a key role within universities in the coming years.
Frost & Sullivan's most recent analysis, Australian Edutech Market: Key Trends, Technologies and Opportunities 2016-2022 finds that the Australian Edutech Market is expected to grow to AUD 1.7 Billion by 2022.
Big data and analytics will be a key method of engaging with students to deliver learning content personalisation, enhancement of student support services as well as providing insights into efficient campus management. This will be a significant area of growth in the Australian Education sector allowing specialised big data providers as well as integrators to reap the opportunities in this space. Whilst many universities use big data in small-scale applications, few have embarked on a single holistic campus-wide view of collecting and analysing data across devices, applications and networks.
"Predictive analytics will be a key area of future demand as academics and administrators place considerable value on the ability to proactively 'predict' outcomes rather than merely providing descriptive feedback in areas such as student performance and academic risk to enable course design and student support resources," noted Eran Halevi, Industry Analyst, Digital Transformation Practice, Frost & Sullivan Australia & New Zealand.
Artificial Intelligence is another technology sector that will see good growth in the next 10 years, noted Halevi.
"Across the education sector, early adoptions of AI have focused on assisting students with scheduling classes, timetables and administrative tasks. Future applications of AI may focus on highly-customised teaching, advanced research databases and greater predictive applications for student development. We are just beginning to see how the tertiary education sector will embrace cognitive services," she added.
Digital technologies are also starting to transform lecture theatres today. More students are using smart devices and online interactive services to access lecture courses and interact with various stakeholders within and outside the university. The rise of Massive Open Online Courses (MooCs) and Online Courses will be inevitable. The biggest challenge in the industry to date with MooCs has been around the monetisation of the platform. It is increasingly expected that more MooCs will charge for their courses.
"The ability to offer new digital methods of learning will be critical as the next generation of students will prefer learning through digital platforms. The shift towards online and digital platforms will see the rise of players that will disrupt the LMS, UC, Collaboration and conferencing segments in the years to come," noted Audrey William, head of research, Digital Transformation Practice, Frost & Sullivan Australia & New Zealand.
Frost & Sullivan's report, Australian Edutech Market, 2017, forms a part of the Frost & Sullivan Australian Digital Transformation Research program. All research services included in this subscription provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. For queries and more information please send an e-mail with your contact details to David Hymers, Frost & Sullivan Australia, at [email protected].
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
Media Contact:
Melissa Tan
Corporate Communications, Asia Pacific
P: +65 6890 0926
E: [email protected]
http://www.frost.com
SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
Related Links
http://www.frost.com
CALGARY, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Black Swan Energy is pleased to announce that it has entered into a long term commitment with TransCanada Corporation, for 229 MMcf/d of service on the North Montney Mainline for transportation on the NGTL system, with an expected on-stream date in Q2 2019. This service relates to the recent announcement by TransCanada in which they confirmed they are seeking approval to proceed with the North Montney Mainline Project.
Black Swan has also secured 20 MMcf/d of Alliance capacity starting April 1, 2017, with volumes being delivered from Black Swan's North Aitken gas plant. Including the new contracts, in 2019 Black Swan will hold over 395 MMcf/d of long term egress, which provides capacity for ongoing development of the company's Northeast British Columbia (NEBC) Montney asset and enhances visibility of its long-term growth profile.
David Maddison, President & CEO, commented that securing this firm capacity represents a critical step forward as Black Swan continues to develop its liquids-rich gas play in the NEBC Montney. "Black Swan's asset continues to deliver highly economic results on a repeatable basis. With our owned processing and infrastructure supporting a low cost structure, establishing access to multiple markets ensures the ability to develop our asset base while creating value for our investors."
Corporate Update
Black Swan exited 2016 with December production averaging 16,650 boe/d. Performance at the newly commissioned North Aitken gas plant exceeded expectations with high uptime.
Capital spending for the year was $95 million and included $57 million of infrastructure spending related to the company's owned and operated processing plant and pipelines. During 2016, Black Swan drilled seven horizontal Montney wells bringing the total number of horizontal Montney wells drilled by the company at year-end to 52 (100% working interest).
In 2017, the company's capital program contemplates spending $180 million, including $85 million for drilling, completions and tie-in and $90 million for infrastructure. The company plans to drill 19 horizontal wells and complete and tie-in 16 horizontal wells. Year-to-date Black Swan has drilled six horizontal wells and is currently commencing completion of the six well c-2-C pad at Nig.
Work is underway on the Phase 2 expansion of Black Swan's 100% owned and operated North Aitken gas plant, which will increase processing capacity from 50 MMcf/d currently up to 110 MMcf/d. Commissioning activities are scheduled to start in June and the company expects to exit 2017 with corporate production of 24,000 26,000 boe/d.
Black Swan continues to deploy an active hedging program to reduce cash flow volatility related to potential declines in commodity prices and to support capital expenditures over the next three years. The company currently holds AECO swaps and collars, Station 2 differential swaps and Chicago swaps covering 35% to 50% of forecast 2017 gas production.
The company's lending syndicate completed an interim review in November 2016 and increased Black Swan's credit facility to $200 million. Subsequently, in January 2017, Black Swan placed US$100 million of seven year Senior Secured Second Lien Notes with a group of funds sub-advised by GSO Capital Partners LP and advised by FS Investments. At current strip prices, the company's undrawn $200 million credit facility, together with the proceeds from the Notes, will provide sufficient financial flexibility to fund the capital program.
As at December 31, 2016, Black Swan held approximately 218,000 net acres (312 net DSUs) of land in the liquids-rich Montney formation in NEBC, with a risked inventory of over 2,800 potential horizontal drilling locations. Results continue to be strong with the company delivering an average EUR of more than 9 Bcf (10.4 Bcfe) on the last 30 horizontal wells in the Upper Montney, with all wells now on production.
Black Swan Energy is a private-equity backed company headquartered in Calgary, Alberta. For additional details relating to production and development activities please refer to Black Swan's most recent corporate presentation which is available at www.blackswanenergy.com.
SOURCE Black Swan Energy Ltd.
Related Links
www.blackswanenergy.com
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation's largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today called on White House officials to cancel a reported meeting with anti-Muslim hate group leader Brigitte Gabriel.
Late yesterday, Gabriel tweeted: "In D.C, preparing for my meeting at the White House."
ACT for America has been designated as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). The SPLC has named "Brigitte Gabriel" as a member of the nation's "Anti-Muslim Inner Circle."
SPLC: Anti-Muslim Inner Circle
https://www.splcenter.org/fighting-hate/extremist-files/group/act-america
"No White House official should be meeting with the leader of a hate group that is one of the main sources of growing anti-Muslim bigotry in our nation," said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. "This meeting should be canceled immediately and an explanation should be offered as to why it was scheduled in the first place."
Awad noted that such a meeting would only serve to further reinforce concerns about the Trump administration's involvement in the promotion and exploitation of Islamophobia.
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: Islamophobia and the Trump Team
http://islamophobia.org/15-reports/181-islamophobia-and-the-trump-transition-team.html
CAIR: This Map Shows How Many Mosques Have Been Targeted Just This Year (CNN)
http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/20/us/mosques-targeted-2017-trnd/index.html
ACT for America Backgrounder:
ACT for America is a virulently anti-Muslim hate group headed by Hanah Kahwagi Tudor, who goes by the pseudonym "Brigitte Gabriel." "Gabriel" has stated that an American Muslim "cannot be a loyal citizen" and that Islam is the "real enemy." She once told the Australian Jewish News: "Every practicing Muslim is a radical Muslim." When asked whether Americans should "resist Muslims who want to seek political office in this nation," Tudor said, "Absolutely."
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: Brigitte Gabriel (ACT for America)
http://www.islamophobia.org/islamophobic-individuals/brigitte-gabriel/65-brigitte-gabriel-aka-hanah-kahwagi-tudor.html
CAIR Islamophobia Monitor: ACT for America
http://www.islamophobia.org/islamophobic-orgs/act-for-america.html
Her hate group's anti-Muslim bigotry was highlighted recently in a Washington Post expose.
SEE: This group believes Islam threatens America: 'It's a spiritual battle of good and evil.'
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/this-group-believes-islam-threatens-america-its-a-spiritual-battle-of-good-and-evil/2017/02/16/3e5108c2-ed57-11e6-9662-6eedf1627882_story.html
A member of ACT for America allegedly attended a recent meeting in North Carolina at which the killing of Muslims was reportedly suggested.
SEE: CAIR Calls on Feds to Probe Call to Violence Against U.S. Muslims at N.C. Meeting of Hate Groups
https://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14129-cair-calls-on-feds-to-probe-call-to-violence-against-u-s-muslims-at-n-c-meeting-of-hate-groups-2.html
CAIR is America's largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La mision de CAIR es mejorar la comprension del Islam, fomentar el dialogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprension mutua.
Become a Fan of CAIR on Facebook
http://www.facebook.com/CAIRNational
Subscribe to CAIR's Email List
http://tinyurl.com/cairsubscribe
Subscribe to CAIR's Twitter Feed
http://twitter.com/cairnational
Subscribe to CAIR's YouTube Channel
http://www.youtube.com/cairtv
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]
SOURCE Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
Related Links
http://www.cair.com
LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Once more, attorney Christopher Asvar has set the record for the highest known workers' compensation settlement or award in the nation. On Monday afternoon, Judge Roger Tolman of the Los Angeles Board approved a Compromise & Release settlement agreement in the amount of $10,000,000.00 in the case of TBC v. Ernst & Young; The Insurance Co. Of the State of Pennsylvania (AIG).
At approximately 2:30 am on June 5, 2013, the client was on her way home from work and travelling on the Interstate 10 Freeway, when her car veered down a steep embankment and crashed into a tree. Client sustained severe and life changing injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. Asvar Law was selected to represent the client in her workers' compensation claim, while The Homampour Law Firm and co-counsel Jin Lew, Esq. were selected to represent the client in her civil third-party case against Caltrans and State of California.
In October of 2016, the civil counsels reached a tentative settlement for $8 million against Caltrans, with a tentative settlement of AIG's lien for $1.5 million, allowing a net recovery of approximately $3.2 million to the injured worker from the third-party claim. Asvar Law had previously obtained a Stipulation & Award for 100% permanent disability, but the valuation of the future medical care remained undetermined. California workers' compensation law holds no provision for "pain and suffering". Chris Asvar, nevertheless, took the position that based on allegations of employer liability, the $3.2 million should be relegated solely to the civil domain and be only counted toward his client's pain and suffering. Thereby, Asvar started the negotiations for the valuation of the future medical care from zero.
In an 11th hour global settlement, just as the civil counsel was set to resume final trial preparations, which meant the rejection of the proposed $8 million civil settlement, AIG and Asvar Law entered into a $10,000,000.00 global structured settlement agreement, independent of the $3.2 million already obtained by the civil counsel.
In assessing the tenor of this intensely-litigated claim, Asvar stated: "Usually, in these multimillion dollar settlements, there is nothing left but scorched earth. This litigation was hard fought, but there was a great deal of respect and decency shown by each of the parties, which I largely attribute to the six lead attorneys involved in the case."
Asvar added, "Our team at Asvar Law, especially attorneys Jonathan Perez and Theresia Falter showed exceptional devotion and commitment to securing the best possible outcome for our client, who along with her husband and parents, showed immense courage and faith throughout this process. Our civil partners, Mr. Homampour and his co-counsel, Mr. Lew, did an admirable job on the 3rd-party civil case and the result is nothing less than impressive for such an extremely difficult liability case."
With respect to the insurance carrier, Asvar provided rare praise: "Given the increasingly inequitable and toxic environment of today's workers' compensation system, I do appreciate the AIG executives' willingness to understand and recognize the nature and extent of the injuries involved in this claim and approve a settlement that allows the injured individual sufficient means for on-going medical care and a dignified future. I must also remark on the professionalism of AIG's two defense counsels, Mr. Joe Kieffer and Mr. Mark Susson. These gentlemen are standard-bearers of their craft."
Asvar Law, PC specializes in catastrophic and brain injury litigation. This is Chris Asvar's second national record for the work comp industry. He previously set the record for the largest known settlement or award in 2012, on the case of Enriquez v. Willie's Painting; SCIF for $8.9 million.
Contact: Elise Mayers, 310-442-7700
SOURCE Asvar Law
Related Links
http://www.asvarlaw.com
MIAMI, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) has scheduled a conference call with analysts for 10:00 a.m. (EDT); 3:00 p.m. (BST), Tuesday, March 28, 2017, to discuss the company's first quarter financial results which are expected to be released that morning.
A simulcast of the call will be available via the company's Web sites at www.carnivalcorp.com and www.carnivalplc.com.
SOURCE Carnival Corporation & plc
Related Links
http://www.Carnivalcorp.com
"Since joining Ready Pac Foods more than three years ago, I have witnessed the passion, hard work and dedication of our more than 3,500 Associates across the country, resulting in a remarkable turnaround for the company, culminating in this acquisition," said Ready Pac Foods Chief Executive Officer Tony Sarsam. "Joining the Bonduelle family of companies provides us with greater opportunities to grow and innovate, and we are thrilled to be embarking on this next chapter. We are looking forward to a bright future with Bonduelle."
During its nearly 50-year history, Ready Pac Foods has earned the reputation as a pioneer and leader in the fresh food industry. The company has four production facilities located in the U.S. in Irwindale, Calif., Jackson, Ga., Florence, N.J. and Swedesboro, N.J. The company generates approximately US$800 million in revenues, with a national presence and wide customer base in the U.S. Ready Pac Foods has had private equity (PE) ownership for more than 9 years by HIG Capital.
Bonduelle, now with more than US$3 billion in revenue, is a well-respected, family-owned company, with seven generations of the Bonduelle family involved since its founding in 1853. The French company owns four brands of canned, frozen and fresh vegetables with presence in 100 countries around the world.
The acquisition of Ready Pac Foods makes the U.S. Bonduelle's largest country of operations and biggest division. This aligns with its strategic plan and will strengthen the brand's leadership positions in its core business lines. These include development of Bonduelle's business in the consumer convenience and healthy food segments, increasing presence in the fast-growing fresh prepared segment and reinforcement of its footprint in North America.
"This milestone acquisition for Bonduelle is a key step toward achieving our strategic ambition VegeGo! 2025 to become the world reference in well-living through vegetable products," said Bonduelle Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Christophe Bonduelle. "This acquisition will strengthen Bonduelle's international footprint and dramatically change our profile, offering new opportunities to Ready Pac Foods' business partners and employees, while delivering significant value to Bonduelle shareholders."
As previously announced, in connection with the closing, Bonduelle acquired 100% of the common stock of Ready Pac Foods and will run Ready Pac Foods as a wholly-owned subsidiary.
Advisors and Legal Counsel
Credit Agricole CIB and Willkie Farr & Gallagher acted as financial and legal advisors to Bonduelle in connection with the transaction. Harris Williams & Co. and Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom acted as financial and legal advisors to Ready Pac Foods.
About Bonduelle
BONDUELLE, a family business, was established in 1853. Its mission is to be the world reference in "well-living" through vegetable products. Prioritizing innovation and long-term vision, the group is diversifying its operations and geographical presence. Its vegetables, grown over 128,000 hectares all over the world, are sold in 100 countries under various brand names and through various distribution channels and technologies. An expert in agro-industry with 54 industrial sites or its own agricultural production, BONDUELLE produces quality products by selecting the best crop areas close to its customers. Visit http://www.bonduelle.com/en/.
About Ready Pac Foods
Home of the original Bistro Bowl complete meal salad, Southern California-based Ready Pac Foods has been giving people the freedom to eat healthier for nearly 50 years as a premier producer of convenience fresh foods and fresh cut produce. With processing facilities throughout the United States, Ready Pac Foods manufactures a complete range of products featuring fresh produce and protein under the company's Bistro, Ready Snax, Cool Cuts and elevAte brands. Offerings include fresh-cut salads, fruits, vegetables, snacking and complete meals available where consumers buy groceries and in restaurant chains across North America. For more information, visit www.readypac.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
SOURCE Ready Pac Foods
CHICAGO, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Coates Group, a global leader in digital merchandising and CMS software, are proud to announce their first year exhibiting at Digital Signage Expo (DSE), being held from March 29-30 in Las Vegas. Having already captured a large part of the market in Australia, Asia, Middle East and Africa; the US is now a key focus, with DSE being an opportunity to cement their US presence.
Visit Coates at Booth 1613 to see them unveil their full digital product range and demonstrate how their unique platform can maximize customer engagement and strengthen brand loyalty. The Coates solution integrates all aspects of the consumer experience by delivering intelligent content that reacts to consumer buying behavior.
Highlights of the Coates booth will include:
Switchboard TM - Coates' in-house built Content Management System utilizes data to strengthen individual connections with the intended audience through localization and personalization. Switchboard performs complex merchandising algorithms by showing the right product, to the right person, at the right time. The platform leverages rich analytics to power a brands content strategy, drive sales and increase average check.
- Coates' in-house built Content Management System utilizes data to strengthen individual connections with the intended audience through localization and personalization. Switchboard performs complex merchandising algorithms by showing the right product, to the right person, at the right time. The platform leverages rich analytics to power a brands content strategy, drive sales and increase average check. Digital Drive Thru Bringing the latest in Drive Thru technology, the Coates Drive Thru solution revolutionizes the customer journey by improving accuracy and consistency. The integration between Switchboard and external systems, such as POS, as well as targeted animation, enhances the order experience and engages consumers.
A new generation of self-service Kiosks - Creating meaningful customer interactions, Coates kiosks are tailored, modern and easy to use. Seamlessly fitting into pre-existing retail environments, they make the ordering experience personal and efficient.
Community Notice Board A local initiative driven by social integration, it helps brands better connect with their community. Displaying local promotions, live weather feeds, nearby events, secret menus and customer's favorite tunes, the platform is relevant and targeted.
Coates' Virtual Reality tool - An interactive forecasting solution that allows brands to develop and trial their customer journey in an adaptable virtual environment. Cut down trial and modeling costs by revising solutions in a virtual world.
The Coates leadership team will be speaking both days of DSE. See Coates Head of Strategic Partnership, Ed Welsh, present "Bring Your Online Strategy to the Offline World" Workshop on Wednesday March 29 at 2.45pm at Booth 1213. On Thursday March 30, Henry Mowat, Coates Chief Operating Officer will be sitting on the panel "Learn from Our Mistakes so You Don't Make Them Too" in Room S220 at 11am.
About Coates Group
Founded in 1963, Coates applies technology and solutions to deliver relevant, personalized digital merchandising content for quick service restaurant brands (QSR) and the retail industry. Coates' data-driven CMS software Switchboard, self-order kiosks, digital drive-thru and outdoor displays are used by leading brands across 35 global markets. The privately held company is headquartered in Australia with offices in Japan, India, China, and U.S. operations based in Chicago.
Coates Group Contact
Victoria Cotter
(312) 366-9906
[email protected]
SOURCE Coates Group
Related Links
http://www.coatesgroup.com
VALLEY CENTER, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Concierge Technologies, Inc. (Concierge) today announced the appointment of five new members to its board of directors. The new members bring a wealth of varied and vibrant talents to Concierge including marketing, non-profit and corporate consulting, and creative, financial and economic strategies. Joining the board are: Tabatha Coffey, Erin Grogan, Joya Delgado Harris, Derek Mullins and Katie Rooney.
"As Concierge sharpens its focus on expanding our already diverse business interests, we welcome the addition of these five outstanding new board members," said Nicholas Gerber, Chief Executive Officer of Concierge. "Their unique blend of experience and expertise in strategic business management and development will strengthen Concierge's ability to add compelling small business stories to our brand."
Tabatha Coffey is a successful business woman, company owner, hair designer and educator. She has spent five seasons traveling across the county consulting struggling business owners on transforming their lives and companies for Bravo's Tabatha Takes Over. Tabatha's memoir It's Not Really About the Hair: The Honest Truth About Life, Love, and the Business of Beauty is in its fourth printing published by Harper Collins.
Erin Grogan is the Vice President of Finance and Operations at YouCaring, where she manages the company's finances, human resources, and operations. Erin also has experience in investment banking, financial planning and analysis and management consulting. She received her MBA in finance from New York University.
In November 2012, Joya Delgado Harris assumed the role of Director, Research Integration for the American Cancer Society. In this role she provides oversight and management of the integration of Extramural Grants Department research and training program outcomes into enterprise-wide organization and mission objectives. Joya has over a decade of experience in non-profit management. Joya earned a BA from Wellesley College, and received a Masters of Public Health degree with concentration in public health policy and management from the Rollins School of Public Health of Emory University.
Derek Mullins is the Operations and Finance Director for Arrowpoint Partners, an SEC-registered investment adviser based in Denver, Colorado. He also serves as the Chief Financial Officer of Meridian Fund, Inc., a family of 1940 Act mutual funds. Derek has experience managing operations, fund administration and distribution. Derek graduated from the University of Colorado with both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Finance.
Katie Rooney is Chief Marketing Officer of USCF and brings over 20 years of experience in the fund industry. Katie is responsible for marketing, brand management and overall product distribution. USCF is a subsidiary of Concierge where Katie also serves as the Chief Communications Officer. She has experience in managing sales organizations, strategic planning and implementation. Katie received her Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics and Psychology with a minor in Art History from Wellesley College.
About Concierge Technologies, Inc.
Founded in 1996, Concierge Technologies, Inc. today is a global conglomerate with operating businesses in financial services, food manufacturing, and security systems. Concierge's common stock is listed as "CNCG" on the OTC QB Exchange.
This release may contain "forward-looking statements" that include information relating to future events and future financial and operating performance. Forward-looking statements should not be read as a guarantee of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which that performance or those results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time they are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. For a more detailed description of the risk factors and uncertainties affecting Concierge Technologies or its subsidiary companies, please refer to the Company's recent Securities and Exchange Commission filings, which are available at the Company's website ( www.conciergetechnology.net ) or at www.sec.gov.
Katie Rooney is a registered representative of ALPS Distributors, Inc.
Meridian Mutual Funds and USCF Funds are distributed by ALPS Distributors, Inc.
SOURCE Concierge Technologies, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.conciergetechnology.net
SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dan's Papers, the bible of the Hamptons for 57 years, proudly announces that effective immediately, the company will be known as Dan's Hamptons Media, LLC.
Dan's Hamptons Media - Our Story
"At a time when newspaper and media companies across the country are in decline, Dan's has been immersed in an exciting period of growth and evolution," says Eric Feil, CEO & Editorial Director of Dan's Hamptons Media. "Since 1960, when Dan Rattiner published his first paper in Montauk, Dan's has become the most iconic name on the East End. Today, with the reach and scope of our print publications, digital offerings and live-event businesses, we have become the largest, most diverse, fastest-growing media company on the East End. As of today, we are Dan's Hamptons Media."
"The story over the past five years is remarkable," says Richard Burns, Chairman of Manhattan Media, which purchased Dan's Papers in 2010. "At that time, 100% of the company revenue was generated by a newsprint publication. That print revenue has grown over the past five years, and still, today, 40% of Dan's revenues come from areas other than print. We woke up one day last fall and said to ourselves, we are no longer Dan's Papers. We are something much larger, something much more interesting."
An unrivaled combination of print, websites, live events and a suite of innovative digital, mobile and social marketing solutions compose Dan's Hamptons Media:
Dan's Papers: The iconic Dan's Papers continues to be the most-read publication, with the largest circulation, on the East End, plus special delivery in Manhattan, every week of the year.
DansPapers.com: The Hamptons' most popular website, with 110,000 unique visitors a month, DansPapers.com is the go-to site for What to Do, Where to Go and Where to Play on the East End.
Behind the Hedges Magazine and BehindtheHedges.com: The foremost real estate sources in the Hamptons. "Real estate is the sport of the Hamptons," Feil says, "and Hedges covers the players and the industry from the inside like no other outlet, with daily online content from the top real estate writer on the East EndLaura Euler, formerly of Curbed Hamptons."
The Behind the Hedges glossy magazine publishes 10 times a year, focusing on the beautiful properties and luxury lifestyle that are so intimately intertwined here on the East End.
AVENUE: For more than 40 years, AVENUE magazine has chronicled the lifestyles of influential, affluent New Yorkers. When these scions of Manhattan Society come to the Hamptons for the summer, their favorite publication joins them as AVENUE on the Beach.
Dan's List: The ultimate users guide to the East End. The best restaurants, the best hotels, the best service providers, the best night spots This is where to discover the Best of the Best of everything in the Hamptons and on the North Fork. Home to the acclaimed Dan's Best of the Best Survey, which generates more than 150,000 reader votes each year for the top businesses on the East End.
Dan's The App: Dan's is the only local media company offering a dynamic app updated daily with original content on the East End. The best of Dan's in your handnews, celebrity gossip, the famous Dan's Calendar of Events, Dan's Best of the Best voting and moreeverywhere you go. Free to download for Apple and Android.
Dan's Taste of Summer: The premier food & wine event series on all of Long Island, Dan's Taste of Summer comprises 5 events celebrating the top chefs, wineries and gastronomic creations in the region.
Thousands of guests will flock this summer to the shores of Mecox Bay for Dan's Taste of Two Forks (July 22), now in its seventh year, and Dan's GrillHampton (July 21), celebrating its fifth anniversary. The hottest oceanfront destinations will be Dan's ClambakeMTK at Gurney's Montauk, back for its second summer on July 8, and the new Dan's MonTaco, a Mexican-themed fiesta at Gurney's Montauk on July 7. Also debuting in 2017 is Dan's Rose Soiree, the official kickoff event of Summer in the Hamptons on Memorial Day Weekend (May 28), an evening of culinary delights showcasing a local and international pours of everyone's favorite pink-hued libation.
Social Media: The broadest social media footprint in the Hamptons, with more than 40,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. The largest opt-in email database, with more than 40,000 subscribers to the Dan's Hamptons Media email newsletter.
"This is a great story, but in the end the story is not about us," says Dan's Hamptons Media Publisher Steven McKenna. "It is about delivering unique, must-have content to our readers and followers. It is about offering our advertising partners a combined reach of magazine readers, website visitors, live-event guests, social media followers and opt-in email subscribers that surpasses 1 million impressions a month. That is the essence of Dan's Hamptons Media."
Media Contact:
Allison O'Reilly
Phone: 631.629.8037
Email: [email protected]
Related Links
Dan's Hamptons Media
Dan's Papers
Related Video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6Dn9-iGnbw
This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com
SOURCE Dan's Hamptons Media
LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA) will orchestrate one of the largest terminal moves in the history of commercial aviation when Delta relocates from Terminals 5 and 6 to Terminals 2 and 3 at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in May, and Delta customers will reap the benefits from day one.
The move, scheduled to start on May 12, will impact 21 airlines during a one-week period and is a precursor to the Delta Sky Way at LAX, Delta's $1.9 billion plan to modernize, upgrade and connect Terminals 2, 3 and the Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) at LAX over the next seven years.
"Delta is betting big on Los Angeles with a $1.9 billion plan for Terminals 2 and 3 at LAX, representing the second-largest infrastructure investment in the region," said Ranjan Goswami, Delta's Vice President Sales, West. "Our relocation to Terminals 2 and 3 is a major milestone for LAX and an even bigger step forward for the future of LA as we continue work on the Delta Sky Way at LAX."
"Delta's move is one more element of LAX's massive modernization effort which continues the transformation of the airport and will improve the guest experience," said Commission President Sean Burton. "While moving 21 airlines over three nights is a monumental task, Delta and the LAWA team have been planning and preparing for months to ensure a smooth transition."
Terminals 2 and 3 offer immediate benefits for Delta customers
Following the move, Delta customers will enjoy:
Faster and more convenient connections to flights operated by Delta's joint venture and SkyTeam partners in Terminals 2, 3 and TBIT via an airside bus that prevents customers from having to leave and re-enter the secure area
Less ramp congestion upon arriving and departing LAX
$332 million in recently completed upgrades at Terminal 2
in recently completed upgrades at Terminal 2 New location closer to the LAX entrance for faster and easier access into and out of the airport
New concessions in Terminals 2 and 3, including popular spots like Shake Shack and Angel City Brewery
Delta will have 23 gates at LAX immediately following the move and will operate alongside many of its airline partners, including Aeromexico, Virgin Atlantic and WestJet. Later, a secure connection to TBIT will enable seamless access to additional partners, including Air France-KLM, Alitalia, China Eastern, China Southern, Korean Air and Virgin Australia. The new space will provide all the amenities Delta's customers have come to expect at LAX, including a private Delta One check-in lounge, new state-of-the-art Delta Sky Clubs, and an integrated in-line baggage system. Once completed, the facility will offer convenient passenger flows, more gate-area seating, and a world-class concession program featuring local chefs and restaurants in partnership with Westfield Corporation.
LAWA's Board of Airport Commissioners approved a terminal facilities lease and license agreement in July 2016 and the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved in August to enable Delta's relocation to Terminals 2 and 3.
Delta has invested billions of dollars in products, services and technology to enhance the customer experience, including massive investments in airport infrastructure across its network. These investments include more than $7 billion in airport projects since 2006, and along with its airport partners Delta will be involved in an additional $12 billion worth of facilities infrastructure projects in coming years, including improvements at several of its key hubs in Atlanta, Los Angeles, New York, Salt Lake City and Seattle.
Communication is key to a successful move
The relocation will begin the night of May 12 and will continue with additional overnight moves on May 14 and May 16, with a scheduled completion of May 17. Delta flights will operate from as many as four terminals (2, 3, 5 and 6) on certain days of the move, so the airline will be in constant communication with customers, providing real-time information on departure and arrival terminals and gates through the Fly Delta app, text messages, emails and additional channels.
"We don't take lightly the responsibility of caring for our customers and employees before, during and after the move," said Goswami. "A relocation of this scale is unprecedented, so we're putting all our resources into planning, preparing, communicating and executing this move as flawlessly as possible."
"This move furthers our progress towards our vision of a Gold Standard Airport," said Los Angeles World Airports Chief Executive Officer Deborah Flint. "The coordination and cooperation amongst the airlines involved has been impressive and mirrors the importance that we all place on the guest experience at LAX. The immediate result is more efficient airline operations amongst partner carriers, and facility improvements that will be made in Terminals 2 and 3."
In February, Delta released the latest version of the Fly Delta app featuring a completely interactive and integrated wayfinder map for LAX. Additionally, LAWA will update terminal information in real time at www.laxishappening.com and through social media using the hashtag #LAXontheMove. Delta and LAWA will also have hundreds of employees stationed throughout the impacted terminals to assist customers with wayfinding. Customers are strongly encouraged to arrive early and to check their terminal and gate information before arrival to the airport using the Fly Delta app and digital signage in the terminals.
Ahead of the move, Delta is holding customer and partner town halls, raising public awareness through out-of-home advertising in and around the airport, and meeting frequently with all airport stakeholders, including impacted airlines. Delta is also working closely with ground transportation operators and rideshare services to ensure drivers are aware of the move and is creating digital banners for Waze to remind customers to check their terminal on the Fly Delta app. Learn more at delta.com/skywayatlax.
Delta in Los Angeles
Since 2009, Delta has been the fastest-growing carrier at LAX, and the LAX relocation will create a better experience for customers by easing ramp and gate congestion and allowing Delta to co-locate with its airline partners. In April, the airline will launch daily nonstop service to WashingtonReagan Airport becoming the only airline to offer flat-bed seats in the front cabin on that route and Delta's joint venture partner Virgin Australia will begin service five days per week to Melbourne on a Boeing 777-300ER. Virgin Atlantic will launch a third daily round-trip flight on a Boeing 787-9 between LAX and London-Heathrow beginning this summer. In 2016, the airline launched five daily flights from LAX to Denver International Airport, a key route for business travelers in Los Angeles; expanded the Delta Shuttle to include Los Angeles-Seattle and Seattle-San Francisco in addition to Los Angeles-San Francisco; increased service to both New York-JFK and Seattle to 10 daily flights; added a third daily flight to Boston; and launched Aspen service in December.
Delta's 4,000 LA-based employees are deeply integrated into the community, working with dozens of organizations and supporting causes that are near and dear to the hearts of Angelenos, including AIDS Walk Los Angeles, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Covenant House California, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles, Junior Achievement of Southern California, KaBOOM!, LA Regional Food Bank, and The Motion Picture and Television Fund, among many others.
About Delta
Delta Air Lines serves more than 180 million customers each year. In 2017, Delta was named to Fortune's top 50 Most Admired Companies in addition to being named the most admired airline for the sixth time in seven years. Additionally, Delta has ranked No.1 in the Business Travel News Annual Airline survey for an unprecedented six consecutive years. With an industry-leading global network, Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer service to 323 destinations in 57 countries on six continents. Headquartered in Atlanta, Delta employs more than 80,000 employees worldwide and operates a mainline fleet of more than 800 aircraft. The airline is a founding member of the SkyTeam global alliance and participates in the industry's leading transatlantic joint venture with Air France-KLM and Alitalia as well as a joint venture with Virgin Atlantic. Including its worldwide alliance partners, Delta offers customers more than 15,000 daily flights, with key hubs and markets including Amsterdam, Atlanta, Boston, Detroit, Los Angeles, Minneapolis/St. Paul, New York-JFK and LaGuardia, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Salt Lake City, Seattle and Tokyo-Narita. Delta has invested billions of dollars in airport facilities, global products and services, and technology to enhance the customer experience in the air and on the ground. Additional information is available on the Delta News Hub, as well as delta.com, Twitter @DeltaNewsHub, Google.com/+Delta, and Facebook.com/delta.
SOURCE Delta Air Lines
Related Links
http://www.delta.com
"We've been thrilled to see how quickly our customers have migrated with d.light from solar lanterns to our larger Pay-Go systems, and we are extremely grateful to our many partners who have helped us bring clean, safe and reliable solar power connectivity to families without, or with little, access to the grid," said d.light CEO Ned Tozun. "With the highest number of daily unit sales and impact of any off-grid solar company, we have leveraged our base of over 65 million happy d.light customers, as well as our existing distribution networks on the ground, to enable us to get to scale our Pay-Go solar home systems even faster than we imagined. This is enabling families to move from small task lights and lanterns to the grid-like experience of our solar home systems. And, this is just the beginning: we will be continuing to bring exciting innovations to the space to grow the market further and reach even more people. Stay tuned!"
d.light's D30 system operates like personal power grids for homes or small businesses. It includes a solar panel, mobile phone charger, solar lights, light switches, a torch and an FM radio. The lights can last up to 17 hours on the low setting and are 12 times brighter than kerosene. Payment plans vary depending on the country. In Kenya, for example, customers pay USD $25 down, and then 40 cents per day for a year, without incurring any interest. Customers can make payments using a wide variety of mobile money platforms. Each device is unlocked to produce power when payment is received and remains unlocked as long as payments are made on time. Once paid in full, the Pay-Go solar home system is unlocked forever and customers then own their systems.
For Frederick Nzioka Mutuku, a 17-year-old student living in Machakos County, Kenya, d.light's D30 system helped support his academic success by providing high quality and reliable lighting, so he could study well into the night. This was a struggle with kerosene lighting as its quality was very dim and because the fuel was so expensive that his family would use it sparingly to make it last several nights. Since Frederick was able to study longer under LED lighting provided by his family's D30 system, he passed his high school exams with high marks and is awaiting acceptance into a local university.
"Total has a target to sell five million off-grid solar products in Africa by 2020, impacting 25 million people on the continent. We are constantly working on innovative and affordable new solutions to meet our customers growing needs. d.light's Pay-Go D30 home system, as well as portable single and multi-use lanterns, are pivotal in helping us achieve this goal. We have been partnering with d.light since 2010 and always look forward to helping them bring new solar solutions to market," said Philippe Cabus, Director of Access to Energy at Total.
As an early pioneer in solar lighting and home systems, d.light paved the way for the development of the off-grid solar industry, including Pay-Go solar, and is now the industry's largest solar brand for off-grid solar. The company has sold a total of 350,000 solar home systems over the last four years, inclusive of all previous models, some of which are not enabled with the Pay-Go system. d.light is the leading provider of off-grid solar solutions and has commanding market share in emerging regions, particularly in Africa and Asia. To date, the company has impacted over 65 million lives and aims to empower 100 million people with affordable and reliable solar by 2020.
About d.light
Founded in 2006 as a for-profit social enterprise, d.light manufactures and distributes award-winning solar lighting and power products designed to serve the more than 2 billion people globally without access to reliable electricity. Through five distribution hubs in East Africa, West Africa, India, Southeast Asia, and the United States, d.light has impacted over 65 million lives with its products. d.light is dedicated to providing the most reliable, affordable and accessible solar lighting and power systems for the developing world, with the goal of reaching 100 million people by 2020. For more information, please visit www.dlight.com.
Media Contact
For d.light
Lisa Ann Pinkerton
408-806-9626
[email protected]
SOURCE d.light
Related Links
http://www.dlight.com
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Dockworkers at XPO Logistics in Aurora, Ill. filed for Teamster representation today, the latest action by workers across the U.S. who are banding together to fight for fair treatment at one of the largest transportation and logistics companies in the world.
The 43 dockworkers at the former Con-way Freight are planning to join the freight workers in Aurora who formed their union as Teamsters last year. The Aurora dockworkers would also join workers in Miami; Laredo, Texas; Vernon, Calif.; North Haven, Conn.; and King of Prussia, Pa. who also have already unionized as Teamsters. In addition, 33 drivers at XPO in Trenton, N.J. filed for their Teamsters election on March 15. So far, nearly 500 XPO workers have voted to join the Teamsters.
"The dockworkers in Aurora have seen the drivers, their co-workers, take the bold step of forming their union and they want to get on the same path toward a more secure future," said Ernie Soehl, Director of the Teamsters National Freight Division. "We look forward to this campaign expanding to the dock at XPO."
"Like the freight workers before them, the dockworkers reached out to us because they are tired of being mistreated and they want a workplace that is fairer," said Tom Flynn, President of Local 179 in Joliet, Ill. "It is very exciting to see this campaign expand to the dock here in Aurora."
Port, freight and warehouse workers at XPO are coming together across the country in their fight for a more secure future.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. For more information, please visit www.teamster.org.
Contact:
Ted Gotsch, (202) 624-6911
[email protected]
SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters
Related Links
http://www.teamster.org
UTRECHT, The Netherlands, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
MeetJune, the new online travel community, was launched today. The community opens doors for people around the world to host, discover, and book unique travel experiences via meals, homestays and activities. Whether it's waking up on a houseboat in Amsterdam or a market stroll through Barcelona's La Boqueria, MeetJune opens doors to unforgettable travel experiences with real local flavor.
Gabor Marges and Ryan Dorn, two seasoned travel industry and online marketing professionals, are behind this Dutch initiative. It was Marges's transformative stay with a local in Salvador de Bahia, Brazil that sparked the idea for MeetJune, inspiring the company's mission of opening doors around the world. "I personally know how extraordinary it is to experience a city through the eyes of a local," says Marges.
MeetJune.com focuses on local people who have something special to offer and would like to share it with the rest of the world. "What we envision is a community of passionate local people that could take you out to show you the hidden gems of their so beloved city, prepare you their signature dish or create a home away from home."
According to Marges there was an urgent need among travelers for a website with a clear overview of everything you could possibly need during a city trip. "When you visit a new city you want to eat well, sleep well, and experience something unique. You can do all of that through MeetJune. We connect travelers with local people for unforgettable travel experiences."
https://meetjune.com/
SOURCE MeetJune B.V.
LOS ANGELES, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Edlio, a leading provider of custom Content Management Systems for schools and school districts, announced today its acquisition and integration of Sangha, an innovative personalized parent interaction app. Together, the companies now offer the most robust communication package for school administrators, teachers and parents.
Based on a "teacher-first" model, Edlio powers more than 5,000 websites for clients ranging from small public and private schools to larger school districts. What sets Edlio apart from other EdTech platforms is its ease of use, teacher-focused features and beautiful design that reflects the school's brand. Teachers can easily customize their own pages to include bios, photo albums and video galleries. Additionally, Edlio gives parents the ability to subscribe to daily email summaries that include upcoming homework assignments and teacher notes. Popular tools such as Google Calendar, Google Classroom, Twitter and Facebook are all integrated into the Edlio platform.
Based on a "parents-first" model, Sangha is a personalized engagement platform that reinvents the way schools and school districts interact with parents. The application provides actionable calendars that cut through the clutter by delivering only the most pertinent and relevant information to the parents. Sangha's system also goes beyond traditional messaging and enhances online communication with private two-way chats between teachers and parents.
"We are excited to join forces with Sangha and expand our offerings for schools and school districts nationwide," said Ali Arsan, CEO of Edlio. "Together, we've created the most comprehensive and easy-to-use communication package for school administrators, teachers and parents. Our goal is to increase reach and engagement between teachers and parents with a complete toolset unmatched by anything else in the marketplace."
Edlio and Sangha will combine internal resources, pairing Sangha's novel approach to personalized communication with Edlio's agility to create in-demand products for a streamlined experience.
"It was my mission to turn every parent irrespective of their socioeconomic background into a super-parent, allowing them to continue their jobs and be present in their kid's academic lives," said Pavan Batchu, Sangha Co-Founder and CEO. "By combining our communication platform with Edlio's products, we plan to better accommodate the busy lives of parents, administrators and teachers alike."
Sangha Co-Founders Pavan Batchu, Srivatsan Srinivasan and Srikanth Thadakamalla will join the management team at Edlio and continue to support and further develop the platform. Edlio's acquisition and integration of Sangha was made possible, in part, through an investment of $40 million by the private equity firm L Squared.
To learn more about the partnership and the company's future plans, visit www.edlio.com.
About Edlio
Headquartered in Los Angeles, with offices in Austin, Chicago, and Mexico City, Edlio makes communication with parents simpler. Edlio powers more than 5,000 school and district websites nationwide with its easy-to-use content management system. Each website features a responsive design that reflects each school's brand and is packed with features designed specifically for teachers and school administrators. For more information on the company, visit http://www.edlio.com.
About L Squared Capital Partners
L Squared Capital Partners is an investment firm with offices in Newport Beach, CA and Chicago, IL that seeks to make long-term investments in leading growth companies that operate in targeted sectors: Technology-Enabled Services and Software, Industrial Technology, and Education. A unique investor base of family offices enables them to focus on long-term value creation driven by revenue and earnings growth, not financial engineering or market timing. L Squared has worked together for over a decade and has over 50 years of combined experience investing in growing private companies. For additional information, please visit www.lsquaredcap.com.
Media Contact: Laura Rabushka
Creaxion for Edlio
[email protected]
404.495.4426
SOURCE Edlio
Related Links
http://www.edlio.com
READING, Pa., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EnerSys, (NYSE: ENS) the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, announced that it has recently been awarded a long term contract valued at over $71 million for production and supply of its proprietary Thin Plate Pure Lead (TPPL) Hawker ARMASAFE Plus batteries. EnerSys signed a three year contract with an option for two additional years with the United States Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) for batteries used by all branches of the U.S. military in combat and tactical vehicles, as well as generators.
"EnerSys has supplied Hawker ARMASAFE Plus batteries to the U.S. military since 2002 and is proud to continue our expanding relationship with the DLA via the award of this competitive, best value contract," said David Shaffer, President and Chief Executive Officer of EnerSys. "We are honored by this continuation of EnerSys retaining the majority share of the DLA's estimated annual volume for this size battery and we look forward to continuing our support of the U.S. military."
The company will continue to produce Hawker ARMASAFE Plus batteries at its highly automated facility in Warrensburg, Missouri where batteries for U.S. Navy nuclear submarines and U.S. military aircraft are also manufactured.
"Over the past several years EnerSys has expanded our technology portfolio to include batteries that power everything from submarines to satellites. We are constantly working with the U.S. military and multiple federal agencies on several levels to maximize customer satisfaction," remarked Jeffrey Long, EnerSys, President-Americas. "We continually meet challenging delivery schedules for our military customers and we stand ready to support the U.S. Army's decision to transition from traditional flooded batteries to Valve Regulated Lead Acid (VRLA) batteries such as the TPPL Hawker ARMASAFE Plus."
EDITOR'S NOTE: EnerSys, the global leader in stored energy solutions for industrial applications, manufactures and distributes reserve power and motive power batteries, battery chargers, power equipment, battery accessories and outdoor equipment enclosure solutions to customers worldwide. Motive power batteries and chargers are utilized in electric forklift trucks and other commercial electric powered vehicles. Reserve power batteries are used in the telecommunication and utility industries, uninterruptible power supplies, and numerous applications requiring stored energy solutions including medical, aerospace and defense systems. Outdoor equipment enclosure products are utilized in the telecommunication, cable, utility, transportation industries and by government and defense customers. The company also provides aftermarket and customer support services to its customers from over 100 countries through its sales and manufacturing locations around the world.
More information regarding EnerSys can be found at www.enersys.com.
Caution Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
This press release and oral statements made regarding the subjects of this release, contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, or the Reform Act, which may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding EnerSys' earnings estimates, plans, objectives, expectations, intentions and estimated value of contracts with DLA and other statements contained in this press release that are not historical facts, including statements identified by words such as "believe," "plan," "seek," "expect," "intend," "estimate," "anticipate," "will," and similar expressions. All statements addressing operating performance, events, or developments that EnerSys expects or anticipates will occur in the future, including statements relating to sales growth, earnings or earnings per share growth, and market share, as well as statements expressing optimism or pessimism about future operating results, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Reform Act. The forward-looking statements are based on management's current views and assumptions regarding future events and operating performance, and are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies, satisfying conditions and obligations contained in contracts and changes in circumstances, many of which are beyond EnerSys' control. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, even if subsequently made available by EnerSys on its website or otherwise. EnerSys does not undertake any obligation to update or revise these statements to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Although EnerSys does not make forward-looking statements unless it believes it has a reasonable basis for doing so, EnerSys cannot guarantee their accuracy. The foregoing factors, among others, could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements. For a list of other factors which could affect EnerSys' results, including earnings estimates, see EnerSys' filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, "Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," including "Forward-Looking Statements," set forth in EnerSys' Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2016. No undue reliance should be placed on any forward-looking statements.
SOURCE EnerSys
Related Links
http://www.enersys.com
HOUSTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- EthosEnergy has been awarded contracts by Puget Sound Energy for major inspection work at three Washington sites.
The contract covers the Encogen, Ferndale and Sumas sites and includes Hot Gas Paths, Steam and Gas Turbine Majors, and Generator Majors and Minors.
"PSE strives to provide our customers with safe and reliable service. One of the ways we achieve this is by ensuring the ongoing health and maintenance of our power generation fleet. It is important for us to partner with companies that are competitive and add value through expert field service work, technical expertise and parts supply," said Puget Sound Energy spokesperson Amy Ng.
Chris Wilkinson, VP of Sales for Americas, EthosEnergy said, "Over the past two years we have worked with Puget Sound Energy on a variety of projects including Gas Turbine Majors, Combustion Inspections and Steam Turbine Majors. Our previous work gave Puget Sound Energy the confidence that we would complete the work to a high standard, extending the life of multiple products.
"Our ability to work on-site for the inspections, as well as repair, manufacture and source new products means we can complete the whole scope of work from start to finish."
Notes to Editor
EthosEnergy is a leading independent service provider of rotating equipment services and solutions to the power, oil & gas and industrial markets. Globally, these services include power plant engineering, procurement and construction; facility operations & maintenance; design, manufacture and application of engineered components, upgrades and re-rates; repair, overhaul and optimization of gas and steam turbines, generators, pumps, compressors and other high-speed rotating equipment. www.ethosenergygroup.com
Puget Sound Energy is Washington state's oldest local energy company, providing electric and natural gas service to homes and businesses primarily in the vibrant Puget Sound area.
The region has experienced dramatic change during PSE's century-plus history, but one thing has remained constant: PSE's focus on safe, dependable and efficient energy service. Our commitment to serving communities and to helping make them better places to live and work is as steadfast as ever. https://pse.com
SOURCE EthosEnergy
Related Links
http://www.ethosenergygroup.com
Police are looking for a man accused of groping a woman after apparently falling onto her on a lower Manhattan subway.
The incident occurred on a southbound 4 train on Wednesday, February 8th, at 9 a.m. Investigators say the suspect "lost his balance, fell onto the 46 year-old female victim and grabbed her breasts. He apologized and sat down."
The victim left the train at Bowling Green, while the alleged grabber stayed on the train.
Police describe the man, who is wanted for forcible touching, as being 40-45 years old, 6' and 200 pounds and was last seen wearing dark-colored clothing. An image of the suspect was also released.
Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.
If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Don't let the perverts win.
Clinical trials of bioelectronic treatments for conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and paralysis, along with future applications targeting diabetes and cancer, and improving prosthetics for amputees were among the wide-ranging topics tackled at, "The Future Body: Modulating the Nervous System," one of the best-attended of this year's SXSW health track. Bouton, director of the Center for Bioelectronic Medicine and vice president of Advanced Engineering at the Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, was joined by panelists Douglas Weber, PhD, program manager of the Biological Technologies office at Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Polina Anikeeva, PhD, associate professor of Materials Science & Engineering at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Author and journalist Liel Leibovitz moderated.
"SXSW Interactive is rightly celebrated as one of the best venues for showcasing innovation in a wide array of fields and disciplines including health care, and we believe few breakthroughs have greater capacity to have an impact on millions of lives than the research being conducted in the field of bioelectronic medicine," said Bouton. "Discussing ideas like restoring the sense of touch to those living with paralysis and advanced prosthetics for amputees or developing an electronic pancreas that helps diabetics without the side effects of insulin allowed us a rare opportunity to take our work out of the lab and into the public sphere, and I'm deeply encouraged by the warm responses we've received."
In addition to a brief survey of the field of bioelectronic medicine by Bouton, the panel included a discussion of groundbreaking research on bioelectronic technologies, led by Dr. Anikeeva. A summary by Dr. Weber spotlighted the cutting-edge work that has been done in developing advanced prosthetics for amputees, and efforts towards maintaining the security of the biometric data these devices collect. The panel was followed by a robust Q&A session touching on government regulation, corporate collaborations and industry disruption. To watch the panel in its entirety, click here.
About the Feinstein Institute
The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research is the research arm of Northwell Health, the largest healthcare provider in New York. Home to 50 research laboratories and to clinical research throughout dozens of hospitals and outpatient facilities, the 3,500 researchers and staff of the Feinstein are making breakthroughs in molecular medicine, genetics, oncology, brain research, mental health, autoimmunity, and bioelectronic medicine a new field of science that has the potential to revolutionize medicine. For more information about how we empower imagination and pioneer discovery, visit FeinsteinInstitute.org
SOURCE Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
Related Links
http://www.feinsteininstitute.org/
CARLSBAD, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Ezoic was recently recognized by the Google Certified Publishing Partner Program as sole recipient of their Business Innovation Award for its ad testing technology. The announcement and presentation of the award took place at Google's European headquarters in Dublin, Ireland. Head of the Google Certified Publishing Partner Program, Sean Meng, presented the award directly to Ezoic Founder & CEO, Dwayne Lafleur.
"This award is really a reflection of the success that publishers have achieved by partnering with Ezoic technology," said Lafleur. "Our platform is transforming how websites monetize their ad inventory and improve experiences for their users at the same time. More and more publishers join our platform every day and we expect that trend to continue as we continue to share the results that our true machine learning platform provides."
The Google Certified Publishing Partner Team used an open competition to decide the winner of the Business Innovation award. The competition looked at the observable business impact of approaches, services, or technologies that partners had supplied to publishers and website owners to help them in their businesses.
Ezoic's ad testing application, Ad Tester which uses real artificial intelligence to optimize ad combinations on the publisher's website emerged as the competition winner. Ezoic's ad testing application had already been featured in the Google AdSense blog two months prior to the award for helping several publishers significantly increase their ad revenue.
Ezoic's new Vice President of Global Partnerships, Ohad Tzur, who joined from Google in November 2016, believes that this is just a sign of things still to come, "The recent accolades and press surrounding Ezoic represent the value our technology provides to publishers. We've formed relationships with industry leaders, large publishers and technology providers, bringing additional value to their businesses in an intelligent and data-driven manner. This is something we're very proud of."
Ezoic has consistently been in the news over the past 6 months. Most recently, Ezoic was responsible for launching a publicly available Ad Revenue Index; which easily allows anyone to view ad earning trends for websites across the internet. It continues a trend of behaviors from the organization to make data, tools, and information available to online publishers at no cost. "We think that education and data are foundational elements of success. We make it our business to provide these things to publishers and partners in the most thoughtful and intelligent ways possible. Everyone who works at Ezoic should be proud of this new award and what it signifies for our customers," Lafleur finished.
About Ezoic
Ezoic is a Google Certified Publishing Partner that specializes in providing smart technology to online publishers designed to personalize user experiences by leveraging machine learning. Their flagship application allows publishers the ability to automatically test and serve individualized ad combinations to website visitors to maximize ad earnings and optimize user experience metrics at the same time (like bounce rate and pageviews per visit).
SOURCE Ezoic
Related Links
http://www.ezoic.com
New evergreen fund to help Ontario discoveries reach seed-stage funding faster
TORONTO, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust ("FACIT") is pleased to announce the launch of The Prospects Oncology Fund ("Prospects Fund"), designed to advance early-stage Ontario cancer discoveries by supporting the proof-of-concept studies needed to attract seed-stage investment. Managed by FACIT, this is an evergreen fund to which capital is allocated annually.
FACIT has developed several unique funding solutions to address the lack of capital support commonly associated with early-stage research and translational discoveries. This shortfall impedes progression and growth of innovations that might otherwise have strong potential for future patient and economic impact. The Prospects Fund was conceived in recognition of the growing volume of early breakthrough discoveries that require further maturation and proof of concept studies prior to being able to attract investors. To fill this gap, FACIT's Prospects Fund aims to provide pre-seed, promising oncology discoveries in Ontario with up to $200K to help the technology reach a funding-ready inflection point. Applications for the Prospects Fund are accepted and awarded bi-annually.
With a competitive selection and due diligence process that includes industry-specific expert vetting, selected projects are provided with a development roadmap and the capital to execute key studies designed to improve commercial attractiveness. In addition, successful applicants are provided with guidance and access to FACIT's network of experts.
"We are excited to introduce The Prospects Fund, which seeks to leverage FACIT's combination of capital, network exposure and mentorship to help mature innovative early-stage Ontario discoveries towards creating patient impact. It also aims to enhance education in early translational research and entrepreneurship," said Jeff Courtney, President of FACIT. "The Prospects Fund will invest in discoveries within Ontario research institutions and startups that fit within FACIT's investment strategy, while providing us with an excellent source of future seed stage-ready investments."
"Even discoveries with the greatest potential require substantial early development work, which can be difficult and expensive," remarked Lincoln Stein, Interim Scientific Director at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research. "I am thrilled about the launch of The Prospects Fund as this tool is critical to help fill the funding gap that exists in Ontario for the advancement of promising early translational cancer research."
About the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT)
Established by the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) as a strategic partner to accelerate commercialization of oncology innovations, the Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust (FACIT) helps bring these innovations from the lab to the marketplace to benefit patients, researchers, investors and the Ontario economy. For more information, please visit the website at facit.ca or email [email protected].
SOURCE Fight Against Cancer Innovation Trust
Related Links
www.facit.ca
ATLANTA, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Grady is proud to be Metro Atlanta's first hospital to successfully integrate the Alaris IV smart pump technology with its Epic electronic medical record (EMR) taking patient safety to a new level. To date, approximately 25% of U.S. hospitals have achieved smart pump-EMR interoperability.
"The ability to link programmable IV infusion pumps directly to patient medical records significantly decreases the chances of medication administration errors," said Glenn Hilburn, Vice President, Clinical Systems, Grady Health System. "We are able to reduce the number of steps a nurse does from 21 down to three. Fewer steps means fewer chances for mistakes and greatly improved efficiency," Hilburn added.
The smart pump-EMR interoperability rollout on March 1 was the latest step in Grady's technology journey to improving medication administration safety. By linking the smart pump to the patient's medical record, clinicians are able to make sure the right drug is given to the right patient, within the right dose, and at the right time.
"The system validates the infusion against the physician's order through barcode technology and programs the pump to dispense the medication. In addition, it sends data back to the medical record as the patient receives the infusion, providing important, real-time information for the patient care team," Hilburn said. "This interoperability is recognized throughout healthcare as a best practice."
About Grady Health System
Grady Health System is one of the largest safety net health systems in the United States. Grady consists of the 953-bed Grady Memorial Hospital, six neighborhood health centers, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation Center, and Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Hughes Spalding, which is operated as a Children's affiliate.
With its nationally acclaimed emergency medical services, Grady has the premier Level I trauma center in the Metro Atlanta region and serves as the 911 ambulance provider for the city of Atlanta. Grady's American Burn Association/American College of Surgeons verified Burn Center is one of only two in the state. And the Marcus Stroke and Neuroscience Center is a Joint Commission designated Advanced Comprehensive Stroke Center.
Other key services/distinctions include Grady's Regional Perinatal Center with its Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Georgia's first Cancer Center for Excellence, The Avon Comprehensive Breast Center, the Georgia Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center, and the Ponce de Leon Center - one of the top HIV/AIDS outpatient clinics in the country. Grady is one of an elite group of hospitals to earn the Baby-Friendly USA international recognition as a Baby-Friendly Designated birth facility. In 2017, Grady earned the prestigious Stage 7 on the HIMSS Analytics Electronic Medical Record Adoption Model, becoming Georgia's first adult acute care hospital to earn the highest rating for improving patient care and safety through health information technology.
SOURCE Grady Health System
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Capital Forensics, Inc. (CFI) announced today that Henry R. Ferguson, founder and current president of Florida-based H.R. Ferguson Financial Consultants LLC, will join the firm as a Director, providing expert witness and consulting services to CFI's client base, which includes a broad range of financial services firms, FORTUNE 500 companies, and their outside advisors.
Mr. Ferguson has more than three decades of experience in the financial services industry, both as a highly respected consultant and in senior management positions at a number of well-known firms, including Director of Options Trading at Oppenheimer & Co., as well as senior sales and marketing roles at Dean Witter & Co., Sutro & Co., and the New York Futures Exchange. He currently serves as an arbitrator for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and the National Futures Association (NFA).
Over the course of his career, Mr. Ferguson has testified and consulted as an expert in various state, regulatory and professional forums on a broad range of subjects, including suitability, churning, margin, anti-money laundering (AML) and account supervision, among others. In addition to traditional asset classes, he also possesses a depth of knowledge in financial derivatives, such as options, futures, foreign exchange, and other capital markets instruments. He has been retained by financial firms to conduct internal investigations; and has testified in proceedings at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), the National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD), the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
Capital Forensics' Chairman and CEO, Vadim Khavinson, said, "Henry Ferguson has long been a friend of CFI, and is widely respected across the financial services industry. We are proud to have a professional of his stature join us. His expertise in financial derivatives, along with his years of industry experience will provide our clients with an advantage in related litigation matters."
Mr. Ferguson is a graduate of California State University. He has held a long list of securities industry registrations, and has conducted several courses at the New York Institute of Finance, and at the American Institute of Banking, in both New York and Boston. He has been a member of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) for more than 30 years.
About Capital Forensics. Inc.
Founded in 1993, Capital Forensics, Inc. (CFI) provides data analysis, expert testimony, litigation support and regulatory consulting for the financial services industry. CFI's clients range from financial institutions including broker-dealers, hedge funds and Registered Investment Advisors to FORTUNE 500 companies.
CFI's major practice areas include: Expert Testimony & Litigation Support Regulatory Consulting Quantitative Analysis / Data Mining Forensic Accounting Arbitration Tools, including ArbReporter, ArbSelector and MockArb. www.capitalforensics.com
Contact:
Eric H. Siber
Managing Director
[email protected]
(917) 225-6659
SOURCE Capital Forensics, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.capitalforensics.com
His Serene Highness conferred with the expert panel of judges, which selected the following companies for the CleanEquity Monaco 2017 Awards for Excellence:
AgriProtein (ZA) received the award for Technology Research; the company uses fly larvae fed on existing organic waste streams from food factories, supermarkets, farms and restaurants, to produce a sustainable source of natural protein. The company's three products are an insect based complete protein - MagMeal, an extracted fat - MagOil and a rich residual soil conditioner - MagSoil.
KDC Agribusiness (USA) received the award for Technology Development; the company has, in partnership with California Safe Soil, developed a new patented technology that digests and pasteurises fresh food waste within three hours, turning it into a sustainable organic liquid fertiliser and animal feed.
Iceotope Technologies (UK) received the award for Technology Commercialisation; the company has a developed product range utilising full submersion liquid cooling of IT. This removes the need for air infrastructure and enables deployment in any location. Additional benefits include reduction in capex, opex, floor space, energy and silent operation.
The runners up were NOHMs Technologies (USA) for Research, Halo Coffee (UK) for Development and Voltea (USA) for Commercialisation.
Restore NV (BE) received the CleanEquity 10th Anniversary Award for best company since inauguration of the event; the company provides advanced automated Demand Response programmes to Commercial & Industrial consumers and cloud-based Demand Side Management software to Utilities.
The awards were unique sculptures created by New York based Swiss artist, Urs Fischer.
The music artists, from London's Royal College of Music, were Maria Tarasewicz - Piano and Kristiana Ignatjeva - Cello. They played Beethoven's Cello Sonata No. 3 in A major, Op. 69.
His Serene Highness said in His address:
"For 10 years I have had the pleasure of making this address at the close of your conference. Throughout that period, you have remained steadfast in your commitment to the project that we are recognising this afternoon. That project is founded on a belief that together we can innovate, develop and implement the products, processes and policies that will enable tomorrow to be cleaner, more efficient and ultimately more sustainable than today.
"CleanEquity has risen to the challenge. Founded on the principles of bringing companies, financiers, politicians and the media together for two days of collaboration, you have worked for a decade to promote a vision of sustainable development."
Mungo Park, Chairman of Innovator Capital and co-founder of CleanEquity Monaco, said:
"We thank His Serene Highness for His continued support, without which a 10th Anniversary for CleanEquity would have been an unlikely milestone. The role of technology innovation is still under-resourced by investors but this year we had a greater number of quality investors than in prior years. All participants should be proud of this achievement.
"My thanks go also to the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, Covington & Burling, Deloitte, Parkview Group, Cision, Cranfield University, Cisco, the Social Stock Exchange, Hobbs & Towne, Monaco Economic Board and the International University of Monaco."
Iain Macmillan, Global Leader for M&A Services, Deloitte, one of CleanEquity Monaco's returning partners said:
"Deloitte Global M&A Services were delighted to be involved with the CleanEquity conference at its 10th anniversary this year and our congratulations to Mungo Park and his team on this tremendous achievement.
"The sustainability agenda is no longer just a differentiation for corporate positioning of products and services. The significant advances in technologies means sustainability assumes greater relevance in the context of innovation. Such differentiation will ultimately play a greater role in shaping a company's prospects in the market and an important driver in value creation.
"At the same time, many such innovations are being developed by promising start-ups around the world. Global companies need to adopt non-organic growth strategies such as M&A and corporate venture investments to harness these opportunities and create "businesses of tomorrow". The CleanEquity conference brings together some of the most promising innovative companies that are at the cutting edge of such sustainable solutions. Deloitte have unparalleled accesses to some of the most influential global companies, who could be partners, adopters or investors in these new technologies and services. We believe there is value in being able to make such connections on behalf of our clients.
"Deloitte Global M&A services advises strategic corporate buyers and private equity investors throughout the entire M&A deal life cycle. From conceiving strategy to selecting the right partner. From conducting due diligence to capturing value from the deal. From beginning to end, we align our services to address specific transactions, integration, and separation needs, all with the goal of generating value for our clients."
CleanEquity Monaco will return to the Principality in March 2018.
Contact:
Conor Barrett
Innovator Capital
[email protected]
About Innovator Capital
Innovator Capital, established in 2003, is a specialist investment bank advising emerging technology companies on corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions. Its expertise includes intellectual property and multi national strategic partnering.
About Deloitte
"Deloitte" is the brand under which more than 220,000 professionals in independent firms throughout 150 countries and territories collaborate to provide audit, tax, consulting, financial advisory, risk management, and related services to select clients. These firms are members of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL").
www.cleanequitymonaco.com
SOURCE Innovator Capital
Related Links
http://www.innovator-capital.com
IRVINE, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Netwrix Corporation, provider of a visibility platform for data security and risk mitigation that enables healthcare organizations to proactively detect and remediate internal and external cyber threats, announced today that Henry County Hospital enhanced control of privileged user activity and streamlined its HIPAA compliance by leveraging the user activity monitoring provided by Netwrix Auditor.
Henry County Hospital in Napoleon, Ohio, US, is a charitable, not-for-profit community hospital that offers a wide range of primary, acute and rehabilitative services to the residents of Henry County and surrounding areas. Because it collects and uses protected health information (PHI), Henry County Hospital has to undergo a HIPAA compliance risk assessment every year. To comply with HIPAA's rigorous requirements and avoid heavy fines for non-compliance, the hospital needed visibility into the activity of privileged users.
The IT team looked for a solution that could monitor user activity across Active Directory, Group Policy and Windows file servers. They opted for Netwrix Auditor because it supports all required systems and enables video recording of user activity as an additional security layer. Using the product, the team achieved the following results:
Increased accountability of privileged users. Daily reports and alerts on changes, especially to the Domain Admins group, along with the video recording capability, enable the hospital's IT team to keep tabs on privileged users' activity and ensure there are no internal threats putting data at risk, as required by HIPAA.
Complete control over file access permissions. Netwrix Auditor enabled the IT team to detect excessive user permissions and rebuild the file server permissions structure from the ground up. This ensures that sensitive data is accessed only on a need-to-know basis, reducing the risk of accidental or deliberate misuse.
Time and cost savings on audit preparation. Automated monitoring and out-of-the-box HIPAA compliance reports simplify internal processes for preparing for audits, and enable the hospital to readily prove compliance and address auditors' questions in a timely manner. In fact, the solution eliminated the need to assign a full-time employee to manually monitor user activity, saving the hospital at least $40,000 per year.
"There are so many external and internal threats that you have to be proactive or you are just setting yourself up to be compromised. Netwrix Auditor helped us to monitor everything from privileged user activity across file shares to Active Directory and Group Policy changes that are so hard to track. Basically, the product does everything for you without a lot of manual work and cuts off almost 100% of your time from an auditing perspective," said Geoffrey Robinson, Server/Storage Administrator at Henry County Hospital.
"To avoid large non-compliance fines and reputational damage, healthcare providers should regularly demonstrate to auditors that patient data is secure," said Michael Fimin, CEO and co-founder of Netwrix. "Complete visibility into what is going on in the IT infrastructure simplifies managing security risks and helps IT teams demonstrate the efficacy of existing security controls, which results in faster, less painful checks and improved grades with regulators."
Netwrix Auditor is a visibility platform for data security and risk mitigation that enables healthcare organizations to gain control over what's going on in the most critical areas of their IT infrastructures, ensure data integrity and reduce compliance audit preparation time.
To read the complete case study, please visit: www.netwrix.com/go/henry_county_hospital
About Netwrix Corporation
Netwrix Corporation was the first vendor to introduce a visibility and governance platform for hybrid cloud security. More than 160,000 IT departments worldwide rely on Netwrix to detect insider threats on premises and in the cloud, pass compliance audits with less effort and expense, and increase productivity of IT security and operations teams. Founded in 2006, Netwrix has earned more than 100 industry awards and been named to both the Inc. 5000 and Deloitte Technology Fast 500 lists of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. For more information, visit www.netwrix.com
CONTACT:
Erin Jones
Avista PR for Netwrix
P: 704.664.2170
E: [email protected]
SOURCE Netwrix Corporation
Related Links
http://www.netwrix.com
HOUSTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Hyperdynamics Corporation (OTCQX: HDYN) ("Hyperdynamics" or the "Company"), announced today the closing of a private placement offering (the "Offering") in which it sold 680 units of securities for aggregate proceeds of $680,000, before deducting placement agent fees and expenses. Each Unit consists of one share of the Company's Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with a Stated Value of $1,040 per share, and a two-year warrant representing the right to purchase 223 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price of $3.50 per share. The units were offered at a price of $1,000 per Unit.
Hyperdynamics CEO, Ray Leonard, commented, "I would like to thank all investors who participated in the Offering. This capital will be used to fund various activities related to the preparation for the drilling of the Fatala well. We believe this new capital raise will provide confidence to our business partners and the Guinea Government in Hyperdynamics's commitment to the project objectives."
Katalyst Securities acted as placement agent for the Offering, on a reasonable best efforts basis.
Summary of Key Terms
Investors in the Offering will have an option to purchase their pro rata share of up to an aggregate of $3,000,000 in additional Units following the effective date of the registration statement referred to below.
in additional Units following the effective date of the registration statement referred to below. Cumulative dividends are payable on the Stated Value of the Series A Preferred Stock at the rate of 1% per annum, payable in our Common Stock upon conversion or in cash in the case of a redemption.
Shares of Series A Preferred Stock are redeemable, in whole or in part, at the option of the Company, in cash, at a price per share equal to 115% of the Stated Value plus 115% of accrued but unpaid dividends.
In the event of any liquidation, dissolution or winding up, holders of Series A Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive an amount equal to 115% of the Stated Value plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.
The Company has agreed to file a registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission for purposes of registering the resale by the investors of the shares of Common Stock resulting from the conversion of the Series A Preferred Stock and the exercise of the warrants.
The Series A Preferred Stock is convertible in whole or in part, into shares of our Common Stock at any time after the earlier of (i) the date such registration statement is declared effective or (ii) six months after the closing date. If no conversion has taken place within 9 months of the closing date, the Series A Preferred Stock, plus any accrued but unpaid dividends, will automatically convert into shares of Common Stock. The conversion price is the lesser of (i) $2.75 per share; or (ii) 80% of the lowest closing price during 21 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date, subject to a floor of $0.25 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances.
per share; or (ii) 80% of the lowest closing price during 21 consecutive trading days ending on the trading day immediately prior to the conversion date, subject to a floor of per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. Except in certain limited circumstances affecting the rights of the holders of Series A Preferred Stock or as required by law, holders of the Series A Preferred Stock will not have voting rights.
The Company has agreed that until the date that is 12 months following the closing date, it will not create or allow to be created any security interest, lien, charge or other encumbrance on any of its or any of its subsidiaries' rights under or interests in the Hydrocarbon Production Sharing Contract between SCS Corporation Ltd. and the Republic of Guinea , that secures the repayment of indebtedness of the Company or any of its subsidiaries for money borrowed.
The offer and sale of the foregoing securities was made in a transaction not involving a public offering and have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the Securities Act), or applicable state securities laws. The Offering was exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D thereunder. The Units were sold to "accredited investors," as defined in Regulation D. Accordingly, the securities may not be reoffered or resold in the United States except pursuant to an effective registration statement or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the Securities Act and such applicable state securities laws.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state.
About Hyperdynamics
Hyperdynamics is an emerging independent oil and gas exploration company that is exploring for oil and gas offshore the Republic of Guinea in West Africa. To find out more, visit our website at www.hyperdynamics.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Statements in this press release that are not descriptions of historical facts are forward-looking statements that are based on management's current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including "anticipates," "believes," "can," "continue," "could," "estimates," "expects," "intends," "may," "plans," "potential," "predicts," "should," "will," "would" or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated, including, without limitation, our ability to raise additional funding as required to execute our exploration and development program, our dependence on a single exploration asset, our lack proved reserves, our lack of operating revenue, dependence on joint development partners, the high operating risks of developing oil and gas resources, weather conditions and natural disasters, political conditions in the regions in which we operate or propose to operate, fluctuations in prices of oil and natural gas, the threat of terrorism, and general economic conditions. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except as required by law. Investors should the carefully review the risk factor disclosure and other information, including the Company's financial statements and the notes thereto, set forth in the reports and other documents the Company files with the SEC available at www.sec.gov .
Contacts:
Ray Leonard
President and Chief Executive Officer
713-353-9445
Jack Lascar
Dennard-Lascar Associates
713-529-6600
SOURCE Hyperdynamics
Related Links
http://www.hyperdynamics.com
SAN FRANCISCO, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement is being issued by Gutride Safier LLP regarding the Filippo Berio Olive Oil Class Action Settlement.
If you purchased Filippo Berio Olive Oil a class action settlement may affect your rights.
A proposed class action settlement has been reached concerning Filippo Berio Olive Oil labeling practices. The case is known as Kumar v. Salov North America Corp., Case No. 4:14-cv-02411-YGR (N.D. Cal.).
What is this about?
The lawsuit claims that Filippo Berio olive oil products were inappropriately labeled as "Imported from Italy" on the front label. As part of the settlement, defendant Salov North America Corp. has agreed to stop this labeling practice and provide payments for customers. The defendant denies any wrongdoing.
Who is a class member?
You are an eligible class member if you purchased, between May 23, 2010 and June 30, 2015, (in the United States, for personal use and not resale), any of the following Filippo Berio branded olive oil products: Robusto Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Delicato Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Olive Oil, or Light Tasting Olive Oil.
What are the benefits?
Defendant will provide class members a payment of $0.50 per can or bottle purchased. A minimum of $2.00 will be paid to any class member who submits a valid claim. Class members can obtain payments for up to 10 purchases (up to $5.00 per household) without proof of purchase. Proof of purchase is required to obtain a payment of more than $5.00 per household (for more than 10 bottles or cans purchased).
What are my rights?
You have the right to make a claim, to object to the settlement, to exclude yourself from the litigation, or to do nothing. To receive a payment, you must submit a claim, either online or by mail to the administrator. Your claim must be postmarked by May 2, 2017. In the alternative, you may exclude yourself from the litigation. This is the only way to preserve your right to pursue a separate lawsuit against the defendant about the claims released by this settlement. You will receive no payment. Your request for exclusion must be received by May 2, 2017. Finally, you may object to the settlement. To object, you must submit an objection in writing that complies with the requirements in the settlement notice available at www.SNAOliveOilSettlement.com . Your objection must be received by May 2, 2017. If you do nothing, you will receive no payment and have no right to sue later for the claims released by the settlement.
The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, 1304 Clay Street, Oakland, CA 94612, Courtroom 5, 2nd Floor, on May 30, 2017 at 2:00 p.m., to decide whether to approve the settlement and to award attorneys' fees and expenses of up to $982,500, to be paid by Defendant, and $2,500 for the Plaintiff, as a representative award. The motion for fees and expenses will be posted on the website below after they are filed. You may attend this hearing, but you don't have to.
Payments will be made to the Settlement Class only if the Court approves the settlement and all appeals are resolved. Please be patient.
If the settlement does not become effective, the litigation will continue, but only on behalf of purchasers in California. If you are a purchaser in California, you have the same rights under the settlement as other class members. You also have the right to make a claim or object now and exclude yourself from the litigation later, if the settlement does not become effective.
For more information, please visit www.SNAOliveOilSettlement.com , or contact the claim administrator at 1-844-702-2783 or by writing to: Kumar v Salov, c/o Heffler Claims Group, P.O. Box 58476, Philadelphia, PA 19102-8476, or contact class counsel Gutride Safier LLP at www.gutridesafier.com .
SOURCE Gutride Safier LLP
AKA Grafitti Man was originally released in 1986, and then again in 1992, with executive producer Jackson Browne , as a compilation of the earlier collection of recordings. Upon release the album was hailed by Bob Dylan as "the best album of the year . . .".
This limited edition album will be available worldwide at all Record Store Day retail stores on April 22, 2017. Portland, Oregon's Music Millennium record store will host Joel Rafael with John Trudell's Bad Dog on Saturday, April 22 at 7 PM for a special in-store performance to celebrate the release.
For more information please visit johntrudell.com and johntrudellarchives.org.
ABOUT JOHN TRUDELL
John Trudell (1946-2015) was a leader for the Indian of All Tribes Occupation of Alcatraz in 1969, and went on to serve as Chairman of the American Indian Movement (AIM) from 1973-1979. On February 11, 1979, he burned an American flag on the steps of the F.B.I J. Edgar Hoover building in Washington D.C., as he'd been taught in the military to burn the flag once it had been desecrated; and the US government's treatment of Native Americans and its classism and racism had desecrated the flag. Some 12 hours after the flag incident, a fire "of suspicious origin" burned down Trudell's home on the Shoshone-Paiute reservation in Nevada, killing Trudell's pregnant wife, Tina, their three children and Tina's mother. The F.B.I. declined to investigate, and the blaze was officially ruled an "accident." After the fire, Trudell turned his tears into writing poetry and later, spoken word music and acting. A lifelong activist and human rights advocate, he was quoted as saying "I'm just a human being trying to make it in a world that is rapidly losing its understanding of being human."
WHAT OTHERS SAY ABOUT JOHN TRUDELL
"The triumph of John Trudell is that he has been able to bring the strength of a brilliant activist into the arena of the arts tender, intact, but still on fire." Buffy Sainte-Marie
"More than any man I know, John Trudell's life is the expression of his beliefs. Most of us muddle through the day with our ideals in tow, but John's politics, art and way of life perfectly reflect his passion and energy for the Native American cause. He was an inspiration to me in making the documentary film "Incident at Oglala," about Leonard Peltier's fight for justice, so much so that I cast him as the charismatic Indian leader in "Thunderheart," a movie that deals with the government oppression of the contemporary Native American. There wasn't an untruthful moment in his performance. 'Sometimes they have to kill us,' he told me, 'because they cannot break our spirit.' John is one of those rare unbreakable spirits." Michael Apted, Director
"Probably the most charismatic speaker I've ever heard." Bonnie Raitt
"John Trudell is a crazy lone wolf, poet, prophet, preacher, warrior full of pain and fun and laughter and love, spilling out a vision of fable and truth, love and war, from the unique and somewhat desperate point of view of the Wild American. He's a reality check. No paranoid; he's aware of the Enemy (a formidable Predator with no respect for any form of life). Justice is a fire that burns inside him. His spirit cries out for it. It makes him dangerous." Kris Kristofferson
"An extremely articulate, eloquent and effective speaker . . ." Federal Bureau of Investigation
"I'd known of John ever since his work with my guitar player friend Jesse Ed Davis and their group AKA Grafitti Man. His poetry, the sound of his voice, was so powerful. I knew of his activism as the spokesperson for the United Indians Of All Tribes takeover of Alcatraz and his leadership in the American Indian Movement. John and I worked together several times over the years, and each time I grew to admire him more. His acting in film was terrific. His music was outstanding. His prose and poetry were beautiful. And more than anything he was a solid stand-up guy. I cherished his friendship and will miss him deeply." Robbie Robertson
"If the whole world is a Rez, then Graffiti Man (John Trudell) is a prophet predicting many trends that have happened since this album was released 25 years ago. From consumerism, to the New World Order being an Old World Lie, to Rock n' Roll is a revolution going way passed 33 1/3, John saw way into the future. This record can still teach us much, coming from a talent who was a future hip-hop or street artist ahead of his time. 'Somewhere a wild horse listens,' and I hope it's John, on the other side, hearing our praises." John Densmore
JOHN TRUDELL AKA GRAFITTI MAN
TRACK LISTING
Rockin' The Res Grafitti Man Restless Situations Wildfires Baby Boom Che Bombs Over Baghdad Richman's War Somebody's Kid Never Never Blues What He'd Done Beauty In A Fade Tina Smiled
SOURCE Inside Recordings
NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ) will host a conference call for investors at 8:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) on Tuesday, April 18th, to review first-quarter results. Dominic Caruso, Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer and Joseph J. Wolk, Vice President, Investor Relations, will host the call.
Investors and other interested parties can access the webcast/conference call in the following ways:
The webcast is accessible at Johnson & Johnson's website: www.investor.jnj.com. A webcast and podcast replay will be available approximately three hours after the conference call concludes.
By telephone: for both "listen-only" participants and those financial analysts who wish to take part in the question-and-answer portion of the call, the telephone dial-in number in the U.S. is 877-869-3847. For participants outside the U.S., the dial-in number is 201-689-8261.
A replay of the conference call will be available until approximately 12:00 a.m. on April 26, 2017 . The replay dial-in number for U.S. participants is 877-660-6853. For participants outside the U.S., the replay dial-in number is 201-612-7415. The replay conference ID number for all callers is 13658063.
on . The replay dial-in number for U.S. participants is 877-660-6853. For participants outside the U.S., the replay dial-in number is 201-612-7415. The replay conference ID number for all callers is 13658063. Presentation materials will be available on www.investor.jnj.com.
The press release will be available at approximately 6:45 a.m. (Eastern Time) the morning of the conference call.
About Johnson & Johnson
Caring for the world, one person at a time, inspires and unites the people of Johnson & Johnson. We embrace research and science - bringing innovative ideas, products and services to advance the health and well-being of people. Our approximately 126,400 employees at more than 230 Johnson & Johnson operating companies work with partners in health care to touch the lives of over a billion people every day, throughout the world.
SOURCE Johnson & Johnson
Related Links
http://www.jnj.com
AUSTIN, Texas, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Johnson & Johnson's CaringCrowd, along with its strategic partners CI&T and R/GA, received the SXSW Interactive Innovation People's Choice Award at the 20th annual SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards. CI&T and R/GA collaborated on the interactive and design work. Out of 65 finalists, Johnson & Johnson's CaringCrowd was voted the winner by the SXSW Interactive community at the Interactive Innovation Awards Finalist Showcase on March 12. Known for celebrating the most inspiring, creative advancements of the year, the SXSW Interactive Innovation Awards embrace the evolving scope of the digital industry by reflecting its increasingly diverse ecosystem of platforms, software, apps and devices.
"It is an immense honor for our collaboration and strategic partnership with Johnson & Johnson CaringCrowd to be recognized by the SXSW Interactive community and especially with the People's Choice Award," said Bruno Guicardi, President, CI&T. "A recognition from our fellow innovators means the world to us and it continues to validate our commitment to strategizing, designing and delivering top-notch advanced technology solutions to help our partners achieve their vision."
Johnson & Johnson's CaringCrowd is a crowdfunding platform built to support public health initiatives in communities worldwide. CaringCrowd unites users in its mission to crowdfund for global public health projects and empowers passionate people to change the lives of vulnerable communities worldwide. Knowing that it needed a partner that could lead end-to-end delivery of the project, Johnson & Johnson selected CI&T to build out all aspects of the platform, working with R/GA on the design. CI&T delivered by incorporating Drupal as the platform's content management system. In addition to the back-end execution, CI&T identified and delivered on front-end needs including building the technical platform allowing a panel of public health experts to review projects to ensure each one aligns with CaringCrowd's mission and fulfills legitimate needs. With the organizations verified, users needed a simple way to donate the more hoops they have to jump through, the less likely they are to donate. CI&T presented and implemented a solution based on ease of use, global familiarity, and security.
The Awards Ceremony honored 13 of the best and latest advancements across categories including Health Med & Biotech, Innovation in Connecting People, Innovative 3-DIY, Music & Audio Innovation, New Economy, Privacy & Security, Responsive Design, SciFi No Longer, Smart Cities, Student Innovation, Visual Media Experience, VR & AR and Wearable Tech. Six additional honors were awarded at the Ceremony, including: David Carr Prize, Best of Show, People's Choice, Breakout Trend of the Event, Speaker of the Event and Meme of the Year.
Johnson & Johnson's CaringCrowd had been nominated in the Responsive Design Category for outstanding digital design and excellence in terms of content, aesthetics, and functionality. Functionality is truly of critical importance because so many of the nonprofits that benefit from pledges received at CaringCrowd.org are based in parts of the world where mobile is their primary means of accessing the internet. Organizers work in the field and generally have limited access to computers or offices from which to operate. Being able to manage their local projects, no matter the device or speed of connectivity is of paramount importance. Additionally, many CaringCrowd project owners cite the site's pleasing and compelling aesthetics as influential in driving credibility, which fuels pledges.
"I thank the SXSW community for choosing CaringCrowd for this award. It is gratifying to know that this crowd cares and wants to see technology deployed to serve fundamental health needs around the world," said Derek Fetzer, Director of CaringCrowd at Johnson & Johnson. "I also thank the innovative teams at CI&T and R/GA for designing and delivering an exceptional platform, which provides a seamless user experience and allows the user to focus on global public health efforts."
Last week at SXSW, CI&T hosted Agile Carnival, a Brazilian Carnival-themed interactive lounge coupled with a series of talks on lean digital cultures, agile design sprints, and machine learning for exceptional customer experiences. The "sold out" panels featured the brightest minds in innovation, marketing and design, including speakers from: Coca-Cola, Digiday, Doberman, Fandango, Forrester Research, Google, HomeAway, Hulu, Kohls, Nationwide, The Lean Enterprise Institute and TechCrunch, among others.
Watch the moment Johnson & Johnson and CI&T accept the People's Choice Award, and the complete winners' ceremony on SXSW's YouTube page, then check out the full list of SXSW Interactive Innovation Award finalists and winners here.
About CI&T
CI&T, the digital technology agency for the world's biggest companies, is a pioneer in the application of agile and lean methodologies and next-gen tech including Machine Learning/AI, Advanced Analytics, Cloud and Mobility. For over 20 years, CI&T has been a trusted partner for the most complex global engagements inside companies including Coca-Cola, Johnson & Johnson, AB-InBev, iHeartMedia and Motorola. With over 2,500 digital business experts and engineers in the USA, Brazil, UK, Australia, Japan and China, CI&T is big enough to scale to the needs of Fortune 100 clients yet agile enough to achieve the speed to market today's customers demand. For more information, visit www.ciandt.com.
About SXSW Interactive
SXSW dedicates itself to helping creative people achieve their goals. Founded in 1987 in Austin, Texas, SXSW is best known for its conference and festivals that celebrate the convergence of the interactive, film, and music industries. The event, an essential destination for global professionals, features sessions, showcases, screenings, exhibitions, and a variety of networking opportunities. SXSW proves that the most unexpected discoveries happen when diverse topics and people come together. SXSW 2017 will take place March 10-19, 2017.
SXSW 2017 is sponsored by Esurance, Mazda, Monster Energy, Bud Light, Capital One, McDonald's, The Austin Chronicle, Sonicbids and Pandora.
SOURCE CI&T
Related Links
http://ciandt.com
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 One World Identity is proud to announce Edward Snowdenwhistleblower and former NSA contractoras the keynote speaker for the K(NO)W Identity Conference in Washington, D.C. which begins May 15, 2017. Appearing via live stream from Russia, Snowden will provide an exclusive talk to conference participants, in addition to holding a live Q&A session with members of the audience.
Snowden became a fugitive of the United States in 2013 when he notoriously blew the whistle on a collection of documents revealing the NSA's vast and private surveillance network of the American citizens. The impact Snowden left across the technology sector had a lasting effect as it led tech giants like Apple and Facebook to begin encrypting people's communications to provide a key protection that not only protected citizens against mass surveillance but against potential cyber security risks. In 2014, Snowden joined the board of directors at Freedom of the Press Foundation, a non-profit organization focused on protecting the rights of journalists and whistleblowers around the world. Snowden currently remains in Russia in temporary refuge.
The K(NO)W Identity Conference will provide a unique forum for identity experts from across all industries to be at the nexus of ideas and policies that will fundamentally change identity around the world. Attendees can expect to delve into critical topics such as biometrics, identity access management, fraud prevention and identity verification.
The K(NO)W Identity Conference features a lineup of 150+ notable speakers from the private and public sectors, including:
Edward Snowden - Former NSA Contractor, whistleblower May 15 th
- Former NSA Contractor, whistleblower Frank Konieczny - Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Air Force May 16 th
- Chief Technology Officer, U.S. Air Force David Birch - Director of Innovation, Consult Hyperion May 16 th
- Director of Innovation, Consult Hyperion Pascal Bouvier - Venture Partner, Santander Innoventures May 15 th
- Venture Partner, Santander Innoventures Carmi Gillon - Chairman, Cytegic Cybersecurity May 15 th
"Identity is the hidden layer beneath the interactions amongst every business, their employees, and their customers," said Travis Jarae, Co-Founder and CEO of One World Identity. "The identity industry is integral to business in the 21st century from FinTech to know-your-customer identity verification and anti-fraud as well as identity access management, and biometrics."
The K(NO)W Identity Conference runs May 15th to 17th at the Ronald Regan Building and International Trade Center. Approximately 1500 business leaders, privacy and security experts, tech innovators, and senior policy makers will be in attendance. A fully immersive event, the conference will feature the world's best event technology to connect attendees digitally and physically unlike ever before.
For more information visit http://knowidentityconference.oneworldidentity.com/2017/
About the K(NO)W Identity Conference
The premier global event for the identity industry, the K(NO)W Identity Conference brings together the innovators, regulators and policy-makers shaping the future of identity. From payments, biometrics and FinTech to access management and anti-fraud, the identity industry is at the core of conducting business in the internet era. The 2017 K(NO)W Identity Conference will be held May 15-17, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C. featuring 150+ speakers, 300+ companies and over 1,500 attendees.
About One World Identity
The hub for all things identity, One World Identity aims to foster communication, open standards and innovation among the companies and professionals of the identity industry.
Visit us at www.oneworldidentity.com for the latest in identity news, events, opinion and research coverage.
Contact: Emma Martin, 212.334.9753, ext. 132, [email protected]
SOURCE One World Identity
Related Links
https://www.oneworldidentity.com
SAN ANTONIO, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Linde Engineering North America Inc. (LENA) will sponsor, exhibit and share expertise at two topical conferences as part of the AIChE Spring Meeting and13th Global Congress on Process Safety, to be held March 27 30.
"We're excited to showcase Linde Engineering's solutions and expertise across a range of technologies for the gas processing and ethylene industries," said Tina Edvardsson, Director of Technology.
At the Gas Utilization Conference on Wednesday, March 29, Thomas Walter, Senior Adviser, Integration, will present a novel approach to separating non-condensable constituents in ethane and ethylene liquefaction, minimizing product loss and power consumption. Co-authored with Adrian Wegmann and Kathy Bigger, his presentation is titled "How Non-condensables Affect Your Ethane/Ethylene Liquefaction Process Different Concepts to Reduce Power Consumption and Product Losses."
Ethylene Producers' Conference (EPC)
LENA will sponsor, exhibit and make presentations on ethylene plant design, safety and operation at the AIChE Ethylene Producers' Conference. On Wednesday, Mark Whitney, Senior Process Engineer, will discuss design challenges for the next industry scale-up of super-sized ethylene plants. Two of the plant major elements, plate-fin heat exchangers and cracking furnaces, will be the focus of the presentation "Building Tomorrow's Mega-scale Ethylene Plants General Criticality Criteria and Selected Design Aspects for Plate-fin Heat Exchangers and Cracking Furnaces", authored by Alexander Kromp, Gunther Kracker, Axel Lehmacher and Robert Stegemann of Linde Engineering in Munich, Germany. Rounding out Wednesday will be a summary discussion of key elements concerning low temperature safety risk management methodologies across the ethylene production industry. Mr. Whitney will also be a co-author of "Low Temperature Safety Management Practices an Industry Perspective."
On Thursday, March 30, Gene Irrgang, Global Product Manager for Oxidation Technologies at Selas Linde North America will present "Flameless Thermal Oxidizer Operating Experience," a case study describing this technology and its performance at a VCM plant in the US.
Attendees will have the opportunity to meet experts at LENA's booth to learn about the advantages of Linde's high-yield, low maintenance ethylene furnaces and petrochemical plant offerings. Services for expansions, efficiency upgrades and feed flexibility will also be highlighted.
About Linde Engineering North America Inc.
Linde Engineering North America (LENA) is a member of the Linde Engineering Division of The Linde Group, a world leading gases and engineering company. LENA is a single-source technology, engineering, procurement and construction firm that is focused on providing innovative solutions to customers. Areas of expertise include gas processing, refining, liquefied natural gas (LNG), deep cryogenics, synthesis gas, air separation, and petrochemical plants as well as fired process equipment. For more information, see Linde Engineering North America Inc. online at http://www.leamericas.com.
About The Linde Group
In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of USD 17.9 bn (EUR 16.9 bn), making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
For more information, see The Linde Group online at www.linde.com
SOURCE Linde Engineering North America, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.leamericas.com
North follows the life of Amaoke from his birth as a native Yup'ik on the banks of the Kusokwim River of Alaska through centuries of torture, famine, prejudice and survival meant to prepare him to lead the apocalyptic army against the humans. What Amaoke and the Morningstar don't count on is a woman who teaches the werewolf about his long-buried humanity.
With love comes redemption as Amaoke realizes that the destiny the Morningstar has chosen for him is one he's no longer willing to accept. From his life in present-day New Orleans, he becomes determined to find a way to stop the Morningstar and save the human race.
While this is LJ Farrow's first published novel, she's been writing since she was a child. She admits that the inspiration for North and the subsequent three other books that will make up the saga, came from, "a sit-up-in-bed, sweaty-and-afraid, cannot-go-back-to-sleep-tonight nightmare."
"The Morningstar is a pretty scary dude. Who he really might be is open to interpretation," explained Farrow. "But ultimately, this is a story about redemption and that it's always possible, even in the face of impossible odds."
About BookFuel
Bookfuel was founded in 2011 to offer aspiring authors a self-publishing alternative that would allow them to keep all of the rights and royalties for every book they sell. North, by LJ Farrow, may be purchased online at Amazon, Apple iBookstore, Kobo, Google Play, and Barnes & Noble.
SOURCE BookFuel
TOLLAND, Conn., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Lot 78, Inc. (OTCPink: LOTE), formally announces its new CEO David Schmid.
As part of an executive team that took Hartford, Connecticut-based Propark America from a small regional parking management company to a leading national parking management firm and parking real estate acquisition company, David has held key positions within the company including Chief Financial Officer, Chief Investment Officer and Chief Operating Officer. As COO, David was responsible for daily operations of over 400 locations in 45 cities in 14 states. This responsibility encompassed 1,200 employees and generated over $100 million-dollars in cash flow with $1.2 billion dollars in parking assets.
David will be leading LOTE in its mission to provide value to shareholders through the acquisition of investments that show potential to be profitable scaled regionally or nationally or investments that drive outsized returns.
LOTE's first acquisition is planned to be a two-phase acquisition of Garage Juice Bar (Juice Bar EV), an Electric Vehicle Charging Station provider. Juice Bar EV (www.juicebarev.com) is a company ready to be scaled. Juice Bar EV has products that have been developed, tested, deploy and sold in over 10 states and to nationally recognized clients and government agencies. The first step of the acquisition will be an investment to acquire a 20% stake in Juice Bar EV in the first quarter, with the remaining 80% of the company anticipated to be acquired before the end of the year.
SOURCE Lot 78, Inc.
LONDON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Manufacture of Pesticides and other Agrochemical Products:
The agrochemicals industry produces a range of pesticides or crop protection products to support the agricultural industry, thus helping to ensure food security and promote economic growth. The latest available data from Statistics South Africa indicates that total income in this important yet controversial sector was R30.983bn in 2014. The industry is highly concentrated with the five largest companies accounting for 53.1% of all income.
Controversy:
The use of glyphosate remains controversial with many commentators convinced that the herbicide causes cancer. According to the South African Department of Science and Technology, 86% of maize and 85% of soy in South Africa is genetically modified and most of the country's crops are sprayed with the weed killer Roundup which contains glyphosate.
Proposed Mega-Mergers:
Since 2015 several international mega-mergers have been proposed that will impact on the future of the industry. These involve global giants, ChemChina and Syngenta, DuPont and Dow, and Monsanto and Bayer. Should these mega-mergers be permitted by competition authorities, the three merged companies would own more than 60% of the world's patented seeds and pesticides. Locally Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto is likely to be contentious, as several civil society organisations have raised concerns about its impact on small-scale farming.
Report Coverage:
The Manufacture of Pesticides and other Agrochemical Products describes current conditions and the regulatory environment and provides information on imports and exports. Factors that influence the success of the sector are also covered, and include drought and threats to crops posed by new pests such as the Fall Armyworm. Profiles for 12 companies are provided including smaller players, Scientific Chemicals
(Pty) Ltd and Kombat (Pty) Ltd which both have one manufacturing site and employ fewer than 30 people. Also profiled is Intelichem (Pty) Ltd, which received Competition Commission approval to acquire Meridian Agrochemical Company (Pty) Ltd and Synovatech (Pty) Ltd in July 2016.
Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3630063/
About Reportbuyer
Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers
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For more information:
Sarah Smith
Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 208 816 85 48
Website: www.reportbuyer.com
SOURCE ReportBuyer
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ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students at Our Lady of Lourdes High School in Miami created a prize-winning campaign that increased seat belt usage among students by 10 percent, bringing the student body's overall seat belt usage rate to 97.5 percent. As the winner for best overall campaign in the "Seat Belts Save Challenge," a nationwide competition organized by the National Organizations for Youth Safety (NOYS) and co-sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the SADD Chapter at the 837-student school in Florida receives a $1,500 prize from The National Road Safety Foundation, a co-sponsor.
The Our Lady of Lourdes SADD Chapter, with advisor Elena Arteaga-Diaz, organized a wide range of activities to communicate messages about the importance of buckling up, starting with a kick-off event featuring a seat belt pledge-signing party. Students also decorated seat belt covers which they later donated to an area chemotherapy center, so patients could use their seat belts comfortably. As a STEM school, they also held a competition for new ideas in seat belt engineering and design.
The Seat Belts Save Challenge was initiated by NHTSA and NOYS to increase seat belt usage among young people at heightened risk of death or injury in crashes because of their low belt usage rate. In 2015, more than half of teen drivers killed in crashes and more than 60% of teen passengers killed in crashes were not wearing seat belts.
NOYS and its partners invited high schools throughout the country to develop a local campaign to increase belt usage. The Seat Belts Save Challenge is documented by an unannounced seat belt check before a school's campaign, followed by another check after a two-week education and awareness campaign conducted by students.
Prizes of $1,500 were awarded in two other categories -- greatest improvement in seat belt usage, and highest belt use rate. The FCCLA Chapter at Lake Geneva Genoa City Union High in Lake Geneva, Wisc., won for the highest seat belt rate of 97.8 percent. The SADD Chapter at Crisfield High School and Academy in Crisfield, Maryland, won for greatest seat belt use increase, up 19.1 percent.
"We are pleased to see students at schools across the country use their creativity and enthusiasm developing effective campaigns that have shown a measurable impact on teen seat belt usage," said Anita Boles, CEO of NOYS. "Getting young people to buckle up consistently is an ongoing safety issue, and we are pleased to see that the Seat Belts Save Challenge is making a difference, one school at a time."
"The Seat Belts Save Challenge is a great program that gets students to spread the important seat belt message to their peers," said Michelle Anderson of The National Road Safety Foundation.
More information is at www.seatbeltssave.org
Media Contact:
David Reich 212 573-6000 [email protected]
SOURCE National Road Safety Foundation
Related Links
http://www.nrsf.org
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Report Details
Developments in military embedded systems have had a significant impact on the embedded systems market. This market is estimated by visiongain to be worth $73bn in 2017. Visiongain's report on this sector gives a detailed overview of the market, creating an accurate picture that will offer clarity to anyone involved in the aerospace and defence industry. Importantly, the report also delivers a forecast of the market, giving you an insight into the future opportunities that exist in the military embedded systems market.
This report offers a global forecast, which is then broken down by the following national markets:
- US
- Canada
- Germany
- France
- UK
- Russia
- Japan
- China
- India
- Rest of Europe
- Rest of APAC
- Rest of the World
As well as the following submarkets:
By application:
- Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Communication
- Computer
- Cyber Security
- Combat
- Control & Command
By architecture:
- Software
- Hardware, which is broken down further as follows:
- Processor
- GPU
- DSP
- IP-Chip
- Others
By platform:
- Land Based
- Airborne
- Sea Based
In order to offer an accurate snapshot of the current market, visiongain has also profiled the following leading companies:
- Advantech Co. Ltd.
- Curtiss-Wright Corporation
- Kontron AG
- Mercury Systems, Inc.
- Microsemi Corporation
- Radisys Corporation
- Xilinx, Inc.
- North Atlantic Industries, Inc.
- Concurrent Technologies PLC
- Eurotech S.p.A
With 300+ tables and charts and a total length of over 200 pages, this report is a fantastic opportunity to increase your knowledge of this sector. Analysis of trends as well as the drivers and restraints for the overall market concisely informs you of the major factors affecting this market, whilst visiongain's data-rich approach provides greater insight into this market.
Visiongain is a trading partner with the US Federal Government
Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04781963-summary/view-report.html
About Reportlinker
ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.
http://www.reportlinker.com
__________________________
Contact Clare: [email protected]
US: (339)-368-6001
Intl: +1 339-368-6001
SOURCE Reportlinker
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"We have the industry's only comprehensive single-use solution, giving customers three different ways to create customizable assemblies," said Andrew Bulpin, Head of Process Solutions Strategic Marketing & Innovation, MilliporeSigma. "This is critical to customers from contract manufacturing organizations to big pharma, whose biggest challenge is getting custom assemblies with fast, reliable lead times for quicker turnarounds and more rapid biomanufacturing."
For commercial manufacturers, MilliporeSigma's Mobius MyWay portfolio helps minimize schedule disruptions and delays. Pilot plants benefit from faster assembly design and delivery in order to adjust to new and evolving needs in real-time. Contract manufacturing organizations benefit from more reliable lead times allowing for better planning, which helps ensure on-time product delivery.
MilliporeSigma's portfolio offers a choice of off-the-shelf and configured-to-order assemblies, as well as fully customizable configurations. Assemblies available as part of the Mobius MyWay portfolio are used for safe and effective fluid management across upstream and downstream processes, from routine buffer and media prep, to critical premium aseptic process and final drug manufacturing.
Assemblies are segmented into three categories, each offering a different level of configuration flexibility:
Mobius Stock offers on-demand solutions ready to ship in 24 hours.
offers on-demand solutions ready to ship in 24 hours. Mobius Select offers an optimal balance of speed and configurability of custom assemblies from an optimized component library with an agile 6-week lead time.
offers an optimal balance of speed and configurability of custom assemblies from an optimized component library with an agile 6-week lead time. Mobius Choice offers highly customized solutions from our expansive component library, shipped in standard lead times.
Among the assemblies included in the Mobius MyWay portfolio are Mobius MIX systems and bags up to 1,000 liters; holding and transport vessels up to 3,500 liters; Lynx CDR sterile connectors and single-use final formulation, filtration and final fill assemblies.
All Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany news releases are distributed by email at the same time they become available on the EMD Group website. In case you are a resident of the U.S. or Canada please go to www.emdgroup.com/subscribe to register again for your online subscription of this service as our newly introduced geo-targeting requires new links in the email. You may later change your selection or discontinue this service.
About the Life Science Business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
The life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, which operates as MilliporeSigma in the U.S. and Canada, has 19,000 employees and 65 manufacturing sites worldwide, with a portfolio of more than 300,000 products enabling scientific discovery. Udit Batra is the global chief executive officer of MilliporeSigma.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany completed its $17 billion acquisition of Sigma-Aldrich in November 2015, creating a leader in the $125 billion global life science industry.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is a leading company for innovative and top-quality high-tech products in healthcare, life science and performance materials. The company has six businesses Biopharmaceuticals, Consumer Health, Allergopharma, Biosimilars, Life Science and Performance Materials and generated sales of 12.85 billion in 2015. Around 50,000 employees work in 66 countries to improve the quality of life for patients, to foster the success of customers and to help meet global challenges.
Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company since 1668, the company has stood for innovation, business success and responsible entrepreneurship. Holding an approximately 70 percent interest, the founding family remains the majority owner of the company to this day. The company holds the global rights to the name and the trademark "Merck" internationally except for the United States and Canada, where the company operates as EMD Serono, MilliporeSigma and EMD Performance Materials.
SOURCE MilliporeSigma
CORTE MADERA, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Don Harte, noted chiropractic activist and former Libertarian State Senate candidate, knows that the current debate on so-called 'health care' is wrong, on all sides.
Dr. Harte explains, "Big Government subsidizes Big Pharma's research, from which they make huge profits, which translates into huge profits for the medical industry as they use those pharmaceuticals, with prices so high that government needs to subsidize both Medicine and Big Pharma. All the while, government makes believe that they are regulating these industries, while they offer them protection from liability, and make some of their services, like vaccination, compulsory. Mass media now lives off the drug ads, as they breathlessly gush about new medical 'breakthroughs.' Together, they form what I call the PMMG, the Pharmaceutical-Medical-Media-Governmental Complex. How about we drain that swamp?"
"As the current 'health care' discussion rages on," Dr. Harte observes, "there is a great deal of emphasis on 'keeping costs down affordability.' While the Affordable Health Care Act has proven to be not affordable, neither will what is being proposed now." He declares, "Modern Medicine, by its very nature, cannot be affordable because it continually expands the demand for its services, by causing more sickness. And what kind of industry makes itself unaffordable?"
"The screaming truth that neither political party faces is that Modern Medicine is an abysmal failure across the board. Amongst the old," Dr. Harte states, "there is the terrible epidemic of Alzheimer's, which, in my opinion, is caused by a combination of commonly prescribed drugs that force blood pressure too low, the effects of the cholesterol-lowering drugs, too many psychiatric drugs, and too many exposures to general anesthesia for mostly unwarranted surgical procedures. Look at the current horrible health of children, from autism to Type I diabetes to life-threatening allergies. Trace that to the serial poisoning of children by the known neuro- and immunotoxins in the dozens of vaccines they are forced to take. The rest of us? We seem to see the doctor, and take more long-term drugs, than any previous generation, yet we are sicker than ever, mentally as well as physically! Nixon declared a War on Cancer in 1972. How's that working out?"
"There is a demand for more 'access' to 'health care,'" says Dr. Harte. "Perhaps we would be better off healthier with less access. 'Pre-existing conditions?' A lot of these pre-existing conditions are caused by medical care, and a lot could be at least partially resolved outside of medical care, particularly with chiropractic care, which allows the body to heal itself by liberating its master system, the nervous system."
"The assumption," Dr. Harte states, "is that Medicine is health care. The biological reality is that Medicine is sick care, not health care." Dr. Harte goes on, "The crux of the confusion is that we've been lead to believe that health is the absence of disease, or as an even more limited conception, the absence of serious disease, or of symptoms. No, it is not!"
Dr. Harte declares, "The solution to the so-called health care crisis is to promote actual health, through regular wellness chiropractic care, a more natural, non-GMO food supply, etc., while ending the immoral and extralegal government protection, promotion and support of Medicine and Big Pharma. A long time ago, Thomas Jefferson said, 'Error alone needs the protection of government. Truth stands on its own.'"
Dr. Don Harte, former medical student, is a principled, traditional chiropractor serving Marin and the Greater Bay Area since 1981. He is an activist in the struggle for free speech for chiropractors. Dr. Harte was named 2006 "Chiropractor of the Year" by the World Chiropractic Alliance (WCA). He has served on the Boards of the WCA and the Council on Chiropractic Practice. His articles have been published in OMNI magazine, San Francisco Chronicle, Chiropractic Journal and Journal of the California Chiropractic Association.
More information: http://www.chirodrharte.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dr. Harte
office: (415) 460-6527
[email protected]
* IMAGE: send2press.com/wire/images/17-0118-Dr-Don-Harte-600x450.jpg
This release was issued through Send2Press, a unit of Neotrope. For more information, visit Send2Press Newswire at https://www.Send2Press.com
SOURCE Dr. Don Harte
Related Links
http://www.chirodrharte.com
BRIDGEWATER, N.J., March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Seafood Expo, booth #2074 - For the first time at Seafood Expo North America in Boston, March 19-21, booth #2074, Linde LLC will feature a proprietary drop-in oxygenation system designed for easy handling and operation for intensive aquaculture. The new SOLVOX DropIn system offers a simple solution for seawater species grown in sea cages, which are used throughout South America.
The oxygenation system is part of a family of SOLVOX pure oxygen-injection and diffusion systems that promote fish health throughout the growth cycle, and can boost dissolved oxygen levels much more efficiently than aeration systems, which require energy-intensive compressors.
The innovative drop-in oxygenation system (patent-pending) is ideal for high-value export species such as salmon, sea bass, sea bream, and arctic char. The SOLVOX DropIn oxygenation system contains a patented oxygen dissolver and distribution system featuring a specially designed venturi nozzle.
After the unit is lowered to the desired depth, water is drawn in from below and mixed with oxygen. Oxygenated water is then distributed throughout the sea cage through the nozzles at the top of the unit. The system creates slow-rising microbubbles which extends oxygen residence time. This, combined with the high surface-to-volume ratio of the rising bubbles, increases oxygen dissolution efficiency even at low pressures.
Aquaculture Bubbles Up
Erik Fihlman, Program Manager for Seafood & Prepared Foods, Linde LLC, notes aquaculture is developing in the U.S. and the pace may accelerate. "U.S. players are expanding and considering integrating operations to take advantage of opportunities in the prepared seafood segment," he said. "The SOLVOX DropIn system is just one way Linde makes it easy to boost production."
Linde, a global leader in oxygenation systems for aquaculture is contributing to the success of fish farms around the globe from South America to Norway where it develops oxygenation technology at the world-class Linde Innovation Center for aquaculture.
"In South America, aquaculture is a bright spot especially for the economies of Chile, Ecuador, Argentina, Peru and Brazil as they expand their seafood exports to Asia, Europe, and the U.S.," says Mark DiMaggio, Head of Food and Beverage, Linde Americas. "We design SOLVOX oxygenation systems for every stage of the life cycle, from hatchery through primary and secondary growth cycles and then on to shipment including systems for live transport," he said.
Linde offers complete oxygen supply and distribution systems, matched to the scale of the fish farm operation, the fish species and the production cycle. Engineering an oxygenation system involves a range of factors that must be taken into consideration by an industry expert to maximize productivity.
Linde LLC supports the Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) and the advancement of food safety. Linde has a Food Safety Management System in place for all bulk carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) plants and air separation facilities supplying the food & beverage industry in North America. In June 2012, Linde became the first supplier to certify all of its CO 2 plants to a benchmarked GFSI scheme, FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification).
The Linde food team performs on-site assessments and works with fish farms and seafood processors to develop optimal solutions. For more information visit Linde (www.lindefood.com) at Seafood Expo booth #2074, or call: 800-755-9277.
About Linde LLC in North America
Linde LLC is a member of The Linde Group. In the 2016 financial year, The Linde Group generated revenue of USD 17.9 bn (EUR 16.948 bn), making it one of the leading gases and engineering companies in the world, with approximately 60,000 employees working in more than 100 countries worldwide. The strategy of The Linde Group is geared towards long-term profitable growth and focuses on the expansion of its international business, with forward-looking products and services. Linde acts responsibly towards its shareholders, business partners, employees, society and the environment in every one of its business areas, regions and locations across the globe. The company is committed to technologies and products that unite the goals of customer value and sustainable development.
For more information, visit www.lindeus.com
SOURCE Linde North America, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.lindeus.com
"The sleek and compact Expression Home XP-440 provides all the essential tools for today's busy students and families to create, print and share with ease," said Monika Dees, senior product marketing manager, Consumer Ink Jets, Epson America, Inc. "Beyond easy printing, copying and scanning, compatibility with Epson Creative Print offers a new dimension of creativity for creating and printing photo collages and more directly from smartphones and tablets."
The Expression XP-440 is an easy-to-use and affordable solution for a wide range of printing, copying, scanning, and creative projects. Featuring instant drying Epson DURABrite Ultra Ink, the Expression XP-440 produces documents and photos that are smudge and water resistant, and plain paper prints resist fading, making it easier than ever to archive important documents. Additionally, the Expression Home XP-440 offers seamless connectivity through Epson Connect to print from iPad, iPhone, Android tablets or smartphone2 devices and Epson Creative Print provides new creative dimension to photos. The mobile app provides a platform to customize photo backgrounds, add text, and print high-quality collages, personalized coloring pages, stationery, greeting cards, and calendars and more that print directly from the Expression Home XP-440.
More About the Expression Home XP-440:
The Expression Home XP-440 was created with the everyday printing needs of the home user in mind, including dynamic and convenient features such as:
Simple Setup and Navigation Large, hi-res 2.7" color LCD to easily print, copy and scan
Large, hi-res 2.7" color LCD to easily print, copy and scan Complete Wireless Solution Easily print from an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet and smartphones 2 ; includes Wi-Fi Direct 3 for network-free printing
Easily print from an iPad, iPhone, Android tablet and smartphones ; includes Wi-Fi Direct for network-free printing Affordable Individual Ink Cartridges Replace only the cartridges that runs out
Replace only the cartridges that runs out Creative Print Mobile App Easily create custom borderless photo collages from Instagram, print stationery and more
Easily create custom borderless photo collages from Instagram, print stationery and more Reload Paper Less Often 100-sheet paper capacity
100-sheet paper capacity Easily Adjust and Print Photos - Built-in memory card slot for PC-free borderless photo printing; includes tools for red-eye removal, photo restoration and more
- Built-in memory card slot for PC-free borderless photo printing; includes tools for red-eye removal, photo restoration and more Scan and Share Includes bonus software to automatically scan to Facebook and the cloud 4
Includes bonus software to automatically scan to Facebook and the cloud Small Size, Great Performance Place the Small-in-One virtually anywhere in the home with its compact, space-saving design
Pricing and Availability
The Epson Expression Home XP-440 Small-in-One ($99.99 MSRP) is available now through major retail stores nationwide and Epson's retail site, www.epsonstore.com. For more information, please visit www.epson.com.
About Epson
Epson is a global technology leader dedicated to connecting people, things and information with its original efficient, compact and precision technologies. With a lineup that ranges from inkjet printers and digital printing systems to 3LCD projectors, smart glasses, sensing systems and industrial robots, the company is focused on driving innovations and exceeding customer expectations in inkjet, visual communications, wearables and robotics.
Led by the Japan-based Seiko Epson Corporation, the Epson Group comprises more than 73,000 employees in 91 companies around the world, and is proud of its contributions to the communities in which it operates and its ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impacts.
Epson America, Inc., based in Long Beach, Calif., is Epson's regional headquarters for the U.S., Canada, and Latin America. To learn more about Epson, please visit: epson.com . You may also connect with Epson America on Facebook (facebook.com/Epson), Twitter (twitter.com/EpsonAmerica), YouTube (youtube.com/EpsonAmerica), and Instagram (instagram.com/EpsonAmerica).
*This product uses only genuine Epson-brand cartridges. Other brands of ink cartridges and ink supplies are not compatible and, even if described as compatible, may not function properly.
1 Adapter may be required.
2 To determine mobile device compatibility with your printer, please reference the Epson Solutions Finder at http://epsonconnectsolutionsfinder.webengager.com/
3 Wi-Fi CERTIFIED; level of performance subject to the range of the router being used. Wi-Fi Direct may require printer software.
4 Requires Easy Photo Scan software (included). Mac version may require software download.
EPSON, Expression, and DURABrite are registered trademarks, EPSON Exceed Your Vision is a registered logomark and Epson Connect is a trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation. Small-in-One is a registered trademark of Epson America, Inc. Apple, iPad, iPhone, and Mac are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android, is a trademark of Google Inc. Windows is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Wi-Fi Direct is a registered trademark and Wi-Fi CERTIFIED is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. All other product and brand names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Epson disclaims any and all rights in these marks. Copyright 2016 Epson America, Inc. CPD-53040 11/16
SOURCE Epson America, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.epson.com
"2017 marks the year the national real estate market has finally corrected which means there will be an unprecedented number of transactions this year. As the title and escrow requirements constantly change, our relationships with buyers, agents, and brokers is increasingly important," said Miller. "With my position at the helm of NexTitle, I will ensure we continue to serve our customers through personal transactions, streamlined processes, and competitive rates while taking our unparalleled services to even more real estate professionals across the country. As the market strengthens and the industry grows, so will NexTitle."
Miller has spent the last 20 years refining his sales and leadership skills, most recently as the State Manager of NexTitle's Idaho offices. There, he was responsible for statewide operations including employee management, recruiting, budgeting, high-level decision making, and driving the growth of revenue and market share. Prior to joining NexTitle in 2014, Miller spent time at Fidelity National Financial and Key Bank. With experience in real estate, real estate lending, insurance, and venture capital, Kris has comprehensive knowledge of all facets of the real estate and title markets.
"Kris has a proven track record of success both within our company and throughout his impressive career," said Stephen Routh, CEO of NexTitle. "In an industry as client-centric and rapidly evolving as real estate, the skills Kris possesses are crucial. We've only seen a glimpse of what he can accomplish for NexTitle."
About NexTitle
NexTitle is a national full-service title and escrow company passionate about partnering with agents and lenders to provide an exceptional closing experience. Our team includes professionals from all real estate sectors who strive to help clients adapt to the constantly changing business requirements. NexTitle is committed to providing clients the personal attention they deserve while utilizing proprietary next generation title and escrow tools that provide quick turn times, communication tools, and systems integration that set a new industry standard.
SOURCE NexTitle
Related Links
http://www.nextitle.com/
HARRISBURG, Pa., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Department of State filed disciplinary actions against eight charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel during the month of February, Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortes announced today.
A monthly list of disciplinary actions imposed by the Bureau of Corporations and Charitable Organizations is available online.
The February sanctions also included cease-and-desist orders issued to the following individuals and organizations:
Prime Stage, 520 Jackson Boulevard, Freedom, PA
Shoemakersville Fire Co., 330 Church Avenue, Shoemakersville, PA
Fire Co., 330 Church Avenue, Klymaxxx Angel Fund, 52 Pleasant View Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA
Spay and Save, Inc., P.O. Box 122, LaFayette Hill, PA
National Club Association Foundation, 1201 15th Street NW, Suite 450, Washington, D.C.
Secretary Cortes noted that those individuals and organizations may not solicit donations or conduct fundraising activities until they have come into compliance with the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act.
The Bureau maintains a comprehensive list of charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel that have been subject to sanctions or corrective measures. This list contains the most up-to-date information on any specific disciplinary action.
Each entry includes the name of the charitable organization, professional solicitor or professional fundraising counsel, address, sanction imposed, a description of the basis for the disciplinary or corrective measure and the effective date.
Anyone who suspects unethical activity by a charitable organization can file a complaint either online or by calling (717) 787-0700.
The Bureau oversees the registration of more than 12,000 charitable organizations, professional solicitors and professional fundraising counsel. A list of registration exclusions and exemptions for charitable organizations can be found on the Department's website.
Violations of the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act may result in disciplinary actions including civil penalties and the suspension or revocation of a registration.
MEDIA CONTACT: Wanda Murren, (717) 783-1621
SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State
Related Links
http://www.state.pa.us
DALLAS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Permian Basin Royalty Trust (NYSE: PBT) ("Permian") today declared a cash distribution to the holders of its units of beneficial interest of $0.047230 per unit, payable on April 13, 2017, to unit holders of record on March 31, 2017.
This month's distribution decreased from the previous month due to a decrease in both the net production of oil and gas and in the pricing of oil and gas production for the Waddell Ranch properties. On January 15, 2017, a fire occurred due to a lightning strike on the Tubb McKnight Water Station which disrupted production of both oil and gas. There were no injuries relating to this incident. The resumption of production on those properties did not resume until January 31. Most of those wells are back on production as of February 28, and will continue to be producing. The Waddell Ranch Properties contributed $1,349,866 to this month's distribution.
The Texas Royalty Properties had a slight decrease in oil and gas production, offset by a slight increase in pricing of oil and gas production. The Texas Royalty Properties contributed $976,573 to this month's distribution.
Capital expenditures on the Waddell Ranch continue to be lower than previous months, with it being mostly facility projects for the remainder of the year. However, additional expense will be incurred bringing the Tubb McKnight Water Station back on line of approximately $1,228,000 (gross) to the entire project of working interest owners. It is not clear at this time as to what the cost to Trust will be until it is incurred and charged to the Trust.
WADDELL RANCH
Production for the underlying properties at the Waddell Ranch was 44,448 barrels of oil and 296,857 Mcf of gas. The production for the Trust's allocated portion of the Waddell Ranch was 19,994 barrels of oil and 133,872 Mcf of gas. The average price for oil was $48.47 per bbl and for gas was $3.30 per Mcf. This would primarily reflect production and pricing for the month of January for oil and the month of December for gas. These allocated volumes were significantly impacted by the pricing of both oil and gas.
This production and pricing for the Underlying Properties resulted in revenues for the Waddell Ranch Properties of $3,133,981. Deducted from these would be the Lease Operating Expense (LOE) of $1,248,417, taxes of $230,512, and adding back a reimbursement of Capital Expenditures (CAPEX) of $144,769 totaling $1,334,160 resulting in a Net Profit of $1,799,821 for the month of February. With the Trust's Net Profit Interest (NPI) of 75% of the underlying properties, this would result in a net contribution by the Waddell Ranch Properties of $1,349,865 to this month's distribution.
The total production for the underlying properties on the Waddell Ranch for 2016 relating to what was paid to the Trust, was 865,551 barrels of oil and 5,128,649 Mcf of gas.
Underlying Properties Net to Trust Sales
Volumes Volumes Average Price
Oil (bbls) Gas (Mcf) Oil (bbls) Gas (Mcf) Oil (per bbl) Gas (per Mcf) Current Month
Waddell Ranch 44,448 296,857 19,994 133,872* $48.47 $3.30** Texas Royalties 21,756 24,107 20,669 22,902* $48.37 $5.58**
Prior Month
Waddell Ranch 66,746 357,308 47,467 254,141* $48.60 $3.32** Texas Royalties 23,372 26,387 22,204 25,067* $46.89 $5.32**
* These volumes are the net to the trust, after allocation of expenses to Trust's net profit interest, including any prior period adjustments. ** This pricing includes sales of gas liquid products.
TEXAS ROYALTY PROPERTIES
Production for the underlying properties at the Texas Royalties was 21,756 barrels of oil and 24,107 Mcf of gas. The production for the Trust's allocated portion of the Texas Royalties was 20,669 barrels of oil and 22,902 Mcf of gas. The average price for oil was $48.37 per bbl and for gas was $5.58 per Mcf. This would primarily reflect production and pricing for the month of January for oil and the month of December for gas. These allocated volumes were impacted by the pricing of both oil and gas.
This production and pricing for the underlying properties resulted in revenues for the Texas Royalties of $1,186,813. Deducted from these would be taxes of $158,841 resulting in a Net Profit of $1,027,972 for the month of February. With the Trust's Net Profit Interest (NPI) of 95% of the Underlying Properties, this would result in net contribution by the Texas Royalties of $976,573 to this month's distribution.
The total production for the underlying properties on the Texas Royalties for 2016 relating to what was paid to the Trust, was 300,710 barrels of oil and 362,918 Mcf of gas.
General and Administrative Expenses deducted for the month were $125,878 resulting in a distribution of $2,201,349 to 46,608,796 units outstanding, or $0.047230 per unit.
The worldwide market conditions continue to affect the pricing for domestic production. It is difficult to predict what effect these conditions will have on future distributions.
The 2016 tax information packets were mailed directly to unitholders in early March 2017. A copy of Permian's 2016 tax information booklet is posted on Permian's website. In addition to the tax booklet the Permian website also offers two simple calculators for computing the income and expense amounts and the cost depletion. To facilitate unitholder tax preparation, both the income and expense and the depletion calculators have been updated on Permian's website for 2016 tax reporting.
Permian's cash distribution history, current and prior year financial reports and tax information booklets, a link to filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission and more can be found on its website at http://www.pbt-permian.com/. The new toll free customer service number for the trust is 1-855-588-7839.
SOURCE Permian Basin Royalty Trust
Related Links
http://www.pbt-permian.com
SIOUX FALLS, S.D., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Phone-n-Fix, a South Dakota-based leader in the mobile retail and repair industry, is expanding its enterprise with a new franchise operation in Fargo, North Dakota. Husband and wife entrepreneurs, Carl and Miranda Burfeind join Phone-n-Fix as franchise owners after having been employed with the company since its inception.
Steve Michael, Miranda and Carl Burfeind, and TJ Barthman celebrate the grand opening of Phone-n-Fix West Acres Mall in Fargo, North Dakota
"Carl and Miranda have been instrumental in developing the Fargo Phone-n-Fix location, so we're eager to see what they can also bring to our growing franchise brand," said Steve Michael, executive vice president of enterprise development for Phone-n-Fix. "Employees are the best validators, so to have someone who has been with the company since the beginning extend their commitment with a financial investment has me extremely optimistic for our future."
The Burfeinds tout more than 20 years of collective experience in the electronic service and repair industries. The two joined Phone-n-Fix when the company launched in 2015 as sales associates and technicians, working their way to management positions in just two years. Building a foundation from their technical savvy, their experience in the Fargo market, and their trust in the Phone-n-Fix brand, Carl and Miranda forecast a robust operational future at the Phone-n-Fix West Acres Mall Fargo.
"The Phone-n-Fix brand has given us a huge amount of support as we get our business up and running, which is absolutely critical in positioning ourselves for success," said Carl. "If we didn't have support in establishing the different relationships we need to run this business, we'd basically be starting from scratch, which is tough to do in this industry."
Through the comprehensive franchise program, Phone-n-Fix franchisees benefit from a multi-tiered system of exclusive purchasing power and an executive team that has a combined 40-year knowledge of the mobile and business industries. Franchise owners also benefit from the backing of a brand dedicated to providing premium customer experiences.
For more information about the Phone-n-Fix franchise offering, the Phone-n-Fix West Acres Mall Fargo or all Phone-n-Fix locations, visit phonenfixfranchise.com, call (605) 681-6440 or email [email protected].
About Phone-n-Fix
Phone-n-Fix is a premium like-new cell phone retailer and repair company. In combination with a dynamic and premium customer experience, Phone-n-Fix provides certified pre-owned cell phones at an affordable price with a full-service repair department, device payment plans and leasing options. Based in Sioux Falls, SD, Phone-n-Fix boasts two corporate-owned locations in Sioux Falls and one at the West Acres Mall in Fargo, ND. Phone-n-Fix franchise affiliates are offered a full suite of ongoing support, including purchasing power with exclusive suppliers and vendors in the industry, access to 40-plus years of industry and business experience, and a consultative selling process.
Contact:
Amy Kent
7082491090
[email protected]
SOURCE Phone-n-Fix
Related Links
http://phonenfixfranchise.com
LONDON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
Forecast by Type (Carbon Nanotube, Ceramics, Metal Oxide, Nanoclay, Others), by Application (Construction, Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Packaging, Others) & by Region Plus Profiles of Top Companies
Visiongain's new 173 pages report assesses that the Polymer Nanocomposites market will reach $6.05 billion in 2017.
Are you involved in Polymer Nanocomposites or need to understand its market dynamics? If so, then you must read this report
It's vital that you keep your knowledge up to date. You need this report.
Market scope: This brand new report from visiongain is a completely fresh market assessment of the Polymer Nanocomposites market based upon the latest information. Our new market study contains forecasts, original analysis, company profiles and, most crucially, fresh conclusions. The report gives detailed forecasts and analysis of the Polymer Nanocomposites markets by region and end-use sectors.
Polymer Nanocomposites Market Forecast 2017-2027 report responds to your need for definitive market data:
Where are the Polymer Nanocomposites market opportunities?
- 169 tables, charts, and graphs reveal market data allowing you to target your strategy more effectively
When will the Polymer Nanocomposites market grow?
- Global, national and the Polymer Nanocomposites submarket forecasts and analysis from 2017-2027 illustrate the market progression
Which Polymer Nanocomposites submarkets will flourish from 2017-2027?
- Carbon Nanotube Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Ceramics Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Metal Oxide Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Nanoclay Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Others Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Construction Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Automotive Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Electrical & Electronics Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Packaging Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
- Others Submarket Forecast 2017-2027
To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on [email protected]
Where are the regional Polymer Nanocomposites market opportunities from 2017-2027?
Focused regional forecasts and analysis explore the future opportunities
- North America
- Asia-Pacific
- Europe
- RoW
- China forecast 2017-2027
- Japan forecast 2017-2027
- South Korea forecast 2017-2027
- Rest of Asia-Pacific forecast 2017-2027
- U.S. forecast 2017-2027
- Canada forecast 2017-2027
- Mexico forecast 2017-2027
- Germany forecast 2017-2027
- Russia forecast 2017-2027
- U.K. forecast 2017-2027
- Rest of Europe forecast 2017-2027
- Brazil forecast 2017-2027
- South Africa 2017-2027
What are the factors influencing Polymer Nanocomposites market dynamics?
- SWOT analysis explores the factors.
- Research and development (R&D) strategy
- Supply and demand dynamics
- Advances in product quality
Who are the leading 10 Polymer Nanocomposites companies?
- We reveal market share, positioning, capabilities, product portfolios, R&D activity, services, focus, strategies, M&A activity, and future outlook.
- Arkema
- Evonik Industries
- Inframat Corporation
- DuPont
- Nanophase Technologies Corporation
- Nanocyl
- Nanocor
- Powdermet
- RTP Company
- Showa Denko Carbon
Who should read this report?
- Anyone within the Polymer Nanocomposites value chain, including
- Construction
- Automotive
- Electrical & Electronics
- Packaging
- Raw material suppliers
- R&D specialists
- CEO's
- COO's
- CIO's
- Business development managers
- Marketing managers
- Technologists
- Investors
- Banks
- Government agencies
- Contractors
Get our report today Polymer Nanocomposites Market 2017-2027: Forecast by Type (Carbon Nanotube, Ceramics, Metal Oxide, Nanoclay, Others), by Application (Construction, Automotive, Electrical & Electronics, Packaging, Others) & by Region Plus Profiles of Top Companies. Avoid missing out - order our report now.
To request a report overview of this report please email Sara Peerun at [email protected] or call Tel: +44-(0)-20-7336-6100
Or click on: https://www.visiongain.com/Report/1820/Polymer-Nanocomposites-Market-2017-2027
Companies Mentioned in the Report
3D Systems Corp.
3M Co.
A. Schulman, Inc.
Advanced Diamond Technologies Inc.
Advanced Nano Products Co., Ltd.
Advanced Nano Technologies Ltd.
Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior De Investigaciones Cientificas
Agilent Technologies, Inc.
Air Industries Group
Akzo Nobel NV
Akzo Nobel Pulp And Performance Chemicals Ab
Almatis GmbH
Alps Electric Co., Ltd.
Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc.
Alujain Corp.
Aphios Corporation
Aspen Aerogels, Inc.
Avadel Pharmaceuticals Plc
BASF SE
Bayer AG
Biocote LTD
Biophan Technologies, Inc.
Bixby International Corporation
BRG Sports, Inc.
Bruker Corp.
Buhler GmbH
Byk Additives Incorporated
Cabot Microelectronics Corp.
Canon Nanotechnologies Inc.
Capsulution Pharma
Carl Hanser Verlag GmbH & Co. KG
Cgs Technologies Inc.
Chemat Technology Inc.
Cima NanoTech Inc.
Clariant AG
Coilcraft Inc.
Covestro AG
Dais Analytic Corp.
Dionex
Donaldson Co., Inc.
Dowa Metals & Mining Co. Ltd.
Dunmore Corporation
DuPont
Eastman Kodak Co.
EEStor Corp.
Eksigent Technologies Llc
Elbit Systems Ltd.
Elitech Group Sas
Enerdel, Inc.
Espin Technologies Inc.
Evident Technologies Corp.
Evonik Degussa GmbH
Exxon Mobil Corp.
Ferro Corp.
Ferrotec Corp.
Forge Europa LTD
Foster Corporation
Fugro NV
Fujimi Corporation
GE Healthcare LTD
Genefluidics, Inc.
General Motors Co.
Grafoid Inc
Greene Rubber Company Inc.
Honeywell International, Inc.
HP, Inc.
Hyperion Catalysis International Inc.
Ieee-USA Ad
Igp Industries Llc
Inframat Corporation
Integran Technologies Inc.
International Business Machines Corp.
Interphase Corp.
Inteva Products Llc
InVisage Technologies Inc.
Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha, Ltd.
Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Johnson & Johnson
Johnson Matthey Plc
Laird Plc
Laird Technologies Inc.
Leader Tech, Inc.
Les Industries Raymor Inc
LG Chem Ltd.
Life Sciences
Linpac Group LTD
Luxtera Inc.
Maguire Products Inc.
Majr Products Corporation
Microban International Ltd.
Microfluidics Corp.
Mitsubishi Chemical Corp.
Motorola Solutions, Inc.
Nano Labs Corp.
Nanocor, Inc.
Nanocyl Sa
Nanogate AG
Nanogram Corporation
Nanoledge Inc
Nanomix Inc.
Nanophase Technologies Corp.
Nanospectra Biosciences Inc.
Nanosphere, Inc.
Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials Inc.
Nanosys Inc.
Nantero Inc.
National Science Foundation
Nei Corporation
nPoint Inc.
NVE Corp.
Nyacol Nano Technologies Inc.
Obducat AB
Omega Shielding Products Inc
P2i Ltd.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
PolyOne Corp.
Polysciences Inc.
PPG Industries, Inc.
Precision Gasket Company
QD Vision Inc.
QuantumSphere, Inc.
Ran Gan
Rank Group Limited
Raytheon Co.
RBC Life Sciences, Inc.
Relx Group Plc
RiTdisplay Corp.
Rogers Corp.
RTI Surgical, Inc.
Rtp Company
Sabic Innovative Plastics B.V.
Sam Woo Emc Co. Ltd.
Sealed Air Corp.
Showa Denko K.K.
Skyepharma Plc
Solueta Co., Ltd.
Starpharma Holdings Ltd.
Stratasys Ltd.
Structural Polymer Group LTD
Stryker Corp.
Tayca Corp.
Techmer Pm Llc
Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC
The Dow Chemical Co.
TOTO Ltd.
Tpl Inc.
Ube Industries Ltd.
Wohlers Associates Inc
Xerox Corp.
Xintek Inc.
Zyvex Instruments Llc
To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on [email protected]
SOURCE Visiongain Ltd
LYNCHBURG, Va., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yorktown Funds, a boutique asset management fund family and subsidiary of API Funds, has announced that Dale Harvey, founder and CIO of Poplar Forest Capital, will serve as Portfolio Manager to the Yorktown Mid Cap Fund (YWBIX), which will be sub-advised by Poplar Forest.
"Dale Harvey brings decades of investment experience and what we believe to be a distinct perspective to his new partnership with Yorktown Funds," commented Dave D. Basten, President and Chief Investment Officer of Yorktown Funds. "Dale's contrarian value approach and focus on smaller portfolios will help position the Yorktown Mid Cap Fund as an appropriate counterpoint to our other, more broadly diversified funds, providing advisors and their clients a broad pallete of investment choices."
Under Harvey's guidance the Yorktown Mid Cap Fund will be managed in a contrarian value style according to the contrarian philosophy that guides Harvey's approach at Poplar Forest Capital. The Yorktown Mid Cap Fund will be managed by Dale with a tight focus on mid-cap securities.
"We are delighted to join forces with Dave and the entire Yorktown team. We see the world of investing very much the same way and we share the same values," said Mr. Harvey. "We share Yorktown's philosophy of managing funds with discipline and a long-term point of view, as well as their commitment to always putting first the goals of our investors and the advisors who serve them."
"API remains committed to working with financial advisors to help them create portfolios that strive to meet a wide range of investor needs, goals and preferences," explained Mr. Basten. "Advisors continue to express the need for highly focused funds that align with specific segments of the multiple- manager portfolios they create for their clients. API is committed to enhancing our Yorktown Funds in response to this need."
About API
API Funds is a boutique mutual fund family with headquarters in Lynchburg, Virginia. Founded in 1985 by David D. Basten and Aubrey Mason, the firm is proudly building on a financial services heritage that has endured for over four generations. Each of the five API Funds invests in a diversified portfolio of small, mid and large capitalization securities in the United States and abroad. The Yorktown funds provide financial professionals with access to style-specific investment strategies and diversification across investment managers.
About Poplar Forest Capital LLC
Founded in 2007, Poplar Forest Capital LLC is an investment management firm specializing in large- and mid-cap value equities. As of December 31, 2016, the Firm managed over $ 1.6 billion in assets across its large- and mid-cap strategies.
You should carefully consider the investment objectives, potential risks, management fees, and charges and expenses of the Fund before investing. The Fund's prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund, and should be read carefully before investing. You may obtain a current copy of the fund's prospectus by calling 1-800-544-6060.
Investing involves risk, including loss of principal. Diversification does not ensure a profit or guarantee against loss.
Small- and Mid-Cap investing involve greater risk not associated with investing in more established companies, such as greater price volatility, business risk, less liquidity and increased competitive threat.
Alpha measures the difference between a fund's actual returns and its expected performance, given its level of risk.
Distributed by Unified Financial Securities, LLC, (Member FINRA, finra.org)
Contact: Eric Alexander, [email protected], 917-579-8055
SOURCE API Funds
Related Links
http://www.apifunds.com
BOSTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- PRAIM Group (www.PraimGroup.com), a food licensing, marketing and distribution company, today introduced two Entenmann's chocolate bars, in a deal brokered by The Joester Loria Group, Entenmann's licensing agency. The new line up of Entenmann's chocolate bars are available in flavors reminiscent of the sweet baked goods enjoyed by over 26 million households. The new bars that include Dark Chocolate Raspberry Burst and Dark Chocolate Mint Cookie Crunch are 2.15 ounces and kosher. The MSRP is $1.99.
"We're honored to make these new chocolate bars for Entenmann's," says Kerry Laramie, director of Sales for PRAIM Group. "These bars are delicious and will extend the iconic Entenmann's brand into other aisles in the grocery store and into new retailers."
Founded in 1898 in Brooklyn, New York, by William Entenmann, today, a division of Bimbo Bakeries USA (BBU), Entenmann markets more than 100 baked goods throughout the United States.
The Entenmann chocolate bar designs are available in 24 count trays measuring D 7.5" x W 6" x H 3" and 96 bar shipper floor displays that measure D 18" x W 12.5" x H 36". Please contact PRAIM Group www.PRAIMGroup.com for more information.
About PRAIM Group
Established in 2005 and creator of CHOXCARDTM, PRAIM Group is a one stop resource solution for helping successful consumer brands expand their reach into the tricky world of food logistics, marketing and sales. With offices in Boston and Los Angeles, PRAIM Group represents such brands as DreamWorks, Build-A-Bear-Workshop, Anne Taintor, Mary Phillips Designs, Erin Condren, French Bull, Bloomsberry & Co, Bosco and others. For more information, please visit www.PraimGroup.com. Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/PraimGroup and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/PraimGroup.
About Entenmann's Bakery:
Entenmann's Bakery has been baking cakes, donuts, cookies, Danish, Little Bites and other delicious sweet baked goods for over a century. Founded as a family bakery in New York in 1898, the company is now a subsidiary of Bimbo Bakeries USA. Entenmann's delivers hundreds of products all-across the U.S. with "just baked" freshness.
SOURCE PRAIM Group
Related Links
http://www.PraimGroup.com
IRVINE, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Proove Biosciences, Inc. is proud to unveil its new logo featuring the "nexus" as its centrally-defining feature. Proove's name is uniquely misspelled with double O's. In the previous logo, a double-helix appeared for those double O's; however, this led to mistaken thinking that Proove's profiles are solely reliant on genetics.
Proove delivers on the promise of precision medicine for pain - the condition that lies at the nexus of health. Pain is the nation's most prevalent and expensive condition more than cancer, diabetes and heart disease combined. Pain is the #1 reason why patients visit their physician, and the most widely prescribed medications in primary care. Pain is the only condition every clinician treats, and is a common measure in clinical trials. Yet, the standard of care is a subjective 1 to 10 scale or what Proove CEO Brian Meshkin calls "Science by Emoji" with smiley and frowny faces to assess pain. Proove profiles demonstrate we can do better than these subjective assessments.
Meshkin explains, "For six months, our team has worked on this re-branding initiative. Some people look at our old logo and fail to understand that our predictive analytics involve clinical, environmental, lifestyle and genetic information. We're reminded that we live in a very superficial world. Just as many people have been discriminated against because of their skin color, gender and religion, it's very easy to fall into the trap of looking only at the surface of people, things, and ideas without taking the time and effort to delve deeper. This is where the adage 'Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover' comes from. Unfortunately, some people make uneducated conclusions without knowing the truth. Our hope is that this new logo will help people understand what we do."
Vice President of Commercial Operations Kirt Pfaff explains, "Clinicians use Proove to better understand a patient's pain as well as predict risk and response to medications. Clinicians use Proove's predictive analytics to 'proove' the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Our new logo embodies our mission and the expectation that our name will become a verb in the universe of pain treatment."
About Proove Biosciences: Proove Biosciences is the leader in precision medicine for the condition that lies at the nexus of health pain. Proove delivers precision medicine solutions for the nation's most prevalent and expensive health condition by investing heavily in research that has won awards from leading medical societies and been published in peer-reviewed journals. Discovered by NIH-funded scientists, Proove has translated into clinical practice the genetic variants and phenotypic factors contributing to pain sensitivity and chronic pain risk. Proove's medical advisory board is led by those NIH-funded researchers and the company has licensed some of its technology from leading academic centers, such as the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, the University of Utah, and other institutions. Positioned as The Healthcare Decision Company, Proove's patented technology platform combines genetic, clinical, environmental and lifestyle information to help clinicians better evaluate pain sensitivity, assess risk for opioid use disorder, predict therapeutic response to pain medications, and assess drug metabolism for the many medications used in chronic pain patients. Based in Irvine, California, Proove has been recognized on the Inc. 500 and the Deloitte Technology Fast500 as one of the fastest growing companies in North America. For more information, please visit www.proove.com or call toll free 855-PROOVE-BIO (855-776-6832).
SOURCE Proove Biosciences, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.proove.com
ROCKVILLE, Md., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Kalorama Information says that cuts in the administration budget blueprint, particularly those aimed at NIH and "Cancer Moonshot" programs could have effects that will be noticed by IVD and biotech firms. The healthcare market research firm covers the biotechnology and in vitro diagnostic industry with monthly reports on various market segments. Likely there would be some immediate effect from instrument providers and reagent suppliers used for research, but there could be a long-term effect if research progress slows transformation of research into clinical practice. Next-generation sequencing, for instance, is an area Kalorama says has been a promising growth area, but one dependent on some amount of government funding, according to the firm. Kalorama Information estimates that 50% of all NGS end users are academic and government facilities, according to its report, Next-Generation Sequencing Markets.
The 21st Century Cures Act was broadly supported in the U.S. Congress for its various provisions, including increased funding for cancer research and the revision of U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards for review. The Act authorized $4.8 billion over the next 10 years for cancer research under the Moonshot Initiative, the Precision Medicine Initiative (PMI) and FDA regulatory reform. Appropriation of those funds may prove newly problematic in light of the White House administration's disclosed budget priorities. The initial budget proposal from the Trump administration includes a roughly 20% cut for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) budget, or $5.8 billion less. Overall, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) budget would be cut by approximately 18%. The brunt of the proposed cuts has yet to be assigned among NIH's various programs and institutes, but the impact of reduced public sector funding on life science and medical research would be unambiguously negative for several industries, including pharmaceuticals, diagnostics and biotechnology.
Cuts in federal discretionary spending on medical and life science research are felt widely in the client base for major life science vendors such as Thermo Fisher Scientific. Around 25% of Thermo Fisher's over $18 billion in revenue comes from academic and government clients. Capital equipment purchasing is the most sensitive to budget cuts as research labs forego upgrades and capacity expansion. Incremental reductions in consumables and services can also be expected with reduced project activity. Illumina, the world's largest next-generation sequencing instrument provider, and Roche, one of the large supply companies, and Qiagen are examples of healthcare companies that rely on researchers for revenue.
Next-generation sequencing (NGS) has powered basic and applied research that has in turn fed major advances in biopharmaceuticals and in vitro diagnostics (IVD). Sequencing capacity at government labs and among government-funded researchers is critical to the national life science industry. If substantial cuts are made to NIH grants, government-funded labs would be less inclined to invest in third-generation sequencers. Significant cuts to the NIH budget would slow national biomedical research and undermine concurrent White House efforts to expedite biopharmaceutical and medical device development and market introduction. While the FDA review period may be shortened, drug and device candidates could remain stalled or take long to progress through research and validation.
Kalorama Information's blog on the proposed budget cuts can be found here.
About Kalorama Information
Kalorama Information, a division of MarketResearch.com, supplies the latest in independent medical market research in diagnostics, biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices and healthcare; as well as a full range of custom research services. Reports can be purchased through Kalorama's website and are also available on www.marketresearch.com and www.profound.com.
We routinely assist the media with healthcare topics. Follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and our blog on our company website.
Please link any media or news references to our reports or data to http://www.kaloramainformation.com/.
Press Contact:
Bruce Carlson
212 807 2262
[email protected]
SOURCE Kalorama Information
Related Links
http://www.kaloramainformation.com/
OVERLAND PARK, Kan., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- QTS Realty Trust (NYSE: QTS), an international provider of data center, managed hosting and cloud services, today announced expanded and significantly enhanced cloud-based Disaster Recovery as a Service (DRaaS) capabilities and solutions for midsize enterprises and government organizations. DRaaS is a rapidly growing market opportunity and an IT service typically delivered as part of a hybrid IT solution.
With several key enhancements, QTS DRaaS customers can now more quickly isolate workloads and migrate them to almost any environment, enabling them to realize the flexibility and cost savings of cloud-based disaster recovery. Users are able to manage and customize how their systems will operate in the event of a disaster without additional hardware or data center application dependencies. Customers can establish parameters for replication and recovery, for example, every 15 minutes or every four hours, to best meet their individual business needs.
Featuring Zerto Virtual Replication (ZVR) version 5.0 BC/DR software, QTS' enhanced DRaaS protects mission critical workloads and applications to improve IT resiliency. QTS' DRaaS is hypervisor agnostic providing multi-cloud support on VMware vSphere, Microsoft Hyper-V, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Microsoft Azure to migrate and manage compliance-mandated environments. In addition, ZVR 5.0 introduces the new capability of One-To-Many Replication believed to be the fastest, most powerful replication and recovery solution for virtual machines, files and data available.
Unlike some replication technologies that primarily offer data protection along with cumbersome snapshots and backup models, QTS' DRaaS services provide continuous replication with zero impact on application performance. It features a self-service secure portal, detailed reporting, and non-disruptive testing and point-in-time recovery.
"Zerto is proven next generation technology for facilitating DRaaS solutions for virtualized and cloud environments," said Dan Bennewitz, Chief Operating Officer, Sales, Product and Marketing QTS. "With a focus on hybrid IT solutions and a growing portfolio of purpose-built clouds, the addition of DRaaS powered by Zerto further improves our ability to serve our enterprise customers' overall IT strategies and achieve IT resiliency."
CompSci Resources is a software engineering firm specializing in web-based technologies that recdently deployed QTS DRaaS.
"CompSci's regulatory compliance software supports mission critical, customer facing applications that are central to our business success," said Jonathan Lord, Senior System Administrator, CompSci Resources. "QTS DRaaS ensures performance and availability and is backed by industry leading service level agreements. In addition, it is a highly cost-effective strategy allowing us to minimize capital expenditure."
The DRaaS market size is projected to grow from US $1.7 Billion in 2016 to US $11.1 Billion by 2021, representing a 5-year CAGR of 45.9%.1
The key forces driving the DRaaS market are its features of faster recovery, cost-effectiveness, enhanced flexibility, and simple testing.1 Also, DR services provide automation capabilities that lead to limited utilization of resources and lower up-front cost. With the increase in the adoption rate of DR services among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), the DRaaS market is expected to gain major traction during the forecast period.1
Among providers, the Managed Service Provider ("MSP") segment is expected to grow at the highest rate in the DRaaS market during the forecast period. MSPs offer DRaaS services to help organizations offload the burden of data protection and data security, and ensure business continuity in the event of a disaster. They offer remote management and monitoring of IT infrastructure of the end-user under a subscription model. Therefore, enterprises are increasingly opting for MSPs to overcome the challenges of budget constraint and technical expertise as they have specialized human resources, infrastructure, and industry certifications. 1
In addition to DRaaS, QTS also offers a broad portfolio of managed disaster recovery solutions, including website failover, QTS DR On-Demand and QTS DR High Availability for those customers looking to leverage QTS' systems, processes and people to maximize their infrastructure investments.
About QTS
QTS Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: QTS) is a leading provider of secure, compliant data center, hybrid cloud and managed services. QTS features the nation's only fully integrated technology services platform providing flexible, scalable solutions for the federal government, financial services, healthcare and high tech industries. QTS owns, operates or manages more than 5 million square feet of data center space and supports more than 1,100 customers in North America, Europe and Asia Pacific. In addition, QTS' Critical Facilities Management (CFM) provides increased efficiency and greater performance for third-party data center owners and operators. For more information, please visit www.qtsdatacenters.com, call toll-free 877.QTS.DATA or follow us on Twitter @DataCenters_QTS.
(1) "Disaster Recovery as a Service Market by Service Type (Backup, Real-Time Replication, Data Security, & Professional Services), Provider (Cloud, Managed, and Telecom & Communications), Deployment, Organization Size, Vertical, & Region - Global Forecast to 2021" - Markets and Markets, 2016
Media Contact:
Carter Cromley
(703) 861-7245
[email protected]
SOURCE QTS Realty Trust, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.qtsdatacenters.com
MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Qventus announced its award-winning artificial intelligence (AI) software platform is now available for the perioperative environment, including the operating room (OR). This launch builds on the company's successful track record of using its software solution to improve operational performance in other areas of the hospital, such as emergency departments and inpatient wards.
The perioperative department is well-suited to AI-based solutions since inefficiencies can lead to significant clinical and financial impact. Perioperative care generally represents 50 to 60 percent of hospital revenue. Almost 80 percent of preventable same-day surgical cancellations are due to process failures, such as patients not showing up for surgery, lack of equipment or beds and the OR behind schedule. These cancellations result in potentially dangerous delays for patients as well as missed income for the hospital.
By constantly monitoring relevant electronic medical record (EMR) data and other factors, the Qventus platform is able to predict potential issues, prescribe accurate course corrections, and bring together surgical and OR staff throughout the perioperative continuum to best manage schedules, resources and improve patient experience. From case estimation to real-time turnaround management, the platform enables increased OR utilization and fosters coordination between OR staff, surgeons, anesthesiologists and their patients.
Early adopters of the perioperative module include Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Stanford, Mercy Oklahoma City, and Sutter Auburn Faith Hospital.
Initial users have experienced meaningful improvements across many areas including:
Case Volume By improving operating room turnaround time, first case start times as well as other process improvements, hospitals can increase case volume by nearly 10 percent, according to results seen at one facility.
By improving operating room turnaround time, first case start times as well as other process improvements, hospitals can increase case volume by nearly 10 percent, according to results seen at one facility. Surgery Cancellations By streamlining processes along with patient communications, hospitals can reduce preventable same day cancellations by up to 25 percent, according to results seen in an early adopter facility.
By streamlining processes along with patient communications, hospitals can reduce preventable same day cancellations by up to 25 percent, according to results seen in an early adopter facility. Patient Experience Patient satisfaction scores can be increased due to better collaboration between clinical staff and care coordinators. The platform proactively detects a delay or issue during a surgery and nudges the OR care navigator to communicate with the patient's family in real-time, reducing anxiety and stress. This led to an increase in Patient Satisfaction Scores for Ambulatory Surgery measurements, from 80 percent to 96 percent, within five months of deployment at the same early adopter facility.
As a result of success with Qventus in other departments, El Camino Hospital in Mountain View, California has made the decision to expand its relationship with Qventus by implementing the company's OR module. "At El Camino Hospital, we want to ensure patients and their families receive the best care and experience," said Cheryl Reinking, Chief Nursing Officer. "We saw measurable improvement in patient safety after we integrated Qventus into our falls program. We believe it has the potential to transform the operational efficiency of our perioperative unit, including our OR."
In an added signal of momentum, the company is pleased to announce that its platform has been adopted by a growing number of leading hospitals and health systems across the U.S. including Emory Healthcare, Medstar Montgomery Medical Center, and Sutter Health's Palo Alto Medical Foundation. These leading healthcare organizations join the strong cohort of hospitals already using the Qventus platform to improve hospital operations.
"Extending our platform to the OR and other areas of the hospital is a natural evolution for our solution," said Mudit Garg, CEO, Qventus. "Our customers have achieved measurable results that have improved ROI and the patient experience. We are excited to help our customers, like El Camino Hospital, on their journey to operational excellence."
About Qventus
Qventus' mission is to simplify how healthcare operates so that hospitals and caregivers can focus on providing the best possible care to patients. The company offers an AI-based software platform that helps hospital teams make better operational decisions in real-time, with positive impacts to financial performance and patient experience. Located in Silicon Valley, Qventus is honored to be working with leading public, academic and community hospitals across the United States. The company was recognized by the 2016 Fierce Innovations Awards in Healthcare, winning for Best Financial/Operations Solutions and Best New Product. The company was also recognized by Healthcare Informatics as a 2017 Innovator Award winner, receiving the award for leading 'Cost Savings' technology.
For more information about Qventus, please visit www.qventus.com
For more information, contact:
Victoria Holl Patrick Jameson Qventus Next Step Communications 1-650-248-4262 1-781-326-1741 [email protected] [email protected]
SOURCE Qventus
Related Links
http://www.qventus.com
TAMPA, Fla., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Clayton Holdings LLC, a leading provider of loan due diligence, surveillance, REO management, consulting, valuation, title and settlement services to the mortgage industry, announced today that its subsidiaries Red Bell Real Estate, LLC (Red Bell) and Main Street Valuations, LLC d/b/a Pyramid Platform (Pyramid Platform) have received their first residential vendor rankings from Morningstar Credit Ratings, LLC (Morningstar). Red Bell was assigned a MOR RV1 residential vendor ranking in the asset valuation market and Pyramid Platform received a MOR RV1 ranking as a real estate technology solutions provider. The forecast for both rankings is "Stable".
Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Red Bell is a provider of leading-edge valuation products, including automated valuation models (AVMs) and broker price opinions (BPOs) used by major investors, lenders and loan servicers. Pyramid Platform offers advanced technology solutions that help investors monitor loan portfolio performance and direct loss mitigation activities; acquire and track non-performing loans (NPL); and value and sell real estate owned (REO) through a secure platform.
According to Morningstar Credit Ratings Ranking Announcement published on Feb. 27, 2017:
The assigned rankings reflect Morningstar's assessment of both companies' infrastructure and client-driven performance results. The Stable forecast for both rankings is indicative of both companies' solid vendor performance derived from an experienced management team, excellent proprietary technology, solid enterprise wide risk controls, and attention to client-driven performance results. A robust training regimen, comprehensive policies and procedures, and an effective quality control environment minimize operational risk and promote best practices across the enterprise. Management has developed vendors election criteria and vendor-rating standards that effectively measure vendor performance, as reflected in the execution of service-level agreements with their customers. The companies have developed a scoring system to monitor and measure each company's performance and product quality against service-level agreement goals, enabling senior management to assess capacity and workflow to meet or exceed client benchmarks. Red Bell and Pyramid Platform continue to integrate best practices across the enterprise with Clayton and its ultimate parent, Radian. The combined offerings of Red Bell and Pyramid Platform, as well as Clayton and Radian, represent a full suite of end-to-end residential real estate services that present clients with a single source of product solutions.
"We are extremely pleased with Morningstar's assessment of Pyramid Platform's SAAS delivery platform and Red Bell's core, leading-edge pricing products and real estate solutions," said Jeff Jonas, president of Red Bell. "Continued support from two financially strong companies committed to the real estate and mortgage marketsClayton and Radianallows us to continue to expand our operations and to develop game-changing innovations that provide our clients with best-in-class service and results."
About Clayton Holdings LLC
Clayton Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Radian Group Inc. (NYSE: RDN), provides risk-based analytics, residential loan due diligence, consulting, surveillance and staffing solutions. The company's subsidiaries include: Green River Capital, customized REO asset management and single-family rental services; Red Bell Real Estate, advanced AVMs, BPOs; Main Street Valuations (d/b/a Pyramid Platform), technology to acquire and manage the disposition of properties; ValuAmerica, national title and appraisal management company and vendor management technology provider; and Clayton Euro Risk, global services. For more information, call 877.291.5301 or visit www.clayton.com.
SOURCE Clayton Holdings LLC
Related Links
http://www.clayton.com
The Graphite Edge Controller is ideal for process and factory automation customers who require a rugged industrial controller with wide operating temperatures to control and monitor machinery in harsh environments. Easy-to-use tools give customers the ability to quickly create logic controls using familiar IEC 61131 programming languages and to interconnect devices using any of over 300 industrial protocols, in addition to providing data logging and web serving functionality.
"The Graphite Edge Controller is an important product to round out Red Lion's rugged Graphite platform," said Paul Bunnell, product management director for automation products at Red Lion Controls. "Its all-metal construction and broadly expandable I/O capabilities allow customers to use Edge Controllers in the harshest of environments, at virtually any scale from factory automation applications to remote process applications."
Red Lion's Graphite Edge Controller includes Crimson 3.0 software featuring Crimson Control, providing customers with the ability to interconnect devices using over 300 industrial protocols and use IEC 61131 programming languages such as ladder logic, function block and structured text to solve specific application needs. "The addition of these control options to our robust Crimson communication capabilities means that organizations can reduce equipment cost and system complexity without compromising on reliability or flexibility," said Bunnell.
In addition to the integrated I/O slot for supporting small applications, the Graphite Edge Controller can be easily scaled for large applications using Red Lion Graphite Expansion Racks. The expansion racks allow up to 25 additional modules to be added to an Edge Controller. Modules provide expanded capabilities including analog and digital I/O, PID control, and additional specialized communication options such as DeviceNet and PROFIBUS DP. With rugged aluminum construction, a wide operating temperature range and broad array of plug-in modules, the Graphite platform enables customers to connect, monitor and control processes to meet varying industrial automation requirements in both factory and extreme locations.
To learn more about the Red Lion Graphite Edge Controller, visit www.redlion.net/GraphiteEdge.
For more information on Red Lion's Graphite platform, visit www.redlion.net/Graphite.
About Red Lion Controls
As the global experts in communication, monitoring and control for industrial automation and networking, Red Lion has been delivering innovative solutions for over 40 years. Our automation, Ethernet and cellular M2M technology enables companies worldwide to gain real-time data visibility that drives productivity. Product brands include Red Lion, N-Tron and Sixnet. With headquarters in York, Pennsylvania, the company has offices across the Americas, Asia-Pacific and Europe. Red Lion is part of Spectris plc, the productivity-enhancing instrumentation and controls company. For more information, please visit www.redlion.net.
2017 Red Lion Controls, Inc. All rights reserved. Red Lion, the Red Lion logo, Crimson and Graphite are registered trademarks of Red Lion Controls, Inc. All other company and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.
Media Contacts:
Rebecca Cressler
Red Lion Controls
+1 (717) 767-6961 x6904
[email protected]
Stephen Oakes
LEWIS
+1 (781) 418-2472
[email protected]
www.redlion.net
SOURCE Red Lion Controls
Related Links
http://www.redlion.net
STOCKTON, N.J., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- ReThink Energy NJ today applauded a joint letter sent from U.S. Senators Cory Booker and Robert Menendez to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), urging the agency to address the many well-documented deficiencies within its Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed PennEast pipeline. The senators stated their concerns that the environmental impacts of the proposed pipeline are not yet fully understood. FERC is scheduled to release the Final EIS on April 7.
"Senators Booker and Menendez have rightly pointed out that FERC has yet to fully address a host of critical concerns raised by public agencies and independent scientists regarding the risks that PennEast poses to our health, safety and environment," said Tom Gilbert, campaign director of ReThink Energy NJ and New Jersey Conservation Foundation. "The question is whether FERC will pay attention, or will they move ahead with a flawed EIS that fails to evaluate potential contamination of our drinking water, increases in harmful emissions, damage to threatened and endangered species, and other significant environmental impacts."
In their letter, Booker and Menendez highlight that "residents, municipalities and public entities have raised a number of significant concerns with [PennEast's] Draft EIS." They point to the many environmental dangers PennEast brings, including threats to drinking water, public health, and endangered species.
The senators remind FERC of the "significant" concerns previously raised in recent months by the EPA, Fish & Wildlife Service, and U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) regarding the impact PennEast would have on public health and the environment. The issues range from impacts to endangered species such as the federally threatened bog turtle, to identifying PennEast's lack of plans for preventing methane, a potent greenhouse gas, from leaking out of its pipe.
In particular Booker and Menendez express "serious concern" that PennEast could create harmful levels of arsenic in drinking water. Arsenic is a highly toxic, cancer-causing compound (Source: World Health Organization). Geologists at Princeton University and the U.S. Geologic Survey have warned of the public health impacts that PennEast could trigger by releasing arsenic into wells and streams that feed into the Delaware River.
"We thank the senators for standing up to protect New Jersey's drinking water," said Jim Waltman, executive director, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association. "The very serious concern that this pipeline could release poisonous arsenic into our groundwater has received only lip service from FERC and PennEast. We applaud the senators for elevating this critical issue. For New Jersey, the pipe stops here."
The New Jersey Division of Rate Counsel, the state utility consumer watchdog, found no evidence of need for PennEast and said it would be "unfair to consumers" who would pay for it. On the other hand, multiple independent scientists and federal and state agencies have warned that this project would cause significant environmental damage.
About ReThink Energy NJ
ReThink Energy NJ aims to inform and empower New Jersey citizens about the need for reduced use of fossil fuels and pipelines that threaten our preserved lands, water, environment, public health and communities; our goal is a swift transition to efficient, clean and renewable energy. ReThink Energy NJ is supported by New Jersey Conservation Foundation, Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association and Pinelands Preservation Alliance. For more information, visit rethinkenergynj.org and find Rethink Energy NJ on Facebook and Twitter @rethinkenergynj.
SOURCE ReThink Energy NJ
DALLAS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- BrainSource Solutions Inc. launches a new software platform known as SpurSpot at National Afterschool Association 2017 Annual Convention. SpurSpot provides a more effective afterschool customer retention marketing solution. This is one of the leading student motivation and afterschool marketing automation software ensuring positive results for the afterschool enrichment business. The company is widely known as one of the leading firms serving all after school enrichment programs.
Parents and Students are most influential voices in after school enrichment market. Our platform turns them into powerful allies who spread the word on your behalf.
SpurSpot is packed with an amazing and impressive set of features making this one of the best customer engagement and student motivation software that ensures better Afterschool customer retention. SpurSpot motivates students and engages parents at the right moment to keep them informed as well as encourage them to share their experience in social media.
SpurSpot showcases the success of students and generates social shares, referrals and reviews. Both students and parents are customers for any afterschool program. SpurSpot gamifies learning experience using badges, points and virtual awards to motivate students and provides an intelligent automated marketing assistant to engage parents. "It is very critical to motivate students and also engage with the parents to ensure success of any afterschool enrichment program," says Shankar Govindarajan, Founder and CEO of BrainSource Solutions Inc. "Our platform fills this gap in the education market. It provides student's fun and motivation while incorporating key customer engagement tools for businesses to attract more customers and spread brand awareness."
SpurSpot also features an intelligent and automated assistant (Sia) who will track every student and customer journey and engage them at the right moment. What parents have to say online is very important. This software helps in capturing the voices of parents. The platform effectively identifies parents and transforms them into powerful as well as influential social advocates and encourage them to spread the good word about the business all over their social network. Student achievement data feeds into gamification and marketing automation engine powered by deep learning algorithms to predict the perfect timing for engaging the parents. This context sensitive approach takes the guesswork out and guarantees stellar reviews and word-of-mouth referrals by parents in their social networks.
Gamification of the learning experience, marketing automation and extreme personalization features of this software are best in class to captivate the interest and attention of business owners who have the desire to grow their business using afterschool retention marketing. SpurSpot Integrates all student motivation and customer engagement efforts into one solid solution built specifically for the afterschool enrichment programs.
For more information, feel free to check out www.spurspot.com. For further assistance, call 972-837-9104 or email [email protected].
About BrainSource Solutions: BrainSource Solutions Inc is an exclusive Software Development Lab focusing on research and development of Software solutions using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. We are technology start-up company located in Frisco, Texas. Our vision is to create an end-to-end automated customer engagement solution that helps learning centers improve student success and build a larger and more loyal customer base.
Media Contact:
Name : Shankar Govindarajan
Phone : 972-837-9104
Email : [email protected]
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SOURCE BrainSource Solutions Inc.
AMESBURY, Mass., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- With Soviet-American relations very much in the news today, it's timely that a Revolutionary War-era sword produced in 1777 for the very first U.S. Ambassador to Russia Francis Dana (1743-1811) is set to cross the auction block as part of a three-day sale planned for March 24th-26th by John McInnis Auctioneers, online and in the firm's Amesbury gallery, at 76 Main Street.
Sword and scabbard presented to Francis Dana (1743-1811), America's first ambassador to Russia. In addition to being America's first ambassador to Russia, Francis Dana was also a major Revolutionary War figure and close advisor to George Washington.
The sword and fully intact scabbard are historically significant, having been made at the time of the American Revolution by John Bailey (b. 1736, death unknown), the British-born American cutler and metalworker best known for creating George Washington's battle sword, a lightweight 'cuttoe' about three feet in length. Today it is in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Francis Dana was a fierce opponent of British colonial rule and a leader of the Sons of Liberty (co-founded by his father, Richard Dana). He helped set into motion a series of events that would forever change history and establish the United States as a free and independent nation. Dana was a close aide and confidante to Washington, conferring with him at Valley Forge in 1778.
The sword is a magnificent example, signed by Bailey and engraved with "Francis Dana 1777" on the obverse side. It is a lion head silver-hilted officer's sword, with a pierced and engraved silver guard and a double silver chain-guard. That it still has its leather scabbard (most don't, they're that frail) will add to its desirability. It has reinforcing line-decorations and three mounts.
In 1780, Dana was named American minister to the Russian Empire in effect serving as the first official ambassador to Russia. While he never gained official recognition from Catherine the Great, he remained in St. Petersburg until 1783. His translator was John Quincy Adams, the 14-year-old son of John Adams. Both Adamses went on to become President of the United States.
Dana was also a signer of the Articles of Confederation, an elected Massachusetts delegate to the Continental Congress (1777) and was appointed to the Supreme Court of Massachusetts (1785).
Other rare and collectible items from the time of the American Revolution will also come up for bid. These include about 50 engraved bookplates by Nathaniel Hurd (1729-1777), the Boston printer-engraver and contemporary of Paul Revere, and a portrait oil painting of Count Von Ferson, a Revolutionary War hero who famously had an affair with Marie Antoinette of France.
Other key offerings will include a pair of circa 1820 floor globes by Cary of London, each one 39 inches tall; a large oil portrait painting by the noted artist William McGregor Paxton (Am., 1869-1941), a Russian enameled silver tea set by a famous maker dated 1887; a New Hampshire two-part highboy with original untouched red surface; and a large (Bien) John J. Audubon folio.
For those unable to attend in person, internet bidding will be provided by LiveAuctioneers.com and Invaluable.com. Telephone and absentee bids will also be accepted. To learn more about John McInnis Auctioneers and the March 24th-26th auction, log on to www.mcinnisauctions.com.
Media Contact:
John McInnis
[email protected]
(978) 388-0400
SOURCE John McInnis Auctioneers
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- RiXtrema, the leading provider of risk management tools and analysis to the financial advisory and broker/dealer community that helps ensure that clients get the analysis and advice they need, announced today a partnership with BrightScope, the leading provider of retirement plan data to the investment industry, in its Plan Data Network Initiative.
"BrightScope's Plan Data Network is a unique platform," said RiXtrema President Daniel Satchkov, CFA. "It uses technology to provide firms performing rollover best interest determinations with the necessary retirement plan disclosures required by the DOL. Retirees frequently have a hard time obtaining the 401(a)(5) disclosure for the advisor. Plan Data Network solves the advisor's problem, enabling the analysis. RiXtrema chose to integrate Plan Data Network into our FiduciaryOptimizer suite of products to allow our users to seamlessly obtain the plan details from any 404(a)(5) document."
RiXtrema's IRAFiduciaryOptimizer is an end-to-end solution to document a client's best interests and fee reasonableness in rollovers as required by the DOL. Fees contained in the 404(a)(5) disclosure are needed to run the most accurate best interest report. BrightScope's Plan Data Network provides RiXtrema FiduciaryOptimizer users access to plan details from disclosure documents uploaded by other members of the network, while also loading their own disclosures for others to use.
"Since RiXtrema is one of the premier providers of a solution for performing best interest determinations, it made sense for BrightScope's Plan Data Network to build an integration package for their platform," said BrightScope's head of Product Development, Rick Niedt. "We knew that gathering and processing the plan-level details about services, investment products, and fees from disclosure documentation was going to be a challenge for the advisory firms and broker-dealers. Working with partners like RiXtrema gives BrightScope the opportunity to make that data accessible to many firms at once."
Summary
Combining powerful FiduciaryOptimizer analytics from RiXtrema with the reach of BrightScope's Plan Data Network will enable advisors to run portfolio reports with no manual work and no headaches. It will also help firms ensure that they are following fiduciary best practices when recommending rollovers or other transactions with qualified accounts.
ABOUT RIXTREMA
Founded in 2010, RiXtrema is a portfolio crash-testing company that helps advisors discuss risk with clients. Long used by fund managers, pensions plans and funds of funds, RiXtrema has introduced its risk management tools to the financial advisory and broker/dealer community to help ensure that clients get the analysis and advice they need. The RiXtrema research team received the 2015 Peter L. Bernstein award, one of the most prestigious awards in finance, for its article Risk Estimation and Hedging: A Reverse Stress Testing Approach, published in The Journal of Derivatives in April 2015. RiXtrema solutions include Portfolio Crash Testing; BioniX, the first robo platform for advisors that includes sophisticated risk modeling; IRAFiduciaryOptimizer, the first quantitative DOL Fiduciary Rule Rollover solution, and the related 401(k) Fiduciary Optimizer geared for plan advisors. For more information, visit www.rixtrema.com.
ABOUT BRIGHTSCOPE & STRATEGIC INSIGHT
BrightScope is a Strategic Insight business, providing data and analytics through the SI Data division. BrightScope drives the growth of data-driven decision-making at leading financial services firms. BrightScope builds best-in-class software solutions facilitating more effective sales and retention strategies for top financial institutions. BrightScope works with eight of the top 10 asset managers by U.S. open-end assets, and eight of the top 10 defined contribution plan recordkeepers. BrightScope maintains a database with information on more than 60,000 defined contribution plans, largely gathered from Department of Labor Form 5500 audited filings.
Strategic Insight (SI) provides critical and proprietary data, business intelligence, research and marketing services to the global asset management community.
SI delivers full service solutions to the asset management sector worldwide, including investment flow data, advisor sales analysis, in-depth research, analytics, editorial content and events for investment managers, asset owners and custodians, plus Transaction Cost Measurement of over 500 million trades per month. Strategic Insight clients include over 1000 of the most prominent names in the asset management industry, including 83 of the world's 100 largest fund managers.
Strategic Insight delivers its products and services through four distinct divisions: SI Data, SI Research, SI Intelligence and SI Interactive. Its portfolio of leading editorial titles includes the well-recognized brands PLANSPONSOR, PLANADVISER, Chief Investment Officer, Global Custodian, and The Trade. The company's headquarters are in New York with offices in Boston, Denver, San Diego, San Francisco, Stamford CT; London; Munich; Melbourne; Toronto and Vancouver. Strategic Insight is backed by Genstar Capital. For more information visit www.brightscope.com and www.sionline.com.
Media Contact:
Leslie Swid
[email protected]
(913) 649-5009
This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com
SOURCE RiXtrema
Related Links
http://www.rixtrema.com
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of BRF S.A. ("BRF" or the "Company") (NYSE: BRFS). Such investors are advised to contact Robert S. Willoughby at [email protected] or 888-476-6529, ext. 9980.
The investigation concerns whether BRF and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.
[Click here to join a class action]
On March 17, 2017, news outlets reported that Brazilian federal police raided the offices of BRF and dozens of other meatpackers following a two-year investigation into alleged bribery of regulators to subvert inspections of their plants. The probe, known as "Operation Weak Flesh," had uncovered about 40 cases of meatpackers who had bribed inspectors and politicians to overlook unsanitary practices such as processing rotten meat and running plants with traces of salmonella. Police arrested three BRF employees, as well as 20 public officials.
On this news, BRF's share price fell $0.99, or 7.73%, to close at $11.81 on March 17, 2017.
The Pomerantz Firm, with offices in New York, Chicago, Florida, and Los Angeles, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, the Pomerantz Firm pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 80 years later, the Pomerantz Firm continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomerantzlaw.com
CONTACT:
Robert S. Willoughby
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
SOURCE Pomerantz LLP
Related Links
http://www.pomerantzlaw.com
CLEVELAND and MINNEAPOLIS, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Sherwin-Williams Company (NYSE: SHW) and The Valspar Corporation (NYSE: VAL) today announced that they have extended the termination date of the definitive agreement under which Sherwin-Williams will acquire Valspar for $113 per share in an all-cash transaction, from March 21, 2017 to June 21, 2017.
Sherwin-Williams previously reported in its 2016 year-end earnings release and 2016 Annual Report that it expected a divestiture would be required to gain approval from the Federal Trade Commission to complete the Valspar acquisition. As previously disclosed, the expected divestiture represents annual revenues well below the threshold of $650 million of Valspar 2015 revenues, such that the Valspar transaction is expected to be completed at a price of $113 per share. At that time, Sherwin-Williams expected the divestiture and the Valspar transaction to be closed by the end of April 2017.
Sherwin-Williams no longer believes the divestiture will be completed, and the Valspar acquisition closed, by the end of April, and expects to provide more definitive timing for the divestiture and completion of the Valspar acquisition on its first quarter earnings conference call on April 20, 2017. The extension of the merger agreement to June 21, 2017 is intended to provide sufficient time to complete the Valspar acquisition.
John G. Morikis, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sherwin-Williams, said, "We continue to move forward on the divestiture of a single business that we believe will allow us to gain approval from the FTC, and we are in discussions with a number of prospective buyers. We remain confident in our ability to complete the divestiture at a fair price, and we look forward to unlocking the value of the combined business when the Valspar acquisition closes."
About The Sherwin-Williams Company
Founded in 1866, The Sherwin-Williams Company is a global leader in the manufacture, development, distribution, and sale of coatings and related products to professional, industrial, commercial, and retail customers. The company manufactures products under well-known brands such as Sherwin-Williams, HGTV HOME by Sherwin-Williams, Dutch Boy, Krylon, Minwax, Thompson's Water Seal, and many more. With global headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio, Sherwin-Williams branded products are sold exclusively through a chain of more than 4,100 company-operated stores and facilities, while the company's other brands are sold through leading mass merchandisers, home centers, independent paint dealers, hardware stores, automotive retailers, and industrial distributors. The Sherwin-Williams Global Finishes Group distributes a wide range of products in more than 115 countries around the world. For more information, visit www.sherwin.com.
About Valspar
Valspar is a global leader in the coatings industry providing customers with innovative, high-quality products and value-added services. Our 11,000 employees worldwide deliver advanced coatings solutions with best-in-class appearance, performance, protection and sustainability to customers in more than 100 countries. Valspar offers a broad range of superior coatings products for the consumer market, and highly-engineered solutions for the construction, industrial, packaging and transportation markets. Founded in 1806, Valspar is headquartered in Minneapolis. Valspar's shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange (symbol: VAL). For more information, visit www.valspar.com and follow @valspar on Twitter.
Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This communication contains forward-looking information about Valspar, Sherwin-Williams and the proposed transaction. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts. These statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "project," "could," "plan," "goal," "potential," "pro forma," "seek," "intend" or "anticipate" or the negative thereof or comparable terminology, and include discussions of strategy, financial projections, guidance and estimates (including their underlying assumptions), statements regarding plans, objectives, expectations or consequences of announced transactions, and statements about the future performance, operations, products and services of Valspar and its subsidiaries. Valspar and Sherwin-Williams caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties. Consequently, actual results and experience may materially differ from those contained in any forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include the following: the possibility that the closing conditions to the contemplated transactions may not be satisfied or waived, including that a governmental entity may prohibit, delay or refuse to grant a necessary regulatory approval; delay in closing the transaction or the possibility of non-consummation of the transaction; delay in completing any divestitures required to receive regulatory approval; the potential for regulatory authorities to require divestitures in connection with the proposed transaction and the possibility that Valspar stockholders consequently receive $105 per share instead of $113 per share; the occurrence of any event that could give rise to termination of the merger agreement; the risk that stockholder litigation in connection with the contemplated transactions may affect the timing or occurrence of the contemplated transactions or result in significant costs of defense, indemnification and liability; risks inherent in the achievement of cost synergies and the timing thereof; risks related to the disruption of the transaction to Valspar and its management; the effect of announcement of the transaction on Valspar's ability to retain and hire key personnel and maintain relationships with customers, suppliers and other third parties; fluctuations in the availability and prices of raw materials; difficult global economic and capital markets conditions; risks associated with revenues from foreign markets; interruption, failure or compromise of Valspar's information systems; and changes in the legal and regulatory environment. Valspar and Sherwin-Williams make no commitment to revise or update any forward-looking statements in order to reflect events or circumstances occurring or existing after the date any forward-looking statement is made.
CONTACTS
For The Sherwin-Williams Company:
Investor Relations Contact:
Bob Wells
Senior Vice President, Corporate Communications and Public Affairs
Sherwin-Williams
(216) 566-2244
[email protected]
Media Contacts:
Mike Conway
Director, Corporate Communications
Sherwin-Williams
(216) 515-4393
[email protected]
Or
Sard Verbinnen & Co
Jim Barron / Jared Levy / Patrick Scanlan
(212) 687-8080
For The Valspar Corporation:
Investor and Media Contact:
Bill Seymour
Vice President, Investor Relations, Communications and Finance
(612) 656-1328
[email protected]
Or
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Matthew Sherman / Tim Lynch / Joseph Sala
(212) 355-4449
SOURCE The Sherwin-Williams Company
Related Links
http://www.sherwin.com
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Simmons Research, the leading source of cross-channel consumer intelligence, today announced at the ARF Annual Conference that it has partnered with RealityMine to bring to market a joint solution that will help brands and media companies create and execute more effective multi-media campaigns across platforms. The TouchPoints/Simmons Fusion brings together RealityMine's TouchPoints service, which provides comprehensive insights into how, where, and when all media is consumed, with Simmons National Consumer Study (NCS), which contains over 60,000 variables related to consumer psychographics, behaviors, attitudes, intent and brand affinity, including 1,000 distinct media properties, 500 product categories, and 8,000 brands.
"Now more than ever, US consumers are in the driver's seat in terms of how, when, and where they consume media. As an industry, it is imperative that we not only give all constituents a complete view of how media are consumed across devices, but also the rich insights into those consumers that will enable more effective cross-channel media planning and targeting," said Steve Dennen, Head of Partnership at Simmons. "We are excited to work with RealityMine to bring such a critical solution to market for the benefit of our brand, agency, and media clients."
By merging deep insights on consumer psychographics, lifestyle and brand preferences, attitudes, and intent with their media consumption patterns across devices and platforms throughout the day, TouchPoints/Simmons can provide brands and media companies timely insights they need to plan and execute multi-platform campaigns at a level of specificity that goes well beyond standard demographics.
"In a world of shifting media consumption, we need to constantly evolve solutions to better understand consumer behavior," says Joanne Van der Burgt, Executive Vice President Media with RealityMine, "TouchPoints/Simmons will provide the USA media industry with data to understand the everyday life of a consumer and how media fits into their day or week. Combined with Simmons NCS data, this new solution will provide insight into the contribution each media has within a campaign, as well as the synergy between the different media brands and channels. The desire for a TouchPoints/Simmons study has been requested by many clients. We are pleased to be able to bring it to fruition to empower our clients with new levels of business intelligence."
About Simmons Research
Simmons Research is the leading source of cross-channel consumer intelligence. Simmons measures American consumer psychographics, preferences, attitudes, and media behaviors by closely overlaying survey and passively measured data using advanced measurement sciences. For more than 60 years, Simmons has helped leading brands, agencies, and media companies effectively engage with consumers, providing measurement of over 60,000 consumer elements, including all major media, 600 attitudes and opinions, 500 product categories, and 8,000 brands. For more information, please visit www.simmonsresearch.com and follow @simmonsresearch on Twitter.
About RealityMine
RealityMine is the global leader in single-source, cross-media measurement of consumers' daily lives. Using its patented passive metering technologies coupled with its syndicated TouchPoints offering, the company provides some of the world's largest media agencies, media owners and market research organizations with an enriched understanding of consumers' feelings and behavior across all media types. RealityMine is headquartered in Manchester, England with international offices in Toronto, New York and Sydney, and serves clients globally.
About TouchPoints
TouchPoints is a unique consumer-centric, multi-media business solution designed to provide insights into how people use all media types throughout their day. It is the only syndicated consumer insights and cross-platform research product for media agencies and media owners designed to inform integrated communications strategy, planning and execution.
Media contact:
Matt Cumello
Senior Director, Marketing
Simmons Research
Phone: 212.380.2999
SOURCE Simmons Research
Related Links
http://www.simmonsresearch.com
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With a little less than a one month left until the tax deadline, the Free File Alliance, a nonprofit coalition of industry-leading tax software companies partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), today reminded taxpayers that free tax solutions are available to all Americans at www.IRS.gov/FreeFile.
Taxpayers with a 2016 Adjusted Gross Income of $64,000 or less can access free, industry-leading tax software to prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns at no cost. Free state return options are also available to everyone making $64,000 or less.
Taxpayers who have an AGI that exceeds $64,000 can e-file their federal tax returns or an extension using Free File Fillable Formsa service designed for taxpayers who are familiar with tax law and need no preparation assistance. Free File also helps taxpayers with the health care requirements. Using Free File, most taxpayers will simply have to check a box to report health care coverage for the entire year.
"Every American taxpayer can and should take advantage of the Free File program," said Tim Hugo, executive director of the Free File Alliance. "Whether you need to e-file a tax return or an extension, Free File is the fast, safe and free way to tackle your taxes. Free File is also the only place where the industry's best tax software is available at one place and at no cost. Simply visit IRS.gov/freefile and choose the software offering that fits your tax needs."
Hugo also stated that the Free File Alliance now offers taxpayers the ability to use their smart phones or tablets to electronically prepare and file their federal and state tax returns through the IRS/ Free File Alliance. This new design allows for the use of desktops, laptops, mobile phones and tablets. It can be accessed using mobile devices in two ways: (1) Use the IRS app, IRS2Go, which has a link to the Free File Software Lookup Tool or (2) use the device's browser to go to www.IRS.gov/freefile to find the software product that matches your situation. The IRS2Go app is available for Android and iOS devices.
The Free File program has provided nearly $1.4 billion in free tax software over the last 14 years. Free File Alliance member companies have continually worked with the IRS to strengthen the Free File program, and taxpayers have consistently reported that it is user-friendly and efficient. Responding to a 2009 IRS survey, 96 percent of users said they found Free File easy to use, while 98 percent said they would recommend the program to others.
About the Free File Alliance
The Free File Alliance, a coalition of 12 industry-leading tax software companies, has partnered with the IRS since 2003 to help low and middle-income Americans prepare, complete and e-file their federal tax returns online. The Free File Alliance is committed to giving 70 percent of taxpayers free access to the industry's top online tax preparation software. More than 46 million returns have been filed through Free File since its inception. For more information, visit www.freefilealliance.org.
SOURCE Free File Alliance
Related Links
http://www.freefilealliance.org
LONDON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Spain's regulator improves wholesale access covering 65% of the population
In recent years the value of Spain's telecom market has fallen steadily, with the sector affected by the poor economic climate which has contributed to high unemployment and reduced disposable income among consumers. However, a five-year recession, with tumbling GDP, effectively ended in 2014 when the economy showed a steady return to growth for four quarters in succession. Growing confidence among investors was palpable starting in 2015, and the improved business climate augurs well for the sector into 2017.
Spain has one of the largest mobile markets in Europe, with effective competition from four MNOs and a growing number of resellers and MVNOs. This competition, together with regulated roaming and MTRs, has driven down the cost of mobile calls in recent years though the number of subscribers has fallen since 2011 as customers cancel multiple SIM card ownership in response to the economic crisis. The market has seen considerable changes in recent years, including the acquisition of Yoigo by Masmovil and the release of 900MHz frequencies for mobile broadband use. There have also been growing investments in network upgrades to support LTE and HSPA+ technologies, while MNOs and vendors are also investing in 5G technologies and services. The auction of additional spectrum in 2016 is helping operators keep pace with the growth in demand for mobile data. Both Orange Spain and Vodafone Spain have acquired fixed-line operators in a bid to compete more effectively with Movistar in their bundled service offerings.
Broadband penetration is on a par with the EU average. Subscribers continue to contend with relatively high access price, though access speeds have recently begun to improve in line with upgraded networks. The incumbent telco Telefonica, operating under the Movistar brand, has invested in fibre infrastructure while cablecos now commonly provide data at up to 300Mb/s. The regulator has in recent years promoted fibre network sharing, and has developed a pricing structure for shared fibre infrastructure. In early 2017 it formulated new conditions for wholesale access to Telefonica's fibre networks covering some 65% of the population. In the cable sector, Vodafone Spain is in the process of delivering DOSCIS3.1 technology capable of providing data at above 1Gb/s.
The strong growth in the number of fibre broadband connections is beginning to tell on the sector's dynamics. Although several operators are investing in fibre, either in their own networks or through sharing arrangements, Telefonica is by far the dominant player.
This report introduces the key aspects of the Spanish telecom market, providing statistics on the fixed-network services sector, and profiling the main players and their strategies to meet an increasingly competitive environment. The report also assesses the main regulatory issues, noting the status of interconnection, local loop unbundling, number portability and carrier preselection. In addition the report provides statistics and market analyses on the mobile sector, including an assessment of regulatory issues, a profile of the major providers, and an analysis of mobile data services such as SMS, MMS, i-mode, HSPA, LTE, 5G and mobile TV. The report also covers the fixed and wireless broadband markets, together with developments in related technologies such as fibre and broadband powerline. It includes broadband subscriber forecasts to 2021.
Key developments:
Telefonica prepares to sell Telxius infrastructure business;
Oran-Valencia (Orval) submarine cable expected to be ready for service in June 2017;
Vodafone Spain launches Spain's first NB-IoT network;
Vodafone and Orange launch VoLTE and VoWi-Fi services;
Orange planning to provide 95% population coverage with LTE by 2017;
Telia sells its stake in Yoigo to Masmovil;
Vodafone Spain contracts Huawei to upgrade its HFC network with DOCSIS3.1;
Movistar boosts fibre to 300Mb/s;
Report update includes the regulator's market data updates to November 2016, telcos' operating and financial data to Q4 2016, recent market developments.
Companies mentioned in this report:
Orange Spain, Telefonica, Jazztel, Ono, Movistar, Vodafone Spain, Lebara, Lycamobile, Masmovil, YouMobile, Canal+, Prisa.
Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/3599805/
About Reportbuyer
Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers
http://www.reportbuyer.com
For more information:
Sarah Smith
Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 208 816 85 48
Website: www.reportbuyer.com
SOURCE ReportBuyer
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FOSTER CITY, Calif., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- SutroVax, a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to the delivery of best-in-class conjugate vaccines and novel complex antigen-based vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases, today announced the closing of a $60 million Series B financing. The financing was led by new investors Frazier Healthcare Partners and Pivotal bioVenture Partners, and included participation from all existing investors: Abingworth, Longitude Capital, Roche Venture Fund and CTI Life Sciences Fund. In addition to Series B funds raised, the Company's existing investors are investing an additional $4 million in SutroVax.
SutroVax will use the proceeds from this financing to advance its lead pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV), which prevents invasive pneumococcal disease caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, and accelerate the Company's antigen discovery and early-stage development efforts in other disease areas. SutroVax's broad-spectrum PCV is designed to provide expanded protection against circulating strains of pneumococcus and has the potential to replace the current vaccines used in infants and adults. SutroVax has generated pre-clinical proof-of-concept in head-to-head studies with its broad-spectrum PCV compared to current vaccines using well accepted immunological endpoints.
"The closing of this round, which was highly competitive and oversubscribed, is an important milestone for SutroVax and reflects the significant achievements we have made in developing a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine product candidate with the potential to disrupt a market with annual sales of over $7 billion," said Grant Pickering, CEO of SutroVax. "This financing enables us to advance our lead PCV program into the clinic and expand our R&D, clinical development and manufacturing organizations."
SutroVax conjugate vaccines are developed utilizing the Company's exclusive rights to Sutro Biopharma's Xpress CF Platform, a cell-free protein synthesis technology. The platform represents a major advancement over conventional conjugate vaccine production methods, by enabling precise and consistent conjugation of antigens to site-specific locations on a protein carrier that do not impede T-cell help resulting in higher-potency conjugates. SutroVax is utilizing these more potent conjugates to develop a broader-spectrum PCV product.
"Frazier Healthcare Partners has followed SutroVax's progress since its founding and is delighted to make SutroVax its first vaccine investment," stated Patrick Heron, Managing General Partner.
Tachi Yamada, M.D., Frazier Venture Partner, former President of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Global Health Program and former head of GlaxoSmithKline and Takeda Pharmaceuticals R&D added, "SutroVax's lead product candidate and technology platform has the potential to deliver the next generation of vaccines for major infectious diseases including pneumococcal disease."
"We are pleased to make SutroVax the pioneer investment from Pivotal bioVenture Partners, our recently closed inaugural fund. I am delighted to join with the preeminent group of life sciences investors backing the company," said Tracy Saxton, Ph.D., Managing Partner. "We are excited by the Company's differentiated approach and ground-breaking progress in developing a potential best-in-class pneumococcal conjugate vaccine to provide coverage of circulating pathogenic strains outside of the current standard of care."
As part of the financing, Patrick Heron and Tracy Saxton will join the SutroVax Board of Directors.
About Frazier Healthcare Partners
Founded in 1991, Frazier Healthcare Partners is a leading provider of growth and venture capital to healthcare companies. With nearly $3.0 billion total capital raised, Frazier has invested in over 170 companies, with investment types ranging from company creation and venture capital to buyouts of profitable lower-middle market companies. The firm's Growth Buyout team invests in healthcare and pharmaceutical services, medical products and related sectors. The Life Sciences team invests in therapeutics and related areas that are addressing unmet medical needs through innovation. Frazier has offices in Seattle, WA and Menlo Park, CA, and invests broadly across the US, Canada, and Europe.
About Pivotal bioVenture Partners
Pivotal bioVenture Partners is a newly launched, San Francisco-based venture capital firm investing in early stage biotechnology companies. Pivotal closed a $300 million fund, and its investment strategy is centered on identifying companies developing differentiated science from discovery to early clinical development with the potential to deliver transformative therapies. The Pivotal team includes experienced life science investors and entrepreneurs with a track record of venture investing and scientific acumen.
About Pneumococcal Disease and the Pneumococcal Vaccine Market
Pneumococcal disease is an infection caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae. This infection can cause a wide range of serious illnesses including pneumonia, meningitis and blood stream infection as well as ear and sinus infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 900,000 Americans suffer from pneumococcal pneumonia each year and up to 400,000 hospitalizations occur in the US. In addition, about 18,000 older adults die each year from pneumococcal disease in the U.S. The market-leading vaccine is a 13-valent PCV, Prevnar 13, that has worldwide sales of approximately $6 billion annually yet does not protect against a significant number of circulating strains of pneumococcus causing invasive disease in adults and children. In the U.S., the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends all children aged two months to five years and immunocompromised children aged six years and older be vaccinated with Prevnar 13. In addition, the ACIP recommends all adults aged 65 years and older and immunocompromised adults aged 19 years and older be vaccinated with Prevnar 13 and Pneumovax, a 23-valent non-conjugate vaccine with over $600 million in annual sales.
About SutroVax
SutroVax is an independent vaccine platform and development company whose mission is to deliver best-in-class conjugate vaccines and novel complex antigen-based vaccines to prevent serious infectious diseases. The company is leveraging its exclusive license to Sutro Biopharma's Xpress CF platform to perform cell-free protein synthesis and site-specific conjugation for the field of vaccines. For more information, visit www.sutrovax.com.
Contact:
Julie Rathbun
Rathbun Communications
206-769-9219
[email protected]
SOURCE SutroVax
Related Links
http://www.sutrovax.com
NASHVILLE, Tenn., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Sword & Shield Enterprise Security, a leading national cybersecurity firm headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, has opened a new office in Middle Tennessee to help service the booming Nashville economy.
As a 20-year-old company, Sword & Shield has spent years helping Nashville organizations address cyber threats and protect their sensitive data. Now, the company will have a physical presence in the area to better serve current and future clients.
"We have a strong, established client-base in the area, especially with the considerable array of industries in Nashville that we serve, including health care, hospitality and retail," said Jacob Tomblinson, Nashville account executive for Sword & Shield Enterprise Security. "Having a physical presence here will only help us strengthen those relationships and create more opportunities to provide cybersecurity solutions for other companies in the area."
Nashville already leads all cities in Tennessee in population growth, and according to forecasts from the Nashville Metropolitan Planning Organization, the greater Nashville region is on pace for a population of 2.6 million by 2035.
"Whether you're new to the Nashville area or an established company, you need to be thinking about how to keep your business secure and healthy," said John McNeely, president and CEO of Sword & Shield Enterprise Security. "We look forward to offering our expertise to more companies in Nashville and Middle Tennessee, whether they're looking for a third party expert to help them save time and money, or a complete security and compliance program that reduces risk and increases efficiency."
The physical address of the new Sword & Shield Enterprise Security Middle Tennessee office is 131 Maple Row Blvd. e500, Hendersonville, Tennessee 37075. To contact the Middle Tennessee office, call 615-928-1990 or visit https://www.swordshield.com/.
About Sword & Shield Enterprise Security
Protecting critical data for 20 years, Sword & Shield Enterprise Security, Inc. is a nationally recognized cybersecurity provider with solutions designed to meet the needs of a dynamic security and compliance landscape. Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, Sword & Shield specializes in security, risk and compliance assessment, managed security services, enterprise security consulting, security incident response and forensics, and technical solutions. Sword & Shield services a broad spectrum of industries, including healthcare, retail, legal, banking and finance, manufacturing, and the public sector.
In 2016, Sword & Shield hosted the inaugural Edge Security Conference, EDGE2016, a world-class cybersecurity conference where complex business problems meet real world solutions. The second annual Edge Security Conference, EDGE2017, will take place on Oct. 17-18, 2017 at the Knoxville Convention Center. Early registration is available now through March 31, 2017. To learn more about EDGE2017 and to sign up, visit https://edgesecurityconference.com/.
For more information about Sword & Shield Enterprise Security, visit https://www.swordshield.com/.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Ripley
Ripley PR
865-977-1973
[email protected]
SOURCE Sword & Shield Enterprise Security
Related Links
http://www.swordshield.com
BEAVERTON, Ore., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Tektronix, Inc., a leading worldwide provider of measurement solutions, today introduced new optical modules for its DSA8300 sampling oscilloscope that feature the industry's highest mask test sensitivity and lowest noise along with new features that increase production capacity and improve yield for current 100G designs moving into production. The company also unveiled enhancements to its 400G test solution including IEEE Ethernet standard-driven Transmitter and Dispersion Eye Closure (TDECQ) PAM4 and related support measurements for optical testing.
When installed in Tektronix DSA8300 sampling oscilloscopes, the new 80C17 and 80C18 optical modules provide mask test sensitivity of -14 dBm that exceeds requirements for 28 GBd PAM4 standards; while offering the industry's best noise performance at 3.9 W with broad wavelength support. The two-channel 80C18 enables optical manufacturing test engineers to double throughput and capacity.
The new modules and capabilities along with the full set of Tektronix solutions for 100G / 400G optical characterization and validation are being demonstrated at the OFC optical networking and communication conference and exhibition, taking place today through March 23, 2017 in Los Angeles, California.
"As 100G designs move into production, manufacturing yields become paramount," said Brian Reich, general manager, Performance Oscilloscopes, Tektronix. "Our lowest inherent noise enables more confidence in test results and drives improvement in manufacturing yields on optical components and interconnects. At the same time, we continue to lead the way toward 400G with comprehensive tools and features for in-depth analysis and effective debug in a new generation of Data transmission."
When installed in DSA8300 sampling oscilloscopes, the new 80C17 and 80C18 optical modules provide mask test sensitivity of -14 dBm that exceeds requirements for 28 GBd PAM4 standards, while offering the industry's best noise performance at 3.9 W with broad wavelength support. The two-channel 80C18 enables optical manufacturing test engineers to double throughput and capacity. If a device fails, Tektronix offers analysis tools to decompose the signal content for both noise and jitter to help engineers understand the underlying problem.
Pricing & Availability
The 80C17 and 80C18 optical modules and 400G test software enhancements will be available beginning in late April 2017. New optical module pricing starts at $65,000 US MSRP. For more information, please go to: http://www.tek.com/oscilloscope/dsa8300-sampling-oscilloscope
Wondering what else Tektronix is up to? Check out the Tektronix Bandwidth Banter blog and stay up to date on the latest news from Tektronix on Twitter and Facebook.
About Tektronix
Headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon, Tektronix delivers innovative, precise and easy-to-operate test, measurement and monitoring solutions that solve problems, unlock insights and drive discovery. Tektronix has been at the forefront of the digital age for over 70 years. Join us on the journey of innovation at TEK.COM.
Tektronix is a registered trademark of Tektronix, Inc. All other trade names referenced are the service marks, trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
SOURCE Tektronix, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.tektronix.com
The platform incorporates the highest-performance equipment available for generating, transmitting, receiving and analyzing coherent optical signals. Coherent Solutions' IQTransmitter with 40GHz of bandwidth and the best in class, format independent, autobias controller (ABC). Teledyne LeCroy's 65GHz LabMaster 10-65Zi-A high-bandwidth real-time oscilloscope combines with the 70GHz IQS70 coherent optical receiver and Optical-LinQ integrated OMA software to accurately characterize the modulated optical signal.
"Being able to generate a high-quality 64QAM signal at rates as high as 56GBaud using commercially available instruments sets a new gold standard for test and measurement," said Andy Stevens, CEO of Coherent Solutions.
Coherent Solutions' IQTransmitter offers an unparalleled 40GHz of RF bandwidth and incorporates it's 2nd generation modulator Automatic Bias Control (ABC) circuitry, which provides fully pattern-independent bias control. This is a critical capability for the investigation of higher-order modulation formats such as 64QAM. The 40GHz IQTransmitter provides research, development, and production environments with a stable, coherently modulated optical signal for component and system characterization. The automatic bias control is also available in a separate benchtop instrument, the IQABC, which is ideal for use with Lithium Niobate, Indium Phosphide and silicon modulators.
Teledyne LeCroy's Optical Modulation Analysis solution provides the industry's best performance by combining the highest bandwidth with the most flexible analysis. The 70GHz bandwidth IQS70 Coherent Optical Receiver integrates seamlessly with the world-leading LabMaster 10Zi-A oscilloscope and OpticalLinQ software, delivering the most complete optical modulation analysis package. "Consistent technology leadership means Teledyne LeCroy oscilloscopes have become crucial tools for those pushing the boundaries of optical communications technology," said Patrick Connally, Product Manager for high-performance oscilloscopes at Teledyne LeCroy. "This demonstration represents a critical next step in OMA capability as the market moves to high-baud rate, high-modulation order communications."
The joint demonstration will be on display at the Coherent Solutions booth #3247.
About Coherent Solutions
Coherent Solutions combine extensive knowledge and experience with agile R&D teams to bring you highly advanced OEM and ODM solutions. The company specializes in coherent optical communication test and measurement instruments from signal generation to characterization. For further information, visit www.coherent-solutions.com
About Teledyne LeCroy
Teledyne LeCroy is a leading manufacturer of advanced oscilloscopes, protocol analyzers, and other test instruments that verify performance, validate compliance, and debug complex electronic systems quickly and thoroughly. Since its founding in 1964, the Company has focused on incorporating powerful tools into innovative products that enhance "Time-to-Insight". Faster time to insight enables users to rapidly find and fix defects in complex electronic systems, dramatically improving time-to-market for a wide variety of applications and end markets. Teledyne LeCroy is based in Chestnut Ridge, N.Y. For more information, visit Teledyne LeCroy's website at teledynelecroy.com.
2017 by Teledyne LeCroy. All rights reserved. Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Media contact: Hilary Lustig, Teledyne LeCroy (845) 578 6120 Editors' Technical contact: Patrick Connally, Product Marketing Manager (845) 425-2000 Customer contact: Teledyne LeCroy Customer Care Center (800) 553-2769 Website: teledynelecroy.com
SOURCE Teledyne LeCroy
Related Links
http://teledynelecroy.com
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Advertising Research Foundation (thearf.org) is proud to announce the winners for The ARF David Ogilvy Awards.
The ARF David Ogilvy Awards stand for creative approaches to analytics, to consumer insight approaches, and to leading innovative partnerships with the entire creative team. It was David Ogilvy who famously said, "As far as I know, I'm the only creative genius who started in research."
This year's winners embody that ethos with a range of outstanding market research that enabled creative excellence. They were chosen over days of spirited judging by juries of the industry's brightest stars. "The David Ogilvy Awards celebrate the new magicians, those who make visible the drama in the infinite data points," said Jimmie Stone, CCO, Edelman and ARF David Ogilvy Grand Jury Judge.
Winners were announced at The ARF David Ogilvy Awards Gala on March 20, 2017, in New York City, a highlight of The ARF 63rd Annual Conference 2017.
GRAND WINNER: "Take on TJ" Nike
BIG DATA Gold: "Make America Number One" Cambridge Analytica
CROSS-PLATFORM Gold: "Welcome to Johnsonville, Wisconsin" Johnsonville Sausage
IMPACT ON THE WORLD Gold: "TV Doctors of America" Cigna
MOBILE Gold: "Distant Memory" Advil
NEW AUDIENCES Gold: "Climb On" Coors Light
REINVENTING TRADITIONAL MEDIA Gold: "Beautiful, Naturally Mobile Studio" Garnet Hill
SOCIAL MEDIA Gold: "Take on TJ" Nike
TRANSFORMATION Gold: "Healthmetre" Turkcell
The full list of The ARF David Ogilvy Awards winners can be accessed through our website: http://thearf.org/2017-arf-david-ogilvy-awards/winners/
About The ARF:
The ARF is an organization dedicated to creating, curating, and sharing objective, industry-level advertising research. We empower members with original, unbiased research and insights to help them grow their businesses. Founded nearly 80 years ago, The ARF's members today include more than 400 leading brand advertisers, agencies, research firms, and media-tech companies. It hosts several key events throughout the year to drive connections and innovations within the industry. http://thearf.org/
Media Contact:
Touseef Mirza, CMO
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 646-465-5741
SOURCE The Advertising Research Foundation
Related Links
http://thearf.org
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) founder Robyn Rihanna Fenty announced today that the third annual Diamond Ball will be held on Thursday, September 14th for the first time in New York City. The black-tie benefit will take place at Cipriani Wall Street. Returning for the third time since launching in 2014, the Diamond Ball raises money to support CLF's trailblazing education, health and emergency response programs around the world.
"New York always offers the perfect backdrop for an amazing event, which is why I am thrilled to have the Diamond Ball there," said Robyn Rihanna Fenty. "It's a great way to celebrate the Clara Lionel Foundation's accomplishments as well as bring awareness to our mission globally. I know it'll be a night to remember!"
Chopard is proudly the event's first presenting partner. Past Diamond Balls featured live performances by Rihanna and Lionel Richie as well as hosts and speakers like Kevin Hart and Brad Pitt. The gala unites hundreds of guests in a call to action to fight against inequality, injustice and poverty.
The Clara Lionel Foundation funds innovative global education projects and scholarships, healthcare and emergency response programs and local micro grants. Rihanna received the 2017 Humanitarian of The Year Award by The Harvard Foundation, recognizing her longtime commitment to philanthropy and the burgeoning impact of CLF's initiatives.
For Diamond Ball sponsor and table inquiries, please email: [email protected].
About The Clara Lionel Foundation
The Clara Lionel Foundation (CLF) was founded in 2012 by Robyn "Rihanna" Fenty in honor of her grandparents, Clara and Lionel Braithwaite. CLF supports and funds groundbreaking and effective education, health and emergency response programs around the world. With the voices of Rihanna and her fans, CLF also engages in global advocacy with the goal of improving the quality of life for young people everywhere. Current programs include the Clara Lionel Foundation Global Scholarship Program, the Clara Braithwaite Center for Oncology and Nuclear Medicine at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Barbados and the Barbados Micro Grants Program. For more information, visit www.claralionelfoundation.org and follow updates on Instagram and Twitter at @ClaraLionelFdn.
Media Contact:
Chanel Cathey
Hunt & Gather
[email protected]
646-790-1605
SOURCE Clara Lionel Foundation
Related Links
http://www.claralionelfoundation.org
SAN FRANCISCO, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Students Rising Above (SRA), one of the nation's most successful college completion and workforce entry programs, today announced that it has received a $500,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation to expand its online platform for low-income, first-generation college students.
SRA received the award to expand its SRA College2Careers Hub, an online community that helps more than 10,000 low-income, first-generation students manage college and launch their careers. Since the Hub was created in 2014, 45 Bay Area high schools, nonprofits and after school programs have partnered with SRA to advise students and help them navigate the college experience.
The Foundation grant will enable SRA to reach more students through the Hub by forming new partnerships with high schools, community colleges and four-year universities in California. The award will also allow SRA to create additional resources, information and tools to facilitate college completion and help low-income, first-generation students overcome the significant challenges they often face going to college.
"Students Rising Above is honored to have received this grant from The James Irvine Foundation," said SRA Executive Director Carolina Martin. "We share the Foundation's commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty in California by helping more students get into college, through college and into a career ladder job. With this grant, SRA will be able to expand the Hub to tens of thousands of additional students at high schools, community colleges and four-year universities in California. This is a breakthrough moment for the student population we serve and for Students Rising Above."
The James Irvine Foundation is a private, nonprofit grantmaking foundation dedicated to creating opportunity for Californians. The Foundation's grantmaking focuses on expanding economic and political opportunity for families and young adults who are working, but are struggling with poverty. Since 1937, the Foundation has provided over $1.5 billion in grants to more than 3,600 nonprofit organizations in California.
SRA is one of 10 organizations that received funding last week from the Foundation and is part of its new Postsecondary Success Initiative. The postsecondary program is intended to create partnerships with high schools and colleges to facilitate success in high school and postsecondary education.
Free to students, the Hub provides a unique set of student services, which include:
One-to-one advising from a professionally trained online advisor. Students often get real-time answers to questions, but responses no later than 24 hours.
An extensive resource center that answers virtually every question about college, from how to complete a financial aid form to dealing with a difficult roommate.
Automated templates for creating letters of recommendation, a personal budget, as well as templates for resumes, cover letters and thank you letters.
An online-community that enables students to chat with other students and exchange ideas.
For more information about the Hub, contact Vanessa Barbic,
[email protected].
About Students Rising Above
Students Rising Above (SRA) is an award-winning nonprofit organization that enables low-income, first-generation college students to attend a four-year college and secure a career-ladder job. SRA provides personal guidance and mentoring, internships and career guidance, and financial support from college application, through graduation and into the workforce. A 501(c)3, SRA is funded by individual donations, and grants and contributions from corporations, foundations, and other nonprofit organizations. Ninety percent of SRA students complete bachelor's degrees in 4.5 years, and 87% of SRA graduates are in career-ladder jobs or attending graduate school within 12 months of college graduation. For more information or to apply to the program, visit www.studentsrisingabove.org.
SOURCE Students Rising Above
Related Links
http://www.studentsrisingabove.org
IRVING, Texas, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The LaSalle Group, Inc., a national leader in memory care assisted living, has announced a new partnership with National Health Investors, Inc. (NYSE: NHI), a leading healthcare industry real estate investment trust.
The relationship initially involves the sale and leaseback of five of LaSalle's Autumn Leaves communities for a 15-year term with renewal options. The partnership allows both companies to jointly pursue new and future growth opportunities, while enhancing the quality of care and level of services LaSalle provides to those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia through its network of 50 Autumn Leaves communities in nine states.
"We are extremely pleased to partner with NHI, which brings the expertise and resources of a like-minded capital partner in the healthcare sector to our successful develop-design-build-operate business model," said Mitchell W. Warren, LaSalle's Chairman, CEO, and Co-Owner. "With LaSalle retaining management oversight and a financial connection to the communities, we will ensure there will be no operational changes at the community level. Our residents and their families can continue to rely on the expert individualized care and family-focused compassion that are the hallmarks of the Autumn Leaves brand."
The recapitalization, which closed on March 15, includes two Dallas-Fort Worth Autumn Leaves communities (Autumn Leaves of Arlington and Rockwall), and three Chicagoland locations (Autumn Leaves of Bolingbrook, Crystal Lake, and South Barrington). Warren added, "We look forward to expanding our relationship with NHI, as we continue to meet the objectives of all of our partners."
About The LaSalle Group, Inc.
Family-owned-and-operated since 1990, The LaSalle Group, Inc. develops, designs, builds, manages, and owns 50 Autumn Leaves memory care assisted living communities designed specifically for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. For more information about its business lines, services, current projects, and investment opportunities, visit www.LaSalleGroup.com or call 800-452-7255.
SOURCE The LaSalle Group, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.lasallegroup.com
LONDON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The South African Paint Industry:
The South African paint industry, valued at between R11.5bn and R12bn per annum, has undergone a shift towards the increased usage of technology and mechanisation in the last five years. The industry supports a value chain worth R150bn, employs approximately 10,000 people and is an essential supplier to the construction and manufacturing sectors as many products cannot be sold without a protective coating.
A Well-Represented Sector:
The South African Paint Manufacturers Association (SAPMA) has more than 200 members and approximately 680 retail outlet members, representing paint manufacturers, raw material and services suppliers, paint retailers and painting contractors. Regulatory issues, especially those related to environmental protection are important to the trade association which intends introducing its own labelling system after it was unable to reach agreement on new standards for the industry with the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS). Also of importance is the application for increased tariffs on imported paint products as the local paint market, the largest in Africa, is beginning to experience the impact of increased volumes of cheaper imports often from markets where there are no quality compliance regulations.
Report Coverage:
The South African Paint Industry examines current conditions, regulatory issues and factors influencing the success of the local manufacturing and retail sector. The report profiles 20 companies, including the three major manufacturers, Becker Industrial Coatings, a global industrial coatings company, ICI Dulux, a subsidiary of AkzoNobel which operates locally under the brand name Dulux, and Jotun Paints SA which produces and sells decorative paints and performance coatings. Also profiled is Kansai Plascon Africa which announced in February 2017 that it will acquire 100% of the operations of paint distributor, Sadolin Paint in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar and Burundi. The company currently exports paint from South Africa to ten other African countries, and has stated its intention of becoming Africa's fastest growing coatings company.
Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4754996/
About Reportbuyer
Reportbuyer is a leading industry intelligence solution that provides all market research reports from top publishers
http://www.reportbuyer.com
For more information:
Sarah Smith
Research Advisor at Reportbuyer.com
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +44 208 816 85 48
Website: www.reportbuyer.com
SOURCE ReportBuyer
Related Links
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The Pink Star was initially mined by De Beers in 1999 in Botswana. 132.5 carats as a rough diamond, The Pink Star was cut and polished over a period of two years into a remarkably large, oval-cut diamond.
The Pink Star is graded as a Type IIa, a rarity for any pink diamond, and is the largest Internally Flawless Fancy Vivid Pink diamond ever graded by the Gemological Institute of America.
This will not be the first time The Pink Star has seen the auction floor. In November 2013, The Pink Star was sold for $83.2 million at the Geneva diamond auction to New York-based buyer, Isaac Wolf. However, the sale fell through after Wolf and his investors defaulted on payment.
Sotheby's confirmed the sale's failure in its 2014 annual report and has since held the diamond in inventory at a value of $72 million.
"At a time of unprecedented demand for the finest in colored diamonds, I am delighted to be bringing this magnificent stone back to the market," David Bennett, worldwide chairman of Sotheby's Jewellery Division, said in a statement.
The Pink Star will be the most valuable polished diamond ever offered at auction, replacing the 24.78 carat "Graff Pink" diamond, which is half the size of The Pink Star and sold for $46.2 million in 2010.
Sotheby's will be placing The Pink Star on display from March 29 to April 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre prior to the diamond auction.
ABOUT PARAGON INTERNATIONAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT INC.
Paragon International Wealth Management is a leader in the acquisition and management of fancy colored diamonds. In recent years, fancy colored diamonds have shown higher profit margins compared to other hard asset investment vehicles. Paragon International Wealth Management is committed to offering its clients unparalleled advice and guidance in assembling a successful hard asset investment portfolio.
SOURCE Paragon International Wealth Management Inc.
(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130912/638839 )
Meet Newgen experts to learn more about Newgen's configurable, unified platform that seamlessly integrates with core banking systems and other applications to provide a multi-channel on-boarding experience to every bank's customer. Banks can use this platform to cater to multiple line of businesses including customer on-boarding (online account opening), retail and commercial lending, commercial and institutional loan (C&I), commercial real estate loan (CRE), small business administration (SBA) loan and Trade Finance.
Speaking on this participation, Mr. Anand Raman, Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Newgen Software Inc. said, "The conference is a great platform for banking stakeholders across the region to understand the major challenges that retail bankers are facing today and technologies that can address these challenges."
He added, "The industry is reshaping today's customer experience. Organizations aim to transform the journey of a customer, understand their pain points and create strategies around these to achieve excellence in customer experience. Our solutions allow them to do exactly that by connecting systems, processes, people and things of their business."
Newgen's Banking solutions are built on a core BPM framework that makes the solution adaptable and scalable as per future industry requirements.
This year, Retail Banking 2017 Conference will feature an impressive faculty comprised of banks' presidents and CEOs who have been creating customer-centric cultures and turning their institutions around. The conference will provide banks with a platform to discuss topics such as vendor relationships and niche technologies to attract next generation customers. Banking industry leaders, premier vendors and technology providers are expected to attend this event and attendees can participate in knowledge exchange and networking.
About Newgen Software Inc.
Newgen Software Inc. is a global leader in banking process automation with more than 200 leading banks and financial services institutions as its clients. Newgen's banking process management framework automates critical business processes for banking institutions across commercial lending, consumer lending, customer on-boarding, online account opening, trade finance, digital and mobile customer experience strategy. Newgen offers flexible on-premise and cloud-based solutions to its banking customers.
Visit http://www.newgensoft.com/ for more information.
Media Contact:
Asif Khan
[email protected]
SOURCE Newgen Software Inc.
NORTH READING, Mass., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- TraceLink Inc., the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the Life Sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace, today announced that the Pharmacy at Trillium Health selected the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud to comply with the U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) regulations for pharmacies and ensure the delivery of safe medicines to patients.
Trillium Health, headquartered in Rochester, New York, was formed in 2010 as a result of the merger of AIDS Community Health Center and AIDS Rochester, to provide integrated, personalized primary and specialty medical care to people from diverse communities. Trillium Health extends services and programs into the community through education, support, and direct access to treatment with onsite pharmacies.
The World Health Organization estimates that between 1% and 10% of drugs sold around the world are counterfeit, with that number reaching as high as 50% in some countries. In 2013, DSCSA was signed into U.S. law to combat counterfeit drugs and ensure patient safety by enabling verification of pharmaceutical products, improving the detection of suspect ones, and facilitating product recalls. By 2020, all hospital, retail and individual pharmacies must comply with DSCSA serialization regulations, only buying or selling prescription drug products with a unique product identifier on each package.
"As a provider of affordable, accessible and quality health care for our community, we fully support DSCSA and are committed to ensuring the delivery of safe medicine to our patients," said Mark J. Malahosky, R.Ph., BPharm, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Trillium Health. "In order to prepare for the upcoming serialization regulations for pharmacies, we chose TraceLink's solution to enable us to cost-effectively comply with DSCSA and connect directly to our wholesale partners."
"The DSCSA law introduces complexities for health systems and pharmacies right out of the gate and requires an increasingly digital state over time for hospitals and health networks. Trillium's dedication to delivering comprehensive primary and specialty care, in parallel with TraceLink's own mission of protecting patients and enabling quality health care, forms a shared vision that ensures compliance and patient safety," said Shabbir Dahod, president and CEO, TraceLink. "We look forward to working with Trillium Health and assisting them with safeguarding their daily pharmacy operations, allowing their healthcare providers to continue their patient-centric mission."
TraceLink's Product Track solution provides end to end compliance with U.S. Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) tracing and verification regulations for hospitals, pharmacies and health networks. To learn more about how TraceLink can protect pharmacy operations, easily help meet DSCSA requirements and enable a direct connection with thousands of suppliers on the Life Sciences Cloud network, visit http://www.tracelink.com.
About TraceLink
TraceLink is the World's Largest Track and Trace Network for connecting the Life Sciences supply chain and eliminating counterfeit prescription drugs from the global marketplace. Leading businesses trust the TraceLink Life Sciences Cloud to deliver complete global connectivity, visibility and traceability of pharmaceuticals from ingredient to patient. A single point and click connection to the Life Sciences Cloud creates a supply chain control tower that delivers the information, insight and collaboration needed to improve performance and reduce risk across global supply, manufacturing and distribution operations. A winner of numerous industry awards including Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 (ranked number 149 in 2016), the Amazon AWS Global Start-Up Challenge Grand Prize, and the Edison Award for Innovation in Health Management, the Life Sciences Cloud is used by businesses across the globe to meet strategic goals in ensuring global compliance, fighting drug counterfeiting, improving on-time and in-full delivery, protecting product quality and reducing operational cost. For more information on TraceLink and our solutions, visit www.tracelink.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.
TraceLink is funded by Goldman Sachs, FirstMark Capital, Volition Capital and F-Prime Capital.
SOURCE TraceLink
Related Links
http://www.tracelink.com
Dr. Berger-Sweeney became the 22nd president of Trinity College in 2014 after serving four years as Tufts University Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences. At Tufts, she created the vision and set the strategic direction for the university's largest school. Prior to this, she was an associate dean and faculty member at Wellesley College, where she also served as the director of the neuroscience program.
Dr. Berger-Sweeney received an undergraduate degree in psychobiology from Wellesley College and an M.P.H. in environmental health sciences from the University of California, Berkeley. She has a Ph.D. in neurotoxicology from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, where she did the proof-of-concept work on Razadyne, the second-most-used Alzheimer's drug in the world. Her postdoctoral training was at the National Institute of Health (INSERM) in Paris, France. Dr. Berger-Sweeney is the recipient of numerous awards and honors, including the 2006 Lifetime Mentoring Award from the Society for Neuroscience and the National Science Foundation Young Investigator Award.
Dr. Berger-Sweeney currently serves on many boards in the Hartford region, including MetroHartford Alliance; Hartford HealthCare; the Connecticut Conference of Independent Colleges; the Hartford Consortium for Higher Education; and the Capital Region Development Authority. She is a corporator of Hartford Hospital, a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society (IBNS), and a member of the Committee on Committees of the Society for Neuroscience. Dr. Berger-Sweeney has been a member of the Behavioral Neuroscience Review Panel of the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Study Section panel, and the editorial board of Behavioral Neuroscience.
A private, not-for-profit research and education institution, CSHL is governed by a Board of Trustees representing the business and scientific communities. Officers include: Chairman Jamie C. Nicholls; Vice-Chairman Marilyn H. Simons, Ph.D.; Vice-Chairman Robert D. Lindsay; Treasurer Leo A. Guthart; Secretary Paul J. Taubman; President Bruce Stillman, Ph.D.; and Chief Operating Officer W. Dillaway Ayres, Jr.
About Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Founded in 1890, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has shaped contemporary biomedical research and education with programs in cancer, neuroscience, plant biology and quantitative biology. Home to eight Nobel Prize winners, the private, not-for-profit laboratory employs 1,100 people including 600 scientists, students and technicians. The Meetings & Courses Program hosts more than 12,000 scientists from around the world each year on its campuses in Long Island and in Suzhou, China. The Laboratory's education arm also includes an academic publishing house, a graduate school and programs for middle and high school students and teachers. For more information, visit www.cshl.edu.
SOURCE Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Related Links
http://www.cshl.edu
PARAMUS, N.J., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Two-fifths (42.9%) of all higher education inquiries were for health programs in 2016, according to the Sparkroom 2016 Year-End Higher Education Inquiry Generation Review. This share of volume was up 4.2% in comparison to 2015, but the conversion rate for health programs slipped 7.4% year over year.
When ranked by 2016 share of volume, healthcare programs were visibly dominant. Six health programs held a spot in the top ten program list:
Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN)
Medical/Clinical Assistant
Medical Insurance Coding Specialist/Coder
Medical Office Assistant/Specialist
Health/Health Care Administration/Management
Psychology, General
The top health program, Nursing/Registered Nurse (RN, ASN, BSN, MSN), accounted for one-tenth of all prospective student information requests in 2016. This was 8.5% higher than in 2015. However, the conversion rate, which indicates the percentage of prospective students that apply to or enroll in a program, slipped for nursing programs. At 7.0% in 2016, it was down 29.9% year over year.
Business Administration and Management, General was the program that generated the most student inquiries in 2016. Nevertheless, this program's 11.2% share of voice was down 19.7% year over year. Contrary to the top health program, the conversion rate for the business administration program grew considerably. Averaging 9.2% in 2016, the conversion rate was up 28.9% over the prior year's performance.
Overall, inquiry volume for prospective students seeking more information about higher education programs rose 2.4% in 2016 in comparison to 2015, according to Sparkroom data. The incremental inquiries were for online programs. Online lead volume was ahead 9.4% year over year compared to a 2.1% year-over-year drop in inquiries for campus-based programs.
The Sparkroom 2016 Year-End Higher Education Inquiry Generation Review covers overall trends in the inquiry generation and student acquisition activities of higher education institutions for the period of January-December 2016. The report publishes statistics related to inquiry volume, conversion rates, marketing channel performance, program share of volume and degree-level distribution. The data within the report is derived from the higher education global, aggregate inquiry data processed through and stored within Sparkroom performance marketing technology. The report can be downloaded at Sparkroom.com/resources.
About Sparkroom
Through the deployment of award-winning technology and services, Sparkroom helps higher education marketers rapidly grow their enrollment volume. Sparkroom marketing technology and services address the full student lifecycle, with a focus on delivering higher-quality prospects and better conversion rates. Sparkroom performance marketing technology integrates campaign data, automates processes based on performance and provides holistic, cross-channel attribution reporting and analytics. Sparkroom enrollment marketing services include demand generation and student recruitment support to manage cross-channel marketing campaigns from strategy to execution to optimization and beyond. Sparkroom enrollment management solutions, inclusive of enrollment management consulting and short-term OPM engagements, layer on operational services for institutions in need of end-to-end support. Because Sparkroom technology and services streamline college marketing and operations efforts, higher education marketers trust Sparkroom to fast track their recruitment success. To learn more about Sparkroom, go to sparkroom.com. Sparkroom is owned by Digital Media Solutions (DMS). To learn more about DMS, go to thedmsgrp.com.
Photo(s):
https://www.prlog.org/12627862
Press release distributed by PRLog
SOURCE Sparkroom
U-Haul Moving & Storage of Castle Rock will be built on the 11.36-acre property. Plans call for truck and trailer rentals, towing equipment, climate-controlled self-storage, moving supplies, professional hitch installation and a 5,000-square-foot U-Box portable moving and self-storage container warehouse.
"This property acquisition will give Douglas County a premium do-it-yourself moving option," said Christopher Lambert, U-Haul Company of East Central Colorado president. "Residents in this community were having to drive 20 miles north to Denver, or 40 miles south to Colorado Springs, to have access to U-Haul products and services. Now they will have the convenience of a company location in town."
Lambert said U-Haul will look to hire locally for the facility to promote job growth within the Castle Rock community. When the location is fully operational, he expects to employ at least 15 Team Members. U-Haul always encourages local contractors to bid on construction work.
"The Castle Rock and Douglas County areas have been some of the most consistently growing communities in Colorado," Lambert said. "We have been looking for ways to reach these under-serviced customers and we finally have a great plan to meet their needs."
Until the new store opens, customers can have their truck and trailer rental needs met at any U-Haul neighborhood dealer in the area. Find a location near you at uhaul.com/locations or contact Reservations at 1-800-GO-UHAUL.
To learn more about U-Haul in the news and in your community, visit myuhaulstory.com.
Contact:
Andrea Batchelor
Jeff Lockridge
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 602-263-6981
Website: uhaul.com
SOURCE U-Haul
MUNICH and BOCA RATON, Fla., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Continuing its mission to deliver open solutions to customers, Unify, the Atos brand for communications software and services, today announced that its OpenScape Desk Phone CP family has successfully completed compatibility testing with the BroadSoft Business BroadWorks call control platform. Customers can now be assured that they can leverage the high-quality OpenScape Desk Phone CP Family, even if they are not currently using a Unify telephony platform.
The OpenScape Desk Phone CP family includes a range of high-quality phones delivering superior voice quality, energy efficiency, security and availability. The phones offer an intuitive design aimed at improving productivity with an efficient layout of phone features and numerous interoperability options. Completing interoperability testing on the BroadSoft Business BroadWorks call control platform simplifies deployment of the OpenScape Desk Phone CP family for those customers using that platform.
"The OpenScape Desk Phone CP family is recognized for offering superior desktop phone capabilities, with its intuitive design and ease of management, and there are many customers interested in leveraging the phones within their mixed-vendor communications environment," said Luiz Domingos, Head of Product House, Unify. "Completing this testing provides assurance to those customers using BroadWorks that their Unify phones will perform exceptionally, helping to improve communication and increase user productivity."
BroadSoft conducts testing regarding product interoperability and provides configuration details to customers. Unify's OpenScape Desk Phone models CP200, CP400, and CP600 have successfully completed compatibility tests with BroadSoft.
The OpenScape Desk Phone CP family offers an innovative, intuitive user interface and features Bluetooth connectivity, Near Field Communication (NFC) capabilities and support for Eddystone beacon. They also integrate seamlessly with Circuit, Unify's leading Software as a Service solution.
About Unify
Unify is one of the world's leading communications software and services brands, providing integrated communications and collaboration solutions worldwide. Our customers range in size from 5 employees to 500,000+ employees. Our solutions unify multiple voice, video and data networks, connected devices and applications into one easy-to-use platform that allows teams to collaborate effectively and efficiently anytime, anywhere. The result is a transformation of how the enterprise communicates and collaborates that amplifies collective effort, energizes the business, improves employee satisfaction and enhances business performance. Unify has a strong heritage of product reliability, innovation, open standards and security. Our OpenScape and Circuit communications solutions provide a seamless and efficient collaboration experience on any device. Together, the group's global team of UCC experts and service professionals set the standard for a rich communications and collaboration experience that empowers teams to deliver better results. Unify is an Atos company.
About Atos
Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is a leader in digital transformation with circa 100,000 employees in 72 countries and pro forma annual revenue of circa 12 billion. Serving a global client base, the Group is the European leader in Big Data, Cybersecurity, Digital Workplace and provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, the Group supports the digital transformation of its clients across different business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications, and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and is listed on the Euronext Paris market. Atos operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline.
About BroadSoft
BroadSoft is the technology innovator in cloud communications, collaboration, and contact center solutions for businesses and service providers across 80 countries. We are the market share leader for cloud unified communications with an open, mobile and secure platform trusted by 25 of the world's top 30 service providers by revenue. Our BroadSoft Business application suite empowers users and teams to share ideas and work simply to achieve breakthrough performance. For additional information, visit www.BroadSoft.com.
SOURCE Unify
Related Links
http://www.unify.com
"USAHS is excited to relaunch our Residency and Fellowship programs," said Dr. Wanda Nitsch, president and chief academic officer, USAHS. "As physical therapy practitioners progress in their career, many want to distinguish themselves from other clinicians. Our residency, fellowship and continuing professional education programs provide a strong pathway for physical therapists to identify and master a specialty practice area through guidance, mentorship from seasoned clinicians and a focused curriculum with advanced clinical and didactic instruction."
Through the USAHS programs, both residents and fellows-in-training will participate in unique mentoring sessions, guest speakers and didactic work with distinguished USAHS faculty and experts, including USAHS founder and manual therapy expert, Dr. Stanley Paris.
About the USAHS Clinical Orthopaedic Residency Program:
The USAHS Orthopaedic Physical Therapy Residency program is designed to produce clinicians who demonstrate superior post-professional clinical skills, advanced knowledge in clinical practice, and ability to function as consultants, advocates, and educators of their patients and clinics. The program is accredited by the American Board of Physical Therapy Residency & Fellowship Education (ABPTRFE) and can be completed anywhere in the U.S. This 12 26 month program combines clinical mentoring in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy with seminars and online learning. Graduates of this program will be eligible to sit for the ABPTS OCS Board Exam, as well as be eligible for a Fellowship program.
About the Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship Program:
The USAHS Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship program offers practicing physical therapists the opportunity to enhance their manual physical therapy skills through a focused curriculum with advanced clinical and didactic instruction that is intensive and extensive. Fellows-in-training participate in a mentored process of learning which advances clinical specialty skills for both psychomotor and didactic learning. Fellowship graduates are trained for leadership positions, such as teaching orthopaedic manual physical therapy and undertaking clinical research.
The ABPTRFE accredited Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Fellowship is a 12-36 month program that combines clinical mentoring in Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy with seminars and online learning. Graduates of this program are eligible to become fellows of the American Academy of the Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (AAOMPT).
In addition, participants can also earn academic credit toward the university's transitional Doctor of Physical Therapy and Doctor of Education programs.
"At a time when many of my peers are feeling stale in their career, mine feels like it's just begun!," said Dr. Maria Ijomanta, a 2011 USAHS Orthopaedic Manual Therapy fellow. "The program content is so rich; I can now see myself venturing into research, teaching, mentoring, and more! This is where I want to be, and this is what I had hoped for."
For more information on the USAHS Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapy Fellowship and Clinical Orthopaedic Residency Programs or to apply, please visit usa.edu, call 1.800.241.1027, extension 1201 or email [email protected]
About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS)
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing, education and health science, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS has locations in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine, Florida; Austin, Texas; and Miami, Florida. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior College and University Commission. USAHS is one of more than 70 institutions in 25 countries that comprise the Laureate International Universities network. For more information about USAHS visit www.usa.edu.
SOURCE University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
Related Links
https://www.usa.edu
WASHINGTON, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- URAC, the independent leader in promoting healthcare quality through accreditation, certification and measurement, is proud to announce that Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. (PSI) has earned URAC accreditation in Specialty Pharmacy, 3.0 Accreditation Program. By achieving this status, PSI has demonstrated a comprehensive commitment to quality care, improved processes and better patient outcomes.
Located in Bogart, Georgia and part of the Maxor family of companies, Pharmaceutical Specialties is a leading pharmacy specializing in pulmonary medicine including cystic fibrosis and bronchiectasis, endocrine therapies including growth hormone, and GI medicine including Hepatitis C and Crohn's disease.
URAC is an independent accrediting body with a mission to promote continuous improvement in the quality and efficiency of healthcare management through processes of accreditation, education, and measurement. URAC's accreditation is an "evaluative, rigorous, transparent, and comprehensive process in which a health care organization undergoes an examination of its systems, processes, and performance by an impartial external organization (accrediting body) to ensure that it is conducting business in a manner that meets predetermined criteria and is consistent with national standards." www.urac.org
PSI's URAC accreditation illustrates Maxor's ongoing commitment to providing quality specialized clinical services to patients. The URAC accreditation process demonstrates a commitment to quality services and serves as a framework to improve business processes through benchmarking organizations against nationally recognized standards.
"Full accreditation is a certification of the quality high-touch clinical services and conscientious patient support which have generated trust and loyalty from numerous prescribers, clinics, treatment centers, and most of all our wonderful patients," said Keith Sledge, President and Founder of PSI.
"Receiving URAC accreditation validates our focus and commitment to providing quality clinical programs and services to the national standards for a Specialty Pharmacy," said Mike Ellis, RPh, CEO of Maxor.
"It's necessary for specialty pharmacies to provide a higher level of treatment for patients so desired outcomes are achieved. Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. shows a dedication to patient education and safety through the recognition of quality it received with URAC's independent accreditation," said URAC President and CEO Kylanne Green. "With URAC accreditation, people know that Pharmaceutical Specialties, Inc. strives to adhere to industry best practices."
About Maxor
PSI is part of the Maxor family of companies. Established in 1926, Maxor is a leading pharmacy services platform that consists of three primary business segments: (i) Pharmaceutical Specialties, Maxor Specialty and IV Solutions, providing specialty pharmacy, respiratory, and home infusion services; accredited by URAC, the Accreditation Commission for Health Care and by The Joint Commission, respectively; (ii) MaxorPlus, providing client and patient-focused URAC accredited pharmacy benefit management (PBM) services with desired clinical outcomes; and (iii) Maxor Pharmacy Management and Consulting Services, providing on-site outpatient pharmacy management, 340B audits, and consulting services to hospitals, health systems, Federally Qualified Health Plans, DSH hospitals, and self-funded employer groups.
These segments offer complementary services that aim to improve the health of patients and efficiently manage pharmacy expenditures for Maxor's patients and clients. More information on Maxor can be found by visiting www.maxor.com.
About URAC
Founded in 1990, URAC is the independent leader in promoting health care quality through accreditation, certification, education, and measurement. URAC is a nonprofit organization developing evidence-based measures and standards through inclusive engagement with a range of stakeholders committed to improving the quality of health care. Our portfolio of accreditation and certification programs span the health care industry, addressing health care management, health care operations, health plans, pharmacies, telehealth providers, physician practices, and more. URAC accreditation is a symbol of excellence for organizations to show-case their validated commitment to quality and accountability.
SOURCE Maxor
Related Links
http://www.maxor.com
"Travelers in the Houston region enjoy a growing number of destinations and quality carriers, both for business and pleasure," said Molly Waits, Director of Air Service Development for the Houston Airport System. "The return of seasonal service by Vacation Express expands the options in the leisure travel market for Houston travelers and we are happy to have Vacation Express as part of the family of quality air carriers serving the growing numbers at George Bush Intercontinental Airport."
These flights begin just in time for Memorial Day Weekend, giving families and couples alike the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of summer by relaxing in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
Flights will be operated by Swift Air, LLC. on a Boeing 737 aircraft. The value-packed flights will enable travelers to sit back and relax while enjoying a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage and snack. Each traveler will be permitted one free carry-on bag and the option to purchase add-ons like Preferred Seating starting at $20 or Elite Plus starting at $39 each way and can bundle options which include checked luggage for the best value.
Travelers can purchase roundtrip airfare, but most are booking 6-night packages with air and staying at all-inclusive resorts starting at $799* in Punta Cana, with kids under 12 staying free at some resorts. Packages to this destination can be booked online at VACATIONEXPRESS.com, by calling 1-800-309-4717 or through a local travel agent.
About the Houston Airport System
Houston Airports served more than 54.5 million passengers in 2016. Houston's three airports George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) contribute more than $27.5 billion to the regional economy. IAH and HOU collectively provide nonstop flights to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. For more information, visit fly2houston.com. Get social with Houston Airports by following us on Twitter @IAH and @HobbyAirport.
About Vacation Express:
Based in Atlanta, Vacation Express, part of Sunwing Travel Group, is a tour operator specializing in quality, affordable vacation packages to over 30 destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico and Costa Rica and most recently, Cuba! Now in business for over 25 years, Vacation Express is one of the country's largest and most trusted tour operators. Travelers looking for the most affordable, all-inclusive vacations may book Vacation Express' exclusive, non-stop packages through their travel agent, directly by phone seven days a week at 1-800-309-4717 or online at VACATIONEXPRESS.com. Exclusive charter flights are operated by Swift Air, LLC. See operator/participant agreement for details.
Additional Notes: Kid's offer based on one child per full paying guest and offered on select departures only; qualifying ages and maximum number of kids vary by resort and apply to hotel cost only. Airfare, transfers & booking fees not included.*Flight only price based on lowest season travel. Package price reflects hotels that feature all-inclusive plans. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Advertised prices available for bookings made electronically or through your travel agent; small service fee of $10 applies when booking through Vacation Express Call Center. For full terms and conditions, hotel and description of all services, please refer to the Vacation Express 2017 Brochure, www.vacationexpress.com or call 1.800.309.4717. Vacation Express now accepts debit cards that offer the same consumer protection as credit cards. See operator/participant agreement for details. Public charter flights are operated by Swift Air, LLC. All flights subject to DOT approval. Packages are limited and subject to change without prior notice. Airfares are per person, reflect lowest available airfare at time of printing, are subject to change and based upon availability of class of service. Mandatory $10 Tourist Card must be purchased upon arrival to Punta Cana and is not included in above airfare or package prices. Book by 5/19/17. Not responsible for errors or omissions. Registered Florida seller of travel no. St 38441. State of California Seller of Travel Certificate of Registration #2107538-40.
SOURCE Houston Airport System
NEW YORK, March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vericred, a healthcare data services company, announced today that it will provide qualified non-commercial researchers across the country access to new high-value health insurance datasets, at no cost, with the goal of enabling analysis and insights into the health insurance market. This work was made possible with support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF).
The newly available datasets are comprised of Vericred's proprietary provider-network and formulary data. Vericred's provider-network data represents hundreds of millions of plan-provider relationships with details on which doctors and facilities participate in specific networks, bringing transparency to the network component. The formulary dataset provides information on which drugs are covered by which plans in addition to their tier level and restrictions.
"The network and formulary datasets add important depth to what is currently available to researchers, providing endless potential for analysis and new understanding of how the health insurance market is evolving," said Katherine Hempstead, senior adviser at the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
"Vericred shares the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's goal of increased transparency across all sectors of healthcare," explains Michael Levin, Vericred's co-founder and CEO. "These datasets will enable researchers to investigate aspects of health insurance that would otherwise be impractical if not impossible to do. We look forward to seeing research results that come from this initiative."
Many analysts have already used these data, including government agencies, academic researchers, and analysts from the private sector. Just recently, University of Pennsylvania's Leonard Davis Institute for Health Economics performed a study using Vericred's network data to analyze the "narrowness" of regional provider-networks. The study provided invaluable insights into geographic shifts toward narrow networks, something that might not have been possible without the data. Through this initiative, however, Vericred and RWJF hope to introduce these data resources to a wider community of researchers.
Researchers with non-commercial interests can apply for access using an online form at Vericred.com/researchers.
About Vericred:
Vericred (www.vericred.com) is a healthcare data services company whose health insurance data platform enables innovative solutions in healthcare. Its platform, comprised of plan design and rate data, provider-network data and formulary data, offers a solution to an industry plagued by highly fragmented, rapidly changing data that currently exists in non-standard and non-structured formats. Vericred aggregates data from thousands of sources, which it then normalizes, structures and delivers through a modern API. Vericred is the only company offering access to all three datasets through a single integration point. Vericred's data solutions benefit companies looking to transform today's healthcare industry though enhanced tools and applications that provide transparency and choice. For more information visit www.vericred.com or interact with us on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
About Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
For more than 40 years the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has worked to improve health and health care. We are working with others to build a national Culture of Health enabling everyone in America to live longer, healthier lives. For more information, visit www.rwjf.org. Follow the Foundation on Twitter at www.rwjf.org/twitter or on Facebook at www.rwjf.org/facebook.
Media Contact:
Gabriella Velez, North 6th Agency
[email protected]
212-334-9753 ext. 137
For high res images, biographies and fact sheets, click here.
SOURCE Vericred
Related Links
http://www.vericred.com
"I'm honored to join an organization that means so much to Jacksonville residents and families in our region," said Ferrara. "I'm eager to begin working with my fellow board members to support RMHC in providing a caring community for parents who visit the Jacksonville area seeking medical care for their children."
As EVP of Operations and Continuous Improvement, Ferrara oversees the overall growth strategy and performance of the operations organization, as well as the company's Continuous Improvement efforts, a key driver of Voya's strategic transformation. She utilizes a results-driven approach to help build high-performing teams and greater collaboration among Voya's ongoing business and support functions. Ferrara is a member of Voya's Executive Committee and also serves on the Board of Directors of Voya Foundation, the company's charitable giving arm.
"I am honored to have Nan join our Board of Directors," said Diane Boyle, Executive Director, RMHC of Jacksonville. "Her experience in operations and financial services are of great value to RMHC, and I look forward to all that Nan will contribute as we further our mission of keeping families together."
Ferrara has more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, having served in various leadership positions at major insurance and financial services corporations prior to joining Voya in 2012. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Hofstra University.
Media Contact:
Nicole Vasile
Voya Financial
Cell: (860) 839-1589
[email protected]
About Voya Financial
Voya Financial, Inc. (NYSE: VOYA), helps Americans plan, invest and protect their savings to get ready to retire better. Serving the financial needs of approximately 13 million individual and institutional customers in the United States, Voya is a Fortune 500 company that had $11 billion in revenue in 2016. The company had $484 billion in total assets under management and administration as of Dec. 31, 2016. With a clear mission to make a secure financial future possible one person, one family, one institution at a time Voya's vision is to be America's Retirement Company. Certified as a "Great Place to Work" by the Great Place to Work Institute, Voya is equally committed to conducting business in a way that is socially, environmentally, economically and ethically responsible and has been recognized as one of the 2016 World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute, and as one of the Top Green Companies in the U.S., by Newsweek magazine. For more information, visit voya.com. Follow Voya Financial on Facebook and Twitter @Voya.
About RMHC of Jacksonville
Since 1988 Ronald McDonald House Charities of Jacksonville has provided a "home away from home" for over 33,000 families who utilize Jacksonville's hospitals and medical facilities for treatment of trauma, premature births, cancer, cardiac conditions and other specialty pediatric diagnoses. RMHC's vision has always been to provide a home community where children and their families embrace life and healing with a sense of hope, enthusiasm, courage and joy. The organization is a licensed chapter of Ronald McDonald House Charities, the global charity of the McDonald's Corporation, focused on creating and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. For more information visit rmhcjacksonville.org.
SOURCE Voya Financial, Inc.
Related Links
http://www.voya.com
BETHESDA, Md., March 21, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Wellness Corporate Solutions (WCS), the award-winning provider of biometric screenings and comprehensive wellness programming, welcomes Melissa Fowler as Vice President of Sales and Marketing, and Nancy Lesch as the Director of Strategy and Engagement.
"Both Melissa and Nancy bring a wealth of talent to WCS," said Fiona Gathright, President and CEO. "With their years of experience and knowledge of our industry, they will be extremely additive to our team and help enhance the services we offer our customers."
Prior to joining WCS, Fowler led sales for the East Region at Omada Health and Virgin Pulse (formerly ShapeUp, Inc.), where she introduced comprehensive wellbeing and high-risk engagement solutions to large employer groups and health systems. In her new role at WCS, she will accelerate growth by expanding strategic relationships within the health and benefits space and building a culture of success and ongoing achievement within the sales and marketing team.
Lesch brings more than 30 years of wellness industry experience to her new role, including work with Envolve Health (formerly LiveHealthier) and CareFirst. Her specialties include product development, strategic consulting and client relationship management. As Director of Strategy and Engagement, Lesch will support WCS clients with innovative ways to drive higher engagement and better outcomes.
Both Fowler and Lesch look forward to leveraging their experience in support of WCS's mission to spread wellness to every workplace.
Wellness Corporate Solutions, LLC (WCS) is a nationwide provider of comprehensive wellness programming and biometric screenings headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland. Since its founding in 2004, WCS has worked with more than 700 public- and private-sector clients, including Fortune 100 companies with more than 150,000 employees. For four consecutive years (2012-2015), WCS was recognized by Inc. Magazine as one of the fastest-growing privately-held companies in the United States. WCS has also been named one of the nation's 50 fastest-growing women-led businesses by Enterprising Women. Learn more at www.wellnesscorporatesolutions.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@CorpWellness), and LinkedIn. Inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
SOURCE Wellness Corporate Solutions
Related Links
http://wellnesscorporatesolutions.com
Free and accessible to all via livestream, What's the Fix? will force the "what's wrong in health care" conversation forward with inspiring, real-life stories from people making change despite the system, not because of it.
WHEN: June 14, 2017
WHERE: Broadcasted live across the nation through Brandlive at The Cambia Grove, with no entrance fee for any attendee
WHY: When you talk to health plans, doctors and especially patients, there's no lack of stress and frustration with our health care industry. This conference provides an opportunity learn how people have control of their health care experience, and inspire real change by showing those with the power how people outside the system are creating lasting change.
WHO SPEAKS: The speakers at What's The Fix? are not CEOs, VPs or scholars; they're everyday people who have turned often horrible health situations into something big and impactful, with the power to change the health care industry and make it better for all people.
This year's speaker lineup includes:
Morgan Gleason : a college student, who at age 15 started using social media to shine a light on how extended hospital stays can hurt a patient's ability to heal. She now uses her experiences to teach other patients to feel empowered and speak up for themselves and others.
a college student, who at age 15 started using social media to shine a light on how extended hospital stays can hurt a patient's ability to heal. She now uses her experiences to teach other patients to feel empowered and speak up for themselves and others. Dana Lewis: a type 1 diabetic, who not only built her own artificial pancreas, but built it open source (known as "OpenAPS"), so that anyone can build one.
a type 1 diabetic, who not only built her own artificial pancreas, but built it open source (known as "OpenAPS"), so that anyone can build one. Beth Lambert: the founder and executive director of Epidemic Answers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the epidemic of chronic illness affecting our youth and helping parents find healing solutions.
the founder and executive director of Epidemic Answers, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about the epidemic of chronic illness affecting our youth and helping parents find healing solutions. Tami Rich: a mother who dove head-first into the health care industry after experiencing the worst that the health care system has to offer while treating her son's congenital heart defect. Tami is now fighting back by consulting health care organizations on quality and family engagement standards.
More speakers to be announced at a later date.
WHO ATTENDS: This conference is for everyone who is interested in fixing health care -- from people who are fed up with the health care system who don't think they have the power to change things, to people who are embedded deep in the industry and can make concrete changes. Anyone from patients and caregivers, to doctors, hospitals, and health plan employees are encouraged to attend and make their own commitments to fix the system.
HOW TO ENGAGE: Use the conference hashtag #WTFix to engage during the event. Before the event, share your stories using the #WhatTheHealthCare hashtag, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or join the community on Facebook.
REGISTER: Register to participate in the Brandlive livestream at: whatsthefix.info
MORE DETAILS:
Earlier this year, HealthSparq issued a call to action and a promise: give us your frustrating, annoying, scary and crazy health care moments via the #WhatTheHealthCare hashtag, and we'll do everything in our power to make sure the rest of the health care world hears you. This conference is the next step in the #WhatTheHealthCare efforts we've seen and heard the stories, we are now going to use them to make change.
"Health care isn't fun to navigate. It feels ineffective and inefficient for anyone and everyone involved. It's not focused on the people that truly need it but that's not news to anyone," said Chief Marketing Officer Burt Rosen. "With What's the Fix? we're elevating the stories of those who have taken it upon themselves to help fix the mess. These people are heroes, and we know that by connecting them with those who have the power to truly change health care, there is an opportunity to make a real difference."
"When our son Jameson was diagnosed at four days old with complex congenital cardiac defects, in a heartbeat, our world turned upside-down," says conference speaker, family advocate, medical mom and ePatient Tami Rich. "Armed with excellent advice from his cardiologist, we set out to raise him with health competence and confidence: Teach him to become his own best advocate, so that one day, he could care for himself to the best of his abilities. I look forward to connecting with other like-minded change agents at What's The Fix?. I'm most excited to see what happens when we join forces, align our values-driven missions and focus together on fixing what's broken in health care."
Follow along and share your perspectives on What's the Fix? with the hashtag #WTFix.
About HealthSparq
At HealthSparq, we help people to make smarter health care choices by partnering with health plans to provide members with cost and quality information about doctors, hospitals and medical services, based on their individual benefits. We put people at the core of everything we do by conducting continuous usability testing, eliciting consumer feedback to enhance product development, hosting industry panels featuring everyday people, and bringing human stories to the forefront through our #WhatTheHealthCare campaign. Using these insights, we create solutions to help people understand and navigate the health care system better than ever before.
Growing since our founding in 2008 from our home in Portland, Oregon, we now serve more than 70 health plans and their 72 million members nationwide. Interested in helping us kick the hell out of health care? Contact us at HealthSparq.com or tweet us @HealthSparq.
SOURCE HealthSparq
Related Links
http://www.healthsparq.com
DeSantis joined Melwood in 2013 and has grown the organization to now employ 1,600 people in Washington, DC and Maryland. The nonprofit provides opportunities and jobs to people with differing abilities, including wounded warriors. Melwood supports children, youth, and adults working and playing how they choose.
One of the ways the organization helps the community is through its Melwood Veterans Services LLC, which assists veterans in their transitions to civilian life. It helps with career exploration, job training, and job support and offers a week-long program known as Operation Tohidu that helps veterans and active-duty military overcome obstacles to their recoveries. That gathering is similar to WWP's multi-day, outdoor, rehabilitative mental health workshops. Both use challenges and educational opportunities to work through symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
"Cari DeSantis' leadership and experience offer incredible benefits to Wounded Warrior Project as we serve warriors around the country," said WWP CEO Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Mike Linnington. "Cari will greatly assist the board of directors in guiding the organization."
Before Melwood, DeSantis served in consulting roles helping government and nonprofit organizations. DeSantis was the Executive Vice President for Public Affairs and Communications for Casey Family Programs Foundation an organization dedicated to helping vulnerable children. She served as Cabinet Secretary for Department of Children, Youth, and Families in Delaware. DeSantis is the recipient of the SmartCEO Magazine's Brava Award, which celebrates high-impact female business leaders, and was recently named one of the Top 100 Women in Maryland. She is also the author of three books, including Of Hope & Charity, which won the 2000 National Independent Publishers Book Award.
WWP's board of directors helps the organization fulfill its mission to honor and empower Wounded Warriors through guidance and leadership. Learn more about the board at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/mission/board-of-directors.
About Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) connects, serves, and empowers wounded warriors. Read more at http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us.
SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project
Related Links
http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
XBAR Fitness was founded by snowboard legend and serial entrepreneur, Damian Sanders. Three years ago, Sanders developed the original XBAR out of the need to incorporate a fitness routine into his busy and demanding lifestyle. With nearly 10,000 XBARs sold and not a single return to date, Sanders once again returned to the drawing board, incorporating many of the requests XBAR fans wanted to see in a new fitness product. Travel-friendly, functional and collapsible, the XBAR | FLYT allows fitness enthusiasts of all levels to workout virtually anywhere at any time.
"The support for XBAR in 2014 was phenomenal," said Sanders. "What better way to launch our next product than to return to the crowdfunding community that so enthusiastically supported us the first time around? We have listened to what our customers want and are so proud to reveal the XBAR | FLYT. With the Kickstarter community's support, we will once again crush our goal and bring this product to market for the holidays this December for our early backers."
Perfect for people who want to make fitness convenient within their lifestyle, the XBAR | FLYT is lightweight and features a quick-lock center link, enabling it to collapse and fit into just about any suitcase, backpack or carry-on. Unique to the XBAR | FLYT is the revolutionary Hex-connect system, allowing users to flow seamlessly from a standing exercise to groundwork. The Hex-connect system eliminates the need for push-up docks, allowing you to sweat more, build muscle quicker and keep your heart rate elevated throughout your workout.
Sanders continued, "Bottom line, what makes the XBAR different from any other fitness tool out there is that it's truly versatile and downright tough. We took a tried and tested workout tool, the curl bar, and re-designed it to do so much more. We've eliminated excuses. There are literally hundreds of workouts you can do with the XBAR | FLYT. Get your workout in any time, any where. It's your move."
Through the Kickstarter campaign, XBAR Fitness seeks to raise funds to begin production for a late 2017 market launch. Early supporters are promised product for the holidays this December. To support XBAR Fitness, purchase an original XBAR, and learn more about XBAR | FLYT, visit https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/xbar/xbar-flyt-travel-friendly-personal-fitness-system. For ongoing updates, follow XBAR Fitness on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
About XBAR Fitness
XBAR Fitness is the brainchild of snowboard icon, Damian Sanders. Developed from the need to incorporate fitness into his busy lifestyle, Sanders and his team have worked from the ground up to make XBAR an iconic fitness brand. The portable home system combines a curl bar, ab slider and doorjamb resistance band system into one easy-to-use fitness product, eliminating the need for additional equipment. Surpassing its initial Kickstarter funding goal in 2014 by 330%, XBAR is recognized as one of the top ten percent of Kickstarter campaigns that delivered rewards to its backers on time. For more information, please visit www.xbar.com.
Media Contact:
Bolt Public Relations
(949) 218-5454
[email protected]
SOURCE XBAR Fitness
Related Links
https://xbar.com
If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this
Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here
New York, March 21st : The World Happiness Report, a list of nations ranked by the United Nations with regard to how happy the country is, was released yesterday pointing fingers to very serious concerns regarding the World today.
The report for 2017 states that Norway is the happiest country on earth, that America is getting increasingly sad and that it takes more than just money to be happy..!
India is among the worlds least happy nations as it ranked 122 out of 155 countries, four places below its previous rank of 118 and way behind its neighbors Pakistan and China - also one among the 10 countries showing steepest happiness decline.
The rankings are determined taking in six factors: the GDP per capita, healthy years of life expectancy, social support (as measured by having someone to count on in times of trouble), trust (as measured by a perceived absence of corruption in government and business), perceived freedom to make life decisions, and generosity (as measured by recent donations). The top 10 countries rank highly on all six factors.
The report is produced by the Sustainable Development Solutions Network, a global initiative launched by the United Nations in 2012 and was edited by John F. Helliwell, Richard Layard, and Jeffrey Sachs.
What works in the Nordic countries (Norway, Sweden etc.) is a sense of community and understanding in the common good, said CEO of the Happiness Institute.
Its the human things that matter. If the riches make it harder to have a frequent and trustworthy relationship between people, is it worth it? asked John Helliwell, the lead author of the report. The material can stand in the way of the human.
Another important conclusion from the report released by UN at an event celebrating International Day of Happiness was the deteriorating Happiness Index of the USA. It moved down one position than last year, to 14th.
Even though the report takes in both economic and social factors, in the case of US, happiness is falling, primarily due to social causes rather than economic. The four social variables considered, all deteriorated over the yearthe US showed less social support, less sense of personal freedom, lower donations, and more perceived corruption of government and business.
"They are all aimed at increasing inequality tax cuts at the top, throwing people off the healthcare rolls, cutting Meals on Wheels in order to raise military spending. I think everything that has been proposed goes in the wrong direction," said Mr. Sachs, another of the authors.
Another case is China which on deeper analysis showed that while its GDP multiplied over five-fold over the past quarter century, subjective well-being over the same period fell for 15 years before starting a recovery process.
The authors encouraged all nations to follow United Arab Emirates and other countries that have appointed Ministers of Happiness.
The report becomes further inclusive as it recognizes the little if the little role of money in keeping up the spirits of people and nation as a whole, which is why most of the bottom countries in the list are also in desperate poverty.
But after a certain point extra money doesnt buy extra happiness, the authors together noted.
Central African Republic fell to last on the happiness list and is joined at the bottom by Burundi, Tanzania, Syria and Rwanda.
The report has some profound readings on an individualistic point of view the importance of having a job for happiness and how it holds true across all of the worlds regions. When considering the worlds population as a whole, people with a job evaluate the quality of their lives much more favorably than those who are unemployed. The data also shows that rising unemployment negatively affects everyone, even those still employed.
Ranking of Happiness
Manila, March 20 : Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday met Myanmars de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi and donated $300,000 for the Muslim minority Rohingya community, which has been the victim of an escalation of violence that has left dozens dead and thousands displaced.
The closed-door meeting between Duterte and Suu Kyi took place at the presidential palace in Naypyidaw, the capital of Myanmar, and was later opened for the press when the visiting President made his financial contribution, according to Philippines broadcaster ABS-CBN.
As she accepted the donation, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate underlined the spirit of solidarity among the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), to which both countries belong, reported Efe news.
Asean is a regional bloc that also includes Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand have already contributed humanitarian aid to the Rohingya community.
Duterte also met Myanmar's President Htin Kyaw in the presidential palace. His visit was aimed at increasing bilateral cooperation, particularly in the area of trade and investment.
The Philippines President was scheduled to arrive in Bangkok late on Monday for a two-day visit.
Mumbai, March 20 : Medical services in 17 government hospitals in Maharashtra were severely hit on Monday after over 4,000 resident doctors went on a mass Casual Leave to protest growing incidents of attacks by patients' relatives.
In the absence of any concrete measures by the government on their security, the resident doctors are likely to go on mass leave for a second day on Tuesday, the Maharashtra Association of Resident Doctors (MARD) said.
There have been at least five attacks on resident doctors in one week, including two in the past 24 hours, said Indian Medical Association (Youth) state President Sagar Mundada.
"We met Mayor Vishwanath Mahadeshwar but we have not got any concrete assurances on our physical safety while on duty," Mundada said, hinting at continuing the agitation on Tuesday.
Late in the evening, the BrihanMumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) announced a series of tough measures to curb violence against medicos, including limiting the number of relatives who will be permitted to accompany patients.
Henceforth, only two relatives of any patient shall be allowed with special passes and those found without passes shall be prosecuted, said Additional Municipal Commissioner I.A. Kundan.
Earlier, while admitting that it was the duty of the civic body to ensure security, Mahadeshwar urged the medicos to resume duty by evening failing which the civic body would consider taking action against them.
In this context, the BMC will ask for additional armed forces from the Maharashtra State Security Force which will be deployed in the hospitals.
And entry points of each hospital would be designated for different types of patients.
MARD President Yashowardhan Kabra said the sudden spate of attacks on medicos had left shattered them and "it was difficult to work under such life-threatening conditions".
"There have been attacks on medicos in Mumbai Sion and Wadia hospitals after which our members decided to go on individual action of availing CL," Kabra told IANS.
Simultaneously, the MARD is filing an affidavit in the Bombay High Court to highlight how its orders on doctors' security and related aspects have allegednly not yet been implemented by the state government.
"In fact, last Friday we had planned a day's mass bunking which we cancelled after assurances from the government.
"But that same night medicos were attacked in Sion Hospital followed by another attack yesterday," Kabra said.
In Mumbai, the government hospitals hit were KEM, Sion LTMG, Nair and Sir JJ Group where a large number of resident doctors work.
Their counterparts in Kolhapur Government Hospital continued to work but sported black bands.
Several thousands of patients were deprived of medicare in the absence of resident doctors though senior doctors and others were handling serious or emergency cases.
Mumbai, March 21 : After megastar Amitabh Bachchan lent his name for saving dwindling tigers, the Maharashtra government wants him to become a brand ambassador for its 'save the girl child' initiative, Health Minister Deepak Sawant said here on Tuesday.
"We shall request him to become the brand ambassador for this initiative which can help prevent female foeticide and save the girl child," Sawant said.
He was addressing a high-level meeting in Mantralaya in the wake of the recent shocking incident of female foeticide unearthed in Sangli where 19 female foetuses were found buried outside a private hospital carrying out illegal abortions.
On the occasion, Sawant said in some districts like Bhandara the male-female ratio had shown an upward trend but in others like Washim it had declined, which is a matter of concern.
In this connection, the state had already strictly enforced the laws banning pre-natal sex determination tests.
"However, pregnancy tests are carried out in the border areas of neighbouring states like Karnataka, Gujarat and others, while abortions are performed in Maharashtra. We have written to these states to work out an effective solution," Sawant said.
With a view to create mass awareness about the need to save the girl child, improve the male-female ratio and related issues, the state government will request Bachchan to become the brand ambassador for the initiative, he added.
Present at the meeting were Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Vijay Satbir Singh, Family Welfare Commissioner Ramesh Devkar, Director Health Satish Pawar, State Women's Commission President Vijaya Rahatkar and other elected representatives and stakeholders.
If Bachchan accepts the invite to 'save the girl child', it will be his third cap as a brand ambassador in the state after tigers and tuberculosis.
Besides endorsing various private products and services, he is tourism brand ambassador for Gujarat and the Government of India's pulse polio campaign.
New Delhi, March 21 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday said if the Sahara Group fails to deposit Rs 5,092 crore with market regulator SEBI as ordered, the group's Aamby Valley property in Maharashtra will be auctioned.
The top court by its February 28 order had permitted Sahara to sell some of its properties but asked it to deposit Rs 5,092.64 crore on or before April 13, 2017.
A bench of Justice Dipak Misra, Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justice A.K. Sikri said the said property will be put under the hammer if it failed to deposit Rs 5092. 64 crore by April 13 as it allowed MG Capital Holdings LLC to deposit Rs 750 crores in the Sahara-SEBI Refund Account.
MG Capital Holdings LLC is an international real estate company that is in the process of buying Sahara's stakes in New York-based Plaza Hotel for $550 million.
The top court had on February 28 asked the MG Capital Holdings LLC to deposit Rs 750 crore with its registry on or before April 17 -- the next date of hearing -- to establish its bona fides.
The real estate company had moved the top court for permission to do due diligence for acquiring Sahara's stakes in the New York Hotel.
On an application by the real estate company, the court asked it to deposit Rs 750 crore in the Sahara-SEBI Refund Account.
The top court, by its August 31, 2012, order had asked Sahara India Real Estate Corporation Ltd. (SIRECL) and the Sahara Housing Investment Corporation Ltd. (SHICL) to return to the investors Rs 17,600 crore with 15 per cent interest that the two companies raised through Optionally Fully Convertible Debentures in 2008 and 2009.
Subrata Roy, his son-in-law Ashok Roy Choudhary and group Director Ravi Shankar Dubey, who are now out on parole, were sent to Tihar Jail on March 4, 2014, for failure of the two companies to comply with the court's order.
Roy was granted parole on May 6, 2016, to perform the last rites of his mother who passed away on May 5. Besides Roy, Choudhary, too, was released on parole. Dubey was released on parole later.
Chennai, March 21 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has arrested sand mining baron J. Sekhar Reddy and his two associates for allegedly exchanging Rs 34-crore old notes into new currency notes (Rs 2,000), said an official on Tuesday.
"We arrested Reddy, K. Srinivasulu and Premkumar under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) on Monday for converting Rs 34-crore old notes into new notes that were seized by the Income Tax Department in mid-December," ED Joint Director S.V.V. Prasad told IANS.
The law enforcing economic intelligence agency (ED) has been investigating the cases under PMLA after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered a case against the three accused on December 22, and arrested them.
"Though Reddy admitted that the seized cash was unaccounted and belonged to his SRS Mining, he did not divulge its source. He, however, claimed that 177 kg gold bars seized during the search of his premises was his and he procured them through Premkumar," recalled Prasad from Reddy's disclosures during the probe.
During interrogation, Premakumar told the ED that he supplied gold bars of one kg to Reddy and received demonetised currencies through Srinivasulu in exchange.
"Premkumar also confessed to the ED that 30kg of gold bars seized by the tax sleuths from his house also belonged to Reddy only," reiterated Prasad.
Srinvasulu also admitted to the ED that he received money from Reddy's mining firm SRS Mining and used to convert a part of it into gold bars through Premkumar.
"The three kept the remaining cash at various premises before the I-T Department searched and seized from them, but Reddy has not told us the modus operandi of converting old notes into new currencies," asserted Prasad.
The central government demonetised the old Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes on November 8 to eliminate black money, counterfeit notes and terror funding, and asked the public to exchange them for new notes till December 30, 2016.
"The magistrate has remanded the accused to seven-day judicial custody till March 28 and they have been lodged in the Puzhal Central Prison here," added Prasad.
Industrialist Reddy was a member of the Tirumala Tirupathi Devesthanam (TTD) Board at Tirupathi in the neighbouring Andhra Pradesh state.
Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) : Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu) March 21 (IANS) The RSS on Tuesday said it was seriously concerned over the rise of what it said were "jihadi elements" in West Bengal and flayed the state's TMC government for "patronising" anti-national elements.
During its three-day National Council meet here, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) adopted a resolution on the situation in Bengal and called upon the people to counter the Mamata Banerjee government's vote-bank politics.
"In the last several months, we have been witnessing a peculiar but dangerous situation in the state. To put it across in mildest terms, there is an increase in the number of jihadi activists, unfortunately under the patronage and support of the state administration," RSS Joint General Secretary Dattatreya Hosabale said.
Giving examples of alleged communal violence, including in Dhulagarh in Howrah district and Kaliachak in Malda district, Hosabale accused the Trinamool government of failing to protect the Hindus.
"There have been several incidents where Hindus in villages and towns of Bengal have been targets of jihadi elements and fundamentalist forces.
"Police and civil administration have turned a blind eye to all this and did not protect those from the Hindu community," he said.
New Delhi/ Kolkata, March 21 : The NHRC has asked its Director General (Investigation) to depute a senior female officer for an on the spot inquiry into the allegations of police brutality against youth, including girl students, who were protesting in Kolkata on March 9, the panel said on Tuesday.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) ordered the probe after taking cognizance of an allegation from the All India Democratic Women's Association.
The Association had alleged that four girl students were allegedly stripped and searched at Alipore Women Reformatory following a protest by the SFI and DYFI against the irregularities and corruption in the appointments of primary school teachers in West Bengal.
The NHRC gave two days to the West Bengal Director General to submit a report.
The Commission said in a media release that the allegations, if true, reveal a sad state of affairs and amount to gross violation of human rights.
"Allegedly, many youth, including girl students were brutally beaten by the police. Some of them had to be hospitalised.
"Four girl students were arrested, locked up in the police station and remanded to magisterial custody till 14th March, 2017.
"They were taken to the jail at Alipore Women Reformatory where, they were, allegedly, stripped and searched in a highly objectionable manner by the women police personnel. They were subjected to filthiest sexist abuses. The girls are under deep trauma by this horrific experience," the Commission said.
Kolkata, March 21 : Opposition parties in West Bengal on Tuesday demanded that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee immediately expel the TMC leaders and ministers purportedly seen taking money in Narada sting operation, with the BJP asking her to quit upon failing to do so.
On a day when the Supreme Court declined to interfere with the Calcutta High Court order on the sting operation case and asked the CBI to continue with the preliminary inquiry, the CPI-M hinted at collusion between the BJP and the TMC, questioning why the Rajya Sabha ethics committee dealing with the issue had not held a single sitting in ten months.
"If the government has any morality, it is the Chief Minister's responsibility to sack her ministers who are involved in the incident," Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) State Secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra told a media conference.
Mishra said the parliamentary ethics committee that has been "completely silent" on the issue for the last 10 months should also learn a lesson from Tuesday's verdict at the apex court.
"For the last 10 months the Parliamentary ethics committee hasn't shown the courage to discuss the Narada sting operation case. I hope the committee would take a lesson from the Supreme Court's verdict in the case," he claimed.
Terming the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry in ponzi schemes as "lagging", the veteran left leader said the onus is on the agency to prove it's efficiency in conducting the probe.
Congress State General Secretary Om Prakash Mishra described the the apex court's decision as one in favour of the country's "democratic and constitutional system", and urged the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to immediately expel the MPs and MLAs who are shown taking money in the sting operation.
"Today the Supreme Court has rubbished the state government's petition. This order is in favour of India's democratic and constitutional system," the Congress leader said.
State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Dilip Ghosh threw a virtual challenge to the Chief Minister.
"We urge her to remove all corrupt people from her party. But we know she does not have the guts to do so, as she herself is involved in corruption. The Chief Minister should either expel all wrongdoers from her party or resign from her position," Ghosh told the media here.
All India Forward Bloc State General Secretary Naren Chatterjee demanded to know why it petitioned the Supreme Court seeking a stay on the Calcutta High Court order at the cost of public exchequer.
He said going to a higher court by the accused was acceptable, but the state government paying "huge fees to lawyers" from the public exchequer to save the "corrupt TMC leaders" was "unacceptable".
"Can you tell me why the state government filed a petition before the Supreme Court in the Narada case?" Chatterjee told reporters here.
"The government is paying fees to lawyers," he said. "Have the accused persons involved in corruption after consulting the state government?"
The controversy erupted in March last year when Narada News portal uploaded a series of videos purportedly showing a number of high-profile Trinamool leaders, including former and present ministers, MPs and state lawmakers, receiving money in exchange of favours to a fictitious company.
The Calcutta High Court on Friday ordered a CBI preliminary inquiry into the sting footage case and ordered the national agency to complete the process within 72 hours.
Mogadishu, March 22 : At least five people including government soldiers were on Tuesday killed and more than 10 others injured after a huge car bomb attack occurred at a checkpoint at National theater near Somali Presidential palace in Mogadishu, an official said.
Spokesman of Benadir regional Administration Abdifitah Omar Halane told reporters that the terrorist militant group of Al-Shabaab carried out the attack and killed government soldiers and civilians around the area, Xinhua reported.
"At least 5 people were killed in this terrorist attack and more than 10 others injured. Government soldiers, women and children are among the victims. The vehicle was a minibus filled with explosive elements," Halane said.
He added that the government soldiers tried their best to foil and preempt the attack.
A security official who declined his name to be used for the media told Xinhua by phone that he saw 7 people including three government soldiers killed in the attack.
Abdulahi Osman Gure, director of Kulmiye radio, a local F.M station in Mogadishu, said that he saw many dead bodies.
"The explosion was very loud and caused death and injuries. I saw more than five people who died on the spot, and many others including a journalist who were wounded," Gure told reporters in Mogadishu.
Ibrahim Mohamud Azhari, a state radio journalist, told Xinhua that he was very shocked and thought the blast around him.
"I am very shocked when I heard the huge explosion which was deafening, I could not guess how something happened, it was a very terrifying blast," Azhari said.
The car bomb attack also caused mass destruction of the buildings near by.
No group has claimed the responsibility of the latest attack in Mogadishu so far. But it comes hours after the Somali Prime Minister announced his cabinet ministers today.
Los Angeles, March 22 : Actress Paris Jackson has revealed that she was left "heartbroken" by "High School Musical" star Zac Efron at a concert she attended.
Paris, the daughter of late King of Pop Michael Jackson, was a huge fan of "High School Musical" franchise as a child.
She got devastated when she attended her first concert and learned that Efron would not be performing because he was working on another film project, reports dailymail.co.uk.
"The first concert that I actively wanted to see was 'High School Musical'," Paris said on "The Tonight Show" to host Jimmy Fallon.
But her excitement soon turned to despair after she was informed Efron wouldn't be at the concert.
"It was the depressing part, heartbroken," she added.
Efron had missed the gig because he was shooting "The Derby Stallion", which was released in 2005.
ProQuests OASIS Increases Customer Choice with Addition of Rittenhouse R2 Digital Library Platform
ProQuest is teaming with Rittenhouse Book Distributors enabling the ordering of ebooks from the R2 Digital platform via the OASIS system.
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, March 21, 2017 ProQuest is teaming with Rittenhouse Book Distributors so libraries can order ebooks from the R2 Digital platform via the OASIS system. This partnership brings to eight the number of partner platforms to join OASIS over the past year.
Offering over 5,700 ebook titles, the R2 Digital Library is a leading ebook platform for health science collections and features a comprehensive selection of medical, nursing and allied health content presented through a clean and intuitive interface.
Through the OASIS search, selection and acquisition system, users enjoy access to one of the broadest curated print and ebook title databases in the industry. Plus, their workflows are simplified through powerful search, profiling, collection management and reporting tools. OASIS users connect to a range of ebook platforms aggregator platforms such as Ebook Central, EBL, ebrary, MyiLibrary, EBSCO. A growing list of partner platforms includes UPSO, Wiley Online Library, Info-Sci, Taylor & Francis, CRCnetBase, De Gruyter and now R2 Digital Library.
We are excited to continue the momentum in offering one more customer choice via the OASIS system, said Audrey Marcus, Vice President, Product Management, ProQuest Books. Since 2016, we have integrated with seven publisher platforms and with the addition of R2 Digital Library, we are providing our customers with more flexibility in curating their collections within their chosen workflow. Our goal is to make OASIS a gateway to order books from any platform or publisher.
This OASIS connection is an ideal way to help libraries discover titles essential to the modern health science library, said Nicole Gallo, Executive Director Sales & Marketing, Rittenhouse Book Distributors. Rittenhouse is committed to providing accessible, meaningful content for collections of all sizes and specialties.
ProQuest has significantly enriched the OASIS platform to simplify workflows and support faster and better collection development. These include additions of publisher ebook platforms and value-add features such as a DDA MARC removal service, DDA add button, new title awards profile, collections support, WorldCat links and faster ebook order processing.
About Rittenhouse Book Distributors (Rittenhouse.com)
Founded in Philadelphia as a retail medical bookstore in 1946, Rittenhouse Book Distributors Inc. provides libraries, retailers and other businesses with print and electronic books in the fields of medicine, nursing and allied health. Rittenhouse connects its partners with the information, services and expertise critical to their success. The R2 Digital Library, Rittenhouses market-leading ebook platform, provides clients with access to thousands of essential and specialized titles in an intuitive interface optimized for use in health sciences. Rittenhouse Book Distributors, Inc. is a privately held firm headquartered in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
About ProQuest (http://www.proquest.com)
ProQuest connects people with vetted, reliable information. Key to serious research, the companys products are a gateway to the worlds knowledge including dissertations, governmental and cultural archives, news, historical collections and ebooks. ProQuest technologies serve users across the critical points in research, helping them discover, access, share, create and manage information.
The company's cloud-based technologies offer flexible solutions for librarians, students and researchers through the ProQuest, Alexander Street, Bowker, Dialog, Ex Libris and SIPX businesses and notable research tools such as the RefWorks citation and reference management platform, the Pivot research development tool and the Ebook Central, ebrary, EBL and MyiLibrary ebook platforms. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan, with offices around the world.
Bill Clark Ms. Grey stated, "Mentair now offers reliability courses for all size operators, development of reliability programs and custom audits to identify opportunities for improvements".
Mentair welcomes Bill Clark to their team as the Manager of Technical Operations. Bill is responsible for manual services for general and commercial aviation operators for Part 91, 121, 135 and 145 to include updating existing manuals to align with the new FAA Safety Assurance System (SAS). The SAS is designed to equip the operator or repair station with tools for internal evaluation and assure they are effectively controlling and managing risk. This complements the Safety Management System (SMS) Safety Assurance component. The FAA is using SAS to provide oversight of Part 121, 135 and 145 operators and in future other parts. Mentair Groups Managing Partner Sharon Grey said, We are assisting operators with these new requirements and Bills aviation industry and manual experience is helping our clients achieve manual compliance.
Bills expertise in maintenance reliability programs includes Reliability Fleet Manager developing programs for Part 135 and 121 operators. He is an experienced project manager and Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic with expertise in continuous improvement, maintenance safety programs, human factors and human error management. Bill is a great asset that is providing Mentair clients with customized solutions and training.
Ms. Grey stated, "Mentair now offers reliability courses for all size operators, development of reliability programs and custom audits to identify opportunities for improvements".
Mentair Group is an international consulting group offering customized solutions for aviation safety, quality and compliance auditing, manual services, IS-BAO and IS-BAH audits and a variety of training for SMS, auditors, root cause analysis and reliability programs.
Mentair offices are located in Omaha, NE and Phoenix, AZ. Contact Sharon Grey, Managing Partner 480.678.0739, sgrey(at)Mentair(dot)com
http://www.mentair.com
We are thrilled to be able to provide employment opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Westchester while also supporting Arc of Westchesters general mission.
Digiscribe International, provider of document scanning services, document management solutions, and workflow automation software throughout the New York tri-state area, has been chosen by Arc of Westchester (eDocNY) as their exclusive subcontractor for all scanning and scanning related services effective January 1, 2017. Under this agreement, Digiscribe will perform document scanning services to fulfill all contracts the eDocNY division of Arc of Westchester currently holds with government agencies and businesses in the New York tri-state area.
Many of Arc of Westchesters supported individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who had previously been employed at eDocNYs scanning production facility, will be employed at Digiscribe in their same capacities.
Digiscribe President Mitch Taube stated, We are proud to partner with Arc of Westchester and support this important organizations work in Westchester. Our production facility in Elmsford, NY has the technical infrastructure and processes in place to meet eDocNYs document scanning commitments with high quality results in a timely manner. We are thrilled to be able to provide employment opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Westchester while also supporting Arc of Westchesters general mission.
Arc of Westchesters Executive Director Richard P. Swierat said, We are excited to be associated with Digiscribe as our employment plan for eDocNY continues to evolve providing valuable employment opportunities for people with developmental disabilities. This partnership creates a strong business platform to ensure employment and sustainability for eDocNY.
About Digiscribe
Digiscribe delivers paperless office solutions that eliminate manual and inefficient business processes in government agencies, non-profit organizations, and businesses. Our clients engage us to lower costs, improve efficiency, and mitigate compliance risk throughout their organization. We offer cost-effective services and software including digital mailrooms, mailroom scanning, workflow automation, cloud document management software, and document scanning. Digiscribes New York office is one of the first SOC 2 Type 2 document conversion centers in the tri-state area, and our New England office is a Massachusetts Privacy Law compliant facility. Both offer award winning technical support and customer service, more than 25 years of experience, and a HIPPA compliance trained staff.
For more information call 800.686.7577 x1102, email Ellen Rothschild at efrothschild(at)digiscribe(dot)info or visit http://www.digiscribe.info.
About Arc of Westchester
Arc of Westchester is the oldest and largest agency in the county serving children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, and their families. Over 800 employees provide more than 2,000 individuals throughout the county with a broad range of innovative and effective programs and services designed to foster independence, productivity and participation in community life.
Our mission is to empower children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including individuals on the autism spectrum, to achieve their potential by strengthening families and encouraging personal choices, abilities and interests. Our vision is a world in which children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities including individuals on the autism spectrum enjoy fulfilled lives and an inspired future.
Arc of Westchester is a chapter of NYSARC, Inc. and The Arc.
For information about Arc of Westchester, call 914.450.4573, email Regina Moore at rmoore(at)arcwestchester(dot)org or visit http://www.arcwestchester.org.
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SIGNiX and Andrew Johnson Bank Partnership Safety and control are critical in the banking industry, and customers want to be assured that their bank will protect their personal information.
SIGNiX, the first provider of cloud-based digital signatures in the U.S., announced today that it has partnered with Andrew Johnson Bank to integrate SIGNiXs Independent E-Signature technology into the banking system. This partnership is a result of SIGNiXs recent affiliation with the Tennessee Bankers Association (TBA), the statewide organization that represents and supports bankers in Tennessee.
It was important to us to choose a secure e-signature solution that we could easily implement in every department and customize to our own branding. We have already seen how this integration with SIGNiX will allow us to streamline processes and increase efficiency, said Andrew Johnson Banks Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer Brian Pate. It also gives us a competitive edge in the digital world, and we know our customers appreciate the convenience of safely signing documents from anywhere.
SIGNiXs Independent E-Signatures adhere to international, published standards so the e-signed documents are valid forever. Each signature is permanently embedded into the signed document through public key infrastructure, providing companies with immutable legal evidence to prove a signatures validity if it is ever called into question. The SIGNiX technology also has sophisticated security features including multiple identity authentication methods, tamper-evident technology which detects when an unauthorized change has been made to a document, and a comprehensive audit trail that provides further legal evidence and reduces the risk of fraud.
Safety and control are critical in the banking industry, and customers want to be assured that their bank will protect their personal information, said Jay Jumper, CEO of SIGNiX. At SIGNiX, we are committed to providing multiple levels of cybersecurity protection in an easy-to-use product. We are delighted to partner with Andrew Johnson Bank to help make its banking processes more secure and efficient than ever before.
We have been enjoying our partnership with SIGNiX, and were excited to see an increasing number of banks in our association take advantage of all that its Independent E-Signatures can offer, said Stacey Langford, senior vice president of membership at TBA. SIGNiX enables our member banks to be more efficient, ease the burden of compliance and reduce risk.
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About SIGNiX: SIGNiX, the most trusted name in Independent E-Signatures, makes signing documents online safe and secure with comprehensive legal evidence permanently embedded in each document to eliminate any dependence upon SIGNiX. The companys cloud-based service uses patented technology to give businesses and organizations the most secure and legally defensible e-signatures available at a fraction of the cost of wet ink signatures. SIGNiXs products help the worlds leading companies become more efficient, decrease risk and boost profits. For more information, visit http://www.signix.com. You can also follow SIGNiX on Twitter @signixsolutions and LinkedIn.
About Andrew Johnson Bank:
Headquartered in Greeneville, Tennessee, Andrew Johnson Bank is a privately owned community bank with seven full-service offices in Greeneville, Morristown, Jonesborough, Johnson City and Cleveland, Tennessee. For more information, visit https://www.andrewjohnsonbank.com/.
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D4 is an Orange level Relativity Best in Service Partner D4 has continuously demonstrated excellent customer service and deep technical expertise with Relativity
D4, a leading international provider of managed data and discovery services, today announced that kCura has recognized D4 as an Orange-level Relativity Best in Service partner.
This level of recognition is highly coveted among eDiscovery providers, and we at D4 are deeply honored to have earned this distinction for eight years in a row, said D4 president and CEO John Holland. This is indeed a partnership, and we are proud to work so closely with kCura. With Relativity, we have the power and versatility to manage our customers most important matters with excellent service, security, and efficiency.
Through a voluntary audit, Relativity Best in Service partners demonstrate their expertise and experience hosting projects in Relativity. kCura evaluates these partners individual data centers in three areas: technical infrastructure, customer service, and product expertise. Additionally, Best in Service partners meet a set of requirements for duration as a hosting partner, size of Relativity installations, and core Relativity certifications.
kCura has two designations for Best in Service partners data centers: Orange and Blue. While both designate data centers that provide a quality Relativity experience, Orange-level sites have made additional investments in people, process and technology to manage installations with above-average user countsall while maintaining the high standards of Best in Service.
D4 has continuously demonstrated excellent customer service and deep technical expertise with Relativity, said George Orr, vice president of customer success and support at kCura. By recertifying as a Best in Service partner once again, theyre reaffirming their commitment to continuously providing a great Relativity experience for their clients.
In addition to D4s Best in Service U.S. data center, D4 has a Relativity data center in Shanghai, China. To learn more about D4, please visit http://www.d4discovery.com
About D4:
D4 is a leading provider of managed data and discovery services to law firms and corporations.
D4 offers full-service capabilities with local infrastructure to support litigation, investigations, compliance and other legal matters. The companys state-of-the-art data centers and global operations are complemented by electronic discovery, computer forensics and document review offices throughout the USA, China and the UK. Depth of staff, experience and innovative technology allow the company to provide first-class performance worldwide.
D4 was one of the first providers to offer an eDiscovery Managed Services solution, and continues to lead the field in innovation. D4 became part of Special Counsel and the Adecco Group in 2016, enhancing D4s offerings with Managed Review and streamlined access to legal staffing. Visit http://www.d4discovery.com for more information.
About kCura:
kCura are the developers of Relativity, an e-discovery platform used by more than 12,000 organizations to manage large volumes of data and quickly identify key issues during litigation, internal investigations, and compliance projects. Relativity has over 150,000 active users in 40+ countries from organizations including the U.S. Department of Justice, more than 70 Fortune 100 companies, and more than 195 of the Am Law 200. Corporations, law firms, and government agencies use Relativity on-premises, in the cloud, or as a hybrid platformwith hosted, on-demand solutions available through a global network of partners. As a platform, Relativity also allows developers to design, build, and integrate applications that extend its functionality. kCura has been named one of Chicago's Top Workplaces by the Chicago Tribune for six consecutive years and received the CityLIGHTS Lighthouse Award from the Illinois Technology Association in 2016. Please visit http://www.kcura.com for more information.
This is a significant milestone in the companys history, as it not only addresses the emergence of WDi from Chapter 11, but also settles all outstanding adversary litigation.
Houston-based Petroleum Products & Services, Inc. d/b/a Wellhead Distributors International (WDi) has emerged from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy with a Plan of Reorganization unanimously supported by all creditors and litigants. The voluntary petition, Case No. 16-31201, was filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas - Houston Division. Presiding Judge Isgur agreed with the supporters of the plan. citing insurmountable evidence in support of the WDi plan, and approving it immediately. According to Alex Kiss, President and CEO of WDi, This is a significant milestone in the companys history, as it not only addresses the emergence of WDi from Chapter 11, but also settles all outstanding adversary litigation. Under the plan, WDi will repay its debt to creditors over time, allowing the business to focus on its core strategies and its valued customers. According to Mr. Kiss, Our talented group of employees made the most of a difficult situation. They all pulled together and worked tirelessly during the reorganization process to develop a timely plan agreeable to our creditors and the court.
Emerging from Chapter 11 within a year of its initial filing, WDi was also able to improve and streamline key areas within the operation at the same time. The WDi team took advantage of this opportunity to replace an outdated supply chain that had become increasingly unreliable and inconsistent. In its place, WDi has assembled an exclusive group of world-class supply chain partners who are committed to working with WDi to regain its market leader position. The company has repurposed its US manufacturing subsidiary and is now providing high end contract manufacturing services. With an eye to the future, Kiss stated, We have developed our own line of proprietary and patented API-6A product, including The Fracmaster CSS frac-valve, MBS multi-bowl engineered wellhead systems and our WASP spherical-annular multi-piston BOP. Timing in business is everything. With the companys emergence from Chapter 11 coupled with improving market conditions, WDi is poised and ready for the industry upturn.
About Wellhead Distributors International
WDi (Wellhead Distributors International) was established in 1995 as the first wholesale distributor of the full line API-6A wellhead equipment and valves in North America. To satisfy wider range of customer needs, WDi expanded its product line to include high pressure, engineered wellhead systems and specialty frac and high-temp valves and its services to include product design, manufacturing, assembly & test and aftermarket repair capabilities. WDi offers a full suite of wellhead equipment, gate & frac valves, frac equipment, chokes and multi-bowl wellhead systems. WDi serves independent wellhead service companies and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), rental equipment providers, oilfield supply companies operating in the upstream oil and gas industry through its 5 stocking locations in the United States and Canada.
Cain & Skarnulis PLLC recently won a complete defense verdict for its clients, Zach Potts and his entity, Northwoods Energy, LLC of San Marcos. The jury returned a verdict of 11-1 in favor of no liability, finding more than $500,000 in attorneys fees in favor of C&Ss client and two co-defendants.
C&S partner Steve Skarnulis tried the case, joined on the defense team by Joe Webber of Austin, and Charles Tabet of San Antonio. Webber and Tabet represented the co-defendants in the case.
The case, Republic Capital Group, LLC et al v. Northwoods Energy, LLC et al. was tried in Judge Lora Livingstons court. The trial lasted just over a week. The jury deliberated only four hours before returning the defense verdict on March 6, 2017.
According to court documents, plaintiffs Republic Capital and its principal Patrick McDavid alleged that the defendants fraudulently induced him into an agreement severing his ownership in two saltwater disposal well companies he started with the defendants. In exchange, McDavid received assets including royalty interests and deeds to real property. McDavid contended that the defendants subsequent business interests were not disclosed to him, and that he would have been entitled to a share of future profits. Although plaintiffs at one time alleged damages of more than $100 million, at trial the damage model rejected by the jury was approximately $56 million.
C&S pushed the case through complex discovery and motion practice, successfully obtaining several important pretrial verdicts. The firm rejected several settlement demands, choosing to take the case directly to jury trial. Ultimately, the jury found there was no fraudulent inducement, no breach of contract, and found fees on behalf of all defendants for more than $500,000.
This case is formally listed as case No. D-1-GN-15-002254; Republic Capital Group, LLC and Patrick McDavid vs. Four Fountains LLC, et al.; In the 201st Judicial District Court of Travis County. Trial was conducted before the Honorable Lora Livingston.
ABOUT CAIN & SKARNULIS PLLC
Since 2007, C&S has represented both plaintiffs and defendants in a tailored litigation approach to meet clients individual needs. The firm combines the highend legal service of a large firm with the flexibility and value afforded by a smaller boutique, to achieve outstanding client results.
The firm is a growing business law boutique with expertise in litigation and arbitration. C&S boasts experienced trial lawyers and advisers with experience in a broad range of areas, including contractual and business disputes, securities, antitrust, labor and employment law, and a litany of other practice areas. The firm has represented clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to individuals, across many industries including oil and gas, insurance/reinsurance, technology, software, construction, banking and finance, hospitality, real estate, music, and fashion.
Becker Media, a full-service marketing agency for educational institutions, has promoted Bill Buchanan to Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. As Chief Operating Officer, Buchanan will oversee all day-to-day operations of the agency. Buchanan joined Becker Media in early 2016 as head of digital media. He brings more than 25 years of direct marketing experience to Becker Media, most recently with Corinthian Colleges. At Corinthian, Buchanan managed all aspects of revenue generation and growth including business strategy, marketing, pricing, product management, advertising, branding, and new school management. At its peak, Buchanan managed over 75 marketing associates, a $200 million budget, and generated over $1.5 billion in annual revenue. Buchanan was a key member of the Executive Committee, reporting to the CEO.
Bill has been an incredible addition to Becker Media. We are excited to have someone of his caliber and experience to help expand the size and effectiveness of our team, said Roger Becker, CEO at Becker Media. He brings a fully operational, 360 degree perspective to our clients businesses and provides them with tons of value-added insights and services. The results weve been able to get for our clients on their campaigns has been exceptional.
Im excited for this new opportunity at Becker Media because of their stability and reputation for successfully serving clients in the education space, said Bill Buchanan, COO of Becker Media. They have a great brand that resonates with education clients all over the country and has been a serious player for over twenty years.
At Corinthian, Buchanan led the development and management of a complex and rapidly changing multi-channel media plan that included local and national television, internet (search engine optimization, pay-per-click and affiliate management) to achieve the best cost-per-new-student. He developed scalable, more efficient marketing and sales processes. Buchanan transitioned the organization from almost entirely offline media in 2004 to 60% digital media in less than three years by changing marketing, contact strategies and sales processes.
Buchanan started his career at Greenpoint Mortgage, where he directed all retail marketing with responsibility for direct marketing, digital marketing, advertising and branch marketing. Buchanan then moved to Providian Financial Corporation, a credit card issuer with approximately 10 million customer accounts and widely recognized for its proficiency in high-demand, direct-response consumer marketing. At Providian, Buchanan held several senior executive marketing assignments including Senior Vice President of Platinum Marketing, Senior Vice President of New Account Business and Executive Vice President of New Channel & Product Development. Buchanan has extensive experience growing existing product lines and creating new product lines. He has supervised staffs of up to 100 and has managed marketing budgets up to $500 million.
Buchanan started his media career in San Francisco after attending UC Berkeley.
About Becker Media
Becker Media is a full-service marketing and advertising agency specializing in education. From initial market research to creative production and media strategy, to analyzing results with our integrated reporting, we find out what motivates students and create advertising that gets results. We create dynamic campaigns for interactive and traditional media that generates proven results. Our holistic approach and custom creative generates qualified inquiries while building brands that help our clients grow. For more information please visit http://www.beckermedia.net or call 510-465-6200 ext 106.
The outlook for 2017 is encouraging, with the contingent labor market experiencing continued growth and increased wages. -John Sculley, Chairman of PeopleTicker
PeopleTicker, the global standard for real-time salary and labor rates announced today that wages and salaries are on the rise, which is great news for the American workforce. This comes following the release of ADP's National Employment Report for February 2017 stating that the United States experienced higher than expected job growth in the private sector for both January and February.
After studying this new job growth announcement, PeopleTicker confirmed a national average wage increase of .65% for IT sector jobs, .41% for skilled labor jobs, and .15% for non-skilled jobs, higher than expected.
"The outlook for 2017 is encouraging, with the contingent labor market experiencing continued growth and increased wages," said John Sculley, Chairman of PeopleTicker.
The technology sector is experiencing the highest increase in both salary and hourly wages. Manufacturing is also gaining traction and wages are expected to climb significantly over the next few months.
Joseph Musacchio, CEO of PeopleTicker, said, "As the United States' new administration encourages job growth and continues to aggressively help the American workforce, not only will jobs surge but we'll see a boost to the entrepreneurial market. Companies will flourish as this administration reduces regulations, scales back on employer obligations for healthcare and lowers taxes, while encouraging new business investment."
About PeopleTicker (http://www.peopleticker.com):
To learn how your salaries and labor rates compare to market, download our app PeopleTicker - Salary and Hourly Rates and create your own Private Labor Index. With PeopleTickers Private Labor Index you have the ability to drill down into each element of your labor spend including both direct and contingent workers to discover new insights. This breakthrough technology keeps you ahead of the compensation game without the need for expensive consultants or relying on outdated survey data. Strengthened by over 18 years of wage research in nearly 160 countries, our data management, analytics, and Skills Village validation processes are unmatched in the industry. PeopleTickers SkillsVillage is a global ecosystem of experts in procurement, human resources, and recruiting that provide crowd-sourced rate validation.
I am thrilled to join the Cereve team as we prepare for the launch of the only wearable, drug-free therapy for the 55 million Americans who suffer from insomnia."
Cereve Inc., manufacturer of the Cereve Insomnia Therapy for treating people with insomnia, today announced it has appointed Donald J. Spence President and Chief Executive Officer. Spence, who joined Cereves Board of Directors in July 2016, will succeed Craig Reynolds, who has successfully led the company for the past six years and will continue to serve on Cereves Board of Directors.
Mr. Spence, a corporate executive with expertise in both the medical device and sleep medicine markets, commented on his appointment; I would like to thank Craig Reynolds for his service to the Company. I am also very pleased that Craig has agreed to continue to serve on Cereves Board of Directors. His insight and experience will be invaluable as we bring Cereve's Insomnia Therapy to market later in 2017.
Spence served as Chairman and CEO of Lake Region Medical from 2010 until its sale to Integer Holdings in October 2015. Lake Region Medical was one of the largest suppliers to the medical device industry serving the cardiovascular and advanced surgical markets. Previously Spence served as Group President, Sleep and Home Respiratory and then later as Chief Executive Officer of Philips Home Healthcare for Philips Respironics, a global leader in sleep and respiratory products.
Three independent clinical studies conducted on more than 230 patients over 3,800 research nights demonstrated the safety and efficacy of this novel device in reducing the time it takes people with insomnia to get to sleep. With this strong scientific and clinical foundation, in mid-2016 Cereve received FDA clearance for reducing sleep latency (to Stage 1 and Stage 2 sleep) in patients with primary insomnia. The Cereve Insomnia Therapy is comprised of an intelligent bedside device that precisely cools and pumps fluid to a forehead pad worn throughout the night. Clinical subjects found the device easy to use and to wear, and commented that it was a calming and comfortable experience. Earlier this year, Cereve announced the closing of a $38 million Series B round of financing led by KKR, a leading global investment firm.
I am thrilled to join the Cereve team as we prepare for the launch of the only wearable, drug-free therapy for the 55 million Americans who suffer from insomnia, added Spence. The launch is slated for the second half of 2017.
About Cereve
Based near Pittsburgh, PA, the privately-held company was formed in 2008 after the companys Founder, Eric Nofzinger M.D., performed pioneering brain imaging studies on patients with insomnia at the University of Pittsburgh. The Cereve management team includes former executives from Respironics, a global leader in sleep and respiratory markets that was acquired by Philips in 2008 for $5 billion.
Cereve was funded in part by a grant from the National Institute of Health as well as by private equity and venture capital firms KKR, Arboretum Ventures, Versant Ventures and Partner Ventures.
For more information, or to receive updates as the Cereve Sleep System becomes available, visit http://www.cerevesleep.com.
For media inquiries please contact:
Damian Rippole
Phone (412) 794-8152
contact(at)cerevesleep.com
The tremendous hype surrounding AI has made it difficult for investors and allocators to obtain an accurate assessment of AI-based strategies, says Sandretto. A framework is needed for evaluating such strategies as ignoring AI is not a viable option..
Battle of the Quants, the premier conference in quantitative investing, brings together academic researchers and hedge fund portfolio managers to confront industry challenges. Battle of the Quants was founded by Bartt C. Kellerman in 2006 with the goal of creating a conference focused on quantitative investing that would foster community between investment managers and suitable investors. Kellerman is also the founder of Global Capital Acquisition, a hedge fund consulting firm committed to exposing its clients to technologically innovative investment strategies.
An international event, Battle of the Quants will be in session from March 27-28 in Frankfurt, Germany. Understanding that artificial intelligence (AI) is changing industries worldwide; the conference will place particular emphasis on how AI is revolutionizing the hedge fund industry.
Matthew Sandretto, the Founder of Greyfeather Capital, will begin the AI discussion. Greyfeather Capital is a hedge fund that uses deep neural networks, an AI architecture particularly suited to classification and prediction purposes, to trade a long/short equities strategy. Mr. Sandrettos talk will focus on assessing AI strategies, separating buzz word-driven hype from researched reality, and making smart investment decisions in the emerging space of AI hedge fund strategies.
The tremendous hype surrounding AI has made it difficult for investors and allocators to obtain an accurate assessment of AI-based strategies, says Sandretto. A framework is needed for evaluating such strategies as ignoring AI is not a viable option going forward. AI will transform the industry those deploying AI will increasingly be generating alpha off the inefficiencies created by those who are not, leaving the latter hopelessly outmatched.
Mr. Sandretto completed a multi-year research effort to build and assess the capacity of artificial intelligence to capture diverse equity market signals - e.g. value, momentum, mean-reversion, quality, etc. - and develop rigorous probability assessments regarding future stock performance. Greyfeather Capital is the product of that effort. With the strategy actively trading partner capital in its soft-launch phase, Sandretto has become a recognized authority in this new, technologically-driven phase of investment strategy evolution. Greyfeather Capital will open to outside investment in September 2017.
Mr. Sandretto will be followed by Matthew Griffin, a futurist from the 311 Institute think tank. Mr. Griffin will be providing the keynote address on how AI will change the hedge fund industry in the future.
Breakfast in Denver and swimming at Chaa Creek that afternoon - Nice! coming here is...actually easier and as affordable as many holidays in the US
Southwest Airlines inaugural direct flights to Belize means that with one international and one short local flight, travellers can breakfast in Denver, enjoy a late lunch in Belize and spend the afternoon swimming and lounging around an infinity pool in the midst of a tropical rainforest, The Lodge at Chaa Creeks social media coordinator reports.
Compared to just a few years ago, its amazing how quick and easy it is to go from the hustle and bustle of a city to relaxing in a pristine jungle environment, where the sounds of parrots and toucans replace traffic noise, and the nights are lit by fireflies instead of neon, Jared Bradley said after welcoming the first direct Denver to Belize flight March 13 2017.
Mr Bradley was posting after the first non-stop Southwest Air flight, with 143 passengers aboard, landed at Belizes Philip S.W. Goldson International Airport where a celebration was earlier held to send off the Belize to Colorado direct flight.
According to a Caribbean Journal report, the service will be offered weekly, on Saturdays, until June 4, 2017, when it will be expanded to Saturday and Sunday through to August 14. The direct flights leave Denver at 10.30 am and arrive in Belize 2.50 pm, local times. The flights to Denver flights depart Belize at 1.15 pm to arrive in Denver 6.00 pm.
Its the latest boost in airlift for Belize, which is one of the fastest-growing tourism destinations in the Caribbean by stayover passenger traffic, The Caribbean Journal reported, quoting data from the Caribbean Tourism Organization indicating that Last year, Belize saw 13 per cent growth in arrivals last year.
Mr Bradley agreed that the enhanced service is a boon for travellers and said that it will be particularly welcome by Chaa Creeks guests, especially in light of recent upgrades to Belizes domestic airport, which has been renamed the Sir Barry Bowen Municipal Airport and reopened November 2016 after a $17 million modernization project.
With expanded air service to Belize, the improved domestic terminal, and local carrier http:// Tropic Airs airstrip at Maya Flats, which is literally at Chaa Creeks front door, our guests are reporting that coming here is a breeze, and actually easier and as affordable as many holidays in the US, Mr Bradley said.
And where else can you enjoy canoeing tropical rivers, horseback riding along miles of jungle trails crisscrossing a 400-acre private nature reserve, exploring ancient Maya temples, learning about wildlife, Maya medicinal plants and identifying exotic birds with guided nature tours while enjoying a world-class spa and true farm-to-table dining at one of the best restaurants in Belize all without leaving your eco-resort, he added.
Known as Belizes Destination within a Destination due to its many onsite amenities and activities as well as offering an extensive menu of tours, excursions and all-inclusive Belize vacation packages that include Rainforest to Reef packages allowing guests to combine a jungle vacation with a Caribbean beach holiday at some of Belizes finest seaside resorts, the Lodge at Chaa Creek is also one of the regions most highly awarded eco-resorts, having recently been awarded first place honours in its global category by National Geographic at the World Legacy Awards held in Berlin March 8, 2017.
Mr Bradley said that Chaa Creek proves that sustainable tourism and responsible travel can co-exist with a high degree of quality and service.
Were all very proud of the recognition weve received, and what it means for guests is that with one easy flight they can have a complete, eco-luxe vacation that theyll feel good about. Knowing that 10% of their room revenue goes directly into environmental and community projects seems to make our guests sleep easier, he said.
Im sure a short, relaxing flight followed by a swim and a great meal also helps, he added.
The Lodge at Chaa Creek is a multi-award winning eco resort set within a 400-acre private nature reserve along the banks of the Macal River in Belize.
ENDS
The Community for Accredited Online Schools, a leading resource provider for higher education information, has released a list of the best colleges and universities with online business degrees in the country for 2017. Out of the 50 four-year schools were ranked, University of Toledo, Davenport University, Pace University New York, Temple University and Hawaii Pacific University were the top five. Schools were required to offer a bachelors degree in business to qualify.
A business degree is a versatile tool that can support a wide array of careers, said Doug Jones, CEO and founder of AccreditedSchoolsOnline.org. These schools have been selected for providing the best bachelors level business education, combined with the flexibility of online learning and resources to help working students fit education into their busy lifestyles.
To earn a spot on a Community for Accredited Online Schools Best list, colleges and universities must be accredited, public or private not-for-profit institutions. Each college is also judged based on such criteria as student resources, student/teacher ratios, availability of academic counseling, graduation rates and financial aid offerings.
For more details on where each school falls in the rankings and the data and methodology used to determine the lists, visit:
http://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/online-degrees/business/#best-college-ranking
Schools with the Best Online Business Degrees for 2017 include the following:
Brenau University
Buena Vista University
Canisius College
Cardinal Stritch University
Cedar Crest College
Concordia University-Wisconsin
Davenport University
DeSales University
Drexel University
Duquesne University
Ferris State University
Hampton University
Hawaii Pacific University
Hofstra University
Indiana Wesleyan University
La Salle University
LeTourneau University
Lewis-Clark State College
Lindenwood University
Loyola University Chicago
Madonna University
Methodist University
Mount Mercy University
Mount Vernon Nazarene University
New York University
Nichols College
Northwood University-Michigan
Oakland City University
Oral Roberts University
Pace University-New York
Park University
Saint Leo University
Saint Xavier University
Suffolk University
Tarleton State University
Temple University
Texas A & M University-College Station
The University of Alabama
The University of Findlay
Tiffin University
University of Akron Main Campus
University of Arkansas
University of Mary
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
University of Southern Mississippi
University of St Francis
University of the Incarnate Word
University of Toledo
Upper Iowa University
Western Kentucky 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.
Proactive IT security distributor Alpha Generation Distribution announces today the completion of its acquisition by 4Sec Group, the complete channel business across security, compliance and cloud-based technologies.
The acquisition of 100% of Alpha Generations share capital for an undisclosed sum represents the next stage in the companys journey, combining new plans for the future with the team, expertise, and approach that has grown the business to this point.
Alpha Generation is an established VAD with a strong vendor and product portfolio, says Grahame Smee, Group Managing Director at 4Sec Group. But, crucially, the company shares 4Sec Groups relentless focus on delivering value to the channel. With this new acquisition, Alpha Generation effectively becomes the VAD arm of the 4Sec Group and well continue to build on the foundation of our existing vendors and channel customers as we move forwards.
Alpha Generations current vendors include Thycotic, Flexera Software, Corero, and BlackStratus, with products from SIEM and DDoS protection to application vulnerability and privileged account management. This strong portfolio will now benefit from increased investment in the business to drive growth, while new vendor opportunities are always being explored.
Were delighted to become part of the 4Sec Group, says Stuart Reay, Managing Director at Alpha Generation Distribution Ltd. With all of our employees including directors staying on, theres no disruption. Well be continuing to provide the close relationships and channel expertise that our vendors and partners value, with the added advantage of increased resources.
Proposed future plans include opening a new Basingstoke office for Alpha Generation in addition to existing Retford and Leeds locations. This will grow the companys headcount and provide more presence in the South.
As part of the 4Sec Group, well be able to supplement our expertise and vendor contacts with Grahames, adds Reay. For our existing vendors and partners, it means all the support theyre used to and more. For new vendors and partners, its the perfect time to see how we could help.
To find out more about Alpha Generation Distribution, visit http://www.alpha-gen.co.uk.
For more information on 4Sec Group, visit http://www.4secgroup.com
About Alpha Generation Distribution Ltd
Alpha Generation Distribution provides value-added distribution to the UK IT channel. Founded in May 2013, the company has a strong background in IT distribution and specialises in proactive security solutions.
Alpha Generation works on a foundation of product knowledge, channel building, marketing support and personal expertise to deliver tangible value to the channel.
Visit: http://www.alpha-gen.co.uk
About 4Sec Group
Founded in January 2017, 4Sec Group is a channel group of companies with a focus on total channel enablement. The company specialises in growing market areas including cyber security, compliance, and cloud-based technologies.
Across each of these areas, 4Sec Group is the complete channel company.
Visit: http://www.4secgroup.com
Contact:
Mark Weatherill
Marketing Diirector
Alpha Generation Distribution Limited
+44 1777 852222
mark.weatherill(at)alpha-gen(dot)co.uk
## Ends ##
OSIsoft, a leader in operational intelligence, and SparkCognition, a fast-growing AI company and the front-runner in predictive analytics for the energy industry, announced SparkCognition as an official OSIsoft Partner. SparkCognition will be present at the OSIsoft User Conference, along with its customer Invenergy, March 20-23 in San Francisco.
SparkCognition develops AI-powered cyber-physical software for the safety, security and reliability of IT, OT and the IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things). The companys technology harnesses real time sensor data and learns from it continuously, providing predictive and prescriptive insights for the assets, systems or networks being monitored.
"This collaboration will benefit any OSIsoft user by offering more robust solutions through improvements in their operations with advanced AI-generated insights," said Aaron Pratt, director of Global Channels at OSIsoft. "SparkCognition brings unmatched machine learning technology to this partnership."
Some of the worlds largest organizations, including over 1,000 leading utilities, 95 percent of the largest oil and gas companies and more than 65 percent of the Fortune 500 industrial companies, rely on the high-fidelity data collection and storage capabilities from OSIsoft and the PI System to manage the critical operations of their business. Worldwide, over 1.5 billion sensors serve data to PI System.
"Having the most advanced operational intelligence is key to successfully implementing an effective IIoT solution. Making that happen requires much more than just a data historian it needs a powerful infrastructure. Thats why we work closely with OSIsoft, said Stuart Gillen, senior director of Customer Success and Partnerships, SparkCognition. OSIsofts technology provides clean, reliable and structured data to feed our AI-powered algorithms and provide our customers with the fastest, most advanced and most accurate predictive analytics on the market.
SparkCognition has established itself as an artificial intelligence technology leader with event prediction for business-critical solutions in place for customers in utility, oil and gas, manufacturing, telecommunications, and finance. The company is presenting with Invenergy at the upcoming OSIsoft User Conference 2017, March 20-23 in San Francisco. Applying artificial intelligence and predictive analytics to the renewable energy industry, they will show how predictive analytics are implemented in a live wind farm - including data streaming between analytical models, OSIsoft's PI System, and front-end visualizations. The presentation will show how modern technologies are being used to predict failures earlier than traditional methods, driving significant savings and allowing the optimization of maintenance.
The goal is simple, Gillen added. We are providing a machine learning engine for users of OSIsoft to provide actionable insights and asset behavior predictions.
With larger, consolidated data sets, manufacturers can apply higher analytics for more detailed insights, scale the data as needed to meet the varied needs of single-site or enterprise-wide operations, and leverage AI-powered technology for monitoring and analysis.
The PI System is one of the worlds most widely-used technologies for the Industrial Internet of Things. The PI System captures data from sensors, manufacturing equipment and other devices and transforms it into rich, real-time insights that engineers, executives and partners can use to reduce costs, dramatically improve overall productivity or create new connected services and smart devices.
Process data is a valuable, but often underutilized, asset. The passion to innovate using the PI System and deliver customer centric solutions from our partner community is truly remarkable, added Pratt. Together, SparkCognition and OSIsoft can help companies transform their operations and product lines for a new era.
About OSIsoft, LLC.
OSIsoft, a global leader in operational intelligence, delivers an open enterprise infrastructure to connect sensor-based data, operations and people to enable real-time and actionable insights. As the maker of the PI System, OSIsoft empowers companies across a range of industries in activities such as exploration, extraction, production, generation, process and discrete manufacturing, distribution and services to leverage streaming data to optimize and enrich their businesses. For over thirty years, OSIsoft customers have embraced the PI System to deliver process, quality, energy, regulatory compliance, safety, security and asset health improvements across their operations. Founded in 1980, OSIsoft is a privately-held company, headquartered in San Leandro, California, U.S.A, with offices around the world.
About SparkCognition
SparkCognition is a global leader in cognitive computing analytics. A highly awarded company recognized for cutting-edge technology, SparkCognition develops AI-Powered cyber-physical software for the safety, security, and reliability of IT, OT, and the IIoT. The companys technology is capable of harnessing real time sensor data and learning from it continuously, allowing for more accurate risk mitigation and prevention policies to intervene and avert disasters. In less than three years since launching its solution, the company has acquired dozens of major clients, including multiple Fortune 100 and Fortune 1,000 organizations. For more information on the company, its technology and team, please visit http://www.sparkcognition.com
ZOE is unlike any other tutoring service because it easily fits into each students schedule, and tutors work with students through every aspect of the test-taking process.
Ed-tech start-up Zinkerz Inc. has announced the launch of Zinkerz Online Educators (ZOE) for the SAT, ACT, TOEFL, and SAT Subject Tests. Supported by each of its online platforms, ZOE offers students access to Zinkerzs adaptive test preparation software with the addition of one-on-one lessons with an experienced educator, who will guide and modify preparation techniques as well as provide students with support leading up to the test day.
To gain access to this service, students will go through a free, holistic evaluation with a member of the Zinkerz team. This process includes a diagnostic test and a brief consultation to discuss test options, score goals, grades, extracurriculars, college aspirations, and what Zinkerz can do to help. After the evaluation, students will be matched with an educator, and receive a lesson plan designed to address their individual strengths and weaknesses, schedule, and learning style.
The Zinkerz Online Platform supports a complete virtual classroom, equipped with audio, screen-share and drawing capabilities to create a fully collaborative learning environment, said Zinkerz co-founder Mordejai Burstein. ZOE is unlike any other tutoring service because it easily fits into each students schedule, and tutors work with students through every aspect of the test-taking process.
ZOE students have improved their standardized test scores by an average of 275 points. There is no better way for students to master the test material than by working alongside experienced teachers, dedicated to student success.
For more information, or to sign up for a free evaluation, visit http://www.zinkerz.com.
About Zinkerz
Zinkerz Inc. is an ed-tech start-up, engineering state-of-the-art online test preparation committed to empowering students to take charge of their own learning experiences. All Zinkerz products are designed using the latest educational and technological innovations and are constantly being updated. With the expertise of high quality educators, college counselors, and data scientists, Zinkerz distinguishes itself by providing an entirely holistic and adaptive service. Zinkerz prides itself in providing affordable and accessible services that maximize all students opportunities for success.
About the ACT
The ACT Test is a leading college admissions test that measures learning in order to determine whether a student is prepared for college. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc. Zinkerz is not associated with, and owns no rights to, the ACT Test. This website and the Zinkerz web app for the ACT Test are not endorsed or approved by ACT, Inc.
About the SAT
The SAT is a standardized college admission test that is created and owned by The College Board. Zinkerz is not associated with, and owns no rights to, the SAT . This website and the Zinkerz web app for the SAT are not endorsed or approved by The College Board.
About the TOEFL
TOEFL test is a standardized English-language test that is created and owned by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). Zinkerz is not associated with, and owns no rights to, the TOEFL . This website and the Zinkerz web app for the TOEFL are not endorsed or approved by the ETS.
About the SSAT
The SSAT test is a standardized test used by admissions counselors in independent schools. The SSAT is created and owned by the Enrollment Management Association. Zinkerz is not associated with, and owns no rights to, the SSAT . This website and the Zinkerz web app for the SSAT are not endorsed or approved by the Enrollment Management Association.
About the SAT Subject Tests
The SAT Subject Tests are standardized college admissions tests. The SAT Subject Tests are created and owned by The College Board. Zinkerz is not associated with, and owns no rights to, the SAT Subject Tests. This website and the Zinkerz web app for the SAT Subject Tests are not endorsed or approved by The College Board.
It is a great honor for Slone Partners to be part of this distinguished list of leading executive life science search firms. It is proof that our continued efforts to deliver the highest quality of service have been recognized. Leslie Loveless, CEO
Premier executive recruitment firm, Slone Partners, is proud to have been named a Top 50 Healthcare & Life Science Search Firm by Hunt Scanlon Media.
Hunt Scanlon Media is one of the most respected life science publications in the United States and the most widely referenced global news source in the human capital sector.
It is a great honor for Slone Partners to be part of this distinguished list of leading executive life science search firms. Hunt Scanlon is the media reference when it comes to all that is happening in the market, and to be selected by them alongside the biggest industry players is a privilege. It is proof that our continued efforts to deliver the highest quality of service have been recognized, said Leslie Loveless, CEO of Slone Partners.
At Slone Partners, we are constantly innovating to stay at the leading edge of recruitment practices. We do not simply place leaders; we continuously refine our search processes to attract and secure the best talent for the organizations we serve. We focus on finding the perfect fit for each position that we fill ensuring the long-term success of our clients and their new hires, stated Adam Slone, Founder of Slone Partners.
Slone Partners strategic approach to finding and securing the best leaders for their clients is unique in the industry. A thorough knowledge and understanding of the market place and the ability to truly assess their clients cultural environment allows Slone Partners to build strong, diverse teams.
Our clients are involved in some of the most meaningful and cutting edge areas of healthcare, continued Adam Slone. We are proud to partner with these organizations and provide guidance in the development of their teams.
The full list of nominees is available in the Healthcare and Life Sciences Recruiting Special Issue of Hunt Scanlon Medias Executive Search Review (ESR) publication.
About Slone Partners
Founded in 2000, Slone Partners is a premier executive search firm that specializes in recruitment for the diagnostics, life sciences, clinical trials, contract research, healthcare information technology and laboratory testing industries with offices in Boston, Washington, D.C. and San Francisco. For more information on Slone Partners, please visit http://www.slonepartners.com.
Search Technologies, the leading IT consulting firm specializing in the design and implementation of enterprise search and big data applications, announced today that it has been named to KMWorlds annual list of 100 Companies that Matter in Knowledge Management for the 10th year in a row. This exclusive list is compiled by knowledge management practitioners, theorists, analysts, vendors, and customers.
KMWorlds 100 list highlights innovative and creative companies that help their customers turn vast amounts of data into usable knowledge that they can leverage to gain vital business insight.
According to Kamran Khan, CEO of Search Technologies, "It is an honor to have this acknowledgment from KMWorld for the 10th year in a row, and to know that they recognize our contributions and commitment to the knowledge management industry. This recognition is a testament to the work we do every day to help our customers achieve their business goals through the use of innovative search and big data applications.
Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, Search Technologies has offices in the U.S., UK, Germany, Czech Republic, and in Central America. We have delivered results for customers in e-commerce, publishing, media, financial services, professional staffing, manufacturing, as well as the government sector. Some of our customers include EMC Corporation, Adecco Group, Library of Congress, U.S. National Archives, and the European Union Publishing Office.
About Search Technologies
With more than 800 customers worldwide, Search Technologies is the leading trusted and independent technology services firm specializing in the design, implementation, and management of search and big data analytics applications. Our experienced consultants and unique technical assets help us deliver customized search and analytics applications that are easier to use, less expensive, more powerful, and more reliable. To learn more, visit http://www.searchtechnologies.com.
About KMWorld
KMWorld (http://www.kmworld.com) is the leading information provider serving the Knowledge Management systems market and covers the latest in Content, Document and Knowledge Management, informing more than 21,000 subscribers about the components and processes - and subsequent success stories - that together offer solutions for improving business performance. KMWorld is a publishing unit of Information Today, Inc. (http://www.infotoday.com).
We look forward to integrating the results of Buxtons analysis into our economic development plans.
Buxton recently partnered with the City of Kasson, Minnesota, to provide the city with consumer analytics to support economic development initiatives. The analytics will be used to identify the retail preferences of residents, match the city to complementary retail businesses, provide helpful insights to existing local businesses, and support downtown revitalization efforts.
Bringing new businesses to Kasson while simultaneously strengthening existing businesses will lay a solid foundation for the citys future, said Theresa Coleman, city administrator of Kasson. We look forward to integrating the results of Buxtons analysis into our economic development plans.
Buxton is excited to begin working with the City of Kasson, said Cody Gunstenson, director of sales at Buxton. By taking a data-driven approach to economic development, Kasson will be able to identify the best opportunities for the community.
As a Buxton client, Kasson will have access to SCOUT, Buxtons proprietary web-based real estate platform, giving city leaders data and information at their fingertips to analyze different areas of the city.
Buxton has worked with more than 750 communities across the country to improve economic development strategies. Client cities include Oak Park, IL; Canton, SD; Waterloo, IA and many others.
About Kasson, Minnesota
The City of Kasson is located in Dodge County, MN, just 20 minutes west of the City of Rochester. With a population of more than 6,000 residents, Kasson offers a welcoming community to new residents and businesses.
To learn more, visit http://www.cityofkasson.com.
About Buxton
Buxton is the industry leader in customer analytics. Our analytics reveal who your customers are, where more potential customers are located and the value of each customer. More than 3,500 clients in the retail, restaurant, healthcare, private equity and public sectors have relied on our insights to guide their growth strategies.
For more information, visit http://www.buxtonco.com.
NETRIS Pharma, a pioneer in the development of dependence receptor targeted cancer medicines, announced today the start of enrollment of patients with advanced/metastatic solid tumors in its Phase I clinical study of NP137, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting Netrin-1 (NCT02977195). The study represents the first time a drug candidate targeting dependence receptors has been evaluated in humans. Dependence receptors are tumor suppressors that trigger cell death unless engaged by a ligand, in this case Netrin-1. Blocking Netrin-1 could re-introduce the natural tumor cell death pathway.
"The launch of this first of its kind clinical trial represents a key milestone in the dependence receptor field as well as for NETRIS Pharma in our commitment to find new therapeutic solutions for cancer patients," said Patrick Mehlen, CEO and co-founder of NETRIS Pharma. "We see in this study the confirmation of the ability to translate the potential of our innovative approach on dependence receptors to a first application of a drug candidate in patients."
This open-label study includes a first phase of dose escalation, followed by an extension phase. The main objective of the dose escalation phase is to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of NP137 and the recommended Phase II (RP2D) dose. The main objective of the extension phase is to confirm the safety and tolerance of NP137 and collect preliminary clinical activity data.
The study will recruit a maximum of 44 patients in three French centers, the Centre Leon Berard in Lyon (Prof. Philippe Cassier - principal investigator of the study), the Institut Claudius Regaud in Toulouse and the Institut Gustave Roussy in Villejuif.
"The new therapeutic approach developed by NETRIS Pharma explores a so far non-druggable pathway in oncology. It offers another avenue of research to help us achieve the precision medicine needed in treating cancer. If the Phase I safety profile, which is expected in 2017, is positive, NP137 may represent a major therapeutic advance in the management of cancer patients," said Prof. Jean-Yves Blay, Director General of the Centre Leon Berard, Lyon.
About Dependence Receptors Concept
Cells depend on external signals for their survival. These signals are mediated by various transmembrane receptors and sensors, such as soluble trophic factors, cytokines, hormones. For any given required stimulus, withdrawal leads to programmed cell death (apoptosis). Data obtained over the past 15 years, pioneered by Prof Patrick Mehlen and his research team at the Cancer Research Center of Lyon - Centre Leon Berard, argue for a novel form of signal transduction that actively induces cell death following stimulus withdrawal.
This negative signal transduction leading to cell death is mediated by specific dependence receptors that induce apoptosis in the absence of the required stimulus, but block apoptosis in its presence. The expression of various dependence receptors at the surface of the cells seems to create a state of dependence (or addiction) to their respective ligands. To date, more than twenty of such receptors have been identified.
About NP137
Most types of tumors have been shown to produce an abnormal amount of dependence receptors ligands, thus preventing cells from dying. For instance, the Netrin-1 ligand has been shown to be overexpressed in 60% of metastatic breast cancers, in more than 70% of ovarian cancers, 50% of lung cancers or 80% of melanoma. Its expression often correlates with disease severity and no therapy has ever been tested on this new pathway.
NP137, a humanized monoclonal antibody of isotype IgG1 directed against the ligand Netrin-1, is the first drug candidate developed by NETRIS Pharma. NP137 prevents the binding of Netrin-1 on its dependence receptors, thus re-inducing cell death and leading to tumor growth regression.
Pre-clinical studies show an anti-cancer effect of NP137 in mice, in monotherapy but also in combination with demethylating agents and chemotherapy agents. In addition, remarkable effects are observed on tumor relapse. A synergistic effect of NP137 with immune-checkpoint inhibitors has also been observed, opening novel strategies for clinical investigation.
About NETRIS Pharma
NETRIS Pharma designs and develops anti-cancer therapeutic molecules, particularly monoclonal antibodies, to block the interaction between dependence receptors and their ligands, which are linked to the development of tumors. NETRIS Pharma, founded in 2008 and based in Lyon, within the Center Leon Berard, is the first company to develop this innovative approach. NETRIS Pharma is supported by numerous national and European grant programs, as well as by the investment fund Eclosion2 & cie SCPC (Geneva, Switzerland). Further information can be found at: http://www.netrispharma.com.
Contacts:
Patrick Mehlen, CEO
NETRIS Pharma
Tel : +33 (0)4 78 78 28 70
Email: patrickmehlen(at)netrispharma.com
Christophe Guichard, Partner
Eclosion2
Tel : +41 (0)22 544 29 34
Email: cg(at)eclosion.com
Specialty Technical Consultants
Specialty Technical Publishers (STP) and Specialty Technical Consultants (STC) announce the availability of the newly updated International Audit Protocol Consortium (IAPC) EHS audit protocol for the Russian Federation. Leading companies around the world use IAPC EHS audit protocols to understand the scope of their EHS regulatory obligations and rapidly collect, share, archive, and export audit findings in a cost effective manner. IAPC EHS audit protocols are now prepared by STC in partnership with STP and continue to focus on those national (plus, in some cases, regional or provincial) EHS requirements that have site-specific application for manufacturing operations. As a leading EHS management consulting firm with a global network of experienced EHS teaming partners, STC has indepth knowledge and technical expertise of local/regional EHS requirements.
STP and STC maintain leading-edge EHS audit protocols for more than 30 jurisdictions. The protocol documents are written in English and are available in MS Word, Adobe Acrobat and Excel formats, as well as through STPs web-based portal or can be integrated into an existing company platform. Using the protocols custom templates and advanced functionality features, auditors can easily track audit findings and manage data over time to improve compliance, risk management and safety performance. In addition, STPs formatting is compatible with leading risk management and sustainability platform providers.
Highlights of selected legislation covered in the newly updated protocol include:
A new version of GOST 17.2.3.02-201: International Standard Regulations for Establishing the Permissible Limits of Harmful Pollutants Emissions from Industrial Enterprises replaced GOST 17.2.3.02-78: Natural Protection of the Atmosphere, Regulations for Establishing Permissible Emission Levels of Noxious Pollutants from Industrial Enterprise.
Order No. 387 of 4 August 2016 on the Approval of Statistic Instruments for the Organizations of the Federal Statistical Monitoring of Agricultural Activities and the Environment replaced Order No. 441 of August 9, 2012.
Decree No. 913 of 13 September 2016 on the Fee Rates Payable for the Negative Impact on the Environment and on the Additional Coefficients replaced Decree No. 344 of June 12, 2003.
The List of Polluting Substances for Which State Regulation Measures Aimed at Environmental Protection are Applied, Direction No. 1316 of 8 July 2015 was added to the protocol.
Order No. 445 of 18 July 2014 on the Adoption of the Federal Waste Classification Catalogue replaced MNR Order No. 786 of December 2, 2002, Approving the Federal Waste Classification Catalogue.
Order No. 536 of 4 December 2014 on the Criterial for Assigning Wastes to Environmental Hazard Classes I-V replaced MNR Order No. 511 of June 15, 2001 on Approval of the Criteria for Assigning Environmental Hazard Classes to Wastes.
Decree No. 712 of 16 August 2013 on the Approval of Certificates/Passports for Class I-IV Wastes replaced MNR Order No. 785 of December 2, 2002, Approving Hazardous Waste Certificates/Passports.
Criteria for Assigning Wastes to Classes I - V Depending on their Negative Impact on the Environment, Order No. 536 of 4 December 2014 was added to the protocol.
Procedure for Assigning Wastes to Hazard Classes I - IV, Order No. 541 of 5 December 2014 was added to the protocol.
Decree No. 1062 of 3 October 2015 on the Licensing of Activities Involving Collection, Transportation, Processing, Utilization, Neutralization and Disposal of Class I-IV Wastes replaced Government Decree No. 255 of March 28, 2012 on Approval of the Statement on the Licensing Requirements for the Neutralization
Decree No. 913 of 13 September 2016 on the Fee Rates Payable for the Negative Impact on the Environment and on the Additional Coefficients replaced Government Decree No. 344 of June 12, 2003, on Charges for Air Emissions from Stationary and Mobile Sources, Discharges of Pollutants to Bodies of Water, and Waste Disposal.
Order No. 230 of 19 October 2009 on the Adoption of Statistical Tools for the Organisation of Federal Statistical Monitoring of Water Use replaced Goskomstate Decree No. 110 of November 13, 2000, Approving Tools for Statistical Surveys of Geological Resources, Geological Prospecting Activities, Water Use and Pollution Fees.
Rules for Hot Water Supply, Decree No. 642 of 29 July 2013 was added to the protocol.
Decree No. 644 of 29 July 2013 on the Rules for the Cold Water Supply and Discharge and on Amending of Certain Governmental Decrees of the Russian Federation was added to the protocol.
Decree No. 162 of 25 February 2000 on the List of Hard or Harmful Types of Work or Works with Hazardous Conditions Where the Use of Female Labour is Prohibited was added to the protocol.
Decree No. 163 of 25 February 2000 on the List of Works with Harmful or Hazardous Conditions Where the Use of Workers Under 18 is Prohibited was added to the protocol.
Order No. 216 of 19 June 2013 on the Approval of Statistical Tools for the Organisation of the Federal Statistical Monitoring over Occupational Injuries, Healthcare Industry and the Natural Movement of the Population was added to the protocol.
Order No. 357 of 3 August 2015 on the Approval of the Statistical Tools for the Organisation of Statistical Monitoring/Tracking of the Number of Workers, Salaries and Working Conditions and on the Activities in the Field of Education, Science and Information Technologies has replaced Decree 184 of August 26, 2009, on the Approval of Statistical Tools for the Organisation of Statistical Monitoring/Tracking of the Number of Workers, Salaries and Working Conditions.
Order No. 552n of 17 August 2015 on the Occupational Safety Rules for Working with Instruments and Devices was added to the protocol.
Order No. 116 of 25 March 2014 on the Adoption of the Federal Norms and Rules for the Safe Operation of Major Hazard Installations Equipment Operating under Excessive Pressure is Used replaced Gosgortekhnadzor (GGTN) Decree No. 91 of June 11, 2003, on Approval of PB 03-576-03, Rules of Installation and Safe Operation of Vessels Operating Under Pressure.
Order No. 328n of 24 July 2013 on the Occupational Safety Rules for the Operation of Electrical Installations replaced POT RM-016-2001 of July 1, 2001, Approving RD 153-34.0 03.150-00, Safety Rules for Electrical Installations/Devices.
Order No. 1101n of 23 December 2014 on the Occupational Safety Rules for Electric and Gas Welding Works replaced POT RM-020-2001, Cross-sectoral Rules on Health and Safety for Electric and Gas Welding Works.
Order No. 642n of 17 September 2014 on the Occupational Safety Rules for Loading and Unloading Works and Cargo Handling replaced Ministry of Labor and Social Development Decree No. 16 of March 20, 1998, on Approval of POT RM-007-98, Inter-Industrial Safety Rules for Workers Employed in Loading/Unloading of Loads.
Order No. 155n of 28 March 2014 on the Adoption of the Occupational Safety Rules for Works at Height (Overhead Works) replaced Ministry of Labor and Social Development Order No. 68 POT R M-012-2000 of October 4, 2000 Inter-Industry Regulations On Occupational Health and Safety For Overhead Work.
Technical Regulation of the Customs Union TR TS 011/2011 on the Safety of Lifts, adopted by the Customs Union Commission Decision No. 824 of 18 October 2011 replaced Gosgortekhnadzor (GGTN) Order No. 31 of May 16, 2003, on Approval of PB 10-558-03 Design, Installation and Safe Use of Lifts (Elevators).
Order No. 305 of 11 August 2015 on the Approval of Administrative Procedure Licensing by RosTekhNadzor of Requirements to Operate Fire and Explosion Hazardous Facilities as well as Chemically Hazardous Facilities Belonging to Hazard Classes I, II and III replaced RocTekhNadzor Order No. 714 of December 12, 2012, on Approval of the Administrative Procedure of Licensing by RosTekhNadzor of Requirements to Operate Fire and Explosion Hazardous Facilities.
Government Decree No. 400 of July 30, 2004 on Approval of the Provisions for the Federal Service of Supervision over the Use of Natural Resources replaced Government Decree No. 401 of July 30, 2004, on the Federal Service for Ecological, Technological and Nuclear Supervision.
Order No. 558 of 21 November 2013 on the Approval of the Federal Norms and Rules Safety of Facilities Using Liquefied Hydrocarbon Gases replaced PB 12 609-03.
Occupational Safety Rules for Construction Works adopted by Order No. 336n of 1 June 2015 was added to the protocol.
For more information on all International EHS audit protocols offered by STP and STC click here.
About Specialty Technical Publishers
Specialty Technical Publishers (STP) produces technical resource guides covering environmental, health & safety, transportation, accounting, business practices, standards and law, offering comprehensive guidance on key compliance and regulatory issues. STP is a division of Glacier Media Inc., a Canadian information communications company that provides primary and essential information in print, electronic and online media. Glaciers Business and Professional Information Group publishes directories, technical manuals, research and development materials, medical education, electronic databases, investment information and specialty websites.
About Specialty Technical Consultants
Specialty Technical Consultants, Inc. (STC) is a specialized management consulting firm working to enhance environmental health and safety (EHS) performance. Through its consulting services, STC partners with clients to strengthen management systems' design and implementation, and identifies needs and implements solutions to meet business objectives. Services provided include: EHS compliance support; risk assessment; EHS auditing; corporate responsibility and sustainability; EHS management systems development and implementation; EHS regulatory information tools; and EHS training.
STC is certified as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) by the Womens Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) and the Supplier Clearinghouse for the California Public Utilities Commission, and as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program.
Andras Guttman, PhD Applications Manager, SCIEX Separations
Proper glycosylation is critical for the efficacy, immunogenicity, and clearance of biologics. To acquire information on the desired increase and/or decrease in antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or complement-dependent cytotoxicity, there is a growing demand in the biopharmaceutical industry for rapid N-glycosylation profiling of therapeutic antibodies.
To meet this demand, the team at SCIEX has developed a Fast Glycan Labeling and Analysis Kit for high speed sample preparation and N-linked carbohydrate analysis of glycoproteins. Glycan release, labeling and clean-up are performed in 60 minutes using a novel magnetic bead based process that ensures excellent yield and high reproducibility.
Participants of this webinar, sponsored by SCIEX, will gain a better understanding of the easy-to-use magnetic bead based sample preparation workflow for rapid N-glycan analysis of biopharmaceuticals. Attendees will also learn how this sample preparation may be automated, making for a more efficient lab.
SCIEX has selected Dr. Andras Guttman, applications manager at SCIEX Separations, to be the speaker for this webinar.
Andras currently leads the application efforts at Sciex Separations and holds the Translational Glycomics Professorship at the Horvath Csaba Laboratory of Bioseparation Sciences at the University of Debrecen, Hungary. His work is focusing on capillary electrophoresis and CE-MS based glycoproteomics and glycomics analysis of biopharmaceutical, biomedical and cell biology samples. He graduated from University of Veszprem, Hungary in chemical engineering, where he also received his doctoral degree.
LabRoots will host the webinar March 24th, 2017, commencing at 7:30 a.m. PT, 10:30 a.m. ET. To learn more about this event, read about the P.A.C.E and Florida Continuing Education credits offered, or to register for free, click here.
ABOUT SCIEX
SCIEX helps to improve the world we live in by enabling scientists and laboratory analysts to find answers to the complex analytical challenges they face. The company's global leadership and world-class service and support in the capillary electrophoresis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry industry have made it a trusted partner to thousands of the scientists and lab analysts worldwide who are focused on basic research, drug discovery and development, food and environmental testing, forensics and clinical research.
With over 40 years of proven innovation, SCIEX excels by listening to and understanding the ever-evolving needs of its customers to develop reliable, sensitive and intuitive solutions that continue to redefine what is achievable in routine and complex analysis. For more information, please visit sciex.com.
SCIEX social: Twitter: @SCIEXnews, LinkedIn and Facebook.
ABOUT LABROOTS:
LabRoots is the leading scientific social networking website and producer of educational virtual events and webinars. Contributing to the advancement of science through content sharing capabilities, LabRoots is a powerful advocate in amplifying global networks and communities. Founded in 2008, LabRoots emphasizes digital innovation in scientific collaboration and learning, and is a primary source for current scientific news, webinars, virtual conferences, and more. LabRoots has grown into the worlds largest series of virtual events within the Life Sciences and Clinical Diagnostics community.
Andrews Federal Credit Union's Kaylee Abbott and Andrea Witter in attendance at the Military Saves Week Proclamation signing.
Andrews Federal Credit Union, a proud partner of the Military Saves Campaign, recently wrapped up Military Saves Week.
Military Saves Week is an annual opportunity for installations and organizations to promote good savings behavior, as well as a chance for service members and their families to assess their own saving status. Typically hundreds of organizations participate in the week, reaching millions of people.
This year, the Credit Unions Kaylee Abbott and Andrea Witter kicked things off by attending the Military Saves Week Proclamation Signing at the Military and Family Support Center on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst in New Jersey. Additionally, a no-cost financial seminar entitled Steps to Financial Freedom, presented by Dusti Young, Partner Relations Specialist at GreenPath Financial Wellness, was held at the Credit Unions Headquarters in Maryland. The Credit Union also provided a free gift (while supplies lasted) to members that visited any Andrews Federal branch and opened a youth savings, holiday or vacation club account during Military Saves Week.
We are grateful for the impact we made this week in giving our members the resources they need to make informed financial decisions, said Andrews Federal President & CEO, Jim Hayes. We are always looking for ways to help both our military and civilian members achieve their savings goals.
About Andrews Federal Credit Union
Andrews Federal Credit Union was founded in 1948 to serve the needs of military and civilian personnel by providing a vast array of financial products and services. With over $1.4 billion in assets, Andrews Federal has grown to serve more than 120,000 members in the District of Columbia, Joint Base Andrews (MD), Springfield, Virginia (VA), Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst (NJ), and military installations in central Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands. In addition, the Credit Union serves as a financial partner with many select employee groups in Maryland, the District of Columbia, Virginia and New Jersey.
To learn more about Andrews Federal Credit Union and its community involvement, or to become a member, call 800.487.5500 or visit http://www.andrewsfcu.org.
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi Announces 2017 Dissertation Fellows "We are delighted to offer dissertation fellowships to assist Phi Kappa Phi members in reaching the finish line of their doctoral programs. - Dr. Mary Todd, Executive Director, The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, the nations oldest and most selective all-discipline honor society, today announced the recipients of a 2017 Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship. The $10,000 fellowships are designed to support active Society members currently in the dissertation writing stage of doctoral study.
This years class of fellows represents a group of 10 students spanning a number of disciplines from science and engineering to arts and humanities.
The 2017 Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellows are:
Michelle Asbill, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Ananda Bandara, Kansas State University
Matthew L. Bush, University of Kentucky
Juan Castro, University of South Florida
Laura Hamman, University of WisconsinMadison
Bo Cheng Jin, University of Southern California
Matthew T. Kerr, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Sarah Mayo, University of Georgia
Will Porter, University of Wisconsin-Madison
Anna Joy Rogers, University of Alabama at Birmingham
Phi Kappa Phi has long been known for supporting graduate students at the beginning of their studies, but only recently have we introduced support at the very end, said Society Executive Director Dr. Mary Todd. Crossing that 'All But Dissertation' line is critical to a successful academic or professional career, so we are delighted to offer dissertation fellowships to assist Phi Kappa Phi members in reaching the finish line of their doctoral programs.
The recipients were selected based on a number of criteria including how the fellowship will contribute to the completion of the dissertation, the significance of original research, and endorsement by the dissertation chair. Each fellow will receive $10,000 to apply toward 12 months of dissertation writing.
Established in 2014, the Dissertation Fellowship Program allocates $100,000 annually in support of active Phi Kappa Phi members. In addition to these fellowships, the Society awards $1.4 million each biennium to qualifying students and members through study abroad grants, graduate fellowships, funding for post-baccalaureate development, member and chapter awards, and grants for local, national and international literacy initiatives.
To learn more about the Phi Kappa Phi Dissertation Fellowship Program and this years recipients, please visit http://www.phikappaphi.org/dissertation.
About Phi Kappa Phi
Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi is the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines. Phi Kappa Phi inducts approximately 30,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni annually. The Society has chapters on more than 300 select colleges and universities in North America and the Philippines. Membership is by invitation only to the top 10 percent of seniors and graduate students and 7.5 percent of juniors. Faculty, professional staff and alumni who have achieved scholarly distinction also qualify. The Society's mission is "To recognize and promote academic excellence in all fields of higher education and to engage the community of scholars in service to others." For more information, visit http://www.phikappaphi.org.
ABC News(WASHINGTON) -- President Trump delivered a warning to House Republicans Tuesday: don't be "fools" and kill the bill to repeal and replace Obamacare.
For roughly 40 minutes, the president huddled with the Republican conference behind closed doors, delivering what his aides described as a final sales pitch ahead of Thursday's expected House floor vote on the American Health Care Act (AHCA).
Multiple members in the room told ABC News the president said they will lose seats in the 2018 midterm elections if they don't follow through and pass the AHCA, a sentiment repeated later Tuesday by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer.
"I think there's going to be a price to be paid," Spicer said. It will be with their own voters. They'll have to go back and explain why they made a commitment to them and then didn't follow through."
One source added that the president said if Republicans don't stick together they're "fools." The message, seen by some participants as meant in jest rather than as a threat, did signal that the president supports Speaker Paul Ryan's view that the Thursday vote is a defining moment for the party.
"We had a great meeting and I think were going to get a winner vote," Trump told reporters as he left the meeting. "It was a great meeting, we have terrific people and they want a tremendous healthcare plan -- and thats what we have. And there are going to be adjustments, but I think well get the vote on Thursday."
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, R-Wis., said that the president was there "to do what he does best and that is to close the deal."
"He is all-in and we are all-in to end this Obamacare nightmare," said Ryan.
Many Republicans emerged from the session and described to ABC News that Trump's visit was pulling at their heartstrings.
Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., said that it is powerful when the president visits Capitol Hill and Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., said the meeting may not have changed minds but it did change hearts.
Grateful to hear from @POTUS this morning on his support for #AHCA. He reiterated that he will fight for every single American family. pic.twitter.com/R6RDsxWNY7 Ann Wagner (@RepAnnWagner) March 21, 2017
Members said that one target of Trump's attention was Freedom Caucus leader Rep. Mark Meadows, R-N.C. Meadows has been among those in most ardent opposition to the Trump and Ryan-backed bill. The president reportedly asked Meadows to stand and joked about whether or not he'd have to "come after him," one member said, if Meadows did not back the bill.
The president reportedly asked other individuals members who had recently been swayed to back the bill to stand and be recognized. Lawmakers leaving the room said the president made wink-and-nod comments about how, where and for whom he may choose to campaign down the road depending on their votes.
The president's confidence in his ability to get the bill passed was in full view even before the meeting, as he arrived on Capitol Hill. Asked by ABC News if he can get the votes, the president paused and said "I think so" and gave a thumbs up when pressed again on the bill's passage.
Later this afternoon, Trump will meet with the "Tuesday Group" of moderate Republicans at the White House.
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March 20
The Helena Police Department responded to 69 calls for service. Of those calls, officers responded to three non-injury crashes, four suspicious circumstance calls, four welfare checks, one trespass call, three disorderly persons and two assist calls.
California Energy The conference is highly educational and informative, said past attendee Nicholas Connell of Southern California Gas Company. Without events like this, the energy sector would be disadvantageous.
Infocasts 5th annual California Energy Summit scheduled for May 16-18 in Santa Monica, CA, will shed light on the complexity of Californias changing energy market and bring together key stakeholders to develop strategies necessary to move ahead.
The states latest regulatory changes are forcing utilities, IPPs and energy storage companies to adapt in order to stay competitive under new market conditions. By bringing together policymakers, finance executives, and energy leaders, attendees will get the exclusive opportunity to connect with top energy professionals and regulators in an intimate setting to learn how to best navigate through the changing landscape.
Top representatives from CPUC, CAISO, Southern California Gas, SDG&E, PacificCorp, MCE, AES Southland and many more will be on hand to share their expert insight at the event. Topics to be discussed include renewables integration and the transformation of the electric sector, regionalization and CAISO expansion, distributed energy future in California and more.
To learn more or to register, visit http://infocastinc.com/event/california-energy/ or call Infocast at (818) 888-4444.
About Infocast:
For over 30 years, Infocast has produced deal-making events that enable organizations to innovate, design and build a better future. Infocast events ignite business transformation in each of the industries they serve, through extensive market research for the most relevant content and in-demand speakers, attracting highly-targeted audiences there to network with and learn from key industry leaders.
The mission of the Port of Kalama is to induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs & enhance public recreational opportunities.
In an effort to work more closely with local middle and high school students and nurture future industrial talent in Kalama, Port of Kalama business CE Metal Fabrication has partnered with Kalama Schools to provide unique metals and scrap materials for welding in shop classes.
The company offers a variety of metal parts and materials like sheets, pipe and more to which the school would not have access or budget to acquire. And theyve created beautiful welded boxes to display the metals for the students and transport them back and forth between shop and school.
Weve got so many quality remnant scraps that will enable Kalama students to work with materials they typically would not be able to accessthe whole idea is to offer them a real world experience in this kind of industrial welding and fabrication, says Scott Mathews, general manager, CE Metal Fabrication. Its a great way for us to give back to this wonderful community and familiarize students with an important industrial craft.
The idea sprung from a recent Kalama High School Career Fair co-hosted by Kalama Schools and the Port of Kalama with the intention of introducing port industries and businesses to local studentsand potential future talent.
A key part of our mission is to prepare our students to be both college- and career-readyand what this partnership offers is a tangible connection between industry and the courses they are enrolled in, says Eric Nerison, Kalama Schools superintendent. CE Metals contribution is a huge cost-savings to us a gift to our kids; and they are really creating a connection between industry and real world career opportunities. Its such a win-win and we are grateful.
CE Metal Fabrication leases 33,000 square feet in Kalama and serves a growing cadre of clients throughout the Pacific Northwest with precisely crafted metal. From decorative handrails to steel structural beams, CE creates quality metal components and other necessities for commercial buildings, industrial applications, and metal shredding equipment to name just a few.
The Port of Kalama is working to develop a closer relationship between the students and faculty of the Kalama Schools and the Ports business partnersoffering students an opportunity to learn about the work we do, as well as career opportunities within our port industries, says Troy Stariha, president of the Port of Kalama commission. We hope to improve the understanding of the business activities hereCE Metal Fabrication is a great example of businesses not only giving back but working to train future talent. We welcome any port industries to explore these possibilities.
About Port of Kalama Where rail and water meet:
The Port of Kalama is located in Southwest Washington on the Columbia River and immediately off of Interstate Highway 5. The port exists to induce capital investment in an environmentally responsible manner to create jobs and to enhance public recreational opportunities. Port of Kalama's industrial area includes five miles of riverfront property adjacent to the 43' federally-maintained deep draft navigation channel of the Columbia River. The Port is served by the Burlington Northern/Santa Fe and Union Pacific railroads. There are over 30 businesses located at the Port of Kalama, employing over 1,000 people. Port of Kalama offers all the superior facilities businesses need to thrive, and an unsurpassed quality of life. The port offers shovel ready sites, a new Industrial Park, state of the art Marine Terminals and transportation accessibility to rail and highway all just a 30 minute drive to the Portland International Airport. Port of Kalama also offers high-bandwidth communications, with dual access fiber-optic service to Seattle and Portland. Properties currently available at the port for businesses wishing to expand and thrive: Visit http://portofkalama.com/available-properties/.
Contact: Liz Newman, marketing manager, Port of Kalama, 360-673-2379 or Claudia Johnson, PR, 503-799-2220.
The technology impressed us and it is easy for users to adopt and use. We looked for a solution that would be highly configurable, rather than customizable, and we found it in Centric.
Centric Software announces that IMAX, a manufacturing division of iconic Italian fashion company Max Mara, has selected Centric Software to provide its product lifecycle management (PLM) solution. Centric Software is the leading PLM solution for fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor and consumer goods companies.
IMAX is part of the Max Mara Group and produces knitwear and jersey for most of its 35 different labels. The core business is manufacturing, although IMAX also provides logistics services to Max Maras brands. IMAX is a complex operation, with production in Italy as well as some outsourcing to sites in Europe and Asia.
IMAXs main goals are to keep production costs as low as possible while still producing high quality clothing and to guarantee on-time deliveries to its customers. Although the company previously had a PDM system in place, it was primarily using an ERP system to organize data. Users were lacking visibility and there was a duplication of information across various systems and programs, creating inefficiencies and confusion.
The tools we had been using for many years were no longer up to date and were not sophisticated enough for our business processes, explains Giovanni Bisotti, IT Manager at Imax Srl. We had different systems all containing various product data which made it difficult for users to keep up. In some cases, the same data was being entered twice in different systems and occasionally data would be not be accessible to some users because it was associated with personal databases or accounts.
We wanted to simplify that situation to give users a unique environment where they could find all of the information related to each product, so we started looking for a solution. Because things change so quickly in the fashion market, we needed flexibility to manage our processes and data and a tool that would allow us to react rapidly. We also wanted to enable new methods of collaboration, both internally between users and externally with regard to the supply chain.
After reviewing a number of different PLM providers, IMAX selected Centric Software to provide their new PLM solution. As Bisotti says, Centric proved to be best-in-class for several reasons.
We like Centrics focus on fashion. Centric has great references in Italy and also around the world, says Bisotti. Its one of the few PLM solutions that is tailor-made for our industry. The technology impressed us and it is easy for users to adopt and use. We looked for a solution that would be highly configurable, rather than customizable, and we found it in Centric. Centrics approach allows us to benefit from upgrades and new releases, and Centric is particularly active in that regard issuing new innovations frequently.
As Bisotti concludes, Were looking forward to increased efficiency which will reduce our internal costs and time to market. This is the main objective of the project. With Centric PLM in place, well also be changing our data model. The PLM system will be the master source of data, rather than the ERP system. So far, working with the Centric team has been great its really straightforward and collaborative. I see a lot of positive energy and were very enthusiastic about it.
IMAXs focus on manufacturing high-quality clothing means that they need an adaptable, easy to use, innovative solution to drive efficiency while maintaining agility, says Chris Groves, President and CEO of Centric Software, We are very pleased to partner with them to help meet their cost-savings and time to market goals.
MAX MARA AND IMAX (http://www.maxmarafashiongroup.com)
Recognized throughout the world as the precursor of modern pret-a-porter fashion, the Max Mara Group is one of the largest international fashion houses and the first Italian womens clothing company. The company was formed (in 1951) with the aim of offering haut de gamme feminine clothing, produced according to excellent industrial processes. This is a record that the Max Mara Group has consolidated over time through a meticulous, luxurious style that has always achieved rising success on a world-wide scale, demonstrated today in more than 2,300 stores. Max Mara Group, with 41 companies and over 5,000 employees, operates in 105 countries. Max Mara has spawned 35 labels, although Max Mara womenswear remains the core of the company. Other brands include Sportmax, Sportmax Code, Weekend Max Mara, Marella, Pennyblack, iBlues, Max & Co. (the trendy, youth division), and Marina Rinaldi.
Centric Software (http://www.centricsoftware.com)
From its headquarters in Silicon Valley and offices in trend capitals around the world, Centric Software builds technologies for the most prestigious names in fashion, retail, footwear, luxury, outdoor, and consumer goods. Its flagship product lifecycle management (PLM) platform, Centric 8, delivers enterprise-class merchandise planning, product development, sourcing, business planning, quality, and collection management functionality tailored for fast-moving consumer industries. Centric SMB packages extended PLM including innovative technology and key industry learnings tailored for small businesses.
Centric Software has received multiple industry awards, including the Frost & Sullivan Global Product Differentiation Excellence Award in Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM in 2016 and Frost & Sullivans Global Retail, Fashion, and Apparel PLM Product Differentiation Excellence Award in 2012. Red Herring named Centric to its Top 100 Global list in 2013, 2015, and 2016.
Centric is a registered trademark of Centric Software. All other brands and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
(end)
Media Contacts:
Centric Software
Americas: Jennifer Forsythe, jforsythe(at)centricsoftware.com
Europe: Kristen Salaun Batby, ksalaun-batby(at)centricsoftware.com
Asia: Lily Dong, lilydong(at)centricsoftware.com
With the ease of use and flexibility provided by OASIS, the addition of OASIS contracts in DCS core engineering and R&D service areas will increase the companys ability to provide support across its customer base.
DCS Corporation (DCS), a GSA One Acquisition Solution for Integrated Services (OASIS) Pool 6 prime contractor, has expanded its participation in the OASIS Unrestricted domain with the addition of contracts in Pool 3, Engineering Solutions and Pool 4, Research and Development. With the ease of use and flexibility provided by OASIS, the addition of OASIS contracts in DCS core engineering and R&D service areas will increase the companys ability to provide support across its customer base.
DCS is already performing under multiple task orders as an OASIS prime contractor. Ongoing work includes engineering and analysis support for electronic warfare programs to the U.S. Air Force Air Combat Commands 53rd Electronic Warfare Group at Eglin AFB and the Air Force Test Centers 412th Electronic Warfare Group at Edwards AFB. DCS also supports the Air Force in developing, acquiring, modernizing, transitioning, and integrating aerospace intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) sensors and associated technologies for critical customers and warfighters, nationally and around the globe.
OASIS is a family of Multiple Award, Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity contracts for Government-wide professional services based requirements available for use by all Federal agencies. OASIS is designed to address needs for a full range of service requirements that integrate multiple professional service disciplines and ancillary services/products with the flexibility for all contract types and pricing at the task order level. OASIS may be used to support and/or improve an organizations program management, management consulting, engineering, scientific, logistics, and financial disciplines across all life cycle phases for a total integrated solution.
About DCS
DCS offers advanced technology and management solutions to Government agencies in the DoD and national security sector. The transformative ideas, commitment to quality and entrepreneurial spirit that characterize our 1,100 employee-owners allow DCS to ensure the success of each clients mission and actively contribute to the well-being of the Nation. For more information about DCS and OASIS please visit: https://www.dcscorp.com/contract-vehicles/oasis/.
Contact Information:
Jeff Brody
DCS Corporation
http://www.dcscorp.com
703-407-9513
SelectHub Technology Selection Management Platform "This partnership with a Colorado startup is an exciting opportunity to offer our tech community a one-of-a-kind platform that streamlines their public procurement outreach," said Andrea Young, president and CEO, Colorado Technology Association.
SelectHub, a technology selection management platform, today announces its partnership with the Colorado Technology Association (CTA), delivering free access and a new, white glove service exclusively available to CTA members.
The partnership is an extension of last weeks C-Level @ Mile High program, Colorado Technology Associations largest fundraiser, including a C-level celebrity auction, to help CTAs mission of fueling Colorados economy through technology.
The new service enables CTA members to gain a streamlined way to publicize their requirements for upcoming technology purchases to relevant vendors while being able to rate and rank those vendor responses. The requirements are placed into the SelectHub platform by the members themselves or via a white-glove service offered by SelectHub at no additional cost to the members. Vendors and products are shortlisted within the platform based on SelectHubs curated leaderboards and scorecards as well as community-driven rankings. Additional vendors that are interested in reviewing those projects and responding with ideas on how they can bring value to those members organizations can also register within SelectHub.
Over the past two decades, CTA has been seen as a valuable intermediary between technology buyer and vendor organizations in Colorado. SelectHub is honored to enter into partnership with CTA enabling this kind of a unique ecosystem, said Venkat Devraj, SelectHubs CEO.
The information generated within this ecosystem serves all key stakeholders regardless of whether they are a buyer organization that is looking for a time-sensitive and scalable way to learn more about the multitude of vendors out there and the applicability of their products and solutions to their unique needs, or the vendors themselves that are looking for more qualified opportunities that they can focus on, continued Devraj.
"This partnership with SelectHub, a Colorado startup, is an exciting opportunity to offer our tech community a one-of-a-kind platform that streamlines their public procurement outreach," said Andrea Young, president and CEO, Colorado Technology Association. "Colorado has a high volume of IT spend, which makes it important for us to play a role in modernizing manual methods and helping companies get their projects out into the market," stated Andrea Young, President and CEO of the Colorado Technology Association.
CTA members can now register for this service for free to create new vendor selection projects, as well as access SelectHubs library of IT requirements templates, vendor scorecarding systems and collaborative tools.
About SelectHub
SelectHub is a cloud-based technology selection management (TSM) software platform helping streamline technology vendor selection and IT sourcing to be more agile and collaborative. The platform supports a comprehensive set of evaluation stages from requirements gathering to vendor shortlisting, demos and user trials, RFI/RFPs and contract negotiation. SelectHub customers include Hanover Insurance, CNO Financial Group, QEP Resources and the State of Colorado. To learn more, please visit http://www.selecthub.com.
About Colorado Technology Association
We work to focus the incredible efforts of Colorados tech community, accelerate collaboration and tell its story of innovation. Founded in 1994, we advance the tech ecosystem across the state and solidify Colorados place as the definitive tech hub between the coasts. Learn more: coloradotechnology.org.
Im excited about shaping an agenda that will recognize the surge of interest worldwide in mental wellness, and that will expand the understanding of the broad spectrum of paths to mental wellbeing and higher human potential.
The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) today announced the theme of its 2017 conference, Living a Well Life, which puts the spotlight on how the future of wellness will impact the individual. The 11th-annual conference, being held at The Breakers Palm Beach, Florida from October 9-11, 2017, will focus on how new wellness concepts will transform every aspect of human life.
The conference will analyze the future of major wellness sectors, including beauty, travel, spa, fitness, nutrition, medicine and the environment. And because the theme places the individual at the center of the wellness conversation, attendees will not only hear from experts about the latest breakthroughs, they will be able to tangibly participate in them - from personal biomarker testing to how virtual reality is being applied to wellness.
The 2017 Summit will have a keen focus on the future of:
Wellness, Science & Technology: From our DNA to the devices that track our every move; from the latest in sleep science to the air we breathe
Mental Wellness: From new approaches to improve how we think and feel, to the latest neuroscience research on beauty, to how dance can impact the treatment of Alzheimers
Workplace Wellness: From the impact that a fast-changing work environment will have on human wellness, to the latest research on how people prefer to work, to the ergonomics of wellbeing. Conference host, The Breakers Palm Beach, is a global leader in workplace wellness, and delegates will be immersed in new strategies first-hand
Wellness Communities, Healthy Building, Wellness Architecture: From the development of buildings and communities with wellness at their core, to their impact on residents, communities, and investment worldwide
Co-Chairs - The agenda is being shaped by three co-chairs with powerful expertise in science, technology, workplace wellness and mental wellness:
Dr. Gerry Bodeker, whose doctoral studies were at Harvard, researches and advises on integrative medicine and wellness. He has taught in medical sciences at Oxford and is adjunct professor of epidemiology at Columbia University. He works with the private sector, governments and UN organizations, including WHO and the UN University, advising on culturally themed wellness strategies.
Bodeker noted, At the core of feeling well iswell, feeling! As Chair of the Global Wellness Institutes Mental Wellness Initiative, Im excited about shaping an agenda that will recognize the surge of interest worldwide in mental wellness, and that will expand the understanding of the broad spectrum of paths to mental wellbeing and higher human potential.
Maggie Hsu is an Adviser at Zappos.com, a leading online retailer headquartered in Las Vegas specializing in shoes and clothing. Prior to that, she was with Hilton Worldwide and a consultant at McKinsey & Company in New York. Hsu is also a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Shapers community, and holds undergraduate and MBA degrees from Harvard University.
Zappos has been a creative force in both technology and workplace wellness, said Hsu. And my goal is to shape content that will illuminate whats ahead for both, and to shine a light on the wide-ranging wellness-focused technologies now percolating in Silicon Valley and at start-ups worldwide.
Clare Martorana is a global digital media executive, who recently served as president of Everyday Healths consumer business after a career as senior vice president, general manager and editor-at-large for WebMD. She is currently a member of the United States Digital Service based in Washington DC. Her passions include driving innovation in products, user engagement and content strategy across digital, mobile and social channels.
Networking on the Sand:
The Breakers Palm Beach, an iconic, 121-year-old, eco-conscious resort set on a palm-lined beach and dozens of acres, offers delegates a host of outdoor wellness and fitness activities, along with a brand-new indoor-outdoor spa. One of the most historic resorts in the U.S., it has attracted everyone from U.S. presidents to European nobility to the Rockefellers and Vanderbilts across its storied history. The Summit is renowned not only for its three days of high-profile keynotes and panels, but for its unmatched networking events, where top executives from around the world forge valuable relationships, which, throughout the conferences eleven years, have led to countless new collaborations and business and investment relationships.
For information about attending the Summit, visit: http://www.globalwellnesssummit.com/2017-summit/
For sponsorship opportunities, contact michelle.gamble(at)globalwellnesssummit(dot)com.
About the Global Wellness Summit: The Global Wellness Summit (GWS) is an invitation-only international gathering that brings together leaders and visionaries to positively shape the future of the $3.7 trillion global wellness economy. Held in a different location each year, Summits have taken place in the U.S., Switzerland, Turkey, Bali, India, Morocco, Mexico and Austria. The next will be held at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida from Oct. 9-11, 2017.
We look forward to sharing insights and learning from their experience as an innovative organization with a focus on making care safer across the continuum.
The National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF), a central voice for patient safety since 1997, recently welcomed RL Solutions as the newest member of the NPSF Patient Safety Coalition.
RL Solutions designs health care software with a patient safety focus for health care networks, hospitals, long-term care facilities, and more. Their products include software for risk management, patient safety, infection prevention, claims management, and patient and employee feedback.
For over 20 years, our priority has been to make health care safer through innovative and easy-to-use software and products, says Sanjay Malaviya, chief executive officer of RL Solutions. The opportunity to work with NPSF and other Coalition member organizations who share the same patient safety values as our team is a great opportunity for us.
The NPSF Patient Safety Coalition was created to align stakeholders across the continuum of health care in a unifying mission to improve patient safety. Membership is open to myriad groups, including organizations working to address patient safety challenges, industry, professional associations, advocacy organizations, and others similarly committed. Coalition members gain valuable opportunities for networking, learning, and knowledge-sharing through quarterly webinars, an annual member meeting, special projects and events, and other high-value activities.
NPSF is pleased to welcome RL Solutions to the Patient Safety Coalition, said Tejal K. Gandhi, MD, MPH, CPPS, president and CEO of NPSF. We look forward to sharing insights and learning from their experience as an innovative organization with a focus on making care safer across the continuum.
For more information about the NPSF Patient Safety Coalition and how to join, contact David Coletta, senior vice president, at dcoletta(at)npsf(dot)org.
About the National Patient Safety Foundation
The National Patient Safety Foundations vision is to create a world where patients and those who care for them are free from harm. A central voice for patient safety since 1997, NPSF partners with patients and families, the health care community, and key stakeholders to advance patient safety and health care workforce safety and disseminate strategies to prevent harm. NPSF is an independent, not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization. To learn more about the Foundations work, visit http://www.npsf.org.
About RL Solutions
RL Solutions designs innovative healthcare software for patient feedback, incident reporting & risk management, infection surveillance, peer review, root cause analysis and claims management. At RL Solutions, nurturing long-lasting relationships with our clients is what we do best. RL Solutions has over 1,800 clients, including healthcare networks, hospitals, long-term care facilities and more. RL Solutions is a global company with offices in Canada, the United States, Australia and the UK. For more information, visit http://www.rlsolutions.com or follow @rlsolutions on Twitter,Facebook & Instagram.
Global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP announces that Benjamin McGuire, a shareholder in the Public Finance Group in the Boston office, was selected as an Up & Coming Lawyer by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly. The award recognizes attorneys who have been practicing and admitted to the Massachusetts Bar for 10 years or less, yet have already distinguished themselves in the practice of law. McGuire will be honored for his contributions to the legal community at the annual Excellence in the Law event, April 27, 2017, at Marriott Long Wharf Hotel.
McGuire, who was elevated to shareholder this month, serves as bond counsel, issuer's counsel, disclosure counsel, and borrowers counsel on tax-exempt, tax credit and taxable financings for a variety of governmental and non-profit borrowers. He also serves as underwriter's counsel and purchaser's counsel to various investment and commercial banks. He has served in various public finance roles in financings for state infrastructure projects, including water and sewer, transportation, airport and seaport facilities; as well as financings for hospitals, public and private colleges and universities, private schools, charter public schools, cultural institutions, human service providers, assisted living facilities, manufacturers, and fixed base operators. McGuire has participated in public finance transactions in every state in New England and throughout the United States and its territories, including projects in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Michigan, California, Virginia and Puerto Rico.
McGuire is passionate about education, social services and civic engagement, and leverages his legal expertise to better the community in which he lives and works. His civic and charitable involvement includes work with a number of local nonprofits, such as the Providence After School Alliance (PASA), U.S.S. Constitution Museum, The Museum Council of the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston, Fenway Community Health Center, and Young Partners of Boston Ballet.
About Greenberg Traurigs Boston Office
Established in 1999, Greenberg Traurigs Boston office is home to nearly 70 attorneys practicing in the areas of real estate, bankruptcy, corporate, emerging technology, energy, governmental affairs, intellectual property, labor and employment, life sciences and medical technology, litigation, public finance and securities. An important contributor to the firm's international platform, the Boston office includes a team of nationally recognized attorneys with both public and private sector experience. The team offers clients the value of decades of legal experience and hands-on knowledge of the local business community, supported by the firm's vast network of global resources.
About Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GTLaw) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East and is celebrating its 50th anniversary. A single entity worldwide, GTLaw has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the second largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2016, and among the Top 20 on the 2016 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law.
We are proud and very lucky to have such a dedicated and loyal company person.
NewFed Mortgage Corp. congratulates Michael Bornstein for ranking in National Mortgage News as a Top Originator. Michael was ranked # 97 in the country for Top Dollar Volume of $102,419,308. The National Mortgage News, a leading resource of information for mortgage professionals, released the Annual Top Producer rankings on March 1st. The list ranking the nations top mortgage producers, appeared in the National Mortgage News monthly paper magazine is also available online at nationalmortgagenews.com.
Michael Bornstein is ranked in the top 100 among thousands of mortgage professional entries across the country and this is the 3rd time in the last 4 years that Michael has been recognized as a top producer in a national mortgage industry publication for his extraordinary achievements.
Michael started his mortgage banking career in 2005, and over the past 12 years he has taken an all-in 24/7 approach to the mortgage business. His tremendous success is due to his unwavering commitment to excellence for his customers and his do what it takes team approach with his operations staff. Mike is most importantly a dedicated family man, residing in suburban Boston with his wife and two young children.
New Fed Mortgage has specialized in residential retail mortgage lending since 2001. Licensed in 7 states, New Fed offers multitude mortgage programs including Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA and State Housing Programs along with access to specialty portfolio products. New Fed President, Brian DAmico, commented, We are proud and very lucky to have such a dedicated and loyal company person.
The National Mortgage News, a publication of Source Media is published monthly and also sends out a daily newsletter to thousands of mortgage industry professionals. National Mortgage News is a leading resource of news information educating and connecting peers in all aspects related to mortgage lending
EPS Instruction and Intervention, a division of School Specialty, Inc. (OTCQB: SCOO) (School Specialty, SSI or the Company), announced today that it will partner with Quizlet, an online platform that provides engaging study and game activities to practice new vocabulary. EPS will incorporate Quizlet into the new Wordly Wise 3000 4th Edition (print) and Wordly Wise i3000 (digital) direct academic vocabulary programs, providing students and teachers with an exciting and innovative level of engagement and rigor.
We are excited to partner with Quizlet to bring its popular learning application to students and teachers using our vocabulary-building programs, said Bodie Marx, senior vice president of sales and product development, School Specialty Curriculum. Quizlet is a fundamental part of improving learning outcomes in our revisions of Wordly Wise 3000which focus on greater student engagement and differentiation.
Students and teachers can choose from seven available study and game modes (flashcards, learn, spell, test, match, gravity and live), to practice and master the vocabulary theyre learning. Quizlet provides a fun and engaging twist on practice testing, an incredibly effective learning strategy. A 2013 study on learning styles published by the Association for Psychological Science shows that calling information to mind and retrieving it from memory strengthens the ability to recall that information long-term. When students use Quizlet to study and play Wordly Wise 3000 vocabulary games in at least two sessions at different times over the course of a week, they also use another proven learning strategy, distributed practice, which advocates for studying in intervals. The same study found that studying in intervals over time, rather than all at once, allows students to retain the information longer.
Millions of students learning with Wordly Wise 3000 now have access to that curriculum on the Quizlet platform, said Thompson Paine, vice president of business operations at Quizlet. This partnership is a natural fit because the EPS curriculum is loved by teachers everywhere and we share the goal of improving student outcomes.
Wordly Wise 3000 4th Edition and Wordly Wise i3000, available summer 2017, will include Wordly Wise 3000 approved word sets for each lesson, providing students with fun, yet challenging, study and game modes designed to enhance their vocabulary and comprehension in an ad-free environment.
About EPS Instruction and Intervention
EPS provides targeted instruction and intervention solutions to support, supplement, and enhance the diverse educational needs of K-12 teachers and students. For more information on EPS and its proven programs including Wordly Wise 3000, S.P.I.R.E., iSPIRETM, and Explode The Code , visit http://epsbooks.com
About School Specialty, Inc.
School Specialty is a leading distributor of innovative and proprietary products, programs and services to the education marketplace. The Company designs, develops, and provides educators with the latest and very best school supplies, furniture and both curriculum and supplemental learning resources. Working in collaboration with educators, School Specialty reaches beyond the scope of textbooks to help teachers, guidance counselors and school administrators ensure that every student reaches his or her full potential. Through its SSI Guardian subsidiary, the Company is also committed to school, healthcare and corporate workplace safety by offering the highest quality curriculum, training and safety and security products. Finally, through its SOAR Life Products brand, the Company offers thousands of products that sharpen cognitive skills and build physical and mental strength in fun and creative ways. From childhood through adulthood, they help individuals live life to the fullest engaged, happy and well. SOAR Life Products is a customized offering for hospitals, long-term care, therapeutic facilities, home care, surgery centers, day care centers, physician offices, and clinics. For more information about School Specialty, visit http://www.schoolspecialty.com.
@SchoolSpecialty
Connect with School Specialty on social media; search School Specialty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. For ideas and resources, educational trends and inspiration for todays educators visit the Schoolyard blog.
About Quizlet
Quizlet provides learning technology to more than 20 million monthly learners worldwide. It is the most popular online learning service in the U.S., used by one in three high school students nationwide. More than 150 million study sets created by the Quizlet community are available on the web, iOS and Android. Founded in 2005, Quizlet is privately-held and based in San Francisco.
Sometimes, looking back at the name of a building, along with its physical background, one can strike a chord of intrigue with Helenas history.
Success Education Colleges At Success Education Colleges, we recognize that it's crucial for us to invest in our Team Members as they invest in our students.
Plans are well underway for Success Education College's (SEC) inaugural Professional Development Conference (PDC), scheduled for May 12, 2017, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, California. Designed to equip Team Members with helpful tools and the latest information about private-sector education, College Leadership hopes the event will spark inspiration and growth among the career-training professionals SEC employs.
"The theme for this year's Professional Development Conference is 'Our students are at their best when we are at our best,'" explained President Mitchell Fuerst. "At Success Education Colleges, we recognize that it's crucial for us to invest in our Team Members as they invest in our students. That's why we are so excited for the opportunities this event holds!"
The Professional Development Conference will open with a General Session featuring Keynote Speaker Michale McComis, Ed.D., Executive Director of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). ACCSC serves as the institutional accreditor for all of the North-West College (NWC) campuses, which comprise seven of SEC's system of nine allied health schools.
In addition to Dr. McComis' keynote address on "Why Leadership Matters," conference attendees will have the chance to hear from several other featured speakers during breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon including, Dean Viana, Beverly Hills Fire Captain; Kate Carey, JD, Special Counsel, Cooley LLP; and Paul Heredia, who has recently joined SEC as the newest member of the Colleges Senior Leadership Team.
Breakout session topics range from conflict resolution and compliance to Team Member experience and engagement. Team Members will also have the opportunity to learn more about leveraging digital data to identify students' successes and challenges as well as how to best utilize technology in the classroom. Following an Ice Cream Social, the PDC will conclude with a Closing General Session from Michele Deck of Elsevier.
"Our lineup of speakers for this event is phenomenal, with outside experts in private-sector education, along with several of SEC's own Leaders," Fuerst shared. "It's a true testament to Success Education Colleges' position as one of the premiere career colleges in the nation."
For more information about SEC's Professional Development Conference, please contact Brooke Allen at BrookeA(at)success(dot)edu.
About Success Education Colleges
A leader in allied health education, Success Education Colleges (SEC) has been committed to training individuals to enter and advance in the health care field for more than 50 years. SEC is a system of nine postsecondary colleges and includes North-West College (7 campuses), Glendale Career College, and Nevada Career Institute. Success Education Colleges offers a supportive educational environment for those ready to start a health care career. To date, SEC has graduated more than 45,000 studentsindividuals who have gone on to raise the standard of excellence at health care organizations of all types.
For more information about Success Education Colleges, please visit http://www.success.edu.
CSGs comprehensive child support strategy and planning services will assist the State in implementing a modern, well-designed, and cost-effective system that advances the mission of DCSS for many years.
CSG Government Solutions, a national leader in government program modernization, today announced it has been selected by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (ADES) Division of Child Support Services (DCSS) to conduct a Feasibility Study for its Arizona Tracking and Locate System (ATLAS).
DCSS is weighing alternatives for incorporating advanced technology, data security, and decision support functions throughout Arizonas Child Support system. CSGs Feasibility Study will address system requirements, process reengineering opportunities, and solution alternatives analysis, including a cost benefit analysis for submission to the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement.
DCSS is committed to providing superior child support services for Arizona families, says Patti Garofalo, Director of CSGs Program Modernization Practice. CSGs comprehensive child support strategy and planning services will assist the State in implementing a modern, well-designed, and cost-effective system that advances the mission of DCSS for many years.
CSG Government Solutions continues to increase its presence across the United States. The company deploys highly experienced teams and innovative methods, knowledge, and tools to help governments modernize complex program enterprises. CSG clients include 43 state governments, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Department of Labor, and large municipal governments.
CONTACT:
Patti Garofalo
Director, Program Modernization Practice
CSG Government Solutions
180 N. Stetson Ave
Suite 3200
Chicago, IL 60601
312.444.2760 Fax: 312.938.2191
pgarofalo(at)csgdelivers(dot)com
About CSG Government Solutions:
CSG Government Solutions is a leading government operations consulting firm focused on helping states modernize critical program enterprises. Our highly experienced teams and industry-leading Centers of Excellence help governments leverage innovative technology and processes to meet the challenges of administering complex programs. Founded in 1997, CSG has established itself as a trusted adviser to government agencies across the U.S. For more information, visit http://www.csgdelivers.com and connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.
TESOL
This week, more than 6,000 educators from across the globe will come to Seattle, Washington, USA, for the 2017 TESOL International Convention & English Language Expo. The largest of its kind in the world, the annual convention is organized by TESOL International Association, the professional association for nearly 13,000 teachers of English to speakers of other languages.
The opening keynote speaker features author, screenwriter, and poet, Sherman Alexie, who will present his take on language, identity, struggle, perseverance, hope, and respect in Power and Empowerment: An Urban Indians Comic, Poetic, and Highly Irreverent Look at the World. The other keynote speakers include TESOL President Dudley Reynolds, who will discuss what professional English language teachers have to offer in a world that prizes nontraditional learning, interdisciplinarity, and technology in PROFESSIONAL English Language Teachers in a 2.0 World; Guadalupe Valdes, a leader in second language acquisition theory and Spanish-English bilingualism, who will present Ruminations of an Old English Teacher; and Yong Zhao, who will lead a morning keynote titled Perils or Promises: Education in the Age of Smart Machines that proposes a new education paradigm for the new world.
Attendees will have access to nearly 1,000 educational sessions presented by experts on a broad variety of topics, including language testing and assessment, immigration policy, technology in language learning, bilingual education, and standards. The programs will provide valuable opportunities to build new understandings and networks across various contexts.
Convention highlights include:
TESOL Presidents Award presented to The International Research Foundation (TIRF).
2017 TESOL Outstanding Advocate Award presented to Dr. Gil Mendoza, Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, USA.
2017 TESOL Teacher of the Year Award presented by National Geographic Learning to Rawia Hayik, Sakhnin College, Israel.
PreK12 Day, an interactive education program for primary and secondary mainstream and ESL teachers and administrators.
2017 TESOL Award for Distinguished Research presented to Gary Barkhuizen, University of Auckland, New Zealand.
Electronic Village and Technology Showcase, a special venue to explore technological resources for language teaching and learning in the classroom and online.
Installation of Ester de Jong, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA as 20172018 president of TESOL International Association.
The 2017 Convention will be the final convention for TESOLs retiring executive director, Rosa Aronson. She will be honored for her seven years of service to the association.
TESOL gratefully acknowledges its strategic partners, National Geographic Learning, American Federation of Teachers, Hujaing Ed Tech, and British Council, and all its other partners for their support of the 2017 convention.
Visit the TESOL convention website for complete information.
At Clutch, we value the interexchange of ideas and best practices in the financial services industry
Clutch Group, a leading legal, risk and compliance analytics and consulting firm, is a presidential sponsor of the 2017 Compliance and Legal Society Annual Seminar hosted by the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA). The seminar will be held at the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina March 19 to 22.
The 2017 conference marks Clutch Groups fourth year of sponsorship and their second at the highest possible level. The conference will feature speakers such as Preet Bharara, former U.S. attorney for the southern district of New York; and Robert W. Cook, president and CEO of FINRA;
Were proud to extend our support of the SIFMA C&L Annual Seminar to our fourth consecutive year, said Varun Mehta, EVPClient Engagement, Clutch Group. As an organization, SIFMA brings together the leading minds of the industry and facilitates some of the worlds most influential idea exchanges. The C&L Annual Seminar reflects the values of the organization as a whole and its influence is felt throughout global regulatory policy.
At Clutch, we value the interexchange of ideas and best practices in the financial services industry, says Charles Hastie, Regulatory Head, Clutch Group. Were pleased that the release of our 2017 Financial Services Regulatory Highlights Report coincides with the SIFMA Annual C&L Seminar. Weve published this report at a critical juncture as the regulatory tide appears to be at the point of turning under the new American administration.
Clutch will be showcasing their Clutch.IQ product suite consisting of Audio.IQ (Discovery & Surveillance for Audio), Capture.IQ (Contract & Derivatives Analytics), Chat.IQ (Discovery & Surveillance for Chat), and Trade.IQ (Trade Reconstruction) in addition to their range of managed services around investigations, litigation, and regulatory consulting.
Topics to be addressed for the benefit of the 1,800 attendees include Legal issues for Small and Regional Firms, Compliance Risk Assessments, What Does the DOL Rule Mean for the Rest of the Business and Understanding Bank Regulatory Expectations of Compliance Programs.
"SIFMAs C&L Annual Seminar is our marquee event that brings together leaders in the compliance and legal profession: law firms, financial institutions, regulators and vendors. It provides an opportunity to educate each other, share ideas and concerns, and address developments and emerging trends impacting the C&L community. We welcome all participants to this years seminar in San Diego. It is their participation each year that makes this event such a success." Salvatore J. Chiarelli, EVP, Head of Conferences & Events, SIFMA
About Clutch
Clutch Group is a leading legal, risk, and compliance analytics and consulting firm headquartered in Washington D.C., with offices in NY, Chicago, London, Bangalore, Zurich and Hong Kong. The firm is dedicated to helping companies in the financial services, life sciences, and energy industries solve complex problems presented by the exponential growth of data and regulation. Clutchs global team of attorneys, consultants, and technologists leverage deep subject-matter expertise and Clutch.IQ, a suite of cutting-edge data analytics solutions, to help clients manage large-scale litigation and investigations, conduct comprehensive communications surveillance, and re-engineer their internal legal and compliance functions. Clutch has been recognized by industry authorities including Nelson Hall, the New York Law Journal, Chambers Global, Frost & Sullivan, and Dun & Bradstreet and is regularly featured across major industry and market publications. For more information, visit http://www.clutchgroup.com.
REI Adventures Top Guides - Seven international experts from Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Iceland, Nepal, Peru and the United States who represent some of the companys most incredible destinations. "Our guides are remarkable in many ways for establishing trusted relationships with every guest to bringing a regions cultural and natural history colorfully to life before ones eyes, says Cynthia Dunbar, general manager of REI Adventures.
REI Adventures, the active travel company that is part of national outdoor co-op REI, has announced its Top Guides awards, an annual recognition honoring the best of the best. Seven international experts from Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Iceland, Nepal, Peru and the United States who represent some of the travel companys most incredible destinations were named.
Everything we do at REI is guided by our belief that a life outdoors is a life well lived. REI Adventures is a core part of our mission to connect people to meaningful outdoor experiences. Our guides are remarkable in many ways for establishing trusted relationships with every guest to bringing a regions cultural and natural history colorfully to life before ones eyes, says Cynthia Dunbar, general manager of REI Adventures. As we celebrate our 30th year, our guides remain our most valuable asset. The seven REI Adventures Top Guides who join the cohort of others named in prior years are masters in sharing their energy and passion for nature, active lifestyle and incredible communities.
REI Adventures Top Guides are determined from independent customer reviews, which are available on the travel companys website. The travel leader also gives significant consideration to guides who best represent REIs values and brand, and partner with the co-op to strengthen the companys travel offerings around the world. In addition to the wide range of responsibilities an REI Adventures guide has in the field, they limit the environmental impact of each trip. This includes using Leave No Trace principles and wherever possible utilizing reusable or recyclable materials.
The seven guides who received an REI Adventures Top Guide award and the trips they led last year are:
Badri Kumar Dangi from Nepal Annapurna Sanctuary Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, Everest Lodge to Lodge Trek
Bill Quade from the United States Appalachian Trail Hut-to-Hut Hiking Presidential Peaks and Pemigewasset Wilderness itineraries, White Mountains Hut-to-Hut Snowshoe
Edwin Huaman Pillco from Peru Machu Picchu: The Inca Trail Trek
Jackie Garcia from Costa Rica Costa Rica Family Adventure, Costa Rica Ultimate Adventure
Jen Skubicki from the United States Arizona Ultimate Adventure Grand Canyon & Beyond, Bryce Hiking Weekend, Family Zion & Bryce Hiking, Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Hiking, Grand Canyon Phantom Ranch Weekend, Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure, Sequoia National Park Backpacking, Superstition Mountains Backpacking, Yosemite Hiking & Camping, Yosemite Backpacking High Country
Kristjan Thordarson from Iceland Iceland Hiking, Iceland Winter Adventure
Tomas Minarik from Czech Republic Czech Republic Hiking, Prague to Budapest Cycling, Vienna to Prague Cycling
Traveler Kudos
Trip reviews from guests reveal the life-changing nature of their travel and how guides make a lasting impression. Comments about this years winners include:
Badri was amazing. He is experienced, professional, motivating, patient and friendly. He could relate to both the entire staff as well as the group of trekkers. He is the best guide Ive ever had for an organized trek.
Bill taught us so much about hiking, the area, the history, the environment. This was my first real hiking adventure and I really cant wait to participate in another one. All I can say is thank you.
Edwin is the most experienced guide that I have had the privilege to work with. He had exceptional knowledge of the Inca history and culture as a Quechau born and raised in the Sacred Valley. He organized special side events and surprises that made the trek even more special.
Wow, Jackie was a phenomenal guide. It was clear she cared about each person individually and that she wanted to ensure each persons happiness and enjoyment. By the end of the trip, I truly understood what it meant and what it felt like to live the pura vida.
I was very impressed with Jens leadership skills. She led a group of eight guests, one assistant guide and one camp host to the utmost detail. Her knowledge and passion for the area made the adventure even more exciting.
Of the many group trips I have completed in the last 30 years, I have never had a guide who is as caring about his participants. Kristjan made sure everyone had the best possible experience.
Tomas was the most incredible guide I have ever had. He was very much in tune with all of us. Besides patience and knowledge, he had a great sense of humor (and) he told great stories. He could almost read our minds he knew how much information to give us and when enough was enough.
About REI Adventures
Award-winning REI Adventures has been a global leader in worldwide guided active adventure trips since 1987. As the travel business for national specialty outdoor retailer REI, the company offers unique itineraries focused on sustainable, human-powered outdoor adventure, including hiking, biking, kayaking, climbing and more. Guests experience iconic destinations as guides take them off the beaten path, and provide opportunities to explore a destination, get to know the local people, their culture, the flora and fauna and discover things they would not be able to duplicate on their own or with another travel company. REI members receive a special discount price on most trips. For more information, full itineraries and trip reviews provided by guests, visit http://www.rei.com/adventures.
Shonda Smith and Sherri Wright
Two local entrepreneurial women, Sherri Wright and Shonda Smith, are proud to announce the introduction of the first Caring Transitions in the state of Alabama Caring Transitions of Mobile and Baldwin Counties.
Caring Transitions is Americas largest resource for managing senior relocations as well as downsizing and estate liquidations. In addition to 3D space planning, sorting and organizing, packing and unpacking, relocating and resettlement, Caring Transitions services are customized for each client to alleviate the stress associated with many life transitions.
When you work with Caring Transitions of Mobile and Baldwin Counties, we build a customized plan for individual situation and needs. Everything we do is tailored we have solutions for all transitional challenges, Wright said.
In addition to the primary services available through Caring Transitions, Wright and Smith work with senior communities, attorneys and real estate agents to help clients reach their goals in the most efficient way. Wright and Smith are also Certified Relocation and Transition Specialists, a designation bestowed by an independent organization that evaluates providers of senior relocation services.
Caring Transitions is not just about providing a service it is about helping families and communities by recognizing their stress and initiating a proven plan to achieve their objectives during a very challenging time in their lives," Smith said.
Wrights background includes 17 years in sales and marketing for home health and hospice while Smith has been an industrial operator and production worker since 1996. Smith also served in the United States Army for eight years.
I was working a corporate job and, when I went through cancer treatment, I found myself looking at life in a new way and I started to feel disconnected with my job and what I was doing. That is when I started looking at new opportunities and came across Caring Transitions. I come from an entrepreneurial family and I love working with seniors. The more I learned about the values of Caring Transitions, the more I realized it was what I wanted to be a part of, Wright said.
Wright and Smith are looking forward to collaborating with other partners in the community and becoming a great resource for seniors and families on the Gulf Coast. They have already built an extensive network of referral partners and are currently working to connect with local trusted professionals so they can build relationships to not only provide for their clients but also enlighten the communities they serve about other great resources the Gulf Coast has to offer.
Caring Transitions has more than 200 offices across North America, including LaFayette, Louisiana, and Jacksonville, Florida. Each independently owned office is fully insured and industry certified. All employees are trained and require background screening. For additional information, contact Sherri Wright at (251) 264-9633, email SWright(at)CaringTransitions(dot)com or SSmith(at)CaringTransitions(dot)com, or visit http://www.CaringTransitionsMBC.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.
Spring breakers are steering away from past popular destinations.
For some, spring break season conjures up images of beach parties with college students; for others its a family vacation with teens or grade-schoolers exploring a theme park or enjoying a cruise. However, trends are shifting, according to travel agents at Travel Leaders Americas largest retail travel agency brand with thousands of travel agents across the United States. Whether they are older students, multigenerational families, or Baby Boomers, the demographics of who travels for spring getaways, as well as where they go and what they want to do, are shifting.
The preferred destinations for springtime travel typically shift over time. For example, Ft. Lauderdale was once the epicenter for spring break among college revelers after the 1960-released book and film announced the location in Where the Boys Are. Today, it has reemerged as an upscale family-friendly spring destination, said Roger E. Block, CTC, President of Travel Leaders Network. The same could be said for Cancun, which now offers a multitude of options appealing to families. With more than 30,000 hotel rooms in the city, many even have kids clubs and water parks. Emerging trends and shifting demographics is something our skilled Travel Leaders travel agent professionals stay on top of in order to help their clients seek an experience ideally suited for their lifestyle and interests.
A recent report by AARP even shows that a high percentage of Baby Boomers (ages 53 to 71) prefer to travel for vacation in the spring (30% choose it first for international travel and 26% as second for domestic travel), compared to summer, fall, winter or the end-of-year holiday season. Travel Leaders agents say some Baby Boomers opt for multigenerational trips with their grandchildren, and thus are looking to vacation in spots less trafficked by the college set.
The shifting demographics of springtime travel are reflected in the activities and locations for the vacations offered by Travel Leaders agents, who describe some of the top trends they are seeing for spring 2017 travel:
Active & Adventure vacation. I am finding that spring breakers are steering away from past popular destinations (Jamaica, Ft. Lauderdale, Cancun, South Padre Island, etc.). They are looking for more adventurous destinations than just the beach and pool bar, said Nancy Cronin, with Travel Leaders in Nashua, New Hampshire. For example, Costa Rica, St. Lucia, Barbados, and the Pacific coast of Mexico are top choices this year. I have also had requests for Canada due to the value of the U.S. dollar. Besides the beach, these are great locations for the active set interested in hiking, horseback riding, jeep tours or underwater expeditions.
Zihuatanejo, Mexico. Mexico, which attracts more than 30 million people every year, remains a top spring destination, even for those looking for something totally different. When you want to get off the grid and go where most people never go, then go to Zihuatanejo, Mexico. There are no traditional spring breakers here and no kids, said Rey Alton, Travel Leaders, Houston, Texas.
All-Inclusive Cruises. Cruises are popular among spring travelers. American travelers taking a cruise roundtrip from a U.S. port such as Ft. Lauderdale or Galveston that originates and terminates at the same port are not required to have a passport. However, youll still want to bring a passport, advised Michelle Weller, a luxury travel specialist with one of Travel Leaders locations in Houston, TX. I would never book anyone on a cruise without a passport. If they have to get off the ship for emergency medical attention in Mexico or the Bahamas and have to later fly home, theyll need a passport.
International Vacation without a Passport. Some travelers seek the flavor of an international trip without needing a passport. This year in particular, we are seeing a lot of interest in the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico, said Terry Brennan of Travel Leaders in Marietta, Georgia. Many of the spring break clients do not yet have a U.S. passport and these are truly exotic international destinations, yet part of the U.S. with no passport or visa required. The Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico have world class beaches, fabulous 5-star resorts and very diverse cultural and entertainment options to enjoy.
Multigenerational Travel. The idea of spring travel is forever evolving. I find spring vacationers are traveling with parents, grandparents and other family relations, added Cronin. Some have expressed an interest in renting a villa where they can all be together. The villa requests are usually for the islands most recently St. Martin and Barbados.
Cat Skiing. The trend I see is that the families want to do a variety of activities. Besides skiing, they want snowboarding, and now Cat skiing, which is a form of guided backcountry skiing. Our clients from Oklahoma have no qualms about driving 10 to 11 hours to Santa Fe or Colorado for a vacation, but they still turn to us to help them plan their trip, said Donna Cheek, of Travel Leaders in Oklahoma City. We book horseback riding, fishing, skiing and other activities. Keystone, Colorado, is one I book consistently and Red River, New Mexico mainly because its so easy to get to from Oklahoma. As for under the radar destinations: they would be Copper Mountain (Colorado), Santa Fe, Wolf Creek (Colorado), Alta in Utah, Lake Tahoe.
Travel Better with Travel Leaders. Travel Leaders has many travel agent specialists who advise on the perfect vacation, domestically or internationally. To find a qualified travel agent or to find the nearest Travel Leaders location, visit TravelLeaders.com or call 800-335-TRIP (8747). #iTravel Better with @TravelLeaders.
# # #
Travel Leaders is transforming travel with a name that boldly embodies our commitment to our vacation and business travel clients via a progressive approach toward each unique travel experience. As one of Americas top ten-ranked travel companies, Travel Leaders has assisted millions of travelers through our strong roots the former Carlson Wagonlit Travel Associates, TraveLeaders and Tzell Travel Group joined together in 2008 to form one of the industrys fastest-growing and robust networks of travel agents. Travel Leaders Franchise Group can trace its beginnings to 1984 as the franchise system Ask Mr. Foster Travel, which itself was North Americas first travel agency chain established in 1888.
We Buy Homes Inc. is pleased to announce its 300th home purchase. The fast home buying company that provides competitive cash offers for homes As Is in as little as seven minutes over the phone buys properties in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC.
We Buy Homes Inc. grew rapidly by offering customers a truly stress-free way to sell their house As Is without renovations, realtors, and commissions. By eschewing a goal of making a large profit on each home and, instead, focusing on what is best for the neighborhoods in which it operates, the business and its clients, We Buy Homes Inc. has gained the trust and respect of hundreds of homeowners. Word-of-mouth advertising has accelerated the business as happy homeowners rush to tell their friends and families about how easily they got cash for their home As Is.
From a firm foundation, the company continues to expand, experiencing explosive growth over the last two years.
This innovative business model is loved by downsizing seniors that lack the funds or desire to renovate an older home, military families that move frequently and have a short window to sell their home, siblings that inherit a home and need to find a way to quickly split the equity without one or two of the siblings being responsible for the expensive upkeep of the property, couples that are separating and wish to divest themselves of the burden of joint property management, and anyone with a home to sell that just wants the process over with quickly.
With We Buy Homes Inc., homeowners in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC can simply call the fast home buying company, get a competitive cash offer, and walk away knowing that they dont have to do any repairs, renovations or staging; pay a realtors commission, wait on the unpredictable housing market for a sale, vacate the home for showings, etc. It is a truly one-call solution for busy homeowners that want to turn their asset into cash fast with zero hassles, headaches, extra fees or lengthy processes.
The company wishes to stress, however, that if you or someone you know has had a negative experience with a home buying company in the past, or if your perception of fast home buying companies is not favorable, that We Buy Homes Inc. is different. Backed by large reserves of capital, staffed by a team of experts, leveraging real estate technology and run by a management team with decades of collective experience means each customer gets the positive experience they deserve. There are no harsh or pushy sales tactics, no obligations and no hassles. Homeowners can simply get a cash offer and then choose or not to accept it.
The point is to disrupt the way the traditional real estate market works in favor of a clean, efficient, simple and easy way to sell a home.
If you are a homeowner looking to sell a property As Is for cash, look no further than We Buy Homes Inc. The company is currently purchasing homes in Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia. To get a cash offer in seven minutes for the house As Is, visit webuyhomes-inc.com/about today.
About We Buy Homes
We Buy Homes is a cash-for-home company that purchases houses in any condition. If necessary, the company then renovates the home and prepares it for sale. The aim of We Buy Homes is to provide a fast and easy way for property owners to divest themselves of homes they no longer want or need, and to help those who do not want to engage in costly renovations or rely on the unstable housing market for a sale. We Buy Homes is proud to improve the real estate values in the communities in which it operates.
Contact Details:
We Buy Homes
1725 I St NW, Suite 300
Washington DC 20006
Phone: 1-877-715-5508
Source: We Buy Homes
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Having Kelly Leonard share his experiences and view on how to tackle change, was a great addition to our 2017 programming for members. - Kevin Rooney, President of SIM Chicago
On Thursday March 16th, The Chicago Chapter of the Society of Information Management (SIM) hosted several hundred IT executives at the Chicago Marriott OHare for their Spring Gala.
This years Spring Gala evening focused on digital transformation and leading change in this disruptive time. Keynote speaker Kelly Leonard, a renowned author, speaker, and creative director from The Second City Chicago, shared his vision and experiences in managing through change and harnessing the creative possibilities that disruption can bring.
Game changing leadership from IT executives is the theme for our programs this year, observed Kevin Rooney, President of SIM Chicago. Having Kelly Leonard share his experiences and view on how to tackle change, was a great addition to our 2017 programming for members.
During the event, SIM Chicago announced its own digital transformation, providing a new digital experience to members with a relaunched website and communications program. Members and interested IT Executives can visit the website at http://www.sim-chicago.org
The digital transformation our members find themselves in today is a once in a decade cycle, observed Alwin Brunner, President Elect of SIM Chicago. Attending events like this and gaining valuable insight helps prepare our membership on the leadership journey ahead. The networking and learning from each other is one of the greatest values of SIM Chicago for any IT Leader here.
George Wang, SIM Chicago board member and CIO, concurred. SIM Chicago has unique and high value events for the IT leaders in Chicago, and the networking is one of the greatest benefits. Any CIO in Chicago should be a member to grow their connections.
SIM Chicago produces monthly events from September to June, including charitable activities to support important groups in the Chicagoland area. To learn more about SIM Chicago, visit at http://www.sim-chicago.org
About SIM Chicago
With a membership over 4,900 technology executives including CIOs, prominent academicians, consultants, and other IT leaders, SIM provides a common ground for technology leaders and business executives to connect and grow. The Chicago chapter of SIM is one of the largest chapters in the association with more than 200 members. SIM Chicago provides a unique opportunity to interact with technology leaders throughout the Chicagoland area and to join peers in giving back to the industry and community. Media contacts regarding the event and SIM Chicago can be sent to Rob McGillen at rob.mcgillen(at)sim-chicago.org
About Kelly Leonard
Kelly Leonard has worked at The Second City for nearly three decades in various creative and leadership positions. He has produced shows with such notable talent as Tina Fey, Stephen Colbert, Amy Poehler, Seth Meyers, Keegan Michael Key and Steve Carell. He has created shows with Lyric Opera Chicago, The Kennedy Center, Hubbard Street Dance, La Jolla Playhouse and The Actors Theatre in Louisville. He has made deals and led collaborations with Norwegian Cruise Line, Yoshimoto Kogyo of Japan, The Chicago Tribune and Universal Studios. His book, Yes, And: Lessons From The Second City, was published by HarperCollins in 2015 to critical acclaim. Writing in Vanity Fair, author Michael Lewis wrote Yes, And is an excellent guide to the lessons that have bubbled up in Second Citys improv workshops. Mr. Leonard speaks frequently on the power of improvisation to transform business and personal life, presenting at The Aspen Ideas Festival, The Stanford Graduate School of Business, The Wharton School of Business, TEDxBroadway 2016 and TEDxZumbroRiver in Rochester, MN. He hosts the podcast, Getting to Yes, And which can be heard at http://www.wgnplus.com
Our classes are designed to not only provide CE credits, but also help professionals grow in their accounting careers, said Jim Tolbert, CEO, Vista College.
Vista College is now offering an online continuing education (CE/CPE) program for accounting professionals via a new Continuing Professional Education (CPE) website (http://accounting.vistacollegepro.com). This program provides a convenient, accessible solution for prospective students who are looking to satisfy their continuing education requirements for the purpose of maintaining professional designations. This particular course has been designed to aid in meeting CPE requirements for Certified Public Accountant designation holders.
Professional development is required in many states for licensed CPAs and PAs, and Vista Colleges new online program provides a self-paced way to earn those credits from the comfort of home, said Jim Tolbert, CEO, Vista College. The tremendous amount of flexibility we provide to students often juggling classes with careers and family obligations is a huge benefit of our programs and a large reason for Vistas ongoing success.
Each course includes comprehensive online readings and materials that students can work through at their own pace. Review questions and reference materials follow the readings to reinforce the material and provide students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in a question and answer format. The last step is a final examination that assesses understanding of the material. Students who pass this exam earn a certificate of completion, verifying they have passed the course and earned continuing education credits.
Developed by experts in the field, classes include Accounting Tools and Metrics for the CFO; Accountants Guide to Financial Management; Analyzing and Using Financial Statements; Analyzing Cost Data for Management; Analyzing the Corporate Annual Report; Balance Sheet: Reporting Liabilities; Effective Business Communication; Financial Concepts and Tools for Managers; Financial Essentials for Not-for-Profit Managers; Understanding and Managing Organizational Behavior; Understanding the Economy; and Valuations: Businesses, Securities, and Real Estate.
Our classes are designed to not only provide CE credits, but also help professionals grow in their accounting careers, added Tolbert. We also feel its important to provide courses to reinforce soft skills critical to success in the workforce including courses focused on communication and management. Vistas goal is to not only help students learn new skillsets, but also improve upon existing ones at any career level.
For years, Vista College has provided continuing education credits through the State CE program, including courses focusing on insurance, HVAC, cosmetology, and many more. The accounting program is the first provided through its own website.
Vista College is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.
For more information on Vista College, go to http://www.vistacollegepro.com
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About Vista College:
Vista College is a network of private, post-secondary career colleges offering a variety of training programs. These include healthcare, business, cosmetology, legal, technology and trades. Vista College offers online programs and has seven on-ground campuses in Texas (Amarillo, Beaumont, College Station, El Paso, Killeen, Longview and Lubbock), and campuses in Las Cruces, New Mexico and Fort Smith, Arkansas. Vista College is accredited by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education located at 7840 Roswell Road, Building 300, Suite 325, Atlanta, GA 30350. Call (770) 396-3839. Vista College also has a separate Online campus accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). Consumer information may be viewed at http://www.vistacollege.edu.
Adam Persky, DMD Dentist I'm very glad that Dr. Persky has joined us at our practice. He brings a lot to the table and I think she will fit in great with the culture and atmosphere we maintain here.
Effective immediately, Dr. Adam Persky, DMD joins Dental Associates of Arlington as a General Dentist. Dr. Persky brings many years of experience and a wealth of knowledge to the practice and is looking forward to helping Dr. Vora and the staff at Dental Associates of Arlington offer the most enjoyable and effective dental services. As a general dentist, Dr. Persky conducts all dental procedures, including general, cosmetic, emergency and sleep dentistry. Dr. Persky well-known procedures include full-smile makeovers, dental implant restorations, sport mouth guards, and sleep appliances, etc.
I'm very glad that Dr. Persky has joined us at our practice. He brings a lot to the table and I think she will fit in great with the culture and atmosphere we maintain here. I'm looking forward to working with Dr. Persky in the future to successfully treat our patients," said Dr. Rachana Vora, DMD at Dental Associates of Arlington.
Dr. Persky received his DMD from Boston University School of Dental Medicine in 1990. Dr. Persky has operated as a Dentist in New York, Toronto, Las Vegas, and now has moved back to Boston. Dr. Persky performs simple to moderate extractions, crowns, bridges, veneers, implant restorations, full restorative cases, removable/full dentures, and can handle almost any emergency patient.
About Dental Associates of Arlington
Dental Associates of Arlington is the premier dental practice providing General, Cosmetic, Implant and Sedation dentistry practice. The practice is dedicated to comfort and prompt attention while creating healthy, beautiful smiles and building lasting relationships with their patients. It is their goal to make patients feel satisfied with their smile. The practice delivers comprehensive and convenient dental care for your entire family and is located in Arlington, MA. Arlington Dentist
Adam Persky, DMD
Dr. Adam Persky, A Native New Yorker received his B.S. in Biology and minor in history from Tulane University of New Orleans. Graduating from Boston Universitys Goldman School of Dentistry in 1990, Dr. Persky has over 27 years of dental experience. Dr. Persky is very experienced in most aspects of general and cosmetic dentistry and is always ready to provide the highest level of care to his patients. Dr. Persky is well known for complete dental makeovers and dental emergencies. Adam Persky Dentist
We believe we can advance peace in the world by introducing world cultures to children and teaching them to appreciate others from a young age.
One Dear World, a London-based family startup is proud to announce the launch of its multicultural soft doll collection on the International Day of Elimination of Racial Discrimination. With a mission to promote diversity and inclusion to children, the company is set to raise 18,000 on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo to produce the first batch of their dolls and children e-book.
This initiative is the brainchild of a husband and wife team. Winnie Mak is from Hong Kong and Rafael Tselikas is half French half Greek, they felt the need to bridge the gap and reach out to every child through multicultural dolls irrespective of where they live or come from. Having grown up in different cultures gave them first hand experience in cross-cultural relationship. They believe that a lot of conflicts could be avoided if everyone has a better understanding of their differences and work together to find a common ground. The funds raised from this crowdfunding campaign will go towards completion of the project, demonstrating the power of diversity and oneness to the world. One Dear Worlds Indiegogo campaign will run from 21st of March, until 22nd April, in congruence with International Mother Earth Day, a day which reminds us that the earth and its ecosystems are our home and that it is necessary to promote harmony with nature and the Earth.
Meet the Dear Dolls
------------------------------
This unique set of multicultural soft dolls consists of 16 dolls from different cultural and ethnicity groups. In this crowdfunding campaign, 4 of them - Hope (African), Jun (Eastern Asian), Lea (European) and Parth (South Asian) are offered. Through this collection of dolls, One Dear World wants children to be able to appreciate themselves as they are, respect others regardless of the racial and cultural background they come from, and see themselves in a future where everyone is included.
Children ebook featuring environmental protection
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In their children ebook, the 4 good friends are embarking on a journey to London in search of a cure to Mr. Globe's headache. Not only can the parents enjoy reading the story and introduce this international city to their children, they can also teach their children about environmental protection.
Press Kit can be found at this link.
To learn more about One Dear World, visit their website and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @OneDearWorld.
Salus Telehealth, Inc., a market leader and trusted advisor within the telehealth industry, announces the company has partnered with Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) to offer grief counseling support services to surviving military family members at no cost through the Salus VideoMedicine mobile platform. TAPS is dedicated to offering compassionate care to individuals who have lost a loved one who served in the U.S. Armed Forces. Virtual counseling services via VideoMedicine complement the nonprofit organizations existing 24/7 national peer support network and grief counseling resources. Since its founding in 1994, TAPS has provided free assistance to more than 70,000 surviving family members, casualty officers and caregivers.
Through VideoMedicine, TAPS surviving family members are able to use their mobile device, tablet or computer to access a range of mental health professionals and physicians who are lending their time, expertise and support to the organization with pro bono services. The appointments utilize VideoMedicines streaming video conferencing platform to provide survivors with private, confidential appointments remotely. In addition, survivors have the option to invite their own counselors, therapists and primary care physicians to join the VideoMedicine healthcare provider network, providing continuity of care and familiarity. Mental health is one of the many specialties covered in VideoMedicines healthcare provider network, which also includes primary care physicians, pediatrians and more.
Salus is proud to offer telemedicine services via VideoMedicine at no cost to TAPS, says Paula Guy, CEO of Salus Telehealth. Our hope is that individuals who have suffered the loss of a loved one who served in the Armed Forces will be able to utilize our platform to receive counseling in the most accessible and convenient way possible. We are also happy that we can allow users to invite their own providers to use VideoMedicine, so that they maintain the comfort level and familiarity that is right for them.
VideoMedicine has already proven to be a valuable resource for TAPS, states Zaneta Gileno, Director of Community Based Care and Professional Education for TAPS. Our mission is to offer assistance to those struggling with grief through a national support network. VideoMedicine creates access to counselors through video conferencing that was not possible even a few years ago. There are many reasons our members would opt to use this platform and we are happy we found a partner dedicated to making it as accessible and flexible as possible.
To access VideoMedicine, TAPS users simply download the app from the App Store or Google Play and enter their group key. Healthcare providers interested in donating pro bono grief counseling services to TAPS through the VideoMedicine platform can learn more and register here.
About Salus Telehealth, Inc.
Salus Telehealth, Inc. is a full-service telehealth company providing expertise in the comprehensive implementation of telemedicine, along with the worlds first direct-to-consumer, free-market physician network, VideoMedicine. Offering a full solution that includes consultation, hardware and software, Salus innovation has led to the creation of a simple and easy-to-deploy e-clinical model that brings telemedicine to any market efficiently and cost-effectively. Users can easily invite their personal physicians to use the VideoMedicine platform as well, creating continuity of care with preferred providers. The resulting services and systems add value, improve quality of patient care and reduce costs for clients.
The highly experienced Salus team is available to assess, consult and deploy telemedicine solutions for states, hospitals, Integrated Delivery Networks (IDN), school systems and enterprises, as well as a broad spectrum of payors.
For more information, visit http://www.salustelehealth.com and follow Salus on Twitter.
Media Contact:
Jaymie Scotto & Associates for Salus Telehealth
866-695-3629, ext. 23
jsa_salus(at)jaymiescotto(dot)com
About TAPS
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the death of a loved one serving in our Armed Forces. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24 hours a day, seven days a week through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS has assisted over 70,000 surviving family members, casualty officers and caregivers.
Our National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief camp has been held annually since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional Survivor Seminars and Good Grief Camps at locations across the country.
If you are suffering the loss of a military loved one, or if you know someone who can use our support, please call our toll-free help and information line now: 1-800-959-TAPS (8277).
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is a not-for-profit organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense.
Four candidates are now vying for two open K-12 seats on the Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees in the May 2 election.
The candidate filing deadline is March 23. The ballot for the seats and the school facilities bond will be mailed to voters April 17.
So far, the candidates are: Luke Muszkiewicz, Jason A. Pettit, Erin H. Turner and Annie Elizabeth Hanshew.
The two seats up for election are currently held by Board Chair Aidan Myhre and Cherche Prezeau, who both represent the Helena Elementary District on the board. Neither trustee plans to run again.
To file candidates must be qualified to vote and reside within the Helena Elementary District boundary.
One candidate, Jennifer Walsh, has filed for the third open seat on the high school board, which is currently held by Tina Huffsmith. This seat represents the Wolf Creek and Trinity elementary school districts. As of this week, Huffsmith had not replied to an IR email inquiry as to whether she intends to file.
To file for this seat, candidates must be qualified to vote and reside within the Wolf Creek Elementary District or Trinity Elementary District boundaries.
All three seats open on the Helena School board are for three-year terms.
A copy of the filing form is available on the school district website at http://helenaschools.org/community-information/.
Forms must be filed with the Helena County Elections Office in the City-County Building, 316 N. Park Ave, Room #168, by 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 23. The forms may also be returned to the school district for filing, but must be received in the business office at the May Butler Center, 55 S. Rodney, no later than 4 p.m. on March 22.
Candidates who do not meet the March 23 deadline may file to be a write-in candidate for any available trustee position through 5 p.m. Thursday, March 30, but the candidates names will not appear on the ballot.
Candidates for trustee positions are subject to the reporting requirements through the Montana Commissioner of Political Practices. Current forms are available at:
For forms or additional information about any of these available positions, contact Janelle Mickelson at 324-2040 or jmickelson@helenaschools.org.
Watch the Independent Record for profiles of all of the Helena candidates.
There will also be a May 2 ballot for the $63 million school facilities bond to build three new K-5 schools at the current sites of Central and Jim Darcy schools and at/or near the Bryant School site. It would also fund technology and security upgrades at all the elementary schools.
East Helena school board
All three incumbents on the East Helena Public Schools Board of Trustees have filed for re-election to their seats.
The three-year seats are currently held by Breck Scheet, Ann Marie Thompson and Mark Diehl.
For information about the seats, call East Helena School Clerk Kim Aarstad at 227-7700 or stop at the East Helena Public Schools business office, 226 E. Clinton St. The filing deadline is 4:30 p.m. March 23.
The East Helena school ballot will be mailed April 13. It will also include a $12 million bond ballot to build a new elementary school on land the district owns adjacent to Radley Elementary School.
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From Bulgaria
Bulgaria Will Likely Stop Concession Procedure for Sofia Airport
Interim transport minister to submit report and justification against carrying on with the procedure as is due to expected outflux ot carriers and passengers
AUTHOR: Lyudmila Zlateva
Interim transport minister said concession of Sofia airport with its current conditions should be stopped
Bulgarian Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications
The public interest is not well enough protected and the concession of Sofia Airport will lead to higher airport taxes and an outflux of passengers, Bulgarian interim transport minister told journalists during a press conference in Sofia on Tuesday. The minister said that he personally got acquainted with the conditions of the concession procedure for the airport of Bulgarias capital city. As soon as today the ministry will start preparing the needed motivation for the Council of Ministers to consider and vote the termination of the procedure in its current form.
Alexiev said that the Council of Ministers would most likely have the matter on its agenda next week or the week after.
A concession is a good way to manage public infrastructure but it should be made in a way to protect the state interest. I think this is not the case, Alexiev stated, declining to comment on whether there was interest expressed by a Russian-Turkish consortium.
Minister Alexiev explained that his ministry used the concession of Belgrade airport as a benchmark. The analysis found that a main disadvantage of Sofia airport was the lack of tender for consultancy, so that the future deal is popularized and more candidates state their interest.
After it chose a consultant Belgrade airport received 27 offers for the concession, while in the case of Sofia we expect no more than 5. It means that something is not right, Alexiev said.
National security was also found to be on the bottom of the list of criteria for the choice of operator of Sofia Airport. It had an importance of 5 per cent while a request by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev explicitly asked for security to be a priority, minister Alexiev said.
He went on to criticize the heft in the selection process of the BGN 550 m (about EUR 225 m) initial concession premium to be received by the state. It has a 55% importance the highest among all selection criteria, while plans for the development of the airport were estimated at 25%.
The future contractor should pay at least BGN 550 m when signing the deal with the state. The latter however has promised to include this amount in the recognized expenses, meaning that they would also impact airport taxes. It seems as the aim is to get short money immediately rather than look in the long term, Alexiev said, adding that airport taxes would go up by BGN 20 25 m/y, decreasing Sofias chances to become a regional hub.
The proceedings were also meant to secure funding for indebted state-run railway operator BDZ. Alexiev however saw this scheme as adverse to EU practices and an unsustainable way to solve problems in one transport sector by cripling another.
Making sure that the future concessioner of Sofia Airport would not generate excess profit was another strong point in Alexievs statement. He pointed out that a longer concession period e.g. 35 years for Sofia airport, could mean a greater chance for excess profit. He said that Belgrade went for a 25-year period. The Serbian airport also scored much better in terms of profits EUR 25 m for last year, while Sofia struggled to get a mere EUR 6 7 m.
Alexiev said that this provided enough evidence for the need to cancel the concession procedure.
A consultant for a feasibility study should be selected first and foremost, so that a new general development plan for Sofia Airport be forged, Alexiev said, stressing that the development plan being outsourced to the concession holder is not a recognized practice in Europe.
Rockport's Toad Hall celebrates 45 years; new Brooklyn store to open May 1; Hartford store moves; London store for Afro-Caribbean authors may close; and more.
Rockport's Toad Hall Bookstore Celebrates 45 Years: The venerable non-profit North Shore bookstore is celebrating its 45th anniversary this week with its first fundraiser. The money raised will be used to buy books.
Brooklyn's Books Are Magic to Open May 1: The new bookstore in Cobble Hill run by author Emma Straub will open in or around May 1 and the store is currently hiring staff, booking events, and ordering books.
Hartford's Book Club Book Store & More Moves: The three-year-old store has moved from a small store in Broad Brook, Conn. to a new space in nearby South Windsor.
New Beacon Books in North London May Close: The bookstore, which opened in 1966 and focuses exclusively on books written by African-Caribbean authors, has reduced operating hours due to a lack of customers.
New Owners of Bellingham's Village Books Interviewed: The three employees who recently purchased the 36-year-old store share their story and thoughts for the future of the shop, which may include adding more digital offerings and yoga.
Singapore's Haji Hashim Bookstore Adds E-commerce: The Muslim-Malay bookstore, originally established in 1922, has launched an online bookstore, The Buku Bookstore, to reach new audiences and customers. It is run by the great granddaughter of the store's founder.
This article has been updated to correct the location of Toad Hall Bookstore.
After a lengthy debate Monday, with Democrats and Republicans disagreeing on the intent of a Senate bill to prohibit state courts from applying foreign law, the legislation advanced in the House largely along party lines with a 56-44 vote.
Senate Bill 97, carried by Keith Regier, R-Kalispell, doesnt specifically mention Sharia law, but it was the only kind of foreign law mentioned during testimony in both the Senate and House judiciary committees.
Sharia law is the religious governance followed by people practicing Islam. Sharia utilizes religious texts to determine divine will. Its implementation varies across the world, with Saudi Arabia adhering to strict punishments like stoning, while in other countries it is most regularly used in personal law such as marriage and divorce.
Democrats said the bill targets Muslims, while Republicans said it simply reinforces the Montana and U.S. constitutions.
Rep. Brad Tschida, R-Missoula, is carrying the bill in the House. He said the legislation isnt intended to target a specific group and instead protects freedom of religion
As far as being determined xenophobic, thats an insult, Tschida said. Im not intolerant. This is not anti-Muslim.
Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, said the discussion of the bill being a religious law was unwarranted.
Weve heard a lot of discussions about this being a religious law and specifically directed at preventing Sharia Law and I just dont read it that way, she said.
But Democrats pointed out extensive testimony from proponents in committee who expressed fears that Muslims would eventually demand Sharia law be used in American courts.
During a hearing in Senate Judiciary, Sandy Bradford, a Helena resident, said Islam is not peaceful and is an enemy to all. Sandy Montgomery, from the Flathead, said the bill was long overdue.
We have allowed legal immigrants, illegal immigrants and now refugees to take advantage of our law and culture to take up their own agendas, Montgomery said. They have no intention to abide by our laws, nor are they interested in assimilating to our culture.
Rep. Ellie Hill Smith, D-Missoula, said the testimony in the House Judiciary committee was also peppered with anti-Muslim bigotry. Since she thinks the bill targets people who practice Islam, she introduced an amendment that specifies a ban on both Sharia Law and the Law of Moses.
In the amendments language, a court would not be able to include the Law of Moses, which bans clothing made of two or more fabrics (Leviticus 19:19), the use of bears in retaliation for mocking the bald (II Kings 2:23-24), or the stoning of gluttons and drunkards (Deuteronomy 21: 18-21).
The courts have said that laws that single out certain religions violate the First Amendment, she said. So with this amendment I think we can show the state of Montana that is not just about Islamic Law.
The amendment failed 82-18.
Rep. Laurie Bishop, D-Livingston, said the legislation is almost identical to a bill that was struck down in Oklahoma for specifically mentioning Sharia Law. She said Regiers version has the same end result even if it doesnt say Sharia Law.
Lets not forget the roots of this bill, she said. Lets not forget that our children are watching.
The bill has made its way through first the Senate and now the House, with Republicans supporting it. After a final vote in the House on Tuesday, SB97 will go to the governors desk for his signature or veto.
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
The first ever survey results for the Western Australian town of Esperance in the states south-east corner have been released.
The Hit Network, Triple M and ABC take the majority of the towns listenership across all slots and demos, with SCAs Hit Network coming out on top as the most listened to station with a 25.6% share.
In the all important Breakfast slot, its ABC Esperances Peter Bell leading the pack with a strong audience share of 24.5% ahead of Hit and Triple M at 23.4 and 20.9, respectively.
Hits duo Hamish & Andy make a statement in the Drive slot taking 30.2% of total listenership, the highest share by any station across all sessions.
Once again, Triple Ms Cliff Reeve has to settle for second place in the Drive slot, the same way he did in the Wheatbelt survey earlier this month.
triple j remains consistent as ever with audience shares hovering between 6% and 10% throughout the day, peaking at 9.4% in the afternoons.
The research was conducted by Xtra Insights, the industrys official provider of regional radio surveys.
SJ says the subsidiary is a natural extension of its existing operations in Norway, which include Stockholm - Oslo, Gothenburg - Halden and Stockholm - Narvik cross-border services, albeit with Norwegian management and staff.
Mrs Berit Kjll, executive vice president of Huawei Norway and former CEO of Oslo airport express operator Flytoget, has been appointed chairman of SJ Norway. Kjll will lead the recruitment of a management team for the new company.
Tendering for passenger contracts will begin with two service groups in different regions of Norway. Package South encompasses Oslo - Stavanger long-distance services together with regional services on sections of the route, while Package North, includes Oslo - Trondheim long-distance electric services, and diesel operated services on the line from Trondheim north to Mo-i-Rana and Bod. Package South is expected to start in December 2018, while Package North will begin in December 2019.
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More than 25 people cited statistics and shared personal stories detailing the benefits of public preschool programs in hopes of getting the House Education Committee to support a bill that died during the last legislative session.
After Gov. Steve Bullocks 2015 legislation to earmark $37 million for public preschool was rejected by Republicans because of budgetary concerns, the governor is again introducing legislation to establish a preschool program, this time appropriating $12 million in the 2019 biennium.
House Bill 563, carried by Kathy Kelker, D-Billings, would establish a public preschool program for the states 4-year-olds. The bill would establish a five-person board to administer the program, including the superintendent of public instruction, the director of the department of health and human services and three members appointed by the governor. To be eligible for the preschool grant program, children would have to be 4 by Sept. 10 of the school year, be enrolled in an approved program and have a family income at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The program is not a mandate and would be voluntary for communities and parents to participate.
A preschool must meet the standards established by the board of public education to be considered an approved program. Preschools could be part of an elementary school district, a Head Start program or a private provider with at least a three-star rating determined by the Department of Public Health and Human Services.
While this years version asks for significantly less money, the 2019 budget is tighter than last session, and some Republicans have already said the money should be directed to more critical projects such as infrastructure. After the hearing on Monday, it was unclear whether testimony on the benefits of preschool convinced the committee to shell out the millions needed to start the program.
The governor spent last week promoting the bill. He hosted Alabamas Early Education Secretary Jeana Ross, who shared the benefits of her states program, which started in 2000. Bullock also held a rally with children, parents and teachers in support of HB563.
When introducing her bill, Kelker made a point to distinguish between child care and quality preschool programs. She said an approved program is taught by a professionally trained adult with an integrated curriculum. Teachers are able to focus on all areas of learning while also playing.
Montana has lagged behind most other states in providing high quality preschool, Kelker said. We are one of five states without a publicly funded preschool option.
While budget constraints have been the focus of this session, and state agencies have seen a series of reductions in their budget requests or actual cuts, Kelker said Montana would see a quick return on its investment in public preschool. Multiple proponents handed out national data or findings from their own state programs saying children who complete preschool are less likely to need costly special education services and less likely to utilize public assistance programs or be incarcerated.
On average, for every dollar spent on programs, communities see a benefit of $7 to $9, Kelker said.
Parents and teachers said the advantage to children who attend preschool isnt temporary. Multiple educators said children who come into school with an Individualized Education Program, meaning they are eligible for special education services, are more likely to be able to join general education if theyve attended a quality preschool program.
Siri Smillie, education policy adviser for the governor, said the first five years of a childs life are most critical, with 90 percent of brain development happening during that time. Children who attend preschool show a higher school readiness and are less likely to be chronically absent.
Ahnna Barnett, a kindergarten teacher in Billings, said she is often teaching kids whose parents work multiple jobs or struggle with substance abuse. The only Head Start program is in Billings with a full waiting list, she said.
We dont have the ability to control where these kids come from, Barnett said. We do have the ability to give them an equal playing field.
Rep. Peggy Webb, R-Billings, asked Kelker if the money appropriated per student is enough.
The existing preschool programs already being funded in the state with federal dollars cost $5,347 per pupil, but HB563 appropriates $3,000 per student. The report explaining the cost of the bill says local school districts could have additional costs of up to $2,347, or a total of $4.5 million.
Kelker said the intent of the grant is to support programs or schools that already have existing resources, such as classrooms and supplies. The $3,000 per student would support programs that already exist, she said.
The state is already administering a federal grant that funds 21 preschool providers for 1,119 low-income children.
In closing on her bill, Kelker asked the committee to not worry about national statistics since state programs have already proven to be successful.
Remember, its not child care. Its not babysitting. Its real school that is tailor-made for children who are only 4 years old, she said. It is now proven in our state.
The Pardee RAND Graduate School (PardeeRAND.edu) is home to the only Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs offered at an independent public policy research organizationthe RAND Corporation.
The world is facing a global teacher shortage. UNESCO has warned nearly 69 million teachers ( PDF ) will be needed to plug this shortage in both primary and secondary education.
Zoom in on the UK, and a report from the Education Select Committee states that recruitment targets for teaching have been consistently missed and teacher shortages are getting worse. The problem is amplified by the fact that the number of school-aged children is projected to increase over the next 10 years.
Further research by the National Audit Office found that filling secondary school teacher training places is proving to be particularly difficult in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects. According to the UK Commission for Employment & Skills, 43 per cent of STEM vacancies are hard to fill because of a shortage of applicants with required skills.
Aware of these national trends, Cambridge Ahead, a business and academic group based in Cambridgeshire, asked RAND Europe to examine factors which may be contributing to secondary school teacher shortages in Cambridgeshire. The study's findings illustrate even bigger problems in Cambridgeshire than in the rest of England.
The study used School Workforce Census to explore aspects of working conditions (pay, type of contract and employment status) and flows (numbers of new entries and leavers) of secondary school teachers working in state-funded schools in Cambridgeshire between 2010 and 2015. These figures were then compared to the national average and three different regions in England Hertfordshire, Inner London and Oxfordshire.
According to our study, teacher shortages could be a real threat in Cambridgeshire, unless larger numbers of secondary school teachers are attracted and retained in the region. The report identifies two reasons that may be behind this problem insufficient replacement rates of secondary school teachers and less-attractive working conditions.
In Cambridgeshire, there are simply too few new teachers replacing those who retire, with this gap being even more pronounced in the STEM subjects, reflecting wider national trends. This is particularly worrying for the Cambridgeshire region due to the growing demand for future STEM professionals ( PDF ) in the region.
The working conditions in Cambridgeshire are making the region a less attractive place for secondary school teachers to work.
In addition, the working conditions in Cambridgeshire are making the region a less attractive place for secondary school teachers to work. When compared to the national average, secondary school teachers in Cambridgeshire are more likely to earn a salary in the lower pay ranges; more likely to work part-time; and, since 2010, more likely to work under fixed-term or temporary contracts.
Challenges also include factors affecting living conditions. Future research should look into how certain aspects of working conditions, such as low pay, are related to other aspects associated with the quality of life of the local area, such as housing costs. The Cambridge city housing market is a particular challenge, with high costs for renters and buyers and low volumes of affordable housing. This displaces lower-income groups to cheaper, less accessible areas further outside the city, increasing travel to work distances and making the city a less attractive place to work for those living outside. This adds to recruitment and retention problems, particularly for public-sector employers, such as school teachers.
At the same time, it is important to identify things that might attract teachers to Cambridgeshire and identify the reasons that lead Cambridgeshire teachers to leave the region or the profession altogether. Collecting data about teachers' work satisfaction and aspirations in Cambridgeshire could contribute to a better overall understanding of the factors influencing teacher flows in the region.
Cambridgeshire is a region facing teacher supply challenges, but it is by no means the only one in England. Collaborative efforts between national government and local authorities could be vital to identifying regions facing teacher shortages and implementing strategies aimed at tackling this issue head-on. The task of ensuring a sufficient supply of teachers across the different English regions is one of vital importance.
Miriam Broeks is an analyst and Julie Belanger is a research leader at RAND Europe. Both were involved in the Attracting and retaining teachers in Cambridgeshire report for Cambridge Ahead.
This commentary originally appeared on Education Media Centre on March 21, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
During his February 28, 2017, address to a joint session of Congress, U.S. President Donald Trump vowed to demolish and destroy terrorist groups such as the Islamic State (also known as ISIS). Although most U.S. media coverage has focused on U.S. operations in Syria and Iraq, Afghanistan remains an important frontline state in the struggle against terrorism. At present, there are more U.S. military forces deployed there than to any other active combat zone, and a panoply of Islamist extremist groupsfrom the Taliban to al Qaeda and ISISremain in the country and in neighboring states such as Pakistan.
This reality makes it important for the Trump administration to avoid some past U.S. missteps, such as, especially, publicizing a fixed set of deadlines to withdraw U.S. forces. Instead, the United States should retain a small military force in the country at or slightly above the current level of 8,400 U.S. soldiers, along with its current diplomatic, intelligence, and development footprint.
Washington's goals should be limited: aggressively pursue terrorists that threaten the United States, prevent Taliban forces from overthrowing the Afghan government, and encourage a more sustainable and effective Afghan government. A small but durable U.S. military presence would have an additional benefit: it would likely dampen security competition between nuclear-armed regional powers, which would almost certainly intensify with a U.S. departure.
In some ways, Trump inherits a more challenging situation in Afghanistan than his predecessor did. In 2016, the Taliban slightly increased its control of territory in rural areas of Afghanistan's east and north, though the Taliban does not control any cities. The Taliban's leadership still enjoys a sanctuary in neighboring Pakistan, where it oversees the insurgency. Several other countries, including Iran and Russia, have also stepped up communication with, and provided limited material support to, the Taliban.
In addition, Afghanistan's national unity government remains weak and hamstrung by corruption, though the non-governmental organization Transparency International recently praised Afghanistan's national procurement reform as a bright spot in the country's fight against corruption.
The Trump administration faces several difficult questions ahead. How important Afghanistan is to U.S. national security interests, what U.S. primary objectives should be in Afghanistan, whether it should opt to keep forces in the country, and what role the administration should encourage Afghanistan's neighbors, particularly Pakistan, to play will all be on Trump's agenda.
The Problem with Departure Deadlines
The United States has important national interests at stake in the region, especially concerning terrorism. Afghanistan remains a haven for extremist groups. The Taliban poses a major threat to the Afghan government and is poised to step up its insurgent campaign in 2017. The war in Afghanistan continues to attract terrorist groups that threaten the United States and its allies, such as al Qaeda's local branch, al Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent; ISIS's local province, ISIS-Khorasan Province; and other groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba and Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.
Washington also has an interest in preventing a major escalation in great power conflict in the region, particularly between nuclear-armed Pakistan and India. Those two countries are engaged in a proxy war in Afghanistan, with New Delhi aiding the Afghan government and Islamabad abetting some insurgent groups.
Given the complexity of the situation, publicly announcing exit plans would be a bad idea.
Given the complexity of the situation, publicly announcing exit plans would be a bad idea. After coming to office, U.S. President Barack Obama promised to end his country's military involvement in the Afghan war. In December 2009, he declared at West Point that, although the United States would be sending an additional 30,000 troops to Afghanistan in the short term, he would start to withdraw soldiers in 2011.
At the end of 2014, Obama remarked that our combat mission in Afghanistan is ending, and the longest war in American history is coming to a responsible conclusion. But the Taliban-led insurgency worsened and ISIS co-opted local militants and joined the fight.
Although Washington's deadlines to withdraw U.S. forces and end the war in Afghanistan were motivated, in part, by a laudable desire to encourage Afghans to take the lead in combat operations in a country that many U.S. officials believed was not critical to U.S. national security, the departure timelines had significant costs.
First, they signaled that the U.S. commitment was waning. Washington's promise to leave evoked stark memories of the U.S. abandonment of Afghanistan in the early 1990s after having supported anti-Soviet forces since the late 1970s. Following the Red Army withdrawal, the United States lost interest and stopped providing military and economic assistance to Afghan opposition groups. Afghanistan deteriorated into a bloody civil war, which led to the rise of the Taliban and allowed al Qaeda to establish a sanctuary to plan the 9/11 attacks.
Second, the U.S. deadlines gave Afghanistan's neighbors, including Pakistan, an incentive to plan for the day after the United States left. Pakistani government officials, including from the country's chief intelligence agency, the Directorate for Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), continue to provide sanctuary to the Taliban and some assistance to Taliban leaders in hopes of shaping the region after the U.S. withdrawal.
Third, the U.S. promises of departure undermined the prospects for peace. The Taliban had little incentive to reach a peace settlement because its battlefield prospects and bargaining position were likely to improve once U.S. forces withdrew. Today, the possibility of a small but durable U.S. military, diplomatic, and intelligence presence provides an important opportunity to reshape U.S. policy in Afghanistan and toward the region.
A Realistic Set of Goals
Based on its interests, the United States' primary objectives should be to prevent the Taliban from overthrowing the Afghan government, to target terrorist and insurgent groups that threaten the United States and its core interests, and to improve the capacity of the Afghan government and local allies as much as is feasible.
Washington should set a more realistic goal: to ensure that the Taliban doesn't win.
These objectives are and should remain limited. The Afghan government is weak and poorly functioningand is likely to continue to be so for the foreseeable future. The United States should thus not expect the Afghan government to defeat the Taliban on the battlefield over the next four years of the administration. Instead, Washington should set a more realistic goal: to ensure that the Taliban doesn't win. In order to do this, Washington could take several steps.
First, U.S. diplomats need to continue encouraging governance reform in the country, including helping organize transparent elections and undermining large-scale public corruption. U.S. policymakers should also encourage diplomatic reconciliation with the Taliban. Since World War II, there have been roughly 181 insurgencies. Nearly three-quarters have been won on the battlefield. But of the roughly 30 percent that ended in a draw, most settled into a stalemate where neither side assessed that it could win. The Afghan war is ator close toa stalemate now. So negotiations may be the most likely path toward ending the violence given the inability of either side to win.
Second, the United States should continue to keep at least the current number of 8,400 forces in Afghanistan, although more non-combat troops could be useful for advising Afghan army forces below the corps level. John Nicholson, the U.S. commander in Afghanistan, has requested several thousand additional troops from the United States and partner nations to train and advise Afghan forceswhat some U.S. commanders have referred to as thickening advisory efforts. This is a reasonable request, although it is unlikely to break the stalemate.
What Pakistan Fears
An enduring U.S. commitment to Afghanistan would send a strong signal to Pakistan and other neighbors that they do not need to prepare for a post-American region. With a long-term U.S. commitment, Washington and Islamabad can focus on building a more constructive and enduring political, economic, and security relationship. Washington should also consider encouraging a more active Saudi role in cajoling Pakistan to jump-start peace negotiations with the Taliban.
The United States should also commit to aggressively pursuing its enemies wherever it finds them in the region. Unless or until Pakistan changes its strategic calculus, the United States should be prepared to target al Qaeda, ISIS, the Taliban, and other groupsincluding on Pakistani soil. In May 2016, a U.S. drone killed Taliban leader Akhtar Muhammad Mansour in Baluchistan, Pakistan.
Trump should make Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan an important and enduring part of the struggle against ISIS.
Of all the countries in which the United States is militarily engaged against Islamist extremists, Afghanistan is one of the few in which the local government has welcomed U.S. armed forces. This reality does not diminish the importance of Iraq, Libya, Syria, and other frontline states battling terrorist groups. But it does mean that Trump should make Afghanistan and neighboring Pakistan an important and enduring part of the struggle against ISIS and other extremists.
With terrorist groups operating in Afghanistan, the Trump administration should aim to prevent the Taliban from winning, pursue political reconciliation where feasible, and target terrorist groups that threaten the United States. These are limited objectives. The major alternativeU.S. withdrawal from the regionwould likely lead to a collapsing government in Kabul, a growing terrorism problem, and intensified security competition between regional nuclear-armed powers. That would be in no one's interest.
Seth G. Jones is Director of the International Security and Defense Policy at RAND, an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University's School for Advanced International Studies, and author, most recently, of Waging Insurgent Warfare: Lessons from the Vietcong to the Islamic State (Oxford).
This commentary originally appeared on Foreign Affairs on March 21, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
It's a new administration, which means it is time for a new round of national security documents. From the National Security Strategy on down, over the next months, the White House, the Defense Department, and other agencies across the U.S. government will generate dozens of these strategies. In abstract, everyone loves the idea of strategy, and not having a strategy is a constant Washington refrain. For the executive branch, these strategic documents allow policymakers to lay out their vision for the future of foreign and defense policy and ensure that each part of the sprawling executive branch knows its place in the grand design. For Capitol Hill, these documents can help to make sure resources are aligned with needs. For the press and pundit class, they provide months of fodder for debate and discussion. As one retired senior general officer summed up, you can't be against long range planning; it's like who's going to be against apple pie? Indeed, it is hard to criticize the concept of strategic planning. That is, of course, until one actually reads what is ultimately produced.
In practice, strategiesat all levelsoften disappoint. One retired senior Air Force general officer referred to recent Air Force service strategies as full of fluff and gobbledygook. Another senior Air Force general lamented that the primary value he got out of the service's strategy was several months of talking points for his speechwriters. And this is not only an Air Force problem. Former Undersecretary of Defense for Policy Michele Flournoy recently lamented that the major defense strategythe Quadrennial Defense Reviewhad devolved into a glossy coffee table brochure. Former National Security Council Director for Strategy and Requirements Kori Schake agreed, calling the most recent review a budget document, not a strategy document. And similar criticisms have been leveled against recent editions of the National Security Strategy. For example, former National Security Council staffers Richard Fontaine and Shawn Brimley warned not to expect too much from the Obama administration's last National Security Strategy because these strategy documents are mostly a lot of hot air.
Attempts to force the U.S. government to build better strategies also often come up short. Take the troubled history of defense strategies in the post-Cold War age. In 1994, Congress originally mandated the Commission on Roles and Missions because it found ( PDF ) the previous defense strategy, the Bottom-Up Review, lacking. The Commission on Roles and Missions, however, proved to be just the start of the congressional quest for a better defense strategy. In fact, it led to the creation of a new series of documentsthe Quadrennial Defense Review. These documents also proved a disappointment. And so in 2010 Congress then created a Quadrennial Defense Review Independent Panelan outside panel of experts to review the Defense Department's document and, ideally, make it more strategic rather than a budget-driven document. Still not satisfied, in 2016 Congress decided to scrap the Quadrennial Defense Review altogether and replace it with a new set of documents. And so the wheel turns....
The remainder of this commentary is available on lawfareblog.com.
A former active duty Army officer, Raphael S. Cohen is a political scientist with the nonprofit, nonpartisan RAND Corporation and an adjunct professor of Security Studies at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. This essay draws on the longer monograph, Air Force Strategic Planning: Past, Present and Future.
This commentary originally appeared on Lawfare on March 19, 2017. Commentary gives RAND researchers a platform to convey insights based on their professional expertise and often on their peer-reviewed research and analysis.
Alleged organizer of 2002 Moscow theater hostage crisis sentenced to 19 years in jail
MOSCOW, March 21 (RAPSI) The Moscow District Military Court has sentenced the alleged mastermind of the hostage taking at the Dubrovka theater in southeast Moscow in 2002 that left 130 dead, Khasan Zakayev, to 19 years in close confinement, RAPSI learnt in the court on Tuesday.
Zakayev was found guilty of participation in activities of an organized criminal group, preparation of an act of terror, accessory in hostage taking, attempted murder of two and more persons, illegal possession of firearms, and malicious destruction of property.
Earlier, prosecutor asked the court to sentence Zakayev to 23 years in prison.
There are 912 injured persons in the criminal case, who had lodged several claims seeking about 100 million rubles ($1.7 million) in compensation from Zakayev.
Zakayev has pleaded guilty to transfer of weapons in 2001 and 2002. He received about $4,000 and a mobile phone for weapon delivery. However, he noted that he did not know what he was supplying and for what purposes. He also denied his complicity in terrorist attacks, murders, and taking hostages.
Investigators claim that Zakayev was a member of a criminal gang headed by Chechen separatist leader Shamil Basayev and assisted in organizing the terrorist attack and taking of hostages at the theater. In 2002, he allegedly organized transportation of weapon and homemade explosive devices to Moscow for terrorists.
A group of terrorists led by Movsar Barayev took hostage the audience and participants of the Nord-Ost musical on October 23, 2002.
Forty attackers were killed. Zakayev is the only one who was arrested, victims lawyer Igor Trunov said earlier.
The majority of hostages were released in an operation planned by Russian security services.
Shamil Basayev who was reportedly killed in 2006 and Gerikhan Dudayev who is still at large are among the organizers of the attack, according to investigators.
ECHR grants 122,300 to 17 Russian convicts over poor conditions of detention
MOSCOW, March 21 (RAPSI) The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has admitted the rights of 17 Russian convicts, who complained of the inadequate conditions of their detention to be violated. The total amount of compensation granted after the ECHR has examined two joint cases made 122,300 euros.
Thus, in the case of Kargashin and others vs Russia the court joined in a single judgment seven complaints and in the case of Mozharov and others there were jointly examined ten applications.
The applicants, who serve their terms across various correctional facilities in Russian towns including Nizhniy Novgorod, Nizhniy Tagil, Kostroma, and Astrakhan complained of the conditions of their detention, for instance overcrowding, insanitation, inadequate sleeping accommodations, lack of ventilation and heating, poor food quality. Some of the applicants informed that convicts suffering of such serious illnesses as tuberculosis and hepatitis were not kept separately from other inmates. Sixteen applicants also pointed out that their rights under Article 13 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights (effective remedy) were violated.
According to the data of the Council of Europe, the total number of convicts in Russia in 2015 was at 643,000.
Russian Constitutional Court rules police must protect one-person protesters
ST. PETERSBURG, March 21 (RAPSI, Mikhail Telekhov) The Constitutional Court of Russia has ruled that police officers must protect one-person protestors at the sites the protests take place instead of bringing them to the stations, the courts ruling reads on Tuesday.
This ruling was issued by the court after reviewing a part of the federal law On Police in relation to an appeal filed by a Belgorod resident Vladimir Sergiyenko. The case was heard behind closed doors.
According to case documents, the activist from Belgorod has been arrested by police officers twenty-five minutes after beginning his one-person protest. He was brought to a police station and released an hour later. The courts, which reviewed this case, ruled that officers were acting in accordance with Russian legislation. Rulings read that the life of the protestor was in danger from citizens who disagreed with him and that police officers brought him to the station for his own safety.
The protestor, on the contrary, insisted that his rights were violated.
The Constitutional Courts ruling says that the current legal regulation provides "sufficient legal conditions" for one-person protests to be carried out with almost no restrictions. According to the court, the police must uphold order and protect one-person protestors against possible threats; however, its actions must be proportionate to the nature and degree of danger. A threat to the life and health of a one-person protestor should be real, not presumed, the Constitutional Court explained.
In the light of the Courts ruling, the decisions in Sergiyenkos case should be reexamined.
A legislator from Kalispell has introduced a bill that would ban sanctuary cities in Montana and inflict steep financial punishment for any local governments that violate the law.
Rep. Derek Skees, R-Kalispell, introduced House Bill 611 on Monday.
The term sanctuary cities does not have a strict definition. It generally describes places that are welcoming of refugees and illegal immigrants and do not dedicate financial or other resources to enforcing immigration laws and share information about immigration status with the federal government when requested.
If cities choose to do that, this puts some sting to that choice, Skees said Monday. This is an opt-out bill. Cities can opt out to not adopt these policies.
No city, county or local government in Montana has enacted policies concerning citizenship and immigration. Skees said the bill was preventive and not a response to any specific actions in the state.
Under the bill, cities or agencies could not withhold information about a persons citizenship or immigration status and must comply with an immigration detainer request, which is a request by Immigration and Customs officials to hold a person for 48 hours so federal agents can determine whether to take the person into federal custody in an effort to remove them from the country.
The legislation requires the attorney general to monitor state and local government compliance, investigate compliance and take enforcement action against state or local government that violates the law. The attorney general or a state legislator can bring a civil action. A spokesman for the attorney general said Monday his office had not yet seen the bill and could not comment on it.
A city would be fined $10,000 for every five days it is not in compliance with the law.
Cities would also not get their share of property taxes, oil and natural gas production taxes, coal taxes, grants or any money awarded for infrastructure projects. It does allow for the attorney general to let some money flow to counties or towns for law enforcement purposes deemed necessary and does not cut off education funding.
If the city comes into compliance within 14 days they would not be punished.
The bill would give the Department of Justice $50,000 over the next two years out of the state general fund for compliance monitoring, investigation and enforcement
Skees' bill also has exceptions for those who come forward after witnessing a crime or are the victim of a criminal offense.
Several human rights groups were quick to condemn Skees bill Monday.
Shahid Haque-Hausrath, a Helena attorney with Border Crossing Law Firm, said cities have good reason to steer clear of enforcing federal immigration laws.
The primary role of state law enforcement is to keep us safe. Time and again, law enforcement officers have opposed these types of bills because in order to do their job, they need the trust of the community. In cities where local police enforce immigration laws, immigrants dont trust law enforcement. They dont report crimes. This results in more criminals out there doing harm in the community.
Rachel Carroll Rivas, co-director Montana Human Rights Network, said the bill would harm Montana towns and cities.
Like so many efforts that are rooted in fear and resentment, this policy would only create divisions and foster animosity towards immigrants, who often already feel isolated. This policy hurts our local communities who recognize the importance of trying to create a welcoming community where all people can fully participate.
Sen. David Howard, R-Park City, carried a bill that was vetoed by Gov. Steve Bullock in 2013 that would have done something similar to Skees'. That bill passed the House 60-36 and the Senate 28-21. Former Gov. Brian Schweitzer, a Democrat, also vetoed a ban on sanctuary cities in 2011, saying there wasnt a problem in Montana and calling the bill frivolous.
Skees said his bill mirrors one that will be introduced in Congress by Montanas U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, a Republican. He said he expected the bill to pass the House and Senate along partisan lines and be vetoed by Bullock.
I want to put good bills on his desk so Montana knows his position on them, Skees said of the governor.
A spokeswoman for the governor on Monday said Bullock will take a close look at the proposed legislation if it reaches his desk. The governor typically does not comment on bills working through the Legislature.
Sanctuary cities came into the spotlight last fall when during his campaign, President Donald Trump called for cutting off funding for sanctuary cities.
Last month a group of activists asked the Bozeman city council to enact sanctuary city policies, but the mayor shot that plan down. He did, however, issue a proclamation saying Bozeman was a safe, welcoming and inclusive town.
On Jan. 25 Trump ordered the Department of Homeland Security to publish a weekly list of detention requests turned down by local jails. On Monday, the list was issued for the first time and included 118 locations and 206 undocumented immigrants. Immigration and Customs officials had asked the jails hold those people on a detainer, but those requests were denied.
Russian Supreme Court upholds sentence to student approving Charlie Hebdo massacre
MOSCOW, March 21 (RAPSI) The Supreme Court of Russia had upheld the 2-year prison sentence given to Avaid Mosab, a Palestinian student in the Russian town of Belgorod, for publicly approving an act of terror against the Paris-based Charlie Hebdo magazine, the courts press service told RAPSI on Tuesday.
After examining the appeal filed by the students defense, the Court refused to mitigate the sentence by the Moscow District Military Court passed in December of 2016.
As it has been established by the first-instance court, in January of 2015 Mosab placed photographs of the terrorists in the Charlie Hebdo massacre on his page with a social network with a statement of approval of their actions. Since the Paris incident had been recognized as an act of terror, the court found the student guilty of publicly approving terrorism, an offence punishable under the Russian Criminal code. Mosab had pleaded guilty.
On January 7, French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo was attacked as two gunmen forced their way into the office of the magazine in Paris and opened fire, killing 12 and injuring 11.
Most of the victims worked at the magazine, including editors and nationally famous cartoonists Stephane Charbonnier (Charb), Jean Cabut (Cabu) and Georges Wolinski.
I am a parent of four children, all who graduated from the Decatur School District.
It is disappointing that individuals are seeking to replace our current school board under the leadership of President Sherri Perkins, despite the boards accomplishments.
The obvious reason is the assumed failure to extend the former superintendents contract. However, the truth is the board never had the opportunity to vote on this issue. It is worth noting that the superintendent resigned before the auditors completed their investigation.
Some school board candidates are running with the aim to replace the board members they believe are responsible for not extending the former superintendent's contract. The questions that these candidates and some of our community leaders should answer are:
1. How significance is the repeated violations of rules and regulations, to the tune of 214 separate discrepancies, by the former superintendent? Our students can commit minor offences and be suspended for five days.
2. If an employee of a company engaged in similar misappropriate use of funds for personal use, amounting to thousands of dollars, what would be the fate of that employee?
3. Why has more focus been placed on the former superintendents interpersonal skills than on how under-prepared our graduating students are?
Our community deserve answers to these questions.
We need board members who are honest, independent and have respect for the law.
We deserve those whose only interest is our childrens education, not those trying to appease any special interests.
I believe that Courtney Carson, Alida Graham, B. A. Butz and Al Scheider have these qualities and are well qualified to be elected to the Decatur Board of Education.
--Wole Adeoye, Decatur
When Romania broke through the headlines last month with protests against government efforts to enable corruption, it came as a surprise to many outside observers. Romania doesnt usually get very much attention, but the protests this time seemed to go against narratives of rising populism and the longer view of a hopelessly corrupt and pliant European East. Indeed, as elections and long-simmering crises hint at a new European era, no part of the Continent is affected more than Central and Eastern Europe.
The European Union is troubled and changing. To the extent it continues to matter, it will be shaped by that enduring and resurgent reality, the national interest. The consequences of this are most immediate in the East, where an always dynamic region now meets a dynamic period in history. The question is whether states in this region can build on the advances made in the last 25 years. Romania at least in some measure suggested hope.
Outside influences
For states from the Baltic-to-Black seas bridge, such changes to the regional order are a great concern. Countries as diverse as Romania, Serbia, and Estonia know that when historys doors open and close, their territories have been the hinge over which those doors swing. At worst, states like these fall into categories imposed from outside. They are seen as borderlands -- a periphery, a zone of influence, or a strategic gateway to greater fields of battle.
As such, nation-building, especially in Southeastern European states, has long involved the intervention of outside powers. The chaos of the Greek revolution didnt clear until Otto, a Bavarian prince, was installed. Likewise in Romania, where Alexandru Ioan Cuza unified the principalities of Wallachia and Moldavia under the French model. That unity was further consolidated when Carol of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen was made the monarch in 1866.
The European Union has continued that historical trend, serving as an outside steward of post-Communist countries re-entering international society. To put it charitably, it has not always done well. But at its best, it has sought over the last 25 years to give these states additional tools to develop strong institutions and an ability to express a personality on the global stage.
Move east and you get a less caricatured view of the usefulness and perception of the European Union -- not only of its relative competence, but of which tools are used and to what effect. The European Unions mandate has been eroding at an accelerated pace because poor crisis management has made its structures at least a perceived threat to the national interest. But from the east the view is different, even in currently contrarian states such as Poland and Hungary. Set aside Polands current government with its stridently anti-EU tone and more-than-a-little-undemocratic practices and you have a state poised in the medium term for regional leadership; the Visegrad group began as a forum for four of the regions states to assert a common stance on the European stage; EU structures have moved painstakingly to groom a process in Serbia and Kosovo that has some buy-in from Belgrade and Pristina; more broadly, EU investment and economic links have worked to boost national economies, and are seen very favorably in countries such as Romania and Poland, and with desire in those such as Serbia and Montenegro.
That process was on full view when I visited Romania last year.
Energy Is Security
Victor Grigorescu was typical of many of the people I met in Romania: Quick with a laugh, eager to share what he knows about the highly underrated range of Romanian wines, and completely nonchalant about the fact that he was, at the time, the countrys energy minister. He was very serious though about his mandate: Grigorescu was part of a Cabinet installed after the socialist Prime Minister Victor Ponta stepped down amid a corruption scandal. The Cabinet was staffed with technocrats on a one-year mandate to professionalize the Romanian government. As we wrote at the time, anti-corruption efforts were vigorously accelerated.
Grigorescu understood his task quite well: In the decade previous, he had taken part in Romanias accession negotiations to the European Union, and later he was on the board of directors of one of Romanias largest electric distribution companies. Romania has a long and proud history as an energy producer, and in the best of worlds the country could serve as a hub for production and distribution. Grigorescu was acting on a pointed set of priorities.
We are in the middle of changing paradigms, he told me. We are evolving from a paradigm where you talk about energy independence and self-sufficiency and we are moving to something else, which has at its center a concept of energy security that will involve a combination of judicious use of indigenous resources and interconnectivity. There is a balance to be had here, but I think this is the most sustainable approach for many reasons. We talk about the fact that now there is a common [European] market, a single market for goods, there is free circulation of people around Europe. Why treat energy differently?
That view marks the key difference between the European Union and past geopolitical competitors on the Continent -- and more importantly, its current competitor, Russia. The European Union looks for common wins, while Russia looks for opportunities to divide and corrupt, establishing a quiet domination. Energy is security, as a Romanian colleague told me. The European Union, working closely with allies such as Grigorescu and the rest of Dacian Ciolos former Cabinet, seeks to give states the tools to take that security into their own hands, while Russia, in line with the traditional model put to work in the Balkans, seeks to co-opt and subvert.
Neighboring Bulgaria helps illustrate the case. That country, stretching from the Black Sea coast to the Balkan mountain range, carries the heaviest economic deficit with Russia in the region and is heavily dependent on energy imports, according to a recent study by the Center for Strategic and International Studies. CSIS found that Gazprom charges Bulgaria a price 26.5 percent higher than the average, while acting to block energy diversification and to create a monopoly in the country. Theres good reason then for Russia to be satisfied with the decreasing influence of the European Union. The successful consolidation of a single state in its periphery could well spread calm and security to other states, and that scares Moscow. Consider what Grigorescus ministry was working on at the time: Infrastructure projects included an interconnector with Moldova, which had gone operational; a Romania-Bulgaria interconnector; and the Romania segment of the BRUA pipe, hundreds of miles of high-pressured gas pipe that upon completion would cross Romania from the south to the western border.
Mapping out a new geography
The question is what options are available to Central and Eastern European countries as this kind of incrementalist, cooperative state-building approach becomes a memory. The benign period following the Balkan wars of the 1990s and ending with the Brexit vote in June 2016 was a time of slow but hopeful state consolidation, but that job is hardly finished. Nervousness was already high in 2016. In another tabletop conversation I had in Bucharest late last summer, one political activist called Brexit a betrayal, and he was hardly alone in that view.
The vigorous defense of good governance in Romania during weeks of protests speaks well to the regions growing political maturity. But as Eugene Chausovsky wrote recently: [E]ach of the borderlands countries -- which include the Baltic states, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus and the countries of the Caucasus -- is reacting to the shifting geopolitical circumstances differently.
So once again, the political geography of this region is being rewritten. One question is how much energy is left in the West-led project to strengthen the region. Can designs such as the energy union move forward even as the EU as a whole remains distracted, changes, or even falters? Far more important a question is what these countries do now themselves, and what they can do despite Russian interference. Was the peace dividend of two decades, and the helpful influence of supranational institutions, enough for a state like Romania to create a durable personality on the world stage -- enough for a state like Poland to establish itself as a regional leader capable of rallying against external aggressors? The answers will be different in each state, and the process will be as dynamic as the history of the East.
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The Veteran's Administration is often the subject of much criticism in its treatment of veterans. I would like to point out an exceptional veteran's advocate here in Macon County. Kathie Lowless, the superintendent of the Veteran's Assistance Commission, is extremely knowledgeable and experienced in assisting and advising veterans about benefits that are available to them.
I am a Vietnam combat veteran and Kathie has assisted me on two occasions for disability claims due to Parkinson's disease considered to be a result of exposure to Agent Orange. She knows which forms to fill out, how to fill them out, where to send them and any additional information to include. I found her to be a sincere individual who is very helpful and dedicated.
Macon County can be thankful and proud to have such a talented and able representative for veterans.
Gary Likins, Decatur
Revision Military has garnered the contract for the U.S. Army's new ballistic helmet with a rig that is reportedly 24% lighter than the legacy ACH helmet (which began to replace the previous PASGT helmet approximately a decade and a half ago). As we hear it, the Vermont-based manufacturer was awarded a $98 million contract for the Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH GEN II). The contract, for which five companies bid, calls for nearly 300,000 production units to be completed by c. March, 2022.
It would appear that what Revision is building is far superior to what has been imagined in the past.
Here's what we know.
Industry News: Revision Secures Next Gen Army Helmet Contract
U.S. Army's Next-Gen ACH Contract Goes to Revision Military
Revision Military Press Release
Essex Junction, Vermont (March 21, 2017) Revision Military, the world leader in integrated head systems, has been awarded the U.S. Armys Advanced Combat Helmet Generation II (ACH GEN II) helmet contract. This five-year indefinite delivery, indefinite quantity (IDIQ) helmet contract (W91CRB-17-D-0008), awarded on a full and open competition basis to Revision, has a maximum value of $98,111,803 and estimated completion date of March 6, 2022. Revisions ACH helmet solution is up to 24 percent lighter than the legacy ACH helmet system and this contract represents the first large-scale, significant advancement in ACH technology in 15 years.
Since last contracted by the U.S. Army in 2012when Revision delivered a total of 180,000 ACH helmetsRevision has invested millions of dollars in new manufacturing equipment and processes, research into the characterization and optimization of advanced ballistic materials, and in the building of a world-class team of scientists and engineers in order to evolve the Companys capabilities. Additionally, since 2013, Revisions Newport, Vermont facilitywhere helmets for this contract will be manufacturedhas expanded by 16,000 sq. ft., and the number of employees that work at this facility has more than doubled. As a result of these ongoing investments, and the development of composite materials technological expertise, Revision was able to exceed the weight reduction requirements stipulated in the Armys solicitation by a sizable margin: The ACH Gen II solicitation required a minimum 15 percent weight reduction compared to the current ACH helmet; Revisions solution offers up to 24 percent weight reduction over the legacy ACH design, pushing the envelope of attainable weight reduction while maintaining superior ballistic protection. Revision is dedicated to re-envisioning military head systems with integrated technologies that feature new, cutting edge materials, in a variety of designs and configurations, to exceed all customer requirements. With extensive knowledge of ballistics, electronics, optics, power, and other innovative technologies, Revision is a creative solutions provider, capable of designing and developing custom head protection solutions to meet the changing needs of global militaries. With this solicitation, PEO Soldier challenged the helmet industry, raising the technology bar substantially. Revision answered in a big way, dedicating significant resources to set a new standard for lightweight helmet design and performance, said Jonathan Blanshay, CEO. Revision has been a proud U.S. Army supplier since 2005, and our investment in this program epitomizes Revisions unwavering dedication to forward-thinking head systems technology and manufacturing. In the years since Revision was last contracted by the U.S. Army, weve become a much stronger company and head systems technology innovator, securing helmet contracts around the worldincluding for the British Armys VIRTUS programand emerging as the vanguard of the U.S. helmet industry. Were excited to provide this cutting-edge technology to troops in the field who will benefit greatly from the improved performance and significantly lower weight of this next-generation head system. In short, Revision has fully modernized the traditional ACH helmet, bringing this crucial equipment up to speed with the fast pace of modern warfare. This was an intense competition that draws on the reliability and skill of Revision Militarys workforce in Vermont, said Senator Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). The quality of these helmets will protect soldiers from ballistic impacts, while also making them more comfortable with their up to 24% lighter build. Like all Vermonters, I am incredibly proud of the men and women at Revision Military Newport for their hard work and dedication, both of which greatly contributed to Revision being selected for this contract. In past visits to the facility, I have seen firsthand the commitment these employees have to their trade, a commitment depended on by the men and women of our Armed Forces. Over Revisions history, the Company has delivered 1.1 million helmets to the U.S. military, with an additional 300,000 helmets internationally. Across all of these program deliveries, Revision has never received a single warranty claim for product malfunction or defect, has never had to recall a single faulty product, and has never failed a single Lot Acceptance or First Article test. Revision is also the most experienced and most knowledgeable Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) manufacturer in the industry. With robust design and development expertise, significant investment in efficient, high-volume manufacturing, and vertical integration, Revision stands ready to meet this U.S. Armys demand, and will use the revenue generated through this program to continue to build capabilities and advanced innovations to benefit the U.S. military for years to come.
About Revision in their Own Words
Revision develops and delivers purpose-built protective soldier equipment for military use worldwide. The company, which began with eyewear, has expanded to face, head and torso protection as well as energy storage and power management products, continues to develop innovative capabilities for integrated, performance-enhancing soldier systems. To that end, Revision brings together the most advanced expertise, state-of-the-art facilities and finest technical minds. Privately owned and ISO 9001:2008 certified, Revisions operational headquarters is located in Essex Junction, Vermont, USA, with additional offices in Montreal, Canada, The UK, and Luxembourg. For more information, visit www.revisionmilitary.com, write [email protected], or call +1 802-879-7002.
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Most of the leading vehicle manufacturers were before the court, though their stand was not identical and sometimes contradictory.
The Supreme Court on Monday asked motor vehicle manufacturers to give full details of the stock of pre-BS (Bharat Stage)-IV vehicles with them.
The Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (Siam), which is the umbrella association of car manufacturers, will collect data from various carmakers and present them to the court. The order covers two-wheelers, four-wheelers and commercial vehicles.
The Bench, headed by Justice Madan Lokur, was hearing the pleas of manufacturers who had huge stocks of vehicles with BS-III certifications.
The court had set April 1, 2017, as the deadline for stopping registration of such vehicles and switch to BS-IV, whose toxic emissions are less than that of the old vehicles.
With the deadline approaching, the court set the next hearing for Friday.
The manufacturers sought to extend the deadline by the court at the instance of the Environment Pollution Control Authority (EPCA), set up by the court in the public interest case moved by M C Mehta.
Senior counsel Harish Salve, appointed to assist the court in the case, submitted that if the court order was withdrawn, 75,000 trucks without BS-IV registration will move freely on all-India permits.
He gave the figures of other types of vehicles which would violate the court order. He said he was not able to get the full figures as the EPCA has claimed confidentiality to them. Salve insisted on a ban of registration of new vehicles without the new emission norms.
Senior counsel K K Venugopal, representing Hero Motors, argued that when BS-II and BS-III vehicles were introduced in 2005 and 2009, respectively, the government had allowed the manufacturers to continue production for some more time. Siam counsel questioned the power of EPCA to set down rules.
The judges wanted to know the break-down of figures of vehicles in various categories and those which are with the manufacturers and those with dealers.
Since the manufacturers were not able to give data, the court passed the order summoning the full details.
Most of the leading vehicle manufacturers were before the court, though their stand was not identical and sometimes contradictory. Some of them were Honda, Mahindra & Mahindra, TVS and Royal Enfield.
Photograph: PTI Photo
DECATUR Erwin Heinkel, a Decatur businessman with an iron will who shrugged aside obstacles to build his dreams, died Saturday. He was 95.
His father Albert, a German immigrant, established a grocery and meat market on Eldorado Street in 1912. After U.S. Navy service during World War II, Erwin Heinkel came home and, working with his family, began building the Heinkel's Packing Co. plant at North 22nd Street. It was finished in 1947 and remains in the same location today.
Erwin Heinkel became known not only for the quality of his meat products, but also for his extraordinary mechanical ability which earned him the title Mr. Fix-It.
His grandson, Wes Heinkel, now the company president, said his grandfather burned with an incandescent passion to achieve no matter what: They failed him out of 1st grade because he was dyslexic, Wes Heinkel said.
But he overcame a monster disability right out of the gate at a time when that disability was not an understood phenomenon. He was a brilliant man, probably on the genius spectrum when it comes to mechanical engineering. There was just nothing he and his brother Herbert couldn't do when it came to machines and diesel engines.
Along the way Erwin Heinkel found time to pursue other business ventures, too, establishing the Pla-Mor Lanes bowling alley in the 1960s and being involved in residential properties among many other interests.
But the meat company that bears the family name rates as one of his strongest legacies, and has spread the family reputation for quality nationwide. Wes Heinkel says one particular signature product, hickory smoked turkey drumsticks, are now sold in 40 states.
How would I describe my grandfather? He was just exceptional, said Wes Heinkel, fighting back tears. He would always say 'keep laughing, keep smiling' but he also had a kind of toughness you just don't see much anymore. He never quit, and he left us an indelible legacy.
Erwin Heinkel's funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m today at St. Paul's Lutheran Church.
IndiGo which has close to 40 per cent market share, at present has 129 aircraft and operates 883 daily flights to 44 destinations. It also has around 400 aircraft on order.
With size of operations growing steadily, IndiGo is looking to tap into expat airline executives as it increasingly finds it difficult to hire skilled professionals at home.
Over the last one year at least four executives from foreign major airlines have joined the airline in crucial positions.
An airline source said the four executives were hand-picked for the roles by promoter Rakesh Gangwal who is now closely monitoring airline's operations.
IndiGo which has close to 40 per cent market share, at present has 129 aircraft and operates 883 daily flights to 44 destinations. It also has around 400 aircraft on order.
Primary among them is Cindy Szadokierski who has around 17 years of experience at United Airlines has been assigned a primary role for airport operations.
Another expat executive Greg Taylor has joined the airline as executive vice president in revenue management. Taylor who has served at senior roles at US Airways and United Airlines has handled scheduling, cost optimisation and revenue management in his career.
Similarly, former Air Asia executive Jason Herter has joined the airline as vice president in the OCC and Dispatch department. Herter was responsible for handling crew management including scheduling, rostering and training for all five airlines of the AirAsia group.
The airline had last year hired Rohit Philip as Chief Financial Officer after Pankaj Madan quit. Philip is also a former United executives. Senior industry sources also said that they are advising current executives.
As it grows operations, IndiGo has been facing many hiccups in the journey like maintain a high on time performance, healthy passenger load in all the sectors.
While IndiGo set benchmarks on punctuality, rivals have been performing better in the past few months. The issues with Airbus A320Neo engines is also causing concern as it has led to grounding of planes and disruption in schedules.
Its a win-win situation, those people have years of experience in running operations of airlines of huge size, they will bring on board valuable experience, said a senior executive from IndiGo.
Most of them have worked with Gangwal, you should remember when the airline was being set up the promoters had bought in foreign executives, he said.
Gangwal along with Rahul Bhatia founded IndiGo and holds 85 percent stake in the airline while the rest has is held by public share holders after an IPO in 2015.
Frequency of his India visits has increased, earlier he used to come mostly twice a year, the executive said. Gangwal who has been a veteran US Airways and United is also monitoring the performance of the airline on a daily basis.
While Gangwal did not respond to queries, a source close to the promoters confirmed this.
Airline is entering its next phase of growth, by next year it will have around 200 planes, fly to more international destinations, and hence proper readiness from expert hands is required, the person said.
During initial years, IndiGo had hired expats like Bruce Ashby, Steve Harfst as CEO and COO. An IndiGo spokesperson did not respond to detailed queries.
Experts say that lack of skilled professionals in Indian aviation sector has forced IndiGo to look towards skill hunting in mature markets.
IndiGos growth aspirations have painted themselves into a corner where they are trying to find professionals that can help airline take into the next level, today the quality of world-class professionals in India are handful, IndiGos step proves that Indias airline management skills remain far below the world benchmark, said Mark Martin, aviation consultant at Dubai-based Martin Consultancy.
Among Indian airlines, Jet Airways in which Gulf major Etihad has 24 percent stake has numerous foreigners at crucial roles. Low cost carrier Air Deccan in its heydays had hired executives from European airline Ryan Air.
Photograph: PTI Photo
'A month after assuming charge, Parrikar promised a policy within six months to "end or at least reduce" terrorist infiltration across the Line of Control.'
'However, infiltration continued apace, leading to high-profile terrorist attacks in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Uri.'
'During this phase, he made the controversial suggestion that India should fight terror with terror, hinting at supporting terror groups to strike in Pakistan,' observes Ajai Shukla.
IMAGE: Defence Minister Manohar Parikkar interacts with soldiers at the Uri Brigade camp which was attacked by terrorists, September 18, 2016. Photograph: Umar Ganie
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley holds additional charge of the defence ministry after Manohar Parrikar abruptly moved back to Goa to cobble together a Bharatiya Janata Party government there.
Jaitley had earlier held additional charge of the defence ministry for almost six months, from May 26, 2014, when the National Democratic Alliance government was sworn in, to November 10, 2014, when Parrikar moved in from Goa.
Nor did Parrikar give defence his undivided attention, seemingly preparing for the last 28 months to return to Goa.
Almost every Friday, he would fly to Goa, nurture his pocket borough all weekend, and return to Delhi on Monday morning.
Parrikar liked to say that, as a technologist from the Indian Institute of Technology, he was equipped to be defence minister. Yet, he also proved himself to be a skilled politician who understood the benefit of nurturing a secure political base.
During Parrikar's tenure as defence minister, his successor in Goa, Laxmikant Parsekar, was little more than a placeholder. Parrikar cleared most major decisions relating to Goa and also retained close links across Goa's political spectrum.
These relationships make Parrikar essential in a situation where the BJP, which won only 13 seats in the 40-member assembly, is upstaging the Congress that won 17 seats.
Requiring the support of eight non-BJP members of the legislative assembly for a majority, Parrikar won over two smaller parties, the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party and the Goa Forward Party with three MLAs each, and also two Independent MLAs.
Underlining Parrikar's stature and influence in Goa, these swing MLAs offered to support the BJP only if Parrikar were appointed chief minister.
Compared to this deft political manoeuvring, Parrikar can boast of less success as defence minister.
While deserving credit for backing indigenisation unstintingly, Parrikar was unable during his truncated tenure in office to push through procurement reform, make up even the most glaring of the equipment deficiencies that hamstring the military's operational capability, or galvanise private defence industry to 'Make in India,' creating jobs and technological capability.
Even so, Parrikar is esteemed by defence industry, including private Indian firms and global majors.
Unlike the Congress' A K Antony, who isolated himself from private industrialists, Parrikar made himself completely accessible to captains of industry.
Before joining politics, Parrikar had functioned as a technology entrepreneur, doing business with the Defence Research and Development Organisation. That convinced him the private sector had to be given a leading role in defence innovation and in creating jobs through galvanising manufacturing.
However, Parrikar was unable to wean away his bureaucrats (the defence ministry has five secretaries and dozens of senior officers) from their traditional coddling of the defence ministry's public sector undertakings and the Ordnance Factory Board.
The defence ministry's bureaucrats consistently resisted Parrikar's efforts to provide a level playing field to public and private industry.
Parrikar flaunted his commendable reformist streak, but invariably over-promised and then grossly overshot his time-targets.
Soon after assuming charge, Parrikar publicly promised a new 'blacklisting policy' within a month, in which offending vendors would be targeted with heavy financial penalties, rather than blanket bans on dealings with the MoD.
Two years later, a watered-down blacklisting policy was issued, but without clear financial penalties and with no buy-in from the MoD bureaucracy. The defence minister must take all blacklisting decisions.
A month after assuming charge, Parrikar promised a policy within six months to 'end or at least reduce' terrorist infiltration across the Line of Control. However, infiltration continued apace, leading to high-profile terrorist attacks in Gurdaspur, Pathankot, and Uri.
During this phase, he made the controversial suggestion that India should fight terror with terror, hinting at supporting terror groups to strike in Pakistan.
Criticism seldom dented Parrikar's self-confidence, with the minister insisting: 'Once you have good intentions, there can be no questions about the quality of (your) judgement.'
Parrikar immodestly proclaimed himself good at understanding complicated matters, isolating key issues and arriving at the right decision.
Yet, Parrikar's failures stand out.
The most notable has been in the realm of 'Make in India' -- the raising of indigenous manufacture in order to raise employment.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself stated several times that defence manufacture would be one of the pillars of 'Make in India.'
Yet, opposition from his bureaucrats held back Parrikar's 'strategic partner' policy -- in which the MoD assesses and nominates Indian private firms as automatic manufacturing partners and technology recipients for different realms of equipment, such as aircraft, helicopters, tanks, etc.
Consequently, global aircraft vendors like Boeing and Saab, eager to manufacture their fighters in India, do not know whom to partner, since no SP has been nominated by the MoD.
Yet, bureaucrats steadfastly oppose the SP policy, since nominating a company would open them to charges of favouritism and, perhaps, investigation.
Similarly, Parrikar failed to deliver on his oft repeated promise to simplify and expedite procurement, and to produce a simple, short, easy-to-implement defence procurement policy that would allow the military to quickly make up glaring equipment deficiencies.
The DPP-2016 that has been issued is as verbose and procedure driven as its seven previous versions.
And buying equipment remains problematic, as evident from the MoD's surrender of unexpended capital allocations at the end of each year.
Defence industry is abuzz with speculation about who will replace Parrikar.
Despite his shortcomings, Parrikar's penchant for interaction had given him a multi-dimensional perspective of the problems facing the defence industry.
The next defence minister, who will take over from Jaitley, will start a learning process afresh.
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'The vocal pacifists who monopolise the media in India need to answer a simple question: Would they have the Taliban or ISIS take over Kashmir or the rest of the country or let the army do its duty so that we are safe in our beds and free to demonise the soldiers in our cozy drawing rooms and television studios,' asks Colonel Anil A Athale (retd).
IMAGE: Gorkha soldiers at the Republic Day parade in New Delhi. Photograph: Adnan Abidi/Reuters
It was only the second time in my life (the first time was when I returned from a Pakistani Prisoner of War camp in 1972) that I broke down and had difficulty controlling my tears.
On March 16, I was in Hyderabad to celebrate Cassino Day and the bicentenary of my regiment, the 9 Gorkha Rifles.
Retired Subedar Rudra Bahadur of my company took me to meet the widow of Sepoy (Rifleman) Bhakta Bahadur, and the memories of the 1971 war came flooding in. It was an emotional tsunami!
99 Bhakta Bahadur was once my Batman (orderly, Sahayak and now christened Buddy). A silent type, he hardly spoke much but smiled often.
He was my treasurer (looked after my money and controlled my spending), admonished me on my laziness in writing to my parents and made sure I did not smoke too much by rationing my cigarette quota!
I had a policy of changing my orderly every six months or so in order to make sure that the jawan's career did not suffer.
Before him there was 83 Ram Bahadur, Chandra Bahadur, Rudra Bahadur and 17 Chandra Bahadur!
Readers may wonder why the numbers are suffixed to the names. Well, the problem among the Gorkhas is that there are, at any given time, scores of Sher Bahadurs, Ram Bahadurs, Bhim Bahadurs etc.
In order to remember men, one remembered their numbers. Not just officers but even the jawans' wives often would call their husbands by their numbers!
I was taken as a prisoner in the 1971 war while on a patrol inside enemy territory. It was a tense time for the battalion as at the same time one of our platoons was ambushed and we lost nearly 14 men.
As the news that I had gone missing in enemy territory reached my battalion, they feared the worst.
I was presumed to have been killed in action. As the battalion launched a successful attack on the Pakistani enclave at the Dera Baba Nanak bridge on the Punjab border, all of my ex-orderlies were extra motivated because they wanted to avenge their Sahib's death.
Out of these five jawans, one died in action while three, including Ram Bahadur and Bhakta Bahadur, were wounded.
Bhakta Bahadur had a spinal injury with a bullet wedged in his body, too dangerous to remove. It was this injury that ultimately took his life.
99 Bhakta Bahadur was boarded out of the service due to his injury in 1973. He was 25.
When I met his widow on March 16, all the memories of these loyal soldiers came flooding back to me.
Here I was hale and hearty, but my men who went beyond the call of duty were either maimed for life or dead!
I felt responsible in an indirect way and wondered would I be as loyal? Weren't these magnificent men better than me?
The only sense of satisfaction was that yes, the widows were well looked after and I had the privilege to meet them and express my gratitude.
Some readers may wonder why this rambling account of a personal encounter deserves a place on a public platform. Well, this is an attempt to set the record straight on many issues being raised in the media concerning the armed forces and especially the buddy system or even mundane issues like the quality of food in a jawan's mess.
The negative slant to all these stories is, of course, motivated by the need to get TRPs at any cost. Sometimes one really wonders at the IQ level and the 'real' intent behind these stories.
As to the bunkum about the food quality complaint by a habitual offender, one wonders if these worthies have ever seen the inside of a student hostel mess and the plethora of food- related complaints that are normal in any place where mass cooking is the norm.
The 9 Gorkha Rifles is one of the finest regiments of the Indian Army.
During the Second World War, this was the only battalion that captured a feature called 'Hangman's Hill' near the Cassino monastery in Italy, where the Americans and the British had failed to make any headway.The battalion faced the elite paratroopers of the German army.
Post-Independence, the battalion fought in 1947-1948 in Jammu and Kashmir, was on the forefront on the Namkachu river against the Chinese in 1962 and faced Pakistan's first armoured division in Khem Karan in 1965.
In 1971 we captured the Dera Baba Nanak bridge. The battalion has done two stints in Kashmir since then.
IMAGE: Alka, Colonel M N Rai's daughter, gives the Gorkha battle cry as she salutes her father at his cremation in New Delhi. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo
I have heard many murmurs of dissent by some fellow officers of other regiments as to when there is so much unemployment in India, why must we enroll Gorkhas?
The simple retort to this is we recruit soldiers to fight and win wars and not to solve unemployment problems. Other soldiers are indeed good no doubt, but the Gorkhas are the best.
Nothing embodies the spirit of the nation better than the brave daughter of the late Colonel M N Rai of my regiment.
On January 30, 2015, eleven-year-old Alka, his daughter overcame her personal grief and let out our war cry -- 'Jai Maha Kali! Ayo Gorkhali!
Colonel Rai, an officer of the 2/9 Gurkha Rifles, was commanding the 42 Rashtriya Rifles when he was killed by terrorists treacherously as he attempted to get them to surrender rather than kill.
The atmosphere of extreme pacifism has blinded us to the reality that a soldier is not an assassin or a hired killer. He fights at grave risk to himself to do his Dharma.
A soldier does not hate the enemy and understands that the other soldier is also doing his duty, but will nevertheless have no qualms in killing the opponent.
The Rules of War follow a simple dictum: Kill or get killed.
The vocal pacifists who monopolise the media in India need to answer a simple question: Would they have the Taliban or ISIS take over Kashmir or the rest of the country or let the army do its duty so that we are safe in our beds and free to demonise the soldiers in our cozy drawing rooms and television studios?
Colonel Anil A Athale (retd) is a military historian and coordinator of the Pune-based think-tank Inpad.
'The inability to have children with the person you love is a foundational shock of being gay,' says Vikram Johri. 'Karan Johar's becoming a parent through surrogacy focuses attention on exactly the demographic that India's divisive Surrogacy Regulation Bill targets.'
IMAGE: The Surrogacy Regulation Bill places men like Karan Johar firmly beyond the pale -- a possibility that may have forced his hand to opt for surrogacy at this time. Photograph: Rediff.com.
With his remarkable ability to remain in the news, Karan Johar has fashioned a powerful personal brand that is, for the most part, celebrated in the media and among the chattering classes.
Recently, he added another feather to his brimming cap by announcing that he had become a father to two children via surrogacy. While such events cannot be planned, some saw the timing of the announcement as portentous, acting as a reminder to the government to return its divisive Surrogacy Regulation Bill to the limelight.
The Bill, which had come to the national centre stage last year due to its strident advocacy by Sushma Swaraj, got lost in the melee of demonetisation. Johar's news may wake this government anew.
Together with the release of his new book, in which he outed himself as gay without, in a style only he can carry off, saying it in as many words, Johar's becoming a parent focuses attention on exactly the demographic that the proposed Bill targets.
Only heterosexual couples who cannot bear children will be allowed to opt for altruistic surrogacy, the kind where no money changes hands. Men like Johar will be placed firmly beyond the pale, a possibility that may have forced his hand to opt for surrogacy at this time.
Everyone agrees that surrogacy needs to be regulated. There is too much money riding on it -- a 2012 CII study pegged the market at $2 billion, a number that would have substantially increased in the interim.
Social activists have rightly spoken about the rights of the surrogate, a group comprising mostly poor women who rent their wombs to meet urgent financial needs. There is much scope for exploitation is such a setup and regulation can ensure that things remain above board.
But to ban all commercial surrogacy and to restrict surrogacy to a small class of individuals is to take things too far.
Some in the government have tried painting the Bill as an attempt to get more Indians to adopt. While that is a laudable goal, the government's move smacks of the kind of mai-baap mentality that it had promised it would refrain from. Why should the government decide what sort of family one wants to raise?
IMAGE: The surrogacy Bill was introduced after Tusshar Kapoor announced that he had become a parent via surrogacy. To imagine the government's move in this regard as a reactionary blowback against what it conceives as immorality run amok is not far-fetched. Tusshar Kapoor on parenthood and his son
Worse, the government's move to ban single men and women from surrogacy will eliminate a large group, including LGBT persons, from raising children who are related to them by blood.
In India, any debate involving LGBT rights is immediately branded elitist, given we are a country still reeling from crushing poverty. But the Bill, and its intent, raise vital questions related not just to the frequently debated rubric of human rights, but also to another, less legally enforceable idea: empathy.
If the government took a less dim view of homosexuality, it would realise that enforcing moral codes on a beleaguered minority will further marginalise a community that already suffers the consequences of its irrevocable condition.
Remember that the surrogacy Bill was first introduced in the aftermath of Tusshar Kapoor announcing that he had become a parent via surrogacy. To imagine the government's move in this regard as a reactionary blowback against what it conceives as immorality run amok is not far-fetched.
It is customary, but also somewhat facile, to condescend to these concerns, to portray them as orthodox, worries drowning in the fear of an unknown moral universe.
Indeed, the modern gay rights movement has plumbed the other extreme, presenting gayness as something special and worth celebrating.
Between these two views stands a seemingly unconquerable chasm, as public debate in India around surrogacy has shown.
Empathy, from both sides, can issue light.
It is a manifest fallacy, albeit one with compassionate roots, that gayness is special. Anything that involves constant negotiation and vast silence cannot be, and gay persons will be the first to tell you the execrable toll their sexuality takes on them.
I often wonder if perhaps religions decreed homosexuality as sinful not for nebulous moral reasons but to send out a cautionary message about its capacity for inducing mind-shifting trauma.
What LGBT persons can work with is kindness -- not disdain or celebration. Allowing them to raise families will make a world of difference to their psychological state. The inability to have children with the person you love is a foundational shock of being gay.
Whether and when LGBT persons in India will be able to have partners is a matter stuck in the courts. Meanwhile, the government can let them grasp at straws by permitting them the joys of parenthood.
'He is a man whose utterances have been so virulent and communalistic.'
'That's why many people did not look at him as the party's choice for chief minister.'
'UP is the state that reports the largest number of communal incidents every year.'
'Modi may not be using the Hindutva card, but he never condemns the incidents too.'
IMAGE: Squadron Leader Praveen Bhoria of the Indian Air Force, the aide-de-camp to Uttar Pradesh Governor Ram Naik, left, assists Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath after the swearing-in ceremony. Photograph: Sandeep Pal
B R P Bhaskar, the veteran political observer, has been writing about Uttar Pradesh since the 1950s.
Mr Bhaskar, bottom, left, discusses Narendra Modi's victory in the UP assembly election and Yogi Adityanath's elevation as chief minister with Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.
What was your reaction after the UP election results?
It was how we reached the present state of the communal kind of tenor in politics as a whole.
It's not the BJP alone that is doing it. To counter the BJP, the Congress has been using a soft Hindu platform. It was started by Rajiv Gandhi.
Let me go back to the very first election independent India had.
Look at the condition of the country immediately after Partition. A lot of people were uprooted, a lot of people were killed. Gandhi was killed.
In the 1952 election, in a place called Ambala -- in Punjab then, now in Haryana -- the Congress candidate was a man called Gaffar Khan.
He was the only Muslim voter in the constituency. And he won the election.
In 1957 and 1962 also, he was the Congress candidate. This is something that can't happen today.
From that situation to today, what led to the divide between the two communities?
The divide was there then too, especially in Punjab.
Even when there was complete communal polarisation in the country, it did not affect politics.
It did not influence the voter.
And I give credit to Jawaharlal Nehru. He confronted communalism.
Then came Indira Gandhi who continued for some time. But she was a religious person unlike Nehru.
By the time Rajiv Gandhi came, the determination to stop communalism was totally gone.
Perhaps the later dynasts had the need to prove they were Hindus.
The moment the Congress leadership lost its guts to stand up to communalism, the BJP was able to grow.
Did it shock you when the BJP chose Yogi Adityanath as UP chief minister?
The choice of chief minister did not come as a surprise to me though it was not a choice one expected.
At the same time, you can see that the party has chosen hardcore RSS men as chief ministers in all the state assemblies after the 2014 Lok Sabha win.
Though everybody knew that the Jan Sangh and BJP were political wings of the RSS, only during the 2014 election did the RSS commit itself fully to the party in an election and put tens and thousands of their cadres on election duty.
We saw the same involvement in all the assembly elections after that and the chief ministers chosen were hardcore RSS men.
This is a new trend evident from 2014.
Adityanath's choice came as a big surprise to even BJP supporters...
He is a man whose utterances have been so virulent and communalistic. That's why many people did not look at him as the party's choice for the chief minister's post.
Now that the distinction between organisation man and political man has totally blurred, from their point of view, it makes no difference.
When you set them in motion, you will not be able to control them anymore.
Modi's critics say clever social engineering gave the BJP 312 seats. The BJP says the vote for the party transcended caste and religion. What's your opinion?
The vote in UP transcended the communal divide on previous occasions also.
In 1952 there were 425 seats in the assembly and around 380 went to the Congress.
You can say, it was the first flush of freedom.
After the Emergency also, it happened.
On these two occasions, there were two major things behind the sentiment of the people.
In 1952, it was India's Independence and in 1977, it was the Emergency.
But nothing of that sort happened this time. Still the BJP won such a huge mandate.
You are right. This needs to be studied. Not electoral studies, but sociological studies are needed to understand the sentiment behind the results.
As a person who has been studying UP politics from the mid 1950s, what do you see as the reasons behind this landslide victory?
You have to go back to understand the situation.
When the Congress declined all over the country, the beneficiaries were different parties including the BJP.
Though the BJP benefitted first, its vote share went down steadily election after election, from 30% to 15%.
In 2014, from 15%, Modi took it to 40% and it stays there even now.
So, is the difference Narendra Modi?
Beyond Modi, there are factors at work. I feel that identity politics is losing its edge.
When the BJP came to power in 1991, they consciously projected Kalyan Singh as an OBC man and it worked.
What happens in identity politics -- especially in OBC and Dalit politics -- is you are not dealing with homogenous communities.
The result of OBC identity politics resulted in the dominance of Yadavs in both UP and Bihar. There are more than 200 OBCs in UP.
It is happening to Dravidian politics in Tamil Nadu too.
The BJP's strategy has been to break into that even before Modi came, and it was the same this time too.
Failure of identity politics is the domination of the OBCs by a single group or the Dalits by a single group.
Like the Brahmins dominated once, one community from the OBCs and Dalits started dominating the entire community.
I think it is not going to work anymore.
Does that mean caste will play less and less role in Indian politics?
I have always maintained that identity politics has a limited role in public activities.
You have certain disadvantages due to caste, so to that extent you are justified in articulating your needs.
But political power seeking is a different game.
Identity-based caste groups are floating political parties when main parties fail to do justice to them.
In the 1950s and the 1960s, I think the Congress and the Left failed to address their grievances and that's why identity politics came into existence.
Is it because the aspirations of other communities have gone up?
Do you think they look at Modi as the person who could help them realise their dreams?
It is a factor in urban pockets, but I am not too sure whether it is happening in a state like UP.
The polity may be fragmented, but the UP voter's mandate is for a single party in the last 10 years or so.
The first beneficiary was Mayawati, then the SP and now the BJP.
It looks as if a collective mind was at work to ensure that there was no hung assembly.
Indira Gandhi used the slogan garibi hatao in the early 1970s. Modi is using the same slogan in a different way now...
Personally, his concept of upliftment of the poor is a welcome thing because from what he says, he is going away from doling out things. The prosperity of the Scandinavian countries are all built on that concept.
Is that the reason why Modi and Amit Shah spoke of vikas during the elections and not Hindutva...
I don't think the role of Hindutva can be underestimated.
See, even in 2014, Modi did not use the Hindutva card. He talks about development. But at the ground level, the Sangh Parivar was pitching it all the time.
UP is the state that reports the largest number of communal incidents every year.
Modi may not be using the Hindutva card, but he never condemns the incidents too.
In politics, whether you believe in something or not, all politicians are after power and it is not a crime.
You are in politics to win elections and get power. What is important is the methods you employ to get into power.
Right now, I feel the BJP has a clever strategy which is working for them. But they will have to face the question whether they are able to deliver sooner or later.
Something that I see in media debates is they argue on the basis of facts. It is not just facts that determine, but perception.
Modi is perceived by people as the man who is capable of delivering. I would say Modi has a very favourable perception.
IMAGE: A joyous Adityanath after his election as leader of the BJP legislature party in UP. On his right are Keshav Prasad Maurya, the state BJP chief, who will serve as one of the state's deputy chief ministers, and Union Minister Anupriya Patel of the Apna Dal, a BJP ally.
On Adityanath's left, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, one of the central observers for the BJPLP leader's election, speaks to O P Mathur, the powerful BJP leader. Photograph: Sandeep Pal
Now that you have a hardcore Hindutva man at the top in UP, what will happen to vikas now?
Modi will continue to talk about vikas and at the ground level, the RSS will continue to play the communal game.
They have understood that the communal game is not doing any harm to them electorally.
If it is not an electoral problem, what is going to restrain them?
Earlier, when they tried the communal card, it created a negative impact. That was broken when Modi was brought in and he won the elections and was accepted nationally.
So the RSS now knows that it would not hurt them electorally.
Do you think behind the vikas mantra, there was the Hindutva card though the BJP vehemently denies this?
See, vikas is a mantra which appeals to a certain type of audience, like the urban middle class.
At the grass root level, they will continue to play the communal card as it appeals to a certain section.
But this also can be counter productive.
What they don't probably realise now, in the flush of the electoral victory, is that the communal card has its own limitations.
After the Babri Masjid was pulled down, they were not able to come back in UP itself.
It is not that you play the communal card and win all the way.
Do you think this game will work in 2019?
They think it will work, but if the Opposition can give them a strong challenge, they will not be able to.
It was widely reported that Manoj Sinha was Modi's choice for UP CM. Do you feel the RSS had an upper hand in the choice of chief minister?
Yes, this is an RSS decision.
The creation of the posts of two deputy chief ministers is to satisfy the supporters of the other two blocks.
While the RSS brought in their man, they found it necessary to appease the other sections.
We can see that this is a compromise where the RSS has the upper hand.
So you feel more than Modi, it is the RSS that has the voice?
Yes, the dominant voice is that of the RSS.
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The Australian police believe it is a contract killing.
Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar reports.
Two years ago, Prabha Arun Kumar, 41, was on her way home when she was stabbed in Sydney, Australia.
Kumar was speaking to her husband on the phone in India when the attack occurred. It was March 7, 2015, and her last words to him were, 'He stabbed me.'
Kumar, a senior technical analyst at the Indian IT company Mindtree who was in Sydney on assignment, was found critically injured on a public walkway between Argyle Street, Parramatta, and Amos Street, Westmead.
She died later that night in a Westmead hospital.
Two years later, the Australian police is still clueless about who murdered her.
While it was believed in India that she was a victim of a hate crime, the New South Wales police believes it was a contract killing, commissioned by persons known to her in her native Karnataka.
New South Wales police detectives investigating the case submitted a report to this effect in court.
A three-member New South Wales police team -- headed by homicide department Commander Richi Sim and Constables L Daniel and Bika Singh -- visited Bengaluru for a fortnight from January 14 to 28 and questioned her family, friends and colleagues.
A New South Wales police team visited India last year to investigate the crime, but are tightlipped about their findings.
A reply to an inquiry about the state of the investigation this correspondent sent the New South Wales police merely said, 'Detectives investigating the murder of Prabha Arun Kumar continue to appeal for information to help identify her attacker.'
'The State Crime Command's Homicide Squad established Strike Force Marcoala to investigate the circumstances surrounding her murder.'
'Over the past two years, Strike Force Marcoala investigators have spoken with more than 2,000 people, and continue to follow numerous lines of inquiry, both in Australia and India.'
'As investigations are ongoing, it is not appropriate to comment further.'
'Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at nsw.crimestoppers.com.au'
A slaughterhouse, which was allegedly being run illegally, was sealed by the district authorities in the Kamalgadaha locality under Jaitpura police station in Varanasi, police officials said.
The development comes only two days after a Bharatiya Janata Party government led by chief minister Yogi Adityanath was sworn in Uttar Pradesh.
Officials claimed, that the slaughterhouse had been shutdown in 2012, but it continued to operate in a clandestine manner.
A joint team of Pollution Control Board, municipal authorities, along with administrative and police officials sealed the slaughterhouse and also recovered over five dozen cattle.
Officials said that the slaughterhouse was sealed after the caretakers were unable to furnish valid papers for the cattle.
The caretakers it is learnt told authorities that the cattle had been brought in temporarily and were to be transferred to other places. They also denied that animals were being slaughtered, it is learnt.
However, not convinced, the authorities decided to seal the abattoir.
Earlier, shortly after Adityanath took oath two days back, authorities had sealed two slaughterhouses in Allahabad.
The BJP had announced, in its manifesto titled 'Lok Kalyan Sankalp Patra', that it would take "stern steps to close down all illegal slaughterhouses besides banning mechanised slaughterhouses" if it comes to power.
The Ghaziabad Police on Tuesday sealed 10 meat shops and four slaughter houses which were allegedly running illegally in the city.
Senior Superintendent of Police Deepak Kumar said a team led by two senior officers Salman Taj Patil (SP City) and Atul Kumar (SDM Sadar) forayed the slaughter houses and sealed four premises in Kaila Bhatta-Islam Nagar area.
As the news of police action spread in the area around 10 slaughter house owners shut down their butcher houses and skipped away, the SSP said.
Thirty-four illegal meat shops and slaughter houses have been sealed within a span of one week from March 15, sub-divisional magistrate Prem Ranjan Singh said.
He added that following the complaints of the residents of Loni town today, raid was conducted along with police and civic body officials and 10 meat outlets were sealed.
The report of the police action has been sent to the district magistrate Nidhi Kesarwani, he said.
City Mayor Ashu Verma has instructed Nagar Nigam health officer to take action against illegal meat shops and to ensure their closure, pointing out that only 210 shops are being run in whole in the city in the records of Nagar Nigam.
No person will be spared if found indulged in unlawful butchering the animals and FIR will be lodged against them in concerned police stations, the SSP added.
IMAGE: Officials seal an illegal slaughterhouse in Kamalgadaha area of Varanasi. Photograph: PTI Photo
The Ram temple should be built at Ram Janambhoomi (birthplace of Ram) while the Masjid (mosque) on the other side of Sarayu river to resolve the Ayodhya issue, Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy suggested on Tuesday.
We were always ready. Mandir and Masjid should be built but Masjid should be built on other side of Sarayu river. The Ram Janambhoomi should be entirely for Ram Mandir, he told reporters in New Delhi.
His response came after the Supreme Court said the Ayodhya dispute must be settled amicably and all parties must hold discussion out of court to find an amicable solution.
Swamy argued that in Saudi Arabia and other Muslim nations, mosque is regarded as the place where Namaaz (prayer) is offered and prayer can be offered at any place.
My suggestion is that Masjid be built on other side of the Sarayu river and Ram Janambhoomi be handed over for Ram Temple. We cannot change the birthplace of Ram, but Masjid can be made anywhere, he said.
The BJP leader said he wanted the apex court to suggest the name of a mediator on the issue and hoped that the decision in this regard would be made by March 31.
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
The observation came after Swamy sought urgent hearing of the issue.
The Parliamentarian had stated that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest.
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'I am a journalist and I will continue to do my job.'
IMAGE: Sandhya Ravishankar. Photograph: A Ganesh Nadar/Rediff.com
Sandhya Ravishankar, a feisty journalist, is being threatened online for a series of exposes on illegal sand mining in Tamil Nadu.
In 2015, she was served a legal notice after one of her exposes was published in the Economic Times.
After a series of investigative reports appeared on thewire.in recently, she was subject to intense trolling on her Twitter feed, and a blog was created to cast aspersions on her journalistic integrity.
Following the online harassment, Ravishankar filed a complaint with the Chennai cyber police and met the police commissioner.
Ravishankar spoke to Rediff.com's A Ganesh Nadar.
Why are you being targeted for your exposes?
I have been writing about sand mining since I was in Times Now TV in 2013. After that I have written about sand mining in the Wire and also in the Economic Times.
I have a defamation case against me (for my ET article). Now I have received a legal notice (the businessmen allegedly involved in the sand mining) saying they will file a criminal defamation case against me (for the Wire articles).
The defamation case (for the ET article) is on and it is being contested (by Times Internet).
Personal appearance has been done away with and the case is on (before the Madurai bench of the Madras high court).
You have spoken about harassment and filed a complaint with the police.
Yes. What they (the trolls) did was put out my phone number on Twitter and circulated a rumour that I was anti-jallikattu.
I was called and abused and threatened. I had to cope with all sorts of abusive people.
I complained to the police and gave them all the numbers from which I had got dirty calls.
After that, the calls stopped.
What happened after that?
After that, various blogs appeared saying they have five private detective agencies following me.
They claim to have videos of me meeting various people and smoking in a coffee shop.
I have lodged a complaint of stalking as it is an invasion of my privacy.
The police provided me security. Now they have two men there at all times.
Image published only for representational purposes. Photograph: Saisuresh Sivaswamy/Rediff.com
Why is the ET article so important?
The environment ministry in Delhi sent a notice to the Tamil Nadu government asking if the contents of the article were true and to inform them if so.
They (the Tamil Nadu government) formed a committee of 11 officials who investigated it and came to the conclusion that nothing was wrong and everything was hunky dory and that all the facts in the article were wrong.
The Centre made this report available to the court and it became a public document.
I asked for a copy and was shocked to see it. They had defamed me and said that everything I had written was a lie.
I wrote to the committee, the Tamil Nadu government and the environment ministry explaining my side of the story and also questioning the findings of the committee who had not bothered to meet me; after all, their enquiry was set off by my article.
I am waiting for their reply to my letter.
Are you worried about your safety?
The Chennai police have provided security. I have been asked to take the necessary precautions since no one likes being stalked.
I would like to state that I am not afraid.
I am a journalist and I will continue to do my job.
Pakistan on Tuesday said that India has withdrawn the design of the Miyar hydroelectric project in Himachal Pradesh following its objections.
Earlier, Pakistani media reports claimed that the Indian delegation agreed to halt the progress on Miyar hydroelectric project's design after accepting Pakistan's reservations.
However, Indian officials maintained that India never agreed to halt the project.
"We may say that the media reports about India agreeing to halt Miyar project are factually incorrect and wrong. India never agreed to halt the project," the Indian officials said.
The development came as the Permanent Indus Commission meeting of the Indus Water Commissioners of Pakistan and India was held on Tuesday on water issues for second day in Islamabad.
The Indian delegation for the two-day meeting was led by Indus Water Commissioner P K Saxena while the Pakistani delegation was headed by Mirza Asif Saeed Baig.
Pakistan's Ministry of Water and Power said in a statement that the discussions were held on India's proposed Miyar, Lower Kalnai and Pakal Dul hydropower projects as well as on matters pertaining to the exchange of data and conducting tours and meetings of the Indus commission.
"On (the) Miyar hydropower project, India has withdrawn its design after Pakistan had made objections on it in the previous meetings of the commission," the statement said.
It said the "Indian side also agreed to a tour of inspection for Pakistan's Indus Commission which is expected to be arranged before August 2017."
However, the ministry did not share any more details of the inspection tour.
The ministry said that discussions were held on Pakistan's prior objections relating to pondage and freeboard of Lower Kalnai and freeboard and spillway of Pakal Dul hydropower projects in Jammu and Kashmir.
"Indian side has agreed to reconsider Pakistan's observations on these projects and will respond in the next meeting of the Commission," it said.
The ministry said the Pakistani side demanded from India to provide the outflows from Baglihar and Salal dams on the Chenab river during the flood season to help in issuing of early flood warnings.
"Indian side has agreed to consider Pakistan's request and it is expected that India would start providing the required data starting from the coming flood season," it said.
Pakistan has raised objections over the designs of the three projects, including Miyar hydroelectric project, located in Himachal Pradesh's Lahaul Spiti district, Lower Kalnai and Pakal Dul, both being built in Jammu and Kashmir, and demanded access to the sites, the report had said.
CLINTON A Clinton man was killed early Monday morning after being struck by a car near the Caseys store at the intersection of Illinois 54 and East Washington Street.
The Clinton police and fire departments were notified at 6:40 a.m. and confirmed a pedestrian was walking west across Illinois 54 when he was struck by a car, also traveling west.
He was identified as William Towns, 85, of Clinton.
The victim was transported to Warner Hospital and Health Services where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy is planned.
The accident investigation has been turned over to the Illinois State Police District 6 and the Dewitt County Coroner's Office.
Further details, including information about the driver, were not immediately available.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday moved the Supreme Court seeking a review of its verdict by which it had abated the proceedings in the disproportionate assets case against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister late J
Jayalalithaa.
The state government has said that once the proceedings were abated, it will not be possible to recover the fine of Rs 100 crore imposed on the late leader which was part of the punishment awarded to her in the case.
The apex court had on February 14 convicted current All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam chief V K Sasikala and two others in the case while abating the proceedings against Jayalalithaa as she had died.
The court had, however, made clear that the fine imposed on her can be recovered.
The apex court had upheld the special trial court verdict which had found disproportionate assets worth Rs 53.60 crore, which Jayalalithaa and the three others could not account for. The Central Bureau of Investigation had alleged that the unaccounted wealth was to the tune of Rs 66.65 crore.
In its review plea, the state government has contended that the apex court's February 14 decision to abate the proceedings against Jayalalithaa was an "error apparent on the face of record".
It said a criminal appeal in graft cases is on a different footing as there is allegation of acquisition of disproportionate assets by a public servant.
The plea said that the abatement of proceedings was erroneous as there is no provision either in the Constitution or the Supreme Court rules for it.
Jayalalithaa was sentenced to four year jail term along with Rs 100 crore fine by the Bengaluru court.
Sasikala, 60, has to serve a jail term of around three-and-half years out of four years awarded by the trial court as she has already spent almost six months in prison.
The conviction of Sasikala's two relatives V N Sudhakaran and Elavarasi were also upheld by the apex court and they were directed to surrender forthwith to serve their four-year term.
The apex court had set aside the Karnataka High Court order acquitting all the four accused and had "restored in toto" the trial court's decision in the 19-year-old case.
"Karnataka government has filed a review in the Supreme Court seeking clarification whether it can collect Rs 100 crore fine imposed on late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister in the DA case," government Counsel B V Acharya told PTI in Bengaluru.
"The (SC) judgement says that the case against A1 (Jayalalithaa) stands abated since she has died. This view is not correct," he said.
Acharya said an abatement would mean Jayalalithaa is not convicted in the case.
"An appeal does not abate if the death is long after the arguments are concluded and the case is reserved for judgement," he said.
Karnataka, in the petition, submitted that though the imprisonment of Jayalalithaa does not arise due to her demise, the sentence to pay fine is legally sustainable and has to be recovered.
The state has asked the Supreme Court to modify its February 14 judgement and restore the trial court verdict in toto against Jayalalithaa.
Muslim organisations, including Babri Masjid Action Committee, were on Tuesday sceptical about the Supreme Courts suggestion for talks to resolve the Ayodhya dispute, saying attempts at out-of-court settlement in the past have been unsuccessful.
"We are ready with Chief Justice (of India) mediating... we trust him. We are also ready we if he nominates a team for hearing the matter. But out-of-court settlement is not possible. If the SC passes an order in this regard, we will look into it," said Zafaryab Jilani, Convenor of the Committee which is a party to the case.
His comments came against the backdrop of the apex court earlier in the day asking parties concerned to sit together to arrive at a consensus on Ayodhya issue, which has been dragging for decades.
"It is a sensitive and sentimental issue and its best that it is settled amicably," the SC observed.
Jilani said that going by his experience of last three decades, he feels that the matter cannot be settled outside the court and referred to unsuccessful negotiation attempts made during the tenures of former prime ministers Chandrashekhar and P V Narasimha Rao.
"Let them hear us, we are prepared. But we are not ready for out-of-court settlement," Jilani said.
"In 1986, talks started between the then Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamkoti and president Muslim Personal Law Board Ali Miyan Nadvi but it failed.
"Later in 1990, (then) prime minister Chandrashekhar, (then) UP chief minister Mulayam Singh Yadav and (Bharatiya Janata Party leader) Bhairon Singh Shekhawat talked but no results came. (Former) PM Narasimha Rao also constituted a committee and attempts of talks were made through Congress leader Subodh Kant Sahai but in 1992 the mosque was demolished, he said.
He said after the demolition, the then Muslim Personal Law Board President Rabe Hasan Nadvi had sought a written proposal from Shankaracharya of Kanchi in which he said Muslims should leave claim on three mosques, which was not acceptable.
The secretary general of All India Muslim Personal Law Board Maulana Wali Rahmani said, We have trust in the chief justice and if he is there we are ready for talks.
"Talks were held earlier also but it can be initiated again. But talks should not be long," he added.
Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB alleged that the attempts in the past to resolve the issue were foiled by political parties.
"Negotiation have been made in the past a number of times between the two parties. But each time, political parties foiled our attempts...(So), we are of the view that let the Supreme Court decide once and for all," Maulana Khalid Rashid of the AIMPLB said.
Rashid, however, said the Board respects the gesture of the CJI and the sentiments of Hindus.
"If the parties want me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose, Chief Justice J S Khehar, who headed the SC bench, said on Tuesday.
The Allahabad high court had in its verdict on September 30, 2010 directed three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya. The verdict was challenged in the apex court.
Two days after taking over as Uttar Pradesh chief minister, Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday made an appearance in the Lok Sabha where he is still a member and vowed to work for development of all sections by creating a new structure of progress.
Clad in his typical saffron robes, Adityanath was received warmly by the members who thumped the desks as he entered the House sometime after 4.30 pm when a debate was underway on the Finance Bill.
As he entered the House amid chants of Jai Sri Ram, there was a brief interruption in the speech by Telugu Desam Party member Rammohan Naidu, who stopped to extend greetings to the new UP chief minister.
Speaker Sumitra Mahajan also extended her greetings as did a number of other members to the member from Gorakhpur in Uttar Pradesh.
You are welcome. You are the chief minister of UP and along with that you are a member of this House, the speaker said while inviting Adityanath to speak.
The name of 44-year-old UP CM, who arrived in Delhi on Tuesday morning to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi and top Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, was added to the list of speakers after he came to the House.
Adityanath, who spoke on the Bill after Naidu, laid thrust on allaying apprehensions over his taking over in UP.
In Uttar Pradesh, the new model of development will be based on sabka saath, sabka vikas, emphasised Adityanath, who is known for his firebrand Hindutva image.
My government will be for everyone, not specifically for any caste or community... We will work for development of all sections and castes and create a new structure of progress, said the chief minister of the countrys largest state.
He said his government in the state will create a new model of development under the guidance of Modi.
UP will be the state which our honourable prime minister has dreamt of, a corruption-free state, a state free of anarchy. It would be an incident free-state, Adityanath said.
Uttar Pradesh would work to make the dream of prime minister a reality, he said.
The state, he said, would be a model for development and the youth would not migrate.
He invited all the members of the House to visit Uttar Pradesh. You are welcome to UP, he said.
Earlier in the day, Adityanath met Modi and reportedly finalised allocation of portfolios among the state ministers during talks with BJP chief Amit Shah.
He also met top Union ministers, including Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and Home Minister Rajnath Singh.
The discussions between Adityanath and the partys top brass came amid speculation that Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya, who is also the state party chief and is its OBC face, is likely to be given a key profile.
He was also a contender for the chief ministers post but missed out to the Gorakhpur MP.
Sources said the party will put the administrative experience of another Deputy Chief Minister Dinesh Sharma, who has worked as Lucknow mayor, to good use.
Adityanath, the head of Gorakhpur mutt who was a surprise pick for the post of UP chief minister, said that his government will try to create a situation where no riots will take place.
The five-time MP asserted this while citing the example of his constituency Gorakhpur.
"Of the 304 riots that took place in Uttar Pradesh, not a single riot took place in Gorakhpur," he said.
He expressed gratitude to the speaker, the PM and other party leaders for permitting him to speak on the Finance Bill.
"I am grateful to my party, our leader Prime Minister Modi, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Ananth Kumar who gave me an opportunity to speak on this issue," he said.
Referring to the UP assembly polls in which his party got 312 seats in the 403-member House, the BJP leader said that the election results were a "slap on the face of those who did not perform".
In this context, he took a dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and former Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav whose coalition was trounched in the polls.
"I am younger by one year to Rahul and one year elder to Akhilesh. I came in between them," Adityanath said with a smile while addressing the opposition benches, particularly Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge.
Kharge then responded by saying, "You have become the CM. You should maintain the dignity of this post of CM."
The speaker then told Adityanath: "Kharge is elder to you. You should accept his blessings."
Targeting the previous government in UP, the chief minister said out of the 2.5 lakh crore allotted to the state in the last two-and-a-half years by the Centre, only Rs 78,000 crore were spent as the SP dispensation did not have any development model.
He said that when the BJP government under the leadership of Modi came to power at the Centre, the economic condition of the country was not good and the growth rate was continuously falling.
"But in the last three years, there is growth in the country. India has become a role model for development for other nations across the globe. The finance minister has very successfully led the economy of the country," he said.
Adityanath said that there are 25 crore Jhan Dhan accounts and people of different castes and religions have theirs accounts.
"There has been no discrimination," he underlined.
He appreciated the various schemes of the government including 'Start-Up India' and said "these schemes have proved to be very useful."
The prime minister, he said, had laid the foundation stone for a fertiliser plant in Gorakhpur which was closed for 26 years.
Work in the plant would be started, the CM said, adding production will also start in fertiliser plants in Sindri and Barauni.
*****
'Resolve differences to settle Ayodhya dispute'
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Supreme Courts suggestion of an out-of-court settlement of the Ayodhya dispute and said aggrieved parties must sit together to resolve it.
Terming the Supreme Courts observation as a solid one, Adityanath said it is a welcome step.
We welcome this and both sides should sit to resolve the differences and find a way out. Whatever cooperation they required from the state government, we will do that, the chief minister, a saint himself, told reporters outside the Parliament.
The construction of Ram Temple in Ayodhya had also featured in the BJPs manifesto for Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
IMAGE: Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath meets BJP president Amit Shah in New Delhi on Tuesday. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/ PTI Photo
The White House has said there is no evidence of a Trump-Russia collusion, hours after the Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed that it was probing Russias meddling in last years presidential polls, including possible links between the Trump campaign and Moscow.
Following this testimony, its clear that nothing has changed. Senior Obama intelligence officials have gone on record to confirm that there is no evidence of a Trump-Russia collusion.
The Obama CIA director said so, Obamas director of national intelligence said so, and we take them at their word, the White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, told reporters at his daily news conference.
However, there was some new information that came from the hearing that we believe is newsworthy about the intelligence-gathering process and the unmasking of Americans identified in intelligence reports, and the illegal leak of such unmasked individuals, which is a federal crime, he said.
Federal Bureau of Investigation Director James Comey told the House Intelligence Committee that certain political appointees in the Obama administration had access to the names of unmasked US citizens, such as senior White House officials, senior Department of Justice officials, and senior intelligence officials.
Before Obama left office, Michael Flynn was unmasked and then illegally his identity was leaked out to media outlets, despite the fact that, as NSA Director Rogers said, that unmasking and revealing individuals endangers national security, Spicer alleged.
Not only was Flynns identity made available, Director Comey refused to answer the question of whether or not hed actually briefed President Obama on his phone calls and activities.
Director Comey called these types of disclosures of classified information a threat to national security, and said he will investigate and pursue these matters to the full extent of law, Spicer said.
Comey also said the leaking of classified information had become unusually active in the timeframe in question.
Its also important to note that both Directors Comey and Rogers told the committee that they have no evidence that votes were changed in the swing states the President had won, said the White House Press Secretary.
Spicer said the confirmation by FBI director that the agency is investigating links between the Trump administration and Russia does not prove anything.
Investigating it and having proof of it are two different things, he said.
I think theres a difference between talking about an investigation into the 2016 election, which we all know, and any evidence of collusion. There is no evidence, according to the people that have been briefed, of any collusion or activity that leads them to believe that that exists.
I think that is an important point that gets overlooked over and over and over again, Spicer said.
National Security Adviser Ajit Doval will visit Washington this week for high-level talks with top Trump administration officials and discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and push forward the defence ties.
Doval will meet US Defence Secretary James Mattis on March 24, Pentagon spokesman Capt Jeff Davis told reporters, adding that they are likely to discuss a wide range of bilateral security issues and those related to the defence relationship.
Doval is also expected to meet his American counterpart Lt Gen H R McMaster, the first between the two national security advisers, during his stay in the US.
Davis said he was not aware of the reasons for Dovals visit, but added Mattis would meet him on the sidelines of an international meeting of the anti-Islamic States Coalition hosted by the State Department later this week.
The Mattis-Doval meeting would be one of the highest-level meetings between the two countries after Donald Trump assumed the American presidency on January 20.
Indias ties with the US gained momentum towards the end of the previous Barack Obama administration. At his final Pentagon press briefing in January, then Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said the bilateral ties were on the right path.
Last year, the US declared India a major defence partner.
The designation, according to a US-India joint statement issued during Carters visit to New Delhi in December, is a status unique to India and institutionalises the progress made to facilitate defence trade and technology-sharing with India to a level at par with the US closest allies and partners.
Clearly India is a very strong security partner and a force in the region. We continue to have very good relationship with India in the region, Davis said yesterday.
The US and India last year also signed a bilateral Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement that will give the militaries of the two countries access to each others facilities for supplies and repairs. LEMOA is said to be one of the four foundational agreements that the US enters into with its defence partners.
Earlier this month, Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar met McMaster at the White House.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday said fresh attempts must be made by all parties concerned to find a solution to the Ayodhya temple dispute which is a sensitive and sentimental matter.
A bench headed by Chief Justice J S Khehar said that such religious issues can be solved through negotiations and offered to mediate to arrive at an amicable settlement.
These are issues of religion and sentiments. These are issues where all the parties can sit together and arrive at a consensual decision to end the dispute. All of you may sit together and hold a cordial meeting, the bench also comprising Justices D Y Chandrachud and S K Kaul said.
The observations came after Bharatiya Janata Party leader Subramanian Swamy mentioned the matter seeking urgent hearing of the issue.
Swamy said that it has been over six years and the matter needed to be heard at the earliest.
The Rajya Sabha MP told the court that he had approached the Muslim community members who told him that judicial intervention was required to solve the matter.
You must make fresh attempts to arrive at a consensual decision. If required, you must choose a moderator to end the dispute. If the parties wants me to sit with mediators chosen by both the sides for negotiations, am ready to take up the task. Even the services of my brother judges can be availed for the purpose, the CJI said.
The top court said that it may also appoint a principal negotiator if the parties want.
The bench then asked Swamy to consult the parties and inform it about the decision on March 31.
On February 26 last year, the apex court had allowed Swamy to intervene in the pending matters relating to the Ayodhya title dispute with his plea seeking construction of Ram temple at the site of the demolished disputed structure.
The BJP leader had earlier moved the plea for a direction to allow construction of Ram temple in Ayodhya at the disputed site and had mentioned it before a bench headed by the then Chief Justice T S Thakur for an urgent hearing.
In his petition, Swamy had claimed that under the practices prevalent in Islamic countries, a mosque could be shifted to any other place for public purposes like constructing road, whereas a temple once constructed cannot be touched.
He had also sought directions to expedite the disposal of several petitions challenging the Allahabad high court verdict of three-way division of the disputed Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid site in Ayodhya on September 30, 2010.
The BJP welcomed the Supreme Courts suggestion and said aggrieved parties should keep in mind its sensitivity while discussing the matter.
The Supreme Court has called for an out-of-court settlement between the aggrieved parties. The parties should resolve the issue amicably by talking to each other.
We welcome this step and I believe they should have talks outside the court, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra said in New Delhi.
The party will study in detail the observations made by the apex court, which has said the issue is sensitive and sentimental and is related to faith of millions of people, he said.
BJP MP Vinay Katiyar also welcomed the Supreme Courts view, saying there will be a positive initiative now that the saffron party has a government in Uttar Pradesh.
Speaking to reporters, Katiyar added that the Yogi Adityanath government, which is barely two-day-old, should be given time to deal with the issue.
It is a very good view that the Supreme Court has taken. Our party has a government in Uttar Pradesh. Now, there will be a positive initiative, which was negative until now.
I think the problem will be solved. But the government is just two-day-old. It should be given time to deal with the issue, Katiyar told reporters.
Wondering that if the Ram Temple is not built here, would it be built in Pakistan, Union minister Giriraj Singh said, All (parties) should take the initiative now. Lord Ram is at the centre of faith of crores of Hindus. Muslims should also come forward, let there evolve a cordial atmosphere.
Will the temple be built in Pakistan or Bangladesh, if not in India? I am confident that the minorities will take the issue forward in a cordial manner, he added.
Another Union minister Uma Bharti, who was associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi
Andolan in the 1990s, insisted that the issue of ownership of the disputed site be settled through talks. She said whosoever owned the land should proffer it to Lord Ram as a gift.
There cant be a bigger gift than this...we should arrive at a solution which will be remembered for thousands of years, she said.
Bharti also suggested that a huge Ram temple be built at the site on the lines of the Somnath temple in Gujarat.
The apex court said today that fresh attempts must be made by all the parties concerned to find a solution to the dispute which is a sensitive and sentimental matter.
RSS leader says issue should be resolved at the earliest
The Ayodhya issue should be resolved at the earliest and a temple built with the involvement of all Indians, a top Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh leader said.
RSS functionary Dattatreya Hosabale said that the Hindutva outfit will support the decision taken by Dharm Sansad, which organised the Ram Janambhoomi movement.
"It (Ram temple issue) is to be decided by the Dharm Sansad as they are the people who organised the entire Ram Janambhoomi movement and the parties who went to the court.
"The RSS will not decide. The RSS will go by the Dharm Sansads decision. The issue should be settled at the earliest and a grand temple should be erected through the involvement of all Indians,"Hosabale said.
RSS Prachar Pramukh Manmohan Vaidya said a Ram temple at Ayodhya should be built either through dialogue or through a legislation.
"Ram temple should be constructed either through a dialogue process or a legislation," he said.
Photograph: Reuters
External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj directed the Indian high commission in Islamabad to renew the passport and facilitate the return of an Indian woman from Hyderabad who is stranded in Pakistan and is being allegedly harassed by her husband.
Swaraj, who was approached by the 44-year-old womans father to help her in returning to India, in a series of tweets said she has asked the Indian high commission to renew the womans Indian passport and facilitate her return to India.
I have asked Indian High Commission to renew her Indian passport and facilitate her return to India, Swaraj tweeted.
Mohammadia Begum from Hyderabad, who is stranded in Pakistan, had called her father saying that she was being harassed by her 60-year-old Pakistani husband in Lahore.
She married Muhammad Younis, who allegedly concealed his actual nationality and claimed to be from Oman, in 1996. I received a YouTube message from Shri Mohammad Akbar that his daughter Mohammadia Begum an, Indian national was married in Pakistan and was being ill-treated by her in-laws. Our mission sent a Note Verbale requesting the safety, security and well-being of Mohammadia Begum, Swaraj said.
Our high commission officials met Mohammadia Begum and she expressed her desire to return to India, she said.
Swaraj had last week sought details from Indias high commissioner over the matter after Amjadullah Khan Khalid of Majlis Bachao Tehreek, a political party in Telangana, drew her attention to the plight of the woman.
The new Uttar Pradesh government has 20 ministers with criminal cases against them, while Punjab has two, says a report.
As for wealth, 35 UP ministers are crorepatis, while Punjab has nine.
UP Election Watch and Association for Democratic Reforms has analysed the self-sworn affidavits of 44 out of 47 ministers from the state assembly.
Three ministers namely Dinesh Sharma, Swatantra Dev Singh and Mohsin Raza have not been analysed due to unavailability of data. Dinesh Sharma is a mayor whereas the other two are not currently members of either any house, UP state assembly or legislative council.
Out of the 44 ministers, 35 (80 per cent) are crorepatis. The average assets of 44 ministers is Rs 5.34 crore, Delhi-based ADR said in a report released on Tuesday.
Besides, it said, 20 (45 per cent) ministers have declared criminal cases against them.
It listed the charges against them that included robbery, theft, forgery and voluntarily causing hurt.
The minister with the highest declared total assets is Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi from Allahabad South constituency with assets worth Rs 57.11 crore, it said.
Chief Minister Adityanath has total assets worth over Rs 71 lakh, while Deputy CM Keshav Prasad has total assets of over Rs 9 crore, the report added.
A total of 28 ministers have declared liabilities out of which the minister with the highest liabilities is Nand Gopal Gupta Nandi (Rs 26.02 crore).
On education details, it said, a total of seven (16 per cent) ministers have declared their qualification to be between 10th and 12th pass, while 37 (84 pc) are graduates or have higher degrees.
A total of 18 (41 per cent) ministers have declared their age to be between 25-50 years, while 26 (59 per cent) between 51-80 years.
Out of 44 ministers, only five are women.
On Punjab, ADR said out of the 10 ministers, nine (90 per cent) are crorepatis.
The average assets of 10 ministers is Rs 34.54 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Rana Gurjit Singh from Kapurthala constituency with assets worth Rs 169.89 crore, it said.
Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has total assets worth over Rs 48 crore, the report showed.
A total of eight ministers have declared liabilities out of which the minister with the highest liabilities is Rana Gurjit Singh (Rs 81.71 crore).
As per the report, a total of 6 (60 per cent) ministers are graduates or have higher degrees, while four have qualification between 10th pass and 12th pass.
All 10 ministers have declared their age to be between 50-75 years. Of these, only two are women.
In Uttarakhand, out of the 10 ministers, eight (80 per cent) are crorepatis, ADR said in a separate report.
The average assets of 10 ministers is Rs 10.90 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Satpal Maharaj from Chaubattakhal constituency with assets worth Rs 80.25 crore, it added.
A total of 6 ministers have declared liabilities and the minister with the highest liabilities is Subodh Uniyal of Narendranagar constituency (Rs 1.03 crore).
There are four ministers who have declared criminal cases against them.
A total of nine (90 pc) ministers are graduates or have higher degrees, the report showed.
On ministers age it said, a total of five (50 per cent) ministers have declared their age to be between 35-55 years, while another five (50 pc) between 56-75 years.
Out of the 10 ministers, only one is a woman.
In Manipur, out of nine ministers, 6 (67 per cent) are crorepatis.
The average assets of nine ministers is Rs 1.26 crore. The minister with the highest declared total assets is Yumnam Joykumar from Imphal West constituency (Rs 2.29 crore), the report by ADR said.
A total of nine ministers have declared liabilities and the minister with the highest liabilities is Nongthombam Biren of Heingang constituency (Rs 47.97 lakh).
There are no ministers who have declared criminal cases against them, the report said.
A total of seven (78 per cent) ministers are graduates or have higher degrees, while two have qualification between 10th pass and 12th pass.
All the nine ministers have declared their age to be between 40-65 years.
IMAGE: BJP workers celebrate elevation of Yogi Adityanath as chief minister of Uttar Pradesh. Photorgaph: PTI Photo
The United States and the United Kingdom, citing terrorism concerns, on Tuesday barred passengers on some international flights from mostly Muslim-majority countries, from carrying large electronic devices like cameras and laptops as cabin baggage.
Passengers travelling to the US from 10 airports in eight Muslim-majority countries, including from global hubs like Dubai and Istanbul, cannot carry large electronic devices like cameras and laptops as cabin baggage under a new Trump administration order.
According to the tough security restrictions, passengers will have to check in any devices bigger than a smartphone -- including iPads, Kindles and laptops -- before clearing security or boarding, US officials said.
The open-ended ban by the US will affect more than 50 flights from 10 airports in Cairo, Egypt; Dubai and Abu Dhabi, UAE; Istanbul, Turkey; Doha, Qatar; Amman, Jordan; Kuwait City; Casablanca, Morocco; and Jeddah and Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
The nine airlines are Egyptair, Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Kuwait Airways, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian Airlines, Saudi Arabian Airlines and Turkish Airlines.
The nine airlines affected by the ban were notified of the procedures by the Transportation Security Administration today and must comply within 96 hours.
The British security rules will cover around 14 airlines that operate direct flights from six Muslim-majority countries -- Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia.
Under the new arrangements, passengers boarding flights to the UK from the countries affected will not be allowed to take any phones, laptops or tablets larger than a normal sized mobile or smartphone (Length: 16.0cm, Width: 9.3cm, Depth: 1.5cm) into the cabin of the plane.
"The additional security measures may cause some disruption for passengers and flights, and we understand the frustration that will cause, but our top priority will always be to maintain the safety of British nationals," a UK government spokesperson said.
Senior US administration officials said the rules were prompted by "evaluated intelligence" that terrorists continue to target commercial aviation by "smuggling explosives in portable electronic devices."
The officials said US carriers are not affected because none of them fly from the airports in question to the US.
The ban involves some of the widest reaching aviation security measures taken since the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
Royal Jordanian Airlines told passengers on Monday that medical devices were still allowed.
If the airlines don't comply with the order within the 96 hour time frame, "we will work with the FAA to pull their certificate and they will not be allowed to fly to the United States," CNN quoted one senior US official as saying.
He said the move is partly based on intelligence that they believe indicates Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula is close to being able to hide explosives with little or no metal content in electronic devices in order to target commercial aircraft.
British Prime Minister Theresa May chaired a number of meetings on aviation security over the last few weeks, including on Tuesday morning, where the new aviation security measures were agreed.
The government said it has also been in close touch with the Americans to "fully understand" their position.
The British airlines affected include British Airways, EasyJet, Jet2.com, Monarch, Thomas Cook and Thomson.
The foreign airlines hit by the new ban include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airways, Atlas-Global Airlines, Middle East Airlines, Egyptair, Royal Jordanian, Tunis Air and Saudia.
They have been informed about the changes and will begin implementing the ban immediately.
The attempted downing of an airliner in Somalia last year was linked to a laptop device, and some media reports have claimed that the new security precautions are an attempt to stop similar incidents.
Representative image. Photograph: Lucas Jackson/Reuters
The Tibetan spiritual leader's upcoming visit to Tawang, the district through which he first entered India, is probably behind China's new desire to claim the area.
Claude Arpi recalls the Dalai Lama's arrival in Tawang in March 1959 and explains why His Holiness will once again receive a grand welcome, whether Beijing likes it or not.
IMAGE: The Dalai Lama, second from right, arrived in India on a yak on March 31, 1959. Photographs: Kind courtesy Claude Arpi
China often double-speaks.
At a press conference, a day before the opening of the National People's Congress, Fu Ying, the articulate spokesperson of the Chinese legislature, said that China and India, which have over the past decades witnessed rapid development of bilateral trade, should focus on enhancing mutual understanding and boosting cooperation rather than dwelling on disputes.
She forgot that just a few days earlier, Beijing planted a controversy in the Indian media. One newspaper wrote, 'China ready to cede land for part of Arunachal Pradesh?'
China wanted Tawang back.
'This could pave the way for a settlement of the India-China boundary dispute,' said Dai Bingguo, one of the senior-most Chinese diplomats under then president Hu Jintao.
The article does not mention that it is the same Dai, who drafted the agreement between India and China 'On the Political Parameters and Guiding Principles for the Settlement of the India-China Boundary Question' in 2005.
Had Dai, the then Special Representative for the border negotiations with India, forgotten the content of the 2005 agreement which referred to Tawang: 'In reaching a boundary settlement, the two sides shall safeguard due interests of their settled populations in the border areas.'
It clearly meant that the Tawang area, which is heavily populated, would not be ceded or exchanged.
This is what China had agreed to then.
The Dalai Lama's upcoming visit to Tawang is probably the reason for this new sudden claim.
Though time and again India has said that the Dalai Lama is an honoured guest in India and is free to go wherever he wants, Beijing aggressively threatened India with dire consequences if the Tibetan leader is allowed to visit the area.
More interesting than endlessly arguing with China is to look at some historical facts.
That 1959 journey
IMAGE: On March 17, 1959, the Dalai Lama left Lhasa in the dead of night under dramatic circumstances. He travelled with four of his Cabinet ministers, some attendants and bodyguards, and his family including his mother, front centre, and brother, back centre.
On March 17, 1959, the Dalai Lama left Lhasa in the dead of night under dramatic circumstances.
On March 26, 1959, he reached Lhuntse Dzong, a few days march from the McMahon Line, the border between India and Tibet.
The Tibetan temporal leader wrote to the Indian prime minister to seek refuge in India: 'Ever since Tibet went under the control of Red China and the Tibetan Government lost its powers in 1951, I, my Government officers and citizens have been trying to maintain peace in Tibet, but the Chinese Government has been gradually subduing the Tibetan Government.'
'In this critical situation we are entering India via Tsona,' the Dalai Lama added. 'I hope that you will please make necessary arrangements for us in the Indian territory. Confident of your kindness.'
Tsona is the last town, north of the border.
Upon receiving the message, Delhi took immediately measures to welcome the Tibetan leader and receive the party (his close family, four of his Cabinet ministers and some attendants and bodyguards) at the first Indian post at Chuthangmu, north of Tawang, then part of the Kameng Frontier Division.
Jawaharlal Nehru replied to the Dalai Lama: 'My colleagues and I welcome you and send you greetings on your safe arrival in India. We shall be happy to afford the necessary facilities for you, your family and entourage to reside in India. The people of India who hold you in great veneration will no doubt accord their traditional respect to your person.'
Since that day, the Indian government and people have considered the Dalai Lama an honoured guest in the Land of the Buddha.
IMAGE: The Dalai Lama was received by India at the very first Indian post at Chuthangmu, north of Tawang, then part of the Kameng Frontier Division.
I have recently come across a 'Top Secret report on the entry of His Holiness the Dalai Lama into India'; it describes the epic arrival of the Dalai Lama in India.
There was no doubt for anybody (including Beijing) that Chuthangmu/Khenzimane, on the McMahon Line was (and is) the border, with areas south being part of Indian territory.
The report said: 'On the March 27, 1959, Shri T S Murthy, Assistant Political Officer [APO], Tawang, received instructions about the possibility of the Dalai Lama seeking entry into India. He reached Chuthangmu to receive the party at 0900 hours on the March 31.'
At that time the Assam Rifles post was located four or five days walk north of Tawang, famous for having the largest Indian Buddhist monastery.
On March 29, an advance party, under a junior Tibetan officer, reached Chuthangmu. The Assam Rifles platoon was informed that the main party 'was expected to enter our territory at 1400 hours on March 31, (and) that there was no sign of the Chinese pursuit.'
The messengers carried the original letter of the Dalai Lama's letter to Nehru, which was translated and transmitted to Shillong and Delhi via wireless.
At the appointed time, 'the Dalai Lama and his party reached Khenzimane, which demarcates the frontier in Chuthangmu area. His Holiness was riding a yak and was received by the APO, Tawang (Murthy). They proceeded to the check post without halting at the frontier.'
The Tibetans knew where the border was. Everyone in the party was so relieved that the Dalai Lama was now safe in India.
In the evening, when the Lord Chamberlain met the APO 'it was agreed that all porters brought by the party from Tibet would be sent back and that porterage arrangements thereafter would be made by us.'
'It was also agreed that all pistols and revolvers, except those in possession of the Dalai Lama, his family and ministers (excluding their servants), and all rifles would be handed over to us for safe custody,' noted the report.
A list of the members of the party was given to Murthy, a Chinese-speaking officer.
IMAGE: Once past the India-Tibet border, the Dalai Lama was escorted by the Assam Rifles.
The next day at 9 am, the APO was summoned by the Dalai Lama.
The circumstances of the flight were discussed: 'The policy of the Chinese was becoming increasingly anti-religious; the masses of Tibet were restive and he was no longer able to make them put up with the Chinese rule; the Chinese had attempted to endanger his person; Tibet should be free; his people would fight to win their freedom; he was confident that India's sympathies are with the Tibetans.'
On April 2, the party moved to Gorsam Chorten (Stupa) located near Ziminthang, south of the border.
At 3 pm, the Dalai Lama called Murthy again, he was curious to know 'if he had received any news of international developments in regard to his escape, especially the line adopted by India, the UK and the USA in this regard. The APO said that he had no information.
IMAGE: Among the Indian officials who received the Dalai Lama, centre, was Har Mander Singh, left, the Political Officer responsible for the Kameng Frontier Division and P N Menon, second from right, who served as India's Consul General in Lhasa, and as intermediary to the Dalai Lama during the 1959 Tibetan uprising.
Menon's son Shivshankar Menon later became India's Foreign Secretary and National Security Adviser.
The next day the party moved to Shakti.
After crossing the main bridge, they proceeded on the other side of the Namjiang chu river; the party accompanied by the Assam Rifles finally reached Lumla, the first large village between the border and Tawang on April 3.
Har Mander Singh, the Political Officer responsible for the Kameng Frontier Division, had left Tawang in the morning and reached Lumla in the evening: 'The mother, sister and 12-year-old brother of the Dalai Lama accompanied by 12 servants had reached Lumla from the other side a couple of hours ahead of us. I called on the mother and assured her of Government's protection,' noted Har Mander Singh.
The PO further reported: 'I received him (the Dalai Lama) and took him to his room. We discussed about his journey beyond Lumla.'
Singh took the opportunity to acquaint himself with the Dalai Lama's senior officers and personal staff: 'Two of the three Shapes (ministers) who are accompanying the Dalai Lama arrived in the afternoon. The third Shape who is accompanied by his family and the two tutors of the Dalai Lama are travelling a stage behind.'
As the PO held his first formal meetings with the Tibetan ministers, a messenger brought a letter from a Bhutanese official posted in Tashigong not far from Lumla, in Bhutan.
The missive stated that Bhutan was prepared to allow the Dalai Lama to pass through Tashigong district.
Singh remarks: 'I was rather taken aback to find that the Officer Commanding (of the local police platoon) had apparently been in touch with the Bhutan authorities to obtain passage for the Dalai Lama through (Bhutan.'
It was later found that the OC had 'exceeded his authority and gone over the PO's/APO's heads.'
IMAGE: Along the way, the Dalai Lama met the locals and also expressed the wish to spend a few days in Tawang.
On April 4, a ceremony was organized in the morning for the Dalai Lama to bless the local Monpa population of Lumla area.
After the ceremony, Singh went to the Dalai Lama's room.
To save face, the Bhutanese officials asked for an audience to say that in fact 'it would be preferable if His Holiness would travel through the Indian territory during his entire journey.' That settled the issue.
The entire party left Lumla at 8 am: 'During the journey the Dalai Lama asked questions about the tribes in the Division, the schools and the system of education, agriculture and self-sufficiency and medium of instructions to which I replied suitably,' wrote Har Mander Singh.
When he was alone with the PO, the Dalai Lama asked him, 'Although it was a delicate matter for India, he would like us to consider whether it was possible to give any kind of help to the Khampas and Tibetan troops fighting for the Tibetan cause.'
The PO answered that India was always prepared to give first aid to the injured and the sick at the border check-posts: 'The Government is sympathetically inclined towards genuine refugees, particularly women and children seeking asylum in India.'
The Dalai Lama informed the PO that he would like to spend a few days in Tawang and 'a much longer period in Bomdila to recuperate from the strain of his journey before going down to the plains.'
Har Mander Singh readily agreed.
IMAGE: The Assam Rifles gave the Dalai Lama a guard of honour in Tawang. Why the Chinese are so upset about Tawang
On April 5, the Dalai Lama told the PO that he had learnt from the radio that 'fighting had broken out between the Chinese and the Khampas some 60 miles South of Lhasa. This area was inaccessible to the mechanized transport and was ideal for guerilla type of warfare. He was, therefore, confident that the Chinese would not be able to over-power the Khampas in this area.'
The party, which left at 7 am, attended the reception arranged by the Tawang Monastery en route and arrived in Tawang at noon.
The rest is history.
IMAGE: After a stay in Bomdila 'to recuperate from the strain of his journey before going down to the plains,' the Dalai Lama made his way to northern India and set up the Tibetan Government-in-Exile in Dharamsala on April 29, 1959.
In Tawang, the Dalai Lama was given a guard of honour by the Assam Rifles, and could finally rest.
Though the guard of honour infuriated the Chinese, they did not mention that Tawang was 'Chinese territory'.
It is only much later that Beijing started claiming these areas as Chinese. This was clearly an afterthought, a bargaining chip for their occupation of the Aksai Chin plateau.
As he arrives in Tawang 58 years later, the Dalai Lama will again receive a grand welcome, whether Beijing likes it or not.
The people of India still hold him in great veneration.
Don't Miss: Rediff.com's exclusive insights into the Dalai Lama
When Howard Buffett told former Sheriff Jerry Dawson that he wanted to name a new Civic Leadership Institute after him, Dawson demurred at first.
In 2014, she travelled to Amethi to work on Smriti Irani's election campaign.
In 2016, she travelled to Srinagar to hand over the national flag to agitating students.
In 2016, she came under the scanner for promoting doctored JNU videos on social media.
In 2017, she received a stole from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Dhruv Munjal finds out just who is Shilpi Tewari.
Why does the prime minister follow trolls?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is a man with myriad traits.
To his supporters, he is a charismatic leader with a steadfast tenacity that can put India on the path of greatness.
For the neutrals, he is a canny politician who remains the absolute master of rousing oratory.
But as Shilpi Tewari discovered recently, the prime minister has another quality to him that is perhaps grossly underrated: magnanimity.
Late last month, Tewari, a 38-year-old architect from New Delhi, received a gift. Inside the packet that had arrived at her doorstep was a fulgent peacock-blue stole, accompanied by a piece of paper with Modi's autograph.
The stole, it turned out, was worn by Modi the previous day, during the unveiling of the 112-feet Shiva statue in Coimbatore, a ceremony the prime minister attended with Jaggi Vasudev.
"I saw the stole and liked it very much. And then, I just randomly tweeted that I wanted something similar," says Tewari.
Her wish was fulfilled almost instantaneously.
Within hours, Tewari was contacted by the Prime Minister's Office, and the stole arrived the next day.
"It is such a blessing. It is a surreal feeling," she says.
Being an architect, she adds, it was the exquisite design that drew her to the stole. "The design and the pattern piqued my interest. That's why I loved it in the first place."
Over the last few days, Tewari has been persistently asked about what she plans to do with the stole. "Everybody wants to know that. But one thing is for sure: I don't plan to wear it," she laughs.
This is not the first time Tewari has found herself in the news. In the summer of 2014, during the general elections, a five-month pregnant Tewari left home and made her way to Amethi where Smriti Irani, now the Union textiles minister, was preparing to do battle with Congress Vice-president Rahul Gandhi.
"I was heavily involved in political commentary at the time. I had worked with Irani on the "Mere Sapno Ka Bharat" campaign, and she called me one day, asking if I wanted to be a part of her campaign," says Tewari. "I saw it as a good opportunity."
After Irani was handed a widely expected loss by Gandhi, Tewari made her way back home, spending more time at the architectural firm she had founded.
Despite describing her brief tryst with politics as fascinating, Tewari is quick to add that the political sphere is excruciatingly strenuous for women.
"It is a dark and dirty place; the challenge is not something everyone can handle. Moreover, the environment you're in isn't really encouraging."
Tewari has more than 100,000 followers on Twitter, including Modi, and is a vociferous backer of the Bharatiya Janata Party on the platform.
Even though she likens herself to a commoner, she may not be so ordinary, after all.
Last year, Tewari travelled to Srinagar to hand over the national flag and a letter of support to a group of agitating students at the National Institute of Technology, which had been the scene of tensions between locals and non-Kashmiris over a World T20 game between India and the West Indies.
"Travelling all the way to Srinagar is something I'm unabashedly proud of," she says.
Apparently, actor Anupam Kher wanted to show his support to the students, too, but was denied entry into the city by the state police.
Her nationalistic instincts didn't stop there.
When the Jawaharlal Nehru University row broke out last year, Tewari's name featured in a report that held her responsible for doctoring a video that involved then Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union President Kanhaiya Kumar.
Tewari denies any wrongdoing.
"Irani was the possible target and I just got sucked into it," she says. "Later, I got to know through news reports that all videos with the police were verified. Nothing came out of it."
For now, with Modi's stole keeping her company, Tewari is happy to stay away from politics.
"I'm a complete family person. My world revolves around my two kids, and I'm content here," she says with a smile.
DECATUR The motivations of the Decatur City Council were called into question Monday during a discussion about the length of a proposed agreement with union-represented Decatur Public Library employees.
Council members asked for more information about the contract, given its unusual length of nearly 10 years, before they would consider its approval. Library Board President John Phillips, who is running against Mayor Julie Moore Wolfe in the April 4 election, said the length of the contract was his idea.
Phillips questioned whether council members were having issues with the contract because of him.
It's 100 percent my doing, Phillips said. I defy you to show that this isn't under any and all circumstances a great deal. This is absolutely a fair deal.
The council voted 6-0 in favor of delaying a decision on the issue, with Councilman Bill Faber absent. Faber has openly endorsed Phillips for mayor, while the other council members have been more supportive of Moore Wolfe.
She said council members had just received details of the contract last week after library officials and union representatives had approved support for it.
We don't get involved until the end, Moore Wolfe said. We need additional information. We want to take the time to get our questions answered.
The current contract for more than 20 employees represented by the American Federation for State, County and Municipal Employees, isn't set to expire until April 30. Library employees were eligible for incentives by coming to an agreement before March 1, City Librarian Rick Meyer said.
The two sides were able to reach an agreement relatively easily, Meyer said.
There wasn't a tense moment with it, Meyer said. They had very few issues with it.
Meyer said a 10-year labor contract is outside-of-the-box thinking that other libraries don't have in place. The current agreement was for five years, while prior contracts were for three years.
Council members expressed concern that a 10-year contract leads to too much unpredictability.
It seems like it's extraordinarily long, Councilman Chris Funk said. There is so much uncertainty in a very dynamic business.
Council members Pat McDaniel and Lisa Gregory expressed similar hesitations about not knowing what the situation will be like for the city and library in a decade.
The library pays the individual premiums for its employees, which Councilman Jerry Dawson said is a concern, given rising health care costs.
That's a nice perk, Dawson said. No one knows what the costs will be.
Meyer said the library would save about $40,000 over the course of the contract, or about $4,000 a year, if it didn't offer to pay individual premiums. He said the length of the contract would eliminate the need for additional negotiations every few years, which leads to a cost for the library of between $10,000 and $50,000 by paying attorney fees.
Under the proposed terms of the agreement, Meyer said employees would receive an average 1.5 percent pay increase each year.
Councilwoman Dana Ray said other businesses don't guarantee employees pay raises.
Some years, it stays the same, Ray said. I don't feel comfortable with that.
Ray said the council hasn't been involved with the negotiating process, as its concerns would have been raised during closed, executive session, as would typically happen in such circumstances.
That did not happen, Ray said. We would voice our concerns prior to it becoming so public. We would know what's going on.
Meyer said city staff have been informed about what was being discussed.
We felt like the city was involved every step of the way, Meyer said.
Among the changes to the contract is how sick time is accrued, Meyer said. Previously, employees were given eight hours of sick time each month, which they could accumulate up to 1,900 hours if unused and applied toward retirement benefits, he said.
The proposed change would mean they are automatically given 40 hours of sick time per year, Meyer said. In recent years, he said the number of library employees has been reduced but sick time is often used.
People showing up is important, Meyer said. We want folks at work more.
Phillips had earlier in the meeting raised questions about the city's handling of the situation when U-Haul expressed interest last year in establishing a store in and developing the vacant Northgate Mall shopping center. He said the company had been made to feel unwelcome there, but Phillips said the city should be interested in pursuing such a development with an interested developer.
Phillips said U-Haul has established stores in other cities, including Peoria, Bloomington and Champaign.
Moore Wolfe said the city made the right decision at the time, a decision she continues to stand behind. She said U-Haul wasn't the right fit for the space, both because of how it was zoned and because the city is interested in finding a use for the location that would generate more traffic and sales tax revenue.
Moore Wolfe said she would be willing to listen if a new proposal were to be made that would boost economic development efforts and attract more retail options to the city.
Kamuina Nsapu Insurgency Adds to Dangers in DR Congo
Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Author Hans Hoebeke Publication Date 21 March 2017 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Kamuina Nsapu Insurgency Adds to Dangers in DR Congo, 21 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d125c64.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 Kamuina Nsapu insurgency arose last year as a locally rooted conflict in the Kasai-Central province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), but has since gained intensity and is spreading to neighbouring provinces. By January, 216,000 people had been displaced, and more than 400 killed, according to humanitarian sources. In one town, Tshimbulu, at least 84 militia members were killed between 9 and 13 February 2017. Mass graves have been discovered in the area since.
Two recent events have drawn national and international attention to the crisis. In February, videos circulated on social media that appeared to show a brutal army crackdown in Kasai-Central. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the government to halt human rights violations, including apparent summary executions, by the armed forces. On 12 March, six people were kidnapped in Kasai-Central, including one American and one Swedish member of the UN Group of Experts investigating violations of international sanctions and international humanitarian law, and four Congolese working with them. The circumstances surrounding the alleged kidnapping, the first such incident in the expert panel's long existence, should be clarified as soon as possible, not least in light of the need for international journalists and researchers to access the country's increasingly troubled interior.
At the national level, a dangerous political stalemate continues following President Joseph Kabila's decision to stay in power beyond his constitutionally mandated term limit in December 2016. Despite the agreement mediated by the Catholic Church and signed by the government and opposition party leaders on 31 December, which called for a transitional government and elections by the end of 2017, significant issues remain unresolved. With the economic crisis deepening, instability is rising, not only in the Kasai region but also in North Kivu, Tanganyika and Kongo-Central.
While much of this violence is rooted in local causes, it directly challenges state authority, and serves as a warning that the political crisis at the national level is further destabilising the country's provinces. Violence in North Kivu province, recently visited by Crisis Group, has already affected preparation for elections, and this could be repeated as voter registration rolls out across the country. It is vital that conflict resolution mechanisms are established or boosted at the local level in anticipation of further problems.
MONUSCO, the UN's largest peacekeeping mission, has only minimal capacity to respond to civil unrest or widening conflict. Nevertheless, UN troop and police presence in potential hotspots could deter security forces from committing abuses, and the mission's monitoring and good offices will remain important. In a welcome move, the UN Secretary-General on 10 March requested the Security Council to approve an additional UN police presence, including in the Kasai region, noting a "high risk of urban violence in the upcoming electoral period". The Security Council is scheduled to decide on possible changes to MONUSCO's mandate on 29 March.
This insurgency has its origins in local tensions in Kasai-Central province. However, it has quickly tapped into the long-running political and socio-economic frustration in the Kasai provinces, and is also tied to national politics. The national and provincial governments' legitimacy in the region is particularly weak. The crisis is now impossible to ignore and will require sustained effort on the political and development fronts to contain and eventually reverse.
Kasai: Frustrations in an Opposition Stronghold
Kasai-Central, the origin of the insurgency, ranks very poorly in its human development indicators, including high levels of child mortality and malnourishment, as well widespread illiteracy among women and girls. A 2012 World Bank report puts provincial per capita income below $200 per month, among the lowest in DRC, and an earlier study by the bank questioned the financial sustainability of the separated Kasai provinces. The province has diamonds and gold, but there is no industrial mining. Infrastructure and electricity supplies are inadequate. The province's only major industry, the Brasimba brewery, was recently closed, leaving the public sector as the largest employer.
Kananga is the birthplace of Etienne Tshisekedi, the historic leader of the Union for Democracy and Social Progress (UDPS) opposition party, and, until his death on 1 February 2017, the head of the Rassemblement opposition coalition. In the 2011 national elections, Tshisekedi and the UDPS dominated in the region. In Kasai Occidental (now split into Kasai and Kasai-Central), he obtained 75 per cent of the vote, and in former Kasai Oriental (now split into Kasai-Oriental, Sankuru and Lomami), he won 70 per cent. When President Kabila was declared the winner of the deeply flawed polls, the feeling that the national vote had been stolen by the regime was particularly strong in the area, where Kabila remains very unpopular.
Current Prime Minister Samy Badibanga, originally from Kasai-Central, led the dissident UDPS parliamentarians who in 2011 took up their seats in defiance of the party line boycotting the parliament. They were consequently expelled from the party. The UDPS boycotted the 2006 elections (none have been held since at provincial level) and is therefore absent from the provincial parliaments and governments, all dominated by the ruling majority.
Despite the Kasai provinces being home to numerous other senior political figures, including Evariste Boshab, former interior minister and deputy prime minister, many locals are unhappy that no Kasaian has ever led the country. Many are also frustrated that their representatives have not invested in Kasai's economy, particularly in comparison to what they see as the better served Kivu and Maniema provinces.
The Kamuina Nsapu Phenomenon
It took a fairly commonplace local problem, the politicisation of the installation of a hereditary chief, Kamuina Nsapu, to ignite a cocktail of frustrations. With feelings against the government already running high, the chief managed to mobilise followers and to gain support for his anti-government cause.
Kamuina Nsapu is the hereditary title for the chief of Bajila Kasanga, or Bashila, a groupement containing several villages in Dibataie sector, Kasai-Central province, approximately 70km south east of Kananga. Since colonial times, the Bajila Kasanga chieftancy has spread and established several other groupements in the region, extending into Angola.
In the DRC, traditional chiefs are integral to public administration, receiving a salary and managing villages. They have a role in the control of land and may perform an important spiritual function. Chiefs are appointed according to local traditions, and then recognised by the state. In principle, the chief is apolitical, but, to be recognised and maintain his position and authority, he is often pressured to align with the regime. Politicians and officials have also increasingly challenged traditional authorities by creating, and even selling, new chiefdoms.
Tensions between state and traditional authority triggered the current conflict. In 2016, the state refused to recognise the traditional appointment of Jean-Pierre Mpandi as Kamuina Nsapu, and the provincial governor reportedly refused to meet him. This was considered an insult, and put the chief and the state authorities on a collision course, further aggravated by the state recognition of lower-ranked Bashila leaders. Subsequently, Mpandi criticised the regime in a nationalist diatribe using xenophobic language, decrying the presence of foreign mercenaries and what he called a government of occupation. Like many radical critics of the regime, he focused on its supposed Rwandan origin.
According to local observers, the decision not to recognise Mpandi as chief was prompted by the then Interior Minister Evariste Boshab, because Mpandi was considered close to the opposition and refused to support the presidential majority. In January 2017, the new Interior Minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadari stated that Mpandi had taken radical anti-government political positions as far back as 2013. Crisis Group was told during a recent visit to Kasai that the relationship between Mpandi and provincial authorities deteriorated following the 2015 decoupage, which led to an increase in harassment of the population by the provincial and territorial authorities.
In April 2016, while Mpandi was in South Africa, provincial authorities dispatched security services to the chiefdom to check for weapons. Mpandi later accused the authorities of entering sacred places, stealing traditional regalia and attempting to molest one of his wives. He accused the security forces of harassing the population and evicted them from the area. The chief increasingly considered the state and all its representatives, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), to be his enemies and incited his followers to rise up against them.
After months of escalation, Mpandi, some of his followers and several members of the security forces were killed on 12 August 2016. Several of his supporters do not believe Mpandi died. Since early December, Kamuina Nsapu militia attacks on state institutions have intensified, including in Kananga and Tshikapa, the capital of Kasai province, and violence has expanded to Kasai, Kasai Oriental and Lomami provinces.
In several Crisis Group interviews in Kananga, local observers said many young men and boys, some as young as five, had been conscripted or joined the militia. Its members wear red headbands or armbands, and like the Mai Mai groups operating in eastern DRC they undergo rituals and carry amulets that are believed to bring invulnerability. Some have guns, likely looted from the security forces. The government and several local observers claim some politicians support the insurgency.
With no identifiable leaders, their demands are hard to verify. However, four elements were repeated during Crisis Group's interviews in Kananga in January: calls for the return of Kamuina Nsapu's body for burial, to which the government agreed after talks with the family mid-March; reparations to Kamuina Nsapu's family; repair of damaged hospitals and schools, to which the government has committed itself; social and economic development of the region; and the release of arrested militants and civilians, a demand the government partially met in February when it freed several prisoners and in March committed to continue the process.
However, when self-proclaimed spokespersons for the group appeared in local media in late February, the demands became national, including a call for the quick implementation of the 31 December agreement. This appears to reflect wider popular frustrations as the Kabila regime hangs onto power.
Political Dynamics
The Kamuina Nsapu insurgency has become a symbol of widespread dissatisfaction of both the Kasai urban and rural populations. The defence of traditional customs and practices found particular resonance among the public and other traditional chiefs. Optimism that a new UDPS-led government could calm the situation took a blow with the death of opposition leader Tshisekedi last month. Recently, in a further alarming twist, insurgents have also targeted Catholic institutions, for unclear reasons.
The government has created a new military zone covering Kasai, Kasai-Central and Kasai-Oriental provinces. Numerous army reinforcements have been deployed and Kananga is increasingly militarised. Poorly paid, badly led and trained, members of the Congolese security services are often accused of using disproportionate force, which the government denies. In December 2016, MONUSCO sent military reinforcements to the area, followed by human rights observers, and in March published a strongly worded statement denouncing the restrictions imposed by the security forces on its freedom of movement.
Following recent evidence of abuses by the Congolese armed forces and reports on the discovery of mass graves, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an investigation. In late February, responding to the mounting international pressure, the government dispatched a mission to investigate events and in mid-March announced the arrest of seven members of the armed forces, including several officers.
The political response was late and ineffective. Former Interior Minister Boshab visited in 2016, but took little action to follow up. The opposition, busy with the political dialogue in Kinshasa, has been mostly absent from the local scene. A parliamentary question about the situation was tabled in December 2016. The provincial assembly has not yet visited the affected areas, citing a lack of resources. In late January, militia incursions in Kananga prompted Prime Minister Badibanga to abandon two attempts to visit the area. This painfully demonstrated his and his government's lack of popular legitimacy in his home region.
The government renewed its political efforts with the visit on 12 March of Interior Minister Emmanuel Ramazani Shadari, whose delegation included opposition members of parliament. He held talks with the Kamuina Nsapu's family. On 16 March, the parliamentarians published welcome recommendations, including the appointment of a new provincial administration and measures to manage conflicts with the customary authorities. On 17 March, the government announced a less far-reaching compromise, including burial of the Kamuina Nsapu, measures on detainees and an agreement on the procedure to select a new chief. However, this agreement is unlikely to solve the underlying issues, and even Shadari admitted that pockets of instability would persist.
Dealing with the Consequences
The conflict has considerable humanitarian and political consequences. If the displaced and other affected communities are not able to prepare the next planting season, food insecurity will increase. At the political level, the CENI is preparing to start voter registration in the Kasai provinces, but in conflict-affected areas, offices have been destroyed and staff threatened. Displaced people must vote where they registered, which can be problematic. Anti-state sentiments resonate strongly among local citizens, which may lead many to not register at all and would leave pro-opposition areas with low vote counts. A first important step will be the creation of adequate security and trust for the people, including the displaced, to participate in the process.
The 31 December political agreement called for simultaneous national and provincial elections by the end of 2017. Local elections are to follow at a later stage. Given the high stakes of the election and the troubling local conflict dynamics, legitimate mechanisms to resolve disputes should be put in place before polls are organised at the provincial and local levels. Local research, used by the UN, has identified no less than 79 potential conflicts in Kasai-Central province alone. More than half of these are related to tensions with traditional authorities.
Because provincial elections also add to the cost and to potential delays, consideration should be given to uncoupling them from the national polls. Intensified initiatives for voter and civic education that can counter violent, messianic and xenophobic messages, targeting specific communities, are also necessary. The national and provincial governments should strictly adhere to existing legislation on chiefdoms, and refrain from any divisive interference.
In the meantime, the government should demilitarise domestic policing and establish provincial mediation and conflict resolution mechanisms, constituted by local and provincial groups, with support, if needed, from the national government and international actors.
Stalled negotiations over implementation of the 31 December agreement, in particular the delay in installing an opposition-led government, are raising tensions and triggering popular unrest and insurgencies in pockets across the country. In January 2017, conflict between the Bundu dia Kongo (BDK) movement and security forces occurred in Kongo-Central and Kinshasa. Like the Kamuina Nsapu militia, the BDK combines mysticism with a populist political message, and is rooted in the fragile legitimacy of national political institutions and in economic problems.
While none of these local conflicts alone are likely to fundamentally disrupt the national picture, they risk undermining the all-important voter registration process and thus the integrity and timing of the future elections. While local measures are important, maintaining the path toward elections to ensure representative government structures is ultimately the only way out of this quagmire.
Put Libya ahead of 'narrow interests,' UN envoy urges as situation worsens across the country
Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 March 2017 Cite as UN News Service, Put Libya ahead of 'narrow interests,' UN envoy urges as situation worsens across the country, 20 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d1292c4.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.
Warning of escalating tension across the North African country due to mobilization of forces, worsening security situation in capital, Tripoli, as well as recent violence in Misrata and Benghazi, the United Nations envoy for Libya today called on all parties to unite and to put the country ahead of their "own narrow interests."
"Do not let the agenda be driven by violence on the ground and extremism," urged Martin Kobler, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Libya and the head of the UN Support Mission in the country (UNSMIL), in a news release today.
"Calm must be restored immediately, democratic bodies and ideals must be respected and freedom of speech must be protected," he added.
Last week, the UN human rights arm (OHCHR) had sounded alarm over the situation and had spoken of serious human rights and humanitarian law violations and abuses stemming from recent fighting in the country's eastern oil crescent area, including summary executions and mass detentions.
Today's statement by Mr. Kobler also mentioned of violence, hate speech and mutilation of corpses.
"[Such incidents] are completely unacceptable," underscored the senior UN official, calling on Libyan institutions to commit to advancing the Libyan Political Agreement (LPA) and swiftly implementing the security arrangements in the capital, Tripoli, that would provide for the withdrawal of armed groups there and the deployment of army and police.
He also made reference to the Quartet meeting on Libya, held on 18 March, which urged the Libyan parties to re-engage in the political process. The Quartet comprises the League of Arab States, the African Union, the European Union as well as the UN.
Recalling the international community's strong commitment to the country, Mr. Kobler stressed: "The responsibility, however, lies first and foremost with the Libyans themselves to end this escalating violence."
"All political and security stakeholders in a position to influence their constituencies should act now."
UN aid 'pushed to limits' as 320,000 more civilians may flee west Mosul
Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 20 March 2017 Cite as UN News Service, UN aid 'pushed to limits' as 320,000 more civilians may flee west Mosul, 20 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d129b04.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.
Humanitarian agencies are bracing for the possibility that in coming weeks about 300,000 to 320,000 civilians may flee the western districts of Iraqi's Mosul city where Government forces are fighting to oust the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Da'esh) terrorists, a senior United Nations aid official in the country has said.
The humanitarian operation in western Mosul is far larger and far more complex than in the east said the Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq, Lise Grande, in a news release issued yesterday by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The main difference, she explained, is that tens of thousands of families stayed in their homes in the east, but in the west, tens of thousands are fleeing.
We've been planning and preparing for the Mosul operation for months. But the truth is that the crisis is pushing all of us to our limits. We're going to be doing the best we can to ensure the people who need assistance receive it. said Ms. Grande.
Humanitarian agencies are deeply worried that civilians are at grave risk in western Mosul. The use of explosives in the densely populated Old City is likely to cause extensive damage, and people fleeing are telling humanitarian workers that it's very difficult to enter or leave the Old City, said Ms. Grande.
Families are at risk of being shot if they leave and they are at risk if they stay. It's horrible. Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped and they are in terrible danger, she said.
The main supply route into western Mosul has been cut since mid-November. Families fleeing the city are reporting that shelves are empty and that the only food available is what they already have at home. Water and electricity supplies have been cut and medicines are running out.
Under the leadership of the Government of Iraq, a massive national effort is underway to address the crisis. Civilians fleeing the western districts in the city are being accommodated in 17 camps and emergency sites near the city. The Government and partners are rushing to construct and expand 10 of these.
Every day, more space is becoming available, said Ms. Grande. It's a race against time. So far, families are receiving support and being sheltered. But if the number of people leaving the city increases faster than we can construct new plots, the situation could deteriorate very quickly.
Since 17 October, over 330,000 people have been displaced by the Mosul crisis, over 70,000 of whom have returned to their homes. Humanitarian agencies have been working around the clock to provide life-saving support to more than 1.3 million people from eastern and western Mosul including families who have stayed in their homes, and those who have fled.
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.
Thailand: Ensure accountability for killing of 17-year-old Lahu activist
Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 21 March 2017 Reference ASA 39/5915/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Thailand: Ensure accountability for killing of 17-year-old Lahu activist, 21 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d1344c4.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.
Thai authorities must promptly order an independent and effective investigation into the killing of a youth activist by security officers and ensure that those responsible are held accountable if any human rights violations contributed to his death, said Amnesty International.
On 17 March, Chaiyaphum Pasae, a 17-year-old youth activist from the Lahu indigenous group, was shot and killed at a checkpoint in Chiang Mai Province reportedly staffed by a combined force of soldiers and members of the Pha Muang special forces anti-narcotics and border patrol unit. An army incident report states that Chaiyaphum Pasae fled the car in which he was traveling and was shot as he attempted to throw a grenade at the soldiers. The report states that soldiers subsequently found a large quantity of amphetamine tablets in the car.
Chaiyaphum Pasae was a well-known advocate for the rights of the Lahu people and other indigenous communities in Thailand. He was also an amateur filmmaker and musician, whose work dealt with topics including indigenous rights and statelessness. He had reportedly previously campaigned against drug use within the Lahu community.
The driver of the car in which Chaiyaphum Pasae was traveling was arrested at the scene and transferred to Chiang Mai Provincial Court. At the time of writing he remained in custody.
Amnesty International calls on the Thai government to immediately order an independent, impartial and effective investigation into the killing, and to protect witnesses, community members and family members from intimidation or harassment. The investigation should be carried out by authorities that are independent of those involved in the reported incident. The witness to the killing who has been detained should be released unless he is charged with an internationally recognisable offence and remanded by an independent, civilian court. If he is not released, or pending his release, independent lawyers and family members of the detained individual should immediately be granted access to him, as should the appropriate investigative bodies, the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand, and other relevant authorities. On no account should officials involved in the killing be granted access to him. Thai authorities should also take all necessary steps to ensure that the witness to the killing is not subject to torture or other ill-treatment while detained. Amnesty urges the Thai government to provide investigating authorities with all necessary resources. The government should also ensure that, if investigations produce sufficient, admissible evidence of offences involving human rights violations against any individuals, the perpetrators of such offences are held accountable through a trial that meets international standards for fairness in a civilian court.
Background
The Lahu people are a linguistically distinct ethnic group spread across Thailand, China, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos. Approximately 150,000 Lahu live in Thailand, primarily as farmers in the northern part of the country.
Chaiyaphum Pasae, also known as "Ja-u" was a 17-year-old student at Chiang Dao Wittayakom School. He frequently participated in events to promote Lahu culture and traditions, including those organized by the Rak Lahu Group.
Chaiyaphum Pasae has contributed to the production of a number of films about human rights and social issues affecting the Lahu people, including statelessness, drugs and land rights concerns. He has also composed songs about problems faced by the Lahu community and led activities to promote Lahu traditional dance.
Chaiyaphum Pasae was killed only days after returning from a forum for youth activists organized by the Child and Youth Media Institute.
Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International
MOUNT ZION -- Henderson Street near Fletcher Park and the Mount Zion schools will soon require all traffic to stop.
The Mount Zion Village Board unanimously approved a plan Monday night that would create a four-way stop at the intersection of Henderson Street and Fletcher Park Boulevard. The stop signs are expected to be installed by June, after the school year ends.
Currently, only traffic from the school and on Fletcher Park Boulevard are required to stop.
The plan has been in discussion for more than a year, said village Administrator Julie Miller, as staff has investigated several accidents that have occurred there. Additionally, she said the number of students from the neighboring junior high and high schools on the west side of Henderson Street who go back-and-forth between the park and fields on the east side of Henderson makes putting a stop sign there a smart move.
I think it would be a safer place for kids to cross, Miller said. I just think it would make it a much safer intersection to make it a four-way stop.
The signs still need to be ordered, which Miller said could take up to six weeks to arrive.
While all trustees supported the plan, there was some question of whether the signs should be placed before the end of the school year.
If there is a safety concern, we need to address this, said Trustee Ron Johnson. I think you make it happen right away.
The sentiment was understood by Trustee Kevin Fritzsche, but he expressed concern that suddenly putting a stop sign there without too much notice could lead to additional accidents with people unknowingly running the new stop signs.
The hope, Miller said, is that enough of an awareness campaign can be done to let people know the stop signs will be placed there by summer.
In other business, the board approved an intergovernmental agreement with Mount Zion Township to provide limited police patrols in unincorporated areas of the township. The village would provide 10 to 20 hours of police patrol per week, at a cost to the township of $55 per hour. Patrols would be conducted in one-hour increments, twice a day.
Maldives: Alarming crackdown on protests and media ahead of Saudi Arabian King's visit
Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 21 March 2017 Citation / Document Symbol ASA 29/5925/2017 Reference ASA 29/5925/2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Maldives: Alarming crackdown on protests and media ahead of Saudi Arabian King's visit, 21 March 2017, ASA 29/5925/2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d13c624.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 Maldives authorities have launched a troubling crackdown on peaceful protests and media workers ahead of a visit by the King of Saudi Arabia, Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud, which was meant to take place this week. Although the King's visit has been postponed indefinitely, Amnesty International urges the Maldives government to respect the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression, and to not suppress public debate about any development plans in the country.
There have been persistent rumours in Maldives that the government is planning to sell the whole of Faafu atoll - a group of some 23 islands southwest of the capital Male - to Saudi Arabia for around USD10 billion, and that this deal would be announced during the King's visit. On 17 March, the government announced that the visit had been postponed indefinitely, citing an outbreak of swine flu in Maldives.(1)
Activists and opposition parties have raised concerns over the possible environmental
impact of such a deal, the lack of transparency about the terms and conditions, and what would happen to the estimated 4,000 inhabitants in Faafu. While the government has confirmed that there is a large-scale development project planned in Faafu with Saudi involvement, they have denied that the entire atoll will be sold. The government, however, has also said that the specific details of this project will only be made public once the deal has been finalised. (2)
Restrictions on media and activists
The Maldivian authorities have sought to suppress critical reporting around the Faafu deal and have harassed media workers and activists. On 2 March, a relative of a ruling party MP allegedly threatened to assault and destroy the equipment of two journalists from the Maldives Independent, Hassan Mohamed and Hassan Moosa, when they were visiting Faafu. After the incident, police took the journalists into "protective custody" for nine hours, during which they confiscated their phones and refused to let them contact their editors or families. The Maldives Independent in a statement said they were "extremely disappointed" with the police's conduct: "The police claimed [the journalists] were held in protective custody but they were treated like suspects."(3)
A day before, on 1 March 2017, the opposition-linked privately owned TV station Raajje TV stated that it had received repeated death threats over the phone against a team of its reporters visiting Faafu. The channel has reported the threats to police. More recently, on 19 March, the Criminal Court issued a statement threatening "legal action" against journalists whose writings "disrupt the stability and peace in the Maldives" or "incite sedition and strife". Although the statement made no mention of specific media outlets or the Faafu project, a number of sources in Maldives told Amnesty International that they believe it was a direct threat against journalists who cover this issue.
Authorities have also sought to silence debate online. On 16 March, the well-known social media activist Thayyib Shaheem, who has been an outspoken critic of the Faafu project, was arrested by police in Male on suspicion of spreading false information on social media, and "creating panic" through his tweets about the swine flu outbreak. He was remanded for eight days on 17 March, and is currently being kept in a high-security prison on Dhoonidhoo island. He risks up to one year and three months in prison if convicted under the sections in the penal code listed on his arrest form. Amnesty International believes that Thayyib Shaheem has been detained solely for exercising his right to freedom of expression, and therefore considers him a prisoner of conscience.
On 13 March, police also confiscated the phone of Shammoon "Lucas" Jaleel, another influential social media activist who has criticised the alleged Faafu sale.
Restrictions on protests
Maldives authorities have also taken harsh steps to suppress peaceful protests around the visit of the Saudi Arabian King. On 2 March 2017, police published a statement threatening legal action against anyone carrying out "demeaning" actions against visiting "foreign dignitaries", while the criminal court issued a search warrant authorising police to confiscate "banners and all related items". Later on the same day, police in Male raided the meeting hall of the opposition Maldives Democratic Party, which had announced plans to stage mass-protests around the King's visit. Police have since raided the same building a further two times (on 7 and 16 March), and confiscated paint, rolls of paper and banners.
Police also broke up a peaceful protest on 3 March against the sale attended by some 100 people on Biledhdhoo island in Faafu atoll, and briefly detained at least four protesters.
Recommendations
The human right to freedom of peaceful assembly, and the closely related rights of freedom of association and freedom of expression, are provided in human rights treaties to which Maldives is a party, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). As such, Maldives state officials must not impose excessive or arbitrary restrictions on the exercise of these rights. Only restrictions on specific, restricted grounds, specified in the ICCPR, are provided by law, and implemented in a manner that is necessary and proportionate, are allowed. Amnesty International is deeply concerned that the restrictions imposed in this case fail to meet these standards.
The Maldives authorities' actions over the past weeks amount to a clear attempt to curb peaceful protests and critical media reporting around the visit of King Salman bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud and the development project on Faafu. Amnesty International calls on the Maldives authorities to:
- Fully ensure that the human rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly are respected, protected and promoted in the country and that media workers can carry out their peaceful work without fear of reprisals;
- Effectively respect and protect the right to peaceful protest, even when they themselves are the focus of demonstrations;
- Immediately and unconditionally release Thayyib Shaheem from detention, and drop any criminal proceedings against him; and
- End all attempts to arbitrarily restrict the rights of freedom of expression and peaceful assembly or to limit public debate around the plans to develop Faafu
atoll with Saudi Arabian investment.
Background
At home the Saudi Arabian authorities are carrying out their own ruthless campaign of persecution against peaceful activists in a bid to suppress any criticism of the state. Human rights defenders and activists are routinely harassed, arrested, and prosecuted in connection with their activism, and many are currently serving lengthy prison sentences. The authorities do not permit the existence of political parties, trade unions or independent human rights groups, and all public gatherings, including peaceful demonstrations, are prohibited. Those who have broken the ban have been charged with "participating in or calling for demonstrations" and "disobeying the ruler" and sentenced to imprisonment accordingly.
1 - "Saudi King's visit postponed," Statement by the Maldives President's Officer, 17 March 2017, available at http://www.presidencymaldives.gov.mv/Index.aspx?lid=11&dcid=17737
2 - The potential deal follows a constitutional amendment introduced in in 2015 which allows foreign ownership of land in Maldives as long the investment exceeds USD1 billion. On 16 March, media outlets in Maldives published a leaked recording where an MP with the ruling Progressive Party of Maldives claimed the amendment
had been pushed through by the government to pave the way for the sale of Faafu to Saudi Arabia.
3 - "Statement on 'protective custody' for journalists in Faafu atoll", Maldives Independent, 2 March 2017, available at http://maldivesindependent.com/feature-comment/press-statement-on-protective-custodyfor-journalists-in-faafu-atoll-129143
For background see Amnesty International Report 2016 / 2017 - Saudi Arabia:
https://www.amnesty.org/en/countries/middle-east-and-north-africa/saudi-arabia/reportsaudi-arabia/
Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International
UAE: Surprise overnight raid leads to arrest of prominent human rights defender
Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 20 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, UAE: Surprise overnight raid leads to arrest of prominent human rights defender, 20 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d13ee44.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.
Following the arrest of human rights activist Ahmed Mansoor at 3:15AM local time after a lengthy room-by-room search of his apartment, Lynn Maalouf, Director of Research at Amnesty International's Beirut regional office, said:
"Amnesty International is appalled and dismayed at this surprise overnight raid resulting in the arrest of Ahmed Mansoor, a courageous and prominent human rights defender in the United Arab Emirates.
"We believe Ahmed Mansoor was detained for the peaceful expression of his conscientiously held beliefs, and we call for his immediate and unconditional release."
At around midnight, 10 male and two female uniformed security officials stormed the family's apartment and carried out a lengthy room-by-room search, including of the children's bedroom. They confiscated electronic devices and took Ahmed Mansoor away at around 3:15AM local time. They did not inform his wife where he was being taken.
Ahmed Mansoor does not have legal representation and, under UAE law, renewal of detention orders is a formality. Amnesty International fears that he may be at risk of torture or other ill-treatment in custody.
In 2015, Ahmed Mansoor was selected as the laureate of the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders.
Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International
Sudan: Criminalization of human rights work threatens protection of freedoms
Publisher Amnesty International Author Ahmed Elzobier Publication Date 21 March 2017 Cite as Amnesty International, Sudan: Criminalization of human rights work threatens protection of freedoms, 21 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d13f954.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.
Three Sudanese human rights defenders were released from jail on 6 March after paying a fine of 50,000 Sudanese Pounds (about 7,700 US dollars) each.
Khalafalla Al-Afif Mukhtar, Midhat A. Hamdan and Mustafa Adam had been sentenced to one year in jail and a fine, but were released after nine months on time served after paying the exorbitant fines. The crimes they were found guilty of? Two of them were convicted of dissemination of false information and one for espionage.
All three are members of TRACKS, a human rights organization that provides training on a range of themes including human rights and information technology to civil society in Sudan.
Over the last two years, TRACKS' offices have been raided twice, on 26 March 2015 and 29 February 2016. On 22 May 2016, NISS officials detained several of its staff and members and charged them with a number of offences including crimes against the state.
In Sudan, it is common for the government to portray human rights defenders as "spies" or agents to foreign governments. When arrested, they are usually charged with the offences of 'undermining the constitutional system,' 'waging war against the state' or 'espionage,' all of which carry the death penalty or life in prison.
This hostility towards human rights defenders is intended to silence those who speak out against human rights violations in the country. The government is, in this way, criminalizing human rights work.
This must end.
Although their release is great news, the chilling effect of the 10-month incarceration of the three TRACKS' members on other human rights defenders must not be forgotten.
We should also remember that there are others like them still languishing in detention simply because of their human rights work.
Mudawi Ibrahim, a prominent human rights defender, has been in detention for more than three months since he was arbitrarily arrested by National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS) agents in December last year. They also arrested his driver Adam El-Sheikh, his accountant Nora Osman and his friend Hafiz Eldoma, an internally displaced person from Darfur, who had previously been arrested at Mudawi's house in November.
Hafiz Eldoma has been subjected to torture, including through electrocution and beatings, and forced to confess.
None of these human rights defenders have been told why they were arrested, and are being held without charge.
The Sudanese government has also prevented human rights defenders from attending international fora. In 2016, the government's attempts to prevent four civil society activists from attending the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in Geneva were widely criticized, including by Amnesty International.
Reporting on human rights violations is not a crime. Over the last 18 years, the role of human rights defenders has been specifically recognized by the United Nations and the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights, with a view to increasing their protection against violations and abuses from states and non-state actors, including through 'campaigns of intimidation and misinformation, fabricated criminal charges, forced disappearance, imprisonment, torture and murder.'
There is good reason for independent voices as governments generally tend to paint a deceptively rosy picture of the human rights situation in their countries.
We need independent human rights defenders to expose violations such as arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment of detainees by the NISS.They ensure human rights violations are not kept secret and victims do not suffer in silence.
Sudan has obligations under international law to respect, protect and fulfil human rights. In short, the government is obligated to stop human rights violations. And human rights defenders have the right to promote and strive for the protection and realization of human rights both nationally and internationally.
The government must see human rights defenders' role as complementary to its own, rather than criminalize their activities. As a start, the Government of Sudan should immediately and unconditionally release all human rights defenders currently in detention simply for their human rights work, and drop all charges against them.
Copyright notice: Copyright Amnesty International
Malaysia's censorship of Sri Lankan civil war documentary
Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 21 March 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Malaysia's censorship of Sri Lankan civil war documentary, 21 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d140534.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 Journalists for Democracy in Sri Lanka (JDS) condemn human rights defender Lena Hendry's conviction on appeal of violating Malaysia's censorship legislation by organizing a public screening in Kuala Lumpur in 2013 of a film about the Sri Lankan civil war.
She is due to be sentenced tomorrow following a hearing last month at which she was convicted under article 6 (1) (b) of the 2002 Film Censorship Act of screening British journalist Callum Macrae's documentary "No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka" without the Malaysian Censorship Board's approval.
The law provides for a possible three-year jail sentence and a fine of 30,000 ringgits (4,000 euros).
The public screening that Hendry organized on 3 July 2013 was interrupted by police, who arrested her and two other activists. Unlike Hendry, the other two activists were released without being charged.
Hendry was acquitted at the original trial before a Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court on 10 March 2016 but the prosecution appealed. During the hearing, the defence submitted several documents indicating that the Sri Lankan government put political pressure on the Malaysian authorities to prosecute Hendry.
"As the lawyers for the defence showed, Lena Hendry's conviction was a political reprisal," said Benjamin Ismail, the head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk.
"Instead of encouraging the screening of a key documentary about the civil war in Sri Lanka, in which thousands of civilians lost their lives, the Malaysian authorities let themselves be pressured by the Sri Lankan government into censoring a subject of public interest and punishing those who made it available to the public."
Ismail added: "We urge the judicial authorities to quash Hendry's conviction, which constitutes a grave violating of her fundamental rights - the right to inform and the right to free speech."
Since its release in 2013, "No Fire Zone" has been screened in Europe, the Americas and other parts of the Asia-Pacific region without any form of censorship. It was even screened subsequently in Kuala Lumpur during an International Anti-Corruption Conference in 2015 and a special screening was organized for Malaysian parliamentarians and civil society members.
"Citizens throughout the world who seek the truth must support Lena Hendry and call on the Malaysian authorities to put an end to this political witch-hunt," JDS coordinator Bashana Abeywardane said.
"By convicting Hendry, the Malaysian authorities are dealing a severe blow to freedom of expression and the right of access to information, as well as covering up the truth about the major atrocities by the Sri Lankan security forces against Tamils during the civil war."
RSF and JDS also call for the repeal of Malaysia's Film Censorship Act, which criminalizes the right to inform and thereby promotes self-censorship and grants inordinate powers to the Censorship Board, a regulatory body created by the act that is under the government's full control.
Malaysia is ranked 147th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
RSF decries UAE crackdown on remaining independent voices
Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 21 March 2017 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, RSF decries UAE crackdown on remaining independent voices, 21 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d140994.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 sans frontieres (RSF) denonce l'arrestation surprise du defenseur des droits humains Ahmed Mansoor le 19 mars dernier ainsi que la decision des autorites de prolonger la detention du blogueur Osama Al-Najjar et la condamnation du journaliste Tayseer al-Najjar a trois ans de prison. RSF demande aux autorites de les liberer immediatement et sans conditions.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns well-known blogger and human rights defender Ahmed Mansoor's sudden arrest two days ago in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the UAE's decision to keep another blogger, Osama Al-Najjar, in prison and the three-year jail term that a UAE court has imposed on Jordanian journalist Tayseer Al-Najjar.
RSF urges the Emirati authorities to free all three independent news and information providers immediately and unconditionally.
One of the few sources of freely expressed opinion in the UAE and recipient of the 2015 Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders, Mansoor was arrested at his Dubai home late on the night of 19 March and is being held on a charge of posting "false information, rumours and lies" liable to damage the UAE's reputation.
The blogger Osama Al-Najjar should have been freed on completion of a three-year sentence on 17 March but, according to local media reports, his detention has been extended at the department of public prosecution's request on the grounds that he constitutes a danger to society.
He has been detained since 17 March 2014, when he was arrested for tweeting about the mistreatment of his father and all the other defendants in the so-called "UAE 94" case while they were in detention.
Tayseer Al-Najjar was sentenced on 15 March to three years in prison and a fine under a cyber-crime law for allegedly insulting "the state's symbols" in Facebook posts in July 2014 in which he praised the Palestinian resistance in Gaza and criticized various countries including the UAE.
Held pending trial since December 2015, he was also sentenced to be expelled on completion of his jail term. He was covering culture for the Emirati weekly Al-Dar until his arrest.
"We urge the Emirati authorities to free all arbitrarily detained journalists and bloggers, without delay," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "The recent judicial decisions on journalists and Ahmed Mansoor's arrest confirm that the situation is worsening for the UAE's few independent voices, who are being reduced to silence."
Osama Al-Najjar was tortured and placed in solitary confinement after his 2014 arrest and was not represented by a lawyer at the trial at which he was sentenced to three years in prison and a fine of 500,000 dirhams for tweeting about father's mistreatment.
He was also convicted of insulting the state via Twitter, inciting hatred and violence, being a member of Al-Islah (a party affiliated to the Muslim Brotherhood) and violating the 2012 cyber-crime law by spreading false information online. He has been held in Al-Rezin prison since January 2017.
One journalist and three citizen journalists are currently imprisoned in the UAE, which is ranked 119th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Iran: Arrests and Intimidation of Telegram Administrators and Journalists Ahead of the Elections
Publisher Article 19 Publication Date 17 March 2017 Cite as Article 19, Iran: Arrests and Intimidation of Telegram Administrators and Journalists Ahead of the Elections, 17 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d147a04.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.
ARTICLE 19 is concerned at the increasing crackdown against citizens using online platforms just two months before the presidential elections to be held on 19 May 2017.
The recent arrests and intimidation of administrators and journalists using the social media platform Telegram, risks silencing citizens who seek to exercise their right to expression and information during the election process.
"These arrests are extremely concerning, and indicate a purposeful restriction of the media space in the lead up to the May Presidential Elections. We especially urge the Iranian government to ensure all political voices have the platform to publish, share and receive information online without repercussions," said Thomas Hughes, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards, a hardline wing of Iran's armed forces, accountable to the office of the Supreme Leader, arrested 12 administrators of channels supporting the reformist political faction and the moderate President Hassan Rouhani. These arrests occurred early Tuesday 14 March, 2017, almost two months before the President elections.
Telegram gained notability during the 2016 Parliamentary elections, as a platform that aided significant gains for reformist and moderate members of parliament. The Revolutionary Guards have previously attempted to limit the free flow of information through Telegram, by pursuing arrests related to immoral or obscene content. However, this is the first time crackdowns have focussed explicitly on political affiliation.
The Telegram channels affected by the crackdown include Eslahtalaban News, Eslahaat News, Majmeye Eslahtalaban and Haamiyan Dolat amongst them.
Sources indicate these channels have either been deleted from Telegram and/or have not published anything since the arrests. Two individuals have so far been identified as the arrested administrators; Saeed Naghdy and Ali Ahmadian, both associated with reformist media and the administration of reformist channels. Ahmadian is believed to have run the Eslahaat News channel.
Crackdowns on press freedom and freedom of expression leading up to the May 2017 Presidential elections are noticeable outside the digital sphere. Reformist journalists such as Ehsan Mazandarani and Hengameh Shahidi are amongst those most recently arrested for their independent and critical reporting.
Ehsan Mazandarani, who was recently released from prison was re-arrested on Sunday by the intelligence units of the Revolutionary Guards at this home. The Prosecutor of Tehran said the reason for his re-arrest was the time that remained to be served for previous charges that required him to serve two years. However his wife and lawyer produced documents that proved Mazandarani had completed the two years and was released on the 11 February 2017.
Mazandarani told his family that he is on a dry hunger strike and some of his relatives were posting on social media that his wife Malihe Hosseini was fired from Farikhtegan Newspaper on Wednesday following his arrest.
"Citizens have a right to know and be informed of all political views ahead of this major election," added Thomas Hughes. "We find these arrests especially unacceptable during the period of the Nowruz holidays, when government is not in session, and due process is not upheld in the run-up to the May 2017 Presidential elections".
Copyright notice: Copyright ARTICLE 19
Belarus: First death sentence in 2017
Publisher International Federation for Human Rights Publication Date 21 March 2017 Related Document(s) Death Penalty in Belarus: Murder on (Un)lawful Grounds Cite as International Federation for Human Rights, Belarus: First death sentence in 2017, 21 March 2017, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/58d148e44.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.
FIDH and its member organisation in Belarus Human Rights Centre "Viasna" denounce the first death sentence in 2017 and regret the Belarusian authorities continue to ignore calls to render Europe a death penalty-free zone.
On 17 March 2017, 32-year-old Aliaksei Mikhalenya was sentenced to death by the Gomel Regional Court of Belarus for two murders committed with particular cruelty. Although Aliaksei Mikhalenya has the right to appeal the sentence in Supreme Court in Belarus, the appeal court rarely commutes death sentences and the chances to get the Presidential pardon are illusionary, as revealed in the joint FIDH-HRC report"Death penalty in Belarus: Murder on (Un)Lawful Grounds". As the report demonstrates, throughout investigation and trial, self-incrimination is used by the prosecution as the main evidence of guilt, whilst the right to an effective legal defence is systematically violated. In general, the application of death penalty in Belarus is accompagnied by severe human rights violations at each stage of the judicial proceedings and during detention.
Furthermore, considerable secrecy surrounds the application of death penalty in Belarus. Information concerning the death penalty is withheld from the general public, whilst information on detention conditions for death convicts and execution procedures is not publicly available. The exact number of persons convicted to death and executed in Belarus is unknown. The families of death convicts are neither informed in advance of the date of the execution, nor immediately thereafter, the body is never handed over to relatives and the location of the burial site is kept secret.
Belarus is the only country in Europe that applies death penalty. For the duration of negotiations around EU restrictive measures against Belarusian officials and businesses, the executions had been on hold. However, upon the lifting of sanctions in February 2016, executions resumed and by December 2016 reached their highest number since 2008: four convicts executed in secrecy in 2016.
Being a founding member of the World Coalition against the Death penalty, FIDH and its member organisation HRC "Viasna" urge the EU and other actors to use all leverages at their disposal to put an end to the capital punishment in Belarus.
DECATUR -- For a century, Decatur has been like a desert for those who wanted a taste of locally brewed beer.
Sure, there were bars that served craft beer and several local homebrewers who made some suds for friends and families; but not a locally made beer easily accessible to the general population.
It was there that Dreux Lewandowski, co-founder of Decatur Brew Works, saw a need.
Decatur was long overdue for this, Lewandowski said. It was kind of like putting a water hole in the middle of a desert, in a way.
Tucked in a small 3,000-square-foot building on the corner of Main and Main, Decatur Brew Works has become a unique spot that has served not only locally brewed beer, but also a unique sense of community that has helped it stand out for more than just being the first brewery to open in the city in a century.
With its 24 beers on tap, a mix between local brews and those from other craft breweries, and an emphasis on "bring your own food," the brewery has earned just as much a staple of downtown Decatur as Central Park.
Not too shabby for an idea that began years ago as a conversation between a couple of homebrewers.
The first drop of the Decatur Brew Works story can be traced back a few years, when Lewandowski and Micah Koll met through the local home brew club.
Koll later came to work for Lewandowski at Macon Resources Inc., or MRI, where the latter has been the longtime executive director.
While there, Koll pitched a business plan for a brewery as an expansion opportunity for MRI. While supportive, the MRI board of directors passed due to hesitation of the agency entering the brewing industry. But from the pitch came a partnership between Koll and Lewandowski, as well as Stan Rives and Renee Manring, who came together to determine whether Decatur was ready for a brewery.
After a year of preparation, which saw them remodel the space, obtain permits and even launch a Kickstarter campaign that raised nearly $13,000, the brewery was finally ready to open its doors on Jan. 26, 2016.
Even as the grand opening approached, there was curiosity on whether the project would succeed in Decatur. Aside from being the first brewery in the area, Koll talked about the industrial nature of Decatur, with blue-collar workers who stereotypically prefer beer staples such as Budweiser or Miller over the more expensive craft beer.
Within the first few weeks, when people regularly lined up outside for the brewery to open and a seat inside became one of the hottest tickets in town, those concerns about whether Decatur Brew Works would survive were put to rest.
My favorite thing is to see guys who come in and say, I only drink Bud Light, what have you got here for me? Koll said. And then they come in the next week and drink new stuff, and again and again.
I couldnt say enough about how great Decatur has been in supporting us.
The variety of beer styles has especially helped the brewery stand out from other bars in the area, with many styles usually seen done by larger brewers. Those styles can vary from a blueberry beer that shares a name that celebrates Millikin University to a Belgian style than can tickle ones taste buds with its various flavors.
When the doors are closed on Sunday, you can usually find Lewandowski and Koll in the basement of the building, where the brewing system is set up. The two, with about 25 years of homebrewing experience, come up with number of beers to compliment the regular house styles on tap, such as the popular Commodore India Pale Ale and D-Town Brown.
It is more than just the beer that has made Decatur Brew Works such a destination spot.
The brewery has made a name for itself by hosting one of the only regular trivia nights in the area, taking place every other Tuesday night and covering everything from general knowledge to entire nights dedicated to topics such as "Game of Thrones" or "Saved By The Bell." Other unique events have featured monthly yoga sessions and a ukulele night.
The events get down to what Lewandowski said was one of the goals of the business: to foster a culture where regulars and newcomers could bond over good beer.
That bond is a big reason why Brian Bell continues to return to the brewery long after earning the title of Brew Works first customer.
Bell, 38, waited more than an hour outside in the cold to earn that recognition; coming to the grand opening to help support locally made beer.
His return visits were about more than just the drinks though, as Bell said the brewery became something like a neighborhood bar. Hes since become something more than just a patron, as he has regularly hosted the trivia nights and written the questions himself.
Its exciting, its a relaxing environment where people know each other and can just chat, he said.
The events also help boost traffic on what Koll calls normally slow business days: A recent trivia night dedicated to Gilmore Girls saw the taproom filled to capacity not normally seen on weekdays.
The space is one thing that is brought up, as about 75 patrons can be in the bar at once. That fact can make it especially chaotic on weekends or other big events. Its part of what Lewandowski said have been early conversations about which direction to take the brewery. What those may entail remain to be seen, as he and Koll declined to get into specific future plans or the financials of the business. They said only that is has been a fulfilling venture.
While the idea of a large-scale brewing process that includes bottling or canning their beer for wide consumption is a dream of any brewer, Lewandowski said the plan now is to continue what has made Brew Works such a hit in the community.
To go too much, too fast is not really a good business plan, he said. We were modest in our approach, and I think thats why weve been so successful.
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (AP) The Illinois Senate's "grand bargain" budget compromise has had a rough go, with false starts, misfires, a lukewarm Republican reception, and Democrats abruptly pulling the plug last month when GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner weighed in against it. And that doesn't count taxpayers' reaction.
The 12 disparate measures comprising the grand bargain were cobbled together in an attempt to recharge stalled negotiations over a two-year budget stalemate that has fueled a multibillion-dollar budget deficit. An Associated Press analysis of Senate records shows nearly 4,700 witnesses wanting a say in at least one of the individual measures. Less than a fifth recorded support.
"If gambling could solve the budget crisis, it would have done so by now," said Kathy Gilroy, an independent insurance agent and anti-gambling activist from Villa Park, who filed her objection electronically. "Doing the same thing and expecting a different result is the definition of insanity."
It's that type of opposition that hamstrings hopes of a deal, particularly one so widespread and complex. Even if lawmakers could agree, a "yes" vote could push voters to eject them at the next election. That's especially true when the critics are well-funded groups with clout, such as labor unions, business interests or teachers.
Shown the numbers, Sen. Heather Steans, an appropriations committee chairwoman at the heart of grand bargain machinations, suggested witnesses were focusing on the trees at the forest's expense. She has found voters' concerns are mollified when shown the big picture.
"You can rile people up on a particular element, but once they understand the whole package, they tend to be supportive," said Steans, a Chicago Democrat.
The sheer volume of witnesses reacting to committee hearings earlier this year is attributable to electronic filing, introduced about five years ago. It makes it easier for taxpayers to have their say and for groups to organize campaigns.
That's apparent from reaction to the local property-tax freeze Rauner is demanding. That proposal drew more than 1,400 opponents to just six in favor. But more than 600 indicated they were affiliated with public schools and nearly 100 specifically identified their connection to physical education, the AP's review found. The legislation allows schools to forgo P.E. for up to six years with legislative permission.
Former Rep. Bill Black, a Danville Republican who served from 1985 to 2011, said parochial concerns melt when voters recognize greater need. He once pushed an income-tax increase to shift the burden of public-school funding an issue yet unresolved and part of the grand bargain which the House approved with just seven Republican votes before a GOP-controlled Senate buried it. Black was told he wouldn't be back, but he said voters will swallow tough medicine in times of crisis like now.
"Most people are saying, 'Just do something,'" said Black.
Despite the budget deficit the state faces, legislation that would raise taxes is hotly contested. But the measure that would now hike the income tax rate originally proposed a tax on sugary drinks, which died amid a critical cacophony from giant cola-makers, movie theater chains, quick-trip stores and more. But on a grand bargain measure to pay state bills for the first half of 2017 including domestic violence shelters, zeroed out since last summer 98 percent of witnesses were in favor.
Witnesses converging on the Capitol for major issues flood lawmakers' offices with rancorous pledges to vote them out, said Patrick Welch, a Democratic senator from Peru from 1983 to 2003.
But even if your neighbors are opposed, some crises require a gut-check. That's easier said than done, said Richard Winkel, director of public leadership for the University of Illinois' Institute of Government and Public Affairs.
"You can't 'vote your district,'" said the Champaign Republican, who served in the House and Senate from 1995 to 2007. "You have to vote the state."
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Interactive Newsroom Technology Editor Troy Thibodeaux in New Orleans contributed to this report.
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Contact Political Writer John O'Connor at https://twitter.com/apoconnor. His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/content/john-oconnor.
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Jailed Cambodian political and social commentator Kim Sok was summoned to court Tuesday for questioning in connection with charges of inciting social chaos and defaming Prime Minister Hun Sen during a radio interview with RFAs Khmer Service last month.
The prominent analyst was grilled by authorities at the Phnom Penh Municipal Court for four hours before being loaded onto a van and returned to Prey Sar Prison, where he has been held since his arrest in February.
Security personnel had covered Kim Soks mouth as he was led to the vehicle to prevent him from speaking to the media, but he managed to yell out that Tuesdays hearing focused on a February interview with RFAs Khmer Service that Hun Sen believed implies his government was behind last years murder of popular political pundit Kem Ley.
I was questioned regarding the motive of my interview with RFA, Kim Sok shouted to reporters after he was transferred into the waiting van.
The aftermath of Tuesdays hearing differed than one earlier this month, when Kim Sok was permitted to speak with reporters, telling them authorities had offered to release him if he pledged to serve as a focal point to implement the political plan of [Hun Sens ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP)] for the next generation.
During that exchange, Kim Sok was unable to explain who had placed such a condition on his release or why he had been asked to represent the CPP before he was bundled onto a van and returned to prison, and CPP spokesperson Sok Ey San subsequently dismissed the analysts comments.
On Tuesday, Kim Soks defense attorney Choung Chou Ngy confirmed that his client had been questioned over the RFA interview, adding that he maintains the charges against him are baseless.
Judge Ros Piseth ordered an audio recording of his interview to be played back during the questioning and asked Kim Sok to confirm what he said to RFA during the interview, Choung Chou Ngy said.
Kim Sok was arrested Feb. 17 and charged with incitement and defamation, as hundreds of supporters protested in front of the Phnom Penh Municipal Court demanding justice for him.
Hun Sen sued the political analyst for inciting social chaos over accusations that the CPP had orchestrated the July 2016 murder of Kem Ley, but Kim Sok has told RFA that what he said about the killing was simply a reflection of what many Cambodians believe.
Daylight murder
Kem Ley was gunned down in broad daylight on July 10 when he stopped in a Star Mart convenience store beside a Caltex gas station in Phnom Penh.
Although authorities charged a former soldier, identified as Oueth Ang, with the killing, many in Cambodia dont believe the governments story that Kem Ley was killed by the man over a debt. The accused killer had never moved in the same circles as Kem Ley and had used the alias Chuop Samlap, which roughly translated means meet to kill.
Just days before he was gunned down, Kem Ley had discussed on an RFA Khmer Service call-in show a report by London-based Global Witness detailing the extent of the wealth of the family of Hun Sen, who has ruled Cambodia for 31 years.
On Dec. 23 the Phnom Penh court quietly closed its investigation into the case without revealing its findings.
In a final hearing on March 1, Oueth Ang confessed to killing Kem Ley. During more than five hours of proceedings, the court was shown blurry footage of the killing taken from a closed circuit camera at the Star Mart where it occurred.
Cambodian courts are notorious for their lack of independence, and opposition politicians and critics of Hun Sen often find themselves before the courts on various charges.
Wan-Hea Lee, the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) representative in Cambodia, has called for a fair trial conducted by an independent court to determine Kim Soks guilt or innocence.
The verdict in his case is expected to be delivered on March 23.
Reported by Moniroth Morm for RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes.
A snowy landscape of the scenic area of the Linbing River at the Greater Khingan volcanic mountain range in northern China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Jan. 17, 2017.
Hundreds of ethnic Mongolian herders in Inner Mongolia's Heshigten banner have protested repeatedly in recent days over the nonpayment of subsidies after they were persuaded to stop grazing their animals as part of a regionwide ecological strategy.
With banners urging the government "Pay out our grazing ban subsidies!" around 200 herders gathered outside government offices in nearby Chifeng city on Monday and Tuesday with a petition calling on the government to pay out agreed compensation for loss of their traditional livelihoods.
But video and photos of the protest sent to RFA by eyewitnesses showed the protesters being intercepted by police as they tried to enter the building to talk with officials.
"We are asking the government to pay up the pasture subsidies for 2016," one of the herders told RFA.
"The government in Inner Mongolia has been implementing a policy of grazing prohibition, under which it promised to subsidize herding communities to ensure their livelihoods," he said.
"But when it came down to it, the government has broken that commitment, in violation of their own policies," the herder said.
A second herder said the government appears to be dragging its feet.
"At 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, the officials promised they would have a dialogue with the herders, and they promised the subsidies would be paid out soon, but most people still haven't received theirs," the second herder said.
A third herder said on Tuesday that the government had failed to meet with and address herders' concerns, so they continued their protest the following day.
"We went again today to petition, because we didn't get the answers we were looking for yesterday," the third herder said. "More than 100 people went, and there are still fifty or sixty others en route."
He said the herders were promised 8,000 yuan (U.S. $1,160) per mu (.164 acre) of ungrazed grassland, annually.
"That went up this year, but I don't know by how much," he said.
He said the government had previously issued the subsidies annually, and had given no explanation for the failure to pay last year.
Vague promises
Enhebatu Togochog, director of the U.S.-based Southern Mongolian Human Rights and Information Center (SMHRIC), said the government had made vague promises to resolve the issue, which herders didn't believe.
"The government keeps telling them every time they protest, that they will sort this problem out, but they never have," he said. "So, the herders are still protesting."
Calls to the Heshigten banner government, the administrative equivalent of a county, rang unanswered during office hours on Tuesday.
Ethnic Mongolian rights activist Hada said nonpayment of such compensation by local governments is very common.
"This kind of thing happens everywhere in Inner Mongolia, and it is legitimate for the herders to demand payment," he said.
"[So is] their resistance to the encroachment on their grazing lands by large numbers of [majority] Han Chinese, to mine and destroy the grasslands," he said.
Meanwhile, Germany-based ethnic Mongolia Xi Haiming accused the ruling Chinese Communist Party of stripping away the land rights of indigenous Mongolians in the region, which borders the independent country of Mongolia.
"They lie and cheat, left right and center," Xi said. "They make promises about grassland subsidies, but then when the time comes, they don't pay up. Then, when the herders go and complain that the subsidies haven't arrived, they detain them."
"There are no more herds of cattle or flocks of sheep any more, and now they are plundering the underground resources," Xi said. "Inner Mongolia has become a wasteland."
Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Hai Nan for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Authorities in the southwestern Chinese region of Guangxi on Tuesday began demolishing houses without their occupants' consent amid a long-running land dispute and continuing intimidation of local residents.
Dozens of people in minivans wearing camouflage clothing accompanied a mechanical digger to the home of Xie Qingguo in Baihutou village early on Tuesday.
"It was totally demolished," Xie told RFA in an interview that afternoon. "They came here and surrounded the house, and dragged all my family outside."
"They didn't put any signs up that it would be demolished; they just came, and suddenly there were people everywhere," he said. "They surrounded us, and then they made their move."
Xie said most of his family's belongings were left inside the house when it was destroyed.
"We only managed to get the beds and bedding out in time, but the cupboards and kitchen equipment were all buried underneath," he said. "We'll have to stay in a tent next to the house."
Xie said he had tried to contact police for help, to no avail.
"I asked them if they could just demolish my house with no formalities like that, and they said it was none of my concern," he said.
Hired gangs
Groups of unidentified men have been intimidating local residents in recent days, including gangs of hired muscle who have banged on their windows and doors with sticks, and high-volume propaganda broadcasts at 5.00 a.m.
"A group of people wearing camouflage clothes were banging on the windows and doors with sticks, and kicking the doors telling us we have to move out by tomorrow because the house is being demolished," local resident and former democratically elected village chief Xu Kun told RFA on Monday.
"Local people asked them if they had any paperwork, but they just said no, the land has been requisitioned and you have to move," Xu said. "They turned up their speakers to high volume at 5.00 a.m. so we couldn't sleep."
He said local people are now too scared to go out in case the authorities demolish their homes when they are out.
"Everyone's indoors, protecting their homes, now, and they won't open the door or go out," Xu told RFA.
Xu said only around a dozen households remain in the village, which has fought a long and bitter battle against a massive land grab by its local government in recent years.
The demolition of the Xie family home came after a similar operation in February that demolished the home of Baihutou village resident Lin Fu.
Campaign follows complaints
The demolition campaign comes after more than 40 Baihutou residents lodged a complaint about their the actions of Beihai municipal officials with the Guangxi regional land and resources bureau.
The villagers say the land in question is collectively owned, and cannot be taken away at will. Officials are reportedly planning to build a luxury hotel on the spot.
Repeated calls to the Beihai municipal government offices rang unanswered during office hours on Monday.
Repeated requisitioning by local officials of Baihutou's land for tourism developing has been sparking protests and mass petitions since 2006, but demolitions and forced evictions have continued.
Reported by Yang Fan for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie.
Investigators from a Myanmar commission probing reports of recent violence against Rohingya Muslims in the northern part of restive Rakhine state will draft a balanced report based on fact-finding missions in Rakhine villages and refugee camps in neighboring Bangladesh, where tens of thousands of the minority group have fled from a crackdown, a member of the body said Tuesday.
Members of the Maungdaw Investigation Commission, appointed by the Rakhine state parliament last October, have wrapped up a fact-finding trip to the area and will soon meet with another group of members from the body that went to Bangladesh, said commission member Saw Thalay Saw.
Most of them [residents of the affected townships in northern Rakhine] are getting back to their business, and they have been receiving help from the state government and international nongovernmental organizations, she said.
We will hold a meeting about our visits and will work on reaching a decision about them, she said.
Maungdaw commission members went to northern Rakhine state on March 17 and met with border guard police and local government officials, as well as with resettled families and individuals who fled during the October attacks, Myanmar News Agency reported
The commission members also discussed plans to ensure health care, shelter, and food for residents, the report said.
The commissions two groups will discuss having a balanced point of view from both sidesRohingya who accuse security forces of committing atrocities against them and ethnic Rakhine villagers whose accounts differ from those of the Rohingya, Saw Thalay Saw said.
Some Rohingya have accused Myanmar security forces of carrying out extrajudicial killings, torture, arson and rape during a four-month crackdown following a deadly attack on local border guard posts last October that was blamed on Rohingya militants.
About 1,000 people have died during the security operations, and more than 77,000 have fled mainly to Bangladesh where they have sought refuge in displaced persons camps.
The group from the Maungdaw Investigation Commission that went to Bangladesh to talk to Rohingya about the alleged rights abuses has completed its trip.
Ten investigators questioned about 35 Rohingya in relief camps in southern Bangladesh, who gave accounts of persecution and horrors they faced, according to a report by TRT World, the international news platform of the Turkish Radio and Television Corp.
Saw Thalay Saw, who is also a lawmaker from Shwegyin in Bago region, told RFAs Myanmar Service last week that the group was going to Bangladesh to investigate what happened to those who fled Myanmar and to check both sides in order to get complete information.
It is not known when the commission will complete its second report and submit it to the Rakhine state government. The first report was submitted to Rakhine lawmakers on Dec. 27, 2016.
No proper strategy
In February, the commission completed another fact-finding mission in the affected areas to investigate United Nations allegations of human rights violations against Rohingya Muslims in northern Rakhine that said abuses committed by soldiers and police during the crackdown indicated the very likely commission of crimes against humanity.
At the time, Saw Thalay Saw told RFA that the commission members visited several villages in Maungdaw township, one of the areas under security lockdown, and investigated the differences between the U.N. report and the situation on the ground.
Rights groups have criticized the investigation commission and three others set up by President Htin Kyaw, the Myanmar army, and the police to look into reports of atrocities against the Rohingya during the security operations.
The Rohingya face routine discrimination in Buddhist-majority Myanmar where they are denied citizenship and other basic rights.
All problems in Rakhine from the past and present have occurred because each government has been unable to solve them with the proper strategy, Rakhine state lawmaker Zaw Zaw Myint told RFA on Tuesday.
He went on to say that the situation in Rakhine will never be resolved as long as the rights of the ethnic Buddhist Rakhine people are not taken into consideration.
Crimes against humanity
U.N. special rapporteur to Myanmar Yanghee Lee, who recently visited the affected areas in northern Rakhine state and Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, told CNN on Monday that the violence could indicate crimes against humanity committed in the Southeast Asia nation.
When Lee visited refugee camps in Bangladesh, she spoke with more than 140 people about the reports of indiscriminate killings, arson, torture, and rape during the four-month-long-security operations in northern Rakhine state.
When asked by CNN if the crisis in Rakhine amounted to genocide, she said, I would not use that word right now, but from the allegations I heard and from where I saw it, it could amount to crimes against humanity.
Though Lee has called for a U.N. inquiry commission to look into the recent violence against the Rohingya in Rakhine state, she said the international community really did not have the appetite for it.
On March 16, the European Union submitted a draft resolution to the U.N. Human Rights Council calling for an immediate international probe of human rights violations by the military against Muslim Rohingya in Myanmars Rakhine state.
Members of the Human Rights Council will vote on the resolution this week.
Reported by Waiyan Moe Myint and Min Theing Aung for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
A Tibetan monk detained last week after launching a solo protest in Sichuans Ngaba county is being held at an army camp in critical condition after suffering beatings and other abuse at the hands of police, Tibetan sources say.
Lobsang Dargye, a monk belonging to Ngabas Kirti monastery, was taken into custody on March 16 after calling out for Tibetan freedom while walking along a main road of the county seat, and his place of detention at first remained unknown, a local source told RFAs Tibetan Service.
But through the efforts of many people, his location was finally traced to a newly built army camp in Ngaba county, RFAs source said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
He has been severely tortured while in detention, and is now in critical condition, the source said.
[Dargyes] family, relatives, and classmates at the monastery are concerned that he may die from the beatings he now endures each day, and they are also worried about what the Chinese authorities may be forcing him to confess to, he said.
Dargyes family members have been called in for questioning by police, and on March 18, Chinese police arrived at Kirti monastery to question his teacher, the source said, adding that a Tibetan laywoman named Dukpe later staged a protest of her own in Ngaba on that same day.
Dargyes and Dukpes protests were quickly blocked owing to the presence in Ngaba of large numbers of security forces sent to clamp down on the town on the anniversary of a failed Tibetan uprising on March 10, 1959 that led to thousands of deaths and the flight into exile of Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama.
Kirti monastery and Ngabas main town have been the scene of repeated self-immolations and other protests in recent years by monks, former monks, nuns, and other Tibetans opposed to Chinese rule.
Reported by Kunsang Tenzin for RFAs Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney.
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on March 21 said about 20 armed militants who were planning "an armed provocation" in Belarus had been apprehended.
Lukashenka alleged the suspects had been trained in militant camps in Belarus, Ukraine, and "most likely" in Lithuania and Poland. He also accused sources in Lithuania and Poland of funding their activities.
Lukashenka's statement came a day after he referred to political opponents in his country as "the fifth column" that wants "to impose tension in Belarus with financial assistance from Western funds and secret services."
Thousands have taken to the streets in the former Soviet republic in recent weeks to protest an unpopular labor law, in the largest antigovernment demonstrations in Belarus in years.
The protesters are unhappy about government plans to tax what it called "social parasites" -- unemployed people. Protests have continued despite a rare decision by Lukashenka to postpone the measure.
More than 150 protesters have been arrested since March 1. Dozens were either fined or sentenced to up to 15 days in jail.
There have been no reports that the protesters were armed.
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka on March 21 accused Western intelligence agencies of backing a "fifth column" in the country that is causing unrest and threatening stability.
Thousands of people have taken to the streets in the former Soviet republic in recent weeks to protest an unpopular labor law, in the largest antigovernment demonstrations in Belarus in years.
Lukashenka said that "Western funds under the direction of Western security services" are trying to "inflame the situation in Belarus" by backing "hoodlums" who are stirring up the unrest, Belarusian news agencies reported.
Lukashenka vowed that his government would react.
"We can handle this. This is not a problem," he said, adding that the domestic unrest worries him more than the deployment of NATO troops near the Belarusian border.
The protesters are unhappy about government plans to tax what it called "social parasites" -- unemployed people. Protests have continued despite a rare decision by Lukashenka to postpone the measure.
More than 150 of the protesters have been arrested across Belarus since March 1.
Lukashenka, who has been in power for more than two decades, has suppressed opposition and independent media since coming to office in 1994.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Interfax
Over the past several weeks, the long-standing tensions between Georgian President Giorgi Margvelashvili and the ruling Georgian Dream party have reached a new level of hostility.
Having declared three months ago that he would not participate in the work of the commission tasked with drafting a new constitution because he was not named to co-chair it, Margvelashvili recently launched his own campaign to solicit citizens' views on what that constitution should look like -- even though the draft the commission is currently working on will be published for nationwide discussion.
Central to the dispute is how Georgia's president should be elected: in a nationwide ballot, or by the parliament. Georgian Dream, which has a constitutional majority in the parliament elected in October 2016, favors abolishing direct elections for the post. This would be in line with constitutional amendments enacted in 2010 by its rival and then ruling United National Movement, under which many presidential powers were transferred to the prime minister, who thus became the country's most powerful official.
True, the president remains nominal head of state and commander in chief of the armed forces, but he no longer formulates domestic or foreign policy, and has been stripped of the right of legislative initiative and the power to convene an emergency parliament session or schedule a referendum.
Margvelashvili, however, whose term in office expires in late 2018, insists that the Georgian people have the right to elect the president. So too do the two factions into which the United National Movement recently split, and which routinely seek to disparage and where possible undermine any initiative by Georgian Dream.
Margvelashvili was selected as Georgian Dream's presidential candidate in spring 2013 by then-Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, and was duly elected president in October of that year with 62 percent of the vote, compared to 22 percent for the United National Movement's Davit Bakradze. It was only after that ballot that the constitutional amendments passed three years earlier took effect.
Ivanishvili resigned shortly after that election, and was succeeded as prime minister by Interior Minister Irakli Garibashvili, who is 13 years younger than Margvelashvili. Relations between them proved tense and difficult. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, who was named prime minister in December 2015 following Garibashvili's sudden resignation, has sought to establish a congenial relationship with the president despite Margvelashvili's sometimes inappropriate statements and erratic behavior.
Even before the parliament's constitutional commission convened for its first session in late December, the possibility of abolishing direct elections for the post of president was under discussion. Margvelashvili repeatedly criticized that proposal as unwarranted. He was quoted by Interpressnews.ge on February 7 as telling Iberia TV that the Georgian people should be able to elect their president, and that "I still have not heard a single cogent argument why that right should be taken from us and given to someone else."
Georgian Dream then came up with a compromise proposal. Parliament speaker Irakli Kobakhidze announced that "in order to preclude speculation, the ruling party considers it expedient" that in 2018 the president should be elected by a direct nationwide vote, and the transition to an indirect election should take place only in 2023. Given the constitutional limit on any individual serving more than two consecutive presidential terms, Margvelashvili will not be eligible to run in that ballot.
That proposed compromise only served to exacerbate the situation, however. Margvelashvili publicly attributed that compromise proposal to public pressure to retain direct elections. At the same time, he continued to protest that the proposed abolition of direct elections is directed against him personally. Presidential-administration head Giorgi Abashishvili similarly suggested in early March that the creation of the constitutional commission was simply a smokescreen for making "a specific decision," clearly meaning abolishing direct elections for the post of president.
Kobakhidze responded with a categorical denial that the proposal to postpone the abolition of direct elections was made under pressure from the public at large, saying that the commission had taken Margvelashvili's position into account. He went on to warn that if Margvelashvili continued to make "incorrect comments," the commission might withdraw that proposal and opt instead for the indirect election of the president in 2018.
That injudicious statement is likely to haunt Kobakhidze for some time. Levan Bezhashvili, a leading member of the United National Movement, described it as "the reaction of an angry and outraged child," while Abashishvili sarcastically queried the rationale for tailoring constitutional amendments in response to statements by the president.
Even veteran lawmaker Vakhtang Khmaladze, a member of the constitutional commission and one of the co-authors of the 1995 constitution, conceded that Kobakhidze's statement was not entirely appropriate -- although he was even more critical of Margvelashvili.
Then, on March 10, Margvelashvili convened a special press conference, to which NGO representatives and foreign diplomats were invited, at which he announced his The Constitution Belongs To All campaign. Civil.ge quoted him as stressing that the campaign was not intended as an alternative to the parliamentary commission's deliberations, but to further that process by democratic means. Whether by oversight or design, that press conference was scheduled to coincide with a plenary parliament session; consequently, Georgian Dream parliament members failed to show up.
Kobakhidze, who unlike Margvelashvili is a trained constitutional lawyer, construed Margvelashvili's initiative as deliberate defiance of both the parliament and the constitutional commission, and as demonstrating regrettable lack of respect for the parliament as an institution. He recalled that the parliament alone is empowered to conduct the process of public review of the proposed constitutional amendments, and appealed to Margvelashvili to "set aside his narrow political interests" and involve himself in the constitutional commission's work.
Margvelashvili has not yet responded to that appeal, or commented on a new proposal floated by Khmaladze last week. That proposal, namely, that the president should be selected by the 150 lawmakers plus 150 representatives of local government, represents a retreat from the commission's offer to postpone the abolition of direct elections for president. Khmaladze said it would give greater legitimacy to the election process.
The dispute over electing the president is likely to resurface in early April, when Margvelashvili is scheduled to deliver his annual address to parliament. Meanwhile, it is likely to be eclipsed by his veto on March 20 of the revised law on electronic surveillance the parliament passed in the third and final reading three weeks ago.
The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL
The view south from Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan as spring sets in must be cause for some apprehension. Across the border, the security situation in northern Afghanistan has been sharply deteriorating since 2014.
For the previous decade or more, northern Afghanistan had been a relatively peaceful area -- particularly in the northwest, far from the problems of the Kabul, Kandahar, and Jalalabad regions of Afghanistan. During this more peaceful time, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan implemented projects -- bridges, railways -- to better connect them to their southern neighbor.
There was fighting throughout this last winter in the Afghan provinces bordering Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, and the usual Taliban spring offensive is expected soon. If you listen to some Afghan officials, and others, it's not only the Taliban who are a threat in northern Afghanistan now.
There are some militant groups that include Central Asian nationals.
There is also a pro-Islamic State (IS) radio station calling itself Sedai Khelafat, mobile and with very limited range, which now broadcasts in northern Afghanistan, often in the Tajik and Uzbek languages.
And this year, there are also creeping suspicions among some in Afghanistan that the governments in Turkmenistan and Tajikistan are dealing with people in Afghanistan whom the Afghan government considers the enemy.
It's a chaotic situation that promises to become much worse very soon, all the more so since some of the Central Asian militants who went to join IS or other militant groups in Syria and Iraq are reportedly making their way back from inevitable defeats there to Afghanistan.
So with spring coming, Qishloq Ovozi takes a look at what has been happening recently in the northern Afghan provinces that border Tajikistan and Turkmenistan.
There is violence in Balkh Province (which borders Uzbekistan), the Taliban attack on the German Consulate in November being one example. But in Balkh, the violence is either lower than in the three provinces to the east and four to the west, or bloodshed receives less media coverage. In any case, it is not part of this review.
The situations in Bahglan, Samandar, and Sari Pul, which are just south of Takhar, Kunduz, Balkh, and Jowzjan, and east of Faryab, are arguably worse than in those provinces bordering Central Asia. But since they are not on the frontier with Central Asia, they are also excluded from this review.
The View South From Turkmenistan
The length of the Turkmen-Afghan border is 744 kilometers, although, as is the case with the Tajik-Afghan border, there are other figures for this frontier.
The Amu Darya River forms about the first 100 kilometers of the eastern Turkmen-Afghan border before turning sharply north, heading toward the Aral Sea.
From there, the Turkmen-Afghan border dips toward the southwest through relatively flat, sandy land, much of which is in or on the edges of the Gara-Gum (Kara-Kum) Desert. One more river -- the Murghab -- forms some 16 kilometers of Turkmenistan's border with Afghanistan's Badghis Province.
The Afghan provinces that border Turkmenistan are, from east to west: Jowzjan, Faryab, Badghis, and Herat.
This area was arguably the most peaceful part of Afghanistan for more than a decade after the U.S.-led military operation started in late 2001.
The situation started to change in spring 2013, when hundreds of Taliban militants fought a weeklong battle with government forces in the Qaysar district of Faryab Province.
A small number of militants from the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan (IMU) had already started arriving in northwestern Afghanistan to help train local Taliban fighters, including teaching them how to make improvised explosive devices.
Pakistan's military operation in North Waziristan in summer 2014 pushed a large group of IMU fighters and their families (hundreds of them at least) into Afghanistan with many making their way to the northwestern provinces bordering Turkmenistan. Violence increased noticeably across northern Afghanistan after their arrival.
In late 2015, another group of IMU fighters arrived in Herat Province. This group was reportedly sent by IMU leader Usman Ghazi after he declared the group's allegiance to the IS militant group. Their purpose in Herat was to fight alongside a Taliban splinter group that had also declared loyalty to IS, in a battle with a group of "traditional" Taliban fighters.
The traditional Taliban faction eventually crushed their opponents, but some of the pro-IS IMU and Taliban militants escaped into other areas of northwest Afghanistan.
Residents and officials in Jowzjan Province blame IS for burning down some 60 houses in a village in late December and for killing six Afghan employees of the International Committee of the Red Cross in early February.
In late October, Rahmattulah Hashar, the head of Jowzjan's Darzab district, said the "armed people of Daesh [IS]" captured four villages in his district. The Afghan Islamic Press reported IS militants had killed a Taliban commander in Darzab and captured nine Taliban fighters.
In the extremely confusing situation in northwest Afghanistan, it is often difficult to say who exactly the enemy is. Afghan officials have repeatedly said that some militants, especially the foreign militants, alternate between calling themselves Taliban and IS.
Hashar does make a distinction, as he has specifically accused the Taliban of attacks in his district. And the Taliban does have a presence in Darzab district. A spokesman for the Jowzjan governor's office, Mohammad Reza Ghafari, said on February 15 that Taliban fighters abducted 52 farmers in Darzab. Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed their capture, saying the farmers were "planting on disputed land" and a Taliban court would decide whether to punish them.
Darzab is in the southern part of Jowzjan Province. The two districts bordering Turkmenistan -- Qarqeen and Khamyab -- where the government exerts at best tenuous control, have been relatively quiet in recent months, possibly due to an offensive that Afghanistan's vice president, General Abdul Rashid Dostum, led in Jowzjan and Faryab provinces in October.
An earlier security operation led by Dostum in October 2015 in the Khamyab district chased militants to an island in the Amu Darya, where the latter encountered border guards from Turkmenistan. The episode ended peacefully for the Turkmen border guards, who instructed the militants to return to the Afghan side of the river. For the militants, it reportedly ended in annihilation once they reached the south bank of the river.
More worrisome for the Turkmen government are events in the Ghormach district of Faryab Province. In mid-September, the Taliban launched an offensive in Faryab's southern Qaysar, Pushtun Kot, Khwaja Sabz, Almar, and Ghormach districts. On October 11, the Taliban captured Ghormach and held it for some 10 days before Dostum's attacks chased them from the district.
More than two years earlier, on May 24, 2014, an armed group crossed from Ghormach into Turkmenistan, killed three Turkmen soldiers, and took their weapons back with them into Afghanistan.
Further complicating the situation, in mid-March, fighting broke out between supporters of two pro-government parties, Jamiat-e Islami and Junbesh-e Melli Islami. At least five people were reported killed. Eight policemen were also wounded when both sides opened fire on them. The same two groups were involved in violence in Faryab in March 2016.
The first militants to cross the Turkmen border did so in February 2014 from the Badghis Province. They killed three Turkmen border guards.
Badghis has not seen the intensity of fighting witnessed in the Faryab and Jowzjan provinces recently, but it has become the second-largest area of opium-poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, according to a 2016 report from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.
In addition to the problems in Jowzjan, Faryab, and Badghis, the biggest concern for Turkmenistan at the moment just came from Herat. On March 8, an influential mujahedin commander from the days of the Soviet occupation, Ismail Khan, accused the Turkmen government of supplying arms to the Taliban. Khan said he told Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov that "weapons [sent] to Herat are supplied from Turkmenistan." (There has been fighting for weeks in Herat's southern Shindand district.)
Turkmenistan quickly dismissed Khan's accusation as "baseless," but more people in northwest Afghanistan are likely to believe Khan than the Turkmen government.
Turkmenistan is officially a neutral country, a designation granted by the United Nations in 1995. Turkmenistan successfully stayed out of the Afghan conflicts of the 1990s by remaining neutral. The killing of Turkmen troops by militants from Afghanistan raises questions about how much respect fighters in northwest Afghanistan now have for Turkmenistan's neutrality.
The Turkmen government is at least hedging its bets. Since the incidents in 2014, Turkmenistan has significantly increased defense spending, called up reserves, and reportedly deployed some 80 percent of its forces along the frontier with Afghanistan.
The Turkmen government has also pursued an often erratic policy toward the neighboring Afghan provinces, at first making contact with villages across the frontier and offering help with projects for river containment, electricity, and various forms of humanitarian aid, then changing policies and constructing barriers and ditches on the Turkmen side of the border.
Turkmen authorities also once allowed commanders of Afghan paramilitary forces to receive medical treatment in Ashgabat.
Officially, Ashgabat says there are no problems along the Afghan border.
The View South From Tajikistan
The length of the Tajik-Afghan border is unclear. The two most widely used figures for the border length are 1,206 or 1,344 kilometers. But if you drew a straight line from the easternmost point of their common border to the westernmost part, the distance would be about half that. The border zigzags from the east, through the Pamir Mountains until it hits the headwaters of the Pyanj (later Amu Darya) River, after which the meandering river becomes the border.
Most of the Tajik-Afghan border runs through the Pamir Mountains, only the last several hundred kilometers of the western frontier pass through the lowlands.
The Afghan provinces that border Tajikistan are, from east to west, Badakhshan, Takhar, and Kunduz.
In addition to Taliban fighters in these provinces there are also members of a group Afghan officials called Jundallah, a militant band that originated in Central Asia and first appeared in the late 1990s as the IMU and was allied to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda. The IMU sheltered with the Taliban in Pakistan's tribal areas in the first years after the U.S.-led operation started in late 2001.
IMU fighters have been trickling back in northeastern Afghanistan to link up with Taliban units for more than a decade, and several times during this period conflicts with Pakistani tribesmen or Pakistani military operations pushed groups of IMU fighters back into Afghanistan. In recent years, this IMU group was absorbed by its Tajik wing, Jamaat Ansarullah. The originally Uzbek-dominated group now includes several nationalities and is under Tajik command.
This group has maintained its alliance with the Taliban, unlike an IMU group in northwestern Afghanistan.
In late September 2016, the Taliban and Jundallah launched an attack on the provincial capital, Kunduz, briefly seizing it as they had done almost exactly one year earlier. The Taliban also briefly seized Kunduz Province's Qala-e Zal district, which borders Tajikistan. Fighting continues in that district and in the neighboring Imam Sahib district that also borders Tajikistan.
The militants also attacked in the neighboring Takhar and Badakhshan provinces in late September. They overran four districts in Takhar Province, two of which -- Khwaja Gar and Yangi Qala -- directly border Tajikistan.
Another district that borders Tajikistan -- Darqad, in the far northwest of Takhar Province -- has been under Taliban control for some time. There was a drone strike there at the start of March that Afghan forces say killed 15 Taliban militants and that followed Afghan air strikes on Darqad in late February.
Darqad is also the source of serious problems now between the Afghan, Tajik, and Russian governments. (More on that later.)
During that late September offensive, the Taliban also briefly captured two central districts in Badakhshan -- Wardoj and Baharak. Wardoj district has changed hands between government and militant forces several times since 2009.
The government now claims to have control over most of these districts, but attacks and assassinations continue to occur frequently in these three provinces and thinly stretched Afghan government troops move almost constantly from one hot spot to the next.
Kunduz Governor Assadullah Amarkhel said at the start of March that the Taliban were planning to attack the city of Kunduz again. Badakhshan Governor Ahmad Faisal said at the start of March he expected a military operation to start soon to recapture the Yamgan and Wardoj districts in his province. At the end of February, the Afghan National Army announced it had recaptured 14 villages in three districts of Takhar Province.
Of course all of this is a concern to Tajikistan's government -- although not so much because of the threat of the Taliban crossing the border. After all, Tajikistan hosts a Russian military base and together with the Russian military Tajik authorities have established three layers of defense in the Afghan border region.
But the presence of Jundallah, a militant group commanded by ethnic Tajiks, including some from Tajikistan, is something to worry about, especially as the Tajik government cannot claim to enjoy much popularity among its people.
A reported IS presence in the northeast is also causing unease, not only in Dushanbe but in Moscow as well, and that has raised questions in Afghanistan about possible connections the Russian and Tajik governments might have with the Taliban.
At the end of 2015, Tajikistan's independent Asia-Plus news agency reported that Russian officials met that summer with Taliban representatives at the Kulob military base, where Russia's 201st Division was stationed at the time. One of those Taliban representatives was identified as Qari Dinmuhammad Hanif, the commander who controlled the Darqad district in Takhar Province.
Since then, it has become clear that Russia is in contact with the Taliban. Moscow opened a channel to the Taliban after IS appeared in eastern Afghanistan, ostensibly because the Taliban was more effective than government troops at fighting IS in Afghanistan.
Provincial officials and military commanders in Badakhshan, Takhar, and Kunduz have blamed security setbacks on Russia supplying local Taliban units with arms. Afghan Channel 1 TV reported on February 28 that Russia was supplying arms to the Taliban units in Kunduz's Qala-e Zal, Iman Sahib, and Dasht-e Archi districts.
The same accusation has been made to justify Afghan government forces' failure to retake the Darqad district of Takhar Province.
And some Afghan officials have gone so far as to claim Tajikistan was allowing Taliban vehicles entry onto its territory for repair, allowing wounded Taliban to be treated at medical facilities in Tajikistan, and turning a blind eye to militants sheltering on heavily wooded islands in the Pyanj River.
Tajik authorities deny all this, and Russia denies giving weapons to the Taliban. But the mounting distrust serves to further complicate an increasingly chaotic situation.
(Qadir Habib of RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan contributed to this report. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect those of RFE/RL)
Johannes Hahn, the European Unions enlargement commissioner, has said during a visit to Skopje that Macedonia needs to rise above political bickering and form a government as soon as possible to unblock its European Union membership path.
Upon arriving in Skopje on March 21, Hahn said in a tweet: "EU path open for Skopje after last [EU summit] but clock ticking. Need statesmanship instead of tactics. Economy hurting."
Meanwhile, at least 50,000 protesters demonstrated in Skopje during Hahn's visit on March 21 against a proposed coalition government between Social Democrats and ethnic Albanians, which the demonstrators decry as a threat to national unity.
Macedonia is locked in an internal political standoff over the next government and the treatment of ethnic Albanians.
Hahn was meeting political leaders in Skopje on March 21 to discuss ways out of the deadlock.
After December elections, nationalist VMRO-DPMNE leader and former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski was unable to build a governing coalition because he refused demands from ethnic Albanian parties for Albanian to be designated as an official second language.
Social Democrats leader Zoran Zaev agreed with the language demand and tried to form a coalition with the ethnic Albanian parties.
But President Gjorge Ivanov, also from the VMRO-DPMNE, refused to give Zaev the official mandate to do so.
With reporting by Reuters and AP
Lawyers for former Bosnian Serb military leader Ratko Mladic are seeking his provisional release from detention in The Hague on medical grounds, and say that Moscow has guaranteed he will be returned to custody if he is sent to Russia for treatment.
In a motion released on March 21 by the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), Mladic's lawyers said that the 74-year-old's health had significantly deteriorated recently.
Releasing him "is the only just, humane, and medically sound course of action that can ensure he will live to see the trial judgment," the written motion said.
Mladic's trial wrapped up in December. Judges are considering verdicts on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in connection with his role in the 1992-95 Bosnian War.
He faces 11 counts, including charges that he helped orchestrate the 1995 massacre of some 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica and the 44-month siege of Sarajevo, where an estimated 10,000 people were killed by shelling and snipers.
Miodrag Stojanovic, one of Mladic's defense attorneys, told RFE/RL that his lawyers have submitted documentation on his health along with guarantees from Russia that Mladic would be returned to custody at The Hague after examination and treatment in Russia.
There was no immediate comment from Russian officials.
The court said it was the first time Mladic has filed a motion for his provisional release.
Mladic was first indicted in 1995, the final year of the war that killed more than 100,000 people in Bosnia-Herzegovina and displaced about 2 million others.
After years as a fugitive, often protected by Serbian and Bosnian Serb forces, he was arrested in 2011 in Serbia and extradited to The Hague, where his trial began in 2012.
UN prosecutor Alan Tieger called for the court to sentence him to life in prison, saying in December that anything less severe would be "an insult to the victims, living and dead, and an affront to justice."
"No one can fathom the extent of the suffering for which Ratko Mladic is responsible," he said.
With reporting by AP
Moldovan President Igor Dodon dismissed Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Eduard Grama on March 20, citing suspected corruption.
"I expect such initiatives in the nearest future. There are still very many corrupt officials in the government," Dodon wrote on his Facebook page.
Moldova's Prime Minister Pavel Filip had asked Dodon last week to approve the suspension of Grama, who has been detained as a suspect in a scheme to illegally expropriate state-owned vineyards and buildings.
Grama has denied any wrongdoing.
Anticorruption prosecutors say more than a dozen people are suspected of involvement in a scheme to illegally lease land and buildings owned by the National College of Viticulture and Winemaking.
Prosecutors arrested 12 people in the case last year.
Moldova is one of the top producers of wine in the former Soviet Union. Some 70 percent of its wine exports went to the European Union last year.
The former Russian market dried up after Moscow banned imports of Moldovan wine, fruit, and some vegetables in 2014, shortly after Moldova signed an association agreement with the EU.
Based on reporting by AP and TASS
A suspect in the deadly 2002 hostage-taking attack on a Moscow theater has been sentenced to 19 years in prison.
The Moscow Regional Military Court pronounced the sentence on March 21 after convicting Khasan Zakayev of assisting Chechen militants in the attack on the Dubrovka theater during a performance of the musical Nord-Ost.
Zakayev's arrest was announced in March 2015. He pleaded "partially" guilty, acknowledging that he transported guns to Moscow shortly before the assault but had no idea what they were intended to be used for.
Militants interrupted the performance on October 22, 2002, and took the audience hostage.
All the hostage-takers inside the theater were killed when Russian special forces released a toxic chemical agent and then stormed the building on October 26.
An NGO that advocates for victims and their relatives says that 174 hostages also died, most of them due to insufficient medical care they received after breathing the gas.
Many hostages suffocated after being dragged from the building and left lying unconscious on their backs outside.
Russian officials have said that 130 hostages died.
With reporting by Interfax and TASS
A U.S. military commander says a U.S.-led battalion of more than 1,100 NATO soldiers will be deployed in Poland from the start of April as the alliances sets up a new force in response to the Russian occupation and annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.
U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel Steven Gventer, who heads the battle group, said on March 20 that the battalion was "a mission, not a cycle of training events."
Gventer said "the purpose is to deter aggression in the Baltics and in Poland" and that the force is "fully ready to be lethal."
More than 900 U.S. soldiers, about 150 British troops, and some 120 Romanian soldiers will make up the battalion in northeastern Poland.
It is one four multinational formations across the Baltic region that Russia has condemned as an aggressive strategy on its frontiers.
Britain, Canada, and Germany are leading the other three battle groups in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania.
Those deployments are due to be operational by June and will have support from a several other NATO nations, including France.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
A major new investigative report has detailed how at least $20 billion was moved out of Russia between 2010 and 2014 in what it describes as a massive money-laundering scheme.
According to The Global Laundromat, an investigative report coordinated by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) together with local partners in Russia, Moldova, and elsewhere and published on March 20, many of the Russians allegedly involved have ties to the Russian government and the Russian security services.
"Some of the funds may have been diverted from the Russian treasury through fraud, rigging of state contracts, or customs and tax evasion," the report says.
The latest OCCRP investigation follows up on its initial 2014 report on the alleged money-laundering.
In all, the probe documented around 70,000 suspicious transactions involving 21 Russian-controlled shell companies sending payments to 96 countries.
In one part of the complex scheme, the report says, two fake shell companies would sign a loan agreement involving a Moldovan citizen. After one company defaulted, a Moldovan court would order it to repay the loan to an account in Moldindconbank. This laundered money then could be transferred to banks in the West and other parts of the world. A total of about $8 billion was moved in this way, the report says.
Another $13 billion allegedly moved through Latvia's Trast Komercbanka during the same period.
Since the scheme was first reported in 2014, Moldova, Latvia, and the United Kingdom have launched criminal investigations, but "attempts to bring those responsible to justice and to recover the money have been hampered in part by the reluctance of Russian officials to cooperate," the report states.
With reporting by AFP and The Guardian
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered the two main border crossings with Afghanistan to be reopened on March 20, calling it a "goodwill gesture."
The border closures on February 16 had left hundreds of thousands of people stranded at the two major crossings of Torkham and Chaman.
Pakistan shut the Torkham crossing between Peshawar to Jalalabad and Chaman crossing between Quetta and Kandahar after more than 130 people were killed in a series of attacks by militants that Islamabad said resided in Afghanistan. Afghanistan denies harboring them.
The closures hit travelers and cross-border trade heavily, stranding thousands of vehicles on both sides of the border.
Haji Aslam, head of the Transit Union, representing drivers on both sides of the border, said some 4,000 trucks had been held up on the Afghan side of the border and 6,000 on the Pakistan side, where tons of fresh produce meant for export has rotted and been thrown away.
Sharif's decision to reopen the border came days after top diplomats from Pakistan and Afghanistan met in London for talks to address each other's concerns about alleged terrorist hideouts in the border regions.
Based on reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters
A lawyer representing the family of the deceased Russian whistle-blower Sergei Magnitsky has been hospitalized in Moscow with serious injuries after falling several stories.
The incident on March 21 happened one day before he was to appear in court in connection with the Magnitsky case.
Magnitsky's former employer, U.S.-born British investor Bill Browder, said in a statement on March 21 that lawyer Nikolai Gorokhov was "thrown from the fourth floor of his apartment building."
Russian news reports suggested his fall may have been an accident.
Magnitsky's death in November 2009 while in pretrial detention in Moscow was the catalyst for a 2012 U.S. law, which Browder lobbied for, allowing sanctions against alleged Russian rights abusers.
Magnitsky's family and friends say he was jailed, tortured, and denied medical treatment that could have saved his life as retribution for accusing law-enforcement and tax officials of stealing $230 million from Russian coffers.
Browder said in his March 21 statement that Gorokhov was set to appear before a Moscow appeals court on March 22.
Browder said Gorokhov planned to argue against a lower court's refusal to consider a new criminal complaint from Magnitsky's mother in connection with the fraud that her son uncovered.
Two Kremlin-loyal news outlets reported on March 21 that Gorokhov fell while trying to move a Jacuzzi up to his apartment together with two movers.
Those reports included photos and a video of a shattered tub outside a building. The news outlets claimed it was the Jacuzzi that was being moved.
The respected independent Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta cited a representative of Browders company, Hermitage Capital, as saying Gorokhov was trying to bring a bathtub up to his apartment.
But it said the circumstances behind his fall remain murky.
With reporting by echo.msk.ru, Life.ru, ren.tv, and Novaya Gazeta
A firebrand nationalist Russian lawmaker has called for a criminal investigation of the Freemasons, saying the fraternal organization is engaging in illegal political activity.
The call by State Duma member Vitaly Milonov was met quickly with derision by the Freemason organization in Russia, which released a statement on Facebook saying Milonov's call was based on unfounded rumor.
Milonov accused the Freemasons of violating a Russian law forbidding domestic political activity by foreign and transnational organizations.
In addition to mocking Milonov, the Freemasons cited several famous historical figures among its Russian members -- including author Aleksandr Pushkin and Prince Mikhail Kutuzov, the 19th-century Russian military commander who repelled Napoleon's invasion.
Milonov, who represents a St. Petersburg district in the lower house of parliament, gained notoriety as the author of the 2013 national law outlawing "gay propaganda."
The Freemasons in Russia are led by Andrei Bogdanov, a veteran political operative who ran as a liberal candidate for president in 2008 against President Vladimir Putin's handpicked successor -- Dmitry Medvedev.
Bogdanov's unassertive 2008 campaign was widely seen as being approved by the Kremlin to give the election a veneer of competition.
With reporting by Current Time TV
Tamara Grechukhina was 15 years old in 1938 when her father was locked up by Soviet dictator Josef Stalin's secret police. Soon afterward, her mother died of tuberculosis. The family's property was confiscated.
Nearly three decades later, under Nikita Khrushchev's partial de-Stalinization known as The Thaw, an adult Grechukhina wrote to Soviet authorities from her home in Poland to request rehabilitation for her father and information about his fate.
In response, she learned only that Dmitry Grechukhin had been executed in February 1939 for what the government described tersely as "violating socialist legality" while working as an officer in the secret police, then known as the NKVD.
A generation later, at the peak of the perestroika initiative in 1988 of yet another Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, Grechukhina inquired again for details -- and again, her request was refused.
'Who Was My Great-Grandfather?'
After Grechukhina died, her granddaughter, Agatha Opyrchal, quietly hoped someday to learn the truth about her great-grandfather.
"My grandmother died when I was 12," Opyrchal tells RFE/RL's Russian Service. "She never knew what her father did or why he was arrested. She didn't know why he was executed. I never doubted that sooner or later I would get to the bottom of what happened with my great-grandfather."
Her family, she says, knew that Dmitry Grechukhin worked for the NKVD, but they rarely talked about him or his fate.
Opyrchal was born in Poland, but has lived for many years in Britain. She doesn't speak Russian and has lost contact with her Russian relatives. But in November, she read an article in The Guardian by RFE/RL journalists that told the story of Denis Karagodin, a resident of the Siberian city of Tomsk who successfully investigated the 1938 execution of his great-grandfather and even found out the names of the NKVD officers who shot him.
So Opyrchal decided to write to Karagodin to ask if he had any information about Dmitry Grechukhin. Karagodin's answer was painful for her to read.
"Your great-grandfather was a mass murderer," he wrote. In fact, Grechukhin appears in a database of Stalinist secret-police agents that was put online last year by the Memorial human rights group.
A Celebrated Killer
In the shadowy world of the NKVD, which is still concealed by closed archives, Grechukhin's name and brutality stand out. He was born to a peasant family in 1903 and completed just four years of school. Before his arrest, he worked in "the organs" for 15 years.
Things moved fast for him toward the end. In 1937, he became head of the NKVD's branch in the Krasnoyarsk region. Under his watch, the local NKVD sent a letter to Moscow asking that its quota for executions of enemies of the state be raised from 750 to 6,600, a request that was approved.
As a reward for his diligence, Grechukhin was given an Order of the Red Star and transferred to head the NKVD branch in Ukraine's Odesa region and then to serve as acting deputy head of Ukraine's NKVD section in Kyiv.
"Just a few months after his arrival in Odesa, Dmitry Grechukhin reported to Kyiv about his successes in removing some 7,691 representatives of 'unwelcome elements' from the border regions to Kazakhstan," Ukrainian historian Oleh Bazhan, who is researching NKVD executioners who were active in Ukraine, tells RFE/RL.
At the time, Bazhan explains, Stalin was interested in repressing ethnic groups associated with territories of the Russian Empire that had been lost after World War I, including Romanians, Poles, Latvians, Lithuanians, Estonians, and Finns.
Grechukhin was a member of the Odesa region's so-called "troika," a panel of three officials that served as a rubber-stamp court for Stalin's repressions.
"The Odesa troika of the NKVD in the first half of 1930 authorized more than 3,000 executions," Bazhan says. "On Grechukhin's personal order [after he had been transferred to Kyiv], a wave of mass arrests of former Red Army soldiers swept over the entire republic in July and August 1938."
A Persecution Too Far
In September 1938, Grechukhin was transferred to the Rostov region, a move that marked the beginning of the end for him. For unknown reasons, he launched a drive to implicate famed novelist Mikhail Sholokhov, who won the 1965 Nobel Prize for literature largely for works he wrote in the 1920s and 1930s, in a supposed Cossack plot to overthrow the Soviet Union. Much of Grechukhin's story is known now because of his involvement in this ill-fated intrigue.
Grechukhin sent a former security agent named Ivan Pogorelov to infiltrate Sholokhov's inner circle and develop "evidence" of the plot. Pogorelov, however, betrayed Grechukhin and revealed his mission to Sholokhov. Sholokhov complained to Stalin directly, who took the legendary writer's side.
Grechukhin, like many of the NKVD killers who rose to prominence under NKVD head Nikolai Yezhov, who was himself arrested in 1938 and executed in 1940, was arrested in December 1938, and executed less than three months later.
Closing The Past
"I was shaken when I read that he was guilty of so much evil," Agatha Opyrchal tells RFE/RL. "But I want to know everything down to the last detail. I want to find my relatives in Russia."
"I think it is time for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the victims and of the organizers of the Great Terror to begin to speak about the past," she adds.
Karagodin, the man from Tomsk who has investigated the execution of his great-grandfather, tells RFE/RL that he gets many comments from descendants of NKVD agents on his website, which aggregates documents about his investigation.
"They generally use swear words and say things like 'this is all a lie' or 'this guy was really a good guy and you shouldn't write about him here,'" he adds.
He says that correspondence such as his exchange with Opyrchal is practically unique -- "humanitarian exceptions," he calls them.
Karagodin adds that he does not believe Opyrchal will be granted access to her great-grandfather's file. The state does not release such information on people who were rejected for rehabilitation, a policy that helps conceal the crimes of Soviet government agents to this day.
"Dmitry Grechukhin is a mass murderer -- that is an established fact," Karagodin says. "It has been confirmed repeatedly by the government itself, the same government that in fact hired him to carry out that work. Therefore, access to Grechukhin's execution file will likely be refused for this formal reason. That's the law."
This year, Russia is marking the 80th anniversary of Stalin's Great Terror and the 100th anniversary of the 1917 Bolshevik coup. President Vladimir Putin, himself a former communist and KGB agent, has stressed the importance of not allowing these events to increase divisions or dissension in society.
Robert Coalson contributed to this report
MOSCOW -- A postgraduate student at Moscow State University (MGU) says he was beaten and interrogated by the Federal Security Service (FSB) after he exposed a makeshift Ukrainian flag on the third anniversary of Russia's illegal annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.
MGU history department student Zakhar Sarapulov told RFE/RL on March 21 that he was taken to a nearby police station, where he was beaten and questioned for two hours by men who said things suggesting they were FSB officers.
He said he was then forced to write a statement agreeing to work as an FSB informer.
According to Sarapulov, the officers threatened that he would be expelled from the university unless he signed the agreement.
The Moscow radio station Govorit Moskva, however, quoted a duty officer at the police station as saying that no such incident had occurred there.
The flag-displaying incident happened on March 18 during a concert marking the third anniversary of Crimea's annexation by Russia. The concert on the university grounds was attended by hundreds of thousands people.
Sarapulov said he waved the Ukrainian flag from his dormitory window to protest the amount of state money that was spent for the celebration while dilapidated student accommodations have been neglected for decades.
The Russian Foreign Ministry said on March 20 that it had summoned Israel's ambassador to express concern about air strikes that hit close to Russian forces last week around the Syrian city of Palmyra.
Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said that Ambassador Gary Koren was summoned on March 17 and "asked about" the strikes. The ministry "expressed concern" about the action taking place near Russian military locations, he said.
Russia, which has been backing Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's troops with a bombing campaign in the country's six-year civil war, said earlier this month that more than 180 of its troops have started demining efforts around the ancient city of Palmyra's historic monuments.
Russia and Israel have set up a "hotline" aimed at avoiding air clashes over Syria. Bogdanov said Moscow "would like this channel to work more effectively" to ensure no "misunderstanding on who is doing what."
Israeli warplanes struck several targets on March 17, prompting retaliatory Syrian missile launches, in the most serious incident between the two countries since the war began six years ago.
Israel's military said it was targeting weapons bound for Lebanon's Hizballah movement, an Iranian-backed militia which has been battling for years alongside Assad's forces.
Syria's military said it had downed an Israeli plane and hit another as they were carrying out predawn strikes near Palmyra, which the government recaptured from the Islamic State this month.
The Israeli military denied that any planes had been hit.
On March 19, Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman threatened to destroy Syria's air defense systems "without the slightest hesitation" if there was a similar incident in the future.
Russia has deployed its own high-tech missile defense systems to Syria to protect its forces there.
Russia's summons of the Israeli ambassador comes within days of a meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Moscow where they said they discussed the Syrian conflict.
The slap at Israel prompted Assad to say on March 20 that his ally Russia will play an important role in preventing any further clashes between his forces and Israel.
"Russia can play a role so that Israel no longer attacks Syria," Assad told Russian journalists.
With reporting by AFP, dpa, Interfax, and TASS
ON MY MIND
As the new report by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (featured below) revealed, at least $20 billion has been laundered out of Russia and found its way to more than 5,000 companies with accounts in 732 banks in 96 countries. As a report by the EUObserver (featured below) notes, much of the black cash ended up in EU member states. And as I note on today's Daily Vertical, it is highly unlikely that an operation of this magnitude involving figures with ties to the Russian authorities wasn't Kremlin sanctioned -- and didn't have a foreign-policy purpose.
We know, thanks to the OCCRP report, that some of the funds went to a pro-Russian think tank in Poland. How much of it was used to finance the plethora of so-called "alternative media" outlets in Europe that push a Euroskeptic and pro-Kremlin agenda? Many have long suspected that the Kremlin was behind many of these outlets, but their opaque financing makes it difficult to prove. How much of it was used for active measures campaigns and black ops?
The OCCRP report shines a light on not just a brazen and massive money-laundering conspiracy. It could also shine a light on one of the Kremlin's most effective weapons in its effort to divide and destabilize Europe.
IN THE NEWS
A major new investigative report has detailed how at least $20 billion was moved out of Russia between 2010 and 2014 in what it describes as a massive money-laundering scheme.
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson will make his first visit to Russia as part of a European trip in May but will not attend a NATO meeting in April.
The Russian anti-doping agency, which has been suspended over an alleged cover-up of widespread doping in Russia, has named Tatyana Chirkina its new acting chief executive.
The Russian Foreign Ministry says it has summoned Israel's ambassador to express concern about air strikes that hit close to Russian forces last week around the Syrian city of Palmyra.
Belarusian President Alyaksandr Lukashenka has accused Western intelligence agencies of backing a "fifth column" in the country that is causing unrest and threatening stability.
A U.S. military commander says a U.S.-led battalion of more than 1,100 NATO soldiers will be deployed in Poland from the start of April as the alliance sets up a new force in response to the Russian occupation and annexation of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula.
Russian opposition leader Aleksei Navalny has made the best of what appeared to be the latest attempt to trip up his effort to run for president. After being doused with green antiseptic while opening a campaign office in the Siberian city of Barnaul, Navalny recorded a video and said that whoever did it had done him a favor.
Sergei Mokhnatkin, a Russian opposition activist jailed for assaulting police during a protest in Moscow, has been handed an additional two years in jail.
WHAT I'M READING
Today's Must-Read: The Russian Laundromat
The Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has released it's new report, The Russian Laundromat Exposed, that looks at how $20.8 billion from 19 Russian banks was laundered through more than 5,000 companies with accounts in 732 banks in 96 countries.
In The Guardian, Luke Harding, Nick Hopkins, and Caelainn Barr look at how $740 million was laundered through British banks.
And a report in the EUObserver, breaks down how much of the money ended up in which European Union member states.
Russia's Arms Exports
Richard Connolly and Cecilie Sendstad have a report out for Chatham House on the strategic and economic importance of arms exports for Russia.
Death Of A Bureaucrat
In his column for Republic.ru, opposition journalist Oleg Kashin asks what lessons the Russian elite will learn from the killing of imprisoned Roskosmos official Vladimir Yevdokimov.
Three Years After the Anschluss
Nikolai Klimeniouk has a piece in OpenDemocracy looking at Crimea three years after the Russian annexation.
What Putin Wants
In New York Magazine, Nick Tabor interviews Alexander Vershbow, former deputy secretary-general of NATO and a former U.S. ambassador to Moscow, on Russia's goals in the West.
What's Next In Ukraine?
In a commentary for Eurasianet, David Batashvili, a former member of Georgia's National Security Council, asks, "Are we seeing a lull before the Russian storm" in Ukraine?
Answering Putin's Challenge
Vladimir Kara-Murza has a piece in World Affairs Journal on how to confront Putin's challenge to the West.
Losing the Revolutionary Mojo
As part of The New York Times' Red Century series marking the centennial of the 1917 Russian Revolution, Francis Beckett, author of the books Enemy Within: The Rise And Fall Of The British Communist Party and Stalin's British Victims, looks at how Moscow lost its luster as the capital of socialist revolution.
SRB Podcast
This week's SRB Podcast, hosted by Sean Guillory of the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Russian and Eastern European Studies, focuses on Lenin and the Bolsheviks. Lars Lih, author of the books Bread And Authority In Russia, 1914-1921, Lenin Rediscovered: What Is To Be Done?, In Context, and the recently published Lenin.
Turkish politicians, amid escalating tensions between Ankara and Berlin, say they will not attempt to stage any more rallies in Germany ahead of an April 16 referendum on proposed constitutional changes that would expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Cologne office of Erdogans Justice and Development Party (AKP) said on March 21 that it had cancelled all future events aimed at rallying support for the expansion of presidential powers from some 1.2 million Turkish voters who live in Germany.
Turkey has been embroiled in a bitter diplomatic dispute with Germany and the Netherlands after both countries prevented Turkish ministers from addressing rallies of expatriate Turks, citing safety concerns.
Some German politicians allege that the AKP is trying to influence the diaspora vote not just through public rallies but by covertly pressuring and threatening Erdogan's opponents through religious and business networks.
Erdogan has accused Germany of "Nazi practices" and has said Turkey will not be intimidated by threats to block its stated goal of joining the European Union.
Volker Bouffier, vice chairman of Chancellor Angela Merkel's Christian Democratic Union (CDU) party, said on March 21 that Erdogan had crossed a line and Turkish officials were no longer welcome in Germany.
That statement came a day after Merkel said she reserves the right to block Turkish government officials from staging political rallies on German territory
Erdogan responded on March 21 by repeating his criticism that Germany and other European countries today resemble the "fascist and cruel" aspects of pre-World War II Europe.
Meanwhile, Turkey has threatened to send 15,000 refugees to the EU.
Ankara has also warned that it could cancel a March 2016 deal to curb the number of refugees passing through Turkey on their way to the EU.
The EU needs to keep the accord in place to stem the flow of refugees into the 28-nation bloc.
More than a million refugees, mainly from Syria and elsewhere in the Middle East, have poured into the EU since 2015 after passing through Turkey and the Balkans.
German nationalistshave also been angered by Erdogan's call on March 17 for Turks who live in Europe to have at least five children in response to what he called Europe's "injustices."
That remark by Erdogan has led to renewed calls in Germany for an end to dual citizenship.
Erdogan, who survived an attempted military coup last July, has said he needs the presidency to be strengthened through constitutional changes to ensure Turkeys stability.
Since the attempted coup, he has faced criticism from the West for cracking down on the political opposition and his perceived opponents in the judiciary, the military, media, schools, and other sectors of Turkeys civil services.
German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel said in an interview with Der Spiegel on March 19 that Turkey is "definitely further away from becoming a member of the European Union than ever before."
With reporting by Reuters, AP, dpa, AFP, and Der Spiegel
Ukraine's central bank said on March 21 that a blockade of the part of the country controlled by Russia-backed separatists will hit the countrys economy harder than previously expected.
Just two days after the International Monetary Fund postponed a review of the disbursement of a new $1 billion loan to Ukraine pending further information on the effects of the blockade, the central bank said output will rise 1.9 percent in 2017, well below an earlier forecast of 2.8 percent growth.
On March 15, Kyiv announced the suspension of all cargo traffic with separatist-held areas of eastern Ukraine, essentially putting a blockade launched by activists in January under state control.
The blockade cuts off the supply of coal and steel that industrial enterprises were still purchasing from territory controlled by Russia-backed separatists whose 3-year-old war against government forces has killed more than 9,900 people.
In response to the blockade, the separatists have seized control of some businesses registered in Ukraine and demanded they pay "taxes" to them rather than the federal authorities.
The $1 billion loan was to be the next installment of a $17.5 billion IMF package, which has been hit by repeated delays over Kyiv's inconsistent record on reforms.
Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
KYIV -- Paul Manafort is under scrutiny again after a Ukrainian lawmaker released documents he says show that U.S. President Donald Trumps former campaign chairman went to great lengths to hide $750,000 tied to his work for former President Viktor Yanukovych.
The documents, made public by lawmaker Serhiy Leshchenko at a press conference in Kyiv on March 21, include an invoice that bears the name of Manaforts Virginia-based consulting company, a blue seal, and what appears to be his signature.
Initially described in a report published by The New York Times on March 20, the document seems to show that $750,000 was laundered through an offshore account and disguised as payment for computers.
Leshchenko called on Ukrainian and U.S. law-enforcement agencies to investigate the payment.
"This is money stolen from Ukrainian citizens and has been paid to Manafort for [his work] with our former corrupt president," Leshchenko charged in a brief interview with RFE/RL on March 21, speaking in English. "This corruption must be exposed."
The authenticity of the invoice and other documents Leshchenko presented could not be confirmed.
He said he received the invoice, which billed a Belize-based company called Neocom Systems Limited $750,000 for the sale of 501 computers, in January from IT company employees who found it in a safe after they rented central Kyiv office space that had been vacated by Manafort in 2014.
Leshchenko said he released the documents only now because it took time to "verify" them. He said he did so by comparing Manaforts signature on his 1996 company registration documents with the signature on the invoice.
"It is an identical signature to the one on this contract," Leschenko said.
Manafort has claimed Leshchenko tried to blackmail him via e-mail last summer when he came in possession of a secret "black ledger" kept by Yanukovychs Party of Regions showing entries worth $12.7 million from an alleged slush fund set aside for his services. Leshchenko denies the claim, saying that the threatening e-mail -- which was made public by a murky hacker website -- is a fake.
Leshchenko showed that the alleged $750,000 payment corresponds to one of 22 entries in the "black ledger."
Manafort did not respond to a text message from RFE/RL requesting comment, but he denied Leshchenkos latest allegations to The New York Times.
Leschenkos news conference came hours after a March 20 hearing by the Intelligence Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives in which FBI Director James Comey was asked about Manaforts work in Ukraine and allegations of contacts between Manafort and Russian intelligence officials.
Comey declined to talk specifically about Manafort and others with alleged ties to Russia, but he did take the rare step of confirming that the FBI is investigating communications between Russian officials and associates of Trump.
Manafort resigned from Trump's campaign last summer following allegations of contacts with Russian intelligence officials, and media reports have indicated that the FBI is investigating those allegations. He said previously that he has never had contact with Russian agents, at least not knowingly.
"Its not like these people wear badges that say, 'Im a Russian intelligence officer,'" he said in February.
The White House tried to distance itself from Manafort as the congressional hearing was still under way on March 20, with spokesman Sean Spicer describing the former campaign chairman as having "played a very limited role for a very limited time."
Trump hired Manafort to head his delegate efforts for his Republican primary campaign on March 28 last year and kept him on staff until he resigned on August 19, after the disclosure of the "black ledger."
Before he worked for Trump, Manafort worked for more than a decade for Russia-friendly political parties and oligarchs in Ukraine.
Yanukovych fled to Russia after being pushed from power in February 2014 by pro-Western protesters incensed at his decision to abandon plans for a pact tightening Ukraines ties with the European Union. Leshchenko was a prominent figure in the Euromaidan protests and was elected to parliament later in 2014.
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
New Braunfels, TX (78130)
Today
Overcast with a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, mainly this morning. High around 85F. Winds SE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 30%..
Tonight
A few clouds. Low 66F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.
Steam billowed out and up into Jamison Teales face as he pulled large metal trays of chopped cabbage and collard greens from the steamer inside the kitchen at St. Pauls Episcopal Church last week and dumped them into a bowl welcome warmth on a morning when the temperature outside dipped well below freezing.
He laughed, though, as he pointed out that his home in Hudson, N.Y., was under more than 30 inches of snow he had the cellphone photo from his husband to prove it. Hed happily take the hot cabbage and peppers, he said, over digging out from under a blanket of snow just five days before spring would officially begin.
For nearly a century, as best anyone there can guess, St. Pauls has been serving lunches during the 40 days of Lent. What started out as a preaching series 120 years ago later morphed into the church women making lunches to go along with the sermons. Its a tradition (some estimate the lunches started about 97 years ago) that still stands today, and one that inspires Teale to makes the annual nine-hour drive from his home to participate. Its the cooking, along with the fellowship the Friday afternoon champagne toasts for a job well done with some of his best friends that brings him back to Richmond year after year.
The lunches, served Monday through Friday throughout Lent, are open to the public. Two seatings at 11:45 a.m. and 1 p.m. serve hundreds of hungry people every day. Lunches are typically $8 and include the choice of the days hot or cold dish, and there are takeout options available, including frozen meals for reheating later. Desserts are $2 and $3, and new this year are supersized portions for an extra $4 on Wednesdays and Fridays. This years lunch series ends April 12.
Preachers from all over the area and beyond are featured daily, starting at 12:30 p.m. All proceeds from lunch benefit local nonprofit organizations that work with at-risk youth, the homeless, seniors in need, mental health services and more. Theres also a silent art auction featuring more than 80 pieces this year, everything from paintings to sculpture.
As Teale pulled more raw vegetables from a large bag and got additional pans ready to go into the steamer, the kitchen around him buzzed. Large pans of cheese souffles enough for 350 portions were pushed into the oven, soon filling the busy area with the aromas of melting cheddar cheese and buttery toasted bread. At another table, Walter Scott and Jim Featherstone unwrapped packages of chicken legs and breasts, doused them with salt and pepper and seasoning and prepped them for roasting.
The cooked meat would be pulled from the bones and added to the Friday meal, chicken and dumplings, while the bones and skins would be used to make chicken stock.
Part of the St. Pauls church community since the 1970s, Teale, an antiques dealer, is an Emporia native who spent most of his life between Emporia and Richmond before moving to New York in 1999.
I think there are people who wait all year long to come to St. Pauls for lunch, Teale said. On some days, when you open the door, its like flood gates when the people come in.
Each week, a different chef leads the kitchen and a small dedicated army of volunteers from more than 50 churches who prepare the food and serve the masses. Every Wednesday the church serves the cheese souffles, no matter whos in charge. Not doing so would likely cause a revolt, Teale said jokingly. Find the recipe for Frances Carters Cheese Souffle at Richmond.com.
The other lunch tradition is hand-made crabcakes on Fridays. Otherwise, its up to the chefs in charge to come up with recipes and menus.
Last week, with Teale at the helm, the group served a variation of his signature spinach lasagna (it normally has oysters in it, but he left those out) as well as a family recipe for slaw served with the crabcakes. Monday was Julia Childs beef bourguignon and salade nicoise, while Thursday saw lemon rosemary chicken and Greek salad.
On most days, the line forms in the church well before the doors open for the first seating.
As final preparations took place , Richmond resident Miriam Bailey waited patiently on a bench in the hallway fourth in line before the dining room doors opened last Wednesday. Since her husbands death more than a decade ago, shes been a faithful diner at St. Pauls Lenten lunches. The food nourishes her body, she says, while the midday dose of spirituality feeds her soul.
I came so much one year they gave me a prize, she said. I came every day.
She enjoys the food (the souffle and the crabcakes top the list) and the fellowship (shes Presbyterian, but I hang with the Episcopalians, she noted) and likes that the proceeds from lunch go back to deserving organizations within the community.
Seated next to Bailey were several others, including Goochland County resident and Lenten series first-timer Suzanne Coats, who said being part of the St. Pauls Lenten experience was on my bucket list. Shes known about it all her life, she said, and finally had an opportunity to join friends this week.
Back in the kitchen, Teale said his week at St. Pauls leaves him physically and mentally exhausted by the time the last plate is served on Friday afternoons and he cant wait for next year.
Its one of my great joys, he said, coming back to Richmond, coming home, because I consider St. Pauls my home.
This is where my heart is (and) where my friends are. This is just a great time of joy we get to come down here, spend time together, create beautiful food for people and share the ministry of hospitality here at St. Pauls.
At a work session Monday that turned testy, the Hanover County School Board inched the school system closer to changing its grading scale.
The School Board has asked Hanover Public Schools staff to recommend what version of a 10-point grading scale the school system could implement.
A presentation on the staffs recommendation is set for the boards meeting on April 4. Its unclear when the board might vote on the issue.
Presentation of a staff recommendation would not commit the board to dropping the systems current 7-point scale. But it is a key step in making a change, calls for which have surfaced at public comment periods of School Board meetings and across social media.
A change to a 10-point scale would mean the lowest possible grade for an A would be 90 instead of 93.
The most vocal opposition to changing to some version of a 10-point scale came from board Chairman John Axselle, who thought the parents supporting the change were in the minority.
This is not a community thing, he said. If it was a community thing, you wouldnt have gotten 15 emails or 20 emails. You would have gotten a hundred emails. You would have gotten another 100 voicemails. ...
When you went shopping, you would be stuck as you went for the beans and weenies. ... I havent heard from a single student. ... To me, this isnt a community outcry.
Seated beside him at the conference table but on the other side of the debate, board member Norman Sulser, who represents Cold Harbor District, said he has heard plenty from residents in support of a 10-point scale.
Maybe Im a better listener, Sulser said. People stop me all the time to the point where really it inconvenienced me and I dont want to be rude.
I can only speak for myself, I cant speak for everybody else, but Ive got a lot of people theres not a question in my mind and I dont care whether its 200, 300 or 500 Im smart enough to know which way the winds blowing.
Later, when Axselle began to ask how the board would feel about coming to a consensus on the issue, Sulser said he supported going to the 10-point scale. Axselle quipped that he was surprised by Sulsers vote, to which Sulser replied he wasnt one for equivocation and would like to get right to it.
Just hang tight, Norman, because the rest of us, we need to play this game, Axselle said. You play your game, but we got to play this game.
The rest of the board agreed to call for a staff recommendation on a preferred version of a 10-point scale. Reasons cited for supporting a possible change included that Hanover has changed its grading scale previously and it did not make the school system any less rigorous.
Hanover Public Schools staff say definitive answers have yet to be found in their research on how grading scales affect scholarships and college admissions.
Molly Poisant, a parent of children in county schools who attended Mondays meeting, expressed frustration with the suggestion that the calls for a 10-point scale are being driven by parents who want better grades for their children.
A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind.
There are approximately 20,000 Kurds living in Armenia according to the countrys last census.
Today, they celebrate Nowruz; New Years Day.
Only two parties running in the April 2 parliamentary election have anything to say about Armenias national minorities in their campaign platforms.
The ruling Republican Party of Armenia says, Citizens of Armenians, Armenians, Yezidis, Russians, Assyrians, Kurds, Greeks and representatives of other national minorities have the opportunity for full-fledged expressiveness.
The Azat (Free) Democrats propose to spur free competition in the fields of education and the arts, to rule out politics of sponsorship and discrimination, in addition to creating necessary conditions for the organization and recognition of the cultural life of national minorities.
Knyaz Hasanov, President of the Kurdish National Council of Armenia, is running for the parliament on the Republican Party of Armenias ticket.
Her says that having national minorities represented in parliament will allow for issues of concern to them to be voiced in the legislature.
Hasanov says that while such issues have been raised community issues in various state bodies, an MP can voice such matters with greater clarity and impact within parliament.
We face a serious water issue in our villages. Water isnt being provided residents. Raising such issues in parliament is very important for the communities and for everyone, Hasanov told Hetq.
When this reporter asked what investments the government must make so that the Kurdish community in Armenia progresses, Hasanov noted that hes always received support from the government.
As an example, Hasanov mentioned that when he requested textbooks in Kurdish, the government supplied them.
As a looming problem facing the Kurdish community, Hasanov mentioned the ongoing process of village consolidation in Armenia.
Hasanov said there are many small Kurdish villages up in the mountains that should be left alone and have their individual mayor.
In Armenias next parliament there will be representatives of four national minorities. Four of the nine parties/alliances running in the April 2 election have national minorities on their ballots 27 in all
Eight Russians, seven Assyrians, seven Yezidis, and five Kurds are running for four parliamentary seats.
March 2 is the birthday of Dr. Seuss (a.k.a. Theodor Geisel), a popular children's book author who penned classics such as, 'The Cat in the Hat' and 'Green Eggs and Ham.' Schools throughout the country celebrate by holding Read Across America events, and Oak Grove Elementary was not about to miss out on the fun.
This year, as in the past, members of the Hidden Valley High School's English Honor Society traveled to OGES to read aloud to students. Many of the visitors chose their favorite Dr. Seuss books while some chose books by other authors. But, no matter which book was chosen, all seemed to enjoy the chance to enjoy some classics.
For photos of the day, see the photo gallery, or for a different view, click here.
Fake news website Meganews360.com came with a spectacular fake news story titled: "Cebu Parish Priest Impregnates Two Daughters Of His Associate Pastor". The story opens:
CEBU, Philippines - A Cebu-based parish Priest was arrested for raping and impregnating two daughters of his associate pastor in Barangay Palanas, Alcantara town. Police say the name of the priest has been withheld to protect the identity of the 14 and 16-year-old children. The victims mother learned of the incident after she confirmed that her daughters, are already three and five months pregnant. Police said that at around 3 p.m. on Thursday, the girls and their mother went to the police station to report the alleged rape perpetrated by the priest as the church failed to penalise the parish priest.
First clue the story is fake: the image used to illustrate the article is actually of a police officer named Ronald Sacan being arrested in 2015 during a raid on a drug den in Cebu City.
Second clue: the names in the story don't check out and neither is there an exact date or place.
Third clue: meganews360.com is a well known hoax website that regularily publishes fake news.
Last and final clue: local sources have already contradicted the story and no mainstream media sources have reported on the events.
Meanwhile the story is being shared around widely as you can see in the Trendolizer graph at the end of this article. If you notice anyone spreading the rumor around you can help by pointing them to this article here because nobody likes fake news.
The Portsmouth commonwealth's attorney has asked the Virginia State Police to investigate new allegations into the death of Jamycheal Mitchell at Hampton Roads Regional Jail.
The fresh allegations were made Friday, according to a statement released this morning by the office of Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney Stephanie Morales.
A spokeswoman for the office declined to elaborate on the nature of the allegations or how they came to light.
"The Commonwealths Attorney has again asked the state police to thoroughly investigate these allegations as well," the statement said. "Once this process is concluded and once all findings have been turned over to the Commonwealths Attorney, there will be a review and final prosecutorial determination."
Mitchell died of extreme weight loss and heart problems at the Portsmouth-based jail in August 2015. He had lost 46 pounds in 101 days.
He had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He was awaiting transfer to a state mental hospital for treatment, but his paperwork was stuffed in a desk drawer by an "overwhelmed" employee.
The Virginia State Police launched an investigation into Mitchell's death in June 2016. Investigators handed over preliminary results of their inquiry into Mitchell's death in August, but Morales asked for a deeper review.
In December, the U.S. Department of Justice launched an investigation into the treatment of inmates at Hampton Roads Regional Jail.
This has been a breaking news update.
Happy New Year! January 2nd is a good day to talk about New Year's resolutions. Most of us are back to work or school and our ability to make changes for t...
8 years ago
The International Diamond Conference Mines to Markets, held on 19th & 20th March 2017 in Mumbai, offered much more takeaways than one bargained for.
Day 1 saw a plethora of issues before the diamond industry being discussed by Industry members from across continents and countries. Celebrating its 50th Anniversary, GJEPC saw it apt to make a have varied views through the conference, to tackle the numerous hurdles that have been plaguing the industry.
Shri Piyush Goyal, Honble Minister of State with Independent Charge for Power, Coal, New and Renewable Energy and Mines who presented the keynote address at the Inauguration of the Mines to Market Conference was of the view that India's diamond deposits should be mined so that the country becomes self-sufficient, at least to an extent, in terms of rough diamonds supply.
One felt that Walter K Chidakwa, Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Zimbabwe, managed to catch the audience's attention with his emotional speech on how Africa has been exploited and robbed of its mineral wealth for decades, while the country and its people remained poor. He asked for support in manufacturing and creating jobs in Africa while assuring rough supply to India.
In addition, ALROSA Vice President Andrey Polyakov, Executive VP for Global Sightholder Sales at De Beers Paul Rowley addressed their companies' current working status and future plans.
Lawyer Rohan Shah elaborated on education and all things related to regulations, concepts of tax havens, legality involved in the diamond business globally and in India itself.
Day 2 saw discussions on the current status of the diamond industry including survival in the absence of growth, marketing, Retail and other topics and soon turned into a war zone towards the culmination of the conference, thanks to Martin Rapaport who touched a raw nerve in the Indian diamond industry players while describing the industry and its working style.
On the topic of survival in the industry with no growth, Sanjay Kothari, MD, KGK stressed on the need to 'change' as well as 'fight' to grow and prosper. Ghanshyam Dholakia, MD, HK Diamonds was also very positive in his attitude, saying that total focus on core business is the only way to go.
The saving grace was the session with Sanjay Kothari, former GJEPC Chairman, moderating a panel discussion with GIA, IGI, HRD and other industry bodies on certifications of synthetic diamonds.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Indian Gems & Jewllery Industry via video conference on the night of the Day 1 (19th March 2017) of the International Diamond Conference, and said that the gems and jewellery sector is a prime example of the 'Make in India' and 'Skill India' initiatives.
"We live in an era where diamonds are used in spectacles, watches and pens. Can't our jewellers create and change global tastes and fashions?" Modi asked. "What is your strategy for increasing India's share of the hand-made jewellery market? The industry could think of encouraging start-ups by entrepreneurs who can create a growing market for Indian jewellery," he urged.
Modi also mentioned that in December, 2014 at the World Diamond Conference held in Delhi, he had announced in the presence of the Russian President Vladimir Putin a Special Notified Zone (SNZ) would be set up to enable rough diamonds to enter and exit, duty free for the purpose of viewing; and that the SNZ at the Bharat Diamond Bourse became operational in November, 2015. Modi also said that he had assured some of his friends in Africa that India would support them in developing their gem and jewellery sector.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
Total exports from the gem and jewellery sector during Feb. 2017 stood at $ 3.91 bn, a rise of 1.8% over the $ 3.84 bn exported in the same month in Feb.2016.
Exports of gold jewellery (both studded and plain), during Feb. 2017 declined by 46% to $ 418.99 mn from $ 784.80 mn during the same month in 2016.
Exports of gold medallions and coins during the month rose to $ 436.4 mn as against $ 250.4 mn a year earlier. Exports of silver jewellery were up US$ 413 mn in Feb. 2017 as compared to $ 266.13 mn last year.
Coloured gemstone exports dropped in February 2017 to $ 51.29 mn as compared to $ 65.20 mn exported a year earlier.
During the first eleven months of fiscal 2017, the overall exports from the gem and jewellery sector in India stood at $ 38.97 bn, a rise of 9.55% as compared to the $ 35.57 bn exported in the same period last year.
Exports of gold jewellery (both studded and plain) rose 4.35% to $ 7.98 bn during the first eleven months of the current fiscal, as compared to exports of $ 7.65 bn in the same period last year.
Exports of gold medallions & coins were virtually flat at US$ 4.76 bn in the eleven month period.
Silver jewellery exports rose 23% to $ 3.35 bn and Coloured Gemstones exports dropped 6.75% to $ 377.62 mn in April 16-February 17.
Aruna Gaitonde, Editor-in-Chief of Asian Bureau, Rough & Polished
De Beers Auction Sales said it convened a series of events last month, for the first time, offering 15 products for delivery in April, May and June 2017.
The total value of lots offered was just over $11 million and demand from customers easily outstripped availability on both a volume and value basis, with a healthy spread of demand across geographies, from all different types of customers, said subsidiary vice president Neil Ventura in a note.
He said that customers could secure supply volumes over any of these delivery periods to suit their business requirements.
We believe this is the first time for De Beers and the industry that rough diamonds have been sold forward at a fixed price using online, global auctions, said Ventura.
As such we see it as another significant step in the evolution of selling practices in the diamond industry that we are proud to have pioneered.
Consistent with our approach to innovation we will apply the learning from these first sales to try and accelerate the development of a forward market for De Beers rough diamonds.
De Beers Auction Sales offers buyers the chance to lock in future supply at a known, fixed price, instead of one determined by future, unknown industry dynamics, said Ventura.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
The Diamond Development Initiative (DDI) has announced a donation from the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) in support artisanal diamond miners and responsible production.
"WFDB's contribution is very important to the work we do," says Dorothee Gizenga, Executive Director of DDI. "We rely on ongoing partnerships like this one to ensure continuity and long-term results in our efforts to formalize the artisanal and small-scale diamond mining sector."
Ernest Blom, President of WFDB, notes that his organization supports high standards in the diamond supply chain, including in artisanal production. "Artisanal miners are part of the worldwide diamond industry, and we are proud to collaborate with DDI to ensure that they follow best practices in their production, while at the same time ensuring their rights are respected. When issues related to artisanal mining are addressed, everybody wins."
WFDB has been supporting DDI since 2009.
The World Federation of Diamond Bourses has 30 affiliated bourse members and exists to protect the interests of affiliated bourses and their individual members.
Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels
In a statement released on Tuesday De Beers Group announced that it had successfully concluded the purchase of LVMHs 50 per cent shareholding in De Beers Diamond Jewellers to take full ownership of the company.
De Beers Diamond Jewellers retail network comprises 32 stores in 17 key consumer markets around the world. This includes a growing business in greater China and with Chinese clients worldwide, an established presence in London and Paris, and a new flagship location in New York City.
Bruce Cleaver, CEO, De Beers Group, said: "With its strong brand awareness, consummate diamond expertise and a commitment to responsibility, De Beers Diamond Jewellers is a trusted and industry-leading diamond jeweller. More fully integrating the De Beers Diamond Jewellers brand and store network will enable us to deliver an even more differentiated diamond offering, alongside our fast-growing diamond brand, Forevermark.
Francois Delage, CEO, De Beers Diamond Jewellers, said: De Beers Diamond Jewellers is firmly established as one of the worlds leading diamond jewellery retailers. We already have a shared heritage and strong brand link with De Beers Group. By being fully part of the Group, we will benefit even more from the unique diamond culture, established since 1888. We will continue to offer passionate and peerless diamond expertise to our discerning clients around the world.
Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished
Norfolk Southern's safety train will stop in 23 cities during 2017 as part of its Operation Awareness & Response (OAR) program, which provides first responders with free training on how to respond to a railroad incident.
The safety train kicks off March 21 in Hagerstown, Md., with three days of training at Norfolk Southerns rail terminal. Additional stops include communities in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Virginia, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia and South Carolina.
The safety train is composed of a 2,000-horsepower, 273-ton locomotive; two boxcars converted into 30-seat classrooms; four styles of tank cars: DOT-105, DOT-111, DOT-112, and DOT-117; and two 89-foot flatcars used to transport intermodal containers.
Each four-hour training session includes classroom instruction and hands-on training inside a locomotive and on rail cars. The sessions are recommended for representatives of fire and law enforcement departments, emergency medical services and hazmat response teams, military and homeland security personnel and railroad customers and suppliers.
Norfolk Southern provided training for about 5,600 emergency responders, government officials, and others in 18 states last year.
The full schedule is available at the OAR program website, JoinNSOAR.com.
German real estate firm Deutsche Wohnen AG (DWHHF.PK) reported Tuesday that its fiscal 2016 Funds from Operations or FFO I increased 26% to 383.9 million euros from last year's 304.0 million euros, due to portfolio acquisitions, significantly reduced financing costs and organic growth. FFO I per share rose 20 % to 1.14 euros.
FFO II, including disposals, increased to 438.2 million euros from 372.9 million euros a year ago. FFO II per share grew around 12% to 1.30 euros.
At 1.6 billion euros, group profit was approximately 35% higher than in the previous year.
EPRA NAV rose significantly by 29 % to 29.68 euros per share.
Rental income grew to 704.5 million euros from previous year's 634.0 million euros, with an operating result of 545.7 million euros.
Further, the company announced that subject to approval by the Annual General Meeting, the dividend for the financial year 2016 will be 0.74 euros per share, which marks a significant increase of 37% in comparison to the previous year.
Looking ahead, for the financial year 2017, the company anticipates an increase in FFO I to approximately EUR 425 million, whereby the LTV ratio is intended to remain unchanged in the target range of 35% to 40%.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
Phoenix Solar AG (PS4G) said that it has acquired the outstanding minority shares in its Singapore based subsidiary Phoenix Solar Pte Ltd. They were held by a group of former directors of this enterprise. After the transaction Phoenix Solar AG will own 100 per cent of the company. The parties agreed not to disclose further details. Furthermore, this means that Phoenix Solar now has 100 per cent ownership of all its key operating companies around the world.
The Asia Pacific Region is poised for renewed growth in 2017 and beyond, also addressing promising new local such as Australia, Vietnam and Indonesia.
Mark Argar (52) has been appointed Phoenix Solar Senior Vice President for Asia/Pacific. Mark joins Phoenix from Bechtel Infrastructure, leaving his role as Vice-President for Business Development for Asia Pacific. Prior to joining Bechtel he was CEO of a design and build consultancy in Manila delivering civil and military infrastructure in the Philippines and Cambodia. He also assumes responsibility as General Manager of Phoenix Solar Pte Ltd, Singapore, Phoenix Solar Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as well as Phoenix Solar Philippines Inc., Manila, Philippines.
Eric Fleckten (45) who preceded Mark Argar as Senior Vice President Asia/Pacific is transitioning to Senior Vice President for Global Business Development focusing on new markets, battery and hybrid systems and project development. Eric will continue to support activity in the Aisa/Pacific region to ensure profitable growth in 2017.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
Shares of CLS Holdings PLC (CLI.L) gained around 4 percent in the early morning trading in London after the company announced Tuesday that it has exchanged contracts to acquire a multi-let office property in Perlach, in the south-east of Munich, Germany, for 15.3 million euros.
Network Perlach, Unterhachinger Strasse 75, Munich, comprises 9,449 sqm of office space which, with an occupancy rate of 88%. It currently generates a rental income of 821,000 euros per annum, reflecting a net initial yield of 5.1%, or 6.2% when fully let.
The property has a diversified tenant base that provides a stable income, with an estimated rental value of some 1.2 million euros, reflecting an ERV yield of 7.4%.
Fredrik Widlund, Chief Executive of CLS, "The acquisition of Network Perlach is consistent with our strategy of investing in multi-let, high-quality offices and we look forward to enhancing the returns from the property to maximise its potential in the medium term."
In London, CLS shares traded at 1,777 pence, up 4.35 percent.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
Porsche Automobil Holding SE (POAHY.PK) on Tuesday reported that its fiscal 2016 group profit was 1.37 billion euros, including the profit from the investments accounted for at equity of 1.45 billion euros.
Further, Porsche said it plans to distribute a dividend of 1.01 euros per share for the fiscal year 2016 to the holders of preference shares. Holders of ordinary shares will receive 1.004 euros per share. This proposed dividend will be presented for decision to the annual general meeting on May 30. The dividend remains unchanged compared to the prior year.
Looking ahead, for the fiscal year 2017, the company expects a group profit of between 2.1 billion euros and 3.1 billion euros. This forecast is based in particular on the Volkswagen Group's expectations regarding its future development and the uncertainty that continues to surround possible special effects in connection with the diesel issue.
Porsche SE aims to achieve a positive net liquidity. This is expected to be between 1.0 billion euros and 1.5 billion euros as of 31 December 2017, not taking future investments into account.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Business News
A meeting of the European leaders will be held on April 29 to adopt the Brexit guidelines for the 27 member states, European Council President Donald Tusk said Tuesday.
Apart from its chief Tusk, the European Council consists of the heads of state or government of the member states and the European Commission President.
The UK government announced on Monday that Prime Minister Theresa May is set to invoke the Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty on March 29, thus formally beginning the process of exiting the European Union and paving the way for talks on trade and future relations, which should conclude in two years.
Tusk said on Monday that he will present the draft Brexit guidelines to the EU27 member states within 48 hours of the UK triggering Article 50.
"Priority must be certainty, clarity for all: citizens, companies & member states," Tusk said on the microblogging website Twitter on Tuesday.
In the referendum held on June 23 last year, 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU in a historic and surprise move.
For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com
Economic News
What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
"The HoseMaster is the funniest satirist writing about wine in the world today."
--Karen MacNeil
--Terry Theise
HoseMaster
HoseMaster
HoseMaster
--Robert Parker
"...With sometimes crude analogies and occasional droppings of f-bombs, Washam cleverly uses satire to expose the underbelly of the wine business. It's often hilarious stuff as long as you're not the one being lampooned.
Washam takes no prisoners in skewering all that is silly, stupid, frustrating and pretentious about wine, and his favorite targets are other bloggers and writers. No one is immune."
-- Linda Murphy in "Vineyard and Winery Management"
-- JancisRobinson.com
"
Hosemaster of Wine
First: Im not sure if there is anyone better at cutting through the confidence trick that is often intrinsic to the business of wine.
Second: in a world where offending people appears to border on the illegal, the Hosemaster piles in. No one is safe."
--Joss Fowler "Vinolent.com"
"As serious as the world of wine is, it does allow time for humor. Each Monday and Thursday, Ron Washam customarily posts a commentary on his needling wine blog HoseMaster of Wine . Washam, a former sommelier and comedy writer he might say they are closely related is the most opinionated, humorous and ribald observer in the wine world. His body of work is irreverent and remorseless. Its almost always satire and parody, though he occasionally drifts into straight commentary, sometimes even with tasting notes. This past year, one of his posts was named the best of the year in the Wine Blog Awards. His success has spawned several imitations, which in their awkwardness show just how difficult satire is."
--Mike Dunne, Sacramento Bee
Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2014/01/21/6089630/dunne-on-wine-wine-blogs-and-bloggers.html#storylink=cpy
"Please let this guy write the scripts for Saturday Night Live which has gotten so lame...his newest "wisdom" is worth an Emmy....I wonder if he is the genius behind all those Hitler/Parker,etc. clips? No one else is remotely as funny or as talented.And the wine world sure needs someone to poke fun at all the nonsense and phoney/baloney unsufferable crap out there."
--Robert Parker
"
Washam uses his own blog, HoseMaster of Wine , to skewer the industry in general and wine blogs in particular. If your mouse scoots to your browser's close box while reading a wine blog, Washam may be the blogger for you."
-- San Francisco Chronicle
"Ron Washam, former sommelier, is easily the most bitingly funny blogger/wine writer that we have ever come across. He is an equal opportunity crusader who pillories big wineries and amateur bloggers alike, as well as everything and everyone in between...One needs a sense of humor and a tolerance for earthiness to enjoy reading The Hosemaster . We must have both because this guy deserves a wider audience, in our humble opinion."
--Connoisseurs' Guide to California Wine
--Steve Heimoff
"This site should carry a warning label. It's sort of a Dave Barry/George Carlin approach to wine. The Hosemaster (real name Ron Washam) skewers fellow bloggers and industry savants with glee, while offering hilarious wine guides such as his Honest Guide to Grapes...
--Paul Gregutt, Seattle Times
"Washam is a skilled wine judge (I have judged with him) who is willing to judge wine double blind, in public . To my knowledge, Parker does not do this and never has. So Ron's credentials are in place, and so is his sense of the absurd."
--Dan Berger, VintageExperiences
"...I consider Ron a
talented writer and Ive long been an admirer of his scathing wit..."
--1WineDude
"And if any free sites think they can conquer the world, theres always the Hosemaster
to take em down a notch."
--Tyler Colman "Dr. Vino"
--Jo Diaz "Juicy Tales by Jo Diaz"
"I must say you are an idiot. I've never liked you. I have no idea why people find you funny."
--Reign of Terroir
--Will Lyons (WSJ) on Twitter
--Levi Dalton on Twitter
very
By SA Commercial Prop News
The Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) will convene an inter-governmental forum on infrastructure on 13 April, Cabinet spokesperson Jimmy Manyi announced on Thursday.
The forum will be opened by President Jacob Zuma and will bring together the three spheres of government to discuss the implementation of the infrastructure plan.
Cabinet calls on all sectors, from business and civil society to individual South Africans to Play Your Part in partnering with government as investors and social partners to enhance the infrastructure legacy highlighted at the 2012 State of the Nation Address, Manyi said.
Zumas office is expected to announce details soon on when and where the President will meet stakeholders and business in particular to discuss ways of working together to make the infrastructure roll out a success.
Cabinet also noted the Presidents infrastructure visit to the North West scheduled for 17 April.
This visit will uplift the visibility of governments infrastructure plan which is driven and overseen by the PICC, added Manyi.
Infrastructure was one of the key priorities announced by Zuma during his State of the Nation Address in February.
At the time, the President announced that South Africa will spend billions of rands over the coming years on new infrastructure, with the government to focus on building rail, road, and economic links in five regions in the country and building new universities and refurbishing hospitals.
The governments massive infrastructure plan will be driven and overseen by the PICC, which was set up in September last year.
The plan brings together ministers, premiers and mayors of the country's metropolitan areas, under the leadership of Zuma and Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe.
By SA Commercial Prop News
Last year saw the economy in slow recovery, with pressure looming from the Eurozone crisis, and the lending climate continuing to put a strain on bond applications.
However, despite the global markets being in such volatile territory, the residential property market held its own in the more affordable price bands, reports Carol Reynolds, Pam Golding Properties area principal in the Durban North and La Lucia areas. She says some nodes on the Northern KwaZulu-Natal coastal belt were particularly resilient, and weathered the storms with relatively stable pricing.
Says Reynolds: It is interesting to consider some detailed statistics from Lightstone as an indication of how certain nodes performed in 2011. Well positioned close to La Lucia Mall and Gateway shopping centre, Sunningdale is a high demand suburb because prices are affordable and as it is also in close proximity to schools and the CBD. As a result this area attracts young families among other home buyers. In Sunningdale, prices on freestanding homes have averaged between R1.2 million and R1.3 million since 2007, showing the stability of this market. The average price obtained on sectional title units in the area has ranged between R1 million and R1.1 million during the past five years again reflecting the levelling out of the price curve.
Reynolds says in Umgeni Park, which is situated just north of the Umgeni River, prices have in fact shown slight growth: in 2008 the average price recorded on freestanding homes was R 1.2 million; in 2009 and again last year (2011), the average price peaked at R1.3 million. Similarly, sectional title units in the area have shown stability with the average price ranging from R1.081 million to R1.1 million between 2007 and 2011.
The Durban North market peaked in 2006 with 199 total market sales recorded in this area at a total value of R375 million. Last year, there were 132 sales to a total of R300 million. It is interesting to note that while sales volumes have decreased quite substantially in the area, the average price recorded has increased from R1.8 million in 2006 to R2.2 million in 2011, says Reynolds.
Historically been a sought-after area, La Lucia has managed to trade well despite negative economic factors. The average price peaked in 2007 at R2.95 million and then recovered to an average of R2.8 million last year (2011). The average price achieved on sectional title units in the area has remained constant since 2007 at R2.3 million.
Adds Reynolds: While it is always difficult to predict market activity for the forthcoming year, there is a sense that we are finally emerging out of a negative cycle into a more positive one. The banks are loosening their lending criteria and appear to have a better appetite for lending. One hundred percent bonds are being offered again, albeit to a select few A-grade clients. We have noticed an upswing in buyer activity this year, with showday attendance doubling on last years figures. In addition, well-priced stock is selling relatively quickly and turnaround times are averaging out at their former figures of 45 60 days. In the price band under R3 million, stock is moving quickly, and we are seeing well-priced homes selling on their first day of marketing. In the more expensive price brackets, activity is slower and turnaround time is greater, but this is to be expected at this higher level where the buyer pool is much smaller, she says.
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Mar-21-2017 11:39 TweetFollow @OregonNews Is it the Time for Texas Brewery Sales? The lone star state is undergoing "the popularity of brews" growing pains.
Texas breweries are fighting for the right to sell their products.
Image: Salem-News.com
(SALEM, Ore.) - Texans have sure come to love their craft beers. Maybe its all those immigrants from California, but customers are not so quick to order Shiner or Lone Star. At least thats true of the new urban Texans. Texas beverage law is having some trouble keeping up with all the changes. But, so far, Texas Beer defines: A brewery is defined as a traditional brewer who packages their beer for retail sale, like bottles, cans or kegs.
is defined as a traditional brewer who packages their beer for retail sale, like bottles, cans or kegs. A brewpub is defined as a brewer who produces beer for sale on-site, such as in an associated pub or restaurant.
is defined as a brewer who produces beer for sale on-site, such as in an associated pub or restaurant. Amateur home brewing clubs organize and operate across the state, and many serve as a vehicle for education, training and consulting for brewers who eventually turn pro. How does Texas regulate beer? Well, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has pages of rules on the creation, storage, distribution, and sale of alcohol. But, to keep this focused, according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission: A Brewer is permitted to manufacture ale and malt liquor and to sell the ale and malt liquor only to wholesale permit holders in Texas and qualified persons outside Texas.
is permitted to manufacture ale and malt liquor and to sell the ale and malt liquor only to wholesale permit holders in Texas and qualified persons outside Texas. A BrewPub license allows holder to manufacture, brew, bottle, can, package and label malt liquor, ale, and beer; sell or offer without charge, on the premises of the brewpub, to ultimate consumers for consumption on or off those premises the product produced by the holder in or from a lawful container. Total production cannot exceed 5,000 barrels for each licensed location. When breweries become bars Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio all have guided tours to breweries in those cities and the countryside nearby. Its the latest thing, you see, but you wont find such trendy tastings in East or West Texas, no matter how dry your thirst is. Not even top pr firms have been able to get past local prejudices. But, Texas breweries had not been permitted to sell their product to visitors or walk-in customers. Consequently, the Texas Craft Brewers Guild, the organization that advances the interests of the states craft brewers, have been pressing for TABC permission to be able to sell beer to-go from their taprooms. Texas law permits brewpubs, but not production breweries, to sell beer in bottles, cans and growlers to-go from their facility, production breweries are shooting for similar privileges. Distilleries and wineries can sell their goods as well. And, so it stands before the 2017 Texas Legislature. After all, the states beer distributors are not happy with the direction the craft brewers want to go. And, all the interested parties are watching the outcome of a lawsuit filed by John Reardon of Deep Ellum Brewing. Other social forces in Texas are opposed to the sale and consumption of alcohol with many counties dry as late as the turn of the 21st-century. Consumers can take some comfort in the failure of Senate Bill 1386 to see the light of day. That law would have complicated brewery interests by limiting sales to consumers on the brewers premises for off-premises consumption to one purchase per consumer per month and limiting that purchase to 576 fluid ounces. Whats the option? Craft brewers, customers, and anyone interested in the business should see the complexity of Texas laws. Its a challenging course with many obstacles needing a TABC expert. Texas legislators may put this issue to bed in 2017, but this particular issue has been trying to get their attention for years. So, it will be interesting to see what happens. _________________________________________ Michael F. Carroll, Contributing Writer Mike Carroll is a freelance contributor to Towering SEO and OutreachMama who helps businesses find their audience online through research, content copy, and white papers. He frequently writes about management, marketing, and sales with customized outreach for digital marketing channels and outreach plans depending on the industry and competition. _________________________________________
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Opportunities for Truck Drivers
Hitting the road as a career is a great choice for many.
In Oregon, heading south on I-5.
Photo: Bonnie King, Salem-News.com
(SALEM, Ore.) - With many startups in northern California plus the headquarters of Microsoft in Washington state, it is easy to forget how important the Pacific Northwest has become to the development of technology.
The proximity between Vancouver, Seattle, and Silicon Valley, allow ideas and products to quickly change hands and build a new network that will help humanity.
But here lies a need. Many of the companies in this area have close-knit relationships, manufacturing goods and services other tech firms urgently need. Because of this, transportation services are in high demand as they provide the means of moving items between many of the technological companies of the region.
To make this process easier and increase their revenue, Oregon is opening its arms to truck drivers now.
At least thirteen trucking companies in the area are looking to hire men and women capable of handling the task of moving these items across the Pacific Highway and the lush Silicon Forest.
Driving next to the Pacific Ocean or across the forests of Portland and Oregon guarantee that youll never get bored of sightseeing. Nevertheless, these are not the only routes that a trucker is required to handle.
Other companies like USA TRUCK need drivers that are not only located in Oregon but are also willing to drive across the other 47 continental states and Canada.
Companies not only need people to transport their products between other collaborators but also to several retailers and distributors across the US.
Among trucking companies there is a lot of competition to hire as much talent as possible. Because of this, truckers are being hired not only through websites like Trucking Jobs or in wanted ads; there are organizations like Women in Trucking who excel at connecting not only women interested in truck driving, but people from different backgrounds to different trucking jobs. This ensures that there is a healthy talent pool from which companies may hire their candidates.
Truck drivers provide the cheapest solution to transportation. Despite this and because of low applications for the position, truck companies are offering annual salaries ranging from $44,000 to $72,000 for hauling cargo across different parts of the continent.
GP Solutions is even throwing in signing bonuses starting at $3,000 for experienced truck drivers and $1000 for inexperienced drivers plus tuition reimbursement for qualified drivers.
If you are interested in any of these jobs or want to find more information on the subject, do a google search for truck driving jobs and youll find hundreds of companies job offers along with their contact information; making the process of landing a job easier and letting you find more opportunities to deliver various items while driving across the US and Canada.
Source: Salem-News.com Special Features Dept.
_________________________________________
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.
With Congress set to vote on health care this week, hundreds of protesters staged what they dubbed a die-in Tuesday outside the Vista office of U.S. Rep Darrell Issa.
The event was part protest, part street theater, with many of the 300-plus participants lying on the lawn, holding signs shaped like tombstones. Organizers put the number of attendees near 380.
The event was part of the national Resist Trump Tuesdays movement. Protesters said they will continue to show up outside Issas office every Tuesday during President Donald Trumps first 100 days in office.
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This weeks theme centered on the potential repeal of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, and its possible replacement with the American Health Care Act introduced by House Republicans.
The House is slated to vote on the proposed legislation Thursday seven years to the day after former President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law.
Issas spokesman Calvin Moore said Tuesday that the Congressman has reservations on the bill in its current form.
Issa said the same earlier this month during two raucous town halls in Oceanside. The Vista Republican has introduced his own plan, based on the health insurance plan for federal employees.
Moore said Issas focus is on reducing the cost of health care and pushing real reforms to give Americans access to better health insurance.
Issa, a nine-term congressman, is one of 10 House Republicans targeted this week in a $500,000 ad campaign urging them to reject the GOP plan, which the ads refer to as RyanCare, referring to House Speaker Paul Ryan.
The group behind the ads, slated for TV and digital play from March 20 to 22, is the conservative Club for Growth, which argues that the new plan doesnt go far enough.
But Issas 49th District is also one of 15 districts across the country where ads are scheduled that will praise the promised repeal of the Affordable Care Act and urge viewers to call and thank their congressional representative.
Those ads are part of a $1.5 million campaign from the American Action Network, which backs the plan introduced by Ryan.
Issas re-election in November was close, a win of a little more than 1,600 votes, and that has caught the attention of both sides of the aisle.
Democrats have targeted the 49th District in hopes of flipping it in 2018. Republicans are putting in extra money and attention to keep Issa in office.
teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com
Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT
On the surface, it would appear that investors don't have much reason to worry about Canadian oil giant Suncor Energy (NYSE: SU). It continues to generate robust cash flow even at lower oil prices, it has a strong balance sheet, and it has clearly visible near-term growth. Yet the company isn't an entirely worry-free investment. Here are two things that would worry me if I were a long-term investor in Suncor's stock.
Concentrating a bit too much
Suncor Energy aggressively took advantage of the oil market downturn to expand its asset base in the oil-sands region, where it's already a leader. It started that spending spree in late 2015, paying $310 million Canadian to acquire an additional 10% stake in its Fort Hills oil sands mine from Total (NYSE: TOT), which boosted its interest in the project to 50.8%. The company followed that up with two more deals last year, spending CA$6.6 billion to acquire Canadian Oil Sands for its 36.74% stake in the Syncrude facility and $937 million to buy another 5% stake in Syncrude from Murphy Oil (NYSE: MUR).
While these deals significantly increased Suncor Energy's near-term production and will provide incremental growth once Fort Hills comes online later this year, it also further concentrated the company's asset base to the oil-sands region. In fact, roughly 90% of the company's production will come from that area in the future.
That concentration poses a significant risk because of the impact of wildfires. As the following slide shows, last year's devastating wildfires in the region resulted in a noticeable production drop from Suncor's base oil-sands operations after it shut in several facilities:
What would worry me is that future wildfires could prove to be even more devastating to the company, with the potential for one or more of its assets to suffer a direct hit. Such an event could cause a lasting long-term impact to its oil production.
Where does it grow from here?
Another worry is that Suncor Energy doesn't have any major growth projects under development after it completes Fort Hills and Hebron later this year. While those two project will help fuel double-digit production growth through 2019 as they ramp up, the company has yet to approve new projects to drive growth in future years.
One reason the company doesn't have any other projects in the works is that it deferred two expansion projects in 2015 as a result of the oil market downturn. At that time, the company cut CA$1 billion of growth spending, including funding for the MacKay River 2 oil sands expansion, which would have started producing this year, and the White Rose expansion off Canada's east coast that would have delivered first oil next year. So far, the company hasn't given either project the green light, though its partner on White Rose, Husky Energy (TSX: HSE), recently said it might sanction the project this year.
Other than that, most of Suncor Energy's other expansion possibilities are much further away. For example, last year it paid $50 million for a stake in Chevron's (NYSE: CVX) Rosebank project in the U.K. North Sea. However, that project remains several years away, because Chevron recently canceled a $2 billion order for a floating production, storage, and offloading (FPSO) vessel to support the project. While the U.S. oil giant recently launched a new FPSO bidding process in hopes of shaving $100 million to $150 million from the price, it probably won't award that contract until next year. That probably means it will be several more years until Rosebank starts producing, which isn't a surprise given that Chevron has been working on developing this project for more than a decade. Beyond that, Suncor has several other future opportunities, including its Lewis and Meadow Creek oil sands leases, and exploration leases offshore Norway and Eastern Canada.
These projects represent potential expansion opportunities and not growth that investors can clearly see over the horizon. That worries me, because it suggests that Suncor Energy's growth engine might slow down during the early part of next decade unless it quickly restarts its stalled development projects or makes an acquisition to fill in the gap.
Investor takeaway
Every investment involves some risk that worries investors. In Suncor Energy's case, the risks that would worry me are its overly concentrated position in the oil sands and the lack of clearly visible growth projects once it finishes its current expansions. Still, the company could quickly put both concerns on the back burner if it made the right acquisition to either increase its exposure to the North Sea or the Canadian Atlantic, because it could simultaneously reduce its oil-sands exposure and fill a gap in its medium-term growth pipeline.
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County officials and Fallbrook residents are looking at whether to create a taxpayer-funded landscape maintenance district in the rural North County community that some say is needed to keep parks and public spaces looking good.
If voters were to approve such a district, the county could use public money to maintain areas that volunteer groups have been struggling to keep up for years. The money could also be used for projects like improving Jackie Heyneman Park, building a new skatepark, or fixing the landscaping along East Mission and South Mission roads.
The potential boundaries for an assessment district havent yet been identified. If a plan were eventually approved by voters, landowners within the district would pay an additional levy each year on their property tax bills to fund the projects.
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About 50 people representing volunteer and environmental groups that already maintain trails, cut weeds and take care of public spaces at their own expense, gathered last week at the Fallbrook Public Utility Department to discuss the assessment district idea.
There were no predetermined notions, said countys parks and recreation spokeswoman Jessica Geiszler. It was just a way to pull together all these diverse groups to identify next steps and to figure out which facilities would be candidates to be included in an assessment district.
Geiszler and others said the consensus of the gathering was to move forward. Another meeting, probably to be organized by the utility district, will probably be held in a month or two.
The meeting was hosted by park and recreation staff, but the real push will probably come from the utility district, which approached the county about the possibility.
Such assessment districts are not common in unincorporated San Diego County. One exists in Julian, the other in East Countys Rancho San Diego area, said Skip Shank, the president of EFS Engineering Inc., who led the Fallbrook meeting under contract with the county. He said the city of San Diego, however, has more than 60 landscape districts and that the entities are common throughout the state.
What the county and the Fallbrook community have sought to do here is identify possible parks and improvements in the general area to establish a long-term maintenance system to enhance their parks system Shank said.
Once the facilities to be improved have been selected, then the geographical boundaries of a district would be determined, Shank added.
Eventually a proposal, perhaps next year, could go before the Board of Supervisors. If they support the concept it would then be put before voters who live in the district and would be assessed the higher property tax rate.
Don McDougal, a member of the utility board, said the district would probably include all of Fallbrook, Rainbow and De Luz, and possibly parts of Bonsall.
He said an annual assessment of $25 to $35 would most likely be added to property tax bills.
The county has funding for capital improvement projects in unincorporated areas, but no money available for maintenance projects, McDougal said.
A lot of our community projects that we do are always maintained by donations and fundraising events and so on, which challenges the community to get enough funds to maintain the community as it needs to be, he said.
For example, he said, the community convinced the county years ago to build landscaped medians along South Mission Avenue, rather than ones made of asphalt. But the county doesnt have money to maintain the medians, which has to be done by volunteers and private money.
We just felt we needed a permanent funding mechanism to maintain current and future projects, McDougal said. Right now we shy away from future projects because their is no funding mechanism.
A landscape district could also provide the necessary tax base for the community to purchase land for parks, trails and pathways and could fund improvements to such things as repair of sidewalks.
jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones
Escondido High School Principal Rich Watkins will take a new position as a district administrator in July, school officials announced Monday.
Watkins, who has served as principal at the high school since 2009, will become director of pupil services and intervention with Escondido Union High School District on July, 1. In his new position, hell supervise school disciplinary processes and other services.
Watkins graduated from San Pasqual High School in the school district in 1981, and spent most of his career within it. He taught at Orange Glen High School, and then at Escondido High School, and then briefly left the district to join the team that opened Valley Center High School.
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From there he moved to assistant principal jobs at Orange Glen, Escondido and San Pasqual High Schools, before returning to Escondido as principal.
Im proud that (Escondido High) is an institution thats a really great place for kids to be, he said of the school, which opened in 1894, making it the second oldest campus in the county after San Diego High School. Its a safe place for students and staff where learning is paramount.
During his years there, he said, the campus expanded its support for students by hiring more counselors, an onsite social worker, a bilingual parent liaison and an academic dean to focus on student achievement.
He said the district has already begun the process of hiring his replacement at the campus, and that he looks forward to watching the schools progress.
So somebodys going to walk into a position where were ready to step on the gas and make some great things going forward, Watkins said.
deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
Negotiations between the Port of San Diego and the developer responsible for bringing a hotel and convention center to the Chula Vista bayfront, have been extended again.
Port commissioners voted in February to allow negotiations with RIDA Development to continue through Feb. 16, 2018. This is the fourth extension.
RIDA was selected as the project developer in 2014 by the port, and the two entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement in February 2015.
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The Chula Vista bayfront master plan is a joint planning project between the port and Chula Vista for the citys 500-acre waterfront site.
In December, RIDA proposed a substantial improvement to the proposed plans based on positive signs in the market, port officials said.
Weve made considerable progress and are confident we will come to an agreement by Feb. 2018, said Adam Meyer, manager of the ports real estate development department.
Meetings with RIDA occur monthly to discuss proposed project terms. In addition, port district officials and Chula Vista city staff meet weekly regarding financing and associated agreements for the project.
Gary Halbert, city manager for Chula Vista, said once an agreement is entered into, it will lay out the terms and a timeline for moving forward.
The project is expected to be carried out in four major phases over the next two decades.
Phase one includes the development of the resort hotel and conference center, and construction of mixed-use development with 1,500 residential units, ground floor retail, office space and a 250-room hotel.
Once complete, the bayfront will have about 70 acres of new parks, an additional 61 acres of additional open space and 2,850 total hotel rooms.
This project, along with the public parks, marine improvements, shopping, dining and other amenities to come, is designed to be an important asset for the San Diego region, the South Bay, Chula Vista residents, and coastal visitors, said Port Chairman Robert Dukie Valderrama.
In November, the Chula Vista City Council recommitted to its bayfront master plan project, promising $1.2 million annually from the citys general fund to back its agreement with the port.
The agreement identified revenue sources necessary to build and maintain public improvements, infrastructure and other amenities in accordance with the final environmental impact report, previously approved by the city and port in May 2010.
The changes reflect updated commitments from both agencies, which date back to 2012 when the project was unanimously approved by the California Coastal Commission.
Planning efforts for the waterfront development began in 2002 and were guided by a citizens advisory committee to the Chula Vista bayfront master plan.
Halbert said he expects an agreement between the port and RIDA by this summer, and groundbreaking by 2020 if everything goes as anticipated.
Port of San Diego commissioner and current chairman Robert Dukie Valderrama was recently honored with a lifetime achievement award from a Barrio Logan social services organization.
Valderrama, 68, accepted the award March 2 at the Barrio Station Theater during a benefit dinner.
Barrio Station is a community-based nonprofit created to serve the high risk youth of Logan Heights and neighboring San Diego communities.
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Chairman Valderrama is a highly respected leader who brings a valuable Latino perspective to the Board of Port Commissioners on issues related to waterfront neighborhoods and cultural appreciation, said the organizations executive director Rachael Ortiz in a media release.
The retired National City businessman has been a longtime supporter of Barrio Logan and has had a lifelong dedication to National City, where he grew up.
His people-first approach has been a great benefit to Barrio Logan and National City, and is reflected in the culture of the Port as well, said Port CEO Randa Coniglio.
Valderrama was appointed to serve a fourth term as National Citys port commissioner last October.
Since Valderrama was appointed National Citys port commissioner in 2005 several projects have come to fruition. They include the long-awaited opening of the National City Aquatic Center with multipurpose classrooms, locker rooms with showers and restrooms, and the expansion of Pepper Park.
Family and community are the two most important things to me, Valderrama was quoted as saying in a news release. In making decisions on port projects and programs, I always consider how those who live, work and play on and near port tidelands will be affected.
The port commissioner also is credited for efforts to reroute commercial and industrial trucks from the ports Tenth Avenue Marine Terminal away from residential streets in Barrio Logan.
The port and National City are currently working to create a redevelopment plan with the right balance of land use for maritime, commercial recreation and public access in the National City Marina District.
A new report by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs found that problems still persist at the agencys 24-hour crisis line, with the rate of call rollovers to non-VA centers hitting 40 percent in October.
The analysis revealed that a national uproar last year over VA crisis calls such as calls from suicidal people going to voicemail had not led to significant changes.
A VA inspector general report this week said the seven recommendations it made back in February 2016 are still open, meaning they havent been accomplished.
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But in a statement released Tuesday afternoon, the VA declared that the rollover problem was fixed.
Our current call roll over rate is less than 1 percent, with over 99 percent of all calls being answered by VA workers, it said.
Welcome to The Intel, a blog examining the hot military news of the day
Suicide prevention is one of our highest priorities, VA Secretary David Shulkin said. Fixing the veterans crisis line was a critical step in keeping our commitment to veterans.
There was such furor over the 2016 report that Congress passed the No Veterans Crisis Line Should Go Unanswered Act, which was signed by the president in November.
When calls were rolling over to non-VA centers, veterans could wait on hold for a while the example given was 30 minutes before the call was answered.
The VA has acknowledged that call volume on its national crisis line, which debuted in 2007, has skyrocketed with the agency struggling to keep up. About 500,000 calls now come in per year, plus thousands of text messages and online chat messages.
But an effort to expand the New York state-based call operations has been dogged with problems.
RELATED: More than 1/3 of VA suicide hotline calls roll over
VA contracted with four backup call centers to handle overflow. But with concerns about call growth and quality control, VA officials formed a plan to open an Atlanta satellite call center staffed by VA workers. The goal: Zero rollover to outside call centers.
That plan didnt go so well.
Full operation in Atlanta was supposed to be reached by Dec. 31 of last year.
Atlanta started taking calls in October, but missed the December deadline. Frantic training in Atlanta meant that New York workers were off the phones, resulting in more crisis calls rolling over to back-up centers. In October, the rollover rate hit 40 percent.
The report doesnt say whether full operation in Atlanta has been achieved, but VA leaders on Tuesday issued the fixed response.
The VA inspector general issued 16 more recommendations as a result of the latest reports findings.
Read VA inspector general report
Critics calling for sweeping reforms of the VA said the inspector general report is another sign that the VAs new leader must take drastic steps.
Its been over a year since reports emerged that the suicide hotline was ignoring one-third of its incoming calls, yet little has changed, said Dan Caldwell, policy director at Concerned Veterans for America.
We urge Secretary Shulkin to address this report immediately and to continue pushing for strong VA accountability legislation that will allow him to discipline those responsible for the continuing failures at the Veterans Crisis Line.
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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A third Los Angeles County probation official has been charged with beating teenage inmates inside a Sylmar juvenile hall last year, prosecutors said.
Deputy Probation Officer Carlos Portillo pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault under color of authority on Monday in connection with a pair of clashes at the Barry J. Nidorf Juvenile Hall in 2016, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office. One of the incidents was captured on video and leaked last year to a local blog, prompting an internal investigation of other potential assaults at the jail.
Portillo, 39, faces up to four years and four months in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.
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Portillo and another probation officer are accused of pummeling a 17-year-old inmate at the behest of a supervisor in April 2016. Supervisor Sergio Cano, 45, and Officer Timothy Boundy, 42, were also charged with assault under color of authority in that case.
Prosecutors allege Cano ordered Portillo and Boundy to attack the inmate.
Portillo and Boundy are also accused of battering a teen who tried to leave his room in the facility in February of 2016. Boundy faces a third assault charge stemming from an incident in October 2015. Prosecutors allege he grabbed a teen and hurled him to the ground.
The probation officers charged in this case were entrusted with the safekeeping and well-being of youths while in their custody, Los Angeles County Dist. Atty. Jackie Lacey said in a statement. Sadly, in this instance, we believe the defendants abused their authority and broke the law.
Boundy and Cano have also pleaded not guilty.
In the April 2016 incident, Canos attorney has said that the teen inmate was being disruptive and had acted violently toward probation officers earlier in the day.
The case drew the concern of county officials last summer, after the blog WitnessLA obtained a video of the incident. The blog did not publish the footage, but said the video showed four officers pummeling a non-combative 17-year-old.
The incident prompted a review of force used by officers at the juvenile hall, according to the probation department. Seven officers faced administrative punishments after the review found they had used force inappropriately. Two officers were fired in connection with the videotaped beating. A spokeswoman for the probation department declined to identify them.
james.queally@latimes.com
Follow @JamesQueallyLAT for crime and police news in California.
A man who stole a medical van that was idling outside a hospital in San Diegos Hillcrest neighborhood was arrested a short distance away while trying to ditch two patients who were still inside, police said.
The driver of the American Medical Response shuttle van had stopped at Scripps Mercy Hospital to drop off one of three patients when the incident occurred about 6:20 p.m. Monday, San Diego police Sgt. Jordan Wells said.
After escorting the patient into the hospital, the driver came outside and saw the van being driven off.
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Wells said that officers located the van and the thief who was trying to drop off the remaining patients, both in their 60s about five blocks away from the hospital.
A 31-year-old man was arrested and booked into jail on suspicion of motor vehicle theft, kidnapping, elder abuse and driving under the influence.
lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
Winkley writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Hes not a kid anymore, hes a full-grown man. Hes not 5-foot-4 anymore, hes 6-foot-4. Hes a pleasant guy with a quick smile and a friendly greeting, but hes also a killer.
He seems at peace with himself. Time, it appears, is not only a balm for victims but also for those who victimize them.
Charles Andrew Andy Williams. He was the childlike gunman, age 15 by one month, who killed two students and wounded 13 others on March 5, 2001, at Santana High School in Santee.
He became a cause celebre of sorts as a symbol for bullied schoolchildren. However, prosecutors were neither impressed nor persuaded. Neither was the judge. When he pleaded guilty to first-degree murder, the court sentenced him to 50 years to life, which means he will be eligible for parole when others of his age are collecting Social Security.
Now, 12 years later, hes willing to talk about that day and what led up to it: what he thought, what he did and why, every step of the way. Because his case did not go to trial, this is the confession we never heard in detail. And because it happened in San Diego Countys front yard, its our right to hear it.
Williams lives today in Ironwood State Prison.
Andy Williams: A murderers reflection from behind bars 12 years after killing two classmates.
His neighbor is a cellmate. This is not a happy way to spend ones youth, or middle age, or old age. It might even be where Williams dies.
Sitting patiently for hours in a prison interview room, he is in his prison blues wearing horn-rimmed glasses and a ready smile. He talks fast and softly, as though wanting to keep as many words in the air as possible before they fall on a listeners ears.
He does not deny his guilt, and agrees he should be punished. He does not plead for sympathy. He says he wants mainly to be understood. He doesnt say so, but I suspect he would also like for the public to see him as a nice guy. He must know that will be a tough sell.
This is Andy Williams story of what turned a wayward boy into a kid killer.
View the photo gallery: March 5, 2001 - Santana High School Shooting remembered
Williams was a child of a divorce, which broke apart his family when he was 3. His mother and half-brother eventually moved away, while he stayed with his father in Brunswick, Md. Brunswick was basically a village, nonthreatening for a young boy denied the comfort of a mothers presence.
He saw his mother infrequently, usually at Christmas, when he would travel to her distant home. He functioned suitably in school, finding approval because of his good behavior and open, joking personality. He developed some disturbing traits as he neared the end of grammar school, but kept them hidden. If he felt depressed or abandoned by being separated from his mother, he also kept that hidden. His father, no one disputes, was supportive and loving.
View the Video Fred Dickey on Santana HS Shooter Part 1
View the Video UTTV talkes to the Santana Shooter
Asked about his early childhood, Williams says: To me, it was normal. It was cool for me. I had loving parents.
In December 1999, at age 13, he moved with his father to Twentynine Palms, a small city in the desert near Palm Springs dominated by a Marine base. It was a conservative environment housing many military retirees, including his grandfather, and was not a place where a kid could escape notice for getting into trouble.
Williams also benefited from the structure and values of his grandparents. In that community, he enjoyed the greatest success of his young life. He participated in eighth-grade activities, made friends, did his schoolwork, professed his Christian faith and was baptized.
But a few months in that nurturing place was all he would be given. His father, a laboratory-animal technician, accepted a job with the San Diego Naval Medical Center. Before relocating, Williams was allowed to spend the summer of 2000 in Maryland with friends. There, the discipline of Twentynine Palms disappeared, foreshadowing what lay ahead in Santee.
He deplaned at Lindbergh Field and traveled to his new apartment-home in Santee in fall 2000 to enroll at Santana High School for his freshman year. What the 14-year-old had kept concealed was that he had gotten into dope in Maryland that summer, and not for the first time. He had experimented with narcotics in Maryland before his drug-free hiatus in Twentynine Palms.
My friends and I started taking pills and going to harder stuff like cocaine. The first time I experienced those, I was 12 years old.
Williams recounts his first experience in Santee. When I flew back from Maryland to Santee, I had some dope on me. I saw a church across the street that I was going to go to, and I thought, I got to get rid of this dope.
However, the very first night I was home, I was smoking a cigarette on the lawn of our apartment complex and this dude came up and he was, like, Hey, man, Im out of drugs, and I got this freakin pipe on me, and I got no dope. I was, like, Thats crazy. I got some dope, but no pipe. Lets smoke dope. And through him, I got to meet the guys who became my friends. The very first night I was there.
Williams quickly fell in with a group of boys who, in an earlier time, would have been called dead-end kids, who would be called losers by other teens and problems by their teachers.
I asked why he didnt seek out the type of friends he had made in Twentynine Palms and adhere to the Christian standards he had embraced there. He simply says, I dont know. I honestly dont know.
He had reached a crossroads in his young life, and he says he did wrestle with his devils at least a little. When I first went back to Maryland that summer, all my friends were using drugs and I was, like, Dude, I dont want to be around it. I remember praying a lot about it, saying, Lord, Im going to hang out with these dudes now, but when I get to Santee Im going to go to church again. I never did.
The three guys Williams became closest to were A.J. Gilbert, Shaun Turk and Josh Stevens, all about his age. They spent a lot of time at a nearby skatepark and at each others homes when adults were absent.
Santana High School shooting suspect Charles Andrew Williams at his arraignment in the El Cajon , Calif. courthouse on Monday, March 26, 2001. 15 year-old Williams attorneys are trying to prevent his being tried as an adult. (UT photo/John McCutchen) John R. McCutchen (John R. McCutchen)
Williams exploited a situation that makes working single parents tear out their hair: For many hours of each day, he was unsupervised and unrestrained from running free.
Williams says the boys drank alcohol and smoked pot at every opportunity. A friends mom had Lyme disease and she, like, she had all kinds of pain pills, and so we were just stealing them and eating opiates all the time.
Did he have an addictive personality? Yeah, yeah I do. But looking back, I think I felt I needed drugs to function. In Maryland, it was just fun, but in Santee, it was like I had to.
At the time, he was a small boy for his age, with a placating manner. He was prey for the bullies he ran with.
He says they punched and kicked him, stole his possessions, even sprayed his pant legs with lighter fluid and set him afire. Beating up on him was fun and easy.
Did he ever fight back? At first, but then I thought if someone comes up and socks me, Im going to be hurt less if I just let it happen.
So he became a clown, hoping that amusing his companions would buy him a reprieve from the bullying. It didnt work. The mystery is why he kept coming back for more.
I dont know. I thought these guys are cool, and I wanted to be cool. Ive always wished I was a little bit braver.
At Santana High, his schoolwork didnt just suffer, it collapsed. Constant truancies and ignored homework marked him as a deadbeat to other students and an exasperation to teachers.
Did his dad know he was hanging around with the wrong kids?
Initially, no, but the more we were skipping school and the more peoples parents would come and complain to him about stuff we were doing, he got the sense that I was probably in a bad crowd.
Did he ever tell his father he needed to leave Santee?
I never had the courage to tell him I was struggling. I didnt want to let him down. I had no idea what to do.
He says he was also bullied at the school. But he was reminded that after the shooting, no teacher, administrator or student on the campus said they ever saw him being bullied.
He counters that bullying goes on all the time beneath the noses of teachers and principals. At school, they would take my money. Id have my backpack ripped off and thrown in the trash can. In high school, if they see a kid not fighting back, they think hes an easy target. I was little and easy, I guess.
Was there anything in Santee or at Santana High that could have made life different?
Absolutely. There were some real cool Christians, like, I always wanted to be a part of. But I didnt want my friends seeing me like that.
Next into his life came Christopher Reynolds, an adult sexual predator who was the live-in boyfriend of Stevens mother.
Williams says Reynolds was the one who bought alcohol and provided drugs for the boys. And, yes, there were strings attached.
He was abusing all of us.
What was he doing?
Hed grab on us and try to kiss us and stuff. If he wanted to grab someones butt, it was, like, whatever, dude.
Is that what he did?
And he did some other stuff.
What?
He would ... he would ... he would grab us and try to do stuff to us.
What did he do?
He would try to masturbate us.
Did he do it to you?
He did it to me one time.
You dont want to talk about that, do you?
(Nervous laughter.) Naaah.
How did that contribute to March 5, 2001?
When something like that happens to you, if youre not willing to stop that, then youll just roll over for anything. That was really hard for me to deal with. If I was if I was if I was OK with that, then what am I?
You never told your dad?
No, but he told me later he knew that no 28-year-old is going to hang out with a bunch of kids, but I had told him nothing ever happened.
(Reynolds, now 40, is in Oklahoma serving two consecutive prison sentences totaling 40 years, based on multiple counts of lewd misconduct. He was invited by mail to respond but did not.)
Not long before the shooting, Williams says he and Stevens concocted a scheme to run away to Mexico. They, of course, bragged of their scheme to all their buddies. Later, as the date neared, Williams says Stevens backed out. To save face, he spread the word that Williams was the one who had chickened out. As word spread, Williams became a laughingstock among his friends.
FRIDAY, MARCH 2, 2001
The pressure from his misbehavior started to ratchet up. Williams father, probably in a state of great frustration, drove him to school to confront the guidance counselor.
He chewed out the counselor that when I skipped school, it was the schools responsibility to inform him of it.
The reality was, the school would leave a message on the home recorder noting his absence, and Williams would run home and erase the notice before his father could hear it.
Later that day, Williams, still upset over the counselor encounter, showed up for a class unprepared as usual. He remembered the teacher unloading on him in front of the other students for a lack of effort. It surely wasnt the first time hed been criticized in class, but for some reason, it scraped a nerve. Williams says it also deepened his depression and strengthened a growing urge to commit suicide.
I got out of class and I went and told my friends, This chick yelled at me for a half-hour. I sure wish someone would shoot her. He says it was a threat that he immediately dismissed with ha-ha-ha. He now describes the incident as a verbal, pointless teenage threat on crappy teachers.
However, when he got together with his buddies later, they teased him that he wouldnt carry through with his threat to shoot the teacher because he had backed out on the Mexico run-away with Josh. It was teasing, but it stung. Again, he was the wimp.
SATURDAY, MARCH 3
Saturday was what most kids would consider a dream day. Although Williams was grounded for misbehavior, his father took him hang-gliding as a belated 15th birthday present. When he got home, his dad lifted his punishment to allow him to get together with his buddies.
That night, Williams and a group of friends partied at Stevens house. As the evening drew late, Williams says, he and the others became drunk. He says Josh was angry at something Reynolds had done to him and resurrected the shooting talk.
He went and got a sheet of paper and diagrammed the school. He said what hallway he was going to. He told A.J. (Gilbert) where he was going to go. He told me where I was going to go.
Williams would be stationed in the boys restroom.
Williams says Stevens wanted him to use the .22 revolver in his dads gun case, while Stevens and Gilbert would take two small-gauge shotguns from the case and saw off the barrels for ease of concealment.
Did anybody else know about the plan?
Saturday night, we were telling everybody. Josh was telling everybody because he thought it was cool. I was telling everybody, hoping in the back of my mind that an adult would find out about it (and stop it). But every single person who was told about it seemed like they were encouraging it. Probably about 50 people total, including a couple of adults, knew about it. I think a lot of them didnt take it seriously.
What happened to the diagram?
Josh threw it in the trash.
So, that indicated he was backing out of the scheme?
Yeah.
SUNDAY, MARCH 4
On Sunday afternoon, Williams father took him to Lakeside to look at a condo they were planning to buy and make their new home.
When we first talked about (the move), I said, Awesome. I was getting away from these people. To me, it was like a positive thing. But later in my mind, I thought I was better off dying.
Sunday evening, Williams joined his buddies at a girls house. By that time, he says, Stevens had changed the story and said Williams was the one who bragged about shooting up the school.
With the fresh memory of the Mexico-trip ridicule still burning in his ears, Williams did not back out. He says the Columbine shooting of two years earlier never entered his mind as a template.
Apparently, his resolve wavered, and when he returned home Sunday night, he says he got a phone call from Reynolds, who said Stevens had told him of the school-shooting scheme.
Williams remembers Reynolds telling him, If you dont go through with it, Ill kill you. Williams says he took that threat seriously because of Reynolds intimidating, mesmerizing presence.
Parent of a Santana High School student, Linda Eyler of El Cajon, comforts Nicolle Aldrich, 17, center, and her mother, Terry Adams, right, as Nicolle finds out that four of her friends were injured in the shooting. (Published 03/06/2001)
MONDAY, MARCH 5
Williams didnt sleep well Sunday night. He says he kept thinking about suicide. His last thought of the night was, This is it.
When he awoke Monday morning, it wasnt just another school day.
I got up and accepted that today Im going to die. Im glad its over. I showered. I looked in the mirror. I got the key and opened the gun cabinet. I got out the pistol. I got the .22 bullets and put them on the bed. He found about 40 bullets and took them all.
My whole plan was, Im going to do this and then Im going to die. And so, I was just thinking about suicide the last couple of weeks, and I guess that was the day.
Early Monday morning, Williams says Gilbert knocked on the door to return a bicycle. I told him he could have it because I didnt have any use for it anymore. A.J. said, Im not gonna go through this with you. He went into my room and he seen the pistol and the bullets on the bed, and he said, So youre still going to do it? And I said, This is it for me. And he said, All right.
I put the pistol and all the bullets in my backpack and went out to the bus stop.
We met up with the kids we usually met up with. A.J. was saying, All right, dude, nice knowing you. And we kind of said our goodbyes again. He asked where I was going. I said the boys bathroom, and he was, like, Man, you know most murders happen on a Monday. I told him nobody was going to die.
Williams says he believed .22 bullets were not powerful enough to kill people. He says he had seen them bounce off coffee cans during target practice.
Shortly after 9 a.m., Williams remembers taking his backpack into a bathroom stall and closing the door. He nervously loaded the pistol and opened the door and saw standing beyond the stalls, at the urinals, freshman Bryan Zuckor, 14, and the taller Trevor Edwards, 17, a junior, who was directly in front. He decided he didnt want to shoot anyone he knew, so he closed the door. I felt like, Dude, you either got to go through it or not, but you got to make a decision. And I was, All right, Im going to do it.
The memorial that sprang up in front of Santana High School after the shooting. U-T file photo ( / U-T file photo)
What was in your mind, standing in the bathroom stall?
Like, Im not somebody thats going to hurt people, and I was aware that what I was going to do was going to hurt somebody. But at the same time, I couldnt go back out to my friends I cant go back out and put myself in a position that theyre going to ridicule me. It was just the easiest way out.
He opened the stall door again and both boys were still there. So I shut the door again, and I thought, Dude, what are you doing? And I thought, I dont have it in me to hurt nobody. And then, for whatever reason, I was like, Im going to open this door again, and if theyre not there Ill pull the trigger. But if it is them, then Im just going to walk out. But when I opened up, I didnt see a tall dude in front of me so I pulled the trigger.
I didnt know it was Bryan. I expected to see a tall person in front of me and a shorter dude to my right, but when I opened up the shorter guy was in front of me and the taller guy to the right.
You put the gun real close to the back of Bryans head before you killed him.
I was about 2 feet away.
What went through your mind at that moment?
Nothing.
Williams continues. I swung around and I shot Trevor. I think it hit him in the neck. He fell, and after about 10 to 15 seconds he asked me why I did it. I told him to shut up.
Did you say that angrily?
No, I was just that was the only thing I could think of. That was a typical 15-year-old response to everything.
He then wounded student teacher Tim Estes while the few others in the bathroom scattered. As school security officer Peter Ruiz came in to investigate, he was shot three times.
And then what?
I reloaded and I guess I went out a little way and shot at people in the crowd. Then I reloaded again.
In all, Williams believes he reloaded four times and expended almost all of his 40 rounds. He wounded 13 people, staff and students, and killed another student, senior Randy Gordon, 17, whom he did not know.
When the police came, Williams hastily threw down the revolver and surrendered, as they demanded.
SWAT officers check classrooms after a student opened fire at Santana High School, school, killing two people and wounding 13 others. U-T file photo ( / U-T file photo)
He was taken to the sheriffs office and interrogated. He gave as his reason that he was mad at how things were going in his life. He told deputies, I was just, like, screwing up in school and I didnt want to move again, and my dad kept yelling at me. Hes been bitching at me for a while. And everybody else is being stupid.
He also told deputies that he had not been bullied or even teased, and that neither parent had ever abused him.
Today, Williams says he was ashamed to admit he had been bullied. Asked if he intended to kill people, he told interrogators right after the shooting: I didnt want anybody to die. But if they died, then, oh well.
Not long after the shooting, a forensic psychiatrist diagnosed him with a major depressive disorder.
Andy spent a year and a half in Juvenile Hall, where he was praised as a model inmate and did well in his schoolwork. He was in a controlled, protected environment perhaps reminiscent of Twentynine Palms.
In August 2002, he instructed his public defender to enter a guilty plea to two counts of first-degree murder. He said he wanted to spare the wounded survivors and the families of the two murdered students the pain of sitting through a trial.
He will be eligible for parole in his mid-60s.
Williams seems to have adjusted well to prison. The guards told me he is not considered a problem, and they are noticeably at ease with him. Hes close to becoming a journeyman brick mason and is two classes short of an associate degree. He hopes to finish a bachelors degree by correspondence.
He is kept in protective custody because he refused to stab another inmate at another prison, he says, a demand made on him by a prison gang. Because of that, for his own safety, he will never be allowed to leave protective custody, which suits him just fine.
He has a girlfriend who has been committed to him for several years. He has even thought of marriage, though lifers are not allowed conjugal visits. His father visits him monthly, and his mother flies in from Georgia at least twice a year.
He is quick to admit that he deserves to be punished and severely. He thinks the 50-year minimum sentence was too much, considering his youth, but that 20 years would have been too lenient. He believes 30 years would have at least given him the hope of someday having a positive life in society.
Has he ever thought of writing to his victims?
Id like to, not necessarily to explain myself but to pray that everything is going well with them, and to (let them) know how sorry I am.
I feel I owe it to (the victims) not to mess up in here. Ive already made a very bad decision that affected them, and I cant continue to make bad decisions.
Do you know who all 13 of your wounded victims are?
I dont have them memorized, not anymore.
I ask if hes happy, and he says, Reasonably. I have no complaints. But of life in prison, he says: Its, like, it sucks. I hate it. But whatever you make of it, thats basically what it is. It can be miserable if you let it. Its degrees of badness.
Does what you did ever hit you really hard, to this day?
All the time. Like, what the hell did I do?
Do you think of yourself as a murderer?
I think its hard to separate who I am from what Ive done. Obviously, I committed that crime, so youd have to classify me like that, but I dont necessarily think I intended to kill somebody. ... I do know that the people I shot did not deserve to be killed or wounded, and I will never stop regretting that.
Do you dread March 5 coming around?
Not anymore.
Did you for a while?
Absolutely. I wouldnt eat. Id seclude myself from everybody. But after a while, that became just like a shell, you know what I mean? I dont necessarily treat it like its every other day, but
We can analyze Williams account of March 5, 2001, and say that much of it makes no sense. He says it doesnt to him, either. There are incongruities in his story, so what is the value of reading his words?
Thats an individual judgment. When talking about such crimes, the experts say much but often know little. Angry people can say, Give em the needle.
Sympathetic people can say that we should try to understand the abuse a killer had suffered. To a point, yes, but not to the extent that it makes us diminish the damage done to innocent people.
Another thing we can all do is listen and despair of our ignorance.
The grown-up Andy Williams is a pleasant guy with no evident antagonisms. But hes in prison. Most cons are the same way while theyre in prison. Anyway, that doesnt tell us why he went off the tracks as a child.
One of his evident problems was that he wasnt aggressive and wouldnt fight. But why should someone have to fight not to be bullied, if indeed, bullied he was?
Williams chose his friends in Santee and became one with them. They were troubled kids.
A.J. Gilbert, 23, died in 2008 while on parole. Shaun Turk, 27, is serving time for murder, in the same prison as Williams. Josh Stevens, 27, is in prison in Florida on a probation violation.
In a reply letter to my prison query, Stevens denies bullying Williams it was just teasing, he says and claims the hatching of the plot to shoot up the school was nothing more than idle talk by kids. He insists that no one who heard of it took Williams seriously.
This is an old, familiar theme, but Andy was a latchkey kid coming home from school to an empty house. He was free to roam, free to get into whatever mischief appealed at the moment.
His father was not a disciplinarian, but isnt permissiveness our parenting philosophy du jour?
Williams turned his youth into a crime story, and helping other children avoid doing the same is our job. All of ours. And we can do that without excusing Williams.
One Internet site lists 115 school shootings in the United States since 1980, and the pace has accelerated over the years. Many of the other school shooters are dead. Williams is alive and available to listen to.
Its only my guess, but I suspect he thought a guy with a gun comes across as really tough. No one punches the dude with a gun, and no one dares ridicule him. This was a way to show everyone the real Andy Williams. He could make his own movie.
Speculation aside, to understand the mind of any person is to walk down a hallway with many closed doors, not knowing behind which is concealed the truth we seek.
We are left to repeat a question: Williams asks, What the hell did I do? Thats right, Andy. What the hell did you do?
Bill Flynn, of Santee, prays in front of the Santana High School sign/makeshift memorial in the front Santana High School on Magnolia in Santee Ca. Flynn had two kids that graduated Santee High, one in 1999, the other in 1997. U-T file photo ( / U-T file photo)
View the photo gallery: March 5, 2001 - Santana High School Shooting remembered
A judge ruled Monday that criminal proceedings will resume in the case of a man accused in a series of attacks on homeless men last year, three of whom died.
Jon David Guerrero, 40, is expected to be arraigned April 4 in San Diego Superior Court on charges of murder and attempted murder.
When Guerrero was scheduled for arraignment late last year, his defense lawyer raised questions about his mental competency. That prompted a judge to suspend the case and send Guerrero to a hospital in San Bernardino County for treatment.
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Guerrero returned to San Diego from Patton State Hospital in January.
A couple weeks later, Deputy Public Defender Dan Tandon requested that a date be set for a mental competency trial, indicating he might challenge conclusions that the defendant was able to understand the court proceedings and assist in his own defense.
The trial was scheduled for Monday, but instead both the prosecutor and the defense attorney agreed that doctors at the hospital and a San Diego County psychiatrist appointed by the court had determined Guerrero was mentally competent.
Guerrero is accused of attacking five homeless men over a 12-day period in July. He was arrested after a pair of officers in Golden Hill found the last victim screaming in pain.
Three of the victims: Angelo DeNardo, 53, Shawn Mitchell Longley, 41, and Dionicio Derek Vahidy, 23, were killed. Two others survived.
Each was injured with a railroad spike, authorities said.
Investigators revealed in late January that Guerrero is also suspected of fatally injuring Molly Simons, 83, in a North Park alley on July 13.
Simons was not homeless. She lived with her husband in San Diego.
Outside the courtroom Monday, Deputy District Attorney Makenzie Harvey did not say whether the Simons killing would be added to the complaint filed against Guerrero.
dana.littlefield@sduniontribune.com
Twitter: @danalittlefield
Two mothers are seeking a restraining order to keep to a teacher away from their children and dozens of other parents also have complained about him to San Diego Unified School District trustees.
Parents Beatriz Silva and Teresita Martin said they are scheduled to appear before a Superior Court judge on April 3 in an effort to obtain a restraining order against Marcus Salazar, a sixth grade math and science teacher at Longfellow school, a Spanish-language immersion magnet school for grades K-8 in Bay Park.
The unusual step comes after Silva, Martin and dozens of parents appeared before the school board at a March 7 meeting to say their concerns about Salazars classroom behavior had gone unanswered by the school or district.
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Some parents at the meeting were emotional as they told trustees that Salazar had yelled at their children and even hurt them by grabbing or pulling on their arms. They also said they had complained to the school principal about Salazar being a bully, but were in the dark about any actions that have been taken.
Our kids are telling us that this man is mean and embarrasses them and misuses his authority in the classroom and physically puts his hands on them, Silva said to the board at the start of the meeting.
Trustees did not comment on the complaints, which were not related to any item before the board that night, but Longfellow Principal Diana Sanchez did issue a statement before the meeting concluded.
The concerns raised by parents tonight are serious, the statement read. We have been meeting with families regularly to listen to and address parent concerns and problem solve. At Longfellow, we have a strong, supportive parent and teacher community. We will continue to address parent concerns according to district policy. We have established a co-teaching model where a second teacher is in the classroom to make sure students can continue to learn in a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment.
Salazar, who has not been at school the past few weeks, could not be reached and did not return calls or e-mails requesting a comment.
The co-teaching model Sanchez referred to began in January and involves a second teacher being in the classroom with Salazar, said Martin, one of the parents pursuing the restraining order.
In an interview, Martin said a shadow teacher was introduced in the class after her 12-year-old daughter was physically pushed out of the classroom by Salazar on Jan. 30. According to Martin, Salazar had told her daughter to leave that day because she was being disruptive, although the girl said she had only turned her body around to sit facing the side board that the teacher was writing on.
The girl went to the school office to talk to the principal, who walked back to the classroom with the student, said Martin, who also has two adopted grandchildren at the school. Salazar pushed her daughter out the door after she entered the room, Martin said.
Martin said there was a disagreement with the principal over whether the girl stumbled or was pushed out the door, and she called the police to report the incident. An an officer told her there was not enough evidence to press charges, but he said she could seek a restraining order, Martin said.
Martin and Silva did not immediately file for a restraining order because they wanted to give the co-teaching model a chance. But she said they decided to move ahead because there have been days when the second teacher doesnt show up or is absent for long stretches.
They originally went to court seeking a restraining order March 10, but said they were told to return with more evidence. Martin said she will ask the principal and students to appear at the next hearing.
Silva said she has gone to school every day since January to make sure a second teacher is there. On days when one is not, she said she stays in the classroom.
She also said the March 7 appearance before the board was the largest group to complain at one time, but it wasnt the first.
Weve gone to the board three times to complain about the teacher, Silva said in an interview. This last time, I said we need to show them we are Longfellow, and this is the reason we are here. All we want to do is keep our kids safe.
Silva said she first began to suspect something was wrong at school when her daughter complained of chest pains in December, and a doctor diagnosed her with stress.
She kept complaining about this teacher and how hed make her feel, she said. Hed belittle her and make her feel stupid in class and taunt her. We put two and two together. It is anxiety.
Parent Nikki Kraft said her second-grader had issues at school last year when Salazar taught first grade. She said she began to have concerns about what was happening when her son began insulting family members in Spanish and calling them cochino, Spanish for pig.
We dont talk like that, she said. It was very clear that he was learning it from Salazar.
Kraft said she confirmed with her son that he had learned the language from his teacher, and others at the school board meeting had similar stories.
She also said her son stopped drinking water at school because he was afraid Salazar would yell at him if he needed to go to the restroom.
gary.warth@sduniontribune.com
Twitter: @GaryWarthUT
760-529-4939
Under a bill in the Legislature, public transit agencies in San Diego County could ask voters for new taxes to beef up trolley and bus operations in their own service areas.
Floating such levies is currently under the purview of the San Diego Association of Governments, but public trust in the agency has eroded somewhat of late and the region is facing a potentially sizable shortage of transportation dollars.
For months last year, SANDAG officials told the public that Measure A, a proposed half-cent tax hike that went on the November ballot, would bring in about $18 billion over 40 years for a host of specific projects. The measure failed to get the required two-thirds voter approval.
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Following the vote and a string of media coverage, led by Voice of San Diego, challenging the revenue projections the agency said the way it calculated proceeds from sales taxes had been overly optimistic.
At the behest of its 21-member board of elected officials from around the county, SANDAG is looking for a law firm familiar with white-collar crime to investigate whether the agencys staff intentionally misled voters ahead of the election.
In light of these issues, the new legislation, Assembly Bill 805, would extend taxing authority to the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District. Voting boundaries for such tax-and-spend blueprints would likely be based on each transit agencys service territory, but details have not been finalized.
Taxpayers deserve more than theyve received in the past from SANDAG, said the bills author, Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego. Anyone who watched the Measure A debacle and its fallout knows its time to reform the way we raise and spend transportation dollars in the San Diego region.
Neither of the public transit agencies has taken an official stance on the bill, which is made significantly more complicated because it also envisions a major shake-up of the power dynamics on the SANDAG board and seeks to establish an independent auditor for the agency.
SANDAGs executive director, Gary Gallegos, who has come under increasing criticism by environmentalists and transit advocates in recent years, declined to comment on the bill.
The Republican Party of San Diego County, which has been a prominent critic of SANDAG, also declined to discuss the legislation.
Ron Roberts, a county supervisor and chairman of the SANDAG board, said the agencys executive committee hasnt had a chance to review the bill. But he added, Im always wary of Sacramento-led efforts to direct local issues.
When SANDAG considers a tax proposal, its board currently must vote twice once using a straight tally of elected officials and the other using a weighted vote proportional to the the populations they represent. This dual-vote structure reinforces the need for region-wide consensus on the board because its easier to nix an idea than to gain approval.
The new legislation, as its written now, would do away with the straight-tally vote and rely solely on proportional representation and that could give big cities such as San Diego, Chula Vista and Oceanside significantly more power on the board.
When billions of dollars of taxpayer money are at stake, as well as the work commutes and public health of every San Diegan, we need to strengthen the checks and balances for the people, Gonzalez Fletcher said. The current system is beholden to an arcane voting system that doesnt reflect the countys population and concentrates too much power with bureaucrats instead of the leaders that are elected to make tough decisions.
While San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconers office said its still reviewing the legislation, smaller and more suburban cities have already come out against the idea.
Im very concerned that it would supplant what has been great regional cooperation with urban domination, said Poway Mayor Steve Vaus. It would disenfranchise over half the citizens in the county.
Some environmental groups have praised AB 805 in hopes it would bring more money for mass transit, but other groups have taken a more cautious approach.
We have not formally weighed in on the bill yet, said Colin Parent, policy counsel for the transportation think tank Circulate San Diego. However, we like many elements in it.
Allowing MTS and NCTD to pursue their own revenue measures makes a lot of sense, he added. We will be suggesting clarifying amendments to the author to ensure that the transit agencies can also raise funds for the bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure that support a successful transit network.
Its unclear when the legislation might come before a committee for discussion and whether it would need a two-thirds vote in the Legislature for passage.
Twitter: @jemersmith
Phone: (619) 293-2234
Email: joshua.smith@sduniontribune.com
The Board of Supervisors came out against three state bills on Tuesday, pitting the county against state lawmakers from San Diego who have introduced legislation that could change local politics and government.
The county supervisors, all Republicans, voted unanimously to oppose legislation pushed by Democrats in the Assembly.
One measure would allow for the county charter to be amended to require a runoff election between the top-two finishers in the primary in all cases in supervisor races. Another would change how supervisor district lines are drawn, and the third would allow transit districts to create ballot measures on taxes and change the board structure of the San Diego Association of Governments.
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Reforms of this type should be debated and decided locally, Supervisor Ron Roberts said. He and Supervisor Dianne Jacob led the effort to oppose the legislation.
Assembly member Todd Gloria, author of one of the bills, said the supervisors mischaracterized the legislation, and that the proposals let more voters participate in the democratic process.
I have the utmost respect for the members of our County Board of Supervisors, and I thank them all for their comments today, Gloria said in a statement. However, make no mistake, this legislation is about San Diegans and making sure the Board of Supervisors reflect their input and priorities.
Supervisors said the three legislators Assembly members Shirley Weber, Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher and Gloria, all San Diego Democrats did not consult with them when drafting their bills. A spokesman for Gloria said supervisors were not consulted when his bill was being drafted, but they were notified before it was introduced.
Unfortunately, state and federal proposals that impact local government are often introduced without any deliberation or recommendation from a local governing body, and it appears that we will be facing the same situation this State Legislative session in Sacramento, Jacob and Roberts said in a letter to their colleagues.
It doesnt make sense for Sacramento to pass these bills that would change local governance, Jacob said.
All three of the bills only impact San Diego County, and the vast majority of the decision (makers) have no, absolutely no, connection to this area, she said at Tuesdays meeting. Its better if the legislation is homegrown. Sacramento should stick to state issues. They have enough to do.
The boards action on Tuesday does not create legislative obstacles for the bills in Sacramento, but rather puts the supervisors stance on record.
Glorias bill would require county supervisor elections to head to a runoff between the top two candidates from the primary, regardless of the outcome in the first race. Currently, candidates can win office in the primary if they receive more than half of the vote. Glorias bill would not change county elections in itself, but rather give supervisors or a voter initiative the ability to change the charter to the legislations parameters.
Gloria said that races should be won in the general election where turnout is higher than in the primary. His bill is based on Measure K, a San Diego City ballot measure that 66.4 percent of voters approved in November. It was opposed by Republicans, but supported by Democrats; historically Democratic voter turnout is higher in general elections than primary elections, particularly when there is a presidential race.
Though all five members of the Board of Supervisors are Republicans, Democrats have a voter-registration advantage across the county and in three of the five supervisor districts. Two of those districts have significant Democratic advantages, while two have large Republican advantages. One district has a slight Democratic advantage.
Webers bill would change how supervisor district boundaries are drawn by eliminating a commission of retired federal and district judges. Weber said that the cadre of judges is too homogeneous and doesnt reflect the diversity of the constituents whose districts they would create.
If you want the diversity of perspectives necessary to ensure fairness, you are more likely to find that by drawing from a pool of qualified citizens rather than judges, Weber said in a statement.
The commission was created by state law in 2012 and replaced a system where the Board of Supervisors drew district lines after the federal decennial census. The new system, Roberts said, hasnt been implemented.
Like Glorias bill, Webers legislation would need approval from the county or voters to take effect.
A third bill, from Gonzalez Fletcher, would let public transit agencies, with voter approval, levy taxes to pay for new and expanded bus and train operations.
The San Diego Association of Governments usually asks voters to approve taxes for transportation projects. But public doubts are mounting over the ability to finance these types of projects after the defeat of Measure As half-cent sales tax in November, and there are growing questions about the accuracy about revenue projections related to that ballot item. The new legislation would let the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and the North County Transit District create ballot items to levy taxes and spend the revenues for capital projects.
SANDAG is a creation of state law, so its problems must be fixed by state law. I welcome everyones input on how to achieve reform. Gonzalez Fletcher said.
Additionally, votes on SANDAGs board would be weighted proportionately. SANDAG currently requires motions to receive support from a majority of the 21 board members as well as a weighted majority.
If enacted, the change would make the more populous cities in San Diego County more powerful on SANDAGs board.
Twitter: @jptstewart
joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com
(619) 293-1841
Every 15 minutes, someone dies in an alcohol-related crash.
That was the message visiting California Highway Patrol officers had for San Diego high school students on Monday.
The talk at Patrick Henry High School was part of a two-day program called Every 15 Minutes.
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In its first day, officers staged the aftermath of collision involving a teen impaired by alcohol and a fatally injured victim.
The simulation includes visits from police, firefighters, an ambulance, an investigator with the Medical Examiners Office and a tow truck company all parties that would be summoned to a scene should a fatal DUI crash actually occur.
California Highway Patrol officials said the exercise aims to challenge students to think about the repercussions of drinking and driving and their responsibility to make safe decisions when behind the wheel.
The program will continue Tuesday.
Twitter: @LAWinkley
(619) 293-1546
lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com
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History: The city grew up around the Hotel del Coronado, which opened in February 1888, less than three years after developers bought the land. Well-heeled visitors flocked to the hotel, and those with less means took up residence in Tent City, a makeshift summer community that operated from 1900 to 1939. Coronado is also known as a Navy town with the adjacent North Island Naval Air Station. It was here that aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss experimented with seaplanes and opened a flight school for the U.S. military, earning North Island the title of Birthplace of Naval Aviation.
How it got its name: The island was originally called Peninsula de San Diego by the Spanish. Elisha Babcock and company held a naming contest after they bought the land. The winner, Miramar, was deemed too foreign, so the developers looked to the nearby Coronado Islands for a name. Spanish explorer Sebastian Vizcainos priest named those islands for Christian martyrs. Its nickname is Crown City.
Landmarks: While the Del is the crown jewel of the Crown City, Coronados beaches consistently rate among the top 10 in the nation. The Coronado Ferry makes for a nice ride to downtown San Diego.
Notable locals: The Wizard of Oz author L. Frank Baum wrote several sequels to his famous book while wintering here. And popcorn king Orville Redenbacher spent his final years in Coronado.
Things to do: In 1936 the S.S. Monte Carlo, an infamous gambling ship, crashed into the Coronado shoreline. The hull has been rotting away all this time, but depending on the tide and the time of year, you can see and explore the remains. Some people even say you can find leftover hidden treasure!
Artsy village, beach town, host of racetrack and county fair
History: Jacob Taylor is considered Del Mars founding father. He purchased 338 acres in 1885 with a dream of turning the land into a resort. He called it the most attractive place on the entire coast.
The Stratford Inn (now Hotel Indigo) opened in 1910 and became a magnet for the Hollywood set. By 1937 crooner Bing Crosby and his partners established the racetrack, a year after the county fair opened in the San Dieguito Valley. The city incorporated in 1959.
How it got its name: Railroad engineer Theodore Loop established a tent city by the beach in the early 1880s. His wife, Ella, named it after the Bayard Taylor poem The Fight of Paso Del Mar.
Landmarks: The San Diego County Fair is by far the most popular event at the Del Mar Fairgrounds with more than 1.5 million attending annually. The fairgrounds are also the home for horse racing and music festivals. Powerhouse Park incorporates a 1928 powerhouse, now a community center.
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Things to do: Del Mars coast offers spots to sit or play at Powerhouse and Seagrove parks or to let Fido run free much of the year at North Beach.
Notable locals: Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz had a beach house here, as did Jimmy Durante.
4,331 POPULATION $1,900,000 MEDIAN HOME PRICE
History: In the early 1980s, William Bright, founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, purchased the 4,660 acres that comprise Black Mountain Ranch from the Teamsters Union. He wanted to build Graduate Christian University, but environmentalists blocked his vision, which included high-density student housing, campus buildings and thousands of home sales to fund an endowment. The land sold in bankruptcy court to Fred Maas and his partners at Potomac Investment Associates, who eventually developed Del Sur. When completed, it will have about 3,000 residences, a business park, retail space and a hotel, along with two schools. Its many environmental features earned it the Governors Environmental and Economic Leadership Award.
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How it got its name: Del Sur means of the south in Spanish. The main road into the area is Camino Del Sur.
Landmarks: The Del Sur Town Center is filling with a mix of stores and restaurants. The Craftsman-inspired community center, called the Ranch House, was the first building in the county to earn a platinum rating for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) from the U.S. Green Building council. The building uses wood from an 1880s barn and a demolished pier in Portland, Ore. The ceiling panels are created from straw, and cabinets are made from compressed sunflower seed hulls.
Notable locals: Fred Maas, who spearheaded the communitys development and lives there, became known in 2016 for helping the Chargers with their stadium initiative.
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History: Farming and ranching were the mainstays of this area, once known as the Janal and Otay ranchos, Mexican land granted to Jose Antonio Estudillo. At 25,000 acres, Otay Ranch is nearly the size of San Francisco. Planning for the site began in the 1980s. More than 10,000 homes have been built since then with about 18,000 more to come. The first phase of the massive Eastlake development broke ground in 1986 and will eventually house 8,900 dwellings and 20,000 residents.
How it got its name: The name Otay Ranch derives from the historic Rancho Otay. The Eastlake development was originally EastLake.
Landmarks: In Otay Ranch, theres a round (really, 12-sided) bird barn off Hard Rock Road, built in the 1930s by mining magnate Stephen Birch. Its shape was supposed to protect quail from getting smothered in corners of a traditional barn. And Eastlake has a lake a 21.5-acre man-made body of water at Eastlake Shores Beach Club. The nearby Otay Lakes offer more lakeside recreation.
Notable locals: Los Angeles Dodgers first baseman and former Padres player Adrian Gonzalez is an Eastlake High School alum, although his family lived in Bonita while he attended high school. Brother Edgar also played for the Padres.
Things to do: Rent boats, canoes and kayaks at Lower Otay Reservoir. The area is also open to fishing and has grilling stations and picnic tables.
Did you know? Eastlake was named San Diegos best new home community in 2010 by The San Diego Union-Tribune.
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This area is known for Asian restaurants and has its share of enclaves.
History: This scrubby mesa was mainly used for grazing cattle until World War I, when the Army founded Camp Kearny. During World War II, the Marines established an air base, which the Navy took over after the war. The base, Miramar Naval Air Station home of the Top Gun school was returned to the Marines in 1997. Bill Gibbs established an airfield in 1937, which became Montgomery Field after the city of San Diego bought it in 1947.
How it got its name: Camp Kearny, built in 1917, was named after Brig. Gen. Stephen W. Kearny, a leader in the Mexican-American War. Serra Mesa is named for Spanish friar Junipero Serra.
Landmarks: From dim sum to boba, Kearny Mesa is San Diegos hot spot for Asian food.
Things to do: Hiking highlights for Serra Mesa include the Ruffin Canyon and Sandrock Canyon open spaces.
Notable locals: The late actor Cleavon Little, best known as Sheriff Bart in Blazing Saddles, graduated from Kearny High School.
Fun fact: Stu Segall Productions, headquartered here, created a string of San Diego-based TV series, including Silk Stalkings and Veronica Mars.
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Known as Jewel of the Hills, La Mesa embraces its past and retains its small-town character.
History: In 1869, rancher Robert Allison bought thousands of acres in the region. He helped bring water and the railroad to the area, known as Allison Springs. The transformation to a residential community began in 1906. It became a moviemaking mecca in 1911, when Allan Dwan filmed about 150 silent flickers. The community incorporated in 1912.
How it got its name: Newspapers referred to the region as La Mesa Springs and La Mesa Colony. It was shortened to La Mesa when a post office was established in 1891. Neighboring Mount Helix got its name from Swiss-born scientist Louis Agassiz, who noted a snail Helix aspersa on a hike.
Landmarks: Part of the areas charm is its connection with the past. The area has two museums: the 1899 McKinney House, now the La Mesa Historical Society, and the 1894 La Mesa Train Depot. The city has kept its system of public stairways, known as the Secret Stairs, in the Mount Nebo/Windsor Hills neighborhood.
Things to do: Prosit! La Mesa has been hosting the regions largest Oktoberfest for more than 40 years.
Mt. Helix Park, known for its panoramic view from the summit, is a popular spot for family picnics and first dates.
Notable locals: Historian Hubert Howe Bancroft farmed olives and chronicled the crop at Helix Farms. Astronauts Ellen Ochoa, William Anders and Rick Sturckow all grew up in La Mesa and graduated from Grossmont High.
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History: The colony of Olivenhain started in Denver in 1884 with Theodore Pinther, Conrad Stroebel and five others who recruited members who had to speak German to qualify. Colonists paid an initiation fee, a membership fee and monthly dues and in return would get five acres and a house and the use of community property, such as horses, wagons and agricultural machinery. A few months later, 67 colonists headed for Rancho Las Encinitas, which Pinther and Stroebel bought with the membership dues. Soon the members realized that Pinther cheated them in the land deal and the idea of the colony fell apart. Although many left, some stayed, and a permanent community evolved.
How it got its name: The original colonists decided on the name Olivenhain, German for olive grove.
Landmarks: The Olivenhain Meeting Hall, built in 1885 and the site of countless Saturday night dances, picnics, and celebrations, is still the heart of the community. The grounds around the hall also house the Germania Hotel, the largest structure of the original colonist, although it was never used as a hotel.
Things to do: Traditionally, the community celebrates its German heritage with an annual Oktoberfest.
Notable locals: Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss lives here. He runs a civics initiative, as he puts it, to teach our kids how to run our country if we dont, someone else will run our country.
Did you know? Many streets bear the names of first German settlers: Bumann Road, Cole Ranch Road, Teten Way and Wiegand Street.
Chet Cunningham didnt believe in writers block.
The San Diego authors catalog of 450 published books Westerns, thrillers, military history, medical guides included one that he wrote in less than a week because a publishing house was desperate to fill an unexpected hole in its production schedule.
Thats what I do, Cunningham once told The San Diego Union-Tribune. I write books.
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Cunningham, who died March 14 at age 88 of complications from a fall, also nurtured other writers. He founded the nonprofit San Diego Book Awards in 1994 as a way to honor local writers, both published and unpublished. In the organizations lean years, he would seek donations from people in the literary community, telling them that an anonymous donor had offered to match their gifts.
He was the anonymous donor.
Chets legacy to beginning writers lives on in our hearts and he will not soon be forgotten, said Toni Noel, an author who served with Cunningham on the board of the book awards.
Born Dec. 9, 1928, in Nebraska, he grew up in Lake Forest, Ore., where he attended Pacific University and earned a bachelors degree in journalism. Drafted into the Army, he was a mortar gunner in a heavy weapons company in Korea.
Home from the war, he got a masters in journalism at Columbia University in New York, worked for small newspapers in Michigan and Oregon, and then came to San Diego in 1960 and worked at Convair on various audio-visual projects, including a training film for fighter pilots.
When he lost his job in a round of cutbacks, he turned to writing full time. To pay the bills, he churned out magazine articles, many of them about cars and trucking, but he had his heart set on becoming a novelist.
In a methodical approach that would set the stage for his prolific career, he studied the book market, learned that Westerns were the lowest-paying, and figured hed have less competition there. He bought a couple dozen used paperbacks, jotted interesting facts onto index cards the price of gold in 1837, for example and created his own research library.
His first book, Bushwhackers of the Circle K, came out in 1968. Despite a less-than-enthusiastic note from the publisher While this is not the best Western weve ever seen, weve decided to publish it Cunningham was on his way. The floodgate opened, book after book after book, an average of one every month in his prime.
I fell asleep to the sound of his manual typewriter for years and years, said his daughter, Christine Ashworth. She grew up to be a writer, too, of romance novels.
Cunningham didnt have the time or inclination to rank his own books. His favorite was usually the one hed just finished. But some were more personal than others. Hell Wouldnt Stop, his 2002 oral history of the World War II Battle of Wake Island, was a nod to his brother, who was on Wake when the Japanese invaded just hours after bombing Pearl Harbor.
He credited his output to his daily deadline training as a journalist and to a work ethic that usually had him in his home office for 10 hours a day. Writers block? I dont believe it exists, he wrote on his website.
Ever heard of a carpenter not going to work because he has carpenters block? If a writer cant write, its because he doesnt really want to, he isnt ready to get it on paper, or hes just plain lazy.
Cunningham was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Rose Marie, and a son, Scott Cunningham, who wrote New Age books. Survivors include his son, Greg Cunningham of Tehachapi; his daughter, Christine Ashworth of Simi Valley; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. An open house is scheduled for April 2 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Cunningham home in San Carlos.
In the months leading up to his death, Cunningham was talking with the directors of the San Diego Book Awards about a new annual prize, to be named after him, for the best unpublished manuscript. He wanted a name that combined his passion for Westerns and his dedication to encouraging other writers.
It will be called the Chet Cunningham Spur Award.
john.wilkens@sduniontribune.com
When FBI Director James Comey confirmed at Mondays House intelligence committee hearing that his agencys probe into the Russian governments efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election includes whether there was any coordination between Russia and Donald Trumps campaign, it was a low point for the new president. As The Washington Posts Eugene Robinson wrote on Monday, the trail may lead somewhere or nowhere, but it will be followed to the end.
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A more immediately relevant concern is that Comey sees Russias attempted interference via hacking, leaking and planting disinformation as unsurprising and likely to continue, part of a de facto new Cold War between Moscow and Washington that operates in high-tech realms as well as old-school surveillance and diplomatic fencing. The public may not have internalized this threat yet. But a bigger problem is that President Trump doesnt seem to have either. This greatly adds to the reasons to worry about the rift between Trump and his intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
This rift was evident again at Mondays hearing when Comey and National Security Agency Director Michael Rogers rejected the presidents claim that the Obama administration had spied on him; when Rogers denied Trumps claim that Obama had asked British intelligence agencies to spy on Trump; and when Comey debunked Trumps Twitter assertion that in Comeys earlier House testimony, the FBI chief had said Russia did not influence the election. These responses wont please the president and if Trump is more upset with the FBI and NSA than with Vladimir Putin, America is at risk.
Thats underscored by the brazenness of Putins attempts to interfere with other nations. Long before the daily leaks seeking to undermine Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Russia had been throwing its weight around the cyber world. In 2007, Estonia accused hackers using Russian IP addresses of shutting down the internet in Estonia and attacking websites operated by the Estonian government, banks and a newspaper. Then a Russia-linked group hacked NATO headquarters in Brussels in 2013; there were Russia-linked cyberattacks on Ukraines Central Election Commission, Polands stock exchange and a French TV network in 2014, and there were allegations of Russia-linked attacks on computers of 15 German federal lawmakers and Bulgarias Central Election Commission in 2015. This year, French authorities believe Russia-linked groups are launching cyberattacks and planting fake stories to try to manipulate the nations pending presidential election. Former Soviet and Russian diplomat Alexander Melnik told PBS that Putins goal is to respond to national humiliations of the past 30 years the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the expansion of NATO by targeting Western democracy.
Against this backdrop, its dismaying to read the transcript of the Comey-Rogers session with the House committee. Intelligence committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Tulare, and other Republicans kept trying to get Comey and Rogers to share their indignation over illegal leaks that have embarrassed the president by showing the ridiculousness of some of his claims. That strategy will only encourage Trump to make more false and outrageous comments, which will be contradicted by new leaks, which will lead to new Trump attacks.
This would be a brutal rut for national politics to be stuck in at any point in U.S. history. But in these unsettled, divisive times, being in such a rut would be a distraction from too many other important issues and problems that government should focus on while the FBIs Russia probe runs its course.
Twitter: @sdutIdeas
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Regarding Why are U.S. health care costs most expensive in the world? (March 19): Thanks to Paul Sisson for his article on U.S. health care. I cannot remember anyone mentioning that other countries with universal health care have longer life expectancies and spend less per person.
Its surprising that political proponents of universal health do not mention these facts. I also believe that universal health would eliminate a burden from U.S. businesses and make our work force more mobile.
I suggest that universal health care in the U.S. be studied by a nonpartisan group.
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Ron Harris
Scripps Ranch
Letters and commentary policy
The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.
U-T writer Paul Sissons otherwise-excellent piece on American health care costs neglects to mention the primary reason for inflated prices: government intervention into the market with mandates, price controls and direct or cost-shifted subsidies.
Once government floods funds into any market, from housing assistance to student loans, the prices of everything rise to sponge up the government largesse.
Attempting to mitigate governmental dysfunctions with more of the same is as futile as a dog chasing its tail but disastrously more damaging to our health care and our national fisc.
Larry Stirling
Mission Hills
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'Determination and dedication:' African-American middle school girls look to their futures at conference
Mayor Kevin Faulconer, in a deceptively worded announcement (Immigration duties out for S.D. police, March 17), affirmed San Diego police will not participate with enforcement agencies regarding immigration law.
For more than 200 years the United States evolved under our Constitution and associated laws as the most dominant nation on Earth.
By establishing San Diego as a sanctuary for illegal aliens, Faulconer encourages the further influx of illegal immigrants, impairing our safety, infringing on the San Diego economy, setting the stage for conflict with federal agencies and posing the risk of losing federal funds.
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For dereliction of duties, Faulconer and other politicians violating our Constitution should be removed from office.
H. Lee Fisher
Carlsbad
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The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy. You can email letters@sduniontribune.com or leave a comment below.
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Director Paul Thomas Anderson acknowledges that Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard was the inspiration for the title character in `'The Master, but says the focus of the film is the relationship between a charismatic spiritual leader and his troubled follower, not the movement itself.
The movie, set in the 1950s, stars Philip Seymour Hoffman as a charismatic cult leader who captivates a tortured but sympathetic World War II veteran portrayed by Joaquin Phoenix.
`'The narrative is just driven by these two guys, and their love for each other, Anderson told a news conference on Saturday ahead of the highly anticipated films world premiere in competition at the Venice Film Festival.
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Anderson sought to quickly dispel any speculation about the films influence on his friendship with Tom Cruise, who starred in Andersons 1999 film `'Magnolia and whose Scientology beliefs are well-documented.
`'We are still friends. I showed him the film, and the rest is between us, Anderson said.
Anderson said the fact that Hoffmans character, Lancaster Dodd, was inspired by Hubbard `'is not an elephant in the room.
`'I really dont know a whole hell of a lot about Scientology, particularly now, he said. `'But I do know a lot about the beginning of the movement and it inspired me to use it as a backdrop for these characters.
Phoenixs character, Freddie Quell, is completely unhinged, unable to keep a job, drinking anything that will give him a buzz, including liquid siphoned from a ships missile, and displaying a wide range of inappropriate behaviors throughout his journey in Dodds entourage.
Phoenix, appearing in his first movie in several years, himself displayed some mildly erratic behavior during the news conference, fidgeting, lighting up several cigarettes and leaving the dais to go back stage at one point for two minutes.
Hoffman, Phoenixs costar, on one side and Anderson on the other tried to ignore the antics.
Phoenix responded to just one question, about how he approached the character, appeared impervious to the others, and he drew boos from news photographers when he cut his photo call off after just 14 seconds.
`'Ill just say, Ill say I dont think, maybe Paul gives, or gave me, the impression I had leeway. But I dont think I ever did, Phoenix said. `'I dont know where it comes from and I dont care.
Whether or not the aloof demeanor was sincere or an act was impossible to tell. But Phoenixs appearance in a documentary by his brother-in-law, actor Casey Affleck, premiered in Venice in 2010, about Phoenixs seemingly downward spiral caused many to speculate whether the whole thing was a publicity stunt.
In Phoenixs return to film, the first glimpse of the depth of Quells troubles comes on R&R in Hawaii in the waning days of the war.
He builds an erotic sand sculpture of a naked woman on a beach crowded with sailors. As they inspect his work, Quell mimics sexual acts with the sand figure that go on for just a few seconds longer than is really funny. That the antics are a cover for a painful loneliness comes through minutes later when he lays down next to a carefully sculpted figure, head nestled near the breasts, offering an unreturned embrace.
After the war, he cant keep a job and kills, or nearly kills, a migrant worker with the poisonous swill he distills. The former sailor seeks drunken refuge on a ship that is carrying Dodd, his family and followers from California to New York via the Panama Canal.
As the two grow closer, Dodds wife, played by Amy Adams, begins to worry about Quells true intentions and if his destructive behavior will endanger their movement. But Dodd wont give up his protege.
Hoffman said the two characters are more similar than they appear.
Theyre both wild beasts I think ultimately. One of them has just tamed it somehow and hes trying to teach other people how to do that, but ultimately thats where the doubt and the whole reluctant prophet thing comes in, Hoffman said. `'Ultimately he wants to be wild like Freddie is, so theres this real attraction there over that. `'
Hoffman said he can relate to the desire to act without reservation, asking: `'Why cant I just run naked through the streets of Venice?
`'Why cant I just do that and have it be OK, you know. Is it possible that I could just have sex with everyone I see today? No, it cant. But I wish that was possible, so I think Im going to go find my master and hell teach me how not to do that.
Hewlett-Packard Co. has decided against spinning off or selling its PC division - a plan first brought to light in August by the technology conglomerates now former CEO.
HP said Thursday that it reached its decision after evaluating the impact to the company of jettisoning the business unit, which is the worlds biggest manufacturer of desktop and notebook computers for consumers and businesses.
The unit supplies a third of HPs revenue, and PCs are an area where the company is a market leader. But it is HPs least profitable division, and its disposal was meant to be part of former CEO Leo Apothekers plan to transform the Silicon Valley stalwart into a twin of East Coast rival IBM Corp.: a company focused on businesses, rather than both businesses and consumers.
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In an interview, HPs new CEO Meg Whitman said the company determined that, given the lost revenue and cost, removing business makes no sense.
I have a lot of confidence weve made the right decision and now were going to go back to work and go execute, she said.
Deciding what to do with the unit has been one of the biggest challenges for Whitman, a former head of online marketplace operator eBay Inc. who joined Palo Alto-based HP in September after Apotheker was fired.
In August, Apotheker said the PC business would go up for sale in a badly blundered announcement that hastened his demise. At that time, HP also said it would exit the tablet computer and smartphone business and buy business software maker Autonomy Corp. for about $10 billion.
Carving out the PC business would have been a tricky kind of surgery, given its enormity. Steve Diamond, an associate professor at Santa Clara University School of Law, told The Associated Press last month that tearing apart a business unit of that size is like taking out organs.
Its very painful. Its like dividing Siamese twins. Its very, very difficult to do and you dont know how its going to come out, he said.
HP appears to have reached a similar conclusion.
The company said that its evaluation of the business unit revealed a deep integration across key operations, such as its supply chain and procurement. Ultimately, the review found that the cost of recreating these operations in a single company outweighed any benefits of separating the PC unit.
Some analysts cheered HPs decision as the right move, adding they were happy that Whitman made the announcement so rapidly. She had previously said the company would make a determination about the business by the end of the year.
The fact that Meg pushed this decision very quickly is absolutely cleaning up the mistakes of the past, said Gartner analyst Mark Fabbi.
Whitman said she wanted to reach a decision on the business as fast as possible because it had created a lot of uncertainty in the marketplace.
Forrester Research analyst Frank Gillett said HP never should have considered removing its PC unit, and the move to keep it seems like the right decision given market conditions.
Hopefully its the beginning of showing theyve got the process and people in place to work these things through, he said. But it is puzzling that it was hard for them to figure out.
Gillett said he thinks HP may now be able to thin out its PC family - similar to what Steve Jobs did at Apple in order to resuscitate the company in the `90s - and focus on just a few devices with attractive features.
Its something they have the potential to do that few others do, Gillett said.
Analysts said they dont see any long-term consequences for HP now that it has made its decision. But theres still a big question mark: How will HP compete in the rapidly growing mobile device market?
As part of its PC business spinoff announcement, HP also said it would stop making tablet computers and smartphones by October - effectively killing flailing smartphone pioneer Palm Inc., which HP bought in 2010 for $1.8 billion.
With Palm, HP got the intuitive WebOS software, which ran on several smartphones. In July, HP released a tablet called the TouchPad that also ran WebOS. But the devices never caught on with consumers, many of whom were more enticed by Apple Inc.'s iPhone and iPad and smartphones running Google Inc.'s Android software. HP still hasnt said what, precisely, it plans to do with WebOS.
Todd Bradley, the head of HPs PC unit, said its fair to say Apple got a great jump-start in the tablet space and now HP is trying to figure out its own best approach. Right now, HP is focused on building a tablet that uses Microsoft Corp.'s upcoming Windows 8 software, he said.
He added that consumers shouldnt be keeping an eye out for a TouchPad 2, but that the company will clearly look at whats the right path forward for WebOS.
HP shares rose 14 cents to $27.23 in after-hours trading. In regular trading on Thursday, the stock added $1.34, or 5.2 percent, to close at $27.09.
RANCHO BERNARDO Veteran sky diver Will Slattery survived aplane crash that killed five other men off the coast of Costa Rica,but just barely.
Still recovering from a chest injury Friday, Slattery, 34, satin his Rancho Bernardo living room and talked about his 24-hourordeal at sea after the deadly May 30 accident.
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Slattery talked easily and seemed almost surprised to bealive.
The miracle is certainly balanced by the tragedy of losing myfriends, he said. I was just really lucky.
Slattery and friends Jimmy Simplicio and Manny Sanchez, werefrequent sky divers out of Skydive Elsinore at Lake Elsinore beforethey took the trip to Costa Rica. Simplicio, Sanchez, and sky diverMilt Burton, who owned Skydive Elsinore, the Costa Rican resortthey were staying at, and the plane that crashed, died in themishap. Two Costa Rican men, Jean Roman, a student skydiver who wasjumping with Burton, and pilot Jorge Melendez, also perished.
Its a horrible tragedy that they passed away, and were goingto miss them greatly, said Betsy Burkey, a Skydive Elsinoreemployee.
When the plane went down, friends of Slattery, Simplicio, andSanchez hired a search crew for about $10,000 to hunt for them. Amemorial to be hosted by Skydive Elsinore on July 2 will helpreimburse the costs.
A sky diver for about 10 years, Slattery made most of his 330jumps during the last 12 months. Until the crash, he said, hisworst problem was a parachute malfunction a couple of months agothat he quickly handled.
The trip to Costa Rica was to be a sky diving adventure, madepossible because Simplicio found cheap round trip airline ticketsat $200 each.
The men made it to Burtons Bacara Beach Resort in EstrillosEste, less than 100 miles from Costa Ricas capitol of San Jose, byMay 26. They started jumping three days later.
It was fantastic, the most beautiful air, Slattery said,smiling. We had a great time landing on the beach in front of themotel.
The tragedy began, he said, as the men were up for their fourthdive under cloudy skies the next day and the plane hit extremeturbulence. The three friends had their parachutes on.
The plane started falling very fast, and then it came back upand then it fell again, Slattery said. Manny said Open thedoor. It took us several tries to get the door open as we weregetting bounced around.
Once the door opened, he said, all three friends jumped out.Slattery said that five seconds later his parachute automaticallyopened, indicating he was 750 feet up and falling fast.
A second, literally, after my parachute opened I heard theplane hit the water, he said. I turned around and saw thetail.
He also saw Simplicio and Sanchez with their chutes open beforeall three men hit the water. After landing, Slattery said hecouldnt see Simplicio. He tried to swim to Sanchez, but the swellswere too big and it took precious time to get his gear off.
Twenty-five seconds later I was alone and didnt see anything,"Slattery said. I couldnt see land. I figured that was pretty muchit, one way or the other. I was pretty comfortable with that.
Mostly floating to save energy, he said, he tried swimmingtoward land when he saw lights after dark. Struggling againstincreasingly cold swells, Slattery worked to keep sea water out ofhis mouth.
My teeth were chattering, he said. I was getting bitten byjelly fish pretty bad.
Just as he thought it was all over, he bumped into a roundfloating tree trunk, about 7 feet long and two feet in diameter.Cradling his head on his arms atop the trunk, Slattery said hefloated in the water and slept.
The next day Slattery hailed fishing boats. No one saw him.
He realized the tree trunk was holding him back, so he tried toleave it. However, it had become his Wilson, Slattery said,referring to the volleyball companion Tom Hanks cherished in themovie Castaway.
It was really hard to give up, he said. The third time I letit go.
Slattery made headway during another three hours of swimming,but said he was near the end of his rope when a fishing crewrescued him at 5 p.m.
I still want to go sky diving, Slattery said. This was anairplane crash. Sky diving saved my life.
Contact staff writer Jo Moreland at (760) 740-3524 orjmoreland@nctimes.com.
State of the City is good Mayor Crosswhite tells Chamber awards crowd
By Peggy Kelly
The State of the City is good Mayor Jenny Crosswhite told the crowd at the annual Celebrate Santa Paula Chamber of Commerce dinner honoring an array of citizens and businesses.
New Chamber Board Chair Marilyn Appleby also thanked Zahid Shah, who served two terms leading the business-centric chamber for his past leadership.
Held March 1 at the Community Center, the awards dinner also featured honors given to Citizen of the Year Harold Edwards, Sam Edwards Lifetime Achievement Award winners Dianne and Dudley Davis, Community Service Award recipients Elvia Hernandez and Carlos Juarez, Non-Profit of the Year Blanchard Community Library, Business Beautification Award Santa Paula Orthodontics Jared T. Lee, DDS MS, Small Business of the Year Red Hot Foods/Santa Paula Salas Co. Burma and Butch Baselice and Large Business of the Year Bank of the Sierra.
During Crosswhites unique address she urged Santa Paulans to work together for a better city and a brighter future. She skipped the usual slideshow and rather made sure a detailed hardcopy update on city doings was distributed to the guests.
She noted the official groundbreaking of Harvest at Limoneira is coming soon and reminded the crowd that the new development wont only have housing. Jobs, said Crosswhite, will be provided through commercial and light industry that will be built in East Area 2 across Highway 126 from the Harvest, and elsewhere in Santa Paula.
Thank you for all coming out tonight, I want to thank my colleagues, staff, chamber, nonprofits and community leaders who came out to celebrate with us what is great and good and wonderful in Santa Paula.
Crosswhite said in spite of potholes that plaque the streets and the rain that delayed repair work.
Look around the room, look at the people surrounding you. Santa Paula is, as John Procter said, interpreting the SP on South Mountain, a special place for special people. Weve seen this time and time again, with the reopening of the Rotary Club Pumpkin Patch and the closing concerts of the Ojai Music Festival in the Downtown that cut across town and across cultures, with the music and the crowd from all over that mingled spontaneously with all they met.
Santa Paula, said Crosswhite, Is a hardworking place where parents get up at the crack of dawn and pick so they can make a better life for their children, a place where professionals, single parents, teachers, doctors, lawyers and others live.
Theyre all coming together to make Santa Paula the best place it can be. Yes, there are a lot of things that need to be done, but overall We are an amazing community. It takes every single person in this community, no matter the language, no matter the culture, coming together to better the city that is not without challenges.
But, she added, Santa Paulans working together are tackling those challenges and turning them around.
Our crime rate is the lowest it has been for five years, resulting from stronger policing and a community effort to help stop crime and arrest lawbreakers.
Some, she noted, say change is not a good thing. The thing is its going to happen, we can do nothing and things will still change. And doing nothing leaves us stagnant.
The challenge is coming together and talking which, these days, seems to be more difficult about where we are going to go and how we will get there, in ways that help bring everyone in Santa Paula together so everyone can have a better life.
Crosswhite, who was selected Mayor at the start of the second year of her first council term, continued to urge participation.
Were all part of this community and it will take all of us to choose how we move forward, to become the great community we are to be.
I did not grow up here like many, but I chose Santa Paula because it truly is a special place, still a place where people watch out for each other.
We need to continue to be a town where we help to create jobs, where we make those connections again, to move the community forward.
Crosswhite said Its going to take all of us to make sure our children are educated, there are good jobs and there is housing.
Mentoring a child can have a lifelong impact: That makes such a huge difference, I have heard so many stories how one childs life was changed when one person said you are important and took time to spend with them, and encourage them.
Opportunities for change, she noted, abound: Maybe you will start a new event. Maybe youll meet someone you havent met before. But we have to work together, that is how we will make Santa Paula the place it was called to be, the place it was created to be. We are going to continue to be a special place but it is going to take all of use, each and everyone.
As we go forward, Crosswhite concluded, think about what your role is, how can you help your community, those you encounter on a daily basis so we can continue to thrive here in Santa Paula.
Crosswhite received rousing applause for her comments.
In other chamber business new Board President Marilyn Appleby of Anderson Kulwiec Appleby Architects, gave a plaque to immediate Past President Zahid Shah.
I would like to thank Zahid on behalf of the whole chamber for his years of service to the board, noted Appleby.
Emcee John Chamberlain said Shah was a self-made man who came to America from Pakistan and because highly successful.
In addition, said Chamberlain, Zahid has been a great source for the chamber and moved the organization forward.
It takes a team to create success, and said Shah, Nobody can do it alone, all must work as a team for the community.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Santa Paula Police arrested a 15-year-old juvenile last week on allegations that he repeatedly stabbed a 14-year-old during an altercation in a quiet residential neighborhood.
According to Sgt. Cody Madison, the March 1 incident was reported at approximately 2:20 p.m. when SPPD Officers responded to the area of Olive and Santa Paula streets for a report of a stabbing victim.
Madison said an initial check of the area did not locate an injured subject but as officers checked the area further, they located a 14-year-old male juvenile.
The boy, a resident of Santa Paula, had collapsed in front of a residence in the 200 block of West Santa Paula Street.
The victim said Madison, was found to have multiple stab wounds to his chest and right arm.
Santa Paula Fire EMTs and ambulance paramedics treated the victim at scene before he was transported to Ventura County Medical Center where he underwent surgery.
The suspect, noted Madison, was last seen fleeing the scene eastbound on foot.
The SPPD investigation revealed that the incident had occurred in the 600 block of East Santa Paula Street.
Witnesses at the scene identified the suspect, a 15-year-old male juvenile from Santa Paula.
Madison that on the following day, Thursday, March 2, at approximately 9 a.m., A search warrant was served at the suspects residence, with the assistance of SWAT personnel, in the 600 block of Sycamore Street. The suspect was found at that location and was taken into custody without incident.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Members of Renaissance High Schools Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team attended the Regional Gold Coast Section Conference on February 4, 2017 in Westlake Village, Calif. Congratulations to Vincent Mendez, a student at Renaissance High School, who received 5th place in the Computer Applications event. He will advance to the state competition in Sacramento this coming April. Above are members of the Renaissance High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) team.
Valley Express, VCTC: Two upcoming meetings to address transit needs
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paulans wont have far to go to address unmet transit needs with two separate meetings by two related agencies that help residents get from here to there.
Heritage Valley Transits Valley Express will have a community meeting March 15 about transportation needs and priorities as part of its current service evaluation. The fixed route service started March 2015 in the cities of Santa Paula, Fillmore and Piru.
The Ventura County Transportation Commission, a partner in Valley Express, is also holding a unmet needs assessment hearing during the March 20 Santa Paula City Council meeting.
The hearing at the council meeting will be an opportunity for community members to tell VCTC what can be done to improve Heritage Valley Transit (Valley Express) and VCTC Intercity Transit known as the Freeway Flyer that takes river valley residents to Ventura and beyond and to help get local residents where they need to go.
Valley Express offers fixed route scheduled bus service traveling through the communities of Piru, Fillmore, and Santa Paula. Riders on Valley Express can also connect to the VCTC 126 route.
Valley Express is conducting the community survey and holding the free public workshops as part of its current system evaluation to prioritize service changes and improvements for the communities the transit system serves.
According to Aaron Bonfilio, VCTC Project ManagerTransit Services, Input from riders and non-riders alike will help ensure the service continues to meet the needs of the community. In addition, the Ventura County Transportation Commission, as part of its annual effort to collect public feedback about unmet transit needs, will hold two public hearings at Fillmore City Hall and Santa Paula City Hall.
The free Santa Paula Valley Express Community Workshop will be held Wednesday, March 15, 7 p.m. at the ?Santa Paula Senior Center (Westside Room of the Community Center), 530 W. Main St.?
All workshops will be conducted in English and Spanish. During each workshop, participants will be invited to learn more about Valley Express and take part in a candid discussion about local public transportation. Participants will also be entered into a random drawing for VISA gift cards and other prizes.
If someone living or working in the Heritage Valley is unable to attend the workshop they are invited to take a community survey online at www.HVCommunitySurvey.com
Responses are requested by March 17. All those who complete the survey will be entered into a random drawing for one of two $25 VISA gift cards.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations to participate in the public hearings should contact VCTC at least three working days prior to the meeting at (805) 642-1591 x111.
Valley Express operates fixed-route, Americans with Disabilities (ADA) para-transit, and general public dial-a-ride throughout the Heritage Valley. Valley Express service is provided by a cooperative agreement between the cities of Fillmore and Santa Paula, the County of Ventura, and the Ventura County Transportation Commission.
For more information, visit www.valleyexpressbus.com or call (805) 933-2267.
Those unable to attend the March 20 City Council meeting where the hearing on Unmet Transit Needs will be held can share input via email, etalbo@goventura.org an online survey in English www.surveymonkey.com/r/Z6TFWTT or Spanish
www.surveymonkey.com/r/6JDJBVS
Or, by phoning 805-642-1591 x105
Written comments can be sent to: Ventura County Transportation Commission, Attn: Ellen Talbo, 950 County Square Drive, #207
Ventura, CA 93003.
Written public comments on Unmet Transit Needs will be collected until March 21.
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Ventura County is readying to step out to raise money and awareness at its annual walk, the City Council learned at the March 6 meeting.
NAMI Executive Director David Deutsch told the council that the Ventura County NAMI is one of 63 such chapters in California out of almost 1,200 across the nation.
NAMI is the largest grass roots organization that advocates for services, not only for those, with mental illnesses, but also their family members.
NAMI, said Deutsch, is based on education, support and advocacy for mental wellness.
The organization offers classes To find out what is best to do for our loved ones without enabling them, how to access resources and learn about mental illnesses and treatments.
Family involvement, said Deutsch, is the biggest single indicator of recovery, for those with mental illness.
NAMI also offers Crisis Intervention Team training to law enforcement, including Santa Paula Police Officers and others as well as school-based programs including presentations on college campuses that feature peers with a mental illness.
Speakers also address junior and senior high school students about recognizing the early stages of mental illness and urge lessening the stigma so those that need it seek help.
However There is still a lot of stigma, said Deutsch.
NAMI offers an array of support and programs for family members and those diagnosed with a mental illness and advocates to ensure, Services are provided at the highest level as possible.
Housing is also an issue tackled by NAMI, which offers services and programs in English and Spanish.
The organization works closely with Ventura County Behavioral Healthwe also partner with others, noted Deutsch.
The annual NAMI Walk will be held May 6 at the Ventura Promenade.
According to the NAMI website: Why do we walk?
RHS students participate in entree to employment
Five students from Renaissance High School attended the Entree to Employment event held on Thursday, February 9 on the campus of California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, Calif. The event brought together high school, adult education and community college students with real-world employers throughout Ventura County. The focus was on the information and communications technology industry. The experience provided students with a unique opportunity to share, engage, and connect to the future business world. The event was a great experience for the students, said Nilson Lopez, a teacher at Renaissance High School. One student was offered a job and two others
Atlanta, GA -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2017 -- Workers from an array of industries throughout Georgia are turning to Darwin Johnson, the workers' compensation lawyer from Atlanta, because he knows the laws through and through and will fight to help undermined injured employees attain the compensation to which they believe they are entitled.
"Most employers in Georgia treat their workers safely, fairly and appropriately, and do the right thing when they become injured on the job," said Johnson, founder and head of The Law Offices of Darwin Johnson. "Unfortunately, that's not the case for all of them."
Johnson has dedicated his career and practice to helping injured workers whose insurance companies and employers act unjustly when it comes to compensating them for work-related injuries. In Georgia, employers with three or more employees must carry workers' compensation insurance, and in the event of an incident, cover the cost of damages.
"If you believe your employer is treating your work injury unfairly to try and avoid their financial burden of covering your damages, it's imperative that you get in contact with a qualified workers' compensation attorney."
Johnson has represented injured workers since opening his firm. Before founding The Law Offices of Darwin Johnson, he worked in the Georgia state court system, where he saw work accident victims get stiffed by their insurance companies many times over. "I decided that dedicating my career to helping stop such injustices was the necessary thing to do," said Johnson.
To learn more about the workers' compensation lawyers who serve Atlanta and surrounding cities throughout Georgia, please visit The Law Offices of Darwin Johnson's website. To schedule a complimentary consultation, please call 404-692-6482.
About The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson
The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson provide legal defense for individuals all throughout the greater Atlanta, Georgia area. He provides effective legal defense for individuals unjustly injured while at the workplace, and gets them the compensation they need. Clients of Darwin F. Johnson don't pay unless he delivers compensation.
Reach the Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson today by phone at 404-692-6482.
For more information, please visit http://www.darwinfjohnson.com.
Pleasant Grove, UT -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2017 -- Well-known manufacturers of therapeutic-grade essential oils, doTERRA has recently announced that international market tools which will be very handy for Wellness Advocates are now available for free downloads on their website. The international market tools are resources like the latest updated brochures, products catalog, flyers, imagery, eBooks, info-graphics, videos, and so on.
According to a representative of the company over the years since its inception doTERRA has managed to reach out to people of more than 30 countries and being an international company the tools are supposed to act as a guide for all the Wellness Advocates as well as the customers.
He further added, "The doTERRA international market tools and sales aids are available for countries like Canada, Australia, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, United States, Singapore, New Zealand, Taiwan, and a few European nations. The tools come in the native language of the respective countries for easier understanding. We have even provided the global access country tools that include forms, flyers and presentations for the WA."
The tools, as maintained by the representative will be very effective in helping over 2 million Wellness Advocates who are spread all over the globe, as well as the customers on how to use the essential oils so that they can be beneficial for the well-being.
doTERRA, as its history claims first started out with a number of 25 single oils and 10 blends in 2008. Today, the company has added a varied range of oils, oils blends as well as products related to nutrition, spa, and healthy living. Now, the company also participates is various welfare programs all over the world with an aim to improve the lives of people living in broken communities.
For more details go to http://www.doterratools.com/
About doTERRA
It is a multi-level marketing company with its headquarters located in Utah, USA. The company specializes in the manufacture and sale of therapeutic-grade essential oils. Founded in 2008, the company is run by a group of healthcare and business professionals who are determined to promote health and wellness among the people.
CONTACT MEDIA
Doterratools
Pleasant Grove,Utah
http://www.doterratools.com/
admin@ doterratools.com
Guangzhou, Guangdong -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/20/2017 -- Air coolers are becoming more and more popular with the growing need of cooling a space during summers. Due to global warming, most places witness an extended summer season these days and thus a need for energy efficient air coolers. Sensing this urgent need, Xingke Mechanical Equipment Company has introduced energy saving air coolers that consume less energy and can be very effective in cooling a given space.
The company is one of the leading industrial air coolers manufacturers that supply different types of industrial evaporative air coolers. These include remote control portable industrial air cooler, large workshop industrial air cooler, centrifugal fan window industrial air cooler, industrial plant ducted air cooler and other varieties. These industrial air coolers are made of 100% PP material with anti-corrosion and anti-UV features. With a better heat resistance, the coolers can show high performance at high temperatures.
They specialize in manufacturing evaporative air coolers that can be used in industries, workshops and factories. As one of the best evaporative cooler manufacturers, they supply air coolers that can meet the cooling requirement of a particular industrial unit. They calculate the cooling requirements and accordingly recommend the number and models of the evaporative air coolers to be installed in the industrial unit. The professional air cooler technical staff calculates the loads and recommends the air coolers for best results.
Guangzhou Xingke Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd is one of the reputed evaporative air cooler manufacturers that can supply energy efficient air coolers. These coolers work on the principle of water circulation on the evaporation rate and thus boost the cooling of the surrounding areas. With superior cooler ventilation and low-noise fans, these coolers can effectively cool a place by consuming less energy. They also design air duct systems that promote energy saving making the cooler more energy efficient.
To know more about the air coolers they supply, one can visit the website http://www.justaircooler.com/
About Guangzhou Xingke Mechanical Equipment Co., Ltd.
The company is specialized in manufacturing evaporative air coolers since 2007. They have their own 4000 sq m factory with air cooler body injection moulds. Their factory is located in Panyu District, Guangzhou City, Guangdong Province in China, which is only 40 minutes away from the Canton fair by car. They export their air coolers to Sudan, Brazil, India, Thailand, Saudi Arabia, Australia and several other countries.
For Media Contact:
Telephone: 86-20-84516212-801
Whatsapp: 86-15915891751
Email: xingke.aircooler@aliyun.com
Website: http://www.justaircooler.com/
Oakville, ON -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2017 -- Pivot3, an industry-leading hyperconverged infrastructure technology provider has named Stage2Data their Canadian Partner of the Year.
Stage2Data is a Pivot3 Premier Partner delivering innovative products including the newly launched LegalFlex and DataFlex. The award recognizes Stage2Data for the commitment they've made to Pivot3 including moving their entire Cloud to a Pivot3 hyperconverged environment, taking them from a VAR to a MSP.
Stephen Pyott, Stage2Data National Sales Manager received the Canadian Partner of the Year award while in the USA at a Pivot3 event. Pyott said, "We have made an investment in Pivot3, moving our cloud to their hyperconverged environment and making all of our cloud solutions powered by Pivot3. We made this move because Pivot3 is best of breed and together we're bringing innovative offerings to the Canadian market. I can't think of a better partner for these type of solutions."
Pivot3 provides a software-defined solution that enables customers to scale to massive volumes and gain twice the performance of competing solutions, all at drastically reduced infrastructure requirements. The company recently celebrated its third business anniversary, heralding unprecedented growth in a short time.
About Stage2Data
Stage2Data is one of Canada's fastest growing and most trusted cloud solution providers. Since 1998 Stage2Data has been a trusted data management company providing 100% Canadian data solutions to some of Canada's biggest and most trusted brands.
For more information, please contact:
Stephen Pyott National Sales Manager
stephen.pyott@stage2data.com
855-430-0866
http://www.stage2data.com
Oakland Park, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/21/2017 -- Thomas R. Cutler announced the Manufacturing Media Consortium will meet on July 3, 2017 in Athens, Greece. The meeting with several hundred members of the European members of the Manufacturing Media Consortium will address increasing global trends in e-commerce and robotic automation. The professional organization includes journalists, editors, economists, and other industrial leaders worldwide. Members write about trends, data, case studies, and profiles, in the manufacturing, industrial, and distribution sectors. Cutler works with thousands of media outlets to expand manufacturing media coverage.
Cutler said, "There has been a dramatic uptick in European members of the Manufacturing Media Consortium in the past year. With heightened interest in the impacts of Brexit and the new U.S. administration, Europeans are working to define, explain, and create their role in the global industrial conversation."
Cutler is ranked as the leading manufacturing journalist worldwide and a contributing editor for hundreds of publications annually. Thomas R. Cutler has been writing extensively about manufacturing and industry for more than twenty years. According to Cutler, "The dynamic stories of global manufacturers and best-practices create a never-ending stream of feature articles and important, newsworthy content. There are challenges to be sure along with opportunities for growth and worthy of media attention which is the purpose of the global Manufacturing Media Consortium."
About TR Cutler, Inc. and Thomas R. Cutler
TR Cutler, Inc. (http://www.trcutlerinc.com) was founded by Thomas R. Cutler seventeen years ago. Maintaining extraordinary relationships with clients, journalists, editors, trendsetters, and key business leaders worldwide, TR Cutler, Inc. has become a key resource for those writing about the manufacturing sector. Cutler founded Manufacturing Media Consortium in the 1999. Cutler is the author of several books and has become the "go to" resource among those who write about manufacturing and distribution. Cutler is the author of more than five hundred feature articles annually regarding the manufacturing, distribution, industrial, and material handling sectors. Follow on Twitter @ThomasRCutler.
A 20-year demographic study of a relatively undisturbed and exceptionally large community of eastern chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes schweinfurthii) at Ngogo, Kibale National Park, southwestern Uganda, has revealed that our close primate relatives can lead surprisingly long lives in the wild.
The study, led by Yale University researcher Brian Wood, establishes an average life expectancy of about 33 years in its sample of 306 chimpanzees, nearly twice as high as that of other chimpanzee communities and within the 27- to 37-year range of life expectancy at birth of human hunter-gatherers.
Our findings show how ecological factors, including variation in food supplies and predation levels, drive variation in life expectancy among wild chimpanzee populations, Dr. Wood said.
They also inform the study of the evolution of human life history, helping us to imagine the conditions that could have changed mortality rates among our early hominin populations.
Dr. Wood and co-authors have monitored births, deaths, immigrations, and emigrations in the unusually large Ngogo chimpanzee community since 1995, producing the largest demographic dataset available for any community of wild chimpanzees.
This study reveals that Ngogo chimpanzees have the highest life expectancy on record for any group of wild chimpanzees.
Favorable ecological conditions largely account for the Ngogo communitys high life expectancy, according to the study.
The forest in Ngogo provides a relatively consistent and abundant supply of high-energy and nutritious foods, including easily digestible figs.
This rich food supply helps buffer the Ngogo chimpanzees against periods of hunger, and helps fuel their ability to stave off diseases that would otherwise lead to higher mortality, the scientists explained.
The Ngogo chimpanzees also benefit from a low risk of predation, because leopards are not found within Kibale National Park, and from the fact that during the study, the chimpanzees did not experience major disease epidemics, either introduced by humans or due to other causes, like those that have affected wild chimpanzees at several other long-term research sites.
In the same national park, not far from Ngogo, other researchers have studied the life expectancy of chimpanzees in the Kanyawara community.
Like Ngogo, this community lacks natural predators, but its life expectancy at birth is nearly 13 years shorter than that of Ngogo.
The Ngogo chimpanzees higher survivorship appears to be an adaptive response to a more abundant and less varied food supply than that of Kanyawara, the authors said.
It has long been proposed that there are extreme differences in the life expectancies of human hunter-gatherers and chimpanzees, said Yale Professor David Watts, co-author of the study.
Our study finds that while maximum lifespan differs a great deal, the differences in average lifespan are not as dramatic as typically thought, especially when chimpanzees are not subjected to major negative impacts caused by humans.
In fact, the Ngogo communitys pattern of survivorship more closely resembles that of human hunter-gatherers than those documented for other chimpanzee communities.
The findings will be published in the April 2017 issue of the Journal of Human Evolution.
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Brian M. Wood et al. 2017. Favorable ecological circumstances promote life expectancy in chimpanzees similar to that of human hunter-gatherers. Journal of Human Evolution 105: 41-56; doi: 10.1016/j.jhevol.2017.01.003
As opioid and heroin overdose is becoming more and more prominent in the U.S., many doctors are suggesting and fighting for Naloxone to be sold as an over-the-counter drugs to everybody. In New Jersey, another pharmacy has made Naloxone available even without doctor's prescription.
ACME Markets has announced that Naloxone will be available in all of their stores across New Jersey. It is the result of ACME doing the same thing to Pennsylvania stores. Naloxone is a very effective drug in fighting opioid and heroin overdose. It has saved 26,463 lives nationwide over the past 20 years, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). There are now 78 people dying every day because of opioid overdose and heroin overdose in the U.S., CDC added.
Opioid and heroin overdose antidote, Naloxone, can solve these problems if it was made available over-the-counter. Good thing for Pennsylvania and New Jersey citizens, Acme pharmacy has made Narcan Nasal Spray easy to buy even without a doctor's prescription. There are about 96 Acme pharmacies in Pennsylvania and New Jersey who have made it available, reported NJ.com. Not only them but also Walgreens, which started selling the drug over-the-counter a year ago, is selling it.
Experts all over the country are working to make Naloxone's availability easier to the public like the law enforcements, fire fighters, first responders, departments of health, local school districts, colleges, community-based organizations and homeless shelters. "No area of this country is safe from this epidemic," said Jennifer Plumb, a doctor from Salt Lake, Utah. Utah ranked as seventh highest in the U.S. for the rate of opioid overdose deaths stated Yahoo.
Plumb started the Naloxone Utah community. She first thought it will be deemed as unnecessary and will have a bad stigma but other people accepted her wholeheartedly. People also thought it is very much needed and the time has come for the heroin overdose and opioid overdose deaths to lessen.
Venezuela's illegal gold mines have caused not only deforestation but also gang fights, deaths of innocent people and miners alike plus malaria. Since Venezuela's economic crisis, the gang fights and deaths of innocent people have increased.
Gangs and mafias are fighting for the gold in the Venezuelan forests. As the bloody mafia war is going on, miners are dying because of the unlicensed and unsupervised mining in the Amazon forest, reported Yahoo. Ender, an 18-year-old miner has been mining since he was 10 years old. He has observed too many deaths and gang fights to be even afraid and stop what he is doing. Just two weeks ago, three of Ender's friends were killed in his neighborhood of El Callao.
"They were miners, but they started running around with gangsters," he said. Moreover, his own boss was killed because he does not want to pass his business to a mafia. In addition to that, two months ago, about 28 workers were massacred at a nearby mine. The local government of Venezuela said it was because of gang fights and territorial fights.
Ever since the president's socialist government has driven Venezuela into a three-year recession with food shortage, there are more people who are risking their lives and are becoming miners. They work every day with their axes as they sleep in malaria-ridden camps. The highest numbers of malaria patients are men whose age is between 15 and 44. Most of them are miners in Bolivar, like Endar, where gold mining is booming. In 2013, there were 76,621 cases of malaria in Venezuela, said The Guardian.
"There are a large number of miners drilling holes in search of minerals. These holes with stagnant water are breeding grounds for mosquitoes," says Jo Lines, a reader of malaria control and vector biology at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Not only illegal mining do this, even the legal ones have cause malaria to increase in Venezuela.
A newly discovered species of Parrot in New Zealand has again proved that laughter is contagious. Researchers have found that Kea parrot has a playful nature, they can put others in the mood to play by tickling each other. This bird is the first non-mammal species that can make its friends laugh with their emotionally contagious call.
A research team from Messerli Research Institute in Austria led by Raoul Schwing went to Arthur's Pass National Park at Southern Island of New Zealand. To track their expression of Kea, researchers played the recorded sound of their play call and another type of calls for five minutes. According to Mail Online, they have also played the sound of other birds such as, South Island robin which is another species of that area.
Researchers observed that those birds reacted differently with different sounds. For instance, when they have played Kea Play tone then those birds exhibited more and longer play behavior than the other tones. Their findings were first published in the journal of Current Biology. Lead researcher Schwing said in an email,In many instances, we saw that the Kea was immediately animated to play, but not by joining ongoing play already happening.
National Geographic reported that the call does not invite Kea to play, it just affected their emotion and put them in a frisky frame of mind. Researchers compared the play calls with the infectious laughter in people because, they can play a lot in any situation by themselves, with others, on the ground, or in the air.
During the flight, Kea parrots can toss objects with their beak and feet. They can also perform aerial acrobatics and chase each other. This species is now vulnerable to extinction, due to human conflict and predation. International Union for Conservation of Nature(IUCN) labeled this species as endangered species. This unique behavior of Kea helped scientists to understand deeply about the species. Co-founder and Chairman of the Kea Conservation Trust, Tamsin Orr-Walker said that better understanding of the species will help them to save those birds from extinction.
A new NASA study has revealed that "Arsia Mons", a giant shield Mars volcano, ceased its volcanic activity about 50 million years ago. It coincides with the same time frame when a number of plants and animal species, including dinosaurs, went extinct, says the study.
According to NASA, the extinction of any activity on the Arsia Mons volcano took place around the time of Earth's "Cretaceous-Paleogene" period. The study says that the volcano was a collection of a trio of broad, gently sloping volcanoes known together by the name of "Tharsis Montes". The researchers took the help of the context camera of NASA's "Reconnaissance" Orbiter to take high-resolution images of the caldera of the "Arsia Mons" volcano, in order to examine its volcanic features.
The NASA researchers also made an estimate of the ages of the lava flows from all the 29 volcanic vents and determined the "stratigraphy" (layering) of the flows. The information was used to determine the volcanic equivalent of the Arsia Mons' 29 vents. It was found that the latest flow dated almost 50 million years back. The modeling also revealed the fact that the Arsia Mons volcano produced around 1-8 cubic kilometers of magma each million years.
The researchers opine that it is important to understand the pattern of volcanic activities of Arsia Mons for understanding the anatomy and life cycle of Mars' volcanoes. The NASA researchers are also pretty sure that this study will hand them clues about how the volcanic activities on Arsia Mons started and how it eventually went quite.
According to Inverse, the Arsia Mons volcano was very much active at the time of the destruction of Earth, which saw the dinosaurs go extinct. Though NASA has acknowledged that there is a good enough chance for the volcanic activity to have gone off a couple of times during the last 50 million years, more research is needed to confirm the fact.
The NASA researchers believe that understanding the Arsia Mons' volcanic activities might open new doors to analyze Mars' history and interior structure. The study has been published in the "Earth and Planetary Science Letters".
Italian volcano, Mount Etna, in Sicily is still firing lavas and ashes. It has been spewing toxic things, on and off, for almost three months now. The latest eruption was last March 16 of this year.
After some quiet years for Italy's most active volcano, Etna, it has decided to release some of the fiery-hot lava it has inside and flowed down the volcano's slopes. The video on Mashable has shown how the lava is flowing freely from the mouth of Mount Etna. Last week's eruption was from the New Southeast Crater while strombolian explosions threw lava bombs hundreds of meters from the vent.
However, this beautiful lava show is only good when people see it from afar. Just last week, a group of tourists, journalists and scientists were hit by the explosion. It has injured a total of 10 people and has caught a group of tourists by surprise.
The people who witnessed the said explosion run for their lives as molten rocks and steam rained down on them. Moreover, the eruption has caused the airport of the eastern Sicilian city of Catania to close down. The thick clouds of volcanic ash have made it impossible to land or launch airplanes. Good thing, though, by Saturday, flights had resumed at the Catania airport.
There was much news about the eruption and some of them were over dramatic, Wired reported. The eruption of Mount Etna did not really disrupt that much and has not caused many damaged. Its eruption is only a modest strombolian eruption. Those types of eruptions are caused by gas-rich magma getting to the surface and erupting explosively with some lava flows. It is not much like what a plinian eruption can do or damage.
The only impact of the recent eruption of Mount Etna has caused is deform its mouth. Maybe damage the houses under its feet, which authorities have tried to divert, to no success, and temporarily shut down an airport.
The world's smallest porpoise was found washed up on the shores. Unfortunately, this is one of the few remaining kind.
National Geographic reported how illegal gillnet fishing caused the extinction of the world's smallest porpoise. Vaquita, the rarest porpoise of its kind is still continuously losing its kind for there are only not more than 60 of its kind remaining all over the globe, as announced by the Mexican government.
In just two years, the numbers of the world's smallest porpoise just dropped 40 percent because of illegal fishing in the area. The use of gillnets is one of the prohibited fishing equipment that also traps vaquitas because of its tiny holes.
According to DW, the world's smallest porpoise that was found is just a newborn for its umbilical cord is still attached on the beach of the Gulf of California. Drowning in the prohibited gillnets is the main threat to vaquitas, even if the gillnets are not exactly on purpose of catching the endangered species. It is because the gillnets are used for catching the Totoaba, a highly priced fish for its dried swim bladder which is exported to China.
To note, millions of dollars of environmental funds have been spent just to save the world's smallest porpoise. Their main instruction is to impose a strict ban on gillnet fishing in the area that would also compensate local fishermen.
Omar Vidal, CEO of WWF-Mexico stated in a press release that despite all the efforts, they are still weak in the battle of saving the world's smallest porpoise. However, Vidal does not lose hope, "We can still save the vaquita, but this is our last chance."
Meanwhile, scientists and environmentalists announced that the last-ditch to save the world's smallest porpoise is by capturing some specimens. The specimens will be kept safe in an enclosure at the same gulf for them to multiply. However, some view this as very risky in terms of survival of the vaquita.
The butchery of the African donkey is now a common trend to fulfill the demand of the Chinese medicine. The northwestern region of South Africa depicts this problem clearly.
The skin of a donkey is valuable as it contains gelatin and this fact increases the tendency to slaughter the animal brutally. Several African countries are engaged in this brutal act. A good amount of money can be earned through this job and so a number of gangs don't hesitate to perform this illegal work.
Channel News Asia reported that syndicates catch donkeys from Mogosani, a village in the North West province of South Africa, to acquire gelatin from the skin. Residents of this village reveal that thieves are searching for the skin of the docile beast and it fuels the panic of the common people. Many poor villagers use the animal to draw a cart to bring firewood.
Gelatin has a high demand in the Chinese market. The medicine manufacturers in China use gelatin to make some essential medicines that treat anemia and several important health problems. Apart from the skin, meat of a donkey is also very nutritious and far better than the beef.
The lucrative offer of earning millions of dollars has fuelled the sinful act of butchery. The slaughter of this docile beast increases sharply in Africa as China is trying to fulfill the huge demand for medicine. The SA people news also reported this tragic fact. The rapidly decreasing number of the donkeys in China is another reason why the country wants the African one.
Ikgopeleng Tsietsoane, a donkey owner of the Mogosani village says that the donkey is the key source of incomes here. He reveals that last October thieves stole his six animals. It is the need of the hour to stop the illegal slaughtering of the beast to save the villagers' livelihood.
Ikgopeleng Tsietsoane reveals that the normal price of a donkey should be 400 rand or $30, 29 euros, but currently, the price is 2,000 rand. Recently the Johannesburg police busted a storage container that kept more than 5,000 donkeys illegally. After a big hullabaloo, the Chinese embassy in South Africa has stated that no Chinese company is importing the skin of the beast legally.
South Africa's neighbor Botswana exports donkey meat to China. The state performs the job legally. On the other hand, last year another African state Burkina Faso announced a ban on the slaughtering of the docile beast. It is necessary to remember that medicine can save a life, so it can't be a cause of one's death.
A new study investigates the impact of experimental drugs and natural substance including vitamin C in stopping the cancer cell growth. The researchers discovered that Vitamin C could kill cancer cells and even 10 times more effective than experimental drugs.
The study was printed in the journal Oncotarget. It was led by Dr. Gloria Bonuccelli from the University of Salford in Manchester, United Kingdom, and other colleagues, according to Medical News Today.
In the study, the researchers examined the impact of clinical drug stiripentol, three natural substances such as ascorbic acid (vitamin C), caffeic acid phenyl ester (CAPE) and silibinin. They also evaluated the three experimental drugs such as FK866, actinonin and 2-DG. They targeted the bioenergetic processes of CSCs that allow the cells to live and grow. The team's goal is to unsettle the metabolism of CSCs and prevent their growth.
The results showed that actinonin and FK866 were the most effective. Vitamin C was also found effective to prevent the formation of CSCs and 10 times more effective than the experimental drug 2-DG. Vitamin C also prevents the glycolysis, in which the glucose is broken down within the cell's mitochondria and converted into energy for the propagation of cells.
Dr. Michael P. Lisanti, professor of translational medicine at the University of Salford, said that they have been researching on how to target cancer stem cells with different natural substances. These include silibinin (milk thistle) and CAPE, a honey-bee derivative and vitamin C, which Lisanti described as having the most exciting results. "Vitamin C is cheap, natural, nontoxic and readily available so to have it as a potential weapon in the fight against cancer would be a significant step."
Another study that was published in the journal Redox Biology in December 2016 indicated that high-dose vitamin C (ascorbate) could also kill cancer cells. The researchers from the University of Iowa Health Care discovered that vitamin C separates and produce hydrogen peroxide that damages the tissue and DNA. In the study, the tumor cells cannot remove the hydrogen peroxide than normal cells, and they are more vulnerable to damage and death when they are subject to the high dose of vitamin C, according to Science Daily.
Climate change has been impacting several regions all around the globe. These regions include the tropical paradise referred to as Maldives, which is on the verge of sinking because of the rise in sea levels. Furthermore, its stunning coral reefs are nearing to end with its bleaching. To fight these consequences of climate change, the government has conceptualized geoengineering projects.
The Republic of Maldives is a South Asian island country situated in the southwest of India and Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean. It is considered the smallest Asian country with about 298 square kilometers (115 sq. mi.) and a population of about 393,500 inhabitants. It is also the world's lowest country with an average ground-level elevation of 4.5 meters above sea level. Its highest natural point that is 2.4 meters is the world's lowest country. The government pledged to make Maldives a carbon-neutral country by 2019 because of the dangers from the rising sea levels.
The new government of Maldives, under the President Abdulla Yameen, wants the nation to be steady and fight the rising of sea levels. The approach is to rent out islands and use the money to recover and build new islands that could not be flooded. People could also be moved to more flood-resistant islands when things get worst.
The government also proposes to build an artificial island called Hulhumale, which the City of Hope will lie. The island will be built with 3-meter walls above sea level. They will also pump sand from surrounding atolls and deposit it on low reefs surrounding the original lagoon.
Its target completion is in 2023. This will accommodate 130,000 people. There were eight islands that have been constructed and three more islands that are proposed, according to New Scientist. Shiham Adam, director of the Maldives Marine Research Centre, said that reclaiming islands is the real solution to the consequences of climate change, not leaving the country.
FLORENCE GE Healthcare held a groundbreaking Tuesday afternoon at its facility on West Radio Drive for its $40 million capacity expansion, which is expected to begin construction this summer.
GE Healthcare will expand its production of MRI components to accommodate several new products in the companys portfolio, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce. The 500,000-square-foot facility will grow both in size and in personnel as approximately 100 new jobs will be created.
Dale Wolf, shop operations executive at GE Healthcare, explained that the catalyst for the expansion came from the desire to have GEs supply chain under one roof. Wolf said the expansion consists of new equipment as well as materials from other warehouses moving into the Florence facility.
Were really trying to improve the customer experience and get the entire system leaving from one site, Wolf said. Were trying to simplify it.
Wolf said GE Healthcare currently ships just five percent of the total number of parts of its MRI imaging system. After the expansion is complete, Wolf said, GE expects to ship 100 percent of the system from the Florence plant.
This is a tremendous accomplishment and tremendous investment GE is making in Florence, the people that work here and the state of South Carolina, Wolf said. Were proud to call Florence our home and to continue this great partnership around lifesaving technology in the years to come.
Wolf said the construction timeline is still tentative, but with production expected to start this summer, he hopes to be moved in to the expansion by this time next year.
The expansion groundbreaking was held at the rear of the GE facility Tuesday afternoon. Hundreds attended the ceremony, including state, county and city representatives, McLeod Health executives, and numerous GE employees.
Governor Henry McMaster addressed the crowd during the ceremony and praised the people of the Pee Dee and the Florence area for their latest accomplishment.
McMaster also presented to Wolf a state-seal-inscribed brass plate during the ceremony. McMaster commended Wolf and GE Healthcare as a whole, saying the company is making a reality of what this seal stands for.
This is a great collaboration among that state, city and county governments as well as a great company, McMaster said. Were just going off the scale with economic development. And this is a perfect example of it.
Buddy Brand, chairman of Florence County Economic Development Partnership, also applauded both GE Healthcare and its 350-plus employees, saying they work for one of the best companies in the world.
Congrats to all of you, Brand said in his address the GE staff members. Florence is proud to have you here. You make Florence a better place to live.
McLeod Health employees also had quite a presence at the groundbreaking. Dr. Shawn Conwell, clinic chairman of MRI services at McLeod Health, said the hospital is excited to be uniting with GE Healthcare during its expansion and to provide better MRI services for patients in the future.
Were pleased to be partnering with GE Healthcare in continuing the growth and expansion for our patients, Conwell said. GE is not just building magnets or turbines. Together GE and McLeod are building things that matter and that includes strong communities.
Athens, Wisconsin, farmers Stacey and Tenzin Botsford, with children, Iris, left, and Leona, right, hosted a 2016 fresh-market vegetable trials field day on their community-supported agriculture farm.
UW-La Crosse Chancellor Joe Gow says the lawyer defending a former employee is demanding a $250,000 settlement from the UW System.
On Monday, Gow said Fehr demanded the amount to settle a dispute with former UW-L police dispatcher Kimberly Dearman, who was fired for making offensive comments to a student employee. The university has offered Dearman her job back, citing due process concerns about the investigation of the incident, but Dearmans lawyer, Lee Fehr of Onalaska, said her client is still considering her options and he would be speaking about the dispute with lawmakers on Monday.
Fehr first brought the incident to light on March 13, with a letter to the UW System Board of Regents. Since then, Fehr and his client have appeared on national news networks including Fox News and on talk radio chastising Gow for comments he has made and calling for an investigation into the state of free speech on campus.
Gow said Fehr has been seeking publicity, pointed out that Fehrs website lists examples of monetary settlements and awards he has obtained for clients. This whole situation is about getting money from the university system, Gow said, and emphatically stated UW-L would not pay the requested amount.
We did not start this, Gow said. But when someone questions the integrity of the university, we are going to respond.
When asked on Sunday, Fehr said he didnt want to disclose the settlement amount he had offered the university and said the university should recommend its own number. Later that day, he changed his stance, saying the settlement amount should be debated by the public, as he believed his client was winning in the court of public opinion.
The public is really behind my client, Fehr said Sunday. They are offended by what the university is doing.
The UW System also released the full investigation report on Monday, which included the missing fourth page Fehr declined to provide to the Tribune on Sunday. On the fourth page was information about previous disciplinary actions taken against Dearman, including a performance improvement plan. Gow said he was told Fehr is blocking the release of information about the improvement plan.
Dearman was fired after a conversation with a student employee she supervised during which Dearman told the Asian student that all immigrants should go back to where they came from. The student employee resigned her position and filed a complaint about the conversation, which was investigated by the university.
It was nothing, Dearman told her supervisors when questioned about the incident. She better get used to it cuz could happen to her the rest of her life.
The trend towards an increasingly software-intensive world in which there is more code in a new car than there is in a commercial aircraft is impacting the marine and offshore business. However, in our industry, not all users of new technology understand the way the software they are using was built, how it operates, what happens when it fails, and what strategies they have to mitigate potential cyber security threats.
Shipping industry systems from 20-30 years ago were akin to a closed loop, in which IT was to some extent separate from vessel operations. Now, our ships and assets employ a system of systems approach that combines operational and information technology.
This creates a need to understand the compound integration risk of overlapping, integrated software and systems on our assets and those of others. To do so means taking the first steps to understanding and embracing a software-intensive future.
Changes to the role of class societies make this a very exciting time to be a chief technology officer. With the expansion of the regulatory environment, class is widening its remit to include verification of compliance with regulations and new topics such as cyber security. At the same time, advances in sensor and inspection technologies such as remote monitoring are making our job more complex. .
The traditional approach to business is also changing. Previously, classification, asset health and asset performance were viewed as three different silos but we no longer operate simply in an environment of structures or machinery and equipment. Looking at the future we can see that cyber and software risk are overlapping and converging and as a result class and industry have to adapt.
We work in an environment of increasing automation and we love the benefits and reach this brings us but we must also understand and act on the threats that derive from our software-enabled businesses.
Our conversations with shipowners who are just starting on this journey tell us several things.
We hear a lot of talk about investment in corporate firewalls and this is important, but we would argue that operational software needs a lot more attention. It is not unusual to hear companies say they are yet to lose a dollar on cyber intrusion, but they have lost millions of dollars on software management issues which affected their operations.
Others recognise they are not yet organised enough to address the problem. They have a CIO, an operations department and a technical domain, but getting the three sides together can be a challenge. Recent statistics from Sea Asia also showed that an estimate 55 per cent of industry leaders claim there are no established protocols to effectively deal with cyber threats in their respective organisations.
The International Maritime Organization (IMO), U.S. Coast Guard, Bimco and International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) are all mobilised and in this last example, it is critical that IACS as a trusted technical advisor, makes its position known so that formulation of future rules and guidance reflects practical actionable advice.
A key part of understanding the shared or compound risk profile is not to limit ourselves to the idea that if our house is in order, the job is done. Ships are part of a connected, integrated collaborative network and we must understand how all the pieces and parts work together.
As our assets get smarter, we can be certain that the future is going to be data-centric. A critical part of this process, given the changes in class services, is also managing data integrity and being prepared for potential data risks.
The importance of managing integrity and data security will be one of the key highlights at this years Sea Asia conference. Thought leaders from both the maritime and technology sectors will come together on the common Sea Asia platform to not only explore the implications of smart shipping and how our industry can better embrace new technological solutions but also how it can tackle cybersecurity threats that come along with these new solutions.
On ABS end to tackle this massive subject of data and cyber risks, we have developed a tailored, modular and measurable process which can evolve over time as threats and technologies emerge. Our ABS CyberSafety approach is stepwise and notation-based, and moves from a set of basic procedures covering corporate organisation and governance to a detailed capability and task-assessment cycle. This approach enables us to understand assets, gaps and vulnerabilities, develop a risk profile and execute a project plan with asset owners.
It brings together traditional IT and Operational Technology. These worlds have traditionally been separate but now, there is need for them to work together to develop an appreciation of shared risk. This is because despite the many unknowns of our current business environment we can be sure that these risks as well as our ability to meet them will continue to evolve.
ABS is a sponsor of Sea Asia 2017, which will return for its sixth edition in Singapore from 25-27 April 2017.
Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal Urban affairs, investigations, consumer help ("SOS") Follow Chris Rickert | Wisconsin State Journal 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
Youd think that eventually a handful of Wisconsin conservatives would accept that theyve been on the winning side in two now-closed secret investigations into one of their heroes, Republican Gov. Scott Walker.
But no. Instead, these folks from a slice of the political spectrum known for its law-and-order bona fides insist on trying to punish law enforcers who had the gall to legally obtain warrants to collect evidence as part of those investigations.
On Wednesday, a federal judge dismissed a complaint from the MacIver Institute alleging that state officials didnt follow federal law in seizing the groups emails as part of their investigation into Walkers 2012 recall campaign.
MacIver, which describes itself as the free market voice for Wisconsin, will appeal the decision, according to attorney Ben Hurst.
Its not a suit about conservatives or Republicans and it isnt about the basis (or lack thereof) for the investigation, Hurst said in an email. It asks whether the Doe actors complied with the procedural requirements of federal law before seizing federally protected records.
MacIvers legal setback comes not long after a former Walker aide failed to convince an appeals court that investigators 2011 raid of her Madison home violated her civil rights and was part of a political witch hunt targeting Walker allies.
Arguments in Cindy Archers appeal of that May 26 court ruling were held in January.
The appeal alleges that investigators unconstitutional and unconscionable conduct devastated Ms. Archers career and her life and that the district courts decision dismissing Ms. Archers claims on the pleadings is riddled with errors.
MacIvers lawsuit stems from the so-called John Doe II investigation into whether Walker illegally coordinated his recall election efforts with conservative groups. It grew out of John Doe I, which probed misconduct in Walkers old Milwaukee County executive office and led to the raid referenced in Archers suit.
John Doe II resulted in no convictions and was eventually halted by the state Supreme Court. John Doe I resulted in convictions of six Walker aides or associates, including four on felonies. Archer wasnt one of them.
Now sure, liberals legitimately complain that the Doe II investigation was tossed with the help of conservative judges whose campaigns benefited from work by the same conservative groups the investigation was targeting. And yes, its a big deal when a sitting governors former employees are convicted of having committed crimes including public corruption.
But a Wisconsin-style Watergate these investigations are not especially because Walker was never charged with a crime.
Conservatives pursuing these post-John Doe lawsuits are doing a pretty fair imitation of President Donald Trump, who despite winning last years election has insisted on making ridiculous claims about how voter fraud caused him to lose the popular vote.
Its like, come on, people know how to win already.
I guess law enforcement doesnt get the conservatives benefit of the doubt when it starts poking its nose into how conservatives conduct their politics.
The northern muriqui monkeys of Brazil - popularly known as "hippie" primates - are vegetarians, begin their day with a group hug, and are one of the planet's most peaceful and egalitarian animals. They normally share their forest habitat with noisy howler monkeys that eat their food and appear to get on their nerves, but the hippies are now in flux. A yellow fever epidemic just wiped out thousands of howlers, leaving the hippies as the only thriving primates in the forest. Karen Strier, a University of Wisconsin-Madison anthropologist, just visited the forest, which lies within the federally protected RPPN Feliciano Miguel Abdala reserve near the Brazilian city of Caratinga. "It was just silence, the emptiness," she remarked to Seeker. "It was like the energy was sucked out of the universe." Strier, who is also an associate conservation scientist with the Global Wildlife Conservation, explained that howlers, like humans, are vulnerable to yellow fever. The viral illness results in acute flu-like symptoms, and is spread by mosquito bites. The present epidemic began in December last year. A few days ago, a man in the state of Rio de Janeiro died after contracting the virus, bringing the human death toll of this latest outbreak to 137. At least 424 other people have come down with the disease, which continues to spread throughout the region. Nearly a thousand additional cases remain under investigation. Health departments in Brazil are rushing to vaccinate as many people as possible - but the howlers and hippie monkeys cannot be vaccinated.
"For now, there is nothing that can be done to prevent the death of the primates," Sergio Lucena Mendes, a professor of animal biology at the Universidade Federal de Espirito Santo, told Seeker. "So far, the conservation community has been collaborating with a campaign to prevent people from injuring the primates in fear of yellow fever." Strier added that some people do not understand that the monkeys are victims of the disease too. As a result, they are blaming the monkeys for the virus. The northern muriqui is among the most critically endangered primates on earth. There are various species and subspecies of howlers, but the researchers believe that the recent deaths put many surviving howler populations at risk for extinction as well. RELATED: Hidden Rainforest Camera Captures a Monkey on the Brink of Extinction "The monkeys actually act as sentinels, warning us when there's a disease outbreak that could affect humans," she said. It is unclear why the howlers are so vulnerable to the virus, while the hippies and a close relative of them, spider monkeys of the Amazon and parts of Central America, appear to be more resistant. Mosquitoes have been out in droves, possibly because rains following two years of severe drought prompted the hatching of eggs that remained dormant until the wet weather began. Before the epidemic, the howlers and hippies had an uneasy co-existence. Howler monkeys are plant eaters too, so they would often eat much of the food in areas that the northern muriquis would pass through. The howlers additionally are very vocal, emitting screams and other loud vocalizations, including a guttural call that has been used in many horror films, as well as the Jurassic Park series. The hippies, conversely, are a quieter bunch.
Once again, North Korea has tested technology that could help get satellites or long-range missiles off the ground.
North Korean state media announced over the weekend that the nation had performed a ground test of a powerful rocket engine that "would help consolidate the scientific and technological foundation to match the world-level satellite delivery capability in the field of outer space development."
But the nuclear-armed rogue nation has also stated that it's close to developing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and it has threatened many times to obliterate South Korea, Japan and the United States.
As such, some experts don't believe that the country designed the newly tested engine for peaceful purposes.
"This was a comprehensive test for the first-stage rocket for an ICBM, and that is why it was dangerous," rocket expert Kim Dong-yub, of the Institute for Far Eastern Studies in Seoul, told Reuters. "It appears that North Korea has worked out much of its development of the first-stage rocket booster."
But the engine looks a lot like the one that North Korea tested last September, aerospace engineer and rocket-propulsion expert John Schilling noted. That engine was assessed as "being better suited for use in satellite launch vehicles than ballistic missiles," Schilling wrote today (March 20) on 38North.org, a North Korea analysis site.
Moreover, the newly tested engine apparatus appears to be too large to fit into any of North Korea's known ICBM prototypes, he added.
"Of the North Korean rocket and missile projects that we are currently aware of, the best fit for this engine would be as the second stage of the new satellite launch vehicle provisionally known as the 'Unha-9,'" Schilling wrote.
It's possible, however, that North Korea is working on an ICBM design that the United States and its allies don't know about, he added. (The rogue nation is famously unpredictable, after all.)
"The North Korean regime has never been shy when it comes to bragging about their missiles," Schilling wrote. "This time, it seems they are bragging about [their] space program. Whenever they get around to showing us their new satellite launcher, we'll know for sure."
Reckless endangerment and illegal gun possession charges were filed Tuesday against a second man who police say was at the scene of a shooting at a gas station in February in which four people were hurt.
Christopher Somersett, 22, of Madison, who was arrested by Madison police in February for the Feb. 19 shooting at the BP gas station, 4222 E. Washington Ave., fired three shots at a man with whom he had a conflict, according to a criminal complaint filed in Dane County Circuit Court.
About two weeks ago, Claude D. Knight, 28, of Hanover Park, Illinois, was charged with first-degree reckless endangerment after surveillance video at the gas station captured him firing a gun during the incident, a complaint states. According to an updated complaint filed on Tuesday, Knight admitted to police that he fired a gun, but said he fired it three times into the air.
Looking at photos from the surveillance video with police, the complaint states, Knight saw Somersett and told investigators, He was the first shooter.
Knight said that someone associated with Somersett earlier had been jumped by one of the men who was injured during the shooting, and that was the motive for the shooting, the complaint states. Knight told police that Somersett shot the man twice, and then his gun jammed. He said Somersett cleared the jam and then fired a third shot.
The complaint states that police found an unfired 9mm bullet in the area where Knight said Somersett had fired his gun, which appeared to corroborate what Knight said.
Last week, Knight waived his right to a preliminary hearing and was ordered to stand trial on the reckless endangerment charge. He remains jailed on $150,000 bail.
Somersett appeared in court on Tuesday and was also jailed on $150,000 bail. He was formally charged with first-degree reckless endangerment and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Somersett is also on probation for a prior conviction of firearm possession by a felon.
Four men were taken to local hospital emergency rooms with wounds related to the shooting. One had a bullet pass through his lower abdomen. The man who police say Somersett was shooting at has a bullet lodged on his collarbone that will not be removed, the complaint states.
Bam renews call to probe PH foreign policy, gov't stand on Panatag Shoal, Benham Rise
A senator renewed his call to look into the country's foreign policy direction following President Duterte's latest pronouncements over Benham Rise and Panatag Shoal.
Last Sept. 19, 2016, Sen. Bam Aquino filed Senate Resolution No. 158, urging the government to clarify the country's stand on different foreign policy issues. It was referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations chaired by Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano.
Sen. Cayetano expressed willingness to conduct a hearing on the matter. However, six months had passed and, until now, no date has been set for the hearing.
In addition, Sen. Bam insisted that the government must enlighten the Senate on the agreement that President Duterte allegedly entered into with China in connection with the Benham Rise. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), for its part, was not informed about the deal.
"Mayroon ba talagang kasunduan na nangyari? At kung mayroon man, dapat ipaalam ng pamahalaan sa Senado ang nilalaman nito upang mapag-aralan at malaman ng taong bayan," said Sen. Bam, who plans to call officials of the DFA, Department of National Defense and the Office of the President to clarify the matter.
Last year, Sen. Bam filed the resolution due to President Duterte's different pronouncements on important foreign policy issues.
Aside from Sen. Bam, three other senators backed the resolution, including Sens. Franklin Drilon, Francis Pangilinan and Leila de Lima.
In a joint statement, the four senators expressed support behind Duterte's push for an independent foreign policy but stressed that it must protect and champion the interest of the Filipino people.
The lawmakers also want the Departments of Foreign Affairs, Finance, and Trade and Investments to "explain the ramifications of the President's latest foreign policy pronouncements on Filipinos living here and abroad".
Press Release
March 21, 2017 De Lima wants PAO to prioritize legal aid to indigents Sen. Leila M. de Lima has filed a measure redefining the mandate of the Public Attorney's Office (PAO) to make it more responsive to the needs of indigents with legal concerns. Noting how the existing functions of PAO has been used by affluent personalities at the detriment of indigent clients, De Lima filed Senate Bill (SB) No. 1345 amending Republic Act 9406 creating PAO as the government's principal law office for indigents. "The existing Public Attorney's law allows the PAO, in the exigency of service, to be called upon by proper government authorities to render service to other persons, even if they be non-indigent," she said in the bill's explanatory note. "This power, as we have seen in recent years, has been invoked to represent individuals who can afford to contract the services of their own private counsels, to the detriment of those who need PAO's services the most, such as indigent individuals who are threatened to be deprived of their liberty or property and indigent accused who are languishing in ails due to adequate legal representation," she added. The former justice secretary noted that the PAO has been used by non-indigent individuals to the detriment of those who need the services of public attorneys, such as the Bilibid convicts notorious for their luxurious lifestyle inside the state penitentiary; Ma. Cristina Sergio, the illegal recruiter behind the drug trafficking case of Mary Jane Veloso; and Janet Lim Napoles during a previous Senate hearing, among others. The PAO was chided by De Lima for allowing itself to be used as a tool for political persecution, particularly during the inquiry of the House Justice Committee probing the alleged illegal drugs trade inside the state penitentiary. The senator from Bicol also pointed out that PAO lawyers are spread too thin due to such unnecessary work forced onto each lawyer due to its existing mandate. "The existing mandate of PAO needs to be fleshed out so that its personnel will be unburdened of other matters and can focus on providing the utmost attention to their clients accused of committing a crime," she added. "In 2014 alone, PAO had served 7.5 million clients, mostly for non-judicial clients, with each public attorney handling more than 500 cases," she said. "The present enabling law of the PAO establishes it as the principal law office of the Government in extending free legal assistance to indigent persons in criminal, civil, labor, administrative, and other quasi-judicial cases, a mandate that is too broad for its personnel complement and resource constraints. PAO should focus on its original mandate of serving truly indigent defendants in criminal cases," she added. De Lima said she hopes the immediate enactment into law of SB 1345 would pave the way for a more efficient delivery of justice to indigent citizens, improving the case disposition with the availability of more lawyers to defend the poorest of the poor. If enacted, SB 1345 shall: 1. Redefine the mandate of the PAO to primarily serve indigent accused in criminal proceedings; 2. Limit the services to be extended by PAO to non-indigent persons, in the exigency of the service, to legal assistance and counselling only, not representation; 3. Create a self-contained Public Defender Unit within the PAO, which shall exclusively cater to criminal defense in order to avoid situations of conflict of interest when other PAO lawyers extended legal assistance or counselling to the offended party prior to the filing of the case in court; 4. Provide for a term of office for the Chief Public Attorney and for the Judicial and Bar Council to screen and nominate to the President the person best fit for the position; 5. Repeal the support provided by local government to PAO to ensure its independence and allowing the PAO to recover reasonable payment from persons served but not entitled to its services; and 6. Automatically increase the number of public attorney positions when a new court or branch is created by law.
Press Release
March 21, 2017 De Lima met with notary public inside Crame Senator Leila M. de Lima said today that the Office of the Solicitor General's statement on the alleged defect in the notarization of her petition to the Supreme Court is a false allegation. She said it has no factual basis. According to De Lima, the notary public met with her at Camp Crame for the former to notarize the petition that she signed. De Lima further said that, contrary to the OSG's claim, the notary public was, in fact, in Camp Crame, when the Senator was brought there. De Lima points out that the OSG, by repeatedly attempting to resort to the basest of technicalities, and in lieu of substantial arguments against the merits of her Supreme Court petition, is scraping the bottom of the barrel for whatever argument is left to support her continued illegal detention. The senator said that the OSG attack is obviously borne out of desperation.
Press Release
March 21, 2017 Sen. Leila M. de Lima's Handwritten Notes
Dispatch from Crame Nos. 33 & 34 Dispatch from Crame No. 33 Good job on the part of the DOJ/NBI in successfully investigating and indicting 19 cops led by Supt. Marvin Marcos for the murder of Mayor Rolando Espinosa and co-detainee Raul Yap. But I remain curious as to the real motive behind the killing of Mayor Espinosa. None of the investigations whether NBI's or the Senate's has established such motive, let alone convincingly. Let's recall that Supt. Marcos, after having been previously relieved by P/DG Dela Rosa from his Region 8 post, was ordered reinstated by no less than the President thru Bong Go. Why? We never knew the exact story. May I also ask why up to this very moment, KERWIN ESPINOSA, a confessed top drug dealer in Region 8 and who admitted during the Senate inquiry that he was paying off police officers and other personalities for protection, has not been charged yet for his illegal activities? What about PETER LIM? Where is he now and whatever happened to the supposed investigation on him? To DOJ/NBI: Kailan nyo po kakasuhan ang mga yan at iba pang mga tunay na drug trafficker/drug lord? Bakit ako at ako lang, na walang kinalaman sa droga, ang inyong kinasuhan? Kumakatok po ako sa mga konsensya nyo... ****** Dispatch from Crame No. 34 I AM INNOCENT. I'm not a drug trafficker. I'm not a narco-politician or a drug coddler. I can say the above a hundred times, a million times, and even a billion times. Because that is the TRUTH. On the other hand, LIES about me and my alleged drug links, even if spoken a hundred, a million and a billion times, can NEVER become the truth. Ginoong Pangulo, lubayan nyo na po ako ng inyong mga kasinungalingan at kahibangan.
Press Release
March 21, 2017 Legarda: Manage Forests, Water Resources for Present and Future Filipinos Senator Loren Legarda today stressed the importance of the sustainable management of the country's forests and water resources so that both present and future generations would benefit from our natural resources. Legarda, UNISDR Global Champion for Resilience, made the statement in celebration of the International Day of Forests (March 21) and World Water Day (March 22). "Our forests provide various ecosystem services, the most basic of which is production of food and supply of water. Certainly, we need to manage our forests in a manner that would ensure that these ecosystem services would be sufficiently provided to our people now as well as to the future Filipinos," she explained. According to the United Nations, sustainably managed forests can supply clean air, water and energy. Forests cover 30% of land and are home to more than 80% of the terrestrial species of animals, plants and insects, but 3 million hectares of our forests are lost per year. "We should develop and adopt a sustainable forest management strategy based on rational allocation of forestland uses and promotion of land use practices that increase productivity and conserve soil, water, and other forestland resources. We should protect existing forest resources and conserve biodiversity, and rehabilitate or develop denuded areas," Legarda said. Meanwhile, the Senator also stressed the need to craft a roadmap for sustainable water use. "Water is a very basic need yet we still have communities in the country that have no access to clean and potable water. The continued overlapping and fragmented regulation of water supply services in the country by several government entities is one factor that hinders the enactment of a doable and long-term solution to prevent water shortage," Legarda said. A study by the World Resources Institute revealed that the Philippines will likely experience severe water shortage by 2040 due to the combined impact of rapid population growth and climate change. Furthermore, the Philippines ranks 57 out of 167 countries that are highly vulnerable to severe water shortage. "Water is a human right and the State must ensure that the water in our lakes, rivers and other sources of freshwater reaches our faucets and is fully maximized. Every citizen must have access to potable water but this must be sustained in the long term. In order to achieve this, we must reform the water industry itself and lay down a roadmap to ensure water security for the country," she explained. Legarda said that the protection of our forests is also essential in improving water security. Forested watersheds and wetlands supply 75% of the world's accessible freshwater. "We must ensure that we sustainably manage our forests, protected areas and water resources so that we supply the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," Legarda concluded.
Press Release
March 21, 2017 Koko sees okay of free internet access, six key bills this year Senate President Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today said Congress is expected to approve this year the bill on free internet access in all public places and six other key priority measures when it resumes session after the Lenten recess in May. He said the Senate had already approved the seven priority bills on third reading and sent them to the House of Representatives (HOR) for concurrence to provide, among others, full tuition subsidy for college and university students and those in technical-vocational schools, both private and public. Pimentel said both the Senate and the HOR had also passed the bills extending the GMA Network, Inc. Franchise and the Smart Communications, Inc. Franchise for 25 more years. "I am confident the House would easily accomplish its mission," said Pimentel, president of the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP LABAN) whose "super majority" in the House gives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez an easy job to harness support for priority measures. Pimentel said the Senate has likewise approved the country's accession to the Paris Agreement on climate change and ratified both the social security pact with Japan and membership in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. He said poor students would soon avail of full tuition subsidy in state universities and colleges and private higher education and technical-vocational schools as the proposed Free Higher Education Act hurdled third reading in the Senate. Also approved on final reading, he said, were the Philippine Food Technology Act for the registration, licensure and practice of food technology and the proposed Philippine National Police reorganization to allow the PNP Chief and the CIDG to administer oath and issue subpoena duces tecum. Pimentel said the proposed Speech Language Pathology Act was also passed on third reading to regulate the practice of speech language pathology and the Expanded Maternity Leave Law to give 120 days of maternity leave for female workers in government service and the private sector. Every 25th day of November, he said, would soon be declared National Technical Vocational Day after the Senate passed the proposed measure on third reading and sent it to the HOR for concurrence. He said a total of 39 priority measures plus the proposed amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) were tackled by the Senate, including the proposed emergency powers to be granted to the President to address transportation and traffic congestion crises in Metro Manila and other key cities. The Senate, he said, also passed on second reading the proposed Philippine Mental Health Act to promote mental health, promulgate a national mental health policy towards the enhancement of integrated mental health services and the promotion and protection of persons utilizing mental health services, and establish a Philippine Mental Health Council. Scheduled for second reading are bills on Free School Feeding/Pagkaing Pinoy Para sa Batang Pinoy, Amendments to Republic Act No. 9160 or the AMLA, Corporation Code of the Philippines, Coconut Farmers and Industry Development, Revised Penal Code, Ease of Doing Business/Fast Business Permit, Refusal of Hospital and Medical Clinics to Administer Medical Treatment in Emergency Case, Traffic Congestion Crisis, Anti-Discrimination, and Amendments to the Social Security law. Set for plenary discussion are the Philippine Passport Act, Estate Tax Reform Act, Enhanced Universal Healthcare Act, Free Irrigation Services Act, Agrarian and Agricultural Credit Condonation Act, Extension of Driver's License Validity Act, One Town: One Doctor Act, Income Tax Reform Act, Wage Rationalization Act; Occupational Safety and Health Standards Acts, Community Service in Lieu of Imprisonment for the Penalty of Arresto Menor Act, Family Code of the Philippines Amendments; Public Service Act Amendments, Department of Housing and Urban Development Act; Allowable/Recoverable System Loss Act, Expand Coverage of Local Absentee Voting Act; Salary Standardization Law IV; Government Procurement Reform Act Amendments, Revision of the Constitution, National ID System, Criminal Investigation Act, Amendment of Fair Election Act, End of Endo/Contractualization Act, Anti-Hazing Law Amendments, and the Unified Uniformed Personnel Retirement benefits and Pension Reform Act.
POE PUSHES PRIORITY SEATING FOR ELDERLY IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Sen. Grace Poe has filed a measure seeking to mandate the reservation and designation of priority seating for the elderly in public transportation to give them better access, safety and comfort.
In filing Senate Bill No. 1367 that proposes to amend certain provisions of Republic Act No. 7432, as amended, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act, Poe wants to ?cover jeepneys, buses, rail services and commercial air and sea transport.
"Nararapat lamang na bigyang prayoridad ang kapakanan ng mga nakatatanda sa mga pampublikong transportasyon sapagkat hindi biro ang kalagayan nila at kadalasan sila ay may iniindang sakit o madaling mapagod. Unahin natin sila," said Poe.
Poe added that such positive cultural norm among many Filipinos in giving up their seats to the elderly must be institutionalized.
Batas Pambansa 344 or the Accessibility Law mandates that posters or stickers shall be used on public transport to generate awareness of the rights and needs of persons with disabilities (PWDs), which includes the marking of priority seats for PWDs. This was absent in the Expanded Senior Citizens Law, despite having been amended several times.
"In fact, the latest iteration of the law under RA 9994 merely states that the Department of Transportation shall develop a program to assist senior citizens to fully gain access to public transport facilities," Poe said, referring to the law that amended the Expanded Senior Citizens Act.
Poe said that although there are currently reserved seats for the elderly in land transportation, there are "no hard rules" mandating the designation of priority seating for them in air and sea transport.
If enacted, it ensures that the seats closest to the entrance doors will be reserved for the elderly and they cannot be transferred to other seats on commercial air and sea transport without one week of prior notice.
Press Release
March 21, 2017 Senate to honor former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani Former and past senators will pay tribute to former Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani during her necrological services on Thursday, March 23, at 2:30 p.m. Shahani succumbed to cancer of the colon at the St. Luke's Hospital early Monday morning. She was 87. Senate Secretary Lutgard Barbo said Senate President Koko Pimentel III would present a resolution to Shahani's family, expressing the Senate's sympathy and condolences on the death of the former senator. He said Pimentel, along with Senators Loren Legarda, Bam Aquino IV and former Senators Jun Magsaysay Jr., Nene Pimentel Jr. and Rene Saguisag would deliver a eulogy for Shahani. Barbo said Senate officials and employees would await the arrival of Shahani's remains at the main entrance of the Senate building to escort her to the Senate Session Hall at the second floor of the building. He said Shahani's remains would be available for public viewing after the necrological services. Born on September 30, 1929 in Lingayen, Pangasinan, Shahani was the daughter of late Foreign Affairs Secretary Narciso Ramos and Angela Valdez. She was the younger sister of former President Fidel V. Ramos. Shahani was the first female senator to be elected as Senate President Pro-Tempore in the 9th and 10th Congresses. During her stint as senator from 1987 to 1998, Shahani chaired the committees on foreign relations, education, agriculture, and women and family relations. She authored the Moral Recovery Program in 1987, a law, which aimed to integrate ethical values in nation building. She also authored bills on women's welfare such as the Strengthening the Prohibition of Discrimination Against Women in the Workplace, Anti-Rape Law of 1997 and Rape Victim Assistance and Protection Act of 1998. She introduced the inclusion of the mandatory five percent (5%) allocation in the budget of every government department and agency for gender and development. In 1995, the Senate adopted Resolution 87, honoring Shahani. Senate Minority Leader Frank Drilon, who authored the resolution, said Shahani "was one of the finest and most distinguished legislators to ever grace the Senate halls and acknowledged her untiring efforts in pushing for valuable legislation on matters of paramount national interest." On the same month, the House of Representatives under then Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., passed Resolution 2007 to citing her as "a distinguished senator, education and diplomat." Shahani held various positions in the government such as Ambassador to Australia (1981 to 1986) and Romania (1975-1980), Secretary-General of the World Conference on the United Nations Decade of Women in Nairobi, Kenya in 1985 and Deputy Minister for Philippine Affairs after the 1986 EDSA Revolution. She was also among the highest-ranking women at the United Nations, serving as assistant secretary general for social development and humanitarian affairs from 1981 to 1986. She co-authored the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, was chair of the UN Commission on Women and secretary general of both the Third UN Conference on Women and Seventh Congress on Crime Prevention and Treatment of Offenders in 1985. Shahani finished her degree in English Literature at the Wellesley College in Massachusetts and her Master in comparative literature at the Columbia University in New York. She earned her doctor of philosophy in comparative literature after defending her doctoral thesis with highest honors. The former legislator was also a former dean of the Graduate School of Lyceum of the Philippines where she taught English Literature, French, Comparative Literature among others. (Olive Caunan)
Two Madison siblings were sentenced Tuesday to federal prison for passing counterfeit money at businesses in southern Wisconsin.
Danesha Phillips, 23, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 42 days in prison, with credit for time served. Her brother, Marlo Phillips, 19, was sentenced to one year, also with credit for time served since his arrest in February 2016.
Both will also serve two years of supervised release. They were also ordered to re-pay $7,500 in restitution to shops that were paid counterfeit cash, jointly with three other co-defendants.
The five traveled to various cities from Baraboo to Janesville, making small purchases at businesses with fake $100 bills. They were arrested on Feb. 23, 2016.
Cornelius Stewart, 22, of Madison received a two-year prison sentence in February for his leadership role in the scheme. Dominique Gaunichaux, 19, and Parish Barbary-Wheatherby, 21, will be sentenced in April.
The resistance starts now. Tuesday, March 21, is Arts Advocacy Day, firing the effort to save the federal governments arts funding programs, which would be eliminated under President Trumps federal budget proposal released last week.
In Washington, some 650 advocacy day delegates are scheduled to fan out to call on all 435 members of the House of Representatives to urge them to oppose the Trump plan to kill the National Endowment for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Humanities, as well as the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and other, smaller funding arms.
The delegates plan to tailor their messages for each congressional district, because all of them receive some form of National Endowment for the Arts support. The minimum and average grant for an arts organization is $10,000. In some cases, the grant is essential to a programs survival. In all cases, receiving National Endowment for the Arts money gives the organization leverage to seek additional support elsewhere.
Nobody is getting enough from the NEA to keep the lights on and the rent paid, says Brad Erickson, captain of the California delegation to the Arts Advocacy Day and executive director of Theatre Bay Area, a nonprofit service organization representing 300 theater companies and 2,000 artists. An NEA grant attracts other money. A dollar from the NEA attracts another $8 in private and local funding. Now you are talking real money. The ability to do what you do.
The NEA grants money for specific projects, not general expenses, and the support must be matched by money from other sources. The intent is to keep new work in the pipeline, and it works, says Robert Kelley, artistic director of TheatreWorks.
NEA grants have been the cornerstone of our annual New Works Initiative, helping us develop hundreds of new plays and musicals that have enhanced our lives here, around the country and around the world, says Kelley.
Last year, the NEA issued $60.3 million in grants, which were leveraged into $500 million in matching funds. The government budgets about $150 million a year for the NEA, including grant money and operational costs. The amount represents 0.004 percent of the federal budget.
The amount of money saved is so utterly negligible in terms of the federal budget, but so supremely significant to artists and arts institutions across the country, says Carey Perloff, artistic director at American Conservatory Theater. An NEA grant is a serious peer-review award that is able to stimulate additional support and lend credibility to a wide variety of creative projects.
So far in 2017, the NEA has issued $2.2 million to 88 organizations in Northern California. To get a sense of the impact if these grants were to be eliminated, Chronicle writers surveyed a broad swath of arts groups in all disciplines, from individual filmmakers to major companies like the San Francisco Ballet and Opera.
None of the organizations surveyed said they will fold if the NEA is eliminated, but they will all be diminished to some extent.
We may have to let staff and/or dancers go, but we will certainly try everything possible first, says Brenda Way, founder and artistic director of the dance company ODC, which this year has received NEA grants totaling $50,000 against a budget of $6 million covering 160 full and part-time staff and dancers. Weve been around for nearly five decades, and weve been at the edge before.
The NEA, along with its sister organizations, was founded in 1965 with an annual budget of $2.5 million. Less than 20 years later, it was under attack.
In 1985, John Killacky, former head of the San Francisco Foundation and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, joined with choreographer Trisha Brown to testify before the House Appropriations Committee urging continued financial support. Brown told the congressional panel in 1985, Artists arent asking for a two-car garage, only a two-coat closet. A Mills College graduate and one of the pillars of contemporary dance in the U.S., Brown died Saturday.
In 1990, the endowment for the arts vetoed grants to performance artists Karen Finley, Tim Miller, Holly Hughes and John Fleck because of the content of their performances. The quartet became known as the NEA Four as conservative groups pointed to their work as reason to end public funding. They won a court case against the endowment for the arts three years later, but the controversy prompted the agency to stop giving grants to individual artists.
Public arts funding has often been a matter of debate, even when no one was trying to eliminate the endowment for the arts. Some lawmakers and private citizens believe that the government should not be in the business of funding the arts.
To me its not so much about the money which does hurt, a lot its about the symbolism and the message this president and his administration are sending, says Lisa Steindler, artistic director of Z Space, which produces original and touring experimental pieces in San Franciscos Mission District. They (the Trump administration) are telling us that the arts mean nothing and are not worthy of any support.
Locally, the battle starts with a rally at noon Tuesday, March 21, at San Francisco City Hall. The message will be that the endowment for the arts is not just easy money for high-end museums and performance that caters to the elites.
The NEA moves art outside the living rooms and concert halls of the 1-percenters, and makes it accessible to Americans from all walks of life, says indie filmmaker Laurie Coyle. Killing the NEA would drain the color out of our public life, and deepen the divides that threaten our democracy.
For the 12 California arts advocates in Washington on Tuesday, preaching to the Bay Area congressional delegation is preaching to the choir. The man they want to meet is Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Corona (Riverside County). He is chair of the Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies, which directly oversees funding for the endowments for the arts and humanities.
One person who would like to talk to him is Grace Sandlin, founder of Studio 395, an arts collective in Lake Elsinore, which is in Calverts district. Her group got a $25,000 grant from the endowments for the arts to send artists out into her rural and underserved county to educate people on the arts and the economic stimulus they can provide.
Forget about pretty pictures, she says We can show him statistical information on the economic advantage of art investment.
Calverts office runs its own art competition, but he has yet to state his position on Trumps plan. His office did not respond to requests by The Chronicle for comment.
We havent heard anything, says Sandlin. Like so many arts organizations, were doing the limbo.
Chronicle staff writers writers Lily Janiak, Leba Hertz, Joshua Kosman, Mick LaSalle, Charles Desmarais and Aidin Vaziri contributed to this report.
Sam Whiting is a Chronicle staff writer. Email: swhiting@sfchronicle.com
Sarah Ravani/The Chronicle
A 45-year-old man was found dead from a stab wound Monday morning on a street in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco, police said.
The fatal attack occurred around 8:09 a.m. near the intersection of Golden Gate Avenue and Jones Street, about two blocks from the Tenderloin Police Station.
A 93-year-old man died Monday from injuries suffered when he was struck by a cable car Sunday while walking in a crosswalk on Mason Street in San Francisco, police said.
The collision occurred at 3:10 p.m. near the intersection at Filbert Street, Police Department officials said.
The man, whose name was not immediately released, was crossing Mason Street in a marked crosswalk when the southbound cable car hit him, knocking him down and causing serious injury, police said.
The incident has been ruled an accident, according to police.
The Powell-Mason cable car line was briefly shut down because of the incident, with shuttle buses dispatched to provide service. By 4:26 p.m., the collision was cleared and normal service resumed.
A 2013 Associated Press investigation found that over the prior 10 years, San Francisco averaged one cable car accident per month, injuring 151 people and ultimately costing the city millions in lawsuits.
Speaking for the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, I express our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the individual who was fatally struck by a cable car at Mason and Filbert (on Sunday). The SFMTA will continue to work with the San Francisco Police Department as we undertake all necessary investigations into this matter, Ed Reiskin, director of transportation for the SFMTA, said in a statement.
Reiskin also reiterated the SFMTAs commitment to the citys Vision Zero policy, adopted in 2014, which aims to eliminate San Francisco traffic fatalities by 2024.
The last time a cable car fatally struck a pedestrian was on Sept. 24, 2008, on the same line, according to Muni spokesman Paul Rose. In that case, an elderly woman was hit at Mason and Broadway and died the following day.
In 2015, cable car operator Reynaldo Morante, 51, was critically injured and later died after being hit by a motorcyclist driving drunk. Morante was getting off the Powell-Mason cable car at the end of the line near Francisco and Taylor streets on Russian Hill when he was hit from behind by the 23-year-old motorcyclist.
Filipa A. Ioannou is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: fioannou@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @obioannoukenobi
Michael Macor/The Chronicle
Four medical emergencies on different BART trains, as well as equipment problems and wet weather, caused at least 25 minute delays for riders headed into San Francisco Tuesday morning, officials said.
Three separate medical emergencies at the Embarcadero station in San Francisco on two different trains heading toward Millbrae about 9 a.m. caused a back-up, said Jim Allison, a spokesman for BART.
Mathew Sumner/Special to the Chronicle
A girl was taken to a hospital after a 30-year-old woman came to her school and punched her, police said Monday.
The woman showed up at the 14-year-old girls Bernal Heights school at 11 a.m. on Friday and began arguing with her before the altercation turned physical, according to the San Francisco Police Department.
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.
Tuesday
Protest: The Bay Area Resistance is calling for a boycott of banks to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline and other projects. A rally will be held at 5 p.m. outside the First Congregational Church, 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. The rally will be followed by a march to Wells Fargo, Chase, Bank of America and U.S. Bank in Oakland.
Thursday
Panel on women: Hosted by the California Historical Society, a panel on the roles women played in resistance and social protest movements in the Bay Area during the 1960s and 70s. The event is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. It is at 6 p.m. at the California Historical Society, 678 Mission St., San Francisco.
Saturday
Dark money summit: The California Clean Money Campaign hosts a summit on how to get dark money out of politics. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto. Register: www.yesfairelections.org.
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.
Sunnyvale town hall: Hosted by Unity in Diversity to celebrate the Bay Areas diversity and address the uptick in hate crimes nationally. The event is from 4 to 6 p.m. at City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave.
Sunday
Anti-Trump meetings: A general assembly to discuss strategy and develop plans to resist the Trump administration. Hosted by San Francisco United Against Trump from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Redstone Building, 2926 16th St., San Francisco. Also, a planning meeting to push back at the Trump/Republican agenda will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Noe Valley branch of the San Francisco Public Library, 451 Jersey St.
Rally: A rally and walk supporting equality, hosted by the Feminist Majority. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. A rally featuring speakers including Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a walk. The event will be at Rinconada Park, 777 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/norcalwalkforequality.
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.
March 29
Political discussion: Panel talk on sanctuary cities, as well as stories of immigration challenges. The event featuring immigration attorneys and former members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors begins at 6:30 p.m., 3271 18th St., San Francisco.
March 31
Community event: The Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center will host a free communitywide event to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at SOMArts, 934 Brannan St., San Francisco.
Uber will dramatically curtail the number of employees it will move into its Oakland headquarters next year and instead expand in San Francisco, company officials said Monday.
A few hundred workers will be stationed at the 380,000-square-foot Uptown Oakland office, rather than the nearly 3,000-person staff Uber initially forecast. In San Francisco, the ride-hailing company said it has purchased a stake in the new Mission Bay Warriors arena project.
An Uber spokeswoman said the company wanted to take a thoughtful and measured approach to its Oakland debut, but didnt elaborate on the reasons for the deceleration.
Orson Aguilar, president of the Greenlining Institute the Oakland nonprofit that has pushed for Uber to provide community benefits with its new headquarters, such as local hiring and a guaranteed living wage said it appeared that Uber was retreating from the city.
Citizens here are more demanding of corporations, and it could be that they just werent ready to deliver, he said. Are they just stalling so they can come into Oakland more quietly over the next few years?
Uber purchased 1955 Broadway which it calls the Uptown Station in 2015 from developer Lane Partners, which bought the seven-story property the year before from Sears for $24.25 million. The developer and an architecture firm are midway through what was projected to be a $40 million overhaul of the building.
Up to half of the Oakland office will now be rented out to other tenants, according to the San Francisco Business Times, which first reported the developments.
Oakland Mayor Libby Schaaf said the company notified city officials a few weeks ago that it would be scaling back its staffing at the Uptown Station.
Ubers sole decision to initially open its Oakland offices with fewer employees than originally planned does not negate the fact this prime office location will be put back into full use and made available for rent to other businesses and nonprofits, in addition to the presence that Uber will have there, she said in a statement. We continue to make ourselves available to Uber to help ensure the best possible transition to Oakland, including offering a number of ways in which they can positively impact the community.
It wasnt immediately clear what financial impact Ubers move would have on the city. Michael Hunt, a spokesman for the mayor, said any lost business-tax revenue expected from Uber will be counteracted by additional money the company will pay acting as a landlord.
Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
Jeff Jones met his match.
As an outsider, Jones helped transform Target, a lumbering retail giant, into a more nimble business that embraced experimentation and fast failure. Yet Jones lasted only six months at Uber, a San Francisco company that embodies the very principles he worked to instill at Target.
Jones announced his resignation from Uber over the weekend, saying that the companys hard-driving culture was not consistent with his values as a leader. Uber has been dogged by allegations of a culture that condones sexism and unprofessional behavior. (Uber said that it wishes Jones well; the company and Jones did not respond to requests for further comment.)
CEO Travis Kalanick has taken personal responsibility for his failures of leadership, promising to hire a chief operating officer a position which would have overshadowed Jones role as president of Ubers ride-hailing business.
Jones quick exit from Uber is surprising, given his success at Target. The retailer, which generates almost $74 billion a year in revenue, is a far larger and more complex organization than Uber, a fast-growing, privately held company.
Yet Target had something Uber so desperately lacks: a stabilizing force that extends beyond any one person.
At Target, the brand is king: Everyone, including the CEO, is subordinate to it. The company often credits the Target Way for its success. At Uber, it has been Kalanicks way aggressive, in-your-face and rule-breaking.
As co-founder and chief executive officer of Uber, Kalanick is the culture. He is the one thing that gives Uber any semblance of a cohesive identity. (Lets not get into last years overwrought logo redesign, followed promptly by the resignation of design chief Andrew Crow.) Employees take their cues from Kalanick. Yet this is the same person who recently admitted that he needs help after a video surfaced of him berating an Uber driver.
With Target, you have an established retailer thats been around for a while, said Susan Forster, founder of Core Change Work Consulting and an expert on human resources. With Uber, you have a startup a fast-growing startup, but still a startup. Theres not a lot of internal infrastructure to stabilize the company. And you have a volatile CEO.
I met Jones when he joined Target in 2012 as chief marketing officer. At the time, his hiring was a big deal: Jones was the first outsider to hold the position and the first non-career Target employee to directly join the senior leadership team.
The reason Target broke with tradition: It was woefully behind in integrating its e-commerce business with its store operations. Jones helped break down the walls between these disparate units.
Historically, Target had a perfectionist streak: It would only launch something after testing it over and over.
But that took too much time. In several conversations, Jones told me that technology was moving too fast and Target needed to catch up. Under Jones, Target began to experiment more; even failures, he argued, could yield valuable lessons and insights.
That kind of thinking ought to have translated well to Silicon Valley. But what Kalanick really needed Jones to disrupt was the companys heartless tech bro image. When Kalanick wasnt making sexist jokes, he was dismissing the companys drivers as deadweight he couldnt wait to replace with robot cars. Jones formidable marketing skills, Kalanick hoped, could remake the companys image.
As we grow, marketing is becoming more and more of a thing, and it was clear we needed a real infusion of talent on that front, Kalanick wrote in a blog post after Jones was hired. So we went big.
But the problems at Uber werent superficial image problems. They had their roots deep within the companys culture how it hires and manages people, how it launches products, how it views the world. Kalanick loves a fight, which is how Uber faced down hostile regulators and a host of competitors around the world. But Ubers customers just want a ride, not a battle. And some of Ubers biggest battles have been internal.
In February, Susan Fowler, a former Uber engineer, penned an explosive blog post that chronicled what she described as a deeply embedded culture of sexism and sexual harassment at the company that was allowed to persist because of dysfunctional leadership.
Days after that, Amit Singhal, Ubers former senior vice president of engineering, resigned after reports emerged that he failed to disclose a sexual harassment allegation made against him while he was employed at Google. Singhal has denied the harassment charge.
Jones appeared to allude to those events in a statement announcing his resignation.
The beliefs and approach to leadership that have guided my career are inconsistent with what I saw and experienced at Uber and I could no longer continue as president of the ride sharing business, Jones said.
Of course, one wonders why Jones didnt realize this before he joined Uber, whose troubling record on women was already well documented. (Kalanick once said the company should be called Boob-er, because its popularity helped him get dates.)
Afra Afsharipour, a law professor at UC Davis, said working at a large, publicly traded company like Target provides executives with a set of legal and moral standards that they must follow, lest they endanger shareholders investments. Such structures do not exist at private firms like Uber, she said.
At a public company, you have a certain sense of formality, Afsharipour said. At a private company, theres very little disclosure. That makes things a little hard when you are coming from a big company.
Theres a long history in Silicon Valley of big-company executives joining startups and flaming out for example, former Intuit executive Bill Harris had an ill-fated stint at PayPal before Elon Musk took back the reins. By hiring Jones, Uber made an implicit promise that it was seeking radical change in its culture. And his departure is a sign that Silicon Valley, for all of its talk of disruption, hates disrupting itself.
Now the question is why Kalanick thinks yet another new executive at the top will change anything.
Thomas Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: tlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @ByTomLee
The Trump administration is expediting a Syrian mans applications to bring his wife and daughter to Wisconsin.
The Syrian man, who was granted asylum last year and is living in Dane County, sued over President Donald Trumps travel ban in February. U.S. District Judge William Conley issued a temporary restraining order earlier this month prohibiting the administration from enforcing the revised version of the ban specifically against the mans family.
A top immigration official filed a declaration on Friday ordering U.S. officials in Jordan, where the wife and daughter would travel for visa interviews, to process their applications by March 28. Roman Ginzburg, a U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officer, further ordered that the office schedule interviews for no later than April 20 if the applications are in order.
The filing didnt explain why the applications were being fast-tracked, but an earlier filing noted that U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Madison, requested it.
The Justice Department lawyer assigned to the case didnt immediately reply to a message seeking further information.
Vincent Levy, the mans lawyer, said he learned Monday that the wife and daughters interviews are currently scheduled for April 20.
If all goes well, theyll be reunited with our client in the next month or two, Levy said. The two could begin traveling from Aleppo to the Syrian border within the next week, he said, noting that they must leave well in advance of their interviews as they have to travel through Lebanon to get to Jordan.
Also late last week, the Trump administration and Levy agreed to postpone a hearing on the temporary restraining order to sometime after April 10. This means the order will remain in place until then. It also gives the Trump administration time to focus on other cases challenging the ban including those in Hawaii and Maryland, which are currently blocking significant portions of the order and leaves open the possibility of using other rulings in their arguments.
Before the hearing was postponed, the administration argued in a filing last week that the temporary restraining order is unnecessary given that the travel ban is blocked and the man cant prove his applications were impacted.
The man filed the case without using his real name to protect the safety of his wife and daughter, who are living in hiding.
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A longtime San Francisco retailer is bringing suit against Ivanka Trumps clothing brand, alleging unfair competition in the sale of womens clothes and accessories.
Modern Appealing Clothing, known as MAC, filed the lawsuit last week in San Francisco Superior Court. The suit, which is seeking class-action status, claims an unfair advantage that defendant Ivanka Trump Marks LLC has gained from Donald J. Trump being the President of the United States and from Ivanka Trump and her husband, Jared, working for the President of the United States.
Ivanka Trump recently stepped down from a management role at her clothing line, though she retains a stake in her brand.
Retail website Lyst has reported that Ivanka Trumps sales rose 346 percent between January and February in spite of the brand being dropped by Shoes.com, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Some retailers have said they dropped the brand due to faltering sales; a campaign called Grab Your Wallet has promoted boycotts of Trump family products and the businesses that carry them.
The suit cites President Trumps condemnation of Nordstrom for dropping the line and White House counselor Kellyanne Conways endorsement of Ivanka Trump products in a Feb. 9 Fox News interview from the White House briefing room with the White House insignia behind her as examples of the brands unfair advantage.
The suit asks for an injunction to prevent the Ivanka Trump brand from being sold in California. It seeks to represent all womens clothing and accessories businesses in California since the November election.
My clients just want an even playing field, said attorney R. Michael Lieberman of the March 16 suit.
MAC owners Ben and Chris Ospital declined to comment for this story.
Representatives of the Ivanka Trump brand did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
One company shouldnt have an advantage over the other that has nothing to do with the quality of the product, said Jim McManis, partner at Silicon Valley law firm McManis & Faulkner, who is not involved in the case. The Ivanka Trump company has an advantage, and an unfair one. Competitors cant call on the president and his closest advisers to endorse their product.
Modern Appealing Clothing was founded by brother and sister Ben and Chris Ospital and their mother Jeri in 1980. The boutique, initially located in the Tenderloin neighborhood, became known for carrying up-and-coming brands by designers that later became household names, like Anna Sui.
The store, now located in Hayes Valley and Dogpatch, has become an internationally recognized fashion destination lauded by industry leaders like Barneys creative ambassador Simon Doonan and designers like Walter Van Bierendonck and Dries Van Noten.
The Ospitals are also well known in the Bay Area for their support of several nonprofits, including Oaklands Creative Growth Art Center, San Franciscos Creativity Explored, Headlands Center for the Arts, PAWS (Pets are Wonderful Support), and the fashion department of the California College of the Arts. San Francisco declared Oct. 20, 2015, to be MAC Day, citing the business as having championed San Francisco and its clothing and art scenes for 35 years. During the election campaign, MAC carried posters, T-shirts and buttons endorsing presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, with 10 percent of proceeds marked for donation to Planned Parenthood, Emilys List and Emerge America.
The Ospitals lawsuit comes on the heels of a March 9 filing by Cork Wine Bar in Washington against President Trump, alleging that his ownership of the restaurants in the Trump International Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue is detrimental to other restaurants and bars in Washington, because lobbying and interest groups hope to gain favor with the administration by holding events at the hotel. The Trump Organization has described the suit as a wild publicity stunt, according to the Washingtonian.
Tony Bravo is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: tbravo@sfchronicle.com
Swiss watchmakers are diving further into the unproven smartwatch market, with Montblanc, Tag Heuer and Tissot seeking to attract younger shoppers with a technology the industry largely snubbed until consumers began turning away from traditional timepieces.
Last week, Tag Heuer unveiled the new generation of a $1,650 smartwatch it makes with partners Google and Intel, Montblanc released the $890 Summit, and Swatch Group CEO Nick Hayek announced plans for a Tissot connected watch using a proprietary operating system.
With the flurry of new gadgets, watchmakers are trying to attract Millennial shoppers during the longest downturn on record for the Swiss industry. Yet sales of smartwatches so far have underwhelmed, even for Apple, and the new tech-driven timepieces generally command lower prices than the Swiss industrys traditional output, creating risks for brands that have jumped in.
The smartwatch market hasnt necessarily been as big an engagement as some thought it would be, said John Guy, an analyst at MainFirst Bank. Swiss watchmakers arent doing this to fend off the Apple Watch.
Instead, theyre dabbling in smartwatches as a way to lure younger shoppers who often dont wear anything on their wrist, smart or otherwise. Prices of Montblancs traditional watches run as high as $10,000, more than 10 times the price of its new gadget, while Tag Heuers most expensive models extend to about $15,000. The original version of the Apple Watch starts at $269.
Its a way to be on top of peoples minds, and hopefully getting people in their stores, said Alessandro Migliorini, an analyst at Mirabaud Securities.
So far, Swiss watchmakers have insulated their high-end brands from the trend, seeking to preserve the exclusivity of more traditional timepieces. The top five brands by sales, as ranked by analyst Rene Weber at Bank Vontobel Rolex, Omega, Cartier, Patek Philippe and Longines have stayed out of the smartwatch market entirely.
The latest releases represent a change of heart for Richemont, which owns Montblanc, and Swatch, which produces Omega. Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert previously said his brands planned to make intelligent watch-straps and that that putting electronic functions into the watch case creates a danger of obsolescence for time-honored watchmaking practices. Swatch CEO Nick Hayek has said he doesnt expect smartwatches to be a revolution.
Tag Heuer wants smartwatch buyers to upgrade. With its first device, customers could pay extra to replace it with a traditional timepiece if they ever decided it was obsolete. For the new version, which is Swiss-made, Tag Heuer is offering a module for an extra $1,650 that can swap the smartwatch with a mechanical time face.
Googles Android operating system is behind a number of smartwatches, including Montblancs new gadget, which is made in China.
High-profile failures, such as the death of a $17,000 luxury version of the Apple Watch and the end of smartwatch pioneer Pebble, are easier to count than successes. Market researcher IDC declared in a report this month that wearables arent dead, but growth in the category is erratic. IWC had an intelligent watch-strap plan that never saw the light of day, while Tissot is behind schedule on its Smart Touch watch, which would work with iOS and Android.
IDC estimates that 19.8 million smartwatches were sold last year, missing the forecast of 28.3 million. Of the top five wearable makers, Apples volume dropped 7.9 percent in 2016 while shipments at Samsung rose 39 percent, IDC said. Switzerland exported 25.4 million wristwatches in 2016, according to the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry.
The mixed results for tech giants have eased some fears in the Swiss industry, which has reported signs of sales bottoming after 19 months of declining exports. Swatch forecast a rebound in U.S. and European markets.
Guy estimates that Tag Heuer got slightly less than than 10 percent of its sales from its first-generation smartwatch in 2016. If the technology remains a niche product, that might be a good thing, he said. Otherwise, they risk a slippery slope in which lower-priced timepieces undercut their sales.
Watchmakers have to be careful not to start to dilute their own brand equity (with) too many smartwatches, Guy said.
Thomas Mulier and Corinne Gretler are Bloomberg writers. Email: tmulier@bloomberg.net, cgretler1@bloomberg.net
Rafe Swan/Getty Image
A man was arrested in Guerneville Monday night after he randomly attacked a 17-year-old boy, putting the victim in a choke hold and stabbing him in the hand, police said.
The suspect, David Terrazas, a 56-year-old Antioch resident, was arrested about 10:30 p.m. near Pats Bar on the 16200 block of Third Street after police were alerted of a suspicious person walking around with a knife, said Sgt. Spencer Crum of the Sonoma County Sheriffs Department.
The San Francisco Unified School District where a snafu has delayed its mailing of all-important school-assignment letters said it was on track to send them Monday night by first-class mail.
But the letters may still arrive too late for many parents facing deadlines this week for private-school tuition deposits, and who are counting on the information from the district to make their decisions. The nonrefundable deposits can amount to thousands of dollars, and many parents have been frantic over the prospect of losing large amounts of money.
In San Francisco, private schools set their deposit deadlines within a week of the public school district notifying parents about their childrens assignments. That lets parents decide whether to accept the public offer or turn to private school.
Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle
But this year, unforeseen staffing emergencies delayed the districts mailing of assignments for all 14,000 students, which was supposed to go out on Friday.
Now, school district officials say they expected to mail the letters Monday evening, and say the letters could arrive on Tuesday.
Or not.
The first private-school deadline specifically for high school applicants requesting financial aid is at noon Wednesday. Private elementary and middle-school deadlines are at noon Thursday, and the remaining private high school deadlines are at noon Friday.
If parents dont get their deposit in on time, we couldnt guarantee anything, said Danny Curtin, admissions director for Archbishop Riordan High School, a Catholic school for boys, on Phelan Avenue.
Other private schools contacted by The Chronicle gave similar answers.
The San Francisco district sends out public-school assignments by U.S. mail because the letters provide the documentation families need to register at school sites and serves to further verify their address, spokeswoman Gentle Blythe said.
However, parents facing an imminent private-school deadline who havent gotten a letter by Tuesday can email enrollinschool@sfusd.edu.
We will do what we can to help you after March 21, says a notice on the districts website.
Blythe said she couldnt say more about the staffing problem because of employee confidentiality. She said part of the problem was that the district has to be certain that the assignments 83,000 school options for 14,000 students are correct. Employees are working around the clock to make it work, the website notice said.
Parents considering private-school options arent the only ones inconvenienced by the mailing debacle, said Annie Bauccio, interim executive director for the advocacy group Parents for Public Schools.
Some people are waiting on job offers that depend on what school they choose, Bauccio said. Others are considering moving across town and have two days to tell the landlord.
Things like that feed the frustration, she said. Its a whole universe of potential complications having to do with siblings, family, life choices all waiting for this one piece of information.
Nanette Asimov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: nasimov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @NanetteAsimov
In 1932, the great comic director Ernst Lubitsch switched gears to make an agonizing antiwar drama, Broken Lullaby, that did not impress audiences or critics and remains underappreciated to this day. Frantz is a new film by Francois Ozon that takes the Broken Lullaby story and tells it from a different angle. This new film is exceptional and one of Ozons best.
Talking about Frantz and its connection to Broken Lullaby is a bit awkward, in that the premise of Broken Lullaby the essential thing that the audience knows from the first minutes is made into a mystery in Frantz. Both films are set about a year after World War I and involve a young Frenchman who travels to Germany, grief-stricken over the death of Frantz, a German soldier of his acquaintance. The difference is that, while Lubitsch told the story from the perspective of the Frenchman, Ozon focuses on Anna, Frantzs Germans fiancee, played brilliantly by newcomer Paula Beer.
Anna lives with the family of her fiance, and its a house of grief in a small town that is also grieving, filled with heartsick women and old men all the young men are dead. Anna starts noticing that flowers are appearing on Frantzs grave, placed by the mysterious young man. Soon, she meets this man, Adrien (Pierre Niney), and she brings him to meet Frantzs parents. Like Frantz, Adrien was a music student, and his stories about friendship with Frantz, in prewar Paris, bring some relief to the familys sorrow.
A sense of loss pervades Frantz, one of tragedy that cant be undone, of lives changed forever, of pain that can never go away. The movie is shot in a glossy but unglamorous black and white, which only sometimes switches or melts into color, either for prewar scenes or brief moments of hope. Ozon creates a beautiful stillness in Frantz that makes us feel we are there in the midst of these lives, witnessing the purity of their sadness.
For those few who have seen Broken Lullaby, and even for those who havent, its worth noting that Ozon takes the story of Frantz months past the ending of the Lubitsch film. Broken Lullaby was antiwar vehemently, stridently, almost hysterically. The recentness of World War I and the fear of World War II gave the original story a frantic immediacy. Frantz is about something else. Its a meditation on the impact of tragedy and on the various ways people are affected.
Beer is only 22, but she has a gravity beyond her years, which is fundamental for playing Anna, who is practically widowed without having been married. Annas youth is her strength, and we sense that somehow she will find something approximating happiness, even if she will never be able to return to her prewar blitheness. Whats in question throughout the film is the form that this future life will take.
Ozon never forgets that these are individuals and not archetypes. With consummate subtlety, he introduces a question about the sexuality of one or more of the characters just the barest hint, but it adds an extra dimension. World War I was a horror that happened to all kinds of people, every one of them with a particular dream and vision of what life might be.
The title, incidentally, is a curious choice. In Broken Lullaby, the dead soldiers name was Walter. Here hes Frantz, which sounds almost identical to the way youd pronounce France in French. Thats a nice change that has some relevance to the course of the film.
Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle
Frantz
Drama. Starring Paula Beer and Pierre Niney. Directed by Francois Ozon. In French and German with English subtitles. (PG-13. 113 minutes.)
To see a trailer: www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8nIZqh2854
The pleasure of watching T2 Trainspotting is different from that of other movies. The pleasure comes mostly from the director, Danny Boyle, but its not the pleasure of bedazzlement, of getting shook up and shocked and jostled. Its pleasures are friendlier than that, easier, wittier.
At its best, and T2 is mostly at its best, theres a kind of joy about it, and a joy in watching it, of sitting back and witnessing a succession of beautiful and clever surprises, of never knowing whats coming next, and of always having that next thing be something better than you might have ever guessed.
Boyle has been guilty in the past of virtuosity for the sake of virtuosity. If you wanted to be grumpy, you could say the same for T2, except that here hes not trying to impress the audience. Hes trying to delight the audience, and he succeeds, frame by frame, idea on top of idea, coming up with brand-new ways to please, literally, from the first shot until the last.
The first Trainspotting was released in 1996, an unexpected hit about heroin addiction among Scottish working-class youths. It was a funny movie, despite all the scenes involving needles. This one is even funnier, possibly because the heroin element has been reduced to almost nothing, but also because the characters are all 20 years older and cant quite take themselves as seriously, even though they try.
The first thing we see are feet on a treadmill. They belong to Renton (Ewan McGregor), who looks in good shape for a fellow who was strung out 20 years ago. Its a triumphant image of health, but Boyle undercuts this immediately with tiny flashbacks to Renton as a youth, suggesting the lingering presence of bad memories. And then the scene resolves into sudden slapstick. This is Boyle having fun, starting his movie in a way someone else might ... and then saying no, this is not going to be the usual thing.
The excuse for T2 is Rentons return to Scotland after a 20-year absence. He arrives to find himself in a new, Europeanized Edinburgh, with women speaking in funny accents handing out tourist information at the airport. (Where are you from? he asks one of them. The answer: Slovenia.) We soon learn that, back in the day, Renton robbed his old buddies. Now hes back to pay his debts.
All the characters get a flashy introduction. Begbie (Robert Carlyle), an explosive maniac, is in prison, screaming at and terrifying his lawyer. Spud (Ewen Bremner) is still a junkie and living a pathetic existence. In a scene both laugh-out-loud funny and unbelievably grotesque, he is in the process of suffocating himself with a plastic bag when Renton comes to visit him. And Simon (Jonny Lee Miller) is working low-level scams. The ambition of his life is to set up a brothel, with his new Bulgarian girlfriend (Anjela Nedyalkova) working as his madam.
The script by John Hodge, loosely based on two Trainspotting novels by Irvine Welsh, has a slapdash feeling, as though one thing were following another, with no plan or reason. At times, viewers may have trouble figuring out whats going on, assuming they care enough to try. But theres nothing casual about Hodges ability to hold an audiences attention. Hodge gives scenes a solid grounding, which allows Boyle to take flight.
In T2, Boyle never stops thinking of interesting things to do. Renton visits his father, and they talk in the kitchen about Rentons dead mother. As they do, we notice Rentons shadow is filling the empty chair at the table. The light source makes no sense. Its just a fun touch, there for the sake of being there.
Later in the film, Boyle starts a sex scene to the accompaniment of the 1979 Blondie song Dreaming, which never sounded so good. Intuiting that the audience doesnt want the song to stop, Boyle fills the screen with a series of sights and incidents involving other characters, such as Spuds renovation of a bar. Theres nothing to analyze here, nothing to dissect, just a joyful combination of sounds and images that will probably please every living soul that sees it.
No, T2 is not a great film, but its pleasures are great and so rare and accomplished that they raise T2 to a level approximating greatness. There is something to be said for a movie this enjoyable. T2 is great enough.
Mick LaSalle is The San Francisco Chronicles movie critic. Email: mlasalle@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @MickLaSalle
T2 Trainspotting
Comedy-drama. Starring Ewan McGregor, Jonny Lee Miller and Robert Carlyle. Directed Danny Boyle. (R. 117 minutes.)
To see a trailer: https://tinyurl.com/grkx5my
Some years ago, when my extended family gathered for a reunion to teach our youngest relatives about their heritage, we hung a poster-size photograph on the wall that was taken in Austria in the late 1930s. There are eight children in the photo, one of whom is my grandfather. Shortly after the picture was taken, he and three of his siblings left their home to come to the United States. The dozens of us at the reunion are their descendants.
The other four children in that picture stayed in Austria and did not survive the Holocaust. But we, their great-great-nephews and -nieces, still remember them on behalf of the sons and daughters they never had.
I thought of that photograph this past week, when Donald Trump emphatically refocused the national political debate onto the topic of immigration. The new president issued an executive order to build a border wall with Mexico, which is already causing a range of cultural, economic and geopolitical difficulties. He issued another to eliminate funding to cities that did not cooperate with federal immigration authorities, which can create significant public safety problems in communities where residents will be afraid to report crimes to the police.
But the most distasteful of Trumps actions was not directed at undocumented immigrants seeking new opportunities, but toward refugees legally seeking asylum. And while it is fashionable in many progressive circles to describe Trump as a Nazi, his directive to refuse sanctuary to those trying to flee Syria and other war-ravaged purgatories recalled not Adolf Hitler but Franklin Roosevelt.
Mark Twain purportedly said, History doesnt repeat itself, but it rhymes. Almost 80 years after my grandfathers sisters and brother were denied entry into the U.S. because American officials assumed that their country of origin made thempotential security risks, our nation is poised to make precisely the same decision to deny protection to another group of outcasts seeking safety and shelter. The only difference is that, in the 1930s, our fear was of German and Russian spies rather than Islamic terrorists. Otherwise, the impulse to conflate someones homeland with his or her ideology is unchanged.
Such is the fear that many Americans harbor toward the possibility of violent terrorism that public opinion has grown in support of a refugee ban. Ironically, this may end up being a more popular decision for Trump than either his border wall or a crackdown on sanctuary cities. Which makes the fight over undocumented immigrants much more politically relevant, and nowhere more than here in California.
Almost a quarter of a century ago, I was involved in a campaign to pass a ballot initiative that would have withheld government services from undocumented immigrants and their families. Proposition 187, while never implemented, passed with just under 60 percent of the vote. (It also led to the Clinton administrations Operation Gatekeeper, which greatly enhanced the U.S. military presence at the California-Mexico border with new barriers, increased Border Patrols, and expanded surveillance. Cue Mark Twain.)
But public opinion has shifted dramatically on this question since then. Some of this change is because of the marked increase in Hispanic American and Asian American populations. Younger voters of all ethnic backgrounds are much more likely to support comprehensive immigration reform as well. But even many of us older white Californians who live in more heterogeneous communities now look at this issue much differently than we once did. Public opinion polling shows a sizable drop in the number of California voters who support the denial of services to undocumented immigrants. Over the past two decades, roughly 1 in 6 Californians has changed his or her mind on this issue myself included.
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.
But while the California political landscape has changed dramatically, the GOP has not changed with it. As a result, this volatile issue has contributed to the virtual demise of the Republican Party here. Trumps crusade may help him in other parts of the country, but here it will marginalize the state Republican Party even more.
There are many other difficulties that have contributed to the GOPs downfall in this state, most notably a conservative agenda on social and cultural issues such as abortion, guns and same-sex marriage that is well to the right of mainstream public opinion here. The shrinking relevance of crime and public safety matters to voters has hurt as well. But immigration has become a boulder in the road for California Republicans. Removing that obstacle wont magically fix all the partys other challenges. But the GOP wont even be able to confront those other problems as long as the immigration boulder blocks their path forward.
Dan Schnur, who has worked on four presidential and three gubernatorial campaigns, teaches political communications at the University of Southern California and UC Berkeley. To comment, submit your letter to the editor at http://bit.ly/SFChronicleletters.
People pack up and leave San Francisco every day, squeezed out by housing prices that are just too high. Some of those departures really hurt not just the friends and co-workers left behind, but also the city itself.
On Monday, Jackie Jenks, executive director of Hospitality House, spent her last day on the job in the place she has worked for 22 years. She is credited with saving the homeless shelter and drop-in center, which was on the brink of financial collapse during the Great Recession. She founded an association of leaders of homeless nonprofits who have fought for change at City Hall including, remarkably, ensuring that shelters have blankets and pillows, which they didnt always have before.
Her work had a profound effect on the policies and programs that exist here in San Francisco, and more importantly, a profound effect on impoverished people themselves, said Jennifer Friedenbach, director of the Coalition on Homelessness.
On Thursday, Jenks and her husband and three boys will pack into a minivan and drive to the five-bedroom home in North Carolina they bought for less than $400,000.
It has a yard! Jenks exclaimed as if reporting it also had a cache of gold discovered in the basement. Jenks has taken a job as the director of the Inter-Faith Council for Social Service in Chapel Hill.
Despite the new house and gig, Jenks didnt want to leave the Bay Area. But she faced the dilemma of so many families here: continue to squeeze into a two-bedroom apartment with little outdoor space or give up. When her third son was born a few months ago, the family, which was renting in Oakland, hoped to buy a three-bedroom home in Oakland or San Francisco and couldnt.
The Board of Supervisors bid Jenks farewell midway through its meeting last week, with Supervisor Jane Kim crying as she thanked Jenks for her cool-headed, unflappable and eternally optimistic demeanor.
It makes me so sad to know that families feel like they cant stay here anymore, especially families that have invested in our neighborhoods and communities and have served us for decades doing incredible work, Kim said through tears.
In her farewell to the board, Jenks alluded to the irony that people dedicating their careers to helping homeless people are in danger of being homeless themselves in this crazy-rich city. Other staffers at Hospitality House drive every day from the far reaches of eastern Contra Costa County and even from Stockton.
This city is so wealthy and so poor, Jenks told the board. We have people buying the most expensive housing in the entire country, yet we have more than 1,000 homeless people on a waiting list just to get a shelter bed. We have luxury housing being built in the poorest neighborhoods in San Francisco, and meanwhile, nonprofit workers, teachers and nurses are commuting from Stockton and Antioch.
As Jenks and her fans moved down the hall to drink Champagne and share memories in Kims office, Kim and the rest of the supervisors held a hearing to discuss the very issue that drove Jenks out: the citys lack of family housing.
As I wrote in January, Supervisor Norman Yee commissioned a report from the Planning Department that describes the demographics of families in San Francisco and their lack of housing options. At the hearing Tuesday, supervisors quizzed Planning Director John Rahaim about the dearth of family housing, and it was clear that like so many hot-button issues facing the city, there are plenty of ideas, but so far, not a lot of action.
San Francisco notoriously has the smallest percentage of children of any city in the country; just 13.4 percent of residents here are younger than 18. Just 18 percent of the citys households include children. That, too, is far lower than other cities regardless of density.
According to the Planning Department, San Francisco has 17,169 people per square mile far lower than the 27,016 per square mile in New York, a city in which 30.5 percent of households have children in them. Los Angeles is much less dense at 8,092 people per square mile, and 33.4 percent of households there include children.
The supervisors interest seemed piqued mostly by the planning reports information on the changing socioeconomic composition of families in the city. Between 2000 and 2014, the percentage of families making less than $25,000 a year or more than $100,000 a year grew, while the percentage of those making $25,000 to $100,000 shrank considerably. (By far the biggest increase was for those families making more than $150,000, which now make up 30 percent of city households with kids.)
Of all the housing for sale in San Francisco in 2015, the Planning Department figured that just 9 percent of the homes with two or more bedrooms were affordable to median-income families. The vast majority of new housing being built is studios or one-bedrooms, and most of the existing housing that has two or three bedrooms is occupied by single people, roommates or families without kids.
Ideas being bandied about to ensure families have more options include: encouraging developments with flexible units that can be used as two studios or turned into larger family-friendly spaces; helping seniors who want to downsize from larger single-family homes after their children are grown so those homes are available for families with young kids; and encouraging the development of the missing middle medium-size apartment buildings that are larger than single-family homes but far smaller than high-rise buildings. Rahaim said the latter might require changing the zoning laws in some residential neighborhoods to allow for bigger projects.
Theres certainly not one magical solution here, he said.
But Kim had an important question. When are we going to start implementing some of these concepts? she asked. The crisis is now.
As Jenks packs up her moving boxes to follow the well-worn path of countless nonprofit workers, teachers, artists and parents whove left a city that cant afford to see them go, that statement couldnt be more true.
San Francisco Chronicle columnist Heather Knight appears Tuesdays and Fridays. Email: hknight@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @hknightsf
NICHOLAS KAMM/AFP/Getty Images
In the wake of top security officials testimony to lawmakers Monday, President Trumps accusation that his predecessor had him wiretapped looks more than ever like fake news, to use a favorite Trumpism. Such unsupported claims serve to distract from real news of the sort produced by the same hearing namely, that the FBI is investigating the possibility of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia.
FBI Director James Comey told the House Intelligence Committee that the bureau is investigating the Russian governments efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election ... and whether there was any coordination between the (Trump) campaign and Russias efforts. On the other hand, Comey said, the FBI and the rest of the Justice Department have not been able to substantiate the charge that former President Barack Obama had Trumps Manhattan building bugged.
President Donald Trumps proposed federal budget jeopardizes key services for sexual assault and domestic violence victims, as well as efforts to prosecute perpetrators of those crimes, Wisconsin advocacy groups said Tuesday.
Last week brought the release of the broad strokes of Trumps first budget proposal, which boosts funding for national defense but slashes many other areas. The budget is unlikely to become law as-is, but serves as a starting point for discussion in the Republican Congress as well as a blueprint for Trumps funding preferences.
State advocacy groups say the budget could reverse a decadeslong trend of public funding increases to help victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault. At a Tuesday press conference at the state Capitol, they called on state lawmakers to be ready to tap state coffers to offset potential cuts.
Speakers at the event included representatives from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault, End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin and the Dane County Rape Crisis Center.
Patti Seger, executive director of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, said the public should urge lawmakers to prioritize funding for the programs.
In my more than 35-year career, I have never imagined myself so directly challenging the actions of a president or of our federal Legislature as I feel compelled to do ... now, Seger said.
Trumps budget eliminates the Legal Services Corp., a federal agency that helps provide legal assistance to the poor.
Groups such as Legal Action of Wisconsin, which serve low-income clients and prioritize victims of sexual assault and domestic abuse, get about half their funding from the agency, the groups said.
The Trump budget also cuts funding for the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, both of which administer programs under the Violence Against Women Act.
If cuts are applied across the board in those agencies, the violence-against-women programs could be at risk, Seger said.
In Wisconsin, the act funds victims services programs as well as specialized prosecutors who focus on violent crimes against women and train other prosecutors in handling such crimes, Seger said.
The groups said its also up to state leaders to act. They asked Wisconsin legislators to boost state funding for grants to local agencies and nonprofits to provide sexual assault prevention initiatives and victims services.
Treatment of HIV, the virus that leads to AIDS, has grown by leaps and bounds since the epidemic was at its height in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Its time for our state law regarding the disease to evolve, too.
Under current California law, its a felony for an HIV-positive person to have unprotected sex without informing a partner about the virus. Its also a felony for an HIV-positive person to donate blood, tissue, breast milk or organs.
Finally, those who engage in sex work while HIV positive can be charged with a special felony penalty.
State Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, has introduced a bill, SB239, that would reduce these penalties to the status of a misdemeanor.
Wiener worked with organizations that work with public health, gay rights and criminal justice reform to craft the measure.
The idea is to reduce the stigma and public health problems around HIV by treating it the same way, legally, as other communicable diseases.
It moves HIV into the legal regime that covers all communicable diseases, like hepatitis or tuberculosis, said Rick Zbur, executive director of Equality California.
This is about removing the specific penalties that treat HIV-positive people very differently from people with other communicable diseases. Its been a detriment to testing, treatment and public health.
The current laws that SB239 would change were passed at the height of the epidemic, when misinformation was rampant and panic around the disease was general.
As scientists, doctors and the public have learned more about HIV, weve started to treat the disease in our own lives like the public health matter it is.
Budget cuts hurt art lovers. Museums are also under attack in this White House budget. Trumps budget cuts are wrong on so many levels, and Charles Desmarais article (Cuts could block access to great art, March 21) gave me insight into a little-known program for indemnification of major art exhibitions.
The Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Programs costs and benefits are almost comical, as the monetary claim in 41 years has been less than $5,000, plus administrative expenses, while the economic and educational benefits are enormous, in the range of $420 million plus benefits that extend to patrons, businesses, cities, and the ability of the art institutions to carry these exhibitions at all.
Every major U.S. art museum has used this program basically a federally backed insurance for priceless art to mount extremely successful shows, such as the current Matisse/Diebenkorn at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
Better go soon before the feds wipe out the insurance.
Lorraine Lerman, Berkeley
Preventive impeachment
Danger, danger Will Robinson! Our fake president has put himself into such a big box of lies, slander, corruption and possible collusion with the Russians that I am fearful that in order to deflect his guilt he will start a war with North Korea. In order to prevent this, Congress should immediately draw up articles of impeachment to prevent a global catastrophe. His sheer incompetence and disrespect for the office coupled with his narcissistic-personality disorder are cause sufficient.
Daniel Konigsberg, Fort Bragg
Prepare for the worst
With rhetoric escalating between the United States and North Korea, North Koreas alleged capabilities of firing a missile that can reach the West Coast of the United States, and a mentally challenged leader on each side with his hands on the button, it might be in everyones best interest for The Chronicle to publish a what-to-do list should the West Coast come under attack.
Phil Points, San Francisco
How many would pass?
If Dr. Phil and Maury Povich can use lie detector tests, why cant we use them on politicians? Im just saying!
Chris Rayburn, Sonoma
Nothing new about it
It seems strange that Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye of the California Supreme Court should object to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arresting federal law breakers in California courthouses. State law enforcement officers and other federal law enforcement officers have done so ever since I began practicing law in 1956 in California and continuing during the 10 years I was a Superior Court judge this century.
I hope her letter was not politically motivated, since it surely isnt historically based.
Quentin Kopp, San Francisco
Turn on your lights
Wipers = lights! Its been illegal in California to drive in the rain without headlights for nine years. Without them, a car is almost invisible. Lights-on greatly improves traffic safety, especially for those of us on two wheels. This clueless behavior is so pervasive that I think we could balance the state budget by issuing citations for this infraction.
Lincoln Cushing, Berkeley
End the discrimination
The laws that criminalize the behavior of HIV-positive people indeed ought to be changed (Law must evolve, editorial, March 21) to help remove the stigma that continues to surround the HIV virus. But another thing that would help decrease the animus toward our states and countrys gay people is to allow them to donate blood to the American Red Cross.
Current policy ridiculously requires gay men to abstain from sex for a year (and test HIV negative) before permitting them to give blood. No such requirement exists for heterosexual adults. This wrongheaded policy, along with criminal statutes concerning HIV transmission, needs to be changed to reduce discrimination against gay men.
Vincent McCullers, South San Francisco
Health care solution
The big question is: Why dont all citizens have health care? Blaming Obamacare is not the problem, nor Trumpcare its the insurance companies that drive the premiums costs. How about corralling them in, as well as prescription drug costs? On another note: I and every citizen would like to get the same medical benefits as our senators and congressional representatives.
John Frankel, Alameda
The royal treatment
It took a while for me to roll around in my head the sad information from your article Results on the plate for meal recipients, March 18, regarding the removal of Meals on Wheels from the newly submitted Republican budget. However, it finally dawned on me that while it is evidently just fine for my tax money to go toward our billionaire presidents weekly removal to his luxury Florida digs, it is not going to be fine for my or anybodys tax money supporting a lifesaving program for the needy.
Judith Corning, Albany
Nine out of 10 San Franciscans voted last November to close the rat hole that allows lobbyists to influence City Hall through contributions and gifts, including junkets for elected officials.
But special interests have more than one way to make their influence felt, and it seems as if loopholes were written into laws to protect their influence peddling. It cant remain like that if voters are to have confidence in their government.
Here are actions we can take:
Eliminate pay-to-play as city commissioners fundraise for officials and candidates. One case already has resulted in indictments as a city commissioner shook down an FBI source for money to pay off Mayor Ed Lees campaign debt, but it happens too often. Shut it down by adopting Los Angeles law banning commissioners from fundraising.
Treat all those seeking City Hall favors the same as we do contractors by banning contributions from those seeking development permits, variances, franchises, tax benefits and more. Just 10 percent of City Hall lobbying is about contracts, yet our law ignores the nine out of 10 seeking other favors. Our law last year applied to only 179 contract negotiations and turned a blind eye toward 1,529 lobbying contacts on permits and other benefits. Some recent examples even include money laundering as company executives seek to have employees contribute and then reimburse them.
Lock the back door used by City Hall officials to seek millions from special interests if it is for a public good. In the last 24 months, $10.7 million was given by special interests at the request of the mayor and various supervisors. Salesforce, negotiating its new tower, gave $2.2 million. Ron Conway, whose interest in Airbnb is well known, gave $1 million. Kilroy Realty, negotiating over the Flower Mart redevelopment and other projects, gave $650,000. All that money came at the request of Lee, who identified himself as the city official asking for gifts for various projects 82 times in 24 months.
Ground the free trips for city officials paid by those seeking city influence. In the past 24 months, special interests paid $81,000 for the travel of city officials to Dublin, Ireland, Panama City, Seoul, Jerusalem and other destinations. Among those paying for flights, hotels and meals were Uber, Airbnb and the Chamber of Commerce. As one developer who contributed to an Asia trip told the media, it gives to influence in some way good or bad policies and to create a better environment for doing business.
Extend the blackout period for contributions, gifts, etc., to 12 months from six months after seeking city official approvals. This is more realistic and follows the Los Angeles law.
Treat violations as seriously as we do crimes of robbery, burglary and other holdups by locking up the city business of the violators. That means allowing for violators to be debarred from future or other city deals.
Put power in the hands of citizens by allowing for private-action lawsuits on violations when city officials cant or wont act. Thats the law in Sacramento, Los Angeles and elsewhere but was dropped a decade ago from our city law.
The package of these proposed reforms was reviewed and drafting assistance came from the Campaign Legal Center in Washington, D.C., former Ethics Commission staff and commissioners, and was based on a civil grand jury recommendation and proposals from the Board of Supervisors budget analyst.
The proposal also is based, in part, on the voters will in a November 2000 ballot measure that called for an end of many of these practices, passed with 83 percent of the vote. Three short years later, those provisions were deleted from the law with little to no notice to the board or the public.
These proposals will correct that defect, end the soft corruption and come closer to reforming a City Hall that is too cozy with special interests.
Peter Keane is the chairperson of the San Francisco Ethics Commission. Larry Bush is the co-founder of Friends of Ethics.
Worried about corruption?
The Ethics Commission will begin considering these reforms on Monday. Over the coming months, the commission will hold interested persons discussions for feedback from the public.
What: Ethics Commission meets
Where: Room 400, City Hall, 1 Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco
When: 5:30 p.m., Monday, March 27
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Trisha Brown, one of postmodern dances greatest pioneers, one of Mills College Dance Departments most illustrious graduates and an artist of infinite wit and invention, died Saturday, March 18, in San Antonio, after suffering for several years from vascular dementia.
Ms. Brown was 80 and had long ago ceded the running of her dance company to associates Diane Madden and Caroline Lucas. She made her last dances in 2011, and the company made its last of several Bay Area appearances with Cal Performances in March 2013.
Trisha proposed a whole new language of movement, nuanced, articulate and profoundly intelligent, said Brenda Way, the artistic director and founder of San Franciscos ODC. And her performance world knew no boundaries. We are all in her debt.
Ms. Browns ascent to international dance icon seemed almost preordained. After a workshop with Marins Anna Halprin, Ms. Brown moved to New York to study dance composition with Robert Dunn and helped to found the Judson Dance Theater in 1962, and the Grand Union Collective and the Trisha Brown Dance Company, both in 1971.
In the early years, Ms. Brown fell under the spell of avant-garde dancer and choreographer Merce Cunningham. Her democratic dances additionally shunned virtuosity or regulation footwear. Thus, a walk up a wall (with the aid of a harness) could be a dance. So could simultaneous and contrapuntal actions performed on proximate SoHo Manhattan rooftops (Roof Piece). The latter was revived not long ago with some success.
The solo Accumulation, and its later version, Accumulation With Talking Plus Water Motor, were paradigmatic of Ms. Browns brilliance in building phrases out of simple material, fusing text and movement. Ms. Browns routine suggested a master architect laying stones in place.
In time, Ms. Brown brought a greater theatricality to her dances and sought notable, experiment-minded collaborators, especially visual artist Robert Rauschenberg, composer-poet Laurie Anderson, artist Donald Judd and composer Alvin Curran. The pieces very titles Set and Reset, Glacial Decoy, Astral Convertible, Lateral Pass summon a golden era for Ms. Brown. Who else ever projected film on the dancers bodies?
Such works established and elevated the choreographers reputation in Europe, especially France, where at a dance festival in 2006, one witnessed dance film students greeting Ms. Brown like royalty, hanging on every word.
Those 1980s Brown works now seem like the kernel of a singular epoch in the history of the American avant-garde, and so did the companys regular visits to Berkeley and San Francisco, where the dancer introduced her great solo, If You Couldnt See Me. Performed entirely with back to audience (and what an eloquent back Ms. Brown possessed), it elicited much comment among choreographers, even from those whose aesthetics differed markedly from hers.
In the last decades of her life, Ms. Brown embraced for her dances conventional classical music, even opera. Schubert, Monteverdi, Bach, Bizet and Rameau inspired full-evening and short creations. Rameau was the music driving Les Yeux et lame, which closed the Berkeley farewell concert. The work glowed with a light that is now sadly extinguished.
An earlier Berkeley tour visit provided an insight into Ms. Browns philosophy.
It happened in early October 1998, and in the middle of a Brown concert, Zellerbach shook and rumbled from one of the periodic 1989 Loma Prieta aftershocks. The audience bolted for the exits; the performers kept dancing. Asked later about the incident, Ms. Brown could only respond:
Dancing is what we do.
Chronicle staff writer Leba Hertz contributed to this report.
Allan Ulrich is the San Francisco Chronicles dance correspondent.
Any company looking at President Trumps proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States as a business opportunity may soon want to reconsider if it wants to do business with San Francisco.
Two supervisors will introduce legislation Tuesday that would bar San Francisco from contracting with companies that seek a deal to work on the wall during the bidding period, regardless of whether the companies win a contract.
It is time to move beyond symbolism and use the power we have as a city to fight for the values we hold most dear, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who is introducing the legislation with Supervisor Aaron Peskin.
What we are saying is that we are not going to spend billions of dollars and line the pockets of businesses that engage in work that goes against the values that we hold most dear, she said.
The bill is one of several similar proposals around the country, with the Bay Area leading the way.
The Berkeley City Council unanimously passed a resolution last week recommending the city divest from any company involved in any aspect of the project, and the Oakland City Council is set to vote on a measure Tuesday barring the city from entering into contracts with companies that work on the wall.
Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, introduced legislation Monday requiring the states pension funds to divest from companies involved in building the wall.
In New York, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic has introduced a bill that would ban the state from entering into contracts with companies working on the wall. New York City Public Advocate Letitia James is pushing a similar proposal, although it wouldnt be an outright ban. The time is coming for companies to decide whether to bid on the wall.
On Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection solicited design proposals for the wall, which is to be about 2,000 miles long. Among the requirements: the wall be at least 18 feet tall and prevent the construction of tunnels at least 6 feet underground. Proposals must be submitted by March 29.
While it is unknown how many firms will ultimately submit bids, more than 200 companies have expressed interest, according to a government website for contractors who want to work for the federal government.
Among them are two companies that have massive contracts with the city: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. in Oakland and Tutor Perini Corp. of Sylmar (Los Angeles County). Hensel recently signed a $1.1 billion contract to help build a new terminal at San Francisco International Airport. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has an $860 million contract with Tutor Perini to help construct the Central Subway.
Existing contracts would not be impacted under Ronen and Peskins legislation, but companies would be barred from future business with the city if they are awarded contracts to build the wall. They also would be prohibited from bidding on a city contract if, at the same time, they have a pending proposal with the federal government to work on the wall.
Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle
A spokeswoman for Hensel Phelps said the company had no comment about the legislation. Representatives from Tutor Perini did not respond to a request for comment.
Other companies that have expressed interest in the wall and have business with the city include Shimmick Construction Co. of Oakland and Drill Tech Drilling and Shoring of Antioch.
Shimmick has received $100 million from four city agencies over the past five years, according to Ronens office. Drill Tech currently has a $3.6 million contract with the Department of Public Works. The companies representatives could not be reached for comment.
Ronen and Peskins legislation may put companies in a tough spot, as they decide between a potentially lucrative contract to work on the wall the Department of Homeland Security estimates it will cost upward of $21 billion to construct and losing out on potential contracts with San Francisco.
The legislation does not currently apply to subcontractors, but Ronen plans to amend it to include them. Both subcontractors and general contractors would have to disclose in any applications with the city whether they had bid to work on the wall.
It is pretty harsh because a company is put in a bind, because if they were thinking about bidding on two jobs to build the wall or work for San Francisco they couldnt do both, said Thomas Joo, a professor at UC Davis School of Law who specializes in corporate governance and contract law.
But he said the impact of the legislation would depend on how many companies were interested in contracting with San Francisco and building the wall and that remains to be seen.
Joo warned that the legislation could harm San Francisco as much as it could any company, because fewer bids means less competition, which could mean the prices of contracts increase.
Former City Attorney Louise Renne said there are all sorts of precedents for the city not doing business with certain companies because of policy goals.
That includes a ban on contracting with companies that did business in South Africa during the apartheid years. And in 1997, San Francisco passed watershed legislation requiring companies that do business in San Francisco to provide the same benefits to domestic partners as they did to married couples.
Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen
The Golden Gate Bridge: the perfect backdrop for a powerful protest or a stupid stunt.
After writing about the exploits of Robert Niles, who parachuted from bridges in search of fame, I dug into The Chronicles archives for other stunts at the Greatest Bridge Ever Built. These are some of the most memorable.
In August 1977, three Cal Poly students set out to end their summer break with a bang. Around 6:40 a.m. Aug. 31, they threw on hardhats, snapped a safety line to a cable and started inching their way up toward the top of the Golden Gate Bridges North Tower, disappearing into the fog.
California Highway Patrol officers used a bullhorn to order the students to come down, but they finished their mission, which ended in their arrests when they touched down on the bridges deck. They told the officers they were experienced climbers and had planned the stunt for two months. It was a little scarier than they expected, The Chronicle reported, with the vehicles vibrations shaking the cable and the fog making their ascent slippery.
Two years later, on Oct. 9, 1979, five British citizens bungee-corded themselves to the bridge and went over the side. Then oops! the line snapped and yanked them back up almost to the walkway. Four of the five lowered themselves down to the bay below, but a woman remained stuck in the lines. She was helped to a Coast Guard vessel, while two of the others escaped on a speedboat, leaving their comrades to their fate, Chronicle scribe Steve Rubenstein reported.
One of the first politically motivated Golden Gate Bridge stunts came in May 1981, when Dave Aguilar climbed the South Tower to protest offshore oil drilling. He claimed to be an experienced mountain climber, but police and bridge workers had to scale the tower to bring him down. Traffic was at a near-standstill for hours.
Steve Trotter was a professional daredevil when he celebrated his 23rd birthday on Nov. 13, 1985, by lowering himself from the International Orange deck to the water with an improvised pulley-and-cable system. A few months earlier, he had successfully gone over Niagara Falls in an inner tube-wrapped barrel, escaping with only a minor cut on his arm.
His luck seemed to change during his San Francisco stunt, when one of his gloves got jammed in the pulley, and, according to Trotter, he swung back and forth in the wind like a giant pendulum at about 70 miles an hour for several minutes. While he was swinging, a freighter passed within 50 feet of him, and that was frightening, Trotter told The Chronicle. He soon became too weak to hang on and dropped to the water. To his surprise, the friends who were supposed to pick him up in a speedboat werent there, but, fortunately for him, the Coast Guard soon arrived and he survived, luck somewhat intact.
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.
Political groups have grabbed most of the bridge-stunt headlines over the past three decades. Greenpeace bungeed off the bridge in 1988 and pro-Tibet demonstrators climbed the towers and flew their banners in 2008.
Of the recent Golden Gate Bridge protests, the Headwaters Forest demonstration seemed to rile people the most. On Nov. 24, 1996, the nine-person protest led by actor Woody Harrelson climbed the towers, jamming Saturday bridge traffic for five hours. According to a Chronicle article: Their antics caused one man to miss the birth of his son, another group to miss a family funeral, and who knows how many others to miss planes or arrive late for important business or medical appointments.
One driver filed a class-action lawsuit and state Sen. Quentin Kopp of San Francisco authored a bill in 1997 that was signed into law by Gov. Pete Wilson that increased the maximum fine for trespassing on the bridge from $1,000 to $10,000 and doubled maximum jail time from six months to a year. Since then, fewer daredevils have sought their 15 minutes of fame on the Golden Gate Bridge.
Bill Van Niekerken is the library director of The San Francisco Chronicle, where he has worked since 1985. In his weekly column, From the Archive, he explores the depths of The Chronicles vast photography archive in search of interesting historical tales related to the city by the bay.
Political events
in the Bay Area
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.
Wednesday
City life: A discussion on how city government works and what the best strategies are to have your voice heard. The event is from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Mountain View Public Library, 585 Franklin St.
Thursday
Panel on women: Hosted by the California Historical Society, a panel on the roles women played in resistance and social protest movements in the Bay Area during the 1960s and 70s. The event is free for members, $10 for nonmembers. It is at 6 p.m. at the California Historical Society, 678 Mission St., San Francisco.
Refugee benefit: Prerna, which means live to inspire in Sanskrit, is an organization that assists refugees in resettling in the Bay Area. The organization is holding a benefit from 6 to 9 p.m. at Books Inc., 301 Castro St. in Mountain View.
Feinstein meeting: A public meeting with Sen. Dianne Feinsteins staff to discuss questions and concerns with her state director. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Fill out this form with questions and concerns to share at the meeting: http://bit.ly/2mMDpqh.
Saturday
Dark money summit: The California Clean Money Campaign hosts a summit on how to get dark money out of politics. The event is from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 505 E. Charleston Road, Palo Alto. Register: www.yesfairelections.org.
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.
Demonstration: A protest in support of the Affordable Care Act will be held from noon to 1 p.m. at the Federal Building, 90 Seventh St. in San Francisco.
Town hall: Hosted by Unity in Diversity to celebrate the Bay Areas diversity and address the uptick in hate crimes nationally. The event is from 4 to 6 p.m. at Sunnyvale City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave.
Sunday
Anti-Trump meetings: A general assembly to discuss strategy and develop plans to resist the Trump administration. Hosted by San Francisco United Against Trump from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Redstone Building, 2926 16th St. in San Francisco. Also, a planning meeting to push back at the Trump/Republican agenda will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. at the Noe Valley branch of the San Francisco Public Library, 451 Jersey St.
Rally: A rally and walk supporting equality, hosted by the Feminist Majority. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. A rally featuring speakers including Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, begins at 9:30 a.m. and will be followed by a walk. The event will be at Rinconada Park, 777 Embarcadero Road in Palo Alto. For more information, go to http://bit.ly/norcalwalkforequality.
Monday
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 people affect climate change. It starts at 7 p.m. at the Peace and Justice Center, 467 Sebastopol Ave., Santa Rosa.
Tuesday
Demonstration: A call for Sen. Dianne Feinstein not to strike compromises with President Trumps administration. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and will begin outside the Montgomery Street BART Station, 598 Market St. in San Francisco, and will end outside Feinsteins office at 1 Post St. For more information: http://bit.ly/2njpqvN.
March 29
Political discussion: Panel talk on sanctuary cities, as well as stories of immigration challenges. The event featuring immigration attorneys and former members of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors begins at 6:30 p.m., 3271 18th St., San Francisco.
March 30
Womens event: A happy hour and panel discussion featuring female entrepreneurs, Nevertheless, She Persisted: An Evening with Fearless Women. The event is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at DoubleDutch, 350 Rhode Island St., Suite 375 in San Francisco. For more information on speakers: http://bit.ly/2nxMB6e.
March 31
Community event: The Asian Pacific Islander Wellness Center will host a free community-wide event to commemorate Transgender Day of Visibility. The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. at SOMArts, 934 Brannan St. in San Francisco.
To list an event, email Sarah Ravani at sravani@sfchronicle.com.
Police are seeking the publics help in identifying a woman who fled the parking lot of a Walmart in Union City after intentionally striking two people with her car and trying to run over others, officials said Monday.
The woman entered the Walmart around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday and attempted to return some batteries, but she was rebuffed, police said. Witnesses said she was agitated when she left the store and returned to her car, a silver two-door Honda Accord, according to the police.
House Republicans proposed changes to the American Health Care Act the GOPs plan to replace the Affordable Care Act could reduce federal funding to Medi-Cal, Californias insurance program for the poor, even more dramatically than the original bill sought to do, health experts said.
The amendments, released by House Republican leaders Monday night, keep the core elements of the original bill but propose two notable changes to the way states can administer Medicaid.
They also include language that gives the Senate, when it considers the bill in the coming weeks, an opening to change the way tax credits are calculated to give people in their 50s and 60s additional financial assistance to buy health insurance though experts say the assistance would still be smaller than what they currently receive under the Affordable Care Act.
On the Medicaid side, the new changes would allow states to impose a work requirement for Medicaid beneficiaries an option that California is unlikely to take. In California, 81 percent of Medi-Cal beneficiaries who are non-elderly adults and not disabled are in a family where at least one person works; 61 percent work themselves.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Health Care Services, which administers Medi-Cal, said the agency cannot speculate as to any potential changes to the Medicaid program that may occur under proposed federal legislation.
But Tim Jost, a health law professor at Washington & Lee University, said he would be surprised if California headed down this path, which some Republican-led states have attempted in recent years, only to be denied by the Obama administration.
With the current politics in California, I would be surprised if it were one of the first states trying to impose a work requirement, Jost said.
In California, about 1 in 3 residents, roughly 14 million people, are on Medi-Cal. About 4 million of them were added over the past few years under the ACAs Medicaid expansion, which California officials moved more aggressively than most states to enact.
The new Republican amendments would also give states the option of choosing between two types of Medicaid federal funding starting in 2020, though both options would result in a significant reduction of federal dollars to Medi-Cal.
The original bill sought to change the way the federal government finances Medicaid by switching from the current federal matching system to a per capita cap, starting in 2020, that is based on enrollment. The new proposal would allow states to choose a block grant instead, which would translate to less money over time than the per capita cap, said Karen Pollitz, a senior fellow at the Kaiser Family Foundation.
On the individual market side, the new proposals would lower the tax threshold for medical expense deductions, from 7.5 percent to 5.8 percent, with the apparent aim of allowing the Senate to provide more generous tax credits for people in their 50s and 60s. The Congressional Budget Office and other analysts have found that lower-income Americans in their 50s and 60s would be hurt most by the GOP plan, as the bill would provide smaller tax credits to buy plans while at the same time allowing insurers to charge older consumers five time more than what they charge younger consumers.
This change provides the Senate flexibility to potentially enhance the tax credit for those ages 50 to 64 who may need additional assistance, the proposal said.
Catherine Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cho@sfchronicle.com Twitter: Cat__Ho
Marc Abramowitz thought hed found kindred spirits in the founders of Palantir Technologies. Like CEO Alex Karp and billionaire Chairman Peter Thiel, Abramowitz was a Stanford University alumnus looking to build a business empire. In 2006, Abramowitz made an investment in their then-unknown startup and became a regular around its Palo Alto office.
Palantir has risen to be a global data mining giant with a $20 billion valuation. Abramowitzs shares are estimated to be worth $60 million. But his relationship with the founders has turned toxic, and they now have competing lawsuits in two states.
Abramowitzs suit was filed this month in Delawares Chancery Court, saying Palantir thwarted his efforts to sell shares and that the company must disclose its books and records. Bloomberg has obtained an unredacted copy of the suit, which hasnt been previously reported. It alleges that Palantir blocked a planned sale of Abramowitzs shares to Chinese private equity firm CDH Investments Fund Management and that Palantir violated an agreement with Abramowitz to provide him with quarterly financial statements and access to shareholder meetings.
Palantir, which sued Abramowitz in September for attempting to claim patent ownership for the companys work, said the new suit is without merit. It said it shouldnt have to disclose information about its inner workings or finances because Abramowitzs interests are at odds with the companys. This lawsuit is nothing more than a blatant attempt to distract from Mr. Abramowitzs unlawful and egregious theft of our intellectual property, Palantir said in an email.
Founded in 2004, Palantir is among Silicon Valleys most highly valued and secretive companies. In addition to Abramowitzs investment firm KT4 Partners, an early backer was In-Q-Tel, the venture capital arm of the CIA. Palantirs customers include government spy agencies around the world. Its well-positioned to cash in on more government work thanks to Thiels relationship with President Trump.
The legal battles highlight the contentious relationships between startup investors and companies that want to maintain tight control of stockholders. Investors rarely receive financial updates and wield little influence over their ability to cash out through a stock sale, merger or initial public offering.
Thiel maintains a variety of business interests, from Internet, finance and energy to rocket ships. Abramowitz has his own eclectic mix of holdings. He has owned, operated or invested in a medical startup, a lumber business and a hobby-and-craft store, according to a former employer, private-equity firm Riverlake Partners.
Abramowitz purchased Palantir shares through his KT4 Partners from 2006 to 2008, according to the suit. He claimed contracts entitled him to quarterly financial statements and annual shareholder meetings, neither of which ever took place. This didnt appear to bother him much at the time, because he began to frequent the startups headquarters. He spent so much time there from 2010 to 2015 that he requested his own office, according to the suit filed by Palantir in September.
Palantirs trust in Abramowitz broke down after the investor filed for five patents in his name for work completed by the company, according to the September lawsuit. Palantir claims that he stole trade secrets.
During the past two years, Palantir interfered in two attempts by Abramowitzs firm to sell stock, according to his suit. KT4 Partners negotiated in May to sell preferred shares to Highbridge Capital Management LLC, a fund that was once majority-owned by JPMorgan Chase Co. When Abramowitzs group notified Palantir of the sale, Palantir dispatched an adviser to Highbridge in an attempt to persuade the firm to purchase shares directly from the company. Alexander Fishman, the adviser and a former Palantir employee, was told by a Highbridge managing partner to leave because an agreement had already been made. Palantirs CEO personally intervened to approve the transaction after he was informed that JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon was going to contact him, the suit alleged.
In December 2015, KT4 Partners and other shareholders, including early Palantir employee Rosco Hill, had negotiated the sale of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of stock to a fund organized by TPG. The planned buyer was Chinas CDH Investments, according to the unredacted court filing. Hill, who once served as advisor to the CEO, told Palantir about the proposed sale, and the company again dispatched the same advisory firm as before. CDH Investments backed out of the deal after that meeting, the suit said. Stuart Schonberger, a managing director at CDH Investments who was involved in the proposed deal, didnt respond to a request for comment.
In August 2016, Palantir sought to retroactively amend the contracts with Abramowitzs firm to remove references to financial disclosures and annual meetings, the suit said. It also tried to stipulate that incoming shareholders wouldnt have access to such information if KT4 Partners sold its shares. A month later, Palantir filed suit. Since then, its CEO has begun to publicly entertain the idea of providing a consistent way for stockholders to cash out, including a potential IPO.
Lizette Chapman is a Bloomberg writer. Email: lchapman19@bloomberg.net
Amid a swirl of scandals, three senior women executives at Uber held a call on Tuesday about the beleaguered companys plans to improve a workplace seen as hostile and sexist, its search for a No. 2 to help its reflexively combative CEO Travis Kalanick, and ways it will treat its drivers better.
Put simply, change starts at the top, said Arianna Huffington, an Uber board member. Thats why Travis accepted responsibility from the first all-hands (meeting), and apologized for leading the company to that point.
That point for the worlds most valuable startup includes a bombshell blog post by a former engineer alleging sexual harassment; revelations about a secret program to foil law enforcement investigations; a video of Kalanick browbeating an Uber driver; a lawsuit alleging that Uber stole trade secrets from Googles self-driving car spinoff; and an exodus of high-profile executives, most recently Jeff Jones, who quit as president on Sunday, saying Ubers aggressive culture was inconsistent with his values.
Kalanick had already promised to seek leadership help and announced a search for a chief operating officer. Whatever Ubers challenges, the best of the best are coming to the table, excited about the companys potential, Huffington said.
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Kalanick skipped the call because he was too busy interviewing potential candidates for the new position of chief operating officer, according to Huffington, who bristled at questions about whether Uber stage-managed an all-female panel.
Its not like we got them from central casting, she said, noting that the positions held by her fellow call participants should be taken as a really good sign of how women are valued at Uber. Huffington was joined by Rachel Holt, head of U.S. and Canada operations; Liane Hornsey, chief human resources operator; general counsel Salle Yoo (who did not speak); and Rachel Whetstone, head of communications.
Huffington bristled even more about the top query from reporters, one repeated several times: Would the board ever ask Kalanick to step down?
The board has confidence in Travis and we are proceeding ahead with the search for a chief operating officer, she said, later adding, I know its a sexy question, but really its the same answer. Its not been addressed, it hasnt come up, and we dont expect it to come up.
Hornsey and Huffington both defended Kalanick as someone who is learning from his mistakes. Ive only been here 11 weeks, but almost week by week, I see him changing, Hornsey said. The events of recent weeks are absolutely something that would cause an individual to change.
Despite a #DeleteUber protest campaign that started in January, Ubers growth continues to accelerate, Holt said. Last week, riders in the U.S. took more trips with Uber than ever before, she said. In fact, U.S. growth was faster in the first 10 weeks of 2017 than in the first 10 weeks of 2016.
Holt outlined a series of changes in how Uber will treat its drivers and later said that many of them came from Jones, a very big advocate for focusing on drivers and addressing their pain points.
Uber knows it needs to bring more humanity to the way we interact with drivers, she said, acknowledging that relationships with many drivers are frayed.
Changes include improved training for support agents, more in-person support centers, streamlined earnings statements, and giving drivers a say in fare adjustments.
Uber will balance driver history against passenger complaints. Someone with three rider complaints but just 100 trips under their belt will be treated very differently than a driver who has received three complaints but completed 10,000 trips, Holt said.
And it will use technology to verify some rider complaints before suspending drivers.
Uber also needs to undergo more soul-searching and focus on team-building, Hornsey said. Uber is disruptive and disruption demands the confidence to be bold, she said. What I have seen, though, is that this has translated internally to what I would call a cult of the individual.
Uber will release its first report on workplace diversity by the end of this month, Hornsey said. Its one of the few major Silicon Valley companies that has not yet disclosed data about hiring minorities and women. Hornsey noted that the number of Uber employees doubled last year.
In February, Uber hired former Attorney General Eric Holder to investigate the charges of sexism and hostile workplace, both through interviews with employees and an anonymous tip line. That report is expected to be concluded last next month, and will be publicly released, Huffington said.
There can be no room at Uber for brilliant jerks and zero tolerance for anything but totally respectable behavior in an equitable workplace environment, Huffington said.
Carolyn Said is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: csaid@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @csaid
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The suspect in the November 2016 killing of a 28-year-old man on Montereys Cannery Row, a longtime tourist attraction, was arrested after investigators tracked him down in Mexico, police said Monday.
The jarring homicide was the first in the Cannery Row area, made famous by the John Steinbeck novel of the same name, since 1991.
Getty Images / Getty Images
The Napa Police Department identified the officer and the sergeant who shot to death a man they said was wielding a knife in a parking lot outside a Napa store as veterans with decades of law enforcement experience.
Sgt. Ryan Cole, a 22-year veteran, and Officer Jack Thomson, a 25-year veteran who works as a crisis negotiator for the department, said they shot in self-defense in the March 13 death of Noel Russell, a 23-year-old from Napa.
A naked man shot several times Friday by San Jose police officers who thought he was armed was actually holding a harmless caulking gun, officials said Monday.
John Bradley Bowles, a 53-year-old from San Jose, remained in critical condition at a local hospital Monday following his shooting by three officers in the crowded parking lot of a shopping center, said San Jose Police Chief Eddie Garcia.
Bowles had a history of mental illness, Garcia said while defending the actions of his officers, who maintained they feared for their lives and those of others in the crowded parking lot where Bowles was shot after an erratic, long pursuit.
When the individual points what turns out to be a caulking gun but in a threatening manner, as if it were a gun at an officer, I certainly think that there were some issues, Garcia said.
All three officers Todd Ahyo, a 24-year veteran, Erick Enderle, a 21-year-old veteran and William Wolfe, a 22-year veteran were placed on paid administrative leave, a routine move after such an incident, officials said.
The officer-involved shooting, one of several throughout the Bay Area over the past two weeks, followed a 4-mile-long pursuit of Bowles as he evaded police in a pickup truck, crashing into cars along the way, police said.
A caller had reported a naked man walking in the street around Eva Court and Valerie Drive, a residential area in West San Jose, at 1:34 p.m., police said. He approached a woman and a child and ran naked after other children in the area, police said.
When officers tried to apprehend the naked Bowles, he fled, striking a parked car and a patrol car in the process, police said.
The prolonged chase ended in the parking lot of a shopping center at Stevens Creek Boulevard and Lawrence Expressway, police said.
As police surrounded him, Bowles allegedly aimed the caulking gun which police said that from a distance they thought was a real weapon at the officers. One officer then fired, Garcia said.
Bowles, still naked, then revved the engine of his pickup and all three officers shot at him, Garcia said. The officers later said they feared Bowles would gun the engine through the parking lot crowded with shoppers, running them down under his truck, the chief said.
No one except Bowles was injured, police said.
It happened extremely quickly, Garcia said.
The Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office was conducting an investigation into the shooting, including examining body camera footage of the involved officers.
Bowles was held under $75,000 bail at the hospital on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, annoying or molesting a child, evading police and misdemeanor hit-and-run, authorities said.
Jenan Lyons and Michael Bodley are San Francisco Chronicle staff writers. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com and mbodley@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jennajourno and @michael_bodley
They swore to protect the inmates they guarded, but on Tuesday three Santa Clara County correctional officers went on trial in a San Jose courtroom, charged with murder in the 2015 fatal jail-cell beating of a mentally ill man who prosecutors said died begging for his life.
In a rare case of correctional officers being prosecuted for murder, Santa Clara County Deputy District Attorney Matt Braker told the jury that the three defendants beat defenseless inmate Michael Tyree to death and then attempted to cover up the crime.
Power and the abuse of power. Thats what this case is about, Braker said. This abuse of power culminated with the events of Aug 26, 2015. ... They beat him so bad that they ruptured his spleen and lacerated his liver and then they left him in his cell to die.
But attorneys for Officers Jereh Lubrin, 29, Matthew Farris, 27, and Rafael Rodriguez, 27, said Tyrees death was the result of him standing on his cell toilet and falling back onto the sharp edge of a stainless steel sink, either accidentally or intentionally.
We have determined what the actual cause of death is, defense attorney William Rappoport, who represents Farris, said. Its not a homicide.
Retired Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge LaDoris Cordell said she does not recall any cases in the county involving correctional officers in her 19-year tenure that ended in 2001, nor does she remember any since.
First of all, its rare for any law enforcement people to be prosecuted, Cordell said, recalling only one murder case in Santa Clara County that involved a retired police officer. This is especially rare.
The 31-year-old Tyree died naked, covered in filth, inside a cell at the Main Jail in San Jose that he should have already been released from.
The court had ordered on Aug. 12, 2015, that Tyree, a 31-year-old mentally ill inmate, be released to a mental health clinic in San Jose, according to a transcript of that hearing.
But beds at the facility were full, and 15 days later he was found dead in his cell suffering from a damaged spleen and liver that had caused him to die from internal bleeding. The Santa Clara County medical examiner ruled he was beaten to death.
Lubrin, Farris and Rodriguez were charged with the murder of Tyree in September 2015, after the findings by Dr. Joseph OHara, the medical examiner. They also are accused of assaulting inmate Juan Villa on the same night that Tyree died.
An investigation found Tyree had cried out, Im sorry, and, Stop, as he was being beaten, prosecutors said.
The family of Tyree has already settled a wrongful death and civil rights violation claim in his death. Santa Clara County agreed to pay $3.6 million to the family in 2016, according to attorneys.
The opening statements in the trial revealed two vastly diverging theories of what happened the night Tyree died. As the prosecution sought to suggest Tyrees death was the culmination of a pattern of inmate abuse by the deputies, defense attorneys suggested Tyree died from his own actions.
The three defendants sat in suits, expressionless, as Braker showed the court evidence ranging from personal Internet searches and phone records to a photo of Tyrees naked body alongside vomit and feces.
He showed text messages from Rodriguez and Farris that discussed using force with inmates. Braker said Lubrin wiped his text history clean before authorities could seize it as evidence.
I slapped a guy yesterday cu(z) he was cussing at the nurse, read one text Rodriguez sent from his phone to a friend, and I told him to shut the f up and have some respect.
The text continued, I told him I bet your parents never spanked u but I will.
Braker presented a text an officer sent to Farris in which the officer said he wanted to start pulling inmates out and twisting them at 2 in the morning.
Farris replied, Come to the 6th bro, referring to a section of the jail. We do it at 12:01.
Braker told the court a friend of Lubrins said in an interview that Lubrin had told him, Beating people up was my job.
Braker laid out a timeline of the night, starting with the first confrontation involving Tyree, a 7:25 p.m. pill call. At that time a nurse informed Lubrin that Tyree did not take his pills, and when Lubrin approached Tyree he began yelling, calling the nurse the devil and Satan, Braker said.
Authorities said Tyree was housed by himself in a sixth-floor cell in the 6B wing of the jail for inmates with special needs on warrants for misdemeanor theft and drug possession.
The alleged abuse began hours later, during nightly cell searches, Braker said. Sometime between 10:48 p.m. and 11:09 p.m. the three deputies entered Tyrees cell, and inmates in nearby cells told investigators they heard Tyrees screams shortly after. One reported hearing a loud thud and dead silence afterward. Tyree was found dead during a cell check shortly after midnight on Aug. 27.
In the morning, several inmates made calls to their families telling them, They killed a guy last night, Braker told jurors.
After Tyrees death, Braker said, records show Rodriguez searched online, Can someone die if they are punched in the ribs?
Tyree had cuts on his right eye and left chin, along with bruising on his left temple, armpit, backside and arm. His spleen, nearly ruptured in half, and his lacerated liver showed force the medical examiner said is usually seen in a high-speed car crash, Braker said.
But each of the deputies defense attorneys said in their series of short opening statements that anatomical evidence was on the side of their clients.
The important part of the case is the science, said Judith Odbert, representing Lubrin. What you are going to hear at the end is that its not a homicide.
Odbert brushed off the shouting claims while casting doubt on the veracity of inmate testimony, suggesting they revised their statements to match each others and received perks for testifying for the prosecution.
Michael Tyree yelled. He yelled on occasion. Michael Tyree yelled in reaction to things that werent occurring. We know that for a fact, she said.
Jereh Lubrin did not commit these crimes. He did not intend to kill anyone, she said. They dont have a motive, but some of these inmates do.
Defense attorney Matthew Pavone, representing Rodriguez, criticized the handling of Tyrees death investigation. He said OHara was at the scene for 55 minutes. When he performed an autopsy on Aug. 28, he ruled on the cause of death within six hours, Pavone said.
The evidence in this case will show a jump to conclusions by the county medical examiner and the prosecution as to Michael Tyrees cause of death, he told jurors. It is critical that you keep an open mind until the very end.
Jenna Lyons is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jlyons@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JennaJourno
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After months of negotiating, the five members of the worker cooperative that runs the Mandela Foods Cooperative in West Oakland have a document they've been long been dreaming of: a lease for the space next door.
It's a 20,000-square-foot corner spot that the natural-food store, which opened in 2009, originally hoped to occupy. But Bridge Housing, which operates the Mandela Gateway transit village across the street from the West Oakland BART, gave the lease to 99 Cents Only store, and Mandela Foods moved into the 8,000-square-foot retail space next to it.
Given its small footprint and lower-profile location, the co-op struggled for years to become profitable, but finally did two years ago. Several months ago, 99 Cents Only announced that it would leave West Oakland at the end of January 2017. That's when the worker collective made its move.
The growth is part of a larger movement taking place across the country: A resurgence of food co-ops in both small towns and dense urban neighborhoods alike, which I wrote about in the Chronicle this week. Close to 100 new co-ops have come into being in the past decade, and 1970s-era natural-foods co-ops like the Sacramento Food Co-op have moved into larger spaces.
Getting bigger will necessitate many changes. "We have to become more of a general store," says worker-owner Adrionna Fike. "We will probably have -- I wouldn't say more conventional items -- but more familiar items." They won't be the only tenants of the new space; the collective plans to build three kiosks inside the store and invite other collective food businesses -- possibly selling flowers, juices, or fresh and halal meat -- to rent them. In honor of the move, Fike adds, the worker collective is renaming the store Mandela Grocery: A Worker-Owned Co-op ("So people know that it's a grocery store," Fike says.)
In addition, Fike has joined longtime co-op organizers Noni Sessions and Misty Dawn Spicer-Sitzes to come up with a curriculum for teaching the history, philosophy and mechanics of worker cooperatives to high school students from the neighborhood.
One of the core organizing principles of the co-op movement since the 1840s has been that cooperatives help other cooperatives. In that spirit, Tim Hewitt of the Arizmendi Association of Cooperatives is helping Mandela Foods sort out the path ahead, bringing in the expertise of Rainbow Grocery and Other Avenues as well.
RELATED: The rise of the modern food cooperative in the Bay Area
Mandela Marketplace, the nonprofit organization that helped found Mandela Foods in 2009, will help find the funds to move -- a mix of grants, public and private investment, Fike anticipates. The amount the store will need to move by November 1, 2017: $1.5 million.
"When you think about where we're situated, that's how much somebody's house is costing around the corner," Fike says. "It doesn't sound daunting."
Mandela Grocery's new location: 1440 7th St., Oakland, www.mandelafoods.com.
Jonathan Kauffman is a staff writer at The Chronicle. Email: jkauffman@sfchronicle.com. Twitter: @jonkauffman.
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Berkeley-based Fieldwork Brewing Co. releases one-off beers all the time. Its latest? The Meadows, described by the brewery as a "Vermont Farmhouse Ale."
That description has ticked off the state of Vermont.
Shaun Hill, the owner of Greensboro, Vt.'s Hill Farmstead Brewery, contacted the local press and his own state representative to complain that Fieldwork's claim to be a "Vermont Farmhouse Ale" was in violation of the Representation of Vermont Origin Rule -- a mandate that any food product labeled "Vermont" must be from the Green Mountain State.
The rule is more often invoked in disputes surrounding Vermont's most famous edible exports, maple syrup and cheese. But Vermont beer has surged in popularity in the last few years. Many San Francisco breweries now make a "New England-style IPA," inspired by the cultish Heady Topper, a tropical-tasting IPA from Vermont's The Alchemist brewery.
The Meadows was a hybrid of that IPA style and a funkier farmhouse-style ale, fermented with a Saison yeast. It seems to have been intended as a nod to the Alchemist and Vermont brewing traditions; Fieldwork's website explains it as a tribute to the tri-annual secret meeting among five Illuminati-style beer magnates, which takes place at a "secret country mansion in Vermont, known as The Meadows."
There are precedents for Vermont impostors paying a price. In 2014, for example, Vermont's attorney general sued Canadian company VerMints, which called itself "Vermont's All-Natural Mints," under the rule. VerMints settled for $65,000, more than half of which was a donation to the Vermont Food Bank.
"Imagine if we were calling our wine 'California wine,' and it was from Vermont," said state representative Sam Young, whose constituency includes Greensboro.
Naturally, the Fieldwork-Vermont dispute took to Twitter.
Linking to an article in the Burlington Free Press, Young tweeted, "It might be time to change the name." Fieldwork tweeted back: "Thanks for your *concern*. It was a one time beer. We're sure you can find better uses of your time." And the Twitter battle raged on from there:
(The full exchange can be found here.)
The entire kerfuffle might have been avoided if Fieldwork had called the beer "Vermont-style," rather than simply "Vermont." It's the same reason why Fort Point and others call certain beers "Kolsch-style," since true Kolsch beer can only come from a specific area surrounding Cologne, Germany.
When I reached out to Fieldwork for comment, founder Barry Braden would say only: "We don't have anything to say about it really. We made a beer one time for an event and that's that. It's over as far as we are concerned."
It may indeed be over, but Vermont wants you to know it's not going down without a fight.
"People should know that it's not ok to call yourself Vermont," said Young. "They say don't mess with Texas, but don't mess with Vermont!"
Esther Mobley is The San Francisco Chronicle's wine, beer and spirits writer. Email: emobley@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Esther_mobley Instagram: @esthermob
The Tenderloin's new Japanese beer and beef-centric eatery, Hitachino Beer & Wagyu, may still be in the "soft opening" phase for its dining room -- holding weekly lotteries for diners to try to score a limited number of reservations for the restaurant's prix-fixe wagyu tasting menu ($68/person; another $30 for beer and sake pairing) -- but the bar is now officially open to the public.
The bar area, available to walk-ins, offers a rotating list of 10 beers on tap, ranging from the fairly ubiquitous White Ale ($9 for a 10-ounce glass) to harder-to-find specialty barrel-aged Hitachino brews like 3 Days, a sour-style beer that was created by accident when the beer mash naturally fermented for three days when the brewery lost power during the March 2011 Tohoku earthquake in northeastern Japan.
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When it comes to making reservations, OpenTable is now encouraging diners to book responsibly.
The mantra is part of the companys campaign, begun Tuesday, designed to combat the restaurant industrys battle against diners who fail to show up for reservations or cancel at the last minute. OpenTables efforts reflect a growing global conversation among restaurateurs and booking services about no-shows in the digital age.
Australias largest online booking site, Dimmi, pushed the topic back into the spotlight last month, when it blacklisted nearly 40,000 diners for skipping out on reservations.
In the past, OpenTable communicated its reservations with diners by sending a confirmation email when the booking took place, and then a second email reminder four hours before the seating. With this new campaign, OpenTable is sending more emails to diners, adding a text-messaging system and using push notifications on its app to remind diners about a pending reservation.
Technology should be an enabler to decrease no-show rates, not make them worse, said Scott Jampol, senior vice president of marketing at OpenTable.
OpenTable was founded in 1998 and remains the countrys largest reservation service, despite the continued growth of Tock, the Chicago ticketing service used by high-end Bay Area restaurants like San Franciscos Lazy Bear, Healdsburgs Single Thread and most recently, the French Laundry in Yountville.
More than 21 million diners per month use OpenTables online platform to book reservations at more than 40,000 restaurants. OpenTable would not share how many users were no-shows.
OpenTable has a four-strike policy: If a user fails to show up for four reservations within a 12-month period, the account is terminated. However, OpenTable does not penalize last-minute cancellations, allowing users to cancel a reservation up until 30 minutes before the booking time.
Kim Alter, chef-owner of Nightbird in San Francisco, commented on the OpenTable campaign, saying a last-minute cancellation or no-show makes it even harder to run a business in a Bay Area dining environment where profit margins are razor thin.
Dimmis no-show rate after it instituted the blacklist dropped by a quarter. And Tock has a no-show rate below 1 percent.
Yelps reservation service has a no-show rate of 3 to 4 percent in San Francisco, but company officials said the numbers have been declining over the last 12 months.
Thats in large part due to a pilot program allowing diners to confirm or cancel a reservation with a text. More than 60 percent of diners confirm. Before the program, only 20 percent of diners confirmed their reservations, Yelp said.
Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter @JustMrPhillips
1 King/Lee holiday: Arkansas governor signed legislation ending the states practice of commemorating Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee on the same holiday as slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. Republican Gov. Asa Hutchinson on Tuesday signed the bill he championed in the Legislature. The change means only two states Alabama and Mississippi still honor the two men on the same day. Arkansas new law sets aside the second Saturday in October to honor Lee with a state memorial day, not a holiday, which will be marked with a gubernatorial proclamation.
2 Dog breeds: Labrador retrievers extended their record dog popularity run last year in the top spot, leading the New York City-based American Kennel Clubs new rankings Tuesday for a 26th straight year. The rest of the top 10, in order: German shepherds, golden retrievers, bulldogs, beagles, French bulldogs, poodles, Rottweilers, Yorkshire terriers and boxers.
At least 60 Africans who planned to attend a 3-day annual African trade summit meeting at the University of Southern California were denied visas, bringing the number of Africans at the meeting to zero, as VOA and other outlets report.
Around 60 to 100 people from around a dozen nations, including Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, and South Africa were turned down. Citizens from three countries in Africa included with Trump's travel ban did not attempt to obtain visas.
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As thunderstorms sweep through California's Central Valley Tuesday, there's a possibility a tornado or two could strike the area.
"It's hard to pinpoint exactly where it might happen," said Courtney Obergfell, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Sacramento. "The highest chances would be south Sacramento."
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In 1944, the National Park Service founded Big Bend National Park, an outdoors-man's paradise hundreds of millions of years in the making, and which is now being threatened by Donald Trump's border wall.
In late February, a U.S. Department of Homeland Security internal report acquired by Reuters found that Big Bend was included in a second phase of construction that would aim to completely seal off the U.S.-Mexico border.
REPORT: Texans on Mexico border receive letters threatening eminent domain for Trump's wall
Like all other national parks, the land is owned and protected by the federal government, something Theodore Roosevelt justified in their creation as, "the value of natural beauty as a National asset, and of the effectiveness of outdoor life and recreation in the production of good citizenship."
But now, as the Austin American-Statesman points out, the federal land only makes it easier to build a 30-foot border wall since the government doesn't have to invoke eminent domain on what it already owns.
BIG FIND: 14-year-old boy discovers nearly 8-carat diamond at state park
In other words, the fact that the government is tasked with protecting Big Bend only makes it easier for the new administration to radically change it.
Todd Beckett, Republican Party chairman for Presidio County, told the Austin American-Statesman:
"There is not going to be a wall in Big Bend. We've got a big, beautiful barrier, bigger than anything even Trump could build... We already have a barrier. God built it."
TEXAS CITY: Work on Trump's wall and you won't work for us
Like the rest of the border, Big Bend's wildlife would also be hurt by the wall.
"You're basically making the Grand Canyon. You're effectively making like an ocean barrier here," University of Texas integrative biology professor Tim Keitt told Chron.com. "Nobody crosses the ocean."
Click through above to see some of the incredible Big Bend views that would be drastically altered by a border wall.
Tomi Lahren, the 24-year-old conservative host of the show "Tomi" on The Blaze, has fiercely criticized the feminist movement. In her trademark fast-talking rants, the commentator has called modern-day feminists selfish, man-hating "snowflakes" and said that "real women don't wake up and skip work to march for abortions."
Lahren, an avid Trump supporter, has been called incendiary. It is not unusual for her appearances to incite outrage from the left. But over the weekend, her words provoked fury from an unlikely segment of Americans: the right.
WHITE RACISM: Critics call Tomi Lahren 'F-ing crazy' for racism claims
Appearing on "The View" on Friday, Lahren admitted that she supports abortion rights, saying it would be hypocritical of her to believe the government should decide what women should do with their bodies.
"You know what? I'm for limited government, so stay out of my guns, and you can stay out of my body as well," Lahren said.
Even the show's hosts appeared shocked to hear her. Across social media, antiabortion advocates said it was impossible for Lahren to be both conservative and in favor of abortion rights. They criticized her interpretation of the Constitution and called her out for seemingly contradicting previous remarks about abortion. Some claimed, as they have before, that by rising to prominence so young she lacked an understanding of political philosophy and ideology.
UNDER THEIR SKIN: Tomi Lahren trashes her 'intolerant left' Twitter trolls
But the provocative commentator defended herself, tweeting Saturday, "Listen, I am not glorifying abortion. I don't personally advocate for it. I just don't think it's the government's place to dictate."
"I speak my truth," she added on Twitter. "If you don't like it, tough. I will always be honest and stand in my truth."
"Conservatives don't have to exist in a monolith and share the same brain on every issue," Lahren tweeted. "It's okay."
CRYBABY MOMENT: Conservative wunderkind rips Trump inauguration boycotts
Lahren's viral monologues on her nightly show for the Blaze, created by conservative media personality Glenn Beck, have landed her appearances with Bill Maher and Trevor Noah, lured nearly 4.3 million followers to her Facebook page and invited praise from President Donald Trump himself. Trump was so taken by one of her recent appearances that he called her to thank her for her "fair coverage" of him.
A native of South Dakota and a daughter of military and ranching families, Lahren is the self-proclaimed voice for Middle America and conservative women who feel underrepresented and overlooked by the mainstream media. Trevor Noah called her "the least woke, most awake person" he's ever seen.
Though she's made her name with incendiary monologues, Friday's interview was not the first time Lahren has opened up about more complex, or even moderate, political views.
SHOCKING TWIST: You might actually agree with Tomi Lahren's latest rant
In a segment about three months ago regarding Lena Dunham's controversial comments on abortion, Lahren admitted that abortion is not her "top issue," and said the abortion rights movement avoids "sounding like straight-up baby killers" by acknowledging that abortion is a difficult choice.
"Boy wouldn't it be nice if taxpayers didn't have to shell out our hard-earned dollars to pay for the wishful abortions of people like Lena Dunham? Wouldn't it be nice if Planned Parenthood weren't allowed to wheel and deal fetal tissue from abortions it performs?"
Those remarks made Friday's admission, and previous ones, confusing for some. In a New York Times profile in December, she said she favored abortion rights and does not object to same-sex marriage. She declined to call herself spiritual, joking that "spiritual sounds like you worship the grass" but said she believed in God and prays every night. She also criticized organized religion as being "about hierarchy, power, control and greed" yet moments later said, "The institution of religion is important."
Before joining the Blaze, on a show called "The Scramble" that she hosted through her college journalism program, she led panels on many issues with a more moderate stance, including a discussion she moderated about climate change, which she said was an agreed-upon scientific consensus. (She has, in more recent segments on her show, blasted the idea of climate change, calling it simply "bad weather.")
"I have moderate, conservative, and libertarian views," she tweeted over the weekend. "I'm human. I will never apologize, to anyone, for being an independent thinker."
Conservative writers and social media accounts blasted her explanation for her abortion rights stance and criticized her with headlines such as "Flip-flop."
On the conservative blog the Resurgent, Peter Heck compared Lahren to other young stars who grapple with a "meteoric" rise to fame, in a culture that "bizarrely worships youth and beauty."
"There's a reason why it usually doesn't end well when someone who lacks any meaningful or serious understanding of political philosophy and ideology is thrust in front of a camera and promoted as a conservative spokesman," Heck wrote. "They are pitifully unprepared to exercise the disciplines of reason and discernment."
He went on to criticize Lahren's "constitutional" defense of why she supports abortion rights.
"The great conservatives have always understood that the intrinsic worth of the individual was the foundation point of all we believe and espouse," Heck wrote. "Without the right to life, there is no liberty, and there is no happiness to pursue."
One of the most surprising responses was from that of the Blaze founder, Glenn Beck, who tweeted out Heck's article on the Resurgent.
He went on to say on Twitter, "Rule another label out. I am NOT a 'constitutional.' I believe in LIFE, liberty and property. Just an old fashioned 'constitutionalist.'"
WASHINGTON The two Californians who lead their parties on the House Intelligence Committee framed starkly different interpretations of FBI Director James Comeys blockbuster announcement Monday that his agency is investigating Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, including possible coordination between the Trump campaign and Vladimir Putins government.
Comeys revelation marked the first time the agency had publicly confirmed not just the existence of a probe, but whether then-candidate Donald Trumps aides were connected to what Russian officials were allegedly doing. He gave no details whom the probes targets were and offered no timeline for how long the investigation would take.
At the very least, the inquiry will be a distraction for President Trump when he is trying to push major initiatives through Congress, including a new health-coverage strategy, huge cuts in discretionary domestic spending and increases in the Pentagons budget, and construction of a wall along the U.S.-Mexican border. The worst-case scenario for Trump is far more dire: the prospect that campaign associates will be implicated in a scheme engineered by Moscow to help get him elected.
In his testimony to the Intelligence Committee, Comey also said the FBI has no evidence to back up Trumps tweeted assertions that former President Barack Obama had him wiretapped during the campaign.
In the waning days of Obamas administration, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said U.S. spy agencies had concluded with high confidence that Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the U.S. presidential election that included hacking Democratic officials emails. Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton was placed on the defensive for weeks as the emails were leaked.
As secretary of state, Clinton said Russian elections in 2011 had been neither free nor fair, something Putin took as an attack on him. Comey testified Monday that it was an easy call for intelligence officials to deduct that Putin hated Clinton so much that he clearly wanted Trump to win.
Republicans effort to minimize the potential damage to Trump was led by committee Chairman Rep. Devin Nunes of Tulare. The San Joaquin Valley native is in his eighth term in Congress but became a national figure only this year, when he assumed the chairmanship of the intelligence panel after serving on Trumps transition team.
I can tell you we dont have any evidence, of collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia, Nunes told Comey. That would be something we really should know about and know about quickly. Theres a big gray cloud youve now put over people who have very important work to do to lead this country.
Nunes alleged that the Obama administration had failed to take Russian cyberattacks seriously before intelligence officials concluded that they were aimed at damaging the Democratic presidential nominee. He pressed Comey on illegal leaks from intelligence agencies to the media, and got the FBI director to say that there was no evidence that Russian officials had tampered directly with balloting machines in swing states.
Nunes also asked Comey whether he would investigate Clinton if any evidence emerged of Russian ties to her campaign.
Trump reacted in a similar vein, responding to the hearing with a series of tweets, bringing up Clinton and insisting, The real story that Congress, the FBI and all others should be looking into is the leaking of Classified information. Must find leaker now!
Nunes acknowledged that Trumps wiretapping claim appears to be unfounded, but he raised the possibility that other surveillance tactics had been used against the then-Republican nominee. At a later briefing, White House spokesman Sean Spicer refused to withdraw the wiretapping allegation.
Comey, who was named FBI director by former President Barack Obama, declined to comment when Republicans pressed him on whether he had evidence that people leaking information had committed wrongdoing. But he did confirm their assertions that some media reports on the issue have been incorrect and that the leaking is illegal. Republicans argued that anonymous leaks from the intelligence bureaucracy are a threat to democracy.
Democratic panel members, given a rare opportunity in the spotlight in a Republican-dominated Congress, were led by Rep. Adam Schiff of Burbank. Like Nunes, he has emerged since January from near obscurity to become a leading spokesman for his party, thanks to the Russia probe. As the panels top Democrat, Schiff used a 15-minute opening statement to construct a circumstantial case against Trump associates.
These included the Russian ties and allegedly suspicious actions of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort; former Trump political adviser Roger Stone; Michael Flynn, who resigned as the presidents national security adviser over lying about meetings with Russian officials; and Attorney General Jeff Sessions, who recused himself from any Russia issues after he failed to disclose a private meeting with the Russian ambassador. All have denied doing anything wrong.
Is it possible that all these events and reports are completely unrelated and nothing more than an entirely unhappy coincidence? Schiff asked. He said it is instead more than possible ... that the Russians used the same techniques to corrupt U.S. persons that they have employed in Europe and elsewhere.
Two Bay Area Democrats on the panel, Reps. Jackie Speier of Hillsborough and Eric Swalwell of Dublin, followed a similar line. Speier homed in on Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in his former role as chief executive of ExxonMobil, accusing him of cozying up to Igor Sechin, an alleged former agent of the KGB who is close to Putin.
Speier accused Russia of using a form of hybrid warfare to undermine the U.S. government. Comey declined to use the term warfare, but said Russia is engaged in a multifaceted campaign of active measures to undermine our democracy, to hurt one of the candidates and hope to help one of the other candidates.
Swalwell recited Comeys admonition that anyone who lies should never be believed again, referring the FBI director to his own finding that there is no apparent evidence for Trumps wiretapping claim and implying that the president, by Comeys own rule, should not be believed. Swalwell said in a television interview that the committee should leave open the possibility of subpoenaing Trump and his tax returns.
Comeys new role is a striking turn from a few months ago. Less than two weeks before the election, his announcement that the FBI might reopen its investigation into Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of state sent her poll numbers tumbling. Comey then said a few days later that there was no reason to reopen the probe, but Clinton campaign officials blamed him for tipping the election.
Now it is Republicans who are asking why Comey has gone public with an investigation against the Trump campaign.
Our practice is not to confirm the existence of ongoing investigations, especially those investigations that involve classified matters, but in unusual circumstances where it is in the public interest, it may be appropriate to do so as Justice Department policies recognize, Comey said. This is one of those circumstances.
Comey said he received authorization from the Justice Department to confirm the existence of the investigation as part of our counterintelligence mission, and that it includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russias efforts. As with any counterintelligence investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed.
Carolyn Lochhead is The San Francisco Chronicles Washington correspondent. Email: clochhead@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carolynlochhead
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Any company looking at President Trumps proposed border wall between Mexico and the United States as a business opportunity may soon want to reconsider if it wants to do business with San Francisco.
Two supervisors will introduce legislation Tuesday that would bar San Francisco from contracting with companies that seek a contract to work on the wall during the bidding period, regardless of whether the companies win a contract.
It is time to move beyond symbolism and use the power we have as a city to fight for the values we hold most dear, said Supervisor Hillary Ronen, who is introducing the legislation with Supervisor Aaron Peskin.
What we are saying is that we are not going to spend billions of dollars and line the pockets of businesses that engage in work that goes against the values that we hold most dear, she said.
The bill is one of several similar proposals around the country, with the Bay Area leading the way.
The Berkeley City Council unanimously passed a resolution last week recommending the city divest from any company involved in any aspect of the project, and the Oakland City Council is set to vote a on a measure Tuesday barring the city from entering into contracts with companies that work on the wall.
Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, introduced legislation Monday requiring the states pension funds to divest from companies involved in building the wall.
In New York, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic has introduced a bill that would ban the state from entering into contracts with companies working on the wall. New York City Public Advocate Letitia James is pushing a similar proposal, although it wouldnt be an outright ban. The time is coming for companies to decide whether to bid on the wall.
On Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection solicited design proposals for the wall, which is to be about 2,000 miles long. Among the requirements: the wall be at least 18 feet tall and prevent the construction of tunnels at least 6 feet underground. Proposals must be submitted by March 29.
More for you Berkeley becomes first city to divest from Trumps border wall
While it is unknown how many firms will ultimately submit bids, more than 200 companies have expressed interest, according to a government website for contractors who want to work for the federal government.
Among them are two companies that have massive contracts with the city: Hensel Phelps Construction Co. in Oakland and Tutor Perini Corp. of Sylmar. Hensel recently signed a $1.1 billion contract to help build a new terminal at San Francisco International Airport. The San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency has a $860 million contract with Tutor Perini to help construct the Central Subway.
Those existing contracts would not be impacted under Ronen and Peskins legislation, but the companies would be barred from future business with the city if they are awarded contracts to build the wall. They also would be prohibited from bidding on a city contract if, at the same time, they have a pending proposal with the federal government to work on the wall.
A spokeswoman for Hensel Phelps said the company had no comment about the legislation. Representatives from Tutor Perini did not respond to a request for comment.
Other companies that have expressed interest in the wall and have business with the city include Shimmick Construction Co. of Oakland and Drill Tech Drilling and Shoring of Antioch.
Shimmick has received $100 million from four city agencies over the past five years, according to Ronens office. Drill Tech currently has a $3.6 million contract with the Department of Public Works. Representatives from neither company could be reached for comment.
Ronen and Peskins legislation may put companies in a tough spot, as they decide between a potentially lucrative contract to work on the wall the Department of Homeland Security estimates it will cost upward of $21 billion to construct and losing out on potential contracts with San Francisco.
The legislation does not currently apply to subcontractors but Ronen plans to amend it to include them. Both subcontractors and general contractors would have to disclose in any applications with the city whether they had bid to work on the wall.
It is pretty harsh because a company is put in a bind, because if they were thinking about bidding on two jobs - to build the wall or work for San Francisco - they couldnt do both, said Thomas Joo, a professor at UC Davis School of Law who specializes in corporate governance and contract law.
But he said the impact of the legislation would depend on how many companies were interested in contracting with San Francisco and building the wall and that remains to be seen.
Joo warned that the legislation could harm San Francisco as much as any company, because fewer bids means less competition, which could mean the prices of contracts increase.
Former City Attorney Louise Renne said there are all sorts of precedents for the city not doing business with certain companies because of policy goals.
That includes a ban on contracting with companies that did business in South Africa during the apartheid years. And in 1997, San Francisco passed watershed legislation requiring companies that do business in San Francisco to provide the same benefits to domestic partners as they did to married couples.
Emily Green is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: egreen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @emilytgreen
A million fingerling salmon, rescued from almost certain death after the Oroville Dam spillway fell apart last month, began their remarkable journey to the ocean Monday by being launched unceremoniously out of tanker trucks into the Feather River.
The flapping, flopping chinook were poured through pipes into the water at a Yuba City boat ramp, where their trek downstream to the ocean, through a gantlet of predators and environmental perils, started amid cheers from biologists and schoolchildren on a field trip.
The lucky fish are among 2 million spring-run chinook moved from the state-run Feather River Fish Hatchery last month after a gaping hole opened in the main spillway at Oroville Dam and erosion on the emergency spillway sent plumes of suffocating silt into their rearing pens.
Five million salmon in all were moved to 600-foot-long concrete tanks at a hatchery annex downstream, and, surprisingly, almost all survived. The release Monday was the first of several planned over the next month at the hatchery annex, which was built to hold only 2 million fish.
I would call this an unqualified success, especially under these emergency conditions, said Andrew Hughan, spokesman for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, as thousands of the tiny fish were sucked through a giant hose out of the annex tanks and into the tanker trucks. Protection of salmon is critically important because, first of all, they are a historic fish ... and also they are a key part of a $1.4 billion fishing industry.
Chris Kaufman/Special to The Chronicle
All of the salmon were removed from the hatchery last month after water cascading off the busted concrete spillway opened a yawning crater in the earth.
The damage on the main spillway of the nations tallest dam was first detected Feb. 7, forcing operators to reduce the flow. Within days of the initial spillway failure, the Lake Oroville water rose and began pouring over an emergency spillway that had never been used. The hill eroded quickly, causing the state to warn of a catastrophic collapse and temporarily evacuate nearly 200,000 people downstream.
The fish were removed as mud-filled water flowed downstream, but 1 million federally threatened steelhead trout could not be moved, Hughan said. An emergency settling basin system was set up using water from a fire hydrant, saving most of the steelhead, but 300,000 of them died.
Its unfortunate, but we budget for loss, Hughan said. Still, thats 700,000 fish that we wouldnt have had.
Mondays salmon release came three days after water began flowing down the mangled spillway for the first time since Feb. 27. The flow, scheduled to continue throughout the week, is an attempt to make room for the rain forecast this week. Engineers also want to see if the sheared-off chute and the carved-out hillside around it can handle more pummeling as flows into Lake Oroville increase during the spring snowmelt.
Dam managers expect to open the floodgates two more times this spring, but fishery managers believe the danger to the fish has passed. Thats because most of the dirt around the spillway appears to have washed away, leaving mostly bare rock.
Chris Kaufman/Special to The Chronicle
Chinook, otherwise known as king salmon, are historically most abundant in the Sacramento River and its tributaries, making up 90 percent of the salmon caught in California. They pass through San Francisco Bay and roam the Pacific Ocean as far as Alaska before returning to spawn an average of three to four years later. Their imprint cues and sense of smell are so strong that the fish often find their way back to almost the exact spot in the river where they were born.
The release Monday of spring-run chinook is important because the fish are listed as threatened under the federal Endangered Species Act. There are three distinct runs of salmon winter, spring and fall based on the time of year they swim back upriver and lay eggs.
The Feather River Hatchery is the only facility that raises Central Valley spring-run chinook.
These spring-run salmon are special fish, Hughan said. If we didnt do this, there wouldnt be any fish.
All of the fish being released in the Feather River have coded wire tags injected into their snouts so biologists can determine how many make it to adulthood. Typically only 2 to 3 percent of the 35 million hatchery-raised salmon that are released into California rivers and the ocean every year survive.
Salmon survival is a huge issue for the state and federal governments, which are obligated to make sure the pink delicacy still exists in the future. The hatcheries were created in an attempt to help the salmon after dam construction, irrigation and pollution contributed to an enormous decline in the fishs population over the past century.
Even with the hatcheries, the Sacramento River population hit rock bottom in 2008 and 2009, when so few salmon came back to spawn that commercial fishing was banned off the coasts of California and Oregon.
The state has been experimenting with different ways to release salmon in the rivers, delta or ocean in an attempt to optimize survival rates. But the work hasnt helped salmon populations this year, according to Amanda Cranford, a natural resources specialist for the National Marine Fisheries Service.
The lack of chinook in the ocean now is likely to result in severe restrictions on salmon fishing along the California coast this year.
Its been a pretty dismal year so far, likely because of the drought, Cranford said, citing estimates by the Pacific Fishery Management Council. We have to give these fish an opportunity to rebound.
A group of third- and fourth-graders from Yuba Environmental Science Charter Academy who were watching the release Monday were clearly rooting for the salmons recovery.
They are hopping like little frogs, shouted a gleeful Marly Terry, 8, whose class was there to release 25 fish of their own. Its so cool. Now they are out in the river to make homes and babies.
Peter Fimrite is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: pfimrite@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @pfimrite
Theres a little part of Yolo County thats home to one of Californias most overlooked wine regions.
Established as an American Viticultural Area in 1985, Clarksburg is marked by its location along the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, which pulls in ocean breezes and creates a cool maritime climate. Fertile, low-draining soils allow the little wine region to produce 45,000 tons of grapes each year. Here the heritage grapes are the crisp Chenin Blanc and the bold, chewy Petite Sirah varieties that produce excellent stand-alone wines, but also excel as blending varietals.
In fact, 90 percent of the grapes grown in Clarksburg are sold outside the county, predominantly to neighboring Napa Valley. But youd never know it. A little bit of fresh, acidic Clarksburg Chenin or brawny Petite Sirah can round out a Napa Valley blend and as long as Clarksburg fruit makes up less than 25 percent of the final wine, the winery can still put Napa Valley on the label.
Despite that 90 percent figure, there has been a recent increase in the number of vintners who want to keep more Clarksburg fruit in Clarksburg. Rather than exporting their high-quality wine grapes, theyre taking ownership of the full product, from grape to glass.
The Old Sugar Mill, a 1930s beet processing facility, helped Clarksburg gain steam when it opened in 2005 as a multivendor tasting room and custom-crush site. Today, it houses 14 individual wineries. Visitors can easily spend a whole day winery hopping without ever leaving the building.
But venture outside the Mill, and youre guaranteed to find a few of Yolos treasures.
Theres a sense of solitude along the craggy farm roads lined with vines, altogether more rustic than what youd find in Napa or Sonoma. There are very few buildings, just a light smattering of modest homes and barns. One starts to wonder, where are all the wineries?
To find them, I took to the single-lane back roads that follow the Sacramento River to discover what Clarksburgs winemakers are creating with their heritage grapes.
Noah Berger/Special to The Chronicle
Youre almost there! reads Julie Russells sandwich board signs, sporting an attachment of Mylar balloons. She staggers them along South River Road the main road that leads tourists in and out of Clarksburg urging drivers to make the detour to her Julietta Winery.
Julie and her husband, Craig, are among the newest kids on the Clarksburg block, having officially opened their winery 2 years ago. Craig, a Napa County native, grew up in a family of vintners, but followed a different career path, establishing his own general contracting business. It was Craigs mother, Beverly, who encouraged the couple to transform the familys Clarksburg property an unplanted 12-acre lot with an old barn used for storage into a winery. To hear the couple tell the story, this was more than a gentle suggestion: She was always saying, You have to get into grapes, you have to get into grapes, says Julie.
Using Craigs connections in Napa, the Russells started buying fruit from a few trusted grape growers and experimented with a winemaking side business. We figured it was something we could pursue after we retire, says Julie.
But the couples side business blossomed, so they transformed the barn into a tasting room and built a winery next door.
Julie, with her personal preference for Napa Cabernets and cool-climate Syrahs, will continue to source grapes from various California regions, in Clarksburg and beyond. However, her first estate vintage of Cabernet Sauvignon, from the modest vines circling the parking lot, is now aging in barrels. Shes looking forward to planting more varieties including Zinfandel, Tannat, Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo on the property this year, in hopes of producing more estate wines.
Clarksburgs small-town quaintness extends to the Julietta tasting room, where the walls are decorated with works by local artists. Lounge chairs and sofas invite lingering. Outside, visitors can enjoy the bocce ball court, putting green and picnic area and, of course, the bucolic serenity of the Clarksburg countryside. The Russells are often behind the bar, greeting regulars by name and welcoming those just passing through as if they, too, are part of the Clarksburg community.
During my visit, Julie poured a full lineup of her current releases, which range from the crisp Clarksburg Chenin Blanc to the hearty Napa Cabs. However, she seemed to take personal pride in the 2013 Beverlys Legacy, a melting-pot blend of Zinfandel, Syrah, Tempranillo, Grenache, Mouvedre and Petite Sirah named in honor of the woman who got the Russells into grapes.
Loyal Miner is another Clarksburg vintner with winemaking in his blood. His great-grandfather, Loyal Aubrey Miner, was a bootleg winemaker in the 1920s. While majoring in history at UC Davis, known for its viticulture and enology program, he took a wine appreciation class. I remember thinking I really like this. Ever since then, Ive wanted to make wine. Now a successful partner in his own law firm, he finally made his dream a reality when he opened Miners Leap in 2013.
This is truly a boutique operation. Miner makes more than 13 single-varietal wines along with several blends in lots that never exceed 100 cases. Limited production allows him to experiment with grapes from other wine regions more frequently. This means a taste of Miners Leap will be different on each visit.
The outdoor tasting room was a bit chilly for Miner and me during my windy winter visit. Luckily, he stocks a box with wool blankets for just such an occasion. Though the red wines also seemed to be affected by the cold atmosphere (the Zinfandel and Petit Verdot refused to open up), his Lodi Albarino was perfectly enjoyable the proper balance of crisp acidity, a creamy mouthfeel and beautiful floral aromatics.
Miner loves to call in and entertain the crowd. The century-old barn that sits on the property now houses the indoor-outdoor tasting room. Its eclectically decorated with art from Cabo San Lucas (Miners home away from home) and Hotel California memorabilia (Obviously, I like the Eagles, he says). The tasting room patio overlooks an outdoor area that calls to mind a beach resort, complete with palm trees, lounge chairs, and a small stage for local bands, wedding ceremonies and, once a month, church services.
The newest addition is an even larger event space just a few yards from the tasting room, able to accommodate up to 500 guests perfect for the summer concert series Miner has in the works. This summer, Miners Leap will also plant its first estate vineyard plantings, which will include Chenin Blanc and Petite Sirah.
The Bogle family the major winemaker in town has been farming this slice of Yolo County since the mid-1800s, primarily as a seed-corn grower. It wasnt until the 1960s that Warren Bogle, looking for a crop he wouldnt need to sow each year, planted his initial 20 acres of vines 10 acres of Chenin Blanc and 10 acres of Petite Sirah.
He was the first to plant (grapes) in Clarksburg, says granddaughter Jody Bogle, director of public relations for Bogle Vineyards.
Today, Bogle Vineyards farms more than 1,600 acres of grapes with estate-owned vineyards throughout California. Although this is by no means a small operation, its a family business through and through. Grandchildren Ryan, Jody and Warren Bogle have their hands in all aspects of the business, from tasting room hospitality to vineyard management.
We are farmers at heart, says Bogle. We feel very blessed to get to do what we love every day.
That sense of family extends to the visitors experience. While I tasted a few current releases and futures (the estate was having a barrel-sampling event that day), my host, CC, toured me through the quaint tasting room. He pointed out photos of the Bogles dating back to those pre-grape-farming days and a topographic map illustrating the Clarksburg terroir.
The Bogle pioneering spirit seems to endure to this day with the few family-run wineries recently planting their roots in Clarksburg soil. Though small and virtually unrecognized by the dominant wine regions, Clarksburgs vintners see the potential of their surroundings. Their hard work in the vineyards and hospitality in the tasting room truly make Clarksburg a worthwhile wine-tasting travel destination.
Stacy Briscoe is editor and producer of The San Francisco Chronicles forthcoming wine web site, The Press. Email: travel@sfchronicle.com
A taste of Clarksburg
The Clarksburg AVA touches Yolo, Solano and Sacramento counties . Yolo Clarksburg is home to just a handful of stand-alone wineries, in addition to the Old Sugar Mill. While each celebrates this little piece of California terroir, these are a few of my favorites . Bonus point no reservations required.
Julietta Winery
Wine to try: 2015 Chenin Blanc ($24). Visiting Clarksburg means visiting one of the few California regions where Chenin Blanc still thrives. Julietta Winerys interpretation is a perfect balance of crisp acidity, subtle fruit aromas of apples and pears, and an almost creamy mouthfeel that gives the wine an enjoyable weight and body.
51221 Clarksburg Road, Clarksburg; (916) 744-9090. www.juliettawinery.com. Tasting room hours: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Fee: $5.
Miners Leap
Wine to try: 2014 Pinot Noir ($26). Miner will be proud to tell you that Clarksburg is a successful producer of Pinot Noir. The constant delta breeze keeps these thin-skinned grapes cool even in the summer sun. Those most familiar with Napa and Sonomas take on the varietal shouldnt miss out on Clarksburgs expression.
5420 South River Road, Clarksburg;(916) 882-1000. www.minersleap.com. Tasting room hours: Noon-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Fee: $5.
Bogle Winery
Wine to try: 2014 Reserve Petite Sirah ($24). Being one of the first grapes planted by the Bogles, Petite Sirah is considered Clarksburgs heritage grape. The 2014 vintage, sourced from the Bogles Sutter Ranch, is one that will take your palate on a journey, first bursting with jammy dark fruits, then toward a savory herbaceous mid-palate, finishing with plush tannins and lingering hints of cacao.
37783 County Road 144, Clarksburg; (916) 744-1092. www.boglewinery.com. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free.
Old Sugar Mill
Wines to try: Fourteen wineries have tasting rooms in the 1935 beet processing facility.
35265 Willow Ave., Clarksburg, (916) 744-1615, www.oldsugarmill.com . Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (tasting room hours vary).
Travel tip
There arent a lot of restaurants in this part of Yolo County, so be sure to pack a picnic and enjoy the beautiful setting in any one of these wineries. If youre in the mood for some local flavor, Shortys La Amistad Cafe, on the corner of Jefferson Boulevard and Clarksburg Road, is a long-standing community favorite for Mexican food.
36046 Jefferson Blvd., Clarksburg; (916) 744-1346. Open 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily.
1 Afghan bombing: A suicide car bomb targeted a checkpoint in Afghanistans southern Helmand province, killing at least six members of an intelligence unit, an Afghan official said Tuesday. Hayatullah Hayat, the governor of the province, said seven other members of the service were wounded in the attack, which took place late Monday near the provincial capital, Lashkar Gah. The Taliban claimed responsibility. The Taliban have stepped up attacks across Afghanistan since the U.S. and NATO formally concluded their combat mission at the end of 2014, leaving a smaller contingent of troops behind to focus on training and counterterrorism.
2 Baghdad attack: The Islamic State claimed responsibility for a car bombing in Baghdad that killed 27 people the previous day, shattering a relative lull in the Iraqi capital. The Sunni militant group said in an online statement posted on an Islamic State-affiliated website hours after the attack that a militant parked the explosive-laden car in the commercial area of Baghdads Shiite-dominated southwestern Amil neighborhood. Iraqi authorities on Tuesday raised the casualty figures to 27 dead and 45 wounded and said five people were still missing following Mondays attack.
PARIS In a break with French tradition, centrist presidential candidate Emmanuel Macron has created an inseparable team with his wife Brigitte, who is fierily campaigning by his side, a move more often seen on American political stages than in France.
The 39-year-old independent maverick is increasingly considered the front runner in Frances two-round April 23-May 7 presidential election. Polls suggest Macron could win over far-right leader Marine Le Pen, who is expected to score high after conservative candidate Francois Fillon lost ground amid corruption allegations.
Macron, a former French economy minister, is campaigning on pro-free market, pro-European views. And unlike many French politicians who prefer to keep their private life private, he is publicly appearing with his wife.
Brigitte Trogneux, 63, attends her husbands rallies and public events and Macron doesnt hide that she is also his close political adviser. She is his former high school theater teacher, 24 years his senior.
Frances potential next first lady recently joined Macron on a campaign stage, kissing him and thanking the crowd in a Paris theater.
If elected, she will then have this role, this place, Macron declared. Not behind, not hidden. ... She will be by my side.
Macron and Trogneux have the same difference in age as President Trump, 70, and his wife Melania, 46 but the rarity of a much younger husband has drawn lots of attention. Some observers say it may boost Macrons image as a modern, outspoken and unconventional new figure in the French politics.
Macron met Trogneux when he was 17 and she taught French literature in his high school in his hometown of Amiens. A married mother of three at the time, she ran the theater club that he belonged to. A few years later, she divorced and joined Macron in Paris, where he completed his studies at the National School of Administration, one of Frances most prestigious schools, in 2004.
In a video of their 2007 wedding, broadcast by French television, Macron thanked his wifes children for accepting him. He said they may not be a quite normal couple even if I dont like that adjective much but a couple that exists.
French gossip magazines scrutinize and generally praise Trogneuxs cutting-edge style, which includes miniskirts, jeans and leather trousers.
Sylvie Corbet is an Associated Press writer.
BEIRUT Air strikes and artillery fire shook Damascus on Tuesday as government forces tried to repel a second rebel attack on the Syrian capital in three days.
The military deployed tanks along the citys leafy Fares al-Khoury Avenue leading to the eastern Jobar and Qaboun neighborhoods, where opposition forces have been pinned for years, and the cracks of gunfire could be heard from Abbassin Square.
Government jets pounded the areas behind rebel lines, according to footage released by opposition factions, and fighters scrambled between rubble and burning buses to take up positions. Smoke clouded the skies.
Syrian state media said 15 people were wounded in rebel shelling across the capital. State-affiliated al-Ikhbariya TV said government forces had killed and wounded several terrorists and arrested several more.
A broad federation of insurgent factions renewed their assault on Damascus on Tuesday after their first attack launched Sunday stalled. That attack marked the most serious infiltration of the capital, seat of President Bashar Assads power, in years.
On Tuesday, the rebels detonated a car bomb in the eastern parts of the city before launching their attack. On Sunday, the al Qaeda-linked Levant Liberation Committee claimed responsibility for two car bomb explosions.
The campaign brought together a number of rival factions, including the Levant Liberation Committee, two ultraconservative factions Ahrar al-Sham and the Islam Army and the Free Syrian Army-affiliated Failaq al-Rahman.
Assads armed opponents are divided over strategy, with the al Qaeda-affiliated groups preaching a military approach, and others including the Islam Army agreeing to political discussions.
But the governments own intransigence ratcheting up military pressure against its opponents across the country despite peace talks in Europe and Asia appears to have brought the factions closer together.
Philip Issa is an Associated Press writer.
Energy Minister Judith Collins expects oil and gas exploration activity will return as margins start to improve.
She was launching the government's 2017 block offer for five offshore, two onshore, and one mix of on and offshore areas spanning 481,735 square kilometres, with bidders having until Sept. 6 to lodge their applications. The tender follows a particularly weak year in 2016 when there was just one successful bid, by Todd Corp, for a permit in the Taranaki Basin. That year there were four offshore and one onshore areas covering 525,515 sq km available in the tender.
"The global exploration and production industry is cyclical - the low number of permits granted in last year's block offer reflects a significant downturn in the sector," Collins said in a speech to a petroleum sector conference in New Plymouth. "However, activity in New Zealand and globally is expected to pick up as operator margins improve."
Domestic exploration has dwindled after last year's slump in global oil prices below US$30 a barrel made forays into remote parts of the world, such as New Zealand, less appealing for major international players. Since then prices have partially recovered, with Brent Crude recently at US$50.81 a barrel, although that is far below levels to make offshore or deepwater exploration attractive. Mining, which includes oil and gas exploration and extraction, accounts for about 1.4 percent of the economy and has shrunk 13 percent over the past two years.
Collins told the Petroleum Exploration and Production Association of New Zealand conference that the growing volume of merger and acquisition activity both locally and abroad bodes well for investment in the domestic sector, especially as the "frontier basins" in the broader Exclusive Economic Zone remain "largely underexplored".
The block offer announced today consists of offshore areas in Northland/Reinga, Pegasus/East Coast, Hawke Bay, Taranaki, and Great South/Canterbury, and onshore areas in Taranaki and Southland, plus a mix of off and onshore in Taranaki.
Collins said the Hawke Bay offer includes an area three nautical miles from shore to allow for more shallow-water acreage and known gas prospects in the region, while the onshore Southland Basin was included for the first time. Both were being offered at a time when the market favoured relatively cheap shallow-water and onshore exploration, she said.
Against this backdrop, Collins said some oil fields were nearing the end of their lives, and NZ Petroleum & Minerals is working with other government agencies to develop regulations for decommissioning.
NZX-listed New Zealand Oil & Gas recently sold its stake in the Tui oil field off Taranaki to Tamarind, an energy company backed by Blackstone Energy Partners, which specialises in end-of-life capability.
Collins said concerns raised by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment about liability for the failure of onshore wells led to a consultation on potential responses to the issue, and that officials are also looking at offshore financial assurance to ensure operators have appropriate insurance cover for the cost of a spill.
"We need to make sure the environment is protected, but I want to make sure that risk and cost are appropriately balanced," she said. "It's about balancing economic and environmental interests, while ensuring New Zealand remains a predictable and globally competitive investment destination.
BusinessDesk.co.nz
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Town 'keeper looking for his second cap against Scotland
This week Towns stopper Jayson Leutwiler travels to Scotland to meet up with the Canada squad ahead of their International Friendly with Scotland at Easter Road on Wednesday night.Leutwiler has been a key figure in Towns side for several seasons now and he was rewarded with a first call-up and International debut for Canada last year when he faced South Korea.Despite being born in Switzerland and representing them up to Under-20s the keeper decided to switch allegiances when he was called up by Canada last November.Its a very proud moment for myself and for my family, he said.I will go there and try to represent myself and the club as best as I can. Its a short journey so Im very happy to be honest.Its a mid-week game as well so I wont miss any games for Shrewsbury Im very happy that the short journey wont affect my recovery at all.The Scotland-Canada game comes on Wednesday 22 March after Towns clash with Port Vale and before the trip to Bolton the following weekend.Obviously you really hope to get in there but you never know. I was very happy and surprised when they emailed me so now Im just looking forward to it.Im going to go there and give everything and see what happens.Towns boss Paul Hurst also congratulated Leutwiler though admitted he is pleased that Towns No. 1 will not miss any games.My heart sank a little bit thinking about when it was going to be, but thankfully he can go there and not miss any games, he said.Its a good honour for Jayson and builds on when he went away and made his debut, so congratulations to him.Its come at a time in his career where he probably thought it would never happen, so hes making the most of it now and Im sure he would like to be involved as much as he can.
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NEW DELHI: India is hosting the 23rd Conference of Auditors General of Commonwealth nations and nine British overseas territories here, starting Tuesday, to discuss the role of technology in public audit.
The office of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) is hosting the conference which is scheduled to be held from March 21-23, the Finance Ministry said in a statement.
This is the first time that India is hosting the conference.
With the theme 'Fostering Partnerships for Capacity Development in Public Audit', the conference will discuss leveraging technology in public audit and environment audit, it said.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley will address the conference here on Wednesday.
The conference will see the participation of 52 Commonwealth countries besides the British overseas territories. About 80 delegates from 37 countries are expected to participate in it.
The auditing organisations in these countries come together every three years to discuss the major challenges before them. The last such conference was held in Malta in 2014.
The CAG heads the International Working Group on Information System Audits and provides technical assistance to various audit institutions of other countries.
On information technology and environment audits, the CAG has its own international training centres in Noida and Jaipur, respectively, where auditors from all over the world are trained in specialised aspects of public auditing.
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STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- The Joan and Alan Bernikow Jewish Community Center in Sea View held a forum Monday night to discuss a recent spate of crimes directed at the Jewish community in the borough and across the country.
Monday night's event was closed to the media, but president of the Council of Jewish Organizations of Staten Island, Mendy Mirocznik, spoke with the Advance before the event about the evening's subject matter.
"The borough has an ethnically diverse population, and we should not allow a few bad apples to disrupt our way of life," Mirocznik said.
He said the job of his organization is to bring the community closer together and strengthen its bond in uncertain times.
A Feb. 27 bomb threat was directed against the three JCCs on Staten Island, according to Advance reporting.
Ruth Lasser, a spokeswoman with the JCC, said a female employee at the Joan and Alan Bernikow JCC on Manor Rd. received a call from a person who seemed to be a man making a bomb threat.
The bomb threat was not specific to the Bernikow center, so police were called to all three locations, she said.
Also, in Janurary, a threatening sticker was left at the same JCC. The message on the sticker included the word "bomb," 1111 and a swastika, according to a source with knowledge of the investigation.
The Anti-Defamation League also received bomb threats March 7, a day when the mayor and police commissioner are meeting with local Jewish officials at the JCC on Staten Island to deal with the rising wave of Anti-Semitism.
Authorities said Juan Thompson, 31, was arrested in St. Louis on March 3 in connection to a series of threats made against Jewish centers across the country.
Thompson made at least eight threats against Jewish schools and community centers as part of a campaign to harass an ex-girlfriend, a federal criminal complaint alleges.
The threats to Staten Island JCCs were not specified in the complaint, and a law enforcement source said, at the time of Thompson's arrest, that the investigations into to those threats were still ongoing.
An NYPD official said that various organizations are working together to determine where each specific threat is coming from. He could not say if Thompson was connected to the Staten Island incidents.
Mirocznik would not say if Thompson had been connected to the bomb threats on Staten Island out of "courtesy" for the various law enforcement agencies working on the case, but believes officials are doing all they can to help.
"(They) are constantly calling to see what can be done," he said.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's never a good idea to pull a knife on a cop, as a Port Richmond man has learned.
Mesach Araujo-Rivas will be sentenced to a year in jail after recently pleading guilty to a felony weapon possession charge for thrusting a knife at a police officer through an NYPD patrol car window last fall in his community.
The incident occurred at about 1 a.m. on Sept. 24 of last year on Port Richmond Avenue near Harrison Avenue, said authorities.
Araujo-Rivas, then 35, approached the outside of the police car and removed a gravity knife from his pocket, a criminal complaint said.
He jabbed the knife through the rolled-down window toward the cop, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, said the complaint.
Officers wrestled the defendant to the ground, and he tried to resist arrest, police said.
Araujo-Rivas did not know his intended victim, said a police source.
No one was hurt.
Araujo-Rivas has pleaded guilty in state Supreme Court, St. George, to third degree criminal weapon possession.
In exchange, he'll be sentenced April 6 to one year behind bars.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- When you're comfortable with the whole world as your home, your living space is sometimes just made up of the simple necessities of life.
Such is the case with photographer and visual artist Mike Shane, who seems never to stop moving.
"I am almost always in motion," Shane admits.
If this Staten Island native is being still, he usually can be found sitting in his wooden grammar school chair, editing his work.
"Somehow all of these amazing experiences I document have to find their way to light," says Shane.
Although the room might seem disheveled, Mike knows where everything is as he swiftly moves through his bedroom/work space.
While he was away on his last trip to Myanmar in Southeast Asia, the FDNY came in to inspect the building and courtesy of them; there is a newly painted red pipe in his room.
"I think it's very cool," he says. "I'd like to thank them."
The apartment is shared with two roommates. All use a common living room, kitchen and bathroom. They get along well, Shane says, and the one who has a good eye for decor and is responsible for the excellent, eclectic interior design.
This red-brick, four-story building, built in 1894 on Monroe Ave., was first an industrial space. Over the years, it was reportedly a sewing machine factory and a brick factory. More recently it was converted into residential living space.
Shane's itinerary looks like this; New Orleans, New York, Myanmar, Bangkok, Myanmar, Paris, NY again, Washington D.C., back to NY -- and he just returned from New Orleans for Mardi Gras, where documented a friend's circus.
Future plans include Egypt and possibly Jordan.
Mike has lived here for about a year and a half, and says, so far, it's perfect for his non-stop lifestyle of capturing the world in pictures.
To see more of his work visit MikeShanePhotography.com.
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Grant Edwards could pull entire trains, planes and ships, but these were not the burdens that nearly killed him.
It was the weight of mental illness the AFP commander carried in denial for years.
AFP Commander Grant Edwards in Afghanistan in 2015, before his mental health began deteriorating.
To the outside world, he was the epitome of success. As a policeman he broke the world's biggest paedophile rings and busted large-scale drug trafficking; as an elite athlete he represented Australia in track and field and competed in the World's Strongest Man contest.
But these achievements seemed a world away as he sat on a patch of grass in an emotional heap, minutes before he was due to compete in the police sporting games.
When Brett Cunningham went to hug his children goodbye for school, his legs gave way and head hit the ground.
The veteran sergeant - who had spent 30 years with the Australian Federal Police - could no longer ignore the trauma suffered from decades of searching for dead bodies and chasing child sex offenders.
Brett Cunningham has been with ACT Policing for more than 20 years and has battled with PTSD for more than a decade. Credit:Rohan Thomson
"I had come back from a shift at the watch house and I just collapsed," he said.
"I looked into [my children's] eyes and they were like big dinner plates. I was crawling and groaning to get to the phone and say I'm not coming into work."
ACT Greens minister Shane Rattenbury has come under fire for his $7585 trip to Morocco and for delays in his directorate processing a freedom of information request which revealed the cost.
Community advocate David Johnston submitted a request to the environment directorate on December 15, but it was only answered on Monday, well outside the 30 days prescribed in legislation.
ACT Greens leader Shane Rattenbury. Credit:Rohan Thomson
The Commonwealth Ombudsman's office has confirmed it's investigating the delay.
The documents provided to Mr Johnston show the November trip to the United Nations climate change conference in Marrakesh cost ACT taxpayers $16,159 including the expense for senior public servant Stephen Bygrave.
A Queanbeyan woman accused of stashing a gun used in a fatal shooting in Canberra's north has pleaded not guilty.
Deanne Pikula, 26, was charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder in relation to the killing of Eden Waugh on November 3 last year.
Police remove a dead body from a block of flats in Windeyer street Watson. Credit:Karleen Minney
Police found Mr Waugh, 37, dead with a single gunshot wound to his chest when they were called to the Watson unit he shared with his partner shortly before 8pm.
No-one has yet been charged with his murder.
Gold Creek retailers opposed to a KFC restaurant being built at the shopping village say the development will "brand" the area as a fast-food precinct.
More than 1600 people signed a petition in protest of the fast-food restaurant planned for the corner of Curran Drive and O'Hanlon Place in Nicholls, which was tabled in the ACT Legislative Assembly on Tuesday morning.
Credit:KFC
Greens politician Caroline Le Couteur said she backed the petition on planning and health grounds.
"From a planning point of view, the Gold Creek shopkeepers are concerned that the proposed development is not in keeping with the character of the village, which is home to several heritage buildings," Ms Le Couteur said.
Apprentice cabinet maker Jawad Haidari loves the feel of timber beneath his hands. One of his proudest achievements is creating a beautiful coffee table for some mates.
But getting an apprenticeship was not smooth sailing for the 21-year-old Iranian refugee.
David Jackson, owner of Simplicity Kitchens, watches second-year apprentice in cabinet making Jawad Haidari in the workshop. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong
Now permanent humanitarian visa holders like Jawad can access ACT government-subsidised apprenticeships, traineeships and Skilled Capital qualifications, multicultural affairs minister Rachel Stephen-Smith announced last week.
The changes mean more refugees and asylum seekers in the ACT will have access to subsidised training in areas of skills shortages, Ms Stephen-Smith said.
The conversation on the phone that day moved from general chat, to talk about another former student, who had recently died. The student then asked the headmaster about a sexual abuse case at Marist College, which had been generating attention.
The headmaster, Richard Sidorko, had been the former student's boarding master at an interstate school in the 1980s, and they had come to know each other quite well during that time.
It was the morning of June 20, 2012, and the phone call, from a former Daramalan College student to the headmaster at Marist College Canberra, came out of the blue.
"He then said, 'you know, I've been abused too'," Mr Sidorko told the ACT Supreme Court on Tuesday, at the trial of the student's alleged abuser. "My response was surprised, but not surprised.
"My biggest fear was that he had been abused at [the interstate school], and when I was there. He then said to me, 'no it was when I was at Daramalan'. He said it didn't happen at school, but it was a teacher who was a friend of the family."
The student's alleged abuser, Peter Cuzner, 61, has faced trial in the ACT Supreme Court this week on two counts of indecently assaulting the boy when he was in year 9, aged 13 or 14.
Prosecutors contend that twice in the 1980s, Mr Cuzner had touched the boy's groin while purporting to look for a pulse.
Mr Sidorko told the court that, as there had been a number of alleged incidents while he was headmaster at Marist, he went through the options with the former student on that phone call.
Come Thursday a royal commission or commission of inquiry into the scandal-ridden banking sector will be a genuine live issue in the Federal Parliament.
From that point, the sword of Damocles will dangle precariously over Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull's head, waiting for the right moment to fall.
All it will take is one more Coalition MP in the lower house to cross the floor. Tick-tock, tick-tock.
The clock was set on Tuesday when a bill was tabled in the Senate with the backing of a majority of the upper house.
Rag trade billionaire, Solomon Lew, was in top form on the Premier Investments conference call spruiking its half-year results.
Sol and his top lieutenant, Mark McInnes, were asked if there was any truth to reports Just Group executive director, Colette Garnsey, was leaving to head up Woolworths basket case, Big W.
"We don't comment on fake news," said Sol channelling his inner Donald Trump.
Presumably Sol puts the endless reporting of Amazon's imminent arrival in the same category.
Respected Federal Court judge Jonathan Beach has dismissed concerns about the "Americanisation" of Australia's class action system but says challenges remain for the sector.
Justice Beach told Fairfax Media ahead of the Maurice Blackburn class action symposium in Melbourne on Wednesday that both plaintiff and defendant law firms saw advantages in the current class action regime.
Before joining the bench, Justice Beach had acted in scores of major cases, including representing a defendant in the Kilmore East bushfire class action, Singapore's SPI Electricity, a subsidiary of SP Ausnet.
The judge has since presided over a number of major cases. He is currently hearing the Australian Securities and Investments Commission's highly complex bank bill swap rate actions against Westpac, National Australia Bank, and ANZ.
The next stage of a major gas project in Queensland's Surat Basin has been hailed as a win-win for gas supply and jobs in the region.
The Ruby Project, a joint venture between QGC and Shell, is set to drill 161 new gas wells in the region, starting later this year.
QRC chief Ian MacFarlane welcomed the deal, saying supply issues for gas federally would be partially offset by the new wells. Credit:Louie Douvis
Queensland Natural Resources Minister Anthony Lynham said the project would have major benefits.
"This is wonderful news, especially because it's 350 new jobs in an area that desperately needs 350 new jobs," Dr Lynham said.
Premier Investments has foreshadowed more store closures as it warns landlords that the high rents in the apparel sector must come down to reflect the challenges weighing on this retail segment.
The Solomon Lew-controlled retailer owns the highly successful children's stationery chain Smiggle and Peter Alexander as well as a clutch of mid-market apparel brands, including Jacqui E and Portmans.
Premier Investments, which owns Portmans, says rents must come down to reflect the challenges weighing on the sector. Credit:Dean Sewell
Four of Premier's apparel brands reported negative growth in total sales during the first half, and chief executive Mark McInnes said the collapse of Marcs and David Lawrence had a material impact on the value of some of that rental real estate.
He said the space those fashion brands were vacating was worth "far less than it once was".
Billionaire retailer Gerry Harvey said his wife's decision to sell a parcel of her Harvey Norman shares last week was about covering a tax bill and had nothing to do with Monday's share price rout.
Katie Page, who is also Harvey Norman's chief executive, sold about 210,000 shares on March 14, just days before Mr Harvey jumped into the market to secure 2 million Harvey Norman shares in a bid to support the sagging share price.
Gerry Harvey says his wife Katie Page, Harvey Norman's CEO, sold shares in the company last week to cover a tax bill.
Mr Harvey initially dismissed questions over Ms Page's share sell-down as too "stupid", given she still holds about 14 million shares.
However, he then explained Ms Page sold the shares to pay a tax bill on an options allocation.
Fair Work Commission President Iain Ross said the minimum wage panel may have adopted an "overly cautious" approach to minimum wage increases in the past. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Mr Watson said during the global financial crisis, youth unemployment rose in Australia. "But it didn't go down after the end of the GFC as it did in other countries. It stayed at quite a high level," he said. "I think the level of the safety net that applies in a proscriptive way in entry level employment must be a factor in that." Commission dysfunctional
A former partner at law firm Freehills, Mr Watson was the last remaining Coalition appointee in a senior role at the commission and a strong dissenter in favour of business. He declared the Fair Work Commission was "partisan, dysfunctional and divided" when he announced his resignation from the Fair Work Commission in January. He and another former commissioner Michael Roberts had agreed there was a need to review Sunday penalty rates for restaurants. But he said the commission majority had not agreed. The controversial changes that were proposed in a landmark commission decision last month were more "modest" than he had suggested. "In the restaurants case Michael Roberts and I said that there was a need to review the appropriateness of penalty rates in contemporary society and that balancing of considerations such as employment opportunities," he said. Mr Watson said his analysis of full bench decisions from 2013 to July 2015 found that the presidential members most frequently allocated to the most important decisions had a union background as opposed to a business background.
"The practice of favouring some members and marginalising others in full bench allocations, similar to the NSW commission A and B team approach is well known to close observers of Fair Work Commission practice," he said. "However, the practices are heavily camouflaged and difficult to expose. It is very easy, for example, to allocate members to insignificant Full Bench matters and create the appearance of equal treatment." Mr Ross was contacted for comment. Aerocare justified In response to a question about his decision in favour of an enterprise agreement which allowed Australian aviation services company Aerocare to split shifts for aviation workers, Mr Watson said he had considered the workers were better off overall.
In his decision of 2013, Mr Watson said the minimum three-hour shifts under the Aerocare enterprise agreement was a "disadvantage" to workers compared to the minimum four-hour shifts required under the Award. "I do not believe that a three-hour work period followed by a subsequent one-hour unpaid meal break is consistent with the award requirement that employers roster part-time employees for a minimum of four consecutive hours on any shift or the minimum payment of four hours for casuals," he said. "I propose to consider this change as a detriment to both part-time and casual employees." However, considering all the circumstances, Mr Watson said he was satisfied the advantages within the enterprise agreement outweighed the disadvantages. On Tuesday, Mr Watson said the better off overall test requires a finding that no employee is worse off overall compared with the terms of the relevant Award.
Coles failed "There could well be some detriments in certain respects but there could also be benefits in other respects and you need to make an assessment on an overall basis," he said. "Many agreements in retail, fast food and similar industries are designed to soften the impact of award provisions in retail for example, to flatten penalties across the week rather than have them in peaks on weekends. "Those sorts of agreements need to be scrutinised very closely and an assessment needs to be made of the overall impact on every group of employees affected by it. And that was the basis for my approval of that agreement. "The company engaged senior counsel and extensive material to demonstrate that all employees were better off overall even though in some respects there were some detriments compared to the Award."
It's fair to say that Australian politics isn't exactly a fount of good news at the moment. As a nation we're lagging sorely behind on climate action, we're still locking up innocent people in offshore camps for no good reason and Pauline Hanson is dishing out medical advice.
Things have gotten so bad that even Jeff Kennett has endorsed the decriminalisation of marijuana and ecstasy, presumably so that we can momentarily take our minds off this stressful chaos and just chill out whilst listening to Mogwai.
Tom Ballard: I'm proud to have played my small part in rectifying this outdated relic of a less-enlightened era. Credit:Pat Scala
In such dispiriting times, it's important to celebrate the little victories: those small but vital moments when our elected officials actually get around to doing the right thing. So let us celebrate what happened this week in the Queensland parliament: the government finally finally abolished the "gay panic" defence from Queensland law.
"Gay panic" is not a medical condition or the name of a drag queen. It's an actual legal defence for murder that until now could be found on the state's books. The defence gave credence to the idea that if a victim was found to have made a homosexual advance on their murderer, the killer's ensuing "gay panic" could go some way in justifying their actions and the charge could be downgraded to manslaughter. This arcane piece of bigotry sent a clear, odious message: gay people are gross and if a gay man is going to be so gross as to come on to you, it's somewhat understandable that you'd kill him.
Few among us are immune to the allure of the pill or potion that promises to make us stronger, smarter, leaner or more focused. And who wouldn't want to be spared the affliction of this or that ailment and the indignities that come with advancing age? Calcium for healthy bones, magnesium for muscle cramps, glucosamine for arthritis, fish oil to head off heart disease, multivitamins for everything: the brightly coloured bottles multiplying on the shelves of our pharmacies and supermarkets seem to offer, at the very least, an insurance policy in case the doctors' ministrations aren't enough.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration is looking to reform the complementary medicine industry. Credit:Jennifer Soo
A National Prescribing Survey found 89 per cent of Australian consumers regularly or occasionally use complementary medicines. We spend $3.5 billion on them every year. It's a highly profitable industry as well as a promising one in two senses of the word: it promises much for its products, and has great profit potential especially in developing markets.
That's why we should all be concerned at the sustained push by the complementary medicine industry for advertising self-regulation. The vitamin and supplement giant Swisse has asked to be liberated from federal government oversight of its advertising claims. When promoting its products, it wants to be spared the scrutiny of the Therapeutic Goods Administration and be subject instead to an industry-funded self-regulation system administered by the Advertising Standards Bureau.
Yet after hearing Sean Spicer's excuse for Trump's (not so) micro-aggression, I realised why the feeling was so raw this kind of slight had happened to my friends and me multiple times. Not so much the handshake situation (though many of my female friends in the corporate sector have experienced this kind of overt snub), but the lack of eye contact.
I shrugged it off as another example of Trump's man-baby behaviour, an eye-roll inducing event that should just be ignored and chalked up to his special brand of petulance. Yet days later, I couldn't help but notice that the snub still smarted. My thoughts would catch on the uncomfortable clip like a hangnail rubbing against thick clothing. The feeling was sharp and snapped me out of whatever task was at hand. It was as if Trump had refused to shake my hand and I was still burning with shame and rage.
I scrolled through the article looking for an explanation, but was disappointed. Apparently the White House photo op was awkward for the simple fact that, despite significant precedent, Trump didn't see fit to shake this particular world leader's hand.
When I saw the footage of Donald Trump failing to shake Angela Merkel's hand , my stomach lurched. Trump actively avoided eye contact with the Chancellor of Germany while reporters and Merkel herself requested a handshake.
President Donald Trump had an awkward meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. Credit:AP
If this hasn't happened to you before, imagine walking into a room of your peers and seniors, sitting down then finding that for the next hour and a half, you are completely and utterly invisible. It's a surreal sensation. Now add to this mix being interrupted mid-sentence, not being invited to subsequent discussions about your project, and getting cut out of email chains then criticised for not responding to aforementioned email chains.
I wish I could tell you this is emblematic of one toxic workplace, a bad apple in the wider working world. However, the more women - especially women of colour - I talk to, the more common the experience seems to be. Lack of eye contact, relaying of information to male colleagues and not female, and being talked over are sadly common occurrences, whether you're in advertising, architecture or the air force. Exclusion is as pervasive and often just as demoralising as overt sexism.
That's why snubs of female leaders sting so much. It is a difficult reminder that we don't live in a meritocracy, that even if you hold the top position, you're not guaranteed to get the same respect that your male counterpart might.
So what to do with this frustration? Give up? Retweet a Merkel-based meme? After the meeting where I was apparently invisible, I told two of the five men who had been in the room how rubbish it felt to have had no eye contact the whole time. My peer hadn't noticed, but acknowledged that must feel strange. I assumed he'd missed my point. However, in a follow-up meeting, armed with the knowledge of this exclusion, the same peer called out the behaviour as he saw it happening, creating an environment where it was impossible for me to be treated as lesser than. The other colleague I told was much more senior and surprised me by apologising. He had no idea he'd been doing it and seemed genuinely embarrassed by the oversight.
CK STEAD Karl Stead is an award-winning novelist, literary critic, poet, essayist and emeritus professor of English of the University of Auckland. He is the New Zealand Poet Laureate, has won the Prime Minister's Award for Literature, and is a Member of the Order of New Zealand. His new book, The Name of the Door Is Not Mine (Allen & Unwin), is a collection of short stories new and old. Author C.K. Stead. Credit:Francesco Guidicini COLLECTED POEMS
Rupert Brooke This collection, first read at the age of 14, taught me the rudiments of poetic form, and how poems could be personal, romantic, "adolescent" (I would say now not then) and not too demanding on author or reader. That started me writing poetry. It was only a short step and two or three years before I had graduated to John Donne's witty logic, and Gerard Manley Hopkins' opulent density of language.
THE GREAT GATSBY
F. Scott Fitzgerald I was 18 when I read The Great Gatsby and was fired by its romantic quality and the way its clear, sharp prose went close to poetry without interrupting narrative flow or impeding narrative complexities. Characters are brilliantly delineated; and there is something eternally human about Gatsby's yearning for Daisy's "green light" across the water. But it is one of those rare books which reach beyond character and action and become signifiers of an age, the 1920s. CONJUGAL LOVE
Alberto Moravia In my early 20s I discovered this novel, selected probably for its salacious title, but which taught me something quite new, how meta-fiction the novel which, while telling its story, discusses itself and how it came about can be compelling and intellectually satisfying. It also demonstrated (as did all of Moravia's fiction) how "I see" in the sense of apprehend, and in the sense of comprehend, can merge a very Italian quality. DOG YEARS
Gunter Grass
It's not every day that Cory Bernardi and Amnesty International are on the same page.
But the conservative senator and the human rights organisation have both flagged major concerns about the Turnbull government's plans to ratify an extradition treaty with China.
Ten years after the Howard government signed the extradition treaty, and days before Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visits Australia to discuss the legal agreement, the senator and the human rights group have questioned the protections in place to stop the death penalty being implemented for serious crimes. China executes more people than any other nation.
The treaty was quietly tabled on March 2, is on track to be ratified by July, and will facilitate each of the nations returning an accused criminal to the other to face trial.
The Turnbull government's proposed changes to Australia's race-hate laws risk opening the floodgates on racism and creating legal confusion, ethnic and cultural groups have warned.
Race discrimination commissioner Tim Soutphommasane led the charge against the "extremely disappointing" changes, which he said would signal that racism was socially acceptable.
"I still don't understand what it is that people want to say that they currently are not already allowed to say," he told Fairfax Media. "It signals to people that it's acceptable to racially offend, insult, and humiliate others."
Dr Soutphommasane said the deletion of "insult", "offend" and "humiliate" and the introduction of a new term, "harass", would create confusion and lead to "more litigation, not less" because it would render irrelevant 20 years of case law.
Internet behemoth Google has been called in to scrub federal politicians' private mobile numbers from the internet after a bumbling government department published them on its website.
The Department of Parliamentary Services took down the offending pages from the Parliament House website on Monday after being alerted by Fairfax Media to the privacy and security breach.
But the department quickly found the numbers were still accessible through a backdoor known as Google cache, so it scrambled to enlist the US-based company's help to purge the information.
"Following representations by the Department of Parliamentary Services to Google, Google has now deleted cached documents from their network," a departmental spokeswoman confirmed on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has called ethnic and community leaders to try to contain a growing backlash against sweeping changes to Australia's race-hate laws, while terrorism experts have warned they could play into the hands of violent extremists.
Mr Turnbull on Tuesday said the laws had lost credibility and that fixing them would require the removal of legal prohibitions on people's right to "offend, insult or humiliate", contained in section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, while making it illegal to "harass" or "intimidate" a person.
According to people familiar with the phone calls, Mr Turnbull explained why his government had proposed the changes, its commitment to multiculturalism in Australia, its support for strong laws prohibiting vilification and the need to strengthen freedom of speech protections.
But a broad array of ethnic groups, united under the banner of the Coalition to Advance Multiculturalism, released a letter condemning the changes as "utterly shameful and at odds with the principles of multicultural Australia".
Immigration Minister Peter Dutton - who last week lambasted corporate leaders for publicly supporting marriage equality - has been working behind the scenes to help Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull find a path to legalise same-sex marriage in this term of Parliament.
Mr Dutton, one of the government's leading conservatives, told colleagues following the defeat of the plebiscite in the Senate last year that the issue would be an ongoing distraction unless it was dealt with before the next election.
Fairfax Media can also reveal he said privately it was inevitable that same-sex marriage would become law in Australia so it would be better for the Coalition, rather than Labor, to control the process. This would ensure there would be maximum protections for religious freedom in any legislation.
The forcefulness of Mr Dutton's attack on corporate chief executives last week - in which he told them to "stick to their knitting" - has aroused suspicion among some colleagues who believed he was committed to achieving a breakthrough on the issue. Mr Dutton's actions are increasingly viewed through a leadership prism given he has been touted as a potential replacement for Mr Turnbull if the polls don't improve.
Australia is not pursuing negotiations with any other countries for the resettlement of refugees on Nauru and Manus Island, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection has revealed.
Fronting a Senate inquiry on Monday night, department secretary Mike Pezzullo said no other agreements were being negotiated - despite previous hints that talks with third countries were underway.
"Not at present, no. There is no government direction to sanction such negotiations at the moment," he said.
Mr Pezzullo later drew a distinction between "conversations", "discussions" and "negotiations" the department might have had with other countries in the past two years, and elected to answer the question on notice.
1. UK ban
Not for the first time the nature of international travel is changing dramatically because of the threat of radical Islamic terrorism.
For many, gone are the days of watching your movies on your tablet or laptop, finishing that speech, writing that presentation or editing that scuba diving video with the changes announced today.
Critics of Prime Minister Theresa May say she's too chummy with the US President. Credit:AP
The United Kingdom is following in the footsteps of the United States in banning laptops and any devices larger than a phone from the cabin hold for inbound flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia.
In papers obtained by People , Melanie "Mel B" Brown, asked for joint legal and physical custody of Madison. The couple's date of separation is listed as December 28.
The Spice Girl married Hollywood producer Stephen Belafonte after a five-month whirlwind romance in 2007. They have one daughter, Madison Brown Belafonte, five.
Mel B has filed for divorce from her husband of 10 years.
The family lived in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs during Brown's role as a judge on the X Factor and a co-host of the 2012 season of Dancing with the Stars.
They returned to the US in 2013, with Brown travelling to Australia to act as a judge on The Voice Kids in 2014.
In addition to Madison, Brown has two daughters, nine-year-old Angel Iris Murphy Brown (from her 2006 relationship with actor Eddie Murphy) and Phoenix Chi Gulzar, 17. Belafonte has one daughter, Giselle Belafonte, 12.
Last month, Brown posted a photo of the couple on Instagram, accompanied by a loved-up caption.
"We have been through everything that would normally tear couples apart and we have come out on the other side stronger. You loved me before I even [knew] how to really love myself. You are my world, honey," she wrote, adding "and let's not forget you are abit [sic] of a dickhead too."
A school in New Zealand is doing away with boys and girls uniforms, instead letting their students wear whatever items they like.
Students at Dunedin North Intermediate have five options which they can pick from regardless of their gender: trousers, skirts, kilts, culottes, and shorts.
A growing number of Kiwi schools are opening up uniform choices to their students, regardless of gender. Credit:Stocksy
Principal Heidi Hayward said the change was a practical way to value diversity.
"This isn't about doing something radical, it's about giving kids some choice and valuing diversity. It's about saying to kids 'you're here to learn and we want you to be comfortable'."
CCTV of a chaotic and deadly gunfight that spurred a series of tit-for-tat shootings in Sydney allegedly shows underworld figure Mahmoud "Brownie" Ahmad as the one who fired the fatal bullets.
After almost a year spent in Lebanon, a tracksuit-clad Ahmad stepped off a flight at Sydney International Airport on Monday night and into handcuffs.
Homicide detectives were waiting for the bulky character after receiving a tip-off about his long-speculated arrival.
It has been a major breakthrough for police, who are investigating five shootings potentially linked to the same dispute between well-known families in Sydney's south-west.
A 15-year-old private schoolboy has been charged with the aggravated sexual assault of a teenage girl at a party in Sydney's eastern suburbs this month.
Detectives charged the former Cranbrook School student on Tuesday, following the alleged assault at the party in Bellevue Hill on March 4.
Police will allege in court that the 15-year-old girl, who also attends a Sydney private school, was unconscious when the boy sexually assaulted her.
The boy's friend, also aged 15, allegedly filmed the assault on a mobile phone.
The grandmother of a six-year-old diabetic boy who died after being deprived of insulin and food in a Sydney "self-healing" course has been charged with manslaughter.
The 64-year-old woman, arrested on Tuesday, has become the third member of the same family arrested over the death.
Hongchi Xiao, the Chinese "healer" who ran the course during which the boy was allegedly made to fast.
Police last week charged the boy's father, 56, and mother, 41, with manslaughter after arresting them at their home in Prospect in Sydney's west.
The year 1 student, who cannot be named as an alleged victim of crime, attended the Tasly Healthpac medical centre in Hurstville in April 2015 for a week-long course with his parents.
The devastated friends of an international student swept into the ocean at a beach in Newcastle have given up hope the 23-year-old will be found alive.
The air and water search for the Pakistani national was suspended for the third day in a row on Tuesday evening with no sign of the missing man.
Mohsin Awan and fellow Pakistani student Mohsin Javed, also 23, were on a rock face near Nobbys Beach on Sunday evening when they were hit by a swell and dragged into the water.
Mr Javed managed to hold onto the rocks as local bystanders jumped in to help and pull him back to safety.
Police minister Troy Grant has been fined $325 for taking a photo of a sheep with his mobile phone while he was behind the wheel of his car.
Mr Grant was driving on the Newell Highway in rural NSW on Saturday when he stopped for road works and snapped the picture of a ewe, which was in the boot of the car ahead of him.
Police minister Troy Grant has been fined for using his phone behind the wheel of his car. Credit:Sylvia Liber
He later posted it to Twitter.
"Heading home on the Newell stopped at upgrade works and then saw this. A ewe in the back out on a Saturday drive!" he wrote.
A man suspected of embarking on a crime spree, including a random triple stabbing at a Sydney gym, has been been arrested following a tense 17-hour stand-off with police on the roof of a Newcastle townhouse.
Ricky Kincheila was taken into custody in dramatic scenes about 4.45am on Wednesday, after spending the night and much of the previous day perched on the roof of the townhouse in Tighes Hill, a north-western suburb of Newcastle.
At one point during the night, a tactical police officer was shown pointing a gun at the shirtless 27-year-old, who stood just metres away appearing calm and looking from side to side.
Detective Acting Inspector Jeff Little said early on Wednesday morning that police moved in to make the arrest after a "long night".
A Sydney man has been awarded $3000 for being stopped by police for four minutes at Liverpool train station, after a court ruled this amounted to false imprisonment.
Sam Le, 24, was approached by two police officers in January last year and asked to produce his Opal card and pensioner concession card, along with photo identification.
One of the officers told the District Court he suspected Mr Le may have stolen the concession card because he appeared "young and fit" and was "evasive" when asked to hand over his Opal card.
In an exchange captured by Mr Le on his mobile phone, the officer called him a "smart arse" and asked if he "had a problem listening".
A crocodile believed to have killed a spear fisherman south of Cairns has been put down.
The four-metre croc was found about 10pm Tuesday at the mouth of the Russell River, just south of where 35-year-old Warren Hughes went missing.
A crocodile has been euthanised following the death of spear fisherman Warren Hughes. Credit:iStock
Environment Minister Steven Miles said wildlife officers were confident the crocodile was the reptile they were targeting, which was earlier spotted on Monday night.
"They located it but it submerged and stayed out of sight," he said.
New laws to deter killers from hiding or moving the bodies of their victims to cover up their crimes have passed in Queensland.
The Criminal Code has been changed to increase the penalty for the offence of misconduct with regard to corpses from a maximum of two years to five years, where a person improperly or indecently interferes with, or offers any indignity to, a body or human remains.
Increased penalties for misconduct with a corpse have passed in Queensland Parliament. Credit:Glenn Hunt
It will also make the charge a serious violent offence, meaning perpetrators will have to serve 80 per cent of their sentence before becoming eligible for parole if the cumulative sentences are more than 10 years.
The amendment was passed on Tuesday night as part of the Criminal Law Amendment Bill, otherwise known as the bill to scrap the gay panic defence.
An electric car dealership has been given the green light to open a showroom alongside Brisbane's inner-city luxury car dealers.
At Tuesday's Brisbane City Council City Planning committee a development application for a Tesla showroom at 1058 and 1062 Ann St, Fortitude Valley, was discussed.
Brisbane City Council has approved Brisbane's first Tesla showroom Credit:Dominic Tripolone
The showroom, proposed to take the place of Video Pro at the Homemaker Centre, would have a sales room and electric vehicle service centre.
A council officer said the proposal only included minor demolition works, limited to an outside facade.
Funnel-web spider venom may one day be used to save the lives of stroke patients, new research shows.
A peptide found inside the venom of the Fraser Island funnel-web spider has been found to slow the death of brain cells in rats after they suffer an induced stroke.
If successfully developed for clinical use, researchers hope it will complement current stroke treatment.
"We believe that we have, for the first time, found a way to minimise the effects of brain damage after a stroke," Glenn King from the University of Queensland Institute for Molecular Bioscience told AAP.
Stephen Hawking says he no longer feels welcome in the United States, now that President Donald Trump is in power.
The renowned scientist and theoretical physicist spoke on Monday on ITV's Good Morning Britain about his views on artificial intelligence, climate change and Trump - whom he once called a demagogue.
"The reaction to the election of Donald Trump may have been overdone, but it represents a definite swing to a right-wing, more authoritarian approach," Hawking said about the negative response to Trump's election.
Of the United States, he said: "I have many friends and colleagues there, and it is still a place I like and admire in many ways. But I fear that I may not be welcome."
A hit-run driver jailed for almost a decade for killing a teenager and seriously injuring another nearly hit two other people in similar circumstances the previous night.
Steven Vasilevski's appalling driving and complete disregard for others over 28 hours was detailed in the County Court on Tuesday, after which judge Carolyn Douglas jailed the 35-year-old for nine years and seven months.
It also emerged Vasilevski was arrested twice for driving offences in the hours before the fatal crash, but that police were powerless to keep him in custody despite the appearance he was drug-affected. He was released on both occasions, only to offend again.
On the night of Australia Day 2015, Vasilevski crashed into a stationary car in Deer Park and failed to stop amid a block of erratic driving, which included him twice falling asleep at the wheel and then waking to resume driving.
Don Nardella and Telmo Languiller must leave parliament.
They must quit, or be forced out, for the sake of the Andrews government, for the sake of public trust in politicians, and for the sake of common sense.
An audit has found what many in Parliament suspected: a) former speaker Languiller spent little time in Queenscliff to justify a second residence allowance and b) Nardella was stretching the truth, auditor's called it "opportunistic" when it came to living in Ocean Grove, well away from his Melton seat.
Both men have had issues in their personal lives but to bill taxpayers to spend time on the popular Bellarine Peninsula does not pass what the internal auditors call a "reasonable person test".
Former deputy speaker Don Nardella lived with family in Ocean Grove in an "opportunistic" arrangement so he could keep claiming a residency allowance designed for country MPs.
And former speaker Telmo Languiller did not stay in Queenscliff long enough for it to be considered a principal place of residence, an audit of his $37,800 entitlement claim for living on the Bellarine Peninsula has found.
The audit also revealed that Mr Nardella has been claiming the allowance since 2010 when he lived in a Ballarat suburb, away from his Melton seat.
This would have allowed Mr Nardella to pocket about $200,000 over the seven year period while living in Ballarat and Ocean Grove.
A tram driver was injured after an abusive passenger smashed the protective glass window with an iron object.
Police are hunting for the offender, who they say delayed a citybound tram on Sydney Road in North Coburg, about 7.30am on March 9, by standing in the doorway and smoking a cigarette.
Once he boarded, the man began swearing and disturbing other passengers.
The man then slid open the side window to the driver's compartment, and yelled at the driver, before he hit the glass with an iron object, smashing the glass and causing it to shatter on the tram driver.
But in his opening testimony, FBI Director James Comey announced that a criminal investigation into possible links between Russia and the Trump campaign was indeed active and on-going:
Washington: With the House Intelligence Committee prepared to hold hearings on Russian influence in the 2016 presidential election, the president issued a series of tweets that did not hold up well as the testimony unfolded.
"I have been authorised by the Department of Justice to confirm that the FBI, as part of our counterintelligence mission, is investigating the Russian government's efforts to interfere in the 2016 presidential election and that includes investigating the nature of any links between individuals associated with the Trump campaign and the Russian government and whether there was any coordination between the campaign and Russia's efforts. As with any counterintelligence investigation, this will also include an assessment of whether any crimes were committed."
In an unusual declassified report released in January, the CIA, FBI and National Security Agency had previously announced that they had "high confidence" that "Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered an influence campaign in 2016 aimed at the US presidential election" and that "Putin and the Russian Government developed a clear preference for President-elect Trump."
President Donald Trump took to Twitter as the testimony unfolded. Credit:AP
Comey's statement was the first official confirmation that activities of people associated with the Trump campaign were also being investigated.
Moreover, Comey firmly rejected Trump's tweeted claim on March 4 that former President Barack Obama had ordered wiretaps of him in the Trump Tower. "I have no information that supports those tweets and we have looked carefully inside the FBI," Comey said. "The Department of Justice has asked me to share with you that the answer is the same for the Department of Justice and all its components. The department has no information that supports those tweets."
Ivanka Trump could start with the nation's childcare system, the issue she persuaded her father to tackle during the campaign. Or boosting women in the business world - she has already discussed that with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
The public might never know what, exactly, Ivanka is doing in the White House. She is moving into a West Wing office and serving as an informal adviser to her father. But she is not necessarily bound by federal ethics regulations, though she has said she will "voluntarily" follow them.
Ivanka, 35, is reportedly receiving a security clearance, granting her access to sensitive information. She hasn't had to pass a background check, like many other West Wing employees do, and she doesn't have to answer to anyone beyond her immediate family.
Though Ivanka has technically stepped down from her companies, her attorney told Politico that she is handing control of her assets to her relatives: brother-in-law, Josh Kushner, and sister-in-law, Nicole Meyer. With Ivanka's husband, Jared Kushner, already working as a White House senior advisor, the Trump administration has become a thoroughly family affair.
MD credits employees for success of company
PHILIPSBURG:--- Managing Director of the Motorworld Group Tariq Amjad has expressed strong optimism that the companys staff development initiatives are bearing fruit and believes that, in 2017, the performance of the various departments will exceed the productivity for last year.
We already had a very good year in 2016 and in the preceding years, and the fact that we are expecting, even more, growth and expansion this year could only bode well for our plans in the next five years and beyond, said Mr Amjad.
With a number of staff members sent on overseas training programmes in recent months, Mr Amjad said the company remains committed to ensuring that key personnel remain on the cutting edge of the latest trends in knowledge, information and technology, particularly with regard to their various areas of work.
Further illustrating the companys proud stance on staff development initiatives, Mr Amjad went on to give a number of recent examples of overseas training programmes which staff have been attending.
At Motorworld, in October 2016, Technicians Daniel Kartokromo and Francis Duzong attended sessions at the Honda Training Centre in Miami, South Florida where they were trained in brake systems, engines, electrical fundamentals, electrical diagnosis, pre-delivery inspections and general use of tools.
Also at Motorworld, in January 2017, Workshop Manager and Master Technician Ivmaral Carrilho participated in an intensive programme at the Hyundai Training Academy in Miami, Florida, focusing on the operations and diagnosis of multi-point injectors (MPI) and gasoline direct injection (GDI) engines, which are used by Hyundai in the Caribbean region.
This was quickly followed by Caribbean Auto Head Master Technician Jason St. Louis, who participated in a Ford Electrical Diagnosis and Repair Training Programme in San Juan, Puerto Rico in January this year, where he was trained in areas such as electrical diagnosis and repair and the importance of fixing problems right the first time in a workshop.
More recently, earlier this month, Garage Foreman at Caribbean Auto Jovannie Stapleton benefitted from a comprehensive training workshop on the new Audi R8 in Davie, Florida. Topics covered included the vehicles dual injection system and 10-cylinder petrol engine, quattro drive, suspension, air conditioning and refrigerant circuit, features of the Modular Infotainment Platform, electrical power supply structure, energy management, exterior lighting and light functions, and virtual cockpit
Further, as part of part of Volkswagen training, Mechanics and Service Advisors are given individual targets and goals to achieve. We are proud to say that they are all self-motivated to complete the training while at home, said Mr Amjad.
The Managing Director added that there is also a strong emphasis on in-house training, as part of which managers are required to monitor how well staff members under their respective supervision are performing in the various programmes the company is making available, and for which funding is being provided.
The fact remains that our human resources are our most critical and valuable asset, hence we are making substantial investments, financially and otherwise, in the overall development of the very people who make us successful, noted Mr Amjad.
This philosophy has guided our operations for some time now and we dont intend to change it, he said.
PHILIPSBURG, Sint Maarten The Central Committee will meet in a session on March 21, 2017.
The Central Committee meeting has been set for Tuesday, March 21 at 14.00 hrs. in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda point is:
Approval Decision Lists Central Committee meetings Parliament Year 2015-2016 no. 01, 02, 03, 04, 05, 07, 08, 09, 11, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, and 27.
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The House of Parliament will sit in a plenary public session on March 21, 2017. The Minister of General Affairs will be present.
The plenary public meeting has been set for Tuesday at 3.00 pm in the General Assembly Chamber of the House at Wilhelminastraat #1 in Philipsburg.
The agenda points are:
1. Incoming documents
2. Draft National ordinance amending the National ordinance on identity cards in connection with the introduction of an identity card for privileged (IS / 577 / 2015-2016 dated March 9, 2016) (ZJ 2015-2016-087)
3. Draft National ordinance amending the Sanctions National ordinance to implement recommendation 6 of the Financial Action Task Force without delay to implement the restrictive measures and some technical legal adjustments (IS / 354 / 2016-2017 dated January 3, 2017) (ZJ 2016-2017-099 )
4. Draft National ordinance amending the National ordinance on material civil service law to protect the status of public servants (IS / 974 / 2015-2016 dated July 25, 2016) (ZJ 2015-2016-089)
Members of the public are invited to the House of Parliament to attend parliamentary deliberations.
The House of Parliament is located across from the Court House in Philipsburg.
The parliamentary session will be carried live on St. Maarten Cable TV Channel 120, via Pearl Radio FM 98.1, the audio via the Internet www.pearlfmradio.sx and via www.sxmparliament.org.
PHILIPSBURG:--- President of Parliament Sarah Wescot-Williams expresses condolences to the family and friends of the late Sir Derek Walcott who passed away on March 17th.
In my capacity as Prime Minister, I was privileged to meet with Sir Walcott on more than one occasion and exchange thoughtful insights regarding his work and the region that he loved and wrote about. The ancestral tapestry of the Caribbean region was his literary bed.
I am sure that many in the literary world and even more so here in the Caribbean and on his home island of St. Lucia, will be deeply affected by this loss. He has however left us with numerous pieces of work, expressions that incessantly spoke to Caribbean unity and integrity. He was a prodigious poet/playwright.
I would like to express my most heartfelt condolences to his family and I wish those affected by this loss much strength and guidance, knowing that Sir Walcott has left a lasting legacy for St. Lucia, the Region and the world.
Photo: President of Parliament, Sarah Wescot in her capacity as Prime Minister during a courtesy visit with Sir Derek Walcott in June 2011.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In a few weeks, St. Maarten, will be featured on the most watched travel show in Europe and seen by potentially a quarter-of-a-billion people across the globe. The BBC Travel Show sent a crew to the island recently to cover the SXM Music Festival. While on the island, contact was made with the St. Maarten Tourism Bureau and an interview setup with its new Head Rolando Brison.
In the interview with the BBC, Brison was asked about the destinations tourism product, about the uniqueness of the airport and about the SXM Music Festival that they came to cover and how it fits into the tourism product. The BBC Travel Show utilizes a network of correspondents in London, Tokyo, Sydney, New York and Kuala Lumpur and the program aims to provide unique insight into the world of travel.
The 30-minute episode about SXM Music Festival show will be broadcasted within the next 3 to 4 weeks to a major portion of the 265 million direct subscribers of the BBC channels that broadcast the show, plus many other affiliates around the world as well as potentially millions of views more across YouTube and social media.
Since the BBC typically does not play any paid advertisements, the only way to get advertising on their network is through programming. With the value of a national television one minute ad being over US $300,000, the exposure St. Maarten will receive from the SXM Music Festival episode is more than 2 to 4 million euros potentially, based on how many viewers will ultimately watch the show.
"The island just got a huge boost of European and global advertising through the BBC's decision to send The Travel Show to cover St. Maarten and the SXM Music Festival. I was proud to tell the world about why St. Maarten needs to be the next place they visit for a great vacation in a place that we expect they will fall in love with," Brison said.
"We will continue to make efforts to attract such high-profile media to the destination either by means of our marketing agencies, or through the support for major events like Heineken Regatta, St. Maarten Carnival and now SXM Festival who do such a great job bringing top notch media coverage to our destination, he added.
Researchers are most interested in persistent contrails
Using biofuels to help power jet engines reduces particle emissions in their exhaust by as much as 50 to 70 percent, in a new study conclusion that bodes well for airline economics and Earth's environment.
The findings are the result of a cooperative international research program led by NASA and involving agencies from Germany and Canada, and are detailed in a study published in the journal Nature.
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. The test series were part of the Alternative Fuel Effects on Contrails and Cruise Emissions Study, or ACCESS.
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.
Researchers are most interested in persistent contrails because they create long-lasting, and sometimes extensive, clouds that would not normally form in the atmosphere, and are believed to be a factor in influencing Earth's environment.
"Soot emissions also are a major driver of contrail properties and their formation," said Bruce Anderson, ACCESS project scientist at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. "As a result, the observed particle reductions we've measured during ACCESS should directly translate into reduced ice crystal concentrations in contrails, which in turn should help minimize their impact on Earth's environment."
That's important because contrails, and the cirrus clouds that evolve from them, have a larger impact on Earth's atmosphere than all the aviation-related carbon dioxide emissions since the first powered flight by the Wright brothers.
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 plant 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 Rich Moore, lead author of the Nature report.
The trailing aircraft included NASA's HU-25C Guardian jet based at Langley, a Falcon 20-E5 jet owned by the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and a CT-133 jet provided by the National Research Council of Canada.
"Measurements in the wake of aircraft require highly experienced crew members and proven measuring equipment, which DLR has built up over many years," said report co-author Hans Schlager of the DLR Institute of Atmospheric Physics. "Since 2000, the DLR Falcon has been used in numerous measurement campaigns to investigate the emissions and contrails of commercial airliners."
Researchers plan on continuing these studies to understand and demonstrate the potential benefits of replacing current fuels in aircraft with biofuels. It's NASA's goal to demonstrate biofuels on their proposed supersonic X-plane.
For more information about NASA's aeronautics research, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/aero
Companies Showcase Open Source Journey at M|17, MariaDBs Inaugural, Global User Conference
Posted by Publisher Hardware
MENLO PARK, CA and HELSINKI, FINLAND (Marketwired) 03/21/17 , the company behind the fastest growing open source database, will host its inaugural user conference, , on April 11-12, 2017 at the Conrad Hotel in New York City. Designed to support the increasing usage of MariaDB products in the enterprise, the two-day event features more than 30 sessions led by customers, community contributors and MariaDB engineers. Speakers will share how companies are breaking free from legacy, proprietary databases and adopting MariaDB as their corporate, open source database standard.
#MariaDBs user conference showcases global enterprise #opensource adoption, modern relational #database #MariaDBM17
Conference highlights include:
Announcements of new features around , icuing , n ariDs new technology for analytic use cases, .
MariaDB Corporation executives Michael Howard, CEO, Michael Monty Widenius, CTO, and Roger Bodamer, Chief Product Officer, will deliver keynotes that discuss the open source mandate, how chips and databases are changing everything, a look at the evolving database landscape and the rise of mission-critical, transactional microservices, as well as a Q&A opportunity with the creator of MySQL and MariaDB.
, Executive Director of Technology and Operations at DBS Bank, and a passionate advocate for women in technology, will keynote on how the multinational banking and financial services corporation is replacing Oracle Enterprise and DB2 with MariaDB as their database standard.
Presentations from numerous customers and partners including Alibaba, DBS Bank, Facebook, Huatai Securities, Telefonica, Intel and more. Sessions will detail specific use cases such as using MariaDB as the database for private DBaaS offerings, best practices for migrating applications from Oracle Enterprise to MariaDB, whats coming in MyRocks, a beta storage engine for MariaDB, and more.
The velocity of change in todays world, regarding new opportunities, as well as new threats, can only be handled by technology that is a reflection of our times. The proprietary technology of the past is simply not able to support todays needs, said Michael Howard, CEO, MariaDB Corporation. There is an acceleration in the worlds move away from the vendor lock-in, legacy design and high cost associated with proprietary databases. M|17 will provide a place where IT leaders and practitioners can hear from their peers and technology providers on how to adopt and implement an open source mandate.
At #MariaDBM17, hear #opensource #database journey from companies Alibaba, DBS Bank, Facebook, Telefonica & more
For the first time ever, DBAs can get certified on MariaDB. Attendees of M|17 will get exclusive access and be the first to take the brand-new exam. Successful completion of the 90-minute MariaDB Certification test proves the ability to perform core MariaDB database administration (DBA) skills, such as basic configuration, security, users and role administration, schema operations, performance tuning and backup and restore operations.
: Get #MariaDB certified at #MariaDBM17 with new Certification exam offered to all conference attendees
Seats are almost sold out! Secure your spot now and use promo code M17LASTCALL for a special $250 price on registration. To register for M|17, please visit: .
Sponsorship opportunities are also still available. Please contact for more information.
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MariaDB Corporation is the company behind MariaDB, the fastest growing Open Source database. Started by the founders of MySQL, MariaDB Corporation is reinventing the database to support todays enterprise needs. The company also builds complementary products, including and , that are valuable for deploying MariaDB in large, mission-critical production environments.
MariaDB Corporation provides and for its products. The company is an active sponsor of the , a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring continuity and open collaboration in the MariaDB ecosystem.
Pittsburghs Zoning Board of Adjustment has scheduled the following public hearings of interest to South Pittsburgh residents in the first floor hearing room of the John P. Robin Civic Building, 200 Ross Street, Downtown.
Zone case 123/17 on Thursday, March 23 at 8:50 a.m. is the appeal of Bell Telephone Company of Pennsylvania, owner, and Steven Affeltranger, LLI Engineering, applicant, for 2256 Brownsville Road in the 29th Ward (Zoning District LNC).
Applicant requests costruction of rear addition to house new generator.
Variances: 916.06: Maximum noise level between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. is 45 DBA and 55 DBA at all other times, 75 DBA requested; 916.02.A.6: Minimum 30 rear setback required and 20 requested.
Special Exception: 916.09: Special Exeption for Waiver of Residential Compatibility Standard.
Zone case 131/17 on Thursday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. is the appeal of Glen W. Moss, owner, and ETON, LLC, applicant, for 2309-2313 Sidney Street, 2308-2312 Fox Way in the 16th Ward (Zoning District R1A-VH).
Applicant requests lot subdivision, construct six new three-story single-family attached dwellings with integral parking, rear decks and rooftop decks.
Variance: 903.03.E.2: Minimum 5 front setback required and 0 requested; Minimum 5 interior side setback reqired and 0 requested (primary structures, accessories).
Zone case 119/17 on Thursday, March 23 at 9:40 a.m. is the appeal of Gold Rush Properties LLC, owner, and PVE, LLC, applicant, for Conden Street (13-G-154) in the 16th Ward (Zoning District R1D-H).
Applicant requests subdivide parcel and construct four townhomes.
Variances: 911.02: Use of attached single-family dwellings is not permitted in the R1D zoning district; 903.03.D.2: Minimum 1,800 sq. ft. lot size permitted and 1,759 sq. ft, 1,785 sq. ft. and 1,734 sq.ft. proposed; Minimum 15 front setback required and 5 and 3 requested; Minimum 15 rear setback required and 14.23 requested (on Wellington facing houses); Minimum 5 side setback required and 3 and 0 requested (primary and accessory structures).
Zone case 105/17 on Thursday, March 23 at 10:00 a.m. is the appeal of Stonehendge Partners, owners and applicants, for 131 Shiloh Street in the 19th Ward (Zoning District LNC).
Applicant requests use of structure as restaurant (general).
Variance: 914.02.A: Two on-site parking spaces required and 0 requested.
Special Exceptions: 911.04.A.57: Use of restaurant (general) is a Special Exception in LNC zoning district; 916.09: Special Exception for Waiver of Residential Compatibility Standard; 916.04: Dumpsters shall be located a minimum of 30 from a R zoned property, 20 requested; 916.06.06: Noise level can be 55 DBA betweem 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. and 45 DBA at all other times, 65 DBA requested from 8 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Zone case 94/17 on Thursday, March 23 at 10:10 a.m. is the appeal of Benjamin P. and Danitza Z. Nicklow, owners and applicants, for 3224 Harcum Way in the 16th Ward (Zoning District R2-L).
Applicant requests two-story addition to existing structure, second level front porch.
Variances: 903.03.B.2: Minimum 30 front setback required and 0 requested (porch); Minimum 30 rear setback required and 10 requested; Minimum 5 interior side setback required and 2 requested.
Zone case 122/17 on Thursday, March 23 at 10:20 a.m. is the appeal of Steel Mill Properties LLC, owners and applicants, for 133 S. 20th Street in the 17th Ward (Zoning District R1A-VH).
Applicant requests two business ID signs for the real estate office.
Variance: 919.01.F: Nonconforming sign review by the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
Past Cases and Decisions: ZBA 197 of 2013, applicants request as a real estate office on the first floor and as a residential unit on the second floor was approved. ZBA 274 of 2016, applicants request for two business ID signs for the real estate office was denied.
Notes: Certificate of Occupancy 13-b-03837, dated 1/25/2016, permitted occupancy Use of existing 2-story structure as a real estate office on the first floor and as a residential unit on the second floor.
Zone case 72/17 on Thursday, April 6 at 9:20 a.m. is the appeal of George Evan and Janet G. Stoddard, owners and applicants, for 192 S. 17th Street in the 17th Ward (Zoning District R1A-VH).
Applicant requests up to 13 high wall on the interior side of single-family dwelling.
Variance: 925.06.A.3: Maximum 6 height permitted and 13 requested.
Zone case 126/17 on Thursday, April 6 at 9:40 a.m. is the appeal of Brian Michael Fallet, owner and applicant, for 1507 Arlington Avenue in the 18th Ward (Zoning District R1D-H).
Applicant requests one-story rear addition and new deck for a single-family dwelling.
Variance: 903.03.D.2: Minimum 15 exterior side setback required and 0 requested.
For more information on the City of Pittsburgh Zoning Board of Adjustment, go to: http://pittsburghpa.gov/dcp/boards/zoning-board.
At the beginning of the year the Justice had stopped the transfer of Cecilia to the Sanctuary of Sorocaba, but finally she will be able to travel to the Sanctuary where she will live with another 40 chimpanzees.
Medical exams have already been carried out in order to know her state of health, she has been vaccinated against tetanus and poliomyelitis and is in quarantine until she is transferred in a few days.
Many people are the ones who have worried about Cecilia's physical and mental health, and so that she does not end her life locked in a cage. She deserves to live in freedom surrounded by other chimpanzees.
Thank you all for signing this petition to get her finally transferred to the Sanctuary of Sorocaba.
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.
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A student-built rocket soared to an altitude of 144,000 feet (44,000 meters) on March 4, setting a record for a launch vehicle created entirely by students.
The Fathom II rocket was designed and manufactured by students at the University of Southern California (USC) Rocket Propulsion Laboratory (RPL). Fathom II blasted off from Spaceport America in New Mexico, going as fast as four times the speed of sound, according to a statement from USC. The university captured the record-breaking launch on video, including footage from a camera on board the rocket during the flight.
"This particular launch wasn't a planned 'space shot' to get to the Karman line the line of demarcation between space and the Earth's atmosphere but its goal was still ambitious," the USC statement said. "The goal of the vehicle was to reach 180,000 feet [55,000 m] in the sky, more than halfway to the [RPL's] ultimate goal of reaching space. RPL's previous record was 63,000 feet [19,000 m]." [Most Extreme Human Spaceflight Records of All Time]
The student-run undergraduate group has been working on the Fathom II rocket for about three months. Leading up to the launch, the students tested the avionics communication and recovery systems, as well as the launchpad setup (the rocket shattered the pad's cinder blocks during launch). After the successful launch, Fathom II came down under a parachute and was recovered intact 6.8 miles (11 kilometers) from the launchpad, according to the statement.
The student-built Fathom II rocket launched from Spaceport America on March 4, 2017, reaching an altitude of 144,000 feet. (Image credit: Megan Frisk/USC)
"The goal of this mission was to qualify and test our systems before moving on to our next space shot," Carter Allen, chief engineer of the Rocket Propulsion Laboratory, said in the statement. "You know what that means? Time to move on to space."
The spacecraft's record-setting altitude of 144,000 feet is about three times the average cruising altitude of most commercial airliners (opens in new tab), the statement said. That makes this the most successful launch in the lab's history, shattering the records of other campus-based rocket clubs, including Delft Aerospace Rocket Engineering (an amateur rocket club consisting entirely of bachelors and masters degree students)at 70,397 feet (21,000 m), and the German University of Stuttgart HyEnD team, at 98,400 feet (30,000 m), according to the statement.
"While other university groups have reached higher altitudes using mixtures of professionally made and student-made components, the new record from the USC Rocket Propulsion Lab (RPL) is believed to be the highest altitude achieved worldwide for a vehicle designed and manufactured entirely by students," the statement said.
Follow Samantha Mathewson @Sam_Ashley13. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
The second stage of the Rocket Lab Electron rocket. A new influx of funding will allow the company to increase production of the Electron.
The spaceflight company Rocket Lab, which aims to provide frequent, relatively cheap trips to space for small payloads, has raised an additional $75 million in funding ahead of its first test launches, the company announced today.
Rocket Lab will use its orbital Electron rocket to launch payloads weighing up to about 500 lbs. (225 kilograms). Following the recent completion of its private launch facility in New Zealand, the company said it plans to make its first test launch of the Electron in "the next month or two," followed by two additional tests ahead of the first commercial launches.
The new funding "will enable us to scale up production of Electron to meet the continued high demand were seeing from the growing small-satellite industry," Peter Beck, Rocket Lab's CEO and founder, said in a statement from the company. [Satellite Quiz: How Well Do You Know What's Orbiting Earth?]
Beck's vision for the company is to make about one launch per week, although that is still a distant goal. Beck told Space.com that Rocket Lab is aiming to make about 19 launches in 2018. By comparison, there were 85 orbital launch attempts worldwide in 2016, including 22 on U.S. soil, 22 in China and 19 in Russia.
The new small spacecraft technology has enabled the birth of very small satellites, some no bigger than a lunchbox. To get these instruments into space, the satellite owners must "piggyback" a ride with larger payloads, according to NASA. That can put limits on the timing of the launch and the orbital destination of the satellite. Rocket Lab was one of three companies to earn contracts with NASA to send small satellites into space by April 2018.
"Rocket Labs mission is to provide frequent satellite launch opportunities, which will revolutionize the ability of satellite companies to reach orbit many of these companies currently have had assets sitting on the shelves for years, waiting for launch," according to a statement from Rocket Lab.
Rocket Lab has manufacturing facilities in Hawthorne, California (where its headquarters are located), as well as in New Zealand. Beck is a native of the island nation, but said that's not the reason he picked it for the location of the company's first launch site. The remote location is relatively quiet regarding air traffic, Beck told Space.com last year, which makes it easier for the company to maintain a flexible and frequent launch schedule.
The launch facility's location also lets the company send payloads to a wide range of orbits. Beck said, however, that Rocket Lab is planning to build launch facilities in other locations including one at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida to further increase that orbital access.
New partners
Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab has now raised $148 million to date, according to the statement. This is the fourth funding round for the company, following its initial seed-funding round, representatives told Space.com. The company is "now valued in excess of $1 billion (USD)," according to the statement.
The new funding comes from two venture capital funds that are investing in Rocket Lab for the first time Data Collective and Promus Ventures as well as one undisclosed investor, and three investment groups that have funded Rocket Lab in previous rounds. Data Collective has also invested in Planet (formerly Planet Labs), a company that is using small satellites to image the surface of the Earth frequently and in high resolution. Planet, which has already signed a launch agreement with Rocket Lab, currently operates 149 small satellites in orbit the largest fleet in human history, according to the company. A representative from Data Collective will also join Rocket Lab's board of directors.
"The really nice thing about the investors that we've brought on, [is] they all have very good space experience," Beck told Space.com. "We certainly enjoy having investors on board who understand space, and the challenges that go along with that, but also the opportunity."
Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
This article was originally published at The Conversation. The publication contributed the article to Space.com's Expert Voices: Op-Ed & Insights.
Every now and then a scientific paper makes a real splash. We had one recently, to judge from recent headlines. "Moon rises to claim its place as a planet" said The Sunday Times on February 19, while the Mail Online asked "Is this lunarcy?". The articles were among many responding to the humble paper: "A Geophysical Planet Definition," which suggested that the criteria for determining what constitutes a planet need an overhaul. It argued that the moon, Pluto and several other bodies in the solar system should be upgraded to planets.
The paper, published in Planetary and Lunar Science, was written by a team including Alan Stern. Stern is famous for NASA's New Horizons mission, which made its spectacular flyby of Pluto in July 2015. The paper is a bit technical, but it basically argues that the geophysics of a body should determine whether it is a planet not just whether it orbits the sun.
Of course, Stern has an axe to grind. He remains furious that, in 2006, the International Astronomical Union [IAU] deemed that Pluto was not a planet. By the time his probe reached its destination, Pluto was a mere "plutoid," a trans-Uranian dwarf planet. In the article he strikes back. He is fed up with people asking "why did you send New Horizons to Pluto if it's not a planet anymore?"
Lessons from the past
We are so used to thinking of the Earth's satellite as a moon that the idea that it could be a planet is truly shocking. But ancient Greek and medieval astronomers all assumed that the moon was indeed a planet.
Ancient observers knew that the stars maintain their relative positions night after night: they saw constellations such as Leo or Gemini just as we do. But they also saw seven heavenly bodies slowly change their positions, wandering from west to east through the sky. The most important was the sun. The 12 signs of the Zodiac it passed through marked out the circle astronomers call the ecliptic (see figure below). The sun (we would say the Earth, of course) orbited in one year, while Saturn wandered through this plane every 30 years, Jupiter every 12 years and Mars every two years. Planet Moon did so in 1/12 year one month. In fact, the word for planet comes from the Greek (Latin planeta) meaning "wanderer."
Ecliptic with earth and sun animation. (Image credit: Author Tfr000 /wikipedia, CC BY-SA)
The moon was of special interest. Its proximity made it the only planet with visible features the man in the moon. Aristotle (384-322 BCE) asked several questions about the physics of the moon including why we always see the same face, and never the far side? Its a good question, and astronomers now explain it as the result of gravitational forces between planets and large moons, and they call it tidal locking.
Aristotle drew a different conclusion. He thought it proved that the moon had no innate ability to rotate or move. He assumed the same was true of all planets. They only move, he said, because they are carried in a circle. This was the origin of elaborate Medieval cosmology in which the planets and stars are rotated by a nest of celestial spheres. Had our moon not been tidally locked, astronomy might have taken a different path.
An illustration of the Ptolemaic geocentric system by Portuguese cosmographer and cartographer Bartolomeu Velho, 1568. (Image credit: Wikipedia)
Did our predecessors have good reason to include the moon with the other planets? I think so, but mainly because of a strange astronomical coincidence. Almost all large moons orbit in, or very close to, the equatorial plane of their parent planet, but our moon does not it inclines by as much as 28 degrees. However, Earths equatorial plane is tilted with respect to the ecliptic by angle of 23.5. The combination of these two unusual circumstances means that the moon does appear to move in the plane of the ecliptic and never more than 5 degrees above or below it. Without it, ancient astronomers might not have treated the moon as a typical planet.
Lingering ambivalence?
With Copernicuss heliocentric astronomy, published in 1543, the moon ceased to be a typical planet. Uniquely, as Copernicuss critics pointed out, its orbit was centred on the Earth, not the sun. It was now Earths satelles, meaning servant, from which our word satellite derives. And there was more loss of status in store. When Galileo trained his telescope on Jupiter in 1610, he discovered four satellites. Lovely news for Copernicans, but not for Luna. It was no longer THE moon, but one of five, a number which rose rapidly towards the 182 moons we know today.
Seemingly, there is nothing new under the sun. In Galileos time the moon was the subject of an argument between the new cosmologists, who saw it as Earth-like with seas and lands, and the old astronomers who insisted that it was a proper, perfect heavenly body.
With his new definition of a planet, Alan Stern has renewed that battle. According to his paper, astronomers may find the IAU definition perfectly useful but our geophysical definition is more useful for planetary geoscience practitioners, educators and students. Or, as Stern put it bluntly in 2015: Why would you listen to astronomers about a planet [instead of] planetary scientists that know something about this subject. And they know, or think they know, that the moon should become a planet again. Whether that will actually happen is completely down to the International Astronomical Union, which would have to make the decision.
Stephen Pumfrey, Senior Lecturer, Lancaster University
This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Follow all of the Expert Voices issues and debates and become part of the discussion on Facebook, Twitter and Google +. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. This version of the article was originally published on Space.com.
The White House will look at how best to protect and preserve the Apollo moon landing sites, including Apollo 11's Tranquility Base as pictured here in 1969, along with other Apollo artifacts.
The White House will look at what laws or international treaties are needed to protect and preserve the historic Apollo moon landing sites almost half a century after the first astronauts walked on the lunar surface.
President Donald Trump on Tuesday (Mach 21) signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, which includes a section directing the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to assess the issues that relate to "protecting and preserving historically important Apollo program lunar landing sites and Apollo program artifacts residing on the lunar surface, including those pertaining to Apollo 11 and Apollo 17," the first and last missions to land astronauts on the moon.
"Almost half a century ago, our brave astronauts planted the first American flag on the moon," said President Trump on Tuesday, surrounded in the Oval Office by members of Congress and astronauts Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Chris Cassidy. "A big moment in our history." [6 Things to Know About Trump and NASA]
The bill, which also directs NASA to study a crewed Mars mission to be launched in 2033 and sets the foundation for providing former astronauts with healthcare, stipulates that the OSTP director learn what new legislation, international treaties or other actions are needed to protect the historic moon landing sites from being disturbed or destroyed and report the findings to Congress within the next year. Trump has not yet appointed a new OSTP director, a position also known as the President's Science Advisor.
Between 1969 and 1972, six Apollo flights delivered a total of 12 astronauts (two each mission) to explore the moon's surface. Each mission left behind a descent stage from its lander, known as the lunar module, as well as experiment equipment, an American flag, mementos, spent spacesuit components and the moonwalkers' footprints in the lunar regolith (soil). The three last flights also left behind a lunar roving vehicle, or moon buggy, that extended the area the astronauts were able to venture.
Apollo 11, the first crewed lunar landing, touched down at "Tranquility Base" in the corner of a lava plain called Mare Tranquillitatis, or the Sea of Tranquility. Apollo 17, the last (to date) site where humanity left bootprints and tire tracks on the moon, landed in the moon's Taurus-Littrow valley.
Although there are no definitive plans to return humans to the surface, renewed attention to the moon by government and commercial entities has raised concerns for protecting the Apollo sites.
The Apollo 11 landing site, Tranquility Base, as seen from orbit by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. (Image credit: NASA/GSFC/Arizona State via collectSPACE.com)
A commercial competition, the Google Lunar X Prize, may result in one or more robotic rovers being launched to the moon by as soon as the end of this year and other nations, including China and Russia, have current and future moon missions planned.
In 2011, NASA released recommendations for spacefaring entities on how to preserve the historic and scientific value of its lunar artifacts, including the Apollo landing sites and their precursor robotic probe sites. The detailed report did not set mandatory requirements. Rather, its contents were only guidelines for future mission planners.
In 2013, lawmakers from Maryland and Texas introduced the "Apollo Lunar Landing Legacy Act" to establish a new National Park on the moon. Had it not stalled in committee, the bill would have resulted in Apollo 11's Tranquility Base being submitted to UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) for consideration as a World Heritage Site.
The current legislation, the NASA Transition Authorization Act, directs the President's Science Advisor to consult with the relevant agencies and stakeholders to determine what risks exist now and in the future to the moon landing sites. The OSTP director will then determine the extent to which legislation or international treaties are needed and suggest "recommendations for protecting and preserving [the] lunar landing sites and artifacts."
The director of the OSTP has until March 21, 2018, a year after the enactment of the bill, to submit the assessment's results to the appropriate congressional committees.
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The Orbital ATK Cygnus spacecraft S.S. John Glenn is encapsulated in its protective payload fairing on March 9 ahead of its planned cargo launch to the International Space Station. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch on an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida on March 27.
Update for March 23: The launch of Orbital ATK's next cargo ship bound for the International Space Station has been delayed yet again, this time by a different hydraulic issue on the spacecraft's United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket. The mission, which was scheduled for a March 27 liftoff, is now postponed until the booster issues can be resolved.
"The ULA team is developing a plan to resolve the issue and a new launch date will be determined," NASA officials wrote in a status update.
Meanwhile, labor unrest at the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana has continued to delay the planned launch of an Ariane 5 rocket carrying two new communications satellites for Brazil and South Korea. On Thursday (March 23), Arianespace representatives said the upcoming launch has been delayed "indefinitely" pending the labor dispute protests.
"The evolution of the situation does not permit the restart of operations for the Ariane 5 launch scheduled for today, Thursday, March 23, Arianespace has decided to postpone the launch," the company representatives said in a statement.
Original March 21 story: Launches Delayed for Next Orbital ATK Cargo Ship, Ariane 5 Rocket
Two rocket launches scheduled for this week, one for Orbital ATK and the other for European launch provider Arianespace, have been delayed.
An Arianespace Ariane 5 rocket was scheduled to launch two communications satellites for Brazil and South Korea today (March 21) from the Guiana Space Center in Kourou, French Guiana. But Arianespace representatives said that mission has been delayed to Thursday (March 23) due to a "social movement."
Meanwhile, the U.S. aerospace company Orbital ATK was expected to launch NASA cargo on Friday (March 24) using a Cygnus cargo ship and an Atlas V rocket. That mission, which has already been delayed due to rocket hydraulic component issue, will now launch from a pad at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida no earlier than Monday (March 27), NASA officials wrote in a status update.
According to an update from Arianespace, the Ariane 5 rocket is now scheduled to lift off Thursday at 4:31 p.m. EDT (2031 GMT). The mission will launch the Geostationary Defense and Strategic Communications satellite for Brazil's VISIONA Tecnologia Espacial S.A. (on behalf of the Brazilian operator Telebras S.A.) along with the Koreasat 7 communications satellite for KTSAT of South Korea. The "social movement" blamed for the delay by Arianespace caused by a labor strike at the spaceport, according to Spaceflight Now.
The ULA Atlas V rocket is now scheduled to launch Orbital ATK's Cygnus cargo ship at 7:49 p.m. EDT (2349 GMT) from Space Launch Complex 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station.
Orbital ATK initially aimed to launch Cygnus' next NASA delivery mission, called OA-7, on March 16. But that flight was delayed to March 19 and later to March 21, then March 24 due to a hydraulic component issue on the Atlas V rocket's first stage.
Yesterday, NASA officials wrote in an update that the new delay to March 27 " allows the ULA team to troubleshoot a hydraulic issue discovered on ground support equipment needed for launch."
The OA-7 mission will deliver about 7,600 lbs. (3,447 kilograms) of food, equipment and other NASA supplies for astronauts living on the International Space Station.
Email Tariq Malik at tmalik@space.com or follow him @tariqjmalik and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+.
President Trump signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 on March 21, surrounded by members of congress. Two NASA astronauts in attendance presented Trump with an astronaut flight jacket.
President Donald Trump has signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017, which sets a $19.5 billion budget for the agency for fiscal year 2017.
The bill S.442 is the first NASA authorization bill to reach a U.S. president's desk since 2010. Trump signed the bill into law today (March 21) during a televised ceremony in the Oval Office. He was joined by NASA astronauts Tracy Caldwell Dyson and Chris Cassidy, who presented the commander in chief with a NASA flight jacket.
Following the signing, Vice President Mike Pence announced that the White House will re-establish a National Space Council. The first iteration of a presidential space council was formed in 1958 under Dwight D. Eisenhower, and was dissolved in 1973. A new council was formed in 1989 under President George H. W. Bush, only to be dissolved again in 1993. The council has served to advise the president on space issues, but its value has been debated by spaceflight policy experts. Pence will chair the council, and he said that its members will include representatives from both NASA and the private sector. [Presidential Visions for NASA Throughout History]
President Trump signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 on March 21, surrounded by members of congress. Two NASA astronauts in attendance presented Trump with an astronaut flight jacket. (Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty)
"With this legislation, we support NASA's scientists, engineers, astronauts and their pursuit of discoveries," Trump said during the signing event. "This bill will make sure that NASA's most important and effective programs are sustained. It orders NASA to continue transitioning activities to the commercial sector where we have seen great progress It continues support for the Commercial Crew Program, which will carry American astronauts into space from American soil once again. It's been a long time."
(Currently, NASA astronauts travel to the International Space Station aboard the Russia Soyuz spacecraft, which launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.)
Also attending the signing were Sens. Marco Rubio and Bill Nelson, both of Florida, home to NASA's Kennedy Space Center; Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas, home to NASA's Johnson Space Flight Center in Houston; and Rep. Lamar Smith, also of Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
The legislation accomplishes a long-discussed goal of providing lifetime health care coverage for retired astronauts. That coverage will also help NASA monitor the long-term effects of spaceflight on humans.
NASA's new heavy-lift rocket, called the Space Launch System (SLS), and the Orion human spaceflight capsule both received sustained support in the new legislation. Orion could be used to carry astronauts to the moon or to help ferry them to deep-space destinations, and the new law also calls on the agency to investigate whether the spacecraft could be used to ferry humans to the International Space Station.
See more
Under the new law, NASA will continue its efforts to eventually send humans to Mars, and the legislation "amends current law by adding human exploration of Mars as one of the goals and objectives of NASA and directs NASA to manage human space flight programs to enable humans to explore Mars and other destinations," according to a statement from Cruz.
"It puts us on the dual track," Nelson said of the new law. "We have the commercial companies going to and from the International Space Station, and we have NASA going out and exploring the heavens. And we're going to Mars."
In addition, the new legislation calls for "maximizing utilization of the International Space Station (ISS)," according to the statement on Cruz's website, and it maintains support for NASA's contracting of commercial companies to send crew and cargo to the ISS. NASA will continue to support the ISS at its current funding level through 2024, but the act also "requires NASA to submit a report to Congress outlining a plan to facilitate a transformation of operations in low-Earth orbit from a model largely reliant on government support to one reflecting a more commercially viable future."
Following the President's signing of the law, NASA's acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot released a statement via the agency website.
"We would like to thank President Trump for his support of the agency in signing the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Transition Authorization Act of 2017," Lightfoot said. "We also want to express our gratitude to a bipartisan Congress for its thoughtful consideration of the agencys path forward. We are grateful for the longstanding support and trust of the American people, which enables our nations space, aeronautics, science, and technology development programs to thrive."
"Our workforce has proven time and again that it can meet any challenge, and the continuing support for NASA ensures our nations space program will remain the worlds leader in pioneering new frontiers in exploration, innovation, and scientific achievement," Lightfoot said in the statement.
President Trump signed the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2017 on March 21, 2017, surrounded by members of Congress and two NASA astronauts. (Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty)
The bill was originally introduced in the U.S. Senate by Sens. Cruz; Nelson; Rubio; Gary Peters, D-Mich.; John Thune, R-S.D.; Tom Udall, D-N.M.; Patty Murray, D-Wash.; and John Cornyn, R-Texas, according to Inside Outer Space. In the House, the committees with jurisdiction over the bill are the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology; and the House Subcommittee on Space, chaired by Rep. Brian Babin, R-Texas.
Trump's proposed NASA budget for fiscal year 2018, which is not part of the recently enacted legislation and is still only a proposal, would reduce the agency's funding to $19.1 billion, and would likely cancel the Asteroid Redirect Mission and reduce the agency's Earth Science Division budget by $102 million.
Editor's note: This article previously stated that Johnson Space Center is home to NASA headquarters; the agency's headquarters is in fact in Washington D.C.
This article was updated March 21 at 5:15 p.m. EDT to include comments from NASA's acting Administrator Robert Lightfoot.
Follow Calla Cofield @callacofield.Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com.
THE WOODLANDS, Texas A leading official in China's lunar and Mars exploration program was reportedly denied a visa by the United States to attend a scientific conference here this week.
Guobin Yu, vice director of the Lunar and Space Exploration Engineering Center of China, was scheduled to speak at a symposium here March 19 to discuss China's plans to explore the moon and Mars.
However, Jim Head, a professor of geological sciences at Brown University and organizer of the "Microsymposium 58" meeting held before the start of the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference, said that he was informed by Yu just before the start of the event that the U.S. embassy in Beijing had denied his request for a visa to attend the conference.
Head said that the denial came after Chinese government officials approved Yu's plans to speak at the conference "Approval for this visit came from the highest levels of the Chinese space program and, in fact, from the Chinese government," he said.
He said that he was unaware of the reason the U.S. government gave for denying a visa to Yu, of if any reason was provided at all. The embassy did not respond to a March 19 email seeking information about the denied visa. That denial did not extend to other Chinese scientists: Head said more than 20 people from Chinese universities, academies and scientific institutes were at the symposium.
As part of the Chinese government approval process, Head said that Yu was authorized to provide "important" updates about the China's plans to send missions to the moon and Mars, but he did not elaborate on the substance of those updates.
Head, who has visited China to meet with Chinese scientists, offered his own overview of their exploration efforts. "Their program is extremely robust," he said, with the next major milestone being China's first lunar sample return mission, Chang'e-5, scheduled for launch late this year.
A second lunar sample return mission, Chang'e-6, is planned for around 2020, according to Head. That may be followed by missions to the lunar polar regions in advance of human missions later in the 2020s or 2030s.
China's first full-fledged Mars mission is scheduled for launch in 2020, flying both an orbiter and a lander, the latter equipped with a rover. Head said that China is also studying a Mars sample return mission for around 2030.
The lunar exploration program in particular, which included two orbiter missions and one lander, has helped build interest in planetary science studies in China. "There's not historically been a major lunar and planetary science community in China, but in the last decade or so it's been growing," he said.
Despite the visa denial and other obstacles to cooperation, such as provisions in NASA appropriations bills in recent years that restrict bilateral cooperation with China, Head said he was hopeful for greater cooperation in the future. He noted that he's worked with scientists in Russia and the former Soviet Union for 45 years, overcoming technology transfer and other obstacles even during the Cold War. "There's much to be gained from cooperation and collaboration in the scientific community," he said.
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But while Wilders' election defeat may be pleasing, it is still too early to sound the all-clear. This election too delivered plenty of evidence that right-wing populists dominate the public debate.
As things currently stand, the multimedia circus frequently delivers absurdly distorted images of political reality, particularly here in Europe. In the weeks leading up to the Dutch election, a Geert Wilders festival was celebrated in print, radio, television and internet outlets, almost as though the other 27 parties participating in the Dutch vote didn't even exist. The same can currently be said of France, where the press makes it seem as though only Marine Le Pen's ideas are up for debate. And there is hardly an article about Italian politics that doesn't include images of the slobbering populist Beppo Grillo. Here in Germany, entire media seminars could be held focusing on the hysterical attention being paid to the ups and downs of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.
Such remittances improve living standards and decrease poverty levels for families and communities in origin countries. At the same time, however, it would be erroneous to believe that migrants can solve fundamental development problems such as corruption and inequality.
6. No, migrants don't steal jobs, nor do they undermine the welfare state.
Research shows that most migrants do jobs that local populations shun or for which they lack the skills. Furthermore, several studies indicate that while migration's effect on economic growth tends to be positive, it is rather small.
Also, claims that highly developed welfare systems, such as those that exist in Germany and the Netherlands, attract more migrants than countries with a less generous social net like the United Kingdom or the U.S., have likewise never been proven.
Studies do show, however, that it is predominantly businesses, the wealthy and the upper-middle classes who benefit from migration - apart from the migrants themselves. Lower income earners have generally much less to gain, or may in some cases lose out while, ironically, ex-migrants have the most to fear from new immigrants in terms of job competition. Advocates of open borders often ignore this potential for migration to increase inequality.
7. No, migration cannot solve the problems associated with an aging society.
The magnitude of migration is far too low to offset the effects of population aging. A United Nations study has shown that, to achieve such a result, levels of migration would have to reach levels that are both undesirable and unrealistic. In order to counter its aging population, this study found that Germany, for example, would require net immigration of 3.5 million people per year - 12 times higher than the annual average of 280,000 from the years 1991 to 2015.
Furthermore, this argument ignores that population aging is becoming a worldwide phenomenon, and that aging societies such as China have started to become international migration destinations in their own right. The future question might therefore not be so much how to prevent migrants from coming, but how to attract them.
8. No, we aren't living in an era of unprecedented migration.
And finally, a look at the broader picture. For over half a century, the number of migrants as a percentage of the world population has remained remarkably constant at levels of roughly 3 percent since 1960. Even as the number of international migrants has increased from 93 million in 1960 to 244 million in 2015, the global population has increased at approximately the same rate, from 3 billion to almost 7.3 billion.
New York (UN), March 20, 2017 (SPS) - President of the Republic Brahim Gali met in New York on Monday with the chairman of the UN Special Committee for Decolonization, Me. Rafael Dario Ramirez Carreno , With which he addressed the latest developments of the question of Western Sahara.
The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the development of the struggle of the Saharawi people for their right to self-determination and independence in the context of decolonization, which is entrusted to this committee, said the representative of the Frente POLISARIO to the UN, Mr. Boukhari Ahmed.
The meeting served to inform the president of this committee, known as the committee of the 24, of the latest developments of the question of Western Sahara on the ground and in view of the next report of the UN SG for the Security Council, "He added.
The committee has included in its agenda 2017 the examination of the situation in Western Sahara at its meeting scheduled from 12 to 23 June next, it is recalled.
The President of the Republic met last Friday with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, a head-to-head meeting to review the UN efforts to resolve the Western Sahara conflict and ways to accelerate the implementation of the UN-AU settlement plan for the holding of a referendum on the self-determination of the Saharawi people.SPS
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New York, March 21, 2017 (SPS) - Saharawi President Brahim Gali discussed on Monday in New York the blockade of the peace process in Western Sahara with the British presidency of the Security Council.
The Saharawi Head of State informed the British Presidency of the position of the Polisario Front on the whole peace process and the obstacles that this process is having as a result of Morocco's policy of obstruction on the ground, representative of the Frente POLISARIO to the UN, Ahmed Boukhari told APS.
Mr. Ghali reiterated the commitment of the POLISARIO to cooperate with the United Nations in order to put the peace process on track, he added.
The Saharawi President stressed the urgent need for the Security Council to assume its responsibilities to end the blockade imposed by Morocco on UN efforts and its provocations on the ground, particularly in the El Guergarat area. "He said.
President Sahrawi met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres last Friday to review the UN's efforts to resolve the conflict in Western Sahara and ways to speed up the process. Implementation of the UN-AU settlement plan for a referendum on the self-determination of the Saharawi people .SPS
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Dr. Richard J. Bishirjian was Founding President and Professor of Government at Yorktown University from 2000 to 2016. The vision of Yorktown University was to establish a presence on the Internet for scholarship on free enterprise, market economics, the philosophical ground of a free society, the principles and history of the American Founding, and the history and philosophy of education, religion, and culture.
Dr. Richard J. Bishirjian was the featured speaker at a continuing series of free Wednesday night Heartland events on March 1, 2017 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. The Heartland Institute is located at 3939 N. Wilke Road, Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004. Joe Bast is president and CEO of The Heartland Institute, a 33-year-old national nonprofit research center located in Arlington Heights, Illinois. According to a recent telephone survey, among state elected officials The Heartland Institute is among the nations best-known and most highly regarded think tanks.
Bishirjian earned a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and a Ph.D. in Government and International Studies from the University of Notre Dame under the direction of Gerhart Niemeyer. While a graduate student at Notre Dame, and later as a member of the Faculty of the University of Dallas, he studied under Eric Voegelin. After completing graduate work at Notre Dame, he did advanced study with Michael Oakeshott at the London School of Economics. Dr. Bishirjian taught at universities and colleges in Indiana, Texas and New York.
Of note is that Dr. Bishirjian, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, worked with close associates of Poland's President, Lech Walesa, to assist them to reap the rewards of the collapse of the Soviet Union. For six years Dr. Bishirjian engaged in financing development projects in Poland. That led to launch of American Academy of Privatization, an Internet-based distance learning program offering free lectures. The Poland experience led to the formation of Yorktown University, a for-profit Internet university offering courses in Government, Business and Economics, that operated from 2000 to 2016 when it lost its accreditation. The vision of Yorktown University was to establish a presence on the Internet for scholarship on free enterprise, market economics, the philosophical ground of a free society, the principles and history of the American Founding, and the history and philosophy of education, religion, and culture.
Bishirjian's newest book, The Coming Death and Future Resurrection of American Higher Education describes how the education establishment erected bureaucratic barriers made it as difficult as possible for him to found the online Yorktown University as a low-cost-regionally, accredited, high-tech institute of higher education, a battle that resulted in the loss of millions of dollars of investors' equity and 12 years of work and sacrifice on the part of Dr. Bishirjian. Another notable book by Bishirjian published in 2015, The Conservative Rebellion published in 2015, was offered for sale at the event by the author.
Introduction of featured speaker by Lennie Jarratt
Dr. Bishirjian exposed the failing American higher education system through his thoughtful and honest expose of what really constitutes higher education in this nation, where both parents and students are forced into crippling debt due to high tuition costs. His thoughts follow: View here the youtube of Dr. Bishirjian's lecture: Higher Education: The Need for Reform.
One of the most intrusive federal control leading to Federal Control was the "Negotiated Rulemaking Act 1990, which allows representatives from a government agency and affected interest groups to negotiate the terms of a proposed administrative rule, without Congress.
According to the Consumer Price Increases from 1980 - 2012, the cost of a college education (college tuition and fees) went up by 89.3%, while the next highest increase came in Medical Care at 45%. Is it any wonder that student debt is exploding? Federal Student Aid in 2016 totaled $1,292 billion. According to an article in the Wall Street Journal, January 18, 2017: "Revised Education Department numbers show that at more than 1,000 schools, at least half of students defaulted or failed to pay down debt within 7 years."
Critiquing Colleges and Universities
About the colleges themselves, they lack intellectual diversity. According to a University of Oregon Eugene Study, when the voter registration files of 506 faculty members were checked, there were only 25 registered Republicans.
Also missing is an absence of Required Curricula where "Western Civilization" is taught. There are only 24 universities where Western Civilization is taught, among them are Hillsdale College, Texas Tech University, University of Houston, Liberty University, Ave Maria University, and Carthage College. This means that out of 3,000 colleges and universities in this nation, there are 2,976 colleges where Western Civilization is not taught.
One of the 10 worst college for Free Speech (FIRE) includes Northwestern University, located here in Illinois, which ranks second on Dr. Bishirjians list. Other colleges listed are Mount St. Mary's University; Louisiana State University; University of CA, San Diego; Saint Mary's University of Minnesota; University of Oklahoma; Marquette University; Colorado College; University of Tulsa; and Wesleyan University.
Given that Dr. Bishirjian ranked Northwestern University second as the worst college for freedom of speech, I was pleased to read that recently (March 15, 2017) the student government of Northwestern University had passed a series of resolutions aimed at bolstering viewpoint and intellectual diversity.
Not only do 99.51% of the contributions made by top liberal arts professors go to Democrats, but in 2015 - 2016 the National Education Association gave almost a combined $21 million to Democrats and Liberal Groups.
Ways to Salvage Higher Education
What can be done to salvage higher education? Suggested were: 1) the removal of bad textbooks; 2) develop new textbooks in American History; 3) create online courses and Certificate Programs; 4) when regulations improve, create new, high tech, universities; 5) return to "The West"; and advocate political reforms.
Recommended as a new textbook for History (Howard Zinn's A Peoples History of the United States must be abandoned!) is Patriot's History of the United States: From Columbus's Great Discovery to the War on Terror, published February27, 2007, by Larry Schweikart (Author), Michael Allen (Author).
The American Academy of Distant Learning, founded in January of last year. American Academy of Distant Learning now has in development a series of college level MOOC courses in Free Market Capitalism, which comprise the following five courses, all modestly priced at $29.95.
Econ 100 - Microeconomnics
Econ 101 - Supply-side Economics
Econ 102 - Intro to Political Economy
Econ105 - History of Economic Thought
Bus 200 - Entrepreneurial History of the United States
Many businessmen are likely to give preference to prospective employee who can successfully demonstrate that they know those principles that create economic opportunity.
Suggested Political Reforms
Dr. Bishirjian advocated Thirteen Political Reforms. Several of these are:
No longer require institutions not participating in Title IV programs to adhere to U.S. Department of Education title IV regulations. Because of Title IV regulations, a university of just Internet courses is practically impossible to establish. Prohibit members of Congress and congressional staff from employment with colleges and universities. Lower the percentage of three-year default rates from 30% to 20%. Institutions with three-year default rates will immediately lose access to Title IV programs Shift Title IV funds to the States to block grants. Encourage the States to subsidize corporation and create training programs
Abolish the Department of Education.
According to Dr. Bishirjian, abolishing the Department of Education would be impossible because many of the programs handled by the Department would be shifted to other agencies.
Dr.Bishirjian did express concern about Trump's first line-up of Education Appointment. Only one appointee has "education" experience; one worked in both the Bush and the Obama administrations, Jim Manning; another. Josh Venable, worked on Jeb Bush's presidential campaign and the Foundation for Excellence in Education founded by Jeb; and yet another, Jason Botel, was executive director of the Maryland education advocacy group MarylandCAN, financed by Bill Gates, and which has a long history of supporting Common Core.
Wednesday, March 29
Crossroads for Liberty: Recovering the Anti-Federalist Values of Americas First Constitution
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Arlington Heights, Illinois
OVER 10,000 PipeFeeders manufactured by Dutch company Hanskamp are now in use on dairy farms to ensure cows quietly and quickly release their milk.
Celebrating the installation of the 10,000th PipeFeeder Henk Hanskamp and engineer Bart Pennings recalled how six years ago they saw the need to make massive practical improvements to in-parlour feeding.
The challenge was to design a concentrate dispenser that would put in- parlour feeding back on the map, Henk said. It needed to have a low drop height to prevent dust and noise plus anti-spill features.
Our practical solution was the PipeFeeder designed to release small portions of concentrate quietly to each cow throughout her milking time. This keeps cows quietly focused on the feed trough and in-parlour feeding promotes a peak in their oxytocin levels thus improving milk let down.
As farmers using the PipeFeeder in 18 countries have proven this in- parlour system reduces noise and dust, speeds up milking and dramatically reduces concentrate waste.
The 10,0000th Hanskamp PipeFeeder was installed in a new 60 cow dairy unit on the family farm of Theo van Leeuwen at Zoeterwoude in the coastal South Holland province of the Netherlands. One of the worlds most densely populated regions where Theo, in partnership with son Freek and daughter in law Nicole, runs an organic herd and their own cheese factory.
Cathy Zuraw / Cathy Zuraw
STAMFORD The Stamford Public Education Foundation will recognize businesses and community leaders this week for their contributions to city schools.
The nonprofit, known for its mentoring and literacy programs to the citys public school students, will hold the 2017 Excellence in Education Awards on Thursday at the Sheraton Stamford Hotel.
Contributed photo
Nearly 200 Redding residents recently exchanged light bulbs for more energy efficient ones at an event sponsored by Eversource and Energize Connecticut.
Residents were able to get new ENERGY STAR LED bulbs for free, thanks to a $5,000 Bright Idea grant.
T ech giant ARM Holdings today entered the race to power driverless cars as it launched a new chip one of the first big innovations since the Cambridge company was snapped up for 24 billion by Japans SoftBank last year.
Its already helped to revolutionise the phone market more than 85% of the worlds most sophisticated smartphones use ARM chips now its taking on robots, artificial intelligence software and autonomous cars.
Its new design, DynamIQ, is aimed at complex computing tasks such as these areas where rivals Intel and IBM have recently launched specialist chips.
The DynamIQ processor will work to ensure that a driverless vehicle reacts safely in the event of a failure when there is no human to step in, ARM claimed.
Its new design could also be used in data centers, a lucrative market long-dominated by Intel.
ARMs Nandan Nayampally, general manager of its Compute Products Group, claimed that within five years the new design will perform as much as 50 times better on artificial intelligence tasks than the existing chips on the market.
A nti-corruption groups have warned money-laundering controls are not tight enough as UK banks were entangled in funny money claims.
Top banks have been accused of processing the cash in a Russian money-laundering scam.
HSBC, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, Lloyds and Coutts are among those involved.
The Guardian reports will be particularly embarrassing for HSBC, which five years ago paid $1.9 billion (1.5 billion) to settle a US money-laundering inquiry.
Transparency International executive director Robert Barrington, who was first alerted to the UK end of the so-called Laundromat when it was exposed by the Evening Standard and Independent newspapers in 2014, said: There have been some small improvements in controlling money laundering, but fundamentally nothing has changed since.
While welcoming last weeks Treasury announcement of a new supervisor of anti-money laundering (AML) regulators, he said: The worry is, if Brexit causes economic uncertainty, will the Government make it easier for funny money to come into the UK again?
Banking records detailing the alleged money laundering were obtained by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project and Russian newspaper Novaya Gazeta.
A spokesman for HSBC said: The bank has systems in place to identify suspicious activity and report it to the appropriate authorities. This case highlights the need for greater information sharing between the public and private sectors, each of whom holds important information the other does not.
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: This scandal needs to be investigated in full by the National Crime Agency, and the Government must ensure they have all the support needed. Britain cannot be a haven for criminals looking to hide money.
A trail of shell firms and money-laundering activities that could total 60 billion has found its way into private schools, jewellers and banks.
L ondons Nine Elms property scene is picking up after a rush of sales in recent weeks, the boss of housebuilder Bellway said today.
Stamp duty rises, Brexit concerns and a glut of flats overshadowed the market last year but the firm has already sold more than half the 510 flats in its Residence scheme next to the new US embassy since a sales launch two weeks ago, boss Ted Ayres said.
Ayres, who said the firm had seen a strong selling season, is also marketing the flats in Hong Kong and added they were selling at or slightly above the 1000 a square foot the company budgeted for.
Bellway, whose pre-tax profits rose 9% to 247.6 million for the six months to January, now believes it will grow sales volumes by at least 5% this year after the strong recent trading, lifting shares 64p to 2892p. Bellway said that buyers reaction to Article 50 Brexit talks remained an unknown but its biggest concern is labour. Around 70% of our workers in London are non-UK nationals, Ayres added.
Davy analyst Colin Sheridan said: The continued nervousness in the UK around Brexit has still not deterred new-home customers. Bellway has seen very strong sales recently and is in a position to improve guidance on the back of it.
T he Falkland Islands biggest landowner has hired additional financial advisers to fight an unsolicited and unwelcome takeover approach from an Argentine property tycoon.
FIH Group, the AIM-listed firm formerly known as Falkland Islands Holdings, is already a client of WH Ireland. But it has brought in Strand Hanson to advise on a possible bid by Eduardo Elsztain, who controls Argentinas biggest property business.
The Evening Standard revealed last week that Elsztain, who jointly owns Argentinas largest mortgage lender with the government, was eyeing a takeover to counter the 37 million offer from the Rowland family. Edmund Rowland, son of Tory donor David, is executive chairman of FIH.
Argentina and the UK went to war over the Falklands in 1982 and though tensions have eased over the past couple of years, Argentina still claims sovereignty.
The islands legislative assembly said it was closely monitoring the takeover situation.
Yesterday, FIH said the prospect of Argentine control of its subsidiary, the Falkland Islands Company, is a hazard and seriously threatens to undermine both the business and staff.
D efending Donald Trump is a horrible job. I stoop to it only because I wish the criticism of him were better. If you are going to say the US President is a mentally insecure person who lies in his endless desire for self-promotion, better that your analysis is cool and collected.
Ive just returned from America, and whats clear is this: Trumps biggest success has been sending his opponents completely round the bend. He flags nutty Right-wing conspiracy theories based on little evidence. Democrats take the bait, responding with thinly sourced stuff that proves hes corrupt, and claim weight for material that doesnt merit it.
To the outsider, it looks like a Punch and Judy show where youd marginally prefer Judy, if pushed to choose. Take Trumps tax returns. Its long been said that he hasnt paid any tax for years, offsetting losses of $900 million from 1995 against any future gains. A billionaire who doesnt pay tax? What easier target could there possibly be?
David Cay Johnston, a brilliant reporter who has followed Trump for years, last week got hold of two pages of a Trump tax return from 2005. MSNBCs Rachel Maddow made such a fuss of it that James Corden, hardly a political guy, felt the need to mock it on his Late Late Show. Maddow said the return raised profound questions, but didnt find time between the ad breaks and the bragging about this massive scoop to say what the questions were.
This partial, 12-year-old document revealed that Trump paid tax of $36.5 million on income of $153 million, a rate of 24%. We can argue about whether thats enough or not, but it is plainly more than zero, indeed it made him one of the highest payers of tax in the world that year, if only slightly more than I paid.
Trumps position on tax, bankruptcy, doing business in general, has always been that he does whatever he can within the law to protect his companies and his own interests. If thats a lower standard of propriety than we find admirable, it only makes him the same as nearly every other big business in the world. Its not a position that starts and ends with him.
The tax laws allowed him to offset losses against future gains. He didnt write those laws. He gave contributions to the folks that do, but perhaps we should blame the easily bought politicians rather than the property hustler on the make. The outrage about Trump that he breaks the rules misses the point. He mostly follows them. The difference between tax evasion (illegal) and tax avoidance (legal) is nearly always a smart lawyer, in any case.
For the anti-Trump crowd, maybe his old tax returns arent the way to go. Maybe most Americans care less about tax than jobs. A letter in the latest edition of Rolling Stone is from a Michigan car worker who voted for Obama twice and then Trump, a stance he felt the need to explain. The writer notes that Trump is inconsistent on everything apart from trade policy, where he has been clear that globalisation is a scam on most people, and he intends to put American jobs first.
This is a policy to the Left of most radicals, who darent say the same. Mainstream Democrats certainly wont, so they get caught up in rows about rich people paying tax or not, where its a tie at best.
Trump on wire tapping and whether he ever regrets Tweets
The mainstream Lefts real problem with Trump is this: it would be awful if he were right. If it turns out you can gin up the economy with a curious mixture of sloganeering, protectionism and tax cuts for the very rich, where does that leave them?
The correct response to Trumps 2005 tax return was to note that it didnt tell us much that wasnt in Trumps favour, and wonder whether he leaked it himself. (In fairness, Cay Johnston isnt ruling this out.) Instead, his opponents went as nuts as he ever is. It wasnt fake news but it was too close for the waters to look anything less than muddy.
The US cartoonist Garry Trudeau, who writes the Doonesbury strip, has a book out about his 30 years of tirelessly tracking Trump, noting what a perfect candidate he is for satire.
Its all there, says the author. The hilarious narcissism, the schoolyard bullying, the loathsome misogyny, the breathtaking ignorance.
Right. And you still lost.
D avid Trimble was the first leader of Unionism during the Troubles to do a deal with the Republican tormentors of his community and he always preferred the more straight-talking Martin McGuinness to the treaclier, quicksilverish Gerry Adams.
The first face-to face bilateral between the then Ulster Unionist leader and the Sinn Fein/IRA top brass took place in September 1998 in the wake of the Omagh bombing by the dissidents of the Real IRA.
No great invective was hurled nor did McGuinness and Trimble glower magnificently at each other (in the words of Winston Churchill, who brokered the meeting between the then IRA leader Michael Collins and the first Unionist Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Sir James Craig). Trimble often cited the pragmatism of his own predecessor in the 1920s as a precedent for engaging with Republicans in his time.
Trimble was also the first Unionist leader of recent times to worry about the internal balance of forces within Sinn Fein/IRA fearing that McGuinness and Adams would suffer Collinss fate. He probably worried too much about the vulnerability of McGuinness and Adams for his own good within the wider Unionist family, and was punished for it when Ian Paisleys DUP overhauled the UUP as the largest Unionist party.
Martin McGuinness dies
By contrast, McGuinness and Adams did not reciprocate the sentiment and were often prone to over-negotiation. This was despite the fact that McGuinness subscribed to the doctrine put forward by the Dutch political scientist Arend Lijphardt that such conflicts as Northern Ireland could best be solved through accommodation of sectarian elites within the political classes.
The DUP flayed Trimble for his naivete but few can have realised how much further Paisley would go in fraternising publicly with McGuinness when the DUP leader became the hegemonic force in Unionism. In the end, Paisleys vanity proved stronger than his sectarianism.
Martin McGuinness - In pictures 1 /16 Martin McGuinness - In pictures President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, an IRA commander who was killed in an attack in County Armagh in 1987 PA This photo from 1988 shows Mr McGuinness left, helping an injured man at Milltown Cemetary, Belfast, after a gun and bomb attack PA Martin McGuinness walks past a Bloody Sunday Mural in the Bogside in Londonderry in 2003 PA Martin McGuinness pictured in 1973 PA Northern Ireland's former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness leaves Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Stormont, Belfast in 2017 Reuters Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams at his office in the House of Commons in 2002 with Mr McGuinness PA Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness gives a thumbs up during a march in North London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in 1997 Getty Images Martin McGuinness with Gerry Adams at No 10 in 1997 AP Ian Paisley, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness PA Martin McGuinness and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley in 2007 Reuters Martin McGuinnes meets the Queen at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012 PA Former US president George W Bush meets with Ian Paisley, Ireland's first minister and Martin McGuinness in 2007 AP
By contrast, Trimble who took the big risks to talk to Sinn Fein/IRA would never have done the Chuckle Brothers routine. Why? Partly because Trimbles maternal forebears came from McGuinnesss native Derry and he never forgot what the local Provisional IRA, led by McGuinness, had done to his kinsmen. The departure of thousands of Protestants from the West Bank of the Foyle was one of the largest forced movements of population in Europe between the end of the Second World War and the outbreak of the Bosnian conflict in 1992. Trimble saw it as ethnic cleansing. His consciousness gave him a bottom line.
Dean Godson is director of the Policy Exchange think-tank and author of Himself Alone: David Trimble and the ordeal of Unionism
T here were two Martin McGuinnesses: the man of violence and the peacemaker of the past two decades. But the former IRA man, who died last night, could only have been as effective as he was as a peacemaker because he was an IRA commander in selling the Good Friday Agreement to the IRA he had the credibility of being one of them. Indeed, it was he, rather than Gerry Adams, who can take the greater credit for its acceptance on his own side, from which a generation in Northern Ireland has benefited.
One lesson he offers, then, is that it sometimes takes extremists, rather than moderates, to make peace. That plainly is morally difficult for many people to accept; it seems to reward extremism at the expense of moderation. Yet, as Tony Blair said, it was precisely the qualities that made him a formidable enemy of the British state that made him equally formidable as a peacemaker.
But this is not the only lesson of his life. He was, he said, made a Republican by the sectarian state in which he grew up. Derry/Londonderry then was a very different place than now; he was first radicalised by the violent suppression by the police, then Protestant-dominated, of a civil rights protest in which his father took part. The Northern Ireland of the time made dissidents, many, but by no means all of them violent.
Of course victims of terrorism in Northern Ireland, notably Norman Tebbit, whose wife was gravely injured in the Brighton bombing, will find it hard or impossible to forgive Mr McGuinness for the actions of the IRA but there is no gainsaying the extraordinary journey that he, and his loyalist counterparts, took in making a break with the past. The relationship between Mr McGuinness and the late Ian Paisley was genuinely extraordinary. Their friendship told its own story: if they could be reconciled, then so could any irreconcilables. It is not to diminish Mr McGuinnesss sins to say that he did great things in making peace. And thats a blessing.
It pays to advertise
The persuasive power of advertisers has never been more in evidence than in the rapid about-turn executed by Google on the issue of extremists posting videos on YouTube. The company had made much of the sheer difficulty of policing the 400 hours of video material put on YouTube every minute. Yet, once it became clear that some of its biggest British advertisers were deserting it, Google hastened to announce it was recruiting extra staff to monitor content and to speed up the removal of offensive material.
These new policies and controls will significantly strengthen our ability to help advertisers reach audiences at scale, while respecting their values, Philipp Schindler, Googles chief business officer, said. Indeed so. Advertising can work wonders, cant it?
M artin McGuinness, who has died after leaving public life just a few weeks ago, was the terrorist who came in from the cold. He is perhaps Irelands most famous gunman-turned- statesman since Michael Collins, who did so much to deliver independence to Ireland and was gunned down by former supporters in an IRA ambush in 1922 when the new Ireland was in the throes of civil war.
He epitomised the early strategy of the Provisional IRA to achieve publicity and political leverage, if not power, through the Armalite and the ballot box. In moving from violence to political dialogue he trod the same path as Nelson Mandela and Jomo Kenyatta Menachem Begin, even.
He did as much as any Sinn Fein leader to deliver the Good Friday Agreement 20 years ago. He had extraordinary interpersonal skills famously charming Enoch Powell and Ian Paisley. Tony Blairs first Northern Ireland Secretary, Mo Mowlam, called him babe.
His first job in the post-Good Friday Agreement power-sharing government was as minister of education. He took to the job like a duck to water, tirelessly visiting schools across the Six Counties.
Yet earlier this year, as Deputy First Minister, it was he who pulled the plug on the power-sharing coalition led by Arlene Foster. The Unionist camp painted this as an act of wilful vandalism, and self-seeking opportunism. The government collapsed and Sinn Fein surged in the subsequent election. McGuinness announced that he would not stand. He was too ill, he said, and within weeks he was dead.
His reason for resigning the so-called ash for cash affair has proved no trivial matter, whatever the Unionists claim. Around 500 million was wasted on the Renewable Heat Incentive scheme, which was launched by Arlene Foster herself. The crisis is now part of a chain, linked to the difficult outcome of the election and the likelihood of direct rule being imposed from Westminster. At the same time the Brexit imbroglio has brought the border and the security of Ireland north and south back onto the agenda. Never has McGuinnesss skill as a deal broker been more needed.
Martin McGuinness dies
Even today McGuinness plays to mixed reviews especially among the more irreconcilable Unionist and Loyalist communities.
Some 45 years ago he rose to prominence as the leader of Derrys highly active wing of the Provisional IRA. Recruiting was boosted by the killing of 14 unarmed civilians by British Paras in the city in 1972. The British Army gave him the unsavoury soubriquet of the butcher boy partly due to his previous job as a butchers runner, partly because of the forms of torture carried out by IRA men under his command. Military intelligence officers taped hours of McGuinnesss phone calls. Many British soldiers just wanted him dead.
He was long believed to have been a key member of the Provos seven-man National Army Council, alongside Gerry Adams. It is not clear exactly when both men quit their military positions. Both were associated with the murder of the Queens uncle, Lord Mountbatten, at his holiday home in Sligo in 1979.
Move forward two years, and we begin to see a different McGuinness. He was beginning to show that as well as a man of action he was an arch diplomat.
In 1981, in the depths of the crisis over Sinn Fein hunger strikers, it was McGuinness who led the back-channel negotiations with British Intelligence. Both he and Adams had done their apprenticeship in the school of militant Irish nationalism and subversion known as the Maze Prison. But whereas to this day Adams has remained the philosopher and ideologue, McGuinness was the talker, the bargainer, the wheeler-dealer.
Martin McGuinness - In pictures 1 /16 Martin McGuinness - In pictures President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, an IRA commander who was killed in an attack in County Armagh in 1987 PA This photo from 1988 shows Mr McGuinness left, helping an injured man at Milltown Cemetary, Belfast, after a gun and bomb attack PA Martin McGuinness walks past a Bloody Sunday Mural in the Bogside in Londonderry in 2003 PA Martin McGuinness pictured in 1973 PA Northern Ireland's former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness leaves Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Stormont, Belfast in 2017 Reuters Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams at his office in the House of Commons in 2002 with Mr McGuinness PA Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness gives a thumbs up during a march in North London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in 1997 Getty Images Martin McGuinness with Gerry Adams at No 10 in 1997 AP Ian Paisley, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness PA Martin McGuinness and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley in 2007 Reuters Martin McGuinnes meets the Queen at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012 PA Former US president George W Bush meets with Ian Paisley, Ireland's first minister and Martin McGuinness in 2007 AP
He, more than any of the Provo hierarchy, seemed to realise that the time of the Armalite was coming to an end that the violence could not deliver a lasting peace let alone the distant goal of a united Ireland.
He would talk to the brains and leaders of the opposition. Most important was his working partnership with Ian Paisley, which gave their country a real prospect of peace. They shared the same sense of humour. Not for nothing were they called the Chuckle Brothers at Stormont.
In 2012 he shook hands with the Queen, whose uncle his men had killed. The warmth of the reconciliation seemed genuine.
What of his legacy? Sinn Fein is not the party he would have wanted it to be. He wanted a mainstream centre-Left nationalist party. He might have proved the best guide for negotiating Brexit, the hard border with the Irish Republic and the murky future of the UK. We can only learn from the good things he brought to the party, while not forgetting the bad.
That part of his legacy should endure lets hope.
T he French gunman shot by soldiers at Orly airport in Paris on Saturday fitted a profile. Zied Ben Belgacem, who put a gun to a soldiers head saying he wanted to die for Allah, was Paris-born, a thief and drug taker who was radicalised in prison. He reportedly went on the attack with a copy of the Koran, a gun and a container of petrol. His father said: My son was not a terrorist. He never prayed and he drank. But under the effects of alcohol and cannabis this is where one ends up.
Parents tend to be indulgent towards their children, and we do not know the full influences on Belgacem, but the lack of clarity on cause-and-effect raises a new danger. We still expect terrorists to be part of an organised network but we are witnessing the rise of, as it were, the amateur terrorist. Those who are attracted to nihilism, who are unhinged either by drugs or other kinds of alienation, and who think they might blow people up in a crowd just for the hell of it.
There has been a category discussion since crimes by Right-wing extremists were classed by the Home Office as terrorism. Was Jo Coxs murderer less of a terrorist because he had no named network behind him? He was tried for a crime but his admiration for the Nazis led to his classification as a terrorist. Thomas Mair was an evil man united to a cause. There was not choreography but there was inspiration.
It certainly makes the public feel safer if violent attacks are not classed as terrorism. When a London teenager knifed an American tourist to death in Russell Square last August the city was put on high alert. A police officer heard Zakaria Bulhan calling Allah, Allah, Allah but this was not considered relevant to the case. The plea of diminished responsibility was accepted, the killing attributed to an episode of paranoid schizophrenia. London returned to normal.
To those who live among intense and perpetual violence, Western distinctions can seem a bit simplistic. A woman academic I met on a recent trip to Afghanistan said to me that if a bus of soldiers is blown up, or university students attacked, it doesnt much matter whether it is regarded as a crime or terrorism. The victims are still dead. It is the climate of violence which is the deeper problem.
Video shows moment Paris airport attacker grabbed soldier
An advantage that London has over Paris is that stretch of water. We have much better control over guns than mainland Europe. But we are not protected from disturbed individuals who have access to crude devices and are fuelled by drugs, rage or fantasies. Counter-terrorism teams have no doubt that the internet can influence an abnormal mind to do terrible things. If youre watching child sex online, what does that do to you? Beheading videos dehumanise those who watch them. Of course they do.
If we are dealing with deranged individuals rather than groups as the next terror threats we all need to be vigilant and responsible. That goes for tech companies such as Google and Facebook, which can no longer stand outside nations and societies. They are stakeholders like the rest of us. We are in this fight against terror together.
Its no longer cool to rebel. Be clever
The gifted London architect, Amanda Levete, who is responsible for the V&A extension, revealed on Desert Island Discs that she was a rebellious young woman before she became the darling of the Establishment. She observed that in her youth it was fashionable to turn your back on education but now it is cool to be clever.
It is true that everyone is smartening up. A benign effect of technology is the respect for brains. I used to boast about my St Trinians approach to education but am po-faced about it these days. Funnily enough, the tech-inspired new generation of schools are as laissez-faire as I used to be.
Pupils can learn what they want, when they want. This is a philosophy shared by the best and the worst of schools. If it is indeed cool to be clever now, the future of education is going to be very exciting indeed.
Respect to the multitaskers
The next editor of The Evening Standard is a busy man and there is a political row going on about his multitasking. On Friday, Radio 4s PM programme sent reporters to ask Standard vendors and readers what they thought about George Osborne being an MP as well as a newspaper editor. They picked the wrong people.
London practically invented the plural economy true, many work to keep their heads above water. A forthcoming book on Generation Z and their working habits reveals a free-thinking approach to work. Generation Z have a DIY attitude to job skills, thanks to YouTube. Seventy-five per cent of those surveyed said they wanted jobs where they could serve multiple roles at once.
I was proud of the phlegmatic verdict of a vox-popped Londoner to Osbornes Renaissance career: If he can manage it, good luck to him.
* I shall be vacating my office in just over a month, so I am starting to take down the framed front pages of the past few years, so that the new incumbent can choose his own. May to be PM is one I might hurriedly remove, as well as the dramatic news picture of David Cameron and Samantha Cameron leaving Downing Street.
Another memorable front page on the wall is Handshake of History, the day Martin McGuinness met the Queen on Wednesday June 27, 2012. It happened to be the day that Tony Blair was guest-editing the newspaper.
Peace and politics, like journalism, is all about timing.
D an Jones, in asking what did we do to deserve the present Government, appears to mockingly compare the fruits of the Brexit vote with a medieval fear of divine retribution for sin [Save us from this Government of anti-EU cranks, Comment, March 17].
A better way of looking at it might be to see the EU referendum result as the people accepting responsibility and making amends for their past mistakes. With the benefit of hindsight we can see that the EU project was always doomed to fail, insofar as it was intended to develop from a trading bloc to a federal superstate of many diverse nations.
Even when we first joined in the Seventies we knew it meant betraying our Commonwealth partners who had so loyally stood by us in the darkest days of war.
We should not turn our backs on Europe even though it seems to be in long-term economic decline but we should embrace the freedom and opportunities that being outside the EU will bring.
Matt Showering
It was astonishing to hear Brexit minister David Davis admit that the Government has yet to make an economic assessment of Britain leaving the European Union without a proper deal. It is critical that Brexit gets the full approval of Parliament as well as the assemblies of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Last week, while giving evidence before the Commons Brexit Select Committee for the first time, Davis said the broad outline of the UKs objectives for Brexit were known but that the fine detail had to be filled in.
At this stage, it will be like starting talks with one armed tied behind his back. Negotiating strategies and serious contingency planning should have been in place already. Otherwise, it will be a grave dereliction of duty by the Government for not doing so. We have to hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Baldev Sharma
We need to be clear about Brexit it was essential that the UK began a breakaway from the European Union, a money-wasting disaster that works contrary to sound economic principles.
The EU would never mend its profligate ways and I am convinced that staying in it would have condemned future generations to financial ruin. I strongly suspect that other countries will follow our lead in leaving.
Furthermore, I am positive that the trade deal we agree on will be sufficient. We import from the EU much more than we export and EU nations would be cutting off their noses to spite their faces if they penalise the UK in trade negotiations. Surely even they wouldnt do that?
J G Williams
Private care firms are failing the old
It is a scandal that care firms have cancelled their contracts with 95 councils. The Government blames the care crisis on an ageing population but the real cause is the failure of the privatisation of social care.
Private care homes dont worry about the old they only care about their balance sheets. It is thought that 69 home care companies closed in the past three months and a quarter of the UKs 2,500 home care companies face bankruptcy. It is time for the state to kick out private care homes and provide well-funded, quality care for the old.
Sasha Simic
I agree with Graeme Campbell [Letters, March 17] that the restoration costs of Buckingham Palace should be shared. However, he mistakenly believes the cost of the Scottish Parliament building was an imposition on the UK Exchequer.
While the building at Holyrood was foisted upon Scotland by Tony Blair, it was paid for using funds from the Scottish-assigned budget, resulting in cuts in health and education. This overpriced folly it cost 414 million to build accounts in no small degree for the collapse of Labour in Scotland, the rise of the SNP and the potential break-up of Britain.
Thanks, Mr Blair.
David J Black
Join the conversation: #esnewsviews
Greyhound racing is cruel to dogs
Richard Hill claims Sadiq Khan is taking the moral low ground by effectively closing Londons last remaining greyhound track at Wimbledon [Letters, March 17]. However, greyhound racing is a cruel sport that causes suffering to dogs.
Puppies that do not make the grade are killed, dogs are injured in races and there is the problem of rehousing retired dogs at a time when many discarded animals already need homes. The sports popularity is declining as people become aware of the cruelty involved.
I think it is Mr Hill who has taken the moral low ground.
Mark Dawes
Arsenal fans are divided over whether Arsene Wenger should extend his stay at the club
Wenger needs to get a grip on reality
The writing is on the wall for Arsene Wenger and, as we saw on Saturday during the 3-1 defeat at West Brom, its in banners in the sky and in the stands. The only person who cant see it is Wenger himself.
Rather than get the respectful and emotional send-off he deserves after 21 years of excellent service, Wenger risks taking his relationship with the Wenger Out brigade to a new low by signing a new contract. Some fans want him to stay in the job but only because of the fear of instability which could truly harm the clubs future prospects.
The toothless display at West Brom a fourth Premier League defeat in five games highlighted Arsenals defensive weaknesses. There are no leaders in the side and without Alexis Sanchez who else in the team can lift the team out of this rut?
I for one am certain it isnt Wenger.
D Murray
Join the conversation: #essportviews
Air quality inside is worse than outside
The air in modern buildings including schools and nurseries can be 10 times more polluted than outside.
This is due to a combination of off-gassing from building materials, carpets and furniture, general bacteria and viruses, and air-conditioning and ventilation systems bringing in polluted air from outside, including micro-particles emitted by traffic.
I hope the Governments inquiry into air pollution will not ignore indoor air quality, which is an essential part of the problem.
Christian Lickfett, air pollution expert, Commercial Air Filtration
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For female politicians style is weaponised. Hillary Clinton had her pastel pantsuits - signifying strength - and Margaret Thatcher those strings of pearls, suggesting polish.
As Theresa May ascended the Conservative ranks her signature was the kitten heel.
However, quietly, as is her (literal and figurative) style, May has been shifting and resisting the template.
First, there were the leather trousers (995! exclaimed the Jams) and now there is an American Vogue shoot, in which she wears dark blue L K Bennett, in a shot that riffs on the iconic Sharon Stone power pose in Basic Instinct: sheath dress, hair swept back, legs crossed, eyebrow cocked.
Theresa May's finest footwear - in pictures 1 /40 Theresa May's finest footwear - in pictures November 4, 2014 Wearing leopard print kitten-heel courts as she leaves Downing Street after attending cabinet Peter Macdiarmid/Getty October 5, 2009 Wearing red and black snakeskin courts on the stage as they address delegates at the Conservative Party Conference Christopher Furlong/Getty October 5, 2004 Wearing powder blue and black floral patterned ballet pumps as she arrives at the Bournemouth International Conference Center Jim Watson/AFP/Getty December 9, 2010 Wearing knee-high red suede boot as she leaves a cabinet meeting in Downing Street Matthew Lloyd/Getty November 5, 2013 Wearing over-the-knee patent boots as she arrives on Horse Guards in central London during the visit of South Korean President Park Geun-Hye Sean Dempsey/AFP/Getty June 27, 2016 Wearing pointed leopard print courts to a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street Leon Neal/AFP/Getty May 3, 2011 Wearing patent powder blue court shoes as she arrives in Downing Street to attend a Cabinet meeting Oli Scarff/Getty October 9, 2012 Wearing pointed leopard print courts with a burgundy print insert to deliver her speech to delegates during the third day of the annual Conservative Party Conference Andrew Yates/AFP/Getty October 16, 2012 Wearing pointed leopard print courts as she arrives at Number 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly Cabinet meeting Oli Scarff/Getty February 5, 2013 Wearing over-the-knee patent boots as she walks into Downing Street to attend a security meeting with US Vice President Joe Biden Peter Macdiarmid/Getty March 17, 2014 Wearing black lace up patent brogues with diamond studs as she launches HMC Protector Peter Macdiarmid/Getty June 5, 2013 Wearing pointed black patent sling backs as she attends the preview party for The Royal Academy Of Arts Summer Exhibition Tim P. Whitby/Getty June 23, 2013 Wearing Union Jack emblazoned trainers as she presents medals during the third day of the 2013 Samsung World Rowing Cup II at Eton Dorney September 30, 2013 Wearing black lace up patent brogues with diamond studs as she delivers her speech in the main hall on the second day of the Conservative Party Conference Oli Scarff/Getty June 10, 2014 Wearing snakeskin kitten-heel courts as she arrives for a cabinet meeting in Downing Street Carl Court/AFP/Getty June 11, 2014 Wearing patent red flats with pink bow detailing as she leaves the Royal United Services Institute Peter Macdiarmid/Getty September 30, 2014 Wearing navy suede courts with a chunky heel as she addresses the Conservative Party Conference Matt Cardy/Getty March 3, 2015 Wearing over-the-knee patent boots as she arrives for a Ceremonial Welcome for the President of Mexico Leon Neal/AFP/Getty May 21, 2015 Wearing gold studded black flats as she and David Cameron are accompanied by immigration enforcement officers into a home in Southall in London following an early morning raid on the property that yielded three arrests of illegal immigrants Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty July 8, 2015 Wearing black pointed flats with a red and pink kiss print as she leaves 10 Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/Getty October 6, 2015 Wearing black suede courts with a chunky heel on the third day of the annual Conservative party conference Oli Scarff/AFP/Getty October 7, 2015 Wearing red, yellow and turquoise printed courts as she arrives for the fourth and final day of the Conservative Party Conference Christopher Furlong/Getty March 22, 2016 Wearing black suede shoe boots with a leopard print insert as she leaves 10 Downing Street Adrian Dennis/AFP/Getty July 12, 2016 Wearing leopard print pointed flats as she leaves after attending a Cabinet meeting at Downing Street Carl Court/Getty December 15, 2004 Wearing calf-length suede boots in plum as she arrives at the 'Woman's Own Children Of Courage Award' at Westminster Abbey MJ Kim/Getty September 30, 2007 Wearing yellow and black patterned wellies during the 124th annual Conservative Party Conference at the Winter Gardens Christopher Furlong/Getty November 8, 2007 Wearing black pointed courts with silver ankle strap as she arrives at the Woman Of The Future Awards Jo Hale/Getty April 26, 2009 Wearing open-toe leopard print flats to speak at the Conservative Party Spring Forum Matt Cardy/Getty June 15, 2010 Wearing a patent red wedge as she arrives for the weekly cabinet meeting in Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/Getty July 6, 2010 Wearing rainbow striped pointed pumps as she arrives in Downing Street Peter Macdiarmid/Getty
American Vogue released the images yesterday, alongside an interview in which the Prime Minister gives a shrugging verdict on the top job ("Theres a lot to do. Every day brings new challenges").
It is considered a coup for editor Anna Wintour: May is the first British PM to be shot for the magazine. When May appeared on Desert Island Discs in 2014, she chose a lifetime subscription to Vogue as her luxury item. This is the lowdown on the shoot.
The hair
Mays hair was teased by Shon Hyungsun Ju, an itinerant stylist based in New York and London, who regularly works for Vogue, W and Dazed and Confused. He styled Kim Kardashian for her Australian Vogue cover - presumably the patter on set was different.
Mays hair is usually parted with disregard - she does, after all, have better things to do. Sometimes, the fringe is defined, sometimes it is subsumed by her bob. This is a statement sweep, revealing both eyes - commanding, if quite severe.
The labels
Expectedly, the clothes are by British designers. In the hero shots, taken inside Chequers, May wears an L K Bennett coat and dress. The hue is richer and deeper than lightweight Tory blue - crucially, the shot cuts off above the shoes, which are not the story.
For the outdoor pictures, where May appears with her husband, walking a beat behind, she is dressed in knee-high Russell & Bromley boots, a pillar-box-red Egg coat and a Sine for Egg sweater. Egg is a Belgravia boutique, a favourite of Sam Cam and the Notting Hill set - despite her ideological opposition, May is seduced by a good cut.
Theresa May and her husband Philip / Annie Leibovitz/Vogue
The team
The photographs were taken at Chequers by Annie Leibovitz, who shuns Photoshop and who shot the Queen for her 90th birthday portrait.
It was choreographed by executive fashion editor Phyllis Posnick, whose selection is significant.
She is very senior, but crucially, her modus operandi is getting her shot in one take - not 25, like shoots run by a series of stylists and sub-stylists. It suggests May was not able to give US Vogue a lot of time. She does, after all, have "a lot to do".
Known as fashion Royalty, Charlotte Casiraghi is Karl Lagerfelds friend, muse and eighth in line to the throne of Monaco.
She has appeared on the cover of Vogue and Vanity Fair have featured her in best-dressed lists.
A penchant for experimenting with styles and textures, her natural flare for fashion likely comes from her roots - she is the grand daughter of Grace Kelly. Fittingly, for this years Rose Ball at Sporting Monte-Carlo, Charlotte opted for her mothers floor-length vintage Chanel gown.
Proving that it is possible to look sophisticated while sporting the sheer trend, Casiraghi served as inspiration for the style.
Here is how you can replicate the ensemble and look sophisticated in sheer on a high street budget.
The dress
This black semi-sheer lace maxi dress over a nude underlay from Boohoo (45) is the perfect look to replicate Charlottes classic Chanel style.
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The black open-toe heel
Casiraghi opted for a crisscross style open toe, much like these classic embellished ones from Ted Baker (140).
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The single drop earring
To get Charlottes star style down to a tee, a single drop earring is a must, like this 12 one in a pack of three from ASOS.
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The classic clutch
The final detail to replicate Charlottes look is a classic clutch. Ideally opt for vintage, but if you cant find the perfect clutch at a vintage store this one from Boohoo (14) is the next best thing. Silks or velvets are a great fabric to get that vintage feel.
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Naomi Isted is a TV presenter, columnist, blogger and stylist. Visit her website here and get in touch on Twitter
R ick Stein is enthusing about a meal he had recently at McDonalds in Australia.
I always order a Grand Angus burger, says the TV chef and restaurateur. Its fabulous really thought-through and a bit indulgent too much cream, too many chips, but very nice. A lot of my customers wouldnt go to a McDonalds but we are all after the same thing in this business: pleasing the customer. I dont know why people get so aerated about it. I like McDonalds.
He has just returned from holiday in Hawaii with his wife Sarah, her two children and his three sons from his first marriage. As my son said, it was a great holiday with the Brady Bunch, say Stein with a relaxed smile. His step-daughter, Olivia, aged 17, is really good news. I have boys so this is a whole different game, even if she can be a bit hard on me. Shes going to Westminster Catering College, so Im chuffed.
Ive been lucky with my stepkids. They were little when we met so theyve always accepted me. Having a stepfamily is so much more common these days and its nice to report I dont have a lot of problems. Touch wood. Stein, 70, raps on the table at the studio where were talking between shoots for his new cookbook, about Mexico.
Stein is agreeable company, with all the exuberant affability that makes him so popular on television in evidence. More than 20 years in the business has done nothing to dim this keenness: I just like sharing enthusiasm for where I am with a lot of people. Food is a great thing to be enthusiastic about, its not hurting anybody.
He is wearing one of his signature pink shirts, chosen in a hurry because he spent too long experimenting with tortilla recipes and didnt leave time to iron, and an Apple watch Doing 10,000 steps every day is important. That stuff about it being counter-productive to measure is bollocks.
After making his name with restaurants in Cornwall, turning Padstow into Padstein, Stein has his sights set on London. Last week he opened his first restaurant here, taking over The Depot in Barnes, near his house.
Is his patch of south-west London about to become Barnes-Stein? He laughs. I said Id never open in London so it took a lot of soul-searching. Im not looking for a central restaurant I dont want the competition and costs. This isnt like doing a Wolseley. What I like about Barnes is it has its own identity London is a series of villages. Regulars have warned him not to change The Depot too much, its been there 30 years so is entwined with peoples memories. Its a bit like Padstow.
It was his son Ed, 38, who told him The Depot was available, thanks to a heads-up from a school pal. His other sons, Jack, 36, and Charlie, 31, are the executive chef and the wine buyer respectively.
Jack arrives during our interview and Stein brightens at his presence. Despite trying to talk Jack out of a career in food I told him its hard work Stein is happy. I like to think Im the boss but I think Jack gently humours me. Jack is introducing his father to Londons food scene. He has friends with restaurants that are so trendy I think: Woah. The food at Carl Clarkes ChicknSours is mindblowing.
What makes Chick 'n' Sours chicken so good?
Its applying ideas from all over the world and making fast food out of it so clever. If I was a young man now I would probably be doing the sort of thing Carl is doing.
Stein says he isnt driven by profit and he isnt planning any more restaurants soon. Its not about the commercial side, its just fun. Ill be using this restaurant personally. We needed to grow a bit because we have talented top management and we need to pay them a salary that makes them want to stay, but I think we are happy now. I dont think Ill take over the world.
His role is quality control. We have all these restaurants and the worry is that they have to deliver the same quality.
Jill, his ex-wife, is still a partner in the business. We dont tend to communicate unless its to do with the business, says Stein. But times a great healer and weve always retained a sensible attitude to the business.
They separated in 2002 after nearly 30 years of marriage. Jill publicly slapped him in one of their restaurants when she learned he had cheated on her with Australian publicist Sarah Burns: It was a hard time.
He is sympathetic to Jeremy Paxman, who is currently in the news after splitting up with his wife of 35 years and going out with a woman 30 years younger than him. Its a useful story if someone goes off with a younger woman, says Stein. It was ever thus. Ive met Jeremy at BBC jollies. Hes nice, not as acerbic as he comes over.
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When his own separation was reported, Stein says, I looked up the private lives of the journalists that were hounding me and there was no difference from mine. Its just so easy. I remember reading some journalist at The Times having a go at Jeremy and somebody wrote in saying theres nothing they dislike more than two hacks having a go at each other. Ill tell you what is annoying: if you go to the Mirror online the story about me is still there. I know you can get it taken off but I dont want to do anything like that.
Is marriage different the second time around? I like to think Im more thoughtful but Sas says Im not. They eat have dinner together most evenings he cooks. Sas can cook but Im glad she doesnt because then shed be tougher about me cleaning up after myself. She wont be joining him filming in Mexico which isnt great but well be driving a lot; she said whats the point coming when Im in a blinking minibus all day?
They run a restaurant in Australia together (its a joy working together) and are both prolific tweeters. Twitter works well, I must say. I want to show people that I do read their tweets. Its an interesting way of communication, maybe not if you are the President of the United States but if you just run a few restaurants its OK. What about trolling? I find it more upsetting getting a bad restaurant review.
He swims every morning 40 minutes of front crawl and breaststroke and is good at turning off. Hes midway through reading Cormac McCarthys All the Pretty Horses and listening to A Brief History of Seven Killings by Marlon James. I wouldnt mind doing more writing but itd have to be a novel and I dont know if I have the inclination.
I used to be envious of Jamie Olivers youth and enthusiasm but he has a good way on TV"
The proliferation of food TV excites him. He quite likes watching Jamie Oliver. I used to be envious of his youth and enthusiasm but I think he has a good way of communicating.
Reading, cooking and swimming help with mental health. Stein speaks openly about this. His father had bipolar disorder and committed suicide. Swimming and cooking dont involve a lot of thinking. Everybody thinks too much, about how not well they are or why they shouldnt be eating bread.
This idea is ludicrous to him and makes him hoot with laughter, banging the table. We dont eat enough fish, although research shows its good for the brain. People sooner talk about gluten intolerance than fish.
Julian Fellowes was at the lecture with his wife Emma. We had bread rolls at dinner and she said: I am gluten-intolerant and I am not eating that roll. I took to her instantly.
Stein is sceptical about cod shortages and the suggestion we should eat pollock instead. Pollock is not a nice fish. Its boring. Theres plenty of cod. With fish you are fighting a losing battle against everyones wish to think things are bad. They are bad in lots of ways but Im not sure they are here.
He doesnt watch his own shows much but has learned people like me making a fool out of myself, being clumsy. That used to piss me off but there is something funny about people doing silly things.
Im more confident because Ive done it so often. Its gratifying to be in a position where you can have your enthusiasms picked up by others.
Chalky the dog, who used to co-star on his shows, is still much missed. Every time I get close to a dog Sas says how much I love them.
Hes champing at the bit to get to Mexico, where the food completely knocked me out. What does he make of Trump and his wall? Mexicans dont look on themselves as a poor neighbour. Theres a lot going wrong in Mexico but theres a lot very right.
He adds diplomatically: I like the States too. I am interested in politics but theres no point getting involved if you are a chef its enough trouble keeping your kitchens running properly without trying to sort the world out.
For more about Rick Stein Barnes, visit rickstein.com
W est London rooftop Pergola on the Roof is to re-open this summer, themed around the Hamptons.
Offering a taste of life on Long Island, the pop-up will run for 22 weeks, from May 3 until October 1.
The Wood Lane site, which sits a whopping 50 metres above ground on the roof of the former Television Centre where BBC staff used to park opened last year for an initial 14 week run as a Mediterranean-inspired pergola, with the likes of Salt Yard, Le Coq and Rabbit involved. In Winter, it was transformed into a Nordic-themed winter spot, with Snaps & Rye, Gunpowder and Le Bab in residence.
The new incarnation, open Wednesdays to Sundays, will bring the East Coast to London, decked out in white-washed wood and palm trees. The Hamptons are famed as exclusive seaside resorts where the average house price is more than 6 million. Besides being the inspiration for the setting of The Great Gatsby and somewhere F Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald actually lived the sprawling villages that make up the area are frequently referenced in hip hop, often making it into Drake and Jay Z's lyrics.
So far, Patty & Bun, 8 Hoxton Square, Breddos Tacos and Bonnie Gull spin-off Salt n Sauce all are confirmed for this year's run. Therell also be two bars, offering a free drink to anyone who signs up online here. Tables can be booked for groups of four or more.
No word on whether the pop-up is promising Long Island weather, but here's hoping.
For more information visit pergolaontheroof.com
C all The Midwife star Helen George is enjoying her reunion with director Sir Trevor Nunn having been too nervous to stay in the same room as him the first time they worked together.
The actress, 32, is starring opposite Eve Best and Anthony Head, who play lovers, in the revival of Terence Rattigans wartime drama Love In Idleness at the Menier Chocolate Factory.
The show, about a widow whose affair with a prominent cabinet minister is threatened by her sons return from Canada, combines the 1944 play with an earlier more political version Rattigan eventually rejected. George plays the politicians much younger wife.
The actress said it was nice to work with Sir Trevor, 77, as an adult, 12 years after he gave her her first job in the musical The Woman In White. She said: I was very nervous when I worked with him the first time. He used to walk into the room and I used to walk out because I was so scared of him but now its fine. She joked: Ive faced my demons and can speak to him and get to know him.
George, who plays midwife Trixie Franklin in the hit BBC show, said Love In Idlenesss modern love story was part of its success. She said: We were just saying how its really nice that its a love story thats not about teenagers or 20-year-olds.
Best, 45, the winner of the Evening Standards outstanding newcomer award in 1999, said the story was amazingly modern. She said: Reading it for the first time you feel there are moments at the start of scenes where you feel this could have been written yesterday or today.
Arts picks of the week: 20th-26th March 1 /6 Arts picks of the week: 20th-26th March The Japanese House: Architecture and Life after 1945 This exhibition is going to give you house goals that you will probably never be able to achieve in your damp Camberwell houseshare. But go and enjoy it anyway. Its the first major UK exhibition to offer a look at Japanese domestic architecture from the Second World War to now, profiling over 40 architects. It includes a full-size recreation of the prize-winning Moriyama House (no, you cant move in).
March 23 - June 25, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Howard Hodgkin: Absent Friends Howard Hodgkin, one of Britains most celebrated artists, recently passed away - but its testament to his impact that there were already three shows planned around his work. The first is at the National Portrait Gallery, and is the first ever exhibition of his portraits.
March 23 - June 18, National Portrait Gallery; npg.org.uk The Goat, or Who is Sylvia? After the five-star success of Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Comes another Edward Albee production. This time, Damian Lewis and Sophie Okonedo star in a comic masterpiece about a man who embarks on a rather interesting love affair.
March 24 - June 24, Theatre Royal Haymarket BMW Tate Live Exhibition: Ten Days Six Nights Get ready for something new - this is an art exhibition that unfolds over a period of time. A number of artists (including Isabel Lewis who was recently interviewed by the Standard friezeartfair.com ) will come together, to create daytime installations that are a springboard for nighttime ticketed events. Expect music, scent, food, dance and, from Fujiko Nakaya, lots of fog.
March 24 - April 2, Tate Modern; tate.org.uk People Power: Fighting for Peace The Imperial War Museum is going all peace and love for a new exhibition exploring a history of peace movements. From the First World War to the present day, it will explore the things people have done to fight against war.
March 23 - August 28, Imperial War Museum; iwm.org.uk Big Guns Exciting up and coming playwright Nina Segals latest play gets its premiere at The Yard this week, directed by Dan Hutton. Described as an unsettling exploration of violence and a society living in fear, its a great excuse for a fun trip to Hackney Wick.
March 21 - April 8, The Yard; theyardtheatre.co.uk
So much of the writing is timeless then suddenly youll flashback into something that feels like a Noel Coward pastiche then flash into some very heartfelt realism that feels like it could be a Chekhov play.
W hen Stephen Shainbergs cult film Secretary was released 15 years ago, the concept of BDSM was a relatively new one to the mainstream but now, what with the stratospheric popularity of E.L James Fifty Shades of Grey, its gone global.
Even so, the idea of it can all seem a bit much for some people; its one thing to bemusedly watch it on screen and another entirely to get involved oneself. However, the launch of Amelia Stephensons Amelie Louise London lingerie brand proves that its possible to dip a toe into that world without falling in entirely.
As her programme at the London School of Fashion draws to a close, Amelia unveils her final collection in a photography exhibition this Thursday March 23 at Blessings in Shoreditch.
Exploring the realms of pleasure and pain, each piece has been photographed against the backdrop of everyday London.
Best lingerie websites - in pictures 1 /9 Best lingerie websites - in pictures Boux Avenue If youre looking for luxury at affordable prices, then this is the lingerie brand for you. Whether youre feeling fun and girly or glam and sexy, Boux offers plenty of pretty designs and teasing styles to match every mood. Besides a range of irresistible intimates, the website has an impressive collection of essentials such as shapewear, bra solutions and novelty nightwear. Shop now, Buy it now ASOS Known as the worlds most visited online fashion retailer, ASOS not only offers bang-on-trend clothing styles, but also does a good job of keeping our underwear drawers looking gorgeous. Choose from a variety of budget-friendly and high-end brand options, including the websites own label and the popular Agent Provocateur. Shop now, Buy it now Bondara The web-based intimate toy retailer stocks a range of racy underwear for women, from teasing bridal babydolls to sleek suspenders. Perfect for anyone looking to spice up their lingerie chest, the website is laid out simply for breezy navigation, while categories for men and plus sized women mean theres something for all. Shop now, Buy it now Figleaves A big player in online lingerie, Figleaves lets you explore all the underwear brands worth knowing about such as Elle Macpherson Intimates, Wonderbra and Triumph. The huge range of sizes on this website makes it a great choice for those struggling to find options for a fuller bust. Shop now, Buy it now Ann Summers Home to the sexiest lingerie on the high street, Ann Summers is the first port of call for those who want to amp things up in the bedroom but its not all about the kinky stuff. On its website youll find a range of comfy nightwear and everyday lingerie that offers great value for money. Shop now, Buy it now Bravissimo Launched in 2011, Bravissimo caters for women sized DD-L and provides a range of lingerie and swimwear from a selection of plus-size brands. With helpful videos and detailed steps, its expert bra fitting guides will help you discover the perfect size and style, while mums and mums-to-be can find advice on the right bras to wear during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Shop now, Buy it now House of Fraser With more than fifty brands to select from, British department store House of Fraser features a hard-to-beat lingerie collection on its website, which ranges from high-street to designer labels. Theres a guide to bra shopping to help you get started and the handy filter options mean you can search by price range, strap type and bra coverage. Shop now, Buy it now
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T hat exotic trip to Thailand you've been dreaming about might not be such a far-fetched fantasy.
According to Skyscanner, the cheapest time to fly from London to Thailand's capital Bangkok is just around the corner. Book a trip in May, and you'll be saving 20 percent off the average price of 543.25 for a total of 431.34.
That's more than 110 in your pocket to indulge in the vibrant street food scene, food halls and rooftop bars. Or perhaps the relaxing massages and tours of temples and shrines.
Need more incentive to book a trip? Consider the weather. According to TripAdvisor, Thailand is warmest in May, as it is peak "hot" season, which lasts from March to June.
The ideal time to go is during the "cool" season in December, but you'll be paying about 22 percent more in airfare. But who could complain about bright, sunny days?
Although you've might have missed the mark for booking the best deal (SkyScanner recommends 22 weeks in advance, no matter what time of year), book now to snag a deal for an end-of-summer holiday in August.
A couple who had their neighbour arrested for singing a Jimi Hendrix song in a bitter feud over a parking space now face a 500,000 legal bill, Appeal Court judges have heard.
Michael Salliss, 74, and his wife Hazel, 62, called police to complain that Terry Simou was threatening to shoot them with a gun.
In fact Mr Simou, 53, was in his barn practising the Hendrix song Hey Joe, which features the lines: Im goin down to shoot my old lady, and Shoot her one more time again, baby!
Mr Simou, an acupuncturist, spent seven hours in police custody over the August 2014 incident, but was released after 10 minutes of questioning.
Bitter feud: Michael and Hazel Salliss (Paul Keogh ) / Paul Keogh
A county court judge ruled the Salisses had waged a bullying campaign against Mr Simou and another neighbour, Christie Greenfield.
But the couple, of Etchingham, East Sussex, are fighting to overturn that ruling in the Court of Appeal. The feud started shortly after they bought their property in 2004, when they allegedly tried to grab some of Mr Simous land, which he used for parking cars. Mr and Mrs Salliss, who run a construction company, are also accused of blocking a right of way used by Mrs Greenfield.
Mr Simou and Mrs Greenfield, a retired music teacher, complained of bullying, alleging Mr Salliss racially abused Mr Simou over his Greek origin. Mrs Greenfield said she had also filmed Mr Salliss as he threatened her with a bale of hay on a spike from the seat of his tractor.
Arrest: Terry Simou
At Tunbridge Wells County Court, Judge Simon Coltart ruled the Sallisses had harassed both neighbours, saying: Mr and Mrs Salliss have attempted to bully their neighbours in order ... to adjust the [propertys] boundaries to suit their own requirements without any attempt at consultation or negotiation ... and when challenged they resorted to abuse and hectoring.
Mr Simou had been practising music in a studio in his barn when the Sallisses called police to complain, Judge Coltart said: The next thing he knew he was being arrested and taken to the police station, where he was held for seven hours before being interviewed.
On interview, within 10 minutes, he was released. I am quite satisfied the complaint was instigated by Mr and Mrs Salliss and their allegation that in some way Mr Simou was threatening to shoot them with a gun was trumped up.
It may have been the words of the song, but they were using it in a dishonest way to effect his arrest, and I regard that as being an extremely serious incident of harassment.
Judge Coltart found the couple tried to block a right of way and Mrs Greenfield has on occasion been frightened by the way [Mr Salliss] treated her.
He ordered the couple to re-store the right of way and pay 8,000 damages to Mr Simou and 2,500 to Mrs Greenfield. The Sallises were left with legal bills of over 500,000.
At the Court of Appeal, the couples barrister Matthew Collings QC argued Judge Coltart was wrong to go ahead with the trial because a medical condition prevented Mr Salliss from attending parts of the hearing.
The three Appeal judges reserved judgement to a later date.
T he daughter of a man stabbed to death more than three decades ago has told of the torment of knowing his killer is still at large.
John Gibbons was found with his throat slashed and a stab wound to his heart in his Putney flat on March 17, 1985.
His daughter Dawn, who was 16 at the time, found her 49-year-old father collapsed.
As part of a fresh appeal to trace his killer, Ms Gibbons has told of her ongoing agony more than 30 years on.
Appeal: Murdered John Gibbons pictured with his daughter Dawn / Metropolitan Police
She said: "The fact that my father's killer still walks the streets of London has been extremely difficult to deal with over the past 32 years.
The pain of what happened only gets worse as I grow older and remember what my father and I did together, especially as I now have my own daughter.
"My father meant the world to me and his death has had a massive impact on my whole life. I have to live with the grief that a person I loved is not here.
Mr Gibbons, who was divorced from his wife and also had a son, previously worked as an engineer for London Transport.
He retired due to ill-health in March 1984.
Appeal: Scene of John Gibbons' murder / Metropolitan Police
A post-mortem examination gave Mr Gibbons cause of death as a single stab wound through the heart.
A 28-year-old man was arrested and charged with his murder but the trial was discontinued. There have since been no further arrests in the case.
Ms Gibbons added: "I would ask from the bottom of my heart that if you have any information, no matter how small, please come forward and tell the police so I can finally get some answers about why this happened.
"If the tables had turned I know my father would not stop until he had tried his best to bring the person responsible to justice."
Officers said Mr Gibbons often socialised in pubs close to his Putney home.
Detective Inspector Susan Stansfield, who is leading the investigation, said: "We are now 32 years on and there is a chance that someone who felt they could not speak out in the 1980s may feel this is the time to see justice for John and his family."
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 7230 7963; alternatively, to remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
A hospital consultant who exploited colleagues by acting as a loan shark has been ordered to repay 525,000 to nurses and cleaners or face five years behind bars.
Dr Arjan Savani, 50, ran an illegal money-lending business from two hospitals where he worked, targeting colleagues in the Filipino community.
He knew his victims could ill afford the payments and was aware that the Filipino community places a great deal of importance on honour making the non-repayment of a debt shameful, a court heard.
Between January 2011 and his arrest in December 2015, he worked at Central Middlesex and Northwick Park hospitals in Harrow.
The doctor, who lives in Kenton, was ordered to pay back 525,000 in proceeds of crime when he appeared at Harrow crown court on Friday. He was sentenced to 10 months in jail, suspended for two years, last October.
He must now pay the money within three months or face a default sentence of five years in prison. He was investigated by the England Illegal Money Lending Team, who worked with Brent council and the police.
In December 2015, the IMLT seized loan records which showed he had received payments totalling 525,000. Dr Savani admitted issuing loans ranging from 500 to 50,000. He said he knew he was acting illegally but felt it would take too long to get a licence.
Tony Quigley, head of service for the IMLT, said: Dr Savani is just the latest loan shark who has found that illegal money-lending will be tackled head on in our area.
London North West Healthcare NHS Trust said: Following an internal investigation Dr Savani was dismissed by the trust earlier this year.
The General Medical Council said he is suspended from practising and under investigation. A fitness to practise hearing is set to be held in due course.
A man found murdered at flats in east London was named by detectives on Tuesday as 26-year-old Greg Peake.
Mr Peake, was found lying unresponsive in Hoxton's Cranston Estate by paramedics just after 12.30pm on Sunday.
Despite the arrival of police and the London Ambulance Service, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Detectives say Mr Peake, who lived on the estate, had not been shot or stabbed.
However, a post-mortem held at Poplar Mortuary this week proved inconclusive.
A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken to an east London police station.
He has since been bailed to a date in June pending further enquiries.
Mr Peake was the third person to be murdered in 24 hours of violence in the capital at the weekend.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the HMCC on their incident room number of 020 8721 4054 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
P olice have seen a sharp rise in the number of acid attacks in London, official figures show.
The data, released by the Metropolitan Police, showed the number of reported attacks in London rose from 261 in 2015 to 454 in 2016, a rise of 74 per cent.
The figures also revealed that more than 1,800 attacks involving corrosive fluid have been reported since 2010.
Acid is believed to be a popular weapon for gangs as it is easy to obtain and it can be difficult to identify the attacker.
Burns: A picture of Wayne Ingold who was the victim of an acid attack in 2014 (Picture: PA) / PA
The data, seen by the BBC, revealed that almost a third of these attacks were carried out in Newham and that victims are twice as likely to be male than female.
"Corrosive fluids" have been used in murders, robberies and rapes but more than 70 per cent of cases never reach trial due to difficulty identifying suspects or victims being unwilling to pursue charges.
Dr Simon Harding, gang expert at Middlesex University, believes gangs are switching from carrying knives to acid, because it is "not prohibitive to carry bleach" and "it's difficult to prove any illegal motive.
He added: "A knife attack is attempted murder, but if you're caught in an acid attack it would be GBH.
A teenager was today in hospital after being stabbed in a north London street.
The 15-year-old boy was found by paramedics and police in Lordship Road, Stoke Newington, shortly before 10.20pm on Monday.
He was rushed to an east London hospital but his injuries are not life threatening or life changing.
Lordship Road and nearby Lordship Park were both closed last night following the incident.
It came after two cars, a blue Renault hatchback and a silver hatchback, collided on Lordship Park before reports of a fight. Police believe the two incidents are linked.
A Scotland Yard spokesman today said they were called by the London Ambulance Service to the incident. No arrests have been made and enquiries continue.
It came after a weekend of violence in London. On Saturday night a one-year-old boy died after an alleged attack in a Finsbury Park flat which also left his twin sister critically injured. Bidhya Sagar Das, 33, of Wilberforce Road, Finsbury Park, has been charged with murder and attempted murder.
In separate incidents an 18-year-old man died after being shot in the head in Barking, east London, in a suspected gang-related attack on Sunday while hours earlier a murder probe was launched after a man in his 20s was found dead in a flat in Hoxton.
Anyone with information about the Stoke Newington stabbing should call Hackney CID via 101. To remain anonymous, call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
S ome of the UK's top banks have been accused of being involved in a multibillion-pound Russian money-laundering scam.
High street names including HSBC, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays and Coutts are among those involved in processing 600 million as part of the scam, The Guardian reported.
More than 16 billion and maybe as much as 65 billion was moved out of Russia between 2010 and 2014, the paper claimed.
Banking records detailing the scheme were reportedly obtained by the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) and Novaya Gazeta.
The documents detail around 70,000 transactions, including 1,920 totalling nearly 600 million that went through UK banks and 373 through US banks, the newspaper said.
Spokesmen from the banks said that they used systems and processes to minimise the risk of the organisations being used to accommodate such crime.
HSBC: Spokesman for the banks said they have systems in place to minimise the risk of criminal activity / Frank Augstein/AP
A Barclays spokesman said: "Barclays complies with the rules and regulations in all the jurisdictions in which it operates and has systems and controls in place to mitigate the risk of the bank being used to facilitate financial crime.
"This includes risk-based systems and procedures to monitor ongoing customer activity, which we constantly review, and procedures for reporting matters to the relevant law enforcement authorities as appropriate.
"In addition, through a number of industry initiatives, Barclays partners closely with global law enforcement in the fight against financial crime."
A spokesman for HSBC said: "The bank has systems and processes in place to identify suspicious activity and report it to the appropriate government authorities.
"This case highlights the need for greater information sharing between the public and private sectors, each of whom holds important information the other does not."
A spokesman for RBS added: "We are committed to combating financial crime and money laundering in line with our regulations and have controls and safeguards in place to identify, assess, monitor and mitigate these risks."
And a UBS spokesman said: "UBS applies a robust money-laundering prevention framework across its business operations globally, consistent with locally applicable regulations."
Shadow chancellor John McDonnell said: "This scandal needs to be investigated in full by the National Crime Agency, and the Government must ensure they have all the resources and support needed. Britain cannot be a haven for the criminals of the world who are looking to hide their money.
"It's deeply disappointing that there are British banks involved in yet another banking scandal as the actions of a few shouldn't overshadow the hard work of the thousands of employees in the sector who will have had nothing to do with this case.
"But it appears that some of these big banks haven't learnt the lessons of the past, and are clearly not doing enough to clamp down on financial crime and money laundering."
D etectives are trying to trace a white BMW after a man was shot in east London.
A 10,000 reward was offered for information after the man was shot in the legs in Whitechapel.
The man was seriously injured after the shooting last September.
Six months on Scotland Yard have released images of the BMW believed to be linked to the shooting in Ernest Road.
Witnesses appeal: Two people who may have seen the car speed past have been urged to come forward / Met Police
Police are looking to speak to two witnesses spotted walking close to the crime scene as the car sped past around 7pm on September 24 last year and anyone who was in an orange car seen nearby.
A 19-year-old man and two 22-year-old men were arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in September. They have been released on bail until early April.
Detective Constable Barry Hart said: On the CCTV it shows two people who seem to react adversely to what is going on, as if they may have heard gunshots.
Huge reward: Police are also looking to speak to anyone who may have been in this car / Met Police
"Any witnesses to the shooting, or anyone who was in the area at the time, may hold the vital piece of evidence we need to prosecute the person or persons responsible for this crime.
I would urge anyone with information to get in touch.
Any witnesses to the shooting or anyone with any information can contact police on 101 or via Twitter @MetCC.
Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
A man was battered to death with a bicycle lock after a petty spat at a chicken shop in east London.
Zdenek Makar, 31, known as Zed, was on his way home when painter and decorator Raymond Sculley allegedly attacked him, jurors heard.
Sculley swung a heavy metal bike chain five or six times, striking Mr Makar on the head then hitting him twice more on the ground, the Old Bailey was told.
As Mr Makar lay dying in the street, Sculley stood over him and allegedly said: "Look what you made me do."
The 29-year-old is accused of murdering catering manager Mr Makar, who worked at the Royal Institute of British Architects, on September 21 last year. He denies the charge.
Prosecutor Lisa Wilding QC told how Sculley, of Tower Hamlets, had earlier spent the evening playing video games, smoking cannabis and chatting with friends.
Raymond Sculley is on trial at the Old Bailey. / Shutterstock
Meanwhile, the victim was enjoying after-work drinks before heading home on the train to the All Saints area of east London.
He came across Sculley and his three friends when he stopped at Perfect Fried Chicken in East India Dock Road, Ms Wilding said.
Seeing their bicycles strewn on the pavement outside, he allegedly joked to one of the group, aged 16: "What's this? A bike gang?"
It led to a minor spat inside the chicken shop before Sculley stepped in and put Mr Makar into a "quasi-headlock", jurors heard.
Sculley, wearing paint splattered work clothes, was seen on CCTV footage acting aggressively towards the suited hospitality manager, who was trying to calm the situation.
Ms Wilding said: "As he walked away, Mr Sculley and his friends cycled after him, it being their route home.
"Mr Makar obviously believed he was being followed and turned to confront the group. He put his food down and took his jacket off.
"He was alone and unarmed. Raymond Sculley then removed a bicycle lock - a heavy metal chain attached to a solid locking end that he took from his own bike - and approached the helpless Mr Makar.
"He swung the improvised weapon and struck Mr Makar to the left side of his head, catching him behind the ear and knocking him to the ground where he then struck him at least twice more."
Just before launching his attack, Sculley allegedly said: "Do you want this? Are you ready to go?" as his victim silently backed away.
Afterwards, Sculley cycled home, leaving Mr Makar fatally injured.
Reporting by Press Association.
A pioneering 3D-printed model of a childs abdomen has been donated to the Science Museum by the girl whose life it helped save.
Models of Lucy Bouchers abdomen and one of her fathers kidneys were created to help surgeons plan her kidney transplant.
It is the first time 3D printing has been used to aid a transplant involving placing an adult-sized donor kidney into a childs abdomen. It meant that medics could simulate the surgery in advance, minimising the risks.
Lucy, from Antrim in Northern Ireland, gave the museum the model of her father Chriss kidney as well as the one of her stomach. Both will go on permanent display at the museums Medicine Galleries, due to open in 2019.
She had the operation at Great Ormond Street Hospital in November 2015, when she was two.
Mr Boucher, 36, an assistant church minister, donated his kidney in a procedure at Guys Hospital. He said: It was a great privilege for Lucy to hand the models over. We never expected such a lovely thing to result from something that began as a dark, horrible experience when Lucy developed heart failure as a baby and then kidney failure, and then needed dialysis treatment until she had her transplant.
Lucy is thriving the kidney is working well in her, shes grown a lot, her appetite is excellent, shes now at nursery and enjoying ballet classes.
Being part of the exhibition is a great testament to what a lot of medics in the NHS are doing and how by being determined, innovative and forward thinking they are making healthcare the best it can be. We are very excited to be part of the new exhibition.
One of my earliest memories as a young boy was visiting the Science Museum on holiday in London so its a bit bizarre that the models of Lucy and I will be on permanent display there. Its wonderful to think that Ill still be able to go to the museum to look at the models when Im an old man.
The 3D printer uses measurements obtained through CT and MRI scans to produce a model of liquid plastic, moulded under ultraviolet light to replicate the body parts size and density.
Pankaj Chandak, a transplant registrar at Guys, masterminded the use of the models, which he said were the next best thing to the actual organs.
He added: Its wonderful to see how well Lucy is doing and its an honour to know that millions of people of all ages will be able to learn about the models and Lucys surgery when they visit the Science Museum.
A moped rider has died following a crash with a lorry and a coach during rush hour in south-east London.
Emergency services rushed to the A2 at Kidbrooke, in Greenwich, shortly after 7am on Tuesday.
A 47-year-old man, was pronounced dead at the scene, London Ambulance Service said.
The victim is believed to have crashed with a lorry and then a coach, police revealed.
Witnesses described "chaos" as up to nine police cars rushed up the hard shoulder towards the crash.
One told the Standard: "I got there about two hours after it had happened and the whole road was closed.
"Police were driving up the other side to us and along the hard shoulder.
"You could tell it was nasty, police were waving us past and you could see a forensic tent.
"There was a coach inside the police cordon and people were being escorted off."
The busy road remained closed off for more than three hours as police carried out an investigation.
Concerned motorists took to Twitter to express their horror at the crash.
One user wrote: A2 northbound completely at a standstill, accident just before Kidbrooke- looks really bad.
Another added: Nasty, nasty looking accident on the A2 just before Kidbrooke. Forensic tent up and everything.
Two further patients were treated at the scene by paramedics.
The drivers of the lorry and coach stopped at the scene and no arrests have been made.
A Met Police spokesman said: "Roads and Transport Policing officers are appealing for witnesses following a fatal collision on the A2 between Westhorne Avenue and Kidbrooke Park Road, Greenwich.
"Whilst officers believe they know who the deceased is they await formal identification."
Witnesses are asked to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit at Catford on 020 8285 1574.
P roperty owners are under investigation over whether hundreds of flats and houses in central London are being illegally let out amid the Airbnb revolution, Parliament was being told today.
MPs warned against a free-for-all in short-term lettings causing misery for thousands of Londoners who live next door to these properties and hitting the housing stock for people to rent long term.
They are demanding a crackdown on abuses of legislation which allows flats and houses to be rented out short term for up to 90 days a year.
Westminster North Labour MP Karen Buck, backed by nine other MPs including Conservatives Mark Field, Cities of London and Westminster, and Victoria Borwick, Kensington, called for property owners to have to notify councils of the dates that their property is being used for short-letting.
Ms Buck stressed that Westminster council, alone, was currently investigating more than 1,100 properties which are believed to have been in breach of the 90-night limit.
How does Airbnb work?
She said: Whilst I welcome the freedom for home-owners to let their properties... without excessive bureaucratic interference, it is difficult and expensive for cash-strapped councils to police the rules.
Alongside the responsible owner-occupiers are irresponsible ones, illegal sub-letters and an increasingly significant commercial operation, seeking to take advantage of potentially higher yields.
Property owners could earn 1,800-a-week on average for a short-term let of a two-bedroom flat, compared to 620 for an assured shorthold tenancy, she added.
The number of London properties being advertised short-term on Airbnb soared by 126 per cent in the year after the 2015-16 Deregulation Act, according to figures from Westminster Council, up from 9,663 to 21,861.
Westminster saw an 80 per cent increase to 2,878, Camden 124 per cent to 1,905, Kensington & Chelsea 79 per cent to 2,130 and Southwark, 139 per cent to 1,249.
Mr Field emphasised: A free-for-all in short-term lets is causing misery for thousands of our constituents.
We want the local council to have effective powers to clamp down on this.
Ms Buck praised Airbnb for seeking to address the problem by stopping people letting out their property for more than 90 days a year through its website.
But she stressed that unscrupulous property owners could get around such restrictions by using different sites or making minor changes to addresses such as calling Flat A in a block Flat 1.
Westminster has sought to have Marylebone and Hyde Park areas exempt from the deregulation shake-up but its application was rejected by the Communities Department. It is considering re-applying.
Other MPs backing the new notification regulation include Tulip Siddiq, Hampstead and Kilburn, Jim Fitzpatrick, Poplar and Limehouse, Andy Slaughter, Hammersmith, Rushanara Ali, Bethnal Green and Bow, Ruth Cadbury, Brentford and Isleworth, and Peter Kyle, Hove.
An Airbnb spokesman said: Airbnb has introduced new hosting limits in London to help ensure home sharing is good news for everyone.
"Rather than reopening the rule book, we urge policymakers to help ensure other online platforms act responsibly so home sharing grows responsibly and sustainably."
S outhwark has become the second London borough to protect its historic pubs from redevelopment.
Under new rules passed by the boroughs council, pubs cannot be demolished or turned into homes or businesses without consent from councillors and locals.
Southwark Councils planning committee withdrew development rights from all of the boroughs 188 pubs at a meeting earlier this month.
It means historic watering holes such as the George Inn, at London Bridge, The Ivy House, in Nunhead, and the newly reopened Half Moon, in Herne Hill, are now protected from quick changes of use.
Developers would be forced to go through a full planning process to change the pubs.
Historic boozer: The George Inn at London Bridge (Jon's pics/Flickr) / Jon's pics/Flickr
Councillor Mark Williams, cabinet member for regeneration and new homes, said: "We value the role local pubs play for our residents, and we know that many of them in the borough are well used and much loved by local people.
As well as supporting local businesses and jobs our pubs play a vital role in the heart of the communities they serve.
This is why we felt it was important to make sure that the council and local community have a say when pubs are put forward for development, to help ensure that changing the use of pubs only happens in the right circumstances and in the right areas.
Southwark is the second London borough to make the move, following in the footsteps of Wandsworth Council, which passed the decision in August last year.
T he organisers of Saturdays major anti-Brexit protest march have been criticised for watering down their message and going mushy.
Unite for Europe has ditched its original Stop Brexit slogan for the less direct Make your voice heard ahead of the central London march on Saturday.
The protest is due to take place four days before Theresa May is due to trigger Article 50 on March 29.
A row broke out on the groups Facebook page after its billboard campaign, featuring the new slogan, was unveiled in a post.
Its pulling the punch. Going mushy, wrote one commenter, who added its not promoting anything either.
Others described the slogan as cowardly, rubbish and mincing our words.
June Hale wrote: What in hells name does that mean? STOP BREXIT is what we want to say, simple, loud and clear. Are we joining a march for freedom or bleating advertising slogans?
Daniel Ward agreed, adding: We lost the battle and now you're making sure we've lost the war. Fighting back for your beliefs is not antagonising the other side, it is the brave and principled thing to do.
But Unite for Europe hit back at the criticism, claiming the slogan change was purely about branding.
Crowds: An anti-Brexit rally last year also / Chris Radburn/PA Wire
It said: Unite for Europe wants to make a real difference and to do that we need to persuade people. If public opinion changes we have a chance to stop brexit altogether - indeed that's our only chance. If your only aim is to stick your middle finger up at leavers then by all means be disappointed. If you want to actually stop brexit then you need to realise that antagonising the other side isn't going to work.
Keiran MacDermott, previously the groups treasurer but now one of three remaining committee members, told the Standard: "There have been some comments about the fact that our artwork does not contain a pointed slogan, some positive and some less so. However, we do prefer "Make Your Voice Heard" over something like "Stop Bexit" as we felt the former would encourage a fun and family friendly atmosphere on the day.
"It would also encourage a larger turnout, thus a bigger political impact and therefore make our goal of stopping brexit more easily achievable."
The march, which has almost 30,000 people registered as interested on the Facebook event, sets off at 11am from Park Lane and ends outside Parliament. The list of speakers has not been announced yet.
Article 50: What will happen after it's triggered?
The protest also coincides with the 60th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Rome, which established the European Economic Community,
D avid Cameron joked that he does not have to listen to Donald Trumps wiretapped conversations anymore now that he is no longer prime minister.
He quipped that not having to tune in to his phone calls was one the main advantages of leaving office.
Just to be clear, thats a joke, he added.
The former prime minister addressed the recent wiretapping scandal while speaking to more than 2,000 people at Brown University in Rhode Island on Monday.
Mr Camerons jokes referred to unsubstantiated White House claims that British intelligence helped former President Barack Obama spy on Mr Trump.
Trump on wire tapping and whether he ever regrets Tweets
According to the Providence Journal, he also spoke of a recommitment of old values held by the US and UK.
The two nations must be "the guardians of freedom, of tolerance, of equality and, yes, of justice. Fight for them and we really will be great again," he said.
Former CIA analyst says wire tapping claims could bring down Trump
Mr Cameron said he was optimistic that despite the outcomes of the 2016 presidential election and the Brexit vote, tolerance rather than nationalism would be the way forward.
T he official police watchdog is to launch an inquiry into the Metropolitan polices handling of electoral fraud and malpractice allegations in Tower Hamlets.
Sadiq Khans deputy mayor for policing has called in Her Majestys Inspectorate of Constabulary to look at major failings in the investigation of the scandal-hit borough mayor race in 2014.
Tower Hamlets independent mayor Lutfur Rahman was forced to quit in 2015 after an Election Court found him guilty of corrupt and illegal practices, but has faced no criminal prosecution. He is now attempting to make a comeback before next years elections under the banner of a new party.
Deputy mayor Sophie Linden, who has the legal power to initiate an investigation, wrote to HMIC today. In a letter seen by the Standard, she said: It is right, particularly in cases such as these, that there is no political pressure whatsoever applied to the police and that they should be able to carry out their investigations, which are ongoing, without fear or favour.
That said, I am keen to ensure the investigations can command the trust and confidence of Londoners and particularly residents of Tower Hamlets, who are keen to see the integrity of the democratic process robustly secured.
The public need to have the highest level of confidence that any and all criminal prosecutions have been considered and pursued. City Hall sources said Ms Linden had decided to take act-ion because of mounting concern over the police investigation. Earlier this month the London Assembly said the Met should be investigated over major failings in the case, accusing it of missing opportunities in its enquiries.
The Assemblys police and crime committee claimed more could have been done to examine the allegations and that investigations that did take place were not undertaken to the highest standards. The Met has also been ac-cused of taking a political decision not to pursue Mr Rahman and his Tower Hamlets First councillors because they were afraid of getting involved in a sensitive political situation.
A government-commissioned report last year, by former local government minister Eric Pickles, suggested political correctness may have been partially to blame for what he described as a lack of action by the Met to pursue those suspected of wrongdoing.
N icola Sturgeon has said it would be wrong, unfair and utterly unsustainable for Westminster to block a second Scottish independence referendum.
The Scottish Parliament is expected to back the First Ministers call for another referendum in a vote on Wednesday evening.
Ahead of the vote Ms Sturgeon said it was "'entirely legitimate" for the UK Government and opposition parties at the Scottish Parliament in Holyrood to "robustly" oppose independence.
Her comments come as she and the Prime Minister are engaged in a constitutional stand-off.
The SNP leader wants another vote to take place between autumn next year and spring 2019, when she says there will be clarity over the outcome of the Brexit negotiations.
Brexit: 62 per cent of Scottish voters backed the UK remaining part of the EU in June 2016. / EPA
Theresa May has declared "now is not the time" for another ballot, indicating the UK Government will reject the SNP's preferred timetable.
With the PM due to trigger Article 50 and start the formal two-year-long Brexit process on March 29, Ms Sturgeon told MSPs: "As a country, we can't avoid change. But we can choose what kind of change we want."
Scottish Conservative, Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians have already made clear they will seek to block another referendum.
A total of 62 per cent of Scottish voters backed the UK remaining part of the EU in June 2016 and the SNP manifesto for last year's Holyrood elections made clear another ballot on independence should take place if there were a "material change in circumstances" from the previous ballot in 2014.
The example cited for that was for Scotland to be removed from the EU against its wishes.
Ms Sturgeon said: "In the circumstances we now face, for the UK Government to stand in the way of Scotland even having a choice would be, in my view, wrong, unfair and utterly unsustainable."
Additional reporting by Press Association.
T he Queen is to send a private message to the widow of Martin McGuinness following his death aged 66.
Former IRA leader Mr McGuinness was one of the most controversial figures in Anglo-Irish history before helping to pave the way for peace in Northern Ireland years later.
He met and shook hands with Queen Elizabeth at a charity event in Belfast in June 2012 in a landmark moment which would have once been unimaginable.
On Tuesday, following the announcement of Mr McGuinness death after a short illness, Buckingham Palace indicated the Queen would be contacting his wife, Bernie.
Landmark moment: Queen Elizabeth II shaking hands with Martin McGuinness, then deputy first minister of Northern Ireland. / PA
Mr McGuinness was 21 and second-in-command of the IRA on Bloody Sunday in 1972, when 14 civil rights protesters were killed in Derry by soldiers.
It is remembered as one of the bloodiest and most notorious events during The Troubles as the conflict between loyalist Protestants and republican Catholics came to a head.
Years later, Mr McGuinness worked at the centre of the peace process which led to the historic 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
Ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair said the peace agreement would not have been possible without Mr McGuinness leadership and courage.
He added: Once he became the peace maker he became it wholeheartedly.
Martin McGuinness - In pictures 1 /16 Martin McGuinness - In pictures President of Sinn Fein, Gerry Adams and Martin McGuinness at the funeral of Patrick Kelly, an IRA commander who was killed in an attack in County Armagh in 1987 PA This photo from 1988 shows Mr McGuinness left, helping an injured man at Milltown Cemetary, Belfast, after a gun and bomb attack PA Martin McGuinness walks past a Bloody Sunday Mural in the Bogside in Londonderry in 2003 PA Martin McGuinness pictured in 1973 PA Northern Ireland's former Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness leaves Assembly at Parliament Buildings in Stormont, Belfast in 2017 Reuters Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams at his office in the House of Commons in 2002 with Mr McGuinness PA Sinn Fein leader Martin McGuinness gives a thumbs up during a march in North London to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Bloody Sunday in 1997 Getty Images Martin McGuinness with Gerry Adams at No 10 in 1997 AP Ian Paisley, Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness PA Martin McGuinness and leader of the Democratic Unionist Party Ian Paisley in 2007 Reuters Martin McGuinnes meets the Queen at the Lyric Theatre in Belfast in 2012 PA Former US president George W Bush meets with Ian Paisley, Ireland's first minister and Martin McGuinness in 2007 AP
Following his handshake with the Queen five years ago, Mr McGuinness said their meeting had the potential to define "a new relationship between Britain and Ireland and between the Irish people themselves".
In a speech in Westminster he said the handshake "was in a very pointed, deliberate and symbolic way offering the hand of friendship to unionists through the person of Queen Elizabeth for which many unionists have a deep affinity".
Years later Mr McGuinness paid tribute to the Queen for meeting him and said: I liked her courage in agreeing to meet with me, I liked the engagements that I've had with her.
There's nothing I have seen in my engagements with her that this is someone I should dislike - I like her.
T he UK has announced a ban on bringing laptops on to certain flights from Middle Eastern countries, following a similar move by the US.
Downing Street said the restriction would apply to inbound direct flights from Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.
Passengers will not be able to bring laptops, tablets, and other portable devices into the cabin.
Standard size mobile phones will still be allowed but devices are longer than 16cm, wider than 9.3cm wide and 1.5cm in depth will need to be checked in.
Devices larger than a mobile phone have already been banned from cabins for US-bound flights from eight Muslim-majority countries following an unspecified terror threat.
In February last year an explosive device concealed in a laptop was used to bomb an airliner after it took off from Mogadishu airport in Somalia, east Africa.
Announcing the new UK restrictions, a Government spokesman said: "Decisions to make changes to our aviation security regime are never taken lightly.
"We will not hesitate to act in order to maintain the safety of the travelling public and we will work closely with our international partners to minimise any disruption these new measures may cause."
The news comes weeks after it was revealed that UK security services have foiled 13 potential attacks in less than four years, while counter-terrorism units are running more than 500 investigations at any time.
The official threat level for international terrorism has stood at severe, meaning an attack is "highly likely", for more than two years.
The US restrictions will be in place initially for nearly seven months before it is reviewed, officials said on Tuesday.
Earlier, the Department for Homeland Security said the procedures would "remain in place until the threat changes" and did not rule out expanding to other airports if circumstances changed.
Flights: Passengers from six countries will be affected / PA
In a statement on Tuesday, the US Government said: The US government is concerned about terrorists ongoing interest in targeting commercial aviation, including transportation hubs over the past two years, as evidenced by the 2015 airliner downing in Egypt; the 2016 attempted airliner downing in Somalia; and the 2016 armed attacks against airports in Brussels and Istanbul.
Evaluated intelligence indicates that terrorist groups continue to target commercial aviation, to include smuggling explosive devices in various consumer items.
The restrictions apply to airlines flying direct to the United States from airports in Muslim-majority countries Jordan, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Morocco and Qatar.
The airports affected by the US ban are in Amman, Cairo, Kuwait City, Doha, Dubai, Istanbul, Abu Dhabi, Casablanca, Morocco; Riyadh and Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, EgyptAir and Turkish Airlines also said on Tuesday they were subject to the US ban. Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) and Royal Jordanian said on Monday they were applying the restrictions.
Other Middle East carriers Royal Air Maroc and Kuwait Airways are also expected to be impacted.
The restrictions will not affect any US airline as they do not fly to the ten airports.
P assengers flying to the US from around a dozen countries will be banned from carrying electronic devices due to a terror threat, authorities say.
A US official said the cabin ban would apply to devices larger than a phone and affect some foreign airline flights heading to the States.
Around a dozen Middle Eastern and African countries are expected to be affected.
The edict, which could be announced as early as Monday evening by the Homeland Security Department, follows an unspecified terror threat, a US security official said.
Officials said it had been under consideration since the US government learned of a threat several weeks ago.
No American carriers are affected by the ban and passengers will be allowed to carry larger devices in their checked luggage.
Royal Jordanian Airlines said in a tweet on Monday that US-bound passengers would be barred from carrying most electronic devices aboard aircraft starting on Tuesday at the request of US officials, including those that transit through Canada.
Al Riyadh newspaper, which is close to the Saudi government, reported that the civil aviation authority had informed "airlines flying from the kingdom's (Saudi) airports to US airports of the latest measures from US security agencies in which passengers must store laptops and tablets" in checked in baggage.
R AF jets are targeting Islamic State fanatics engaged in street-by-street fighting against Iraqi forces in Mosul.
Tornados bombed an IS strong-point in the west of the city yesterday, and Typhoons struck two targets, including one position from where extremists were attacking Iraqi troops with heavy machine-gun fire.
The British planes took part in 11 air raids on IS in Mosul on Sunday as the fanatics were engaged in extremely close combat with the Iraqi army backed up by UK and US special forces.
Sniper, heavy machine-gun and rocket-propelled grenade teams were destroyed by Paveway IVs bombs.
Iraqi forces are closing in on Mosuls grand Nuri mosque in the old city centre from where the so-called caliphate was declared by IS leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, in 2014, over parts of Iraq and Syria.
The extremists have already been driven out of the east of the city.
I vanka Trump is to get her own office in the White House even though she has no official job title.
The first daughter, 35, will also get access to classified information and a government-issued phone in her unofficial capacity as an adviser to her father. However she will not be paid a salary.
Her attorney Jamie Gorelick said she would serve as the presidents eyes and ears while providing broad-ranging advice.
Ms Trump will be joining her husband, Jared Kushner, who is a chief adviser to President Trump and is a regular presence at his father-in-laws side.
I will continue to offer my father my candid advice and counsel, as I have for my entire life, she said. While there is no modern precedent for an adult child of the president, I will voluntarily follow all of the ethics rules placed on government employees.
Ivanka from Brighton is interviewed on Good Morning Britain following Trump mix-up
Ms Trump has met several world leaders at the White House in recent weeks including Japanese premier Shinzo Abe, Canadian president Justin Trudeau and German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
N orth Korea has released a propaganda video depicting attacks on a US aircraft carrier and planes.
The bizarre video, broadcasted on the countrys state media channel Uriminzokkiri TV, shows superimposed footage of missiles blowing up military ships and planes.
It was published after a statement was released by North Korea in response to continued military drills carried out by the US and South Korea.
Leader Kim Jong-Un had released a comment saying North Korea would reduce the US to ashes if a single bullet was fired at his country.
Explosion: The footage shows rockets aiming at the aircraft carrier
The video clip shows fake footage depicting a US military carrier and a bomber plane both on fire.
The voiceover reportedly announced that a knife will be stabbed into the throat of the carrier, while the bomber will fall from the sky after getting hit by a hail of fire.
Propaganda: The video shows a US bomber aircraft on fire
Yohap News reported that the propaganda channel then announced that the on-going military drills between South Korea and the US have given up all pretenses of being a defensive operation and instead have openly stated the intent to assassinate the North's leadership.
According to the agency, the video narrator added: This can only be viewed as a declaration of war.
Test: Kim Jong Un watching the ground jet test of a high-thrust rocket / REUTERS
Jong-Uns government announced that the country had successfully tested a rocket engine on Sunday that showed meaningful signs of progress in relation to launching missiles in the future.
The previous statement, realeased earlier this month from Kim Jong-Un's Foreign Office, said: "The Korean People's Army will reduce the bases of aggression and provocation to ashes with its invincible Hwasong rockets tipped with nuclear warheads and reliably defend the security of the country and its people's happiness in case the US and the south Korean puppet forces fire even a single bullet at the territory of the DPRK."
President Donald Trump on Sunday criticised the North Korean leader saying he was "acting very, very badly."
His comments were made as he departed is Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, where he spent the weekend enagaged in meetings about North Korea.
P assengers flying into the United States from eight mainly-Muslim countries countries were today being banned from bringing laptops, tablets and cameras in their carry-on luggage.
The tough new restrictions are believed to have been triggered by a specific terror threat.
The Trump administration was officially announcing the ban today. It will not affect flights from Britain.
A US official said the indefinite ban on most electronic equipment will apply to nonstop flights to the US from 10 international airports serving the cities of Cairo in Egypt, Amman in Jordan, Kuwait City in Kuwait, Casablanca in Morocco, Doha in Qatar, Riyadh and Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Istanbul in Turkey, and Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Any items larger than a mobile phone will have to be stowed away in checked baggage.
According to CNN, the move follows a raid by US Special Forces in Yemen that revealed information about a bomb plot by al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.
Details emerged after Royal Jordanian Airlines said last night that the ban would affect its flights to New York, Chicago, Detroit and Montreal.
The White House refused to comment, but a government official said the ban had been considered for several weeks before Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly phoned politicians over the weekend to brief them on aviation security issues that have prompted the decision.
Brian Jenkins, an aviation-security expert at the Rand Corporation, said the nature of the security measure suggested that it was driven by intelligence of a possible attack. He added that there could be concern about inadequate passenger screening or even conspiracies involving insiders - airport or airline employees - in some countries.
Another expert, Professor Jeffrey Price of Metropolitan State University of Denver, said there were disadvantages to having everyone put their electronics in checked baggage. Thefts from baggage would skyrocket, as when Britain tried a similar ban in 2006, he said, and some laptops have batteries that can catch fire, an event easier to detect in the cabin than in the cargo hold.
Most major airports in the United States have a computer tomography or CT scanner for checked baggage, which creates a detailed picture of a bags contents. They can warn an operator of potentially dangerous material, and may provide better security than the X-ray machines used to screen passengers and their carry-on bags. All checked baggage must be screened for explosives.
F orty people watched a 15-year-old girl being sexually assaulted by up to six people on Facebook Live but did not call the police, authorities say.
Officers in Chicago are searching for the group after the girl was attacked by a group of males this week.
Spokesman Anthony Guglielmi said detectives had found the girl and reunited her with her family after she went missing on Sunday.
Mr Guglielmi said about 40 people viewed the girl's ordeal on Facebook while it was happening, but none of them reported it to police.
He said Superintendent Eddie Johnson was leaving a station in the Lawndale neighbourhood on Chicago's West Side late on Monday afternoon when a woman approached him.
She had photographs of her daughter apparently being sexually assaulted on the website.
He said Mr Johnson immediately ordered an investigation and the department contacted Facebook to take down the video.
The social media giant removed the footage, police said.
A waiter has been sacked after demanding proof of residency from two women of Latin American origin before serving them at an upmarket Californian restaurant.
Sisters Diana and Brenda Carrillo, who were both born in California but whose mother had moved there from Mexico 40 years ago, had visited the eatery with two other friends.
But they were left furious after the waiter allegedly insisted: I need to know where youre from before I serve you.
Diana Carrillo, 24, said in a Facebook post that she thought he might have been joking at first.
But he didnt have a smile, she told the Los Angeles Times. There was no indication that he was trying to make a joke or even possibly flirt with us.
How many others has he said this too? she asked on Facebook, in a post which has been shared almost 2,000 times. "No establishment should tolerate discriminatory actions from their employees," she added.
St Marc restaurant, on Huntington Beach, said in since-deleted social media posts that the waiter had been dismissed and this type of behaviour . . . will not be tolerated.
Saint Marc's senior director of operations Kent Bearden told the Washington Post the waiter was fired.
"That individual did not treat a table of guests to the expectations that we set forth in that company policy, and that caused him to be terminated," he said.
C at Deeley has slammed a Los Angeles eatery for its terrible food and zero service in a lengthy Twitter rant.
The British TV presenter publicly vented about restaurant Tom George on her official account, urging her followers to avoid it at all costs.
Claiming that her order had arrived wrong five times, the 40-year-old hit out at the manager and branded the establishment disgusting.
The worst featuring! Worst food! As for the manager?????? Moron!!!!!, she wrote.
The most disgusting restaurant , terribly run , by a manager - who can only be described as an amateur. Avoid at all costs.
Deeleys waiter then decided to get involved, sharing her bill and claiming that she failed to leave him a tip.
Cat, as your server at TomGeorge I am hurt by your response to free food. I gave you respect, and I served you with love, he wrote.
Deeley responded to say that the issues she experienced werent his fault, laying the blame with the manager.
And as I respectfully told you, the catalogue of errors were not your fault . However the mistakes were repeatedly not correctly rectified, she wrote.
The food was terrible and your manager was unhelpful and rude. Respect and love should be shown to all, attention to detail is necessary too!
Posting a follow-up tweet to clarify her situation, Deeley wrote: Just to be clear. Our order arrived at the table incorrectly FIVE times! Then one of my guests dishes was inedible. There was zero service.
Deeley, who rose to fame on SM:TV in the UK, now hosts So You Think You Can Dance, shot in Los Angeles.
M el B has filed for divorce from Stephen Belafonte after 10 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
The former Spice Girl and Americas Got Talent judge reportedly filed divorce papers at the Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, obtained by E! News.
According to the US website, the 41-year-old is requesting joint custody of the couples six-year-old daughter, Madison, but is seeking to terminate spousal support.
The court papers state that the pair separated on December 28 2016, despite the fact that they have posted pictures of each other on their social media accounts this year.
Mel B says that she would love to return to the X Factor
Last month the pop star posted an Instagram snap of the pair, under the caption: My baby boo @stephenthinks11.
We have been through everything that would normally tear couples apart and we have come out on the other side stronger,you loved me before I even new how to really love myself,you are my world honey and let's not forget you are abit of a d******* too xxxx (sic).
Celebrity Splits 2016 1 /24 Celebrity Splits 2016 Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images Amber Heard and Johnny Depp Getty Images for Art of Elysium Taylor Swift and DJ Calvin Harris Jeff Kravitz//FilmMagic Justin Bieber and Sofia Richie Jun Sato/GC Images Brooklyn Beckham and Chloe Grace Moretz Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images Tom Hiddleston and Taylor Swift Rex Features Naomi Watts and Liev Schreiber Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Cara Delevingne and St Vincent Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images Lady Gaga and Taylor Kinney Adrian Sanches-Gonzalez/AFP/Getty Images Georgia May Foote and Giovanni Pernice PA Joshua Jackson and Diane Kruger Rex Anne Marie Duff and James McAvoy Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Billie Piper and Laurence Fox Dave Benett Mariah Carey and James Packer Rob Kim/Getty Images Millie Mackintosh and Professor Green Dave Benett Ellie Goulding and Dougie Poynter Miguel Medina/AFP/Getty Images Garrett Hedlund and Kirsten Dunst Rex The Weeknd and Bella Hadid Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images
The couple tied the knot in a secret ceremony in Las Vegas back in June 2007 having dated for just five months.
Just one year later they renewed their vows in front of friends and family at a ceremony in Egypt, welcoming their daughter three years later.
They have been plagued by rumours of a tumultuous relationship for the last few years with both vehemently denying allegations of domestic abuse.
Evening Standard Online has contacted Mel B's representatives for comment.
T im Allen has been called on to apologise after he compared being a conservative in Hollywood to living in 1930s Germany.
The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect has condemned the actor for the comments that he made during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live last week.
Tim, have you lost your mind? Steven Goldstein, the organisations executive director, said in a statement
No one in Hollywood today is subjecting you or anyone else to what the Nazis imposed on Jews in the 1930s the worlds most evil program of dehumanisation, imprisonment and mass brutality, implemented by an entire national government, as the prelude for the genocide of nearly an entire people.
Sorry, Tim, thats just not the same as getting turned down for a movie role. Its time for you to leave your bubble to apologise to the Jewish people and, to be sure, the other peoples also targeted by the Nazis.
Allen faced a backlash from viewers when he joked that he had to be careful about being a non-liberal in the film industry,
When asked by Kimmel if he had attended Donald Trumps inauguration, Allen seemed hesitant to respond, prompting the host to say: I'm not attacking you.
You gotta be real careful 'round here," Allen responded. You know, you get beat up if you don't believe what everybody believes. This is like '30s Germany. I don't know what happened.
He added: I was invited, we did a VIP thing for the vets, and went to a veterans ball, so I went to go see Democrats and Republicans.
N ew BBC documentary series American Justice gives us Brits an insight into a totally different legal system.
Things work differently in the United States, where voters have more of a say in their justice departments and theres one place in particular where thats apparent: Jacksonville, Florida.
The American justice system was built to reflect the will of its people, the opening title of the documentary explains.
Its the only country In the world where the citizens decide who delivers law and order. From sheriffs to judges, all are elected by the people.
Jacksonville is considered the murder capital of Florida, where brutal crimes are becoming everyday, and citizens are demanding harsh retributions.
The people have appointed Angela Corey as State Attorney a woman with a reputation for her tough approach.
We have to honour our laws, and our laws say we have to be tough on violent criminals and repeat offenders, she says. There are people who dont want to live within the bounds of our laws. Theyve chosen to live a life of crime.
Trey Wright on American Justice / BBC/Minnow Films/Arthur Cary
Theyve chosen to take a gun and put it in another human beings face, and I will not apologise for being tough on those criminals and getting them out of our society.
World's favourite BBC TV characters - In pictures 1 /13 World's favourite BBC TV characters - In pictures #1 - Sherlock played by Benedict Cumberbatch Robert Viglasky/BBC #2 - Doctor Who played by Peter Capaldi Guy Levy/BBC #3 - Luther played by Idris Elba BBC #4 - Basil Fawlty played by John Cleese (right) BBC #5 - The Stig played by ??? BBC #6 - Patsy Stone played by Joanna Lumley BBC #7 - Edmund Blackadder played by Rowan Atkinson (right) #8 - Hyacinth Bucket played by Patricia Routledge (left) BBC #9 - Geraldine, aka the Vicar of Dibley played by Dawn French BBC #10 - The Daleks BBC
As well as following Coreys campaign for re-election, the first instalment of American Justice looks at how two Jacksonville cases are dealt with. One is a straight-forward but vicious double homicide, while another brings up a moral dilemma.
Its an armed robbery that turned violent when one of the intruders was shot and another was killed by one of the inhabitants. That person got off on self-defence, but the surviving robber Trey Wright is being held responsible for the death.
Should he be charged with murder and face time or worse even though he didnt actually kill anyone?
BBC Two, 9pm